Official College Football Week 4 thread

[cartman]

Week Four starts on Thursday night, with Clemson visiting North Carolina State.

Only one Top 25 matchup this week:

Arizona State at Stanford

Overall, not many interesting games on the schedule for this weekend. The bulk of the games involving Top 25 teams look like mismatches on paper.

[Kodos]

Missouri is at Indiana this weekend! Go Hoosiers! FOFC is on your side this weekend!

[Logan]

Arkansas comes into NJ to play Rutgers. 3:30 ET on ESPN. Certainly doesn't have the same cache as when it was first announced, but should still be fun.

Both starting QBs are battling injuries. Allen on Arkansas has a shoulder injury I believe, and Nova suffered a slight concussion on a late hit this past weekend (still no idea how the guy wasn't ejected) but practiced in a limited capacity today.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Missouri is at Indiana this weekend! Go Hoosiers! FOFC is on your side this weekend!

Glad to finally make it to the FOFC Bowl of the non-conference schedule. Should be a very high-paced matchup and a lot of fun to watch.

[MacroGuru]

Utah @ BYU Saturday night at 10:15 pm EST. The Holy War. It's going to be crazy as the rivalry goes on hiatus for 2 years. Basically, if BYU doesn't win this game it will mean that from Soph to Senior will not have beaten Utah in their time there.

I think it's going to be a hard fought game down to the wire, but I feel we will take it this year.

[Kodos]

Glad to finally make it to the FOFC Bowl of the non-conference schedule. Should be a very high-paced matchup and a lot of fun to watch.

Yep. Should be a lot of scoring. This game will be a good indicator about whether our hopes for a bowl this season are realistic or not.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yep. Should be a lot of scoring. This game will be a good indicator about whether our hopes for a bowl this season are realistic or not.

That likely goes for both teams. Mizzou is obviously the favorite, but there's going to be lots of questions until either team starts answering them.

[Kodos]

Yes, I meant lots of scoring for both teams. Mizzou are 3 point favorites. Looks like there's gonna be an upset. :cool:

[tarcone]

Iowa hosts Western Michigan.
Ruddock playing better. Run game has been all but unstoppable.
But we still have to deal with the ultra conservative Ferentz. Sometimes Iowa plays not to lose. Or should I say all the time.
Im not real sure what will happen Saturday. Hope its positive.

[clemsonfan]

I'm excited/nervous about tonight's game. It's a chance for the Tigers to show that we deserve to be #3. But it's also a chance to choke.

[dawgfan]

Tough news this week for Washington fans, as it's been learned that legendary coach Don James is being treated for pancreatic cancer. Best wishes to the Dawgfather, and hopefully he can beat the odds.

[britrock88]

Concordia College and St. Olaf will play for the Troll on Saturday at Jake Christiansen Stadium in Moorhead. The teams have been playing for the trophy since 1974, when it was created to pay tribute to the schools’ Norwegian heritage.

http://www.inforum.com/media/full/jpg/2013/09/18/0919-s-troll.jpg

[Vegas Vic]

When starting QB Brandon Mitchell comes back in a couple of weeks, NC State is going to be a pretty solid team. I'd love to see what he could have done against Clemson tonight. Backup Pete Thomas is not a good fit for this new offense. He's an old style drop back passer, and he's too slow.

[MacroGuru]

Holy shit, the rivalry game between Utah and BYU just went up a notch.

BYU LB Spencer Hadley was suspended for 5 games earlier this week by the school due to honor code violations (He is still at the school but is off the team for 5 games minimum)

People have been digging and trying to find out what the hell he did...well, this popped into light today...

A University of Utah fan caught the player in Vegas on a bye week at a club took a picture and sends it to the Utah compliance office, not BYUs citing he knows of major NCAA violations that is going on and has more proof. They asked for the proof! (This is Utah's, not BYUs) and then forwarded the one picture of Hadley in Vegas at a club to BYUs compliance office...POW, starting ILB suspended just like that.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/cougars/56893313-88/byu-cougars-game-utah.html.csp

Documents obtained from the U. show that a person calling himself "Darren Lucy" and a "die hard Utah Utes fan" e-mailed the photo to Utah’s compliance office, at 2:16 p.m. Monday.
The U.’s compliance office forwarded the photo/e-mail — which also alleged potential NCAA violations — to BYU Director of Compliance Chad Gwilliam 12 minutes later.
Tuesday morning, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall announced that Hadley, a starting inside linebacker, had been "suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules."
BYU spokesperson Carri Jenkins confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Hadley violated the honor code, but would be allowed to remain in school. Just as she did when BYU suspended basketball star Brandon Davies near the end of the 2010-11 season, Jenkins reiterated that specific violations of the honor code are not made public.
The e-mail string shows that U.’s compliance office replied to the fan by writing, "The NCAA can only investigate with evidence. If you have pictures, that would be helpful." The fan replied that he would "supply more pictures soon."

[Wolfpack]

When starting QB Brandon Mitchell comes back in a couple of weeks, NC State is going to be a pretty solid team. I'd love to see what he could have done against Clemson tonight. Backup Pete Thomas is not a good fit for this new offense. He's an old style drop back passer, and he's too slow.

Agreed. Thomas put in a gutty performance tonight, though. Just wish he had the courage to look downfield more. I understand that we were using a replacement at left tackle who had to take on Clemson's best rusher alone all night (why no help?), but he was definitely watching the rush more than his receivers at times.

Still, that whole last touchdown drive was a marvelously quixotic affair that felt like a football version of that scene in Tin Cup where he kept dunking the ball before holing out and getting everyone cheering. 23 plays with four fourth down conversions. Quite a moral victory, I guess.

[ColtCrazy]

Missouri is at Indiana this weekend! Go Hoosiers! FOFC is on your side this weekend!

I think this is a must win for IU if they want to go to a bowl game this year. I thought they needed to split the Navy/Missouri games. Go IU!

[MrBug708]

UCLA is going to slaughter NMSU I feel

[Butter]

Still, that whole last touchdown drive was a marvelously quixotic affair that felt like a football version of that scene in Tin Cup where he kept dunking the ball before holing out and getting everyone cheering. 23 plays with four fourth down conversions. Quite a moral victory, I guess.

Yes, that drive was odd. It was good for the Pack that they were able to score, but they basically ran out the entire 4th quarter in order to do it.

[Kodos]

I think this is a must win for IU if they want to go to a bowl game this year. I thought they needed to split the Navy/Missouri games. Go IU!

Yes. Absolutely crucial that we win this one if we want to go bowling.

[MacroGuru]

Holy shit, the rivalry game between Utah and BYU just went up a notch.

BYU LB Spencer Hadley was suspended for 5 games earlier this week by the school due to honor code violations (He is still at the school but is off the team for 5 games minimum)

People have been digging and trying to find out what the hell he did...well, this popped into light today...

A University of Utah fan caught the player in Vegas on a bye week at a club took a picture and sends it to the Utah compliance office, not BYUs citing he knows of major NCAA violations that is going on and has more proof. They asked for the proof! (This is Utah's, not BYUs) and then forwarded the one picture of Hadley in Vegas at a club to BYUs compliance office...POW, starting ILB suspended just like that.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/cougars/56893313-88/byu-cougars-game-utah.html.csp

More on the story is here...

Rivalry takes strange turn as U. receives emails, photo prior to Hadley's suspension | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865586744/Rivalry-takes-strange-turn-as-U-receives-emails-photo-prior-to-Hadleys-suspension.html?s_cid=Email-5)

Now why is this big news, well at any university it would be a high five and a normal weekend, at BYU it's against the honor code. Hadley shouldn't have been there, shouldn't have been doing what he was doing and was suspended because of it.

This happened in the summer and the Utah fan held onto it until this week...such a punk...

[Logan]

FWIW, the link says that he sent the email to the Compliance Office with a subject of "BYU LB partying in Vegas with Booster" so the intent may not have been to get the kid in trouble for drinking.

[MacroGuru]

FWIW, the link says that he sent the email to the Compliance Office with a subject of "BYU LB partying in Vegas with Booster" so the intent may not have been to get the kid in trouble for drinking.

You are right. It was to get the school in trouble for worse. This rivalry is heated, dubbed the holy war for a reason and this week has taken it to whole new levels on both sides of the fence. I am glad there is a 2 year break after this one...

Oh and BYU has verified no Booster was involved, never was involved and that is the confusing part of the story.

[Logan]

Pretty cool article in the NY Times today about Rutgers' RB Paul James, who has gone from being a walk-on to currently leading the country in rushing.

A Rutgers Walk-On Rushes to the Top - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/sports/ncaafootball/a-rutgers-walk-on-rushes-to-the-top-of-the-list.html?_r=0)

[dawgfan]

UCLA is going to slaughter NMSU I feel
They should. The only thing that might prevent that is UCLA having a bit of emotional hangover after last week. On paper they should slaughter NMSU, and they might do so. But I wouldn't be shocked if they are a little sloppy and win by 20 instead of 40.

[EagleFan]

Really stupid play by the defender. The QB is out of bounds, why on earth are you lowering your shoulder into him?

[PilotMan]

Yeah this is happening tomorrow! Wish I could be there, I know it's going to be crazy. We should pick up the W against Delaware St, but you can never rest on that.

FCS North Dakota State to host ESPN's College GameDay - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/9/14/4727338/north-dakota-state-college-gameday-espn)

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19477653/20130105_jla_sh2_759.0_standard_709.0.jpg

[bhlloy]

Is Boise's QB rocking the Hitler stache?

[EagleFan]

Is Boise's QB rocking the Hitler stache?

Nope, just a porn stache.

[MrBug708]

They should. The only thing that might prevent that is UCLA having a bit of emotional hangover after last week. On paper they should slaughter NMSU, and they might do so. But I wouldn't be shocked if they are a little sloppy and win by 20 instead of 40.

I was thinking winning by 40 would be a letdown. Winning by 20 would be a diaster tbh

[Kodos]

So excited for my first game in Bloomington in 19 years. Go Hoosiers!

[Matthean]

So excited for my first game in Bloomington in 19 years. Go Hoosiers!

Bandwagoner. :lol:

[Kodos]

:D

[MrBug708]

I hope that there is an ending like ASU-Wisconsin in the Missouri-Indiana game so FOFC can have some epic posts from both sides :)

[Kodos]

No thanks. :)

[B & B]

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19477653/20130105_jla_sh2_759.0_standard_709.0.jpg

In North Dakota, this is the equivalent of Heidi Klum.

Also, this is the shittiest Saturday of the whole year for NCAA football.

Fully expect watching MSU and ND as the marquee game become similar in enjoyment to getting a root canal.

Best TV games today, in time of appearance order.

Utah St. - USC
AzSt - Stan
Mizz - Indy
Utah - BYU

[britrock88]

I think UNC @ GT is pretty good quality for today.

[Balldog]

Hoping LSU/Auburn is a decent game tonight

[cuervo72]

Also, this is the shittiest Saturday of the whole year for NCAA football.

But hey...the small percentage of fans/students actually going to the games will have a good time? Helps me exactly 0 at home, of course.

(Neighbors are actually going to the WV/MD game. Not party types, but have kids going to MD, dad went there, mom went to WV. Wondering how wet they'll get.)

[General Mike]

Arky-Rutgers could be good, but I agree the slate of games isn't great.

[Atocep]

I'm interested to see how Ford Childress does against Maryland. He looked good last week for a freshman despite getting killed by drops. The defense is much improved this year, the running game is much improved this year, but the receivers need to start making some plays.

[Matthean]

Interesting how undersold the MSU/ND game is today. I have seen a number of people listing games of interest, going pretty low on the totem pole, and skipping that game.

[tarcone]

Iowa PR Kenyon Martin-Manley just took back to back punts to the end zone. One was 83 yards, the other about 55 yards.

[Bigsmooth]

This Western Michigan QB (VanTubbergen) might be the worst I've ever seen play.

[Atocep]

Logan Thomas is putting on a clinic against Marshall.

[Buccaneer]

In looking at GameTracker, why was it that nearly every time FAMU had the ball, they were penalized 5 yards?

Also, what happened on the play where FAMU had the ball on their 2, was penalized 1 yard and then it showed OSU throwing a 1 yard TD pass?

[Swaggs]

Logan Thomas is putting on a clinic against Marshall.

Is he still atop Mel Kiper's Big Board? ;)

[HerRealName]

In looking at GameTracker, why was it that nearly every time FAMU had the ball, they were penalized 5 yards?

Also, what happened on the play where FAMU had the ball on their 2, was penalized 1 yard and then it showed OSU throwing a 1 yard TD pass?

There was a delay of game, maybe a couple of illegal motion penalties.

I think that is probably from the play that Guiton was intercepted throwing into the end zone. The defender should have take a knee but took it out of the end zone. He was tackled and fumbled at the 2 yard line and Ohio State recovered it. There was a pass interference on the next Ohio State play.

[tarcone]

Iowa CB BJ Lowery Just had his 2nd pick 6. Crazy day for the Hawks.

[Matthean]

Georgia seems to be pulling a Michigan like performance. 21-14 against North Texas.

[JonInMiddleGA]

21-21, North Texas recovers blocked punt in the end zone after sending UGA 3-and-out to start the 2nd half.

[tarcone]

Wow. Iowa wins 59-3. Didnt think we would score that many points in 3 games.

Good stuff.

[Matthean]

Football players from multiple schools mark gear in protest to NCAA - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9702040/football-players-multiple-schools-mark-gear-protest-ncaa)

[Lathum]

Huskies doing what good teams do against FCS opponents, up 21-0 in the first quarter against Idaho State

[PilotMan]

In North Dakota, this is the equivalent of Heidi Klum.



Original. :rolleyes:

[lungs]

Melvin Gordon is struggling so far, with an 11 yards per carry average today, his YPC on the season is dropping.

[mauchow]

Hah, lungs.

I wanna win by about 50 after last week's "loss".

[Tigercat]

Florida and Tennessee is some of the worst college football I've seen in my life. Actually, I think it is safe to just call it the worst.

[miami_fan]

I am not feeling real good about that win over the Gators. Man is this a horrible game.

[mauchow]

Go Rutgers!

[cuervo72]

Man, the Maryland WR are really getting laid out.

[Bigsmooth]

If ULM can get some offense rolling, Baylor could realistically hit 100. Insane.

[RainMaker]

How big of pussies do you have to be to schedule Florida A&M as a major program?

[HerRealName]

How big of pussies do you have to be to schedule Florida A&M as a major program?

0

[Matthean]

How big of pussies do you have to be to schedule Florida A&M as a major program?

I think the thing that rubs people is the lack of OSU's willingness to play a Top 25 team before non-conference play. OSU's "tough" game was going to 1-2 Cal who's lone win is Portland St. OSU comes across as the Auburn of the Big Ten. :lol:

[Matthean]

The next score in the ND/MSU game might win it. Neither QB is completing even 50% of their passes, and I know I wouldn't exactly call the Irish secondary good.

[mckerney]

I think the thing that rubs people is the lack of OSU's willingness to play a Top 25 team before non-conference play. OSU's "tough" game was going to 1-2 Cal who's lone win is Portland St. OSU comes across as the Auburn of the Big Ten. :lol:

Wha? Wasn't Cal was a top 10 team in the country around the time the game would have been schedule? It's not OSUs fault they fell off so far. Going back to 2005 they've played home and home games with Miami, USC, Miami, Washington and Texas. In the next 5 years they have Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Cincinnati and TCU in non conference games (also have Oregon and Texas on the schedule beyond that). They hardly seem unwilling to schedule top 25 teams.

[Matthean]

How could Cal be a Top 10 team since they got beat by Northwestern? OSU is also 2-4 in those tougher games. The list of future teams only OU is of real interest. Anything else seems like using the Saban playbook of taking on a team that is know enough to give credibility, but you know OSU is going to win anyway. I mean, UNC in football? That's the thing giving you cred?

[HerRealName]

I think the thing that rubs people is the lack of OSU's willingness to play a Top 25 team before non-conference play. OSU's "tough" game was going to 1-2 Cal who's lone win is Portland St. OSU comes across as the Auburn of the Big Ten. :lol:

I think you're confused. Up until last year, Michigan did not schedule difficult non-conference schedules at all other than playing an overrated Notre Dame every year. They have the same type of schedule this year. Granted, Michigan has had so many problems beating App State, Utah, Toledo, and Akron that their non-conference schedule may have seemed more difficult to you.

In contrast, Ohio State has played home and home games with USC, Miami, and Texas in recent years. Cal's program did tank since the series was scheduled but Vanderbilt also backed out of their contract to open the season in Columbus this year at the last minute.

Compare these future schedules and draw your own conclusion. FYI, App State is FCS:

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081809aab.html

http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/future_schedules/ohiostate_future.htm

I really don't like when top programs play FCS schools but Oregon and Alabama have FCS schools on the schedule this year as well. I'm sure the payouts are smaller for FCS schools than FBS schools and that's the real motivation.

[mckerney]

How could Cal be a Top 10 team since they got beat by Northwestern? OSU is also 2-4 in those tougher games. The list of future teams only OU is of real interest. Anything else seems like using the Saban playbook of taking on a team that is know enough to give credibility, but you know OSU is going to win anyway. I mean, UNC in football?

I don't think last weeks game was scheduled after Cal's loss to Northwestern. The game was already on the books before the 2009 season when Cal opened the season ranked 12th in the country. Can't blame Ohio State for failing to see that Cal would be terrible by the time they played. Same with Virginia Tech for next year, it's one that looked like it would be a much better matchup when scheduled than it does now.

[MrBug708]

Wha? Wasn't Cal was a top 10 team in the country around the time the game would have been schedule? It's not OSUs fault they fell off so far. Going back to 2005 they've played home and home games with Miami, USC, Miami, Washington and Texas. In the next 5 years they have Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Cincinnati and TCU in non conference games (also have Oregon and Texas on the schedule beyond that). They hardly seem unwilling to schedule top 25 teams.

I believe it was schedule after the 2001 season in which Cal went 1-10

[mauchow]

Wisconsin's running back trio totals for another 300+ yards.

[miked]

Big comeback win from RU. It never should have been 24-7, but it was great to see the team keep balance and come back.

[Matthean]

Florida and Tennessee is some of the worst college football I've seen in my life. Actually, I think it is safe to just call it the worst.

I hope you didn't watch the MSU/ND game. A combined 30-70 passing with MSU in a 4th and 20 on the drive they need to score a TD to win.

[RainMaker]

I don't care about Cal or whatever. But if you are a big time program and scheduling terrible FCS schools, your school is cowardly. And besides that, it is dangerous.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Miami 14-0 over Savannah State. They've played 2:57 of the first quarter.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Driskell done for the season at Florida, ankle injury will require surgery (per ESPN).

Tough for a kid to get hurt but I believe they're better with Murphy at QB.

[RainMaker]

Eastern Illinois up 20-0 on Northern Illinois midway through quarter 1.

[Tigercat]

I hope you didn't watch the MSU/ND game. A combined 30-70 passing with MSU in a 4th and 20 on the drive they need to score a TD to win.

Well in fairness to UT and Florida, the second half of that game was better. But that first half... 7 turnovers in one half with the Tennessee QB throwing some passes that would embarrass a HS QB

[Matthean]

Well in fairness to UT and Florida, the second half of that game was better. But that first half... 7 turnovers in one half with the Tennessee QB throwing some passes that would embarrass a HS QB

I did see the one stat line with 4-11 passing for 5 yards and 2 INTs from the backup QB. It kind of reminds me of last year when Denard went out against Nebraska.

[Lathum]

Wife out for dinner and a movie

Glass of scotch in hand

Baked stuff shells in the oven

Kids asleep in bed

Gonna enjoy the big Mizzou-Indiana FOFC grudge match!

[Swaggs]

WVU in a pretty clear state of decline.

37-0 loss to Maryland.

Holgerson is fine to survive to next season, but the seat will get pretty hot if the offense doesn't start to "click" real soon. Our fan base has been incredibly divided for the last 6-years and the current administration has done a pretty poor job of solidifying things.

[Matthean]

Since Gardner has started for Michigan, no other QB has thrown for more INTs. When Michigan rushes 5+ on third down, teams are succeeding at a 55% clip. Compare that to 35% last year. Michigan has 34 rushing plays for no gain or negative yards. That's the second most of any BCS-AQ school. These are the kinds of trends I'm looking at in what should be an easy win for Michigan.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I did see the one stat line with 4-11 passing for 5 yards and 2 INTs from the backup QB. It kind of reminds me of last year when Denard went out against Nebraska.

That was the guy (Peterman) who started for the Vols today.
Worley, benched for this one, came in to go 10/23, 149, 1 TD/2 INT

[Matthean]

Speak of the devil, Gardner's pass tipped and intercepted.

[Matthean]

That was the guy (Peterman) who started for the Vols today.
Worley, benched for this one, came in to go 10/23, 149, 1 TD/2 INT

I wondered if that was the starter after I wrote that.

[Thomkal]

Coastal Carolina up over Hampton 40-0 at the half...yeah I think they might win.

[MrBug708]

Stanford is still good

[Matthean]

Michigan's OL is terrible. Michigan has had around 5 running plays for zero or negative yards so far. Most of them are for negative yards. This still being the first quarter against UConn. Michigan up 7-0 because Gardner can run.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I wondered if that was the starter after I wrote that.

No biggie of course, ain't neither one of them worth a shit at this point.

There's a true freshman that hasn't played which seems to be the QB of the future anyway (they hope), all today did was increase the chances that he'll see the field sooner rather than later (which was already starting to pick up some steam in the rumor mill anyway).

[DougW]

Michigan's OL is terrible. Michigan has had around 5 running plays for zero or negative yards so far. Most of them are for negative yards. This still being the first quarter against UConn. Michigan up 7-0 because Gardner can run.

Kinda wishing he didn't run so fast, after that -20 yard scamper. Maybe if he was slower, he woulda got caught at the -10 yard mark, lol.

[Swaggs]

Stanford is still good

Shaw has to be an NFL candidate after this season.

[Matthean]

Shaw has to be an NFL candidate after this season.

Texas might be hiring. :lol:

[Matthean]

7-7 Michigan/UConn. #Herewegoagain.

[Atocep]

WVU in a pretty clear state of decline.

37-0 loss to Maryland.

Holgerson is fine to survive to next season, but the seat will get pretty hot if the offense doesn't start to "click" real soon. Our fan base has been incredibly divided for the last 6-years and the current administration has done a pretty poor job of solidifying things.

He needs to settle on a QB to develop. The defense is a lot better than last year and the offense is the result of the top 4 receivers being 3 Jucos and true freshman, the top 3 RBs being a transfer, a juco, and a true freshman, a new offensive line coach, and the quarterback situation being a mess.

The bright side is almost the entire team comes back next year. Holgerson needs to have a QB to take advantage of it though because I don't think he wants to head into next year putting everything in the William Crest basket.

The overall talent level is probably higher than it's ever been from top to bottom. Holgerson needs to find some success next season though or else the "bring back RichRod" crowd will be out in full force.

[General Mike]

Big comeback win from RU. It never should have been 24-7, but it was great to see the team keep balance and come back.

Virtual fist bump.

[Matthean]

Michigan might be entering meltdown mode. A muffed punt return leads to a TD and a INT by Gardner in there as well. 14-7 UConn.

[DougW]

Michigan might be entering meltdown mode. A muffed punt return leads to a TD and a INT by Gardner in there as well. 14-7 UConn.

Some really bad football being played by the Maize and Blue. No one is blocking, Gardner can't throw, defense hasn't even taken the field the last 2 drives. Making the "stupid" mistakes (like letting a punted live ball roll around on your foot)

They look horrible out there right now.

[Swaggs]

He needs to settle on a QB to develop. The defense is a lot better than last year and the offense is the result of the top 4 receivers being 3 Jucos and true freshman, the top 3 RBs being a transfer, a juco, and a true freshman, a new offensive line coach, and the quarterback situation being a mess.

The bright side is almost the entire team comes back next year. Holgerson needs to have a QB to take advantage of it though because I don't think he wants to head into next year putting everything in the William Crest basket.

The overall talent level is probably higher than it's ever been from top to bottom. Holgerson needs to find some success next season though or else the "bring back RichRod" crowd will be out in full force.

Can't argue with anything you are saying, other than perhaps us being as talented as high as it ever has been or that it is a good thing that the entire team returns.

I think the depth is getting there and the drop off from 1/2 team is not as significant in the past, so I see what you are saying, but we really do not have an elite offensive playmaker for the first time in probably ten years (thinking back through the trio of Geno/Stedman/Tavon, Noel Devine, White/Slaton, Rasheed Marshall, etc.). Missing out on Tyler Boyd (to Pitt) and Stefon Diggs (to Maryland) were big losses -- either of those two, or both, would have put up huge numbers for us.

On the QBs, if none of the three have been able to differentiate themselves from one another, then I'm not too confident that anyone on the roster is going to be good enough next year either. I can see Childress developing into something by his Jr. or Sr. year, maybe. I'd like to see us sneak in another transfer or late Juco once Crest has signed his LOI.

[Swaggs]

If I'm not mistaken, no ranked teams have lost (or lost to lower ranked teams) today yet. A couple still going on, with the Michigan/UConn one looking like the only remaining threat.

I was thinking it had felt like a pretty boring game day and I guess this is why.

[Matthean]

If, and I do mean if, Michigan comes back to win this, they might be the first team to win two games and go down in the rankings twice. I don't see how this is a Top 25 team all things considered. This team is highly flawed. The best for them will be getting the forthcoming bye week and two weeks of fundamentals.

[tarcone]

7 turnovers in 2 weeks by Gardner? Thats a bad sign. Who is the back up?

[Matthean]

Gardner fumbles and returned for a TD. 21-7 UConn. Ugh.

[Matthean]

7 turnovers in 2 weeks by Gardner? Thats a bad sign. Who is the back up?

Shane Morris, 4* recruit and considered one of the best QBs from last year. The problem is, I don't think he helps this situation with the line playing as bad as it is.

[Matthean]

Michigan gains its legs enough to score 17 straight for the victory. You can see the potential. It's just buried way deep down.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Whew! (again...)

I think during the bye some blocking drills might be a good idea.

[Solecismic]

The only good thing I saw out of that was some adjustments in the pass rush. That was actually a decent defensive performance out of Michigan.

Gardner, though. His confidence is shot. He's looking run-first now. This won't play well in the Big Ten. It could well be a 6-6 or 7-5 season if he doesn't get his head on straight. Morris isn't the answer yet.

[Matthean]

Twitter / JehuuCaulcrick: I don't understand y everyone ... (https://twitter.com/JehuuCaulcrick/status/381611584952360960)

I don't understand y everyone is making a big deal over Arian Foster saying he got money while he was in college. News flash We all did.

[panerd]

Twitter / JehuuCaulcrick: I don't understand y everyone ... (https://twitter.com/JehuuCaulcrick/status/381611584952360960)

I am starting to wonder with the Johnny Football autograph "scandal", the SI OSU investigation, the Foster article... if this isn't just the breaking point of another thing that we always just assumed was true but didn't really want to know. Kind of like the NSA spying on us, everyone pretty much knew it was happening but finally they were just like "Yeah we spy on you all the time". And much like that story I think the basic reaction from the fans on college players being given money will be complete disinterest.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And much like that story I think the basic reaction from the fans will be complete disinterest.

That increasingly becoming my reaction to college sports in general. If it is indeed as completely & thoroughly corrupt as seems likely at this point, then I'm about ready to say to hell with them all.

After today's little stunt I'm already unable to enjoy any success from my top team's starting QB and half the notable players on the defensive side of the ball, they're just an unlikable bunch of ungrateful punks with little to no character. Once you reach the point of feeling that way about what should your favorite players, how much joy is really left in watching or even following them?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

The only good thing I saw out of that was some adjustments in the pass rush. That was actually a decent defensive performance out of Michigan.

Gardner, though. His confidence is shot. He's looking run-first now. This won't play well in the Big Ten. It could well be a 6-6 or 7-5 season if he doesn't get his head on straight. Morris isn't the answer yet.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the projections of Gardner going pro & being a 1st round pick were premature.

[DougW]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the projections of Gardner going pro & being a 1st round pick were premature.

Definitely premature, in the thought line of he hadn't (hasn't) proven that yet. But, I think the potential is still there. He can definitely scramble, that - he has proven. With the recent success of the mobile QB, teams will take a hard look at QBs that can move & throw. So, the question for his pro future is ... Is he RG3/Colin Kaepernick, or Tim Tebow/Denard Robinson - or something between. (I think he is something between).

But, I don't think we can grade him right now. The offensive line is simply playing horrible, and I can't blame the kid for having happy feet. I'd like to see (and I'm sure NFL scouts would too) what he can do if he has the amount of time a QB should have to throw the ball. Right now, he's at the point where nearly every pass - he forced to move to avoid a sack.

I think we have learned though, that when a pass play is designed - and he is forced to move .. he makes bad throws/decisions.

[mckerney]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the projections of Gardner going pro & being a 1st round pick were premature.

Logan Thomas is still a lock for the top ten though, right? :p

[Matthean]

I think we have learned though, that when a pass play is designed - and he is forced to move .. he makes bad throws/decisions.

And that's going to be the killer. You play behind a bad line? Fine, at least try to make some proper reads and decisions, aka just throw it away if need be. You simply can't screw your team over like he is. You also can't expect to go to the pros and play behind top quality lines. He has tons of talent, but he lacks in basic game manager skills. If this lasts until next year, I'm guessing there will be a wealth of a movement towards giving Morris a shot. I wouldn't be surprise if that movement gains ground this year.

Denard had his own game manager skills issues, but the thing that killed him maybe more than anything was he had the weakest arm of any known QB I can think of.

[Izulde]

And much like that story I think the basic reaction from the fans on college players being given money will be complete disinterest.

I think the question is ultimately going to be, and I think the O'Bannon lawsuit's probable success will go a long way to answering this question, is "Should we formally legalize a player payment system beyond the scholarship, and if yes, what form/structure should that take?"

As Taylor Branch so clearly illustrated, and Seth Davis re-affirmed in his rebuttal to Branch, this type of corruption has been taking place ever since the inception of college sports and college football. Efforts at reform over the ballpark 150 years have all failed miserably for various reasons.

When what I believe to be the inevitable legalization occurs, the NCAA may well be killed off. At the very least, it will undergo massive reform, and the doors will be flung open to even greater booster and corporate sponsorship influence in college sports, making completely open what was formerly under the table.

I wouldn't be shocked in the least to see the big money schools part ways with the NCAA and form their own association, taking all the football money with them and greatly devaluing the NCAA's men's basketball money, which will further weaken the NCAA and hasten its demise.

Hell, they can't even agree on the proposed $2,000 COL stipend being added on to the current scholarship package. The large schools who have the cash all approve it, but the smaller schools, who don't have the resources and would be put at further competitive disadvantage, keep blocking it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Great to see Mizzou continue to click on offense again this week. Averaging 46 PPG right now and scored 45 on the road. More importantly, the defense shut down what had been a pretty potent offense for Indiana. Two of the touchdowns were late in mop-up duty when the game was already decided.

Great to get a road win. Also, congrats to Coach Pinkel on equaling Dan Devine's win total of 93 games at Mizzou. Next up, Don Faurot.

[DougW]

I'm guessing there will be a wealth of a movement towards giving Morris a shot. I wouldn't be surprise if that movement gains ground this year.


I certainly thought it, multiple times, tonight.

But, after these last couple games, I'm left with the thoughts .. "we're f**k*d, this O-Line can't handle the Big 10".

[Solecismic]

I certainly thought it, multiple times, tonight.

But, after these last couple games, I'm left with the thoughts .. "we're f**k*d, this O-Line can't handle the Big 10".

I think they can be a strength down the road, and certainly the tackles are excellent. The interior, especially Miller, does need to improve. To me, the problem is Toussaint. Before his big injury (and before and after all his little injuries), he was a master at squaring up and bursting through holes. I figured he'd wind up a first-day pick in the NFL from the first day I saw him in mop-up time as a freshman.

Now, he pussy-foots like Barry Sanders' dance instructor trying to teach the lindy to Simon Cowell. He runs to the sidelines when the tackles are clearing out a defensive end. He gives stunting linebackers a chance to trip him in the backfield.

I'd consider giving Morris a shot if Gardner can't recapture what he had against Notre Dame. Which is, basically, confidence and avoiding the disaster reads that lead to turnovers. But that would be admitting 2013 can't be a 14-game season.

However... Monday, in practice, I want Derrick Green installed as the #1.

[Matthean]

Green has limited carries, but he hasn't done much. He was after all the #3 RB until an injury moved him up. Again, the OL isn't helping either. Oh, I would love to see him get some meaningful reps.

[Kodos]

Great to see Mizzou continue to click on offense again this week. Averaging 46 PPG right now and scored 45 on the road. More importantly, the defense shut down what had been a pretty potent offense for Indiana. Two of the touchdowns were late in mop-up duty when the game was already decided.

Great to get a road win. Also, congrats to Coach Pinkel on equaling Dan Devine's win total of 93 games at Mizzou. Next up, Don Faurot.

You guys beat us pretty thoroughly last night. Sudfeld seemed off, and Roberson hasn't played well this year. I thought we would at least be competitive, but we weren't. Our defense is still lacking in Big Ten-level talent. Still had a good time at the game, but the result was disappointing.

[markprior22]

Wow. Iowa wins 59-3. Didnt think we would score that many points in 3 games.

Good stuff.

Went to the game yesterday...my first Iowa game in overt 10 yrs. Was so nice to relax and enjoy the game with no tension. Can't remember the last time Iowa had a win like this.

[JPhillips]

The Michigan center might as well have not shown up. That DT for UConn just abused him.

[Logan]

Pretty cool article in the NY Times today about Rutgers' RB Paul James, who has gone from being a walk-on to currently leading the country in rushing.

A Rutgers Walk-On Rushes to the Top - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/sports/ncaafootball/a-rutgers-walk-on-rushes-to-the-top-of-the-list.html?_r=0)

And now out, at least a few weeks, with a lower leg injury. Speculation is he broke his fibula.

Hopefully he can rehab quickly. Tough break for a great kid.

[bob]

That increasingly becoming my reaction to college sports in general. If it is indeed as completely & thoroughly corrupt as seems likely at this point, then I'm about ready to say to hell with them all.

After today's little stunt I'm already unable to enjoy any success from my top team's starting QB and half the notable players on the defensive side of the ball, they're just an unlikable bunch of ungrateful punks with little to no character. Once you reach the point of feeling that way about what should your favorite players, how much joy is really left in watching or even following them?

Talking about Vad Lee?

[MrBug708]

UCLA played pretty badly vs NMSU all things considered but I'm happy that we've reached a point where we play horrible and still beat a bad team by 45 points.

Two of three games have seen UCLA not bothering to punt

UCLA also ran their first offensive play with just 10 men to honor Nick Pasquale.