College Football Week of Sept. 27, 2008

Announcement

I would like to start this week off by saying thanks to all who take the time to read the article. I really appreciate the exposure and enjoy the feedback.

As October nears, so does the familiarity of teams that accompanies the start of conference play. With nine teams ranked in the Top 25 losing this week, there’s a ton to talk about, so let’s Wordplay.

Black Out

Well, the one thing for Georgia fans that should have been blacked out in Athens on Saturday night wasn’t—the ESPN telecast of the game.

I am now certain of two things my kids will never be able to see in person: Tonya Harding competing in the Olympics, and the Georgia Bulldogs playing football in all-black jerseys.

John Parker Wilson continued his brilliant start to the season, completing 13 of his 16 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown. Alabama controlled the line of scrimmage all game, putting constant pressure on Matthew Stafford and holding Knowshon Moreno to only 34 yards on the ground.

Alabama was better coached and more talented, and the play calling was superior to the Bulldogs. When Georgia blitzed, Coffee caught a screen pass. When Georgia backed into soft coverage, the Tide found Julio Jones.

Talk about two teams heading in opposite directions: Alabama started the season ranked No. 24 and has now climbed all the way to second, while Georgia has slipped in the polls every other week this season. 

Contender Evaluation: South Florida

Key Games

Oct. 25 @ Louisville

Nov. 23 Connecticut

Dec. 6 @ West Virginia

Doomsday

It’s official: All hell has broken loose in the ACC.

Wake Forest lost at home to Navy as Riley Skinner had an absolutely horrendous game, throwing four interceptions for a Demon Deacon team that was leading the nation in turnover margin coming into the contest.

Clemson continued to disappoint, giving Tiger fans reason to bury themselves six feet below the ground and reveal the true meaning behind the name “Death Valley.”

Miami let a big one slip away in the waning seconds against a Tar Heel team playing without its starting quarterback as Butch Davis pulled out a victory over his former team.

Duke made a mockery of Virginia, beating the Cavs 31-3 for the Blue Devils' first conference win in 26 attempts.

Extra Points

Florida entered the game against Ole Miss undefeated and having zero turnovers on the season. Three hours later the Gators had fumbled three times and exited the Swamp with a loss.

Ole Miss gambled a couple times early and had success in the Wild Rebel formation. Houston Nutt has had a knack for getting his squad to play close against top ranked opponents, but they usually occur at home and not on the road.

Florida simply self-destructed and was burned on special teams a couple of times by Mike Wallace, the same guy who almost won the game for Mississippi last year against the Gators in Oxnard.  

As for Tim Tebow—well, last year's Heisman trophy winner has yet to lead his team to a victory when trailing in the second half.

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