Morning
West Virginia @ Rutgers Noon ABC/GP (Ch. 779) With Rutgers back in the Big East win after their upset of USF last Thursday night, this game is for second place in the conference behind undefeated UConn, but will probably decide who goes to the BCS and could be the start of National Title aspirations for the Mountaineers.
Colorado @ Texas Tech Noon ABC/GP (Ch. 780) - Can Texas Tech get back on track after the disaster last weekend against Missouri?
Mississippi State @ Kentucky Noon LFS/GP (Ch. 781) - Kentucky has played maybe the toughest 3-game stretch in the nation the last 3 weeks (South Carolina, LSU, Florida) and now could have a huge letdown after falling at home to Florida a week ago. Mississippi State is still fighting to get Sly Croom to his first bowl game in Starkville and to cool down the hot seat a little.
Afternoon
Southern California @ Oregon 3:00 p.m. FSN - Battle in Eugene to see who will take the Pac10 crown and a chance at the Rose Bowl (although Arizona State will have something to say about that) and keep their hopes up for a backdoor into the NCG
Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville) 3:30 p.m. CBS - Florida has owned this series, but Georgia really needs a win after getting their doors blown off by Tennessee.
South Florida @ UConn 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - Both of these teams will be keeping an eye on the WVU/RU game earlier in the day because either one of these teams could be in first place by the end of Saturday. Can South Florida bounce back after last week's first loss at Rutgers?
Evening
Kansas @ Texas A&M 7:00 p.m. ESPN2 - You wouldn't guess it, but Texas A&M is tied for first with OU and Okie State in the Big 12 South. Upstart Kansas has gotten out to 7-0 and hopes to stay a game ahead of Missouri going into their showdown in Kansas City November 24th. TAMU should run all over Kansas. Expect a close one, but I think the 12th man pulls off the upset like Coach Fran seems to do every year at College Station.
South Carolina @ Tennessee 7:45 p.m. ESPN - Even if Florida beats UGA earlier on Saturday, both of these teams have only 2 losses in the SEC and are still in contention for the SEC East crown. South Carolina still has UGA and UF to come, so they seem to be in better position. Neither of these teams looked good a week ago with Tennessee getting destryed by Alabama and USC only managing 6 points against Vanderbilt
Ohio State @ Penn State 8:00 p.m. ABC - Ohio State is back to a familiar position at #1, but most of the nation is waiting for them to actually beat someone. Does Penn State qualify? tOSU has had trouble in Happy Valley at night, and that's where they'll be Saturday night. We'll see if Joe Pa has one more upset off his sleeve. If so, he might find his way into a BCS at-large spot.
Cal @ Arizona State 10:00 p.m. FSN - Like Ohio State and Kansas, Arizona State has come out to an impressive undefeated record without actually beating anyone of substance. Their real season starts Saturday with a visit from the bears before going to Oregon and UCLA then getting USC and Arizona at home. These next 4 games will make or break the ASU season and could find them in the National Championship Game if they can win out.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
#2 BC @ #8 Virginia Tech
Pregame
Thursday night football on ESPN has become a staple of important games in the past few seasons. No longer the afterthought MAC game of yesteryear, ESPN has partnered with the Big East to bring in a number of giant games (including West Virginia v Louisville and Louisville v Rutgers last season along with #2 South Florida losing at Rutgers just last week). Being ranked #2 hasn't been a good omen for teams so far in October. First USC lost at home to Stanford, then Cal lost at home to Oregon State, before South Florida's close loss a week ago. Now Boston College goes on the road to Blacksburg, VA, at night, on Thursday. Three major reasons why it might be four straight weeks that #2 might go down. Don't overlook this Virginia Tech team that has won five straight after getting blasted by LSU in week 2, and with a win tonight will be right where most saw them being during the pre-season, at the top of the ACC and ranked in the top 5 with the lone loss coming to the Tigers.
First Quarter
The rain has been coming down for days now in Blacksburg which will just be another advantage for VT who wants to play a dirty, hard-hitting defensive battle. Virginia Tech hasn't done much on offense all season and will try and win this game with Beamer Ball. Half an inch of rain is expected over night with temperatures being mid-40s to low 50s.
The first possessions for both teams go nowhere with Glennon throwing a few incompletions and scrambling for a few yards. He is nowhere near the athlete that Tyrod Taylor is and it is showing already. The teams trade punts and VT goes to work again. Glennon really doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. You wouldn't know this was the returning starter from a year ago. Brandon Ore will do his best to lead the offense, but he won't find any rushing lanes if Glennon can't do something with his arm. VT punts again setting up BC inside their 20.
BC gains 8 on their first two plays, but Matt Ryan's 3rd down pass attempt is nearly picked off and BC punts again. There's a huge mistake for the VT special teams. A running into the kicker penalty gives BC a first down. Somewhat of an iffy call there. BC doesn't take advantage and ends up having to punt again and downs it inside the VT 5 yard line.
Tech puts together a couple of plays and gets the ball near midfield before the end of the quarter.
End of the 1st quarter
VT 0
BC 0
Second Quarter
Virginia Tech draws first blood on an 8 yard pass from Glennon to Royal. It was a 16 play drive going 91 yards in 7:13, which also is the longest scoring drive of the season for the Hokies
VT 7
BC 0
10:31 remaining in the half
Now its time to see if Ryan deserves the hype. Can he come down and answer in the VT score in the rain? The VT defensive line and linebacking core are doing a great job getting pressure. Ryan is hit on both second and third down with him going down for a sack on 2nd and throwing a poor pass on 3rd. The BC offensive line has not allowed any pressure this season, but the speed of the VT defensive line and their stunting is really causing problems. Back-to-back 3 and outs for BC sets up the Hokies at their 30 up 7-0.
Glennon can't keep the magic going with his feet and VPI punts. Ryan really has to do something on this drive, but the rain is really starting to come down. 6 minutes left in the half, get your team back in this, Matt. This game is getting sloppy with all the rain as two straight passes have been caught and then fumbled. BC has been able to retain possession and now is facing a big 3rd down. Soft coverage allows Ryan to find a man in an underneath route to pick it up. Back to back plays pick up 10+ yards and BC has now driven inside the VT 30 with under 4 minutes left in the half. Ryan is 9/16 for 54 yards and VT takes their first timeout.
A dropped pass and a 13 yard loss on a sack pushes BC back outside the VT 45 and they have to punt. The ball again goes into the endzone giving VT the ball at their 20 with 2:42 remaining. First play for VT and Chris Fowler totally jinxes them on the broadcast talking about how VT wants to be careful with the ball and not turn it over. Glennon never gets the snap from the backup center, and BC is set up inside the VT 20. Ryan has to throw it away on both 1st and 2nd down before BC goes to the draw trap that picks up the 1st. Wow, late flag for false start moves BC back to 3rd and 15 from the 24. That's their 5th penalty for 35 yards. Need to get something here to bring 3 back into play. Well overthrown to Challenger. Looks like the WR ran the wrong route as he turned to the inside and it looks like Ryan was looking for the corner route. BC chooses not to go for a 41 yard kick with the wet weather. Using a 3 man rush VT gets directly in Ryan's face and he's forced to throw it away on 4th and 15. Virginia Tech dodged a HUGE bullet there after turning the ball over inside their 20 yardline. VT actually gained 5 yards of field position off of that change of possession.
First down for the Hokie and Brandon Ore goes right up the middle of the BC defense all the way to the BC 40 for a gain of 34. That's Ore's longest run of the night and the longest run given up by the BC defense this season. On first down Glennon evades pressure and throws a strike for an 8 yard gain...but it is negated by a block in the back that was totally unnecessary. That moves the ball back onto the VT side of the field. After two more negative plays VT is content to just take the lead into halftime.
Halftime
#2 Boston College 0
#8 Virginia Tech 7
Third Quarter
Boston College gets the ball to begin the half at their 20 after a touchback. Ryan comes out firing and gets the Eagles across the 50 in under 30 seconds before a great play for an interception by Brandon Flowers at the VT 42. Brandon Ore gets the carry on first down for 2 yards upping his total to 60 yards on 10 carries for the game. Virginia Tech can't do anything on 2nd or 3rd down and punt the ball back to BC. Unfortunately for Matt Ryan's team and his Heisman hopes he isn't able to get anything going either and the teams trade punts again. Will Glennon be able to scramble and keep a drive going again like he was able to do in the first half?
After another series of traded punts Glennon finds Eddie Royal, the only deep threat on Virginia Tech, for a gain of 40 yards. The way the Virginia Tech defense is playing tonight, another 7 might make this lead insurmountable. Boston College has as many punts as first downs at the midway point of the 3rd quarter. Following the deep pass play Glennon throws in INT, but it is nullified by a very iffy defensive pass interference call that sets up a 41 yard FG for Virginia Tech.
VT 10
BC 0
5:33 3rd
Boston College needs some kind of a spark. Matt Ryan is a very pedestrian 12/28 for 95 yards and an INT. He hasn't gotten much help from WRs falling down and not making plays. The constant Virginia Tech pass rush hasn't helped him find a rhythm either. Virginia Tech comes out and makes a statement with this defensive stand. Boston College moves backwards and loses 21 yards and has to punt from within their own endzone. Another HUGE special teams mistake for Virgina Tech as they rough the punter and give Boston College a first down on a 4th and 31. The punter might deserve an Emmy nomination after the acting job he did on that one. Can Ryan find anything in the passing game? He is completely focused on the rush and not on finding his receivers. The screen passes aren't working against this quick pursuit Hokie defense. Again Ryan misfires on a 3rd down (3rd and 4) and BC gives the ball back. If VT had any kind of offense this game would be over. Johnny Ayers gets off his 8th punt of the night downed at the 33 with under 2 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter.
The Hokies are finally putting a sustained drive together again. If they score a touchdown this game is over. They're driving now as the 3rd quarter ends.
Fourth Quarter
Of course the VT offense stalls and is forced to punt. It is almost surprising that any points have been scored at all in this game. Announcers are talking about the difference in this VT team and the one that got destroyed in Tiger Stadium by LSU back in September. What are the voters going to do if VT keeps winning and moves up to #2 behind LSU?
BC facing a 3rd and 11 with 11:10 left in the game from their own 35. Again they aren't able to convert (which they haven't done the entire 2nd half) and have to give the ball back. BC is slowly running out of chances to do anything this game. They're really going to be in trouble if VT keeps converting on 3rd down and if BC keeps trying to arm tackle Brandon Ore. BC is the #1 rushing defense in the country statistically coming into this game, and the Hokies are moving the ball somewhat well for them.
The Hokies take 4 minutes off the clock and leave Matt Ryan with 6:09 to bring his team back. That's not going to help. First play on this drive and Ryan throws it right at safety D. J. Parker. The match-up zone works perfect and sets up VT inside the BC 30. Virginia Tech can't get any points, but they do eat over 2 minutes off of the clock and pin BC inside their 10. Matt Ryan can get his name back on the Heisman list after a horrid first 3.5 quarters if he can lead a comeback here. If not, BC's chances of the BCS in general might be gone.
Ryan does complete a few passes and quickly gets the Eagles inside the Virgina Tech 30 to the 27. Ryan then runs for a first down to get them inside the red zone for the first time today. On 3rd down Gunnell makes a fantastic catch for a TD (just their third 3rd down conversion of the game out of 15). That is a perfect throw by Matt Ryan. That was the exact type of drive I was talking about that Ryan just engineered. He made plays with his arm and his legs to move his team inside the redzone before throwing a perfect pass for 6. XP is good. We have a ballgame on our hands
BC 07
VT 10
2:11 left
Now comes the decision. BC has 2 timeouts left. Do they kick deep and hope to hold, or go for the onsides kick? Royal is the best weapon VT has and he's back deep to return. Boston College goes for the onsides kick and they have it! The ball didn't travel 10 yards, but a VT player came up to try and recover it and wasn't able to hang on. Matt Ryan lines up at the 34 with 2:07 to play. Two quick plays and BC is at the VT 40 with under 1:20 to play. With 0:58 left BC takes their 2nd time out.
Coming out of the timeout Ryan does a great job of keeping the play alive buying time before throwing a strike to get the ball inside the redzone with 40 seconds left. On 2nd down Ryan finds his TE open in the endzone for a touchdown, but it is coming back for a hold. VT continues to only send 3 but still are getting pressure. That's the 9th BC penalty for 83 yards. The Eagles are now at the 24 with 26 seconds left. An incomplete pass down the seam leaves them with 3rd and 20. Ryan buys time and avoids the 3 man rush to find Callender in the endzone for a touchdown. He was wideopen. It is unreal how Virginia Tech can have 8 men back in coverage and leave the top BC pass-catcher that open.
#2 BC 14
#8 VT 10
0:11 left
Virginia Tech gets the ball back but after 2 incompletions and a failed hook-and-ladder the game ends with BC pulling off the upset.
Final Score
#2 Boston College 14
#8 Virginia Tech 10
Thursday night football on ESPN has become a staple of important games in the past few seasons. No longer the afterthought MAC game of yesteryear, ESPN has partnered with the Big East to bring in a number of giant games (including West Virginia v Louisville and Louisville v Rutgers last season along with #2 South Florida losing at Rutgers just last week). Being ranked #2 hasn't been a good omen for teams so far in October. First USC lost at home to Stanford, then Cal lost at home to Oregon State, before South Florida's close loss a week ago. Now Boston College goes on the road to Blacksburg, VA, at night, on Thursday. Three major reasons why it might be four straight weeks that #2 might go down. Don't overlook this Virginia Tech team that has won five straight after getting blasted by LSU in week 2, and with a win tonight will be right where most saw them being during the pre-season, at the top of the ACC and ranked in the top 5 with the lone loss coming to the Tigers.
First Quarter
The rain has been coming down for days now in Blacksburg which will just be another advantage for VT who wants to play a dirty, hard-hitting defensive battle. Virginia Tech hasn't done much on offense all season and will try and win this game with Beamer Ball. Half an inch of rain is expected over night with temperatures being mid-40s to low 50s.
The first possessions for both teams go nowhere with Glennon throwing a few incompletions and scrambling for a few yards. He is nowhere near the athlete that Tyrod Taylor is and it is showing already. The teams trade punts and VT goes to work again. Glennon really doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. You wouldn't know this was the returning starter from a year ago. Brandon Ore will do his best to lead the offense, but he won't find any rushing lanes if Glennon can't do something with his arm. VT punts again setting up BC inside their 20.
BC gains 8 on their first two plays, but Matt Ryan's 3rd down pass attempt is nearly picked off and BC punts again. There's a huge mistake for the VT special teams. A running into the kicker penalty gives BC a first down. Somewhat of an iffy call there. BC doesn't take advantage and ends up having to punt again and downs it inside the VT 5 yard line.
Tech puts together a couple of plays and gets the ball near midfield before the end of the quarter.
End of the 1st quarter
VT 0
BC 0
Second Quarter
Virginia Tech draws first blood on an 8 yard pass from Glennon to Royal. It was a 16 play drive going 91 yards in 7:13, which also is the longest scoring drive of the season for the Hokies
VT 7
BC 0
10:31 remaining in the half
Now its time to see if Ryan deserves the hype. Can he come down and answer in the VT score in the rain? The VT defensive line and linebacking core are doing a great job getting pressure. Ryan is hit on both second and third down with him going down for a sack on 2nd and throwing a poor pass on 3rd. The BC offensive line has not allowed any pressure this season, but the speed of the VT defensive line and their stunting is really causing problems. Back-to-back 3 and outs for BC sets up the Hokies at their 30 up 7-0.
Glennon can't keep the magic going with his feet and VPI punts. Ryan really has to do something on this drive, but the rain is really starting to come down. 6 minutes left in the half, get your team back in this, Matt. This game is getting sloppy with all the rain as two straight passes have been caught and then fumbled. BC has been able to retain possession and now is facing a big 3rd down. Soft coverage allows Ryan to find a man in an underneath route to pick it up. Back to back plays pick up 10+ yards and BC has now driven inside the VT 30 with under 4 minutes left in the half. Ryan is 9/16 for 54 yards and VT takes their first timeout.
A dropped pass and a 13 yard loss on a sack pushes BC back outside the VT 45 and they have to punt. The ball again goes into the endzone giving VT the ball at their 20 with 2:42 remaining. First play for VT and Chris Fowler totally jinxes them on the broadcast talking about how VT wants to be careful with the ball and not turn it over. Glennon never gets the snap from the backup center, and BC is set up inside the VT 20. Ryan has to throw it away on both 1st and 2nd down before BC goes to the draw trap that picks up the 1st. Wow, late flag for false start moves BC back to 3rd and 15 from the 24. That's their 5th penalty for 35 yards. Need to get something here to bring 3 back into play. Well overthrown to Challenger. Looks like the WR ran the wrong route as he turned to the inside and it looks like Ryan was looking for the corner route. BC chooses not to go for a 41 yard kick with the wet weather. Using a 3 man rush VT gets directly in Ryan's face and he's forced to throw it away on 4th and 15. Virginia Tech dodged a HUGE bullet there after turning the ball over inside their 20 yardline. VT actually gained 5 yards of field position off of that change of possession.
First down for the Hokie and Brandon Ore goes right up the middle of the BC defense all the way to the BC 40 for a gain of 34. That's Ore's longest run of the night and the longest run given up by the BC defense this season. On first down Glennon evades pressure and throws a strike for an 8 yard gain...but it is negated by a block in the back that was totally unnecessary. That moves the ball back onto the VT side of the field. After two more negative plays VT is content to just take the lead into halftime.
Halftime
#2 Boston College 0
#8 Virginia Tech 7
Third Quarter
Boston College gets the ball to begin the half at their 20 after a touchback. Ryan comes out firing and gets the Eagles across the 50 in under 30 seconds before a great play for an interception by Brandon Flowers at the VT 42. Brandon Ore gets the carry on first down for 2 yards upping his total to 60 yards on 10 carries for the game. Virginia Tech can't do anything on 2nd or 3rd down and punt the ball back to BC. Unfortunately for Matt Ryan's team and his Heisman hopes he isn't able to get anything going either and the teams trade punts again. Will Glennon be able to scramble and keep a drive going again like he was able to do in the first half?
After another series of traded punts Glennon finds Eddie Royal, the only deep threat on Virginia Tech, for a gain of 40 yards. The way the Virginia Tech defense is playing tonight, another 7 might make this lead insurmountable. Boston College has as many punts as first downs at the midway point of the 3rd quarter. Following the deep pass play Glennon throws in INT, but it is nullified by a very iffy defensive pass interference call that sets up a 41 yard FG for Virginia Tech.
VT 10
BC 0
5:33 3rd
Boston College needs some kind of a spark. Matt Ryan is a very pedestrian 12/28 for 95 yards and an INT. He hasn't gotten much help from WRs falling down and not making plays. The constant Virginia Tech pass rush hasn't helped him find a rhythm either. Virginia Tech comes out and makes a statement with this defensive stand. Boston College moves backwards and loses 21 yards and has to punt from within their own endzone. Another HUGE special teams mistake for Virgina Tech as they rough the punter and give Boston College a first down on a 4th and 31. The punter might deserve an Emmy nomination after the acting job he did on that one. Can Ryan find anything in the passing game? He is completely focused on the rush and not on finding his receivers. The screen passes aren't working against this quick pursuit Hokie defense. Again Ryan misfires on a 3rd down (3rd and 4) and BC gives the ball back. If VT had any kind of offense this game would be over. Johnny Ayers gets off his 8th punt of the night downed at the 33 with under 2 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter.
The Hokies are finally putting a sustained drive together again. If they score a touchdown this game is over. They're driving now as the 3rd quarter ends.
Fourth Quarter
Of course the VT offense stalls and is forced to punt. It is almost surprising that any points have been scored at all in this game. Announcers are talking about the difference in this VT team and the one that got destroyed in Tiger Stadium by LSU back in September. What are the voters going to do if VT keeps winning and moves up to #2 behind LSU?
BC facing a 3rd and 11 with 11:10 left in the game from their own 35. Again they aren't able to convert (which they haven't done the entire 2nd half) and have to give the ball back. BC is slowly running out of chances to do anything this game. They're really going to be in trouble if VT keeps converting on 3rd down and if BC keeps trying to arm tackle Brandon Ore. BC is the #1 rushing defense in the country statistically coming into this game, and the Hokies are moving the ball somewhat well for them.
The Hokies take 4 minutes off the clock and leave Matt Ryan with 6:09 to bring his team back. That's not going to help. First play on this drive and Ryan throws it right at safety D. J. Parker. The match-up zone works perfect and sets up VT inside the BC 30. Virginia Tech can't get any points, but they do eat over 2 minutes off of the clock and pin BC inside their 10. Matt Ryan can get his name back on the Heisman list after a horrid first 3.5 quarters if he can lead a comeback here. If not, BC's chances of the BCS in general might be gone.
Ryan does complete a few passes and quickly gets the Eagles inside the Virgina Tech 30 to the 27. Ryan then runs for a first down to get them inside the red zone for the first time today. On 3rd down Gunnell makes a fantastic catch for a TD (just their third 3rd down conversion of the game out of 15). That is a perfect throw by Matt Ryan. That was the exact type of drive I was talking about that Ryan just engineered. He made plays with his arm and his legs to move his team inside the redzone before throwing a perfect pass for 6. XP is good. We have a ballgame on our hands
BC 07
VT 10
2:11 left
Now comes the decision. BC has 2 timeouts left. Do they kick deep and hope to hold, or go for the onsides kick? Royal is the best weapon VT has and he's back deep to return. Boston College goes for the onsides kick and they have it! The ball didn't travel 10 yards, but a VT player came up to try and recover it and wasn't able to hang on. Matt Ryan lines up at the 34 with 2:07 to play. Two quick plays and BC is at the VT 40 with under 1:20 to play. With 0:58 left BC takes their 2nd time out.
Coming out of the timeout Ryan does a great job of keeping the play alive buying time before throwing a strike to get the ball inside the redzone with 40 seconds left. On 2nd down Ryan finds his TE open in the endzone for a touchdown, but it is coming back for a hold. VT continues to only send 3 but still are getting pressure. That's the 9th BC penalty for 83 yards. The Eagles are now at the 24 with 26 seconds left. An incomplete pass down the seam leaves them with 3rd and 20. Ryan buys time and avoids the 3 man rush to find Callender in the endzone for a touchdown. He was wideopen. It is unreal how Virginia Tech can have 8 men back in coverage and leave the top BC pass-catcher that open.
#2 BC 14
#8 VT 10
0:11 left
Virginia Tech gets the ball back but after 2 incompletions and a failed hook-and-ladder the game ends with BC pulling off the upset.
Final Score
#2 Boston College 14
#8 Virginia Tech 10
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
BCS Week 2
The BCS Rankings for October 21
The Computer Poll Rankings (average)
I like looking at this because computers don't have biases the same way humans do. This may be the "best" way to judge teams. Current BCS ranking in parentheses
Most Underrated (Overall BCS rank lower than computers):
Virginia (9)
Wake Forest (8)
Auburn, Connecticut (6)
UCLA, South Florida (5)
Boise State (4)
Rutgers (3)
Kansas, Kentucky (2)
Nearly Even
BC, LSU, South Carolina, Michigan (1)
Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Florida, Missouri (0)
Most Overrated (Overall BCS rank higher than computers)
USC (-9)
Oklahoma (-8)
Oregon (-4)
West Virginia (-3)
Ohio State, Georgia (-2)
Proof that the computers are able to look past the USC, Oklahoma, and Ohio State brand names and put teams like Virginia, Wake Forest, and Connecticut into the top20. One can only hope that we one day move to a more computer based ranking system with less weight put into the human polls.
- Ohio State
- Boston College
- LSU
- Arizona State
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- Kansas
- South Florida
- Florida
- USC
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- Virginia
- South Carolina
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Texas
- Michigan
- California
- Auburn
- Connecticut
- Alabama
- Penn State
- Wake Forest
- Rutgers
- UCLA
- Boise State
- Wisconsin
- Purdue
- Texas Tech
- Georgia Tech
- Maryland
- Clemson
- Texas A&M
- Cincinnati
- Kansas State
- BYU
- Oregon State
- Fresno State
- Illinois
- Oklahoma State
- Vanderbilt
- Air Force
- Tennessee
The Computer Poll Rankings (average)
I like looking at this because computers don't have biases the same way humans do. This may be the "best" way to judge teams. Current BCS ranking in parentheses
- Boston College (2)
- LSU (3)
- Ohio State (1)
- Arizona State (4)
- South Florida (10)
- Virginia (15)
- Kansas (9)
- Virginia Tech (8)
- Oregon (5)
- West Virginia (7)
- Florida (11)
- Kentucky (14)
- Missouri (13)
- Oklahoma (6)
- South Carolina (16)
- Auburn (22)
- Connecticut (23)
- Wake Forest (26)
- Michigan (20)
- Georgia (18)
- USC (12)
- Alabama (24)
- UCLA (28)
- Rutgers (27)
- Boise State (29)
Most Underrated (Overall BCS rank lower than computers):
Virginia (9)
Wake Forest (8)
Auburn, Connecticut (6)
UCLA, South Florida (5)
Boise State (4)
Rutgers (3)
Kansas, Kentucky (2)
Nearly Even
BC, LSU, South Carolina, Michigan (1)
Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Florida, Missouri (0)
Most Overrated (Overall BCS rank higher than computers)
USC (-9)
Oklahoma (-8)
Oregon (-4)
West Virginia (-3)
Ohio State, Georgia (-2)
Proof that the computers are able to look past the USC, Oklahoma, and Ohio State brand names and put teams like Virginia, Wake Forest, and Connecticut into the top20. One can only hope that we one day move to a more computer based ranking system with less weight put into the human polls.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
10/25 Top 10 Run Down
*All rankings are BCS rankings and are accurate as of the time of the games on Saturday*
#1 Ohio State(8-0) 24 - #38 Michigan State (5-3) 17
The Buckeyes got out to a quick 24-0 lead before going to sleep towards the end of the 3rd quarter giving the Spartans 2 defensive touchdowns and almost a third turnover that would have let MSU get back in the game. Luckily for Tressel and Co. they were able to run out the clock and preserve their #1 BCS ranking
Up Next: Michigan State at Iowa (Oct. 27). #1 Ohio State at Penn State (Oct. 27).
#34 Rutgers(5-2) 30 - #2 South Florida(6-1) 27
In a back-and-forth game in Piscataway, NJ, it was the boys from Jersey pulling off the final defensive stop to hold on for victory. South Florida wasn't playing like the #2 team in the land, but definitely played well enough to win the game, especially if looking at their "poor man's Tebow" quarterback Matt Grothe. Ray Rice basically willed his Scarlet Knights to victory with 39 carries and 181 yards. Rutgers used a fake punt to gain a first down early in the first quarter, but it was a fake field goal pass that went for a touchdown in the 2nd half that really gave Rutgers the game. The offense outside of Ray Rice was quite pedestrian, and quarterback Mike Teel will have to play better for Rutgers to knock off their 2nd straight top 10 team in WVU next weekend.
Up Next: #2 South Florida at #37 Connecticut (Oct. 27). #34 Rutgers vs #9 West Virginia (Oct. 27).
#3 Boston College (6-0) BYE
Up Next: #3 Boston College at #11 Virginia Tech (Oct. 25).
#4 LSU(7-1) 30 - #17 Auburn(5-3) 24
Auburn, behind the strong running of Brad Lester and efficient passing of Brandon Cox, were able to get out to a 17-7 halftime lead on LSU in Tiger Stadium. The Bayou Bengals responded outscoring Auburn 13-0 in the first 27 minutes of the 2nd half before Cox found Roderiqus Smith in the corner of the end zone giving Auburn a 24-23 lead with 3:21 remaining. Auburn continued their strategy of squibbing the kickoff giving LSU the ball on their own 42 down only a point. LSU used the arm and legs of QB Matt Flynn to get the ball down to the Auburn 22 with 8 seconds remaining. Flynn then dropped back and found receiver Demetrius Byrd in the back of the end zone with only 1 second left on the clock and gave LSU a 6 point lead. Auburn was not able to do anything with the ensuing kickoff and LSU escaped with the victory. Flynn finished 22/34 for a career high 319 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT (that was off of a mystifying tip by inconsistent LSU receiver Brandon Lafell). LSU outgained Auburn 488-296.
Up Next: #17 Auburn vs Mississippi (Oct. 27). #4 LSU at #35 Alabama (Nov. 3).
#5 Oklahoma(7-1) 17 - Iowa State(1-7) 7
Iowa State used two Oklahoma turnovers and a number of other miscues to get out to a 7-0 lead at Halftime in Ames, Iowa. Chris Brown ran for two touchdowns in the second half, and Oklahoma was able to survive against an Iowa State team that lost to D1-AA Northern Iowa earlier this season, and who only have beaten Iowa so far this season. D.J. Wolfe's end-zone interception midway through the fourth quarter helped turn the tide for the Sooners who did not look nearly as impressive as they did against Missouri a week ago. With a down Big12 this season, and with their schedule not including Kansas this season, Oklahoma should continue coasting to the Big12 title game.
Up Next: #5 Oklahoma vs #47 Texas A&M (Nov. 3). Iowa State at #16 Missouri (Oct. 27).
Vanderbilt (4-3) 17 - #6 South Carolina (5-2) 6
In one of the biggest surprises of the weekend, the Head Ball Coach wasn't able to score a touchdown against Vanderbilt losing to the Commodores for the first time as a collegiate head coach. South Carolina was in the driver's seat in the SEC East race heading into the day, and luckily because a loss by Tennessee to Alabama were able to remain tied with Georgia and Florida atop the standings in the SEC East. After watching this team dismantle Kentucky two weeks ago them laying an egg against Vanderbilt really is a surprise. Also a surprise was Spurrier benching quarterback Chris Smelley for the guy he replaced against LSU, Blake Mitchell. Neither quarterback found the end zone and both threw interceptions (2 for Smelley, only 1 for Mitchell). Vanderbilt's sophomore QB completed half of his passes for 123 yards and two TDs. He also led the Dores in rushing with 86 yards on 13 carries. With three wins, a bowl game is a definite possibility for the 'dores.
Up Next: Vanderbilt vs Miami (OH) (Oct. 27). No. 6 South Carolina at No. 21 Tennessee (Oct. 27).
#15 Florida(5-2) 45 - #7 Kentucky (6-2) 37
Tim Tebow kept his Heisman hopes alive with a 5 touchdown day (4 passing, 1 rushing) that gave him a rushing touchdown in 8 consecutive games (the longest streak in the nation). Tebow had 256 yards threw the air to go along with 20 rushes for 78 more yards. Not to be outdone, Kentucky's own Heisman candidate Andre' Woodson threw for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns. Neither quarterback threw an interception and also neither team had a turnover. A back and forth game that really was a 2 touchdown win for Florida, but Kentucky was able to score a touchdown on the final play of the game in which many Florida defenders basically gave up with the game already in hand. Tebow had powered his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run to put the game out of reach with only a minute and a half remaining. With the win Florida is back into a tie in the SEC East with a showdown looming with both Georgia and South Carolina. Kentucky now has to hope both South Carolina and Florida find another loss in order to find their way to Atlanta.
Up Next: #15 Florida at #20 Georgia (Oct. 27 - AT JACKSONVILLE FL). #7 Kentucky vs #50 Mississippi State (Oct. 27).
#8 Arizona State (6-0) BYE
Up Next: #8 Arizona State vs #12 California (Oct. 27).
#9 West Virginia(6-1) 38 - #50 Mississippi State(4-4) 13
West Virginia scored early and often as they blew out Mississippi State for the second straight year. The Mountaineers got out to a 31-0 lead in the beginning of the second quarter by scoring on their first 5 possessions. Steve Slaton broke out of a two-game slump to rush for 127 yards and set a school record for rushing touchdowns for the Mountaineers. Mississippi State didn't get on the board until garbage time when this one was well out of reach. Fans of South Florida will have more salt in their wounds from Thursday night when they wake up Sunday morning to discover the voters will most likely have West Virginia ahead of their Bulls who beat the Mountaineers a few weeks ago. After playing what Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom called one of its best games a week ago in a 33-21 loss to No. 20 Tennessee, the Bulldogs were limited to 12 first downs and 214 total yards against the Mountaineers.
Up Next: #50 Mississippi State at #7 Kentucky (Oct. 27). #9 West Virginia at #34 Rutgers (Oct. 27).
#10 Oregon(6-1) 55 - Washington(2-5) 34
This game was close for three quarters (actually tied at 31 going into the 4th quarter) but Oregon was able to "run" away with this one, literally. Oregon rushed for an eye-popping 465 yards on 62 attempts. To put that in perspective, that's 192 more yards than Notre Dame has gained on the ground all season. Quarterback Dennis Dixon was 19-of-30 for 196 yards, added 99 yards rushing and a 13-yard scoring run with 4:52 left for the final margin. Washington lost its fifth straight, all to teams ranked in the top 12 at one point this season. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker had the best yards passing night of his young career, throwing for 257 and four scores, but Washington's defense could never slow down the Ducks potent spread offense. This Washington team still could be really good, but because of their incredibly difficult schedule we just can't be sure. Remember, this is the same UW team that only lost by 3 to USC. Washington's schedule does lighten up in the coming weeks with their remaining schedule being: Arizona, @Stanford, @Oregon State, Cal, @Wazzu, @Hawaii. This team could still get bowl elligible and ruin Hawaii's BCS dreams. The only games that Washington shouldn't be favored in are the match-ups with Cal and Hawaii. I wouldn't be surprised to see Locker and Willingham pull off all 6 games and finish the year at 8-5
Up Next: #10 Oregon vs #14 USC (Oct. 27). Washington vs Arizona (Oct. 27).
#1 Ohio State(8-0) 24 - #38 Michigan State (5-3) 17
The Buckeyes got out to a quick 24-0 lead before going to sleep towards the end of the 3rd quarter giving the Spartans 2 defensive touchdowns and almost a third turnover that would have let MSU get back in the game. Luckily for Tressel and Co. they were able to run out the clock and preserve their #1 BCS ranking
Up Next: Michigan State at Iowa (Oct. 27). #1 Ohio State at Penn State (Oct. 27).
#34 Rutgers(5-2) 30 - #2 South Florida(6-1) 27
In a back-and-forth game in Piscataway, NJ, it was the boys from Jersey pulling off the final defensive stop to hold on for victory. South Florida wasn't playing like the #2 team in the land, but definitely played well enough to win the game, especially if looking at their "poor man's Tebow" quarterback Matt Grothe. Ray Rice basically willed his Scarlet Knights to victory with 39 carries and 181 yards. Rutgers used a fake punt to gain a first down early in the first quarter, but it was a fake field goal pass that went for a touchdown in the 2nd half that really gave Rutgers the game. The offense outside of Ray Rice was quite pedestrian, and quarterback Mike Teel will have to play better for Rutgers to knock off their 2nd straight top 10 team in WVU next weekend.
Up Next: #2 South Florida at #37 Connecticut (Oct. 27). #34 Rutgers vs #9 West Virginia (Oct. 27).
#3 Boston College (6-0) BYE
Up Next: #3 Boston College at #11 Virginia Tech (Oct. 25).
#4 LSU(7-1) 30 - #17 Auburn(5-3) 24
Auburn, behind the strong running of Brad Lester and efficient passing of Brandon Cox, were able to get out to a 17-7 halftime lead on LSU in Tiger Stadium. The Bayou Bengals responded outscoring Auburn 13-0 in the first 27 minutes of the 2nd half before Cox found Roderiqus Smith in the corner of the end zone giving Auburn a 24-23 lead with 3:21 remaining. Auburn continued their strategy of squibbing the kickoff giving LSU the ball on their own 42 down only a point. LSU used the arm and legs of QB Matt Flynn to get the ball down to the Auburn 22 with 8 seconds remaining. Flynn then dropped back and found receiver Demetrius Byrd in the back of the end zone with only 1 second left on the clock and gave LSU a 6 point lead. Auburn was not able to do anything with the ensuing kickoff and LSU escaped with the victory. Flynn finished 22/34 for a career high 319 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT (that was off of a mystifying tip by inconsistent LSU receiver Brandon Lafell). LSU outgained Auburn 488-296.
Up Next: #17 Auburn vs Mississippi (Oct. 27). #4 LSU at #35 Alabama (Nov. 3).
#5 Oklahoma(7-1) 17 - Iowa State(1-7) 7
Iowa State used two Oklahoma turnovers and a number of other miscues to get out to a 7-0 lead at Halftime in Ames, Iowa. Chris Brown ran for two touchdowns in the second half, and Oklahoma was able to survive against an Iowa State team that lost to D1-AA Northern Iowa earlier this season, and who only have beaten Iowa so far this season. D.J. Wolfe's end-zone interception midway through the fourth quarter helped turn the tide for the Sooners who did not look nearly as impressive as they did against Missouri a week ago. With a down Big12 this season, and with their schedule not including Kansas this season, Oklahoma should continue coasting to the Big12 title game.
Up Next: #5 Oklahoma vs #47 Texas A&M (Nov. 3). Iowa State at #16 Missouri (Oct. 27).
Vanderbilt (4-3) 17 - #6 South Carolina (5-2) 6
In one of the biggest surprises of the weekend, the Head Ball Coach wasn't able to score a touchdown against Vanderbilt losing to the Commodores for the first time as a collegiate head coach. South Carolina was in the driver's seat in the SEC East race heading into the day, and luckily because a loss by Tennessee to Alabama were able to remain tied with Georgia and Florida atop the standings in the SEC East. After watching this team dismantle Kentucky two weeks ago them laying an egg against Vanderbilt really is a surprise. Also a surprise was Spurrier benching quarterback Chris Smelley for the guy he replaced against LSU, Blake Mitchell. Neither quarterback found the end zone and both threw interceptions (2 for Smelley, only 1 for Mitchell). Vanderbilt's sophomore QB completed half of his passes for 123 yards and two TDs. He also led the Dores in rushing with 86 yards on 13 carries. With three wins, a bowl game is a definite possibility for the 'dores.
Up Next: Vanderbilt vs Miami (OH) (Oct. 27). No. 6 South Carolina at No. 21 Tennessee (Oct. 27).
#15 Florida(5-2) 45 - #7 Kentucky (6-2) 37
Tim Tebow kept his Heisman hopes alive with a 5 touchdown day (4 passing, 1 rushing) that gave him a rushing touchdown in 8 consecutive games (the longest streak in the nation). Tebow had 256 yards threw the air to go along with 20 rushes for 78 more yards. Not to be outdone, Kentucky's own Heisman candidate Andre' Woodson threw for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns. Neither quarterback threw an interception and also neither team had a turnover. A back and forth game that really was a 2 touchdown win for Florida, but Kentucky was able to score a touchdown on the final play of the game in which many Florida defenders basically gave up with the game already in hand. Tebow had powered his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run to put the game out of reach with only a minute and a half remaining. With the win Florida is back into a tie in the SEC East with a showdown looming with both Georgia and South Carolina. Kentucky now has to hope both South Carolina and Florida find another loss in order to find their way to Atlanta.
Up Next: #15 Florida at #20 Georgia (Oct. 27 - AT JACKSONVILLE FL). #7 Kentucky vs #50 Mississippi State (Oct. 27).
#8 Arizona State (6-0) BYE
Up Next: #8 Arizona State vs #12 California (Oct. 27).
#9 West Virginia(6-1) 38 - #50 Mississippi State(4-4) 13
West Virginia scored early and often as they blew out Mississippi State for the second straight year. The Mountaineers got out to a 31-0 lead in the beginning of the second quarter by scoring on their first 5 possessions. Steve Slaton broke out of a two-game slump to rush for 127 yards and set a school record for rushing touchdowns for the Mountaineers. Mississippi State didn't get on the board until garbage time when this one was well out of reach. Fans of South Florida will have more salt in their wounds from Thursday night when they wake up Sunday morning to discover the voters will most likely have West Virginia ahead of their Bulls who beat the Mountaineers a few weeks ago. After playing what Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom called one of its best games a week ago in a 33-21 loss to No. 20 Tennessee, the Bulldogs were limited to 12 first downs and 214 total yards against the Mountaineers.
Up Next: #50 Mississippi State at #7 Kentucky (Oct. 27). #9 West Virginia at #34 Rutgers (Oct. 27).
#10 Oregon(6-1) 55 - Washington(2-5) 34
This game was close for three quarters (actually tied at 31 going into the 4th quarter) but Oregon was able to "run" away with this one, literally. Oregon rushed for an eye-popping 465 yards on 62 attempts. To put that in perspective, that's 192 more yards than Notre Dame has gained on the ground all season. Quarterback Dennis Dixon was 19-of-30 for 196 yards, added 99 yards rushing and a 13-yard scoring run with 4:52 left for the final margin. Washington lost its fifth straight, all to teams ranked in the top 12 at one point this season. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker had the best yards passing night of his young career, throwing for 257 and four scores, but Washington's defense could never slow down the Ducks potent spread offense. This Washington team still could be really good, but because of their incredibly difficult schedule we just can't be sure. Remember, this is the same UW team that only lost by 3 to USC. Washington's schedule does lighten up in the coming weeks with their remaining schedule being: Arizona, @Stanford, @Oregon State, Cal, @Wazzu, @Hawaii. This team could still get bowl elligible and ruin Hawaii's BCS dreams. The only games that Washington shouldn't be favored in are the match-ups with Cal and Hawaii. I wouldn't be surprised to see Locker and Willingham pull off all 6 games and finish the year at 8-5
Up Next: #10 Oregon vs #14 USC (Oct. 27). Washington vs Arizona (Oct. 27).
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The SFP manifesto
The following was posted on www.tigerdroppings.com/rant by a poster known as Slow Flo Pro in response to LSU's loss to Kentucky on October 13. Some formatting has been changed from that initial post, but only because it was so long it was in multiple posts, and the thread it is posted in is linked here
Dear, The Rant
Ok I start by apologizing for melting down. I've tried to tell this board over and over again that I'm 100%-LSU all the way and I criticize the team because it can improve, not because I am against a player, coach, or LSU in general. Well last night the lack of improvement in the areas many have been critical of came into play, and we lost as a result of this. I became very emotional and melted down, and I said some things I shouldn't have and I said justifiable things that were not over the line over and over again. Accordingly, I am suspended from posting.
But to the game and LSU's season so far…
1. I do not want to hear the ignorant section of our fanbase who supports the team blindly to EVER criticize non-coaches who see problems with the team again. All of the problems that have been discussed on this board since BEFORE the season have been evident the past month, and they were in full force last night. You don't have to be a coach to see problems in the team, and you don't have to lack a heart to support a more talented young player over a veteran who has paid his dues. This is football, not a motivational speech. Pointing out flaws in a team is not saying that you dislike the team or you're not a fan of the team anymore.
2. When I say "coaching" in the upcoming week I DO NOT MEAN MILES. Our coordinators dropped the ball, and have been dropping the ball worse than Brandon Lafell. This is not something that just appeared in Lexington. These coaching flaws have been evident all year, but we've just out-talented and home-fielded the opposition. My only problem with miles this game was being happy that we called a crappy drive to end regulation, ending in a kick we should have never attempted. I understand he's trying to keep Colt David positive, but no coach should be happy that we end regulation tied with an inferior team, and no coach should be happy at how we ended that game. Miles should have been in players' faces the entire 2nd half, not smiling and talking bout how close we came to winning.
3. Gary Crowton has hit his playcalling wall. He is the anti-Jimbo: he tries a certain play until it is successful, and then we don't see it anymore. We forced the Trindon reverses and sweeps early in the year, getting very little efficiency out of it. Then we play South Carolina, it is very successful, and we abandon it. Now we're sometimes using the reverse to play off of it, but nobody fears it as a result of Crowton under-utilizing the play. We did use it as the main fake on a triple reverse against Florida, and the play was very successful, but we saw that play ZERO times against UK. Instead we were running Trindon in I-formation up the gut. Then when we need "The Wizard" to wow us most, he chokes. Our drive to end regulation was inexcusable. Why were we running the ball up the gut? Why were we having to rely on swing pass/screens to get 3rd and longs? We wasted a LOT of time on that drive due to bad choices in running. Also our final drive will never be forgotten. One of the (supposedly) most creative offensive minds in CFB runs up the gut 4 times with our 4th best RB? Speechless
4a. Our substitution patterns on offense are at the point of being absolutely ridiculous. We don't run a RB by committee. We run Hester and a 2nd back, with a 3rd runner getting ignored (Against UF it was Scott and against UK it was Keiland). To make matters worse, HESTER WAS NOT 100%. He should have NOT seen the field in the 2nd half because of injury. Oh yeah, and there is this Charles Scott fellow who was absolutely tearing up the UK defense in the first half. His first long run made our team wake up, and he was energizing the team. Yet our coaches DISRESPECT him and he doesn't see the field in the 2nd half except for a few blitz pickups and 2 carries (I believe). If you were Charles Scott, how would you feel about this? How can our coaches think this is a healthy regime to put our best players in? How can Les Miles and Crowton look Scott in the face this week? Scott doesn't deserve this disrespect, especially since he goes out and does little things like bust his ass on special teams. Miles should come out and publicly apologize to Charles Scott for the disrespect our coaching staff showed him this week, and then Miles should be forced to honestly tell the fans why they messed up so badly by going away from him.
4b. Flynn sucked. RP is unproven. Why is RP unproven? It is because the coaching staff refuses to let him try to play QB if Flynn is better than 50%. Why do they do this? Who knows? The coaching staff has refused to use RP as a real QB outside of the end of blowouts and the MTSU game. This gives them the, "he is unprepared" excuse to not sit an obviously ineffective Flynn. I'm not saying bench Flynn for good, I'm saying give RP a few series to see if he can spark our team's energy. Flynn is not the leader that JR was, and he can't rally this team like JR did. We come out flat and without energy, and Flynn does nothing to fix it (This is also on the coaches. 3 weeks in a row LSU has come out without any energy and our coaches/Flynn have not corrected it). We have 2 QBs..We don't have a QB and a RB who lines up as a QB. Let's use them. RP, like Scott, is owed a public apology. He was ignored late in that game, and this is with Flynn panicking on plays and throwing a HORRIBLE pick. How poorly does Flynn have to play in order for our coaches to start pushing him and having a QB competition? Honestly (and in full seriousness), how much difference is there in Marcus Randall and Matt Flynn at this point?
5. Bo Pelini…words cannot describe how arrogant you are. You are given gameplans 2 weeks in a row to combat superior offenses, and you use none of the information you were given. You refuse to use press coverage at the line to disrupt timing routes. You refuse to blitz and consistently put pressure on the QB. You refuse to adjust to the games you are a part of. You believe your scheme that you devised is the best ever imagined, and if the other team performs well you say your players didn't execute your brilliant scheme well enough. Where was the defensive formation shifts? Why did we constantly show exactly what we were going to do (especially if we were blitzing)? Why do you show an all-out blitz on a crucial 3rd down play and leave Curtis Taylor in man coverage 10-15 yards off the line when all they need is 5-6 for the first? Where is our defensive shifting? You saw that UK was waiting for our D to line up and then they'd call their play, so why the hell were you not showing 2 or 3 fronts to the offense within every play. Move our DL, LB, and S around to confuse the offense. Don't sit back in a soft cover 2 or cover 3 and give offenses easy 5-10 yard plays. You say you're trying to limit big plays, but GUESS WHAT!?!?!??! YOUR DEFENSE GIVES UP BIG PLAYS WHEN IT GOES UP AGAINST GOOD OFFENSES. Always have, and likely always will. Sure blitzing may leave guys in 1 on 1 coverage, but if a guy misplays a zone the field is WIDE open (like against UF) or if you have to adjust your zone to take away a specific player (like say a TE that is abusing the holes in your soft zone and pulling the FS away from the deep middle), you will essentially be IN MAN COVERAGE ON THE OUTSIDE…WITHOUT THE PRESSURE. Oh yeah…just so you know, playing behind receivers and expecting LBs to make plays on WRs all the time will lead to a lot of Defensive Pass Interference calls. It isn't a sin to bump receivers at the line and have the defender between the QB and receiver…just so you know. It is legal.
6. Every single one of these points has been raised, and generally raised often. Hester may be the best back for certain situations, but he is not our best RB in every game. His career game ended up in almost the exact same number of yards that Charles Scott had…in the 1st half…on 6 or 7 carries. Flynn may be fragile mentally and Miles may feel he owes Flynn loyalty, but winning is what Miles is paid to do. David may have needed that support after the final FG attempt to boost his confidence, but Miles shouldn't have put him in that position. The loyalty that is shoved down this team's throats has cost our team a game. It has caused our team to look lackluster after our signature win. And I may be wrong, but I bet it is causing dissention in the locker room. If there is no dissention in the RB ranks, then Keiland Williams and Charles Scott are better and stronger people than Les Miles.
7. This was not our "worst" game of the year. Our play in this game was not much different than against Tulane, USC or Florida. The difference was we didn't get lucky, and the refs called DPI consistently in the 2nd half (unlike the UF game where we got some favorable calls). We also weren't at home. Hell Tulane is still probably our worst game of the year. LSU has just laid 4 eggs in a row and I'm starting to wonder if we are the best team in CFB right now. With our coaches' heads up their collective asses, I don't think we could beat any team put in front of us (obviously…just look at us last night against a UK team that still has a good shot to finish unranked by the end of the year).
8. You know how you ignorant, unquestioning section of our fanbase responded to all of these points raised earlier in the season with, "what is our record?" or "did we lose the game?" Well guess what? We DID lose the game, so now that is flipped around. Why didn't we put in RP when Flynn was showing that he was scared and making stupid plays? We lost the game, remember? Just like how Flynn (who hasn't looked really good in any game this year) can play poorly and have the fans ask what his record is. Well, that is not an option now. It is open season for speculation of our stubborn coaching staff and their questionable decisions.
9. Had we somehow pulled that game out of our asses, I'd be making the SAME complaints. Let's just hope the coaching staff finally pulls their head out of their asses and fixes the shit that even casual observers can point out. There is no team who we play from here on out in the regular season who has near the talent that we do. Screw the politics and stupid high school emotional ploys. Just win baby.
10. Geaux Tigers
Your's Truly
SlowFlowPro
PS. Auburn is salivating at the thought of playing this team in turmoil right now, however USF and Moo State have already given our coaches good gameplans on how to play and beat Auburn. Let's see if they use it.
Dear, The Rant
Ok I start by apologizing for melting down. I've tried to tell this board over and over again that I'm 100%-LSU all the way and I criticize the team because it can improve, not because I am against a player, coach, or LSU in general. Well last night the lack of improvement in the areas many have been critical of came into play, and we lost as a result of this. I became very emotional and melted down, and I said some things I shouldn't have and I said justifiable things that were not over the line over and over again. Accordingly, I am suspended from posting.
But to the game and LSU's season so far…
1. I do not want to hear the ignorant section of our fanbase who supports the team blindly to EVER criticize non-coaches who see problems with the team again. All of the problems that have been discussed on this board since BEFORE the season have been evident the past month, and they were in full force last night. You don't have to be a coach to see problems in the team, and you don't have to lack a heart to support a more talented young player over a veteran who has paid his dues. This is football, not a motivational speech. Pointing out flaws in a team is not saying that you dislike the team or you're not a fan of the team anymore.
2. When I say "coaching" in the upcoming week I DO NOT MEAN MILES. Our coordinators dropped the ball, and have been dropping the ball worse than Brandon Lafell. This is not something that just appeared in Lexington. These coaching flaws have been evident all year, but we've just out-talented and home-fielded the opposition. My only problem with miles this game was being happy that we called a crappy drive to end regulation, ending in a kick we should have never attempted. I understand he's trying to keep Colt David positive, but no coach should be happy that we end regulation tied with an inferior team, and no coach should be happy at how we ended that game. Miles should have been in players' faces the entire 2nd half, not smiling and talking bout how close we came to winning.
3. Gary Crowton has hit his playcalling wall. He is the anti-Jimbo: he tries a certain play until it is successful, and then we don't see it anymore. We forced the Trindon reverses and sweeps early in the year, getting very little efficiency out of it. Then we play South Carolina, it is very successful, and we abandon it. Now we're sometimes using the reverse to play off of it, but nobody fears it as a result of Crowton under-utilizing the play. We did use it as the main fake on a triple reverse against Florida, and the play was very successful, but we saw that play ZERO times against UK. Instead we were running Trindon in I-formation up the gut. Then when we need "The Wizard" to wow us most, he chokes. Our drive to end regulation was inexcusable. Why were we running the ball up the gut? Why were we having to rely on swing pass/screens to get 3rd and longs? We wasted a LOT of time on that drive due to bad choices in running. Also our final drive will never be forgotten. One of the (supposedly) most creative offensive minds in CFB runs up the gut 4 times with our 4th best RB? Speechless
4a. Our substitution patterns on offense are at the point of being absolutely ridiculous. We don't run a RB by committee. We run Hester and a 2nd back, with a 3rd runner getting ignored (Against UF it was Scott and against UK it was Keiland). To make matters worse, HESTER WAS NOT 100%. He should have NOT seen the field in the 2nd half because of injury. Oh yeah, and there is this Charles Scott fellow who was absolutely tearing up the UK defense in the first half. His first long run made our team wake up, and he was energizing the team. Yet our coaches DISRESPECT him and he doesn't see the field in the 2nd half except for a few blitz pickups and 2 carries (I believe). If you were Charles Scott, how would you feel about this? How can our coaches think this is a healthy regime to put our best players in? How can Les Miles and Crowton look Scott in the face this week? Scott doesn't deserve this disrespect, especially since he goes out and does little things like bust his ass on special teams. Miles should come out and publicly apologize to Charles Scott for the disrespect our coaching staff showed him this week, and then Miles should be forced to honestly tell the fans why they messed up so badly by going away from him.
4b. Flynn sucked. RP is unproven. Why is RP unproven? It is because the coaching staff refuses to let him try to play QB if Flynn is better than 50%. Why do they do this? Who knows? The coaching staff has refused to use RP as a real QB outside of the end of blowouts and the MTSU game. This gives them the, "he is unprepared" excuse to not sit an obviously ineffective Flynn. I'm not saying bench Flynn for good, I'm saying give RP a few series to see if he can spark our team's energy. Flynn is not the leader that JR was, and he can't rally this team like JR did. We come out flat and without energy, and Flynn does nothing to fix it (This is also on the coaches. 3 weeks in a row LSU has come out without any energy and our coaches/Flynn have not corrected it). We have 2 QBs..We don't have a QB and a RB who lines up as a QB. Let's use them. RP, like Scott, is owed a public apology. He was ignored late in that game, and this is with Flynn panicking on plays and throwing a HORRIBLE pick. How poorly does Flynn have to play in order for our coaches to start pushing him and having a QB competition? Honestly (and in full seriousness), how much difference is there in Marcus Randall and Matt Flynn at this point?
5. Bo Pelini…words cannot describe how arrogant you are. You are given gameplans 2 weeks in a row to combat superior offenses, and you use none of the information you were given. You refuse to use press coverage at the line to disrupt timing routes. You refuse to blitz and consistently put pressure on the QB. You refuse to adjust to the games you are a part of. You believe your scheme that you devised is the best ever imagined, and if the other team performs well you say your players didn't execute your brilliant scheme well enough. Where was the defensive formation shifts? Why did we constantly show exactly what we were going to do (especially if we were blitzing)? Why do you show an all-out blitz on a crucial 3rd down play and leave Curtis Taylor in man coverage 10-15 yards off the line when all they need is 5-6 for the first? Where is our defensive shifting? You saw that UK was waiting for our D to line up and then they'd call their play, so why the hell were you not showing 2 or 3 fronts to the offense within every play. Move our DL, LB, and S around to confuse the offense. Don't sit back in a soft cover 2 or cover 3 and give offenses easy 5-10 yard plays. You say you're trying to limit big plays, but GUESS WHAT!?!?!??! YOUR DEFENSE GIVES UP BIG PLAYS WHEN IT GOES UP AGAINST GOOD OFFENSES. Always have, and likely always will. Sure blitzing may leave guys in 1 on 1 coverage, but if a guy misplays a zone the field is WIDE open (like against UF) or if you have to adjust your zone to take away a specific player (like say a TE that is abusing the holes in your soft zone and pulling the FS away from the deep middle), you will essentially be IN MAN COVERAGE ON THE OUTSIDE…WITHOUT THE PRESSURE. Oh yeah…just so you know, playing behind receivers and expecting LBs to make plays on WRs all the time will lead to a lot of Defensive Pass Interference calls. It isn't a sin to bump receivers at the line and have the defender between the QB and receiver…just so you know. It is legal.
6. Every single one of these points has been raised, and generally raised often. Hester may be the best back for certain situations, but he is not our best RB in every game. His career game ended up in almost the exact same number of yards that Charles Scott had…in the 1st half…on 6 or 7 carries. Flynn may be fragile mentally and Miles may feel he owes Flynn loyalty, but winning is what Miles is paid to do. David may have needed that support after the final FG attempt to boost his confidence, but Miles shouldn't have put him in that position. The loyalty that is shoved down this team's throats has cost our team a game. It has caused our team to look lackluster after our signature win. And I may be wrong, but I bet it is causing dissention in the locker room. If there is no dissention in the RB ranks, then Keiland Williams and Charles Scott are better and stronger people than Les Miles.
7. This was not our "worst" game of the year. Our play in this game was not much different than against Tulane, USC or Florida. The difference was we didn't get lucky, and the refs called DPI consistently in the 2nd half (unlike the UF game where we got some favorable calls). We also weren't at home. Hell Tulane is still probably our worst game of the year. LSU has just laid 4 eggs in a row and I'm starting to wonder if we are the best team in CFB right now. With our coaches' heads up their collective asses, I don't think we could beat any team put in front of us (obviously…just look at us last night against a UK team that still has a good shot to finish unranked by the end of the year).
8. You know how you ignorant, unquestioning section of our fanbase responded to all of these points raised earlier in the season with, "what is our record?" or "did we lose the game?" Well guess what? We DID lose the game, so now that is flipped around. Why didn't we put in RP when Flynn was showing that he was scared and making stupid plays? We lost the game, remember? Just like how Flynn (who hasn't looked really good in any game this year) can play poorly and have the fans ask what his record is. Well, that is not an option now. It is open season for speculation of our stubborn coaching staff and their questionable decisions.
9. Had we somehow pulled that game out of our asses, I'd be making the SAME complaints. Let's just hope the coaching staff finally pulls their head out of their asses and fixes the shit that even casual observers can point out. There is no team who we play from here on out in the regular season who has near the talent that we do. Screw the politics and stupid high school emotional ploys. Just win baby.
10. Geaux Tigers
Your's Truly
SlowFlowPro
PS. Auburn is salivating at the thought of playing this team in turmoil right now, however USF and Moo State have already given our coaches good gameplans on how to play and beat Auburn. Let's see if they use it.
What I'm Watching
Saturday October 20, 2007
Morning
Army @ Georgia Tech Noon LFS/GP (Ch. 777) - Jackets run all over Army at home
Tennessee @ Alabama 12:30 p.m. LFS/GP (Ch. 780) - Tennessee controls their destiny in the SEC East
Wake Forest @ Navy 1:00 p.m. CSTV - I love watching Paul Johnson's Navy team. Nebraska sure might come calling, but I hope he stays at Navy
Afternoon
Florida @ Kentucky 3:30 p.m. CBS - Kentucky is high after their upset of #1 LSU, but Meyer and Tebow have had 2 weeks to prepare for this one, and I can't imagine a team this good losing 3 straight games
Miami,Fla @ Florida State 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 777) - I won't watch this one, but I just couldn't leave it off the schedule. This is Miami and Florida State, and it just doesn't matter this season
Texas Tech @ Missouri 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - This game might last 6 hours with both teams throwing the ball 60 times each. Should be a fun game with two electrifying quarterbacks in Graham Harrell of Texas Tech and Missouri's Chase Daniel
Michigan State @ Ohio State 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2 (reverse mirror) - Will #1 fall for the third consecutive week? I don't see it, but the one good thing from MSU losing could be another classic meltdown
Southern California @ Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. NBC - Digger Phelps gave a peptalk to the Irish, they're wearing green, they're at home, and Evan Sharpley is making his first start at QB. The last time Notre Dame wore green at home against USC they almost knocked off a much, much better Trojan team. Unfortunately for Chuck and Digger, this ND team is much, much worse
I couldn't find the image of Digger in his throwback ND jersey, but he didn't have a tie-lighter, so they have no chance. Sorry, Digger
Evening
Oregon @ Washington 7:30 p.m. FSN Regional - While I think Washington is a year away from really competing in the Pac10, I really think Ty Willingham and Locker pull off at least one shocker upset, and since they get Oregon at home, this could be it. Oregon looked fantastic last week against Wazzu winning 53-7
Michigan @ Illinois 8:00 p.m. ABC - The Maize and Blue are going to ride Hart the same way Rutgers rode Ray Rice on Thursday night. I'm going with Illinois because of them being at home and the fact that we still don't know how healthy Mike Hart is or if he'll even play at this point. If it turns out Hart is 100%, I am leading towards Michigan
New Mexico @ San Diego State 8:30 p.m. CSTV - I won't get to watch any of this with massive games in the SEC, Pac10, and Big10, but if you're into high passing games and didn't get enough with Texas Tech/Missouri, definitely tune into this one
Auburn @ LSU 9:00 p.m. ESPN - LSU hasn't even played this weekend and will move up one spot in the BCS thanks to Rutgers beating USF on Thursday night. If the Bayou Bengals can hold serve at home they could even sneak into 2nd in the BCS standings on Sunday with the lead they have in the computer polls. It will greatly depend on what the human voters do with BC on a bye week, LSU, and then Oklahoma. Lock of the year: the Tigers win.
Morning
Army @ Georgia Tech Noon LFS/GP (Ch. 777) - Jackets run all over Army at home
Tennessee @ Alabama 12:30 p.m. LFS/GP (Ch. 780) - Tennessee controls their destiny in the SEC East
Wake Forest @ Navy 1:00 p.m. CSTV - I love watching Paul Johnson's Navy team. Nebraska sure might come calling, but I hope he stays at Navy
Afternoon
Florida @ Kentucky 3:30 p.m. CBS - Kentucky is high after their upset of #1 LSU, but Meyer and Tebow have had 2 weeks to prepare for this one, and I can't imagine a team this good losing 3 straight games
Miami,Fla @ Florida State 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 777) - I won't watch this one, but I just couldn't leave it off the schedule. This is Miami and Florida State, and it just doesn't matter this season
Texas Tech @ Missouri 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - This game might last 6 hours with both teams throwing the ball 60 times each. Should be a fun game with two electrifying quarterbacks in Graham Harrell of Texas Tech and Missouri's Chase Daniel
Michigan State @ Ohio State 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2 (reverse mirror) - Will #1 fall for the third consecutive week? I don't see it, but the one good thing from MSU losing could be another classic meltdown
Southern California @ Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. NBC - Digger Phelps gave a peptalk to the Irish, they're wearing green, they're at home, and Evan Sharpley is making his first start at QB. The last time Notre Dame wore green at home against USC they almost knocked off a much, much better Trojan team. Unfortunately for Chuck and Digger, this ND team is much, much worse
I couldn't find the image of Digger in his throwback ND jersey, but he didn't have a tie-lighter, so they have no chance. Sorry, Digger
Evening
Oregon @ Washington 7:30 p.m. FSN Regional - While I think Washington is a year away from really competing in the Pac10, I really think Ty Willingham and Locker pull off at least one shocker upset, and since they get Oregon at home, this could be it. Oregon looked fantastic last week against Wazzu winning 53-7
Michigan @ Illinois 8:00 p.m. ABC - The Maize and Blue are going to ride Hart the same way Rutgers rode Ray Rice on Thursday night. I'm going with Illinois because of them being at home and the fact that we still don't know how healthy Mike Hart is or if he'll even play at this point. If it turns out Hart is 100%, I am leading towards Michigan
New Mexico @ San Diego State 8:30 p.m. CSTV - I won't get to watch any of this with massive games in the SEC, Pac10, and Big10, but if you're into high passing games and didn't get enough with Texas Tech/Missouri, definitely tune into this one
Auburn @ LSU 9:00 p.m. ESPN - LSU hasn't even played this weekend and will move up one spot in the BCS thanks to Rutgers beating USF on Thursday night. If the Bayou Bengals can hold serve at home they could even sneak into 2nd in the BCS standings on Sunday with the lead they have in the computer polls. It will greatly depend on what the human voters do with BC on a bye week, LSU, and then Oklahoma. Lock of the year: the Tigers win.
What if?
What if the BCS were entirely computer based? Here's a look at the top 25 in the computer poll only:
1. South Florida
2. LSU
3. South Carolina
4. Kentucky
5. Arizona State
5. Ohio State
7. Boston College
8. Virginia Tech
8. Kansas
10. West Virginia
11. Oklahoma
12. Auburn
13. Oregon
14. California
14. Virginia
16. Missouri
17. Florida
17. Tennessee
19. Georgia
20. Kansas State
21. Wake Forest
22. Cincinnati
23. USC
24. Michigan
25. Maryland
Receiving Votes: Hawaii, Florida State, Illinois
Obviously the computers don't mind so much if Team A dominated Team B, which can be seen with Florida and Tennessee tied and Oregon ahead of Cal. Interesting that with South Florida losing Thursday night, the SEC currently could have the top 3 teams in the computers, with two of those being South Carolina and Kentucky!
1. South Florida
2. LSU
3. South Carolina
4. Kentucky
5. Arizona State
5. Ohio State
7. Boston College
8. Virginia Tech
8. Kansas
10. West Virginia
11. Oklahoma
12. Auburn
13. Oregon
14. California
14. Virginia
16. Missouri
17. Florida
17. Tennessee
19. Georgia
20. Kansas State
21. Wake Forest
22. Cincinnati
23. USC
24. Michigan
25. Maryland
Receiving Votes: Hawaii, Florida State, Illinois
Obviously the computers don't mind so much if Team A dominated Team B, which can be seen with Florida and Tennessee tied and Oregon ahead of Cal. Interesting that with South Florida losing Thursday night, the SEC currently could have the top 3 teams in the computers, with two of those being South Carolina and Kentucky!
BCS Standings
With LSU and Cal both falling by less than a touchdown both teams miss out on claiming the #1 spot in the initial BCS standings. Ohio State, more by default than anything else, finds themselves in top spot at the halfway mark of the season. The true tests are still to come, so we'll see if this Ohio State team is for real.
The top50 is made up of:
9 SEC teams (LSU, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi State)
8 ACC (Boston College, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest, Maryland, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech)
7 Big 10 (Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State)
7 Pac 10 (Arizona State, Oregon, Cal, USC, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA)
7 Big 12 (Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, Texas A&M)
6 Big East (South Florida, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, UConn, Louisville)
3 Mountain West (BYU, Air Force, Wyoming)
3 WAC (Hawaii, Boise State, Fresno State)
| BCS Rank | Team | BCS Average | Harris Rank | Harris Votes | Harris Pct | Coaches Rank | Coaches Votes | Coaches Pct | CPU Pct |
| 1 | Ohio State | 0.942 | 1 | 2845 | 0.9982 | 1 | 1495 | 0.9967 | 0.83 |
| 2 | South Florida | 0.92 | 3 | 2508 | 0.88 | 3 | 1320 | 0.88 | 1.0 |
| 3 | Boston College | 0.891 | 2 | 2650 | 0.9298 | 2 | 1383 | 0.922 | 0.82 |
| 4 | LSU | 0.84 | 5 | 2303 | 0.8081 | 5 | 1173 | 0.782 | 0.93 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 0.762 | 4 | 2503 | 0.8782 | 4 | 1288 | 0.8587 | 0.55 |
| 6 | South Carolina | 0.743 | 6 | 2009 | 0.7049 | 8 | 997 | 0.6647 | 0.86 |
| 7 | Kentucky | 0.683 | 11 | 1759 | 0.6172 | 13 | 874 | 0.5827 | 0.85 |
| 8 | Arizona State | 0.683 | 12 | 1697 | 0.5954 | 12 | 936 | 0.624 | 0.83 |
| 9 | West Virginia | 0.662 | 8 | 1926 | 0.6758 | 7 | 1007 | 0.6713 | 0.64 |
| 10 | Oregon | 0.637 | 7 | 1974 | 0.6926 | 6 | 1077 | 0.718 | 0.5 |
| 11 | Virginia Tech | 0.63 | 13 | 1638 | 0.5747 | 11 | 982 | 0.6547 | 0.66 |
| 12 | California | 0.6 | 10 | 1894 | 0.6646 | 9 | 983 | 0.6553 | 0.48 |
| 13 | Kansas | 0.517 | 15 | 1200 | 0.4211 | 15 | 705 | 0.47 | 0.66 |
| 14 | Southern California | 0.472 | 9 | 1915 | 0.6719 | 9 | 983 | 0.6553 | 0.09 |
| 15 | Florida | 0.435 | 14 | 1458 | 0.5116 | 14 | 726 | 0.484 | 0.31 |
| 16 | Missouri | 0.382 | 17 | 1053 | 0.3695 | 17 | 519 | 0.346 | 0.43 |
| 17 | Auburn | 0.337 | 19 | 667 | 0.234 | 19 | 372 | 0.248 | 0.53 |
| 18 | Hawaii | 0.284 | 16 | 1198 | 0.4204 | 16 | 558 | 0.372 | 0.06 |
| 19 | Virginia | 0.229 | 24 | 240 | 0.0842 | 24 | 184 | 0.1227 | 0.48 |
| 20 | Georgia | 0.224 | 20 | 528 | 0.1853 | 20 | 282 | 0.188 | 0.3 |
| 21 | Tennessee | 0.195 | 22 | 420 | 0.1474 | 22 | 193 | 0.1287 | 0.31 |
| 22 | Texas | 0.18 | 18 | 786 | 0.2758 | 18 | 396 | 0.264 | 0.0 |
| 23 | Cincinnati | 0.119 | 23 | 369 | 0.1295 | 23 | 192 | 0.128 | 0.1 |
| 24 | Texas Tech | 0.105 | 21 | 459 | 0.1611 | 21 | 232 | 0.1547 | 0.0 |
| 25 | Michigan | 0.078 | 25 | 229 | 0.0804 | 26 | 127 | 0.0847 | 0.07 |
| 26 | Kansas State | 0.061 | 30 | 47 | 0.0165 | 30 | 42 | 0.028 | 0.14 |
| 27 | Penn State | 0.049 | 26 | 172 | 0.0604 | 25 | 128 | 0.0853 | 0.0 |
| 28 | Wake Forest | 0.041 | 36 | 18 | 0.0063 | 36 | 12 | 0.0080 | 0.11 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | 0.036 | 28 | 152 | 0.0533 | 27 | 82 | 0.0547 | 0.0 |
| 30 | Illinois | 0.036 | 27 | 166 | 0.0582 | 29 | 59 | 0.0393 | 0.01 |
| 31 | Maryland | 0.026 | 35 | 19 | 0.0067 | 34 | 15 | 0.01 | 0.06 |
| 32 | Boise State | 0.018 | 31 | 41 | 0.0144 | 28 | 61 | 0.0407 | 0.0 |
| 33 | Florida State | 0.016 | 33 | 24 | 0.0084 | 33 | 16 | 0.0107 | 0.03 |
| 34 | Rutgers | 0.011 | 29 | 48 | 0.0168 | 31 | 25 | 0.0167 | 0.0 |
| 35 | Alabama | 0.0070 | 32 | 34 | 0.0119 | 35 | 13 | 0.0087 | 0.0 |
| 36 | Purdue | 0.0060 | 38 | 14 | 0.0049 | 32 | 19 | 0.0127 | 0.0 |
| 37 | Connecticut | 0.0040 | 34 | 21 | 0.0074 | 41 | 7 | 0.0047 | 0.0 |
| 38 | Michigan State | 0.0040 | 37 | 17 | 0.0060 | 39 | 8 | 0.0053 | 0.0 |
| 39 | Clemson | 0.0030 | 40 | 12 | 0.0042 | 37 | 9 | 0.0060 | 0.0 |
| 40 | Louisville | 0.0020 | 46 | 1 | 4.0E-4 | 37 | 9 | 0.0060 | 0.0 |
| 41 | Brigham Young | 0.0020 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 39 | 8 | 0.0053 | 0.0 |
| 42 | Oregon State | 0.0020 | 39 | 13 | 0.0046 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 43 | Stanford | 0.0010 | 41 | 8 | 0.0028 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 44 | UCLA | 0.0010 | 42 | 5 | 0.0018 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 45 | Georgia Tech | 0.0010 | 42 | 5 | 0.0018 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 46 | Fresno State | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 42 | 2 | 0.0013 | 0.0 |
| 47 | Texas A&M | 0.0 | 44 | 3 | 0.0011 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 48 | Air Force | 0.0 | 45 | 2 | 7.0E-4 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 49 | Wyoming | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 43 | 1 | 7.0E-4 | 0.0 |
| 50 | Mississippi State | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
The top50 is made up of:
9 SEC teams (LSU, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi State)
8 ACC (Boston College, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest, Maryland, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech)
7 Big 10 (Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State)
7 Pac 10 (Arizona State, Oregon, Cal, USC, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA)
7 Big 12 (Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, Texas A&M)
6 Big East (South Florida, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, UConn, Louisville)
3 Mountain West (BYU, Air Force, Wyoming)
3 WAC (Hawaii, Boise State, Fresno State)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
What I'm Watching - 10/13/07
10-13 Sat. Georgia Tech @ Miami, Fla Noon ESPN
10-13 Sat. Illinois @ Iowa Noon ESPN2
10-13 Sat. Central Florida @ South Florida Noon ESPNU
10-13 Sat. Purdue @ Michigan Noon BigTen (Ch. 220)
10-13 Sat. LSU @ Kentucky 3:30 p.m. CBS
10-13 Sat. Texas A&M @ Texas Tech 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 777)
10-13 Sat. Arizona @ Southern California 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778)
10-13 Sat. Boston College @ Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. NBC
10-13 Sat. Missouri @ Oklahoma 6:30 p.m. FSN
10-13 Sat. Oregon State @ Cal 7:00 p.m. Versus
10-13 Sat. Auburn @ Arkansas 7:45 p.m. ESPN
10-13 Sat. Washington @ Arizona State 10:15 p.m. FSN
10-13 Sat. Illinois @ Iowa Noon ESPN2
10-13 Sat. Central Florida @ South Florida Noon ESPNU
10-13 Sat. Purdue @ Michigan Noon BigTen (Ch. 220)
10-13 Sat. LSU @ Kentucky 3:30 p.m. CBS
10-13 Sat. Texas A&M @ Texas Tech 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 777)
10-13 Sat. Arizona @ Southern California 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778)
10-13 Sat. Boston College @ Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. NBC
10-13 Sat. Missouri @ Oklahoma 6:30 p.m. FSN
10-13 Sat. Oregon State @ Cal 7:00 p.m. Versus
10-13 Sat. Auburn @ Arkansas 7:45 p.m. ESPN
10-13 Sat. Washington @ Arizona State 10:15 p.m. FSN
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday night football: FSU @ Wake Forest
What would have been a laugher the past two decades leading up until 2006 has really changed the last two seasons. Last year, ACC Champion Wake Forest went into Tallahassee and destroyed FSU 30-0. The game was supposed to go back to the annual WF beat down this year, according to FSU fans. With an all-star supporting coaching staff to go along with Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden, led by new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, no way this year's FSU team would fall to a mediocre Wake Forest team that had to hang on against Duke even if it was in Winston Salem.
Not so fast, my friend. Xavier Lee did lead FSU over NCST last weekend (an NCST team that lost their head coach to the FSU assistant coach wishlist last season and is in the toilet), but he was back to his normal inconsistent self Thursday night. It got so bad that FSU decided to try out Drew Weatherford again. Bowden obviously got indecisive and started playing musical mediocre QBs which takes away the little confidence Lee got from the NCST game.In the end, Wake Forest was able to make the least amount of mistakes and take advantage of FSU turnovers to take a 10 point lead late into the 4th quarter. Jimbo Fisher made some very questionable playcall decisions with no timeouts and the clock running that cost them valuable time, but they were able to bring the game within 3. Anquan Boldin's younger brother, Demir, recovered the onsides kick to beat his older brother's alma mater and get the victory.
#21 FSU falls to 4-2, 1-2 and second to last in the ACC Atlantic. Wake Forest improves to 4-2, 3-1 and a half game back of Boston College in the ACC Atlantic.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The 10 Current Undefeated BCS teams
ACC
Boston College @ Notre Dame
Big12
Missouri @ Oklahoma
Kansas vs Baylor
Big East
UConn @ Virginia
Cincinnati vs Louisville
USF vs UCF
Big 10
Ohio State vs Kent State
Pac 10
Arizona State vs Washington
Cal vs Oregon State
SEC
LSU @ Kentucky
Boston College @ Notre Dame
Big12
Missouri @ Oklahoma
Kansas vs Baylor
Big East
UConn @ Virginia
Cincinnati vs Louisville
USF vs UCF
Big 10
Ohio State vs Kent State
Pac 10
Arizona State vs Washington
Cal vs Oregon State
SEC
LSU @ Kentucky
Week 6 Rankings
- LSU
- California
- Boston College
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- Florida
- South Florida
- Arizona State
- Southern Cal
- Virginia Tech
- West Virginia
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Cincinnati
- Kansas
- Purdue
- Kentucky
- Auburn
- Kansas State
- Florida State
- Michigan
- Tennessee
Week 6 round-up
What another crazy weekend of college football! There is a new #1 in the land (unless you use the AP or this site for your rankings). There are only 11 undefeated BCS teams left in the nation, and that number will only continue to shrink in the coming weeks. Some quick thoughts...
Wisconsin @ Illinois- The fighting Zookers pull off the "upset" at home against Wisconsin. The game that everyone has been waiting for finally came for Wisconsin and they weren't able to work their magic at the end.
Georgia @ Tennessee - Tennessee destroys UGA for the second year in a row and now controls their own destiny in the SEC East with Florida's loss at LSU. After getting crushed by the Gators, the Vols now have the inside track to Atlanta thanks to missing LSU from the West. A surprising road loss for Richt and the Bulldogs
Oklahoma vs. Texas - Texas isn't able to win the game, but surprises me by keeping the game this close. I guess OU really isn't as good as we originally thought. They don't get to celebrate this game for long with undefeated Missouri coming to Norman fresh off of their destruction of Nebraska. On the other side, Mack Brown is back to his great but not elite pre-Vince Young days, it seems. He's going to have to run the table and hope for two Oklahoma losses to get into the Big12 championship. Surprisingly, Texas A&M is at the top of the Big12 South rankings.
Virginia Tech @ Clemson - Virginia Tech still has no offense, but when you can score that many points on defense and special teams you don't need big stats on offense. The return of Beamer Ball was evident in Death Valley East on Saturday
Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M - What started as an Okie State blowout and the end of Coach Fran turned into an Aggie rally that not only puts TAMU in 1st in the Big12 South, but could keep Fran around for another season, especially if Missouri knocks off OU giving them their 2nd Big12 loss. Sorry, Aggie fans.
Ohio State @ Purdue - In what was supposed to be Purdue's coming out party against their first real test they laid an egg. Is Ohio State better this year than they were last year, or are they getting by playing sub par opponents? We might not know until the finale against Michigan (who still isn't a top20 team). Is Illinois really the hardest game on this schedule?
Nebraska @ Missouri - What was supposed to be a statement game for Nebraska after the embarrassment against USC turned into Missouri making a statement that they finally are going to contend for the Big12. If they win Saturday in Norman, they will be back in the top10
Florida @ LSU - Perhaps the best LSU game I've ever watched. Right there with the UGA @ LSU game from 2003 when both teams were ranked in the top 8. Really turned into a heavyweight fight where UF was able to land the early blows, but LSU showed they are the best team in the country this season and fought back with two fourth quarter touchdowns to win by 4. Tim Tebow is the real deal, and should be in New York come the second weekend in December. He might not win, but he's definitely in the top 5 players in America.
Stanford @ USC - I'll be honest, this wasn't on my list of games to watch this weekend because I, like everyone else, thought this would be a blowout. Thankfully I get the Versus network and was able to see live the JDB collapse that will probably cost USC their chance at the BCS National Championship. Stanford played their very best game, but USC did way more to lose this game than Stanford did to win it. The USC defense was dominant and Stanford couldn't do anything to stop USC. If JDB had simply missed his receivers instead of throwing the ball to Stanford defenders they get out of here with a win. Pete Carroll must also be second guessing his decision to go for it on 4th and goal from the 2 at the end of the first half instead of kicking a field goal to go up 12-0. That field goal would have put the game out of reach in the 4th quarter when Stanford scored 17 points to win 24-23
Wisconsin @ Illinois- The fighting Zookers pull off the "upset" at home against Wisconsin. The game that everyone has been waiting for finally came for Wisconsin and they weren't able to work their magic at the end.
Georgia @ Tennessee - Tennessee destroys UGA for the second year in a row and now controls their own destiny in the SEC East with Florida's loss at LSU. After getting crushed by the Gators, the Vols now have the inside track to Atlanta thanks to missing LSU from the West. A surprising road loss for Richt and the Bulldogs
Oklahoma vs. Texas - Texas isn't able to win the game, but surprises me by keeping the game this close. I guess OU really isn't as good as we originally thought. They don't get to celebrate this game for long with undefeated Missouri coming to Norman fresh off of their destruction of Nebraska. On the other side, Mack Brown is back to his great but not elite pre-Vince Young days, it seems. He's going to have to run the table and hope for two Oklahoma losses to get into the Big12 championship. Surprisingly, Texas A&M is at the top of the Big12 South rankings.
Virginia Tech @ Clemson - Virginia Tech still has no offense, but when you can score that many points on defense and special teams you don't need big stats on offense. The return of Beamer Ball was evident in Death Valley East on Saturday
Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M - What started as an Okie State blowout and the end of Coach Fran turned into an Aggie rally that not only puts TAMU in 1st in the Big12 South, but could keep Fran around for another season, especially if Missouri knocks off OU giving them their 2nd Big12 loss. Sorry, Aggie fans.
Ohio State @ Purdue - In what was supposed to be Purdue's coming out party against their first real test they laid an egg. Is Ohio State better this year than they were last year, or are they getting by playing sub par opponents? We might not know until the finale against Michigan (who still isn't a top20 team). Is Illinois really the hardest game on this schedule?
Nebraska @ Missouri - What was supposed to be a statement game for Nebraska after the embarrassment against USC turned into Missouri making a statement that they finally are going to contend for the Big12. If they win Saturday in Norman, they will be back in the top10
Florida @ LSU - Perhaps the best LSU game I've ever watched. Right there with the UGA @ LSU game from 2003 when both teams were ranked in the top 8. Really turned into a heavyweight fight where UF was able to land the early blows, but LSU showed they are the best team in the country this season and fought back with two fourth quarter touchdowns to win by 4. Tim Tebow is the real deal, and should be in New York come the second weekend in December. He might not win, but he's definitely in the top 5 players in America.
Stanford @ USC - I'll be honest, this wasn't on my list of games to watch this weekend because I, like everyone else, thought this would be a blowout. Thankfully I get the Versus network and was able to see live the JDB collapse that will probably cost USC their chance at the BCS National Championship. Stanford played their very best game, but USC did way more to lose this game than Stanford did to win it. The USC defense was dominant and Stanford couldn't do anything to stop USC. If JDB had simply missed his receivers instead of throwing the ball to Stanford defenders they get out of here with a win. Pete Carroll must also be second guessing his decision to go for it on 4th and goal from the 2 at the end of the first half instead of kicking a field goal to go up 12-0. That field goal would have put the game out of reach in the 4th quarter when Stanford scored 17 points to win 24-23
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What to Watch - October 6th
This is it. The Saturday everyone circled before the season started. Surely to be the match-up of undefeated teams looking towards the BCS national championship game. Too bad no one told Auburn (upset Florida), Kansas State (knocked off Texas finally), or Colorado (sorry, Oklahoma). The Red River Shootout and Florida's games with LSU are still tops on what to watch, though.
Early Morning
Wisconsin @ Illinois Noon ESPN - Battle for 1st in the Big10? Or at least 1st behind tOSU
Kansas @ Kansas State Noon FSN - The Big12 North champion might be playing here
Georgia Tech @ Maryland Noon LFS/GP (Ch. 777) - homer pick, but...Go Wreck!
Afternoon
10-06 Sat. Georgia @ Tennessee 3:30 p.m. CBS - UGA tries to stay in the SEC East race / Fulmer tries to stay off the hot seat one more week
10-06 Sat. Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - The loser is out of the NC AND Big12 South race by the first weekend in October!
Evening
10-06 Sat. Virginia Tech @ Clemson 6:00 p.m. ESPN - These were supposed to be the top2 teams in the ACC...time for one of them to start playing like it
10-06 Sat. Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M 7:00 p.m. FSN - for the lead in the Big12 South?!?
10-06 Sat. Ohio State @ Purdue 8:00 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - is tOSU doing it again, just quieter this season?
10-06 Sat. Cincinnati @ Rutgers 8:00 p.m. ESPN2 - Can Cincinnati stay perfect going into their showdown with USF?
10-06 Sat. Nebraska @ Missouri 9:15 p.m. ESPN- battle to see who will challenge the Kansas schools for the Big12 North
Main Event
10-06 Sat. Florida @ LSU 8:28 p.m. CBS - A battle of top 10 goliaths down on the bayou. Mike VI's first game. LSU's first game ranked #1 in the AP since 1959. LSU's first game on national tv during primetime in nearly two decades. Oh yeh, and this could be for a spot in the BCS NCG. Am I missing anything?
Early Morning
Wisconsin @ Illinois Noon ESPN - Battle for 1st in the Big10? Or at least 1st behind tOSU
Kansas @ Kansas State Noon FSN - The Big12 North champion might be playing here
Georgia Tech @ Maryland Noon LFS/GP (Ch. 777) - homer pick, but...Go Wreck!
Afternoon
10-06 Sat. Georgia @ Tennessee 3:30 p.m. CBS - UGA tries to stay in the SEC East race / Fulmer tries to stay off the hot seat one more week
10-06 Sat. Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - The loser is out of the NC AND Big12 South race by the first weekend in October!
Evening
10-06 Sat. Virginia Tech @ Clemson 6:00 p.m. ESPN - These were supposed to be the top2 teams in the ACC...time for one of them to start playing like it
10-06 Sat. Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M 7:00 p.m. FSN - for the lead in the Big12 South?!?
10-06 Sat. Ohio State @ Purdue 8:00 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. 778) - is tOSU doing it again, just quieter this season?
10-06 Sat. Cincinnati @ Rutgers 8:00 p.m. ESPN2 - Can Cincinnati stay perfect going into their showdown with USF?
10-06 Sat. Nebraska @ Missouri 9:15 p.m. ESPN- battle to see who will challenge the Kansas schools for the Big12 North
Main Event
10-06 Sat. Florida @ LSU 8:28 p.m. CBS - A battle of top 10 goliaths down on the bayou. Mike VI's first game. LSU's first game ranked #1 in the AP since 1959. LSU's first game on national tv during primetime in nearly two decades. Oh yeh, and this could be for a spot in the BCS NCG. Am I missing anything?
My Subjective Poll
So after last weekend's games, your guess is as good as mine. This is how I would have voted Sunday afternoon (so before South Carolina beat Kentucky on Thursday night)
- LSU
- Cal
- USC
- tOSU
- BC
- Kentucky
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Florida
- Wisconsin
- South Florida
- West Virginia
- South Carolina
- UGA
- Virginia Tech
- Cincinnati
- Rutgers
- Missouri
- Arizona State
- Michigan State
- Clemson
- Kansas State
- Purdue
- Auburn
- Florida State
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