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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Friday, September 23, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
WEEK 3: GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Saturday is here and so with it comes week 3 of the 2011 College Football season. Let’s roll through the action you should be keeping an eye on today.
West Virginia (#18) at Maryland – This one should be a great noon game. Look for great head coaches to go at it. Coach Randy Edsall is on record stating that Maryland is his dream job, and Coach Holgorsen is revving up the WVU attack. Maryland, led by Quarterback Danny O’Brian, took care of a less than 100% Miami team on week 1 then had a bye week. Coach Edsall is not great against WVU though, he was 1-6 against The Mountaineers while coaching a UCONN. Maryland will look to continue the balanced attack, and keep an eye on David Meggett’s son, Davin. Look for WVU’s offense to spread it around. In 2 weeks against lesser foes, Geno Smith has thrown for 6 TDs and 620 yards. The Terrapin D will be much more disciplined. This one should come down to the wire. This line has now dropped to a pick ‘em. WVU is one dimensional. Take Maryland at home.
Auburn (#21) at Clemson – Death Valley will showcase some of the newest, brightest minds in college football. Guz Malzahn vs Chad Morris looks to be the Offensive Coordinator matchup everyone should be watching during the early round of games. Auburn currently has the midas touch, and it is hard to pick against a team that has not lost in some time. Since this one is at noon and not 8 PM, I like Auburn to win a close one on the road with the combination of RB Michael Dyer, TD Philip Lutzenkirchen, and WR Emory Blake.
Michigan State (#15) at Notre Dame – The Golden Domers return home from a disappointing loss in The Big House. State is well coached under Dantonio, and Notre Dame will have their hands full trying to stop Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell. I see this one being another tough match up for Notre Dame, but they will be at home and their weakness (pass defense) will not be stress tested against the Spartan ground game. Look for a close one. Vegas has Notre Dame giving 3, but I like The Spartans and their program in this one.
Tennessee at Florida (#16) – This is going to be a great game today at 3:30 PM. Derek Dooley and Will Muschamp square off in a really interesting matchup. On one hand you have Tennessee, who has been lights out with a potent passing attack. The Tyler Bray- Justin Hunter- Da’Rick Rogers Show is worth the price of admission. And on the other hand you have Florida who has had the whip cracked on them this off season. Gone is Janoris Jenkins from a talented Florida secondary. I’m also loving the Tauren Poole vs Jeffery Demps matchup. Look for The Swamp and their 12th man to be the difference. I like Florida at home to inch closer back into the Top 10 discussion.
Navy at South Carolina (#10) – The Gamecocks are #10 in the country folks, and don’t look now but the Old Ball Coach has Columbia’s amps turned up to 11. Gamecocks will be dominant. Navy can’t handle the multiple threats from Carolina’s potent attack. Look for Garcia to come out strong and crisp (reference last year’s Bama game), and Lattimore will have a good day, but the starters will get some rest late in the game. Spurrier has to monitor the wear and tear on his players. He can’t have Lattimore going down, not to mention against a non-SEC school. USC’s weakness is pass defense, and Navy rarely throws it. I like South Carolina and the points.
Ohio State (#17) at Miami – Ah the Inelegibowl. Both teams are border line disgraces with rich storied pasts. Ohio State under Head Coach Luke Fickell has this team in the right direction, but he has yet to face a heavy weight opponent. Al Golden will be at home with a 7:30 PM kickoff, so the crowd will be behind him somewhat. It is hard to take Miami, especially if they are starting the Interception Machine (Jacory Harris), but I saw something that really caught my eye in the Labor Day game. Miami has two really talented tailbacks in Lamar Miller and Mike James. I have to think the brilliance of Al Golden will limit Jacory’s freelancing and have him hand off more to the tailbacks. We’ll see, but I like Miami at home with the upset, and the Luke Fickell debate begins in full force Sunday morning.
Oklahoma (#1) at Florida State (#5) – Alright this is it. The crown jewel of the Week 3 action. Primetime in Tallahassee. FSU is back on the rise, but taking on a Bobby Stoops squad is no short order. Look for Oklahoma’s defense to disrupt the FSU offense and get to E.J. Manuel. Oklahoma offensively should expect another stellar performance behind Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles. Oklahoma had last week off to rest up and prepare. I like Oklahoma on the road.
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West Virginia (#18) at Maryland – This one should be a great noon game. Look for great head coaches to go at it. Coach Randy Edsall is on record stating that Maryland is his dream job, and Coach Holgorsen is revving up the WVU attack. Maryland, led by Quarterback Danny O’Brian, took care of a less than 100% Miami team on week 1 then had a bye week. Coach Edsall is not great against WVU though, he was 1-6 against The Mountaineers while coaching a UCONN. Maryland will look to continue the balanced attack, and keep an eye on David Meggett’s son, Davin. Look for WVU’s offense to spread it around. In 2 weeks against lesser foes, Geno Smith has thrown for 6 TDs and 620 yards. The Terrapin D will be much more disciplined. This one should come down to the wire. This line has now dropped to a pick ‘em. WVU is one dimensional. Take Maryland at home.
Auburn (#21) at Clemson – Death Valley will showcase some of the newest, brightest minds in college football. Guz Malzahn vs Chad Morris looks to be the Offensive Coordinator matchup everyone should be watching during the early round of games. Auburn currently has the midas touch, and it is hard to pick against a team that has not lost in some time. Since this one is at noon and not 8 PM, I like Auburn to win a close one on the road with the combination of RB Michael Dyer, TD Philip Lutzenkirchen, and WR Emory Blake.
Michigan State (#15) at Notre Dame – The Golden Domers return home from a disappointing loss in The Big House. State is well coached under Dantonio, and Notre Dame will have their hands full trying to stop Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell. I see this one being another tough match up for Notre Dame, but they will be at home and their weakness (pass defense) will not be stress tested against the Spartan ground game. Look for a close one. Vegas has Notre Dame giving 3, but I like The Spartans and their program in this one.
Tennessee at Florida (#16) – This is going to be a great game today at 3:30 PM. Derek Dooley and Will Muschamp square off in a really interesting matchup. On one hand you have Tennessee, who has been lights out with a potent passing attack. The Tyler Bray- Justin Hunter- Da’Rick Rogers Show is worth the price of admission. And on the other hand you have Florida who has had the whip cracked on them this off season. Gone is Janoris Jenkins from a talented Florida secondary. I’m also loving the Tauren Poole vs Jeffery Demps matchup. Look for The Swamp and their 12th man to be the difference. I like Florida at home to inch closer back into the Top 10 discussion.
Navy at South Carolina (#10) – The Gamecocks are #10 in the country folks, and don’t look now but the Old Ball Coach has Columbia’s amps turned up to 11. Gamecocks will be dominant. Navy can’t handle the multiple threats from Carolina’s potent attack. Look for Garcia to come out strong and crisp (reference last year’s Bama game), and Lattimore will have a good day, but the starters will get some rest late in the game. Spurrier has to monitor the wear and tear on his players. He can’t have Lattimore going down, not to mention against a non-SEC school. USC’s weakness is pass defense, and Navy rarely throws it. I like South Carolina and the points.
Ohio State (#17) at Miami – Ah the Inelegibowl. Both teams are border line disgraces with rich storied pasts. Ohio State under Head Coach Luke Fickell has this team in the right direction, but he has yet to face a heavy weight opponent. Al Golden will be at home with a 7:30 PM kickoff, so the crowd will be behind him somewhat. It is hard to take Miami, especially if they are starting the Interception Machine (Jacory Harris), but I saw something that really caught my eye in the Labor Day game. Miami has two really talented tailbacks in Lamar Miller and Mike James. I have to think the brilliance of Al Golden will limit Jacory’s freelancing and have him hand off more to the tailbacks. We’ll see, but I like Miami at home with the upset, and the Luke Fickell debate begins in full force Sunday morning.
Oklahoma (#1) at Florida State (#5) – Alright this is it. The crown jewel of the Week 3 action. Primetime in Tallahassee. FSU is back on the rise, but taking on a Bobby Stoops squad is no short order. Look for Oklahoma’s defense to disrupt the FSU offense and get to E.J. Manuel. Oklahoma offensively should expect another stellar performance behind Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles. Oklahoma had last week off to rest up and prepare. I like Oklahoma on the road.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
WEEK 2: REVIEW
Last weekend’s action was pretty good, and just about all the favorites won except a few. Let’s take a quick look back at the action from week 2.
Thursday Night was a showcase for Oklahoma State:
Oklahoma State put almost 600 total yards and destroyed an outmatched Arizona squad. Brandon Weeded passed for 387 yards and 2 TDs, and Justin Blackmon caught 12, for 128 yards and a pair of TDs. The balanced attack was complemented by Joseph Randle’s performance. He carried the ball 15 times for 121 yards and 2 TDs, averaging 8.1/carry. Arizona was without their deep threat star receiver, Juron Criner. Criner would have made a difference. He was the PAC-10’s top receiver last year. Without Criner, Arizona had no way to stretch the field, and this ballgame one was never really close. State was up 21-0 at the half and this one finished out Oklahoma State 37 - Arizona 14.
Friday Night was a test for Missouri:
Missouri hit the road and played Arizona State last Friday. An evenly matched game across the board, this one had to go to overtime. Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler passed for 353 yards, 3 TD and 0 picks. His primary target for the night was Aaron Pflugrad. The senior caught 8, for 180 yards and 2 TDs. The Missouri played a good game behind James Franklin. He kept his team in the ballgame, but a late 48 yard field to win the game in regulation sailed left. Arizona State wins a close one Arizona State 37 – Missouri 30 (OT).
Saturday produced some games that were closer than some predicted:
Oregon State – Wisconsin was a blood bath. Wisconsin laid the wood to yet another opponent, and it is apparent just how bad things have slid for Oregon State. Oregon State could not move the ball on the ground against the Wisconsin D, and it was really never much of a contest. Russell Wilson in just his second outing for The Badgers looked right at home. Wilson threw for 189 yards, 3 TDs, finishing with an 81% completion percentage. The ground game was in effect as well, Ball and White combined once again. This time they combined for 171 yards and 2 TDs. Wisconsin has some of the best tight ends in the country and they use them wisely. Jacob Pederson showcased what he’s about. He caught 6 for 80 yards, and a pair of TDs. This one was all Badgers. Wisconsin 35 – Oregon State 0.
Mississippi State traveled to The Plains to face Auburn, and this one did not disappoint. Almost everyone in the country had Miss. State, except the Auburn coaching staff. Yet again, they have proved that this squad will do whatever it takes to find a win. Auburn came out and put up 14 points in the first 5 minutes, but Miss. State answered right back with 21 unanswered. This one was close at the half: Miss State 24 – Auburn 31. The game stayed evenly matched and came down to the wire. A goal line stand by Auburn preserved the victory. With 10 seconds left Miss State chooses to keep it on the ground and run the option, Relf rolls left and chooses not to pitch the ball to Vick Ballard, who would have walked in the end zone. Crazy thing is many, including myself, think Miss State scored on the previous play. The SEC did not review, they even had a timeout to review it officially. The play ended up not being called correctly in my opinion, and a TD was not counted, which led to play where Relf was stopped short of the goal line. Auburn 41 – Mississippi State 34.
Alabama – Penn State was not as interesting as many would have hoped. AJ McCarron got the start and Alabama really had control of this one all day. They went 17-3 at the half as Trend Richardson punched in a late 2nd quarter TD. The ground game for Bama (Richardson and Lacy) combined for 37 carries, 196 yards, and 2 TDs. The vaunted Alabama D, took care of business on the road. They held Penn State to just 251 total yards, forcing 3 turnovers. Alabama 27 – Penn State 11.
Virginia Tech – East Carolina was a game played in Greenville, and if I’m the Virginia Tech coach staff – I’m not sure why. ECU is a pretty good squad that had a good shot at taking this one. VA Tech usually starts out slow, so this one was in jeopardy. An early TD by Dobson, and a pick in the end zone by ECU had The Pirates on top early with a 7-3 lead at the half. As the second half got rolling, poor tackling led to a 34 yard gain David Wilson, and the Hokies were back in it. They quickly scored and took the lead. It was closer than Coach Beamer would have liked, but it still counted for his 200th win. Virginia Tech 17 – East Carolina 10.
Cincinnati – Tennessee was all about Tyler Bray. I have been singing this guy’s praises for 2 years now, and he had a career best on Saturday against The Bearcats. He also broke a record held by Peyton Manning, where he threw for multiple TD passes in 8 games. Peyton Manning's record of 7 seven games was set back in 1997. Bray, passing to 2 of the best receivers in the country in Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, put up 4 TDs and 405 passing yards. Tauren Poole got in the action with 101 yards on 21 carries and the rout was on. Cincinnati 18 – Tennessee 34.
South Carolina at Georgia had all the drama you could for in a 4:30 kick in Athens. Garcia started out shaky, but when Georgia got in scoring position 3 times early in the game settling for 3 field goals, and coming away with just 6 points, I knew this one looked good for Carolina. Spurrier dug deep in pocket and pulled out a gem right before the half where he didn’t like the previous call on 3rd down by the refs and elected to go with a fake punt that rumbled for a Melvin Ingram 68 yard TD. Amazing call, that everyone in the house saw coming, except the Georgia coaching staff. This game was back and forth but ultimately a pick 6 by Murray, and late scoop and score by Clowney/Ingram sealed the deal. Couple things to note: (1) as the game wears on Marcus Lattimore gets better and better. This is the true sign of a great tailback in our midst. With all that wear and tear, will he hold up for the entire season? (2) Late in the game just before one of Georgia’s onside kick, you had two opposing coaching styles on display. On the Carolina side you had Spurrier, no headset, in the middle of huddle surrounded by Gamecock players. He was yapping away with his players nodding in unison. On the Georgia side you had Mark Richt with his headset on, mozying around on the sideline by himself. Just before the bullets fly Spurrier does not need a headset. None of his coaches are really going to tell him something he does not already know. The same cannot be said for Richt at this point. South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram recovered that onside kick, and USC sealed the victory with Lattimore and the victory formation. Game balls go to Melvin Ingram and Marcus Lattimore. They had great performances on the road in hostile territory. South Carolina 45 – Georgia 42.
Notre Dame - Michigan was the first night game in The Big House and it was a gem. Notre Dame got up early with a good lead and took 17-7 lead into halftime. Dennard Robinson played a marvelous game and late in the game the defenses really slipped to poor fundamentals. It took 28 Michigan points in the 4th quarter, which could down as one of the most dramatic in college football history, and The Wolverines pull out the W. It is almost incomprehensible how Dennard Robinson in the past two meetings against Notre Dame has literally shredded them: 562 passing yards (5 TDs) and 366 rushing yards (3 TDs). Michigan wins late last Saturday night and none of the fans went home. Amazing stuff. Michigan 35 - Notre Dame 31.
Thursday Night was a showcase for Oklahoma State:
Oklahoma State put almost 600 total yards and destroyed an outmatched Arizona squad. Brandon Weeded passed for 387 yards and 2 TDs, and Justin Blackmon caught 12, for 128 yards and a pair of TDs. The balanced attack was complemented by Joseph Randle’s performance. He carried the ball 15 times for 121 yards and 2 TDs, averaging 8.1/carry. Arizona was without their deep threat star receiver, Juron Criner. Criner would have made a difference. He was the PAC-10’s top receiver last year. Without Criner, Arizona had no way to stretch the field, and this ballgame one was never really close. State was up 21-0 at the half and this one finished out Oklahoma State 37 - Arizona 14.
Friday Night was a test for Missouri:
Missouri hit the road and played Arizona State last Friday. An evenly matched game across the board, this one had to go to overtime. Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler passed for 353 yards, 3 TD and 0 picks. His primary target for the night was Aaron Pflugrad. The senior caught 8, for 180 yards and 2 TDs. The Missouri played a good game behind James Franklin. He kept his team in the ballgame, but a late 48 yard field to win the game in regulation sailed left. Arizona State wins a close one Arizona State 37 – Missouri 30 (OT).
Saturday produced some games that were closer than some predicted:
Oregon State – Wisconsin was a blood bath. Wisconsin laid the wood to yet another opponent, and it is apparent just how bad things have slid for Oregon State. Oregon State could not move the ball on the ground against the Wisconsin D, and it was really never much of a contest. Russell Wilson in just his second outing for The Badgers looked right at home. Wilson threw for 189 yards, 3 TDs, finishing with an 81% completion percentage. The ground game was in effect as well, Ball and White combined once again. This time they combined for 171 yards and 2 TDs. Wisconsin has some of the best tight ends in the country and they use them wisely. Jacob Pederson showcased what he’s about. He caught 6 for 80 yards, and a pair of TDs. This one was all Badgers. Wisconsin 35 – Oregon State 0.
Mississippi State traveled to The Plains to face Auburn, and this one did not disappoint. Almost everyone in the country had Miss. State, except the Auburn coaching staff. Yet again, they have proved that this squad will do whatever it takes to find a win. Auburn came out and put up 14 points in the first 5 minutes, but Miss. State answered right back with 21 unanswered. This one was close at the half: Miss State 24 – Auburn 31. The game stayed evenly matched and came down to the wire. A goal line stand by Auburn preserved the victory. With 10 seconds left Miss State chooses to keep it on the ground and run the option, Relf rolls left and chooses not to pitch the ball to Vick Ballard, who would have walked in the end zone. Crazy thing is many, including myself, think Miss State scored on the previous play. The SEC did not review, they even had a timeout to review it officially. The play ended up not being called correctly in my opinion, and a TD was not counted, which led to play where Relf was stopped short of the goal line. Auburn 41 – Mississippi State 34.
Alabama – Penn State was not as interesting as many would have hoped. AJ McCarron got the start and Alabama really had control of this one all day. They went 17-3 at the half as Trend Richardson punched in a late 2nd quarter TD. The ground game for Bama (Richardson and Lacy) combined for 37 carries, 196 yards, and 2 TDs. The vaunted Alabama D, took care of business on the road. They held Penn State to just 251 total yards, forcing 3 turnovers. Alabama 27 – Penn State 11.
Virginia Tech – East Carolina was a game played in Greenville, and if I’m the Virginia Tech coach staff – I’m not sure why. ECU is a pretty good squad that had a good shot at taking this one. VA Tech usually starts out slow, so this one was in jeopardy. An early TD by Dobson, and a pick in the end zone by ECU had The Pirates on top early with a 7-3 lead at the half. As the second half got rolling, poor tackling led to a 34 yard gain David Wilson, and the Hokies were back in it. They quickly scored and took the lead. It was closer than Coach Beamer would have liked, but it still counted for his 200th win. Virginia Tech 17 – East Carolina 10.
Cincinnati – Tennessee was all about Tyler Bray. I have been singing this guy’s praises for 2 years now, and he had a career best on Saturday against The Bearcats. He also broke a record held by Peyton Manning, where he threw for multiple TD passes in 8 games. Peyton Manning's record of 7 seven games was set back in 1997. Bray, passing to 2 of the best receivers in the country in Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, put up 4 TDs and 405 passing yards. Tauren Poole got in the action with 101 yards on 21 carries and the rout was on. Cincinnati 18 – Tennessee 34.
South Carolina at Georgia had all the drama you could for in a 4:30 kick in Athens. Garcia started out shaky, but when Georgia got in scoring position 3 times early in the game settling for 3 field goals, and coming away with just 6 points, I knew this one looked good for Carolina. Spurrier dug deep in pocket and pulled out a gem right before the half where he didn’t like the previous call on 3rd down by the refs and elected to go with a fake punt that rumbled for a Melvin Ingram 68 yard TD. Amazing call, that everyone in the house saw coming, except the Georgia coaching staff. This game was back and forth but ultimately a pick 6 by Murray, and late scoop and score by Clowney/Ingram sealed the deal. Couple things to note: (1) as the game wears on Marcus Lattimore gets better and better. This is the true sign of a great tailback in our midst. With all that wear and tear, will he hold up for the entire season? (2) Late in the game just before one of Georgia’s onside kick, you had two opposing coaching styles on display. On the Carolina side you had Spurrier, no headset, in the middle of huddle surrounded by Gamecock players. He was yapping away with his players nodding in unison. On the Georgia side you had Mark Richt with his headset on, mozying around on the sideline by himself. Just before the bullets fly Spurrier does not need a headset. None of his coaches are really going to tell him something he does not already know. The same cannot be said for Richt at this point. South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram recovered that onside kick, and USC sealed the victory with Lattimore and the victory formation. Game balls go to Melvin Ingram and Marcus Lattimore. They had great performances on the road in hostile territory. South Carolina 45 – Georgia 42.
Notre Dame - Michigan was the first night game in The Big House and it was a gem. Notre Dame got up early with a good lead and took 17-7 lead into halftime. Dennard Robinson played a marvelous game and late in the game the defenses really slipped to poor fundamentals. It took 28 Michigan points in the 4th quarter, which could down as one of the most dramatic in college football history, and The Wolverines pull out the W. It is almost incomprehensible how Dennard Robinson in the past two meetings against Notre Dame has literally shredded them: 562 passing yards (5 TDs) and 366 rushing yards (3 TDs). Michigan wins late last Saturday night and none of the fans went home. Amazing stuff. Michigan 35 - Notre Dame 31.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
WEEK 2: GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
As the second week of College Football is ready to begin there are a number of games that are on my Week 2 Watch List:
Thursday Night
Arizona at Oklahoma State (#9) – Thursday night matchup that should prove to be a showcase for one the nation’s elite receivers, Justin Blackmon. Look for him to get the ball early and often. He did not have TD last week, but that will surely change tonight with everyone watching.
Friday Night
Missouri (#21) at Arizona State – Big road test for Missouri. We’re going to find out real quick just how capable this Tiger team is. Missouri will have to do better on 3rd downs than they did last week (3-13) if they want to win this early road test.
Saturday
Oregon State at Wisconsin (#8) – I fully expect Wisconsin to blow the doors of this year’s Beaver squad. This Badger backfield has me reminiscing of the ’90 Co-Championship Colorado backfield with multiple dangerous weapons in the backfield. Totally different style, but yards and points came out just the same. Look for Wisconsin's ground game to rack up more yards and points.
Mississippi State (#16) at Auburn – So Auburn wins a thriller and gets knocked out of the Top 25. What a week. They have to face one of the strongest up and comers in the SEC in Mississippi State. It’s clear Dan Mullen does not like Auburn. This one should be tons of fun to watch it play out. Look for The Bulldogs, running some serious smashmouth football to pull away.
Alabama (#3) at Penn State (#23) – It’s hard to know what JoePa thought on the way back from being manhandled down in Tuscaloosa last year, but I know it was not pretty. Look for a more stout run defense this year from the Nittany Lions. Big thing I’m looking for here is Bama’s turnovers and their passing efficiency. Can the Bammers get it done on 3rd and long on the road in hostile territory? This one could be a closer game than people are thinking.
Virginia Tech (#11) at East Carolina – Coming off a tough loss to a superior South Carolina team, this ECU team hosts Virginia Tech. If Beamer and Foster want to land in the SEC, this very well could be an audition. Expect a good showing from a solid VaTech squad.
Cincinnati at Tennessee – Neither team is ranked, but that’s never stopped me from liking a good matchup. Both teams are trying to pull themselves out of obscurity. Look for a close one, and be sure to keep an eye on young Tyler Bray at QB against the Bearcat secondary.
South Carolina (#12) at Georgia – Well Bacarri Rambo is back and Alec Ogletree is out. I wish I had some good things to say about the Dawgs, but if you combine their last 2 outings – they are flat out awful. They’ll have to prove it on the field, before I can even sniff having anything nice to say about this squad. If the Dawgs won’t to have any shot they will have to get creative and drop the finess in favor of a hit 'em in the mouth style. Start by utilizing players on both sides of the ball, and bench the ones that are not cutting it under the bright lights. With Lattimore, Garcia, and Alshon all proven commodities, and not to mention that nasty defense up front, I’d be remiss not to say take the Gamecocks.
Utah at Southern Cal – If anyone missed it, Southern Cal’s receiver, Robert Woods, went off last week for 177 yards and 3 TDs. I would expect to see some more of that in this first conference meeting between Utah and Southern Cal.
Notre Dame at Michigan – This will be the first meeting in The Big House under the bright lights. Part of me is excited about this one, and the other part wonders where have The Wolverines been. The light bulb was invented back in the 1800’s. What gives? Either way these are two programs that in my opinion are on their way back up. Look for Brian Kelly to stay passionate, but tone it down just a notch this Saturday.
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Thursday Night
Arizona at Oklahoma State (#9) – Thursday night matchup that should prove to be a showcase for one the nation’s elite receivers, Justin Blackmon. Look for him to get the ball early and often. He did not have TD last week, but that will surely change tonight with everyone watching.
Friday Night
Missouri (#21) at Arizona State – Big road test for Missouri. We’re going to find out real quick just how capable this Tiger team is. Missouri will have to do better on 3rd downs than they did last week (3-13) if they want to win this early road test.
Saturday
Oregon State at Wisconsin (#8) – I fully expect Wisconsin to blow the doors of this year’s Beaver squad. This Badger backfield has me reminiscing of the ’90 Co-Championship Colorado backfield with multiple dangerous weapons in the backfield. Totally different style, but yards and points came out just the same. Look for Wisconsin's ground game to rack up more yards and points.
Mississippi State (#16) at Auburn – So Auburn wins a thriller and gets knocked out of the Top 25. What a week. They have to face one of the strongest up and comers in the SEC in Mississippi State. It’s clear Dan Mullen does not like Auburn. This one should be tons of fun to watch it play out. Look for The Bulldogs, running some serious smashmouth football to pull away.
Alabama (#3) at Penn State (#23) – It’s hard to know what JoePa thought on the way back from being manhandled down in Tuscaloosa last year, but I know it was not pretty. Look for a more stout run defense this year from the Nittany Lions. Big thing I’m looking for here is Bama’s turnovers and their passing efficiency. Can the Bammers get it done on 3rd and long on the road in hostile territory? This one could be a closer game than people are thinking.
Virginia Tech (#11) at East Carolina – Coming off a tough loss to a superior South Carolina team, this ECU team hosts Virginia Tech. If Beamer and Foster want to land in the SEC, this very well could be an audition. Expect a good showing from a solid VaTech squad.
Cincinnati at Tennessee – Neither team is ranked, but that’s never stopped me from liking a good matchup. Both teams are trying to pull themselves out of obscurity. Look for a close one, and be sure to keep an eye on young Tyler Bray at QB against the Bearcat secondary.
South Carolina (#12) at Georgia – Well Bacarri Rambo is back and Alec Ogletree is out. I wish I had some good things to say about the Dawgs, but if you combine their last 2 outings – they are flat out awful. They’ll have to prove it on the field, before I can even sniff having anything nice to say about this squad. If the Dawgs won’t to have any shot they will have to get creative and drop the finess in favor of a hit 'em in the mouth style. Start by utilizing players on both sides of the ball, and bench the ones that are not cutting it under the bright lights. With Lattimore, Garcia, and Alshon all proven commodities, and not to mention that nasty defense up front, I’d be remiss not to say take the Gamecocks.
Utah at Southern Cal – If anyone missed it, Southern Cal’s receiver, Robert Woods, went off last week for 177 yards and 3 TDs. I would expect to see some more of that in this first conference meeting between Utah and Southern Cal.
Notre Dame at Michigan – This will be the first meeting in The Big House under the bright lights. Part of me is excited about this one, and the other part wonders where have The Wolverines been. The light bulb was invented back in the 1800’s. What gives? Either way these are two programs that in my opinion are on their way back up. Look for Brian Kelly to stay passionate, but tone it down just a notch this Saturday.
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