HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

With it being the day of frights and scary things, I felt it appropriate to deal in some scary facts and fictions concerning the sports world. Are these tricks or treats? You decide...

10) Joe Torre and A-Rod are teaming up again in L.A.

SCARY REALITY! And very frightening to the National League. Not only is L.A. seeking it's best, most commandeering coach since Tommy Lasorda, but they're also going to make a move for the biggest player in the game. L.A. has not had a stud of A-Rod's caliber in decades, and he's just the player to bring the interest and fire back into L.A. and away from Disney Land. A-Rod and Torre get along very well, and it may take an A-Rod type player to pique Joe's interest in going to the other coast.

9) Kansas Jayhawks will play in the BCS National Championship Game

Just a NIGHTMARE. As much as I'd love to see the Jayhawks run the tables, this excellent defensive squad will eventually wake up and lose to either Missouri or Oklahoma. The national picture nightmare will be over, but the dream will be over for the 'Hawks. I would love to see a scary reality situation for the BCS if KU ran the tables, a 1-loss team like LSU was ranked higher than them, and for the first time ever, an undefeated BCS conference school was left out of the dance, while a 1-loss team was in. This just shows the flaws and constant nightmare the BCS system has been since it's inception. BCS, turn our nightmares into heavenly realities by creating a playoff system.

8) Boston will celebrate 3 championships in one year

Just a NIGHTMARE. I have to admit that the scary reality of having to deal with the BoSox as champions again is white-#### horrifying. However, I do not see either Boston College or the Pats winning it all. Great seasons for both, but their gauntlet of opponents and margin for error are just too tough and narrow. They might get all-timer seasons from Matt Ryan and Tom Brady, but the accolades will stop there. Maybe the Bruins and Celtics can help pull this one off...or maybe not... dream on.

7) The Dallas Cowboys will win at least 3 NFC championships in the next 5 years

SCARY REALITY! In case you haven't noticed, but the normally flamboyant 'Boys are flying quietly under the radar, and in the shadows of New England and Indianapolis right now. The media and fans love high-flying offenses, of which the Pats and Colts have aplenty. However, the old cliche is true that defense wins championships. The Pokes have D in ####s, and expect it to stay that way for years to come with the current young nucleus. Let's also not forget the new stadium Dallas will be moving into, and nothing fires a team up more than fresh digs. Jerry Jones built this stadium to put his Boys back in the center of the sports universe and media, but their play on the field is the real shining star right now. Finally, Dallas nailed down it's field general, Tony Romo with a lengthy, extended contract, and this kid is only getting better by the day.

6) Kobe Bryant stays an L.A. Laker

SCARY REALITY! (Scary for L.A., a relief for the rest of the league) Are you kidding me?!?! Kobe isn't going anywhere. L.A. has pulled off some of the biggest steals in NBA history by bringing the best players in basketball to the city of angels (Kareem Abdul Jabber from the Bucks, Wilt Chamberlain from Philadelphia, Kobe from Charlotte, and Shaq from Orlando). They rarely let superstars go, and then only when they are "over the hill". Kobe is just reaching his prime, and after last night's 45 pts he dropped on Houston, he's getting better. Trading Kobe for a multitude of 1st rounders is not going to fix this Laker squad. Phil retiring, and trading for a second scorer and defensive specialist is what Showtime needs to compliment Kobe's game.

5) Cubs will break the curse in 2008

SCARY REALITY! As soon as they drop the dead-Wood, and make up for Prior mistakes in their long-term plans for the starting rotation, then this Cubs team will finally go somewhere. Great offensive moves this past year still need to blossom into more production (especially at Wrigley Field), but how do you not go to the Series with Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez in your line-up? Simple, you pitch your way out of it. The BoSox showed how much more important pitching was in the post season, as they came up with clutch starting jobs through-out. Hitting puts people in the seats, but pitching puts your team in the Big Dance. Look for Chicago to spend some more this off season to patch up the rotation.

4) The USC Trojans' Time is Past

Just a NIGHTMARE. Every program in the nation should have USC's struggles. Their 2nd and 3rd teamers are Top 25 caliber. Having maintained such a lasting level of winning and excellence, Sneaky Pete is allowed an off-season. His only direction was to go down, and with a target constantly on you, you're gonna fall eventually. However, the only thing that really beats USC is themselves (and Vince Young). This year's sub-par performance and increase in mistakes can be chalked up to a young squad, and an over-confidence that's deadly. You watch out, next year this team will easily be consensus #1 coming into the season, and Pete will have his team's attention once again. Oh, and there will be a new freshman class capable of knocking off most major programs. Nope, USC like the other major programs have figured out the recruiting game, and the rich will continue to get richer with talent each year. Unless the Bush scandal manages to drag down the program and scare off recruits, this team is not going to decline in the least.

3) Tiger Woods will semi-retire from golf within the next 5 years

SCARY REALITY! Having already accomplished just about everything there is to do in his sport, Tiger is going to want to spend his prime years in marital bliss and family raising. Playing only in majors and the biggest dollar events will still help him get those last few goals he seeks in his sport, but there are more advantages to Tiger enjoying life off of the course. Why should he drag himself from event to event, week after week with little competition? The golf world keeps trying to convince us that Sergio Garcia or Phil Mickelson are Tiger's built-in foes. However, Tiger is so far above and beyond anyone else in his sport, those two guys are sadly and uninspiringly playing for 2nd every week. Who will 2008's dreamed up Flavor of the Year be to dethrone Tiger? No one. Only Tiger and Elin can hold him back, and his life-style is getting where he makes far more money OFF the course than he does on it. Just like Michael Jordan, he'll make far more money in retirement than he ever did as a player.

2) The Houston Texans will make the playoffs in 2008

My personal continuing NIGHTMARE. Being a life-long Houstonian, I've suffered long and hard with my pro-football teams. This year we are catching glimpses and promises of great things from this young Texans squad, but yet they are still losing again. Results and playoffs are what matter in the NFL, and anything less is a disappointment. As long as Houston still has to play in the same division with Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Tenn., not to mention the same conference with New England, Pittsburgh, and San Diego, this team isn't going anywhere soon. I love what Gary Kubiak is doing in building a stout defense, but it seems no one will ever come up with a D that can consistently beat Peyton Manning and the Colts.

1) The Nebraska Cornhuskers will make a BCS bowl next season under a new head coach

SCARY REALITY! Despite the current turmoil and constant disdain for Callahan, this Husker team still has some young talented wheels on it. Sam Keller is not necessarily the great QB solution everyone thought he would be, but next year there should be some new QB blood for a new coach to indoctrinate. Purify and Lucky will be a year more mature and dominant, and the D will grow into a squad deserving to wear the Black Shirts again. Callahan may not be in place to see his recruits succeed, but despite the poor results currently, his work in progress will blossom next year into a tough contender.  Key dates in 2008 are at home versus Virginia Tech and on the road to Norman, OK.  A re-emergent Kansas, KSU, and Missouri should bolster their schedule resume.  Another shot at Texas would've been nice for their SOS, but NU rotates off of UT for several years.

There you have it! A few real scares, and a few nightmares for your sporty Halloween. Have a fun and happy Halloween, watch out for kids tonight. Don't pass out brownies, rice-krispies treats, or those nasty taffies. Give the kids some real candy, not that awful 70s stuff!

Well I was definitely wrong on BC going down this past week.  Even though it wasn't pretty, they got by Va Tech when it counted.  I also underestimated Kansas' chances at Kyle Field.  I haven't seen a team come into College Station and put on such a defensive wall as the Jayhawks did in a long long time.

So, this means no one lost this past week, and our ranks of the undefeated were not diminished.  Can they hold up like this for yet another week?  According to my calculations and the recent trends, NO they can't.  ASU may be having a dream season, but after seeing Oregon take care of USC like they did this past week, there's no chance of ASU bringing a winning game to Autzen Field this week.  The rest of the undefeateds should handle this week's slate with relative ease. 

 

1) Ohio St. - Is there any doubt that this is the best team in the country right now?  They thoroughly roughed up Penn St. in Happy Valley, and showed that they have a stable offense to go with a superior defense.  Michigan better get it's game in order and heal up some if they don't want another home less at the Big House.

Remaining schedule: Wisc, Illinois, @Michigan

Chance of staying undefeated: 60%

2) Arizona St. - Stepped up it's game very nicely against Cal, and proved they deserve to be towards the top of the heap.  There's no doubt that playing @ Oregon will be the toughest match-up any contender has to face this year.  Win at Autzen Field, and your credibility goes through the roof.

Remaining Schedule: @Oregon, @UCLA, USC, Arizona

Chance of staying undefeated: 10%

 

3) Boston College - OK, I finally had to budge on my stance against BC this week.  I moved them up from #4 to #3.  They would have been #2 if they had looked better in winning against Va Tech, and ASU didn't thoroughly dismantle Cal.  BC can very well move up to #2 next week if ASU can't handle a road-trip to Oregon.  However, you cut it, BC definitely has the will to win, and has the intangibles right now that make them one of the favorites to run the tables.  Still, don't rest on your laurels yet and grow complacent after the tough Va Tech win.  FSU, Maryland, Clemson, and Miami could show up on any given saturday and win.

Remaining Schedule: Florida St., @Maryland, @Clemson, Miami

Chance of staying undefeated: 25%

 

4) Kansas - Even though their score against A&M was low and close, was there ever any doubt that Kansas didn't control that game from start to finish?  They may not be the flashiest offense in the world, but along with that tough as nails defense, it gets the job done.  Mangino should be coach of the year nationally for doing so much with such a nameless squad.  Their D should roll over NU, and hopefully that offense can get on a roll leading into a shootout with Okie State.  The final date with Missouri coming to Lawrence is looming big, and who would've ever marked this game on their calendar as a biggie to watch?

Remaining Schedule: Nebraska, @Ok. St., Ia. St., Missouri

Chance of staying undefeated: 15%

5) Hawaii - Another week, another 50+ point romp.  Don't know what can really be said about Hawaii that hasn't already been said this year.  Until they play Boise St. and Washington, there's really no clear measuring stick with which to gauge their dominance.

Remaining Schedule: Fresno St, @New Mexico, Boise St, and Washington

Chance of staying undefeated: 80%

 

WHO GOES DOWN THIS WEEK?

 As much as I'd like to see Arizona State's dream season continue, I'm afraid this week is where they get woke up with a nitemare.  Oregon should dismantle ASU easier than it did USC this past week.  Oregon is on a high knowing they are the best team in their conference, while ASU is on a high from skirting their first tough opponent.  They won't be able to bring the same enthusiasm on the road that they had at home.  Oregon 42, ASU 17

When was the last time you heard someone call themselves a Boston College fan outside of Boston?  (or any other Boston team for that matter?)  Just like all other times a Boston team stands out, the bandwagoneers and gravy-trainers come out of the woodwork.  It's just triply-sickening now because the Sox, Pats, and Eagles are all doing well at the same time, and suddenly every blogger is a 30+ year Boston fan, eventhough they're 25 year old dorks in their mother's brownstone basements.  Before you know it, they'll pull out the "City of Champions" banners that every city pulls out when their team wins.  YAWN.  And of course we'll see Bennifer II come out to the ball games, and see all of the other B rate celebrities hanging around for a camera shot. Have they rolled out Ted WIlliams' head yet?

 I read some guy's blog the other day that said that God was a Boston fan.  I didn't know whether to puke because it was so cheesy of a line, or because it might require me to lose my religion really fast.  If God's a Boston fan, then I'm looking for Pazuzo, Beelzebub, Mephistopheles, Baal, and Lucifer for my fantasy basketball draft this year.  I just need to pray a little more for some Boston losses, then the bubble will be burst.

B.C. stands for =

Bandwagon Central

Bowl Championship stand-ins

Boring Coverage

Bloated Computer ratings

Best Chowdah

 

 Anyone else already tired of the Boston hype?

 

Where's this year's Billy Simms, Earl Campbell, Matt Leinart, Tim Brown, Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, or Ricky Williams? Why does this feel like the worst Heisman year in recent memory? Normally each year I can point out a clear cut candidate or list of candidates that are deserving of the award, but this year's crop of hopefuls just don't do a thing for me.

Last year's race was pretty much determined from Day 1 with QB Troy Smith being the nation's best player from the best team in the regular season. Ohio St. was the consensus #1 team from the pre-season all the way through their undefeated year (until the national championship), and no one else stepped up all year to knock Smith from his dream season. Great Heisman season eh? NO!! It was downright boring! However, at least Smith was a deserving candidate, even if he wasn't the greatest player that ever won the award. There's been plenty of less than spectacular winners through the years, but this year's list is just sad and uninspiring. With about 6 weeks left in the regular season, we hope to see a couple of hopefuls make their move to stand out from the pack.

Here's this year's list of front-runners (in no particular order), their stats, accomplishments, and my analysis of why they should or shouldn't win the award. (I apologize in advance for the look of the stats, FOX's web editor killed my tables.)

1. Tim Tebow - QB - Soph. - Florida:

2007 Key Stats - Passing: 115/174 66.0%, 1711 yds, 17 TDs, 3 INTs, 5 sacks, 177.5 rating. Rushing: 125 carries for 578 yds, 10 TDs

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT ATT YDS AVG LNG TD

9/1 Western Kentucky W 49-3 13 17 300 76.5 59 3 0 282.94 8 38 4.8 18 1

9/8 Troy W 59-31 18 25 236 72.0 37 3 0 190.90 17 93 5.5 25 2

9/15 Tennessee W 59-20 14 19 299 73.7 49 2 1 230.09 18 61 3.4 18 2

9/22 @Mississippi W 30-24 20 34 261 58.8 37 2 0 142.71 27 166 6.1 13 2

9/29 Auburn L 20-17 20 27 201 74.1 52 1 1 141.42 19 75 3.9 12 1

10/6 @LSU L 28-24 12 26 158 46.2 37 2 1 114.89 16 67 4.2 21 1

10/20 @Kentucky W 45-37 18 26 256 69.2 66 4 0 202.71 20 78 3.9 15 1

Team Record: 5-2 overall, 3-2 SEC

Why he should win the award: If you didn't see Tebow last Saturday, then you missed a gem. He personally put Florida on his back, and willed them to a win over Top 10 Kentucky. This type of leadership is one of those intangibles that stats don't show. Though most teams would fall apart if their QB got injured, with Florida it's even more so. Tebow accounts for more than 75% of the Gator's plays, either passing or running the ball. Tim runs the ball more than Troy Smith or Vince Young did as running QBs. He's thrown AND ran for a TD in every game this year. His 177.5 passer rating is the highest in the country.

Why he should not win the award: His two worst games led to 2 of 3 INTs on the season and consecutive conference losses. The Gators are not likely to play for the national championship, and may not win their own conference championship. No sophomore has ever won the Heisman before. He's not a household name in his first full season...YET.

Analysis: Tebow is my current flavor of the week. He still has a tough row to #### as he finishes out the SEC schedule, plus the SEC Championship Game. If he gets through the remainder of the schedule without a blemish, then he has to be the odds on favorite to win the Heisman. However, if there is an undefeated team at the end of the season, their Heisman hopeful would have a major foot-up on Tebow and the Gators.

2. Matt Ryan - QB - Sr. - Boston College:

2007 Key Stats - Passing: 192/304 63.2%, 2148 yds, 17 TDs, 6 INTs, 5 sacks, 137.0 rating.

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT ATT YDS AVG LNG TD

9/1 Wake Forest W 38-28 32 52 408 61.5 38 5 2 151.48 4 -9 -2.3 6 0

9/8 North Carolina State W 37-17 15 34 142 44.1 16 1 1 83.02 1 3 3.0 3 0

9/15 @Georgia Tech W 24-10 30 44 435 68.2 46 1 0 158.72 3 -9 -3.0 3 0

9/22 Army W 37-17 35 51 356 68.6 22 3 2 138.83 5 35 7.0 15 1

9/29 Massachusetts W 24-14 24 42 204 57.1 30 1 0 105.80 3 0 0.0 14 0

10/6 Bowling Green W 55-24 24 32 312 75.0 71 4 0 198.15 1 8 8.0 8 0

10/13 @Notre Dame W 27-14 32 49 291 65.3 22 2 1 124.58 3 10 3.3 7 0

Team Record:  7-0 overall, 3-0 ACC

Why he should win the award: If the season were to end today Boston College would be undefeated and ranked #2 in the nation, and I think this would be enough to give Ryan the Heisman. He has the high intangible of leadership that is bringing victory to the Eagles. Still led his team to victory in his weakest performance versus NC State.

Why he should not win the award: His stats are just not eye-popping enough. Though he makes few mistakes, he also doesn't blow opponents off the field with his arm. BC has played few, if any, quality opponents thus far in the season. 7-0 is nothing to sneer at, but Ryan needs a great win under his belt, which he might achieve this Thursday against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Outside of Boston and the NE corridor, few have heard of Ryan.

Analysis: 2007 just might be the year where outstanding stats don't necessarily spell out the Heisman winner. If Ryan's leadership carries BC to an undefeated season, then this is as great of an accomplishment as any stat in this wacky season where the top teams are dropping like flies. I don't think Ryan can survive unscathed with tough games remaining against Virginia Tech, Florida State, Maryland, Clemson, and Miami.

3. Mike Hart - RB - Sr. - Michigan:

2007 Key Stats - Running: 200 rushes, 1078 yards, 12 TDS

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD

9/1 Appalachian State L 34-32 23 188 8.2 54 3 0 0 0.0 0 0

9/8 Oregon L 39-7 25 127 5.1 18 0 0 0 0.0 0 0

9/15 Notre Dame W 38-0 35 187 5.3 14 2 2 14 7.0 10 0

9/22 Penn State W 14-9 44 153 3.5 14 1 0 0 0.0 0 0

9/29 @Northwestern W 28-16 30 106 3.5 23 1 1 4 4.0 4 0

10/6 Eastern Michigan W 33-22 22 215 9.8 61 3 3 18 6.0 11 0

10/13 Purdue W 48-21 21 102 4.9 14 2 1 7 7.0 7 0

10/20 @Illinois W 27-17 Did Not Play

Team Record: 6-2 overall, 4-0 Big Ten

Why he should win the award: Despite a disastrous start to the season for the Wolverines, to no fault of Hart's, Michigan has bounced back to a solid season and Top 25 ranking. His 1078 yards rushing is 4th in the nation, and his 7 100-yard rushing performances is the best around. he also ranks in the top 10 in total rushes and TD's. Heisman candidates are guys who can put their teams on their backs and run with them. Hart is no different. Not letting the slow start of the season pull him down, he is leading the Wolverines to yet another showdown with OSU, and a possible Rose Bowl date in 2008. Hart also has the benefit of being a highly recognized player in his 4 years at Michigan. Geez, was he really playing in that Rose Bowl game against Vince Young and UT? That seemed like so long ago.

Why he should not win the award: Because of a disastrous start to the season for the Wolverines, which unfortunately often gets tagged to Heisman front-runners. He also had to sit out the last game because of injury. If he misses another game due to the ankle injury, he may miss his Heisman chance. The 2 losses already for Michigan are too much to overcome, because there are other 2-loss contenders with more sparkling stats and performances.

Analysis: Hart has as good a chance to win as anyone else, but he needs to get healthy fast. Missing a big game against Illinois last week did not help his cause, and could have put him in people's faces on national TV. He can still improve his stock with a strong performance against OSU to end the season, but like every year, their regular season ends way too early, thus Heisman voters might forget him in mid-late December.

4. Darren McFadden - RB - Jr. - Arkansas:

2007 Key Stats - Rushing: 169 attempts, 932 yards, 7 TDs.

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD

9/1 Troy W 46-26 24 151 6.3 25 1 2 30 15.0 18 0

9/15 @Alabama L 41-38 33 195 5.9 23 2 3 16 5.3 9 0

9/22 Kentucky L 42-29 29 173 6.0 56 1 2 10 5.0 7 0

9/29 North Texas W 66-7 19 138 7.3 51 2 0 0 0.0 0 0

10/6 Chattanooga W 34-15 25 122 4.9 21 1 0 0 0.0 0 0

10/13 Auburn L 9-7 17 43 2.5 13 0 1 5 5.0 5 0

10/20 @Mississippi W 44-8 22 110 5.0 30 0 2 10 5.0 5 0

Team Record: 4-3 overall, 1-3 SEC

Why he should win the award: Reputation, reputation, reputation. He's a carry-over finalist from last year, who was the front-runner coming into 2007. His stats are decent, and if he wins, it will be a combined career effort win, and not solely based upon 2007. He's the proto-typical power back, that most imagine a Heisman winner should be. His skills will likely land him in the top 5 of the next NFL draft.

Why he should not win the award: The Razorbacks have already lost 3 games. McFadden is not carrying his team like he should. Only 43 yards rushing in a loss to Auburn have killed his hopes. Heisman's are not typically won on reputation alone (unless you're Reggie Bush). Darren has had fumble problems this year, including 2 last game against Mississippi.

Analysis: McFadden will need to finish his season strong with a lot of TDs and a 200 yard performance or two. Putting some noticeable performances in voters minds is a must to get back in this race. Any more losses for Arkansas, and McFadden will have to settle for being the first overall draft choice and millions of dollars. "Settle," he says.

5. Colt Brennan - QB - Sr. - Hawaii:

2007 Key Stats - Passing: 196/282 69.5%, 2395 yards, 20 TDs, 10 INTs, 11 sacks, 157.2 rating.

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

9/2 Northern Colorado W 63-6 34 40 416 85.0 30 6 0 221.86

9/8 @Louisiana Tech W 45-44 43 61 548 70.5 64 4 1 164.32

9/15 @UNLV W 49-14 26 32 298 81.3 46 2 0 180.10

9/23 Charleston Southern W 66-10 Did Not Play

9/29 @Idaho W 48-20 30 49 369 61.2 41 3 5 124.28

10/7 Utah State W 52-37 19 25 219 76.0 38 1 0 162.78

10/12 @San Jose State W 42-35 44 75 545 58.7 39 4 4 126.64

Team Record: 7-0 overall, 4-0 WAC

Why he should win the award: Are you kidding? Look at his monster numbers! Look at the points Hawaii puts on the scoreboard. Hawaii is undefeated, and looking unbeatable. He's the all-time everything passing in NCAA history. If he doesn't deserve the award for the season, he deserves it for the career. Check out those stats against North Colorado.

Why he should not win the award: Who has Hawaii really played this year? I could roll out there and throw for a ton if I played in that offense. 10 INTs is a lot for a Heisman candidate, but maybe voters will consider 9 of them were in 2 games that he won, and threw a lot in.

Analysis: If Brennan goes undefeated, like Ryan above, he needs to be at or near the top of the list. Brennan's stats by any other mainland school would be enough to win the award, but he needs the perfect record to cap his deeds. I wish he was getting more respect, but the offensive scheme accounts for much of the stats.

6. Chase Daniel - QB - Jr. - Missouri:

2007 Key Stats - Passing: 200/289 69.2%, 2283 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs, 11 sacks, 150.1 rating.

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

9/1 @Illinois W 40-34 37 54 359 68.5 33 3 0 142.70

9/8 @Mississippi W 38-25 31 42 330 73.8 40 5 0 179.09

9/15 Western Michigan W 52-24 27 46 328 58.7 32 2 2 124.24

9/22 Illinois State W 38-17 21 34 294 61.8 57 3 2 151.75

10/6 Nebraska W 41-6 33 47 401 70.2 48 2 0 155.92

10/13 @Oklahoma L 41-31 37 47 361 78.7 34 1 2 141.75

10/20 Texas Tech W 41-10 14 19 210 73.7 57 1 1 173.37

Team Record: 6-1 overall, 2-1 Big 12

Why he should win the award: His numbers are almost as good as Brennan's, and he plays in a tougher conference. Has led his team to a respectable 6-1 record, with their lone loss coming on the road at Oklahoma. Daniel also has a little mobility, adding several rushing TDs to his arsenal of stats. Bringing the Big 12 North back into even contention with the South, and possibly leading his team to the BCS are big plusses on his side.

Why he should not win the award: It's actually hard to pick apart Daniel. His team wins, but is not perfect, and his stats are great but not the best. Playing in Missouri does not give him the notoriety that playing in the east, southeast, west, or south does. He's definitely not a household name.

Analysis: Win win win, TD TD TD. Daniel has to keep up with the Joneses. The more steady games he has, and leading his team to a Big 12 Championship would go far for him. That single loss might still get them to a national championship game, but he needs to start making some noise to get the voters on his and Missouri's side.

7. Michael Crabtree - WR - Fr. - Texas Tech:

2007 Key Stats - Receiving: 88 receptions, 11.0 rec/game, 1320 yards, 165 yd/game, 17 TDs.

2007 Game by Game Stats -

DATE OPP RESULT REC YDS AVG LNG TD

9/3 @Southern Methodist W 49-9 12 106 8.8 42 3

9/8 UTEP W 45-31 15 188 12.5 39 2

9/15 @Rice W 59-24 11 244 22.2 74 3

9/22 @Oklahoma State L 49-45 14 237 16.9 75 3

9/29 Northwestern State W 75-7 8 145 18.1 34 3

10/6 Iowa State W 42-17 10 154 15.4 32 3

10/13 Texas A&M W 35-7 8 170 21.3 54 0

10/20 @Missouri L 41-10 10 76 7.6 16 0

Team Record: 6-2 overall, 2-2 Big 12

Why he should win the award: It's all about the numbers. Five 3-TD games. On pace for over 2000 yards receiving, 130+ receptions, 26 TDs.

Why he should not win the award: Michael who? Is he just another WR product from a pass happy offense, or is he uniquely gifted a wide-out. No freshman has ever won the Heisman. Texas Tech isn't exactly high on the Heisman voters' minds as talent-rich schools go. He's not had a TD reception in his last two games, and was held to a longest reception of 16 yards in a loss to Missouri. Is he or the system figured out now? There's only been 2 WR's ever to win the Heisman (Tim Brown and Charles Woodson).

Analysis: If Crabtree were a senior and known, then this would be a different story. He's also in the shadow of QB Graham Harrell at Tech who puts up his own set of gaudy numbers. However, a lot of credit should given to any freshman who can come into a complex system his first year, and put up these kinds of numbers. He's lining up to break all kinds of NCAA reception records in his career if he stays healthy and in school.

So there you have it. Not very impressed thus far eh? That's my point. There are some great stats guys out, and some great rep guys. However, there is no one this year that just stands out from the rest. This should normally be an exciting race, but I don't see any proto-type winner in this list. None of their teams are shoe-ins for undefeated seasons (,but then again, who IS this year?). So it's definitely a dog race this year, and for the first time in a long time, there will be someone easily forgotten on the Heisman winner's list. Here's the list of winner back to 1965, and almost all of them are recognizable to this day. Will anyone remember this year's winner 40 years from now?

Heisman Trophy Winners since 1965:

1965 Mike Garrett USC RB Sr.
1966 Steve Spurrier Florida QB Sr.
1967 Gary Beban UCLA QB Sr.
1968 O.J. Simpson USC RB Sr.
1969 Steve Owens Oklahoma FB Sr.
1970 Jim Plunkett Stanford QB Sr.
1971 Pat Sullivan Auburn QB Sr.
1972 Johnny Rodgers Nebraska RB Sr.
1973 John Cappelletti Penn State RB Sr.
1974 Archie Griffin Ohio State RB Jr.
1975 Archie Griffin Ohio State RB Sr.
1976 Tony Dorsett Pittsburgh RB Sr.
1977 Earl Campbell Texas RB Sr.
1978 Billy Sims Oklahoma RB Jr.
1979 Charles White USC RB Sr.
1980 George Rogers South Carolina RB Sr.
1981 Marcus Allen USC RB Sr.
1982 Herschel Walker Georgia RB Jr.
1983 Mike Rozier Nebraska RB Sr.
1984 Doug Flutie Boston College QB Sr.
1985 Bo Jackson Auburn RB Sr.
1986 Vinny Testaverde Miami (Fla) QB Sr.
1987 Tim Brown Notre Dame WR Sr.
1988 Barry Sanders Oklahoma State RB Jr.
1989 Andre Ware Houston QB Jr.
1990 Ty Detmer Brigham Young QB Jr.
1991 Desmond Howard Michigan WR Jr.
1992 Gino Torretta Miami (Fla) QB Sr.
1993 Charlie Ward Florida State QB Sr.
1994 Rashaan Salaam Colorado RB Jr.
1995 Eddie George Ohio State RB Sr.
1996 Danny Wuerffel Florida QB Sr.
1997 Charles Woodson Michigan CB Jr.
1998 Ricky Williams Texas RB Sr.
1999 Ron Dayne Wisconsin RB Sr.
2000 Chris Weinke Florida State QB Sr.
2001 Eric Crouch Nebraska QB Sr.
2002 Carson Palmer USC QB Sr.
2003 Jason White Oklahoma QB Jr.
2004 Matt Leinart USC QB Jr.
2005 Reggie Bush USC RB Jr.
2006 Troy Smith Ohio State QB Sr.

I think Gary Beban is the only name I can't tell you anything about off the top of my head (sorry Bruin fans).

Here's my vote if everyone's numbers and seasons pan out favorably:

1) Matt Ryan

2) Tim Tebow

3) Chase Daniel

4) Colt Brennan

5) Mike Hart

6) Michael Crabtree

7) Darren McFadden

Thanks to South Florida for upholding my prediction from last week, and giving me something to write about this week. They played a good game at Rutgers last thursday night, but the Cinderalla season struck midnight on them. I think they can still win out in the Big East, and play in a BCS bowl, which is a huge accomplishment for a 10 year old program. However, there is a bitterness with this loss, as this team really is good enough to play in the Big Show. I love seeing this new powerhouse maturing into a new star in the Florida sky. So long Hurricanes and Seminoles, HELLO BULLS!

This week, I've laid out each undefeated's remaining schedule, and my percentage of their chances to remain perfect through the rest of the year. Like approaching hurricanes, it's still too soon to give out higher percentages of a direct hit, but as the next few weeks unfurl, we'll get a better idea of who will likely stay undefeated.

1) Ohio St. - Looked dominant against MSU, and appear to be on cruise control. Beware of complacency. Any of their 4 remaining contenders could jump up and ruin their season. I really hope they lose... I don't want to see another OSU smashing in the National Championship Game.

Remaining schedule: @PSU, Wisc, Illinois, @Michigan

Chance of staying undefeated: 50%

2) Arizona St. - Had this week off to prepare for Cal in Tempe. The Sun Devils may be able to take advantage of a reeling Cal team that had aspirations of a National Championship just 2 weeks ago. ASU should live it up while they can, because their path is just too rough to go all the way to the Big Show.

Remaining Schedule: Cal, @Oregon, @UCLA, USC, Arizona

Chance of staying undefeated: 5%

3) Kansas - The Jayhawks were able to do in Boulder what Oklahoma couldn't. They pulled out a gut-check victory against the Buffalos. This team believes in itself, and could possibly pull off a road victory at Kyle Field this week, followed by a romp over a reeling Nebraska team. I think the KU joyride comes to an end on the road at Oklahoma St. However, they're still fighting for the Big 12 North and conference championship with a date with Missouri still on the schedule.

Remaining Schedule: @A&M, Nebraska, @Ok. St., Ia. St., Missouri

Chance of staying undefeated: 10%

4) Boston College - I hold a personal grudge against BC, and so I won't be changing them from this status for about a month until they play someone. They had the week off this week to move up to #2 in the national polls. Sorry BC, your dream ride and Heisman hopes go out the door this week at Virginia Tech on the thursday night national TV game. GO HOKIES!!!

Remaining Schedule: @Va Tech, Florida St., @Maryland, @Clemson, Miami

Chance of staying undefeated: 10%

5) Hawaii - Had the week off to prepare (as if they really need it) for New Mexico St. There's only one road game left on their schedule. Closing home dates against Boise St. and Washington could prove challenging, but the way Colt Brennan is slinging the ball around, they'll outscore anyone they play, even if its 100-99.

Remaining Schedule: New Mexico St, Fresno St, @New Mexico, Boise St, and Washington

Chance of staying undefeated: 75%

WHO GOES DOWN THIS WEEK?

This is the week that more than 1 Boston team goes down. Will it be the Patriots, the Sox, the Bruins, or the Eagles? You don't go into Blacksburg on a thursday night, and walk away with a win. This game has brutality written all over it, as the Hokies have something to prove, and want to step up to the top of the conference. Both teams had the past week off, and I have to think the advantage goes to the home team. BC may be blinded by the national hype, and get punched hard in the mouth by this Hokey program that's established itself over the last 10 years in big time games. GO HOKIES!!!

NOTES FROM THIS PAST WEEK:

• In the Battle of the Pink Slip, I couldn't have ever thought Callahan's Huskers could look so flaccid at home versus Francione's Aggies. It's sunday, and Callahan still has his job. Where are you Mr. Osborne???
• Karl Dorrell held on to his job for another week with a big upset win against Cal. Don't look now, but UCLA is back in some top 25 polls. If you're a UCLA fan, you can't win for losing.
• On a metaphorical note: If a tree falls in a forrest with no one around, does any one hear it? Same thought, if Miami plays at FSU, does anyone notice, or care? Oh what a sorry state of things in Florida this year when South Florida is the best of show down there.
• Gary Patterson's TCU Hornfrogs lost at home to Utah this past weekend. They sit at 4-4, and need to win 2 out of their last 4 games to scratch a bowl game this year. This is a far cry from the dark horse BCS contender who went into Austin earlier this year trying to make a name for itself in the national picture. After several year's of averaging 10+ wins and some great football in Ft. Worth, the Frogs have wilted in the spotlight.
  

"The Tree rawks!!! Can we smoke it???" -- some Stanford student late saturday night.

As if last week's insanity in college football wasn't enough, this past weekend may have been as good or even better. Once again we have another "who woulda thunk it??" upset with Stanford conquering the Trojans in their own house. Suddenly Texas getting spanked by KSA at home or App. St. at Michigan at the Big House doesn't seem so bad.

For the record, we lost only 3 undefeateds. However, one of them was a giant in #2 USC, and there were a lot of near misses including #1 ranked LSU. The remaining perfectionists need to be extremely weary, because the rest of college football is gunning for them. After only 6 weeks of college football, the pool is down to 11 total teams with a bunch more guaranteed to fall due to head-to-head match-ups. I love this game!!!

 

1) LSU - Whew! Tough fight from the Gators who led most of this weekend's game, but the Bayou Bengals showed their #1 meddle and survived at home. This game strongly showed me this is your best team around (for the time being).

2) California - Had the week off, and still won due to USC's fall from grace. I'm loving Cal vs Az St. in a few weeks.

3) Ohio St. - Put a real licking on the Boilermakers on the road. Nice national TV showcase for the Buckeyes. Cal and OSU will be jockeying for that key #2 BCS position, and they both have some interesting games in their futures.

4) South Florida - Didn't play their A-game this weekend against Florida Atlantic, but I still like this team. They have a real trap game coming up this weekend against UCF who gave Texas all they can handle. SF better not be looking ahead to Rutgers. The bulk of their tough schedule is still ahead of them, and if they survive unscathed, then they deserve their Cinderella spot at the big dance.

 

5) Missouri - I have to move MO up big this week due to their thorough handling of Nebraska. I really thought this one would be close, but the Tigers controlled and looked good for all 4 quarters. If this past week's game was for Big 12 North supremacy, then this coming week's battle at Oklahoma will be for the total conference dominance.

6) Cincinnati - Inched out a hard fought win over conference rivals Rutgers, and should start getting more national notoriety with the quality win under their belt. Did I really just call a win over Rutgers "quality"??? Is our world upside down now???

7) Arizona St. - Flying under the radar, and winning the games they should be. Games against Cal, Oregon, and USC still loom, and should give us the full measure of this dark horse.

8) Kansas - November 24, mark it. That's when the undefeated Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers play for NCAA College Basketball National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana...wait!! what?!?! You mean it's football??? I can't imagine either team running the gauntlet of the Big 12 unscathed, but it'd be really kewl to see. Great win this weekend over the KSU Kittens.

9) Boston College - I hold a personal grudge against BC, and so I won't be changing them from this status for about a month until they play someone. They're still playing patsies, and, yes, this week's patsy was Bowling Green who they thoroughly took care of business against. Next high school opponent is Notre Dame.

10) UConn - I wish I could see these guys run the gauntlet to an undefeated year, and the ride has been nice while it's lasted. However, these guys have a torturous 5 game stretch coming up against Viriginia (5-1), Louisville (3-3), South Florida (5-0), Rutgers (3-2), and Cincinnati (6-0), and they will not survive this. (Never in my life time would I have that list of teams as the combined threat that they are this year. GO SECOND AND THIRD TIER TEAMS!!!)

11) Hawaii - I wish these guys would just lose so I wouldn't have to write something about them each week. Brennan threw for a few more yards and a few more TDs and a few more INTs, and the Rainbows gave up a lot of points again to a weak little sister team, but they still won again. Second, third, and forth verses the same as the first. Won't college football be in a dilemma if these guys are undefeated at the end of the season, and none of the big boys are?

WHO FALLS THIS WEEK??

I went out on a limb too far last week, and only got 2 out of 6 correct. However, all but 1 of the games were close, so I wasn't too far off the mark.

Anyway, I'm only picking one undefeated to fall this week, and it will be Missouri on the road at Oklahoma. The Sooners are beatable, and I think Texas should've beat them this past weekend. However, turnovers will kill ya every time. So Missouri needs a few good bounces to pull off a victory here.

FINAL NOTES:

1. BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER BOOMER SOONER

If I hear that one more time after an injury to an opposing team's player or even after a 5-yard false-start penalty, I'm going to go insane. OU try adding some more words and music to that fight song, or else come up with several more fight songs.

 

2. Seeing the Stanford Cardinals celebrating in the middle of the LA Colosseum was priceless. Seeing false arrogance (like UT, UT, or Notre Dame) get smacked down is always funny, but seeing REAL arrogance like USC getting thumped is the best, especially in their own stomping grounds. Nice job Harbaugh and Co.

3. If Mark Mangino managed to drop 5 pounds in a week following a Kansas win, rather than gaining 20 more in celebration feasts, then I think he should win coach of the year.