We'll miss you, Al. Well, probably not a lot

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.

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.

Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 19)

This isn't easy to do right now. I'm trying to watch my Mountaineers at Auburn, so my observations may be random and incoherent.

So let's get to the 'Eer's observations for today.

1. Bad day for Utah. Looks like two BCS Busters are going down today. Oregon failed to beat Boise State, but give the Ducks credit for taking down Utah and the nation's longest winning streak. Florida State and BYU are still playing, but the Seminoles have gone to Provo, Utah, and appear to be doing what Oklahoma couldn't the first week of the season. Can you believe the 'Noles almost lost to Jacksonville State?

2. USC upset. Did anyont really think the Trojans wouldn't find a way to lose a Pac-10 game on the road this season? Pete Carroll may be a great recruiter and coach, but he's too flaky. The Pac-10 isn't good enough to do this year in and year out.

3. Hot seat. Virginia's Al Groh jumped ahead of Colorado's Dan Hawkins as the most likely to get fired before the end of the season. The Cavaliers 37-34 loss to Southern Miss may have sealed his fate. Not too far behind is Maryland's Ralph Friedgen, whose Terrapins lost to Middle Tennessee State, 32-31, at home.

4. Holy Pitt. Let's not crown the Panthers the Big East champ just yet, but Pitt has avoided the normal early season slip up that we've come to know under Dave Wannstedt. Beating Navy 27-14 is bigger than it may appear. The Midshipmen are always a tough foe, and even Bill Stull is playing OK.

5. No moral victories. How did Tennessee hang with Florida today? Easy. Monte Kiffin's defense. He outcoached Urban Meyer (just don't tell UF fans because they'll want to argue with you for an hour). If the Vols had any offense, they'd be creating the ol' man with the win.

6. Statement game. Maybe I'm alone in thinking this, but Iowa's 27-17 victory over Arizona was important for the Big Ten. The Wildcats may be a middle of the pack, lower-tier bowl team from the Pac-10, but Iowa hasn't been that impressive this year. Should be an interesting game next week when the Hawks travel to Penn State.

7. Weakens the cause. As much as Iowa's win helps the Big Ten, Purdue's loss to Northern Illinois gives ammonition to those who trash the conference.

8. Best option. Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy remain the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but Cal's Jahvid Best should top the list. His five-TD performance in a road win at Minnesota was impressive.

9. Not sure. Butch Davis has a great defense at North Carolina, and the Tar Heels may be 3-0. But can anyone tell me if they are really an ACC contender?

10. Alabama shower. After about an hour delay because of inclement weather, one of ESPN's talking heads said about the Auburn fans who waited in the stands during the downpour: "they just took off their shirts and took a free shower." Timing was good, it was their day to shower.

Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 12)

Another great Saturday of College Football. Upsets, close calls and breakout performances. Oh yea, how much longer can Notre Dame officials think everything is OK with Charlie Weis?

So let's get to 'Eer's observations.

1. "How much did I pay for that?" At least that's what I think T. Boone Pickens is saying about Oklahoma State's stunning 45-35 loss to Houston, just one week after beating Georgia and moving to No. 5 in the polls. Houston is a decent Conference USA squad, but this is the early favorite to be the biggest upset of 2009.

2. Whew!! This goes for Wiconsin, North Carolina, Wake Forest, and especially Florida State. But for those who didn't watch last Monday's FSU-Miami game you may not truly understand why the Seminoles were primed for an upset Saturday. After the hard-hitting affair with the Canes, FSU had to be worn out today.

3. Viva LeFevour. Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour is not a household name, but the big QB may be a first- or second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Mid-American Conference's best player led the Chippewas to a big upset of Michigan State on the road. Don't overlook LeFevour or CMU this fall.

4. Slick Rick. Did you see that awkward halftime interview between Erin Andrews and UCLA's Rick Neuheisel. Did he actually say, "How you doin?" He's either real smooth or slimier than Lane Kiffin. Slick got the win, though, while Tennessee fans are wondering about Lane.

5. What can Brown do for you? QB Jarrett Brown is doing everything he can to help WVU fans forget Pat White. The senior threw for a career-high 334 yards and four touchdowns as the Mountaineers exacted a bit of revenge with a 35-20 victory over East Carolina. Now the Mountaineers have to solve the turnover issue to be a legitimate Big East contender.

6. Boulder, we've got a problem. And his name is Dan Hawkins. The man who once ranted "It's Division I football!!!!!", should consider finding a Div. I quarterback. Otherwise he won't be coaching Division I football any more. Are there any openings in Colorado's intramural program?

7. Not so offensive. What little I've watch of South Carolina-Georgia one thing is clear ... both teams can play a little offense. After managing just seven points apiece last week, each SEC team has eclipsed 26 points in the third quarter.

8. LeSean who? Pitt doesn't look like it will miss LeSean McCoy quite as much as many feared. Dion Lewis has stepped right in and played extremely well again Saturday, rushing for 190 yards in a 54-27 victory at Buffalo. His presence is also taking pressure off the much-criticized QB Bill Stull.

9. Nice rebound. The ACC went 9-1 this weekend after an embarrassing 5-7 last week. Poor Virginia and Al Groh. However, North Carolina, Wake and Maryland were all lucky, so 'Eer still believes the ACC is the worst BCS conference.

10. Nice first half. Despite what happens in the second half, Ohio State has played USC better than 'Eer expected. Just hope 'Eye has sobered up enough to enjoy the game.

Podcast: Episode 39

The Big Ten has two big games this weekend that could help enhance its image. First, of course, is Ohio State's shot at redemption against USC at Ohio Stadium. Will the atmosphere of a night game at the Shoe be enough to rattle the freshman QB Matt Barkley? Then there is Michigan's shot at Notre Dame. Both teams need this win in the worst way, but the Irish have more experience, and probably a lot more riding on this game. We also look at the biggest surprises and disappointments from Week 1 (Can you say Iowa and Oregon?), as well as which coach's seat just got a little hotter (Hint: Al Groh).

For our friends on Facebook who want to hear the podcast, just click here.

Podcast: Episode 28

Back in the studio, Phil and Tom talk about the best non-BCS coaches, including Gary Patterson at TCU and Kyle Whittingham at Utah. We also offer teams facing the biggest question marks in the ACC and Pac-10, as well as dissect the drama that is Greg Paulus. Our quick hitters are some of our best yet. We wonder why Nick Saban was wearing a suit during the Alabama spring game, why Pete Carroll is writing a book and how Jackie Sherrill is getting Mississippi State into trouble again.