Sunday, September 30, 2012

Big Ten season opens with Iowa bringing home the Bacon; while Nebraska overcomes 17 point deficit to beat Wisconsin 30-27

The 2012 Big Ten season kicked off with five conference games, including the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City.  The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31-13 at Kinnick Stadium to bring home Floyd, after back to back losses in Minneapolis the last two seasons.

Iowa improved play in all three phases of the game, in the Big Ten opener to improve to 3-2 on the season, 1-0 in the Big Ten Legends division.  Iowa, Northwestern and Nebraska open with wins to take a 1-0 early lead in the Legends division.  Minnesota falls to 4-1, 0-1 in the Legends division.

"The credit goes to our players, they did a great job coming to the game ready to play, and played really well in all three phases, particularly in the first half," said UI head coach Kirk Ferentz. "Today is one of those days where it finally felt like we were working in all areas together. When that happens, that's a good thing."

Iowa made a first-half statement, storming out to a 24-0 lead and outgaining Minnesota, 328-75. For the game, the Hawkeyes finished with a balanced 374 yards of total offense with 182 on the ground and 192 through the air.

"Clearly in the first half, that is the best 30 minutes of football that we've played," said Ferentz. "Second half wasn't terrible, but the first 30 minutes is what we're looking for."

Welcome Home Floyd




Iowa will enjoy a bye week in Week 6 of the College Football season.  Time to get rested up and healthy for the final seven game stretch ahead in Big Ten play.  The Hawkeyes will travel to East Lansing on October 13th to face the Michigan State Spartans.

"You don't want to go into a bye week off a loss, or back-to-back losses," said Ferentz. "We still have a lot of things we need to work on. With this team in particular, at this point in the season, it's (having a bye) is probably an advantage for us."

Ranking the Big Ten, after one weekend of conference play:

1. Ohio State (5-0, 1-0 Leaders) - The Urban Meyer era opens with a solid 17-16 road win @ Michigan State, as the Buckeyes will take their undefeated record back to Columbus for the Big Ten home opener vs. Nebraska in Week 6.

2. Michigan State (3-2, 0-1 Legends) - The Spartans are the defending champ in the Legends division.  Despite the loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten opener, they remain the team to beat in the Legends division.  Mark Dantonio and the Spartans travel to Bloomington for a game @ Indiana in Week 6.

3. Nebraska (4-1, 1-0 Legends) - The Cornhuskers didn't open the Big Ten very well in the first half of the game with the Wisconsin Badgers, but after trailing 17 points early in the second half, the Cornhuskers ran off 20 unanswered points to defeat Wisconsin 30-27.  Bo Pelini has to be happy with the end result, as his team heads to Columbus in Week 6 @ Ohio State.

4. Michigan (2-2) - The Wolverines enjoyed a bye week ahead of opening Big Ten play @ Purdue in Week 6.  The run defense at 182 yards per game is suspect, ranked #11 among Big Ten teams, after Week 5.  The two losses came from #1 Alabama and Notre Dame, as the Brady Hoke era opens Year 2.

5. Northwestern (5-0, 1-0 Legends) - The Wildcats are off to a great start, but if their defense could become as well regards as their offense has been playing, then coach Pat Fitzgerald may have a team geared for a Big Ten title run.  Northwestern opened Big Ten play with a 44-29 over Indiana.  The Wildcats take the undefeated record on the road to Happy Valley in Week 6 to face Penn State, who beat Northwestern 34-24 last season.

6. Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1 Leaders) - The Badgers are the two-time defending champs in the Big Ten, but the Badgers missed a golden opportunity in Lincoln, after taking a 27-10 lead at the 11:50 mark of the third quarter.  But, the offense was bottled up by the Cornhuskers and the run defense went from Munster to Swiss.  Still, we have the Badgers the team to beat in the Leaders, since Ohio State and Penn State are both on probation and ineligible for the title game.  Bret Bielema will circle the wagons for Illinois in Week 5 in Madison.

7. Iowa (3-2, 1-0 Legends) - The Hawkeyes played the best football of the year in the first half vs. Minnesota, as coach Ferentz indicated.  Like the New England Patriots under Bill Belecheck Iowa often plays up to competition, but teams, like Central Michigan and Minnesota the past two seasons, can pull off a win, as well vs. Iowa.

8. Purdue (3-1) - The Boilermakers played the final tune-up game prior to Big Ten play in Week 5.  Purdue downed Marshall 51-41, as they get ready to host Michigan in the Big Ten opener in West Lafayette in Week 6.  The Danny Hope era begins Year 4 of Big Ten play.

9. Penn State (3-2, 1-0 Leaders) - The Nittany Lions pick up a nice B1G win @ Illinois 35-7, as the Bill O'Brien era kicks off conference play.  Losses came earlier in the season from Ohio U at home and @ Virginia.

10. Minnesota (4-1, 0-1 Legends) - The Golden Gophers are in Year 2 of the Jerry Kill era.  After two years of enjoying Floyd up North, they opened to a motivated Hawkeye team that had other plans in mind.  The Golden Gophers will enjoy a bye week and then hit the road for another tough Legends game @ Northwestern on October 13th.

11. Illinois (2-3, 0-1 Leaders) - The Fighting Illini have been pasted three out of four weeks, losing @ Arizona State 45-14, vs. Louisiana Tech last week 52-24 and now 35-7 at home to open Big Ten play vs. Penn State.  A tough start to the Tim Beckman era and now the Fighting Illini must hit road @ Wisconsin, to face a Badger team that missed a golden opportunity in Lincoln.

12. Indiana (2-2, 0-1 Leaders) - The Hoosiers are 0-9 in Big Ten play in the Kevin Wilson era.  Next up, the Hoosiers will face the Spartans at Bloomington.

Notre Dame finished 3-0 vs. the Big Ten this season.  But, the rivalries are on the decline, as the Fighting Irish will move to five games annually with ACC teams, as all the Irish's non-football sports leave the Big East for the ACC, after this year.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Iowa and Iowa State open conference play on Saturday, Week 5

Saturday, September 29th

  • BALL STATE at Kent State 11:00 a.m. ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3, One of these teams will continue to lead their respective MAC division with a win.  Ball State on the road?
  • #19 Baylor at #8 WEST VIRGINIA 11:00 a.m. FX (HD), Battle of Top 20 Big 12 teams, as WVU opens for the first time in Big 12 play at home!
  • Buffalo at CONNECTICUT 11:00 a.m. SNY / MASN / CSCA / ESPN-GP / ERTV / espn3C, the MAC played well with 4 wins over BCS conference opponents in Week 4.  UConn was one of the victims, but they don't make it two weeks of defeat in Week 5 do they?
  • Indiana at NORTHWESTERN 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com, the Wildcats are undefeated, while IU is coming off a bye week in search of first B1G win in Year 2 of the Wilson era!
  • Middle Tennessee at GEORGIA TECH 11:00 a.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3), the Yellow Jackets should get a win over a Sun Belt opponent in Week 5?
  • Minnesota at IOWA 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3 Pick: 28-25, as Iowa opens B1G play on Homecoming, looking to earn Floyd back and plenty of I-O-W-A cheers at Kinnick today!
  • Missouri at UCF 11:00 a.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSC (cable), the Tigers are now in the SEC and conference play hasn't gone to well... road trip to Central Florida will not be easy today!
  • North Carolina State at MIAMI-FL 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD) / espn3, ACC as Hurricanes look to get to 3-0 in the Coastal division and stay on top!
  • PENN STATE at Illinois 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3, new era for both programs and this game should be close, but Nittany Lions should have enough experience to pull out a B1G road win!
  • Stony Brook at ARMY 11:00 a.m. CBSSN (HD), not many FCS opportunities left in '12... no wins last week and Army should get a win today!
  • Arkansas at TEXAS A&M 11:21 a.m. SEC Network  / ESPN-GP / espn3, the Aggies moved to the SEC and should notch a victory today as they work to get bowl eligible in '12.
  • DUKE at Wake Forest 11:30 a.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / ACC Network (HD), can the Blue Devils pull off a W on the road in the ACC?
  • Colorado State at AIR FORCE 1:00 p.m. ALT (HD), the Falcons look to notch a win vs. conference foe and in-state rival!
  • Marshall at PURDUE 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com, final tune up before B1G play in '12!
  • Cincinnati vs. VIRGINIA TECH (Landover, MD) 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD), the Hokies play another former Big East rival... first game didn't go well @ Pitt; Hokies need to play better!
  • # 17 Clemson at Boston College 2:30 p.m.ESPN2 (HD), back to back road games in the ACC, but Tigers should notch win this week, after first defeat @ FSU last week!
  • Houston vs. RICE 2:30 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSA (cable), Owls should win this C-USA game!
  • Idaho at NORTH CAROLINA 2:30 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3), UNC should get a non-conference win here, without a doubt!
  • #16 OHIO STATE at # 18 Michigan State 2:30 p.m. ABC (HD), Leaders vs. Legends, as Urban Meyer era begins in B1G play in East Lansing... do Buckeyes defense shine vs. MSU run-first offense?
  • Rhode Island at BOWLING GREEN 2:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / espn3 / BCSN, FCS vs. FBS game... Bowling Green should take care of business!
  • SAN JOSE STATE at Navy 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD) / Video, going with the visitor in this one!  May be a tough road, as San Jose State hits East Coast to face Navy.
  • Tennessee at #9 GEORGIA 2:30 p.m. CBS (HD) / cbssports.com, Tennessessee coach Derek Dooley needs a big SEC win, but Bulldogs likely pull it out between the hedges!
  • TROY at South Alabama 2:30 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / Sun Belt Network, Men of Troy in the Sun Belt Conference take road win!
  • ARIZONA STATEat California 3:00 p.m. FX (HD), upset alert?
  • #5 FLORIDA STATE at South Florida 5:00 p.m. ESPN (HD), payback for Seminoles, as South Florida won in Tallahassee in the first go around.
  • UCLA at Colorado 5:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com, Bruins look to get back to strong start, after losing in Pac 12 opener at home.
  • #6 SOUTH CAROLINA at Kentucky 6:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD), Gamecocks should jump to 3-0 in SEC East play!
  • # 12 TCU at Southern Methodist 6:00 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSA (cable), so is this a trap game for the Horned Frogs in '12?
  • TEXAS TECH at Iowa State 6:00 p.m. DirecTV: 623 / FCSC (cable), battle of undefeated teams opening Big 12 play... may get some criticism for this one in the Hawkeye State! 
  • Towson at # 2 LSU 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD), after tough road game in SEC last week, LSU gets to take on Top 25 FCS program... win!
  • #15 TEXAS at #21 Oklahoma State 6:50 p.m. FOX (HD), who gets off to good start in the Big 12 in '12?
  • #20 LOUISVILLE at Southern Miss 7:00 p.m. CBSSN (HD), upset alert for Big East vs. C-USA tonight?
  • UTSA at New Mexico State 7:00 p.m. ALT2 / ESPN-GP / KCWX / KASY / AggieVision, newbies in FBS are off to solid start, as UTSA attempts to remain unbeaten?
  • WISCONSIN at #25 Nebraska 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD), homer pick as Cornhuskers look to start strong in Year 2 of B1G play in '12!
  • Ole Miss at #1 ALABAMA 8:15 p.m. ESPN (HD), as #1 looks to continue winning ways in the SEC.
  • #23 OREGON STATE at Arizona 9:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com, the Wildcats lost @ Oregon to open Pac 12 play, so does little Oregon brother get a W in Tucson tonight?
  • #3 OREGON at Washington State 9:30 p.m. ESPN2 (HD), does Washington's little brother pull off an upset like the Huskies did over #4 Stanford on Thursday night?  Magic 8 ball ________?
  • #24 BOISE STATE at New Mexico 5:00 p.m. (KTVB / Comcast) (cable), back to Moutain West play as Broncos look for road conference win in Week 5!
  • Central Michigan at NORTHERN ILLINOIS 2:30 p.m.espn3, both played Iowa in the non conference, and victory will get off to nice early start, as they both begin MAC play.
  • FIU at Louisiana Lafayette 6:00 p.m. espn3, the Sun Belt is the lowest rated conference in FBS in '12 ... 
  • LOUISIANA-MONROE at Tulane 2:30 p.m. CST (cable), battle of Sun Belt vs. C-USA foes ...
  • LOUISIANA TECH at Virginia 2:30 p.m. TWC (cable) / espn3, WAC looks for another big win over BCS conference in Week 5!
  • MIAMI-OH at Akron 1:00 p.m. espn3, a MAC showdown for the Zips!
  • Nevada at TEXAS STATE 1:00 p.m. LHN, upset alert?
  • North Dakota State at NORTHERN IOWA 6:00 p.m. (KWWL / WOI / KVLY) (cable), Parents Weekend in Cedar Falls and rough start to '12 for Panthers!
  • NORTH TEXAS at Florida Atlantic 4:00 p.m. espn3, the Mean Green and coach Dan McCarney need something good to happen on the road, after some rough outings in '12.
  • OHIO U at UMass 2:30 p.m. espn3, the Bobcats are off to a great start in '12 and now turn to business in the MAC!
  • San Diego State at FRESNO STATE 9:00 p.m. KUSI (cable), MWC match up out West!
  • Toledo at WESTERN MICHIGAN 6:00 p.m. espn3, nice win by Broncos in Week 4, as they return to MAC play.
  • Tulsa at UAB 2:00 p.m. $ Video, C-USA match up!
  • Nevada-Las Vegas at UTAH STATE 7:00 p.m. espn3, as MWC vs. WAC show down continue in '12!
  • UTEP at East Carolina 6:00 p.m. (WITN / KVIA-CW) (cable), C-USA action!
  • Western Kentucky at ARKANSAS STATE 6:00 p.m. espn3, Sun Belt action!
#4 Stanford falls on Thurday night @ Washington, then BYU throttles Hawaii on Friday night, so what is in store on Saturday of Week 5?  Upset Saturday or to the name teams and high profile programs take care of business?

Friday, September 28, 2012

Washington knocks off #4 Stanford on Thursday, as Friday night College Football stays West

Friday, September 28th
Hawaii at BYU 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3 

Some are asking will Week 5 be upset Saturday, with Washington taking down #4 Stanford 17-13 on Thursday night?

We shall see ...

Thursday, September 27, 2012

PAC 12 Thursday: #4 Stanford @ Washington

Thursday, September 27th

#4 STANFORD at Washington 8:00 p.m. ESPN (HD)

The Cardinal are 1-0 in the Pac 12 North and 3-0 overall, after beating USC 21-14 in Week 3.  The Huskies are 2-1, with the lone loss at #2 LSU in Week 2.
 
Washington leads 40-38-4, but Stanford has won four in a row and six of the past seven.  Both teams are coming off a bye week.
  We like Stanford continuing the success on the road @ Washington!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Week 4 Recap: CIDSports Top 25 Ratings

The NFL needs some "REAL" officials, after watching the bizarre finish in the Green Bay-Seattle game on Monday Night Football.  Iowa fans are not happy about the mixed crew that worked the Iowa-Central Michigan game this past weekend.  Some bizarre moments indeed in Week 4 in College Football.

There were some outstanding Top 25 games in Week 4, with some of lower rated teams moving up.  Other games around the country saw the underdog or visitor taking care of business on the road!

Week 5 will kick-off play in the Big Ten Conference.  The conference has only three undefeated teams heading into conference play, with #16 Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota.  All three teams will play conference games, with the Buckeyes and Golden Gophers traveling.

Week 4 Top 25:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - After opening SEC play in Week 3, the Crimson Tide went back outside the conference and took down Florida Atlantic 40-7 to remain #1 in the nation.  Week 5: vs. Mississippi (3-1), for the SEC home opener against the Rebels, who lost at home to # Texas in Week 3.

2. LSU Tigers (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 2 - Yes, some people will say why keep the Tigers #2, but the defending SEC champs continue winning, with a road win @ Auburn 12-10 in the SEC '12 opener.  Week 5: vs. Towson State (2-1), a FCS program, as the Tigers enjoy the final OOC game of the season.

3 Oregon Ducks (4-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 3 - The Ducks opened the Pac 12 at home in '12 with a 49-0 white wash of new coach Rich Rodriguez former #20 Arizona.  Week 5: @ Washington State (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12 North), as the Cougars lost Pac 12 opener at home 35-34 to Colorado (1-3, 1-0 Pac 12 South).

4. Stanford Cardinal (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 4 - The Cardinal enjoyed a bye week, after a huge Pac 12 opening win 21-14 vs. USC in Week 3.  Week 5: @ Washington (2-1) on Thursday night on ESPN.

5. Florida State Seminoles 10 (4-0, 2-0 ACC Atlantic) 10 - The Seminoles win a huge Top 10 match at home vs. former #9 Clemson 49-37, as the Jimbo Fisher era in Year 3 starts '12 with a huge level of excitement.  Week 5: @ South Florida (2-2, 0-1 Big East), in the second all-time meeting and first outside Tallahassee.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks took care of business in the SEC home opener with a 31-10 win over Missouri to welcome the Tigers to SEC play.  Week 5: @ Kentucky (1-3, 0-1 SEC East), as the Gamecocks make second trip on the road in conference play.

7. Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 13 - The Wildcats open Big 12 play with a 24-19 road win @ former #5 Oklahoma.  Week 5: Bye week, as the Wildcats will host in-state Kansas (1-3, 0-1 Big 12) in the Big 12 home opener in Week 6.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) 7 - The Mountaineers finished non-conference play with a 31-21 win over Maryland to head into the new Big 12 undefeated.  Week 5: vs. #19 Baylor (3-0), in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

9. Georgia Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) 8 - The Bulldogs soundly defeated Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2 SEC East) 48-3 to stay undefeated in SEC East play.  Week 5: vs. Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC East), as the Bulldogs look to keep pace with the leading Gators in the SEC East.

10. Florida Gators (4-0, 3-0 SEC East) 16 - The Gators continue to lead the SEC East with a 38-0 home victory over Kentucky.  Week 5: Bye week, ahead of a inter-conference home game with #2 LSU in Week 6.

11. USC Trojans (3-1, 1-0 Pac 12 South) 11 - The Trojans rebounded from the opening Pac 12 loss with a 27-9 home win over California (1-3, 0-1 Pac 12 North).  Week 5: Bye week ahead of a Thursday, October 6 game @ Utah (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12 South) in Week 6 on ESPN.

12. TCU Horned Frogs (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) 12 - The Horned Frogs returned to non-conference play in Week 4 with a 27-7 win over Virginia.  Week 5: @ SMU (1-2) in the intra-city showdown

13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) 18 - Three in a row over the Big Ten, as the Fighting Irish take care of business at home in South Bend with a 13-6 win over former #14 Michigan.  Week 5: Bye week ahead of Week 6 game vs. Miami-FL (3-1, 2-0 ACC Coastal), as the Irish get an earlier dose of ACC football.  The Irish have announced this week that the series with Michigan will be winding down, with the 5 game contract with the ACC contract.

14. Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) 5 - The Sooners opened Big 12 with a disappointing home loss to former #13 Kansas State.  Week 5: Bye week, ahead of returning to conference play with a road opener @ Texas Tech (3-0) in Week 6.

15. Texas Longhorns (3-0) 15 - The Longhorns completed non-conference play a week ago and enjoyed a bye week during Week 4.  Week 5: @ #21 Oklahoma State (2-1), who are also coming off a bye week.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) 16 - The Buckeyes remain undefeated with a 29-15 win over UAB.  Week 5: @ #18 Michigan State (3-1), for a key inter-division opener in the Big Ten.

17. Clemson Tigers (3-1, 0-1 ACC Atlantic) 9 - The Tigers fell @ former #10 Florida State 49-37 in the ACC opener.  Week 5: @ Boston College (1-2, 0-1 ACC Atlantic), as the Eagles will have had two weeks to prepare for this one.

18. Michigan State Spartans (3-1) 22 - the Spartans struggled in the first half, but rebounded in the second half to win 23-17 over Eastern Michigan.  Week 5: vs. #16 Ohio State (4-0), in the Big 12 opener for '12.

19. Baylor Bears (3-0) 23 - The Bears traveled Friday night of Week 4 @ Louisiana-Monroe with a 47-42 win.  Week 5: @ #8 West Virginia (3-0), as both teams open up conference play in the new Big 12.

20. Louisville Cardinals (4-0) 24 - The Cardinals continued non-conference play with a 28-21 road win @ Florida International.  Week 5: @ Southern Miss (0-3, 0-1 C-USA East), as the Golden Eagles are coming off a rugged road loss @ Western Kentucky 42-17.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) 21 - The Cowboys enjoyed a bye week before opening Big 12 play in '12.  Week 5: vs. #15 Texas (3-0), as both teams look to get off to positive start in conference play.

22. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) nr - The Bulldogs beat Auburn in Week 2 28-10 and won in Week 4 with a 30-10 win over South Alabama.  Week 5: Bye week ahead of opening October play @ Kentucky in Week 6.

23. Oregon State Beavers (2-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) nr - The Beavers have knocked out two Top 25 teams to open '12, with the latest a 27-20 Pac 12 opener @ former #19 UCLA.  Week 5: @ Arizona (3-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South), in an important game for both teams early in Pac 12 play.

24. Boise State Broncos (2-1) nr - The Broncos took care of business in Week 4 with a 7-6 win over Brigham Young.  Week 5: @ New Mexico (2-2), in the MWC opener of the year for both teams.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) 25 - The Cornhuskers rolled in the final tune up before conference play with a 73-7 win over FCS Idaho State.  Week 5: vs. Wisconsin (3-1), the Badgers ruined the Cornhuskers debut in '11 in the Big Ten with a 48-17 win in Madison, so can coach Bo Pelini and Nebraska get the W at home?

Battle of unbeaten teams in Week 5: Texas Tech (3-0) @ Iowa State (3-0), each team is coming off a bye week and will open Big 12 play undefeated in '12.


Out of Top 25 after Week 4:


Former #14 Michigan Wolverines (2-2) - The Wolverines lost @ former #18  Notre Dame 13-6 heading into a bye week.  Former #19 UCLA Bruins (3-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South) - the Bruins lost 27-20 at home in the Pac 12 opener vs. Oregon State.  The Bruins travel to Colorado in Week 5.   Former #20 Arizona Wildcats (3-1) - the Wildcats lost 49-0 in the Pac 12 opener @ #3 Oregon.  The Wildcats host #23 Oregon State in Week 5.


FCS upsets for Week 4:



Breakdown of OOC records in Week 4 by conference and Notes:


SEC - 5-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS (2), C-USA and Sun Belt (2), with loss vs. Big East.  SEC East is lead by Florida at 3-0, followed by Georgia and South Carolina at 2-0.  In the SEC West, Alabama, LSU and Mississippi State are all 1-0.

Big Ten - 7-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS (2), C-USA (2), MAC and Big East (2), with losses vs. MAC, @ Independent and WAC.  The Big Ten opens conference play with 5 games, while Purdue (2-1) wraps up OOC play with Marshall (2-2).

Big 12 - 3-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. @ Sun Belt and ACC (2), while loss came @ MAC.  Right now, Kansas State and TCU have opened conference play and lead at 1-0.

Pac 12 - Week 4 was all in conference and after two weeks of conference play... Oregon, Stanford and Oregon State are all 3-0 in Pac 12 North play, while Arizona State and Colorado lead in Pac 12 South at 1-0.

ACC - 5-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS, MAC, Independent and C-USA (2), with losses @ Big 12 (2).  In the ACC Atlantic, Florida State leads at 2-0, while in the ACC Coastal, Miami-FL is 2-0 and Virginia Tech is 1-0.

Big East - 3-4 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS, @ SEC and Sun Belt, while losses @ MAC (2) and @ Big Ten (2).  Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied at 1-0 to lead.

MWC - 3-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. Independent and @ WAC (2), with losses vs. WAC (2) and C-USA.  Nevada and UNLV lead MWC right now at 1-0.

C-USA - 1-6 vs. OOC opponents, with win vs. MWC, with losses @ Big Ten (2), vs. SEC, @ ACC (2) and @ Sun Belt.  East Carolina and Marshall lead the C-USA East, while Tulsa leads C-USA West at 1-0.

Independents - 2-2 vs, OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS and Big Ten, while losses @ MWC and @ ACC.  Notre Dame is only team undefeated and is 1-0 vs. other Independents.

WAC - 5-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over FCS (2), @ MWC (2) and @ Big Ten, while losses @ MWC(2).  USTA and Louisiana Tech are both undefeated, but no teams have opened conference play yet.

MAC - 6-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over FCS (2), @ Big Ten, vs. Big East (2) and vs. Big 12, with losses @ ACC, @ Big Ten and @SEC.  In the MAC East, Kent State and Miami-OH lead at 1-0, while in the MAC West, Ball State and Toledo lead at 1-0.

Sun Belt - 2-4 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS and C-USA, while losses vs. Big 12, vs. Big East and @ SEC (2).  Louisiana-Lafayette and Middle Tennessee lead at 1-0 as Sun Belt play begins to be played.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Iowa falls at home to Central Michigan 32-31 due to FG in closing seconds

For the first time, since 2007, Iowa opens the season 2-2, after Central Michigan (2-1) comes into Kinnick Stadium to knock off the Hawkeyes 32-31.  One plus over 2007 is Iowa has not open play in the Big Ten Conference.

The real season begins Saturday vs. Minnesota, but Iowa will have to lick the wounds associated with the final non-conference game of the season.

Penalties, Weirdness Sidetrack Hawkeyes


The Hawkeyes opened the game 14-10 in the first quarter, but an ugly second quarter led to a Central Michigan taking a halftime lead of 23-14.  Iowa has made excellent halftime adjustments on defense all season and the CMU game was not any different.  Iowa rallied in the third and fourth quarters to take a 31-23 lead.

But, the closing minutes saw Central Michigan score nine points highlighted by a successful onside kick, then a successful 47 yard field goal with 0:03 remaining to complete the upset over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

It was Central Michigan's biggest non-conference win, since the 29-27 win at Michigan State in 2009.  The Chippewas are coming off back to back 3-9 seasons under third-year coach Dan Enos.  However, the Chippewas pulled off a solid win last year over MAC champion Northern Illinois.

Kirk Ferentz will need to rally the Iowa team heading into the Big Ten season and the trophy game with Minnesota on Saturday.  The Golden Gophers have won back to back games over the Hawkeyes up in Minnesota.  This year, Iowa will celebrate Homecoming with a 11 a.m. kickoff vs. Minnesota, with eyes on winning Floyd of Rosedale back.


IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz expects his team's string of close games to continue the rest of the season, making performance in the fourth quarter of games paramount.

"The thing for us is to do a better job, particularly in the fourth quarter of games and find a way to be victorious," Ferentz said Sunday during an exclusive interview with hawkeyesports.com "We did that in our opening ball game and as we look forward, that is going to be a decisive factor in how the season goes."

2012 Minnesota Football Insert
The Hawkeyes (2-2) open Big Ten Conference play against undefeated Minnesota (4-0) on Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is 11 a.m. (CT).

"They are playing very, very well right now," Ferentz said of the Golden Gophers. "They have a staff in its second year and it looks like everyone is playing with a lot of confidence. They have done a great job. It will be good to be back in Kinnick, but that in itself won't win the game for us."

During the four-minute conversation, Ferentz talks about balanced offensive production, kicker Mike Meyer's record-breaking performance on PATs and a huge fourth-quarter field goal, improved production from the wide receivers, and the continued success of the ground game.

"A month ago we weren't sure what our run game was going to be or who our backs were going to be," Ferentz said. "Neither Mark (Weisman) nor Damon (Bullock) are veteran players at this stage, but they have shown they can do some good things out there on the field."

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Week 4: Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) vs. Central Michigan (1-1) on BTN

The Iowa Hawkeyes wrap up non-conference play hosting coach Dan Enos and Central Michigan in the final tune up, before heading into 2012 Big Ten Conference play.  The game will kick-off at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network.

Iowa's passing attack has not scored a touchdown in '12.  Iowa has moved their fullback to #1 running back, due to injuries at the position.

How will this Week 4 game play out for Iowa? 

Could this be a trap game?  In '09, Iowa struggled in the fourth OOC game beating Arkansas State only 24-21. 

The past two seasons saw Iowa beat Ball State 45-0 and ULM 45-17.

Our prediction is Iowa 38, Central Michigan 21 in Week 4 at Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa is a young team, especially on offense.  Senior quarterback James Vandenberg is playing up and down.  Success in the passing game would be healthy heading into Big Ten play next week.

Business first, is Iowa taking care of the Chippewas.  Iowa are 2-0 and won 38-0 in last meeting in 1998.

Iowa fans will have all eyes on #45 RB/FB Mark Weisman, who scored 3 TDs last week vs. UNI and ran for 113 yards.

Further, leading tackler #31 Anthony Hitchens needs to improve on his filling the hole, gap and pursuit.  He leads team and conference in tackles, but there continues to be room for improvement.

How will Iowa's pass rush be vs. Central Michigan O-Line and QB Ryan Radcliff?  Iowa only has three sacks this year and this is an area Iowa needs to improve in.

Game On!

Week 4 Saturday: Big Match ups in the ACC, Big 12 and Pac 12 as conference play hits the stage!

Week 4 - Saturday, September 22
Bowling Green at VIRGINIA TECH 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD) / espn3
Central Michigan at IOWA 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
Maryland at WEST VIRGINIA 11:00 a.m. FX (HD)
University of Massachussetts at MIAMI-OH 11:00 a.m. ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3
OLE MISS at Tulane 11:00 a.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSC (cable)
Alabama-Birmingham at OHIO STATE 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
UTEP at Wisconsin 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Virginia at TCU 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3
Kentucky at FLORIDA 11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3
ARMY at Wake Forest 11:30 a.m. ESPN-GP / ACC Network (HD) / espn3
Miami-Florida at GEORGIA TECH 2:00 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3
EAST CAROLINA at North Carolina 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
Eastern Michigan at MICHIGAN STATE 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
Idaho State at NEBRASKA 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
Marshall at RICE 2:30 p.m. CSBA / CSS (cable)
Missouri at SOUTH CAROLINA 2:30 p.m. CBS (HD) / cbssports.com
Oregon State at UCLA 2:30 p.m. ABC / ESPN2 (HD)
South Dakota at NORTHWESTERN 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
Temple at PENN STATE 2:30 p.m. ABC / ESPN2 (HD)
VMI at Navy 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD)
Colorado at WASHINGTON STATE 3:00 p.m. FX (HD)
SOUTH FLORIDA at Ball State 3:30 p.m. SNY / MASN / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3
Florida Atlantic at #1 ALABAMA 4:00 p.m. ESPN-GP / PPV (AL, FL)
CALIFORNIA at Southern California 5:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com
#2 LSU at Auburn 6:00 p.m. ESPN (HD)
Rutgers at ARKANSAS 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
South Alabama at MISSISSIPPI STATE 6:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3 / PPV (MS, AL))
South Carolina State at Texas A&M 6:00 p.m. FS South (HD) / ESPN-GP
Akron at TENNESSEE 6:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / (CSS / CST) (cable) / espn3
MICHIGAN at Notre Dame 6:30 p.m. NBC (HD)
Vanderbilt at GEORGIA 6:45 p.m. ESPN2 (HD)
KANSAS STATE at Oklahoma 6:50 p.m. FOX (HD)
CLEMSON at Florida State 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD)
FRESNO STATE at Tulsa 7:00 p.m. CBSSN (HD)
LOUISIANA TECH at Illinois 7:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
SYRACUSE at Minnesota 7:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / btn2go.com
AIR FORCE at University of Nevada-Las Vegas  9:00 p.m. ALT
Utah at ARIZONA STATE 9:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com
NEVADA at Hawaii 9:30 p.m. NBCSN (HD)
Arizona at #3 OREGON 9:30 p.m. ESPN (HD)
Alcorn State at ARKANSAS STATE 6:00 p.m. espn3
The Citadel at NORTH CAROLINA STATE 5:00 p.m. espn3
Coastal Carolina at TOLEDO 6:00 p.m. espn3
CONNECTICUT at Western Michigan 1:00 p.m. espn3
Gardner Webb at PITTSBURGH 2:30 p.m. espn3
Kansas at NORTHERN ILLINOIS 2:30 p.m. espn3
LOUISVILLE at Florida International 6:00 p.m. espn3
Memphis at DUKE 5:00 p.m. espn3
NEW MEXICO at New Mexico State 7:00 p.m. espn3
Norfolk State at OHIO U 1:00 p.m. espn3
Northern Iowa at YOUNGSTOWN STATE 6:00 p.m. espn3
Northwest Oklahoma State at UTSA 1:00 p.m.
SAN JOSE STATE at San Diego State 7:00 p.m. KUSI (cable)
SOUTHERN MISS at Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. espn3
Stephen F. Austin at TEXAS STATE 6:00 p.m.
TROY at North Texas 6:00 p.m. espn3
UTAH STATE at Colorado State 6:00 p.m. (KTVD / KMYU) (cable)
Wyoming at IDAHO 4:00 p.m. espn3

Friday, September 21, 2012

Do the Warhawks take another BCS program down to the wire in 2012?

Friday, September 21st

Baylor at LOUISIANA-MONROE
7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3

Could the Warhawks make Baylor their next victim, after upsetting Arkansas in Week 2 and a near miss against Auburn in Week 3. UL-Monroe (1-1) gets shot at home on Friday night on ESPN!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

It was supposed to be a showdown of two Mountain West teams, but Independence for one as Boise hosts BYU

Both teams BYU and Boise State have been talked about as Top 25 teams in the regular season for 2012.  But, the body of work seems too limited to say either is worthy right now.  Will one rise to the Top 25 after Week 4?

Thursday, September 20th

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

Both teams have one loss heading into Week 4.  Can the road team pull one off tonight?

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Week 4 kicked off Wednesday night College Football in the MAC

Wednesday, September 19th

Kent State at Buffalo 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD) / espn3 
Missed the game due to work, so did Kent State pull off the MAC road win?

Great Mountain match up on Thursday night.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Week 3 Recap: CIDSports Top 25

Three weeks of College Football are in the book for 2012.  The FCS programs have pulled out some outstanding wins over BCS and non-BCS teams.  Non-BCS teams have picked up some wins and some scares.  The Top 3 has stayed strong, but some other Top 10 teams have fallen hard.  The SEC continues the #1 banner, while the Big Ten appears to lack a national powerhouse in '12.

Here's our CIDSports Top 25 after Week 3:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - The Tide Roll in Week 3 as they open the SEC in '12 with a 52-0 white wash of QB depleted Arkansas.  The Crimson Tide have given up 14 points in the opener to Michigan, then back to back shutouts.  Week 4: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt), a team that opened with only a 7-3 win over FCS Wagner.  

2. LSU Tigers (3-0) 2 - The first three OOC games are in the books as conference play begins in Week 4.  LSU warm up in Week 3 was 63-14 win over Idaho.  Week 4: @ Auburn (1-2, 0-1 SEC West), as LSU opens the SEC West in a important game, while Auburn faces a critical test, after near loss at home vs. ULM (31-28).

3. Oregon Ducks (3-0) 3 - The OOC segment rolls to an end in Week 3 as Oregon take out FCS Tennessee Tech 63-14.  Now, conference play enters the Ducks '12 path.  Week 4: vs. Arizona (3-0), in what could be a scoring fireworks display as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

4. Stanford Cardinal (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 7 - We have had the Cardinal a Top 10 program heading into '12.  We saw the 21-14 home win over former #4 USC likely, as both teams opened Pac 12 play.  Week 4: bye week, as the Cardinal play next, Thursday, September 27TH, @ Washington (2-1) for the first conference road trip.

5. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) 5 - The Sooners enjoyed a bye in Week 3 ahead of '12 conference opener in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. Kansas State (3-0), where the Sooners have a five straight win streak in the series.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks have weathered the storm through three weeks with QB Conner Shaw injured.  Gamecocks beat UAB 49-6 in Week 3.  Week 4 - vs. Missouri (2-1, 0-1 SEC East), in a key SEC East match up, with both teams with QB woes.

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) 8 - The Mountaineers hammered James Madison 42-12 in Week 3.  Week 4: vs. Maryland (2-1), as Mountaineers wrap up OOC play ahead of making debut in the new Big 12.

8. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 10 - The Bulldogs beat Florida Atlantic 56-20 to keep rolling in '12. Week 4: vs. Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC East), as the Bulldogs return to SEC play.

9. Clemson Tigers (3-0) 11 - The Tigers roll into ACC play with a 41-0 win over FCS Furman.  Week 4: @ #10 Florida State (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic), in the biggest game of Week 4 in the ACC and in the nation!

10. Florida State Seminoles (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) 12 - The Seminoles opened ACC play in Week 3 with a 52-0 waxing of Wake Forest at home.  Week 4: vs. #9 Clemson (3-0), as the Seminoles open ACC play with back to back home games, after opening the season with back to back FCS wins!

11. USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South) 4 - The Trojans fall @ former #7 Stanford 21-14, which shouldn't have been a complete surprise, because the Cardinal are a very good program right now.  Next up: vs. California (1-2), against a Cal Bears team that nearly out played Ohio State in Columbus, but not on the score board.

12. TCU Horned Frogs (2-0, 1-0 Big 12) 13 - The Horned Frogs came off a bye week to win first Big 12 game on the road @ Kansas 20-6.  Week 4: vs. Virginia (2-1), in a non-conference game.
13. Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) 15 - The Wildcats finished OOC play with a win over North Texas 35-21 at home.  Week 4: @ #5 Oklahoma (2-0), in the Big 12 opener on the road in Norman.

14. Michigan Wolverines - (2-1) 16 - The Wolverines pounded UMass 63-13 in the Big House in preparation for a big road trip and rivalry game in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. @ #18 Notre Dame (3-0), in series that has witnessed 7 of 8 games ending in upset.

15. Texas Longhorns (3-0) 17 - The Longhorns took to the road to SEC Country to defeat Ole Miss 66-31 ahead of conference play in the Big 12.  Week 4: bye week before traveling to #21 Oklahoma State (2-1) in Week 5 for the Big 12 opener.

16. Florida Gators (3-0, 2-0 SEC East) 18 - Early games in the SEC as the Gators win back to back road games in conference play, with the latest a 37-20 win @ Tennessee.  Week 4: vs. Kentucky (1-2) in the conference home opener of '12.

17. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) 19 - It wasn't pretty, but Buckeyes win 35-28 in Columbus over California to remain unblemished in the Urban Meyer era.  Week 4: vs. UAB (0-2), as the Buckeyes wrap up non-conference ahead of Big Ten play.

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) 20 - The Fighting Irish's road trip to East Lansing ended in a 20-3 win @ Michigan State.  Week 4: vs. #14 Michigan, as the Fighting Irish complete the third game in three against Big Ten opponents.

19. UCLA Bruins (3-0) 22 - The Jim Mora, Jr. era is off to a fast start in Southern California as Bruins beat Houston 37-6 to end non-conference play.  Week 4: vs. Oregon State (1-0), as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

20. Arizona Wildcats (3-0) nr - The Rich Rodriguez era is off to a great start, as well, as the Wildcats beat FCS South Carolina State 56-0 to close out non-conference play.  Week 4: @ #3 Oregon (3-0), in what will be a huge test for the Wildcats in the Pac 12 opener.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) 21 - The Cowboys rebounded at home with a 65-24 win over Louisiana-Lafayette.  Week 4: bye week ahead of hosting #15 Texas (3-0) in the Big 12 opener for '12.

22. Michigan State Spartans (2-1) 9 - The Spartans fall at home vs. former #20 Notre Dame 20-3 to drop out the Top 10 in '12.  Week 4: vs. Eastern Michigan (0-3) in the final non-conference tune up before opening Big Ten play.

23. Baylor Bears (2-0) 23 - The Bears took care of business against FCS Sam Houston State 48-23 in Week 2.  Week 4: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-1), in a dangerous non-conference game before conference play begins.

24. Louisville Cardinals (3-0) 24 - The Cardinals remain undefeated after beating North Carolina at home 39-34.  Week 4: vs. Florida International (1-2), as the Cardinals continue non-conference play in '12.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-1) nr - The Cornhuskers rebounded from Week 2 loss @ UCLA, with a 42-13 win over Arkansas State at home.  Week 4: vs. Idaho State (1-1), in an easy tune up before hitting the second season in the Big Ten for the Cornhuskers.

Out of Top 25 after Week 3:

Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0 ACC Coastal) - the former #14 Hokies fell in Week 3 @ Pittsburgh 35-17 to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Bowling Green (1-2, 0-1 MAC East), in an opportunity to get things cleaned up before returning to ACC play.

Tennessee (2-1, 0-1 SEC East) - the former #25 Volunteers fell in Week 3 vs. former 18 Florida 37-20 defeat to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Akron (1-2), as the Volunteers look to get back in the win column, after a disappointing SEC opener.

FCS upsets for Week 3:

Cal Poly defeats Wyoming 24-22 as MWC takes hit against FCS opponent.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 3 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 8-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS, Sun Belt (3), C-USA (2), Pac 12 and WAC.  Losses vs. Sun Belt and Big 12.  Florida leads SEC East at 2-0 ahead of Georgia and South Carolina, while Alabama and Mississippi State are 1-0 to lead the SEC West, after Week 3.

Big Ten - 10-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2), Sun Belt, MAC (3), Pac 12, ACC, Independent and WAC.  Losses vs. Independent and MAC.

Big 12 - vs. 7-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), Sun Belt (2) and @ SEC.  TCU debuts in the new Big 12, with a 1-0 conference mark for the early lead.

Pac 12 - 6-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), @ MWC, Independent and C-USA.  Losses @ Big Ten, @ SEC and @ MWC.  Pac 12 North is lead early by Stanford at 1-0, while only USC at 0-1 has played in the South.

ACC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. four FCS opponents.  Losses vs. Big East (3) w/ two on road, and @ Big Ten

Big East - 5-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2) and ACC (3).  Rutgers won season opener to join Cincinnati with an early 1-0 lead in the Big East, after Week 3.

Conference USA - 3-6 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Sun Belt and WAC.  Losses vs. SEC (2), MAC, Sun Belt, WAC and Pac 12.  East Carolina beat Southern Miss to open 1-0 lead in the C-USA East.

Independents - 1-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included win over Big Ten, but losses vs. MAC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

MWC - 5-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS (3), Pac 12 and MAC, while losses vs. FCS, Pac 12, Big 12 and WAC.

WAC - 3-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, C-USA and MWC, while losses vs. SEC, Big 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Independent, C-USA and Big Ten, while losses vs. Big Ten (3) and MWC.  Toledo opened MAC play with a 27-15 win over Bowling Green to take 1-0 lead in MAC East with Ball State.

Sun Belt - 2-8 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over C-USA and SEC, with losses vs. Big Ten, Big 12 (2), SEC (3), C-USA and ACC

Week 3 is in the books as we get ready for Week 4 and some outstanding games!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Northern Iowa Panthers travel to Kinnick Stadium to face Iowa Hawkeyes

The FCS has some nice wins over FBS teams. UNI (1-1) has two big games after Iowa (1-1) in back to back weeks when they open conference play vs. Youngstown State and North Dakota State.  Both conference teams picked up wins over FBS opponents, with wins over Pittsburgh and Colorado State, respectively.

This may be a trap game for UNI?

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS for Iowa!   Our PICK: Iowa 23-15.

Iowa offense finds some mojo, after one touchdown after first two weeks of season.  Iowa defense must establish line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.  Establishing run vs. stopping run will be keys for both teams.

It will come down to execution, field position, mistakes and turnovers, as each team wants to get to 2-1.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Can MWC pick up a win over the Pac 12 on Friday?

Friday, September 14th

Washington State at UNLV 8:00 p.m.ESPN (HD)

The Mike Leach era takes to road again in Week 3 to face the UNLV Rebels.  BYU beat type Cougars on the road Week 1.  Here's to UNLV getting the upset!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thursday Night Football: The Big East and the NFL Central

Thursday, September 13th

Rutgers at South FlorIda
6:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3 

In Lambaeu, Green Bay hosts Chicago in one of the best NFL rivalries in The League.  DirecTV and the NFL Network!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

CIDSports Top 25 Ratings after Week 2 of the College Football Season

Week 1 and Week 2 are now in the books.  A tough Week 2 for the Big Ten and some big upsets around the BCS, including a huge one involving a SEC West team!

CIDSports Top 25

1. Alabama (2-0) - the Crimson Tide are a clear #1 after last year's BCS title and the wins over Michigan (41-14) in Arlington and Western Kentucky (35-0) to kick off '12.  Week 3: @ Arkansas (1-1) in the SEC West opener for '12.

2. LSU (2-0) 1 - the defending SEC champions and BCS runner-up is off to a solid start in '12 with wins over North Texas (41-14) and Washington (41-3).  Week 3: vs. Idaho (0-2) in a clear mismatch that the Tigers can enjoy before the SEC opener in Week 4.

3. Oregon (2-0) 2 - the Ducks have enjoyed two high scoring games to kick off '12 with wins over Arkansas State (57-34) and Fresno State (42-25).  Week 3: vs. Tennessee Tech (2-0), a FCS that were co-champs of the Ohio Valley in '11.  Tech is 0-27 vs. FBS programs, ouch!

4. USC (2-0) 3 - the Trojans are off to a good start, but Week 2 was tougher than Week 1.  Trojans opened with Hawaii (49-10), then East Coast trip to East Rutherford vs. Syracuse (42-29).  Week 3: @ #_ Stanford (2-0) to open Pac 12 play.  Last year, the Cardinal won 56-48 in 3 OT on the road vs. the Trojans.

5. Oklahoma (2-0) 7 - the Sooners move up, after two Top 10 teams fall in Week 2.  The Sooners have wins over UTEP (24-7) and Florida A&M (69-13) and will enjoy a bye, Week 3.  Next up: vs. #_ Kansas State (2-0) to open Big 12 play in Week 4.

6.  South Carolina (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 8 - the Gamecocks opened '12 with a SEC East road win @ Vanderbilt (17-13), followed by a win vs. East Carolina (48-10).  Week 3: vs. UAB (0-1), where coach Steve Spurrier takes a 45-0 record vs. non-BCS opponents as a head coach.

7. Stanford (2-0) 9 - the Cardinal have had two straight solid years and open '12 with two wins over San Jose State (20-17) and vs. Duke (50-13).  Week 3: vs. #4 USC (2-0) in the Pac 12 opener.

8. West Virginia (1-0) 10 - the Mountaineers beat Marshall (69-34) in Week 1, then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. James Madison (2-0) in Landover, MD.

9. Michigan State (2-0) 12 - the Spartans are the top Big Ten team, after an ugly Week 2 for the Conference going 6-6.  The Spartans opened '12 with wins over Boise State (17-13) and @ Central Michigan (41-7).  Week 3: vs. #20 Notre Dame (2-0) in a series where nine of the last 12 games have been decided by single points, including 34-31 in OT last time in East Lansing in '10.  Fighting Irish crushed the Spartans last year, so payback alert?

10. Georgia (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 13 - the Bulldogs opened SEC East play in Week 2 with a win @ Missouri (41-20), after an opening season win vs. Buffalo (45-23).  Week 3: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-1, 0-1 Sun Belt), who lost conference opener last week under new coach Carl Pelini.

11. Clemson (2-0) 14 - the Tigers opens '12 with wins over Auburn (26-19) in Atlanta and vs. Ball State (52-27).  Week 3: vs. Furman (0-2) as Tigers enjoy tune up before ACC opener in Week 4 @ #12 Florida State.

12. Florida State (2-0) 15 - the Seminoles opened vs. two-FCS opponents to kick off '12 with wins over Murray State (69-3) and Savannah State (55-0).  Week 3: vs. Wake Forest (2-0) in the ACC Atlantic opener in a series Wake has won 4 of last 6, including last season.

13. TCU (1-0) 16 - the Horned Frogs open '12 in Week 2 with a win over Grambling (56-0).  Week 3: @ Kansas (1-1) for the Big 12 opener, after moving over from the MWC, where they were undefeated the final three seasons.

14. Virginia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC Coastal) 18 - the Hokies open '12 with a Labor Day win vs. Georgia Tech (20-17) in OT and vs. Austin Peay (42-7).  Week 3: @ Pittsburgh (0-2, 0-1 Big East) against their former Big East rivals, the Panthers, who will be joining the ACC next year.

15. Kansas State (2-0) 23 - the Wildcats picked up a solid win in Week 2 vs. Miami-FL (52-13), after opening '12 vs. Missouri State (51-9).  Week 3: vs. North Texas (1-1) in what could be a trap game before Big 12 opener in Week 4 @ OU?

16. Michigan (2-0) 17 - the Wolverines got rocked in the Week 1 opener vs. #1 Alabama (41-13) in Arlington, then held on at home vs. Air Force (31-25).  Week 3: vs. UMass (0-2) before heading to South Bend to face Notre Dame in Week 4.

17.  Texas (2-0) 19 - the Longhorns opened with back to back MWC wins vs. Wyoming (37-17) and New Mexico (45-0) to open '12.  Week 3: @ Ole Miss (2-0) in a dangerous Big 12-SEC road game.

18. Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 21 - the Gators win SEC opener @ Texas A&M (20-17) in Week 2, after opening season with win over Bowling Green (27-13).  Week 3: @ #25 Tennessee (2-0) for the first SEC East showdown and the first Top 25 showdown vs. Volunteers, since '07.

19. Ohio State (2-0) nr - the Buckeyes struggled in '11 finishing 6-7, after 24-17 Gator Bowl loss to Florida, the first losing season since '88.  The Buckeyes opened '12 with wins over Miami-OH (54-10) and vs. Central Florida (31-16).  Week 3: vs. California (1-1), who the Buckeyes own a 5-1 record over the Golden Bears, but haven't played since '72.

20. Notre Dame (2-0) nr - the Fighting Irish opened the season in Dublin with a win over Navy (50-10), then the first of three with the Big Ten, with a win in home opener vs. Purdue (20-17).  Week 3: @ #9 Michigan State (2-0), as the Fighting Irish announced this week that they are joining the ACC in all sports other than football.

21. Oklahoma State (1-1) 6 - the Cowboys won the Big 12 last year, but unlike '11, fell in Week 2 @ Arizona (59-38), after opening the season with win vs. Savannah State (84-0).  Week 3: vs. Lousiana-Lafayette (2-0, 1-0 Sun Belt), who beat Lamar (40-0) to open season, then @ Troy (37-24) in Sun Belt opener.

22. UCLA (2-0) nr - the Bruins have kicked off the Jim Mora, Jr. era with two wins @ Rice (49-24) and vs. Nebraska (36-30) to jump into the Top 25 early in '12.  Week 3: vs. Houston (0-2), who were upset in opener to Texas State (30-13), then lost to Lousiana Tech (56-49) to open '12.

23. Baylor (1-0) 24 - the Bears opened season in Week 1 over SMU (59-24), then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-0), who is coming off upset win @ Arkansas (34-31).

24. Louisville (2-0) 25 - the Cardinals opened Week 1 with a win over Kentucky (34-14), then followed it up with a win vs. Missouri State (35-7) to open '12.  Week 3: vs. UNC (1-1) in an important Big East-ACC match up at home, which the Tar Heels won 14-7 last year.

25. Tennessee (2-0) nr - the Volunteers enter the Top 25 after wins over North Carolina State (35-21) in Atlanta, then at home vs. Georgia State (51-13).  Next up: vs. #18 Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) in the Volunteers SEC opener of  '12.

Out of Top 25 after Week 2:

Ranked # 5 heading into '12, but Arkansas (1-1) fell at home to Louisina-Monroe (1-0) 34-31 to fall out of the Top 25, after QB Tyler Wilson suffers head injury.  Former #11 Wisconsin (1-1) lost @ Oregon State (1-0) 10-7, after a sluggish opening win vs. Northern Iowa (26-21).  Former #20 Nebraska (1-1) lost @ UCLA (36-30) to fall out of the Top 25.  Former #22 Missouri (1-1, 0-1 SEC East) lost in Week 2 to then #13 Georgia (41-20) at home.

FCS upsets for Week 2:

Sacramento State beat Colorado (30-28), as Pac 12 takes hit vs. FCS.

Northern Arizona beat UNLV (17-10) and North Dakota State beat Colorado State (22-7), as MWC takes two hits vs. FCS.

Illinois State beat Eastern Michigan (31-14), as MAC takes hit vs. FCS.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 2 by conference and Notes:


SEC - 6-2 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Sun Belt and Big Ten.  One win over FCS and the Pac 12.

Big Ten - 6-6 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Pac 12 (3 on road), ACC, Big 12 and vs. Notre Dame.  Win over SEC, one FCS program.
Big 12 - 7-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to C-USA.  Two FCS wins and one over ACC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

Pac 12 - 9-3 vs. OOC opponents, with one FCS loss, SEC and WAC.  Two FCS wins, as well as three wins over Big Ten at home, one vs. Big East, ACC and Big 12.

ACC - 8-2 vs. OOC opponents, with Pac 12 and Big 12 loss.  Four wins over FCS, along with wins over Big 12 and Big East (2).

Big East - 3-3 vs. OOC oppoents, with two ACC losses and Pac 12.  Two FCS win and WAC win.

MWC - 1-7 vs. OOC opponents, with two FCS losses, Big Ten, C-USA, MAC, Pac 12 and Big 12.  Lone win over Army.

C-USA - 3-5 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Big Ten, SEC (2), Sun Belt and WAC. Two wins over FCS and Big Ten.

Independents - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to MWC.  One FCS win and Big Ten win.
WAC - 4-3 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to MAC(2) and Big 12.  Two FCS wins, Pac 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 7-6 vs. OOC opponents with losses vs. FCS, SEC, Sun Belt, Big Ten (2), ACC.  Wins vs. four FCS teams, WAC (2) and MWC.

Sun Belt - 5-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to SEC.  Wins vs. two FCS programs, SEC, MAC and C-USA.

Cy-Hawk Game: Iowa State 9, Iowa 6 in Iowa City

The Cyclones win second straight over Iowa, as they beat Iowa by 3 again.



Sunday, September 9, 2012

NFL 2012 Week 1 rolls into play with Green Bay hosting San Francisco

Week 1 opened Wednesday night with Dallas taking out the defending Super Bowl champs, New York Giants, 24-17.  Now, the Green Bay-San Francisco game has kicked off as teams begin the 17 week season of jockeying for position on the road to the Super Bowl!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Week 2 offers an array of great games for the viewer: GameOn

Saturday, September 8th

AUBURN (0-1) at Mississippi State (1-0) 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3 - SEC West opener for both teams. Tigers look to make it four straight over Bulldogs.

Ball State (1-0, 1-0 MAC) at #14 CLEMSON (1-0) 11:00 a.m. ESPN-GP / ACC Network (HD) / espn3 - ACC Tigers vs. MAC Cardinals... Ball State is 0-15 vs. BCS teams losing by an average of 24 points!

Maryland at Temple 11:00 a.m.ESPNU (HD) / espn3 - The Terrapens are 6-1 in this series that is now a ACC vs. Big East game, with Owls moving from MAC back to Big East in '12.  Can Temple get a W in an OCC opportunity at home?

MIAMI-FL at #23 Kansas State11:00 a.m.FX (HD) - Upset alert, as Hurricanes look to pick up back to back road wins to open '12.

New Hampshire at MINNESOTA (1-0) 11:00 a.m.BTN (HD) / btn2go.com - Consistency is often a challenge for the Golden Gophers and UNH has given FBS opponents trouble before, while Minnesota has had recent trouble vs. FCS.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE (0-1) at Connecticut (1-0) 11:00 a.m.SNY / MASN2 / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3 - ACC vs. Big East in only second meeting, so UConn get payback at home after 31-24 loss in '03 meeting?  Coach Tom O'Brien is a solid coach and should have his team ready, after loss to Tennessee in Atlanta last week.

Penn State (0-1) at VIRGINIA (1-0) 11:00 a.m.ABC (HD) - This game could go either direction, but PSU offense hasn't shown 60 minutes of performance skill and new staff at PSU is still looking to establish its new identity post Joe Paterno, so tough beginning in the Bill O'Brien era in Happy Valley.

Tulane (0-1) at TULSA (0-1)11:00 a.m.FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSA (cable) - C-USA opener for both teams, as Golden Hurricane look to rebound after road loss at Iowa State in Week 1.

U of Central Florida (1-0) at OHIO STATE (1-0) 11:00 a.m.ESPN2 (HD) / espn3 - Is UCF a Top 25 team for the C-USA in '12?  Games like this are important for the resume, while the Buckeyes are on NCAA probation this year.  Urban Meyer era looks for win 2 in Columbus.

East Carolina (1-0) at #8 SOUTH CAROLINA (1-0) 11:21 a.m.SEC Network *4 / ESPN-GP / espn3 - The Pirates have won three straight games, when traveling to Columbia, but the last was 13 years ago in '99.  Gamecocks junior QB Connor Shaw is less than 100%, so others will have to tep up in this important game for South Carolina.

Illinois State at EASTERN MICHIGAN (0-1, 0-1 MAC) 12:00 p.m.ESPN-GP *2 / CSNC *5 (J.I.P at 1) - Dangerous game for EMU vs. an FCS opponent they have actually meet 30 times before, including four straight losses, with last meeting in '91.

North Carolina (1-0) at WAKE FOREST (1-0) 2:00 p.m.FSN Affiliates (HD) / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3 - ACC opener for both teams, as UNC faces NCAA probation this year.  Here is to the home team, who is 4-2 of late in this series.

Weber State at BYU (1-0) 2:00 p.m.BYUtv / Video - The Cougars took care of business in Week 1 and should get ready for Utah Week 3 game with a solid performance in Week 2.

Air Force (1-0) at #17 MICHIGAN (0-1) 2:30 p.m.ABC *1 / ESPN2 (HD) - The Wolverines likely will have some growing pains in Year 2 of the Brady Hoke era, but last week was just a beating by the #1 team in the land.  Many teams will face that, when playing Alabama, especially in season opener and missing two starters.

#21 FLORIDA (1-0) at Texas A&M 2:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) - We may be wrong, but A&M is 0-6 vs. SEC of late, so we are going to go with the Gators in College Station.

Howard at RUTGERS (1-0) 2:30 p.m. SNY / MASN2 / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3 - No surprises here in Week 2 FCS vs. FBS match up.

Iowa State (1-0) at IOWA (1-0) 2:30 p.m.BTN (HD) / btn2go.com - 36th straight game, since series renewal in '77 and 60th overall.  Iowa won the '77 game 12-10, but look for more offense in '12, as Iowa win by two with a 30-28 prediction here.  Iowa's QB James Vandenberg usually plays better at home.

#12 MICHIGAN STATE (1-0) at Central Michigan (1-0) 2:30 p.m.ESPNU (HD) - First meeting in series at CMU, so this game could be a trap for Spartans, especially if offense doesn't play well.

Missouri State at #25 Louisville (1-0) 2:30 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / WHAS (cable) / espn3 - Cardinals took care of business in Week 1 vs. in-state rival Kentucky and are looking for good '12 in Big East.

Purdue (1-0) at Notre Dame (1-0) 2:30 p.m.NBC (HD) - Will the Jet Lag get the Fighting Irish as Boilermakers come to South Bend?  ND usually has the upper hand in this series, but Purdue is improving...

Rice (0-1) at KANSAS (1-0) 2:30 p.m.FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSC (cable)  - KU is our pick!

South Florida (1-0) at NEVADA (1-0) 2:30 p.m.CBSSN (HD) - Should be good game!

Syracuse vs. #4 USC (East Rutherford) 2:30 p.m. ABC / ESPN2 (HD) - The Orange are improved, and how will USC travel East be in first road trip, but neutral site?

Western Kentucky at # 1 ALABAMA 2:39 p.m.SEC Network *4 / ESPN-GP / espn3 - # 1

Georgia State at TENNESSEE 3:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / espn3 / PPV (TN only) - Vols to 2-0!

#11 Wisconsin at Oregon State 3:00 p.m.FX (HD) - We say go with the Badgers in trip out West.

#5 Arkansas vs. Louisiana Monroe (Little Rock)6:00 p.m.ESPNU (HD)  Arkansas should win on road here, but it may be a curve, if not careful.

Florida A&M at #7 Oklahoma 6:00 p.m.PPV - Boomer Sooner!

Grambling at #16 TCU 6:00 p.m.FSSW / FSH / FCSP (cable) / more info - Horned Frogs should roll here!

Idaho at Bowling Green 6:00 p.m.ALT (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3 / BCSN / cable - Bowling Green wins!!!

UTEP at Ole Miss 6:00 p.m.FS South *6 / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3 - Mississippi should win.

Washington at #2 LSU 6:00 p.m.ESPN (HD) - At home, LSU here...

Western Carolina at Marshall 6:00 p.m. DirecTV: 623 / FCSA (cable) - We are Marshall!

Army at San Diego State 6:30 p.m.NBCSN (HD) - SD State!

Kent State at Kentucky 6:30 p.m.(CSNE/CSBA)*5/ ESPN-GP*2/ CSS (cable) / espn3

# Nebraska at UCLA6:30 p.m.FOX (HD) - Upset alert... UCLA

#13 Georgia at #22 Missouri 6:45 p.m.ESPN2 - We are going with Missouri in Top 25 game in new SEC East!

Louisiana Tech at Houston7:00 p.m.CBSSN (HD) - LA Tech on road and season ooener.

Vanderbilt at Northwestern7:00 p.m.BTN (HD) / btn2go.com - Go Wildcats, but watch out for Vandy.  Pick: NW

Illinois at Arizona State 9:30 p.m.ESPN (HD)Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks.

Akron at Florida International5:00 p.m.espn3 - FIU is our pick.

Austin Peay at Virginia Tech12:30 p.m.espn3 - VA Tech here!

Duke at Stanford9:30 p.m.PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com Pick: Stanford

Eastern Illinois at Western Michigan6:00 p.m.espn3 WMU gets first win.

Eastern Washington at Washington State2:00 p.m.PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com - Leachera gets first win... WSU is our pick!

Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee6:00 p.m.espn3 - Middle Tennessee at home.

Fresno State at Oregon5:30 p.m.PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com Oregon... easy pick!

Indiana at UMass2:30 p.m.espn3Lehigh at CCSU11:00 a.m.NEC Front Row. IU in a surprise.

Louisiana Lafayette (1-0) at TROY (1-0) 6:00 p.m.espn3 - Sun Belt opener for both teams in '12 in what should be a very good game.

Maine at BOSTON COLLEGE (0-1, 0-1 ACC) 12:00 p.m.espn3 - Black Bears travel to BC, who fell at home in ACC opener to Miami-FL, not a good situation as BC looks to get on track in '12.

Memphis (0-1) at ARKANSAS STATE (0-1) 6:00 p.m.espn3 - Sun Belt should get win over C-USA in this match up.

Morgan State at BUFFALO (0-1) 5:00 p.m.TWNY (cable) - Buffalo open at home after loss @ Georgia in Week 1.

New Mexico (1-0) at #19 TEXAS (1-0) 7:00 p.m. LHN - UNM welcomed the Bob Davie era with a win over Southern, but trip to Austin far higher hurdle in Week 2.   Lobos are 0-2 vs. Longhorns and have dropped 12 straight vs. ranked opponents.

New Mexico State (1-0) at OHIO U (1-0) 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Bobcats opened with road win over Penn State and will host Aggies in home opener in why should be a solid to special season for coach Frank Solich, after 10-4 last year and win over Utah State in Idaho Patato Bowl.

Nicholls State at SOUTH ALABAMA (0-1) 4:00 p.m.espn3 - Hurricane Issac shelved season opener for Nichols State, while Janguars lost FBS debut in Week 1 at home vs. UTSA.

North Dakota State at COLORADO STATE (1-0) 6:00 p.m. (KTVD / ND NBC) (cable) - Defending FCS champions travel out to Ft. Collins to play Rams, after nice win in Denver for CSU over in-state rival Colorado.  Upset alert?  FCS vs. FBS?

Northern Arizona (0-1) at UNLV (0-1) 9:00 p.m. - Can Rebals rebound from Week 1 OT loss at home to Minnesota?  They should vs. NAU.

#6 Oklahoma State (1-0) at Arizona (1-0) 9:30 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com - Dispite a true freshman QB at helm, the Cowboys may be the top dog in Big 12 in '12, while new era for Wildcats football got off to right start with win over Toledo in Week 1.

Presbyterian at GEORGIA TECH (0-1, 0-1 ACC) 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Labor Day came up short in OT at Blacksburg, so Yellow Jackets look to reverse things vs. FCS oppenent in home opener in Week 2!

Sacramento State (0-1) at COLORADO (0-1) 2:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com - Buffalos look to get on track in Week 2, after loss vs. Colorado State in opener.

Savannah State (0-1) at #15 FLORIDA STATE (1-0) 5:00 p.m. espn3 - WVU moved to Big 12, so Seminoles open with back to back FCS opponents in '12 instead of Top 15 showdown in Week 2.

Southern Utah at CALIFORNIA (0-1) 2:00 p.m.PAC-12 Network (HD) / pac-12.com - Golden Bears fell in Week 1 to Nevada, so Cal works to get on track in Week 2!

Southern Illinois at MIAMI-OH (0-1) 12:00 p.m. espn3 - Year 2 under coach Don Treadwell, OOC games like this are supposed to end on the positive side of the ledger for Redhawks.  First meeting and first game vs. FCS opponent for RedHawks, since '08.

Stephen F. Austin at SMU (0-1) 7:00 p.m. TWTX (cable) - The Mustangs look to get back on track, after loss to now #24 Baylor in Week 1!

Texas A&M Commerce at UTSA (1-0) 1:00 p.m. - Week 1, year 1 in FBS started well for UTSA, so hopefully home opener and first meeting goes well here?

Texas Southern at NORTH TEXAS (0-1) 6:00 p.m. TXA21 (cable) / espn3 - Dan McCarney should have Mean Green in better place this week, after beating at #2 LSU in Week 1!

Texas Tech (1-0) at TEXAS STATE (1-0) 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Texas State upset Houston in Week 1, but do the have defense and offense to win two straight in first season in FBS.  Tall order, but we will root for the underdog in Week 2 vs. Red Raidiers.  Texas State lost 50-10 last year, but lead at half.

Toledo (0-1) at WYOMING (0-1) 3:00 p.m. - Toledo lost in OT at Arizona in Week 1, while Wyoming lost at Texas... home field is likely difference in Week 2!

UC Davis at San Jose State (0-1) 7:00 p.m. - Spartans came up short @ Stanford, so look to rebound in home opener of '12.

UT Martin at NORTHERN ILLINOIS (0-1) 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Huskies home opener after dissappointment at Soldier Field in Week 1!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Friday Night Football: Utah show down on the eve of Cy-Hawk series in Iowa City on Saturday.

In Iowa, Friday night football is usually reserved for high schools throughout the State.  With the advent of television, we all know that certain conferences play an occasional football game on Friday night.  This week, it's a Pac 12 vs. WAC show down.

Friday, September 7th


Utah (1-0) at Utah State (1-0) 7:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3

We will take the underdog in this one!  The Utah Utes are enjoying Year 2 in the Pac 12.  Utah State is typically third fiddle in the State of Utah, behind both Utah and BYU.  But, tonight a sell out crowd will likely be on hand to root for the Aggies, when the play the Utes.  The Utes can't afford to over look the Aggies, with BYU up next!

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Week 2 began Thursday night, with the Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0, 1-0 Big East) taking down the Pitt Panthers (0-2, 0-1 Big East) 34-10 to open Big East play for 2012.

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Saturday, September 8th will showcase a great array of games, including the Cy-Hawk Series game for 2012 between Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0), in Iowa City.  Other games in College Football.

College Football Thursday Night: Big East Opener

Thursday, September 6th

Pittsburgh (0-1) at CIncinnati (1-0) 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3

It is Cincinnati's opener, while Pittsburgh lost home opener in Week 1 31-17 to Youngstown State.  Pitt needs to play better on defense, while Bearcats need to get rust off.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NFL '12 New York Giants host Dallas Cowboys in NFL opener tonight on NBC

A rematch of last year's NFC Playoffs tonight in NJ!
Do we see a repeat for the New York Giants in 2012?  Do we Dallas getting payback tonight?
The ceremonies will commence and the game will return.  Let the NFL games begin.
peace

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Media Day in Iowa City as Game Week continues towards Iowa vs. Iowa State on Saturday

Iowa City, Iowa--- Junior Iowa DE Dominic Alvis prepped at Logan-Magnolia High School in western Iowa, which is more than 100 miles closer to Ames than it is to Iowa City. A majority of his friends attend college at Iowa State. "They are always giving me a hard time for playing at Iowa," Alvis said. "It's playful, but it adds to the rivalry." "It starts in practice, and it starts today," he said. "We practice today (Tuesday) and Wednesday like we're going to play Saturday, and have a great mental day Thursday -- that is going to be the key. It's a huge deal what we do during the week." Tuesday before regular season college football games at Iowa and through out the Big Ten Conference are media days. There is a conference wide phone conference, followed by a local media conference on campus.

Check out this article on Kirk Ferentz media conference ahead of Iowa vs. Iowa State game Saturday: http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/iowa/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090412aac.html sent from the University of Iowa Android App

University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was happy to get a win in the season-opener over Northern Illinois, but he knows the stakes are higher Saturday with Iowa State coming to Kinnick Stadium for an Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series matchup. "It is a big game for our football team and a big game for everybody in the state," said Ferentz during Tuesday's press conference in the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "We have a big job on our hands and a lot of work to do." If the Hawkeyes are to avenge the 2011 loss -- a 44-41 triple overtime defeat in Ames -- they must slow the Iowa State offensive attack featuring quarterback Steele Jantz. Last season, Jantz completed 25-of-37 attempts for 279 yards and four touchdowns. "It was like a highlight reel," said Ferentz of Jantz's production last season. "He's an experienced player, a lot more confident, and had a tremendous game on Saturday against Tulsa, both running and throwing the ball." The Cyclones won their season-opener over Tulsa, winning 38-23 at Jack Trice Stadium. Jantz finished 32-of-45 for 281 yards with two touchdowns. Ferentz said containment was an issue for the Hawkeyes against Jantz during the 2011 meeting, a fact that will be emphasized during this week's preparation. "It might be a good idea if we try to keep him contained a little bit," he said. "You learn in football, somebody has to contain, and we kind of forgot that last year. It's easier said than done. He's a very good athlete and with their scheme, it makes it tough." The Hawkeyes have won three of the last four, four of the last six, and six of the last nine in the series dating back to 2003. Since taking over as head coach, Ferentz is 6-7 in the series, which has brought a renewed energy to the in-state showdown. "It has been a rivalry ever since I got here," said Ferentz. "Both teams are playing well, and it's going to go right down to the wire. It went down to the wire last year and then some." Ferentz said he wouldn't have envisioned Iowa running the ball 30 times in the opener, let alone giving 30 carries to one back. That's the workload sophomore running back Damon Bullock had en route to a career-best 150 yards. Despite Bullock's production, Ferentz sees Iowa spreading the wealth in the backfield in distributing the carries. "My guess is we'll spread it around," he said. "I think Michael Malloy is going to be playing here. Greg (Garmon) got his feet wet, and he's a good player, too. My guess is all three guys will do it, and it's a matter of how much Damon can handle." After reviewing the game film, Ferentz saw a number of correctible plays. He said it is a matter of how quickly they can be corrected and translated to the game field. "You know, the better you run the race, the better chance you have of winning," he said. "You factor in the team you're playing, so there are always challenges at hand." While Ferentz is eager to face the Cyclones inside the friendly confines of Kinnick Stadium, he said the environment will help, but isn't an all-deciding factor. "It didn't help us in 2002, it helped us in the first half, but didn't in the second half," he said. "It's really what you make it. We have won there and here; they have won there and here. It really comes down to which team plays the best." Kickoff to Saturday's game is set for 2:42 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised live on the BTN with Kevin Kugler, Chris Martin and former Hawkeye Chuck Long calling the action. Former Iowa QB Long was a sophomore in 1983, when Iowa began a 15 game-win streak. Iowa defeated ISU 51-10 in Ames, ending ISU's three game streak. Long was 13-17 for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was the most lopsided win in the series to date. Long's senior season ended with a 57-3 win, for even more salt in the wound.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Virginia Tech sends game into OT with 42 yarder UPDATE: VT 20, GT 17, Final

Week 1 of the 2012 College Football will get a little more time, as #18 Virginia Tech needs a final second FG to send game into OT with Georgia Tech to open ACC Coastal play for both teams.  Junior PK Cody Journell hits from his career long distance.

First OT in home games played in Blacksburg for Virginia Tech.  Interception by Virginia Tech on Georgia Tech possession fuels Hokies win in OT.

Football in a Battleground State... Game Notes: Iowa vs. Iowa State

In 1977, Kinnick Stadium hosted the rebirth of the Iowa-Iowa State football series.  On Saturday, September 8, 2012, the Hawkeyes and Cyclones will compete in the 60th meeting in the Cy-Hawk series.  Iowa on average wins 2 out of every 3 games played in this series:-) za, but last year was a 45-42 triple overtime game won by Iowa State in Ames.
Check out this Iowa Game Notes article: http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/iowa/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090312aae.html sent from the University of Iowa Android App
Iowa State hasn't won in Iowa City over Iowa in ten years.  The 2002 game was the best game in the series.  Iowa opened up strong in the first half building a 24-7 lead, but it was all Iowa State in the second half, with the Cyclones leaving Iowa City, back to Ames with a 36-31 win, but Iowa turnovers and mistakes proved too much.
The 1977 game was renewed, after "bitterness had ended (the) in-state rivalry, but calmness and d(efense) reigned in series revival after 43 years" as the 50 years of College Football by Bob Broyles & Paul Guido explained the 12-10 win by Iowa in the renewal game at Kinnick Stadium 35 years ago.  The win by Iowa was consider an upset victory in 1977.
Iowa has won four straight games in Iowa City in the Cy-Hawk series.  Will they make it five on Saturday, in the 36th meeting in the modern era?
What can we expect by Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0) on the Big Ten Network at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday?
-  Iowa will wear throwback uniforms in honor of the 1921 and 1922 Hawkeye teams that posted identical 7-0 overall records and perfect 5-0 Big Ten records.  The 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes posted a perfect 8-0 Big Ten record, but the lone loss in the regular season was the Cyclone win at Kinnick.
-  Iowa State will not wear throwback uniforms in honor of the 1911 and 1912 Cyclome teams.  Iowa State has not won a share of a football title in any conference, since the co-champions in 1911 and 1912 in the old Missouri Valley Conference.
-  Could this be ISU coach Paul Rhoads best team in the four seasons he has been in Ames?  ISU brings in a lot of momentum from the 38-23 win over Tulsa in Week 1.  His record as a head coach for ISU is 19-20.
-  Last year, JUCO transfer Steele Jantz got the start at QB for ISU against Iowa.  Injury during 2011, lead to then freshman Jared Barnett to QB.  In the fall, it was a battle for #1, until senior Jantz was named starter for the Tulsa game.  Jantz ran or was sacked 13 times for minus 9 yards vs. Tulsa.  He passed 32-45 for 281 yards, with  2 touchdowns and 1 interception in opener.  Last year, Jantz threw 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
-  Iowa returns senior James Vandenberg, who was sacked 6 times in the 18-17 win over Northern Illinois in Chicago.  He had 12 carries/sacks for minus 25 yards.  Vandenberg threw 21-33 for 129 yards, with zero turnovers and no touchdowns in opener.  Iowa had trouble finding the end zone, except a late 23 yard touchdown run by sophomore RB Damon Bullock for the go ahead score and victory in opener.  Vandenberg threw for 3,022 yards, 25 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2011.
-  Iowa starts 10 Iowans to ISU's 5.  The entire offensive line for Iowa is Iowa grown this year.  The Hawkeyes struggled in pass production, but appeared stronger in run blocking helping first time starting RB Bullock garner 30 carries, 150 yards and one touchdown in the opener.
-  Iowa State was lead by junior Shontelle Johnson vs. Tulsa, who carried 18 times, 118 yards and 1 touchdown.  Juniors James White (10-54, 1 td) and Jeff Woody (2-1 and protective boot after game) are considered 1-2 on the Tulsa depth chart, so ISU goes three deep at RB.  Iowa's back up is Greg Garmon, a true freshman, who got 4 carries for 8 yards for his first taste of collegiate football, after being a highly regarded athlete out of Erie, PA.
- Both Iowa and Iowa State must replace the #1 WR from 2011.  Iowa has two WRs back in senior Keenan Davis and sophomore Kevonte Martin-Manley, who will be primary for the Hawkeyes, while Iowa State returns senior Josh Lenz, senior JUCO Chris Young, senior Aaron Horne in the 3-WR set ISU likes to run.  Iowa is looking for a third WR to step up.  ISU has more depth, including former QB, turned WR in '11 senior Jerome Tiller, sophomore Jarvis West, redshirt freshman Quenton Brundrage and junior Albert Gary.  ISU will spread things out in the passing game, while Iowa needs to improve on the vertical passing attack, after a sluggish opener vs. Northern Iowa.
-  Iowa often is known as TE-U, since the success under coach J. Hayden Fry.  Iowa goes three deep already at TE lead by junior C.J Fiedorowicz, sophomore Ray Hamilton and Senior Zach Derby.  Hawkeye TEs must block and contribute in the passing game under Ferentz.  ISU returns two senior TEs with Ricky Howard and Kurt Hammerschmidt, as Howard blocks and KH can be a receiving threat.  Success in the passing game from the TE position is often important in Cy-Hawk series.
-  How good is the ISU offensive line in 2012?  Senior LT Carter Bykowski and junior RG Kyle Lichtenberg are the newbies as 3 starters return with sophomore C Tom Farnock, junior LG Ethan Turftee and senior Braydon Burris are back for ISU.  Farnock is the anchor of the line, as is senior C James Ferentz for the Hawkeyes.  As mentioned, it is an all-Iowan starting line up in the O-Line for the Hawkeyes with sophomore LT Brandon Scherff, senior Matt Tobin, Ferentz, redshirt freshman Austin Blythe and junior Brett Van Sloten.  Ferentz and Tobin are returning starters, while Scherff moves outside after 3 starts at LG.
-  Iowa State returns 7 offensive, 5 defensive starters and junior P Kirby VanDerKamp, though the most experience starting is with the Cyclone defense unit.
-  Iowa returns 6 offensive, 5 defensive starters and junior PK Mike Meyer.  This is Kirk Ferentz youngest team in his 14th season as head coach.
-  The play on the line of scrimmage in the line, both offensive and defensive will go a long way in determing who wins in the Cy-Hawk series.  Special teams, big plays, mistakes, turnovers and coaching adjustments will all play make keys.
-  Linebackers are the key units for both teams.  ISU has seniors A.J. Klien and Jake Knot.  Junior Deon Bloomfield is the third guy in Iowa's 4-3 line with NG.  Iowa plays a 4-3 with two DTs.  Juniors James Morris, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens lead Iowa's LB crew.
-  Both teams only return 1 starter each in the D-Line.  Senior Jake McDonough returns to anchor the NG position for the Cyclones.  ISUs other guys are junior DE Willie Scott, seniors DT Cleyon Laing and Roosevelt Maggitt.  New starters with experience.  Iowa junior DE Dominic Alvis injured his knee in Iowa's win over Michigan.  Al is missed spring, but is back in the starting lineup and gained a sack vs. NIU.  Iowa rotates seniors Steve Bigach and Joe Gaglione, who had 3 TFL, sack and forced fumble vs. NIU.  Iowa plays a young group of tackles with sophomore Louis Trica-Pasat*, Carl Davis, Mike Hardy and redshirt freshman Darian Cooper* [starters* at DT]. 
-  The Secondary will be tested at Kinnick in the Cy-Hawk series.  ISU's spread offense vs. Iowa's 4-3 defense.  Iowa's pro-set offense vs. ISU 4-3.  Senior CB Jeremy Reeves is one of the two returning starters and leader for ISU.  Junior FS Jacques Washington is the other returning guy.  The newbies are junior CB Jansen Watson and senior SS Durrell Givens, a JC transfer.  For Iowa, two starters return, along with Letterman, like ISU.  Senior CB Micah Hyde is the leader in the secondary, along with junior FS Tanner Miller.  The new starters are junior CB BJ Lowry and senior SS Tom Donatell.  Unlike departed DC Norm Parker, his replacement Phil Parker moves over from DB coach the past 13 years and is more likely to mix it up from 4-3 to nickel/dime formations, which should make Iowa's defense less vanilla, as before.  Risk and reward will be in play.
-  Special teams are huge in the Cy-Hawk series and 2012 should be no different.  ISU has a brand new PK, who kicked a 30 yard FG in the opener vs. Tulsa.  ISU kicked 9 times in their opener for a 43 yard average, which is about par with VanDeKamp's 42.7 yard average in '11.  Experience returns in KR/PR for ISU.  Jarvis West is the #1 KR, with Josh Lenz and Aaron Horne.  Lenz (5.7 per return) and Horne are 1-2 PR returning and Albert Gary is another RS.  Iowa has Keenan Davis back as a KR, but #1 KR is likely Greg Garmon, true frosh.  Big game... how will lack of experience impact Iowa.  It was a big part of ISUs comeback in 2002.  Of course, new rules may change things in '12.  Micah Hyde (8.2 per return) is back as Iowa's #1 PR.
It's Monday and Cy-Hawk week is here.  Game on!