Courtesy SI.com

I am sitting here after a day of family, a belly full of turkey and many reminders of what I am thankful for. As people get ready for Black Friday and a weekend of holiday shopping , there are plenty of important college football games that could have huge implications on the Pickin’ Splinters College Football Poll. So pull up a chair, pull up  a hot turkey sandwich and let’s take a look at the games:

Arkansas (#3 PSCFP) vs. LSU (#1 PSCFP):

For LSU to make it to the National Championship game, this is their first obstacle . Arkansas is a high powered offense that features a QB (Tyler Wilson) that has thrown 8 TD passes in his last 3 games, and one of the best receiving corps in college football. Problem for the Razorbacks is that LSU has one of the best secondaries in college football.  So it is strength against strength. Arkansas hasn’t lost since Week 4, and LSU – well, hasn’t lost yet. I think the BCS mess continues – Arkansas in the upset 24-23.

Houston (#4 PSCFP) vs. Tulsa:

Another high powered offense led by QB Case Keenum, who is on a record setting pace in 2011. In order for Tulsa to contain the Cougar offense, they will need to rely on their running game. Led by Trey Watts and Ja’Terian Douglas, the Golden Hurricanes average 210.1 rushing yards per game.  If Tulsa falls behind early, they will have to go away from their strength. Houston wins 41-20.

Alabama (#2 PSCFP) vs. Auburn:

The annual Iron Bowl that for the second straight year, has National Championship implications. Last year the Crimson Tide blew a 24-0 lead to a Cam Newton led Auburn, eventually losing 28-27. So besides the pride of Alabama at stake, a little revenge may be in order. While sporting one of the best defenses in college football, Alabama’s offense is inconsistent at best. Auburn gives a lot of yards on the ground, so expect a heavy dose of Trent Richardson. This game is at Auburn, which is why I think this game is close. In the end, Alabama wins 24-20.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford (#5  PSCFP):

Andrew Luck’s final home game as a Stanford Cardinal and one of his last opportunities to state his Heisman case.  Stanford still has a outside chance at the National Championship game, but to keep that chance they must beat an Irish team that has won 8 of their last 9 games. To beat the Cardinals, Notre Dame will need to control the ball on the ground. The Irish suffered a huge blow last week when Jonas Gray went down with a season ending knee injury. Cierre Wood will need to carry the load for the Irish and with 1,001 rushing yards on the season – he should be up to the challenge. Emotions will be high in this game with this being Luck’s final home game and a statement game for Brian Kelly’s team. Notre Dame in the upset, 27-24.

Georgia (#10 PSCFP) vs. Georgia Tech:

Already clinching a birth in the SEC championship game, the Bulldogs will look to win their 10th straight game.  To do that, Georgia will need to slowdown Tevin Washington and the high octane Yellow Jackets offense. In the Bulldog backfield, Isaiah Crowell should be back after leaving last week’s game due to an ankle injury. The other star in the Georgia running game, Carlton Thomas isn’t expected to play after breaking a team rule. Georgia’s streak continues, 27-17.

Penn State vs. Wisconsin (#15 PSCFP):

This game has a conference championship game berth on the line. Both teams have had their adversity in recent weeks, and for very different reasons. The Nittany Lions will have their hands full trying to contain Russell Wilson. Penn State will rely on Stephfon Green to keep Wilson off the field. Green ran for 2 TDs in last week’s win over Ohio State. Wilson and the Wisconsin crowd will be too much. Wisconsin wins 28-20.

Courtesy SI.com

After several weeks of highly anticipated college football games, Week 12 brings us an “appetizer” as we get ready for the final march to the National Championship game. So before we fill ourselves with a belly full of turkey and NFL, let’s take a look at the slate of college football games on tap for this Pre-Thanksgiving weekend:

LSU (#1 PSCFP) vs. Ole Miss:

Ole Miss is enduring a season to “misremember.” The team has struggled and it was recently announced that head coach, Houston Nutt will not be back for the 2012 season.  After coming out flat against Western Kentucky, the Tigers need to make sure they are not looking ahead for next week’s match-up at Arkansas. I expect Les Miles to have his boys ready. LSU wins 37-10.

Georgia South vs. Alabama (#3 PSCFP):

At first glance, my reaction was, “hey Alabama scheduled a scrimmage during the season.” But upon further review, Georgia South is not a team to take lightly. With their triple-option offense, the Eagles average over 320 rushing yards per game, and  have rushed for 37 TDs. Impressively, they have 6 players that have rushed for at least 275 yards this season. On the other hand, Georgia South’s defense gives up about 167 yards on the ground per game.  Expect the Crimson Tide to come with a heavy dose of Trent Richardson. Anyone care the venture the over/under is for number of passes thrown in this game? Alabama wins 31-10.

Oklahoma State (#2 PSCFP) vs. Iowa State:

Friday night under the lights for the Cowboys. With a bye week and a season finale match-up with Oklahoma looming, Oklahoma State needs to prevent itself from looking ahead. Iowa State ranks second in the Big 12, allowing only 217 passing yards per game.  However the Cyclones will be tested by Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon. To make matters worse, they will have to deal with a red-hot Joseph Randle on the ground. Oklahoma State wins 37-14.

USC vs. Oregon (#4 PSCFP):

Another PAC-12 showdown for the Oregon Ducks. This game features arguably the hottest team in college football (Oregon) vs. one of the best quarterbacks in college football (Matt Barkley).  To stop the Ducks, the Trojans must contain LaMichael James; something they haven’t done in the last 2 years. In two career games against USC,  James has fun for 422 yards and 4 TDs. Expect USC to try to control the game, by keeping the ball on the ground with Curtis McNeal. USC has lost its last 6 games in the state of Oregon and I expect it to continue. Oregon wins 48-38.

Oklahoma (#5 PSCFP) vs. Baylor:

Oklahoma has found itself back in the National Championship picture, and needs to win its last 3 games to remain in the conversation. The Sooners play their first game without star wide receiver, Ryan Broyles who tore his ACL in their win over Texas A&M. To beat Baylor, the Sooners will need to contain QB Robert Griffin III. The Bears have won all 5 of their homes games this season, and have averaged 49.o points at home. The Sooners will want to avoid an offensive shootout with Baylor and if the Bears get going early at home – an upset may be brewing. Baylor wins 35-21.

Boston College vs. Notre Dame:

An old rivalry continues. Notre Dame’s last home game of the season – and yes this game is in South Bend.  The Irish will look to continue its winning formula by the running the ball with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray, allowing Tommy Rees to find Michael Floyd downfield. The Eagles have struggled all season, and expect it to continue on Saturday. Notre Dame wins 33-13.

Have a game you wish to discuss? Have a prediction? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

AP Photo/L.G. Patterson

By Aaron M Smith

Week 9 of the college football season showcases some great games that could prove to be a heavy influence on next week’s Pickin’ Splinters College Football Poll. Key wins and losses could shake the Pickin’ Splinters poll and may move one team close to that#1 position. Without further delay, let’s take a look:

Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (#3 PSCFP):

With a date looming with a #8 Kansas State team, this match up with the Bears has all  the makings of a trap game. Coach Mike Gundy must keep his team focused as Baylor features a high-powered offense led by Robert Griffin III.  The Cowboys may be  without two of their top wide receivers after Justin Blackmon left last week’s game with concussion-like symptoms and wideout Hubert Anyiam is out for the season with a broken foot. Expect running back Joseph Randle to carry the load for Oklahoma State on Saturday. Two high powered offenses, which should mean a lot of points on the board. Oklahoma State wins 42-33.

Clemson (#6 PSFCP) vs. Georgia Tech:

A conference game that could prove to be trouble for the high-powered Clemson Tigers. Georgia Tech is looking to right the ship after consecutive losses to Virginia and Miami. The Yellow Jackets offense is led by Tevin Washington and was the ACC’s best offense until its two game swoon. Clemson has a chance to go 9-0 for the first time since 1981. The Tigers’  offense starts with Tajh Boyd who has thrown for 24 TDs already this season.  If the crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium can get involved early, the Yellow Jackets could smell upset. Georgia Tech with the upset, 31-30.

Stanford (#5 PSCFP) vs. USC:

This  PAC-12 game features the Battle of the Quarterbacks in Andrew Luck vs. Matt Barkley. Both QBs figure to be 1st round picks in the 2012 draft, with Luck the leading Heisman candidate. The Cardinals have won 3 of the last 4 meetings including a thrilling 37-35 victory in 2010. Look for Trojan WR Robert Woods to be busy in this game, as the Cardinals didn’t have an answer for the sophomore wideout in last year’s game (224 yards receiving).  For as well as Luck is playing, the Cardinals have found their running game in recent games. Expect that to continue on Saturday against a USC defense that has struggled against the run. Stanford wins 42-28.

Oklahoma(#9 PSCFP) vs. Kansas State (#8 PSCFP):

Somebody call Kenny Loggins because the Oklahoma Sooners are entering the Danger Zone. After a stunning loss at home to Texas Tech, the Sooners will be looking to avoid consecutive conference losses for the first time in 13 years.  The Wildcats will rely heavily on their ground attack to beat the Sooners. The running attack is led by QB Collin Klein and RB John Hubert. Landry Jones leads a Sooner passing attack that is going up against a suspect Kansas State secondary. This should be a high scoring affair, but Oklahoma’s BCS dreams are done after Saturday. Kansas State wins 31-28.

Michigan State  (#12 PSCFP) vs. Nebraska (#13 PSCFP):

After wins against Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin; one could understand if Michigan State had a letdown. Don’t tell that to the Spartans who travel to Lincoln to run the table for the month of October. The Spartans will be challenged to stop the Cornhuskers’ running attack, led by QB Taylor Martinez.  Nebraska is coming off consecutive wins over Ohio State and Minnesota. An interesting stat: the Spartans went the entire Wisconsin game without a penalty on either side of the ball.  Nebraska wins 21-17.

Illinois vs. Penn State:

Riding a 6 game winning streak, Penn State looks to tie Joe Paterno with coaching legend Eddie Robinson for the all-time Division I wins record of 408. To do that, the Nittany Lions will look to avenge a 33-13 loss from a year ago. Illinois is looking to end a two game losing streak after winning its first 6 games. To do that, the Fighting Illini will rely on its sophomore QB, Nathan Scheelhaase to get them back to their winning ways. Scheelhaase has struggled in the last two games, including being sacked 4 times in their loss to Purdue. After slow starts in their last two games, expect Illinois to come out strong from the kickoff. Home field advantage for Penn State will be key. Nittany Lions win 17-13.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee:

After its bye week, South Carolina puts its new look offense to the test. QB Stephen Garcia has been dismissed… again, star RB Marcus Lattimore is out for the season and Gamecocks have dropped of the PSCF Poll without losing a game. Coach Spurrier will turn to running back Brandon Wilds to replace Lattimore and will rely on a stingy Gamecocks defense to win their remaining games. Tennessee one of the worst teams against the run, should be a perfect tune-up for South Carolina. Gamecocks win 27-7.

Navy vs. Notre Dame:

After a disappointing loss to USC, the Fighting Irish look to bounce back against a Navy football team that has lost 5 consecutive games. Look for the Midshipmen to run the ball and control the clock. Averaging nearly 300 yards on the ground, they will need to keep Rees, Woods and Michael Floyd off the field to have a shot at winning this game.  Notre Dame will be looking to make a point after being accused of giving up at the end of the USC game. Notre Dame wins 42-17.

Have a prediction? Have a game you wish to discuss? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

Southern Cal at Notre Dame

Coach John McKay’s 6^th ranked, 5-0-1 Southern Cal Trojans came to South Bend with a 23-game unbeaten streak for the annual battle with Notre Dame.  Coach Ara Parseghian had the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 5-0 & ranked 8^th in the nation but they had not defeated Southern Cal since 1966.  Notre Dame’s top-ranked defense had only allowed 2 touchdowns through the first 5 games & they held Southern Cal’s All-Pac 8 RB Anthony Davis to 50 yards rushing while the Notre Dame offense capitalized on 316 yards rushing including an 85-yard touchdown run by RB Eric Penick to gain a 23-14 victory claiming their first Belt reign.  Fighting Irish’ PK Bob Thomas hit a 32-yard field goal for a 3-0 Notre Dame lead after CB Tim Rudnick partially blocked a Southern Cal punt.  The Trojans got a 1-yard touchdown run from Davis for their only lead of the game at 7-3.  In the 2^nd quarter, Thomas hit a 32-yard field goal & QB Tom Clements scored on a 4^th down, 1-yard touchdown run with 0:30 left in the quarter for a 13-7 halftime lead.  Penick’s run came on Notre Dame’s first offensive play of the 3^rd quarter as the Fighting Irish pushed the lead to 20-7.  Southern Cal’s QB Pat Haden found All-American WR Lynn Swann for a 27-yard touchdown pass.  Swann’s catch came despite excellent defense by the Notre Dame defender & when he touched his toes in the end zone before going out-of-bounds, the Trojans had moved to within 6 points at 20-14.  Thomas hit his third field goal, this one from 32 yards, for a 23-14 Fighting Irish advantage.  Neither team was able to score in the 4^th quarter & the final Southern Cal effort ended when Notre Dame’s CB Luther Bradley intercepted Haden for the second time in the game at the Notre Dame 29-yard line with 2:36 to play.  The Fighting Irish held the ball for 39:36 of the game while Southern Cal managed to convert only 1 of 8 third downs.  Clements threw for 89 yards while rushing for 50 yards with a touchdown & Penick rushed for 118 yards with his touchdown while the Fighting Irish held the ball for 39:36 of the game.  Haden threw for 175 yards with a touchdown but 2 interceptions in the loss.  Southern Cal finished the season 9-2-1; Pac-8 Champions & ranked 8^th nationally while Notre Dame finished the season 11-0 & claimed the National Championship.  Southern Cal would play again for The Belt in 1977.

The College Football Belt

Can anybody get through the 'Bama defense? (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

By Aaron M Smith

Week 8 in college football is upon us and brings an assortment of pre-Halloween goodies. Let’s take a look and see what’s in the bag:

Auburn vs. LSU (#1 PSCFP) :

At first glance, this game should look like blowout. The Tiger’s #4 defense in college football. Auburn’s quarterback, Clint Moseley is making his first college start – in Baton Rouge.  All seems like a recipe for a long day for Auburn. But throw in the suspensions of 3 LSU Tiger players, including Heisman hopeful Tyrann Mathieu and suddenly this game doesn’t look like a LSU run away. How will the LSU defense perform without its star player? Will the Auburn offense be able to generate any offense?  LSU holds on 27-14.

Tennessee vs. Alabama (#2 PSCFP):

Is there such a thing as out of the fire and back into the fire? A week after the Volunteers were manhandled by LSU, they now have to travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on what many believe to be the best team in the country. The Crimson Tide have the top ranked defense in college football. The Volunteers are struggling on offense and will have a very difficult time stopping Heisman candidate Trent Richardson (912 yards rushing, 15 TDS). Crimson Tide roll, 49-3.

Oklahoma St. (#6 PSCFP) vs. Missouri:

With Baylor and Kansas State on the horizon after this game, could this be a trap game for Oklahoma State. Last week, the Cowboys proved that they could win a game and not rely on Brandon Weeden. Weeden was mediocre last week against Texas, but Jeremy Smith ran for 140 yards and 2 TDs – proving that the Sooners offense is not a one trick pony. But the Missouri offense is athletic and is lead by quarterback, James Franklin. Oklahoma State defense has been giving up 426 yards per game, and that could spell trouble. I think Coach Gundy will have his team ready. Oklahoma State wins 38-27.

Wisconsin (#5 PSCFP) vs. Michigan St.  (#13 PSCFP):

After an inspiring victory over their inter-state rivals, the Spartans welcome fifth-ranked Wisconsin to Spartan Stadium.  Ironically this is the site of Wisconsin’s last Big Ten conference loss, and this should be the game of the week. The Spartans tough defense will have its hands full with Heisman candidate Russell Wilson, who leads the Badger offense. The Spartans defense did keep Denard Robinson in check last week, but will have to handle Wilson without William Gholston who has been suspended for this game. Spartans upset the Badgers, 17-16.

Washington vs. Stanford (#7 PSCFP):

It is the Battle of the Quarterbacks. Heisman front runner, Andrew Luck vs. Keith Price.  Oh wait, teams are playing too.  Washington offense averages 37 points a game and Stanford hasn’t scored less than 37 points all season. If you are expecting a low scoring, defensive affair – you might want to turn the channel. Otherwise, fasten your seat belts as this should be a high scoring game. The game features 2 of the 3 teams unbeaten in PAC-12 play this year – obviously that will change. Stanford wins, 37-31.

USC vs. Notre Dame:

Earlie in the week, Pat Haden tried to convince everyone that this game wasn’t a big deal for USC or Notre Dame players anymore. Something tells me otherwise. Both teams like to run the ball, but the Trojans may be without top running back, Marc Tyler. The Irish have a two headed running attack with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray. Look for the Irish to run Wood and Gray, so that it will open up downfield for Tommy Rees to find Michael Floyd. The Trojans will counter with Matt Barkley looking for Robert Woods. Will the Irish be rusty having a week off?  Irish win, 27-17.

Temple vs. Bowling Green:

Bernard Pierce, Bernard Pierce, Bernard Pierce… oh you get the picture. Temple wins 37-0.

Have a prediction? Have a game you want to discuss? Let’s hear it on the Pine…

By Aaron M Smith

This Columbus Day weekend has a full slate of college football games that features a the PAC-10 match-up, a pair of SEC showdown and one of the biggest rivalries in college football – the Red River Rivalry. To put a cherry on the sundae, the top 4 teams in the official Pickin’ Splinters College Football Poll are in action this weekend. Could we see a change at the top of the poll?  All signs point to a great weekend of college football. Let’s take a look:

#5 (#4 PSCFP) Boise State vs. Fresno State:

On paper this looks like a Kellen Moore field day, but Fresno has hung tough against some pretty good opponents. The Bulldogs have lost relatively close games to Nebraska, Cal and Ole Miss. Moore is coming off one of his worst collegiate games, so look for him to rebound. The game features the return of suspended wide receiver, Geraldo Boldewijn for the Broncos. Look for a heavy dosage of Doug Martin, as the Broncos will look to get Kellen Moore back on track.  Broncos win 41-17.

#17 (#14 PSCFP) Florida vs. #1 (#1 PSCFP) LSU:

This game is the first of a 4 game stretch in which the LSU Tigers face a SEC opponent. The stretch starts with the Florida Gators and ends with Alabama. 2 weeks ago this looked like a difficult match up for the Tigers, but an injury to starting QB Jeff Brantley put the Gators in a tough position. As we have seen in past games, the best way to attack this Tigers defense is through the air. Without Brantley and freshman QB at the helm, the Gators will be hard pressed to upset the Tigers. Expect Jordan Jefferson to have more of presence in the LSU offense. LSU wins handily 38-13.

Vanderbilt vs. #2 (#3 PSCFP) Alabama:

25 years of frustration comes down this Saturday….Well it is going to continue. The Commodores will try to get their offense going against one of the best defenses in college football. Held to just 80 yards in their loss to South Carolina, Vanderbilt will be hard pressed to end a 25 year drought with the Crimson Tide. Expect to see the Crimson Tide defense reign supreme in this one. Crimson Tide win 42-3.

Air Force vs. Notre Dame:

After an impressive win last week against the Purdue Boilermakers, the Fighting Irish take on a veteran ( no pun intended) Air Force team. Expect the Falcons the utilize their running game to control the game and rely heavily on their veteran defense. For the Irish, the offense flows through Michael Floyd. With defenses focusing on stopping Floyd, Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray will be able to take advantage on the ground. Last week Wood ran for a career high 191 yards and Gray ran for 90 more.  If Rees can continue to cut down on the turnovers in the red zone,  it will be difficult for Air Force to win this game. Notre Dame wins 34-21.

#3 (#2 PSCFP) Oklahoma vs. #11 (#9 PSCFP) Texas:

The Red River Rivalry takes center stage as the preseason favorites, Oklahoma Sooners invade the Cotton Bowl to take on the Longhorns.  This game features quarterbacks on the both ends of the spectrum with the inexperienced Case McCoy going up against the experienced Sooner signal caller, Landry Jones. Expect this game to be a battle and having this game at home is an advantage for Texas. If the Longhorns can get off to good start, expect to see an upset. Longhorns with the upset, 27-24.

Auburn (#13 PSCFP) vs. Arkansas (#11 PSCFP):

One week after the Auburn defense shut down Marcus Lattimore and the Gamecocks defense, they must travel to Razorback Stadium to face the most prolific passing attack in college football. Tyler Wilson has already thrown for 1,500 yards and 10 TDs in the Razorback’s first 5 games. Expect more of it, as the defending champions’ defense will have a hard time slowing this offense down. Razorbacks win in a shootout 49-38.

Temple vs. Ball State:

Both teams are coming off a loss, and will be looking to rebound. The Owls will look to get Bernard Pierce back on track after being held to 75 yards rushing and no touchdowns in the loss to the Toledo Rockets. Scoring points for the Cardinals has been a problem all year – expect it to continue. Temple controls this game on the ground and into the win column.  Owls win 28-3.

Got a prediction? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

Purdue at Duke

Off their improbable win over 2^nd ranked Notre Dame, Purdue & coach Alex Agase with a 1-1-1 record traveled to Durham, North Carolina to face Mike McGee’s 2-1 Duke Blue Devils.  The Boilermakers out-gained the Blue Devils 291-183 but 10 penalties disrupted the Purdue offense & Duke’s RB Tony Benjamin scored 2 touchdowns as Duke recorded a 16-14 win to claim The Belt for the ACC.  Duke pushed to a 10-0 lead on a 24-yard field goal from PK Dave Malechek & a 1-yard touchdown run by Benjamin.  A mishandled snap on a punt attempt for the Blue Devils gave the Boilermakers the ball at Duke’s 29-yard line.  Purdue’s RB Pete Gross finished the short drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with just 0:58 left in the half.  Neither team scored in the 3^rd quarter but Boilermakers’ back-up QB Mark Vitali finished an 86-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Purdue a 14-10 lead.  Vitali was playing because QB Mike Terrizzi, who started but threw only one pass, was still hurting from his injury incurred in the Notre Dame game & was unable to continue.  Duke got the lead back with 8:18 left after All-ACC KR Troy Slade returned a punt 16 yards before Benjamin scored on another 1-yard touchdown run.  The missed conversion left the score 16-14 Duke & that is the way it remained.  Duke’s QB Hal Spears threw for 29 yards completing 4 of 6 pass attempts while Benjamin added 79 yards rushing to his 2 touchdowns.  Purdue’s RB Scott Dierking rushed for 122 yards in the losing effort.  The Boilermakers finished the season 4-6-1 while Duke finished the season 6-5.  Purdue would play for The Belt again in 1975.

The College Football Belt

Purdue at Notre Dame

The 0-1-1 Purdue Boilermakers of coach Alex Agase seemed unlikely to threaten the Belt reign of the 2-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish of coach Ara Parseghian.  Coming off a loss to Wisconsin & a tie with Miami (OH), the Boilermakers were 28-point underdogs to the 2^nd ranked, defending National Champions.  Purdue scored 24 points in the 1^st quarter, including a 52-yard touchdown run by RB Pete Gross, on their way to a stunning 31-20 win ending the 7-game Belt reign of Notre Dame while claiming both The Belt & the Shillelagh Trophy.  The Boilermakers recovered a fumble by Irish’s RB Al Samuel on the second play of the game & Purdue’s QB Mike Terrizzi scored on a 1-yard touchdown run seven plays later.  After a Notre Dame punt, Gross broke loose for his touchdown run to push the lead to 14-0.  Things got worse for the Fighting Irish when Purdue’s LB Bob Mannella intercepted Notre Dame’s QB Tom Clements’ first pass attempt.  Mannella returned the interception 21 yards for a touchdown giving Purdue a 21-0 lead.  A 47-yard field goal by PK Steve Schmidt finished the 1^st quarter scoring barrage for the Boilermakers.  Notre Dame finally got things going in the 2^nd quarter with RB Wayne Bullock scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run to finish a 12-play, 80-yard drive.  Bullock scored on another 1-yard touchdown run in the 3^rd quarter as Notre Dame closed to 24-14.  Purdue’s LB Jim Wood intercepted Clements at the Notre Dame 31-yard line leading to a 6-yard touchdown run by RB Mike Northington with 9:23 to play for a 31-14 Boilermaker edge.  Clements connected with All-American WR Pete Demmerle on a 29-yard touchdown pass for the final Fighting Irish score.  Purdue’s Terrizzi was knocked out in the 2^nd quarter & back-up QB Mark Vitali finished completing 6 of 7 passes for 79 yards.  Clements finished with 264 yards passing with a touchdown but 3 interceptions while Demmerle added 8 catches for 121 yards with his score.  Notre Dame finished 10-2; ranked 6^th nationally in Parseghian’s final season while the Boilermakers finished the season 4-6-1.  Notre Dame would play for The Belt again in 1977.

The College Football Belt

Maryland Terrapins running back Davin Megget (8) during the first half of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE

A weekly rundown from a tepid football fan of the best and worst college football has to offer, some serious but mostly requisite raillery due to basketball deprivation

1. Mother Nature – Omnipotent force (Earth)

Weekly stats: many delays, a couple cancellations

She flexed her muscles all last week and showed that no one can affect a contest quite like she can. Thunderstorms delayed and canceled four games, including only three quarters of football between Michigan and Western Michigan. That’s a whole quarter lost for Denard Robinson. Take that Heisman hopefuls!

2. Robert Griffin III QB (Baylor)

Weekly stats: intensive film study, Multiple Madden ’12 games on PlayStation 3, perhaps something scholastic

Baylor was off this week but with his huge stats from week 1 against TCU, Griffin III deserves to hold on to his #2 spot in competing for the Heisman.

3. Wacky uniforms (Under Armor, Nike)

Weekly stats: triggered much media coverage, water cooler conversations

The Heisman is usually influenced by hype and media coverage, and who has garnered more talk the past week than Maryland’s initiation into the Oregon attention-seeker club. They wore a uniform that was supposed to be a tribute to the state flag though it actually got it backwards.

http://25right.com/2011/09/06/thoughts-on-marylands-football-uniform/

As horrific those uniforms were (which, by the way, is nothing new. Maryland’s hockey team and come to find out a local roller-derby team both wear versions of this design) they put Maryland in the lexicon of weekly football conversations.

Maryland has signed a deal with Under Armor, who has introduced ten uniform variations they’ll be wearing this year (not including the one you saw against Miami in week 1). With a new coach hoping to rejuvinate the program, this strategy may work. Michael Kruse of ESPN’s Grantland recently published an interesting article on the effect the uniforms have had on Oregon’s success and recruiting. If Heisman=Hype, then uniform companies have one-upped nearly every player.

Oh by the way: Maryland defeated Miami 32-24.

4. Other idle quarterbacks (Kellen Moore, Landry Jones)

Weekly stats: answering BCS and realignment questions

Moore and his Boise State Broncos travel to Northwest Ohio next Friday to take on Toledo, who almost knocked off in-state rival and power Ohio State this weekend 22-27.

Not such as easy a task for Oklahoma and Jones who will travel to Tallahassee to battle the Seminoles of Florida State.

5. Russell Wilson QB (Wisconsin)

Weekly stats: 17/21, 189 yards, 3 TD/0 INT

A highly underrated passer, Wilson hurt the Oregon State defense with his accuracy this week in a 35-0 blowout. He had a perfectly thrown ball to receiver Nick Toon to the back pylon for a TD. He also displayed his ability to send some line drives through multiple defenders.

Though he didn’t do too much with his feet this week (11 yards, 0 TDs), he didn’t have to because his backfield toted nearly 5 yards per carry and found the end zone twice.

6. Wisconsin’s offense in the red zone

Weekly stats: multiple conversions…again

Is the Heisman trophy still a strictly individual award? If not, then the Badgers offense should be the recipients. Going into Saturday’s game, they have scored 56 of the last 57 times they were in the red zone with 51 of those being for touchdowns. I know they scored at least two more touchdowns in the red zone this Saturday, which makes the Badgers completely money when getting inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

And now they have Wilson to scamper some in in case of a breakdown? Geesh – Give them the Big 10 title and let’s call it a year.

7. Andrew Luck QB (Stanford)

Weekly stats: 20/28, 290 yards, 4 TD/1 INT

Another solid week from everyone’s Heisman favorite. However, he loses a spot on this list for throwing a 76 yard ‘pick-6′ against the lowly Duke Blue Devils.

8. Super-Conferences (NCAA football)

Weekly stats: continue to pollute airwaves

Are they or aren’t they? That’s all anyone really cares about at this point including Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, who dared to imagine a world without the Red River Rivalry. Regardless, the talk of expansions continues to pull attention away from the game itself.

Does anyone care about college basketball conferences anymore?

9. Bernard Pierce RB (Temple)

Weekly Stats: 18 carries, 150 yards, 3 TD

Pierce churned out another 145+ yard effort while the Owls dismantled MAC member Akron 41-3. Pierce will face the same scrutiny as Ball State running back MiQuale Lewis a couple years ago. Neither play in a major conference but put up consistently good numbers each week.

Pierce can help his cause next week by playing national power Penn State. If he can duplicate what he’s done the first two weeks, then maybe some national attention may start for Pierce.

10. Justin Blackmon WR (Oklahoma State)

Weekly stats: 12 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD

Blackmon follows up a solid first week (8 catches, 144 yards) with an even better one.

16. Denard Robinson QB (Michigan)

Weekly stats: 11-24, 338 yards passing, 4 TD/3 INT; 108 yards rushing, 1 TD

How much do big plays factor into the Heisman? How about excitement? If they do, then I guess the Wolverine signal caller deserves a top-20 spot. Otherwise, his numbers and play just aren’t that spectacular.

He ran the ball in after a fumble on the goal line. Many of his long completed passes were thrown in the general direction of receivers and somehow caught. It certainly helped that Notre Dame’s defense looked like they’ve never practiced coverage downfield before. Michigan receivers looked like a middle school basketball game where there’s one super tall kid that gets every possible rebound.

17. Highly touted running backs (Oregon, Alabama, South Carolina)

Weekly stats: less than stellar ground numbers

Trent Richardson of Alabama probably deserves to be higher, but he’s still only averaging 3.8 yards a carry after two games. He had 111 yards in the Tide’s win at Penn State, but touched the ball over 20 times. He is finding the end zone though; after this weekend he has a total of 5 rushing TDs.

LaMichael James had a slightly better game this week against Nevada. He ran for 67 yards on only 12 carries and found the end zone from the ground once. He did have a receiving touchdown and a returned punt for a touchdown, so his total production seems to compensate for two weeks without a 100-yard rushing feat.

Marcus Lattimore probably leads this pack after a 176 yard 1 TD performance in a win over Georgia. He has two 100-yard games with 4 total touchdowns so far.

58. Texas Longhorns (Longhorn Network)

Weekly stats: Came from behind to defeat BYU 17-16 after 10-point halftime deficit

The questions are definitely still out there for one of the more storied programs in the country. Regardless, they are 2-0 to start the season and came from behind to win with the help of a McCoy-Shipley reunion. Not that McCoy and Shipley, but their younger brothers.

Mack Brown pulled the starting quarterback after a 2/8 performance and put in Case McCoy. He led an 8-play scoring drive. Texas then won the game on a touchdown pass from receiver Jaxson Shipley on a trick play.

591. Notre Dame quarterbacks

Weekly stats: 27/39, 315 yards, 3 TD/2 INT

So who will be under center next week? I guess Rees’ performance wasn’t as bad as the ranking, but he didn’t seem to convert in the red zone, throwing at least one pick that I saw. Coupled with Dayne Christ’s performance against South Florida, you have a Brian Kelly migraine.

833. Brian Kelly’s contract extension negotiations (Notre Dame)

Weekly stats: *crickets chirping*

The Irish defense, which I thought was supposed to keep this team somewhat stable, gave up 28 points in the fourth quarter to rival Michigan, most of which seemed like they were defendable plays. The offense did look a little better aside from Rees hiccups, but now both sides of the ball can’t put a game together. And even saying they looked better is confusing because the Irish racked up over 500 yards of offense against South Florida. The problem was they couldn’t help from giving the ball away.

937. Mark Richt (Georgia)

Weekly stats: more disappointment bordering on panic

The Bulldogs’ coach drops 38 spots after losing to SEC rival South Carolina 45-42 for the second consecutive year. This is Georgia’s first 0-2 start since 1996 and will probably be the last with Richt at the helm.

3,872. Johnny Hekker P (Oregon State)

Weekly stats: 2 punts, 36 yards

As if being a punter doesn’t already eliminate a player from Heisman consideration, Johnny Hekker didn’t help his long shot one bit against Wisconsin. When the Badgers were four-and-out on their own 18-yard line, the special teams came in to gain some decent field position for their defense. Hekker, however, tried a rugby style kick and punted the ball out of bounds at their own 14-yard line. That equated to a -4 yard punt. Is there a bizzaro-Heisman award that can be given out?

Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson (16) runs for a touchdown against UNLV during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in Madison, Wis. (Andy Manis, Associated Press)

1. Russell Wilson QB (Wisconsin)

Weekly stats: 10-13, 255 yards, 2 TD/0 INT/0 sacks; 62 yards rushing, 1 TD

This kid is what they call a “gamer.” Watched him play for two years at NC State where he took a mediocre team and bland coaching and made it competitive every week. Definitely not what people are used to seeing at Camp Randall, but it appears the Badger coaching staff will embrace his style and give him the green light. The Colorado Rockies’ minor league prospect now has the luxury of playing behind an offensive line that is bigger than most NFL teams. Yikes. Wisconsin will win the Big 10 and have to be considered for the national championship with Wilson.

2. Robert Griffin III QB (Baylor)

Weekly stats: 21-27, 359 yards, 5 TD/0 INT

Is Baylor the best team in Texas? We’ll find out on October 15 when the Bears travel to Texas A&M. They have a do-it-all quarterback that will make defensive gameplans crumble.

3a. Robert Woods WR (USC), 3b. Kendall Wright WR (Baylor)

Weekly stats: Woods 17 receptions, 177 yards, 3 TD; Wright 12 receptions, 189 yards, 2 TD

Good thing USC had Woods and Matt Barkley against Minnesota. They were the only Trojans to offensively participate and find the end zone in a close 19-17 win. Kendall Wright is only 5’10″?! I have to watch Baylor play more.

4. Landry Jones QB (Oklahoma)

Weekly stats: 35-47, 375 yards, 1 TD/0 INT/0 sacks

That’s pretty efficient. Jones may have a hard time staying in the top 5 because the rest of his team is so good. The Sooner backfield ran for 5 TDs in the easy win against Tulsa.

5. Kellen Moore QB (Boise State)

Weekly stats: 28-34, 261 yards, 3 TD/1 INT

Boise State does it again by beating up on a good team from a BCS conference by defeating Georgia 35-21. Boise won’t be challenged again until November 12 when #14 TCU visits the “Smurf Turf.”

6. Andrew Luck QB (Stanford)

Weekly stats: 17-26, 171 yards, 2 TD/0 INT

Stanford opened the post-Jim Harbaugh era by blasting San Jose State 57-3. The Cardinal spread the ball around offensively. Luck hopes to personify his name and produce a season like last year’s when he was projected to be the first pick of the NFL draft. Kudos for staying in school.

7. Matt Barkley QB (USC)

Weekly stats: 35-45, 304 yards, 3 TD/0 INT

Won’t Matt Barkley end up exactly like Jimmy Clausen? An overhyped college quarterback who has enough good games to ignore his bad games, gets drafted by a bad team who needs a quarterback for that season, then finds himself with a clipboard when an even better quarterback becomes available the following season?

8. Les Miles (LSU)

Weekly stats: Diverting media, damage control, beat #3 Oregon

Love him or hate him, the guy has stayed put in Baton Rouge despite many courtships and just keeps winning and churning out NFL-caliber players. How prepared did LSU look for Oregon’s offense? When a team spreads the field and makes it wider like the Ducks do, players have to be really disciplined not to swarm the ball too early. Force, cutback and contain. The Tigers looked like a picket fence out there and once one had the ball wrapped up, they converged like a pack of rabid wolves. Hats off to Les Miles who seems like he’d be fun to play for.

9. SEC football

Weekly stats: Defenses continue to stifle everybody else’s offense

How can anyone question the SEC being the best conference in the country? And please do not mention Kentucky or Vanderbilt. The SEC’s best teams beat everyone else’s best teams every year, don’t they?

10. Bernard Pierce RB (Temple)

http://www.owlsports.com

Temple defeated Villanova for the Mayor’s Cup in front of a near record crowd for a Temple football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. This is probably a slight homer-call.

53. LaMichael James RB (Oregon)

Weekly stats: 54 yards rushing, 1 TD; 6 receptions, 61 yards

Not a great start, but there’s hope for an Oregon offense that put up unreal numbers all last season. Surely he’ll have some ridiculous 500 yard all-purpose game soon, probably against Missouri State in two weeks.

402. LaMichael James against an SEC defense (Oregon)

Weekly stats: Not great

His last two games can’t be good for an NFL application. Or maybe he could be like a Chris Johnson. Both have a knack for finding the smallest of holes to cut into as long as their team blocks well. LSU’s defense just seemed to shorten the field and penetrate the backfield too well for James to have a chance. It’s funny how a college system can make a player perform so well and simultaneously hinder his translation to the professional level of that sport.

630. Notre Dame receivers when a Dayne Crist pass is coming

Weekly stats: A few dropped passes

There were three or four passes that Crist threw that weren’t great, but still hit the hands of Irish receivers. And I think a couple of them were during a crucial third down situation. Have to adjust and make a play on a couple of those. Hey – Even Robert Griffin III, Baylor’s quarterback, made a big reception in the fourth quarter while trailing TCU.

705. Dayne Crist QB (Notre Dame)

Weekly stats: 7-15, 95 yards, 0 TD/1 INT

What is more troublesome for Notre Dame fans: The fact that Crist played so poorly or the that Brian Kelly evaluated both him and Rees in the Spring and concluded that Crist was the better player? Crist played horrible yesterday, right? A terrible interception in the Red zone on an underthrown ball, mutliple bad throws on basic routes, no gamesmanship displayed whatsoever. He was the complete opposite of Russell Wilson. On the other hand, Rees steps in and just looks comfortable in the pocket and makes timely, hard throws.

819. Contract extension negotiations between Brian Kelly and Notre Dame

Weekly stats: Lost to Skip Holtz’s South Florida team

Considering that Skip Holtz was available (I have no idea what the circumstances were in regards to this by the way, if Holtz was contacted or if he showed no interest) this has to sting more than it would have. Holtz is one of the best coaches in the country. He will have SFU atop the Big East in another couple of years.

899. Mark Richt (Georgia)

Weekly stats: Lost to Boise State in the Georgia Dome

What does Richt know about the University of Georgia’s president that is keeping him or her from firing Richt? Georgia is supposed to be good at football, right?

997. Al Golden’s optimism (Miami)

Weekly stats: Miami plays at Maryland Monday night

Depending on how the Hurricanes open the season, this ranking may be a bit too high.