Sporting News columnist Matt Hayes spouts off about the college football coaching changes, and apparently holds a curious opinion about Husker hire Bo Pelini. C-?
Matt appears to favor Jim Grobe, who interviewed but I don't believe was ever under serious consideration - I mean, Callahan beat Wake TWICE. Hayes gave NU an "A" for hiring BC in a column in 2004, and we all know how well that went.
"Michigan got it right. Nebraska and Texas A&M didn't. Arkansas? Check back in two years. Want the definition of a good hire? Just ask me."
He gives UM an A for hiring Rich Rodriguez, which I would grade a "B+" myself - we'll see how he adjusts his spread attack to the talent on hand, and what kind of staff he assembles. Curious RR turned down Bama last year, and also curious he was apparently not the school's top choice.
A bigger joke is giving UCLA an A for hiring "tricky Rick" Neuheisel. I don't care if he's a Bruin alum, he's been a complete disaster everywhere he's been. Betting scandal, rape/sex scandals, using ineligible players, etc. There's a damn good reason no one has touched him in years since getting fired at Washington. He was 13-10 his last two years at CU and 15-10 his last two at UW, hardly what I'd describe as stellar. I say "C+" based on splash alone, there is no way he will be able to compete any time soon with the Carrol juggernaut at the school crosstown.
Hayes also gives Georgia Tech an "A" for bringing in Navy's Paul Johnson, which I
agree with - Johnson has shown a great deal of offensive flexibility in his jobs, and also give Arkansas an A for hiring Bobby Petrino - if he sticks around.
He also pans A & M's hiring of Mike Sherman, which I'm a little ambivalent about - true Sherman is a NFL coach, which historically has been an issue, but he did spend over a decade in the college ranks first, and has A & M ties, coaching the o-line there for six seasons. He recruited A&M's career rushing leader, Leland McElroy, during his earlier tenure at the school. I'd have to give it at least a "C".
The Pelini rating is an absolutely dumb - not only was he one of the hottest coordinators around the game and most definitely on a lot of schools short lists, the job was almost definitely going to either him or Turner; given the defensive issues on the team, Bo is the best hire. Anyone else, Grobe included, was for appearances sake only. The fans love him, players love him, and he schemes incredibly well. I'd give the hire a B+ only because it's his first permanent head gig, but he does have a Hall of Fame coach upstairs.
Showing posts with label Sports - College Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports - College Football. Show all posts
Monday, January 07, 2008
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The BO has Landed
via HuskerExtra and OWH, Bo Pellini has landed in Lincoln and has met shortly ago with the Husker players with an announcment that he will be Nebraska's next head coach expected at 4 pm today.
Oustanding news. Former Husker assistants Marvin Sanders and Ron Brown may be a part of the staff, as well as current Husker OC Shawn Watson. Pelini told the LSU players yesterday before the SEC Championship game that he was leaning toward taking the Husker head position, referring to it as a "dream job". The Tigers defeated Tennessee 21-14 yesterday and have apparently risen to #2 in the BCS to take on Ohio State for the National Cahmpionship.
Oustanding news. Former Husker assistants Marvin Sanders and Ron Brown may be a part of the staff, as well as current Husker OC Shawn Watson. Pelini told the LSU players yesterday before the SEC Championship game that he was leaning toward taking the Husker head position, referring to it as a "dream job". The Tigers defeated Tennessee 21-14 yesterday and have apparently risen to #2 in the BCS to take on Ohio State for the National Cahmpionship.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
College Football Coaching
MSNBC's College football expert Joey Johnston has a nice article about the success that coaches such as Pete Carroll, Dennis Ericson and Steve Spurrier, who left the college ranks for the NFL but have returned to college, are enjoying this season. Both coaches admit that they are far more comfortable in the college ranks. #2 ranked Boston College's Jeff Jagdozinski is also spotlighted. Johnston finished his column asnwering questions, and the lead was of vast import to the Husker Nation, concerning LSU's Bo Pellini.
Q: What are the odds that Nebraska could steal Bo Pelini away from LSU?
— Husker fan, Des Moines, Iowa
A: I think the odds would be excellent for Pelini, the LSU defensive coordinator, to return to Nebraska, where he also served in that role and as interim head coach for the Cornhuskers’ bowl game after the firing of Frank Solich.
Pelini would have been a good head-coaching choice then — and Nebraska players were lobbying for him — but the Cornhuskers opted for NFL head coach Bill Callahan. You’ve seen how that turned out. At this point, with Nebraska’s proud program unraveling by the minute, it would be stunning if Callahan saves his job.
Pelini’s work speaks for itself. LSU’s defense has played lights-out at times. He has a knack for getting the players on the same page and getting them to buy into the cause. He’s a motivator and an excellent strategist.
But Nebraska can’t assume anything. Plenty of schools with job openings will be chasing Pelini. The Cornhuskers better throw their hat in the ring sooner rather than later.
I have to agree absolutley with the response.
Q: What are the odds that Nebraska could steal Bo Pelini away from LSU?
— Husker fan, Des Moines, Iowa
A: I think the odds would be excellent for Pelini, the LSU defensive coordinator, to return to Nebraska, where he also served in that role and as interim head coach for the Cornhuskers’ bowl game after the firing of Frank Solich.
Pelini would have been a good head-coaching choice then — and Nebraska players were lobbying for him — but the Cornhuskers opted for NFL head coach Bill Callahan. You’ve seen how that turned out. At this point, with Nebraska’s proud program unraveling by the minute, it would be stunning if Callahan saves his job.
Pelini’s work speaks for itself. LSU’s defense has played lights-out at times. He has a knack for getting the players on the same page and getting them to buy into the cause. He’s a motivator and an excellent strategist.
But Nebraska can’t assume anything. Plenty of schools with job openings will be chasing Pelini. The Cornhuskers better throw their hat in the ring sooner rather than later.
I have to agree absolutley with the response.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Osborne Name Interim AD
via OWH.
As widely expected and anticipated, former Head Coach and Nebraska Congressman Tom Osborne has been named interim athletic director for the University of Nebraska. The arrangement is "open ended" until UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman finds a permanent AD for the athletic program. Rumor on some of the boards is that Dave Rimington might still be in the running for the permanent position, but my take is that it is probably wishful thinking.
"He may be the only figure who can unite a state divided over Pederson's firing of Osborne's coaching successor, the transition to a new regime, on-field disappointments, Pederson's own firing, and questions over what should happen with the current coaching staff.
Osborne has been a fan favorite for the job — many even wanting him to take it on a permanent basis.
Since Osborne's retirement in 1997 at the end of a remarkable 60-3 run that produced three national titles in four years, both Osborne and the football program have had their share of ups and downs.
Osborne, who had retired for health reasons and to spend more time with his family, initially missed the game sorely and on more than one occasion was nearly lured out of retirement by other schools.
He found a new life in politics, elected three times as a Republican congressman from western Nebraska's 3rd District.
But in 2006, he sought to finish off his public career with a run for Nebraska governor. Challenging incumbent Gov. Dave Heineman, he lost in the GOP primary, effectively ending his political career."
Great news and perhaps the only man alive who could rally the state back around the program. Hopefully the media circus will die down a bit in the coming days and the coaches can focus on getting the team prepared for A & M on Saturday.
As widely expected and anticipated, former Head Coach and Nebraska Congressman Tom Osborne has been named interim athletic director for the University of Nebraska. The arrangement is "open ended" until UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman finds a permanent AD for the athletic program. Rumor on some of the boards is that Dave Rimington might still be in the running for the permanent position, but my take is that it is probably wishful thinking.
"He may be the only figure who can unite a state divided over Pederson's firing of Osborne's coaching successor, the transition to a new regime, on-field disappointments, Pederson's own firing, and questions over what should happen with the current coaching staff.
Osborne has been a fan favorite for the job — many even wanting him to take it on a permanent basis.
Since Osborne's retirement in 1997 at the end of a remarkable 60-3 run that produced three national titles in four years, both Osborne and the football program have had their share of ups and downs.
Osborne, who had retired for health reasons and to spend more time with his family, initially missed the game sorely and on more than one occasion was nearly lured out of retirement by other schools.
He found a new life in politics, elected three times as a Republican congressman from western Nebraska's 3rd District.
But in 2006, he sought to finish off his public career with a run for Nebraska governor. Challenging incumbent Gov. Dave Heineman, he lost in the GOP primary, effectively ending his political career."
Great news and perhaps the only man alive who could rally the state back around the program. Hopefully the media circus will die down a bit in the coming days and the coaches can focus on getting the team prepared for A & M on Saturday.
Monday, October 15, 2007
NU AD Peterson is OUT
Steve Peterson has been relieved of his duties as Husker Athleteic Director.
And there was much rejoicing throughout the land.
Cancellor Perlman will have a 4 pm press conference.
Film at 11.
And there was much rejoicing throughout the land.
Cancellor Perlman will have a 4 pm press conference.
Film at 11.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Our Old Friend Bo Pellini
Great article on our old friend former Husker defensive coordinator Bo Pellini, now at LSU. Oh, what might have been, had a certain athletic director been a little wiser. Pellini is on many school's short list for a likely head coach, possibly as soon as next year. Former NU linebacker great Barrett Ruud, now with Tampa in the NFL, said he was actually surprised it hadn't happened already. Speculation is that Texas A & M might be a school that could be interested in him given the current issue surrounding current head man Dennis Franchione. Pellini was the NU head man for the Alamo Bowl game against Michigan St. after the ouster of Frank Solich, with NU winning 17-3.
"Pelini said Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson "stopped talking" to him in the days leading up to the bowl game and, following the victory, Pederson didn't fly back to Lincoln with the team.
Pederson eventually spoke with Pelini about the opening, but Pelini said it was clear he had no chance of landing the job.
"It was just a token interview," Pelini said. " (Pederson) brought me in because he had to bring me in. He told me I was being considered, but I don't think I ever was. He wanted to hire a name guy. He would've hired anybody that had a big name." "
Pellini's Tiger D have the third rated pass defense in the country, are number four in rush defense and are allowing a scant 9.3 points per game for the top rated team in the nation. Tiger HC Les Miles first noticed Pellini when Miles was the head man at Oklahoma St and faced NU's Pellini, who came out with a completely different defensive scheme than Miles had expected and threw the Cowboys for a loop. Miles hired Pellini away from Oklahoma after the 2004 season.
"Pelini said Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson "stopped talking" to him in the days leading up to the bowl game and, following the victory, Pederson didn't fly back to Lincoln with the team.
Pederson eventually spoke with Pelini about the opening, but Pelini said it was clear he had no chance of landing the job.
"It was just a token interview," Pelini said. " (Pederson) brought me in because he had to bring me in. He told me I was being considered, but I don't think I ever was. He wanted to hire a name guy. He would've hired anybody that had a big name." "
Pellini's Tiger D have the third rated pass defense in the country, are number four in rush defense and are allowing a scant 9.3 points per game for the top rated team in the nation. Tiger HC Les Miles first noticed Pellini when Miles was the head man at Oklahoma St and faced NU's Pellini, who came out with a completely different defensive scheme than Miles had expected and threw the Cowboys for a loop. Miles hired Pellini away from Oklahoma after the 2004 season.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Weekend in College FB
Kentucky got exposed a bit by the ol' ball coach last night, falling 38-23 and perhaps nicking Andre Woodson's Heisman chances with 2 fumbles that were returned for TDs as well as throwing an INT as the Cats were in the red zone. Cock's DE Eric Norwood returned both for scores to tie a NCAA record. Utah at Louisville tonight.
Saturday Games of Interest:
#13 W. Virgina @ Syracuse - can the Orange stun another ranked foe or do the Moutaineers recover their balance after being shocked last week by South Florida?
Kansas @ #24 Kansas St - I never saw that his one would be a huge game. KU is undefeated and State is 3-1 coming off its upset of the Longhorns,with only a late 4th quarter swoon against Auburn blemishing the record. Winner has to be considered a Big 12 North candidate.
#5 Wisconsin @ Illinois - can the Badgers keep winning the tight games or does Ron Zook pull off yet another upset of a Big 10 title contender, like they did last week against Penn St?
Georgia Tech @ Maryland - will the Yellowjacket swarm prevail or does Maryland keep up the momentum after last week's upset of Rutgers?
Ohio @ Buffalo - Frank's Bobcats against Turner's Bison. What's a Husker fan to do? Cats really need a win after dropping to 0-1 in conference in losing to Kent St last week.
#10 Oklahoma vs #19 Texas in Dallas - Red River shootout lost a lot of luster with both team's fall from grace last week, but it still could wind up deciding the Big 12 South.
#12 Georgia @ Tennessee - can UT's Phil Fullmer get a big conference win over a ranked team to silence the critics?
#15 Virgina Tech @ #22 Clemson - Can Tech frosh QB Tyrod Taylor stay undefeated against a Tiger squad looking for a rebound after a hard fought 13-3 loss to Georgia Tech?
Iowa State @ Texas Tech - how many yards does Tech QB Harrell throw for this week against one the most porous defenses in the conference?
Colorado @ Baylor - can CU keep up the momentum against the South division's weakest sister?
Okie St @ Texas A & M - Which team responds best with both coaches under fire for off the field issues?
#4 Ohio State @ #23 Purdue - major battle of two unbeatens in the Big 10.
#9 Florida @ #2 LSU - still a huge game, likely the best of the day, but has lost a bit of cream off the top with Florida's loss to Auburn last week. Look for the LSU defense to try to hammer at UF QB Tim Tebow.
#20 Cincinnati @ #21 Rutgers - surprising and unbeaten Cincy looks to continue its winning ways against a Rutgers squad stunned by Maryland last week. Conference opener for both schools.
AND THE BIG KAHUNA...
#25 Nebraska @ #17 Missouri - NU looks to control Mizzou's potent QB Chase Daniels, possibly with last year's 3-3-5 defensive look while Husker look for QB Sam Keller to make enough plays to stay with the Tigers. Hopefully the Blackshirts show up better than the equally anemic Tigger D and NU can run the ball to keep Daniels off the field.
Irresponsibly crazed prediction: NU 42, UM 34.
Saturday Games of Interest:
#13 W. Virgina @ Syracuse - can the Orange stun another ranked foe or do the Moutaineers recover their balance after being shocked last week by South Florida?
Kansas @ #24 Kansas St - I never saw that his one would be a huge game. KU is undefeated and State is 3-1 coming off its upset of the Longhorns,with only a late 4th quarter swoon against Auburn blemishing the record. Winner has to be considered a Big 12 North candidate.
#5 Wisconsin @ Illinois - can the Badgers keep winning the tight games or does Ron Zook pull off yet another upset of a Big 10 title contender, like they did last week against Penn St?
Georgia Tech @ Maryland - will the Yellowjacket swarm prevail or does Maryland keep up the momentum after last week's upset of Rutgers?
Ohio @ Buffalo - Frank's Bobcats against Turner's Bison. What's a Husker fan to do? Cats really need a win after dropping to 0-1 in conference in losing to Kent St last week.
#10 Oklahoma vs #19 Texas in Dallas - Red River shootout lost a lot of luster with both team's fall from grace last week, but it still could wind up deciding the Big 12 South.
#12 Georgia @ Tennessee - can UT's Phil Fullmer get a big conference win over a ranked team to silence the critics?
#15 Virgina Tech @ #22 Clemson - Can Tech frosh QB Tyrod Taylor stay undefeated against a Tiger squad looking for a rebound after a hard fought 13-3 loss to Georgia Tech?
Iowa State @ Texas Tech - how many yards does Tech QB Harrell throw for this week against one the most porous defenses in the conference?
Colorado @ Baylor - can CU keep up the momentum against the South division's weakest sister?
Okie St @ Texas A & M - Which team responds best with both coaches under fire for off the field issues?
#4 Ohio State @ #23 Purdue - major battle of two unbeatens in the Big 10.
#9 Florida @ #2 LSU - still a huge game, likely the best of the day, but has lost a bit of cream off the top with Florida's loss to Auburn last week. Look for the LSU defense to try to hammer at UF QB Tim Tebow.
#20 Cincinnati @ #21 Rutgers - surprising and unbeaten Cincy looks to continue its winning ways against a Rutgers squad stunned by Maryland last week. Conference opener for both schools.
AND THE BIG KAHUNA...
#25 Nebraska @ #17 Missouri - NU looks to control Mizzou's potent QB Chase Daniels, possibly with last year's 3-3-5 defensive look while Husker look for QB Sam Keller to make enough plays to stay with the Tigers. Hopefully the Blackshirts show up better than the equally anemic Tigger D and NU can run the ball to keep Daniels off the field.
Irresponsibly crazed prediction: NU 42, UM 34.
Monday, October 01, 2007
College FB Results
While it was an very interesting weekend for baseball, there was also a ton of exciting things happening in the world of college football. ESPN's Pat Forde has a good run down of this weekend's crazy results, where a number of contenders were shown to be pretenders by the underdogs. Fortunately for NU, the Huskers weren't one of the victims, winning 35-17 over Iowa State despite three early turnovers.
First on Friday, #5 W. Virgina gets dropped by South Florida, then #3 OU falls to CU, blowing a 24-7 lead, #4 Florida loses to Auburn on a last second FG, and #7 Texas gets thumped by Kansas State 41-21, while #10 Rutgers gets upended by Maryland. Adding to the mayhem, #13 Clemson lost to Georgia Tech, and #21 Penn St falls to the Fighting Illini, and Florida St drops #22 Alabama. Zoinks!
And that wasn't all, #2 LSU had to hold off a pesky Tulane bunch (LSU led only 10-9 at half) with 24 second half points, and Washington gave USC all it wanted, with the Trojans finally prevailing 27-24. How bout some more? #9 Wisconsin survives against Michigan St, 37-34.
Elsewhere in the Big 12, A & M spanks Baylor 34-10, Tech lights up Northwestern St 75-7 and Oklahoma St. blast Sam Houston St 39-3. Mizzou and Kansas had the week off.
Lots of poll movement, but NU actually falls a spot in the USA Coach's poll to #23, and hold at #25 in the AP.
LSU moves around USC for the top spot in the AP, but the Trojans stay put at #1 in the USA poll. #3 in both polls is Cal, followed by Ohio St and Wisconsin. South Florida is 6 (AP) and 9 (USA), Boston College is 7/6, Florida drops to 7/9, and Kentucky is at # 8 and the Sooners drop to #10 in both polls. Upcoming NU opponent Mizzou moves up to #17 in both polls, Longhorns are at #19/16, and Kansas St enters the AP poll at #24.
First on Friday, #5 W. Virgina gets dropped by South Florida, then #3 OU falls to CU, blowing a 24-7 lead, #4 Florida loses to Auburn on a last second FG, and #7 Texas gets thumped by Kansas State 41-21, while #10 Rutgers gets upended by Maryland. Adding to the mayhem, #13 Clemson lost to Georgia Tech, and #21 Penn St falls to the Fighting Illini, and Florida St drops #22 Alabama. Zoinks!
And that wasn't all, #2 LSU had to hold off a pesky Tulane bunch (LSU led only 10-9 at half) with 24 second half points, and Washington gave USC all it wanted, with the Trojans finally prevailing 27-24. How bout some more? #9 Wisconsin survives against Michigan St, 37-34.
Elsewhere in the Big 12, A & M spanks Baylor 34-10, Tech lights up Northwestern St 75-7 and Oklahoma St. blast Sam Houston St 39-3. Mizzou and Kansas had the week off.
Lots of poll movement, but NU actually falls a spot in the USA Coach's poll to #23, and hold at #25 in the AP.
LSU moves around USC for the top spot in the AP, but the Trojans stay put at #1 in the USA poll. #3 in both polls is Cal, followed by Ohio St and Wisconsin. South Florida is 6 (AP) and 9 (USA), Boston College is 7/6, Florida drops to 7/9, and Kentucky is at # 8 and the Sooners drop to #10 in both polls. Upcoming NU opponent Mizzou moves up to #17 in both polls, Longhorns are at #19/16, and Kansas St enters the AP poll at #24.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
College FB Results
No surprise last Friday, Sooners are dominant and definite contenders for a BCS game. Red River shootout on Oct. 6 likely to decide the South, OU get to warm up with some Bison meat this weekend.
First the actual upsets:
Biggest upset special Saturday was Syracuse blowing up Louisville's season, winning 38-35, sending the Cardinals staggering out of the rankings and falling to 2-2 despite 555 yds and 4 TDs from QB Brian Brohm.
The other big surprise for me personally was Virginia upending Georgia Tech 28-23, never thought the Cavs would be able to move the ball like that on the Yellowjacket D.
The Wolverines bounce back and drop formerly #10 Penn St 14-9, big win for Lloyd Carr.
Okie St (49) out gunned the biggest gun in the Big 12, Texas Tech's (45) Graham Harrell, who threw for 646 yds and 5 TDs in a LOSING effort, with the teams combining for 1300 yards in the game. Maybe the Husker D isn't so bad after all. OK< yes it really is just as bad.
Next some of the near upsets:
NU 41, Ball St 40 - Huskers avoid the upset due to a missed 55 yd FG with only a couple tics remaining. Ouch. Blackshirts looking quite inept, give up 600 yards.
Florida gets a unexpected challenge on the road from Ole Miss 30-24. This one wasn't over until a late INT and a nearly six minute drive resulted in a Gator FG to stretch the lead to 6 and almost finish off the clock.
Navy had a near thing with Duke, 46-43, and Wyoming stages a late comeback to edge Frank Solich's Bobcats 34-33. Wake takes out Maryland 31-24 and Georgia stops Nick Saban's Crimson Tide in OT 26-23. Wisconsin holds off Iowa with a late score 17-13.
In the Big 12, Kansas beats up another grade school squad (Florida International) 55-3, Mizzou continues to roll taking out Illinois St 38-17, Baylor knocks off Turner Gill's Buffalo squad 34-21, and Colorado(?) shuts out Miami of Ohio 42-0. Texas bombs Rice 58-14, while Iowa St falls due to a botched punt recovered in the end zone to Toldeo, 36-35. Mizzou and KU both have bye weeks this weekend.
First the actual upsets:
Biggest upset special Saturday was Syracuse blowing up Louisville's season, winning 38-35, sending the Cardinals staggering out of the rankings and falling to 2-2 despite 555 yds and 4 TDs from QB Brian Brohm.
The other big surprise for me personally was Virginia upending Georgia Tech 28-23, never thought the Cavs would be able to move the ball like that on the Yellowjacket D.
The Wolverines bounce back and drop formerly #10 Penn St 14-9, big win for Lloyd Carr.
Okie St (49) out gunned the biggest gun in the Big 12, Texas Tech's (45) Graham Harrell, who threw for 646 yds and 5 TDs in a LOSING effort, with the teams combining for 1300 yards in the game. Maybe the Husker D isn't so bad after all. OK< yes it really is just as bad.
Next some of the near upsets:
NU 41, Ball St 40 - Huskers avoid the upset due to a missed 55 yd FG with only a couple tics remaining. Ouch. Blackshirts looking quite inept, give up 600 yards.
Florida gets a unexpected challenge on the road from Ole Miss 30-24. This one wasn't over until a late INT and a nearly six minute drive resulted in a Gator FG to stretch the lead to 6 and almost finish off the clock.
Navy had a near thing with Duke, 46-43, and Wyoming stages a late comeback to edge Frank Solich's Bobcats 34-33. Wake takes out Maryland 31-24 and Georgia stops Nick Saban's Crimson Tide in OT 26-23. Wisconsin holds off Iowa with a late score 17-13.
In the Big 12, Kansas beats up another grade school squad (Florida International) 55-3, Mizzou continues to roll taking out Illinois St 38-17, Baylor knocks off Turner Gill's Buffalo squad 34-21, and Colorado(?) shuts out Miami of Ohio 42-0. Texas bombs Rice 58-14, while Iowa St falls due to a botched punt recovered in the end zone to Toldeo, 36-35. Mizzou and KU both have bye weeks this weekend.
Friday, September 21, 2007
College FB This Weekend
Last night's big win for Miami over #20 Texas A & M (34-17) makes Oklahoma's earlier dismantling of the Hurricanes look even more impressive, but one has to wonder if the Aggies are for real.
Games this weekend of interest:
Friday - #4 OU travels within the state over to Tulsa. How many points will the Sooners ring up?
Early Games on Sat:
Goergia Tech travels to Virgina - how do the Yellowjackets bounce back after the loss to BC? Can the Cavaliers move the ball against the Tech D?
East Carolina takes on another big challenge in #5 W. Virginia. Can they control the Mountineer running attack? They've come close a couple of times in the past, and looked pretty solid against Va Tech a couple of weeks ago.
Army travels to #14 Boston College, who have looked great to start out the season, including a convincing win vs Ga Tech last week.
#25 Mizzou host Illinois St - how many yards does Chase throw for this week against another outmatched opponent?
Ball St @ #24 NU - pivotal bounce back game for the Huskers after getting gutted against USC last week.
Afternoon games:
Wyoming @ Ohio - both teams looking to recover following losses last week.
Texas Tech travels to Okie St for an early conference matchup. Will State get it going offensively after struggling again against Troy last week?
Michigan State @ Notre Dame - When will Charlie get the Irish O moving the ball?
#10 Penn St @ Michigan - a huge win here at home for Lloyd Carr if he can pull it off. Otherwise, it might be a lost season if JoPa embarasses the Wolverines again.
#12 South Carolina @ #2 LSU - can the ball coach pull off a huge upset against the talented Tigers in Death Valley? Biggest game of the week.
Miami (OH) @ Colorado - can the Buffs beat even a MAC squad? OU lurks around the corner next week.
In the evening (great Led Zep song, BTW):
Baylor travels to Buffalo - interesting matchup of two historically troubled programs, can Turner pull off an upset of the Big 12's weakest sister? BU has put up some big offensive number since finding a QB.
#21 Kentucky @ Arkansas - can the Razorbacks bounce back after the heartbreaker to Bama, or will the talented UK passing game put up big numbers again?
Rice @ #7 Texas - how long will it take the Longhorns to put this one away?
Iowa State @ Toledo - will Gene get his second win or will the Rockets win their first game of the season?
Florida Intl @ KU - will the Jayhawks dominate another patsy before Big 12 starts?
#22 Georgia @ #16 Alabama - can Nick Saban continue his magic against the Bulldogs in the biggest game of the week under lights?
Iowa @ #9 Wisconsin - UW looks to right the ship after a scare last week, while the Hwakeyes search for an identity after losing a hearbreaker to ISU.
#1 USC hosts Washinton St. - how long can the Cougars reasonably expect to hang with the Trojans?
Kansas St gets the week off to prepare for Texas next week.
Games this weekend of interest:
Friday - #4 OU travels within the state over to Tulsa. How many points will the Sooners ring up?
Early Games on Sat:
Goergia Tech travels to Virgina - how do the Yellowjackets bounce back after the loss to BC? Can the Cavaliers move the ball against the Tech D?
East Carolina takes on another big challenge in #5 W. Virginia. Can they control the Mountineer running attack? They've come close a couple of times in the past, and looked pretty solid against Va Tech a couple of weeks ago.
Army travels to #14 Boston College, who have looked great to start out the season, including a convincing win vs Ga Tech last week.
#25 Mizzou host Illinois St - how many yards does Chase throw for this week against another outmatched opponent?
Ball St @ #24 NU - pivotal bounce back game for the Huskers after getting gutted against USC last week.
Afternoon games:
Wyoming @ Ohio - both teams looking to recover following losses last week.
Texas Tech travels to Okie St for an early conference matchup. Will State get it going offensively after struggling again against Troy last week?
Michigan State @ Notre Dame - When will Charlie get the Irish O moving the ball?
#10 Penn St @ Michigan - a huge win here at home for Lloyd Carr if he can pull it off. Otherwise, it might be a lost season if JoPa embarasses the Wolverines again.
#12 South Carolina @ #2 LSU - can the ball coach pull off a huge upset against the talented Tigers in Death Valley? Biggest game of the week.
Miami (OH) @ Colorado - can the Buffs beat even a MAC squad? OU lurks around the corner next week.
In the evening (great Led Zep song, BTW):
Baylor travels to Buffalo - interesting matchup of two historically troubled programs, can Turner pull off an upset of the Big 12's weakest sister? BU has put up some big offensive number since finding a QB.
#21 Kentucky @ Arkansas - can the Razorbacks bounce back after the heartbreaker to Bama, or will the talented UK passing game put up big numbers again?
Rice @ #7 Texas - how long will it take the Longhorns to put this one away?
Iowa State @ Toledo - will Gene get his second win or will the Rockets win their first game of the season?
Florida Intl @ KU - will the Jayhawks dominate another patsy before Big 12 starts?
#22 Georgia @ #16 Alabama - can Nick Saban continue his magic against the Bulldogs in the biggest game of the week under lights?
Iowa @ #9 Wisconsin - UW looks to right the ship after a scare last week, while the Hwakeyes search for an identity after losing a hearbreaker to ISU.
#1 USC hosts Washinton St. - how long can the Cougars reasonably expect to hang with the Trojans?
Kansas St gets the week off to prepare for Texas next week.
Monday, September 17, 2007
College FB This Weekend
Ouch. Huskers got schooled over the weekend, falling to the mighty USC Trojans 49-31; the game was not nearly as close as the score would indicate. After taking a 10-7 lead, the Huskers allowed a seemingly endless 35 unanswered points before scoring three 4th quarter TDs. The inexplicable item for me is that the Blackshirt defense again got torn up on ground, allowing over 300 yards and 14 first downs. Sam Keller had a big day in the absence of any like minded Husker ground game, going 36-54 for 389 and 2 TDS, but also threw 2 INTs. NU drops to ten spots in the polls to #24 as a result.
Elsewhere around the Big 12:
Iowa State broke through into the W column upsetting arch rival Iowa 15-13.
Mizzou beat up on another MAC victim, this time Western Michigan to the tune of 52-24.
Texas Tech punishes Rice 59-24, with Graham Harrell again going for over 400 yds and throwing 6 TDs.
The Sooner wagon also rolled Saturday, decleating Utah St 54-3 and running up 617 yds of offense in doing so.
South Division also had yet another big win with A & M beating up on Louisiana Monroe 54-14.
The Loghorns struggle mightily against my favorite Florida school, Central Florida, eeking out a 35-32 victory against the Golden Knights.
Baylor edges Texas St 34-27, BU QB Blake Szymanski going for over 400 yards and 5 TDs, along with a pair of INTs.
Another pair of blowouts in the form of Big 12 North action was Kansas St 61, Missouri State 10 and Kansas 45, Toldeo 10, with KU QB Tim Ressing reeling off 300 yards and 4 TDs.
On the other hand, the Buffalo fall again, this time to Florida State, 16-6, despite a meager 10 FSU first downs.
Around the rest of the land:
#9 Wisconsin avoids an upset defeating The Citadel 45-31.
#10 Penn St. outmuscled Turner Gill's game Buffalo squad 45-24.
Michigan spanks Notre Dame 38-0, too bad someone had to win this one.
#8 Ohio St breaks Ty Willingham's bubble, downing the Huskies 33-14.
#17 Virginia Tech knocks off Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats 28-7.
Florida hangs 59 points on the Volunteers to win by 39.
#16 Bama edges the Razorbacks 41-38.
#21 Kentucky outscores #18 Louisville 40-34.
Shocker of the Day: Utah 44, UCLA 6, knocking the Bruins clean out of the top 25.
NU's next opponent, the MAC's Ball State U, edged Navy 34-31.
More on them later in the week.
Elsewhere around the Big 12:
Iowa State broke through into the W column upsetting arch rival Iowa 15-13.
Mizzou beat up on another MAC victim, this time Western Michigan to the tune of 52-24.
Texas Tech punishes Rice 59-24, with Graham Harrell again going for over 400 yds and throwing 6 TDs.
The Sooner wagon also rolled Saturday, decleating Utah St 54-3 and running up 617 yds of offense in doing so.
South Division also had yet another big win with A & M beating up on Louisiana Monroe 54-14.
The Loghorns struggle mightily against my favorite Florida school, Central Florida, eeking out a 35-32 victory against the Golden Knights.
Baylor edges Texas St 34-27, BU QB Blake Szymanski going for over 400 yards and 5 TDs, along with a pair of INTs.
Another pair of blowouts in the form of Big 12 North action was Kansas St 61, Missouri State 10 and Kansas 45, Toldeo 10, with KU QB Tim Ressing reeling off 300 yards and 4 TDs.
On the other hand, the Buffalo fall again, this time to Florida State, 16-6, despite a meager 10 FSU first downs.
Around the rest of the land:
#9 Wisconsin avoids an upset defeating The Citadel 45-31.
#10 Penn St. outmuscled Turner Gill's game Buffalo squad 45-24.
Michigan spanks Notre Dame 38-0, too bad someone had to win this one.
#8 Ohio St breaks Ty Willingham's bubble, downing the Huskies 33-14.
#17 Virginia Tech knocks off Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats 28-7.
Florida hangs 59 points on the Volunteers to win by 39.
#16 Bama edges the Razorbacks 41-38.
#21 Kentucky outscores #18 Louisville 40-34.
Shocker of the Day: Utah 44, UCLA 6, knocking the Bruins clean out of the top 25.
NU's next opponent, the MAC's Ball State U, edged Navy 34-31.
More on them later in the week.
Friday, September 14, 2007
College FB This Weekend
W. Virginia topped Maryland last night 31-14, and Air Force toppled TCU with a stunning 4th quarter comeback featuring a 71 yard TD run in the waning moments and a FG to win it in OT, 20-17. Okie St. takes on Troy tonight at Troy, interesting because it's a bit unusual for one of the big BCS conference schools to go on the road to a Sun Belt school.
Games of interest on Saturday:
Turner Gill's job gets harder as Buffalo visits #12 Penn State.
Iowa and Iowa State clash in Ames, will State win a game this year?
Frank Solich's Ohio squad also faces a tough challenge at Va. Tech.
Mizzou takes on another patsy, this week Western Michigan.
Texas Tech travels to Rice, how many TDs does Harrell throw this week?
The battle of ineptitude this weekend is Notre Dame-Michigan, both 0-2.
#22 Tennesee squares off against #5 Florida in Gainsville.
Army goes to Wake, can the Black Knights pull off the upset over the defending ACC champs, now 0-2?
Ohio State goes on the road to Washington, will Ty Willingham surprise another ranked foe?
NU's next opponent Ball St travels to Navy.
#9 Louisville faces cross state rival Kentucky, can either defense slow down the offenses?
Boston College goes to Ga. Tech for a big ACC matchup.
Utah State travels to get a spanking at Oklahoma, while Texas goes on the road to Central Florida. Will Colt & Co. go to see the mouse?
Florida St goes to Colorado to kill buffalo.
Toledo tests the high flying Jayhawks this week, are they for real?
Texas State at Baylor, La-Monroe at A & M, Mizzou St at Kanssa State are the other Big 12 games.
Then there is the big kahuna visting Lincoln. #1 USC faces off against #14 Nebraska.
USC is definitely a talented team, and gets a lot of press clippings, recruits great athletes, and is very well coached. Can NU pull off the upset? I'd like to think so, but the Huskers had better play a perfect game - no turnovers and stupid penalties.
The 3rd largest city in Nebraska will most definitely be rocking come 7 pm.
While it's not likely, the Fearless prediction is: NU 24, USC 23.
Buckle up your chin straps.
Games of interest on Saturday:
Turner Gill's job gets harder as Buffalo visits #12 Penn State.
Iowa and Iowa State clash in Ames, will State win a game this year?
Frank Solich's Ohio squad also faces a tough challenge at Va. Tech.
Mizzou takes on another patsy, this week Western Michigan.
Texas Tech travels to Rice, how many TDs does Harrell throw this week?
The battle of ineptitude this weekend is Notre Dame-Michigan, both 0-2.
#22 Tennesee squares off against #5 Florida in Gainsville.
Army goes to Wake, can the Black Knights pull off the upset over the defending ACC champs, now 0-2?
Ohio State goes on the road to Washington, will Ty Willingham surprise another ranked foe?
NU's next opponent Ball St travels to Navy.
#9 Louisville faces cross state rival Kentucky, can either defense slow down the offenses?
Boston College goes to Ga. Tech for a big ACC matchup.
Utah State travels to get a spanking at Oklahoma, while Texas goes on the road to Central Florida. Will Colt & Co. go to see the mouse?
Florida St goes to Colorado to kill buffalo.
Toledo tests the high flying Jayhawks this week, are they for real?
Texas State at Baylor, La-Monroe at A & M, Mizzou St at Kanssa State are the other Big 12 games.
Then there is the big kahuna visting Lincoln. #1 USC faces off against #14 Nebraska.
USC is definitely a talented team, and gets a lot of press clippings, recruits great athletes, and is very well coached. Can NU pull off the upset? I'd like to think so, but the Huskers had better play a perfect game - no turnovers and stupid penalties.
The 3rd largest city in Nebraska will most definitely be rocking come 7 pm.
While it's not likely, the Fearless prediction is: NU 24, USC 23.
Buckle up your chin straps.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Thoughts on the Weekend College FB
Well, the Huskers survive a very scary trip to Wake Forest, 20-17. A W is still a W, but I have to express a lot of disappointment with the play of the offense. Sam Keller looked very shaky at times with a couple of fumbles and 2 INTs, and the wideouts showed hands of granite on at least a half dozen occaisons. The O-line did a poor job of clearing lanes for Marlon Lucky (although some credit must be given due to the stout Wake run defense) but my biggest criticism is for the coaching staff. Coach C chose to call a very predictable game in his play selection, particularly on 3rd down, where NU was a miserable 3 of 15! A great deal of credit must be given to the Blackshirts for repeatedly stepping up to save the game, although I would have liked to see the adjustment to stop the WR end around a little earlier than mid way in the 3rd quarter, Coach Coz.
Around the Big 12, Oklahoma looked pretty scary blasting Miami, and Texas did not impress against TCU. A & M barely held on against Fresno, blowing a 19 point lead to survive in multiple OTs. Mizzou jumped out to a lead against Ole Miss and then nearly gave it back, allowing over 500 yards of offense by the Rebels. KU blew out yet another weak opponent (SE Lousiana), while ISU lost to one (Northern Iowa). Baylor secures a victory against Rice, while Tech goes wild on UTEP in the second half after trailing, with Graham Harrell going 48-64 for 4 TD passes and nearly 500 yards passing. Okie St recovers from the Georgia loss by smoking Florida Atlantic, Kansas St wins convincingly against San Jose St, and CU blows a 14 point first quarter lead to Arizona St and drops 33-14.
Around the rest of the nation, LSU looks VERY good in taking down VA Tech 48-7, West VA struggled a bit early but downed Marshall 48-23, Florida puts a bunch of points away on Troy 59-31, Wisconsin struggled mightily with UNLV 20-13, Cal holds off Colorado St 34-28, Penn St manhandles Notre Dame 31-10, Michigan gets crushed by Oregon 39-7, Ohio State looks sloppy in a 20-2 win over Akron, and Hawaii's Colt Brennan barely manages to keep Hawaii undefeated in throwing 43-61 for 548 and 4 scores against Louisiana Tech in eaking out a 1 point win, 45-44 in OT.
A number of upset specials this week - Washington knocks off Boise St 24-10, Georgia falls to South Carolina 16-12, and Auburn gets clipped by South Florida 26-23. Huskers move up to #14 in both polls at a result.
Upcoming NU opponent USC had the week off, and the last non-conference opponent, Ball St, won pretty convincingly on the road at Eastern Michigan, 38-16. Turner Gill's Buffalo program downs Temple 42-7, and Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats also gut out a win over Louisiana - Lafayette 31-23.
More on USC later in the week.
Around the Big 12, Oklahoma looked pretty scary blasting Miami, and Texas did not impress against TCU. A & M barely held on against Fresno, blowing a 19 point lead to survive in multiple OTs. Mizzou jumped out to a lead against Ole Miss and then nearly gave it back, allowing over 500 yards of offense by the Rebels. KU blew out yet another weak opponent (SE Lousiana), while ISU lost to one (Northern Iowa). Baylor secures a victory against Rice, while Tech goes wild on UTEP in the second half after trailing, with Graham Harrell going 48-64 for 4 TD passes and nearly 500 yards passing. Okie St recovers from the Georgia loss by smoking Florida Atlantic, Kansas St wins convincingly against San Jose St, and CU blows a 14 point first quarter lead to Arizona St and drops 33-14.
Around the rest of the nation, LSU looks VERY good in taking down VA Tech 48-7, West VA struggled a bit early but downed Marshall 48-23, Florida puts a bunch of points away on Troy 59-31, Wisconsin struggled mightily with UNLV 20-13, Cal holds off Colorado St 34-28, Penn St manhandles Notre Dame 31-10, Michigan gets crushed by Oregon 39-7, Ohio State looks sloppy in a 20-2 win over Akron, and Hawaii's Colt Brennan barely manages to keep Hawaii undefeated in throwing 43-61 for 548 and 4 scores against Louisiana Tech in eaking out a 1 point win, 45-44 in OT.
A number of upset specials this week - Washington knocks off Boise St 24-10, Georgia falls to South Carolina 16-12, and Auburn gets clipped by South Florida 26-23. Huskers move up to #14 in both polls at a result.
Upcoming NU opponent USC had the week off, and the last non-conference opponent, Ball St, won pretty convincingly on the road at Eastern Michigan, 38-16. Turner Gill's Buffalo program downs Temple 42-7, and Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats also gut out a win over Louisiana - Lafayette 31-23.
More on USC later in the week.
Friday, September 07, 2007
College FB This Weekend
A couple of minor surprises last night, with Oregon State getting spanked by Cincinnati 34-3 and #8 Louisville having some real difficulty slowing down the Sun Belt Conference's Middle Tennessee State, with Louisville winning a slugfest 58-42. The two teams combineds for almost 1300 yds of offense and 13 TD's.
Tonight, #15 Rutgers hosts Navy and their option orineted running game. Rutgers won 34-0 last year and held the Midhsipmen to only 113 yards in that game.
Early & Afternoon Games of Interest on Saturday:
Miami (FL) at #5 Oklahoma - can OU's running game establish itself against a more capable opponent, or will Sooner QB Sam Bradford be forced to go more to the air than last week? UM has lost its last two road openers.
Buffalo at Temple - this might be Temple's best shot at winning a game this year.
#22 Boise State at Washington - Bronco's putting their nation leading 15 game win streak on the line against Ty Willingham's best looking UW team so far.
Oregon at Michigan - How do the Maize and Blue bounce back from last week's debacle?
Fresno State at #23 Texas A & M - Can A& M QB Stephen McGee repeat last week's success and will the Wrecking Crew defense step up after allowing over 400 yards to Montana State?
Evening Games:
Notre Dame @ #14 Penn St. - Can Charlie Weiss get the Irish offense untracked against Joe Pa?
Missouri at Mississippi - Can the Tigers D step up and stop anyone? Will it matter if Chase Daniels lights up the Rebel's D?
#19 TCU @ #7 Texas - will the real Colt McCoy show up this week or will the Horned Frogs surprise?
Hawaii @ Lousiana Tech - how many TD will the other Colt throw in the first half this week?
VA Tech @ LSU - will Tech be able to move the ball on the Tiger's talented D? Can LSU QB Jeff Flynn mix it up as well this week against the almost equally talented Tech D?
Colorado @ Arizona State - will Rudy Carpenter or Cody Hawkins step up bigger in the late late late show (game starts at 10:15 Eastern).
Tonight, #15 Rutgers hosts Navy and their option orineted running game. Rutgers won 34-0 last year and held the Midhsipmen to only 113 yards in that game.
Early & Afternoon Games of Interest on Saturday:
Miami (FL) at #5 Oklahoma - can OU's running game establish itself against a more capable opponent, or will Sooner QB Sam Bradford be forced to go more to the air than last week? UM has lost its last two road openers.
Buffalo at Temple - this might be Temple's best shot at winning a game this year.
#22 Boise State at Washington - Bronco's putting their nation leading 15 game win streak on the line against Ty Willingham's best looking UW team so far.
Oregon at Michigan - How do the Maize and Blue bounce back from last week's debacle?
Fresno State at #23 Texas A & M - Can A& M QB Stephen McGee repeat last week's success and will the Wrecking Crew defense step up after allowing over 400 yards to Montana State?
Evening Games:
Notre Dame @ #14 Penn St. - Can Charlie Weiss get the Irish offense untracked against Joe Pa?
Missouri at Mississippi - Can the Tigers D step up and stop anyone? Will it matter if Chase Daniels lights up the Rebel's D?
#19 TCU @ #7 Texas - will the real Colt McCoy show up this week or will the Horned Frogs surprise?
Hawaii @ Lousiana Tech - how many TD will the other Colt throw in the first half this week?
VA Tech @ LSU - will Tech be able to move the ball on the Tiger's talented D? Can LSU QB Jeff Flynn mix it up as well this week against the almost equally talented Tech D?
Colorado @ Arizona State - will Rudy Carpenter or Cody Hawkins step up bigger in the late late late show (game starts at 10:15 Eastern).
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Thoughts on the Weekend
New College FB polls are out, and we have had some significant movement due to last weekend's games. The big news of course, was giant slayer Appalachian State going into the Big House in Ann Arbor and shocking the Wolverines, who fell completely out of the Top 25 from #5. The Huskers moved up a few spots to #16/17 (AP/USA) after their impressive victory over Nevada, and have the nation's top rusher in Marlon Lucky and the top rushing offense in the land after one game. Earlier this week, Coach C also got himself a nice five year contract extention with a nice quarter million raise as well.
I watched parts of several games over the holiday weekend as well as the Husker game, and will also take a quick look at the Big 12. The only way the weekend would have been better is if CU had lost like ND and UM.
East Carolina looked pretty stout on defense but had problems moving the ball against VA Tech, which definitely needs to figure out how to run the ball but will have a pretty stiff test against LSU this weekend.
Notre Dame looked really pathetic losing to Georgia Tech, could not move the ball whatsoever or slow down the Yellowjackets. Domers go to Penn St this weekend, then play UM the week after, Charlie may wind up 0-3 if he can't get something going.
The big Tennessee-Cal matchup wasn't, Cal pretty much ran away with it, and Tennessee falls all the way to #24 in both polls. Hawaii's Colt threw 6 TDs in the first half, looks like a strong Heisman candidate. FSU-Clemson looked all Clemson until a late rally by FSU fell just short.
In Big 12 action, Colorado survived in OT against in state rival CSU, but didn't look particularly inmpressive, although new QB Cody Hawkins performed pretty well. The Buffs D will have to step up for the team to be succcessful facing Oregon this weekend.
Missouri had its hands full with Illinois, jumped out to a big lead and the Tiggers D nearly squandered it. They should look better this week against UNLV - but it is Mizzou.
K State looked pretty decent against Auburn, holding a lead into the 4th quarter before falling, but you have to wonder how good AU really is after their lackluster performance. Mildcats face another test this weekend vs. Michigan State.
Okie St did not ever get on track at Georgia on either side of the ball, but look to bounce back this week against Florida Atlantic.
KU looked very good against MAC champ Central Michigan, putting up over 500 yards of offense and giving up only a single TD. They get SE Louisiana this week, so expect more of the same.
Oklahoma looked very impressive against weak competition, and UT didn't, but OU moves up to #5/6 in the polls with UT at #7 in both. A&M and Tech both won as expected and A&M moves up both polls to #23. Also as expected, Baylor lost to TCU.
This week's NU opponent, Wake Forest fell to Boston College 38-28, gave up over 400 yards in the air, and may have lost their starting QB for this week's game to a separated shoulder.
More later in the week.
I watched parts of several games over the holiday weekend as well as the Husker game, and will also take a quick look at the Big 12. The only way the weekend would have been better is if CU had lost like ND and UM.
East Carolina looked pretty stout on defense but had problems moving the ball against VA Tech, which definitely needs to figure out how to run the ball but will have a pretty stiff test against LSU this weekend.
Notre Dame looked really pathetic losing to Georgia Tech, could not move the ball whatsoever or slow down the Yellowjackets. Domers go to Penn St this weekend, then play UM the week after, Charlie may wind up 0-3 if he can't get something going.
The big Tennessee-Cal matchup wasn't, Cal pretty much ran away with it, and Tennessee falls all the way to #24 in both polls. Hawaii's Colt threw 6 TDs in the first half, looks like a strong Heisman candidate. FSU-Clemson looked all Clemson until a late rally by FSU fell just short.
In Big 12 action, Colorado survived in OT against in state rival CSU, but didn't look particularly inmpressive, although new QB Cody Hawkins performed pretty well. The Buffs D will have to step up for the team to be succcessful facing Oregon this weekend.
Missouri had its hands full with Illinois, jumped out to a big lead and the Tiggers D nearly squandered it. They should look better this week against UNLV - but it is Mizzou.
K State looked pretty decent against Auburn, holding a lead into the 4th quarter before falling, but you have to wonder how good AU really is after their lackluster performance. Mildcats face another test this weekend vs. Michigan State.
Okie St did not ever get on track at Georgia on either side of the ball, but look to bounce back this week against Florida Atlantic.
KU looked very good against MAC champ Central Michigan, putting up over 500 yards of offense and giving up only a single TD. They get SE Louisiana this week, so expect more of the same.
Oklahoma looked very impressive against weak competition, and UT didn't, but OU moves up to #5/6 in the polls with UT at #7 in both. A&M and Tech both won as expected and A&M moves up both polls to #23. Also as expected, Baylor lost to TCU.
This week's NU opponent, Wake Forest fell to Boston College 38-28, gave up over 400 yards in the air, and may have lost their starting QB for this week's game to a separated shoulder.
More later in the week.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Colllege Games Saturday
No big surprises last night, the usual early season blowouts, highlighted by the Louisville - Murray St 73-10 score. LSU won big 45-0 but Mississippi St played some very tough early defense but couldn't move the ball whatsoever against the Tigers.
Best game of the night was probably the MAC matchup between Miami (OH) and Ball St, with Redhawk QB Brandon Murphy scoring with but 17 ticks remaining on the clock to give Miami the victory. The MAC had a pretty good night despite Buffalo getting blown out against Rutgers. Kent St defeated Iowa St for its first victory over a BCS conference opponent since 1987 despite 3 red zone turnovers.
Games of Interest this Saturday:
Colorado St @ Colorado (Big rivalry game, CU is rebuilding under new HC Dan Hawkins but CO St has 20 returning starters, including RB Kyle Bell, who missed 2006 with a knee injury.)
E. Carolina @ VA Tech (Tech will play NU next season, and the horrific school shootings there earlier this year give this game some additional emotional impact)
Iowa @ N. Illinois (Can the Hawkeyes recover from losing six of their last 7 in 2006?)
Missouri @ Illinois (Could be a trap game for Mizzou, can their offense keep the pressure off the young defensive unit?)
Washington St @ Wisconsin (Can the Badgers repeat last year's success?)
Wake Forest @ Boston College (Big conference challenge for the returning ACC champs before the host the Huskers next week)
Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame (Will the Irish be able to move the ball with their new offensive unit against a very good Tech defensive group?)
Oklahoma St @ Georgia (Huge test on the road for the Cowpokes between the hedges, but Georgia may have issues stopping QSU QB Bobby Reid. Signature win for Big 12 if OSU pulls off the upset)
Central Michigan @ Kansas ( Can a Big 12 North school defeat a MAC school?)
Kansas St @ Auburn (Another huge test for the Big 12 against the SEC)
Tennessee @ California (Biggest game and possibly the best matchup of Week 1)
Bowling Green @ Minnesota (Can the MAC pull off another upset against the Big 10?)
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Nevada @ Nebraska (How will Sam Keller look running the West Coast offense, and can a Kevin Cosgrove Blackshirt defense handle Nevada's "pistol" spread offense?)
ON SUNDAY:
Northern Colorado @ Hawaii (How many TD passes will Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan throw?)
ON MONDAY:
Texas Tech @ SMU (Who will QB Graham Harrell throw to this season for his 4,000 yds?)
Florida St @ Clemson (Big ACC matchup, and what impact will the new OC, Jimbo Fisher have on Bobby Bowden's Seminole offense?)
Best game of the night was probably the MAC matchup between Miami (OH) and Ball St, with Redhawk QB Brandon Murphy scoring with but 17 ticks remaining on the clock to give Miami the victory. The MAC had a pretty good night despite Buffalo getting blown out against Rutgers. Kent St defeated Iowa St for its first victory over a BCS conference opponent since 1987 despite 3 red zone turnovers.
Games of Interest this Saturday:
Colorado St @ Colorado (Big rivalry game, CU is rebuilding under new HC Dan Hawkins but CO St has 20 returning starters, including RB Kyle Bell, who missed 2006 with a knee injury.)
E. Carolina @ VA Tech (Tech will play NU next season, and the horrific school shootings there earlier this year give this game some additional emotional impact)
Iowa @ N. Illinois (Can the Hawkeyes recover from losing six of their last 7 in 2006?)
Missouri @ Illinois (Could be a trap game for Mizzou, can their offense keep the pressure off the young defensive unit?)
Washington St @ Wisconsin (Can the Badgers repeat last year's success?)
Wake Forest @ Boston College (Big conference challenge for the returning ACC champs before the host the Huskers next week)
Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame (Will the Irish be able to move the ball with their new offensive unit against a very good Tech defensive group?)
Oklahoma St @ Georgia (Huge test on the road for the Cowpokes between the hedges, but Georgia may have issues stopping QSU QB Bobby Reid. Signature win for Big 12 if OSU pulls off the upset)
Central Michigan @ Kansas ( Can a Big 12 North school defeat a MAC school?)
Kansas St @ Auburn (Another huge test for the Big 12 against the SEC)
Tennessee @ California (Biggest game and possibly the best matchup of Week 1)
Bowling Green @ Minnesota (Can the MAC pull off another upset against the Big 10?)
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Nevada @ Nebraska (How will Sam Keller look running the West Coast offense, and can a Kevin Cosgrove Blackshirt defense handle Nevada's "pistol" spread offense?)
ON SUNDAY:
Northern Colorado @ Hawaii (How many TD passes will Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan throw?)
ON MONDAY:
Texas Tech @ SMU (Who will QB Graham Harrell throw to this season for his 4,000 yds?)
Florida St @ Clemson (Big ACC matchup, and what impact will the new OC, Jimbo Fisher have on Bobby Bowden's Seminole offense?)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
College FB Starts TONIGHT
Lengthy slate of games, the cool part is the Thursday start to the season.
Games of personal interest on Thursday, particularly MAC and Big 12 conference games:
Buffalo @ #16 Rutgers (Buffalo Head Coach Turner Gill has a huge challenge here)
#2 LSU @ Miss. St (How will new LSU QB Matt Flynn perform taking over for #1 NFL pick JaMarcus Russell in an early season conference contest?)
Miami (OH) @ Ball State (East meets West in an early season MAC conference game)
Kent State @ Iowa St (How will new ISU head coach Gene Chizik change things in Ames?)
Webber St @ Boise St (Not a big challenge, but the question is whether Boise can run the table again?)
On Friday, two games, both of interest:
Navy @ Temple (Does Temple have even a slim chance to win a game this year after joining the MAC?, and will Navy roll to a fifth consecutive bowl game?)
and
Washington @ Syracuse (Long road trip in a tough house for Ty Willingham's crew, who hasn't had much success, but the Orangemen have also struggled mightily of late)
I'll put down some thoughts tomorrow on the weekend and holiday games as well.
Games of personal interest on Thursday, particularly MAC and Big 12 conference games:
Buffalo @ #16 Rutgers (Buffalo Head Coach Turner Gill has a huge challenge here)
#2 LSU @ Miss. St (How will new LSU QB Matt Flynn perform taking over for #1 NFL pick JaMarcus Russell in an early season conference contest?)
Miami (OH) @ Ball State (East meets West in an early season MAC conference game)
Kent State @ Iowa St (How will new ISU head coach Gene Chizik change things in Ames?)
Webber St @ Boise St (Not a big challenge, but the question is whether Boise can run the table again?)
On Friday, two games, both of interest:
Navy @ Temple (Does Temple have even a slim chance to win a game this year after joining the MAC?, and will Navy roll to a fifth consecutive bowl game?)
and
Washington @ Syracuse (Long road trip in a tough house for Ty Willingham's crew, who hasn't had much success, but the Orangemen have also struggled mightily of late)
I'll put down some thoughts tomorrow on the weekend and holiday games as well.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Frank Solich Interviewed
Nice interview with Ohio Bobcat (and former Husker) Head Football coach Frank Solich. Great turnaround story at Ohio last year with the Bobcats winning nine games, the MAC East division and going to a bowl game for only the third time in school history. A couple of excerpts:
SB: What do you think has been the biggest reason for the quick turnaround for the program? Can you point to anything in particular that has changed since you took over as head coach?
FS: Well, they bought into our entire program, the players did, and we got them to give tremendous worth ethic. And obviously, one thing that did exist that they weren't having in the past is the fact that we were able to put together scholarships over the summer for players. So we were able to keep them here on campus with guys moving forward in their degrees. They were training together as a football team during the summer. And I don't think you can win football games without your squad being ready and conditioned year round to make it work. And so much chemistry gets developed over the summer when they're together. So that was a big, big thing for us to get that done and move forward with that. And then just the fact that the attitude seemed to be what we wanted in terms of them starting to believe in themselves, and once that happened, they started to believe in one another. And this truly felt like a football team ready to win games.
SB: You have such deep ties to Nebraska, having played there and coached there for so long. Do you have any lingering regrets about how your tenure there ended?
FS: Well, yeah, there are regrets on how that ended there, of course. But that's the business we're in. And obviously, it can come down to an individual or two as to where you're at, and any time there's a change in athletic directors, I think coaches are vulnerable. So that's what it was, and I feel good about what I was able to accomplish in six years there as a head coach. The staff that I took over as head coach with was a very good staff, and we maintained that staff for a few years. Unfortunately, it was an aging staff at one point, so we did make some changes. I was pleased with the opportunity I had to make changes, that good changes were made and that we could continue to move the program forward. So, you know, there's a time frame for new coaches where it's obvious you're extremely vulnerable, especially when you follow a coach like Coach Osborne. You know, he faced the same thing when he followed Coach [Bob] Devaney for a period of time.
Ohio is favored to repeat as East division winners, although they need to determine the starter at QB, RB Kevin McRae returns after two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. He could become Ohio's career rushing leader with another 1,009 yards. Here's wishing Coach Frank and the team all the best.
SB: What do you think has been the biggest reason for the quick turnaround for the program? Can you point to anything in particular that has changed since you took over as head coach?
FS: Well, they bought into our entire program, the players did, and we got them to give tremendous worth ethic. And obviously, one thing that did exist that they weren't having in the past is the fact that we were able to put together scholarships over the summer for players. So we were able to keep them here on campus with guys moving forward in their degrees. They were training together as a football team during the summer. And I don't think you can win football games without your squad being ready and conditioned year round to make it work. And so much chemistry gets developed over the summer when they're together. So that was a big, big thing for us to get that done and move forward with that. And then just the fact that the attitude seemed to be what we wanted in terms of them starting to believe in themselves, and once that happened, they started to believe in one another. And this truly felt like a football team ready to win games.
SB: You have such deep ties to Nebraska, having played there and coached there for so long. Do you have any lingering regrets about how your tenure there ended?
FS: Well, yeah, there are regrets on how that ended there, of course. But that's the business we're in. And obviously, it can come down to an individual or two as to where you're at, and any time there's a change in athletic directors, I think coaches are vulnerable. So that's what it was, and I feel good about what I was able to accomplish in six years there as a head coach. The staff that I took over as head coach with was a very good staff, and we maintained that staff for a few years. Unfortunately, it was an aging staff at one point, so we did make some changes. I was pleased with the opportunity I had to make changes, that good changes were made and that we could continue to move the program forward. So, you know, there's a time frame for new coaches where it's obvious you're extremely vulnerable, especially when you follow a coach like Coach Osborne. You know, he faced the same thing when he followed Coach [Bob] Devaney for a period of time.
Ohio is favored to repeat as East division winners, although they need to determine the starter at QB, RB Kevin McRae returns after two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. He could become Ohio's career rushing leader with another 1,009 yards. Here's wishing Coach Frank and the team all the best.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
New College Football Helmets
Several teams are sporting new headgear this year, with Big 12 opponent KU being one. The Jayhawks are chaging the font on the helmet lettering and switching the blue to the "school-wide" blue, the fourth shade the school has used since 2001. Several teams are reverting to designs inspired by older more traditional looks. The Big 10's Michigan State is reverting back to it's old Spartan logo, and Minnesota is changing the font on the "M" on their helmets, the first design change for them since 1999. The Unversity of Central Florida is going with a throwback 1970s white helmet and also a new "UCF" logo, Syracuse is adding a blue "S" to its orange helmets, and Bowling Green University loses its bird logo and changes to a white "BG". Other teams making changes include Temple, Rice, Arkansas State, and North Texas, which is also going with the throwback look with a white helmet reminisent of the 1960s designs.
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