College Football
Top 25
1. Alabama, 4-0, 1
2. Clemson, 4-0, 2
3. Washington, 4-0, 3
4. Penn State, 4-0, 5
5. Southern Cal, 4-0, 7
6. Oklahoma, 4-0, 4
7. Georgia, 4-0, 13
8. Auburn, 3-1, 9
9. Michigan, 4-0, 10
10. Texas Christian, 4-0, 18
11. Ohio State, 3-1, 11
12. Virginia Tech, 4-0, 16
13. Wisconsin, 4-0, 14
14. Miami, 2-0, 12
15. Louisville, 3-1, 19
16. Washington State, 4-0, 21
17. Oklahoma State, 3-1, 6
18. Notre Dame, 3-1, 23
19. South Florida, 4-0, 24
20. Florida, 3-1, 20
21. Utah, 4-0, NR
22. San Diego State, 4-0, 22
23. Mississippi State, 3-1, 16
24. North Carolina State, 3-1, NR
25. Florida State, 0-2, 8
OUT: Oregon (17) and Maryland (25).
VOTES:
Iowa, Central Florida, Duke, West Virginia, Louisiana State, Texas Tech, Memphis, Stanford, Purdue, Texas, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Tennessee and Colorado.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
Keys Wrecked But Spirit Lives on to Rebuild
It will be a long road ahead for our friends and neighbors in the beautiful Florida Keys! Among the spots severely damaged was one of my favorites; the Tiki Bar at Holiday Isle.
The Sun Sentinel took a look at many of the famous destinations in the Florida Keys and how they survived, if they did, Hurricane Irma.
Before and after Hurricane Irma: What happened to our favorite Florida Keys landmarks?
The Florida Keys lay in wreckage, but the spirit found among those who call the treasure home will power the resolve to rebuild bigger and better than ever!
The Sun Sentinel took a look at many of the famous destinations in the Florida Keys and how they survived, if they did, Hurricane Irma.
Before and after Hurricane Irma: What happened to our favorite Florida Keys landmarks?
The Florida Keys lay in wreckage, but the spirit found among those who call the treasure home will power the resolve to rebuild bigger and better than ever!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
The Color & Pageantry Top 25
College Football
Top 25
1. Alabama, 3-0, 1
2. Clemson, 3-0, 4
3. Washington, 3-0, 2
4. Oklahoma, 3-0, 5
5. Penn State, 3-0, 6
6. Oklahoma State, 3-0, 7
7. Southern California, 3-0, 3
8. Florida State, 0-1, 9
9. Auburn, 2-1, 10
10. Michigan, 3-0, 11
11. Ohio State, 2-1, 12
12. Miami, 1-0, 13
13. Georgia, 3-0, 14
14. Wisconsin, 3-0, 15
15. Virginia Tech, 3-0, 16
16. Mississippi State, 3-0, NR
17. Oregon, 3-0, 20
18. Texas Christian, 3-0, 21
19. Louisville, 2-1, 17
20. Florida, 1-1, NR
21. Washington State, 3-0, 22
22. San Diego State, 3-0, NR
23. Notre Dame, 2-1, 23
24. South Florida, 3-0, 24
25. Maryland, 3-0, NR
OUT: Louisiana State (8), Kansas State (18), Stanford (19) and Tennessee (25)
VOTES: Louisiana State, Colorado, Texas, Memphis, Utah, West Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Wake Forest, California, North Carolina State, Purdue, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Boise State.
Beyond the debacle in Lincoln, Nebraska, the heat has been turned on immediately in Baton Rouge as the Tigers went to StarkVegas, looked listless and got clocked by Mississippi State 37-7. Wow!
Top 25
1. Alabama, 3-0, 1
2. Clemson, 3-0, 4
3. Washington, 3-0, 2
4. Oklahoma, 3-0, 5
5. Penn State, 3-0, 6
6. Oklahoma State, 3-0, 7
7. Southern California, 3-0, 3
8. Florida State, 0-1, 9
9. Auburn, 2-1, 10
10. Michigan, 3-0, 11
11. Ohio State, 2-1, 12
12. Miami, 1-0, 13
13. Georgia, 3-0, 14
14. Wisconsin, 3-0, 15
15. Virginia Tech, 3-0, 16
16. Mississippi State, 3-0, NR
17. Oregon, 3-0, 20
18. Texas Christian, 3-0, 21
19. Louisville, 2-1, 17
20. Florida, 1-1, NR
21. Washington State, 3-0, 22
22. San Diego State, 3-0, NR
23. Notre Dame, 2-1, 23
24. South Florida, 3-0, 24
25. Maryland, 3-0, NR
OUT: Louisiana State (8), Kansas State (18), Stanford (19) and Tennessee (25)
VOTES: Louisiana State, Colorado, Texas, Memphis, Utah, West Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Wake Forest, California, North Carolina State, Purdue, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Boise State.
Beyond the debacle in Lincoln, Nebraska, the heat has been turned on immediately in Baton Rouge as the Tigers went to StarkVegas, looked listless and got clocked by Mississippi State 37-7. Wow!
No Excuses At Nebraska
NEBRASKA ANALYSIS:
A stunning, intolerable and inexcusable step backward took place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as Nebraska fell to Northern Illinois 21-17.
We can discuss thoroughly the reasons why and how this could have happened, but the end result of this mind boggling loss is that folks in charge of various aspects of the program need to be fired. Period.
We have been a longtime fan of Mike Riley. It appears that strides were being made, and Riley has to get kudos for making changes to his staff (each seemingly a strong upgrade) every year he has been at Nebraska. More changes are needed.
A central reason for the debacle on Saturday was the inability of Nebraska to line up and run the football. With much of the line returning, there is no pop, no toughness and no firing off the ball. Nebraska ran for approximately 3 yards per carry, which is unacceptable for any team, much less at Nebraska. Coach Mike Cavanaugh can no longer be given the benefit of the doubt and must be terminated, which should happen today as time is out. The lineman on the field do not appear to be be being held accountable. If they are not getting it done, lets find someone who can. I wondered if the toughness I hear about in Boe Wilson might have been an option on Saturday, if for nothing else but to send a message. Given the line cannot run block, you might think they could protect the passer, but they are woeful at that as well as Tanner Lee has been under extreme duress.
Under heat, Lee has not performed well. On Saturday, he tossed two pick sixes to UNI, difficult for any team to overcome. Much of the fan base loved Tommy Armstrong at signal caller, but cringed as he had a pension for throwing to the other team. At least, for the most part, he balanced it with outstanding plays. Very few of those happening now.
When Lee does fire it in there, the much ballyhooed receiving core continues to drop balls. An interception at Oregon, another pick six, bounced off the face mask of Stanley Morgan. Everyone out there has had critical drops, which extends it to a mental issues which fall at the hands of the staff.
The play calling is also quite suspect. I have never bought into Danny Langsdorf at offensive coordinator, and have not seen the high level aptitude many around the program have voiced. When is the last time the Big Red got up on someone pulling away and hanging half a hundred? There is not sense of offensive urgency, and the lack of attack arsenal places the team in situations they have no business being involved in. The famous game at Illinois a few years back remains the classic example. Hard to dump Langsdorf right now, but maybe Riley can call plays?
And Langsdorf appears to have some doghouse, perhaps considered an accessory unit. I think running back Devine Ozigbo is on house arrest in there. Ozigbo is a fiery competitor, but he watches; while we get beat.
The defense is showing signs, but when they needed a stop yesterday, they could not get one. DC Bob Diaco spoke of his 3-4 as reactionary, as reported yesterday by Howard Griffith of BTN, not attacking. That mindset is a mistake, but Diaco did attack some late in the game.
Recruiting seems to be going well, much superior to recent years back. But when these guys get on the field, nobody is stepping up to showcase their talents. Where was the fire in someone yesterday. Did you see an offensive lineman offended that his quarterback was planted six inches deep in the turf? Hell, I was offended at my bar stool. Who on the receiving core appeared torques at the passes hitting the turf? Catch the damn ball! One wonders if the troubling result yesterday will negatively impacting a decent recruiting class that is, or was, shaping up. Nebraska certainly needs the help.
I remember hearing Bill Callahan being interviewed on the Husker Radio Network after Nebraska escaped Ball State a decade or so ago. Callahan was thrilled at the statistical prowess of his passing attack on the day, seemingly unaware that 30 years of Nebraska history almost melted away in the sun with another Nate Davis pass under his watch.
Callahan did not care. Does Riley? Does anybody out there on the gridiron? Don't they feel a responsibility to the fans, the higher standards set by the former players, or themselves?
Does AD Shawn Eichorst care? His tenure has been dismal. All programs are not where they need to be, with many appearing to be slipping. Eichorst is tied to Riley, so it seems Riley cannot stay if Eichorst is removed. But, Eichorst needs to be removed, and if that means Riley has to go as well, so be it.
I like Mike Riley, and have supported his hire. However, what happened Saturday is entirely unacceptable. Firing Riley could really negatively affect recruiting, but there are no more exits for him after Saturday. I hope he recognizes the crossroad the Nebraska football program stands at.
At an event for UCF in Orlando a couple weeks back where Tom Osborne spoke, I spoke with Scott Frost, a very impressive individual and obviously good football coach. Maybe somebody else should speak with him. Perhaps a new athletic director named Trev Alberts.
A stunning, intolerable and inexcusable step backward took place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as Nebraska fell to Northern Illinois 21-17.
We can discuss thoroughly the reasons why and how this could have happened, but the end result of this mind boggling loss is that folks in charge of various aspects of the program need to be fired. Period.
We have been a longtime fan of Mike Riley. It appears that strides were being made, and Riley has to get kudos for making changes to his staff (each seemingly a strong upgrade) every year he has been at Nebraska. More changes are needed.
A central reason for the debacle on Saturday was the inability of Nebraska to line up and run the football. With much of the line returning, there is no pop, no toughness and no firing off the ball. Nebraska ran for approximately 3 yards per carry, which is unacceptable for any team, much less at Nebraska. Coach Mike Cavanaugh can no longer be given the benefit of the doubt and must be terminated, which should happen today as time is out. The lineman on the field do not appear to be be being held accountable. If they are not getting it done, lets find someone who can. I wondered if the toughness I hear about in Boe Wilson might have been an option on Saturday, if for nothing else but to send a message. Given the line cannot run block, you might think they could protect the passer, but they are woeful at that as well as Tanner Lee has been under extreme duress.
 |
| Tanner Lee Photo/Lincoln Journal Star |
When Lee does fire it in there, the much ballyhooed receiving core continues to drop balls. An interception at Oregon, another pick six, bounced off the face mask of Stanley Morgan. Everyone out there has had critical drops, which extends it to a mental issues which fall at the hands of the staff.
The play calling is also quite suspect. I have never bought into Danny Langsdorf at offensive coordinator, and have not seen the high level aptitude many around the program have voiced. When is the last time the Big Red got up on someone pulling away and hanging half a hundred? There is not sense of offensive urgency, and the lack of attack arsenal places the team in situations they have no business being involved in. The famous game at Illinois a few years back remains the classic example. Hard to dump Langsdorf right now, but maybe Riley can call plays?
And Langsdorf appears to have some doghouse, perhaps considered an accessory unit. I think running back Devine Ozigbo is on house arrest in there. Ozigbo is a fiery competitor, but he watches; while we get beat.
The defense is showing signs, but when they needed a stop yesterday, they could not get one. DC Bob Diaco spoke of his 3-4 as reactionary, as reported yesterday by Howard Griffith of BTN, not attacking. That mindset is a mistake, but Diaco did attack some late in the game.
Recruiting seems to be going well, much superior to recent years back. But when these guys get on the field, nobody is stepping up to showcase their talents. Where was the fire in someone yesterday. Did you see an offensive lineman offended that his quarterback was planted six inches deep in the turf? Hell, I was offended at my bar stool. Who on the receiving core appeared torques at the passes hitting the turf? Catch the damn ball! One wonders if the troubling result yesterday will negatively impacting a decent recruiting class that is, or was, shaping up. Nebraska certainly needs the help.
I remember hearing Bill Callahan being interviewed on the Husker Radio Network after Nebraska escaped Ball State a decade or so ago. Callahan was thrilled at the statistical prowess of his passing attack on the day, seemingly unaware that 30 years of Nebraska history almost melted away in the sun with another Nate Davis pass under his watch.
Callahan did not care. Does Riley? Does anybody out there on the gridiron? Don't they feel a responsibility to the fans, the higher standards set by the former players, or themselves?
Does AD Shawn Eichorst care? His tenure has been dismal. All programs are not where they need to be, with many appearing to be slipping. Eichorst is tied to Riley, so it seems Riley cannot stay if Eichorst is removed. But, Eichorst needs to be removed, and if that means Riley has to go as well, so be it.
I like Mike Riley, and have supported his hire. However, what happened Saturday is entirely unacceptable. Firing Riley could really negatively affect recruiting, but there are no more exits for him after Saturday. I hope he recognizes the crossroad the Nebraska football program stands at.
At an event for UCF in Orlando a couple weeks back where Tom Osborne spoke, I spoke with Scott Frost, a very impressive individual and obviously good football coach. Maybe somebody else should speak with him. Perhaps a new athletic director named Trev Alberts.
Blowin In The Wind
Thursday, September 14, 2017
The Color & Pageantry Top 25
College Football
Top 25
1. Alabama, 2-0, 1
2. Washington, 2-0, 2
3. Southern California, 2-0, 4
4. Clemson, 2-0, 5
5. Oklahoma, 2-0, 9
6. Penn State, 2-0, 6
7. Oklahoma State, 2-0, 7
8. Louisiana State, 2-0, 10
9. Florida State, 0-1, 11
10. Auburn, 1-1, 8
11. Michigan, 2-0, 15
12. Ohio State, 1-1, 3
13. Miami, 1-0, 13
14. Georgia, 2-0, 16
15. Wisconsin, 2-0, 14
16. Virginia Tech, 2-0, 18
17. Louisville, 2-0, 19
18. Kansas State, 2-0, 20
19. Stanford, 1-1, 12
20. Oregon, 2-0, 21
21. Texas Christian, 2-0, 22
22. Washington State, 2-0, 23
23. Notre Dame, 1-1, 17
24. South Florida, 2-0, 24
25. Tennessee, 2-0, NR
OUT: Nebraska (24)
VOTES: UCLA, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Iowa, Maryland, Boise State, Texas A&M and North Carolina State.
Top 25
1. Alabama, 2-0, 1
2. Washington, 2-0, 2
3. Southern California, 2-0, 4
4. Clemson, 2-0, 5
5. Oklahoma, 2-0, 9
6. Penn State, 2-0, 6
7. Oklahoma State, 2-0, 7
8. Louisiana State, 2-0, 10
9. Florida State, 0-1, 11
10. Auburn, 1-1, 8
11. Michigan, 2-0, 15
12. Ohio State, 1-1, 3
13. Miami, 1-0, 13
14. Georgia, 2-0, 16
15. Wisconsin, 2-0, 14
16. Virginia Tech, 2-0, 18
17. Louisville, 2-0, 19
18. Kansas State, 2-0, 20
19. Stanford, 1-1, 12
20. Oregon, 2-0, 21
21. Texas Christian, 2-0, 22
22. Washington State, 2-0, 23
23. Notre Dame, 1-1, 17
24. South Florida, 2-0, 24
25. Tennessee, 2-0, NR
OUT: Nebraska (24)
VOTES: UCLA, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Iowa, Maryland, Boise State, Texas A&M and North Carolina State.
Sidelined By Irma
We have been sidelined without power since Hurricane Irma blew through Central Florida.
We had limited damage, thankfully, only without power for four days.
Some of our neighbors here in Central Florida were not so lucky.
In other parts of the Sunshine State, the damage has been far worse than what we ran up against here in the home of Mickey.
Pretty much everyone has been impacted in some way. UCF cancelled two home football games, Miami, Florida and Florida State each one and the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a weekend,
But with no apologies to ESPN's racist host Jamelle Hill, we use football in these parts to escape.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, we have much more important things to deal with.
Please keep our Sunshine State friends and neighbors in your prayers, and don't forget about those tough Texans, still reeling from Hurricane Harvey.
We had limited damage, thankfully, only without power for four days.
Some of our neighbors here in Central Florida were not so lucky.
In other parts of the Sunshine State, the damage has been far worse than what we ran up against here in the home of Mickey.
Pretty much everyone has been impacted in some way. UCF cancelled two home football games, Miami, Florida and Florida State each one and the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a weekend,
But with no apologies to ESPN's racist host Jamelle Hill, we use football in these parts to escape.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, we have much more important things to deal with.
Please keep our Sunshine State friends and neighbors in your prayers, and don't forget about those tough Texans, still reeling from Hurricane Harvey.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
The Color & Pageantry Top 25
College Football
Top 25
1. Alabama, 1-0, 1
2. Washington, 1-0, 3
3. Ohio State, 1-0, 4
4. Southern Cal, 1-0, 5
5. Clemson, 1-0, 6
6. Penn State, 1-0, 7
7. Oklahoma State, 1-0, 8
8. Auburn, 1-0, 9
9. Oklahoma, 1-0, 10
10. Louisiana State, 1-0, 12
11. Florida State, 0-1, 2
12. Stanford, 1-0, 14
13. Miami, 1-0, 11
14. Wisconsin, 1-0, 13
15. Michigan, 1-0, 16
16. Georgia, 1-0, 17
17. Notre Dame, 1-0, 20
18. Virginia Tech, 1-0, 23
19. Louisville, 1-0, 19
20. Kansas State, 1-0, 21
21. Oregon, 1-0, 24
22. Texas Christian, 1-0, NR
23. Washington State, 1-0, NR
24. South Florida, 2-0, 15
25. Nebraska, 1-0, 22
OUT: Florida (18) and North Carolina State (25)
VOTES: Tennessee, UCLA, Florida, Colorado, Iowa, Utah, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Arkansas, Maryland, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Northwestern, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Boise State, Minnesota and North Carolina State.
ANALYSIS: There were two upsets of monumental magnitude. Howard, a 45 point dog at UNLV, won 43-40. UNLV, coached by local Tony Sanchez who led Bishop Gorman HS to national prominence there in Las Vegas, was defeated in large measure by the performance of Caylin Newton, the younger brother of former Auburn and current NFL star QB Cam Newton........Liberty, coached by former Nebraska quarterback Turner Gill, won at Baylor. Sure, the Bears are reeling after an scandalous beat down, but this 48-45 win by the Flames was huge. Liberty cancelled classes. Great for Gill; one of the truly good people in coaching.....Many thought NC State, with 17 returning starters, would be a dark horse team out of the ACC, but they stumbled against what appears to be a middle of the pack SEC squad in South Carolina. Maybe not! Maybe Will Muschamp has something going in Columbia..... Texas A&M, after leading at UCLA 31-3 and 44-10 late in the 3rd, had a collapse for ages as Josh Rosen led the Bruins to a 45-44 victory. Already under immense fire, a member of the Aggies Board of Regents voiced desire to fire coach Kevin Sumlin; on social media. Imagine the professionalism? The game was a classic....Wisconsin, USC, Washington and Ohio State started slow, but won big. Texas got 51 and a loss hung on them at home by upstart Maryland, who is ascending rapidly....USF has won two games in lethargic fashion, which will end up dealing them a loss if Charlie Strong does not it fixed....Michigan looked decent dumping Florida, which continues to have significant issues at the quarterback position....Iowa held Wyoming in check behind the stellar play of LB Josey Jewell, who took a step toward the Butkus Award on Saturday as we see it.... Georgia Tech ran for some 600 yards and led by two touchdowns late but somehow fell to Tennessee.
*Florida State would have been ranked 7th in our poll, but due to the loss of QB Deondre Francois, they are ranked 11th.
NEBRASKA ANALYSIS: Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee looked as advertised, leading the 'Huskers to a victory Saturday night, one which was much too close for the liking of Big Red Nation. Up front offensively, the 'Huskers looked shaky in pass protection, but did generate some good run blocking. Tre Bryant got the start, and ran for 193. The receiving core looked strong, and as we expected, TE Tyler Hoppes had a breakout game. The new 3-4 defense was unimpressive. The line did not generate the type of pass rush desired, but Arkansas State was making quick throws. The linebackers were mixed, and it appears foot speed for some is an issue, particularly for a team like the Red Wolves that utilized the entire field. The secondary has good and bad moments, but did not give up an big plays, a significant note. It seemed Nebraska was holding back, so Oregon could not get much film. It almost cost the 'Huskers dearly.
FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS: Alabama, for the most part, controlled Florida State en route to a 24-7 victory. There are teams that can play with Alabama for a while, but the Crimson Tide force you into mistakes and tighten the screws hard on you when you make them. Alabama made FSU pay for a secondary mishap, nailing a 53 yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridely. Even so, FSU had a chance to lead at halftime 14-10. The Seminoles were interfered with at the goal line on a pass attempt that was not called for some unexplained reason, forcing a field goal effort, which Alabama blocked. From there, there was a blocked punt and a fumbled kickoff return giving BAMA the ball inside the red zone. Although the defense down there was strong, Alabama eventually posted a touchdown. FSU QB Deondre Francois then tried to force some things, resulting in a pair of interceptions (Francois had never had a game with more than one interception). It was over, except for the season potentially being lost. Francois was eluding a blitz horizontally along the line of scrimmage when he was tackled from behind by Rasheed Wallace, turning his knee in the process. The tackle was clean, but Francois is now lost for the season with a torn patella. The loss of Francois is a brutal blow for the Seminoles, who will now start true freshman signal caller James Blackman of Belle Glade. While Blackman has great promise, it will be Fisher's best work ever if he can get Blackman to perform at a level allowing FSU to win the ACC Atlantic.
Top 25
1. Alabama, 1-0, 1
2. Washington, 1-0, 3
3. Ohio State, 1-0, 4
4. Southern Cal, 1-0, 5
5. Clemson, 1-0, 6
6. Penn State, 1-0, 7
7. Oklahoma State, 1-0, 8
8. Auburn, 1-0, 9
9. Oklahoma, 1-0, 10
10. Louisiana State, 1-0, 12
11. Florida State, 0-1, 2
12. Stanford, 1-0, 14
13. Miami, 1-0, 11
14. Wisconsin, 1-0, 13
15. Michigan, 1-0, 16
16. Georgia, 1-0, 17
17. Notre Dame, 1-0, 20
18. Virginia Tech, 1-0, 23
19. Louisville, 1-0, 19
20. Kansas State, 1-0, 21
21. Oregon, 1-0, 24
22. Texas Christian, 1-0, NR
23. Washington State, 1-0, NR
24. South Florida, 2-0, 15
25. Nebraska, 1-0, 22
OUT: Florida (18) and North Carolina State (25)
VOTES: Tennessee, UCLA, Florida, Colorado, Iowa, Utah, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Arkansas, Maryland, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Northwestern, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Boise State, Minnesota and North Carolina State.
ANALYSIS: There were two upsets of monumental magnitude. Howard, a 45 point dog at UNLV, won 43-40. UNLV, coached by local Tony Sanchez who led Bishop Gorman HS to national prominence there in Las Vegas, was defeated in large measure by the performance of Caylin Newton, the younger brother of former Auburn and current NFL star QB Cam Newton........Liberty, coached by former Nebraska quarterback Turner Gill, won at Baylor. Sure, the Bears are reeling after an scandalous beat down, but this 48-45 win by the Flames was huge. Liberty cancelled classes. Great for Gill; one of the truly good people in coaching.....Many thought NC State, with 17 returning starters, would be a dark horse team out of the ACC, but they stumbled against what appears to be a middle of the pack SEC squad in South Carolina. Maybe not! Maybe Will Muschamp has something going in Columbia..... Texas A&M, after leading at UCLA 31-3 and 44-10 late in the 3rd, had a collapse for ages as Josh Rosen led the Bruins to a 45-44 victory. Already under immense fire, a member of the Aggies Board of Regents voiced desire to fire coach Kevin Sumlin; on social media. Imagine the professionalism? The game was a classic....Wisconsin, USC, Washington and Ohio State started slow, but won big. Texas got 51 and a loss hung on them at home by upstart Maryland, who is ascending rapidly....USF has won two games in lethargic fashion, which will end up dealing them a loss if Charlie Strong does not it fixed....Michigan looked decent dumping Florida, which continues to have significant issues at the quarterback position....Iowa held Wyoming in check behind the stellar play of LB Josey Jewell, who took a step toward the Butkus Award on Saturday as we see it.... Georgia Tech ran for some 600 yards and led by two touchdowns late but somehow fell to Tennessee.
*Florida State would have been ranked 7th in our poll, but due to the loss of QB Deondre Francois, they are ranked 11th.
NEBRASKA ANALYSIS: Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee looked as advertised, leading the 'Huskers to a victory Saturday night, one which was much too close for the liking of Big Red Nation. Up front offensively, the 'Huskers looked shaky in pass protection, but did generate some good run blocking. Tre Bryant got the start, and ran for 193. The receiving core looked strong, and as we expected, TE Tyler Hoppes had a breakout game. The new 3-4 defense was unimpressive. The line did not generate the type of pass rush desired, but Arkansas State was making quick throws. The linebackers were mixed, and it appears foot speed for some is an issue, particularly for a team like the Red Wolves that utilized the entire field. The secondary has good and bad moments, but did not give up an big plays, a significant note. It seemed Nebraska was holding back, so Oregon could not get much film. It almost cost the 'Huskers dearly.
FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS: Alabama, for the most part, controlled Florida State en route to a 24-7 victory. There are teams that can play with Alabama for a while, but the Crimson Tide force you into mistakes and tighten the screws hard on you when you make them. Alabama made FSU pay for a secondary mishap, nailing a 53 yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridely. Even so, FSU had a chance to lead at halftime 14-10. The Seminoles were interfered with at the goal line on a pass attempt that was not called for some unexplained reason, forcing a field goal effort, which Alabama blocked. From there, there was a blocked punt and a fumbled kickoff return giving BAMA the ball inside the red zone. Although the defense down there was strong, Alabama eventually posted a touchdown. FSU QB Deondre Francois then tried to force some things, resulting in a pair of interceptions (Francois had never had a game with more than one interception). It was over, except for the season potentially being lost. Francois was eluding a blitz horizontally along the line of scrimmage when he was tackled from behind by Rasheed Wallace, turning his knee in the process. The tackle was clean, but Francois is now lost for the season with a torn patella. The loss of Francois is a brutal blow for the Seminoles, who will now start true freshman signal caller James Blackman of Belle Glade. While Blackman has great promise, it will be Fisher's best work ever if he can get Blackman to perform at a level allowing FSU to win the ACC Atlantic.
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