Dirty play by Brandon Spikes

The Florida Gators dominant performance against Georgia was not shocking. The dirty play of Brandon Spikes wasn't that surprising either. However, Urban Meyer or the SEC needs to discipline him for his eye-gouging technique.

Welcome back to the hot seat

The other half of our blogging duo (the 'Eye) is too superstitious to write anything about the disaster taking place with the school up north. Looks like the 'Eer's preseason prediction just may come true.

Just a few weeks ago everyone in Ann Arbor was buying into RichRod and the Wolverines when they opened the season 4-0. Oh, how things have changed. Following today's embarrassing 38-13 loss at Illinois (2-6) the Wolverines may miss a bowl for a second consecutive year.

Rodriguez's team has gone 1-4 in its last five games and now sits at 5-4 with a dismal 1-4 record in the Big Ten. Former Syracuse coach Greg Robinson's defense is terrible and Tate Forcier looks more like a true freshman at QB each week.

Welcome back to the hot seat Rich. If the losing skid isn't enough, certainly the potential for an NCAA investigation that could lead to major infractions won't sit well with the big boosters.

So right now 6-6 appears to be the best possible finish for the Wolverines, a big letdown after all of that early season promise. But look at the UM's remaining schedule and 5-7 may be more realistic: travel to Madison to face Wisconsin and finish the season in the Big House against rival Ohio State, who is riding a five-game winning streak in the series.

Realistically, Michigan's only shot at getting to six wins is next week's home game with Purdue. However, the Boilermakers upset Ohio State earlier and they would relish the idea of spoiling the Wolverines' season.

So is 6-6 or 5-7 enough of an improvement for RichRod to survive? Probably. Is there some nefarious plot against RichRod? Nah, it's just karma.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Houston Gamblers...

The Georgia Bulldogs showed up to the World's Largest Cocktail Party with black helmets and black pants. It didn't make much difference, of course, as the 'Dawgs seemed far more interested in seeing how much trash they could talk and how many penalties they could commit. I think they won both of those events.

But the unis? Ugh.

And tonight, Tennessee is wearing a black jersey with orange pants.


Listen up SEC, alternate jerseys are for NBA teams and college football teams with no sense of history. If you're a college football program that changes its uniforms every four or five years, it's because you suck.

Picks of the Week: No. 9

The 'Eer's run above .500 came to a quick halt after going 1-4 last week, and that didn't include any ACC games. Let's give it another shot this week and see if I can pull out a few wins.

Wisconsin (-7.0) over Purdue
The Badgers are looking to become bowl eligible, which is much more than many thought this team could do at the beginning of the season. Wisconsin has dropped two straight against Ohio State and Iowa after opening 5-0, but it should get back on track with the home game against the Boilermakers. Purdue had its big win this season over Ohio State. It won't happen again.
Pick: Wisconsin 34, Purdue 13

Cincinnati (-15.0) over Syracuse
Give Syracuse credit for being much more competitive under new coach Doug Marrone. But the Orange don't have the talent to compete against the Big East's premiere team. Even without Tony Pike, the Bearcats will be just fine with Zach Collaros at QB. Also Mardy Gilyard continues to be one of the most explosive and dependable receivers in the game.
Pick: Cincinnati 38, Syracuse 10

Michigan (-7.0) over Illinois
The Wolverines are banged up and their defensive has been struggling under coordinator Greg Robinson. But Michigan needs this win to also become bowl eligible and move up into the middle of the pack in the Big Ten. It shouldn't be a problem since the Fighting Illini are a mess under Ron Zook.
Pick: Michigan 27, Illinois 12

Boise State (-35.0) over San Jose State
This goes against everything I believe in when picking a game. To think Boise enters the game down 35-0 is tough for me to stomach, but the Broncos are trying to impress voters and computers so they'll score at will against the 1-5 Spartans. San Jose had an extra week to prepare, but it won't help against Kellen Moore and a Boise offense that is averaging more than 40 points a game.
Pick: Boise State 56, San Jose State 14

Upset of the Week
Iowa State (+7.0) over Texas A&M
The Aggies ended a three-game skid with a shocking 52-30 win over Texas Tech, but don't expect A&M to win two straight. Iowa State is playing outstanding under first-year coach Paul Rhoads, including a 9-7 win at Nebraska last week. Behind QB Austen Arnaud, the Cyclones will find a way to win again on the road.
Pick: Iowa State 29, Texas A&M 21

Last Week: 1-4
Season Record: 20-20

Are you kidding me?

Is this someone's twisted sense of humor or does someone really love WVU's Bill Stewart this much? Who cares. Just sit back and enjoy the wonderful tunes of Hall & Oates.

Podcast: Episode 46

Phil and Tom can't remember the last time we reached this late in the college football season without a clear-cut No. 1 team. Florida, Alabama and Texas can all make an argument for the position, but can you really count out Iowa, Cincinnati and TCU? We don't think so.

Speaking of the BCS, why are the analysts blathering on about who is where in October? It doesn't matter right now. Let the games be played and we'll see where everyone falls. Your podcast co-hosts also analyze the decisions by two high-profile quarterbacks this week (Sam Bradford and Tony Pike), as well as consider the possibility that Oregon could play in the BCS title game ahead of a 13-0 Boise State. Crazy!

Head-to-toe gold I like

I don't know many WVU fans who like when the Mountaineers go full gold. It seems when West Virginia wears the gold jerseys and pants together nothing good ever seems to happen. OK, WVU has had some success with the full gold look, but I can't get past the 2007 Pitt loss or even when basketball coach Bob Huggins debuted the gold suit and shoes look against Cincinnati.



But this 1952 version of the Mountaineers completely gold unis when WVU is playing at Washington & Lee is something I can get used too.

(Hat tip: Mike Casazza of Charleston Daily Mail)

Pac-10 catches SEC ref fever

It is now the Pac-10's turn to suspend an official (or officials). Following the footsteps of the SEC, the Pac-10 isn't naming names, but league representatives have said the following about Taylor Mays' decapitation of Oregon State's James Rodgers:

“Our members expect a high level of officiating in all our sports and the Conference office shares that expectation. We have taken this action in light of the blatant and dangerous nature of the missed call. We have full confidence in our highly trained and qualified staff of football officials, but they, like the coaches and players, are accountable and must meet the high expectations placed upon them.”

Suspension may be the right call, but let's not forget these guys are not like Major League umpires. There's no union and just a weekly paycheck. Sure, most of them have other jobs, but this is a cut in pay. We all want them to do a better job, but they are also human.

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 5)

For the third consecutive week the top three stayed the same, but Iowa jumped to No. 4 from No. 6 after winning at Michigan State on the last play of the game. Appears our Big Ten members voted en mass this week to push the Hawkeyes up the rankings. The Big East voters let down Cincinnati as the Bearcats dropped two spots to No. 6.

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 7-0
2. Alabama (2) 8-0
3. Texas (3) 7-0
4. Iowa (6) 8-0
5. USC (5) 6-1
6. Cincinnati (4) 7-0
7. Boise State (7) 6-0
8. TCU (9) 7-0
9. LSU (10) 6-1
10. Georgia Tech (11) 7-1
11. Penn State (12) 7-1
12. Oregon (13) 6-1
13. Oklahoma State (14) 6-1
14. Pittsburgh (16) 7-1
15. Utah (23) 6-1
16. West Virginia (20) 6-1
17. Ohio State (19) 6-2
18. Houston (17) 6-1
19. Miami (8) 5-2
20. Virginia Tech (18) 5-2
21. South Carolina (24) 6-2
22. Central Michigan (NR) 7-1
23. Ole Miss (NR) 5-2
24. Arizona (NR) 5-2
25. Notre Dame (NR) 5-2

Others receiving votes: Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Tech, Clemson, Brigham Young

The Zooker's one man implosion to continue another year

Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther says Ron Zook is keeping his job for another year.

The Illini are 1-6 and have shown few signs from week 1 that they felt like showing up this year. Florida fans everywhere giggle themselves to sleep at night.

Of course, Guenther then added that the Zooker's coaching staff was going to get a big shake-up in the offseason.

"Let's put one thing to rest," Guenther said. "There's going to be some changes, but there won't be a change at the top. There's a great deal of frustration, obviously, with the program at the moment and that's all I have to say."

Five years in and your highest-paid university employee can't hire his own direct reports? Ouch, Zooker. I would put this last year's salary in a savings account.

And, if anyone still cares, the Illini have evolved an interesting quarterback situation. Juice Williams is still there, barely, but he was benched for Eddie McGee. Except McGee is now playing wide receiver. And redshirt freshman Jacob Charest got to play in last week's loss to Purdue.

And Arrelious Benn spends his days running out routes and considering permanently spraining his ankle until December.

Where's the Catholic love?

Boston College's Rich Gunnell and Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen clearly are not friends. Now I just want to know what Gunnell said to Clausen to cause the least-favorite QB in the country to push him following the Irish's close win Saturday.

Bob Griese apologizes

Apparently Bob Griese realized his "taco" comment when talking about NASCAR's Juan Pablo Montoya was out of bounds and he has apologized for it. ESPN has also released a statement condemning Griese's comment. ESPN's statement lacks information about any pending disciplinary action.

This girl knows football

If you are looking for a quick and entertaining glimpse of college football, consider The Sports Report Girl. (Oh yea, she's not bad to look at either). But there is talent here and her analysis and banter is worth a visit each week.

Did Griese really say that?

Watching the Ohio State-Minnesota game on ESPN when they were doing a promo for NASCAR. Chris Spielman asks where Juan Pablo Montoya is in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings? Analyst Bob Griese responds witha somewhat racially insensitive comment. "He's out having a taco."

ESPN's had a crazy week, so this might seem mild. But I'm curious to see if he's back for the second half. The WWL will have to at least suspend him for next week, right?

Now that's the Lee Corso we all remember

It appears Lee Corso is getting back to his old self and shedding the effects of the stroke he had back in May. Watch Kirk Herbstreit, though. He looks like he's about to have a stroke after hearing what Corso says.

Picks of the Week: No. 8

Stay away from the ACC. Remember stay away from the ACC. That’s what the ‘Eer is doing this week. He will not try to think he knows anything about the ACC (thanks Wake Forest). So here it goes, best picks of the week that don’t include the ACC.

Nebraska (-17.5) over Iowa State
The Cornhuskers still control their own destiny in the Big 12 North, and Bo Pelini will have his team out to erase the embarrassment of last week’s 31-10 loss to Texas Tech. Look for a steady dose of Roy Helu Jr., who should be healthy for Saturday. The Cyclones ended a two-game skid last week with a 24-10 win over Baylor.
Pick: Nebraska 36, Iowa State 14

Northern Illinois (-11.0) over Miami of Ohio
The RedHawks are battling Eastern Michigan and Ball State for worst of the worse in the Mid-American Conference this year. Does anyone remember when Miami was the class of the conference? The Huskies should bounce back in a big way after losing to 20-19 last week. Only concern for Northern Illinois is the possible loss of starting QB Chandler Harnish, who may miss Saturday’s game with a knee injury.
Pick: Northern Illinois 27, Miami of Ohio 9

Arizona (-7.5) over UCLA
The Wildcats seem to be the new darling of the Pac-10 after good wins over Stanford (43-38) and Oregon State (37-32), and you could argue they shouldn’t have lost to Washington (36-33). QB Nick Foles has solidified the offense. He’s thrown for 1,209 yards and nine TDS, while completing almost 74 percent of his passes. UCLA has not shown much improvement in Rick Neuheisel’s second year as coach. After opening the season 3-0, the Bruins have dropped three straight, including a 45-26 loss to Cal.
Pick: Arizona 30, UCLA 17

Arizona State (+6.5) over Stanford
I considered this as the upset pick of the week, and this game should be very close so the home team should win. However, the Sun Devils looked better in last week’s upset of Washington so I think the game will be decided by a late field goal. The difference in this game will be the balanced attack of Stanford with RB Toby Gerhart and QB Andrew Luck. Even in last week’s loss to Arizona, Luck completed 21 of 35 for 423 yards and three TDs.
Pick: Stanford 32, Arizona State 30

Upset of the Week
Colorado (+4.5) over Kansas State
I haven’t hit an upset all year, so don’t follow my advice here. However, I’m going with Colorado because Dan Hawkins finally pulled the plug on weak-armed son Cody at QB and turned the offense over to Tyler Hansen. The new signal caller was convincing in his debut going 14 of 25 for 175 yards with a TD and a rushing score. Kansas State is playing better than many expected and the Wildcats were impressive in last week’s 62-14 thumping of Texas A&M, but that was the Aggies.
Pick: Colorado 24, Kansas State 20

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 19-16

JEFFYBOY, IS THAT YOU? DADGUMMIT, I'M SORRY I FIRED YOU.

The remainder of the Bobby Bowden era got the ol' "CLEAR!" chest paddle treatment tonight, as the 'Noles rallied to beat UNC in Chapel Hill. (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl here we come!)

Earlier, Bobby Bowden let some reporters know that he was well aware that he was in the last year(S) of his coaching career.

Oh Bobby, you're 80 buddy, you're in the last years OF YOUR LIFE. Rent an RV, see one of your 348 grandchildren. Buy a condo. But quit pretending that you're coaching a college football team.

Podcast: Episode 45

It seems like almost every college football fan agrees that Florida, Alabama and Texas are the top three teams in the nation (pick the order). So does it seem odd that all three seem to have glaring weaknesses and there is no dominant team in any conference. So let the season play out and see what happens.

Phil and Tom also dissect the problems with Ohio State following the Buckeyes surprise loss to Purdue, as well as take on the BCS system. During Quick Hitters we discuss Charlie Weis and moral victories, Tony Pike and the Bearcats' future, as well as our thoughts on the Heisman race.

Enjoy.

Nice schtick

As a marketer, I'm all for a good schtick when it works. This is a pretty good one by Cincinnati radio station WLW. When the Bearcats and Ohio State finally meet on the field, UC may not stand a chance. But while Cincy is playing like the best team in the state the Bearcats might as well capitalize on it while they can. I'm also starting to believe Cincinnati could beat Ohio State this year.

Wonder how the 'Eye feels about this one? He's been kind of quiet since Saturday.

Poor sportsmanship by the Gopher

Minnesota's mascot, the Gopher, wasn't showing great sportsmanship as he mocked Penn State DE Jerome Hayes, who was saying a prayer before Saturday's game. This seems to fly in the face of the Big Ten's public service announcements.

Mea culpa for SEC officials ... again

Let me see if I got this right.

The most powerful, cash-rich conference in the nation can't find a quality group of football officials. Here I thought the Big East officials were worthless and incompetent.

There were the unnecessary unsportsmanlike penalties in the LSU-Georgia game on Oct. 3. SEC officials were nice enough to apologize to Georgia and admit the officiating mistake.

Then this past weekend it appears SEC officials were screwing up calls in favor of the higher-ranked teams in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa.

In the Florida-Arkansas game, the officiating crew had at least two horrendous calls go against the Razorbacks on the Gators' game-winning drive. They also had one missed called on the Gators.

The first bad call was a phantom interference call that you can watch here.



The second pitiful penalty was a personal foul on a defensive lineman protecting himself from a block. See what you think.



Then there was the missed offensive pass interference on UF receiver Riley Cooper that could have easily kept the Gators from getting into field-goal range. Again, you be the judge.



Now South Carolina's Steve Spurrier is accusing the Crimson Tide of its own form of trickery by using tape to spot field goals and extra points in last weekend's 20-6 Alabama win.

I'm not unrealistic. Officials are going to miss calls. Maybe they don't see something. But there is no excuse when officials call something that didn't happen. I can't overlook that and neither should the SEC. The statement released by conference officials is actually disturbing.

"After video review, there was no evidence on the video to support the personal foul penalty called on Arkansas midway through the fourth quarter. The other calls that were referenced are judgment calls and a review of those calls have been communicated to Arkansas."

I would expect something stronger. But Florida and Alabama are carrying the SEC this year (and last year), so no one (not even game officials) are going to rock ratings gold of these two.

(Hat tip: The Wiz of Odds for finding all of the video proof)

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 4)

Week 4 rankings at An 'Eye and an 'Eer are about as stable as they have been all season. The top five are the same for the second straight week. Here are this week's rankings:

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 6-0
2. Alabama (2) 7-0
3. Texas (3) 6-0
4. Cincinnati (4) 6-0
5. USC (5) 5-1
6. Iowa (6) 7-0
7. Boise State (8) 5-0
8. Miami (10) 5-1
9. TCU (11) 6-0
10. LSU (12) 5-1
11. Georgia Tech (17) 6-1
12. Penn State (16) 6-1
13. Oregon (15) 5-1
14. Oklahoma State (19) 5-1
15. BYU (22) 6-1
16. Pittsburgh (25) 6-1
17. Houston (27) 5-1
18. Virginia Tech (7) 5-2
19. Ohio State (9) 5-2
20. West Virginia (23) 5-1
21. Kansas (14) 5-1
22. South Florida (13) 5-1
23. Utah (26) 5-1
24. South Carolina (20) 5-2
25. Texas Tech (NR) 5-2

Others receiving votes: Central Michigan, Arizona, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Idaho, Michigan, Boston College, Arkansas.

Bigger than the game

I learned a long time ago that no matter how much I cheer (yell) or root (swear), nothing I do will help WVU win or make a big play. However, following yesterday's way-too-close-for-comfort win over Marshall I started looking ahead to UConn coming to Morgantown this weekend.

Would QB Jarrett Brown be healthy enough to play after suffering what appeared to be a concussion on the first drive Saturday? If freshman Geno Smith has to play this weekend how will he do against a much better Huskies defense? This is an important Big East game for the Mountaineers, and these are pressing questions.

None of that seems to matter now. Injuries are part of the game. Tragic deaths of 20-year-olds are not. The terrible news out of Storrs is that Jasper Howard, a starting cornerback, was stabbed to death early Sunday morning near the student union -- just hours after the Huskies defeated Louisville 38-25.

According to a report in the Hartford (Conn.) Courant, police said the stabbing happened when a school-sponsored dance at the student union was let out. A fire alarm was pulled at 12:26 a.m., an altercation happened outside the building between two groups of people and then two people were stabbed.

On Saturday, I'll still be cheering and rooting for WVU. But I'll also be grieving for the UConn family.

UF wins ... thanks to officials

Nice job CBS. Your highlight package from the Florida-Arkansas game is missing two major plays. Somehow the producers neglected to include two horrible penalties on the same Gator drive with about eight minutes remaining in the game.

The first bad call was on a Razorbacks' defensive back who was called for pass interference in the end zone, giving the Gators the ball at the Arkansas 21. For some reason, SEC officials don't like it when a DB uses good technique.

Then, on the very next play, Arkansas was flagged for a personal foul when a player decided to defend himself from a charging Gator. Get this ... it actually happened on a play that was 15 yards away from where the ball was at the point of the UF player making contact.

You know what happened next, Florida's Jeffrey Demps scored on a 10-yard dash to tie the game at 20.

That's embarrassing for the SEC officials, but even more so for CBS officials, who are too scared to show up the conference.

Picks of the Week: No. 7

Don't ask me why, but the 'Eer has decided to venture back to the ACC to pick games. That can't be good. The 'Eer also had another winning week, but he still wants that perfect week. Maybe this is it.

Connecticut (-13.0) over Louisville
UConn is so close to being 5-0 right now. The Huskies outplayed Pitt last week, but fell 24-21 at Heinz Field. Nothing helps you avoid a losing skid than seeing Louisville on the schedule. The Cardinals did pull out a 25-23 win over Southern Miss last week, but the Steve Kragthorpe watch is such a distraction and UConn's defense is stingy, so Louisville will struggle in the cold at Rentschler Field.
Pick: Connecticut 28, Louisville 13

Miami (-14.5) over Central Florida
There's always a concern the Hurricanes will let up a bit after that treacherous four-game stretch to start the season. Last week, Miami handled Florida A&M 48-16. This week Randy Shannon is putting his players on charter buses and traveling four hours up the Florida Turnpike to face UCF. Jacory Harris will remain is cool self and lead Miami to an easy win in Orlando.
Pick: Miami 36, Central Florida 10

Ohio State (-13.5) over Purdue
Only 13.5 points? Sure the game is at Ross-Ade Stadium, but the Boilermakers are no match for Ohio State. There are a lot of concerns about the Buckeyes offense, especially the lack of consistency and improvement by sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor. But this is a perfect opportunity to let Pryor work out of his rut, plus the Ohio State defense should pitch another shut out.
Pick: Ohio State 34, Purdue 3

Temple (-9.5) over Army
I couldn't pass up this game. When's the last time Temple and Army were both .500 or better this late in the season? The Owls are 3-2, but lead the Mid-American Conference East Division at 3-0. Temple is also riding a three-game winning streak after falling to FCS-opponent Villanova in the opener and then it was thumped by Penn State. Freshman RB Bernard Pierce is the offensive catalyst. The Black Knights are coming off a huge 16-13 overtime victory against Vanderbilt. Expect QB Brent Steelman to run the ball about three more times than he passes.
Pick: Temple 31, Army 21

Upset of the Week
Wake Forest (+7.0) over Clemson
This pick is based strictly on the two coaches. Wake's Jim Grobe is among the nation's best, while Clemson's Dabo Swinney hasn't impressed many with his preparation (he sure does run around yelling and does a good job of playing a cheerleader). What scares me about this pick? The Tigers are more talented and the game is at Clemson. RB C.J. Spiller is the best player on the field. But don't pick against Grobe in this one.
Pick: Wake Forest 22, Clemson 21

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 16-14

Video: All the Sooner fans

At first, I thought this was produced by some Texas fans trying to poke fun at Oklahoma. Then as I watched I realized these are serious Sooner fans who thought this was a good idea. Bad call guys. Really bad call.

Gotta give it to these chimps

Appears the chimps at the BCS headquarters are back at it again. With politicians threatening them with sanctions and those clueless fans from Utah raising a ruckus, apparently this powerful group is working through the BCS muck as we speak.

Here's a bit of advice: Don't buy the fraud that is Boise State. Even at 13-0 this team has no business in the BCS Title Game.

This still ain't Morgantown, Rich

Sure, the Detroit Free Press doesn't bother with the whole pesky "printing or delivering an actual, physical newspaper" anymore, but that doesn't mean they aren't going to parse the living shit out of every stupid thing UM football coach Rich Rodriguez says.

"Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez backtracked today on public claims he has made recently that his team achieved the highest cumulative grade point average ever for a U-M football team, saying now that neither he nor the university knows what that record is."

Rich, you gotta be at least a little factual when you're throwin' out the ol' "best GPA ever" line. This is the difference between having Jim B____ and an intern from the Dominion Post writing about what you do and the Free Press.

Podcast: Episode 44

Apparently we can stop the college football season and just let Florida and Alabama play for the national championship. At least that seems to be the consensus around the nation. However, the podcast bozos from An 'Eye and 'Eer just don't see it that way. In fact, we believe Florida and Alabama are outstanding football teams, but maybe a bit overrated considering how weak the SEC is this year. So let's allow the games to be played and see where things fall.

Episode 44 also delves into the good and bad of instant replay, as well as a preview to some of this weekend's big games (USC-Notre Dame, Cincinnati-South Florida and the Red River Rivalry). Surprisingly it is the second week in a row that we talk about Bobby Bowden and what lies ahead. Somehow we also found a way to include Al Groh, Terrelle Pryor, and Marshall into the show. Happy listening.

'Eer's Mid-season All-American Team

I'm the first to admit this means nothing, but it's fun to do. Most of these selections are based on what I've seen this fall, but some picks were made on team success combined with overall stats. I refuse to try to pick offensive linemen. Sorry, just can't do it.

Let me know what you think.

First Team
QB: Tony Pike, Cincinnati
RB: Toby Gerhart, Stanford
RB: Noel Devine, WVU
FB: Stanley Havili, USC
TE: Anthony McCoy, USC
WR: Jordan Shipley, Texas
WR: Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

DE: Jerry Hughes, TCU
DT: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
OLB: Eric Norwood, South Carolina
MLB: Brandon Spikes, Florida
DB: Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
SS: Eric Berry, Tennessee
FS: Taylor Mays, USC

Second Team
QB: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
RB: Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
RB: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
FB: Vince Murray, Navy
TE: Dennis Pitta, BYU
WR: Golden Tate, Notre Dame
WR: Eric Decker, Minnesota

DE: O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
DT: Cameron Hayward, Ohio State
OLB: Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech
MLB: Rolando McClain, Alabama
DB: Javier Arenas, Alabama
SS: Ahmad Black, Florida
FS: Chad Jones, LSU

This guy must be really disappointed in this UGA season

This Georgia fan is
A) Ric Flair's son
B) An expert in multi-layered body painting
C) absolutely correct about how stupid coaches in visors look
D) All of the Above

Eddie George is no expert

It's clear there are way too many "football experts" these days. Hell, the 'Eye and the 'Eer believe they know a little about the game.

But Eddie George, the Heisman-winning running back from Ohio State, has to remove that tag now. He picked Cal to beat USC a couple weeks ago and now he claims Notre Dame will take down the Trojans this weekend.

Hey Eddie, we know you're a homer but this is a little over the top. Make your picks with some facts, not just your heart.

(Hat tip: Conquest Chronicles)

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 3)

The pollsters at An 'Eye and an 'Eer are still shuffling teams around based on weekly performance. It seems the top-ranked Gators are the only team who has any security in our rankings.

So here are the AEAAE rankings:

Team (LW) Record
1. Florida (1) 5-0
2. Alabama (3) 6-0
3. Texas (2) 5-0
4. Cincinnati (5) 5-0
5. USC (10) 4-1
6. Iowa (8) 6-0
7. Virginia Tech (14) 5-1
8. Boise State (7) 5-0
9. Ohio State (13) 5-1
10. Miami (16) 4-1
11. TCU (6) 5-0
12. LSU (4) 5-1
13. South Florida (15) 5-0
14. Kansas (9) 5-0
15. Oregon (18) 5-1
16. Penn State (17) 5-1
17. Georgia Tech (19) 5-1
18. Nebraska (22) 4-1
19. Oklahoma State (20) 4-1
20. South Carolina (24) 5-1
21. Notre Dame (NR) 4-1
22. Brigham Young (NR) 5-1
23. West Virginia (23) 4-1
24. Oklahoma (NR) 3-2
25. Pittsburgh (NR) 5-1

Others receiving votes: Utah, Houston, Auburn, Wisconsin, Arkansas

Everyone's favorite Mountaineer

I don't know a single WVU fan who doesn't miss Owen Schmitt. However, we're all glad to see he hasn't changed his head-banging ways in the NFL.

RichRod getting testy

Hey Michigan, remember 3-0?

Sure you do. The Wolverines were ranked and all hard feelings toward Rich Rod had dissipated. Now consecutive Big Ten losses and the UM coach is none too pleased with the media.

I guess Lisa Salters, who was the sideline reporter in last night's game at Iowa, didn't see Rich Rod get pissed at freshman QB Tate Forcier. Or maybe she just made it up that Forcier seemed upset at his benching in favor of fellow freshman Denard Robinson.

So what does Rich Rod do? His normal MO. He blames the media.

"Words? There was no words on the sideline," an irritated Rodriguez said according to AnnArbor.com. "Are we already going to start off and try to create something that's not there? We were coaching. Tate has been - our guys are very, very coachable. There haven't been any players have any words. I don't know where that comes from."

So what do Forcier and Robinson have to say? Oh, wait. Rich Rod didn't make them available to the media today.

Baffling the Bowden

Poor Bobby Bowden. With all of the heat he's been taking lately you'd think he'd be pleased with a 35-28 halftime lead over Georgia Tech. Instead, the ol' man seems confused and displeased with the Noles. Maybe he knew his team would blow another game and fall to 0-3 in the ACC. Watch his confusion here:

Saturday thoughts Oct. 10

- Even though the score was only 13-3, it never felt like LSU had a chance to beat the top-ranked Gators Saturday night. Florida just ran the ball, controlled the clock and let their defense pick apart LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

- Rich Rodriguez just injected a quarterback controversy into a team that's lost two straight after the loss to Iowa. Rodriguez chose to yank a struggling Tate Forcier late in the game in favor of Denard Robinson. Robinson responded with a quick TD drive, but hit late-game interception when the Wolverines just need a field goal was an enormous mistake. Perhaps Forcier was hurt, but it's still going to bring up a lot of questions.

- Texas recovered after messing around with Colorado for awhile. Jordan Shipley for Heisman?

- Didn't see much of the day games as I was watching Ohio State blow out Wisconsin despite a pathetic offensive display. Two interceptions returns for TDs and a KO return for a TD were all OSU needed. Terrelle Pryor struggled badly and looked like he had seriously regressed. That defense is nails though.

- From the scores and highlights I've seen, I'm guessing Virginia Tech and Alabama were both impressive.

Stanford's Gerhart tries hand at other sports

Stanford tailback Toby Gerhart is arguably the best two-sport athlete in college athletics. He leads the nation in rushing TDs and is a standout for the Cardinal baseball team.

Leave it to those brainiacs at Stanford to produce this entertaining video of Gerhart giving a few other sports a shot. I love the synchronized swimming bit. Nice job Stanford.

(Hat Tip: The Wiz of Odds)

Picks of the Week: No. 6

Mixing it up a little again this week. In hopes of improving his record the ’Eer is adding a mid-major game and getting away from all of the ranked teams. He believes this is the week he turns the corner and proves his supernatural abilities at picking games against the spread.

Michigan State (-4.0) over Illinois
It just seems like the Spartans should be much bigger favorites in this one. The Spartans have won five consecutive games at Illinois' Memorial Stadium (Illinois' last home win in the series came in 1992) and they could easily be 4-1 instead of 2-3. Despite the early missteps, Mark Dantonio will have MSU ready for the Illini and keep the Spartans in the Big Ten race.
Pick: Michigan State 33, Illinois 20

Alabama (-5.0) over Mississippi
This game scares me a bit because Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt always does his best work when his team is overlooked or counted out. But Alabama’s coaches, players and fans just seethed during the offseason when everyone was picking the Rebs to win the SEC West (of couse we didn’t). QB Greg McElroy is 5-0 as the ‘Bama starter and he won’t be nearly as harassed as his counterpart Jevan Snead.
Pick: Alabama 28, Mississippi 17

Wisconsin (+16.0) over Ohio State
Can you believe Wisconsin has the best red zone offense in the nation? It’s true. The Badgers have converted 20-of-20 attempts in the red zone. Wisky hasn’t faced a defense quite as good as the Buckeyes so getting into the red zone may be tough. However, 16 points is too much to give UW and not take it. Plus, the Badgers defense isn’t too bad and they might keep Terrelle Pryor in check enough to keep this much closer than the odds makers think.
Pick: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 17

Ohio (-3.0) over Akron
The Bobcats are the surprise of the Mid-American Conference and at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference they are primed to win the East Division. An easy four-week run begins at Akron this weekend. Ohio QB Theo Scott has been efficient this season, including a 11-of-19 for 203-yard performance in a win against Bowling Green. The Bobcats also have a solid running game led by Chris Garrett.
Pick: Ohio 29, Akron 17

Upset of the Week
Connecticut (+7.0) over Pittsburgh
This is a nice Big East match up that’s receiving regional ABC coverage. UConn is one stupid penalty away from being undefeated, but instead the Huskies are 3-1 and boast the conference’s best defense. Pitt gets the home-field advantage (if there is such a thing at Heinz Field for Pitt) and a stronger offense. But UConn has something to prove and the Huskies don’t want another mid-season meltdown. That starts with a win on the road at Pitt.
Pick: Connecticut 24, Pittsburgh 14

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 13-12

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T.K. Wetherell - King of England?

The whole Bobby Bowden fire/retire/stand idly on sideline for another year issue continues to swirl in Tallahassee.

Any way you look at this thing, it's a mess.
And then erstwhile Florida State University president T.K. Wetherell added nothing to this conversation with today's statement to the media.

Essentially, Wetherell says FSU isn't going to decide anything until the season is over. Of course, since he's the president of a university that gives away diplomas and everything, he couldn't say it in such a simple way.


"FSU does not make coaching changes in the middle of the season," Wetherell said. "… To quit on a team or coaches in mid-season is not the Seminole way — not the 'Unconquered' way.

"What message would it send to anyone — friend or foe — to do that at this time?"

Is that a press release or a Tennyson poem?

Is that William Zabka posing as a Bama fan?

Beware: This video contains way too much douchebagery ... even for an Alabama fan. (Is it just me or does this guy remind you of this guy?)



This isn't the first embarrassing video by a Bama fan that I've run across this week, or this year. Thanks YouTube now we have all the proof we needed to show people from Alabama are all illiterate racists.

Podcast: Episode 43

There's a lot going on in this week's podcast. Here are some highlights.

Can you believe Chucklin' Charlie Weis is griping that Notre Dame isn't ranked higher? Hey Chuck, beat a team that matters and then maybe we'll listen. How do you think Boston College, Michigan and West Virginia feel? The Wolverines already beat the Irish, Boston College will later this season, and we're both pretty sure the Mountaineers would roll in South Bend or Morgantown.

Of course, we couldn't overlook the big clash in the SEC this weekend. Is this the week Florida's long winning streak ends or will LSU become another chapter in the Tim Tebow lore? We also try to figure out why Bob Stoops gets a pass in the national media for "sucking it up" in big games, but other coaches (e.g., Jim Tressel) doesn't.

We're also pleased to welcome back Mike Eisenberg from Eisentower30.com. He gives us some insight into the Hurricanes as well as some outlandish early week betting lines. Tune in as this is another excellent episode from your favorite College Football podcasters.

More Eric Berry for Heisman

Both the 'Eye and the 'Eer would love to have Eric Berry on their respective teams. It's just too bad he's been stuck at Tennessee the past few years. He's too good for the Vols and he might be a legitimate Heisman candidate if he were playing for a more competitive team. Good news, he's going to get paid well next year.

End of the line for Bowden?

This can't be the way Bobby Bowden wanted to wrap up his career as a coaching legend. By now Bowden figured he'd have about 20 more wins than Joe Paterno and he'd just collect ACC championships and wins without doing much work. Watch this video and you'll see he's none too happy and he's feeling the pressure, much like he did in the mid-1970s as WVU's coach.




Check out the poor attempt at a joke when he talks about women. Coach Bowden, or as one of my childhood friends likes to call him, The Old Liver Spot, isn't looking too good these days.

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 2)

Do you need any more proof that preseason polls and the subsequent rankings are totally bogus? Florida State was ready to challenge for the ACC title and maybe a BCS shot. Let's not forget Ole Miss, and how are things going in Norman, Okla., with the Sooners?

Then there is the other side ... you know the teams that no one gave any chance who are doing well. Remember all the talk about no Big East teams in the Top 25? Now we have two (Cincinnati and South Florida) and you could argue there are two others who may be there at some point.

Enough of that. Here is the second AEAAE Top 25 poll for 2009.

Team (LW) Record
1. Florida (1) 4-0
2. Texas (2) 4-0
3. Alabama (3) 5-0
4. LSU (5) 5-0
5. Cincinnati (4) 5-0
6. TCU (7) 4-0
7. Boise State (6) 5-0
8. Iowa (9) 5-0
9. Kansas (16) 4-0
10. USC (8) 4-1
11. Missouri (15) 4-0
12. Auburn (18) 5-0
13. Ohio State (10) 4-1
14. Virginia Tech (12) 4-1
15. South Florida (17) 5-0
16. Miami (23) 3-1
17. Penn State (21) 4-1
18. Oregon (20) 4-1
19. Georgia Tech (NR) 4-1
20. Oklahoma State (19) 3-1
21. Wisconsin (24) 5-0
22. Nebraska (25) 3-1
23. West Virginia (NR) 3-1
24. South Carolina (NR) 4-1
25. Mississippi (NR) 3-1

Others receiving votes: Notre Dame, BYU, Stanford, Central Michigan

WVU's animated win vs. Colorado

FULL SCREEN VERSION

(Drive chart courtesy of SBNation's Rocky Top Talk)

Since we posted WVU's animated loss to Auburn it seems only right to put up last Thursday's win over Colorado. It's still not pretty (seriously, four fumbles in the first half), but at least this time the Mountaineers come out on the right side.

Saturday thoughts

- Great win for Miami. Terrible loss for Oklahoma. Can somebody get on Stoops now? (besides the 'Eer.) To recover from that loss to Va. Tech last week and play well against the Sooners means a lot to the mental toughness of the 'Canes. Can they keep it up through the crazy ACC though?

As for the Sooners, I didn't mind the decision to kick the field goal instead of going for a long fourth down conversion late in the game. The problem was with the play calling leading up to that decision. Third and long swing passes don't do it for me. I guess Stoops can pin this one on not having Sam Bradford, but right now it looks wide open for Texas to win the Big 12.

- SEC refs need to lighten up. Also a big win for LSU in a crazy game in Athens. Sets up next week's game with Florida as pure hysteria. The Tigers were hardly dominant though. Lots of questions about their offense and whether they can actually threaten the Gators. They did just enough to beat the 'Dawgs, though. Georgia is just a really weird team.

- Don't even try to predict what will happen in the ACC. Maryland beats Clemson? (Nice Dabo Swinney hire, by the way.) Boston College beats FSU. (Doesn't Bobby have to at least think about stepping down?) Virginia beats North Carolina. (WHAT!?) I give up. Whatever.

- Sparty gets a big win that might help salvage the season. Really, it was a game they should have pulled away with. Easily the worst performance of the year for Michigan.

Picks of the Week: No. 5

The 'Eer knew there was a reason he avoided picking ACC games last year. Now he's staving off this schizophrenic conference until it becomes more stable. Let's see what we can find around the rest of the nation for this week's picks. Dude, I need a good week.

Ohio State (-18.0) over Indiana
The Hooisers should have won at Michigan last week. That was more an aberration and Ohio State will remind everyone of that this week. The Buckeyes have pitched consecutive shutouts. I'm not predicting three in a row, but Terrelle Pryor and the OSU offense will score plenty to keep the Buckeyes on top in the Big Ten.
Pick: Ohio State 34, Indiana 10

Cincinnati (-29.0) over Miami, Ohio
This pick scares me a bit because of the 29 points. But the Redhawks won't be able to stop the Tony Pike-Mardy Gilyard tandem in Oxford. So far this year Miami has been outscored on average 41-11 and the Bearcats are the best team it has faced all season (sorry Boise State fans).
Pick: Cincinnati 55, Miami 7

Penn State (-7.0) over Illinois
Did you watch the Illini last week? Inept is a kind evaluation. Penn State didn't look much better in its home loss to Iowa, but JoPa will ... wait a minute ... Tom Bradley will have the Nittany Lions back on track in Champaign.
Pick: Penn State 30, Illinois 17

Washington State (+33.5) over Oregon
The Ducks are on a roll, but following last week's dominating performance against Cal it's time for Oregon to struggle a bit. Wazzu won't pull out the upset, but they'll keep it closer than expected. Why? Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli will turn the ball over enough to thwart at least two Ducks' scoring drives.
Pick: Oregon 38, Washington State 9

Upset of the Week
LSU (+3.0) over Georgia
This one just seems odd. The Tigers are ranked fourth in the nation and are undefeated. Georgia is ranked, but have given up a ton of points and didn't look too impressive in its loss at Oklahoma State. SEC types will tell you how difficult it is to win on the road in the conference ... blah, blah, blah. Mark Richt is about as good at coaching big games as Bob Stoops. LSU may need a little luck like last week, but they'll pull the upset (if you can call it that).
Pick: LSU 33, Georgia 32

Last Week: 2-3
Season Record: 10-10

Canes still ain't what they used to be

While the focus on Miami's resurgence before last week's loss to Virginia Tech has been on quarterback Jacory Harris and Miami's offense, the 'Canes defense is still a shell of its once great self.

Even facing Oklahoma without Sam Bradford could be trouble for a Miami defense that isn't knocking anyone's socks off, at least in a statistical sense.

If Miami's defense doesn't show major improvement up front, it could be a long Saturday night for the 'Canes.

Traditions: Sparty Watch

One thing the 'Eer loves about college football is traditions. Here is a new one I discovered tonight that takes place at Michigan State every year during Michigan week. Do you know of other great college football traditions? Let us know.

Stoops makes right call with Jones

The headline reads: "Bradford out for Sooners' game at Miami."

It may sound crazy, but it's actually the best news for Sooner fans. Heresy, right? Not at all. Bob Stoops may choke in big games, but he's smart enough to know eighth-ranked Oklahoma's best chance to beat the No. 17 Hurricanes Saturday night is for Landry Jones to remain the QB and not force reigning Heisman winner Sam Bradford back into the lineup.

"Our team has a lot of confidence in Landry's ability and we're looking forward to going into the game with him at quarterback," Stoops said in a statement. "Our approach will be the same that it has been in the last two games."

Both of those wins. This decision may impact the 'Eer's pick in this game. Check back Friday for that.