Wednesday night College Football: Hawaii @ LA Tech on ESPN2

College Football closes out the month of September with one final game ...

Wednesday, September 30Th
Hawaii at Louisiana Tech
7:00 p.m.
ESPN2 (HD)

Two WAC teams looking to gain a little ground in the conference race where Boise State carries the torch for the conference in the top 10. Can the Bulldogs continue a positive trend in this series, after pulling off a win last year?

peace

Week 4: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the Top 25: our new Top 25

There doesn't appear to be many outstanding teams in College Football in '09? On any given Saturday, even a team as good as USC can get knocked off, especially, if it is against a conference team in the Pacific Northwest. It's time to re-look at the Top 25, after four weeks and as we move towards October Saturdays in College Football.

Iowa is 4-0 for the first time to end September in the Kirk Ferentz era. By the way, Ferentz teams have been known to get stronger and stronger in October and November, but have slow starts, over the past ten season. Last year, Iowa lost four games by a total of 12 points.

This could end up a very wide open BCS, conference and Top 25 season for most in the FBS. The dangers of losing your top QB may loom, as Oklahoma and USC have already experienced. Florida is thankful that they enter the first Saturday in October with a bye week, since QB Tim Tebow went down in Week 4.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the Top 25 after Week 4

1. Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC) LW 1 - If Tebow goes down, the Gators may not hold the #1 ranking for very long. The Good - Bye Week for Week 5, after 41-7 win @ Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC). The Bad - A 30-31 loss vs. Ole Miss in Week 4 of '08 (last loss). The Ugly - The thought of Tim Tebow not in the starting line up. Next up: @ LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC) on 10/10, Week 6.


2. Texas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) LW 2 - The Longhorns face a bye week, after 64-7 win vs. UTEP (1-3). The Good - Revenged '08 loss to Texas Tech 34-24 in Week 3. The Bad - The Longhorns missed out in '08 from playing in the BCS title game, after last year's lone loss at Texas Tech. The Ugly - For Longhorn fans, it's been four seasons ('05), since their BCS title. Next up: vs. Colorado (1-2) on 10/10, Week 6.


3. Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 3 - The Crimson Tide took care of business in the SEC home opener vs. Arkansas (1-2, 0-2 SEC) 35-7. Next up: @ Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC). The Good - Beat Virginia Tech 34-24 in Week 1. The Bad - The challange of playing in the SEC, including last year 20-31 loss vs. Florida in the SEC title game. The Ugly - A 17-31 loss vs. Utah in Sugar Bowl last season to finish 12-2.


4. USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac 10) LW 13 - The Trojans rebounded in the Pac Ten in Week 4, beating Washington State (1-3, 0-2 Pac 10) 27-6. The Good - The Trojans have finished #1 in the Pac Ten, since '02 and pulled off a solid win 18-15 in Columbus over Ohio State in Week 2. The Bad - A 13-16 loss @ Washington in Week 3 with their #1 QB unable to start. The Ugly - Washington was 0-12 in '08.


5. LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 4 - The Tigers pulled out a good road win @ Mississippi State (2-2, 1-1 SEC) to open conference play in '09. The Good - Unlike USC, the Tigers pulled off a road win 31-23 at Washington in Week 1 and are on a five game winning streak dating back to 38-3 win over Georgia Tech in Chick-fil-A. The Bad - Finishing 0-3 to finish in the SEC in '08. The Ugly - After winning the BCS Championship in '07, the Tigers were 3-5 in the SEC in '08 and 8-5 overall.


6. Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0 ACC) LW 14 - The Hokies are off to a good start in the ACC, with a solid 31-7 win over then #6 Miami-FL (2-1, 2-1 ACC) in Week 4. Next up @ Duke (2-2. The Good - Other than a loss in the opener vs. Alabama, the Hokies are 3-0 at home, including a close 16-15 win over Nebraska. The Bad- The Hokies are coming off a 5-3 ACC record in '08, but five straight double digit win seasons. The Ugly - The Hokies and the ACC have not been relevant in the BCS title game, since 2000.


7. Cincinnati (4-0, 1-0 Big East) LW 5 - The Bearcats stay undefeated after a 28-20 win over Fresno State (1-3, 0-1 WAC) in Week 4. Next up: @ Miami-OH (0-4, 0-2 MAC). The Good - Despite having a new DC and only returning 1 starter on defense, the Bearcats are playing very solid. The Bad - The Bearcats lost in the Orange to Virginia Tech 7-20 in their first BCS bowl last year. The Ugly - The Big East is not highly regarded among the top BCS conferences and all the former BCS Title game participants have moved on to the ACC.


8. Ohio State (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) LW 10 - The Buckeyes open the Big Ten play with a 30-0 win over Illinois (1-2, 0-1 Big Ten). Next up: @ Indiana (3-1, 0-1). The Good - The Buckeyes have won a share or an outright Big Ten title the past four seasons. The Bad - Coach Jim Tressel has begun to lose big games vs. BCS bowl opponents or vs. top OOC opponents, since the '06 Week 2 win over Texas in Austin.


9. Boise State (4-0, 1-0 WAC) LW 9 - The Broncos hit the road again and won 49-14 @ Bowling Green (1-3). The Good - Boise State picked up a solid Week 1 win over Oregon. The Bad - Could the top team from the #9 ranked conference shock the BCS in '09? BYU is celebrating the 25Th anniversary of their MNC season this season. The Ugly - Next up: the Broncos face UC-Davis (1-2), an FCS program, in Week 5.


10. Miami - FL (2-1, 2-1 ACC) LW 6 - The 7-31 loss @ then #14 Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0 ACC) in Week 4 has brought everyone down to earth regarding the young Hurricanes. Next up: @ #11 Oklahoma (2-1). The Good - The Hurricanes picked up two wins against two solid ACC clubs to open '09, @ Florida State and vs. Georgia Tech. The Bad - The Hurricanes lost 17-24 to Cal in the '08 Emerald Bowl. The Ugly - The Hurricanes have not been relevant nationally, since the '05 season and entered coach Randy Shannon's 3Rd season with a 12-13 record.


11. Oklahoma (2-1) LW 10 - The Sooners enjoyed a bye week to get ready for #10 Miami-FL (2-1, 2-1 ACC) in Week 5 in a Big 12-ACC showdown. The Good - Redshirt freshman QB Laundry Jones appears to be developing some confidence after wins over Idaho State and Tulsa as a first time starter. The Bad - Heisman QB Sam Bradford's shoulder was injured in Week 1, in 13-14 loss vs. BYU in Arlington. The Ugly - Losing to Texas again in the Red River Shootout in three weeks.


12. Georgia (3-1, 2-0 SEC) LW 16 - The Bulldogs picked up a solid 20-17 win over Arizona State (2-1). Next up: #5 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC). The Good - Wins over South Carolina and @ Arkansas to open SEC play in '09. The Bad - A opening season loss @ Oklahoma State. The Ugly - The Bulldogs lost 10-49 in last year's Cocktail Party vs. #1 Florida.


13. Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1 ACC) LW 18 - The Yellow Jackets rebounded from their first loss with a solid 24-7 win vs. North Carolina (3-1). Next up: @ Mississippi State (2-2, 1-2 SEC) in a ACC-SEC match up. The Good - The Yellow Jackets rebounded from last years lost to the Tar Heels. The Bad - Georgia Tech didn't lost @ Miami-FL, after a win at home in '08. The Ugly - A 3-38 loss vs. LSU in teh Chick-fil-A Bowl last year.


14. Iowa (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) LW 20 - Nearly a 10 point dog heading to Happy Valley to play then #7 Penn State (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) in Week 4, the Hawkeyes pulled out the deja vu win 21-10 over the Nittany Lions. Next up: vs. Arkansas State (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt). The Good - Iowa won the only bowl for the Big Ten in '08 with a 31-10 win over South Carolina in the Outback and are currently on an eight game winning streak. The Bad - Kirk Ferentz has never won @ Michigan State or @ Ohio State in his first ten years as head coach The Ugly - With @ Wisconsin, @ Michigan State and @ Ohio State, the Hawkeyes in the future, the steak can continue.


15. Oregon (3-1, 1-0 Pac 10) LW 22 - The Ducks opened eyes with 42-3 win vs. then #8 California (3-1, 0-1 Pac 10) to boost their position nationally in the Top 25. The Good - Five of the nine Pac 10 games are in Eugene, including USC, Arizona State and Oregon State. The Bad - The season opener @ Boise State where sportsmanship and the Ducks offense was lacking in an 8-19 loss. The Ugly - Senior RB LeGarrette Blount's postgame actions in the season opener that lead to his season suspension.


16. Nebraska (3-1) LW t25 - The Cornhuskers rebounded from the road loss with a solid 55-0 shutout win over Louisiana-Lafayette in Lincoln. The Huskers will have a bye week before turning to conference play @ t#25 Missouri (4-0) on 10/8 in Week 6. The Good - Coach Bo Pelini is building momentium in Year 2, after closing his first season with a 26-21 win over Clemson in the Gator. The Bad - The Cornhuskers weren't able to close out the victory in Blacksburg in Week 3 @ Virginia Tech. The Ugly - Other than Duke, the Cornhuskers have not faired well vs. Top 25 opponents of late in the FBS.


17. TCU (3-0) LW 17 - The Horned Frogs win a solid game @ Clemson (2-2, 1-1 ACC) 14-10 to remain undefeated in '09. Next up: vs. SMU (2-1, 1-0 C-USA). The Good - The Horned Frogs won the Poinsettia in '08 17-16 over Boise State to finish 11-2. The Bad - The Horned Frogs missed in capturing the MWC title with a 10-13 loss at Utah. The Ugly - The MWC isn't a BCS conference, but is the top non-BCS conference in the FCS. Is it TCU's turn to reign in the crown as Top non-BCS program in '09?


18. Houston (3-0) LW 24 - The Cougars pulled out a 29-28 win over Texas Tech (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) to pull off their second win in the OOC vs. Big 12 programs. Next up: @ UTEP (1-3) to open C-USA play. The Good - Wins @ Oklahoma State and vs. Texas Tech to open '09. The Bad - What has the C-USA ever done in the BCS? The Ugly - Coach Kevin Sumlin is entering only his second season. Will success bring a new suitor to the table at the end of '09?


19. Oklahoma State (3-1) LW 19 - The Cowboys close out OOC play with a 56-6 win over Grambling State (2-2, 1-0 SWAC-FCS). The Cowboys have a bye week this week. Next Up: @ Texas A&M (3-0) in Week 6, 10/10. The Good - The Cowboys won the opener vs. Georgia. The Bad - The Cowboys couldn't follow it up in Week 2 and lost at home to Houston. The Ugly - In this decade, the Cowboys have not finished better than 5-3 in the Big 12 South.


20. Penn State (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) LW 7 - The Nittany Lions lost the Big Ten opener at home to then #20 Iowa (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) 10-27. Next up: @ Illinois (1-2, 0-1 Big Ten). The Good - Joe Pa is 13-3 vs. Illinois, but the Nittany Lions must hit the road for the first time in '09. The Bad - The Nittany Lions have lost seven of eight this decade vs. the Hawkeyes. The Ugly - In Penn State's two highly successful seasons this decade ('05 and '08), the Nittany Lions took care of business in the Big Ten opener and went on to finish 7-1. In '07, the Week 2 game was @ Illinois too, PSU lost 20-27 and opened 0-2.


21. BYU (3-1, 1-0 MWC) LW 21 - The Cougars opened conference play with a solid 42-23 win over Colorado State (3-1, 0-1 MWC) and rebound from an OOC loss. Next Up: vs. Utah State (1-2) on Friday. The Good - Beat Oklahoma in Week 1 in Arlington, Texas. The Bad - Took a home game on the chin vs. Florida State in Week 3. The Ugly - The BCS has been good for rival Utah on two occassions to carry the MWC torch, but what about BYU?


22. Mississippi (2-1, 0-1 SEC) LW 12 - The conference opener @ South Carolina last Thursday turned out to be a 10-16 loss for the Rebels. Next up: @ Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-2 SEC). The Good - Last team to beat Florida, Week 5 of '08, in Tallahassee 31-30. The Bad - Finished 5-3 in '08, despite the win at Florida. Now, 0-1 with loss at South Carolina. The Ugly - The Rebels have never played in the BCS under the current format. Between '04 to '07, no bowl trips.


23. South Florida (4-0) LW NR - The Bulls win the first meeting ever in the series, with a 17-7 win @ then #15 Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC). Next up: @ Syracuse (2-2). The Good - The Bulls won the St. Petersburg Bowl 41-14 over Memphis and have a five game win streak. The Bad - The Bulls finished only 2-5 in the Big East in '08, for their first losing conference record, since '04. The Ugly - The first three wins are vs. Wofford, @ Western Kentucky and vs. Charleston Southern. Not much of a OOC slate in '09 for the Bulls.


24. Kansas (4-0) LW t25 - The Jayhawks finish OOC play with a 35-28 win over Southern Miss (3-1, 1-0 C-USA). The Jayhawks have a bye week before opening Big 12 play vs. Iowa State (3-1) for their Homecoming Game on 10/10. The Good - The Jayhawks won the '08 Insight Bowl with a 42-21 win over Minnesota and are on a five game winning streak right now. The Bad - The Jayhawks must face OU, @ Texas Tech and @ Texas in the South again. The Ugly - The Jayhawks finished the final six Big 12 games in '08 2-4 and have only finished .500 or better once this decade.


25. (tie) Missouri (4-0) LW t25 - On Friday night, the Tigers hit the road for the first time @ Nevada and picked up a 31-21 win to close out OOC play. The Tigers will have a bye week before a Thursday night Big 12 home opener on 10/8 vs. #16 Nebraska (3-1). The Good - The Tigers in beating Illinois in the season opener have won eight straight against the Fighting Illini. The Bad - The Tigers have only finished better than 4-4 once this decade in the conference regular season. The Ugly - The Tigers have lost 17-38 and 21-62 in back to back Big 12 title games. But, will they make it three straight trips in '09?
    California (3-1, 0-1 Pac 10) LW 8 - The Golden Bears hit the road for their first conference game and it was not pretty as the Bears fell @ then #22 Oregon (3-1, 1-0 Pac 10) 3-42. Next up: vs. #4 USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac 10). The Good - The Golden Bears picked up a 35-21 road win at Minnesota in Week 2. The Bad - They followed up the win with a very disappointing opener in conference play in Week 4. The Ugly - The Golden Bears have lost five straight to USC in Pac 10 play.
    

Teams to Watch in Week 5: Teams who are currently ranked in Top 25 AP and/or Coaches' Polls, but not ranked here: Michigan (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) - with four home game thus far, we think the Wolverines should earn one on the road first. Next up: @ Michigan State (1-3, 0-1 Big Ten). Is this the definition of a "trap" game for the Wolverines? They have not lost back to back games vs. the Spartans, since the 1940s?

Exiting our Top 25 in Week 4: Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC) LW 15 (L 7-17 vs. South Florida (4-0)), Washington (2-2, 1-1 Pac 10) LW 23 (L 14-34 @ Stanford (3-1, 2-0 Pac 10)).

Sagarin Ratings for College Football by Conference.

peace

Iowa moves to 4-0, 1-0 in Big Ten with exciting 21-10 win in Happy Valley over Penn State

Wow, the Iowa Hawkeyes pull off the 21-10 win @ Penn State, despite the hype, white out and Game Day elements outside the lines. Iowa moves the series lifetime with Penn State to an even .500. Each team has won 12 times each against each other. By the way, Penn State moves to .500 in night games at home too.

Iowa has won seven out of the last eight games vs. Joe Paterno and his Penn State teams. Kirk Ferentz clearly has Joe Pa's number, since becoming Iowa's head coach in 1999. The Hawkeyes have won four of the last five games played in Happy Valley this decade.

Wow!

Iowa has trailed in each of their four ball games, so far, this season. Iowa is 4-0 and now 1-0 in the Big Ten. The 10-0 lead after the first quarter @ Penn State did have some similarities to last year's 24-23 win on a last second field goal at Kinnick over Penn State.

Iowa trailed Penn State 5-10 at halftime and in last year's game, Iowa was down 7-13 at half and 7-16 at the end of the third quarter. Iowa outscored Penn State 17-7 in the fourth quarter in '08 to pull out the upset. This year, Iowa, a 9.5 underdog, outscored Penn State 16-0 in the fourth quarter. In the Iowa-PSU series, 14 of the past 22 games have been won by the visiting team.

It was a great momentum game. After falling down 0-10 early in the game, Iowa began to take control of the line of scrimmage. Special teams and out distancing the Nittany Lions with fewer mistakes and capitalizing on turnovers ended out to be the difference again.

Iowa has a very stout defense, a good mix of special teams and enough offense. The coaching staff at Iowa have to be very happy. The schemes were outstanding, but at times the execution was poor. The Iowa coaching staff should have a lot of good teaching moments on the game film. If the team continues to work hard and improve week to week, as they have in September, this could become a very good Iowa team.

Iowa has been ranked #20 in our Cidsports poll all year. It's time to move them up, after a very nice 4-0 start. Kirk Ferentz is in his 11Th season as head coach at Iowa. The 2009 season is the first undefeated season for a coach Ferentz team in Iowa City.

peace

We have Iowa upsetting PSU again, so what other games look interesting for 9/26/2009?

Saturday, September 26th (Printable Schedule w/ DirecTV channels)

• Buffalo at Temple, 11:00 a.m., ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable)
• Fresno State at #5 Cincinnati, 11:00 a.m., ALT / SNY / ESPN-GP / (ERTV / BSN) (cable)
• Indiana at Michigan, 11:00 a.m., ESPN2 (HD)
• Michigan State at Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m., ESPN (HD)
• Minnesota at Northwestern, 11:00 a.m., BTN (HD)
• North Carolina at #18 Georgia Tech, 11:00 a.m., ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom (HD) *3 / online
• South Florida at #15 Florida State, 11:00 a.m., ESPNU (HD)
• Southern Miss at Kansas, 11:00 a.m., FSN (HD)
• #4 LSU at Mississippi State, 11:21 a.m., ESPN-GP / SEC Network *4
• Northern Iowa at Missouri State, 1:00 p.m., FCS (DirecTV 617) / FCS Central (cable)
• San Diego State at Air Force, 1:00 p.m., Mtn.
• Akron at Central Michigan, 2:30 p.m., FSOH / ESPN-GP *2
• Arkansas at #3 Alabama, 2:30 p.m., CBS (HD)
• #8 California at #22 Oregon, 2:30 p.m., ABC *1 (HD) / ESPN-GP *2
• Idaho at Northern Illinois, 2:30 p.m., CSNC / ESPN-GP *2
• Illinois at #10 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m., (ESPN *7 / ABC *1) (HD)
• #6 Miami-FL at #14 Virginia Tech, 2:30 p.m., (ABC *1 / ESPN *7) (HD) / ESPN-GP *2
• Pittsburgh at North Carolina State, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU (HD)
• UTEP at #2 Texas, 2:30 p.m., FSN (HD)
• Western Kentucky at Navy, 2:30 p.m., CBSC (HD)
• Troy at Arkansas State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN-GP *2 / CSS / CST
• Colorado State at #21 BYU, 5:00 p.m., Mtn.
• #1 Florida at Kentucky, 5:00 p.m., ESPN2 (HD)
• Arizona State at #16 Georgia, 6:00 p.m., ESPNU (HD)
• Ball State at Auburn, 6:00 p.m., (FSS / SUN) (HD) / ESPN-GP *2
• #9 Boise State at Bowling Green, 6:00 p.m., ESPN-GP / KTVB / BCSN
• Louisiana-Lafayette at Nebraska, 6:00 p.m., FSN PPV (updated)
• Ohio at Tennessee, 6:00 p.m., ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (TN)
• Arizona at Oregon State, 6:30 p.m., Versus (HD)
• Louisville at Utah, 6:30 p.m., CBSC (HD)
• #20 Iowa at #7 Penn State, 7:00 p.m., ABC (HD) (more on this prediction)
• Notre Dame at Purdue, 7:00 p.m., ESPN (HD)
• #23 Washington at Stanford, 8:00 p.m., FCS (DirecTV 617) / FCS Pacific (cable)
• Texas Tech at Houston, 8:15 p.m., ESPN2 (HD)
• New Mexico State at New Mexico, 9:00 p.m., Mtn.
• Washington State at #13 USC, 9:15 p.m., FSN (HD)

Games that haven't been scheduled for nationally available networks so far.

• Army at Iowa State, 6:00 p.m. (Can the Cyclones get to 3-1 to start '09?)
• Cal Poly at San Jose State, 7:00 p.m.
• Central Florida at East Carolina, 2:30 p.m., BHSN / WITN
• Grambling at 19 Oklahoma State, 6:00 p.m.
• Hofstra at Western Michigan, 6:00 p.m.
• Louisiana-Monroe at Florida Atlantic, 3:00 p.m.
• Maine at Syracuse, 6:00 p.m., TWS
• Marshall at Memphis, 12:00 p.m., CSS
• McNeese State at Tulane, 2:30 p.m.
• Miami Ohio at Kent State, 6:00 p.m.
• Middle Tennessee at North Texas, 6:00 p.m.
• North Carolina Central at Duke, 6:00 p.m.
• Northwestern State at Baylor, 6:00 p.m.
• Rhode Island at Connecticut, 11:00 a.m., ESPN 360
• Rutgers at Maryland, 2:30 p.m., ESPN 360 / RU-TV
• Sam Houston State at Tulsa, 6:00 p.m.
• Southern Utah at Utah State, 7:00 p.m.
• 17 TCU at Clemson, 2:30 p.m., ESPN 360
• Tennessee Tech at Kansas State, 1:00 p.m.
• Toledo at Florida International, 6:00 p.m.
• UAB at Texas A&M, 6:00 p.m.
• UNLV at Wyoming, 2:00 p.m.
• Vanderbilt at Rice, 7:00 p.m., CSS
• Wake Forest at Boston College, 1:00 p.m., ESPN 360
  

peace

#20 Iowa 9 to 10 point underdog at Happy Valley tonight: No Surprise vs. # 7 Penn State and a Joe Pa's team

Last year, Iowa was a +7 dog at home, no less. In 2000, Iowa was a +17 dog at Happy Valley, they won 26-23 in 2 OT. Iowa has won 3 of the last 4 in Happy Valley, 6 of the last 7 in the series and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is 6-2 lifetime vs. Penn State's Joe Paterno.

We don't know much about #7 Penn State, except they are 3-0 after wins vs. Akron, Syracuse and Temple. #20 Iowa is 3-0 and we do know they survived a close game with the University of Northern Iowa in the opener, 17-16. UNI is only a FCS team and in the national polls eyes, Iowa was out, after a win in the home opener. Iowa picked up wins @ Iowa State 35-3 and last week vs. Arizona 27-17 at home.

Can Iowa hold down Penn State's run game and make the Nittany Lions beat Iowa in the air? In 2007, a poor Iowa team was blasted by the Nittany Lions 27-7 behind a very strong running game. Iowa was a +3 in take aways in '07, but they had no offense vs. the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. This is a different Iowa team, now lead by QB Ricky Stanzi, who lead Iowa to the 24-23 upset win over Penn State at Kinnick in '08.

Keys to the game in Happy Valley today:

1. Run Defense and the Line of Scrimmage.


2. Which QB makes will limit mistakes?


3. Which defense gives up the big plays?


4. Does a team have to settle for Field Goals?


5. Special teams play ...

This should be an entertaining game in front of a national television audience on ABC at 7 pm tonight CDT. Penn State is clearly favored and typically has been a +3 to +17 favorite this decade vs. Iowa at home.

By the way, the '96 Iowa team was a +10 underdog at Penn State, when Tim Dwight and company came to town. The '96 team was a -6 favorite vs. Arizona to open the season and pulled off the win over U of A by 1. Later, they pulled off the win in Happy Valley. Deja vous again for Iowa? Does the weather factor in and create an advantage for one?

Prediction:

#20 Iowa 24
#7 Penn State 22

peace

South Carolina takes care of business; will it be Missouri or Nevada next?

To little surprise, South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 SEC) took care of business vs. #12 Mississippi (2-1, 0-1 SEC) on Thursday night 16-10 to pick up their first SEC win of the season. The game was on ESPN.

Tonight:

Friday, September 25Th
Missouri at Nevada
8:00 p.m.
ESPN (HD)

peace

Will Iowa get a boost heading into Penn State this week?

Iowa trio left off depth chart for Penn State game - USA Today

• Tight End Tony Moeaki


• Wide Receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos


• Left Tackle Bryan Bulaga

Will any of the three be back for No. 20 Iowa for Saturday's game at No. 7 Penn State?

Penn State vs. Iowa Game Notes‎ - GoPSUsports.com
60th year on Penn State staff...all-time leader in career wins among FBS (1-A) coaches...300 wins faster than any coach in NCAA history. ...

Penn State's Lee injures left knee‎ - Pittsburgh Post Gazette

peace

Week 3: It's time to mix it up in the Top 25 ... are we beginning to learn some things yet?

The national media doesn't think much of the Big Ten Conference either. Though, five Big Ten teams remain undefeated, after Week 3, with just less than 30 teams can say such in the FBS (28 of the 120 teams are without a loss).

The Big Ten is often competitive. Look at the following games, such as Iowa over Arizona, Michigan over Notre Dame, and Purdue @ Oregon; even Ohio State gave USC a strong game, until the Trojans final drive. USC got the nice win over a Top 10 team, but can't figure out lately how to beat the unranked opponents in their own conference.

Parity is here in College Football. FCS teams have already knocked off a couple ACC teams in '07. In conference play, anything can happen. When you think your program has arrived in the Top 10, home field advantage doesn't always guarantee success even, just ask BYU in Week 3 and Oklahoma State in Week 2.

So, it's time to revisit our Top 25, after Week 3 and position 1 through 25 ... Here are how teams finished ranked in the Top 25 in 2008 and 2007:

1. Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 1 - The Gators are the defending BCS title holders and they took care of business vs. Tennessee (1-2, 0-1 SEC) 23-13 in Gainsville. The Gators hold the longest streak now in the FBS. Next up: @ Kentucky (2-0) for the first SEC road test of the year. Florida finished #1 in 2008 and clearly should be #1.
2. Texas (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) LW 2 - The Longhorns gained a little revenge from last year's last second loss to Texas Tech (33-39 in Lubbock), with a 34-24 win over Texas Tech (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) in Austin. Next up: vs. UTEP (1-2), who are coming off first victory over New Mexico State 38-12. Texas finished as high as #3 in 2008 and Top 10 in 2007.
3. Alabama (3-0) LW 4 - The Crimson Tide beat up on another Sun Belt team, North Texas (1-2), 53-7 to get ready for SEC play this week at home. Next up: vs. Arkansas (1-1, 0-1 SEC), who fell to #16 Georgia (2-1, 2-0 SEC) 41-52 at home in their SEC home opener.
4. LSU (3-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 6 - The Tigers beat Lousiana-Lafayette (2-1) 31-3 and their win @ Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10) in Week 1 certainly has more meaning, after Washington (2-1) knocked off then #3 USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) 16-13 in Week 3. Next up: @ Mississippi State (2-1, 1-1 SEC) in the Tigers' first SEC road test. Both teams have beat common SEC opponent Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-2 SEC) this season. The Tigers finished strong in '08, but unranked after a blow out win over Top 25 Georgia Tech (38-3 in Chick-fil-A). The Tigers finished #1 in 2007 in the BCS.
5. Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0 Big East) LW t25 - The Bearcats go out West and pick up a big win 28-18 @ then #22 Oregon State (2-1). The Bearcats entered '09 with a new DC, ex-Iowa player Bob Diaco, and ten new starters on that side of the football, after finishing 11-3 in '08 and #17 in the polls. Coach Brian Kelly has a solid QB in senior Tony Pike and a good start overall in '09. Next up: vs. Fresno State (1-2, 0-1 WAC) comes East, as the Bearcats face their first FBS school at home in '09.
6. Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) LW 18 - The Hurricanes have beat two Top 25 opponents to start the '09 season. The latest, a 33-17 win over then #15 Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) to start 2-0 in the conference. Next up: @ #14 Virginia Tech (2-1), with an opportunity for the Hurricanes (#1 in Sagarin ratings) to start 3-0 in the conference before a tough OOC slate begins in Week 5.
7. Penn State (3-0) LW 7 - The Nittany Lions took care of business with the third straight home victory against OOC opponents, with a 31-6 win over Temple (0-2). We don't know much about the Nittany Lions after wins over Akron (1-2), Syracuse (1-2), and now Temple, with combined records of 2-6. Defense appears to be their strength again for Joe Pa. Next up: vs. Iowa (3-0) for the rematch from last year's Iowa win 24-23 that bounced the Nittany Lions out of the BCS title hunt in '08. ESPN Game Day will be on hand for this year's Big Ten opener in Happy Valley.
8. California (3-0) LW 8 - The Bears lead by star running back Jahvid Best's five touchdowns won 35-21 @ Minnesota (2-1) in their first road test. However, just how good are the Bears after facing Maryland (1-2), Eastern Washington (2-1 FCS) and now the Gophers? None of the three are Top 25 material, so Cal will need to earn the next ranking. Next up: @ Oregon (2-1), who ended Utah's (2-1) 16 game win streak, with a 31-24 home victory.
9. Boise State (3-0, 1-0 WAC) LW 9 - The Broncos took care of business @ Fresno State (1-2, 0-1 WAC) with a 54-31 win. The Broncos face an OOC road trip in Week 4. Next up: @ Bowling Green (1-2), which can't be taken lightly after a competitive game @ Missouri in Week 2.
10. Ohio State (2-1) LW 10 - The Buckeyes beat Toledo (1-2) in Cleveland 38-0 to rebound from a disappointing loss at home in Week 2 vs. USC 15-18. The Buckeyes are likely higher than appropriate, with the Trojans now out of the Top 10, but the Buckeyes are dangerous. QB Terrelle Pryor is good, solid defense and the loss is a good wake up call for the Buckeyes the rest of the way. Next up: vs. Illinois (1-1), who are coming off a bye week. The Fighting Illini are a mystery with key injuries, but they did beat the Buckeyes in '07 in Columbus.
11. Oklahoma (2-1) LW 11 - The Sooners pound Tulsa (2-1) 45-0 as new quarterback Landry Jones threw six touchdown passes, setting a Sooners record. Next up: a bye week to prepare for a road trip to #6 Miami-FL (2-0), who are off to an outstanding start in the ACC and overall.
12. Mississippi (2-0) LW 12 - The Rebels beat Southeastern Louisiana (2-1), a FCS opponent, 52-6, but far too early to reward the Rebels in our opinion. Next up: @ South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 SEC) for the SEC opener for '09 and important game for both teams.
13. USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) LW 3 - The Trojans can't win on the road in the Pac Ten opener @ Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10), falling 13-16. The real question for the Trojans right now is at QB, with inexperience and health a factor now. Next up: vs. Washington State (1-2, 0-1 Pac 10), who are clearly one of the weakest teams from a BCS conference.
14. Virginia Tech (2-1) LW 14 - The Hokies pick up the win it over then #21 Nebraska (2-1) Cornhuskers 16-15 when QB Tyrod Taylor connected with Dyrell Roberts on an 11-yard TD pass with 21 seconds left to play. Next up: vs. #6 Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) in a huge opener for the Hokies in the ACC.
15. Florida State (2-1) LW NR - The Seminoles ran out of time vs. now #6 Miami-FL in Week 1 opener in the ACC, but the Seminoles won @ then #5 BYU (2-1) in Week 3 to rebound and get back on track. Next up: vs. South Florida (3-0), who have played two FCS programs and the newest full member from the FCS to open '09. The Seminoles need to be careful in this in-state game.
16. Georgia (2-1, 2-0 SEC) LW 16 - The Bulldogs won @ Arkansas (1-1) 52-41 to open 2-0 in the SEC after three weeks of football. Next up: vs. Arizona State (2-0), who Georgia beat 27-10 on the road in '08. How will a trip East go for the Sun Devils?
17. TCU (2-0) LW 17 - The Horned Frogs beat a FCS opponent, Texas State (1-1), 56-21 in their home opener of the season. Next up: @ Clemson (2-1, 1-1 ACC), who are coming off a win in the ACC vs. Boston College (2-1, 0-1 ACC) 25-7. Another non-BCS Top 25 team is in for a real test.
18. Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) LW 15 - The Yellow Jackets lost @ then #18 Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) in an important early ACC battle. Next up: vs. North Carolina (3-0), who faces a tough ACC opener on the road vs. the Yellow Jackets, who UNC beat 28-7 last year.
19. Oklahoma State (2-1) LW 19 - The Cowboys rebounded with a 41-24 win at home vs. Rice (0-3), also from the C-USA. Next up: vs. FCS opponent, Grambling State (2-1, 1-0 SWAC) for the Cowboys fourth straight home game in '09.
20. Iowa (3-0) LW 20 - The Hawkeyes have completed each game as they should to open the '09 season, with a win. This week's victory being a 27-17 win over the Pac 10's Arizona (2-1) to disappoint Wildcats' coach Mike Stoops homecoming game vs. his alma mater. Next up: @ #7 Penn State (3-0), who the Hawkeyes have beaten 6 out of last 7, including 3 out of 4 in Happy Valley.
21. BYU (2-1) LW 5 - The Cougars were dominated by Florida State (2-1, 0-1 ACC) 28-54 on their home field in Week 3. Next up: vs. Colorado State (3-0), who are off to a solid start in ' 09. This is the MWC opener for both teams
22. Oregon (2-1) LW NR - The Ducks beat then #13 Utah (2-1) 34-21 to pick up their second straight win at home, after a disappointing season opener @ now #9 Boise State (3-0, 2-1 WAC). Next up: vs. #8 California (3-0) in the Pac Ten opener for both schools.
23. Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10) LW NR - The Huskies played #7 LSU strong in the season opener, but came up short. However, Week 3 was not to be denied as the Huskies beat then #3 USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) 16-13 to rebound from last year's 0-12 record in style, as new coach Steve Sarkistan beats his mentor, Pete Carroll, in his first head to head. Next up: @ Stanford (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10), who beat Washington State (1-2, 0-1 Pac 10) in season opener on road.
24. Houston (2-0) LW 24 - The Cougars were idle this past week, after their upset win @ now #19 Oklahoma State in Week 2. The Cougars host Texas Tech (2-1, 0-1 Big 12), who are coming off disappointing 24-34 loss @ #2 Texas (3-0, 1-0 Big 12).
25. TIE: One of these Big 12 North teams, either Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri is worthy of #25. Since they haven't opened conference play yet in the Big 12 North, and with each having shown something worthy of recognition, it is only fair to place each of them at #25 this week.
    Kansas (3-0) LW t25 - The Jayhawks beat Duke (1-2) 44-16 at home. Next up: vs. Southern Miss (3-0, 1-0 C-USA), who beat Virginia (0-3) 37-34 to remain undefeated in '09, as the Golden Eagles hit the road for the first time @ KU.
    Nebraska (2-1) LW 21 - The Cornhuskers nearly pulled off a great road win in Bo Pelini's second year with a 15-16 loss @ #14 Virginia Tech (2-1). Next up: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1), who already are 1-0 vs. Big 12 North opponents, with a 17-15 win vs. K-State. Huskers must avoid a letdown in Week 4.
    Missouri (3-0) LW NR - The Tigers pound a FCS opponent, Furman (2-1) 52-12 in Week 3 to remain undefeated. Next up: @ Nevada (0-2), who lost 20-35 @ Colorado State (3-0) in Week 3, after losing opener @ Notre Dame (2-1) 0-35 in Week 1.

Teams to Watch in Week 4: Teams who are currently ranked in Top 25 AP and/or Coaches' Polls, but not ranked here:
North Carolina (3-0) - The Tar Heels remain undefeated in '09 with a 31-17 win at home vs. East Carolina (1-2). Next up: @ #18 Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) for the Tar Heels ACC opener.
Michigan (3-0) - The Wolverines beat Eastern Michigan 45-17 for their third staright win in Ann Arbor. Next up: vs. Indiana (3-0), who are off to a strong start in coach Bill Lynch's third season. IU won @ Akron (1-2) 38-21 to be among the five Big Ten teams that are currently undefeated after three weeks of football.

Exiting our Top 25 in Week 3: Utah (2-1) LW 13 (L 21-34 @ Oregon), Oregon State (2-1) LW 22 (L 18-28 vs. t#25 Cincinnati(3-0)). West Virginia (2-1) LW 23 (L 30-41 @ Auburn (3-0))

peace

Iowa's 27-17 win over Arizona in Week 3 of College Football

It was a great afternoon at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, as the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the University of Arizona 27-17 in front of a packed house, that included a little of the red and blue.

Iowa had a very nice drive lead by quarterback Ricky Stanzi to take a 7-0 lead. But, after holding Arizona to a 3 and out on defense, the next drive turned out to be a Hawkeye mistake, when Stanzi threw a pick 6. Arizona took an early 10-7 lead, when the defense nearly gave up the big play on a Nic Grigsby run for Arizona to the Iowa 1. A huge defensive stand, fueled by a minus 4 yard loss by reserve Iowa safety David Cato's run blitz on 2Nd down kept the U of A drive to 3 points rather than 7.

The 2nd period run by Adam Robinson on 3 and 23 was the other huge play of the day by the Iowa team. The Hawkeyes took a nice 14-10 lead at halftime. They never looked back fueled by the Iowa defense and a Wildcats' team that just didn't make many plays on Saturday in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes take a 3-0 record into Big Ten play next Saturday. The Hawkeyes will travel to Happy Valley for the 7 pm game on ABC to a national audience, ESPN Game Day and white out crowd for PSU. Penn State (3-0) will be ready and capable, as the Hawkeyes look to rebound in Happy Valley, after losing 7-27 @ Penn State in '07. Of course, the Nittany Lions are remembering last year's 23-24 loss to Iowa that threw Penn State out of the BCS title game hunt.

peace

Week 3: Iowa vs. Arizona at Kinnick Stadium, ABC/ESPN2 @ 2:30 pm

It's Game Day Iowa style, with the University of Arizona, lead by two former Hawkeyes with head coach Mike Stoops and his defensive coordinator brother, Mark, headed back to their alma mater to face the '09 Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes and the Wildcats both enter Kinnick with 2-0 records.

(picture - Iowa's Tim Dwight vs. Arizona back in the '90s the last time the Wildcats visited Kinnick to face the Hawkeyes)

Iowa's offense

• Junior Ricky Stanzi has had two slow starts, will game 3 be a charm?
• Running backs Adam Robinson (rs-Fr.) and Brandon Wegher (true Fr.) appear 1-2 entering Week 3 ... will Jeff Brinson (rs-Fr.) see a couple more carries too?
• Iowa has a nice mix at WR and TE in '09 developing
• Does Iowa's offensive line lead the Big Ten in '09 - good test today
• PK Daniel Murray appears to be carrying the full load this year

Iowa's defense

• The defensive line will be tested by U of A's run game, which DC Norm Parker often finds a way to take away, whether it be PSU in '09 or other programs making their way to Kinnick
• The linebackers are looking forward to this one, absent a spread flare for a change
• The secondary loves to pick the ball lately ... will it continue today?
• Iowa's punter Ryan Donahue is one of the best weapons in Black & Gold

Key's to the game

1. Control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football
2. Win the turnover game
3. Get on the Wildcats early, which points to both Stanzi and the run defense

Prediction:

#20 Iowa 24
Arizona 20

Final thoughts: The U of A are 0-4 in OOC games on the road under coach Mike Stoops, now in his 6Th season in Tucson. This will be Wildcats' sophomore Matt Scott's first road test as a starter. Junior RB Nic Grigsby enters the game #2 in the nation in rushing, but the Wildcats best offensive player, TE junior Rob Gronkowski, is projected out. He has missed all three game thus far and this could be the first game that his absence is really missed. This should be a classic Big Ten-Pac Ten match up, like last week's USC @ Ohio State, this should be a close game at the end. Special teams could play a big role down the stretch. The Hawkeyes hold on and win @ Kinnick by less than a touchdown.

peace

Week 3: Saturday, September 19Th College Football

Saturday, September 19th Games in College Football

(cidsports picks in Bold)

• Ball State at Army, 11:00 a.m., CBSC (HD)
• Boston College at Clemson, 11:00 a.m., ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom (HD) *3
• #8 California at Minnesota, 11:00 a.m., ESPN (HD)
• Duke at Kansas, 11:00 a.m., Versus (HD)
• East Carolina at North Carolina, 11:00 a.m., ESPN2 (HD)
• Eastern Michigan at Michigan, 11:00 a.m., BTN (HD)
• Louisville at Kentucky, 11:00 a.m., ESPNU (HD) / Insight Cable (KY)
• Northern Illinois at Purdue, 11:00 a.m., BTN (HD)
• #10 Ohio State vs. Toledo (Cleveland), 11:00 a.m., ALT / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable)
• Temple at #7 Penn State, 11:00 a.m., BTN (HD)
• Wofford at Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m., BTN (HD)
• North Texas at #4 Alabama, 11:21 a.m., ESPN-GP *2 / SEC Network *4
• Furman at Missouri, 1:00 p.m., FSN PPV
• Arizona at #20 Iowa, 2:30 p.m., (ESPN2 *7 / ABC *1 (HD)
• Indiana at Akron, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU (HD)
• Michigan State at Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m., NBC (HD)
• #21 Nebraska at #14 Virginia Tech, 2:30 p.m., ABC *1 (HD) / ESPN2 *7 / ESPN-GP *2
• Tennessee at #1 Florida, 2:30 p.m., CBS (HD) / Online
• Tulsa at #11 Oklahoma, 2:30 p.m., FSN (HD)
• UAB at Troy, 2:30 p.m., CSS / FCS Atlantic (cable) / ESPN-GP *2,
• #3 USC at Washington, 2:30 p.m., ABC *1 (HD) / ESPN-GP *2
• #13 Utah at Oregon, 2:30 p.m., ESPN (HD)
• Virginia at Southern Miss, 2:30 p.m., CBSC (HD)
• Wyoming at Colorado, 2:30 p.m., FCS Central (cable)
• Florida International at Rutgers, 4:00 p.m., SNY / ESPN-GP / WFMZ (cable)
• #25 Cincinnati at #22 Oregon State, 5:45 p.m., FSN (HD)
• Florida Atlantic at South Carolina, 6:00 p.m., ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (SC),
• Florida State at #5 BYU, 6:00 p.m., Versus (HD)
• Louisiana-Lafayette at #6 LSU, 6:00 p.m., ESPNU (HD)
• Mississippi State at Vanderbilt, 6:00 p.m., SUN / ESPN-GP *2 / FSS (HD)
• Northwestern at Syracuse, 6:00 p.m., ESPN-GP *2 / TWCS (cable)
• Southeastern Louisiana at #12 Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m., ESPN-GP *2 / CSS / CST / BHSN
• Air Force at New Mexico, 6:30 p.m., CBSC (HD)
• #16 Georgia at Arkansas, 6:45 p.m., ESPN (HD)
• #23 West Virginia at Auburn, 6:45 p.m., ESPN2 (HD)
• Texas Tech at #2 Texas, 7:00 p.m., ABC (HD)
• UTEP at New Mexico State, 7:00 p.m., ESPN-GP / Aggie Vision
• Louisiana-Monroe at Arizona State, 9:00 p.m., FSAZ (HD) / FCS Pacific (cable)
• Kansas State at UCLA, 9:15 p.m., FSN (HD)
• Hawaii at UNLV, 10:00 p.m., Mtn. / CBSC (HD)

Games that haven't been scheduled for nationally available networks so far.

• Alcorn State at Central Michigan, 2:30 p.m.
• Bowling Green at Marshall, 6:00 p.m., WSAZ
• Buffalo at Central Florida, 5:00 p.m., BHSN / TWCS
• Cal Poly at Ohio, 6:00 p.m.
• Central Arkansas at Western Kentucky, 6:00 p.m.
• Charleston Southern at South Florida, 6:00 p.m.
• Connecticut at Baylor, 4:00 p.m.
• Elon at Wake Forest, 5:30 p.m.,
• Gardner-Webb at North Carolina State, 5:00 p.m.
• Iowa State at Kent State, 6:00 p.m., ESPN 360
• Miami Ohio at Western Michigan, 6:00 p.m.
• Middle Tennessee at Maryland, 2:30 p.m., ESPN 360
• Navy at Pittsburgh, 5:00 p.m., ESPN 360
• Nevada at Colorado State, 4:00 p.m.
• Nicholls State at Louisiana Tech, 6:00 p.m.
• Rice at Oklahoma State, 6:00 p.m.
• San Diego State at Idaho, 4:00 p.m., San Diego Cable / GVN (delayed until 6)
• San Jose State at Stanford, 8:00 p.m.
• SMU at Washington State, 4:00 p.m.
• Texas State at TCU, 6:00 p.m.
• UT Martin at Memphis, 7:00 p.m.
• Utah State at Texas A&M, 6:00 p.m.

peace

A look at the Big Ten through Week 2 Games... Week 3 on Saturday!

The Big Ten doesn't have the national power right now. Basically, Florida and Texas hold that honor. Ohio State came close against USC in Week 2, but the final USC drive was too much and USC beat Ohio State in Columbus 18-15.

Who's #1 after Week 2?

1. Heck, no Big Ten teams have begun, so really 1-11 are all equal at 0-0!

Okay, let's rate the Big Ten right now ... using the Saragin Ratings

1. Ohio State (1-1) - The Buckeyes rebound in Cleveland in Week 3 vs. Toledo (1-1).


2. Penn State (2-0) - The Nittany Lions face their third home game in three weeks as Temple (0-1) arrives to Happy Valley in a tune up before Week 4's Big Ten home opener.


3. Michigan (2-0) - The Wolverines have their confidence back with an impressive 38-34 win over rival Notre Dame (1-1) in Week 2. Eastern Michigan (0-2), the worst team in the MAC, is next up in the Big House.


4. Iowa (2-0) - The Hawkeyes host an homecoming of sorts, with Arizona Mike Stoops, bringing his Wildcats (2-0) to Iowa City to face his alma mater. Iowa's last outing at Kinnick was a 17-16 squeaker vs. UNI, a Top 5 FCS team.


5. Wisconsin (2-0) - The Badgers host Wofford (1-1), from the Southern Conference in the FCS. The last FCS opponent, Cal Poly in '08, took the Badgers to overtime. The Badgers are coming off a 2OT game with Fresno State in Week 2.


6. Minnesota (2-0) - The Golden Gophers haven't won a big OOC game, since the 1950s at home. Week 3 brings #8 California (2-0) to town for a huge Pac Ten-Big Ten showdown.


7. Purdue (1-1) - The Boilermakers gave a huge fight on the road @ Oregon (1-1) in Week 2. Next up: vs. Northern Illinois (1-1), who are capable, if the Boilers don't bring their A game.


8. Michigan State (1-1) - The Spartans were upset at home in Week 2 vs. Central Michigan (1-1). Now, the Spartans hit the road @ Notre Dame (1-1), where the visitor has won 7 of the last 8 in this series. Last year, MSU beat Notre Dame 23-7 in East Lansing.


9. Illinois (1-1) - The Fighting Illini have the weekend off and will open @ Illinois in Week 4. The injury news has not been good for the Fighting Illini thus far in '09.


10. Indiana (2-0) - The Hoosiers take their new 'Pistol' offense on the road @ Akron (1-1), a MAC opponent. The Hoosiers won their last MAC road game in '07 beating Western Michigan. Can coach Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers make it 2 for 2?


11. Northwestern (2-0) - The Wildcats have beat Towson and Eastern Michigan in the first two home outings. Now, a trip @ Syracuse (0-2), who have played back to back games vs. Minnesota and @ Penn State. Could this be a tough one for a Big Ten team?

peace

Can Fresno State upset our #9 Boise State on Friday Night?

Friday, September 18Th spotlights a great WAC match up:

Boise State at Fresno State
8:00 p.m.
ESPN (HD)

• Can the Bulldogs upset the Broncos at home?
• Can a top non-BCS candidate be knocked off tonight?
• Boise State is playing strong football

We are not proponents of illegal gambling, but odds are always interesting and Fresno State is a +8 underdog. The Bulldogs can likely cover, but here is to an upset on Friday night too in Fresno. Fresno State (1-1) rebounds from loss at Wisconsin with a win over #9 Boise State (2-0) tonight.

Boise State vs Fresno State Betting Odds Alert - Point-Spreads.com
The best college football betting odds to bet the Bulldogs is at Bodog.com, you can get Fresno State +8 (-110 odds). “Right now, we're trying to catch Boise ...

Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson - ESPN
I'll have more on this game tomorrow morning, and tonight I'll be following the big WAC matchup between Fresno State and Boise State.

peace

Thursday Night College Football for September 17, 2009

Thursday, September 17Th spotlights a great ACC match up between Top 25 teams.
#15 Georgia Tech at #18 Miami-FL
6:30 p.m.
ESPN (HD)

• Look for the Hurricanes to pull off the victory tonight
• Big game for Coach Shannon and Miami-FL

How big a threat are Hurricanes to Jackets? - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Like anyone who has seen the Canes lately, he can see the fruits of Shannon's recruiting prowess, especially in South Florida. “Coach Shannon is always ...
Big chance for Miami to make waves in ACC - USA Today
Victory tonight should boost Randy Shannon's rep - Miami Hurricanes (blog)

On tap this week in the ACC -ESPN
At stake: The lead in the Atlantic Division and the O'Rourke-mcfadden Trophy, which began last year and has been sitting in coach Dabo Swinney's office ever ...

peace

Sagarin Ratings for Week 2: Iowa #23 and UNI #65 in Football

Okay, do we will think Florida is only #11 in the Country after Week 2?

Nope, but Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa get love. - Sagarin Ratings

USC #1

BYU #2

Florida #11 what?

PSU #17

Iowa #23

Arizona #29

UNI #65

Michigan State #67 ouch!

Iowa State #122

peace

Former Iowa safety Mike Stoops bringing his University of Arizona team to Kinnick

"It wouldn't be my first choice. I didn't say, Let's go play Iowa.' I'd rather
have a home game." - Arizona coach Mike Stoops

Stoops prepares for return to Iowa - Associated Press

• Arizona is 8-17 on the road under Stoops.


• The Wildcats have played four nonconference road games in his six year tenure - at LSU, Utah, Brigham Young and New Mexico - and lost them all.

peace

The University of Iowa alums kick off the 2009 NFL season

NFL Players By College - Iowa

PLAYER, TEAM, POSITION (not including practice squads)

• Babineaux, Jonathan, Atlanta Falcons, Defensive Tackle


• Baker, Jason, Carolina Panthers, Punter


• Betts, Ladell, Washington Redskins, Running Back


• Clark, Dallas, Indianapolis Colts, Tight End


• Cole, Colin, Seattle Seahawks, Defensive Tackle


• Considine, Sean, Jacksonville Jaguars, Safety


• DeVries, Jared, Detroit Lions, Defensive End


• Fletcher, Bradley, St. Louis Rams, Cornerback


• Gallery, Robert, Oakland Raiders, Offensive Tackle


• Godfrey, Charles, Carolina Panthers, Cornerback


• Goff, Mike, Kansas City Chiefs, Guard


• Greene, Shonn, New York Jets, Running Back


• Greenway, Chad, Minnesota Vikings, Linebacker


• Hodge, Abdul, Cincinnati Bengals, Linebacker


• Iwebema, Kenny, Arizona Cardinals, Defensive End


• Kaeding, Nate, San Diego Chargers, Place kicker


• Kampman, Aaron, Green Bay Packers, Linebacker


• Myers, Brandon, Oakland Raiders, Tight End


• Olsen, Seth, Denver Broncos, Guard


• Sanders, Bob, Indianapolis Colts, Safety


• Steinbach, Eric, Cleveland Browns, Guard


• Wiegmann, Casey, Denver Broncos, Center


• Yanda, Marshal, Baltimore Ravens, Guard


• Young, Albert, Minnesota Vikings, Running Back

The University of Iowa has 24 NFL players, while Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa have six each on rosters as the 2009 NFL football season kicks off this weekend. This evening, it will be the Chicago Bears @ the Green Bay Packers in NFL football. Go Pack Go!

peace

Week 2 Recap: Great games and here this week's Top 25 ...

The Big Ten Conference appears to be just fine. They are not the top conference, but they are competitive as they develop younger teams at the moment. The Big Ten is 18-4, after Week 2. Yes, Purdue, Michigan State and Ohio State all lost games in Week 2, but to good teams or in tough venues, in the case of Purdue, who is not projected as a very strong Big Ten team. In the four losses, only one was a clear upset. By the way, Michigan (2-0) and Iowa (2-0) picked up solid rivalry wins on Saturday.

What is happening in the Big Twelve after two weeks? Texas is the cream of the crop, which isn't a surprise, but both Oklahoma teams have already stumpled. They were beat by two good non-BCS teams in Week 1 and Week 2, respectively. Iowa State fans need to stick with new coach Paul Rhoads and the Cyclones ... dispite the 35-3 loss to the University of Iowa. Games with Kansas State and Colorado should give the Cyclone nation some hope of erasing the 0-8 campaign from last year in conference play.

USC has a good team, but 18-15 at Ohio State isn't earth breaking. Is the Pac Ten overrated? What's up with Oregon? The Pac Ten picked up a very nice win at Tennessee with UCLA on Saturday. Of course, UCLA won last year vs. the Vols too.

Want to talk about an underperforming conference, I would point to the ACC. Which went through a similar story in '08 as well. They have improved, but I would put the best the Big Ten above the best in the ACC right now. I guess the Indiana at Virginia game later this season may give some bragging rights between the two conferences. By the way, the top two teams in the ACC have each picked up a loss thus far.

Let's look at the Top 25 after Week 2.

Florida is a very solid #1. Texas is a very solid #2 as we complete Week 2 of the 2009 college football season. Week 3 should be just as interesting folks.

1. Florida (2-0) LW 1 - The Gators win solid 56-6 over Troy (0-2), who was supposed to be the frontrunner in the Sun Belt in '09. Next up: Tennessee (1-1) for the SEC opener in The Swamp. The Volunteers will be licking their wounds from a losing fight with UCLA (2-0), again. The Gators have been pretty strong over the past three years stopping the Vols run game.


2. Texas (2-0) LW 2 - The Longhorns went on the road @ Wyoming (1-1) and pulled out a 41-10 win, after a slow start in the game. Next up: Big 12 opener vs. Texas Tech (2-0), who cost the Longhorns their likely shot in the BCS title game in '08, with the Red Raiders winning 39-33 over Texas in Lubbock. Are the Red Raiders ready to step up in this series, which the Longhorns have won five out of the last six?


3. USC (2-0) LW 3 - The Trojans win the first of two Big Ten-Pac Ten match ups in Week 2. (Oregon nipped Purdue by 2 at home), with a 18-15 final minute touchdown over then #5 Ohio State (1-1) in Columbus. The Trojans haven't lost to a Big Ten opponent, since '96. Next up: Pac Ten opener @ Washington (1-1), who may give the Trojans a good test, remember the 27-24 game in '07 in Seattle. The Trojans have had some scares in the Pac Ten Northwest, so is it the Huskies turn?


4. Alabama (2-0) LW 4 - The Crimson Tide took care of business in their home opener 40-14 over Florida International (0-1). Next up: another Sun Belt match up with North Texas (1-1) heading to Tuscaloosa.


5. Brigham Young (2-0) LW 10 - The Cougars appear pretty high here, we know. BYU won 54-3 @ Tulane (0-2) in back to back trips to the South. Next up: vs. Florida State (1-1), as Bobby Bowden's club scored 12 points in the 4Th quarter in a close 3 quarters vs. Jacksonville State.


6. LSU (2-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 6 - After a trip to the Pacific Northwest, the Tigers opened SEC play at home with a 23-9 win over Vanderbilt (1-1, 0-1 SEC). Next up: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-0), who beat the Big 12's Kansas State (1-1) 17-15 on a late FG and appear to be caring the Sun Belt banner for now. Can the Ragin' Cajuns take down back to back BCS schools?


7. Penn State (2-0) LW 7 - The Nittany Lions beat Syracuse (0-2) 28-7 to continue the home swing with three straight OOC game at Happy Valley, before opening the Big Ten season, also at home. Next up: vs. Temple (0-1) in the final tune up before the revenge match up with Iowa (2-0) in the Big Ten opener on 9/26.


8. California (2-0) LW 10 - The Golden Bears took down Eastern Washington 59-7 in a Week 2 tune up to a Big Ten-Pac Ten showdown at home in Week 3. Next up: @ Minnesota (2-0), who followed up their Week 1 OT win @ Syracuse, with a 20-13 home opener over Air Force (1-1). The Gophers are coming off a big emotional back on campus game, so how will they respond vs. the Golden Bears?


9. Boise State (2-0) LW 11 - The Broncos beat a weak MAC team, Miami-Ohio (0-2), by the score of 48-0, with QB Kellen Moore throwing 4 TD passes. Next up: WAC opener @ Fresno State (1-1), who fell victim to a double OT loss at Wisconsin on Saturday. Hopefully, the Bulldogs didn't fall victim to the flu bug too that the Badgers were suffering?


10. Ohio State (1-1) - LW 5 - Are the Buckeyes the top program in the Big Ten in '09? We won't know until the Big Ten season is played out, but the defense and offense didn't get it done in the 15-18 loss to #3 USC at home. Next up: vs. Toledo (1-1) in Cleveland. First year coach Tim Beckman picked up his first win in Week 3, with a home win over the Big 12's Colorado (0-2).


11. Oklahoma (1-1) LW 19 - The Sooners were bounced too far, after their Week 1 loss vs. now #5 BYU. After all, they only lost the game 13-14 in Arlington and the Sooners have been one of the most solid programs this decade in college football. The Sooners took care of business 64-0 over Idaho State in their home opener. Next up: vs. Tulsa (2-0), who will want to carrier on the banner that fellow C-USA member, Houston, did in Week 2 vs. OU rival, Oklahoma State. Could this be a dangerous game for OU at home? Or, is it only MWC or WAC teams that have Bob Stoops numbers at times?


12. Mississippi (1-0) LW 12 - The Rebels were idle Week 2 and we can't see much merit in bumping the Rebels up this early in the season, as compared to OU or the other programs ahead of the Rebels. Week 1 opponent Memphis is now 0-2. The Rebels will open back up in Week 3 hosting a FCS opponent, Southeastern Lousiana (2-0) at home., before the SEC opener @ South Carolina (1-1, 0-1 SEC) on 9/24.


13. Utah (2-o) LW 13 - The Utes picked up a 24-14 win on the road @ San Jose State (0-2) in Week 2 for their 16Th straight win in football. They hold the longest win streak right now in College Football. Next up: @ Oregon (1-1), who defeated Purdue at home, after an ugly opener in Week 1 at Boise State.


14. Virginia Tech (1-1) LW 14 - The Hokies rebounded with a 52-10 win over Marshall (1-1) at home, after the Week 1 loss to Alabama in Atlanta. Next up: vs. #21 Nebraska (2-0), who the Hokies beat in Lincoln 35-30 last year.


15. Georgia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC) LW 15 - The Yellow Jackets picked up a nice 30-27 win over then #25 Clemson (1-1, 0-1 ACC) on Thursday night at home. Next up: ACC road opener @ #18 Miami-FL (1-0, 1-0 ACC), who the Yellow Jackets rolled up 472 yards on the ground at home in last year's 41-23 win in the final regular season ACC game.


16. Georgia (1-1, 1-0 SEC) LW 16 - The Bulldogs turned around from Week 1's road loss at Oklahoma State to pull off a huge home and SEC opener vs. South Carolina (1-1, 0-1 SEC) by the score of 41-37. Yes, Georgia lost to #19 Oklahoma State, but they won the bigger SEC game. Next up: @ Arkansas (1-0), who beat up on a FCS opponent in Week 1 and has had more than a week to prepare for their SEC opener.


17. TCU (1-0) LW 17 - The Horned Frogs pick up a nice 30-14 win @ Virginia (0-2), in a nice non-BCS vs. BCS match up. The Horned Frogs were idle Week 1. Next up: vs. Texas State (1-0).


18. Miami-FL (1-0, 1-0 ACC) LW 18 - The Hurricanes were idle in Week 2 and will open more ACC play by hosting #15 Georgia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC) in another conference showdown on Thursday night at home. The Hurricanes have lost four straight to the Yellow Jackets.


19. Oklahoma State (1-1) LW 8 - The Cowboys couldn't take the momentium of the opening season win over #16 Georgia (1-1) into Week 2. The Cowboys lost 35-45 at home to one of the C-USA's better teams, Houston (2-0). Next up: vs. Rice (0-2).


20. Iowa (2-0) LW 20 - The Hawkeyes traveled to Ames for the Cy-Hawk series game with Iowa State (1-1), winning 35-3, for the the first victory in Ames, since '03. Iowa showed potential in their first road game, despite a off day by QB Ricky Stanzi. Next up: The Hawkeyes return to Kinnick to host Arizona (2-0) in the third Big Ten-Pac Ten showdown.


21. Nebraska (2-0) LW 21 - The Cornhuskers won their second home game of the season vs. a Sun Belt opponent with a 38-9 win over Arkansas State (1-1) in Lincoln. Next up: @ #14 Virginia Tech (2-0), in the Cornhuskers first road test of the year under coach Bo Pelini.


22. Oregon State (2-0) LW 22- The Beavers held on and won @ UNLV (1-1) 23-21 on Saturday. Next up: vs. #25 Cincinnati (2-0, 1-0 Big East), in an important Pac Ten-Big East showdown before Pac Ten play begins. The Beavers won the '08 Sun Bowl 3-0 over the Big East's Pittsburgh (2-0 in '09).


23. West Virginia (2-0) LW 24 - The Mountaineers avenged last year's loss at East Carolina (1-1), with 35-20 win over the Pirates at home. Next up: @ Auburn (2-0), who WVU beat at home last season by the score of 34-17.


24. Houston (2-0) LW NR - The Cougars pulled off a 45-35 mild upset @ then #8 Oklahoma State (1-1) on Saturday to avenge last year's 37-56 loss also in Stillwater. The Cougars get a bye week before hosting another Big 12 opponent, Texas Tech (2-0) on 9/26.


25. (tie) Cincinnati (2-0, 1-0 Big East) LW NR - The Bearcats beat SE Missouri State (0-2) 70-3 in Week 2, after a solid 47-15 Big East road win @ Rutgers (1-1, 0-1 Big East) in Week 1. Next up: @ #22 Oregon State (2-0) for a huge Big East-Pac Ten showdown.
    (tie) Kansas (2-0) LW NR - The Jayhawks picked up a nice road win 34-7 @ UTEP (0-2). Will they succesfully defend their Big 12 North title from last year? We will have to wait until Big 12 play. Next up: vs. Duke (1-1), who took care of business at Army, after opening loss vs. FCS foe.

Iowa is in our Top 25, with wins at Kinnick vs. what may be the FCS #1 program and the road to win for the mythical state title in Iowa. Head to head they would be very competitive vs. teams #21-25. A win vs. the Pac Ten this week, with the opener at Penn State for Iowa to follow: Iowa could very well be in the position to follow where they left off in '08.

Teams to Watch in Week 3: North Carolina: Remember, the Tar Heels were 2-0 at this point last year, but didn't get by East Carolina, who is up next for UNC.

Michigan (2-0) was 3-9 last year and the win Saturday over then #23 Notre Dame (1-1) was a good boost. By the way, Notre Dame lost their top WR, who was giving the Wolverines fits. Michigan beat Notre Dame 38-0 the last time they visited the Big House. Let's see what happens on the road for the Wolverines, who are certainly better than last year, but Top 25 right now?

Missouri (2-0) has wins over Illinois (1-1) and Bowling Green (1-1) to start the '09 season. The Tigers face Furman (2-0) at home, before a tough road test @ Nevada (0-1) to finish OOC play. We don't see three Big 12 North teams among the Top 25 in '09; two may be too many.
Teams who are currently ranked in Top 25 AP and/or Coaches' Polls, but not ranked here.

Exiting our Top 25 in Week 2: Notre Dame (1-1) LW 23 (L, 34-38 @ Michigan). Clemson (1-1) LW 25 (L, 27-30 @ # 15 Georiga Tech).

FCS wins over FBS in Week 2: None, but a couple near misses in the ACC, after 2 wins in Week 1. Florida State and Maryland, who were taken to the fourth quarter and OT, respectively, were almost victims three and four in the ACC this season.

peace