The Stanford Tree...Um...Yeah

This is why mascots should not be kindergarten art projects.

Play Tusk! Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. West Virginia
4. Texas
5. Auburn
6. Louisville
7. Tennessee
8. Florida
9. Southern California
10. Louisiana State
11. California
12. Notre Dame
13. Boise State
14. Rutgers
15. Arkansas
16. Georgia Tech
17. Clemson
18. Oklahoma
19. Wisconsin
20. Boston College
21. Oregon
22. Wake Foreste
23. Texas A&M
24. Virginia Tech
25. Nebraska

Game 7: Oregon State

Game 7 Preview: The Oregon State Beavers (4-3, 2-2) come in to Saturday's game riding a two-game winning streak, with victories on the road against Washington State and Arizona. The offensive leaders for the Beavers include junior tailback Yvenson Bernard and the dangerous connection between senior quarterback Matt Moore and junior wideout Sammie Stroughter. The most dangerous defensive player for the Beavers is probably junior linebacker Derrick Doggett, who leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss, and is second on the team with two interceptions.


Oregon State Beavers: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 127.4 yds/gm (76, 7)
Passing: 234.4 yds/gm (33, 4)
Total: 361.9 yds/gm (48, 7)
Scoring: 24.4 pts/gm (55, 5)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 96.86 yds/gm (19, 2)
Passing: 188.1 yds/gm (47, 6)
Passing Efficiency: 113 (38, 4)
Total: 285 yds/gm (26, 3)
Scoring: 20 pts/gm (47, 5)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: -1
Sacks: +9



USC Trojans: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 163 yds/gm (37, 4)
Passing: 232.7 yds/gm (34, 5)
Total: 395.7 yds/gm (24, 4)
Scoring: 30 pts/gm (22, 3)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 100.2 yds/gm (25, 3)
Passing: 182.2 yds/gm (44, 4)
Passing Efficiency: 136 (41, 3)
Total: 282.3 yds/gm (22, 2)
Scoring: 15 pts/gm (19, 1)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: +3
Sacks: +1

Analysis: This is an Oregon State team that has the potential to play with anybody in the Pac-10, proving that with a close loss to Washington State, and their last two wins against Washington and Arizona. However, so far this season, the Beavers have failed to show up against their better opponents (California and Boise State). The Trojans are coming off of a bye, giving the players and extra week to rest, and Pete Carroll and extra week to prepare. Unless the Trojans are looking past the Beavers, which will not happen because the team on the horizon is Stanford, this one should not be a contest (unless the Fog rolls in to Reser, again). Trojans should win this one big - but then again, I have been saying that for weeks and we all know the results of the last few games.
Prediction:
USC: 34
Oregon State: 10

The Friday Tailgate

Play Tusk! Picks Against the Spread
Record: 15-9 (3-5)

Game 1: Oklahoma +2 @ Missouri
Winner: Missouri

Game 2: Georgia +13.5 @ Florida
Winner: Florida

Game 3: Texas -11 @ Texas Tech
Winner: Texas

Game 4: Tennessee -4 @ South Carolina
Winner: Tennessee

Game 5: Miami +5.5 @ Georgia Tech
Winner: Miami

Hometown Teams

Go U Northwestern! Northwestern +30 @ Michigan
Winner: Northwestern

Shoulder to Shoulder! Colorado +2 @ Kansas
Winner: Colorado

Fight on! USC -11 @ Oregon State
Winner: USC

----------------------------------

Game of the Week: Georgia @ Florida
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party of 2006 features two (formerly) highly-rated rivals out of the SEC, with both teams coming off of losses (including two straight for the Dawgs). Both of these teams still have talent, and the winner of this game will be right in the middle of the SEC East race, while the loser can start preparing for next season. With so much on the line between these historic rivals, this one should be a classic.

Upset Watch: Tennessee @ South Carolina
The Ol' Ballcoach beat the Vols in Neyland Stadium last year, but then again, who didn't? This is (obviously) a new Tennessee squad, but anytime you have to face Spurrier in his own back yard you better be ready for a dogfight. The underdog Gamecocks, who should have almost upset Auburn in their last home game, will give the Vols a very good test this weekend. I think that the Vols will pull this off, but it will require some 4th quarter heroics.

Heisman Watch: Minnesota @ Ohio State
Adrian Peterson is injured. West Virginia has a bye week. That leaves Troy Smith as the lone (legitimate) Heisman contender competing this weekend. Troy Smith and the Buckeyes should continue to roll against a mediocre Gopher's squad this weekend, and Smith's chokehold on the bronze statue should continue to tighten.

It's Midterms...

...so I dont have time to make a real post. Enjoy this clip about the USC-Notre Dame Rivalry!

The Sunday Hangover

Almost Upset Saturday
This weekend can only be called one thing, Almost Upset Saturday. The Huskers almost upset the Longwhorns in Lincoln, while the Crimson Tide almost upset the Vols down in Rocky Top. UCLA almost upset Touchdown Jesus in South Bend, and Duke almost upset the hapless Canes in Durham. Washington sent Cal to overtime with a Hail Mary in their almost upset attempt, while Oklahoma State went to overtime with Texas A&M and almost upset the Aggies. Ohio State continued to roll, and with their schedule, should continue to roll until the Wolverines invade Columbus in November. Clemson dominated Georgia Tech, and held a coming out party for college football's newest two-headed running back monster - sophomore James Davis and freshman CJ Spiller - almost looking like an ACC version of Reggie and Lendale. And I almost forgot, Rutgers is still undefeated.

Best Win: Clemson d. Georgia Tech
Clemson dominated Georgia Tech on both sides of the ball - rushing for 338 yards while holding Tech's All-World Calvin Johnson to ZERO receptions. This game legitimizes Clemson as one of the premier one-loss teams in the natio; and with Miami and Virginia Tech both in down years, makes them the heavy favorite to walk away with the ACC crown,

Worst Loss: Michigan State d. Northwestern
The Wildcats scored a touchdown to give them a 35 point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. This was not just any 35 point lead - this was a 5 TD dominating performance against the most clueless program int he Big 10. This was a Spartan team that, from all signs, given up on their season and their coach. This was a Spartan team that appeared as if they didn't want to win. And it was a 35 point lead. Well, needless to say the Spartans completed Division 1-A's largest comeback of all time and handed the Wildcat's one of the worst losses in recent memory.

Biggest Upset: Washington State d. Oregon
The Quack Attack waltzed into Pullman and as a contender for the Pac 10 title and were completely dominated by the Cougs. The Ducks piled on 20 points in the 4th quarter to make the score respectable, but never came close to making this a game. Don't look now, but Bill Doba has the Cougs at 5-3, with their 3 losses to Auburn, USC and California - all top 10 teams.

Best Play: Carl Bonnell TD Pass to Marlon Wood
Bonnell showed the world his best Doug Flutie impression with his scrambling heave to the endzone as time expired in Strawberry Canyon. Luckily for Bonnell, the three Cal defenders that had a shot at the ball collided and tipped it right into the hands of Washington's Marlon Wood - completing on the more improbably plays in recent memory. Unfortunately for the Huskies, Carl Bonnell reminded everyone that he still is, well, Carl Bonnell with his 5th interception of the game in overtime to end the upset bid.

Worst Play: Northwestern's 4th Quarter
A pathetic showing by the Wildcats, allowing the biggest comeback in 1-A history to a team that had seemingly forgotten how to put on a jockstrap. It would be an epic collapse, but neither of teams can possible be involved in anything described as "epic."


Images of the Day:
CJ Spiller Is Still Running Through The Tech Defense (..and here comes James Davis)


Black Shirts Fall Short


Ray Rice and Rutgers Still....Undefeated!?!

Play Tusk! Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. West Virginia
5. Texas
6. Auburn
7. Louisville
8. Tennessee
9. Florida
10. Louisiana State
11. Clemson
12. California
13. Notre Dame
14. Boise State
15. Rutgers
16. Arkansas
17. Georgia Tech
18. Oklahoma
19. Wisconsin
20. Georgia
21. Missouri
22. Nebraska
23. Boston College
24. Oregon
25. Wake Forest

The Friday Tailgate

Play Tusk! Picks Against the Spread
Record: 11-6 (2-4)

Game 1: Texas -6 @ Nebraska
Winner: Nebraska

Game 2: UCLA +13.5 @ Notre Dame
Winner: Notre Dame

Game 3: Iowa +13.5 @ Michigan
Winner: Michigan

Game 4: Rutgers +6.5 @ Pittsburgh
Winner: Rutgers

Game 5: Georgia Tech +7 @ Clemson
Winner: Georgia Tech

Hometown Teams

Go U Northwestern! Michigan State -8.5 @ Northwestern
Winner: Northwestern

Shoulder to Shoulder! Colorado +14 @ Oklahoma
Winner: Colorado

Fight on! Bye Week
Winner: FIGHT ON!

----------------------------------

Game of the Week: Texas @ Nebraska
With Texas among the top national title contenders with a loss, this game could either boost them to the top of that list or end their hopes altogether. A win for Nebraska could push them towards the Top 10 and give them a substantial lead in the Big 12 North. With the game being in Lincoln, and with so much on the line for both teams (a second loss...), this game should be very competitive.

Upset Watch: Washington @ California
Well, this game looked like much more of an upset before Washington's senior QB Isiah Stanback went out with a season-ending injury. However, the Huskies are still better-than-average, and have a defense that could be capable of shutting down this Cal running attack - especially if Cal looks past this game.

Heisman Watch: Marshawn Lynch vs. Washington
Well, Troy Smith is still the leader for the Heisman, but he should tear up Indiana this week. So out of the rest of the Heisman candidates, Marshawn Lynch has the best opportunity to put on a show this week and push his name towards the front of the list. If Lynch has a great game, he will solidify himself among the top 3, with the others being Troy Smith and Steve Slaton - while keeping his team in the running for the Pac 10, and an outside shot at the title game.

The Exact Moment Lou Holtz Went Insane

If you have seen Lou Holtz on ESPN recently, you will know that he is the most senile and confused person ever to be put in front of a camera. And on top of that, he is completely random and insane. Well, I recently found the exact event that started his downward spiral into "Granny Holtz." Enjoy.

Grumpy Old Men

It's now Tuesday of a Bye Week, meaning I really, really dont have anything to write about. So enjoy this gem from ESPNU, in which a UCLA alum takes out his lifetime of anger on a poor kid.



Ironically, UCLA uses the same slogan as ESPNU, "Never Graduate," for its new 4-6 year undergraduate program.

Only in the SEC

This one is kind of long...but so incredibly moronic.

Random Photoshop Work of the Day

Fight on, Giles Pellerin!

Well, we have a bye week here in the Land of Troy, so I will be bringing you random stories from around college football and the world of sports.

First up, one of the greatest Trojans of all time, Giles Pellerin. Giles attended 797 consecutive USC games over a period of 73 years, including every USC-Notre Dame game played between 1926, when the series started, and 1998, when he passed away. An unbelievable story! Fight on, Giles Pellerin!

Top Five(s)

Heisman Contenders:
1. Troy Smith - Ohio State
2. Steve Slaton - West Viriginia
3. Marshawn Lynch - California
4. Pat White - West Virginia
5. Garrett Wolfe - Northern Illinois

National Championship Contenders:
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. West Virginia
5. Texas

Upcoming Games:
1. Georgia Tech @ Clemson
2. Texas @ Nebraska
3. Rutgers @ Pittsburgh
4. Iowa @ Michigan
5. UCLA @ Notre Dame

Coaches on the Hot Seat:
1. Larry Coker
2. John L. Smith
3. Dirk Koetter
4. Chuck Amato
5. Don Strock

The Sunday Hangover

Upset Saturday?
There were upsets, and upset threats, all across the nation on Saturday. Indiana, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt beat ranked opponents, while AP #2 falls for the second straight week in Jordan-Hare - the fourth AP #2 to lose so far this year (Notre Dame, Texas, Auburn, Florida). Miami proved, once again, why they are the unquestioned Thug U of the NCAA. Undefeated Missouri falls in College Station, while Rutgers (Yes, Rutgers) remains undefeated. Texas Tech scored just 6 points - and Colorado scored 30 - in a Buffs win in Boulder. The Buckeyes and Wolverines continue to roll up in Big 10 country - setting up what could be one of biggest regular season matchup in years.

Best Win: Auburn d. Florida
The Tigers manage to beat the #2 in the nation without scoring an offensive touchdown. This win gives the Tigers some hope in the tight SEC race, and puts them back in the national title race should enough undefeated teams fall. Florida should have won this game, but imploded in the second half. The Gaotrs should still win the SEC East for a shot at a BCS game, but there are no guarantee's in today's SEC.

Worst Loss: Vanderbilt d. Georgia
The Bulldogs get embarrassed "Between The Hedges" by good ol' Vandy. And this isnt Jay Cutler's Vanderbilt. This is a Commodore's team that only had wins against Temple and Tennessee State. Seriously, Georiga needs re-evaluate their season goals after back-to-back home losses.

Biggest Upset: Indiana d. Iowa
A great win for a good coach and a program on its way up, at least by Indiana standards. The Hoosiers are going through an emotional season with coach Terry Hoeppner undergoing brain surgery, and continue to play inspired football. Don't be surprised if this team pulls off another big upset this season.

Best Play: Any Time Pat White Touched the Ball
The 'Eers QB rushed for, get this, 247 yards and 4 TD's in Saturday's win over Syracuse. Yes, it was Syracuse, but this performance by White not only throws his name into the middle of the Heisman race, but begins to legitimize West Viriginia as a title contender. The spread offense usually has a hard time winning titles, but Vince Young proved it is possible in the Rose Bowl. West Viriginia has three more tough conference games, but if they win out and White continues to perform like this, they could be a serious threat.

Worst Play: Arizona State Punts Away the Game
(Former) Coach Dirk Koetter punts with just a minute and a half remaining, leaving his team no chance to win. With just two timeouts remaining, Arizona State had no chance to stop USC from running out the clock. Especially dissapointing for the Devils' players after completing a 21 point comeback. Dirk Koetter has no business coaching at this level if he continues to make decisions like this.

Images of the Day:

#2 Falls in Jordan-Hare....Again


The Moment Larry Coker Realizes He Has Lost Control


Adrian "All-Day" Peterson Injured

Fight on Adrian!

Thug U

UPDATE:
http://www.tbo.com/sports/canes/MGBDL9BXATE.html
"I think that it will affect the image of our program greatly, but in a positive way," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "I think that when they see the video and they see how it was handled they will be impressed with our players. This will not be a very big thing for the University of Miami. It was impressive in that it was handled very well."

Before I start ranting about the 'Canes, I will acknowledge that FIU is equally at fault for the embarrassing brawl at the Orange Bowl on Saturday. However, Miami is the nationally recognized program. The Canes players were the ones seen swinging helmets and stomping on opposing players. Additionally, Canes players were seemingly celebrating the fight on the sideline and on their way off the field (after being ejected).

This program is an absolute embarrassment to the University, the ACC and the NCAA. Larry Coker has no control over his players and should be fired immediately - there is no longer a reason to wait for the season to end before getting rid of this fool. The players seen stomping on opponents (and swinging helmets) should be given heavy suspensions, they do not deserve to play college football.



A Breif Look at the 'Canes Embarrassments Under Coker

What Gun Problem?
ttp://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/acc/2006-07-25-coker_x.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVXdo6IyQu4

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10656802/

Here's A Shocker...A Fight
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10656802/

Dont Forget the 7th Floor Crew...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jones/051118/crew

...and the "Soldier"

Play Tusk! Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. West Viriginia
5. Texas
6. Auburn
7. Tennessee
8. Florida
9. Louisville
10. California
11. Louisiana State
12. Notre Dame
13. Clemson
14. Georgia Tech
15. Boise State
16. Oregon
17. Rutgers
18. Nebraska
19. Georgia
20. Arkansas
21. Oklahoma
22. Wisconsin
23. Missouri
24. Boston College
25. Iowa

The Friday Tailgate

Play Tusk! Picks Against The Spread
(Updated) Record: 11-6 (2-4)

Game 1: Florida -2.5 @ Auburn
Winner Auburn

Game 2: Michigan -6.5 @ Penn State
Winner Michigan

Game 3: Ohio State -14.5 @ Michigan State
Winner Ohio State

Game 4: UCLA +9 @ Oregon
Winner Oregon

Game 5: Rutgers +2.5 @ Navy
Winner Rutgers

Hometown Teams
Go U Northwestern! Purdue -7.5 @ Northwestern
Winner: Northwestern

Shoulder to Shoulder! Texas Tech -7 @ Colorado
Winner: Colorado

Fight On! Arizona State +19 @ USC
Winner: USC

-----------------------------------------------------

Game of the Week: Florida @ Auburn
Auburn just lost their #2 ranking after losing at home last week - and now they have the new #2 (in some polls) in their backyard this week. A win for the Tigers would shake up the SEC, and a victory for the Gators could cement them as the #2 team in the nation.

Upset Watch: California @ Washington State
The Coug's have been playing well this year, and Pullman is never an easy place to play. I think this could be "closer than the experts think," but in the end WSU will probably Coug' It!

Heisman Watch: Troy Smith @ Michigan State
The Heisman race is still wide open, but Troy Smith could pull away over the next few weeks if the Buckeyes continue to win.

Game 6: Arizona State

Game 6 Preview: The Arizona State Sun Devils (3-2, 0-2) come into Saturday's game at the Coliseum on the heels of two blowout losses to Cal and Oregon, with a bye last week. The Devils were a preseason Top 25 team, and have a roster loaded with talent. However, preseason QB controversies led to the transfer of Sam Keller, one of the top QBs in the country, leaving RS Sophomore Rudy Carpenter at the helm. The other key offensive players for ASU include running backs Ryan Torain and Keegan Herring and TE Zach Miller. The Devils are led defensively by senior linebacker Darron Ware and senior defensive back Zach Cantanese. Arizona State is coached by Dirk Koetter, who is in his sixth season with the team. Koetter has yet to win a Pac-10 game in the state of California.


Arizona State Sun Devils: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 172.8 yds/gm (29, 2)
Passing: 211.2 yds/gm (50, 6)
Total: 384 yds/gm (37, 5)
Scoring: 28.4 pts/gm (38, 4)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 153.4 yds/gm (89, 8)
Passing: 210.4 yds/gm (82, 6)
Passing Efficiency: 149.6 (106, 10)
Total: 363.8 yds/gm (89, 8)
Scoring: 27 pts/gm (91, 9)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: -4
Sacks: +5



USC Trojans: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 163.8 yds/gm (37, 5)
Passing: 249.6 yds/gm (25, 4)
Total: 413.4 yds/gm (19, 4)
Scoring: 30.4 pts/gm (31, 3)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 96 yds/gm (21, 2)
Passing: 193.8 yds/gm (56, 4)
Passing Efficiency: 104.2 (22, 2)
Total: 289.8 (28, 2)
Scoring: 13.8 pts/gm (15, 2)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: +4
Sacks: PUSH

Analysis: This Arizona State team has yet to find an identity on offense after the internal controversies that started the year, and yet to learn how to tackle on defense. Expect Chauncey Washington and Emmanuel Moody to run all over the Sun Devils, taking pressure of the Trojans' mediocre passing attack. Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are expected to play this week, which will just compound problems for the ASU defense. However, dont expect Pete Carroll to try to win this game through the air. The Trojans have a far superior offensive line and rushing attack, and will be able to dominate the line of scrimmage. Defensively for the Trojans, having Sedrick Ellis back for the second straight week should strengthen the line and free up the linebackers to help slow down the above-average attack from the Sun Devils. Even if the Devils offense does manage to put some points on the board, the Trojans should not have any problems winning this one against one of the weakest defenses they will face all year.

Prediction:
USC - 45
ASU - 14

Everything Sparky

Sparky Does Pushups Like Your Little Sister




"Smarter than most of the students...."






Mario's evil twin?

Arizona State Look-a-Likes

Rudy Carpenter as...



Deryck Whibley of Sum 41?



Brent Miller as...



Shaggy? (Think blonde...)



Wes Evans as...



Goldilocks?



And Finally...

Keno Walter-White as...



RICK JAMES, BITCH

Sun Devils (Break the) Law

The 2006 Arizona State football team used "Sun Devil Laws" as their advertising. I'll admit, the idea is pretty creative, but the end result is simply embarrassing. Here are some of my favorites...

Sun Devil Law #1



The team obeyed this law against D-1AA NAU, Nevada and winless Colorado. It seems as though the Devils have simply chosen to ignore this one since...

Sun Devil Law #14





Geography not the strongest program at ASU. Let's assume that Pasadena really is only 4482 yards from Tempe, Rudy Carpenter has just 1052 yards through the first five games of the season...I'm not a math major, but I dont think that is "on pace."

Sun Devil Law #32



Algebra is a junior class at ASU, which explains why sophomore QB Rudy Carpenter misunderstood this one. In just a few more weeks he will, however, figure out that W X 7 = Sun Bowl.

Sun Devil Law #51



Cuts and bruises may heal, but egos don't.

Sun Devil Law #67



Once again, Carpenter and the offense never received this memo, and decided to take it easy starting in early October. Lumbergh will make sure you get the memo next time, Rudy.

Sun Devil Law #79



The Devils have actually managed to follow this rule...well, their defense has.

If the Devils break any more laws, we are going to have to start referring to them as the Arizona State Seminoles (Hurricanes is also acceptable).

Arizona State Fans...

This is a short clip from the 2005 ASU-USC game...watch closely in the background. An ASU fan is jumping up and down in an attempt to get into the shot and falls off whatever it was he was standing on. This is who will be invading the Coliseum on Saturday...I cant wait!

Random Photoshop Work of the Day

La Escuela Mas Fina

Top Five(s)

National Championship Contenders:
1. Ohio State
2. Florida
3. USC
4. Michigan
5. West Virginia

Heisman Contenders:
1. Troy Smith
2. Marshawn Lynch
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Garrett Wolfe
5. Chris Leak

Upcoming Games:
1. Florida @ Auburn
2. Michigan @ Penn State
3. Virginia Tech @ Boston College
4. California @ Washington State
5. Ohio State @ Michigan State

The Sunday Hangover

Shakeup Saturday: What a great day of college football...especially down in the SEC. The Hogs stunned Tuberville's Tigers; the Gators proved that they are the best team in the SEC East (at least for this weekend); and Smokey out-barked Uga Between the Hedges. Elsewhere in the country, the RRR left Sooners crying, while Huskies were crying foul at the end of their battle with the Trojans in Los Angeles. Cal trucked the Ducks in Berkeley, and Michigan continued to roll up in Ann Arbor.



Best Win: Cal d. Oregon
This win sets up a huge showdown in late November with the Trojans...unless one (or both) of these teams chokes before then. Cal proved that they are at least the second best team in the Pac 10 - with many calling for the dethroning of the Trojans. Dennis Dixon and the Ducks will recover, but make no mistake about it - the Pac 10 is a two-team race now. The only negative from this game was the uniforms...holy god these two teams need help in the fashion department.

Worst Loss: Baylor d. Colorado
This isnt "the same" Baylor team, and Colorado is "learning a new scheme," but it is still Baylor. At least the Buffs are getting closer...to finding a new head coach. I am all for giving Hawkins at least one more full season to turn it around, but things are not looking pretty in Boulder right now.

Biggest Upset: Arkansas d. Auburn
Is Arkansas really this good? Clearly not the same team that faced the Trojans earlier in the season - with a healthy McFadden and a new starting QB - but are they really this good? The Hogs now have complete control of their own destiny and Auburn is left playing catchup for the rest of the season.

Best Play: Desean Jackson Punt Return
The Bears' WR doing his best Reggie Bush impression - reversed his field not once, but twice - before turning the ball upfield and taking it 80 yards to the house. This play, unfortunately, also saw Oregon's Dante Rosario doing his best Albert Haynesworth impression into the back of a Cal blocker.

Worst Play: Stanback Fails to Snap the Ball
So there should have been 5 seconds on the clock? Who cares...the refs delayed the game for over a minute (the clock should have restarted as soon as the chains were set) as Ty Willingham stood on the field. Despite this, Stanback failed to snap the ball after the refs restarted the clock. Period. He should have known that there were only 2 seconds on the clock, and that the clock was going to start. This one was not the refs fault.

Best Trick Play: Reggie Fish....?


Images of the Day:
Stealing the Hedges


The "Other" Florida Quarterback


(War) Eagle Gounded

SCTrojan09's Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. Florida
5. West Virginia
6. Texas
7. Tennessee
8. Louisville
9. Auburn
10. California
11. Louisiana State
12. Georgia
13. Notre Dame
14. Clemson
15. Georgia Tech
16. Missouri
17. Boise State
18. Iowa
19. Oregon
20. Virginia Tech
21. Rutgers
22. Nebraska
23. Arkansas
24. Oklahoma
25. Wisconsin

Play Tusk! Picks Against the Spread

Game 1: Oklahoma + 4.5 v. Texas
Winner: Texas

Game 2: Michigan State +15.5 @ Michigan
Winner: Michigan

Game 3: Tennessee -3 @ Georgia
Winner: Georgia

Game 4: Oregon +4.5 @ California
Winner: California

Game 5: Missouri +5 @ Texas Tech
Winner: Missouri

Game 6: Arizona +13 @ UCLA
Winner: Arizona

Hometown Teams
Go U Northwestern! Northwestern + 21 @ Wisconsin
Winner: Wisconsin

Shoulder to Shoulder! Baylor +5 @ Colorado
Winner: Colorado

Fight on! Washington +18.5 @ USC
Winner: USC

Only in the SEC

In a new(and hopefully ongoing) segment that will be called "Only in the SEC", I will bring you stories from SEC territory that prove, time and time again, that they really are a different breed down there. I will give them credit for their dedication...but everything should have its limits...

This story speaks for itself.

Only in the SEC: Part 1

Favorite Quote: "Investigators aren't sure who was playing for which team, but Tennesse was ahead 28 to 14."

Good...at least they reported the score...because what would a news story about a football game (and a stabbing) be without a scoreboard update...Seriously, unbelievable.

Game 5: Washington Huskies

Game 5 Preview: The Washington Huskies (4-1, 2-0) come into Saturday's game at the Coliseum on a 3 game winning-streak, with wins over Fresno, UCLA and Arizona. They are lead offensively by senior QB Isaiah Stanback and senior WR Sonny Shackelford. The Huskies defense is anchored senior DB CJ Wallace, who leads the team in tackles, and senior LB Scott White, who leads the team in sacks and is second to Wallace in tackles.

Washington Huskies: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 167 yds/gm (39, 6)
Passing: 198 yds/gm (64, 9)
Total: 365 yds/gm (48, 7)
Scoring: 25.2 pts/gm (59, 8)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 105 yds/gm (36, 3)
Passing: 235 yds/gm (97, 10)
Passing Efficiency: 131 (74, 8)
Total: 340 (74, 8)
Scoring: 23 pts/gm (73, 7)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: -3
Sacks: +8

USC Trojans: By The Numbers
Offense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 168 yds/gm (36, 5)
Passing: 246 yds/gm (26, 4)
Total: 414 yds/gm (25, 4)
Scoring: 31.5 pts/gm (26, 3)

Defense: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Rushing: 78 yds/gm (17, 2)
Passing: 189 yds/gm (56, 5)
Passing Efficiency: 103 (22, 2)
Total: 267 (22, 2)
Scoring: 12.25 pts/gm (14, 1)

Miscellaneous: (National Ranking, Pac-10 Ranking)
Turnovers: +5
Sacks: PUSH

Analysis: Strictly by the numbers, USC should dominate this game. With an edge in virtually every aspect of the game, the Trojans are (and should be) the heavy favorites in this game. However, the Trojans have been heavy double-digit favorites in all of their games thus far, but failed to cover the spread in 3 of their 4 games. I know, I know, the Trojans, for all intents and purposes, could have covered against Nebraska and dominated (at least defensively) in Tucson...but there is something to be said about the youth (or inexperience) of this team - especially on offense.

JD Booty and Steve Smith had an electric connection in Pullman last week, but Booty has shown in inability to spread the ball around in any individual game. In addition, due to the merry-go-round running back rotation, the top backs (Moody and Washington) seem to be unable to get into a "groove."

Defensively, the Trojans speedy linebackers should be able to contain Stanback on the ground, much as they were able to last year. The inexperienced secondary may have problems with Shackelford and company, but I don't expect that to happen - there will simply be too much pressure on Stanback and too much speed on this defense for the Huskies to get anything going on offense.

Prediction: I think the Trojans win this one big. Back in the Coliseum for the Pac-10 home opener, Pete will have the troops ready to roll. Chauncey Washington is finally "healthy", and with Moody should provide a very strong running game on Saturday. In addition, I see Booty and Smith once again having a big day against this defense.
Final Score:
USC - 38
Washington - 6


Isaiah Stanback looks to "Get Crunk" against the Trojans on Saturday:





YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!

Subliminal Recruiting

As I watched the series premier of "Friday Night Lights" (on NBC) earlier tonight, a comment about playing with Mack Brown in Pasadena caught my attention. I froze...did they really just reference playing for the Horn's in the Grandaddy? Ok, ok...they are trying to be realistic and bring the series to the present. A few minutes later, in an audio overlay of a radio show, one of the "callers" mentioned how the current coach at Dillon High was "no Mack Brown." Whwhwhat? Is this show really pimping Mack? Is this advertising in his recruiting budget? And then the holy grail...the coach...Mack himself, appeared in the show. My roommate and I did a double-take before confirming that Mack was indeed ACTING in the episode. To be fair, it is a show about high school football in Texas, and Mack Brown is king of football around those parts these days, so I guess his cameo fits...

After I got over the shock factor I began to imagine what other shows coaches could appear in to "pimp" their programs...

Grey's Anatomy - Larry Coker appears in the background of a shot as a patient (on life support).

Survivor: Cook Islands - John L. Smith cameos as the funny guy that finally got voted off because the game is getting serious.

Deal or No Deal - Karl Dorrell is the contestant's misinformed friend...and keeps telling his friend to take the "Deal" when it is obvious that he should keep playing.

Lost - Dan Hawkins...just because his only possible excuse for the first half of the season is that he is stuck on a deserted island after his plane crash-landed.

Law and Order: SVU - Charlie Weis cameos as a badge-flashing (and FOUR Super Bowl rings...count 'em...One, Two, Three, FOUR) detective, that is still on cloud-nine after his near conviction of America's most wanted criminal.

Desperate Housewives - Pete Carroll...Pete cameos as the new "construction worker" at the house down the block. Strangely enough, Karl Dorrell appears in the episode as well, as a pizza delivery guy (weaing his UCLA gear). But make no mistake about it, Pete is the star of this show.

The (Fighting) Illini

Last Saturday I noticed a clip of the Illinois Fighting Illini planting a flag, or attempting to plant a flag, on the "S" in Spartan Stadium. That's right...the 2-3 Illini felt that their last-second victory over a Michigan State team that has less hope remaining than the Chicago Cubs was deserving of the flag. Now, I'm not one to completely dismiss the "flag plant" as "classless", this is college football after all - it is supposed to be fun. But can we not save it for, how should I put it, important games? Or rivalry games?




However, I recently stumbled upon the fact that this Illini bunch has been planting flags throughout history. Much to my surprise this team has a rich tradition in planting flags, which I guess makes up for their lack of football tradition.

SCTrojan09's Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Auburn
3. Michigan
4. Southern California
5. West Virginia
6. Florida
7. Texas
8. Louisiana State
9. Georgia
10. Oregon
11. Louisville
12. Tennessee
13. California
14. Oklahoma
15. Notre Dame
16. Clemson
17. Georgia Tech
18. Florida State
19. Boise State
20. Iowa
21. Virginia Tech
22. Missouri
23. Rutgers
24. Texas Tech
25. Nebraska