12/21/24
November 26, 2002
College Football Report, Nov. 26
All is right in the BCS world, thanks to Ohio State squeaking by Michigan on Saturday. That sets up a Fiesta Bowl matchup with Miami, provided the Canes take care of business against Syracuse and Virginia Tech (they should). more inside...
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss VT's chances against the Canes, even though they've been in quite a swoon of late. Miami has had a lot of trouble with teams running the ball on them (see West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Florida State) even though they've managed to pull most of those games out. VT has the best running attack they've faced all year with the Untouchables. Provided the Hokies defense returns from whatever desert they've been hiding in for the last three games, VT may have more of a shot than many give them.
posted by trox at 10:42 AM on November 26, 2002
Yes, Miami does have some trouble with the run (and VT's backs are first-rate), but the problem is if Miami's offense or special teams strike quickly and get a lead, forcing Tech to throw more often. That would be bad news for the Hokies. The other factor is that Pitt's secondary played man-to-man against Miami, something Tech is likely to do as well, and Andre Johnson burned them twice for big gains (one a touchdown). The Canes haven't looked spectacular lately, but all they seem to need is 1 or 2 big plays, and they usually get them.
posted by thescoop at 11:12 AM on November 26, 2002
thescoop: Great roundup. Thanks a bunch.
FWIW, as someone who was screaming for joy at Wide Left I, I'm fairly nervous about the VT game. This UM team, for whatever reason, hasn't looked as good on D as it did the last two years. VT would love to sneak in and steal one, and just like everyone else, they'll play their best game of the season against UM. Will it be enough? No clue; VT has looked (to be honest) pretty lousy the last two times I've seen them play. But it's never safe to underestimate them.
posted by tieguy at 04:31 PM on November 26, 2002
As an avowed Hokie fan, I'm hoping the team that stuffed LSU and Texas A&M shows up on December 7 instead of the team that Pittsburgh walked all over.
posted by trox at 04:48 PM on November 26, 2002
VT and the Heels? Can we revoke his account or something, please? :)
posted by tieguy at 08:08 PM on November 26, 2002
tieguy, don't forget that people could say the same about you ;) (of course this comes from the Yankees and Gators fan...)
posted by Bernreuther at 10:28 PM on November 26, 2002
bernreuther: but I stand for all that is good and light in college student-athletics! The Miami Hurricanes! I mean, Duke! [Yes, I'm a hypocrite. So sue me. :)
posted by tieguy at 08:48 AM on November 27, 2002
The 'Canes had better be careful about this week's game verses Syracuse. The Orangemen have not had a great season, but have played solid football recently. This game reeks of upset potential. While I think Miami will win, don't be surprised if the 'Canes drop this one. Oklahoma is waiting in the wings should Miami fall, but Oklahoma State and Colorado could derail the Sooners. If Miami and Okalhoma both fall, that leaves Iowa and Georgia with a chance at the title. Here's my take on all these scenarios: 1)Miami wins out. Miami 31, Ohio State 28. Miami has too much speed for the Buckeyes 2) Miami falls and OU wins the Big 12. Ohio State 24, Oklahoma 21. 3) Miami and OU fall, and Georgia leapfrogs Iowa. Ohio State 35, Georgia 24 4) Miami and OU fall, and Iowa gets the number 2 BCS spot. Iowa 34, Ohio State 31. Personally, I'd like to see Ohio State play Iowa for the National Championship, even though I have a cousin who is a Georgia grad. If Miami or OU make it to the title game, I'm pulling for Ohio State!
posted by jasonbondshow at 09:33 AM on November 27, 2002
Most of the conference championships have been decided as well, although the Big 12 and the SEC await title games in the coming days. The remaining questions include the Heisman Trophy race, which is still up in the air. There's the "lifetime achievement" crowd that probably will opt for Miami's Ken Dorsey, who has had a solid season and a record-shattering career. But the fact that others prefer his teammate, RB Willis McGahee, is evidence enough that the situation remains fluid. Brad Banks of Iowa has pulled in some more support, while the PAC-10's talented quarterbacks are likely to be shut out.
This week's games offer some choice viewing, if not a big impact on the bowl picture. Colorado plays Nebraska and might be without tailback Chris Brown, who has a bruised sternum. Either way, Buffs probably win, and if Brown has a big performance, put his name up in the Heisman ranks. Other rivalry games: Notre Dame-USC (last chance for Carson Palmer to impress voters), LSU-Arkansas for the right to play Georgia for the SEC title, Florida-Florida State (potential criminality leading to the return of former starting QB Chris Rix), and Texas-Texas A&M (although the Aggies suffered a loss with the death of 18-year-old Brandon Fails).
The end of the regular season means coaching changes, and Utah canned Ron McBride on Monday even though the Utes won their final three games to finish 5-6. Utah might want to look north to Idaho, where Boise State's Dan Hawkins has become a hot commodity. Michigan State and Baylor also are looking (some Baylor alums are pushing former Iowa coach Hayden Fry as a candidate).
And this week's absurdity is from Miami, where offensive lineman Brett Romberg is under investigation after he reportedly made a bet on the Miami-Florida game in September on a radio call-in show. The bet was for dinner for the entire offensive line - and it wasn't collected.