Happy Labor Day, everybody!
Whew, where do I begin. Aside from Ole Miss losing to Jacksonville State on Saturday, I think you could call it business as usual for the favorites in college football. Here are a few top stories from this weekend.
First. What happened with USC's vaunted defense? When Lane Kiffin left Tennessee, he brought his father, defensive genius, Monte Kiffin with him. In a much awaited debut, USC's defense gave up more than 450 yards passing and another 129 yards on the ground. On the flip-side, Matt Barkley was just about perfect going 18/23 for 257 yard and 5 touchdowns. USC's running game made the Hawaii defense's men look like boys, by pounding the pigskin for 246 yards and one score. #18 USC plays University of Virginia at the Coliseum this weekend in what should be a win for the Trojans, but after what Hawaii showed us last weekend, USC has to plan on outscoring Cavaliers and their efficient offense this weekend.
Second. OK, I am going to put my LSU fanhood aside and berate the way they finished on Saturday. The John Chavis led defense allowed UNC quarterback, T.J. Yates, to burn them for over 400 yards and 3 touchdowns including a second half, 97 yard bomb that made LSU's defense look helpless. During the first half, LSU looked strong. defensive back Jai Eugene, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and preseason All-American cornerback, Patrick Peterson looked solid, but they seemed to fizzle out in the second half with the rest of the defense. Gary Crowton is next on my list. This guy is garbage. He is running the same offense that didn't work with Dennis Dixon at Oregon, with a quarterback that is nothing like Dennis Dixon. Gary Crowton failed to call more than three down-field passes against the Tar Heels' depleted secondary. If LSU wants to challenge 'Bama, UF and Auburn later this season, Crowton must put his conservative play calling aside and stretch the field out.
Third. The Tim Tebow era is over, and John Brantley did not impress. The UF offense committed eight fumbles. EIGHT!!!! Exchanges from center to quarterback, and quarterback to running back looked questionable, at best. Jeff Demps showed much of the promise from last season. The junior ripped off a 72 yard score and totaled 98 yards for the game. Brantley went 17/25 for 113 yards and looked uncomfortable taking snaps and looking off defenders. It is quite obvious that the Gators are in a rebuilding year, but after the way they played against Miami (OH), they are going to struggle through SEC play this year.
Fourth. GO BIG BLUE!!! Michigan made Rich Rod proud on Saturday, and Denard Robinson proved that he is the answer to Michigan's prayers. Robinson had 387 yard of total offense with almost 200 yards rushing. The Big House was packed in what could possibly be Rodriguez's last season in the maize and blue. Michigan and their coaching staff answered their critics in a 30-10 drubbing of the UCONN Huskies which bought Rich Rodriguez time to prove that this is what he has been working towards.
Fifth. The feel good story of the college football season has got to be Mark Herzlich. After being named ACC defensive player of the year in 2008, he missed all of last season with bone cancer. He vowed he would return to the field and made good on his promise on Saturday. With very few dry eyes in the stadium, Herzlich recorded 3 solo tackles and seemed to be back to his old way, instilling fear into the hearts of the visiting Weber State Wildcats. Way to go, #94!
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
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