Rockin' The Casbah: Top 25 Roundup

Saturday brought insanity and anarchy, but when it was all said and done, all was right in the college football world. Here's the rundown of a Saturday with plenty of pop.

#1 USC 49, #16 Nebraska 31

In a game where many thought would be close, the USC Trojans proved that they are ready for any challenge…even in hostile territory. John David Booty went 19/30 for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Trojans trounced the Cornhuskers in Lincoln. Stafon Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 144 yards and a score. Sam Keller threw for 389 yards and two scores for the Huskers in a game that saw Nebraska try to come back in the 4^th quarter.

#2 LSU 44, Middle Tennessee 0

Ryan Perrilloux stepped in as field general for the Bayou Bengals and led LSU to a shutout of the Blue Raiders. Demetrius Byrd led LSU receivers with 2 catches for 86 yards and a score. The Blue Raiders were absolutely mediocre, but with USC winning, the Tigers didn’t help their case for the top ranking. Perrilloux went 20 of 25 for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns in another home victory for LSU.

#3 Oklahoma 54, Utah State 3

If the Sooners are trying to show their dominance, they are showing it in the best way at the best time. Sam Bradford went 19 of 26 for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Big XII powerhouse destroyed the Aggies in royal fashion. On top of all that, Oklahoma scored 50 points for the third straight game. Allen Patrick carried 8 times for 113 yards and a score. The Sooners sent a message to the Longhorns, and it’s hard to argue with results.

#4 West Virginia 31, Maryland 14

The Mountaineers didn’t play like a Big East powerhouse, but as long as they’re winning, they don’t care how they play. Patrick White went 8 of 13 for 95 yards and Steve Slaton carried for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns as West Virginia made easy work of the Terrapins of Maryland. Maryland never really came out of its shell as they could on score in the beginning and the end of the game. Respectively, Jordan Steffy threw for 180 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

#5 Florida 59, #22 Tennessee 20

On Friday, I said that the Gators would win 56-20. I was told that there was no way the Gators would put up 50 points on the Volunteers. I was wrong. The Gators didn’t score 56…they scored 59! Tim Tebow threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more as the defending National Champions made short work of the Tennessee Volunteers. Percy Harvin contributed 75 yards on the ground and a touchdown on top of his 4 catches for 120 yards. Defense and special teams won this one for Florida as they both piled on a touchdown against the Vols.

#6 Texas 35, Central Florida 32

If there is a weakness in the Big XII, it is in the form of the Texas Longhorns. Jamaal Charles scored the game winning touchdown with 3:37 to play in the game, but Kamar Aiken’s 7 yard pass to Kyle Israel brought the Golden Knights to within a score. Aiken hit Israel again for the two point conversion to bring UCF to within a field goal. Though the Longhorns recovered the onside kick and won the game, Texas will most likely lose a few spots because of the game. Colt McCoy contributed 259 yards and a touchdown through the air, while Charles added 155 yards and the game winning touchdown.

#7 Wisconsin 45, Citadel 31

P.J. Hill is the only reason that Wisconsin isn’t scratching their heads. Hill ran for a school tying 5 touchdowns as the Badgers survived their second scare in a row against the Citadel Bulldogs. Citadel went shot for shot against Wisconsin all the way into halftime, but Hill showed that the Big Ten isn’t dead yet. Hill ran for 168 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards. Wisconsin’s chances of making the Top 5 are slim thanks to two close calls against non ranked opponents.

#8 California 42, Louisiana Tech 12

Nathan Longshore rebounded from a nail biter in Fort Collins with a 22 of 33, 230 yards and two touchdown performance. Justin Forsett rushed for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Golden Bears continued their march to Pac 10 play with a win over the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech. If there is anyone that can put pressure on the Trojans, Cal and Oregon are making a charge for the mighty Pac 10 Champs.

Kentucky 40, #9 Louisville 34

I owe Kentucky an apology. In fact, I think everyone does. Andre Woodson threw for 275 yards including the game winning touchdown as the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats pulled off college football’s second biggest upset of the season. The Wildcats held strong after grabbing the lead late in the fourth as Louisville suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of their cross state rival. Brian Brohm threw for 366 yards and two scores for the Cardinals. Louisville’s Harry Douglas had a career day with 13 catches, 223 yards, and a touchdown. Expect Kentucky to be in the Top 25 come Tuesday.

#10 Ohio State 33, Washington 14

The Buckeyes needed a wake up call…and Washington was happy to oblige. The Huskies tried to put up a fight, but Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman challenged his team to snap out of it and play ball. In the end, the Buckeyes stayed perfect this season and kept pressure on Penn State and Wisconsin for sole possession of the Big Ten lead. Boeckman threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns while Chris Wells added 138 yards on the ground.

The Rest of the Top 25

 
Utah 44, #11 UCLA 6

#12 Penn State 45, Buffalo 24

#13 Rutgers 59, Norfolk State 0

#21 Boston College 24, #15 Georgia Tech 10

Alabama 41, #16 Arkansas 38

#17 South Carolina 38, South Carolina State 3

#18 Virginia Tech 28, Ohio 7

#19 Oregon 52, Fresno State 21

#20 Clemson 38, Furman 10

#23 Georgia 45, Western Carolina 16

#24 Hawaii 49, UNLV 14

#25 Texas A&M 54, UL-Monroe 14