Former Bruin Looks at Cardinals

Ball State just landed a transfer of Michigan Wolverine proportion when Artis Chambers tossed away his winged helmet for Cardinal and White, but the biggest transfer news this offseason for Muncie could be one Chris Forcier from UCLA looking at schools in the Hoosier State, notably Purdue and one Ball State University.

Brian Dohn, from Inside UCLA, broke the news to an otherwise unknowing Cardinal Nation. Forcier is not exceptionally well known anywhere outside of Muncie either, even in his own family, as little brother Tate, he of recruiting website fame, is a freshman at Michigan this upcoming season. Forcier, listed at 6'4" and 188lbs, is a speedster with sub 4.5 speed. He was the 19th ranked QB in the 07 class, and would have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out a year for transfer.

It seems like a strange move to consider the Cardinals, given that the QB position in Muncie seems to be pretty solid for the next couple of years with Kelly Page and Aaron Mershman, but I'll gladly take a D1 athlete from a BCS school anytime I can get him. I'm sure Stan will be able to come up with ways to get him on the field, under center or otherwise, should he end up here. Stay tuned...

Weekend Carnage Report

This was one of the more ho-hum weekends in college football, as evidenced by the lack of change in the Top 15 of the BCS. The season is winding down, and some teams are beginning to believe again while others are realizing that their season or in some cases, their career, might be over. Some good finishes were there for the finding for the truly dedicated, but this may have been a nice weekend to step outside, get some fresh air, and remind your loved ones that you do indeed care about more than an oblong ball and a set of uprights. (Of course, this isn't true, but loved ones are usually foolish, blinded by their feelings and emotions. This goodwill should last you at least through the conference championships, then you can buy enough Christmas gifts to allow you uninterrupted Bowl watching. Thank me later.) On to the weekend...

The Good

• Florida. As in really really good. I think most thought the South Carolina-Florida game would at least be fun to watch. Not so much. Florida jumped on the Gamecocks early, often, and impressively in route to a 56-6 shellacking. I said it in June, and I'll say it again here... this Florida team is the best in the country. And the National Championship is their's to lose.
• Utah. The Utes had to be hearing the whispers after an ugly win over TCU that they were a tad bit overrated. Coupled with the other non-BCS undefeateds and the Utes needed a statement win. They got it in the form of a 63-14 pounding of hapless San Diego State. Granted, SDSU is 1-10, but good teams blow bad teams out. A lesson some of the big boys and a few of the mid-majors would do well to remember.
• Maryland. In defeating 16th ranked North Carolina on Saturday, the Terps not only made their claim for the ACC Championship, but also defeated their 6th straight ranked opponent. If Ralph Friedgen could ever figure out how to beat the Middle Tennessee's of the world, the Terps would be amazing.
• Ball State. The Cards defeated Miami on Tuesday last for their first 10-0 start in school history. They drop three spots in the BCS, leapfrogged by TCU and BYU in the process as their reward. Up next for the Cardinals will be Central Michigan on Wednesday, a game that should they win, will get the Cardinals some respect in the minds of the computers and the pollsters.
  

The Bad

• Syracuse/Greg Robinson. Alas, the love affair between Greg Robinson and Syracuse has come to a bitter bloody end after a 39-14 beating by UConn in the final home game of the 08 season. Robinson was 9-36 in his career and 3-25 in the Big East. In trying to find at least a little humor in this otherwise awful situation for Syracuse fans, Robinson won 2 of his 3 games against Louisville. Proving yet again that Louisville sucks.
• Washington. Remaining the only winless team in FBS, the Huskies now close the season against 1-10 Washington State and 6-4 Cal. If Ty is going to go out with a win, he would do well to beat Wazzu. At least they kept it semi-close against UCLA.
• Tulsa. Just a few short weeks ago, Tulsa was everyone's darling with thier glitzy high powered offense and head coach Todd Graham appearing on many short lists for vacancies. Looks like the Golden Hurricanes are petering out to be a minor rain storm as they get violated by Houston 70-30.
• Michigan. One of the most storied programs in history has its first 8-loss season after the 21-14 loss to Northwestern. Deep breaths, M fans... with Coach Rod it only gets better after the first season.
  

The Ugly

• LSU. The Tigers needed a 30-point fourth quarter to defeat the Troy Trojans 40-31. If you're good at math, that means they were trailing 31-10 when the 4th quarter began. That's simply inexcusable. It was a night game in Tiger Stadium for Christ's sake. A lot of folks are talking about how overrated the SEC is, and LSU is one of the many reasons why.
• Wake Forest/Florida State/North Carolina. Apparently, no one wants to win the ACC as all of the ranked teams in the conference got beat this weekend. At least Wake and UNC were on the road. The ACC Title and the accompanying BCS Bowl and $17 million payday is like a bad penny that no one wants. Do everyone a favor and just forfeit your auto-bid.
• The BCS. I know I'm biased. But Ball State wins their game, they are undefeated, and ahead of them in the BCS standings are a bunch of two-loss teams and right behind them is LSU. They were jumped by TCU and BYU, effectively ending their hopes of a BCS game. It's complete and utter bullshit, and I for one, am pissed. The major conferences created a shitty little sandbox and refuse to let anyone else in. There will be a post forthcoming about this, but I'm not happy right now.
  

OTP Helmet Stickers
From Alan:

• Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa: Greene gashed Purdue for 211 yards and 2 scores in the Hawkeyes victory over the Boilers. Javon Ringer gets a ton of press, but Greene is just as good if not better.
• Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: In a game ripe for stat building, Harvin took advantage of the South Carolina defense for 167 rushing yards and 2 TDs.
• MiQuale Lewis, RB, Ball State: In the win over Miami, Lewis hung 165 yards and 2 TDs on the Red Hawks while helping BSU to its firsts 10-0 start in school history. Lewis has quietly amassed some impressive stats this season, moving to 7th in the nation in yards per game.
  

Humpday Quickies

It's been a couple weeks since we've thrown up our Humpday Quickies, but here we are. It's the humpiest of days. Nothing really of note on the Cardinals that wasn't already covered, so we'll move ahead to the Wildcats who face Vandy this week. Is it winnable? Sure. Will they win? Who the hell knows. This Wildcat team is anyone's guess, as is Vandy, really. We're just as likely to see a 50-40 game as we are 17-10. We'll get to all that later in the week, but for now, here's what's happening...

Kentucky Quickies:

• The Spread is coming to Kentucky! Of course, not by choice, more so because of the rampant injury bug going around.
• Mark Story says regardless of Rich Brooks' steady assertion that they need a 7th win to get to a bowl, they're in.
• Brian Rickerd from The State Journal chats a bit about the "crossroads" that this Kentucky team is facing.
• Always entertaining TeamSpeedKills provides some humor with an SEC Coaches' Poker Game. Rich Brooks thinks its bullshit.
• As expected, DeMoreo Ford's career is over. But some hope in the coaching department. Good luck, DF.
• A Sea of Blue gives great insight and evaluation about the Cats offense and season. A must read.

Other Quickies:

• In case you're ever down here in College Park, MD visiting the OTP home office, beware large football players hanging out at Cornerstone Bar. They tend to instigate bar brawls and punch cops. Don't say you weren't warned.
• Joel at RockyTopTalk, who we link to often and read even more often, has made his case for Mike Leach to be the next head coach at Tennessee. When my UT friend asked me who I would hire when the story broke, Leach was the first and only name I gave him. If UT is smart, they will throw mountains of money to get this man to Knoxville.
• The BCS might be heading to ESPN, assuming Fox can't pony up the same sort of dough. Which they won't. So enjoy Mark May douching it up during the championship game.
• Tirico Suave brings the LOLs for Notre Dame fans and haters as the Irish and Coach Weis sort of struggle to find their way.
• Mike Leach is a helluva coach, and apparently a panic-inducer at the NASDAQ. No one said winning came cheap.
• West By God Virginia opines on their offensive ineptitude this season in humorous fashion.
• What's that Ron Zook? Jealous of Indiana stealing all the press by losing to a MidAmerican conference team. Twice. Ok... you're up.
• USC and Pete Carrol? Stoked. But not about that stupid BCS mind you.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

With Monday comes clarity about the season as we take stock of the weekly shake ups and shockers in college football. We had a relatively upset-free weekend of college football save for one big Nittany Lion loss. Other than that, the outcomes were fairly predictable. Exciting, but predictable.

The Good

• Texas Tech: The knock on Mike Leach's Red Raiders was that they couldn't play defense. Critics said there was no way that this team could bounce back against a Top 10 opponent after knocking off number 1. All Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree did was pound the Oklahoma State Cowboys 56-20 in Lubbock. Tech can solidify its place in the National Title hunt with a victory in two weeks against Oklahoma, but for now, it's great to be a Tech fan.
• Iowa: Effectively ending Penn State's title hopes, the Hawkeyes rallied for a game-winning field goal with one second remaining to beat the Nittany Lions. It would have been nice to see Joe Paterno go out on top... by getting crushed by a one-loss Florida team in the National Championship.
• Cincinnati: Quietly and effectively, the Bearcats under coach Brian Kelly are right in the running for a BCS berth. Sure, it's because they play in the Big East, but after an upset of West Virginia, the Bearcats control their own destiny.
• Michigan State/Oregon State: Similar to the Bearcats, color me shocked that Sparty and the Beavers controls their own fates for a BCS berth. Could we see an Oregon State/Michigan State Rose Bowl? Yawn.

The Bad

• Indiana/Purdue: These two Hoosier state public schools would do well to take a lesson from fellow in-stater Ball State. Combined, the Boilermakers and Hoosiers are 6-14. It's Purdue head coach Joe Tiller's final season, and I would wager it might be Bill Lynch's as well.
• Illinois: A loss to MAC member Western Michigan puts a nice exclamation point on a craptacular season for the Illini. At 5-5, with Northwestern and Ohio State remaining, it will be a struggle for Illinois to even reach Bowl Eligibility.
• Notre Dame: An ugly showing for the Irish on Saturday, as they were blanked by Boston College. It was BC's 6th straight win over ND, and showed the type of sloppy play that Irish fans were hoping to avoid this season. Winning a game while committing 5 turnovers is hard to do, and with ND's somewhat stagnant offense at times this year, perfection is a must.

The Ugly:

• Alabama: A win is a win, and while playing a road game against a Top 15 team is tough, Alabama tried every way in the world to lose this game. Bama finds ways to win, and that's impressive in its own right, but I have to believe their day is coming in the SEC Championship Game. Florida wins. And wins big.
  
• Utah: Sloppy was the order of the day when Utah took on TCU on Thursday. This battle of BCS busters came down to the wire, and when the dust cleared, Utah stood victorious. Is Utah a good team? Absolutely. Is Utah the 7th best team in the country as they are now ranked in the BCS? Absolutely not. Is Utah even the best BCS buster? Probably not.
  
• Tennessee: Wyoming. A 3-6 Wyoming. In Knoxville. My goodness.

OTP Helmet Stickers
From RV:

• Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: This kid catches everything thrown his way and continued the ride for Texas Tech, regardless of his coach's affinity for Pirates. I hope this kid gets a chance to catch the ball on a team in the NFL that knows how to use him, because he's amazing.
• Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State: Great game against an overrated Northwestern game, if he can stay healthy...OSU will continue to bore the shit out of me when I watch them.
• Nate F*ing Davis, QB, Ball State: Straight up nasty on Wednesday against a competent NIU defense. He showed off well for the orange bowl scouts in attendance and will do it again on national TV on Tuesday.
  

From Alan:

• Chris Williams, WR, New Mexico St.: Made the most of 7 catches with 220 yards and three TDs in a loss to Hawaii.
• Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech: Gashed the Maryland defense in a primetime Thursday game to the tune of 253 yards and a TD. That's a school record, folks.
• Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia: Rang up the vaunted Kentucky defense for 191 yards and a score in the Bulldogs 42-38 victory.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

Well, well, well. Quite the little weekend in this little sport known as college football. Epic finishes in the Big 10, Notre Dame going down in 4 OTs to Pitt, and maybe the best game in recent memory as Texas Tech said "Yarrrr!!!" to Texas' number one ranking. Not 72 hours after the weekend kicked off, two coaches have announced they are saying goodbye at seasons' end... one Tom Amstutz at Toledo, and the biggest one... Phil Fulmer at Tennessee. The breaking news about Fulmer says that he and UT officials reached a "mutual agreement" about his future at the school. I'm skeptical. But it's Monday and time for the week that was in college football.

The Good

• Texas Tech. In a win over Texas, the Red Raiders announced they were not only offensively minded as Harrel and co. threw the ball all over the field, but they also played defense when it counted, didn't fold under a mounting Texas resurgence, and were able to exorcise some demons that came with their neighbors from Austin. Mike Leach has always been known as an eccentric coach. Now he can be known as a great coach as well.
• Florida. Lovefest from ESPN aside, this is a damn good football team. After pasting Kentucky last week 63-5, the Gators took 6th ranked Georgia behind the woodshed to the tune of 49-10. This Florida team is a missed extra point away from being undefeated and the number one team in the country.
• West Virginia/Pitt. Two schools that have quietly come back from early season shockers to post their claim for the Big East's conference title along side Cincinnati. Who would have thought after the first few weeks that these would be the two teams battling it out for a BCS berth.
  

The Bad

• Indiana. In what has become habit for the Hoosiers, they give a MAC school their first win over a BCS conference school. Following in Ball State's footsteps, Central Michigan goes to Bloomington and takes out IU. Bill Lynch strikes again and wrecks another football program.
• Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes fell from the nation's unbeatens, as Arkansas handed them loss number one in Fayetteville. Tulsa's offense flew high, to the sound of 528 yards, but three costly turnovers sealed their fate against the Hogs.
• Washington/Washington St. It's hard living if you're a football fan in the Apple State. The two state schools are a combined 1-16 this season and were outscored Saturday 114-0. That's mind-numbingly awful, the likes of which are hard to recover from.
  

The Ugly

• Kentucky. Anytime you can walk out of Starkville with a win, it's a good thing, but Kentucky wins no style points for their 14-13 victory. The win got Kentucky to 6-3, which makes them bowl-eligible and heading to their third straight postseason. An epic feat, but an ugly win.
  
• Utah. A 13-10 win over New Mexico keeps the Utes in the hunt for the BCS and undefeated on the season, but with pivotal game against TCU and BYU upcoming, the Utes will need to have a much better effort than Saturday.
• Missouri. The Tigers won Saturday against Baylor, but needed a late field goal for a 3-point win. This is the same team that many were lauding as a potential threat to win the Big 12 title just a few weeks ago. Perhaps Gary Pinkel is looking over his resume rather than prepping his team for games against cupcakes like Baylor.

OTP Helmet Stickers
From RV:

• LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh: 169 rush yards and a TD in Pitt's 4 OT win against Notre Dame in South Bend.
  
• Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: 10 catches for 127 yards and a game-winning touchdown in the upset of No. 1 Texas in Lubbock.
  
• Brian Brunner, QB, Central Michigan: Replacing starter Dan Lefevour and throws for a school-record 485 yards passing with 4 TDs. He also ran one in too. Impressive.
  

From Alan:

• Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech: 36-53, 474 yards, 2 TD in win over Texas.
• Justin Siller, QB, Purdue: 343 total yards and 4 TDs against the Michigan Wolverines in Purdue's victory. Orchestrated a hook-and-lateral to perfection.
• Tim Tebow, QB, Florida: 10-13 154 yards and 2 TD through the air, rushes for 3 scores as well, breaking Emmitt Smith's school record for rushing TDs in the process.

Humpday Quickies

We're back pulling double duty this week as Kentucky and Ball State gear up for a Saturday matinee. The Cats head down to Gainesville for a date with Florida, and BSU gears up for a Parent's Weekend blasty blast with Eastern Michigan. We'll have full previews of both games tomorrow, and this week's Blogpoll will be along shortly, but it's Humpday, and it's time for Quickies.

Ball State Quickies:

• Sports Illustrated, yes... that Sports Illustrated, has a great feature piece on the Cardinals, readable here.
  
• The South Bend Tribune says it isn't an easy road to the BCS for the Cardinals, but it is possible.
  
• A Kansas City columnist not named Jason Whitlock is singing the praises of Nate Davis, mentioning him as a potential fix, and only viable draft option, for the Chiefs offensive woes.
• A blogger from FanIQ lists his coaches on the hotseat, and not surprisingly, Bill Lynch is on there. His replacement nominee? Among others, Brady Hoke.
• Interesting read from the Van Wert Times Bulletin about Cards receiver Briggs Orsbon.
  

Kentucky Quickies:

• Kentucky jumps to 7th in this week's SEC Power Poll at GarnetandBlackAttack.
• Rich Brooks thinks some Cat fans leaving early is bullshit. As punishment, Papaw breaks out the offense and lets the Cats win a close one, just to show these young punks he means business.
  
• Fantastic read from Tru at A Sea of Blue about the resurgence of Kentucky football.
• Derrick Locke out for the season? Come on down, Alfonso Smith.
• Florida beat writer lets everyone know just how banged up Kentucky is.

Everyone Else:

• In addition to prepping for Kentucky, Tim Tebow says Colt McCoy is his Heisman front runner.
• Interesting read about fellow MAC brethren Northern Illinois and the rebuild that Coach Kill has engineered there. Kill won't be long for the MAC, and a bigger, better program has several fantastic MAC coaches to choose from.
• BlackHeartGoldPants has a nice little piece on how SIDs occasionally distort the truth.
• Biased I'm sure because I was at their last game against the Naval Academy, but Pitt looked exceptionally good. ESPN has a nice write up on their defense, which looked exceptional in defending the triple option.
• Also at the WorldWideLeader is the latest edition of Bowl Projections. Texas is a unanimous choice to play for the title.
• Cal throws their hat in the ring for the Fulmer Cup of 09, as two players were arrested for armed robbery.
• Ralph Friedgen, he of large-waisted Maryland fame, says what I've been saying for years... that adding conference games is a terrible terrible idea.
• A UT fan screaming for the head of Phil Fulmer. Not new... or surprising.
• Orson at EDSBS offers wedding advice to Casey Dick of Arkansas who is recently engaged.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

So the weekend wasn't the normal football infused bonanza that the folks here at OTP normally have, as since most of our key teams were idle, Edge, RV, and myself decided to make the significant others happy and crawl out from our Saturday football rocks. On a scale of Hugh Grant to Jack Bauer, there were varying degrees of awesome. Edge brought up the rear with his daughter's 2nd birthday party, RV spent the weekend with his family, and Alan saw some live football action at the Naval Academy vs. Pitt. But the football world didn't stop spinning. Here's what we, and perhaps you, missed along the way...

The Good:

• Texas being Texas. After a win against Oklahoma last week, the world declared Texas as good. After completely dominating Missouri, this team looks really good. The BCS this year is Texas' to lose. There. I said it.
• Penn State. Having said that about Texas, Penn State can make the case that they are just as talented and just as ready to blow your ass away. The table is set nicely for a Penn State waltz into the BCS championship game, but there's a rather large team of angry Buckeyes standing right in the middle of that stroll.
• USC. Yes, it was Washington State (see below) but this is the one-loss team that could very easily go the distance. USC-Texas would be a fabulous way to end the season.
• TCU. Completely dominated BYU, everyone's favorite Non-BCS team, on Thursday night. The 19 people watching on Versus were impressed.
  

The Bad:

• Alabama. Another week brings a confusing final from the Crimson Tide. A 4-point victory over Ole Miss is better than a loss, and even with the Houston Nutt phenomenon of making games close that shouldn't be, this is a disturbing trend shaking out about the Tide. After a near shocker against Kentucky, and now this, it makes me wonder if Bama is ready.
• Wake Forest/Virginia Tech. Just when it looks like two teams are ready to step up and be their conference's flag bearer in the national polls, both take the L. Wake drops one at Maryland (which given the Terps this season isn't surprising) and VA Tech drops one against BC.
• More injuries. It seems like every game I watch nowadays has something major happen. The lead stories on the ticker or the recaps are the alarming injuries to players across the country. Has the game's speed surpassed the available safety?
  

The Ugly:

• Washington State's psyche. 69-0. That's a ton of points. The Cougs have been outscored 137-13 in their last two games (Oregon State/USC) and they've given up 60+ 4 times this season. Saturday marked the first time in 280 games that the Cougars failed to score. Times are tough in Pullman, and it's only getting worse.
• Indiana. Saturday's loss to Illinois marked the Hoosiers' fifth straight loss this season. A team that many thought was an absolute lock for a bowl now sit at 2-5. The Hoosiers basically have to win them all to make a bowl, which would mean an upset of Penn State at Happy Valley.
• Cal. Once again the Bears get themselves ranked, then lose to a severely undermanned opponent. Underachieving is the flavor of the day for some teams out there, and this Cal team is one of them.

Helmet Stickers:
From RV:

• Michael Smith, RB, Arkansas - You get a much deserved helmet sticker for what has been called 'shredding' or 'beating the rat piss out' of the Kentucky defense. Much appreciated. Maybe if your head coach wasn't such a raging 'doosh' than there would've been more than 20 points scored in that game. But, 'dooshiness' won out.
• LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh - You seem to be finding your groove, proving that the 149 yards against Syracuse (108th) and 142 yards against South Florida (6th??) weren't just total anomalies. 156 yards against Navy (64th) was just enough for everyone to start believing that Pitt is coached by a different team.
• Jeshua Anderson, WR, Washington State - USC's vaunted defense didn't stop you from having 57 total yards on 7 touches. Paul Wulff, why aren't you getting the ball in this kid's hands more?
• Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland - Normally we don't talk about the NFL here at OTP, but this bastard needs to be mentioned. Derek Anderson, you sir deserve a helmet sticker, applied directly to your dome by a nail gun. How can you be this horrible at a game you are paid to play professionally? This guy makes Rex Grossman look like Peyton Manning pre-snap. It's that bad...14-37 for 136 yards, 1 TD? 56 of those yards coming with 5 minutes left in the game? Two 1st quarter three and outs from the inside the Wash 46? You sir, are the ultimate 'doosh'.
  

From Alan:

• Colt McCoy, QB, Texas - In a nationally televised game, McCoy laid his claim to the Heisman, shredding Missouri to the tune of 29-32, 337 yards, 4 total TDs.
• Brian Brunner, QB, Central Michigan - Stepping in for the injured Dan Lefevour, Brunner guided the Chips to a much-needed victory over unbeaten in MAC play Western Michigan. Brunner's line? 20-28, 346 yards, TD. With Brunner and Lefevour at their disposal, CMU is a very dangerous team.
• Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky - The true freshman that's so gifted athletically, he created a firestorm of controversy over whether or not he should be playing QB went for 5 catches, 73 yards, and 2 scores, both with under 6 minutes to go in the game. Also wore #12 in tribute to Dicky Lyons, Jr. who's football career ended last week with a knee injury.
  

Edge's Weekend Rock Solids

Roving OTP Muncie Bureau Chief Edge checks in today with his Rock Solids of the weekend. As usual, bringing you up to speed in the world of footbaw with a rock and roll twist. - Ed.

Edge's Weekend Rock Solids

Welcome to the first edition of Edge's "Rock Solids". In this post, three teams or players will get a shout-out from OTP's resident rocker. And for more for your entertainment dollar (or to waste more time when you should be working), I'll give you some runners-up and even some of the worst of the week.

This week's Rock Solids are:

1) Sam Bradford - QB, Oklahoma. You, my friend, are a Rock Solid. You threw for an OU record 468 yards and three touchdowns. This performance was all the sweeter given the loss last weekend to Texas. You bounced back and took it out on Kansas. At least be a gentleman and call them in the morning.

2) Maryland. Um, where ya guys been? We've barely noticed you all year, and you come out to play against a top-25 team (by the way, Ball State says thanks). It wouldn't be worth a mention here except for the fact that you not only won; you rocked. And your QB's dad was in Ratt, so you're pretty much honorary Rock Solids for the year.

3) The Wannstache. No, not the man to whom you belong - I'm talking directly to you, crumb-catcher. You're like the perfect wife. You've stuck with your man for better or worse... and worse... and worse... then a little better... then worse... Now you've helped your man go 5-1 this season, and you know it's because of your lip-service. You rock, my hairy hero.

Now for some runners-up: the "Stone Toughs". You had moments of rock genius, but you can do better.

1) Kentucky. Wasn't pretty guys, but you did it. Down 10 with less than 6 to go, I decide to stop looking to watch the Red Sox-Rays. Fifteen minutes later... well, you know the story. Thank you, Hogs. I don't care about the Cats, but after this week at the OTP-Muncie bureau, that win felt personal. So, thanks Hog fans, it was fun. See you anonymous guys next year. And for the record, as an outsider looking in, Petrino really is kind of a bitch.

2) Georgia Tech. Again, not pretty. Clemson is a team on the ropes. Granted, GA Tech isn't an upper-echelon team, but I expected more.

3) Alabama. See Georgia Tech. The sad thing is that you're an upper-echelon team, and your performance comes close to:

The "Michael Boltons". You do not rock. Not one bit. You should think about hanging it up... and soon.

1) Inoke Funaki - QB, Hawaii. I don't even think words can express how much you did not rock Friday. Five interceptions. God. Damnit. Moving on...

2) Washington St. You lost 69-0. Yes, it was USC you were up against, but sweet Jesus, at least get a field goal or something. Or play some defense. Or forfeit before it gets that bad. But 69-0? Do you send your players to a shrink after that kind of loss? Rape counseling?

3) Syracuse. Get used to it. You'll be a Michael Bolton until September.

Humpday Quickies

Truthfully, aside from Tommy Bowden getting the old heave-ho in Clemson, it's sort of been a slow news week in terms of college football. The hype wagon hit fever pitch for last weekend, the OMG! BeSt wEekEnd Evur!!!! sort of feeling heading into Saturday. There is no Tuesday/Wednesday/Monday afternoon gameage for you to enjoy, and only 3 games before the Saturday slate. Slow news or not, here's what's shakin' on the Interwebs...

Ball State Quickies:

• Dante Love is set to return to Muncie after being released from his Indianapolis rehab center and spending some time at home in Cincinnati. Great news for a great person.
• Another Michigan fan spouting off how no one really wanted Brady Hoke and what a mediocre coach he is. I can only hope every other AD in the country thinks the same thing and Hoke stays in Muncie for the foreseeable future. The Michigan fan base amazes me at times, as the populations' difference between rational thought (see: Brian at MGoBlog) and psychopathic walking dumpster fire is seemingly razor thin.
  Why pay RichRod to wreck Michigan when this man can do it far cheaper?
• In other Hoke news, Kegeratornation insists Bill Lynch is as good as fired at IU, and lists Hoke as his potential replacement. I would be shocked if Lynch was fired, and even more so if Hoke took over.
• Ryan Wood, at the BSU Daily News, bemoans BSU's lack of commitment to the run game. Normally, the DN is a great newspaper with insightful commentary. As a former DN staffer, I should know. But this just doesn't make sense. Look at the stats, Ryan. This is the best rushing attack in recent memory.
• Graham Watson, she of ESPN mid-major coverage fame, says the Cardinals are the surprise team of 2008. She also says Hoke is the non-BCS Coach of the Year.
• Kevin Paul nominates MiQuale Lewis as an FBS running back no one is talking about... but should be.
  

Kentucky Quickies:

• In consolations are bullshit news, after meeting at midfield, Brooks said something to the effect of "Streak's still alive", Spurrier says something to him, Brooks walks away muttering, "Aw... bullshit". The Cats, and Brooks, have never beaten Spurrier. And like the old saying goes, when you can't beat 'em, swear at 'em. Check the video here. (At about the 19 seconds to go mark)
  Visors, you, and consolations... all bullshit
• In raging douchebag news, Bobby Petrino still is. Petrino says about UK fans, "I think they like me there." Riiiiight. And blonde white women still are ok around OJ.
  
• ESPN SEC blogger Chris Low still lists Kentucky as a team that will get to a Bowl Game in his midseason SEC Report. Suffice to say it's possible still, but this weekend's Arkansas game becomes epic for that to happen.
• Ken at A Sea of Blue breaks down the Kentucky-South Carolina game. I didn't get a chance to watch it, and it looks like I didn't miss much.
  
• T Kyle King at DawgSports picks not only the winner in the UK-Arkansas game this weekend, but also accuses Petrino of petty theft. Giggity giggity goo.
  

Everyone Else Quickies:

• The Tennessee OMG! RumORz over the should-we, shouldn't-we, maybe, maybe not, what's for dinner, Phil Fulmer firing are hitting record numbers. What shouldn't make Fulmer feel any more secure is when your Athletic Director announces a $7 million dollar surplus and (paraphrasing) that should a coaching change be needed, finances won't stand in the way. You know, should we need it. Which we don't. But if we do. Just saying.
• In "How About Some Sour Grapes" news... Clemson QB Cullen Harper on the firing of head coach Tommy Bowden: "It's what he deserved". After that statement, Harper then went to Bowden's house, kicked his puppy, keyed his car, left a flaming bag of dog shit on the porch, and made sweet sweet love to Tommy's wife. Impressive only in the fact that a Clemson offensive player finally found paydirt this season.
• Add alum and current NFLer Braylon Edwards to the aforementioned Michigan fans who are a little less than giddy under the new regime of Rich Rodriguez.
• Orson at EDSBS again points out why Texas Tech is entertaining as well as a good football team.
• Interesting perspective from Rakes of Mallow about the Notre Dame-North Carolina game.
• It's bad at Washington State. Real bad.
• How do you celebrate becoming the first MAC team to beat Michigan, Toledo? By starting a bar brawl, of course!!!
• DR. Darryl Gross and Greg Robinson continue to struggle at Syracuse, this time a near-miss against West Virginia. Which doesn't really count since Bill Stewart has driven the team into the ground in record time. Watching Greg Robinson and Bill Stewart coach against each other is a cripple fight of the highest order.
  
• Finally, in angry old man news, for anyone who missed Lou Holtz taking an argument on ESPN a little too seriously and in true old man fashion (see Rich Brooks above), ends by muttering obscenities as the cameras are still on.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

7 days ago in this very space, I wrote about how my bloodlust wasn't quite satiated after a weekend that saw no marquee teams defecate the bed. Ask and ye shall receive from the football Gods, as the Top 3 teams in last week's OTP Blogpoll took the L. Capped off with a Ball State win, putting the Cardinals at 7-0, and aside from Kentucky's loss to South Carolina, the weekend turned out just like I hoped it would: bloody, exciting, bloody, thrilling, bloody, and bloody. Giddy up...

The Good:

• Texas has, for the moment, silenced the critics of Mack Brown. This blog pointed out in August that is was ridiculous that Brown was always mentioned as an underachieving coach, and he showed why it was ridiculous this weekend in the Red River Rivalry. Incidentally, when did it stop being called the Red River Shootout?
• Florida has, for the moment, made everyone forget about their missed extra point induced loss at the hands of Ole Miss. They took LSU to the woodshed, and the Tigers looked overmatched, outgunned, and outplayed. Big win for Florida, bigger win for Tebow's Heisman chances, as a loss would have meant near disaster.
• The midmajors just keep on keepin' on. BYU, Ball State, Boise State, Utah all got the win as they continue their surprising seasons.
  

The Bad:

• Idle seems to be the only way to get ahead. Teams like Alabama, Virginia Tech, South Florida, and Cal all were able to benefit by their idle status. The difference between winning and simply not losing is razor thin.
• The smart schools got knocked down a peg this weekend, as Northwestern and Vanderbilt both took their first losses of the season. A great storyline, still, but there is an uphill road in front of both of them for any chance at a conference title.

The Ugly:

• Notre Dame's loss at North Carolina this weekend marked the first time a UNC team has beaten Notre Dame since 1960. While part of me understands this is a rebuilding process for Charlie Weis and co. in South Bend, other programs seem to be turning it around significantly quicker. On a scale of 1-10 of worry, I'm about a 5.
  
• Clemson gets beat by Wake Forest 12-7. Though ugly on the scoreboard, uglier in the sense that Clemson's season has hit rock bottom. A team thought to have national title hopes at the beginning of the year will have to battle to get to a bowl.
• Toledo does it's best App State impression and knocks off Michigan. The one Michigan fan I know didn't return my text message, but I can only imagine the love affair with Rich Rod might be coming to an end.
  

Helmet Stickers:
From RV:

• SEC Speed - wait, what's that? SEC speed strikes again! Florida just looked that much faster than their opponent that was from...wait...the SEC? Hmm, maybe it really is mythical.
• Juice Williams - 503 total yards of offense...ridiculous. Granted, it was all in a losing effort. To Minnesota, but this Juice is loose.
• Cam Sexton - While putting up below average stats against the Irish, he put together drives when he needed to and didn't make mistakes. Big win for NC, and hopefully a little shot in the arm for Cam. If Juice can do it, anyone can
  

From Alan:

• Nick Moore, WR, Toledo: 20 catches. 20. 162 yards also in the upset over Michigan. 20.
• Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas: 112 yards on 11 catches and one gigantic 96-yard return for a score in the upset of Oklahoma.
• Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: 2 INTs, one of which was returned 52-yards for the score in win versus LSU.
  

Humpday Quickies

An extra-special Humpday this week, as I sit in my office awaiting a potential phone call from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as I am the Phone A Friend for one of my colleagues. Should Meredith Viera ask him about Ball State football I think we're covered. At any rate, here's what's happening across the interwebs for your reading pleasure on this humpiest of days...

Ball State Quickies:

• Dante Love might be leaving the rehabilitation center later this week. Phenomenal news, and a great bullet point to start this list. Get well soon, Eight-Six.
  
• Dennis Dodd from CBS Sports has a great write up on these Cardinals. Check it out if you do nothing else today.
  
• A writer from the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun (the paper serving the area around Central Michigan) writes that he isn't quite ready to crown the Cardinals the best of the MAC. Oh really? Jealousy is a stinky cologne.
  
• The Cards are getting love from Fox Sports, and not just from Jason Whitlock. MiQuale Lewis gets a shout out on this week's Hot or Not.
• Pat Forde, whom I remember as the smarmy columnist for the Louisville Courier Journal, shouts out some BSU love in his Forde Yard Dash column this week. Highlight: Apparently, the WorldWideLeader is not the WorldWideFactCheckers because BSU's record is incorrect.
• Graham Watson, ESPN's coverer of all things mid-major and non-BCS, gives her Power Rankings and ranks the Cards 4th.

Kentucky Quickies:

• Rick Bozich was surprisingly not condescending and inflammatory in his remarks following the Alabama game. Kudos, good sir.
• KSR reports that Steve Spurrier in his weekly presser actually complimented the Cats, calling them an SEC-caliber defense. Surprising for a number of reasons since Steve always liked to dig the knife in Kentucky fans a little deeper than before.
• The Arkansas game has been confirmed for a 7pm start time. Also, injuries galore, but most are looking ok to good.
• More pub about the Carolina game, hoping this is the year that the 8 in a row streak gets snapped.
  

Everyone Else:

• When you're a Tennessee blog that starts to support Vandy instead, times are tough indeed.
• Don't Ask Don't Tell brings us evidence that even Buckeyes get the squirts.
• The Wiz of Odds brings us evidence that maybe Hate Week in Oklahoma and Texas should really be renamed.
• Following his team's loss at Notre Dame, a game in which he was quite displeased at the officiating, HouseRockBuilt brings us this letter to Pac10 officials from Jim Harbaugh.
• Brian at MGoBlog has big things happening with the BlogPoll.

Ball State... Ranked and Bowl Eligible

To borrow a cheer from the Florida faithful... "It's great... to be... a Ball State Cardinal!". And it certainly is on this Monday morn.

What do Ball State fans wake up to?

• Ball State, for the first time in the program's history, is ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. This is mega-important, as the AP Poll is the standard for football rankings, though doesn't figure into the BCS Standings.
  
• BSU becomes the first team (along with Utah) to gain bowl eligibility. More good news.

Rankings, in general, are a waste of time at this point in the season, and to be quite an honest, an exercise in futility. The fact that the writers of the Associated Press feel there are 24 teams better than an undefeated Ball State team is an absolute joke. Who's ranked ahead of these Cards?

• Pittsburgh. Their 4-1 record comes on a combined margin of victory of 27 points. Loss at home to open the season against Bowling Green. Coached by the Wannstache. Level of Tragedy: Epic.
• Auburn. Their 4-2 record is paced by a 2-2 stretch over the last 4 games, a 3-2 victory over Mississippi State, a loss to Vandy, and a two-point nailbiter against Tennessee that made me want to start watching soccer. Level of Tragedy: Huge.

The Cardinals are 29th in the Coaches' Poll, and that is absurd. They are the lowest ranked undefeated team, and are ranked lower than the aforementioned Auburn Tigers, but also lower than two-loss Wisconsin, and California. I understand it's Ball State. I understand we were a punchline for a number of years. But I would take a guess that an overwhelming majority of these coaches who don't rank Ball State would hate playing them. Tragedy aside, kudos to Coach Hoke and the team for a great accomplishment.

Humpday Quickies

First of all, a big hand to RV who managed to be creative in my absence. 100 cocktails to you.

There won't be a Hoke-O-Meter or Wildcat Wrapup this week as I failed to see either game, but suffice to say that Brady Hoke is satisfied and happy at 5-0, and Rich Brooks thinks Nick Saban and his bags of money are bullshit but also is quite pleased at being undefeated, in the way that other angry old men are pleased that the neighborhood kids didn't step on his lawn this morning.

The Fighting Football Cardinals have a challenging test this weekend at Toledo and the Wildcats travel to Tuscaloosa to face the Crimson Tide. Who absolutely looked like not only a fantastic team against Georgia, but also a merciful one, letting the Dawgs think they had a shot in the second half.

As you get set for a busy week and games on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, here's the best of the interwebs to keep you occupied and thinking about the important things...

Ball State Quickies:

• Ryan Wood from the Ball State Daily News says the Cards need better run defense. While true, I'd like for Ryan to take a deep breath and realize that BSU is 5-0. It took them 3 years to win 5 games when I was there.
• More chatter amongst the Syracuse fans that Brady Hoke will be pursued. More chatter about how much he sucks. Syracuse fans are beginning to look like a dumpster fire, and quite frankly, I think its funny. Hoke may not have an impressive resume, but he's won 5 times as many games as Greg Robinson this year.
• Brandon over at Ball U Nation does a nice little recap on the win against Kent, if looking back is your thing. Or you know, you spent all weekend moving.
• Scott at the Insider site for BSU has a nice little write up on the ESPNU lovefest of the MAC and the Cards. You can check it out, as well as a video of Mike Gottfried hyah!!
  
• A fund has been established to help out Dante Love in his rehab efforts. If you can give, give. Love was a fantastic Cardinal, and an even more fantastic human being. #86 in your programs, #1 in your hearts.
  

Kentucky Quickies:

• A Sea of Blue gives a great analysis of the pending game against Bama. Incidentally, if you don't read ASoB you're missing out. Fantastic analysis and great writing. It's what the blogosphere was created for.
• Fabulous write up from the KSR guys about what it's going to take for the Wildcats to upset the Crimson Tide. hahahaha... Crimson Tide. You know... like... period.
• John Clay from the LHL gives a nice little recap of Coach Brooks' press conference luncheon. Mmmm... luncheon.
• Injuries continue to haunt the Cats. Should stigmata start to show up, I'm outtie.
• The new SEC Power Poll at Garnet and Black Attack has the Cats at #8. A bit low if you ask me (which you didn't).
  

Everyone Else Quickies:

• Joel at Rocky Top Talk compares QB Jonathan Crompton to the feldgling market. Bailouts for everyone!
• The BlogPoll for this week is out at MGoBlog and still no Ball State or Kentucky. For shame.
• Blue Gray Sky breaks down the Domers win against Purdue.
• Fantastic stuff from The Wiz of Odds about which conference is more dominant over the last 10 years.
• Tony Barnhart blasts off on why there isn't, and shouldn't be, a playoff system in college football.
  

Humpday Quickies

It's Wednesday, the humpiest of days. The weekend that was saw a tremendous Ball State win (though with a heavy price) and a bye week for Kentucky. We're back to double duty this week, as Kentucky suits up against the powerhouse Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky and Ball State gears up for Kent State for Homecoming 2008. Here's the things you need to know but are far too lazy to look up for yourself...

Ball State Quickies:

• After the bad news of the weekend, with Dante Love suffering a spinal fracture, Doug Zaleski reports that Dante stood for the first time in his Indianapolis hospital. This is tremendously good news. Rehab starts now, but the fact he's standing is the bit of news we all wanted to see.
• Brian Manzullo at Chip Shots, a Central Michigan blog, ranks BSU #1 in his MAC Power Poll. CMU has played a significantly tougher schedule than BSU and their record reflects it. If Ball State is #1, then CMU is #1A.
• Another thread by Syracuse fans asking about the possibility of Brady Hoke becoming their coach when the axeman cometh for Greg Robinson. Do I think he would leave for Syracuse? Probably not. Would they be idiots if they didn't consider him? Absolutely.
• The Star Press is heralding Ball State's defensive unit and the sheer amount of young talent on this team.
• Dennis Dodd from CBS writes about the damaging week in injury related news.
• Letterman mentioned the Cardinals on last night's Top Ten List. Seen: hyah!
  

Kentucky Quickies:

• Jordan Coleman from Bleacher Report writes that UK is in good shape for a 3rd straight Bowl bid.
• The Game Captains for the Western game have been announced, and it's.... drumroll.... Mike Hartline and Cory Peters.
• Jerry Tipton of LHL fame reports that Rich Brooks proclaimed the offweek a success. Compared to the MTSU game, I'm not sure what would qualify failure.
• Tru's Power Poll over at A Sea of Blue has the Cats ranked #7. That's about right, and I'm reminded again about the sheer power of the SEC.
• Notes from Rich Brooks' press conference are: hyah! Micah Johnson, Randall Cobb, and Ricky Lumpkin are all out for this Saturday's game. Everyone else looks ready to go. Cobb is most likely also out for Alabama and conceivably several more games. Johnson and Lumpkin may be back for Bama.
• Orson at EverdayShouldBeSaturday has a nugget on a WKU quote about the "rivalry" in his Curious Index.
  

Everyone Else:

• BlueGraySky has a rational response to the Notre Dame loss to Michigan State. Certainly beats the "OMG!!!111 ND sucks!" sort of mantra.
• Double T Nation has a great piece on Mike Leach hitting the recruiting trail during a game. Leach continues to prove himself as awesome.
• GetGrossOut takes a moment away from calling for heads to roll through the streets of Northen New York to present their Syracuse Athletics Babe of the Week. Your football team sucks, but your babes are ok.
• LosersWithSocks lets everyone know how fed up UT fans are with Coach Fulmer.
• Joel at RTT gives insight into how to fix the Vol's season.
• Black Heart Gold Pants reads the tea leaves and assumes the firings at Iowa are starting and far from over.
• Interesting read from the LA Times about how replay officials are using standard definition and how an HD feed will be piloted in the Thursday USC-Oregon State game.
  
• Lend Me Your Eers sums up WVU's season nicely.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

We're running a bit behind schedule this morning, but full recaps about BSU's and Kentucky's wins are upcoming. The Game of the Century turned out to be a snoozer, as most expected, but Pete Carrol was jacked you were watching anyway. Beanie didn't play, Ohio State got gassed, and to go all Les Miles on you, USC looks "damn strong".

The Good

• The aforementioned Trojans laid the wood to Ohio State on Saturday night. USC is a mighty fine football team, and may very well be one of the best Pete Carrol has. My one concern was QB Mark Sanchez, and he does just fine, thankyouverymuch.
• Kudos to Notre Dame for finally beating someone noteworthy and silencing the critics for at least a week. Sure, Michigan is down, but a W is a W and I'll take it.
• As good as USC is, Mizzou and Oklahoma continue to put up monster numbers and dominate the teams they're playing. Winning, and winning big, counts for something, and they're both excelling at it.
• All three of the teams I follow with some regularity (Ball State/Kentucky/ND) are undefeated. I cannot remember the last time this has happened this late in the season. Congrats fellas.
  

The Bad

• Hey, UCLA, you get ranked in the OTP poll and promptly defecate all over the bed. Nice work, gents. This bed-shitting was epic, as BYU beat you from pillar to post. Are you that bad? Is BYU that good? What the hell happened against Tennessee? What does Rick Neuheisel do to that hair?
  
• California. Really? You lost to a team that got beat at Middle Tennessee State? Far out man.
• Charlie Weis took a nasty fall on Saturday during the Michigan game. No, he didn't slip on some errantly placed pastrami. Punt coverage meets a distracted coach and hilarity ensues for all non-ND fans.
  

The Ugly

• A win is a win no matter how you slice it, but Kentucky and Auburn should be worried. The Tigers take a 3-2 nailbiter over Mississippi State, and the Wilcats tried their best to give the game away to Middle Tennessee State.
• The Pac-10 goes 0-4 against the Mountain West, Cal loses to Maryland, and Washington State loses to Baylor. Yes, that Baylor. Take USC out of the equation and the Pac-10 is competing for the worst BCS conference with the Big East.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

Another Monday comes, and another day where we scour the Web for college football news and review rather than, I don't know, working. An interesting weekend, as there were virtually no games on paper that should have been close, but several went to the wire and provided dramatics of the highest order on a weekend devoid of any games of the sexy variety. Off we go...

Kentucky Report: A short little shout-out to the Wildcats, who beat the overmatched and undertalented Norfolk State Spartans 38-3. Another stand-out performance by the Kentucky defense, holding the Spartans to 165 total yards offensively, but also 1-13 on third downs. The Cats committed 2 turnovers and the offense again looked anemic (save for Randall Cobb), and that's a bit worrisome, but there are many more positives than negatives. It's Norfolk State, I get it, but a win is a win. And it's a nice little encore to the Louisville game. Believe in blue!

The rest of the country...

The Good:

• Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri... TCB: As in, takin' care of business. Big wins by all of these Top 6 schools when others didn't put up quite as impressive numbers. With USC idle, and Florida and Ohio State not looking dominant, these schools may have gained some favor with the folks voting in the polls.
• Cal: After last Week 1's win against Michigan State, a good majority of the folks in the know gave Cal props, but tempered it with the idea that it was flukey and/or MSU wasn't that great. To silence the voices of discontent, Cal drops 66 on Washington State. Bully for you, Jeff Tedford.
• Penn State: Oregon State comes to town, the blogosphere, College Gameday, et al predict a possibility of upset, Penn State pummels the Beavers 45-14. It doesn't silence the critics of the off-field drama, but it certainly shuts up the folks bitching about the on-field performances.
  

The Bad:

• West Virginia: Was WVU a little overpriced? Sure. ECU underranked? Probably. But the bottom line is the talent at WVU is significantly better than ECU, and that's a game they need to win. It won't be long before WVU begins its backslide into mediocrity and ruins the only argument that Big East fans have that their conference isn't complete trash.
• Ohio State: Sure, Beanie was hurt. Sure, you're probably looking forward to USC. But Ohio State let a MAC team hang around long enough to actually have a shot at winning this thing. This is more of a game where Ohio lost more than Ohio State winning. If OSU shows up like that this week against USC, it's going to be a bloodbath of the highest order.
  
• Pittsburgh: Continuing the Big East's demolition, the Pitt Panthers, reeling after Week 1's upset from Bowling Green, took on another MAC school in Buffalo. Instead of laying the wood to UB, the Panthers only win by 11. This is a team in trouble. Serious, deep, mustached trouble.
  
• Notre Dame: Could have been looking forward to Michigan, could have just been rust as it was game one. Whatever the reason, the Irish needed late game heroics to beat San Diego State. At home. Sigh...
  

The Ugly:

• Officiating. Games are being decided by a 7-man crew wearing stripes as opposed to an 11-man crew wearing helmets and jerseys. The most egregious error comes in the BYU-Washington game, where a celebration penalty pushes UW back 15 yards for the PAT that is subsequently blocked. Mistakes will happen, sure. But to have games decided by the officials is simply unacceptable. To have them decided on penalties that are ridiculous to begin with is an absolute tragedy and completely counter to what the NCAA and college football is all about.
  

Weekend Carnage Report

The short-week has us a bit behind schedule, but those three-day booze soaked football overdoses will do that to you. Week One has come and gone, and while there were no Game Of The Century hype wagons rolling around prior to this slate since most are being saved for USC-Ohio State, there were some interesting games on the docket. Epic bed-shittings abounded, and several teams just earned themselves a swift attaboy from OTP. Welcome home, college football. Good to have you back.

The Good:

• USC: Questions were swirling about USC traveling east, their walking wounded, was the defense truly this good, and the answers were all positive. USC looked strong to the infinitely strong power... or at least as well as one can look playing UVa. Carrol and co. look like a special ball club.
• UCLA: Staying in Los Angeles, UCLA announced that perhaps the newspaper is not always wrong. The first half Bruins and the second half Bruins looked like completely different teams, and this was more so an example of Tennessee losing as opposed to UCLA actually winning, but a W is a W, and UCLA should enjoy it while it lasts.
• Oregon and Kentucky Defenses: There are loads of stout defenses across the country, but no two units put up a more impressive debut considering their expectations than these two. The Ducks held Washington and Jake Locker to 242 total yards while the Wildcats shutout arch-rival Louisville to the tune of 205 yards, 53 through the air
  

The Bad:

• Michigan: Temperance aside, this Michigan team looks rough. It's a work in progress to be sure, but I think most people (while realistically expecting the possibility of a loss) expected to see a bit better showing from the Wolverines. At times they played with passion and excitement, but on the whole this Michigan team looked overmatched, outhustled, and flat. Against Utah who isn't a bad team, but there is no way this game should be competitive in the normal universe of college football. It's year one though, and it's a marathon to get M back to normal, not a sprint.
  
• Louisville: In the days leading up to this game, Louisville fans did what Louisville fans do. Talk exceptionally loud to no one in particular about how mighty an asswhooping they were going to lay on Kentucky. After the 27-2 game which was nowhere that close, Louisville has problems. Mighty, numerous, significant problems.
  
• Texas A&M: This is not a good way for the Mike Sherman era to begin in College Station. When Big 12 play begins wins for these Aggies may be few and far between, so winning the games you should becomes quite important. And Arkansas State is a definite "should win" for A&M.
  
• Tennessee: UT certainly lands in the bad category, and they're close to the ugly side of the scale. At the end of the season, this loss won't nearly look as bad, as UCLA is severely undervalued. All things considered, the playcalling was suspect, the execution fairly sloppy, and the Vols still came within a missed fieldgoal of forcing overtime number two.
  

The Ugly:

• Clemson: The good news for Tigers fans is that when they shit the bed early, they come on strong. Either Bama is real fantastic or Clemson is remarkably overrated, or possibly a nice mixture of the two. Either way, Saban and the Tide bent Clemson over and gave it to them. Hard. Rough. Just the way Saban likes it.
  
• Pittsburgh: A Pitt team starts the season well-respected, people talk about the Wannstache being a great coach, they say this is the year. Pitt goes out and drops a home game to a MAC school. Bully for Bowling Green, yawn for Pitt as this was so predictable it was funny.
  
• Virginia Tech: Beaten at their own game. The Football Gods giveth special teams TDs, and the Football Gods taketh away. But seriously, this team is bad. Exceptionally bad beyond even our wildest ideas about the possibility of them being bad.
  

Helmet Stickers:
Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana: 17-27, 144 yds, 2 TD and 185 yds and 2 TD on 9 rushing attempts in a 31-13 W versus Western Kentucky

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: 26-35, 338 yds, 3 TD in a 52-7 W versus Virginia

Shun White, RB, Naval Academy: 19 carries, 348 yards, 3 TD in a W versus Towson

Prelude to a Season... #2

#2.) USC

What You Need to Know: USC is still USC. That should be enough to justify a #2 ranking and being a contender for the BCS title. In case you've been asleep for the past 6 years, let's recap shall we?

6 straight conference titles. 6 straight BCS Bowls. 6 straight seasons of 11 or more wins. 6 straight years being ranked Top 4 to close the season. A final tally of 70 wins, 8 losses, and 2 National Titles. Oh yeah... those came back-to-back. Suffice to say, USC has been the belle of this ball for going on the last decade.

What's changed in South Central? Quite a bit actually. The Trojans lose 11 starters, and they weren't the starters who didn't really matter (like their whole wideout corp). They were impact players and defensive standouts. How impactful were they? 7 of them were taken in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.

Questions abound around USC. In such a strange offseason, highlighted by a pesky outbreak of jock itch, many wonder if USC's stranglehold on good fortune, positive karma, or what have you has come to an end. Stud RB Joe McKnight injured his hand in a freak accident when his dorm door was closed on it. He then hyperextended his elbow in a scrimmage. Newly minted QB Mark Sanchez suffered a dislocated kneecap in practice. This is not the way USC wanted to begin its bid for a title.

The questions reside exclusively on offense, as the Trojans have an untested QB, untested RB, an under performing class of wideouts, and an offensive line that is big, fast, strong, and completely unknown. They replace 4 of 5 starters on the O-line, and if this team doesn't gel quick and effectively, it could be a long season for Trojan faithful.

What is giving folks optimism and hope is the defense. You will not find a better defensive 11 anywhere in the country. Top to bottom, and all over the two-deep depth chart are players that are extremely athletic, extremely talented, and extremely good. Offensive woes or not, this defense will keep the Trojans in any game and allow for mistakes and miscues from a green offensive unit, something that will benefit USC greatly as this season advances.

Who You Need to Know and Their 07 Stats:
DT Fili Moala: 32 tkls, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks
LB Rey Maualuga: 79 tkls, 10.5 TFL, 6 sacks, INT
SS Kevin Ellison: 57 tkls, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF

Game To Watch: The game that everyone has had circled in red on their calendar since schedules were announced has been September 13th. However, with the hype, the quality of the opponents, even a loss will not destroy USC's chance to make it to the BCS title game. Any other loss would be devastating. Outside the OSU game, the Trojans' toughest tests are back to back on October 4 and October 11 against Oregon and Arizona State. Both those games are in the Coliseum, and both should be wins for the Trojans. Every other game will have USC a heavy favorite. Their most challenging road game comes at the conclusion of the season when they travel to UCLA.

They'll Do Well If...: The Trojans will do well if the offensive line comes together and allows Sanchez and a bevy of running backs to make plays. The Trojans will do great if they win the games they should.

Season Outlook: While it's true that USC could rebound from a loss against the Buckeyes, a win would mean USC could be staring an undefeated season square in the face. Despite the game being at home for the Trojans, it's a loss, though much closer than many expect. They'll run the table the rest of the way, though there will be scares. The Notre Dame and UCLA games will be much closer than many expect, and the Arizona State and Oregon games will be shootouts that come down to the wire. In the end, USC is USC, and they'll pick up their seventh straight Pac 10 championship and seventh straight BCS appearance. They'll finish the year 11-1 and will wait for the computers to spit out the participants of the BCS title game.

Prelude to a Season... #12

#12.) Arizona State

What You Need to Know: It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Sun Devils in 2007. Though coming off two seven-win seasons, the Sun Devils always lacked the ability to win the big game. Becoming the door mat for perennial power USC in the Pac 10. Their coach in Dick Koetter was consistent and steady, but always seemed a notch below the upper echelon in the college ranks.

Enter Dennis Erickson. One year later, the Sun Devils are coming off a 10-2 season, a Holiday Bowl berth, and most importantly, the winning of critical conference games like Cal, Oregon State, and UCLA. The Sun Devils are looking to take the next step and contend for a Pac10 title, and they just might have the weapons to do it.

Offensively, 7 starters return among them QB Rudy Carpenter who has a shot, albeit a longshot to break the Pac10 career passing yard mark this season. The other skill positions are loaded with returning talent like RB Keegan Herring and WRs Chris McGaha, Kerry Taylor, Michael Jones, and Kyle Williams. The line is solid and experienced, but there is work to be done. After giving up 55 sacks in 2007, the line has to improve.

Defensively, 7 starters return as well, most notably, S Troy Nolan and CB Omar Bolden who has the skill, ability, and reputation to cause opposing offenses to throw away from him. The defensive unit from 07 finished 3rd in scoring defense and 4th in total defense in the Pac10. The unit holds the key to the 08 season's success. A strong performance like last season, which is probable, makes Arizona State a legitimate contender for the Pac10 and a longshot contender for the national championship.

Who You Need to Know and Their 07 Stats:
QB Rudy Carpenter: 3202 yds, 25 YD
WR Michael Jones: 46 rec, 769 yds, 10 TD
RB Keegan Herring: 815 yds, 5 TD
S Troy Nolan: 64 tkls, 6 INT, 2 TD

Game To Watch: There are two critical games for Arizona State which will ultimately decide if they play for the National Championship, an at-large BCS game, or just another Bowl. Georgia on Sept. 20 and @ USC on Oct. 11. A 2-0 sweep means they are in the drivers seat for a National Championship berth. A 1-1 split means they are a virtual lock for an at-large BCS bowl. An 0-2 run means they will need help to make it to the BCS.

They'll Do Well If...: The O-line keeps the sacks down, Carpenter limits his INTs and makes good decisions under pressure outside the pocket, Herring becomes an every-down type back.

Season Outlook: Most likely, Arizona State finishes the year 10-2 and 8-1 in the conference, though a win against Georgia is possible, just improbable. That resume and computer numbers should be enough for an at-large BCS berth. The National Championship may be out of reach this year, but Erickson and company have announced that Sun Devil football is indeed back.