1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Southern California (NC)
3. California (+2)
4. South Florida (+13)
5. Ohio State (+3)
6. KENTUCKY!!! (+5)
7. Wisconsin (+7)
8. Boston College (+2)
9. South Carolina (+6)
10. Georgia (+3)
11. Oregon (+5)
12. West Virginia (-6)
13. Oklahoma (-10)
14. Florida (-10)
15. Florida State (NR)
16. Purdue (+7)
17. Virginia Tech (+1)
18. Missouri (+1)
19. Arizona State (NR)
20. Cincinnati (NR)
21. Michigan (-1)
22. Michigan State (+3)
23. Kansas State (NR)
24. Auburn (NR)
25. Rutgers (-18!)
Dismissed: #9 Texas, #12 Clemson, #21 Penn State, and #22 Alabama
National Title Pretenders: #3 Oklahoma, #4 Florida, and #6 West Virginia
Legit: #3 California and #5 South Florida
Wow: NR Kansas State and NR Auburn
Honorable Mention: Colorado
Further comment...
Well, I've never seen a September Saturday quite like yesterday. The BCS title game picture took on a much sharper focus in the form of FIVE Top 10 teams falling to defeat, incredibly, two of them on home soil. While it is true the Florida Gators retain a slim chance of reentering the Not Sugar scenarios with a win over LSU next week, for the rest, it is over.
Oklahoma's conference had let it down, until the Sooners ensured that they would have no case, legitimate or otherwise, to make in mid-December.
Texas embarrassed itself, period, not as humiliating as Notre Dame's twenty-six point defeat to Michigan in South Bend last autumn, but close.
Presented with a golden opportunity, Rutgers could not get past a less-than-imposing ACC team--at home in New Jersey.
The vanishing acts of OU and FLA don't leave me much choice: all praise to USC for winning another night road game. I now believe the drop-off from #2 to #3 and beyond the largest in many a year. A one-loss Trojan campaign, clipped either in Eugene or Berkeley (unless the Bears go undefeated), deserves a BCS title game berth, excepting a decisive loss.
A reasonable Top 10 now includes California, South Florida, Ohio State, Boston College, and Kentucky, and some of those teams are needed to fill out the Top 5.
DeSean Jackson took a giant step towards competing for the Heisman Trophy, whereas Tim Tebow went in completely the opposite direction. Sam Bradford? Steve Slaton? Well, perhaps the less said the better.
LSU staggered to a 10-9 lead into halftime as a forty-point favorite against Tulane, yet somehow emerged as the most polished and focused team of the afternoon. The Gators, backed into a corner, arrive in Baton Rouge next week.
A few last points about the remarkable nature of this poll:
1) Florida State, ridiculed in an opening loss to Clemson, now stands ONE spot behind archrival Florida.
2) Oregon and Michigan State each received a higher ranking based on... close losses, and the former lost AT HOME!!
3) #7 Rutgers lost at home to an unranked team by double digits, and, owing to the rash of upsets, remained, barely, in the Top 25.
4) #5 Ohio State travels to West Lafayette to play #16 Purdue next Saturday... in the biggest game of the day involving two undefeated teams.
5) The University of Kentucky football program is one win away from Top 4 status... and perhaps two or three wins away from, well, we dare not say.
6) To borrow a line from Gregg Easterbrook, I don't mean to alarm you, but Oklahoma State and Texas A&M will play next weekend... for first place in the Big 12 South.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Goodbye to All That
Hey y'all, holler at the farmer, 'cause the chicken laid another egg.
At the outset, congratulations to the supremely opportunistic Bulls, without question, they will warrant Top 10 status in the next round of polls. Florida kids, it goes without saying, have no peer for speed and quickness--and there are a whole lot of youngsters in the Sunshine State that can play football. Are they a national title contender? Well, we could say that a hypothetical OSU/WIS v. RUT/USF poll battle would prove quite interesting, especially if also matched against a one-loss USC team for the right to play the SEC champion (the winner of the nation's best conference is always guaranteed a title shot, didn't you know that?). In order...
1) A one-loss USC team
2) An undefeated Rutgers or South Florida team
3) An undefeated Wisconsin or Ohio State team
4) An undefeated Oklahoma team, unless Texas wins out
Of course, an LSU/FLA split would create quite a bit of chaos, even if USC--the greatest team that we will ever see until 2008--runs the table. Nonetheless, I can tell you, with absolute certainty, which team is no longer part of the title picture.
Jerry Glanville and Jack Pardee's Houston Oilers... err... Rich Rodriguez's West Virginia Mountaineers. Look, before suitably blasting WVA for emulating Virginia Tech post-#7, a few words on my pick. It had all the possibility of becoming true, had Pat White not dinged up his knee and had alleged All-America Steve Slaton had better hands. Aside from a pick-six to open the proceedings and a Louisville-esque busted coverage on a long TD pass, the incompetent execution at the USF 2 summed up the night rather well. That botched snap likely cost the Mountaineers a TD and only a 7-14 deficit.
On the highlights, it sort of looked like Greg Montgomery muffing a snap on a field goal in a playoff game long ago... Last year, a lack of discipline cost West Virginia on the road at Louisville followed by a lack of focus against these very same Bulls when a BCS berth seemed theirs for the taking (because, you know, beating an SEC champ in the Sugar Bowl--barely--is worth ten years of goodwill, not quite ND-like, but almost). White and Slaton starred as freshmen on a Top 5 finisher in 2005... now it's 2007, and we're still waiting for something resembling an encore.
Coach Rodriguez has a good program, yet the aforementioned stars are not the usual crop received by Morgantown: they've cashed in to some degree, but more has been expected these last two years. If Slaton stays, they'll have one more chance, if not, well, it may not get this good for awhile.
Upon reflection of last night's WVA debacle, my thoughts wandered back to one of the most talented teams in NFL history--the late 1980s/early 1990s Houston Oilers. A cool bunch with charismatic players and speed to burn, so great... they never played in an AFC Championship Game. We need not remind you their entire "reign" witnessed the NFC hold the Lombardi Trophy every time. To borrow a line from the legendary SNL performer, it was always something, from gagging a thirty-two point lead in Buffalo to playing the foil for yet another Joe Montana moment, as their #2 seed and visions of finally reaching the Super Bowl, dissipated in the cavernous Astrodome artificial air. Soon, the brass chose a "promising" young QB over a future Hall of Famer, and the ride ended, literally, with the relocation to Tennessee.
Now, Rich Rodriguez is a better coach than either Houston gent, yet the results, troublingly, seem the same: they always find the banana peel. Remarkably, this time it wasn't the defense, but injuries and an ineffective offense. Oh, like a certain Run-and-Shoot crew from days gone by, they can return to piling up the points on questionable competition, and perhaps even win in New Jersey later this year. We may even say it goes back to old ruler of Morgantown, and the 1988 and 1993 undefeated Mountaineer squads pummelled in two major bowl games--or the potential squandered in the form of a seventeen point opening loss to the (albeit #1) Buckeyes in 1998. Or allowing a certain Virginia Tech freshman quarterback to drive his team to a game-winning field goal with seconds to play on the Blue Ridge in 1999.
The Bulls are a nice story and have a leg up in the conference race, yet they're not a serious championship contender (yet), West Virginia was supposed to be one, even as their sole accomplishment remains holding off one of the worst SEC champions (Georgia, 2005) in many seasons.
Yet, perhaps it is best for WVA to look on the bright side: at least they didn't blow a double-digit lead against a mid-level opponent in a conference title game mere minutes from a once-fathomable destination: the Fiesta Bowl and the chance to play for all the marbles. That 1998 Kansas State edition, piloted by the Heisman runner-up, a terrific defense, and superb special teams, owns the dubious distinction of losing the most.
At the outset, congratulations to the supremely opportunistic Bulls, without question, they will warrant Top 10 status in the next round of polls. Florida kids, it goes without saying, have no peer for speed and quickness--and there are a whole lot of youngsters in the Sunshine State that can play football. Are they a national title contender? Well, we could say that a hypothetical OSU/WIS v. RUT/USF poll battle would prove quite interesting, especially if also matched against a one-loss USC team for the right to play the SEC champion (the winner of the nation's best conference is always guaranteed a title shot, didn't you know that?). In order...
1) A one-loss USC team
2) An undefeated Rutgers or South Florida team
3) An undefeated Wisconsin or Ohio State team
4) An undefeated Oklahoma team, unless Texas wins out
Of course, an LSU/FLA split would create quite a bit of chaos, even if USC--the greatest team that we will ever see until 2008--runs the table. Nonetheless, I can tell you, with absolute certainty, which team is no longer part of the title picture.
Jerry Glanville and Jack Pardee's Houston Oilers... err... Rich Rodriguez's West Virginia Mountaineers. Look, before suitably blasting WVA for emulating Virginia Tech post-#7, a few words on my pick. It had all the possibility of becoming true, had Pat White not dinged up his knee and had alleged All-America Steve Slaton had better hands. Aside from a pick-six to open the proceedings and a Louisville-esque busted coverage on a long TD pass, the incompetent execution at the USF 2 summed up the night rather well. That botched snap likely cost the Mountaineers a TD and only a 7-14 deficit.
On the highlights, it sort of looked like Greg Montgomery muffing a snap on a field goal in a playoff game long ago... Last year, a lack of discipline cost West Virginia on the road at Louisville followed by a lack of focus against these very same Bulls when a BCS berth seemed theirs for the taking (because, you know, beating an SEC champ in the Sugar Bowl--barely--is worth ten years of goodwill, not quite ND-like, but almost). White and Slaton starred as freshmen on a Top 5 finisher in 2005... now it's 2007, and we're still waiting for something resembling an encore.
Coach Rodriguez has a good program, yet the aforementioned stars are not the usual crop received by Morgantown: they've cashed in to some degree, but more has been expected these last two years. If Slaton stays, they'll have one more chance, if not, well, it may not get this good for awhile.
Upon reflection of last night's WVA debacle, my thoughts wandered back to one of the most talented teams in NFL history--the late 1980s/early 1990s Houston Oilers. A cool bunch with charismatic players and speed to burn, so great... they never played in an AFC Championship Game. We need not remind you their entire "reign" witnessed the NFC hold the Lombardi Trophy every time. To borrow a line from the legendary SNL performer, it was always something, from gagging a thirty-two point lead in Buffalo to playing the foil for yet another Joe Montana moment, as their #2 seed and visions of finally reaching the Super Bowl, dissipated in the cavernous Astrodome artificial air. Soon, the brass chose a "promising" young QB over a future Hall of Famer, and the ride ended, literally, with the relocation to Tennessee.
Now, Rich Rodriguez is a better coach than either Houston gent, yet the results, troublingly, seem the same: they always find the banana peel. Remarkably, this time it wasn't the defense, but injuries and an ineffective offense. Oh, like a certain Run-and-Shoot crew from days gone by, they can return to piling up the points on questionable competition, and perhaps even win in New Jersey later this year. We may even say it goes back to old ruler of Morgantown, and the 1988 and 1993 undefeated Mountaineer squads pummelled in two major bowl games--or the potential squandered in the form of a seventeen point opening loss to the (albeit #1) Buckeyes in 1998. Or allowing a certain Virginia Tech freshman quarterback to drive his team to a game-winning field goal with seconds to play on the Blue Ridge in 1999.
The Bulls are a nice story and have a leg up in the conference race, yet they're not a serious championship contender (yet), West Virginia was supposed to be one, even as their sole accomplishment remains holding off one of the worst SEC champions (Georgia, 2005) in many seasons.
Yet, perhaps it is best for WVA to look on the bright side: at least they didn't blow a double-digit lead against a mid-level opponent in a conference title game mere minutes from a once-fathomable destination: the Fiesta Bowl and the chance to play for all the marbles. That 1998 Kansas State edition, piloted by the Heisman runner-up, a terrific defense, and superb special teams, owns the dubious distinction of losing the most.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Week 5 Preview: Saddle Up, WVA
West Virginia @ South Florida: Two of the three best teams in the Big East will begin to shake out the conference Thursday night. The Bulls are a very good home team, and the Mountaineers are notorious for losing focus away from the Blue Ridge State. SF got Auburn back when that mattered, so we don't know much about either team. I like Steve Slaton and Pat White to do the job, however, perhaps in thrilling fashion. WVA 37 SF 30
California @ Oregon: Winner can begin to shadow USC and prepare for a conference title-deciding quarrel later in the season. For CAL's DeSean Jackson and ORE's Dennis Dixon this is nothing less than a statement game, either can boost their Heisman chances with a memorable performance. The Bears are a better team, yet the game is at Autzen. Worse, Dixon is better than Nate Longshore. The Ducks have had defensive issues, but I think they can pull it out. ORE 41 CAL 38
Michigan State @ Wisconsin: Bucky is still undefeated, yet almost no one is impressed with the Badgers lately. Meanwhile, new coach Mark Dantonio has guided Sparty to a perfect record after the turmoil of the John L. Smith era. Even so, are the upstarts prepared to win a road game outside of South Bend? Well, no. WIS 24 MSU 13, as U-Dub begins to earn back some props.
Auburn @ Florida: No team in the SEC over the last fifteen years has given the Gators as many fits as Auburn. Last year, the Tigers ended FLA's hopes for an undefeated season on the Plains, this time, well, payback seems the order of the day. Urban Meyer is also still a little steamed at the lackluster effort in Oxford last week, and he knows where the champs must trek in early October. FLA 31 AUB 21
California @ Oregon: Winner can begin to shadow USC and prepare for a conference title-deciding quarrel later in the season. For CAL's DeSean Jackson and ORE's Dennis Dixon this is nothing less than a statement game, either can boost their Heisman chances with a memorable performance. The Bears are a better team, yet the game is at Autzen. Worse, Dixon is better than Nate Longshore. The Ducks have had defensive issues, but I think they can pull it out. ORE 41 CAL 38
Michigan State @ Wisconsin: Bucky is still undefeated, yet almost no one is impressed with the Badgers lately. Meanwhile, new coach Mark Dantonio has guided Sparty to a perfect record after the turmoil of the John L. Smith era. Even so, are the upstarts prepared to win a road game outside of South Bend? Well, no. WIS 24 MSU 13, as U-Dub begins to earn back some props.
Auburn @ Florida: No team in the SEC over the last fifteen years has given the Gators as many fits as Auburn. Last year, the Tigers ended FLA's hopes for an undefeated season on the Plains, this time, well, payback seems the order of the day. Urban Meyer is also still a little steamed at the lackluster effort in Oxford last week, and he knows where the champs must trek in early October. FLA 31 AUB 21
Monday, September 24, 2007
At the Quarter Pole: Heisman Ballot
The Heisman Trophy remains the one of the most prestigious awards in all of sport, as only the Sullivan Award proves a rival in the field of amateur competition. Whilst frequently just another way to recognize the best quarterback or running back on the best team, the Heisman nonetheless generates debate, which is good for college football. Last year at this time, Ohio State's Troy Smith had led the Buckeyes to a 3-0 record--most persuasively a 24-7 win over then-#2 Texas--and in so doing displaced frontrunner Brady Quinn, whose Irish fell to Michigan in rather decisive fashion. The battlelines for this season have yet to be drawn.
Darren McFadden, the best player in college football, actually passed Quinn to finish second in the 2006 race, in addition, he is a running back, which would seem to augur well for his chances. Unfortunately, D-Mac is plagued by an already-two loss team that doesn't rate among the nation's elite programs. Worse, his numbers don't appear on course for a 2,000 yard 25 TD campaign now clearly necessary to wrest the award away from a competitor likely to contend for the national championship. Don't forget, Arkansas remained mathematically alive for the Not-Fiesta well into November, affording #5 an opportunity to achieve national recognition--especially after the Hogs hammered Auburn on the Plains. So, who can win it?
Tim Tebow, QB, FLA: His team is top-five, and he is already a known commodity, plus his combination rush/pass skills always go over well with the committee. Issues? For one, LSU. The tenacious Bayou Bengal defense could make mincemeat of his hopes, he may have two shots though, if Florida can win in Columbia and beat the Dawgs. A Heisman is likely in his future, though I'm thinking more 2008.
Mike Hart, RB, MICH: RT2020's preaseason pick, but the second loss to Oregon is a drag on the effort. Still, huge days at Wisconsin and, well, another game to close the season will give him a chance. Yet, like McFadden, Michigan is no longer a title contender, which means 2,000 yards is closet to a prerequisite for joining Woodson, Howard, and Harmon. He also has no chance when measured against the Oregon QB.
DeSean Jackson, WR, CAL: Two TDs in an upset of USC will put him in the race, otherwise, Desmond's cheerleading aside, I just don't see it. His school is not powerful enough, even if they are top-five material this autumn. I almost think CAL has to go undefeated, and even then, likely not enough.
Andre' Woodson, QB, UK: HOMER! HOMER! Well, a win next week against the OBC on the Coast and his name will appear on every ballot. Face facts: Kentucky last started 4-0 in their mythical 1950 title season of Bryant and Parilli! Even a home split against LSU and Florida, provided he plays well, will not knock him from the race. A ten-win season with that, ahem, record still intact would provide a strong resume. He's on course for a trip to NYC.
John David Booty, QB, USC: Four Heismans in seven seasons sounds almost impossible, yet this Trojan signal-caller, in big games @ CAL and ORE, will once again receive the opportunity to become the eighth USC star to hoist the hardware. Unlike any other candidate save Woodson, his destiny is entirely in his hands. A 12-0 USC mark will almost guarantee him at least second place, dispatched only by a 2,000 tailback, or a player from the SEC (or both).
Colt Brennan, QB, HI: His model is Andre Ware, the 1989 recipient from Houston that put up such gaudy numbers it made Tony Rice look pedestrian. I think he will make some Pro Bowls at the next level, yet I cannot look favorably on giving the award to him due to strength of schedule. It simply is not there. Worse, he would not have a potential BCS win (Hawaii is likely to receive a bid if undefeated) to buttress his argument. Great QB, but no.
Dennis Dixon, QB, ORE: Dixon v. Booty, Autzen, only one will exit with intact Heisman hopes. Actually, Dixon needs a UM resurgence (all the way to the Top 10?) more than an undefeated season. Oregon has posted a Heisman finalist as recently as 2001 and the swoosh money would ensure a competitive campaign if the Ducks don't falter to a Pac-10 weakling. He beats USC, though, and Michigan goes to the Rose Bowl, well, I think it's his to lose in the last few weeks of the season.
Pat White/Steve Slaton, QB/RB, WVA: I feel for these guys, but their hopes had rested on an undefeated Louisville showing up in Morgantown. Oops. Rutgers and South Florida are still there, yet these Mountaineers truly needed that high-profile game. WVA's typical late-season swoon, if replicated in 2007, would completely alienate their Heisman backers. The same written today was true of 2006: if undefeated, they have a chance--and a way in Pisacataway is crucial.
Yes, we could look at OU's Bradford, however, until proven otherwise freshmen do not win the Heisman Trophy, and certainly not before a sophomore. The "Big" 12 also does not provide enough statement games for Oklahoma. If the Sooners thrash Texas and finish 13-0, well, Bradford is headed to the ceremony... in a clapping role. Like Tebow, though, we may see more of him soon.
The ballot:
1. Andre' Woodson
2. Mike Hart
3. Tim Tebow
4. Darren McFadden
5. Dennis Dixon
Darren McFadden, the best player in college football, actually passed Quinn to finish second in the 2006 race, in addition, he is a running back, which would seem to augur well for his chances. Unfortunately, D-Mac is plagued by an already-two loss team that doesn't rate among the nation's elite programs. Worse, his numbers don't appear on course for a 2,000 yard 25 TD campaign now clearly necessary to wrest the award away from a competitor likely to contend for the national championship. Don't forget, Arkansas remained mathematically alive for the Not-Fiesta well into November, affording #5 an opportunity to achieve national recognition--especially after the Hogs hammered Auburn on the Plains. So, who can win it?
Tim Tebow, QB, FLA: His team is top-five, and he is already a known commodity, plus his combination rush/pass skills always go over well with the committee. Issues? For one, LSU. The tenacious Bayou Bengal defense could make mincemeat of his hopes, he may have two shots though, if Florida can win in Columbia and beat the Dawgs. A Heisman is likely in his future, though I'm thinking more 2008.
Mike Hart, RB, MICH: RT2020's preaseason pick, but the second loss to Oregon is a drag on the effort. Still, huge days at Wisconsin and, well, another game to close the season will give him a chance. Yet, like McFadden, Michigan is no longer a title contender, which means 2,000 yards is closet to a prerequisite for joining Woodson, Howard, and Harmon. He also has no chance when measured against the Oregon QB.
DeSean Jackson, WR, CAL: Two TDs in an upset of USC will put him in the race, otherwise, Desmond's cheerleading aside, I just don't see it. His school is not powerful enough, even if they are top-five material this autumn. I almost think CAL has to go undefeated, and even then, likely not enough.
Andre' Woodson, QB, UK: HOMER! HOMER! Well, a win next week against the OBC on the Coast and his name will appear on every ballot. Face facts: Kentucky last started 4-0 in their mythical 1950 title season of Bryant and Parilli! Even a home split against LSU and Florida, provided he plays well, will not knock him from the race. A ten-win season with that, ahem, record still intact would provide a strong resume. He's on course for a trip to NYC.
John David Booty, QB, USC: Four Heismans in seven seasons sounds almost impossible, yet this Trojan signal-caller, in big games @ CAL and ORE, will once again receive the opportunity to become the eighth USC star to hoist the hardware. Unlike any other candidate save Woodson, his destiny is entirely in his hands. A 12-0 USC mark will almost guarantee him at least second place, dispatched only by a 2,000 tailback, or a player from the SEC (or both).
Colt Brennan, QB, HI: His model is Andre Ware, the 1989 recipient from Houston that put up such gaudy numbers it made Tony Rice look pedestrian. I think he will make some Pro Bowls at the next level, yet I cannot look favorably on giving the award to him due to strength of schedule. It simply is not there. Worse, he would not have a potential BCS win (Hawaii is likely to receive a bid if undefeated) to buttress his argument. Great QB, but no.
Dennis Dixon, QB, ORE: Dixon v. Booty, Autzen, only one will exit with intact Heisman hopes. Actually, Dixon needs a UM resurgence (all the way to the Top 10?) more than an undefeated season. Oregon has posted a Heisman finalist as recently as 2001 and the swoosh money would ensure a competitive campaign if the Ducks don't falter to a Pac-10 weakling. He beats USC, though, and Michigan goes to the Rose Bowl, well, I think it's his to lose in the last few weeks of the season.
Pat White/Steve Slaton, QB/RB, WVA: I feel for these guys, but their hopes had rested on an undefeated Louisville showing up in Morgantown. Oops. Rutgers and South Florida are still there, yet these Mountaineers truly needed that high-profile game. WVA's typical late-season swoon, if replicated in 2007, would completely alienate their Heisman backers. The same written today was true of 2006: if undefeated, they have a chance--and a way in Pisacataway is crucial.
Yes, we could look at OU's Bradford, however, until proven otherwise freshmen do not win the Heisman Trophy, and certainly not before a sophomore. The "Big" 12 also does not provide enough statement games for Oklahoma. If the Sooners thrash Texas and finish 13-0, well, Bradford is headed to the ceremony... in a clapping role. Like Tebow, though, we may see more of him soon.
The ballot:
1. Andre' Woodson
2. Mike Hart
3. Tim Tebow
4. Darren McFadden
5. Dennis Dixon
Sunday, September 23, 2007
RT2020 Poll: Week of September 23
1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Southern California (NC)
3. Oklahoma (+1)
4. Florida (-1)
5. California (+1)
6. West Virginia (-1)
7. Rutgers (+1)
8. Ohio State (+4)
9. Texas (NC)
10. Boston College (+4)
11. KENTUCKY!!! (+6)
12. Clemson (+4)
13. Georgia (+2)
14. Wisconsin (-4)
15. South Carolina (-4)
16. Oregon (+2)
17. South Florida (NR)
18. Virginia Tech (+3)
19. Missouri (NR)
20. Michigan (NR)
21. Penn State (-14)
22. Alabama (-9)
23. Purdue (NC)
24. Hawaii (NC)
25. Michigan State (NR)
Unceremoniously bounced: #19 (WVA is not happy) Louisville, #20 (OU is not happy) Texas A&M, #22 (Same as previous) Nebraska, and #25 (Nearing the end of D-Mac in big games) Arkansas
Valiant in defeat: #7 Penn State, #11 South Carolina, and #13 Alabama
On-field promotions: South Florida, Missouri, and MICHIGAN!
The Wisconsin Category (Unimpressive in victory): #3 Florida, #10 Wisconsin, and #22 Nebraska
Here comes... : California, Ohio State, Boston College, Clemson, and KENTUCKY!!!
Musings...
Most assuredly, the Bayou Bengals will lose #1 votes for defeating the Ole Ball Coach by "only" twelve points. Sigh. Make no mistake: the 'Cocks are Top-15 material... for another week at least :)
OMG!!! USC!!! OMG!!! USC!!! And you thought John David Booty's Heisman campaign had faded from memory. Well, two games now separate the Men of Troy from N'Orleans and an LSU beatdown, if Carroll's crew rips Oregon at Autzen and Cal in Berkeley, yes, even RT2020 will (redacted) Southern Cal nearly as much as the rest of punditdom.
Speaking of Cal, nice job in revenging an awful loss from last year, you know, the one that cost the Bears an outright Pac-10 championship. Yet to borrow a line from the song, it doesn't matter, no. It's USC, that and not pulling another Tedford special in a more nondescript game.
King Meyer, conqueror of Ohio State, didn't quite look like the best coach in America yesterday. Yes, it was on the road, yes it came after a dismantling of the artists formally known as Tennessee football, yes, Tebow is awesome. As the Tommy Lee Jones character once said, "I don't care." Champs, you ain't scaring the Tigers with this performance.
As for the Buckeyes, wait, was that #10 back on the field? Fitty again against the Wildcats, albeit a school dropped by D-OOOOOO-K? Yeah, not a lot learned here, but the D again showed some teeth. If they can hold Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan under 100 yards rushing, it's on to Pasadena.
And finally, YOOOOOOO-KAAAAAYYYYYY. First the bad news, 338 yards allowed on the ground (ugh) and twenty-two times the announcers piped, "Move the chains," (visions of a smiling Tim Tebow and Matt Flynn, aaargh!!!) with the white shirts on the field, even if the best tailback in the nation toted the rock that night. On the other hand, Andre' Woodson is rapidly becoming a very baaaad man. Do I have the homerism to put him #1 on my utterly meaningless unofficial Heisman ballot???
Stay tuned.
2. Southern California (NC)
3. Oklahoma (+1)
4. Florida (-1)
5. California (+1)
6. West Virginia (-1)
7. Rutgers (+1)
8. Ohio State (+4)
9. Texas (NC)
10. Boston College (+4)
11. KENTUCKY!!! (+6)
12. Clemson (+4)
13. Georgia (+2)
14. Wisconsin (-4)
15. South Carolina (-4)
16. Oregon (+2)
17. South Florida (NR)
18. Virginia Tech (+3)
19. Missouri (NR)
20. Michigan (NR)
21. Penn State (-14)
22. Alabama (-9)
23. Purdue (NC)
24. Hawaii (NC)
25. Michigan State (NR)
Unceremoniously bounced: #19 (WVA is not happy) Louisville, #20 (OU is not happy) Texas A&M, #22 (Same as previous) Nebraska, and #25 (Nearing the end of D-Mac in big games) Arkansas
Valiant in defeat: #7 Penn State, #11 South Carolina, and #13 Alabama
On-field promotions: South Florida, Missouri, and MICHIGAN!
The Wisconsin Category (Unimpressive in victory): #3 Florida, #10 Wisconsin, and #22 Nebraska
Here comes... : California, Ohio State, Boston College, Clemson, and KENTUCKY!!!
Musings...
Most assuredly, the Bayou Bengals will lose #1 votes for defeating the Ole Ball Coach by "only" twelve points. Sigh. Make no mistake: the 'Cocks are Top-15 material... for another week at least :)
OMG!!! USC!!! OMG!!! USC!!! And you thought John David Booty's Heisman campaign had faded from memory. Well, two games now separate the Men of Troy from N'Orleans and an LSU beatdown, if Carroll's crew rips Oregon at Autzen and Cal in Berkeley, yes, even RT2020 will (redacted) Southern Cal nearly as much as the rest of punditdom.
Speaking of Cal, nice job in revenging an awful loss from last year, you know, the one that cost the Bears an outright Pac-10 championship. Yet to borrow a line from the song, it doesn't matter, no. It's USC, that and not pulling another Tedford special in a more nondescript game.
King Meyer, conqueror of Ohio State, didn't quite look like the best coach in America yesterday. Yes, it was on the road, yes it came after a dismantling of the artists formally known as Tennessee football, yes, Tebow is awesome. As the Tommy Lee Jones character once said, "I don't care." Champs, you ain't scaring the Tigers with this performance.
As for the Buckeyes, wait, was that #10 back on the field? Fitty again against the Wildcats, albeit a school dropped by D-OOOOOO-K? Yeah, not a lot learned here, but the D again showed some teeth. If they can hold Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan under 100 yards rushing, it's on to Pasadena.
And finally, YOOOOOOO-KAAAAAYYYYYY. First the bad news, 338 yards allowed on the ground (ugh) and twenty-two times the announcers piped, "Move the chains," (visions of a smiling Tim Tebow and Matt Flynn, aaargh!!!) with the white shirts on the field, even if the best tailback in the nation toted the rock that night. On the other hand, Andre' Woodson is rapidly becoming a very baaaad man. Do I have the homerism to put him #1 on my utterly meaningless unofficial Heisman ballot???
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Week 4 Preview: 'Cocks at the Rouge
Texas A&M @ Miami: Mercurial coach Denny Franchione, still best known for ditching Alabama after one campaign, has perhaps his finest team yet in College Station. Building off a tenure-guaranteeing win at Austin last autumn, the Aggies may challenge for a Big 12 South division championship. Well, if so, they need to show some maturity in winning against a good but not elite Miami team, last seen cowering before the Sooners. The Big 12 has taken some hits, and it's due for another one. I like the 'Canes in the upset, MIA 23 TAMU 21
South Carolina @ LSU: Like defense? Glenn Dorsey's crew has dominated three decent teams, but points from their prolific offense may prove difficult to come by against a fast, tough Gamecock D. On the other hand, while this is certainly the Bayou Bengals' roughest test until D-Day on the Sixth, and despite a clear coaching advantage, the Tigers are too good to slip up here, but it's tougher than anticipated, LSU 17 SoCaro 6
Penn State @ Michigan: Do you recollect the last time the Nittany Lions won against the Maize and Blue, how about 1996? Michigan has dominated and won the close ones, and the first step to determining the 2008 Rose Bowl loser is this contest at the Big House. I still love H20, and JoePa's defense has not impressed lately. PSU is good, yet not on the level of the 1994 team that won 31-24 in Ann Arbor, plus I'll take a freshman talent over the inconsistent Anthony Morrelli. MICH 31 PSU 14
Georgia @ Alabama: Richt's Dawgs invade Tuscaloosa to attempt to avoid a second conference loss, albeit out of division. The Tide have rolled thus far, but the escape over the Razorbacks last week raised some questions. I think UGA has the better team, yet the confines favor Nick Saban's team. Expect a nasty, low-scoring battle that may come down to a kick, edge, 'Bama. ALA 18 UGA 16
KENTUCKY @ Arkansas: Ahem, must maintain impartiality... Well, one team runs the ball as well as any in the country, and the other, despite having a great quarterback (who, by the way, if he played for ARK would have them undefeated and in the title chase), cannot stop the run at all. On the other hand, UK has had more success on the road here than anywhere else (outside of Mississippi) in conference. I picked UK over ARK in the preseason, and despite a likely 300 combined total yards from Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, the 'Cats can outscore this team. Andre' Woodson's legend continues to grow. UK 45 ARK 38
All in all, not a great slate of games, yet have no fear, D-Day is coming. So, too, is a Heisman update after the results of this coming Saturday.
South Carolina @ LSU: Like defense? Glenn Dorsey's crew has dominated three decent teams, but points from their prolific offense may prove difficult to come by against a fast, tough Gamecock D. On the other hand, while this is certainly the Bayou Bengals' roughest test until D-Day on the Sixth, and despite a clear coaching advantage, the Tigers are too good to slip up here, but it's tougher than anticipated, LSU 17 SoCaro 6
Penn State @ Michigan: Do you recollect the last time the Nittany Lions won against the Maize and Blue, how about 1996? Michigan has dominated and won the close ones, and the first step to determining the 2008 Rose Bowl loser is this contest at the Big House. I still love H20, and JoePa's defense has not impressed lately. PSU is good, yet not on the level of the 1994 team that won 31-24 in Ann Arbor, plus I'll take a freshman talent over the inconsistent Anthony Morrelli. MICH 31 PSU 14
Georgia @ Alabama: Richt's Dawgs invade Tuscaloosa to attempt to avoid a second conference loss, albeit out of division. The Tide have rolled thus far, but the escape over the Razorbacks last week raised some questions. I think UGA has the better team, yet the confines favor Nick Saban's team. Expect a nasty, low-scoring battle that may come down to a kick, edge, 'Bama. ALA 18 UGA 16
KENTUCKY @ Arkansas: Ahem, must maintain impartiality... Well, one team runs the ball as well as any in the country, and the other, despite having a great quarterback (who, by the way, if he played for ARK would have them undefeated and in the title chase), cannot stop the run at all. On the other hand, UK has had more success on the road here than anywhere else (outside of Mississippi) in conference. I picked UK over ARK in the preseason, and despite a likely 300 combined total yards from Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, the 'Cats can outscore this team. Andre' Woodson's legend continues to grow. UK 45 ARK 38
All in all, not a great slate of games, yet have no fear, D-Day is coming. So, too, is a Heisman update after the results of this coming Saturday.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
RT2020 Poll: Week of September 16
1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Southern California (NC)
3. Florida (+1)
4. Oklahoma (-1)
5. West Virginia (+1)
6. California (+6)
7. Penn State (+3)
8. Rutgers (+3)
9. Texas (-5)
10. Wisconsin (-2)
11. South Carolina (+2)
12. Ohio State (+6)
13. Alabama (+9)
14. Boston College (NR)
15. Georgia (+2)
16. Clemson (+7)
17. KENTUCKY! (NR)
18. Oregon (+2)
19. Louisville (-11)
20. Texas A&M (+4)
21. Virginia Tech (NR)
22. Nebraska (-7)
23. Purdue (NR)
24. Hawaii (NR)
25. Arkansas (-6)
Banished: #7 (ugh) UCLA, #14 (huh?) Georgia Tech, #16 (yeah, I bit) Washington, #19 (you know what you have to do) South Florida, #25 (hey, the 1995 team got roasted at the Swamp too!) Tennessee
Took We a Tumble: #9 Louisville (#20 now), #15 Nebraska (#23 now), #19 Arkansas (#25 now)
Shaky, shaky: #5 Texas (now #9), #8 Wisconsin (now #10)
Validation: #2 USC (NC), #18 Ohio State! (+6)
Starting to Believe: Rutgers, California, South Carolina
I guessed 2006, I was too kind: Notre Dame, reprising their 2003 effort at UM
Well, I haven't felt so good about being so wrong in some time! Starting at the top, the LSU Destroyers continued on their rampage to the national championship game--that's now seven points allowed in three games...
USC nicely stepped up and won the first of five tough roadies this season, although, admittedly, the bout at Seattle no longer looks as challenging. Careful, however, because Oregon and California, both of which Pete Carroll's Dynasty* faces away from the Coliseum, can put up the points too.
Urban Meyer, top coach in America? Only one to defeat Ohio State in twenty-three games, no losses to UF's hard triangle, just asking... Tennessee's "defense" has embarrassed their late-1990s, sans NEB games, units. Where have you gone, Al Wilson, Raynoch Thompson, and D'wayne Goodrich, Rocky Top turns its lonely eyes to you...
Wisconsin, even though I'm sure they'll top OSU and possibly win the Big 10, continues to unimpress, P. J. Hill not withstanding. At the moment, Penn State is the best team in the Big 10, though neither team has gone on the road to beat a worthy adversary... great job, Bucks!
Nick Saban cannot win a national championship in his FIRST year, can he? Too much youth, too many flaws, yet one SEC West foe conquered, two more to go, and one of them just lost to Mississippi State, which admittedly makes South Florida's win on the Plains look more pedestrian than last week.
Oh yes, there was a little quarrel at the Commonwealth last evening... YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, against an opponent that had laughed and snorted at UK for years, Louisville gets its comeuppance, albeit in yet another game that has me seeing 50s and 60s for LSU and Florida. C'mon D, can you hold either to under 30??? Yes, I'll say it, the best win of Rich Brooks's career (you mean better than the NFL days?). Tennessee looks more and more beatable, whilst outscoring Georgia now seems plausible, even if between the hedges.
UK!!!!!!!!!!! UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WELCOME TO THE AP POLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonus BCS Preview:
OCT 6: Gators at the Tigers, D-Day in the SEC.
2. Southern California (NC)
3. Florida (+1)
4. Oklahoma (-1)
5. West Virginia (+1)
6. California (+6)
7. Penn State (+3)
8. Rutgers (+3)
9. Texas (-5)
10. Wisconsin (-2)
11. South Carolina (+2)
12. Ohio State (+6)
13. Alabama (+9)
14. Boston College (NR)
15. Georgia (+2)
16. Clemson (+7)
17. KENTUCKY! (NR)
18. Oregon (+2)
19. Louisville (-11)
20. Texas A&M (+4)
21. Virginia Tech (NR)
22. Nebraska (-7)
23. Purdue (NR)
24. Hawaii (NR)
25. Arkansas (-6)
Banished: #7 (ugh) UCLA, #14 (huh?) Georgia Tech, #16 (yeah, I bit) Washington, #19 (you know what you have to do) South Florida, #25 (hey, the 1995 team got roasted at the Swamp too!) Tennessee
Took We a Tumble: #9 Louisville (#20 now), #15 Nebraska (#23 now), #19 Arkansas (#25 now)
Shaky, shaky: #5 Texas (now #9), #8 Wisconsin (now #10)
Validation: #2 USC (NC), #18 Ohio State! (+6)
Starting to Believe: Rutgers, California, South Carolina
I guessed 2006, I was too kind: Notre Dame, reprising their 2003 effort at UM
Well, I haven't felt so good about being so wrong in some time! Starting at the top, the LSU Destroyers continued on their rampage to the national championship game--that's now seven points allowed in three games...
USC nicely stepped up and won the first of five tough roadies this season, although, admittedly, the bout at Seattle no longer looks as challenging. Careful, however, because Oregon and California, both of which Pete Carroll's Dynasty* faces away from the Coliseum, can put up the points too.
Urban Meyer, top coach in America? Only one to defeat Ohio State in twenty-three games, no losses to UF's hard triangle, just asking... Tennessee's "defense" has embarrassed their late-1990s, sans NEB games, units. Where have you gone, Al Wilson, Raynoch Thompson, and D'wayne Goodrich, Rocky Top turns its lonely eyes to you...
Wisconsin, even though I'm sure they'll top OSU and possibly win the Big 10, continues to unimpress, P. J. Hill not withstanding. At the moment, Penn State is the best team in the Big 10, though neither team has gone on the road to beat a worthy adversary... great job, Bucks!
Nick Saban cannot win a national championship in his FIRST year, can he? Too much youth, too many flaws, yet one SEC West foe conquered, two more to go, and one of them just lost to Mississippi State, which admittedly makes South Florida's win on the Plains look more pedestrian than last week.
Oh yes, there was a little quarrel at the Commonwealth last evening... YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, against an opponent that had laughed and snorted at UK for years, Louisville gets its comeuppance, albeit in yet another game that has me seeing 50s and 60s for LSU and Florida. C'mon D, can you hold either to under 30??? Yes, I'll say it, the best win of Rich Brooks's career (you mean better than the NFL days?). Tennessee looks more and more beatable, whilst outscoring Georgia now seems plausible, even if between the hedges.
UK!!!!!!!!!!! UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WELCOME TO THE AP POLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonus BCS Preview:
OCT 6: Gators at the Tigers, D-Day in the SEC.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Week 3 Preview: Licked at Lincoln?
Week 3 has a few games of note, and there's always a chance for a Top 15 to fall to an unranked one, but this is one of the last of the not-so impressive Saturdays.
USC @ Nebraska: Unquestionably, the game of the day. The issue before us is whether the Mighty ‘Huskers will ever "return" to college football’s elite. Their performance against Southern California last year bordered on disgraceful, perhaps the most glaring instance of a team not trying to win, but endeavoring only to avoid a knockout. Meanwhile, the Dynasty* certainly has followed the hosannas distributed to LSU after the Tigers swamped Virgina Tech. Booty v. Keller? Nope, can USC find someone in their well-documented tailback stable to rush for 100 yards? I think the Trojans will miss Jarrett and Smith in this game, and look for Sam Keller to begin his push to earn a place in New York City. Nebraska 27 USC 24
Tennessee @ Florida: In 2001, owing in large part to 9/11 (this game has been a September tradition for some time), these two teams played one of the best college football games of this century, as the Vols won for the first time in a generation at the Swamp. They will need the effort of a Travis Stephens-like back and much more to beat Urban Meyer’s champions. Tennessee can get right back into the SEC race and the national conversation with a win, but if Longshore of Cal made their defense look pedestrian, what will Tebow do? A lot. What will his defense do? Enough. The rapidly-becoming-legendary coach remains unbeaten against the Gators' top two rivals. Florida 35 Tennessee 20
Louisville @ Kentucky: Andre’ Woodson has played most of his sterling career in the shadow of Brian Brohm. Perhaps for the final time, the two QBs will square off in a game not likely to see much defense. UK should prove tired of getting embarrassed by the ‘Ville, but a D that allowed over 300 yards to Kent State on the ground looks too unsteady to keep the Cardinals under fifty. Can Woodson outduel Brohm? Winner takes an important step as far as awards go. Bobby Petrino and Michael Bush are gone, but their legacy, unfortunately, lives on. Louisville 56 Kentucky 45
Ohio State @ Washington: Whilst a certain school from South Bend is ducking for cover, Tyrone Willingham’s current team has beaten a former power and a rising power in the last two weeks. Is this the best U-Dub group since 2000? At QB, more than likely. The Buckeye defense, however, has held opponents to just two field goals in two home contests. The X-Factor, which should surprise no one, is Chris Wells. Beanie started to get loose in the second half last week, but this OSU offense is probably not yet functional enough to execute in a hostile environment. Despite a 9-3 cumulative mark, Ohio State has had some ugly games here (remember 1986)? It won’t get that bad, but, Washington 23 Ohio State 9
Arkansas @ Alabama: Darren McFadden’s road to the Heisman and to the Cleveland Browns as #1 overall draft choice begins here with a roadie against the resurgent Tide. ‘Bama hosts both the Hogs and the Bayou Bengals, and judging by Auburn’s recent woes, may have an outside chance to capture the SEC West, or perhaps more. Whatever his shenanigans, Nick Saban is one of the ten best college football coaches in America (Carroll, Meyer, Spurrier, Miles, Stoops, Tressel, Schiano, Rodriguez, and Tedford are the others), but even with the friendly folks of Tuscaloosa, D-Mac and Jones should have their way. Arkansas 28 Alabama 20
Notre Dame @ Michigan: 0-2 v. 0-2. I have gone from picking the Maize and Blue to win all of their regular season games by roughly two touchdowns to taking them against Oregon by four TDs to sheepishly wondering if I should pick another UM game all season. Ah, but there’s always ND. The once-glorious (circa 1993) Fightin’ Irish boast an offensive resume with more sacks allowed than points scored. An otherwise meaningless game does merit intrigue if it pits Ryan Mallet of Michigan against "Jimmah" Clausen of Notre Dame—possibly, the first of three such matchups, presumably with more on the line in later years. Strange series, the last few years. UM has hammered ND (2003, 2006) or frittered away close games (2002, 2004, 2005) to the opportunistic Irish. RT2020 doesn’t see how the Weissers do any better against Mario Manningham then last year. If Michigan fails to net forty, more questions should be raised. Fifteen, though, will do it. Michigan 47 Notre Dame 21, hmmm... seen that one somewhere before.
USC @ Nebraska: Unquestionably, the game of the day. The issue before us is whether the Mighty ‘Huskers will ever "return" to college football’s elite. Their performance against Southern California last year bordered on disgraceful, perhaps the most glaring instance of a team not trying to win, but endeavoring only to avoid a knockout. Meanwhile, the Dynasty* certainly has followed the hosannas distributed to LSU after the Tigers swamped Virgina Tech. Booty v. Keller? Nope, can USC find someone in their well-documented tailback stable to rush for 100 yards? I think the Trojans will miss Jarrett and Smith in this game, and look for Sam Keller to begin his push to earn a place in New York City. Nebraska 27 USC 24
Tennessee @ Florida: In 2001, owing in large part to 9/11 (this game has been a September tradition for some time), these two teams played one of the best college football games of this century, as the Vols won for the first time in a generation at the Swamp. They will need the effort of a Travis Stephens-like back and much more to beat Urban Meyer’s champions. Tennessee can get right back into the SEC race and the national conversation with a win, but if Longshore of Cal made their defense look pedestrian, what will Tebow do? A lot. What will his defense do? Enough. The rapidly-becoming-legendary coach remains unbeaten against the Gators' top two rivals. Florida 35 Tennessee 20
Louisville @ Kentucky: Andre’ Woodson has played most of his sterling career in the shadow of Brian Brohm. Perhaps for the final time, the two QBs will square off in a game not likely to see much defense. UK should prove tired of getting embarrassed by the ‘Ville, but a D that allowed over 300 yards to Kent State on the ground looks too unsteady to keep the Cardinals under fifty. Can Woodson outduel Brohm? Winner takes an important step as far as awards go. Bobby Petrino and Michael Bush are gone, but their legacy, unfortunately, lives on. Louisville 56 Kentucky 45
Ohio State @ Washington: Whilst a certain school from South Bend is ducking for cover, Tyrone Willingham’s current team has beaten a former power and a rising power in the last two weeks. Is this the best U-Dub group since 2000? At QB, more than likely. The Buckeye defense, however, has held opponents to just two field goals in two home contests. The X-Factor, which should surprise no one, is Chris Wells. Beanie started to get loose in the second half last week, but this OSU offense is probably not yet functional enough to execute in a hostile environment. Despite a 9-3 cumulative mark, Ohio State has had some ugly games here (remember 1986)? It won’t get that bad, but, Washington 23 Ohio State 9
Arkansas @ Alabama: Darren McFadden’s road to the Heisman and to the Cleveland Browns as #1 overall draft choice begins here with a roadie against the resurgent Tide. ‘Bama hosts both the Hogs and the Bayou Bengals, and judging by Auburn’s recent woes, may have an outside chance to capture the SEC West, or perhaps more. Whatever his shenanigans, Nick Saban is one of the ten best college football coaches in America (Carroll, Meyer, Spurrier, Miles, Stoops, Tressel, Schiano, Rodriguez, and Tedford are the others), but even with the friendly folks of Tuscaloosa, D-Mac and Jones should have their way. Arkansas 28 Alabama 20
Notre Dame @ Michigan: 0-2 v. 0-2. I have gone from picking the Maize and Blue to win all of their regular season games by roughly two touchdowns to taking them against Oregon by four TDs to sheepishly wondering if I should pick another UM game all season. Ah, but there’s always ND. The once-glorious (circa 1993) Fightin’ Irish boast an offensive resume with more sacks allowed than points scored. An otherwise meaningless game does merit intrigue if it pits Ryan Mallet of Michigan against "Jimmah" Clausen of Notre Dame—possibly, the first of three such matchups, presumably with more on the line in later years. Strange series, the last few years. UM has hammered ND (2003, 2006) or frittered away close games (2002, 2004, 2005) to the opportunistic Irish. RT2020 doesn’t see how the Weissers do any better against Mario Manningham then last year. If Michigan fails to net forty, more questions should be raised. Fifteen, though, will do it. Michigan 47 Notre Dame 21, hmmm... seen that one somewhere before.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
RT2020 Poll: Week of September 9
1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Southern California (+1)
3. Oklahoma (+8)
4. Florida (-2)
5. Texas (+2)
6. West Virginia (-1)
7. UCLA (+2)
8. Wisconsin (-4)
9. Louisville (+1)
10. Penn State (+2)
11. Rutgers (+3)
12. California (+3)
13. South Carolina (+7)
14. Georgia Tech (NR)
15. Nebraska (-2)
16. Washington (NR)
17. Georgia (-9)
18. Ohio State (-2)
19. Arkansas (+3)
20. Oregon (NR)
21. South Florida (NR)
22. Alabama (+2)
23. Clemson (NR)
24. Texas A&M (NR)
25. Tennessee (NR)
Frauds and Impostors: #17 Boise State, #18 Virginia Tech (told ya so), #19 Oregon State (my bad), #21 Miami, and #23 Hawaii
Sorry, had to do it: #6 Appalachian State and #25 TCU
Banished For a Fortnight: Auburn and, well, that Team Up North
New Arrivals: Georgia Tech, Washington, Oregon, South Florida, and Clemson
First off, I should probably refrain from picking the score of Michigan's game for the rest of the season, holy mother of God. I guess Lou Holtz's ESPN.com stump speech did little to stop Dennis Dixon. For the second straight week, a stunning score: 7-39. Mike Hart, despite limps, had another fine day, but Michigan got smoked by the spread yet again, never fear, it is possible that a Big 10 ti... oh, I'll just shut my mouth.
Hey, pollsters, any questions? I thought not. Yes, I called it back in December, but oh my goodness, 598 total yards on the Hokies, this crew is like a pack of hounds out for Vick's blood. Better saddle up, Gators.
Speaking of Florida, we're already starting to see some holes in that D, and it's going to catch up with them, so, alas, I have to put USC at #2. What a conformist. Oklahoma, though, posted the second-most impressive victory of the day, slicing Miami's proud defense for fitty-one in (twenty year) payback for the bruisings of the 1980s. I had them winning it, but not by that much. Number three, pending USC's presumed drive-by of Nebraska... which got caught looking ahead and barely escaped at the Grove. Keller was OK, but not nearly as poised as Colt McCoy, as Texas finally began the 2007 season with a second half smoking of a good (possibly BCS) TCU team.
Credit the OBC for, once again, destroying another promising Bulldog season. Still, I couldn't drop Richt's boys out completely, their defense allowed only one touch, and they're still better than Kentucky (pending the Louisville game). The 'Cocks, well thought of in this blog's preview, now have a serious chance to actually win the SEC East... and get drop-kicked by the Bayou Bengals in Atlanta. Meanwhile, all the Yellow Jackets had to do was cast aside Reggie Ball, and continue the defensive pressure. I'm starting to buy an ACC title.
Cal and Bucky slid past game opponents on the road, and both therefore had a better day than the offensively disinclined Ohio State Buckeyes, a prime candidate to get shoved out of the Top 25 next week, but a D that allows zero points and forces fourteen punts is still a Big 10 title contender, even if #10, #7, #11, and #25 are not walking through that door anymore.
In just a few weeks, might we be looking at #1 LSU v. #4 Florida, and #3 Oklahoma v. #5 Texas. Wow, two national championship eliminators, with the caveat that the Gators, if not utterly humiliated, would have a shot via a rematch in the SEC Championship Game, but, well, they need Jarvis Moss and Reggie F______ Nelson to have any real chance of keeping LSU from rolling to N'Orleans and the Not Sugar.
If LSU is not #1 in your poll, you're likely far too into USC. Two BCS conference teams, two games of 40+, two games of >10. Yes, a long road to hoe, but the beginnings of one of those special teams, and perhaps suitable competition for the Big Red Machine of 1995.
2. Southern California (+1)
3. Oklahoma (+8)
4. Florida (-2)
5. Texas (+2)
6. West Virginia (-1)
7. UCLA (+2)
8. Wisconsin (-4)
9. Louisville (+1)
10. Penn State (+2)
11. Rutgers (+3)
12. California (+3)
13. South Carolina (+7)
14. Georgia Tech (NR)
15. Nebraska (-2)
16. Washington (NR)
17. Georgia (-9)
18. Ohio State (-2)
19. Arkansas (+3)
20. Oregon (NR)
21. South Florida (NR)
22. Alabama (+2)
23. Clemson (NR)
24. Texas A&M (NR)
25. Tennessee (NR)
Frauds and Impostors: #17 Boise State, #18 Virginia Tech (told ya so), #19 Oregon State (my bad), #21 Miami, and #23 Hawaii
Sorry, had to do it: #6 Appalachian State and #25 TCU
Banished For a Fortnight: Auburn and, well, that Team Up North
New Arrivals: Georgia Tech, Washington, Oregon, South Florida, and Clemson
First off, I should probably refrain from picking the score of Michigan's game for the rest of the season, holy mother of God. I guess Lou Holtz's ESPN.com stump speech did little to stop Dennis Dixon. For the second straight week, a stunning score: 7-39. Mike Hart, despite limps, had another fine day, but Michigan got smoked by the spread yet again, never fear, it is possible that a Big 10 ti... oh, I'll just shut my mouth.
Hey, pollsters, any questions? I thought not. Yes, I called it back in December, but oh my goodness, 598 total yards on the Hokies, this crew is like a pack of hounds out for Vick's blood. Better saddle up, Gators.
Speaking of Florida, we're already starting to see some holes in that D, and it's going to catch up with them, so, alas, I have to put USC at #2. What a conformist. Oklahoma, though, posted the second-most impressive victory of the day, slicing Miami's proud defense for fitty-one in (twenty year) payback for the bruisings of the 1980s. I had them winning it, but not by that much. Number three, pending USC's presumed drive-by of Nebraska... which got caught looking ahead and barely escaped at the Grove. Keller was OK, but not nearly as poised as Colt McCoy, as Texas finally began the 2007 season with a second half smoking of a good (possibly BCS) TCU team.
Credit the OBC for, once again, destroying another promising Bulldog season. Still, I couldn't drop Richt's boys out completely, their defense allowed only one touch, and they're still better than Kentucky (pending the Louisville game). The 'Cocks, well thought of in this blog's preview, now have a serious chance to actually win the SEC East... and get drop-kicked by the Bayou Bengals in Atlanta. Meanwhile, all the Yellow Jackets had to do was cast aside Reggie Ball, and continue the defensive pressure. I'm starting to buy an ACC title.
Cal and Bucky slid past game opponents on the road, and both therefore had a better day than the offensively disinclined Ohio State Buckeyes, a prime candidate to get shoved out of the Top 25 next week, but a D that allows zero points and forces fourteen punts is still a Big 10 title contender, even if #10, #7, #11, and #25 are not walking through that door anymore.
In just a few weeks, might we be looking at #1 LSU v. #4 Florida, and #3 Oklahoma v. #5 Texas. Wow, two national championship eliminators, with the caveat that the Gators, if not utterly humiliated, would have a shot via a rematch in the SEC Championship Game, but, well, they need Jarvis Moss and Reggie F______ Nelson to have any real chance of keeping LSU from rolling to N'Orleans and the Not Sugar.
If LSU is not #1 in your poll, you're likely far too into USC. Two BCS conference teams, two games of 40+, two games of >10. Yes, a long road to hoe, but the beginnings of one of those special teams, and perhaps suitable competition for the Big Red Machine of 1995.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Week 2 Preview: Warming Up
After rising Big East powers Louisville and Rutgers do nothing to imperil their Top-20 status on Thursday and Friday respectively, the college football season can officially begin eliminating the pretenders.
Games of Note:
#9 Virginia Tech (too high) @ #2 LSU (too low): Frank Beamer's emotional Hokies are usually a tough out, but an inability to score twenty points on East Carolina last week does not bode well against the best defense in the nation. Whilst the Tigers offense is a work in progress, particularly on the ground, twenty points should do it, though it could prove a struggle for three quarters. LSU is too fast, too motivated, and too talented to let an overrated ACC school ruin their September. LSU 30 VT 9
NR Miami (too low) @ #5 Oklahoma (too high): Finally, after twenty years and a near miss to close the 2000 season, the "U" and Boomer meet up again in Norman. Sooner fans have good memories of the last season Oklahoma hosted Miami, for it proved a national title year--even if Miami won the game (1985). Barry Switzer's boys won every game from 1985-1987, except for three, all against one school. Nonetheless, is Randy Shannon's group ready for this game? Not yet. OU 24 MIA 10*
#19 TCU (too high) @ #7 Texas (just right): After a sleepy second half against Arkansas State, one would think Colt McCoy and the Longhorn offense is rarin' to go in one of the few games Texas could lose this season. Yet, the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year must show more than last week, because TCU is a very good team. Not good enough in Austin, however. TX 37 TCU 10, in a bounce-back game for TX.
NR South Carolina (too low) @ #11 Georgia (also too low): No matter the records, this early SEC clash is almost always a nail-biter, and the Gamecocks almost always end up losing it. Spurrier's troops didn't play especially well in a functional DNP environment last week, and Georgia's win over Okie State was one of the better performances of the week. Still, the 'Cocks are coming, ahem, and while I am reasonably high on the 'Dawgs to play for the SEC East title in Jacksonville, they could drop this one. Same old story, however. GA 21 SC 16
NR Notre Dame (too low) @ #14 Penn State (about right): Revenge is a dish best served cold, beware also of Nittany Lion nation under the lights. PSU crushed their opponent last week and may indeed have Big 10 title aspirations for the second time in three seasons, ND, well, the less said about GT's thirty-point win the better. I don't see a 1992-esque ending here. PSU 41 ND 14, give Clausen a few nice plays and JoePa calls off the dogs early.
NR Oregon (about right) @ #5... err.. NR Michigan ('nuff said): Four years ago, the Wolverines blew a national title opportunity with a series of special-teams breakdowns in Eugene, losing to the hideously dressed Ducks of Bellotti. After a week in crisis, Michigan's "O" should not have a problem moving the football, but Oregon QB Dennis Dixon runs the spread offense, uh oh... Nah, I said four touchdowns and I'll stick to it, entertaining game, no doubt. UM 49 ORE 21, another Heisman day for #20. They'll move to #15 in my poll if they achieve that result.
All in all, not a bad weekend of college football: five games of significant to serious interest and another opportunity to see the Fightin' Irish housed on national television. What could prove better than that?
As to the Heisman Trophy, I've offered my preview and more or less believe we need at least a few weeks to shake out the contenders. I want to see Brian Brohm against an SEC defense (sorta) in Lexington, or John David Booty in Lincoln, before I can fairly assess their chances at the Big Award. Likewise, I don't care what Pat White and Steve Slaton do against anyone other than Louisville and Rutgers, especially the former, in Morgantown. I will say that I've refused to throw Mike Hart of Michigan off the list because of his team's 32-34 debacle against App-y State, without his second half presence Michigan loses by at least ten points, H20 almost saved the day. Romp over Penn State and he'll be right back in it.
* Exact opposite of the 1986 game in the Orange Bowl when #1 Oklahoma fell to the Canes.
Games of Note:
#9 Virginia Tech (too high) @ #2 LSU (too low): Frank Beamer's emotional Hokies are usually a tough out, but an inability to score twenty points on East Carolina last week does not bode well against the best defense in the nation. Whilst the Tigers offense is a work in progress, particularly on the ground, twenty points should do it, though it could prove a struggle for three quarters. LSU is too fast, too motivated, and too talented to let an overrated ACC school ruin their September. LSU 30 VT 9
NR Miami (too low) @ #5 Oklahoma (too high): Finally, after twenty years and a near miss to close the 2000 season, the "U" and Boomer meet up again in Norman. Sooner fans have good memories of the last season Oklahoma hosted Miami, for it proved a national title year--even if Miami won the game (1985). Barry Switzer's boys won every game from 1985-1987, except for three, all against one school. Nonetheless, is Randy Shannon's group ready for this game? Not yet. OU 24 MIA 10*
#19 TCU (too high) @ #7 Texas (just right): After a sleepy second half against Arkansas State, one would think Colt McCoy and the Longhorn offense is rarin' to go in one of the few games Texas could lose this season. Yet, the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year must show more than last week, because TCU is a very good team. Not good enough in Austin, however. TX 37 TCU 10, in a bounce-back game for TX.
NR South Carolina (too low) @ #11 Georgia (also too low): No matter the records, this early SEC clash is almost always a nail-biter, and the Gamecocks almost always end up losing it. Spurrier's troops didn't play especially well in a functional DNP environment last week, and Georgia's win over Okie State was one of the better performances of the week. Still, the 'Cocks are coming, ahem, and while I am reasonably high on the 'Dawgs to play for the SEC East title in Jacksonville, they could drop this one. Same old story, however. GA 21 SC 16
NR Notre Dame (too low) @ #14 Penn State (about right): Revenge is a dish best served cold, beware also of Nittany Lion nation under the lights. PSU crushed their opponent last week and may indeed have Big 10 title aspirations for the second time in three seasons, ND, well, the less said about GT's thirty-point win the better. I don't see a 1992-esque ending here. PSU 41 ND 14, give Clausen a few nice plays and JoePa calls off the dogs early.
NR Oregon (about right) @ #5... err.. NR Michigan ('nuff said): Four years ago, the Wolverines blew a national title opportunity with a series of special-teams breakdowns in Eugene, losing to the hideously dressed Ducks of Bellotti. After a week in crisis, Michigan's "O" should not have a problem moving the football, but Oregon QB Dennis Dixon runs the spread offense, uh oh... Nah, I said four touchdowns and I'll stick to it, entertaining game, no doubt. UM 49 ORE 21, another Heisman day for #20. They'll move to #15 in my poll if they achieve that result.
All in all, not a bad weekend of college football: five games of significant to serious interest and another opportunity to see the Fightin' Irish housed on national television. What could prove better than that?
As to the Heisman Trophy, I've offered my preview and more or less believe we need at least a few weeks to shake out the contenders. I want to see Brian Brohm against an SEC defense (sorta) in Lexington, or John David Booty in Lincoln, before I can fairly assess their chances at the Big Award. Likewise, I don't care what Pat White and Steve Slaton do against anyone other than Louisville and Rutgers, especially the former, in Morgantown. I will say that I've refused to throw Mike Hart of Michigan off the list because of his team's 32-34 debacle against App-y State, without his second half presence Michigan loses by at least ten points, H20 almost saved the day. Romp over Penn State and he'll be right back in it.
* Exact opposite of the 1986 game in the Orange Bowl when #1 Oklahoma fell to the Canes.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
RT2020 Poll: Week of September 2
Note: I should have this completed by Sundays in the future.
1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Florida (+2)
3. Southern California (+2)
4. Wisconsin (+2)
5. West Virginia (+2)
6. Appalachian State (NR)
7. Texas (-4)
8. Georgia (+1)
9. UCLA (+1)
10. Louisville (+2)
11. Oklahoma (+2)
12. Penn State (+3)
13. Nebraska (-2)
14. Rutgers (NC)
15. California (+6)
16. Ohio State (+2)
17. Boise State (+2)
18. Virginia Tech (-1)
19. Oregon State (+4)
20. South Carolina (NC)
21. Miami (+4)
22. Arkansas (+2)
23. Hawaii (NR)
24. Alabama (NR)
25. TCU (NR)
Dropped out: #2 Michigan, #8 Florida State, #16 Tennessee, and #22 Auburn
Watch out: Georgia Tech, Washington, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Clemson
Risers: Appalachian State, California, Oregon State, and Miami
Fallers: Texas, plus losing teams
Well, eight of my top ten survived opening week, what is that an 80% proficiency rating? Ugh. True, I could've been more charitable to the Volunteers, but allowing forty-five points in any setting is not grounds for a moral victory. We've covered Michigan's woes earlier, yet Florida State, deigning to show observers the 'Noles were "back," did not show up ready in Death Valley. Clemson may prove very good, but no defense should hold FSU to ONE first down and fewer than seventy yards in a half, save for Florida 2006 or LSU 2007. Atrocious. Jimbo Fisher left the sweets of Baton Rouge for this?!? Auburn's lackluster win over K-State simply did not impress, yet they're still a contender in the SEC West.
The more I see of Colt Brennan, yes, mere highlights, the more I am persuaded Pro Bowls are in his future. Can he win the Heisman though? John David Booty and the Trojans yawned through Idaho, but their big games are fast approaching. Some would quibble with App-y State ranked in the Top 10, yet I don't believe anyone else will win in Michigan Stadium this year. Texas never felt in danger of losing to Arkansas State, yet when your comparables ring up the cash register, well, 21-13 on your home field drops you a few spots, nothing a third straight conquering of OU won't cure though.
1. Louisiana State (NC)
2. Florida (+2)
3. Southern California (+2)
4. Wisconsin (+2)
5. West Virginia (+2)
6. Appalachian State (NR)
7. Texas (-4)
8. Georgia (+1)
9. UCLA (+1)
10. Louisville (+2)
11. Oklahoma (+2)
12. Penn State (+3)
13. Nebraska (-2)
14. Rutgers (NC)
15. California (+6)
16. Ohio State (+2)
17. Boise State (+2)
18. Virginia Tech (-1)
19. Oregon State (+4)
20. South Carolina (NC)
21. Miami (+4)
22. Arkansas (+2)
23. Hawaii (NR)
24. Alabama (NR)
25. TCU (NR)
Dropped out: #2 Michigan, #8 Florida State, #16 Tennessee, and #22 Auburn
Watch out: Georgia Tech, Washington, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Clemson
Risers: Appalachian State, California, Oregon State, and Miami
Fallers: Texas, plus losing teams
Well, eight of my top ten survived opening week, what is that an 80% proficiency rating? Ugh. True, I could've been more charitable to the Volunteers, but allowing forty-five points in any setting is not grounds for a moral victory. We've covered Michigan's woes earlier, yet Florida State, deigning to show observers the 'Noles were "back," did not show up ready in Death Valley. Clemson may prove very good, but no defense should hold FSU to ONE first down and fewer than seventy yards in a half, save for Florida 2006 or LSU 2007. Atrocious. Jimbo Fisher left the sweets of Baton Rouge for this?!? Auburn's lackluster win over K-State simply did not impress, yet they're still a contender in the SEC West.
The more I see of Colt Brennan, yes, mere highlights, the more I am persuaded Pro Bowls are in his future. Can he win the Heisman though? John David Booty and the Trojans yawned through Idaho, but their big games are fast approaching. Some would quibble with App-y State ranked in the Top 10, yet I don't believe anyone else will win in Michigan Stadium this year. Texas never felt in danger of losing to Arkansas State, yet when your comparables ring up the cash register, well, 21-13 on your home field drops you a few spots, nothing a third straight conquering of OU won't cure though.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Crickets in Ann Arbor
Because Florida State still has to play Clemson tomorrow, I will hold off on my new Top 25, Heisman update, and UK review (well done, gentlemen). In the meantime, well, there's no getting around it, I have to create a rationale for the 32-34 defeat suffered by my #2 team (#5 nationally), on their home field, with four preseason-possible All Americas on offense, including my Heisman pick, to a subdivision team from the mountains of North Carolina.
No Virginia, Michigan football will not finish 12-0 this November or hold the crystal football in N'Orleans. Yes, they have lost their third consecutive game, allowing at least thirty points in each of them.
My strong Ohio State sympathies aside, yesterday's result was awful for a conference decimated in two BCS games last January, and schadenfreude is not a part of this post--especially when I have so much egg on my face as a prognosticator. Suffice to say, the Wolverines will not rank #2 in the next poll. Before digging into the particulars, a word about Mike Hart. The All America was the ONLY reason Michigan even led in the second half (for about three minutes) after his sizzling 54-yard run to paydirt. Well, from here on in, matters will read considerably darker for the blue-and-yellow helmets.
Grasping for straws, I want to reiterate that this team should still win the Big 10 title, but getting out of September looks a good deal more challenging than, say, last week.
And all praise to Appalachian State...
Speed kills. Or perhaps more importantly, it camouflages if not erases other deficits, namely strength and size. App-y State looked to have superior speed at the skill positions, which shouldn't necessarily shock us. A few years ago, when considering the merits of all-time university teams, I discounted both UM and Notre Dame (their 3-33 pasting doesn't even warrant elaboration) on account of speed. Save for their co-title 1997 season, loaded with Charles Woodson, Ian Gold, Dhani Jones, and James Hall, Michigan has not boasted fast defenses. Even last year, their incredible game one through eleven statistics resulted from a vicious run defense, not speed in the back seven. Of course, it is quite possible UM will not face another quarterback as problematic as Armanti Edwards, who may have played the best first half of any quarterback, ever (no incompletions, no turnovers, four total TDs).
While Edwards, when not crushed by Crable and Co., crashed down to earth throughout most of the second half, he still had enough scrambling ability and arm strength to drive his team in the final 1:30. Just as Troy Smith had done on the very same field in November 2005. Michigan fans would well note the similarities between the home team's possessions prior to those final drives. Nursing a one-point lead, UM drew a critical penalty on third-and-short, forcing a throw on third-and-long. Given that Hart had rumbled for around 120 yards in the second half, no small thing. Unlike 2005 v. OSU, when Lloyd Carr opted for the pooch punt, Michigan tried a field goal, only to see it blocked. Within a play, App-y State had found the M logo, and didn't look back.
Now, great (or allegedly great) teams win with stars, and clearly UM lost this game because #20 wasn't much of a factor in the mid-portion, and #86 was all but invisible. The latter of course refers to Mario Manningham, previously rated as an ICBM in some quarters, and the best WR in the country (gulp) in others. Aside from a potentially game-saving grab in the final fifteen seconds, he contributed virtually nothing of significance to the cause. For an All-America, a disastrous day.
Which brings us to Chad Henne. After an impressive opening, 0-3 took on an inconsistent form for the rest of the afternoon, awful, in terms of the forced interception in the second half. Thirty-two offensive points is normally a job well done for quarterbacks, yet not with this offense, once considered Top 5 in the nation. Henne could not ice the game late in the fourth and did not complete enough third-and-medium throws to allow UM to escape the Big House with a W.
I think most sensible people understood UM's defense would kill its chance at a national title; I just thought it would take until the Not Sugar for this to occur. Losing that many key players (ask OSU 2006) is very difficult to overcome. The secondary, however, is even more precarious then last autumn. Absent Leon Hall, UM has no defensive backs worthy of praise, except perhaps a freshman that is not yet Law or Jackson. Fortunately, save for Oregon, very few teams on their schedule are equipped to take full advantage of it. Neither Penn State, Wisconsin, nor Ohio State present a quarterback as challenging as Edwards, which means UM should defeat all of them, particularly since two of the three are in Ann Arbor. We don't even have to mention the Irish, do we?
Next week is huge for Michigan, but not as big as the Penn State game. Whether UM wins or loses will have almost no bearing on the Big 10 race, save to break a possible 7-1, 6-2 tie for the right to play USC/Texas/Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. A second loss, though, would place enormous pressure on Coach Carr and categorically eliminate a BCS slot absent a conference title. So, I'll take Michigan to stomp the Ducks (2003 revenge?) by four touchdowns, with 200+ for Heisman Hart. Of course, I'm also the fellow who predicted Michigan would beat USC and OSU in 2006, OSU in 2005, Texas in 2004, so perhaps my clairvoyance is best left to U. S. presidential elections.
No Virginia, Michigan football will not finish 12-0 this November or hold the crystal football in N'Orleans. Yes, they have lost their third consecutive game, allowing at least thirty points in each of them.
My strong Ohio State sympathies aside, yesterday's result was awful for a conference decimated in two BCS games last January, and schadenfreude is not a part of this post--especially when I have so much egg on my face as a prognosticator. Suffice to say, the Wolverines will not rank #2 in the next poll. Before digging into the particulars, a word about Mike Hart. The All America was the ONLY reason Michigan even led in the second half (for about three minutes) after his sizzling 54-yard run to paydirt. Well, from here on in, matters will read considerably darker for the blue-and-yellow helmets.
Grasping for straws, I want to reiterate that this team should still win the Big 10 title, but getting out of September looks a good deal more challenging than, say, last week.
And all praise to Appalachian State...
Speed kills. Or perhaps more importantly, it camouflages if not erases other deficits, namely strength and size. App-y State looked to have superior speed at the skill positions, which shouldn't necessarily shock us. A few years ago, when considering the merits of all-time university teams, I discounted both UM and Notre Dame (their 3-33 pasting doesn't even warrant elaboration) on account of speed. Save for their co-title 1997 season, loaded with Charles Woodson, Ian Gold, Dhani Jones, and James Hall, Michigan has not boasted fast defenses. Even last year, their incredible game one through eleven statistics resulted from a vicious run defense, not speed in the back seven. Of course, it is quite possible UM will not face another quarterback as problematic as Armanti Edwards, who may have played the best first half of any quarterback, ever (no incompletions, no turnovers, four total TDs).
While Edwards, when not crushed by Crable and Co., crashed down to earth throughout most of the second half, he still had enough scrambling ability and arm strength to drive his team in the final 1:30. Just as Troy Smith had done on the very same field in November 2005. Michigan fans would well note the similarities between the home team's possessions prior to those final drives. Nursing a one-point lead, UM drew a critical penalty on third-and-short, forcing a throw on third-and-long. Given that Hart had rumbled for around 120 yards in the second half, no small thing. Unlike 2005 v. OSU, when Lloyd Carr opted for the pooch punt, Michigan tried a field goal, only to see it blocked. Within a play, App-y State had found the M logo, and didn't look back.
Now, great (or allegedly great) teams win with stars, and clearly UM lost this game because #20 wasn't much of a factor in the mid-portion, and #86 was all but invisible. The latter of course refers to Mario Manningham, previously rated as an ICBM in some quarters, and the best WR in the country (gulp) in others. Aside from a potentially game-saving grab in the final fifteen seconds, he contributed virtually nothing of significance to the cause. For an All-America, a disastrous day.
Which brings us to Chad Henne. After an impressive opening, 0-3 took on an inconsistent form for the rest of the afternoon, awful, in terms of the forced interception in the second half. Thirty-two offensive points is normally a job well done for quarterbacks, yet not with this offense, once considered Top 5 in the nation. Henne could not ice the game late in the fourth and did not complete enough third-and-medium throws to allow UM to escape the Big House with a W.
I think most sensible people understood UM's defense would kill its chance at a national title; I just thought it would take until the Not Sugar for this to occur. Losing that many key players (ask OSU 2006) is very difficult to overcome. The secondary, however, is even more precarious then last autumn. Absent Leon Hall, UM has no defensive backs worthy of praise, except perhaps a freshman that is not yet Law or Jackson. Fortunately, save for Oregon, very few teams on their schedule are equipped to take full advantage of it. Neither Penn State, Wisconsin, nor Ohio State present a quarterback as challenging as Edwards, which means UM should defeat all of them, particularly since two of the three are in Ann Arbor. We don't even have to mention the Irish, do we?
Next week is huge for Michigan, but not as big as the Penn State game. Whether UM wins or loses will have almost no bearing on the Big 10 race, save to break a possible 7-1, 6-2 tie for the right to play USC/Texas/Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. A second loss, though, would place enormous pressure on Coach Carr and categorically eliminate a BCS slot absent a conference title. So, I'll take Michigan to stomp the Ducks (2003 revenge?) by four touchdowns, with 200+ for Heisman Hart. Of course, I'm also the fellow who predicted Michigan would beat USC and OSU in 2006, OSU in 2005, Texas in 2004, so perhaps my clairvoyance is best left to U. S. presidential elections.
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