I am hoping not, but it is looking like it has begun. That's right, the annual collapse of my beloved South Florida Bulls. After climbing to #21 in the polls, USF dropped last Thursday's game to #8 Cincinnati 34-17. BJ Daniels put up a hell of an effort. The kid is pretty much unsackable, as he was running for his life all night (thanks O-Line). I never saw a single player evade so many tackles. Unfortunately one of his scrambles led to an interception returned for 90 yards and set up a Cincinnati touchdown. The Bulls also did a good job of not letting Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike throw all over them. Unfortunately, Pike went down with an injury and the coaches did a terrible job of adjusting to Cincinnati's new game plan. The back up was a runner, and the Bulls have had a tough time defending running QBs all year. The Bulls have a tough match up Saturday in Pittsburgh, and will face the best defensive line they have seen all year. After watching what the Cincy d-line did to us, I feel very nervous about this. Give credit to the Bearcats for going into hostile territory and taking care of business. This team looks for real. Brian Kelly is an outstanding coach.
As expected, the Miami Hurricanes went out and took care of business against Central Florida with a 27-7 victory. The Canes face Clemson this week in a match up many believe could be a trap game. I do not see that happening as I feel Miami will win out and head to the Orange Bowl.
This was quite an entertaining week outside of my favorite teams. In addition, the first BCS standings were released with the top 5 being Florida, Alabama, Texas, Boise State, and Cinicinnati.
#5 Boise State escaped an upset loss to Tulsa, winning 28-21. I said earlier that Tulsa was the only team I saw remaining on Boise State's schedule with a chance to beat the Broncos. Unfortunately they will probably go undefeated and get in to BCS due to their cowardly scheduling. Maybe Idaho can pull it off November 14.
#3 Texas remained undefeated taking down #20 Oklahoma 16-13 in the Red River Shooutout. The Sooners took a big blow after Sam Bradford reinjured his shoulder in the first quarter. This was a great defensive battle which Oklahoma seemed to dominate most of. However, they were unable to hold on to the win, and their shot at a BCS game is all but gone.
In the biggest upset of the week, #7 Ohio State lost to unranked Purdue 26-18. Many do not feel Jim Tressel is properly utilizing quarterback Terrelle Pryor. My response to that is it serves Pryor right for not going to a school that runs the offense he is best suited for. Michigan looks pretty tempting now, huh Terrelle?
Biggest scandal of the year goes to #1 Florida's robbing of Arkansas 23-20. Now if the terrible officiating did not happen, I'm not saying Arkansas would have won for sure. But you do have to feel something is not morally right with Urban Meyer. Gainesville would have not been happy losing on homecoming to a 24 point underdog. I call scandal FAIL. The Gators will get there's in due time.
#25 Notre Dame gave #6 USC all the could, losing 34-27. I have not been on the Jimmy Clausen bandwagon, but I now believe he is legit. He kept his team in the game down to the last play, even after they appeared to be out of it.
#15 Nebraska failed in handling two decent opponents back-to-back. They were killed, at home, by unranked Texas Tech 31-10. The score was 24-3 heading into the 4th quarter. Nebraska can still win the Big 12 North, but I am certain that if they make it that far, they will lose to the winner of the South division.
#19 Georgia Tech took down #4 Virginia Tech 28-23 in the battle of the engineers. The Coastal Division of the ACC is now wide open, with Virginia currently in first. That ends this week, as I feel they will lose to Georgia Tech. Which in turn will put Miami atop of the division.
#2 (but my #1) Alabama took care of business against #22 South Carolina. It was not the prettiest offensive performance by the Tide, but the defense looked dominant only giving up six points. I really want Alabama to stick i to Florida in the SEC championship. I hope both are undefeated until then. Never mind, I will be happy with any Florida loss.
Games of note this week:
#12 Georgia Tech at Virginia
South Florida at #20 Pittsburgh
Clemson at #10 Miami
#13 Penn State at Michigan
Oklahoma at #25 Kansas
#8 TCU at #16 BYU
Here is my Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. USC
5. Cincinnati
6. Miami (FL)
7. Boise State
8. LSU
9. Iowa
10. TCU
11. Georgia Tech
12. Oregon
13. Penn State
14. Virginia Tech
15. Oklahoma State
16. Pittsburgh
17. Houston
18. Utah
19. West Virginia
20. BYU
21. Ohio State
22. Kansas
23. Texas Tech
24. Boston College
25. South Florida
Showing posts with label NCAA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA. Show all posts
22 October 2009
13 October 2009
College Football Thoughts (Week 6)
As promised, I have returned. Hopefully this will not be temporary. I do enjoy writing, but have found my laziness tends to get the best of me. Maybe we will just call it writer's block.
Anyways, to the football. I will first start (as I normally do) discussing the teams important to me. My Alma mater, the University of South Florida, is heading in to a huge game this Thursday against Big East foe Cincinnati. Both teams are 5-0, and have been quite impressive this year. Cincinnati is ranked #9 and boast an impressive offense led by quarterback Tony Pike. A kid whom many have on their Heisman Trophy watch list. However, Cincinnati has not been truly tested this season, with their toughest game thus far being at Oregon State (no disrespect to the Beavers, but they are not the same as last year). #21 USF has not been tested too much either. In week 4 we went up to Tallahassee, and beat then #18 Florida State 17-7. As the weeks go by this win looks less and less impressive since FSU is now 2-4 with what seems as the worst having yet to come. More on them later. Hopefully the people of Tampa will unite and come together for this big game. A full Raymond James Stadium is tough for the opposition, and I will be there full force screaming my head off for my beloved Bulls. I expect this to be a close game, and too tough for me to call. My heart says the Bulls, but I have not had a great feeling about this one since the end of the first half against Syracuse two Saturdays ago. The defensive line will need to repeat the performance they had against FSU, and BJ Daniels will have to put the offense in a position to score. Our running game has been less than stellar, so it is going to lie on the freshman signal caller's arm and legs.
My other team, the Miami Hurricanes, are off to a more than impressive start. If anyone would have told me at the beginning of the season, they would be 4-1 after playing Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, and Florida A&M, I might have considered them clinically insane. FAMU was the only sure lock in my book, with them most likely losing the rest. Jacory Harris has looked very poised, and the offense has been great under Mark Whipple thus far (with the exception of the VaTech game). The defense has been great as well. Allen Bailey is the best player you never heard of. No doubt in my mind he should be a first round pick in the 2011 draft. The Canes handled FAMU quite easily, winning 48-16. Miami travels to Orlando to take on Central Florida this Saturday, and I fully expect the Canes to be 5-1 after that game and continue to their ascent up the polls.
In other recaps, #21 Nebraska won 27-12 over #24 Missouri last Thursday. I have been skeptical of Nebraska all season, but with this win and losing only 16-15 to Virignia Tech, I am becoming a bit more of a believer in them as a Big 12 favorite. Their game against Texas Tech will be a good measuring tool. Let's see how they handle two decent opponents back-to-back.
The big contest Saturday saw #1 Florida head into Death Valley to take on #4 LSU. The big story of the game was if Florida's Tim Tebow would be able to play after suffering a pretty severe concussion two weeks earlier. Sure enough, Tebow was out on the field and led his team to a 13-3 victory, ending LSU's 30+ (I believe 32) game winning streak at home during night games. Florida's defense was dominant, but their offense was less than stellar. In my opinion this was due to Tebow coming off the injury, and because LSU's defense is underrated. No one gave the Tigers a chance, but they killed themselves with several stupid offside penalties. Florida is definitely beatable, and at the moment they are not looking like the the number 1 team in the nation.
That title should go to Alabama. The Tide rolled into Oxford and beat #20 Mississippi 22-3. Jevan Snead is very overrated as his offense was only able to muster a field goal. And love him or hate him (I'm on the hate side), you have to respect Alabama coach Nick Saban. The man has returned that program to glory in only a couple seasons.
The only unbeaten team that went down was #17 Auburn, losing 44-23 to unranked Arkansas. I feel Arkansas is a lot better than advertised, and their quarterback Ryan Mallett is a first rounder in my opinion. Florida may have a tough time with Arkansas this week.
Sam Bradford made his return from his shoulder injury and #19 Oklahoma handled Baylor easily, 33-7. This was a good warm up for Bradford as they will take on #2 Texas this week in the Red River Shootout. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14, surviving a rough first half in which Texas was down 14-10.
#12 Iowa is still undefeated after a thrilling 30-28 win over Michigan. The Hawkeyes are looking pretty good, but I do not see them winning out. They have to play at Ohio State in November.
#22 Georgia Tech defeated Florida State 49-44, in what was the worst display of defense I have ever seen. You have to feel bad for FSU quarterback Christian Ponder whom has done everything he can for this team. If his defense was not so bad, he could be the front runner for the Heisman. Unfortunately that award has become more about team rather than individual performance. The end of Bobby Bowden is near, but since that has been all over the news, I will not discuss that situation anymore. Just know that he should be gone after this year, and all Bobby apologists (seasoned FSU fans in particular) do not care about that program getting better.
Games of note for the coming weekend:
#8 Cincinnati at #21 South Florida
#20 Oklahoma vs. #2 Texas
Arkansas at #1 Florida
#6 USC at #25 Notre Dame
#4 Virginia Tech at #19 Georgia Tech
#22 South Carolina at #2 Alabama
Here is my Top 25
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Virginia Tech
5. USC
6. Boise State
7. Miami (FL)
8. Cincinnati
9. LSU
10. Ohio State
11. Iowa
12. Oregon
13. Penn State
14. TCU
15. Georgia Tech
16. Nebraska
17. Kansas
18. Oklahoma State
19. South Florida
20. Oklahoma
21. South Carolina
22. Houston
23. BYU
24. Notre Dame
25. Utah
That title should go to Alabama. The Tide rolled into Oxford and beat #20 Mississippi 22-3. Jevan Snead is very overrated as his offense was only able to muster a field goal. And love him or hate him (I'm on the hate side), you have to respect Alabama coach Nick Saban. The man has returned that program to glory in only a couple seasons.
The only unbeaten team that went down was #17 Auburn, losing 44-23 to unranked Arkansas. I feel Arkansas is a lot better than advertised, and their quarterback Ryan Mallett is a first rounder in my opinion. Florida may have a tough time with Arkansas this week.
Sam Bradford made his return from his shoulder injury and #19 Oklahoma handled Baylor easily, 33-7. This was a good warm up for Bradford as they will take on #2 Texas this week in the Red River Shootout. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14, surviving a rough first half in which Texas was down 14-10.
#12 Iowa is still undefeated after a thrilling 30-28 win over Michigan. The Hawkeyes are looking pretty good, but I do not see them winning out. They have to play at Ohio State in November.
#22 Georgia Tech defeated Florida State 49-44, in what was the worst display of defense I have ever seen. You have to feel bad for FSU quarterback Christian Ponder whom has done everything he can for this team. If his defense was not so bad, he could be the front runner for the Heisman. Unfortunately that award has become more about team rather than individual performance. The end of Bobby Bowden is near, but since that has been all over the news, I will not discuss that situation anymore. Just know that he should be gone after this year, and all Bobby apologists (seasoned FSU fans in particular) do not care about that program getting better.
Games of note for the coming weekend:
#8 Cincinnati at #21 South Florida
#20 Oklahoma vs. #2 Texas
Arkansas at #1 Florida
#6 USC at #25 Notre Dame
#4 Virginia Tech at #19 Georgia Tech
#22 South Carolina at #2 Alabama
Here is my Top 25
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Virginia Tech
5. USC
6. Boise State
7. Miami (FL)
8. Cincinnati
9. LSU
10. Ohio State
11. Iowa
12. Oregon
13. Penn State
14. TCU
15. Georgia Tech
16. Nebraska
17. Kansas
18. Oklahoma State
19. South Florida
20. Oklahoma
21. South Carolina
22. Houston
23. BYU
24. Notre Dame
25. Utah
30 November 2008
College Football Thoughts (Week 14)
I have returned to offer my thoughts on the college football weekend after a week hiatus. I came down with a terrible fever and cough last week and was not up to blogging about anything from week 13. A couple things to note from the previous week were that USF finally got back on the winning track by beating UConn, Miami pissed away its ACC title hopes by letting Georgia Tech run all over them, and Texas Tech was finally defeated (convincingly) by Oklahoma.
This week was rivalry week and it was a pretty good one. On Thursday, Texas took care of their rival Texas A&M quite easily 49-9. Texas is a team that is deserving of a shot at the title, but time and pollsters will have to determine if they are worthy enough to get into the BIG 12 Championship over Oklahoma (I say no). On that note it was Oklahoma traveling to Stillwater to face their foe Oklahoma State in the prime time match up of the weekend. The Sooners prevail 61-41 in an offensive shootout. They look like the 2nd hottest team in the nation at the moment and I would love nothing more to see them play Florida in the BCS Championship.
On Friday there were some excellent battles. Over in the Big East, Pittsburgh defeated West Virginia 19-15 for the second straight season in the backyard brawl. Pitt's victory guaranteed the Cincinnati the Big East title and a trip to the Orange Bowl (most likely). Also on Friday, LSU let down the people of Louisiana once again as they lost to a 5-7 Arkansas 31-30.
On Saturday my Miami Hurricanes laid an egg against North Carolina State and lose 38-28. The Canes continue to struggle to find an identity on offense. As I've sad several times this season they need to choose one QB and stick with him during the game. OC Patric Nix is not giving Robert Marve or Jacory Harris a chance to get into a groove. I would prefer to see Harris back there, but Marve was doing fine and they took him out on Saturday. Ryan Hill cannot tackle, get him off the field.
Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 17-14 clinching the ACC Coastal. They will play Boston College next week in the ACC Championship after the Eagles held off Maryland 28-21 and kept Florida State out of the title game. Speaking of Florida State, they got destroyed by Florida 45-15. The Gators continue to look like an unstoppable force and next week should be a great game as they play Alabama in the SEC Championship. Alabama took care of hated rival Auburn 36-0 in the Iron Bowl.
In an upset, Georgia Tech beat Georgia 45-42 in the most entertaining game of the day. It's a shame they the Yellow Jackets do not have a chance to play in the ACC game because they are the best team in the conference in my opinion. Staying with the upsets, Kansas beat Missouri in the border war 40-37. Missouri will still play in the Big 12 Championship, but 10-2 would have looked a lot better to end the regular season than 9-3. Now they'll probably head to their bowl game 9-4 and play in something like the Holiday Bowl. Oregon pounded Oregon State 65-38, ending the Beavers' hopes at a Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth. Oregon has a chance to win it now if USC somehow loses to UCLA. My instinct says the Trojans win the Pac-10 yet again.
Tune in next week for Championship Week when all the conference champions will be crowned and the bowls will be set. Not too mention...The ARMY-NAVY game.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Texas Tech
8. Penn State
9. Boise State
10. Ohio State
11. Cincinnati
12. Ball State
13. TCU
14. Oklahoma State
15. Georgia Tech
16. Oregon
17. Missouri
18. Boston College
19. Georgia
20. Pittsburgh
21. Michigan State
22. Northwestern
23. BYU
24. Mississippi
25. Oregon State
This week was rivalry week and it was a pretty good one. On Thursday, Texas took care of their rival Texas A&M quite easily 49-9. Texas is a team that is deserving of a shot at the title, but time and pollsters will have to determine if they are worthy enough to get into the BIG 12 Championship over Oklahoma (I say no). On that note it was Oklahoma traveling to Stillwater to face their foe Oklahoma State in the prime time match up of the weekend. The Sooners prevail 61-41 in an offensive shootout. They look like the 2nd hottest team in the nation at the moment and I would love nothing more to see them play Florida in the BCS Championship.
On Friday there were some excellent battles. Over in the Big East, Pittsburgh defeated West Virginia 19-15 for the second straight season in the backyard brawl. Pitt's victory guaranteed the Cincinnati the Big East title and a trip to the Orange Bowl (most likely). Also on Friday, LSU let down the people of Louisiana once again as they lost to a 5-7 Arkansas 31-30.
On Saturday my Miami Hurricanes laid an egg against North Carolina State and lose 38-28. The Canes continue to struggle to find an identity on offense. As I've sad several times this season they need to choose one QB and stick with him during the game. OC Patric Nix is not giving Robert Marve or Jacory Harris a chance to get into a groove. I would prefer to see Harris back there, but Marve was doing fine and they took him out on Saturday. Ryan Hill cannot tackle, get him off the field.
Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 17-14 clinching the ACC Coastal. They will play Boston College next week in the ACC Championship after the Eagles held off Maryland 28-21 and kept Florida State out of the title game. Speaking of Florida State, they got destroyed by Florida 45-15. The Gators continue to look like an unstoppable force and next week should be a great game as they play Alabama in the SEC Championship. Alabama took care of hated rival Auburn 36-0 in the Iron Bowl.
In an upset, Georgia Tech beat Georgia 45-42 in the most entertaining game of the day. It's a shame they the Yellow Jackets do not have a chance to play in the ACC game because they are the best team in the conference in my opinion. Staying with the upsets, Kansas beat Missouri in the border war 40-37. Missouri will still play in the Big 12 Championship, but 10-2 would have looked a lot better to end the regular season than 9-3. Now they'll probably head to their bowl game 9-4 and play in something like the Holiday Bowl. Oregon pounded Oregon State 65-38, ending the Beavers' hopes at a Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth. Oregon has a chance to win it now if USC somehow loses to UCLA. My instinct says the Trojans win the Pac-10 yet again.
Tune in next week for Championship Week when all the conference champions will be crowned and the bowls will be set. Not too mention...The ARMY-NAVY game.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Texas Tech
8. Penn State
9. Boise State
10. Ohio State
11. Cincinnati
12. Ball State
13. TCU
14. Oklahoma State
15. Georgia Tech
16. Oregon
17. Missouri
18. Boston College
19. Georgia
20. Pittsburgh
21. Michigan State
22. Northwestern
23. BYU
24. Mississippi
25. Oregon State
16 November 2008
College Football Thought (Week 12)
This was a week with little national implications, and as I stated last week it was a bit boring. However, I come to this blog bearing many thoughts as I got a pretty good idea how a lot of things could play out the rest of the season.
I'll start off by commenting on my favorite teams, USF and Miami. From what I can see, USF has counted their losses (now 4) and given up on the season. I witnessed a team that has lost all of their heart and pride in the last three games they have played, especially in yesterday's 49-16 loss to a Rutgers team that came into the game 4-5. Head coach Jim Leavitt has lost complete control of a squad that many considered seasoned veterans. We returned 10 starters on offense and cannot move the ball. Quarterback Matt Grothe has been figured out by the all the defenses and his legs are as much a threat as his arm, and by throwing eight interceptions in the last three games you get a sense of how much of a threat that is. I am completely behind a change in the program's direction, and if that means canning the beloved Leavitt so be it. Unfortunately I do not think they will change a damn thing because he is already the highest paid coach in the Big East and the school will not be willing to fund a buyout and go for anyone better. This team does not deserve a bowl game, although it will be tough for the St. Pete Bowl to pass on us because of the proximity to the school.
Miami on the other hand looks to be headed in the opposite direction. It will not be long before The U is a top power again. They defeated a very respectable Virginia Tech team 16-14 on Thursday night, a game in which I felt would prove whether they were ready to compete for an ACC title this year. Sure enough they control their own destiny as the leaders of the Coastal division. Win out and they are in the conference championship. This coming Thursday at Georgia Tech will be another tough challenge. I am a bit nervous about this one since Tech is the 14th team in total defense and the Canes have struggled to move the ball (100th in total offense). Fortunately Miami boasts an even tougher defense, 10th, while doing particularly well against the run which is all the Jackets have. Should be a great, LOW SCORING, game. I say something in the realm of 25-30 points and either team can walk away victorious.
Staying in the ACC, Florida State shot themselves in the foot during a game they needed badly losing to Boston College 27-17. They now have to beat Maryland in College Park, and hope Maryland beats Boston College and Boston College beats Wake Forest for them to earn a bid in the ACC Championship (I stand corrected Matt). I'm hoping they can pull it off because I want Miami to get another shot at them. The problem with the Noles seems to be Rick Trickett's little offensive linemen philosophy clashing with Jimbo Fisher's game plan, and since Jimbo Fisher is the head coach in waiting it may be bye-bye for Trickett. When your punter is the leading rusher in a game you certainly have a problem. Quarterback Chrisitian Ponder is looking like the second coming Chris Rix.
The last team I am going to spend a little time on is the Florida Gators. Two weeks ago I said I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship, and after yesterday's beat down 56-6 of #24 South Carolina (a game that was supposed to be one of the week's best). They took it to the Old Ball Coach accumulating 351 yards on the ground. If Florida keeps riding this domination train, there is not a team in the nation that will be able to contend with them. As my friend Matt stated they reminded him of another UF team that dominated after losing a fluke game. Alabama will lose to them in the SEC title game, and the Gators will be playing in Miami on January 8.
There were another couple notable games, but the top half of the polls got through yesterday unscathed. As stated earlier, the ACC saw another shakeup this week with Maryland upsetting #17 North Carolina 17-15, and North Carolina State defeating Wake Forest 21-17 (FSU should be kissing the Wolfpack's asses right now). #23 Tulsa gets a taste of their own medicine, getting railed by Houston 70-30. Thought I was looking at a basketball stat line from the 80s. #13 Georgia Squeaked by an awful Auburn team 17-13. Guess the Dawgs are not the team we all thought they would be. How overrated is Matthew Stafford? LSU has been another SEC let down. Yesterday they had to come back from 28 down against...dare I say?...Troy to win 40-31. First time in quite a few years the SEC has not been the top conference in the land. The Big 12 will hold that trophy this season.
In news off the field, Syracuse coach Greg Robinson was unsurprisingly fired. I feel bad for the guy taking over that position. In a basketball dominated school with some of the worse weather it is remarkable the Orange were ever relevant in the college football world. How do you recruit anyone to go there? Not since the departure of Donovan McNabb has anyone cared about this team.
Stay tuned this week as we have several awesome games. The nation will be tuned in to Texas Tech at Oklahoma for a prime time match up, a game that will have the biggest national implications so far this season. Michigan State takes on Penn State in a game to determine the Big 10 Champion. If Penn State wins it is theirs. If Michigan State wins and Ohio State lays an egg against Michigan we will see the Spartans in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State can take the crown if they defeat Michigan and Michigan State wins. BYU and Utah will battle it out for the Mountain West Conference. A Utes victory almost guarantees them a BCS bowl. The top two teams in the Big East go head to head as Pitt visits Cincinnati.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. Michigan State
15. Ball State
16. Pittsburgh
17. TCU
18. Cincinnati
19. Georgia Tech
20. LSU
21. Maryland
22. Oregon State
23. North Carolina
24. Miami
25. Northwestern
I'll start off by commenting on my favorite teams, USF and Miami. From what I can see, USF has counted their losses (now 4) and given up on the season. I witnessed a team that has lost all of their heart and pride in the last three games they have played, especially in yesterday's 49-16 loss to a Rutgers team that came into the game 4-5. Head coach Jim Leavitt has lost complete control of a squad that many considered seasoned veterans. We returned 10 starters on offense and cannot move the ball. Quarterback Matt Grothe has been figured out by the all the defenses and his legs are as much a threat as his arm, and by throwing eight interceptions in the last three games you get a sense of how much of a threat that is. I am completely behind a change in the program's direction, and if that means canning the beloved Leavitt so be it. Unfortunately I do not think they will change a damn thing because he is already the highest paid coach in the Big East and the school will not be willing to fund a buyout and go for anyone better. This team does not deserve a bowl game, although it will be tough for the St. Pete Bowl to pass on us because of the proximity to the school.
Miami on the other hand looks to be headed in the opposite direction. It will not be long before The U is a top power again. They defeated a very respectable Virginia Tech team 16-14 on Thursday night, a game in which I felt would prove whether they were ready to compete for an ACC title this year. Sure enough they control their own destiny as the leaders of the Coastal division. Win out and they are in the conference championship. This coming Thursday at Georgia Tech will be another tough challenge. I am a bit nervous about this one since Tech is the 14th team in total defense and the Canes have struggled to move the ball (100th in total offense). Fortunately Miami boasts an even tougher defense, 10th, while doing particularly well against the run which is all the Jackets have. Should be a great, LOW SCORING, game. I say something in the realm of 25-30 points and either team can walk away victorious.
Staying in the ACC, Florida State shot themselves in the foot during a game they needed badly losing to Boston College 27-17. They now have to beat Maryland in College Park, and hope Maryland beats Boston College and Boston College beats Wake Forest for them to earn a bid in the ACC Championship (I stand corrected Matt). I'm hoping they can pull it off because I want Miami to get another shot at them. The problem with the Noles seems to be Rick Trickett's little offensive linemen philosophy clashing with Jimbo Fisher's game plan, and since Jimbo Fisher is the head coach in waiting it may be bye-bye for Trickett. When your punter is the leading rusher in a game you certainly have a problem. Quarterback Chrisitian Ponder is looking like the second coming Chris Rix.
The last team I am going to spend a little time on is the Florida Gators. Two weeks ago I said I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship, and after yesterday's beat down 56-6 of #24 South Carolina (a game that was supposed to be one of the week's best). They took it to the Old Ball Coach accumulating 351 yards on the ground. If Florida keeps riding this domination train, there is not a team in the nation that will be able to contend with them. As my friend Matt stated they reminded him of another UF team that dominated after losing a fluke game. Alabama will lose to them in the SEC title game, and the Gators will be playing in Miami on January 8.
There were another couple notable games, but the top half of the polls got through yesterday unscathed. As stated earlier, the ACC saw another shakeup this week with Maryland upsetting #17 North Carolina 17-15, and North Carolina State defeating Wake Forest 21-17 (FSU should be kissing the Wolfpack's asses right now). #23 Tulsa gets a taste of their own medicine, getting railed by Houston 70-30. Thought I was looking at a basketball stat line from the 80s. #13 Georgia Squeaked by an awful Auburn team 17-13. Guess the Dawgs are not the team we all thought they would be. How overrated is Matthew Stafford? LSU has been another SEC let down. Yesterday they had to come back from 28 down against...dare I say?...Troy to win 40-31. First time in quite a few years the SEC has not been the top conference in the land. The Big 12 will hold that trophy this season.
In news off the field, Syracuse coach Greg Robinson was unsurprisingly fired. I feel bad for the guy taking over that position. In a basketball dominated school with some of the worse weather it is remarkable the Orange were ever relevant in the college football world. How do you recruit anyone to go there? Not since the departure of Donovan McNabb has anyone cared about this team.
Stay tuned this week as we have several awesome games. The nation will be tuned in to Texas Tech at Oklahoma for a prime time match up, a game that will have the biggest national implications so far this season. Michigan State takes on Penn State in a game to determine the Big 10 Champion. If Penn State wins it is theirs. If Michigan State wins and Ohio State lays an egg against Michigan we will see the Spartans in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State can take the crown if they defeat Michigan and Michigan State wins. BYU and Utah will battle it out for the Mountain West Conference. A Utes victory almost guarantees them a BCS bowl. The top two teams in the Big East go head to head as Pitt visits Cincinnati.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. Michigan State
15. Ball State
16. Pittsburgh
17. TCU
18. Cincinnati
19. Georgia Tech
20. LSU
21. Maryland
22. Oregon State
23. North Carolina
24. Miami
25. Northwestern
11 November 2008
College Football Thoughts (Week 11)
Sorry I am couple days late reporting my thoughts on the 11th week of the college football season, but hey it's only Tuesday. As I expected this was not THAT exciting of a week since it had very few enticing match ups, but it is still college football and it must be watched and reviewed.
Thursday gave us a pivotal Mountain West Conference match up in which Utah beat Texas Christian 13-10 to remain undefeated and in the hunt to play in a BCS game. If they take care of BYU they should be a lock. You may ask how the MWC can have a pivotal match up, but just look at their record against the "ever mighty" PAC-10...they owned them this year (6-1). Do not try to tell me the Big East is the worst conference in the BCS...it is clearly the PAC-10. And without USC, they could probably one of the worst of all the conferences. The ACC also saw a shakeup on Thursday as Virginia Tech took care of Maryland 23-13. After this week the ACC is still up for grabs with Florida State and Wake Forest tied for the lead in the Atlantic division, and a three way tie between North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia Tech in the Coastal. Wake Forest and North Carolina would have it if the season ended today because of tie breakers.
On Saturday the prime time game was #2 Texas Tech hosting #8 Oklahoma State. Not much to comment on the shellacking Tech did of the Pokes (56-20) except that they are now my new #1 team. The tandem of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree seems unstoppable. Next week will be a true test as they face Oklahoma in Norman. This is a game which I can foresee a Red Raider loss, but I am hoping Texas Tech can continue to win to keep Florida out of the BCS championship.
Alabama remained atop the BCS standings with their 27-21 overtime win over #15 LSU. Sure Bama won, but I am not sure they are the best team in the nation. With the way Florida is playing it will be shown in the SEC Championship (mark my words).
The big upset of the week came with Iowa defeating undefeated #3 Penn State. All I can say about this is thank you Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes for keeping a Big 10 team out of the title hunt. The last thing I wanted to witness was another team from this conference getting pummeled in a championship game (playoffs anyone?)
Other games of note were #19 North Carolina beating #22 Georgia Tech 28-7, #7 Southern Cal defeating #21 California 17-3, and Boston College shutting out Notre Dame 17-0 to extend their winning streak to six over the Irish (nothing better than ND losing).
If you thought this week was a bit of a snooze (like I did), then get your sleeping gear prepared for the the coming set of match ups. The only top 25 teams that will playing each other are Florida and South Carolina. I anticipate the Gators will win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Here is my new top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. North Carolina
15. Michigan State
16. Ball State
17. Florida State
18. Pittsburgh
19. TCU
20. Cincinnati
21. Georgia Tech
22. LSU
23. Tulsa
24. Oregon State
25. Virginia Tech
Thursday gave us a pivotal Mountain West Conference match up in which Utah beat Texas Christian 13-10 to remain undefeated and in the hunt to play in a BCS game. If they take care of BYU they should be a lock. You may ask how the MWC can have a pivotal match up, but just look at their record against the "ever mighty" PAC-10...they owned them this year (6-1). Do not try to tell me the Big East is the worst conference in the BCS...it is clearly the PAC-10. And without USC, they could probably one of the worst of all the conferences. The ACC also saw a shakeup on Thursday as Virginia Tech took care of Maryland 23-13. After this week the ACC is still up for grabs with Florida State and Wake Forest tied for the lead in the Atlantic division, and a three way tie between North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia Tech in the Coastal. Wake Forest and North Carolina would have it if the season ended today because of tie breakers.
On Saturday the prime time game was #2 Texas Tech hosting #8 Oklahoma State. Not much to comment on the shellacking Tech did of the Pokes (56-20) except that they are now my new #1 team. The tandem of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree seems unstoppable. Next week will be a true test as they face Oklahoma in Norman. This is a game which I can foresee a Red Raider loss, but I am hoping Texas Tech can continue to win to keep Florida out of the BCS championship.
Alabama remained atop the BCS standings with their 27-21 overtime win over #15 LSU. Sure Bama won, but I am not sure they are the best team in the nation. With the way Florida is playing it will be shown in the SEC Championship (mark my words).
The big upset of the week came with Iowa defeating undefeated #3 Penn State. All I can say about this is thank you Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes for keeping a Big 10 team out of the title hunt. The last thing I wanted to witness was another team from this conference getting pummeled in a championship game (playoffs anyone?)
Other games of note were #19 North Carolina beating #22 Georgia Tech 28-7, #7 Southern Cal defeating #21 California 17-3, and Boston College shutting out Notre Dame 17-0 to extend their winning streak to six over the Irish (nothing better than ND losing).
If you thought this week was a bit of a snooze (like I did), then get your sleeping gear prepared for the the coming set of match ups. The only top 25 teams that will playing each other are Florida and South Carolina. I anticipate the Gators will win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Here is my new top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. North Carolina
15. Michigan State
16. Ball State
17. Florida State
18. Pittsburgh
19. TCU
20. Cincinnati
21. Georgia Tech
22. LSU
23. Tulsa
24. Oregon State
25. Virginia Tech
02 November 2008
College Football Thoughts (Week 10)
In what promised to be a great weekend of college football, week 10 did not disappoint. In fact it exceeded my expectations. Starting in the top 25 we saw six games in which the higher seed lost (BCS rankings). The game of the night was certainly the #7 Texas Tech Red Raiders pulling the shocker by beating the #1 Texas Longhorns. I knew the Raiders had a chance, but thought the Horns would finally prevail in the end. However, Graham Harrell came through and made an incredible throw to Michael Crabtree who then shook off two defenders and took it in for a 28 yard score with one second remaining. Tech wins 39-33. After watching this game, Crabtree has my vote for best player in the country.
In addition to Texas going down, the #8 Florida Gators makes an absolute mockery of Matt Stafford and his #6 Georgia Bulldogs winning 49-10. This game showed me that no one should want to play Florida right now. With the exception of their loss to Ole Miss, the Gtors are the best team in the country. They are extremely fast and no one seems to have an answer for their offense. I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship.
Around the rest of the top 25, #15 Florida State loses to Georgia Tech 31-28. FSU running back Marcus Sims fumbles the ball while going in for the go ahead score, and Tech wins it in thrilling fashion. Northwestern heads into Minnesota and beat the #17 Golden Gophers 24-17. A fabulous game in which the Northwestern defense returns a late interception for a touchdown to seal the victory. The potent offense of the #18 Tulsa Golden Hurricane were surpressed by the Arkansas Razorbacks losing 30-23. Another undefeated non-BCS school goes down and only Utah, Boise State, and Ball State remain. The last top 25 team to go down was the #24 Oregon Ducks at the hands of Cal 26-16.
There were also several great games outside of the top 25 that need to be mentioned. The first of note was my Miami Hurricanes (#2 team to USF) taking out Virginia 24-17 in overtime and avenging the last season lost to the Cavaliers. The Canes are starting to come around on offense especially with Jacory Harris under center. There is no reason he should not be starting over Robert Marve for the remainder of the season. Pitt defeat (the everhated) Notre Dame 36-33 in a game so good it needed four overtimes. In a battle of scholarly schools Wake Forest squeaks by the surprising Duke Blue Devils 33-30 in overtime. Duke needed to win this to have a shot at a bowl eligibility, but I do not think they do it this season still needed two more wins. What happened to Wake Forest? Guess that little run in the top 25 was short lived. Michigan will not be going to a bowl for the first time in 33 years after losing to Purdue 48-42. I love seeing Rich Rodriguez struggling. I suppose the West Virginia faithful were right when they said he would regret leaving.
If you missed out on yesterday's action, I certainly feel sorry for you. Here is my new top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Oklahoma
7. Southern Cal
8. Oklahoma State
9. Utah
10. Boise State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. TCU
15. LSU
16. Georgia Tech
17. North Carolina
18. Michigan State
19. Ball State
20. Florida State
21. Maryland
22. Pittsburgh
23. West Virginia
24. California
25. Northwestern
In addition to Texas going down, the #8 Florida Gators makes an absolute mockery of Matt Stafford and his #6 Georgia Bulldogs winning 49-10. This game showed me that no one should want to play Florida right now. With the exception of their loss to Ole Miss, the Gtors are the best team in the country. They are extremely fast and no one seems to have an answer for their offense. I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship.
Around the rest of the top 25, #15 Florida State loses to Georgia Tech 31-28. FSU running back Marcus Sims fumbles the ball while going in for the go ahead score, and Tech wins it in thrilling fashion. Northwestern heads into Minnesota and beat the #17 Golden Gophers 24-17. A fabulous game in which the Northwestern defense returns a late interception for a touchdown to seal the victory. The potent offense of the #18 Tulsa Golden Hurricane were surpressed by the Arkansas Razorbacks losing 30-23. Another undefeated non-BCS school goes down and only Utah, Boise State, and Ball State remain. The last top 25 team to go down was the #24 Oregon Ducks at the hands of Cal 26-16.
There were also several great games outside of the top 25 that need to be mentioned. The first of note was my Miami Hurricanes (#2 team to USF) taking out Virginia 24-17 in overtime and avenging the last season lost to the Cavaliers. The Canes are starting to come around on offense especially with Jacory Harris under center. There is no reason he should not be starting over Robert Marve for the remainder of the season. Pitt defeat (the everhated) Notre Dame 36-33 in a game so good it needed four overtimes. In a battle of scholarly schools Wake Forest squeaks by the surprising Duke Blue Devils 33-30 in overtime. Duke needed to win this to have a shot at a bowl eligibility, but I do not think they do it this season still needed two more wins. What happened to Wake Forest? Guess that little run in the top 25 was short lived. Michigan will not be going to a bowl for the first time in 33 years after losing to Purdue 48-42. I love seeing Rich Rodriguez struggling. I suppose the West Virginia faithful were right when they said he would regret leaving.
If you missed out on yesterday's action, I certainly feel sorry for you. Here is my new top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Oklahoma
7. Southern Cal
8. Oklahoma State
9. Utah
10. Boise State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. TCU
15. LSU
16. Georgia Tech
17. North Carolina
18. Michigan State
19. Ball State
20. Florida State
21. Maryland
22. Pittsburgh
23. West Virginia
24. California
25. Northwestern
31 October 2008
Annual USF Collapse
College football is my favorite sport, so from now until the end of the season I will be commenting a lot on it. Most of my posts will be about my Alma mater, the University of South Florida, and conferences with the most entertaining football (i.e. SEC, ACC, and Big 12). I abhor the Big 10, so the only input coming from that part of the college football world will be if Penn State holds on to their undefeated record and heads to the BCS Championship.
I came on here this Halloween morning to discuss the annual mid season collapse of USF football. As a faithful follower since I enrolled in the school in 2004, I have done nothing but back this team fully. I used to be a die hard Miami Hurricanes fan, but after deciding not to attend UM (too damn expensive), I jumped on the USF train in hopes we would contend for the Big East title year in and year out. Two years in a row we have started off with what would appear to be "the year" by beating ranked teams like Auburn, West Virginia, and Kansas. Then we go on to lose to teams in the conference that we should not. Our talent is superior to the likes of Rutgers, Connecticut, and Cincinnati, but we cannot seem to put them away. It is unacceptable that we live in the best talent pool in the nation and cannot put together a disciplined, winning team.
Sure enough, the Bulls have the potential, talent, and head coach to win it every year, but last night after falling to Cincinnati 24-10 (third year in a row losing to the Bearcats) I began to question the talent and head coach. There were several dropped balls by so called elite receivers, and the defensive secondary was beat bad all night. I'm also questioning whether Jim Leavitt has enough to take this team to the next level. The program has just seemed to plateau, and I am not sure we will be able to win 10 games under Leavitt let alone a Big East Championship. I think it is time to fire the offensive coordinator, Greg Gregory (what a dumb name). He is not utilizing the playing style of quarterback Matt Grothe properly.
I realize this may be coming off as a vent session without much merit, but it had to be done. I feel a lot better now, but sitting at 6-3 I would be surprised if this team goes anything more than 8-4. They probably do not deserve a bowl game, but since the St. Pete Bowl is making its inauguration, the committee for the game would be silly to pass on a virtual home game for the Bulls.
I came on here this Halloween morning to discuss the annual mid season collapse of USF football. As a faithful follower since I enrolled in the school in 2004, I have done nothing but back this team fully. I used to be a die hard Miami Hurricanes fan, but after deciding not to attend UM (too damn expensive), I jumped on the USF train in hopes we would contend for the Big East title year in and year out. Two years in a row we have started off with what would appear to be "the year" by beating ranked teams like Auburn, West Virginia, and Kansas. Then we go on to lose to teams in the conference that we should not. Our talent is superior to the likes of Rutgers, Connecticut, and Cincinnati, but we cannot seem to put them away. It is unacceptable that we live in the best talent pool in the nation and cannot put together a disciplined, winning team.
Sure enough, the Bulls have the potential, talent, and head coach to win it every year, but last night after falling to Cincinnati 24-10 (third year in a row losing to the Bearcats) I began to question the talent and head coach. There were several dropped balls by so called elite receivers, and the defensive secondary was beat bad all night. I'm also questioning whether Jim Leavitt has enough to take this team to the next level. The program has just seemed to plateau, and I am not sure we will be able to win 10 games under Leavitt let alone a Big East Championship. I think it is time to fire the offensive coordinator, Greg Gregory (what a dumb name). He is not utilizing the playing style of quarterback Matt Grothe properly.
I realize this may be coming off as a vent session without much merit, but it had to be done. I feel a lot better now, but sitting at 6-3 I would be surprised if this team goes anything more than 8-4. They probably do not deserve a bowl game, but since the St. Pete Bowl is making its inauguration, the committee for the game would be silly to pass on a virtual home game for the Bulls.
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