Apparently among our voters at AEAAE, TCU's victory last week was more impressive than Cincinnati's and it leapfrogged the Bearcats to No. 4. Pitt and Georgia Tech fell a bit following rivalry losses last week.
At least the contempt for one another is back. In case you missed it (and most of you probably did), USC coach Pete Carroll dialed up a long play-action pass play with less than a minute to play and a 14-point lead. Of course, Matt Barkley threw a perfect pass to Damian Williams for a 48-yard TD.
Today, most of the columnists and other pundits are telling you what a jerk Carroll is and how this broke some sort of etiquette or unwritten rule. I'm here to tell you they are wrong.
Carroll was prepared to let the game end when he had his offense take a knee. But UCLA's Rick Neuheisel called a timeout. So Carroll just responded and made a statement with the TD call. What happened next wasn't pretty, but it's what makes college football rivalries special.
The Trojans were celebrating and jumping around on their sideline. OK, maybe they were taunting the Bruins a bit. Of course UCLA's players were pissed and started to cross the field. No punches were thrown, but the players exchanged some pleasantries.
This game wasn't pretty. UCLA actually slowed the Trojans and were in this game, but the Bruins couldn't overcome self-inflicted mistakes. So the Bruins may not be too far from closing the gap with USC.
Now USC-UCLA is a must-see game again next year instead of being relegated to FOX Sports with a 10 p.m. (EST) kickoff. That's right, the rivalry is back.
Just when the ACC was under the impression that next week's ACC Championship game, held somewhere in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area (uh, home to which ACC school?), would be somewhat meaningful, the SEC showed up this weekend to return it to obscurity.
Georgia, whose season has resembled the Edmund Fitzgerald, ran the ball down Georgia Tech's throat and knocked the Yellow Jackets out the top 10 with a 30-24 win.
Earlier in the day, the other half of next week's title game, Clemson, got slobberknocked by a horrifically mediocre South Carolina team, 34-17. 34 points? To South Carolina?
Have fun in Tampa with all 1,437 fans that show up next week, ACC. Don't worry. They can't take their TV contract away from you - yet.
And just to rub it in, Florida kicked the bejeezus out of FSU, as Tebow finally earned his angel wings. "Will heaven be playing H-back for the 49ers, Pa?" "Yes, Timmy, I think it will be. But first you must continue the Lord's work by slaying the dark one - Saban."
He wasn't alone as Akron ditched J.D. Brookhart, who never seemed to transfer his recruiting prowess from Pitt to NE Ohio.
While driving I heard ESPN's Pat Forde, a Louisville resident, give the preliminary list of potential replacements being discussed by the Cardinal brass. Houston coach Kevin Sumlin and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong were mentioned. Then the list went into typical Louisville "we think way more of our football program than anyone else does" with Gary Patterson at TCU, Bronco Mendenhall of BYU and Kyle Whittingham of Utah.
Okay guys, sure. Too bad Jon Gruden signed that MNF contract or he'd be dying to coach at Papa Johns Stadium.
Bill Stewart better give PK Tyler Bitancurt a big hug. If he doesn't I will.
Bitancurt's 43-yard FG with no time remaining gave West Virginia a 19-16 upset victory over Pitt in the 102nd annual Backyard Brawl in Morgantown.
Once Stewart is done showing his affection for his kicker he should then go around and thank his defensive unit and DC Jeff Casteel. That was easily the WVU defense's best performance of 2009. They actually made Pitt QB Bill Stull look like the incompetent player of 2007 and 2008.
This win doesn't erase the bad taste of losing to Pitt in 2007 because the Panthers can still win the Big East and go to the BCS. But it does give the Mountaineers a chance to finish second in the conference with a win over Rutgers next week and a Pitt loss to Cincinnati.
Hello Gator Bowl.
But more importantly it is finally a signature victory for Stewart since he had the interim tag removed following an emotional win over Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
Was anyone else weirded out by ESPN's voyeurism during last night's Texas-Texas A&M game? Chris Fowler, Craig James and Jesse Palmer ... sorry The Bachelor were commenting on the lack of passion in some kisses, and applauded another student for having two dates.
In case you aren't familiar with the Aggie tradition. It goes something like this: When the team scores, everybody scores. Whenever the Aggies score points during the game, students kiss their dates.
Interesting fact: James' daughter is a student at Texas A&M. Wonder where she was in the stands?
Seriously, could I pick one upset this season? I'm telling you, 0-12 is humbling. Even my overall picks sucked last week. Thanks Rutgers. You couldn't handle Syracuse? Here's another attempt at perfection.
Connecticut (-13.5) over Syracuse Both teams are coming off much-needed victories last week--UConn a 33-30 OT win at Notre Dame and Syracuse rolled Rutgers 31-13. The Huskies can still become bowl eligible and even close the season on a three game winning streak with a win Saturday and next week against South Florida. The Orange are playing for next season and if Doug Marrone can finish 5-7 and with two conference wins that will be a huge improvement over the Greg Robinson years. It's also the final game in Greg Paulus' one-year stint with the Cuse. Pick: Connecticut 31, Syracuse 12
Arizona (-3.0) over Arizona State The Sun Devils could really catch the Wildcats off guard in this one after that emotional 44-41 double OT loss at home to Oregon last week. Dennis Erickson's ASU team could erase some of the misery of the season with an upset, as well as end a five-game losing skid. A look at starting QBs is why I favor Zona. The Wildcats are going with veteran Nick Foles, while ASU is giving sophomore Samson Szakacsy his second start. Pick: Arizona 27, Arizona State 17
Boston College (-6.0) over Maryland Eagles RB Montel Harris will be tough to stop as he is averaging more than 110 yards a game, including an impressive 132 on 23 carries against a staunch North Carolina defense last week. QB Dave Shinskie needs to rebound from a four INT game, though. The Terps are enduring their worst season under Ralph Friedgen and are fresh off a tough 29-26 loss to Florida State. Even a win here won't save Maryland's season, and possibly their coach's job. Pick: Boston College 33, Maryland 19
Central Florida (-3.0) over Alabama-Birmingham With a win UAB becomes bowl eligible. Both teams are still in the hunt for a title in Conference USA. UAB's best shot at winning is relying on versatile QB Joe Webb, who has rushed for 1,290 yards, and passed for 18 TDs. What scares me about UAB is its defense, which ranks as one of the worst in the nation. That opens the door for QB Brett Hodges and the running attack of Brynn Harvey and Jonathan Davis. Pick: Central Florida 27, UAB 18
Upset of the Week Ohio (+2.5) over Temple The Bobcats are looking to reach its second Mid-American Conference championship game in school history, while it would be Temple's first. The Bobcats will pull off the upset at home in Peden Stadium because of a tough defense. Temple, which has won nine-straight, will need to find a way to replace starting RB Bernard Pierce, who was injured in last week's win over Kent State. This is arguably one of the biggest games played in Athens in a decade. Pick: Ohio 30, Temple 28
There's not as much on the line as in the past, but at least the USC students (or a few rabid fans) haven't forgotten what it means to be part of the rivalry with UCLA. Nice paint job on the Bruin.
Now this is a 30 for 30 on ESPN I'm looking forward to watching. The U premieres on Dec. 12.
The trailer brings me back to my childhood when I attended about 3 or 4 Miami games at the Orange Bowl every year, including the classic 31-30 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. The Canes were cocky and crass and I loved every bit of it, and I loved those teams.
When Miami walked onto the field you always thought it was going to win ... and most of the time the Hurricanes did. Love 'em or hate 'em, The U had something special in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Now it's time to relive Miami's dominance. The U may not be that far away from doing it again.
I'm not even sure Dan Hawkins is real excited about the news he's returning to coach Colorado in 2010. According to 850 KOA (hat tip: The Ralphie Report) AD Mark Bohn will keep the embattled coach for at least one more season.
If you listen to our podcast you know we predicted this one. Colorado's financial situation is abysmal and paying off Hawkins and hiring a new staff just isn't possible because the money isn't there.
Money woes can be the only reason Hawkins will be back on the sidelines next year. His current team is 3-8 as it will close out the season at 8-3 Nebraska. A closer look at the Hawkins' era in Boulder is not pretty.
Overall: 16-32
Home: 13-11
Road: 2-18
Neutral: 1-3
Big 12: 10-21
Non-conference: 6-11
Ranked teams: 3-11
What does all this mean? Colorado will remain meaningless nationally and in the Big 12. The Buffaloes have become a team you schedule for homecoming.
Should we read something into the latest out of Ann Arbor?
Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman on Monday announced a five-person search committee to advise her on the selection of the next Director of Athletics. The committee included basketball coach John Beilein, but not football coach Rich Rodriguez.
The All-Big Ten teams were announced today, courtesy of the Big Ten Network. (See, we've got a purpose even when there AREN'T games being played!)
Interesting stuff the All-Big Ten teams. As many of you know, Ohio State won the Big Ten - again. What kind of hardware did that earn the Buckeyes from the media and coaches? Two first team performers - OG Justin Boren and S Kurt Coleman. Yep, top five defense in the country and the best defense in the Big Ten got ONE all-league performer. Meanwhile, 5-7 Michigan, home to the worst defense in the league, got two all-league performers. Wisky, who limped to the finish with a loss to Northwestern, had four first team all-league performers.
Oh yeah, and the Sweater Vest was once again not named B10 Coach of the Year. He's got five straight titles and has never won the award.
Of the remaining undefeated teams who is most likely to lose? Calling Cincinnati ... Bearcats do you hear me? We also look at the big Florida State-Florida game and wonder if Bobby Bowden and Mickey Andrews can call up the ghosts of Charlie Ward and Deion Sanders to pull off a major upset in The Swamp? Probably not, but it's nice to consider.
So who do you think has done the worst coaching job in 2009? There are some easy choices, but it seems are fearless podcasters don't like some guy name Weis and another one named Stoops. Tom and Phil also dissect Les Miles' meltdown in Mississippi as well as the Heisman Trophy race.
Thanks to Les Miles' poor game-day management LSU has plummeted in the rankings and Ole Miss is back in at No. 24. However, the top six are still the same, while Ohio State jumped Pitt and Georgia Tech after a so-so win against Michigan.
Team (LW) Record
Florida (1) 11-0
Texas (2) 11-0
Alabama (3) 11-0
Cincinnati (4) 10-0
TCU (5) 11-0
Boise State (6) 11-0
Ohio State (9) 10-2
Pittsburgh (8) 9-1
Georgia Tech (7) 11-1
Oregon (11) 9-2
Oklahoma State (12) 9-2
Iowa (15) 10-2
Penn State (13) 10-2
Clemson (17) 8-3
Oregon State (22) 8-3
BYU (18) 9-2
Virginia Tech (19) 8-3
Miami (23) 8-3
Utah (20) 9-2
California (NR) 8-3
USC (24) 8-3
North Carolina (25) 8-3
LSU (10) 8-3
Mississippi (NR) 8-3
Nebraska (NR) 8-3
Others receiving votes: West Virginia, Houston, Wisconsin, Stanford
There are Michigan fans calling for Rich Rod's head so the Wolverines can bring in Michigan Man Les Miles. After watching Miles mismanage and mishandle the final seconds of LSU's game at Ole Miss last night, there are not many supporters remaining in Baton Rouge.
Have you ever seen a team screw up a perfect situation more? LSU scores and misses the two-point conversion to pull within two in the waning seconds. Manages to get the on-side kick, get into field goal range and then make horrible calls that pushed the Tigers out of range.
Then Miles' team didn't get a timeout called quick enough and allowed more than 20 seconds to run off before getting the call. Miles said after the game, "That play, the clock ran down, timeouts were being called verbally and I didn't relate to the official apparently, and that was the mistake. We didn't know that it hadn't been called."
That can happen, and neither can the hysteria that was taking place on the LSU sideline.
Still, the Tigers completed an unlikely 42-yard pass to Terrance Tolliver at the Ole Miss 6. With the first down, the clock stopped with 1 second remaining. Instead of running the field goal team on the field to rush a shot at the win, QB Jordan Jefferson spiked the ball and the clock struck zero.
Can anyone explain why Michigan RB Michael Shaw thought this was a good idea? Remember when Michigan used to claim it was above the fray? Seems the standards sure have dropped since Rich Rod moved to Ann Arbor.
Scrolling across the bottom of the ESPN screen was this: DII playoffs - West Liberty State 84, Edinboro 63. When I saw the score I would have bet about anything that this game went into OT.
I would have lost. Then I thought maybe Greg Robinson was coaching defense in this game.
I wish I had made the drive over to West Liberty, W.Va., to see this game. Even more interesting is West Liberty avenged a season-opening 42-30 loss to Edinboro and won its 11th consecutive game.
If anyone finds a highlight video of this one let me know. The Hilltoppers built a 56-21 halftime lead, as the teams combined for a DII single-game record 1,394 yards of total offense. Despite all of the offense, the Fighting Scots never got within 20 points after West Liberty took a 28-7 lead. The Hilltoppers took the lead immediately as Kashif Walls took the opening kickoff 80-yards for a score.
Edinboro QB Trevor Harris did have a day for the record books as he broke the NCAA Division II single-game playoff passing record by completing 50-of-76 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.
Hey, West Lib. If you can guarantee me another exciting game this coming Saturday I'll drive over to see you take on California (Pa.) at noon.
Here we go again. Not too many more weeks to improve the overall record. So let’s see if we can find a little magic in this week’s picks.
Rutgers (-9.5) over Syracuse Syracuse is looking to avoid going winless in the Big East, but the Orange won’t pick it up a against a revitalized Rutgers team that is led by freshman QB Tom Savage, who has thrown 10 TD passes and only two interceptions. If the Scarlet Knights win out they’ll finish third in the league and own a 10-2 mark. The ‘Cuse have been ravaged by injuries and the defection of WR Mike Williams. First-year coach Doug Marrone has not given up on QB Greg Paulus, who has thrown 14 interceptions. Pick: Rutgers 31, Syracuse 9
Temple (-10.5) over Kent State The Owls are riding an eight-game winning streak and need a win here to remain on top of the East Division heading into a key showdown with Ohio. RB Bernard Pierce leads the Owls with a freshman record 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns on 223 carries. The Golden Flashes are 5-5 and still have a chance to become bowl eligible. But it’s Senior Week at Lincoln Financial Field so the Owls will win and cover. Pick: Temple 38, Kent State 20
Air Force (+10.0) over BYU Air Force’s defense must be ready to stop the BYU passing attack to have a chance in this one. Stopping senior QB Max Hall (2,857 yards, 23 TDs) has not been easy this season. But the Falcons have held TCU (20 points) and Utah (16 in regulation) in close losses. That’s why this game should be closer than the spread. BYU’s defenses under Bronco Mendenhall haven’t fared well and this season is no different (ranked 78th nationally). Pick: BYU 38, Air Force 35
Georgia (-8.5) over Kentucky It’s not often these two enter this game at 6-4, but the Bulldogs have struggled on defense all season and Kentucky has been unpredictable. Both teams can secure a winning season with a win, but Georgia looks to honor the fallen UGA VII, who died this week. Another factor playing in Georgia’s favor is the improved running game the past four weeks. Let’s not forget this simple fact: Kentucky has not won in Athens since 1977. Pick: Georgia 34, Kentucky 21
Upset of the Week LSU (+4.0) over Mississippi This is a tough pick because we still don’t know if LSU QB Jordan Jefferson will play or not. I don’t like LSU’s chances if it has to start Jarrett Lee. But let’s go out on a limb anyway. The Tigers can’t win the SEC, but there is still plenty to play for this season. Win out and LSU is probably a Top 8 team and will be favored to win the SEC next year. Then there is Ole Miss, who entered the season with astronomical expectations and it was easy to see a massive failure on the horizon. Jevan Snead has been mediocre this season and he’ll need a big game to win at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Pick: LSU 24, Mississippi 21
We just wanted to take a moment to remember the brave fight that Stefanie Spielman, wife of former Ohio State great Chris Spielman, put up against breast cancer. She lost that 11-year battle today at the age of 42. She was inspirational and raised millions of dollars for cancer research. It's a sad day for all Buckeyes' fans.
So who should I put my cash on to be Notre Dame's next coach?
Urban Meyer or Brian Kelly? There's not much upside to either one as offshor betting service Bodog.com is giving 3:2 odds on either one to be the next Irish coach. Jim Harbaugh is 3:1 but that doesn't look too good as he's about to sign an extension at Stanford.
How about Oregon's Chip Kelly at 5:1? Kirk Ferentz at 10:1? Or Bob Stoops at 20:1? Le't's not forget Jon Gruden at 30:1.
What no odds on Charlie Weis being retained? Hey Charlie who you putting your money on? Maybe I should ask Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick and we could split the winnings.
With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season it's the time of year when the coaching rumors really begin to fly. Did you hear? Bob Stoops, Brian Kelly and Kirk Ferentz are all going to coach at Notre Dame next year. Well, we decided to look at what coach may get the ax who doesn't deserve it and what coach should get fired who won't (Stan Parrish we're talking about you).
We also couldn't ignore the national bashing Ohio State and Iowa took for how last week's game finished (Gregg Doyle were talking about you). It's just interesting to see when Florida and Alabama play to their defensive strengths that it's called hard-hitting SEC football. When two Big Ten teams play that way it's a travesty against mankind.
We also look at The Rivalry, possible bowl match ups and the exciting race in the Mid-American Conference.
Let's see if I have this straight: Mark Mangino just became an abusive, name-calling ass that Kansas may not be able to retain as its football coach. So he wasn't this same overbearing, in-your-face guy who stared down anorexia and defeated it as he guided the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record in 2007 and won National Coach of Year?
Of course he was. Just now KU is 5-5 and reeling from a five-game losing skid that threatens to keep Kansas out of a bowl game. That seems likely as the Jayhawks close the season with No. 3 Texas and Missouri.
According to the Associated Press, the school is investigating an unspecified personnel issue involving Mangino. The coach even said he's lost the support of "some people around here." ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting that Mangino allegedly yelled at and made contact with a player earlier this season. So when KU was 5-0 and ranked 16th in the nation it was OK. Lose five in a row and it's time to start the investigation.
So Mangino's KU career appears to be over. What will they do with all of those "Our Coach is Phat" T-shirts?
More officials blowing calls (even the instant replay officials) and Notre Dame losing again, so it was a normal week of college football. It was also the most stable the AEAAE Top 25 has been in eight weeks as the eight teams remain the same.
Team (LW) Record
Florida (1) 10-0
Texas (2) 10-0
Alabama (3) 10-0
Cincinnati (4) 10-0
TCU (5) 10-0
Boise State (6) 10-0
Georgia Tech (7) 10-1
Pittsburgh (8) 9-1
Ohio State (10) 9-2
LSU (12) 8-2
Oregon (14) 8-2
Oklahoma State (18) 8-2
Penn State (20) 9-2
Wisconsin (19) 8-2
Iowa (17) 9-2
Stanford (21) 7-3
Clemson (24) 7-3
BYU (22) 8-2
Virginia Tech (NR) 7-3
Utah (13) 8-2
Rutgers (NR) 7-2
Oregon State (NR) 7-3
Miami (11) 7-3
USC (9) 7-3
North Carolina (NR) 7-3
Others receiving votes: Houston, Navy, West Virginia, California, Mississippi, Nebraska
As much as I loathe Jim Harbaugh (I'm not saying that every snap he took in the NFL I prayed for some sort of career-ending, Theisman-like ankle injury, but it was close.) it was kind of nice to see somebody rub it in Pete Carroll's face a little. The Cardinal went up 48-21 with seven minutes left in yesterday's whipping of 'SC, then decided to go for two.
Something is totally amiss in the college football universe. Stanford players Drew Terrell and Ekom Udofia are actually taunting USC's fans with a sarcastic version of "Fight On."
We're the first to admit that USC is much worse than we expected this season, but don't think for long that USC will be down. This is a blip. The Trojans are starting a true freshman QB (even though we like Andrew Luck much better than Matt Barclay) and the defense has been much more porous than even Pete Carroll could have dreamed.
The Cardinal are supposed to be among the classiest teams and players in the Pac-10, so this seems out of character (except for maybe coach Jim Harbaugh). But Pete and the Trojans won't forget this. Just wait until next year.
Oh yea, heck of a game by RB Toby Gerhart. This guy is a stud.
I waited almost 24 hours before commenting on the officiating in the WVU-Cincinnati game. Funny thing, my opinion hasn't changed. Maybe the Bearcats still win, but when the replay officical overturned this fumble recovery by the Mountaineers and called it a TD for Cincy the momentum shifted back to UC.
Maybe the ball does cross the goal line, but there is not enough evidence to overturn the call. In fact, I'd argue that Isaiah Pead is losing control of the ball as he tries to extend it over the goal line. Therefore the WVU fumble recovery should have held.
This doesn't erase the fact WVU still plays horrible special teams and there were some questionable calls in the fourth quarter. But take away the seven points and WVU may have taken control of this game and won.
This is one college football fan who is tired of officials deciding the outcome of games. Enough already.
I’m 0-10 on upsets this season. I thought I had the Florida State game against Clemson last week and then C.J. Spiller and the Tigers went crazy in the fourth quarter and ended my hopes of ending the drought. Here I go again. Let’s see if I can finally get a 5-0 week.
Idaho (+32.0) over Boise State You have to love Idaho coach Rob Akey. All week he’s been hyping this game. The Vandals have been a joke the past decade, but Akey has Idaho playing at a higher level and feeling like it can take down the WAC-power Broncos. Idaho isn’t going to go into Bronco Stadium and take take Chris Petersen’s team, which has the nation’s best home winning percentage this decade at .968 (60-2). Not to mention Boise has won 10 straight in this series. Also hurting the Vandals chances of pulling an upset is the possible loss of starting QB Nathan Enderle, who’ll be a game-time decision. Still, I think Idaho will be jacked and keep this closer than 32 points. Pick: Boise State 44, Idaho 32
Wisconsin (-8.5) over Michigan Badger fans were ready to ship coach Bret Bielema out of Madison at the beginning of the season and start making a run at Brian Kelly or Chris Petersen. Instead, Wisconsin has been one of the best surprises in the Big Ten and could easily finish this season 10-2. Michigan’s defense will have a tough time stopping QB Scott Tolzien, who completed 11-of-20 for 194 and a score in last week’s win over Indiana. The Wolverines have fallen apart since opening the season 4-0 and are in trouble of missing a bowl game for a second consecutive season under Rich Rodriguez. Pick: Wisconsin 38, Michigan 17
Alabama (-12.5) over Mississippi State The Bulldogs have been a competitive and spunky bunch under first-year coach Dan Mullen, but Mississippi State will struggle to score against Alabama’s staunch defense. RB Mark Ingram, who should be the favorite to win the Heisman this season, should pad his rushing stats in this one. He’s rushed for 1,148 yards and eight TDs this season. QB Greg McElroy could also work out of his midseason funk against the Mississippi State defense. It should be noted that McElroy did play well against LSU last week. Pick: Alabama 27, Mississippi State 9
Oregon (-18.0) over Arizona State After weeks of anticipation, this game marks the return of RB LeGarrette Blount. But when or will Chip Kelly put him on the field Saturday? The Ducks should bounce back from last week’s disappointing performance against Stanford as Oregon remains in a great position to win the Pac-10. The Sun Devils secondary is porous so QB Jeremiah Masoli should rack up some impressive stats. Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler has a bright future, but he’ll be stymied by Oregon’s defense. Pick: Oregon 45, Arizona State 21
Upset of the Week Arizona (+3.0) over California Wildcats coach Mike Stoops is doing the best job of coaching in the conference, as well as in his family. Arizona has a tough close to the season starting with Cal and then Oregon, Arizona State and USC. The Wildcats get the stretch going in the right direction behind QB Nick Foles, who should feast of the Bears weak pass defense. Cal must also deal with the loss of RB Jahvid Best, who suffered a concussion for the second straight week. Pick: Arizona 30, California 28
Ohio State is back in the Big Ten race and looks like a good bet to represent the conference in the Rose Bowl. So Buckeye fans are raucous again. West Virginia has a chance to remain in the hunt for the Big East title as the Mountaineers travel to Nippert Stadium and face undefeated Cincinnati. Would it be better for the Big East to have Cincy win or lose? We'll tell you what we think.
As much as we hate to do it, Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez are back on the program. How can you leave them off? These two jokes are ruining once proud programs. We give our opinion on where we think Tommy Tuberville and Phil Fulmer may be coaching next season as well as potential replacements for Weis and Rodriguez (can you say Brian Kelly and Les Miles?).
I've listened to enough college football games on the radio that you know going in that the broadcast team are going to be "homers." Listen to the University of Houston radio team of Tom Franklin and Ted Pardee describe walk-on freshman kicker Matt Hogan's 51-yard field goal that helped the Cougars beat Tulsa, 46-45, on the final play.
With Iowa's loss the AEAAE poll loses one of the undefeated teams from the top. The top 3 three remain the same, while Stanford, BYU and West Virginia return to the rankings.
Team (LW) Record
Florida (1) 9-0
Texas (2) 9-0
Alabama (3) 9-0
Cincinnati (5) 9-0
TCU (6) 9-0
Boise State (7) 9-0
Georgia Tech (10) 9-1
Pittsburgh (11) 8-1
USC (14) 7-2
Ohio State (15) 8-2
Miami (17) 7-2
LSU (9) 7-2
Utah (16) 8-1
Oregon (8) 7-2
Houston (13) 8-1
Arizona (18) 7-2
Iowa (4) 9-1
Oklahoma State (20) 7-2
Wisconsin (23) 7-2
Penn State (12) 8-2
Stanford (NR) 6-3
BYU (NR) 7-2
South Florida (24) 6-2
Clemson (25) 6-3
West Virginia (NR) 7-2
Others receiving votes: Navy, Virginia Tech, Oregon State, Nebraska, Auburn
This man looks spent. Do you think he'd like to go back to Dec. 16, 2007, and tell Bill Martin "No"? Hey Rich, 5-7 and no bowl is a real possibility now.
Just saw this on ESPN and then found it on YouTube. Cal RB Jahvid Best landed ugly on his neck after a crazy leap over an Oregon State defender for a touchdown this evening. According to ESPN, the game was halted form 16 minutes and Best had to be carted off the field. Let's hope that was just a precaution and everything is OK.
UPDATE: AP is reporting that paramedics removed his jersey and were administering oxygen to Best as he left the stadium.
SECOND UPDATE: AP is reporting that Best suffered a concussion, just a week after having a minor concussion, and is at the ER for observations.
If you're an Ohio State fan, unless you've been living under some kind of large rock (and even those people probably heard about it) all the talk has been about the "throwback" uniforms the Buckeyes will don for the game against Michigan.
Of course, there are a few catches.
A) This uniform doesn't really look much like the 1954 uniforms at all except for the while helmet.
B) Nike, king of all, is offering several schools new uniforms made of the "lightest material ever" for their new "rivalry" series. Here's Florida State's version. Side note: is the weight of a uniform that big of a concern now? If I were a football player, I'd much rather hear the phrase "we put jets in your shoes."
C) Can someone explain why Ohio State has chosen to "honor" the 1954 team with throwback jerseys on the 55th anniversary of its national championship? Does anyone ever get honored for the 55th anniversary of anything?
D) The answer to this is, of course, that the "throwback" part of this is bullshit. Nike approached several schools and said "Dear Athletic Director, we give you XXXX millions of dollars each year and all that free pullovers you can wear. We want you to wear these and we will give you even more $$$$."
Ohio State AD Gene Smith, dollar signs filling his eyes, then embarked on a plan to figure out exactly how he could sell it to the fan base. LIGHTBULB! Hey, these almost nearly resemble old uniforms! Let's call them throwbacks!
So, it all sucks.
But, as an Ohio State fan, the most offensive part of this joke is to wear these unis during the Michigan game. What I loved about The Game is that there was no trophies, no special night start times, no playing it at neutral sites, none of that shit. Nothing is bigger than The Game. The folks at Uni Watch say it better than I can.
There's no rhyme or reason to posting this now. But the 'Eye and 'Eer we're chatting about big moments from this season and decided to share them with you.
So here are our Top 10 moments so far in 2009.
10. Tim Tebow scores his 50th career rushing touchdown. There is no way to compare Tebow with Herschel Walker, who held the record at 49. The former Georgia Bulldog did it in three years, while Tebow scored a lot of short TDs as an H-Back playing QB. But it's still a milestone that can't be overlooked.
9. Moment of silence before WVU-UConn game. In a real show of class, West Virginia's fans helped pay tribute to Connecticut defensive back Jasper Howard, who was murdered a week earlier. It was an emotional day for the Huskies, but both teams and fans displayed an amazing amount of class.
8. Central Michigan upsets Michigan State on last-second FG. In the second week of the season, the Chippewas hung tough with the Spartans. Senior QB Dan LeFevour threw for 328 yards and led two late scoring drives for the 29-27 win.
7. FSU-Miami goes down to final play. This once proud rivalry has been pretty boring in recent years, but not in 2009. The defenses didn't show up and QBs Christian Ponder and Jacory Harris put on a clinic. The Seminoles appeared to be going in for the game-winner, but Ponder's pass on the final play of the game bounced off the face mask of WR Jarmon Fortson. The rivalry is back.
6. SEC officiating. So where do I start with this one? The Florida-Arkansas game has way too many bad calls, missed calls, etc. There was the bogus excessive celebration flag against Georgia's A.J. Green for excessive celebration against LSU. Now Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the SEC for criticizing the officiating in the Florida-Georgia game. It hasn't been a banner year for the SEC.
5. Iowa scores as time expires to beat Michigan State. The Hawkeyes seem to do this every week, but this finish was wild and kept Kirk Ferentz' team undefeated. Iowa may not be the most talented team, but it sure is lucky this season.
4.Terrence Cody blocks FG to hold off Tennessee. The Volunteers outplayed Bama and should have left Tuscaloosa with the upset and Lane Kiffin's first signature win. But the oversized Cody busted through, gut and all, and helped the Tide remain in the national title hunt. Of course, there were some who felt he should have been flagged for removing his helmet. Way to go SEC officials.
3. Tim Tebow suffers concussion. As Tebow's head slammed into the knee of one of his lineman Urban Meyer crapped himself and Gator Nation wept in unison. The Gators had a big lead already against Kentucky, so the outcome was never in question, but Tebow has not played well since. Of course, he'll probably win the Heisman again because there's no legitimate candidate and because of this.
2. Oregon's LeGarrette Blount punches Boise's Byron Hout. The Ducks opened the 2009 season with an abysmal performance, only to top it off with one of the more embarrassing post-game performances. Hout mouthed off to Blount, who went all gangsta on him. Blount also wanted to go into the stands an take on 35,000 Broncos fans. This was not the way the NCAA wanted to open the season, especially with all of the hype surrounding sportsmanship week or whatever the hell they called it.
1. Oklahoma's Sam Bradford bangs up his shoulder in season-opening loss to BYU. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was lost in the first half and the Sooners never recovered. This injury put a crimp in OU's season, as he was back for the Red River Shootout but hurt the shoulder again. He has since had surgery and plans to bolt for the NFL next year.
Next year I’ll flip a coin on each pick. Not sure I could do much worse than I am this season. I feel good about this week. Calling it now ... This is my first 5-0 week (you see how well my predictions have been all season).
Louisville (+20.0) over West Virginia Anyone who has followed this Big East rivalry over the years realizes the Cardinals and Mountaineers always play close games ... No matter how much a team is favored. The Mountaineers have more talent and have home-field advantage, but lame-duck Steve Kragthorpe will pull a few magical tricks and keep this much closer than 20 points. Expect Noel Devine to have a monster game against a Louisville defense that struggled with Utah, Pitt and UConn. Pick: West Virginia 34, Louisville 21 Notre Dame (-11.0) over Navy The Irish defense will have its full with Navy’s triple-option, but No. 22 Notre Dame is at home and has plenty of momentum and one of the best rushing defenses in the nation. QB Jimmy Clausen has played like the top prospect from a few years ago, including a three-touchdown performance in last week’s 40-14 victory over Washington State. The Irish also get Michael Floyd back at receiver after a five-game absence. This one should never be in doubt. Pick: Notre Dame 31, Navy 18
Fresno State (-8.0) over Idaho After a rough start to the season, Pat Hill’s Bulldogs went 4-0 in October to improve to 5-3 and 4-1 in the WAC. The Vandals have been one of the biggest surprises of 2009 sitting at 7-2 and bowl-eligible. This one will be at the Kibbie Dome, where Idaho is 4-0. As much as I’d like to go with Robb Akey’s Vandals, Fresno is more accustomed to playing in big games so the Bulldogs get the edge this week. Pick: Fresno State 44, Idaho 33
TCU (-24.5) over San Diego State The Aztecs under first-year coach Brady Hoke are 4-4, but all four victories are against weak competition. Enter the No. 6 Horned Frogs, arguably the best non-BCS team in the nation and probably one of the top eight teams in the country. TCU senior DE Jerry Hughes will harass San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley all afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium. Pick: TCU 48, San Diego State 10
Upset of the Week Florida State (+8.5) over Clemson Since I struggle to pick ACC games why not try one out for the upset of the week. If Clemson’s defense can apply plenty of pressure to Christian Ponder the Tigers will win this game easily. However, FSU seems rejuvenated and with only one Bowden in the stadium and on the heels of DC Mickey Andrews announcing his retirement, the Seminoles are going to find a way to slow C.J. Spiller and Clemson. The ‘Noles will put pressure on freshman QB Kyle Parker to win the game and force him into a crucial turnover late in the game. Pick: Florida State 36, Clemson 31
Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes (shown here discussing which finger can cause the most retinal damage) graciously, with all the negative attention "weighing heavily on his heart" asked, ASKED to have his one-half eye-gouge suspension increased to an entire game eye-gouge suspension.
Sniff, I can't believe the hell they've put you through, Brandon. Thank goodness you've stepped up to take the pressure off your teammates by sitting out an entire football game.
The Sweatshirted Wonder, Al Groh, appears on his last legs in 2009.
But Virginia AD Craig Littlepage, in fine Hoos tradition, is not one to do something so gauche as fire a coach before the season is over. He'll wait until the season (mercifully) ends for UVA and will then judge Groh on his "full body of work." Hey Craig, here's something for that body of work: UVA lost to William and Mary and Duke; THIS YEAR.
See ya, Al. You should apply for the Browns job when it comes open.
How dedicated are we? Both Phil and Tom are down and out with the flu, but we didn't want to postpone an episode of An 'Eye and an 'Eer.
So naturally we had to talk about Brandon Spikes' eye-gouging moment against Georgia, but more importantly the inconsistent discipline being handed out for such incidents (hey folks, Urban Meyer is not he choir boy he plays on TV).
How damaging was Michigan's loss to Illinois for Rich Rodriguez' future in Ann Arbor? His life expectancy may have been shortened from four years to three because of it. RichRod better hope for that sixth win soon and a bowl bid.
How about Oregon's shredding of USC last weekend? Does this mean Boise State could screw up the whole BCS thing? Probably not. But it does mean we could have four or five undefeated teams at the end trying to stake a claim. A couple other tidbits from the show: Phil doesn't see how Ohio State can win at Penn State, while Tom thinks this is the year a player from a non-BCS school could win the Heisman Trophy.
OK, so he's not so tiny. But this dude shows off some nifty dancing moves to the Star-Spangled Banner before Saturday's Wyoming-Utah game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
With a late-season glut of undefeated teams and two non-BCS programs staking a claim to the championship game, it's nice to see the organization who controls the fate of all these teams has someone "reliable" to help make sure the system runs smooth.
Whenever the 'Eer thinks about WVU playing Louisville all he can muster is images of 2005. It was one of the greatest comebacks in Mountaineer history and it was when the nation was truly introduced to Pat White and Steve Slaton.
Hopefully this weekend's game in Morgantown will be much easier for WVU. Thanks to Steve Kragthorpe the Mountaineers should improve to 7-2 on the season. It is nice to see Krags hasn't lost his sense of humor, though.
As much as the 'Eer loves Noel Devine and the spark he provides for the Mountaineers, it's just not the same as watching Slaton.
Florida and Texas play well this week, so both are now ahead of idle Alabama in the weekly An 'Eye and an 'Eer Top 25 poll. Similar to the national polls, Boise State was jumped by TCU, but the Broncos remain ahead of Oregon.
Team (LW) Record
Florida (1) 8-0
Texas (3) 8-0
Alabama (2) 8-0
Iowa (4) 9-0
Cincinnati (6) 8-0
TCU (8) 8-0
Boise State (7) 8-0
Oregon (12) 7-1
LSU (9) 7-1
Georgia Tech (10) 8-1
Pittsburgh (14) 7-1
Penn State (11) 8-1
Houston (18) 7-1
USC (5) 6-2
Ohio State (17) 7-2
Utah (15) 7-1
Miami (19) 6-2
Arizona (24) 6-2
Notre Dame (25) 6-2
Oklahoma State (13) 6-2
Oklahoma (NR) 5-3
California (NR) 6-2
Wisconsin (NR) 6-2
South Florida (NR) 6-2
Clemson (NR) 5-3
Others receiving votes: West Virginia, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Auburn, Central Michigan, Texas Tech, Boston College.
Louisville mercifully ended the Steve Kragthorpe era today, letting the formerly hot coaching name go after three years of really bad football.
Remember when ESPN analyst Mark May picked Hawaii to beat Georgia in the 2008 Sugar Bowl? Now he has said something even dumber.
Seriously, could I pick one upset this season? I'm telling you, 0-12 is humbling. Even my overall picks sucked last week. Thanks Rutgers. You couldn't handle Syracuse? Here's another attempt at perfection.
I'm not even sure Dan Hawkins is real excited about the news he's returning to coach Colorado in 2010. According to 850 KOA (hat tip: The Ralphie Report) AD Mark Bohn will keep the embattled coach for at least one more season.
The All-Big Ten teams were announced today, courtesy of the Big Ten Network. (See, we've got a purpose even when there AREN'T games being played!)
Here we go again. Not too many more weeks to improve the overall record. So let’s see if we can find a little magic in this week’s picks.
So who should I put my cash on to be Notre Dame's next coach?
Let's see if I have this straight: Mark Mangino just became an abusive, name-calling ass that Kansas may not be able to retain as its football coach. So he wasn't this same overbearing, in-your-face guy who stared down anorexia and defeated it as he guided the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record in 2007 and won National Coach of Year?
Next year I’ll flip a coin on each pick. Not sure I could do much worse than I am this season. I feel good about this week. Calling it now ... This is my first 5-0 week (you see how well my predictions have been all season).
The Sweatshirted Wonder, Al Groh, appears on his last legs in 2009.
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