Wow! What a way to kick off the first weekend of the college season. There were some great games and some not-so-great. But that is what I love about college football, not matter how a team looks on paper, when they strap 'em up on game day anyone can win. Just ask Oklahoma.
Teams I like...
First up. Big Blue!! Okay, I know I was critical of Rich Rod but, I have to give him credit. The man can recruit. Big props to him for not letting the drama of the week get the best of him. The future in Ann Arbor looks very bright. Tate Forcier played out of his mind yesterday (13-20, 179 yards 3 TDs and no picks). As a true freshman, he showed poise and control way beyond his years. Denard Robinson made his first case to be my new favorite Wolverine with a spectacular touchdown run. The guy had only been on campus three freakin' weeks. My excitement is tempered by the fact that although Michigan led going into the second half (31-0), they didn't score at all in the latter frame. This may have been a function of trying to work out the kinks, treating the game like a glorified scrimmage. Or, they might have wanted to go the distance without running up the score. Who knows? Also, they were playing Western Michigan. They have a real test next week at home against the Fighting Irish who were equally impressive in their opener. Go Big Blue!!
The Blaine Gabbert era began in the Lou' yesterday and boy he looked dynamite (Chase who?). Dude looks the part for sure. His line is ridiculous (25/33, 319 yards with 3 TDs plus one rushing TD and no picks). With Maclin and Coffman gone you'd think MU would be without weapons: You would be wrong. Denario Alexander and Jared Perry are an explosive tandem (225 yards and a TD between the two). If Alexander can stay healthy, then he may the catalyst for a great season. The D looked like it hasn't lost a step with constant pressure keeping Juice confused. The Tigers have become the class of the Big 12 North and will make this year very interesting, especially when league play begins. It is hard to argue that Pinkel hasn't become one of best recruiters in the Big 12. One of the biggest knocks on GP was game management and prep, but damned if the Tigers didn't look like they were in midseason form.
Everyone else in the Big 12 won (except Colorado who plays tonight). Oh wait ... I forgot. That blaring country music (likely A Tear in My Beer) coming from the state of Oklahoma (no, not the tailgating at the shiny new Boone Pickens Stadium) it was coming from Norman. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford got Brady'd yesterday on a non-dirty play (It's tackle football!) and the collective breaths of the thousands gathered in the new Texas Stadium (or whatever it's called) were held til the news came back that the x-rays were negative. Landry Jones played valiantly but obviously wasn't ready to be thrown to a hungry pit of Mormons. BYU was on a mission. Sorry Sooners.
Other teams of note...
Weis-watch 2009 began at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday against the Wolfpack of Nevada. Jimmy Clausen looked very sharp with 3 bills and 4 TD passes. The Irish are currently ranked 23 in the nation and have a lot to prove this year. They play in Ann Arbor next week so we'll see if Touchdown Jesus will travel. Charlie will have to make it to a BCS bowl for this season to be seen as a success. The boosters are tired of waiting.
Lane Kiffin, who singled handily pissed off every other SEC team this offseason, came with the thunda' with a complete dismantling of lowly Western Kentucky. The Vols looked like they were playing the Wii out there. The numbers aren't worth mentioning because, again, they played Western Kentucky. Once Lane and Pops Kiffin take their act into the heart of division play, they might not look so hot. Then Al Davis will be smiling ... if zombies can actually do that.
No comments:
Post a Comment