Thursday, September 27, 2012
What gives the home team in college football such an advantage?
Perhaps it's the wavering emotional state of young men barely creeping into their twenties. One of the most fundamental needs of a human is that of safety and survival. When you're not in familiar confines, focus can dwindle from the task at hand.
But a squad of home-sick football players doesn't equate to poor road performances -- there's more to it than that. The noise akin to that of a jet engine from a distance of 100 feet can be found in the Bayou, but a fuzzy mind and bleeding ears don't always guarantee victory to the home team. The last, and most crucial aspect. of course, is a good team.
If you want to be tough and intimidating at home, be a steamroller in neutral venues and in road contests as well. The best in the business are good no matter where they play, but that makes them all the more dangerous when they're in their own back yard. These are things the Miami Hurricanes from 1985 to 1994 discovered with a record 58 consecutive home wins, but few have threatened similar figures since.
With these factors in mind, what teams are the worst on-field hosts to visiting teams?
Here are my picks for the top six teams with the biggest home-field advantage in college football:
6. Oklahoma Sooners
If I would have made this list a week ago there is a good chance the Sooners would have found themselves at the top of the list. Over the last ten seasons no team from a BCS conference has been more dominant at home than OU going 63-2 from 2002 to 2011 -- including a 17-1 record over the past three seasons. But the disappointing showing against the Kansas State Wildcats tarnishes the polish and leaves the wound a little too fresh.
5. Wisconsin Badgers
Madison is known as a must-visit destination for college football tailgating where the atmosphere is unlike any other. The craziness doesn't stop in the parking lot though as the Badgers carried a 59-10 record at home over the last ten years (7th best in the nation). Despite a disappointing beginning to this year, Wisconsin is still 20-1 over the last three seasons in their own backyard -- no one in the nation is better over that time.
4. LSU Tigers
The home of the Bayou Bengals is near the top of my bucket list of places I want to watch a college football game in my lifetime. Not only is Death Valley the place where eardrums go to perish, it's also backed up with devastating results in favor of the home team. Try a stellar 62-8 record for LSU over the last ten years (5th best) and a 19-1 mark from '09 to '11. Oh yeah, and the team is pretty good too.
3. Oregon Ducks
Autzen Stadium and the Ducks offer a one-of-a-kind experience from the amazing architecture of the campus to the eclectic uniform-of-the-day offered for Oregon fans. The green and white (and sometimes metallic silver) may be thought of as newcomers to the national powerhouse landscape but the truth of the matter is that not many have owned home turf as well as Oregon. From 2002 to 2011 the Ducks held the 15th best record at home, going 52-13. More telling, however, is the 19-1 tally from '09 to '11 --and don't expect a slip-up anytime soon.
2. Boise State Broncos
They're not your grandpa's Boise State team, nor are they the same squad of the Kellen Moore era. While the boys of the Smurf Turf may not present the high-profile talent we're used to of the past five years they still boast one heck of an unwelcoming statement for any team who dares visit Boise, Idaho. With the best home record in FBS the past ten years at 63-2, no one has been tougher at home than the Broncos -- including an 18-1 mark from '09 to '11.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Lately the Crimson Tide have conjured up the spirits of 'Bama football past when the program won 57 straight home games between 1963 and 1982. The Hurricanes of Miami (FL) may have trumped their run since but the Tide are certainly the more currently relevant program as they shoot for their third national championship in four years. Over the last ten seasons the boys from Tuscaloosa have built up a stingy 55-17 record at home. Even more impressive (and telling of their recent run) is the 19-2 resume' of the past three years. No one wins more at home (or anywhere) than Alabama, and they're the best team in the nation -- an unbeatable combination.
(2002 - 2011 records courtesy: http://football.stassen.com/records/...-advanced.html)
Sound Off: What are your top college football teams with the best home-field advantage?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Alabama football should consider changing its mascot.
Crimson Tide doesn't adequately capture the destruction their football program has caused to the rest of the college football landscape. Crimson Tsunami perhaps, or at least Crimson Tidal-Wave might be more appropriate. Everything and everyone in the path -- whether stationary or in motion -- has been flattened by 'Bama in recent years and thus far in the 2012 season.
Michigan was first to absorb the unstoppable force despite having arguably the most electrifying quarterback in college football, Denard Robinson. The Wolverines -- a top-15 team -- may be 2-2 on the season but only lost to #11 Notre Dame by a touchdown. Sure they lost to Alabama, but who wouldn't?
Western Kentucky (3-1) has beaten the likes of Southern Miss and SEC bottom-feeder Kentucky. Their fate against Alabama? A humiliating 35-point shoutout performance. Likewise, Arkansas (an early season SEC dark-horse and #10 to start the year) was throttled by the Crimson Tide 52-0.
Forget the SEC's dominance, the more appropriate question may be: Can anyone or any thing stop the Crimson Tide?
At this point it looks as if the week of October 6th may present the most challenging competition for Alabama. But they won't be hosting any teams in Tuscaloosa or traveling to an SEC rival. Instead, they'll be resting at home during a week of practice. Practice against a depth chart that fields as much athleticism, speed, and football know-how as many squads can boast in their starting lineups.
After that, the most troubling games will likely come in the way of road trips against Missouri, Tennessee, and #3 LSU. Troubling, however, is a relative term in regards to Alabama this year as the impact of a conference road game may not show in if the Crimson Tide win, but instead by how wide a margin.
The Tigers of LSU will no doubt present the most-hyped matchup, but the vulnerability of their offense (as exposed by the Auburn Tigers in a 12-10 victory for LSU) has raised serious questions as to how they might compare to Alabama. After that, it's a waiting game until the SEC championship game where either South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida awaits.
But the problem for any of those teams (and any squad in FBS) is that Alabama plays lights-out in neutral venues and in big games. If you want to beat the Crimson Tide you've got to catch them in your own house and play perfect football. The likes of Oregon or Florida State may present respectable matchups for 'Bama, but neither will have home-field advantage if they are to meet for the national championship.
But "perfect" football against Alabama isn't enough. The Crimson Tide must also beat themselves, but don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen. They have thrown exactly zero interceptions on the year and fumbled as many times. We're not talking fumbles lost -- 'Bama hasn't even fumbled, period.
They have the 13th ranked scoring offense (42 ppg), second-ranked scoring defense (5.3 ppg), and own the flow of every game they are a part of; averaging 208 rushing yards per outing (38th in the nation).
A monumental shift must take place to slow down the momentum of Alabama if the rest of the college football nation wants to prevent a third title in four years by the boys in Tuscaloosa. But it's going to take a super-human effort to get it done -- the type of force that shifts the changing tides of the sea.
If only the moon could intervene. If only Alabama football would make a mistake once in a while. If only we would accept that the Crimson Tide would likely flatten anyone in their path regardless.
Sound Off: Will Alabama lose a game this year?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
When Bill Belichick reached for and briefly grabbed the arm of an official following Sunday night's loss to Baltimore, all he really wanted was an explanation -- or so he said.
The decision to make contact with the referee will likely lead to a fine and possible suspension for Belichick, but there's nothing wrong with asking for clarification. Unfortunately for the anti-social model of stoicism, Belichick's problem wasn't that he wanted an explanation -- it's that he felt he deserved one; that it was owed to him.
Coach Belichick has been overanalyzed, misunderstood, and underappreciated his entire NFL head coaching career. The son of Steve Belichick, Bill was watching and breaking down football film with his dad since he was in elementary school. Steve, who spent a significant part of his career as a football scout, literally wrote the book on football scouting methods.
Few doubt the football knowledge and situational genius of Bill Belichick. But for every strategic on-field advantage orchestrated by the coach there is an unappreciative too-good-for-this press conference moment. And for each perfectly structured personnel grouping to build a dynasty there has been a Spygate scandal.
The NFL is America's most popular sport which thrives on support of fans fueled by connections to personalities within the game. If it was up to Bill Belichick, professional football would be played in a dark basement away from cameras and lights. It would be fought on a sheet of paper or a board atop a table with pawns, void of emotions.
To him, football is a game meant for great minds -- the best of which excel at the strategy involved in structuring a team. Spectators only get in the way.
The problem with Bill Belichick is that he's smarter than the rest of us when it comes to football. There's no way we could know what he knows about the game and we're an insult to his intelligence.
But the biggest issue with the coach is that his game is our NFL. Bill Belichick wants to have his cake and eat it too, but if he continues to show disgust towards the media and entitlement with officials he'll continue to find himself with a plate full of something worse.
The problem with Bill Belichick is that he's due for a serving of crow. Perhaps the bitter taste of a Ravens defeat will suffice.
Sound Off: Should Bill Belichick be suspended for grabbing an NFL official? Does the genius of the coach outweigh his abrasive personality?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Monday, September 24, 2012
03:38 PM - September 24, 2012. Written by jmik58
Just when you think a once-big-name-program is about to cement its place on the map, the team finds a way to let down their fans even though they know to expect it.
The likes of Florida State and Notre Dame, however, decided to buck the trend in week four as they pulled out crucial victories while Oklahoma fell at home to the surging Wildcats of Kansas State. But sometimes a win isn't enough as the LSU Tigers found out Sunday with the release of the latest polls. Thanks to the performance of the Oregon Ducks and a close win against Auburn by the Tigers, fans in Eugene are sitting pretty while the folks in the Bayou are on the outside looking in.
Sometimes a win isn't a "win" -- and sometimes your coach goes for two despite the other team not scoring an offensive point all game. That's just college football, and that was week four.
Here are five winners and losers from week four of the college football season.
FIVE TEAMS ON THE RISE
#3 Oregon (4-0)
Week 4: #22 Arizona, won 49-0.
Week 5: Washington State (2-2)
- It's important not to read too much into one dominating performance but the Ducks looked like the complete package against the Wildcats. For the number three team in the polls to play even better than their ranking it says a lot. Oregon can run of course (303.8 ypg), throw for over 260 yards a game, but more impressively is that they are home to the 36th ranked scoring defense in the land (18.3 ppg). After LSU's performance, the Ducks look to be the clear-cut favorite to lock down the number two spot in the polls.
Week 4: #6 Oklahoma, won 24-19.
Week 5: No Game
- The Wildcats are clearly positioning themselves as this year's version of the Baylor Bears -- but even better. Naturally, Collin Klein at quarterback fills the slot as the RG3 for the 2012 season, even though Klein is more known for his bulldozing style of running the ball. As good as the linebacker-sized passer is for K-State, however, it's their defense that has impressed thus far allowing only 15.5 points per game (26th in the nation).
Week 4: #18 Michigan, won 13-6.
Week 5: No Game
- Make no mistake, the Irish definitely should have won this game, but it's the fact that they actually did win that sets them apart. Notre Dame will always have the players and will always have the tough schedule, but they haven't been able to win the big games. Unfortunately, Notre Dame will be forced to continue that trend the rest of the year as their season lineup never relents. The one area of pause for the Irish is their afinity for the close game at home, defeating Purdue by only three and now Michigan by six. Disappointment awaits in the future, but can Notre Dame fight it off until another year?
Week 4: #10 Clemson, won 49-37.
Week 5: South Florida (2-2)
- Like Notre Dame, the Seminoles had to win this game to prove their hype. It came as no surprise to me that they pulled it out, but based on FSU's recent history of disappointment it still speaks volumes to the program's ability to actually live up to their early-season potential. Everyone knew that Clemson was going to score points and that FSU would follow suit, but the way that the 'Noles took control in the second half sent a serious message as folks in Tallahassee can celebrate until the regular season finale matchup with #11 Florida.
Week 4: #19 UCLA, won 27-20.
Week 5: Arizona (3-1)
- If you're only going to play two games through the first four weeks of the season make sure they're both against ranked teams and you win. The Beavers seem to welcome that philosophy and have executed wonderfully. They haven't quite put together enough of a package to assess how serious they are over the long-haul, but victories of Wisconsin and now UCLA have the rest of the nation paying attention.
BYU (2-2)
Week 4: #24 Boise State, lost 6-7.
Week 5: Hawaii (1-2)
- The Cougars have been a bit of a disappointment this year at 2-2. Both of their losses have been by a combined four points and chaos or controversy have surrounded each contest. First it was Utah upsetting BYU despite multiple attempts at a game-tying field goal by the Cougars. Then it was the mediocre Boise State Broncos defeating BYU without scoring a single offensive point. To make matters worse, Cougars head coach Bronco Mendenhall went for two instead of sending the game to overtime even though the Broncos had zero offense or a serious field goal threat.
Week 4: Auburn, won 12-10.
Week 5: Towson
- For the second straight week the second-ranked team in the nation finds a spot on my "Teams on the Decline" list. Last week it was USC after a loss to Stanford, but this week the Tigers make an appearance due to an underwhelming performance despite winning their contest over Auburn (see: Texas week three). The Tigers had built up quite a resume' over the first three weeks but the competition was lacking serious clout. The struggles of LSU against an flailing Auburn squad brings to question if the Bayou Bengals have the offensive fire-power to overcome a similar fate to that of 2011.
Week 4: #3 Oregon, lost 0-49.
Week 5: #18 Oregon State (2-0)
- A 3-0 start to the Rich Rodriguez era doesn't look quite as impressive after a horrible showing against the Ducks. The Wildcats' victory over a young Oklahoma State team in week two now looks more like a contest settled by inexperience and jet-lag than by dominating superiority. The 'Cats moved the ball at a respectable clip but a lack of efficiency and quality decision making at quarterback held them back. Arizona hopes that Oregon is really just that good or it could be a rough trip throught he PAC-12.
Week 4: #15 Kansas State, lost 19-24.
Week 5: No Game
- Since when do top-tier teams from the Big-12 play defense? Most knew that for the Wildcats to pull the upset they would need the exploits of Collin Klein to get it done. But few expected the Sooners offense to be held to nineteen points and only 88 yards rushing for the game. Conversely, K-State had little problem moving the ball on the ground, rushing for 213 yards in route to the victory. Big-Game Bob Stoops is losing his edge in Norman and must lead the Sooners to an undefeated run through the remainder of the season for a shot at the conference title.
Week 4: UAB, won 29-15.
Week 5: #20 Michigan State (3-1)
- Just when you think the Buckeyes are starting to hit their stride as a national powerhouse they show a lack of focus by overlooking a struggling UAB squad. Perhaps Ohio State was looking ahead to their matchup with the Spartans, but this game was a perfect example of how hard it can be to predict athletic performances involving immature young men. The Buckeyes truly played down to the level of competition that the Blazers brought to town. OSU can't bank on an ability to just "turn it on" when necessary if they want to disrupt the national landscape. This week's game could seriously expose their youth and mental toughness as they travel to Lansing for a difficult road contest.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Friday, September 21, 2012
College football randawesomeness packed into 120 seconds or less (reading levels not checked); getting you up to speed on the weekend ahead and dropping you off on a gravel road three miles outside of town.
FALSE START ON EVERYONE
Thirty undefeated teams remain in the FBS -- nine of which come from the Big-12 -- and chances are that not many of them will last much longer. Squads such as Mississippi State, Arizona, and UCLA needed their 3-0 bursts but conference schedules await. Notre Dame is staring a deadly schedule in the face that never relents the rest of the year while an Ohio Bobcats team has the worst behind them.
The Big East is opening up as a two, possibly three team race between Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati. This weekend's contest between Florida State and Clemson will likely end one team's national title hunt as both are the only remaining undefeated teams in the ACC. Ohio State, Minnesota, and Northwestern are the last remaining loss-free hopes of the Big-Ten while the Big-12 has only seen losses from Kansas (2) and Oklahoma State.
Look for the number of perfect records to continue to drop as we head into week five of the season. I'm predicting only 20 will remain after Saturday.
HAWKEYES RUNNING BACK CURSE
If you're a fan of Iowa football or follow Big Ten football there's a good chance you've heard of AIRBHG: Angry Iowa Running Back Hating God. How else do you describe what has happened to a long list of Hawkeyes runners over the past 11 seasons?
It's the reason the eighth-string back from this spring -- I said eighth! -- will be starting tomorrow's game against Central Michigan, and he's not even a halfback. Mark Weisman, a walk-on fullback rumbled for 113 yards and three scores in a victory over Northern Iowa last week. It's literally that bad in Iowa that no healthy halfbacks are left on the roster. Zero.
But if anyone in the vicinity of Iowa City has any eligibility, please send application and resume' to the follow Craigslist ad: Healthy Iowa RB. Just keep in mind that 2006 was the last season a scholarship running back finished their senior year while still enrolled at the University of Iowa.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF FOOTBALL
If you thought Oregon put out some monstrous renditions of football uniform aesthetics, check out the slime-dipped design of Atlantic High School out of Delray Beach, Florida. On the bright side (as if they aren't bright enough) the lime green could double as a green screen to display weather report maps or other computer generated advertisement overlays. What say you, ESPN?
PICK ME OUT A LOSER
When I go bowling I claim to be the king of the nine-pin knockdown. Anyone can blast all ten pens to the waxed floor, but it takes skill to leave just one -- at least that's my philosophy.
I'm justifying my 0-5 on picks last week to a similar type of reverse-logic skill. In week one I got all five picks so it was time to show how good (or not) I truly am. This week I'm determined to return to to my typical place of slightly above average -- shooting for 3 out of 5.
#11 Notre Dame over #18 Michigan, North Carolina beats East Carolina, #6 Oklahoma takes down #15 Kansas State, #7 South Carolina survives Mizzou, and #4 Florida State smashes #10 Clemson.
UTE MIGHT WANNA WAIT UNTIL IT'S OVER
In case you missed it, Utah upset BYU in their annual rivalry game last weekend but the fans stole the show. Not once. Not twice. But three times the students of Utah stormed the field after the Utes' victory -- or so they thought.
Originally the game clock ran out causing fans to rush the field in celebration. Once the replay dust had settled, enough time remained for a final play and field goal kick. The kick was blocked and the gridiron was once again infiltrated by a sea of red. Unfortunately for Utah, the ball was recovered in the backfield by BYU and was in the process of being advanced as the fans stormed the field, resulting in a penalty on Utah and an untimed down.
Naturally, BYU missed the easier field goal to lose the Holy War by three points. Unsure of themselves, Utah fans stormed the field for the final time on the night.
Thanks to the Cougars and Utes for inspiring this week's Meme of the week: Devoted to Utah fans everywhere.
LONG SNAPPER SPOTLIGHT
Last but not least, welcome again to the caboose of TMD's football train. Whether for good or bad, long snappers need lovin' too.
This week's focus belongs to an NFL player who could also double as the tough-man of the week. Technically, he deserved the red carpet for his week-one performance against the Saints but TMD has limited space in the spotlight. No, I'm not talking about Robert Griffin III (obviously since he's not a long snapper). Instead, I'm talking about Redskins snapper Nick Sundberg.
What's so special about Sundberg? He played against New Orleans with a broken arm. Further explanation not required.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Major League Baseball is often thought of as a game meant for children but played -- and messed up -- by grown men.
The slow pace of a game of professional baseball is not for everyone and the lengthy season can be difficult to follow. Add in an All-Star game that decides home-field advantage for the World Series; a replay system that is inferior to that of the Little League World Series, and you have the formula for a sport that is losing the casual fan.
But as much as the MLB is painted as a non-progressive sport, they may have finally hit a home run with their playoff format change in 2012.
The final day of the 2011 regular season was magical. It was the greatest novel that any baseball writer, fan, or historian could have dreamed of, but better. The climax came at the perfect time as the protagonists rose to the occasion and the teams in free-fall lost their place at the top. Teams with a grip lost it, those without one slid in. Baseball wanted that day to last forever so they made a change.
One extra wild card team has been added and those boring 162 games have suddenly become exciting around the 130-game mark. Many times in the past the four playoff spots in each league would be all but decided by this point with the only question revolving around which team out of the AL East would be division champion while the other claimed the wild card.
At this point in the season there are approximately 15 games left to be played. Considering the ten-game collapse of the Braves and others in 2011, anything can happen between now and the rest of the year. In 2009, five teams in the American League were within six games and five from the National League were within seven games of the wild card on this date -- September 20th. By the end of the year, however, Boston (eight game lead) and Colorado (four-game lead) easily took home postseason births with Texas and San Francisco being the odd-men out. What if the Rangers and Giants would have been given one more shot?
In 2010, New York claimed the AL wild card by six games over Boston while Atlanta claimed the spot in the NL by a single game over San Diego. With 15 games to go, six teams were within 8.5 games of the AL Wild Card with four teams within 5.5 of the NL wild card.
And finally we glance back at 2011. St. Louis -- the eventual World Series champions -- slipped in on the final day by one game over Atlanta as Tampa Bay did the same over Boston in the American League. But how great would it have been to see our current format played out last year?
St. Louis, a team on the rise, faces off against Atlanta who has free fallen over the last two weeks. Likewise, the Red Sox had slid mightily while the Rays blasted their way in. But what if the Sox and Braves had one chance to recover and regroup? What if the Cardinals never stepped foot into the 2011 postseason?
That improbable World Series game six would have never happened. Perhaps Texas would be world champions now. The possibilities are what make sports amazing. The chance to be kept on the edge of our seats.
As of yesterday, Oakland and Baltimore were tied for the top spot in the American League wild card while the LA Angels sat three games back; Detroit Tigers five back. In the National League, Atlanta has the top spot all but wrapped up with a seven-game lead over St. Louis. But after that it gets interesting. Including the Cardinals, seven teams are within seven games of the second spot with approximately 15 games to play.
Four teams in each league fighting for two spots instead of one. A larger margin for error and more room for plot twists. The last month of the regular season has never felt so exciting.
Sound Off: Are you a fan of the new MLB playoff format? What teams in each league do you see making the playoffs as wild card representatives?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
If the Big Ten was hoping 2012 would be the year they would interfere with the SEC's national championship run, consider the only remaining undefeated candidates from the conference: Northwestern, Minnesota, and Ohio State.
The Buckeyes, of course, aren't even eligible for postseason play. And how fitting for the way this year has started for the B1G as Ohio State appears to be the best of the bunch -- and that's not saying much.
Maybe it's poor recruiting, a weak talent pool of high school talent, graduation of key players, coaching changes or some other excuse. Regardless of the culprit-of-the-day it's hard to dodge the blame for nearly any team in a collection of Midwest teams that looks left behind by the rest of the BCS nation.
The season started off promising enough with a 10-2 record in week one -- including a 1-1 record versus BCS conference teams and Michigan State's victory over #24 Boise State. But week two is where it all fell apart; when the warning siren roared -- maybe the rough and tough Big-Ten can't keep up on a year-by-year basis.
Six wins and five losses in week two -- only one win in seven tries against BCS foes. Horrible defeats of Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Illinois highlighted a rough trip west for the conference. Iowa couldn't find an offense, Michigan was still licking its wounds from Alabama, and a kicker meltdown by Penn State in a loss against Virginia was icing on the cake. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
And the lingering impact of the state of the Big-Ten has remained raw since then. Despite a 10-2 record in week three (2-1 versus BCS teams) much of the sports-talk nation is still abuzz over how weak the teams within supposedly are. As Gary Armida wrote Monday about the Yankees' survival in a market that views each game on knee-jerk all-or-nothing reactions, "...the immediacy of analysis, however flawed, has taken over as the most important characteristic of competing news organizations."
Is this just a major swing for sensational media attention feeding off one single week? Is the Big Ten really in that much trouble?
Luckily for the conference, this week's slate of games holds only four serious challenges for the Big-Ten -- three against BCS opponents. Temple takes on Penn State, Michigan faces Notre Dame, Syracuse travels to Minnesota, and a dangerous Louisiana Tech team heads to Illinois. It's hard to find a guaranteed win within those games, but it's safe to say that Minnesota and Illinois must take their matchups. If Penn State can win any game it's a plus -- the Nittany Lions are living an implied mess.
But if B1G fans want any credibility in the media moving forward, they must hope for a surprise victory by the Wolverines over Notre Dame. And if any of the other teams in the conference lose their games? Better hope for a big news day on Sunday to distract from the Big-Ten hate.
BCS conference numbers through three weeks:
- Big-12 is 23-3
- Kansas has two losses
- 8 of 10 teams undefeated
- 3-1 BCS non-conference record
- ACC is 24-12
- Includes five conference games
- 5-6 BCS non-conference record
- PAC-12 is 24-10
- Includes one conference game
- Five undefeated teams
- 6-3 BCS non-conference record
- Big East is 15-7
- Includes two conference games
- Three undefeated teams
- 4-4 BCS non-conference record
- SEC is 29-12
- Includes six conference games
- Six undefeated teams
- 3-4 BCS non-conference record
- Big Ten is 26-9
- Three undefeated teams (Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State)
- 5-8 BCS non-conference record (Including MSU vs. Boise State)
Sound Off: Is Big-Ten football in trouble or is their week-two performance being blown out of proportion?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Monday, September 17, 2012
10:22 AM - September 17, 2012. Written by jmik58
Whoever decided that gambling on college football was a bad idea might be onto something.
Just when you think you've figured out a team they go and change on you. Teams that looked to have turned a corner fell flat on their face and others who looked dead in the water suddenly were resurrected. To make matters worse, a few games had a combination of both.
Maybe it's due to a lack of team chemistry or depth. In other cases we have teams with plenty of talent but are still in the process of learning a new scheme on offense or defense. And then there is the youth factor. We're talking about unpredictable 18 to 22 year old young men. Sometimes they overreact and other times they seem indifferent -- if only we could figure out when and where.
Here are five winners and losers from week three of the college football season.
FIVE TEAMS ON THE RISE
#21 Stanford (3-0)
Week 3: #2 USC, won 21-14.
Week 4: Washington (2-1)
- Is this the same Cardinal team that beat San Jose State by just three points in week one? Regardless of what happened in previous weeks, Stanford knocked USC down to size and ended their national championship hopes. Many will point to the 202 rushing yards by the Cardinal on the day, but it was the performance of the defense that stood out the most. Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley couldn't keep his jersey clean in the second half as the men from Troy were shutout after taking a 14-7 halftime lead. Stanford held USC to 26 rushing yards, 280 total yards, and only 1-13 on 3rd down conversions.
Week 3: #10 Michigan State, won 20-3.
Week 4: #18 Michigan (2-1)
- In my week one recap I chose the Spartans as one of my teams on the decline after their victory over Boise State. Notre Dame exposed the one-dimensional offense of Michigan State by shutting down their running game while Sparty had no answer through the air. MSU still has one of the toughest defenses in the country and the Irish performed well enough on offense to earn major respect points. Notre Dame was only 1-14 on 3rd down during the game but smart decisions on offense helped with zero turnovers put the pressure on the Spartans offense who couldn't deliver.
Week 3: #13 Virginia Tech, won 35-17.
Week 4: Gardner-Webb
- If you read my Big East preview it may not come as a surprise that I expected a performance like this out of Pittsburgh -- but who could have predicted it would be so dominant? After an 0-2 start it was clear that the constant coaching carousel was doing a serious number on the cohesiveness of the Panthers squad. Pitt has enough talent and experience to take the less-than-impressive Big East and obviously enough to trip up the Hokies at home. As much as I expect this to vault the Panthers through the rest of the year we all know how fast things can fall apart in college football.
Week 3: Wake Forest, won 52-0.
Week 4: #10 Clemson (3-0)
- I've been taking a wait-and-see approach to the Seminoles this year. For a few years we've heard the hype only to see FSU disappear. This year the excitement has mounted but the 'Noles have yet to play any serious competition. There was a real chance Florida State could have been caught looking ahead to a matchup with Clemson as Wake Forest was fresh off a strong win over North Carolina. But the Demon Deacons looked like a bad group of hungover coeds trying to figure out the right way to buckle up their chin straps. FSU held Wake Forest to 126 total yards while stacking up 612 of their own -- highlighted by a 27 to 7 margin in the first-down column. Next week's contest against Clemson will be a must-see matchup to set up the rest of the season for the ACC's best.
Week 3: #23 Tennessee, won 37-20.
Week 4: Kentucky (1-2)
- It really appeared as if the Volunteers had what it took to hang with and beat the Gators. But a 14-10 lead disappeared quickly as the Gators came out strong to put away Tennessee. The game really felt as if the Vols were satisfied with how things had gone in the first half and they subsequently thought that Florida would just roll over in the second half. Will Muschamp's squad has proven to be a strong second-half team and this game was no different. The Gators racked up 336 yards on the ground while never turning the ball over in addition to a respectful 219 yards on the ground. Two seemingly similar squads coming into the game, Florida looks like the more serious contender as they showed a balanced attack on offense with the growing aerial aspect on the arm of Jeff Driskel.
Arkansas (1-2)
Week 3: #1 Alabama, lost 0-52.
Week 4: Rutgers (3-0)
- The Razorbacks just hope they can catch a branch or two as they free-fall from the top-ten to rock bottom. At some point they've got to land but by then they may be numb to the situation. A season that started with national championship and SEC title hopes has been tainted by a coaching scandal, injuries, and an upset at the hands of Louisiana-Monroe. No one expected the Razorbacks to beat the Crimson Tide this week, but the manner in which they fell truly shows they wanted no part of the same football field that Alabama graced on Saturday -- Alabama averaged more yards per rush (5.0) than Arkansas averaged per pass (3.2). It looked as if Arkansas couldn't get the game over fast enough so they could move on. Unfortunately for the Hogs they draw a rising Rutgers squad next week that could easily steal another one from the Razorbacks.
Week 3: #21 Stanford, lost 14-21.
Week 4: California (1-2)
- It's not impossible to come back from an early-season loss to play for the national championship but that's exactly the thing the Trojans didn't expect to have to do this year. With Andrew Luck gone from Stanford there seemed to be no chance that the Cardinal could keep up with the high-powered scoring attack of USC. The defense of Stanford, however, stole the show and made quarterback play irrelevant. With matchups versus ranked opponents Arizona, UCLA, Oregon, and Notre Dame still on the slate, 2012 has as much nightmare potential as it once was viewed as the dream season for Matt Barkley and Co.
Week 3: Pittsburgh, lost 17-35.
Week 4: Bowling Green (1-2)
- The shock wasn't in the loss itself to Pitt but more heavily in the complete domination at the hands of the Panthers. In years past the Hokies have struggled to bounce back after big-game upsets (see: James Madison). Virginia Tech is still a solid squad without a conference loss and must keep their heads up. If morale takes a hit then expect another letdown before contests with Clemson and Florida State.
Week 3: Utah, lost 21-24.
Week 4: #24 Boise State (1-1)
- After seeing the Utes lose to their in-state rival Utah State, the Cougars should have known what may come next. If emotions, rivalries, and home-field advantage weren't such strong factors then college football would be pretty boring -- it also would have made week three easier for teams like USC and BYU. The Utes didn't necessarily outplay the Cougars as BYU won the yards battle on offense, but two costly turnovers and situational execution stood in the way of a must-win game for BYU. Take away the huge fumble return for a touchdown in the third quarter for Utah and we're talking about a completely different outcome. All excuses aside, however, BYU must rebound and earn the respect of the country by performing strongly next week on the Smurf Turf at Boise.
Week 3: Ole Miss, won 66-31.
Week 4: No Game
- The Longhorns have a lot of cleaning up to do before they run into the Big-12 schedule in two weeks. Sure they're undefeated and are putting up offensive numbers like the program hasn't seen in years. But their claim to fame this year -- defense -- looks to be suspect to the big play, something they can't afford to continue in an offense-happy conference. Take away the Rebels' 100-yard kick return for a touchdown and Texas still surrendered scoring plays of 39, 48, and 74 yards. If the Longhorns want to live up to their preseason hype and current top-15 ranking they must force teams to grind out long drives or they could find themselves on the outside looking in.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Friday, September 14, 2012
10:12 AM - September 14, 2012. Written by jmik58
College football randawesomeness packed into 120 seconds or less (reading levels not checked); getting you up to speed on the weekend ahead and dropping you off on a gravel road three miles outside of town.
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE, EXCEPT WHEN THEY DO
If you remember last week's edition of TMD, you may recall the section on Nebraska and their success when rushing for 185 yards or more. Going into last week the Cornhuskers were 18-0 when reaching that mark and 0-9 when coming up short. Did I say 18-0? Make that 18-1 after a 36-30 loss at UCLA despite 260 team rushing yards on the game by Nebraska.
The Blackshirts definitely didn't show up and cost me my second missed prediction of the year after Iowa lost to Iowa State earlier in the day. I did connect on Kansas State, Florida, and Arizona State coming away with victories; raising my mark on the year to 8-2.
This week I'm taking Michigan State over Notre Dame (despite the lack of a proven passing attack from the Spartans), BYU over Utah, USC over Stanford, Navy over the dissolving Nittany Lions, and finally the Volunteers over Florida.
FIVE-YARD PENALTY FOR IGNORANCE
As the final plays of Utah State's victory over Utah unfolded in overtime last Friday night, I was sure I was onto something. I even had Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples convinced enough to retweet my protest to an offensive pass interference call that cost Utah the game. But I was wrong.
The play in question -- a touchdown pass that would have tied the game in overtime -- was ruled offensive pass interference as the receiver shoved a defensive player to the ground. I incorrectly had thought -- as many others I have asked also were led to believe -- that pass interference on the offense requires a ball to be in the air at the time of the infraction. According to "ARTICLE 8" under the section on "Passing the Ball" of the NCAA rule book, however, the offensive receiver may not make contact with an eligible defensive player beyond the neutral zone at any time during a passing play when the ball is thrown past the line of scrimmage.
Who said all rules are made to favor the offense?
THE OLD "DROP THE SNAP, FAKE PUNT, 100 YD TOUCHDOWN" TRICK
Special teams always has a way of sneaking up in various levels of football. Typically it's a mishap that makes headlines (see Oakland Raiders week one, Longsnapper Spotlight below) but sometimes special teams can truly be "special." Granted this comes from a high school game, but maybe they're onto something. [VIDEO LINK]
LIONS, TIGERS, AND BOOSTERS
The long season of uncertainty continues for the Penn State Nittany lions. Folks in Happy Valley must feel like they're playing a game of bag-raid golf. As if enough players hadn't exited, with each loss the team has suffered this year they've also lost a player to withdrawal as well. This week's casualties: Shawney Kersey and Matt Marcincin.
In other feline news, the Tigers of LSU aren't quite losing players from the team for good but have been stricken with difficult ineligibility news including the loss of Tahj Jones for the season. The loss of Jones certainly takes a piece out of the Tigers national championship hopes, but at least they're not staring major sanctions in the face ala Mississippi State. More claims of impermissible benefits in the SEC involving the Bulldogs? Put on your shocked face.
BLACK HOLE SUN DEVIL
Teams that like to travel west early in the season might want to have a sit-down meeting with their athletic directors. A different time zone and lack of comfort have helped turn early-season PAC-12 trips into a Bermuda Triangle for teams from the Midwest or East. Last year in week two, Arizona State knocked off #21 Missouri and last week smashed Illinois by a score of 45-14. Not to be outdone, Arizona beat a ranked Oklahoma State team 59-38; as did UCLA over Nebraska by a score of 36-30, and Oregon State took down Wisconsin 10-7.
THE ACC'S CHICK ON THE SIDE
Notre Dame and the ACC have agreed to a friends-with-benefits relationship that will play out in athletic arenas in South Bend and along the east coast.
Notre Dame announced this week their intention to join the ACC in every major sport except football. This allows the Irish to maintain their partnership with NBC and -- for the time -- unique avenue into BCS postseason play. Notre Dame won't completely spurn the ACC, however, as they plan to match up five times during the regular season with ACC foes in football.
The move is a win-win for both sides in all sports involved including football. The ACC gets the financial draw of the Irish five times each year while Notre Dame expands their reach east and boosts their basketball ties as the Big East falls apart. Kinda like the time you held onto your faltering relationship while cultivating a little weekend bonding with that "eight" you met at the gym.
THE MOST INTERESTING MEME IN THE WORLD
"I don't always play football, but when I do..." : TMD's meme of the week
LONG SNAPPER SPOTLIGHT
Last but not least, welcome again to the caboose of TMD's college football train. Whether for good or bad, long snappers need lovin' too.
This week's news isn't of the college variety, but the story resonates throughout all levels of football. The oft-forgotten member of the team, this week's Oakland Raiders debacle has given the spotlight to long snappers everywhere. Call it the "I told ya so" moment for the position. An injury to Oakland's Jon Condo left the team scrambling -- as most teams would -- considering they didn't carry a backup snapper. A handful of blocked punts and grass-burner snaps later and Oakland had lost the game.
It's not as easy as it looks for the average person or elite athlete for that matter. Just give it a try. See, I told ya so.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Thursday, September 13, 2012
When Tim Tebow jumped from college football to the NFL his production and skills didn't make the trip.
Fans of Tebow are most likely disappointed with the less-than-impressive results he has produced as a passer in the professional game. But for his most loyal followers who miss his glory days at Florida, they can still relive his successes through the body of another player. The next "Tim Tebow" -- Kansas State's Collin Klein.
Two inches taller at 6'5" and a few pounds less at 226, Klein has become the poor man's Tebow -- but does anyone in America know he exists?
Klein doesn't carry the fairy tale back-story that has attracted millions to the Tim Tebow brand. In fact, it's hard to track down much of a background at all for the Wildcats' dual-threat quarterback. The native of Loveland, Colorado, Klein was an excellent prep star (a Rivals.com three-star prospect) and came into K-State tabbed as the seventh best player in the state.
The Wildcats had alternate plans for him and slated him in as a wide receiver in 2009 where he actually hauled in a touchdown reception during the year. Luckily for Kansas State -- and Klein -- the staff came to their senses and reinserted him at quarterback in the 2011 season.
Big-12 defenses haven't forgiven them and the Wildcats haven't stopped long enough to hear the complaints. Bulldozing his way through the league and nation, Klein hasn't produced the kind of numbers that show up on stat headlines, but his arm isn't what opponents fear -- it's his legs.
1,690 yards worth of legs so far in his career to be exact. With one full year of starting time (2011) under his belt, Klein has amassed an impressive 36 rushing touchdowns from the quarterback position -- 27 of them coming in 2011. During that same season, Klein built up 1,141 yards on 317 carries -- good enough for 3.6 yards per attempt.
But the workload hasn't stopped there. Klein has been anything but a one-trick cat for Kansas State. During the 2011 campaign, the gun-slinging bruiser completed 161 passes on 281 attempts for 1,918 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Add it all up if you dare. That's 40 touchdowns over 13 games in 2011 -- slightly more than three touchdowns per game. And so far in 2012 he's added another six touchdowns across two games -- a consistent three per game. Over Tebow's career (55 games) he stacked up 88 passing and 55 rushing scores for 143 total -- good enough for 2.6 per game. And that's with numerous weapons around him on national championship contending squads at Florida.
Klein is carrying Kansas State's offense with a steady and efficient arm, but more literally he's hauling them up and down the field with his legs. He's building the legend and carrying the Wildcats similar to RG3 and Baylor in 2011.
Three touchdowns at a time. One opponent at a time. And if America wakes up, perhaps one Heisman at a time.
Sound Off: Do you think Collin Klein is as good as Tim Tebow? Do you think he has a realistic shot at the Heisman?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
10:33 AM - September 12, 2012. Written by jmik58
Every Sunday morning pollsters across the nation sit down to play their favorite weekly game -- Candyland: College Football Edition.
But there are no colorful pieces on the board or images of jolly ice cream characters waiting around the winding curve to the finish. Instead, many of the pieces and spaces within the game these voters play are rather gray -- lacking any true definition or direction much like the polls themselves.
The very concept of college football polls goes against the spirit of the game itself: A championship settled by an on-field competition that is set up by human selections off of it. The polling system is definitely flawed, and the fact that it accounts for a large portion of what constitutes a national championship appearance (at least in the current BCS form) provides coaches, players, and fans an illogical system that can't be fixed in its current state. It's often been said, "You can't make chicken soup out of..." -- and you know the rest.
Certainly voters don't have the greatest setup in which to operate regarding their heavy influence on where teams end up when postseason play comes around. But are voters taking something inaccurate and making it even worse? Using polls to determine matchups certainly is flawed, but voters may actually be exacerbating the problem.
THE BOARD GAME APPROACH
One of the biggest flaws I see with the methods of voters of college football polls is that of the chain-reaction approach to voting. Or as I like to think of it, the "Board Game" approach. Much the way that each movement on a board game is tied to the previous one, voters in college football polls place teams in current polls in relationship to the previous week's placement.
If numbers eight through twelve win their games and number seven loses, then each of those members moves up a slot like a neat little college football train. This becomes even more problematic when incorporating preseason polls. Teams are moved up and down the sliding scale in comparison to last week's ranking; assuming that last week's (and each preceding) ranking was correct. This system relies too heavily on getting the very first poll correct -- the preseason -- which happens to be the most inaccurate of all polls throughout the year.
While this may make things easier or more convenient for voters, they're missing the whole picture -- or holistic picture.
BUILDING A RESUMÉ
Instead of the knee-jerk reactionary method that pollsters currently use they should be evaluating each team based on the entire season to this point. That means assessing talent, expectations, and performance regardless of wins and losses.
One question I've yet to see an answer to is that of "who" plays for the national championship. I don't mean what team, but -- by definition -- describe the teams in the championship. Are they the two best teams over the course of the year? Or am I witnessing the two toughest teams at the end of the season?
If the reactionary method of voting has anything to say about it, it's the latter.
THE CONTRADICTORY LOGIC PROBLEM
If the #24 team in the nation loses to the #20 team in the land, wasn't that supposed to happen?
So in the event this scenario plays out, the twentieth ranked squad in the country should stay put along with their counterpart, correct? After all, each played to the expectations laid out by the voters. But that's not the way it works at all.
The following week, #20 will have the potential to move up into the teens while #24 will drop from the rankings. This makes no sense for another reason as well. The voters are contradicting their very validity. If they move up #20 or drop #24 after the higher ranked team wins, it's as if they've announced to the world that their previous rankings were off. So what makes the freshest "Board Game" reaction of the week any more valid?
TIME IS NOT OF THE ESSENCE
The final, and perhaps most influential, aspect of the flaw within the methods of voters is that of a lack of time. Time to evaluate teams beyond a boxscore or a Sportscenter highlight -- these voters are human beings with jobs and families. They're spending time and thought doing things that matter the most; planning family outings and working hard on the next project at work.
A PLAYOFF MANAGED BY OLD MEN
Thankfully we finally get our four-team playoff system in a couple years but polls will likely still have an influence whether directly or indirectly. And as long as humans off of the field are determining who gets to be the best on the gridiron, flaws will exist and college football will always be a blood-filled and violent episodic Candyland adventure.
Sound Off: What do you feel are the major problems associated with college football polls, or is there a problem at all?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: long_snapper
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
02:51 PM - September 11, 2012. Written by jmik58
Many believe that time can heal all wounds. Basketball fans in Cleveland and Orlando may want to disagree.
Years have passed since LeBron James ditched the Cavs for South Beach while months have gone following Dwight Howard's dramatic off-and-on relationship turned trade from Orlando. In the heat of the moment it's not easy to break down and consider the factors involved while removing emotion from the equation.
Let's take a look at the factors surrounding the exits of James and Howard. After reading, share your thoughts on the aspects that make you feel strongly about either player and share your opinion on who truly is the NBA's biggest villain.
THE BREAKUP
This aspect is especially painful for Cleveland Cavaliers fans. LeBron, a native Ohioan, went straight from high school in Akron to the top pick of the Cavs. He was their son. But their son left them after giving them a taste of a near-championship. And the way he broke up with them, well that may have been the most painful part even though James never chose Cleveland.
Dwight, on the other hand, missed by one state on the prodigal son story. Had the Hawks drafted Howard the former Atlanta prep star would have been walking in familiar shoes to that of James. Instead, Orlando drafted the game's most intimidating post defender and rebounder with the top pick in 2004. But much like LeBron in Cleveland, Howard was selected by the Magic in the draft -- never having a say in the start of the relationship's beginning.
Villain Factor: LeBron James
I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING, EXCEPT A CHAMPIONSHIP
Both LeBron and Dwight are level in this category. Each took their respective team to the NBA Finals and each lost. While in Cleveland, James earned MVP honors to go with his one-man-wrecking-crew run through the East. Howard, while never an MVP recipient, still played lights out on the defensive side, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors three years in a row (2009-11). In many ways the taste that each player gave their organization may have heightened the sense of betrayal when both James and Howard left their respective teams. Each vacated while the fans were hungry for more.
Villain Factor: (tie) James and Howard
REASON FOR LEAVING
The reason each player left ties directly into the previous factor. They couldn't win a championship where they were so they left for a place they believed it could happen. Every superstar player the league has known couldn't have won a title (at least in modern times) without a strong support cast. Michael Jordan may not have sought out Scottie Pippen, but you couldn't blame him if he would have.
James wanted to win a championship. He tried his best in Cleveland and got them closer than they would have without him. Likewise, Dwight Howard helped Orlando to the Finals and it's hard to think the Magic could have done it without him. Keep in mind, again, that neither player chose their respective organization -- they were drafted. James served his term and tested free agency. Howard, however, busted out and took personnel down with him.
Villain Factor: Dwight Howard
LEFT WITH SCRAPS
Another thing to consider is the state of the organization that each departing player left behind. In LeBron's case, this argument against him holds less water than it does with Howard. James played his full contract with the team and as an organization Cleveland was responsible for preparing as if any scenario could play out. It wasn't LeBron's responsibility to make sure the rest of the team was viable, and they weren't -- a big reason he left for Miami.
Dwight Howard, on the other hand, left amid a forced trade before finishing out his contract. In fairness to Dwight, Orlando did have the opportunity to receive compensation within the trade, but the forced nature of the deal took away from any real value that the Magic could draw from participating teams. While Cleveland's lack of a remaining roster was of their own fault, Howard's control over the situation diminished what Orlando could pull in exchange for the star center.
Villain Factor: Dwight Howard
COLLATERAL DAMAGE
Lebron's "The Decision" and "The Party" will be talked about for a long time in professional sports. Many people didn't care for the spotlight treatment that James gave himself (despite raising millions for charity as part of The Decision) and for Miami's celebratory coming-out extravaganza declaring championships before ever stepping on the floor together. These acts by James and Co. were more salt in the wound to Cleveland and the rest of the humble nation.
On the other hand, Dwight Howard did his dirty work indirectly and in the shadows, taking down a coach before leaving. By fracturing the franchise, Howard's actions seemed to have a more practically malignant after-effect -- even more than the emotional wound left by James upon the citizens of Cleveland.
Villain Factor: Dwight Howard
O.S. Sound Off: Who is the NBA's Biggest Villain? LeBron James or Dwight Howard?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Monday, September 10, 2012
10:11 AM - September 10, 2012. Written by jmik58
If the jump from week one to week two is the most telling for realistic expectations then the rest of this season can be summed up in one word: Chaos.
On a Saturday when The Mothership used nearly every opportunity to frame the day as a Big-Ten disaster, the upside-down nature of college football was truly felt from coast to coast. The grand scheme of the day seemed to be the upset as the day progressed and no single group or region was immune to disappointing results. Some so severe that top-10 rankings turned into no ranking at all by the time Sunday's AP Poll was revealed.
Week two certainly is a reality check for the teams of college football, but it's also a reminder that the talent pool and competitive parity is leveling out more and more each year. While the richest of the rich continue to dominate at the top, the rest of the nation is neither good enough or bad enough to be ruled out of any game -- at home or on the road.
Here are five winners and losers from week two of the college football season.
FIVE TEAMS ON THE RISE
#14 Ohio State (2-0)
Week 2: UCF, won 31-16.
Week 3: California (1-1)
- This contest looked like a trap game if ever one existed for the Buckeyes this year. In what could have been dubbed "The Not-Eligible-for-Postseason Bowl," the Knights of UCF were thought of as potential BCS-busters in the preseason. Statistically, both squads were fairly even, but Ohio State's ability to own the ground game was impressive and the type of asset that could help them run the table in the Big-Ten this year.
Week 2: Miami (FL), won 52-13.
Week 3: North Texas (1-1)
- The Wildcats have scored over 50 points and allowed less than 15 in both of their games so far this year. Collin Klein and the 'Cats ran all over the "The U" in surprising fashion as Miami struggled to build on their week-one success. A matchup with North Texas in week two shouldn't change that trend. K-State will likely be looking ahead to a matchup with #5 Oklahoma in week four and must hope to improve and stay healthy as a win is all but guaranteed this week.
Week 2: #16 Nebraska, won 36-30.
Week 3: Houston (0-2)
- The curious thing about the Bruins is that they're very much like Nebraska. Each has an explosive offense but it's only a matter of time before they end up on the short end of a scoring explosion. UCLA amassed over 650 yards of total offense including 344 on the ground. If the Bruins can keep their potent offense alive, they may not be tested until their last four games of the year. By then we may be looking at a top-15 UCLA squad.
Week 2: #18 Oklahoma State, won 59-38.
Week 3: South Carolina State
- The Wildcats are a solid team, but how much of this is a result of an overrated Cowboys team? No doubt that OK-State is no pushover, but they're not the same well-balanced squad that graced the gridiron the past two years. Regardless, Rich Rodriguez has led Arizona to a fast start thanks to the implementation of his high-powered offensive scheme. More impressively, however, has been the ball control and discipline of the 'Cats -- surrendering zero turnovers and only 27 penalty yards against OSU.
Week 2: Illinois, won 45-14.
Week 3: Missouri (1-1)
- One of these years BCS conferences will wise up and stop agreeing to send its teams into the desert night for their yearly beat-down. The state of Arizona might as well be called the college football Bermuda Triangle as visiting teams don't just lose in September -- they get lost. In the same night that #18 Oklahoma State fell to the Wildcats of Arizona, the Sun Devils put a hurt on a promising group from Illinois. The Illini barely reached one-hundred passing yards, but Arizona State impressed on offense just as well -- totaling 510 yards on the game.
#8 Arkansas (1-1)
Week 2: Louisiana-Monroe, lost 34-31.
Week 3: #1 Alabama (2-0)
- This loss will linger and potentially define a season that began falling apart with the scandal surrounding former coach Bobby Petrino. While the Razorbacks had no excuse for losing to ULM, Warhawks quarterback Kolton Browning stole the show with 481 yards of total offense -- capped by a game-saving scramble on fourth-down for the winning touchdown. The score, while not on the same scale or against the same competition, reminded me of a certain winning play by Vince Young. Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel agrees.
Week 2: Oregon State, lost 10-7.
Week 3: Utah State (2-0)
- The Badgers are 106th in the nation in rushing yards. What else needs to be said? Perhaps the Panthers of Northern Iowa softened up Wisconsin last week or they exposed serious weaknesses that Oregon State took advantage of. Either way, an equally dismal 106th ranking in scoring offense has fans in Madison worried about what the conference season might bring. First things first though, a date with Utah State awaits -- fresh off their upset of Utah.
Week 2: UCLA, lost 36-30.
Week 3: Arkansas State (1-1)
- It's bad news in Lincoln for Nebraska fans. Sure they can score at will and have one of the more exciting offenses in the conference, if not nation. But can they stop anyone? The loss to UCLA isn't the biggest issue for the 'Huskers, it's the total lack of defense. The Bruins are a very good team and definitely on par with Nebraska, but unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, a date with the high-flying offense of Gus Malzahn awaits next week in a matchup with Arkansas State.
Week 2: Arizona, lost 59-38.
Week 3: Louisiana (2-0)
- In reality, the Cowboys might be helped with the perspective that comes from an early-season loss like this. They clearly were wearing a ranking that symbolized the accomplishments of the last two seasons. One of the glaring aspects of youth and inexperience is a lack of discipline and abundance of poor decisions and turnovers. OK-State had both problems against the Wildcats despite an impressive offensive performance. Mike Gundy's teams are always going to present explosive potential, but growth is a must and if they don't harness their mistakes it could be a disappointing season.
Week 2: Mississippi State, lost 28-10.
Week 3: Louisiana-Monroe (1-0)
- You certainly can't say the Tigers took an easy route to the start of the season. One problem though; quality losses don't do you much good in the relentless SEC West. The Tigers don't find themselves here because of a lack of ability, but more as a team that could quickly see their hopes spiral out of control. Things don't get easier as they welcome the giant-killers from ULM fresh off their victory over #8 Arkansas. The Tigers certainly can play defense but 226 yards of offense -- their total against the Bulldogs -- won't take them very far the rest of the year.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Friday, September 7, 2012
College football randawesomeness packed into 120 seconds or less (reading levels not checked); getting you up to speed on the weekend ahead and dropping you off on a gravel road three miles outside of town.
FIVE UP, FIVE DOWN
I've got to learn to sandbag a little to start the year. Five picks I made last week, five picks I nailed. Clemson, Virginia Tech, Alabama, Michigan State, and Louisville. Got 'em all. Now there's nowhere to go but down. Hooray.
This week's five beware. One of you -- if not more -- are likely going down as is required by the law of averages. I'm allowed one homer pick each year (or more as I see fit) so naturally I have to take the Iowa Hawkeyes over Iowa State -- only this time not in quintuple overtime. I'm also taking the Wildcats of Kansas State over the Miami (FL) Hurricanes. The 'Canes looked fancy against Boston College but they'll see a more steady squad in Manhatten.
Three more quickies: Arizona State over Illinois, Florida over Texas A&M, and Nebraska over UCLA.
1-800-185-HUSKER
Speaking of Nebraska, their matchup with UCLA could be a tricky one. As teams that have so little in common geographically, Nebraska has found a way to matchup with PAC-12 squads on almost a yearly basis the past few years. The 'Huskers haven't had an easy go of it either -- their embarrassing 2010 bowl game loss against Washington being the pit of the budding rivalry -- and this weekend's contest has folks in Lincoln very worried. But if they want to win, the magic number for Nebraska appears to be 185. Over the past two seasons when the Cornhuskers have totaled 185 rushing yards they are 18-0. In games they fall short of the mark, 0-9.
NO TWEET FOR YOU, COME BACK NEXT YEAR
If the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld was a college football fan, he would love the option. Why? I'm not really sure, but I had to justify the subheading for this paragraph. Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson has banned his players from using Twitter during the season to prevent distractions. The move appears to be a power play and nothing more than a formality considering Yellowjackets -- as a species -- have yet to develop appendages capable of using a keyboard or touchscreen.
BROUGHT A CAT TO A DOG FIGHT
Kansas State tight end Andre McDonald is being sued after an alleged dog attack on another person orchestrated by the Wildcat player's pit bulls. This comes after McDonald spent nearly a week in jail this past summer for disobeying the city's dangerous dog ordinance. He was also suspended for the team's opening contest against Missouri State. When contacted, McDonald cited the ongoing litigation as a reason he didn't feel right meow was the appropriate time to comment.
LEATHER HELMETS, UPHILL, BOTH WAYS
Missouri Tigers defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson let a zinger fly towards the Georgia Bulldogs and indirectly nipped at the feelings of Big-Ten country. When asked about this week's matchup with the Bulldogs, Richardson highlighted his inability to watch the 'Dawgs' game on t.v. this past week by stating, "I watched that game. I turned it off, too. … It's like watching Big Ten football. It's old-man football." Someone is asking for a rude welcoming to the SEC. Lucky for Richardson, old men don't read internet news, follow social media or give a hoot what a young whipper-snapper has to say.
SPREAD 'EM FELLAS
Oklahoma State's 84-0 victory in week one has TMD wondering what the threshold is for sanity when predicting games based on extreme spreads. Florida State might give us a good shot to see how it would play out as they're favored by a mere 70.5 points against Savannah State. It's the first time Vegas has produced a line reaching the seventy-point mark for a college football game according to latimes.com.
The natural question then, who do you take? To cover that kind of spread you have to actually score at least 71 points. I don't see Jimbo Fisher leaving his starters in that long. I think I'll take Savannah State on the spread in this one. One final question though -- why the extra half point? Did Vegas actually get enough bets to have to move the line by half-a-point in order to keep the house solvent?
Three other crazy spread picks for week two:
- Oregon (-35) over Fresno State. Quack, Quack.
- Texas (-38) over New Mexico. Longhorns are good, but not that explosive on offense.
- Mississippi State (-3) over Auburn. Crazy to see Bulldogs favored at all. I would take the Tigers by a touchdown if it was offered.
The official propaganda poster that got the conference commissioners on board with a playoff: CFB Memes
LONG SNAPPER SPOTLIGHT
Last but not least, welcome again to the caboose of TMD's college football train. Whether for good or bad, long snappers need lovin' too. This week, thankfully, we return to the feel-good side of things.
Many of you may be familiar with the tragic story of Alabama's Carson Tinker. The young man from Tuscaloosa lost his girlfriend from the clutch of his very grip as a tornado ripped her away and ended her life in 2011. The walk-on long snapper of the Crimson Tide has become an inspiration to the rebuilding efforts in Tuscaloosa and was rewarded -- finally -- prior to the regular season for his efforts on the field as well. Tinker is the newest man on scholarship as a player for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
Thursday, September 6, 2012
What makes the teams of your favorite sport truly great? Now think of your favorite conference or division within that sport. How does it stand up against the best among major American sports?
If you were to make a list of criteria, chances are it would share many of the same characteristics that you might find in a Hollywood story. Heroes, villains, underdogs and untouchables. The latter component of dominance is one we truly love to hate. Perhaps out of jealousy, but explicitly out of respect and a longing to associate with a champion.
Ultimately, the bottom line in sports is all about winning. If you want to brag or boast you have to back it up with wins, postseason appearances and championships. But sometimes the division you play in can hold you back. What if your favorite team battles in one of the toughest divisions in sports? If they're one of the best, then their success is heightened by the level of competition. But if they struggle, the division may be highlighted as a handicap that indirectly shows that team is truly better than their record might suggest.
But what teams in which sports can make such a claim?
Here is my list of the five toughest divisions in American sports:
5. NFC East (NFL)
Over the last five years, only the AFC North has sent more teams to the playoffs (10) than the NFC East (9). Unlike the members of the AFC North, however, NFC East squads have found a way to win two Super Bowls over that time. Granted both victories were earned by the New York Giants, but each win was over a heavily favored New England squad. The rest of the division may not be able to claim the playoff success of New York, but the Super Bowl success of New York combined with high quality regular season performances by the rest of the teams puts the NFC East at the top in the NFL for now.
4. Southeast (NBA)
Don't look at the teams gracing the bottom of the division (Charlotte and Washington) but instead focus on the rest of the toughest group within professional basketball. Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta have done more than enough -- at least compared to the other divisions as a whole -- to earn a spot as the best division in the NBA. Over the last five years the Southeast has the second most playoff appearances (16) -- only the Southwest has more (17) -- and owns the most trips to the NBA Finals (3). With the departure of Dwight Howard from Orlando and roster restructuring in Atlanta, don't expect this trend to last.
3. Atlantic (NHL)
The Central definitely gives the Atlantic a run for it's money and could argue for a spot here instead. The Central division does hold one more Stanley Cup championship over the past five years (3) than does the Atlantic (2) but that's where the advantages stop. The Rangers, Penguins, Flyers, Devils, and Islanders have played well enough to earn the most playoff appearances (18) of any division over that same time span. To finish the deal, the Beasts of the East have turned their regular season success into four Stanley Cup Finals appearances and one championship over that time.
2. AL East (MLB)
This one is pretty hard to argue with. No other division in baseball over the last five years has had as much control over the landscape of the playoffs like that of the American League East. Every year they have sent two teams -- that's ten for the math challenged among us. The National League Central and West are next closest with seven. During that time the members of the AL East have sent three members to the World Series; twice taking the title of champion. It's tough to argue with that dominance, but one group down south may have an unbeatable resume'.
1. SEC West (NCAA Football)
In the last five years -- six to be more specific -- an SEC team has won the BCS Championship as the nation's best college football team. Of those championships, four have come solely from the West division within the SEC. One division within one conference owns 80% of the national championships from the past five years -- the other coming from their hated brothers in the East. Not only does the SEC West have four titles during that time, but three different squads (Alabama, LSU, and Auburn) share those trophies. Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Arkansas -- have pity? I didn't think so.
Sound Off: What division do you think is the toughest in major American sports?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @long_snapper
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