Saturday Football Week in Review

Despite the fact that most of the “big boys” gorged themselves on a bunch of “Cupcake U’s”  in week one – there were a few tasty entrees on the menu. They were found under the surprise and upset section in the opening salvo of college football’s week one.

In Michigan’s Big House the theme music came courtesy of the Who: “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss,” as mighty “Meechigan” lost it home opener 25-23 for the second consecutive year.  The Wolverines newly minted head man Rich Rodriguez, and his “magical” spread option attack stalled, and never got untracked until late in the fourth quarter.  It’s funny how the players make the coach.   But more disturbing for the Wolverines faithful, was the first half performance of its vaunted D, who were shredded for over 300 yards by Utah’s very impressive QB Brian Johnson, with assists from his surrounding cast, they made MIchigan look, at times, slow and confused.

If it’s in the genes – as Lou’s kid- Skip Holtz sprung a mild upset against VaTech, using of all things “Beamer Ball” on the creator, Tech coach Frank Beamer.  With less than two minutes to play, ECU’s T.J. Lee blocked a punt, then ran it into the end zone for the winning touchdown in a 27-22 victory that left the VaTech fathful watching in a stunned silence.  No wonder the Pirates locked up Holtz for an additional six years.

The shocker of the day belonged to the little school from Arkansas, Arkansas State.  The Red Wolves, who have a lot of offensive fire power, led by quarterback Corey Leonard, went into Aggie Land and took on Texas A&M, who had won twenty consecutive home openers, and shocked the College Station faithful, spoiling the coaching debut of coach Mike Sherman.

We’ve only played week one, but already there are five  coaches who are in need of fire protection.

Pitt Panther head coach Dave Wannstedt laid another dud, as the Panthers blew a 14 point lead at home and lost to Bowling Green 27-17.  It’s star All-America tailback LeSean McCoy, was held to less than 75 rushing yards.

Another is Mr. “Dead Man Walking” Syracuse coach Greg Robinson, who has won a total of seven games as he begins his fourth year at the helm of the Orangemen.  The opener was another embarrassing loss, this time to a medicore Nortwestern University football team.   If the Cuse should lose to Northeastern on the 20th of this month, Mr. Robinson won’t last the season.

Not that its a shock- Clemson never handles prosperity very well.  Tommy Bowden’sTigers were filled with high expectations before taking the field against Alabama, but were throughly dominated by the Crimson Tide.  The game was another example of highlighting, the importance of an experienced offensive line.  Clemson has stars all over the field, but if the offensive line cannot protect its quarterback, or open holes, you can have all the stud athletes in the world, but it won’t make a difference. It was such a dominant performance by the Tide- Clemson only held the ball for a total of fifteen minutes.

Ty WIlliamham and his Washington HUskies were throttled by Oregon, while eh once vaulted Louisvile Cardinals attack was embarrassed by teh Kentucky Wildcats and held to a total of 2 points, leaving second year caoch Steve Kragthorpe in a world of trouble.

There were also several injuries of note.  Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy candidate Chris “Beanie’ Wells – the trigger in the Buckeye offense, was carted off the field early in the third quarter in its game against Youngstown State, and the only word out of Fort Columbus is, that it’s a foot injury.  It’s easier to get information out of the Kremlin, than the football offices of Columbus, Ohio.   Georgia, who has already been bitten hard by the injury bug, was hit agian, as the Dawgs starting defensive tackle Jeff Owens is gone for the season with a knee.

Thanks for checking in, that’s it from cyber space, but check in Wednesday for the breakdown of week two.  Peace.  PK