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We're a bit distracted this week. We're so anticipating the drama and high stakes of next Saturday's #1 vs. #2 LSU-Alabama match-up that we almost forgot about week nine, and the slate of compelling games to be played tomorrow. It's a good thing we cleared our heads, because there's still plenty of appointment television to spare.
5. #15 Wisconsin (6-1) @ Ohio State (4-3), 8:00 p.m., ESPN
Here's the first option in a crowded 8 p.m. timeslot. In terms of, "What's at stake?" there's far less here than in any of our upcoming options. But, as it often goes with college athletics, it's all in how you look at the match-up. Is a spot in the BCS title game on the line? No. Is this a contest between the top two teams in the conference? No. But trust us -- this is a major, all-important game for the denizens of Columbus and the Buckeye State. First of all, Ohio State loathes Wisconsin. This fact often gets lost amidst the traditional Buckeye-Wolverine animosity. With Ohio State having shown great improvement in recent weeks, and Wisconsin reeling after its second upset loss in as many years to Michigan State, there is much potential for drama under the temporary lights at The Horseshoe. A depleted Ohio State presents no real strengths other than its running game, but revenge for its loss as the then #1 team in the country last year may be all it needs to further damage Wisconsin's season.
4. #6 Stanford (7-0) @ USC (6-1), 8:00 p.m., ABC Regional
Before last weekend, we might have thought USC could produce an upset special here. But that thought came in advance of Stanford trampling #22 Washington, 65-21. As if future #1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck's general acumen for the game wasn't enough to prepare for, Trojan scouts also witnessed a school-record 446 yards on the ground from the Cardinals, spread out between Stepfan Taylor, Tyler Gaffney, Anthony Wilkerson, and Jeremy Stewart. USC has its share of strengths, and at 6-1, has more than proven itself to the nation. Matt Barkley and Robert Woods (second in the nation in receptions, 72, and receiving yards per game, 128.9) form one of the best QB-WR teams in the NCAA. But Stanford continues to assert itself, and in impressive fashion. The only question at this point -- as the system is often prone to induce -- is will it be enough for a BCS title game appearance?
3. #5 Clemson (8-0) @ Georgia Tech (6-2), 8:00 p.m., ABC Regional
On the surface, the teams have some stark contrasts: one is currently ranked at its highest spot ever in the BCS rankings, while the other is out of the top 25 and on a two-game losing streak. Statistically, though, the teams are remarkably similar in many categories (in points scored per game nationwide, Clemson is 12th and Tech is 17th, for example). Additionally, this remarkable detail proves just show strong the rivalry is: 14 of the last 16 meetings have been decided by an average of 4.6 points. But there is one clear difference, however, and he may be the Tigers' ticket to BCS glory: quarterback Tajh Boyd. He leads the top offense in the ACC and 14th-best passing attack in the country. If the team does improve to 9-0, it will officially be impossible for Clemson fans to contain their excitement: They were last at 9-0 during their national championship season of 1981. Overall, though, we like Tech's chances at home and its motivation level due to a lost season. Another 2011 undefeated program bites the dust.
2. #11 Michigan State (6-1) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1), Noon, ESPN
Michigan State loves spoiling the party, so why stop now? The overlooked Spartans shocked Wisconsin last week, and have a chance to deflate the spirits of another rabid pack of fans. Additionally, how great would this look on State's resume: the consecutive defeats of the Big Ten's "Big Four" in Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. The Cornhuskers may be 5-0 all-time against the Spartans, but the circumstances are, of course, completely different this time around. Aside from the best home crowd in the country, what may benefit Nebraska is the play of running back Rex Burkhead (10 touchdowns this season; 127.4 rushing yards per game over the last five contests). But State's tough defense (13.7 points allowed per game) will be a greater challenge than Nebraska is used to. We think the Spartans are going to keep rolling.
1. #9 Oklahoma (6-1) @ #8 Kansas State (7-0), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
What we love about this match-up is its improbability. Two months ago, did we really think we'd be sitting here talking about Oklahoma playing catch up, and sitting behind Big 12 rival Kansas State in the BCS standings? It's the price a team pays, even for just one loss, as Oklahoma fell to Texas Tech last week, 41-38. Yet it's still superior to Kansas State in nearly every relevant category, and will likely be playing with an angry edge after its costly defeat. Not to mention, the Sooners haven't lost two straight Big 12 games since October 1998. The Wildcats' unlikely run comes with the worst offense in the Big 12. They primarily rely on their running game, where quarterback Collin Klein and running back John Hubert do the heavy lifting. That being said, the BCS list will continue to balance itself out this week, with the Wildcats dropping out of the title race for good.
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There was a certain point in Sunday's Packers-Vikings contest at Mall of America Field where we stopped doubting and started believing. Was this the shocker of the season? Was Christian Ponder ready to sabotage the Packers' perfect season? It was a fleeting moment. Green Bay monopolized the game's third-quarter scoring, plowing back from a 17-10 deficit with 23 unanswered points, and extended their record to 7-0 by way of a 33-27 victory. It was a shocking day nonetheless, considering the discrepancies in the teams' fortunes and performances thus far. There are two ways to look at the Packers' win: 1. A chink in their armor has been exposed; 2. At this point, who can stop them? As for the Vikings, we think the days of Leslie Frazier defending Donovan McNabb are now over.
Cheesehead TV's Max Ginsberg has thoughts in the aftermath of the game, while Aaron Nagler offers gut reactions. Meanwhile, MSP Packers Annual editor Brian Carriveau has his usual assortment of podcasts, dissecting various aspects of the win and team. The always-thorough All Green Bay Packers posted perspective as well, including 5 Observations from Zach Kruse. On the losing side, it's all quiet at VikesCentric (we don't blame them). A morbid post last Wednesday explained why it didn't feel like a true Packers week. Considering the continuous stream of injury talk in the NFL, and the league's ever-expanding structure to curtail the impact of hits, we thought it would be a good time to check in with MSP Vikings Annual contributor Will Carroll, the exceptionally informative health guru for SI.com.
It was a yawn-inducing week in Dallas, not that any win should be disregarded. It's just that the Cowboys' 34-7 rout of St. Louis can only be characterized as an obligatory victory, and nothing more. Fantasy owners may have been surprised to see Tony Romo's paltry numbers (166 yards, 2 touchdowns) in such a high-scoring win, but rookie DeMarco Murray's 253 rushing yards, the ninth-most in a single game in NFL history, help explain why. At Blogging The Boys, Tom Ryle has an interesting post about the best of the rest -- i.e., the biggest non-Murray topics. Lars Hengstler has a breakdown of the Cowboys' air attack, while the site also delivers an enjoyable By The Numbers post.
The Steelers improved on last week's uninspiring performance by taking a convincing 32-20 victory over Arizona. Most are discussing the big-play capabilities of wideout Mike Wallace (118 yards, 1 touchdown), but Ben Roethlisberger had perhaps his best game of the season (26-39, 361, 3 touchdowns, 121.8 rating). It was a perfect tune-up before the Steelers host New England for the second straight year (and whom they were defeated by, 39-26, in 2010). Neal Coolong has the Steelers' Play of the Game at Behind The Steel Curtain. Rebecca Rollet has an analysis piece on the effects of performance anxiety. Dale Lolley also has his usual post-game thoughts at NFL From the Sidelines.
It was a perfectly scripted bye week for the Eagles, who stand at a crossroads entering Week 8. At 2-4, will they build on their 20-13 victory over Washington with a second straight divisional win at home against Dallas? Or will they lose their fifth game, a potentially pivotal loss as the season starts to hit its stretch run? As always, the 2011 NFL microscope will be on Philadelphia this weekend. MSP Eagles Annual editor Jason Brewer wonders what the expectations for second-year defensive end Brandon Graham, who suffered a knee injury in 2010, are this season at Bleeding Green Nation. Brewer also had a much-discussed Asante Samuel piece. Iggles Blitz also chimes in on the return of Graham.
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We present a much overdue and necessary 1st-and-5 this week. It doesn't excuse our absence from last week, but we'll guarantee last Saturday's slate of games doesn't compare to this one, anyway. There's drama and intrigue in each of the major conferences, as evidenced by our assorted five. It's nearly November now, and while it isn't yet crunch time, the stress level for the undefeateds continues to rise. With the exception of the untelevised #5 game, start planning your Saturday around these ones now.
5. #11 Kansas State (6-0) @ Kansas (2-4), 12 p.m.
Intrastate rivalries in college sports are inherently compelling. Combine that with two teams with a history of antagonism between them, and you have must-see television. Kansas State has really turned it on in this rivalry in recent years, having destroyed the Jayhawks in Lawrence last year, 59-7, and is trying to hit 7-0 for the first time since 1999. For the fan without a rooting interest in a team, Kansas State is one of those "remaining undefeateds" that's easy to get behind. It's interesting to note that Kansas is actually faring better offensively in most of the major categories, including total yards (425.2 to 336.2, 41st and 95th in NCAA, respectively). In front of a raucous Memorial Stadium crowd, except Kansas to do everything in its power to push the Wildcats out of their spot atop the conference with #3 Oklahoma and #6 Oklahoma State.
4. North Carolina (5-2) @ #7 Clemson (7-0), 12 p.m., ESPN
For ardent college football observers, seeing those sky blue helmets with the NC inscription often causes both confusion and disdain. He or she might think, "Who am I watching? Why am I watching this? Is it basketball season yet?" At noon tomorrow, stop asking yourself those questions. While Clemson is, and should be, heavily favored, they have to be careful with the Tar Heels. This is largely because of quarterback Bryn Renner, a skilled, intelligent signal caller who currently holds the top passer rating (174.1) in the conference. But Clemson continues to pile up impressive win after impressive win. At 7-0 for the first time in 11 years, the Tigers preserved their undefeated season with an electric fourth-quarter comeback over Maryland last week, winning a shootout, 56-45. It's looking like Clemson's year in the ACC, and they can't let anyone -- let alone a basketball school -- stop them now.
3. #20 Auburn (5-2) @ #1 LSU (7-0), 3:30 p.m., CBS
We don't think anything can stop LSU now. Not even the loss of three players who were suspended for breaking the team's drug policy: cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, running back Spencer Ware, and defensive back Therold Simon. As talented as they are, it can't be enough for Auburn to overcome glaring differences in points scored (38.4 to 26.3) and allowed (25.9 to 11.7, LSU stands at #1 in the country) per game this year. Could we be looking at LSU's first national championship since 2003? They already have a chance to do something they haven't done since 1973: start the year at 8-0. LSU must deal with the uncertainty of facing a new quarterback, however. Can Clint Moseley shock Death Valley (and the nation) in his first collegiate start? Or will LSU's defense take care of business, as usual? We'll settle for the latter.
2. #25 Washington (5-1) @ #8 Stanford (6-0), 8:00 p.m., ABC
Andrew Luck will get his (last?) big moment on the national stage before his #1 selection in the NFL Draft in April. The Stanford signal caller has lived up to every expectation and more so far this year, ranking fifth nationally with an 180.6 passer rating, while helping the Cardinal stand at #5 in the country in points scored per game (45.8). It would seem easy to favor Stanford in this contest, but the Huskies have Keith Price, a sophomore quarterback who has Washington off to its best start in 10 years, and is just two spots behind Luck in passer rating (177.9). With Brady-esque numbers (21 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), Price has a great chance to end Stanford's 15-game winning streak.
1. #6 Wisconsin (6-0) @ #16 Michigan State (5-1), 8:00 p.m., ESPN
It was going to take a lot to edge the previous contest for #1 this week, and we think we achieved that with this match-up. We aren't biased towards the Big Ten; we simply call it as we see it. And what we see is another threat to an undefeated team. However, we're taking Wisconsin, and it's pretty simple: Russell Wilson. The NC State transfer is calm, collected, and a pleasure to watch. His production (95-128, 1,557 yards, 14 touchdowns) has Bret Bielema smiling every week, and the Badgers at #1 in the country in points per game (50.2). But Michigan State (hosting again) is the same team that ended the Badgers' BCS title games hope last year, defeating Wisconsin, 34-24. Will it happen again? With Wilson, the story may be different his year.
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Amidst all of the questions that manifest themselves week to week in the NFL, and through all of the up-and-down trends that benefit and plague players and rosters, the Packers have been the rock in the middle: at 6-0, they continue to maintain supremacy over the rest of the league. In the most lopsided match-up of the week, the Packers hosted the winless Rams. The final score made it quite clear where both teams stand today: 24-3 Packers. Brian Carriveau's Daily Links at Cheesehead TV provide the latest news on Sam Shields' health, as well as a video interview with go-to fantasy man and highlight-providing Jordy Nelson (2 receptions, 104 yards, 1 touchdown). At All Green Bay Packers, finding players to critique is becoming more and more difficult. Additionally, while Green Bay may seem primed to stay undefeated with a match-up against 1-5 Minnesota looming (Sunday, 4:15, FOX), Mike McCarthy isn't prepared to call it an automatic win.
Speaking of the Vikings, it was likely the most regrettable Sunday Night Football match-up of the 2011 season. On paper, a good game seemed hopeless. And sure enough, by halftime of Chicago's 39-10 blowout of Minnesota, fans were left searching for other options (lest they felt the need to scout various benchwarmers). It isn't all doom and gloom in the Twin Cities, however, as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's VikesCentric blog informed us before the game that the team's offensive line may be improving. Enough to get by the Packers? Probably not. But a fan can dream.
The Dream Team, even with the steady health problems of Michael Vick (and, as of Sunday, Andy Reid), pulled out a crucial divisional win over Washington, 20-13. At 2-4, their road to the playoffs and beyond is still treacherous, but it was a key victory over a team many still project as the division champion. Per routine for the 2011 Eagles, there are headlines aplenty at Bleeding Green Nation, where we learned that the Jason Campbell-less Raiders explored a trade for Vince Young, and that Sonny Jurgensen thinks the Eagles are a dangerous, desperate team. Iggles Blitz sums up the feeling of many in Greater Philadelphia: 2-4 never seemed so good.
The Cowboys played hard-nosed, fundamental, choke-free football on Sunday in Foxborough, but still lost. We'll be the latest to drive home a point that the media loves: you don't give the ball back to Tom Brady in the waning minutes of a contest. The Patriots escaped from their home field with a 20-16 win, in a plodding, methodical game that felt like Dallas' game to lose from the start. Brady and Tony Romo put up identical 27-41 numbers, but Romo outperformed Brady in yards (317 to 289). At Blogging The Boys, the benefits of having Rob Ryan around are discussed. A well-researched and informative breakdown of the Cowboys' offensive line, formations, and play calling is also presented.
A win is a win, even if it's as lackluster as the Steelers' 17-13 edging of 1-5 Jacksonville on Sunday. Rebecca Rollett dissects a less-than-inspiring win at Behind The Steel Curtain. Former Steeler and MSP contributor Craig Wolfley has thoughts on the game. |
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One week.
That's all it took for college football fans to begin calling shenanigans on the BCS rankings system. The BCS has its computer generated, number-driven method of parsing out the great teams from the good ones, but every week it seems as though it misses something. Say what you want about the Coaches Poll and the AP, what they lose through human error they also make up for in taking into account the things that don't always translate cleanly onto the stat sheet.
The first official BCS rankings of the season didn't get it totally wrong. LSU and Alabama continue their neck and neck struggle for the top spot, with the Tigers edging out the Tide by fractions of a point. But the rankings did come at the expense of two high-profile programs that didnt seem to get a fair shake in Wisconsin and Oregon.
Admittedly, the case against the Badgers is a reasonable one. Yes, they've rolled over everyone in their path thus far, but with the lone exception of Nebraska (a huge win, no matter how you dice it) their schedule hasn't been that challenging. They've thumped their opponents thus far (UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Indiana) by an average margin of 40.5 points, and they havent played a true road game. So in a week where the eight undefeated teams in the top 10 won out, the Badgers' expectedly lopsided 59-7 win over the Hoosiers didn't carry a ton of weight, dropping Wisconsin from 4th to 6th in the BCS standings. Maybe they should have hung 83 points on them like they did last year if they wanted to make an impression.
But here's the catch. Boise State, victors of a shoulder-shrugging 63-13 blowout of their own at Colorado State, hung tight at the five spot while the Badgers fell. But why? Their victory wasn't any more or less impressive than Wisconsin's, and unlike the Badgers, the Broncos don't yet have a signature win to their credit -- the victory over an overrated Georgia squad that walked into the season opener unprepared and ranked 19th doesn't count. And with a schedule that includes Air Force, UNLV, TCU, San Diego State, Wyoming, and New Mexico to round out the season, it's shaping up to be another season of smoothing sailing in the WAC for Boise. Nothing Wisconsin has done warrants them advancing up from 4th with the likes of LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma up front, but it's more than fair to argue they should have held tight where they were and watched Boise State take the dip in the polls.
Over on the left coast, Oregon also finds itself a martyr to the BCS rankings in the early going. Since getting outplayed and beaten by LSU in week one, the heat around the Ducks has cooled some. With losses to Ohio State in the 2009 Rose Bowl, Auburn in last year's BCS title game, and now LSU, the Ducks find themselves pegged as a finesse team with an iron grip on the PAC-12 competition that fails to rise to the challenge against strong nonconference opponents. But that all appeared to be on the verge of changing Saturday night in Eugene against the visiting Arizona State Sun Devils. Under Dennis Erikson's stewardship, ASU has established itself as a formidable presence in the PAC-12, and it was clear that the 18th-ranked Devils weren't going to make things easy on the Ducks. Add the fact that Oregon was left to play through injuries to Heisman-hopeful LaMichael James and starting quarterback Darron Thomas and there was no guarantee that the Ducks' home win streak would stay in tact by night's end.
Instead, Oregon showed its true colors, and this time it had nothing to do with their tricked out uniforms. Under Chip Kelly, the Ducks have always taken the field in one of two ways: primed for an offensive explosion or struggling to gain their footing against quality opponents. Saturday, however, they won comfortably in spite of injuries and setbacks. They showed fans and the BCS they knew how to work and fight for a win against quality competition. Certainly the BCS rankings had to show some favor to the 9th-ranked Ducks.
Well, no. They actually fell to 10th.
How? Because in the BCS rankings it's all about the numbers. On paper the 41-27 win didn't jump out as loudly as some of Oregon's other victories. Kenjon Barner's 171 yards rushing looked downright pedestrian compared to the 200-plus yards per game James had been averaging in the prior three weeks. But the ranking doesn't take into account all the things the Ducks had to contend with en route to the win. They proved themselves once again to be arguably the most multifaceted and varied offensive team in the game, and yet they're repaid by getting kicked (albeit slightly) down the ladder.
But so it goes. Fortunately there's plenty of football left and more than a few opportunities for both teams to prove their worth (Wisconsin visits Michigan State next week, while the Ducks host Stanford on Nov. 12).
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