Is Michigan worth the ranking?
Speedblog
Ok, so we’re like two or three games into the college football season, and a team that won only three games last year is now in the top 25...care to comment on that?
Such is the case for Michigan. But is it valid?
Michigan is one of those storied programs that was and is one of the greatest football programs in the history of college football. Heck, I like them because a few years ago I wrote to the Athletic Director and he sent me a free media guide…you better believe that I have been a Michigan fan for awhile.
But lately there has been some down time with this team, and personally I am not a fan of their new coach, Rich Rodriguez. To me he seems a bit snobby and tight-necked, and lately his way of football has not been very successful. It’s funny because yesterday on ESPN classic I saw the 15th anniversary of the great Colorado vs. Michigan game, with Kordell Stewart, Ty Law, and a host of great NFL players. You guys remember that last second catch in the end zone, right?
So today I’m looking at Michigan currently ranked #23 on one poll, #22 on another, and I start to think, do they deserve it? Let’s look into that.
It has to start from last year, when Michigan finished a sad-sacked 3-9. Beating only Miami Ohio by 10 points (who would finish 2-10), beating Wisconsin by 2 points (who would finish 7-6) and beating Minnesota by 23 (who also finished 7-6).
They lost to EVERYBODY else.
So at the beginning of the season, you wonder if this team can manage 5 wins, maybe even six to qualify for a bowl. There is a lot of pressure for the great Michigan Wolverines to play in post season you know.
So Michigan pads up the schedule, having not one, not two but FOUR straight home games, beating Western Michigan, Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan. Western Michigan is currently 1-2 and Eastern Michigan is currently 0-3. Granted Notre Dame was ranked, but a lot of football purists felt that the ranking was not as credible as it now appeared.
But in any case, Michigan is 3-0 and looking perfect as they prepare to face Indiana this weekend…another home game. The same team that was 3-9 last year, and is currently 3-0 this year too…
Wow, there must have been some magic, in that old soft schedule they made, for when they placed ….
Wait a minute….that’s something else….
Anyway, Indiana is now 3-0, but no quality wins, as they prepare to play conference foe Michigan, who is also 3-0. That’s not saying too much since almost half the Big 10 is undefeated. But again, does this make Michigan a top 25 team?
I am just not too sold on the idea that you can pad your schedule with a ton of home games and jump out to a quick start and get ranked. I just find it hard to believe that Michigan of last year (3-9) can be one of the top 25 teams in the nation at this point.
Yet the counter here is that they DID beat a top 25 opponent in Notre Dame, even though some hardly felt that Notre Dame was 25 caliber…still it counts. And with so many upsets this year already, somebody HAS to move up. I mean, if Michigan is undefeated, with a top 25 win, then surely it has to count for something.
Consider that there are about 27 undefeated teams in the FBS right now, if Michigan is one of them, and they are, don’t they deserve at least to be somewhere in that mix? I can’t argue that, and again, with a top 25 win, I think their standing is indeed credible.
Now prove that you ARE top 25 by winning more games. They didn’t play Indiana last year, and of the three games they won last year, only Wisconsin is on this year’s schedule. A bunch of home games plays in their favor, but you still have to be good to win games…
Time will tell…
Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Michigan beats Notre Dame 2009
Michigan beats Notre Dame 38-34
So will Lou Holtz PLEASE shut up?
For the last two years this old man has been flapping his chops about how Notre Dame was going to go undefeated…and two years he has been wrong. Now I am not a fan of Notre Dame, but I am not a fan of Michigan since they got Rich Rodriguez. And neither team did so hot last year, so why was there so much hype about this game?
Well, we know these are two very storied programs, and amongst the top college football teams in wins all time, so I understand the value in that. But I found myself trying to figure out who to pull for, not really liking either team this year. I ended up pulling for Michigan because before Rodriguez got there, I did like the Wolverines a lot.
I watched that game and when Michigan scored with a few ticks left, we were excited in the house because a defeat would quiet all those critics who seemed to think that Notre Dame’s softer schedule should give them a National Title shot…not likely.
I remember the kickoff and how the clock only took one second off and I said to myself, “if he touched that ball, they need to take a few more seconds off!”. The clock went down to 10 ,but then they showed the ND quarterback (Clausen) tell the refs to put more time back on the clock…and they did, but then took off 2 seconds, down to 9 seconds left.
Notre Dame had time for one play, and although it was a big gain, the time ran out as Michigan won the game, but ole Charlie Weiss and the Irish didn’t like how it ended, thinking that they deserved two more seconds. The refs were quick to dash out, their word being final.
I remember hearing later on that night on one of the shows that the refs did say that the receiver touched that ball, and thus time had to be taken off. Once that receiver touched the ball on the kickoff, the clock had to run. So Notre Dame can’t complain.
Neither can Lou Holtz.
And this also means Notre Dame ought to fall from their #18 ranking down to maybe #23, or #24. I won’t doubt that some voters will still keep them up there, but being beat by a team that was 3-9 last year ought to knock them off the top 25. I mean, Oregon fell out when they lost to higher ranked Boise State, right?
So an undefeated season is gone from the Irish, and yet the season just got started. With Michigan State next, this could possibly be a toss up, even though Central Michigan stunned the Spartans in their house, I might imagine they will really get up for this game, but even so, it is still a game ND can take.
The Purdue game might be more interesting, especially after how they played at Oregon last night…or was it this morning? UNC is still ranked (slim win over UCONN) and with Pittsburgh, Boston College, Navy and Southern Cal, one has to wonder if this ND team can manage 7 wins. If we are just going on the premise that Michigan, who was 3-9, beat Notre Dame, then one might guess that maybe not much has changed with the Irish…if not, they are in for another average year.
But Michigan is not out of the water yet either. Sure they get Eastern Michigan and then Indiana, but having to play Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State won’t be easy either. Beating Miami (OH), Wisconsin and Minnesota was all they saw of the winning side last year, but Minnesota isn’t on their schedule this year. There is little doubt that voters will slip Michigan in maybe #25 or #24, but I think it will be a short stay. Many times you see in the pros where a team is bad one year, and good the next, examples being the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons last year, but in college you are dealing with the same group of students, minus graduating players, so the general talent is not a hyper jump of improvement. If they were 3-9 last year, it is possible they might do 5 or 6 wins.
They could be 4-0 before they see Michigan State, and with Delaware State on the schedule, they can get 5 wins pretty easy. But those games in the middle they will have to scratch and claw for…it’s not out of the possibility for Michigan to qualify for a bowl, but it would be a long shot.
So now that this game is over, let’s see if all the hype of how good these teams were SUPPOSED to be was true. One loss does not ruin a season, to be sure…but multiple ones will destroy it…and possibly one of these coach’s career.
So will Lou Holtz PLEASE shut up?
For the last two years this old man has been flapping his chops about how Notre Dame was going to go undefeated…and two years he has been wrong. Now I am not a fan of Notre Dame, but I am not a fan of Michigan since they got Rich Rodriguez. And neither team did so hot last year, so why was there so much hype about this game?
Well, we know these are two very storied programs, and amongst the top college football teams in wins all time, so I understand the value in that. But I found myself trying to figure out who to pull for, not really liking either team this year. I ended up pulling for Michigan because before Rodriguez got there, I did like the Wolverines a lot.
I watched that game and when Michigan scored with a few ticks left, we were excited in the house because a defeat would quiet all those critics who seemed to think that Notre Dame’s softer schedule should give them a National Title shot…not likely.
I remember the kickoff and how the clock only took one second off and I said to myself, “if he touched that ball, they need to take a few more seconds off!”. The clock went down to 10 ,but then they showed the ND quarterback (Clausen) tell the refs to put more time back on the clock…and they did, but then took off 2 seconds, down to 9 seconds left.
Notre Dame had time for one play, and although it was a big gain, the time ran out as Michigan won the game, but ole Charlie Weiss and the Irish didn’t like how it ended, thinking that they deserved two more seconds. The refs were quick to dash out, their word being final.
I remember hearing later on that night on one of the shows that the refs did say that the receiver touched that ball, and thus time had to be taken off. Once that receiver touched the ball on the kickoff, the clock had to run. So Notre Dame can’t complain.
Neither can Lou Holtz.
And this also means Notre Dame ought to fall from their #18 ranking down to maybe #23, or #24. I won’t doubt that some voters will still keep them up there, but being beat by a team that was 3-9 last year ought to knock them off the top 25. I mean, Oregon fell out when they lost to higher ranked Boise State, right?
So an undefeated season is gone from the Irish, and yet the season just got started. With Michigan State next, this could possibly be a toss up, even though Central Michigan stunned the Spartans in their house, I might imagine they will really get up for this game, but even so, it is still a game ND can take.
The Purdue game might be more interesting, especially after how they played at Oregon last night…or was it this morning? UNC is still ranked (slim win over UCONN) and with Pittsburgh, Boston College, Navy and Southern Cal, one has to wonder if this ND team can manage 7 wins. If we are just going on the premise that Michigan, who was 3-9, beat Notre Dame, then one might guess that maybe not much has changed with the Irish…if not, they are in for another average year.
But Michigan is not out of the water yet either. Sure they get Eastern Michigan and then Indiana, but having to play Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State won’t be easy either. Beating Miami (OH), Wisconsin and Minnesota was all they saw of the winning side last year, but Minnesota isn’t on their schedule this year. There is little doubt that voters will slip Michigan in maybe #25 or #24, but I think it will be a short stay. Many times you see in the pros where a team is bad one year, and good the next, examples being the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons last year, but in college you are dealing with the same group of students, minus graduating players, so the general talent is not a hyper jump of improvement. If they were 3-9 last year, it is possible they might do 5 or 6 wins.
They could be 4-0 before they see Michigan State, and with Delaware State on the schedule, they can get 5 wins pretty easy. But those games in the middle they will have to scratch and claw for…it’s not out of the possibility for Michigan to qualify for a bowl, but it would be a long shot.
So now that this game is over, let’s see if all the hype of how good these teams were SUPPOSED to be was true. One loss does not ruin a season, to be sure…but multiple ones will destroy it…and possibly one of these coach’s career.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Handshakes in college football?
Should College Players shake hands?
It all depends.
This is based off some new rule that the college coaches wanted teams to shake hands before the game. This was met with a LOT of resistance, most notably from the head coach of Oklahoma State…remember folks, he’s a MAN!
(you have to remember the clip of his tirade to get that joke)
But in seriousness, I agree fully with him. I was watching some shows on ESPN and one of my fav shows was “Around the Horn” and “Pardon the Interruption”. On ATH, they debated this issue, and one of the columnists, Jackie McMullen, said that if a coach can’t control his players for just a few seconds then shame on him.
I agree fully with Jackie on that…and the logic is pure, but this is a game of emotions, and for that reason, I can’t fully agree with her. She is basing it on the premise that these guys are going to be nice and clean before the game starts, and that any coach worth his salt can control his team.
I strongly disagree.
Consider what these students go through in the weeks before their first game. And as I talk about it, feel free to add on stuff that Michigan is in trouble for. These young men come to practice many times earlier than NCAA rules say they should, and are worked many times MORE than the rules allow (under cover of discretion).
These young men are taught day in and day out to max out their potential, to strive to do more than their best, to push their bodies and minds to the limit. There is no room for the weak in these often hot and sweaty practices that seem to go on forever. All this is to get the play mentally ready to tear the head off any person NOT wearing their similar uniform. It’s military drilling at it’s best folks.
You get into the mind of these young men long enough, it will begin be what the coach wants it to be, and you are at the will of whatever your coach wants. Every college coach wants their players to be an animal on the field, but off the field we always expect them to be pure gentlemen. And that’s true for most athletes, but remember folks, football is a violent sport…and often times it takes a violent mentality to play it.
You go through this for weeks on end, and you are starving to hit somebody else rather than your teammates…and game time comes, and your level of beast hood is at it’s highest….
And you have to do something gentlemanly like shake hands?
Come on folks, that’s not gonna happen.
I disagree that teams ought to be trained enough to do that, what do you expect will happen if you put Texas and Oklahoma in front of each other like that…or Michigan and Michigan State, or USC and UCLA, or Florida and LSU, or any team like that?
To me it is asking too much to ask a team to do that. Now, if you brought out representatives of the team, no more than 5 from each side, that would be cool. But I like the way one guy on ATH put it, that you might have some guy on the third string that won’t get any playing time, and this is his only way to “vent” his emotions.
Or, you could have what happened at the Oregon/ Boise State game…
The gesture of good will is always important, and sometimes you see teams gather together after a game to pray…always an excellent sign of good will. But right now, at the beginning of a season, with everybody ready to hit one another, not a good idea. For this to really work, it would unfortunately take a serious situation to cause every team to realize how small football is….
Consider what happened after 911.…
Only then did our country, and sports, understand the importance of ALL of us getting along. We might be going through some economical situations, but it has not gotten to the point where many of those teams would consider the whole state of affairs before a game starts.
Now, do I believe shaking hands is a good idea…sure, in theory. But you are asking guys to “break character” before a game, this is not what coaches teach their players. IF you are going to do it, I think it would work best for representatives, not the team, to shake hands.
In all seriousness, I think the only teams that are capable of pre-game handshakes are our military schools, Army, Navy and Air Force. I say that because I believe those guys are more disciplined than a regular school. It would also be a positive show of good will to see our boys in uniform shake hands before a game. But outside of that, I just can’t see Ohio State shaking hands with Penn State or Michigan… I didn’t say it can’t happen, I just don’t see what you gain by doing that. I mean, are all the fans going to say, “awwww, ain’t that cute. The Longhorns are shaking hands with the Sooners….NOW GET OUT THERE AND BEAT THEM TO DUST!”
We’ll see how this rule plays out. I’d like to see gestures of good will in any sport, but the gesture has to come from compliance from both sides, not handed down from some authority. Good will comes from the heart, so if two teams decide to do it, that is far better than if they were told to do it. But again, we shall see how it plays out.
It all depends.
This is based off some new rule that the college coaches wanted teams to shake hands before the game. This was met with a LOT of resistance, most notably from the head coach of Oklahoma State…remember folks, he’s a MAN!
(you have to remember the clip of his tirade to get that joke)
But in seriousness, I agree fully with him. I was watching some shows on ESPN and one of my fav shows was “Around the Horn” and “Pardon the Interruption”. On ATH, they debated this issue, and one of the columnists, Jackie McMullen, said that if a coach can’t control his players for just a few seconds then shame on him.
I agree fully with Jackie on that…and the logic is pure, but this is a game of emotions, and for that reason, I can’t fully agree with her. She is basing it on the premise that these guys are going to be nice and clean before the game starts, and that any coach worth his salt can control his team.
I strongly disagree.
Consider what these students go through in the weeks before their first game. And as I talk about it, feel free to add on stuff that Michigan is in trouble for. These young men come to practice many times earlier than NCAA rules say they should, and are worked many times MORE than the rules allow (under cover of discretion).
These young men are taught day in and day out to max out their potential, to strive to do more than their best, to push their bodies and minds to the limit. There is no room for the weak in these often hot and sweaty practices that seem to go on forever. All this is to get the play mentally ready to tear the head off any person NOT wearing their similar uniform. It’s military drilling at it’s best folks.
You get into the mind of these young men long enough, it will begin be what the coach wants it to be, and you are at the will of whatever your coach wants. Every college coach wants their players to be an animal on the field, but off the field we always expect them to be pure gentlemen. And that’s true for most athletes, but remember folks, football is a violent sport…and often times it takes a violent mentality to play it.
You go through this for weeks on end, and you are starving to hit somebody else rather than your teammates…and game time comes, and your level of beast hood is at it’s highest….
And you have to do something gentlemanly like shake hands?
Come on folks, that’s not gonna happen.
I disagree that teams ought to be trained enough to do that, what do you expect will happen if you put Texas and Oklahoma in front of each other like that…or Michigan and Michigan State, or USC and UCLA, or Florida and LSU, or any team like that?
To me it is asking too much to ask a team to do that. Now, if you brought out representatives of the team, no more than 5 from each side, that would be cool. But I like the way one guy on ATH put it, that you might have some guy on the third string that won’t get any playing time, and this is his only way to “vent” his emotions.
Or, you could have what happened at the Oregon/ Boise State game…
The gesture of good will is always important, and sometimes you see teams gather together after a game to pray…always an excellent sign of good will. But right now, at the beginning of a season, with everybody ready to hit one another, not a good idea. For this to really work, it would unfortunately take a serious situation to cause every team to realize how small football is….
Consider what happened after 911.…
Only then did our country, and sports, understand the importance of ALL of us getting along. We might be going through some economical situations, but it has not gotten to the point where many of those teams would consider the whole state of affairs before a game starts.
Now, do I believe shaking hands is a good idea…sure, in theory. But you are asking guys to “break character” before a game, this is not what coaches teach their players. IF you are going to do it, I think it would work best for representatives, not the team, to shake hands.
In all seriousness, I think the only teams that are capable of pre-game handshakes are our military schools, Army, Navy and Air Force. I say that because I believe those guys are more disciplined than a regular school. It would also be a positive show of good will to see our boys in uniform shake hands before a game. But outside of that, I just can’t see Ohio State shaking hands with Penn State or Michigan… I didn’t say it can’t happen, I just don’t see what you gain by doing that. I mean, are all the fans going to say, “awwww, ain’t that cute. The Longhorns are shaking hands with the Sooners….NOW GET OUT THERE AND BEAT THEM TO DUST!”
We’ll see how this rule plays out. I’d like to see gestures of good will in any sport, but the gesture has to come from compliance from both sides, not handed down from some authority. Good will comes from the heart, so if two teams decide to do it, that is far better than if they were told to do it. But again, we shall see how it plays out.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Warnings for college football teams
Warnings for college football teams
I hope I am not too late to warn some of these teams, usually I post this earlier than on a Friday afternoon. I was so busy watching the Auburn vs. West Virginia game that I completely forgot to give my warnings.
So I better get on with it, because as we get closer and closer to the end of the season, there will be many teams that are on the edge of qualifying for a bowl, but won’t make it. There will be teams that think they have a shot at a BCS bowl that won’t make it, there are teams that think they have a chance at the BCS Championship, but won’t make it. Who will tell them of the impending danger?
Shall anyone warn Texas Tech of the danger that could happen? Playing a morning game vs. ranked Kansas in their house could be a problem, but surely not for such a team that scores 799 points a quarter? But then there’s that kicking game… what shall you do if a game comes down to a field goal? What shall you do?
And yet, perhaps greater warnings go to Kansas. You sit on top of the division ONLY because you have yet to play Missouri. Few give you any chance to beat Missouri, but that would be a moot point if you fail to defend your home against the high scoring Red Raiders…one ranked team WILL fall at the end of this game.
Has anyone warned Ball State of the huge implications of their game? While there is almost no chance to go to the BCS Championship, there is a good chance to go undefeated. Yet in your own division you are not the best team (technically). This could be a very slippery trap for you should you fail to handle your business at home against Eastern Michigan. The eyes of the NCAA will be watching….
Take care of your record Northwestern, for losses can add up faster than your calculators….
For years you have been compared to Duke when it comes to football, but this year can indeed be magical. Only one loss, and that to a quality team that was ranked, but now you must play just as hard against the worst team in the conference. It’s easy to get up for the big games, but can you get up for the small ones…every game matters you know. You are eligible for a bowl right now, but can you shoot for a higher profile bowl? It would me a lot to the future of your program. Lose this game to Indiana and we’ll be forced to say that famous phrase of Dennis Green…
“They are who we THOUGHT they were”
And who shall travel to Chapel Hill to warn both Boston College and UNC? Weren’t these two teams ranked sometime this year, and yet neither are on the top 25? Who will stand up for this conference and declare supremacy, or are we forced to see the best of a bunch of AVERAGE teams? Boston College has the unique chance to shake the foundations of the ACC and the BCS. With only one loss (Georgia Tech), they must now play 5 of 6 teams that has been ranked or currently ranked, plus the game vs. Notre Dame. Win all these games and you’ll be in the ACC Championship and sports media will sing your praises. But if you are as average as many think, you may struggle to split these games, lowering yourself to a mediocre bowl.
And what of YOU, Tarheels? Are you not just a fingernail from the post season? Yet you have two losses, one just recently to Virginia. You have a tough schedule ahead, with games vs. Boston College, Georgia Tech and Maryland. We know when it comes to state rivals such as NC State and Duke, anything can happen (well, don’t really know about that Duke game..) so which UNC team did we see? The one that made it inside the top 20, or the one that fell out last weekend? We shall see.
We shall also see what Wisconsin is really about…lately is has not been much. I warn you Wisconsin Badgers, do not fail your fans this weekend in your house vs. Illinois. Four losses in a row, all to Big 10 opponents, cannot be tolerated any more by this once proud team. Where then is the pride? There is still a chance that Wisconsin can play in the post season, all they need is 3 more wins. Surely you can make a home stand against Illinois to begin the road to recovery? But if you fail this weekend, what then will they whisper about your greatness when there was none shown this year?
And who shall inform Wake Forest of the dangers of playing in Florida? Wasn’t Wake Forest the best team of the ACC for a portion of this season? Were they not seen as the darlings of the ACC and almost guaranteed a BCS bowl? Where then is that same team? With 6 games left, can we all pencil you in for a bowl? We KNOW you can get at least two more wins, right? But we wonder about your offensive power…or lack of it. The ACC needs leaders to bring credibility to the conference, and you must be the carriers of such power. But lately there have been stories of your weakness…and that loss to Virginia raises eyebrows. Indeed, we wonder of your scoring, scoring only 19 points in your last 3 ACC contests…that’s an average of just over 6 points.
I warn you, find more points or there may be yet another loss this weekend….
And who desires to warn either team at the Duke vs. Vanderbilt game?
Did I not criticize Duke weeks ago for jumping on one of their players when he dove in the end zone, drawing a penalty? Didn’t Duke WIN that game against Virginia? Who told Duke that they were worthy of the top 25 and thus swelled their egos? Since then, they have not seen a victory. You now must play to make the post season bowl, but with 5 of the remaining 6 games being of teams that have been ranked this year, how then will you find 3 wins? If ever there shall be any hope of this team, it must come in a quality win. Lose this game, and it will be nearly impossible to see 6 wins…or even 5.
But laugh not at Duke, ye of Vanderbilt? We sang of your glory earlier this year as you jumped to a 5-0 start, with quality wins over South Carolina and Auburn, but those games have been put away, as well as your winning ways, losing your last two games. You need only one more victory to qualify for a bowl, and it seems to have been hand-delivered to you in the form of Duke. But take care, for some say that your wins over Auburn and South Carolina may have been based on those teams underestimating you…is there any truth to that?
If so, then wouldn’t YOU be doing the same if you underestimated Duke? You know they are starving for a bowl, and need a win over YOU to make it happen…will you see them as an easy win, or take them seriously as you should every opponent. We shall see.
And finally, a great caution goes out to the entire state of Michigan. Where has all the football spirits gone in this state? Let us not mention the Detroit Lions for starters, but who can explain the failure of mighty Michigan?
And yet, we also fear for Michigan State. Both must play each other this weekend, and one must lose.
Michigan State will be in a bowl, to be certain, but some of your sting has been removed. Have we not seen this before, where you started out great, and faltered at the end? I warn you, this cannot be tolerated and you must put a stop to this. The beginning of a new power in the Big 10 is within your grasps, but you must grip it firmly. While it may be true that some will question your strength of schedule, none can argue the heart of the Spartans. We saw that movie “The 300” and we know the power and heart of the Spartans…but we also know that at the end of the movie, they lost. History also says that those Spartans were slaughtered after a short stand…will you fall along the wayside as well, or will you take control of your destiny?
But what destiny remains for Michigan? Your post season is almost gone, and the only way to get it back is to win 4 of the last 5 games. You cannot afford to lose more than one game…ONE GAME. And yet, who will give you hope when you must defend your turf against Michigan State this week, and then play Minnesota, Northwestern and Ohio State the last 3 games of the season. Currently all three of these teams are ranked, but many will still question the strength of Minnesota and Northwestern. These could be games you can take if there is heart left in the Wolverines.
But I warn you, you are allowed only ONE loss…any more and your season is over. Take heed.
I hope I am not too late to warn some of these teams, usually I post this earlier than on a Friday afternoon. I was so busy watching the Auburn vs. West Virginia game that I completely forgot to give my warnings.
So I better get on with it, because as we get closer and closer to the end of the season, there will be many teams that are on the edge of qualifying for a bowl, but won’t make it. There will be teams that think they have a shot at a BCS bowl that won’t make it, there are teams that think they have a chance at the BCS Championship, but won’t make it. Who will tell them of the impending danger?
Shall anyone warn Texas Tech of the danger that could happen? Playing a morning game vs. ranked Kansas in their house could be a problem, but surely not for such a team that scores 799 points a quarter? But then there’s that kicking game… what shall you do if a game comes down to a field goal? What shall you do?
And yet, perhaps greater warnings go to Kansas. You sit on top of the division ONLY because you have yet to play Missouri. Few give you any chance to beat Missouri, but that would be a moot point if you fail to defend your home against the high scoring Red Raiders…one ranked team WILL fall at the end of this game.
Has anyone warned Ball State of the huge implications of their game? While there is almost no chance to go to the BCS Championship, there is a good chance to go undefeated. Yet in your own division you are not the best team (technically). This could be a very slippery trap for you should you fail to handle your business at home against Eastern Michigan. The eyes of the NCAA will be watching….
Take care of your record Northwestern, for losses can add up faster than your calculators….
For years you have been compared to Duke when it comes to football, but this year can indeed be magical. Only one loss, and that to a quality team that was ranked, but now you must play just as hard against the worst team in the conference. It’s easy to get up for the big games, but can you get up for the small ones…every game matters you know. You are eligible for a bowl right now, but can you shoot for a higher profile bowl? It would me a lot to the future of your program. Lose this game to Indiana and we’ll be forced to say that famous phrase of Dennis Green…
“They are who we THOUGHT they were”
And who shall travel to Chapel Hill to warn both Boston College and UNC? Weren’t these two teams ranked sometime this year, and yet neither are on the top 25? Who will stand up for this conference and declare supremacy, or are we forced to see the best of a bunch of AVERAGE teams? Boston College has the unique chance to shake the foundations of the ACC and the BCS. With only one loss (Georgia Tech), they must now play 5 of 6 teams that has been ranked or currently ranked, plus the game vs. Notre Dame. Win all these games and you’ll be in the ACC Championship and sports media will sing your praises. But if you are as average as many think, you may struggle to split these games, lowering yourself to a mediocre bowl.
And what of YOU, Tarheels? Are you not just a fingernail from the post season? Yet you have two losses, one just recently to Virginia. You have a tough schedule ahead, with games vs. Boston College, Georgia Tech and Maryland. We know when it comes to state rivals such as NC State and Duke, anything can happen (well, don’t really know about that Duke game..) so which UNC team did we see? The one that made it inside the top 20, or the one that fell out last weekend? We shall see.
We shall also see what Wisconsin is really about…lately is has not been much. I warn you Wisconsin Badgers, do not fail your fans this weekend in your house vs. Illinois. Four losses in a row, all to Big 10 opponents, cannot be tolerated any more by this once proud team. Where then is the pride? There is still a chance that Wisconsin can play in the post season, all they need is 3 more wins. Surely you can make a home stand against Illinois to begin the road to recovery? But if you fail this weekend, what then will they whisper about your greatness when there was none shown this year?
And who shall inform Wake Forest of the dangers of playing in Florida? Wasn’t Wake Forest the best team of the ACC for a portion of this season? Were they not seen as the darlings of the ACC and almost guaranteed a BCS bowl? Where then is that same team? With 6 games left, can we all pencil you in for a bowl? We KNOW you can get at least two more wins, right? But we wonder about your offensive power…or lack of it. The ACC needs leaders to bring credibility to the conference, and you must be the carriers of such power. But lately there have been stories of your weakness…and that loss to Virginia raises eyebrows. Indeed, we wonder of your scoring, scoring only 19 points in your last 3 ACC contests…that’s an average of just over 6 points.
I warn you, find more points or there may be yet another loss this weekend….
And who desires to warn either team at the Duke vs. Vanderbilt game?
Did I not criticize Duke weeks ago for jumping on one of their players when he dove in the end zone, drawing a penalty? Didn’t Duke WIN that game against Virginia? Who told Duke that they were worthy of the top 25 and thus swelled their egos? Since then, they have not seen a victory. You now must play to make the post season bowl, but with 5 of the remaining 6 games being of teams that have been ranked this year, how then will you find 3 wins? If ever there shall be any hope of this team, it must come in a quality win. Lose this game, and it will be nearly impossible to see 6 wins…or even 5.
But laugh not at Duke, ye of Vanderbilt? We sang of your glory earlier this year as you jumped to a 5-0 start, with quality wins over South Carolina and Auburn, but those games have been put away, as well as your winning ways, losing your last two games. You need only one more victory to qualify for a bowl, and it seems to have been hand-delivered to you in the form of Duke. But take care, for some say that your wins over Auburn and South Carolina may have been based on those teams underestimating you…is there any truth to that?
If so, then wouldn’t YOU be doing the same if you underestimated Duke? You know they are starving for a bowl, and need a win over YOU to make it happen…will you see them as an easy win, or take them seriously as you should every opponent. We shall see.
And finally, a great caution goes out to the entire state of Michigan. Where has all the football spirits gone in this state? Let us not mention the Detroit Lions for starters, but who can explain the failure of mighty Michigan?
And yet, we also fear for Michigan State. Both must play each other this weekend, and one must lose.
Michigan State will be in a bowl, to be certain, but some of your sting has been removed. Have we not seen this before, where you started out great, and faltered at the end? I warn you, this cannot be tolerated and you must put a stop to this. The beginning of a new power in the Big 10 is within your grasps, but you must grip it firmly. While it may be true that some will question your strength of schedule, none can argue the heart of the Spartans. We saw that movie “The 300” and we know the power and heart of the Spartans…but we also know that at the end of the movie, they lost. History also says that those Spartans were slaughtered after a short stand…will you fall along the wayside as well, or will you take control of your destiny?
But what destiny remains for Michigan? Your post season is almost gone, and the only way to get it back is to win 4 of the last 5 games. You cannot afford to lose more than one game…ONE GAME. And yet, who will give you hope when you must defend your turf against Michigan State this week, and then play Minnesota, Northwestern and Ohio State the last 3 games of the season. Currently all three of these teams are ranked, but many will still question the strength of Minnesota and Northwestern. These could be games you can take if there is heart left in the Wolverines.
But I warn you, you are allowed only ONE loss…any more and your season is over. Take heed.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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.
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.
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