Week 13 NCAA Predictions

By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Alabama @ Auburn

The Iron Bowl. No one outside of Auburn thinks the Tigers have a shot, and for good reason. Auburn has lost four of six, with the defense being a bit shaky down the stretch. Alabama coming into town is certainly not good news, as they excel in every area of the game. Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide should cruise to victory and then get ready for the biggest game of the year next season, when Alabama will play Florida for a shot to go to the BCS Championship Game.

Alabama 31, Auburn 20


Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma

This is unbelievable, but a loss here means Oklahoma is a 6-6 team. Quite the fall for a team that was in the national title game last year and started the season ranked in the top 5, but injuries have clearly played a role. Oklahoma State has really had a great season, going 9-2 so far, even with the loss of their best player, Dez Bryant. Oklahoma’s defense has not been particularly strong this season, which is good news for the potent Oklahoma State offense. For whatever reason, Oklahoma is an 8 point favorite this week – guess reputation can go a long way sometimes. Okie State will go into Norman and claim victory.

Oklahoma State 35, Oklahoma 27


Utah @ BYU

Another episode of a vicious rivalry, which doubles as a culture war. Both teams are real solid this year, as has been the case most of the past few seasons. However, it has always felt like BYU has been a little better this year, even if they both have the same record. I like BYU in this one because of their explosive offense. Expect a solid day from QB Max Hall.

BYU 28, Utah 16


Georgia @ Georgia Tech

Georgia has had a disappointing year, Georgia Tech has not. The Yellow Jackets, playing in the ACC Championship Game next week, would certainly love to beat their in state rival for the second straight year. Considering how mediocre Georgia has been all season, that won’t be too tough a task. With the wishbone offense and some tough defense, Georgia Tech wins and prepares for the chance to make a BCS bowl game.

Georgia Tech 24, Georgia 10


Notre Dame @ Stanford

Will this be Charlie Weis’ last game? Will they let him coach the bowl game? It’s pretty clear to most that he needs to get fired, and this game will show exactly why. Stanford, with less talent, and a coach that has been there for less time, is going to absolutely work the Irish. Stanford had a tough break last week in the Big Game, but they still have an offense that will give Notre Dame fits – and the Irish are going to have a ton of trouble stopping Toby Gerhart. Notre Dame should put up good offensive numbers, but the Cardinal will pull away in the second half.

Stanford 44, Notre Dame 24


Five other games to watch: Nebraska @ Colorado, Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Florida State @ Florida, Arizona @ Arizona State, Arkansas @ LSU

Write the Check Jack
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer-Midwest/Northeast Correspondent

Mr. Swarbrick, remove the checkbook from your dapper business suit and get it over with. Put that shiny ballpoint pen and University letterhead to use. Cut Charlie his check, list some replacements, and move forward.
Since 1996 Notre Dame football is no longer relevant. The Irish have garnered more tabloids than National Titles the last 15 years.

When Weis took over he claimed that his previous predecessors made excuses. However, he was only half right.
Bob Davie and Ty Willingham said the University no longer could recruit elite athletes because of academic rigors.
In 5 years Weis has disproven some excuses but not all of them. He brought in three top ten recruiting classes. His third was number one in the country. Skill players are loaded throughout the roster.

Weis recruited with the big boys and beat them out for blue chip talent. Manti Teo and Michael Floyd turned down powerhouses USC and Ohio State for an education and eventual football glory.

However, other demons have never seemed to cease from South Bend. An arduous schedule during the Davie and Willingham tenure saw better results than the watered down ones of last two years.

Davie opened his final season with a Nebraska team that played for the national title. Willingham closed his tenure beating two top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan. The Wolverines went to the Rose Bowl that year as well.

Weis is 1-10 versus ranked teams, 0-5 versus USC, 3-10 in November, and now 0-3 the last two years versus the lowly Big East. He opened his last two seasons with WAC teams and pounded another to eradicate a 7 game bowl-losing streak.
Weis has not had to play the SEC and Big 12 powers like his past predecessors and couldn’t get improved results with players twice as good.

The last two Senior Days have been disgraceful. Tears normally reserved for a final goodbye were wasted on inexcusable losses. After 4 years Senior Days were designed for a proper send off. Instead those seniors were pelted with snowballs and booed during their own Alma mater and 1812.

Weis never had a quality defense during his tenure in South Bend. The defense has been exposed repeatedly game after game. This year it has finally gotten out of control. Weis tried two new coordinators and brought in defensive genius Jon Tenuta.
Yet, all recruiting cycles never registered elite defensive ends or linebackers capable of running a dominant defense.
Every Quarterback has looked like Johnny Unitas versus this defense and they clearly lack the defensive skill or coaching to stop anybody. When Navy runs 40 yards up the middle consistently with a fullback then you are that bad.
Weis’s staff countered that by calling the Midshipmen classy and dirty.

Notre Dame has been the same story since Weis arrived. Yet, these deficiencies have reared their ugly head the last two years. The Irish put up gaudy offensive stats and 30 points in a lot of their contests and cannot come out on top.
Like in 2001 and 2004 the spotlight is on the Notre Dame AD.

When adversity stared former AD Kevin White in the face he panicked. George O’Leary resigned and Ty Willingham was unjustly cast as the next head coach. Charlie Weis debuted better than expected and name came NFL rumored fudges a ridiculous contract extension.

Its all on you Jackie boy and this move will make or break your alma mater. Again you intend to wait until the end of the year instead of acting now.

Didn’t your past predecessor make the same mistake? Don’t you remember him whiffing twice on his top candidates?
Mr. Swarbrick past history has always produced a sour outcome and this situation won’t be any different. Apply the ink on the page and inscribe the necessary zeros.

If you dare reach for anything make sure it’s your checkbook Jack. Not for another potential disastrous hire.
This time lets get it right.

                        ACC Wrap up Week 12
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
William Queen
Jr. Contributing Writer
Football Reporters Online

 
MIAMI 34 DUKE 16
Though the final score suggests it, this was anything but a blowout. Duke was winning 13-10 at the half and looked to be in the middle of an ACC upset. However, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris had different plans in the fourth quarter. Throwing for 348 yards and two touchdowns on the game, Harris led the Hurricanes to a 21-point run in the fourth quarter to knock the Blue Devils out of bowl contention. Now having scored in 7 straight games, Miami running back Damien Berry went for 76 yards and a score on the ground, as receiver Leonard Hankerson caught 8 passes for 143 yards one touchdown. I think the Cane’s offense didn’t wake up until it was almost too late and just about caused them another loss. Meanwhile, on the other sideline, Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis wasn’t having that bad of a day in his hometown, going 27-40 for 303 yards and one score. However, it just wasn’t enough; while Miami picked up in the second half, the Blue Devils failed to respond. Donavan Varner had a career day; catching eight passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. But he was unable to spur Duke past Miami, losing their 55th straight road game vs. ranked opponents. Ultimately, this game marked the end of the reign of Thaddeus Lewis, as he’s finishing his career without a bowl game appearance. And… well… doesn’t really do much for Miami, as they’re sitting at third in the Costal division anyway.
 
CLEMSON – 34 VIRGINIA – 21
Outplaying the Cavs in the second half, Clemson fulfilled their season-long goal of going to the ACC championship. Tiger quarterback Kyle Parker threw for 234 yards and two scores and is starting to look like a very promising quarterback, especially since it’s his freshman year. Watch out for Parker in year’s to come. Heisman hopeful CJ Spiller carried Clemson on his back all year and he didn’t plan on stopping. Racking up 114 all-purpose yards, Spiller edged the Tigers over Virginia to clinch their first ACC title appearance in 18 years. Senior receiver Jacoby Ford led Clemson in receiving, catching six passes for 106 yards and a score and second string back Andre Ellington ran one in as well. All in all, Clemson finally pulled themselves together and stringed together wins when needed to reach the ACC title. They’ll be playing a very tough opponent in Georgia Tech. But if they can pull off the upset, they’ll be in a BCS bowl.
FLORIDA STATE – 29 MARYLAND – 26
Finishing the Terps off in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles made Maryland’s season just that much more miserable. Though Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel had a TD-INT ratio of 0-3, he handed the ball off to Lonnie for two scores, leading the Seminoles past Maryland. Coming into the season, I had the Terps as perhaps the Atlantic champions. But currently residing at the last spot in the ACC, Maryland hasn’t lived up to the hype.
 
NORTH CAROLINA – 31 BOSTON COLLEGE – 13
UNC came out firing, taking a prompt 21-3 lead in the first quarter and, though they didn’t score again until the fourth quarter, didn’t look back. Though Tarheel running back Ryan Houston scampered for a tough 45 yards and two scores, the rest was one on the other end of the ball. Running both a fumble and an interception back for a touchdown, the UNC defense simply came to play as they shattered a good Boston College team 31-13.

ECAC® Lambert Meadowlands Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Football Poll
presented by FieldTurf

1. Cincinnati

2. Pittsburgh

3. Penn State

4. West Virginia

5. Boston College

6. Temple

7. Navy

8. Rutgers

9. South Florida

10. Connecticut



ECAC® Lambert Meadowlands Championship Subdivision (FCS) Football Poll
presented by FieldTurf

1. Villanova

2. Richmond

3. William & Mary

4. New Hampshire

5. Penn

6. Holy Cross

7. Colgate

8. Harvard

9. Delaware

10. Lafayette

ARV: James Madison, Central Connecticut State.



ECAC® Lambert Meadowlands Division II Football Poll
presented by FieldTurf

1. California (PA)

2. Shippensburg

3. Edinboro

4. East Stroudsburg

5. Bentley

6. Clarion

7. West Chester

8. Bloomsburg

9. Merrimack

9. Southern Conn. State

ARV: Gannon.



ECAC® Lambert Meadowlands Division III Football Poll
presented by FieldTurf

1. Wesley

2. Thomas More

3. Delaware Valley

4. Albright

5. Montclair State

6. Washington & Jefferson

7. Alfred

8. Kean

9. Amherst

10. Johns Hopkins

ARV: Lebanon Valley, Susquehanna, Maine Maritime, Springfield, St. John Fisher.

Week Eleven NCAA Predictions

By Max Baez
Reporter for Football Reporters Online

Ohio State @ Michigan

Yes, the great rivalry, Ohio State vs. Michigan……oh wait, one of these teams is pretty bad, the other is consistently overrated. Great. Okay, well it’s nice that these two still absolutely hate each other, making this game a whole lot more exciting. Michigan has been absolutely terrible the last month and a half, but they are at home, and the Big House is never easy to play in. However, Ohio State has pretty much owned Michigan over the last decade, and this will be Ohio State’s last opportunity to win a game this season, as they will get blown out by whoever they play in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State wins big, and Rich Rod gets to wonder if he keeps his job.

Ohio State 24, Michigan 7


LSU @ Ole Miss

The third and fourth. Ole Miss has been a disappointment, going from a top 10 team to unranked, with Jevan Snead being the biggest disappointment on the team. LSU has a good record, and wins the games its supposed to, although rarely looks that great doing it. I think this game has upset written all over it. Ole Miss looked pretty good last week in disposing Tennessee, and LSU’s penchant for being “just good enough” will cause them problems in this road game against a talented team. Look for Dexter McCluster to have another massive game in a big win for the Rebels.

Ole Miss 20, LSU 14


Cal @ Stanford

The Big Game! Cal looked good last week against Arizona, well, Arizona blew the game, but at least Cal showed some signs of life. Stanford though, damn! The way they beat USC, absolutely wrecking them and embarrassing them, was incredible. They are clearly a team that gets better every week, and at this point, I think a lot of people will vote for Toby Gerhart for Heisman. The Cardinal are one of the hottest teams in the country and are clicking at the right time, as they should be able to put up a lot of points and rule this rivalry for this season.

Stanford 38, Cal 20

UConn @ Notre Dame

I think at this point, the writing is on the wall for Charlie Weis. He simply hasn’t gotten the job done, and his recruiting victories haven’t meant a whole lot on the field. Notre Dame wants to be among the elite programs in America, and it simply isn’t going to happen under Weis. This is the type of game the Irish have lost under Weis too: home games against smaller programs with decent, but not great, teams. I can’t even count how many times the Irish have lost games like this the past few weeks. Look for a UConn win, and for Weis’ really hot seat to heat up more.

UConn 23, Notre Dame 20

Oregon @ Arizona

I was certainly very wrong about Arizona last week. When making my predictions, I forgot I was talking about Arizona, the team that shows life, but then chokes it away when it matters most. The bad news for Arizona is that they still control their own destiny to go to the Rose Bowl, which surely means that my alma mater will choke away the game this week against the high-octane Oregon offense. This should be an offensive shootout, but Arizona’s defense has struggled at times this year, and my gut instinct just tells me that Arizona will only start winning again when they don’t control their own destiny. After this week, they won’t (which, in turn, means they will beat ASU next week.)

Oregon 41, Arizona 34


Five other games to watch: UNC @ Boston College, Oklahoma @ Texas Tech, Air Force @ BYU, Penn State @ Michigan State, Kansas @ Texas

SEC Wrap Up Week 11

By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region

Ole Miss 42 Tennessee 17
At kickoff the question would be if the Vols could overcome what had just happened with three players, when they were accused of armed robbery, and the answer was they simply could not. What they ran into was Ole Miss back Dexter McCluster and his school records of 282 yards rushing and 324 all-purpose yards. The Vols had practiced all week on how to bottle him up but could not even tackle him when he was right in front of them. Several Vol players said that he was the best player they had faced all year. He started the scoring four plays in with a 15-yard run to make it 7-0. Tennessee answered right back when Jonathan Crompton tossed a 16-yarder to Jeff Cottam to tie it. The teams traded scores, but when Daniel Lincoln hit a 27-yard field goal to make it 21-17 Rebels, the roof caved in on UT. The field goal was followed by three unanswered touchdowns by Ole Miss and they never looked back. McCluster had a beauty of a 71-yard score to open the fourth. He was able to make his way through the defense and just run away from the defenders that could not catch him. He showed plenty of heart for a kid that weighs all of 170 pounds and plenty more speed. So the Vols answered the question that everyone was asking this week about the three student arrested and how it would affect them. They started out strong but ended with a dud. They are still one win away from being bowl eligible so they have to suck it up and get back to work. They have Vanderbilt at home next week and then go to Kentucky to close the season. Neither of these games is a lock so lets get ready for a photo finish.

Florida 24 South Carolina 14
This game would give Steve Spurrier another shot at beating his old school but he would once again come up short. The game was decided by defense when it counted most. AT&Tebow tied the SEC mark for career touchdowns and the Gators won their 20th straight. It was the first time a Florida team has gone undefeated in league play since 1996 when Spurrier was the coach. Tebow was unable to dominate on this day as he was just 14-25 for 199 yards and had 26 yards on 16 carries. He did have a touchdown pass and one rushing but ran into a determined Gamecocks defense. It appeared that they might lose this game as S.C. quarterback Stephen Garcia was driving his team to a potential tying score. He kept the drive alive with a fourth and two conversion but then came the big mistake. As he threw the ball it was tipped and DE Justin Trattou grabbed it and ran 53 yards to set up the game clincher by Tebow four plays later. So now the Gators are perfect in the regular season and have a laugher next week when Florida International visits the Swamp. They will use that one to rest up some players for the big showdown against Alabama for the SEC title. The loser goes home very disappointed while the winner will play for the BCS title.

Georgia 31 Auburn 24
When the game started it looked like Auburn would halt a three game losing streak to Georgia. They got off to a 14-0 lead on their first two possessions and the rout appeared to be on. Then the Dawgz got to work and cut it to 14-7 by halftime. The second half was all Georgia as they scored the first 10 points in the third and running back Caleb King scored twice on runs of 11 and 24 yards. The first touchdown broke a 17-17 tie and then the Tigers answered when Demond Washington ran the ensuing kickoff back 99-yards to tie it again. The second touchdown by King looked to end it but Auburn had other plans. They were driving down the field to set up the game tying score when quarterback Chris Todd’s pass fell into the arms of Mario Fannin at the goal line. Just as he was catching the pass Bacarri Rambo dove at him hitting him so hard it knocked the ball away for an incompletion and knocked Rambo out.
So another SEC team is now bowl eligible and that brings the count to nine. How many will get into one is yet to be determined but that is football in the most powerful conference in the country.

Other scores:

Alabama 31 Mississippi State 3

Kentucky 24 Vanderbilt 13

LSU 24 La. Tech 16

Arkansas 56 Troy 20

  ACC Wrap Up Week 11
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
 
Georgia Tech 49 Duke 10
It has been some season in the Coastal division this year and it is ending with the Yellow Jackets as champs and the division representative in the ACC championship game.  They tried to make it interesting when Duke took a 10-0 lead with 1:30 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff Orwin Smith bobbled the catch, recovered it, and then ran it 83 yards to the Duke 2-yard line. QB Josh Nesbitt ran it in from there and it was 10-7 going into the second quarter. Here the Yellow Jackets would remember what they were playing for and whom they were playing against. It started with a Marcus Wright option run for 16 yards to make it 14-10. Jonathan Dwyer, who ran for 110 yards on 14 carries, ran it in from three and the rout was on. The Yellow Jackets had over 500 yards of offense and the defense held Duke to 25 yards rushing. Nesbitt was just 6-10 passing but had 195 yards including a 75-yard strike to Demarylus Thomas to add insult to injury. Duke has had a promising season but finds itself at 5-5 needing to win their final games to have any hope of making a bowl. Those final two games are at Miami and at home against Wake Forest. Neither will be a push over and the odds are stacked against the Blue Devils.
 
North Carolina 33 Miami 24
The climb back into the national picture has been some climb for Miami. Now they were faced with a determined Tar Heel team playing in front of its home crowd. The game saw them take advantage of a career-high four picks by Hurricane QB Jacory Harris. Three of those were by Kendric Burney deep in Miami territory. He returned one 77 yards for a touchdown and teammate Melvin Williams returned another 44 yards to make it 30-17 with just over nine minutes left in the game. The play had to be reviewed because Burney made the pick originally. As he crossed into Miami territory he appeared to flip the ball forward to Williams and he ran the rest of the way. Replay upheld the call but Miami answered right back when Harris drove them down the field and hit Jimmy Graham from 14 to make it 30-24. They got the ball back, marched down the field again, and were just about to take the lead when Harris was picked off. A field goal sealed it and the hopes of Hurricane fans for a major bowl went down the drain. It’s the second straight year that the Tar Heels have made a bowl. They also won their fifth straight against a top 25 team and are 3-0 with Butch Davis against his former team. On one last note Burney had an ACC single game and school record of 170 interception return yards in one game.
 
Clemson 43 North Carolina State 23
Once again it was the C.J. Spiller show as the back threw a touchdown pass to Xavier Dye from 17 yards out, had a scoring run from 16 and finished the night off by catching a touchdown pass from 34 yards. It was quite the show from a college player that has spent the season on highlight films everywhere. He had help from his quarterback Kyle Parker (12-18 for 183 yards and two touchdowns) and running mate Jamie Harper (4 carries for 86, including a 69-yarder). The offense piled up 454 yards of offense and they will need that and more when they play Virginia next week. A win there and they are in the ACC title game as the Atlantic Division champs against Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack just could not keep up with Spiller and even though they kicked away from him a couple of times. They did manage 377 of offense and were able to put up points but it was always playing catch up. They did not get any help from receivers dropping passes and drives stalling. So it is all set for next week when they host the Cavaliers for the Atlantic. After that they end their season at South Carolina and could get to nine wins when at first it did not look like they could get there.
 
Virginia Tech 36 Maryland 9
 
Florida State 41 Wake Forest 28
 
Boston College 14 Virginia 10

A view from the stands
  LSU 24 La. Tech. 16

By William Queen
Jr. Contributing Writer
Assisted by Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region


It was Homecoming weekend for the Bayou Bengals and the tailgating scene was crazy. Tiger fans stretched for miles around campus, preparing for the 100th homecoming game in LSU history. Thousands of fans lined up on North Stadium Road, hoping to get a glimpse of the players and band marching towards the stadium. Cheers came for head coach Les Miles, all the players, the band, and the cheerleaders. However, the refs didn’t get the royal treatment. An explosion of boo’s and taunts were directed towards the refs as they entered Tiger Stadium. Though the atmosphere was incredible, the game wasn’t sold out. Due to LSU’s unexpected struggles, it was rather quiet. Déjà vu? I think so. Last year at about this time, LSU was coming off a stunning overtime loss to top ranked Alabama and had to pull off a 28-point comeback to overcome Tulane the week after. It just so happened that this game wasn’t an easy one either. Trailing La. Tech 13-10 at the half, the Tigers appeared to be hung-over from the Alabama game. Going 0-3 on third downs, being out-gained 229-138 offensively, and having already allowed 131 yards on the ground, the Tigers needed to make some serious half-time adjustments if they want to keep their season alive. This was about the time that the blame shifted over to starting quarterback Jarrett Lee. Lee started most the 2008 season for the Tigers and threw 16 interceptions, including six returned for touchdowns, so he already had a bad wrap. However, the bayou Bengals were playing without starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson and starting running back Charles Scott, so you can’t blame him; they were playing with a different cast of players. A certain feel that the fan base gave him is not proper. “That's not the way it should be," LSU coach Les Miles, said concerning Lee. "He's not perfect and dang it, we didn't play well. It wasn't his entire fault. It just seems like we are ready to jump on him and I'm not ready to”. Holding the Bulldogs to two field goals and just one touchdown, the LSU defense did a pretty good job of bending but not breaking. Besides, the only touchdown they allowed was when the quarterback went in motion and the ball was snapped to the running back, who then did a Tim Tebow-like pass over the line; all this occurring on the last play of the half. Now all of Tiger Stadium knew the chances of that happening again were once in a Blue Moon. So needless to say that, though the Tigers were losing, LSU had the upper hand coming into the second half of the ballgame. The fourth kick-off of the game for the Bulldogs was, once again, kicked short in attempt to avoid the ball from getting in the hands of Trindon Holliday; the fastest player to ever put on shoulder pads. The Tigers stalled their first drive, but after forcing a quick three-and-out, came back on offense and executed a nine-play, 58-yard drive; capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by Keiland Williams. At this point, leading 17-10, the Tigers looked to be back in business. Led by junior safety Chad Jones, the LSU defense stiffened in the third quarter, squandering every one of Tech’s drives short of a score. Fighting for their 25th straight victory vs. non-conference opponents, the Tigers defense did not take a play off the rest of the night. Now perhaps another reason for LSU’s offensive freeze this game was because they hadn’t been on the field much. The Bulldogs had the ball in their possession for 36 minutes and 20 seconds of the game, keeping the dynamic Tigers offense off the field. However, this was not an excuse in the second half. The defense did their part, the offense responded in the form of senior running back Keiland Williams. Running for 116 yards off 16 carries and two second half touchdowns, Williams unwaveringly took over injured starter Charles Scott’s role. “It definitely gives you more confidence when you are out there knowing that you are not going to be pulled after one or two carries," Williams said, who moved to number one on the depth chart due to Scott’s injury against Alabama. Williams scampered away from tackles and scored his second touchdown on a nine-yard touchdown with only 7:01 to go in the fourth quarter, practically suffocating the Bulldogs hopes of pulling off the upset.  Earlier that drive, true freshman quarterback Russell Shepard enjoyed what was perhaps the loudest roar of the night as he jogged out on the field to take the next snap. A designed quarterback run, Sheppard enjoyed even more applause as he ran for 14 yards that play and then an additional three yards the play after. Then, right on cue, the crowd felt as if they’d been tricked, as Jarrett Lee jogged back on the field to finish off the drive. Trailing 24-13, the Bulldogs only hopes were two quick scores. Yet, after one first down, they stalled and turned the ball over on their own side of the field. Giving LSU good field position at the 41, the Tigers looked to run the clock down. When the game looked to be out of reach, LSU’s game-icing drive ended in a fumbled field goal snap, giving the Bulldogs the ball and perhaps another chance at pulling off the upset. Louisiana Tech freshman kicker Matt Nelson finished the drive with a 49-yard field goal, setting up an onside kick and a chance at beating the Tigers for the first time in over a century. Predictably, LSU recovered the onside try and kneeled on it for the win. Throughout the game, you could tell that the Tigers were holding something back, especially on offense. Though this game was a close one, don’t be surprised to see the Tigers come out firing against SEC rivals Ole Miss next weekend. After the game, some players sneakily worked their way out the stadium, trying to avoid the rush, while others paused and signed autographs. You only get to play one homecoming game; the senior’s last. And when these players were talking to fans, signing autographs, and taking pictures, you could get the sense that they knew when to turn it on. LSU is still one of the best teams in the country.

The Northwest Report-Week 11 Rewind
By Nick Haswell for Football Reporters Online

Week 11 of the college football season provided little excitement from the Northwest teams in action. The biggest story was Idaho State finally winning its first game of the 2009 season by defeating Portland State 41-34 a week after the Bengals lost a 12-10 heartbreaker to Montana on a field goal as time expired. It was the final game for both the Bengals and the Portland State Vikings in 2009. It was also the final game for Jerry Glanville as the Vikings head coach, as he resigned on Tuesday from his position. Glanville finished with a disappointing 9-24 record in three seasons at PSU, failing to deliver the victories that his hiring as head coach was expected to achieve.

Elsewhere, it was a slow week in the Northwest college football action, as all the favored teams won comfortably. Here are the recaps of each game:

Game of the Week-Idaho at Boise State: The sixth ranked Boise State Broncos(11-0) made quick work of the Idaho Vandals(7-4) in their 62-25 victory in the annual rivalry game. The Broncos jumped out to a 42-17 halftime lead after a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Titus Young with just 14 seconds left in the first half, after the Vandals had shortened BSU’s lead to 35-17. Kellen Moore continued to showcase himself for the Heisman trophy with 299 yards passing and 5 touchdowns in a little more than a half of work. Idaho did gain 514 yards of total offense on the Bronco defense, but turned the ball over seven times.

UCLA at Washington State: The Washington State Cougars (1-9) suffered another blowout loss in the 2009 season in losing to the UCLA Bruins 43-7. The Cougars offense could only muster 181 yards of total offense, and the defense allowed 556 yards to the Bruin offense. Only a 46 yard pass from Kevin Lopina to Jeffrey Solomon in the third quarter avoided a shutout for Wazzu.

Washington at Oregon State: The 23rd ranked Beavers (7-3) raced out to a 20-0 lead and were never really threatened by the Huskies (3-7) in their 48-21 win. Sean Canfield threw for four touchdowns, two of them to James Rodgers, and Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Husky RB Chris Polk, enjoyed his second consecutive 100 yard rushing performance with 116 yards rushing. But Jake Locker struggled against Oregon State’s pressure, throwing for just 153 yards in the loss as the Huskies saw their bowl dreams vanish with the loss.

Arizona State at Oregon: After a tough defeat on the road to the surging Stanford Cardinal last week, the Oregon Ducks (8-2) came home to defeat the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-6) 44-21. The 13th ranked Ducks were led by LaMichael James’ 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The Ducks defense limited the ASU offense to just 211 yards of total offense on the night.

Eastern Washington at Southern Utah: The EWU Eagles (7-3) kept their postseason hopes alive by beating the SUU Thunderbirds 41-28. Matt Nichols threw for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns on the afternoon. He also ran for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles must beat Northern Arizona on the road on Saturday to have any hope for an at-large bid in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs.

Portland State at Idaho State: In the season finale for both squads, the Idaho State Bengals (1-10) avoided a winless season by defeating the Vikings (2-9) 41-34. Russel Hill threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns, all to Kelvin Krosch , for the Bengals. PSU’s Justin Engstrom threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, but also threw four interceptions in the loss.
Northern Colorado at Montana: With their 38-10 win over Northern Colorado (3-8), the Montana Grizzlies (10-0) clinched their 12th consecutive Big Sky Conference title outright. Chase Reynolds broke a close game open with two long touchdown runs (54 and 37 yards) early in the third quarter. Reynolds finished with 151 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The Grizzlies are just a victory over rival Montana State away from their second perfect regular season in three years.

Sacramento State at Montana State: The Bobcats (7-3) kept their playoff dreams alive by beating the Sacramento State Hornets (4-6) 27-17. MSU will have to defeat their hated in-state rivals and the 3rd ranked Montana Grizzlies at home on Saturday to have a chance at an at-large bid in the FCS playoffs. Bobcat QB Cody Kempt completed an efficient 20 of 29 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over the Hornets.

Week 11 NCAA Predictions
By Max Baez
Contributor to Football Reporters Online

West Virginia @ Cincinnati

First of all, I think Cincinnati is absolutely for real. It’s a shame that there is no playoff in college football, because Cincinnati deserves a shot to play for a national title (although I wouldn’t argue they are one of college football’s two top teams.) Also, I’d like to thank the football gods for placing this game on a Friday, so that it doesn’t interfere with the many great games taking place on Saturday. West Virginia is a solid team, and luckily for the Mountaineers, Noel Devine will play, although it remains to be seen if he will be at his maximum production. I do respect West Virginia, but I think there is definitely a sizeable difference between these two teams, and while I expect it to be competitive, I expect the Bearcats (and their expected 2 QB rotation for this game) to take it.

Cincinnati 38, West Virginia 28


Iowa @ Ohio State

Seven days ago, Iowa was undefeated. Now, they are a 17 point underdog (yes, you heard me, 17 point underdog) to an unimpressive Ohio State team. I really have no idea why this spread is so high. Sure, Ricky Stanzi is injured, but Ohio State hasn’t had a good offense all year and Iowa allows under 16 points a game, so the spread just doesn’t add up. As for what will happen in this game, it’s tough to say. Iowa was squeaking out wins all season until they lost to lowly Northwestern last week, while Ohio State, as said earlier, hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. I’m definitely not expecting this game to be high scoring, and I’m going to take Iowa in a close one, as I expect their defense to get the job done.

Iowa 13, Ohio State 10


Stanford @ USC

Two years ago, it was one of the biggest upsets in college football history when Stanford went into the Coliseum and knocked off mighty USC. This year, Stanford is flying high, and is actually ahead of USC in the Pac-10 standings (5-2 vs. 4-2.) Stanford proved themselves nationally with a huge win over Oregon last week, and they hope to take their high powered rushing offense to USC. Some are even expecting Stanford to win this one, and I personally wouldn’t be shocked to see it happen. However, USC should be able to exploit Stanford’s main weakness; their secondary. USC’s weakness this year has been their passing game, but USC has more talent at receiver, and their receivers should be able to get it done this week. Stanford will keep this one really close, and Toby Gerhart will certainly have a great game for the Cardinal, but expect the Trojans to finish on top.

USC 30, Stanford 27


Arizona @ California

At the beginning of the season, I said Arizona would finish fourth in the Pac-10. The media said Arizona would finish eighth. While I knew the media was overlooking Arizona, and that Arizona was certainly better than mediocre ASU and UCLA, I was wondering if maybe I, as an Arizona grad, was overestimating my beloved Cats just a little bit. However, I ended up underestimating my school. Nick Foles, who didn’t even start the first three games, has proven to be one of the best underclassmen quarterbacks in the country, and Arizona has had a very easy time putting points on the board. Cal, on the other hand, is simply pretty average. Add in the fact that their best player, Jahvid Best, is out for this game, and Arizona should take this one. It’s simply going to be tough for the Golden Bears to score enough points in this one to win it.

Arizona 31, California 16


Notre Dame @ Pittsburgh

How many more games are left for Charlie Weis to coach before he gets fired at the end of the year? This one actually has some potential for an upset. Pitt has looked very good this year on both sides of the ball (they rank in the top 20 in both offensive and defensive scoring.) However, this could be a dangerous game for them. Notre Dame can put points on the board and keep it close, and deep down, Notre Dame is more talented. Also, as for why I think this can be an upset, Pitt is coached by Dave Wannstedt. I don’t think I need to expand on why that’s my justification. But then again, Notre Dame is coached by Charlie Weis, effectively making this the toilet bowl of coaching. But I still think Notre Dame wins this game, it’s just a gut feeling. Weis still gets canned either way.

Notre Dame 31, Pittsburgh 24

Five other games to watch: Tennessee @ Ole Miss, Auburn @ Georgia, Utah @ TCU, Idaho @ Boise State, Nebraska @ Kansas

                      
 SEC Wrap Up Week 10
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
 
Alabama 24 LSU 15
 
For Alabama the task was simple, win the game and win the West. They needed this win to keep pace with Florida and Texas for the BCS title. So as the teams took the field each coach knew they had to get the best game of the year from their teams. What they got was an entertaining game that now clears the picture in the SEC. LSU looked strong early and it looked like they would get the best in this one. With LSU playing the run, the Tide put the ball in the air 25 out of the 34 times they threw the football in first half, but could only muster a Leigh Tiffin 28-yard field goal. In the meantime the Tigers were up 7-3 with Quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott leading the way. Then the two of them were hurt in the second half and the game changed. It was 10-9 Alabama after a safety when Stevan Ridley had an 8-yard scoring run to put LSU up 15-10 going into the fourth quarter. Then Alabama showed the form that has gotten them this far this year. Running back Mark Ingram ran for 106 of his 144 yards in the second half and receiver Julio Jones had his best game of the year. It was reported that one or more of the Tigers defensive backs had been talking smack to Jones all day. Well all of that was squashed when he broke LSU’s back on a 73-yard catch and run for a 21-15 lead his team would not relinquish. Another Tiffin field goal with 3:04 left ended the scoring. With the win the Tide clinched the West and will play Florida for the SEC championship on December 5 in Atlanta. Barring a breakdown before that, the winner in Atlanta should play for the BCS title.
 
Tennessee 56 Memphis 28
The one thing that has been a constant this year in Knoxville is coach Lane Kiffin. He has stirred the stuff on more than a few occasions and this week was no different when Memphis coach Tommy West supposedly said some kind of joke that involved Kiffin and a dog. After the game Kiffin shot back in true fashion saying the dog had bitten back. He did not make any friends in the game either as he had his Vols play with the intensity of a conference championship. They kicked an onside kick with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and went for it a few times on fourth down in the first half. He would also call a timeout on a third down play when Memphis had the ball at their own 14. It was his way of sending a clear message to his team that they would be playing full throttles the rest of the season. Yes it was Memphis they were playing and the Tigers scored most of their points against back up players. It did not matter as Jonathan Crompton threw for a career best 331 yards, five touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. It could have been worse but Kiffin pulled him in the third and then the defensive subs followed. It was a game that Kiffin hopes he can use to help recruiting in the Memphis area for the future. He has made many waves in his rookie season but he has also put a fire under these Vols. They are playing the brand of football that has not been seen in awhile here. They still have a few games left and if they can win out they stand a shot at bowl bids like the Outback and the Cotton. It’s still early up on Rocky Top but things are looking up for the future of Tennessee football.
 
Florida 27 Vanderbilt 3
One of the things I hate to hear is when they say a team got a moral victory in a loss. To me there is no such thing. So that takes us the Gainesville and the game between the Commodores and the Gators. It was never a contest but Vandy sacked AT&Tebow four times and limited him to just 27 yards rushing. He was efficient but Vanderbilt made him work harder than usual and Florida looked to have more questions than answers. They could not get into a flow and were confused with the different looks they were getting from the Vandy defense. Either way the Gators won their 19th straight game and is now on cruise control for their showdown versus Alabama for the SEC title. As for Vanderbilt, they showed again they have a top-flight defense but lack the offense and consistency to beat teams like Florida. Mistakes and stalled drives continue to be the flavor and they had to punt seven times. Mackenzi Adams started for the injured Larry Smith but could only get 100 yards passing and the offense managed just 199 total yards. That will not get it done in this league so Florida must now win out and use these next games as preparation for Alabama. If they play like they did on this day they will not beat the Tide and defend their national championship. Hold on cause now its SEC football at it’s best.
 

                                           ACC Wrap Up Week 10
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
Assisted by William Queen Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
 
 
 
 
VIRGINIA TECH - 16 EAST CAROLINA - 3
Killing drives and calling back touchdowns, penalties and turnovers killed the Pirates in this one. Due to a solid performance by the East Carolina defense, the game was never out of reach. Yet, a touchdown called back because of holding and a fumbled ball going out the back of the end zone for a touchdown were a few of things that held East Carolina short. Despite their narrow escape, Virginia Tech running back ran for a career-high 179 yards, as quarterback Tyrod Taylor had 198 all-purpose yards on the night. Perhaps the most valuable player of the game was Virginia Tech’s kicker Matt Waldron. Waldron split three field goals through the uprights, tripling the points of the East Carolina offense. Offensively, the Pirates were just full of bad breaks; their only trip to the red-zone was called back because of a penalty. Quarterback Patrick Pinkney had a mere 169 yards passing with no scores and the whole team managed only 110 yards on the ground. But hey, with eight punts on the day, the punter got a good workout. From the Hokies stand point, by winning this game, they keep their top-25 stature in tact. With a relatively easy schedule left, all the Hokies can do is win-out and see what happens.
 
GEORGIA TECH - 30 WAKE FOREST - 27
This game was fluke-upset, if you will, by Wake Forest. Perhaps the third time that Wake Forest blew an upset this season, they’ve got to get better at closing games out if they want to make a bowl game. The Yellow Jackets got off lucky. Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner went 26 for 40, 263 yards, and two touchdowns, keeping it a close game throughout. However, the Deacons offense was one-dimensional and I’m not quite sure how Georgia Tech didn’t manage to stop them through the air. But either way, Georgia Tech matched it offensively, rushing for a grand total of 412 yards or four scores. The thing with Georgia Tech is that they’re perhaps the only team in the entire nation that can be one-dimensional offensively and still beat you. Now when you do run a one-dimensional offense and still manage to be the #7 team in the nation, then you pretty much know that you can move the ball. Back to the game and it was a fairly inconsistent one. Coming into the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets looked to have had a firm 10-0 lead. Yet, storming their way through, Wake Forest put up 17 answered points, leading by seven at the half. Georgia Tech ended up forcing the game into overtime; where the good teams are separated from the great teams. There, Josh Nesbitt ran for a 1-yard fourth down conversion and eventually ran it in for the game-winner. Closing in on the ACC title, all Georgia Tech has to do is win out and they’re in.  
 
CLEMSON - 40 FLORIDA STATE – 24
Say all you want about this game, but when it was all said and done, CJ Spiller won it for the Tigers. With 312 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on the night, Spiller was a man among boys Saturday night in Clemson. And the amazing thing about his performance is that, more than half the time, he looked like he was just jogging around the field. On a different note, Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker has really stepped up his game lately having yet another good showing with 242 yards and four scores through the air. Yet, the whole offensive explosion out of Clemson could have just been the outcome of five Florida State turnovers. Either way, Clemson simply outplayed Florida State when it really mattered. Outscoring the Seminoles 19-0 in the 4th quarter, the Tigers merely wanted it more. Going 21-33, 262 yards, and one touchdown; outside his, drum roll please, four interceptions, Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder had a pretty good game. Seminoles running back Jermaine Thomas had 119 yards rushing, along with one score and a solid 4.6 YPC. In terms of the ACC title race, this game may have just pushed Florida State out of the picture. If they had one, then they’d win the tiebreaker over Clemson with a 3-3-conference record and currently be holding 1st place in the Atlantic division of the ACC. However, with Clemson’s win, the Tigers are sitting at 1st in the Atlantic division and Florida State is holding up the 3rd spot behind Boston College.
 
NORTH CAROLINA - 19 DUKE - 6
Scoring only six points, Duke’s offense came to a sudden halt this Saturday vs. UNC. Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis had thrown for 300+ yards in each of his last 4 games up until now. UNC running back Ryan Houston ran for 169 yards and caught for another 15, spurring the Tar heels offense past Duke.
 
MIAMI - 52 VIRGINIA – 17
At the end of the first half, Miami held a mere 7-point lead and this game looked to be a close one. However, with the help of stellar performances by both quarterback Jacory Harris and running back Graig Cooper, Miami out-scored Virginia 28-0 in the second half; ultimately leading them to a 52-17 beating.
 
NC STATE - 38 MARYLAND - 31
Though they turned the ball over 4 times, in the end, NC State somehow managed a victory. Wolf pack quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns, as well as a score on the ground, surging State past Maryland for their first in-conference win of the season. 

FAT, ARROGANT, AND RUDE IS NO WAY TO GO THROUGH COACHING SIR

John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent

Charlie Weis, John Tenuta, and Corwin Brown have you seen your midterm grades? In 2009 I’ve seen them.
Mr. Brown, great cornerback recruits, making every Quarterback look like a Heisman winner, and tight ends, torching an experienced secondary. Including one that plays intramurals at Annapolis? One C, two D’s, and an F congratulations you’re at the top of the pledge class.
Mr. Tenuta, 115 yard versus Nevada, game saving interceptions, 600 yards versus USC, and 348 yards on the ground against Navy. One C and three F’s what a great example you’ve set amongst outstanding credentials.
Mr. Weis a 34-31 loss to Michigan, a 34-27 loss to USC, and being defeated by service academies two of the last three years. Your grade point average is 0.2.
Fat, Arrogant, and Rude is no way to handle your self amongst the best fans in the country.
As a coaching unit combined, the last three years your GPA is 0.0. I want to repeat this to all your other assistants what I am about to tell you right now.

You’re expelled!!! ‘
Dismissed!!!
I want you to vacate the campus at the end of December.
I have also informed other desperate teams that you’re all now eligible for alternate employment.
After clearing the stadium last Saturday Notre Dame Nation resembled Dean Wormer. No doubt if these men could be tied up in a room surely fans would recite the classic movie line over and over.

Notre Dame’s fan base has become Dean Wormer and Director Jack Swarbrick has become Robert Hoover. ND Nation wants their charter revoked while Jack Swarbrick can grant them one more semester.

These next 3 games are the final stand of the Weis’s tenure. The firing parade can be crashed with a convincing win over Pittsburgh. Weis’s staff is more than capable of pulling off a Delta Tal Ki and winning out with two ranked teams remaining.
Like the spirit of Delta, Weis knows he is capable of pulling this off. With Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and excellent offensive play calling there is a fighting chance.
How could you count them out?

Will Golden Tate or Brian Smith deliver the famous John Blutoski speech? Or are Weis’s days finally numbered along with his sick coaching buddies?
We will know Saturday night.
It wasn’t over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor. It will be over if the Panthers bomb the Irish.

WE WIN LIKE A TEAM WE LOSE LIKE A TEAM
The Story of the Notre Dame Student Section
John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent

While browsing you tube for Flyers and Penguins clips over the years I came across an instructional video for Eagle fans. Any person who has experienced the nightmare of a Philly fan probably had a better chance guessing these guidelines then winning the lottery.
Let me guess…
Drunkenness? Check. Booing? Check. Fighting someone? Check. Yet, it was a certain saying in the video that left a distinct impression.
“Being an Eagle Fan is a 24/7 job and it’s a lifestyle.” “As a Philadelphia Eagle fan you are in that huddle with the team.” “When they celebrate that’s you in there.”
672 miles away Notre Dame’s student section is living proof. These future leaders of America come to the game jacked since 6 am the previous Sunday. The passion is there from every snap, on every touchdown, and at the conclusion of every game. They do not need to soil your garments in alcohol or spot you a pair of boxing mitts to prove it.
The student section conducts their own personal party during the game. They are the heart and foundation of Notre Dame stadium. Their vocal chords swell faster during a game then Ashlee Simpson after three songs. They boogie to Rakes of mallow and swirl their index fingers during each and every kickoff.
Whether it is knocking around beach balls, throwing fellow domers up for pushups, or chanting their displeasure for Pete Carroll running up the score, the emotion is unparallel.
If a holiday could exemplify their section it might one celebrated every May on the Bayou.
Now, most student sections would provide quicker rebuttals for these statements than a seasoned salesman. Hold the phone everyone.
I have seen numerous student sections on TV in my 23 years as a college football fan. From Happy Valley to Ann Arbor to the SEC the volume and passion are without a doubt present. However, during the down time they are just average hardcore fans taking a necessary breather.
At Notre Dame students like the rest of the country hate TV timeouts but find entertaining ways to pass the time.
This week I had the pleasure of seeing my sister in the house that Rockne built for the last time. She snuck me in the student section and immediately I felt at home.
While I always wanted to be a Notre Dame student and I will forever bleed Fordham colors. My sister fulfilled a childhood dream for me in 30 minutes.
On a heavily congested and decrepit wooden bench, filled with Notre Dame seniors, they made room for me. They introduced themselves without batting an eyelash.
Of course it was the day of all days to live out a childhood dream. The Irish football team might have stuffed memos in each student’s mailbox saying their minds were already in Pittsburgh and today was a horrible out of body experience. They probably were better suited stuffing envelopes than Navy’s fullback.
During an unheard of 23-21 loss there was anger and sadness amongst the students that followed. No matter how many chances the Irish offense squandered in the second half, the faith in a potential win stuck like glue. However, this time they selected a horrible time to come up short.
The clock struck zero and the Midshipmen alma mater could be heard amongst a silent 80,000. After fans filed out of the stadium quicker than grade school kids out of a classroom, there was the packed section of Irish students enraged, shocked, and devastated remaining in their seats.
No matter how much they wanted Charlie Weis to asphyxiate on a donut or Jack Swarbruck to get Urban Meyer on speed dial, they came together with the Irish players and swayed to the alma mater.
This game obviously does not mark the last time I will attend an Irish game with my sister. It was however the last one I could share with her as an ND student.
In an explainable loss I was honored to join shoulders of the best student fans in the country and sing the alma mater. Also, join them in cussing out fellow students that repeatedly chanted “Fire Charlie Weis!” Now, not to sound like Meryl Streep but I nearly cried.
Not for a 23-21 loss that hadn’t been witnessed since my parents were in grade school. But, that for once in my life I was living a boyhood dream as a Notre Dame student. While it was only for a second half football ill remember it forever.
And if that is my last game every in South Bend I couldn’t think of a better way to remember it.

TCU @ San Diego State- A View from the Stands-
By Will Osgood For Football Reporters Online

You could say Saturday’s result when the Horned Frogs crushed the Aztecs was to be expected. That doesn’t make the loss any easier to swallow though for Aztec fans, or for that matter any less sweet for the boys from Texas.

What did surprise me from the stands at “The ‘Q” was seeing just how much bigger, stronger, and faster the young men from Texas were than the San Diego surfers. The overall talent level shown by TCU far surpasses that of any other Mountain West Conference team, in my opinion.

The people I watched the game with did not who TCU QB Andy Dalton was before the game. Afterwards, they were wondering if he is going to be drafted this year, and he’s only a junior.

Dalton was as accurate as any quarterback I’ve watched all year. He fired the ball around the yard with precision and touch. He made quick, smart reads and controlled the defense by keeping them off balance.
Plus, he showcased some wheels that haven’t been seen from a QB on that field since SDSU QB Kevin O’Connell two whole seasons ago. Dalton seems to have the size, smarts, and leadership ability to play himself into the top of the draft next season.
The entire TCU offensive line was gigantic, and outweighed the SDSU defensive front line quite easily. Despite their size, they were quicker and more athletic as well. Several times on screens or off tackle type runs you would see one of those big offensive tackles operating fluidly in space and making a key block to spring a long run the TCU Running Back.
And when Andy Dalton dropped back to pass, good night! He was never touched, or at least it seemed that way.
The Aztecs lone defensive prospect, linebacker Luke Laologi, was pretty much neutralized because of the great line play and a well-called game. The few times I spotted him, he was struggling to shed blockers, which is probably why he finished with only five tackles.
When the Aztecs possessed the ball, which is was rare, Jerry Hughes showed me a little something. No, he did not notch a sack in this contest, but he was firm against the run, showed good athleticism to be able to move around in space, and good recognition on a three-step drop to get his hands up and knock a pass down. Scouts will be just as, if not more impressed with those things than him dominating some poor tackle who had no chance anyway.
The other player I made sure to keep an eye on was SDSU Senior WR DeMarco Sampson who has come on very strong since Junior WR Vincent Brown left the lineup with an injury. Sampson showed he can run with TCU, and showed tremendous ball skills to come back to underthrown passes.
He did fumble once when he tried to make something happen. I’m not going to knock him too much for that though, given that his team needed a big play, and nobody else was going to make it happen.
All in all, despite the lopsided score, I saw some positive strides being made by Brady Hoke’s squad. But I was also very impressed with TCU. They are well-coached and have as much talent as any team, this side of the SEC or Big-12, plus a few others. In my opinion, they are worthy of not only a BCS Bowl, but should Texas slip, they seem to be a realistic contender for the National Championship Game. They are that good.

The Northwest Report-Week 9 Rewind
By Nick Haswell for Football Reporters Online

The 9th Saturday of the college football season provided two great matchups in the Northwest. Unfortunately, neither game lived up to its expectations as the home team in each game scored decisive victories. The victors of each game still have hope of winning a National Championship in their teams’ respective classifications, while the losers of each game have seen their championship dreams vanish.

Game of the Week #1-USC at Oregon: In Eugene, the Oregon Ducks established themselves as the team to beat in the Pac 10 conference after dismantling the USC Trojans 47-20. Duck QB Jeremiah Masoli accounted for 386 yards of total offense and 2 TDs. RB LaMichael James added 183 yards rushing as Oregon rolled up 613 yards of total offense; the most yards given up by a Pete Carroll led USC defense. The Ducks now enjoy a one-and-a half game lead on 2nd place Arizona in the Pac 10 standings. USC, meanwhile, falls to 3-2 in the conference, which ties them for 4th.

Game of the Week #2-Weber State at Montana: In Missoula, the Montana Grizzlies separated themselves from the rest of the Big Sky with their 31-10 win over the Weber State Wildcats. Montana dominated the Wildcats on both offense and defense, as evidenced by the total offense difference of 506-299. Chase Reynolds led Montana with his 241 yards rushing and a TD. The Wildcats also suffered from 4 Cameron Higgins INTs, including 2 by CB Trumaine Johnson. The Griz are just a victory over cellar dweller Idaho State away from clinching a share of their 12 consecutive Big Sky Conference Championship. With the loss, Weber State is now tied with Eastern Washington for 2nd place at 5-2, but has more than likely seen their postseason hopes dashed due to its 5-4 overall record.

Washington State vs. Notre Dame (in San Antonio, TX): Notre Dame dominated Washington State at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio by winning 40-14. The Fighting Irish enjoyed a 592-206 total yard edge and won the time of possession battle by over a 2:1 margin. RB Dwight Tardy for the Cougars racked up 72 yards rushing, but only on 8 carries, as the Cougars fell behind quickly and was forced to throw early and often.

UCLA at Oregon State: James Rodgers ran for a 17 yards TD with 44 seconds left in the game to lift Oregon State over UCLA 26-19. UCLA had tied the score at 19 with 2:06 left in the 4th quarter on a 7 yard TD and successful 2-point conversion. The Rodgers brothers, James and Jacquizz, accounted for 338 of the 463 total yards of offense for the Beavers and Jacquizz also threw for a 14 yard TD in the 2nd quarter.

San Jose State at Boise State: Kellen Moore completed 21 of 33 passes for 278 yards, 3 passing TDs and a rushing TD in leading the Boise State Broncos to a 45-7 win over the San Jose State Spartans. After the Spartans tied the score at 7 with 11:28 remaining in the 2nd quarter, the Broncos scored 17 points to finish the first half, including 2 TDs in the final 44 seconds of the half, in pulling away from San Jose State.

Louisiana Tech at Idaho: DeMaundray Woolridge scored his 2nd TD of the 4th quarter with 52 seconds left, and Trey Farquhar kicked the extra point to lead Idaho over Louisiana Tech 35-34. Vandal QB Nathan Enderle threw for 327 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. The difference in the game proved to be a missed PAT by Louisiana Tech after its final TD, after going up 34-21 in the 4th quarter.

Portland State vs. Eastern Washington (in Seattle, WA): Eastern Washington CB Matt Johnson tied a Big Sky record by picking off 4 passes in a game in the Eagles’ victory over Portland State 47-10. EWU QB Matt Nichols passed for 413 yards and 4 TDs. Eastern limited PSU to 278 yards of total offense, including only 163 passing. Last year, Vikings QB Drew Hubel threw for 623 yards and 5 TDs against Eastern Washington.

Idaho State at Montana State: Montana State RB rushed for 108 yards and 2 TDs as the Bobcats blew out the dismal Idaho State Bengals 41-10. Idaho State actually led the game 10-3 until a Bobcat TD tied it at 10 with 4:07 left in the 2nd quarter. After that, it was all Montana State. Idaho State finished with only 144 yards of total offense, including just 17 on the ground.

                                                  ACC Wrap Up Week 9
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
assisted by
William Queen
Football Reporters Online
 
 
 
NORTH CAROLINA – 20 VIRGINIA TECH – 17
Virginia Tech came into this game as heavy favorites, but left as just another inconsistent team in the ACC. Big names such as Tyrod Taylor fooled fans into believing it would be a high scoring affair. However, early on, it proved otherwise. Holding Taylor to only 161 yards and no touchdowns through the air, UNC’s defense proved to be very strong against the pass. They also prevented the big play from happening; both of the Hokies touchdowns came off 1-yard runs. On the other side of the ball, UNC quarterback TJ Yates threw for a mere 131 yards, but managed a crucial two touchdowns through the air. Two turnovers also spurred UNC to victory, including a recovered fumble at the Hokies 24-yard line with only 50 seconds left. Off the turnover, sophomore kicker Casey Barth chipped one through the uprights for the win. Not only did Virginia Tech practically lose their chances at the ACC title, but they also ruined a potential 10-2 season. These games show just how unpredictable the ACC can be. One week, North Carolina has their heads down due to a blown lead and the next thing you know, they’re upsetting the #13 team in the country.
 
MIAMI – 28 WAKE FOREST – 27
In my mind, the Hurricanes established themselves as another one of those feast-or-famine teams. When they show up to play, they’re one of the best teams in the country. But on other days, such as this one, they don’t quite get their message across. Now I know they won, and boy were there some stats. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris threw for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns, as his opposition Riley Skinner threw for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, Miami didn’t win this game, Wake Forest lost it. Winning 17-0 midway through the second quarter, the Deacons looked to pull off a tremendous upset. Though, once again, turnovers plagued the hopes of Wake Forest ever winning this game. Two missed field goals and an interception in the fourth quarter alone; they practically gave the game to Miami. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how badly Miami played. There’s really no specific area. They couldn’t take advantage of turnovers like I’m used to seeing them do, their defense was running in circles and they nearly lost to a .500 team. Unfortunately, Miami is currently third in the costal division of the ACC and looks to be on the outside looking in at the ACC championship game.
 
DUKE – 28 VIRGINIA – 7
I never thought I would get to say this, but Duke’s on a run! This win makes it their third straight ACC victory this season, something that the Blue Devils haven’t done in 10 years. Now as for the game, there was the 343 yards through the air by Duke Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis He has gone for 300+ yards in five games this season, leading the Blue Devils to an impressive 5-3 record. Posting a 9-3 score at the half implied a low-scoring affair, however it proved wrong, as Duke exploded for 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to seize the victory. Usually, it’s Duke’s offense that does the work, but what really surprised me was how well Duke played on defense. Allowing a meager 196 yards of total offense, the Blue Devil’s defense played one of their best games all year. Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell threw for only 86 yards and back Rashawn Jackson rushed for only 83 yards. Virginia was embarrassed on third downs. But in the end, all this mess equals the Duke Blue Devils being at the number two spot in the Costal division of the ACC. One more win and they’re bowl eligible, two wins and they’ve secured a bowl trip and if they win out then they’re ACC champions. Duke controls their destiny. 
 
FLORIDA STATE – 45 NC STATE – 42
Can we get some defense? NC State quarterback threw for 349 yards and 5 touchdowns and Seminoles quarterback threw for 277 yards and one score, both offenses drove all over the field the whole game. The game-winning score came from Bert Reed on a 3-yard reverse, giving Florida State their second in-conference victory.
 
GEORGIA TECH – 56 VANDERBILT – 31
An impressive win over an SEC team, Georgia Tech improved to 8-1 on the season.  They scored 56 points, along with 597 yards of total offense, the Yellow Jackets offense didn’t disappoint. Georgia Tech’s defense locked up the second half, holding Vandy to just 3 points.
 
BOSTON COLLEGE – 31 CENTRAL MICHIGAN – 10
Going up against perhaps the best the MAC has to offer, Boston College didn’t let anyone down. Eagles running back Montel Harris helped the offense with his 136 yards rushing, as the defense did its part with two forced turnovers.
 
CLEMSON – 49 COSTAL CAROLINA – 3
Possibly the easiest game of the year so far for Clemson, the Tigers scored 49 unanswered points over a three quarter span. No real impressive stats, as playing time was distributed between players evenly, giving them a chance to look ahead to next week’s ACC showdown vs. the Seminoles.

                                 SEC Week 9 Wrap Up
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
 
Tennessee 31 South Carolina 13
The last time their was this much excitement in Knoxville the Vols were considered a good team. When this year began the idea was to get the program back to it’s winning ways. A task tat would fall to new head football coach Lane Kiffin and his new staff. Things did not start well for the Vols but began changing when they lost that narrow game to Florida. They followed it up with a closer one against Alabama. Although they were losses they seem to build the character of this team and they seemed to have found some kind of unity and understanding of each other. I had written that maybe they had found that missing piece of something that they needed to build their confidence and play ball again. Well on Saturday they were facing a Gamecock team that would not fold easily. Yet when it came to game time they could not execute as they fumbled three times in the first half to help the Vols take a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Vols wore Halloween uniforms also going with the black top with orange letter on it. It was a move by a team that is feeling more confident each week. After the first half all the Vols had to do was hold on to the lead as South Carolina never really threatened or put up any kind of fight. It was a huge win for the team as they showed that they can compete and finish against a quality opponent. The fact that they were humiliated by S.C. last year, then a few days later Phillip Fulmer was advised that he would not return as coach, played a big part in their motivation. Jonathan Crompton continues to improve and show more confidence in his game. He managed the game well going 12-24 for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly he did not throw an interception and was on target for the most part. Montario Hardesty continues to run strong and hard as he ended the game with 121 yards on 23 carries. There was the almost customary blocked field goal and that will have to be addressed too. Junior Chad Cunningham handled the kicking duties while Daniel Lincoln was nursing an injured quadriceps. Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia had 300 yards passing on 25-50 but most of it was late when his team was trying to come back too little too late. He was bothered all day by the new blitzing schemes implemented this past week and never really could get into a rhythm. The running game was not a factor as well due to the lead that was built by Tennessee. It was the first time in a while that UT outplayed a Steve Spurrier coached team like this. He is usually prepared for any situation but not on this day. The win puts UT at 4-4 on the year with hope of finishing off strong. An 8-8 record is not out of the question yet.
 
Florida 41 Georgia 17
This was not supposed to be this bad but AT&Tebow made sure it was. He accounted for four touchdowns, throwing and running for two each, and set the record for rushing touchdowns in SEC history with his 50th and 51st of his career. A.J. Jones had two big picks and another was returned five yards by Brandon Spikes for a touchdown. It was the best that      Florida has played in quite some time as they won their 18th straight game to extend the nation’s longest win streak. They also clinched at least a tie for the SEC East title after the South Carolina loss. As for Georgia it was a rough outing to say the least as they are still smarting form last year’s 49-10 loss to the Gators in which coach Meyer called two timeouts to prolong the Bulldogs loss. Pictures of him calling the timeouts were posted all over the Georgia locker room and but it did nothing as far as motivation. Georgia QB Joe Cox was replaced in the lineup by Logan Gray and the Gators welcomed him on the pick by Jones to end the scoring. Georgia will now have to take another look at their team to see what they can do to salvage a season they hoped would go better than this one has gone. They are now at 4-4 overall and at 3-3 are tied with South Carolina in the East. It’s been a disappointing season but they have time to finish strong.
 
Mississippi State 31 Kentucky 24
It was the Anthony Dixon show as he ran for a school record 252 yards and two touchdowns. He broke the school record that was held by Jerious Norwood (247 yards) right after he broke the career mark also set by Norwood two weeks ago. The Bulldogs keep their bowl hopes alive and are now 2-3 in the West and 4-5 overall. Quarterback Tyson Lee was efficient going 10-17 for 145 yards a touchdown and two picks. For the Wildcats it was not enough even though they started so strong jumping out to a 14-3 lead. Quarterback Morgan Newton continues to show signs that he is the future of this team. He was just 11-19 for 119 yards but on his 11-yard scoring run he dragged defenders with him showing his toughness. He made good decisions but made his mistakes as well. Kentucky was moving the ball in attempt to tie the game but fell short when they turned it over on downs. The bowl picture still looks god for both of these teams.
 
Auburn 33 Mississippi 20
 LSU 42 Tulane 0
Georgia Tech 56 Vanderbilt 31
Arkansas 63 Eastern Michigan 27