NCAA Football Blitz

Nartional Signing Day

2010-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

The big day is here. Is this a national holiday now? Sometimes it seems like it. All of the hype and what becomes a media circus surrounding some of these announcements. If the leading scouting services rank you with five stars, the whole world will follow you. But why not, if there is an audience who wants to see it then it's good business. Now what does it all mean? Here are your top schools according to Rivals. USC made a late push to take the number one spot from Florida who goes to two. Texas, Auburn and Alabama round out the top five. Six through ten are LSU, Oklahoma, UCLA, Tennessee and Florida State. Last year Alabama had the top rated recruting class by Rivals and went on to win the BCS national championship. Is it a concidence? I don't think so. Top players coming in plus good coaching can equal championships. But, not always. Is USC a lock to win the BCS next year? In a word, no. Lane Kiffin has looked really good today, but if last year at Tennessee is any indication he may look really stupid tomorrow. Does everyone remember what I'm talking about? USC coach Kiffin coaching the Tennessee Volunteers last year accused Florida coach Urban Meyer of cheating the day after signing day. Kiffin said that when recruit Nu'Keese Richardson was on his visit to Tennessee Meyer repeatedly called him which Kiffin said was cheating. Turns out Kiffin didn't know his rules too well. The story took another twist during the football season when Richardson was arrested and later pled guilty to armed robbery. I'm sorry but I don't think this recruiting class in any way validates Coach Kiffin. He still has a 12-21 record as a head coach and a tendency to always point the finger at someone else when something goes wrong. Somehow I think this high point will manage to implode on the Trojans. Kiffin will end up hurting this program more than he helps it.

Only time will tell just what impact this years recruits will have on the field. The season kicks off in how many days now? Oh that's right it's only February.

Senior Bowl, Recruiting and Seeing Red

2010-01-28T20:10:00.001-08:00

The Senior Bowl is this week and it's all the Tim Tebow hour. Actually it's all about whats wrong with Superman. He has been batteling strep throat this week and according to the Sporting News daily edition he has had some "mental struggles". There had been debate all over the web as to where Tebow will be drafted, but you heard this here first. Tim Tebow will be drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars for two reasons. First, his presence on the team might help to sell some tickets. Florida Gator fans will probably scoop them up just to continue to see Tebow in person. Second, Mike Shula is the quarterbacks coach at Jacksonville. Shula was head coach at Alabama and was recruting Tebow to come play for the Crimson Tide before Tebow ultimately chose Florida. This would be Shula's second chance to coach Tebow. I know, it sounds crazy, but it could happen.

We are less than one week away from signing day and according to Rivals Florida has the top class to this point. The SEC has six teams in the top ten. This dosen't always translate to victories on the field but, Alabama had the top class the last two years running and this year they win the BCS championship so it apparently means something. As national signing day approaches there are still seven recruits still undecided who are listed as five star recruits by Rivals.

I read this so I just had to comment on it. As many times as I have said that I don't like boise State's blue turf I kinda like the red. That's pretty bad since I have noted before that my dislike for the Broncos is the blue turf. Guess I'm just seeing red.

Coaching Carousel

2010-01-23T12:36:00.001-08:00

This year's NCAA coaching carousel may have been as entertaining as the actual football season. Things started out fairly predictable with the seemingly forced retirement of Bobby Bowden at FSU and Notre Dame's ousting of Charlie Weis. The replacements weren't a surprise with Jimbo Fischer being the 'coach in waiting' at Florida State and Notre Dame hiring Brian Kelly away from Cincinnati.

Things got a little strange with three coaches being fired or resigning for off the field issues. Mark Mangino resigned two years after leading Kansas to one of the best years in their history because of reports of his verbally abusing of his players. His replacement, Turner Gill seems to be a very good choice.

Texas Tech fires Mike leach because of allegations of his mistreatment of Adam James after James suffered a concussion. After Leach's last contract negotiation you have to wonder if Tech was looking for any excuse to let him go. The hiring of Tommy Tuberville as Leach's replacement raised a few questions. Tuberville is a proven head coach with a record of 110-60 including an undefeated season at Auburn in 2004. However with Tech's history of an air it out every down passing attack one must wonder how Tuberville will work out with his history of winning with defense and a strong running game. The fiasco when he tried to implement a spread offense in Auburn two years ago adds to this concern.

Just when the circus was almost dying down rumors surface that Pete Carrol was leaving USC for an NFL job with the Seahawks. After a few of the supposed top candidates to be the replacement issued the obligatory statement that they were not interested, USC settled on Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin does have Trojan ties as a former Corrol assistant but was this really a wise decision? His 5-15 record with the Oakland Raiders plus a 7-5 record at Tennessee with his tenure full of controversy. From accusing other schools of cheating to a handful of secondary violations himself, his time at Tennessee was definitely interesting. That on top of the fact that the NCAA's investigation into USC is for allegations that come from the years that Kiffin was an assistant, could mean a bleak future for the Trojans. Tennessee choosing Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley as it's new coach is questionable too. However after the usual string of press released saying Coach 'X' is not interested in this job, Tennessee looked to be getting desperate for a 'yes'. Being turned down by the coaches of Air Force, TCU, and Duke, plus a few coordinators and a NFL TV analyst, someone accepting the job was a definite plus for the Volunteer nation.

Stay tuned for the next episode of As the Carousel Turns...

Bulls and Video Games

2009-10-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

It's time for South Florida and Cincinnati to kick off their Thursday night game that the winner will control their destiny in the Big East. I made a comment on earlier saying that who would have thought a couple of years ago that these two teams would be the ones fighting for control of the conference. I was reminded by a Bulls fan that two years ago the USF Bulls climbed to number two in the BCS poll. I remembered that was the year South Florida upset Auburn to catapult them into the national spotlight. This is totally irrelevant to the game at hand but I wanted to share how South Florida's last couple of years have followed a video game.

Playing everyone's favorite college football video game I believe it was NCAA 05 I started a dynasty with USF. The first season my big out of conference game was Miami who promptly clobbered my team. In year 2 i scheduled a trip to Auburn, running my version of a spread option I upset Auburn and want on to upset West Virginia and ended up winning the Big East. In year 3 I traveled to Florida State and pulled another upset on the road. I was just thinking earlier how funny that the same teams that my virtual USF Bulls upset three or four years ago the real Bulls have also beaten the last couple of years. Now I later beat Miami and in year 4 of my dynasty i won the BCS championship with the Bulls. Now don't book your reservations just yet everyone but IF the Bulls were to win out this year they would have beaten then #18 FSU, Cincinnati, who is currently ranked 8th, and Miami who sits at 9th. They would need some other teams to lose ahead of them but anything is possible if USF can avoid what has happened in previous years where they start strong and then collapse sown the stretch.Of course before we look ahead we need to take care of this week. South Florida is currently down 17-10 at the half.

Well with South Florida losing to Cincinnati 34-17 I guess that the BCS is out of the question. However on the video game it was the year after the FSU upset so maybe next year...

2009-10-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

The day games are over time for the night games to start, here are some observations from the day. In the SEC Auburn suffers their first loss of the year at the hands of Arkansas 44-23. Clearly not a warm welcome for Gus Malzahan. Alabama stays unbeaten by finishing off Ole Miss 22-3. Jevan Snead threw four interceptions to put the Rebel defense in plenty of tough spots. The Rebel defense played a great game holding Alabama to just 22 points, it could have been much worse. Alabama's only touchdown came on a 36 yard touchdown run by Mark Ingram on 4th and 1. Tennessee decides to play football today beating Georgia 45-19. This will make for some very unhappy Bulldog fans.

Oklahoma beats Baylor 33-7 in Sam Bradford's return game. Bradford was 26/48 for 386 yards and a TD. Bradford's 22 incompletions was a career high. With Texas coming up next week that has to improve. Oklahoma State beats Texas A&M 36-31.

Virginia Tech shuts down Boston College 48-14. Ohio State downs Wisconsin 31-13.

As Florida gets ready to take on LSU in Death Valley the news is that Tim Tebow is cleared to play it will be a game time decision for Coach Urban Meyer.

Monday, Monday

2009-10-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, another weekend of college football is now history. No top 5 upsets this weekend, Oklahoma was upset by Miami but that wasn't a stretch. One potential BCS buster falls with Houston losing to UTEP 58-41. Boise State sits at #6 just waiting for their chance. I don't have a problem with a unexpected team sneaking into a BCS game but for some reason I find myself wanting to see Boise lose. I've been thinking about this all day, and I like their offense. They are a fun team to watch, fast paced, multiple sets, lots of scoring. All I can figure is it has to be the blue turf. Grass is supposed to be green, there is just something wrong with blue 'grass'. Then you put blue uniforms on top of it and all you see is blue. Not much of a reason but hey I can have my opinion. I could get on the subject of their schedule but now that season opening win over Oregon is starting to look impressive. I guess I'll just drop it for now.

Later this week...Has Charlie Weis gotten himself off of the 'hot seat' or is he still warm?

2009-09-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Four weeks into the 2009 college football season and every week has been crazy so far. Oregon implodes against Boise St. and then takes down Utah ending the nations longest winning streak now this past weekend they dismantle Cal. Miami beats Florida State then shuts down Georgia Tech then follows that up by getting stuck in the mud against Virginia Tech. Just like last year Iowa hands Penn State their first loss, and FSU isn't 'back' yet. Everybody already has their BCS buster opinions already, Boise St., TCU, Houston, BYU, but they already have one loss. Boise and Houston have impressive offenses but at least TCU has a defense. BYU even with the loss still has the most impressive win with the upset win over Oklahoma. Florida, Texas and Alabama are on top of things but after that it's a mess. It's going to be a fun year.

Links from Yahoo

2009-03-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

Arkansas QB Mallett arrested

Tide booster awarded $5M wants new trial

2 Ohio St. OL plead not guilty on drugs

Oklahoma WR Wilson critically injured

Iowa DB Prater suspended after arrest

Paralyzed ex-USC FB Hemingway dies at 49

Rhode Island hires Trainer as coach

Andre, what are you thinking?

2009-02-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

The NFL Draft combine is going on and after this past weekend's events my question is Andre, what are you thinking? Andre Smith, Alabama's star left tackle left the combine without warning. There was already question about what kind of shape he was in and about his suspension from the Sugar Bowl game. Now his work ethic is also in question. Andre, I've watched you push defensive lines around run down field blocking and even catch a pass for a touchdown. Highly recruited out of high school, a starter at 'Bama from game 1 and almost a lock as a top five draft pick. I said almost. Andre, are you thinking? One commentator I heard today estimated that you blew 25 million. Is it so hard to get up and work out for that much money? Linemen sometimes get the stereotype of a dumb jock, flushing 25 million might just prove it in this case.

Recruiting Drama

2009-02-11T08:47:00.001-08:00

Well it's been awhile. I've missed commenting on the BCS championship, the Super Bowl, recruiting, and everything else. However since recruiting is a year round thing, here goes. According to Rival's Alabama finished with the 'best' class for the second straight year. This is despite loosing two key recruiters and defensive assistants, Kevin Steele and Lance Thompson. Thompson who is now employed by Tennessee, has made news by saying that 'Bama wouldn't get any more players out of Memphis. By the way Alabama's first 2010 commitment came from Memphis. Thompson's boss Lane Kiffin decided to stir up the Vol fans by saying that Florida coach Urban Meyer cheated by calling a recruit while he was on a visit to Tennessee. Well Meyer did nothing against the rules, but now Tennessee has admitted that Kiffin is guilty of minor violations. Now, this is no big deal but I think it is hilarious. Makes you wonder if Kiffin is cut out to be a head coach.

One other bit of recruiting news Bryce Brown, Rival's highest ranked player still has not signed an letter of intent a full week after signing day. He intends to make an announcement on March 12th. He is a Miami commit but is still considering Oregon, Clemson, Kansas State, LSU, USC and Tennessee.

Sugar Not so Sweet

2009-01-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Sugar Bowl was not at all sweet for Alabama tonight. With Utah jumping out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter everyone except the utes were in shock. Alabama suspended all-american tackle Andre Smith for the game and his absence was evident. Utah pressured Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson all night long. This was Wilsons last game in Crimson his time as a starter hes had it's ups and downs. He is a three year starter, but most of the time the fan base has been calling for his backup except for this year. Winning does that for you. Tonight some would be relieved this was his last game at Alabama. I think if the teams would have traded quarterbacks the outcome would have been much different. Wilson completed 18 passes tonight, 7 to Julio Jones. Jones is an amazing player but there might be more success spreading the ball around more.

Utah showed tonight they are for real. This is their second BCS Bowl win. Now the questions will come should Utah have been playing for the BCS Championship? USC says they are the best team, Utah can now claim that as they are the only undefeated team left. So when are we going to see a playoff? It dosent matter if everyone has the same shot at the championship, its all about how can we make more money off of the games.

New Years Day Bowl Recap

2009-01-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Outback Bowl was an absolute blowout. Iowa totally dominated South Carolina 31-10. Gamecock redshirt freahman quaterback Stephen Garcia turned the ball over fout times in the first half giving Iowa plenty of chances to get some points. Shonn Greene rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns for the Hawkeyes and announced plans to leave school early for the draft. On a side note, wonder how many times Coach Spurrier threw that visor today?

In the Gator Bowl Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz shook off a horrible first half and a concussion, threw for two touchdowns and led Nebraska to a 26-21 victory against Clemson. The Tigers led 14-3 at halftime but Nebraskas defense held them to 91 yards in the second half. The Husker offense then got to work on the comeback.

Georgia takes the Capitol One Bowl 24-12 over Michigan State. Bulldog Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes in the final 18 minutes to lead Georgia to victory. There was no running showdown as expected. Georgia's Knowshon Moreno was held to 62 yards rushing but did get a recieving touchdown. Spartan All American Jevon Ringer had 47 yards and a TD on 20 carries.

USC wins it's third straight Rose Bowl 38-24. Penn State never really got going falling behind 31-7 at halftime. They finally scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to make the score respectable. USC completly dominated and made it's case that it should be number 1. The trojans never recoverd lost ground in the polls after a Thursday night loss to Oregon State. USC coach Pete Carroll said: “With all do respect, those are two great programs, I don’t think anybody can beat the Trojans.” Is Carroll going to jump on the playoff bandwagon now? With the current system its ok to lose just do it early.

The Orange bowl is underway with Cincinatti leading 7-0. Updates to come.

Another Spread Eagle for Auburn?

2008-12-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

Get ready Auburn fans, looks like its going to be another spread experiment...

AUBURN, Ala. (AP)—Gus Malzahn, who directed one of the nation’s top-ranked offenses at Tulsa, was hired Sunday by new Auburn coach Gene Chizik as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.Malzahn brings a no-huddle, fast-paced attack to the Tigers, who abandoned a struggling spread offense in midseason and returned to a more smashmouth style.Tulsa led the nation in total offense in 2007 and ranks second going into the Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl against Ball State in Mobile.Malzahn, who spent one season as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, will join Auburn’s staff after the bowl game.“Gus is one of the great offensive minds in college football and we are very excited to have him join the Auburn staff,” Chizik said. “His track record at all levels of coaching is remarkable and his offenses have been extremely successful both running and passing the ball.”Tulsa ranks eighth nationally in rushing and Arkansas was fourth during Malzahn’s season behind Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden. The Razorbacks never made the switch to his wide-open offense and Malzahn left for Tulsa.Tulsa is averaging 565 yards and 47 points this season, both second nationally.“This is an exciting opportunity to coach at Auburn, get involved with the Auburn family and work for Coach Chizik,” said Malzahn, who won three Arkansas state titles at two high schools. “I can’t wait to get to Auburn and get started.”Tulsa coach Todd Graham announced that after Malzahn’s departure, Herb Hand will become the Golden Hurricane’s lone offensive coordinator. He had shared the position with Malzahn.Graham also promoted graduate assistant Mike Norvell to receivers coach and passing game coordinator, and said special teams coordinator Bill Blankenship will also serve as quarterbacks coach.“One thing is certain: Our offense will remain the same as it has been in my entire head coaching career, as a no-huddle spread offense,” Graham said.The Tigers ranked 11th in the Southeastern Conference in scoring, managing just 17.3 points a game. Coach Tommy Tuberville fired first-year coordinator Tony Franklin in midseason after the spread offense failed to take off.Tuberville resigned under pressure after Auburn struggled to a 5-7 record.Chizik has also retained linebackers coach James Willis from the previous staff.

Malzahn left Arkansas because Houston Nutt wouldn't let him run the offense like he wanted to. Malzahn is a spread offense guy. Auburn dosen't like the spread. Maybe Tony Franklin needs to give Gus some advice on how to handle the Auburn 'family'. Hey maybe they'll just bring Franklin back as quarterback coach. Did Pat Dye approve this hire? Well get ready for another Tiger circus.

Top 25

2008-11-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

1. Alabama 10-0
2. Texas Tech 10-0
3. Florida 8-1
4. Texas 9-1
5. Oklahoma 9-1
6. USC 8-1
7. Penn State 9-1
8. Utah 10-0
9. Boise State 9-0
10. Ohio State 8-2
11. Oklahoma State 8-2
12. Missouri 8-2
13. Georgia 8-2
14. Ball State 9-0
15. TCU 9-2
16. Brigham Young 9-1
17. North Carolina 7-2
18. Michigan State 9-2
19. LSU 6-3
20. Florida State 7-2
21. Pittsburgh 7-2
22. Cincinnati 7-2
23. Oregon State 6-3
24. South Carolina 7-3
25. Tulsa 8-1

You Reap what you Sow...Even in Football

2008-10-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

It is written, You reap what you sow. It happens in sports too. Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer is on the 'hot seat' this year. This year has been disappointing and last Saturday's 29-9 loss to Alabama might have been the final straw. Tennessee has lost to their three biggest rivals this year, Florida, Georgia and now Alabama. It looks that just months after receiving a contract extension, Fulmer's job is in jeopardy. Fulmer has been the head coach of the Volunteers sixteen years and how he got the job might have been a little controversial. Fulmer was once an assistant on Coach Johnny Major's staff. During the 1992 season Coach Majors became ill and was out for a few weeks. During his absence Phil Fulmer was the interim head coach. Fulmer won a few games and before season's end Majors was forced out and Fulmer got his job. Now sixteen years later Fulmer had better be looking over his shoulder because he might just be forced out soon.

Once again I told you so. Two games in a row LSU has given up 50+ points. What has happened to the defending National Champs? Well like I said weeks ago their defense is not what it used to be. They are missing Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini alot. Quarterback Ryan Perixoux's dismissal was the main concern preseason. The fact that neither prospect for the starting job had much experience was a concern, but Jarrett Lee has secured that job. The defense is clearly the issue. I would venture to say that a two loss LSU team won't make the BCS this year.

West Virginia might....I said might be back on track. In their Thursday night win over Auburn they looked good, but Auburn is struggling alot. It might have been a lesson for Auburn on how they could run a spread offense though. Two weeks after firing offensive coordinator Tony Franklin things have not gotten any better. The defense is struggling as well. Giving up 34 points and without early WVU turnovers it would have been worse. West Virginia is back in position to win the Big East. Auburn has no chance of getting to the SEC title game.

Top 25 NCAA Football

2008-10-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

1. Alabama
2. Texas
3. Penn State
4. Oklahoma
5. USC
6. Texas Tech
7. Florida
8. Georgia
9. Oklahoma State
10. Utah
11. Boise State
12. Florida State
13. TCU
14. Ohio State
15. Missouri
16. LSU
17. Tulsa
18. Ball State
19. BYU
20. Minnesota
21. Michigan State
22. North Carolina
23. Oregon
24. West Virginia
25. South Florida

Coaching Carousel

2008-10-14T09:02:00.001-07:00

Less than a week after Auburn fires offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, Tommy Bowden is out as Clemson's head coach. I go back to a post last week, Tigers are in Turmoil. Clemson was supposed to be a notional championship contender. After the season opening loss to Alabama, things started to go downhill. Clemson now sits at 3-3 and the search starts now. Dabo Swinney one of Bowden's assistants will lead the Tigers for now, and hes name is being mentioned as a possible permanent replacement.Auburn's woes continue, firing Tony Franklin didn't help as Auburn lost to Arkansas last weekend. The most ironic thing is that the coach they lost to, Bobby Petrino, is the same man that trustees tried to hire in late 2003 to replace Tommy Tubberville . In what was called 'Jet Gate', trustees flew to Louisville to offer Petrino trying to find a replacement before firing Tubberville. Tubberville survived and went undefeated the next season, but now the plane might be warming up. Auburn started 3-0 but now have lost 3 of their last 4.On to the Bayou State. LSU just lost to Florida by the score of 51-21. Les Miles isn't in trouble just yet, but I did mention after the LSU/Auburn game that both defenses might have fallen off. Giving up 51 points is not good for your defensive stats. Of course it is only one loss but what does the future hold for the defending national champs? They still have to play Georgia and Alabama, could this be the start downhill for LSU? If Nick Saban brings the Tide into Death Valley and beats the Tigers, there will be some calling for Miles' head.

Tigers in Turmoil

2008-10-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Things just keep getting worse in Auburn. After all of the offensive problems this year, the Tigers have fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and just days after receiving a vote of confidence from head coach Tommy Tubberville. The news came Wednesday, Franklin was told his services were no longer needed or wanted. There is much speculation as to whether the other offensive assistants ever bought into Franklin's system of offense. When he was hired last December, Franklin did not bring any other coaches with him. All of his position coaches were those already on Auburn's staff. Did any of these other coaches ever buy into Franklin or his spread offense? Doesn't look like it.

Auburn has not produced the numbers they were supposed to this year. With the introduction of the spread offense, they were supposed to be gaining lots more yards and scoring more points. After two non-conference games there were critics but they Got louder after the 3-2 win at Mississippi State. There was even hope in the 26-21 loss to LSU, but after a 14-12 win over Tennessee and a 14-13 loss at Vanderbilt the Tigers decided it was time for a change.

Changing the offensive philosophy mid season is a very risky move. They spent all spring and summer preparing to run the spread offense. Now they are going back to a more run oriented style of playing. This is what they are used to doing, and obviously what these coaches want to be coaching. Tubberville said earlier they are still committed to running the spread, but if they are who is running it. Franklin was the man hired to bring the spread to Auburn. The remaining coaches don't seem to know or care to know anything about this style of offense. So, how does Tommy Tubberville plan to run a spread offense without a coach who knows how to coach it?

Auburn is now paying two offensive coordinators, and neither one is coaching for them. They are still paying Al Borges whom they fired to make room for Franklin last year. Now they will have to pay Franklin his two year guarenteed contract.

Auburn will probably run the ball alot more this week. They will probably sort out some quarterback issues. Kodi Burns will probably take over the starting job before too long, he is a more run oriented QB. Auburn should beat Arkansas convincingly. Auburn will try to run it down the Hog's throat and they won't be able to stop them. Arkansas will probably even gift wrap a couple of turnovers. The Auburn faithful may even think all is well after this game. Let me burst that bubble before it has a chance to grow. Auburn's problems are far from over. As many problems as Auburn has right now, this Arkansas team has more. It is ironic that after firing a coach the next team on the schedule is a team led by a coach that was on Auburn's wish list a few years ago. If Auburn wants to stick with the spread, Bobby Petrino knows a little about it. Wonder if he'll have time to interview this weekend, maybe they can meet at the airport.

Big 12 Showdown this Week

2008-10-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Big 12 will have two less unbeaten teams as Texas and Oklahoma square off this week in the Red River Rivalry. Missouri also has Oklahoma State bringing its unbeaten record to town. Texas and Oklahoma is clearly the game of the week with both teams in everyone's top 5. This game looks to be a shootout with two of the top quarterbacks in the nation facing off. Both teams have been great in the first quarter outscoring opponents 155-12 combined. It might even come down to the coin toss as to who can get the ball first, or maybe who has the ball last.

The other Big 12 matchup Missouri vs. Oklahoma State is going to be a question of can this Missouri offense be stopped? The Tigers have claimed that no one can stop their offense and I don't see Oklahoma State having a chance. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of defense in the Big 12, we will see who can slow down who. Oklahoma State is allowing 23 points a game and Missouri is scoring 53.4 points per game. On the other hand the Cowboys are averaging 52 points a game themselves. This looks to be a shootout and Missouri has more ammo.

Texas Tech the fifth un beaten team in the conference gets Nebraska this weekend. The huskers are coming off of their 52-17 loss to Missouri and the Red Raiders have just as potent of an offense. Nebraska has shown improvment over last year but they still have a way to go. With the Red Raiders averging 48 points per game it could be another long day for Nebraska's D.

Gameday is in Nashville?

2008-10-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

College Gameday is in Nashville? What is going on in the world? The College Gameday crew will be in town for the Auburn vs. Vanderbilt game. It is a game between two top 20 teams, but this is also the weekend that Miami plays Florida State. Can anyone believe that Auburn/Vandy is more important nationally that Florida State/Miami? This used to be one of the biggest games of the year, with the winner clearly being in contention for a national championship. This year no one is talking about them. The teams have fallen so far off of the national radar that they aren't even talked about competing for the ACC title much less a chance for a BCS bowl. Miami looked like they were making improvements against Florida but last weeks loss has killed all that momentum. Florida State defeated Colorado and has a respectable record at 3-1 but I'm afraid they might be about to go downhill.

Back to the 'game of the week', Auburn at Vanderbilt. Auburn comes in with even more offensive questions. The quarterback controversy seems to have escalated. Which quarterback is the right one for the spread offense and is the spread even what they need to be running? Right now the Tigers seem to be hanging everything on their defense, which I still think is not what it used to be. Auburn should still come out on top in this one.

In other games this weekend, Tennessee should be able to pull out the victory against Northern Illinois, but how much can it pacify the Vol faithful? Florida will get back on track against Arkansas and Ole Miss will try to keep their momentum after defeating Florida when South Carolina comes to town. The Big 12 gets into conference play and their three top ten teams take the road. Ohio State travels to take on Wisconsin and Oregon travels to USC.

There has already been one upset this week with South Florida loosing to Pitt on Thursday night. What else will happen this week and will this year turn out to be as crazy as last year was?

Top 25 College Football, Week 5

2008-09-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

1. Alabama
2. Oklahoma
3. LSU
4. Missouri
5. Texas
6. Penn State
7. BYU
8. Texas Tech
9. South Florida
10. USC
11. Georgia
12. Florida
13. Ohio State
14. Auburn
15. Utah
16. Bosie State
17. Wisconsin
18. Vanderbilt
19. Virginia Tech
20. Oklahoma State
21. Connecucut
22. Kansas
23. Fresno State
24. Oregon
25. Florida State

Talking Coaching Changes Already...

2008-09-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Four weeks into the 2008 NCAA college football season and we're wanting to fire people already. West Virginia's slow start has some people questioning if Bill Stewart should have been the choice as head coach. His teams offensive performance has been questioned after only scoring 3 points against East Carolina. The Mountaineers OT loss to Colorado hasn't helped either. However it seems that some in Morgantown are not too happy with the buyout in Stewart's contract. A little further south in Tennessee Phil Fulmer's 'seat' is officially hot. After the season opening loss to UCLA and Florida soundly beating them the Vol' faithful are not happy. Last year the Vol's started slow but ended up in the SEC championship game. This year it might be tougher. Four teams in the SEC east are still undefeated and Vanderbilt leads with two conference wins. How about that in state pushover Vandy is undefeated and ranked in the top 25. There's a new offensive coordinator in town and I think they are missing David Cutcliffe. Speaking of new offensive coordinators, Auburn now runs a spread offense with Tony Franklin. They seem to be improving, but there is still unrest with the new system. Some have questioned Auburn's departure from their traditional two running back sets they have been known for. Running Back U, as they have been called, lost a top commitment last signing day because of the spread. Now the passing numbers are not where they were expected to be. The quarterback controversy on the Plains is not helping either. Now the backup quarterback is always the most popular player on the team when the starter is not performing to the fan's expectations, but when the backup has been on campus longer there are even more questions. Some are already asking if Tommy Tuberville will have yet another O.C. next year?I also have to include Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden. The chances of either of these two men being fired is slim, but how long will they hang around? Penn State is faring better than FSU this year and that helps JoePa. On the other hand FSU's problems and Bowden's lack of involvement have many wondering if he is just trying to outlast Paterno. I'm going to say this. Both men have had extremely successful careers. Men, retire while you still have a little dignity left. And, remember all, we are only four weeks into the season...