"Things are never quite as good as they seem, nor are they as bad as they seem, but somewhere in the middle is reality."
The top is getting crowded:
LSU, it's not as bad as it seems, yes, you got outplayed by a very poor Auburn team, and yes, you probably should have lost that game, but you got a W on the road in the SEC. You have South Carolina, Mississippi State and Alabama at home and go to Gainesville, to A&M, and to Fayetteville. Florida looks formidable, but the Hogs are possibly the worst team in the SEC right now outside Kentucky, and A&M will have little to play for when Oct 20th comes around. Auburn, yes, it's a loss, but you showed heart and made me believe in War Eagle again, and in my first quarter Conference Power Rankings, you jumped a few spots after Saturday.
Rutgers, it's probably feeling pretty good, but you came in and took advantage of the worst defense in the SEC. However, it was an SEC team and your defense was fantastic against Arkansas' run game. The Scarlet Knights will win the Big East going away and I'd be shocked if John L. Smith is still the coach at Arkansas on Monday morning. Arkansas, it's as bad as it can get, you can't stop anyone, your defensive backs are downright pitiful, the defensive coaching staff should each be fired tomorrow, the whole coaching staff should forfeit their salaries, because not a single coach is earning their keep right now.
Notre Dame, are you serious, are you really this excited about beating Michigan? Did you not see what Alabama did to Michigan, your performance was nowhere near that and you should definitely slow down and realize you'd get punk slapped in the SEC, Big XII, or Pac 12 every week. You get Stanford in South Bend, but have to go to Oklahoma and to USC, so the schedule hasn't even warmed up for the Irish yet. Michigan, it's time to stop pretending, it's time to find a real quarterback, and it's time stop pounding your chest because Big Blue is NOT back.
Miami, whew, that must feel good to get that win, it's a long, long road back to relevance for the Canes, but College Football and the ACC would love to see it happen. Georgia Tech, live by the option, die by the option, and on 4th and 1 it would be nice to have a playbook that allows you to come up with something better than that. Keep plugging along, the ACC is bad and you'll get your wins.
Oregon, it was a pretty salty performance, but it's obvious now that if Rich Rod had the athletes and depth on defense, he's the one that created your offense, he's the one that knows how to stop it. Oregon better come up with something fancy if you think you're going to get to Florida State, Alabama, LSU, Georgia, or South Carolina with the zone read scheme. The most impressive thing about Oregon was the defense, although, it's tough to tell if Zona's mistakes were forced or unforced. Arizona, you've got to be loving Rich Rod right now, you lost to the second best team in America last night, but had them thinking seriously at halftime. Another year with Rich Rod and a good recruiting class with some Juco's, this Arizona team will be tough in the Pac-12.
Kansas State, you did something I did not think you would be able to do. I'm so impressed with Collin Klein and the K-State coaching staff. I'm extremely happy for the Wildcats and it should be two easy W's before you head to Morgantown on Oct 20th. Don't get too high though, you got Oklahoma on their worst night and it was still a close one. You don't have the athletes to just show up and beat teams, so you better not let up or the new Big XII-II=X could eat you up. Oklahoma....Oklahoma....Oklahoma...is this Bob Stoops last year in Norman? He seems distraught with the fans and media and the fans and media seem distraught with him. It's not over for the Sooners, it's just the quarterback, it doesn't make sense because Landry Jones has SO much talent, but this kid has proven he can lose games his team should win every single year. I think this might be the end of the line for Landry, OU is just too big and physical up front to not be able to run the football effectively without bringing in the Bell-dozer. It's bad today OU fans, "but just be thankful you're not Arkansas fans!"
South Carolina, is for real, Connor Shaw is fantastic, that defense is dominant, and it's going to be a wild, wild year in the SEC East. For those that think the SEC is down this year...get out of here! The East is back and it's going to be a lot of fun watching this season unfold in the SEC. Missouri, should have stayed in the Big XII-II=X, it's going to be like this for awhile, but if Arkansas can't make a big hire and get some momentum back you should at least reclaim recruiting dominance in your own state...that'll help a little bit.
Florida State, I thought you were going to show me something with that defense. The Seminoles are on track to spend December preparing for a National Championship, but you better get that defense in line during the warm-up games you call the ACC schedule. If Florida State runs the table, they'll have defeated only two ranked opponents (as of this week), both at home, and that folks is just not impressive enough for me. Be excited about this win, but if you go into the National Championship against Alabama or Oregon, they'll have a lot more experience against real competition than you will. Clemson, it's going to be alright, keep plugging away, you probably don't have a shot because of how little resistance the incredibly poor ACC will give Florida State, but if history has taught us anything, it's that Florida State is fantastic at losing to really bad ACC teams.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Alabama - but Oregon is closing ground
2. Oregon - very impressive thus far
3. LSU - it was close on the Plains, but Auburn won a Championship by barely winning
4. Florida State - it's going to be very tough to move up, you better trounce everyone
5. South Carolina - very, very impressive performance by that defense
6. Georgia - Murray looked great against an underrated Vandy secondary
7. Kansas State - very nice, very impressive, I'm waiting for Oct 20th.
8. Texas - we're going to learn a little bit about these Horns next Saturday
9. Florida - has to be happy about hiring Muschamp right about...now
10. Stanford - the next three should tell us a lot about the Cardinal
11. West Virginia - unimpressive against Maryland
12. Notre Dame - better show me something over the next five weeks
13. Mississippi State - gets Tennessee in the three weeks
14. Southern Cal - took a few minutes to shake off the loss, but nice performance on Sat
15. TCU - Frogs have a nice D, but we won't know anything until last 6 weeks
16. Rutgers - made me a believer on Saturday...nice win
17. Clemson - needed to win, but showed how athletic they were in the loss
18. Oklahoma - needs a new QB to contend this year
19. Oregon State - I for one am very impressed, very, very impressed with that D
20. Tennessee - after the next 5 weeks, the Vols will be going back to the drawing board
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - and it's not even close
2. Pac-12 - another nice weekend for the Pac-12, they're separating from the Big12
3. Big 12 - WVU and TCU are helping, but it appears OU let go of the rope
4. Big East - Rutgers and Louisville would contend for ACC/Big 10 titles.
5. ACC - It's so difficult to decide which conference is worse, the ACC or Big 10
6. Big 10 - yep, you dropped a spot because you just keep losing to "sisters of the poor."
1st Quarter Power Rankings by Conference
Big 10
1. Ohio State - and they can't even "officially" win
2. Michigan State - needed to play better against an overrated Irish team
3. Nebraska - couldn't make the top 6 of the Pac 12
4. Northwestern - what's with the Purple Cats this year?
5. Minnesota - one of only 3 remaining undefeated teams in the Big 10
6. Purdue - why not?
7. Wisconsin - misses Russell Wilson
8. Michigan - needs to stop pretending
9. Indiana - no one cares who's in the bottom of the Big 10?
10. Illinois - yuck
11. Iowa - awful
12. Penn State - should be banned from football for a decade... still makes me sick
ACC
1. Florida State - showed what they had on Saturday
2. Clemson - and it really drops off after the Tigers
3. Virginia Tech - should recover and be okay
4. Miami - got SMASHED by K-State, just SMASHED
5. Wake Forest - this is getting sad already
6. Georgia Tech - just needs some W's
7. North Carolina State - could actually be higher, but you've gotta beat someone
8. Virginia - suffering from a very difficult schedule
9. Maryland - looked okay against West Virginia
10. Duke - when's the first basketball game?
11. North Carolina - has to cheat to win
12. Boston College - okay, I don't know anything about you
Big East
1. Rutgers - probably can't deny this after they beat down the Hogs
2. Louisville - Charlie Strong is probably gone after this year
3. Cincinnati - love those uni's
4. UCONN - down a bit this year, but still a good football team
5. Pittsburgh - seems like a long time since those two opening losses
6. Syracuse - is better than people think
7. Temple - misses Golden, but is still competing hard
8. South Florida - might cause Florida State some issues next weekend.
Big 12
1. Kansas State - Bill Snyder deserves the whole school to be named after him
2. West Virginia - that offense is dangerous, but better show up on D
3. Texas - could be biggest benefactors from the OU loss
4. Oklahoma - is still Oklahoma, one loss doesn't change that
5. TCU - nice week against an underrated Virginia team
6. Oklahoma State - not last year's team, but still formidable
7. Baylor - barely got out of ULM with that W
8. Iowa State - I know nothing about you
9. Texas Tech - shouldn't have fired Leach
10. Kansas - yucky
Pac-12
1. Oregon - very impressive first quarter
2. USC - one loss to Stanford doesn't mean they won't have 4 first rounders
3. Stanford - very nice first quarter, just solid, consistent football
4. Oregon State - so good against the run
5. Arizona State - very physical, will give the softer teams trouble
6. Washington - just needs to find a rhythm
7. UCLA - needed a better game against Oregon State, but still a good team
8. Arizona - Rich Rod is going to get it going for the Wildcats
9. Utah - will sneak up and upset a big boy this year
10. California - just doesn't have the horses this year
11. Colorado - should be embarrassed
12. Washington State - Leach will get it going, give it time
SEC
1. Alabama - no question
2. LSU - tough week 4, but a W is a W on the road in the SEC
3. South Carolina - impressed the heck out of me this week
4. Georgia - get ready for an amazing game Oct 6th, Dawgs go to Columbia, SC
5. Florida - very impressive first quarter, very impressive
6. Mississippi State - should have a big year, I'm thinking 9-3, 10-2 type year
7. Tennessee - much improved
8. Auburn - at least they beat ULM
9. Texas A&M - will stomp Arkansas next Saturday
10. Missouri - no one looks good offensively against SEC defensive fronts
11. Arkansas - down, very down, and in need of a spark
12. Ole Miss - looking better than last year, but that's not saying much
13. Vanderbilt - is much better at home than on the road
14. Kentucky - basketball team could beat the football team at football
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Collin Klein (KSU) - no one has two bigger wins in the first 4 weeks
2. A.J. McCarron (Bama) - consistent play, no mistakes, leader, character...kid can play
3. Geno Smith (WVU) - just waiting for the real schedule to start
4. Aaron Murray (UGA) - very nice performances so far
5. E.J. Manuel (FSU) - very impressive, big win against Clemson
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Le'Veon Bell (MSU) - looks like the Notre Dame game was the exception, not the rule
2. Johnathan Franklin (UCLA) - needed a bigger game against Oregon St to keep the top spot
3. John Hubert (KSU) - ground game at K-State is tough, gritty, and physical
4. Kenjon Barner (Oreg) - explosive, but with a physical toughness
5. Mike Gillislee (FLA) - not his best, but a lot of backups against Kentucky
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee (USC) - let's make it 4 weeks in a row
2. Cobi Hamilton (Ark) - Arkansas is struggling, but not because of Hamilton
3. DeAndre Hopkins (Clem) - another solid performance against a slightly overrated D
4. Justin Hunter (Tenn) - big game against Akron and he needed one
5. Michael Campanaro (Wake) - playing like a Biletnikoff winner right now
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Coyle (ASU) - becoming a real weapon for the Sun Devils
2. Dion Sims (MSU) - big game against Eastern Michigan
3. Chris Gragg (Ark) - wasn't at his best against Rutgers, and the Hogs needed him
4. Blake Jackson (Okla St) - big one coming up against Texas
5. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Wash) - the schedule starts warming up, we'll see
17.9.12
Week 3 Summary
As always, "it's not as bad as it seems, nor is it as good as it seems, but somewhere in the middle is reality."
Florida, it's starting to appear as though it's as good as it seems, I'm still skeptical, but after taking care of both A&M and Tennessee on the road, the rest of the schedule doesn't look so impossible. I'm very impressed with Driskel and Gillislee, and it appears as though Muschamp is establishing that defense we're so accustomed to seeing Muschamp win with. Tennessee, it's okay, you're off to a good start and although it seems bad today, by Thursday you'll be very satisfied with this much improved team.
Alabama, this could be the year you allow your pride to beat you, and I'd be shocked if the Tide go undefeated at this point. They haven't been challenged yet and the first twenty minutes of that Arkansas game it appeared as though Arkansas was going to make it a good game. I know that's what the big four defenses do in the SEC, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and especially Bama are better than you up front defensively, but the gap is marginal when it's your one's vs their one's, then as the game goes along they bring in their two's that are just as good as their one's and you either play your exhausted one's or your outmatched two's, either way, those four teams tend to wear you out because they've been able to recruit so much better than you. Arkansas, in all honesty you've only given away one, you weren't going to beat Bama and the ULM game just got away from you. Settle down Hog Fans, allow this team to take shape and start winning games one at a time. It could be a very long season in Fayetteville, but it's obvious the Hogs miss Tyler Wilson and if you get Tyler back, who knows what this season could turn in to.
Stanford, what a tough, gritty performance against USC. I'm thoroughly impressed and excited for the Cardinal and their prospects this season. I knew USC was going to pressure themselves into at least one loss, I just didn't know the Cardinal had it in them to be that team. It was obvious that USC needed someone to relax them, everyone was trying to make a play and no one was just doing their job. USC is probably the most talented offensive team in the college football this season, so keep your head up Trojan fans, a lot of one loss teams sneak into that BCS Championship, the Pac 12 looks much more dangerous after the last two weeks, but there's no doubt who the big dogs are in that league.
Pittsburgh, well, here's wishing the season would have started in Week 3. The Panthers looked nearly unbeatable against Va Tech, but Va Tech has been on my overrated list since Week 1, I have not been impressed with Logan Thomas, nor have been overwhelmed by the defensive front.
Ohio State, scraped by Cal, but a win is a win and Urban Meyer is 3-0. It's hard to imagine Ohio State "winning" the Big 10 after a disappointing season last year and being on sanctions, but that's exactly what Meyer is going to do, just without getting any credit.
Missouri, way to bounce back after that heartbreaking loss to Georgia. Arizona State is no cupcake and the Tigers responded well. Most impressively was the play of the backup QB in a very manageable role, for that I commend the coaching staff. Arizona State, you got shocked in the first half, but I'm convinced if the game were an additional 5:00 Arizona State would have completed the comeback. The Pac 12 is not extremely difficult, however, it's not easy by any means either, and I'd put the Sun Devils just behind Oregon, USC, Stanford, and UCLA.
Texas, I called it last year and I'm sticking with it, why in the world would a top tier recruit at running back go to Texas at this point, Malcolm Brown has that spot locked down tight. He looked sharp against Ole Miss and David Ash really looked like the guy that can carry that team to a Big XII-II=X Title. Ole Miss, it's going to keep getting worse for you this year. The Rebels don't have the skill players to compete in the West this year, but I'd be shocked if they don't sneak up on someone and pull off a sizeable upset this year. My guess is on Saturday November 3rd when the Rebels travel to Athens to take on Georgia, I'm probably wrong, but I think that's the best matchup for the Rebels to pull of a big one this year.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Bama - And the lead is growing every week
2. LSU - should still be here next week after a Saturday on the Plains
3. Oregon - is really, really fast, but we'll find out where they really are after Rich Rod
4. Florida State - still hasn't played anyone
5. Georgia - better get use to the Bulldogs being in the top 5
6. Oklahoma - the Sooners are about to find out exactly how tough they are up front
7. West Virginia - must start games with a 21 point advantage
8. South Carolina - still unsure about the offense, but you've got to give Spurrier the edge
9. Texas - my guess, they finish the year in the top 10
10. USC - let's not get too down on the Trojans, they're still really good
11. Florida - Muschamp has that D going and when Muschamp has athletes, he's dangerous
12. Stanford - impressive week, but I'm guessing the Cardinal won't finish this high
13. Kansas State - a showdown in Norman awaits, and I'm getting excited
14. Mississippi State - this could be the year of the Cowbell, the Bulldogs look tough
15. Ohio State - it's tough to truly take this one serious because the season ends in November
16. Notre Dame - I'm not convinced yet, but I was impressed with that victory over Mich St
17. TCU - Pachall can really play, leads the FBS in QB Rating
18. Clemson - will benefit from a less than stellar schedule
19. UCLA - very impressed so far, but I feel as though I'm about to get let down
20. Arizona - 3-0 and headed to Eugene, we'll see if they can really play on Saturday
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - Still the one to beat
2. Pac 12 - Should get interesting with more conference games coming up
3. Big 12 - whew, I'm picking ULM to beat Baylor at home
4. Big 10 - again by default, you get worse every week, just not as bad as the ACC
5. ACC - blah
6. Big East
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - Another big game and no Barkley to contend with, for now anyways
2. Geno Smith - the stats are incredible
3. Collin Klein - no one is more important to their team
4. A.J. McCarron - this kid is slowly working his way into this group with solid play
5. Braxton Miller - this guy can really play and is running the perfect offense for his skill set
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - along with Gillislee, running away with this at the moment
2. Mike Gillislee - just keeps running for meaningful yards
3. Stepfan Taylor - big game and a W against USC, but what a performance from this kid
4. Le'Veon Bell - still on the list for Weeks 1 and 2, Week 3 was not his best
5. LaDarius Perkins - regardless of competition, 23 touches for 179 and over 7 yards a carry
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - #1 three weeks in a row, that's something on these lists
2. Marcus Sales - three 100 yard games in a row...WOW
3. Donte Moncrief - HUGE game against Texas, just didn't have any help
4. Stedman Bailey - 173 yards and 3 tds, that's one of the better performances this year
5. DeAndre Hopkins - Not his best, but still better than most
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Coyle - this guy is really stepping up
2. Chris Gragg - Arkansas is having it's troubles, but Gragg is keeping up his end
3. Blake Jackson - another big game, he's becoming a major part of the offense
4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - what an athlete, needs a big performance to move back up
5. Kaneakua Friel - hanging in there, we'll see if he can keep it up
Florida, it's starting to appear as though it's as good as it seems, I'm still skeptical, but after taking care of both A&M and Tennessee on the road, the rest of the schedule doesn't look so impossible. I'm very impressed with Driskel and Gillislee, and it appears as though Muschamp is establishing that defense we're so accustomed to seeing Muschamp win with. Tennessee, it's okay, you're off to a good start and although it seems bad today, by Thursday you'll be very satisfied with this much improved team.
Alabama, this could be the year you allow your pride to beat you, and I'd be shocked if the Tide go undefeated at this point. They haven't been challenged yet and the first twenty minutes of that Arkansas game it appeared as though Arkansas was going to make it a good game. I know that's what the big four defenses do in the SEC, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and especially Bama are better than you up front defensively, but the gap is marginal when it's your one's vs their one's, then as the game goes along they bring in their two's that are just as good as their one's and you either play your exhausted one's or your outmatched two's, either way, those four teams tend to wear you out because they've been able to recruit so much better than you. Arkansas, in all honesty you've only given away one, you weren't going to beat Bama and the ULM game just got away from you. Settle down Hog Fans, allow this team to take shape and start winning games one at a time. It could be a very long season in Fayetteville, but it's obvious the Hogs miss Tyler Wilson and if you get Tyler back, who knows what this season could turn in to.
Stanford, what a tough, gritty performance against USC. I'm thoroughly impressed and excited for the Cardinal and their prospects this season. I knew USC was going to pressure themselves into at least one loss, I just didn't know the Cardinal had it in them to be that team. It was obvious that USC needed someone to relax them, everyone was trying to make a play and no one was just doing their job. USC is probably the most talented offensive team in the college football this season, so keep your head up Trojan fans, a lot of one loss teams sneak into that BCS Championship, the Pac 12 looks much more dangerous after the last two weeks, but there's no doubt who the big dogs are in that league.
Pittsburgh, well, here's wishing the season would have started in Week 3. The Panthers looked nearly unbeatable against Va Tech, but Va Tech has been on my overrated list since Week 1, I have not been impressed with Logan Thomas, nor have been overwhelmed by the defensive front.
Ohio State, scraped by Cal, but a win is a win and Urban Meyer is 3-0. It's hard to imagine Ohio State "winning" the Big 10 after a disappointing season last year and being on sanctions, but that's exactly what Meyer is going to do, just without getting any credit.
Missouri, way to bounce back after that heartbreaking loss to Georgia. Arizona State is no cupcake and the Tigers responded well. Most impressively was the play of the backup QB in a very manageable role, for that I commend the coaching staff. Arizona State, you got shocked in the first half, but I'm convinced if the game were an additional 5:00 Arizona State would have completed the comeback. The Pac 12 is not extremely difficult, however, it's not easy by any means either, and I'd put the Sun Devils just behind Oregon, USC, Stanford, and UCLA.
Texas, I called it last year and I'm sticking with it, why in the world would a top tier recruit at running back go to Texas at this point, Malcolm Brown has that spot locked down tight. He looked sharp against Ole Miss and David Ash really looked like the guy that can carry that team to a Big XII-II=X Title. Ole Miss, it's going to keep getting worse for you this year. The Rebels don't have the skill players to compete in the West this year, but I'd be shocked if they don't sneak up on someone and pull off a sizeable upset this year. My guess is on Saturday November 3rd when the Rebels travel to Athens to take on Georgia, I'm probably wrong, but I think that's the best matchup for the Rebels to pull of a big one this year.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Bama - And the lead is growing every week
2. LSU - should still be here next week after a Saturday on the Plains
3. Oregon - is really, really fast, but we'll find out where they really are after Rich Rod
4. Florida State - still hasn't played anyone
5. Georgia - better get use to the Bulldogs being in the top 5
6. Oklahoma - the Sooners are about to find out exactly how tough they are up front
7. West Virginia - must start games with a 21 point advantage
8. South Carolina - still unsure about the offense, but you've got to give Spurrier the edge
9. Texas - my guess, they finish the year in the top 10
10. USC - let's not get too down on the Trojans, they're still really good
11. Florida - Muschamp has that D going and when Muschamp has athletes, he's dangerous
12. Stanford - impressive week, but I'm guessing the Cardinal won't finish this high
13. Kansas State - a showdown in Norman awaits, and I'm getting excited
14. Mississippi State - this could be the year of the Cowbell, the Bulldogs look tough
15. Ohio State - it's tough to truly take this one serious because the season ends in November
16. Notre Dame - I'm not convinced yet, but I was impressed with that victory over Mich St
17. TCU - Pachall can really play, leads the FBS in QB Rating
18. Clemson - will benefit from a less than stellar schedule
19. UCLA - very impressed so far, but I feel as though I'm about to get let down
20. Arizona - 3-0 and headed to Eugene, we'll see if they can really play on Saturday
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - Still the one to beat
2. Pac 12 - Should get interesting with more conference games coming up
3. Big 12 - whew, I'm picking ULM to beat Baylor at home
4. Big 10 - again by default, you get worse every week, just not as bad as the ACC
5. ACC - blah
6. Big East
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - Another big game and no Barkley to contend with, for now anyways
2. Geno Smith - the stats are incredible
3. Collin Klein - no one is more important to their team
4. A.J. McCarron - this kid is slowly working his way into this group with solid play
5. Braxton Miller - this guy can really play and is running the perfect offense for his skill set
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - along with Gillislee, running away with this at the moment
2. Mike Gillislee - just keeps running for meaningful yards
3. Stepfan Taylor - big game and a W against USC, but what a performance from this kid
4. Le'Veon Bell - still on the list for Weeks 1 and 2, Week 3 was not his best
5. LaDarius Perkins - regardless of competition, 23 touches for 179 and over 7 yards a carry
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - #1 three weeks in a row, that's something on these lists
2. Marcus Sales - three 100 yard games in a row...WOW
3. Donte Moncrief - HUGE game against Texas, just didn't have any help
4. Stedman Bailey - 173 yards and 3 tds, that's one of the better performances this year
5. DeAndre Hopkins - Not his best, but still better than most
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Coyle - this guy is really stepping up
2. Chris Gragg - Arkansas is having it's troubles, but Gragg is keeping up his end
3. Blake Jackson - another big game, he's becoming a major part of the offense
4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - what an athlete, needs a big performance to move back up
5. Kaneakua Friel - hanging in there, we'll see if he can keep it up
Week 2 Summary
LISTEN UP: I know this is late, but after last week, I was in no condition to write. Most people that read this blog know I'm a Razorback, grew up around the program, Dad coached the Lady Razorbacks basketball team, and then graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S.B.A. in Finance...I'm a homer. I was hurting last week, I'm hurting even worse this week, and something tells me it's not over, but I must put aside my anger and write about something I truly enjoy, College Football.
So, even though it's late, a Week 2 Summary is in order. I had a lot of good stuff prepared and just couldn't sit down and get it done. If you've read before you know it's, "things are never as good as they seem and they're never as bad as they seem, but somewhere in the middle is reality."
We can start with ULM's victory over Arkansas....
Well down Todd Berry, you went into Little Rock, had little to no chance of winning that game and brought down an entire fan base. You hit the quarterback early and often, gave the All-American a concusion and came back from 21 points down as Arkansas sputtered into a death spiral I'm unsure they'll ever come out of. Arkansas, unfortunately, it's as bad as it seems, you lost your QB, both Full Backs are now out, you lost your best cover guy, you lost the game, John L Smith lost the team and the fan base, and you have Bama coming up...get ready for a lot more loss!
Miami, Al Golden, it's beginning to look as though, it IS as bad as it seems. The U hasn't been, "the U," since my friend Larry Coker and QB Ken Dorsey couldn't get it done against Ohio St and the Buckeyes in what seems like forever ago. The facilities in Miami are terrible and the fan base is mediocre, but there's no excuse for the University of Miami and all it's football greatness to be so flat as a program right now. Miami needs to recognize who they are, and a disciplinarian school is not it, go get Jimmy Johnson back, go get Butch Davis back, it's time for Miami to bring back a coach that can relate to the players that program notoriously wins with, Al Golden is not that guy. Kansas State, Snyder is going to be up for coach of the year again if you keep this up, but you haven't navigated the Big XII-II=X yet, we'll see what you're really made of when you travel TO Norman.
Oklahoma, it appears as though Heupel is getting settled in, but he better get something going because K-State looked very good against Miami and I think the Sooners are going to have to score some points in that one.
Michigan....buckle up for the Big 10, it was so sad to watch such a proud program and fan base gear up for a fourth quarter showdown with Air Force. You're Michigan, I expect more, I expect 42-14 type scores against the Academy's, so stop acting like you belong in the conversation and go get some kids that can compete like Lloyd Carr had them competing just a short time ago.
Ohio State, Meyer has a QB to work with, and I think he spins it better than Tebow. It's upsetting that the Ohio State program did not suffer stiffer sanctions after blantant rules violations, but College Football is about money, and Ohio State brings a substantial portion to the table. With Urban Meyer you better get ready for it to be an even more substantial portion, Meyer can recruit better than anyone else in the Big 10, I think Ohio State will be the first team to take down the SEC's run of titles once they're off sanctions.
Arizona, looked pretty good, it's funny how some people wrote Rich Rod off as if he forgot how to coach at Michigan. What people need to realize is that the Michigan experience made him an even better coach than he already was, and he was pretty good! Oklahoma State, it's time to realize you don't have Weeden and you don't have Blackmon, you're not nearly as good on D as you thought going into this season, but with Gundy you always have a chance. Gundy is the difference maker, and he deserves every penny of that $3.75MM you're paying him. It's going to be alright, calm down, get ready for Texas, because I'm in the belief that Texas is back, and they're out for revenge in the Big XII-II=X.
UCLA, well done, I thought Nebraska was going to roll you up, but I was thoroughly impressed with UCLA on both sides of the ball. I'm excited to see the Pac-12 this year, I think it's making some serious strides on becoming the 2nd most relevant conference in college football. We'll know more next week when Arizona State takes on Missouri.
Oregon State, I way underestimated the Beavers, and I should have known better. The Beavers looked really good defensively and shut down the run, I am thoroughly impressed. Wisconsin, I guess it's no secret that you miss Russell Wilson, maybe from now on you'll spend a little more time recruiting quarterbacks and less time expecting great one's to show up after they graduate and are out of eligibility in the ACC.
LSU, although some thought Washington could compete, I knew differently. I'm not surprised by the lopsided victory, nor am I impressed, you did what you should have done. We'll know a lot more about LSU when they get to league play, right now I have them as #2 behind Bama.
USC, I saw enough of your game to know you're very beatable, I've seen beatable teams go the distance, Auburn in 2010, but I'd be nervous if I were Trojan. Easier to call now that I know the outcome of the Stanford game I guess.
Miss State, Tyler Russell looked fantastic, kid is big, mobile, strong, and can spin it. Auburn looked terrible, gaining 1 yard total in 1 red-zone visit, it was embarrassing, you better watch out Auburn, ULM can play a little bit.
Florida, I was thoroughly impressed with the resolve of that team after halftime, I knew A&M would struggle to score on Florida, but I never imagined Florida would come out in the second half and shut them down like they did. Texas A&M, welcome to the SEC, unlike Missouri I think A&M will be a contender in their division, I'm excited to see what happens the rest of the year, but as of right now I've got A&M finishing third in the Western Division behind...well...I shouldn't have to say it.
Georgia, unlike Florida I expected more from you and especially your offensive line. If that game was any indication of your offensive line, just wait until you see Bama and LSU...that's right, you don't have to see Bama or LSU. You'll win the East on that technicality, but that's a two game swing in your favor, both Bama and LSU would beat the 'dawg' out of you. Missouri, it was exactly what I thought it would be. Emotion for 45 minutes and reality for 15, you have no business being in this league, you're completely outmanned and outmatched, a large group of your fans are worthless, inconsiderate pieces of trash, I'm pulling for every team you face this year, including Arizona State next week.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Alabama - I hope you take it easy on the Hogs
2. LSU - just trounced Wash, not missing Mathieu at all
3. USC - better buckle in for Stanford
4. Oregon - is fast
5. Florida State - I wish you'd schedule someone
6. Oklahoma - two weeks from finding out exactly where you belong on this list
7. Georgia - better teach one of those big guys how to block
8. West Virginia - we'll see how they do with the conference upgrade
9. Texas - interested to see the Horns against Ole Miss
10. Michigan State - is looking like the team to beat in the Big 10
11. South Carolina - found something of a rhythm offensively
12. Ohio State - Urban has a QB...he's dangerous with a QB
13. Florida - Don't try to tell me they don't deserve this
14. Notre Dame - I'm getting fed up with the Irish being this high already
15. Tennessee - Should be a good one next week in Knoxville
16. TCU - Pachall can spin it
17. UCLA - much deserved move in my rankings...much deserved
18. Tennessee - should be a good one next week
19. Arizona - Rich Rod...Rich Rod
20. Mississippi State - looked very tough to score against
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - come on Pac 12, you're moving up but did you see the LSU vs Wash game?
2. Pac12 - much better in the middle than I thought it was going to be
3. Big 12 - can't be upset you moved down, just can't be
4. Big 10 - seriously, you don't even deserve to be ranked, but the ACC is pitiful
5. ACC - Florida State and Florida State, Va Tech has not impressed me
6. Big East - Are they participating in football this year?
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Matt Barkley - with those receivers I'm realizing he can throw it wherever he wants
2. Geno Smith - just threw another touchdown
3. Collin Klein - 281 yards and 4 TDs throwing and running...why not #3?
4. Johnathan Franklin - After that performance against Nebraska, looks solid at #4
5. A.J. McCarron - licking his chops after watching the tape of Arkansas' D
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - 2 weeks, 431 yards on the ground...who else?
2. Mike Gillislee - only 83 yards this week, but an important 83 yards!
3. Kenjon Barner - 201 and 3 TDs this week, of course he makes the list
4. Le'Veon Bell - not quite as strong this week, but still 2 TDs and meaningul yards
5. Ka'Deem Carey - WOW...WOW...great game kid
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - 11 catches and 3 TDs, it'll be tough to catch this guy
2. DeAndre Hopkins - another impressive game with 3 TD catches
3. Justin Hunter - we knew Tenn had weapons out there, big game and he's on the list
4. Jordan Matthews - still riding week 1 a bit, but another strong performance in week 2
5. Marcus Sales - great effort, came up short against USC, but not because of this kid
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Coyle - What a performance against Illinois - 130 yds 2 TDs
2. Chris Gragg - lost to ULM, but not because this kid didn't show up to play
3. Blake Jackson - from nowhere to be found in game 1 to a favorite target in game 2
4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - tough loss, but not your fault
5. Kaneakua Friel - not your best, but few go for 100 yds at TE very often
So, even though it's late, a Week 2 Summary is in order. I had a lot of good stuff prepared and just couldn't sit down and get it done. If you've read before you know it's, "things are never as good as they seem and they're never as bad as they seem, but somewhere in the middle is reality."
We can start with ULM's victory over Arkansas....
Well down Todd Berry, you went into Little Rock, had little to no chance of winning that game and brought down an entire fan base. You hit the quarterback early and often, gave the All-American a concusion and came back from 21 points down as Arkansas sputtered into a death spiral I'm unsure they'll ever come out of. Arkansas, unfortunately, it's as bad as it seems, you lost your QB, both Full Backs are now out, you lost your best cover guy, you lost the game, John L Smith lost the team and the fan base, and you have Bama coming up...get ready for a lot more loss!
Miami, Al Golden, it's beginning to look as though, it IS as bad as it seems. The U hasn't been, "the U," since my friend Larry Coker and QB Ken Dorsey couldn't get it done against Ohio St and the Buckeyes in what seems like forever ago. The facilities in Miami are terrible and the fan base is mediocre, but there's no excuse for the University of Miami and all it's football greatness to be so flat as a program right now. Miami needs to recognize who they are, and a disciplinarian school is not it, go get Jimmy Johnson back, go get Butch Davis back, it's time for Miami to bring back a coach that can relate to the players that program notoriously wins with, Al Golden is not that guy. Kansas State, Snyder is going to be up for coach of the year again if you keep this up, but you haven't navigated the Big XII-II=X yet, we'll see what you're really made of when you travel TO Norman.
Oklahoma, it appears as though Heupel is getting settled in, but he better get something going because K-State looked very good against Miami and I think the Sooners are going to have to score some points in that one.
Michigan....buckle up for the Big 10, it was so sad to watch such a proud program and fan base gear up for a fourth quarter showdown with Air Force. You're Michigan, I expect more, I expect 42-14 type scores against the Academy's, so stop acting like you belong in the conversation and go get some kids that can compete like Lloyd Carr had them competing just a short time ago.
Ohio State, Meyer has a QB to work with, and I think he spins it better than Tebow. It's upsetting that the Ohio State program did not suffer stiffer sanctions after blantant rules violations, but College Football is about money, and Ohio State brings a substantial portion to the table. With Urban Meyer you better get ready for it to be an even more substantial portion, Meyer can recruit better than anyone else in the Big 10, I think Ohio State will be the first team to take down the SEC's run of titles once they're off sanctions.
Arizona, looked pretty good, it's funny how some people wrote Rich Rod off as if he forgot how to coach at Michigan. What people need to realize is that the Michigan experience made him an even better coach than he already was, and he was pretty good! Oklahoma State, it's time to realize you don't have Weeden and you don't have Blackmon, you're not nearly as good on D as you thought going into this season, but with Gundy you always have a chance. Gundy is the difference maker, and he deserves every penny of that $3.75MM you're paying him. It's going to be alright, calm down, get ready for Texas, because I'm in the belief that Texas is back, and they're out for revenge in the Big XII-II=X.
UCLA, well done, I thought Nebraska was going to roll you up, but I was thoroughly impressed with UCLA on both sides of the ball. I'm excited to see the Pac-12 this year, I think it's making some serious strides on becoming the 2nd most relevant conference in college football. We'll know more next week when Arizona State takes on Missouri.
Oregon State, I way underestimated the Beavers, and I should have known better. The Beavers looked really good defensively and shut down the run, I am thoroughly impressed. Wisconsin, I guess it's no secret that you miss Russell Wilson, maybe from now on you'll spend a little more time recruiting quarterbacks and less time expecting great one's to show up after they graduate and are out of eligibility in the ACC.
LSU, although some thought Washington could compete, I knew differently. I'm not surprised by the lopsided victory, nor am I impressed, you did what you should have done. We'll know a lot more about LSU when they get to league play, right now I have them as #2 behind Bama.
USC, I saw enough of your game to know you're very beatable, I've seen beatable teams go the distance, Auburn in 2010, but I'd be nervous if I were Trojan. Easier to call now that I know the outcome of the Stanford game I guess.
Miss State, Tyler Russell looked fantastic, kid is big, mobile, strong, and can spin it. Auburn looked terrible, gaining 1 yard total in 1 red-zone visit, it was embarrassing, you better watch out Auburn, ULM can play a little bit.
Florida, I was thoroughly impressed with the resolve of that team after halftime, I knew A&M would struggle to score on Florida, but I never imagined Florida would come out in the second half and shut them down like they did. Texas A&M, welcome to the SEC, unlike Missouri I think A&M will be a contender in their division, I'm excited to see what happens the rest of the year, but as of right now I've got A&M finishing third in the Western Division behind...well...I shouldn't have to say it.
Georgia, unlike Florida I expected more from you and especially your offensive line. If that game was any indication of your offensive line, just wait until you see Bama and LSU...that's right, you don't have to see Bama or LSU. You'll win the East on that technicality, but that's a two game swing in your favor, both Bama and LSU would beat the 'dawg' out of you. Missouri, it was exactly what I thought it would be. Emotion for 45 minutes and reality for 15, you have no business being in this league, you're completely outmanned and outmatched, a large group of your fans are worthless, inconsiderate pieces of trash, I'm pulling for every team you face this year, including Arizona State next week.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Alabama - I hope you take it easy on the Hogs
2. LSU - just trounced Wash, not missing Mathieu at all
3. USC - better buckle in for Stanford
4. Oregon - is fast
5. Florida State - I wish you'd schedule someone
6. Oklahoma - two weeks from finding out exactly where you belong on this list
7. Georgia - better teach one of those big guys how to block
8. West Virginia - we'll see how they do with the conference upgrade
9. Texas - interested to see the Horns against Ole Miss
10. Michigan State - is looking like the team to beat in the Big 10
11. South Carolina - found something of a rhythm offensively
12. Ohio State - Urban has a QB...he's dangerous with a QB
13. Florida - Don't try to tell me they don't deserve this
14. Notre Dame - I'm getting fed up with the Irish being this high already
15. Tennessee - Should be a good one next week in Knoxville
16. TCU - Pachall can spin it
17. UCLA - much deserved move in my rankings...much deserved
18. Tennessee - should be a good one next week
19. Arizona - Rich Rod...Rich Rod
20. Mississippi State - looked very tough to score against
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - come on Pac 12, you're moving up but did you see the LSU vs Wash game?
2. Pac12 - much better in the middle than I thought it was going to be
3. Big 12 - can't be upset you moved down, just can't be
4. Big 10 - seriously, you don't even deserve to be ranked, but the ACC is pitiful
5. ACC - Florida State and Florida State, Va Tech has not impressed me
6. Big East - Are they participating in football this year?
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Matt Barkley - with those receivers I'm realizing he can throw it wherever he wants
2. Geno Smith - just threw another touchdown
3. Collin Klein - 281 yards and 4 TDs throwing and running...why not #3?
4. Johnathan Franklin - After that performance against Nebraska, looks solid at #4
5. A.J. McCarron - licking his chops after watching the tape of Arkansas' D
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Johnathan Franklin - 2 weeks, 431 yards on the ground...who else?
2. Mike Gillislee - only 83 yards this week, but an important 83 yards!
3. Kenjon Barner - 201 and 3 TDs this week, of course he makes the list
4. Le'Veon Bell - not quite as strong this week, but still 2 TDs and meaningul yards
5. Ka'Deem Carey - WOW...WOW...great game kid
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - 11 catches and 3 TDs, it'll be tough to catch this guy
2. DeAndre Hopkins - another impressive game with 3 TD catches
3. Justin Hunter - we knew Tenn had weapons out there, big game and he's on the list
4. Jordan Matthews - still riding week 1 a bit, but another strong performance in week 2
5. Marcus Sales - great effort, came up short against USC, but not because of this kid
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Coyle - What a performance against Illinois - 130 yds 2 TDs
2. Chris Gragg - lost to ULM, but not because this kid didn't show up to play
3. Blake Jackson - from nowhere to be found in game 1 to a favorite target in game 2
4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - tough loss, but not your fault
5. Kaneakua Friel - not your best, but few go for 100 yds at TE very often
3.9.12
Week 1 Summary
Lou Holtz says frequently, "things are never as bad as they seem, and they're never as good as they seem, but somewhere in the middle is reality." And if we're keeping score, which we are, the score would look something like this.
South Carolina, you're going to be alright (unless Shaw is seriously injured), it was the opening game, on the road, in the SEC, and you got out of Nashville with a W. I couldn't be more impressed with Vanderbilt, but as always you'll be back on the bottom very soon, if not next year when Franklin says, "it's not you, it's me, I want more money," then it'll be the year after, so congrats on the recent success, but don't make that 10 year season ticket commitment just yet.
Mike Leach, it's not so bad, you'll get some players, however, Texas kids that UT, OU, and A&M don't take are a heck of a lot better than second tier recruits in the Pacific NorthWest, now you know why Oregon is cheating to get players from Texas. Mike, you'll get the appropriate players to play Pac-12 football and be successful, until then, you can watch all your former Red Raider QBs hold clipboards in the NFL. BYU, stop acting like you have a shot at the National Championship, you don't!
Boise State, this is the last breathe of air I plan on wasting on you for awhile, your run was commendable, but overrated. Michigan State, don't be so excited about beating a non-BCS program that lost virtually every playmaker including the winningest quarterback* (*in a non-BCS conference). You better hope your passing game gets better and your d-line learns to maintain gap integrity, or the run heavy Big10 is going to look like the NFC-East to you.
Penn State, if it were up to me you would have lost your athletic department over the Sandusky scandal, and I'm going to celebrate every loss you have for a long time. So cheers to Ohio and Frank Solich, who got fired for losing games at Nebraska, but on Saturday he took down the school that put winning in front of the quality of life of little boys and that in my book is the most important victory of the year so far.
Clemson, just stop trying to act like you belong, you barely beat an Auburn team that will finish in the bottom half of the SEC, and Auburn, it's going to be a really long season, so settle in, hope for a bowl game, and get ready to be embarrassed, you couldn't punch it into the endzone against Clemson, do you think it's going to get easier in the SEC?
Oklahoma, new year, same story, crazy talent and very poor offensive execution by your quarterback. It's time to recognize the fact that OU is probably going to win the Big12, but only if Landry will settle down and make some throws. Another effort like that against a more formidable opponent will equal a loss, and I just don't think a team outside the SEC will be able to have a loss and still make it to the National Championship game. Let's be real though, OU is still my pick to win the Big 12, with Texas finishing second.
Texas, I've got a lot riding on a return to relevance, I beg you, don't let me down Mack. I'm still concerned about Mack Brown's quarterback evaluation skills. He obviously got it right with Vince Young and Colt McCoy, but he seems to get it very, very wrong far too often, I'm not sure if Ash is the guy or not, but I sure hope Mack knows what he's doing this time.
USC, yeah, this is going to be a big year for the Trojans, I think the weight of the expectations and pressure all those players have put on themselves is going to cost them one or two games, but as far as talent goes, this team is loaded with it.
Oregon, this defense in 2010 would have been enough to get past $cam Newton and win a National Title, but this year I think the FR QB cost the Ducks at least a game. I'm extremely impressed with the win, that wasn't Savannah St or Marshall, it was a legitimate opponent with a fantastic offensive coach, and the way the Ducks D played against a good Arkansas St offense surprised the heck out of me. Well done Oregon.
Alabama, you haven't repeated as National Champs yet, so don't act like you just navigated the SEC because you beat up on a very poor, very overrated Michigan team. Michigan, it isn't as bad as it seems, don't get me wrong, you're terrible, Shoelace is not deserving of a single second of Heisman talk the rest of the year, and if Denard wants to win a Heisman, he'll need another offseason of learning how to throw a football. Lucky for the Maize and Blue Alabama is probably the best team from the best conference in America, you won't see another defense like that all season, you don't have to beat Bama every week, you just have to navigate your less than impressive Big 10 schedule. So don't flip out and let this loss fester into anything more than it is, the fact that you wouldn't survive three weeks in the SEC, you'll probably still end up in a BCS game, but it's not because you deserve it.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Alabama - 13 days until Sept 15...@Arkansas
2. USC - should have scheduled better if you want that top spot
3. LSU - no honey badger, no problem, Beckham looks like he's played before
4. Oregon - Chip might have a defense, lookout USC, Chip might have a defense
5. Florida State - I'm still skeptical, but they're not lacking talent
6. Oklahoma - Calm down Norman, Stoops will get 'em going
7. Georgia - Need to see more from the D, but giving Richt the benefit of the doubt here
8. West Virginia - just scored again
9. Arkansas - rough start, but new coaching staff, new receivers, and same ole porous defense
10. Texas - prove to me you deserve this
11. Michigan State - Le'Veon Bell makes me think Michigan State has a chance in the Big 10
12. South Carolina - Can't be upset you dropped, you've got a lot of football to prove you're better
13. Nebraska - Martinez made some nice throws, but let's see what he does against pressure
14. Ohio State - Big 10, a lot of mediocre teams, Buckeyes should have a chance
15. Florida - it wasn't great, but I saw enough to know the Gators can compete
16. Notre Dame - you should play 'em all in Ireland, looked like Catholic Jesus was on your side
17. Oklahoma State - I got nothing out of that win, but we know you'd compete well in the FCS
18. Wisconsin - not impressed...not impressed at all
19. Tennessee - I know I'm going to regret putting the Vols in here, I have a feeling it'll be short lived
20. Clemson - is lucky the ACC is really bad, they should have a decent season with a poor team
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - if you're going to argue please watch the Bama v Michigan game again
2. Big 12 - with the additions and re-emergence of Texas, should challenge SEC this year
3. Pac 12 - USC and Oregon....and no one else, but USC and Oregon are that good
4. Big 10 - just not as bad as the ACC is the only reason they're 4th
5. ACC - Florida State should walk through the ACC this year, we'll see if VaTech can play tonight
6. Big East - Louisville would not be the worst team in the SEC, they can at least beat Kentucky
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Geno Smith - lookout stat sheets, he's going to roll through the porous defenses of the Big 12
2. Matt Barkley - if he does that every game this year, might as well call it now, this kid can play
3. Tyler Wilson - if USC goes undefeated, only kid that can compete with Barkley because of schedule
4. Le'Veon Bell - probably won't be here long, but great first game, he deserves talk after that
5. A.J. McCarron - will be in New York, you heard it here first
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Le'Veon Bell - after one game, no one was more impressive
2. Andre Ellington - not 200... not 225... but 231 yards on the ground
3. T.J. Yeldon - Freshman, but who cares, kid can flat out run
4. Kenny Hilliard - looked like LSU made a commitment to one back, probably won't stand though
5. Marcus Lattimore - Cocks struggled, but not because Lattimore didn't do his part, 110 yards is plenty
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - looks almost unstoppable out there
2. Jordan Matthews - great effort, kid is a competitor and great athlete
3. Brandon Mitchell - is enormous at 6'4" 230, and filled up the stat sheet with Wilson pulling the trigger
4. Kenny Stills - can he be Ryan Broyles?
5. DeAndre Hopkins - just until Sammy Watkins comes back and becomes the favorite target
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Gragg - seriously, I'll be shocked if anyone comes close to putting up the numbers this kid will
2. Kaneakua Friel - I hope I spelled that right, nice first game, maybe you'll send me a nickname you like
3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - I guess we will really know what you're made of next week...
4. Philip Lutzenkirchen - nice effort, but should have gone to a team with a QB that can make a throw
5. Kyler Reed - if Martinez keeps improving that throwing motion, kid could become a real factor here
South Carolina, you're going to be alright (unless Shaw is seriously injured), it was the opening game, on the road, in the SEC, and you got out of Nashville with a W. I couldn't be more impressed with Vanderbilt, but as always you'll be back on the bottom very soon, if not next year when Franklin says, "it's not you, it's me, I want more money," then it'll be the year after, so congrats on the recent success, but don't make that 10 year season ticket commitment just yet.
Mike Leach, it's not so bad, you'll get some players, however, Texas kids that UT, OU, and A&M don't take are a heck of a lot better than second tier recruits in the Pacific NorthWest, now you know why Oregon is cheating to get players from Texas. Mike, you'll get the appropriate players to play Pac-12 football and be successful, until then, you can watch all your former Red Raider QBs hold clipboards in the NFL. BYU, stop acting like you have a shot at the National Championship, you don't!
Boise State, this is the last breathe of air I plan on wasting on you for awhile, your run was commendable, but overrated. Michigan State, don't be so excited about beating a non-BCS program that lost virtually every playmaker including the winningest quarterback* (*in a non-BCS conference). You better hope your passing game gets better and your d-line learns to maintain gap integrity, or the run heavy Big10 is going to look like the NFC-East to you.
Penn State, if it were up to me you would have lost your athletic department over the Sandusky scandal, and I'm going to celebrate every loss you have for a long time. So cheers to Ohio and Frank Solich, who got fired for losing games at Nebraska, but on Saturday he took down the school that put winning in front of the quality of life of little boys and that in my book is the most important victory of the year so far.
Clemson, just stop trying to act like you belong, you barely beat an Auburn team that will finish in the bottom half of the SEC, and Auburn, it's going to be a really long season, so settle in, hope for a bowl game, and get ready to be embarrassed, you couldn't punch it into the endzone against Clemson, do you think it's going to get easier in the SEC?
Oklahoma, new year, same story, crazy talent and very poor offensive execution by your quarterback. It's time to recognize the fact that OU is probably going to win the Big12, but only if Landry will settle down and make some throws. Another effort like that against a more formidable opponent will equal a loss, and I just don't think a team outside the SEC will be able to have a loss and still make it to the National Championship game. Let's be real though, OU is still my pick to win the Big 12, with Texas finishing second.
Texas, I've got a lot riding on a return to relevance, I beg you, don't let me down Mack. I'm still concerned about Mack Brown's quarterback evaluation skills. He obviously got it right with Vince Young and Colt McCoy, but he seems to get it very, very wrong far too often, I'm not sure if Ash is the guy or not, but I sure hope Mack knows what he's doing this time.
USC, yeah, this is going to be a big year for the Trojans, I think the weight of the expectations and pressure all those players have put on themselves is going to cost them one or two games, but as far as talent goes, this team is loaded with it.
Oregon, this defense in 2010 would have been enough to get past $cam Newton and win a National Title, but this year I think the FR QB cost the Ducks at least a game. I'm extremely impressed with the win, that wasn't Savannah St or Marshall, it was a legitimate opponent with a fantastic offensive coach, and the way the Ducks D played against a good Arkansas St offense surprised the heck out of me. Well done Oregon.
Alabama, you haven't repeated as National Champs yet, so don't act like you just navigated the SEC because you beat up on a very poor, very overrated Michigan team. Michigan, it isn't as bad as it seems, don't get me wrong, you're terrible, Shoelace is not deserving of a single second of Heisman talk the rest of the year, and if Denard wants to win a Heisman, he'll need another offseason of learning how to throw a football. Lucky for the Maize and Blue Alabama is probably the best team from the best conference in America, you won't see another defense like that all season, you don't have to beat Bama every week, you just have to navigate your less than impressive Big 10 schedule. So don't flip out and let this loss fester into anything more than it is, the fact that you wouldn't survive three weeks in the SEC, you'll probably still end up in a BCS game, but it's not because you deserve it.
SpecialEdTeams Top 20
1. Alabama - 13 days until Sept 15...@Arkansas
2. USC - should have scheduled better if you want that top spot
3. LSU - no honey badger, no problem, Beckham looks like he's played before
4. Oregon - Chip might have a defense, lookout USC, Chip might have a defense
5. Florida State - I'm still skeptical, but they're not lacking talent
6. Oklahoma - Calm down Norman, Stoops will get 'em going
7. Georgia - Need to see more from the D, but giving Richt the benefit of the doubt here
8. West Virginia - just scored again
9. Arkansas - rough start, but new coaching staff, new receivers, and same ole porous defense
10. Texas - prove to me you deserve this
11. Michigan State - Le'Veon Bell makes me think Michigan State has a chance in the Big 10
12. South Carolina - Can't be upset you dropped, you've got a lot of football to prove you're better
13. Nebraska - Martinez made some nice throws, but let's see what he does against pressure
14. Ohio State - Big 10, a lot of mediocre teams, Buckeyes should have a chance
15. Florida - it wasn't great, but I saw enough to know the Gators can compete
16. Notre Dame - you should play 'em all in Ireland, looked like Catholic Jesus was on your side
17. Oklahoma State - I got nothing out of that win, but we know you'd compete well in the FCS
18. Wisconsin - not impressed...not impressed at all
19. Tennessee - I know I'm going to regret putting the Vols in here, I have a feeling it'll be short lived
20. Clemson - is lucky the ACC is really bad, they should have a decent season with a poor team
SpecialEdTeams Conference Rankings
1. SEC - if you're going to argue please watch the Bama v Michigan game again
2. Big 12 - with the additions and re-emergence of Texas, should challenge SEC this year
3. Pac 12 - USC and Oregon....and no one else, but USC and Oregon are that good
4. Big 10 - just not as bad as the ACC is the only reason they're 4th
5. ACC - Florida State should walk through the ACC this year, we'll see if VaTech can play tonight
6. Big East - Louisville would not be the worst team in the SEC, they can at least beat Kentucky
SpecialEdTeams Heisman Watch
1. Geno Smith - lookout stat sheets, he's going to roll through the porous defenses of the Big 12
2. Matt Barkley - if he does that every game this year, might as well call it now, this kid can play
3. Tyler Wilson - if USC goes undefeated, only kid that can compete with Barkley because of schedule
4. Le'Veon Bell - probably won't be here long, but great first game, he deserves talk after that
5. A.J. McCarron - will be in New York, you heard it here first
SpecialEdTeams Doak Walker Watch
1. Le'Veon Bell - after one game, no one was more impressive
2. Andre Ellington - not 200... not 225... but 231 yards on the ground
3. T.J. Yeldon - Freshman, but who cares, kid can flat out run
4. Kenny Hilliard - looked like LSU made a commitment to one back, probably won't stand though
5. Marcus Lattimore - Cocks struggled, but not because Lattimore didn't do his part, 110 yards is plenty
SpecialEdTeams Biletnikoff Watch
1. Marquise Lee - looks almost unstoppable out there
2. Jordan Matthews - great effort, kid is a competitor and great athlete
3. Brandon Mitchell - is enormous at 6'4" 230, and filled up the stat sheet with Wilson pulling the trigger
4. Kenny Stills - can he be Ryan Broyles?
5. DeAndre Hopkins - just until Sammy Watkins comes back and becomes the favorite target
SpecialEdTeams Mackey Watch
1. Chris Gragg - seriously, I'll be shocked if anyone comes close to putting up the numbers this kid will
2. Kaneakua Friel - I hope I spelled that right, nice first game, maybe you'll send me a nickname you like
3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins - I guess we will really know what you're made of next week...
4. Philip Lutzenkirchen - nice effort, but should have gone to a team with a QB that can make a throw
5. Kyler Reed - if Martinez keeps improving that throwing motion, kid could become a real factor here
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