The Four Rivalries to Watch Today

A House Divided (Photo credit: {just jennifer})

The final game of the regular college football season is here. I am a little melancholy because I love college football and of course my Wahoos won’t be going to the post season.

But the final game of the regular college football season means one thing: rivalry games!

I know I went over some of the big rivalry games in the NFL but those guys have nothing, nothing on the college kids. Here is some history of the best rivalries you’ll see today.

Iron Bowl Auburn vs Alabama

This is one of the nastiest rivalries in the country- period. In fact innocent trees have been victims from the outcome of this game. Here’s some back ground.

Since 1893 Auburn and Alabama have met in a game that turns brother against brother in the state of Alabama. Bama leads the series 41-31-1. The name the Iron Bowl comes from the fact that a majority of the series was played in Birmingham which had a large steel industry.

Now the two teams share hosting duties.

During the first game the controversy began as Alabama lost the game 32-22 to Auburn. Alabama considered the game to be the final match up of the 1892 season and Auburn considered it the first game of the 1893 season.

The rivalry took a break in 1907 because the schools couldn’t agree over amount of expenses to be paid players and where officials should be obtained. It took the Alabama House of Representatives to threaten to withhold funding unless they resumed the rivalry game. Serious stakes indeed. The two universities got together and agreed to renew the game- holding it in Birmingham because it was the largest stadium in the state and tickets would be split evenly between the two schools.

So this year’s Iron Bowl- there should be no contest Alabama will win and win big- Auburn hasn’t won a conference game yet this season and going against who many consider the best team in college football today isn’t going to be the day.

If you would like to learn more about this rivalry you should watch ESPN’s documentary Roll Tide/War Eagle. In this well done film you’ll see how fierce the folks down south take this rivalry and how people who didn’t even attend the schools have affected the game.

The Game: Michigan vs Ohio State

This is a game that is fierce no matter the outcome. The first meeting was in 1897 with Michigan beating Ohio State 34-0. In the past four decades this game is a national interest because often it will determine the BIG championship and the winner will often go to the Rose Bowl. According to ESPN this rivalry is the best in America- period.

In 2011 the conference grew to 12 members (well now 14 with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers- boo Maryland!) and the teams were placed in separate divisions. But the teams still play each year and could meet in the BIG championship game again.

The most notable period of the rivalry is known as the “Ten-Year War” between Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler. Hayes was notorious of his hatred for not only the University of Michigan but the State of Michigan. He wouldn’t even purchase gas in Michigan on recruiting trips- and almost ran out of gas before getting into Ohio. Schembechler had been an assistant of Hayes at Ohio State before leaving to be a head coach at Miami of Ohio when he left to become the head coach of Michigan.

War was declared.

Four times between 1970 and 1975 both teams were ranked in the top five of the AP Poll before their matchup. Michigan entered every game during those years undefeated and one only once against Ohio St.

In 1973 both teams were undefeated and the game ended in a tie. This forced the Athletic Directors of the conference to vote to see which team would go to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State won the vote and Michigan fans were so angry they threaten to sue.

The War ended when Hayes was fired at the end of the 1978 season after he punched an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Schembechler had a record of 5-4-1 against Hayes.

In recent years Jim Tressel and his sweater vest brought the rivalry back to a point of focus. In his introduction to Ohio State during its basketball game against Michigan he said “I can assure you that you will be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field.” Tressel succeeded leading Ohio State to beat Michigan for the first time in 14 years.

I find it ironic that Tressel’s speech talked about good in the community when he was outed as coach because of players off field antics. And because of that the NCAA sanctions the currently undefeated Ohio State can’t be ranked in the BCS (they would probably be number 2) going into this game.

One notable game during the Tressel era 2006- 1 vs 2. Both teams went into this game undefeated. The day before the match up Schembechler died. Ohio State won the game and played for a national championship against Florida. Another notable note- a half hour after the game ended the Ohio Lottery PICK 4 drawing was 4-2-3-9 matching the final score.

USC vs Notre Dame

These programs are considered the elite in the college football universe. Look at the history. Each school has 11 national championships and seven Heisman Trophies. This is considered an intersectional rivalry because they do not play in the same conference.

Notre Dame leads the series 43-35.

The game began as a conversation between the wives of Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne and USC AD Gywnn Wilson. USC was looking for a national rival and they sent Wilson and his wife to see Notre Dame play Nebraska. Originally Rockne didn’t want a home-home series between the Irish and Trojans because of the travel. It was Mrs. Wilson who convinced Mrs. Rockne that a trip to Southern California was better than cold Nebraska. Mrs. Rockne agreed and convinced her husband. A rivalry was born.

Today’s game is incredible important- as the Irish need to win to stay undefeated and go to play for its first National Title in the BSC. The Trojans- who beginning the season were ranked No 1 in preseason polls has had a most disappointing season are currently unranked and without their starting quarterback Matt Barclay. This is the Irish’s game to love.

Florida State vs Florida

First played in 1958 the Gators vs the Seminoles is a classic in the state of Florida. But the series starts much earlier than that. Florida State College was the predecessor of FSU was abolished by the Florida Legislature and was recreated to become an all-girl college. The University of Florida in Gainsville was created for men. After WWII both schools became coeducational. The governor of Florida requested that the two schools begin competing against each other athletically.

Florida leads the series 33-21-2 but FSU since 1976 the rivalry has become balanced. The last forty meetings- Gators lead 20-19-1. This year both teams have the same record and bragging rights are on the line.

Related articles

• Michigan vs. Ohio State: Remembering Jim Tressel’s Dominance over the Wolverines (bleacherreport.com)
• Irish ranked No. 1 for first time in 19 years (1070thefan.com)
• You: Alabama vs. Auburn: Breaking Down What Makes the Iron Bowl the Best Rivalry Game (bleacherreport.com)

The Irish Heading to the Top of the BCS

All Notre Dame has to do is get past USC for a chance to get one of these

What a crazy college football weekend! The top two teams in the country go down which means my husband’s Irish will be number one in the BCS poll later today. One more hurdle- USC– to get through and the Irish are in the National Championship game. The last time Notre Dame was ranked number one was in 1993. Do you remember what was going on in 1993? Yeah me either, so this is a BIG FREAKIN DEAL!

Okay maybe not so much if you are a fan of Kansas State or Oregon– both who lost yesterday. I’m going to go over both the games so that when you discuss with your friends you sound like you know what you are talking about. I know, you’re welcome.

Oregon loses in Overtime to Stanford.

That blasted Cardinal coming in and beating Nike’s fashion show! The biggest story line from the game is going to be the controversial replay overturns of a touchdown for Stanford which tied the game late. In overtime Oregon’s kicker misses a field goal and Stanford makes its field goal.

Here’s my problem with Oregon- you choked when it mattered. The run game was stopped only having 198 yards and 40 carries- that is 127 yards below the season average. Instead of running the ball the Ducks tried to become a throwing team. Quarterback Marcus Mariota only completed half of his passes, threw an interception, and threw more on first down than he had the whole season.

Why Chip Kelly– why are you going to change the winning formula so close to getting to the big game? The Ducks are 5^th in the country for rushing yards and second for points. Didn’t see running or scoring this evening- and you deserve to not only be excluded from the National Championship Game but also the PAC-12 championship.

Number 1 Kansas State loses big to Baylor

Who would have thought Baylor would be the dream killer for Kansas St. Not I and not many others. But after yesterday’s game there is no denying that Baylor is a giant killer.

Kansas St’s quarterback Collin Klein was the Heisman front runner threw three interceptions and only had 39 yards on 17 carries. He did throw for 286 yards.

Baylor had a terrific game and it reminds me of them last year when they beat then 5^th ranked Oklahoma to stop the Sooners from a National title.

So what’s Next?

After yesterday Notre Dame will be number one and Alabama will return to the discussion and be ranked number two. The only thing Notre Dame has to do is beat USC- and right now that is a real possibility with Matt Barclay of USC being injured in the loss to rival UCLA.

Related articles

• BCS Chaos Scenario: Notre Dame in Driver’s Seat for the Moment (bleacherreport.com)
• A night of upsets and Irish, Tide rise in football (miamiherald.com)
• You: Damn Right, Notre Dame Will Be No. 1 and Irish Deserve It (bleacherreport.com)

Four Unbeaten Teams Lead the Way this Saturday

Will Alabama remain king of the hill after this weekend? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Well its time to start thinking about which college football games to view tomorrow. Since my Wahoos are going to be in Raleigh losing to NCST (yes I have given up all hope and really wish I was wrong) I will be home and able to catch some of the big match ups. Here are the ones I’m really looking forward to.

The Irish Welcome Pittsburgh

Since Notre Dame needs to be unbeaten to get invited to the National Championship game every game matters for them. After a great road victory in Oklahoma, the Irish head back to South Bend to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.

On paper this should be an easy game for the Irish- who are second in the nation for scoring defense largely to the Heisman quality Manti Te’o creating amazing plays facing an offense who is the 77^th for rushing scoring. Plus Notre Dame has only allowed one rushing touchdown all season- that’s incredible.

Yet, this is what many would consider a trap game because before the Oklahoma game how many people really thought this Irish defense was for real? Now fans are dusting off their gear and the Fighting Irish nation is awakening from a long slumber of mediocrity and underperforming teams.

So will the ND faithful be rewarded with a win. I hope so since I married an Irish fan. If Notre Dame continues it strong defense philosophy and QB Everett Golson continues the growth we saw last week then they should come up with a big victory.

Oklahoma St Tries to Stop the Wildcats (Irish Fans You Say Go Cowboys)

Another unbeaten team, and the second ranked in the BCS polls, Kansas St welcomes Big 12 foe Oklahoma State to their house.

If there was a game that could stop the Wildcats national championship hopes this is it because of Joseph Randle and Wes Lunt. The Cowbows are averaging 239 yards rushing per game this season and only allow 128 yards on the ground for their opponents. But Oklahoma St has lost big games including Texas and Arizona.

I’m thinking that Kansas St is going to pull out a win.

The Ducks Fly Into Sparta (Yes Irish Fans You Say Go Trojans- I know its Painful, but necessary)

First question what will the Ducks wear against USC? They are the fashion show of the college football universe. Thank goodness for Nike and their endless amounts of neon green gear.

That being said this is likely the preview for the Pac12 Championship which we will probably see these teams play in again.

The question to ask is can USC’s defense keep up with Chip Kelly‘s offense? No one seems to have the secret yet to stopping it- and I don’t think its USC. This is a team that seems to beat itself despite having a ton of talent on the field. They are third worse in the PAC 12 for turnovers- only Washington State and Colorado (arguably the worse college football team in the nation) have more. And QB Matt Barkley- once a Heisman candidate has through eight interceptions so far.

You can’t make those type of mistakes against Oregon- because Oregon wants and has the staff to win- big.

Finally the game of the week Alabama Goes Tiger Hunting

If you live under a rock it may come as a surprise to you that this is the game of the season.

Yes season, because in the college universe everything begins with the SEC and the SEC is centered around these two teams. In fact it is such a big game all of ESPN seems to have left Bristol to attend- of course they could be escaping from the aftermath of Sandy but everything should be hunky dory after all they are hosting the NYC marathon (I wish you could see my eye roll right now).

Both of these teams are matched up beautifully- they are both in the top 25 for rushing offenses. Both rely heavily on defense.

But the real reason this is an amazing game- drama, good old fashion we don’t like you. You see Nick Saban, the most famous Tide coach after Bear Bryant himself, used to be the head coach for LSU- and brought a National Championship to Baton Rouge. Then Saban leaves for the NFL and bombs- big. And where does he return to – LSU’s rival Alabama.

Juicy! And you Gals thought sports was boring. This game is not going to be the touchdown fest like Oregon and USC- instead expect a low scoring game with a ton of defense.

Related articles

• Wojciechowski: Saturday will bring calm or chaos to BCS title race (espn.go.com)
• Stewart Mandel: Breaking down potential BCS title race developments; more Mailbag (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
• You: Envisioning the 2012 BCS Apocalypse, or What Happens If Everybody Has 1 Loss? (bleacherreport.com)

College Football Weekend Recap

LSU Coach Les Miles may have said the most memorable and silly thing yes this season (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I know I’m a few days past needing to do this- but the Gal Pal had to host ten superheroes Sunday and then help my house recover so this is my first chance to even thing about the crazy sports weekend.

Later on I’ll go over the NFL, the Ray Lewis injury, and y’all its time to start talking basketball! But let’s dive into college football.

What a great weekend of match ups. Let me get this out of the way, the Hoos lost and it wasn’t pretty. I only hope we can win A game soon because with Wake Forrest, NC State, Miami, UNC, and Va Tech I’m not sure I see that happening.

Okay on to games that were way more exciting.

The Red River Shootout Rivalry

Sing it with me “Ok-la-homa where the Sooners kick some Longhorn butt!” My goodness talk about a take them behind the wood shed kind of game. Landry Jones threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Damien Willaims had a 95-yard rushing touchdown that was the longest in the rivalry’s history. Blake Bell had four touchdowns and the Longhorns were left in the dust.

Final score 63-21

Notre Dame wins controversially

So the Fighting Irish had to fight to keep their undefeated season alive when they were down 10-3 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Throughout the season Notre Dame has been doing an interesting shuffle of the quarterback. Everett Golson started the game but for the finally fourth quarter drive that led to the tying field goal that allowed the Irish to then go on to win in overtime.

Golson fumbled three times and didn’t read the defense well which was costly early on. But my question is why not pull him sooner? If he was that bad why keep him in?

However can we say amazing things about Manti Te’O- oh yes we can. Leading the Irish linebackers they allowed no more than 13 running yards per play. These guys make it impossible for offensives to open up the field and it limits plays. If they can keep this crew up Notre Dame can have a shot at a serious bowl game.

The biggest moment of the game came on the last play when it looked like Stanford tailback Stepfan Taylor scored the tying touchdown with a 1-yard run in overtime. The officials- which were from the Pac-12 ruled that Taylor was stopped before getting into the endzone- the problem was there was no whistle called to end the play and Taylor’s second attempt during the same play got him into the endzone. The replay crew from the Big East agreed with the call and the Irish win the game.

My opinion is that officiating can stink- but this time you can’t say it was bias one way or the other. Stanford was winning this game- and could have if they had stuck to their game plan. They didn’t- it should have never been in overtime.

LSU “where dreams die” at least according to Les Miles

The key to victory against LSU is stopping the run- you stop the run and you win.

South Carolina didn’t stop the run. And LSU averaged almost 5 yards per carry. Consider that a first down requires ten yards and you do the math.

The best thing that came out of the game was the press conference afterwards when Les Miles said “This is Death Valley, a place where dreams come to die.” WTF! Dear Coach Miles you are suppose to be a grown ass man play grownup football- do not give bulletin board material! Naughty- a really stupid statement. You just lost to Florida and guest what Alabama comes knocking at your door next week.

Related articles

• Stanford vs. Notre Dame final score: Irish D holds in overtime, Tommy Rees’ magic still works (sbnation.com)
• Florida, K-State, Notre Dame move up in AP poll (miamiherald.com)

SEC reigns supreme in inaugural BCS rankings – Yahoo! Sports

SEC reigns supreme in inaugural BCS rankings – Yahoo! Sports.

I could write a good article about the BCS rankings- the first ones came out yesterday or I could let Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports do it for us.  I love his perspective.  Some highlights for those Gals and Pals too busy to check the article out themselves.

Alabama is number one- no surprise there.  What is surprising is that Florida is number two over Oregon.  When the BSC crazy computer system comes into play- and almost every single college football fan hates the BCS- it uses the polls and strength of schedule, amongst other things, to determine rankings.  These rankings are what determine who ultimately goes to the National Championship Game.

BTW did you know that Division 1 College Football is the ONLY NCAA sport to not have the NCAA run and manage its championship? That is bananas for the most profitable sports in the NCAA but there is a tiny playoff coming- though there should be a larger one in my opinion but I’ll take a tiny one over the BCS any day.

Rounding out the top five are Kansas State and Notre Dame.

College Football Week

The 2007 Texas Longhorn football team kicksoff to the University of Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River Shootout 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First I want to say a big Happy Birthday to my six year old- he’s spending the day with his Sessy and Dude-and while mommy and daddy go to C’ville to drink, be merry, and hopefully watch UVa beat Maryland.

But with the busyness of the birthday I didn’t want to leave my Gals and Pals hanging with so many good football match ups today.

Red River Shootout– oh no Rivalry

This one irks me just a bit. The Red River Shootout Rivalry is the annual rivalry game between Big 12 foes Oklahoma and Texas. This game goes all the way back to 1900 and its it one of the best rivalries in all of sports. The teams meet during the State Fair of Texas because it is halfway between both schools. And both teams travel well.

So why does it irk me? Not the actual rivalry itself, its fantastic. No it’s the re-naming of the Red River Shootout to the Red River Rivalry because of corporate sponsorship pressure not to promote gun violence. Really? Y’all do realize this game is in Texas and I’m pretty sure between Texas and the great state of Oklahoma there are happy, responsible gun owners. But whatever you call it, it is still one of the best atmospheres for college football and a prime example why I LOVE the sport so very much.

So what about the 2012 edition to the history books? Will the Longhorns prevail with their young offense after a loss to the Geno Smith show from WVU? Or will OK be okay in putting up numbers?

Both teams are 1-1 in the Big 12

The Longhorns rank sixth in the nation for scoring with 46.8 points per game.

The Sooners have Laundry Jones who comes to the Red River Shootout Rivalry after an impressive win over Texas Tech. And they’ve won this game the past two years.

In my opinion I like Texas but I think given Jones’ experience I think he can put some points on the board- and after last week’s game we all know Texas is not equally defense right now.

I’m taking the Sooners to win.

Notre Dame goes for 6-0

I want everyone to take a deep breath because my goodness the last time my house hold was this excited about Notre Dame football my tiny human was still inside me. Now with five impressive wins- fun fact this season the Fighting Irish have never trailed in a game.

Its all about the D for Notre Dame- they have only allowed three touchdowns this season- three touchdowns that’s incredible. But this week they face the attack from a qualified team in Stanford.

Stanford’s QB Josh Nunes is having a great season, and it is surprising given he is following in Andrew Luck shoes. Last week he threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns.

But he hasn’t faced a defense like Notre Dame. Just ask Miami who only scored a field goal last week against them.

I am not picking- though I think it’s pretty obvious who the Gal Pal is routing for.

Gamecocks want to prove they belong with the SEC elite

Wow South Carolina- y’all know how to put on a show. 6-0 for the season and 4-0 in the SEC after a dominating game last week at home to then No 5 Georgia. The final score 35-7.

Now they head to Death Valley with an LSU team still chopping at the bit to move past a disappoint loss to Florida last week. Plus this team has a 22 game winning streak at home.

I’m taking LSU- I think that Les Miles will have his team prepared and their defense ready.

Finally…

Dear Hokie and Wahoo Nations,

This has been a tough season thus far. The Big East and Triangles respectively have beaten us and damaged our spirits.

I want to remind the Wahoos that we have a young squad and things will get better- though I plan to be incredibly “marinated” for the start of our homecoming game. Plus its Maryland- please don’t let us lose to Maryland and their stupid, ugly helmets. (Though executives at Under Armor for the right price I am willing to put as much of your stuff on the blog). If nothing else basketball, lacrosse, and finally baseball are all moment away.

Hokies, I hate to say it I am finding a bit of joy in your troubles. Y’all are not a humble fan base and have been hiding your mediocrity from yourselves through 10 win seasons. Gang, you play in the ACC and your out of conference schedule is a joke. You have a 0-13 record against top ten teams. And I won’t mention your bowl game win percentage.

And yes when a Wahoo says these things you get to say “well what have y’all football team done?” Oh I don’t know, bridge the gap between recruiting, and we consistently produce high caliber NFL talent. Plus our fans are not crazy like you are. All you are is football- we are balanced, and according to Playboy have way more sex than you.

This season is a gift… because in order for y’all to fill that empty trophy case you need different coaching. And I am not alone thinking this- Hokie Nation is starting to question Beamer and his need to keep an old fashion safe offensive scheme. And what happened to Beamer Ball- special teams used to win games. (Side note if you’re on twitter follow me @SportsGalPal but you all should follow @EmptyTrophyCase who is hilarious as the day-to-day life of that poor case which has a sign saying Reserved for National Championship)

So rings your keys Hokies, cause your season is way more disappointing than your fellow Virginians in C’ville. Take advantage of the weakness and demand more from your coaching staff- if Wahoos can keep our president certainly you can pressure the athletic department to make changes.

Water Cooler: College Football Edition

The Geno Smith show is good on the Road

After yesterday’s win there is no contest- WVU‘s quarterback Geno Smith is your Heisman candidate. This year he has 1,996 passing yards, 204 attempts and the best stat ever no interceptions.

The game was a close one, all really coming down on a 41-yard field goal that Texas kicker Anthony Fera missed late in the fourth quarter. This is the same kicker who transferred from Penn St– and whose absence was most notable in the Penn St loss to UVa.

Also I must mention the WVU receiving duo Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin- wow. Bailey had three touchdowns and Austin another one plus 111 yards on kick returns.

What this game signifies is that WVU is the top dog in the Big12- nice for your first year.

Oklahoma bounces back

Keeping with the Big 12- OU came up with an impressive win against Texas Tech- 41-20. Landry Jones had 25 of 40 catches for 259 yards and two touch downs. Tech did have 271 passing yards but only 89 rushing yards.

Penn State comes from behind in the 4th to beat N’western

Trailing 11 going into the fourth quarter the Nittany Lions had to pull up their boot straps. They scores three times in the final 10 minutes of the game.

This happened after N’western has a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

Stanford gets overtime victory

Andrew Luck who?

Stanford qb Josh Nunes had a career high 360 yards, threw two touchdowns and ran in for three more.

He was a scoring machine.

But Arizona looked good- they did get over 400 passing yards against Stanford something that hasn’t happened since 2007. But the defense couldn’t hang on.

Florida defends its Swamp for the Win

Oh my- now this was a football game. None of these basketball, let the quarterbacks throw until their arms give out. This was fought on the ground- and the Gators win.

Mike Gillislee ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns giving the Tigers their first regular season loss in 19 games.

South Carolina makes it an ugly day for UGA

Wow- 35-7 victory for the Gamecocks (try saying that name without a giggle- I bet you can’t). They not only got the win but stopped a Georgia team that had a league-leading 48.2 points and 536 yards a game offense.

Notre Dame easily withstands the Hurricanes

Back in the 1980s this was a great rivalry- and if you’re interested a wonderful book called “Perfect Rivals” by Jeff Carroll is an excellent read. This time the Irish has 587 yards total and 376 yards rushing.

This wasn’t even close- Miami only scored once a field goal in the first quarter and then the Irish led for three quarters without a single Miami score.

Did I mention the Irish are undefeated?

The Triangle is Evil and Should be Destroyed

Perhaps next week I won’t write about UVa and Va Tech and then maybe those team will win.

Of course actually playing defense would help as well.

UVa is a mess- but looking I should have expected this with the loss of Kris Bird and Chase Minnifield– it’s just hard to go from your first good season in so many years to a now four game losing streak. And to lose where you score no points in the second half. Grrrr

On the other hand we could be the Hokies who right now need to have a hotline set up to calm fans down. Seriously I was looking at the fan message boards and a scream of S.O.S messages make me wonder- what are y’all thinking? Calm down folks.

I guess when you’re used to winning consistently one bad season is a shock.

On the other hand let’s look at Duke and UNC- obviously Virginia and VT forgot it was football season and went straight to basketball season. I’m not going to look at the numbers- I don’t want to its too painful. Both teams were impressive- especially Duke’s defense. And UNC found many holes in VT coverage- I was shocked.

And no 4 FSU lost in the Triangle as well to NC State makes the Triangle and evil place for ACC football- evil.

So maybe there should never be all three teams having home football games because it caused a great disturbance in the force.

Related articles

• Week Six College Football Preview (sportsgalpal.wordpress.com)

Week Six College Football Preview

There is so much college football this weekend I just can’t handle it! If you are a college football fan get all your Saturday stuff done this morning then get your butt in front of the TV. If you are not a college football fan and you live with a college football nut then take one for the team and find something to do today. Here are the games the Gal Pal is most looking forward to!

Heisman front runner Geno Smith takes his show on the road to Texas

West Virginia vs Texas

This is one game I’ve been looking forward to since the Big 12 announced that WVU would be joining the conference. Both teams have offense for days- and Geno Smith is coming off a career performance against Baylor last week. The Longhorns just had a tough road victory.

Look for lots of scoring- think a basketball type score- it will be an entertaining game to watch.

I’m going to say Hook ’em horns– WVU traveling for the first time this season to a very hostile home crowd- the pressure will finally get to Geno Smith. Texas wins by 7.

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma

Yes there are other games playing in the Big 12- and Texas Tech has only allowed 3 yards a carry the 9^th ranked nationally and they are undefeated. Plus they are undefeated. Tech also leads the country in yards per attempt and passer rating. The Sooners have a weak offensive line and that doesn’t give the quarterback protection against the pass rush.

I think the Red Raiders take this one.

Northwestern vs Penn State

Northwestern is undefeated- and at the tops of the Big 10 ranks. I know it sounds like bizzaro football world but its true and they have a chance to keep their undefeated ranking- but they face the Nittany Lions at home. Northwestern ranks 2^nd in the Big 10 in rushing, but Penn State’s defense is improving so this will not be an easy road test. Plus did I mention that Northwestern has lost five straight to Penn State.

I hope Northwestern can pull out a W.

Arizona vs Stanford

The Cardinals need to have a good game to bounce back from losing to Washington last week. Arizona is trying to survive this stretch of really good opponents- the last two have been ranked and the next four are too.

I think Arizona is too new under the Rich Rod system- I’m going with Stanford.

LSU vs Florida

The Tigers are looking for a win in the Swamp- but Florida at home is no cupcake. The Gators are coming off of a week off and LSU’s offense allowed an FCS school to score 22 points. The key to the game running- whichever team can get a running game going will win.

I’ll take LSU by 3

Georgia vs South Carolina

A BIG SEC MATCH UP! Georgia is ranked number 5 and SC is ranked 6- yay for football fans. The Gamecocks are looking for a third straight victory against the Bulldogs. Both teams are undefeated and both want to go to the SEC championship game.

I think Georgia has the edge- a bit stronger defense and bit more to prove.

Miami vs Notre Dame

Welcome back undefeated Irish and taking on the Hurricanes of Miami who despite have major sanctions are 4-1. Notre Dame, please for the sake of my household please win this game because my husband loves you. The Irish defense should hold Miami back.

Also this is another rivalry game for the Irish- they have like a zillion of them. This time it’s played in Chicago at Soldier’s Field.

UVa and Va Tech head to the Triangle

And finally because I’m a glutton for punishment I’m going to mention that the Wahoos and Hokies are invading the Duke and UNC campuses for much needed road wins.

My Hoos are finally starting Phillip Sims (thank God!) but Duke is 3-1. Please come back with a win I don’t care how close but a win please.

The Hokie Nation is dealing with much as they are not sure what to do- could there finally be a season when they don’t win 10 games. If there is this is it because y’all face UNC, FSU, and Clemson- good luck with that schedule.

I will not pick winners in either game because deep down you know whom I’m rooting for.

Go Hoos!

Water Cooler Talk- College Football Edition

Let’s Re-cap those college football games I was on the lookout for.

Longhorns win on the Road

It was a solid effort from the Texas quarterback David Ash- who was 30 of 37 for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Ash, a sophomore, is starting to really find his rhythm- and keeping his cool during critical plays like a 4^th and 6 on the final drive to seal the victory.

Oklahoma State held its own by running for 275 yards. New QB J.W. Walsh threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns.

University of Virginia No 1 Playboy Party School and Worse in the ACC Coastal Division Right Now!

It was a story of two halves- the first Virginia took the ball and ran keeping – Michael Rocco threw for 265 yards in the first half but was so terrible in the second that he was replaced by Alabama transfer Phillip Sims- who almost saved the game except for the last drive which deserves its own blog post- lets just save UVa‘s biggest problem was defeneding against the screen and penalties- 16 in all for the entire game which cost them 145 yards.

UVa, who went to the Chick-fil-a Bowl last year has so much work to do it hurts. The performance was so bad most of the student sectioned emptied before the beginning of the 4^th quarter- I guess they decided to start celebrating their number one party school ranking from Playboy early.

With big Big 12 debut- WVU QB Geno Smith looks like favorite for Heisman

The final score of the Baylor vs West Virginia game was 63-70 and did I mention it was a football game and not basketball?

Smith had a record breaking game- going 41 of 51 throws for 656 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interception. He had more total touchdown passes than incompletions and it is performances like that which make Heisman Trophy voters get all kinds of excited.

Next week WVU goes down to take on the Longhorns.

Oregon State wins close game against Arizona

With beating Arizona 38-35 on Saturday the Beavers are now 3-0 and are the only team in the nation to have beaten only ranked or previously ranked opponents.

With being the little brother to No 2 Oregon- Oregon State fans should be excited about prospect of their sophomore quarter back Sean Mannion. Last season Mannion threw 18 interceptions- this year with only three games he is 67% pass completion for 363 yards.

O-H-I-O gets Big 10 Opener win on the road

Such a close, tight game- just what you should expect from two nationally ranked teams. Newly installed Ohio St coach Urban Meyer got his fire Big 10 win and despite having three turnovers QB Braxton Miller has a signature road win.

Michigan St start running back Le’Veon Bell only had 17 carries for just 45 yards.

Virginia Tech is 0-2 in the Big East this season

During the second half of the La Tech vs UVa game the biggest cheers came from the out of town box scores when it showed Va Tech losing to Cincinnati- yes very un-sportsman like, I cheered too but when you’re team is consistently behind your rival well I’ll let you finish the thought.

Typically Va Tech defense is solid- but not that game especially in the last few minutes. Eerily similar to Boise State game – the Hokies only had to last two minutes to win the game. Instead Cincinnati wide receiver Damon Julien actually got behind cornerback Kyle Fuller and caught a 39-yard touchdown pass with only 13 seconds left.

What is more shocking is that Va Tech’s offense didn’t make a single first down in the game until very late in the second quarter.

This loss is not good for the Hokie faithful who have a tough slate of ACC opponents including Clemson and FSU.

Related articles

• Geno Smith: How WVU QB Compares to Former Heisman Winners (bleacherreport.com)
• Week 5 College Football (sportsgalpal.wordpress.com)

Week 5 College Football

Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech following his team’s loss to Clemson in October 2011. Will there be smiles after a win? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This weekend is filled with so much college football the Gal Pal just can’t handle it! Here are the games I’m going to be on the lookout for- even while cheering on my beloved Wahoos, live at Scott Stadium tomorrow. If you want to meet up with the Sports Gal Pal she’ll be tailgating with the Camp Wahoo gang.

No. 12 Texas at Oklahoma State

This is a big road test for the Longhorns who are 3-0 leading up to this divisional match up with Oklahoma State.  Coming off an impressive win against SEC opponent Ole Miss, quarterback David Ash threw for 326 yards and had 4 touchdowns in the Longhorn win.

But don’t discount Oklahoma State whose QB J.W. Walsh threw for 347 yards and too had four touchdowns in last week’s match against Louisiana Lafayette.

I look for the Longhorns to come out of top for this match up- but look for a high scoring game for both sides.

Louisiana Tech at Virginia

Yay I get to talk about my Wahoos- and the fact that we could potentially lose tomorrow L

Louisiana Tech is being called a BCS killer for good reason, they are currently a 2.5 point favorite over the Wahoos and average about 55 points a game.  Right now Virginia is coming off of two awful road losses- Duke (3-1) has a better football record than us that isn’t good.

For Virginia to win the offense must do better than the short passing game plan- especially on 3^rd down!

In hate to say it but I think Louisiana Tech is going to win this one.

No. 25 Baylor at No. 9 West Virginia

Geno Smith seems to have everything going his way- and with Michigan and USC losing he just might be in the minds of Heisman Trophy voters too.

In their Big 12 debut I think West Va is going to have a great offense game and Baylor who seems to have a habit of digging into holes early isn’t going to be able to keep up.

The only reason to watch is it is West Virginia’s first round in the Big 12.

West Virginia wins easily.

No. 18 Oregon State at Arizona

Is Oregon State for real? After coming off of two losing seasons the Beavers are ranked 18^th and are 2-0.  But this will be a true road test for them as they face Arizona.

Under new coach Rich Rodriguez the Wildcats have been getting more media attention but there seems to be issue of a lack of depth- especially on defense that could give Arizona trouble.  But they are coming off of an embarrassing lost to Oregon 49-0 last week.

I’m going to give this one to the Beavers- I just don’t think that Arizona has the talent to keep up with an emerging offense.

No 14. Ohio State at No 20. Michigan State

ESPN’s College Game Day is making the trip out to East Lansing. Will it be the Buckeyes or can Sparta say victor in this Big 10 match up?

This could technically be the Big 10 Championship since the Buckeyes are still suspended from post season play- tattooing can be serious stuff kids.

I think the Buckeyes have a solid shot at a great road victory.  But they have been shaking barely getting by UAB and California.  Michigan State can win if they shake off the demons from two weeks ago with their loss to Notre Dame.

I can’t call this one- I think it is a toss up.  If Michigan St’s wide outs can stop dropping passes then they have a real shot.

Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati at Fed Ex Field

These former Big East rivals on a big stage- and the last time Hokies played at Fed Ex they lost to Boise State.  Will Beamer Ball be the winning ticket or will the Bearcat chop on some Turkey?

The Bearcats arrive undefeated and the Hokies are looking forward to not losing twice in a season to a Big East foe.  Interesting note that the last time these two teams played it was in 2009 at the Orange Bowl where Hokies shocked the world by winning a bowl game (come on I had to throw one in there).

If the Hokies can jam the offense then they could pull the win.  All the Bearcats have to do is stop Logan Thomas.

I’m not picking a winner because I don’t want to… and you can’t make me.

Related articles

• Week 5 College Football Picks: (ACC, Big 12, Pac 12) (thepigskinreport.com)
• BCS impact games, Week 5: West Virginia, it’s your time to shine (sbnation.com)