Week 2 Review

Game of the Week: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 34
The highest scoring game in the history of the Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry was far more exciting that one could have hoped. Unlike in the previous few years, both teams appear to be ready to compete. The new-found success of these programs lies with starts with their quarterbacks. Both Jimmy Clausen and Tate Forcier were brilliant. In defeat, Clausen may have actually been the player of the game. Forcier was equally impressive, making plays with both his legs and his arm. The most fascinating part of the game though was the final seconds. Replays show that Notre Dame should have been awarded an extra second which ticked off after the kickoff and likely an additional second which ticked off on the final play - giving them one last shot at the end zone.

Player of the Week: Case Keenum QB Houston
Houston's upset of Oklahoma State could very well end up as the biggest shocker of the season. Keenum routinely puts up gaudy numbers, but not against top-5 opponents. Keenum threw for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns on Saturday and added another touchdown on the ground. The Cowboys aren't exactly known for their defense, but this was the same team that shutdown Georgia the previous week. Keenum and the Cougars just might be a legitimate top-25 team.

Upset of the Week: Houston 45, Oklahoma State 35
As I mentioned, this could end up being the upset of the year. A C-USA team has no business competing with a top-5 squad from the Big 12. Its hard to tell what to make of Oklahoma State now. Perhaps they simply thought too much of themselves after seeing the cover of Sports Illustrated last week and overlooked Houston. Or, maybe they're just not that good. We'll find out in a few weeks when the Big 12 schedule starts up.

Random Thoughts:
While watching the Ohio State-USC game I realized that I could very well be watching the 2010 and 2011 National Champs at work. By the time their college careers are over, both Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley could end up with national titles. For the short term, however, don't be shocked to see two two on the field in January playing in the Rose Bowl.

I've been skeptical of Clausen since his freshman year, but he is finally living up to his hype. He's getter more patient in the pocket and reading defenses better than ever and he would likely be a first-round pick should he leave school after his junior year.

I can't wait to see Georgia Tech face Miami on Thursday night. After watching Florida State nearly lose to Jacksonville State, I can't help but wonder of the Miami-FSU game was nothing more than two very mediocre teams going at it. Georgia Tech has a high-powered offense that could put on a show if Miami's defense doesn't step up.

Whats wrong with the Big 12? Oklahoma already lost to BYU. Oklahoma State lost to Houston. Missouri barely slid past Bowling Green. And Texas struggled with Wyoming. Could Nebraska be the best team in the conference? I highly doubt it, but they been the most impressive team thus far.

While watching the Stanford-Wake Forest game I couldn't help but think how much Toby Gerhart reminds me of Touchdown Tommy Vardell. Yet, somehow I doubt any team will be crazy enough to select to select Touchdown Toby 9th overall.

Week 1 Review

Game of the Week: BYU 14, Oklahoma 13
This was a great game, but also disappointing. You never want to see a player like Sam Bradford go down, especially this early in the season. Before opening night was complete our three-man Heisman race was whittled down to two, and Florida and Texas emerged as the obvious front runners to play for the national title. That said, you can't take away from what BYU accomplished. Even with Bradford in the game, BYU held it close. The Cougars have a stiff defense that should allow them to run the table. Their toughest games (Florida State, Utah and TCU) are all at home, and no one else on the schedule looks like a serious threat. Be prepared for BYU to crash the BCS party this January.

Player of the Week: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Replacing Chase Daniel is no easy task, but in one week Blaine Gabbert has already made Missouri fans forget about their former star quarterback. The sophomore quarterback threw for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns in Missouri's upset victory over rival Illinois.

Upset of the Week: William & Mary 26, Virginia 14
I didn't expect much from Virginia this year, but I never imagined they could lose to William & Mary. Al Groh is firmly on the hot seat, and likely won't be back in 2010 - if he even makes it through the season.

Random Thoughts:
The ACC has some issues. Virginia and Duke lost FCS opponents. Wake Forest lost at home to Baylor. Maryland was slaughtered by California. And Virginia Tech lost to Alabama. Remember when the ACC was supposed to become the new power conference? Sure does seem like a long time ago.

The Big Ten isn't doing much better. Ohio State got a scare from Navy. Minnesota squeaked past Syracuse. Wisconsin struggled with Northern Illinois. And Illinois was upset by Missouri. Granted, the conference went 10-1 on Saturday, but it wasn't pretty.

It was a rough week for top draft prospects - Sam Bradford, Greg Hardy, Arrelious Benn and C.J. Spiller all left their games with injuries. Its frustrating to watch so many top players suffer injuries, especially early in the season. Only time will tell if these injuries impact their draft stock. It appears as though all four will return this season, meaning each will have the time prove they are fully recovered well before April's draft.