1. You’ll hear a lot about a Pac-10/Big Ten showdown because there are three such games Saturday, and that excludes Nebraska’s visit to Washington. Iowa at Arizona is the best game anywhere this weekend. Keep in mind that over the last 20 years, the Pac-10 is 25-6-1 at home against the Big Ten (thank you, ESPN Stats & Info). Such stats can be misleading. Barring an upset, USC at Minnesota and Arizona State at Wisconsin won’t tell us much about either conference.
The two best football books I’ve come across this fall:
2. Blood, Sweat and Chalk. My friend and former Sports Illustrated colleague Tim Layden breaks down the most well-known offensive and defensive schemes in football, not with diagrams and charts, but by tracking down the men who created them and telling their stories. It’s either a human-interest book for football nerds or a wonky book for football fans. Either way, it works.
3. The 2010-11 USA Today College Football Encylopedia is a great companion to the encyclopedia published by ESPN five years ago. The nation’s newspaper gives summaries of every major regular- and postseason game since 1953, as well as the starting lineups of every major-college team. Why 1953? That’s the birth year of the ACC. This paperback doorstop is as addictive as a jar of mixed nuts.
The two best football books I’ve come across this fall:
2. Blood, Sweat and Chalk. My friend and former Sports Illustrated colleague Tim Layden breaks down the most well-known offensive and defensive schemes in football, not with diagrams and charts, but by tracking down the men who created them and telling their stories. It’s either a human-interest book for football nerds or a wonky book for football fans. Either way, it works.
3. The 2010-11 USA Today College Football Encylopedia is a great companion to the encyclopedia published by ESPN five years ago. The nation’s newspaper gives summaries of every major regular- and postseason game since 1953, as well as the starting lineups of every major-college team. Why 1953? That’s the birth year of the ACC. This paperback doorstop is as addictive as a jar of mixed nuts.
Well, it's pretty obvious that this isn't the same Cincinnati we remember from the past couple of years.
Gone is the aura of invincibility. Gone is the high-powered offense. Gone, at least so far, are any meaningful wins.
As bad as the Bearcats played at Fresno State in the opener, they were even worse Thursday night at NC State, losing 30-19 in a listless effort. It took two fourth-quarter scores to make the score look respectable after the Wolfpack built a commanding 30-7 lead.
Where oh where has the offense gone? Take away the fourth quarter against NC State and the 28-point third quarter against Indiana State, and Cincinnati has scored just four touchdowns in its other 10 quarters this season.
Of course, it's hard to score when your quarterback has no time. Bearcats offensive guard Alex Hoffman boasted earlier this week that Zach Collaros "wouldn't get touched" in Raleigh. Instead, he got sacked five times. The pressure kept Collaros from taking many shots downfield, and the offense rarely got anything going. Add the fact that Isaiah Pead didn't play with a knee injury, tight end Ben Guidugli left before halftime with an ankle injury and, of course, Vidal Hazelton is out for the season, and this suddenly looks like a below-average attack.
The Bearcats must play Oklahoma this week, and no one in their right mind would pick them to win based on how they've played so far. That means they could easily be 1-3 after four games under Butch Jones. That still doesn't rule out a run in the Big East, which looks as wide open as ever. But Cincinnati isn't going to contend unless it can raise its overall level of play in a hurry.
Jones was dealt a tough hand, having to follow Brian Kelly, opening with a brutal schedule and beset by injuries. But he could be facing questions from a spoiled fan base about why things have gone wrong so fast.
It's more bad news for the Big East , too. The league still hasn't beaten a BCS opponent. Even the struggling ACC now has notched a win against the Big East.
Gone is the aura of invincibility. Gone is the high-powered offense. Gone, at least so far, are any meaningful wins.
As bad as the Bearcats played at Fresno State in the opener, they were even worse Thursday night at NC State, losing 30-19 in a listless effort. It took two fourth-quarter scores to make the score look respectable after the Wolfpack built a commanding 30-7 lead.
Where oh where has the offense gone? Take away the fourth quarter against NC State and the 28-point third quarter against Indiana State, and Cincinnati has scored just four touchdowns in its other 10 quarters this season.
Of course, it's hard to score when your quarterback has no time. Bearcats offensive guard Alex Hoffman boasted earlier this week that Zach Collaros "wouldn't get touched" in Raleigh. Instead, he got sacked five times. The pressure kept Collaros from taking many shots downfield, and the offense rarely got anything going. Add the fact that Isaiah Pead didn't play with a knee injury, tight end Ben Guidugli left before halftime with an ankle injury and, of course, Vidal Hazelton is out for the season, and this suddenly looks like a below-average attack.
The Bearcats must play Oklahoma this week, and no one in their right mind would pick them to win based on how they've played so far. That means they could easily be 1-3 after four games under Butch Jones. That still doesn't rule out a run in the Big East, which looks as wide open as ever. But Cincinnati isn't going to contend unless it can raise its overall level of play in a hurry.
Jones was dealt a tough hand, having to follow Brian Kelly, opening with a brutal schedule and beset by injuries. But he could be facing questions from a spoiled fan base about why things have gone wrong so fast.
It's more bad news for the Big East , too. The league still hasn't beaten a BCS opponent. Even the struggling ACC now has notched a win against the Big East.
If there was any good news to come out of the Dwight Dasher saga at Middle Tennessee, it came Thursday -- the NCAA ruled he must sit out four games and repay the loan. We knew Dasher was going to miss some time when word broke last month that he accepted a $1,500 loan.
The NCAA handed down the typical punishment consistent with the rule he violated -- taking an impermissible loan from a member of the community. Dasher has already missed the first two games of the season, so the ruling means Dasher would be eligible to return in time for the big conference showdown with Troy on Oct. 5 on ESPN2 -- even if the school's appeal is denied.
The school wants him back for next week's conference opener against Louisiana.
"The appeal process is already under way, and we feel there is enough mitigation to warrant a three-game suspension," MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro said.
Dasher's return is critical, especially in time for the Troy game. Troy has won the last four Sun Belt championships, and many pegged Middle Tennessee as the preseason favorite with Dasher back at the helm following a 10-4 season. Dasher was also the preseason pick for Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.
Middle Tennessee has had to deal with injury problems at quarterback in his absence.
Logan Kilgore started the opener against Minnesota, but he injured his toe and missed last week's game against Austin Peay. Jeff Murphy, a junior college transfer like Kilgore, started that game. The starter for this weekend's contest against Memphis is still up in the air. Kilgore was still in a walking boot this week.
The NCAA handed down the typical punishment consistent with the rule he violated -- taking an impermissible loan from a member of the community. Dasher has already missed the first two games of the season, so the ruling means Dasher would be eligible to return in time for the big conference showdown with Troy on Oct. 5 on ESPN2 -- even if the school's appeal is denied.
The school wants him back for next week's conference opener against Louisiana.
"The appeal process is already under way, and we feel there is enough mitigation to warrant a three-game suspension," MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro said.
Dasher's return is critical, especially in time for the Troy game. Troy has won the last four Sun Belt championships, and many pegged Middle Tennessee as the preseason favorite with Dasher back at the helm following a 10-4 season. Dasher was also the preseason pick for Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.
Middle Tennessee has had to deal with injury problems at quarterback in his absence.
Logan Kilgore started the opener against Minnesota, but he injured his toe and missed last week's game against Austin Peay. Jeff Murphy, a junior college transfer like Kilgore, started that game. The starter for this weekend's contest against Memphis is still up in the air. Kilgore was still in a walking boot this week.
Kiffin asks for patience -- from himself, others
September, 16, 2010
Sep 16
6:30
PM ET
Lane Kiffin thinks USC deserves a break. And not just from media and USC fans who have been beating up on the Trojans for their performances in the first two games.
Kiffin also thinks the Trojans deserves a break from Kiffin.
After all, he's the one who said this after USC improved to 2-0: "I hope you can tell the disappointment. We're not getting it done. It's the most miserable 2-0 locker room I've been in, which is good."
After a few days in which he could digest that being one of 43 2-0 teams isn't the worst thing ever, Kiffin took a longer view.
"Our standards are so high because we are at 'SC and because we have high standards in general, coaches and players," he said. "I think everyone, including ourselves, forgets that it is our first year. We expect our players to have picked up three new systems. There's only one coach here from last year out of all the 10 coaches. We do sometimes forget that because we expect our guys to play great and never make mistakes in our new schemes."
So is Kiffin talking about the "P" word? You know: Patience?
Yep.
"Were probably not doing a very good job of that because we have our expectations set so high," he said. "We do probably need to have a little more patience with them."
Though it seems like most of Kiffin's motivational coaching shtick involves directly challenging his players in person and through the media, he changed tack this week and gave them a little bit of positive reinforcement when he pinned a printout on every door of Heritage Hall, which compared the season to a 13-round heavyweight boxing match and featured a picture of Muhammad Ali glowering over a fallen Sonny Liston. It exhorted the Trojans to "Stay focused!" and "Toughness and Discipline!"
USC faces another long trip Saturday to an opponent that should be overmatched. Minnesota, after all, lost at home to South Dakota last weekend.
When asked if his team might yawn at the prospect of facing the wounded Gophers, Kiffin was quick to point to the Kansas case study: Bad enough one week to lose to North Dakota, but good enough to beat No. 15 Georgia Tech the next.
And if USC plays as bad on defense as it did against Hawaii, and as bad on offense as it did against Virginia, it could lose this one.
But that's seeing the glass as half-empty. The offense played great at Hawaii, while the defense was solid vs. the Cavaliers.
"The positive on that is we know we can play well on both sides of the ball," Kiffin said.
Two things are particularly hurting USC. In both games, the Trojans seemed to get tired. Kiffin said that was due to playing starters too many snaps. The plan is to play backups more, even if that makes the coaches nervous.
The second issue: penalties. USC ranks 119th in the nation in penalties, averaging 12 flags for 120 yards per game.
Kiffin said penalties have been an area of emphasis -- avoiding them, not getting them -- since he started in the spring. He said the coaches talk about limiting penalties endlessly. So his new approach is this: silence.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said when asked about the penalty issues.
Perhaps that's an answer in itself. Kiffin and USC need to lighten up a bit and recognize that he's a first-year coach leading a depleted roster during a tumultuous time for the program. Things are much different than when Kiffin was the offensive coordinator back in 2005.
So, as the wise men of Guns N' Roses once noted: Maybe we all just need a little patience.
Of course, selling that to demanding USC fans might not be that easy.
Kiffin also thinks the Trojans deserves a break from Kiffin.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireLane Kiffin admitted that perhaps his expectations were a little too high.
After a few days in which he could digest that being one of 43 2-0 teams isn't the worst thing ever, Kiffin took a longer view.
"Our standards are so high because we are at 'SC and because we have high standards in general, coaches and players," he said. "I think everyone, including ourselves, forgets that it is our first year. We expect our players to have picked up three new systems. There's only one coach here from last year out of all the 10 coaches. We do sometimes forget that because we expect our guys to play great and never make mistakes in our new schemes."
So is Kiffin talking about the "P" word? You know: Patience?
Yep.
"Were probably not doing a very good job of that because we have our expectations set so high," he said. "We do probably need to have a little more patience with them."
Though it seems like most of Kiffin's motivational coaching shtick involves directly challenging his players in person and through the media, he changed tack this week and gave them a little bit of positive reinforcement when he pinned a printout on every door of Heritage Hall, which compared the season to a 13-round heavyweight boxing match and featured a picture of Muhammad Ali glowering over a fallen Sonny Liston. It exhorted the Trojans to "Stay focused!" and "Toughness and Discipline!"
USC faces another long trip Saturday to an opponent that should be overmatched. Minnesota, after all, lost at home to South Dakota last weekend.
When asked if his team might yawn at the prospect of facing the wounded Gophers, Kiffin was quick to point to the Kansas case study: Bad enough one week to lose to North Dakota, but good enough to beat No. 15 Georgia Tech the next.
And if USC plays as bad on defense as it did against Hawaii, and as bad on offense as it did against Virginia, it could lose this one.
But that's seeing the glass as half-empty. The offense played great at Hawaii, while the defense was solid vs. the Cavaliers.
"The positive on that is we know we can play well on both sides of the ball," Kiffin said.
Two things are particularly hurting USC. In both games, the Trojans seemed to get tired. Kiffin said that was due to playing starters too many snaps. The plan is to play backups more, even if that makes the coaches nervous.
The second issue: penalties. USC ranks 119th in the nation in penalties, averaging 12 flags for 120 yards per game.
Kiffin said penalties have been an area of emphasis -- avoiding them, not getting them -- since he started in the spring. He said the coaches talk about limiting penalties endlessly. So his new approach is this: silence.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said when asked about the penalty issues.
Perhaps that's an answer in itself. Kiffin and USC need to lighten up a bit and recognize that he's a first-year coach leading a depleted roster during a tumultuous time for the program. Things are much different than when Kiffin was the offensive coordinator back in 2005.
So, as the wise men of Guns N' Roses once noted: Maybe we all just need a little patience.
Of course, selling that to demanding USC fans might not be that easy.
Auburn survived its first test on the road two Thursdays ago in a 17-14 win at Mississippi State.
Clemson has whipped through two glorified scrimmages.
They meet up on the Plains this Saturday night in a game that should be revealing for both teams. SEC blogger Chris Low and ACC blogger Heather Dinich take a closer look at this battle of Tigers.
Chris Low: Heather, I say we dub Saturday’s Auburn-Clemson matchup the Lewis Grizzard Bowl. He’s the late Southern humorist and Atlanta newspaper columnist who once said Clemson was “Auburn with a lake.” He nailed it, because the number of similarities between the schools is uncanny. It’s only fitting that they resume a series that was played fairly regularly when Ralph “Shug” Jordan was coaching at Auburn and Frank Howard at Clemson. As I look at this game, right off the bat I wonder if Clemson is ready for the pace of game Auburn wants to play. There’s no such thing as playing too fast for Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who wants to run as many plays as he possibly can.
Heather Dinich: C-Low you’re not the only one wondering that. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney knows his team hasn’t been tested yet like it will on Saturday. Wins over North Texas and Presbyterian aren’t exactly bowling over any Top 25 voters. One of the biggest keys to this game for Clemson will be stopping the run, and that’s something the Tigers struggled with last year -- just ask Georgia Tech, who rushed for over 300 yards twice last season in wins over Clemson. Of course, Clemson will also have to keep Auburn quarterback Cam Newton in check. We know Newton can run deceptively well for his size, but how good of a passer is he? Will he be able to win the matchup against All-America safety DeAndre McDaniel?
CL: Newton hasn’t had to beat anybody yet throwing the football, and while he has an incredibly strong arm, it’s fair to say that we’ve yet to see how accurate he is when it comes to throwing the ball down the field. Malzahn will take whatever the defense is giving him, and having a 250-pound quarterback like Newton who can run makes Malzahn’s spread offense that much more effective. He’ll run a reverse pass on one play, a bubble screen on the next and then try to hit you deep. In other words, Malzahn is going to make you defend everything, but he’s never going to stray too far away from the run. Even though Newton is leading the Tigers in rushing through two games with 241 yards, running backs Onterio McCalebb and Mike Dyer are both averaging more than 6 yards per carry. If I were Clemson, Heather, I’d get ready for a heavier dose of Dyer, the Tigers’ prized freshman.
HD: No doubt, C-Low, and I talked to coach Dabo Swinney on Wednesday about how the Tigers plan to counter all of the misdirection, play fakes and talented runners. He said they’re preparing for the tempo you mentioned, which he compared to a 2-minute drill the whole game. The Tigers have to do a great job with their rush lanes, stay disciplined with their alignments, tackle well, and do a good job of disrupting that flow by winning first downs and getting them out of their comfort zone. Expect McDaniel to be lined up all over the field. Clemson might even have the edge up front with its defensive line now that defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins is back.
But hey, it’s not like Clemson doesn’t have some talented runners of its own. Haven’t you heard about “the New Storm”? Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper helped Clemson average 9.8 yards per rush against North Texas. I know Auburn’s run D is good, but has it really been tested?
CL: No, Auburn’s run defense hasn’t been tested. Arkansas State picked Auburn apart with short passes in the opener, and then Ted Roof’s defense bounced back against Mississippi State and was outstanding in the second half when the offense started to sputter. Mississippi State’s running game, though, is not one of the better ones in the SEC, at least not with Anthony Dixon no longer around. The best news for Auburn in the Mississippi State game was junior defensive tackle Nick Fairley stepping to the plate and playing the game of his life. He was a dominant force in the middle with 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and fumble recovery. The Tigers aren’t going to get that kind of production from him every game, but they’re so much better against the run if he’ll come to play like that every game. A major concern remains depth at linebacker. Josh Bynes played every snap against Mississippi State. He’s a good one, but you know that has to catch up with you at some point in the fourth quarter.
HD: Indeed it does. It sounds like we’ll find out a lot more about both of these teams on Saturday. Of course, there’s another record on the line Saturday as well -- my picks. I know you were puffing your chest up a bit last year after boosting your prediction percentage with all of those Florida and Alabama picks, but it’s time to even the score this year. I’m playing it smart on Saturday, and sticking with the home team, Auburn. I think Auburn will get pressure on Kyle Parker and win the battle up front. Then again, Clemson seems to be at its best when the least is expected -- and right now, not much is expected from anyone in the ACC.
Clemson has whipped through two glorified scrimmages.
They meet up on the Plains this Saturday night in a game that should be revealing for both teams. SEC blogger Chris Low and ACC blogger Heather Dinich take a closer look at this battle of Tigers.
John Reed/US PresswireGus Malzahn's spread offense should keep Clemson's defense guessing.
Heather Dinich: C-Low you’re not the only one wondering that. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney knows his team hasn’t been tested yet like it will on Saturday. Wins over North Texas and Presbyterian aren’t exactly bowling over any Top 25 voters. One of the biggest keys to this game for Clemson will be stopping the run, and that’s something the Tigers struggled with last year -- just ask Georgia Tech, who rushed for over 300 yards twice last season in wins over Clemson. Of course, Clemson will also have to keep Auburn quarterback Cam Newton in check. We know Newton can run deceptively well for his size, but how good of a passer is he? Will he be able to win the matchup against All-America safety DeAndre McDaniel?
CL: Newton hasn’t had to beat anybody yet throwing the football, and while he has an incredibly strong arm, it’s fair to say that we’ve yet to see how accurate he is when it comes to throwing the ball down the field. Malzahn will take whatever the defense is giving him, and having a 250-pound quarterback like Newton who can run makes Malzahn’s spread offense that much more effective. He’ll run a reverse pass on one play, a bubble screen on the next and then try to hit you deep. In other words, Malzahn is going to make you defend everything, but he’s never going to stray too far away from the run. Even though Newton is leading the Tigers in rushing through two games with 241 yards, running backs Onterio McCalebb and Mike Dyer are both averaging more than 6 yards per carry. If I were Clemson, Heather, I’d get ready for a heavier dose of Dyer, the Tigers’ prized freshman.
[+] Enlarge
Jeremy Brevard/Icon SMIAll-America safety DeAndre McDaniel could be lined up all over the field.
But hey, it’s not like Clemson doesn’t have some talented runners of its own. Haven’t you heard about “the New Storm”? Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper helped Clemson average 9.8 yards per rush against North Texas. I know Auburn’s run D is good, but has it really been tested?
CL: No, Auburn’s run defense hasn’t been tested. Arkansas State picked Auburn apart with short passes in the opener, and then Ted Roof’s defense bounced back against Mississippi State and was outstanding in the second half when the offense started to sputter. Mississippi State’s running game, though, is not one of the better ones in the SEC, at least not with Anthony Dixon no longer around. The best news for Auburn in the Mississippi State game was junior defensive tackle Nick Fairley stepping to the plate and playing the game of his life. He was a dominant force in the middle with 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and fumble recovery. The Tigers aren’t going to get that kind of production from him every game, but they’re so much better against the run if he’ll come to play like that every game. A major concern remains depth at linebacker. Josh Bynes played every snap against Mississippi State. He’s a good one, but you know that has to catch up with you at some point in the fourth quarter.
HD: Indeed it does. It sounds like we’ll find out a lot more about both of these teams on Saturday. Of course, there’s another record on the line Saturday as well -- my picks. I know you were puffing your chest up a bit last year after boosting your prediction percentage with all of those Florida and Alabama picks, but it’s time to even the score this year. I’m playing it smart on Saturday, and sticking with the home team, Auburn. I think Auburn will get pressure on Kyle Parker and win the battle up front. Then again, Clemson seems to be at its best when the least is expected -- and right now, not much is expected from anyone in the ACC.
Florida Atlantic had its plans for an on-campus stadium approved Thursday, and the school hopes to begin play there next season.
The Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved the plans for the 30,000-seat stadium to be built at the Boca Raton, Fla., school. The university still needs to close a loan of $45 million to cover most of the costs of the $70 million stadium. About $20 million came from non-academic university reserves.
The stadium is to feature 20 luxury suites -- with ocean views -- along with 1,000 club seats. Construction is expected to begin in October and is anticipated to be finished next fall, in time for the start of the season.
FAU has played in various places while coach Howard Schnellenberger worked hard to get an on-campus stadium built since the program kicked off its first season 10 years ago. FAU once had a home at Sun Life Stadium, where the Dolphins, Marlins and Hurricanes play. The Owls currently play at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, a former soccer stadium that also hosts high school football games.
The FAU stadium site is part of a larger village on campus that will feature dorms, restaurants and shops.
This is a good step for FAU, but it remains to be seen whether an on-campus stadium can elevate the program. Attendance ranked No. 110 last season, with an average of 15,326 fans. FAU is still primarily a commuter school, but getting an on-campus stadium, along with the other amenities being built, could begin to change that image.
FAU has played in two bowl games in its short football history, winning both.
“The stadium will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, building traditions and enhancing the university experience,” Schnellenberger said. “The FAU Owls' two-time bowl-winning football team will truly be playing their games before a ‘home’ crowd. It’s an amazing time for the university.”
[+] Enlarge
Florida AtlanticA rendering of the on-campus stadium approved for Florida Atlantic.
The stadium is to feature 20 luxury suites -- with ocean views -- along with 1,000 club seats. Construction is expected to begin in October and is anticipated to be finished next fall, in time for the start of the season.
FAU has played in various places while coach Howard Schnellenberger worked hard to get an on-campus stadium built since the program kicked off its first season 10 years ago. FAU once had a home at Sun Life Stadium, where the Dolphins, Marlins and Hurricanes play. The Owls currently play at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, a former soccer stadium that also hosts high school football games.
The FAU stadium site is part of a larger village on campus that will feature dorms, restaurants and shops.
This is a good step for FAU, but it remains to be seen whether an on-campus stadium can elevate the program. Attendance ranked No. 110 last season, with an average of 15,326 fans. FAU is still primarily a commuter school, but getting an on-campus stadium, along with the other amenities being built, could begin to change that image.
FAU has played in two bowl games in its short football history, winning both.
“The stadium will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, building traditions and enhancing the university experience,” Schnellenberger said. “The FAU Owls' two-time bowl-winning football team will truly be playing their games before a ‘home’ crowd. It’s an amazing time for the university.”
Louisville's Bilal Powell earns 'Face' time
September, 16, 2010
Sep 16
3:24
PM ET
When first-year Louisville coach Charlie Strong called Bilal Powell the "face of the program" in the preseason, a lot of people had the same reaction: Huh?
Powell had opened eyes with a strong finish to his freshman year, but he was underwhelming and at times out of shape his next two years. Besides, the Cardinals had a more-heralded player in the same backfield as Powell with 2008 Big East rookie of the year Victor Anderson returning from injuries.
But it all makes sense once you delve into Powell's past. He was heading down the wrong track but transformed himself into someone people brag about. Which, if you think about it, is the path Strong wants the Louisville program to take.
Powell has been the Cardinals' best player through two games, rushing for 245 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 7.7 yards per carry.
"He's a complete back," said Louisville running backs coach Kenny Carter, who has been an assistant at Florida, Penn State and Pittsburgh. "I've coached a lot of really good backs, and he's as good as all of them."
Powell is almost painfully media shy, won't talk on camera and declines interviews that focus on himself. He did not want to speak with ESPN.com for this story.
Coaches and teammates describe him a reserved, quiet guy who mostly just goes about his business in practice. That's a long way from where he used to be.
Keith DeMyer, the football coach at Lake Gibson (Fla.) High School, remembers when Powell transferred into his school in the ninth grade.
"He was pretty wild," DeMyer said. "He had no GPA -- a 0.0. It's amazing that with the gangs and life on the streets and other things he was involved in, he was able to survive. It reminds me of the movie 'The Blind Side.' Bilal's story might be even more incredible."
Powell's mom worked to support her family, and he embraced the street life. He ran with local gangs, got in fights, even got shot at. Between his sophomore and junior year, DeMyer said, Powell got stabbed and had to be hospitalized.
Lake Gibson's coaches spent a couple of years trying to get through to Powell. In the summer before his senior year after attending a 7-0n-7 camp, he asked Lake Gibson running backs coach Rusty Bulloch if he could spend the night at his house. That turned into another night. Powell opened up to Bulloch and told him he'd been having nightmares. He wanted to change his life.
Bulloch invited Powell to live with his family at their country ranch. He and his wife had taken in several troubled kids before. They made them do chores around the ranch and taught them Bible scriptures. A couple of days after he moved in, Powell "gave his life to the Lord" in a ceremony held in the ranch house living room, Bulloch said.
"It was like a 180-degree turn overnight," Bulloch said. "He immediately stopped cussing. He stopped running around with gangs. He didn't want to smoke marijuana anymore. He was a totally different person."
And he soon would become a different player. During two-a-days before his senior year, a couple of Lake Gibson running backs went down with injuries. Bulloch suggested that DeMyer give Powell, who had played cornerback his first three years, a look on offense. One practice run later, the change became permanent.
Powell rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior. That's also when he caught the eye of Strong, who was then the Florida defensive coordinator. Strong recalled watching Lake Gibson play a game against Lakeland, which featured seven future Gators. Powell nearly won the game by himself.
When Strong came to Louisville, he brought that game up to Powell.
"You're not playing that way right now," Strong said. "I need to see that Bilal Powell I saw that night."
Strong first demanded that Powell get back to his ideal playing weight. He had bulked up to about 215 pounds and had lost some of the speed that had marked his early career. Powell now weighs about 202.
"He's got the agility he had when he was a younger, and I think that's helping his confidence," quarterback Adam Froman said. "He goes out there and knows that on every play he can do whatever he wants. He can either shake a defender if he wants to, or he can run him over."
Powell has done a little bit of both so far, including an 80-yard touchdown run against Kentucky in the opener. The Face of the Program hasn't done much talking publicly about his exploits, but he does have a voice. DeMyer said Powell still speaks to ninth and 10th-graders at Lake Gibson about his life and what he's overcome to set an example they can follow.
"He's the face of our program because he's a kid who changed his life and made a difference," Carter said. "And he's going to continue to influence others because they will see they can come from the dark into the light."
Powell had opened eyes with a strong finish to his freshman year, but he was underwhelming and at times out of shape his next two years. Besides, the Cardinals had a more-heralded player in the same backfield as Powell with 2008 Big East rookie of the year Victor Anderson returning from injuries.
But it all makes sense once you delve into Powell's past. He was heading down the wrong track but transformed himself into someone people brag about. Which, if you think about it, is the path Strong wants the Louisville program to take.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Garry JonesBilal Powell has overcome a life on the streets to become the Cardinals' leading rusher.
"He's a complete back," said Louisville running backs coach Kenny Carter, who has been an assistant at Florida, Penn State and Pittsburgh. "I've coached a lot of really good backs, and he's as good as all of them."
Powell is almost painfully media shy, won't talk on camera and declines interviews that focus on himself. He did not want to speak with ESPN.com for this story.
Coaches and teammates describe him a reserved, quiet guy who mostly just goes about his business in practice. That's a long way from where he used to be.
Keith DeMyer, the football coach at Lake Gibson (Fla.) High School, remembers when Powell transferred into his school in the ninth grade.
"He was pretty wild," DeMyer said. "He had no GPA -- a 0.0. It's amazing that with the gangs and life on the streets and other things he was involved in, he was able to survive. It reminds me of the movie 'The Blind Side.' Bilal's story might be even more incredible."
Powell's mom worked to support her family, and he embraced the street life. He ran with local gangs, got in fights, even got shot at. Between his sophomore and junior year, DeMyer said, Powell got stabbed and had to be hospitalized.
Lake Gibson's coaches spent a couple of years trying to get through to Powell. In the summer before his senior year after attending a 7-0n-7 camp, he asked Lake Gibson running backs coach Rusty Bulloch if he could spend the night at his house. That turned into another night. Powell opened up to Bulloch and told him he'd been having nightmares. He wanted to change his life.
Bulloch invited Powell to live with his family at their country ranch. He and his wife had taken in several troubled kids before. They made them do chores around the ranch and taught them Bible scriptures. A couple of days after he moved in, Powell "gave his life to the Lord" in a ceremony held in the ranch house living room, Bulloch said.
"It was like a 180-degree turn overnight," Bulloch said. "He immediately stopped cussing. He stopped running around with gangs. He didn't want to smoke marijuana anymore. He was a totally different person."
And he soon would become a different player. During two-a-days before his senior year, a couple of Lake Gibson running backs went down with injuries. Bulloch suggested that DeMyer give Powell, who had played cornerback his first three years, a look on offense. One practice run later, the change became permanent.
Powell rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior. That's also when he caught the eye of Strong, who was then the Florida defensive coordinator. Strong recalled watching Lake Gibson play a game against Lakeland, which featured seven future Gators. Powell nearly won the game by himself.
When Strong came to Louisville, he brought that game up to Powell.
"You're not playing that way right now," Strong said. "I need to see that Bilal Powell I saw that night."
Strong first demanded that Powell get back to his ideal playing weight. He had bulked up to about 215 pounds and had lost some of the speed that had marked his early career. Powell now weighs about 202.
"He's got the agility he had when he was a younger, and I think that's helping his confidence," quarterback Adam Froman said. "He goes out there and knows that on every play he can do whatever he wants. He can either shake a defender if he wants to, or he can run him over."
Powell has done a little bit of both so far, including an 80-yard touchdown run against Kentucky in the opener. The Face of the Program hasn't done much talking publicly about his exploits, but he does have a voice. DeMyer said Powell still speaks to ninth and 10th-graders at Lake Gibson about his life and what he's overcome to set an example they can follow.
"He's the face of our program because he's a kid who changed his life and made a difference," Carter said. "And he's going to continue to influence others because they will see they can come from the dark into the light."
Ga. Tech, UNC looking to reverse fortunes
September, 16, 2010
Sep 16
3:01
PM ET
North Carolina coach Butch Davis has been beaten by Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh before.
Last year, with Groh as the head coach of Virginia, the Cavaliers held North Carolina to 39 rushing yards (174 total yards), and forced three takeaways in a 16-3 win.
Now, with Groh on the sidelines alongside Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, Davis said the Jackets have become one of the more difficult teams to prepare for because of unique schemes on both offense and defense. North Carolina has had the bye week to get ready, but it is still missing six starters on defense because of the ongoing NCAA investigation. Offensively, the Tar Heels will have tailback Shaun Draughn back in the lineup after he missed the season opener against LSU while his eligibility remained in question. He has since been cleared to play, but is listed at third string on the depth chart.
UNC was held to just 24 yards rushing against LSU, so the Tar Heels' ability to establish a running game against Groh's scheme will be important.
“Anytime you see a 3-4 defense, it’s something unique,” Davis said. “It’s something we don’t run in practice. Al Groh has a great defensive background and pedigree from his days even prior to being at the University of Virginia. We’ve already seen evidence in the first two ball games of a lot of things they did at Virginia they’ve incorporated at Georgia Tech.”
In what will be the ACC opener for both programs, Saturday’s game will be a chance for each of them to help move past disappointing starts to the season. For North Carolina, it’s a chance for the Tar Heels to prove they’re still a contender in the Coastal Division race, despite being undermanned as a result of the NCAA investigation. Georgia Tech was knocked out of the AP Top 25 after a 28-25 road loss to a struggling Kansas program, and is looking to prove it’s better than it played last Saturday.
“It's a chance to make somewhat of a statement moving forward as opposed to looking backwards,” Johnson said.
Looking back on this series hasn’t exactly been disappointing from Georgia Tech’s standpoint. The Jackets have won four of the past five meetings against UNC, but are looking for their first win at Kenan Stadium since a 7-0 victory in 2006.
In order for North Carolina to have a chance on Saturday, it’s going to have to get the ball this time. Last year, Georgia Tech controlled the clock for 42 minutes and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt ran for two touchdowns. The Jackets have held the ball for more than 30 minutes in each of its first two games so far.
“The buzz word, certainly defensively, is discipline,” Davis said. “Guys have gotten assignments and responsibilities, and certainly with young players that’s one of the challenges – making sure that they understand how critically important it is that they take care of their responsibility.”
Georgia Tech’s defense will have its own challenge against quarterback T.J. Yates, who has shown dramatic improvement in just one game. The Tar Heels enter Saturday’s game with the nation’s top passing offense at 412 yards per game – a 30-24 loss to LSU. Yates’ 412 yards against LSU was the third-highest single-game total in school history.
Johnson wasn’t happy with the way his team played defensively in the loss to Kansas.
“We just have to play better,” he said. “You have to tackle better, get off blocks, those things that you have to do. We gave up 28 points. That's unacceptable for what we want to do.”
Last year, with Groh as the head coach of Virginia, the Cavaliers held North Carolina to 39 rushing yards (174 total yards), and forced three takeaways in a 16-3 win.
AP Photo/John BazemoreNew Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh has a history of success against North Carolina.
UNC was held to just 24 yards rushing against LSU, so the Tar Heels' ability to establish a running game against Groh's scheme will be important.
“Anytime you see a 3-4 defense, it’s something unique,” Davis said. “It’s something we don’t run in practice. Al Groh has a great defensive background and pedigree from his days even prior to being at the University of Virginia. We’ve already seen evidence in the first two ball games of a lot of things they did at Virginia they’ve incorporated at Georgia Tech.”
In what will be the ACC opener for both programs, Saturday’s game will be a chance for each of them to help move past disappointing starts to the season. For North Carolina, it’s a chance for the Tar Heels to prove they’re still a contender in the Coastal Division race, despite being undermanned as a result of the NCAA investigation. Georgia Tech was knocked out of the AP Top 25 after a 28-25 road loss to a struggling Kansas program, and is looking to prove it’s better than it played last Saturday.
“It's a chance to make somewhat of a statement moving forward as opposed to looking backwards,” Johnson said.
Looking back on this series hasn’t exactly been disappointing from Georgia Tech’s standpoint. The Jackets have won four of the past five meetings against UNC, but are looking for their first win at Kenan Stadium since a 7-0 victory in 2006.
In order for North Carolina to have a chance on Saturday, it’s going to have to get the ball this time. Last year, Georgia Tech controlled the clock for 42 minutes and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt ran for two touchdowns. The Jackets have held the ball for more than 30 minutes in each of its first two games so far.
“The buzz word, certainly defensively, is discipline,” Davis said. “Guys have gotten assignments and responsibilities, and certainly with young players that’s one of the challenges – making sure that they understand how critically important it is that they take care of their responsibility.”
Georgia Tech’s defense will have its own challenge against quarterback T.J. Yates, who has shown dramatic improvement in just one game. The Tar Heels enter Saturday’s game with the nation’s top passing offense at 412 yards per game – a 30-24 loss to LSU. Yates’ 412 yards against LSU was the third-highest single-game total in school history.
Johnson wasn’t happy with the way his team played defensively in the loss to Kansas.
“We just have to play better,” he said. “You have to tackle better, get off blocks, those things that you have to do. We gave up 28 points. That's unacceptable for what we want to do.”
For Boise State, the business of getting back to football begins Saturday at Wyoming. But even then, the Broncos will be judged on more than their performance on the field.
We have seen it already. No. 3 Boise State was off last week after its 33-30 win against Virginia Tech, but might as well have lost for all the hand-wringing that ensued following the Hokies’ loss to James Madison. What Boise State does in its games is no longer good enough.
People will wonder not only whether they did enough to win (i.e. did they win by enough points), but they will look at their opponents to see how they did, too. When you are an outsider playing in a non-AQ conference, hoping to become the first to play for a BCS national championship, the over-scrutiny goes along with your performance.
Boise State coach Chris Petersen has done his best to preach to his team to avoid listening to what everybody else says about his team.
“We just hear so much outside noise, you can never win,” he said. “It just doesn’t matter. We’re past Virginia Tech, and Virginia Tech has got their own season. We’re just worried about Wyoming.”
Boise State should just worry about Wyoming. Though critics cite the remaining Broncos schedule as a bunch of cupcakes, Virginia Tech proved last week that no win is a given.
The Cowboys have played the Broncos tough in their most recent meetings, and especially the last time the two teams met in Laramie in 2006. Wyoming outgained Boise State and had the ball in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game before throwing an interception. The Broncos won 17-10 en route to their undefeated season and eventual win in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
Wyoming brings a high-octane spread offense into the game with Austyn Carta-Samuels leading the way. Petersen called the Cowboys “extremely” creative on offense. They certainly have that capability, and could try to pick on Jamar Taylor early the way the Hokies did in the opener.
But they are no doubt facing a very tough defense, one that kept the pressure on Tyrod Taylor all night. This game is also in the middle of a tough stretch for the Cowboys, after going on the road to play Texas last week and losing 34-7.
The difficulty of playing back-to-back teams ranked in the Top 5 is not lost on Wyoming coach Dave Christensen, though he refuses to use that as an excuse. Wyoming's last victory against a Top 25 came on Oct. 26, 2002, when the Cowboys defeated No. 22 ranked Air Force 34-26.
On top of the challenge of playing consecutive ranked teams, Wyoming has had to deal with the tragic death of freshman linebacker Ruben Narcisse, killed in a car accident last week.
Wyoming held a memorial service for Narcisse this past Monday. His family attended and spoke to the team.
“We’re in a better place right now than we were a week ago,” Christensen said. “We’re moving forward. We’re not trying to move on, but we’re in a better place now than we were.”
The atmosphere is sure to be intense on Saturday night. The game is sold out, and Boise State comes into town as the second highest ranked team ever to play in Laramie, behind No. 2 Texas last year.
Wyoming wants to harness that excitement into an upset. Boise State must avoid that at all costs. Now the Broncos face the task of playing again after a week off, and perhaps losing some of the momentum they built in the opener.
“Early in the season, you’re trying to get into a rhythm,” Petersen said. “You start to develop and then you have a bye. It is what it is and we just try to make the best of it.”
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Charlie LitchfieldBoise State coach Chris Petersen has to get his team ready for Wyoming following a long layoff.
People will wonder not only whether they did enough to win (i.e. did they win by enough points), but they will look at their opponents to see how they did, too. When you are an outsider playing in a non-AQ conference, hoping to become the first to play for a BCS national championship, the over-scrutiny goes along with your performance.
Boise State coach Chris Petersen has done his best to preach to his team to avoid listening to what everybody else says about his team.
“We just hear so much outside noise, you can never win,” he said. “It just doesn’t matter. We’re past Virginia Tech, and Virginia Tech has got their own season. We’re just worried about Wyoming.”
Boise State should just worry about Wyoming. Though critics cite the remaining Broncos schedule as a bunch of cupcakes, Virginia Tech proved last week that no win is a given.
The Cowboys have played the Broncos tough in their most recent meetings, and especially the last time the two teams met in Laramie in 2006. Wyoming outgained Boise State and had the ball in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game before throwing an interception. The Broncos won 17-10 en route to their undefeated season and eventual win in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
Wyoming brings a high-octane spread offense into the game with Austyn Carta-Samuels leading the way. Petersen called the Cowboys “extremely” creative on offense. They certainly have that capability, and could try to pick on Jamar Taylor early the way the Hokies did in the opener.
But they are no doubt facing a very tough defense, one that kept the pressure on Tyrod Taylor all night. This game is also in the middle of a tough stretch for the Cowboys, after going on the road to play Texas last week and losing 34-7.
The difficulty of playing back-to-back teams ranked in the Top 5 is not lost on Wyoming coach Dave Christensen, though he refuses to use that as an excuse. Wyoming's last victory against a Top 25 came on Oct. 26, 2002, when the Cowboys defeated No. 22 ranked Air Force 34-26.
On top of the challenge of playing consecutive ranked teams, Wyoming has had to deal with the tragic death of freshman linebacker Ruben Narcisse, killed in a car accident last week.
Wyoming held a memorial service for Narcisse this past Monday. His family attended and spoke to the team.
“We’re in a better place right now than we were a week ago,” Christensen said. “We’re moving forward. We’re not trying to move on, but we’re in a better place now than we were.”
The atmosphere is sure to be intense on Saturday night. The game is sold out, and Boise State comes into town as the second highest ranked team ever to play in Laramie, behind No. 2 Texas last year.
Wyoming wants to harness that excitement into an upset. Boise State must avoid that at all costs. Now the Broncos face the task of playing again after a week off, and perhaps losing some of the momentum they built in the opener.
“Early in the season, you’re trying to get into a rhythm,” Petersen said. “You start to develop and then you have a bye. It is what it is and we just try to make the best of it.”
A new Rose Bowl access rule could prevent the traditional Big Ten-Pac-10 matchup Jan. 1 in Pasadena, but at least the two leagues will get to know one another very well on Saturday. Three Big Ten-Pac-10 games are on the slate, as No. 18 USC visits Minnesota. (ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET), Arizona State visits Wisconsin (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) and No. 9 Iowa visits No. 24 Arizona (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET).
Bloggers Ted Miller (Pac-10) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) break down the three matchups.
Adam Rittenberg: Ted, it's been too long, my friend. The Rose Bowl seems like decades ago, although they're still celebrating in Columbus. Given the likelihood of Boise State or TCU crashing the party in Pasadena this year, it's nice to have some Pac-10-Big Ten flavor this Saturday. Let's start off with Arizona State-Wisconsin. The name Steven Threet still makes people shudder in Madison after he led Michigan to a historic comeback against Wisconsin in 2008, triggering the beginning of the end for the Badgers that year. It also turned out to be the beginning of the end for Threet in a winged helmet. He seems to be settling in very nicely so far in Tempe. What should Wisconsin expect from Threet and the Sun Devils on Saturday?
Ted Miller: An offense with extraordinary firepower! See an average of more than 500 yards and 47.5 ppg. Oh, wait. The Sun Devils played not one but two FCS foes. Hmm. And according to this box score, they rushed for just 56 yards on 29 carries against the hearty Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. Double-hmm. Still, the early returns are fairly positive on Threet and new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone's spread attack. The Sun Devils' offense was so bad last year that merely being mediocre would be a huge improvement. A bigger issue than Threet: the offensive line. It wasn't consistent against FCS foes, so you'd think the Badgers front-seven might pose a problem. But, to me, the more interesting matchup is a fast Sun Devils defense versus an experienced, physical Badgers offense. What's your take?
Rittenberg: Totally agree that the game likely will come down to Arizona State's dynamic defense and Wisconsin's power run game, led by John Clay. He's the Big Ten's version of Toby Gerhart, except bigger. Clay has looked great this year, but Wisconsin needs to clean up some sloppy play on offense against the Sun Devils. The Badgers already failed on three red-zone scoring chances, matching their total from all of the previous season (53-for-56), and they've committed three turnovers inside the red zone. They have little trouble moving the ball and boast what I believe to be one of the nation's most balanced offenses, but they're not good enough to survive these mistakes much longer. Arizona State will have its hands full with Clay and a mammoth offensive line, but if the Sun Devils can use their speed and force turnovers, they'll have a shot in this one.
Let's move on to the other afternoon affair, USC at Minnesota. The Trojans haven't exactly been dominant this year, but at least they haven't lost to South Dakota. At home. Giving up 41 points and 444 yards. Yeesh. Your thoughts?
Miller: Here are two teams that are muddling along, though the Trojans surely feel better about 2-0 -- no matter the way they got there -- than the Gophers do with 1-1, including the loss to a team from the Dakotas. Adam, I have no idea about the Trojans. They still look great getting off the bus. They still have NFL prospects at every area. In week one at Hawaii, the offense looked great, the defense terrible. In week two at home vs. Virginia, it was mostly the opposite. Is it a question of fire and focus in the face of NCAA sanctions? I think we won't really be able to answer that question until the Pac-10 schedule starts. As for this one, I think the Trojans are going to roll. But I wrote that the previous two weeks and ended up being wrong. So what do I know?
What's your take?
Rittenberg: This is an odd matchup. In some ways, USC is just asking to get beat. But how can Minnesota take down Troy if it can't keep South Dakota to fewer than 40 points? The Gophers defense obviously is a major question mark, and I fully expect Matt Barkley to attack downfield a lot on Saturday. Minnesota gets a boost as safety Kyle Theret returns from suspension, giving the defense one returning starter from 2009. The other thing here is if things go back for Minnesota at the start, any sort of home-field edge will disappear. They're not too pleased with Tim Brewster right now in the Twin Cities. Minnesota's only chance is to control the clock with Duane Bennett and its power run game, and keep Barkley and Dillon Baxter off the field. A huge challenge.
OK, we've saved the best for last: Iowa at Arizona. Both teams look great so far. Iowa won last year's game, but trips out West haven't been kind to the Hawkeyes lately. What happens in Tucson?
Miller: First, off it's a great offense-defense matchup, with Nick Foles and an experienced UA offense taking on one of the best defenses in the nation. The cautionary tale for Wildcats fans is that also seemed like the case heading into the Holiday Bowl versus Nebraska, which became a complete disaster. Foles has a good offensive line, but the Hawkeyes have an NFL defensive front. If the Wildcats can get any sort of running game -- and Nic Grigsby is an explosive guy who can make a big play out of a small crack -- then things will be far easier for Foles and a quick-hit passing game. Foles is extremely accurate and he has a deep receiving corps. Yet to me the game turns on the Wildcats rebuilt front-seven. The unit replaced both tackles and all three linebackers and has played better than expected, but Iowa is a different sort of beast. If the Hawkeyes can run power effectively, then the Wildcats will be in trouble. If Iowa has to throw, I like the Wildcats secondary's chances versus Ricky Stanzi, who as you well know, Adam, hasn't always been the manzi.
What do you see from this one?
Rittenberg: Should be a great one in the desert. Iowa knows Arizona has come a long way since last year's meeting in Iowa City, when Foles hadn't yet emerged as the starter. The game could come down to whether Arizona can get Grigsby going and protect Foles against the Hawkeyes, who boast arguably the nation's best defensive line. Star defensive end Adrian Clayborn has been a bit quiet so far this season, but he usually plays his best in big games. Arizona typically has some outstanding defensive backs, but don't underestimate The Manzi, who has yet to throw an interception this year. So love it or leave it, pal! Iowa can stretch the field with receivers Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, and the run game has looked good so far with Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton. The Hawkeyes won in State College, Madison and East Lansing last year, but they haven't fared well historically in these trips out West. Arizona definitely has some built-in advantages.
OK, prediction time. Who wins in the three Pac-10-Big Ten matchups?
Miller: Somehow I knew you were going to ask that.
I think USC will handle Minnesota fairly easily: Trojans 41, Gophers 20.
I think Arizona State will be competitive at Wisconsin but the Sun Devils will struggle to score -- and possess the ball -- and the defense will wear down: Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 17.
As for Arizona-Iowa: I go back and forth, but I'm going to risk the ire of the Wildcats faithful and pick Iowa 28, Arizona 24. I just don't think the Arizona defense will be able to hold up all night, and that will allow the Hawkeyes to take a lead at some point in the second half and then play keep-away with the run game.
So, for what REALLY is going to happen... Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Rittenberg.
Rittenberg: Why thank you, good sir.
The Gophers save face a bit against USC and hang around for a while before Barkley and his receivers prove too much for a young defense. Trojans win 35-23.
Wisconsin control the clock as always and cleans up some of its mistakes in the red zone. Threet leads two first-half scoring drives before the Badgers take control and win 30-20.
Iowa-Arizona should be a great one. The elements will be tough for the Hawkeyes, and they'll fall behind early. But I've got to go with the better defense and the more battle-tested team. Iowa wins 26-21.
So we agree. We'll have to fight over the Rose Bowl pick this year. I've got Boise State!
Bloggers Ted Miller (Pac-10) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) break down the three matchups.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireCan Arizona State's defense stand up to Wisconsin running back John Clay?
Ted Miller: An offense with extraordinary firepower! See an average of more than 500 yards and 47.5 ppg. Oh, wait. The Sun Devils played not one but two FCS foes. Hmm. And according to this box score, they rushed for just 56 yards on 29 carries against the hearty Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. Double-hmm. Still, the early returns are fairly positive on Threet and new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone's spread attack. The Sun Devils' offense was so bad last year that merely being mediocre would be a huge improvement. A bigger issue than Threet: the offensive line. It wasn't consistent against FCS foes, so you'd think the Badgers front-seven might pose a problem. But, to me, the more interesting matchup is a fast Sun Devils defense versus an experienced, physical Badgers offense. What's your take?
Rittenberg: Totally agree that the game likely will come down to Arizona State's dynamic defense and Wisconsin's power run game, led by John Clay. He's the Big Ten's version of Toby Gerhart, except bigger. Clay has looked great this year, but Wisconsin needs to clean up some sloppy play on offense against the Sun Devils. The Badgers already failed on three red-zone scoring chances, matching their total from all of the previous season (53-for-56), and they've committed three turnovers inside the red zone. They have little trouble moving the ball and boast what I believe to be one of the nation's most balanced offenses, but they're not good enough to survive these mistakes much longer. Arizona State will have its hands full with Clay and a mammoth offensive line, but if the Sun Devils can use their speed and force turnovers, they'll have a shot in this one.
Let's move on to the other afternoon affair, USC at Minnesota. The Trojans haven't exactly been dominant this year, but at least they haven't lost to South Dakota. At home. Giving up 41 points and 444 yards. Yeesh. Your thoughts?
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Eugene TannerMatt Barkely will try to exploit a Minnesota defense that gave up 258 yards to South Dakota
What's your take?
Rittenberg: This is an odd matchup. In some ways, USC is just asking to get beat. But how can Minnesota take down Troy if it can't keep South Dakota to fewer than 40 points? The Gophers defense obviously is a major question mark, and I fully expect Matt Barkley to attack downfield a lot on Saturday. Minnesota gets a boost as safety Kyle Theret returns from suspension, giving the defense one returning starter from 2009. The other thing here is if things go back for Minnesota at the start, any sort of home-field edge will disappear. They're not too pleased with Tim Brewster right now in the Twin Cities. Minnesota's only chance is to control the clock with Duane Bennett and its power run game, and keep Barkley and Dillon Baxter off the field. A huge challenge.
OK, we've saved the best for last: Iowa at Arizona. Both teams look great so far. Iowa won last year's game, but trips out West haven't been kind to the Hawkeyes lately. What happens in Tucson?
Miller: First, off it's a great offense-defense matchup, with Nick Foles and an experienced UA offense taking on one of the best defenses in the nation. The cautionary tale for Wildcats fans is that also seemed like the case heading into the Holiday Bowl versus Nebraska, which became a complete disaster. Foles has a good offensive line, but the Hawkeyes have an NFL defensive front. If the Wildcats can get any sort of running game -- and Nic Grigsby is an explosive guy who can make a big play out of a small crack -- then things will be far easier for Foles and a quick-hit passing game. Foles is extremely accurate and he has a deep receiving corps. Yet to me the game turns on the Wildcats rebuilt front-seven. The unit replaced both tackles and all three linebackers and has played better than expected, but Iowa is a different sort of beast. If the Hawkeyes can run power effectively, then the Wildcats will be in trouble. If Iowa has to throw, I like the Wildcats secondary's chances versus Ricky Stanzi, who as you well know, Adam, hasn't always been the manzi.
What do you see from this one?
[+] Enlarge
Icon SMICan Arizona's offensive line contain Adrian Clayborn?
OK, prediction time. Who wins in the three Pac-10-Big Ten matchups?
Miller: Somehow I knew you were going to ask that.
I think USC will handle Minnesota fairly easily: Trojans 41, Gophers 20.
I think Arizona State will be competitive at Wisconsin but the Sun Devils will struggle to score -- and possess the ball -- and the defense will wear down: Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 17.
As for Arizona-Iowa: I go back and forth, but I'm going to risk the ire of the Wildcats faithful and pick Iowa 28, Arizona 24. I just don't think the Arizona defense will be able to hold up all night, and that will allow the Hawkeyes to take a lead at some point in the second half and then play keep-away with the run game.
So, for what REALLY is going to happen... Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Rittenberg.
Rittenberg: Why thank you, good sir.
The Gophers save face a bit against USC and hang around for a while before Barkley and his receivers prove too much for a young defense. Trojans win 35-23.
Wisconsin control the clock as always and cleans up some of its mistakes in the red zone. Threet leads two first-half scoring drives before the Badgers take control and win 30-20.
Iowa-Arizona should be a great one. The elements will be tough for the Hawkeyes, and they'll fall behind early. But I've got to go with the better defense and the more battle-tested team. Iowa wins 26-21.
So we agree. We'll have to fight over the Rose Bowl pick this year. I've got Boise State!
They were grumbling about Auburn defensive coordinator Ted Roof after the first game.
They were lauding Roof and his Auburn defense after the second game.
Welcome to life in the SEC, especially on the side of the ball that wins championships in this league.
“There’s a lot of experts out there,” Roof quipped after his Auburn defense stopped Mississippi State in its tracks last Thursday in a 17-14 victory against the Bulldogs.
Winning on the road was noteworthy enough for the Tigers. But riding the coattails of the defense to a win was even more important.
It’s proof that this defense can indeed hold up its end of the bargain even when Auburn’s high-powered offense hits a few potholes.
Auburn held Mississippi State to a total of 73 yards on its final five drives, and at one point, forced the Bulldogs into three straight three-and-outs.
It was reminiscent of the Auburn defenses of old and the kind of defense that Gene Chizik – who’s been around his share of good defenses – wants to become the standard on the Plains … again.
This Saturday’s game against Clemson may be the truest indication yet of where this Auburn defense really is, especially with Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker’s ability to throw the ball and also scramble around and make plays.
Auburn was hurt by the underneath passing game in its season-opening 52-26 win against Arkansas State, which rolled up 323 passing yards and 22 first downs.
Parker, who elected to play one more season of college football before turning his attention full time to pro baseball, will also look to peck away, but he’ll also take his shots down the field.
Chizik said Parker is the closest thing to an NFL quarterback that Auburn has seen this season.
“He's very poised,” Chizik said. “He's got all of the things that you look for in a pro quarterback, just in terms of how he manages the team and manages the offense. He makes some really great throws and puts the ball right where it needs to be. He has a great touch on the ball.
“That's part of being a great quarterback, (knowing) when to pull off some throws and when to zip it in there. He has a great touch on deep balls. He's just really poised and you can tell he's been doing it and he loves the game. He’s very good at what he does.”
Auburn is also braced to see some things it hasn’t to this point on tape from Clemson, which breezed in its first two games against outmanned opponents.
“We're anticipating them showing a lot more,” Chizik said. “I think that's just what comes with that. At the end of the day, they still come down to the base things that they do. They might hide it a little bit more in terms of we may see two or three new wrinkles on how they get to different things. But at the end of the day, the nuts and bolts of what they do are going to be in place.”
Auburn might also have a little bit more depth at linebacker after Josh Bynes played every snap against Mississippi State. Fellow senior Craig Stevens has been suspended the first two games, but there’s hope he’ll be back for Saturday's game.
They were lauding Roof and his Auburn defense after the second game.
Welcome to life in the SEC, especially on the side of the ball that wins championships in this league.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisNick Fairley and Auburn's defense showed a big improvement last week against Mississippi State.
Winning on the road was noteworthy enough for the Tigers. But riding the coattails of the defense to a win was even more important.
It’s proof that this defense can indeed hold up its end of the bargain even when Auburn’s high-powered offense hits a few potholes.
Auburn held Mississippi State to a total of 73 yards on its final five drives, and at one point, forced the Bulldogs into three straight three-and-outs.
It was reminiscent of the Auburn defenses of old and the kind of defense that Gene Chizik – who’s been around his share of good defenses – wants to become the standard on the Plains … again.
This Saturday’s game against Clemson may be the truest indication yet of where this Auburn defense really is, especially with Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker’s ability to throw the ball and also scramble around and make plays.
Auburn was hurt by the underneath passing game in its season-opening 52-26 win against Arkansas State, which rolled up 323 passing yards and 22 first downs.
Parker, who elected to play one more season of college football before turning his attention full time to pro baseball, will also look to peck away, but he’ll also take his shots down the field.
Chizik said Parker is the closest thing to an NFL quarterback that Auburn has seen this season.
“He's very poised,” Chizik said. “He's got all of the things that you look for in a pro quarterback, just in terms of how he manages the team and manages the offense. He makes some really great throws and puts the ball right where it needs to be. He has a great touch on the ball.
“That's part of being a great quarterback, (knowing) when to pull off some throws and when to zip it in there. He has a great touch on deep balls. He's just really poised and you can tell he's been doing it and he loves the game. He’s very good at what he does.”
Auburn is also braced to see some things it hasn’t to this point on tape from Clemson, which breezed in its first two games against outmanned opponents.
“We're anticipating them showing a lot more,” Chizik said. “I think that's just what comes with that. At the end of the day, they still come down to the base things that they do. They might hide it a little bit more in terms of we may see two or three new wrinkles on how they get to different things. But at the end of the day, the nuts and bolts of what they do are going to be in place.”
Auburn might also have a little bit more depth at linebacker after Josh Bynes played every snap against Mississippi State. Fellow senior Craig Stevens has been suspended the first two games, but there’s hope he’ll be back for Saturday's game.
Andrea Adelson takes a look at some keys to the game for Air Force against Oklahoma.
Washington receiver Jermaine Kearse's final stats looked pretty good after the BYU game. He caught five passes for 108 yards, among them a 43-yard reception and a 19-yard TD. That shouldn't be surprising. Kearse is one of the best receivers in the Pac-10 and quarterback Jake Locker's favorite target.
But the stat box doesn't include drops. Or "what ifs." As in: What if the normally sure-handed Kearse didn't drop three passes? Might that have changed the ultimate number -- the scoreboard reading a disappointing 23-17 in favor of BYU?
"I put too my pressure on myself," said Kearse, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior when asked to diagnose what went wrong on the drops. "It's the first game and you have so much adrenaline going on in the first game."
The dreaded dropsies can be the ruin of a receiver. So it wasn't unfair to wonder how Kearse might respond when the Huskies played host to Syracuse last weekend. It was enough of a concern, in fact, that coach Steve Sarkisian gave his second-team All-Pac-10 receiver a brief pep talk.
"I said, 'Don't try too hard.' Sometimes when a guy doesn't have the best game of his career -- you know, he struggles a little bit -- he can come out and try too hard," Sarkisian said. "I just said, 'Just let the game come to you. You're going to get your opportunities.' And I thought he did that.''
Oh yes he did. Kearse earned Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week honors after hauling in a career-high nine passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns. And no drops. As for the three TDs, each involved him making a play with the ball to get into the endzone. The best one came on the first play of the third quarter, when he transformed a short pass into a 57-yard TD, which sparked the Huskies rout.
Said Locker, whose numbers were far shinier due to Kearse's efforts: "I think Jermaine took it upon himself to really come out and be dominant [against Syracuse] and he was. It was really fun to watch. He expects a lot out himself, and I think you were able to see that [last] Saturday."
Ah, but Locker, Kearse and the Huskies face a far tougher test on Saturday: No. 8 Nebraska. And it's not just that the Cornhuskers are a top-10 team. For Locker and Kearse, it's a matter of facing an elite defense whose strength is the secondary, which might be the best unit in the nation, led by cornerback Prince Amukamara.
While Nebraska lost five starters from last season's dominating defense, including extraordinary tackle Ndamukong Suh, coach Bo Pelini hasn't been shy about saying this year's crew should be better. The Cornhuskers, who often employ seven defensive backs at a time, already have six interceptions.
"You'd like to think you have better odds of running the football, but they hold up pretty well," Sarkisian said. "The minus [for an offense] is, they've got defensive backs not only covering your receivers but covering your tight ends and covering your running backs out of the backfield. So they're able to stay close to guys. There's not a lot of room for error, not a lot of room to throw balls. So there's a real onus on the quarterback to know what coverage it is and anticipate throws and be accurate.''
In other words, Nebraska will pose a major test for Locker to prove he's improved his accuracy. If Locker can complete 60 percent of his passes vs. Nebraska, he can do it against any college defense. And NFL scouts will take note.
And Kearse is Locker's go-to guy, even though the Huskies are deep at receiver. Kearse is third in the nation with 143.5 yards receiving. No. 2 receiver, junior Devin Aguilar, averages 69 yards per game.
"I think we have enough playmakers to make them defend the whole field," Kearse said.
That includes trying to get the running game going with Chris Polk. That might be a significant challenge vs. the Cornhuskers, particularly with a shuffling on the offensive line this week that might make true freshman Erik Kohler a starting guard.
In other words, the Huskies must be consistent in the passing game to win. If Locker makes his national breakthrough, that likely also will mean Kearse posts a "hello world" performance.
"Obviously, I have personal goals," Kearse said. "But those will come with helping the team win."
That means walking off the field with an impressive box score as well as no "what ifs."
[+] Enlarge
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesWashington receiver Jermaine Kearse is quarterback Jake Locker's favorite target.
"I put too my pressure on myself," said Kearse, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior when asked to diagnose what went wrong on the drops. "It's the first game and you have so much adrenaline going on in the first game."
The dreaded dropsies can be the ruin of a receiver. So it wasn't unfair to wonder how Kearse might respond when the Huskies played host to Syracuse last weekend. It was enough of a concern, in fact, that coach Steve Sarkisian gave his second-team All-Pac-10 receiver a brief pep talk.
"I said, 'Don't try too hard.' Sometimes when a guy doesn't have the best game of his career -- you know, he struggles a little bit -- he can come out and try too hard," Sarkisian said. "I just said, 'Just let the game come to you. You're going to get your opportunities.' And I thought he did that.''
Oh yes he did. Kearse earned Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week honors after hauling in a career-high nine passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns. And no drops. As for the three TDs, each involved him making a play with the ball to get into the endzone. The best one came on the first play of the third quarter, when he transformed a short pass into a 57-yard TD, which sparked the Huskies rout.
Said Locker, whose numbers were far shinier due to Kearse's efforts: "I think Jermaine took it upon himself to really come out and be dominant [against Syracuse] and he was. It was really fun to watch. He expects a lot out himself, and I think you were able to see that [last] Saturday."
Ah, but Locker, Kearse and the Huskies face a far tougher test on Saturday: No. 8 Nebraska. And it's not just that the Cornhuskers are a top-10 team. For Locker and Kearse, it's a matter of facing an elite defense whose strength is the secondary, which might be the best unit in the nation, led by cornerback Prince Amukamara.
While Nebraska lost five starters from last season's dominating defense, including extraordinary tackle Ndamukong Suh, coach Bo Pelini hasn't been shy about saying this year's crew should be better. The Cornhuskers, who often employ seven defensive backs at a time, already have six interceptions.
"You'd like to think you have better odds of running the football, but they hold up pretty well," Sarkisian said. "The minus [for an offense] is, they've got defensive backs not only covering your receivers but covering your tight ends and covering your running backs out of the backfield. So they're able to stay close to guys. There's not a lot of room for error, not a lot of room to throw balls. So there's a real onus on the quarterback to know what coverage it is and anticipate throws and be accurate.''
In other words, Nebraska will pose a major test for Locker to prove he's improved his accuracy. If Locker can complete 60 percent of his passes vs. Nebraska, he can do it against any college defense. And NFL scouts will take note.
And Kearse is Locker's go-to guy, even though the Huskies are deep at receiver. Kearse is third in the nation with 143.5 yards receiving. No. 2 receiver, junior Devin Aguilar, averages 69 yards per game.
"I think we have enough playmakers to make them defend the whole field," Kearse said.
That includes trying to get the running game going with Chris Polk. That might be a significant challenge vs. the Cornhuskers, particularly with a shuffling on the offensive line this week that might make true freshman Erik Kohler a starting guard.
In other words, the Huskies must be consistent in the passing game to win. If Locker makes his national breakthrough, that likely also will mean Kearse posts a "hello world" performance.
"Obviously, I have personal goals," Kearse said. "But those will come with helping the team win."
That means walking off the field with an impressive box score as well as no "what ifs."
After a rough start, Mark Schlabach is picking Georgia over Arkansas in his upset special of the week.
Can you smell what the Rock is cookin' up for tomorrow in Hattiesburg?
Southern Miss expects to get three players back on offense for Friday night's game against Kansas.
Since the SWC broke up, Baylor has scuffled and TCU has blossomed. The two meet this Saturday.
Chaz Walker goes from walk-on to top tackler at Utah.
Just who is Houston backup quarterback Cotton Turner?
Members of Nevada's 1945 team recall a memorable loss to California.
Bowling Green is making changes to its offensive line.
Navy RT Matt Molloy is out indefinitely after sustaining the fifth concussion of his football career. He is deciding whether or not to risk playing again.
Army quarterback Trent Steelman will be able to play against North Texas after injuring his shoulder last week.
Tulsa running back Trey Watts, son of former Oklahoma quarterback J.C. Watts, is succeeding for the Golden Hurricane.
There is no bye week for homework for the Hawaii football team, as it nears the end of a 13-day road trip.
UNLV continues to honor linebacker Bryce Saldi, who suffered a serious brain injury in a skateboarding accident last year.
Other conference links:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
Southern Miss expects to get three players back on offense for Friday night's game against Kansas.
Since the SWC broke up, Baylor has scuffled and TCU has blossomed. The two meet this Saturday.
Chaz Walker goes from walk-on to top tackler at Utah.
Just who is Houston backup quarterback Cotton Turner?
Members of Nevada's 1945 team recall a memorable loss to California.
Bowling Green is making changes to its offensive line.
Navy RT Matt Molloy is out indefinitely after sustaining the fifth concussion of his football career. He is deciding whether or not to risk playing again.
Army quarterback Trent Steelman will be able to play against North Texas after injuring his shoulder last week.
Tulsa running back Trey Watts, son of former Oklahoma quarterback J.C. Watts, is succeeding for the Golden Hurricane.
There is no bye week for homework for the Hawaii football team, as it nears the end of a 13-day road trip.
UNLV continues to honor linebacker Bryce Saldi, who suffered a serious brain injury in a skateboarding accident last year.
Other conference links:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
TOP 25 SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 9/18
3:30 PM ET 1 Alabama Duke 12:00 PM ET Ohio 2 Ohio State 8:00 PM ET 3 Boise State Wyoming 4:30 PM ET Baylor 4 TCU 6:15 PM ET Portland State 5 Oregon 8:00 PM ET 6 Texas Texas Tech 3:30 PM ET Air Force 7 Oklahoma 3:30 PM ET 8 Nebraska Washington 10:30 PM ET 9 Iowa 24 Arizona 3:30 PM ET 10 Florida Tennessee 3:30 PM ET Arizona State 11 Wisconsin 12:00 PM ET 12 Arkansas Georgia 7:00 PM ET Furman 13 South Carolina 8:00 PM ET 14 Utah New Mexico 7:00 PM ET Mississippi State 15 LSU 7:00 PM ET Clemson 16 Auburn 3:30 PM ET 18 USC Minnesota 11:15 PM ET Wake Forest 19 Stanford 12:00 PM ET Massachusetts 20 Michigan 12:00 PM ET Maryland 21 West Virginia 12:00 PM ET Kent State 22 Penn State 10:30 PM ET 23 Houston UCLA 5:30 PM ET Louisville 25 Oregon State
TOP PERFORMERS
- R. Wilson N Carolina St - QB
- 26-40, 333 yds, 3 tds
- vs UC | Final
- M. Greene N Carolina St - RB
- 16 car, 84 yds, 1 td
- vs UC | Final
- D. Woods Cincinnati - WR
- 6 rec, 146 yds, 2 tds
- @ NCST | Final
