Week #4 - NCAA Ruminations

405 to 20

This was the collective score between six of the top 25 teams this weekend against their "competition." Don't believe me? Take a look:

Yes, I had to spreadsheet that travesty. Look, I get it. The little guys need a payday, but who gets ANYTHING out of these games? I know Ohio is the eight circle of Hell and I know there isn't a lot to do, but couldn't 90,000 people find something better to do than watch that? Same goes for all the other schools but Miami, because you know no one showed up to that anyway. True Story: Louisville/FIU went with a running clock starting late in the third quarter! When you are instituting PeeWee footbal rules, something is amiss. That said, Miami and Savannah State agreed simply not to play the last three minutes by going with a 12 minute fourth quarter. Why just three minutes?

Oh - and I'm not even counting UCLA with New Mexico State because New Mexico State, a 59-13 loser, is allegedly a Bowl Subdivision member school.

Speaking of Louisville

Because, you know, EVERYONE is talking about them because of Teddy "Going to the Jags" Bridgewater and his magic arm. I HAVE to ask a question. Yes, I know Louisville blasted Florida in last year's Sugar Bowl, and returned Sir Magicarm, but can anyone explain the #7 ranking, that is sure to climb with what has to be the sorriest excuse for a schedule in the Top 25, and beyond. After slumming through the opening weeks of the season with Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, and FIU, the Cardinals get to feast on the "American Athletic Conference" - i.e. - the Big East Escapee Conference. This solid collection is adorned with the likes of Temple, UCF, South Florida, Rutgers (standing by until Big 10 glory awaits in 2014), Memphis, UConn, and the reasonably competitive Houston. I bet you didn't know it was THAT bad did you?

Around the World

Since the Top 25 slate was paltry, at best, let's take a look at the rest of the NCAA world shall we?

Most Perplexing

Maryland 37 to West Virginia's 0. In a battle of the highest concentration of battery throwing fans in NCAA Football, Maryland absolutely pantsed West Virginia in Baltimore. Granted, West Virginia weren't exactly world beaters, having squeaked by William & Mary to open the year but they held tight with Oklahoma and seemed on track with a pummeling of Georgia State. Maryland was undefeated going into this game but the record was suspect with wins over the aforementioned FIU, Old Dominion and winless UConn. Believe me, there is no love lost in the Ultimate Bill household for West Virginia so I'm tickled pink but still.... (as an aside, the ACC won every single non-conference game this weekend - a first since oh...the last time they scheduled so many crappy teams.)

Most Satisfying

USC 17 to Utah State's 14. At home, USC barely made it past lowly Utah State (the second of two Mountain West teams on the Trojan's schedule.) This is satisfying because it is yet another notch on the "Lane Kiffin is the worst coach ever to stand on a sideline" bed post. Seriously, with all the talent in USC's locker room - and I'm not talking about the Song Girls - 

Gratuitous Picture for Gratuitous Reference

all that talent - and this is the best Lane Kiffin can do? USC should Louisville/FIU Utah State. He is SO BAD. Tennessee STILL hasn't recovered from the one year stink he put on that program. His days have to be numbered. Just ask the student body:

Not a photoshop

Most Surprising

Rutgers 28 to Arkansas's 24. I know. I know. Arkansas is a mess but this is Rutgers! Perhaps the Razorback's diminutive 10 point margin of victory over Samford two weeks ago was a sign. Next up for the Hawgs? Texas A&M. Yikes. 

Most Entertaining

Pittsburgh 58 to Duke's 55. I didn't actually watch it but it had to be. These weren't junk touchdowns either. Duke came within 7 with 5 minutes left.

Least Entertaining

Virginia Tech's 29 to Marshall's 21. I didn't actually watch it but it had to be. THREE overtimes with no score until the end. This came one week after the Hokies plodded to a 15 to 10 win over East Carolina. On the plus side, Logan Thomas has improved from his week one 19.2% completion rate against Alabama. In the dictionary, next to offense, Frank Beamer sees a picture of a three toed sloth.

For realz

Quick! Name the only undefeated team in the SEC East!

That's right - Missouri. Of course, Missouri has yet to play an SEC team but still.

Quick! Another question

Can anyone answer why UMass is playing Bowl Subdivision football? Anyone? I'd ask the same about Purdue but the Boilermakers have been doing it for a while.