NCAA GridIron Gab

University of Georgia president Michael Adams has written a letter to NCAA president Dr. Myles Brand pushing for a football playoff system. The letter comes a day after LSU captured the BCS title after its 38-24 win over Ohio State. Adams, who is also the chairman of the NCAA executive committee, asked Brand to create a committee from the NCAA’s Division One Board of Directors to look into possibly staging a championship tournament in January following the bowl season.

Adams proposes that the winners of the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta bowls would meet in semifinal games on the second Saturday in January, with the championship game the following weekend. Brand responded with a prepared statement on the NCAA’s web site and said he would bring the Division One Board of Directors Adams’ request at its meeting in Nashville on January 14th. Georgia hammered Hawaii, 41-10, in the Sugar Bowl.

Six-weeks after their historic meeting at Arrowhead, the long-simmering KU-MU border war continues. Now that the season is a wrap, who’s ranked higher? A look at the “USA Today” Top-25 Coaches’ Poll shows Mizzou — the 12-and-2 Cotton Bowl winner — in 5th-place, up from 7th. The 12-and-1 Orange Bowl-winning Jayhawks take over the number-seven position. Rounding-out the top-ten, at number-one — with 60 first-place votes — is LSU. Southern California is second, followed by Georgia and Ohio State. Following the Tigers, it’s West Virginia at number-six. Then, trailing KU, it’s Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and Texas.

The LSU Tigers are kings of college football.  Matt Flynn fired four touchdown passes as LSU defeated Ohio State 38-24 in the BCS National Championship Game at the Superdome.  The Tigers rallied from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit with 31 consecutive points to take control of the game.  LSU finished the season 12-and-2 and is the first school to win two BCS titles.  It was the Tigers’ third national championship overall.  The Buckeyes got a 65-yard touchdown run from Chris Wells on their first possession, but fell behind 24-10 at the half.  Brian Robiskie hauled in a five-yard TD catch late in the third quarter to get OSU within 31-17, but Todd Boeckman lost a fumble after a sack and also threw an interception as the Tigers held on.  Richard Dickson’s second TD catch late in the fourth quarter sealed the win for LSU.  Wells had 20 carries for 146 yards for the Buckeyes, who fell to 0-and-9 all-time against the SEC in bowls.  OSU suffered five sacks, two picks, a lost fumble and a blocked field goal to finish 11-and-2.

Their was history in the making Saturday Nite in the Big Apple with the first underclassman ever to lift up the bronze, as it was made possible with Sophomore lefty from the “Chomping” University of Florida - QB Tim Tebow. The Gator took home the most prestigious award in College Football, as he finished ahead of standout Razorback RB Darren McFadden (Arkansas, Jr.) in a close race, while QB’s Colt Brennan (Hawaii) and Chase Daniel (Mizzou) were distant third and fourth place vote getters.

Tebow set numerous records, even breaking good ‘ole Florida legend Emmith Smith’s mark for the most rushing TD’s in the South Eastern Conference (SEC). Along with that accolade, Tebow now holds the record for most rushing scores by a QB in Division I and the most combined TD’s in a season (51). He set high standards and started a new, exciting trend in a year that featured the spread offense more and more, being occupied by mobile, nifty QB’s under the center, in a year of the QB, in which saw many gunslingers succeed, with Tebow outshining and outperforming them all. With the year he had, the “unheard” of numbers, and the consistent season in which he produced, Tebow was fitting for the top honors as the most outstanding College Football player this ‘08, in a year that was unpredictable from the get-go. He was in the spotlight week in, week out in a tough SEC, having to face one of the most pressure-some schedules in the NCAA. While be game planned heavily and rushed at constantly out of the pocket from all sorts of angles in an array of packages all over the place, Tebow had his #15 counted on, for almost ever single play, in contributing for a team that relied on him more than any other team in the Nation, as he had a bull’s eye on his blue & orange uni. Teams ganged up on this rushing and passing machine that was deserving of being front and center on a stage that so many elite QB’s before him walked the aisle to, as he is now rightly to be mentioned in the same breath with the likes of other pass and recent winners and of those Florida greats that won the Heisman, taking the long, grueling road from hot, August afternoons in Gainesville down to one, cold wintry nite, into a New York entrance of stardom (QB’s - Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel).

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound multi-threat weapon at QB made a home inside the end zone each and every Saturday and now the one impressive question to be asked is: Will he do it Again Next Season? Can Tebow receive the all-important trophy for a second consecutive year for the only the second time ever, as he would join Ohio State RB Archie Griffin who accomplished the unbelievable feat in the mid 70s. If I hade a choice right now, my money would be on this one of a kind athlete to be right back here during the second Saturday of December, in another presentation to remember. In hopes of being the only duplicate recipient since the former Buckeye, it would not shock me, while the odds are stacked leaning towards his favor as a front-runner already for 2008. It’s that obvious he is the “real deal” and could surely be a two-time nominee, now clearly as the best QB College Football has seen and has had to offer since Mr. Vince Young of Texas.

In this brand new edition of the “Campus Scoop” from NCAAGridironGab.com, your Host Russ Loede, Brandon Stella, and newcomer Mike Panas give you an outlook and full in-depth analysis on each important Bowl match-up.  The trio of expertise also go over the Top WR’s and cover the Heisman Race.  You can hear the ultimate insight, predictions, and breakdown of ”Bowl Bananza”, as you get ready in preparation by listening to this show leading up to College Football’s Finest Showdowns.

http://www.nflgridirongab.com/2007/12/03/ncaa-gridiron-gabs-campus-scoop-december-3-2007/

My sources have found that Steve Spurier, current head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, will be moving to Louisiana to take the head coaching job at Louisiana State University after Les Miles leaves that position. Les Miles was given permission by the Tigers to speak with Michigan this week about their vacant head coaching position after rumors have been circulating that he will be heading their way. LSU, currently ranked 7 in the BCS polls with a 10-2 record, has flourished under Les Miles, but a head coaching change is in line. Les Miles could be out of LSU soon after the SEC Title Game against the Tennessee Volunteers, scheduled this Saturday at 4 pm, and on his way to Ann Arbour to begin working with the Wolverines.

Spurrier has a coaching resume and style that could perfectly fit and spur itself into the Tigers’ fast and athletic offense. For his on the field duties, he’s a member of the College Hall of Fame, a two-time All-American, and he’s a Heisman Trophy Winner (1966). For his coaching duties with the University of Florida from 1991 to 2000, he’s won six SEC Championships with one National Championship in 1996. He’s had experience with the Washington Redskins and currently with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

1. (4) LSU Tigers (7-1), (4-1) @ ’Bama (Nov. 3) - LSU’s strength of schedule, clutch offense, and strong defense makes them the #1 pick for my Power Rankings in Week 9.  LSU won a last-second play at home against their SEC rival Auburn Tigers on a 22-yard TD reception by Demetrius Byrd from the scrutinized, criticized, and often bashed QB Matt Flynn.  Maybe LSU has found their offense with Flynn improving, Early Doucet coming back, and Byrd stepping his play up.  LSU knows how to win the big game and did close out a victory in a great finish without All-American DT Glenn Dorsey.  This looks like a team on a mission and of destiny, they don’t win games as convincgly as some want them to, but can you blame them?  The SEC is the best conference in all of College Football and this is the best team in the SEC, so I’ll go with LSU because they are more balanced then my #2 ranked squad.  LSU @ Alabama will be a primetime, premiere game next week and I hope they involve and implement RB Keiland Williams a little bit more into the offense, along with the combo of Jacob Hester, Richard Murphy and Charles Scott.  LSU is in midst of one exciting season and only has one loss on their resume and they are the most talented team next to Florida,  and what makes them so good is their coaching, and their flare for the dramatic.  LSU just knows how to win, baby! 

2. (3) Oregon Ducks (6-1), (3-1) vs. USC - 55 points on the road against Washington and the ability to score whenever they want makes this team the top team in all the land, right?  Only thing holding Oregon back is its quality of victories and this week can change that, when they play a recovering Trojans unit at Eugene in Autzen Stadium.  USC is ranked #9 in the AP Top 25 polls, and if Oregon, which they will, beats USC and impressively hands them their second loss, I will put this team #1 next week.  Dennis Dixon is the best QB next to Tim Tebow and is a Heisman Candidate and can do it all on the gridiron.  RB Jonathan Stewart is a beast at 255 pounds, and he matched his weight with his rushing yard output against the Huskies, totaling a ton in a career-high performance as the team lost their back-up Jeremiah Johnson to the season.  He stepped up to the challenge as their #1 featured back and Andre Crenshaw, along with Dixon racked up 465 yards on the ground in a historic and record-breaking day for the Ducks.  They have the best running team as they go triple-option in more ways than one and it’s so fun to watch ‘em go up and down the field at a speedy pace.  Oregon has the offense to do some major damage and they will get a victory against USC as their defense will continue to improve, knowing they have to.  I haven’t seen a team like Oregon in awhile and I have this feeling for sure that this is their year to shine and come out of the Pac-10 as the top team and challenge for the title.

3. (8) Florida Gators (5-2), (3-2) @ Georgia - Florida has the best QB in Tim Tebow and a resilient squad that won’t let down because they have two losses.  Percy Harvin and Tebow form the best 1-2 punch along with receiver Cornelius Ingram (6′4”) and RB Kestahn Moore in the best show on grass.  The Gators are “chomping” at the bit to show everyone in the nation why they are a force to be reckoned with and team that derserves as much consideration for a shot at the title then say a, Oklahoma or Ohio State.  The key right now is their defense making plays in critical situations, with the starters maturing and getting enough experience under the belt, UF is only going to get better and the sky is the limit for the most talented team in College Football, led by a do-it-all QB that has all the confidence and toughness you would want in a signal caller that goes under center thinking that every play may be his last, and a gutsy Head Coach named Urban who is a flat-out winner, helping steer and direct a team that has faced its adversity and gotten through the storm in impressive fashion.

4. (1) Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0), (4-0) @ Penn St. - The “Buck” stops here so to say, as OSU will have tough time beating a team that is similiar and has the homefield advantage.  Ohio State’s offense isn’t all that impressive as it continues to cough up the ball and has much to improve on because QB Todd Beockman is in a world of hurt, as he is making bad decisions in the 2nd half of games.  The offensive unit looks out of sync and rhthym and has much to prove, though Chris Wells’ 231-yard game on the ground was a personal best and a tremendous performance.  Robiskie, Hartline, and Small are the weapons Beockman has to throw to, but will he be able to accurately complete it to him with a tough, stingy, and stout Nittany Lion defense in his face all nite long at Happy Valley.  OSU’s defense is the best defense by far and they get better every week, and if they win this week it will be their part in the “W”.  Look for OSU to either put up and shut up (the critics) or get beaten and fall because of a weak Big Ten.  Ohio State has the talent, but the QB play is what seperates them from the Top 3 and they have to be concerned in fixing the the major issue/problem at hand.  Look for OSU to determine their destiny as they are in control of it, having to come out early and successful on offense at Penn State, but will they show if they are for real in tall task ahead?  They will be going up against a solid D and big crowd in a hostile environment, so they have much to show in State College.

5. (10) West Virginia Mountaineers (6-1), (2-1) @ Rutgers - Pat White, Owen Schmitt, and Steve Slaton will run all over a vulnerable and shaky Rutgers run defense, showcasing the talented running offense the Mountaineers live and die with.  They run the ball and run the ball some more, as they have a consistent and steady gameplan and they stick with it.  Reynauld and Devine make the team strong as they are good #3 and #4 options, along with the 6′8” WR Wes Lyons.  This team is a joy to watch and they will make the SportsCenter Top Highlights a lot after they’re done with the Scarlet Knights.  Look for them to establish their point, argument, and dominance as a team that is worthy of a shot at the National Title.  WV will go right at you and they have the speed to run around you too, as this squad is in a defining game in which they show the world they are for real!

6. (7) Virginia Tech Hokies (6-1), (3-1) vs. BC - A win at home in Blacksburg against the Matt-Ryan led undefeated Eagles of Boston College will be the icing on the cake and a great way for analysts and experts around the country to start talking about V.T. as one of the better teams in the land.  Though they don’t score a lot and their offense doesn’t get many yards (D gives up more than O gets), this team is a unit that takes care of the ball and protects their house.  They will not beat themselves and this is a balanced attack that relies heavily on their defensive and special teams units a lot.  The Hokies have no standouts besides super Freshman QB Tyrod Taylor, so they know they have to play together and tough out each and every win. I like them at home this week and I know this team has something extra to show in the national spotlight.  Limelight time is here and you have a hungry pack of Hokie birds led by an excellent coach in Frank Beamer, and his troops will be ready to do nothing but win.

7. (6) Kentucky Wildcats (6-2), (2-2) vs. Miss. St. - UK showed lots of heart, but no defense last week vs. Florida, though they made me a believer out of me in fighting towards the end like they always do, making the game closer than I thought as they clawed back with all that they had against a better team last week in Lexington.  Andre’ Woodson was brilliant with 5 TD’s and 415 yards passing, completing 70 percent in a stunning performance in a defeat.  This team has nowhere to go but up and they continue to impress and surprise me each week.  Kentucky plays like cats on defense but they are champions on offense and they have a chance to get to the SEC Title Game if they keep lighting up the scoreboard.  Look for the ‘Cats to put up 50 + this week and show everyone that will not go down easily because of two losses.

8. (Unranked) Missouri Tigers (6-1), (2-1) vs. Iowa St. - Mizzou beat up on ranked Texas Tech and destroyed the Red Raiders at their game, 41-10 - in a landslide blowout! Chase Daniel is a Heisman Candidate and the defense did it’s thing intercepting the throwing machine Graham Harrell four time!  Last week’s game set up the rest of the schedule and now they have a team that will play for the Big 12 Title barring a major upset.  The Tigers of Mizzou are the Oregon Ducks of the midwest and they have a dynamite offensive attack that has Freshman Jeremy Maclin doing big things.  Maclin can do anything that’s called of him for, as he runs the ball, catches passes, and returns both kicks and punts, making him one of the most explosiveness and elusive playmakers in the nation, in the mold of a DeSean Jackson (Cal), doing everything exceptionally well.  The defense is an impressive unit that showed what its capable of last week, and this team is one to strike at any time, scoring points in bunches.  Mizzou is the best team no one talks about and they have what it takes to make it to a BCS Bowl and make some noise with Daniel and the gang.

9. (outside) Michigan Wolverines (6-2), (3-0) vs. Minnesota -  They won without their best player in RB Mike Hart and they went into Champagne and defeated a strong Illini squad.  The UM Wolverines played really good defense and showed that they can contain the spread offense and a scrambling QB.  They did a nice job in a victory and Manningham and Arrington are the best 1-2 duo at WR.  UM is looking ahead and they know that the only way to get their season back and put a smile on the fans’ faces is to beat OSU on Nov. 17th in Ann Arbor.  This team is steadily gaining ground and moving up the polls, and the offense could not be any better, as they get Mike Hart backthis week and they are putting up solid #’s without the starting backfield of Henne and Hart.  The team is showing its balance and its attack on both sides of the football makes this squad one that can win out and work its way up to the Top 10.  UM has the talent and surely has a chip on its shoulders, while winning a close game on the road will only help.

10. (Outside) Auburn Tigers (5-3), (3-2) vs. Ole Miss - Auburn, despite three losses, is one of the better teams in the nation.  They should’ve beat LSU and they won at Florida, and that tells it all.  They have the run game, a strong-armed QB leader in Brandon Cox, and a defense that is swarming.  Tuberville and his troops are a team that is overlooked and if not for a couple of late blunders, they would be undefeated.  Auburn is a classic run ‘em down your throat type of team that gets tough play and consistency from their 5th-year Senior QB Cox, and the defense is good enough to win a game here and there.  The Tigers made their statement last week and they are here to stay if they continue to show their skill out on the playing field, as they can play with anyone in the SEC and in the NCAA.

On The Outside Looking In:    

1. (Unranked) USC Trojans (6-1), (3-1) @ Oregon - This team has too much talent to be left out and they have a superb coaching staff, though they do not have the elite group of playmakers they once had on defense and the offensive threats to score whenever, with QB problems becoming more of a factor.

2. (Outside) Boston College Eagles (7-0), (3-0) vs. V-Tech - Matt Ryan is making life a little easier for rookie Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski and this team is still undefeated - so I’ll give ‘em some credit where its due, before they lose to the Hokies away from home, in Blacksburg on Thursday Nite.

3. (Unranked) Penn State Nittany Lions (6-2), (3-2) vs. Ohio State - Survived a scare from a potent offensive-minded team in the Hooisers of Indiana, led by multi-threat QB sensation Kellen Lewis.  This team is rugged and has one of the elite defenses in all the land.  Morelli is improving and the run game looks good, while Derrick Williams is a threat to take it to the house.  Its plain and simple:  They stop the run and run the football extremely well.

4. (Outside) Arizona St. Sun Devils (7-0), (4-0) vs. Cal - Losing their best offensive playmaker, RB Ryan Torain to a foot injury, will hurt this team a whole lot, putting a lot of the pressure and onus on QB Rudy Carpenter.  Arizona St. is a mystery and they better play their heart out against an angered, upset Golden Bears team.

5. (Unranked) Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2), (4-1) vs. LSU (Nov. 3) - ‘Bama whooped Tennessee and threw the football all over ‘em and rolled by easily 41-17.  Wilson is a definite playmaker at QB and I really expect this team to give LSU their best shot.  ‘Bama is one team to keep an eye on and they have things going their way, with a balanced, complete team in Tuscaloosa.

Thursday Nite Showdown - Most at Stake - Must See TV: #2 Boston College @ #8 Virginia Tech - You gotta like the Hokies at home in Blacksburg because the Thursday Nite crowd will be on their feet boosting Virginia Tech and they will give them a big advantage and benefit the home team in this crucial ACC game that will determine who is on top in the Atlantic Coastal Conference at the end of this one, also who will stay in the Top 5, (BC) or who will move up into the Top 5 (VT), this game has it all. This week’s match-up has the most at stake of any of the games this weekend and it will be low-scoring - the way the Hokies like it. So far this season these games on Thursday Nite have gone to the home team (ex. SC, Rutgers, Miami, and WF). Defense and Special Teams will determine the winner and those are V-Tech’s greatest strengths and assets. Matt Ryan’s Heisman hopes will fall and come to end tomorrow nite in Blacksburg to the hands of a savvy, hungry, and aggressive Frank Beamer squad. Pick: @V-Tech 24 - B.C. 14 Watch out for G-Tech to return the favor next week at home vs. the same Hokies…

Scoring a Plenty - Too Much Option: #6 West Virginia @ #25 Rutgers - Lots of scoring in this game will favor the high potent offensive attack of the Mountaineers. The Option Run will pose problems for the Scarlet Knights because they will not stop it, and when a scrambling QB like Grothe ran on them last week, he had success. Look for Pat White and Steve Slaton to be on the move a ton and combine for over 350 total rushing yards on their way to the end zone 3 times each. I just see too much running for WV and they are on a mission to make it through the season with only 1 loss. Rutgers offense will crumble because of Teel’s inconsistency and WV has too many weapons to lose this Big East shootout. Pick: WVU 41 @ Rutgers 27 - Slaton and White are the best at what they do and it will show for all 60 minutes on the field in Jersey, this Saturday afternoon.

West Coast Dreamin’ - A Top 10 conest that won’t be all that it is advertised to be: #9 USC @ #5 Oregon - What a game this one will be as it has the chance to become the best game we have seen all year! But wait… I don’t see it coming down to the wire as most may expect to see. Experts will tout this one as a close game and give USC the favor because they have been there and done that, I’ll go out and say Oregon will score at least 5 touchdowns and rack up over 600 yards of offense. The Ducks have the best offense in College Football and the Trojans are on a downward spiral with Booty on the sidelines. They have no QB and Oregon has one of the best in the Ultra-Versatile Heisman Candidate Dennis Dixon. Jonathan Stewart ran for 255 last week and Oregon put up 55 on the road, at home they will put up 40+ and light up the scoreboard in a Pac-10 blowout. Pick: @Oregon 51 USC 34 - USC doesn’t have a chance in this game and Orgeon will jump out to a big lead early and show the world that they should play for the National Title and that their loss earlier to Cal was a fluke. Autzen Stadium will see plenty of fireworks this weekend in rooting for the Green & Yellow powerhouse in Eugene, against a slumping rival USC team.

SEC Slobberknocker - Early KO (Lock): #9 Florida @ #20 Georgia - Another evenly matched game in the eyes of fans and experts in a big conference showdown, though it will not turn out to be that way. No close game here as the Florida Gators are in full-effect and swinging mode, as they will knockout the Georgia Bulldogs and this game big. Tim Tebow is the Heisman Winner at this point in the season and he only can be the reason the team wins this game. Georgia’s defense is shkay and their offense does not have the playmakers to hold up with Tebow, Harvin, and Co., in protecting their house in this SEC match-up. Florida’s defense will be the key in forcing turnovers early and the Gator offense will go to work early and often, dominating the Bulldogs and showing the nation that they should be in the National Title picture and be mentioned in the same sentence/breath with the LSU, OSU, and OU, don’t let the 2-loss record fool you - this is the best road team in all of College Football.m Florida fans will get to see the benchwarmers and a team that is motivated and “chomping” by the bit to win by 30+ in order to impress voters. Coach Meyer will run up the score like the old ballcoach used to do and I smell a one-sided, lopsided affair. An LSU-Fla. rematch is looming ahead and awaits for us in the Georgia Dome, a Round 2 match-up that would be scheduled for the full 12, as it would be the “granddaddy” of ‘em all! Pick: Florida 45 @ Georgia 20

Upset: @Texas A&M over #12 Kansas - College Station will storm the field this weekend as their beloved Aggies will win this game by a score of 27-20.

Don’t Call It an Upset: @Tennessee over #15 South Carolina - Rocky Top makes it a rebound performance after last week’s debacle at ‘Bama, Vols hand it to Spurrier and stick it to a good S.C. defense. Tennessee takes care of business 23-17.

The Party’s Over: #18 Cal @#7 Arizona St. - Cal is too good of a team, no, has too good of an offense, I meant to say… to lose three in a row and DeSean Jackson will run up and down the field in this one, while his sidekick RB Justin Forsett, will go for 150+ in this Pac-10 game you have to stay up for. That combo along with the fact that Az. State is overrated and a Jeff Tedford squad that will pull out all the bags of tricks in this showdown, will be enough to unseat Mr. Carpenter and the undefeated Sun Devils. Golden Bears are the better team and come out on top by the final score of: 37-28.

The “BUCK” Stops Here (Close Call): #1 Ohio State @ #24 Penn State - Last OSU Buckeyes loss in the Regular Season was to who? Penn State… 17-10 in Happy Valley. Last time College GameDay came to the Nittany Lions Campus? October of 2005 in State College, before the OSU game. With that being said, I like Penn State’s chances because their defense will pressure the OSU offense more than the Buckeyes defense will get in the face of Penn State’s. I expect the home crowd, Morelli and the rushing attack, and an attacking defense to take a note/page out of MSU’s defense last week in the 2nd half - to be the difference. Penn State does not have problems with pocket QB’s, only the scrambling signal callers, Ohio State’s offense is not good enough to win on the road in this environment, Penn State’s defenes is good enough to get this victory, Ohio State’s bend but don’t break, stout defense will have trouble against a ball-control offense like Penn State’s, Joe Paterno’s squad will attack Jim Tressel’s squad straight up the gut win the run and attack the defensive line and go right at James Laurinaitis. I expect Penn State to play the smarter, turnover-free game on offense and have their defense hold OSU to 13 points, while the Buckeyes offense does not have enough to pull this one out and the defense will be out of position for a couple of big plays. Ohio State plays too tight, nervous, and conservative in these type of games, and I look for ‘em to collapse late in the game and for Penn State to pick up the pieces and capitalize off miscues, being the more aggressive, nothing to lose, and opportunistic team in this defensive battle of big hits. This seems like a “deja vu” game all over again and it feels like everything is set for an upset and a Penn State win over Big Ten 10 rival Ohio State - Pick: @Penn State 20 Ohio State 13.

South Florida once again this week is showing why they are contenders for the national title chase; Bulls quarterback Matt Grothe passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more and defensive end George Selvie, the nation’s sack leader, led a swarming Bulls defense that held the nation’s leading rusher, Central Florida running back Kevin Smith, to 56 yards on 18 carries as the University of South Florida routed University of Central Florida 64-12.

USF’s defense, for the 14th consecutive game, held an opposing rusher to less than 100 yards a game.  Selvie recorded a sack, giving him 11 1/2 for the season, and Grothe went 15-for-28 for 212 yards and 2 passing touchdowns; he also carried the ball 16 times for 101 yards and 2 rushing TD’s.  UCF’s main culprit was turning the ball over as they committed 3 turnovers in the first quarter alone.  USF improved to 6-0 (1-0, Big East) while UCF dropped to 3-3 (1-1 Conference USA East).  South Florida next travels to New Jersey to take on divisional foe Rutgers (4-2, 1-1 Big East), while Central Florida next faces the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-2, 1-1 Conference USA).

1. (1) LSU Tigers (6-0), (3-0) @ Kentucky - If you missed last Saturday Nite’s SEC nail biter, down to the wire finish in Baton Rouge, you missed the College Football game of the year. LSU was down and out and couldn’t figure out Tebow and the Gators, trailing 24-14 going into the 4th quarter, then comes the defense with some crucial, forced turnovers to swing the momentum, then insert the power RB Jacob Hester to help cap the comeback, coming through with a big fourth down conversion along with the game-winning score following after, and all the national title implications are at steak with a loud, full-capacity crowd at Death Valley, adding more to the intrigue, folks, you had it all in this once in a lifetime, exciting game that gave you the thrills and the chills, depending on which team you were rooting for. The senior from Shreveport was a bull and put forth a tremendous effort that will go down in history, as the LSU Tigers showed lots of guts, perseverance, heart, and resilience in a time of adversity when their season was on the line. As I was watching the game live I could not sit down, because of the fact Coach Miles and LSU kept going for it on fourth down (5 for 5), converting all of the vital plays, while one mistake could’ve cost them their season (playcalling was all-go or no-go), canceling any reservations or plans for the Louisiana Superdome in January for the BCS Championship. The game did not disappoint and it made me want to see a rematch, Round 2 in the SEC Title game in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome! Hopefully, from now until then, LSU’s coaching staff will know and understand what I have already seen - Ryan Perrilloux is the best QB on their roster. The former #1 Rated, Top 5-star, blue-chip Recruit should be their main Starter under center taking the majority of the snaps, as he gives them more talent at the spot, a better, and more accurate deep arm, and more speed/playmaking ability to become that versatile threat in the option department that need to go to more often with all those big-time athletes, now let’s see this change happen before the switching in and out (too much) at the QB postion hurts them. Now with being the first unanimous #1 ranked team since Ohio State last December, LSU heads to the bluegrass state to face off against the Wildcats in an SEC match-up that will light up the scoreboard, what more can you ask for from the best team in the nation. In all of College Football, I cannot think of a team with a better resume than LSU, beating both South Carolina and Florida, while playing impressive on both sides of the ball. Now, they have to go on to the road to beat the #17th ranked team in the land, going head to head with standout QB Andre’ Woodson, in what should be a showdown, with LSU coming out on top by two scores. If you want to watch a team that has it all, look no further than the Louisiana State Bayou Bengals!

2. (3) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0), (3-0) vs. Kent State - Arguably with the best defense in the nation, OSU’s squad dominated Purdue in West Lafayette, while they left no hope, doubt, nor controversy in this contest, for a close game against the Boilermakers, making sure there would not be any threat or chance of an upset (early on in the 1st quarter, 14-0). The Buckeyes showed a consistent running game, precise passing, and a swarming defense that attacked Purdue all nite long. This team looks more balanced with each week passing by and has all the attributes of a winner to become a National Champion. With the defense giving the opposition fits, the offense is getting more comfortable in its sets, making more and more plays, as the special teams makes for a complete team; while these Buckeyes become closer to the finished product, having their eyes set on the prize. Last year was offense, this year is defense, as this Ohio State squad has the ability to run the table and convincingly be a force to be reckoned with. Robiskie, Wells, Hartline, Small, Beockman, along with a rock-solid o-line, have answered the critics on the offensive side of the ball, while you have the defense sounding off with their actions and play on the field, week in and week out. A letdown is not likely and prolonging injuries to RB Chris Wells may be the only thing to stop this team other than a Wolverines unit, November 17th in Ann Arbor, but don’t about forget the Fighting Illini the week before. Ohio State controls their own destiny and they have the makings of another run for the trophy when it’s all said and done. If they continue to play the way they’re playing, taking it one week at a time, expect this team to meet with LSU for the #1 ranking in the land.

3. (4) Cal Golden Bears (5-0), (2-0) vs. Oregon State - I don’t see many teams keeping off with this offense in the Pac-10, but if there’s a team to knock ‘em off, it may be the defensive-minded UCLA Bruins next week on the road in Pasadena, in the Rose Bowl, a site they may re-visit if they can keep up this rapid pace. UCLA may’ve lost their QB and a lot more in a loss last week at home to an awful Notre Dame, but don’t count out an upset here. Cal should be able to take care of USC at home though (similiar team that plays into their strengths), as they have to much firepower for a USC squad that has lost their touch and mystique, while it will be a tough game, along with a road date with the undefeated Arizona State Sun Devils, I honestly expect UCLA, like they did versus USC at home last season, to possibly give Cal a tougher time than expected. The Golden Bears have shown me a lot this year with two ranked wins (not many can say that) over Tennessee at home and Oregon on the road, and I look for them to be in the hunt ’till the end if they can stay focused and win on the road, with 4 games away from Berkeley, out of the 7 remaining on the schedule for Coach Tedford’s high-powered attack.

4. (5) South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1), (3-1) @ North Carolina - What else can you say about that victory at home Thursday Nite against previously unbeaten Kentucky, other than, impressive and eye-opening, for a team that looked to lost a step after losing star defender and leader Jasper Brinkley, along with a thumping at the hands of LSU. They beat Mississippi State and then walloped an offensive powerhouse in the Wildcats, forcing Mr. Woodson, a top 10 NFL Draft projected pick, into his worst game of the season, picking him off in the end zone and recovering two of his fumbles, resulting into 14 points (DE Eric Norwood). They took over the game completely and had Woodson off his “a-game”, out of his passing rhythm throughout the contest. South Carolina has the shutdown defense, offensive talent, speed, and plays, to go along with the coaching, to eventually have their name’s considered among the elite, sooner, rather than later, this season. Potential Roadblocks: @Tennessee, @Arkansas, vs. Florida, all in consectutive weeks, in what will prove to be a mighty, stiff test, for a team that has high hopes and aspirations.

5. (6) Oregon Ducks (4-1), (1-1) vs. Washington State - I’m not jumping off this bandwagon just yet, and you better not yet either, as you cannot forget about the best offense in the nation. Oregon’s week off last week, one that they rested from, went over gamefilm, along with gameplans, and recovered from a tough loss, will help them get into full swing in Eugene against the Cougars. I expect them to be within striking distance of the Top 3 throughout the whole College Football season and I really like their chances of making it the Rose Bowl over Cal. As for now, look for them to roll by the next two weeks and so the world who they really are, October 27th versus USC. Oregon has been my darkhorse, outside shot title contender for weeks now, and I’m not giving up on them because of the Cal loss, so count on them to rebound because of their spread offense that is the most dynamic in all the land.

6. (Outside) Oklahoma Sooners (5-1), (1-1) vs. Mizzou - The Red River Rivalry was a close, 28-21 victory for the team in red, led by Bob Stoops’ club. The Sooners rebounded in a way I expected them to and beat the rival Longhorns. This week the explosive offensive show of Bradford, Kelly, and Patrick host the red-hot, Chase Daniel-led, undefeated Missouri Tigers in Norman. I have to go with OU here, and if they win this by two scores or more, in which I think they are very capable of, they will shoot up the rankings and reach the Top 3. Oklahoma has too much talent to lose at home and I think their loss @ Colorado two weeks ago was a big-time wake up call, one that got this team more than ready for their sights set ahead to running the table after they beat Missouri, making their way back to the Big 12 Title game once again, and rolling their way back into title contention, this team is a definite Contender, and watch out for them Big 12 foes. I feel that OU is ready to make a run for the gold and they will go as far as their defense allows them to, as the offense is set in place.

7. (8) Boston College Eagles (6-0), (3-0) @ Notre Dame - B.C. has a Heisman Trophy Candidate and a future Top 10 NFL Draft pick in QB Matt Ryan, so you have to consider them as a top team for now… But as I look ahead, reviewing the remaining oppenents on their schedule, you have to wonder if they have what it takes to beat two hot defensive-ridden teams in Virginia Tech (road) and Florida State in back-to-back weeks? Also, they have ACC rivals Maryland and Clemson in consectutive weeks away from the friendly confines at home, so I don’t think this team is a legitimate title contender just yet, and I’ll stay away from putting them up in my Top 5, as I expect them lose at least two games in the next 5 upcoming match-ups, with four of ‘em on the road. The schedule has been very nice to them so far, as they’ve only had to play once away from home, so you have to wonder about them if they are a contender, or a pretender? I’ll take the latter part…

8. (9) West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1), (3-1) vs. Mississippi State (Oct.20) - Ahead of South Florida for the second week in a row, and only 8th behind B.C. because of Pat White’s continued injury problems, this team has what it takes to run the table and win a big Bowl game this year. In a 55-14 rout over ‘Cuse, this team rebounded in great fashion, and they are on my list of teams that are underappreciated. The Mountaineers stil feature the best backfield combo in the nation and they have an improving passing game. WVU will be a team that will have their shot at the National Title if QB Pat White stays healthy and if they beat the undefeated Bearcats on the road November 15th in Cincinnati. They should beat Rutgers and be able to take care of Cincy because of their ultra-speed weapons on offense, along with an excellent coach in Rich Rodriguez.

9. (Unranked) Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1), (3-0) @ Iowa - This team can not be any hotter than it is right now! They are like butter, they are on a roll, and I called the upset against Wisconsin, if you call it one then call it, if you don’t, then don’t. At home against the 5th ranked team in the nation (I can already hear the “overrated” chant all the way from Champagne), the Fighting Illini used a heavy dose of RB Rashard Mendenhall (3 TD’s, 160 rush yards) and QB Juice Williams to “badger” the Wisconsin defense, using options to success, running all over their Big Ten rival at home. They dominated early on with a 17-0 lead and were impressive in all facets of the game, as they strolled by the Badgers on offense with an efficient attack through the air and via the ground game, en route to its biggest victory in years. The campus cannot be any more excited than it is right now and the sky’s the limit for Ron Zook’s lean, mean, fightin’ machine, that has everyone buzzing all round’ the nation. The Illini face a couple of tall tasks ahead, having Michigan at home (Oct. 20), and Ohio State on the road (Nov. 10) later in the year. Would be undefeated if not for a close 40-34 shootout, in a loss to Mizzou opening week. I expect them to go into the “Shoe” and play the Buckeyes with the Big 10 title on the line down in Columbus, and I have this feeling that they are for real, being a Contender to be dealt with seriously, it’s not just a Basketball school anymore, not is it…?

10. (Unranked) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1), (2-0) - Lots to choose from here for the final spot in my Top 10 Power Rankings in Week 7, as I considered Stanford (oh, yes, what an UPSET over USC, 39-POINT Underdogs!!!), Florida (valiant effort on the road), South Florida (despite only beating Fl. Atl. by 12), Tennessee (smoked a #12 ranked Georgia Bulldog squad 35-14), Cincinnati (beat a tough Rutgers team on the road, 28-23) and Missouri (mightily impressive against Nebraska at home, winning 41-6!). I have to go with the Hokie birds because of their big-time road victory against the Clemson Tigers, 41-23. They were excellent on Special Teams like always, while starting Fr. QB Tyrod Taylor is getting better by the second. Taylor is a mulit-threat QB and is a extremely good talent, and it’s remarkable to see him bring back the Hokies and lead them as a first-year player in the ACC, that is something rare. Coach Beamer’s squad is playing some lights out defense and they are overcoming the tragedy the school went through this last summer. Watch out for this team to run the table and become a scary threat that no one will want to play come November and December, as they will dismantle B.C. and show the Nation what they’re made of!

On The Outside Looking In:

1. Tennessee Volunteers (3-2), (1-1) @ Miss. State - @ ‘Bama and at home vs. S.C. in back-to-back weeks after this week. Closes out Kentucky on the road November 24th.

2. Michigan Wolverines (4-2), (2-0) vs. Purdue - Tough games coming up: @ Illini next week, @ Wisconsin (Nov. 10) and at home vs. Ohio State (Nov. 17).

3. South Florida Bulls (5-0), (1-0) vs. UCF - @ Rutgers and UConn in back-to-back weeks and at home vs. Cincinnati the following week for a tough three-game stretch that will decide their season and determine if they are a Pretender or a Contender.

4. Missouri Tigers (5-0), (1-0) @ OU - Brutal road games to close out the year @ Kansas State and Kansas, with the in-state rivals providing tough tests. OU game will be the measuring stick, so to say, for this up and coming squad who has already beaten Illinois (road) in Week 1.

5. (Tie) Florida (@ UK - Oct 20), USC (vs. Arizona), Kentucky (vs. LSU) - All teams that had their chances to win big games on the road to boost their rankings and knock off rivals en route to a Top 5 ranking. Oops… Sorry, I forgot USC is not supposed to be in this bunch, wrong category….! The Trojans took a small(?) step back, in a hard one to swallow, as they lost to the MIGHTY Stanford Cardinal, led by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, it was a tough game and a 24-23 loss at Home in the L.A. Coliseum, a place where they previously had not lost a game in 35 tries… and oh, yeah, they were 39-POINT FAVORITES on TOP of that!!! This is why College Football is the best sport in all of America, better than the NFL! UPSET City every week and Showdown Central gets better as the weeks go on, and we’re only in the Middle of October!

Others not included that are undefeated (Pretenders): Cincinnati, Hawaii, Arizona State, and Kansas.