It wasn’t seven of 13 unbeatens going down, but the first week of October saw four of the nation’s top nine teams fall—and we almost had California taking over the #1 spot. What a finish to LSU-Florida… Les Miles, you’ve won me over as a coach—okay? Sorry, Wisconsin fans, you’ve dodged enough bullets from UNLV and the Citadel—the Badgers are on track to 9-3 or 8-4. And how does USC lose to STANFORD--did all the smack-talk by Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh in the offseason pay off?
There’s a very interesting underbelly of unbeatens in the rankings this week—while the world has gotten used to #5 South Florida, if the 14-15-16 lineup of Arizona State, Cincinnati and Hawaii doesn’t stun you—Kansas at #20 will.
VIRGINIA TECH saw the return of Beamerball, quite literally-scoring touchdowns on kickoff, punt and interception returns in their 41-23 win at Clemson. One way to make Death Valley a non-factor is to take a 17-0 first quarter lead.
UPSIDE—Beyond the big plays, the knowledge that the Hokies can create points on special teams takes extra attention from opposing coaches that chews up practice time each week that could be spent gameplanning offensively or defensively. Tyrod Taylor proves to be Tech’s biggest ground threat (15 carries for 118 yards) and tossed a touchdown pass in the victory. The defense kept Clemson out of the endzone for over three quarters.
DOWNSIDE— Let’s just write off this year for Brandon Ore, okay? The sophomore finished with 35 yards on 23 carries against the Tigers, and has been limited to 3.3 yards a carry this fall…the offense in general continues to underwhelm-just 221 total yards (183 from the feet and arm of Tyrod Taylor).
MARYLAND escaped with a 28-26 win over Georgia Tech when Travis Bell’s 52 yard field goal attempt sailed wide right with 54 seconds left in the fourth quarter; the Terps almost coughing up a two touchdown lead for the second time in three weeks. With Andrew Crummey’s broken leg ending the guard’s senior season and linebacker Rick Costa’s year in doubt after a neck injury, the bye week couldn’t come at a more convenient time.
UPSIDE—WOW…Chris Turner’s addition to the passing game has been phenomenal- the sophomore is taking chances and succeeding downfield-3 pass plays of 40 yards or more. Lance Ball gained 86 tough yards against a defense ranked with the best against the run (allowing under two yards per carry). Linebacker David Phillistin responded to the absence of Erin Henderson; the MLB tallied 21 tackles—most by a Terrapin in nine seasons.
DOWNSIDE— this team needs to get healthy, period. Maryland had just one possession last longer than five plays--while Maryland was able to strike quickly (their three touchdown drives were 3, 4 and 5 plays long) before intermission, the Terps were dominated after halftime—outgained 262 to 98 (the Yellowjackets racked up 484 total yards). Pass protection was a problem behind a patchwork line, as Chris Turner was sacked four times.
VIRGINIA lost leading rusher Cedric Peerman to injury but held on to nip Middle Tennessee 23-21 on a Chris Gould 34 yard field goal with eight seconds remaining in Murfreesboro. One week after posting a classic smackdown of Pitt, the Cavaliers appeared to take a step back towards their inconsistent play of their first three wins (by a combined 18 points). Up next--unbeaten but lightly regarded Connecticut—question is will UVa play to the Huskies record or their reputation?
UPSIDE— Must be the name; Andrew Pearman stepped in ably for Cedric Peerman, notching 101 yards from scrimmage and scoring two touchdowns. Tight end Tom Santi continues to be Jameel Sewell’s top target, posting five catches for 82 yards. The defense tightened up in the second half, allowing just 67 yards after intermission.
DOWNSIDE— Talk about all or nothing; the Cavs either scored or went three and out in the first half. The second half saw UVa sputter after getting the ball on the MTSU 27—(losing seven yards on three plays and punting) while another possession saw Sewell get intercepted from his own 10 (setting up the Blue Raiders’ final touchdown of the day).
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