College Football Week 10: Anticipate More Separation of Championship Contenders
Week 10 will once again pit two undefeated teams against one another, allowing for separation of the Title contenders. One-loss teams in the major BCS conferences face off as well.
To the winner, the right to remain in the hunt for a championship title; for the loser, no great consolation. This Saturday, TCU and Utah highlight the non-automatic qualifier contenders while LSU and Alabama go head to head in Baton Rouge.
Weekend Highlight: TCU at Utah
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The top two teams in the Mountain West will square off in one of the more highly anticipated matchups for the 2010 season. The game will be televised on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The last time TCU traveled to Salt Lake City, they were defeated by the Utes 13-10. That score resulted from poor execution by the TCU field goal unit and a late fourth quarter meltdown by the defense. A last-minute touchdown by the feathered warriors sent the Horned Frogs home with a loss. TCU was ahead in nearly every statistical category except the one that counted; points on the score board.
If defense wins championships, then this year's version of the purple menace should come out on top. Allowing just 16 points in the past five games, the Horny Toads enter Rice-Eccles Stadium as the nations No. 1 defense. Coach Kyle Whittingham, on the other hand, has QB Jordan Wynn leading the nation's No. 3 scoring offense.
Alabama at LSU: Contender or Pretender as Saban Returns to Death Valley
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The last time Alabama travelled to the Bayou, John Parker Wilson was the leader of the offense and guided his team to a 21-21 tie at the end of regulation. As the sun faded over the horizon, overtime commenced. The LSU Tigers took control of the ball in the opening overtime possession and on third down, Jarrett Lee threw an interception in the end zone. That possession ended Lee's reign as starter for the Bengal Tigers. He has been waiting for a second chance ever since.
The Alabama Crimson Tide went on to score on the following possession, finishing the 2008 season undefeated in the regular season. In 2009, the Crimson Tide claimed the SEC championship and the BCS crystal trophy.
Jordan Jefferson has held the reins of the Tiger offense since that fateful day for Jarrett Lee. He has been adequate, for the most part, but not the imposing force that Les Miles had hoped he would develop into over the past two years. Lee is still around and has been given a second chance to lead the Tiger offense, sharing responsibility with Jefferson.
Jarrett Lee may find redemption in Death Valley. LSU and Alabama are tied for second in the West at 7-1 (4-1) But the Crimson Tide intends to continue their rise after a mid-season low that resulted in a loss to South Carolina. Last week against Tennessee, the offense stepped up and the defense re-asserted it's dominant play in the second half.
The winner of this game will remain in contention for the SEC West championship. The loser will fade into the sea of mediocrity.
Virginia Tech Hosts Georgia Tech in the Topsy Turvy ACC
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Last year, Georgia Tech led the country in third down conversions; this year, they are eighth in the ACC. Coach Paul Johnson's level of frustration is at an all-time high since taking over the helm for the Ramblin' Wreck. Penalties continue to stymie offensive success and special teams are not contributing to the kind of production Johnson expects from his team.
Despite the frustration, GT sits at 5-3 (3-2) and has the opportunity to hand resurgent Virginia Tech their first loss in the conference. If they accomplish that goal on Thursday night, they are right back in the race for the Coastal division championship and could find themselves in Charlotte competing for the ACC title.
Following opening losses to Boise State and James Madison University, Virginia Tech has regrouped and won six straight. Now at 6-2 (4-0) they have a chance to put themselves out of reach for Georgia Tech and with UNC, Miami and Virginia as future opponents, they are clearly in control of their own destiny.
A 7:30 start time in Blacksburg is the perfect setting for this classic ACC matchup. Tyrod Taylor is peaking at the right time, his offense is averaging 37 points per game. A win on Thursday would virtually seal the division championship for the Hokies.
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Missouri at Texas Tech: Can Tuberville Turn Things Around?
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While it is no surprise that the Tommy Tuberville offense is less productive than a Mike Leach coached team, the hot seat is getting warmer for the Arkansas native because the defense is one of the worst in the country. The Red Raiders have given up 34 points per game and sit at a ranking of No. 113 in the nation in total defense. They are 2-4 in their last six games and there is no relief on the horizon.
Missouri suffered it's first loss of the season at the hand of Nebraska last week. The loss to the Cornhuskers put a damper on post season goals but all is not lost at this point in time. A letdown in Lubbock would be devastating for the Tigers postseason goals.
If Tuberville loses at home, and then on the road at Oklahoma, Texas Tech will have at least six conference losses on the season. It would be the worst conference record in more than a decade. Tubby's tenure may be shorter that expected.
With Mike Leach's popularity rising due to his expert analysis and entertaining style on Sirius radio, the Texas Tech administration must save face or suffer more scrutiny and criticism from the student body and general public for their bone-headed firing of the previous head coach. They will have no voice in the Big 12 realignment if their team cannot produce on the field.
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