Both Ohio State and Michigan came away with easy wins yesterday against lesser big 10 opponents a week prior to their huge #1 vs #2 matchup next weekend.
In a 54-10 thumping of the Northwestern Wildcats, Heisman favorite Troy Smith went 12/19 with 4 touchdown passes. Smith has now passed for 2,191 yards and 26 touchdowns on the year, and only throwing 4 interceptions all year for the undefeated Buckeyes.
This, of course, is a huge game not only because of the fact that it is the #1 and #2 teams in the country, but also because it is what is known as one of the best rivalries in sports. It really mirrors the '96 matchup between two hated rivals and the #1 and #2 teams, Florida and Florida State. Plus, based on who wins and how the game is won could really effect the Gators or any other 1 loss team's chance at the National Title game.
UGA beat up on Auburn 37-15, basically knocking the Tigers out of the SEC West title hunt and doing all but ensuring the Arkansas Razorbacks will be Florida's opponent in the SEC Title game. Georgia was unranked and down after losing to Kentucky last weekend, but in this rivalry, the "Deep South's Oldest," anything can happen. And what happened was a huge letdown for Auburn and a big win for the Dawgs.
Brandon Cox threw 4 Interceptions on the day, 3 in the first half, on the way to the loss. This loss also knocked out the slim chance that Auburn could reach the National Title game. Just another team to stop worrying about for Gators fans, even though I wanted to watch the Gators get another shot at the Tigers in Atlanta. That loss at Jordan-Hare was severely disappointing. I wanted payback.
Speaking of the Hogs, they beat up on the Vols 31-14 in Fayetteville last night. Arkansas RB Darren McFadden ran the ball 30 times for 181 yards, and even lined up at QB several times on the way to his monster game. This Arkansas team is very worrisome and will be a tough win for the Gators in Atlanta.
Jonathon Crompton once again got the start for the Vols, as Eric Ainge continues to nurse that sprained ankle suffered a couple of weeks ago.
The Kansas State Wildcats beat Texas 45-42 in a shootout in Manhattan, knocking yet another 1 loss team out of the national title picture in the process.
Freshman QB Colt McCoy hurt his shoulder diving into the endzone on a touchdown run, knocking him out of the game and making way for Jevon Snead, a former Florida verbal commit who ultimately signed with the Horns. Fortunately the X-rays were negative and it was nothing serious. McCoy has been a very good quarterback this season and I'm glad there will be no issue with this injury in the future.
Cal lost to Arizona 24-20, just another 1 loss team to go down. This loss for the Golden Bears makes their matchup with USC a little less interesting, although the two rivals will still get quite a bit of attention as Cal will be looking for the upset.
It's called "Rock Bottom," and it is exactly what FSU has hit. The Seminoles were shut out at Doak Campbell Stadium for the first time since 1973 last night, a 30-0 drubbing at the hands of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. I have not watched Wake Forest once all year, so I couldn't make a logical assessment of their team...however, I was skeptical. They looked pretty good last night, although it is safe to say FSU looked terrible.
What I watched last night was just simply sad. That is not the FSU football I grew up with, and I do not see things getting any better for them unless some of their younger players step up and start producing results. They do have a lot of younger guys, so this is something that is very realistic.
That being said, I'm still not marking down a W for the Gators in 2 weeks.