Thursday, September 17, 2009

Trent's Touchdown - Week 3

This may sound strange, but the freshman quarterback’s out there definitely showed some poise and resilience in Week 2. With Kyle Parker nearly leading Clemson back while on the road in Georgia Tech to both Matt Barkley and Tate Forcier leading their teams back in 4th quarter rallies to win, these freshmen are making an impact. Makes you wonder why upperclassmen can’t get it done. But more on this later. Now, on to the Touchdown.

1) Tennessee at No. 1 Florida – 3:30 on CBS

Everything in me tells me this is going to be a blow-out, but for some reason I can’t buy into it. For one thing, you have Lane Kiffin’s remarks about beating Florida and Urban Meyer’s recruiting practices. The last thing you want to do is give Florida any bulletin board material.

For a second thing, the Tennessee quarterback is Jonathan Crompton. I would say I don’t trust him, but that pretty much goes without saying seeing as he is the Tennessee QB. Maybe Vols fans can help me here, but I can’t remember a Tennessee QB that was ever trustworthy.

But if you look past all the pesky facts, you have to think this will be a hard fought game. Tennessee has the whole “nobody believes in us” thing going for them. Plus, minus the diarrhea of the mouth, Kiffin is a good coach. Add on to that that Florida has pretty much had extended practice the last two games, this could equal something exciting. The defending champs will win, but expect some interesting stuff.

2) No. 14 Georgia Tech at No. 20 Miami – 7:30 on ESPN on Sept 17

Am I the only one who thinks that it’s unfair that you have three good teams in the ACC Coastal Division vying for the title while the winner of the Atlantic Division will be whoever messes up the least? Okay, just wanted to make sure.

I, for one, am a little shocked that Miami has started their turnaround this early. They will have problems with well-rounded teams, but they are good at keying to the run and shutting it down.

GT loves to run the ball. I nearly spit out my beer when I saw Nesbitt’s passing numbers against Clemson last week. I seriously thought the folks in the stat’s area at ESPN were making a joke. Plus, GT seems to lack the ability to finish off teams. That Clemson game should have been over by the half.

Miami will need to spread the ball on offense and limit dumb mistakes. If they key on the GT running game, they should be able to stop it. Expect it to stay close, but Miami will pull away with this one to give them a leg up on the rest of the ACC.

3) No. 19 Nebraska at No. 13 Virginia Tech – 3:30 on ABC

Man, if I keep putting ACC teams on this list, people might actually think it’s a good conference. However, you need to give VT credit for the non-conference schedule.

However, this game comes down to defense. You have the really good defense of VT and the “could be good in the future” defense of Nebraska. Nebraska really needs to be able to stop the run on the first few series and they should be good, thanks to the need of Tyrod Taylor to prove to people that he can throw.

On offense, Nebraska needs to be able to have a balanced attack, but willing to attack via the air at will when the VT defense steps up and stops the run. The good thing for Nebraska is that VT has an offensive style consistent with the middle of the road teams in their own division, so they should be used to it. They win, but it’s nowhere near as close as the score will indicate.

4) No. 3 USC at Washington – 3:30 on ABC

Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but I think this has the possibility to be the best game on Saturday. Of course, it could be another USC blow-out. But, let’s break this thing down.

USC proved during the OSU game that they can stop the run but still have some issues stopping an inconsistent QB. Jake Locker is not Terrelle Pryor. If fact, the two should never be mentioned in the same sentence, as it insults Locker. Locker also has one of the top-flight offensive geniuses in his corner in Steve Sarkisian.

USC has a question mark at QB. Matt Barkley took a nasty hit in the OSU game and has a sore shoulder. Aaron Corp is looking to take his place if needed. This is a two pronged issue for USC. You can have either a less than 100% Barkley going for you or Corp, who may try to do too many things to prove he should be the starter.

Washington is making leaps and bounds in the defensive area and could disrupt a USC offense that is still trying to find its rhythm. Put a gun to my head, and I’ll take USC. Sit with me on Saturday and I’ll be rooting for Washington.

5) Florida State at No. 7 BYU – 7:00 on local channels

Mad props go to BYU as well for their non-conference schedule. They want to be taken seriously and FSU and Oklahoma will make people see them in a whole new light

This is really a tale of two programs. BYU is surging. Max Hall and the BYU offense is making people sit up and take notice. They have a defense that is able to keep good offenses in check and won’t make stupid mistakes. Even if the did, Hall is more than capable to win a shoot-out.

FSU on the other hand is looking pretty lame. The loss to the youthful Miami is one thing, but the near loss to Jacksonville State was just sad. I was embarrassed just watching it. Christian Ponder reminds me a lot of Drew Weatherford, good arm and good stats, but will fold like a lawn chair when the going gets tough.

BYU wins and wins big. They get more publicity and FSU starts to fade even earlier than normal and people being the “Does Bowden still have it?” discussion sometime during the 2nd quarter blowout loss to Georgia Tech.

6) Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas – 8:00 on ABC

I’m going to start listening to AC/DC’s “Rock and Roll Train” on a continuous loop starting sometime on Friday. When I start watching the game, I’m going to squint and pretend I see Harrell and Crabtree. I will also pretend that Texas is the same flawed team they were last year as they blow-out Texas Tech and I start debating whether to watch Eureka or Supernatural on my DVR.

Extra Point:

7) Sometime during Matt Barkley’s drive against OSU last week, I started wondering why freshmen QB’s were given the helm of some teams. Teams like USC have no problem recruiting, but they have three guys right now who could start and they would have no problems. Plus, they have top flight QB’s like Mitch Mustain transferring there from relatively safe spots like Arkansas (of course, if I got replaced by Casey Dick, I would leave too). Normally, you transfer to lesser schools (see Jevan Snead), not into fierce competition. Mustain’s idiocy got me thinking.

I say we petition the NCAA to let Mitch Mustain transfer again to Ohio State and not only not lose another year of eligibility, but let him start next week for them. OSU has a good team with a horrid QB. Mustain is not going to do anything but ride the pines for the rest of his time at USC. This is win-win for everyone. Plus, I might stop hating OSU. Okay, I probably won’t, but it’s worth a shot.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Trent's Touchdown - Week 2

So, we’re already one week in and the wacky world of college football is back in full swing. Not only did one of the elite teams of college football lose to a team from the Mountain West, but the reigning Heisman trophy winner is out for a couple of weeks due to a shoulder injury. Of course, let’s forget for a moment I called that (the loss, not the injury). But more on this later, let’s get to the Touchdown:

1) No. 3 USC at No. 8 Ohio State – 8:00 on ABC

As if there was any doubt that this would be the number 1 game of the week. Anyone who actually has any thought that Ohio State can beat USC needs to watch the last week’s games. You can make a case when a less talented team beats a more talented team that it was a case of match-ups. You can’t make that case in the Ohio State/Navy game.

USC is built to thrash any and all comers, even though I don’t think they can make it though the season unscathed. They are able to compete with any team irrespective of conference.

With Ohio State, they are built to play in the Big Ten and that’s it. They cannot match up with the top tier teams of the elite conferences. There main problem is Terrelle Pryor. He is a poor man’s version of Tyrod Taylor, and I don’t want Taylor leading my team into a big showdown, so I would be downright scared with Pryor at the helm.

If this thing is close after one quarter, I’ll be shocked. Let’s just hope it kills the chances of Ohio State to play in the National Championship Game, because I don’t need to see their flaws on display to the SEC team dujour.

2) Clemson at No. 15 Georgia Tech – 7:30 on ESPN on 9/10

After last week’s dismal performance by the ACC, I almost dropped this game down the list. However, this is an early, critical ACC match-up. With the FSU loss on Monday, a win could give Clemson an early 1 game lead over their division foes. Standing in their way is Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech’s bread and butter is their running attack, led by star running back Jonathan Dwyer. They also employ the scary triple option, which gives teams fits. Clemson’s saving grace is that they have a very good run defense.

Clemson comes in with star running back C.J. Spiller, who is also extremely dangerous on kick returns. GT needs to try and stop Spiller and put the ball in the hands of freshman QB Kyle Parker. While Parker played well in the Middle Tennessee State game, his completion percentage was low and it is unclear on how the new kid will react under pressure situations. I think GT wins, but Clemson keeps it close, losing yet another heartbreaker.

3) No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan – 3:30 on ABC

I didn’t think ND would make it out of the number 6 spot all year long. However, after last week’s skillful performance, I have to give them props. Last week gave ND fans hope that Jimmy Clausen has turned a corner and will become the QB that everyone was excited about when he arrived as a freshman.

This week will be the first real test for Clausen against a fairly competent team in a very hostile environment. While I don’t think Michigan will win the Big Ten, they will be able to compete and live to play the spoiler, while giving their young QB experience.

I really don’t think that Michigan can run with ND. They might be able to keep it close through a half, but adrenaline will only get you so far. Michigan needs a full game of consistent play; I just think they are too young to do it against a team like ND.

4) South Carolina at No. 21 Georgia – 7:00 on ESPN2

This was kind of a weird one for me to pick. On one hand, it is a classic, early season SEC throw down. On the other, both teams stunk up the joint last week. However, since this game is usually a close, hard fought game, it gets the nod.

Last week, both teams played well defensively, but looked lost on offense, something fans might find strange. However, both teams are still trying to find their offensive rhythm using two QB’s with limited game experience. It is basically going to come down to the team that makes the least amount of errors on offense.

I have to think it’s Georgia, because they are at home and I think they can beat some of the lower echelon team’s in the SEC. If you saw the NC State/South Carolina game, I think SC counts as that right now.

5) No. 9 BYU at Tulane – 3:30 on ESPN2

What’s that smell in the air? Oh yeah, it’s the smell of a trap game. Listen, I don’t care about all the talk, I really don’t think BYU is taking Tulane seriously.

And you know, that’s alright. Good teams can get away with that. However, great teams never deal with it. They just came off a stunning victory against Oklahoma and have their first home game against FSU next week; it is easy to overlook Tulane.

Unfortunately for Tulane, unless they poison Max Hall, they really don’t have a chance in this one. There offense is pitiful, and the BYU defense mixed schemes and pressured an overwhelmed Oklahoma offense all game last week. I think this one is over early.

6) Idaho State at No. 13 Oklahoma – 7:00 on local channels

This one is for all the Oklahoma fans who want to torture themselves. See that guy out there who looks like he’s going to pee his pants? That’s your quarterback for the next couple of weeks. Enjoy.

Extra Point:

7) Even without the BYU upset and the Bradford injury, week 1 was wacky. However, are you really shocked by anything that happens in college football now? I mean, when I woke up and found out that Blount pulled a Ron Artest after the Boise State/Oregon game, I wasn’t shocked by it, but tried to figure out how many games he would get suspended for.

When Jimmy Clausen decided to channel Brady Quinn’s Notre Dame ghost, I didn’t really bat an eyelash. The ACC proves (yet again) that they are an inferior conference, I felt more justified than anything. But this just proves it, that anything that can happen, will happen. We just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Trent's Touchdown - Week 1

Oh man, it’s the best time of the year not associated with a bearded fat man. That’s right; it’s the beginning of college football season. I’m not sure what I’m more excited about, the fact that I get college football every Saturday until December or that I just found out that someone uploaded the second season of Ashes to Ashes to YouTube (take that BBC America). More on my giddy enthusiasm later. Now, on to the Touchdown.

1) No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech – 8:00 on ABC in Atlanta

Oh man, this game is causing this Clemson fan to have flashbacks to last years opener in which Alabama demolished the Tigers in route to a BCS bowl. I think if you look at this, you’ll have pretty much that same result as last year.

Even though Bama has a new QB in Greg McElroy, there defense is coming back with eight starters, and that will be the key for them all year. Now, VT will have the same starting QB they had last year, but Tyrod Taylor isn’t exactly Steady Eddie. Plus, they lost their running back to an ACL tear and get a redshirt freshman in the backfield. Good times….if you’re the Bama defense. I seriously think Bama takes this with ease.

2) No. 13 Georgia at No. 9 Oklahoma State – 3:30 on ABC

I’m a little excited about this game, because I get to see one of the reasons I changed my opinion about the Big 12, Oklahoma State. Yes, expect me to carry the Cowboy’s water all season long in the Touchdown.

Oklahoma State comes in with one of the most explosive offenses in the country with QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant. Expect them to light up the scoreboard. On the flip side, I would expect Georgia to play steady ball feeding the ball to their RB’s and trying to stretch the field with AJ Green.

The Cowboy’s problem is the same as every Big 12 team with a good offense. They face a good defense and they buckle like a belt (see Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech from last year). I think Georgia can keep it close, but the Oklahoma State offense will carry the day.

3) No. 16 Oregon at No. 14 Boise State – 10:15 on ESPN on 9/3

You know its college football time when you see blue turf. This is a rematch of last year’s opening game between the two, in which Boise State beat Oregon on their home field. It’s for that reason that Oregon is fired up for this one.

Oregon’s starting QB, Jeremiah Masoli, was very effective last year but was inconsequential in last year’s game when he was knocked out of the game by a late hit and he’s looking for a little payback. Although the Duck’s lost their starting running back to the NFL, the back-up did gain 1,000 yards and is ready to carry the load.

Boise State, on the other hand, had one of the top scoring defenses in the country last year and hasn’t lost a regular season game at home since 2001. Oregon will be the team that ends that streak.

4) No. 20 BYU vs. No. 3 Oklahoma - 7:00 on ESPN in Arlington, TX

Two of the best QB’s in the country get to face off against one another as Max Hall leads the BYU Cougars against Sam Bradford and Oklahoma. As we all know, Oklahoma went on to lose, again, to an SEC opponent in the National Championship Game (they are like Ohio State at this point). I have to try and steer clear of my “Why Oklahoma Sucks” rant.

I think BYU has this one. Now, before you start laughing hysterically, I actually have a good reason for this. While BYU is mega-talented, they have nothing to play for. They want nothing more to take it to Oklahoma and prove they deserve some acclaim. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has to try and avenge the loss from last year and shake the “Ohio State” label that I slapped them with.

Florida was nice enough to write the “How To Beat Oklahoma” handbook last year. Tip Number 1; harass the hell out of Sam Bradford. With four new starters on the offensive line, I expect this will easier than last year. BYU will need to hit early and often when they have the ball and try and disrupt Bradford, which I think they can do. Okay, you can start to laugh now.

5) No. 11 LSU at Washington – 10:30 on ESPN

Normally this game wouldn’t do anything for me, but I love the QB in this game. If you think I’m talking about Jordan Jefferson, just stop reading now. I’m a big time Jake Locker fan.

We should get to see Locker air it out with new coach and former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian at the helm. I have a strong suspicion that Washington will do better this year than their winless effort last year. However, that is not to say they will beat LSU.

LSU, even with shaky QB play, should take this handily against the poor defense of Washington. There is only so much Locker can do, and while I think they will win some good games this year, this isn’t one of them.

6) Miami at No. 18 Florida State – 8:00 on ESPN on 9/7

Remember when this game used to have National Championship implications for both teams? Remember when we would all eagerly anticipate this game? Now, they are just fighting for the middle of the ACC standings.

Extra Point:

7) While I’m all excited about the return of college football, my wife is on the other end of the spectrum. Her reaction when I mentioned it last week: “oh great, I lose my husband for every Saturday for the next 4 months.” It’s just been so long dealing with prima donna professional athletes, performance enhancing drugs, and contract holdouts that I just want something a little more pure in my sports. Thankfully, we have college football. Yes, it has its flaws, but there is just something about it that makes me feel that this is what sports are all about. Especially when Ohio State and Oklahoma lose.