Western Michigan in Top 25 but must survive tough conference MAC News
Western Michigan has surprised many people across the nation so far, upsetting then-#6 West Virginia in Week 1, Missouri in Week 3 and rolling through their early MAC schedule unscathed. The 7-0 Broncos now find themselves atop the West division and in the Top 25, but in a crazy mid-major conference where upsets happen often... can they hold on?
Western Michigan has several tests left, like defending MAC champion and rival Central Michigan. If the Broncos can pass all tests, they might find themselves on the verge of a BCS bowl bid.
In the East, Miami (Ohio) has emerged as an early season favorite despite the loss of their senior QB to injury. But are the Redhawks really the best in the East? Ohio and Kent State may have something to say about that.
#25 Western Michigan ---> A+
You couldn't have asked for a better performance so far. Sophomore QB Tim Hiller has been electric, the defense has been dominant and they even excelled on offense despite an injury to RB Mark Bonds. The eventual matchup with the Chippewas and QB Dan LeFevour may be the only thing preventing them from an undefeated regular season.
Miami (Ohio) ---> B+
The Redhawks lost senior QB Mike Kokal to a big, lengthy injury, yet somehow find themselves on top of the East and unbeaten in MAC play. The reason for that is the emergence of RB Brandon Murphy, a tough defense and the good game-managing abilities of backup QB Daniel Raudabaugh. The only things for them to worry about is an eventual matchup with defending East champ Ohio and Raudabaugh's INT count (15).
Eastern Michigan ---> A-
Wait, what's that you say? Eastern Michigan was ranked dead last in the entire FBS before the season started? What?!?! Well, so far the Eagles have been nothing short of spectacular. Dual-threat QB Tyler Jones (1,362 pass yds, 598 rush) has put EMU on the map and deep into the MAC title race. They still have big games against their in-state rivals left, but so far this season could be considered a success.
Toledo ---> B
The Rockets have stayed competitive, mostly thanks to the MAC's leading rusher. RB Jalen Parmele has already crossed the 1,000-yard barrier, and looks ready to run over opponents in the 2nd half. Toledo has a steep hill to climb in the West though.
Central Michigan ---> B
The MAC better take notice quickly, because this Central Michigan squad has turned around a poor start quickly. QB Dan LeFevour leads the MAC in pass efficiency, and the defending champs are just dying to take on #25 Western Michigan. The Chippewas are one of the few serious threats to the Broncos' chances.
Ohio ---> B-
The Bobcats won the East last season and got off to a decent start, including an important win over Kent State. But last week's 42-14 loss to Eastern Michigan began some grumblings. Are they really as good as they seem? If so, you shouldn't lose to teams like that. The Bobcats need to step up quickly if they want another shot at the MAC title.
Temple ---> C+
Temple's 1st year in the MAC has been rocky, but they still find themselves in the East title race. Their offense has been pretty decent, but their defense is shaky at best. If QB Andy DiMichele (1,641 yds, 15 TD) can get some defensive support, the Owls could shake things up.
Bowling Green ---> C
Not sure what to make of Bowling Green. They are 2-4 overall but 1-1 in the MAC, so not out of anything yet. But still, their losses have been concerning and I'm not convinced they are a contender yet. They need a big win to stay in the race.
Kent State ---> C-
Getting off to a 4-0 start? Awesome. Losing 3 straight, including 2 MAC contests? Brutal. The Golden Flashes have an exciting offense behind QB Julian Edelman and RB Eugene Jarvis, but they have come up way short lately. A win over Bowling Green next week should get them back on the right track... if they actually win of course.
Akron ---> D
The Zips are struggling at 1-6, but last week's OT upset of Temple was very impressive. They need to win out to even get a sniff of bowl eligibility. I don't think it's happening.
Ball State ---> D+
Ball State has so much promise... but when will they show it? QB Nate Davis and RB MiQuale Lewis are good but the Cardinals are only 2-5, with one win coming over a FCS opponent. They need to dig themselves out of this hole quickly.
Northern Illinois ---> D-
The Huskies were supposed to be a middle-of-the-pack to upper-tier squad this season, but they find themselves at the bottom of the West standings right now. Nothing special has really come out of this team, and their record shows that. They need a lot of help, but I'm not sure where it's going to come from.
Buffalo ---> F
They just keep losing. Of course, losing RB James Starks was especially painful and hard to make up, but going 0-7 is still unacceptable. They have shown some improvement, including a thrilling battle with Toledo last week, but they need to get a win somehow.
MAC Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan --- 1,598 yds, 19 TD, 6 INT
Brad Bower, Ohio --- 1,456 yds, 17 TD, 6 INT
Tim Hiller, Western Michigan --- 1,840 yds, 17 TD, 5 INT
Julian Edelman, Kent State --- 1,318 yds, 14 TD, 9 INT
Nate Davis, Ball State --- 1,672 yds, 11 TD, 9 INT
Sacks
Red Keith, OLB, Central Michigan --- 6
Darrell Copeland, OLB, Western Michigan --- 5
Terrance Knighton, DT, Temple --- 5
Steve Friend, DT, Central Michigan --- 5
Zach Davidson, DE, Western Michigan --- 4
Interceptions
Spencer Williamson, SS, Northern Illinois --- 4
Antonio Smith, CB, Bowling Green --- 4
Barry Church, SS, Toledo --- 3
Michael Mitchell, FS, Ohio --- 3
Shannon Ballard, CB, Ohio --- 3
[Reply]
kblu54 11:17 PM 10-22-2009
#17 TCU in driver's seat, but will face challenges Mountain West News
TCU continues to impress week in and week out, and their close 7-point loss to #3 Texas looks more an more helpful each week. The Horned Frogs have had no trouble so far in the Mountain West, but will face upstart challengers like UNLV and New Mexico along the way.
Utah and BYU have been big disappointments so far, but they still could change the course of the conference if they improve quickly.
#17 TCU ---> A
It's hard to find a true knock against TCU. They have rolled over everyone they've played so far, and gave #3 Texas everything they could handle back in Week 2. They're winning with tough defense, an excellent run game and a solid performance from redshirt freshman QB Andy Dalton. They have a bunch of tests left, but they seemed poised to capture the conference title.
UNLV ---> B+
UNLV has been a surprise in the Mountain West, and could seriously challenge TCU for the crown. QB Rocky Hinds missed a few games due to injury, but the Rebels still found ways to win. Last week's 45-10 destruction of struggling BYU proved that they were ready to make some noise.
New Mexico ---> A-
New Mexico has a very impressive resume so far. Not only are they 2-0 in conference play, but they have a 45-35 upset of Arizona under their belt. The Lobos have a surprisingly solid passing attack, and an equally dangerous run game. If they can continue their winning ways, New Mexico might leap everyone and snatch the title.
Colorado State ---> B
Colorado State has been solid but unspectacular. A 3-3 record, plus a 2-1 conference mark, has them in the title race. They still have a lot of work left, but they are in good shape for a bowl game.
San Diego State ---> C+
The Aztecs have a great passing game, but they have yet to unleash it. Losing WR Brett Swain hurts, but RB Lyndell Hamilton has been a pleasant surprise on the ground. Last week's 44-21 stunner over Utah turned a few heads. They have a few pieces in place to possibly get to a bowl game.
Utah ---> D+
Utah was supposed to challenge TCU for the crown. Then why do they find themselves way out of the title race? They just can't seem to be consistent. They are 1-4 in their last 5 games, and the only win was a 38-35 near-disaster against lowly Utah State. Granted they have played two ranked teams (Louisville and UCLA) during that stretch, but they also lost to conference rivals UNLV and San Diego State. They need to fix the wheels... quickly.
BYU ---> D-
This grade would definately be an F if it wasn't for their brutal season-opening schedule. The Cougars got off to an 0-3 start after losses to Arizona in overtime, ranked UCLA and a surging Tulsa squad. Still, sophomore QB Max Hall has been a huge disappointment and missed games due to injury, and the Cougars can't seem to recover from the loss of senior WR Matt Allen. Allen is out for the season due to injury and went down in Week 1. From here on out, no more excuses. They need to win. Period.
Wyoming ---> D-
Wyoming was picked to finish middle-of-the-pack in the Mountain West, but everyone knew that was way too high. Of course, at 1-5 and 0-2 in the conference they have struggled, but they definately aren't as bad as some thought they'd be.
Air Force ---> F
I don't want to be too harsh on Air Force, mostly because they haven't really gotten blown out at all, but starting the conference schedule 0-5 is just awful. A guaranteed losing season in the conference, and we're only halfway through the season? That's just plain unacceptable. True freshman RB Savier Stephens has been a bright spot, but the Falcons will miss senior QB Shaun Carney more than they think.
Mountain West Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing Donovan Porterie, New Mexico --- 1,468 yds, 21 TD, 9 INT
Andy Dalton, TCU --- 1,604 yds, 15 TD, 8 INT
Rocky Hinds, UNLV --- 858 yds, 8 TD, 5 INT
Caleb Hanie, Colorado State --- 1,106 yds, 9 TD, 5 INT
Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State --- 1,357 yds, 12 TD, 6 INT
Tackles
Bryan Kehl, OLB, BYU --- 52
Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU --- 43
Sean Claffey, OLB, Wyoming --- 42
Drew Fowler, OLB, Air Force --- 41
Kyle Brady, OLB, Utah --- 40
Sacks
Kyle Brady, OLB, Utah --- 6
Cody Moore, DT, TCU --- 6
Matt Rupp, DT, Colorado State --- 6
Mitch Unrein, DE, Wyoming --- 4
Jesse Nading, DE, Colorado State --- 4
Interceptions
Brian Bonner, SS, TCU --- 4
Ray Bass, FS, San Diego State --- 3
Romeo Horn, CB, San Diego State --- 3
Glover Quin, CB, New Mexico --- 3
Sean Claffey, OLB, Wyoming --- 2
[Reply]
kblu54 12:02 AM 10-23-2009
USC looking for BCS title, but other Pac-10 powers have other plans Pac-10 News
#2 USC came into this season as the favorites to win the BCS National Championship, and have done nothing to derail that dream. The only thing left to accomplish on that road is to hold off some fiesty conference competitors.
USC has dominated so far, but challengers like Cal, UCLA, Arizona State and Oregon will give the Trojans a run for their money. If USC can stay the course and beat these guys, they will have no problem reaching their goals.
#2 USC ---> A
An A+ effort deserves a simple A grade, mainly because this was expected for USC. The bar is set really high, so anything short of an appearance in the BCS title game will be a huge surprise and a major disappointment. Senior QB John David Booty has been spectacular, even as some offensive weapons have been knocked out due to injury. Sophomore RB Stafon Johnson has filled in nicely since senior RB Chauncey Washington went down, and the defense has been outstanding despite a starter going down. They have big tests ahead, like a hungry Cal squad, but they are pretty good.
#8 California ---> A+
California lost junior QB Nate Longshore for the season, and recently lost top receiver Lavelle Hawkins for a few weeks. But somehow, they still keep winning. And it's not like they've just beaten the lower-tier teams --- they've already taken out Oregon, Oregon State and Arizona by an average of 16.7 points. Redshirt freshman QB Kevin Riley has been outstanding (14 TD, only 1 INT), but he could be due for a letdown... maybe against USC?
#20 UCLA ---> B+
UCLA solved their preseason QB controversy quickly, and Ben Olson has been more than solid. The Bruins creeped up in the rankings as high as #11, but suffered a huge non-conference letdown against Notre Dame. They are still a contender in the Pac-10, but any loss raises worry. Hosting #8 California next week will show if they are real or not.
Arizona State ---> A-
This grade might have been higher, but the Sun Devils have gone 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-10 against a brutally easy schedule. They played no one of interest in their non-conference matchups, and then beat the worst 3 teams in the conference. If their sole loss to Oregon State is any indication, then they are primed for a downfall... fast. They have all of the top 5 teams in the conference left to play.
Oregon ---> B+
This Oregon team is legit. They gave then-#2 Michigan all they could handle in Week 2 before falling 21-16, and lost to a very tough California team. Besides that, they have just looked unstoppable. Their spread option attack has worked wonders and they could easily finish in the top 3 by the end of the year. If last week's 57-point effort on lowly Washington State shows anything, it's that the Ducks are ready for anybody.
Oregon State ---> B-
The Beavers are a tough team but have had a tough draw so far. They just lost to California, but exposed Arizona State in a 19-14 victory. They still have the lower teams left, so a bunch of wins and a bowl game are in order, but they also have USC, Oregon and UCLA left to play.
Arizona ---> C
I would feel a lot better about Arizona if they didn't barely beat BYU in OT or lost to New Mexico. Getting off to a 1-3 start in conference play is never good, even if you've already played USC and California. They definately have some work to do, but a bowl game isn't out of the picture yet.
Washington ---> D-
I'm giving Washington the benefit of the doubt, even though they are 0-6. They have played almost all of the tougher Pac-10 teams already, and senior RB Louis Rankin missed a bunch of games due to injury. All of that has put a lot of pressure on freshman QB Jake Locker, who has had a very rough season so far. He has a terrible completion percentage (39%) and has thrown 10 INTs against only 4 TDs but seriously... who is he going to throw to? Fortunately, the near future looks a lot brighter.
Stanford ---> D-
I'm also giving Stanford some leeway despite a 1-5 start. They had a bye in Week 1, which is hard to deal with, and then lost to then-#17 UCLA to open the year. On top of that, they have already played (and lost to) #2 USC and #17 TCU. I still see a lot of potential here, so this season shouldn't be a lost cause.
Washington State ---> D-
Yes, two of your three starting linebackers rank 2nd and 3rd in the tackles category. But that doesn't mean your defense is good, it actually means your team sucks so bad that your defense is on the field all the time. The Cougars have played some tough opponents so far, but there's no excuse for a 57-14 loss like the one they suffered last week against Oregon. They will really need to step it up in order to avoid the cellar.
Pac-10 Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing
Kevin Riley, California --- 1,130 yds, 14 TD, 1 INT
John David Booty, USC --- 1,481 yds, 19 TD, 6 INT
Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State --- 1,423 yds, 14 TD, 3 INT
Ben Olson, UCLA --- 1,111 yds, 14 TD, 7 INT
Willie Tuitama, Arizona --- 1,748 yds, 16 TD, 8 INT
Rushing
Ryan Torain, Arizona State --- 907 yds, 8 TD
Jahvid Best, California --- 720 yds, 6 TD
Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State --- 692 yds, 6 TD
Chris Markey, UCLA --- 666 yds, 6 TD
Stafon Johnson, USC --- 608 yds, 4 TD
Receiving
Michael Jones, Arizona State --- 534 yds, 3 TD
Lavelle Hawkins, California --- 440 yds, 7 TD
Mike Thomas, Arizona --- 433 yds, 4 TD
Anthony Johnson, Arizona --- 421 yds, 3 TD
Finas Rabb III, Washington State --- 404 yds, 1 TD
Tackles
Tom McAndrew, OLB, Stanford --- 49
Andy Mattingly, OLB, Washington State --- 44
Greg Trent, MLB, Washington State --- 40
Worrell Williams, OLB, California --- 39
Derrick Doggett, OLB, Oregon State --- 38
Sacks
Jeff Van Orsow, DE, Oregon State --- 5
Kenny Rowe, DE, Oregon --- 5
Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC --- 4
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC --- 4
John Hale, OLB, UCLA --- 4
Interceptions
Terrell Thomas, CB, USC --- 3
Thomas DeCoud, FS, California --- 3
Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, California --- 3
Mike Nixon, SS, Arizona State --- 3
Nate Ness, SS, Arizona --- 3
[Reply]
burnstuff 12:24 AM 10-23-2009
following. this whole thing looks like a lot of work though
[Reply]
kblu54 12:46 AM 10-23-2009
SEC dogfight heading into final stretch SEC News
If you are looking for the toughest conference to predict halfway through, then look no further than the SEC. The first half was exciting and crazy and so much more. Just wait until the 2nd half begins.
Currently, 4 SEC squads are in the Top 25 but the conference could easily have 7 by the end of the year. #5 Arkansas, #11 Tennessee, #7 Florida and #10 LSU are the frontrunners, but Alabama, Georgia and Auburn are just waiting for one of them to slip up. My only prediction I'm making is that both the East and West divisions won't be decided until the final week of the year.
#5 Arkansas ---> A+
Arkansas continues to win despite a small amount of confidence from college football experts. Many were expecting them to fall to Alabama and then to Auburn. But here they sit, unbeaten and looking to crash the BCS title game. They still have a bunch of tough contests left, including their season-ending rivalry matchup with LSU. That game may decide the West champion.
#7 Florida ---> B+
The young Gators have stayed competitive despite a tough SEC schedule. Their only loss came in triple overtime against Tennessee, but the Gators have responded and dominated then-#19 Auburn 38-24 and then-#7 LSU 31-14 in consecutive weeks. They need Tennessee to fall, but a spot in a BCS game could be in the works regardless.
#10 LSU ---> B+
The Tigers have 2 losses, but they came against a tough Florida squad and #4 Virginia Tech, keeping them very high in the Top 25 rankings. LSU is very good but they really need to step it up if they want the West crown. They may be the only team that can prevent Arkansas from taking it.
#11 Tennessee ---> A
Senior QB Erik Ainge really needs to get backup QB Jonathan Crompton a huge thank-you gift basket or something. Ainge has struggled with injuries this season, and both times he went down Crompton has engineered an improbable comeback. First, he rallied them back from a 28-13 deficit to upset Florida in 3 OT, then brought them back to knock off Georgia 38-35. Tennessee could easily be 3-3 right now --- instead they are 5-1 and unbeaten in SEC play. Barring a collapse, they could stay the course and win the East.
Alabama ---> B+
I think Alabama has only touched the tip of the iceberg on how good this team could be. Their only two losses came at the hands of highly-ranked teams (Arkansas and Florida State), and have destroyed everyone else they've played. Junior QB John Parker Wilson is arguably the best passer in the SEC right now, and the defense is improving each week. Two tests remain, and one of them could rocket them into the Top 25: next week at home versus #11 Tennessee.
Georgia ---> B
This Georgia team seems so frisky, but they just keep falling that short. They almost upset Tennessee, and lost to Alabama in OT. They seem to have all the pieces in place, but I guess they just need another year of experience. Their next matchup at Florida could be a turning point.
Auburn ---> B-
I kinda feel bad for Auburn. They have a very talented team but have played a very unfavorable schedule so far. They gave Florida a real fight but ran out of gas in the 4th quarter. A missed field goal ruined their shot at an overtime upset of #5 Arkansas last week. Where can they go from here? They play #10 LSU next week on the road, so it doesn't get any easier, but you know they will bring it regardless.
Kentucky ---> C
The Wildcats caught a tough break when senior QB Andre' Woodson went down with a major injury. He was the heart and soul of the offense, and they have suffered due to that. Backup Curtis Pulley has played admirably, but Kentucky can't succeed without their star QB.
Mississippi State ---> C+
You know, this Bulldog team isn't that bad. The injury bug has played a major role, but they still have some life in them. Freshman QB Wesley Carroll has been okay, but he needs RB Anthony Dixon back as soon as possible.
Vanderbilt ---> C-
Vanderbilt wasn't headed for a very successful season anyway, but RB Cassen Jackson-Garrison was a nice bright spot. That is, until he went down last week with a major injury that will end his season. The Commodores might scratch out another win or two, but that's it.
South Carolina ---> D-
Seriously, South Carolina? 2-5 overall, and 0-4 in the SEC? A terrible start for the Gamecocks, and it doesn't look like it will get any better. The Ol' Ball Coach needs to change things up or something. He has too much talent on both sides of the ball to suffer through defeats like last week's 36-7 joke against North Carolina. I would give them an F, but they actually have 2 wins.
Ole Miss ---> D-
I would give them an F, but they were picked to finish dead last. Ole Miss has been pretty bad, and all of it can be directed at senior QB Seth Adams. He has thrown 18 INTs already, and he is making fans really anxious to see transfer Jevan Snead next season. The Rebels are pretty young, so next season might be a lot better.
SEC Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing
John Parker Wilson, Alabama --- 1,791 yds, 21 TD, 5 INT
Curtis Pulley, Kentucky --- 1,373 yds, 14 TD, 9 INT
Matthew Stafford, Georgia --- 1,781 yds, 18 TD, 8 INT
Casey Dick, Arkansas --- 996 yds, 13 TD, 10 INT
Erik Ainge, Tennessee --- 1,173 yds, 9 TD, 6 INT
Receiving
Keith Brown, Alabama --- 640 yds, 7 TD
Kenny McKinley, South Carolina --- 575 yds, 5 TD
Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss --- 547 yds, 4 TD
Demiko Goodman, Georgia --- 542 yds, 4 TD
Tony Burks, Mississippi State --- 480 yds, 6 TD
Tackles
Allen Walker, OLB, Ole Miss --- 45
Braxton Kelley, MLB, Kentucky --- 45
Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt --- 44
Tray Blackmon, OLB, Auburn --- 44
Merrill Johnson, MLB, Auburn --- 42
Sacks
Brandon Spikes, MLB, Florida --- 6
Keith Saunders, DE, Alabama --- 5
Antonio Reynolds, DE, Tennessee --- 4
J.T. Mapu, DT, Tennessee --- 4
Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss --- 4
Originally Posted by :
following. this whole thing looks like a lot of work though
yeah it is... but it's actually kinda fun. I've always kinda had a curiousity about the sim engine, like wondering what would happen if there was no user interference. Plus, I'm really interested to see how the draft classes play out in my Madden sim franchise, so I'm trying to get through this 1st season as quickly as possible.
Sun Belt looking like a jumbled mess Sun Belt News
Honestly, I don't even know what to say about the Sun Belt. This conference is so evenly matched that any team could get on a hot streak and win the Sun Belt title.
UL-Lafayette and Middle Tennessee State are the favorites right now after solid starts, but Troy, Arkansas State and possibly North Texas are all capable of moving up quickly.
UL-Lafayette ---> B+
The Ragin' Cajuns have been the biggest surprise so far this year, jumping out to an impressive 3-0 conference mark. The biggest thing going in their favor is that they have already beaten Arkansas State and Troy, two of their biggest threats. Middle Tennessee State could be trouble, but otherwise the rest of the way looks favorable.
Middle Tennessee State ---> B+
The Blue Raiders have been awesome on offense, with the conference's best passer and top rusher so far. They have a bunch of big tests left and seem like the only legit threat to UL-Lafayette. They really can't afford any losses from here on out.
Troy ---> C
Troy was supposed to be the best team in the conference, but they have not played that way so far. They have climbed back into the title race, but their only loss to UL-Lafayette may be the difference and might haunt them down the road. They need to win out.
Arkansas State ---> C-
Like Troy, Arkansas State was expected to contend but haven't done anything close. Losing to UL-Lafayette last week will hurt. RB Reggie Arnold is a scoring machine (10 TDs) but he needs to put this team on his back. Next week at Middle Tennessee State will be a great starting point for redemption.
UL-Monroe ---> D+
The Warhawks looked awful coming into this season --- and they still are --- but a 24-10 win over North Texas shows some promise. The injury bug took out RB Calvin Dawson, which really hurts.
North Texas ---> D
North Texas wasn't expected to do much, but their backfield tandem of true freshman QB Giovanni Vizza and senior RB Jamario Thomas brought hope. But then, Vizza went down with an injury and the Mean Green haven't recovered since. Vizza is back, but will he be effective enough to boost them up in the standings?
FIU ---> D-
The Golden Panthers are just awful on offense (only 77 points so far) but have a nice tailback in Julian Reams. The defense is pretty bad too, but they lead the conference in sacks. Their 26-3 upset of Kansas was truly a shocker, but it looks like a fluke. They are not going anywhere and 3 wins is definately a stretch.
Florida Atlantic ---> D-
The Owls lost their starting tailback for the season and sophomore QB Rusty Smith hasn't been as productive as they hoped. Still, they seem like a very determined squad and should rise from the cellar soon. Maybe they can upset UL-Lafayette next week?
Sun Belt Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing Joe Craddock, Middle Tennessee State --- 1,276 yds, 15 TD, 6 INT
Michael Desormeaux, UL-Lafayette --- 1,231 yds, 8 TD, 10 INT
Omar Haugabook, Troy --- 1,215 yds, 13 TD, 8 INT
Travis Hewitt, Arkansas State --- 815 yds, 2 TD, 5 INT
Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic --- 905 yds, 6 TD, 11 INT
Hawai'i, Boise State heading for WAC title war WAC News
Unlike some of the other conferences, the WAC has played out pretty close to the preseason outlook. #13 Boise State and #24 Hawai'i are currently undefeated and looking like their eventual battle will decide the WAC champion. Fresno State has sneaked up into the fracas, but I'm sure one or both of their ranked counterparts will knock them out.
Below those top 3, the rest of the conference is a mad toss-up. When your current 4th-place team is 1-5 Utah State, you know you have a crapfest.
#13 Boise State ---> A
We predicted Boise State to stay perfect through the regular season, at least until the Hawai'i game, and they have been flawless so far. Senior QB Taylor Tharp has been excellent in the pass game, and Boise State has won their 6 contests by an average of 32.5 points. Fresno State might put up a fight, but Hawai'i is the real threat to the Broncos.
#24 Hawai'i ---> A
The Warriors look awesome every week, but anybody would look awesome with their schedule. Hawai'i plays 3 FCS opponents this season, including Western Kentucky next week. Senior QB Colt Brennan has just torn up secondaries so far, tossing 28 TDs. WR Ryan Grice-Mullens shot up to the #1 spot in the Heisman Watch this past week, but we will see how long he stays there. Hawai'i should be unblemished when they take on Boise State later.
Fresno State ---> A-
The Bulldogs have looked pretty impressive so far. They have two possible losses ahead, for obvious reasons, but otherwise they are headed for a great season (8 wins!). RB Lonyae Miller is an underrated weapon for them, and QB Tom Brandstater needs to stay healthy.
Utah State ---> C
In all seriousness, the only reason they get a C rating despite a 1-5 record is because they are currently in 4th place. And the only reason for that is because they are 1-1 in conference play... everyone else below them is 1-2 or worse. But don't worry, they will get that crappy soon. Nevada will probably crush them next week.
Louisiana Tech ---> D+
Last week's overtime victory over New Mexico State salvaged an otherwise awful start to the year. QB Zac Champion really needs to improve for them to stay out of the cellar.
San Jose State ---> D+
San Jose State rattled off two straight wins after losing to Utah State, which earns some recognition. Then last week they came crashing back down in a 56-10 embarrassment from Hawai'i. QB Adam Tafralis is good, but their defense is not.
Nevada ---> D+
Nevada could possibly crawl up the standings and could finish possibly 4th... if they stay healthy. Freshman QB Colin Kaepernick could really benefit from having weapons around him, which might be hard. RB Luke Lippincott is gone for at least the regular season, his top receiver is out for another week and his #2 tailback is out for a few more weeks. Life might be hard for the Wolfpack until then.
New Mexico State ---> D-
Hal Mumme's all-out pass attack has not produced anything except a lone win over an FCS opponent. Last week's heartbreaking OT loss to Louisiana Tech killed any momentum they had before that. Two wins is a likely finish for them.
Idaho ---> D
Idaho actually has some decent offensive players, so all is not lost. They have just caught some bad breaks, and already played Fresno State and Hawai'i. They shouldn't be in the cellar for long.
WAC Stat Leaders (through Week 7)
Passing Colt Brennan, Hawai'i --- 1,964 yds, 28 TD, 4 INT
Taylor Tharp, Boise State --- 1,070 yds, 18 TD, 7 INT
Tom Brandstater, Fresno State --- 1,071 yds, 12 TD, 7 INT
Adam Tafralis, San Jose State --- 1,426 yds, 11 TD, 4 INT
Brian Nooy, Idaho --- 1,039 yds, 8 TD, 8 INT
Rushing
Lonyae Miller, Fresno State --- 758 yds, 7 TD
Brian Flowers, Idaho --- 601 yds, 5 TD
Ian Johnson, Boise State --- 555 yds, 4 TD
Yonus Davis, San Jose State --- 528 yds, 5 TD
Chris Forbes, Utah State --- 472 yds, 5 TD
Receiving
Ryan Grice-Mullens, Hawai'i --- 830 yds, 13 TD
Chris Williams, New Mexico State --- 611 yds, 5 TD
Josh Wheeler, Louisiana Tech --- 525 yds, 6 TD
Davone Bess, Hawai'i --- 472 yds, 5 TD
David Richmond, San Jose State --- 445 yds, 4 TD
Tackles
Ezra Butler, OLB, Nevada --- 46
Michael Hernishin, MLB, New Mexico State --- 44
Paul Senescall, OLB, Idaho --- 42
Matt Castelo, OLB, San Jose State --- 38
Jake Hutton, MLB, Utah State --- 37
ACC rivals Miami, Florida State set to tangle in Top-25, unbeaten matchup NCAA News
Now this is the best way to start the 2nd half of the season.
#18 Miami and #9 Florida State, hated ACC rivals and current unbeatens, will throw down this weekend in a late night Game of the Week contest. Both the Hurricanes and Seminoles have been pleasant surprises so far, coming off mediocre seasons, and have overcome significant QB injuries to stay undefeated.
Miami has bounced back after a few down seasons and are currently 7-0, coming off an impressive 27-10 victory over a tough Georgia Tech team last week. Senior QB Kyle Wright went down earlier in the season, but Miami didn't seem to miss a beat with backup Kirby Freeman running the show. Wright is back and the Hurricanes look poised to contend in the ACC.
Florida State had an awful 7-6 year last season, a failure for a program that had 14 straight Top 5 finishes nationally a few years ago. The Seminoles have been untouchable so far, coming into this big contest 6-0 and looking to get an edge in the Atlantic division. Florida State lost QB Drew Weatherford for a few weeks, but backup Xavier Lee kept them competitive and winning. Weatherford returned a few weeks ago and has been very sharp so far.
It should be an intense, hard-hitting battle that could come down to the final possession. Both teams are very even in talent and experience, and their offensive schemes are nearly identical. Will home-field advantage play a role? Florida State doesn't lose very often at Doak Walker Stadium, and unfortunately for Miami, I don't think they will lose this weekend either.
MiamiRatingsFlorida State
A- ---Overall--- A
B+ ---Offense--- B+
A- ---Defense--- A-
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