Notes on the Nation:
Recap:
Sorry this one is late. I was waiting for after the UB game on Thursday night.
Things are starting to clear up. With Penn State falling to Iowa, Alabama and Texas Tech (barring that they make it through the rest of their schedules unscathed) look as if they will be colliding against each other for the national title. I'm a bit disappointed because I was hoping to see Joe Paterno in one more game with a national title on the line.
If 'Bama or Tech were to slide at all, the next two teams right now would be USC and Florida. I want to add Utah in if it finishes the year undefeated (because if they win out, it would have played toughest schedule of any undefeated non-BCS school) but I doubt the Utes will be considered for the title game.
Things are also getting clearer in the ACC and Big East after I ragged on both conferences. North Carolina and Pittsburgh look to be pulling away in each of their respective leagues.
Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Utah
3. USC
4. Texas Tech
5. Florida
6. Boise State
7. Oklahoma
8. BYU
9. Texas
10. Penn State
11. North Carolina
12. Pittsburgh
13. Missouri
14. Ohio State
15. Cincinnati
16. Georgia
17. Florida State
18. TCU
19. Oklahoma State
20. Wake Forest
21. Arizona
22. LSU
23. Georgia Tech
24. California
25. Iowa
Looking Ahead:
The only game featuring two nationally ranked teams is Florida versus South Carolina. However, there are quite a few rivalry games starting to pop up on the schedule.
The Gators versus the Gamecocks can be titled the "Spurrier Bowl" as the "Ole' 'Ball Coach" faces the school we gained his most fame from coaching.
Look for Boise State to destroy Idaho in the battle of the land of the potatoes. USC versus Stanford could be closer than the experts think though. Last year, a lowly Cardinal squad led by head coach Jim Harbaugh was able to shakeup the college football landscape by beating the Trojans. I'm certain Pete Carroll was reminding his team about that loss all this week.
Also, don't forget the Ohio State versus Illinois game in the battle of the Illi-Buck Trophy. The Buckeyes are looking to avenge last year's loss to the Illini.
Heisman Watch:
1. Graham Harrell QB Texas Tech
2. Tim Tebow QB Florida
3. Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
4. Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
5. Colt McCoy QB Texas
My BCS:
Title Game: Alabama versus Utah
Fiesta: Texas Tech versus Pittsburgh
Sugar: Florida versus North Carolina
Orange: Boise State versus Oklahoma
Rose: USC versus Penn State
+1 Format:
Alabama versus Texas Tech
Utah versus USC
8-team Playoff:
Alabama versus Pittsburgh
Florida versus Texas Tech
USC versus Penn State
North Carolina versus Utah
16-team Playoff
Alabama versus Louisiana-Lafayette
BYU versus Texas
Florida versus Pittsburgh
Missouri versus Texas Tech
Utah versus Tulsa
Oklahoma versus Penn State
Boise State versus North Carolina
Ball State versus USC
Conference Rankings:
1. Big 12
2. SEC
3. MWC
4. ACC
5. Pac 10
6. WAC
7. Big 10
8. Big East
9. MAC
10. C-USA
11. Independents
12. Sun Belt
The Bull Breaker
Recap:
A win is a win, no matter if it takes four overtime periods. The Bulls are now alone for the time being a top of the MAC East division and control their own destiny to the conference title game.
Give lot of credit to J.D. Brookhart. He probably deserves to be named MAC Coach of the Year with the job he has done in Akron. His squad never gave up no matter how many errors they made during the game.
Buffalo's pass rush is looking more and more pitiful each week. This is a bit of a concern, especially if its faces Central Michigan again or Ball State in the championship game.
The night was historical again for the Bulls for gaining bowl eligibility for the first time since moving back to Division I-A, Drew Willy becoming the school's all-time leader in touchdown passes and it was the last game ever to be played in Akron's Rubber Bowl.
Looking Ahead:
Buffalo next travels to Bowling Green on Friday night (so expect this blog to be posted late, again). I'm not sure yet if this is going to be televised at all, but if the Bulls win this one, they will cement themselves as division champs.
The Falcons' season has been a bit of a disappointment, as they are still in the running for the division but no where near as dominate as some expected them to be. Bowling Green has some impressive wins, beating Pittsburgh and Akron, then some inexcusable losses versus Miami (Ohio) and Eastern Michigan.
Bowling Green's offense is pretty unique in terms of how they use its personnel. The mobile Tyler Sheehan has done an admirable job at quarterback, while Anthony Turner, a former signal caller himself and Chris Bullock split up most of the running duties. Wide out Freddie Barnes also has played some time at quarterback, too. The Falcons' big receiving threat though is Corey Partridge, who leads the team in catches, yardage and touchdowns.
Buffalo has never beaten Bowling Green on the road, but has had plenty of close games. If the UB defense can stand up against the Falcons' versatile and innovative offensive attack, I can't see why the Bulls can't make history for a third consecutive game.