The College Football Report: Week Two

ChalkItUpSep 15, 2009

Big games do not typically take place in the second week of the season. For ranked teams, Week 2 is a time to regroup (after an opening loss), build momentum (following a win), and run up the score. Outside of Columbus and Ann Arbor, the trend held true... with one significant exception. As always, for entertainment purposes only...

Game: Clemson 27 @ # 15 Georgia Tech 30 (-5.5)

What was supposed to happen? Clemson entered the season with question marks at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and placekicker. Despite these trifling issues, many projected the Tigers to compete for the ACC title. Meanwhile, some pre-season analysts predicted a sophomore slump for Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets enjoyed immediate success in 2008 during the first year of new coach Paul Johnson. But league opponents may adjust this season, forcing Tech to abandon last year's winning formula - running out of the option.

What actually happened? Tech's triple option seems alive and well. The passing game, however, may need some work. For example, starting QB Josh Nesbitt completed two more passes than kicker Scott Blair. Usually not a good sign. Yet the Yellow Jackets racked up more than three hundred yards rushing and held a 24-0 lead before the Tigers woke up. Clemson nearly came back to win the game, but conference standings don't include an "Almost" column.

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Game: Troy 6 @ #1 Florida 56 (-37)

What was supposed to happen? Another game, another opportunity for QB Tim Tebow to pad his stats. This week, Tebow will spend the fourth quarter turning water into Gatorade on the Florida sidelines.

What actually happened? The Gators do not play a tough schedule this year. Do yourself a favor - write a note and stick it to your fridge in an envelope labeled "Open October 9th." The note should read: "If LSU is a double-digit underdog tomorrow, take the points!"

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Game: #2 Texas 41 (-31.5) @ Wyoming 10

What was supposed to happen? I'm not sure why Texas played on the road for this game. I have to assume it was the first half of a home-and-home deal, with Wyoming visiting Texas in the future. Why else would you travel to Laramie?

What actually happened? For almost thirty minutes, the Cowboys had the Longhorns corralled. But faster than you can say "stampede!" Texas reeled off five straight touchdowns. Nice shootin', McCoy.

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Game: #3 USC 18 (-7.5) @ #8 Ohio St. 15

What was supposed to happen? Depends who you believe. The oddsmakers did not favor Ohio State. Most casual fans of college football, recalling OSU's recent 0-5 record against Top 5 teams (including last year's 35-3 drubbing by USC), looked at this game as a likely repeat. Buckeye fans, however, expressed a confidence leading up to the game that bordered on the delusional. I thought the game could get ugly, with USC pulling away late to win by several touchdowns.

What actually happened? It was ugly all right. OSU's confidence did have a basis in fact: USC was starting a true freshman quarterback on the road in one of the most intimidating venues in college football. And for most of the game, Matt Barkley looked like a spooked 19-year-old kid.

With 7:29 remaining in the game, USC took over on their 14 yard-line trailing by five points. Immediately, the Buckeyes sacked Barkley for a loss of four. Next play - false start, loss of five. USC seemed about to come unglued.

Fifty-eight yards from Barkley and Joe McKnight (remember him?) later, and the Trojans stood in OSU territory surrounded by a quiet "Horseshoe." The high pitched squeaking you heard on Saturday night? That was the sound of 106,033 sphincters puckering in Ohio State Stadium. Buckeye fans realized the inevitable well before Trojan RB Stafon Johnson sprinted in for the winning score nine plays later.

Yet as much as Barkley's late-game heroics have dominated the press, conservative play-calling cost Ohio State the game. After scoring a safety to lead 12-10 with 9:03 remaining in the third quarter, Buckeye coach Jim Tressel apparently thought, "That should do it." On OSU's remaining possessions, play selection on first down was feeble at best: rush (1 yard), pass (incomplete), rush (fumble, OSU recovers), rush (2 yards), pass (incomplete), rush (-2 yards), rush (6 yards), rush (3 yards), pass (incomplete, intentional grounding penalty), and . . . game over.

My advice to Tressel: PLAY TO WIN.

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Game: Florida International 14 @ #4 Alabama 40 (-34)

What was supposed to happen? This should have been a tune-up game for the Tide against FIU.

What actually happened? Sure enough. Florida International University (you know, "Miami's Public Research University") plays another SEC superpower later this year. The Golden Panthers face Florida on November 21 in what might as well be considered an off week for the Gators. FIU:MPRU will be hoping for a swine-flu outbreak.