DENARD "SHOELACE" ROBINSON IS RACKING UP YARDS AND W's FOR THE WOLVERINES

Michigan's Denard Robinson is off to one amazing start this year. In only two games the Deerfield Beach, Florida native has racked up an amazing set of stats. He's becoming very familiar with the endzone and he's already no stranger to pressure situations. This past week on the road at Notre Dame, Denard led the Wolverines down the field on an amazing game winning drive that spanned 72 yards in 12 plays.

For the year so far, Shoelace has been the definition of "On Fire":

Rushing
57 Carries for 455 yards (3 TDs)

Passing
43 of 62 for 430 yards (2 TDs)

That's 885 yards in 2 games. If he keeps this up, they'll have to rewrite the record books at Michigan for All-Time Single Season Rushing Yards. Tim Biankabatuka had 1818 yards in 1995, and that's some pretty rocking company.

(Photo courtesy of Tony Ding)

If you have not been watching, do yourself a favor, keep an eye on "Shoelace" from here on out. He's been leaving his cleets untied since little league football, and he's running untied ever since. I see no reason for him stop any time soon. And I seriously doubt Coach Rodriguez will be getting his QB to lace them up either.

So far he's 2-0. He's led the Wolverines to victories of UConn and Notre Dame.

Up next for Michigan is UMASS, where Denard looks to rack up some more big time yardage. But just peeking ahead at the schedule, it looks like, by my count, Michigan will be 5-0 when they will host Michigan State on October 9th at the Big House. Should be a nice rivalry game for all to enjoy.

GAMECOCKS DEFEAT THE DAWGS IN CONVINCING FASHION

With all eyes on Columbia yesterday at high noon, it was apparent early on that this this year's team is one of Spurrier's best at USC.

 

Carolina got the ball first and drove straight down the field putting up a TD off a 16 play drive. They set the tone early with the capabilities of this Carolina squad. They let everyone know they can grind it out -- something Carolina fans have wanted for years. With Lattimore in, it is very apparent that these Gamecocks have balance, prowess, and innate ability to get a first down. Lattimore changes everything in Columbia, and it is an exciting time for the Gamecock Nation.

 

(Photo courtesy of Mike Zarrilli of Getty Images)

 

 

A lot of credit has to go to Shawn Elliott. He had the Offensive Line looking amazing. He comes from Appalachian State, where he helped guide steer the Mountaineers to 3 straight National Championships (2005, 2006, & 2007). While there he coached up 3 consecutive SoCon Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipients. In his first year at USC Coach Elliott has Lattimore is running behind one well coached line.

 

Combine that with a senior QB in Garcia and you have one excellent foundation for an Offensive explosion.

 

The Defense was no joke either. USC controlled both lines of scrimmage all day, and while Washaun Ealey got the ball for 19 carries for UGA, he never broke one big, never saw paydirt and found the ball stripped from him by #21 DeVonte Holloman inside the 5 yard line late in the game. It was a huge blow to UGA, and an amazing lift for the Gamecocks. It was the play of the day as the score at the time was 14-6 (Gamecocks).

 

Garcia finished the day 12-17, 165 yards and no TDs in the air. It was all Lattimore. He got the ball 37 times, racked up a whopping 187 yards and 2 TDs. He will always be considered the crown jewel of the most recent recruiting class for USC, and yesterday's performance was ample evidence why he was so highly regarded. He makes everyone look better.

 

In a losing effort, Justin Houston made is presence felt on the Georgia Defense. He was one of the bright spots on the Georgia defense, as he brought in 3 sacks on the day. He will continue to terrorize opponents all year. Grantham's defense is still a work in progress, and they had a tall order yesterday trying to slow down the Carolina offense. Georgia seemed to be a bit timid and seriously lacking in fundamental tackling -- very reminiscent of last year's squad. Arm tackles were prevalent, but things should get better for UGA if they can focus on wrapping up and swarming to the ball.

 

Game Stats:

 

3rd Down Efficiency

• UGA: 3-11
• USC: 9-14

 

Rushing Yards:

• UGA: 61
• USC: 189

 

Passing Yards:

• UGA: 192
• USC: 165

 

Carolina has Furman then a big test with a road trip to Auburn, then a week off, then Alabama.

 

Georgia has a huge home test with Arkansas coming to town, then they travel to Miss. State.

 

Expectations in Columbia could not be higher, and for good reason. If they Gamecocks can stay humble and hungry and focus on 1 week at a time, then they could be booking tickets to ATL. But that's another story for another day.