H
HuskerNKingwood
Guest
Well, it was a - uh, weekend of upsets. Here's this week's rundown....
Hot list:
Oregon State - Who the hell are you guys?
And what the hell are you doing ruining USC;s championship dreams for the second time in three years?
USC played some very sloppy ball in this game (I'll get to that later). But credit to Oregon State for stepping it up. Jacquizz Rodgers - a freshman, no less - running for 186 yards i hard to imagine against a defense with that kind of talent. Oregon State also got off to a quick start - something they had to have. USC's first four posessions - 3 and out, 3 and out, punt, and turnover.
UCONN - Yep, I'm giving UCONN FOOTBALL some love in this one. UCONN is now 5-0 after coming back to win on the road on Friday. Additionally, take a guess at who is the nation's leading rusher?
Yep, it's Donald Brown at UCONN, with over 180 yards rushing per game. That should help with Tyler Lorenzen's absence, as he was injured in the game on Friday.
Michigan - Yeah, I've been hard on RR in the first 3 games - in which Blue went 1-2. But yeah, they deserve some love on this one. Might this be the win RR needs to get his regime going in Ann Arbor? A comeback from 19 points down against the Badgers might make a statement - in a positive way.
What's also interesting to note is that RR's spread outrushed Wisconsin's physical offense stat-wise, 172 to 158.
North Carolina - Yep, UNC gets on this list this week - and no, it's not for basketball.
It took a LOT of guts to do what they did yesterday. When Miami got up by 2 scores, I figured Carolina was beat.
But Cameron Sexton was near perfect after that, going 6 of 9 including the two game winning scores. Beating the Canes at home last year was one thing for the Heels - but beating them AGAIN this year in Miami could be HUGE for what Butch Davis is trying to do at UNC.
Tulsa - Has ANYBODY noticed what these guys are doing offensively? I know TU's played **** teams so far, but it still bears mentioning. They have scored 45, 56, 56 and 62 points in their first four games. And by the way, David Johnson leads the nation in passing efficiency - by a WIDE margin, over some quarterback from Texas....
Ole Miss - Bigger shock than USC losing, if you ask me. USC's had trouble in Corvallis the last 3 games they've played there. Ole Miss the last few years has been ATROCIOUS. Say what you will about your old buddy Houston Nutt, but the man sure knows how to pull off upsets at unexpected times. I watched this game on 360 and this was almost like a flashback to some of the upsets he's pulled in the SEC, and the upset he pulled at Texas while coach of the Razorbacks.
I betcha the Razorback faithful wish they still had him this morning instead of the mercenary Bobby Petrino.
Alabama - Even after the swift asskicking Bama laid on the Pigs last week in Arkansas, I refused to believe that Bama was as good as their #9 rank. I refused to believe that Nick Saban was the second coming of Bear Bryant that Bama had been looking around for during the better part of 25 years.
I officially doubt no longer. Just put the Houndstooth Hat on Nick Saban because they ran #3 out of the stadium (on the road). If ever there was a week I figured Georgia was destined to win, it was this one because of legendary UGA voice Larry Munson retiring, and the blackout. Not so.
I officially can't wait for Bama v. LSU The Sequel. Too bad it comes in November.
Texas - OK, I said after the UT/UTEP game that I wasn't all that impressed with the Horns performance in that one.
Cut to yesterday, against an SEC outfit, although not a quality one. That was a nice, swift asskicking the Horns laid on Arkansas. Total DOMINATION for four quarters. I would say this is NOW a team that can be a threat to OU, especially after seeing the boxscore of the OU game last night (more on that later). Reasons, you ask?
Colt looks SHARP. As mentioned, #2 in the country in passing efficiency, and he essentially did what he wanted when he wanted yesterday.
A rush defense that held Arkansas to ELEVEN yards on 26 rushes. By the way, Texas is #2 in the country in rush defense.
A defense that sacked Arkansas SEVEN different times yesterday. By the way, UT is the nation's leader in sacks.
The big key is Texas sneaking out of Boulder with their undefeated record in tact, their defense continuing to improve, and Colt staying HEALTHY.
Michigan State - Don't look now, but Sparty is now 4-1 (and four for its last four) after winning at Indiana. Javon Ringer had another huge game - nearly 200 yards on the ground with a TD, and Brian Hoyer stepped it up as well.
And take a look at their next two games. Iowa at home, Northwestern on the road. Michigan State could conceivably be 6-1 when Ohio State rolls into town.
Also, keep in mind their loss was a 7 point loss at Cal - they held their own in that game.
Penn State - Another game, another solid offensive showing from a high-powered group. Two things you need to know about the Lions: 8th in the country in rushing offense, and Daryll Clark is 11th in the nation in pass efficiency.
And then there's - the not list:
USC - Now THAT was not a performance I expected to see from a Pete Carroll coached group. Especially with two weeks to prepare. Two costly turnovers that led to Beaver scores, and 8 penalties for 73 yards.
I've said it before - the ONLY team that can beat USC is USC. They have way too much talent and way too much coaching to be losing in big games - which they rarely ever do. The only way they ever lose is the way they lost Thursday night - by being their own worst enemy.
The SEC East - Not a good day for that division of the SEC. Three inter-division matchups, 3 Ls on the resume. Bama comes between the hedges and spanks UGA, Ole Miss KOs Florida in their house and Auburn hands Tennessee loss #3. Who knows whether the West will win the SEC this year, but one thing is clear - yesterday, the West was best in the SEC.
Iowa - If this doesn't get Ferentz fired at the end of this year, I don't know what's going to. Northwestern beat THEM? At home? AGAIN?
That cannot happen to Iowa, ever, much less 2 times in 3 years. They don't even have Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule this year and they ALREADY have two defeats.
Mark Richt - Question, Coach. How does your best player, AND A HEISMAN TROPHY CANDIDATE, get the ball only NINE times in a game like that?
No wonder they got spanked. Memo to Coach Richt: YOUR STARS HAVE TO SHINE IN THESE GAMES. And you didn't give your star a chance to shine, from the looks of things. If you're gonna promote a player for the Heisman after beating CENTRAL MICHIGAN, you better give him the rock against a team like Alabama. That one's on you, Coach.
UCLA - Since the Tennessee game....
L
L
L
And 59, 31 and 36 points allowed. How's Skippy working out for you guys?
East Carolina - Say goodbye to the Top 25, ECU. 41-24? At home? To Cougar High?
That CANNOT happen. Maybe they won't get to the BCS, but they CAN'T get beat at home by Cougar High by 17.
West Virginia - Yeah, yeah they won. Whatever.
This group scored 30 or more in all but THREE games last year. The only time they've bee in the 30s or higher was against VILLANOVA.
How did this group stop scoring all of a sudden? I knew Bill Stewart wasn't a good coach after the CU game, but is he REALLY that bad?
Miami - Hey AustinBadger, you still think Randy Shannon is the man at "the U?"
Not that our loss wasn't disappointing (Yeah, I'll get to that later), but I think I'd rather get our asses kicked like we did last night rather than lose the way Miami did. The U does not lose 10 point leads at home. The U does not get intercepted in the endzone at the end ofthe game against NORTH CAROLINA.
Andre Ware talked about "the swagger" that they're trying to get back at the U near the end of the game yesterday - well, I'd say that's FAR from back.
Virginia - 31-3 loss? TO DUKE FOOTBALL?
Al Groh's seat better be white hot right now because that is automatic grounds for firing.
Wake Forest - Navy, seriously? At HOME?
Within the Big 12
Hot:
Kendall Hunter - Please welcome Dantrell Savage's replacement to the forefront. His name is Kendall Hunter. He has run for better than a buck-50 a game, he is the #3 rusher in America, and he has run for over 600 yards and EIGHT TDs in the first four games. THAT is one very high-powered Okla. State offensive attack.
Joe Ganz - I was very disappointed, as a whole, with our team last night. More on that in a second. But I'll argue till I'm blue in the face that Ganz is the most underrated QB in our conference. Before this game, his pass efficiency rank was #19 in the country. Now, he's #16. And that might be the best defense he sees all year.
I think we'll be lucky to get to seven wins, but Ganz should keep us in every game.
Not:
Colorado - Well, in the immortal words of Dennis Green, "THE BUFFS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!"
And the Noles did not let them off the hook. For the most part this game was never close. I figured they'd have a lot more trouble against FSU's talented D and that's exactly what happened. Before this game, Cody Hawkins' QB rating rank was 40.
Now, it's 54. FSU will do that to you.
Nebraska - Forget the score, guys. 35-30 doesn't begin to tell this story.
This was a nice, swift asskicking VT laid on us. Thing is, it could have been worse - MUCH worse. VT was in the red zone six different times, and had to settle for 3 points in four of them.
And that was one of the worst offenses statistically in the NCAA, and they pretty much did what they wanted against us. Missouri next week and TT the week after could be U-G-L-Y, UGLY.
I think we can still get to 7 wins. But the chances of that dimmed quite a bit last night.
Texas A&M - 21-17? Against Army?
Now THERE's a team that's in a bad way. That might well be the last win they see all year.
National top 5:
1. Oklahoma - 25 rushes, for 36 yards? Sam Bradford sacked more times in this game than any of the 3 games combined?
Look, fellas, you're #1, congratulations. Well deserved. But I can tell you, you better play better than that or you're gonna be in a dogfight in Dallas. 3 weeks ago, I thought OU would blow UT out. Now, I'm not so sure. UT is firing on all cylinders, and TCU might have done some things the Horns can take away.
2. Mizzou - Two weeks to get ready for us. And there's another thing in their favor. This game Saturday could get U-G-L-Y.
3. Alabama - Yeah, I'm rocketing them all the way up to #3. 31-0 at halftime? They deserve this one.
4. Texas - Firing on all 9 cylinders heading into Boulder. But this could be the danger game. Boulder, at night, with CU coming off a loss, before the game in Dallas.
5. LSU - Unimpressive v. a bad Miss. State team, but a win.
Big 12 top 5:
1. OU
2A. Mizzou
2B. Texas
4. Texas Tech
5. Oklahoma State - With the losses by CU and Nebraska, Okie State gets #5 this week.
And yeah, it's time for another edition of top coaches on the hotseat...
1. Kirk Ferentz - For making that kind of money at that school, you CANNOT be losing to Northwestern. Just can't happen.
2. Al Groh - 31-3? To Duke?
In the words of Carl Lewis, "Uh Oh!"
3. Tommy Bowden - Another disappointing loss for Clemson, this time to Maryland.
4. Philip Fulmer - He's in trouble, fellas. They have 3 losses already with the possibility of more.
5. Sly Croom - Whatever goodwill he'd built up last year is out the window. State is now 1-4 with the loss yesterday.
That's all for this week, guys.
Hot list:
Oregon State - Who the hell are you guys?
And what the hell are you doing ruining USC;s championship dreams for the second time in three years?
USC played some very sloppy ball in this game (I'll get to that later). But credit to Oregon State for stepping it up. Jacquizz Rodgers - a freshman, no less - running for 186 yards i hard to imagine against a defense with that kind of talent. Oregon State also got off to a quick start - something they had to have. USC's first four posessions - 3 and out, 3 and out, punt, and turnover.
UCONN - Yep, I'm giving UCONN FOOTBALL some love in this one. UCONN is now 5-0 after coming back to win on the road on Friday. Additionally, take a guess at who is the nation's leading rusher?
Yep, it's Donald Brown at UCONN, with over 180 yards rushing per game. That should help with Tyler Lorenzen's absence, as he was injured in the game on Friday.
Michigan - Yeah, I've been hard on RR in the first 3 games - in which Blue went 1-2. But yeah, they deserve some love on this one. Might this be the win RR needs to get his regime going in Ann Arbor? A comeback from 19 points down against the Badgers might make a statement - in a positive way.
What's also interesting to note is that RR's spread outrushed Wisconsin's physical offense stat-wise, 172 to 158.
North Carolina - Yep, UNC gets on this list this week - and no, it's not for basketball.
It took a LOT of guts to do what they did yesterday. When Miami got up by 2 scores, I figured Carolina was beat.
But Cameron Sexton was near perfect after that, going 6 of 9 including the two game winning scores. Beating the Canes at home last year was one thing for the Heels - but beating them AGAIN this year in Miami could be HUGE for what Butch Davis is trying to do at UNC.
Tulsa - Has ANYBODY noticed what these guys are doing offensively? I know TU's played **** teams so far, but it still bears mentioning. They have scored 45, 56, 56 and 62 points in their first four games. And by the way, David Johnson leads the nation in passing efficiency - by a WIDE margin, over some quarterback from Texas....
Ole Miss - Bigger shock than USC losing, if you ask me. USC's had trouble in Corvallis the last 3 games they've played there. Ole Miss the last few years has been ATROCIOUS. Say what you will about your old buddy Houston Nutt, but the man sure knows how to pull off upsets at unexpected times. I watched this game on 360 and this was almost like a flashback to some of the upsets he's pulled in the SEC, and the upset he pulled at Texas while coach of the Razorbacks.
I betcha the Razorback faithful wish they still had him this morning instead of the mercenary Bobby Petrino.
Alabama - Even after the swift asskicking Bama laid on the Pigs last week in Arkansas, I refused to believe that Bama was as good as their #9 rank. I refused to believe that Nick Saban was the second coming of Bear Bryant that Bama had been looking around for during the better part of 25 years.
I officially doubt no longer. Just put the Houndstooth Hat on Nick Saban because they ran #3 out of the stadium (on the road). If ever there was a week I figured Georgia was destined to win, it was this one because of legendary UGA voice Larry Munson retiring, and the blackout. Not so.
I officially can't wait for Bama v. LSU The Sequel. Too bad it comes in November.
Texas - OK, I said after the UT/UTEP game that I wasn't all that impressed with the Horns performance in that one.
Cut to yesterday, against an SEC outfit, although not a quality one. That was a nice, swift asskicking the Horns laid on Arkansas. Total DOMINATION for four quarters. I would say this is NOW a team that can be a threat to OU, especially after seeing the boxscore of the OU game last night (more on that later). Reasons, you ask?
Colt looks SHARP. As mentioned, #2 in the country in passing efficiency, and he essentially did what he wanted when he wanted yesterday.
A rush defense that held Arkansas to ELEVEN yards on 26 rushes. By the way, Texas is #2 in the country in rush defense.
A defense that sacked Arkansas SEVEN different times yesterday. By the way, UT is the nation's leader in sacks.
The big key is Texas sneaking out of Boulder with their undefeated record in tact, their defense continuing to improve, and Colt staying HEALTHY.
Michigan State - Don't look now, but Sparty is now 4-1 (and four for its last four) after winning at Indiana. Javon Ringer had another huge game - nearly 200 yards on the ground with a TD, and Brian Hoyer stepped it up as well.
And take a look at their next two games. Iowa at home, Northwestern on the road. Michigan State could conceivably be 6-1 when Ohio State rolls into town.
Also, keep in mind their loss was a 7 point loss at Cal - they held their own in that game.
Penn State - Another game, another solid offensive showing from a high-powered group. Two things you need to know about the Lions: 8th in the country in rushing offense, and Daryll Clark is 11th in the nation in pass efficiency.
And then there's - the not list:
USC - Now THAT was not a performance I expected to see from a Pete Carroll coached group. Especially with two weeks to prepare. Two costly turnovers that led to Beaver scores, and 8 penalties for 73 yards.
I've said it before - the ONLY team that can beat USC is USC. They have way too much talent and way too much coaching to be losing in big games - which they rarely ever do. The only way they ever lose is the way they lost Thursday night - by being their own worst enemy.
The SEC East - Not a good day for that division of the SEC. Three inter-division matchups, 3 Ls on the resume. Bama comes between the hedges and spanks UGA, Ole Miss KOs Florida in their house and Auburn hands Tennessee loss #3. Who knows whether the West will win the SEC this year, but one thing is clear - yesterday, the West was best in the SEC.
Iowa - If this doesn't get Ferentz fired at the end of this year, I don't know what's going to. Northwestern beat THEM? At home? AGAIN?
That cannot happen to Iowa, ever, much less 2 times in 3 years. They don't even have Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule this year and they ALREADY have two defeats.
Mark Richt - Question, Coach. How does your best player, AND A HEISMAN TROPHY CANDIDATE, get the ball only NINE times in a game like that?
No wonder they got spanked. Memo to Coach Richt: YOUR STARS HAVE TO SHINE IN THESE GAMES. And you didn't give your star a chance to shine, from the looks of things. If you're gonna promote a player for the Heisman after beating CENTRAL MICHIGAN, you better give him the rock against a team like Alabama. That one's on you, Coach.
UCLA - Since the Tennessee game....
L
L
L
And 59, 31 and 36 points allowed. How's Skippy working out for you guys?
East Carolina - Say goodbye to the Top 25, ECU. 41-24? At home? To Cougar High?
That CANNOT happen. Maybe they won't get to the BCS, but they CAN'T get beat at home by Cougar High by 17.
West Virginia - Yeah, yeah they won. Whatever.
This group scored 30 or more in all but THREE games last year. The only time they've bee in the 30s or higher was against VILLANOVA.
How did this group stop scoring all of a sudden? I knew Bill Stewart wasn't a good coach after the CU game, but is he REALLY that bad?
Miami - Hey AustinBadger, you still think Randy Shannon is the man at "the U?"
Not that our loss wasn't disappointing (Yeah, I'll get to that later), but I think I'd rather get our asses kicked like we did last night rather than lose the way Miami did. The U does not lose 10 point leads at home. The U does not get intercepted in the endzone at the end ofthe game against NORTH CAROLINA.
Andre Ware talked about "the swagger" that they're trying to get back at the U near the end of the game yesterday - well, I'd say that's FAR from back.
Virginia - 31-3 loss? TO DUKE FOOTBALL?
Al Groh's seat better be white hot right now because that is automatic grounds for firing.
Wake Forest - Navy, seriously? At HOME?
Within the Big 12
Hot:
Kendall Hunter - Please welcome Dantrell Savage's replacement to the forefront. His name is Kendall Hunter. He has run for better than a buck-50 a game, he is the #3 rusher in America, and he has run for over 600 yards and EIGHT TDs in the first four games. THAT is one very high-powered Okla. State offensive attack.
Joe Ganz - I was very disappointed, as a whole, with our team last night. More on that in a second. But I'll argue till I'm blue in the face that Ganz is the most underrated QB in our conference. Before this game, his pass efficiency rank was #19 in the country. Now, he's #16. And that might be the best defense he sees all year.
I think we'll be lucky to get to seven wins, but Ganz should keep us in every game.
Not:
Colorado - Well, in the immortal words of Dennis Green, "THE BUFFS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!"
And the Noles did not let them off the hook. For the most part this game was never close. I figured they'd have a lot more trouble against FSU's talented D and that's exactly what happened. Before this game, Cody Hawkins' QB rating rank was 40.
Now, it's 54. FSU will do that to you.
Nebraska - Forget the score, guys. 35-30 doesn't begin to tell this story.
This was a nice, swift asskicking VT laid on us. Thing is, it could have been worse - MUCH worse. VT was in the red zone six different times, and had to settle for 3 points in four of them.
And that was one of the worst offenses statistically in the NCAA, and they pretty much did what they wanted against us. Missouri next week and TT the week after could be U-G-L-Y, UGLY.
I think we can still get to 7 wins. But the chances of that dimmed quite a bit last night.
Texas A&M - 21-17? Against Army?
Now THERE's a team that's in a bad way. That might well be the last win they see all year.
National top 5:
1. Oklahoma - 25 rushes, for 36 yards? Sam Bradford sacked more times in this game than any of the 3 games combined?
Look, fellas, you're #1, congratulations. Well deserved. But I can tell you, you better play better than that or you're gonna be in a dogfight in Dallas. 3 weeks ago, I thought OU would blow UT out. Now, I'm not so sure. UT is firing on all cylinders, and TCU might have done some things the Horns can take away.
2. Mizzou - Two weeks to get ready for us. And there's another thing in their favor. This game Saturday could get U-G-L-Y.
3. Alabama - Yeah, I'm rocketing them all the way up to #3. 31-0 at halftime? They deserve this one.
4. Texas - Firing on all 9 cylinders heading into Boulder. But this could be the danger game. Boulder, at night, with CU coming off a loss, before the game in Dallas.
5. LSU - Unimpressive v. a bad Miss. State team, but a win.
Big 12 top 5:
1. OU
2A. Mizzou
2B. Texas
4. Texas Tech
5. Oklahoma State - With the losses by CU and Nebraska, Okie State gets #5 this week.
And yeah, it's time for another edition of top coaches on the hotseat...
1. Kirk Ferentz - For making that kind of money at that school, you CANNOT be losing to Northwestern. Just can't happen.
2. Al Groh - 31-3? To Duke?
In the words of Carl Lewis, "Uh Oh!"
3. Tommy Bowden - Another disappointing loss for Clemson, this time to Maryland.
4. Philip Fulmer - He's in trouble, fellas. They have 3 losses already with the possibility of more.
5. Sly Croom - Whatever goodwill he'd built up last year is out the window. State is now 1-4 with the loss yesterday.
That's all for this week, guys.
