Odds and Sods

Oregon 39 - Michigan 7

Michigan proved a point this weekend, that last week was no fluke.  The 32-point loss to Oregon was the worst loss Michigan has suffered since 1968.  Their defense, despite Ron English’s pledge that they would play better, allowed an astonishing 624 total yards.  Turning the ball over four times as well did not exactly help their cause.  After suffering their two worst defeats of the last 40 years at home and back to back, the Wolverines are reeling.  Coming into the season expecting a National Championship contender, Michigan fans will now have to pray for this team to even make a bowl game.

(14) Penn St. 31 - Notre Dame 10

Providing further proof that Jesus does not care about football, Notre Dame once again got drubbed at the weekend.  The Irish played somewhat better defensively, but their vaunted pro-style offense managed a mere 144 total yards and was a dismal 2-16 on third down conversions.  They also shot themselves in the foot with 14 penalties for 97 yards.  You can’t really win in College Football when your team has a total of -8 yards rushing after  2 games.  No one is looking forward to watching Michigan and Notre Dame play each-other next weekend.

(2) LSU 48 - (9) Virginia Tech

The Tiger fans were respectful of Virginia Tech, the players, not so much.  LSU ran up 598 yards and allowed just 149.  They don’t have the #1 next to their name, thanks to brilliant pre-season pollsters, but they have definitely proven to be the best team in the country at this juncture.

South Carolina 16 - (11) Georgia 12

The Old Ball Coach once again pulled one out against Georgia.  This time, with defense rather than offense, as the Gamecocks kept the Bulldogs out of the end-zone.  15-10 in his first two seasons doesn’t look impressive, but all five losses last season were against ranked opponents.  He already pulled off the impossible by taking Duke to a Bowl Game.  An SEC title is well within reach for South Carolina in the next couple of seasons, particularly when the Spurrier recruits mature.

South Florida 26 - (17) Auburn 23

Yes, this was a bad loss for Auburn.  However, when you stink up the joint and turn the ball over 5 times and are still in the game, it shouldn’t be too discouraging.  Unlike Michigan and Notre Dame, this will be a bad day, not a sign of things to come.  Look for Auburn to bounce back and roll some heads in the SEC.

Washington 24 - (22) Boise St. 10

Football writers appear to have made up for underrating Boise St. for years by overrating them.  The great win against a sub-standard Oklahoma team was a wonderful story, but it didn’t exactly prove that they can consistently win against quality opposition and away from that god-awful blue field.  The Huskies will need the momentum going into a stacked Pac-10.  It also provides them with a bit of breathing room because we all know that Jim Mora Jr. is interested.