Alabama wins the BCS national championship and its 14th overall

Wow and not the good awe inspiring way. Bama absolutely took it LSU in defeating them 21-0 leaving little doubt who is the national champion is. 21-0 doesn’t even really do justice to what the Crimson Tide were able to do to the Tigers. LSU didn’t even cross mid field until 8 minutes left in the game and were out gained 384 yards to just 92. LSU only had 5 first downs. The Tigers QB Jordan Jefferson had the deer in the headlights look on his face for most of the game going 11-17 for 53 yards and just never seemed comfortable against the smothering Bama defense. He was sacked four times and threw one ugly interception to the RB who wasn’t even looking when he threw it.

The Crimson Tide offense on the other hand seemed to come into this game with a purpose. Bama learned from the last game and had a much better game plan that featured A.J McCarron throwing the ball a lot more on first down and it led him being named the game’s offensive MVP. He was 23/34 for 234 yards. Trent Richardson had just 58 yards on 20 carries but this game was really all about the relentless Bama defense which shut the Tigers down in every conceivable way. When you have a great offensive line like I have, and great players around you, it makes your job easy as quarterback," McCarron said. "I've got to give all the credit to them. I wish I could have the whole team up here."

So Nick Saban is at the top of the hill yet again becoming the first coach to win 3 BCS National Championships and Alabama collects its 14th title. Everyone watching and in attendance were anticipating a clash of the titans that would make for an epic back and forth battle or as Les Miles said a match of “Big-boy football” but this one was never in doubt after the first whistle was blown.

Congratulations to the Alabama Crimson Tide, your NCAA National Champion of 2011-12.



What they are saying about the game:



New Orleans radio host Bobby Herbert, former NFL QB: “It’s like ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ The clock struck midnight on the Mad Hatter.”



Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports: Perhaps we should have known Sunday morning, when Nick Saban was both witty and relaxed in his final news conference before he undressed Les Miles.



Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN: To those LSU followers who think they got short-sheeted by the BCS … To those Oklahoma State honks who insist their team belonged here Monday night … To those Associated Press voters who said they would keep LSU atop their ballots even if the Tigers lost to Alabama …To all of them I say, "Are you nuts?"

Steve Greenberg of Sporting News: Worst of all, according to Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw, the game’s defensive MVP, Jefferson was playing scared. “A lot of our guys were coming to the sideline (after stops) and talking about him,” Upshaw said. “Every time he’d go into the huddle, he was looking at us. I think he was pretty rattled.”

SEC Game of the Week: LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Ladies and Gentlemen in the Main Event the blog I’ve been waiting to write all year, on my left the home team in the crimson white coming in at 2 in the nation boasting Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Williams and a stout rushing attack coached by Nick ‘ Satan aka Benedict Arnold aka backstabber Saban the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE. And on my right coming in at 1 from Death Valley led by Jarrett ‘Call him what you want but don’t call him a comeback story” Lee and coached by Les “The Mad Hatter” Miles the LSU FIGHTING TIGERS. Brace yourself college football fans this is the game of the year 1 vs. 2 and its LSU vs. Alabama tickets to this matchup are at $10,500. This game has gotten so big CBS has moved from its original 2:30 pm to PRIMETIME 7 PM These two teams have faced each other over the years from 1993 when top ranked, undefeated, and riding a 31 game winning streak Alabama faced a hapless LSU team. A Mobile (Ala) newspaper writer predicted the LSU would win “WHEN PIGS FLY”, well even though pigs weren’t seen flying over Alabama LSU pulled the stunner with a 17-13 victory. To the 1996 game where I was in attendance watched as Bama blanked LSU 26-0 in the debut of Shaun Alexander “The Great”. To a string of wins Bama had at Tiger Stadium from 1971 to 1999 which LSU was 0-14-1. The rivalry increased since Saban came back to coach college football with the Tide after he couldn’t cut it the pros in 2007. So without further ado let’s get this preview started.

Offense vs. Offense: If LSU offense was a gun it would be an AK- 47 this offense can hit you from so many different places. Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson have been working together to make one of college football’s best dual quarterback tandems in the country while both can pass Jefferson can be used in short yardage and 4th and situatations (which there may be a lot of them) and LSU has not one, not two, not three, but four capable running backs (Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue, Michael Ford, and Kenny Hilliard) and with an improving wr’s in Odell Beckham, Reuben Randall and Russell Shepard, plus it’s also its best defense even though its offense doesn’t score a lot of points it can produce long scoring drives that can make a simple 14-0 game to a 28-0, which can wear out a defense and make an offense on the sideline get cold.. While Bama will counter with QB AJ McCarron’s, RB Trent Richardson, and Marquis Maze this is going to be a test of defensives, but sure McCarron’s has the home field advantage but he has not played in a game of this magnitude, and can he respond to a long LSU scoring drive or keep calm from a pressure playing LSU D- Edge: LSU

Defense vs. Defense: For Alabama they have Courtney Upshaw at linebacker has 4.5 sacks &11.5 tackles for a loss, which ranks 8th in the nation and one of the best cornerback duo’s in the nation with Robert Lester and Dre Kirkpatrick and LSU will counter with its 3rd ranked scoring and total defense they bring back cornerback Tyrann “Da Honey badger” Mathieu and Tharold Simon which will help out Morris Claiborne and defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo look to pressure McCarron and clamp down on Richardson. Also LSUs defense has been shutting down young or inexperienced Qbs out of the SEC. Edge: EVEN

Intangibles: The past 6 matchups have been decided by 42 pts or an average of 7 points a game. Well Bama has the home field advantage for Saturday night’s showdown, but surprising all of LSUs key games have been on the road (Dallas, Starkville, Morgantown, and Knoxville) with some being against ranked opponents. LSU has played a much tougher schedule (5 ranked or ranked teams at the time LSU played them) than Bama to date, goes deep, and has played mistake free football (on the field off the field not so much). With the added edge of the Saban bowl and with strong BCS championship implications this look like a game which my need a big play to open the game up or seal it, which if it does it falls into Mathieu making a key strip, pick, or key punt or kick return and a key Les Miles coaching strategy ( hmm I wonder how Bryant-Denney Stadium grass taste). Edge LSU

Winner and why: LSU has gotten better every game offensively and defensively, but the main thing LSU hasn’t made dumb mistakes, hasn’t “given up the big play”, stayed healthy, and remained focused. No team has come close to matching LSUs intensity, but Alabama may be the closest team to come close to it .LSU has to keep playing its game both sides has to be perfect, play hard and keep the pressure on and the Bama fans out of the game. If there is ever a game more important to the LSU football program it’s THIS ONE!!! LSU has to win to eliminate the past that Saban and Bama has haunted them with. To Bama fans this just another game on their way to a 14 national championship all year commentators have been saying LSU is good but,.., this or that, LSU in my eyes has to be the most DISRESPECTED 1 team in the nation, but come Saturday Night the nation will understand how good and talented this LSU squad is and Bama’s national title journey will end, so will Trent Richardson Heisman Trophy hopes.

LSU 38 Bama 27 ( ROLL TIDE ROLL -DOWN THE HOLE DOWN THE BOWL JUST LIKE YOUR TITLE HOPES MR. SABAN AND HEISMAN HOPES MR. RICHARDSON)

Sportaholic SEC Game Of The Week: LSU vs. Auburn

LSU vs. Auburn preview:

One of most underrated rivaries of the week happens to come to Death Valley as LSU continues its quest for its 3rd BCS title as they face the Tigers or War Eagles (whatever they want to be called) of Auburn. LSU defense looks for payback from last year when Cam Newton ran over them and beat them 31-24 This rivalry is probably the most intense from the 1988 “Earthquake Game”, where Auburn was number #4 in the nation and they rode into “ Death Valley” and with 1:47 left to play LSUs Tommy Hodson found TE Eddie Fuller on a cross pattern for a TD to win the game 7-6, and the crowd eruption was so intense that it registered as an earthquake on the seismograph located in LSU’s Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex. In 1994 Jamie Howard blowing a 23-9 LSU lead in the 4th quarter by throwing 5 fourth quarter interceptions with 3 for Tds ( which still to this day makes me sick to my stomach) , to 1999 when Auburn beat LSU 41-9 and then Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville on his birthday after the Auburn win lit cigars and stomped them on the “Tiger Eye” ( Auburn has not won in the valley since), to 2001 when LSU beat Auburn on December 1 (it was scheduled for Sept 15th but because of the 9/11 attacks it was postponed) and the 2007 game when LSUs Demetrius Byrd catches the game winning td with one second remaining. On Wednesday starters Tyrann Mathieu, Spencer Ware, and another starter were suspended for the game because of failing a drug test and Auburn starting sophomore Clint Moseley this look to be another exciting chapter to the series.

Clint Mosely

Offense vs. Offense: Auburn will have services of soph. Qb Clint Mosely making his first SEC start in Tiger Stadium; he has to rely on RB Micheal Dyer and his offensive line to give him time. The LSU offense has been getting some life as of late with Jordan Jefferson playing, Jarrett Lee improving as QB, and Miles showing no fear in going for it on 4th down again. Even with LSU missing Spencer Ware it still has Alfred Blue and Michael Ford running the ball can wear down Auburn’s defense and then open up the passing game with Russell Sheppard and emerging star Odell Blackmon can put up an offensive explosion in Death Valley –Edge LSU

Defense vs. Defense LSU once again, but has to be aware of Mosley, he is a gunslinger so is not afraid to throw the ball and without Mathieu he will take advantage of it. Sam Washington and the D look to bring the heat to Mosley all night and have to and Morris Claiborne has to step up and be a leader on this LSU secondary. Auburn’s talented DE Corey Lemonier is a beast with 5 sacks and 7 tackles proves to be someone the LSU offensive line might want to key on all night... - Edge LSU

Intangibles- LSU has won big games at home but has to stay focused with Mathieu and Ware out and Bama looming Les Miles has to be the pillar of strength- Edge LSU

Winner and why- LSU has gotten better every game offensively and defensively, but the main thing LSU hasn’t made dumb mistakes, hasn’t “given up “the big play”, stayed healthy, and remained focused. They will have to be focused and prepared because the War Eagles are getting better and ready to make a statement. LSU is going have a fight, and it’s a rivalry game, Auburn will play hard, but LSU will pull it out. Score LSU 35 – Auburn 24

Sportaholic LSU vs. Tennessee Preview

LSU vs. Tennessee preview:

                                                                          

One of the best games of the week happens to come to Neyland Stadium as LSU continues its quest for its 3rd BCS title as they face the Vols of Tennessee as they look for payback for the last second controversial loss in Death Valley and is one time defensive coordinator John Chavis homecoming. The Vols are coming off a devastating loss to Georgia and losing starting QB Tyler Brey. LSU on the other hand had its way with Florida. These two teams with vastly different outcomes from last game will clash in another good SEC battle.

Offense vs. Offense: The Volunteers are missing Brey and leading receiver Justin Hunter, they will try to run the offense with fifth year senior Matt Simms, who played in eight games last year ( including the LSU) but a lot has changed since last year. LSU offense got some more life with Jordan Jefferson playing, Jarrett Lee improving as QB, and Miles showing no fear in going for it on 4th down again. Even if LSU doesn’t score just having long drives with Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, and Michael Ford running the ball. Wearing down Tennessee’s defense can open up the passing game which will open up Russell Sheppard and emerging star Odell Blackmon to put up an offensive explosion in Knoxville –Edge LSU

Defense vs. Defense: LSU once again, but has to be aware of Simms he is a senior so he isn’t going to be rattled early and he kept UT competive in the game last year. LSU defense however has had 3 years under John Chavis’s defensive scheme so they are familiar with it and in each game has gotten better and better. Tyrann Mathieu aka the Honey Badger is going to try to put some pressure on UTs receivers and Sam Washington and the D look to bring the heat to Simms all night. UTS defense will be playing “pick your poison” get pounded by the run or hit by the pass. - Edge LSU

Intangibles: Even though they are playing in Neyland Stadium LSU has won big games in Hostile territory this is going to be no different outcome- Edge LSU

Winner and why: LSU has gotten better every game offensively and defensively, but the main thing LSU hasn’t made dumb mistakes, hasn’t “given up “the big play”, stayed healthy, and remained focused. This will remain true this weekend even though UT will “give their all for Tennessee” it will not be enough. Too many weapons on both side of the ball on LSU for UT to handle- LSU 45 UT 17

LSU vs. Mississippi State Preview

           VS.

LSU vs. Miss State preview:

One of the best games of the week happens to come early as LSU goes to Starkville to face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are coming off a devastating loss to Auburn after QB Chris Reif was stopped on the half yard line against the Tigers. LSU on the other hand had its way with Northwestern St and barely broke a sweat. Two ranked teams with vastly different outcomes from last game will clash in another good SEC West battle. Our LSU and Mississippi State expert Taylor Cannon has the breakdown for Thursday’s Tilt.

Offense vs. Offense: Edge Miss. State: Vick Ballard is probably one of the best RBs in the SEC (if not the nation) With Chad Bumpus as WR and Chris Reif at QB MSU has the weapons, but with a banged up O-line facing an aggressive front 5 might have more than what they bargained for. As for LSU a steady Jarrett Lee with a three head beast at RB (Alfred Blue, Michael Ford, and Spencer Ware) may give State D-line fits and if Rueben Randle gets touches it could be a long day for the State secondary as well. Edge LSU

Defense vs. Defense Edge LSU (but MSU is no Slouch either) - if LSUs front 5 can take advantage of an injured State line and LSUs physical secondary can clamp down on States WRs then LSU will have the advantage. MSUs secondary is good as well and could be waiting to jump on one of Lee’s passes

Special Teams vs Special Teams: Edge LSU: Hmm.... LSU proved it can block punts which put pressure on the kicker (see Oregon game which the block punt by Tyrann Mathieu proved key). So LSU

Intangibles: Edge LSU: State has the home field and the cowbells, but if there is any team that is prepared for tough environments and can coach in rough environments are LSU and Les Miles.

Winner: LSU: Too good on both sides and disciplined but it will be close. 35 -21

Sportaholic College Football Preview: LSU Tigers

College Football is just around the corner with the first games scheduled on September 1st. So with that in mind, we here at the Sportaholic.com figured it was about time to rev up the college football machine and review some local team in our area. With our expanded roster, we now can cover teams from all over the nation but we will start with our home teams. Each week leading up to the season we will have capsules on the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, and Tennessee State University. We will follow those teams with some of the national powers as well, just to make sure we cover all of our bases.



To start things off, we will ask just a few basic questions on each team as: Offense, Defense, what are their strengths, what are their weaknesses, who will be their impact players and what do you project as their season outlook just to name a few. We love college athletics here at the Sportaholic and this just one of many college football posts we have awaiting our viewers this season. So sit back and relax as we here at the Sportaholic preview some of your favorite teams from all over the nation.

Louisiana State University

By Taylor Cannon

Now to talk about my home state University and the school I grew up cheering for LSU TIGERS. LSU had another great year on the field and in recruiting, but was marred by recruiting violations by an ex –coordinator. In spite of it all LSU has been picked by some to win it all (personally I think it’s a little much, but hey I’ll take it) , and is picked by most pundits to win the SEC West (ahead of LSU arch nemesis Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide)

1. Offense - 8 offensive starters (The 4 most important are the returning starters on the offensive line) Jordan Jefferson returns at QB, but don’t be surprised if Zach Mettenberger (transfer from Butler Community College and former UGA commit) sees time at the spot. The Tigers will continue their tradition of having a talented run game with Spencer Ware Michael Ford and Alfred Blue and watch . out for true freshman Kenny Hilliard. The receiving group is led by junior Rueben Randle (led team with 544 yards and 3 TDs) and Russell Sheppard. To open holes for the run game and give Jefferson some protection is the O-line led by Center P.J. Lonergan,Left Guard Josh Dworaczyk, and Right Guard T-Bob Hebert ( yeah T-Bob defiantly an O-lineman)


























  2. Defense - 7 defensive starters return and don’t think the loss of elite corner Patrick Peterson means SEC QBs can relax and start throwing the ball against LSU; in part because LSU returns Morris Claiborne (who actually led LSU in Ints and was 3rd in the SEC in that department) they also return Sophomore Tyrann Mathieu (he recorded 57 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, forced five fumbles, recovered three and had two Ints). The rest of its D look just as good with sophomore ends Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery will control the ends (If they improve on their freshman numbers RBs and QBs will be in trouble). Kelvin Sheppard will be missed no doubt, but Ryan Baker, Stefoin Francois and Karnell Hatcher will be good replacements.

3.What are the team’s strengths? The strengths of this team is the run game (Talented and deep ) the O-line 4 starters come back and The secondary looks experienced so does the LB group

4. Who are the teams impact players? QB Jordan Jefferson who was 118-209 for 1411 yards passing looks to help lead this team along with Ware, Ford Jr. and Blue. Rueben Randle and TE Deangelo Peterson looks to help Mr. Jefferson in the passing attack. Baker and Francois look to be great replacements for the departed Kelvin  Sheppard. Also look for cornerbacks Claiborne and Mathieu look to shut down opposing passing attacks this season

5. What is the team weakness? QB Jordan Jefferson he had a solid year but has to improve on the td to interception ratio (4 tds to 9 ints). Steve Kragthorpe the new offense coordinator is going to be the most watched man in the Bayou State, and which Kragthorpe will show up is the question. Will it be the one who had success at Tulsa or the one who bottomed out at Louisville? I believe for probably the first time in LSU football history a weakness is the Special Teams (LSU lost its starting FG kicker, punter, and return specialist), so LSU may want to avoid clutch situations for a few games untill they get that situation figured out.

6. Season projection and projected record - This season LSU has the roughest set of road games in September (at Arlington vs. Oregon, at Mississippi State, and at West Virginia) and on top of that they are home vs. Florida (thankfully) at Tennessee, at Alabama. If LSU can remain healthy, Jordan Jefferson improves his throwing ability, and Miles continues to have luck on his side then look for LSU to AT LEAST win the SEC West conference. LSU’s record ( 11-1 and 7-1 in the SEC).

College Football Weekend Finale Spectacular: National Championship Edition

What an anti-climatic finish to a wild college football season. For all of those prognosticators who predicted a high-flying and high scoring game, sorry but you were wrong. The Auburn Tigers fulfilled there destiny last night by taking down the Oregon Ducks for their second national championship in school history. Cam Newton received all the accolades and hype coming into the game, but it was the running of Michael Dyer and the play of defensive standout Nick Fairley that pushed the Tigers to the win. It’s fitting that the game ended in such a bizarre way for Auburn, as their entire season has been filled with controversy. The Ducks could never get their high-powered up-tempo offense in gear, as Fairley and the defensive line of Auburn dominated up front and controlled the line of scrimmage. The game turned into a defensive battle, one that clearly favored the rugged Tigers coming out of the SEC.

The first quarter was a blur to say the least as both teams saw their share of turnovers. QB Darron Thomas threw two interceptions and Cam Newton threw one himself as both teams looked to find their offense. The most intersting thing to me in the first quarter were the socks of Oregon. I couldn't figure out if they were highlighters or socks. Both teams wouldn't get rolling offensively until the second quarter.

Oregon came into the game leading the nation in scoring at 49.3 points per game but could only manage 19 against a big physical Auburn defense. The Ducks also boasted a bullying running attack that averaged over 300 yards but only managed 81 yards on the ground. In my opinion that one lone stat sealed the Ducks fate as their offense has to gain yards on the ground to be productive. Auburn stuffed the Ducks repeatedly and when Tigers tackle Mike Blanc dropped RB Lamichael James in the end-zone for a safety, it would give Auburn a lead they would never get back. James, the nation’s leading rusher was held to just 49 yards on 13 carries.

After the safety, Cam Newton was able to the Tigers down the field for a touchdown that put them up 16-11. Auburn would tack on a field goal before the Ducks threatened again. Oregon drove the ball down to the three and would have that many shots at the end-zone. The Auburn defense again would show what they were made of as they yet again suffocated Oregon. On 4th and 1 Tigers linebacker Josh Byrnes stifled Ducks RB Kenjon Burner for no gain and no score leaving the game 19-11.

From that point the game developed into a lull stage as both offenses moved the ball but did not score until the last minutes of the fourth. Oregon’s sputtering offense finally got some life as they got a converted a 4th and 5 from QB Darron Thomas to WR D.J. Davis on a crossing pattern. The referee was CLEARLY in the way of the Auburn defender and Davis managed to gain 29 yards and took it to the Auburn 11. Oregon would go on to punch in the touchdown three plays later and after the beautiful set-up on the 2pt conversion as Thomas found WR Jeff Maehl, and they tied the game 19-19.

The stage was set for the Heisman trophy winner to put on his cape as he walked onto the field. He was clearly in pain as the grimace on face told us that but he wouldn’t have to do much to seal the victory for the Tigers. He found Emory Blake for 15 yards on the first play and on the second play is where the controversy begins. Michael Dyer (22 carries 143 yards) took the hand-off from Newton, and he ran for a decent gain before being taken down by Oregon’s Eddie Pleasant. Notice as I said he was “taken down” and not tackled by the Oregon defender. Multiple coaches and teammates yelled at Dyer to continue running and he did just that going for 37 yards down to the Oregon 23, and putting Auburn into to field goal range. Sorry Oregon fans but the officiating crew got that one right. From every angle that you could see, Dyer’s knee didn’t touch the ground and although his hand was on the ground it was palm.

The non-tackle as it will be forever known in college football history set up Auburn on the 10 yard line and after a few antics and botched Cam Newton QB sneak, the Tigers kicked the game-winning field goal and gave War Eagle what it had been craving for the last 54 years, a national championship.

Other News and Notes:

SEC Domination: No denying that this win will start another round SEC chants for its fans and another round of discouraging comments from everyone else around the country. This makes for the 5th consecutive year that the conference has produced the national champion and it shows no signs of letting up. The SEC’s fierce in-conference battles are what make them so tough to beat in the post season. Just look at Auburn’s schedule and compare it to anyone else in the nation. Another impressive fact is that the last two national champs reside in Alabama. Bama may hate the Tigers in every semblance of the word but they have to take a bit of pride in that stat. The SEC will inevitably load again next year and send another representative to the championship game and continue to dominate the college scene.

Luck’s Decision: What is the deal with these Pac-10 quarterbacks? A year after we seen Jake Locker of Washington stock plummet and USC’s Matt Leinart do the same a few years earlier, Luck has made his choice to stay as well. Andrew Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford is admirable to say the least. The number 1 rated prospect was slated to make least between 30-50 million dollars. In most people opinion, if you tell them they are due for a payday of that nature, they wouldn’t think twice about returning to school. Luck’s admirable act sets the Cardinal up nicely next year, even with the departure of Jim Harbaugh. Luck has to be a bit wary of after stock like tumble of Locker. He does go into the season as the Heisman front-runner and his team should be ranked in the top 5 so that isn’t the worse thing to come back to while finishing your degree.

Miles to Michigan? : If this indeed does come true, I for one will be a sad man. Miles is one of the most animated and enjoyable coaches on the sidelines during the game. He will chomp on grass and chest bump with his players just to name couple of his antics. His game rants are the stuff of legends. It doesn’t get much better than "We would have plenty of yards we would have needed and that game would not have been a game that was so closely decided or it certainly would have put more pressure on our opponents." I mean, how could you not love a guy who can state the obvious in a not so obvious way.



Every game that his team’s play in, you can expect some type of mad hatter moment. Rather if it’s a fourth and goal flip to the holder play against South Carolina or the infamous play-clock meltdown against Tennessee, this guy always has a flair for the dramatics. Michigan is a place of the highest expectations. Miles already has high expectations at LSU but not the caliber of Michigan.



He is a Michigan man as he played and coached there so that’s a fit. Miles would be much more exciting as well than the exiting Rich Rodriguez who always seemed to be walking a thin line in the first place. Miles makes perfect sense the more I think about it but I just hate to see him leave us here SEC country if he does. As much as it pains me to say this, Michigan you need get your man. He in all signs is the anti-Rodriguez and is a great recruiter and just a winner. No you guys won’t get Jim Harbaugh but Les Miles would do just fine.


I enjoyed a great year covering the college football scene and look forward to next year. Until then my good folks enjoy the off-season. Congrats Auburn on you title, you deserved it.

College Football Weekend Finale

In what was suppose to be a down week as far as the good games, this week saw its share of close to the wire finishes, as Ohio State was able to pull out a thriller in Iowa City vs. the Hawkeyes, LSU and the mad hatter put on show with Jeremiah Masoli and Ole Miss, and Michigan State came from behind to stun Purdue. We even had some comic relief as Northwestern and Illinois played a one-way football game (All that was missing was the all-time quarterback) in historic Wrigley field.




The top three in Oregon, Auburn, and TCU were all idle, so the BCS standings stayed the same in that department for the fourth consecutive week. Following this weekend's games, there remains only one more week in college football's regular season which is such a bittersweet thought for me. Their are some exciting conference races that will come down to the last game in the Big Ten, Big 12 and the Big East. As the season winds down, now is where the great teams will separate themselves from the good teams.



Now lets breakdown the top games of the weekend:

Ohio State 20 Iowa 17 - Terelle Pryor just finds ways to win and when his team needed him, he put on a season-defining drive for the Buckeyes. On their next to last drive, Pryor led the Buckeyes on a 12 play 76 yard drive that would put them ahead for good. The drive would feature gorgeously lofted 50-yard bomb pass from Pryor to DeVier Posey that would have been a touchdown but was dropped by Posey on third and 10. Pryor wouldn't let that deter his team as he scrambled for 14-yards on fourth down to keep the chains moving. Pryor then completed a 24-yard pass to Dane Sanzebacher to set up Dan Herron's go-ahead score. The Hawkeyes and QB Ricky Stanzi couldn't muster up any late game heroics themselves on their last drive as the Buckeyes defense stuffed them. It was just a great performance for Pryor who was having a shaky game before leading his team on the game-winning drive. His athleticism rivals Heisman front-runner Cam Newton, with his length and speed. Iowa as I suspected had no answer for him on defense. The Buckeyes keep there Rose bowl chances alive with the win even though they are a long shot with Wisconsin being ranked higher than them in the BCS rankings.

Wisconsin 48 Michigan 28 - This one turned out exactly as I thought it would. The Wolverines just could not contain the powerful Badger run game. Wisconsin just pounded Michigan into submission with 354 yards rushing. RB Montee Ball, just the third string back two weeks ago, ran for 194 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman James White pitched in with 161 yards and two touchdowns. QB Scott Tolzien completed his first 10 passes and finished the day nearly perfect going 14 of 15 for 201 yards and an interception. Even in the lost, and Michigan QB Denard Robinson set the all-time record for QB rushing yards with 1,538 yards in a season after running for 121 yards on 22 carries. This is the Badgers first win at Michigan since 1994. Wisconsin built a 24-0 lead going into halftime and there was no way Michigan could overcome that lead with the way the Badgers run the ball. Wisconsin now is the highest rated BCS team in the Big Ten and if they win out they should make a run for the Roses in Pasadena.

Texas A&M 9 Nebraska 6 – This one was a low scoring affair that your dad would have been proud of. Cyrus Gray led the Aggies with a career high 137 yards and if you haven’t saw this guy play, your missing out. He was elusive and only got stronger as the game wore on. This was Gray’s fifth consecutive game over the century mark. The game was a defensive struggle for the entire night and Nebraska just couldn’t muster up any offense. They also committed way too many turnovers and a few key ones that may have cost them the game. The roughing the passer call on 3rd and 11 continued the drive that led to a go-ahead field goal by the Aggies. Taylor Martinez missed the last five minutes of the first quarter and the entire second quarter after hurting his right ankle. He came back for the third quarter and played the rest of the game despite noticeably being hobbled. He was flagged for intentional grounding on first down on Nebraska’s last drive and then sacked on third down. The biggest show of the game may have come on the sidelines as Cornhusker coach Bo Pellini was upset with Martinez for some apparent reason and resorted to shouting and poking his finger in the chest of his QB. The loss doesn’t affect the Huskers in the Big 12 south race as they still control their own destiny with a win next week over Colorado. The Aggies now have won four straight and look continue their hot streak and sneak into a New Year’s Day bowl.



Other News and Notables:

Northwestern vs. Illinois – Sometimes schools and administrations force things and this sure felt that way with this game being played at Chicago’s historic Wrigley field. This one had all the makings of a bad game with the teams only able to one way on offense. It was comical to say the least but Northwestern wanted this game played so badly and they made it happen, even if it wasn’t the best conditions. This was the butt of many jokes including where is the all-time QB? There was also a few Arena league quips. The sod was so lose on the field that most players spent their day trying not to slip. The one person who took advantage was Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure, running for a school record 330- yards. Illinois became bowl eligible with the win.

Stanford – After Cal nearly pulled off the upset of Oregon, the thinking was that they and the Clancy Pendergrast defense actually stood a chance in this one. In the great words of Lee Corso “Not so fast my friend”. The Cardinal went out and whooped the Golden Bears in the annual Big Game 48-14. Andrew Luck once again put on a great performance tossing two touchdown passes. He redeemed himself for his less than stellar performance in last year’s game. The 48 point outburst from Stanford was the highest scoring total ever for one team in this heated rivalry.

The Mad Hatter vs. The Nutt – Where is the D in the SEC? The 79 points the teams combined for are the most in the SEC this year. LSU came in with the No. 1 ranked defense in the SEC but allowed Jeremiah Masoli and the Rebels to rack up 36 points. This one had everything you expected from it when Les Miles and Houston Nutt teams get together. The teams traded blows back and forth in the 4th quarter combining for five touchdowns in the period. LSU is such a fun team to watch. They always play down or up to their competition so even they play a team like Ole Miss or Tennessee and it makes for a good game. The Tigers are entrenched in the BCS rankings at # 5 and should hold that ranking this week with the win.

College Football Weekend Finale

This is the time of the season when you can't lose. The BCS frowns upon late season losses and a few teams are now out of contention. Utah got exposed by TCU and the same goes for Arizona against Stanford. Alabama saw their defense of the national title go up in flames at the hands of the "Mad Hatter" and LSU.

Now for the breakdown of those games and some other notables I saw this weekend:

LSU 24 Alabama 21  - This was an old fashioned SEC slugfest but the hatter was in full effect in Baton Rouge. Les Miles was chomping on grass and making gutsy calls in the Tigers victory of the Crimson Tide. "I have a little tradition that humbles me as a man, that lets me know that I'm a part of the field and part of the game," said Miles. LSU got an unusual good performance out of QB Jordan Jefferson who was 10/13 for 141 yards and 1 touchdown. If Jefferson had played this way the whole year, its possible LSU could have been undefeated. Jared Lee also came in and made some clutch throws down the stretch, including the de facto game ender, a 47-yard bomb to Rueben Randall on the final possession. Say what you want to about Miles, but nobody has the galls to make some of the calls he makes. The reverse pitch on fourth and 1 was the hatter at his best. Deangelo Peterson would take it 23-yards to set up Steven Ridley's 1 yard touchdown run. It just seems Miles has a special flair for the dramatics. Most people say he is crazy but I see a Coach who teams love to play for him. Alabama meanwhile squandered its opportunity it had to control their own destiny."I don't think there's an excuse. They beat us. They really did," said Greg McElroy QB of the Crimson Tide. "They did a great job. Credit their players and their coaches. We just didn't come out and play the way we should have played. LSU now has an outside shot at the SEC west title but would need Auburn to lose their next two games.

TCU 47 Utah 7 - This one got out of control in a hurry. TCU was able to dominate the Utes on both sides of the ball and just blew them out of the water. Andy Dalton threw for a career high 355 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 20-0 lead as Dalton threw two touchdown passes early and Jeremy Kerley, the former high school QB, throwing one himself. Utah's inexperience showed as they had the deer in the headlights look. I thought that TCU would win but defintely not in this fashion. Jordan Wynn was ineffective and had horrible numbers finishing 16/35 for 148 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He started 5 of 12 for 42 yards, with a sack and a fumble and just couldn't find his way from there against the nation's number 1 ranked defense. Any shot of Utah busting the BCS party is over after this demolition they took (I did like the camouflage and black uniforms the Utes had on though.) "This ranks up there with any game I've played," said Dalton, a senior who recently got engaged. "I have grown up. My team relies more on me now to make plays and not just manage the game." TCU looks to be in good position should one of the top two teams falter in the upcoming weeks.

Stanford 42 Arizona 17  - I had a feeling that Stanford was due for a let down game and lets just say I've been wrong before. The Cardinal laid a beat down on the Wildcats. Andrew Luck continues to show why he is the best college QB and the projected number one pick in next years draft. Luck was throwing lasers and ate the Wildcats secondary up for lunch. He finished 23/32 for 293 yards and 2 touchdowns. Stanford would go up 21-3 by halftime and never let the Wildcats in the game. I was impressed with the way they kept their foot to the throat of Arizona. Nick Fowles returned for the Wildcats but as expected was a little rusty in returning from injury and the number 1 ranked defense in the PAC-10 was just overwhelmed by Luck's precision passes. From the looks of this game, Luck could play in the NFL right now. He makes accurate throws and has a rocket launcher arm. Stanford is enjoying its best season in 40 years and remain in contention for the Rose Bowl, sitting in second place in the conference. They would need a Oregon loss but from the sounds of it, Luck will let the cards fall as they may. "I know there's many different situations about bowl games and what not," Luck said. "That all doesn't really matter unless we win. So we're taking it like that."

Other notables games and players:

Oklahoma State - How bout them Cowboys? OK State had it rolling on offense and Justin Blackmon may just be the best receiver in college football. He made some spectacular plays including a 69-yard reverse that had me jumping out of my seat. Blackmon was returning from a suspension after being charged with a DUI last weekend and made the most of his return. The Baylor Bears just had no answer for the Cowboys on offense. Brandon Weeden threw for school record 435 yards and Oklahoma State set another school record rolling up 725 yards of total offense. For me though, it was Blackmon who stole the show. He showed his versatility with the reverse but also made catch after catch as Weeden kept feeding him the ball. He finished with 13 catches for 173 yards and 1 touchdown catch.I was really impressed by the Cowboys offense.

Oklahoma - This team never looked championship caliber to me and now are proving it. Texas A&M was able to shut down the Sooners offense and really just beat them up on defense. The Aggies built a 19-0 lead and never trailed. This team doesn't have the championship mental fortitude. When they get down as they did with Missouri, they lack the spirit from within to comeback. They have to many offensive breakdowns in the most critical situations of the game. I will give them credit for rallying in the third quarter but I am disappointed in Oklahoma and Bob Stoops this year.

Michigan vs. Illinois - 67-65 are you kidding me? I was watching another game as the score rolled by on the bottom of the screen and I had to remember that it was a football game and not a basketball one. The stats are incredible from this game. The teams would combine to roll up 1237 yards of offense and 58 first downs. Roy Roundtree would set the Michigan all-time one game receiving yard total with 246 yards. Denard Robinson threw for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns before giving way to Tate Forcier who came in and threw for another 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. This wasn't your father Big 10 game as the defense's was defense-less against the offensive onslaught. I'm sure Rich Rodriguez could care less how he gets the win as long as he gets it these days. It was such an entertaining game and Michigan is now bowl eligible for the first time under Rich Rod.

Penn State and Joe Paterno - You have to give it up for Joe Pa. He got his 400th career victory as head coach, as his Nittany Lions came from behind to beat Northwestern 41-35. Even if you don't like Paterno, you have to respect his 400 wins. The longevity of his career is remarkable and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.