With another weekend in the books, the 2011 College Football picture is beginning to take shape. We saw Oklahoma go on the road and take down FSU in Tallahassee. We found out just how big and strong this Oklahoma team is. West Virginia had a late interception against a driving Maryland team to seal the victory, and Marcus Lattimore proves again that he’s the real deal. If he keeps this up, he’s going to give the voters something to think about this December, and watch out for Florida. They have quickly turned things around down in Gainesville.
Thursday Night Was an SEC West Clash
LSU (#3) travelled to Starville, MS and held Mississippi State (#25) to just 193 total yards. LSU outgained MSU’s rushing attack 148 yards versus 52. To say that LSU’s defense stepped up would be a huge understatement. With John Chavis at the help, this LSU defense is clearly one of the best in the land. The forced a couple MSU fumbles and managed to disrupt MSU the entire game. At the end of the day LSU was just too much, and Spencer Ware (22 carries, 107 yards) showed that he’s got what it takes. LSU wins a big SEC West road test and stays in the national title discussion. LSU 19 – MSU 6.
Friday Night Was No Surprise
Boise State (#4) whipped up on Toledo. Kellen Moore had 455 and 5 TDs on a decent team from the MAC. Toledo was no match for The Broncos who put up 610 yards. Boise marched up and down the field all night. Boise’s defense was solid which forced 2 turnovers. Kellen Moore was 32-42 Boise State 40 – Toledo 15.
Saturday Took Down the Defending National Champ
Auburn (#21) was in Death Valley for a noon kick, and they were out to a 14-0 lead against Clemson to end the first quarter. It was all downhill from there. Auburn’s luck ran out, as a fired up Clemson squad showcased some of the newer talent in the ACC. Auburn’s defense was, shall we say, exposed. Tajh Boyd went 30-42, 386 yards, and 4 TDs, and he takes the QB Game Ball for the weekend. Sammy Watkins blew it up. He had 7 carries, 44 yards and 10 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs. With about 9:30 to in the 4th, Auburn is down 24-38, Auburn is driving. It’s 2nd and Goal and QB Barrett Trotter, with awful mechanics, gets picked off by Coty Sensabaugh (CB) to seal it. Clemson racked up 624 yards on the day. Auburn 24 – Clemson 38.
West Virginia (#18) at Maryland – WVU got up early in this one, and held off Maryland who was driving late for the go ahead score. Geno Smith had an OK day, with 1 TD and 1 interception (this kind of performance will not fly against LSU in week 4). Denny O’Brian had some questionable throws into coverage that resulted in picks. Davin Meggett in a losing effort was spectacular with 19 carries, 113 yards and 1 TD. WVU 37 – Maryland 31.
Michigan State (#15) at Notre Dame – Brian Kelly and company got their first win. It took the friendly confines of Notre Dame stadium, and Cierre Wood putting up 2 big TDs in additional to a dandy of a special teams play by George Atkinson to get out in front. It was MSU 10 – Notre Dame 21 at the half, and Notre Dame never looked back. MSU 13 – Notre Dame 31.
Tennessee at Florida (#16) – I got to be honest with you. I’m impressed with Florida. Muschamp and this turn it loose defense have The Gators quickly back in the SEC East discussions. Chris Rainey did what he does best. He ran for a yards and TDs. He had 233 total yards, a TD, and a blocked punt. Tennessee just could not get it done against Florida’s stout defense. They had -9 yards rushing on the day (Ouch). Tennessee 23 – Florida 33.
Navy at South Carolina (#10) - If Gamecock fans tell you they were not sweating bullets in this one, they’re lying. They had their hands full with Navy all day. Carolina was stacking the box to stop the option, and if Navy connects on a couple of those play action passes, this one easily goes the other way. Ultimately they hung on and advanced. Thank goodness for Marcus Lattimore. He had 37 carries, 246 whopping yards and 3 TDs, and he gets my RB Game Ball for the weekend. If he keeps this up, he belongs at the top of the Heisman discussions. Navy 21 – South Carolina 24.
Ohio State (#17) at Miami - Ohio State is a grease fire. Al Golden took care of business at home. I really expected for Ohio State to bring something to the table, but I was wrong. Ohio State was out of position, missing tackles, and their secondary was atrocious. Miami looked good and got up by 14 early. Lamar Miller is a speedy fellow. He had 26 carries for 184 yards. Keep him on your must watch list. Ohio State 6 – Miami 24.
Oklahoma (#1) at Florida State (#5) – This was a heavy weight matchup down in Tallahassee, and the bigger stronger team prevailed. Every time I looked up someone from FSU was getting hurt and carted off the field. In what many expected to be a physical matchup, this one did not disappoint. Landry Jones overcame 2 interceptions, and Oklahoma pulls out the win with clutch receivers like Stills and Broyles. EJ Manuel was injured and Trickett had to step in. He brought FSU back and tied it up at 13-13 midway thru the 4th. But Oklahoma does what great teams to, come right back and counter punch with a TD and an interception to seal it. Oklahoma improves to 6-1 all-time against FSU. Oklahoma 23 - FSU 13.
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