Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 20)

Game watching was even more sporadic today as my daughter decided at 31 months she doesn't need a nap in the afternoon (but I do). Still, I managed to watch much of the Pitt-Iowa, Florida-Tennessee and East Carolina-N.C. State games (and am currently watching Auburn-LSU, while flipping over to Georgia-Arizona State). Like every Saturday evening, here are some interesting observations I made (sorry it's later than expected, but when an old friend calls you stop what you're doing to talk ... great hearing from you Randy).

1. Will Todd Boeckman see the field again at Ohio State? Yes, but not too much. Many of the Buckeye faithful put most of the blame for OSU's big-game difficulties, including last week's humiliating 35-3 loss to USC on Boeckman. On Saturday, when the game began against Troy Coach Jim Tressel started heralded freshman Terrelle Pryor. He proceeded to complete 10-of-16 passes for 139 yards and four scores. Umm, Todd. I'd get the clipboard and enjoy the rest of your senior season.

2. How many more weeks until Tennessee's Phil Fulmer announces his retirement? I'm guessing right before the Vols play Kentucky in the season finale. But it could come earlier if the embarrassing losses continue to mount. Falling to UCLA in the opener was disappointing, but the Rocky Toppers we're willing to chalk it up to bad luck and the West Coast. Lose to 30-6 at home and Rocky Top becomes Rocky Chop. Don't fret Phil. You just face Auburn on the road next Saturday.

3. Is the Heisman race already over? Not yet, but I believe it is just a three-man race. All due respect to Missouri's Chase Daniel, I think Florida's Tim Tebow, USC's Mark Sanchez and Missouri's Jeremy Maclin are going to finish 1-3 in the final balloting. The darkhorse is probably Maclin, but he's the most talented. Watch him pull down Daniel's passes and then outrun everyone else on the field and you realize he's the most exciting receiver since Pitt's Larry Fitzgerald.

4. Is Michigan State's Javon Ringer the nation's best running back? Not a fair question, but man he's impressive. In Saturday's win against Notre Dame he rushed for more than 200 yards and two scores in a pretty easy 23-7 win. He doesn't get the respect of say Georgia's Knowshawn Moreno, Pitt's LeSean McCoy or Ohio State's Beanie Wells. But watch him run and you'll see he resembles a stronger Tony Dorsett.

5. Will Ball State crash the BCS party? Probably not, but after the Cardinals 42-20 victory at Indiana the Mid-American Conference team could be 13-0 after winning the conference championship game. Led by athletic quarterback Nate Davis, Ball State should be 10-0 when it faces the season's final two challenges in Central Michigan and Western Michigan. I'm keeping an eye on this team the rest of the way.

6. How overrated is the Pac-10? If last week wasn't bad enough, the conference was flipped upside down again when Oregon lost at home to Boise State. It really is USC and everyone else.

7. How tough is the SEC? To truly understand all you had to do was watch LSU at Auburn. The speed. The hits. The fans. I'm actually jealous that my sister and brother-in-law live in Tuscaloosa. I'd love to go to more of these games.

8. When will everyone realize that Florida State is not an elite program any longer? Three consecutive losses to Wake Forest is all you need to know.

9. Is West Virginia in trouble when it faces Marshall? Yes. The Herd are playing better this year and are 3-1 following a good road win at Southern Miss. Pat White is still great, but this team is one bad series from turning on good ol' boy Bill Stewart. Morgantown will be burning Saturday, but it could be Stewart in effigy.

10. Dr. Lou? Still hate it.