What to Watch This Weekend

Lots of good games this weekend and most with some pretty significant implications across the country.

First off, a fond farewell to Clemson who was absolutely smashed by Virginia Tech tonight 24-7. Makes you think the Georgia Tech win may have taken it all out of them - especially on a short week. They've got 2 conference losses now so they'll need help and obviously to win out.

Let's look at a few of the key matchups this weekend.

TENNESSEE (6-1) AT SOUTH CAROLINA (5-2)
After an apparent let down last weekend against Alabama, look for the passing attack to have a bounce-back game this weekend. South Carolina's ability to keep this close will depend on how well they contain the Vols offense. After last week I imagine they might have some things to prove. I'm Tennessee here in an impressive road win.
Tenn - 28
S. Carolina - 17

FLORIDA (6-1) AT GEORGIA (6-2)
It's time yet again for the "rivalry-formerly-known-as-the-largest-outdoor-cocktail-party" in Jacksonville, Florida. On paper, this doesn't look good at all for the Bulldogs. They're struggling on offense and Florida just happens to have a very gifted, very fast and VERY rested defense. I guess you have to say that with rivalries like this you can throw the records out the window - it's true, Georgia isn't near as good as it's 6-2 record. Florida should roll here - great matchup for them coming off of a bye week. And look for Chris Leak to bounce back and have a solid game this week.
Florida - 34
Georgia - 13

OKLAHOMA (5-2) AT MISSOURI (6-1)*
I'm starring this one because I think it's one of those games that although you may not have anything at stake here, it should prove to be a great one. Both of these schools are really looking to this game to help them bounce back on track for the remainder of the season. And Missouri really needs this win to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 North. Oklahoma's defense has looked much better the last couple of days (at least statistically), albeit against a couple of doormat teams of the conference (Iowa State and Colorado). Nonetheless, confidence is what they need now and a win here would certainly be a boost.

Missouri on the other hand simply has a better team right now - they certainly have the better QB and they're playing at home. I think Mizzou will squeak out the win here - they've got the bulk of the pressure here not only from a player perspective, but with the coaches as well. They had a big part to play in that disappointing loss in College Station. I'll look for Mizzou to come out firing, but OU will keep it close up until the end.
Missouri - 27
Oklahoma - 21

TEXAS A&M (7-1) AT BAYLOR (4-4)
Don't let Baylor's record fool you - they are 3-1 in conference, just like the aggies. This game is interesting on a couple of levels. First off, for whatever reason, Baylor has had the aggies number the last couple of years. The last two games went into OT where the teams split the victories. One could even argue that personnel wise, Baylor has a better team now than in the past and the Aggies have a less talented team - specifically the loss of Reggie McNeal. Furthermore, this game actually has Big 12 South implications (when was the last time you could say that). If the aggies are able to win this game and win the remainder of their games heading into Austin, they would have a shot at playing for the conference title (if they can beat Texas). But that's getting a little over zealous.

I expect this game to be a shootout and yet another tight game. Baylor's offense is really clicking and starting to hit it's stride which isn't good news for the Aggie defense. Although improving slightly, they do have a ways to go. Look for Shawn Bell to pick the aggie secondary apart with 5-8 yard plays on long, sustained drives. Where the Bears will have their problems is stopping the plethora of Aggie running backs - especially Javorski Lane. Baylor needs to stop the run first and force the game into McGee's hands. On the other hand, although not glowing with killer stats, I think McGee only has 1 interception on the year. He may not beat you on big plays, but he doesn't make mistakes. I look for this to be a tightly fought game - the Aggies simply have too much experience in winning tight games these days. Aggies win this one by a field goal in the final minute.
Texas A&M - 31
Baylor - 30

TEXAS (7-1) AT TEXAS TECH (5-2)
Can you say trap game here? Yes, I know Tech is having a pretty mediocre season at best. Yes, I know Texas' offense is getting better each day. Yes, I know this team proved it can win tight games on the road last week.

BUT, we've got a pretty banged up defense (Lockey out for year, Griffin and T. Brown still nursing lingering injuries, Robinson and Crowder were banged up again last week). Yes, this Texas team is deep and I'm always for giving our younger guys experience in big games like this. We commit stupid penalties. This, for whatever reason (coaching) continues to rear it's ugly head from time to time - but it's every single year. The two personal foul penalties in the Nebraska game were just mindless. Penalties like is exactly the sliver of opportunity that Tech needs to change a game.

I know they've struggled quite a bit this year, but I promise you this. Those players, coaches and fans will have instant amnesia the moment this game kicks off. In their minds, they win this game, season is over and it's a success. Beating the Aggs and beating the Longhorns would cap their, in other respects, very mediocre season.

With that said, I am not saying that Texas will lose this game. Not at all, but I am offering the possibility that it's not entirely out of the question. It could happen. In fact, Lubbock is the only place where Texas has lost more than once since the Big 12 was formed. And, Texas has won the previous 3 games in this series - that hasn't happened in 20 years and they've NEVER won 4 straight.

But in the end, Tech has an extremely shaky QB and that's where it all starts with them. Texas' fast and athletic defense should be able to get pressure on Harrell and when that happens it will be on like Donkey Kong. When Texas forces turnovers, they absolutely route the Red Raiders. On the flip side, and along the same lines as the penalties, we cannot give them freebie opportunities. I think Texas continues to show strong improvement and reminds the country that they are a top team in this race.
Texas - 49
Texas Tech - 24

KEEP AN EYE ON...
Nebraska visiting Okie State. That game against the Longhorns may have taken it out of them. They had a victory in their hands and let it go. How one responds to games like that often defines the team down the stretch. Nebraska should win, but don't be surprised if Okie State smells blood and pounces.

QUARTERBACK CAROUSSEL
I've been meaning to talk about this for a few weeks and just keep forgetting. Thanks for the post on this from last week. I'm talking of course of the interesting situation brewing at the QB position here at Texas - more specifically, what will transpire following this season.

Here's the situation - we currently have one Colt McCoy who, barring some horrible injury, has pretty much sewed up the starting job at QB for the next year at least. That leaves one Jeavan Sneed, a fine young prospect (one of nation's best high schoolers last year) and a true freshman. Essentially, the two have equal amount of eligibility remaining. Then you throw in John Brantley - a highly touted recruit out of Florida who continues (along with his father) that Texas is where he'll be coming. Now, before we go crazy, let's remember that Texas has had a couple of high-profile QBs jump ship at the last second recently - Ryan "No Clue on the Last Name" Perriloux (to LSU) and Mitch Mustain to Arkansas. But, as of now, Brantley says he's coming.

Here's how I see it playing out - if Brantley does in fact keep his word and come to Texas, Sneed will be gone so fast we'll barely remember he was here in two years. The thing is, he's a very good QB and the way it's looking, he may never get to start a game, again barring any injury. He could be a starter, or have a better shot, at MANY other schools. I see him going pretty much regardless. But where to? Well, there are a couple of schools off the top of my head that would be interesting fits - Aggies, Tech and OU - but he would never do that as you lose 2 years of eligibility when transferring in conference. Plus, Brantley knows he can come in and redshirt and have two years to himself. And given the way Texas reloads these days, there shouldn't be any reason why he couldn't have a good shot at a title season, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

I'm sure Sneed will get plenty of good looks - he's too good not to. I can see Joe Paterno having an interest in Sneed's qualities. Somewhere in the midwest or southeast - where strong running games and efficient passing games rule.

BY THE WAY...
I know we all bash on the Big East, but did you know that they have 3 teams in the top 15 of the BCS? 2 of those in the top 10. Not too bad.

SHAFT SIGHTING
So I got a call from a friend this evening asking me to check out ESPN 2 as North Carolina A&T was visiting Bethune-Cookman College. "Why?" is the obvious question, right? It's because it was evident that BCC had invented a time machine, gone back into the 70s and got Shaft come coach their game. This guy was wearing a tan/khaki outfit - matching pants, belt and shirt. BUT, the shirt was unbuttoned down to the naval; he was wearing sunglasses (night game); and he was wearing, that's right, a gold chain. It was unreal. If you can go find a recap of the game maybe you can catch a shot of the coach - it was great.

On top of that, it was an ESPN-U preview being showed on ESPN 2. So what the network is telling me is that if I subscribe to ESPN-U I may be able to catch all of North Carolina's A&T games?? Sign me up.

By the way, NCA&T lost 70-7.

Have a good weekend, keep the comments coming (any of them) and we'll do it again next week.

Late Night Quick Hits

Well friends, it's 1:30am, the baby is finally asleep and I am not. So, I thought I would do a little bit of a mid-week, late-night banter from the wide world of sports. Here are a few quick (and a few not-so-quick) hits from the top stories in the sports world this week. And as always, keep those comments coming.

SORRY CHARLIE
So it seems that second-year Notre Dame head coach still hasn't figured out that College Football's BCS system is less than stellar. Coach Weiss spoke to reporters this week and expressed how baffled he was that his Irish would drop in all of the polls after a lack-luster performance, and last-minute comeback, against UCLA this past weekend. First off Chuck, welcome (again) to the college game where our system of picking the top teams is, well, ridiculous. How have you not figured this out yet? Now let's look at the teams that jumped Notre Dame in the polls and see if Chuck has an argument.

Let's start with the Coach's poll, the admitted shadiest of them all, but one that yet continues to contribute to the national title contenders. So the coach's dropped Notre Dame two spots to #10 - the teams that jumped them were Tennessee and Florida.

Texas jumped Notre Dame in the BCS poll after narrowly escaping a very feisty Nebraska team with a last-second field goal.

And finally, Clemson jumped ahead of Notre Dame in the AP poll after drubbing Georgia Tech 31-7. The same Georgia Tech team, mind you, that Notre Dame snuck by in the season opener (14-10).

So, with that, let's see if and/or where the Irish are getting screwed. Without conjuring up the realities that come with the Coach's poll (I mean, does anyone believe that the national coaches sit and analyze games and teams to come up with these rankings???), the consensus seems to be that Tenn and Florida are better teams than the Irish. Now, normally I would be a bit upset in general if a bye-week team (Florida) jumped a team that played and won their game. BUT, in this instance, the fact is that Tennessee and Florida are both better teams than Notre Dame. Yes, Tennessee needed the same type of last-minute heroics, at home, against Alabama. But let's remember, Tenn and Alabama is a pretty heated rivalry in the SEC. There is no history between UCLA and Notre Dame. Tenn was favored, but not by near as the margin that Notre Dame was. And again, Florida is, without question, a better team than ND.

Now on to the BCS poll where Texas jumped Notre Dame. This one is simple - Texas went on the road, in a hostile environment, and beat a top 20 team. Notre Dame played at home against far inferior competition (or so it would seem). It's not as if Texas hopped 3 spots ahead of Notre Dame either. They were close in polling points and the win against better competition on the road deserves more points than Notre Dame's magic escape act.

And finally, the AP poll. This one is even easier. Clemson absolutely dominated Georgia Tech last week. Moreover, this is a far better Georgia Tech team than the one that ND escaped in the first week of the year. And, if Notre Dame and Clemson played tomorrow on a neutral field, does anyone believe that Notre Dame would win? Clemson would man-handle the Irish - that's not biased, that's a fact. Clemson is playing some unbelievable football right now and Notre Dame isn't.

"Maybe I'm just stupid. Tell me how that works." This is what Coach Weiss had to say at the press conference. It's called the BCS and if you don't like it (which you shouldn't), go talk to your AD and school President. They have the power to affect change. Yes, we know it sucks, we've been paying attention to it much longer than you have. I suggest that you get used to it - although you feel screwed now, I assure you that if your beloved Irish make it to a BCS game, you will in turn be screwing a more deserved team (most likely).

DID YOU KNOW?
That Clemson's "Thunder and Lightning" running backs - CJ Spiller and Charles Davis - include a freshman and a sophomore? Imagine what this offense will look like next year. As I've said before, we may be seeing a turning of the tide in the ACC.

WORLD SERIES UPDATE
First off, is there a harder sport in the world to try and predict? Maybe it's because I never really have followed baseball that closely, but man, what an unpredictable game. I know for a fact that I wasn't the only one who thought that the Tigers would stroll through this series, especially after what they did to the American League teams. Now it looks as if the Tigers may have their backs against the wall just a bit. And what's with all of the Rodriguez's not showing up in the playoffs. Pudge is an abysmal 1-21 in his last 21 at bats.

And I won't even get into the whole pine tar debacle of '06, but I will say this. Major League Baseball has far bigger fish to fry than whether or not Kenny Rogers had pine tar on his palm. And one more thing baseball officials, if you have rules in the rule book that you aren't going to enforce with any consistency, you might want to think about removing them from the books. Or, you could actually try and enforce them for the good of the game. Just a thought.

WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR JUICE BOX PARTY
Just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it? As you may have heard, officials from both Florida and Georgia are petitioning (yet again) to have the name "The World's Largest Cocktail Party" removed from this annual rivalry because it conjures up images of binge drinking and associated behaviors. Additionally, 2 Florida students have died in the past 2 years - both due to alcohol-related incidents. To their credit, both institutions recognize college binge drinking as a much larger issue that goes way beyond the naming of a rivalry game. So the question is, why do this? Look, I'm all for any part of a solution that curbs (hell, eliminates) alcohol related deaths among college students - there's no doubt it's an issue in this country. But, what does this do, really? Is this a PR stunt? I don't think so. Is it the schools' way of saying they're doing something? Possibly, but I hope not because they're not really doing anything. The point here is if you're going to take action on an issue as important and as visible as this, why not take action that's going to have an impact. What is that you may ask? I don't know, but I know this - changing the nickname of a rivalry that's been in place for 50 years is not part of the solution. It certainly doesn't contribute to the problem, but it most certainly does not and will not contribute to any solution. At the risk of politicizing this topic (which is always something I always try and avoid like the plague), this is something our Government would do to address a problem - and we all know how that usually works out don't we?

THIS WEEK'S MATCHUPS
Here's a quick glance of the weekend games I'll be looking at this week - check back here before the weekend for the latest:

Florida vs. Georgia - I guess there'll be no drinking at this year's event.

Tenn at S. Carolina - Intriguing if only for the coaching matchup - Spurrier has always had Fulmer's number, but this time???

Oklahoma at Missouri - Mizzou REALLY needs this win to keep their Big 12 North hopes alive - OU really needs a positive win

Texas at Texas Tech - Big win against OU, Bigger comeback win at Nebraska followed by a trip to Lubbock against a struggling Texas Tech team - can you say TRAP GAME for the Horns????

Texas A&M at Baylor - Maybe the hardest game of the weekend to call - there is no outcome of this game that would shock me.

AND FINALLY...
If you have some down time this evening check out the Clemson at Virginia Tech game tonight (Thursday). VaTech is definitely having a down year this year while Clemson is flying high - but don't count out the Hokies just yet, especially playing in Blacksburg. This would be a huge emotional win for them. Don't see it happening, but it's not completely out of the cards.

Good night all, check back before the weekend for the breakdown and predictions for the big games this weekend.

Survival of the Fittest

Happy Monday all!

What a crazy weekend of football on at both levels. There were about 5 total
minutes or so this weekend where it looked as if the polls were going to
take a serious sucker-punch. Oh so close...

And did you happen to see the Houston Texans absolutely steam roll the
Jacksonville Jaguars? What the hell is going??

Obviously, as you know by now, seeing as that Saturday was our first day at
home with the new baby, I didn't get to watch hours and hours of meaningful
(to me) football. I fear those days may be long gone for a quite a while.
Might be time to up the sports package to maximize my more-closed window of
opportunity. Yea right...

Anyway, here are some highlights from the weekend:

THE BEST OF THE BEST:
This was like survival of the fittest in these close games (the "big" ones).
The interesting thing about all of them, I think, is that the better teams
actually ended up winning - the test games that you end up winning are usually the most meaningful and important ones.

Tennessee - U.G.L.Y.:
Well this was certainly an ugly game for the Vols - their offense (usually one of the most potent in the nation) was anemic to say the least - not at all unlike last year when Tennessee lost 6-3. Fortunately for them, the defense played one hell of a game. On Ainge's second INT, the defender was forced out at the Tennessee 8 yard line - the defense held for a field goal. Although probably not talked about much, that was probably the game right there. Although Ainge struggled quite a bit in this game, he held tough and was able to "stop the bleeding" as it were - in other words, he never let it get out of hand. Unfortunately for the Vols, this the kind of game that they will get from the rest of their opponents including games at S. Carolina next week and LSU following that. They still need some help from Florida to make it to the SEC championship game, but they absolutely must win out.

SoCal Breakdown:
I don't know how Notre Dame continues to win these games like this, but give them credit, they are winning them. If I'm a UCLA fan right now, I'm screaming about the 3rd and 6 play that the Bruins ran with a minute to go - all you need is a first down to ice this game and you're playing against a very mediocre (at best) defense whom you've picked apart most of the day - THROW THE BALL!!! You're not playing Michigan or Florida here - the defense is the Irish's biggest weakness. Oh so close. And kudos to the Bruins, there aren't many folks who gave them half of a chance in this game - especially at the end. We talk about it a lot, but the Bruins coach played way too conservative there at the end - I'm not sure he knew HOW to win that game at the end. You have to play to win in a situation like that and if you lose the game by being aggressive, that's a hell of a lot better than pop Warner play calling followed by a complete breakdown in defense. Needless to say this would have been a HUGE win for UCLA and a big confidence builder going into the final stretch.

Read a great quote from Stewart Mandel from Cnnsi.com (I'm paraphrasing here) - he said Notre Dame continues to have moments of greatness on offense, a little bit of luck and most important, they keep winning - but are they really getting any better? Great question - their offensive line and overall defense is pretty weak. They now rank 99th in rushing offense in the country.

Home away from Home:
As shocking as it is, Lincoln Nebraska seems to be the Horns home away from home - they've never lost there since the Big 12 was formed. This was a crazy game and one that left me scratching my head and wondering - was this a good win or a lucky win??? I've come to the conclusion that this was a very VERY good win for the horns (and a little lucky). I was pleasantly surprised to see them get rewarded for this win even though the teams ahead of them also won.

I must admit that I had my doubts throughout this game as to whether or not Colt McCoy was playing well or not. I came to the conclusion (after reading numerous stats and rewatching parts) that Colt played a hell of a game. Rather, it was Greg Davis who, yet again, handcuffed this team in numerous instances. He played ultra-conservative and was (big surprise) very predictable at times. The play calling when the Horns were in the red zone was abysmal. He finally had the right idea, but at the absolute wrong time - for the first time in the game, when Texas had the ball inside the 20, he called a fade route to Lymas Sweed - IN DOUBLE COVERAGE WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT!!! Had that ball been intercepted, my head would have literally exploded. Where the hell was that play call during the last 3 drives into the red zone???

I will confess that I had no idea that the weather conditions were going to be as bad as they were and as such, you are somewhat limited in what you can do. BUT, I just feel like we aren't putting our best athletes into position to make the kinds of plays that they are capable of making and that's infuriating at times. How about we try getting the ball into the hands of our running backs ON THE RUN???!! Have you noticed that 99% of the time, they hand the ball to the guys when they are standing still? Obviously it works at times, but I'd like to see some plays that focus more on getting Charles the ball out of the backfield, etc. so that he can have the room to make some moves. Anyway, Greg Davis is a mediocre coordinator in my mind and there were times on Saturday when it showed. (More on Texas' offense responding to this below).

With all of that said, a HUGE kudos to Nebraska. Tell me honestly how many of you who watched the game thought that Nebraska would come back to take the lead? I thought for sure that Texas would roll on them in the second half. Texas sacked Taylor 4 times in the first half and ZERO times in the second. That's great coaching right there. And give Nebraska credit - they opened up the playbook and made some BIG plays when they needed them the most. Callahan certainly played to win.

Stat of the game - OK, I swear I'm not making this up. When I was talking with folks about the game, I kept saying how it seemed like there were a half dozen or so plays that really gave Nebraska their boost. Well, heard this crazy stat this morning - Nebraska ran 59 plays and had a total of 340 yards. Of those, 7 plays went for 215. What does that mean? It means that 52 of their plays (88%) went for 125 yards. That's 2.4 yards a pay. That's some damn good defense if you think about it. And two of those 7 big plays included a double reverse and a flee flicker - you don't see those everyday.

Bottom line - Although they fought hard in this game, Texas did get lucky here. 2 of the biggest bonehead plays damn-near cost them this victory. Marcus Griffin personal foul when it would have been 3rd and 19 for the Huskers and then Orakpo's roughing the passer on the last play of the game - still can't believe that!!

THE BEST GAMES THAT NO ONE SAW:
Although this got lost in the hoop-la of the other "big games", there were 2 unbelievable games right here in our backyard (Big 12). Check it out...

Baylor was down by 18 to Kansas with nine minutes to go in the game - Shawn Bell threw 3 of his 5 TDs in that time and Baylor came back to win 36-35 in the final minute. Most notable here - this was the first Baylor homecoming win in like 9 years.

The aggies, playing against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, scored a touchdown in the last 3 seconds to put the game into overtime. They won in overtime by blocking an extra point. WOW!!! More on the aggies below.

TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEKEND:
OK guys, I'm limited to the little bit that I watched/listened to and read about, but 2 guys in particular stand out. And yes, I'm biased towards one. :)

Shawn Bell of Baylor - He had 394 yards and 5 touchdowns. As I said above, 3 came in the final 9 minutes in true come-back fashion.

Colt McCoy of Texas - This kid continues to grow up every single week. He made some absolutely incredible plays in this game. 3 key things with Colt that are really starting to become apparent:
1. He's more comfortable with the offense - he's less of a "robot" and starting to expand his options in the plays that are being called

2. His team is more behind him now than they have been - it's very apparent. They have confidence in him and rightfully so. He knows he's not the play maker - he's the play enabler and he's starting to really embrace and shine in this roll.

3. His toughness and confidence has absolutely sky-rocketed. First, he had 2 scrambles of 8 and 10 yards that resulted in first downs. One of them was on 3rd down. Second, that last drive that took them into field position - he looked like a seasoned veteran.

MOST FASCINATING TEAM THUS FAR:
I've talked a lot about them, and yes, I'm a longhorn fan, but I'm going with the Texas A&M Aggies. As a whole, this team is not a great team - especially on defense. They're just barely getting by against some mediocre competition (last-minute wins against Kansas, Okie State and Army). BUT, most importantly, they find ways to win - and that really speaks volumes at any level. Next week's at Baylor will be VERY interesting. Why? Because the last time the Aggies visited Waco, they got beat and last year, in College Station, they damn-near got beat. Baylor is much improved, but A&M has to be confident. Baylor should put some points on these guys too.
The last 3 games will be by and far A&M's toughest - Nebraska, OU and Texas. Off hand, you'd think they will have to be much better to have a chance to win these games, but who knows, these wins may be just what may propel them to the top. Although they've been good this season - 3 straight losses against the upper echelon teams to close out the year may mark the end of the Franchione era. We shall see.

QUICK NOTE ON THE BCS
Thank you pollsters for 2 things:
1. Michigan at #2
2. Texas ahead of ND

QUICK FIVE AROUND THE NFL
1. Anyone want to bet that Simms will not be back as Tampa's QB? And how about that 62 yarder to win it? Man, what a game. Here's one for you - look for Saban to take a look at Simms at year's end as Miami's QB.

2. Is it me or are the Eagles the best team to be 4-3? Rande Barber really gave McNabb fits yesterday taking two INTs to the house, but man is Donovan playing well or what this year? Wouuld love to see them beat out the Cowboys for the division, but we shall see (NO, I'm not a Cowboys fan).

3. Is the tide turning in Houston? Probably not, but that was one hell of an impressive win yesterday. And yes, David Carr is STILL the most efficicent passer in the league. Good move by the Texans to pass on VY - would have been steps backwards. I think Kubiak will certainly make a big difference here.

4. And finally, Oakland gets a win!!! I guess that Arizona loss to the Bears last Monday night really hurt them and their psyche - hey, it's Arizona after all.

5. Is there anyone in the league who is having worse luck this year than Ben Roethlesburger???

Alright guys, bring on the comments - we'll do it again later this week.