YOU GOT SERVED!!!--Week 5 (9/27-29) CFB Picks and News

Nothing like unconfirmed internet rumors to spark some fires under Weiss:

Konrad Reuland Transferring From Notre Dame?

Posted Sep 24th 2007 12:52AM by Brian Cook
Filed under: Notre Dame Football, Breaking News
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Multiple posters on NDNation are reporting that sophomore tight end Konrad Reuland is jumping off Charlie Weis' sinking ship. No official source on the transfer yet, but the thread there is far more than some yahoo getting online to yank chains. This seems pretty solid:
Source? * - fisherj08 09/23/2007 16:51:14
The fact that he is moving out of his room right now * - Siegfried08 09/23/2007 16:51:51​
Reuland, Rivals' #3 tight end and #81 player overall in 2006, was the third string tight end but probably would have seen considerable playing time next year with the departure of starter John Carlson. He becomes the third member of Notre Dame's top-ten 2006 recruiting class to transfer, following quarterbacks Zach Frazer and Demetrius Jones out the door. (Probably.)

Notre Dame is a 21.5 point underdog to Purdue this weekend.
 
This Week's Vegas Oddsmakers' Top 25

</MTWEBLOGPOSTIFSHOW>All those people complaining about Clemson's low ranking last week? Vegas is listening. Vegas loves you. The Tigers soared from 25th to 17th. Vegas will also comp you to the buffet, if you post enough comments below. In the grand tradition of Vegas, it is slow to discard its favorites (BYU, Florida State, Georgia Tech, UCLA).
Biggest frauds, according to Vegas: Kentucky and Hawaii are ranked seven spots too high by the AP. South Florida and Alabama are ranked five spots too high.
Biggest sleepers, according to Vegas: Florida State is ranked 10 spots too low by the AP. Arizona State is ranked eight spots too low. Penn State and UCLA are ranked seven spots too low. Purdue is ranked six spots too low. BYU and Georgia Tech should not be ignored.
Vegas looked smart when: Louisville--Vegas's most overhyped team last week--lost at home to Syracuse. Texas A&M--Vegas's third-most overhyped team last week--got crushed at Miami. UCLA rebounded nicely with a comfortable win over Washington, as Vegas expected.
Vegas looked dumb when: Clemson--Vegas's second-most overhyped team last week--won in a rout on the road. Kentucky, which Vegas said was overvalued, won at Arkansas, which Vegas said was undervalued. Georgia Tech, another team Vegas said was undervalued, lost at Virginia (gack).
Games to watch: West Virginia at South Florida; Vegas likes WVU more than the AP, and likes South Florida less. Cal is at Oregon; the AP has Cal ranked higher, and Vegas has Oregon ranked higher. Clemson is at Georgia Tech; we all know how Vegas feels about Clemson and Georgia Tech.
Numbers after the jump. AP rankings in parentheses.
1. Southern Cal (1)
2. LSU (2)
3. Oklahoma (3)
4. West Virginia (5)
5. Florida (4)
6. Ohio State (8)
7. Texas (7)
8. Oregon (11)
9. California (6)
10. Wisconsin (9)
11. South Carolina (16)
12. Boston College (12)
13. Rutgers (10)
14. Penn State (21)
15t. Arizona State (23)
15t. Missouri (20)
17. Clemson (13)
18. Virginia Tech (17)
19. Georgia (15)
20. Purdue (26)
21. Kentucky (14)
22. UCLA (29)
23. South Florida (18)
24. Florida State (34)
25. Nebraska (25)
26. Hawaii (19)
27. Alabama (22)
28. Brigham Young (--)
29. Michigan (30t)
30. Georgia Tech (--)
 
BUYS AND SELLS: WEEK FIVE

Guest editor Hannibal Montegna and Orson go through the buys and sells of the week.
HANNIBAL’S BUYS
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You? You’re losing to Kentucky. Believe it, because it’s happening.
Kentucky. Almost a courtesy for doubting the Wildcats throughout the summer, into the preseason, through their two patsy wins, after their conquest of Louisville, up until Arkansas roughed the kicker Saturday night. Then I knew: UK, like all teams whose kickers are contacted illegally in a crucial situation, was destined for victory in Fayetteville.
Naturally, I doubt again after this week’s game with Florida Atlantic – first place in the Sun Belt! –with the trifecta of South Carolina, LSU and Florida on deck. Until then, though, fine: Andre Woodson is a myth, a machine, a man among men, a monocled minotaur maniacally marauding secondaries and sorority houses across the South. Admonishment nor chains will keep
your women from his musk. For now.
Michigan. It’s just a re-branding of Mike Hart, a healthy Brandon Graham and a couple conservative opposing offenses, but I’m buying, if for no other reasons than a) Mike Hart is so, so money, b) the Wolverines are still relatively cheap and c) the next six games are against Northwestern, Eastern Michigan, Purdue, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan State.
Ohio State. For narrative purposes, it’s best to set up the traditional, climactic clashing of red and blue light sabres for the Big Ten title as early as possible. With Todd Boeckman looking exceedingly competent, the Buckeyes are the conference’s sweater-vested Vader (again) until further notice.
Orson’s Buys:
Oregon: A frightening indicator for LSU fans should be Dennis Dixon’s eye-popping performance for Oregon this year as the one qb to rule them all after Gary Crowton’s departure: four games, 932 yards passing with 11 tds and no picks, 432 yards rushing and four tds on the ground–including the Bip Kiplinger’s Backyard Football Play For Freedom-Loving American Youth Everywhere of the Year thus far:
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Crowton over-tinkered with the offense during his Oregon tenure to Dixon’s benefit: unfettered by genius playcalling, Dixon’s thrived in Chip Kelly’s new system. Add to this that Dixon has done all of this with his eyes half-open and bloodshot for no reason besides his natural countenance and don’t you dare draw any conclusions from that, and his exploits are even more impressive. They face Cal this week, who gave up several football fields of offense to Tennessee, a very much not good team, and has a decent but middlin’ defense to match with Oregon’s blazin’ attack.
(Who knows? Maybe he’s like Jim Brewer and Condi Rice in that he just looks high ’til he dies all the time. Whatever he may be, he’s scoring touchdowns like a stoner downing whole hunks of angel food cake while watching Inter5tella 5 at 2 a.m. Harderbetterfasterstronger!)
Oklahoma. Gnarly, seemingly without chinks in the armor at this point, and finally stocked throughout the lineup with depth suggesting that years of sowing and planting by Stoops and company have reached some kind of bumper crop of talent all maturing exactly now. Interesting fact about running back Demarco Murray? Like a crocodile, he’s only capable of running in straight lines. Also excretes a evenly distributed coat of WD-40 from a network of glands across his body, something scouts are very excited about. Both are working very well for him this season, since we haven’t seen anyone tackle him or make him turn in any direction besides forward this season. And given the play of Texas’ linebackers, that likely won’t happen in two weeks at the Red River Rivalry game, either.
South Florida In our comments section, Barstoolio had this to say about Matt Grothe:
Matt Grothe looks like someone sucked the fat out of Ricky from Better Off Dead.
Handsome, perhaps not–gifted beyond his years, yes. Grothe’s a dodgy, seat-of-the-pants car thief speed freak of a qb who plays like his probation officer is watching from row 12. (Perhaps a correlation here–Colt Brennan actually has a probation officer watching him from the stands, and he’s doing <STRIKE>all right</STRIKE> passing the ink off the ball.) USF’s always had the Stoops/K-State/Cover Two Man scheme to be competitive, including a lineup rife with marauding no-name linebackers. The most balanced team in the Big East, nothing to scoff at when you’ve got matador secondaries at both West Virginia and Louisville. (Syracuse? SYRACUSE? IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO BE, SON???)
HANNIBAL’S SELLS
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Hey, look? Louisville’s on defense!
Louisville. I know this makes me like the guy who finally unloaded his shares of Worldcom circa 2004. But seriously, folks, this team disgusts me.
Texas A&M. For so long I have been waiting to drop the Aggies, they of such early performances as “I Was Outgained by a I-AA Team” and
“I Was Lucky to Beat Fresno State In Overtime,” and finally they show their true, one-dimensional
incompetence in front of the entire nation. La señorita bonita Kyle Wright looked positively Zappatta-esque Thursday night, and for facilitating that, TAMU, you are sold low. I only wish I’d unloaded them sooner.
Navy. “The Midshipmen are still running the option with the precision of the disciplined, undersized future <STRIKE>killers</STRIKE> defenders of freedom they long to become, and actually managed to throw for 236 last week in a comeback, LAST-SECOND win over Duke.
But what is an aspiring nine-game winner doing going DOWN TO THE LAST SECOND against Duke? The Middies allowed 539 yards in another overtime game last week, a loss to Ball State, and gave up 36 points in the first half to the Blue Devils Saturday before rallying to win. The next three games: Air Force, Wake Forest and Pittsburgh, all tentative favorites at the
moment.”
Nebraska. The Ball State curse marches on. I may regret this, given the state of the Big 12 North –where, er, Kansas is the frontrunner? – but the Huskers can’t play defense, either, and are too close to 1-3 right now for comfort.
Orson’s Sells:
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Barbed-wire armbands=speed?
Iowa. Iowa plays despicable offense, and has for going on nearly three years, a mindfuck of a trend given Ferentz’s reputation as an o-line engineer and the heritage of beefy but athletic Iowa lines. They’ve even got a speedy white wide receiver! Iowa teams with rocketshoe white receivers can’t lose! Alas, this one does, and shamefully, especially given the good-to-great defensive performances they’ve given alongside the shambolic offensive play. Get that man a barbed-wire armband to complete the channeling of Tim Dwight’s soul–anything to shake flatlined EKG of this patient.
TCU. Ahhhh—CHOOO!!! Holy hell, we’ve got to dust in here. What’s this? TCU? What the hell? We haven’t sold this yet? Oh, Christ. Our BCS-buster sucker bet for three years running and it’s still sitting here in the garage? Until an offense arises–managing only 21 against a sad clown SMU team this week–TCU goes in the garage sale pile, <STRIKE>Conference USA</STRIKE> Mountain West table. (Stop changin’ conferences, dammit! More than once every two decades makes mah brain speeyun! Hell, they changed tha name uh the Upper Volta yet? Burkina what? Never heard of it.) Ten bucks, lady. We’ll throw in the “MICHAEL BISHOP FOR HEISMAN” t-shirt for free.
HANNIBAL’S HOLDS
The Entire Big East. Exempting Louisville, which disgusts me, and Syracuse, which still sucks. Five of the other six teams in the conference have managed to navigate the first month of the season without a defeat, even if the marquee wins in that
group are over hapless Maryland, reeling Auburn, aforementioned Navy and crispety, crunchety,
butterfingery
Oregon State. Process of elimination begins Thursday with West Virginia at South Florida, both of which looked great against weak Carolinian competition in Saturday’s early games.
Alabama/South Carolina/Arkansas. The weekend’s big SEC losers are all in fine shape – South Carolina hung tougher than it had any right to against LSU, Arkansas still has McFadden and Jones and Alabama proves against it’s nothing if not resilient, even in defeat. Florida and LSU are the overlords, of course, there is no doubt about the hierarchy at the top, but the three New Year’s Day bowls are all still within reach. Which may just be another way of saying there’s
more to build on with all three of these teams at this point than at Tennessee or Auburn.
Miami. To repeat: Texas A&M deserves a substantial portion of the credit for making Miami’s offense look credible, and for failing to keep the game close enough to ward off the inevitable lingering over and subsequent interviewing of Patrick Nix’s pregnant wife in the second half. But the defense looked fast as ever, and the leader right now in the ACC Coastal? Virginia, as in “Cavaliers,” not “Tech.” The next two games are Duke and North Carolina before season-defining tilts with Georgia Tech and Florida State.
Orson’s Holds.
Florida. Conceited over-reactive panic? Sure–however, there’s some empirical bedrock we’re building this panic on, since the defense gave up over 300 yards through the air to a team Vanderbilt throttled. Fortunately, Brandon Cox is the quarterback of the team we’re facing this coming week, and we’ve heard his cramps are terrible this time of the month. Still, he could throw for 42 yards and still possibly beat Florida in the Swamp, since like a journeyman boxer with ether soaked into his glove, Auburn has this cheap, shitcan way of scoring points without actually scoring points on you: safety here, eight field goals there, factory rebate for 3 and a half points cashed in during the third quarter WHAT THE HELL?
Anyway, the secondary scares the screaming shit out of us. That’s all.
 
Expect more Chiles, Davis says

Monday, September 24, 2007, 01:30 PM
Offensive coordinator Greg Davis says he has a package of plays ready to go in which freshman QB John Chiles is on the field at the same time as Colt McCoy.
“We had four or five plays designed out of that group of people,” Davis said.
McCoy and Chiles were on the field at the same time for only one play against Rice. McCoy split out as a receiver, and Chiles took the snap. Rice blitzed and shut down Chiles’ run for no gain.
Chiles returned later in the game to put a charge into the second-team offense.
Brown said he thought Chiles “did really well.”
“We were so happy that we were able to let him go,” Brown said. “I thought we got done what we needed to get done.”
Added Davis in bit of understatement, “Obviously, he runs the zone read pretty well.”
 
You’re not the only one who doesn’t like the hitch routes

Monday, September 24, 2007, 01:21 PM
Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis takes more than his share of criticism for all the short passes, hitch routes and bubble screens that Texas runs.
Seems that his defensive counterpart, Duane Akina, doesn’t think much of that type of offense, either.
When asked about another team’s use of short passes, Akina said Monday, “Those six-yard hitch routes — they don’t beat you, they just frustrate you.”
 
RJ - Very nice work last week! I can't blame you for going with Rutgers after MD's debacle loss last week to Wake! I'm not sure how they will react to giving that WF game away. It's going to take me a while to get over it too. I was more upset watching that happen, then I was on TT losing and I didn't have a dime on MD. Very frustrating because if they just kick a FG there and don't turn it over they win easily. Ironic in that Friedgen has protected Steffy with conservative play calling trying to build his confidence and then calls a pass play down at the goal line where the corner jumps the route for a 100 yard pick return and at least a 10 pt. swing. Uncle Mo just shifted completely over to WF and MD confidence was shot at that point. Incredible shift of momentum. Another road game doesn't set up well for MD this week against a tough Rutgers team. BOL on the week!
 
MID-MAJOR MONDAY
By SMQ
Posted on Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 03:45:01 PM EDT
</I>

Steppin' Up

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The Record vs. BCS Conferences
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Last week: 2-8
• Avg. Score: 46-22
Season to Date: 13-80
• Avg. Score: 41-17 Courtesy Paul Kislanko


Hail to the Conquering Heroes, or A Sad Goodbye to Late, Great Iowa State
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The onset of conference play dramatically reduced the chances for earth-shaking, coach-killing upset, and produced only the most-watered down imitations of the form: Navy toppled Duke 46-43 in overtime and Toledo triumphed 36-35 over Iowa State, neither of which actually qualifies as an upset given the mid-major-like status of the Devils and Cyclones to begin with. Despite Navy's sudden, Duke-inspired balance on offense (the Middies uncharacteristically passed for 236 yards, only the second time they've gone over 200 passing against a I-A opponent under Paul Johnson, in addition to the standard 304 from the option), the Academy should be thoroughly embarrassed with its defense through the firsth three-and-a-half quarters:
<TABLE><CAPTION align=top>Duke's First Eight Possessions vs. Navy</CAPTION><TBODY><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #a2bfcd"><TD align=middle>Qtr.</TD><TD align=middle>Plays</TD><TD align=middle>Yards</TD><TD align=middle>Result</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>5</TD><TD align=middle>10</TD><TD align=middle>Punt</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>76</TD><TD align=middle>Pass TD</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>35</TD><TD align=middle>Pass TD</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>10</TD><TD align=middle>80</TD><TD align=middle>Rush TD</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>3</TD><TD align=middle>1</TD><TD align=middle>Punt</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>8</TD><TD align=middle>61</TD><TD align=middle>Rush TD</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>4</TD><TD align=middle>58</TD><TD align=middle>Pass TD</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=middle>3</TD><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>70</TD><TD align=middle>Pass TD</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
That is, indeed, 36 points allowed in the first half to Duke. Yes, Duke, a mere week after the same defense allowed an truly astonishing rushing performance by the Middie offense (521 yards) to be buried in defeat under a 539-yard performance by Ball State (stop and read that again: Navy ran for 521 yards in one game and LOST). Navy can take some pride in outscoring the Devils 21-7 in the second half, but will not have such a luxury in the coming weeks against Air Force, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest. Toledo went the more traditional route to beating Mid-Major Monday Hall-of-Famer Iowa State, which mercifully completes its non-conference schedule with a remarkable 0-3 mark against non-BCS opponents: turnovers. The Cyclones gave it away three times, the Rockets only once, and turned in a truly memorable self-immolation in the closing minutes. Leading 28-24 midway through the fourth quarter, ISU marched 61 yards for the apparent icing touchdown, only to allow Toledo to return the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a score, cutting the Cyclone lead to five. The Cyclones answered by promptly going three-and-out and mishandling the subsequent punt in the end zone, which Toledo recovered to go ahead 36-35. Undaunted, ISU drove into field goal range at the Toledo 21 with a few seconds remaining, only to watch the winning kick...sail trough for a gutsy victory? No: come hurtling to the ground off the mitt of an enterprising Rocket defender, running the `Clones record against the MAC to 0-2.

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Gone but not forgotten: the 2007 Iowa State Cyclones, friend to mid-majors everywhere.
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What Should Have Been...
- - -
Ball State brought its big guns to Lincoln, where - hangover or not - Nebraska was humiliated by a 610-yard, 40-point Cardinal barrage, 30 of those points coming in the second half. BSU's Nate Davis made one killer mistake in the process of carving Husker DBs into fine organic soaps, throwing an interception early in the fourth quarter that Nebraska took back for a touchdown to cut the Cardinals' lead to 37-34. Ball State's three previous drives had covered 80, 80 and 96 yards, all for touchdowns, and its next possession went 65 yards for a field goal. After Nebraska answered with the go-ahead touchdown and PAT, Davis resiliently moved the Cardinals to the Husker 22 with a chance at the upset from 40 yards out, where (as you may have seen) the game-winner sailed wide left, thus saving Nebraska a dump truck of humiliation it completely deserves.

...and What Never Had a Prayer
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The rest of the Big 12 North was less kind to its unheralded visitors. Kansas completed its scorched-earth campaign against the lower divisions by routing Florida International 55-3, cementing KU's status as a mid-major nightmare, the anti-Iowa State: in four games against the weaker sects, the Jayhwaks have outscored Central Michigan, Southeastern Louisiana, Toledo and now FIU on average 54-6, outgaining them 553-219. In its final ritual slaughter, KU benefitted from recovering a blocked punt in the end zone and returning an interception 100 yards.
Colorado, meanwhile, smelled blood and opened things up on Miami, Ohio, not only holding a decent RedHawk offense to six first downs and zero points on the game, but racking up 634 yards total offense of its own, the best single-game total not only of Dan Hawkins' tenure, but of Gary Barnett's, too (including the powerhouse 2001 Big 12 champs), and if I could get the numbers, probably of Rick Neuheisel's. Hell, since I can't prove otherwise (i.e., don't have the time to go through old media guides on PDF), I'll go ahead and proclaim the Buffs' performance against Miami, Ohio, Saturday the single greatest offensive game in school history. The material is being smelted and Cody Hawkins is being measured for a life-sized statue as we speak.
Mid-Major Game(s) of the Week
While you were throwing darts at pictures of Steve Kragthorpe...
- - -
In a lot of ways, Wyoming's visit to Ohio U. of Ohio wasn't close at all: the Cowboys outgained Ohio by 149 yards, rung up more than twice as many first downs, held the Bobcats to 37 yards rushing on 1.1 per carry. The Wyoming defense forced four turnovers. Ah, but the equalizing power of giving away seven turnovers... Not only that, but Wyoming also allowed a 94-yard kick return for touchdown in the first quarter, a 68-yard touchdown pass in the second and an interception return for a score in the third. It was a classic giveaway game, except Ohio had no solution for Cowboy jitterbug Devin Moore. Moore comes in listed at 5-10, 182, which experience says must be a rather generous listing, and maybe that explains Wynel Seldon's role as workhorse: the senior had 22 carries for 91 yards. Perfectly respectable, but it's not 19 carries for 198 yards, which represented Moore's line on the ground, including two touchdown runs in the third quarter that brought Wyoming from 23-6 down to within a field goal in a matter of minutes.

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Devin Moore yields to no Bobcat.
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Still trailing by six, 33-27, Wyoming got the ball back at its own 43 with 4:57 to play and set out for the win, running Seldon and Moore for 38 yards to the Ohio five, where Seldon was hit for a one-yard loss on 3rd-and-goal with just over two minutes on the clock. After one of those annoying double timeouts prior to the decisive fourth down - Wyoming calls one to set its play, lines up, then Ohio calls one to adjust to the offense - the nicely-named Karsten Sween connected with Michael Ford for the go-ahead touchdown. The Cowboy defense forced a fumble on Ohio's last gasp possession and got the hell out of Athens with the one-point win, 3-1 record intact.

Mid-Major Player(s) of the Week
Non-Brennan Division
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Devin Moore (19 carries, 198 yards, 2 TDs) was the essential spark in Wyoming's comeback, his feats matched elsewhere only by Houston's Case Keenum (18-22, 197 yards, 4 total TDs, 0 INT), who replaced starter Blake Joseph with the Cougars trailing Colorado State 17-3 at the half and was near-perfect over the final two quarters, throwing for two touchdowns in the third quarter and running for two more in fourth to bring the Cougars from 14 down to a nine-point win.
Elsewhere, Omar Haugabook (30-43, 297 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 9 carries, 89 yds., 1 TD) was an all-purpose terror in Troy's 48-31 win over UL-Lafayette, as was the Trojans' Kenny Cattouse (19 carries, 139 yds., 3 TDs). Obligatory Brennan Stat Watch
While desperately attempting to retain grains of skepticism.
- - -
Colt Brennan sat out Saturday's rout of Charleston Southern, yielding the big numbers to Tyler Graunke, who passed for 285 and three touchdowns as well as two interceptions in the Great Brennan's stead. Inoki Funaki added two late touchdown passes off the bench as Hawaii won, 66-10. The score was only 21-10 at the half, leading one to wonder whether Graunke succumbed to the dark temptations of the touchdown-lusting Island god Kaho'ali'i at the half.

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width="119px">
Kaho'ali'i cares not who is the vessel, as long as he is fed touchdowns!
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An Arbitrary Mid-Major Top 10
This is more of a power poll.
- - -
1. Hawaii (4-0) • Still by default. The only BCS busting candidate left on the board, but not a particularly impressive one.
2. Central Florida (2-1) • Beat one mid-major team (N.C. State) on the road, played a legitimate power (Texas) to the wire and beat the holy hell out of Phil Steele favorite Memphis Saturday. UCF scored touchdowns on its first seven possessions of that game.
3. Boise State (2-1) • Best of the Broncos' first three games was a defensive-driven win over Wyoming, which can change Thursday against Southern Miss.
4. Wyoming (3-1) • Virginia win is looking better, I guess; UVA is somehow 3-0 since turning in one of the worst performances of the year in Laramie.
5. Houston (3-1) • Art Briles can find a prolific quarterback in the fifteenth row, apparently, but running back/receiver/return man Anthony Alridge is still the scariest player in Conference USA.
6. BYU (2-2) • Tearing Air Force a new one counts as quality for now after the Falcons beat MWC frontrunners TCU and Utah in consecutive weeks.
7. Air Force (3-1) • Still riding the fast start, but not competitive against the Cougars.
8. Southern Miss (2-1) • National reputation, such as it is, rests on trip to Boise State Thursday.
9. New Mexico (3-1) • Three straight wins, one over Arizona. Prove-it game Saturday against BYU.
10. UNLV (2-2) • Played Wisconsin tough and - exploding head alert - just blanked (27-0) the same Utah team that crushed UCLA 44-6 a week earlier. WTF?
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Honorable Mention: Bowling Green, TCU, Florida Atlantic, Tulsa
Coming Up
 
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Tuesday Question [/FONT]<HR width="100%" SIZE=1></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Staff
CollegeFootballNews.com[/FONT]</TD><TD align=right>[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Sep 25, 2007[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2>
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Tuesday Question - Asking the CFNers for their opinions on one of the hot topics.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][/FONT]
<TABLE id=table2 cellSpacing=4 width=200 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffcc>Past TQs
- I was dead/on right/wrong about ...- USC, LSU or Oklahoma?l- Was the App St win good or bad for college football?
- 3 Sleeper Teams
- Predicting the Season- 3 things we're sure of- What to look for on Signing Day
- Bears or Colts? - Early bowl surprises and trends- 3 things to look for from the bowls- Do you want the Alabama job?- What are the 3 best non-BCS bowls?- Who's 2nd in the Heisman race?- Michigan-OSU rematch?- Michigan or Ohio State?- Should Louisville be No. 3?- The nat'l title game will be ...- The best one-loss team- Rule changes to help the flow- The Midseason Stuff- The real top five ranking- The early coach of the year is ...?- These three teams are for real, these three aren't
- After 2 weeks, who's better, who's worse?
- 10 Greatest Quarterbacks of All-Time
- 10 Greatest Defensive Players of All-Time
- 10 Greatest Regular Season Games of All-Time
- 10 Greatest Playmakers of All-Time
- 10 Worst Heisman Winners
- 10 Greatest Bowl Games
- All-Time Offensive Team
- All-Time Defensive Team </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Pete Fiutak [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P><O:P></O:P>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<O:P></O:P><O:P>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]</O:P>Q: The 5 Most Overrated Teams Are ...

Who's rating the teams in the first place so they can be overrated? Going be the current Coaches' Poll, the only one that matters ...

5. Wisconsin
Currently ranked ninth, I'm not quite ready to start bashing like the rest of the world is doing, but I'm close. At some point, the team needs to put together a dominant game and blow someone away. The Badgers aren't higher because this might be the team's M.O. Hang around, play tough defense, adjust, and win with the running game in the second half.

4. Hawaii
Everyone likes to rip on the schedule, and rightly so, but remember, this is a team that blew away the same UNLV team that pushed Wisconsin and beat a Utah team that walloped UCLA. O.K., so that's a stretch, but I actually believe the offense could bomb its way past most teams.

3. Texas
Ranked seventh on brand name alone, the Longhorns are playing like they should be around the low 20s. Wait and see what happens against Oklahoma in a few weeks, but at the moment, it appears to be a bloodbath waiting to happen.

2. Virginia Tech
Yeah, the defense is fine, but Tyrod Taylor's passing makes Sean Glennon look like Tom Brady. This team has no offense. Playing Taylor is a step back to take a big leap forward, but for now, 14th is way high.

1. California
Love 'em at 15, hate 'em at six. Basically, the Bears are living off the big win over a mediocre Tennessee team. The defense is going to be obliterated by the better Pac 10 offenses, and while the offense will pick up the slack against most, right now, Oregon is the second best Pac 10 team.
Richard Cirminiello[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<O:P></O:P><O:P></O:P>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<O:P></O:P><O:P>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]</O:P>Q: The 5 Most Overrated Teams Are ...

1. Hawaii – The fact that the Warriors are No. 17 in the coaches poll and No. 19 in the AP is patently ridiculous. Sure, the offense is a machine, but the schedule is a joke and the 45-44 close call with Louisiana Tech two weeks ago should have been enough evidence for voters to remove Hawaii from their rankings.

2. Rutgers – While I like the make-up of the Rutgers team, and do not believe it was a one-hit wonder in 2006, I also feel the Knights are not the tenth best team in America as the polls indicate. If anything, voters ought to be a little cautious about a school that fattened up on Buffalo, Navy, and Norfolk State in the first three weeks of the year.

3. Cal – At around No. 12, I’d be loving the Bears, and labeling them underrated. At No. 6 in both major polls, I wonder if their issues in the secondary will eventually knock them down a few rungs. With the Pac-10 getting tougher every weekend, Cal could lose two games before the end of the regular season.

4. Texas – You don’t get pressed by Arkansas State, TCU, and UCF in successive weeks without there being underlying issues that could come back to haunt the ‘Horns when league play begins this Saturday. Texas is No. 7 today, but won’t be that high in a few weeks, thus, is overrated.

5. Wisconsin – This one hurts to admit because I genuinely believed the Badgers were the Big Ten’s best just a few weeks ago. However, they’ve been way too inconsistent on both sides of the ball to feel good about their chances of navigating conference landmines while remaining in the top 10.
John Harris
Q: The 5 Most Overrated Teams Are ...
1. Louisville – Uh, no brainer. Losing to a very good Kentucky team is one thing – losing the way it did by giving up the late deep ball for a touchdown, not so good. Losing to Syracuse, worse…losing at home to Syracuse, well, let’s not go there.

2. TCU – With only an average running game, the non-BCS darlings lost two in a row to Texas and Air Force putting them in a tough spot in the Mountain West race. We won’t be seeing the Horned Frogs on New Year’s Day as many had predicted.

3. The Big Ten, with the exception of Ohio State, Purdue, Michigan State and Illinois – Wisconsin struggled with the Citadel and Iowa (an Iowa team that lost to Iowa State who lost to two MAC squads and a D1AA team). Penn State lost to a Michigan team starting a true freshman at quarterback. Minnesota lost to FAU and Bowling Green, while Northwestern lost to Duke. 22 game losing streak Duke…AT HOME!!! Michigan? The Wolverines might win the Big Ten, but the App. State loss will linger for a while.

4. Texas A&M – this could be any other Big 12 South team, not named Oklahoma, but A&M had more expected of it, especially after the 12-7 win at Texas last November. At least, Texas is still undefeated, even if it hasn’t played exceptionally well. The Aggies should’ve lost to Fresno State at home and then got hammered at Miami. It’s not pretty right now for a team that was a ‘hot’ Big 12 South pick at the beginning of the year.

5. Nebraska – the Big 12 North championship favorite has given up 49 and 40 points to USC and, gulp, Ball State…at home! Just think what Missouri will do to them in Columbia. They can still win the Big 12, but until the defense improves, especially up front, it will be another Alamo Bowl trip for the Huskers.Matthew Zemek[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<O:P></O:P><O:P></O:P>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][/SIZE][/FONT]<O:P></O:P>
Q: The 5 Most Overrated Teams Are ...
<O:P>5) Kentucky. Don't get me wrong, I picked UK to win each of its last two games, because I believe in this team's abilities. But I'm getting the sense that a major bandwagon effect is surrounding this club when--let's be honest--it did no better against Louisville's defense than Syracuse and Middle Tennessee State did. UK also got pushed around by Arkansas until the Hogs allowed their emotions to get away from them. I like this team, but I feel that UK is being viewed as a guaranteed 10-win club. "Whoa, camel, whoa!" (As a rootin, tootin Looney Tunes cartoon character would say.)

4) Wisconsin. How to explain the Badgers' really high scores in some games and really low scores in others? 45 against the Citadel but 20 against Vegas; over 40 against Washington State but only 17 against Iowa. What's going on? Tyler Donovan is a very schizophrenic quarterback right now. That has to change.

3) Missouri. A weird choice, I know, but let's put it this way: don't allow Nebraska's struggles to make you think that Missouri is now the Big XII North favorite.

2) (I'm finding it hard to name a bunch of overrated teams, I have to admit..... pause.....)

South Florida. Make no mistake, a great story, but I sense a Kentucky-like bandwagon effect. This just in: Auburn's a mediocre football team, even at home. North Carolina is awful. Beat Louisville once again (the Bulls did so in 2005, and rather handily), and off this list you go.

1) Hawaii. This team has no business whatsoever in any top-25 poll. Period. Play somebody and win first.

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Thanks again RJ ESQ for bringing me your one-stop-reading threads. I'm on RU (even at -15.5) even thought RC has them #2 on his overhyped list. Good luck
 
noaccountguy said:
Thanks again RJ ESQ for bringing me your one-stop-reading threads. I'm on RU (even at -15.5) even thought RC has them #2 on his overhyped list. Good luck
Click to expand...

Thank you, sir.

I updated the thread with my leans. Kind of a tough card to put 10 quality plays together, so I listed all my leans no matter how weak or strong.
 
Tigator--Thanks man. I aim to please.

ETG--That's a minor lean. Navy only favored by 3, at home, rivalry/armed service game. I made the line Navy -6 but wouldn't touch it. Navy is not very good. Then again neither is AFA. AFA is getting too much love for winning a game they should have lost and lost badly to an overrated TCU squad. If I had to lean one way in that game, it's Navy.
 
As A Matter of Fact We Were Looking Ahead

Posted Sep 25th 2007 8:37AM by Charles Rich
Filed under: West Virginia Football, Big East, South Florida Football
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It's one of those cliches of not looking ahead to the next game, until the final whistle. Never. Well, when you are up 30-3 after three quarters, you might start thinking ahead. But you never admit it. Especially not the head coach. Except that the South Florida Bulls did while still playing North Carolina.
USF cornerback Mike Jenkins said Leavitt admitted he started looking to West Virginia in the fourth quarter.

"Coach Leavitt's exact words: 'I don't want to lie, but in the back of my mind I was thinking about West Virginia,'" Jenkins said. "But then again, everybody was."
​
Clearly it was a foolish mental lapse as the Bulls only scored 7 more points and then somehow allowed the Tar Heels to score a TD in the final couple minutes of the game.

That kind of undisciplined mindset is, well, clearly not that costly when a team is absolutely manhandling and dominating an inferior opponent.
 
WSU Defense One of Worst in School History?

Posted Sep 25th 2007 8:19AM by Sean Hawkins
Filed under: Washington State Football, Pac 10
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Saturday's loss to USC wasn't unexpected from a Cougar fan's point of view. In fact the game played out to pretty much all expectations. It might be close early, but USC's offense is just too powerful, and of course their defense sports several future NFL draft picks, and the Trojans should pull away. The game stayed exactly to script in the 47-14 USC conquest. But there are some pretty alarming signs for WSU right now, signs that have been forming like storm clouds in the distance. You can see it coming on the horizon, you hold out hope they'll blow the other way, but deep down you know it's going to rain on your parade.
The biggest thing, hands down, the Cougars are dealing with is a defensive ineptness that is downright offensive. USC was so in control on Saturday night that they never once even had to punt. In fact the only two possessions in which the Trojans didn't get on the scoreboard were interceptions, the first one before halftime when Booty made his only mistake of the game. The second was late in the game when backup QB Mark Sanchez made a throw he shouldn't have that was picked off by defensive lineman Toby Turpin.
Head coach Bill Doba has got to be tossing and turning at night after what he's seen his guys do over the first four games. After all, Doba is a long-time defensive coordinator and has been the architect of some very stout defenses in his time at WSU. The 1994 defense, a unit that gave up a mere 229 yards per game, was #3 in the nation in rushing defense and scoring defense. The 2001 defense had 40 sacks and 26 interceptions, both second in the nation only to Miami. In 2002, the team set a school record with a fantastic 55 sacks, plus they led the Pac-10 in rushing defense. In 2003, WSU led the nation in takeaways, were 5th in pass efficiency defense and 6th in rushing defense.

So how far has the defense fallen since the salad days? As the Seattle P-I points out, we're talking a fall of epic proportions when you consider the following:

Only six times in the 113-year history of Cougars football has WSU yielded more points in the first four games of the season. WSU has given up 134 points, and that 33.5 average would rank fourth worst in school history for a season.
WSU is also on pace to register some of the worst numbers in school history in total yards allowed (429.8) and passing yards allowed (274.0). WSU ranks 88th in the nation in total yards allowed, 93rd in points allowed, 101st in passing yards allowed and 119th -- dead last -- in third-down conversions allowed at 57.9 percent.
​
Phew, that's bad. But will it get any better? After all, the Cougars are starting two new linebackers and three new players in the secondary this year, and all these guys are getting a baptism by fire. And, for the first time since 1983, the Cougars have played two top-10 teams in their first four games, and that's certainly an influence in the defensive stats. They've got to improve eventually...right? Or is this just a huge drop in talent that has slowly been building at WSU?
This is the first year that Mike Price's players are officially out of the program, as last year's senior class featured some redshirts from 2002, Price's last year in Pullman. Mkristo Bruce was one notable player who was recruited by Mike Price. But it's now a 100% pure Bill Doba program at this point. While anyone can skew statistics in their favor, in fact there are several novels on Amazon.com that will show you how to do it, it's pretty hard to hide from these defensive numbers. With offensive machines like ASU, Oregon and Cal still on the schedule, unless there's drastic improvement from here on out, there's no telling how bad it might get before it's all said and done.
 
Sure, Dan. The Oklahoma Sooners offensive line averages 6-5, 322 across their starting five, a wall of angry beef they’ve leaned on in averaging 61.5 points a game. (Their tallest starter has an immortal name for a 6′8″, 360 lb man: Phil Loadholt.) Dan Hawkins
has the gameplan to face them, however, likely conceived while chopping melons in half
with his kitana blindfolded in his backyard Zen garden:
“We used to be able to call coaches at midweek in high school and ask if we could play eight-man football. … I think maybe I’ll call Coach Stoops this week and ask him if we could play with 12.”
That would keep the score within 20 points, we think.
Nick Saban doesn’t answer his phone. Saban asked for Alabama fans to stay classy after losses, and also divulged that he doesn’t answer his phone. Good policy, though messages for football coaches in Alabama usually don’t rely on fiberoptic lines.
Badgering her witness in public. Two Wisconsin fans were arrested for having sex in a women’s restroom at Camp Randall on Saturday after a patron reported to a policeman that a couple was “going at it pretty good” in a stall. (Read with Wisconsin accent. Much, much funnier than it already is. The paper goes for the obvious scoring angle, but we focus on your Men are from Mars, Women are from Earth moment of the day in the article.
When Officer Pehler was explaining the citation to the couple, the woman said, “Something to the effect, I know, I know, I did it,” Pehler wrote in his report.
The man, on the other hand, said “whatever, no big deal.”
 
Tuesday Morning Notes - The McNeill Era
By Seth C Section: Football
Posted on Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 07:04:14 AM EDT
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Texas Tech Football:
This is pretty interesting, LAJ's Don Williams and DMN's Chuck Carlton both have interesting articles on the change at defensive coordinator where Leach opens up a little more about McNeill's promotion. Leach again points to Setencich's wife's condition for a reason as to the resignation and Leach's continued acknowledgment makes me believe that Setencich's heart just wasn't in it anymore and that's okay. I'm pretty sure that when I turn 60, and God willing, I'll be wearing a jump-suit everyday and my biggest decision will be which color I'm going to wear that day (yes, I'm serious about that).
Williams details that Sunday night, there was tackling, something that's typically been missing from Texas Tech practices:
Swapping Setencich for McNeill wasn't the only change Leach made Sunday. The Raiders immediately went out and worked on tackling during the Sunday night workout.
Leach has long espoused high repetition and limited contact to get his players prepared while keeping them healthy.
Asked whether the decision to work on tackling was his or something McNeill asked for, Leach said, "I think we all agreed with that. I think that (need) was pretty apparent." The Raiders won't go from not hitting much to high level of contact, Leach said, but plans call for them to do some hitting during the Tuesday and Wednesday practices, which are the two longest workout days of the week.

Well, hot damn. It's interesting how the light went on for Leach. Leach is well-schooled in the school of thought that repetition on offense creates perfect performance, or at least theoretically. I pulled this from a post I did on Coach Leach and found Hal Mumme's Air Raid Practice Plan. I'm pretty sure that Leach has wholeheartedly adopted Mumme's philosophy regarding practice and perhaps here's the key (emphasis mine):
That old saying about you play like you practice is true. It was always my belief that five great reps of anything were worth more than ten mediocre reps. With this in mind, I encouraged our players to slow down their reps but to do them great. For example, if you have a QB and two WR working on the curl route don't rush through the drill just so you can say you got ten reps. It will be a lot more productive to have the WR walk back between reps, take there time, and have five great curl routes each one perfect. Hustle is fine but is not the only ingredient. Practice successful reps even if it means fewer reps. I never wanted to practice anything that a player could not visualize doing in a game. The successful coach should look at every drill - be it individual, group, or team type - and ask himself if this will happen in a game. If this answer is no, throw it out, it is wasted motion, which means lost time . . .

Did Coach Leach get to a point with this team that he wanted to perfect the spread offense so much that it was to the detriment of the defense? Is the reason why the team is hitting in practice because Setencich is gone and McNeill is in place or is the change a result of Leach being accountable for the entire team? I can't figure this one out. Too many variables to consider as to the motivation.
Aside from my thoughts about hitting in practice, I applaud the move and I think most Texas Tech fans do as well.
Of course as I type the paragraph above I realize how silly a statement that is. Hitting in practice shouldn't be some sort of revolutionary procedure that we at Texas Tech are just now discovering, but we are.
As far the actual change in scheme here are some thoughts from Carlton on McNeill:
Monday, McNeill was busy watching film on the large-screen Sony in his office and meeting with assistants, a takeout lunch still untouched on his desk.
He said he wanted to build an aggressive, swarming defense as a counterpart to Tech's spread offense.
"They do a great job of moving the football and a great job of doing what they do," McNeill said. "We have to do a great job of upholding our end of the bargain."
McNeill acknowledged an emotional side that manifests itself in yelling, high-fives and even the occasional chest bump. "Coach Ruffin is going to get in your face and he's going to yell at you a little bit more and make sure you do it right," cornerback Chris Parker said. "With cCoach [Setencich], it was more of that he would just expect you to know it."

Carlton reminds me of the comments that Setencich made last month and now I wonder if this was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, but I wonder how tongue-in-cheek this comment reallly was:
"They don't care about defense down here," Setencich told the World-Herald. "We're just here to practice against the offense. Mike wants to play good defense. But he's more interested in us just getting them the ball back."

<HR width="75%" SIZE=4>FWST's Dwain Price has his own article on the McNeill's rise to defensive coordinator, much of the same that was written above, but there was this quote at the end of the story:
"My personality is I want -- when they watch us on film -- our defense to be known as a swarming defense that's physical and aggressive, that makes and finishes plays and causes turnovers," McNeill said. "That's something we've got to preach as coaches, and our players have to buy into it, and I think they did [Sunday] night."
 
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD class=storytitle colSpan=3>Cavalcade of Whimsy - Is the SEC Overrated? </TD></TR><TR><TD class=primaryimage vAlign=top>
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Alabama WR Keith Brown
</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="60%" bgColor=#f5f5f5 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=center noWrap>By Pete Fiutak
CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted Sep 25, 2007
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

From Mike Gundy, to ten things to watch for from the under-the-radar unbeatens, to advertising issues, to the SEC, where Alabama and Georgia might be merely average, it's all in Fiu's latest Cavalcade of Whimsy.
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[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Fiu's Cavalcade of Whimsy[/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
a.k.a. Frank Costanza's Festivus Airing of the Grievances [/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]

By Pete Fiutak
What's your beef? ... E-mail with your thoughts
Past Whimsies [/SIZE][/FONT]2006 Season | Preseason Part One, Part Two | Week 1 | Week 2Week 3http://cfn.scout.com/2/678318.html
If this column sucks, it’s not my fault … Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy thinks my column is garbage. It makes him want to puke.

“Well, I didn’t know you wanted to get involved with the discussion, Mr. Helper.” … Watch the Gundy all-timer of a press conference meltdown regarding an article in The Oklahoman about QB Bobby Reid, then try to find the classic Sam Kinison blowup on Thornton Mellon in Back to School. Tell me the Gundy and Kinison don’t sound exactly alike in voice, tone, and inflection.

Me thinks a $165 million gift changes things up a wee bit … Lost in Gundy’s rant was an interesting thought about the line between the media's role in covering college players and, in his words, attacking an amateur athlete. Yeah, these kids are on scholarship, but they’re also pawns in a billion-dollar industry. Their actions and play affect millions upon millions of dollars for the school, not to mention the budgets of the athletic departments. Sorry, but criticism comes with the gig at the D-I level, and that pressure is often part of the reason why players choose to go to the schools they do. The media should be able to attack, critique, and overanalyze the on-field play of anyone at any time, and if a player doesn’t like it, he can go play at the lower levels where the stakes aren’t as high. However, it can’t ever be a personal attack or mean-spirited, and at the collegiate level, the line has to be drawn when it comes to questioning toughness or an injury. These guys still have to go to class, and they don't always have the world-class trainers the pros do to speed up the healing process. It's not right to demand that they play through a serious injury like the NFLers do. As far as "attacking," if the overall pie-in-the-sky goal of collegiate athletics is to create better people for the real world, then saying a quarterback sucks is a soft wet kiss behind the ear compared to what he’s going to face when his college days are over.

In an attempt to surpass the record number of frighteningly angry e-mails received, recently set by the “passionate” college wrestling crowd … As of right now, with the caveat that I'll likely change my tune as the season goes on and as teams start to jell, today, Tuesday, September 25th, 2007, marks day one of the rest of my life. From this day forward, I will try to be brave enough, and strong enough, to stop blindly kissing the SEC's butt.

For years, everyone’s been afraid to poke the bear with a stick (as opposed to the legend of The Bear poking Nick Saban), knowing that anything short of continuous genuflecting at the altar of the almighty SEC will bring nothing but great vengeance and furious anger from the most passionate fans in college football.

Yes, with Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State not being that bad, from top to bottom, the SEC is the best conference going right now (please note what I just wrote when your bile starts to build), but it’s time to start taking a really hard look at the league this year, and it's time to stop assuming it’s the dominant force everyone thinks it is.

You’re 100%, rock-solid, bet-the-house certain that LSU is one of the two best teams in the country right now. It's been driven into your head so much, it's now become an unquestioned fact. The defense has been so dominant, ranking first in the nation in almost all categories, and seventh in pass defense, that no one can do anything against it, right? Yeah, and last year's Ohio State offense couldn't be shut down. Take a look at the offenses LSU has faced so far: Mississippi State (102nd in the nation), Virginia Tech (107th), Middle Tennessee (108th), and South Carolina (79th). It won't get much harder once the meat of the season kicks in. Right now, half the SEC offenses are ranked 74th or lower, none are in the top ten, and only Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas are in the top 25.

You’re 100%, rock-solid, sell-the-house certain that Florida has simply reloaded, and it automatically belongs among the national title contenders, right? (Actually, I do believe this, but more on that later.) Western Kentucky is barely D-I, Troy is dead last in America in run defense, Tennessee has a great brand name, but isn’t Tennessee right now, and Ole Miss is 107th in the nation in defense. You're basing everything on one dominant performance against an average Vols team.

There's no question about it, LSU and Florida are good, but I want to see more. Unfortunately, I won’t, because now the SECers basically play each other, and everyone likes to pump up SEC teams based on what they do in conference play. You have to remember that just because one or two teams are top-shelf dominant, that doesn’t mean the entire conference is great. Did you rank the Pac 10 as one of the best conferences over the last few years because of USC? No, so why are you doing it now?

Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt aren’t awful like the true bottom feeders in other leagues, but they’re at a lower level compared to the rest of the league (even after MSU's win over Auburn). South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia are all at a similar level of average, with a few differences here and there.

Arkansas can't throw more than three feet down the field with any sort of accuracy, Auburn is woefully short on playmakers and on the offensive line, Alabama can't find any sort of a pass rush no matter what the situation, Georgia is as flaky as they come thanks to a reloading young team, Kentucky can't stop the run, South Carolina's offense is more painful to watch than an Oprah/The View double-feature, and Tennessee has apparently decided to not play defense this year. I'm not saying the programs stink, and I'm not saying these teams won't be really good at the end of the year, or dominant next year. I'm talking about right now, and if you're watching the entire college landscape, then you can't objectively look at the mid-level SEC teams and say they're anything remotely special.

And then there are the big non-conference games to compare and contrast. In the big ones, Tennessee lost to Cal, Auburn lost to South Florida, and barely beat Kansas State, LSU dominated a Virginia Tech team that’s still playing like the weight of an entire region is on its shoulders, and Kentucky beat a Louisville team that couldn’t stop you and ten girl scouts from putting up 500 yards and 43 points. That’s it.

The best non-conference wins for the other nine teams: Alabama (Western Carolina 52-6), Arkansas (Troy 46-26), Florida (Troy 59-31), Georgia (Oklahoma State 35-14 … this was good, even with the Cowboys’ loss at Troy), Ole Miss (Memphis 23-21), Mississippi State (Tulane 38-17), South Carolina (UL Lafayette 28-14), Tennessee (Southern Miss 39-19), Vanderbilt (Richmond 41-17). Oooh, a bunch of real BCS killers in that bunch.

Basically, I'm asking the world to actually watch the SEC games like it would games from any other league. I will now curl up into a corner with a warm glass of milk, a copy of I'm OK, You're OK, and rest up for the onslaught that's about to come my way.

Allegedly, The Caretaker Plan also includes dumping me for writing this sucky column … What’s the toughest place to coach in America? Alabama? Sure, the pressure is ridiculous, but it’s like that everywhere in the SEC. Notre Dame? Sort of, but outside of a few academic issues, Charlie Weis has every advantage in the book. No, the toughest place to be a head football coach right now is at UCLA.

It’s a major media market without pro football (keep your Reggie Bush comments to yourself), so until the Lakers get rolling, all the focus is on USC and UCLA. Of course, the unattainable success of the Trojans under Pete Carroll jacks the expectation levels to unfair proportions, made only worse by a very rich, very powerful, very demanding alumni base that can only take so much abuse from their University of Spoiled Children friends and co-workers. And then there’s the overall UCLA expectation level, with all the success in various sports, the resurgence of the basketball program, and the all-timer success under John Wooden. (Unfortunately, there’s no Sam Gilbert for the football program.) This is a place that always demands winners. Karl Dorrell is in a tough spot, and if he gets canned, the job search will make the latest search for an Alabama head coach seem like an audition for America’s Next Top Model.

On the plus side, these are the two ads currently running that don’t have Peyton Manning in them … I’m calling you out, Taco Bell. I know the subliminal image you’re trying to fire out in the opening shot of the ad for your new cholesterol speedball, also known as the Cheesy Beefy Melt. You know exactly what that looks like. I know what that looks like. Any normal 15-year-old boy with an internet connection knows what that looks like. There’s a reason why the hot chick, and not one of the other people in the ad, is holding the burrito in that way from the first frame. I’m sorry, but the ad is gross enough as is without me having to feel all pervy for noticing your trick.

Making things worse is the ad that always seems to come on right after with the Viva Viagra guys (possibly the same ones who shared their feelings in the annoying Dockers ads from several years ago) who can’t keep the ball on the tee thanks to stress, bad food, and having to schtup the same person for 31 years. If the timing is really right, they pop the pill, feel the need to sing about their cheese and biscuits, and then go on to presumably please their women. Thank goodness there isn't a shot of them walking to their cars for what has to be an interesting ride home.

“I gave you your chance to be a cop, and you blew it!” … In its current batch of ads with the mock press conferences featuring former NFL coaches, the Coors Light people had one shot to stick the landing on the Dennis Green “crown their ass” classic, and they missed. Go ahead and do a rewrite and reshoot. The campaign has been building to this, and there has to be more of a payoff.

But there’s still no excuse for only running Jorvorskie Lane twice … A pot of fancy jam goes out to Miami for once again proving that there’s a difference between playing fast and being fast. All off-season, all we had to hear about was how fast Florida was compared to Ohio State, when in reality, the Gators executed better, had a superior gameplan, and flew around with more energy. Does anyone out there ever think Miami can’t run? Of course not, so then why did the Canes look so slow in the 51-13 loss to Oklahoma? OU played better than Miami, and Miami made Texas A&M look like it was running in mud by playing faster on the lines and executing better. All teams in the top 25 can run fast 40 times, last year's Ohio State team could run with anyone, but that doesn't always matter. Remember this the next time someone spouts about a team being better because of its wheels.

“The last thing he said to me, Doc, he said, Sometime, when the crew is up against it, the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to get out there and give it all they got and win just one for the Zipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Doc, he said, but I won't smell too good, that's for sure.” … This won’t be the worst season in Notre Dame history. There were a few clunkers in the mid-1960s, bottoming out with a 2-8 campaign in 1960 (with one of the wins coming against a bad USC team). However, this will be the worst start by a long, long shot. Just look at the schedule. Georgia Tech and Penn State each took turns shaking the Irish. Then Michigan slapped them, was told it was wanted on the phone, slapped them again as the camera pans down the aisle of the airplane, where Michigan State has on boxing gloves, Purdue has a baseball bat, UCLA has a whip, Boston College has a tire iron, and USC has a noose.

James Earl Jones went to Michigan. He was in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner, who was in JFK with Kevin Bacon … What happened to the pompous pinheads who voted for Appalachian State in the AP poll a few weeks ago? Wofford beat Appalachian State, who beat Michigan, who beat Penn State. Since NC State beat Wofford, doesn’t that technically mean UCF, who beat the Wolfpack, has to be ranked higher than Michigan and Penn State? If you really want to do this right you AP voters, then it goes UCF, NC State, Wofford, Appalachian State, Michigan, Penn State, in that order. Instead, Penn State is 21st. Michigan, with 21 votes, is 31st, and UCF, with four votes, is 35th.

<TABLE id=table3 width="100%" bgColor=#ff99cc border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>The true definition of tough … Good luck to New Mexico State in its fund-raising efforts to come up with $200,000 in the fight against breast cancer. In what should be an interesting scene against Arkansas Pine-Bluff, there will be a pink out, with all the fans and coaches wearing pink. The issue was brought to the forefront by head coach Hal Mumme’s wife, June, who’s a breast cancer survivor.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Non-Sexual Man Crush Of The Week Award goes to … Michigan RB Mike Hart. No one since Vince Young has carried a team on his back like Hart has. The defense certainly did a great job against Penn State, but that was an all-timer of a gut-check performance by one player. The whole world knew Hart was going to get the ball, and he still produced with 44 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown, taking the heat off freshman QB Ryan Mallett, and all but turning around the entire program.

The C.O.W. airing of the grievances followed by the feats of strength
Everyone has mailed it in and made it a three-team race for New Orleans between USC, LSU and Oklahoma. While it's almost a lock that at least one of those teams will be playing for the national title, it’s important to not go to sleep on the other unbeatens out there. Remember, just because you didn’t put a team in your preseason top five, or top two, that doesn’t mean it deserves to be out of the national title discussion. Here are ten interesting storylines for some of the other undefeated teams that you should be paying attention to.

10. South Florida is getting the love, but Cincinnati and Connecticut are suddenly in the picture.
Now that Louisville has politely bowed out of the national title race, and already has a setback in the hopes for a Big East title, all eyes turn to the West Virginia vs. South Florida showdown this week to see who’ll join Rutgers as the favorite to win the title. Flying way, way under the radar is Connecticut, who’s coming off a dominant performance over Pitt. The defense has forced 13 turnovers so far, while the offense is doing just enough to get by against lousy teams. The Huskes won’t win the Big East, and came within an awful call of losing to Temple, but with Louisville, South Florida and Rutgers coming to Storrs in a three game span, they’ll play a role in who will. Cincinnati is a different story and a legitimate contender. New head man Brian Kelly has done wonders, helped by a D that leads the nation with 19 takeaways, while the offense is averaging 45 points per game. Unlike UConn, the Bearcats have a big-time win, stomping Oregon State 34-3. Louisville and West Virginia have to travel to Nippert Stadium.

9. Don’t forget, Florida did this last year
Is Florida a question mark after only beating Ole Miss by six? Absolutely not. We all made this mistake last year when the Gators won game after game after game by tight margins, most notably with a close call against Vanderbilt. How’d the season turn out? Looking ahead, even if Florida loses at LSU on October 6<SUP>th</SUP>, if it can win out, including a rematch with the Tigers in the SEC title game, it’s last year all over again.

8. Michigan State is Wisconsin’s biggest obstacle until the Ohio State game
If Juice Williams can be even remotely accurate, Illinois will give Wisconsin problems in Champaign, but it's still Illinois. While Penn State’s defense is certainly nasty, the mediocre matchup makes it a good matchup for the Badgers. The big problem for UW is this week’s game against Michigan State, who exposed an overrated 9-0 Wisconsin team in 2004 in a 49-14 win. Wisconsin’s offensive line is lousy on key passing plays, and MSU is the best in the nation at getting into the backfield. If Wisconsin wins this game easily, then it’ll be time to suggest that the team is for real.

7. Arizona State is going to screw someone up
There’s not enough of a pass rush from the Sun Devil defensive front to win the title in a pass happy Pac 10, but this is a tough, physical team that’s getting good play from all the key parts in Dennis Erikson’s first season. In a four-game stretch, ASU plays Cal, at Oregon, at UCLA, and USC, with two weeks off before dealing with the Trojans. If the first four games were any indication, this team is good enough to win two of those big for games and end up at least third.

6. Kansas is playing as well as anyone outside of Los Angeles, Baton Rouge or Norman.
It’s not time to put KU in the BCS just yet after home games against Central Michigan, SE Louisiana, Toledo and FIU, but while top-name unbeatens like Wisconsin, Texas and several others have had a few letdowns against lousy teams, Mark Mangino’s club is crushing and killing everything in its path. KU won its first four games 214 to 23, is first in the nation in scoring defense, third in scoring offense, third in tackles for loss, fourth in total offense, and second in kickoff returns. A trip to Kansas State in two weeks should finally start to show if the team is for real.

5. The collapse might not come, part one … Clemson
We’re all familiar with Clemson’s work under head coach Tommy Bowden. If the team is rocking in the first half of the year, it hits the skids in the back half. If it rocks out of the gate, like last year, it goes into the tank in the second half. However, last year’s team lost one rough game at Virginia Tech 24-7, and lost to bowl winners Boston College, Maryland, South Carolina and Kentucky (of course, this one was in the Music City Bowl) by a total of 13 points. This year’s defense is healthier, QB Cullen Harper has become magnificent, and the running tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller appear to be just getting warmed up. Considering Virginia Tech and Boston College have to come to Death Valley, if the Tigers get by Georgia Tech this week, 11-0 is very possible before going to South Carolina. However …

4. Boston College has the makeup to be something special (but the schedule will ruin the dream).
The special teams are shaky and there’s not enough of a pass rush. Other than that, this could be a special Eagle team as the year goes on. Matt Ryan might just be the best NFL quarterback currently playing in the collegiate ranks, the rushing tandem of Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth are experienced and just now starting to rumble under the new coaching staff, and the lines have been brick walls. The defense is finding ways to get it done without future NFL DT B.J. Raji (academics) and LB Brian Toal (hurt). The problem? Five road games in the final seven, including dates at Virginia Tech, Maryland and Clemson. The home games are against Florida State and Miami.

3. The collapse might not come, part two … Oregon
We’re all familiar with Oregon’s work under head coach Mike Bellotti. Outside of a tremendous 2005 season, in recent years, the Ducks haven’t been able to put together a full season, with almost every year marred by a prolonged losing stretch. It might not happen this year. Everyone seems to have assumed that Michigan stunk it up in the 39-7 home loss to Oregon, when in fact, Dennis Dixon and the boys might just be that good. The offense has been unstoppable, averaging 300 rushing yards and 48.5 points per game, with Dixon playing as well as any quarterback in America. The defense has been shaky, but the offense, at least so far, has been able to overcome the problems by hitting the home run. Why is it time to buy into Oregon? Cal, USC and Arizona State all have to come to Autzen.

2. Ohio State might just be the real deal
Completely tossed aside after that game, it’s easy to forget that Ohio State has won 23 of its last 24 games. Helped by the play of emerging superstar WR Brian Robiskie, the offense has been explosive and efficient. The O line is giving new QB Todd Boeckman 19 days to throw, while the defensive line is playing like it’s trying to make up for the Glendale debacle on every play. The defense is currently ranked second in America, but it hasn't exactly faced a juggernaut of offenses yet, If you really believe the Big Ten stinks, then road trips to Purdue, Penn State and Michigan shouldn’t be that big a deal. Wisconsin has to come to Columbus.

1. Rutgers’ schedule
Welcome to the single biggest X factor in the 2007 season. Rutgers hasn’t exactly set the world on fire by playing Buffalo, Navy and Norfolk State, and while the schedule gets tougher, any team that can even say the words national championship has to take this slate and run with it. Maryland and Cincinnati are home games over the next two weeks before going to Syracuse, and then comes the make-or-break two-week stretch hosting South Florida and West Virginia. Nasty games, of course, but again, a champion takes advantage of the home breaks. At Connecticut could be a beartrap if there’s a lack of focus, but that’s followed up by a trip to Army, Pitt, and finishing up at Louisville, who now looks very, very beatable.

Nuggets for the upcoming week, now made with white meat, at participating restaurants …
- That Georgia overtime win over Alabama might be bigger than you think in terms of what could’ve been for Nick Saban’s first season. There’s a home date with LSU on November 3rd, but with the way the rest of the SEC is currently playing, every other game on the slate is winnable: Florida State, Houston, at Ole Miss, Tennessee, at Mississippi State, UL Monroe, at Auburn. It’s not a stretch to say that a win over the Dawgs might have meant the LSU showdown would’ve been for an unbeaten regular season.
- Akron had better be getting paid. The opener against Army was technically a neutral site game, and now the Zips only have four true home games, with only three of the first 11 in the Rubber Bowl.
- Syracuse averaged 24.8 yards per completion in its win over Louisville. That wasn’t just a fluke five-completion day, Andrew Robinson hit 17 of 26 passes. Middle Tennessee’s Joe Craddock averaged 20.7 yards per completion on the Cards. Ten yards per completion is considered unbelievable.
- Big name coordinates are occasionally way overrated. Gary Crowton left Oregon for LSU, and now the Ducks are blowing up, averaging 537 yards and 48.5 points per game. Bob Toledo left New Mexico to take the head coaching job at Tulane and now the Lobos are on fire averaging 450 yards and 34 points per game.

C.O.W. shameless gimmick item … The weekly five Overrated/Underrated aspects of the world
1) Overrated: Oklahoma vs. Oregon, 2006 ... Underrated: Temple vs. Connecticut, 2007
2) Overrated: My hair, after getting it cut so I don’t look like an oogie on TV … Underrated: Mike Gundy’s hair/visor combo
3) Overrated: Young, running quarterbacks ... Underrated: Old, standstill veteran quarterbacks
4) Overrated: Being suspended from Florida State for a bar fight ... Underrated: Being suspended by Tulane for allegedly knifing five people on Bourbon Street
5) Overrated: Stepping down from the Texas Tech defensive coordinator’s job for “personal reasons” ... Underrated: Losing after the offense cranked out 646 passing yards

My Heisman ballot this week would be … Before going on, I vote based on a combination of three things: Most valuable player, most outstanding player, and the signature player of the season. It’s not fair, but while Darren McFadden and Brian Brohm might be the two most talented players in college football, without them, their teams would have the same records they currently have. Hence the value part of the equation. I will change my mind weekly and then sort it all out at the end. 1) Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU, 2) Matt Ryan, QB Boston College, 3) Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma, 4) Pat White, QB West Virginia, 5) Colt Brennan, QB Hawaii.

“You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools/But that's the way I like it baby, I don't wanna live forever” … The three lines this week that appear to be a tad off. (1-2 for a third week in a row, 3-6 overall, so as always, enjoy these just for pure amusement.) … 1) Penn State -3 over Illinois, 2) Toledo +1 over Western Michigan, 3) Alabama +2 over Florida State

Sorry this column sucked, but it wasn’t my fault … I wanted to leave to go write other columns, but I was limited to ones that weren’t on future Notre Dame schedules.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
Was Al Borges the wrong hire?


The 2003 season started off with great expectations for Auburn. Coming off a strong finish to the 2002 season, the loaded backfield and always dependable defense were garnering national attention. Unfortunately, Bobby Petrino had left for Louisville and taken any intelligent offensive gameplanning with him. Tommy Tuberville promoted offensive line coach Hugh Nall to the coordinator job and brought in Steve Ensminger (who had been out of college for a few years) in as quarterback coach. The results were disasterous. The offense was completely inept and lead to early losses to USC and Georgia Tech. After the failed Jet-Gate experience and Iron Bowl victory, Tuberville was able to keep his job but he had to hire a new offensive coordinator.

If my memory serves, Rob Spence from Toledo, Shane Montgomery from Miami of Ohio, and Al Borges were all interviewed. I also remember Chris Petersen from Boise State being mentioned. Supposedly each candidate was brought in to interview with the entire Auburn offensive coaching staff. They went through the standard interview process and then were quizzed by the staff. They were asked what plays they would call in certain situations and how they would incorporate both Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown into the gameplan. At the time Spence, Montgomery, and Petersen were all offensive coordinators for top offenses in lower conferences. The little known Al Borges was currently at the helm of a bottom of the conference Indiana team. Unlike the other candidates who had gained national prominence, Borges was recommended to Tuberville by Kevin Yoxall the Tiger's strength and conditioning coach who had worked with Borges when he was the OC for the Bruins high octane offense that featured Cade McNown and Deshaun Foster. As the story goes, Borges blew away the other candidates in the scheming session and was given the job.

Most Auburn faithfull were less than excited and wanted to get an up and comer rather than a retread. At the very least, you'd could say that most fans were skeptical. As you know, Borges made all the right calls and guided a star studded offense to an undefeated season. In 2005 Borges had a less talented offense lead the SEC in total offense for a second straight year. However in 2006 the wheels came off. Possibly because of key injuries to key players, Auburn's offense sputtered but was able to still get 11 wins because of a great defense. However the offense was often out gained in those wins. Auburn's offense has been well below average again this year. There are definitely some personnel issues but there also appears to be a recurring theme of unimaginative play calling and sub-par performers.

Meanwhile let's take a look at Rob Spence who moved on from Toledo to take the OC job at Clemson. In 2004 they finished 8th in the conference in scoring offense, 5th in 2004, 1st in 2005, and they are currently first in the conference again. Spence has proven that he can use two running backs as we've seen James Davis and CJ Spiller carve up defenses the last two years. He's capable of producing the power running game that Tuberville demands and has shown he can get the ball to his athletic receivers. He was my choice at the time and at this point I'm torn on the decision to hire Borges.

On the one hand, you have the 2004 season that I will always cherish, and on the other hand you have the gradual decline of the offense that started with the 2005 bowl game against Wisconsin. There are basically two questions to be answered: 1) Could one of the other candidates also lead Auburn to an undefeated season? 2) Will Borges be able to turn the offense around next year with Kodi Burns behind the controls or even later on this year? For whatever reason, I'm saying that any other OC only manages a one or two loss season (that's if they were also able to convince Caddy and Ronnie to stay for their senior year, which is not a given). I'm probably guessing they may have openend things up too much in the LSU game and a turnover would have been the difference. But it also appears that Spence could have helped the program more over the last 2.5 years. He seems to create new plays to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Borges on the other hand can't figure out a way to get any sort of passing game going to get the defenders out of the box.

To borrow a Borges explanation, I'm willing to put a large part of the blame on the "Jimmies and Joes" and not the "X's and O's". Besides Brandon Cox's regression, it's obvious that before this years freshman class we had seriously failed in our offensive line recruiting. Also a couple misses at wide receiver are glaring at the moment. However there is young talent that should be mature enough to put up some numbers in 2008. If he can't put together a potent offense next year it's time to make a change and get someone new in to get us ready for the inevitable 2010 title run.

After all of last year and especially the Fiesta Bowl, I also get the impression that Chris Petersen may have a good hire as well.
 
LSU's Coaches Want To Knock Your Quarterback Out

Posted Sep 25th 2007 10:51AM by Ryan Ferguson
Filed under: LSU Football, SEC, NCAA FB Coaching
les-miles-425w.jpg

Maybe you haven't noticed, but none of LSU's <STRIKE>victims</STRIKE> opponents this season have managed to keep their starting quarterback in the game for 60 minutes.
Whether they were benched for poor play (Va Tech's Sean Glennon and South Carolina's Blake Mitchell) or retired in garbage minutes (Mississipi State's Michael Henig), no starting QB has managed to go from start to finish against the Tigers.
LSU's defensive coordinator, Bo Pelini, likes it that way.
"I hope no quarterbacks finish against us," defensive coordinator Bo Pelini said. "It says we're doing something right. Part of what we do is in an effort to confuse the quarterback and make him uncomfortable, hit him and give him different looks. So this goes to show if our guys are playing well, then we're accomplishing that."​
So when DT Glen Dorsey is mangling your quarterback, don't be surprised if Bo Pelini is laughing on the sideline.
 
LIFE ON THE MARGINS, WEEK FOUR
By SMQ
Posted on Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 09:55:04 AM EDT
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Weekly obsessing over statistical anomalies and fringe idiosyncracies. Don’t get carried away by these scores from last weekend...
(As always, click here for a definition of 'Swing points')
<TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #a44a4a"><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle>SMU</TD><TD align=middle>TCU</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Total Offense</TD><TD align=middle>352</TD><TD align=middle>250</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>1st Downs</TD><TD align=middle>23</TD><TD align=middle>13</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Yds./Play</TD><TD align=middle>4.3</TD><TD align=middle>4.2</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Yds./Possession</TD><TD align=middle>25.2</TD><TD align=middle>20.8</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Turnovers</TD><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>2</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Swing Points</TD><TD align=middle>0</TD><TD align=middle>+14</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Final Score: TCU 21, SMU 7
- - -
The Horned Frogs welcomed running back Aaron Brown back to the offensive fold after a two-week absence (during which the team, perhaps not coincidentally, was 0-2) and Brown was immediately effective, running for 92 yards on just 11 carries. He had so few touches, though, and ineffective TCU quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Marcus Jackson had so many, because SMU executed the move-the-chains, kill-the-clock game it wanted for the upset to perfection – almost. The Mustangs had a 12-minute advantage in time of possession and almost doubled up TCU in first downs while stuffing the Frog offense, but such approaches are doomed by mistakes, and SMU had two killers of the most lethal order in the first half: TCU blocked a punt that it returned for a touchdown in the first quarter and ran an interception all the way back in the second, one possession before the offense scored on its only sustained drive and called it a night. Quarterback is very far from settled.
SMU ultimately had five possession die in Frog territory, three on failed fourth down attempts and two on turnovers. Only one, a three-play drive in the first quarter that featured a 46-yard pass bracketed by 15-yard runs by DeMyron Martin, ended in the end zone. <TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #a44a4a"><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle>Oregon State</TD><TD align=middle>Arizona State</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Total Offense</TD><TD align=middle>514</TD><TD align=middle>396</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>1st Downs</TD><TD align=middle>28</TD><TD align=middle>19</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Yds./Play</TD><TD align=middle>6.4</TD><TD align=middle>5.5</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Yds./Possession</TD><TD align=middle>30.2</TD><TD align=middle>23.3</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Turnovers</TD><TD align=middle>6</TD><TD align=middle>2</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Swing Points</TD><TD align=middle>+2</TD><TD align=middle>+10</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Final Score: Arizona State 44, Oregon State 32
- - -
bd648a85-d149-465e-bb23-d1eddfbe5472.jpg

If everything else is going well, this is probably going to end badly.
- - -
Arizona State immediately fell into a hole by botching a punt for an OSU safety on the first possession of the game, then allowed consecutive touchdown drives of 72 and 44 yards and a field goal for a 19-0 deficit in the first quarter. Oregon State’s offense didn’t slow down after that, but it did screw up, repeatedly; in fact, after the Beavers’ seven-turnover debacle at Cincinnati, at least moving the ball prior to giving it away represents a sort of progress. The moving is not the problem; it’s the holding that counts, really, and quarterback Sean Canfield to date simply cannot hold. With his five interceptions Saturday – two on consecutive possessions in the third quarter, both of which gave ASU the ball in Beaver territory and led directly to touchdowns – Canfield now has nine for the season, eight in the two losses, and is projected to throw a stunning 27 interceptions over the entire season in addition to otherwise impressive numbers (2,685 yards, 18 touchdowns, on his current pace). OSU can run and throw if it doesn’t stop to draw the pistol on its own foot.

As for Arizona State, the Devils put up 28 points in a matter of minutes, greatly assisted by three drives that began in Oregon State territory. But can ASU play defense? Apparently, it cannot, and less error-prone teams down the line won’t be so intent on bailing it out.
There’s one more game that should go up, because it fits in the category statistically, but I don’t know who might argue there’s anything misleading about it given the home team’s previous defensive efforts:
<TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #a44a4a"><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle>Syracuse</TD><TD align=middle>Louisville</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Total Offense</TD><TD align=middle>465</TD><TD align=middle>628</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>1st Downs</TD><TD align=middle>16</TD><TD align=middle>37</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Yds./Play</TD><TD align=middle>7.6</TD><TD align=middle>6.7</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Yds./Possession</TD><TD align=middle>35.8</TD><TD align=middle>41.9</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Turnovers</TD><TD align=middle>2</TD><TD align=middle>4</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Swing Points</TD><TD align=middle>+10</TD><TD align=middle>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Final Score: Syracuse 38, Louisville 35
- - -
Again, Louisville’s defense is atrocious, and has been atrocious, and will be regarded as an automatic 31-point liability, minimum, regardless of opponent until further notice. The Cardinals’ allowed 7.6 yards per play, and after Middle Tennessee State and Kentucky, there’s nothing anomalous about that. Whether it’s a lack of an Elvis Dumervil or Amobi Okoye up front or some sort of philosophical change at the top ¬– defensive coordinator … … is a holdover from the Petrino staff - the most sack-happy defense in the nation over the last two years suddenly can’t get to the quarterback, and who know if it could ever cover. If so, it’s lost that edge, too.
Still, somehow, Louisville could have won this game even with that defense, if the special teams hadn’t allowed a 98-yard kick return for touchdown in the second quarter and the offense hadn’t turned the ball over at its own 13 in the third quarter, setting up a ‘Cuse field goal after the (rare) defensive stop. UL punted twice and turned the ball over on downs in Syracuse territory. So the numbers suggest the offense is still a juggernaut when it comes to moving down the field, good enough to overcome even as putrid a defense as this if it takes care of the ball. Given that this is rock-bottom Syracuse, though, and the results fit nicely in line with the defensive crashes against MTSU and Kentucky, I’m not sure I believe that. For anyone wondering, I had the chart set up for UConn’s 34-14 win over Pitt, in which the Huskies were outgained by 60 yards and were the beneficiaries of six turnovers, which they subsequently turned into 17 points. Looking at the game more closely, though, all of Pitt’s yardage was garbage time: the Panthers outgained UConn by 161 yards in the second half, but it came against a prevent defense with a true freshman quarterback who threw three interceptions on his team’s final five drives and had a short completion fumbled away on another. More on the Panthers’ very dismal (and entirely predictable) quarterback situation later today.
 
The Burnt Orange National Tour of Barking Carnivals, Vol. 1.2

by HornsFan Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 09:50:37 AM EDT

Same song as last week, different tune. Be sure to check out Barking Carnival for all sorts of insightful and humorous Longhorn content.
PB: The first month has come and gone, with ups and downs. In today's game, of course, Ws and Ls are all that matters, and Texas sits at 4-0. We don't have any impressive skins on the wall, but win we did.
Last week we spent some time discussing which young players needed to see more action and whether the coaches would give them that opportunity. Muckelroy, Norton, Kindle, McGee, Chiles, Beasley, and several other young CBs actually saw the field for multiple series this week. Part of that was our lowly opponent, but play they did.
The cupcakes are off the schedule, however, and Big 12 play begins. I think we got a good sense of the capabilities of the young talent and how they can immediately improve the team.
So, first question for discussion is this:
You're the coach of the Longhorns. Describe your personnel planning heading into Big 12 play.
<TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
dmac.bmp
</TD></TR><TR><TD>If this guy can share carries...</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Henry James: Against Kansas State I'm giving Norton and Muckelroy the majority of snaps at their positions. This debate is over. Stop playing not to lose. Stop rewarding aged incompetence.
I'd work Chiles into the game in a meaningful situation. It doesn't even have to be at QB. I'd line him up at receiver or running back just get the ball into his hands. Give Oklahoma something else to have to prepare for.
I'd give McGee some more snaps as well, but I wouldn't be stupid about it. Let's not turn him into a one trick pony like Chris Robertson or Henry Melton.
Hix would get a lot of snaps at tackle because we have no depth. Huey and Burnette would play more so we can see what our running game looks like if the guards don't have to help the center.
Work in Wells and Brown in the secondary. We might need a corner over 5'10" when we face Malcolm Kelly, Adarius Bowman, Michael Crabtree and Maurice Purify.
Our defensive line rotation is fine. Nothing to change there. Same at receiver.
Most of these changes will happen. I just hope it doesn't take another 50 point loss to OU to get them implemented.
Scipio Tex: As HJ wrote, it's really a matter of timelines. I wouldn't touch S, WR, DL, TE.
The LB switch to Muck and Norton for the bulk of the snaps is a no-brainer; it's beyond reasonable
disagreement at this point.
On the OL, we're doing a fair job of integrating everyone on an appropriate time line. You can't just
throw freshmen OL out there sink or swim.
I'd like to see Chiles with a simple package at QB: zone read, direct snap QB lead draw, a play action pass, a bootleg. We don't need him coming in for one play to run some gadget or to run the old Tony Jeffery WR sweep. Give him a series or two. Let's look at him in the red zone.
Vondrell McGee is a major talent, an ideal zone read back, and a nice complement to Charles. I'd like him to play a quarter of our offensive series. No one complains when Felix Jones takes 10-12 carries from Darren McFadden. For good reason.
As for CB, tall and burned is just as bad as short and burned. The young DBs don't represent an immediately identifiable upgrade in the short term (i.e. in time for Dallas) the way that the LBs do. It's quite debatable that Deion Beasley is a substantial upgrade over Brandon Foster. The true freshmen aren't. Over the medium & long haul, they all have a far higher ceiling than our current guys (height joke not intended). Ryan Palmer has been our surest CB to date. In some respects we may just have to play the hand dealt us - there's no magic personnel wand to be waved at this juncture.
PB: I don't disagree with any of that, and have little to add. Instead for our second question, then, let's turn to Kansas State.
The Wildcats have thrown the ball - get ready for this - 132 times through three games. They only attempted 16 rushes against Auburn ( 2.7 ypa), then upped that to 27 against San Jose State (5.7 ypa). I don't really care what they did against Southwest Missouri State.
As fans certainly remember, Texas lost to KSU last season because it couldn't stop the big play over the top. Based on what we've seen so far this season, the Wildcats will come in to Austin with every intention to pass, pass often, and then pass some more.
What's Duane Akina's best move to prep for a team who wants to come out and gun it through the air?
Henry James: His best move is to get pressure on Freeman, but he has to be smart about it. Don't make it obvious from which direction the pressure is going to come. He also has to make sure that the linebackers and secondary tackle well enough behind it to limit yards after catch. Part of that is the correct matchups. I don't want to see Scott Derry chasing a slot receiver. Stop the run with only your front seven and keep the safeties back to help out deep. Don't be Gene Chizik. Make Kansas St beat you with short passes/long drives. The play of the Wildcats is a reflection of their coach. Hard but stupid. They'll shoot themselves in the foot with penalties and turnovers.
Scipio Tex: I have nothing to add there. HJ nails it.
PB: Thanks again, gentlemen. Here's to another good Saturday.
 
Going back to Cali? | by Pat



Tight end Konrad Reuland has withdrawn from school and will transfer.
“Basically, it came down to the fact I wasn’t happy with where I was,” the 6-foot-6, 255-pound sophomore from Mission Viejo, Calif., told the Tribune via cell phone Monday. “It was combination of things, not just football, not just the school. I wanted badly to be happy again, and felt this move was the best thing for me.

“I realize Notre Dame is a very special place. I wouldn’t have picked it from all the schools in the country if it wasn’t. But it didn’t work out for me on a personal level. I felt the change was the best.​
Reuland's transfer makes some sense from his point of view. He came into ND as the 3rd ranked tight end and 81st player overall in the class of 2006, according to Rivals. Yet as a freshman he was already behind fellow classmate Will Yeatman on the depth chart. He was looking to get more playing time this year, but was bumped back to 4th string after being surpassed by freshman Mike Ragone. It was Ragone, and not Reuland, who took the field with Carlson and Yeatman as part of a three tight end set when Travis Thomas finally punched in ND's first offensive TD of the year on Saturday.

Besides contending with Yeatman and Ragone for playing time, Reuland likely looked at the incoming class as potential competition as well. Kyle Rudolph, currently the 25th overall player in the class of 2008, and 6'8 Joseph Fauria are both coming in as tight ends. All in all, this was a smart move for Reuland who hopes to latch on somewhere with more opportunities for playing time.

After the soap opera that was the Demetrius Jones transfer, Reuland went about making sure his departure wouldn't involve nearly as much drama.
“This wasn’t an impulsive decision,” he said. “I actually finally made up my mind that I was leaving last Wednesday. I just wanted to make sure I took the right steps to make this as positive a move for everyone involved. I didn’t want to be a distraction for myself, my teammates and the coaching staff. I want the best for them too.”​
He met with Charlie on Sunday after playing in the Michigan State game -- he was the fourth of a four tight end package that ND ran on Robert Hughes's touchdown run -- to discuss his intentions.
“After meeting with Konrad Reuland on Sunday, he has decided he will leave the team and withdraw from Notre Dame,” Weis said Monday in a statement. “I appreciate all Konrad has done for Notre Dame, and I wish him nothing but the best.​
As for the somewhat curious decision to leave the program four games into the season, it appears that by leaving now he may be able to salvage a year of eligibility.
The 6-foot-6 Reuland played in seven games last season, and played in three of Notre Dame's four games this season. Ralf Reuland said his son would still have three years of eligibility left.​
The reason he'd be eligible for three more years is that the NCAA looks at the academic calendar, not the sporting one. If a player can enroll in a new program by the 12th day of class, that semester will count towards their transfer penalty, making them eligible the following season. Still, it doesn't appear that Reuland's path has been set yet.

Former Mission Viejo High tight end Konrad Reuland was given his release to transfer from Notre Dame, and one of the schools with high interest is UCLA, according to sources.
Reuland's father, Ralf, was asked if the interest was mutual.
"Oh, yeah. That was one of the top schools for him before he decided on Notre Dame," Ralf Reuland said. "(Notre Dame) just wasn't a good fit for him. Konrad really wasn't happy. It's more than just football. The losing had nothing to do with it."
The preliminary plan for Reuland, who is a sophomore, is to attend a junior college for a year, earn his associate's degree, and then enroll in a four-year school.
However, a move to UCLA this fall is not impossible. UCLA does not begin classes until Thursday, and a player has until the 12th day of the quarter to enroll. It is unlikely Notre Dame would release Reuland to UCLA before the Oct. 6 matchup with the Irish, but he could be released after the game. That would still give him time to enroll at UCLA.
​
Update: A bit of clarification on the eligibility issues mentioned above. Reuland can only play football for two more years. He does not have three years like his dad claims. Once you play in a game, baring a medical exemption, a player has effectively used up one year of academic eligibility. Since Reuland has played in games both this year and last, he has used up two years of eligibility and can only play for two more.

However, the transfer rules regarding the 12th day of classes still apply with regards to the one year in-residence transfer penalty. If Reuland enrolls before the 12th day of class, he will be eligible to play in 2008 and will have three years -- since he still has a redshirt year option -- in order to play two. If he does not enroll by the cutoff, he will be forced to sit out the 2008 season, and in effect burn his redshirt year, and then can play in 2009 and 2010. Check SavageDragon's post on ndnation for more information.

Scholarship-wise, there have been a few changes since we last took a look at the numbers for ND, so here's another quick breakdown of where the Irish stand at the conclusion of this season.
Potential 5th year candidates: 7
Seniors: 15
Juniors: 26
Sophomores: 18​
Add those numbers up and you get 66 scholarships currently in use. This includes senior-to-be Thomas Bemenderfer and junior-to-be Eric Maust. Bemenderfer was awarded a scholarship prior to the start of the season and once he started playing, Eric Maust's scholarship should transfer from a baseball one to a football one per NCAA rules.

With the 85 scholarship restriction the upper limit, the Fighting Irish have 19 available scholarships to give out in the current recruiting cycle, assuming all potential 5th year players will be back in 2008. As it turns out, Notre Dame currently has 19 verbally committed recruits, meaning that all 85 scholarships are spoken for, to some degree. Of course, not all seven 5th year candidates will be back next year. I don't think it's particularly fair at this point to guess who will or won't be back, but it's safe to assume that not all of them will return. Therefore, baring any more attrition, for each 5th year player that does not return, Notre Dame has room for another freshman, up to the 25 scholarship limit for the freshman class. In other words, expect ND to pick up a few more recruits this year and wind up with 20 to 25 new freshman for 2008.
 
Sex during game costs couple season tickets

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While the Wisconsin Badgers football team was busy scoring on Washington State earlier this year, a young couple was busy scoring in the bathroom at Camp Randall Stadium.
According to UW Police Officer Gerard Pehler, he was assisting a fan who had fallen due to heat exhaustion when a bystander approached and asked him, "Can you do anything about two having sex in the women's restroom stall?" "They're going at it pretty good," added the fan.
​
Not only are the pair facing up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 fine for a disorderly conduct rap, but they may lose their Badger season tickets, as well.
Because the UW has a policy in place to revoke season tickets of people who cause disturbances, the officer asked couple to produce their tickets and the man was able to find his -- the seats were in section KK -- but the woman couldn't find hers, what with her pants being inside out.​
Seriously? You lose your season tickets?
I mean... if you can't get busy in the women's restroom at a Wisconsin football game, where can you, for crying out loud?!
 
It's Notre Dame Week


So we're a month into the college football season and all seems right with our world -- Purdue is 4-0. Also making this a fun football season is the fact that Notre Dame, led by genius Charlie Weis, is 0-4... for the first time in their history. It took the Domers until week four against Michigan State at home to score an offensive touchdown. So I mean, there's bad and then there's.... bad. Not being able to score for a month is kind of horrendous. And you'd think this would make fans of the Golden Dome a bit more humble. You know, like when Michigan lost to App St. and the guys at MGoBlog turned their site pink and full of kittens for several days. They raised the white flag and admitted they had nothing to say to defend their beloved team's performance. But are ND supporters like this at all? Well, take a look at this post from "Her Loyal Sons" and judge for yourself:

It’s bad enough that ND is 0-4 this season. It’s even worse to know that this is Purdue week - The Most Boring Week In College Football Blogging.

If you guys hear anything that we should know and that we should let other ND fans know about Purdue, please feel free to e-mail us. We’re digging. We really are, but Purdue is simply the most boring college football program in the nation, and it’s hard to keep our attention on the task at hand. I got distracted by some pre-Algebra homework problems earlier when I was trying to pull some facts together about whoever their coach might be. I think he sells diabetes equipment or something.

This would be a vastly more interesting week if we’d dump Purdue from the schedule and take on a team like, say, ITT Technical Institute. Do they have a football team? I often wonder why kids go to play at Purdue. What, hate the difficulty of playing for a team that people might actually look up in the Sunday papers? Have a masochistic love of tedium?

Maybe we’ll do a “look back” on what’s happened in the last 4 weeks since, apparently, nothing much will be happening this week.

Wow. I mean, just... wow. The level of obnoxiously blinding arrogance is hard (nay, impossible) to measure here. Are you guys f-cking serious?? Shall we take things a-hole comment by a-hole comment? Okay.

It’s even worse to know that this is Purdue week - The Most Boring Week In College Football Blogging.

Really? In-state rivalries are that boring to you? I suppose so if you know a beatdown is coming. I hate to break this to Notre Dame, but USC doesn't really consider you guys a "rival" the way you do. They see you as a nuisance from the midwest. You don't matter to them, you're a W on their schedule and then they move on to actually challenging opponents. Your best try still wasn't good enough a couple of years ago. Long grass, home-field, hometown refereeing... and you still lost. So why not embrace an in-state rival that has actually been a good series in recent years?

If you guys hear anything that we should know and that we should let other ND fans know about Purdue, please feel free to e-mail us.

Um, oh, hey, I have something: We're 4-0, bitch. We have a top ten offense... in the nation. We're ranked. Our QB has 16 TDs and one pick. We're averaging almost 50 points a game. Want me to keep going? Or should I have started small? Like with: It didn't take us a month to score a touchdown.

Purdue is simply the most boring college football program in the nation, and it’s hard to keep our attention on the task at hand.

Really? The most boring? With an explosive offense and a suspect defense? You think that's boring? The fact that against any good team we'll probably be playing shootouts? That's boring to you clowns?? Right. So now you're just lying.

I got distracted by some pre-Algebra homework problems earlier when I was trying to pull some facts together about whoever their coach might be. I think he sells diabetes equipment or something.

I love that they're doing pre-Algebra at Notre Dame. Well-played, moron. You just made yourself look brilliant. Pre-algebra is something that's done by seventh-graders... outside of South Bend, I imagine. At ND, you can probably major in it. Unless this blog is written by a seventh-grader. Which, given its quality, actually seems possible. And yes, Joe Tiller looks like Wilford Brimley. We've done that joke a million times and he's our own coach. Do you want me to comment on what your coach looks like?

This would be a vastly more interesting week if we’d dump Purdue from the schedule and take on a team like, say, ITT Technical Institute. Do they have a football team?

I'm sure you boys would love to "dump Purdue" from the schedule -- who wants a team that can beat you and perhaps even steal some recruits? You guys only have 6 or 7 gimme wins a season on your schedule so ITT Tech would fit right in with the plan. That way, you can continue to put up the occasional 8 or 9 win season, secure a nice bowl and then get blasted by a far, far superior program. Oh, hey, did you guys know that the last time Notre Dame won ANY bowl game was when Jimmy Clausen was about six years old?

I often wonder why kids go to play at Purdue.

I don't know, maybe because they like to score points? Play in a conference? Not live in South Bend? Shall I go on?

What, hate the difficulty of playing for a team that people might actually look up in the Sunday papers?

What does this even mean? College football is on Saturdays. But these guys haven't seen something resembling college football in a while so it's easy to see how they might be confused.

Have a masochistic love of tedium?

Again, this irrational shot at Purdue for being boring and tedious. I don't get it. You can certainly take shots at us -- lord knows we take shots at our own program all the time and there's plenty to shoot at. But to call us boring? I just don't get it. Nine bowls in ten years. One losing season since Tiller has gotten here. Was Drew Brees boring? Was it boring when Kyle Orton and Taylor Stubblefield embarassed the Domers in South Bend in 2004?

Maybe we’ll do a “look back” on what’s happened in the last 4 weeks since, apparently, nothing much will be happening this week.

This last line made me laugh. You're going to "look back"? At what? At all the insanely awful play from your team this year? Give me a break. You have fun with your look-back. We'll be looking ahead at the rest of our schedule.
 
STAT RELEVANCE REVISITED: PASSING=PENALTIES?
By SMQ
Posted on Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 01:52:16 PM EDT
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Four things can happen when you pass, according to Saurian Sagacity's latest look at the effect of penalties on winning and losing, and turns out the fourth element is also bad. Er, maybe...
Lou%20Holtz%20HD.jpg

Penaltieth get you beat! Everybody knowth that! To thuggetht otherwithe ith nonthenthe!
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Last winter, I found over and over again, in game after game, conference after conference, that penalty yardage had no correlation whatsoever with winning in games between two BCS conference teams, when every other stat category - even which team was at home and which team scored first - showed at least some non-trivial, positive correlation to victory. With penalties, in fact, the correlation was slightly negative: on a macro level, the twenty most penalized teams had a better aggregate record than the twenty least penalized teams, while on a game-by-game level, the team that was penalized more than its opponent had a slightly higher winning percentage.

Some mild gnashing of teeth occurred in the face of such counterintuitive data, or, in Lou Holtz's case, some impressive fits of slobber in defense of an ancient coaching point. Are more penalized teams more aggressive? Are refs subconsciously "leveling the field" by throwing more flags against better teams? Do teams that hold the ball longer on offense commit more penalties, since most penalties are called against the offense?
None of that explained much, as Mergz points out in detail. He persisted with the idea that the key to the answer lies with the offense, and when he looked specifically at penalty yardage of the top passing teams against penalty yardage accrued by the top rushing teams, he found an interesting result, if not a conclusive one:


  • It was in the breaking down of the offensive stats between passing and rushing that I think I've found it. Initially, in looking at the passing stats, I saw the following heavily penalized teams near the top -
    Hawaii - 1st in passing (441 ypg), 7th most penalized
    New Mexico St - 2nd in passing (399 ypg), 3rd most penalized
    Texas Tech - 3rd in passing (370 ypg), 8th most penalized
    BYU - 4th in passing (324 ypg), 17th most penalized
    Then, in looking at rushing, I saw the opposite -
    Navy - 1st in rushing (327 ypg), 6th least penalized
    Air Force - 3rd in rushing (229 ypg), 7th least penalized
    Clemson - 5th in rushing (218 ypg), 10th least penalized
    We did our quintiles and found the following. Passing first -
    Top Quintile (Most YPG) - Average 284.54 YPG, 51.54 YPG penalized
    2nd Quintile - Average 226.3 YPG, 50.04 YPG penalized
    3rd Quintile - Average 198.68 YPG, 48.96 YPG penalized
    4th Quintile - Average 177.7 YPG, 48.46 YPG penalized
    Bottom Quintile (Least YPG) - Average 140.4, 45.59 YPG penalized
    A "perfect" correlation, with the highest passing teams being the most penalized, and on down. Also note, that for our data here, a difference in yards per game penalized between the highest quintile and the lowest of nearly 6 yards per game is significant.
    Next, we look at the rushing stats -
    Top Quintile (Most YPG) - Average 200.49 YPG, 44.84 YPG penalized
    2nd Quintile - Average 159.74 YPG, 48.85 YPG penalized
    3rd Quintile - Average 133.36 YPG, 49.27 YPG penalized
    4th Quintile - Average 116.99 YPG, 50.23 YPG penalized
    Bottom Quintile (Least YPG) - Average 83.71, 51.65 YPG penalized Not "perfect," but damn close. Certainly there is a strong correlation.
    - - -
In a nutshell, the more you pass, the more you're flagged.
That's not a foolproof summary - maybe heavily-penalized teams are passing because penalties have put them in a hole they have to throw out of, total yardage does not necessarily reflect how often a team throws or how efficient it is at passing - but it will do for a headline. Mergz also looked at the records of last year's top 20 passing offenses:
  1. <LI value=1>Hawaii 11-3
    <LI value=2>New Mexico St. 4-8
    <LI value=3>Texas Tech 8-5
    <LI value=4>Brigham Young 11-2
    <LI value=5>UTEP 5-7
    <LI value=6>Purdue 8-6
    <LI value=7>Louisville 12-1
    <LI value=8>Houston 10-4
    <LI value=9>Kentucky 8-5
    <LI value=10>Missouri 8-5
    <LI value=11>Baylor 4-8
    <LI value=12>Tennessee 9-4
    <LI value=13>Notre Dame 10-3
    <LI value=14>Southern California 11-2
    <LI value=15>Washington St. 6-6
    <LI value=16>Ball St. 5-7
    <LI value=17>California 10-3
    <LI value=18>LSU 11-2
    <LI value=19>South Carolina 8-5
  2. Pittsburgh 6-6
Thirteen winning records out of twenty in the most penalized cross-section.

I can think of a few reasons passing might increase penalties: increased (or at least more obvious) instances of holding, the added possibilities of intentional grounding, illegal touching and ineligible men downfield and increased instances of false starts by linemen in a slightly less stable stance who must react quickly to prevent getting beaten around the end.
Problems: passing offense was not especially highly correlated to victory, and slightly less so than rushing. Of the top 20 in each category, there were 13 winning teams in both cases, but the top 20 rushing teams had a better aggregate record and a greater gap between the success of the teams at the top of the category and those at the bottom. If the most-penalized team was more likely to win last year (it was, according to the comprehensive sample, almost 60 percent of the time), that doesn't jibe with the same team being unusually passing-oriented, as the team with the most passing yards in any given game only won about 55-56 percent of the time, less often than the team that won time of possession or was first to score, and far less than the best rushing offenses. Still, by showing an obvious correlation between passing and increased penalties, Mergz may have begun to crack the mystery, insofar as the solution is crackable and not just a random jumble with margins from team to team too small to draw any meaningful conclusions. That would be so bogus. <!-- poll box --><TABLE width="40%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- End poll box --><!-- End center content section -->
 
Why does Purdue hate Notre Dame?


It is Notre Dame week, and that means only one thing: It’s time for the Purdue message boards to be rife with anti-Irish rhetoric. This year it seems to be turned up a notch, as there is the rare opportunity available for the Boilermakers to put a serious hurting on the Irish in retribution for the last two years. In scanning the Irish Illustrated boards even many Notre Dame fans seemed resigned to their fate as the Irish are mired in the midst of its worst start in school history. Many of these are the same fans who stated last year that losing to the Boilers was a thing of the past, but this season has brought a sharp wake-up call that things can change quickly.

But this is a Purdue blog, and I am trying to figure out exactly why we hate our neighbors to the north so much. Personally, I hate them because of many members of the fanbase that, while they do not represent the fanbase as a whole, they are so irrational as to think that Purdue is somehow vastly inferior and beneath them that they are shocked if we ever beat the Irish. I recognize Purdue will never have the same tradition, national exposure, or nationwide following that the Irish have, but come on. It’s not like we’re Navy and have never been competitive in the series. The last ten years alone show only a 6-4 advantage for the Irish, and before that our program struggled to score regular wins against anyone, let alone Notre Dame. Four of those six Purdue losses were by less than a touchdown as well.

Secondly, I think that many Purdue fans, at least football-wise, view Notre Dame as our primary rival considering the recent one-sidedness of the Old Oaken Bucket Rivalry. In that same 10-year period we are 9-1 against the Hoosiers with many of those results being one-sided blowouts. We almost tend to view our game with Indiana as a mere formality, much like the Irish viewed us from 1985-1997. Since our program as a whole has improved we have sought out a better team by which to measure ourselves, so it is a bit of a tribute to Notre Dame’s tradition that we view them in this right. Instead of battling Indiana for the #2 slot in the state pecking order we have firmly grasped it and want to naturally go for #1.

Even in year when Notre Dame is down it still is a huge boost to the program for the Boilers to beat them. Simply because they have the name Notre Dame associated with them means that, even this year at 0-4, for one week the nation’s eyes will be on us. Every time we face them we are on national TV and therefore it’s a chance to show the country Purdue football, a chance that we rarely get unless we are at the top of the Big Ten.

Personally, I think we put a little too much into a game that doesn’t even count as a conference win for us. We build up this game like it is the end all, be all of our season too many times. Yes it is an important rivalry for us, even a trophy game that everyone looks forward to, but putting the score of the game on our bowl rings as we have done before is a little too much.

The reality of the situation is that Notre Dame is not nearly as good as they are perceived as being in the eyes of many of their fans and the national media, but neither is Purdue. Notre Dame has and always will have decided advantage in terms of recruiting, exposure, and sheer raw talent. What has made the difference though in this series recently has been coaching. Coach Tiller has found a way to often get more out of a recruit than anyone expects, while coaches Davie, Willingham, and even Weis to an extent this year are finding ways to get less out of more. Is this a case of Notre Dame simply relying on their name too much? Possibly, but I doubt it. As a whole college football has changed and it is more difficult than ever to get to the top, let alone stay there.

In the early part of this decade Miami was being talked about as one of the greatest dynasties of all time while USC was struggling to 6-6 seasons. Now the reverse is true. There will be ebb and flow every year, and even a program as storied as Notre Dame with all the decided advantages it has over the other 119 schools can’t climb to the top and stay there long.

It is also some of those advantages that cause the hatred to flow. I respect the tradition, but it has been 20 years since the last national title. Most of the kids playing weren’t even born yet. The Irish also get oversaturated to the point where the average fan simply wants them to go away, whether they are good or bad. There are currently seven other 0-4 teams right now, but can you name one of them? How about three? Yet we all know Notre Dame is 0-4 and it is made out to be a national tragedy.

The opposite is true if they are 4-0. Suddenly the echoes are awakened, Knute is back on the sidelines, and we are all to pause and honor the greatest team to ever walk the face of the earth. It’s no wonder that many kids find it difficult to play there with these wild swings of emotion. When you couple this with their special BCS rules that only they enjoy and the massive deal they get from NBC it draws even more ire. Who can blame the Irish for not joining a conference though when they would have to give up that sweet deal?

For Purdue fans it is a combination of all of this. Most of us know we will never be on Notre Dame’s level nationally in terms of respect, and for that we are a bit envious. What bothers us is when Notre Dame automatically disrespects us even though we are one of their regular opponents. Obviously there is a good relationship between the two universities because they continue to play each other. More than once we have ruined a potentially good Irish season with a shocking upset. Through all this we are still not respected, yet Navy, a team that has gone nearly fifty years without a victory in the series, is held in awe.

Personally I do see them as our biggest football rival, and I am relishing in the suffering that they are going through right now because it seems well deserved for the false cockiness of the past two seasons. I do know that the Irish will rise again as they always do. Purdue has a long way to go before we can even get to .500 in the series, but it still doesn’t mean we can’t try. As a whole we may put a little too much into the rivalry, and we certainly put more into it than Notre Dame gives in return, but it is the stick by which we have chosen to measure ourselves by. If we beat them it is a feather in our cap because no matter how bad they are, we get the honor of beating Notre Dame nationally.

Like my wife, a University of Miami alum says though, “At least they’ll still play you guys. They say they won’t play us and call us criminals but they’ll still play Florida State.”
 
SOUTH FLORIDA MUST BE STOPPED
By SMQ
Posted on Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 07:39:05 PM EDT
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Depending on one's station in life, we tend to acquiesce more readily to certain realities than to others. As an unwitting, non-minority tool of modern society's hegemonic power structure, for example, I'm much more willing to champion the notion that Western technology, economics and influence has fueled plummeting hunger rates and a three-fold increase in global income over the past half-century than I am to surrender to accusations that the same forces might exact a terrible toll via global warming. This acceptance, and lack thereof, is a choice, essentially, based on which stories slide easily into the de facto outlook and which need to be more thoroughly vetted before they're allowed to bend the system. As a partisan of a reasonably successful but decidedly non-upwardly mobile, second tier program, South Florida bends the system to a degree I can't find it within my rational capacity to accept. The notion, ten years ago, that USF might be playing West Virginia, of all teams, with very real implications on the national polls and positioning for huge year-end payouts, while Southern Miss toiled on, again, forever, in Thursday night obscurity, would not only have been laughable or farfetched, but closer to the very genuine definition of inconceivable. South Florida didn't exist ten years ago, not in any meaningful way. While Southern Miss was establishing itself as overlord of then-new Conference USA, USF's first team ever was toiling away without even a facility as a I-AA independent. At the same time, Louisville was preparing to finish 0-11 under Ron Cooper.

331513319_9350f82325_o.jpg

Historic win there...last year...in the PapaJohns.com Bowl...
- - -

Southern Miss' mid-major, underdog status has never been difficult to accept, because it hasn't changed in my lifetime. Play elite teams annually, give them a decent game, beat one of them every few years, play well in the conference, win eight or nine and play in the Liberty Bowl, hopefully, or some other, lesser December bowl nobody watches. That's the reality of the program for the better part of the last quarter-century, and it's successful enough in the long haul. We take pride in consistency: a winning record every year, thirteen years running now. Nobody talks about national championships. By all existing evidence, winning Conference USA is the ceiling, and that's perfectly fine. That's what the program is. This is vastly preferably to going 2-6 in the SEC year after year.

Now: the dominoes that began to fall when Miami and Virginia Tech bolted for the Big East left an obvious opportunity in that league, which was not going to look like the SEC. And when it snapped up Louisville, that was one thing - the Cardinals had ascended from ashen depths to the top of the conference by 2004, and, like fellow C-USA refugee Cincinnati, brought a strong basketball presence to a basketball league. These were not more deserving teams on the field, by any means, but at least they had been around, and clearly offered more attractive markets than South-Central Mississippi. You win some, you lose some.
On the other hand, South Florida in a BCS conference was and is a slap in the face. It is an embarrassment. The first time South Florida played Southern Miss, in 2000, USM was in its 90th year of organized football; USF was in its third. USM was ranked seventeenth in the nation; USF was a "provisional member" in transition from Division I-AA, an obscure footnote not really worth putting on the schedule. USM won, 41-7, and took two of three from the stagnating Bulls from 2002-04. The loss, by three points and a missed field goal on the final play and unquestionably the high point of USF's mostly I-AA-laden 21-game home winning streak in 2002, was an abject humiliation, emphatically corrected in the next two meetings. South Florida roughly broke even in Conference USA, did not come close to contending for a conference championship and finished 4-7 in 2004, its last year in the league. But when the Big East came calling the same year with big bucks at stake, conference titles, two and a half decades of barely interrupted success and tradition - any tradition - couldn't hold a candle to geography and marketing.
No one is naive to believe it could be otherwise. The dollar is a titan towering over the corpses of history and justice. The Big East wanted Florida back, the market and the talent, wanted metro Tampa at all costs, and it got it. And here the bastards are, three years on, ranked, playing in a pro stadium with the upper deck closed off Friday to knock off a top ten team for the third year in a row, in front of a national audience, with the hopes of becoming a favorite itself for mega bucks in the new year. Louisville occupying that position last year was enough of a blow, and the Cardinals'sudden implosion (as well as TCU's, to a much lesser extent) is so, so sweet. UL's run could be on life support, and if I could, I'd provide the pillow, or at least another ten years' salary for Steve Kragthorpe to oversee its vegetative state.
But even that analogy presumes USF deserves a run, too, and it does not. For so many reasons, South Florida cannot win Friday, because it is not really a good team, because its success has been fluky, an illusion, and because I still need South Florida to be in the Big East what it signed up to be: a fifth-place punching bag whose occasional competence kept it hovering around mediocrity. This is who you are, South Florida. Only West Virginia can send the Bulls staggering away, punch drunk, disillusioned and violated now, perspective smacked back into their impudent faces. It's not that USF is playing for heights unmatched for a school this early in its football life, or hasn't earned its accolades on the field - the Bulls may be fit for their newfound status, but this conflicts too strongly with my understanding of merit and systemic peaks and troughs to compute. I still wish they'd had never been given the chance.
Myths, Rumors and Scandals in the Big East:
• Pitt's quarterback situation is a swamp from which a true freshman is beginning to ooze, and Pat Bostick is the good news for Pitt, actually, if you insist on there being good news. Redshirt freshman Kevan Smith was intercepted on the first possession of Saturday's home loss to UConn, setting up a seven-yard touchdown "drive" for the Huskies, and by the second quarter, the Panthers were trying to use diminutive tailback LeSean McCoy in the McFadden role, attempting passes as the lone back in a Wildcat-esque shotgun arrangement they had showed (minus the passing) at Michigan State a week earlier. It worked to begin with - McCoy completed an 18-yard pass to Marcel Pestano that kick-started Pitt's only scoring drive of the first half, finished on McCoy runs of 24 and 19 yards for the touchdown - but then became sort of a farce, apparently, ending in the play-by-play line, "LeSean McCoy pass incomplete to LeSean McCoy."

Kevan Smith returned for a single play after that, fumbling right before the half to set up a chip shot field goal that put UConn up 27-7 at the break. Bostick played the rest of the way, finishing by throwing three interceptions in Pitt's final five possessions.
• Greg Schiano wears a tupee.
• Louisville leads the nation in total offense but has given up 120 points in its last three games. Improbably, UL's pass defense isn't the lowest-rated in the nation in terms of efficiency - Northwestern, UL-Monroe, Central Michigan, Navy, Rice and feisty but porous Cardinal victim Middle Tennessee State are statistically worse. But any secondary that can make Andrew Robinson look like Tom Brady will always be Number One - er, that is, Number 119 - in my book.
How far of a fall is that?
<TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=3><CAPTION align=top>L'ville Defense Under Petrino (2003-06) vs. 2007</CAPTION><TBODY><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #da6666"><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle>2003</TD><TD align=middle>2004</TD><TD align=middle>2005</TD><TD align=middle>2006</TD><TD align=middle>2007*</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Pass</TD><TD align=middle>258.3</TD><TD align=middle>196.9</TD><TD align=middle>210.0</TD><TD align=middle>215.7</TD><TD align=middle>329.3</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Pass Efficiency</TD><TD align=middle>122.95</TD><TD align=middle>108.8</TD><TD align=middle>121.4</TD><TD align=middle>110.9</TD><TD align=middle>160.6</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Comp. %</TD><TD align=middle>55.7</TD><TD align=middle>50.7</TD><TD align=middle>54.2</TD><TD align=middle>50.2</TD><TD align=middle>62.3</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Yds./Pass</TD><TD align=middle>7.1</TD><TD align=middle>6.1</TD><TD align=middle>6.9</TD><TD align=middle>6.8</TD><TD align=middle>11.5</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Total</TD><TD align=middle>428.6</TD><TD align=middle>305.9</TD><TD align=middle>324</TD><TD align=middle>320.5</TD><TD align=middle>493.3</TD></TR><TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #eaeaea"><TD align=right>Scoring</TD><TD align=middle>27.8</TD><TD align=middle>19.7</TD><TD align=middle>23.8</TD><TD align=middle>16.3</TD><TD align=middle>40.0</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Sacks</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD align=middle>3.8</TD><TD align=middle>3.4</TD><TD align=middle>1.7</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Because it's been such an obviously offense-driven team, Louisville's taken heat for years over its defense, sometimes deservedly and sometimes not, but the last three games do not fall under the category of "trend" or "saw it coming" by any means. They are evidence of wholesale collapse of the likes the Cards had not even begun to approach since Petrino's first year. CardsFans922 tries to explain. Anyway, as of now, there are four teams from the Big East ranked in the latest AP poll, and Louisville, of course, isn't one of them.
 
Sooners DE to miss rest of season

Williams had surgery to repair torn Achilles' tendon

Posted: Tuesday September 25, 2007 5:54PM; Updated: Tuesday September 25, 2007 5:54PM

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma defensive end John Williams had surgery Tuesday to repair a torn Achilles' tendon and will miss the rest of the season.
"It all went as expected," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said. "The doctors were pleased and had nothing that was surprising. It all went the way it was supposed to."
Williams started three of No. 3 Oklahoma's first four games and had recorded one sack and four tackles for a loss before he was injured in the third quarter of last Friday's game at Tulsa. He also suffered a season-ending injury in 2005, when he tore a knee ligament in the opening game against TCU.
"It's just unfortunate. He was playing so well here," Stoops said.
Stoops said it was "just too soon to know" whether Williams, who is scheduled to graduate in December, will seek a sixth year of eligibility.
Alonzo Dotson, who started against Miami, is expected to fill Williams' defensive end position opposite Auston English on Saturday at Colorado.
"We've got other guys that are used to playing," Stoops said. "Alonzo Dotson and Auston English have been playing great. Alan Davis, Jeremy Beal, those guys have got to step up and take over in those spots, and they're more than capable."
Stoops said Chris Brown, who's been splitting time at tailback with Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray, was able to go through conditioning and could return against the Buffaloes after smacking the back of his head on the turf against Tulsa.
"We expect him to be able to play. I'm not saying he is yet. That's something they'll check by the end of the week," Stoops said. "... There aren't any lingering signs that there's anything going on there."
 
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD class=storytitle colSpan=3>Quick Outs ... The Weekend's Big Moments </TD></TR><TR><TD class=primaryimage vAlign=top>
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</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="60%" bgColor=#f5f5f5 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=center noWrap>By Richard Cirminiello
CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted Sep 25, 2007
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A Review of the Past Weekend’s Games and Gamebreakers
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The Lead Story of Week 4 (in 25 words of less): Michigan takes a Mallett to Penn State’s Big Ten title hopes, climbing back to .500 with 14-9 win.
Summa Cum Laude
Georgia coach Mark Richt – No coach in America does a better job than Richt of preparing his team for tough away games. He’s now a sterling 23-3 in SEC road trips after leading the Dawgs to season-saving overtime win against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
2. Kentucky – For the second straight week, the Wildcats delivered a landmark upset, coming from behind to beat Arkansas, 42-29, in Fayetteville. Raise your hand if you thought a Rich Brooks-led Kentucky team would be No. 14 in the AP after the first month of the season.
3. Syracuse – At least for one week, the Orange played as if Dick McPherson, not Greg Robinson, was on the sidelines. Syracuse added to Louisville’s misery, upsetting the Cards 38-35 behind the suddenly prolific pitch-and-catch combo of Andrew Robinson to Taj Smith.
4. Florida QB Tim Tebow – Okay, so maybe he is Superman. Tebow almost single-handedly prevented the Gators from getting picked off by Ole Miss, going 20-of-34 for 261 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing 27 times for two more scores and 166 yards, a school record for a quarterback.
5. Virginia – Could the ‘Hoos be this year’s Wake Forest in the ACC? After stunning Georgia Tech on Saturday, Virginia is 3-0 in conference play, winning close games with a solid defense, quality special teams, and just enough from RB Cedric Peerman and the offense. Sound familiar?
Summa Cum Lousy
Louisville – While there was no shame in losing to Kentucky a week ago, getting dumped at home by a really bad Syracuse team is an indictment of new head coach Steve Kragthorpe and defensive coordinator Mike Cassity, whose unit has digressed into a national laughingstock.
2. Penn State – Or more specifically, the Penn State offense, which managed just 270 yards and failed to reach the end zone against the same Michigan defense that couldn’t stop Appalachian State or Oregon earlier this month. Playing a team with a pulse for the first time this season, the Lions have now lost nine straight games to the Wolverines.
3. Pittsburgh – Yeah, yeah, the Panthers have been stung by injuries, but that’s no excuse for losing at home by 20 to Connecticut. Pitt turned the ball over six times, and appears ready for its annual mid-season swoon. Now 2-2, it still has games with Virginia, Cincinnati, Louisville, Rutgers, South Florida and West Virginia on the schedule. Can you say, “home for the holidays?”
4. The Nebraska D – For the second straight week, the Blackshirts performed like they were wearing black skirts, allowing an unthinkable 610 yards to QB Nate Davis and Ball State. The Huskers are now dead last in the Big 12 in sacks and run defense, signs the rebuilt D-line just isn’t catching on this fall.
5. Texas A&M – With an opportunity to make a statement in front of a national TV audience, the Aggies flopped like an American Idol hack Thursday night, breathing life into the Miami program. A&M went down 34-0 in the Orange Bowl before scoring some window-dressing points in the fourth quarter.
Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Larry Fedora, Oklahoma State. One week after getting muted by Troy, Fedora’s offense rebounded with 366 yards on the ground and 244 yards through the air in a wild, 49-45 win over previously-unbeaten Texas Tech. Rob Spence of Clemson is a close second for his work with QB Cullen Harper, which has made the Tiger offense more balanced and unpredictable than in recent years.
Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Tim Walton, Miami. Forget the garbage points that Texas A&M scored late in the game. When it mattered in the first three quarters, Walton’s kids completely shut down the Aggie running game, holding it to just 98 yards. QB Kyle Wright was outstanding, but this game belonged to the ‘Cane defense.
The three best hours of the weekend: Oklahoma State’s 49-45 win over Texas Tech. From the opening kickoff, this was a non-stop thrill ride that didn’t stop until Graham Harrell’s pass bounced off Michael Crabtree’s chest in the end zone. All told, there was over 1,300 yards of offense, three Cowboys that rushed for more than 100 yards, two Red Raiders that caught 14 passes and 646 yards passing from Harrell. Fun.
The three most disappointing hours of the weekend: Penn State at Michigan. Hey, old-fashioned Big Ten defensive struggles are still welcome in the 21st century, however, this was a dreadful display of offense between two schools that generated just two touchdowns and about as many memorable moments. Oh, just in case you packed it in before the final gun, the Wolverines held on for a 14-9 win.
If BCS invites went out today, the recipients would be …West Virginia, Boston College, LSU, USC, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, Ohio State, and Cal. Absolutely anything can and probably will happen in the ACC, where as many as seven schools have a legitimate shot at winning the league championship. The winner of this week’s game between Cal and Oregon gets a leg up for the Rose Bowl, if USC winds up playing its final game in New Orleans.
If Heisman votes were cast today, the winner would be …Florida QB Tim Tebow. There’s a long, long way to go here, but Tebow’s recent performances against Ole Miss and Tennessee have positioned him no lower than the top 5 with huge marquee games still left. The biggest Heisman news came from Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, who sat out the Charleston Southern game, missing a chance to pad his numbers. Kentucky QB Andre Woodson and Oregon QB Dennis Dixon are preparing for lift-off. What do you do with Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, clearly one of the nation’s premier players, but playing for a school that’s 1-2 and out the rankings?
Who could have imagined …that Notre Dame would begin the season 0-4 for the first time in school history? Sure, it was a rebuilding year and the schedule was formidable, but wasn’t Charlie Weis hired to eliminate these kinds of extended bouts with mediocrity? With Purdue, Boston College, UCLA, and USC in the on-deck circle, an unthinkable 0-8 start is beginning to look like the probable scenario for the Irish.
Start buying shares in …Houston QB Case Keenum. The Keenum era in Houston officially began Saturday afternoon with the redshirt freshman rallying the Cougars for 35 second-half points in a come-from-behind win over Colorado State. Keenum threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 57 yards and two more scores, sending a message to head coach Art Briles that he’s the man to lead the high-scoring Houston offense for the next four years.
Start dumping …Kansas. Statistically, the Jayhawks look as if they’re ready to compete with LSU and USC in the national title hunt. In reality, Kansas’ 4-0 start is largely a product of playing four awful opponents to begin the season. A trip to Manhattan this week could bring the program crashing back to Earth in a hurry.
Bucking for a promotion: Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe. If Grobe ever leaves Winston-Salem, he’ll have earned it, getting more from less than any other BCS coach. His Demon Deacons were at it again on Saturday, rallying from a 24-3 deficit against a more athletic Maryland team to pull out a 31-24, overtime victory. Wake Forest is just 2-2, but have played Boston College and Nebraska close, and will be in the hunt for a bowl game again this season.
Needing a vote of confidence : Texas A&M head coach Dennis Franchione. Getting smoked in front of a national TV audience by the same Miami team that lost by 38 to Oklahoma two weeks earlier cannot be good for Coach Fran’s tenuous job security.
Needing a vote of confidence II : Pittsburgh head coach Dave Wannstedt. Wanny was hired to bring the glory back to the Panther program. Instead, Pitt was just plain gory in its 34-14 loss to Connecticut, another omen the school is going nowhere even with a better crop of recruits.
Needing a vote of confidence III : Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt. The Hogs are now 1-2 after dropping a shootout to surging Kentucky. Considering the public relations disasters Nutt has endured over the past 12 months, things could get real ugly in Fayetteville if Arkansas doesn’t bounce back in a hurry.
Can I be your agent …Keith Rivers? USC’s dominant weakside linebacker would have been a high draft choice last spring, but opted to return to school for his final year. Blessed with tremendous range at 6-3 and 230 pounds, Rivers tore through the Washington State offense Saturday night for 14 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Start designing the Fathead of …Kentucky QB Andre Woodson. Woodson is peaking at a most opportune time in his ‘Cat career. He’s always had a terrific arm, great pocket awareness, and the personality to elevate the play of those around him. Now that Kentucky’s winning, the rest of the country is finally catching on about the senior.
The Danny Almonte He-Can’t-Be-As-Young-As-He-Says Award: Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin. Just a redshirt freshman, Mizzou’s most dynamic offensive player broke free for 238 all-purpose yards, and had a touchdown reception and a punt return for another score.
The Danny Almonte He-Can’t-Be-As-Young-As-He-Says Award II: Wisconsin CB Aaron Henry. Pitching in while starter Jack Ikegwuonu works his way back to complete health, the true freshman held up well in pass coverage against Iowa and tormented Jake Christensen on the blitz with a game-high 2.5 sacks.
The Jerry Falwell Moral Victory Award: Ball State. Ugh…so close to pulling off one of the most important and memorable wins in school history. Pining for some national attention, the Cardinals went blow-for-blow with Nebraska in Lincoln, falling short, 41-40, despite more than 600 yards of total offense. If Brady Hoke’s kids can channel that performance the rest of the way, they could be a serious factor in the MAC.
It’s time to give more pub to… Illinois DE Will Davis. On Saturday, Indiana learned the hard way that Davis is extremely hard to contain one-on-one. The junior bust out in the Illini win with five tackles for loss and four sacks of the usually elusive Kellen Lewis. One of the fastest ends in the Big Ten, Davis now has 5.5 sacks over the last two games.
It’s time to give more pub to… South Florida DE George Selvie. Opponents are going to have to commit two players to Selvie real soon because one just isn’t cutting it. Through three games, the speedy sophomore with the explosive burst off the snap already has a ridiculous 15 tackles for loss and a nation’s-best 8.5 sacks.
It’s time to give more pub to… Ohio State WR Brian Robiskie. No, Robiskie is no Ted Ginn, but what he lacks in fast wheels and sex appeal, he more than makes up for with terrific hands and pass-catching fundamentals. The offensive star this year for the Buckeyes, Robiskie has five touchdown receptions in the last three games, including three on three catches in Saturday’s rout of Northwestern.
Message to … Les Miles. Thanks for giving us the early leader for Play of the Year in 2007. LSU’s perfectly orchestrated fake field goal just before halftime of the 28-16 win over South Carolina was run so well, it had to even impress Steve Spurrier, a master of the unpredictable.
This just in: South Florida is for real. With Auburn in the rear view mirror and West Virginia looming this Friday, who could blame the Bulls for looking past North Carolina Saturday afternoon? Uh-uh. South Florida was focused in its 37-10 blowout of the Heels, showing that its first Top 25 appearance will not be the last.
Random thought with no heading: Can we all refrain from declaring that a coach is “off the hot seat” simply because his team pulled an upset one Saturday in which all of the stars lined up just right? Syracuse, for instance. Congrats for a stop-the-bleeding upset of Louisville last weekend, but it shouldn’t take your eye off the ball as it pertains to head coach Greg Robinson. Unless the Orange uses the win as a launching pad to the post-season, the coach shouldn’t feel secure just because the Cards can neither tackle nor cover on defense.
Going wacky for John Mackey: USC TE Fred Davis. While the young Trojan receivers search for consistency, John David Booty will utilize his big, athletic tight end … a lot. In Saturday’s thumping of Washington State, Davis led all USC receivers with nine catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a pretty one in the back of the end zone to kick off the scoring.
Non-BCS Player of the Week: Tulane RB Matt Forte. Who cares that Southeastern Louisiana was playing defense? Forte was brilliant for the Green Wave, rushing for a school and Conference USA-record 303 yards and five touchdowns on 40 carries.
Non-BCS Team of the Week: UNLV. Behind the hard running of Frank “the Tank” Summers and the school’s first shutout in seven years, head coach Mike Sanford picked up a 27-0, momentum-building win over his former employer. Could a Rebel program with so much mid-major potential finally be turning the corner in the Mountain West?
Stats Amore: Louisville QB Brian Brohm went 45-of-65 for 555 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss to Syracuse. His favorite target was Harry Douglas, who caught 12 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown.
Syracuse QB Andrew Robinson had a career-day in the upset of Louisville, going 17-of-26 for 423 yards and four touchdown passes. His go-to receiver was Taj Smith, who caught four balls for 173 yards and two long scores.
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall ran for 214 yards and a score on 27 carries in the win over Indiana.
West Virginia QB Patrick White went 18-of-20 for 181 yards and two touchdowns, while running nine times for 42 yards and two scores.
Duke QB Thaddeus Lewis finished 23-of-36 for 428 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in the loss to Navy. All four of the touchdowns went to Eron Riley, who had six grabs for 235 yards.
San Diego State QB Kevin O’Connell was 19-of-31 for 443 yards and five touchdown passes in the blowout of Portland State. He connected with Brett Swain six times for 224 times and three touchdowns.
Toledo S Barry Church had 19 tackles and three tackles for loss in the win over Iowa State.
Tennessee QB Erik Ainge went 27-of-39 for 334 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in the defeat of Arkansas State.
Purdue QB Curtis Painter was 33-of48 for 338 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the win over Minnesota. In the game, he found Dorien Bryant 12 times for 150 yards and two scores.
Oregon QB Dennis Dixon finished 27-of-36 for 367 yards and four touchdown passes, adding a fifth score on the ground against Stanford.
Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter went 25-of-36 for 361 yards, four touchdowns and a pick in the come-from-behind win over Oregon State . Texas Tech receivers Michael Crabtree and Danny Amendola had 14 catches apiece for 470 yards and four touchdowns in the loss to Oklahoma State. Start clearing next week’s schedule for… Cal at Oregon. For the next two months, there might not be a better or more important Pac-10 game not involving USC than this one between the No. 6 Bears and the No. 11 Ducks. In what basically amounts to a league elimination game, two of the nation’s most potent offenses will be on display in Eugene Saturday afternoon. The winner can also start dreaming of a darkhorse candidacy for New Orleans, provided, of course, it can get through the Trojans first.
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Arrest warrant out for UM's Graham

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 1:58AM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 1:58AM

DETROIT (AP) -- A judge issued an arrest warrant for Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham for skipping his trial on a disorderly conduct charge involving loud music, court records say.
Detroit police gave the sophomore a disorderly conduct ticket July 24 for playing loud music in a vehicle, according to 36th District Court records. He pleaded not guilty Aug. 2 and was released on personal bond, the Detroit Free Press reported on its Web site Tuesday night.
Graham did not appear for his scheduled trial on Sept. 18, and a judge issued a warrant the next day, court records say.
Michigan sports information director Bruce Madej said that he had not heard of the case and had no immediate comment.
Graham made two tackles for a loss, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble that led to quarterback Ryan Mallett's rushing touchdown in the Wolverines' 14-9 win over Penn State on Saturday. Michigan hosts Northwestern this Saturday.
 
RJ Esq said:
Arrest warrant out for UM's Graham

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 1:58AM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 1:58AM

DETROIT (AP) -- A judge issued an arrest warrant for Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham for skipping his trial on a disorderly conduct charge involving loud music, court records say.
Detroit police gave the sophomore a disorderly conduct ticket July 24 for playing loud music in a vehicle, according to 36th District Court records. He pleaded not guilty Aug. 2 and was released on personal bond, the Detroit Free Press reported on its Web site Tuesday night.
Graham did not appear for his scheduled trial on Sept. 18, and a judge issued a warrant the next day, court records say.
Michigan sports information director Bruce Madej said that he had not heard of the case and had no immediate comment.
Graham made two tackles for a loss, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble that led to quarterback Ryan Mallett's rushing touchdown in the Wolverines' 14-9 win over Penn State on Saturday. Michigan hosts Northwestern this Saturday.
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What the hell is he doing? Funny thing is I was going to poste some great complimentary articles about his growth the past few weeks.

Jesus
 
USC's Cushing Out for Three Weeks

Posted Sep 26th 2007 12:36PM by Scott Olin Schmidt
Filed under: USC Football, Pac 10, NCAA FB Injuries
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When USC linebacker Brian Cushing suffered an ankle sprain in the Trojans' season opener against Idaho, the junior was hopeful that he would make it back on the field within two weeks at Nebraska. He noted that there's a difference between simply walking and coming out and playing on the field, but managed to get a few plays in Lincoln.

The 2007 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP re-injured his ankle against Washington State, putting him back on the bench for most of last week's game. Now, Cushing seems to believe that his injury is worse than expected, and there are fears he may have cracked a bone in his ankle, leading one local paper to report that he could be out up to three weeks--returning only for USC's October 20th match-up in South Bend.

In Cushing's absence, Senior Linebacker Keith Rivers has been moved to the Strong Side position and backup Kaluka Maiava has been elevated to the first team.
 
Tulane changes starting QB vs. LSU

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 4:51PM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 4:51PM

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Tulane coach Bob Toledo noticed that not one starting quarterback has lasted an entire game against No. 2 LSU this season.
So this week, Toledo decided to dispense with formalities and start his backup, sophomore Anthony Scelfo on Saturday when Tulane (1-2) hosts the undefeated Tigers (4-0).
Scelfo, who has played in seven career games, will make his first college start against the nation's top-rated defense.
This season, Scelfo, a New Orleans native and nephew of former Tulane head coach Chris Scelfo, has seen action in all three games for the Green Wave this season, completing 9-of-16 passes for 75 yards and an interception.
Scelfo also has proven himself a better scrambler than regular starter Scott Elliot.
"That helps, let's put it that way," Toledo said. "He has the ability to avoid maybe some sacks and be mobile in the pocket. We are going to give him every opportunity to see what he can do in the game."
Scelfo said he hopes to avoid turnovers and manage the game effectively for Tulane, who oddsmakers have made a more than seven-touchdown underdogs.
Toledo said he expects to use more than one quarterback in the game, but hasn't yet decided how he will get snaps for Elliot or freshman Kevin Moore.
Scelfo's high school career came to an end when his Jesuit squad lost a 2004 playoff game to East St. John, which was led by LSU backup quarterback Ryan Perriloux.
"He's far from my thoughts," Scelfo said. "I'm going up against the No. 1 defense in the country."
 
Idaho may be without star vs. Hawaii

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 5:02PM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 5:02PM

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho may be without star running back Deonte Jackson when it hosts No. 19 Hawaii on Saturday.
Jackson, a freshman who leads the Western Athletic Conference in rushing, suffered a high ankle sprain against Northern Illinois last weekend.
Jackson has gained 537 yards on 100 carries for the Vandals (1-3). If he is out, senior Jayson Bird will get more carries.
Bird had just 10 carries in Idaho's first three games, but got more action last Saturday when Jackson was hurt in the third quarter. Bird ran eight times for 52 yards and caught five passes for 72 yards.
Bird, who led Idaho in rushing as a freshman in 2004, has 1,536 career yards.
 
Vols may seek 6th season for Cottam

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 8:38PM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 8:38PM

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee coaches are considering applying for an unprecedented sixth year of eligibility for injured tight end Brad Cottam, coach Phillip Fulmer said Wednesday.
The senior from Germantown redshirted in his freshman year but has not played at all this season because of a left wrist injury that required surgery. Cottam landed awkwardly on his left hand while trying to pull down a pass in a preseason scrimmage.
"We're looking at working through the NCAA to get an additional year if that works for him and them," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "We would like very much for that to happen."
Entering the season, Cottam was expected to play an integral part in a Tennessee offense that had an inexperienced wide receiver corps.
Fulmer initially seemed skeptical of the NCAA granting a request for a sixth season, but said during Wednesday's practice he feels Cottam's case is ideal.
"I can only say as an advocate of a player that it would be absolutely the right thing to do for a young man," he said. "If the NCAA is pro-athlete as they say, this would be a case to do it."
Cottam, whose brother Jeff Cottam is a sophomore tight end, has had five surgeries as a Vol. If he's denied a sixth season, he may have a chance to play late in the season if he has fully healed from the injury and surgery.
Senior tight end David Holbert has been granted redshirt status for the 2007 season and will return with Tennessee next year. Holbert suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in summer workouts and is out for the season.
 
Charges against Graham dropped

Posted: Wednesday September 26, 2007 9:49PM; Updated: Wednesday September 26, 2007 9:49PM

DETROIT (AP) -- Disorderly conduct charges against Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham have been dropped, his lawyer said.
The case was dismissed and a bench warrant was terminated after Graham appeared Wednesday in 36th District Court, defense attorney James Acho said. The charge will be officially dropped in 60 days, Acho said.
Detroit police ticketed the sophomore for disorderly conduct July 24 for playing loud music in a vehicle, according to court records. Graham pleaded not guilty Aug. 2 and was released on personal bond, but did not appear for his scheduled trial on Sept. 18. A judge issued a warrant the next day.
Graham made two tackles for a loss, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble that led to quarterback Ryan Mallett's rushing touchdown in the Wolverines' 14-9 win over Penn State last weekend. Michigan plays at Northwestern on Saturday.
 
Sooners' DE Williams has surgery, out for season

<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. Oklahoma defensive end John Williams had surgery Tuesday to repair a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.


"It all went as expected," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said. "The doctors were pleased and had nothing that was surprising. It all went the way it was supposed to."


Williams started three of No. 3 Oklahoma's first four games and had recorded one sack and four tackles for a loss before he was injured in the third quarter of last Friday's game at Tulsa. He also suffered a season-ending injury in 2005, when he tore a knee ligament in the opening game against TCU.


"It's just unfortunate. He was playing so well here," Stoops said.


Stoops said it was "just too soon to know" whether Williams, who is scheduled to graduate in December, will seek a sixth year of eligibility.


Alonzo Dotson, who started against Miami, is expected to fill Williams' defensive end position opposite Auston English on Saturday at Colorado.


"We've got other guys that are used to playing," Stoops said. "Alonzo Dotson and Auston English have been playing great. Alan Davis, Jeremy Beal, those guys have got to step up and take over in those spots, and they're more than capable."


Stoops said Chris Brown, who's been splitting time at tailback with Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray, was able to go through conditioning and could return against the Buffaloes after smacking the back of his head on the turf against Tulsa.


"We expect him to be able to play. I'm not saying he is yet. That's something they'll check by the end of the week," Stoops said. "... There aren't any lingering signs that there's anything going on there."
 
NC State Reaches 8 Knee Surgeries

O’Brien said two knee surgeries this week will bring the team’s total to eight for this season.

“I didn’t have eight knee surgeries in the last three years (coaching) at Boston College,” (SFN Note: Welcome to NC State!) O’Brien said Wednesday.

Fullback Pat Bedics was scheduled for surgery Wednesday, and his status for the rest of the season won’t be known until today. Offensive tackle Jeraill McCuller also had knee surgery this week, O’Brien said, and is out indefinitely.

Tight end Anthony Hill, tailback Toney Baker and defensive tackle DeMario Pressley are the most prominent players who’ve had knee surgery. Pressley is back in the lineup, but Hill and Baker are out for the season.

O’Brien also is concerned that N.C. State didn’t improve between its Sept. 15 victory against Wofford and its loss Saturday to Clemson.

“We may have taken a step back,” he said. “I thought we were making progress.”​
 
CAL, OREGON HOPE TO LINGER IN VOTERS' MINDS, RETINAS
By SMQ
Posted on Thu Sep 27, 2007 at 11:36:09 AM EDT
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Anyone willing to be honest about his susceptibility to the hype, or who merely watched USC two weeks ago against Nebraska, will probably agree: Oregon-Cal Saturday looks like the most important Pac Ten game of the season.

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Rhapsody in shock yellow.
- - -

As far as national impact goes, that may be counterintuitive. Neither is a traditional power, as the always skeptical (and somewhat sleepy, where the Pac Ten is concerned) gatekeepers in the South and Midwest would define the term, and neither headed any "darkhorse" mythical championship bandwagon in the summer, when forecasts were more deferential to UCLA's chances of taking first runner-up than to the Bears' and couldn't agree that Oregon would even finish in the top half of the league; none of that trio was considered among the top ten teams nationally by anyone. And as long as the Trojans are waiting down the line - just before Halloween for Oregon, two weeks later for Cal - those wider assumptions will hold. Oregon is inconsistent and overrated based on one game with the replacement players pretending to be Michigan, Cal was not as impressive as the final score or hype indicated against overrated Tennessee and, god, neither can play any defense, anyway.

As it stands, though, one team or the other will earn its second marquee, poll-relevant win of September, and carry with it to a great degree the fortune of the conference as a national player through the rest of the season. This is not a small or semantic thing: millions are at stake in the form of an at-large BCS spot, the one that passed over 10-1 Cal in 2004, then 10-1 Oregon in 2005, and that the conference has secured only twice in the Series' decade-long reign (Oregon State in 2000 and USC in 2002). It did not help that both of those scorned teams then lost to a second-tier Big 12 outfit in the Holiday Bowl. If we are on a time-warped collision course with 2003, USC is staring directly down the barrel of its ostensibly tough non-conference slate, where Notre Dame unquestionably is and post-Ball State Nebraska might now become an insurmountable burden if the "Nine Dwarves" stereotype persists. The Pac Ten needs another giant to grapple with its Trojan overlord, a swift, sure resistance movement that can bring some legitimate national pomp as well as on-field pop to the battle, and - Utah having briefly risen to vanquish UCLA and Arizona State being Arizona State until further notice - the winner of Cal-Oregon is the resident colossus-in-waiting.
Well, maybe. First skeptics will have to be persuaded that both teams come with titanic elements, and if pantsing the suspect defenses of fading powers Tennessee and Michigan wasn't convincing, another quick-change dud in the fashion of last year's 45-24 blowout by Cal - in which the Bears picked off Dennis Dixon on the first play, went up 7-0 less than three minutes into the game and led 28-3 in the second quarter - won't make the front of the conference's PR package. The loser in that case will be dismissed, as Oregon certainly (and rightly) was after laying a nationally-televised egg last year in Berkeley, against the team that had flopped so spectacularly at Tennessee, and likely won't have much value to the winner after the fact. If the score has to be in the sixties or seventies, best it get there in a gripping back-and-forth struggle that more closely resembles Ohio State-Michigan last year, or at least Louisville-West Virginia. When so much of the country is so willing to dismiss your conference, style points matter. Or they would, if anybody was going to see them. But alas, maybe due to last year's primetime disappointment, outside of the part of the country that needs the least convincing, regular cable subscribers will not see the weekend's best game - not only this Saturday's lone match-up of ranked teams, but one of the few games all season between two teams that are each ranked among the top dozen in the country at kickoff. The viewer may enjoy any one of four other carefully-selected regional games between a top 15 team (Texas, Wisconsin, Clemson or Rutgers) and an unranked, would-be upstart (Kansas State, Michigan State, Georgia Tech or Maryland) that is, on average, a ten-point underdog.
 
Is West Virginia vs. South Florida for the Big East Title?

Posted Sep 27th 2007 6:37PM by John Radcliff
Filed under: West Virginia Football, Big East, South Florida Football
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Or is it just a great place to drink? For a game that has major implications toward the championship of the conference, the fever is certainly present on the South Florida side. A la last year's Rutgers-Louisville game, the Tampa skyline will be Green and Gold.

As No. 18 USF plays host to No. 5 West Virginia before a national ESPN2 audience Friday night, the 36-story SunTrust Financial Centre in downtown Tampa will be illuminated in USF's school colors of green and gold, an official for the company that manages the building confirmed Wednesday.​
Not exactly New York City at night, but hey, you work with what you got, right? This is the first time South Florida has sold out 65,000 seat Raymond James Stadium. As of today, the last student tickets were handed out at 3pm. And probably for the first time, the biggest college football game in the state of Florida this weekend will be played in Tampa. Which by itself is a major accomplishment considering South Florida only started fielding a team in 1997.

For West Virginia, this certainly isn't the biggest game in school history. Probably not even top 10. But it is the biggest game of the year so far for the Mountaineers. And it would certainly put which ever team wins squarely in the drivers seat for the Big East championship.

Both teams have to travel to Rutgers, and both have home games against Louisville. And there is still the unknown quantity that is Cincinnati. But I like either team to win all those games at this point. Certainly not something Rutgers fans want to hear, but I felt the Scarlet Knights were lucky to beat the Bulls last year. If not for a missed two point conversion, the two teams fates might have been reversed. And I believe South Florida is much improved over last years team. While Rutgers has looked impressive against poor quality opponents. So it's hard to tell what the Scarlet Knights have. But we'll know more about Rutgers after this weekend when they face a Maryland squad that needs a win in the worst way to keep their season alive.

So is this game for the Big East title?
 
Cardinals linebacker dismissed after marijuana arrest

Posted: Thursday September 27, 2007 5:31PM; Updated: Thursday September 27, 2007 7:22PM
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Willie Williams played in three games for the Cardinals (2-2) this season, collecting nine tackles.
AP


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</TD><TD class=cnnstoryclpad></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Louisville linebacker Willie A. Williams was kicked off the team Thursday, less than 24 hours after his arrest on a marijuana possession charge.
The 22-year-old was dismissed for violating his agreement with athletic director Tom Jurich.
"I'm very disappointed in Willie," Jurich said in a statement. "I was confident that he had turned the corner in his life and was ready to be a valuable contributor to society and our football program."
Williams was one of the top recruits in the country two years ago, but highly publicized legal problems in high school -- 11 arrests -- nearly cost him a scholarship to Miami. He never panned out with the Hurricanes and spent last year at West Los Angeles Community College.
Wednesday night, Louisville police arrested the 6-3, 230-pound Williams after he was stopped for driving a car with the music playing too loudly, said Louisville police spokesman Phil Russell.
A detective searched the car and found Williams trying to hide a small amount of marijuana, Russell said.
"He basically had the marijuana in his mouth," said Russell, who would not release the identities of the others in the car because they were not arrested.
Williams, also charged with tampering with physical evidence and driving without an operator's license, was released on his own recognizance Wednesday night.
Louisville spokesman Rocco Gasparro said Williams hired local attorney Grant Helman to represent him. A phone call to Helman's office Thursday evening by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.
He was accepted at Louisville after meeting extensively with Jurich and coach Steve Kragthorpe. He played in three games for the Cardinals (2-2) this season, collecting nine tackles.
Louisville, which began the season ranked in the Top 10 but has lost two straight, plays at North Carolina State on Saturday.
 
Demetrius Jones Likes Chili, Apparently... Transfers to Cincinnati

Posted Sep 28th 2007 1:33AM by Brian Stouffer
Filed under: Notre Dame Football, Big East, Cincinnati Football
demetrius-jones-180sm.jpg
Beleaguered ex-Irish quarterback Demetrius Jones has finally had his scholarship released (which he promptly fumbled, waka waka waka) and is packing up his belongings (with extra packing peanuts, naturally) and heading out to the Queen City to play for the Cincinnati Bearcats. Hopefully he can hold his own (or hold anything, for that matter) in southern Ohio, although it will be no cakewalk. The Cats have six quarterbacks with some eligibility remaining, and Ben Mauk might be applying for a medical redshirt if his mysterious injury doesn't resolve itself this season.

Anyway, hopefully the change of scenery will be good for Demetrius, and this might be his big chance to catch a break. Just make sure to secure that break to your body with two hands after you catch it
 
Week 6: High-Speed Chaos



trev.jpg


By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com



Ok, here's the deal, there's a super-awesome Trev plan in the works, and that gets an entire post of its own. So there, let us burn through this impressive display of predicticating prowess. Scoreboard, ho!

2007 Season-to-date:
Against the Spread: 33-39-1
Straight Up: 56-17

South Florida (+7) over West Virginia (9/28 800et ESPN)
The biggest game in the history of anything in the home of a couple of Super Bowls and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Maybe there was a Stanley Cup in there to, and I think that's just super. USF has enough defense to keep this game close, and with a whole town, er city, or is it a commonwealth? behind them, they just might get it done.
Trev's pick: South Florida

Louisiana State (-40.5) over Tulane (1200et)
Chainsaw by 41 over Tulane. I can't think of a better way to honor New Orleans.
Trev's pick: Louisiana State

North Carolina (+18) over Virginia Tech (1200et)
Virginia Tech still doesn't have any real semblance of an offense, and North Carolina, while horrible, has to be at least as good as East Carolina. Right?
Trev's pick: North Carolina to cover, Virginia Tech to win

Illinois (+3) over Penn State (1200et)
Wait, WHAT? What could he possibly thinking?!?!? Taking [fighting redacted] over Penn State? There can't be any reason to take Illinois. The line is just sooooo low. Exactly. Believe in the [redacted]....all the freaking way.
Trev's pick: Illinois

South Carolina (-13.5) over Mississippi State (1230et)
Take the team that held the chainsaw under 30 points over the team that could throw 7 interceptions in the first half.
Trev's pick: South Carolina

Ole Miss (+15) over Gerogia (100et)
I'm going to back the Orgeron all the way. Of course, he's going to get another good shot at pulling an upset. Georgia, Alabama heroics aside, is in for some Rebel beatdown. DaCoachO nevah loses. He just runnattatime.
Trev's pick: Ole Miss

Oklahoma (-22.5) over Colorado (130et)
One of these teams plays DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL, one just kind of yells about it.
Trev's pick: Oklahoma

Iowa State (-21) over Nebraska (205et)
That's right, Callahan! You can't even cover against Iowa State. This is where its come too. If I wasn't so preoccupied with other things, I would give you the what-for! But, I'm still pulling for my boys, so I'll split the pick.
Trev's pick: Iowa State to cover, Nebraska to win

Oregon (-6) over California (330et)
The PAC-10 clash of the not-Trojans, and I'm taking the home field. This game will nto be settled by a field goal, or two field goals, but passing yardage....lots of it.
Trev's pick: Oregon

Clemson (-3) over Georgia Tech (330et)
Clemson will run back in time, and knock Georgia Tech out of the ACC. Altering college football history in a small section of Atlanta for all eternity.
Trev's pick: Clemson

Rutgers (-16.5) over Maryland (330et)
I'm still on the fence on this whole Rutgers is Really Good business. Sure, I'm picking them to win. Sure, I'm ranking them pretty high....but I'm just not feeling it. They kicked some Big East butt last year, mainly the Louisville Armtacklers. Eh, whatever. Maryland is still Maryland.
Trev's pick: Rutgers

Texas (-14.5) over Kansas State (330et)
Texas is back, and ready for revenge! Revenge against the point spread.
Trev's pick: Texas

Wisconsin (-7.5) over Michigan State (330et)
I would rather root for Wisconsin as the scrappy darkhorse than Michigan State. That's just me. Michigan State is much more fun when they implode.
Trev's pick: Wisconsin

Hawaii (-25) over Idaho (330et)
Hawaii cannot afford a Milton Berle.
Trev's pick: Hawaii

Alabama (+2.5) over Florida State (500et)
I called it before, and I'm still calling it now. Something something something Dark Side. Something something something something Complete.
Trev's pick: Alabama

Southern Cal (-20.5) over Washington (800et)
Just checking, there's a decimal point in that, but I'd take -205 if I got the right odds.
Trev's pick: Southern Cal

Florida (-18) over Auburn (800et)
Tebow, he's like a really really good Matt Grothe.
Trev's pick: Florida

Ohio State (-23.5) over Minnesota (800et)
Minnesota < Northwestern
Trev's pick: Ohio State

Stanford (+14) over Arizona State (1000et)
Stanford bows to no man!
Trev's pick: Stanford

Cincinnati (-14) over Sand Diego State (1000et)
Almost last but not least, the Bearcats keep doing whatever it is they're doing. Don't stop believing.
Trev's pick: Cincinnati

Notre Dame (+22) over Purdue (1200et)
Ok, this is just getting out of freaking hand. 22 points? 22 points?!? Really? REALLY!?! Well, I guess we're riding this one to hell. The kid holds out hope for a Purdue team forgetting to run the ball. We're pretty sure the Irish can't stop the run, but we don't know about the pass so much. Why? Because everyone keeps running! I'm still hoping I get to watch the kid slowly go insane...for real this time.
Trev's pick: Notre Dame
 
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