Saturday Night Thoughts: Week Three
Wow. What a day. Separation Saturday lived up to its billing, unlike Texas/Ohio State. I have just turned my TV off for the first time in 14 hours. Amazing. I think we learned an awful lot today. Let's start from the top.
Clemson 27 - FSU 20. Good for Clemson. Anybody that was watching this game knows that this didn't feel like a seven point victory. In my book, this was a close one, and the Tigers actually pulled it out. I'm amazed. I'm glad I jumped off the FSU ship because, quite frankly, they just aren't that good. Say what you want, but I'm not convinced. This morning, as I watched one of the early games, Gottfried ran his top ten. He had FSU at two and LSU not even on the list. Does this guy even watch football? That ticked me off a bit, but I feel he should be enjoying his crow right about now, so I feel better.
Oklahoma 33 - Oregon 34. Robbed. Granted, I did not believe the Sooners could pull this game out. I thought Oregon was just too solid of a team for AP to do it all himself. I was wrong. Stating the obvious here, but clearly the Oregon player touched the onside kick at about nine yards. However, if the Sooners had just caught it, there wouldn't have been a problem. Or if the defense had simply stood up and said "No." But neither happened, and somehow the call did not get overturned. This is not the first time this year that instant replay officials have clearly made a bad call. At some point, they need to take a class on what "indisputable" means, as well. Regardless, Oregon won, but it doesn't really feel like it.
Iowa 27 - Iowa State 17. Not exactly the statement win the Hawkeyes needed to be taken seriously, but they played with some passion in the second half, and that was nice to see. This was a hard-fought game that was much closer than the score indicated, but I'm glad to see Iowa finally win one against the Cyclones. Iowa is good enough to give anyone in the Big Ten a run for their money, but I doubt they are good enough to beat either Michigan or Ohio State.
Louisville 31 - Miami 7. Well, though I was not expecting the Canes to score so low, it is not incredibly surprising. Against teams with a pulse, Miami's offense has not exactly dazzled. If there were two overrated teams going into this season, I think most people can agree that they were Miami and FSU. They just aren't that good. They are above average, but when they play a title-game caliber opponent, they'll fold. Louisville, meanwhile, is for real. Even I am looking forward to the tilt with West Virginia. It should be a good one. It'd still be nice if either team didn't play in the Big East, but such is life.
TCU 12 - Texas Tech 3. I'm surprised. Really. Only three points from a Mike Leach team? Are you kidding me? Now I have to wait and see what Texas Tech does against the rest of the Big 12 so that I can put TCU in the right spot. Beating the Red Raiders does make a statement for the Horned Frogs. Defense wins championships right? And apparently TCU has a reliable field goal kicker, which is something to be valued. Looks like TCU's got a great chance of hittin' up a BCS bowl.
USC 28 - Nebraska 10. Good game from the Huskers. It was obvious from the opening kickoff that there was more talent at every position on USC's side of the ball. Still, Nebraska pounded the ball, tried some trickeration, and kept the game close. I like that a lot. After listening to ESPN Gameday, though, you'd think USC just beat the Steelers. Nebraska played a hard game, certainly, but they are no title contender. USC is still a question mark in my book. I'm not sold yet. Meanwhile, things are looking up for Nebraska. Anything less than a Big 12 North title would be a let down.
Michigan 47 - ND 21. Ouch. This one set back the Irish program a bit, and Brady Quinn might reconsider his reservations for NY at year's end. Just not a good game. Period. Michigan exploited every weakness ND had to offer, and the Wolverine defense came to play. I expected Michigan to win, but I did not expect a blowout. Kudos to Michigan. See, that's why I had them #1 in my first poll. All that potential was just yet to be realized. I'm curious where I'll put them this week.
Before I get to the big games of the day (in my humble opinion), I did want to note that Ohio State is getting a free-pass on the #1 spot. I don't like that. Yes, they beat Texas. Yes, Texas is good. However, Texas is not Texas 2005. It was a solid win, but you can't ride it forever. The Buckeyes are great, but they strugged in the first half against Cincy. Somehow that translated into Gameday saying they "played like the #1 team." Really? Is that how you do it?
And then there's West Virginia. The Mountaineers looked good against Maryland, but it was Maryland. I am very tired of everyone wanting to had Steve Slaton the freakin' Heisman. He is a good back, and he is blazing fast. However, he is not a great running back. He is a great sprinter. He is good for six if he gets in the clear, but I have yet to see him break tackles, running through, over, and around everyone in sight. When he does that against quality competition, I'll concede he's a great back. Until then, he's good and very fast.
Now on to the huge games.
Florida 21 - Tennessee 20. Anything less would have been a let down. This game was simply great. Back and forth, with great defense and great offense, these teams just didn't quit. There were key penalties that cost both teams pretty big, but in the end, they probably evened out. This was great football, and I think the better team did win. Ainge played well again, and it is hard to find fault with anyone really. The Gators simply played 1 points worth of harder. I know that's pretty hard to describe, but that's all it was. A coin flip. I am curious to see how the rest of the season goes now. I thought that if Tennessee were to win this game, it'd have a good shot of winning the East. UGa doesn't have the offensive fire-power to get there, in my opinion. Tennessee has LSU left on the schedule, but Florida has both LSU and Auburn. Because of this arrangement, Tennessee can realistically back into the SEC Championship game if Florida loses to both LSU and Auburn (a distinct possibility, mind you). So, all is not lost for the Vols, and this should make for a more intersting race in the East.
GAME OF THE YEAR!!!!
Auburn 7 - LSU 3. Oh my goodness, sweet mercy, that was the greatest game I have seen in a long time. I am a lover of defensive struggles because every play is so tense. The defenses in this game were lights out! Un-freakin' believable! Nobody can look me square in the eye and say that those two teams do not have two of the best defenses in the country. And then there were the offenses. This was not, in any way, shape, or form, a rehash of Miami/FSU. That horrendous offensive display should be wiped from everyone's memory. This game had star power, and those stars made big plays when it counted. Did Kenny Irons break one? No. Did JaMarcus Russell throw an 80-yard bomb? No. But did each play a damn fine game and put their teams in the best position to win? That they did. Everybody stepped up on both sides. Irons had a good day against this defense. He made the runs when Auburn really needed to get something going. Same goes for Courtney Taylor. He made the plays when Auburn needed them. Brandon Cox, cool as a cucumber, keeps the team moving. How could anyone not love Cox eluding a tackler, throwing the ball away, getting drilled, staying down, and then jumping up and running off the field! You wanna talk about a crowd pleaser? Jordan-Hare was going nuts! I was going nuts! On the other side, LSU's receivers got free all day long. They never busted one, but they were a thorn in the side of Auburn's secondary all day. Quick and fast, Auburn's corners just hung on for the ride and hoped they got help. Speaking of help, I must confess Auburn got some. The pass interference call should not have been overturned. That was a great play by Brock, but the interference was before the tip. That wouldn't have given the game to LSU, but it would have made a difference, so we'll never know. Here's why I don't feel bad about it. After watching this game, I believe Auburn or LSU could beat any team in the country. I stand by that 100% and I will fight to my last breath to prove you wrong if you say otherwise. And yet, somebody had to lose this game. If ever the "we beat each other up, so we can't win National Championships" argument were to apply, this game shows you why. As I said before this game, "It's a toss-up." It was. Auburn just happened to come down on the right side of it. So to LSU, I say run the table. I hope Auburn does the same. WAR DAMN EAGLE!
Clemson 27 - FSU 20. Good for Clemson. Anybody that was watching this game knows that this didn't feel like a seven point victory. In my book, this was a close one, and the Tigers actually pulled it out. I'm amazed. I'm glad I jumped off the FSU ship because, quite frankly, they just aren't that good. Say what you want, but I'm not convinced. This morning, as I watched one of the early games, Gottfried ran his top ten. He had FSU at two and LSU not even on the list. Does this guy even watch football? That ticked me off a bit, but I feel he should be enjoying his crow right about now, so I feel better.
Oklahoma 33 - Oregon 34. Robbed. Granted, I did not believe the Sooners could pull this game out. I thought Oregon was just too solid of a team for AP to do it all himself. I was wrong. Stating the obvious here, but clearly the Oregon player touched the onside kick at about nine yards. However, if the Sooners had just caught it, there wouldn't have been a problem. Or if the defense had simply stood up and said "No." But neither happened, and somehow the call did not get overturned. This is not the first time this year that instant replay officials have clearly made a bad call. At some point, they need to take a class on what "indisputable" means, as well. Regardless, Oregon won, but it doesn't really feel like it.
Iowa 27 - Iowa State 17. Not exactly the statement win the Hawkeyes needed to be taken seriously, but they played with some passion in the second half, and that was nice to see. This was a hard-fought game that was much closer than the score indicated, but I'm glad to see Iowa finally win one against the Cyclones. Iowa is good enough to give anyone in the Big Ten a run for their money, but I doubt they are good enough to beat either Michigan or Ohio State.
Louisville 31 - Miami 7. Well, though I was not expecting the Canes to score so low, it is not incredibly surprising. Against teams with a pulse, Miami's offense has not exactly dazzled. If there were two overrated teams going into this season, I think most people can agree that they were Miami and FSU. They just aren't that good. They are above average, but when they play a title-game caliber opponent, they'll fold. Louisville, meanwhile, is for real. Even I am looking forward to the tilt with West Virginia. It should be a good one. It'd still be nice if either team didn't play in the Big East, but such is life.
TCU 12 - Texas Tech 3. I'm surprised. Really. Only three points from a Mike Leach team? Are you kidding me? Now I have to wait and see what Texas Tech does against the rest of the Big 12 so that I can put TCU in the right spot. Beating the Red Raiders does make a statement for the Horned Frogs. Defense wins championships right? And apparently TCU has a reliable field goal kicker, which is something to be valued. Looks like TCU's got a great chance of hittin' up a BCS bowl.
USC 28 - Nebraska 10. Good game from the Huskers. It was obvious from the opening kickoff that there was more talent at every position on USC's side of the ball. Still, Nebraska pounded the ball, tried some trickeration, and kept the game close. I like that a lot. After listening to ESPN Gameday, though, you'd think USC just beat the Steelers. Nebraska played a hard game, certainly, but they are no title contender. USC is still a question mark in my book. I'm not sold yet. Meanwhile, things are looking up for Nebraska. Anything less than a Big 12 North title would be a let down.
Michigan 47 - ND 21. Ouch. This one set back the Irish program a bit, and Brady Quinn might reconsider his reservations for NY at year's end. Just not a good game. Period. Michigan exploited every weakness ND had to offer, and the Wolverine defense came to play. I expected Michigan to win, but I did not expect a blowout. Kudos to Michigan. See, that's why I had them #1 in my first poll. All that potential was just yet to be realized. I'm curious where I'll put them this week.
Before I get to the big games of the day (in my humble opinion), I did want to note that Ohio State is getting a free-pass on the #1 spot. I don't like that. Yes, they beat Texas. Yes, Texas is good. However, Texas is not Texas 2005. It was a solid win, but you can't ride it forever. The Buckeyes are great, but they strugged in the first half against Cincy. Somehow that translated into Gameday saying they "played like the #1 team." Really? Is that how you do it?
And then there's West Virginia. The Mountaineers looked good against Maryland, but it was Maryland. I am very tired of everyone wanting to had Steve Slaton the freakin' Heisman. He is a good back, and he is blazing fast. However, he is not a great running back. He is a great sprinter. He is good for six if he gets in the clear, but I have yet to see him break tackles, running through, over, and around everyone in sight. When he does that against quality competition, I'll concede he's a great back. Until then, he's good and very fast.
Now on to the huge games.
Florida 21 - Tennessee 20. Anything less would have been a let down. This game was simply great. Back and forth, with great defense and great offense, these teams just didn't quit. There were key penalties that cost both teams pretty big, but in the end, they probably evened out. This was great football, and I think the better team did win. Ainge played well again, and it is hard to find fault with anyone really. The Gators simply played 1 points worth of harder. I know that's pretty hard to describe, but that's all it was. A coin flip. I am curious to see how the rest of the season goes now. I thought that if Tennessee were to win this game, it'd have a good shot of winning the East. UGa doesn't have the offensive fire-power to get there, in my opinion. Tennessee has LSU left on the schedule, but Florida has both LSU and Auburn. Because of this arrangement, Tennessee can realistically back into the SEC Championship game if Florida loses to both LSU and Auburn (a distinct possibility, mind you). So, all is not lost for the Vols, and this should make for a more intersting race in the East.
GAME OF THE YEAR!!!!
Auburn 7 - LSU 3. Oh my goodness, sweet mercy, that was the greatest game I have seen in a long time. I am a lover of defensive struggles because every play is so tense. The defenses in this game were lights out! Un-freakin' believable! Nobody can look me square in the eye and say that those two teams do not have two of the best defenses in the country. And then there were the offenses. This was not, in any way, shape, or form, a rehash of Miami/FSU. That horrendous offensive display should be wiped from everyone's memory. This game had star power, and those stars made big plays when it counted. Did Kenny Irons break one? No. Did JaMarcus Russell throw an 80-yard bomb? No. But did each play a damn fine game and put their teams in the best position to win? That they did. Everybody stepped up on both sides. Irons had a good day against this defense. He made the runs when Auburn really needed to get something going. Same goes for Courtney Taylor. He made the plays when Auburn needed them. Brandon Cox, cool as a cucumber, keeps the team moving. How could anyone not love Cox eluding a tackler, throwing the ball away, getting drilled, staying down, and then jumping up and running off the field! You wanna talk about a crowd pleaser? Jordan-Hare was going nuts! I was going nuts! On the other side, LSU's receivers got free all day long. They never busted one, but they were a thorn in the side of Auburn's secondary all day. Quick and fast, Auburn's corners just hung on for the ride and hoped they got help. Speaking of help, I must confess Auburn got some. The pass interference call should not have been overturned. That was a great play by Brock, but the interference was before the tip. That wouldn't have given the game to LSU, but it would have made a difference, so we'll never know. Here's why I don't feel bad about it. After watching this game, I believe Auburn or LSU could beat any team in the country. I stand by that 100% and I will fight to my last breath to prove you wrong if you say otherwise. And yet, somebody had to lose this game. If ever the "we beat each other up, so we can't win National Championships" argument were to apply, this game shows you why. As I said before this game, "It's a toss-up." It was. Auburn just happened to come down on the right side of it. So to LSU, I say run the table. I hope Auburn does the same. WAR DAMN EAGLE!
posted by spencer @ 9:59 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I am so mad at you! I cheered for Auburn, fyi, and you don't have to be hateful about ND. I think your lack of faith negatively affected our team. I did enjoy the missed field goal in the Auburn-LSU game--good for a laugh!
Ha! Caitlin's funny :)
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