The Good
Wisconsin: In what some billed as a possible Big Ten title matchup, the Badgers had their way with Nebraska. Russell Wilson was absurd as the offense piled it on a Cornhusker team known for its defense. This was a huge statement win for Wisconsin and firmly puts them in the top spot in the Big Ten and on track for a spot in the conference’s first title game.
Georgia: After an ugly 0-2 start, people were calling for coach Mark Richt’s head, figuratively speaking, but the Bulldogs have reeled off 3 straight wins and now are tied atop of the SEC East. John Brantley going down for Florida helps the Bulldogs. If they can beat Tennessee next week, then they’ll have a ton of momentum.
The Bad
Virginia Tech Offense: For the Hokies to score only 3 points, albeit against a good Clemson squad, is sure to raise some concern, although coach Beamer is doing his best to quell any such talk. The passing game isn’t as threatening as the team would like it to be and that may be do to trouble up front. QB Logan Thomas was sacked 4 times and this is of paramount importance since they play Miami next week.
Big East: Ouch. That pretty much sums up the conference’s weekend. Previously #16 South Florida lost on Thursday, but things got worse on Saturday. Last year’s conference UConn lost to Western Michigan, Louisville lost to Marshall and soon-to-be member TCU lost to SMU. The losses certainly do nothing to raise the Big East’s profile.
The Ugly
South Carolina: Probably one of the most hyped teams heading into this season, the Gamecocks have failed to deliver on all that promise. An offense with Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery should be performing this poorly. Though they have a 4-1 record, they have performed inconsistently on the defensive side of the ball as well as the offense. Heading into SEC play, this does not bode well for the team.
Ohio State Offense: Mystifying were the Buckeye’s problems on defense, but they have struggled lately on offense as well. True freshman QB Braxton Miller is playing like, well, a true freshman and Joe Bauserman is no help at the position either. Heading into a tough 3 game stretch affords them no breaks and unless they get their act together, the struggles will continue.
Awards
The ‘Charlie Weis Ate My Cheeseburger’ Award for Defense: Michigan. Blanking Minnesota 58-0 is good defense, but the Wolverines did even better. They held the Golden Gophers to only 177 total yards, only allowed 8 1st downs and didn’t let Minnesota convert any 3rd down. All game long they were getting to the QB, causing pressure, swarming the ball carrier and not allowing Minnesota to get any sort of momentum. This is even more impressive considering their struggles last season.
The ‘Surely You Must Be Joking’ Offensive Performance Of The Week: Vincent Smith, Michigan RB. The offense did its part as well in racking up points. Smith was the star, rushing for a TD, catching a TD pass and even throwing a TD pass of his own! This was all done just over 5 minutes into the 2nd quarter. Other possibilities included West Virginia’s Garrison Smith, who had near 300 yards rushing and Illinois’ AJ Jenkins with 268 yards receiving as well as 3 TD catches. But I’m a Michigan homer and it’s my column, so there.
The ‘These Are Not The Droids You’re Looking For’ Mystery Of The Week: Nebraska. What happened? Was it the pressure and hyper of playing in their very first Big Ten game? It could be, but more then likely they ran into a very determined and prepared Badger team. The Cornhuskers have alot of questions to answer going forward, particularly on defense, and have a ton of ground to make up on Wisconsin, standings wise and psychologically, if they want to be at the Big Ten title game.
