It’s true that Penn State is better than the score of their lopsided loss to Notre Dame would suggest, and will still contend for their Big10 title.
It’s true that Notre Dame is not as good as the score of their lopsided victory over Penn State would suggest, and will still lose at least two games.
It’s true that afterwinning only the second game of the season (a game you’re supposed to win as the #1 ranked team in the country) would seem a tad bit pre-mature to light the campus ablaze in celebration.
It’s true that one of the great shames of this early season is that either LSU or Auburn will be left with a loss after tomorrow’s game while either one may be the best team in the country.
It’s true that a win over the hated Gators will be the true barometer of whether or not Tennessee (minus two key starters) is truly back among the nations best teams.
It’s true that the two games referenced above are evidence proving(this one’s for you hogfan) the SEC is without debate the best conference – top to bottom – in the country.
It’s true that Nicholls State and Louisiana Tech aren’t exactly the resume builders that would normally elicit valid trash talk from a DB about to face USC’s passing attack.
It’s true that the coronation of Boise State’s Ian Johnson as a Heisman hopeful after his 5 TD, 240 yrd performance; should probably be delayed until he plays against something a little more stout than a second tier PAC-10 defense.
It’s true that polls should not come out until the fourth game of the season; but even then the media wouldn’t get theirs right and Jim Tressel still wouldn’t cast his own ballot.
It’s true that the networks would never allow the delayed polls to happen anyway because they would lose their over-hyped made for TV match-ups.
It’s true that the battle between the second best teams in the Big-12 and PAC-10 in Autzen Stadium this Saturday will be won by…the U of O! (how’s that for a pick!).
It’s true that within the 16,000 pages of NCAA bylaws and regulations that prohibit collegiate athletes from supporting themselves by working at Burger King or the local car wash; there ought to at least include some mandate that prohibits Florida State from scheduling Rice, Troy, & Western Michigan when they already have Duke & Wake Forrest in their conference.
It’s true that Coach Bowden the son needs a win much more so than Coach Bowden the father in tomorrow’s clash between Clemson and FSU.
It’s true that Texas’ remaining schedule should allow them an opportunity to collect enough wins to climb back into the national title hunt.
It’s true that Texas’ remaining schedule will not allow them the opportunity to collect enough BCS points to play for the national title.
It’s true that the best quarterback dual this weekend will come from a game few people are talking about…Michigan State at Pitt.
It’s true that by the time the season wraps up – just like Matt Leinart – Brady Quinn will no longer be considered the sure fire number 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
It’s true that N. Colorado back-up punter Mitch Cozad trying to get a leg up on his competition by stabbing starter Rafael Mendoza in the thigh shows that even the worse of humanity can invade what should be the purest of environments: college athletics.
It’s true that the recent brain surgery of Indiana coach Terry Hoeppner, along with the June passing of Northwestern coach Randy Walker, reminds us that college coaches are more than sideline icons; but men with families and frailties like us all.
It’s true that the real Heisman front-runner wears number 10; but it isn’t Troy Smith, Brady Quinn, or John David Booty…..it’s West Virginia’s Steve Slaton.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Like these? Try previous truths found on my archives page.
Hoffman - I have nothing against (or for) either of these teams, so as a partial observer I beleive the speed, experience, and overall caliber of athletes NU has been competing against just went off the charts. That can't be ignored - the fact that the step up in competition did not happen gradually, but vastly, will be significant. That said, Booty has not been under duress yet so if NU can keep pressure on him and score some offensively that may be able to shake off the initial shock and hang in there.
For a flat out prediction though, as requested, I will have to say USC 30 - NU 16.
What's true Burger is that Pitt and WVa get no respect, even though WVa really whupped up on Maryland. I think Slaton is awesome. Hope Pitt wins, but figure they will lose to WVa big time. Though I think they can take Michigan. Good stuff
fuzzboss - The Back Yard Brawl may have big ramifications again for the first time in a long time which is great to see. I hope the rejuvenation lasts for a long time. One more truth is this:
It's true that Penn State needs to find a way to put both Pitt and WVA back on their schedule again.
Thanks for stopping in. Like the avatar!
Last edited by burger21 on September 15th at 6:10 PM.
I never really liked Penn State in my younger days,mainly cause they would always (mostly) beat up Pitt. But, you're right, they should bring back the rivalry between the 3/talk about the money it could bring in, since that is the name of the game anymore. Check out my 2 blogs one about the lowly Pirates and the other about overpaid pros "the best money can buy"
Almost forgot that is a real picture of my Greatgrandfather who lived near Anniston, Ala after escaping the siege of Nashville during the Civil War
Last edited by fuzzboss on September 15th at 6:21 PM.
It definitely is true that the SEC is the best conference.
It's true about the polls coming out in the fourth week and Florida State's schedule.
It's true that until we have a playoff, we will not have a champion, and anything or anyone that says we do is based purely on speculation and opinion, rather than results.
It's true that the second best team in the Pac-10 has about four uniform combinations, not 12,478. Meaning Arizona State, not Nike University at Eugene.
It's true that your last three thoughts in this post are but a small sample of your calm intelligence. Very well done, as usual. Good read.
fuzzboss - As much as I am devoted to PSU, It greives me greatly that the posturing between Pitt and PSU have denied the state and fans everywhere of this great rivalry. Ditto WVU. These games would be nothing but great for fans and the universities. Too bad the politics and money have to get involved.
That is great that you have that photo, and it sounds like a great story. I am a huge Civil War buff - I graduated from Gettysburg High School - and in fact I am working on a Civil War novel. It's cool that you have that piece of heritage.
rivjo - Hey buddy. I'm sorry about the ND forecast, but they have a tough road. However, if they get by Michigan, it could be just that rematch with USC that stands in their way. I was just trying to point out that there is not as much disparity between PSU and ND as that score would indicate to the casual observer.
You know that you and I see eye to eye on most things in life! Thanks for always checking in.
ricko - Thanks for concurring on most of the truths, and I agree with yours about the need for a playoff.
As for my negleting ASU, that may have been a glaring omission on my part, but I was more or less trying to present a truth about the match-up today at Nike U. Heck, I'm probably wrong about Oklahoma being second best in the Big-12.
ASU may very much be the team that presents the biggest threat to USC's reign. I insert my calm inteligence here at this jucture to humbly apologize for any oversight and the subsequent greif in may have caused you.
detroit - MSU should win. This will definitely test how far Pitt has progressed. They've looked good in their two wins but not against as good a team as MSU. These are the kind of games that always creep up and kill MSU's year though, so I'm interested to see how focused they are.
MSU SHOULD win. But they have played some cupcake games against Eastern Michingan and Idaho. Their defense is looking a little poor, letting Joe Bird from Idaho run over them. And last week the offense turned over the ball too much to keep Eastern lurking until about the end of the 3rd.
MSU 31, Pitt 20
Last edited by detroitsports on September 16th at 6:55 AM.
Wow, Shooter, way to put me on the spot! That is indeed a tough question based mostly on not knowing who will have the pick. For instance: if the Raiders have the pick a QB is a no-brainer, though they have several glaring needs. However, if it's the Packers or 49ers; do they take a QB after not giving Rogers or Smith much of a shot at soidifying the position. If the QB was a mortal lock for stardom, then maybe, but I don't see one of those in the mix.
As for who the pick is - alot of whispers and insinuations I read into are suggesting that Stanton (MSU) may be the better pro than Quinn, and who knows what Troy Smith may be able to do with a Vince Young like ascension up the board if he guides OState to a title. Also, what juniors come out will shake things up as well, i.e., Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Brian Brohm. OT's are always a sexy pick if teams are set at QB, which brings Wisconsin's Joe Thomas and PSU's Levi Brown into the picture. Defensively perhaps FSU LB Buster Davis, though that's a reach to me.
At the half it's TIED??? Yes, 10-10. As Tyler Palko has been on the money the whole half except for the INT at the end of the half. On the other side the Spartans started slow but came back with 10 unanswered points, with a TD at the end of the half to tie it. Stats-
QB
Stanton- 5-13 40 YDS 38.5 PCT 3.1Y/A 1 sck 5 ydsl 1 td 1 int
Palko- 12-19 108 YDS 63.2 PCT 5.7 Y/A 1 sck 5 ydsl 1 INT.
As for Quinn himself, I think he raised some eyebrows with his GTech game and his PSU game was not as good as meets the eye scorewise. He missed a ton of throws early on and the TD's to Jeff Samardzija and McKnight were blown assignments by PSU's saftey. He got into a good rhythm later on, but he still has to prove he can read and make the tough throws pro scouts look at. Sounds very similar to Lienarts situation doesn't it.
So, in other words, it's all guesswork until things get closer to draft time. But you asked for a pick so I'll give you one!!!
I think Peterson comes out (especially if he wins or makes a run at the Heisman) and goes #1.
Of course you'll save this to prove to the world what an #### I am next April, right?
Last edited by burger21 on September 16th at 10:57 AM.
ricko - it's all good brother! My fault for ignoring ASU and the rest of the conf. I'm sure UCLA would want a word with me as well. We'll see today if the Ducks are ready to separate themselves a little.
detroit - Thanks for giving me those lines, I hadn't seen them yet. And it proves my above statements to Shooter about Stanton being a better pro than Quinn were totally delussional!! Thanks.LOL.
MSU breaking it out open now as it's a 24-10 game with the latest TD being from Stanton rushing it in from 1 YD. Stanton looked great that drive and John L. Smith must have done something at Halftime because they came out scoring on two straight drives. Hopefully they get a bowl bid this year and don't choke in Big 10 play.
Now MSU is making this game a laugher because they have just scored again to make the score 31-10 as Drew Stanton has gotten his 2nd TD pass of the day, this time to Kerry Reed for a 12-yard TD reception.
Got to be disappointed if you are a Pitt fan.
Hey Detroit, guess we can't have everything. I was hoping as I watched the first qtr into the 2nd that Pitt could do it; then MSU got hot. With their OLine Pitt didn't stand a chance. Quit watching at about 6 min left when Msu seemed to be going in again. I really don't feel "that bad" Pitt was really outmatched. Palko started to press also, didn't stand a chance.
Not a fan of either team, but it's true that, "after reviewing the play," Oklahoma got ####. (With all due respect to Chorizo, This comment was brought to you by Nike.)
ricko - I turned away from this game at 33-20 OKLA., so I still don't know what happened. I ate dinner and turned the tube on and saw the score and thought it was a mistake. I still haven't seen a highlight. I'm going to look now. Someone had better send an EMT to Nooch's house! (Oregon alum)
Wow...did I detect some Ohio State hostility in that posting?! How do you feel about next week?
Also, you can't give Steve Slaton all the Heisman glory until he takes it against a kickass team. Maryland was hardly a true test of character, but that kid has glory written all over him. I'm getting excited!
Just the truth miss Belle, and I feel very relaxed about this week. Afterall, OSU is supposed to be the greatest team in the land; a win for them is assumed. There is no pressure on us at all. The ND loss took the hype away that would have been there had we stayed unbeaten, but it was a learning experience (we gave the loss away more than they took it, and Mich. proved they were a fluke as my second Truth stated) for the young Lions and keeps them under the radar. Now we just have to see if they can take those lessons and turn them into execution. If not, they weren't supposed to beat #1 at home, right? But if so...
My main reason for not wanting an OSU win is my close proximity to the campus - I don't want the fires to reach my back yard.
As for the Heisman, the only other big name who has distinguished himself against decent competition is OU's Adrian Peterson in their loss to Oregon Sat., so eveything is still up for grabs. Quinn, as I predicted played himself right out of the overhype. Of course, if your boy T.Smith runs the table than the award will be his for sure.
Wow, the Oregon-Oklahoma ended up being a barn burner! Too bad it was decided by that terrible onside kick call. Even though it went in favor of the Ducks, that call was definately missed and decided the game.
And it's too bad that a bad call decided things, because the game up to that point was pretty exciting and showcased some of the best RB talent in the country, OU's Adrian Peterson and UO's Jonathan Stewart.
Agreed also that WV's Steve Slaton is right up there with the best of them. I just wish he got more national recognition.
I'm very curious to see how both Oklahoma and Oregon respond this week after all that went on. Also curious to see what ASU does in this very important three game stretch-Cal, Oregon, USC. Nooch, I'm sure last weekend was one you'll never forget. Did you win anything on the games?
Never mind. I just read Nooch's post on the game and realized that the Ducks are off this week. Hopefully, for ASU, that will throw them 'off' for the next week as well.
Burger, I know this post was out before the WVU-ECU game a few weeks back, but I got to tell you, my Pirates (ECU is the school I am attending) looked pretty darn good against Slayton. We had two playes that should have at least gotten us 10 pts. A fumble on the 15 yrd. line and a muffed punt that we tried to pick up and run in, only to have our player never pick it up and WVU fall on it. I know one of them turned into a touchdown. That was a 17 point swing...how much did we lose by? 17. It was still good to get my truth!
burger...yes it is true that from TOP to BOTTOM, the SEC is the best conference in NCAA football. However from TOP to TOP...the Big 10 is the cream of the crop.
I am a die-hard Steelers fan in hostile territory - Central Ohio!! I have infiltrated this vast mission field to spread the love and the light to all those who have yet to be indoctrinated in the Gospel of the Chief. Before you suspect any bandwagon nonsense, know that my family history and heritage are immersed in Western Pa, so my current residence in this foreign land has not kept me from remaining a true American and staying loyal to the 'burgh. I am not all about hatin' my current home though. Although I despise the Buckeyes, Bungels, and Clowns, I do have some love for the Tribe and Cavs, so maybe we'll go there in future posts. Other than that it is all about the 'burgh (including Pens and Bucs), the NBA, and much love for JoePa. So grab a Pepperoni roll from Mancinni's and lets go!
