Before the college games begin today....

Before Today’s College Games Begin…

I blog on this less than an hour before the day begins with wonderful college football, and I have to go back and mention the Connecticut vs. Louisville game. I had predicted Louisville to win, but who could have seen all the injuries on both sides. Louisville had their chance but a wounded quarterback in any backfield can spell trouble when pressed to throw. Louisville played well, but Connecticut did what it took to win and walk out 5-0...

But it cost them, something that might show down the road.

Anyway, with today’s games there are lots of storylines. With the king (USC) dethroned (maybe temporarily) there will now be a mad dash for the top two spots. Ohio State can still lay claim if they sweep the Big 10, as they play Minnesota. The Buckeyes are going to have to find their face after getting it smacked off by USC a few weeks ago. I think Ohio State, at home, should take this one…but it may not be easy.

Clemson also needs to find face after being humiliated at the beginning of the year. They were predicted to be the best team in the ACC…yeah, right. Right now that belongs to Wake Forest, but there is a whole season to play. For that reason, Clemson can get back in the race with a win at home vs. Maryland. Seems like an easy win, I mean, didn’t Maryland get spanked by Middle Tennessee? But isn’t this the same Maryland team that seems to be increasing their points every week. They lost to Middle Tennessee scoring only 14 points…then scored 35 in a win over then ranked California, then 51 against Eastern Michigan…be careful Clemson. None of your wins were really that impressive, and we can forgive that loss to Alabama. But beating South Carolina State and Citadel isn’t impressive, and the win over NC State is just a gentle nod. Let’s see if you are worthy of that ranking.

The Virgina vs. Duke game will be interesting too, I mean, both teams figure to be in the basement this year, but lots of people are swearing that Duke will scare some folks this year. You lost to Northwestern, and beat a Navy team that may not make a bowl this year…you are better than last year…but still Duke.

But Virginia, what is the deal? Outside of the Richmond game you won (and not impressively) you have been outscored 97-17. Southern Cal murderfied you, and Connecticut took you to the woodshed…where’s the points? Your last 5 games of they year may be impossible to win, so any chance of a bowl game will rest directly on your ability to beat the teams you are SUPPOSED to beat…meaning Duke.

But this year…I really don’t know if that is a guarantee.

Wisconsin and Michigan…oh boy……

What’s up with Michigan…it sure isn’t the wins. I used to be a big fan of Michigan until they got their new head coach. I am not hating on the move, I just got kinda disappointed in how Rich Rodriguez has been acting. I remember during the Miami OH game on tv he refused to talk to the media during the halftime. That kinda stuck up attitude is not the way you coach a team. It’s so ironic that this cat ducks out of West Virginia, comes to Michigan and “lays down the law” on how he expects his athletes to act by not celebrating and all that kinda jazz, but when it comes to HIM acting like a professional, he balks out on it.

I was really, REALLY pulling for them when they played Notre Dame, but this team just does not have anything in them. Even though they are home against Wisconsin, I don’t see them winning. It is possible that Michigan may finish one of the two worst teams in the conference. Can they win more than 3 games????

The Oklahoma vs. TCU seems like a tempting match, because if Oklahoma wins, they should be guaranteed a number 1 spot, but let’s hold on there a second. Averaging 50 points a game is fine and swell, but nobody of caliber was on the schedule. This is not saying that they are superior because after all, didn’t we say the same of USC? I think this team has not been truly tested, and TCU could be that team to do it. Yeah, I know TCU hasn’t had a lot of quality wins either, but they score a lot too. This could be a very exciting game to watch. I still think the Sooners will take the win though.

The Alabama vs. Georgia is one of a bunch of big time SEC matchups this year, and this one is for a heck of a lot of marbles. Even if you say that the Clemson win was impressive, time will tell if they really beat a quality team or an over rated team. Outside of that, the other wins were so-so. Georgia has a decent record too, but they had the task of going TO South Carolina and Arizona to earn their wins. That is worth something.

Alabama had to go to Arkansas to earn their win, but there is a phrase in wrestling that applies to Arkansas….midcard for life. Alabama beat an average team at best in Arkansas, but a win is a win.

At home Georgia is favored…but I can’t help but wonder if Georgia is really ready for the most difficult schedule that is SEC. I personally LOVE what Georgia did last year, when the team ran out on the field after that touchdown, even though it brought them 2 penalties stacked on one another. I think the referees of the NCAA are some of the most stiff-necked, out of touch old farts in the world…but that leads me to another blog about celebrations…for another time.

Finally, there is the Big 10 matchup in Illinois vs. Penn State. Two top 25 ranked teams in a huge matchup. I am personally rooting for old Joe Paterno because several years ago I sent him a letter and he actually answered it. Any person that cares that much about a fan or a person who writes is ok in my book…GO PENN STATE!

Now, can they win? Even though they are one of 4 undefeated teams in the conference, some might suggest their schedule has been a little…light. Coastal Carolina, Syracuse and Temple are light muffins in the oven, but what of Oregon State? It will be very interesting to see if Penn State can knock off the first real test of the year at home. Like I said before, I am personally pulling for Penn State, but that does not guarantee a win.

Illinois could scare some folks this year because they had a high scoring affair with Missouri earlier this year in a 52-42 loss, but then whipped up on two lesser teams in Eastern Illinois and Louisiana-Lafayette. Now comes their second big test in a conference war at Happy Valley. Good luck fellas, you’ll need it.

And so begins a glorious day of football….I am sooooooooooo ready!

PS: Don’t forget to check out my “Greatest Running Backs EVER” blogs.