Take for example this post at the Sporting News titled "College football teams in line for a decline in '09." (lack of capitalization earns a [sic].)
Now, this article is almost 2 weeks old. So I'm sure on other college football blogs it's already been ripped to shreds. Especially by foaming BC and Arizona fans. But fear not, my peers, I shall take a looksie at it and see what I can see:
First off, Dave Curtis has Rice as his top team to decline this season. Look, while I appreciate the dark horse pick as the "biggest decline" Rice wasn't exactly a headline grabber last season. Heck, they never even got into the inevitable "BCS Buster" conversation. We might look back on this article and go "Wow, Dave Curtis was so right about Rice!" More likely, however, we'll forget this article and Rice and Dave Curtis unless he writes something totally egregious.
Curtis' next pick is Boston College. His logic is pretty good on this one, and I can't really rip him too badly except for one detail: "A first-to-worst fall is in play for BC." So you're telling me BC's going to finish last in a conference that includes Duke, UVa, and NC State? I doubt this very, very highly.
He's picked Texas Tech to plunge, but come on man! With that offense in a league that literally stopped playing defense sometime around 2002...The Red Raiders probably won't be in contention for the Big 12 South thanks to Oklahoma and Texas. But are they going to lose to Houston? Or Baylor? I have a hard time buying into either of those theories.
Arizona...I'll give them this one. Though the PAC-10 still looks mediocre. Yeah, they were undefeated in bowls. I still hate them. What's this post about again? Oh yeah. Some old article. Let's continue...
Utah's been picked to "plunge" which really isn't fair. I mean, yeah, if they lose one game then this season is worse than the last. I'm not sure that warrants a spot on the "decline" list. Maybe it's just me, but I can totally see the Utes dropping 1 game and still making it to a semi-major bowl. They only really have to worry about Oregon, TCU, and BYU.
Matt Hayes's picks look remarkably similar. BC's at the top of his list, probably due to a lack of Matt Ryan.
Tulsa: (See argument on Rice. Replace "Rice" references with "Tulsa" and "Dave Curtis" with "Matt Hayes" and you basically have what I was gonna type here. Yeah, I'm lazy, get over it)
Missouri is poised for a fall thanks to the loss of Chase Daniel (Yeah, I liked him to win the Heisman last year. I was wrong. My apologies. I will not make this mistake again. My 2010 Heisman winner: Matt Ryan). They also lost a whopping 22 seniors. Good luck, Tigers. I think Mr. Hayes might be right on this one.
Guess what? Arizona appears again. Blah de blah de blah. There. It's the same thing as what Dave Curtis typed, only longer and dealing more with the concept that "momentum" somehow carries from December to the next September.
And then comes Minnesota. Now, while I am totally opposed to ever agreeing with a sportswriter about anything...he's right. Minnesota stank last year, but playing teams like Montana State, Florida Atlantic, and Purdue (rim shot) got them into a bowl. Which they lost by 21. Sooooo, let's just say that I'm not going to disagree with Mr. Hayes on this one.
Well that's all for now. Time to get some coffee
Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, November 7, 2008
Maryland vs Virginia Tech, with a side of Utah/TCU
#23 Maryland-13, Virginia Tech-23
Give me a moment to savor this...Ahhhhhh.
OK, let's analyze: First off, the score of this game actually makes it appear closer than it is. I have always hated big play intensive teams. You know, the schools who rely on 4 plays a game to win or lose it all. Maryland is one of those schools. Were it not for one play, on which the Tech defense utterly failed to stop a screen pass, the score would have probably been 23-6 or 23-9. Maryland's offense was nothing short of pathetic on the ground, which enabled Tech to pressure the Maryland QB (Who has hideous hair. Just a thought.) into throwing pathetic passes for minimal gain. But the defense wasn't the only good thing for the Hokies...
Darren Evans was a show stopper in the game on Thursday night. He was quick, dynamic, etc. etc. There are a few cautionary points I will make however:
1) This was a game against Maryland. Let's not have the Hokie nation screaming that this guy is the next Lee Suggs. Yet.
2) What was with all the camera shots of Evans' young son asleep? It's like ESPN picks a plot line to follow and shoves it down your throat for a few hours, regardless of how tired of it you are. I wonder what they would have done with all that time had Evans gotten hurt on the first drive or had an awful game? Probably showed some old Matt Ryan footage.
3) Evans' son slept through most of the game. It was kinda cute. But after the game Erin Andrews walks up to Evans and the last question she asks before the team huddles up is, "Your son James slept through most of the game. How does that make you feel?" What the heck?! You're gonna tell the guy "Oh, good game, your kid missed it." In fairness, Evans took it well, despite the utterly inappropriate question, and he will be able to hold this over James' head for a long time:
"Dad, how come you don't come on my field trips?"
"How come you slept through my record-breaking performance on national television?"
4) In the final minutes of the game, Maryland had to know that the ball was going to Evans. Keep the clock running, etc. So it stands to logic that they put 8 guys in the box, tried to slow down Evans, and went away at least TRYING to grab a win. Except...they didn't. Evans ran all over the Terps on that final drive, and they went down like a turtle who'd forgotten how to swim. Sad, if a bit unsurprising.
#12 TCU-10, #8 Utah-13
Utah is still a boring state.
TCU apparently only brought its offense for the first quarter, and they still almost won. I don't like the Utes' odds against any BCS team. Unless, of course, it's the Big East champs...
Give me a moment to savor this...Ahhhhhh.
OK, let's analyze: First off, the score of this game actually makes it appear closer than it is. I have always hated big play intensive teams. You know, the schools who rely on 4 plays a game to win or lose it all. Maryland is one of those schools. Were it not for one play, on which the Tech defense utterly failed to stop a screen pass, the score would have probably been 23-6 or 23-9. Maryland's offense was nothing short of pathetic on the ground, which enabled Tech to pressure the Maryland QB (Who has hideous hair. Just a thought.) into throwing pathetic passes for minimal gain. But the defense wasn't the only good thing for the Hokies...
Darren Evans was a show stopper in the game on Thursday night. He was quick, dynamic, etc. etc. There are a few cautionary points I will make however:
1) This was a game against Maryland. Let's not have the Hokie nation screaming that this guy is the next Lee Suggs. Yet.
2) What was with all the camera shots of Evans' young son asleep? It's like ESPN picks a plot line to follow and shoves it down your throat for a few hours, regardless of how tired of it you are. I wonder what they would have done with all that time had Evans gotten hurt on the first drive or had an awful game? Probably showed some old Matt Ryan footage.
3) Evans' son slept through most of the game. It was kinda cute. But after the game Erin Andrews walks up to Evans and the last question she asks before the team huddles up is, "Your son James slept through most of the game. How does that make you feel?" What the heck?! You're gonna tell the guy "Oh, good game, your kid missed it." In fairness, Evans took it well, despite the utterly inappropriate question, and he will be able to hold this over James' head for a long time:
"Dad, how come you don't come on my field trips?"
"How come you slept through my record-breaking performance on national television?"
4) In the final minutes of the game, Maryland had to know that the ball was going to Evans. Keep the clock running, etc. So it stands to logic that they put 8 guys in the box, tried to slow down Evans, and went away at least TRYING to grab a win. Except...they didn't. Evans ran all over the Terps on that final drive, and they went down like a turtle who'd forgotten how to swim. Sad, if a bit unsurprising.
#12 TCU-10, #8 Utah-13
Utah is still a boring state.
TCU apparently only brought its offense for the first quarter, and they still almost won. I don't like the Utes' odds against any BCS team. Unless, of course, it's the Big East champs...
Friday, October 17, 2008
An actual BYU review! And Florida State, too!
#9 BYU-7, TCU-32
This wasn't a good game. Nor, in fact, was it close. (Appropriately, this happened in Texas, where it is not nearly as boring as in Utah.) TCU's lone loss on the season came against Oklahoma, at Oklahoma. I'm not implying that the Horned Frogs could beat Oklahoma in a neutral site game, or even at home. What I am saying, however, is that OU is the one team that's beaten TCU, and Oklahoma's one of the best teams in the friggin' country.
BYU's not out of bowl contention, but they're not going to be going to a big bowl. Heck, they might not even win their conference. So the old BCS men can breathe easy for now. If Utah stays undefeated, though, then there will be trouble. I have a suggestion: It's called a playoff! (And now, a short film, inspired by the previous statement:)
BCS guy: That's untenable! It will make the season longer, hurting precious academics, and it will eliminate critical bowl games.
Me: [incredulous] But, sir, you don't really care about academics. I mean, come on, I watch football. Most of these guys have majors like "Sociology" and "Ballroom Dancing." And are we stalling a playoff so we can still have the Poinsettia Bowl? Seriou--
BCS guy: [shoots me in the head, walks away]
[end scene]
Yeah, so that's your Mountain West Conference update. Here's something from 2 unranked major conference teams:
Florida State-26, NC State-17
OK, here's an example of two unranked schools playing each other in a game which is meaningful for one team, and a trap-ish game for the other. NC State nearly beat the Seminoles, but Florida State stayed strong and pulled off the win. It wasn't the prettiest game ever, but it's OK. At least no one from Utah was involved....
This wasn't a good game. Nor, in fact, was it close. (Appropriately, this happened in Texas, where it is not nearly as boring as in Utah.) TCU's lone loss on the season came against Oklahoma, at Oklahoma. I'm not implying that the Horned Frogs could beat Oklahoma in a neutral site game, or even at home. What I am saying, however, is that OU is the one team that's beaten TCU, and Oklahoma's one of the best teams in the friggin' country.
BYU's not out of bowl contention, but they're not going to be going to a big bowl. Heck, they might not even win their conference. So the old BCS men can breathe easy for now. If Utah stays undefeated, though, then there will be trouble. I have a suggestion: It's called a playoff! (And now, a short film, inspired by the previous statement:)
BCS guy: That's untenable! It will make the season longer, hurting precious academics, and it will eliminate critical bowl games.
Me: [incredulous] But, sir, you don't really care about academics. I mean, come on, I watch football. Most of these guys have majors like "Sociology" and "Ballroom Dancing." And are we stalling a playoff so we can still have the Poinsettia Bowl? Seriou--
BCS guy: [shoots me in the head, walks away]
[end scene]
Yeah, so that's your Mountain West Conference update. Here's something from 2 unranked major conference teams:
Florida State-26, NC State-17
OK, here's an example of two unranked schools playing each other in a game which is meaningful for one team, and a trap-ish game for the other. NC State nearly beat the Seminoles, but Florida State stayed strong and pulled off the win. It wasn't the prettiest game ever, but it's OK. At least no one from Utah was involved....
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Saturday in Review, 10/11/08
Well, what a way to start the day. Time to type up everyone's favorite feature (everyone is a theoretical term here): The Saturday in Review! Let's get started...
#1 Oklahoma-35, #5 Texas-45
Well, the Red River Shootout was everything we'd hoped it'd be. High scoring, good quarterbacking, etc., etc. I'll tell you what, though, neither one of these teams exactly revolutionized the defensive world. It was an excellent game for Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford, and for their respective receivers.
On another, unrelated, note (hey, it's what I do): Does anyone know how much pressure Colt McCoy's name puts on himself? He's got the ultimate football name, and he's in Texas! One cannot be named "Colt" and be from Texas, and be a baseball or basketball or (heaven forbid!) hockey player! If he turned out to be bad at football, he'd have to leave the country because of all the irate Longhorn fans!
In a third, final, and also unrelated note, in the 1950's, a lady named Olivette met a young man named Wayne on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. They fell in love and married, their first child was a girl named Debra who, in 1979, met a young man named Greg. They married and had their first kid: who is the weirdly sentimental individual typing this. So, since I owe my existence in part to UT, good job, 'Horns. Good job.
#17 Oklahoma State-28, #3 Missouri-23
OK, for starters: Apologies to Oklahoma State, who I thought would be a pushover for Mizzou on their way to a big showdown next week against Texas. This game showed that a great QB (pronounced "Chase Daniel") can have a hideous game if he's faced with a good defense. OSU befuddled and confused Missouri's main offensive weapon for 4 quarters, and they looked great doing it. Heck, I'm starting to believe OSU's claim that they can make it to the Big 12 championship game. Look for their games against Texas and OU to be the deciding factor in what has become a 4-way race in the Big 12 South.
As for Mizzou, there's not much I can say. They've got their work cut out for them next week against a Longhorns squad that's riding high. Now that we've hit the meat of the Big 12 season, it's time to see if the Big 12 will become like the SEC, beat up on itself, and leave USC and Penn State to fight it out for the title game. (<-That last sentence is actually a nightmare I have on occasion)
#4 LSU-21, #11 Florida-51
So, where to start here? The Bayou Bengals looked horrific against the Gators, who usually don't lose 2 straight in the Swamp. Still, pummeling the Tigers that badly is a real feather in the cap for the Gators who, should they go undefeated the rest of the way, might play themselves back into the title picture.
As for LSU, I wouldn't look for them to get back into the SEC picture, much less the National Championship, unless they convincingly crush everyone else on their schedule AND get some help from their SEC brethren AND get some help from the opponents of Top 10 teams (among whom the Tigers WILL NOT be listed tomorrow)
#6 Penn State-48, Wisconsin-7
Joe Pa's team is looking great. Good quarterbacking, good defense, good receiving. Good everything, dang it. This game was boring (unless you're a PSU fan, in which case why the heck are you here?) so let's move along...
Nebraska-31, #7 Texas Tech-37
The Huskers came close to getting a victory over a good Texas Tech team, but fall short in overtime. This is evidence of two things. One can be summarized in a single word about Texas Tech's ranking: O-ver-ra-ted! *clap clap clapclapclap* This is the second conference team they've played, and both of them are worse than the average Big 12 school. Texas Tech has a stretch of 4 games, starting on October 25, against ranked Big 12 teams. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost all 4, and I wouldn't look for them to win more than 1 of those games (Kansas is the likeliest win, but I'm keeping my mouth shut when it comes to Big 12 upsets...).
Nebraska, as stated previously, isn't yet back to the days of salad and glory. Give them two years, though, and they'll be back atop the Big 12 North.
Arizona State-0, #8 USC-28
A massacre in LA, as the Sun Devils continue to disappoint. USC will, sadly, climb in the polls this week in all likelihood. I say "sadly" because college football is the only sport in the universe where one can lose a game in the first 2 weeks of the season and it's better than losing a game in, say, the last week of the season.
I'm not a big fan of pro football (aaaaand readership plummets back to 0) but at least a loss in the NFL is the same in week 1 or week 16. The same thing should be true in college football. I'm just sayin' kids. Southern Cal has looked very good in the games that they've won, however, and it is hard to argue with their offensive output.
New Mexico-3, #9 BYU-21
Utah is a boring state.
Tennessee-14, #10 Georgia-26
Phil Fulmer is going to get fired. With a season like this at a University like Tennessee, it's inevitable. If I were him, I'd just start having fun. Kick field goals on 2nd down. Run up the middle on 4th and 22. Take a shot every time the fans boo you. Wait, scratch that last one, I don't want to kill the guy, and alcohol poisoning can do that.
Georgia wasn't overly impressive in beating a team that isn't as good as them, but they did perform well after getting slapped by Alabama. So, good job Dawgs. I guess.
Purdue-3, #12 Ohio State-16
It's funny how Ohio State is still hanging around near the Top 10, isn't it? How, if they beat Penn State and Michigan State, they don't have too much of an issue with getting through and winning the Big 10 again. How they might just sneak into the national title picture. I'm aware it's all theory, but 2 weeks from now this could become a vomit-inducing reality. So, just a heads up, watch for the Buckeyes.
Oh, and Purdue sucks. Sorry.
#13 Vanderbilt-14, Mississippi State-17
Me [in epic movie moment, slow-mo camera shot]: Vandy! Noooooooo!
OK, seriously. Feel good story of the SEC gets cut short not by the villainous usual SEC suspects, but by the dadgum Mississippi State Bulldogs?! That's just dang silly. Mark May on ESPN summed it up well: Vandy had a trap game. And the trap just sprang (sprung? Heck, I don't know. Nor do I care.) on the 'Dores.
Congrats to MSU, but a sad shake of the head at what could have been for the now fallen Vanderbilt Commodores.
#14 Utah-40, Wyoming-7
Bonus coverage of a Utah game! See below!
Utah is a boring state. So is Wyoming.
#15 Boise State-24, Southern Miss-7
Not a compellingly interesting game, nor a surprising result. The only thing that stands out here to me is that all of the scoring took place during the 2nd quarter. This runs counter to logic, which would say that something else should have happened in the other 45 minutes of football. At least if you had some weird emergency and could only watch the 2nd quarter of this game, then you didn't miss anything. Or if you're like me (and most football fans) then you didn't get this game, and don't really care about the outcome. Note to Boise State: We love what you did in the '07 Fiesta Bowl! But you're still in Idaho, and your field is still ugly.
Colorado-14, #16 Kansas-30
I maintain that Kansas is an overrated school, and I will not back down from this declaration until they beat a team with a winning record. Next week on the road against an angry Oklahoma squad in Norman will be a good opportunity. Colorado is already looking forward to next season. Too bad it won't be any better than this one.
Arkansas-25, #20 Auburn-22
Tommy Tuberville is going to get fired. (Sorry if this sounds like the UT/UGA review) It's gonna happen, and there's nothing Auburn can do about it. If he's not fired, the Auburn fans will seize him and kill him. I'm sure there's already been an effigy or two made, and ol' Tommy's gonna be gone next season. If anything this is just desserts for firing their offensive coordinator on Wednesday. A great job by the Razorbacks to take advantage of the confusion at Auburn and seize victory.
Oh, and a great job by the blogger who sarcastically called this one in his post about Franklin's firing... (nudge, nudge, see below)
Clemson-7, #21 Wake Forest-12
I'm not sure who the feel good story of the year is. I can tell you who the worst story of the year is: The Clemson Tigers. I'm not sure that there's ever been a school that started the year in the Top 10 and had slipped to a 3 loss team by the second week of October. Even the awful Michigan squad from last year didn't lost its 3rd game until November...
As for Wake, it was an ugly win against a team that they outclassed pretty heavily, but it's hard to argue with results.
Notre Dame-24, #22 North Carolina-29
I'm honestly surprised my computer didn't ask me why I put a number in front of UNC. Carolina fans are hailing this as a great victory. Had this come against a national title caliber Notre Dame team, I'd agree. But this win came against an Irish squad that's coming off a 3 win season. Still, it was a good win, and UNC pulled it off despite having some awful officiating decisions go against them. The referee crew was from the Big East, however, and that explains it. Their officials are as bad as their teams. Heh heh heh...
#23 Michigan State-37, Northwestern-20
I'm kinda sad that Northwestern lost. Not in the "dang it that stinks" sense. More in the "had they gone undefeated how would the BCS explain them being in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl" (Its actual name, I swear.)
#25 Ball State-24, Western Kentucky-7
Some folks might say beating a team that just moved up to 1-A by 17 isn't a major statement for Ball State in its first game in the Top 25. Well guess what? I am one of those people. Let's move on!
Everyone else: The big "upset" out of the Top 25 was Michigan getting beaten at home by Toledo. Where's the Rich Rodriguez fan club now? Oh, there they are. The guys with the bags over their heads...In unnecessary ACC news, UVa has won 2 straight games. They host the now Top 20 Tar Heels this coming week, so if you're a Cavs fan, I wouldn't look for this to continue...From that same game, it looks like ECU went from the little engine that could to the BCS Buster that couldn't. Opening the season with back to back big wins is great, but losing 3 straight to NC State, Houston, and UVa is a quick way to get yourself forgotten...The Big East is bad. This just seemed like an appropriate place to put that...A quick hat tip to the two winless teams in D-IA: Washington and North Texas...Miami barely beat UCF. O! How the mighty have fallen!...Florida International has 3 straight wins now. Ain't that cool?
#1 Oklahoma-35, #5 Texas-45
Well, the Red River Shootout was everything we'd hoped it'd be. High scoring, good quarterbacking, etc., etc. I'll tell you what, though, neither one of these teams exactly revolutionized the defensive world. It was an excellent game for Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford, and for their respective receivers.
On another, unrelated, note (hey, it's what I do): Does anyone know how much pressure Colt McCoy's name puts on himself? He's got the ultimate football name, and he's in Texas! One cannot be named "Colt" and be from Texas, and be a baseball or basketball or (heaven forbid!) hockey player! If he turned out to be bad at football, he'd have to leave the country because of all the irate Longhorn fans!
In a third, final, and also unrelated note, in the 1950's, a lady named Olivette met a young man named Wayne on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. They fell in love and married, their first child was a girl named Debra who, in 1979, met a young man named Greg. They married and had their first kid: who is the weirdly sentimental individual typing this. So, since I owe my existence in part to UT, good job, 'Horns. Good job.
#17 Oklahoma State-28, #3 Missouri-23
OK, for starters: Apologies to Oklahoma State, who I thought would be a pushover for Mizzou on their way to a big showdown next week against Texas. This game showed that a great QB (pronounced "Chase Daniel") can have a hideous game if he's faced with a good defense. OSU befuddled and confused Missouri's main offensive weapon for 4 quarters, and they looked great doing it. Heck, I'm starting to believe OSU's claim that they can make it to the Big 12 championship game. Look for their games against Texas and OU to be the deciding factor in what has become a 4-way race in the Big 12 South.
As for Mizzou, there's not much I can say. They've got their work cut out for them next week against a Longhorns squad that's riding high. Now that we've hit the meat of the Big 12 season, it's time to see if the Big 12 will become like the SEC, beat up on itself, and leave USC and Penn State to fight it out for the title game. (<-That last sentence is actually a nightmare I have on occasion)
#4 LSU-21, #11 Florida-51
So, where to start here? The Bayou Bengals looked horrific against the Gators, who usually don't lose 2 straight in the Swamp. Still, pummeling the Tigers that badly is a real feather in the cap for the Gators who, should they go undefeated the rest of the way, might play themselves back into the title picture.
As for LSU, I wouldn't look for them to get back into the SEC picture, much less the National Championship, unless they convincingly crush everyone else on their schedule AND get some help from their SEC brethren AND get some help from the opponents of Top 10 teams (among whom the Tigers WILL NOT be listed tomorrow)
#6 Penn State-48, Wisconsin-7
Joe Pa's team is looking great. Good quarterbacking, good defense, good receiving. Good everything, dang it. This game was boring (unless you're a PSU fan, in which case why the heck are you here?) so let's move along...
Nebraska-31, #7 Texas Tech-37
The Huskers came close to getting a victory over a good Texas Tech team, but fall short in overtime. This is evidence of two things. One can be summarized in a single word about Texas Tech's ranking: O-ver-ra-ted! *clap clap clapclapclap* This is the second conference team they've played, and both of them are worse than the average Big 12 school. Texas Tech has a stretch of 4 games, starting on October 25, against ranked Big 12 teams. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost all 4, and I wouldn't look for them to win more than 1 of those games (Kansas is the likeliest win, but I'm keeping my mouth shut when it comes to Big 12 upsets...).
Nebraska, as stated previously, isn't yet back to the days of salad and glory. Give them two years, though, and they'll be back atop the Big 12 North.
Arizona State-0, #8 USC-28
A massacre in LA, as the Sun Devils continue to disappoint. USC will, sadly, climb in the polls this week in all likelihood. I say "sadly" because college football is the only sport in the universe where one can lose a game in the first 2 weeks of the season and it's better than losing a game in, say, the last week of the season.
I'm not a big fan of pro football (aaaaand readership plummets back to 0) but at least a loss in the NFL is the same in week 1 or week 16. The same thing should be true in college football. I'm just sayin' kids. Southern Cal has looked very good in the games that they've won, however, and it is hard to argue with their offensive output.
New Mexico-3, #9 BYU-21
Utah is a boring state.
Tennessee-14, #10 Georgia-26
Phil Fulmer is going to get fired. With a season like this at a University like Tennessee, it's inevitable. If I were him, I'd just start having fun. Kick field goals on 2nd down. Run up the middle on 4th and 22. Take a shot every time the fans boo you. Wait, scratch that last one, I don't want to kill the guy, and alcohol poisoning can do that.
Georgia wasn't overly impressive in beating a team that isn't as good as them, but they did perform well after getting slapped by Alabama. So, good job Dawgs. I guess.
Purdue-3, #12 Ohio State-16
It's funny how Ohio State is still hanging around near the Top 10, isn't it? How, if they beat Penn State and Michigan State, they don't have too much of an issue with getting through and winning the Big 10 again. How they might just sneak into the national title picture. I'm aware it's all theory, but 2 weeks from now this could become a vomit-inducing reality. So, just a heads up, watch for the Buckeyes.
Oh, and Purdue sucks. Sorry.
#13 Vanderbilt-14, Mississippi State-17
Me [in epic movie moment, slow-mo camera shot]: Vandy! Noooooooo!
OK, seriously. Feel good story of the SEC gets cut short not by the villainous usual SEC suspects, but by the dadgum Mississippi State Bulldogs?! That's just dang silly. Mark May on ESPN summed it up well: Vandy had a trap game. And the trap just sprang (sprung? Heck, I don't know. Nor do I care.) on the 'Dores.
Congrats to MSU, but a sad shake of the head at what could have been for the now fallen Vanderbilt Commodores.
#14 Utah-40, Wyoming-7
Bonus coverage of a Utah game! See below!
Utah is a boring state. So is Wyoming.
#15 Boise State-24, Southern Miss-7
Not a compellingly interesting game, nor a surprising result. The only thing that stands out here to me is that all of the scoring took place during the 2nd quarter. This runs counter to logic, which would say that something else should have happened in the other 45 minutes of football. At least if you had some weird emergency and could only watch the 2nd quarter of this game, then you didn't miss anything. Or if you're like me (and most football fans) then you didn't get this game, and don't really care about the outcome. Note to Boise State: We love what you did in the '07 Fiesta Bowl! But you're still in Idaho, and your field is still ugly.
Colorado-14, #16 Kansas-30
I maintain that Kansas is an overrated school, and I will not back down from this declaration until they beat a team with a winning record. Next week on the road against an angry Oklahoma squad in Norman will be a good opportunity. Colorado is already looking forward to next season. Too bad it won't be any better than this one.
Arkansas-25, #20 Auburn-22
Tommy Tuberville is going to get fired. (Sorry if this sounds like the UT/UGA review) It's gonna happen, and there's nothing Auburn can do about it. If he's not fired, the Auburn fans will seize him and kill him. I'm sure there's already been an effigy or two made, and ol' Tommy's gonna be gone next season. If anything this is just desserts for firing their offensive coordinator on Wednesday. A great job by the Razorbacks to take advantage of the confusion at Auburn and seize victory.
Oh, and a great job by the blogger who sarcastically called this one in his post about Franklin's firing... (nudge, nudge, see below)
Clemson-7, #21 Wake Forest-12
I'm not sure who the feel good story of the year is. I can tell you who the worst story of the year is: The Clemson Tigers. I'm not sure that there's ever been a school that started the year in the Top 10 and had slipped to a 3 loss team by the second week of October. Even the awful Michigan squad from last year didn't lost its 3rd game until November...
As for Wake, it was an ugly win against a team that they outclassed pretty heavily, but it's hard to argue with results.
Notre Dame-24, #22 North Carolina-29
I'm honestly surprised my computer didn't ask me why I put a number in front of UNC. Carolina fans are hailing this as a great victory. Had this come against a national title caliber Notre Dame team, I'd agree. But this win came against an Irish squad that's coming off a 3 win season. Still, it was a good win, and UNC pulled it off despite having some awful officiating decisions go against them. The referee crew was from the Big East, however, and that explains it. Their officials are as bad as their teams. Heh heh heh...
#23 Michigan State-37, Northwestern-20
I'm kinda sad that Northwestern lost. Not in the "dang it that stinks" sense. More in the "had they gone undefeated how would the BCS explain them being in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl" (Its actual name, I swear.)
#25 Ball State-24, Western Kentucky-7
Some folks might say beating a team that just moved up to 1-A by 17 isn't a major statement for Ball State in its first game in the Top 25. Well guess what? I am one of those people. Let's move on!
Everyone else: The big "upset" out of the Top 25 was Michigan getting beaten at home by Toledo. Where's the Rich Rodriguez fan club now? Oh, there they are. The guys with the bags over their heads...In unnecessary ACC news, UVa has won 2 straight games. They host the now Top 20 Tar Heels this coming week, so if you're a Cavs fan, I wouldn't look for this to continue...From that same game, it looks like ECU went from the little engine that could to the BCS Buster that couldn't. Opening the season with back to back big wins is great, but losing 3 straight to NC State, Houston, and UVa is a quick way to get yourself forgotten...The Big East is bad. This just seemed like an appropriate place to put that...A quick hat tip to the two winless teams in D-IA: Washington and North Texas...Miami barely beat UCF. O! How the mighty have fallen!...Florida International has 3 straight wins now. Ain't that cool?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday in Review
A collection of thoughts on the college football day that was. I really should have started this earlier, considering it's Monday. Gotta work on that next week...
#1 Oklahoma-49, Baylor-17
Oklahoma's a dang fine football team. Who, like many dang fine football teams, haven't played anyone of merit. I'm sorry, but beating Washington by 41 is about as easy as beating St. Mary's School for the Blind by 41. Except you don't feel quite as bad when you're done.
Next week's OU/Texas game will tell us a whole lot more about the Sooners. I'd say something about Baylor but, well, it's Baylor.
#2 Alabama-17, Kentucky-14
All I really get out of watching Alabama play is a kick out of hearing all 3 of John Parker Wilson's names. 3 name QBs bug the snot out of me. It's irritating! I mean, come on, pick a name! Nothing's wrong with John, nothing's wrong with Parker. Heck, nothing's wrong with Wilson! Just choose a name.
I suppose you'd like something resembling analysis. All I can really offer you is this: Kentucky didn't look that great, and this game's final is a heck of alot closer than the game really was. The only major mark against Alabama was the lack of offensive oomph. Though they did rush well. Here's something for you to chew on: the Tide had 282 yards rushing, the Wildcats had 35...
#4 Missouri-52, Nebraska-17
Sweet Georgia peach, Chase Daniel is amazing. I mean, seriously. The man (kid? How does one classify him?) went 18-for-23, had 253 yards, and tossed 3 TD's. In Lincoln! Admittedly, Nebraska is an extraordinarily underwhelming school, but Mizzou has an offense that looks dang near unstoppable. Again, the lack of major league competition provides us with little to work with, but that will change once they go to Texas in 2 weeks. (No offense to Oklahoma State, who the Tigers play next week. It's just that the Cowboy's claim to fame is a really angry coach with a newspaper, not any major victories in, y'know, football.)
As for Nebraska...the Huskers aren't gonna be winning any titles anytime soon. They're looking better this year, but the Days of Osborne Revival are still a few years into the future.
#5 Texas-38, Colorado-14
I'll be honest, I didn't watch this game. There's a commercial for QVC Christmas shopping on right now. It's October. This angers me. Oh, and Texas hasn't played anyone either. The OU/Texas game will be a really good barometer of how good the Big 12 really is. And Colorado isn't overly good. OK, moving on.
#6 Penn State-20, Purdue-6
Penn State's looked like a high-powered, high-class, unstoppable college football team in the Big 10 this year. Sounds a whole lot like the Ohio State team in 2006 and 2007. Call me in January before you crown JoePa king of anything more than Happy Valley. As for Purdue...did you know they were once a relevant football team? It's true! Fun trivia here on CFR.
#7 Texas Tech-58, Kansas State-28
Watching Texas Tech play football is unnerving. They are amazingly good at throwing the football. And the second they meet a team with a halfway decent secondary, they will look very, very bad. Because they have not played anyone (Do I sound like a broken record yet?). As a matter of fact, none of the ranked Big 12 teams have played anyone. I agree with the analysts that the Big 12 is one of the 2 power conferences, but this anemic nonconference schedule won't shut up naysayers until they actually beat someone. KSU's just bad. OK, let's move on.
#8 BYU-34, Utah State-14
Until the Cougars play Utah or get upset, you're getting the following review of all BYU games, regardless of outcome/score: "Utah is a boring state." You will also get this review for Utah games. There is no debating this decision.
#9 USC-44, #24 Oregon-10
Angry Trojans team playing at home against an Oregon squad that lacks a defense. Yeah, this one wasn't gonna be pretty. USC still has quite a bit to prove. They looked bad against Oregon State, and they need help to be relevant in the national title picture again. Fortunately for USC (unfortunately for those of us who HATE them), in the screwed up world that is college football, a loss in September is far better than a loss in November. Another loss in the PA(theti)C-10 will sink them. As for Oregon...lots of work to do on defense if they want to be considered contenders for anything in the near (or far) future.
#12 Florida-38, Arkansas-7
The Gators beat Arkansas. So has everyone else who's decent. The Razorbacks' wins consist of an ugly win over an FCS school, and a 1 point win over Louisiana-Monroe. Florida did bounce back well from the upset they suffered last week. One mark of a good team is how well they recover from an upset. Florida passed that test this week. Next week's LSU game is gonna be a big one.
#13 Auburn-13,#19 Vanderbilt-14
The cult of the spread offense has led to some bad decisions in recent years. One of the best examples happens to be Auburn. Auburn wasn't great last year, but they did know how to score. This new offense is taking time that the Tigers don't have this season. The 3-2 game is easy to point out, but there's also the sad victory over a pathetic Tennessee team last week. Auburn's got some issues, and they will not be making a major impact this season in the SEC. End of story.
Congrats, meanwhile, to Vanderbilt. They should still be undefeated when they play Georgia in a showdown 2 weeks from now that'll determine whether the 'Dores are contenders or pretenders.
#14 Ohio State-20, #18 Wisconsin-17
Thrillingly close game involving 2 ranked teams? There's not much I can say that'll add to this one. Especially since I'm writing this on Monday. Let me just say that both of these teams are probably ranked too high, but I appreciate a good football game, and the Badgers and Buckeyes did not disappoint.
(Missed this one on Thursday) #15 Utah-31, Oregon State 28
Utah is a boring state.
#16 Kansas-35, Iowa State-33
The Iowa State Cyclones are a horrible football team. They just are. Have been for a considerable period of time. They throw out a few upsets every now and again, but they're just not good on a regular basis. Kansas is not the 16th best team in the country. Losing to South Florida is bad, almost losing to Iowa State is worse. This Kansas squad has 4 of the teams currently in the top 10 remaining on its schedule. Good luck, Jayhawks, you're gonna need it.
#17 Boise State-38, Louisiana Tech-3
Does it make me a horrible blogger/sports fan that I simply do not care about this game? I mean, Boise State pulled off an upset for the ages in the '07 Fiesta Bowl. But the hideous blue turf (yes, it is hideous.) in a state famous for potatoes...Sorry, just doesn't do anything for me. The Fresno State game, however, will receive coverage on this blog. Until then, just expect the Boise State space to be filled with random musings like this one.
#20 Virginia Tech-27, Western Kentucky-13
The Hokies have emerged as favorites in the less-than-stellar ACC. Still, there's a lot of work to be done if Tech wants to avoid a second-straight BCS appearance and loss. Step one is improving the awful offense. Step two is learning to get up for games like this. Step 3 is now replacing an injured running back. I'm not sure what step four is, but if another step is added to this team's list of problems, you might want to pick someone else as the ACC champ in your office pool.
#21 Oklahoma State-56, Texas A&M-28
Another high scoring Big 12 game. In a conference packed with good schools, Texas A&M is lagging behind. The season opening loss to Arkansas State was bad. Getting doubled up on by a team that's probably the 4th best in the division doesn't bode well either. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have some work to do on defense, especially if they want to contain a guy named Chase Daniel next week.
#22 Fresno State-29, Hawaii-32 (OT)
Well, the talk of being a BCS hopeful in Fresno is gone. Now the time has come to spoil Boise State's party. It's about all the Bulldogs have left in the way of hope. Good job of not giving up by Hawai'i, who might just upset the Broncos before the Bulldogs get their shot
#24 UConn-12, UNC-38
UConn should not have been ranked. I'm sorry UNC fans, but you beat the second (or third) best team in a conference that's pretty dadgum bad. In defense of the Tar Heels, however, awesome job by Butch Davis and the rest of the Light Blue Crew on getting the job done this year. One (close) loss to Virginia Tech, coupled with an easy schedule should land the Heels in a bowl for the first time since 2004. They're already ranked, for crying out loud!
Everyone else: Looks like Duke remembered they were Duke this weekend...West Virginia beat Rutgers by 7, proving that Rutgers is worse than WVU, but the Mountaineers aren't the best team in the Big East anymore...I can't see a Kent State score without getting "Ohio" by CSNY stuck in my head. Is that bad?...UVa crushed Maryland, so congrats to the Cavs, but what the heck must Maryland have done wrong?...Ball State undefeated. Wow...Louisiana-Lafayette beat Louisiana-Monroe in the "Who's the worst team in the state? Bowl"...Florida International has won 2 straight games over D-I opponents. That's actually pretty cool...
And that's your Saturday in Review. See you next week!
#1 Oklahoma-49, Baylor-17
Oklahoma's a dang fine football team. Who, like many dang fine football teams, haven't played anyone of merit. I'm sorry, but beating Washington by 41 is about as easy as beating St. Mary's School for the Blind by 41. Except you don't feel quite as bad when you're done.
Next week's OU/Texas game will tell us a whole lot more about the Sooners. I'd say something about Baylor but, well, it's Baylor.
#2 Alabama-17, Kentucky-14
All I really get out of watching Alabama play is a kick out of hearing all 3 of John Parker Wilson's names. 3 name QBs bug the snot out of me. It's irritating! I mean, come on, pick a name! Nothing's wrong with John, nothing's wrong with Parker. Heck, nothing's wrong with Wilson! Just choose a name.
I suppose you'd like something resembling analysis. All I can really offer you is this: Kentucky didn't look that great, and this game's final is a heck of alot closer than the game really was. The only major mark against Alabama was the lack of offensive oomph. Though they did rush well. Here's something for you to chew on: the Tide had 282 yards rushing, the Wildcats had 35...
#4 Missouri-52, Nebraska-17
Sweet Georgia peach, Chase Daniel is amazing. I mean, seriously. The man (kid? How does one classify him?) went 18-for-23, had 253 yards, and tossed 3 TD's. In Lincoln! Admittedly, Nebraska is an extraordinarily underwhelming school, but Mizzou has an offense that looks dang near unstoppable. Again, the lack of major league competition provides us with little to work with, but that will change once they go to Texas in 2 weeks. (No offense to Oklahoma State, who the Tigers play next week. It's just that the Cowboy's claim to fame is a really angry coach with a newspaper, not any major victories in, y'know, football.)
As for Nebraska...the Huskers aren't gonna be winning any titles anytime soon. They're looking better this year, but the Days of Osborne Revival are still a few years into the future.
#5 Texas-38, Colorado-14
I'll be honest, I didn't watch this game. There's a commercial for QVC Christmas shopping on right now. It's October. This angers me. Oh, and Texas hasn't played anyone either. The OU/Texas game will be a really good barometer of how good the Big 12 really is. And Colorado isn't overly good. OK, moving on.
#6 Penn State-20, Purdue-6
Penn State's looked like a high-powered, high-class, unstoppable college football team in the Big 10 this year. Sounds a whole lot like the Ohio State team in 2006 and 2007. Call me in January before you crown JoePa king of anything more than Happy Valley. As for Purdue...did you know they were once a relevant football team? It's true! Fun trivia here on CFR.
#7 Texas Tech-58, Kansas State-28
Watching Texas Tech play football is unnerving. They are amazingly good at throwing the football. And the second they meet a team with a halfway decent secondary, they will look very, very bad. Because they have not played anyone (Do I sound like a broken record yet?). As a matter of fact, none of the ranked Big 12 teams have played anyone. I agree with the analysts that the Big 12 is one of the 2 power conferences, but this anemic nonconference schedule won't shut up naysayers until they actually beat someone. KSU's just bad. OK, let's move on.
#8 BYU-34, Utah State-14
Until the Cougars play Utah or get upset, you're getting the following review of all BYU games, regardless of outcome/score: "Utah is a boring state." You will also get this review for Utah games. There is no debating this decision.
#9 USC-44, #24 Oregon-10
Angry Trojans team playing at home against an Oregon squad that lacks a defense. Yeah, this one wasn't gonna be pretty. USC still has quite a bit to prove. They looked bad against Oregon State, and they need help to be relevant in the national title picture again. Fortunately for USC (unfortunately for those of us who HATE them), in the screwed up world that is college football, a loss in September is far better than a loss in November. Another loss in the PA(theti)C-10 will sink them. As for Oregon...lots of work to do on defense if they want to be considered contenders for anything in the near (or far) future.
#12 Florida-38, Arkansas-7
The Gators beat Arkansas. So has everyone else who's decent. The Razorbacks' wins consist of an ugly win over an FCS school, and a 1 point win over Louisiana-Monroe. Florida did bounce back well from the upset they suffered last week. One mark of a good team is how well they recover from an upset. Florida passed that test this week. Next week's LSU game is gonna be a big one.
#13 Auburn-13,#19 Vanderbilt-14
The cult of the spread offense has led to some bad decisions in recent years. One of the best examples happens to be Auburn. Auburn wasn't great last year, but they did know how to score. This new offense is taking time that the Tigers don't have this season. The 3-2 game is easy to point out, but there's also the sad victory over a pathetic Tennessee team last week. Auburn's got some issues, and they will not be making a major impact this season in the SEC. End of story.
Congrats, meanwhile, to Vanderbilt. They should still be undefeated when they play Georgia in a showdown 2 weeks from now that'll determine whether the 'Dores are contenders or pretenders.
#14 Ohio State-20, #18 Wisconsin-17
Thrillingly close game involving 2 ranked teams? There's not much I can say that'll add to this one. Especially since I'm writing this on Monday. Let me just say that both of these teams are probably ranked too high, but I appreciate a good football game, and the Badgers and Buckeyes did not disappoint.
(Missed this one on Thursday) #15 Utah-31, Oregon State 28
Utah is a boring state.
#16 Kansas-35, Iowa State-33
The Iowa State Cyclones are a horrible football team. They just are. Have been for a considerable period of time. They throw out a few upsets every now and again, but they're just not good on a regular basis. Kansas is not the 16th best team in the country. Losing to South Florida is bad, almost losing to Iowa State is worse. This Kansas squad has 4 of the teams currently in the top 10 remaining on its schedule. Good luck, Jayhawks, you're gonna need it.
#17 Boise State-38, Louisiana Tech-3
Does it make me a horrible blogger/sports fan that I simply do not care about this game? I mean, Boise State pulled off an upset for the ages in the '07 Fiesta Bowl. But the hideous blue turf (yes, it is hideous.) in a state famous for potatoes...Sorry, just doesn't do anything for me. The Fresno State game, however, will receive coverage on this blog. Until then, just expect the Boise State space to be filled with random musings like this one.
#20 Virginia Tech-27, Western Kentucky-13
The Hokies have emerged as favorites in the less-than-stellar ACC. Still, there's a lot of work to be done if Tech wants to avoid a second-straight BCS appearance and loss. Step one is improving the awful offense. Step two is learning to get up for games like this. Step 3 is now replacing an injured running back. I'm not sure what step four is, but if another step is added to this team's list of problems, you might want to pick someone else as the ACC champ in your office pool.
#21 Oklahoma State-56, Texas A&M-28
Another high scoring Big 12 game. In a conference packed with good schools, Texas A&M is lagging behind. The season opening loss to Arkansas State was bad. Getting doubled up on by a team that's probably the 4th best in the division doesn't bode well either. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have some work to do on defense, especially if they want to contain a guy named Chase Daniel next week.
#22 Fresno State-29, Hawaii-32 (OT)
Well, the talk of being a BCS hopeful in Fresno is gone. Now the time has come to spoil Boise State's party. It's about all the Bulldogs have left in the way of hope. Good job of not giving up by Hawai'i, who might just upset the Broncos before the Bulldogs get their shot
#24 UConn-12, UNC-38
UConn should not have been ranked. I'm sorry UNC fans, but you beat the second (or third) best team in a conference that's pretty dadgum bad. In defense of the Tar Heels, however, awesome job by Butch Davis and the rest of the Light Blue Crew on getting the job done this year. One (close) loss to Virginia Tech, coupled with an easy schedule should land the Heels in a bowl for the first time since 2004. They're already ranked, for crying out loud!
Everyone else: Looks like Duke remembered they were Duke this weekend...West Virginia beat Rutgers by 7, proving that Rutgers is worse than WVU, but the Mountaineers aren't the best team in the Big East anymore...I can't see a Kent State score without getting "Ohio" by CSNY stuck in my head. Is that bad?...UVa crushed Maryland, so congrats to the Cavs, but what the heck must Maryland have done wrong?...Ball State undefeated. Wow...Louisiana-Lafayette beat Louisiana-Monroe in the "Who's the worst team in the state? Bowl"...Florida International has won 2 straight games over D-I opponents. That's actually pretty cool...
And that's your Saturday in Review. See you next week!
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