I started to write this blog when the college football season began, but because of our awesome high school site the production of it was put on the back burner (it was worth the wait). So, while this is my first post, this is my third week writing.
One goal I had when I starting writing for this blog was to keep my posts on the shorter side. If you have my attention span, then I think it works out better that way.
However, I think I have failed miserably at that. But I will try better, promise.
Okay, last night West Virginia murdered a terrible Maryland team, 45-24 (it was 28-0 before I could blink). I am starting to become a believer. Look for my poll next week, the Mountaineers will be in the top 10 (mostly because of Steve Slaton). On his first 8 carries last night he had 150 yards. That’s just crazy. It’s too bad that Long Island product Jason Gwaltney is no longer sharing the load with Slaton. As the season rolls on, Slaton is going to get more and more worn down. Having a premiere back, like Gwaltney, helps alleviate that (I assume Gwaltney would have been a stud, based on his performance at North Babylon High).
Oh well, the point is that I guess I’m starting to believe in West Virginia. They’ll probably be somewhere in the 8-12 range after the weekend (depending on what else transpires). With Rutgers playing well, the Big East could actually be somewhat interesting this year:
Big East game people care about: West Virginia at Louisville
Big East game people might tune in to watch: Louisville at Rutgers, November 9
Big East game people might tune in to watch (assuming the Nov. 9 game goes well): Rutgers at West Virginia, December 2
Enough about Morgantown and running backs that could have been. This weekend’s line up is the next best thing to bowl week. Just take a gander at the games this weekend:
No. 11 Michigan at No. 2 Notre Dame, 3:30
No. 6 LSU at No. 3 Auburn, 3:30 (Why would they schedule both for 3:30…just terrible).
No. 19 Nebraska at No. 3 Southern California, 8
No. 7 Florida at No. 13 Tennessee, 8 (again)
Clemson at No. 9 Florida State, 7:45
No. 17 Miami at No. 12 Louisville, 3:30
No. 15 Oklahoma at No. 18 Oregon, 3:30 (becoming a theme)
No. 24 Texas Tech at No. 20 Texas Christian, 5:30
Iowa State at No. 16 Iowa, noon
Whew. This all-star lineup poses a huge problem for me. Tonight after work I am driving to Northern Virginia for somewhat of a reunion with my college buddies. Tomorrow on the schedule is a BBQ and college football. So, from a planning standpoint, here’s what I am thinking.
Noon:
Primary game: Duke at No. 14 Virginia Tech
The Hokie fans are getting restless. They (and me) want to see some semblance of a vertical passing game.
Keeping an eye on: The battle of Iowa and Boston College-BYU.
No real comments of substance here. I could say something about the Jesuits and Mormons, but I won’t. Although, in essence, I did.
3:30:
Primary game: Michigan at Notre Dame
There’s so many story lines here. Can Lloyd Carr start win some big games as Michigan’s coach again? Is Chad Henne a good quarterback? Is Notre Dame for real? Michigan has a good shot at winning this game. The Wolverines trump Georgia Tech in quarterback (Henne > Reggie Ball) and running backs (Michael Hart, Kevin Grady & Brandon Minor > Tashard Choice & Rashaun Grant). GT has Calvin Johnson, but Michigan has Pittsburgh legend Steve Breaston, Mario Manningham and tight end Kyle Ecker (who I think is tough as nails to stop). Michigan’s defense is sound enough to contain Notre Dame. It should be interesting, I can’t wait. The crazy thing about this game? It’s not even the Irish’s toughest.
Keeping an eye on: LSU at Auburn
I have been on the LSU boat for a while. I think Les Miles’ Tigers will knock off host Tommy Tuberville’s Tigers in a game that won’t be as exciting as it looks on paper. Although I wouldn’t be floored if it went the other way, there’s a reason why one is No. 6 and the other No. 3.
Also keeping an eye on: Miami at Louisville
If Larry Coker’s Hurricanes drop this game, and manage to drop another one down the road, is he going to be fired? I don’t know, I think so though. When he arrived at the U, he had a ton of talent, and did well with it. Since, he’s brought in a ton of talent and hasn’t won at the rate he should. I think I could have Miami playing on a higher level than Coker is right now. Also, Louisville needs to win some big games if they want people to take them seriously. Here’s its chance.
Also also keeping an eye on: Oklahoma at Oregon
Oklahoma is going to lose this game and drop out of the top 25 because hype isn’t real, Boobie Miles is real.
5:30
I would care about the Texas Tech-TCU game, but I don’t. I’ll watch the score ticker and catch the highlights.
8:00
Primary game: Florida at Tennessee
Devoting my attention to this game over the Nebraska-USC game is a no brainer. I have been so annoyed with Brent Musberger calling the Saturday night games for ABC, I can’t take it anymore. I’d rather watch Tennessee get rolled by Florida than hear Brent sing the praises of Bill Callahan, the west coast offense, Nebraska tradition, Pete Carroll, John David Booty, Dwayne Jarrett, etc. I think you get the point.
Florida is going to crush Tennessee. The spread offense is working wonders in its second year. On a side note, Florida freshman wide receiver Percy Harvin might be the most annoying person in college football, already. He’s good as all get out, but I cannot stand this kid. Check back with me early next week, I’ll break down why I detest this kid as much as I do (trust me, I have my reasons, and they’re legit).
Although I won’t watch the Nebraska-USC game with bated breath, I am curious to see what’s going to happen. Is Nebraska ready to be a powerhouse again? I don’t think so, next year is a different story, though.
Okay, this is pathetic, I wanted to keep it short, and I’m already at 1,100 words. I’ll finish up with my “guys to keep an eye on” and duck out.
Michael Hart, Michigan RB – The man responsible for keeping Notre Dame’s offense off the field.
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee RB – “ ” Florida’s “ .”
Brian Brohm, Louisville QB – If the Cardinals get the big win they desperate need, it’ll be because of him.
Marlon Lucky, Nebraska RB – He has all the tools, he just needs a coming out party.
Gaines Adams, Clemson DE – He might end the life of Drew Weatherford if he gets a sack.
Brandon Cox, Auburn QB – Auburn needs him to be the seasoned veteran in a HUGE game.
Jerod Mayo & Marvin Mitchell, Tennessee LBs – Lethal. Two games, 40 tackles (combined).
Hope you enjoy it as much as I will.