NCAA College Football News

Week Five of college football

2007-09-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we are already into Week Five of college football?

This could possibly be a college football Upset special

Illinois over Penn State

How long is Illini coach Ron Zook’s memory? The last time Penn State visited Champaign, the Nittany Lions led 56-3 at halftime and won 63-10. Afterward, Zook told his players this was as bad as it would ever get. “Sometimes you hit rock bottom before you start coming up,” he said that day. Those who were in the program won’t forget, and the Illini are improving every week.

Also worth watching

Florida State vs. Alabama (at Jacksonville, Fla.)

Maybe for the only time this year, Nick Saban isn’t the coaching story in an Alabama game. Bobby Bowden grew up in Birmingham a fan of two programs, Alabama and Notre Dame. He enrolled at Tuscaloosa, stayed a semester before returning home to marry his high school sweetheart. “I lived and died with Alabama,” Bowden said. Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews was a football star at ‘Bama. Tide defensive coordinator Kevin Steele served at Florida State for four years.

West Virginia at South Florida (tonight)

It was one of the more stunning upsets of 2006, South Florida winning at West Virginia. The Mountaineers will try to return the favor and keep their national championship hopes alive. But it won’t be easy. The Bulls have risen to national prominence and in a season where offenses are going wild, including West Virginia’s, South Florida has one of the nation’s top defenses. Last year, the Bulls held the Mountaineers to 132 rushing yards.

Michigan State at Wisconsin

The Badgers put their nation’s best 13-game winning streak on the line against the surprising Spartans, who will break into the polls with a victory. Michigan State is getting it done like a vintage Big Ten team, with a run-first offense and defense. Wisconsin has been winning ugly and has been unconvincing in victories over The Citadel, UNLV and Iowa.

On the horizon

Don’t make plans for Oct. 6 — it’s a can’t-miss Saturday:

Florida at LSU: Should meet again in early December; Virginia Tech at Clemson: ACC title game preview?; Texas-Oklahoma (Dallas): Winner stays in national title picture; Cincinnati at Rutgers: Two ranked teams from the Big East; Nebraska at Missouri: Big 12 North showcase game; Kansas at Kansas State: Legitimacy at stake for Jayhawks; Ohio State at Purdue: Boilers get to make their case.

college football top 10

2007-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

With a month of college football games played, it's time to take a realistic look at the Top 10:

1. USC

2. Oklahoma

3. Florida

4. LSU

5. Ohio State

6. West Virginia

7. California

8. Texas

9. Wisconsin

10. Boston College

college football preview

2007-08-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Right out of the chute we get an idea whether either team is a real deal for a major bowl. It’s a statement game for players such as Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge and Cal wide receiver/return specialist DeSean Jackson. Speed to burn in this game and more pressure on the home team to win it. Tennessee came through in this spot last year.

Upset special

Duke (plus-4) over Connecticut

The Blue Devils avenge their 2004 national semifinal loss as Jim Calhoun’s lads went on to the national championship. . . .Oh, wrong sport. On the gridiron, a 20-game losing streak is riding Duke, and it’s been three years since the Devils have defeated a Division I-A opponent. These Huskies should be better than last year’s four-victory team, but now is the time for Duke, which returns all 11 starters on offense.

Also worth watching

ACC showdowns

The hoops league gets down to business with two intriguing opening bids. Wake Forest seeks to prove that last year’s league crown was no fluke when it visits Boston College. The Eagles have the ACC’s most accomplished quarterback in Matt Ryan but are breaking in a new coach, Jeff Jagodzinski.

On Monday, Florida State travels to Clemson in a Bowden Bowl showdown that’s taken a decided Tiger turn recently with three Clemson triumphs in the last four years. The Seminoles shook up their staff but went to a standby at quarterback. Drew Weatherford will start for the third straight year.

East Carolina at Virginia Tech

The numbness has worn off in Blacksburg after last spring’s shooting tragedy, but hearts with be the Hokies. “Tech people are looking for something to rally around,” Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said.

Arizona at BYU

Mike Stoops needs a big season, and a triumph here would be a strong indication the program is moving in the right direction. The Wildcats hired Texas Tech’s Sonny Dykes to put a Red Raiderslike charge into the offense. BYU has its sights set on a BCS bowl.

Georgia Tech at Notre Dame

Big for the Ramblin’ Wreck, but much bigger for Notre Dame. Coach Charlie Weis is keeping Tech and everybody else guessing about the quarterback. Will it be Evan Sharpley, Demetrius Jones or Jimmy Clausen? But the element of surprise might not be enough for the Irish against what may be Chan Gailey’s best Yellow Jackets team.

On the horizon

Sept. 8

>> Virginia Tech at LSU. With these defenses, the game might end 3-2.

>> Miami at Oklahoma. Will Boz show up on the sideline in a headband?

NCAA Football 2008

2007-07-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

EA Sports' recently announced NCAA Football 2008 was released. The highly anticipated college football game features new Skill-Performance and a deeper Dynasty Mode to boot.
At least it's something to do in the off season...

Worst College Football Uniforms Of All Time?

2007-06-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

everyone knows that Oregon is the be-all and end-all of hideous uniforms. I personally liked the Clemson Purple Uni's and have to say that if they are busting on Penn State for bland uni's they might as well put anything that ND wears in that column as well. oregon's uniforms are worst. I think oregon state,s are not too far behind.

The Lucky Charms-Notre Dame connection is comic gold, and original, but I at least have to mention how gay Brady looks in his gold pants.

College Football Awards

2007-05-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Former Heisman Trophy winners and service academy stars Pete Dawkins and Roger Staubach are the latest recipients of the National Football Foundation's Gold Medal.

The NFF announced Wednesday its Gold Medal and other award winners to be honored at a banquet in New York in December, when the new College Football Hall Fame class will be inducted. Last week, Doug Flutie was among the 12 players elected to the Hall.

Other NFF award winners include former Notre Dame running back Rocky Bleier, who will receive the Distinguished American Award, and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, who won the John L. Toner Award given to outstanding ADs.

The NFF has honored a wide range of prominent Americans, including presidents, Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson and actor John Wayne, with the Gold Medal since 1958.

Last year, the NFF awarded Gold Medals to Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the winningest coaches in the history of major college football.

College Football Hall of Fame

2007-05-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today that ESPNEWS will televise live the announcement of the 2007 inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).

"College football is truly one of America's great passions, and interest in our sport continues to grow," said NFF Chairman Ron Johnson, a 1992 inductee from the University of Michigan. "We applaud ESPNEWS for recognizing the interest among fans in the history of the game and the value of preserving the legacy of the legends who set the standard for greatness."

Florida Win Bowl Championship Series

2007-01-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

Florida pounded top-ranked Ohio State 41-14 to prove the critics wrong and clinch the Bowl Championship Series final on Monday.

Seeking their second national championship in five years under coach Jim Tressel, Ohio State headed into the clash in Glendale, Arizona as favourites but went out wondering what happened.

The Buckeyes entered averaging 36.3 points and 410 yards of offense but managed just one offensive touchdown and 82 total yards.

The Gators (13-1) overcame an opening kick-off return by Ted Ginn Jr and hounded Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith into one of the worst games of his career.

Ginn's return gave the Buckeyes a 7-0 lead just seconds into the game, but the Gators responded with 21 consecutive points and held a 34-14 lead at the halfway stage. Ohio State did not mount a threat after the break.

Smith, who was a member of the scout team that helped Ohio State stun Miami to win the national championship in the Fiesta Bowl four years ago, had a woeful final collegiate contest, completing just 4-of-14 passes for 35 yards and an interception. He also lost a fumble.

"We came out. We fought," Smith said. "If we come up short and you know this is the worst thing that happens in life to us, then I'm pretty cool.

"But, you know, the other guys, my seniors, I want to apologise to them because I wasn't able to send them out on the right note. And I think I could have played better."

Smith earned the Heisman Trophy after completing 67% of his passes for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with just five interceptions.

While Smith struggled, Leak made his final game as a collegian one to remember. He was 25-of-36 for 213 yards and a touchdown. True freshman Tim Tebow also ran and threw for a touchdown.

Florida last won the national championship in 1996 under Steve Spurrier with a 52-20 triumph over Florida State. This is the first time Florida has simultaneously held the national titles in both men's basketball and football.

"Everybody stepped up tonight," said Gators defensive end Derrick Harvey, who tied a BCS game record with three sacks.

"It took a lot of time and preparation to be able to stop a team that is as good as Ohio State. Everybody came out and played as hard as they could and that is why we are national champions."

BCS College Football Bowl Review

2006-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

1. OHIO STATE
QB Troy Smith and company have toppled every challenge that has been thrown their way. Preparation for the Tostitos BCS National Championship will start with getting RB Antonio Pittman some room to run against the stifling Florida defense. Troy Smith is the leading Heisman candidate, but being a champion is a different story. Let’s see what you got, kid.
Final Verdict: They’ve been #1 since week one. Now let’s see if they can be champions.

2. FLORIDA
Well, if style points really do count, Florida should have scored off the charts with their win over Arkansas. But if there were such a thing as annoying points, then Urban Meyer would also be scoring off the charts. Every interview he had, he was complaining about the BCS and the voting and everything. After all his whining, the system actually ended up working in his favor. A coach who only beat South Carolina by one point shouldn’t be complaining his way into the big game.
Final Verdict: I will pay any amount of money to have Tom Hanks go up to Urban Meyer’s house and yell, There’s no whining in football! right to his face. Then I’d put it on youtube for everyone to enjoy.

3. MICHIGAN
Life is not fair. You play hard. You win all your games except for one. The only game you lose is to the best country in the nation, and even then it was only be three points on the road. You don’t play for two weeks, keep your mouth shut and wait for things to play out. Next thing you know, some windbag from Florida is campaigning harder and louder then John McCain and you get relegated to No. 3.
Final Verdict: The rematch won’t happen, and Michigan did absolutely nothing to lose the No. 2 ranking. I hope I’m not the only one who was hoping to see Ohio State take on a fully healthy Manningham and Wolverines.

4. LSU
As far as two-loss teams go, LSU is the best. Their only losses came against two ranked schools (Auburn and Florida) and they had the toughest schedule in all of college football. They capped the season with a six game winning streak, including massive victories over Arkansas and Tennessee. Not a sexy pick for No. 4…but a well deserved one.
Final Verdict: Which JaMarcus Russell will show up when they face ND in the Superdome? Hopefully the same one that’s shown up the last six games.

5. USC
I’m pretty sure they’re still celebrating on UCLA’s campus. USC is lucky they didn’t get dropped out of the top five. The AP Poll had USC ranked at No.7, while they’ve been ranked as low as No.8 on other ranking systems. A loss is one thing. But a loss to an unranked team that you should’ve blown out of the water is a completely different story.
Final Verdict: The at-large vote that USC (and Notre Dame) seem to get, because of their popularity, is sickening. There’s no reason a two-loss team should be ranked this high when one of their losses is to an unranked team.

NCAA Football Betting? Big Ten

2006-11-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

I know gambling's for mugs, but it's sometimes fun...until you lose.

The Big Ten is arguably the strongest conference in all of college football. It makes for great ''smash mouth'' action and opportunity to cash. Below is a look at the ranked Big Ten teams who play Saturday.

(1) Ohio State @ Michigan State

The Buckeyes are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU win, and on the road they've fattened the wallets of their investors where they are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 away games.

The last time these Big Ten rivals met, Ohio State won and that victory sparked the Buckeyes' current 14-game win streak which is the longest in the nation.

The Buckeyes (6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS) have kept that streak intact this season, ripping off six consecutive SU wins, including three over ranked opponents. The last Ohio State team to begin the season 6-0 was the '02 National Championship team.

The Buckeyes again appear to be a championship-caliber team. They are averaging 32.8 ppg and 386.7 yards this season, led by senior QB Troy Smith, whose 170.6 passer rating leads the Big Ten. In last weeks non-cover victory Smith complete 17 of his 20 passing attempts. The completion percentage of 85% was the third-best mark in team history.

Ohio State leads the all-time series over Michigan State 24-12, including an 11-5 advantage in East Lansing, and has won four consecutive meetings SU and are 3-0 ATS in the last 3 clashes. The Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.

The Spartans (3-3 SU & 2-4 ATS) haven't been as successful at the ticket window where they are a dismal 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog.

(4) Michigan @ Penn State

The Wolverines (6-0 SU & 3-2-1 ATS) have won seven straight over the Nittany Lions (4-2 SU & 2-2-1 ATS). The Wolverines have a legitimate shot at the national championship, as they look to extend their winning streak over PSU by continuing its dominant play on both sides of the ball this weekend.

When Michigan takes the field Saturday, QB Chad Henne will not have WR Mario Manningham available. The sophomore underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday after injuring his knee in Michigan's 31-13 win over Michigan State last week. However, Henne should be able overcome his absence using his raw talent under center. He's completed 80 of 129 passes (62%) for 1,103 yards, 13 TDs and only four picks this year.

The Wolverines have outscored opponents 201-85 this season and lead the series with PSU 8-3 SU, having won the last three matchups at State College both SU & ATS. Overall, the Wolverines are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

(15) Iowa @ Indiana

The 15th-ranked Hawkeyes (5-1 SU & 1-4 ATS) are second in the conference with 236.3 passing ypg, but are eighth among the 11 teams with 163.0 rushing ypg. However, Iowa should be able to better that state against Indiana, which is allowing a conference-worst 172.0 rushing ypg. The Hoosiers have surrendered at least 200 rushing yards in their last four contests.

Iowa has won three straight over Indiana (3-3 SU & 2-3 ATS) after losing three consecutive games in the series SU. The Hawkeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

The Hawkeyes haven't visited the Hoosiers since coming away with a 24-8 victory on Oct. 19, '02. But away from home Iowa is 0-3 ATS in their last 3 road games and are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite.

Minnesota @ (25) Wisconsin

Badgers QB P.J. Hill's impressive start to his career is a big reason Wisconsin (5-1 SU & 4-0-1 ATS) climbed to No. 25 in this week's poll, joining the rankings for the first time under first-year coach Bret Bielema.

This will be Hill's first chance to play for the Paul Bunyan Axe against Minnesota (2-4 SU & 2-3-1 ATS), awarded to the winner of this matchup between cross-state rivals. It's the 116th installment, including every season since 1907, and Minnesota leads the series 59-49-8.

With 847 rushing yards this season, Hill ranks second among Division I-A players behind Northern Illinois' Garret Wolfe (1,343 yards). Hill is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and has 10 total TDs, nine rushing.

The Golden Gophers are a money-shredding 7-19-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. As well, they are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 meetings in Wisconsin and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 overall.

Virginia Tech Hokies take on Louisville Cardinals

2006-10-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

The No. 3 West Virginia Mountaineers and the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals take center stage on Thursday night, with each team looking to keep their BCS title hopes alive.

Louisville and West Virginia are both 7-0 SU, including 2-0 in the Big East, and are two of six remaining unbeaten teams in Division I-A. Thursday's matchup will be the first between two top-five Big East teams since the rebuilt conference lost Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College to the ACC.

Louisville and West Virginia were considered the top two teams in the conference at the beginning of the season, and Thursday's game has long been anticipated as one that would determine who would win the conference title and the league's automatic BCS berth. It's arguably the best Thursday night contest ever. Louisville backers are happy to note: The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Thursday night games. West Virginia and Louisville, both coming off bye weeks, each have tough games ahead that could boost their BCS numbers, including matchups against Pittsburgh and No. 15 Rutgers. When coming off bye weeks, the Mountaineers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9. Last year, the Mountaineers trailed the Cardinals by 17 points in the fourth quarter before rallying to a 46-44 victory in three overtimes.

West Virginia RB Steve Slaton rushed for five TDs in that game, while Louisville's Michael Bush ran for four.

The Mountaineers have won a school-record 14 straight games, including a 37-11 victory over UConn on Oct. 20. The winning streak is the longest in the country behind Ohio State's 16 in a row. The Mountaineers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU win. As well, they are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.

West Virginia leads all I-A teams with 319.0 rushing ypg and ranks fourth with 459.3 total ypg. Slaton is third nationally with 151.3 rushing ypg, and QB Pat White has run for 349 yards with five TDs in the last two games.

However, Louisville owns the second-best offense in the country with 496.1 ypg, and ranks seventh in the nation with 216.0 rushing despite losing Bush for the season to a broken leg in the season opener against Kentucky. The Cardinals also rank 10th in the country with 280.1 passing ypg. Defensively, the two are very solid. Both are among the top 25 teams in the country in total yards allowed, and surrender fewer than 90 rushing ypg to rank among the top 15.

The Cardinals are 7-0 SU for the first time since 1925 and have won 15 straight games at home, the second-best mark in the country behind USC's 30 straight home victories.

Louisville will be without receivers Chris Vaughn and Scott Long, who were suspended after being arrested on charges of second-degree assault for allegedly shooting a woman with a paintball gun on Oct. 22. Vaughn has four receptions for 54 yards this season, while Long does not have a catch.

West Virginia leads the all-time series SU 6-1. Louisville's only win was a 9-7 home victory in 1990.