The obvious key to derailing the Michigan State Spartans is containing super back Javon Ringer. The Ohio State Buckeyes did just that on Saturday, limiting him to just 67 yards. Of course, Containment is easiest when you jump all over your opponent, forcing them to abandon the running game. An immediate indicator is Ringer’s 16 carries, his lowest total of the season. The Buckeyes led 28-0 at the half, building to 35-0 by the end of the third, before completing the 45-7 drubbing of the 20th ranked Spartans, their highest offensive output on the season. With questions and worry surrounding the Buckeyes past performances, they gave a quick message and delivered a Big 10 statement, which basically said “The champs are here”.
And speaking of spankings, Southern Cal was swinging its own paddle, which is already reviewed here.
GRABBING A BULL BY THE HORNS
The Texas Longhorns are rolling, and the Missouri Tigers latched on and were taken for a ride. Stampeding out of the gate, the Horns had hung 28 before every fan was settled in their seats. Riding the momentum from last week’s victory over Oklahoma, Texas left no doubt about the top spot in the polls. Although we all knew Missouri’s defense wasn’t challenging, I think most expected the Tigers’ offense to at least keep pace. Missouri has now dropped games in consecutive weeks, but can still be considered a favorite in the Big 12 north, meaning they may meet Texas again. Is that a good thing?
FEAR THE TURTLE…SOMETIMES
The most difficult team to figure out is the Maryland Terrapins. They’ve squeaked past Delaware, and lost to both Middle Tennessee State and Virginia. On the flip side, they’ve defeated 3 ranked opponents this season, with No. 20 Wake Forest being the latest victim. The Terps host N.C. State next week. Maybe they should hold their weekly practices as if the Wolfpack were ranked.
TOP 25 UPSETS
(9) BYU defeated by TCU
(17) Virginia Tech defeated by Boston College
(18) North Carolina defeated by Virginia
(21) Wake Forest defeated by Maryland
(25) California defeated by Arizona
Did you notice that 3 of the 5 occurred in the ACC?
DIGITS
-After a poor start, Virginia has now won 3 straight. Their victory over North Carolina marked the 14th straight defeat the Tar Heels have suffered in Charlottesville.
-Syracuse’s Greg Robinson is now 2-22 in Big East play since taking the head coaching job.
-Maryland’s blanking of Wake Forest is the first time the Deacons have been shutout since 1998.
-For the first time in his coaching career, Alabama’s Nick Saban is 7-0.
-1896 was the last time Missouri beat Texas in Austin.
-Colt McCoy’s 82 career touchdown passes overtakes Vince Young as Texas’ leader in that category.
-LSU was aided by a season high 6 sacks in their escape of South Carolina.
-In the last 10 quarters of football, Southern Cal has outscored their opponents 114-0.
-In the shutout of Washington State, the nation’s second longest scoring streak was snapped at 280 games. Michigan is the leader in the category.
-BYU’s upset loss to TCU snapped the nation’s longest win streak, at 16 games.
-Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford threw for a school record 468 yards in the Sooners’ victory over Kansas.
-1939 was the last time Baylor won a game in Stillwater.
-Baylor’s Robert Griffin set a new FBS freshman record, with 155 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
GALLOPING FINISH
Texas- Without a doubt
Mizzou- Without a defense
Kentucky- Phew!
Tennessee- Not the worst in the SEC
Clemson- New coach, same result
Washington State- Terrible
Virginia- Huh?
Michigan- 2 halves= 1 whole game
Wisconsin- missing out of conference play
Michigan State- A dead Ringer
Ohio State- resembling 2007
Penn State- Catch me, Bowden, if you can.
USC (west)- Bye Week
Northwestern- Bowl eligible
Washington- Willingham is 0-6
Oklahoma State- Shhh
Week 8- BCS standings are here!
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