Some Top-25 match-ups this weekend on the schedule but the most important schedule to any team at this point is the one the Gators have. The #1 team in the country will have the weekend off and time to get Tim Tebow healthier. Back-up John Brantley is getting almost all the reps this week in practice just in case Superman can't go next week.
While not the match-up it was before last weekend the #8 Okloahoma Sooners come to town to tangle with the #17 Miami Hurricanes. It's looking like Sam Bradford may be in the line-up this weekend so it will interesting to see if there is any rust. Sooner coach Bob Stoops will not be slow to put the hook out for Bradford and slide Landry Jones back on the field if the rust does show. Miami must bounce back from the thumping put on them by Virginia Tech. Neither one of these teams can afford a second loss as that will eliminate them from any talk of a national championship.
In a SEC match-up #4 LSU plays between the hedges Saturday against the #18 Georgia Bulldogs. After a squeaker against Mississippi State the Tigers will be out prove they deserve that #4 ranking. The Bulldogs on the other hand are riding the hot hand of QB Joe Cox and are looking to get back into the hunt. I think though LSU becomes another top five team to fall from the graces of the top five. Georgia wins at home.
#7 USC heads visits the #24 University of California. This game as all kinds of subplots. Can the Bears recover after the old fashion butt whooping laid down by Oregon. Trojan QB Matt Barkley is still nursing a sore shoulder. The Trojans will also be looking to rally around injured running back Stafon Johnson. On the other side of the ball Cal running back Jahvid Best will be trying to prove that he is still in the running for the Heisman after the 55 yard performance against Oregon.
A rivalry game is always interesting to watch and #22 Michigan will be facing Michigan State. Wolverine QB Tate Forcier is nursing a sore shoulder and the Spartans are coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin. State may be only 1-3 but their three losses have come by a combined 13 points. The Spartans will be tough for the Wolverines especially at home. As in any rivalry game anything can happen.
Other games to keep an eye on Washington at Notre Dame both teams will be trying to get back into the Top-25. Florida State and Boston College, which FSU team will show up or will the very disciplined Eagles end any hope of the Seminoles having a good season. #9 Ohio State gets an Indiana squad that is still smarting from a tough loss to Michigan. Auburn gets a test traveling to Knoxville to take on the Volunteers.
A game no one is talking about, but it is always special when any of our Armed Forces Academies play each other, Air Force tangles with Navy.
Last but not least I'll mention the Lenior-Rhyne University Bears out of Hickory, North Carolina. The 3-2 Bears travel to Greenville, TN to take on the Tusculum Pioneers Saturday night. The Bears are coached by Fred Goldsmith who won coach of the year awards at Duke and Rice. The Bears are sporting the #2 ranked rushing offense in the South Atlantic Conference. I added this because many times all we talk about are the big time college programs and I think it is very important to see some local small college football games. I know most of us have a smaller college that plays football within an hour of where you live. Go out and catch a game you will enjoy it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
HEISMAN HOPEFULS
The list of candidates is dwindling. Front runner Jahvid Best of Cal was held to just 55 yards by Oregon this past weekend and Jacory Harris of Miami showed that the "U" and his chances of winning the Heisman are not quite there yet.
Before we get into who I believe are the front runners will look at some statistics of the hopefuls.
TIM TEBOW (Florida) - 44 for 68 passing. 643 yards by air. 8 tds against 1 pick. On the ground 55 carries for 271 yards and 5 tds. Marquee win so far was against Tennessee. Teams record 4-0 ranked #1 in the polls. Knock against him is he is a product of the system and that he already has a Heisman on his mantle. What he has going for him is that he's Tim Tebow playing on a the #1 team in the country.
COLT MCCOY (Texas) - 103 for 145 PASSING. 1,135 yards by air. 9 tds against 5 picks. Not rushing for as much as he did last year only 68 yards on the ground. Marquee win so far was against Texas Tech. Knock against McCoy this year as been that he hasn't put up the big numbers and hasn't had that standout game. What he has going for him is a big game against Oklahoma and a program that gets a lot of press.
CASE KEENUM (Houston) - 93-134 passing. 1,160 yards by air. 8 touchdown passes verse 2 interceptions. Marquee win was against a ranked Oklahoma State team. Knock against Keenum is, "WHO". Not a lot of national attention. Could work in his favor some if Houston becomes a BCS bowl buster. Lots of ground to make up.
TONY PIKE (Cincinnati) - 93-132 passing. 1,223 yards by air. 11 tds only 2 int's. Just like Keenum of Houston not many are familiar with the Bearcats. Marquee win was against Oregon State. Prior to this season not many could have told you that the Bearcats played in the Big East. What he has going for him is that Cincy may be the only team in this BCS conference that is making some national noise.
Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) - 77-117 passing. 1,122 yards by air. 10 td's throwing and only 2 picks. The good and the bad is that he plays for Notre Dame. The Golden Domer's schedule is not the toughest in the land. Marquee game was a loss to Michigan even though statistically was his best game of season. Will have a chance to redeem himself against USC. Notre Dame will have to finish very strong for any chance for him to be in New York.
JAHVID BEST (CAL) - Only running back on the list. 69 rushing attempts for 467 yards. 6.8 average. 8 touchdowns. Also has 79 receiving yards and a touchdown. Marquee win was against Minnesota when he scored 5 tds. The very next week was held to just 55 yards as the Bears got throttled by Oregon.
In my mind there are your top six. Out of those top six I think it is now a two horse race between Tebow and McCoy.
For Tebow to get the hardware he will have to keep doing what he's doing. Lead the Gators as the heart and soul of the Gator Nation. He will have a lot of chances to impress voters with games against #4 LSU on the road, #18 Georgia, South Carolina on the road and will cap off his season and career in a rivalry game against FSU.
McCoy has a tough road ahead of him to catch Tebow and then pass him for the Heisman votes he needs. It can be done though. The Longhorns have big games coming up against some ranked teams #8 Oklahoma, #14 Oklahoma State and #18 Kansas. Also throw in a game against a very good Missouri team on the road and you have the makings of a strong Heisman run.
The others listed above are just hoping for a trip to the Downtown Athletic Club so they can watch the festivities.
Before we get into who I believe are the front runners will look at some statistics of the hopefuls.
TIM TEBOW (Florida) - 44 for 68 passing. 643 yards by air. 8 tds against 1 pick. On the ground 55 carries for 271 yards and 5 tds. Marquee win so far was against Tennessee. Teams record 4-0 ranked #1 in the polls. Knock against him is he is a product of the system and that he already has a Heisman on his mantle. What he has going for him is that he's Tim Tebow playing on a the #1 team in the country.
COLT MCCOY (Texas) - 103 for 145 PASSING. 1,135 yards by air. 9 tds against 5 picks. Not rushing for as much as he did last year only 68 yards on the ground. Marquee win so far was against Texas Tech. Knock against McCoy this year as been that he hasn't put up the big numbers and hasn't had that standout game. What he has going for him is a big game against Oklahoma and a program that gets a lot of press.
CASE KEENUM (Houston) - 93-134 passing. 1,160 yards by air. 8 touchdown passes verse 2 interceptions. Marquee win was against a ranked Oklahoma State team. Knock against Keenum is, "WHO". Not a lot of national attention. Could work in his favor some if Houston becomes a BCS bowl buster. Lots of ground to make up.
TONY PIKE (Cincinnati) - 93-132 passing. 1,223 yards by air. 11 tds only 2 int's. Just like Keenum of Houston not many are familiar with the Bearcats. Marquee win was against Oregon State. Prior to this season not many could have told you that the Bearcats played in the Big East. What he has going for him is that Cincy may be the only team in this BCS conference that is making some national noise.
Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) - 77-117 passing. 1,122 yards by air. 10 td's throwing and only 2 picks. The good and the bad is that he plays for Notre Dame. The Golden Domer's schedule is not the toughest in the land. Marquee game was a loss to Michigan even though statistically was his best game of season. Will have a chance to redeem himself against USC. Notre Dame will have to finish very strong for any chance for him to be in New York.
JAHVID BEST (CAL) - Only running back on the list. 69 rushing attempts for 467 yards. 6.8 average. 8 touchdowns. Also has 79 receiving yards and a touchdown. Marquee win was against Minnesota when he scored 5 tds. The very next week was held to just 55 yards as the Bears got throttled by Oregon.
In my mind there are your top six. Out of those top six I think it is now a two horse race between Tebow and McCoy.
For Tebow to get the hardware he will have to keep doing what he's doing. Lead the Gators as the heart and soul of the Gator Nation. He will have a lot of chances to impress voters with games against #4 LSU on the road, #18 Georgia, South Carolina on the road and will cap off his season and career in a rivalry game against FSU.
McCoy has a tough road ahead of him to catch Tebow and then pass him for the Heisman votes he needs. It can be done though. The Longhorns have big games coming up against some ranked teams #8 Oklahoma, #14 Oklahoma State and #18 Kansas. Also throw in a game against a very good Missouri team on the road and you have the makings of a strong Heisman run.
The others listed above are just hoping for a trip to the Downtown Athletic Club so they can watch the festivities.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
SEND TEBOW TO THE BENCH
Normally I wouldn't comment or write about this but the whispers over the weekend are now growing louder as many college football fans and media members are questioning if Florida Gator football coach Urban Meyer should have had Tim Tebow in the game with the outcome already decided against Kentucky. Was it though?
I have watched many college football games and have made up in my own mind that the game isn't over until the final second clicks off the clock. Many Gator and Florida State fans remember, for different reasons, the Choke at Doak when the Seminoles came back in the second half to settle for a tie after being dominated in the first half by the Gators. Tim Tebow should have been in the game. He signed up to play football for the University of Florida. It is not like Coach Meyer was asking him to kick field goals and he blew out his knee. He was lining up under center playing quarterback for the #1 team in the country. As a football player that is his job.
If this play had happened on the second play of the game would anyone be questioning why Tebow even suited up for a game against lowly UNDEFEATED Kentucky. No they would not. Maybe Coach Meyer should sit him out against what he considers inferior teams and just let him play against ranked opponents. Isn't that what most college coaches do? Isn't that what NFL coaches do? NO they don't. Star players play, that is what they are supposed to do.
Questions are being asked was he left in the game to pad his stats for a run at the Heisman Trophy or for the Gators to run up the score to impress those that vote in the polls? The answer is yes to both questions. It is the head football coaches job to provide the best opportunity for his players and school. By winning a national championship and producing a Heisman winner he has done both jobs. Don't complain about the coach for playing by the rules that have been laid before him. If a play-off was in place there would be no need for teams to run up scores. If memory serves me right Coach Meyer had pulled Tebow in the first few games of the season, using him very little in the second half against some cupcakes that UF has scheduled and he played the full game against a scrappy Tennessee team that wouldn't go away.
If the game had been going along as it had and the Gators continued to roll up the score against the Wildcats I doubt anybody would have seen Tebow for much longer. But you know what fans and media members get off your second guesses and come to the realization that it was just a football injury that could have happened at any time against any team.
Update: Meyer is thinking that Tebow will be able to play against LSU. Test results look good. Meyer will let the medical staff make the final determination though.
I have watched many college football games and have made up in my own mind that the game isn't over until the final second clicks off the clock. Many Gator and Florida State fans remember, for different reasons, the Choke at Doak when the Seminoles came back in the second half to settle for a tie after being dominated in the first half by the Gators. Tim Tebow should have been in the game. He signed up to play football for the University of Florida. It is not like Coach Meyer was asking him to kick field goals and he blew out his knee. He was lining up under center playing quarterback for the #1 team in the country. As a football player that is his job.
If this play had happened on the second play of the game would anyone be questioning why Tebow even suited up for a game against lowly UNDEFEATED Kentucky. No they would not. Maybe Coach Meyer should sit him out against what he considers inferior teams and just let him play against ranked opponents. Isn't that what most college coaches do? Isn't that what NFL coaches do? NO they don't. Star players play, that is what they are supposed to do.
Questions are being asked was he left in the game to pad his stats for a run at the Heisman Trophy or for the Gators to run up the score to impress those that vote in the polls? The answer is yes to both questions. It is the head football coaches job to provide the best opportunity for his players and school. By winning a national championship and producing a Heisman winner he has done both jobs. Don't complain about the coach for playing by the rules that have been laid before him. If a play-off was in place there would be no need for teams to run up scores. If memory serves me right Coach Meyer had pulled Tebow in the first few games of the season, using him very little in the second half against some cupcakes that UF has scheduled and he played the full game against a scrappy Tennessee team that wouldn't go away.
If the game had been going along as it had and the Gators continued to roll up the score against the Wildcats I doubt anybody would have seen Tebow for much longer. But you know what fans and media members get off your second guesses and come to the realization that it was just a football injury that could have happened at any time against any team.
Update: Meyer is thinking that Tebow will be able to play against LSU. Test results look good. Meyer will let the medical staff make the final determination though.
INJURIES FOR THE BIG DOGS
It's that time of year in college football as the fog starts to lift and the picture becomes a little bit clearer of who the players are for the national championship and who were just pretenders. One factor that will be out of control for the players is the amount of injuries that seem to mounting this season in college football. Especially amongst top tier programs.
Let's take a look:
Oklahoma - The Sooners lost the services of Heisman winning quarterback Sam Bradford in the opening day loss to BYU when he was slammed to the turf by Coleby Clawson injuring his shoulder. Bradford seems to be healing fine but no timetable has been set for his return. Landry Jones has done a good job for the Sooners in his absence but the Sooner schedule has not been tough over the last few games. This weekend Oklahoma has #17 Miami a true test.
Florida - Most saw it and most sat silent as they watched Tim Tebow lay motionless on the field for what seemed to be hours during the Gators match-up with Kentucky. Tebow did get to his feet and walked off the field sustaining a concussion. At this moment everything seems to progressing well for a full speedy recovery but as with any serious concussion only time will tell. The Gators are off this week but head to #4 LSU Oct. 10, the toughest place to play on a Saturday night. If Tebow is not ready John Brantley will have to step it up and Baton Rouge is a is not a very friendly place to make your debut as a starter.
USC - QB Matt Barkley was already lost for game because of injury and now the Trojans must deal with losing Stafon Johnson, last years leading rusher, to a freak weightlifting accident. Johnson was working on his bench press when the bar slipped and landed on his throat crushing his larynx. The running back went through seven hours of emergency surgery and will be lost for the season. Fortunately a full recovery is expected. USC staff credits the use of spotters from adverting a tragedy.
Alabama - The Crimson Tide have lost the services sophomore standout linebacker Dont'A Hightower for the season to a torn knee ligament. Coach Nick Saban though has stocked Bama's cupboard with linebackers as they will roll out numerous studs to fill the void along side another standout LB Rolando McClain. You can expect to see Nico Johnson (freshman), Chris Jordan, Cory Reamer, Eryk Anders or Courtney Andrews filling the holes this weekend as the Tide face Kentucky.
Virginia Tech - Tech is unlike any of the other teams mentioned above they lost their star running back Darren Evans even before the season started with a torn ACL. The Hokies have been relying on freshman Ryan Williams who has amassed 492 yards on 84 carries.
OTHER NOTABLES- The top tier programs have not been the only college teams to get bitten by the injury bug. Notre Dame has Jimmy Claussen nursing turf toe, the University of South Florida has lost senior quarterback Matt Grothe for the season, Michigan QB Tate Forcier is nursing a injured right shoulder and Baylor lost starting QB Robert Griffin for the season.
QUICK NOTE: In a recent Fox Sports Poll of who the best team in the SEC is the rundown went like this: 58% - Bama 36% - Florida 6%- LSU
Let's take a look:
Oklahoma - The Sooners lost the services of Heisman winning quarterback Sam Bradford in the opening day loss to BYU when he was slammed to the turf by Coleby Clawson injuring his shoulder. Bradford seems to be healing fine but no timetable has been set for his return. Landry Jones has done a good job for the Sooners in his absence but the Sooner schedule has not been tough over the last few games. This weekend Oklahoma has #17 Miami a true test.
Florida - Most saw it and most sat silent as they watched Tim Tebow lay motionless on the field for what seemed to be hours during the Gators match-up with Kentucky. Tebow did get to his feet and walked off the field sustaining a concussion. At this moment everything seems to progressing well for a full speedy recovery but as with any serious concussion only time will tell. The Gators are off this week but head to #4 LSU Oct. 10, the toughest place to play on a Saturday night. If Tebow is not ready John Brantley will have to step it up and Baton Rouge is a is not a very friendly place to make your debut as a starter.
USC - QB Matt Barkley was already lost for game because of injury and now the Trojans must deal with losing Stafon Johnson, last years leading rusher, to a freak weightlifting accident. Johnson was working on his bench press when the bar slipped and landed on his throat crushing his larynx. The running back went through seven hours of emergency surgery and will be lost for the season. Fortunately a full recovery is expected. USC staff credits the use of spotters from adverting a tragedy.
Alabama - The Crimson Tide have lost the services sophomore standout linebacker Dont'A Hightower for the season to a torn knee ligament. Coach Nick Saban though has stocked Bama's cupboard with linebackers as they will roll out numerous studs to fill the void along side another standout LB Rolando McClain. You can expect to see Nico Johnson (freshman), Chris Jordan, Cory Reamer, Eryk Anders or Courtney Andrews filling the holes this weekend as the Tide face Kentucky.
Virginia Tech - Tech is unlike any of the other teams mentioned above they lost their star running back Darren Evans even before the season started with a torn ACL. The Hokies have been relying on freshman Ryan Williams who has amassed 492 yards on 84 carries.
OTHER NOTABLES- The top tier programs have not been the only college teams to get bitten by the injury bug. Notre Dame has Jimmy Claussen nursing turf toe, the University of South Florida has lost senior quarterback Matt Grothe for the season, Michigan QB Tate Forcier is nursing a injured right shoulder and Baylor lost starting QB Robert Griffin for the season.
QUICK NOTE: In a recent Fox Sports Poll of who the best team in the SEC is the rundown went like this: 58% - Bama 36% - Florida 6%- LSU
Monday, September 28, 2009
FLORIDA STATE FOOTBALL
What is wrong with Florida State football? That is the million dollar question and can be summed out with two words Joe Mauer. Yes, that Joe Mauer who is now one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball. It is really that simple.
In 2000 Mauer had a scholarship offer to attend Florida State to follow in the footsteps of FSU greats Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year, Parade and USA Today Player of the Year, ESPN/Reebok High School All-American and National High School Quarterback of the Year, named by the Nationl Quarterback Club decided that playing football was not in the cards and he took the guaranteed money from the Minnesota Twins and crouched behind home plate. In retrospect it was a very smart decision. That my friends was the beginning of the downfall for FSU football as we know it.
That same year that Mauer shunned Florida State , Mark Richt was hired as the head football coach at the University of Georgia after a 14-year run as the Noles offensive coordinator. That same year Chuck "The Chest" Amato left his coaching position on Bobby Bowden's staff to become the head coach at North Carolina State also after 14 years. The cohesive unit was starting to unravel. Also, even if he was on the staff just one season, quarterbacks coach Darryl Dickey also left to move to Kentucky. Kentucky, what in the hell did Kentucky have to offer that FSU didn't, but anway. The core of the Seminole staff was leaving for greener pastures or Kentucky. Dickey returned to Florida State but then left again for head coaching duties at Presbyterian and the University of West Georgia. Amato has returned but things just are not the same and we all know that Mark Richt is doing a good job at Georgia as the longest tenured coach in the SEC.
In reality since Mauer decided to play baseball instead of heave the pigskin for FSU, the Noles have not been able to attract the talent that was a hallmark of Florida State football for almost two decades, never rebuild just reload. That has come and gone. Don't get me wrong talented football players still come to Florida State but the Noles are losing more of the blue chippers than ever before to Georgia, Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and many other schools that raid what once were fertile recruiting grounds for FSU.
What did Mauer, Amato, Richt and Dickey all see that made them go elsewhere about the same time . The obvious is that they all had chances to further their careers, but is it all just a coincidence?
Florida State will return the hierarchy of college football at some point and time as it does all run in cycles but for right now Seminole fans root against the Minnesota Twins because you can blame it on Joe Mauer.
In 2000 Mauer had a scholarship offer to attend Florida State to follow in the footsteps of FSU greats Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year, Parade and USA Today Player of the Year, ESPN/Reebok High School All-American and National High School Quarterback of the Year, named by the Nationl Quarterback Club decided that playing football was not in the cards and he took the guaranteed money from the Minnesota Twins and crouched behind home plate. In retrospect it was a very smart decision. That my friends was the beginning of the downfall for FSU football as we know it.
That same year that Mauer shunned Florida State , Mark Richt was hired as the head football coach at the University of Georgia after a 14-year run as the Noles offensive coordinator. That same year Chuck "The Chest" Amato left his coaching position on Bobby Bowden's staff to become the head coach at North Carolina State also after 14 years. The cohesive unit was starting to unravel. Also, even if he was on the staff just one season, quarterbacks coach Darryl Dickey also left to move to Kentucky. Kentucky, what in the hell did Kentucky have to offer that FSU didn't, but anway. The core of the Seminole staff was leaving for greener pastures or Kentucky. Dickey returned to Florida State but then left again for head coaching duties at Presbyterian and the University of West Georgia. Amato has returned but things just are not the same and we all know that Mark Richt is doing a good job at Georgia as the longest tenured coach in the SEC.
In reality since Mauer decided to play baseball instead of heave the pigskin for FSU, the Noles have not been able to attract the talent that was a hallmark of Florida State football for almost two decades, never rebuild just reload. That has come and gone. Don't get me wrong talented football players still come to Florida State but the Noles are losing more of the blue chippers than ever before to Georgia, Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and many other schools that raid what once were fertile recruiting grounds for FSU.
What did Mauer, Amato, Richt and Dickey all see that made them go elsewhere about the same time . The obvious is that they all had chances to further their careers, but is it all just a coincidence?
Florida State will return the hierarchy of college football at some point and time as it does all run in cycles but for right now Seminole fans root against the Minnesota Twins because you can blame it on Joe Mauer.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Reviewing the Week
Where do I start. Cal getting throttled by Oregon. Penn State losing again to Iowa. Virginia tech putting on full display that they are still the power to be in the ACC by dropping Miami. FSU putting on full display that they are a Jekyll and Hyde football team by losing to the University of South Florida. Or how about North Carolina losing to Georgia Tech. Don't forget Washington losing to Stanford. That is six teams in the top-25 losing on Saturday. Five of them losing to un-ranked opponents.
Cal coach Jeff Tedford has figured out a way for Cal to lose the game on the road that they need to win. It seems to happen every year for the Bears last year it was the shocker to Maryland. Heisman candidate Jahvid Best rushed for just 55 yards the Bears amassed just 206 yards of total offense. Next up for Cal is USC.
Iowa Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz has Jo Pa's number as the Hawkeyes dispatched the Nitany Lions for the seventh time in eight games.
Virginia Tech keeps proving every season that they are the team to beat in the ACC. Miami Hurricanes came into Lane Stadium riding a high and looking to hand out some category 5 damage to the Hokies. All that happened was rain and the Hurricanes blew out of town as a tropical depression.
Will the real Florida State football team please stand-up. Is it the team that hung in tough in a shoot-out loss with Miami and then throttled a then #7 ranked BYU squad or the team that squeaked by Jacksonville State or looked totally inept against South Florida. Where is the offensive line that was so highly touted before the season began. Nole QB Christian Ponder spent so much time on his back you would have thought he was working at a brothel in Nevada.
There seems to be some parody developing though in college football. Other than the top three teams it is hard to decide who should be where. Even the top three have some weaknesses. If this parody does continue than we definitely need a college play off system to decide a true champion. Week in and week out so far this season the college football fan is seeing teams that many think should win lose. Many games are coming down to the wire and if the same teams played again the outcome may different. I preached it before and will say it again. WE NEED A PLAY OFF SYSTEM FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL.
QUICK NOTE: Tim Tebow was released Sunday morning from a Kentucky hospital after suffering a concussion Saturday against the Wildcats. It is too early to tell if that means he will not be available against LSU on Oct. 10.
Cal coach Jeff Tedford has figured out a way for Cal to lose the game on the road that they need to win. It seems to happen every year for the Bears last year it was the shocker to Maryland. Heisman candidate Jahvid Best rushed for just 55 yards the Bears amassed just 206 yards of total offense. Next up for Cal is USC.
Iowa Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz has Jo Pa's number as the Hawkeyes dispatched the Nitany Lions for the seventh time in eight games.
Virginia Tech keeps proving every season that they are the team to beat in the ACC. Miami Hurricanes came into Lane Stadium riding a high and looking to hand out some category 5 damage to the Hokies. All that happened was rain and the Hurricanes blew out of town as a tropical depression.
Will the real Florida State football team please stand-up. Is it the team that hung in tough in a shoot-out loss with Miami and then throttled a then #7 ranked BYU squad or the team that squeaked by Jacksonville State or looked totally inept against South Florida. Where is the offensive line that was so highly touted before the season began. Nole QB Christian Ponder spent so much time on his back you would have thought he was working at a brothel in Nevada.
There seems to be some parody developing though in college football. Other than the top three teams it is hard to decide who should be where. Even the top three have some weaknesses. If this parody does continue than we definitely need a college play off system to decide a true champion. Week in and week out so far this season the college football fan is seeing teams that many think should win lose. Many games are coming down to the wire and if the same teams played again the outcome may different. I preached it before and will say it again. WE NEED A PLAY OFF SYSTEM FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL.
QUICK NOTE: Tim Tebow was released Sunday morning from a Kentucky hospital after suffering a concussion Saturday against the Wildcats. It is too early to tell if that means he will not be available against LSU on Oct. 10.
TIM TEBOW
Normally on Sundays I would be on my blog ranting and raving about who won and who lost but not today. I am a college football fan and as much as I despise the Florida Gators my thoughts and prayers are with the Tim Tebow and his family.
The hit that Tebow took during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday was one of the most vicious I have seen in recent memory. I know the Gator Nation is holding its breath after Tebow was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Luckily it does look like nothing more than a concussion. Not that a concussion is to be taken lightly. Coach Urban Myer has told members of the media that the ambulance trip was nothing more than a precaution because Tebow started vomiting while being carted off the field.
"Did I hold on to the ball?" That was the first question Tebow asked when Coach Meyer made it out onto the field to check on his injured quarterback. That question right there is why college football needs more Tim Tebows. The young man is a class act and more concerned about a fumble and hurting his team than being knocked into next week. He is a team player and team leader, while the Gators may be able to plug someone else in the position to play quarterback they will not be able to plug someone in to play team leader and captain of the Florida Gators. His leadership and fire from within is what the Gator Nation feeds on.
The old cliche' as a reserve player in football is, "You are only one play away." Back-up quarterback John Brantley knows that only to well now.
It's not the end of the world as Tebow will be back and taking snaps for the Gators before too long. The only question now is how long will he be out. With a bye week on slate for the Gators they have time to get things in order and look after the health of Tebow. The only thing Tebow needs to keep in mind with the concussion is to take his time coming back. Football is the not the most important thing his health is. College football needs Tim Tebow, when fully healthy, not for the Gators to win a national championship but just to see Tim Tebow on the field being the leader and role model that he is.
GET WELL TIM.
The hit that Tebow took during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday was one of the most vicious I have seen in recent memory. I know the Gator Nation is holding its breath after Tebow was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Luckily it does look like nothing more than a concussion. Not that a concussion is to be taken lightly. Coach Urban Myer has told members of the media that the ambulance trip was nothing more than a precaution because Tebow started vomiting while being carted off the field.
"Did I hold on to the ball?" That was the first question Tebow asked when Coach Meyer made it out onto the field to check on his injured quarterback. That question right there is why college football needs more Tim Tebows. The young man is a class act and more concerned about a fumble and hurting his team than being knocked into next week. He is a team player and team leader, while the Gators may be able to plug someone else in the position to play quarterback they will not be able to plug someone in to play team leader and captain of the Florida Gators. His leadership and fire from within is what the Gator Nation feeds on.
The old cliche' as a reserve player in football is, "You are only one play away." Back-up quarterback John Brantley knows that only to well now.
It's not the end of the world as Tebow will be back and taking snaps for the Gators before too long. The only question now is how long will he be out. With a bye week on slate for the Gators they have time to get things in order and look after the health of Tebow. The only thing Tebow needs to keep in mind with the concussion is to take his time coming back. Football is the not the most important thing his health is. College football needs Tim Tebow, when fully healthy, not for the Gators to win a national championship but just to see Tim Tebow on the field being the leader and role model that he is.
GET WELL TIM.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Heisman Watch
I am so glad Jevon Snead from Ole Miss is dropping down the list, way down, for some Heisman Hype. I've watched him play a few times this season and he has not been impressive as far as I am concerned. The finishing touch was last night against an un-ranked South Carolina squad. He threw for 107 yards. I'll repeat 107 yards. This is not how a Heisman hopeful performs in front of a national television audience. It's over for Snead and the Heisman talk.
HOT
Jahvid Best (Cal). He is the front runner as of today in the minds of the mainstream media. Cal is winning and after his 5 touchdown game last week against Minnesota it is hard to argue but I will.
The leader in my mind is Jacory Harris of Miami. I will not bore you with the statistics but I will say this, he has lead his team to victory of a ranked FSU squad on the road, a victory over a ranked Gerogia Tech team and now leads them to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. The sophomore is on fire and he will have a big day day at Lane Stadium and lead the Canes to a third straight victory over a ranked team, vault the "U" into the top 5 and give the Canes the upper hand in the Coastal Division of the ACC starting 3-0. Harris has come out of the box hitting on all 8-cylinders and I do not believe the Hokies will stop him Saturday.
IN THE HUNT
Tim Tebow (Florida) - Will need that big standout memorable victory to vault him to the front of the line. Plenty of games left to pull it off as the season is still early.
Colt McCoy (Texas) - Beating Texas Tech helped but will do nothing for McCoy's Heisman hopes if the Longhorns do not play in the Big 12 Championship game. Just like Tebow needs that big win against a marquee game to help him out. Think Oklahoma.
Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) - I say Bradford is in the hunt just because he has won already and has been out injured. When Bradford does come back he will need to put up some big numbers and win some big games to repeat. One thing that will hurt him is having his back-up putting up some big numbers. This will show that it may be the system and not the player.
Kez Bryant (Oklahoma State) - Still in the hunt but on the outside fringe. He was on the fringe to start and a loss to Houston didn't help.
Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) - The loss to Michigan hurts but has a chance to redeem himself against USC. Not a tough schedule for the Domers but they must win out for Clausen to even be thought about for a trip to New York.
TOAST (NOT EVEN A CONSIDERATION)
Max Hall (BYU)- Loss to FSU ended the chase for him
Jevan Snead (Ole Miss) - Way too much hype to begin with. Mel Kiper Jr.though is in love with this QB.
HOT
Jahvid Best (Cal). He is the front runner as of today in the minds of the mainstream media. Cal is winning and after his 5 touchdown game last week against Minnesota it is hard to argue but I will.
The leader in my mind is Jacory Harris of Miami. I will not bore you with the statistics but I will say this, he has lead his team to victory of a ranked FSU squad on the road, a victory over a ranked Gerogia Tech team and now leads them to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. The sophomore is on fire and he will have a big day day at Lane Stadium and lead the Canes to a third straight victory over a ranked team, vault the "U" into the top 5 and give the Canes the upper hand in the Coastal Division of the ACC starting 3-0. Harris has come out of the box hitting on all 8-cylinders and I do not believe the Hokies will stop him Saturday.
IN THE HUNT
Tim Tebow (Florida) - Will need that big standout memorable victory to vault him to the front of the line. Plenty of games left to pull it off as the season is still early.
Colt McCoy (Texas) - Beating Texas Tech helped but will do nothing for McCoy's Heisman hopes if the Longhorns do not play in the Big 12 Championship game. Just like Tebow needs that big win against a marquee game to help him out. Think Oklahoma.
Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) - I say Bradford is in the hunt just because he has won already and has been out injured. When Bradford does come back he will need to put up some big numbers and win some big games to repeat. One thing that will hurt him is having his back-up putting up some big numbers. This will show that it may be the system and not the player.
Kez Bryant (Oklahoma State) - Still in the hunt but on the outside fringe. He was on the fringe to start and a loss to Houston didn't help.
Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) - The loss to Michigan hurts but has a chance to redeem himself against USC. Not a tough schedule for the Domers but they must win out for Clausen to even be thought about for a trip to New York.
TOAST (NOT EVEN A CONSIDERATION)
Max Hall (BYU)- Loss to FSU ended the chase for him
Jevan Snead (Ole Miss) - Way too much hype to begin with. Mel Kiper Jr.though is in love with this QB.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Kicking it Up this weekend
I'll start with this. I know most college football fans have heard the story of Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly returning money to an alumni who complained about traveling to Boise, Idaho to watch his beloved Ducks lose to the Broncos. I've just got to add that it was one of the classiest acts I've ever seen a college coach do. He could have blown it off, like most would have and rightly so, but he responded but cutting a check to this guy for the full amount. The alumni member never cashed the check and returned it but nonetheless Kelly has earned some new fans and respect in the college football world.
Speaking of Oregon they play host to the Cal Bears (#6) and Heisman Trophy leader Jahvid Best this weekend. With a big game Best can cement himself as the leading candidate for the Heisman . At this moment I think that Jacory Harris is his only serious challenger. Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow are in the hunt be neither has had that came yet that makes them standout. They are winning games but no one performance separates them from the rest. Best has done that as well as Harris. I've been mentioning Harris and the Heisman for the last few weeks and it seems the national mainstream media is now starting to pick up on it.
Harris and company head to to Lane Stadium to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech in the game of the week. It will be offense against defense. Miami will be bringing the O and Tech will be bringing the D. The Hurricanes will win this game in convincing fashion. I do not believe the Hokies will be able to slow down the ACC's best offense. Harris will have the game that launches him into the national conscience of Heisman Trophy talk. Miami will get their swagger back 100% and talk of a National Championship will be swirling around the "U".
I do not care what Big 12, Big 10 or Pac 10 fans say about their conferences in which their teams play. The SEC is a beast to play football in. Look at the ranking and look at the records. Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU and Georgia all ranked in the top 25. Auburn is 3-0 and should be ranked. Overall the conference is 23-9. Two teams account for 4 off the losses and four of the losses have come to teams within the conference. The rest of the country can only hope that the SEC beats up on each other bad enough during the season that none of these teams make it to the BCS championship game . If one of them happens to make it, the National Championship could be calling the SEC home again.
The University of South Florida Bulls took a huge hit this past week losing QB Matt Groethe for the season with a torn ACL. USF was 3-0 and hoping to contend for a Big East title. Those hopes may be fading fast without their all-time career leading QB. The tale of the tape will be this weekend against a re-energized FSU squad at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The nations #1 team, the University of Florida, is feeling the flu bug. While their have been no confirmed cases of the swine flu 10 players have been held out of practice because of flu like symptoms. The Gators head to Kentucky and the Wildcats must feel this is great chance to snap the 0 for next to forever losing streak they have had against the Gators. I don't think it will happen as UF has the depth needed.
It hasn't been a great season to be ranked in the top ten as it seems there is one team falling every weekend. It doesn't stop this weekend as South Carolina finds a way to squeak by Ole Miss ending any hopes of Jevon Snead winning a Heisman Trophy. Prediction USC 23 Ole Miss 14. Side note: South Carolina head ball coach Steve Spurrier will manage two visor throws during the contest.
Speaking of Oregon they play host to the Cal Bears (#6) and Heisman Trophy leader Jahvid Best this weekend. With a big game Best can cement himself as the leading candidate for the Heisman . At this moment I think that Jacory Harris is his only serious challenger. Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow are in the hunt be neither has had that came yet that makes them standout. They are winning games but no one performance separates them from the rest. Best has done that as well as Harris. I've been mentioning Harris and the Heisman for the last few weeks and it seems the national mainstream media is now starting to pick up on it.
Harris and company head to to Lane Stadium to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech in the game of the week. It will be offense against defense. Miami will be bringing the O and Tech will be bringing the D. The Hurricanes will win this game in convincing fashion. I do not believe the Hokies will be able to slow down the ACC's best offense. Harris will have the game that launches him into the national conscience of Heisman Trophy talk. Miami will get their swagger back 100% and talk of a National Championship will be swirling around the "U".
I do not care what Big 12, Big 10 or Pac 10 fans say about their conferences in which their teams play. The SEC is a beast to play football in. Look at the ranking and look at the records. Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU and Georgia all ranked in the top 25. Auburn is 3-0 and should be ranked. Overall the conference is 23-9. Two teams account for 4 off the losses and four of the losses have come to teams within the conference. The rest of the country can only hope that the SEC beats up on each other bad enough during the season that none of these teams make it to the BCS championship game . If one of them happens to make it, the National Championship could be calling the SEC home again.
The University of South Florida Bulls took a huge hit this past week losing QB Matt Groethe for the season with a torn ACL. USF was 3-0 and hoping to contend for a Big East title. Those hopes may be fading fast without their all-time career leading QB. The tale of the tape will be this weekend against a re-energized FSU squad at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The nations #1 team, the University of Florida, is feeling the flu bug. While their have been no confirmed cases of the swine flu 10 players have been held out of practice because of flu like symptoms. The Gators head to Kentucky and the Wildcats must feel this is great chance to snap the 0 for next to forever losing streak they have had against the Gators. I don't think it will happen as UF has the depth needed.
It hasn't been a great season to be ranked in the top ten as it seems there is one team falling every weekend. It doesn't stop this weekend as South Carolina finds a way to squeak by Ole Miss ending any hopes of Jevon Snead winning a Heisman Trophy. Prediction USC 23 Ole Miss 14. Side note: South Carolina head ball coach Steve Spurrier will manage two visor throws during the contest.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Lane Kiffin vs. Urban Meyer Round Duece
I was asked my opinion of the war of words between Lane Kiffin and Urban Meyer and here it goes.
Lane Kiffin has a big mouth and it is great for the rivalry between Tennessee and Florida and college football for that matter. Everyone tries to be to vanilla and I think an arrogant coach is needed sometimes. Too bad the Volunteers don't have the team yet to cash the checks that coach's mouth is writing. The Volunteers are 1-2 and have yet to win an SEC game. On the other hand Meyer and the boys in Gainesville have two National Championships in three years.
I do think Urban Meyer was wrong for calling out Kiffin by saying, "I don't feel they were going after the win." Come on coach a little sore about not ramming the "Rocky Top" and "cheating" comments down Kiffins throat. Let's be honest if you had Jonathan Compton as quarterback do you think you would be better running the ball or airing it out. The Gators to give up 117 yards on the ground compared to just 93 by air. I think Coach Meyer was bent that they didn't or couldn't run it up against the Vols and I feel that emotion poured out. That is not a bad thing. The final outcome of the game was never in doubt but Tennessee proved to be a pesky bunch that came into the Swamp and played some defense. Coach Meyer wanted to win and win big.
Enough about Coach Meyer. Kiffin on the other hand turned into a brat. Meyer made the statement that some star players were sick. Kiffin took that as an excuse from Meyer of why the game was so close. Buck up Baby Lane or have daddy put a muzzle on you. Read any college football stories lately Coach K? Gators will be without six players against Kentucky because of flu like symptoms. You should have been proud that your Vols didn't get their ass waxed even if the Gators were using their cheerleaders. This ain't the NFL this is the SEC and right now that means you are in Gator Country. The Vols have a long way to go. The Gators are the alpha reptile until someone takes it away.
Kiffin does remind me of some brash coach...who used to coach in Gainesville..."FREE SHOES UNIVERSITY"...anyone. Can't wait until these two teams play in Knoxville next year.
Any other topics you would like me to talk about e-mail them to me at numetal102@yahoo.com.
Lane Kiffin has a big mouth and it is great for the rivalry between Tennessee and Florida and college football for that matter. Everyone tries to be to vanilla and I think an arrogant coach is needed sometimes. Too bad the Volunteers don't have the team yet to cash the checks that coach's mouth is writing. The Volunteers are 1-2 and have yet to win an SEC game. On the other hand Meyer and the boys in Gainesville have two National Championships in three years.
I do think Urban Meyer was wrong for calling out Kiffin by saying, "I don't feel they were going after the win." Come on coach a little sore about not ramming the "Rocky Top" and "cheating" comments down Kiffins throat. Let's be honest if you had Jonathan Compton as quarterback do you think you would be better running the ball or airing it out. The Gators to give up 117 yards on the ground compared to just 93 by air. I think Coach Meyer was bent that they didn't or couldn't run it up against the Vols and I feel that emotion poured out. That is not a bad thing. The final outcome of the game was never in doubt but Tennessee proved to be a pesky bunch that came into the Swamp and played some defense. Coach Meyer wanted to win and win big.
Enough about Coach Meyer. Kiffin on the other hand turned into a brat. Meyer made the statement that some star players were sick. Kiffin took that as an excuse from Meyer of why the game was so close. Buck up Baby Lane or have daddy put a muzzle on you. Read any college football stories lately Coach K? Gators will be without six players against Kentucky because of flu like symptoms. You should have been proud that your Vols didn't get their ass waxed even if the Gators were using their cheerleaders. This ain't the NFL this is the SEC and right now that means you are in Gator Country. The Vols have a long way to go. The Gators are the alpha reptile until someone takes it away.
Kiffin does remind me of some brash coach...who used to coach in Gainesville..."FREE SHOES UNIVERSITY"...anyone. Can't wait until these two teams play in Knoxville next year.
Any other topics you would like me to talk about e-mail them to me at numetal102@yahoo.com.
Monday, September 21, 2009
What Lies Ahead Week #4
GAME OF THE WEEK
The big game this week is #9 Miami traveling to Lane Stadium to take on #13 Virginia Tech. Miami can solidify its claim to being back by knocking off it's third straight ranked opponent. Virginia Tech will bbring a stingy defense that is a hallmark of Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster. Miami QB Jacori Harris will have to bring his a-game and Tech QB Tyrod Taylor will have to be the play maker as he was against Nebraska in the closing seconds. With that said Taylor will have to keep it up all game or the Hokies season will go up in smoke.
GAMES OF INTEREST
#4 Ole Miss will start the weekend off Thursday night on ESPN traveling to take on Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. The Rebels come to Columbia with their highest ranking since the early 1970's.
Indiana is 3-0 and traveling to the Big House to take on Michigan (#23). First Big 10 Conference game for both teams.
South Florida (3-0) and heads north to Tallahassee to take on Florida State (#18)for the first meeting between the two schools . The Bulls with be without star QB Matt Grothe who was lost for the season with a knee injury. While not the same challenge it would have for the Noles with Grothe in the line-up FSU still needs to follow up the big win over BYU in the same fashion to keep momentum going.
Illinois at Ohio State (#13). I know you're saying game of interest, your kidding, Pay attention though the Illini have been a thorn in the Buckeyes side for many years.
Clemson welcomes TCU (#15). Clemson can go along way in respect by taking care of a ranked Horned Frog squad.
California (#6) visits Orgeon. Is Cal for Real? Will Jahvid Best keep his Heisman push going? Or will Oregon step it up and keep putting the opening night fiasco against Boise State behind them.
Colorado State goes into to Provo to take on BYU (#19). The Cougars may still be reeling from the beat down they received from Florida State. The Rams are 2-0 and not a half bad team.
Iowa @ Penn State (#5). Another Big 10 showdown. Jo Pa will have the Nittany Lions amped up for this win. Iowa brings in a 3-0 record.
The big game this week is #9 Miami traveling to Lane Stadium to take on #13 Virginia Tech. Miami can solidify its claim to being back by knocking off it's third straight ranked opponent. Virginia Tech will bbring a stingy defense that is a hallmark of Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster. Miami QB Jacori Harris will have to bring his a-game and Tech QB Tyrod Taylor will have to be the play maker as he was against Nebraska in the closing seconds. With that said Taylor will have to keep it up all game or the Hokies season will go up in smoke.
GAMES OF INTEREST
#4 Ole Miss will start the weekend off Thursday night on ESPN traveling to take on Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. The Rebels come to Columbia with their highest ranking since the early 1970's.
Indiana is 3-0 and traveling to the Big House to take on Michigan (#23). First Big 10 Conference game for both teams.
South Florida (3-0) and heads north to Tallahassee to take on Florida State (#18)for the first meeting between the two schools . The Bulls with be without star QB Matt Grothe who was lost for the season with a knee injury. While not the same challenge it would have for the Noles with Grothe in the line-up FSU still needs to follow up the big win over BYU in the same fashion to keep momentum going.
Illinois at Ohio State (#13). I know you're saying game of interest, your kidding, Pay attention though the Illini have been a thorn in the Buckeyes side for many years.
Clemson welcomes TCU (#15). Clemson can go along way in respect by taking care of a ranked Horned Frog squad.
California (#6) visits Orgeon. Is Cal for Real? Will Jahvid Best keep his Heisman push going? Or will Oregon step it up and keep putting the opening night fiasco against Boise State behind them.
Colorado State goes into to Provo to take on BYU (#19). The Cougars may still be reeling from the beat down they received from Florida State. The Rams are 2-0 and not a half bad team.
Iowa @ Penn State (#5). Another Big 10 showdown. Jo Pa will have the Nittany Lions amped up for this win. Iowa brings in a 3-0 record.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Week 3 Coming to an End
UPSETS
#3 USC chokes and lays an egg against Washington. What took place was just was I was expecting following the big win against Ohio State. I wrote about it in the preview for this week and that is exactly how it played out. I wonder why though, Trojan Head Coach Pete Carroll didn't put in Mitch Mustain at quarterback. The kid has some big game experience after playing in the SEC for Arkansas and has been languishing on the bench. USC had 110 yards of passing in the game, the lowest total since Pete Carrol took over the program
Florida State stuns #7 BYU. It was a tough day for the Mountain West Conference with both BYU and #18 Utah losing. BYU quarterback Max Hall all but took himself out of Heisman talk by throwing 3 interceptions in a losing effort. The Seminoles controlled the ball all day on offense moving at will against what was supposed to be a tough BYU team. The Cougars were able to score some points and move the ball in the air but the ground game wasn't there and somebody should have told the BYU defense to get off the bus.
AND THE REST
It wasn't the blowout some were expecting but #1 Florida put in a a good day at the office and took down a scrappy Tennessee squad. The outcome was never in doubt but the Volunteers never laid down for the Gators and made them earn it. Tim Tebow had an average day but led his team to victory and that is what he is supposed to do. Florida did show weakness today at wide receiver, in years past there has been some fear from that position, and this year it looks like Tebow does not have that go to guy to spread the game out. The Florida defense also showed that one way of betaing them down may be to run right at them.
#2 Texas did what it couldn't do last year. Knock off the pass happy Tech Tech Red Raiders. Texas QB Coly McCoy had a quiet day much like fellow Heisman hopeful Tim Tebow but just like Tebow he brought home the win.
A game or player that did stick out today was the performance put in by #8 California's Jahvid Best. Best scored all of the Bears touchdowns as they dropped Minnesota 35-21. Best's Heisman stock is on the rise.
The most entertaining game of the day/night was #23 Georgia's 52-41 victory over Arkansas. Over 1,000 yards of offense between the two. Bulldog QB Joe Cox threw for 375 yards and five touchdowns (school record). Not to be outdone Razorback QB Ryan Mallet accounted for five touchdowns by air (school record) and 408 yards (school record). If you love defense this was not the game for you.
Want an ugly game , should have watched the #13 Virginia Tech #19 Nebraska game. The last minute was exciting but for the most part a nap was in order. The Hokies will have their hands full next week when the #20 Hurricanes come blowing into town. Nebraska can only hope of being mentioned in the same breath as Oklahoma and Texas.
#4 Alabama may be setting itself apart from all the other clubs, save Florida, in the SEC. They once again looked strong dismantling a lesser opponent. The rest of the top 25 held their own and produced some wins.
After all the talk from college football fans from around the country talking about how the SEC is overrated as anyone looked at the ranking and noticed what those schools are doing to out of conference opponents. Take a peek at these rankings: #1 Florida, #4 Alabama, #6 Ole Miss, #9 LSU and #23 Georgia. Other than Florida they will all move up in the ranking this week.
#3 USC chokes and lays an egg against Washington. What took place was just was I was expecting following the big win against Ohio State. I wrote about it in the preview for this week and that is exactly how it played out. I wonder why though, Trojan Head Coach Pete Carroll didn't put in Mitch Mustain at quarterback. The kid has some big game experience after playing in the SEC for Arkansas and has been languishing on the bench. USC had 110 yards of passing in the game, the lowest total since Pete Carrol took over the program
Florida State stuns #7 BYU. It was a tough day for the Mountain West Conference with both BYU and #18 Utah losing. BYU quarterback Max Hall all but took himself out of Heisman talk by throwing 3 interceptions in a losing effort. The Seminoles controlled the ball all day on offense moving at will against what was supposed to be a tough BYU team. The Cougars were able to score some points and move the ball in the air but the ground game wasn't there and somebody should have told the BYU defense to get off the bus.
AND THE REST
It wasn't the blowout some were expecting but #1 Florida put in a a good day at the office and took down a scrappy Tennessee squad. The outcome was never in doubt but the Volunteers never laid down for the Gators and made them earn it. Tim Tebow had an average day but led his team to victory and that is what he is supposed to do. Florida did show weakness today at wide receiver, in years past there has been some fear from that position, and this year it looks like Tebow does not have that go to guy to spread the game out. The Florida defense also showed that one way of betaing them down may be to run right at them.
#2 Texas did what it couldn't do last year. Knock off the pass happy Tech Tech Red Raiders. Texas QB Coly McCoy had a quiet day much like fellow Heisman hopeful Tim Tebow but just like Tebow he brought home the win.
A game or player that did stick out today was the performance put in by #8 California's Jahvid Best. Best scored all of the Bears touchdowns as they dropped Minnesota 35-21. Best's Heisman stock is on the rise.
The most entertaining game of the day/night was #23 Georgia's 52-41 victory over Arkansas. Over 1,000 yards of offense between the two. Bulldog QB Joe Cox threw for 375 yards and five touchdowns (school record). Not to be outdone Razorback QB Ryan Mallet accounted for five touchdowns by air (school record) and 408 yards (school record). If you love defense this was not the game for you.
Want an ugly game , should have watched the #13 Virginia Tech #19 Nebraska game. The last minute was exciting but for the most part a nap was in order. The Hokies will have their hands full next week when the #20 Hurricanes come blowing into town. Nebraska can only hope of being mentioned in the same breath as Oklahoma and Texas.
#4 Alabama may be setting itself apart from all the other clubs, save Florida, in the SEC. They once again looked strong dismantling a lesser opponent. The rest of the top 25 held their own and produced some wins.
After all the talk from college football fans from around the country talking about how the SEC is overrated as anyone looked at the ranking and noticed what those schools are doing to out of conference opponents. Take a peek at these rankings: #1 Florida, #4 Alabama, #6 Ole Miss, #9 LSU and #23 Georgia. Other than Florida they will all move up in the ranking this week.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Can Tim Tebow win the Heisman?
Yes...Tim Tebow can win the Heisman this year....but no he will not win it....
How can you say that you ask.....well it is pretty easy. His statistics and past Heisman success will keep him from hoisting the trophy this year at the Downtown Athletic Club. Yes, the Gators will probably be playing in the SEC Championship and realistically have a chance to play in the BCS Championship game, but Mr. Tebow will not win the Heisman Trophy. His numbers will be impressive and the win total will be there but I get the feeling after listening to games, announcers, color commentators, analysts, reading magazines, trade papers and talk radio that many voters are leaning toward Colt McCoy of Texas. Many feel that McCoy should have won it last year.
If Texas wins out and is playing for the National Championship it is McCoy's trophy to lose. He's a passer and can also run. He fits the mold of what most Heisman voters are looking for. No knock against Tebow, he is probably the best college football player for the last three years, but this will not be his year. Anyway he already has one and that will work against him.
Now I believe that McCoy would be a very good choice. He has put up impressive numbers led Texas to some big wins and the only reason he didn't win last year was because of the one point loss to Texas Tech and not playing in the Big 12 Championship game. If Oklahoma is shut out the championship game instead of Texas than Sam Bradford doesn't win the Heisman this year and it goes to McCoy.
If that scenario did play out I believe that Tebow would be the front-runner this season but since it didn't McCoy is next in line. Part of thinking in that theory is that Bradford's chances this year are slim because of the injury suffered against BYU.
Other guys who could sneak in, Max Hall (BYU), Jacory Harris (Miami), Jahvid Best (California), Jimmy Claussen (Notre Dame) and real dark horse Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts.
Mr. Tebow will have to look forward to playing in January for the National Championship and then heading to the NFL in the first round more than likely to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
How can you say that you ask.....well it is pretty easy. His statistics and past Heisman success will keep him from hoisting the trophy this year at the Downtown Athletic Club. Yes, the Gators will probably be playing in the SEC Championship and realistically have a chance to play in the BCS Championship game, but Mr. Tebow will not win the Heisman Trophy. His numbers will be impressive and the win total will be there but I get the feeling after listening to games, announcers, color commentators, analysts, reading magazines, trade papers and talk radio that many voters are leaning toward Colt McCoy of Texas. Many feel that McCoy should have won it last year.
If Texas wins out and is playing for the National Championship it is McCoy's trophy to lose. He's a passer and can also run. He fits the mold of what most Heisman voters are looking for. No knock against Tebow, he is probably the best college football player for the last three years, but this will not be his year. Anyway he already has one and that will work against him.
Now I believe that McCoy would be a very good choice. He has put up impressive numbers led Texas to some big wins and the only reason he didn't win last year was because of the one point loss to Texas Tech and not playing in the Big 12 Championship game. If Oklahoma is shut out the championship game instead of Texas than Sam Bradford doesn't win the Heisman this year and it goes to McCoy.
If that scenario did play out I believe that Tebow would be the front-runner this season but since it didn't McCoy is next in line. Part of thinking in that theory is that Bradford's chances this year are slim because of the injury suffered against BYU.
Other guys who could sneak in, Max Hall (BYU), Jacory Harris (Miami), Jahvid Best (California), Jimmy Claussen (Notre Dame) and real dark horse Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts.
Mr. Tebow will have to look forward to playing in January for the National Championship and then heading to the NFL in the first round more than likely to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Miami Is A Player
With the defeat of Georgia Tech last night 33-17 the University of Miami is positioning itself as the team to beat in the ACC and the rise back to national prominence may be occurring in Coral Gables.
Miami came out focused on the task at hand and shut down the Tech option limiting them to just 228 total yards and just 95 yards on the ground. Cane QB Jacory Harris had another solid game going 20/25 for 270 yards and threw 3 touchdowns against no interceptions. Harris in my mind should be considered in any Heisman talk at this time. If he is as strong in the next two games as he was against FSU and Georgia Tech he may be a front-runner especially if they are victories.
It seemed that the old "U" was back. They had some big plays made some even bigger hits and the crowd was loud.
While only two games have been played for Miami so far , they have both been against ranked teams on national television and it shows that Miami is ready for the big stage. Their next two games are also against ranked opponents as they travel to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech (#13) and then they get Sam Bradford and Oklahoma (#12) at home. It is a brutal schedule to start the season and if Miami can come out 4-0 a top ten ranking is in the works maybe even higher.
After the next two games the schedule lightens up a bit with just one more game against a ranked opponent, Nov. 14 @ North Carolina (#24).
Miami is showing they are capable of running the table and all they need to do is follow through with execution the rest of the season and the "U" will be well on the way to reclaiming that the mystique and swagger that we all love to hate about the University of Miami.
Miami came out focused on the task at hand and shut down the Tech option limiting them to just 228 total yards and just 95 yards on the ground. Cane QB Jacory Harris had another solid game going 20/25 for 270 yards and threw 3 touchdowns against no interceptions. Harris in my mind should be considered in any Heisman talk at this time. If he is as strong in the next two games as he was against FSU and Georgia Tech he may be a front-runner especially if they are victories.
It seemed that the old "U" was back. They had some big plays made some even bigger hits and the crowd was loud.
While only two games have been played for Miami so far , they have both been against ranked teams on national television and it shows that Miami is ready for the big stage. Their next two games are also against ranked opponents as they travel to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech (#13) and then they get Sam Bradford and Oklahoma (#12) at home. It is a brutal schedule to start the season and if Miami can come out 4-0 a top ten ranking is in the works maybe even higher.
After the next two games the schedule lightens up a bit with just one more game against a ranked opponent, Nov. 14 @ North Carolina (#24).
Miami is showing they are capable of running the table and all they need to do is follow through with execution the rest of the season and the "U" will be well on the way to reclaiming that the mystique and swagger that we all love to hate about the University of Miami.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Week 3 Preview
While it's not a blockbuster weekend for marquee games there are a few rivalry games and some that will tell us if a team is a real player or just a pretender.
#14 Georgia Tech travels to meet #20 Miami on Thursday night on ESPN. FSU fans know what happened the last time Miami played on a ESPN televised game. This game will tell us a lot about both clubs. If Miami wins it may be safe to say the "U" is on its way back.
#1 Florida and Tim Tebow host Tennessee. While not the marquee game that it was a few years ago it will test Tebow and Co. a little bit more than their first two games. The Vols are reeling from the loss to UCLA that they were favored to win at home. Lane Kiffin will have to get the boys amped up for this win but it won't be enough.
#13 Virginia Tech and #19 Nebraska hook up Saturday afternoon at 3:30 on ABC. The Hokies have lost 11 games in a row to teams ranked #20 or higher. Nebraska is 15-15 against current ACC teams. Tech has a lot to prove if they want to be the team to beat in the ACC. Nebraska has just as much to prove if they expect to be mentioned with Oklahoma and Texas as Big 12 powers.
#2 Texas gets to see Coach Mike Leach and the unranked offensive mined Texas Tech Red Raiders. This game should be a high scoring affair and should be as entertaining to watch as it was last year. Longhorn quarterback Coly McCoy could give his Heisman hopes a big boost as this game will be ABC's primetime Saturday night game at 8pm.
#3 USC travels to Washington. After the big win against Ohio State on the road there might be a let down for the Trojans. If there is Steve Sarkisian (Former USC Offensive Coordinator) will have his Huskies ready to pounce. Sarkisian spent seven seasons under head coach Pete Carroll working in the Trojans system. He knows it well. Also USC QB Matt Barkley is nursing a sore right shoulder.
#7 BYU gets Florids State at home. BYU needs this win to follow-up it's huge win over Oklahoma. Not that FSU is a national power it still is a respected team with a strong history. FSU needs this win , after losing to Miami to open the season and squeaking a win out over FBS Jacksonville State, a loss here and the Noles season could go down the toilet. It might well happen that way. With how the FSU secondary has looked BYU quarterback Max Hall might have a field day picking apart the Noles through the air.
#18 Utah gets Oregon. Utah has shown the last few years they are for real. Oregon has a huge chip on it's shoulder and is out prove something.
#14 Georgia Tech travels to meet #20 Miami on Thursday night on ESPN. FSU fans know what happened the last time Miami played on a ESPN televised game. This game will tell us a lot about both clubs. If Miami wins it may be safe to say the "U" is on its way back.
#1 Florida and Tim Tebow host Tennessee. While not the marquee game that it was a few years ago it will test Tebow and Co. a little bit more than their first two games. The Vols are reeling from the loss to UCLA that they were favored to win at home. Lane Kiffin will have to get the boys amped up for this win but it won't be enough.
#13 Virginia Tech and #19 Nebraska hook up Saturday afternoon at 3:30 on ABC. The Hokies have lost 11 games in a row to teams ranked #20 or higher. Nebraska is 15-15 against current ACC teams. Tech has a lot to prove if they want to be the team to beat in the ACC. Nebraska has just as much to prove if they expect to be mentioned with Oklahoma and Texas as Big 12 powers.
#2 Texas gets to see Coach Mike Leach and the unranked offensive mined Texas Tech Red Raiders. This game should be a high scoring affair and should be as entertaining to watch as it was last year. Longhorn quarterback Coly McCoy could give his Heisman hopes a big boost as this game will be ABC's primetime Saturday night game at 8pm.
#3 USC travels to Washington. After the big win against Ohio State on the road there might be a let down for the Trojans. If there is Steve Sarkisian (Former USC Offensive Coordinator) will have his Huskies ready to pounce. Sarkisian spent seven seasons under head coach Pete Carroll working in the Trojans system. He knows it well. Also USC QB Matt Barkley is nursing a sore right shoulder.
#7 BYU gets Florids State at home. BYU needs this win to follow-up it's huge win over Oklahoma. Not that FSU is a national power it still is a respected team with a strong history. FSU needs this win , after losing to Miami to open the season and squeaking a win out over FBS Jacksonville State, a loss here and the Noles season could go down the toilet. It might well happen that way. With how the FSU secondary has looked BYU quarterback Max Hall might have a field day picking apart the Noles through the air.
#18 Utah gets Oregon. Utah has shown the last few years they are for real. Oregon has a huge chip on it's shoulder and is out prove something.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Time is Right for as College Playoff System
The time is right for a college playoff system.This is an argument that takes place every year but there is always little or no progress that is made. If one were to look at the rankings right now almost every college football fan could predict who is going to be playing where in January with some certainty. That is what is wrong with system. If a play-off system were ever enacted it would almost bring an end to the college bowl system. As ESPN's Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend." Let me lay it out for you.
I know everyone clamors that a plus one would work too but that opens up the door for some more arguing.
The National Championship game would float between the major bowl games as it does now. Meaning the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta would have a stake in this thing every year. But four bowl games is not enough. A fifth , sixth and seventh bowl would be needed. Let's say the Cotton Bowl is added along with the Holiday Bowl and Peach Bowl.
Here we go. Eight teams get in. Every team would have to be a member of a conference. Yes, that means almighty Notre Dame would have to join a conference.
These are the conferences that would be eligible to participate in the play-0ff system:
Big 10 Champion
SEC Champion
Big 12 Champion
ACC Champion
Pac-10 Champion
Big East Champion
Mountain West Champion
Conference USA Champion
Ranking would be used to seat the teams for the play-offs after they secure their perspective conference championship.
Below is an example of how it would unfold. I have just thrown teams in, so no arguing of why I didn't choose your team. These are the example teams that made it to the final eight with there made up ranking beside the team.
SEC CHAMPION: FLORIDA (#1)
BIG TEN CHAMPION: MICHIGAN (#2)
BIG 12 CHAMPION: TEXAS (#4)
PAC 10 CHAMPION: USC (#5)
MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPION: BYU (#7)
ACC CHAMPION: VA. TECH (#11)
BIG EAST CHAMPION: RUTGERS (#19)
CONFERENCE USA CHAMPION: LOUISVILLE (NR)
ROUND #1
2ND WEEK IN JANUARY:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - HOLIDAY BOWL - USC (#5) VS BYU (#7)
THURSDAY NIGHT - COTTON BOWL - TEXAS (#4) VS VA. TECH (#11)
FRIDAY NIGHT - SUGAR BOWL - MICHIGAN (#2) VS. RUTGERS (#19)
SATURDAY NIGHT - PEACH BOWL - FLORIDA (#1) VS LOUISVILLE (NR)
RESULTS: USC BEATS BYU - VA TECH BEATS TEXAS - MICHIGAN BEATS RUTGERS - AND BY SOME STRANGE TWIST IF FATE LOUISVILLE UPSETS FLORIDA....GO AHEAD BEAT ME UP FLORIDA FANS...
ROUND TWO:
THIRD WEEK IN JANUARY
FRIDAY NIGHT: FIESTA BOWL - USC (#5) VS. VA. TECH (#11)
SATURDAY NIGHT: ORANGE BOWL - MICHIGAN (#2) VS LOUISVILLE (NR)
RESULTS: VA. TECH BEATS USC AND LOUISVILLE CONTINUES ITS CINDERELLA RUN
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. TO BE PLAYED ONE WEEK BEFORE SUPER BOWL.
SUNDAY NIGHT : ROSE BOWL - VA TECH VS. LOUISVILLE
The other bowl games could still be played because they really don't mean much anyway as long as the BCS is in place anyway. Everyone comes out a winner in this scenario. I know the complaints will come out about this that the season is too long and too much travel but let's keep the season to 10 games with conference championship games and it almost works out about the same.
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
I know everyone clamors that a plus one would work too but that opens up the door for some more arguing.
The National Championship game would float between the major bowl games as it does now. Meaning the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta would have a stake in this thing every year. But four bowl games is not enough. A fifth , sixth and seventh bowl would be needed. Let's say the Cotton Bowl is added along with the Holiday Bowl and Peach Bowl.
Here we go. Eight teams get in. Every team would have to be a member of a conference. Yes, that means almighty Notre Dame would have to join a conference.
These are the conferences that would be eligible to participate in the play-0ff system:
Big 10 Champion
SEC Champion
Big 12 Champion
ACC Champion
Pac-10 Champion
Big East Champion
Mountain West Champion
Conference USA Champion
Ranking would be used to seat the teams for the play-offs after they secure their perspective conference championship.
Below is an example of how it would unfold. I have just thrown teams in, so no arguing of why I didn't choose your team. These are the example teams that made it to the final eight with there made up ranking beside the team.
SEC CHAMPION: FLORIDA (#1)
BIG TEN CHAMPION: MICHIGAN (#2)
BIG 12 CHAMPION: TEXAS (#4)
PAC 10 CHAMPION: USC (#5)
MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPION: BYU (#7)
ACC CHAMPION: VA. TECH (#11)
BIG EAST CHAMPION: RUTGERS (#19)
CONFERENCE USA CHAMPION: LOUISVILLE (NR)
ROUND #1
2ND WEEK IN JANUARY:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - HOLIDAY BOWL - USC (#5) VS BYU (#7)
THURSDAY NIGHT - COTTON BOWL - TEXAS (#4) VS VA. TECH (#11)
FRIDAY NIGHT - SUGAR BOWL - MICHIGAN (#2) VS. RUTGERS (#19)
SATURDAY NIGHT - PEACH BOWL - FLORIDA (#1) VS LOUISVILLE (NR)
RESULTS: USC BEATS BYU - VA TECH BEATS TEXAS - MICHIGAN BEATS RUTGERS - AND BY SOME STRANGE TWIST IF FATE LOUISVILLE UPSETS FLORIDA....GO AHEAD BEAT ME UP FLORIDA FANS...
ROUND TWO:
THIRD WEEK IN JANUARY
FRIDAY NIGHT: FIESTA BOWL - USC (#5) VS. VA. TECH (#11)
SATURDAY NIGHT: ORANGE BOWL - MICHIGAN (#2) VS LOUISVILLE (NR)
RESULTS: VA. TECH BEATS USC AND LOUISVILLE CONTINUES ITS CINDERELLA RUN
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. TO BE PLAYED ONE WEEK BEFORE SUPER BOWL.
SUNDAY NIGHT : ROSE BOWL - VA TECH VS. LOUISVILLE
The other bowl games could still be played because they really don't mean much anyway as long as the BCS is in place anyway. Everyone comes out a winner in this scenario. I know the complaints will come out about this that the season is too long and too much travel but let's keep the season to 10 games with conference championship games and it almost works out about the same.
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
Week #2 in Review
USC freshman QB Matt Barkley showed some veteran skills on the Trojan's final offensive drive as the Men Of Troy derailed any hopes of Ohio State playing for a National Championship this year. USC ,as for much of this decade, is putting itself in a position to be in the BCS championship discussion. While the Buckeyes chance are not 100% over they do not control their own destiny and will need help.
Speaking freshman QB's. Michigan pulled off a win that many thought was unexpected, myself included. The Wolverine's were covered in controversy just a week prior to the season starting and were undecided at starting QB when the opening kickoff arrived to weeks ago. With a convincing win over Western Michigan and now a big win over the Irish, Michigan is putting those issues behind them. Tate Forcier, with winning performance against the Irish, has cemented himself as the starter.
As predicted on this blog Oklahoma State laid an egg against Houston. This should be no surprise as Houston almost got the Cowboys last year.
A big surprise was the offensive explosion that took place between the hedges as Georgia dropped South Carolina. No one saw this coming after the 14-7 Bulldog win last year and how both offenses performed in week one.
My picks for the week weren't as strong as week 1 but all the games missed were decided by close scores and provided great football viewing. The Irish, Buckeyes and UConn Huskies all let me down. Houston came through for me along with the Deamon Deacons.
On the quick Heisman watch: Tim Tebow was superman again throwing for five TD's and making Troy State look like a high school JV team. Colt McCoy (Texas), Jahvid Best (Cal) and Max Hall (BYU) all had solid performances.
Don't look now but the Big 12 may be the best conference in football. Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas are all ranked. Texas Tech, also a Big 12 member, is putting up those gaudy offensive numbers again as Red Raider QB Taylor Potts threw for over 400 yards for the second game in a row.
Anyone catch the score of the FSU/ Jacksonville State game?. FSU wins 19-9 needing scores in the final two minutes to get and seal the victory. FSU QB Christian Ponder threw for 324 yards but again the running game wasn't there and pass defense showed for the second consecutive week it is a weakness. The Noles travel to BYU next weekend and Cougar quarterback Max Hall will be licking his chops after seeing the game film on this one and the Miami loss.
Speaking freshman QB's. Michigan pulled off a win that many thought was unexpected, myself included. The Wolverine's were covered in controversy just a week prior to the season starting and were undecided at starting QB when the opening kickoff arrived to weeks ago. With a convincing win over Western Michigan and now a big win over the Irish, Michigan is putting those issues behind them. Tate Forcier, with winning performance against the Irish, has cemented himself as the starter.
As predicted on this blog Oklahoma State laid an egg against Houston. This should be no surprise as Houston almost got the Cowboys last year.
A big surprise was the offensive explosion that took place between the hedges as Georgia dropped South Carolina. No one saw this coming after the 14-7 Bulldog win last year and how both offenses performed in week one.
My picks for the week weren't as strong as week 1 but all the games missed were decided by close scores and provided great football viewing. The Irish, Buckeyes and UConn Huskies all let me down. Houston came through for me along with the Deamon Deacons.
On the quick Heisman watch: Tim Tebow was superman again throwing for five TD's and making Troy State look like a high school JV team. Colt McCoy (Texas), Jahvid Best (Cal) and Max Hall (BYU) all had solid performances.
Don't look now but the Big 12 may be the best conference in football. Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas are all ranked. Texas Tech, also a Big 12 member, is putting up those gaudy offensive numbers again as Red Raider QB Taylor Potts threw for over 400 yards for the second game in a row.
Anyone catch the score of the FSU/ Jacksonville State game?. FSU wins 19-9 needing scores in the final two minutes to get and seal the victory. FSU QB Christian Ponder threw for 324 yards but again the running game wasn't there and pass defense showed for the second consecutive week it is a weakness. The Noles travel to BYU next weekend and Cougar quarterback Max Hall will be licking his chops after seeing the game film on this one and the Miami loss.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Week 2-
USC - Ohio State -The big game of the day is USC-Ohio State. The game will come down whether USC can contain Terrelle Pryor and if USC freshman QB Matt Barjley is ready for the big stage he will find at The Horseshoe in Columbus. Even though it is only week two of the season this game will go along way in deciding who will be playing where in Janaury. OSU defense will have to stop the running game of USC and make Barkley make some plays and put the pressure on him to perform. It will be a tough task for the Buckeyes considering the size and experience that the Trojans bring to the offensive front. On the flip side the Trojans defense will have to stop Pryor. He is the veteran QB in this battle and his play and leadership will determine who wins this game.
Quick note: It has been seven years since USC lost a non-conference game on the road.
My pick: Ohio State
Notre Dame - Michigan - This could be the make or break game for Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss and Michigan's Rich Rodriquez. The Irish are coming off a solid win against Nevada and QB Jimmy Claussen is coming off a great game. As the USC-OSU game will come down to quarterback play as will this game Claussen has the big game experience and I don't think The Big House will effect him that much. Michigan will be starting a freshman at QB with Tate Forcier. This is a huge game against a storied program for a freshman to get the start. Not that Rodriquez has much choice.
My Pick - Notre Dame
Stanford - Wake Forest - Not the biggest game of the day on a national level but will interesting to see of the Cardinals can travel all the way to Winston-Salem and knock off Jim Grobes Deam Deacons. Jim Harbaugh will be bringing some tools with him to North Carolina to test a Wake team that may not be what it was the last few years. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (freshman) is worth watching.
My Pick - Wake Forest
and the rest:
Penn State handles Syracuse
UConn pulls off the upset over North Carolina (ACC woes continue)
Florida, Texas, Nebraska and Virginia Tech all roll over their opponents.
Houston shocks Oklahoma State (#5)
Tennessee gets some redemption over UCLA for last years loss
Georgia beats South Carolina in a defensive struggle that most people will find offensive to watch
The rest of the top 25 not mentioned all win. Not many challenges out there for them.
Quick note: It has been seven years since USC lost a non-conference game on the road.
My pick: Ohio State
Notre Dame - Michigan - This could be the make or break game for Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss and Michigan's Rich Rodriquez. The Irish are coming off a solid win against Nevada and QB Jimmy Claussen is coming off a great game. As the USC-OSU game will come down to quarterback play as will this game Claussen has the big game experience and I don't think The Big House will effect him that much. Michigan will be starting a freshman at QB with Tate Forcier. This is a huge game against a storied program for a freshman to get the start. Not that Rodriquez has much choice.
My Pick - Notre Dame
Stanford - Wake Forest - Not the biggest game of the day on a national level but will interesting to see of the Cardinals can travel all the way to Winston-Salem and knock off Jim Grobes Deam Deacons. Jim Harbaugh will be bringing some tools with him to North Carolina to test a Wake team that may not be what it was the last few years. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (freshman) is worth watching.
My Pick - Wake Forest
and the rest:
Penn State handles Syracuse
UConn pulls off the upset over North Carolina (ACC woes continue)
Florida, Texas, Nebraska and Virginia Tech all roll over their opponents.
Houston shocks Oklahoma State (#5)
Tennessee gets some redemption over UCLA for last years loss
Georgia beats South Carolina in a defensive struggle that most people will find offensive to watch
The rest of the top 25 not mentioned all win. Not many challenges out there for them.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Clemson/Georgia Tech
The ACC might not be the SEC or Big 12 but damn are they putting on some entertaining football games within the conference. I don't care if they all go 6-6 as long as we get to enjoy a game down to the final minute what more can you ask for. Tech dominated the first portion of the game moving the ball up and down the field and then Clemson made some noise and forced Tech to come from behind to win. Exciting
The Ramblin' Wreck did show some weakness tonight. Stop the run and you stop Tech. The Paul Johnson coached offense is not designed to throw the ball with Josh Nesbit at quarterback his 3/14 performance shows that to go along with 1 for 10 on third down conversions.
Dabo Sweeney looks like a very smart coach for choosing Kyle Parker (freshman) as his quarterback. The kid looked smart in the pocket and has a cannon for an arm. With the way Clemson has been recruiting the Tigers can be a tough team in the ACC or college football in general in the next few years. While at the end of the game he tried to force a couple of passes his O-line also let him down a bit. Good quarterback and could be great.
Tomorrow I'll be taking a close look at the USC-Ohio State match-up and of course making some comments that not everyone will agree with.
Quick note - Pay attention to the Stanford/Wake Forest game this weekend. Stanford has a stud at quarterback and it will interesting to watch if the Jim Grobe love affair in Winston-Salem is waining a bit if the Deacs start 0-2. Stanford could be a sleeper in the PAC-10. Jim Harbaugh could be building something in Palo Alto. More in depth to follow in a later blog on Stanford.
The Ramblin' Wreck did show some weakness tonight. Stop the run and you stop Tech. The Paul Johnson coached offense is not designed to throw the ball with Josh Nesbit at quarterback his 3/14 performance shows that to go along with 1 for 10 on third down conversions.
Dabo Sweeney looks like a very smart coach for choosing Kyle Parker (freshman) as his quarterback. The kid looked smart in the pocket and has a cannon for an arm. With the way Clemson has been recruiting the Tigers can be a tough team in the ACC or college football in general in the next few years. While at the end of the game he tried to force a couple of passes his O-line also let him down a bit. Good quarterback and could be great.
Tomorrow I'll be taking a close look at the USC-Ohio State match-up and of course making some comments that not everyone will agree with.
Quick note - Pay attention to the Stanford/Wake Forest game this weekend. Stanford has a stud at quarterback and it will interesting to watch if the Jim Grobe love affair in Winston-Salem is waining a bit if the Deacs start 0-2. Stanford could be a sleeper in the PAC-10. Jim Harbaugh could be building something in Palo Alto. More in depth to follow in a later blog on Stanford.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Fightin Irish
Look out Dome haters...but Notre Dame could be finding itself in a BCS game or the National Championship Game if the Irish and can pull off a big win against USC on Oct.17. They already have a #18 ranking and we all know that the Irish can climb the polls faster than rabbit can have offspring if they are winning. No matter who they are winning against. While Charlie Weiss and his bunch do have some tough games, Michigan on the road, this weekend and throw in road games against Purdue, Pittsburgh and Stanford. It won't be a cake walk but the schedule does favor the Irish. Even the game against USC is under the shadow of Touchdown Jesus.
Leaving out the games already mentioned the rest of schedule has Michigan State, Washington, Boston College, Washington State, Navy and Connecticut. Take a look it's not murderer's road. The Irish can be making some noise come January. Whether is is warranted or not.
Don't get me wrong the Golden Domers have some talent with Jimmy Claussen, Armando Allen and Michael Floyd on the offensive side and a defense that is coming off thier first shutout since 2006.
I predict this, if they beat Michigan this weekend they start sniffing the top 10 and if they follow that up with a win over USC they are top five bound. Keep in mind they have to win the other games as well.
Leaving out the games already mentioned the rest of schedule has Michigan State, Washington, Boston College, Washington State, Navy and Connecticut. Take a look it's not murderer's road. The Irish can be making some noise come January. Whether is is warranted or not.
Don't get me wrong the Golden Domers have some talent with Jimmy Claussen, Armando Allen and Michael Floyd on the offensive side and a defense that is coming off thier first shutout since 2006.
I predict this, if they beat Michigan this weekend they start sniffing the top 10 and if they follow that up with a win over USC they are top five bound. Keep in mind they have to win the other games as well.
BCS Busters
Which non-BCS conference team will be the team this year to crash the party?
BYU (#9)- The Cougars got thier biggest game of the season out of the way by knocking off then ranked #3 Oklahoma on the road. That enabled BYU to jump to #9 in the rankings early in the season. The rest of Fighting Mormon's schedule is no cake walk but all the games are winnable. They have three more big games all of them are at home. FSU comes to town on Sept. 19. While the Seminoles are not ranked beating Bowden and the boys will go along way in the minds of pollsters. The other two big games are against fellow ranked Mountain West Conference foes, TCU #16 (Oct. 24) and Utah #17 (Nov. 28).
TCU (#16)- The Horned Frogs come in at the current time ranked #16. They do not have a marquee game other than playing BYU on the road and facing Utah at home both within the conference. One game that does jump out though is the Sept. 26 visit to Clemson. Death Valley is a tough place to play for any team. Winning that game will carry some weight with those that vote but it is an uphill climb from #16.
Utah (#17)- Again as with TCU and BYU, Utah's toughest competition comes from within the conference with games against ranked conference opponents BYU and TCU. Both of those games will see Utah as the visiting team. The only other game that will go along way for the Utes is the Sept. 19 showdown against Oregon at home. The Ducks will be anxious to face a ranked team and avenge the loss to Boise State.
Boise State (#12) - After dropping then #16 ranked Oregon in the first game of the season the rest of the schedule is a who's who of cuppies. No one game sticks out for the Broncos. The strength of schedule will hurt. One thing that will work in favor of the Bronc's is having five games televised on ESPN the rest of the season. Voters and the nation will get to see a lot of boys in blue.
The leader right now would be BYU. If they win out they can punch there own ticket. But those Mountain West Conference teams will be beating up on each other and in the long run hurt their chances of doing some BCS busting.
BYU (#9)- The Cougars got thier biggest game of the season out of the way by knocking off then ranked #3 Oklahoma on the road. That enabled BYU to jump to #9 in the rankings early in the season. The rest of Fighting Mormon's schedule is no cake walk but all the games are winnable. They have three more big games all of them are at home. FSU comes to town on Sept. 19. While the Seminoles are not ranked beating Bowden and the boys will go along way in the minds of pollsters. The other two big games are against fellow ranked Mountain West Conference foes, TCU #16 (Oct. 24) and Utah #17 (Nov. 28).
TCU (#16)- The Horned Frogs come in at the current time ranked #16. They do not have a marquee game other than playing BYU on the road and facing Utah at home both within the conference. One game that does jump out though is the Sept. 26 visit to Clemson. Death Valley is a tough place to play for any team. Winning that game will carry some weight with those that vote but it is an uphill climb from #16.
Utah (#17)- Again as with TCU and BYU, Utah's toughest competition comes from within the conference with games against ranked conference opponents BYU and TCU. Both of those games will see Utah as the visiting team. The only other game that will go along way for the Utes is the Sept. 19 showdown against Oregon at home. The Ducks will be anxious to face a ranked team and avenge the loss to Boise State.
Boise State (#12) - After dropping then #16 ranked Oregon in the first game of the season the rest of the schedule is a who's who of cuppies. No one game sticks out for the Broncos. The strength of schedule will hurt. One thing that will work in favor of the Bronc's is having five games televised on ESPN the rest of the season. Voters and the nation will get to see a lot of boys in blue.
The leader right now would be BYU. If they win out they can punch there own ticket. But those Mountain West Conference teams will be beating up on each other and in the long run hurt their chances of doing some BCS busting.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Games to watch this weekend-
USC @ Ohio State - The Buckeyes will have to bring more to the table than they did against Navy. USC is going to show a backfield that is six deep all with talent. The one thing that OU has going for it is USC playing a true freshman at Quarterback with Matt Barkley and the game is in the "Shoe".
South Carolina @ Georgia - Is the South Carolina defense that good or was the NC State offense just that bad. Georgia will be wanting to make a statement against a SEC team.
Clemson @ Georgia Tech - Can Tech be taken for real. They will be if they start 2-0 and drop Clemson. Clemson meanwhile can vault themselves up a few pegs by beating a ranked team on the road.
Notre Dame @ Michigan - If Notre Dame wins this game on the road mainstream media and Low Holtz will start putting them in the BCS game against Florida. If Michigan wins Coach Rich Rodriquez will show that extra practice does pay off.
Games to keep an eye on -
BYU @ Tulane - Max Hall and Co. should walk all over the Green Wave but coming off the big win over Oklahoma there may be some let down.
Idaho State @ Oklahoma - The winner will not be in questions. Worth keeping an eye as to how well the Sooners offense performs without Sam Bradford at QB.
Troy @ Florida - Will Tim Tebow rush for 500 yards and throw for 500 and will the Gators score 100.
Heisman Leaders- Colt McCoy (Texas)
Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)
Max Hall (BYU)
Jacory Harris (Miami)
Tim Tebow (Florida)
Jahvid Best (Cal)
Order may not be correct.
PS - Tell everyone to please stop mentioning Jevon Snead from Ole Miss as a dark horse Heisman candidate. The first thing he has to do is play a complete game.
USC @ Ohio State - The Buckeyes will have to bring more to the table than they did against Navy. USC is going to show a backfield that is six deep all with talent. The one thing that OU has going for it is USC playing a true freshman at Quarterback with Matt Barkley and the game is in the "Shoe".
South Carolina @ Georgia - Is the South Carolina defense that good or was the NC State offense just that bad. Georgia will be wanting to make a statement against a SEC team.
Clemson @ Georgia Tech - Can Tech be taken for real. They will be if they start 2-0 and drop Clemson. Clemson meanwhile can vault themselves up a few pegs by beating a ranked team on the road.
Notre Dame @ Michigan - If Notre Dame wins this game on the road mainstream media and Low Holtz will start putting them in the BCS game against Florida. If Michigan wins Coach Rich Rodriquez will show that extra practice does pay off.
Games to keep an eye on -
BYU @ Tulane - Max Hall and Co. should walk all over the Green Wave but coming off the big win over Oklahoma there may be some let down.
Idaho State @ Oklahoma - The winner will not be in questions. Worth keeping an eye as to how well the Sooners offense performs without Sam Bradford at QB.
Troy @ Florida - Will Tim Tebow rush for 500 yards and throw for 500 and will the Gators score 100.
Heisman Leaders- Colt McCoy (Texas)
Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)
Max Hall (BYU)
Jacory Harris (Miami)
Tim Tebow (Florida)
Jahvid Best (Cal)
Order may not be correct.
PS - Tell everyone to please stop mentioning Jevon Snead from Ole Miss as a dark horse Heisman candidate. The first thing he has to do is play a complete game.
Canes win...Canes win...Canes win...
While is wasn't the showdown of the late 80's and early 90's it was the most entertaining game of the weekend for the kick-off weekend of college football. Miami dropped Florida State last night in a battle that went right down to the final tick of the clock. And even with that, the last play had to be reviewed to determine the winner.
Hats off to the Canes for getting the job done. Jacory Harris is a stud for the Hurricanes. Looking like a a senior in the pocket and throwing for 386 yards.
Christian Ponder also looked good for most of the night for the Noles. Picking a part the Miami secondary. He just needed to complete one more pass.
The problem for both teams will be stopping the pass from here on out. Neither team was able to slow down the opponent went they put the ball in the air. Both quarterbacks were able to slice up the secondary for most of the game. This will pose some problems for both teams as neither FSU or Miami has an easy schedule and will face some tough QB's later in the season with some teams with some defensive muscle.
While it is early in the season and both units will get better, a couple of games stick out already for both teams that will pose big problems. For Miami it will be Oklahoma in a few weeks and for FSU it will be Florida. Tebow will eat up the Noles secondary if improvements are not made. Neither Miami or FSU will bode well in a shoot out.
QUICK NOTES:
* Brad Nessler of ESPN had one of the best observations of the weekend when he said, "These two teams are mirror images of each other". That statement was made even before the game started. The final score proved that as did the game going down to the final play
* Stop comparing FSU defensive back Patrick Robinson to FSU greats Deion Sanders and Terrell Buckley. There is no comparison.
* FSU might have a kicker in Dustin Hopkins. Needs to work on extra points though.
* Neither team was able to establish the running game. With all the pre-season hype concerning the FSU line you would have thought that would not be a problem.
* Both teams need to work on special teams. Especially kick return.
* One high note for the Seminoles was getting penalized only 5 times for 35 yards.
Hats off to the Canes for getting the job done. Jacory Harris is a stud for the Hurricanes. Looking like a a senior in the pocket and throwing for 386 yards.
Christian Ponder also looked good for most of the night for the Noles. Picking a part the Miami secondary. He just needed to complete one more pass.
The problem for both teams will be stopping the pass from here on out. Neither team was able to slow down the opponent went they put the ball in the air. Both quarterbacks were able to slice up the secondary for most of the game. This will pose some problems for both teams as neither FSU or Miami has an easy schedule and will face some tough QB's later in the season with some teams with some defensive muscle.
While it is early in the season and both units will get better, a couple of games stick out already for both teams that will pose big problems. For Miami it will be Oklahoma in a few weeks and for FSU it will be Florida. Tebow will eat up the Noles secondary if improvements are not made. Neither Miami or FSU will bode well in a shoot out.
QUICK NOTES:
* Brad Nessler of ESPN had one of the best observations of the weekend when he said, "These two teams are mirror images of each other". That statement was made even before the game started. The final score proved that as did the game going down to the final play
* Stop comparing FSU defensive back Patrick Robinson to FSU greats Deion Sanders and Terrell Buckley. There is no comparison.
* FSU might have a kicker in Dustin Hopkins. Needs to work on extra points though.
* Neither team was able to establish the running game. With all the pre-season hype concerning the FSU line you would have thought that would not be a problem.
* Both teams need to work on special teams. Especially kick return.
* One high note for the Seminoles was getting penalized only 5 times for 35 yards.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Tough Week for the ACC
It was a tough week for Atlantic Coast Conference teams. I was going to wait until after the FSU-Miami game to blog about the horrendous weekend for the ACC but it seems I'm getting beat to the punch by most main stream media. Drawing attention to the fact the ACC might be the worst football conference other than the Big East in the nation.
Virginia loses to William-Mary and Duke loses to Richmond both Footbal Sub-Division teams.
Maryland loses to Cal
Wake Forest drops one to Baylor.
NC State shows no offense, even with Russell Wilson, in losing to South Carolina.
Some bright spots even though expected were GA. Tech, Clemson, Boston College and North Carolina winning. With that said it is not like any of those teams were playing a national power.
Last but not least the one game that put the ACC on the national stage against a quality opponent was Virginia Tech and Alabama. We know how that turned out.
Another national stage game will be played again tonight with FSU/Miami. But with how both of these programs have been the last few years it will prove nothing unless one team totally blows the other out of the water. Even if that occurs the naysayers will just say, "Well those programs aren't what they once were."
With one week down it may be too early to say that an ACC will not be playing for the BCS. After this weekend though this conference will have to step it up to gain some respect.
Virginia loses to William-Mary and Duke loses to Richmond both Footbal Sub-Division teams.
Maryland loses to Cal
Wake Forest drops one to Baylor.
NC State shows no offense, even with Russell Wilson, in losing to South Carolina.
Some bright spots even though expected were GA. Tech, Clemson, Boston College and North Carolina winning. With that said it is not like any of those teams were playing a national power.
Last but not least the one game that put the ACC on the national stage against a quality opponent was Virginia Tech and Alabama. We know how that turned out.
Another national stage game will be played again tonight with FSU/Miami. But with how both of these programs have been the last few years it will prove nothing unless one team totally blows the other out of the water. Even if that occurs the naysayers will just say, "Well those programs aren't what they once were."
With one week down it may be too early to say that an ACC will not be playing for the BCS. After this weekend though this conference will have to step it up to gain some respect.
Florida State and the "U"
Quick facts about tonight's opening ACC match-up
* - Miami leads the over-all series in wins 30-23
* - FSU has won 3 of the last 4 meetings
* - FSU and Miami share 7 national championships between them. Miami (5) FSU (2)
* - The schools have played for the National Championship 15 times between them.
* - Florida State and Miami have won 24 conference championships between them. Florida State (15) and Miami (9). All of Miami's conference championships came in the Big East.
* - Both teams have six players elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
* - Both teams have combined to play in 67 bowl games.
* - Miami leads the over-all series in wins 30-23
* - FSU has won 3 of the last 4 meetings
* - FSU and Miami share 7 national championships between them. Miami (5) FSU (2)
* - The schools have played for the National Championship 15 times between them.
* - Florida State and Miami have won 24 conference championships between them. Florida State (15) and Miami (9). All of Miami's conference championships came in the Big East.
* - Both teams have six players elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
* - Both teams have combined to play in 67 bowl games.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
College football week one
While no Heisman trophies or BCS bowl bids were won on the first couple of days of the college football season a few bits of information can be gleamed from the first few games that have been played. Here are some quick observations from week 1 (so far):
1) Georgia has a long way to go without Matt Stafford. Oklahoma State got punched in the mouth a few times and jumped right back up and left the Dawgs wagging their tongues when it was all said and done.
2) Everyone (at least mainstream media) will be jumping on the Notre Dame bandwagon now because they shut out that national powerhouse Nevada. A bigger test will be next Saturday against Michigan.
3) If Ohio State expects to beat USC they better bring more to the table than they did against Navy. USC is going to throw a few more weapons at them than the Naval Academy.
4) Florida,Texas, USC, Nebraska, Cal, Penn State, Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia Tech all did what they were supposed to do. Look decent and beat up on a cup cake.
5) Alabama is tough. They have a defense that looked great against VA. Tech, to go along with a running game and a quarterback who quietly put up some good, not great numbers, against what was supposed to be a very good Bud Foster defense. Va. Tech has a way to go this season.
6) With out Sam Bradford, Oklahoma does not stand a chance. And the young offensive line better mature quickly to give Bradford some protection once he comes back from the sprained AC joint. Thankfully for Sooner fans the schedule will favor Oklahoma until Bradford's return.
BYU may be better than the #20 ranking.
7) Either LSU's defense is not that good or Washington is going to make a little, I said a little, noise in the Pac-10. Husky QB Locker had a good game and new head coach Sarkasian seems to have lit a fire under the Huskies. On the LSU side they need some defensive help to compete in the SEC. Tebow and the Gator nation will chew them up if improvements aren't made when they come to town.
1) Georgia has a long way to go without Matt Stafford. Oklahoma State got punched in the mouth a few times and jumped right back up and left the Dawgs wagging their tongues when it was all said and done.
2) Everyone (at least mainstream media) will be jumping on the Notre Dame bandwagon now because they shut out that national powerhouse Nevada. A bigger test will be next Saturday against Michigan.
3) If Ohio State expects to beat USC they better bring more to the table than they did against Navy. USC is going to throw a few more weapons at them than the Naval Academy.
4) Florida,Texas, USC, Nebraska, Cal, Penn State, Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia Tech all did what they were supposed to do. Look decent and beat up on a cup cake.
5) Alabama is tough. They have a defense that looked great against VA. Tech, to go along with a running game and a quarterback who quietly put up some good, not great numbers, against what was supposed to be a very good Bud Foster defense. Va. Tech has a way to go this season.
6) With out Sam Bradford, Oklahoma does not stand a chance. And the young offensive line better mature quickly to give Bradford some protection once he comes back from the sprained AC joint. Thankfully for Sooner fans the schedule will favor Oklahoma until Bradford's return.
BYU may be better than the #20 ranking.
7) Either LSU's defense is not that good or Washington is going to make a little, I said a little, noise in the Pac-10. Husky QB Locker had a good game and new head coach Sarkasian seems to have lit a fire under the Huskies. On the LSU side they need some defensive help to compete in the SEC. Tebow and the Gator nation will chew them up if improvements aren't made when they come to town.
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