News and Notes

The AP Top 25 was released on Sunday and some teams made HUGE jumps.   Others fell outside the Top 10 and are in danger of dropping out of the poll completely (are you listening B.Y.U.).  The Miami, FL. Hurricanes were not even ranked in the Top 25 three weeks ago, they currently sit 9th (and playing like it !).  We'll find out more about the Canes' as they travel to Virginia Tech this weekend.  If the Miami offense continues to light up the scoreboard, look for Offensive Coordinator, Mark Whipple to be a very sought after name once coaching vacancies open up in late November and into December.  His work with QB Jacory Harris has been nothing sort of sensational, putting Harris in great positions and taking advantage of all the speed and skill at the receiver and running back positions.  Another huge plus for Miami so far has been the play of the offensive line.  They have protected Harris and opened up running lanes for Cooper and James.

USC (I'm tired of typing out Southern Cal.) dropped to 12th after their upset loss to UDub.  It looks like QB Matt Barkley has the go ahead this week against Washington St.  It's time for Pete Carroll and Offensive Coordinator Jeremy Bates to stop protecting the young QB and open up the playbook.  That doesn't mean trick plays or gimicks...but let the kid throw intermediate to deep routes on first down.  Throw screens to McKnight, quick slants and find TE Anthony McCoy over the middle for those 10-15 yard plays.   It sure looked to me like USC played "not to lose" and that will kill you everytime.  The defense has played well enough but did miss the playmaking ability of safety Taylor Mays.  Mays will be a game time decision this Saturday in Los Angeles.  For the defense, it's time for DE Everson Griffen to step up and be a consistent dominator in both running and passing situations.  The young linebackers are playing fairly well but the line has got to dominate the line of scrimmage, get penetration and pressure the QB's.  I'm starting to wonder "IF" the Trojans are as talented as everyone says they are ?  As early as this season is, one thing has been a common theme. As highly ranked as you might be, you have to play your B+ or A game to win (especially on the road) and in conference games.  The name USC does not scare opponents they way it used to.

How about Tennessee safety Eric Berry ?  I would put him in my top 5 for Heisman consideration.  He IS THAT GOOD !   The best defensive player in the country BAR NONE !  He really controlled the game defensively last Saturday defending the pass and stepping up and stuffing the run in Monte Kiffin's defense.  He reminds me of Ed Reed (but a more physical player than Reed).   If Berry does not suffer any injuries, he will be the FIRST defensive player taken in the 2010 N.F.L. Draft (which could be a Top 5 pick). 

As much as I can't stand Notre Dame, I give credit where credit is due.  Jimmy Clausen is having an outstanding year.  He has matured and has thrown for over 300 yards in each of the three games he has played in combined with 9 TD's and ZERO INT's !   The offensive line has played well and RB Armando Allen has taken some of the pressure off Clausen.  With the news that WR Michael Floyd is out for the regular season (broken collarbone, surgery today), Clausen loses his top playmaker and will have to incorportate Golden Tate, Duval Kamara and some talented freshman into the mix to pick up the slack.  Based on performance, he has to be in the Heisman mix.  As good as Clausen was on Saturday, Michigan St. really "choked" and should have won that game.  Charlie Weis just got by this time. 

My Heisman favorites have played "less favorable" this year.  Even though Texas and Florida remain 1-2 and undefeated in the polls, QB's Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow have not played up to par.  Their numbers are down in terms of yardage, TD's, completion percentage and third down efficiency.  That along with Sooners QB Sam Bradfords injury, all signs point to Jahvid Best (if he continues to put up 100 yard games and multiple TD performances) to run away with the Heisman race.  One of my Heisman darkhorses, Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli has totally imploded this season.  He simply cannot complete any passes.  I really thought after watching him in last years Bowl game, this would be his coming out party, I don't think he ever got invited to the party. 

I will be introducing my Recruiting Special later on this week, so check out your favorite teams and I'll give you updates as to who has verbally committed and who has signed and who has the top classes (sources: Rivals & Max Preps).  I did see a great HS game on ESPN last Friday night as California State Champ, Oaks Christian squeaked past defending Washington State Champion, Skyline 28-25.  Interesting as the game was played in Seattle and the starting QB for Oaks Christian is Nick Montana.  If the name sounds familiar, yes, Nick is the son of Hall of Famer and 49ers legend, Joe Montana.  Also, Nick Montana has verbally committed to Washington (a major coup for Steve Sarkisian).  Rivals has Montana the 12th rated senior QB in the country. 

How about Florida St. ?   I think this was the biggest game in the last 10 years that Bobby Bowden has coached.   They finally showed some DICIPLINE (very few penalties) and showcased their stud cornerback, Greg Reid.  He played tremendous, blanketing WR McKay Jacobson and intercepting a Max Hall pass and returning it 46 yards for a Seminole TD.  

Watch QB Todd Reising and the Kansas Jayhawks.  He is putting up impressive numbers as the Jayhawks are 3-0 as they get set to open up their Big-12 schedule.  The Big-12 North is shaping up to be a 3 team race between Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.   The Huskers play at Missouri on Oct. 8th and Kansas on November 14th.  Those games should determine who plays Texas (okay, I'm presuming the Horns' will win the South).  Nebraska showed major improvement and should have beaten Virginia Tech on the road.  A couple of defensive breakdowns in the final minute cost the Huskers bigtime.  Also, UCLA showed the nation that Rick Neueheisel has the Bruins back.  They lost their starting QB before the Kansas St. game and still managed to ride a solid running game and stiffling defense to wax the Wildcats.

Check out my Recruiting Special running later this week.  If you want to know about YOUR team, drop me a line or comment and I'll move the chains and pick up the first down !