Week 4 Commentary
Given that the team by team discussion was starting to take wayyy too much time and I'm not even sure how many people are reading this, I decided to condense it down a little. I will attempt to address as much as I can in a space that's somewhat more readable.
More than a few scares this past week and only one of the top 10 (LSU) managed to win running away. Nobody really moved, but I couldn't keep UGA that high after struggling so much against an 0-4 Colorado team.
#1 Louisville (4-0) shut out an undefeated K-State (3-1) team for three quarters and beat the Wildcats 24-6. They were without superstar QB Brian Brohm for the first full game after his injury last week, and they managed to pull out a victory. They may have been flat at times, but they were never close to losing. That is enough to keep them #1 in my book, especially since they don't have their two best players (RB Michael Bush won't return this season). Louisville should have no problem dispatching Middle Tennessee (2-2) this week.
#2 Michigan (4-0) went into the lockerroom tied with Wisconsin (2-2), but came out strong in the second half to dispatch the pesky Badgers 27-13 in the Big House. Chad Henne looked terrible, throwing three interceptions, but Mario Manningham had another big game this week, catching both TD passes and gaining over 100 yards for the second straight week. Overall not a superb performance, but not terrible, either. This week they face Minnesota (2-2) in the HHH.
#3 USC (3-0) struggled in the first half against Arizona (2-2). They only took a three point lead into the locker room. After 3, they were up 10-0 and it was a shaky 10 point lead. What? The USC defense played well in this game, but so did the Arizona defense. In fact, with the offense struggling to move the ball at times, it was Mike Stoops' D that kept the Wildcats in this game. USC did what they needed to, but probably shouldn't feel too comfortable right now. They travel to Pullman this week to take on Wazzu (3-1). It could be more of a test than most think.
#4 Auburn (4-0) rolled past an inept Buffalo (1-3) team coached by former Nebraska standout QB Turner Gill. This was in Jordan-Hare. Kenny Irons was out for this game. I'm not sure the Bulls should be I-A. The Tigers travel to Columbia, SC for a showdown with the gamecocks and the ol' Ball coach. South Carolina (3-1) has been getting it done with, surprise of all surprises, DEFENSE. That may give them a chance against Auburn. It might not. Especially if the Tigers have Irons back.
#5 Ohio State (4-0) had trouble with Penn State (2-2) for 3 quarters. That is, until Anthony Morelli decided to start throwing more to the open Ohio State defenders. Here, you want another football? It looks like you want to score a TD in that end zone behind me. Here ya go, big fella. No, the Buckeyes did not look impressive. Yes, it did take a little Buckeye magic to pull off the 28-6 victory in the 'shoe. A night game at Iowa (4-0) this weekend looks intimidating.
#6 Florida (4-0) beat Kentucky (2-2) 26-7. It was close at the half. The Gators ended up running away with it. Do you see a trend here? It seems like everybody in the top 10 had some struggles early then ran away with their games. The Gators play host to Alabama (3-1) this weekend. The swamp should be a tough venue for the Crimson Tide, who lost on a missed FG last week.
#7 LSU (3-1) thumped Tulane (1-2) 49-7 in Baton Rouge. It wasn't close at all. The Tigers pretty much owned the Green Wave. The Tigers play host to Mississippi State (1-3), and that may not be any more of a challenge for them this week.
#8 West Virginia (4-0) beat the ECU (1-3) Pirates after struggling for, you guessed it, a half. Then they, that's right, pulled away. This was the way for almost everyone in the top 10, as I said before. Steve Slaton was held to 80 yards on 24 carries with no TDs. This week the Mountaineers are off.
#9 UGA (4-0) should have been beaten by the Colorado (0-4) Buffalos. I'm not sure too many people picked Colorado to struggle this much this early, but they have. I also don't think many would have picked this game to play out in such an exciting way. It was so bad, that they Bulldogs were getting shutout going into the 4th quarter. That's right. That also makes UGA the only team I dropped this week. They just looked terrible before Joe Cox stepped in and scored on two big throws. A quarterback controversy is brewing in Athens after Matt Stafford struggled and Cox had to come in. UGA faces Ole Miss (1-3) this weekend.
#10 Va Tech (4-0) trailed going into the 4th quarter, but also managed to pull out a 29-13 win over Cincinnati (1-3). Just like everybody else. Apparently this week was a wash. This coming week should be better. The Hokies play host to the Georgia Tech (3-1) Yellow Jackets. Blacksburg will be rocking come Saturday.
Overall this week was a bit of a lazy effort, especially from the top 10. The bottom line is winning games and preparing to fight another day. It seems that just about every team was preparing to play this weekend instead of last. In other words, instead of taking one game at a time, these teams jumped too far ahead and struggled to catch their breath before the weekend. |
