College Football Week One Analysis: Impressed/Depressed/Unmoved
August 31, 2008
It's baaaaaack! The View From North America's column about who we liked, didn't like, and didn't care about after the first week of the college football season (barring the Tennessee-UCLA game on Monday Night Football).
IMPRESSED
Alabama
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, the Clemson Tigers got beat by Alabama, 34-10. Oh, and you know that hot-shot running offense of Clemson's (James Davis and CJ Spiller)? Zero total rushing yards. Everybody should take notice of this one...
USC
I said that USC's trip to Virginia might be an uneasy one, what with quarterback Mark Sanchez coming off a bum kneecap. After four quarters the score in Charlottesville was USC 52, Virginia 7. Wow, how I was wrong....
Illinois/Missouri
Not one for the lovers of defensive football, but 94 points and nearly 1,100 yards of total offensive between these two teams is enough to make us all drool.
Illinois quarterback Juice Williams' 425-yard effort probably gets more love than Chase Daniel's one of 323, but both teams pointed out—in Mizzou's 52-42 victory—that they will be a force to be reckoned with in their respective conferences.
Having said that, things might not be too fun in the future for Missouri, given that Jeremey Maclin had to leave the game early with an injury.
Stanford/Oregon State
Normally, these two wouldn't make this column unless they pulled off monster upsets, but their opening-round game was an instant classic that ended with a fumble just inches away from the goal line. Stanford is 1-0, by the way, after its 36-28 victory.
Louisiana Tech
If Hurricane Gustav's as bad as expected, then don't expect it to be a wonderful week for the state of Louisiana.
However, Tech's 22-14 victory over Mississippi State, which made a bowl game and beat Auburn last year, will definitely put some smiles on some faces.
Penn State
This is more about Joe Paterno tying Bobby Bowden for first on the all-time wins list for a college football coach than the 66-10 ass-beating of "mighty" Coastal Carolina. The wide receivers and running backs look for real, though.
East Carolina
One big blocked punt that went back for a touchdown. One monster 27-22 upset of Virginia Tech.
UNMOVED
Top 10 teams
All of the top 10 teams did their job and absolutely killed their respective opponents. Except Clemson. There you go.
Michigan/Utah
Normally, I'd be impressed by Utah and depressed about Michigan (if that could ever happen when the Wolverines lose!), but Utah did its level best to lose this one and Michigan were terrible in the first half, stumbling to a 25-10 deficit.
Let's be honest, both teams were hardly at their best and the Utes' 25-23 win on the occasion of Rich Rodriguez's first game in Ann Arbor as Michigan coach was hardly an upset. Still brought a smile to my face, though.
DEPRESSED
Virginia Tech
Anyone know the Hokie for: "BCS Challenge in tatters?"
Pittsburgh
Dave Wannstedt's job is now up for grabs again. LeSean McCoy may be a plus for the Panthers, but the defense definitely isn't.
Ohio State
Forget the 43-0 victory over Youngstown State. If Beanie Wells' foot injury really is serious, then Ohio State's challenge for a third straight National Championship game. as well as the Big Ten title, is in trouble.
Clemson
See the chant for the Alabama game. They just beat the hell out of you.
Texas A&M
Dennis Franchionne wouldn't have lost 18-14 to Arkansas State at home, would he? Well, Mike Sherman did!
Impressed/Depressed/Unmoved - Week 1 of CFB season
August 31, 2008
It's baaaaaack! The View From North America's column about who we liked, didn't liked, and didn't care about after the first week of the college football season (barring the Tennessee/UCLA game on Monday Night Football).
IMPRESSED
Alabama
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, the Clemson Tigers got beat by Alabama 34-10. Oh, and you know that hot-shot running offensive of Clemson's (James Davis and CJ Spiller)? ZERO total rushing yards. Everybody should take notice of this one...
USC
I said that USC's trip to Virginia might be an uneasy one, what with quarterback Mark Sanchez coming off a bum kneecap. After four quarters the score in Charlottesville was USC 52, Virginia 7. Wow, how I was wrong....
Illinois/Missouri
Not one for the lovers of defensive football, but 94 point and nearly 1,100 yards of total offensive between these two teams is enough to make us all drool.
Juice Williams', of Illinois, 425 yard effort probably gets more love than Chase Daniel's one of 300 and change, but both teams pointed out — in Mizzou's 52—42 victory — that they will be a force to be reckoned with in their respective conferences.
Having said that, things might not be too fun in the future for Missouri, given that Jeremey Maclin had to leave the game early with an injury.
Stanford/Oregon State
Normally these two wouldn't make this column unless they pulled off monster upsets, but their opening round game was an instant classic that ended with a fumble just inches away from the goalline. Stanford are 1-0 by the way, after their 36-28 victory.
Louisiana Tech
If Hurricane Gustav's as bad as expected, then don't expect it to be a wonderful week for the state of Louisiana.
However, Tech's 22-14 victory over Mississippi State, who made a bowl game and beat Auburn last year, will definitely put some smiles on some faces.
Penn State
This is more about Joe Paterno tying Bobby Bowden for first on the all-time wins list for a college football coach than the 66-10 ass—beating of 'mighty' Coastal Carolina. The wide receivers and running backs look for real, though.
East Carolina
One big blocked punt that went back for a touchdown. One monster 27-22 upset of Virginia Tech.
UNMOVED
Top Ten teams
All of the top 10 teams did their job and absolutely killed their respective opponents. There you go.
Michigan/Utah
Normally I'd be impressed by Utah and depressed about Michigan (if that could ever happen when the Wolverines lose!!), but Utah did their level best to lose this one and Michigan were terrible in the first half, stumbling to a 25-10 deficit. Let's be honest - both teams were hardly at their best and the Utes' 25-23 win on the occasion of Rich Rodriguez' first game in Ann Arbor as Michigan coach was hardly an upset. Still brought a smile to my face though.
DEPRESSED
Virginia Tech
Anyone know the Hokie for: "BCS Challenge in tatters?
Pittsburgh
Dave Wannstedt's job is now up for grabs again. LeSean McCoy may be a plus for the Panthers, but the defense definitely isn't.
Ohio State
Forget the 43-0 victory over Youngstown State. If Beanie Wells' foot injury really is serious, then Ohio State's challenge for a third straight National Championship game. as well as the Big Ten title, is in trouble.
Clemson
See the chant for the Alabama game. They just beat the hell out of you.
Texas A&M
Dennis Franchionne wouldn't have lost 18-14 to Arkansas State at home would he? Well, Mike Sherman did!
Sweet Dome, Alabama: Tide roll past Clemson 34-10
August 31, 2008
Nick Saban's plan to bring No. 24 Alabama back to prominance looks way ahead of schedule.
Tags: alabama crimson tide newsUSC and Alabama the Two Standout Teams from Saturday
August 31, 2008
14 hours of college football? Yes, I'm in my world that's highly likely each and every Saturday during the season. As I sat in my recliner for a long time, USC and Alabama looked dominant from start to finish.
Pete Carroll's Trojans have in the last few years traveled out to different environments and played remarkably well: see last year at Nebraska, '03 at Auburn, and '05 at Hawaii. This year was no different, as the talent-laden Trojans completely dominated the hapless Virginia Cavaliers.
Mark Sanchez looked great completing passes to his tight ends and running backs. The one negative was the lack of use of the wideouts. Ronald Johnson had one long touchdown catch, but overall the wideouts weren't overly used.
Alabama was supposed to be the third-best team in the SEC West. Clemson was supposed to be the class of the ACC. After Saturday night, one might consider Alabama one of the best in the SEC—and Clemson one of the average teams of the ACC (what a surprise!).
Nick Saban can win. He may not have many friends, but the guy can coach, recruit, and motivate even the young ones (see Julio Jones). Alabama's offensive and defensive lines looked unstoppable, making holes for the running game and shutting down C.J. Spiller and James Davis (even though they only carried the ball eight times).
I wouldn't be shocked too see the Crimson Tide playing for the SEC Championship in December.
It was a great start to the college football season—and I'm sure there will be plenty more as the season continues.
Alabama-Clemson, the day after…
August 31, 2008
Alabama vs. Clemson - Upon Further Review
August 31, 2008
Killer instinct. Rather than building a lead, then coasting and letting the opponent back in the game, this Tide team never took its foot off the gas. Near the end of the half, Alabama got the ball back with little time remaining. Rather than run a couple of draws and heading for the locker room, this team marched down the field for another score.
Answering adversity. After Clemson took the second half kickoff 96 yards to the end zone, the Tide could have been deflated and let the Tigers back in the game. Instead, they came right back at them. This is a team of character and leadership.
Trusting players to make plays. Leigh Tiffin is the feel-good story of this team. Coach Saban believed in him, despite the critics, and has been proven right. Saban has also ignored the calls for John Parker Wilson to be benched, and instead retooled the offense to fit Wilson's strengths. The result: a near-flawless game by the quarterback.
Coaching 'em down. Emotion is for fans. Getting hyped up only takes you as far as the coin toss. Once the game starts, you have to execute. Coach Saban has instilled a businesslike ethic in this team, and it was evident the entire game. This team went out to do a job, and did it. They acted like they've been there before.
The same things win. We heard all summer long about the spread offense. But smashmouth football still wins games. You can have the gaudy passing stats; we'll take a bunch of big guys knocking you off the ball, and see who wins.
Alabama vs. Clemson - Upon Further Review
August 31, 2008
Killer instinct. Rather than building a lead, then coasting and letting the opponent back in the game, this Tide team never took its foot off the gas. Near the end of the half, Alabama got the ball back with little time remaining. Rather than run a couple of draws and heading for the locker room, this team marched down the field for another score.
Answering adversity. After Clemson took the second half kickoff 96 yards to the end zone, the Tide could have been deflated and let the Tigers back in the game. Instead, they came right back at them. This is a team of character and leadership.
Trusting players to make plays. Leigh Tiffin is the feel-good story of this team. Coach Saban believed in him, despite the critics, and has been proven right. Saban has also ignored the calls for John Parker Wilson to be benched, and instead retooled the offense to fit Wilson's strengths. The result: a near-flawless game by the quarterback.
Coaching 'em down. Emotion is for fans. Getting hyped up only takes you as far as the coin toss. Once the game starts, you have to execute. Coach Saban has instilled a businesslike ethic in this team, and it was evident the entire game. This team went out to do a job, and did it. They acted like they've been there before.
The same things win. We heard all summer long about the spread offense. But smashmouth football still wins games. You can have the gaudy passing stats; we'll take a bunch of big guys knocking you off the ball, and see who wins.
Alabama vs. Clemson - Upon Further Review
August 31, 2008
Killer instinct. Rather than building a lead, then coasting and letting the opponent back in the game, this Tide team never took its foot off the gas. Near the end of the half, Alabama got the ball back with little time remaining. Rather than run a couple of draws and heading for the locker room, this team marched down the field for another score.
Answering adversity. After Clemson took the second half kickoff 96 yards to the end zone, the Tide could have been deflated and let the Tigers back in the game. Instead, they came right back at them. This is a team of character and leadership.
Trusting players to make plays. Leigh Tiffin is the feel-good story of this team. Coach Saban believed in him, despite the critics, and has been proven right. Saban has also ignored the calls for John Parker Wilson to be benched, and instead retooled the offense to fit Wilson's strengths. The result: a near-flawless game by the quarterback.
Coaching 'em down. Emotion is for fans. Getting hyped up only takes you as far as the coin toss. Once the game starts, you have to execute. Coach Saban has instilled a businesslike ethic in this team, and it was evident the entire game. This team went out to do a job, and did it. They acted like they've been there before.
The same things win. We heard all summer long about the spread offense. But smashmouth football still wins games. You can have the gaudy passing stats; we'll take a bunch of big guys knocking you off the ball, and see who wins.
Sunday Rewind: Alabama 34, Clemson 10
August 31, 2008
NCAA Football: What I Learned From Week One
August 31, 2008
Week One in the college football season is sort of like an episode of Saturday Night Live, there will be a few entertaining "skits", but the majority of them will be flops.
Well the first week of the college football season is almost over, with some Sunday and Labor Day games to be completed, the biggest ones being UCLA-Tennessee on Monday, and Kentucky- Louisville this afternoon. We learned a lot about the contenders and the pretenders, so without further endue here is what we learned about the NCAA for Week One of the 2008 season:
The ACC Looks Like it is the Worst BCS Conference This Year:
This week Virginia got walloped by USC, Maryland had problems against Delaware, Clemson couldn't get past the Crimson Tide, and Virginia Tech got upset by Western Carolina.
People were expecting big things from both Virginia Tech and Clemson this year and those people were likely disappointed as both of them failed to win games that they were expected to win.
Especially Virginia Tech who were playing a "cupcake" in East Carolina and could not close out the game. You have to wonder if the ACC will even get two teams into the BCS this year.
Divison 2 is no joke
As we learned last year the NCAA's second division is no joke as they can give powerhouse teams a scare. App. State could not make lightning strike twice and they were dismantled by LSU in what may be the last LSU home game for a while as Hurricane Gustav looms over Louisiana. Maryland almost fell to Delaware. This just proves that teams picking Div. 2 teams on its schedule must be aware that they are not easy pickings anymore.
The Michigan Wolverines are Finishers, Not Starters
Ah yes, the joy of seeing the Michigan Wolverines losing in the Big House in Week One. It is slowly becoming a tradition in my life. The start of the Rich Rodriguez era in Ann Arbor did not go well as they lost to the Utes 25-23 in what was a very entertaining football game.
Of course Utah is a lot better of a football program than App. State, but Michigan was supposed to win this game, but they fell short again to open the season with a loss at home. You have to wonder if the Wolverines swoon will continue, or if they will turn it around next week.
On the other hand Utah had a very strong showing in the Big House, and they should be contenders in the very strong Mountain West Conference this year.
TCU, Utah, and BYU all have the potential to be this years BCS busters, and I feel the winner of that conference, which likely will go down to the last game of the season between BYU and Utah, will be playing in January.
Two Tigers, Different Stories
Mizzou showed that they have the hearts of lions last night, when they held off the high powered Illinois offense by simply out gunning them to a 52-42 win. Led by Jeremy Maclin's two return TD's.
Well the other Tigers, these ones from Clemson, proved ineffective and the Crimson Tide showed that they can be SEC spoilers by knocking off the ninth ranked Tigers from Clemson 34-10 by simply out rushing them.
This was a shock as the Clemson Tigers have an explosive tandem that draws comparisons of Darren McFadden-Felix Jones and Reggie Bush- LenDale White.
Will the Crimson Tide continue their surprisingly play en route to an SEC Title? I say no, but as we have seen in recent years, anything can happen in the SEC.
Game of the Week- Michigan State- California
Michigan State and California kicked off ABC's Saturday Night Football in style with a game that you could not peel your eyes from for one second, because if you did you likely would miss a big play.
Both teams had very impressive performances in the air, but it was the running game that proved the difference as Jahvid Best's 111-yard game and Shane Vereen's 81-yard run led the Bears to victory.
The Spartans are extremely similar to this situation as almost everyone of their six losses last season were by seven points or less. If their coach does not find a way to get his team to close games, he might be out of Lansing sooner than later.
Player of the Week- Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Jeremy Maclin returned a kick for a punt for touchdowns giving him 201 all-purpose yards in one of the highlights of the week between Mizzou and Illinois
Team of the Week- Florida Gators
The Gators destroyed last years WCC champs from Hawaii 56-10 in what was a scary display of the power and speed that Florida has when it is on a roll. Tim Tebow only had 177 yards through the air as he was not needed in this rout of one of last season's best teams.
I hope you enjoyed this week in college football, come back next Sunday to see what I learned from Week Two.
Tags: alabama crimson tide news
