1. Alabama (4-0)
They have a stout defense. They have a powerful running attack led by Mark Ingram. They have beaten quality teams like Virginia Tech and SEC rival Arkansas. And their new quarterback Greg McElroy has been fantastic; completing 67.7 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns and only one interception.
2. Florida (4-0)
I do not think that Florida is the #1 team, nor do I think that Tim Tebow is the second-coming of Christ. Their performance against Tennessee was very disappointing, and I do not feel that their offense is good enough to put them atop the polls. That being said, they are still really good.
3. Texas (4-0)
The Longhorns struggled a little bit against Texas Tech, but still managed to pull out a ten point victory. They have a high-scoring offense led by quarterback Colt McCoy, who completes 71 percent of his passes. Texas also has the fastest white boy in football in Jordan Shipley.
4. USC (3-1)
Every year the Trojans lose to a really bad team, and everyone sits around wondering how legitimate USC really is for the next couple of weeks. But come January, USC will still have one loss and will be playing in a BCS Bowl Game. Give them a break. They lost to Washington without starting quarterback Matt Barkley, and beat a very good Ohio State team in The Shoe.
5. LSU (4-0)
Their defense was iffy in tough road wins over Washington and Mississippi State, but LSU is still sitting at 4-0. Their goal line stand against Mississippi State was awesome, but we will find out how good LSU really is in the next two weeks. They must travel to Georgia this weekend, and then return home for a showdown with the Gators on October 10.
6. Boise State. (4-0)
The Broncos’ season opening win over Oregon is looking better and better now that the Ducks have finally won a few games. Their offense is explosive, and the hardest part of their schedule is behind them. Another BCS Bowl Game for the Broncos is a very real possibility.
7. Oklahoma (2-1)
They lost to BYU…without Sam Bradford. Some people will try to tell you that Oklahoma was going to lose that game with or without Sam Bradford. Don’t listen to them. Oklahoma was winning 10-7 when Bradford left the game at halftime. Bradford had completed ten of his 14 passing attempts for 94 yards and one touchdown before he was injured. If Bradford had been able to finish the game, Oklahoma would have easily won. But he couldn’t. Oklahoma lost. The Sooners are still legit.
8. Ohio St. (3-1)
They had some trouble with Navy in the season opener, and lost a heartbreaker to USC the following week. But the Buckeyes have responded with two straight shutouts, and are in position to make another run at the Big 10 Title.
9. Virginia Tech (3-1)
The score didn’t show it, but the Hokies were absolutely dominated by a very good Alabama team in the season opener. Nevertheless, the Hokie defense has carried this team to a 3-1 record. If Virginia Tech had anything resembling an offense, they would be a National Championship caliber team. But they don’t. So Virginia Tech will have to settle for another mediocre conference championship.
10. TCU (3-0)
An impressive resume that includes a win against the highly regarded Virginia Cavaliers has launched the Horned Frogs into the top ten. But really, TCU is good. Defensive end Jerry Hughes is a boss, and he anchors a solid defense. Winning in Death Valley was impressive, but the Frogs will also have to win at BYU if they hope to earn a BCS bid.
11. Cincinnati (4-0)
Quarterback Tony Pike has been phenomenal for the Bearcats. He has already thrown for 1,223 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cincinnati has won at Oregon State and knocked off Fresno State at home. The Bearcats are in the Big East, which means that they shouldn’t have too much trouble from here on out.
12. Iowa (4-0)
Is Iowa really good, or was Penn State just incredibly overrated? A little bit of both.
13. Oregon (3-1)
After a frustrating loss to Boise State (didn’t it just make you want to punch Byron Hout right in the face?), the Ducks have rolled off big wins over Purdue, Utah, and California. Their offense is back on track, and the Ducks are very much in contention for a Pac-10 Championship.
14. Miami (2-1)
The Hurricanes ran into the perfect storm at Lane Stadium. The rain. The turnovers. The blocked punt. It was ugly. But Miami is still a very dangerous team with a complete offense. Let’s wait until after the Oklahoma game this weekend to make a decision on whether Da U is back or not.
15. Georgia (3-1)
The Dawgs have rebounded from a season opening loss at Oklahoma State with impressive wins over South Carolina, Arkansas, and Arizona State.
16. Nebraska (3-1)
The Huskers are one play away from being undefeated. Let’s be honest with ourselves, they should have beaten Virginia Tech. Nebraska has blown out the rest of its out of conference opponents and is my pick to win the Big 12 North.
17. Houston (3-0)
A win at Oklahoma State and a narrow home win over Texas Tech has everybody talking about the Cougars as the next BCS Bowl Buster. They have the offense to win games, but they don’t have the defense to earn a better spot in the top 25. I don’t see Houston going undefeated. They will slip up against Mississippi State or Southern Mississippi. Who rushes the field after beating an unranked team anyway?
18. Oklahoma State (3-1)
Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant lead the Cowboys’ prolific offense. They’re a good team. Plus, their coach is a man! But they’re still no Texas or Oklahoma.
19. BYU (3-1)
Five turnovers can really damper your BCS hopes.
20. South Carolina (3-1)
So what if Ole Miss was just a tad overrated. The Cocks’ defense gave Jevan Snead a night to forget. South Carolina has a defense worthy of the SEC, but they are still a long way away from competing for an SEC Title.
21. California (3-1)
Jahvid Best is fast. But he sure struggled against the Ducks. He can’t disappear in big games if California wants to make some noise in the Pac-10 this year.
22. Mississippi (2-1)
Jevan Snead for Heisman? Good thing Spurrier changed his vote.
23. Auburn (4-0)
Their undefeated start has been aided by the comforts of home. But wins over Mississippi State and West Virginia aren’t anything to complain about.
24. Georgia Tech (3-1)
Sometimes the triple option works (317 rushing yards against UNC). Sometimes the triple option doesn’t work (95 rushing yards against Miami). The Jackets are too one dimensional to be a dominant team.
25. Kansas(4-0)
Southern Mississippi put up a fight, but the Jayhawks remain undefeated. Don’t worry, they’ll get some tallies in the loss column in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Virginia vs. Southern Mississippi: Cavaliers Collapse in Second Half
Jameel Sewell played a nearly flawless first half for the Virginia Cavaliers. Aided by a revamped offense that featured more rushing attempts by the running backs, throwing the ball, and even the quarterback lined up directly behind the center, Sewell was able to lead Virginia to a 27-10 halftime lead.
The first touchdown for the Cavaliers was a masterpiece. Early in the first quarter, Virginia began its second drive on its own 12 yard line. After runs by Dominique Wallace and Rashawn Jackson, Virginia was faced with a third and four. Jared Green, who had all but disappeared from the Virginia playbook, came up big for the Cavaliers as he picked up the first down on a short out route. Jackson charged ahead for a nine yard run on the next play, and it appeared that the Virginia game plan was to run the football right at the Eagles’ front seven. So on second and one, the Eagles bit on a perfectly executed play action. Sewell faked the handoff to Wallace, and then threw a 69 yard bomb to true freshman receiver Tim Smith in stride for the touchdown.
Virginia had finally learned how to run an offense, and it was a beautiful sight.
Two Southern Mississippi fumbles deep in its own territory led to two Virginia field goals, and the Cavaliers stretched the lead to 13-0.
The Eagles would respond early in the second quarter, as they efficiently moved the ball down the field on a 14 play, 85 yard touchdown drive that resulted in a six yard touchdown run from running back Damion Fletcher. Southern Mississippi converted two big third and longs on this drive, and frequently picked on Virginia defensive back Devin Wallace, who was playing for the injured Chris Cook.
Sewell responded with a touchdown drive of his own that was capped with a 29 yard touchdown pass to receiver Kris Burd on a post route. This drive succeeded because the Cavaliers passed the ball on third and short. In previous games, we would have most likely seen a quarterback run to the left (or right if Brandon and Groh really wanted to mix things up), or a running back draw. But Sewell found Jared Green to convert a third and two, and later connected with tight end Joe Torchia for a 15 yard pass on third and four.
Sewell’s lone blemish in the first half came on a throw to Tim Smith on a slant route. The throw hit Smith in the hands, and in a failing effort to corral the ball, Smith popped the ball up into the air. Linebacker Martez Smith came up with the interception for the Eagles on the Virginia nine yard line. The Virginia defense limited the Eagles to a field goal, and the Cavaliers found themselves in control with a 20-10 advantage and 4:33 remaining in the first half.
Virginia ended the first half with a 15 play, 77 yard touchdown drive to give the Cavaliers a 17 point cushion heading into the locker room. The touchdown drive was assisted by two huge Southern Mississippi penalties:
-On third and seven, Sewell’s pass to Torchia fell incomplete. But Virginia was bailed out on a questionable defensive pass interference call, and the Cavaliers were given a first down on their own 45 yard line.
-Later in the drive, Virginia attempted the ever popular quarterback run on third down, but Sewell was tackled short of the first down. The Cavaliers were forced to settle for a 40 yard field goal, but Robert Randolph’s kick fell short of the crossbar. However, Randolph timed it just right, and fell down right after defensive back Michael McGee laid out to block the kick. McGee was flagged for running into the kicker, and Virginia was awarded yet another gift first down. Sewell, and the rest of the Virginia offense, was able to capitalize off of these mistakes as Sewell would eventually run for a four yard touchdown.
Sewell had arguably played the best 30 minutes of football of his collegiate career in the first half. He completed 15 of 22 attempts for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Combine that with 41 rushing yards and one touchdown on nine carries, and you are looking at some solid numbers.
But it was not just the stats that were impressive for Sewell. Sewell looked confident. He stood strong in the pocket and accurately delivered the ball to his receivers. He effectively led the offense down the field on three touchdown scoring drives of 76 yards or more. But that was the first half.
Southern Mississippi would fumble the ball on the opening kickoff of the second half, but this time Virginia would not capitalize off of it. Instead, Jamie Collins scooped the ball up for the Eagles and continued the return all the way to the Virginia 32 yard line.
The Eagles almost wasted their excellent field position, as the Virginia defense held strong for three plays. But Austin Davis converted the fourth and one on a quarterback sneak to move the chains. The Eagles, behind the running of Damion Fletcher, moved the ball down to the two yard line where they were faced with a third and one. The Eagles ran a bootleg, and Austin Davis connected with his wide open tight end in the back of the end zone for six.
Virginia would immediately respond with another long touchdown drive. Javaris Brown came up huge on this drive, as he had catches of 25 and 27 yards, the latter of which brought the ball down to the Southern Mississippi one yard line. Sewell ran the ball in for his second rushing touchdown of the day, and Virginia extended the lead back to 17 with 7:19 to play in the third quarter.
And then the Cavaliers collapsed.
Freddie Parham returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the end zone, and just like that, Virginia’s lead was down to 34-24.
The Virginia offense returned to its old ways of being completely ineffective. Sewell lacked the pocket presence that he showed in the first half. He was quick to roll out of the pocket, and failed to find the open receivers. The play-calling became more conservative, as Groh attempted to hold onto the lead, rather than try to extend it. The quarterback option read became predictable, and the Virginia rushing attack came to a halt.
While the Virginia running game was completely unproductive in the second half, the Southern Mississippi running backs were having a field day. The Eagles ran for 157 yards against a pathetic Virginia defense in the second half, including a 57 yard touchdown run by Tory Harrison to put the Eagles up 37-34 with 8:01 left in the game (This touchdown run coincidentally happened at about the same time as Tyrod Taylor’s 80 yard completion to Danny Coale. Needless to say, those 30 seconds were painful and laced with profanity.)
Just over four minutes remained in the game, and Virginia had the ball on its own four yard line. This was where Sewell would get to show everyone why he was named the starting quarterback. Because he knew how to win games. He did it in 2007, and he would do it again against Southern Mississippi.
Sewell immediately gave the ‘Hoos some breathing room as he ran the ball on first down out to the 20 yard line. Two plays later, the Cavaliers were looking at a third and eight. Sewell threw the ball to Kris Burd, who hauled in a monster 14 yard catch for the first down.
But then Sewell fumbled the ball on first down, and only managed to recover it after losing four yards. The Eagles blitzed on second down, and Sewell’s pass to running back Mikell Simpson fell incomplete. On third and 14, Sewell unloaded a deep ball to Kris Burd. The throw was terrible, but Southern Mississippi found itself victim of another defensive pass interference penalty. The penalty advanced the ball to Virginia’s 47 yard line, and there was still hope for that elusive first win.
After an incompletion on first down, Sewell found Jared Green for a first down at the Southern Mississippi 41 yard line. But on second and ten, Sewell was sacked for a ten yard loss. After two more incompletions, the game was over. Southern Mississippi took over on downs, and ran the clock out.
Virginia had blown two different 17 point leads and lost its third straight game. Sewell played admirably in the first half, but couldn’t lead his team on that game winning drive that we grew accustomed to seeing in 2007. And Groh, well, he tried. He made some necessary changes on offense, but like we have seen time after time in his tenure, got outcoached in the second half.
Game Ball goes to Kris Burd. He struggled against TCU last week, but was an absolute boss in the defeat at Southern Mississippi. Burd finished with six catches for 79 yards, and caught his first collegiate touchdown pass. He hauled in everything thrown his way, and came up huge for Virginia on many plays.
The first touchdown for the Cavaliers was a masterpiece. Early in the first quarter, Virginia began its second drive on its own 12 yard line. After runs by Dominique Wallace and Rashawn Jackson, Virginia was faced with a third and four. Jared Green, who had all but disappeared from the Virginia playbook, came up big for the Cavaliers as he picked up the first down on a short out route. Jackson charged ahead for a nine yard run on the next play, and it appeared that the Virginia game plan was to run the football right at the Eagles’ front seven. So on second and one, the Eagles bit on a perfectly executed play action. Sewell faked the handoff to Wallace, and then threw a 69 yard bomb to true freshman receiver Tim Smith in stride for the touchdown.
Virginia had finally learned how to run an offense, and it was a beautiful sight.
Two Southern Mississippi fumbles deep in its own territory led to two Virginia field goals, and the Cavaliers stretched the lead to 13-0.
The Eagles would respond early in the second quarter, as they efficiently moved the ball down the field on a 14 play, 85 yard touchdown drive that resulted in a six yard touchdown run from running back Damion Fletcher. Southern Mississippi converted two big third and longs on this drive, and frequently picked on Virginia defensive back Devin Wallace, who was playing for the injured Chris Cook.
Sewell responded with a touchdown drive of his own that was capped with a 29 yard touchdown pass to receiver Kris Burd on a post route. This drive succeeded because the Cavaliers passed the ball on third and short. In previous games, we would have most likely seen a quarterback run to the left (or right if Brandon and Groh really wanted to mix things up), or a running back draw. But Sewell found Jared Green to convert a third and two, and later connected with tight end Joe Torchia for a 15 yard pass on third and four.
Sewell’s lone blemish in the first half came on a throw to Tim Smith on a slant route. The throw hit Smith in the hands, and in a failing effort to corral the ball, Smith popped the ball up into the air. Linebacker Martez Smith came up with the interception for the Eagles on the Virginia nine yard line. The Virginia defense limited the Eagles to a field goal, and the Cavaliers found themselves in control with a 20-10 advantage and 4:33 remaining in the first half.
Virginia ended the first half with a 15 play, 77 yard touchdown drive to give the Cavaliers a 17 point cushion heading into the locker room. The touchdown drive was assisted by two huge Southern Mississippi penalties:
-On third and seven, Sewell’s pass to Torchia fell incomplete. But Virginia was bailed out on a questionable defensive pass interference call, and the Cavaliers were given a first down on their own 45 yard line.
-Later in the drive, Virginia attempted the ever popular quarterback run on third down, but Sewell was tackled short of the first down. The Cavaliers were forced to settle for a 40 yard field goal, but Robert Randolph’s kick fell short of the crossbar. However, Randolph timed it just right, and fell down right after defensive back Michael McGee laid out to block the kick. McGee was flagged for running into the kicker, and Virginia was awarded yet another gift first down. Sewell, and the rest of the Virginia offense, was able to capitalize off of these mistakes as Sewell would eventually run for a four yard touchdown.
Sewell had arguably played the best 30 minutes of football of his collegiate career in the first half. He completed 15 of 22 attempts for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Combine that with 41 rushing yards and one touchdown on nine carries, and you are looking at some solid numbers.
But it was not just the stats that were impressive for Sewell. Sewell looked confident. He stood strong in the pocket and accurately delivered the ball to his receivers. He effectively led the offense down the field on three touchdown scoring drives of 76 yards or more. But that was the first half.
Southern Mississippi would fumble the ball on the opening kickoff of the second half, but this time Virginia would not capitalize off of it. Instead, Jamie Collins scooped the ball up for the Eagles and continued the return all the way to the Virginia 32 yard line.
The Eagles almost wasted their excellent field position, as the Virginia defense held strong for three plays. But Austin Davis converted the fourth and one on a quarterback sneak to move the chains. The Eagles, behind the running of Damion Fletcher, moved the ball down to the two yard line where they were faced with a third and one. The Eagles ran a bootleg, and Austin Davis connected with his wide open tight end in the back of the end zone for six.
Virginia would immediately respond with another long touchdown drive. Javaris Brown came up huge on this drive, as he had catches of 25 and 27 yards, the latter of which brought the ball down to the Southern Mississippi one yard line. Sewell ran the ball in for his second rushing touchdown of the day, and Virginia extended the lead back to 17 with 7:19 to play in the third quarter.
And then the Cavaliers collapsed.
Freddie Parham returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the end zone, and just like that, Virginia’s lead was down to 34-24.
The Virginia offense returned to its old ways of being completely ineffective. Sewell lacked the pocket presence that he showed in the first half. He was quick to roll out of the pocket, and failed to find the open receivers. The play-calling became more conservative, as Groh attempted to hold onto the lead, rather than try to extend it. The quarterback option read became predictable, and the Virginia rushing attack came to a halt.
While the Virginia running game was completely unproductive in the second half, the Southern Mississippi running backs were having a field day. The Eagles ran for 157 yards against a pathetic Virginia defense in the second half, including a 57 yard touchdown run by Tory Harrison to put the Eagles up 37-34 with 8:01 left in the game (This touchdown run coincidentally happened at about the same time as Tyrod Taylor’s 80 yard completion to Danny Coale. Needless to say, those 30 seconds were painful and laced with profanity.)
Just over four minutes remained in the game, and Virginia had the ball on its own four yard line. This was where Sewell would get to show everyone why he was named the starting quarterback. Because he knew how to win games. He did it in 2007, and he would do it again against Southern Mississippi.
Sewell immediately gave the ‘Hoos some breathing room as he ran the ball on first down out to the 20 yard line. Two plays later, the Cavaliers were looking at a third and eight. Sewell threw the ball to Kris Burd, who hauled in a monster 14 yard catch for the first down.
But then Sewell fumbled the ball on first down, and only managed to recover it after losing four yards. The Eagles blitzed on second down, and Sewell’s pass to running back Mikell Simpson fell incomplete. On third and 14, Sewell unloaded a deep ball to Kris Burd. The throw was terrible, but Southern Mississippi found itself victim of another defensive pass interference penalty. The penalty advanced the ball to Virginia’s 47 yard line, and there was still hope for that elusive first win.
After an incompletion on first down, Sewell found Jared Green for a first down at the Southern Mississippi 41 yard line. But on second and ten, Sewell was sacked for a ten yard loss. After two more incompletions, the game was over. Southern Mississippi took over on downs, and ran the clock out.
Virginia had blown two different 17 point leads and lost its third straight game. Sewell played admirably in the first half, but couldn’t lead his team on that game winning drive that we grew accustomed to seeing in 2007. And Groh, well, he tried. He made some necessary changes on offense, but like we have seen time after time in his tenure, got outcoached in the second half.
Game Ball goes to Kris Burd. He struggled against TCU last week, but was an absolute boss in the defeat at Southern Mississippi. Burd finished with six catches for 79 yards, and caught his first collegiate touchdown pass. He hauled in everything thrown his way, and came up huge for Virginia on many plays.
Friday, September 18, 2009
College Football: September 19
Virginia travels to Southern Mississippi for their first road game of the season. The Hoos are 15.5 point underdogs...don't expect them to cover the spread. Unless of course they scratch the "spread offense" and start actually attacking the defense. But let's be realistic, that probably won't happen.
If Virginia plays anybody but Jameel Sewell at quarterback, then maybe the Hoos have a chance to keep this one close. But Groh stated that he did not even consider using another quarterback against TCU. Isn't it great that our coach has so much confidence in our struggling quarterback?
Jared Green is not listed on the depth chart for Saturday's game, which brings up the question: Where has Green been all season for Virginia? Coming into the 2009 season, Green was expected to be Virginia's top receiver. Against William and Mary, Green caught three balls for 28 yards. Green followed up that performance by not even playing against TCU. I don't know what's going on with Green, but I guess there's no real reason for concern because Virginia doesn't throw the ball too often anyway.
Nebraska travels to Lane Stadium on Saturday to face the always overhyped Hokies. Tech ran all over Marshall last week, but don't expect the same against a much tougher Nebraska defense. Until Tyrod Taylor shows me that he can pass the ball, I will not buy into any of the Hokie hype.
The reality is, Miami is going to win the ACC by a landslide. The 'Canes have a complete offense led by QB Jacory Harris. Harris has been fantastic for the 'Canes in their first two games, and expect that to continue for Miami all the way to the ACC Championship. Miami manhandled Georgia Tech last night to prove that they are back. Miami shut down Tech's triple option offense, and prevented the Jackets from reaching 100 yards on the ground.
What does this mean for Virginia Tech? It means that Tyrod has one week to learn how to pass the ball, or the 'Canes are going to win big at Lane on September 26.
Tennessee travels to Florida this weekend. This game is highly anticipated only because Lane Kiffin has been nothing but a douchebag since accepting the head coaching job at Tennessee. The Gators will win real big.
If Virginia plays anybody but Jameel Sewell at quarterback, then maybe the Hoos have a chance to keep this one close. But Groh stated that he did not even consider using another quarterback against TCU. Isn't it great that our coach has so much confidence in our struggling quarterback?
Jared Green is not listed on the depth chart for Saturday's game, which brings up the question: Where has Green been all season for Virginia? Coming into the 2009 season, Green was expected to be Virginia's top receiver. Against William and Mary, Green caught three balls for 28 yards. Green followed up that performance by not even playing against TCU. I don't know what's going on with Green, but I guess there's no real reason for concern because Virginia doesn't throw the ball too often anyway.
Nebraska travels to Lane Stadium on Saturday to face the always overhyped Hokies. Tech ran all over Marshall last week, but don't expect the same against a much tougher Nebraska defense. Until Tyrod Taylor shows me that he can pass the ball, I will not buy into any of the Hokie hype.
The reality is, Miami is going to win the ACC by a landslide. The 'Canes have a complete offense led by QB Jacory Harris. Harris has been fantastic for the 'Canes in their first two games, and expect that to continue for Miami all the way to the ACC Championship. Miami manhandled Georgia Tech last night to prove that they are back. Miami shut down Tech's triple option offense, and prevented the Jackets from reaching 100 yards on the ground.
What does this mean for Virginia Tech? It means that Tyrod has one week to learn how to pass the ball, or the 'Canes are going to win big at Lane on September 26.
Tennessee travels to Florida this weekend. This game is highly anticipated only because Lane Kiffin has been nothing but a douchebag since accepting the head coaching job at Tennessee. The Gators will win real big.
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