Snap Judgements: James Madison To Play for the National Title, The U Isn't Back

Following the criteria set forth by the frothing national media and Boise State's weak schedule, James Madison punched its ticket to the BCS title game with a win over Virginia Tech. Wait, I'm sorry, that approach doesn't work for the Dukes? Why not? I mean, wasn't everyone ready to drop all logic and vote Boise State No. 1 after that amazing victory over the Hokies?

Many folks, including myself, were wishing Virginia Tech would defeat the Broncos on Labor Day, but instead, they waited until September 11 to make those dreams a reality.

I'm sure the Boisenation is just one group of Grumpy Smurfs today as that giant victory to hang their hat on was dismantled by a bowl subdivision team associated with a university that I didn't even know had a football program until someone pounded on the upset alert button.

Fear not, though, my smurf turf friends as you still have monumental clashes with um...uh, Oregon State and uh...Nevada?

Moving on...

It's all about the U as in U ain't back yet (yes, was up all night with that one). All of America was duped into thinking Jacory Harris could give Miami a puncher's chance in Columbus. Sad to say, he was the reason they were dismantled by the Buckeyes. His inability to make simple reads and hit open receivers when necessary made it an easy afternoon for the fightin sweater vests.

In fact, if it weren't for Ohio State's second straight week of terrible special teams play this one probably would have been over at the half.

I'd like to thank Florida State for participating in Monster Saturday, your parting gifts are at the door.

Being an Alabama alum, I was partying like it was 1979 for the clash of college football blue bloods in Tuscaloosa. The game pretty much went as planned. Penn State was overmatched, but quite possibly has a superstar in the making with true freshmen quarterback Robert Bolden.

That being said, it's nice if you can win by three touchdowns while not playing well with your Heisman trophy winner and BCS title game MVP watching from the sidelines. Alabama's season will find its direction as they play at Duke, at Arkansas, host Florida, and then travel to Columbia to face the other USC.

Speaking of the Gamecocks. I'd like to get excited about this year's edition of South Carolina, but remember last year, when they got that "monumental" early season victory over Ole Miss? Yeah, I'm taking the wait and see approach with Steve Spurrier's squad, but like what I've seen thus far.

Meanwhile, what is going on at Spurrier's old haunt, Florida? Yes, the final score read 38-14 but for the second straight week the Gators were being manhandled by an "inferior" opponent.

If it weren't for South Florida's willingness to self destruct with silly penalties and terrible turnovers we might be talking about Urban Meyer's second retirement. Do you think, just maybe, possibly a little, that Florida is missing Charlie Strong and Tim Tebow? Hmm? Just a tad?

And finally...

Different coach, same results in South Bend. Yeah, you knocked off pillow fighting Purdue in Week 1 (who fought off powerhouse Western Illinois 31-21 in Week 2), but then you come out and give up...wait for it...wait for it...532 yards to Michigan!

Yes, it looks like Michigan is much improved with all-purpose QB Denard Robinson, but come on! My new Notre Dame forecast has been downgraded from nine wins to maybe six, possibly seven if you learn to tackle and please, don't try to blame this on Tyrone Willingham.

See you all next week.