Chaos finally ensued, as it always does this time of year. In the last two weeks, there have been upsets galore, especially at the top. LSU and Alabama are headed for a rematch in the BCS title game, as they are clearly the two best teams. Everyone is playing for second fiddle. Unless Armageddon somehow happens, we're going to have a sixth straight BCS champion from the SEC.
On a somber note, once again I start with bad news. Two weeks ago it was the Penn State fiasco, last week it is an untimely death that hits home. Arkansas redshirt freshman tight end Garrett Uekman died Sunday, at this point the cause of death was a bad heart condition. What is known is that this is tragic. A 19 year old student athlete from Little Rock, who was living his dream of playing for the Razorbacks. Reports from other players and coaches is that he was a good kid, someone whom everyone liked. He was just a freshman, but played in almost every game, and seemed to be in line for the starting tight end spot next year. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, as well as the Razorback nation.
On to the football field.
Same story as before.
Remember what I said when Arkansas and Alabama played? About how Arkansas wasn't ready, was less talented, and the defense was extremely overrated? Well it happened again against LSU. Why I thought we had a chance I don't know. Arkansas started off great, driving down and scoring a touchdown, guess who caught it? Yep, Jarius Wright. And even made a great defensive play when Tramain Thomas put a big hit on Spencer Ware causing a fumble that was picked up mid air by Alonzo Highsmith, who took it back for a td. And then it all went to crap. LSU proceeded to get pissed, and run all over the Hogs for the rest of the game. Tyrann Matheiu ran a punt back 92 yards for a td, their offense scored at will, and their defense completely shut down the "explosive" Hog offense holding them to just 254 yards total. After that 14-0 deficit, LSU outscored Arkansas 41-3 the rest of the game. LSU and Alabama are far and away the best teams in the SEC, the country, and maybe, the world. Arkansas was the third best team in the conference, but didn't come close to competing with the other two. Maybe in ten years. Final score 41-17, LSU.
What a way to end it.
What seems to be the last time Texas and Texas A&M play for the foreseeable future, ended in a great game. In yet ANOTHER game where had the halftime lead, you knew Texas wasn't going to go away quietly. It was only a 16-7 lead, but it didn't even take until halfway through the third quarter for Texas to take the lead with a 58 yard pick six, and a field goal a few minutes later. A&M has had an extremely disappointing season(a dallasnews.com sports guy picked the Aggies to go 11-1, haha), and this was just end of a bitter rivalry gone bad. A&M took the lead back in the fourth quarter on a td pass with just 1:48 remaining. Texas then gave the Aggies the ultimate screw you for going to the SEC where you're going to get dominated anyway, by driving down and kicking a field goal as time ran out. A walk off field goal to say, good riddance. Because let's be honest, Texas owns A&M, and now they won't be able to ever take it back. Final score 27-25, Texas.
Didn't exactly live up.
As much as the media tried to hype up the Iron Bowl this year as some classic revenge showdown for Alabama and Auburn, everyone knew it wasn't. Yes the last two years were epic games, especially last year when Auburn came back from a 24-7 halftime deficit in Tuscaloosa to win. But this year was different. Auburn was sitting at 7-4, exactly where EVERYONE thought they would be, while Alabama's only loss was to #1 LSU. I mean come on, did anyone really thing this was going to be a good game? Arkansas got hammered by Alabama, while the Hogs dominated Auburn. So it just wasn't going to be an instant classic. Alabama completely controlled the entire game. Auburn's only scores were a fumble recovery in the end zone, and an 83 yard kickoff return for a td. It's pretty clear now Bama has special teams problems don't you think? Trent Richardson rushed for 203 yards right into the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Final score 42-14, Alabama.
Speaking of the Heisman.
Andrew Luck had a ho hummer of a day with 233 yards and 4 td's hosting Notre Dame. Stanford is 11-1 to finish the regular season for the second year in a row, and primed for a second straight BCS appearance as well. This was a team that went 1-11 five years ago, nice turnaround. They are a nationally relevant program now, and look to be in good shape. But of course we'll see how much of that was Luck(pun intended). Andrew is off to the NFL next year, so it's up to Stanford to reload like all the other good teams do. Granted they won't be 11-1 again, but if they want to be taken seriously as a program, they need to sustain it without Luck. Just as Notre Dame does, who seems to be in good hands as well with head coach Brian Kelly. Final score 28-14, Stanford.
Speaking of ho-hum.
A not so impressive day for the Sooners going into Bedlam week. I know Iowa State was fresh off the upset of a century for them after beating Oklahoma State, but they're still Iowa State. The effects of no Ryan Broyles is starting to set in, as OU cannot score in the red zone at all anymore. I don't see how a team with this much skill on offense has to resort to the Bell-dozer to score on goal to go situations. In case you don't know what the Bell-dozer is, it's when they send backup QB Blake Bell in to run the read option while he keeps it himself every time and gains one yard. Luckily when they put him in they only need one yard for a first down or touchdown. When that doesn't work, they resort to Landry Jones throwing a fade pass to the corner of the end zone for an incompletion, then try to run it normally with a running back, only to get stuffed. Good strategy. Case in point, 509 total yards on offense, two touchdowns, four field goals. If they want to continue Mike Gundy's OU-fer at Okie State, they can't do that. At least they took care of business against the Cyclones, however lackluster it was. Final score 26-6, Oklahoma.
Funnier every week.
Texas Tech STILL has not won a game since beating OU over a month ago. I swear they thought the season ended that day. Not only have they lost, they have been dismantled in all but one game. They lost 41-7 to Iowa State, 52-20 to Texas, 66-6 to Okie State, 31-27 to Missouri, and last week got run out of the stadium 66-42 to Baylor. I mean, what in the world happened? They couldn't even win one? Come on.
Breaking news.
I'm a genius. If anyone wants to refer back a few weeks ago where I said first year head coach Luke Fickell at Ohio State wouldn't last more than one year, go ahead and confirm it for me. Oh what's that, he didn't even last the whole year before they hired Urban Meyer to take over for next season? Oh yeah, they did. It wasn't Fickell's fault, he walked into a bad situation after Jim Tressell left the program in complete shambles. They're best players didn't play most of the year, and they had to turn to a true freshman QB who wasn't ready. All of that was before they had to play their biggest rival in Michigan last week. The Wolverines were looking for big things for the first time in a while. A 10 win season, a big time bowl bid, and a return to glory. they just had to get past the Buckeyes who they had lost to every year since '03. And while that freshman QB for Ohio State Braxton Miller played his head off, throwing for 235 yards and two scores, and also rushed for 100 and a td, it wasn't quite enough. Michigan QB Denard Robinson had 337 total yards of his own with five touchdowns. A great game that Michigan almost found a way to lose. They had to intercept Miller's last ditch effort with just seconds remaining to pull it out. Michigan better enjoy this one, because the Meyer train is coming in Columbus. Final score 40-34, Michigan.
It was Rivalry Week, but unfortunately, there wasn't much to talk about other than the ones already mentioned.
Here is what happened in some of the biggest "rivalries."
Mississippi State over Ole Miss, 31-3.
Florida State over Florida, 21-7.
USC over UCLA, 50-0.
Oregon over Oregon State, 49-21.
Georgia over Georgia Tech, 31-17.
South Carolina over Clemson, 34-13.
At least Kentucky beat Tennessee for the first time in 27 years! Yes, 27 years.
Until next time. As I leave you this week, it is with sadness that I say this will be my last college football post. It is time for me to end this endeavor at this time. I feel it is a good time to move on and see what else is out there. As Tiger Woods said when he fired his long time caddie Steve Williams, "it just feels like it's time for a change." I feel I have done my duty on this blog network, and hope I have given those of you who may not enjoy the game as much as I do, a little better understanding. Ultimately I hope you have enjoyed reading these posts, as much as I have enjoyed writing them. If I have been able to inject a little passion and knowledge into your college football life, then I have done my job. I thank you all for the kind words you have given me these last three years, and most of all I thank you for taking the time to read. I love you all, and GO HOGS!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
2011 - week 11
It was an unprecedented week in college football. Huge matchups, big time upsets, and a scandal that will haunt a program forever.
I will say this about Penn State, and we will move on. It is sad that the legend(no more) Joe Paterno helped cover up Jerry Sandusky's sick, twisted acts of sexual child abuse. It is sad that he wasn't the only one covering it up. I'm sure there will be more facts come out about this ordeal, but for now we know what we know. As much as we all love college football, there has to come a time where just winning doesn't take priority over what is the right thing to do. Was Paterno and whoever else so caught up in maintaining a winning program that keeping a criminal under wraps seemed like a good idea? The answer is yes they did. And as much as people think, including the moronic Penn State fans who think Paterno did nothing wrong, he did. He literally kept quiet about a man who he knew committed these acts, and was continuing to do these horrible things. Paterno knew about it! As did the athletic director, and assistant coach Mike McQueary, who at this point is the only one who has come out and said he tried to stop one incident. But someone made him keep quiet. Sandusky was allowed to hang around the Penn State facilities this entire time, up until two weeks ago. Paterno, sadly, did a lot of things wrong. And now, the all time winningest coach in college football history will go down as a man who knowingly let another man commit sex acts to little boys time and time again, just so they would keep winning. Penn State and Paterno will not recover from this, ever.
Let's talk about the stuff that isn't so depressing.
Puzzling. This happens in football, some teams match up better with other teams, resulting in different outcomes. For instance, Texas Tech beats OU in Norman, OU the next weeks kills Kansas State on the road, the following week Oklahoma State barely survives a K State comeback that they probably should have lost in Stillwater. So logical thinking says Texas Tech-Oklahoma State should be a good game right? Nope! This one was over before it started. Okie State scored on every offensive possession in the first half, and took a 49-0 lead into halftime. Good lord! Brandon Weedon threw it around about as good as you can for an afternoon, going 31-37 for 423 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Pokes sit at number 2 in the BCS, and are in good shape with the OU game looming large. Tech on the other hand hasn't won since beating OU. In fact they have all been by large margins, 41-7 to powerhouse Iowa State, 52-20 at Texas, and this Okie State game, which was in Lubbock. What happened? Did they forget they still had to play some games before the season was over? Final score 66-6, Oklahoma State.
Speaking of blowouts.
I only bring them up because they are now relevant in the national picture. Houston is putting up insane offensive numbers. Their last four games they have scored 63, 73, 56, and 73 again. Granted it is against weak competition, but still impressive. They put up 735 total yards of offense, and Case Keenum is shattering the record books, and Houston is still undefeated. Their latest victim was little Tulane. Like I said, this is all against pretty weak teams, they do not belong in the BCS conversation, although we will hear about it incessantly for the next few weeks. Final score 73-17, Houston.
The reason Houston is being talked about.
Because Boise State is out of it! Woohoo! They were rolling along once again, and being talked about for sure getting to another BCS bowl if they went undefeated, as they were ranked 5th last week. There was even talk they could get into the national championship game if things fell their way. But thanks to the TCU Horned Frogs, that will not be the case. An extremely back and forth game that saw a ton of big plays and 952 yards of offense total, it all came down to the final minute, and the kicking game. As was the case last year when they lost to Nevada after Kyle Brotzman missed three field goals, Boise State had a chance to win the game in the final seconds with a field goal. But this time, it was Dan Goodale who was not able to convert on a 39 yard kick as time expired. HAHAHAHAHA! The more important play was the touchdown TCU scored before that. Head coach Gary Patterson went for two to take the lead instead of kicking the extra point to tie it. Massive cahoneys. Final score 36-35, TCU.
Alright this is getting old.
Tell me if you've heard this before? Texas A&M gives up a double digit lead in the second half, only to lose. Yes, you have heard it before. For the fourth time this year, it happened again. This time it was a 31-21 lead over Kansas State with 6:38 to go in the fourth quarter. K State was able to rally with a 53 yard td pass, and a filed goal on their next possession to tie it and send it to overtime. And it took four overtimes to decide this one. K State quarterback Colin Klein was able to punch it in form one yard out to seal the victory, and send the Aggies home with another blown lead. I mean really, as first this was funny, now its stupidity. What is A&M going to do next year in the SEC? Final score 53-50, Kansas State.
Don't look now.
But Oregon's only loss of the season was to number one LSU. After a demolishing at Stanford, the Ducks are looking good. After forcing John Elway #2, Andrew Luck to throw two picks, running one back for a touchdown, Oregon's offense went off. Stanford's physical play couldn't match the speed of the Ducks. LaMichael James ran for 146 yards and three scores, and showed why we shouldn't forget about him either after his horrific elbow injury earlier this season. Stanford is still a very good team, Oregon just looked better. Final score 53-30, Oregon.
Remember when?
I've said this already earlier in the season, but remember when Georgia was left for dead after starting 0-2 but then winning five straight? Well I can say it again, because they still haven't lost. They just look like a comletely different team. They completely dismantled Auburn this week 45-7, and if not for Arkansas, would have the best offense in the SEC. QB Aaron Murray is playing lights out, throwing 9 td's in his last two games. Frehsman running back Isiah Crowell is looking like a stud workhorse(even after he was suspended one game for hitting up the ganja). The Bulldogs are now 8-2, and if they beat Kentucky, will clinch the SEC East and head to Atlanta in three weeks. Who would have thought?
Still haven't turned it around.
Although they are better than last year, and are playing a lot of young guys, Texas isn't quite back yet. The quarterback carousel still isn't working, and never will, ever for anyone. And the running game, even with injuries to their top two rushers, is very inconsistent. They were only able to muster 247 yards of offense, and couldn't find the endzone against Missouri's defense. That isn't saying much. Why Texas was still even ranked is beyond me. Missouri beats them after losing six straight to Texas, and in the final meeting of the two conference schools. Final score 17-5, Missouri.
Best game no one watched - Toledo over Western Michigan 66-63, in regulation! Defensive coordinators for both schools should be kicked to the curb.
Another quiet, good team.
Virginia Tech's only loss of their season was to current ninth ranked Clemson. After beating a good Georgia Tech team this past Saturday, the Hokies are sitting at 9-1, and looking to win their fifth ACC title in only 7 years.
Somewhat satisfied, for now.
Arkansas took care of business against a struggling Tennessee team riddled with injuries. The Hogs turned in big play after big play, none more exciting than Joe Adams' 60 yard punt return. Adams broke 6 tackles, ran around in circles for about ten seconds, then found a seam and followed his blockers the rest of the way. Probably the best punt return of the year. Tyler Wilson was efficient, throwing for 224 yards and three scores. But again, the Hog defense was troubling. Tennessee moved the ball pretty consistently up and down the field with a true freshman QB making his first start, they just couldn't convert in the red zone. But if you keep them from scoring touchdowns, you'll take it. The better team did win out. Final score 49-7, Arkansas.
Until next week.
I will say this about Penn State, and we will move on. It is sad that the legend(no more) Joe Paterno helped cover up Jerry Sandusky's sick, twisted acts of sexual child abuse. It is sad that he wasn't the only one covering it up. I'm sure there will be more facts come out about this ordeal, but for now we know what we know. As much as we all love college football, there has to come a time where just winning doesn't take priority over what is the right thing to do. Was Paterno and whoever else so caught up in maintaining a winning program that keeping a criminal under wraps seemed like a good idea? The answer is yes they did. And as much as people think, including the moronic Penn State fans who think Paterno did nothing wrong, he did. He literally kept quiet about a man who he knew committed these acts, and was continuing to do these horrible things. Paterno knew about it! As did the athletic director, and assistant coach Mike McQueary, who at this point is the only one who has come out and said he tried to stop one incident. But someone made him keep quiet. Sandusky was allowed to hang around the Penn State facilities this entire time, up until two weeks ago. Paterno, sadly, did a lot of things wrong. And now, the all time winningest coach in college football history will go down as a man who knowingly let another man commit sex acts to little boys time and time again, just so they would keep winning. Penn State and Paterno will not recover from this, ever.
Let's talk about the stuff that isn't so depressing.
Puzzling. This happens in football, some teams match up better with other teams, resulting in different outcomes. For instance, Texas Tech beats OU in Norman, OU the next weeks kills Kansas State on the road, the following week Oklahoma State barely survives a K State comeback that they probably should have lost in Stillwater. So logical thinking says Texas Tech-Oklahoma State should be a good game right? Nope! This one was over before it started. Okie State scored on every offensive possession in the first half, and took a 49-0 lead into halftime. Good lord! Brandon Weedon threw it around about as good as you can for an afternoon, going 31-37 for 423 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Pokes sit at number 2 in the BCS, and are in good shape with the OU game looming large. Tech on the other hand hasn't won since beating OU. In fact they have all been by large margins, 41-7 to powerhouse Iowa State, 52-20 at Texas, and this Okie State game, which was in Lubbock. What happened? Did they forget they still had to play some games before the season was over? Final score 66-6, Oklahoma State.
Speaking of blowouts.
I only bring them up because they are now relevant in the national picture. Houston is putting up insane offensive numbers. Their last four games they have scored 63, 73, 56, and 73 again. Granted it is against weak competition, but still impressive. They put up 735 total yards of offense, and Case Keenum is shattering the record books, and Houston is still undefeated. Their latest victim was little Tulane. Like I said, this is all against pretty weak teams, they do not belong in the BCS conversation, although we will hear about it incessantly for the next few weeks. Final score 73-17, Houston.
The reason Houston is being talked about.
Because Boise State is out of it! Woohoo! They were rolling along once again, and being talked about for sure getting to another BCS bowl if they went undefeated, as they were ranked 5th last week. There was even talk they could get into the national championship game if things fell their way. But thanks to the TCU Horned Frogs, that will not be the case. An extremely back and forth game that saw a ton of big plays and 952 yards of offense total, it all came down to the final minute, and the kicking game. As was the case last year when they lost to Nevada after Kyle Brotzman missed three field goals, Boise State had a chance to win the game in the final seconds with a field goal. But this time, it was Dan Goodale who was not able to convert on a 39 yard kick as time expired. HAHAHAHAHA! The more important play was the touchdown TCU scored before that. Head coach Gary Patterson went for two to take the lead instead of kicking the extra point to tie it. Massive cahoneys. Final score 36-35, TCU.
Alright this is getting old.
Tell me if you've heard this before? Texas A&M gives up a double digit lead in the second half, only to lose. Yes, you have heard it before. For the fourth time this year, it happened again. This time it was a 31-21 lead over Kansas State with 6:38 to go in the fourth quarter. K State was able to rally with a 53 yard td pass, and a filed goal on their next possession to tie it and send it to overtime. And it took four overtimes to decide this one. K State quarterback Colin Klein was able to punch it in form one yard out to seal the victory, and send the Aggies home with another blown lead. I mean really, as first this was funny, now its stupidity. What is A&M going to do next year in the SEC? Final score 53-50, Kansas State.
Don't look now.
But Oregon's only loss of the season was to number one LSU. After a demolishing at Stanford, the Ducks are looking good. After forcing John Elway #2, Andrew Luck to throw two picks, running one back for a touchdown, Oregon's offense went off. Stanford's physical play couldn't match the speed of the Ducks. LaMichael James ran for 146 yards and three scores, and showed why we shouldn't forget about him either after his horrific elbow injury earlier this season. Stanford is still a very good team, Oregon just looked better. Final score 53-30, Oregon.
Remember when?
I've said this already earlier in the season, but remember when Georgia was left for dead after starting 0-2 but then winning five straight? Well I can say it again, because they still haven't lost. They just look like a comletely different team. They completely dismantled Auburn this week 45-7, and if not for Arkansas, would have the best offense in the SEC. QB Aaron Murray is playing lights out, throwing 9 td's in his last two games. Frehsman running back Isiah Crowell is looking like a stud workhorse(even after he was suspended one game for hitting up the ganja). The Bulldogs are now 8-2, and if they beat Kentucky, will clinch the SEC East and head to Atlanta in three weeks. Who would have thought?
Still haven't turned it around.
Although they are better than last year, and are playing a lot of young guys, Texas isn't quite back yet. The quarterback carousel still isn't working, and never will, ever for anyone. And the running game, even with injuries to their top two rushers, is very inconsistent. They were only able to muster 247 yards of offense, and couldn't find the endzone against Missouri's defense. That isn't saying much. Why Texas was still even ranked is beyond me. Missouri beats them after losing six straight to Texas, and in the final meeting of the two conference schools. Final score 17-5, Missouri.
Best game no one watched - Toledo over Western Michigan 66-63, in regulation! Defensive coordinators for both schools should be kicked to the curb.
Another quiet, good team.
Virginia Tech's only loss of their season was to current ninth ranked Clemson. After beating a good Georgia Tech team this past Saturday, the Hokies are sitting at 9-1, and looking to win their fifth ACC title in only 7 years.
Somewhat satisfied, for now.
Arkansas took care of business against a struggling Tennessee team riddled with injuries. The Hogs turned in big play after big play, none more exciting than Joe Adams' 60 yard punt return. Adams broke 6 tackles, ran around in circles for about ten seconds, then found a seam and followed his blockers the rest of the way. Probably the best punt return of the year. Tyler Wilson was efficient, throwing for 224 yards and three scores. But again, the Hog defense was troubling. Tennessee moved the ball pretty consistently up and down the field with a true freshman QB making his first start, they just couldn't convert in the red zone. But if you keep them from scoring touchdowns, you'll take it. The better team did win out. Final score 49-7, Arkansas.
Until next week.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
2011 - week 9
Times are getting tough, and no one is safe. There are only a few unbeaten left, and there are about to be less. The national title race is about to get interesting. But first, we'll take a look at how we got here.
Get it out of the way.
I'll start with the Hogs this week, because frankly, it makes me sick. I know everyone says a win is a win, and I get that. But Arkansas has to scratch and claw their way back into games in the second half against teams like Texas A&M(5-3), Ole Miss(2-6), and Vanderbilt(4-4) because they let them jump out to big leads early. It's super annoying. What is it about this team that they can't get it going unless they get hit in the mouth first, which happens every game now. If I have to hear Bobby Petrino say one more time about how he's happy the way the team responded after being down, I'm going to puke. I have an idea, stop having to respond! Again, these have been to teams that aren't exactly lighting it up against everyone else either. None are ranked, A&M is having a disappointing year, Ole Miss hasn't won a conference game in 14 tries, literally, and Vanderbilt is still Vanderbilt. And I still don't understand why Jarius Wright is the only receiver who can get open. I'm happy he is having a great season, but all the talk of this being the best receiving corps in the country is out the window. Greg Childs fell off the planet and gave up, I don't hear Joe Adams' name ever anymore, and Cobi Hamilton plays in slow motion. And don't even get me started on the defense, or lack there of. Not to mention, thanks to Marquel Wade, we've added a thugalicious aspect to the team. Arkansas is the luckiest, most overrated 7-1 team in the history of college football. And I can't wait to go to Fayetteville this weekend to cheer them on against South Carolina!
Wait, what?
So just one week after Texas Tech completely controls the entire game and beats OU IN Norman, they follow that up with getting run out of the stadium to....wait for it....Iowa State. Talk about getting up for one game and forgetting you still had to play the rest of the season. Tech amassed almost 600 yards of offense at OU, and then 290 against Iowa State. Tech QB Seth Doege was my player of the week last week, throwing for over 400 yards and 4 td's, this week, 290, no touchdowns. Way to go dude. This game was in Lubbock too. Typical Tech I guess, they're about as roller coaster of a program as there is. Final score 41-7, Iowa State.
Speaking of roller coasters.
Remember about three weeks ago when I said Wisconsin may be the fourth best team in the country, and has a very good shot to play for the national title? Well, I was an idiot. They have now lost two games in a row, and are out of it, nationally at least. They somehow gave up a game ending hail mary touchdown pass at Michigan State(which was awesome), and let the completely discombobulated Ohio State come back more than once to beat you. Not only that, it was another long touchdown pass that cost them, this time with just 20 seconds left. After everyone thought Russell Wilson was the final piece in the Wisconsin arsenal to go all the way, it seems as though he wasn't. Although he did play well, throwing for 259 yards and three scores with no picks. The most surprising thing is Ohio State. They haven't been able to do anything on offense for a while, until freshman Braxton Miller got it going. He threw for only 82 yards, but rushed for 99 and two td's. Or maybe it was the uniforms, those were sick. See for yourself. http://www.nikeblog.com/2011/09/12/2011-ohio-state-pro-combat-uniform/ Final score 33-29, Ohio State.
Speaking of wild finishes.
And who just cemented himself the Heisman. Andrew Luck and Stanford got out of the Los Angeles Coliseum after three overtimes with a win. There hasn't been many good things to say about USC recently, but they were 6-1 and playing good football. Stanford, as mentioned before, won 15 games in a row going into last week. And again, Luck came through. He passed for 330 yards, 3 touchdowns, and even overcame an interception return for a touchdown to still win. The guy is unbelievable. USC QB Matt Barkley is also pretty good, who threw for 284 yards and three scores himself. He is the least talked about good quarterback in the country. It wasn't enough however. Stanford's win streak is at 16. Final score 56-48, Stanford.
Still rolling along.
And still somehow a little quiet. I don't know if its the fact people don't think they will finish this high or what, but Oklahoma State is 8-0, third in the BCS, and steamrolling their opponents. This week it was a high powered Baylor squad, who got so much love to start the season, but has now fizzled. Okie State's offense is probably the most balanced out of the top teams. Not only can Brandon Weedon sling it around, but they rushed for 327 yards last week, with 5 touchdowns. The defense still needs work, giving up 622 total yards to Baylor. But they seem to be able to make plays when they need it, sort of the bend, don't break mentality. Mike Gundy has taken this team to new levels. The Big 12 title will come down to Bedlam at the end of the season. Final score 59-24, Oklahoma State.
Finally.
I've said in recent weeks, I'm just waiting for Clemson to not live up to their hype, and fall. And thanks to Georgia Tech, they did. Ga Tech is one of those teams that if the triple offense is clicking, they are tough to beat. They got it going for 383 yards rushing. Clemson freshman Sammy Watkins still played well, catching 10 balls for 159 yards and a score. There is no better freshman in the country this year, period. Clemson is still a really good team, they're just not top five good. Final score 31-17, Georgia Tech.
Speaking of top five good.
After playing uninspired against an inferior opponent and getting beat like they do once a year, OU got back on track. Going to Kansas State where no one in their right mind thought the Wildcats would be undefeated and ranked ninth, was going to be a challenge. But OU stormed out of the gate, playing inspired. Hey see what happens when you get ready?! K State even put up a good fight for a while, having a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. But it was a mismatch after that. OU finished with 690 total yards, to K State's 240. And after being behind 17-14, the Sooners scored 44 unanswered points the rest of the way. Sorry K State, not as good as you thought you were. Final score 58-17, Oklahoma.
Speaking of up and down.
One week after Michigan State threw a hail mary pass as time ran out to beat Wisconsin, they scored three points and lost. Notice a theme this week? Play huge one week, come out flat the next. The Spartans could never get it going at Nebraska, who themselves are a little hard to figure out. Although the Huskers are 7-1, I don't feel completely comfortable that every week they are going to play up to their potential. They did this week however, holding Michigan State to just 187 total yards. Final score 24-3, Nebraska.
Blowout of the week - Sam Houston State over Lamar, 66-0.
Thanks and see ya later.
Remember all the talk about Texas A&M to begin the season? About how great they were and how they were going to a BCS bowl? Well, they lost to Missouri 38-31 in overtime, at home, and are now 5-3. Their third double digit halftime lead given up this year. Bye bye.
Until next week.
Get it out of the way.
I'll start with the Hogs this week, because frankly, it makes me sick. I know everyone says a win is a win, and I get that. But Arkansas has to scratch and claw their way back into games in the second half against teams like Texas A&M(5-3), Ole Miss(2-6), and Vanderbilt(4-4) because they let them jump out to big leads early. It's super annoying. What is it about this team that they can't get it going unless they get hit in the mouth first, which happens every game now. If I have to hear Bobby Petrino say one more time about how he's happy the way the team responded after being down, I'm going to puke. I have an idea, stop having to respond! Again, these have been to teams that aren't exactly lighting it up against everyone else either. None are ranked, A&M is having a disappointing year, Ole Miss hasn't won a conference game in 14 tries, literally, and Vanderbilt is still Vanderbilt. And I still don't understand why Jarius Wright is the only receiver who can get open. I'm happy he is having a great season, but all the talk of this being the best receiving corps in the country is out the window. Greg Childs fell off the planet and gave up, I don't hear Joe Adams' name ever anymore, and Cobi Hamilton plays in slow motion. And don't even get me started on the defense, or lack there of. Not to mention, thanks to Marquel Wade, we've added a thugalicious aspect to the team. Arkansas is the luckiest, most overrated 7-1 team in the history of college football. And I can't wait to go to Fayetteville this weekend to cheer them on against South Carolina!
Wait, what?
So just one week after Texas Tech completely controls the entire game and beats OU IN Norman, they follow that up with getting run out of the stadium to....wait for it....Iowa State. Talk about getting up for one game and forgetting you still had to play the rest of the season. Tech amassed almost 600 yards of offense at OU, and then 290 against Iowa State. Tech QB Seth Doege was my player of the week last week, throwing for over 400 yards and 4 td's, this week, 290, no touchdowns. Way to go dude. This game was in Lubbock too. Typical Tech I guess, they're about as roller coaster of a program as there is. Final score 41-7, Iowa State.
Speaking of roller coasters.
Remember about three weeks ago when I said Wisconsin may be the fourth best team in the country, and has a very good shot to play for the national title? Well, I was an idiot. They have now lost two games in a row, and are out of it, nationally at least. They somehow gave up a game ending hail mary touchdown pass at Michigan State(which was awesome), and let the completely discombobulated Ohio State come back more than once to beat you. Not only that, it was another long touchdown pass that cost them, this time with just 20 seconds left. After everyone thought Russell Wilson was the final piece in the Wisconsin arsenal to go all the way, it seems as though he wasn't. Although he did play well, throwing for 259 yards and three scores with no picks. The most surprising thing is Ohio State. They haven't been able to do anything on offense for a while, until freshman Braxton Miller got it going. He threw for only 82 yards, but rushed for 99 and two td's. Or maybe it was the uniforms, those were sick. See for yourself. http://www.nikeblog.com/2011/09/12/2011-ohio-state-pro-combat-uniform/ Final score 33-29, Ohio State.
Speaking of wild finishes.
And who just cemented himself the Heisman. Andrew Luck and Stanford got out of the Los Angeles Coliseum after three overtimes with a win. There hasn't been many good things to say about USC recently, but they were 6-1 and playing good football. Stanford, as mentioned before, won 15 games in a row going into last week. And again, Luck came through. He passed for 330 yards, 3 touchdowns, and even overcame an interception return for a touchdown to still win. The guy is unbelievable. USC QB Matt Barkley is also pretty good, who threw for 284 yards and three scores himself. He is the least talked about good quarterback in the country. It wasn't enough however. Stanford's win streak is at 16. Final score 56-48, Stanford.
Still rolling along.
And still somehow a little quiet. I don't know if its the fact people don't think they will finish this high or what, but Oklahoma State is 8-0, third in the BCS, and steamrolling their opponents. This week it was a high powered Baylor squad, who got so much love to start the season, but has now fizzled. Okie State's offense is probably the most balanced out of the top teams. Not only can Brandon Weedon sling it around, but they rushed for 327 yards last week, with 5 touchdowns. The defense still needs work, giving up 622 total yards to Baylor. But they seem to be able to make plays when they need it, sort of the bend, don't break mentality. Mike Gundy has taken this team to new levels. The Big 12 title will come down to Bedlam at the end of the season. Final score 59-24, Oklahoma State.
Finally.
I've said in recent weeks, I'm just waiting for Clemson to not live up to their hype, and fall. And thanks to Georgia Tech, they did. Ga Tech is one of those teams that if the triple offense is clicking, they are tough to beat. They got it going for 383 yards rushing. Clemson freshman Sammy Watkins still played well, catching 10 balls for 159 yards and a score. There is no better freshman in the country this year, period. Clemson is still a really good team, they're just not top five good. Final score 31-17, Georgia Tech.
Speaking of top five good.
After playing uninspired against an inferior opponent and getting beat like they do once a year, OU got back on track. Going to Kansas State where no one in their right mind thought the Wildcats would be undefeated and ranked ninth, was going to be a challenge. But OU stormed out of the gate, playing inspired. Hey see what happens when you get ready?! K State even put up a good fight for a while, having a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. But it was a mismatch after that. OU finished with 690 total yards, to K State's 240. And after being behind 17-14, the Sooners scored 44 unanswered points the rest of the way. Sorry K State, not as good as you thought you were. Final score 58-17, Oklahoma.
Speaking of up and down.
One week after Michigan State threw a hail mary pass as time ran out to beat Wisconsin, they scored three points and lost. Notice a theme this week? Play huge one week, come out flat the next. The Spartans could never get it going at Nebraska, who themselves are a little hard to figure out. Although the Huskers are 7-1, I don't feel completely comfortable that every week they are going to play up to their potential. They did this week however, holding Michigan State to just 187 total yards. Final score 24-3, Nebraska.
Blowout of the week - Sam Houston State over Lamar, 66-0.
Thanks and see ya later.
Remember all the talk about Texas A&M to begin the season? About how great they were and how they were going to a BCS bowl? Well, they lost to Missouri 38-31 in overtime, at home, and are now 5-3. Their third double digit halftime lead given up this year. Bye bye.
Until next week.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
2011 - week 7
The BCS standings were released, with no surprises at the top. The season is shaping up to have a wild, intense finish. The top 4 teams in the BCS all have to still play each other. But, we have a long way to go.
Speaking of the top two teams.
Who reside in the same conference, in the same division. Both LSU and Alabama took care of overmatched opponents. LSU turned in another wear you down performance over Tennessee. The Vols had no chance. Even if Tennessee starting QB Tyler Bray would have played, it wouldn't have mattered. Final score 38-7. Alabama started somewhat slow at Ole Miss, holding onto a 14-7 lead at half. But then blew the doors off in the second half. Trent Richardson continues to make his Heisman campaign bigger, rushing for 181 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bama had 615 total yards of offense, to Ole Miss' 141. Ouch. That's about as mismatched a game as you will see. Ole Miss is a conference opponent too, not an early season FCS school. Final score 52-7. These two teams play in two weeks. Armageddon ensues.
Two in a row.
The theme for the matchup between Oklahoma State and Texas was two in a row. Texas had not lost a game after losing the Red River Shootout in 10 plus years, and OSU had not beaten Texas two years in a row in, forever. Well, both happened. The Pokes were able to get big plays, and make just enough plays on defense to hold on, in Austin. That is still the question for Okie State. Are they going to make enough plays on defense in key situations to go to the next level. Their offense will certainly keep them in games, but, wait for it, defense wins championships. Texas' Fozzy Whitaker returned his second 100 yard kickoff return(in a row) for a touchdown, but Texas' offense sputtered at the end. It looks as though David Ash is taking over at QB full time for the Longhorns. Sorry, no more McCoy to Shipley references, I'll miss those. Final score 38-26, Oklahoma State.
Boise State beat Colorado State 63-13. Did their schedule get even easier when they moved to the Mountain West?
Rolling along.
In case you didn't know, Stanford has won 14 games in a row. Yes, the same Stanford that went 1-11 back in '06. The loss that came before that win streak was to Oregon, who only made it to the national championship game last year. Of course they didn't have Andrew Luck back then, who this week passed for 336 yards and 4 td's against poor old Washington State. The guy is a machine. He may or may not win the Heisman, but he is the most complete quarterback we've seen in college in quite some time. Final score 44-14, Stanford.
Still?
I keep waiting for Clemson to pull a, well, Clemson. A team that always seems to find a way to lose games they shouldn't when they are highly ranked. It almost happened last weekend, but thanks to Sammy Watkins, it didn't. With Maryland leading 35-17 early in the third quarter, Watkins took over. He caught td passes of 13 and 15 yards in the third quarter, then ran a kickoff back 89 yards in the fourth! He accounted for 375 total yards, and 3 touchdowns, all in the second half. Clemson somehow stays undefeated. Final score 56-45, Clemson.
Not anymore.
Speaking of somehow undefeated, until last week. Michigan took care of business in the first half of the season, something I didn't think they could do. But their first real test, a road trip to Michigan State was failed miserably. First of all, the uniforms they busted out were horrendous, some throwback looking things. Michigan's uniform is maybe my favorite looking uniform, and they've worn this get-up twice now this season. Michigan State also brought out some new unis, which were not bad. But let's get to the actual football. The Spartans were able to contain Mr. Explosive Denard Robinson, and only allowed 250 total yards of offense. MSU also returned an interception back for a td, which always helps. Look for Michigan to do what they always do, start the season fast, and end slow. Final score 28-14, Michigan State.
Speaking of taking care of business.
And also start slow. Oklahoma looked to have a bit of a Red River hangover to start against the worst team in the Big12, Kansas. Tied 10-10 early in the second quarter, OU turned it on. After a td run by Roy Finch, it was also time to get Ryan Broyles the record for most receptions in college football history. So they sent him deep and connected on a 57 yard td pass to break it. Good for him. In what feels like his 15th season in Norman, Broyles has been the ultimate receiver at OU. He catches double digit passes just about every week, and seems to score when you need him to. OU continues to be in cruise control. Final score 47-17, Oklahoma.
Reason I never talk about them.
West Virginia is the only good thing that has come out of the Big East in a good while. On the national scale, they are easily the worst conference. Utah was 2-3, and 0-3 in the PAC 12 going into their mid-season matchup with Pittsburgh. Pitt was of course heavily favored, and playing at home. And to no one's surprise, they stunk it up, and got run out of their own stadium. Utah's three losses were a combined 89-42 margin of loss, yet were able to run all over the Panthers. Pitt amassed 120 total yards of offense, and their two touchdowns came on a kickoff return and a blocked punt. Pitiful. If I don't mention the Big East the rest of the season, you know why. Final score 26-14, Utah.
Just keep winning.
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Bill Snyder's second tour of rebuilding at Kansas State was going well this year. Even after giving up 580 yards of offense to Texas Tech, and being down 28-20 at half, K State found a way to win. I only know one player's name on that team, Collin Klein, the QB of course. They haven't had the toughest schedule in the world, but they are another team that no one thought would be in this position. I mean they won their first game 10-7 over Eastern Kentucky! Come on. The road gets much tougher starting two weeks, with games against OU, Okie State, A&M, and Texas all in a row. We'll see what they are made of after that stretch. Speaking of Texas Tech, I'm wondering when Tommy Tuberville is going to give up the "Air Raid" offense. I give it one more year to please the fans, then he'll switch to what made him successful at Auburn, a power running game and good defense. Final score 41-34, Kansas State.
Where's the offense?
A few weeks ago, the Auburn versus Florida game sounded like a good one. Well, with Florida having to go through LSU and Alabama in consecutive weeks and getting dismantled, and Auburn being run out of Arkansas, it lost it sizzle. And when the game started, it wasn't much better. Both offenses got a whole lot of nothing going throughout the game. Barret Trotter for Auburn was benched in favor of Clint Moseley, who looks to get the nod the rest of the way. And Florida used everyone but the waterboy in the game at QB. It resulted in less than 500 yards of offense total from both squads for the game. Miserable. Thanks to two muffed punts by Florida, Auburn was able to capitalize on short fields. If not for that, the score might have been 7-3. Florida already looking to next year. Final score 17-6, Auburn.
Until next week.
Speaking of the top two teams.
Who reside in the same conference, in the same division. Both LSU and Alabama took care of overmatched opponents. LSU turned in another wear you down performance over Tennessee. The Vols had no chance. Even if Tennessee starting QB Tyler Bray would have played, it wouldn't have mattered. Final score 38-7. Alabama started somewhat slow at Ole Miss, holding onto a 14-7 lead at half. But then blew the doors off in the second half. Trent Richardson continues to make his Heisman campaign bigger, rushing for 181 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bama had 615 total yards of offense, to Ole Miss' 141. Ouch. That's about as mismatched a game as you will see. Ole Miss is a conference opponent too, not an early season FCS school. Final score 52-7. These two teams play in two weeks. Armageddon ensues.
Two in a row.
The theme for the matchup between Oklahoma State and Texas was two in a row. Texas had not lost a game after losing the Red River Shootout in 10 plus years, and OSU had not beaten Texas two years in a row in, forever. Well, both happened. The Pokes were able to get big plays, and make just enough plays on defense to hold on, in Austin. That is still the question for Okie State. Are they going to make enough plays on defense in key situations to go to the next level. Their offense will certainly keep them in games, but, wait for it, defense wins championships. Texas' Fozzy Whitaker returned his second 100 yard kickoff return(in a row) for a touchdown, but Texas' offense sputtered at the end. It looks as though David Ash is taking over at QB full time for the Longhorns. Sorry, no more McCoy to Shipley references, I'll miss those. Final score 38-26, Oklahoma State.
Boise State beat Colorado State 63-13. Did their schedule get even easier when they moved to the Mountain West?
Rolling along.
In case you didn't know, Stanford has won 14 games in a row. Yes, the same Stanford that went 1-11 back in '06. The loss that came before that win streak was to Oregon, who only made it to the national championship game last year. Of course they didn't have Andrew Luck back then, who this week passed for 336 yards and 4 td's against poor old Washington State. The guy is a machine. He may or may not win the Heisman, but he is the most complete quarterback we've seen in college in quite some time. Final score 44-14, Stanford.
Still?
I keep waiting for Clemson to pull a, well, Clemson. A team that always seems to find a way to lose games they shouldn't when they are highly ranked. It almost happened last weekend, but thanks to Sammy Watkins, it didn't. With Maryland leading 35-17 early in the third quarter, Watkins took over. He caught td passes of 13 and 15 yards in the third quarter, then ran a kickoff back 89 yards in the fourth! He accounted for 375 total yards, and 3 touchdowns, all in the second half. Clemson somehow stays undefeated. Final score 56-45, Clemson.
Not anymore.
Speaking of somehow undefeated, until last week. Michigan took care of business in the first half of the season, something I didn't think they could do. But their first real test, a road trip to Michigan State was failed miserably. First of all, the uniforms they busted out were horrendous, some throwback looking things. Michigan's uniform is maybe my favorite looking uniform, and they've worn this get-up twice now this season. Michigan State also brought out some new unis, which were not bad. But let's get to the actual football. The Spartans were able to contain Mr. Explosive Denard Robinson, and only allowed 250 total yards of offense. MSU also returned an interception back for a td, which always helps. Look for Michigan to do what they always do, start the season fast, and end slow. Final score 28-14, Michigan State.
Speaking of taking care of business.
And also start slow. Oklahoma looked to have a bit of a Red River hangover to start against the worst team in the Big12, Kansas. Tied 10-10 early in the second quarter, OU turned it on. After a td run by Roy Finch, it was also time to get Ryan Broyles the record for most receptions in college football history. So they sent him deep and connected on a 57 yard td pass to break it. Good for him. In what feels like his 15th season in Norman, Broyles has been the ultimate receiver at OU. He catches double digit passes just about every week, and seems to score when you need him to. OU continues to be in cruise control. Final score 47-17, Oklahoma.
Reason I never talk about them.
West Virginia is the only good thing that has come out of the Big East in a good while. On the national scale, they are easily the worst conference. Utah was 2-3, and 0-3 in the PAC 12 going into their mid-season matchup with Pittsburgh. Pitt was of course heavily favored, and playing at home. And to no one's surprise, they stunk it up, and got run out of their own stadium. Utah's three losses were a combined 89-42 margin of loss, yet were able to run all over the Panthers. Pitt amassed 120 total yards of offense, and their two touchdowns came on a kickoff return and a blocked punt. Pitiful. If I don't mention the Big East the rest of the season, you know why. Final score 26-14, Utah.
Just keep winning.
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Bill Snyder's second tour of rebuilding at Kansas State was going well this year. Even after giving up 580 yards of offense to Texas Tech, and being down 28-20 at half, K State found a way to win. I only know one player's name on that team, Collin Klein, the QB of course. They haven't had the toughest schedule in the world, but they are another team that no one thought would be in this position. I mean they won their first game 10-7 over Eastern Kentucky! Come on. The road gets much tougher starting two weeks, with games against OU, Okie State, A&M, and Texas all in a row. We'll see what they are made of after that stretch. Speaking of Texas Tech, I'm wondering when Tommy Tuberville is going to give up the "Air Raid" offense. I give it one more year to please the fans, then he'll switch to what made him successful at Auburn, a power running game and good defense. Final score 41-34, Kansas State.
Where's the offense?
A few weeks ago, the Auburn versus Florida game sounded like a good one. Well, with Florida having to go through LSU and Alabama in consecutive weeks and getting dismantled, and Auburn being run out of Arkansas, it lost it sizzle. And when the game started, it wasn't much better. Both offenses got a whole lot of nothing going throughout the game. Barret Trotter for Auburn was benched in favor of Clint Moseley, who looks to get the nod the rest of the way. And Florida used everyone but the waterboy in the game at QB. It resulted in less than 500 yards of offense total from both squads for the game. Miserable. Thanks to two muffed punts by Florida, Auburn was able to capitalize on short fields. If not for that, the score might have been 7-3. Florida already looking to next year. Final score 17-6, Auburn.
Until next week.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
2011 - week 6
We're already halfway through the season, man this stuff goes by fast! Things are starting to take shape, as big time matchups failed to live up. Teams at the top are starting to separate.
Case in point.
The Red River Shootout(I refuse to call it the Red River Rivalry)
Both teams came in undefeated, but no one expected Texas to be. How good were they really? OU on the other hand was supposed to be unbeaten still. And it showed why one team was expected to be, and why the other was not. This wasn't even a game. Texas' two quarterback circus finally backfired horribly. Texas only managed 259 total yards of offense, and coughed up five turnovers, three of which were returned for touchdowns. If not for a kickoff return for a score, and a garbage-time touchdown when OU had the cheerleaders in the game, Texas would have put up just three points. Landry Jones threw for 367 yards and three td's, and OU's receivers made it look easy against the Longhorn secondary. It was just an old fashioned butt whoopin'. Final score 55-17, Oklahoma.
Speaking of murders.
For the second week in a row, the SEC West showed who is running things right now in the conference. The gap between the East and West's best teams is astounding. Florida, who is supposed to be the second best team in the East, lost 38-10 to Alabama last week, and 41-11 this week to LSU. Not to mention, Auburn beat South Carolina on the road two weeks ago, and SC is the favorite in the East. Granted Florida is without starting QB John Brantley, but they weren't doing much better when he did play against Bama. LSU took it to Florida from the start, and it also was never a game. LSU corner Tyrann Mathieu had ANOTHER interception, making his case for maybe the best overall player in the country. LSU and Bama are on a collision course meeting on Nov. 5th that may stop time.
Speaking of Florida schools.
After the big three Florida programs all lost this past Saturday, for the first time in what seems like 80 years, no Florida team is ranked in the top 25. With the success in the last twenty years of Florida State, Miami, and Florida, to not have one of them ranked is weird. I'm surprised someone didn't rank one of them 25th just to keep the streak alive. But the fact is, Miami is 2-3 after blowing a lead late to Virginia Tech. Florida State is 2-3 after losing to Wake Forest. Florida is at least 4-2, but those two losses were beatdowns they had no chance in. The end of an era, at least for now.
Still haven't lost?
Michigan is somehow quietly still unbeaten and ranked 11th in the nation. Huh? Now their only quality win was a comeback victory over Notre Dame, but I didn't think they would be able to even do that. First year head coach Brady Hoke came into a horrible situation after Rich Rodriguez left the program in disarray. Michigan had the worst defense in the history of college football, and possible NCAA infractions looming. But he does have one of the most explosive players in the country at quarterback in Denard Robinson, who continues to put up great numbers. The truest dual threat QB in the country, with 1130 passing yards and 10 td's, to go with 720 yards rushing and 8 scores. Nice. Big test this week against rival Michigan State.
Just keeps getting worse.
I've said a few times already that Ohio State is cooked, gonners, whatever you want to call it. And just when you thought they were going to pull off a big win on the road at Nebraska, they show you why those players that aren't on the team anymore got paid so much. Because they won games! The Buckeyes were in complete control, and somehow found their offense. They were enjoying a 27-6 lead in the third quarter, when it came off the hinges. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead lead the charge, and Nebraska stormed back to score 28 unanswered points in the second half. Ohio State coach Luke Fickell may not even get another year, he may be ousted at the end of this season they suck so bad. Final score 34-27, Nebraska.
Speaking of sucking.
Not just on the field, but in life also. We all know the story by now about South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia, who was going for the record number of times suspended from a team, only to always be reinstated. I've said all along that Spurrier knew he needed Garcia to win the SEC East, well not anymore. Garcia reportedly was caught with, and or using marijuana and alcohol, which violated his stipulations that allowed him to come back in the first place. I guess he gave up after losing his starting job to Connor Shaw, again. And watching Shaw use that opportunity to run a train on Kentucky this past weekend to a 54-3 demolishing. As soon as Spurrier knew he didn't need Garcia to win anymore, he booted him. So long sucka.
Boise State beats Fresno State 57-7.
Quietest good team.
Who also happens to have the best player in the country, Stanford. They are 5-0, and blow out everyone. Andrew Luck continues to play great football, this week throwing for 370 yards and three touchdowns. H even caught a throw back pass one handed while diving out of bounds! WHAT?! Dude is that good. After head coach Jim Harbaugh bolted to the NFL, I thought they would regress considerably. But they haven't. They play good defense, and the offense seems just as potent as ever. They haven't played a super tough schedule to date, so they will get their chance to show how good they really are. But when you easily handle everyone you have gone up against, that says something. This week it was Colorado, who hasn't exactly taken to their new conference very well. But like we didn't expect that anyway. Final score 48-7, Stanford.
Satisfied this time.
After giving up another long play for a score, and being down 14-7 after the first quarter, I was not happy with the Hogs. Auburn seemed to be able to run the ball at will, whether it was Michael Dyer or Kiehl Frazier, Arkansas couldn't stop them. But the defense finally showed up. Why they can't do it to start the game I'll never know. The Arkansas defense apparently has to be woken up by the other team scoring first to play well. Two weeks ago against A&M, it took giving up 35 points and over 300 yards rushing in the first half to start playing. This week, the 14-7 deficit was enough. The Hogs shut them out the rest of the way, and the offensive onslaught began. Tyler Wilson continues to improve and become the QB we thought he would be. For now, it looks as though the team is getting it together. This could still be a 10-2 team. Final score 38-14, Arkansas.
Until next week.
Case in point.
The Red River Shootout(I refuse to call it the Red River Rivalry)
Both teams came in undefeated, but no one expected Texas to be. How good were they really? OU on the other hand was supposed to be unbeaten still. And it showed why one team was expected to be, and why the other was not. This wasn't even a game. Texas' two quarterback circus finally backfired horribly. Texas only managed 259 total yards of offense, and coughed up five turnovers, three of which were returned for touchdowns. If not for a kickoff return for a score, and a garbage-time touchdown when OU had the cheerleaders in the game, Texas would have put up just three points. Landry Jones threw for 367 yards and three td's, and OU's receivers made it look easy against the Longhorn secondary. It was just an old fashioned butt whoopin'. Final score 55-17, Oklahoma.
Speaking of murders.
For the second week in a row, the SEC West showed who is running things right now in the conference. The gap between the East and West's best teams is astounding. Florida, who is supposed to be the second best team in the East, lost 38-10 to Alabama last week, and 41-11 this week to LSU. Not to mention, Auburn beat South Carolina on the road two weeks ago, and SC is the favorite in the East. Granted Florida is without starting QB John Brantley, but they weren't doing much better when he did play against Bama. LSU took it to Florida from the start, and it also was never a game. LSU corner Tyrann Mathieu had ANOTHER interception, making his case for maybe the best overall player in the country. LSU and Bama are on a collision course meeting on Nov. 5th that may stop time.
Speaking of Florida schools.
After the big three Florida programs all lost this past Saturday, for the first time in what seems like 80 years, no Florida team is ranked in the top 25. With the success in the last twenty years of Florida State, Miami, and Florida, to not have one of them ranked is weird. I'm surprised someone didn't rank one of them 25th just to keep the streak alive. But the fact is, Miami is 2-3 after blowing a lead late to Virginia Tech. Florida State is 2-3 after losing to Wake Forest. Florida is at least 4-2, but those two losses were beatdowns they had no chance in. The end of an era, at least for now.
Still haven't lost?
Michigan is somehow quietly still unbeaten and ranked 11th in the nation. Huh? Now their only quality win was a comeback victory over Notre Dame, but I didn't think they would be able to even do that. First year head coach Brady Hoke came into a horrible situation after Rich Rodriguez left the program in disarray. Michigan had the worst defense in the history of college football, and possible NCAA infractions looming. But he does have one of the most explosive players in the country at quarterback in Denard Robinson, who continues to put up great numbers. The truest dual threat QB in the country, with 1130 passing yards and 10 td's, to go with 720 yards rushing and 8 scores. Nice. Big test this week against rival Michigan State.
Just keeps getting worse.
I've said a few times already that Ohio State is cooked, gonners, whatever you want to call it. And just when you thought they were going to pull off a big win on the road at Nebraska, they show you why those players that aren't on the team anymore got paid so much. Because they won games! The Buckeyes were in complete control, and somehow found their offense. They were enjoying a 27-6 lead in the third quarter, when it came off the hinges. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead lead the charge, and Nebraska stormed back to score 28 unanswered points in the second half. Ohio State coach Luke Fickell may not even get another year, he may be ousted at the end of this season they suck so bad. Final score 34-27, Nebraska.
Speaking of sucking.
Not just on the field, but in life also. We all know the story by now about South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia, who was going for the record number of times suspended from a team, only to always be reinstated. I've said all along that Spurrier knew he needed Garcia to win the SEC East, well not anymore. Garcia reportedly was caught with, and or using marijuana and alcohol, which violated his stipulations that allowed him to come back in the first place. I guess he gave up after losing his starting job to Connor Shaw, again. And watching Shaw use that opportunity to run a train on Kentucky this past weekend to a 54-3 demolishing. As soon as Spurrier knew he didn't need Garcia to win anymore, he booted him. So long sucka.
Boise State beats Fresno State 57-7.
Quietest good team.
Who also happens to have the best player in the country, Stanford. They are 5-0, and blow out everyone. Andrew Luck continues to play great football, this week throwing for 370 yards and three touchdowns. H even caught a throw back pass one handed while diving out of bounds! WHAT?! Dude is that good. After head coach Jim Harbaugh bolted to the NFL, I thought they would regress considerably. But they haven't. They play good defense, and the offense seems just as potent as ever. They haven't played a super tough schedule to date, so they will get their chance to show how good they really are. But when you easily handle everyone you have gone up against, that says something. This week it was Colorado, who hasn't exactly taken to their new conference very well. But like we didn't expect that anyway. Final score 48-7, Stanford.
Satisfied this time.
After giving up another long play for a score, and being down 14-7 after the first quarter, I was not happy with the Hogs. Auburn seemed to be able to run the ball at will, whether it was Michael Dyer or Kiehl Frazier, Arkansas couldn't stop them. But the defense finally showed up. Why they can't do it to start the game I'll never know. The Arkansas defense apparently has to be woken up by the other team scoring first to play well. Two weeks ago against A&M, it took giving up 35 points and over 300 yards rushing in the first half to start playing. This week, the 14-7 deficit was enough. The Hogs shut them out the rest of the way, and the offensive onslaught began. Tyler Wilson continues to improve and become the QB we thought he would be. For now, it looks as though the team is getting it together. This could still be a 10-2 team. Final score 38-14, Arkansas.
Until next week.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
2011 - week 5
We're getting into the meat of the season now. Most everyone is in the full conference schedule now, and should be finding out about themselves. This is when it really starts to get interesting.
Still sound like a good idea?
Last week I verbally unloaded on the Hogs, and frankly, I want to again. But I won't. A win is a win, and if not for the heroics of Tyler Wilson and Jarius Wright, it would have been a massacre of words by me. The defense in the first half was atrocious, letting Texas A&M run for around 250 yards and score five touchdowns. But thankfully I was probably not the only one screaming at the players at halftime(they could hear me through the TV, I swear). The coaching staff did something right, because the second half was a different story. The defense clamped down and only allowed three points, even though they still continued to give up a lot of yards(628 total for the game, ouch). Jarius Wright continues to be the only receiver that can get open, and Greg Childs apparently doesn't feel like playing anymore. The running game is still non existent, but showed signs of life late in the game when they needed it. Broderick Green is back from an off-season knee injury, and looks to be ready to go. Tyler Wilson passed for 510 yards, breaking the school record by 101 for a game. I'm still not sure about this team, but again, it was a victory. And if there weren't enough Aggie jokes to begin with, more are bound to start surfacing. I've been saying for while now, A&M to the SEC isn't a good idea for them. I just don't get when they decided they actually belonged. Was it the 0-7 record against SEC teams since joining the Big 12, spanning 16 years? Or was it the fact that they just didn't realize what they were getting into before jumping ship out of jealousy to Texas? Even the Associated Press recap article had a line in it after the game that went something like, "get used to it A&M, it may be like this for a while." Noting how Arkansas fans were cheering after the game and yelling at Aggie fans, welcome to the SEC!! I mean, did the A&M higher-ups convos go like this, "hey, I'm really jealous of Texas' money and power in this conference, I have a great idea. Let's go to the best conference in the country, in fact, the best division in the land, to try to make them jealous. It's no big deal we can't compete with them, and haven't beaten a team from that conference in almost 20 years. We'll just say we're going for the recruiting and the money." I still say good luck. Final score 42-38, Arkansas.
Back to reality.
For now at least. Baylor's magical start to the season, and Robert Griffin's ridiculous stat sheet has taken a blow. After starting the season with only 12 incompletions to 13 touchdowns, and no interceptions, Griffin went 23-31(8 incompletions) and threw a pick. It was bound to happen, nobody can sustain that kind of success, especially at Baylor. It was a nice story, and Griffin is a good kid. But Kansas State came to play, and are sitting at 4-0 themselves. Bill Snyder for the second time has revived a lingering program, that guy can coach. And while Baylor can score on anyone, history shows that even with Griffin there, they can't handle success. Griffin may still make it to New York if he plays even close to what he has been doing. Final score 36-35, Kansas State.
Speaking of still undefeated.
Clemson? That team that always folds under high expectations? The one with the deuschy head coach? Yes, that Clemson. When looking at the schedule the last three weeks against Auburn, Florida State, and Virginia Tech, all ranked at the time, I would guess 1-2 if they were lucky. Nope. 3-0. 4-0 for the season after a convincing win over Va Tech, who I thought would kill them. Shows how much I know. I've mentioned before the true freshman Sammy Watkins, who continues to impress. And QB Tahj Boyd seems to be headed for a stellar season. The jury is still out on them though to see if they can keep it going. They have not been able to in the past. Final score 23-3, Clemson.
Rolling along.
It's been noted that Russell Wilson was a great fit at Wisconsin when he transferred in from NC State. But I didn't know it would be this good. Wisconsin was already a really good team. They have a great running game, and a solid defense. But with the addition of Wilson, they are just about as complete a team there is. He went 14-20 for 255 yards and 2 td's, no picks. With their running game, I don't think they can be stopped if he keeps putting up those numbers. On the flip side, the opponent was Nebraska, who on their own revenge tour from last year, and new beginnings chapter hasn't gone too well. They wanted so badly to avenge their Big 12 title game loss in '09 to Texas, but lost the rematch in '10. Then would have loved to beat an old rival in OU in their last Big 12 title game last year before bolting to the Big 10, but were unsuccessful there. And in said Big 10 debut, were crushed by this Wisconsin team. Not a good start. Good for me, I hate Nebraska. Final score, 48-17, Wisconsin.
Speaking of disappointment.
But is it really though? Super high expectations this year for South Carolina, and already they haven't lived up to it. For whatever reason, Steve Spurrier hasn't been able to get over the hump since taking over. Some people say they did last year by making it to the SEC title game last year, but they were run out of town by Auburn. And still managed to lose 5 games last season. Nice job. And we all know the "controversy" over starting QB Stephen Garcia, who after taking back his starting job three weeks ago, has been benched again, this time just for sucking. I though Garcia was the Gamecock's best option at quarterback, but it appears not to be. I don't think new starter Conner Shaw will be any better. But Spurrier has no choice. Point being that Auburn and their struggling defense was able to shut down Garcia and media darling running back Marcus Lattimore to just 289 total yards. While Auburn RB Michael Dyer ran 41 times for 141 yards and a score. Handing an SEC East team ANOTHER loss by an SEC West foe. Spurrier is now throwing in the towel and going with Shaw, who may provide a spark, but let's be honest, it won't matter. South Carolina under achieves again. Final score 16-13, Auburn.
Blowout of the week - Michigan over Minnesota, 58-0.
Dallas bests Ft. Worth.
SMU has enjoyed consecutive bowl trips and a program turnaround since the cheating days of the 80's. But the team just an hour away in TCU has had much more success, including a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin a year ago. But a season opening loss to Baylor, showed TCU was not the same team from the last couple of years. And this time, SMU was there to take it. Holding onto a 27-10 lead in the fourth quarter, on the road, SMU was riding high. But wait, TCU wasn't done. They came storming back to tie the game and send it to overtime! Surely the Mustangs weren't going to let this opportunity slip away. And they didn't. A 19 yard td pass in the first overtime by J.J. McDermott gave SMU the lead. They were then able to stop TCU on fourth down for the win! Yes! Final score 40-33, SMU.
Stat of the week - The guy who consistently gets awarded the most underrated coach in America, Mike Riley at Oregon State(never understood why), is now 0-4 on the season after this week's loss to Arizona. Underrated for what, not being mediocre enough?
What in the world happened?
Remember when Ohio State was probably going to be preseason ranked in the top five? Had a quarterback who was on the short list of real Heisman contenders? and who would have been going for what seemed to be their 48th straight Big 10 championship? Well less than a year later, they are 3-2, unranked, and scored a touchdown with 10 seconds left in the game to avoid being shutout. Four of the suspended 'tattoo five' are coming back this week, the one not is of course former main man Terrelle Pryor, who bolted out of town. It may make a difference, it may not. It couldn't hurt. The defense seems to be okay, holding Michigan State to just 10 points. But when your quarterback situation is about as well off as if I was the starter, there's not much hope. True freshman Braxton Miller looks to get the start this week. He has the potential, but is nowhere near ready. It may take a couple more years to get the Buckeyes going again, and that's only to say they don't massive NCAA infractions from what happened last year. I also still don't think head coach Luke Fickell is the answer. It was a sentimental hire for a guy who had played there, and been a long time assistant. He gets two seasons max, and he's outta there. Final score 10-7, Michigan State.
New segment: The bonehead play of the week.
Goes to Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor. Not only does he not know how to spell Chris, but for acting like a big shot after he scored Navy's go ahead touchdown in the first overtime of a wild comeback. Navy roared back from being down 28-10 early in the fourth quarter to tie it and send it to overtime. That I'm awesome move to an Air Force defender after the score resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Which then lead to the extra point being pushed back 15 yards, which was then blocked by Air Force. All Air Force had to do was score and kick the extra point, and they win. So they did just that. Hey Kriss, next time, learn how to spell, and don't get in the face of an opposing player and cost your team the game against a rival. Nice going.
Sort of like the Boise State and TCU sections of years past.
But this time it's for LSU and Alabama. They are clearly the best two teams in the country, with almost identical styles. Both have suffocating defenses, and efficient offenses, and are loaded across the board with NFL talent. LSU handled Kentucky easily 35-7, with corner Tyrann Matheiu scoring ANOTHER touchdown on a fumble recovery. And Bama went into the Swamp at Florida and dismantled the Gators, 38-10.
Until next week.
Still sound like a good idea?
Last week I verbally unloaded on the Hogs, and frankly, I want to again. But I won't. A win is a win, and if not for the heroics of Tyler Wilson and Jarius Wright, it would have been a massacre of words by me. The defense in the first half was atrocious, letting Texas A&M run for around 250 yards and score five touchdowns. But thankfully I was probably not the only one screaming at the players at halftime(they could hear me through the TV, I swear). The coaching staff did something right, because the second half was a different story. The defense clamped down and only allowed three points, even though they still continued to give up a lot of yards(628 total for the game, ouch). Jarius Wright continues to be the only receiver that can get open, and Greg Childs apparently doesn't feel like playing anymore. The running game is still non existent, but showed signs of life late in the game when they needed it. Broderick Green is back from an off-season knee injury, and looks to be ready to go. Tyler Wilson passed for 510 yards, breaking the school record by 101 for a game. I'm still not sure about this team, but again, it was a victory. And if there weren't enough Aggie jokes to begin with, more are bound to start surfacing. I've been saying for while now, A&M to the SEC isn't a good idea for them. I just don't get when they decided they actually belonged. Was it the 0-7 record against SEC teams since joining the Big 12, spanning 16 years? Or was it the fact that they just didn't realize what they were getting into before jumping ship out of jealousy to Texas? Even the Associated Press recap article had a line in it after the game that went something like, "get used to it A&M, it may be like this for a while." Noting how Arkansas fans were cheering after the game and yelling at Aggie fans, welcome to the SEC!! I mean, did the A&M higher-ups convos go like this, "hey, I'm really jealous of Texas' money and power in this conference, I have a great idea. Let's go to the best conference in the country, in fact, the best division in the land, to try to make them jealous. It's no big deal we can't compete with them, and haven't beaten a team from that conference in almost 20 years. We'll just say we're going for the recruiting and the money." I still say good luck. Final score 42-38, Arkansas.
Back to reality.
For now at least. Baylor's magical start to the season, and Robert Griffin's ridiculous stat sheet has taken a blow. After starting the season with only 12 incompletions to 13 touchdowns, and no interceptions, Griffin went 23-31(8 incompletions) and threw a pick. It was bound to happen, nobody can sustain that kind of success, especially at Baylor. It was a nice story, and Griffin is a good kid. But Kansas State came to play, and are sitting at 4-0 themselves. Bill Snyder for the second time has revived a lingering program, that guy can coach. And while Baylor can score on anyone, history shows that even with Griffin there, they can't handle success. Griffin may still make it to New York if he plays even close to what he has been doing. Final score 36-35, Kansas State.
Speaking of still undefeated.
Clemson? That team that always folds under high expectations? The one with the deuschy head coach? Yes, that Clemson. When looking at the schedule the last three weeks against Auburn, Florida State, and Virginia Tech, all ranked at the time, I would guess 1-2 if they were lucky. Nope. 3-0. 4-0 for the season after a convincing win over Va Tech, who I thought would kill them. Shows how much I know. I've mentioned before the true freshman Sammy Watkins, who continues to impress. And QB Tahj Boyd seems to be headed for a stellar season. The jury is still out on them though to see if they can keep it going. They have not been able to in the past. Final score 23-3, Clemson.
Rolling along.
It's been noted that Russell Wilson was a great fit at Wisconsin when he transferred in from NC State. But I didn't know it would be this good. Wisconsin was already a really good team. They have a great running game, and a solid defense. But with the addition of Wilson, they are just about as complete a team there is. He went 14-20 for 255 yards and 2 td's, no picks. With their running game, I don't think they can be stopped if he keeps putting up those numbers. On the flip side, the opponent was Nebraska, who on their own revenge tour from last year, and new beginnings chapter hasn't gone too well. They wanted so badly to avenge their Big 12 title game loss in '09 to Texas, but lost the rematch in '10. Then would have loved to beat an old rival in OU in their last Big 12 title game last year before bolting to the Big 10, but were unsuccessful there. And in said Big 10 debut, were crushed by this Wisconsin team. Not a good start. Good for me, I hate Nebraska. Final score, 48-17, Wisconsin.
Speaking of disappointment.
But is it really though? Super high expectations this year for South Carolina, and already they haven't lived up to it. For whatever reason, Steve Spurrier hasn't been able to get over the hump since taking over. Some people say they did last year by making it to the SEC title game last year, but they were run out of town by Auburn. And still managed to lose 5 games last season. Nice job. And we all know the "controversy" over starting QB Stephen Garcia, who after taking back his starting job three weeks ago, has been benched again, this time just for sucking. I though Garcia was the Gamecock's best option at quarterback, but it appears not to be. I don't think new starter Conner Shaw will be any better. But Spurrier has no choice. Point being that Auburn and their struggling defense was able to shut down Garcia and media darling running back Marcus Lattimore to just 289 total yards. While Auburn RB Michael Dyer ran 41 times for 141 yards and a score. Handing an SEC East team ANOTHER loss by an SEC West foe. Spurrier is now throwing in the towel and going with Shaw, who may provide a spark, but let's be honest, it won't matter. South Carolina under achieves again. Final score 16-13, Auburn.
Blowout of the week - Michigan over Minnesota, 58-0.
Dallas bests Ft. Worth.
SMU has enjoyed consecutive bowl trips and a program turnaround since the cheating days of the 80's. But the team just an hour away in TCU has had much more success, including a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin a year ago. But a season opening loss to Baylor, showed TCU was not the same team from the last couple of years. And this time, SMU was there to take it. Holding onto a 27-10 lead in the fourth quarter, on the road, SMU was riding high. But wait, TCU wasn't done. They came storming back to tie the game and send it to overtime! Surely the Mustangs weren't going to let this opportunity slip away. And they didn't. A 19 yard td pass in the first overtime by J.J. McDermott gave SMU the lead. They were then able to stop TCU on fourth down for the win! Yes! Final score 40-33, SMU.
Stat of the week - The guy who consistently gets awarded the most underrated coach in America, Mike Riley at Oregon State(never understood why), is now 0-4 on the season after this week's loss to Arizona. Underrated for what, not being mediocre enough?
What in the world happened?
Remember when Ohio State was probably going to be preseason ranked in the top five? Had a quarterback who was on the short list of real Heisman contenders? and who would have been going for what seemed to be their 48th straight Big 10 championship? Well less than a year later, they are 3-2, unranked, and scored a touchdown with 10 seconds left in the game to avoid being shutout. Four of the suspended 'tattoo five' are coming back this week, the one not is of course former main man Terrelle Pryor, who bolted out of town. It may make a difference, it may not. It couldn't hurt. The defense seems to be okay, holding Michigan State to just 10 points. But when your quarterback situation is about as well off as if I was the starter, there's not much hope. True freshman Braxton Miller looks to get the start this week. He has the potential, but is nowhere near ready. It may take a couple more years to get the Buckeyes going again, and that's only to say they don't massive NCAA infractions from what happened last year. I also still don't think head coach Luke Fickell is the answer. It was a sentimental hire for a guy who had played there, and been a long time assistant. He gets two seasons max, and he's outta there. Final score 10-7, Michigan State.
New segment: The bonehead play of the week.
Goes to Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor. Not only does he not know how to spell Chris, but for acting like a big shot after he scored Navy's go ahead touchdown in the first overtime of a wild comeback. Navy roared back from being down 28-10 early in the fourth quarter to tie it and send it to overtime. That I'm awesome move to an Air Force defender after the score resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Which then lead to the extra point being pushed back 15 yards, which was then blocked by Air Force. All Air Force had to do was score and kick the extra point, and they win. So they did just that. Hey Kriss, next time, learn how to spell, and don't get in the face of an opposing player and cost your team the game against a rival. Nice going.
Sort of like the Boise State and TCU sections of years past.
But this time it's for LSU and Alabama. They are clearly the best two teams in the country, with almost identical styles. Both have suffocating defenses, and efficient offenses, and are loaded across the board with NFL talent. LSU handled Kentucky easily 35-7, with corner Tyrann Matheiu scoring ANOTHER touchdown on a fumble recovery. And Bama went into the Swamp at Florida and dismantled the Gators, 38-10.
Until next week.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
2011 - week 4
Another solid weekend of football. A new number one emerged, and teams at the top flexed their muscle.
I'll get right to it.
Nowhere close to being ready/pardon my rant.
Arkansas came into this season with talk of being a better all around team than last year, even with the departure of stud Ryan Mallett. Through the first three games, everything looked great. The offense was humming along, and the defense was solid. But what seems to always happen is the programs that have had more success and more tradition over a longer period of time, will always be better than you. The Hogs went into Tuscaloosa, AL and looked like they never should have gotten off the bus. All week we heard it was the Arkansas offense versus the Alabama defense. And guess what, the Alabama defense dominated. As defenses always do!!! I know the media has to have something to talk about leading up to a big game, but I am sick and tired of hearing people try to guess which side of the ball is going to win out. I'll tell you, it's the defense. ALWAYS. Not only did the Bama defense completely shut down the Arkansas offense, it hit them in the mouth. Tyler Wilson was hit so many times he had to be taken out of the game in the second half. Every time Jarius Wright caught the ball, he was leveled by Bama corners, literally knocked off his feet. Greg Childs is still nowhere to be found, and the running game racked up a huge total of 17 yards. I don't even have time to go into the lies from the Arkansas coaches about how good the defense was supposed to be. Bama turned in their best offensive performance of the season BY FAR against the Hog "defense." Bama QB AJ McCarron was supposed to be the inexperienced one in this game, but he looked like the veteran who was more ready. Running back Trent Richardson single handily was almost better than the ENTIRE Arkansas offense. He accounted for 211 total yards, while Arkansas as a team had 226. It was just a weak showing by an Arkansas team who thought they were ready to compete with the big boys, and they were shut up. The elite programs in the country will always be better than you. You may win some games against them here and there, but it won't be many. And if they have a down year or two, don't worry, they'll make the necessary changes and get back to beating the programs who thought they could pass them up. Programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio State, LSU, Florida, and USC will always come back around and show you why they have won more games and championships than you have. They have the tradition, so they get the better players, and the better coaches. It will always be this way. Arkansas is not one of those programs. Final score 38-14, Alabama.
Another test passed with ease.
LSU decided to have the hardest possible 4 game stretch to start the season you could imagine. They have played three ranked teams, one at a neutral site, and the other two on the road. Most teams would be happy with a 2-2 record after, but the Tigers went 4-0 convincingly. Their latest victim came at 16th ranked West Virginia. A solid program with a good offense and speedy play makers. No problem for maybe the best defense in the country, who forced four turnovers in this contest. Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu makes more plays by himself than most defenses as a whole. Every time I look up, he's catching an interception, or recovering a fumble, or making a good tackle, or blocking a punt, or something. They guy is ridiculous. The big question mark this season was of course the LSU offense, not anymore. It is still not a spectacular offense, but it is getting better. More importantly, it is getting the job done now. 180 yards passing for Jarret Lee, and 186 yards rushing as a team. How much more balanced do you want to be? Final score 47-21, LSU.
Blowout of the week - Wisconsin over South Dakota, 59-10.
Best game no one talked about/tale of two halves.
Oklahoma State and Texas A&M were both ranked in the top 10, but you wouldn't have even known it. A&M looked like the better team in the first half, jumping out to 20-3 halftime lead, and completely in control. But as they always say, you have to play all four quarters, because Okie State came out of the second half firing. Mike Gundy, now 44, must have "MANned" up on the team in the locker room. They scored 27 unanswered points, and took control of the game back. Receiver Justin Blackmon continues his case for the best receiver in the game, catching 11 passes for 121 yards and a td. A&M finally decided to play the second half and scored to be down by three with just over two minutes to go. But the Pokes held on and in one of the most bizarre decisions ever, thought it was a good idea to have Justin Blackmon take a direct snap and run it out of their own end zone for a safety to run out the clock. Did Gundy not know you can just take a knee? Weirdo. Final score 30-29, Oklahoma State.
Another quiet team.
Remember that team that could run all over everyone, started the season ranked third, and played in the national championship game last year? Oh yeah, Oregon. They are still ranked in the top 10, but after their loss to LSU, you haven't heard a word about them. As long as they're not playing an SEC team, they can run on anyone. Against a "formidable" opponent in Arizona, the Ducks racked up 415 yards rushing, with LaMichael James having 288 by himself. When your quarterback only has to pass for 101 yards and you still put up 56 on a conference foe, your doing something right. Oregon will still win the PAC 12 and get to a BCS bowl. Final score 56-31, Oregon.
Speaking of "formidable."
I guess we read too much into Vanderbilt's 3-0 start. I took too much into account wins over reigning Big East champ UConn, and Ole Miss, who still can't figure out what's going on. They got their test against South Carolina, the favorite in the SEC East. It wasn't pretty, but SC shut them down. Total yards for the game for Vandy, 77. Yes, 77. SC running back Marcus Lattimore got 77 all alone, and that is a really low output for him. Start looking out for Gamecock true freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The number one player overall coming out of high school, forced two fumbles, and seems to already be making a big impact. This game told me that South Carolina still isn't as good as people think, and neither was Vandy. Don't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon, geez Final score 21-3, South Carolina.
Closer than the experts think.
Oklahoma was a 21 point favorite over Missouri, but I just thought it would be a better game than that. And it was. Missouri has one of those offenses that will annoy the crap out of you, and win a lot of games, but won't ever get them to the next level. I'm sorry, that offense just won't do it. Anyway, with James Franklin running the show at Mizzou now, it looks to be in good hands. But not good enough when you play in Norman. OU is something like 438-2 at home since Stoops took over. Offensively it was another solid performance by the Sooners, who tallied 592 total yards. Ryan Broyles showed up with three touchdown grabs, and running back Dominique "The Walk On" Whaley solidified the running game. The defense gave up some big plays, and raised more questions than before. If OU is to run the table, the defense needs to get better. With games remaining against A&M and Okie State down the road, it could be tough going. Thankfully the offense is potent. But, defense wins championships. Final score 38-28, Oklahoma.
Boise State beat Tulsa 41-21. I only mention them every week because they should go undefeated, and we'll have to talk about them possibly playing for the national title in some warped universe.
A fast fall.
Just two short weeks ago, Florida State was the fifth ranked team in the country, and was preparing for a home showdown against number one Oklahoma. But a hard fought loss, and an injury to starting quarterback EJ Manuel didn't help with their next game. Clemson was coming off an "impressive" victory over Auburn at home, and riding high. Surely Fla State could pull it together and not start the season 2-2? Nope. Backup QB Clint Trickett, cousin of Junior Samples, played very well, throwing for 336 yards and three scores. But Clemson seemed to have more play makers, especially freshman Sammy Watkins. I mentioned him last week when he exploded against Auburn, and he did it again. This time catching 7 passes for 141 yards and two td's. Did I mention he was a true freshman? Clemson starts 4-0 for the first time in a decade, but don't worry, they won't be a factor in the ACC race. Florida State needs to find answers quickly. Final score 35-30, Clemson.
Stat of the week.
And stat of the year so far. Baylor QB Robert Griffin, has more touchdown passes, 13, than incompletions, 12. WHAT?! That's insane! He tacked on five more td passes this last weekend in an easy win over Rice. Baylor, like Vanderbilt was, is 3-0, and gets their first "test" of the season having to go to Kansas State. K State is coming off a nice win over Miami. Even if Baylor doesn't finish the season the way they have started, Griffin deserves all the accolades. A good kid.
Hometown metroplex update - North Texas gets a win over a Big 10 school, granted it was Indiana. But hey, they are still North Texas.
Until next week.
I'll get right to it.
Nowhere close to being ready/pardon my rant.
Arkansas came into this season with talk of being a better all around team than last year, even with the departure of stud Ryan Mallett. Through the first three games, everything looked great. The offense was humming along, and the defense was solid. But what seems to always happen is the programs that have had more success and more tradition over a longer period of time, will always be better than you. The Hogs went into Tuscaloosa, AL and looked like they never should have gotten off the bus. All week we heard it was the Arkansas offense versus the Alabama defense. And guess what, the Alabama defense dominated. As defenses always do!!! I know the media has to have something to talk about leading up to a big game, but I am sick and tired of hearing people try to guess which side of the ball is going to win out. I'll tell you, it's the defense. ALWAYS. Not only did the Bama defense completely shut down the Arkansas offense, it hit them in the mouth. Tyler Wilson was hit so many times he had to be taken out of the game in the second half. Every time Jarius Wright caught the ball, he was leveled by Bama corners, literally knocked off his feet. Greg Childs is still nowhere to be found, and the running game racked up a huge total of 17 yards. I don't even have time to go into the lies from the Arkansas coaches about how good the defense was supposed to be. Bama turned in their best offensive performance of the season BY FAR against the Hog "defense." Bama QB AJ McCarron was supposed to be the inexperienced one in this game, but he looked like the veteran who was more ready. Running back Trent Richardson single handily was almost better than the ENTIRE Arkansas offense. He accounted for 211 total yards, while Arkansas as a team had 226. It was just a weak showing by an Arkansas team who thought they were ready to compete with the big boys, and they were shut up. The elite programs in the country will always be better than you. You may win some games against them here and there, but it won't be many. And if they have a down year or two, don't worry, they'll make the necessary changes and get back to beating the programs who thought they could pass them up. Programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio State, LSU, Florida, and USC will always come back around and show you why they have won more games and championships than you have. They have the tradition, so they get the better players, and the better coaches. It will always be this way. Arkansas is not one of those programs. Final score 38-14, Alabama.
Another test passed with ease.
LSU decided to have the hardest possible 4 game stretch to start the season you could imagine. They have played three ranked teams, one at a neutral site, and the other two on the road. Most teams would be happy with a 2-2 record after, but the Tigers went 4-0 convincingly. Their latest victim came at 16th ranked West Virginia. A solid program with a good offense and speedy play makers. No problem for maybe the best defense in the country, who forced four turnovers in this contest. Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu makes more plays by himself than most defenses as a whole. Every time I look up, he's catching an interception, or recovering a fumble, or making a good tackle, or blocking a punt, or something. They guy is ridiculous. The big question mark this season was of course the LSU offense, not anymore. It is still not a spectacular offense, but it is getting better. More importantly, it is getting the job done now. 180 yards passing for Jarret Lee, and 186 yards rushing as a team. How much more balanced do you want to be? Final score 47-21, LSU.
Blowout of the week - Wisconsin over South Dakota, 59-10.
Best game no one talked about/tale of two halves.
Oklahoma State and Texas A&M were both ranked in the top 10, but you wouldn't have even known it. A&M looked like the better team in the first half, jumping out to 20-3 halftime lead, and completely in control. But as they always say, you have to play all four quarters, because Okie State came out of the second half firing. Mike Gundy, now 44, must have "MANned" up on the team in the locker room. They scored 27 unanswered points, and took control of the game back. Receiver Justin Blackmon continues his case for the best receiver in the game, catching 11 passes for 121 yards and a td. A&M finally decided to play the second half and scored to be down by three with just over two minutes to go. But the Pokes held on and in one of the most bizarre decisions ever, thought it was a good idea to have Justin Blackmon take a direct snap and run it out of their own end zone for a safety to run out the clock. Did Gundy not know you can just take a knee? Weirdo. Final score 30-29, Oklahoma State.
Another quiet team.
Remember that team that could run all over everyone, started the season ranked third, and played in the national championship game last year? Oh yeah, Oregon. They are still ranked in the top 10, but after their loss to LSU, you haven't heard a word about them. As long as they're not playing an SEC team, they can run on anyone. Against a "formidable" opponent in Arizona, the Ducks racked up 415 yards rushing, with LaMichael James having 288 by himself. When your quarterback only has to pass for 101 yards and you still put up 56 on a conference foe, your doing something right. Oregon will still win the PAC 12 and get to a BCS bowl. Final score 56-31, Oregon.
Speaking of "formidable."
I guess we read too much into Vanderbilt's 3-0 start. I took too much into account wins over reigning Big East champ UConn, and Ole Miss, who still can't figure out what's going on. They got their test against South Carolina, the favorite in the SEC East. It wasn't pretty, but SC shut them down. Total yards for the game for Vandy, 77. Yes, 77. SC running back Marcus Lattimore got 77 all alone, and that is a really low output for him. Start looking out for Gamecock true freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The number one player overall coming out of high school, forced two fumbles, and seems to already be making a big impact. This game told me that South Carolina still isn't as good as people think, and neither was Vandy. Don't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon, geez Final score 21-3, South Carolina.
Closer than the experts think.
Oklahoma was a 21 point favorite over Missouri, but I just thought it would be a better game than that. And it was. Missouri has one of those offenses that will annoy the crap out of you, and win a lot of games, but won't ever get them to the next level. I'm sorry, that offense just won't do it. Anyway, with James Franklin running the show at Mizzou now, it looks to be in good hands. But not good enough when you play in Norman. OU is something like 438-2 at home since Stoops took over. Offensively it was another solid performance by the Sooners, who tallied 592 total yards. Ryan Broyles showed up with three touchdown grabs, and running back Dominique "The Walk On" Whaley solidified the running game. The defense gave up some big plays, and raised more questions than before. If OU is to run the table, the defense needs to get better. With games remaining against A&M and Okie State down the road, it could be tough going. Thankfully the offense is potent. But, defense wins championships. Final score 38-28, Oklahoma.
Boise State beat Tulsa 41-21. I only mention them every week because they should go undefeated, and we'll have to talk about them possibly playing for the national title in some warped universe.
A fast fall.
Just two short weeks ago, Florida State was the fifth ranked team in the country, and was preparing for a home showdown against number one Oklahoma. But a hard fought loss, and an injury to starting quarterback EJ Manuel didn't help with their next game. Clemson was coming off an "impressive" victory over Auburn at home, and riding high. Surely Fla State could pull it together and not start the season 2-2? Nope. Backup QB Clint Trickett, cousin of Junior Samples, played very well, throwing for 336 yards and three scores. But Clemson seemed to have more play makers, especially freshman Sammy Watkins. I mentioned him last week when he exploded against Auburn, and he did it again. This time catching 7 passes for 141 yards and two td's. Did I mention he was a true freshman? Clemson starts 4-0 for the first time in a decade, but don't worry, they won't be a factor in the ACC race. Florida State needs to find answers quickly. Final score 35-30, Clemson.
Stat of the week.
And stat of the year so far. Baylor QB Robert Griffin, has more touchdown passes, 13, than incompletions, 12. WHAT?! That's insane! He tacked on five more td passes this last weekend in an easy win over Rice. Baylor, like Vanderbilt was, is 3-0, and gets their first "test" of the season having to go to Kansas State. K State is coming off a nice win over Miami. Even if Baylor doesn't finish the season the way they have started, Griffin deserves all the accolades. A good kid.
Hometown metroplex update - North Texas gets a win over a Big 10 school, granted it was Indiana. But hey, they are still North Texas.
Until next week.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
2011 - week 3
Another great weekend of football, the big time matchups didn't disappoint. I apologize for the no show last week, sometimes there is just not enough time in the day. I don't get paid for this, so sue me. Anyway, let's jump right in.
A good Thursday nighter.
Mississippi State and LSU was one of the better matchups for a Thursday night game we had seen in a while. Miss State was coming off a heart breaker of a loss to Auburn, and LSU was still rolling along. Miss State is a good team, and would contend for their conference title if they didn't play in this particular conference. LSU pretty much took care of business however, with their defense stifling the opposition once again. They held a normally good offense to just 193 total yards. And hey, LSU QB Jarret Lee actually passed for more than 100 yards, getting up to 213. LSU is not going to run all over people on offense, but they are going to do just enough to win a lot of games. They don't need to score a lot with that defense. Miss State is on the verge, but they are still not there. Final score 19-6, LSU.
Boise State beat Toledo 40-15 Friday night.
The streak is over.
Auburn was somehow still riding a 17 game win streak, longest in the nation, going into last weekend. And after two games of grind it out paired with sheer luck wins, I wondered how long it was going to last. Clemson had something to say about it, especially true freshman Sammy Watkins, who had 10 catches for 155 yards and two scores. But it was the Auburn defense that really lost them the game. No longer is $Cam Newton there to bail them out by scoring when they need him to. In fact, the offense is still quite good. But Auburn is going to have to learn how to stop someone this year. For the first three games, they have allowed total yards of 448, 531, and most recently 624 to Clemson. That's not going to help you win very many games. Final score 38-24, Clemson.
Blowout of the week - Missouri over W. Illinois, 69-0.
Still unimpressed.
I thought this was the best South Carolina team ever? Through three games, including ones against East Carolina and Navy, they have won by a total of 25 points. They had to put on a furious rally to come back from behind to beat East Carolina. And had to get 236 yards and three touchdowns from Marcus Lattimore(the only good thing on the team) to beat Navy by three. Apparently slow starts are how they like to operate. If they do that against the meat of the SEC schedule, it will be a long season. With the way Florida is looking, it may be one and done for the Gamecocks in the SEC title game. I hope so.
Speaking of over hyped at all times.
Notre Dame finally got a win. Some would consider it "impressive" over 15th ranked Michigan State at home, but they're overrated too. The Spartans even out gained the Irish 358 to 275, but penalties(12) and turnovers(2) allowed them to lose the game. One turnover was on the Notre Dame six yard line, you can't be doing that. They even tried to re hash old, good memories by attempting a fake field goal just before halftime, that of course failed miserably. On the other side, Tommy Rees seems to be the "best" option at QB for the Irish. When you pass for only 161 yards, but still win by 18, you'll take that. Jury is still out on Notre Dame. Final score 31-13, Touchdown Jesuses.
The NCAA sanctions/infractions/suspensions bowl.
Maybe the two programs who's players thought free stuff was just a part of the game the most, and who both got caught, also decided to play each other. We all know the Ohio State story, and the more recent story of Miami players who also thought it was ok to receive all kinds of benefits from a booster. Hint, its not ok, never was. Suspensions galore, possible giant sanctions coming for both schools, but you still have to put a team out there. And in Miami's case, they were the only ones who did. Ohio State looked completely out of sorts. Only gaining 209 total yards of offense, and having to rotate quarterbacks to find one that worked. While on the flip side, Miami running back Lamar Miller rushed for 184 all by himself. Miami QB Jacory Harris returned from his suspension, which will become more later I'm sure. He played well though, throwing for a couple of td's. Buckeye coach Luke Fickell just looks lost. He doesn't look like the head coach of an elite program. I'm thinking Ohio State let's him coach for maybe one more year, then they go out and get a bigger name. He's not going to get it done. Final score 24-6, Miami(FL).
End of an era.
A short, not very good era that is. The Garret Gilbert experiment is over at Texas. A highly touted recruit, and what looked to be a ready to go heir apparent to Colt McCoy. But it wasn't so. In 2010, he "led" them to a 5-7 record, their first losing season since '97. Gilbert got the nod to start this year just before the season started over guess who, Case McCoy. Yes, Colt's little brother. But after an unimpressive game one win, he started the second and completed two passes, with two interceptions, and he was outta there. In comes younger McCoy and some guy named David Ash, who apparently only knows how to run the Wildcat formation. I don't think he can actually throw the ball, I have yet to see it. They split time and pull out an improbable comeback victory over BYU two weeks ago. This week younger McCoy(I may call him that from now on) gets the start and splits some time with Ash again, and play well to win big over UCLA in Pasadena. They help Texas put up 488 total yards of offense, and really played efficient football. Oh and don't forget the other younger brother of a former star, Jaxon Shipley, younger brother of Jordan Shipley. So not only did we have to suffer through the McCoy, Shipley fathers were rommates a billion times, now we have to listen to the younger brothers are carrying on the tradition nonsense. And the announcers saying stuff like,"McCoy to Shipley, haven't we heard that before?" HAHA and insert laughing hysterically. Gross. Oh yeah, UCLA is terrible, seems Rick Neuheisel isn't doing a very good job at taking back Los Angeles. Final score, 49-20, Texas.
What?!
Did you say Vanderbilt? Yes, that Vanderbilt. The same program that has been to one bowl game in the last 20 plus years, and is the laughing stock of the SEC. Well that Vanderbilt is 3-0 after wins over reigning Big East champion Connecticut two weeks ago, and a 30-7 shellacking of Ole Miss last week. I watched some of that game, and it literally looked like Ole Miss was the Vanderbilt of old. Completely out of whack, not ever able to get anything going. Analyst Andre Ware said it best, "is it just me, or does Vanderbilt look like the faster, more experienced team here?" The answer was yes. Real test comes this weekend, when they travel to South Carolina.
Impressive stat of the week - Georgia Tech avenges last year's loss to Kansas with 768 total yards of offense. Yes, that is just one team, not the total of both teams.
Best game nobody saw - Houston came back from 34-7 with 5:11 left in the third quarter to win 35-34, nice. Houston QB Case Keenum needs 17 more td's to become the all time leader in touchdown passes in college football history.
Hometown SMU update - The Ponies won big 40-7 over Northwestern State.
And the big one.
A 1 versus 5 matchup in week 3? Yes please. Oklahoma traveled to Florida State in a humongous meeting in this young season. OU QB Landry Jones has struggled on the road in his tenure as the starter, so a win here would do wonders for his confidence. He didn't play outstanding(199 yards passing 1 TD, 2 picks), but he played well enough to get the W. Most importantly, he made the plays when it counted. It was a well fought game throughout. The Noles looked like the Florida State of old. Good defense, and talent all around. But on this night, OU had just a little bit more. Even with OU taking a 13-3 lead into halftime, you got the feeling it still wasn't over. Even when Fla State starter EJ Manuel went out with a shoulder injury, backup Clint Trickett(from Mayberry?) came in and provided a spark. A 56 yard td pass in the fourth quarter to tie it up gave FSU all the momentum. But this time Jones came through. He immediately drove them down, and on a double move, found reciever Kenny Stills open in the end zone to take the lead back. Those were the plays missing in years past with Landry(yes, named after Tom Landry), but not anymore. If he keeps it up this season, OU will make it to the national title game. Final score 23-13, Oklahoma.
Hogs win 38-28 over Troy. Closer than I would have liked.
Until next week.
A good Thursday nighter.
Mississippi State and LSU was one of the better matchups for a Thursday night game we had seen in a while. Miss State was coming off a heart breaker of a loss to Auburn, and LSU was still rolling along. Miss State is a good team, and would contend for their conference title if they didn't play in this particular conference. LSU pretty much took care of business however, with their defense stifling the opposition once again. They held a normally good offense to just 193 total yards. And hey, LSU QB Jarret Lee actually passed for more than 100 yards, getting up to 213. LSU is not going to run all over people on offense, but they are going to do just enough to win a lot of games. They don't need to score a lot with that defense. Miss State is on the verge, but they are still not there. Final score 19-6, LSU.
Boise State beat Toledo 40-15 Friday night.
The streak is over.
Auburn was somehow still riding a 17 game win streak, longest in the nation, going into last weekend. And after two games of grind it out paired with sheer luck wins, I wondered how long it was going to last. Clemson had something to say about it, especially true freshman Sammy Watkins, who had 10 catches for 155 yards and two scores. But it was the Auburn defense that really lost them the game. No longer is $Cam Newton there to bail them out by scoring when they need him to. In fact, the offense is still quite good. But Auburn is going to have to learn how to stop someone this year. For the first three games, they have allowed total yards of 448, 531, and most recently 624 to Clemson. That's not going to help you win very many games. Final score 38-24, Clemson.
Blowout of the week - Missouri over W. Illinois, 69-0.
Still unimpressed.
I thought this was the best South Carolina team ever? Through three games, including ones against East Carolina and Navy, they have won by a total of 25 points. They had to put on a furious rally to come back from behind to beat East Carolina. And had to get 236 yards and three touchdowns from Marcus Lattimore(the only good thing on the team) to beat Navy by three. Apparently slow starts are how they like to operate. If they do that against the meat of the SEC schedule, it will be a long season. With the way Florida is looking, it may be one and done for the Gamecocks in the SEC title game. I hope so.
Speaking of over hyped at all times.
Notre Dame finally got a win. Some would consider it "impressive" over 15th ranked Michigan State at home, but they're overrated too. The Spartans even out gained the Irish 358 to 275, but penalties(12) and turnovers(2) allowed them to lose the game. One turnover was on the Notre Dame six yard line, you can't be doing that. They even tried to re hash old, good memories by attempting a fake field goal just before halftime, that of course failed miserably. On the other side, Tommy Rees seems to be the "best" option at QB for the Irish. When you pass for only 161 yards, but still win by 18, you'll take that. Jury is still out on Notre Dame. Final score 31-13, Touchdown Jesuses.
The NCAA sanctions/infractions/suspensions bowl.
Maybe the two programs who's players thought free stuff was just a part of the game the most, and who both got caught, also decided to play each other. We all know the Ohio State story, and the more recent story of Miami players who also thought it was ok to receive all kinds of benefits from a booster. Hint, its not ok, never was. Suspensions galore, possible giant sanctions coming for both schools, but you still have to put a team out there. And in Miami's case, they were the only ones who did. Ohio State looked completely out of sorts. Only gaining 209 total yards of offense, and having to rotate quarterbacks to find one that worked. While on the flip side, Miami running back Lamar Miller rushed for 184 all by himself. Miami QB Jacory Harris returned from his suspension, which will become more later I'm sure. He played well though, throwing for a couple of td's. Buckeye coach Luke Fickell just looks lost. He doesn't look like the head coach of an elite program. I'm thinking Ohio State let's him coach for maybe one more year, then they go out and get a bigger name. He's not going to get it done. Final score 24-6, Miami(FL).
End of an era.
A short, not very good era that is. The Garret Gilbert experiment is over at Texas. A highly touted recruit, and what looked to be a ready to go heir apparent to Colt McCoy. But it wasn't so. In 2010, he "led" them to a 5-7 record, their first losing season since '97. Gilbert got the nod to start this year just before the season started over guess who, Case McCoy. Yes, Colt's little brother. But after an unimpressive game one win, he started the second and completed two passes, with two interceptions, and he was outta there. In comes younger McCoy and some guy named David Ash, who apparently only knows how to run the Wildcat formation. I don't think he can actually throw the ball, I have yet to see it. They split time and pull out an improbable comeback victory over BYU two weeks ago. This week younger McCoy(I may call him that from now on) gets the start and splits some time with Ash again, and play well to win big over UCLA in Pasadena. They help Texas put up 488 total yards of offense, and really played efficient football. Oh and don't forget the other younger brother of a former star, Jaxon Shipley, younger brother of Jordan Shipley. So not only did we have to suffer through the McCoy, Shipley fathers were rommates a billion times, now we have to listen to the younger brothers are carrying on the tradition nonsense. And the announcers saying stuff like,"McCoy to Shipley, haven't we heard that before?" HAHA and insert laughing hysterically. Gross. Oh yeah, UCLA is terrible, seems Rick Neuheisel isn't doing a very good job at taking back Los Angeles. Final score, 49-20, Texas.
What?!
Did you say Vanderbilt? Yes, that Vanderbilt. The same program that has been to one bowl game in the last 20 plus years, and is the laughing stock of the SEC. Well that Vanderbilt is 3-0 after wins over reigning Big East champion Connecticut two weeks ago, and a 30-7 shellacking of Ole Miss last week. I watched some of that game, and it literally looked like Ole Miss was the Vanderbilt of old. Completely out of whack, not ever able to get anything going. Analyst Andre Ware said it best, "is it just me, or does Vanderbilt look like the faster, more experienced team here?" The answer was yes. Real test comes this weekend, when they travel to South Carolina.
Impressive stat of the week - Georgia Tech avenges last year's loss to Kansas with 768 total yards of offense. Yes, that is just one team, not the total of both teams.
Best game nobody saw - Houston came back from 34-7 with 5:11 left in the third quarter to win 35-34, nice. Houston QB Case Keenum needs 17 more td's to become the all time leader in touchdown passes in college football history.
Hometown SMU update - The Ponies won big 40-7 over Northwestern State.
And the big one.
A 1 versus 5 matchup in week 3? Yes please. Oklahoma traveled to Florida State in a humongous meeting in this young season. OU QB Landry Jones has struggled on the road in his tenure as the starter, so a win here would do wonders for his confidence. He didn't play outstanding(199 yards passing 1 TD, 2 picks), but he played well enough to get the W. Most importantly, he made the plays when it counted. It was a well fought game throughout. The Noles looked like the Florida State of old. Good defense, and talent all around. But on this night, OU had just a little bit more. Even with OU taking a 13-3 lead into halftime, you got the feeling it still wasn't over. Even when Fla State starter EJ Manuel went out with a shoulder injury, backup Clint Trickett(from Mayberry?) came in and provided a spark. A 56 yard td pass in the fourth quarter to tie it up gave FSU all the momentum. But this time Jones came through. He immediately drove them down, and on a double move, found reciever Kenny Stills open in the end zone to take the lead back. Those were the plays missing in years past with Landry(yes, named after Tom Landry), but not anymore. If he keeps it up this season, OU will make it to the national title game. Final score 23-13, Oklahoma.
Hogs win 38-28 over Troy. Closer than I would have liked.
Until next week.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
2011 - week 1
Whew. That was intense, and awesome. What a great way to start the season. I was wondering if you wanted some better games? Let's get right to it.
Best individual start.
Wisconsin would have demolished UNLV whoever was at QB, but Russell Wilson, who transferred over from NC State couldn't have dreamed of a better start. He went 10-13 for 255 yards and 2 scores, and scored on a 46 yard run. The Badgers were already ranked 11th thanks to a strong defense and fantastic running game with Montee Ball and James White. But now with Wilson looking like he'll be every bit as dynamic as people thought, Wisconsin could run the table. Watch out for them. Final score 51-17, Wisconsin.
Friday night lights.
No it wasn't a Texas high school game, but it felt like one. Baylor and TCU played one of the best games of the year in week one. TCU was coming off a magical 2010 season in which they beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Baylor, for them, was also coming off a great season in which they got to a bowl game for the first time since World War I. TCU was replacing starting QB Andy Dalton, who had been there for 13 seasons, along with a number of other starters from a year ago. I just had a feeling Baylor was going to pull this one out, and it looks like I'm a genius. Even after TCU lead after the first quarter, I knew the game wasn't over. Baylor outscored the Frogs 20-7 in the second, and completely took over the momentum. They kept it going into the second half when they jumped out to a 47-23 lead in the third quarter, and seemed to be able to score at will. But TCU decided it wasn't over either. They came roaring back to take a one point lead with just 4 minutes to go! WHAT?! It was time for Baylor QB Robert Griffin to take that next step and pull the upset. And that's exactly what he did. He lead them down the field, and the Bears kicked a field goal with just over a minute remaining! Baylor then picked off TCU quarterback Casey Pachall on TCU's attempt at coming back to end the game. Man, that's how you make a name for yourself. Griffin was unstoppable, and the rest of the Big 12 will have a lot of trouble with him this year. Final score 50-48, Baylor.
Don't listen to the hype.
Why I didn't listen to my own advice when it comes to Notre Dame I'll never know. It's been well documented how much better people, and the media, think Notre Dame is than they really are. It all stems from their tradition, but they haven't done much of anything since about 1991. And whaddya know, South Florida goes into South Bend and beats them. Granted the Irish turned it over five times, three inside the red zone, but hey, that's part of the game. At one point head coach Chip Kelly was so mad it looked like his face was going to explode, literally. He only let starting QB Dane Crist play the first half, then pulled him for Tommy Rees. Rees will be the starter for the next game at Michigan too. But until I see it, which may not be ever again, Notre Dame will not get me on the hype machine. Final score 23-20, South Florida.
Slow starts and unimpressive wins.
South Carolina, everyone's pick to win the SEC East, needed a rally to come back from 24-14 halftime deficit against East Carolina. As stated before, Spurrier letting five-time-suspended-from-the-team QB Stephen Garcia come off the bench was no surprise. He started Conner Shaw to "send a message" I'm sure. But he won't do that again. Garcia plays the rest of the way. Final score 56-37, South Carolina.
The score of the Texas-Rice game was 13-6 at halftime. So much for the Mack Brown re-imagining of the program for 2011. That's not to say it won't get going at some point, but come on, it's Rice. They needed a trick play reverse pass to get the momentum going. Final score 34-9, Texas.
Kansas State beat E. Kentucky 10-7. Yep.
Missouri squeaked out a win over Miami(OH) 17-6.
USC needed Matt Barkley to break a school record for completions in a game(34), and Robert Woods to catch 17 of them to beat Minnesota 19-17. Neat.
The "what in the hell was that?" game of the week.
The defending national champs needed a late miracle rally to beat Utah State, at home. This actually was a good game just for entertainment. Auburn was down ten with just 3:38 to go, scored, then recovered the onside kick! Then went down and scored again to finish them off, 42-38. The offense will always be ok under Gus Malzahn, but the defense I'm not so sure about. Exciting, but weak.
Also weak.
But not in a football sense, was Maryland's uniforms. I mean did they decide, "hey, I have a great idea. Let's take the colors and design of the Maryland state flag, put it on each side of the jersey and the helmet in a way that will make it the ugliest uniforms in the history of college football. How does that sound?" Because that's exactly what they did. At least they beat Miami who were playing without half of the team due to suspension. Look for yourself: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/09/06/140226571/maryland-debuts-uniforms-and-the-country-cringes
Not a good audition.
If SMU was trying to let the Big 12 know how they would fare if they joined the conference, they didn't make a good first impression(as if we didn't know this already). Sure SMU has been to a couple of bowl games the last two years, but did we really think they could join the Big 12 if A&M left? Starting QB Kyle Padron decided to throw interceptions on their first two possessions, and got pulled immediately. Ironically A&M, the team leaving, was the opponent for this audition, and it wasn't even a game. SMU's defense had no chance of stopping the Aggies offense(458 yards total). And despite a valiant effort by backup QB J.J. McDermott, it was never going to be. A&M not only showed they are a good team, but also that SMU doesn't belong. Final score 46-14, Texas A&M.
Stanford QB Andrew Luck's unnecessary second season of NFL draft film because he's going to be the number one pick barring an injury, went pretty well. He passed for 171 yards thanks to short fields all game long, and threw a couple of td's, and ran for another.
Now the big games.
Although most people will look at the final score and the name of the team and take way too much into consideration, Boise State was impressive...puke. They did have to travel to Atlanta in Georgia's backyard, and pulled it out. A huge 'but' though, this is not the same Georgia team from a few years ago. I know they're ranked, but they shouldn't be. They were 6-7 last year, and will probably be the same this year. Head coach Mark Richt doesn't have it anymore. There is some talent in Athens, but it's not working like it used to. QB Aaron Murray is a good quarterback, but he doesn't have many weapons. And they are going to rely on a true freshman running back to carry the load. Nonetheless, Kellen Moore of Boise State was his methodical self, throwing for 261 yards and three scores. Boise State should go undefeated again(pray they don't) and will have a chance to play for the national title. The question will always be, can they do it in a big time conference? Final score 35-21, Boise State.
Defense wins again.
Have you ever heard me say defense wins championships? I thought so. Well Oregon now knows that too. LSU brought the hammer down in Jerryworld on the flashy, fast-paced offense that hasn't worked when they play a real defense. Case in point. LSU was playing with their backup quarterback because of well, you know why, as well as missing one of their starting wide receivers. QB Jarret Lee only passed for 98 yards, yes, 98 yards, and they put up 40 points and won by 13. Why you ask? LSU forced four turnovers, and held Oregon to well under their season average from a year ago of points and yardage. LaMichael James rushed for about 121 yards a game last season, in this game he was held to just 54. That fast-paced thing doesn't work when the defense is just as fast, and they hit you in the mouth. Guess what? Defense wins championships. Final score 40-27, LSU.
My two faves.
Oklahoma rolls in their home opener over Tulsa, looking like the number one team should look. Landry Jones lit it up all over the field, as did Ryan Broyles, who catches double digit passes seemingly every game(14 in this one). But we expected that from them. The real story was Dominique Whaley, a walk on who walked four td's in. No, I've never heard of him either, But he rushed for 131 yards as well. Looks like OU's running game is in good shape too. Final score 47-14, Oklahoma.
The Hogs took care of business over lowly Missouri State. The Tyler Wilson era started well, with him throwing for 260 yards and leading Arkansas to touchdowns on their first four possessions. The defense also played well, in what should be a real strength of the team this year. They held MO State to just 163 total yards of offense for the game. The star of the game was Joe Adams however, who returned not one, but two punts for touchdowns. Arkansas has so many play makers this year, there may not be enough time in a game to get all of them the ball. But I'll take that problem any day. Final score 51-7, Arkansas.
Until next week.
Best individual start.
Wisconsin would have demolished UNLV whoever was at QB, but Russell Wilson, who transferred over from NC State couldn't have dreamed of a better start. He went 10-13 for 255 yards and 2 scores, and scored on a 46 yard run. The Badgers were already ranked 11th thanks to a strong defense and fantastic running game with Montee Ball and James White. But now with Wilson looking like he'll be every bit as dynamic as people thought, Wisconsin could run the table. Watch out for them. Final score 51-17, Wisconsin.
Friday night lights.
No it wasn't a Texas high school game, but it felt like one. Baylor and TCU played one of the best games of the year in week one. TCU was coming off a magical 2010 season in which they beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Baylor, for them, was also coming off a great season in which they got to a bowl game for the first time since World War I. TCU was replacing starting QB Andy Dalton, who had been there for 13 seasons, along with a number of other starters from a year ago. I just had a feeling Baylor was going to pull this one out, and it looks like I'm a genius. Even after TCU lead after the first quarter, I knew the game wasn't over. Baylor outscored the Frogs 20-7 in the second, and completely took over the momentum. They kept it going into the second half when they jumped out to a 47-23 lead in the third quarter, and seemed to be able to score at will. But TCU decided it wasn't over either. They came roaring back to take a one point lead with just 4 minutes to go! WHAT?! It was time for Baylor QB Robert Griffin to take that next step and pull the upset. And that's exactly what he did. He lead them down the field, and the Bears kicked a field goal with just over a minute remaining! Baylor then picked off TCU quarterback Casey Pachall on TCU's attempt at coming back to end the game. Man, that's how you make a name for yourself. Griffin was unstoppable, and the rest of the Big 12 will have a lot of trouble with him this year. Final score 50-48, Baylor.
Don't listen to the hype.
Why I didn't listen to my own advice when it comes to Notre Dame I'll never know. It's been well documented how much better people, and the media, think Notre Dame is than they really are. It all stems from their tradition, but they haven't done much of anything since about 1991. And whaddya know, South Florida goes into South Bend and beats them. Granted the Irish turned it over five times, three inside the red zone, but hey, that's part of the game. At one point head coach Chip Kelly was so mad it looked like his face was going to explode, literally. He only let starting QB Dane Crist play the first half, then pulled him for Tommy Rees. Rees will be the starter for the next game at Michigan too. But until I see it, which may not be ever again, Notre Dame will not get me on the hype machine. Final score 23-20, South Florida.
Slow starts and unimpressive wins.
South Carolina, everyone's pick to win the SEC East, needed a rally to come back from 24-14 halftime deficit against East Carolina. As stated before, Spurrier letting five-time-suspended-from-the-team QB Stephen Garcia come off the bench was no surprise. He started Conner Shaw to "send a message" I'm sure. But he won't do that again. Garcia plays the rest of the way. Final score 56-37, South Carolina.
The score of the Texas-Rice game was 13-6 at halftime. So much for the Mack Brown re-imagining of the program for 2011. That's not to say it won't get going at some point, but come on, it's Rice. They needed a trick play reverse pass to get the momentum going. Final score 34-9, Texas.
Kansas State beat E. Kentucky 10-7. Yep.
Missouri squeaked out a win over Miami(OH) 17-6.
USC needed Matt Barkley to break a school record for completions in a game(34), and Robert Woods to catch 17 of them to beat Minnesota 19-17. Neat.
The "what in the hell was that?" game of the week.
The defending national champs needed a late miracle rally to beat Utah State, at home. This actually was a good game just for entertainment. Auburn was down ten with just 3:38 to go, scored, then recovered the onside kick! Then went down and scored again to finish them off, 42-38. The offense will always be ok under Gus Malzahn, but the defense I'm not so sure about. Exciting, but weak.
Also weak.
But not in a football sense, was Maryland's uniforms. I mean did they decide, "hey, I have a great idea. Let's take the colors and design of the Maryland state flag, put it on each side of the jersey and the helmet in a way that will make it the ugliest uniforms in the history of college football. How does that sound?" Because that's exactly what they did. At least they beat Miami who were playing without half of the team due to suspension. Look for yourself: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/09/06/140226571/maryland-debuts-uniforms-and-the-country-cringes
Not a good audition.
If SMU was trying to let the Big 12 know how they would fare if they joined the conference, they didn't make a good first impression(as if we didn't know this already). Sure SMU has been to a couple of bowl games the last two years, but did we really think they could join the Big 12 if A&M left? Starting QB Kyle Padron decided to throw interceptions on their first two possessions, and got pulled immediately. Ironically A&M, the team leaving, was the opponent for this audition, and it wasn't even a game. SMU's defense had no chance of stopping the Aggies offense(458 yards total). And despite a valiant effort by backup QB J.J. McDermott, it was never going to be. A&M not only showed they are a good team, but also that SMU doesn't belong. Final score 46-14, Texas A&M.
Stanford QB Andrew Luck's unnecessary second season of NFL draft film because he's going to be the number one pick barring an injury, went pretty well. He passed for 171 yards thanks to short fields all game long, and threw a couple of td's, and ran for another.
Now the big games.
Although most people will look at the final score and the name of the team and take way too much into consideration, Boise State was impressive...puke. They did have to travel to Atlanta in Georgia's backyard, and pulled it out. A huge 'but' though, this is not the same Georgia team from a few years ago. I know they're ranked, but they shouldn't be. They were 6-7 last year, and will probably be the same this year. Head coach Mark Richt doesn't have it anymore. There is some talent in Athens, but it's not working like it used to. QB Aaron Murray is a good quarterback, but he doesn't have many weapons. And they are going to rely on a true freshman running back to carry the load. Nonetheless, Kellen Moore of Boise State was his methodical self, throwing for 261 yards and three scores. Boise State should go undefeated again(pray they don't) and will have a chance to play for the national title. The question will always be, can they do it in a big time conference? Final score 35-21, Boise State.
Defense wins again.
Have you ever heard me say defense wins championships? I thought so. Well Oregon now knows that too. LSU brought the hammer down in Jerryworld on the flashy, fast-paced offense that hasn't worked when they play a real defense. Case in point. LSU was playing with their backup quarterback because of well, you know why, as well as missing one of their starting wide receivers. QB Jarret Lee only passed for 98 yards, yes, 98 yards, and they put up 40 points and won by 13. Why you ask? LSU forced four turnovers, and held Oregon to well under their season average from a year ago of points and yardage. LaMichael James rushed for about 121 yards a game last season, in this game he was held to just 54. That fast-paced thing doesn't work when the defense is just as fast, and they hit you in the mouth. Guess what? Defense wins championships. Final score 40-27, LSU.
My two faves.
Oklahoma rolls in their home opener over Tulsa, looking like the number one team should look. Landry Jones lit it up all over the field, as did Ryan Broyles, who catches double digit passes seemingly every game(14 in this one). But we expected that from them. The real story was Dominique Whaley, a walk on who walked four td's in. No, I've never heard of him either, But he rushed for 131 yards as well. Looks like OU's running game is in good shape too. Final score 47-14, Oklahoma.
The Hogs took care of business over lowly Missouri State. The Tyler Wilson era started well, with him throwing for 260 yards and leading Arkansas to touchdowns on their first four possessions. The defense also played well, in what should be a real strength of the team this year. They held MO State to just 163 total yards of offense for the game. The star of the game was Joe Adams however, who returned not one, but two punts for touchdowns. Arkansas has so many play makers this year, there may not be enough time in a game to get all of them the ball. But I'll take that problem any day. Final score 51-7, Arkansas.
Until next week.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
2011 - Preseason edition
We're mere days away from heavenly bliss. It's time for my take on the upcoming season, but we won't go over the wacky offseason that just occurred. Instead, I'll give you a few snippets of the craziness.
First, I would probably need an entire blog devoted to what happened at THE Ohio State University. Selling player memorabilia, suspensions, head coach Jim Tressell resigning, former main man Terrelle Pryor quitting the team altogether, and multiple sanctions that are sure to follow are just the main points of what happened in Columbus. I mean Pryor had his own private car lot at one point. Who at that school DIDN'T think they would get caught. Well they did, and now they have a new coach, and an unproven QB situation instead of a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Don't forget about the possible huge sanctions at Miami, as well as North Carolina and Oregon. We are still waiting to see what happens there.
South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia was "suspended" from the team for the fifth time due to him being a drunken idiot at a team banquet. Ha, yeah right. He's already back on the team just in time for fall camp because Spurrier knows he can't win without him. It's always about winning isn't it?
Most recently, Texas A&M thinks that after a 9-4 season and a Cotton Bowl loss they all of a sudden can hang with the SEC. They get a little jealous of Texas' Longhorn Network, which or may or may not be fair, and they decide they now want to join the big boys. They had their chance last year during the conference realignment chaos of 2010, and were persuaded to stay in the Big 12. This time around, the SEC says no thanks, for now at least.
A sad time in Norman, OK. Austin Box would have been a starting linebacker for the preseason number one ranked team in the country. Instead, he was found dead at a friend's house, believed to have had a bad mix of pain pills and other medication. So tragic when a kid that young loses his life.
There were many things I could go over that happened this offseason, but I don't have time. Plus, it's time to look toward the future. Let's get it started!
Speaking of OU.
Every one's preseason number one. With all of the talent on offense and defense coming back, why shouldn't they be? Someone has to be number one to start the season. They will be favored to win every game, but losses could come at Florida State and at Oklahoma State, two top 10 ranked teams on the road. QB Landry Jones is now a Heisman candidate, and he has one of the best receivers in the nation to throw to in Ryan Broyles. A slew of young talent also will be on the field for the Sooners, and the defense will be solid as always. Bob Stoops knows how to coach, but can he get them over the national championship bug that has plagued them over the years? A BCS bowl is probably a given for Oklahoma in 2011, it's just a matter of which one.
The defending champs.
Won't be defending. Auburn had a magical season last year, a once in a generation player, and everything go their way. Well, I'm afraid that won't happen again. Cam Newton took what would have been an 8 win team to a national title all by himself. Sure, the defense came up big when it needed to, and Nick Fairley was a beast. But Newton made the entire team go the way no one else could. In steps an unproven quarterback named Barret Trotter. Gus Malzahn is one of the top five best offensive minds in the country, so he'll have him ready. But he's not Cam Newton. Auburn has recruited very well the last couple of years, so the young talent is there. They're just young and inexperienced. Auburn probably wins 8 games.
Don't call it a comeback.
Or do if you wish, but the Seminoles of Florida State look ready to return to the old glory days, when they finished ranked in the top five 14 straight seasons. At least that is what everyone tells me. I think they'll be a good team, win 9, maybe 10 games, but preseason top five in some polls? I don't know about that. Second year head coach Jimbo Fisher seems to have them on the right track, and has recruited extremely well. But I'm just not sure they can win the ACC and make it to a BCS bowl this season. Don't forget, Virginia Tech is still in the same conference. EJ Manuel steps in for Christian Ponder at QB, who played well last year when Ponder was injured. But my concern for the Noles is that Fisher is supposed to be this offensive guru, and they only ranked 33rd last year in total offense in the country. Who knows, maybe in year two, they will take off. I hope so, I used to love this program, especially Bobby Bowden. The monstrosity of a showdown with Oklahoma the third week of the season will tell us how good they really are.
Speaking of monster showdowns.
There are two week one match ups that should give us an idea of the make up of the top 10 right away. First you have #3 Oregon against #4 LSU in Cowboys Stadium. WHAT?! I can't remember an opening week game of this magnitude, well, ever! Oregon is coming off a trip to the national title game, where they had every chance of winning that game, but lost on a last second field goal by Auburn. LSU returns the nucleus of a team that somewhat quietly went 11-2 last year. All the pressure is on LSU QB Jordan Jefferson, who goes hot and cold faster than anyone you've ever seen. Of course, LSU just seems to win a lot of games every year. Oregon also returns the majority of that national title runner up team, including a Heisman favorite in LaMichael James. Everyone always talks about Oregon's fast paced offense, but we all know what can happen to an offense when it faces and SEC defense. And LSU has a great defense. This game will be huge, there's no other way to say it. Just sit back and hold on.
The second big game of the opening week will be stupid Boise State versus Georgia in the Georgia Dome. It is a big match up, however I'm slightly disappointed. Georgia is not what they were a few years ago. Sure they're ranked, but ranked 24th. Head coach Mark Richt is on the molten lava hot seat in Athens, and they are lacking big stars that they normally have. QB Aaron Murray is good, but how good is he really? Boise State will think they're getting their measuring stick game against an SEC opponent, but they're really not. It's basically a home game for Georgia, and if the Dawgs can jump on them early and punch them in the mouth, they can pull it off. But just like always, Boise State will probably find a way to win on some annoying play and anger me to no end. Nevertheless, it is a big time match up we need to watch.
Speaking of how good is he really?
Andrew Luck is that good. The guy is more pro ready than anyone I've seen in a long time. There are no questions marks with him. He is smart, physically gifted, and a good guy. Stanford will not be what they were a year ago, but who cares? I just want to watch Luck. He is a Texas boy(from Houston) who knows how to play football. Stanford is ranked #7 in the preseason, but I feel that is a carry over from last year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is gone, and he was the biggest reason, other than Luck, Stanford went 12-1 and won the Orange Bowl. Unless Luck decides to quit, or gets seriously injured, he should win the Heisman and be the number one pick in the NFL draft next year. Good for him.
New look.
This marks the first year of the newly expanded Big 10, which has 12 teams. Don't get it confused with the Big 12, which has 10 teams. Try and keep up. The biggest move was Nebraska to the Big 10. After crying for revenge against Texas from '09, then losing to them again at home, and after a Big 12 championship loss in '10, they unceremoniously move on. I'm glad, they annoy me. Sure they are rich with tradition, but in the last 8-10 years, what have they done? Not much. I think they'll be successful in slow-land, especially now that Ohio State won't be that good for the next year or two. All they have to worry about is Wisconsin, not Iowa or Penn State like everyone else thinks. Bo Pelini is bringing them back to being a good program, even though he needs anger management help. I wouldn't be surprised if Nebraska wins the Big 10(12 teams) their first time out.
Speaking of bringing them back.
No other program in the country gets the benefit of the doubt like Notre Dame. The richest tradition program of them all, other than Oklahoma, rides that wave of success from years past better than anyone. They get an automatic five spot jump in the rankings, and are favored to win games they shouldn't be favored to win, ever. I mean they hadn't won a bowl game in about 15 years up until two years ago! Anyway, second year head coach Brian Kelly is the real deal. They guy can flat out coach. He took Cincinnati, yeah, Cincinnati, to two straight BCS bowls and Big East titles. No Kenyon Martin wasn't on the team. I promise you he'll get it done in South Bend like it hasn't been done in a long while. He's already recruiting well, it's not hard too there, but still. Get ready to hear slobbering Lou Holtz on ESPN call them the best team of all time for years to come.
Just unfair.
Again, an entire blog could be created just to talk about the SEC West. Yes I'm a homer when it comes to this division, but you can't argue with what's about to happen this year. Brad Edwards of ESPN wrote an article stating this might be the best division ever in college football. Of course this is all preseason rankings at this point, but you have Alabama ranked #2, LSU #4, Arkansas #14, Auburn #19, and Miss. State #20. Talk about having to get up for every game and not slack off. The Big 12 South of '08 was close to this with OU, Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State all ranked in the top 15 going into the last two weeks of the season. But there was a big drop off after Okie State. So with this division having five teams ranked, and never being able to tell what Ole Miss is going to do, it may indeed be the best division ever. And if you wonder why people talk about the SEC so much, this doesn't include the two ranked teams over in the East division.
Speaking of Texas.
What a disappointment last year was, for them at least. Preseason ranked in the top 10, to a 5-7 finish and sitting at home during the bowls. Something we're not used to seeing out of Austin. I thought it was hilarious! There's nothing I love more than to see the Longhorns fail. But, don't expect that for long. Mack Brown overhauled his staff, hiring new, proven offensive and defensive coordinators. And although QB Garret Gilbert is more experienced, word is another McCoy has been playing well and could get a chance to start. Colt's little brother Case is the backup right now, but he played well in the spring, and I wouldn't be shocked if he gets the nod in favor of Gilbert. As much as I don't want them to, Texas will be back. And just to add to their arrogance, they now have their own TV network, so aptly named The Longhorn Network. Yay.
That other orange Big 12 team.
The Pokes of Okie State. Always entertaining, you never know what Gundy is going to say. He will literally NEVER live down "The Rant." Unfortunately for him, that overshadows what he's done in Stillwater. His offenses are really good, and it will be again this year with QB Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon coming back. Blackmon is probably the best wide receiver in the country. He has the Biletnikoff award to prove it. They went 11-2 last year, the quietest 11 win team of all time. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgerson took the head coaching job at West Virginia, but Gundy has been excellent as the OC in past years. The problem with the Pokes is always defense. They've never fielded a stellar defense, and who knows how good it's going to be this year. As always, Bedlam will be a huge game at the end of the year, and could decide once again who wins the Big 12. The MAN has never beaten OU, will this be the year?
Last but not least, of course.
I finish with the Hogs. A disappointing loss in the Sugar Bowl to the cheaters of Ohio State ended one of the best seasons in school history. But it raised expectations, and deservedly so. Arkansas should have just as good a team this year. Ryan Mallet is gone, but in steps Tyler Wilson. He doesn't have the physical gifts of Mallet, mainly the arm, but he can get it done. He may just be the right guy to take them to the next level. We thought it was going to be easier for him having running back Knile Davis to take some of the load off, but he injured his ankle and will miss the entire season. Awesome. But there are capable backs in Ronnie Wingo, and Dennis Johnson returns from an injury a year ago. Wilson will also have the luxury of throwing to the best receiving corps in the nation. The only question on offense is breaking in new starters at offensive tackle. If they gel in time for the start of conference play, they'll be fine. The defense should be even more improved after making a big jump last year. It could be the kind of defense that carries a team to big things. Have I ever said defense wins championships? This Hog team should win nine or ten games again, they just have the unfortunate task of playing in the best conference and division in the country.
Until the start of the season!
First, I would probably need an entire blog devoted to what happened at THE Ohio State University. Selling player memorabilia, suspensions, head coach Jim Tressell resigning, former main man Terrelle Pryor quitting the team altogether, and multiple sanctions that are sure to follow are just the main points of what happened in Columbus. I mean Pryor had his own private car lot at one point. Who at that school DIDN'T think they would get caught. Well they did, and now they have a new coach, and an unproven QB situation instead of a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Don't forget about the possible huge sanctions at Miami, as well as North Carolina and Oregon. We are still waiting to see what happens there.
South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia was "suspended" from the team for the fifth time due to him being a drunken idiot at a team banquet. Ha, yeah right. He's already back on the team just in time for fall camp because Spurrier knows he can't win without him. It's always about winning isn't it?
Most recently, Texas A&M thinks that after a 9-4 season and a Cotton Bowl loss they all of a sudden can hang with the SEC. They get a little jealous of Texas' Longhorn Network, which or may or may not be fair, and they decide they now want to join the big boys. They had their chance last year during the conference realignment chaos of 2010, and were persuaded to stay in the Big 12. This time around, the SEC says no thanks, for now at least.
A sad time in Norman, OK. Austin Box would have been a starting linebacker for the preseason number one ranked team in the country. Instead, he was found dead at a friend's house, believed to have had a bad mix of pain pills and other medication. So tragic when a kid that young loses his life.
There were many things I could go over that happened this offseason, but I don't have time. Plus, it's time to look toward the future. Let's get it started!
Speaking of OU.
Every one's preseason number one. With all of the talent on offense and defense coming back, why shouldn't they be? Someone has to be number one to start the season. They will be favored to win every game, but losses could come at Florida State and at Oklahoma State, two top 10 ranked teams on the road. QB Landry Jones is now a Heisman candidate, and he has one of the best receivers in the nation to throw to in Ryan Broyles. A slew of young talent also will be on the field for the Sooners, and the defense will be solid as always. Bob Stoops knows how to coach, but can he get them over the national championship bug that has plagued them over the years? A BCS bowl is probably a given for Oklahoma in 2011, it's just a matter of which one.
The defending champs.
Won't be defending. Auburn had a magical season last year, a once in a generation player, and everything go their way. Well, I'm afraid that won't happen again. Cam Newton took what would have been an 8 win team to a national title all by himself. Sure, the defense came up big when it needed to, and Nick Fairley was a beast. But Newton made the entire team go the way no one else could. In steps an unproven quarterback named Barret Trotter. Gus Malzahn is one of the top five best offensive minds in the country, so he'll have him ready. But he's not Cam Newton. Auburn has recruited very well the last couple of years, so the young talent is there. They're just young and inexperienced. Auburn probably wins 8 games.
Don't call it a comeback.
Or do if you wish, but the Seminoles of Florida State look ready to return to the old glory days, when they finished ranked in the top five 14 straight seasons. At least that is what everyone tells me. I think they'll be a good team, win 9, maybe 10 games, but preseason top five in some polls? I don't know about that. Second year head coach Jimbo Fisher seems to have them on the right track, and has recruited extremely well. But I'm just not sure they can win the ACC and make it to a BCS bowl this season. Don't forget, Virginia Tech is still in the same conference. EJ Manuel steps in for Christian Ponder at QB, who played well last year when Ponder was injured. But my concern for the Noles is that Fisher is supposed to be this offensive guru, and they only ranked 33rd last year in total offense in the country. Who knows, maybe in year two, they will take off. I hope so, I used to love this program, especially Bobby Bowden. The monstrosity of a showdown with Oklahoma the third week of the season will tell us how good they really are.
Speaking of monster showdowns.
There are two week one match ups that should give us an idea of the make up of the top 10 right away. First you have #3 Oregon against #4 LSU in Cowboys Stadium. WHAT?! I can't remember an opening week game of this magnitude, well, ever! Oregon is coming off a trip to the national title game, where they had every chance of winning that game, but lost on a last second field goal by Auburn. LSU returns the nucleus of a team that somewhat quietly went 11-2 last year. All the pressure is on LSU QB Jordan Jefferson, who goes hot and cold faster than anyone you've ever seen. Of course, LSU just seems to win a lot of games every year. Oregon also returns the majority of that national title runner up team, including a Heisman favorite in LaMichael James. Everyone always talks about Oregon's fast paced offense, but we all know what can happen to an offense when it faces and SEC defense. And LSU has a great defense. This game will be huge, there's no other way to say it. Just sit back and hold on.
The second big game of the opening week will be stupid Boise State versus Georgia in the Georgia Dome. It is a big match up, however I'm slightly disappointed. Georgia is not what they were a few years ago. Sure they're ranked, but ranked 24th. Head coach Mark Richt is on the molten lava hot seat in Athens, and they are lacking big stars that they normally have. QB Aaron Murray is good, but how good is he really? Boise State will think they're getting their measuring stick game against an SEC opponent, but they're really not. It's basically a home game for Georgia, and if the Dawgs can jump on them early and punch them in the mouth, they can pull it off. But just like always, Boise State will probably find a way to win on some annoying play and anger me to no end. Nevertheless, it is a big time match up we need to watch.
Speaking of how good is he really?
Andrew Luck is that good. The guy is more pro ready than anyone I've seen in a long time. There are no questions marks with him. He is smart, physically gifted, and a good guy. Stanford will not be what they were a year ago, but who cares? I just want to watch Luck. He is a Texas boy(from Houston) who knows how to play football. Stanford is ranked #7 in the preseason, but I feel that is a carry over from last year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is gone, and he was the biggest reason, other than Luck, Stanford went 12-1 and won the Orange Bowl. Unless Luck decides to quit, or gets seriously injured, he should win the Heisman and be the number one pick in the NFL draft next year. Good for him.
New look.
This marks the first year of the newly expanded Big 10, which has 12 teams. Don't get it confused with the Big 12, which has 10 teams. Try and keep up. The biggest move was Nebraska to the Big 10. After crying for revenge against Texas from '09, then losing to them again at home, and after a Big 12 championship loss in '10, they unceremoniously move on. I'm glad, they annoy me. Sure they are rich with tradition, but in the last 8-10 years, what have they done? Not much. I think they'll be successful in slow-land, especially now that Ohio State won't be that good for the next year or two. All they have to worry about is Wisconsin, not Iowa or Penn State like everyone else thinks. Bo Pelini is bringing them back to being a good program, even though he needs anger management help. I wouldn't be surprised if Nebraska wins the Big 10(12 teams) their first time out.
Speaking of bringing them back.
No other program in the country gets the benefit of the doubt like Notre Dame. The richest tradition program of them all, other than Oklahoma, rides that wave of success from years past better than anyone. They get an automatic five spot jump in the rankings, and are favored to win games they shouldn't be favored to win, ever. I mean they hadn't won a bowl game in about 15 years up until two years ago! Anyway, second year head coach Brian Kelly is the real deal. They guy can flat out coach. He took Cincinnati, yeah, Cincinnati, to two straight BCS bowls and Big East titles. No Kenyon Martin wasn't on the team. I promise you he'll get it done in South Bend like it hasn't been done in a long while. He's already recruiting well, it's not hard too there, but still. Get ready to hear slobbering Lou Holtz on ESPN call them the best team of all time for years to come.
Just unfair.
Again, an entire blog could be created just to talk about the SEC West. Yes I'm a homer when it comes to this division, but you can't argue with what's about to happen this year. Brad Edwards of ESPN wrote an article stating this might be the best division ever in college football. Of course this is all preseason rankings at this point, but you have Alabama ranked #2, LSU #4, Arkansas #14, Auburn #19, and Miss. State #20. Talk about having to get up for every game and not slack off. The Big 12 South of '08 was close to this with OU, Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State all ranked in the top 15 going into the last two weeks of the season. But there was a big drop off after Okie State. So with this division having five teams ranked, and never being able to tell what Ole Miss is going to do, it may indeed be the best division ever. And if you wonder why people talk about the SEC so much, this doesn't include the two ranked teams over in the East division.
Speaking of Texas.
What a disappointment last year was, for them at least. Preseason ranked in the top 10, to a 5-7 finish and sitting at home during the bowls. Something we're not used to seeing out of Austin. I thought it was hilarious! There's nothing I love more than to see the Longhorns fail. But, don't expect that for long. Mack Brown overhauled his staff, hiring new, proven offensive and defensive coordinators. And although QB Garret Gilbert is more experienced, word is another McCoy has been playing well and could get a chance to start. Colt's little brother Case is the backup right now, but he played well in the spring, and I wouldn't be shocked if he gets the nod in favor of Gilbert. As much as I don't want them to, Texas will be back. And just to add to their arrogance, they now have their own TV network, so aptly named The Longhorn Network. Yay.
That other orange Big 12 team.
The Pokes of Okie State. Always entertaining, you never know what Gundy is going to say. He will literally NEVER live down "The Rant." Unfortunately for him, that overshadows what he's done in Stillwater. His offenses are really good, and it will be again this year with QB Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon coming back. Blackmon is probably the best wide receiver in the country. He has the Biletnikoff award to prove it. They went 11-2 last year, the quietest 11 win team of all time. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgerson took the head coaching job at West Virginia, but Gundy has been excellent as the OC in past years. The problem with the Pokes is always defense. They've never fielded a stellar defense, and who knows how good it's going to be this year. As always, Bedlam will be a huge game at the end of the year, and could decide once again who wins the Big 12. The MAN has never beaten OU, will this be the year?
Last but not least, of course.
I finish with the Hogs. A disappointing loss in the Sugar Bowl to the cheaters of Ohio State ended one of the best seasons in school history. But it raised expectations, and deservedly so. Arkansas should have just as good a team this year. Ryan Mallet is gone, but in steps Tyler Wilson. He doesn't have the physical gifts of Mallet, mainly the arm, but he can get it done. He may just be the right guy to take them to the next level. We thought it was going to be easier for him having running back Knile Davis to take some of the load off, but he injured his ankle and will miss the entire season. Awesome. But there are capable backs in Ronnie Wingo, and Dennis Johnson returns from an injury a year ago. Wilson will also have the luxury of throwing to the best receiving corps in the nation. The only question on offense is breaking in new starters at offensive tackle. If they gel in time for the start of conference play, they'll be fine. The defense should be even more improved after making a big jump last year. It could be the kind of defense that carries a team to big things. Have I ever said defense wins championships? This Hog team should win nine or ten games again, they just have the unfortunate task of playing in the best conference and division in the country.
Until the start of the season!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Interview with Arkansas signee Tevin Mitchel
Be on the lookout for an off season update coming very soon. There has been a lot happening in the college football world, and I feel I need to talk about it.
But first, through sheer happenstance thanks to my mother working at the high school he attends, I was able to snag a quick interview Dan Patrick in Sports Illustrated style with one of Arkansas' top recruits for 2011, cornerback Tevin Mitchel. A corner for Legacy High School in Mansfield, TX, Mitchel was tabbed a four star recruit by pretty much every recruiting database and media outlet. He was originally committed to Nebraska, but a late switch to Arkansas helped the Hogs land a top 25 recruiting class. Listed at 6'0, 170 lbs. and with great speed, Mitchel can add to an already formidable Hog secondary for the next few years.
I wanted to get a feel for a high school athlete's mindset as he is about to head off for not only the next level of football, but to a now consistent top 25 team who also happens to play in the best conference in all the land.
Thanks again to my mother for relaying the questions, and for the technology of iPhones. Already wearing red and white, love it.
Tevin Mitchel - image courtesy of Janet Manning.
You were originally committed to Nebraska, what changed your mind?
Tevin Mitchel: Nebraska moved to the Big 10. I thought about it for a minute, and I thought maybe I should go back and play for my home team(Mitchel is originally from Arkansas and his mother still lives there). My mom has never seen me play football before, and it will be nice for me to go play for the Hogs, and can be closer to her and my family.
TM: Being able to meet new people, new friends. My dad told me the friends I meet in college will be my true friends for the rest of my life. I'm looking forward to that.
Do you feel like you can compete for a starting spot right away?
TM: I think I have a chance to get a starting position. If I go in there and work hard, and do what I'm supposed to do and do my studying, I'll be able to see the field early. I have a good chance, I only have a senior on one side and a junior on the other side in front of me.
What was it like playing in the Army All-American game?
TM: I'm glad I got the opportunity to play in that game, it was a great experience. Playing in that game will help me get ready for college. Playing in front of 35 or 40,000 people, kind of got me used to playing in front of a big crowd. It was just a great experience, I met new players, new people, and saw a lot of talent.
Your father, Eric Mitchel, was a successful player at Oklahoma and in the NFL, any added pressure there?
TM: Sometimes. A lot of people thought I was going to commit to Oklahoma because my dad went there, but I wanted to start my own thing. I thought there might be a lot of pressure put on me if I went to OU since he went there. But I wanted to go back to Arkansas.
Did he try to persuade you to be a Sooner?
TM: No not really, he wanted what was best for me, he just wanted me to be happy. Having 19 full ride offers he wanted me to pick the one that was best for me. My mom wasn't trying to force me to go to Arkansas, and my dad wasn't trying to force me to go to Oklahoma. I liked that about them, I'm glad they let me choose which school was right for me.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be playing in the SEC?
TM: Probably the speed of the game. My dad told me that's the biggest thing going from high school to college. I'm working on my speed more than trying to get bigger, they'll put the weight on me. I'm just trying to get my speed up and get ready for the next level.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2010/2011 - post bowls
Well, it's that time again. When I reflect back on the best four months of the year, which is followed by a week long depression, followed by an acceptance. Thank God for signing day and spring practice.
It was a good season, but none are ever bad. The SEC once again took home the crown, and the story lines. There was a run away Heisman winner, and the non-AQ's made another small push to the big time. And just like any year, there were surprises(Boise State) and disappointments(Texas).
That's all for my post season ramble, here is the bowl games wrap up. There were 35 bowl games this year, and I'm going through every one of them......just kidding.
Might as well get it out of the way (Sugar Bowl).
The Arkansas Razorbacks finally made it to a BCS bowl, and against a high profile opponent in Ohio State. Well, in the first half they sure acted like it was their first time. If something could go wrong for the Hogs in the first two quarters, it did. The very first play Ryan Mallett hit a streaking Joe Adams with no one in front of him right in the hands, and Adams dropped it. And then there was another drop, and another, and another. Seven drops in all by arguably the best receiving corps in the nation. On the flip side, Ohio State caught EVERYTHING. Not only could Arkansas not catch balls thrown at them, they couldn't hang on to fumbled balls on the ground that were in their hands! Like Tramain Thomas' strip of Terrelle Pryor, that two Hog players had their hands on at the two yard line, but somehow squirted into the end zone so Ohio State receiver Dane Sanzenbacher could recover it for a touchdown. Or TP's falling backwards heave to Sanzenbacher in the end zone with a Hog defender ALL OVER HIM, but somehow caught it. And Ohio State's last touchdown right before halftime where Devier Posey is spinning and turning and looking for the ball in the air while Tramain Thomas is once again all over him, and the ball just drops in right over Thomas' arm into Posey's hands. I don't even think Posey knew where the ball was. Even after all of that, Arkansas had a chance, and probably should have won the game. It was 28-10 Ohio State at half. But they held the Buckeyes to just three points in the second half, and finally got the offense going. Running back Knile Davis did his part, rushing for 139 yards, and Mallet became only the second player against Ohio State all year to throw for more than 200 yards. The real tragedy however came with just a little over a minute remaining. Arkansas' clawed their way back to be down by only five, and the defense held and forced a punt. And the punt is blocked!! But once again, Julian Horton can't seem to pick it up on the hop, and has to fall on it. If he just picks it up and runs it in, Arkansas wins. Two plays later Mallett throws an interception. Game over. The Hogs lose their chance to get over the hump, again. Final score 31-26, Ohio State.
Speaking of being there before (Fiesta Bowl).
Oklahoma was back in a BCS bowl, the seventh time in 11 years to be exact. But we all know the story, five straight losses in BCS bowls, including two to "inferior" opponents. And here came another weak foe, the winner of the weakest conference in America, UConn. No not the women's basketball team who in the same week won their 90th game in a row, the football team. An 8-4 Big East champion on paper was no match for the Big 12 champ. But this time, OU took care of business. A couple of early mistakes didn't matter in this one, the Sooners rolled easily. The trio of Landry Jones(429 yards passing, three TD), Demarco Murray(93 yards rushing, 1 TD), and Ryan Broyles(170 yards receiving, 1 TD) played extremely well. This time there was no disappointing defeat, or same old "we'll get it next year" talk, it was this year. Final score 48-20, Oklahoma.
Terrible (Holiday Bowl).
Possibly the worst performance of the bowl season goes to Nebraska. Matched up with Washington, who they beat 56-21 in Seattle in the regular season, should have been an easy victory. But no. Washington barely made into a bowl game at 6-6 for crying out loud, Nebraska narrowly lost the Big 12 title game! Washington QB Jake Locker at the start of the season was said to be one of the top three quarterbacks in the country, but was very disappointing as the season wore on. He only had 56 yards passing in this game, but did have 83 rushing. It was the Nebraska offense who lost the game for them. They could only muster 189 yards of total offense. I don't know how many times I can say this, but hurry up and get out of the Big 12, you don't belong anymore. Final score 19-7, Washington.
Worst game (Liberty Bowl).
Another team that barely managed to make it in was Georgia, paired up against Central Florida out of Conference USA. Georgia had turned around their season after a horrific start, and were playing some good football, except for this game. UCF had never won a bowl game, ever, and did I mention was out of Conference USA. But it doesn't matter that Georgia put up more yards of offense(although neither team could get over 300), because QB Aaron Murray threw two interceptions and couldn't get the ball down field. What made this game so bad? No one could score, or even get anything going at all. It was so bad, after the game a storm blew threw the area causing people to evacuate quickly. God was trying to tell them something. Final score 10-6, UCF.
Best game (Pinstripe Bowl).
The first bowl game played in Yankee Stadium(the new one) in 48 years was a great one between Kansas State and Syracuse. There were long touchdowns, fake punts, two point conversions, celebration penalties, and even successful flea flickers by both teams. The second play from scrimmage for K State was a Daniel Thomas 51 yard touchdown run. Syracuse receiver Marcus Sales had touchdown grabs of 52, 36, and 44 yards. Both teams traded touchdowns in the second half it seemed like every two or three plays. But with just 1:13 left, and Syracuse holding a 36-28 lead, K State scored on a 30 yard TD pass to now be down only two. The K State receiver saluted the crowd and drew himself a penalty, that pushed the Wildcats two point conversion back 15 yards. That proved costly considering the try failed, and Syracuse won by.....two. Final score 36-34, Syracuse.
Domination (Capital One Bowl).
It seems every year a team puts together a really good regular season, only to be "snubbed" out of the BCS in favor of another team out of their same conference. Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State had a three way tie for the Big 10 title, all going 11-1. Wisconsin and Ohio State got into the BCS bowls, while Michigan State was put in the Capital One Bowl. A really good bowl, but not a BCS bowl. And here came the whining and the moaning and "we belong" talk. What usually happens when a team cries they didn't get in a better bowl, they focus less on the actual game, and get blown out! In this case, Alabama completed owned their Big 10 foe like MOST SEC teams do. It wasn't even a game, at any point. The Tide racked up 546 yards of offense, 275 of it on the ground, and had a 28-0 lead at halftime. It was 49-0 late in the fourth quarter when Michigan State scored a garbage touchdown with all of Alabama's starters laughing on the sideline, and talking about how the sick the party was going to be that night. Final score 49-7, Alabama.
When I say most(not counting Arkansas) SEC teams are too much for the Big 10, I mean games like Mississippi State murdering Michigan on the same day in the Gator Bowl, 52-14.
And one more (Outback Bowl).
It wasn't a blowout, but Florida finally decided they were somewhat talented. The Gator offense has been quite the disappointment all year, from John Brantley and the O line, to the lack of playmakers. So the only way to win games is just use what you have in other areas, like block a punt and return it for a touchdown, as well as an 80 yard interception return for a TD. When you can only roll out 279 yards of offense, you need plays from somewhere else. And those touchdowns Florida pulled out will always help you win games, no matter how bad you are. And I STILL don't know how Joe Paterno and Penn State win any games. There is no way he can communicate with his players, and Penn State is EASILY the most boring team in the entire country! The uniforms are hideous, and they are the epitome of a slow Big 10 team. They couldn't even beat the worst Florida team in years. Final score 37-24, Florida.
OK fine (Rose Bowl).
TCU's win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl was impressive. As much as I hate to say it, considering how I despise everything about Fort Worth. But Wisconsin was playing maybe the best football in the country the last month of the season, steamrolling people to massive amounts of yards and points(in the Big 10). TCU was doing the same, in the weaker Mountain West conference. I didn't know how TCU would hold up against a big, physical offensive line, and big, fast running backs. They did have the number one defense in the country, but against what competition? I was still skeptical. I was wrong. The Wisconsin rushing attack was able to account for 226 yards, but the long runs for touchdowns weren't there. TCU made the critical stops when they needed them. QB Andy Dalton played great, accounting for 247 of TCU's 301 total yards. Final score 21-19, TCU.
Taking over (Cotton Bowl).
It seems that as much as LSU's offense gets bashed for not ever being able to get it going, they will come out the next game and light it up. And that's just what they did against Texas A&M. The Aggies were the hot team coming in, winning six in a row to end the season. Two of those wins were against OU and Nebraska. But LSU and Jordan Jefferson took control on offense after the first quarter. A&M started well, taking a 10-7 lead into the second quarter. But LSU rattled off 21 points in the quarter, and held the Aggie offense in check. LSU racked up 446 yards total, their second highest of the season against a defense that was playing very well coming in. Aggie QB Ryan Tannehill played his worst game since becoming the starter, throwing for only 204 yards and tossing three picks. That is of course partly due to LSU having an excellent defense. This was one of my most satisfying bowl victories to watch, considering my hatred for A&M. Final score 41-24, LSU.
Similar circumstance (Orange Bowl).
Much like the Cotton Bowl scenario, Stanford and Virginia Tech was a little different than we expected. Stanford was playing great football going into the game, but Va Tech had won 11 games in a row! With an always stingy defense the Hokies bring, they would pose some problems for Stanford QB Andrew Luck. WRONG! Luck completely dominated from the get go. Stanford moved the ball at will against the Va Tech defense, while the Stanford defense held the Hokie offense. Except for a couple of great plays by Va Tech QB Tyrod Taylor early in the game, this game would have been even worse. Luck went 18-23 for 287 yards and 4 touchdowns, which led to 534 yards of total O. So much for that good Va Tech defense. Stanford reeled of 27 points in the second half, to Va Tech's 0. Andrew Luck cemented himself as the best quarterback in the land, who is coming back next year, watch out. Final score 40-12, Stanford.
Five in a row. (BCS National Championship Game)
Just as I suspected, the more the media and all the "experts" say its going to be a shootout, the less it becomes one. The way the universe seems to work, is for every time someone in the media calls for a shootout, you can subtract one touchdown that will be scored. And that was just the case in this one. Yes, Auburn and Oregon had two of the very best offenses in the country, but with all of that time off it gives the defense a better chance to prepare. Auburn's defense came out and made a statement, that the high tempo attack from Oregon was not going to work. They completely shut down the run game, and got pressure on QB Darron Thomas a lot. Oregon averages about 330 yards rushing per game, they were able to squeak out 75 in this one. Darron Thomas was able however to throw for 363 yards against Auburn's secondary, which has not been as good all year. But again, the shootout wasn't there. There was really only one huge play, an 81 yard reception by Oregon's Jeff Maehl in the second quarter. Other than that, neither offense could seem to break anything open. But just like Auburn, and Heisman winner Cam Newton have done all year, they found a way to win. Newton did throw for 265 himself, and freshman running back Michael Dyer ran for 143. The biggest play of the game was easily Dyer's run with just about a minute remaining. He got tackled after what looked to be a 7 yard gain, but no, he wasn't actually tackled. He rolled on top of the defender, knee never touching the ground. When he realized he wasn't down, he scampered for about another 25 yards to the Oregon 23. And as time ran out, kicker Wes Byrum knocked it in for the national championship. Five national titles in a row for the SEC, world domination. Oh by the way, defense still wins championships. Final score 22-19, Auburn.
Until next season.
It was a good season, but none are ever bad. The SEC once again took home the crown, and the story lines. There was a run away Heisman winner, and the non-AQ's made another small push to the big time. And just like any year, there were surprises(Boise State) and disappointments(Texas).
That's all for my post season ramble, here is the bowl games wrap up. There were 35 bowl games this year, and I'm going through every one of them......just kidding.
Might as well get it out of the way (Sugar Bowl).
The Arkansas Razorbacks finally made it to a BCS bowl, and against a high profile opponent in Ohio State. Well, in the first half they sure acted like it was their first time. If something could go wrong for the Hogs in the first two quarters, it did. The very first play Ryan Mallett hit a streaking Joe Adams with no one in front of him right in the hands, and Adams dropped it. And then there was another drop, and another, and another. Seven drops in all by arguably the best receiving corps in the nation. On the flip side, Ohio State caught EVERYTHING. Not only could Arkansas not catch balls thrown at them, they couldn't hang on to fumbled balls on the ground that were in their hands! Like Tramain Thomas' strip of Terrelle Pryor, that two Hog players had their hands on at the two yard line, but somehow squirted into the end zone so Ohio State receiver Dane Sanzenbacher could recover it for a touchdown. Or TP's falling backwards heave to Sanzenbacher in the end zone with a Hog defender ALL OVER HIM, but somehow caught it. And Ohio State's last touchdown right before halftime where Devier Posey is spinning and turning and looking for the ball in the air while Tramain Thomas is once again all over him, and the ball just drops in right over Thomas' arm into Posey's hands. I don't even think Posey knew where the ball was. Even after all of that, Arkansas had a chance, and probably should have won the game. It was 28-10 Ohio State at half. But they held the Buckeyes to just three points in the second half, and finally got the offense going. Running back Knile Davis did his part, rushing for 139 yards, and Mallet became only the second player against Ohio State all year to throw for more than 200 yards. The real tragedy however came with just a little over a minute remaining. Arkansas' clawed their way back to be down by only five, and the defense held and forced a punt. And the punt is blocked!! But once again, Julian Horton can't seem to pick it up on the hop, and has to fall on it. If he just picks it up and runs it in, Arkansas wins. Two plays later Mallett throws an interception. Game over. The Hogs lose their chance to get over the hump, again. Final score 31-26, Ohio State.
Speaking of being there before (Fiesta Bowl).
Oklahoma was back in a BCS bowl, the seventh time in 11 years to be exact. But we all know the story, five straight losses in BCS bowls, including two to "inferior" opponents. And here came another weak foe, the winner of the weakest conference in America, UConn. No not the women's basketball team who in the same week won their 90th game in a row, the football team. An 8-4 Big East champion on paper was no match for the Big 12 champ. But this time, OU took care of business. A couple of early mistakes didn't matter in this one, the Sooners rolled easily. The trio of Landry Jones(429 yards passing, three TD), Demarco Murray(93 yards rushing, 1 TD), and Ryan Broyles(170 yards receiving, 1 TD) played extremely well. This time there was no disappointing defeat, or same old "we'll get it next year" talk, it was this year. Final score 48-20, Oklahoma.
Terrible (Holiday Bowl).
Possibly the worst performance of the bowl season goes to Nebraska. Matched up with Washington, who they beat 56-21 in Seattle in the regular season, should have been an easy victory. But no. Washington barely made into a bowl game at 6-6 for crying out loud, Nebraska narrowly lost the Big 12 title game! Washington QB Jake Locker at the start of the season was said to be one of the top three quarterbacks in the country, but was very disappointing as the season wore on. He only had 56 yards passing in this game, but did have 83 rushing. It was the Nebraska offense who lost the game for them. They could only muster 189 yards of total offense. I don't know how many times I can say this, but hurry up and get out of the Big 12, you don't belong anymore. Final score 19-7, Washington.
Worst game (Liberty Bowl).
Another team that barely managed to make it in was Georgia, paired up against Central Florida out of Conference USA. Georgia had turned around their season after a horrific start, and were playing some good football, except for this game. UCF had never won a bowl game, ever, and did I mention was out of Conference USA. But it doesn't matter that Georgia put up more yards of offense(although neither team could get over 300), because QB Aaron Murray threw two interceptions and couldn't get the ball down field. What made this game so bad? No one could score, or even get anything going at all. It was so bad, after the game a storm blew threw the area causing people to evacuate quickly. God was trying to tell them something. Final score 10-6, UCF.
Best game (Pinstripe Bowl).
The first bowl game played in Yankee Stadium(the new one) in 48 years was a great one between Kansas State and Syracuse. There were long touchdowns, fake punts, two point conversions, celebration penalties, and even successful flea flickers by both teams. The second play from scrimmage for K State was a Daniel Thomas 51 yard touchdown run. Syracuse receiver Marcus Sales had touchdown grabs of 52, 36, and 44 yards. Both teams traded touchdowns in the second half it seemed like every two or three plays. But with just 1:13 left, and Syracuse holding a 36-28 lead, K State scored on a 30 yard TD pass to now be down only two. The K State receiver saluted the crowd and drew himself a penalty, that pushed the Wildcats two point conversion back 15 yards. That proved costly considering the try failed, and Syracuse won by.....two. Final score 36-34, Syracuse.
Domination (Capital One Bowl).
It seems every year a team puts together a really good regular season, only to be "snubbed" out of the BCS in favor of another team out of their same conference. Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State had a three way tie for the Big 10 title, all going 11-1. Wisconsin and Ohio State got into the BCS bowls, while Michigan State was put in the Capital One Bowl. A really good bowl, but not a BCS bowl. And here came the whining and the moaning and "we belong" talk. What usually happens when a team cries they didn't get in a better bowl, they focus less on the actual game, and get blown out! In this case, Alabama completed owned their Big 10 foe like MOST SEC teams do. It wasn't even a game, at any point. The Tide racked up 546 yards of offense, 275 of it on the ground, and had a 28-0 lead at halftime. It was 49-0 late in the fourth quarter when Michigan State scored a garbage touchdown with all of Alabama's starters laughing on the sideline, and talking about how the sick the party was going to be that night. Final score 49-7, Alabama.
When I say most(not counting Arkansas) SEC teams are too much for the Big 10, I mean games like Mississippi State murdering Michigan on the same day in the Gator Bowl, 52-14.
And one more (Outback Bowl).
It wasn't a blowout, but Florida finally decided they were somewhat talented. The Gator offense has been quite the disappointment all year, from John Brantley and the O line, to the lack of playmakers. So the only way to win games is just use what you have in other areas, like block a punt and return it for a touchdown, as well as an 80 yard interception return for a TD. When you can only roll out 279 yards of offense, you need plays from somewhere else. And those touchdowns Florida pulled out will always help you win games, no matter how bad you are. And I STILL don't know how Joe Paterno and Penn State win any games. There is no way he can communicate with his players, and Penn State is EASILY the most boring team in the entire country! The uniforms are hideous, and they are the epitome of a slow Big 10 team. They couldn't even beat the worst Florida team in years. Final score 37-24, Florida.
OK fine (Rose Bowl).
TCU's win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl was impressive. As much as I hate to say it, considering how I despise everything about Fort Worth. But Wisconsin was playing maybe the best football in the country the last month of the season, steamrolling people to massive amounts of yards and points(in the Big 10). TCU was doing the same, in the weaker Mountain West conference. I didn't know how TCU would hold up against a big, physical offensive line, and big, fast running backs. They did have the number one defense in the country, but against what competition? I was still skeptical. I was wrong. The Wisconsin rushing attack was able to account for 226 yards, but the long runs for touchdowns weren't there. TCU made the critical stops when they needed them. QB Andy Dalton played great, accounting for 247 of TCU's 301 total yards. Final score 21-19, TCU.
Taking over (Cotton Bowl).
It seems that as much as LSU's offense gets bashed for not ever being able to get it going, they will come out the next game and light it up. And that's just what they did against Texas A&M. The Aggies were the hot team coming in, winning six in a row to end the season. Two of those wins were against OU and Nebraska. But LSU and Jordan Jefferson took control on offense after the first quarter. A&M started well, taking a 10-7 lead into the second quarter. But LSU rattled off 21 points in the quarter, and held the Aggie offense in check. LSU racked up 446 yards total, their second highest of the season against a defense that was playing very well coming in. Aggie QB Ryan Tannehill played his worst game since becoming the starter, throwing for only 204 yards and tossing three picks. That is of course partly due to LSU having an excellent defense. This was one of my most satisfying bowl victories to watch, considering my hatred for A&M. Final score 41-24, LSU.
Similar circumstance (Orange Bowl).
Much like the Cotton Bowl scenario, Stanford and Virginia Tech was a little different than we expected. Stanford was playing great football going into the game, but Va Tech had won 11 games in a row! With an always stingy defense the Hokies bring, they would pose some problems for Stanford QB Andrew Luck. WRONG! Luck completely dominated from the get go. Stanford moved the ball at will against the Va Tech defense, while the Stanford defense held the Hokie offense. Except for a couple of great plays by Va Tech QB Tyrod Taylor early in the game, this game would have been even worse. Luck went 18-23 for 287 yards and 4 touchdowns, which led to 534 yards of total O. So much for that good Va Tech defense. Stanford reeled of 27 points in the second half, to Va Tech's 0. Andrew Luck cemented himself as the best quarterback in the land, who is coming back next year, watch out. Final score 40-12, Stanford.
Five in a row. (BCS National Championship Game)
Just as I suspected, the more the media and all the "experts" say its going to be a shootout, the less it becomes one. The way the universe seems to work, is for every time someone in the media calls for a shootout, you can subtract one touchdown that will be scored. And that was just the case in this one. Yes, Auburn and Oregon had two of the very best offenses in the country, but with all of that time off it gives the defense a better chance to prepare. Auburn's defense came out and made a statement, that the high tempo attack from Oregon was not going to work. They completely shut down the run game, and got pressure on QB Darron Thomas a lot. Oregon averages about 330 yards rushing per game, they were able to squeak out 75 in this one. Darron Thomas was able however to throw for 363 yards against Auburn's secondary, which has not been as good all year. But again, the shootout wasn't there. There was really only one huge play, an 81 yard reception by Oregon's Jeff Maehl in the second quarter. Other than that, neither offense could seem to break anything open. But just like Auburn, and Heisman winner Cam Newton have done all year, they found a way to win. Newton did throw for 265 himself, and freshman running back Michael Dyer ran for 143. The biggest play of the game was easily Dyer's run with just about a minute remaining. He got tackled after what looked to be a 7 yard gain, but no, he wasn't actually tackled. He rolled on top of the defender, knee never touching the ground. When he realized he wasn't down, he scampered for about another 25 yards to the Oregon 23. And as time ran out, kicker Wes Byrum knocked it in for the national championship. Five national titles in a row for the SEC, world domination. Oh by the way, defense still wins championships. Final score 22-19, Auburn.
Until next season.
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