1. Who impressed you the most with their Week 1 performance?
On offense, it was the Harris-Hankerson connection. On a team with a lot of good receivers, Hankerson is still the first option on most plays. Hankerson can line up anywhere, which is part of the reason FAMU couldn't account for his whereabouts at times.
Defensively, there was a reason Oliver Vernon was not accounted for as part of my preseason preview. But there's a reason he's being mentioned here. In a half against the Rattlers, he had 2.5 sacks and five tackles. Which is after having 1.5 sacks in all of 2009. Ray Ray Armstrong and Sean Spence made big plays out there and Allan Bailey spent most of his playing time fighting off double-teams. But Vernon was the Miami defense on Thursday.
2. Based on their Week 1 performance, what area(s) does the team need to improve on the most?
These are probably going to be recurring themes throughout 2010, but I would like to see them run more effectively between the tackles and I'd like to see the defense stop overpursuing on misdirection plays. The words "stay at home" sometimes escapes the Hurricane defense's vocabulary.
3. Which back-up or newcomer earned more playing time with their performance in last weeks game?
Lamar Miller is going to get more touches as the year goes on whether I lobby for it or not. Randy Shannon knows what he has in Miller, and that's a C.J. Spiller-type who can potentially find the end zone from anywhere on the field. Miller isn't just fast, he's fast in pads.
4. What are the major question marks that still surround the team headed into Week 2?
While the offensive line kept Harris' jersey clean in his limited duty Thursday, Miami's blocking schemes involved a lot of short-count passes and off-tackle running plays. They really didn't get an effective push agaisnt the FAMU defensive line. Given that Ohio State's front seven might be the strongest part of their team, that could be a problem if Harris holds onto the ball too long.
5. Are you more or less confident in your teams ultimate success this year after Week 1?
In that Miami looked good against a team that they should have and did give 40 lashes to? Yes. But all they proved in Week 1 is that they're worlds better than Florida A&M. While there were a lot of things I saw that I liked, there's no way to know that they'll work against the big boys until UM goes out and proves it.
6. What needs to happen in order to secure a victory in Week 2?
Let's start with the hyena in the corner first.
Yes, the 2003 Fiesta Bowl was a bad night and yes, I wish the back judge had pulled out his flag a little faster and yes, I threw up in my mouth a little for even thinking about it. But other than the coaches, no one who played in Tempe, Ariz. is playing on Saturday. Yes, UM's football alums can live vicariously through the 2010 roster...that's always been the way at Miami anyway. But it has nothing to do with the game this coming week for either team. What Saturday's game actually is about is simple: Ohio State is looking to prove they belong in the National Title conversation and Miami wants to get there.
The Hurricanes came out of the gate against FAMU in a spread no-huddle offense and zipped it down the field in seven fast-paced plays, which put the Rattlers on their heels immediately and they stayed there for the rest of the night. They gave FAMU (and by extension, the Ohio State film room) a small taste of what that formation is capable of. In order to win on Saturday, they need to wheel out the whole buffet cart. Miami needs to hit them early, jump out to a lead early, and don't let them speed up the game by allowing them to pound the ball.
On defense, the game plan needs to be to contain QB Terrelle Pryor in the pocket and make him win the game by throwing. Let six of the front seven worry about the Bucks' running backs and have one Hurricane --most likely Spence-- to know what flavor of chewing gum Pryor is by the end of the game.
This is a classic boxer v. puncher matchup, and it's really a question of whether Miami can land enough haymakers in order to win. I'm just concerned that Ohio State has plenty of sting of its own and can win this game without constantly having to swing for the fence like UM has to.
Showing posts with label 2010 NCAAF - week one. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 NCAAF - week one. Show all posts
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Game Re-Cap: TCU 30 Oregon State 21
This was the game I was most looking forward to on Saturday night. I had TCU ranked at #11 and Oregon State at #17 in my pre-season poll.
First Quarter
Oregon State won the toss and elected to receive. Sophomore QB Ryan Katz was sacked on the second play of the game and fumbled but OSU luckily recovered. OSU went three and out on their first drive on 3 pass attempts. TCU got the ball and made a first down but then Andy Dalton threw it right to OSU’s Lance Mitchell. Mitchell made the interception and returned it into TCU territory. Two plays later Katz hit a wide open James Rodgers in the end zone.
First Quarter
Oregon State won the toss and elected to receive. Sophomore QB Ryan Katz was sacked on the second play of the game and fumbled but OSU luckily recovered. OSU went three and out on their first drive on 3 pass attempts. TCU got the ball and made a first down but then Andy Dalton threw it right to OSU’s Lance Mitchell. Mitchell made the interception and returned it into TCU territory. Two plays later Katz hit a wide open James Rodgers in the end zone.
Oregon State 7 TCU 0
TCU’s best play in the early going was Andy Dalton scrambling. Dalton hit a nice 51 yard pass to Skye Dawson to set up TCU in the red zone. TCU put together a 9-play drive culminating in a TD run by Andy Dalton.
Oregon State 7 TCU 7
Oregon State broke out their Wild Beaver set on their next drive (insert your joke here). Oregon State missed a 47 yard FG wide left. OSU’s Stephen Paea came up with a big sack of Dalton on 3rd and 9 to end the quarter.
Second Quarter
Oregon State faked a punt and got 22 yards and a first down. Apparently their punter was a QB in High School. On the very next play Katz connected with Jordan Bishop for a 34 yard TD pass. It’s amazing how quickly momentum can change in College Football.
Oregon State 14 TCU 7
TCU put together a strong drive that culminated in a short 1 yard TD pass by Dalton on a play-action roll-out.
Oregon State 14 TCU 14
The teams traded the ball back and forth. OSU hit a really low punt and TCU’s Kerley took it back to the OSU 23 with 2 and a half minutes to go in the half. Ed Wesley finished off the short field with an 8 yard TD run to give TCU the lead for the first time in the game.
TCU 21 Oregon State 14
Third Quarter
TCU took the ball all the way down the field and looked like they were going to take full control of the game but OSU came up with an interception in the red zone. OSU drove the ball down the field behind the Rodgers’ brothers and tied it up on a Jacquizz run. Jacquizz really came alive in that last drive.
Oregon State 21 TCU 21
TCU responded to OSU’s scoring drive by moving down the field systematically. Andy Dalton took it in for a TD on a QB keeper out of the Pistol formation.
TCU 28 Oregon State 21
Fourth Quarter
Andy Dalton converted a big 3rd and 7 with a QB sneak with 7 minutes left in the game. Oregon State stopped TCU on the next 3rd down conversion and they got the ball back with 4 minutes left in the game. On OSU’s first play of the drive the center snapped the ball over Katz’s head and Katz kicked the ball through the end zone for a safety.
TCU 30 Oregon State 21
After getting the ball back after the safety TCU ran out the clock by staying on the ground and won the game.
Final Score: TCU 30 Oregon State 21
Big win by TCU as this is one of the two toughest games on their schedule. TCU has one of the easiest remaining schedules in the nation with only Utah and BYU left as legitimate tests. TCU's experience really showed down the stretch and the huge botched snap by Oregon State was too much for them to overcome.
Player of the Game
Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
17 for 27 for 175 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
15 rushes for 64 yds, 2 TD
15 rushes for 64 yds, 2 TD
Star Watch
Ed Wesley, RB, TCU
17 carries for 134 yds, 1 TD
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, OSU
18 carries for 75 yds, 1 TD
James Rodgers, WR, OSU
4 rec for 74 yds, 1 TD
Ed Wesley, RB, TCU
17 carries for 134 yds, 1 TD
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, OSU
18 carries for 75 yds, 1 TD
James Rodgers, WR, OSU
4 rec for 74 yds, 1 TD
Georgia Bulldogs Victory Notes
Georgia opened their season today with an impressive 55 to 7 victory over their Sun Belt opponent the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. Georgia debuted both a redshirt freshman Quarterback and Todd Grantham's new 3-4 defense. The big news of the day before the game was that the University of Georgia was holding star receiver A.J. Green out of the game because the NCAA has not made a ruling if he is guilty of a violation (Georgia's lawyers are on the case now). Georgia was also without last years leading rusher Washuan Ealey and starting WR Tavarres King because of off the field issues, both served a one-game suspension.
The story of the game was Aaron Murray. He looked very comfortable and for the most part made good decisions. He showed good accuracy on the majority of his throws and he showed the ability to make plays with his feet when the play broke down in the pocket. Murray played 2 quarters and some change and finished with 160 yards on 17 of 26 with 3 TD and 1 INT (also had 42 yards rushing and 1 TD). Murray's back-up true freshman Hutson Mason made a very impressive debut in the 3rd quarter when he entered the game and on his very first play from scrimmage hit former QB Logan Gray on a 26 yard TD strike.
Staying with offense, the much touted offensive line didn't quite live up to the standards my mind had made up for it but I'm sure it will get better as the season goes on and they have a better opportunity to gel. Caleb King got the start at RB and didn't play much but did gain 47 yards on 10 carries and had an impressive 20 yard TD jaunt. Third string RB Carlton Thomas was the leading rusher with 61 yards on 13 carries and probably earned some playing time with his effort. The star of the backs today was solid senior FB Shaun Chapas who went about his business as usual being the unheralded blocker but he also got the opportunity today to grab a TD pass. For the receivers, Kris Durham really had a good game (with the exception of a drop that turned into an INT) as he pulled in 5 passes for 83 yards and a TD. I was a little disappointed that the TEs were not involved more but Orson Charles did have a couple of catches.
The defense looked really good with the exception of one play where Bacarri Rambo bit on a fake and got beat for a 60 yard TD. The defense gave up only 126 yards for the entire game (and 60 on that one play). One of the major points for the Georgia defense was to cause turnovers and the defense had 3 interceptions. Brandon Boykin got one early, Jakar "Hitman" Hamilton grabbed a pick six in the second half and Sanders Commings made a beautiful one handed grab towards the end of the game. The LBs played a very good game. I was most impressed with Christian Robinson as he seemed to be in on a lot of tackles, was seen stuffing the run on multiple occassions and when he hit guys they went down. Justin Houston, Akeem Dent and Akeem Hebron all recorded sacks on the day. Another player I came away impressed with was true freshman T.J. Stripling. Stripling got some playing time late and was in on some tackles and did a good job of getting after the QB on multiple occasions.
The unit that I came away most impressed with was the Special Teams unit. It started off kind of shaky when Georgia gave up a 46 yard KO return to start the game but everything from then on went well. Kicker Blair Walsh looked great as he connected on FGs of 52 and 48. Punter Drew Butler averaged 46.7 yards per kick on 6 punts. New PR Branden Smith looked very good in his new role as he averaged 17 yards per return, made some smart fair catches and held onto the football. KO return stud Brandon Boykin also had a good return of 31 yards. The strength of Georgia's Special Teams should factor into a game or two later on in the season.
Victory Notes:
- Last year Georgia ranked 118th out of 120 teams in turnover margin. Today they had 3 takeaways and only 1 giveaway.
- Hutson Mason became the 8th player in Divison I-A (FBS) history to throw a TD on his first college pass.
- Georgia held the Cajuns to just 5 first downs.
- Georgia committed 5 penalties for 30 yards. Last year Georgia ranked 106th with an average of 8 per game for 67 yards.
- Despite missing both starting WRs the Bulldogs spread the football around as 10 players made catches.
- 55 pts is most scored in a Georgia opener since 1998 when they beat Kent 56 to 3.
- OL Trinton Sturdivant did not play due to a stomach bug.
- Branden Smith became the first player since Champ Bailey to start a game on offense, defense and special teams.
- Russ is now 3-0 as the temporary mascot.
- Richt says Washaun Ealey and Tavarres King will play against South Carolina. Can't comment on status of A.J. Green.
Next Up for Georgia: at South Carolina
The story of the game was Aaron Murray. He looked very comfortable and for the most part made good decisions. He showed good accuracy on the majority of his throws and he showed the ability to make plays with his feet when the play broke down in the pocket. Murray played 2 quarters and some change and finished with 160 yards on 17 of 26 with 3 TD and 1 INT (also had 42 yards rushing and 1 TD). Murray's back-up true freshman Hutson Mason made a very impressive debut in the 3rd quarter when he entered the game and on his very first play from scrimmage hit former QB Logan Gray on a 26 yard TD strike.
Staying with offense, the much touted offensive line didn't quite live up to the standards my mind had made up for it but I'm sure it will get better as the season goes on and they have a better opportunity to gel. Caleb King got the start at RB and didn't play much but did gain 47 yards on 10 carries and had an impressive 20 yard TD jaunt. Third string RB Carlton Thomas was the leading rusher with 61 yards on 13 carries and probably earned some playing time with his effort. The star of the backs today was solid senior FB Shaun Chapas who went about his business as usual being the unheralded blocker but he also got the opportunity today to grab a TD pass. For the receivers, Kris Durham really had a good game (with the exception of a drop that turned into an INT) as he pulled in 5 passes for 83 yards and a TD. I was a little disappointed that the TEs were not involved more but Orson Charles did have a couple of catches.
The defense looked really good with the exception of one play where Bacarri Rambo bit on a fake and got beat for a 60 yard TD. The defense gave up only 126 yards for the entire game (and 60 on that one play). One of the major points for the Georgia defense was to cause turnovers and the defense had 3 interceptions. Brandon Boykin got one early, Jakar "Hitman" Hamilton grabbed a pick six in the second half and Sanders Commings made a beautiful one handed grab towards the end of the game. The LBs played a very good game. I was most impressed with Christian Robinson as he seemed to be in on a lot of tackles, was seen stuffing the run on multiple occassions and when he hit guys they went down. Justin Houston, Akeem Dent and Akeem Hebron all recorded sacks on the day. Another player I came away impressed with was true freshman T.J. Stripling. Stripling got some playing time late and was in on some tackles and did a good job of getting after the QB on multiple occasions.
The unit that I came away most impressed with was the Special Teams unit. It started off kind of shaky when Georgia gave up a 46 yard KO return to start the game but everything from then on went well. Kicker Blair Walsh looked great as he connected on FGs of 52 and 48. Punter Drew Butler averaged 46.7 yards per kick on 6 punts. New PR Branden Smith looked very good in his new role as he averaged 17 yards per return, made some smart fair catches and held onto the football. KO return stud Brandon Boykin also had a good return of 31 yards. The strength of Georgia's Special Teams should factor into a game or two later on in the season.
Victory Notes:
- Last year Georgia ranked 118th out of 120 teams in turnover margin. Today they had 3 takeaways and only 1 giveaway.
- Hutson Mason became the 8th player in Divison I-A (FBS) history to throw a TD on his first college pass.
- Georgia held the Cajuns to just 5 first downs.
- Georgia committed 5 penalties for 30 yards. Last year Georgia ranked 106th with an average of 8 per game for 67 yards.
- Despite missing both starting WRs the Bulldogs spread the football around as 10 players made catches.
- 55 pts is most scored in a Georgia opener since 1998 when they beat Kent 56 to 3.
- OL Trinton Sturdivant did not play due to a stomach bug.
- Branden Smith became the first player since Champ Bailey to start a game on offense, defense and special teams.
- Russ is now 3-0 as the temporary mascot.
- Richt says Washaun Ealey and Tavarres King will play against South Carolina. Can't comment on status of A.J. Green.
Next Up for Georgia: at South Carolina
Game Re-Cap Southern Miss @ South Carolina
Southern Mississippi @ South Carolina
9/2/10
1st Quarter
Columbia is super jacked at the start of the game, and the anticipation of carrying out the expectations this edition of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Southern Miss coming into a rowdy environment creates a lot of pressure early and holds SC to a 3 and out. Southern Miss runs a form of the spread offense and seem content with dumping the ball off to receivers on short passes and screens and the recievers have to work for their yards. This comes with some success early. The offensive line holds up to the pressure that SC brings, but a deflection of a pass over the middle ends in a Holloman interception at the SC15. South Carolina takes the ball on a long penalty filled drive, including three SC false start penalties. Marcus Lattimore had his first rush as Gamecock. The drive ends as Garcia scrambles to the 5 then takes a hit, spins into the endzone for a touchdown.
Steven Garcia 22 yard run 5:43
South Carolina 7-0
USM finds a South Carolina linebacking core falling down on the job, in letting Morris get wide open over the middle for a 55 yard gain. The drive stalls as Davis, the QB bobbles a snap and has to fall on it at the Carolina 15, and USM settles for three.
Hrapmann 33 yard FG 1:23
South Carolina 7-3
The USM pressure has started to wane, as Lattimore gets two more carries. There hasn't been too much bad in South Carolina's game but one thing that troubles me is bad clock management. Garcia is set to run a play everyone is lined up, but Garcia is confused or just plain looses track of time as the first comes to an end.
2nd Quarter
Garcia throws a ball just outside of Jefferies reach, which could have resulted in a long gain. South Carolina has a long drive thanks to a huge gift of a 3rd down holding penalty in the secondary that gives Carolina a first down. Drive ends on a Lanning FG.
Lanning 36 yard FG 11:57
South Carolina 10-3
USM goes 3 and out on two incomplete passes and a sack. Carolina takes good field position and reels off the most important play of the game. USC catches Southern Miss completely off guard with a reverse to Ace Saunders. This is the first misdirection play of the game and it goes for 52 yards to the 10. This play took the wind out of the USM sails as well as the beginning of Spurrier opening the playbook and showing the diversity contained within. This is not a vanilla offense, but there is a lot that can be done with South Carolina's personnel. The drive ends in Marcus Lattimore's first touchdown of his hopefully long and storied career.
Lattimore 3 yard run 9:48
South Carolina 17-3
USM answers with the worse offensive effort of the game. Three and out, and Carolina takes over looking to put a nail in the coffin. Carolina brings Connor Shaw into the game as a WR to block for Gilmore. South Carolina marches down for another Lattimore touchdown run.
Lattimore 7yard run 7:03
South Carolina 24-3
USM starts another drive dinking and dunking to the recievers. Davis's longest pass on the drive was 12 yards. Davis could pass Farve in many categories and if this is their offense I am willing to bet attempt and completions are two categories in that list. The drive stalls at the Carolina 19, where Hrapmann hits a field goal.
Hrapmann 36 yard FG 1:58
South Carolina 24-6
Connor Shaw comes in for his first series in college football. He is not afraid to take off if he doesn't see what he is looking for downfield. It is reminiscent of Garcia's first days at the helm. Palmer makes a great point on commentary as he notes that Shaw has composure not seen too often from Freshmen QB's. Southern Miss brings the dogs but when the pocket collapses Shaw doesn't take the sack but keeps moving upfield. Once again USC has issues with clock management, in letting the clock run out while possessing the ball at the USM 33.
Halftime
3rd Quarter
USM starts the second half with a three and out. Garcia takes the ball and barely overthrows his receiver in the end zone. Southern Miss forces Carolina to punt when a very telling penalty ensues. Southern Miss has an illegal participation penalty. This penalty shows that the coaches are not organized and the players heads are not in the game at this point. When I played on high school and the punt team was supposed to go on the field I knew it was my time to run out there because I paid attention to the game. I also knew when someone else was to go in for me. Carolina cashes in on the mistake with a Lanning field goal.
Lanning 42 yard FG 9:35
South Carolina 27-6
After another USM three and out, Carolina advances the ball with a Garcia 46 yard pass to Jeffery. Garcia makes a heads up play once at the goal line. Garcia runs and gets POPPED and shoved backwards from the goal line however as he gets hit he extends the ball into the end zone and after a review it is ruled a touchdown. It is a moment that may not be repeated against better defenses, as better defenders would see the ball and swipe it from the quarterback's grasp. As it is, its a nice way to cap off a 92 yard drive.
Garcia 3 yard run 4:43
South Carolina 34-6
Southern Miss takes the ball and drives down the field, reaching the USC28 as time expires.
4th Quarter
Southern Miss's 70 yard drive ends after VJ Floyd fumbles at the USC17, and Slaughter returns it for 54 yards. Connor Shaw comes in to lead the 29 yard drive, capped with his first TD pass to DL Moore.
Shaw 15 yard pass to Moore 11:19
South Carolina 41-6
Both teams seem to have lost life, as has the crowd. The teams are working to melt the clock. USM has two drives end on downs. Tampa Freshman Andrew Clifford comes in and throws his first pass which is intercepted. He ends the game with a -200.0 passer rating. USM's bright spot is Young who comes in and moves the ball down the field for the final score of the game.
Young 29 yard pass to Brown 1:33
South Carolina 41-13
In another slightly less important bit of clock management Southern Miss lets the clock roll on the game even as they drove to the SC10. Not fully knowing what to expect with South Carolina this was a pleasant surprise. Coming in I could see everything from dropping the game to a blowout. I know some of the result is due to USM's inept offense, which could not muster much in the way of scoring.
Player of the Game
Usually the best stat producer should go here, but the theme that ran throughout the game was where USC is going. I am giving the award to Lattimore and Shaw who come in and make big contributions, even if their numbers aren't overly impressive, in their first game.
Marcus Lattimore
14 rushes, 54 yards, 2 TD
Connor Shaw
4/5, 32 yards, 1 TD
Star Watch
Stephen Garcia
16/23, 193 yards
D. Brown
4 rec, 65 yards, 1 TD
9/2/10
1st Quarter
Columbia is super jacked at the start of the game, and the anticipation of carrying out the expectations this edition of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Southern Miss coming into a rowdy environment creates a lot of pressure early and holds SC to a 3 and out. Southern Miss runs a form of the spread offense and seem content with dumping the ball off to receivers on short passes and screens and the recievers have to work for their yards. This comes with some success early. The offensive line holds up to the pressure that SC brings, but a deflection of a pass over the middle ends in a Holloman interception at the SC15. South Carolina takes the ball on a long penalty filled drive, including three SC false start penalties. Marcus Lattimore had his first rush as Gamecock. The drive ends as Garcia scrambles to the 5 then takes a hit, spins into the endzone for a touchdown.
Steven Garcia 22 yard run 5:43
South Carolina 7-0
USM finds a South Carolina linebacking core falling down on the job, in letting Morris get wide open over the middle for a 55 yard gain. The drive stalls as Davis, the QB bobbles a snap and has to fall on it at the Carolina 15, and USM settles for three.
Hrapmann 33 yard FG 1:23
South Carolina 7-3
The USM pressure has started to wane, as Lattimore gets two more carries. There hasn't been too much bad in South Carolina's game but one thing that troubles me is bad clock management. Garcia is set to run a play everyone is lined up, but Garcia is confused or just plain looses track of time as the first comes to an end.
2nd Quarter
Garcia throws a ball just outside of Jefferies reach, which could have resulted in a long gain. South Carolina has a long drive thanks to a huge gift of a 3rd down holding penalty in the secondary that gives Carolina a first down. Drive ends on a Lanning FG.
Lanning 36 yard FG 11:57
South Carolina 10-3
USM goes 3 and out on two incomplete passes and a sack. Carolina takes good field position and reels off the most important play of the game. USC catches Southern Miss completely off guard with a reverse to Ace Saunders. This is the first misdirection play of the game and it goes for 52 yards to the 10. This play took the wind out of the USM sails as well as the beginning of Spurrier opening the playbook and showing the diversity contained within. This is not a vanilla offense, but there is a lot that can be done with South Carolina's personnel. The drive ends in Marcus Lattimore's first touchdown of his hopefully long and storied career.
Lattimore 3 yard run 9:48
South Carolina 17-3
USM answers with the worse offensive effort of the game. Three and out, and Carolina takes over looking to put a nail in the coffin. Carolina brings Connor Shaw into the game as a WR to block for Gilmore. South Carolina marches down for another Lattimore touchdown run.
Lattimore 7yard run 7:03
South Carolina 24-3
USM starts another drive dinking and dunking to the recievers. Davis's longest pass on the drive was 12 yards. Davis could pass Farve in many categories and if this is their offense I am willing to bet attempt and completions are two categories in that list. The drive stalls at the Carolina 19, where Hrapmann hits a field goal.
Hrapmann 36 yard FG 1:58
South Carolina 24-6
Connor Shaw comes in for his first series in college football. He is not afraid to take off if he doesn't see what he is looking for downfield. It is reminiscent of Garcia's first days at the helm. Palmer makes a great point on commentary as he notes that Shaw has composure not seen too often from Freshmen QB's. Southern Miss brings the dogs but when the pocket collapses Shaw doesn't take the sack but keeps moving upfield. Once again USC has issues with clock management, in letting the clock run out while possessing the ball at the USM 33.
Halftime
3rd Quarter
USM starts the second half with a three and out. Garcia takes the ball and barely overthrows his receiver in the end zone. Southern Miss forces Carolina to punt when a very telling penalty ensues. Southern Miss has an illegal participation penalty. This penalty shows that the coaches are not organized and the players heads are not in the game at this point. When I played on high school and the punt team was supposed to go on the field I knew it was my time to run out there because I paid attention to the game. I also knew when someone else was to go in for me. Carolina cashes in on the mistake with a Lanning field goal.
Lanning 42 yard FG 9:35
South Carolina 27-6
After another USM three and out, Carolina advances the ball with a Garcia 46 yard pass to Jeffery. Garcia makes a heads up play once at the goal line. Garcia runs and gets POPPED and shoved backwards from the goal line however as he gets hit he extends the ball into the end zone and after a review it is ruled a touchdown. It is a moment that may not be repeated against better defenses, as better defenders would see the ball and swipe it from the quarterback's grasp. As it is, its a nice way to cap off a 92 yard drive.
Garcia 3 yard run 4:43
South Carolina 34-6
Southern Miss takes the ball and drives down the field, reaching the USC28 as time expires.
4th Quarter
Southern Miss's 70 yard drive ends after VJ Floyd fumbles at the USC17, and Slaughter returns it for 54 yards. Connor Shaw comes in to lead the 29 yard drive, capped with his first TD pass to DL Moore.
Shaw 15 yard pass to Moore 11:19
South Carolina 41-6
Both teams seem to have lost life, as has the crowd. The teams are working to melt the clock. USM has two drives end on downs. Tampa Freshman Andrew Clifford comes in and throws his first pass which is intercepted. He ends the game with a -200.0 passer rating. USM's bright spot is Young who comes in and moves the ball down the field for the final score of the game.
Young 29 yard pass to Brown 1:33
South Carolina 41-13
In another slightly less important bit of clock management Southern Miss lets the clock roll on the game even as they drove to the SC10. Not fully knowing what to expect with South Carolina this was a pleasant surprise. Coming in I could see everything from dropping the game to a blowout. I know some of the result is due to USM's inept offense, which could not muster much in the way of scoring.
Player of the Game
Usually the best stat producer should go here, but the theme that ran throughout the game was where USC is going. I am giving the award to Lattimore and Shaw who come in and make big contributions, even if their numbers aren't overly impressive, in their first game.
Marcus Lattimore
14 rushes, 54 yards, 2 TD
Connor Shaw
4/5, 32 yards, 1 TD
Star Watch
Stephen Garcia
16/23, 193 yards
D. Brown
4 rec, 65 yards, 1 TD
Friday, September 3, 2010
Game Re-Cap: Miami 45, Florida A&M 0
A collection of random and not-so-random thoughts regarding Miami's 2010 debut:
-First off, let's call Thursday's game what it was: A sparring match. The FAMU band would have put up more of a fight.
-If Miami can go to Columbus and run their hurry-up spread even three-quarters as effectively against Ohio State as they ran it against FAMU, look out. If this were boxing, the Buckeyes now have to at least respect the Hurricanes' right hook, because UM proved tonight it's got some sting, Granted, Jacory Harris is going to have about half the time against OSU to make his reads and a lot of those reads were of the three-step-single-receiver persuasion, but they had a clear game plan and an identity from the word go. And it worked. Boy howdy, did it work. Best way to deal with a shaky o-line? Don't have the ball long enough to get hit.
-Miami played as well on defense as they needed to, sacks aside. They still seemed to have a tendency to fall sucker to counter plays in overpursuit. No doubt Rattlers HC Joe Taylor (a good coach with not enough ammunition in Junior Varsity Tallahassee) saw that on film and tried to exploit it. The big problem is that everything that FAMU did on offense that worked, OSU does all of it better with better personnel.
-Memo to ESPN's Dave Weekley: When a field goal doinks off the crossbar, don't say "It had the distance". If it hit the crossbar, it did not have the distance. Otherwise it wouldn't have hit the crossbar. Better living through physics. Then again, this was for ESPN 3, so it shouldn't stun me that the R-Team of announcers was in Miami to cover this. Also, he said "It's all about The U" more times than Uncle Luke said it in the song. Difference is I don't think Weeklely was at Club Rolexx in Luke's office (and by "office", I mean "tip rail") after the game. No, Billy Corben briefly in the booth to plug "The U" on DVD, where are you going? There's cake!
-Thank you, Leonard Hankerson, for making me look like a genius when I called him an offensive lynchpin last week. In a half, Hankerson had 6 catches, 115 yards and 2 TDs. Then again, FAMU's secondary also deserves credit for making me look good by barely covering him. But I'll take all the help I can.
-Miami's running game attempts were OK at best. If they can't push FAMU of the ball, it doesn't bode well that they can carry Ohio State, or even anyone in the ACC, off the line. Expect a lot more off-tackle running plays as the season goes on. Especially from Lamar Miller, who I knew had wings, but I didn't realize he had a jet-pack to go with it. The running backs catching passes in the flat just might BE the best version of Miami's running game. Which is weird to say for a team that's so flush in RB talent.
-Sidenote: Watching the "Training Days With Alabama" piece reminded me of a something Don Shula said just after Saban left the Dolphins to take the head job in Tuscaloosa: "The guy likes to hear himself talk." Granted, Shula was bitter at the time and I still might be bitter now, but titles or not, everything out of Saban's mouth sounds like it comes from The Great Big Book Of Generic Coachspeak. It's OK, Alabama; one day it will be you. Nick Saban is like Tiger Woods if you replaced "Porn stars and Perkins waitresses" with "head coaching jobs".
-Speaking of sidenotes and ex-Dolphin coaches, there was Pitt with a win over Utah on the road in hand, only to blow it in true Wannstedtian fashion. First, the game-winning TD gets called back via penalty, then the first play in overtime results in a Pitt INT and then Utah runs 48 draw plays in a row in order to win, accompanied by 394 camera shots of the Pitt student body watching the game. There they were in one place, a generation lost in space. Which can happen to any group forced to watch a Dave Wannstedt-coached team.
-After throwing a pick in his first series, A.J. Highsmith got a quicker hook than Matt Leinart got with the Arizona Cardinals, though he did get a second chance. Not that No. 3 QB Spencer Whipple was given a ton to do or was any great shakes. The backup quarterbacks only emphasized the point that if Harris goes down, the season goes with him.
-Graig Cooper sighting happened in the 3rd quarter when it's 42-0. Clearly he had post-injury syndrome, which is both to be expecting and not encouraging. Seantrel Henderson came in for mop-up duty in the second half after spending the first half using his back for the end zone LCD screen. Storm Johnson didn't dress, though, which means he can still be redshirted. But really, he can just as soon not play this year and let ESPN tell Bill Brasky-esque folk tales about him and it won't do anything but help his rep.
In summation: Florida A&M, to paraphrase Dennis Green, were who Miami thought they were: A good work-out-the-kinks opponent. Winning against the Rattlers in a rout wasn't going to make anyone serve notice to any higher aspirations: that's a job for next week. But they did serve notice that win or lose this could be a fun team to watch in 2010, and it's been a long time since I've been able to say that about any Hurricanes team. Call me encouraged but wary of an actual challenge.
-First off, let's call Thursday's game what it was: A sparring match. The FAMU band would have put up more of a fight.
-If Miami can go to Columbus and run their hurry-up spread even three-quarters as effectively against Ohio State as they ran it against FAMU, look out. If this were boxing, the Buckeyes now have to at least respect the Hurricanes' right hook, because UM proved tonight it's got some sting, Granted, Jacory Harris is going to have about half the time against OSU to make his reads and a lot of those reads were of the three-step-single-receiver persuasion, but they had a clear game plan and an identity from the word go. And it worked. Boy howdy, did it work. Best way to deal with a shaky o-line? Don't have the ball long enough to get hit.
-Miami played as well on defense as they needed to, sacks aside. They still seemed to have a tendency to fall sucker to counter plays in overpursuit. No doubt Rattlers HC Joe Taylor (a good coach with not enough ammunition in Junior Varsity Tallahassee) saw that on film and tried to exploit it. The big problem is that everything that FAMU did on offense that worked, OSU does all of it better with better personnel.
-Memo to ESPN's Dave Weekley: When a field goal doinks off the crossbar, don't say "It had the distance". If it hit the crossbar, it did not have the distance. Otherwise it wouldn't have hit the crossbar. Better living through physics. Then again, this was for ESPN 3, so it shouldn't stun me that the R-Team of announcers was in Miami to cover this. Also, he said "It's all about The U" more times than Uncle Luke said it in the song. Difference is I don't think Weeklely was at Club Rolexx in Luke's office (and by "office", I mean "tip rail") after the game. No, Billy Corben briefly in the booth to plug "The U" on DVD, where are you going? There's cake!
-Thank you, Leonard Hankerson, for making me look like a genius when I called him an offensive lynchpin last week. In a half, Hankerson had 6 catches, 115 yards and 2 TDs. Then again, FAMU's secondary also deserves credit for making me look good by barely covering him. But I'll take all the help I can.
-Miami's running game attempts were OK at best. If they can't push FAMU of the ball, it doesn't bode well that they can carry Ohio State, or even anyone in the ACC, off the line. Expect a lot more off-tackle running plays as the season goes on. Especially from Lamar Miller, who I knew had wings, but I didn't realize he had a jet-pack to go with it. The running backs catching passes in the flat just might BE the best version of Miami's running game. Which is weird to say for a team that's so flush in RB talent.
-Sidenote: Watching the "Training Days With Alabama" piece reminded me of a something Don Shula said just after Saban left the Dolphins to take the head job in Tuscaloosa: "The guy likes to hear himself talk." Granted, Shula was bitter at the time and I still might be bitter now, but titles or not, everything out of Saban's mouth sounds like it comes from The Great Big Book Of Generic Coachspeak. It's OK, Alabama; one day it will be you. Nick Saban is like Tiger Woods if you replaced "Porn stars and Perkins waitresses" with "head coaching jobs".
-Speaking of sidenotes and ex-Dolphin coaches, there was Pitt with a win over Utah on the road in hand, only to blow it in true Wannstedtian fashion. First, the game-winning TD gets called back via penalty, then the first play in overtime results in a Pitt INT and then Utah runs 48 draw plays in a row in order to win, accompanied by 394 camera shots of the Pitt student body watching the game. There they were in one place, a generation lost in space. Which can happen to any group forced to watch a Dave Wannstedt-coached team.
-After throwing a pick in his first series, A.J. Highsmith got a quicker hook than Matt Leinart got with the Arizona Cardinals, though he did get a second chance. Not that No. 3 QB Spencer Whipple was given a ton to do or was any great shakes. The backup quarterbacks only emphasized the point that if Harris goes down, the season goes with him.
-Graig Cooper sighting happened in the 3rd quarter when it's 42-0. Clearly he had post-injury syndrome, which is both to be expecting and not encouraging. Seantrel Henderson came in for mop-up duty in the second half after spending the first half using his back for the end zone LCD screen. Storm Johnson didn't dress, though, which means he can still be redshirted. But really, he can just as soon not play this year and let ESPN tell Bill Brasky-esque folk tales about him and it won't do anything but help his rep.
In summation: Florida A&M, to paraphrase Dennis Green, were who Miami thought they were: A good work-out-the-kinks opponent. Winning against the Rattlers in a rout wasn't going to make anyone serve notice to any higher aspirations: that's a job for next week. But they did serve notice that win or lose this could be a fun team to watch in 2010, and it's been a long time since I've been able to say that about any Hurricanes team. Call me encouraged but wary of an actual challenge.
Game Re-Cap: Utah 27 Pitt 24
I had Pitt at #16 and Utah at #22 in my pre-season poll so this one looked like it would be a close one. Ross picked Utah to win 27-23 in his Six-Pack preview. Here is a breakdown of the action:
1st Quarter
Dion Lewis got 18 yards on his first carry but Pitt got too cute after easily picking up a first down on their first set of downs and had to punt on their first drive. Utah moved the ball well on their first drive but they fumbled and gave Pitt the ball in Utah territory. Dion Lewis reminds me a little of Warrick Dunn due to his size and the way he bounces around trying to juke and jive. Pitt missed a very makeable 42 yard FG. Utah's offense looked better than Pitt's in the 1st stanza but they came away with nothing to show for it.
2nd Quarter
Utah made a huge mistake on a Pitt punt. The Utah return man ran up to catch the ball, called for a fair catch, and let it hit off his hands and Pitt recovered. Two fumbles for Utah’s Smithson in the first 15 minutes of the season. Pitt got the ball inside the Utah 30 to start the second quarter. Pitt drove the ball and Dion Lewis scored on a short TD run. Utah brought this score on themselves as they were losing the early turnover battle 2-0.
Pitt 7 Utah 0
Matt Asiata broke off a good 15 yard run right up the middle to get the ball to mid-field. Jordan Wynn then started to get into a groove and hit multiple receivers before connecting over the middle for a TD to Jeremy Brooks. Very impressive TD drive from Utah.
Pitt 7 Utah 7
After Utah scored, the Pitt returner let the ball hit off of him and it bounced about 15 yards and Utah recovered. Turnover battle: Utah 2 Pitt 1. Utah took over on the Pitt 35 and Jordan Wynn stood back in the pocket and delivered a 24 yard pass down the sideline that would have been a TD if the receiver could have stayed in bounds. Utah ran a good roll out and Wynn hit an easy TD pass. The Utah offense is looking good.
Utah 14 Pitt 7
Utah started off the next defensive series with a sack of Tino Sunseri for a loss of 9 yards. Pitt quickly went three and out. On third and long RB Eddie Wide took a hand-off and broke a tackle and went 20 yards to keep the drive going. Wynn launched a jump ball and the Utah receiver did a great job stopping his route and making a play on the ball and coming down with the catch. Utah had the ball inside the 10, Pitt put on a blitz and Wynn threw one up and the Pitt defender got a huge pick in the end zone to keep this game from starting to get out of hand. Pitt ran down the clock and considered themselves lucky to be down only 7 points.
3rd Quarter
Utah got the ball first and Wynn hit Brooks on a crossing route for 46 yards down near the red zone. Pittsburgh held tough inside the red zone but Utah was able to hit a FG to go up two scores.
Utah 17 Pitt 7
Pitt is just too one dimensional on offense and Utah is really keying in on Dion Lewis. Potential game-changing special teams play as Pitt blocked a punt and got the ball inside the 10 yard line. Utah up by 10 at this point but has 3 turnovers and has given up a block punt. The Pitt offense went backwards but K Dan Hutchins was able to get one just inside the goal posts from 37 yards out. The only reason Pitt is in this game is because of Utah’s mistakes.
Utah 17 Pitt 10
Utah went 3 and out and Wynn looked a little bit ruffled. Pitt started to put together a drive before the 3rd quarter ended.
4th Quarter
Dion Lewis took a pitch and just got smothered for a loss of 5 yards. After getting a gutty 4th and 1 conversion Pitt went backwards on three straight plays and had to settle for a FG. Hutchins hit an easy 29 yarder. This was Pitt’s first good drive of the entire game but they came up short of getting the ball in the end zone.
Utah 17 Pitt 13
Wynn hit a slant to Davonte Christopher for 60 yards and a TD! Big time play. 8 minutes left but that one should just about do it unless a different Pitt team comes out for the next kickoff.
Utah 24 Pitt 13
Johnathon Baldwin got wide open and Sunseri hit him with a high arching 40 yard TD pass. Pitt went for two and went to Baldwin again for a successful conversion. Pitt moved from hammering the ball unsuccessfully with Dion Lewis to passing to Baldwin and it really paid off on this drive.
Utah 24 Pitt 21
Pitt stopped Utah and Utah shanked a punt with just three minutes left in the game. The punt didn't even make it past mid-field. Sunseri hit a big pass over the middle for 20 yards with only 20 seconds left in the game. Hutchins knocked down a game-tying FG.
Pitt 24 Utah 24
But wait, apparently the FG did not count and Utah was given a timeout to “ice” the kicker. Hutchins misses left but the whistles were blowing before the kick missed and Utah had called another time out. Doh! Finally, Hutchins got a real kick and just barely squeezes it inside the up-rights.
Overtime
Utah won the toss and deferred. Sunseri rolled out but he held onto the ball too long and under-threw his receiver. The Utah DB broke in front and got a huge interception. Utah just pounded the ball up the middle and inside the 5 yard line. Utah kicker Joe Phillips came on and won the game with a 21 yard FG
Final Score: Utah 27 Pitt 24
Lots of mistakes in this game in the form of turnovers and penalties. Big win for Utah. Jordan Wynn looked impressive throughout most of the game but still showed his inexperience by hoisting a few passes that he should not have thrown. I would expect Utah to be 8-0 when they go to TCU on Nov 6th to seek revenge on the Horned Frogs (the Frogs put up 55 on Utah last year). For Pitt, this was a tough loss. Pitt is expected to contend for the Big East title (here on the blog we actually picked them to win the league, although I will mention my pick for the conference is West Virginia). Pitt really had some poor playing calling in the first half and got too one dimensional in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. I think Pitt and Sunseri will get better as the year goes on. Despite Pitt not playing very well tonight they were in the game and had a chance to win at the end but could not pull it off. Pitt has a gimme next week but then they face another tough battle against Miami and if they play the way they did tonight my money will be on Miami.
Player of the Game
Jordan Wynn, QB, Utah
21 of 36 for 283 yds, 3 TD and 1 INT
Star Watch
Dion Lewis, RB, Pitt
25 carries for 75 yds, 1 TD, 1 reception
Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
4 rec for 71 yds, 1 TD
DeVonte Christopher, WR, Utah
8 rec for 155 yds, 1 TD
Jereme Brooks, WR, Utah
5 rec for 87 yds, 2 TD
1st Quarter
Dion Lewis got 18 yards on his first carry but Pitt got too cute after easily picking up a first down on their first set of downs and had to punt on their first drive. Utah moved the ball well on their first drive but they fumbled and gave Pitt the ball in Utah territory. Dion Lewis reminds me a little of Warrick Dunn due to his size and the way he bounces around trying to juke and jive. Pitt missed a very makeable 42 yard FG. Utah's offense looked better than Pitt's in the 1st stanza but they came away with nothing to show for it.
2nd Quarter
Utah made a huge mistake on a Pitt punt. The Utah return man ran up to catch the ball, called for a fair catch, and let it hit off his hands and Pitt recovered. Two fumbles for Utah’s Smithson in the first 15 minutes of the season. Pitt got the ball inside the Utah 30 to start the second quarter. Pitt drove the ball and Dion Lewis scored on a short TD run. Utah brought this score on themselves as they were losing the early turnover battle 2-0.
Pitt 7 Utah 0
Matt Asiata broke off a good 15 yard run right up the middle to get the ball to mid-field. Jordan Wynn then started to get into a groove and hit multiple receivers before connecting over the middle for a TD to Jeremy Brooks. Very impressive TD drive from Utah.
Pitt 7 Utah 7
After Utah scored, the Pitt returner let the ball hit off of him and it bounced about 15 yards and Utah recovered. Turnover battle: Utah 2 Pitt 1. Utah took over on the Pitt 35 and Jordan Wynn stood back in the pocket and delivered a 24 yard pass down the sideline that would have been a TD if the receiver could have stayed in bounds. Utah ran a good roll out and Wynn hit an easy TD pass. The Utah offense is looking good.
Utah 14 Pitt 7
Utah started off the next defensive series with a sack of Tino Sunseri for a loss of 9 yards. Pitt quickly went three and out. On third and long RB Eddie Wide took a hand-off and broke a tackle and went 20 yards to keep the drive going. Wynn launched a jump ball and the Utah receiver did a great job stopping his route and making a play on the ball and coming down with the catch. Utah had the ball inside the 10, Pitt put on a blitz and Wynn threw one up and the Pitt defender got a huge pick in the end zone to keep this game from starting to get out of hand. Pitt ran down the clock and considered themselves lucky to be down only 7 points.
3rd Quarter
Utah got the ball first and Wynn hit Brooks on a crossing route for 46 yards down near the red zone. Pittsburgh held tough inside the red zone but Utah was able to hit a FG to go up two scores.
Utah 17 Pitt 7
Pitt is just too one dimensional on offense and Utah is really keying in on Dion Lewis. Potential game-changing special teams play as Pitt blocked a punt and got the ball inside the 10 yard line. Utah up by 10 at this point but has 3 turnovers and has given up a block punt. The Pitt offense went backwards but K Dan Hutchins was able to get one just inside the goal posts from 37 yards out. The only reason Pitt is in this game is because of Utah’s mistakes.
Utah 17 Pitt 10
Utah went 3 and out and Wynn looked a little bit ruffled. Pitt started to put together a drive before the 3rd quarter ended.
4th Quarter
Dion Lewis took a pitch and just got smothered for a loss of 5 yards. After getting a gutty 4th and 1 conversion Pitt went backwards on three straight plays and had to settle for a FG. Hutchins hit an easy 29 yarder. This was Pitt’s first good drive of the entire game but they came up short of getting the ball in the end zone.
Utah 17 Pitt 13
Wynn hit a slant to Davonte Christopher for 60 yards and a TD! Big time play. 8 minutes left but that one should just about do it unless a different Pitt team comes out for the next kickoff.
Utah 24 Pitt 13
Johnathon Baldwin got wide open and Sunseri hit him with a high arching 40 yard TD pass. Pitt went for two and went to Baldwin again for a successful conversion. Pitt moved from hammering the ball unsuccessfully with Dion Lewis to passing to Baldwin and it really paid off on this drive.
Utah 24 Pitt 21
Pitt stopped Utah and Utah shanked a punt with just three minutes left in the game. The punt didn't even make it past mid-field. Sunseri hit a big pass over the middle for 20 yards with only 20 seconds left in the game. Hutchins knocked down a game-tying FG.
Pitt 24 Utah 24
But wait, apparently the FG did not count and Utah was given a timeout to “ice” the kicker. Hutchins misses left but the whistles were blowing before the kick missed and Utah had called another time out. Doh! Finally, Hutchins got a real kick and just barely squeezes it inside the up-rights.
Overtime
Utah won the toss and deferred. Sunseri rolled out but he held onto the ball too long and under-threw his receiver. The Utah DB broke in front and got a huge interception. Utah just pounded the ball up the middle and inside the 5 yard line. Utah kicker Joe Phillips came on and won the game with a 21 yard FG
Final Score: Utah 27 Pitt 24
Lots of mistakes in this game in the form of turnovers and penalties. Big win for Utah. Jordan Wynn looked impressive throughout most of the game but still showed his inexperience by hoisting a few passes that he should not have thrown. I would expect Utah to be 8-0 when they go to TCU on Nov 6th to seek revenge on the Horned Frogs (the Frogs put up 55 on Utah last year). For Pitt, this was a tough loss. Pitt is expected to contend for the Big East title (here on the blog we actually picked them to win the league, although I will mention my pick for the conference is West Virginia). Pitt really had some poor playing calling in the first half and got too one dimensional in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. I think Pitt and Sunseri will get better as the year goes on. Despite Pitt not playing very well tonight they were in the game and had a chance to win at the end but could not pull it off. Pitt has a gimme next week but then they face another tough battle against Miami and if they play the way they did tonight my money will be on Miami.
Player of the Game
Jordan Wynn, QB, Utah
21 of 36 for 283 yds, 3 TD and 1 INT
Star Watch
Dion Lewis, RB, Pitt
25 carries for 75 yds, 1 TD, 1 reception
Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
4 rec for 71 yds, 1 TD
DeVonte Christopher, WR, Utah
8 rec for 155 yds, 1 TD
Jereme Brooks, WR, Utah
5 rec for 87 yds, 2 TD
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Under The Radar: Non-BCS Games of the Week
Ross already has us covered on the "Big Time" games this week in his Six Pack Games of the Week. So I thought I would take a look at some under the radar games this week (in some cases way under the radar) that do not involve any teams from a BCS conference.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at East Carolina Pirates
When: Sunday Sept 5th at 2 PM on ESPN 2
Where: Greenville, NC (Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium)
Line: East Carolina by 8.5
Last year under the guidance of Skip Holtz, East Carolina defeated Tulsa 44 to 17 on Tulsa's home turf. This year Skip Holtz has moved on to South Florida and former Texas Tech DC Ruffin McNeill has taken over the East Carolina Pirates. With last years game being such a blow out, why would I pick this as a game to watch? Because these two teams look to be vastly different than last years versions. East Carolina returns the least amount of starters in all of the FBS (they are losing 30 lettermen and only return 8 starters) and is breaking in a new coaching staff. Tulsa on the other hand brings back 15 starters with 9 of those playing on the offense including QB G.J. Kinne and WR Damaris Johnson. I think Tulsa could be a surprise team in C-USA. Ruffin McNeill still hasn't decided who his QB is for game one and to me that's not a good sign when you are breaking in a new offense.
My Pick: Tulsa
Villanova Wildcats at Temple Owls
When: Friday Sept 3rd at 5 PM on ESPN3.com
Where: Philadelphia, PA (Lincoln Financial Field)
Temple finished 9-4 last year but opened up the year with back-to-back losses to Penn State and Villanova. Villanova went 14-1 last year and won the FCS Championship over Montana. In week one last year Temple held a 10 point lead on Villanova in the 4th quarter but the Wildcats fought back and kicked a FG with no time on the clock to win the game in dramatic fashion. This sets up as a revenge game for Temple and sets up as a game in which Villanova wants to show the world (or at least Philadelphia) that they are indeed for real.
My Pick: Temple
Bowling Green Falcons at Troy Trojans
When: Saturday Sept 4th on Troy/ISP Network/FCSP (cable)
Where: Troy, Al (Movie Gallery Stadium)
Line: Troy by 14
Much like Temple/Villanova this is a revenge game. Last year in the first game of the year Bowling Green beat Troy 31-14. This was Dave Clawson's debut game as coach of the Bowling Green Falcons and his team surprisingly outgained the Trojans 394-293. Troy took a 14-7 led into half but BGSU owned the 2nd half as they outscored the Trojans 24-0 to win the game. Bowling Green finished the season 7-6 and Troy wound up 9-4.
My Pick: Troy
Georgia State Panthers vs. Shorter Hawks
When: Thurs Sept 2nd at 7:30 PM
Where: Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia Dome)
Most people don't have this game on their radar but to me it's very intriguing because it's the very first game for the Georgia State Panthers. Head Coach Bill Curry has been tabbed as the guy to help make football a reality and it all kicks off on Thursday. Shorter is a Division 2 school that opened up their schedule last week with a loss to West Alabama (the #12 team in Division 2). Despite the loss Shorter's style is said to be like Georgia Tech's. That could be intriguing. Also, Georgia State is not naming a starting QB. They had 4 guys go at it during spring for the starting nod and then former Alabama back-up Star Jackson threw his name in the hat by transferring this fall. Despite being their first year Georgia State does have 8 players with D-1 playing experience (including a grad student who started at Georgia Tech on the OL last year). Unfortunately, this game isn't on TV (shocker) but I will be keeping an eye out on how Georgia State and Bill Curry do in their inaugural season.
My Pick: Georgia State
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at East Carolina Pirates
When: Sunday Sept 5th at 2 PM on ESPN 2
Where: Greenville, NC (Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium)
Line: East Carolina by 8.5
Last year under the guidance of Skip Holtz, East Carolina defeated Tulsa 44 to 17 on Tulsa's home turf. This year Skip Holtz has moved on to South Florida and former Texas Tech DC Ruffin McNeill has taken over the East Carolina Pirates. With last years game being such a blow out, why would I pick this as a game to watch? Because these two teams look to be vastly different than last years versions. East Carolina returns the least amount of starters in all of the FBS (they are losing 30 lettermen and only return 8 starters) and is breaking in a new coaching staff. Tulsa on the other hand brings back 15 starters with 9 of those playing on the offense including QB G.J. Kinne and WR Damaris Johnson. I think Tulsa could be a surprise team in C-USA. Ruffin McNeill still hasn't decided who his QB is for game one and to me that's not a good sign when you are breaking in a new offense.
My Pick: Tulsa
Villanova Wildcats at Temple Owls
When: Friday Sept 3rd at 5 PM on ESPN3.com
Where: Philadelphia, PA (Lincoln Financial Field)
Temple finished 9-4 last year but opened up the year with back-to-back losses to Penn State and Villanova. Villanova went 14-1 last year and won the FCS Championship over Montana. In week one last year Temple held a 10 point lead on Villanova in the 4th quarter but the Wildcats fought back and kicked a FG with no time on the clock to win the game in dramatic fashion. This sets up as a revenge game for Temple and sets up as a game in which Villanova wants to show the world (or at least Philadelphia) that they are indeed for real.
My Pick: Temple
Bowling Green Falcons at Troy Trojans
When: Saturday Sept 4th on Troy/ISP Network/FCSP (cable)
Where: Troy, Al (Movie Gallery Stadium)
Line: Troy by 14
Much like Temple/Villanova this is a revenge game. Last year in the first game of the year Bowling Green beat Troy 31-14. This was Dave Clawson's debut game as coach of the Bowling Green Falcons and his team surprisingly outgained the Trojans 394-293. Troy took a 14-7 led into half but BGSU owned the 2nd half as they outscored the Trojans 24-0 to win the game. Bowling Green finished the season 7-6 and Troy wound up 9-4.
My Pick: Troy
Georgia State Panthers vs. Shorter Hawks
When: Thurs Sept 2nd at 7:30 PM
Where: Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia Dome)
Most people don't have this game on their radar but to me it's very intriguing because it's the very first game for the Georgia State Panthers. Head Coach Bill Curry has been tabbed as the guy to help make football a reality and it all kicks off on Thursday. Shorter is a Division 2 school that opened up their schedule last week with a loss to West Alabama (the #12 team in Division 2). Despite the loss Shorter's style is said to be like Georgia Tech's. That could be intriguing. Also, Georgia State is not naming a starting QB. They had 4 guys go at it during spring for the starting nod and then former Alabama back-up Star Jackson threw his name in the hat by transferring this fall. Despite being their first year Georgia State does have 8 players with D-1 playing experience (including a grad student who started at Georgia Tech on the OL last year). Unfortunately, this game isn't on TV (shocker) but I will be keeping an eye out on how Georgia State and Bill Curry do in their inaugural season.
My Pick: Georgia State
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Six Pack Games of the Week: September 2-6
Every week, I'll throw a spotlight on the six most interesting games of the weekend to tell you why these are the games you should try to catch, who's going to win (and why), and what ramifications they could have on the rest of the college football landscape.
Pittsburgh @ Utah (8:30pm EST, Versus)
While ESPN continues to torment us with a third-straight year of featuring South Carolina in the Thursday-night opener, Versus has stepped up to the plate with a game of actual intrigue. Unlike most opening week affairs, it pits two teams with a pulse against one another; in fact, these two teams are legitimate contenders to win their respective conferences. So it's got that going for it. It's also a rematch of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, which would probably be more meaningful if it hadn't been, you know, one of the worst BCS bowl games in recent memory. You're probably going to watch just about anything on the first night of real college football in eight months, but here's a game that shouldn't just be empty calories.
THE PICK: Utah 27, Pitt 23
SATURDAY, SEP. 4
Purdue @ Notre Dame (3:30pm EST, NBC)
I wouldn't normally focus on a game featuring two unranked teams in this feature, but the pickings are slim on the opening weekend and this game should actually be fairly intriguing. On one side you've got Purdue entering Year 2 of the Danny Hope Era with hopes of new QB Robert Marve and stud DE Ryan Kerrigan spearheading a dark horse Big Ten challenge -- or at least a return to a bowl game for the first time in three years. On the other side you've got Notre Dame getting their first taste of life without Charlie Weis -- and life with Brian Kelly. Love or loathe Notre Dame, their first steps under Brian Kelly should be interesting -- and if you like high-scoring passing offenses, this game should have a couple good ones.
THE PICK: Notre Dame 34, Purdue 31
Connecticut @ Michigan (3:30pm EST, ABC/ESPN)
UConn's a slightly under the radar pick to win the Big East, and a win over Michigan (even Michigan in its current emaciated state) would be a hell of a way to jump-start that campaign. They have plenty of returning talent from a squad that was just a few plays away from being a 10-win team a year ago and they have a hard-nosed, underrated coach in Randy Edsall who's resisted overtures from bigger programs to try and do something special in Storrs; this year's team may be his best bet to do just that. Meanwhile, Michigan enters the season with a defensive secondary in shambles, uncertainty at quarterback, the lingering malaise of the last two bowl-less seasons, and a coach under intense fire to prove that his system can work in Ann Arbor. Oh, and Michigan's lost two of their last three season openers. So, you know, no pressure or anything.
THE PICK: UConn 35, Michigan 28
TCU vs. Oregon State (7:45pm EST, ESPN)
Boise State gets most of the preseason plaudits among the non-BCS crowd since they return twenty starters and are coming off a 14-0 season and a win over this same TCU team in the Fiesta Bowl. On the other hand, TCU returns a ton of talent in their own right (9 on offense, 7 on defense) and should be very, very good in their own right. This game is an early (and rare, given their normal presence on the TV ghetto that is The MTN) chance for them to state their case in front of a national audience, which should have them plenty fired up. Given their relative starting positions in the polls TCU is likely going to need Boise State to slip up somewhere to move ahead of them in the hunt for a guaranteed BCS slot -- or even a spot in the national title game, which is a realistic possibility with both teams starting in the top 10. But in Oregon State, TCU should have a solid test on their hands; the Beavers have to break in a new QB, but they do bring back both of the fabulous Rodgers brothers.
THE PICK: TCU 31, Oregon State 17
LSU vs. North Carolina (8:00pm EST, ABC)
To be fair, this game looked a hell of a lot more interesting before damn near the entire North Carolina starting defense was rumored to be suspended for various rules violations; back before that it looked like it was going to pit a pair of nasty defenses and two teams that are vaguely dark horse picks to win their respective conferences. Now you have a UNC team mired in scandal, likely to be missing multiple players off what was expected to be a very strong defense. LSU has question marks of their own, but nothing like what UNC is facing and they have the added benefit of not having to deal with distracting scandals and having a better offense. This game has turned into a de facto SEC-ACC Challenge; so far the SEC is 2-0, with Alabama picking up wins over Clemson and Virginia Tech. LSU should make it three in a row without too much difficulty.
THE PICK: LSU 27, UNC 14
MONDAY, SEP. 6
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (8:00pm EST, ESPN)
These are the games where Boise has excelled in their rise to prominence over the past few years, splashy non-conference showdowns in which they have weeks to prepare for their opponent. And, as has been noted in just about every preview written about them, they return 20 of 22 starters from last year's 14-0 team. That's a good thing. On the other hand, they've never quite played a game like this one; the game is ostensibly at a "neutral site," but it's in FedEx Field at Washington, D.C., a few skips and jump away from the Hokies' home base in Blacksburg, VA -- and quite a few hops away from Boise. There should be no lack of motivation from the Hokies, either; they're ranked high enough to largely control their own national title destiny at this stage of the season and a win over a top-5 squad like Boise will only shoot them higher. Past BSU victims in high-profile games (Oklahoma in the '07 Fiesta or TCU in the '10 Fiesta) could point to the fact that the Fiesta Bowl was a consolation prize; Oklahoma had missed out on the national title game because of a pair of regular season losses (to Colorado and Texas Tech), while TCU had missed out on the national title game on account of Texas' last-second field goal in the Big XII Conference Championship Game. There won't be any such issues hampering Virginia Tech this year and there should be little reason for them to overlook Boise State after Boise's near-constant success over the past five years. There are some interesting match-ups to watch in the game, too; can Boise handle Virginia Tech's punishing running game (which should be even better with a healthy Darren Evans to spell Ryan Williams) and the athleticism of Tyrod Taylor? Conversely, can Virginia Tech's rebuilt defense handle the high-powered and experienced Boise offense, especially the pinpoint passing of Kellen Moore? It should be a fascinating battle.
THE PICK: Virginia Tech 28, Boise State 21
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