By Anthony Voelpel
Even though the college football season is only a third of the way home, teams are beginning to separate themselves like Mets and Yankees fans in New York. While some schools are bottoming of out of the polls, others have the sky as their limit. Let’s take a look, shall we:
Schools on the rise:
Kentucky-The last two weeks has been nothing short of euphoric for the ‘Cats. First came a back-and-forth barn burner against arch rival Louisville, followed by another come from behind win at Arkansas. One has to wonder whether or not there is a ceiling for Andre Woodson and company.
Oregon-Few teams are as hot as the Ducks right now. Dennis Dixon leads a high flying offense that averages 49 points per game and is stacked with playmakers. When No. 6 Cal visits Eugene this Saturday, we’ll learn how good the Ducks really are.
South Florida-The Bulls are ranked for the first time in their school history this week. Led by super-Sophomore QB Math Groethe and a defense that’s as quick as any in the country, the Bulls have been transformed from a conferencedoormat to a top-tier Big East team. Friday will provide a true test for USF when No. 5 West Virginia comes to town.
Michigan State-Mark Dantonio has staged an East Lansing renaissance following the failed tenure of his predecessor, John L. Smith. The Spartans are playing great football led by a defense firat in the nation in sacks and headed into conference play with a ton of confidence. Be sure to check out the two headed monster at the tailback position in Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick
Boston College-After watching QB Matt Ryan throw for over 400 yards against a solid Georgia Tech defense, I knew this team was the real deal. Already 3-0 in the ACC, the Eagles have cupcakes the next three weeks before heading into a showdown in Blacksburg. If they can get past that Hokies, a BCS berth would be within the Golden Eagle’s wingspan.
Schools headed south:
Louisville-Besides the Michigan Massacre at the beginning of the season, Louisville’s loss to 38 point underdog Syracuse, at home, has to be considered the biggest upset of the season. From BCS dreams to national laughingstock. The Cardinal’s defense is nonexistent and first year head coach Steve Kragthorpe seems to have absolutely no control over his squad. With a grueling schedule remaining, they’d be lucky to finish .500. They are truly the biggest disappointment in the country.
Auburn-Losing at home to USF was bad, but losing the following week to Miss State (also at home) was unreal. The Tigers have had suspended players, virtually no offense from senior QB Brandon Cox and a formerly ferocious defense that has apparently been declawed. If there’s one thing you have to do in college, it’s to protect home field and Auburn has been dismal at it. Tommy T, you’re on the hot seat.
Nebraska-Ok, so they’re 3-1 and have a good win at Wake Forest but almost losing at home last week to Ball State was all the information I needed. The Cornhuskers had a shot to upstage USC two weeks ago and were utterly annihilated. They are led(?) by Senior QB Sam Keller (an Arizona State transfer), is more inconsitent than anything. Although some experts favor them to win the Big 12 North, I can’t see them beating out Missouri for the title.
Oklahoma State-Another Big 12 team that had high hopes for the 2007 season. An opening embarrassment at Georgia followed by another humiliating performance at Troy has me wondering if they’re playing poker during practice. Last week they outlasted Texas Tech 49-45 despite giving up 646 passing yards. That is certainly not going to get it done against the likes of Texas and Oklahoma.
Notre Dame-No explanation needed. My seven-year-old cousin’s Pee Wee team can shut their offense down. Pitiful would be an understatement.
Pittsburgh-It’s been a tough season for Dave Wannstedt and company and it’s only going to get tougher. Through the easiest part of their schedule, the Panthers are 2-2, most recently a blow-out loss against woeful Uconn. Playing at Rutgers, home against USF, then at West Virginia to end the season is enough to make the entire state of Pennsylvania sick. But hey, at least the Steelers are 3-0.
Must see games this weekend:
No. 5 West Virginia At No. 18 USF-Battle for Big East bragging rights.
No. 6 Cal at No. 11 Oregon-Welcome to Pointsfest 2007.
Michigan State at No. 9 Wisconsin-Hey Spartans, you want to be ranked? Beat the Badgers at their place.
No. 1 USC at Washington-Well, this game will be great for at least the first half.
Off to an 0-4 start, Jimmy Clausen holds the reigns for the Irish as they try to fight their way out of misery. (ESPN.COM)
Oregon teammates celebrate in the Ann Arbor endzone en route to a victory. (Google Images)