*USC beat Stanford 13-10 on Saturday. The result was not at all surprising, the way they got there was. Stanford made 7, yes 7, trips to the red zone and walked away with 10 points. That is incredible and for all the wrong reasons. 2 fumbles, 2 missed FGs and a turnover on downs spoiled any chance the Cardinal had to win this game. Credit USC for hanging tough despite having their backs against the wall for most of the game. I have to think at seasons end, the Cardinal will look back at this week 2 setback and wonder what could have been.
*If you like defense then I suggest you turn away from the Washington/Eastern Michigan score. Those two combines for over 100 points over 1100 yards, 61 first downs and a combined 3 punts. Holy Hell that is a whole lot of offense. Washington won the game 59-52, but Christ almighty you have to play more defense than that. Washington should be an interesting watch going forward.
*I thought Texas would get revenge on BYU for the embarassment in Provo a year ago. I could not have been more wrong. The Horns bit the 6th Street curb Saturday night and the Cougars pounded teh Horns 41-7. Jesus Christ that is a beat down. The numbers arent as gaudy as a year ago but the final score is even worse. Taysom Hill accounted for 4 TDs and the Horns turned it over 4, freaking, times in this one. Charlie Strong is laying down the law in Austin, but losses like this wont help his reception. What in OU going to do to the Horns in a month? That could be a blood bath.
*The Iowa Hawkeyes really pulled their eggs out of the fryer Saturday afternoon. Down 13-3 late in the 4th, the Hawks scored 2 TDs in the last 3 minutes to beat mighty Ball State. Iowa did their best to lose this game with 3 missed FGs and a fumble recovery for a TD, but ultimately made enough plays to win. The Hawkeyes were incredible unbalanced in this one, throwing the ball 55 times and running it just 29. Iowa fans had better hope some offensive balance is reached going into conference play.
*Dan McCarney really has the North Texas Mean Green on the rise. A few years ago this program was a mess. Between 2005 and 2010 UNT didnt win more than 3 games in a season. Last year they won 9 and the future appears bright. Yesterday UNT trounced SMU 43-6. The fact that North Texas beat anyone by that margin is newsworthy. The Mean Green forced 5 turnovers and ran for 245 yards. Big kudos goes to Dan McCarney and staff for the transformation of this football program.
*Much is being made of the Michigan State Spartans losing to the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. Their claim is that the Big 10 is no good because the Spartans didnt walk out with a W. Lets take a look a the small picture for once. 2 top 10 teams played and the home team walked out victorious. Is that in any way surprising? Autzen Stadium is a tough place to play. Consider that since 2009 the Ducks have lost 2 home games. Lets not paint things with too broad of a brush. If you wish to pick on the Big 10, and many do, use some different evidence. Michigan State is a very good team, but its hard to win on the road in College Football. Its especially tough when you play a very good team.
STOCK UP
USC- tough gritty win for the Trojans.
North Texas-Keep an eye on these guys.
Notre Dame- Shutting out the Wolverines will always land you on the stock up list.
Oregon- A nice win for the Ducks. Marcus Marriota was terrific. Perhaps I have overlooked Oregon this season.
STOCK DOWN
Nebraska- Dont get me started
UCLA- Another upset avoided? The Bruins might be in trouble in Pac 12 play.
Texas- Getting slapped around on your home field by BYU is unnaceptable in Austin.
North Carolina- Struggling with San Diego State will land you on the Stock Down list.
Vanderbilt- What happened to Vandy? Getting curb stomped 41-3 by Ole Miss? Something stinks in Nashville.
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