Well, college football does it again. It's inevitable that every team will lose but I thought everything was pointing to the OSU/Mich game for that decision. I sure didn't think Penn State would the one to throw the monkey wrench into the works. :?
Thanks Don, no nothing in stone and like most years there will be very few undefeated teams come December. The upset last night was just totally surprising at least to me it was. We still have all of November to get through. 8)
Well a lot of great games this past weekend. The Alabama game was a great to watch, the Kiffin offense has certainly evolved the Tide from what it was with A J McCarron to what it is now with Hurts. I had to laugh at the comment that the broadcast crew attributed to Kiff on how he got Jalen Hurts to Tuscaloosa. He said he wanted to be a pocket passer so he could play in the NFL, Kiffin told him he'd make him into that...watching the offense, I wonder when and why? The OU/Tech game was just wild, I've rarely seen anything like that...well at least not since their 68-55 loss to Ariz State earlier this year! You have to wonder why can't they get a defense to Lubbock. The Ohio State loss to Penn State was shocking to say the least. But maybe it's been coming on for a few weeks, after scoring 70 and 58 points earlier in the season, the last few games have been less explosive for the Buckeyes. They had a hard time getting started vs IU and same vs Wisc with only 6 points at halftime. Buckeyes still have it all in front of them, if they win out that means beating Mich and winning the B1G championship they will be in the playoffs. We probably are seeing the last days of Charlie Strong Texas HC. That was a brutal loss to KSU, and Baylor had the week off to prepare for the game this sat in Austin. I'm sure those guys remember the ugly loss to Texas at home last year. To be fair the Bears were without any QB's and had to play a WR at QB. But still that loss has to stick in their craws more than a little. Forecast for Austin. Pain. Wash State also controls it's destiny, after a bad loss to open the season vs E.Wash and a close loss to very good Boise State team they have found their stride and the Apple Cup looms large for them. Neb continues on it's roll and the whole season rides on the next two games @Wisc and @OSU. Win those and playoff talks will be heard from Lincoln. Houston, we have a problem. Our coach has 1 foot out the door and the team seems like it is playing like that. Cougars have definitely lost their mojo and I wonder if some of the gloss on Herman is also gone. Michigan up to #2, can't see them losing till the big show down in Columbus. Quietly both Baylor and WVU are heading towards a showdown that could result in one of them finishing undefeated. Which will definitely impact the Playoffs. I think everybody assumes Alabama is 1 of the 4, and the ACC chamion if it's Clemson is 2 and the B1G Champion if it's Michigan or Ohio State is 3 and Washington if they are undefeated the 4th. But what if the winner of Baylor/WVU goes undefeated? That'll get dicey. Of course there are a lot of games left to go and all of those undefeated could be waylaid like Ohio State was this weekend.
Following our loss to Penn State, could the Spartans possibly bring down Michigan in East Lansing? That would have to be a stretch, but anything is possible in this weird season.
You think Harbaugh isn't hyper competitive? Late in the blowout win over Illinois, there was a questionable spot on a 3rd down and they reviewed it and the both said it was good. Harbaugh without being asked brought it up in his press conference and called it the worst call he'd ever seen. http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17875584/michigan-coach-jim-harbaugh-complains-officiating-saturday-blowout-victory I'll bet he knows about Woody going for 2 against UM years ago when the outcome was no longer in doubt for a big Buckeye win. When asked after the game why, he responded because he couldn't go for 3. I would not be shocked if given the chance to stick it to Urban and the Buckeyes he'll do it!
Cody O'Connell, who I posted a story about one the first page of this topic, was named First Team All-American by the Sporting News. He is also a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which will be announced later today. Interesting that he wasn't picked up for either first or second team all-conference.