Week 5 Commentary
#6 Auburn (5-0) kicked off the week, taking on a scrappy South Carolina (3-2) team in Columbia. This was a close enough game that it wasn't fully decided until Patrick Lee knocked down Syvelle Newton's last ditch TD pass with 19 seconds left in the game. The Gamecocks managed to shoot themselves in the foot, dropping several key Newton passes that could have changed the shape of this game. Newton (21/35 for 240 yards and 2 TDs and 20 carries for 44 yards) looked like Mike Vick running the Gamecock offense, but he was ultimately overshadowed by Auburn RB Kenny Irons (27 carries for 117 yards and 2 TDs). Newton will be very special before his career is through. The 'driving rain' that the announcers referred to about 1000 times contributed to the dropped passes. I dropped Auburn in my rankings because of their near-choke against the Gamecocks. The Tigers play host to Arkansas this weekend.
#1 Louisville (4-0) was off this week and takes on Middle Tennessee this weekend in Murfreesboro, TN.
#2 Michigan (5-0) ran away with the Little Brown Jug, thumping Minnesota (2-3) in the HHH to the tune of 28-14. The Wolverines controlled this whole game, going into the lockerroom with a 21-7 lead and Chad Henne (17/24 for 284 and 3 TDs) looked strong. Mario Manningham again had a 100 yard receiving day, catching one of the TD passes. Mike Hart rushed 31 times for 195 yards. Michigan hosts cross-state rivals Michigan State in the Big House this weekend. That is always interesting, regardless of record and ranking.
#3 Ohio State (5-0) looked more the part of a top-5 team, playing on the road in a hostile environment and controlling the game from the kickoff. It looked like it would be a game early, but Iowa (4-1) made mistakes and the Buckeyes made them pay. Top teams make you pay for every mistake, and it seemed that every time the Hawkeyes missed a beat, Ohio State punished them. I don't think Ohio State is more complete than Michigan right now, but they certainly appear to be working toward that end. A quick score on a 6-yard TD pass from Troy Smith (16/25 for 186 and 4 TDs) to Roy Hall flattened the Hawkeyes and effectively destroyed any momentum they may have built up. It didn't put the game out of reach, but it was a huge mental hurdle. Ohio State hosts Bowling Green (3-2) this weekend in the 'shoe.
#4 Florida (5-0) fell behind early to Alabama and were trailing at the half, but rallied to win 28-13 against Alabama (3-2) in the swamp. Chris Leak hit Dallas Baker for the game-winner, and Reggie Nelson intercepted John Parker Wilson and took it 70-yards to the house to put the game away with 4:19 on the clock. It was a close game, but the Gators remained unbeaten and did all they needed to finish the game. They moved up slightly, but it was more a result of other teams struggling more than it was of their success. UF hosts #7 LSU (4-1) this weekend in what should be a classic in the Swamp.
#5 USC (5-0) struggled a little against Wazzu (3-2) on the road, but managed to pull out a 28-22 victory without star WR Dwayne Jarrett. Washington State outgained the Trojans, but it came down to a final toss by Alex Brink (26/46 for 287 and 2 TDs) being intercepted by Taylor Mays at the 4 yard line. Brink made big plays at times, but failed to come up with a few critical plays, namely a 2-point conversion attempt before the half and the final TD that could have at least tied the game, and may have won it with the extra point. Steve Smith, the USC WR that had his last big game in the '05 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, had 186 yards and 2 TDs receiving. USC plays host to the Washington Huskies (4-1) this weekend.
#7 LSU (4-1) did everything everyone expected them to do against the beleaguered Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-4). JaMarcus Russell (18/20 for 327 and 3 TD) obliterated the Bulldog secondary enroute to a 35-3 halftime lead and a 48-17 final. His 14 consecutive completions tied a LSU school record. The Tigers can prove they belong among the elite when they visit #4 Florida (5-0) in the Swamp this weekend. They have been on the warpath since their 7-3 loss to #6 Auburn (5-0) earlier this year.
#8 West Virginia (4-0) was off this past week, but they visit Mississippi State (1-4) this weekend.
#9 UGA (5-0) ought to change their official designation to UG, pronounced 'Ugghhh'. The Bulldogs once again made a play at total and complete ineptitude when they travelled to Oxford, MS this past weekend to take on the Ole Miss Rebels (1-4). A week removed from a colossal struggle against 0-4 Colorado at home, the Bulldogs again stunk it up on O. The game was 3-0 in favor of the mighty Rebels before Bulldog Fullback Brannan Southerland punched in the first of his two TDs in the third quarter. Kregg Lumpkin had his first 100 yard rushing performance and the UGA D was up to par, but this can't be the standard when the Bulldogs host Tennessee this weekend in Athens. The Vols will chew them up. The return of Junior QB Joe Tereshinski may be just what the doctor ordered.
#10 Missouri (5-0) climbed into the top 10 by controlling the Colorado Buffs (0-5) for 4 quarters to go 5-0 for the first time since 1981. Chase Daniel had 2 INTs, but looked overall solid, hitting 23/35 for 251 and 4 TDs. He has been the brightest star for a surprisingly good Mizzou team. The Tigers travel to Texas Tech this weekend for what should be their first real challenge of the season. |
