Wild Wednesday: Hawaii @ Louisiana Tech

Finally!  The first Wednesday night football game of the season!  Only had one day to get through this week when there weren't any live football games and that was last night.  Onto tonight's matchup  Hawaii @ Louisiana Tech.

Ok, so I know absolutely nothing about either of these teams right now.  The Bulldogs come into the game with a 1-2 record with losses against Auburn and Navy and a win against Nicholls State.  The Warriors are 2-1 with wins over Central Arkansas and @ Washington State, and came 36 seconds away from defeating UNLV before the Rebels tossed a 15 yard TD pass to win the game.

The Bulldogs have an efficient quarterback in Ross Jenkins who has 662 yards and a 3/2 TD/INT ratio.  Daniel Porter has nearly half the carries for the team, but only has a 3.5 Yards Per Carry average.  11 different receivers have caught the ball with just two having double digits in catches, but one more with 9 and another with 8. 

The Warriors sport another amazing system quarterback in Greg Alexander.  The senior opened the season as the starter against Florida last year, but didn't see action over the next five games.  He took over as the starter against Nevada and never gave the role back guiding the Warriors to a 4-3 record to close out the season with two of those losses against BCS bowl participant Cincinnati and Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl.  Alexander already has 1234 yards in three games with a 9/2 TD/INT ratio.  Also, three receivers already have more than 10 catches with 2 having at least 20.  The third, Brodney Bradly, is still at 18.

Even with a little bit of research, I still can't say I know much about either of those squads.  I can see Hawaii is still running the Run 'N Shoot offense that has been their staple for many years.  LA Tech is still the southern whipping boy for a variety of SEC schools each season.

Vegas has the Bulldogs as 4.5 point favorites at home which I can't disagree with, but I just don't know.  I'm going with recent history and picking Hawaii to shred the Bulldog defense in a classic WAC style shootout 38-31.

Week 5 Picks of the Week

Not off to a great start to my prognostication season, but looking for a rebound this weekend:

Last Week:  2-3  Season 4-6

1.  South Florida (-6.5) @ Syracuse 11:00 AM CDT espn360.com

The Bulls are a little big of a question mark at this point in the season.  True, they are 4-0 but three of those wins are against Wofford, Western Kentucky, and Charleston Southern.  However, they did destroy all three of those teams.  Now last weekend, a 17-7 win over Florida State sort of legitimized this squad.  And that was with QB Matt Grothe out.  Grothe will be out for the rest of the season, so its up to B.J. Daniels to lead the Bulls.  He doesn't have the biggest stats, but Junior running back Mike Ford is starting to see some snaps.  The Former 5 star recruit has all the talent in the world and will be a dominate back this season. In one start, along with some mop up duty, Daniels is 20 of 36 for 394 with 4 TD and 2 INT.  Daniels also leads the team in rushing with 259 yards.  Syracuse is actually starting to turn their season around some with wins over Northwestern and a big win over Maine last weekend.  South Florida is just too strong and too fast, I like the Bulls 34-17.

2.  East Carolina (-2.5) @ Marshall 11:00 AM CBS College Sports

The Pirates are 2-2 on the season winning the games they are supposed to win, and losing the ones they are supposed to lose.  Senior QB Patrick Pinkney hasn't had the best season to this point, but has some big wins to his credit in his career.  Marshall is a surprising 3-1 on the season with their only loss @ Virginia Tech and with wins over Southern Illinios, Bowling Green, and surprisingly @ Memphis last weekend.  Memphis kept it close for a while against Ole Miss, but that might not be nearly as surprising as once thought at this point.  Darius Marshall is a clear number 1 running back, and QB Brian Anderson is playing very well.  I like the Pirates to win this one, though not as big as I was originally thinking 24-17.

3.  Virginia Tech (-16.5) @ Duke 11:00 AM espn360.com

Virginia Tech is coming off of a BIG win over Miami last weekend in one of the surprise games of the weekend.  They had to survive against Nebraska the week before and looked pretty awful against Alabama in week 1.  QB Tyrod Taylor hasn't looked all that impressive so far this season, but at least he isn't turning the ball over all that much with a 4-1 TD/INT ratio.  Ryan Williams at running back has been the surprise of the season for the Hokies to this point and he looks to be rolling just fine with 3 100 yard or more games in a row.  Duke is pretty terrible, although they did beat North Carolina Central pretty handily last weekend.  But an opening weekend loss to Richmond doesn't look very good.  I like Virginia Tech 38-6.

4.  Penn State (-7) @ Illinois 2:30 PM ABC

I realize Joe Paterno hates to talk about revenge in college football, but his team will want it after their game last weekend.  Penn State NEEDS to win and win big for the rest of the season if they want a chance to stay in the national title picture.  They are likely out, but anything is possible.  The weather can't possibly be any worse than it was last weekend, so Daryl Clark should do better from the QB spot.  Illinois is pretty bad this season, but they probably shouldn't be.  Other than a big win over Illinois State, the Illini has given up 67 points and scored just 9 in their two other games vs. Missouri and @ Ohio State.  Juice Williams has been horrible with no touchdowns yet this season, and Arrelious Benn has just five catches on the season.  Those two have all  the talent in the world and will get better, but not this weekend.  Penn State wins 24-7.

5.  Arkansas (+1) vs Texas A&M (Neutral Site @ Jerry World) 6:30 PM ESPN

Other than getting dominated at Alabama, the Razorbacks have looked good this season.  Domination against Missouri State was not unexpected, but playing well against Georgia putting up 41 points was a little unexpected.  QB Ryan Mallet will put up some big numbers against the less talented Aggie defense, and running back Michael Smith will gash holes in the porous Aggie defensive line.  A&M is 3-0 on the season, but those wins are against New Mexico, Utah STate, and UAB.  Arkansas is already very battle tested.  The Aggies are led by Jenior QB Jerrod Johnson how is 2nd, but just barely, on the team in rushing.  Texas A&M wants a big win to finally get recognized on the national stage, but I don't think it will happen.  I actually look for a pretty big Arkansas victory in this game, 24-13.

Week 5 Games of the Week

With 3 games between top 25 opponents, this week will have some very entertaining viewing options.  Still not the week that really begins to seperate the conference races, that will come next weekend at least in the SEC, but this week offers some very interesting matchups.  Of course for some reason ESPN College Gameday is going to Florida State @ Boston College?!?!?!?!  Neither team is even ranked!  Oh well, I guess they don't get to go up to Chestnut Hill very often.

Last Week:  2-3  Season:  6-4

5.  Auburn @ Tennessee:  6:45 PM CDT ESPN

Earlier this decade, this could likely have been a match up of two top ten teams.  Now, its a battle of unranked SEC teams figured to finish 3rd or worse in their respective divisions.  As an Alabama fan, this is an IMPOSSIBLE game to actually watch.  I can never figure out who I hate more.  In theory, I hate Tennessee more, at least Auburn is an in state school so there is some Alabama pride there.  But when I actually see Auburn on the field, a deep rooted hatred comes out.  Really I can't root FOR any of these teams, I just have to decide which one I'm rooting AGAINST.  But that's not the issue this morning, the actual match up is the issue.  At quarterback, the advantage certainly goes to Todd.  He has seemed to command this offense with amazing precision with an 11/1 TD/INT ratio.  Only a 59% completion percentage, but a nearly 10 Yards Per Attempt average makes up for that.  Jonathan Crompton for UT just plain sucks.  Nearly the same completion percentage as Todd, but only a 6 yard YPA and a negative TD/INT (7/8) ratio is killer.  Auburn's running game seems to have an advantage as well as a group, but Tennessee's Bryce Brown has probably the biggest upside for either team.  He is only a true freshman however.  Auburn's Kodi Burns runs a very effective wildcat for the Tigers with 4 touchdowns on the ground already this season.  Auburn's Darvin Adams is developing into a true #1 receiver with 334 yards and 5 TDs on the season.  No one so far for Tennessee has stepped up in that role.  Neither team has shined on defense, but Auburn giving up 30 to Ball State raises some major red flags.  Vegas is giving Auburn 2.5 points in this game, probably because it is in Knoxville, but I'm picking Auburn to outlast Tennessee 35-24.

4.  #22 Michigan @ Michigan State 11:00 AM Big 10 Network


Michigan is a surprising 4-0 at his point in the season already eclipsing their win total for last year.  Michigan State is a surprising 1-3 to this point.  Throw the records out though in a rivalry type game.  The Spartans probably should be 3-1 with close losses to Central Michigan and Notre Dame -- although they should have blown out Central Michigan anyways.  Michigan feshman Tate Forcier is a budding superstar in the league and SR RB Carlos Brown has been more than efficient in totting the rock for the Wolverines.  Spartan Sophomore QB Kirk Cousins has been more than just efficient this season as well.  Based on records, Michigan should demolish State.  But these records could just as easily be flipped .  Vegas is giving the Spartans 2.5 again in this one, I'm gonna take another underdog and go for the Wolverines 27-21.

3.  #8 Oklahoma @ #17 Miami PM 7:00 ABC

In the preseason, this game looked like an interesting non-conference match up, but not much else.  Now, its a measuring stick game.  The loser is out of the national title picture.  Miami is likely already done with a BAD ACC loss, but Oklahoma's loss was early and the injury to QB Sam Bradford gives the Sooners a slight mulligan.  Miami QB Jacory Harris looked spectacular in the first two games, and just downright scared last weekend up in Blacksburg.  The weather played a role, but 9/25 for 150 yards isn't good in any weather conditions.  I would like to say that the outcome of this game hinges on the return of Bradford, but Landry Jones has filled in very well in his absence.  But, those games were against Idaho State and Tulsa to be fair.  Bob Stoops has been very quiet on whether Bradford will return or not saying he is not sure yet, but you have to assume if he isn't sure now, even if he does play, he won't be at 100%.  Oklahoma is a 7 point road favorite, but once again I like the underdog back at home especially if Bradford does not play in a 28-24 victory.  If Bradford is totally healthy by game time, I reserve the right to change this pick however.

2.  #4 LSU @ #18 Georgia 2:30 CBS

The battle for what is likely second place in both the SEC West and SEC East.  LSU has not looked like a top five team, especially last weekend needing a goal line stand to beat Mississippi State.  Georgia hasn't looked all that great either losing badly opening weekend and then merely surviving since.  Georgia QB Joe Cox is beginning to come into his own, he has the best receiver in the nation in A.J. Green to throw to, and with a very talented stable of running backs behind him, the Dawgs should win this game.  But LSU recruits very well.  LSU has more speed, and more raw talent in this game, but most of them are very young - either sophomores or freshmen.  Sanford stadium can be a very hostile place to play, but lets face it, LSU will be used to that.  They are the most hostile fans in the nation by ALOT.  LSU gets 3 points from Vegas, but I like the DAWGS to hold serve at home and finally get a complete game 24-17.


1.  #7 USC @ #24 Cal 7:00 PM ABC

Admittedly, this game looked alot better in the preseason.  Both team should have been undefeated, but neither are.  USC had their yearly hiccup against Washington, and Cal got owned against Oregon last weekend.  This game will still go a long way in determining the Pac-10 champion and likely Rose Bowl berth.  USC @ Oregon on Halloween will also be the other big one.  But back to this game:  USC will be playing inspired football with the thoughts of Senior RB Stafon Johnson on their minds.  You do have to wonder if this might have affected their practice this week though.  Even if it did, who could blame them?  Even without Johnson, USC has quite the stable of running backs to choose from.  But the best back on the field will be Jahvid Best of Cal.  He had a rough game last week that really hurt his Heisman chances, but I think that was just an aberration, not a trend.  QB Matt Barkley should be fully healed by now and ready to go and is definitely a better QB than Kevin Riley.  USC is getting 4.5 from Vegas, they should cover that just fine with a 38-27 victory.

Week 4 Recap

Here is a quick rundown of last week's top ten teams

1.  Florida W vs. Kentucky 41-7

One Word:  Domination.  495 yards vs. 179.  Florida jumped out to a 31-0 first quarter lead.  That's something I have a hard time doing in the NCAA 2010 football video games even when I use Florida!  The this game won't be remembered for the domination, it will be remembered for The Tebow Hit.  Late in the 3rd quarter, Tebow was sacked by Kentucky's Taylor Wyndham and had to be taken to the hospital where he remained overnight for observations.  Of course, Tebow also came into the game with the flu so it really was a bad week for him.  But with a bye week coming up, he should be, and by extension the Gators, should be fine before the LSU game.

2.  Texas W vs. UTEP 64-7

One word:  Domination.  After a couple weeks in a row of sluggish first half play, the Longhorns put a complete game together with this victory.  639 yards vs. just 53.  UTEP's only score of the day came on a 49 yard interception return.  The Horns only gave up 9 yards on the ground  McCoy a relatively pedestrian 28/35 286 yards 3 TD 1 INT.  Vondrell McGee had over 100 on the ground, and Jordan "Ghost" Shipley added 122 through the air.  Next up for Texas after a bye week is a date with Colorado before the all important Red River Rivalry vs. Oklahoma.

3.  Alabama W vs. Arkansas 35-7

Already had a full post on this game, but to review:  offense looked average other than the big plays, defense looked AMAZING, special teams better but need to keep the penalties down, especially on long kick and punt returns.  The kick coverage team has been better however which is Alabama's only real weakness to this point.  McElroy is a standout and might be the best QB in the SEC this year (and yes that includes Tebow) and Richardson is a budding superstar in the NCAA.  The only thing that will keep Richardson from a future Heisman trophy will be Mark Ingram.  But that is how Alabama has always done it, and it shouldn't ever change.  We are bigger than personal awards, its all about the team.  Next up for Alabama is a road trip Kentucky before what looked like a bigger match up last week:  a road trip to Oxford to play Ole Miss.  Make no mistake however, both games will be tough tests for the Tide. 

4.  Ole Miss L vs. South Carolina 10-16

Welcome back to earth Ole Miss.  It happens very often that a team with lofty preseason projections falls flat on their face in a game where they should win.  Usually, that happens to a team that is not used to those types of predictions (or USC).  And Thursday ESPN games tend to claim a lot of victims.  Ole Miss didn't look good in the game, but they are still a great SEC West team.  The October 10th home game vs. Alabama will show where Ole Miss really is in that division. 

5.  Penn State L vs. Iowa10-21

Almost half of SportsNation picked this as the top ten upset game of the week, and they were right.  Iowa came into the game having won 6-of-7 against Penn State, and now we can make it 7-of-8.  More importantly however, this loss pretty much takes Penn State out of the BCS title picture.  For a one loss Big 10 team to make it in, all the teams in the SEC and Big 12, and even USC, will have to end up with two losses.  That's not likely to happen.  Penn State jumped out to an early lead with a 79 yard pass from DAryll Clark to Chaz Powell the first time PSU touched the ball.  A field goal brought the lead up to 10-0 and it looked like Penn State was gonna roll.  But a safety and field goal by Iowa in the first half brought it back to a game.  But it was 16 4th quarter points by the Hawkeyes , led by a blocked punt for a touchdown, that put the game out of reach.  Even with the BCS title nearly out of reach, the Rose Bowl that comes with a Big 10 title is not.  Ohio State looked very good, and Michigan is clearly back, so it looks to be a very fun three way fight for the Big 10 title this year.  State has what should be a cakewalk road game against Illinois this weekend before a pair of tuneups vs. Eastern Illinois and Minnesota (which may be a relatively difficult game) before a big match up at the Big House vs Michigan. 

6.  Cal L vs. Oregon 3-42
 Cal, WTF?!?!?!?!  This was easily the biggest egg-laying performance of the weekend.  524 yards vs. 207.  Jahvid Best WAS the best running back in the nation and a possible Heisman front-runner, but only 55 yards on 16 carries is not going to get it down.  All Cal has to do is have an efficient performance by QB Kevin Riley to win games, but 12/31 for 123 is not the way to do it.  Duck QB Jeremiah Masoli finally rememberd how to play quarterback oing 21/25 for 253 and 3 touchdowns, his first on the season.  Cal opened the game well with a field goal in the first minute of the game...but after that.....yikes.  42 unanswered points for the Ducks destroyed the Bears.  It doesn't get much easier for Cal at this point however with a date with USC on the schedule this weekend.  Its ok Cal, at least you don't have to wear uniforms that look like that!

7.  LSU W vs. Mississippi State 30-26

Can't say much that went well for LSU in this one other than at least they got the win.   The Bulldogs bested LSU in first downs (21-12), and in total yards (374-263) but it really was turnovers that killed the Dawgs in this one.  Tyson Lee was just 15/38 for only 172 yards with 1 TD, but most importantly 3 costly turnovers.  A Patrick Peterson interception return for TD got the scoring kicked off for LSU, but MSU stormed right back with an Anthony Dixon TD run.  The teams traded touchdowns again in the first quarter before LSU scored on a 2nd quarter field goal.  State ahd the chance to take the lead at the end of the half with a chip shot field goal, but they elected to go for a touchdown, and it failed.  Down just two points early in the 4th, it looked like State might have a chance but a 93 yard punt return by Chad Jones put LSU in control.  MSU stomed back with a field goal to bring it to within 6, but an amazing goal line stand by LSU with 1 minute remaining the in the game ended all hope.  LSU took a purposeful safety with 51 seconds left, but State could not get the ball down the field and the Tigers survived.  It doesn't get any easier for the Tigers from here however with back to back games against the SEC East best Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators.

8.  Boise State W vs. Bowling Green 49-14

I hate to say it, but Boise State is legit again this year.  They have a quality win vs. Oregon - a team that just DEMOLISHED a supposedly great Cal team - and dominating performances against Miami (OH), Fresno State, and Bowling Green.  I don't know what to say about this team that hasn't already been said.  QB Kellen Moore is so smart and just athletic enough to be dangerous.  Moore went 17/21 for 247 and 2 TDs.  Running back Doug Martin had 100 on the ground too.  I'm sure I will say this every week, but there doesn't seem to be a way this team can lose in the regular season.  And if they win out, they will be in the BCS picture.

9.  Miami L vs. Virginia Tech 7-31

Miami must have started to believe their own hype going into this game.  All the media, including me, were saying how great this team is and that they were going to win the ACC.  Oops, we forgot about Virginia Tech.  After a loss to Alabama and a near loss to Nebraska, everyone seemed to forget about the Hokies.  Well, not anymore.  The Hokies still have plenty of issues in the passing game with Tyrod Taylor going just 4/9, but he wasn't needed very much.  Ryan Williams added 150 and 2 scores on the ground - Taylor had 75 of his own, and the defense help Miami to just 209 yards.  Jacory Harris, a possible Heisman candidate went just 9/25 for 150, Zero TDs and an INT.  If not for Cal, this would have been the WTF game of the game of the day.  But its not all bad for Miami.  Everyone pegged the Hurricanes 2-2 after their start of the season as what they needed to be on the way back, and they have already guaranteed that.  The bad news?  Game four is next weekend against Oklahoma with Sam Bradford possibly back in the lineup.  After the OU game it does get easier however with Florida A&M and UCF.  Clemson should be very winnable, as should Wake Forest, and Virginia is just terrible.  @ North Carolina will be tough, Duke will not be, and South Florida is a huge question mark.  Worst case for the Hurricanes:  7-5 and a bowl game.  Best case - 10-2 and possible at large BCS game.  All is not lost in Coral Gables.

10.  Oklahoma BYE

Oklahoma avoided the upset bug by simply being off for the weekend.  Next up is a date with the Hurricanes (and the potential return of Sam Bradford) before a tuneup against Baylor, and the big showdown with the Longhorns in Dallas on October 17th

Top ten will look VERY different for next weekend's Recap.  Check back all week for updates and PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS

Alabama vs. Arkansas: Post Game Analysis

As a matter of full disclosure, I did not watch this game.  Since 2001 I have only not been able to watch, listen, or go to live exactly 3 games - UTEP in 2001, 2006 Vandy (and that was a computer issue), and then this afternoon.  But I watched the GameCast, and got updates as best I could, so this update will be done as best as is possible.


Despite what the 35-7 final score might indicate, Alabama was quite sluggish in this game punting on all three first quarter possessions.  Different story in the second quarter though with back to back scoring drives.  Alabama was driving down the field well before Trent Richardson broke four tackles and busted 52 yards for the first touchdown.  Then, after forcing an Arkansas punt, we had "The Play."  Wildcat snap to Ingram, Jet Sweep handoff to Terry Grant, Pitch Back to normal QB Greg McElroy, and a bomb to Julio Jones down the middle of the field.  But after that play, two more first half punts, followed by a 3rd quarter punt before the 80 yard TD strike to Marquis Maze.

By the end of the game however, Bama just simply out talented the Hogs and ended up dominating in the end.

While I love the big play, it doesn't actually show what your team is capable of, and that is what happened to Alabama this afternoon.  Sure they look great, but if you have to rely on trick plays, broken tackles, and missed tackles, it isn't a formula for long term success.  While I'm happy with the win for sure, I'm not happy with the way we got to it done on offense; at least not early in the game.  Now defense!  There is another story.  Outside of MAYBE Florida there is not a better defense in the nation than Alabama.  The injury to Donta Hightower could hurt the defense, but there will be someone who can step into that role for sure.  It will just be a matter of who.

But a 35-7 win can't be all bad.  Greg McElroy had a career game(17-24 291 yards 3 touchdowns).  That kid just keeps getting better and better and may find his name on the Heisman Trophy list by the end of the season.  The emergence of Trent Richardson continues, Julio Jones caught his first touchdown since the Georgia game last season, and the defense looks simply amazing.  Once again the Tide racked up over 400 yards of offense.  Penalties are a slight problem with another 7 today however.  Alabama has a very strong case to be named #1 in the nation and will likely get some votes in the poll this week.  I still think #3 is the proper spot for Alabama behind Florida and Texas however.

Next up for Alabama, a morning tilt vs. Kentucky on the road next weekend.  I will be there sampling the local fare and watching what I hope will be a major, dominating, Alabama victory.

Friday Night Recap: Missouri @ Nevada

The Tiger offense was a little sluggish at times, but they picked it up when necessary and moved to 4-0 with a 31-21 victory at Nevada.

Nevada came out pumped out forcing Missouri to a quick 3-and-out, but a muffed punt gave the Tigers new life and they converted that into 3 points.  Nevada came back with a first quarter touchdown, but the Tigers answered with a field goal and a late second quarter tochdown to take a 12-7 halftime lead.

Nevada Quarterback Colin Kaepernick opened the 3rd quarter with an 11 yard scamper, but less than a minute later, Missouri took control with a 74 yard touchdown pas from Blaine Gabbert to Danario Alexander.  The Tigers stretched the lead to as high as 31-13 before Kaepernick added a late touchdown pass for the final margin.

Early on, the running of Nevada, led by Luke Lippincott, looked to be in control.  Lippincott carried 23 times for 114 yards. 

What we learned:  the "rebuilding" Tigers are for real this year.  And Blaine Gabbert is for real.  Gabbert went 25-40 for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win.  His counterpart Kaepernick didn't do so bad either (17-28 146 yards 1 TD).  But the story of the night was Gabbert and the receiver Alexander.  Aleander had 9 grabs for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Expect Missouri (4-0) to make an apperance in the top 25 next week.  But now the schedule gets very difficult for the Tigers.  After a week off, Mizzou hosts Nebraska on a Thursday game on October 8th, then they travel to Oklahoma State, and host the Longhorns and back-to-back-to-back weekends.  The next four games look very winnable (Colorado, Baylor, Kansas State, Iowa State) before a last weekend showdown with Kansas that could possibly decide who represents the Big 12 North in the conference title game.

As for the Wolfpack,  UNLV should be just what they need to right the ship before a friday night tilt against La Tech and then two very winnable games against Utah State and Idaho.  Hawaii, San Jose State follow before a major test against Fresno State before a sandwich game @ New Mexico State before the big showdown:  @ Boise State.

Upcoming this week:  WE HAVE THREE MIDWEEK DAYS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!  Look for a new segment, Wild Wednesday leading up to Hawaii @ La Tech

Friday Night Lights: Missouri @Nevada

Friday night games don't seem to have the same luster as their Thursday night counterparts, but tonight's match-up is a good one.  And if you listen to Chase Daniel, you can tell just how much he still loves his Tigers.

Missouri sits just on the outside of the AP top 25 (while at #21 in the Coaches Poll) and needs a big win to impress the pollsters.  Everyone assumed there would be a major drop off this season with the loss of Daniel to the NFL, but so far that hasn't happened.  The Tigers embarrassed Illinois on opening weekend 37-9.  Mizzou had to simply survive in week two against Bowling Green down 20-6 just before the 4th quarter started but scoring the final three touchdowns of the game for the 27-20 win.  Last weekends win over Furman was merely a tuneup for tonight.  Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert looks like a star - much like he was in High School - with a 68% completion percentage and an 8/0 TD/INT ratio.  Gabbert can also move in the pocket with a pair of rushing touchdowns already on the season.  Derrick Washington gets most of the carries in the running game but boasts only a 4.3 YPC average on the young season.  He will have to bring that up if he wants to succeed at this level like he did last year when he went for over 1,000 yards.  Twelve different Tigers have caught passes this season with the most going to seniors Jared Perry and Danario Alexander. 

On the other end of the spectrum we have Nevada.  Nevada was thought to be a potential BCS Buster type squad in the preseason.  They had a very tough schedule, but it appeared all the talent in the world.  But early in the season, that has not panned out.  Some were picking an opening weekend upset against Notre Dame on the road, but the Domers blasted the Wolfpack 35-0.  After a week to regroup, the Pack had to travel to Colorado State where the Rams were in control all game 35-20.  Really the game was 35-14 but senior QB Colin Kaepernick thew his first TD of the season as time expired for the meaningless score.  For the Wolfpack's sake, lets just hope that has given him confidence.  Kaepernick came into this season in that discussion of "Best Quarterback You've Never Heard Of" and maybe it went to his head a little bit.  He does have a 63% completion percentage, but has a miserable 1-4 TD/INT ratio.  On the ground, Junior Vai Taua has put up some descent numbers with 209 yards through two games and a pair of touchdowns.

The Odds:  The game is being played in Nevada which is good for the Wolfpack.  And it is Gabbert's first road start, also good for the Wolfpack.  This is a very tough game to pick.  I think Missouri will win out, but I don't like the 7 points Vegas is giving to Nevada.  I'm gonna go with my gut and pick the Tigers to cover on the road, but I still think it's going to take something late in the game for Missouri to put this one away.  Maybe a 2 point lead with 4 minutes to play with a touchdown sealing the win 29-20.

Thursday Night Recap: Ole Miss @ South Carolina

Thursday Night ESPN games strike again.  Another top team goes down to an un-ranked opponent.  This time it's Ole Miss stumbling to the Gamecocks 16-10.  This is the 6th straight year the Rebels have lost their SEC opener.


The game played out much like I predicted it probably would. I was predicting a typical SEC slug fest style game with USC taking a lead and Ole Miss needing a late 4th quarter drive for the win, but what I didn't count on was the stoutness of the Gamecock defense.  Ole Miss never really looked comfortable in this game.  And South Carolina really seemed to dominate the flow of play all night.  The total yardage was close (285-248) but when you can muster just 1-13 on third downs as the Rebels did, you never look in control.  The Rebels went for it on 4th down FOUR TIMES, including a failed fake FG attempt, converting just once.

Jevan Snead was just 7-21 for 107 yards and a TD on the night.   Stephen Garcia looked a little bit better going 16-34 for 220 and a TD.  Much of the Rebel offense came from Dexter McCluster out of the Wild Rebel.  McCluster carried 15 times for 85 yards.

This was the type of game that can't really be unexpected though.  Conference game + road game + team not used to being there = recipe for an upset.

Now the only questions are how far the Rebels drop, and if the Gamecocks can crack the rankings next week.  The AP top 9 area all undefeated so you have to think they drop at least that far.  Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, USC, and Ohio State all have "better" losses and then Cincinnati and TCU sit undefeated back to #16.  I would say if rankings came out today, the Rebels would be sitting around #15.  As for the Gamecocks....they didn't even get a single top 25 vote last week.  You have to figure that changes this week, but I doubt they crack the rankings unless lot of the 15-25 teams get some losses.  If any SEC team finds the Top 25, I would expect Auburn to be that team.

But this all depends on the week ahead.   Before the weekend begins however, we've got another Friday Night Lights tune up game, Missouri @ Nevada.  Check back a little later this morning for a preview of that one

Thursday Night Throwdown: #4 Ole Miss @ South Carolina

IT'S THURSDAY!  FOOTBALL IS BACK!  After two agonizing days and nights without football, its finally time to lace 'em up again.  Let's take a look at tonight's marquee match up, Ole Miss @ USCe.

Two games into the season, we still aren't totally sure what to think about this Ole Miss team.  They came into the season with all the hype in the world, probably more than they have had in years if ever.  The unquestioned second best quarterback in the SEC in Jevan Snead.  You have a fantastic receiver duo in Dexter McCluster (who also excels at running the Wild Rebel formation), and Shay Hodge.  The only real offensive question was at running back but Brandon Bolden and High School Prep All-American from a few years back Enrique Davis have held that part of the game down pretty well.  Even the kicking game is perfect with 2/2 on FGs and 11/11 on extra points.

But they haven't played anyone.  Sure Memphis isn't a bad team and they got an impressive win, but that was a very close game until the 4th quarter.  Ole Miss was up just 10 heading into that quarter.  And with the second game because against an FCS school, you don't really have a measuring stick yet.  But you will tonight.

South Carolina has had a bit of an up and down season offensively as well.  The Gamecocks really struggled offensivily against NC State on opening night winning just 7-3, but just the next week nearly defeated Georgia losing 41-37 on a UGA goal line stand.  But the ship was righted again last week with a big win over Florida Atlantic, but that doesn't tell us much just yet.  And the UGA game doesn't say much either since their defense looks like swiss cheese at this point in the season.  I really like quarterback Stephen Garcia - a dual threat guy that seems made for Steve Spurrier's offense.  Garcia is 3rd on the team in rushing, and through the air has a 63% completion percentage but only a modest 3-2 TD/INT ratio.  He is however just a sophomore.  I don't have a good read on their running backs with Brian Maddox getting the bulk of the carriers but having only a 2.5 yards per carry average.  Maddox is also a weapon in the passing game with a pair of receiving TDs as well.  Maddox is really the short yardage guy though having a season long of just 9 yards and having 3 TDs.  Jarvis Giles gets a lot of carries as well and has a more respectable 5.7 YPC average.  They have a pair of double digit catch receivers in Tori Gurley and Weslye Saunders, but I have to admit, I didn't know anything about them coming into this season. 

This game is very hard to pick.  Ole Miss has the talent, but USCe is at home.  And its ESPN on a Thursday night, which is the breeding ground for upsets.  Vegas is giving the Rebels four points in this one as well.

My Pick:  I take the Rebels 24-17 barely covering the spread and having to win with a late 4th quarter drive.  Don't be surprised if USCe gets the win, but I just don't see it.  Especially since they have never beaten a top 5 opponent at home in their history.

College Football Hall of Fame moving to Atlanta

Today, it was officially announced that the College Football Hall of Fame will be moving to Atlanta from South Bend Indiana, where it has been since 1995, after their lease expires on December 31, 2010.  There is talk that the Atlanta facility may not be open until 2012, and also that the Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremonies until then may not even take place at the South Bend facility.


I can see why they want to move out of South Bend.  South Bend is a small town which explodes during Notre Dame home game weekends, but that's only about 8 weeks out of the year.  Projections were that the facility would see 150,000 visitors a year, but the norm has been closer to 60,000.

But why Atlanta?

To me, Hall of Fames need to be located somewhere that means something to the origins of the game.  Cooperstown NY is where baseball was thought to be invented.  Toronto is where hockey was popularized, Springfield MA is where Basketball was invented, and even Volleyball's hall of fame, in Holyoke, MA, is where that sport was invented.  So what does Atlanta have to do with College Football's History?

Answer:  Not very much

It is a little harder to find a place have football HOFs because there really is no founding story to football in this country.  But there is for College Football.  The Ivy league schools of the 1850s-1860s started the game, at least at a primitive level.  And the first recognized game was played in 1869 at Rutgers vs. Princeton.  Of course this game resembles next to nothing like the football of today, but nonetheless its where it was really started.  Of course all of these places have the same problem as South Bend:  small towns, not much walk in traffic.

So where put it?


Now, I am biased towards the south here.  Football is more popular in the South than it is anywhere else.   Well, at least college football anyways.  So it does make sense to put it in Atlanta in that regard.  But that is the home to GEORGIA TECH.  The two school in the "deep south" that have the most tradition are Alabama and Tennessee.  Alabama was the first Rose Bowl by a southern squad back in 1926, and Tennessee has been the second most successful program in the south during their history.   So, why not say Birmingham or Nashville?  Nashville already has the lockdown on music, so it would seem to me Birmingham would make more sense.

If you look at the Midwest, you have to look at Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.  So, why not Dallas?  Dallas is pretty much in between Austin and Norman (sorry Lincoln) and its a big southern city.  Problem with Dallas is that it is too Pro oriented and less college, at least compared to the rest of the south.


Lets take a look out west to say, oh I don't know, Pasadena?  The Rose Bowl?  The Rose Bowl it could be said is really what put college football on the map.  The first Rose Bowl was played in 1902, and then it became a yearly event in 1916.  It is still called the "Granddaddy of them All."  As for foot traffic walking in.......some large city called L.A. is pretty close by.

Bottom line is the decision was about money.  The South has the most passionate college football fans, Atlanta is probably the biggest southern city.  They have a college football team (Georgia Tech) they have a bowl game (Chick Fil A Bowl) they have a Pro Team (Falcons) and they are a big central city for Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama fans just to name a few.  But I hate for tradition to be broken in the name of the all mighty dollar.

But even still, rest assured I will be walking through those doors as soon as possible in 2012 when they open to the public for the first time.