September 30, 2007
Upsets: This is why they play the games
Wow. What a weekend. It started with Thursday's USF upset win over West Virginia and didn't stop until eight top twenty five teams had been upset.
The Victims:
#3 Florida lost to Auburn (20-17)
A big upset on paper, but perhaps not !SHOCKING! OMG! to fans of the SEC. Florida missed its chance to avenge last year's loss to Auburn, but Urban Meyer and the Gators still hoisted the trophy. Auburn was in a different place this year, with some on the Plains beginning to rumble about the direction of this team. And then... Ole Miss put out the template on how to stop the Gators. The Tigers, now 3-2, followed the Rebels plan and took a big step forward in this game, but the biggest winners (at least in terms of the BCS standings) was the South Florida, whose win on the road at Auburn will look even stronger to the computers.
#4 Oklahoma lost to Colorado (27-24)
In my book, this was the most embarrassing loss of the day. The Sooners had this game in hand and managed to grab defeat from jaws of victory. OU was physically superior and spent much of the game pushing the Buffs around, but never put them away. Give Colorado credit, CU found a way to hang around and hang around in this game. In their losses, Colorado turned the ball over again and again, but on Saturday the Buffaloes won the +/- battle... and the game. For Colorado, maybe this is the start of something. Who knows? The Buffs are in transition. But for the Sooners... wow. OU was a team that was on track for the BCS championship game, in my opinion, but now... well, I have no idea where the Sooners are headed.
#5 West Virginia lost to #18 South Florida (21-13)
Again, an upset on paper, but many watchers did expect the Bulls to give WVU all they could handle. After all USF beat the 'Eers in Morgantown last year, so it should come as no surprise that the WVU game against the Bulls is quickly becoming the annual "Save a Couch" weekend in West Virginia. WVU will drop in the polls and has lost their shot at the national championship. South Florida will rise in the polls and sits in the driver's seat for the Big East BCS bowl slot.
#7 Texas lost to Kansas State (41-21)
Even though Texas lost to K-State last year, I didn't see this one coming. Some people predicted this, but I really thought Texas wouldn't look past the Wildcats with the Red River Rivalry on the horizon. The Horns looked very average on offense and defense. Ron Prince's team clearly wasn't afraid of playing the number seven team on the road and it showed. K-State has some serious momentum going into the Big XII North - don't be surprised to see the Wildcats in the title game. As for Texas, they looked lost. Some believe the Horns have a "BCS or Bust" mentality and may throw it all away now that it's clear they won't be playing for the national championship. It will be interesting to see what -- if anything -- Mack Brown will do to prepare his team for one-loss Oklahoma this weekend in Dallas.
#10 Rutgers lost to Maryland (34-24)
This was an exceptionally emotional loss for the Scarlet Knights, but -- and I'm just being honest here -- I think Rutgers deserved it after Coach Schiano's stunt last weekend against Norfolk State. For those that didn't see the footnote, Schiano called timeouts before the end of the first half in an attempt to get the ball back and score - despite leading 45-0. I've been pretty consistent in criticizing coaches for trying to run up the score, so... this is just fate's way of kicking Rutgers, in my opinion. You reap what you sow, Schiano. Fortunately for Scarlet Knights fans, this was a non-con game, so keep circling that USF date because that's your game of the year.
#13 Clemson lost to Georgia Tech (13-3)
I'd love to hear from Clemson fans - was this really an upset? Really? Georgia Tech had been ranked earlier in the year and these two teams always play pretty tight. Unfortunately for Clemson, it was an ACC loss that threatens CU's frontrunner status. Again, an upset on paper, but I don't really call this one an upset.
#19 Penn State lost to Illinois (27-20)
News flash: Ron Zook's recruits can play. The Zooker has been not-so-quietly building the Illini over the last few years. This win, over a solid PSU, was a real benchmark game for Illinois. It allowed them to show that they intend to compete for the Big 10 title in the coming years. Not this year, mind you, but I digress. For Penn State... wow. Four turnovers in your last four possessions?!? JoPa was at a loss for words after the game. Here's a few: PSU handed the win to Illinois and the Illini are just good enough to punch it in. Penn State -- with back to back losses in the Big 10 -- is now looking a December bowl game squarly in the eye. The only question remaining is: early or late December? Oh, and JoPa fell back another game to FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden. Salt. Salt. Salt.
#24 Alabama lost to Florida State (21-14)
Both teams needed this win and both looked tight through much of the first half. FSU made adjustments - inserting backup QB Xavier Lee into the game -- and Bama didn't. And that is the story of the game, in a nutshell. There were so many Alabama-LSU-FSU connections in this game to add intrigue, but in the end the FSU coaches just made better adjustments. One clear illustration was Jimbo Fisher going with the out & up and the end of the game, knowing that Saban would use a run-stunt blitz, expecting Fisher to run out the clock. The result? A 70-yard FSU touchdown pass. This game meant an awful lot to Bobby Bowden, but time will tell what this game will mean to both Alabama's and FSU's season.
Comments:
Lennie Collins
posted on September 30, 2007 11:03 AM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
said:
The 2 biggest upsets in my opinion were Colorado over Oklahoma. Not because Oklahoma was pick to play for the National Title. I only read 1 magazine: Texas Football and heard one announcer: ESPN's Kirk Herbstriet even pick OU to make it there. Oklahoma got very relax after going up 24 - 7. It seem like the coaches and players thought Colorado would surrender and give up but they didn't. For Oklahoma it should be called: That is why you finish the game! Kansas State over texas was a surprise because all week after the victory over Rice that is all the texas players and coaches talk about. They claimed that they didn't respect Kansas State but this year it was going to be different! The texas fans even added that if Cult McCoy was in the game last year texas would have blown KSU out. Well he was in the game this year and texas got blown out. Man I wish you guys could have heard our local sports talk radio here in Austin, 1300 the zone, man it was like listening to that old soft rock hit by the Little River Band, Reminiscing or Michael Jackson's Do you remember the time. That is all they talk about is Vincent Voung. If texas still had Vince Young they would be this, they could do that. Well ut does not have Vince Young so get over it and move forward! Remember follow bloggers texas was pick by many magazines and sports announcers to play USC for a "rematch of that great game". Also Cult McCoy was suppose to break all sorts of passing records this year. For texas it should be: That is why you prepare for the game!
1st_and_NOLE
posted on September 30, 2007 12:19 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Couple things I'd like to add...
Jimbo Fisher is exactly what FSU needed. The play calling was AWESOME imo. The past 6 years I've never seen Jeff Bowden call that type of game. We used 3 QBs, ran a reverse, took shots down field, ran good short routs to move the chains, ran the QB, faked the QB run and handed the ball off, and we kept Bama's defense off balance and guessing in the 2nd half.
In my opinion, the score could have been a lot worse. In the second half FSU mainly stopped themselves with penalties (something we REALLY need to work on).
I don't think the execution is there yet and again, we're not disciplined in terms of penalties but the play calling was great. I can see the potential of how great this offense can be. We've still got a long ways to go though.
As far as OU losing to the Buffs go... that games does make me feel A LITTLE better about FSU's performance against the Buffs.
As far as Texas going down... doesn't shock me. They haven't played their best football yet this year.
Now, on to the Gators. While losing to Auburn probably isn't that bad, what you pointed out Kev might be. Now there's a "blueprint" and now to stop or at least slow down the Gators. Auburn had the athletes to execute it and the Miss school didn't. I think the scary part for the Gators is this...
Now people know the "blueprint" and their schedule has some tough opponents on it. They have LSU next week, SC, UGA, KY, and FSU remaining on their schedule. That's five teams that have a reasonable chance of beating the Gators. I'm pretty confident LSU will win next week. Of the remaining 4 tough games I wouldn't be completely shocked if UF lost 2 of them. I think they'll lose to LSU + at least one other.
I'm glad GT knocked off Clemson. That will REALLY help us out in conference standings. Clemson still has to play VT and BC (of course so do we) and we need them to lose as many as possible. FSU has a MUCH tougher schedule so we need all the help we can get.
The only other upsets that shocked me where Rutgers and Penn St going down.
hrposon said:
posted on September 30, 2007 1:28 PM — 98.200.123.115 — link — abuse?
Texas is SOFT. They can't block and they can't tackle.
Mack, you need to be more like a drill seargent, George Patton or better yet Bear Bryant.
Having the 2005 Championship team on the sideline was a distraction that wasn't needed.
The Wildcats played a great game.GatorGreg said:
posted on September 30, 2007 2:55 PM — 24.136.34.110 — link — abuse?
Glad to see the Gators only dropped to #7.
They deserve to loose with miscues, a sorry showing from the O-Line and penalties that absolutely killed them.Biggest upset Id have to say was OK/Colorado.Ok just fell apart and CO made them pay.
Autigerman said:
posted on September 30, 2007 3:18 PM — 72.205.222.229 — link — abuse?
Although it was definately considered an upset i was not surprised by the Kansas State win over Texas nor the South Florida win. I saw both of them play this year at Auburn and both of their defences are loaded with atheletes.
Geauxtigers0107 said:
posted on September 30, 2007 4:17 PM — 144.5.224.142 — link — abuse?
@1st_and_Nole:
All I can say is..."Your'e welcome...lol." I hated seeing Jimbo leave LSU but at least he's having success with your team. He's an awesome play caller and left a long line of friends in Baton Rouge. Here's hoping our new OC winds up as good as Jimbo, though I don't think he's there just yet. Good luck this year.Geaux SEC
Geaux Tigersbadgerballer
posted on September 30, 2007 4:35 PM — 70.56.244.89 — link — abuse? said:
And though nobody really seems to notice, or care, those mighty Wisconsin Badgers just keep racking up the W's. 17-1, and continue to roll along.I'm not sure which is worse - as a fan. Being OU (for instance) and having a high profile, but then losing in front of the nation for everyone to see and talk about. Or being Wisconsin (for instance) and having no profile, continuing to rack up win after win with nobody noticing.
Tomcat said:
posted on September 30, 2007 4:55 PM — 69.148.173.234 — link — abuse?
#7 Autigerman Congrats on yalls win over the Gators great game.I only watched two games yesterday, Horns vs K State and the Tigers vs Fla.
K State & UT are both purty evenly matched teams.
The special teams plays and 4 turovers cost them the game. That K State punt return for a touchdown was the first one given up in 101 games.
The Horns defense got zero turnovers to K States 4. I thought the defense did a good job except for the first series of the game, the Wildcats got two feild goals off of turnovers for 6 points and it coulda been alot worse.The special teams plays killed them and I've seen alot better coverage at High school games.I guess they better have their punter practice tackling or go for it on fouth down like Jr. High.
Ron Prince and K State Wildcats gave the Horns their worst home defeat in 10 years.
Congrats
K State
Auburn
FSU
USF
E Carolina
TCU
Ark St
UCF
Tulsa
Colo
Miami
Maryland
Purdue
Troy
Cal over Oregon in Eugene was a upset in my book
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on September 30, 2007 5:37 PM — 143.127.131.4 — link — abuse?
Kevin, regarding whether or not GT over Clemson was an upset...
Clemson won this game last year 31-7 and was undefeated coming into this game ranked 13th. GT lost two straight coming into this game and looked completely awful against BC. Based on this, I'd call GT's win an upset, though this has been a pretty good and close series the last few years.
Props to all the teams who scored upsets this weekend.
Cane Mutiny
posted on September 30, 2007 6:41 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse? said:
#11, are you serious? People don't pay attention to Wisconsin because they continue to show how bad they are. The win over Michigan State was nice, but way too close to make everyone forget about your mediocrity earlier this year. What was Lee Corso's Gameday stat, again? Wisconsin only beat one team with a winning record going into the game with the Spartans...The Citadel! When Wisconsin gets any sort of impressive win, maybe people'll give them credit...
posted on September 30, 2007 7:16 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
Reports of Auburn's premature demise have been greatly exaggerated. Most telling record going into Florida Field: Auburn winning 8 out of the last 9 games against opponents ranked in the top 10. Glad to see them get up for this game.
My consolations to all the good Gator fans on here. See you in a few years, unless more miracles somehow allow a rematch in Atlanta. Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to Orange and Blue Hue to let Keltic Gator really get an earful...
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on September 30, 2007 7:19 PM — 76.114.231.180 — link — abuse?
I've already had my slice of humble pie (tastes like shipoopie too).
I have to ask now........Where's gatorhippy? I'd hate for him to miss out on his slice, but there should be plenty to go around after this weekend.
Crazy week for College Football.
posted on September 30, 2007 7:49 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Oh Diggs, I baked you a pie yesterday. You can find it on the Open Thread Week Five, #42.
Yes, quite a bit of pie to be eaten this week. I can't ever recall so many upsets in one weekend.
One good thing from yesterday: we won't have to listen to Texas and Oklahoma fans bickering too much this week before the Red River Fizzle-Out...
Big Tide said:
posted on September 30, 2007 8:02 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Bama is a work in progress and Major Applewhite and Saban have a lot of work to do on the offense (think that was an understatement?). Most preseason "experts" though Bama would be strong on the offensive side of the ball and weak on defense. That shows Saban's talent for coaching D.
Regarding FSU does Fanblogs get some credit for getting Xavier in the game? With only one loss FSU still has the potential for a solid season but Alabama gift wrapped a TD for them when Wilson fumbled on our on 5 and then the hitch pass for 70 yards was truly terrible. Fagg still can't catch consistently and Xavier has looked good before in limited action. The big question is why did it take 4 games to get Xavier a snap and why did FSU allow Jeff Bowden to stay as long as he did?
South Florida wasn't an upset. The way they won UGLY in Auburn was all the proof anyone needed that those guy could play football. Regarding West VA, and I mean this sincerely, that was the absolute worst performance I've seen in.....well I can't remember. Have they drug tested the center yet? Talk about not ready to play. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in that locker room after the game. RR and his staff should apologize to any West VA fan that traveled all the way to Tampa to see that product take the field. Pitiful.
Sooner fans are restless. I've got one that lives down the street. Another season with such expectation and then THE LET DOWN. All the seasons run together but was it 2002 when the Sooners were annointed as possibly one of the best college teams of ALL TIME only to lose to K-State in the Big 12 Championship Game and then get it handed to them by Saban and LSU. Stoops sure does seem like a guy that has a lot of talent but has trouble closing the deal.
The Gators are in shock, but as Kevin said it was not nearly as big a surprise to SEC fans. Tubberville is his most dangerous when his back is against the wall. What was really telling was the look on Urban's face during the press conference. He looked like he was having an out of body experience.
Blogical said best....the only word you need to know in college football is PARITY.
Lennie Collins
posted on September 30, 2007 8:14 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse? said:
Is it me or are the majority of texas longhorns fans avoiding the blog? I will give Tomcat credit for still hangin' around. Hey Tomcat, Oklahoma and texas lost! I don't know about you but yes I am disappointed OU lost but in the longrun this will actually be good. The North is improving and looks to be getting competitive. What about DmanLV who bragged about the science of USC being the greatest team in the land. Well at least the AP polls and a few of the bloggers here don't agree! I am still curious to what science he used to determine that? For all you USC fans, USC does not look like the "Unbeatables" to me. Like Maze featuring Frankie Beverly would say "Look at California". I don't mean the State either. Da' Golden Bears! The Oregon Ducks and Arizona State Sun Devils are "looking good" as well. USC fans you too, in my opinion, should be happy the Pacific - 10 is very competitive again. I know Arizona, Stanford, and Oregon State are terrible but each conference as 3 or 4 teams that are just there for the good or average teams to beat up on!
Cane Mutiny
posted on September 30, 2007 8:47 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse? said:
Heh, the one week I don't think LSU should've jumped USC is the week they do. Neither team looked very good, but a close win at a pretty good Washington team is enough to maintain #1 over a sub-par showing against lowly Tulane. But overall, yeah, I'd say LSU deserves it...
I honestly believe Oklahoma was championship-caliber...but that's probably just because they blew out my Canes...
Hey, at least we eeked by Duke on Upset Week.
...It's great to be a Miami Hurricane..
Autigerman said:
posted on September 30, 2007 8:52 PM — 72.205.222.229 — link — abuse?
So West Virginia falls to a high ranked South Florida on the road and falls to 13 in the polls. Florida gets beat by unranked Auburn at home and is still in top ten. Oklahoma gets beat by unranked Colorado and stays in top ten....just curious were these voters went to school. Polls once again show the ignorance and bias of the pollsters, lets have a playoff.
Lennie Collins
posted on September 30, 2007 9:02 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse? said:
Autigerman...the polls are not going to make sense, period. I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan, Crimson & Crean True and I agree the Sooners should not be a Top 10 team. I disagree that USC should have stay #1. I agree that Washington is a better team then Tulane. USC did not play like a #1 team. I give USC lots of credit for playing like the USC teams of the late 80's and 90's and still beating Washington who played their best game to date under Ty Willingham. Remember LSU is the ONLY team in the TOP 10 that can STILL brag about beating 2 Top 15 teams. Hey you said it best and you last sentence(Comment #24). These voters are suppose to vote on how the teams played on the field and who they played. Unfortunately like all things there is going to be flaws!
gatorhippy
posted on September 30, 2007 9:17 PM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
Watching the game in the stadium...
It seemed in the first half, Tebow was confused at times with the AU zone schemes and had trouble checking down in the order he was supposed to...
There were numerous receivers open in the first half but Tebow was lasering in on the #1 then checking to the dump in the flat and even though he wasn't particularly pressured very heavy by the Auburn front for the majority of the night...
Which keeping his look on the #1 too long was more the issue in the checking problem...
However in the second half, UF came out and moved the ball well with the exception of their final offensive drive....
So even though Tim is young and making some "young guy" mistakes, we see the ability of the coaching staff to help him make the adjustments and Tim has the ability to grasp the changes and convert that to his play...
In the second half, Tebow started checking down a little better but still missed a few 2 & 3 receivers again looking at the #1 too long...
The defense while pourous played well in the second half holding the Tigers to a measly six points and numbers similar to what the MNC defense last season did...
If they played that well in the first half Gators easily win the game...
Penalties hurt this game for UF and have continued to be from the last two seasons...
Both Tiger TD drives in the first half were kept alive or helped forge more than once by Gator penalties...
As was the drive for the game winning FG along with Gator offensive drives in both halves...
The Gators are now averaging 87 yards a game in penalties for the season...
In the end, inability to adjust during the first half to a great AU defensive scheme and continued penalty problems lost the game for the Gators...
Hat's off to Auburn...
Thay have UF's number...
GA Boy said:
posted on September 30, 2007 10:32 PM — 97.89.23.224 — link — abuse?
If Stafford would have checked off to his receivers correctly and that damn tight end would have caught the ball during the South Carolina game, GA would have beaten them easily and would be 5-0 now. Come on Gatorhippy, you can't go by "what ifs". When crunch time comes, Urban calls Tebow up the middle. That is not going to work consistently in the SEC. Tebow cannot be your leading rusher. LSU will dominate the game if that happens. I am eager to see what Urban has in the works for next Saturday. We have to go up to Knoxville Saturday. We have had good success there. I hope it continues. GO DAWGS!!
RazzMaTazz said:
posted on September 30, 2007 11:46 PM — 70.137.157.107 — link — abuse?
As long as Tommy Bowden is the head coach, an inferior team beating Clemson should not be called an "upset". It should be called "normal".
Oklahoma was the only big surprise.
Texas looked mediocre all season. Their luck ran out.
Wisconsin has also looked mediocre all season. Their "upsets" (plural) are coming.badgerballer
posted on October 1, 2007 12:34 AM — 70.56.244.89 — link — abuse? said:
@ Mutiny,Well enough said. I'm not such a homer for the Badgers that I can't see legitimate arguments to the contrart, such as the one you make. However. As a student/athlete, all you can do is go out, line up, play your games, and win them. That's it. All you can do is play and win. And that's all this Wisconsin team has done.
Goes back to the 'style points' discussion we had a week ago. The Badgers are not a sexy-win team. We're ball control (top 4 in time of possession two years running), stout defense and special teams, 'grind it out' kind of team. We don't win games 53-7.
Plus, we have a coach who is a firm believer in getting his starters out of the game as soon as the game is in hand. We give up a lot of points late in the 3rd quarter and in the 4th quarter of games. Because our 2nd and 3rd string guys are in there against the opponents #1.
Regardless, we play a creampuff or two (like everyone else), a Big10 schedule, and a bowl game. Can't control any of that. All we can do is win the games. Which, my point was, is exactly what the Badgers do.
OU Fan said:
posted on October 1, 2007 3:18 AM — 139.139.51.70 — link — abuse?
I am somewhat relieved that Oklahoma lost. For one, I hoped but did not expect Oklahoma to make it to the BCS national title this year. Oklahoma has a good team, but their good team needs improvement. Bradford is a freshman and will only get better. Members of fanblogs, I strongly believe that Oklahoma will make it to the national championship game within the next 2 years. Even with this years team, Oklahoma loses a very small number of seniors. Now, what pisses me off is that Oklahoma blowing the lead in the 4th quarter is starting to become a routine thing. However, I guess that is bound to happen when the defense in on the field for pretty much the entire second half. Also, OU receivers dropping passes does not helps the situation neither. Also, I blame the Oklahoma coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was too damn conservative in my opinion. He had the play conservative attitude and hoped to hang on to the lead which I believe helped contribute to the Oklahoma loss. And to Sam Bradford, I know I am not you and I know I was not on the field yesterday competing against Colorado, but throw the rock to Malcolm Kelly more often man. Kelly has the best hands on the team, but yet the ball was not thrown his way at all yesterday. I hope this loss has the same effect as last years loss to Texas had. After Oklahoma lost to Texas last season, the Sooners went on a 7-0 run and won the Big 12 championship. I hope all of us OU fans will see that same result this year. And kudos to Colorado. The Buffs played a good game. And I do agree that this loss some what embarrassed the Sooners, but the loss occurred on the road from a last second field goal by a team that was 2-2. Florida lost a home by a last second field goal by a team that was also 2-2. Now for Texas, they got humiliated in Austin in front of Vince Young, LOL!!!!!!!!! Texas sucks! BOOMER SOONER!!
gatorstud said:
posted on October 1, 2007 8:01 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
first off...congrats to auburn..that was on hell of a game....you can say all you want about t. tubberville, but he is one hell of a coach...he had his team ready to play.....and they did....auburn owned the first half of play.....i actually thought that we would win after we tied it up and got the ball back...but it just wasn't in the cards....i won't come on here and make excuses of why we lost...it came down to who wanted it more...and auburn won it...we didn't lose it.....great job auburn....good luck the rest of the season....
mr. meyer needs to address the amount of penalties...this is killing us....and they are coming at bad times.....auburn's first touchdown came after a roughing the punter penalty...it's ridiculous the amount of yardage we are giving up on penalties...ridiculous....
and it doesn't get any easier.....lsu is next.....gators better pick it up or it could be a long season....
go gators...and hokies
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on October 1, 2007 9:32 AM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
#30 RazzMaTazz, don't forget that GT has an inferior coach as well, which offsets the Tommy Bowden effect and reinstates the upset, in this case.
I'm sure people will wonder why I'm complaining about Chan Gailey after (what I consider to be) an upset win and it's precisely that: the inconsistency. He loses to Virginia one week and beats Clemson the next. Look at his record over his entire tenure at GT and it's punctuated with a blend of quality wins (e.g. Auburn, Miami, Clemson, VT) and ridiculous loses (e.g. Virginia, NC State, Wake Forest). He is unable to prepare the team for EVERY game.
Go Jackets! Go Gators!
M GO BLUE said:
posted on October 1, 2007 11:20 AM — 216.46.212.177 — link — abuse?
#32 - Eye of the Tiger, "they are no doubt the best in the Big-10"......You must see somthing I don't because Ohio State is looking very good and is "NO DOUBT" looking better than Wisconsin, I'm not saying Wisconsin could'nt win it all....But at this point I have to think Ohio State is the best of the B-10.
"Badger ball is classy ball and can play with the best. They will give any team a run".......I totally agree, they are classy, they can give any team all they can handle and more, and they have proven they can play with the best, but I think they are going to have to step it up if they plan to beat Ohio State.
#1 in the B10 is OSU #2 is Wisconsin, but after that it could be anyone.
Go Blue
Tom Blogical
posted on October 1, 2007 12:15 PM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse? said:
M GO BLUE (#37):
Agreed for the most part. I think OSU and Wisconsin are about even right now, and the Illini and Boilermakers are fighting for number 4 behind Michigan at number 3. Both the Illinois and Purdue have some problems on defense.
Clemson Joe said:
posted on October 1, 2007 1:34 PM — 24.168.208.54 — link — abuse?
Kevin, about Clemson and GT...
Both coaches are terribly inconsistent, so who ever knows what to expect from either team. However, on paper, Clemson is far more talented and deeper than Georgia Tech. Both defenses played a great game, however Clemson's (not so) special teams and offense apparently let their girlfriends wear their uniforms for the game. Because of that, it is an upset. GT always plays us close, but this is one year that we feel very let down. In the past, I haven't felt let down by losing to GT. If we repeat this performance on Saturday against Virginia Tech, you will see a lot of Clemson fans not attending games this season, and calling for Bowden's firing (finally). As a program, you want to have a coach with great tenure, but consistency and W's are far too important. If we can't rebound, there will be a job opening. We'll see what he's worth on Saturday.
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on October 1, 2007 1:56 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
1st and Nole or anybody who watched the FSU Bama game.
What is your opinion of our qback (JP Wilson)?
I just want an unbiased opinion.BTW- I don't understand why everyone is calling this an upset. I would assume the "experts" whom labeled this game an upset, hasn't watched Bama play this year.
Roll Tide RollSweet Home Alabama said:
posted on October 1, 2007 2:37 PM — 75.120.226.225 — link — abuse?
Rammer Jammer to get a fair assessment of JP I think they would need to go back and watch the replay of the Arkansas game also.
Saturday night he just couldn't get anything going. Seems he either red hot or white cold.
Offense will get better though. Most everyone agrees that Applewhite is one of the best offensive coordinators in America.
Zac said:
posted on October 1, 2007 2:43 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
WarEagle (Post 15), great win in Gainesville, my friend. I’ve been too busy crying in my crow soup to eat any pie.
Big Tide (Post 18), I wish I could disagree with you. WVU Center, Mike Dent, played a terrible game. No doubt he’s feeling as miserable as the rest of WVU’s offense for letting their defense down. You have to hand it to S FL's defense; only 2 of WVU’s 6 T.O.’s were related to bad snaps. Although, that bad snap on S FL’s 2 yard line, 3rd and Goal, didn’t help matters either.
Gator Mates, no doubt I’m now feeling about the same as you guys felt last year when FL lost at Auburn. And, no doubt you’re feeling the same as I felt last year when WVU lost at home to S FL. The good news: The trend has to stop sometime.
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on October 1, 2007 2:46 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
Sweet Home Bama
I think if they went back and watched the Arkansas and Ga game they might have the same assesment as I do.
I haven't seen JP red hot all year; save 2 minutes at the end of the Arkansas game and 2 minutes at the end of the GA game. Which he was the contributing factor to us being in those situations to begin with.
Roll Tide
posted on October 1, 2007 2:56 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Zac: I'm worried about Diggs. All that humble pie might have sent him into hyperglycemic shock.
Yea, turning the ball over 5 times to S.FLA wasn't too good for us. Turning it over 7 times wasn't any better for you...
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on October 1, 2007 3:03 PM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
#39 Clemson Joe: Another aspect of this loss could be that your place kicker played a soccer game on Friday evening then drove himself to Atlanta before making 1 of 5 field goal attempts on Saturday. If he makes all 5, Clemson wins the game.
Clemson Joe said:
posted on October 1, 2007 4:25 PM — 75.182.55.172 — link — abuse?
Ramblin' Gator (#45):
First of all, yes, if Buchholz makes all 5, we do win the game. However, if he makes all 5, he has an exceptional day for a college kicker.
As a general rule, I don't allow missed kicks and penalties to be excuses. I have always hated to hear fans complain about bad calls and missed field goals after a loss. That is part of the game. A good team gets in the end zone and when the ball doesn't "bounce your way" (in the instance of bad calls and missed kicks) you still win*. If Clemson continues to give the ball to James Davis, we win. James Davis cares more about beating GT than he does anyone else. This is one game where you can actually make the guy happy by giving it to him 35 times. He started the 2nd half well, and then we didn't give it to him much again. Uninspired play, bad execution, and horrific play calling lost this game. All of that comes down to coaching.* - Rare instances like Oklahoma vs. Oregon last year are excused.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on October 1, 2007 7:50 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Rammer Jammer #40:
Please don't take this as a flame or cheap shot. I'm just giving my honest opinion about JPW during the game.
At times, he looked simply awful. There were out routs or swing passes where he'd throw the ball in the dirt at the WRs or RBs feet. Other times, he'd throw it 8 feet over their head. He just seemed very erratic and wild. I didn't see much rhythm from him. He looks kinda like Bama's version of Drew Weatherford, sorry to say.
Having said that, he's impressed the hell out of me ALL YEAR in the 4th quarter. When it's crunch time, he's simply ON. He did it against Arky, UGA, and FSU in terms of giving his team a chance if not winning. He's a good clutch player from what I've seen. Which, is NOT like DW.
If he can play like he does in the 4th quarter for an entire game, Bama will ROLL on offense.
Great game Bama!
Big Tide said:
posted on October 1, 2007 8:12 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Zac (Post 42) I may have been a little harsh on WVU's center Mike Dent. I certainly don't think he lost the game, but a score at that point could have gone a long way to changing the momentum and it wasn't just a bad snap but a horrible snap. Hopefully Dent can shake it off and finish the year strong.
How refreshing to read a thread with so many good post and so little childish BS. Great post by Gatorhippy, Gatorstud, OU Fan, etc. all.
Regarding JP Wilson, Tide quarterback, I have to agree with 1st and Nole, the play of JP compared with Xavier was the difference in the game. Can anyone tell me why Wilson seems to thrive in the 2 minute drill or when the pace of the game is increased. I know the FSU defense was loosening up to some degree with a 14 point lead, but Wilson just looks sharper during the hurry up offense. Maybe we should try a no-huddle approach or something? One thing for sure, when your punter has a career game for number of punts (10 or 12) there is a PROBLEM with your offense that goes beyond just one player.
Zac said:
posted on October 1, 2007 8:46 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Big Tide, I think you were being realistic. The sad truth is this: Any individual on a team can have a bad game and the rest of the team still pick up the slack. That is, all except for the Center. He's not allowed to have a bad day. Oh, it's OK for everybody else, just not the Center.
Truth is, this is Dent's 1st year as a starter. He replaced Dan Moses, WVU's All American over the previous 3 seasons. Ya wanna laugh or 2? Dan's 1st 2 snaps from center were both too high for WVU's QB to handle. Worry not for Dent; he will be just fine.
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on October 2, 2007 5:55 AM — 192.94.94.105 — link — abuse? said:
There is one fan from Longhorn country. Just wish everyone would quit making up excuses why USC lost to Texas. Get over it. Game's over so sorry poor USC actually lost a game. Another thing Mack Brown was winning 11 games every year when USC was just getting their crap together. Even though we couldn't get over the OU speed bump every freaking year. Ill give credit where credit is due. The horns have played like garbage all year and it was bound to catch up with them sooner or later.
Lennie Collins
posted on October 2, 2007 11:59 AM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Pactenlugoff...USC lost to texas that year because of ARROGANCE, FACT, PERIOD. USC was listening to to sports announcers that said they could beat the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. They were actually like fools that whole week at practice and it caught up to them in the game. If you want to blame injuries then you and DmanLV just contradicted yourselves by saying USC has been the best teams over the last 5 years. Great teams in all sports overcome injuries, fact! Average teams make excuses, fact. Remember LSU beat OU on the field to earn that National Title, USC, for whatever reasons got pity from the AP Polls and were voted as co-national champs, they did not earn it on the field, fact! If Peter Carroll is such a great coach why did he allow the boosters to put Reggie Bush's family up in the nice house in San Diego? He was even asked that on tv and all he did was smile. He knew about it! The NCAA has so much love for USC that it said Peter Carroll's discipline was good enough! Yeah Right! He knew about the infraction and let it continue!
Tomcat said:
posted on October 2, 2007 1:42 PM — 70.244.115.163 — link — abuse?
#52 pactenlugoff I'm still here, not familiar with you or your handle, or making excused for past history-kinda-weird.
Fact the three winningest teams in the past five years are
UT, USC and OU
notice that two of these teams are from the same division of the same conference.
#17 WareagleATl Red River fizzle-Do What?
surprized at ya man, I wouldnt comment in a negative light about the Iron Bowl.
The UT vs OU game is the biggest national rivalry in America period.The winner of this game with the exception of 06 usually advances to a BCS game or a national Title game.
In college football today every game is important, however 1 loss does not mean that all hope is lost. ex Fla 06, and that going undefeated is very rare and does not guarentee a National title shot Auburn 04, Boise 06.
The importance of the Red River Shootout is beyond comparision with other rivalries.
Examples
Navy vs Army
Auburn vs Alabama
Michigan vs Ohio St
UF vs FSU
USC vs UCLA
FSU vs Miami
UGa vs GTech
Texas vs Tex A&M
TCU vs SMU
BYU vs Utah
The Red River Shootout
Two Border States
Neutral site game
the winner "usually represents XII in BCS"
Even though both teams have one loss this is still a very important game and not a fizzle
Thank you
Hookem-Horns
TomcatOU-Ron
posted on October 2, 2007 2:05 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
Tomcat, good description of the OU-Tex game. I’m sure both of us felt some pain last week watching our teams lose. One of us is going to feel a hell of a lot worse after the game on Saturday. I won’t say good luck but I will say congrats early to the winner.
Go Sooners
posted on October 2, 2007 3:08 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Tomcat: I'm just kidding. It's just that it's the first time in a long time that both teams have lost going into that one. Yes, I know, that doesn't diminish the intensity in the game. I just hoped it diminished the intensity of the smack talk on here prior.
Texas-OU certainly is a big rivalry, but it suffers the same fate as a lot of these big rivalries--one team owns the other by a rather significant margin. For example:
Texas over Oklahoma 57-39-5
Michigan over Ohio State 57-40-6
Notre Dame over S.Cal 42-31-5
Florida over FSU 30-19-2
But then the closest of the big rivalries, the granddaddy of them all, Auburn v. Alabama.
Alabama over Auburn 38-32-1
It may take 50 years after they put the Bear in the ground, but Auburn overtakes the Tide in the all-time series in my lifetime!
M GO BLUE said:
posted on October 2, 2007 3:16 PM — 216.46.211.69 — link — abuse?
#38 Tom Blogical, I would love to see my Wolverines end the season at #3 in the Big Ten, but I still wonder how good (bad) they really are??? Honestly it would not surprise me if we do not get a bowl game this year.........But I guess it's the Wolverines, so maybe they'll surprise me and finish #3 in our GREAT conference.
Autigerman said:
posted on October 2, 2007 3:18 PM — 129.61.46.60 — link — abuse?
Tomcat
The fact that two of the winningest teams coming from the same coneference leads me to believe the rest of the conference is weak.
Id never say OU Texas isnt a big rivalry however as far as rivalries go its not in top three.
The fact that the winner of that game usually goes to the BCS game is just further reason to believe the conference has been weak.
I will say this though,i believe the big 12 is making a comeback and look out for upstarts Colorado and Kansas State.
Same goes for USC,same reason they have such a winning record, however the Pac 10 is finally getting strong.
OU-Ron
posted on October 2, 2007 3:55 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
War Eagle, just curious why the smack talk between Texas and Okla fans bother you, I think it seldom if any that any other program is brought into the comments, again just curious. I think if you look at this thread or any other thread for that matter, the majority of the smack talk comes from the South East. I could be wrong, I have been before.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on October 2, 2007 4:12 PM — 75.120.239.216 — link — abuse?
OU-Ron - Everything that isn't praise for Auburn bothers War Eagle. He is an authority on every school and he moves from thread to thread trying to get the last word.
He needs to stick to what he knows best, Auburn football. If they could only raise their beloved Shug from the dead, perhaps Auburn could dominate the series again.
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on October 2, 2007 4:20 PM — 192.94.94.106 — link — abuse? said:
Amen Tomcat i hear ya man. I tell you what it will be one crappy week next week for whoever loses the Shootout. I will give credit where credit is due, but you won't hear any good luck favors sent in the Crimson and Cream direction from me. People you got to take praise and criticism for your team, and not whine when someone is critical of your team. Thats what being a true fan is all about. Hook Em Horns
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on October 2, 2007 4:30 PM — 192.94.94.106 — link — abuse? said:
To War Eagle i hear you on the all time series wins list, but honestly it doesn't mean crap, and ill tell you why. Texas: 4 National Championships, OU: 7. We upset quite a few top 10 and top 5 OU teams, but we couldn't keep our crap together the rest of the season and get to the promise land. I researched it one time and there were at least 6 times we had a shot at making and winning a national title, but were either upset or tied someone. That's a hard pill to swallow. Also i think the only record for the rivalry that matters is what's happening now. Us guys in Austin are still not over that 5 year hangover where OU kept us from a shot at several national titles. Not to mention twice they put up over 60 on us, and whats funny is all the Longhorn fans were so pumped we scored 42 on OU in '05. It was also against an unraked OU team. But that's what makes rivalry's great. We have been doing it to Texas A&M since 1939!
posted on October 2, 2007 4:36 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
OU Ron: No, you and Lennie and Tomcat and Bobby were going at it pretty strong last week over nothing. I guess it doesn't really bother me except for the fact that people on here seldom work any facts or reason into their arguement--not saying that applies to you.
Sweet Homer: Auburn could raise Shug from the grave--using the technology that Bama pioneered attempting to raise the Bear. But no, it doesn't look like we need old Shug to dominate the series again. Tubs is doing just fine all by himself. We led the series before Bear, sucked bad during his reign, and have led since.
Before: 12-9-1
During: 6-19
Post Mortum: 14-10
posted on October 2, 2007 4:43 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
40 Acres: I hear ya. I'll well aware that OU has more MNCs than Texas. That just makes it stranger that they have dominated the series.
Victories don't necessarily equate to championships. Look at Michigan: 860+ wins--best all-time, but only 3 legitimate MNCs...
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on October 2, 2007 5:04 PM — 192.91.75.30 — link — abuse? said:
War Eagle: I know it doesn't make any sense. But it puts everything into perspective on what matters most which is winning titles. Actually in my book i think Bob Stoops won OU's first legitimate National Title in years, because 2 of the titles OU won where when they were on NCAA probation. I mean how nut's is that?
posted on October 2, 2007 5:27 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
40 Acres: OU's previous two titles prior to 2000 were in 1975 and 1985. Were they on probation for both of those years? If so, it wasn't a serious probation with no TV or bowl games. You used to be able to win a title while on probation (see Auburn in 1957) but there's too much scrutiny today for missing out on conference championship and bowl games today (see Auburn in 1993)
OU Fan said:
posted on October 3, 2007 3:52 AM — 139.139.51.70 — link — abuse?
40 Acres of Burnt Orange post #63, I liked your statement "We have been doing it to Texas A&M since 1939!" That was great and it must suck to be an Aggie. And yes I must agree with everyone. The loser after this weekend ie OU-UT will suffer for months to come. I am kind of like Lennie Collins but have a daughter of my own who means the world to me and she is far more important than a game of football. But as a college football fan, when your team loses to their rival, that type of loss can make the outcome of your following work week have a negative result. Tomcat, great description of all the college rivalries and this OU Fan agrees 100% that the Red River Shootout is the top rivalry in college football, period. And I don't care that Texas leads the series by 18 victories. The game has been played in Dallas, Texas since 1912. The stadium as viewed from above is half Crimson and Cream and half burnt Orange. And hell, this game was played in 1900 in Oklahoma when Oklahoma was not a state but still a territory. And Darrel K. Royal, the former Texas coach and former Okie born and Sooner fooball player beat his mentor and his former coach while at OU, Bud Wilkinson. So to sum that up, a former player beats his former coach. How crazy is that? And are there any other rivalries where the losing state's governor presents a side of beef to the winning state's govenor?? Tex-ass sucks! BOOMER SOONER!
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on October 3, 2007 6:29 AM — 192.94.94.105 — link — abuse? said:
We have actually been beating A&M longer than that, but them sorry aggies haven't even sniffed a title since 39! The loser from the shootout will be pissed for 12 months at minimum. What sucks is those 5 years we lost to OU we never even got a sniff of a big 12 title. Then last year we beat OU, but thanks to the luck of the wildcats and faggies didn't get a shot at the Big 12 title. But there is no bigger rivalry than OU vs UT. I would rather lose to A&M than lose to OU (if i had to choose) Man i can't wait for Saturday. Screw U OU! Hook Em Horns!!!
FanoftheGame said:
posted on October 3, 2007 2:33 PM — 198.211.223.194 — link — abuse?
#74
First of all, I dig you're nickanme. Unfortunately though, there aren't 40 acres of anything but asphalt and concrete in Austin, Texas. I guess when you elect a former Aggie as your Mayor, greener pastures are harder to find for the UT faithful.The OU/Texas game is tops on my list of college football rivalries. Even though records don't mean anything to the 2 teams involved, both teams usually come in to the game with a lot of talent and winning records with a lot on the line. The A&M/Texas game is a great in-state rivalry, but the OU/Texas game is on a national scale. It's too bad UT's season began to unravel last year after winning the Red River Shootout. I guess the Aggies had the final say. A word to the wise in regards to your "faggies" comment. You might want to be careful about offending your own fans. UT is the most diversified university in the south with the largest population of homosexual students in the South for a university of its size. Ther is no need to go splitting your fan base over an ignorant comment.
If OU wins the game by 2 touchdowns, like they should, you horns fans are gonna need to stick together to get through the season.
Tomcat said:
posted on October 4, 2007 10:37 AM — 70.244.115.163 — link — abuse?
Well sports fans as to the dislike of some once again the thread has turned into OU vs UT.
#75 FanoftheGame good post,I knew that the Gov was an Aggie, Didnt know about the Mayor?I know that the Gov won with less than 26%-less than a third-whatever.Politics-different Blog
I agree with you and OU Fan that the OU vs UT is the biggest rivalry in America period.
BTW I always pull for the Aggies in every game except two UT & BU.
Hookem-Horns
Sicem-Bears
Gigem-Aggies
Go Rice Owls
Go TCU Frogs
God Bless you Mike Gundy- Ok St. Head CoachRazzMaTazz said:
posted on October 7, 2007 12:42 PM — 70.137.171.93 — link — abuse?
Read my prophetic post #30 about Wisconsin's "upsets" coming. Wisconsin looked like cr@p all season, while the self-denial fans said, "Oh, that's just our style, but we always win." Yeah, right. Illinois won't be Wisconsin's last "upset". Lots more coming.
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Tom Blogical
said:
posted on September 30, 2007 10:50 AM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse?I hope this weekend serves as an example for anyone who likes using the word, "overrated". Parity is a way of life in CFB. You don't bring your A game, you get punked.
The word overrated is now so...overrated.