College Football -- Week 4 Thread

[Swaggs]

Some good conference games this week, as well as some fun OOC games:

Thurs:
Miami @ Pitt

Fri:
TCU @ SMU

Sat:
Alabama @ Arkansas
UCLA @ Texas
Stanford @ Notre Dame
UNC @ Rutgers
Oklahoma @ Cincy
Fresno State @ Ole Miss
USCe @ Auburn
Oregon State @ Boise State
WVU @ LSU

[DeToxRox]

Big Ten has a huge slate of non conference games this week, headlined by Penn State vs Temple and Ohio State vs Eastern Michigan.

I wish I was kidding.

[Logan]

Been looking forward to RU/UNC for a long time now, as have all my Rutgers buddies...except of course, the one who planned his engagement party this weekend at 3pm (330 start time). Fucker. Only decent OOC game of the year, going to be perfect tailgating weather and a great start time...and we're screwed.

[Cuckoo]

Everyone seems to be blowing off Cincy's chances against OU. And I realize that the Bearcats haven't looked good this year. Until the Sooners look consistent in any way and until Landry puts together a good road game, though, I'll be somewhat less than comfortable.

[I. J. Reilly]

I was actually looking forward to the Boise State game, until last week. Our defense had serious trouble at home, against Louisville. Boise’s gonna hang 70 on us.

[molson]

Everybody here is kind of excited about "College Gameday" coming to Boise for the first time - though I'm not quite sure what that really means or why they're so excited. People will be talking at a desk outside the stadium? All right, that's - something. Maybe it's a sign Boise St. is relevant in college football but I think the two Fiesta Bowls were a more telling sign of that.

[Matthean]

Alabama @ Arkansas
Stanford @ Notre Dame
USCe @ Auburn
Oregon State @ Boise State

Probably the only ones I'm interested in. This will be 'Bama's biggest and maybe best test for their young secondary. They just have to slow them down enough though. The amount of defenses I think could hang with 'Bama's offense is mighty small.

I fully expect to see Stanford to win, but I'm curious how close it is.

Auburn is overrated and just asking for a loss. USCe looks good so far, but just how good is still to be determined.

One of the last chances Boise gets to show what it can do and people to actually care.

Big Ten has a huge slate of non conference games this week, headlined by Penn State vs Temple and Ohio State vs Eastern Michigan.

I wish I was kidding.

Oh come on now. You have Michigan vs. Bowling Green and MSU vs. Northern Colorado.

[Ksyrup]

Boise has to pray Nevada doesn't lose more than 1 or 2 games before November.

[MacroGuru]

BYU has played horrible their past 2 games...but the QB carousel is over as Riley is out for the season with his shoulder having to be operated on.

It means Jake Heaps is full time...I think it will be great as the team gets used to one qb and one that is a prototype BYU QB.

[BishopMVP]

Been looking forward to RU/UNC for a long time now, as have all my Rutgers buddies...except of course, the one who planned his engagement party this weekend at 3pm (330 start time). Fucker. Only decent OOC game of the year, going to be perfect tailgating weather and a great start time...and we're screwed.Odds of you still watching Rutgers football in 10 years=100% - Odds of their relationship lasting 10 years? Eh, 50/50. Besides, how good a friend can he be if he schedules without regard to the college football schedule? I think the choice is obvious.


I also think Notre Dame will have a better shot to win than the layperson is giving them. It's reflected in the Vegas line of -4/5, but I'm guessing people are hammering Stanford with money until that gets up to at least 7+.

[Swaggs]

My wife got invited to a shower that is the Saturday of homecoming for us. The time isn't announced for the game yet. With only 7 home games a year, can't you find another weekend or a Sunday?

[Swaggs]

WVU and BYU have agreed to play a game at Fed Ex Field (home of the Redskins) in 2016. Our fans have wanted a game there for a few years (were hoping for Va Tech), but this should be a fun one against a quality opponent. Almost like a midseason bowl game.

[MacroGuru]

WVU and BYU have agreed to play a game at Fed Ex Field (home of the Redskins) in 2016. Our fans have wanted a game there for a few years (were hoping for Va Tech), but this should be a fun one against a quality opponent. Almost like a midseason bowl game.

I am pretty excited by this chance.

BYU is starting to put together some future schedules that are going to be extremely tough for us. If we continue to play like we have so far....it will suck :D

[dawgfan]

I was actually looking forward to the Boise State game, until last week. Our defense had serious trouble at home, against Louisville. Boise’s gonna hang 70 on us.
I'd be more confident in OSU's chances, but there's the trend of slow starts to the season combined with the inexperience of Katz at QB. And added to that, it would seem the Beavers are feeling the attrition in the offseason from their defense.

I probably would have favored Boise on their smurf turf anyway, but those factors plus how they looked last weekend clinch it for me. I'd love to be proven wrong though...

[MrBug708]

Route 66 revenge game

[DeToxRox]

Nick Saban confirms Michigan vs Alabama in Dallas to open 2012.

Michigan in 2012 will now feature (as of now)

vs Alabama (Neutral)
@ Notre Dame
Michigan State
@ Nebraska
Iowa
@ Ohio State

[Passacaglia]

Wow. Any idea when tickets would be available?

[DeToxRox]

Wow. Any idea when tickets would be available?

No clue but I'm going to be saving now to make it down there that's for sure.

[Izulde]

If UNLV can't beat New Mexico at Sam Boyd Saturday night, I officially give up on the football season.

[BishopMVP]

Miami with a nice little statement @ Pitt. It would be nice if Jacory Harris stopped throwing multiple INT's, but it looks like the Canes are a borderline top 10 team everywhere else.

[Atocep]

Miami with a nice little statement @ Pitt. It would be nice if Jacory Harris stopped throwing multiple INT's, but it looks like the Canes are a borderline top 10 team everywhere else.

I'm not very high on Jacory. Too many stupid decisions and his arm strength is pretty average.

Pitt is really struggling to do anything with a an offensive line that isn't as dominant as it was last year. Dion Lewis is actually having to work for yards instead of running through giant holes and he's looking more like a guy that only got 2 D-1 offers instead of Big East player of the year. Unless things change quickly they're looking at 5+ loses.

[tarcone]

Will Michigan be ready for Alabama? They dont need an embarassing national TV loss.

[BishopMVP]

I'm not very high on Jacory. Too many stupid decisions and his arm strength is pretty average.

Pitt is really struggling to do anything with a an offensive line that isn't as dominant as it was last year. Dion Lewis is actually having to work for yards instead of running through giant holes and he's looking more like a guy that only got 2 D-1 offers instead of Big East player of the year. Unless things change quickly they're looking at 5+ loses.I don't want to absolve Jacory of blame, but I also haven't been sold on the play-calling from the pieces I've seen. Too many vertical routes with extra blockers kept in, when I think they should be getting Harris outside the pocket more and using his athleticism in conjunction with crossing routes and multiple levels. Regardless, Damion Berry, the defense, and particularly the special teams have looked excellent. They'll probably make me look foolish by giving away a game vs. Clemson or FSU soon, but a 12-point loss in Columbus really isn't a bad loss.

Agreed that Pitt looks bad. The loss of Romeus hurt, but they weren't that good last year either. Johnathan Baldwin was very underutilized in the red zone vs. Utah imo.

[Passacaglia]

Will Michigan be ready for Alabama? They dont need an embarassing national TV loss.

If we're not back to being Michigan by 2012, heads are going to roll anyway.

[Butter]

Why don't you guys settle into just being the all new Michigan? Like 7-5 will probably be the best you can do. You can start hanging your hat on wins like beating a crap Notre Dame team with a late drive, and hanging on to beat UMass. Those are season highlights! When you have a single player who is the lone star on the team, you can get him on the Heisman frontrunner pages for a few weeks while you're still "Michigan", but you secretly know that as soon as you play an Iowa, or a Wisconsin, that he will crap the bed and you will be back to being the "all new Michigan!" Enjoy the non-conference schedule while you can! 2-6 in the Big Tweleven awaits.

[Passacaglia]

Why don't you guys settle into just being the all new Michigan? Like 7-5 will probably be the best you can do. You can start hanging your hat on wins like beating a crap Notre Dame team with a late drive, and hanging on to beat UMass. Those are season highlights! When you have a single player who is the lone star on the team, you can get him on the Heisman frontrunner pages for a few weeks while you're still "Michigan", but you secretly know that as soon as you play an Iowa, or a Wisconsin, that he will crap the bed and you will be back to being the "all new Michigan!" Enjoy the non-conference schedule while you can! 2-6 in the Big Tweleven awaits.

That's exactly what the thinking was after the 1996 season, since we'd been 7-4 like four times in a row.

[Butter]

So, does that make "Shoelace" Brian Griese? Who would be Tom Brady in this situation?

[Passacaglia]

When we actually make it to 7-4, I'll let you know. But if you happen to figure out who Drew Henson is, let us know so we can take care of him before he even shows up on campus.

[Butter]

Why, that was Tate Forcier. I think you guys already took care of that.

[Passacaglia]

Cool, things are looking up then!

[Scoobz0202]

If UNLV can't beat New Mexico at Sam Boyd Saturday night, I officially give up on the football season.

Arkansas is looking pretty good this year, though.

[Izulde]

Arkansas is looking pretty good this year, though.

Very true, although I still keep waiting for that defense to get completely exposed. It's going to happen at some point this year.

[MJ4H]

The defense is vastly improved this year. Alabama might be a different thing altogether, of course.

[BishopMVP]

You can start hanging your hat on wins like beating a crap Notre Dame team with a late drive, and hanging on to beat UMass. Those are season highlights!:(

[SirFozzie]

This is the #4 team in the nation?

[k0ruptr]

SMU isn't as bad anymore, they are a pretty decent team, now that said TCU does not look like #4 at all tonite.

[k0ruptr]

I love you June Jones. go SMU!

[SirFozzie]

Please, PLEASE tell me that I wasn't the only one to see the members of the sorority with that hand sign and have it take a few seconds to sink in that it was the Tri-Delta thing , and not a certain part of the female anatomy? :)

[GrantDawg]

Finally getting to watch some GT. Bad fumble there, but that counter-option was a nice play.

[DeToxRox]

Denard Robinson bruises his knee and is done for the day. Could come back if needed but we have 296 yards after the first quarter and 21-0 lead. Robinson was 4-4 for 60 yards passing and had 5 carries for 128 yards and 2 TD rushing.

[GrantDawg]

Denard Robinson bruises his knee and is done for the day. Could come back if needed but we have 296 yards after the first quarter and 21-0 lead. Robinson was 4-4 for 60 yards passing and had 5 carries for 128 yards and 2 TD rushing.


Thanks for the update. I was wondering about the note on screen, and all it said was knee injury. That souned like trouble.

[GrantDawg]

Yall aint talky today. Nebit just missed a hr TD, but went 60 yards to the 3. Tech trying to scrap into this game. They scored on a Roddy Jones run, 17-14.

[Greyroofoo]

Nice to see Toledo up on Purdue.

[Bigsmooth]

Anybody know what's happening in Manhattan, Kansas? Game has been delayed for awhile now.

[GrantDawg]

Well, NCSU score two TD's unanswered, and now have a 17 point lead. I'd say this game is pretty done. This is not going to be a good year for Tech.

[larrymcg421]

I noticed Marve only threw 3 passes today and Purdue has another QB in now. Anyone know what's going on there?

[JonInMiddleGA]

GT has now reached the point of being embarrassing.

For all the criticism of the "high school offense", it's the defense that's not even at a decent HS level.

At this point, I'm ready to start looking at the backup QB's. This team isn't going anywhere with Nesbitt (hey, he finally completed a pass ... and fumbled the snap on the 3rd & short that followed) might as well begin preparing for life without him.

And within a couple of years, for life without CPJ as well. I don't believe it's nearly so much a matter of the scheme, it's a matter of grossly inadequate talent to compete at the D1 level, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

[JonInMiddleGA]

LOL, Nesbitt will get credit for 50 yds passing there ... thanks to a good play by the RB on a swing pass.

[MrBug708]

I noticed Marve only threw 3 passes today and Purdue has another QB in now. Anyone know what's going on there?

He's out

[General Mike]

Rutgers is gonna lose. That is all.

[larrymcg421]

Wow, what an incredibly stupid pass by the NC State QB. You've got a 10 pt lead, dumbass!

[JonInMiddleGA]

OMG, are unicorns next? A touchdown pass from Nesbitt to pull within 10 of mighty NC State at home.

And now within 3 after Wilson threw one of the most ill-advised passes I've ever seen for a pick six.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That pass was so bad that I thought Reggie Ball had found a year of eligibility & was playing for NC State. So bad that it deserves its own post.

[Wolfpack]

We are NC State.

*sigh*

[Matthean]

Denard Robinson bruises his knee and is done for the day. Could come back if needed but we have 296 yards after the first quarter and 21-0 lead. Robinson was 4-4 for 60 yards passing and had 5 carries for 128 yards and 2 TD rushing.

Damn, I was willing to go at least into the Big Ten season for the "What week does Robinson get injured?" pool.

[Wolfpack]

Still isn't over yet. As long as you can give up 14 points in a minute, there's still too much time. (And, yes, I'm really pissed about those two missed FGs in the first half right now.)

[SackAttack]

Anybody know what's happening in Manhattan, Kansas? Game has been delayed for awhile now.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/552375/kstateclouds_medium.jpg

Fire and brimstone, the dead rising from their graves, cats and dogs living together?

[bronconick]

UAB will be holding open tryouts for kickers this upcoming week. Down 8 to Tennessee with your FG kicker 0-4.

[MrBug708]

The SEC's OOC schedule looks impressive compared to the Big-11's OOC schedule today

[k0ruptr]

UAB will be holding open tryouts for kickers this upcoming week. Down 8 to Tennessee with your FG kicker 0-4.

brutal game. been watching, that kicker has 0 confidence left the rest of his life.

[MacroGuru]

I am watching the AFA vs Wyoming game and I am even more disgusted at how we got our asses kicked by AFA.

[JonInMiddleGA]

We are NC State. *sigh*

You had nothing to worry about, this IS Georgia Tech.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It didn't seem possible that the defense would get any worse ... boy was I wrong about that.

[Wolfpack]

You had nothing to worry about, this IS Georgia Tech.

Yep, you're right. That defense is awful. Sorry.

[Eaglesfan27]

I love Havili.

[JonInMiddleGA]

UAB just tied it up with a 2 pt conversion, now 23-23 in Knoxville with 9 minutes left.

[larrymcg421]

UAB ties it up.

Have to say, while it may have been somewhat influenced by kicking problems, I'm happy to see UAB go for two on consecutive TD's to tie up the game in as few possessions as possible.

One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing teams waiting until the last minute of the 4th quarter to go for two.

[JonInMiddleGA]

You couldn't combine the GT & UT rosters and make more than a 6 win team out of them.

Neither has any defense to speak of, neither has a QB, neither has 22 legit D1 players on their rosters at this point, not sure how well either of them are being coached up. How the fuck does that happen?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dooley has got to at least try going to the backup Bray, Simms is throwing only slightly better than Nesbitt.

edit to add: So far this season, the Vols are now 0-34 on 3rd & 6 or more.

[larrymcg421]

I so hope that we're about to see a game winning FG try from Mr. 0-4 shortly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Knoxville newspaper blogger sums it up: "The next month is going to be a bloodbath. Think Shiloh".

UAB has more than doubled the UT offense, the Vols have only 51 yds in the 2nd half & have allowed right at 400 yards passing so far.

October's schedule is @ LSU, @Georgia, Alabama, and @ South Carolina.

[larrymcg421]

0-5

[JonInMiddleGA]

I so hope that we're about to see a game winning FG try from Mr. 0-4 shortly.

Now 0-5

edit: In fairness, asking him to try a 54 yarder under the circumstances was pretty ridiculous.

[General Mike]

ESPNU is ridiculous. Put on the game that is not over.

[JonInMiddleGA]

OMG, UT converts a 3rd & long (to the UAB 43). 1st time all season.

[larrymcg421]

Now 0-5

edit: In fairness, asking him to try a 54 yarder under the circumstances was pretty ridiculous.

Although he did have the leg, so they must've known he had the ability to make it.

But yeah, on 4th and 2 there, I could understand either going for it (if you want to be gutsy) or playing for OT (not a bad idea, since UAB is outplaying Tenn).

[JonInMiddleGA]

7-0 Arkansas less than a minute in, 2 plays = 74 yards, including 43 yd TD pass.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Vols get to the UAB 43 & give up sacks on consecutive plays to send it to OT.

[larrymcg421]

Ugh, stupid play to catch that.

[larrymcg421]

1-6 now for the UAB kicker and we're in 2nd OT.

[General Mike]

RU up 10-0

[Matthean]

And 'Bama finally decided to wake up. I was waiting for what kind of damage was left over after the initial emotion of the game wore off. I'm ok with being tied.

[tarcone]

Iowa rolls. Young RBs get some confidence.

What was that Arkansas offense doing? 2 false starts on 3rd and 4? But it looked like 2 delay of games.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee wins 32-29 in OT, Simms finally managed to escape pressure long enough to complete a TD pass.

UAB kicker ends up 2-7, hitting both tries in OT>

[Galaril]

Complete bullshit call number two going against Notre Dame. The guy was stopped a yard short and the PAC 10 refs just screwed them. How does that work Standford brings there own refs! They also "missed" an obvious blitzer that was offsides and then personal foul.

[General Mike]

They just keep getting worse in the Simms family.

[Galaril]

Complete bullshit call number two going against Notre Dame. The guy was stopped a yard short and the PAC 10 refs just screwed them. How does that work Standford brings there own refs! They also "missed" an obvious blitzer that was offsides and then personal foul.

Geez, well ND sacks fumbles ball standford drriving so they will soon be down 14-3.

[Chief Rum]

At this point, it looks like UCLA-UT will be decided by whoever makes the least number of mistakes. At this rate, it looks like each time will hit double digits in that department.

[Galaril]

Wow, The Ohio State is handing it to E.Michigan 24-0 in the 1st quarter.Ouch.

[Matthean]

Wow, The Ohio State is handing it to E.Michigan 24-0 in the 1st quarter.Ouch.

But it's Eastern.

I thought the overturn call in the 'Bama that gave the Razorbacks a first was bull, but it just lead to 3.

[Bigsmooth]

Good lord Mallett can wing it. Looks like a battle for #1 pick between him and Luck. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Luck stayed for his Junior season. Would be crazy though after seeing what happened to Locker.

[Bigsmooth]

Love the way Stanford plays. 3rd and 5 or less is pretty much automatic. They can just pound fools.

[Matthean]

thought the overturn call in the 'Bama that gave the Razorbacks a first was bull, but it just lead to 3.

Add in the spot during 'Bama's drive as being a poor spot. CBS didn't really replay it, but when the play happened I though it was an obvious first down.

[Matthean]

Poor throw by McElroy in the end zone. Partly surprised the game is this low scoring.

[cartman]

Texas' D is keeping them in the game, but their offense and special teams are doing their damnedest to give UCLA the win. 4 turnovers so far.

[GrantDawg]

TD Razorbacks. Bama has a hill to climb.

[Chief Rum]

UCLA up 13-3 at halftime, but color me as still very concerned. I like what UCLA has done in spurts with the running game, but there are two problems with that--it has come in spurts, and, at some point Muschamp will simply sell out to stop the run and force Prince to throw it. Right now, it doesn't seem like UCLA has any confidence in its passing game at all.

On the other side, the turnovers Texas has had has hid a bit that UCLA's D is also doing some things pretty good, such as gap penetration on runs, solid tackling and fairly solid (if not spectacular) coverage.

My fear, though, is that UCLA is going to need to continue to depend on turnovers to get shots to score, and that that well is likely to dry up. UT coaches are going to adjust at halftime and find ways to take advantage of their speed on both sides of the ball.

My matchup to watch right now is the UCLA OL vs the UT DL. That DL is very fast, terrific pass rushers. But they're surprisingly small. UCLA has an NFL sized line of fairly tested five year seniors and a deep set of backs. If UCLA goes exclusively to a power game, will UT's DL continue to hold up against that? It will be interesting to see.

I'll be frank--I am just happy UCLA's not getting blown out (yet).

[Matthean]

TD Razorbacks. Bama has a hill to climb.

Yeah, McElroy having two INTs in a half is just rather unexpected. I figured the secondary would struggle, but 'Bama's lack of offense is just disappointing. Mallet could be scaled back in the 2nd half and he'll still post 400+ yards.

[JonInMiddleGA]

TD Razorbacks. Bama has a hill to climb.

Richardson almost got some of that back. Pity he didn't get OOB in time to get a FG try out of that run.

[GrantDawg]

Richardson almost got some of that back. Pity he didn't get OOB in time to get a FG try out of that run.


Yeah, maybe it'll give them a wake-up call. This team can score running or passing fast and often. They can't let up on either side of the ball, or this game will slip away.

[GrantDawg]

Yeah, McElroy having two INTs in a half is just rather unexpected. I figured the secondary would struggle, but 'Bama's lack of offense is just disappointing. Mallet could be scaled back in the 2nd half and he'll still post 400+ yards.


Mallet is looking very Heisman worthy.

[Noop]

Where is Chief and Bug I know they're grinning right now

[MrBug708]

I'm right here. UCLA can still easily lose this

[Swaggs]

Is the announcing and production value always this crappy for Big Ten Network games?

[MrBug708]

FWIW, in the last 93.5 minutes that UCLA has played in Austin, they've outscored Texas 86-6.

[bronconick]

Is the announcing and production value always this crappy for Big Ten Network games?


If they did things professionally, they couldn't cut $10 million checks to each school. Men's basketball is even better. They end up showing tape delayed student announcers for the games they don't immediately pick. Of course,that was probably because the announcers they do have refused to have anything to do with a Penn State-Northwestern basketball game.

[Noop]

I'm right here. UCLA can still easily lose this

http://cmonsononline.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/c039mon-son-gallery/13967_105421639469090_100000037623863_146828_4196008_n.jpg

:D

[GrantDawg]

Paging Alabama's defense. Has anyone seen Alabama's defense?

[Bigsmooth]

Weather in the SE is really fucking things up. Delay in the Troy game and the FSU game right now.

[Noop]

Weather in the SE is really fucking things up. Delay in the Troy game and the FSU game right now.

:banghead:

[Noop]

Delay in FSU got my ABC affiliate to get off that utter shit game onto actual football with UT-UCLA.

You enjoy fisting.

[Chief Rum]

FWIW, in the last 93.5 minutes that UCLA has played in Austin, they've outscored Texas 86-6.

See, now, no denying this, but why say this? It's almost like laughing in the face of the football gods. I say shut up, be humble and hope we get to the end of 48 minutes with the lead.

[Bigsmooth]

...and Stanford is about to put their foot on the Domer's throat.

As Luck throws a pick...haha. Fug.

[Izulde]

Maybe it's me.

I show up, Arkansas stinks in football. I leave, Arkansas turns awesome.

I show up, UNLV stinks in football and their best 3 point shooter tears his ACL and is lost for the year

Of course, that means Rotnei's going to turn into a 1st Team All-American and lead the Hogs to the playoffs while the Runnin' Rebels finish barely .500 in Mountain West play in basketball.

[MrBug708]

See, now, no denying this, but why say this? It's almost like laughing in the face of the football gods. I say shut up, be humble and hope we get to the end of 48 minutes with the lead.

I picked UCLA to lose and based on this game, I figured the football gods were asleep. I think you just woke them :(

[Noop]

It's better than ACC football.

:D

Good one.

[larrymcg421]

Are the announcers fucking blind in the Ark-Ala game? How the hell should that be a "no call"? The defender didn't do anything wrong, but the ball carrier clearly grabbed the face mask. Should have been a 15 yard penalty on the offense. Terrible call.

[Matthean]

Are the announcers fucking blind in the Ark-Ala game? How the hell should that be a "no call"? The defender didn't do anything wrong, but the ball carrier clearly grabbed the face mask. Should have been a 15 yard penalty on the offense. Terrible call.

I've given up on announcers being accurate within a game. I can easily pick out 2-3 absurd statements per game easily.

[Matthean]

Mallet is looking very Heisman worthy.

Paging Alabama's defense. Has anyone seen Alabama's defense?

(whistles innocently)

[MrBug708]

That was just mean

[cartman]

That was easily the worst game the Longhorns have played in the past 6 or 7 years. Congrats to UCLA for coming up with a great gameplan and sticking with it and executing really well in the 2nd half.

[MrBug708]

Tough loss Cartman. I have never seen a Mack Brown team ever give up like that

[Noop]

Alabama has come back? MJ4H must be livid!

[Chief Rum]

Wow, big day for UCLA. This gets back one of the "expected wins" from earlier in the year, where they supposedly had the ability to beat K-State. And Stanford, it turns out, that just might have been a bad call altogether on thinking UCLA could win that one. Harbaugh has that program clicking on all levels.

UCLA is 2-2 now, with two wins over Top 25 teams, and the two teams they lost to are undefeated. Wazzu coming in next week. That should be a win, although I refuse to count anything until it happens.

If they do win that, UCLA will be 3-2 going into a key road game against Cal.

[Matthean]

'Bama come back from down 20-7 to win 24-20. Mallet puts up 250 yards in the first half, but gets humbled in the second half.

[Chief Rum]

Tough loss Cartman. I have never seen a Mack Brown team ever give up like that

I didn't get the sense they gave up at all. I got the sense they were mired in a "we can't do anything right, funk". There was no quit in them on that TD drive, for instance. Things just weren't happening for them, and frankly, they were getting beat up big time on D, and when they were on O, every guy with the ball was getting tagged, too. Texas, unexpectedly, got beat up, essentially.

That said, it's clear how much talent is on that team. You could see it in spurts here. This is one where I think the Horns need to file it away under "learning experience" or even "never think about this one again." Texas is a much better team than they showed today.

I think the bigger revelation isn't so much that Texas isn't as good, but that UCLA is much better than people expected.

[Galaril]

Wow Stanford pounded the Irish today 37-14 at ND none the less. I say pounded because even the score was not too bad until Harbaugh ran it up in the 4th Stanford totally intimated and be the shit out of ND even minus the boat load of cheap shots taken by Stanford's players injury both starting running backs in the process.

[Warhammer]

'Bama come back from down 20-7 to win 24-20. Mallet puts up 250 yards in the first half, but gets humbled in the second half.

Now I get to listen to our whiny ass AR salesman whining that Alabama didn't beat them, Arkansas beat themselves. Geez, just take a quality performance in stride and tip your hat to the Bama boys.

[bronconick]

So apparently Oklahoma used up all their bad-assery vs. Florida State, as they're now clinging to a 24-22 lead vs. Cincinatti.

[Noop]

So apparently Oklahoma used up all their bad-assery vs. Florida State, as they're now clinging to a 24-22 lead vs. Cincinatti.

Looking ahead perhaps?

[MacroGuru]

BYU lost to Nevada, the score was 27 - 13...Nevada has a crazy good offense, and when your defense can not stop the run, they will murder you.

The positive I pull out of this game...first full week with Heaps getting ALL the first team reps and he shows marked improvement. I think once he meshes with his receivers they will be tough, he had some great deep throws with some touch.

[RainMaker]

The Texas game is pretty shocking. Not just the loss, but the margin and the fact it was at home. I can't remember a game that lopsided from a top 10 team at home against a team. Probably a good thing that they keep ducking TCU.

[DeToxRox]

So UGA looks like it will be heading to 1-3. Things are not good in Athens. Who will be the potential replacement for Richt if the bottom totally falls out?

I assume Kirby Smart perhaps? Also other options are Muschamp (I'd say unlikely) or Bud Foster maybe?

[RainMaker]

BYU lost to Nevada, the score was 27 - 13...Nevada has a crazy good offense, and when your defense can not stop the run, they will murder you.

The positive I pull out of this game...first full week with Heaps getting ALL the first team reps and he shows marked improvement. I think once he meshes with his receivers they will be tough, he had some great deep throws with some touch.
That's good news for Boise. They really need Nevada to be undefeated when they match up.

[MacroGuru]

That's good news for Boise. They really need Nevada to be undefeated when they match up.

I think when they meet up it will be a total score fest.

[GrantDawg]

So UGA looks like it will be heading to 1-3. Things are not good in Athens. Who will be the potential replacement for Richt if the bottom totally falls out?

I assume Kirby Smart perhaps? Also other options are Muschamp (I'd say unlikely) or Bud Foster maybe?


Smart is a possibility. I would have never thought Richt would be in trouble this season. I know there have been mumbles, but it was the lunitic fringe. 0-3 in the SEC will begin to make this much more than the fringe.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So UGA looks like it will be heading to 1-3. Things are not good in Athens. Who will be the potential replacement for Richt if the bottom totally falls out? I assume Kirby Smart perhaps? Also other options are Muschamp (I'd say unlikely) or Bud Foster maybe?

I'll tell you the name I've been hearing for the past week or so: Jon Gruden
They'd prefer Muschamp but have been told he's not interested, period.

Take it FWIW obviously.

[RainMaker]

I always felt Gruden would be a great college coach.

[GrantDawg]

I'll tell you the name I've been hearing for the past week or so: Jon Gruden
They'd prefer Muschamp but have been told he's not interested, period.

Take it FWIW obviously.


What? Jimmy Johnson not available? I heard Petrino's wife was looking for a house in Athens, and Nick Saban's agent says he was just having coffee with the UGA AD and there is no truth to the rumors there is a contract in place. I just wanted get all the rumors out there before they start actually being aired Monday.

[DeToxRox]

I always felt Gruden would be a great college coach.

Gruden would spend 2-3 schollies every year on QB's.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What? Jimmy Johnson not available? I heard Petrino's wife was looking for a house in Athens, and Nick Saban's agent says he was just having coffee with the UGA AD and there is no truth to the rumors there is a contract in place. I just wanted get all the rumors out there before they start actually being aired Monday.

Like I said, take it FWIW. That's what I'm told by someone who is connected enough to have a much better idea than I would ever have & hasn't been wrong in the short time I've known him.

Believe it, don't believe it, matters not one iota to me, I'm just throwing out the answer I was given 8 days ago (even before the losses to Ark & Miss St).

[RainMaker]

Some really dumb unsportsmanlike penalties on Boise gives Oregon State a touchdown. For all the talk about how Chris Peterson doesn't put up with stuff like that, that team seems to do a lot of talking and taunting. If they blow this, a couple taunts could cost them a BCS game.

[Swaggs]

Offensive miscues (a fumble inside the 20 and an INT that lead to a FG) and a great punt return gives LSU a 17-7 lead over WVU at the half. Both defenses playing awesome and Noel Devine got hurt on an out of bounds late hit.

Hopefully WVU's defense can create some turnovers and make some stops. I think we can get back in it and weather the storm if we stop them on their first possession of the second half.

[Swaggs]

Also, LSU has some sick defensive backs.

[Tigercat]

If LSU had a pretty good QB, we would be one of the best teams in the nation right now. Lots of LSU fans are wondering if that QB is on the bench. The problem is that QB on the bench threw 7 pick-6's as a Freshman in 2008. So if that is the best solution to ineptitude..

[wade moore]

South Carolina's QBs are completely choking away this game.

[Swaggs]

If LSU had a pretty good QB, we would be one of the best teams in the nation right now. Lots of LSU fans are wondering if that QB is on the bench. The problem is that QB on the bench threw 7 pick-6's as a Freshman in 2008. So if that is the best solution to ineptitude..

Is that him?

I hope he saved some of those pick-6s for this game? ;)

[Swaggs]

Doh... guess Jefferson is still in.

[MJ4H]

Just back from the game. It was a great game. Arkansas played great in the first half and most of the third. A few too many mistakes on offense, but still played well enough to win. The difference in the game is that Alabama changed their defensive scheme and got blitzers free runs at Mallett repeatedly. Mallett had a poor 4th quarter because of the pressure. The game changed immediately when the blitzes started working.

Proud of the team, but disappointed we didn't finish and get the big win.

[kingfc22]

I'm loving what Harbaugh is doing at Stanford.

He never takes his foot off the gas pedal.

[Matthean]

So UGA looks like it will be heading to 1-3. Things are not good in Athens. Who will be the potential replacement for Richt if the bottom totally falls out?

I assume Kirby Smart perhaps? Also other options are Muschamp (I'd say unlikely) or Bud Foster maybe?

Fact. 2-3 years ago somebody tried to argue with me that they would take Richt over Saban and Richt was one the premier coaches in the land. Yeah, not looking so good now.

[Swaggs]

Well, that was a slugfest. Our young quarterback couldn't put together a drive, even though we had two opportunities at the end. LSU's defense is fast, tough, and mean. I think our defense is pretty good, too (although their QB either got badly rattled or is just plain bad).

I guess I can live with a 20-14 loss on the road at LSU. I doubt that we'll win out the rest of our regular season games, but I don't see any games on the schedule that we shouldn't be favored in. Hopefully we don't drop too far in the rankings.

I think LSU's quarterback play will catch up with them once or twice before the season is out, but they have a title worthy defense and special teams unit.

[Atocep]

Well, that was a slugfest. Our young quarterback couldn't put together a drive, even though we had two opportunities at the end. LSU's defense is fast, tough, and mean. I think our defense is pretty good, too (although their QB either got badly rattled or is just plain bad).

I guess I can live with a 20-14 loss on the road at LSU. I doubt that we'll win out the rest of our regular season games, but I don't see any games on the schedule that we shouldn't be favored in. Hopefully we don't drop too far in the rankings.

I think LSU's quarterback play will catch up with them once or twice before the season is out, but they have a title worthy defense and special teams unit.

If we don't win out from here I'll be disappointed. I haven't bought into the "most talent in the Big East" people have thrown around the past 2 years, but this year WVU is the most talented team in the Big East. This is the first year Stew has had anything resembling depth and even thought a lot of that depth is young it is very talented.

The Pitt and UConn games are the only games I could picture us losing, but even those we should be favored in and both have major issues (UConn at QB and Pitt's OLine is awful). This is a really good football that's a young Oline jelling away from being even better.

Mullen is getting a lot of heat, but all playcalling issues go back to the line. Mullen has shown what the offense is capable of when he gets at least decent blocking.

Congrats to LSU. It was a good game and WVU didn't win, but at least it didn't embarrass the Big East.

PS: Looking for a right side to an offensive line. If anyone has any extras it's probably an upgrade for us.

[BishopMVP]

Oregon with two defensive TD's already, and what should have been a 3rd messed up by the officials blowing a fumble dead prematurely. Still a game though - 42-31 entering the 4th.

[Izulde]

I've been telling people all week we not only needed to beat New Mexico, we needed to beat them soundly.

Cue up a 45-10 destruction of the Lobos. Oh, it was a sweet, sweet evening in Sam Boyd Stadium.

QB Omar Clayton - 14/20 for 194 yards and 3 TDs

WR Michael Johnson - 8 catches for 138 yards and 3 TDs

Johnson, by the way, has been pretty damn amazing this year. Everybody thought Phillip Payne was going to be the main man, but it's been Johnson who's been Clayton's favorite target and with good reason. He made some fantastic catches and moves tonight.

S Mike Clausen, who has gone from starting QB to starting S all in the space of four weeks, got an interception,which was awesome to see, but I was most happy about my favorite Rebel, CB Will Chandler, getting another pick.

We held the Lobos' freshman QB to 17/40 passing, 177 yards, a TD and 2 INTs.

Now for the bad part. Our defense has a tendency to still give up too many big plays. Run defense still isn't very good and our offensive line continues to struggle too much in protection.

But this was exactly the kind of huge statement win we needed to give us momentum and confidence heading into next week's Las Vegas showdown with UN-R (Nevada to the rest of the country).

Will we beat them? Probably not. But that momentum and confidence, plus home field advantage, means it's going to crazy here in Sin City next Saturday in the battle for the Fremont Cannon.

[k0ruptr]

I just left the Hawaii game @ Halftime with UH up 49-7. We needed a game against a FCS school.. 2-2 heading into WAC play next weekend. We got LaTech @ home saturday and thinking that should be a win. here is to hoping :)

[Ksyrup]

Sack-less coaching decision of the day goes to UAB's coach, who decides to go for a FG on 4th-and-2 at the 4 on the first possession of the 2nd OT, on the road at UT. That was an automatic losing decision. Next play - UT TD. Nice job, dude. But hey, you're kicker will now be at 8% confidence when you play out the remaining meaningless games on your schedule.

Not sure how unimpressed I'm allowed to be with a 31-0 win, but damn FSU looked mediocre on offense. Something is just off with them. The RBs are good, but not consistently good and they switch them up too much for one guy to be the dominant man. And too many screens and shit for the WRs. Defense has turned it around in the 2 weeks following the OU debacle - 10 points to BYU, none to Wake Forest. Still thinking 8-4 or 9-3.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

UCLA 31, Texas 12
Neb 17, South Dakota State 3
Oklahoma 31, Cincinnati 29

Anyone want to continue the ridiculous argument that MBBF is trying to 'bring down' the top B12 programs? All I saw was three teams yesterday doing that all on their own. The Big 12 this year is not even remotely close to last year's Big 12. It's going to be a dog fight amongst several 'good' teams. We'll likely have two teams in the championship game with two losses this year and no national championship contenders. There are no clear leaders and there's certainly no top 10 teams in this conference right now. That's been made obviously clear.

[MacroGuru]

UCLA 31, Texas 12
Neb 17, South Dakota State 3
Oklahoma 31, Cincinnati 29

Anyone want to continue the ridiculous argument that MBBF is trying to 'bring down' the top B12 programs? All I saw was three teams yesterday doing that all on their own. The Big 12 this year is not even remotely close to last year's Big 12. It's going to be a dog fight amongst several 'good' teams. We'll likely have two teams in the championship game with two losses this year and no national championship contenders. There are no clear leaders and there's certainly no top 10 teams in this conference right now. That's been made obviously clear.

I hate to say it...out of those 3 games, Nebraska is the only one that should have been a yawner and wasn't...

The Big 10 despite their boasting had nothing but cupcakes on their schedule yesterday.

[DeToxRox]

Just watched highlights of ASU/Oregon, fun game. But what needs to be said is ASU LB Vontaze Burfict is the most exciting LB in college football. He is a flat out monster and will easily be a top 15 pick whenever he comes out.

I knew he was good last year, but this year he is on another level.

[DeToxRox]

I hate to say it...out of those 3 games, Nebraska is the only one that should have been a yawner and wasn't...

The Big 10 despite their boasting had nothing but cupcakes on their schedule yesterday.

Hey I said this back on page one, Temple/PSU was the best Big Ten game yesterday. It was a terrible week OOC for us.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sack-less coaching decision of the day goes to UAB's coach, who decides to go for a FG on 4th-and-2 at the 4 on the first possession of the 2nd OT, on the road at UT. That was an automatic losing decision.

Eh, they'd been stopped on 4 of their last 5 plays needing 3 yards or less, so it definitely wasn't a gimme play (one of the few things that didn't come easy for their offense yesterday).

Also, given the Vols total lack of offense on the day & the ability of UAB to get to Simms consistently, even a tying field goal wasn't a sure thing for them either.

Under the circumstances, I'm not really critical of the decision to avoid the big dice roll at that moment and take away their chances to win on a day when they surely deserved it.

[kingfc22]

Stanford up to #9 in the polls. Wow!

[MrBug708]

Kingfc, how many teams do you have?!?

[kingfc22]

Kingfc, how many teams do you have?!?

My only team is U of M.

Just noting that Harbaugh has done one hell of a job.

[BishopMVP]

If LSU had a pretty good QB, we would be one of the best teams in the nation right now. Lots of LSU fans are wondering if that QB is on the bench. The problem is that QB on the bench threw 7 pick-6's as a Freshman in 2008. So if that is the best solution to ineptitude.....or he could be lined up at WR right now. (And I recall what you said about Shepard earlier - I just think he'd still be better than Lee or Jefferson.)Good lord Mallett can wing it. Looks like a battle for #1 pick between him and Luck. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Luck stayed for his Junior season. Would be crazy though after seeing what happened to Locker.Can we please stop with the "Jake Locker would have gone #1 overall if he came out as a JR" talk? I know the draft is hard to predict (see Tim Tebow 1st round and Jimmy Clausen 2nd), but he didn't receive a 1st-round grade from the NFL advisory committee. Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. can say he was the #1 pick all they want - the actual people who scout for NFL teams weren't buying it any more than when the analysts said Jevan Snead was a 1st-round talent.Stanford up to #9 in the polls. Wow!For all the shit people talk about how bad Notre Dame is, teams sure do get a lot of credit for beating them.I'm loving what Harbaugh is doing at Stanford.

He never takes his foot off the gas pedal.I don't have a problem with the TD vs. ND. Challenging a fumble when up 68-24? Bitch move.

[Chief Rum]

Just watched highlights of ASU/Oregon, fun game. But what needs to be said is ASU LB Vontaze Burfict is the most exciting LB in college football. He is a flat out monster and will easily be a top 15 pick whenever he comes out.

I knew he was good last year, but this year he is on another level.

He's also a dirty player and an aggressive head hunter. Saw that myself in his game against UCLA and heard of other questionable plays in other games.

He looks like the next Ray Lewis--only meaner.

[Chief Rum]

For all the shit people talk about how bad Notre Dame is, teams sure do get a lot of credit for beating them.

Right now, I give Stanford a heck of lot more credit for what they did to UCLA than I do for what they did yesterday. Yesterday was a foregone conclusion in my mind.

[Chief Rum]

Oh, and I agree on Harbaugh. As much as I love him pissing in Cheatey Petey's Cheerios last year, the guy has no class at all and someone should "accidentally" miss a sideline tackle and knock his ass out. That said, he's a heck of a football coach.

[Matthean]

For all the shit people talk about how bad Notre Dame is, teams sure do get a lot of credit for beating them.

Not really sure teams are taking a lot of credit for them. U of M and MSU are still both 7-5 type teams at best. New coach, new system, new QB. I'm not surprised they are 1-3 and they are rather close to being 3-1 instead.

Challenging a fumble when up 68-24? Bitch move.

He's going to rub enough people the wrong way it will come back on him. He's pretty much the new Spurrier, but at least Spurrier was at Florida. I'm not sure what the ceiling is at Standford. Let's see what they are like when the QB is gone. If they regress and have an off year, he's going to get it handed to him at some point.

[Butter]

As for Harbaugh and being classy: What do you want, the guy went to Michigan.

[I. J. Reilly]

I need a non-partisan reality check from those of you who watched the OSU-BSU game. Was the play when James Rodgers got knocked out dirty? It looked like a pretty ugly case of headhunting to me.

[Galaril]

As for Harbaugh and being classy: What do you want, the guy went to Michigan.

Yeah no kidding. I can't stand the guy but he sure is a football coach. I probably would want him coaching my favorite team whether college or pro but as a guy ahh I just say I wouldn't want him dating my daughter.

[BishopMVP]

Right now, I give Stanford a heck of lot more credit for what they did to UCLA than I do for what they did yesterday. Yesterday was a foregone conclusion in my mind.Not really sure teams are taking a lot of credit for them. U of M and MSU are still both 7-5 type teams at best. New coach, new system, new QB. I'm not surprised they are 1-3 and they are rather close to being 3-1 instead.More a commentary on the pollsters - Michigan and Michigan State jump into the top 25, Stanford jumps into the top 10. Pollsters should be paying attention to games that aren't televised nationally, but there's probably some logic in the increased visibility that playing ND offers.