Its step so firm, its eye so bright,
Because on its hot brow there blows
A wind of promise and repose
One might think after reading this poem that I am trying to infuse a bit of culture into this blog, however, I assure you such is not the case. I am, however, trying to make a point regarding my theme for this week. After watching some fantastic college football this past weekend I couldn't help but dwell on that one thing in life we all wish we could hold onto forever, but unfortunately vanishes before we ever get a chance to truly enjoy it. No, I'm not referring to my last plate of nachos (although one could hardly blame me), rather I'm referring to that elusive time in a person's life known as Youth, and everything that comes with it. Sure, the 3 most talented college football players right now are most likely those 3 senior quarterbacks we all hear about every week (and for good reason), but if you were able to watch even a few minutes of either the Michigan/ND or USC/OSU game, you saw what the future holds for some young kids who just a few months ago were enjoying their senior proms. And in a year or two it's a good bet that they could be battling it out against each other for a Heisman Trophy. Michigan true freshman qb Tate Forcier was just crazy cool as he carved the defense of the Irish for a lot more points than I think anyone this side of Charlie Weis would have imagined. He was calm, composed and untouchable. He certainly appears to be the perfect athlete to run that offense for the next 4 years. His post-game comments where he expressed surprise that Notre Dame's play-calling late in the game allowed them to keep their timeouts for later use even defied his age and lack of experience. As far as the game itself goes, I for one was a little shocked at the point total. I mean, after watching that game I think we all believe that ND can score, but boy did they sure make it easy for Rich Rodriguez to finally pick his starting qb.
Not to be overlooked, the true freshman quarterback for USC displayed some serious juevos when he marched his team down the length of the field against Ohio St. Saturday in the final minutes of the game to hand coach Tressel yet another loss in a big game. (Don't worry about coach Tressel, he'll be back after he gets through this drought of big game losses just like Bob Stoops will be; most of the great coaches go thru it at least once during their careers.) Now, don't get me wrong, this was only the 2nd game for both of these kids and they have a LONG way to go before they can even be in the discussion as two of the great college football players of either of their respective programs. But I always find it fascinating when you can look into a person's eyes and see that they just have 'it'. When their confidence blots out inexperience, when their naivite meets up with reality, stares it in the face and asks "Do I know you?" and simply keeps walking. Of course I'm being overly dramatic, but unlike most of us who at times in life find ourselves up against insurmountable odds, those kids didn't allow themselves to stop and pause in the heat of the battle, look around and ask themselves 'What on earth have I gotten myself into?' And why would they? They simply don't know any better.
Winning Breeds Confidence, Which Breeds More Winning, Which Breeds More...Okay You Get the Point
While some programs have taken the road less jubilantly traveled by looking truly hideous through the first 2 weeks of the young season (insert pic of Dan Hawkins w/sheepish grin here), it is apparent after last weekend that other coaches are clearly putting their programs on the path to success by fostering an attitude of accountability, discipline and toughness which is what I truly believe you have to have before you can even think of winning a national championship. These programs are starting to wear their success well...
Georgia Tech- Although they almost allowed Clemson to steal that game last Thursday, this program is obviously headed in the right direction. How far can they go? I think it's safe to say that no Top 10 team would want any part of that Triple Option offense.
Ole Miss- This program used to just be a squirrel trying to get a Houston-Nutt, but coach already has 'em thinking SEC Championship in '09. Will it happen? Not bloody likely...but just the fact that it COULD happen is a monumental step in the right direction for this once-proud program.
Cincinnati- No, that's not a typo. The Bearcats would definitely give that other team in Ohio a run for their money AND they dropped a 70 lb keg on their opponent's head Saturday (sure it was against a directional school with a 'State' on the end of it, but throw me a bone, people) and consistently find themselves in the Top 25 with coach Brian Kelly at the helm. Two consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time since the Industrial Revolution is an amazing feat and is definitely possible again this year with their opportunistic senior quarterback and a stingy defense. Look for Kelly to head to greener pastures after this season if they do...
Nebraska- Yes it is a week too early to predict just how successful this team will be in '09, but one thing they will ALWAYS be under coach Pelini is tough as railroad spikes. Va Tech will be a true road test but don't underestimate the heart of these Huskers under the new coaching staff. As good as this team can be this year, they should be a NC contender in 2010 when their young players come back with experience to go along with their mettle.
BYU- Consistency. That's what coach Mendenhall practices, preaches and expects, and that's what he gets year in and year out. Three 10-win seasons in a row. This year, he has a defense that just wants to hit somebody and a senior quarterback that could take them the distance as long as they don't let their guard down. Think about it, with the caliber of opponents they play, this could be the year that a non-BCS team actually makes it to the championship game.
Other teams who have learned to expect success under their current head coach:
Utah
TCU
Boise St.
Kansas
Alabama
Tennessee - Oh, wait sorry. Wrong list.
Week 3
Much like Barry Bonds, the upcoming weekend is juiced with some amazing match-ups between Top 25 teams. Here is who you should watch and who will win...
Georgia Tech at Miami
Home field is HUGE in college football...um, except when you're Miami. Tech will pound the Canes relentlessly on the ground all night and ball control beats out speed as the 'Jackets come away with a 41-34 victory.
Tennessee at Florida
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Lane Kiffin as he is inducted into the 'Urban Meyer Beatdown of the Week Club'. Sorry Lane, but I have a feeling that your membership fees will become due right around this time every year. Florida 45 Tennessee 21
Nebraska at Va Tech
Stingy, relentless defenses trying to hold down two explosive, young offenses. This game will be an instant classic...right up to the last minute when Nebraska displays some truly 'special' teams play of their own and pulls out a victory in Blacksburg. NU 34 Va Tech 31
Utah at Oregon
Utah gets up for big games, but I'm sorry, Autzen Stadium is one of THE toughest places to win, period. Oregon 45 Utah 31
Florida St at BYU
I can't believe I'm saying this but I really think the Seminoles may be a little intimidated when they come to Happy Valley. With no gamebreaking speed on offense or defense for FSU and a shaky start to the season, to say the least, the star of this game will be the BYU defense and Max Hall will have this game in hand by the beginning of the 2nd half. BYU 49 FSU 27
Carroll-ing in September
USC at UW
Mr. Carroll goes to Washington...to take on his old OC. I like Sarkisian's energy...he won't come close to beating SC this year, but he'll have this program turned around before you know it.
Wyoming at Colorado
If this game was being played in Wyoming I would pick the pokes. Eh, what the hell, the way the Buffs are playing lately I think I'll pick 'em anyway.
Texas Tech at Texas
I'd have a hard time picking against McCoy, even though I think this will be another close game.
Kansas St at UCLA
There's just something unnatural about Bill Snyder going to Hollywood. Even without their starting quarterback UCLA will roll in this one.
Tidbits
Am I the only one who is fed up with shelling out 30 bones for a PPV football game only to find myself stuck watching a telecast in CDTV? (That's Crap Definition Television for those who are wondering) I mean, it's bad enough that we have to listen to announcers who shouldn't even be calling a pop warner game, let alone college, but to have to squint for 3+ hours just to make out the number on a player's jersey is a little aggravating. Good to know our 30 bucks is going straight toward upgrading the broadcasting equipment for future telecasts. Hey, could be worse- at least it's not being telecast in SDTV...
Have you noticed that some coaches have a ceiling...and by that I mean certain assistant coaches were just not meant to be head coaches in this life. Does anyone think Gary Crowton isn't a phenomenal play-caller with a brilliant offensive mind? Well he is, but he's no head coach. Weis probably falls into the same boat, although I can't blame a guy for trying to improve his lot in life. Everyone wants to be 'The Man', but not everyone is blessed with that uncanny ability to not only TEACH the X's and O's, but also to LEAD those around them. On the other hand some coaches are just not meant to be held back as assistants...anyone think Urban Meyer isn't one of the greatest leaders ever to coach a football team? For some reason I can't imagine him ever being anyone's assistant anywhere at anytime.
I find it fascinating to watch some coaches who make the leap successfully from assistant to top dawg, others who toil in it for a while until they BECOME successful, and others who fall away into anonymity. Ever wonder why Norm Chow isn't a head coach yet? I could be dead wrong on this but maybe he just understands his strengths and his limitations better than anyone around him. Or maybe it's just nice not to be the one who takes the heat after every loss...
Thanks for tuning in folks, and remember, please sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
Andrew Deifel
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment