College Football: Picking Every SEC Game in Week 5

The SEC rolls out another slate of BCS Championship caliber games in week five of the 2011 season. Alabama travels to the Swamp to face Florida, Arkansas plays Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, and Georgia tries to get their season on track against Mississippi State.

No. 1 LSU welcomes Kentucky, Tennessee comes off a bye to face Buffalo, Auburn travels to No. 10 South Carolina, and Ole Miss looks for their running game at Fresno State.

Vanderbilt (3-1) has a bye week. The Commodores travel to Alabama October 8.

Alabama (4-0, 3-1) versus Florida (4-0, 1-0)

There are several key SEC match-ups this week but none more important than the outcome of the No. 3 Alabama versus No. 12 Florida game. This game should shape how the conference races in both SEC divisions play out.

An Alabama win keeps them on pace with preseason SEC West favorite LSU. A loss by Alabama puts LSU in the driver’s seat until their November 5, game against LSU in Tuscaloosa.

A Florida win keeps the Gators on pace with South Carolina in the SEC East. A loss by Florida followed by a road trip to LSU could put the Gators out of control of their own destiny for the rest of the season.

Both teams play tough defense and are committed to stopping the run. Alabama and Florida use a tandem running back rotation opposing defenses have to account for. Bama uses Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy while Florida uses Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. The Crimson Tide averages 230.75 rushing yards per game and the Gators average 259 yards per game.

Alabama’s defense only gives up 45.75 rushing yards per game. Florida gives up 56.50.

Which team will be able to run the ball better and complete critical third down passing conversions when needed?

Both teams have a similar third down conversion rate as well; Bama 41.18, Gators 42.55.

Who wins this one in a tight matchup? Bama won last year’s game 31-6. This one goes down to the wire with the Tide winning 24-18.

Arkansas (3-1, 0-1) versus Texas A&M (3-1)

In a non-conference, but soon to be conference showdown in 2012, No. 14 Texas A&M takes on No. 18 Arkansas in the Southwest Classic.

Much will be made about this game one way or another… either A&M does not belong in the SEC by fans boycotting their acceptance into the SEC or this is a preview of things to come with an A&M victory.

Both sides are banged up on defense thus very little knowledge about either team will be gathered from this game. The Aggies could be without three starters on defense; S Steven Campbell, CB Coryell Judie, and DL Jonathan Mathis. DB Louie Swope could miss the game as well.

The Razorbacks will be without starting defensive end Tenarius Wright (arm) and possibly their other starting defensive end Jake Bequette (hamstring). Issac Maddison hurt his knee in the Alabama game but is expected to play this weekend.

The Razorback rushing attack could receive a boost if running back Broderick Green plays against the Aggies. Green tore his ACL during Arkansas spring practices and was expected to miss the rest of the season. Reports are he has been practicing for the past three weeks and is expected to take some snaps this weekend. Arkansas will need him against the Aggies 7th rated rush defense (60.33 yards per game).

The key match up is Arkansas’ passing attack (312.25 yards per game) versus Texas A&M’s passing defense (279 yards per game; ranked 109th in the nation. A&M leads the nation in total sacks (14) and sacks per game (4.67). Can Tyler Wilson avoid the rush and find receivers down field? Or will A&M’s “Sack Attack” be too much for the Razorbacks inexperienced offensive line?

Arkansas won last year 24-17. Look for Arkansas to hold on for a 28-24 win this year.

Mississippi State (2-2, 0-2) versus Georgia (2-2, 1-1)

The Mississippi State versus Georgia game pits two teams with similar disappointing starts to their seasons. Georgia had tough games against Boise State and South Carolina while MSU lost tough games to Auburn and LSU.

MSU has had injuries along their offensive line and have had difficulty replacing their linebacker unit from last season. Chris Relf did not play well against Louisiana Tech last week but did enough to secure the 26-20 overtime home win with the game winning touchdown pass.

Georgia has reversed their early season stumble with two convincing wins, one over SEC West foe Ole Miss last week 27-13 and Costal Carolina 59-0.

Georgia has had injury problems as well and has had to use walk-ons in key positions. Georgia is young and largely inexperienced. 2012 may be a breakout year for these Bulldogs but there is still hope to their 2011 season as they only have two top 25 teams left on the schedule.

Georgia’s commitment to starting true freshman Isaiah Crowell could be looked at as the turning point in their season. Crowell has responded with two 100-yard rushing games. Crowell will have to take the majority of the snaps as fellow running backs Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome are not expected to play this weekend.

MSU OL Tobias Smith (knee, out for season) and LB Chris Hughes (disciplinary) will both be out against Georgia.

MSU won last year’s match up 24-12. Look for this one to be tight too with Georgia taking the win at home 24-17.

Kentucky (2-2, 0-1) vs. LSU (4-0, 1-0)

Kentucky travels to Death Valley for their second game straight game out of three versus a top 25 foe. The Wildcats have the unfortunate task of playing LSU after two road trips; The Tiger faithful will be excited to have the number one team in the nation back home.

Kentucky’s offense has been non-existent. The loss of WR Randall Cobb, RB Derrick Locke, WR Chris Matthews, and QB Mike Hartline has been too much for Joker Phillips to replace; understandably so.

LSU’s defense has been lights out as needed against top tier offenses. Their offense has steadily improved under the direction of quarterback Jarrett Lee.

Perhaps the biggest question out of the Bayou Bengal camp is what will Les Miles do with Jordan Jefferson?

Jefferson has been reinstated by LSU after Baton Rouge police lowered their charges to simple battery against Jefferson. Will Les integrate Jefferson back into the offense and eventually place him back into the lineup as a starter. Or will Miles keep a great thing going with Lee? Both players are seniors and have a lot left to prove to NFL scouts. A two headed quarterback rotation could spell disaster for the Tigers.

Kentucky has to hope they can catch LSU looking forward to next week’s game versus University of Florida otherwise the pairing of LSU’s 14th ranked scoring defense (14.25 points per game) against Kentucky’s 107th ranked scoring offense (17 points per game) will get ugly quick.

LSU wins this one before halftime: 42-10.

Auburn (3-1, 1-0) vs. South Carolina (4-0, 2-0)

Auburn rolls into South Carolina after an adjustment game against Florida Atlantic in week four. Auburn won easily (30-14) but serious questions remain about their defense.

South Carolina’s offense was shutdown for the first time this year against an upstart Vanderbilt team. The Gamecocks defense bailed the offense out as USC won 21-3.

Auburn and South Carolina’s offense are good at filling up the score board, 34.25 and 36.50 points per game respectively. The game will come down to either team’s defensive ability to stop the other team’s high potent offensive attacks. South Carolina gives up 27.75 points per game to Auburn’s 31 points per game.

Not much separates these teams by their schedules to date.

South Carolina’s rush defense gives up 137.75 yards per game, including a tough game against Navy’s rushing attack. Auburn gives up 226.50 yards per game; 112th worst in FBS.

This one is a shootout 42-31: Marcus Lattimore and Michael Dyer will put on a running back clinic. Lattimore gets the better of Dyer as South Carolina gets the win because they are playing at home and they can stop the run better than Auburn.

Mississippi (1-3, 0-2) vs. Fresno State (2-2)

Houston Nutt needs this win and boy does he need it badly if the Rebels have any hope to make a bowl game this season. The Rebels get a bye next week and then start the heart of their SEC schedule with Alabama and Arkansas coming to Oxford then back to back road trips to Auburn and Kentucky before finishing the season at home against LSU and at Mississippi State.

Fresno State has played an unbalanced schedule to date. The Bulldogs started the season off losing two road games to California 36-21 and Nebraska 42-29. Then Fresno State beat North Dakota 27-22 at home and won at Idaho 48-24. They have taken care of lesser competition to date.

Now Ole Miss comes to town, a team that beat them 55-38 in Oxford last year. Which team is Ole Miss this season, the lesser competition or a BCS Conference school?

Fresno State gives up 31 points per game while Ole Miss gives up 23.75 points.

Fresno State averages 31.25 points per game to Ole Miss’ 18.75 per game.

If Fresno State is able to limit the Rebels running game, which only averages 91.80 yards per game, the Bulldogs should walk away with another victory against a BCS power conference team for the fifth year in a row.

Ole Miss could be blessed with the return of their top two tailbacks, Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis. Their status is a game time decision.

Fresno State will be without RB A.J. Ellis, DB Zak Hill, and OL Matt Hunt.

Ole Miss sneaks by 24-14.

Buffalo (1-3) versus Tennessee (2-1, 0-1)

Tennessee welcomes the Bulls to Knoxville after a bye week spent fixing offensive line issues and trying to limit big plays given up by their defense.

Tennessee had a frustrating 33-23 loss to Florida at the Swamp before their bye. Perhaps even more frustrating was the loss of wide receiver Justin Hunter for the season to a torn ACL in the Florida game. Hunter was Tyler Bray’s top target and a beast for opposing defensive coordinators to have to deal with.

Tennessee’s tune-up game against Buffalo is much needed before going on a brutal four game SEC stretch that includes Georgia, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina. Look for head coach Derek Dooley to give running backs Tauren Poole and Marlin Lane as many touches as he can to get the Vols rushing attack on track before their four-game October stretch.

Tennessee wins easily 35-7.

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Arkansas Razorback Watch Party: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M

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2011 Southwest Classic: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. PST  Watch Party begins at kick-off!  O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant  2226 Wilshire Blvd.  Santa Monica, CA 90403  http://www.obriensla.com You are invited to join the Los Angeles Regional Razorbacks this Saturday, October 1st as we get ready to watch the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Texas A&M Aggies in Dallas for the 2011 Southwest Classic! Kick-off is set for 9 a.m. so come dressed in your Razorback Red and help us Call Those Hogs!!!  WOO PIG SOOIE! GO HOGS GO!

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Arkansas High School Football Top 10: September 26-October 2

School/Record/Last Weeks Ranking/Classification

1. Bentonville, 4-0, (1) 7-A

2. Pulaski Academy, 4-0, (2) 4-A

3. West Memphis, 4-0, (5) 7-A

4. El Dorado, 4-0, (4) 6-A

5. Fort Smith Southside, 3-1, (6) 7-A

6. Conway, 3-1, (8) 7-A

7. Greenwood, 4-0, (7) 5-A

8. Fayetteville, 3-1, (3) 7-A

9. Springdale Har-Ber, 3-1, (9) 7-A

10. Lake Hamilton, 3-1, (10) 6-A

Harding Academy (3-1) is ranked 1st in 3-A.

Magazine (4-0) is ranked 1st in 2-A.

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College Football: Coaches and Coordinators on the Hot Seat

Every football season begins with hope and promise for college football fans nation wide. Fans count their teams returning starters, ponder the ability of incoming recruits, look over this season’s schedule, and talk about how the off-season workouts went for their players.

Fall practices flames the passion of fans a little more and then game day comes. For most fans reality hits somewhere between the first and second quarter. A lucky fan does not see the reality of their season until a couple of weeks into the season, but once reality sets in regardless of who you cheer for, the same words will be spoken, “We are not a good team again this year”.

Who or what’s to blame for your team’s bad start? Was the schedule too hard? Did the team incur too many injuries? Or is your favorite college team just not that good? Regardless of what the problem may be, the ultimate responsibility lies on the head coach and his staff.

Here’s a list of head coaches and coordinators that are in trouble four weeks into the 2011 season.

Houston Nutt, Head Coach, Ole Miss

David Lee, Offensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

Many pundits saw this one coming. Nutt had back-to-back 9-4 seasons in 2008 and 2009 including back to back Cotton Bowl victories. Then he had a 4-8 2010 season with a 1-7 SEC record. After a last second loss to BYU at home and an embarrassing loss to Vanderbilt and Georgia, Nutt is in deep trouble before the 2011 season really gets going.

This is Houston Nutt’s fourth year on campus at Ole Miss. Typically a head coach wants four years to get “his” own players on the team so those player fit the schemes he wants. There’s no blaming Ed Orgeron for leaving the Rebels without talent, his last recruiting class in 2007 was ranked 27th in the nation. This is Houston’s team with solid talent available.

Nutt brought in David Lee from the Miami Dolphins to direct his offense in hopes of generating the same offense they had together at Arkansas with Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis. Only problem is McFadden, Jones, and Hillis are NFL Pro Bowl quality running backs. Does Nutt have that type of talent in Oxford?

Ole Miss Recruiting:

In 2008 Mississippi finished recruiting ranked 29th in the nation.

In 2009 Mississippi finished recruiting ranked 18th in the nation.

In 2010 Mississippi finished recruiting ranked 18th in the nation.

In 2011 Mississippi finished recruiting ranked 19th in the nation.

Ole Miss offensive ranking in 2011(out of 120 FBS teams) after week four:

Total offense: Ranked 118th

Scoring Offense: Ranked 103rd, 18.75 points per game

Rushing Offense: Ranked 102nd, 90.5 rushing yards per game

Rushing Offense: Averages 2.85 rushing yards per attempt

Passing Offense: Ranked 113th, 144.5 passing yards per game

Passing Offense: 54 completions, 7 interceptions, 3 passing touchdowns

What excuses can Nutt and Lee provide for their poor offensive showing? None. Should the Rebels return from Fresno State with another loss look for the alumni and boosters to start gathering buy out money sooner than later.

Vic Sealy, Defensive Coordinator, Kansas Jayhawks

Yes Turner Gil has only been the head coach at Kansas since 2010 and the Jayhawks are off to a 2-1 start, but his 5-10 coaching record has to be of concern for fans and alumni. There is some talent left on campus from former head coach Mark Mangino’s days and Turner turned in a solid 2011 class.

Kansas Recruiting:

In 2008 Kansas finished recruiting ranked 40th in the nation.

In 2009 Kansas finished recruiting ranked 31st in the nation.

In 2010 Kansas did not finish ranked in the top 50 in recruiting rankings.

In 2011 Kansas finished recruiting ranked 36th in the nation.

What’s the problem in Lawrence? Vic Sealy’s defense is a major problem. The Jayhawks have given up 24 or more points in all three games this season; McNeese State 24, Northern Illinois 42, Georgia Tech 66.

Kansas has given up 18 touchdowns and only held teams to two field goals.

Total Defense: Ranked 120th (last) in the nation, 550 yards per game.

Scoring Defense: Ranked 120th (last) in the nation, 44 points per game.

Rushing Defense: Ranked 120th (last in the nation, 282 yards per game.

Passing Defense: Ranked 102nd in the nation, 268 yards per game.

Rick Neuheisel, Head Coach, UCLA

Rick Neuheisel has no one to blame but himself in 2011. Neuheisel fired five assistant coaches from last year’s staff and made himself the play caller for 2011. He installed the Pistol Offense in 2010 with mixed results. The Bruin offense finished 2010 ranked 32nd in rushing offense but finished 116th in passing offense for a total of 100th best or worst offense in the nation.

UCLA has underperformed with the talented recruits they have on campus. There’s no reason or excuse for not having a top 20 recruiting class every year and seeing that ranking translate to wins on the field. Last year’s 45th ranked recruiting class should have the Bruin faithful concerned along with a seven win 2009 and a four win 2010.

UCLA Recruiting:

In 2008 UCLA finished recruiting ranked 13th in the nation.

In 2009 UCLA finished recruiting ranked 14th in the nation.

In 2010 UCLA finished recruiting ranked 8th in the nation.

In 2011 UCLA finished recruiting ranked 45th in the nation.

How has Neuheisel’s 2-2 team performed statistically?

Total Offense: Ranked 59th in the nation, 411.25 yards per game.

Scoring Offense: Ranked 74th in the nation, 27 points per game.

Scoring Defense: Ranked 91st in the nation, 20.75 points per game.

Rushing Defense: Ranked 93rd in the nation, 183.25 yards per game.

Passing Defense: Ranked 72nd in the nation, 229 yards per game.

Total Defense: Ranked 98th in the nation, 412.25 yards per game.

Little offense and no defense should make for another long season in Westwood especially in the offensively minded PAC-12.

Frank Spaziani, Head Coach, Boston College

Frank Spaziani has only been the head coach at Boston College for three years but his 17-14 record is worrisome. His 1-3 2011 record is frightening for Eagle fans.

BC has lost to Northwestern (24-17) at home, University of Central Florida (30-3) on the road, and Duke (20-19) at home. Their lone win is against a Football Championship Subdivision school, Massachusetts (45-17).  

Spaziani did not walk into the Boston College head coaches’ position without knowing the team and the system ahead of time. Spaziani was on the BC coaching staff for 12 years as a running back’s coach and defensive coordinator before becoming their head coach in 2009.

Each year the Eagles’ record has slowly dipped under Spaziani; 8-5 in 2009, 7-6 in 2010, and 1-3 to date in 2011. Spaziani has taken the Eagles to back-to-back bowl games but lost both games in those lesser bowls; Emerald Bowl and Fight Hunger Bowl.

What’s the problem in Chestnut Hill? Recruiting could be better… a lot better. The last time BC finished in the top 25 in recruiting was in 2004 at 24th in the nation.

Boston College Recruiting:

In 2008 Boston College finished recruiting ranked 33rd in the nation.

In 2009 Boston College did not finish ranked in the top 50 in recruiting.

In 2010 Boston College finished recruiting ranked 47th in the nation.

In 2011 Boston College finished recruiting ranked 38th in the nation.

BC has not played the toughest part of their schedule and they have under performed against lesser quality teams thus far. The Eagles still have to play at Clemson, at Virginia Tech, versus Florida State, at Notre Dame, and at Miami.

Total Offense: Ranked 99th in the nation, 328 yards per game.

Scoring Offense: Ranked 99th in the nation, 21 points per game.

Total Defense: Ranked 92nd, 406 yards per game.

Scoring Defense: Ranked 50th in the nation, 22.75 points per game.

Ted Roof, Defensive Coordinator, Auburn University

How can a defensive coordinator coming off a BCS National Championship win be on the hot seat? Having the 60th ranked defense in 2010 and the 110th ranked defense in 2011 is a start. This has to drive Auburn head coach Gene Chizik crazy as he is known as a defensive coach; Auburn 2002-2004, Texas 2005-2006.

Auburn has as much talent on campus as any other team in the nation. (Auburn fans will argue this point to their advantage or to their defense one way or another.) They lost eight defensive starters to graduation, the NFL, and/or armed robbery (Mike McNeil). Roof did not substitute for linebackers Josh Bynes or Craig Stevens much last year, so they do have a lack of experience this season at those positions.

Regardless those are all excuses with the recruiting classes they have hauled onto campus (25 four-star recruits and 4 five-star recruits since 2009). If Auburn was shutting everyone down they would point to how great they have recruited over the past three years.

Auburn Recruiting:

In 2008 Auburn finished recruiting ranked 20th in the nation.

In 2009 Auburn finished recruiting ranked 19th in the nation.

In 2010 Auburn finished recruiting ranked 4th in the nation.

In 2011 Auburn finished recruiting ranked 7th in the nation.

Auburn has given up 15 red zone scores out of 17 red zone drives for 90 total points allowed in 2011.

Scoring Defense: Ranked 92nd in the nation, 31 points per game.

Total Defense: Auburn is giving up 477.50 yards of offense per game.

Rushing Defense: Ranked 112th in the nation, allowing 226.50 rushing yards per game.

Passing Defense: Ranked 90th in the nation, allowing 251 yards per game.

Gus Malzahn needs Roof to come up with quality stops to take some of the pressure off of Auburn’s offense. When a two-touchdown lead becomes a two-touchdown loss, who do you blame?

Other head coaches on the hot seat:

University of Memphis, Larry Porter: a 1-10 2010 season and zero wins to start the 2011 season will not help Porter keep his job. The Tigers scoring offense is ranked 117th in the nation only scoring 11 points per game.

University of Georgia, Mark Richt: 2-2 record in 2011. Richt has not advanced to SEC Title game since 2005. Bulldog fans expect more.

University of Illinois, Ron Zook: a 4-0 start and a win against ranked ASU helps start the season out well, but if things go south Fighting Illini fans will remember the 7-6 2010 record quickly.

Arizona State University, Dennis Erickson: ASU has not gone bowling 2007. If ASU stumbles through the season, the Sun Devils will look to replace him.

Ohio State University, Luke Fickell head coach. Fickell could be replaced by elite coach before the bowl season is over.

Washington State University, Paul Wulff: Three year record entering this season was 5-32 (2 wins, 1 win, 2 wins). A 3-1 start has Cougar fans excited but WSU has yet to reach the meat and potatoes part of their schedule. A bowl appearance would take him off the hot seat but three or four more wins will be tough to reach.

*All recruiting rankings based off of Rivals.com.

**All statistics given from the NCAA. 

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HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week Five

1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Wisconsin
5. Boise State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Stanford
8. Nebraska
9. South Carolina
10. Oregon
11. Virginia Tech
12. Florida
13. Clemson
14. Texas A&M
15. Baylor
16. South Florida
17. Arkansas
18. Michigan
19. Texas
20. Clemson
21. West Virginia
22. TCU
23. Georgia Tech
24. Illinois
25. Florida State

Others receiving consideration: Arizona State, Auburn, Washington

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College Football Review: Recap of Every SEC Game in Week 4

Georgia (1-2) vs. Ole Miss (1-2)

Georgia’s defense held the Ole Miss offense to 185-total yards during a dominating performance winning 27-13.

Nothing seemed to click for Ole Miss against Georgia except Blair Walsh’s three missed field goal attempts for the Bulldogs.

One of the strength’s of the Rebels team going into the season was their offensive line and running game. The Rebels were held to 36-yards rushing led by Jeff Scott’s 27-yards on seven attempts.

The Rebel passing attack did not prove to be much better, a problem for most Houston Nutt coached teams. Zack Stoudt finished the game 9 of 23 for 71-yards passing and Randall Mackey, the thought starter for the Rebels after spring practices, finished three of seven for 78-yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. Both Rebel quarterbacks were sacked twice.

Aaron Murray was effective for the Bulldogs. He finished the game 17 of 26 for 269-yards passing with two scores and one interception. Murray also added a rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

True freshman Isaiah Crowell got his second career start and another 100-yard rushing game. Crowell rushed 30 times for 147-yards.

Next week’s games

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Mississippi (1-3) vs. Fresno State (2-2)

Arkansas (3-0) vs. Alabama (3-0)

Alabama was able to take advantage of several early Arkansas miscues on their way to an impressive 38-14 win in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama got on the board first on a 37-yard touchdown pass thrown off of a fake punt by AJ McCarron. Arkansas answered with a 10-yard Tyler Wilson touchdown pass to Dennis Johnson just before the end of the first quarter.

Bama was able to take advantage of a Wilson tipped pass before halftime returning the interception 25-yards for a touchdown making the score at half 17-7.

To start the second half Marquis Maze returned an Arkansas punt 83-yards for a touchdown. From there Arkansas’ defense seemed to wear down from Alabama’s ground attack. Alabama was able to rack up 197-yards of rushing to Arkansas’ 17-yards. Trent Richardson ended with a game high 17 carries for 123-rushing yards.

Tyler Wilson was held to 185-yards passing and two touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Arkansas (3-1) vs. Texas A&M (3-1)

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-1) vs. Florida (3-0)

Florida will get their first test of the season next week when Alabama comes to town, but so far this year the Gators have looked impressive under first year head coach Will Muschamp. They thoroughly dominated Kentucky for their 25th straight win in their series Saturday winning 48-10.

Kentucky was able to hold the Gator offense on their first two series but a Kentucky fumble ignited a 21-0 run before Kentucky kicked a 24-yard field goal ending the first quarter.

The Gators led 31-10 at halftime and were able to cruise through the second half of play. Jeff Brantley’s arm was not needed as Jeff Demps (157-yards) and Chris Rainey (105-yards) provided 262-rushing yards combined. The Gators finished the game with 405-total rushing yards.

Morgan Newton provided the majority of the Wildcat’s 300-yards of total offense. He threw for 124-yards and rushed for a Kentucky game high 50-yards.

Next week’s games:

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-0) vs. South Carolina (3-0)

A mark of a great team is finding different ways to win and South Carolina did that against Vanderbilt Saturday winning 21-3.

Vanderbilt’s defense was able to stop Marcus Lattimore (20 rushes for 79-yards) and Stephan Garcia (222-yards passing, one touchdown, four interceptions) but more impressively Vanderbilt offense was held to 73-total yards of offensive by the Gamecock defense.

Vandy finished the game with negative four yards rushing after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42-yards. Smith and Jordan Rodgers combined for 77-passing yards. Smith left the game in the third quarter but Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin refused to comment on Smith’s status after the game.

Both teams had ball control issues. The Gamecocks fumbled three times but never lost possession. The Commodores fumbled four times losing three possessions.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-1) Bye

Florida Atlantic (0-2) vs. Auburn (2-1)

Auburn’s defense finally showed up when needed Saturday stopping the Owls 30-14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn was able to intercept Graham Gilbert three times and pick up critical third down stops when needed. Auburn’s defensive woes are not fixed by any means. Auburn gave up 306-total yards of offense to a team that was only averaging 92-yards of offense per game. Auburn also allowed the first offensive touchdown of Florida Atlantic’s season in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard pass.

Auburn’s offense did not seem motivated after their first loss of the season to Clemson last week. Michael Dyer was held to 53-yards rushing and Barrett Trotter only completed 54 percent of his passes against the Owls.

True freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier (Springdale, Arkansas) got playing time in the wildcat offense for the Tigers. He finished the game with 31-yards on three rushing attempts but did not attempt a pass.

Auburn only had 13 more total yards than Florida Atlantic finishing with 319.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Florida Atlantic (0-3) vs. Louisiana Lafayette (3-1)

Louisiana Tech (1-2) vs. Mississippi State (1-2)

The offensive and defensive struggles continued for the Bulldogs Saturday but they held on to win 26-20 in overtime against Louisiana Tech.

Mississippi State’s defense was put to the test by quarterback Nick Isham, a 17-year old true freshman from Westlake Village, California (3-star recruit, Rivals.com). Isham completed 29 of 40 passes for 228-yards with one touchdown but had two costly interceptions. Isham’s first interception ended a 60-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that could have won the game for the visiting Bulldogs. His second interception happened on Louisiana Tech’s second offensive play in overtime.  

MSU’s offense was held to 176-net yards rushing; Vick Ballard rushed for 68-yards on 18 attempts with one touchdown. Chris Relf was held to a 48 percent passing percentage. Not the type of performance Dan Mullen and the Mississippi State faithful were expecting.

Chris Relf threw a 16-yard game winning touchdown to LaDarius Perkins on their second play in overtime.

Next week’s games:

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Hawaii (2-2) vs. Louisiana Tech (1-3)

LSU (3-0) vs. West Virginia (3-0)

WVU tried to make it interesting in the third quarter but LSU was too much for the Mountaineers winning 47-21.

LSU stormed out to a 27-7 half time lead behind three Garrett Lee touchdown passes. But Geno Smith put on a show throwing for 424-yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers. Smith started the scoring in the second half with his second touchdown pass of the game to Tyler Urban. Just before the end of the third quarter, WVU pulled the score to within six on a one-yard touchdown run by Dustin Garrison. On the ensuing kick Marcus Claiborne returned the kick-off 99-yards for the Tigers.

WVU outgained the Tigers in total yards 533 to 368, but the Tigers were able to get two Geno Smith interceptions and recover two Mountaineers’ fumbles to end critical drives. LSU only lost one fumble and Jarrett Lee did not throw an interception in the game.

Spencer Ware and Michael Ford continued their two back rushing attack for LSU combining for 171-yards with two Ford touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Bowling Green (3-1) vs. West Virginia (3-1)

University of Tennessee

Bye

Next week’s game:

Buffalo (1-3) vs. Tennessee (2-1)

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Arkansas High School Football Scores: Week Four

Scores from the top high school teams in the state of Arkansas.

Rankings at the time of the game are in parenthesis.

(1) Bentonville 41, (3) Fayetteville 6

(8) Conway 37, Cabot 7

Dollarway 29, Warren 24

East Poinsett County 48, Cross Country 0

(4) El Dorado 41, Little Rock Fair 0

Fort Smith Northside 70, Rogers Heritage 51

(6) Fort Smith Southside 63, Rogers 10

Greenbrier 42, Harrison 7

(7) Greenwood 42, Siloam Springs 6

(10) Lake Hamilton 41, Sheridan 0

Little Rock Central 35, Van Buren 7

North Little Rock 34, Russellville 31

Pine Bluff 50, Benton 22

Pulaski Academy 56, Maumelle 20

(9) Springdale Har-Ber 31, Springdale 7

(5) West Memphis 57, Little Rock Hall 19

White Hall 41, Sylvan Hills 10

Bryant 45, Little Rock Catholic 35

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PAC-12 Game of the Week: Southern California (3-0) vs. Arizona State (2-1)

Recent history suggests that this game is not a prime time PAC-12 game as USC has won 11 straight times against ASU dating back to 1999. Looking a little deeper, this game suggests otherwise. If last year’s showdown is any indication of how this year’s game will be played out, a 34-33 USC win in the Coliseum, this game has the makings for one of the best PAC-12 games of the season.

The game reads as a tale of two vastly different teams. USC has history and the national respect of football pundits on their side. ASU is full of promise and hope but is struggling to find respectability under Dennis Erickson. Both teams entered the season with high hopes and expecting to challenge each other for the PAC-12 South Title.

Lane Kiffin’s Trojans have not played up to expectations so far this season even though they are 3-0. Each week college football waits to see if USC will finally turn-in a dominating performance. Last week’s performance against Syracuse (38-17) may be as good as it gets for Trojan fans for the near future.

The Trojans racked up 501 total yards of offense from the line of scrimmage led by Matt Barkley’s 324-yards passing and five touchdown passes; a school record to five different receivers. Their defense shut-down the Orangemen’s rushing attack only allowing 73-net yards. USC’s pass defense made Syracuse one dimensional and still only gave up 258 passing yards.

This week will represent a different challenge for the Trojans as they go on the road for the first time in 2011 into a hostile environment. The Sun Devils are a senior laden team charged with the task to get ASU to a bowl game for the first time since 2007 and getting their head coach Dennis Erickson off the hot seat.

ASU’s play has been marred by penalties and costly mistakes. Those mistakes caught up with them last week when they lost on the road to the Fighting Illini 17-14. ASU was intercepted twice, gave up six sacks, and lost a fumble. They were called for eight penalties totaling 91-lost yards. Their turnover margin for the year ranks them the 90th worst team in FBS with a negative 0.67 average per game.

Out of 120 FBS teams, ASU is the 114th worst team in yards given up to penalties per game at 80.33; USC is not much better ranking 101st in the nation giving up 66.33 yards per game in penalties.

Not all hope is lost for ASU. They are a quality team if they can overcome their sloppy play. The Sun Devils are ranked 47th in college football in total defense giving up 328-yards per game; USC is ranked 41st giving up 317-yards per game.

Brock Osweiler has taken over the starting quarterback duties for Steven Threet, who retired last season from college football due to injuries, and he has played well. Osweiler is averaging 290 passing yards per game and has thrown six touchdowns with three interceptions against quality opposition. Matt Barkley is averaging 297-yards passing per game with nine touchdowns and only one interception.

The quarterback play will garner the headlines but ASU’s motivation and desire to win could be the difference in the game. Should ASU lose for a second straight week any national title hopes they have could be lost.

Key Matchups

USC’s inexperienced offensive line against ASU’s talented defense. Can USC pick up the blitz packages and keep Barkley upright?

Osweiler’s arm versus the USC secondary. USC faced Jordan Wynn and Norm Chows offense in week two holding Wynn to 238-yards passing with one touchdown. Osweiler has a better arm when given time.

Outcome

The Trojans raw talent will win out in Sun Devil Stadium.

Final Score

USC wins 24-18.

Notes to the game:

ASU’s injury report reads like a possible All PAC-12 lineup.

ASU has been without starting CB Omar Bolden (ACL), CB Devan Spann (shoulder) and LB Brandon Magee (Achilles) all season. Add another key contributor to their defense that will miss another game, DE Junior Onyeali (knee). Onyeali was PAC-10 Freshman of the Year in 2010.

Starting safety Eddie Elder is a game-time decision due to a concussion suffered last week against Illinois.

ASU running back Cameron Marshall may not get many snaps against USC. In preparation for Marshall’s absence during the game, Erickson expects wide receiver Jamal Miles to get more touches in the game, especially out of the running back position.

ASU will be without T Aderious Simmons and OG Adam Tello.

USC will start true freshman Marcus Martin (Los Angeles) at guard for the second straight game.

Junior offensive guard Abe Markowitz practiced this week and may see some game time. He has not played in the first three games due to a foot injury. 

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Finally a Reason to Go To Wrigley Field in 2011

Cub fans that were looking forward to going to the ballpark in October now have a great, and their only reason, to go. Saturday, October 1, is “Movie Night at Wrigley Field”. Starting at 7:30 p.m. there will be a showing of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” the 25th anniversary.

Yes, it has been 25-years since Ferris Bueller hit the silver screens!

Three 30-foot screens will line the infield lip frame for fans in attendance.

Event coordinators are trying to set a world record for the Most People Singing in the Round to the tune of “Danke Schoen”; one of the songs Ferris sings in the movie while on the float during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

There are several pricing options ranging from $10 to $75 for fans wishing to attend the event.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

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Arkansas Athletes in the News

He Got Pulled over for What?

Tyrell Johnson (Rison, Arkansas State) was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated Tuesday morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings safety was stopped around 2:00 a.m. for failing to signal merging onto an interstate ramp.

Minnesota State Patrol conducted a breathalyzer test on Johnson which registered 0.12. The legal limit in Minnesota is 0.08.

No comments have been made by the Minnesota Vikings regarding Johnson’s arrest.

Just to Clarify

He was pulled over for not signaling on an on ramp? Is there any other direction to go on an on ramp? Far be it to start a controversy but it seems like the police officers were looking to make an example out of a high profile person in town.

Word to the wise, at two o’clock in the morning and a couple of drinks in, use your turn signals.

Making Room

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (Fordyce) has finished his two-game suspension for testing positive for a banned weight-loss drug. The Vikings waived defensive end Adrian Awasom so Williams would have a spot on the roster.

One and Done in Kentucky

Guard Archie Goodwin (6’4” 181 lbs) of Sylvan Hills High School in Arkansas committed to the Kentucky Wildcats this week. Goodwin let the world know via Twitter. Goodwin, a five-star recruit according to rivals.com, is rated the 12th best high school player in the nation.

Just to Clarify

One should always follow their heart as long as it makes sense. Goodwin said he would always represent Arkansas because of his love for the state. Not sure why he can’t do that in a Razorback uniform if he only plans to play on the college level for one year?

Kentucky’s men’s head basketball coach John Calipari has proven he can get to the Final Four but has not proven he can win “the big game”. Calipari’s players will have to take the memories with them because all of his March Madness success has been wiped off the books due to his teams NCAA violations at the University of Massachusetts and University of Memphis. 

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Arkansas High School Top 10: September 19-25

Team (First Place Votes)/Record/Last Week’s Ranking

1. Bentonville, (13), 3-0, 1 (Six-A)
2. Pulaski Academy, (2), 3-0, 3 (Four-A)
3. Fayetteville, 3-0, 4
4. El Dorado, 3-0, 5
5. West Memphis, 3-0, 6
6. Fort Smith Southside, 2-1, 2
7. Greenwood, 3-0, 9 (Five-A)
8. Conway, 2-1, 7
9. Springdale Har-Ber, 2-1, 10
10. Lake Hamilton, 1-2, 8

Others receiving votes:

Marion 11, North Little Rock, 10, Little Rock Catholic High School 6, Camden Fairview 6, Little Rock Central 5, Greenbrier 3, Harding Academy 1.

Bentonville won 36-0 over Texarkana. Bentonville quarterback Dallas Hardison completed 20-25 for 241-yards passing and three touchdowns in the win.

Pulaski Academy defeated Lake Hamilton.

West Memphis beat Fort Smith Southside 26-17.

* Source “The Associated Press”.

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Los Angeles Regional Razorbacks Watch Party‏

Join/Renew Marketplace

Arkansas vs. Alabama Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. PST  O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant  2226 Wilshire Blvd.  Santa Monica, CA 90403  http://www.obriensla.com Come out and support the Hogs as we gear up for the Arkansas vs. Alabama game! Help us cheer on our Razorbacks as they work to continue their winning streak! Kick-off is set for 12:30 p.m. but we will be there 30 minutes prior so make sure to get there early!

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How Arkansas will beat Alabama

Arkansas and Alabama have two very similar teams in 2011 except one is getting a lot more national attention than the other. Is the early season attention given to Alabama over Arkansas truly deserved?

Both teams are ranked in the AP and Coaches Top 25 going into this week’s game, Arkansas 14th, Alabama 3rd in the AP. Neither team has played a challenging schedule to date. Yes that includes Alabama’s trip to Penn State, a team that finished 2010 7-6. Arkansas received perhaps their toughest offensive test for the entire season against Troy, 8-5 in 2010, and their highly regarded quarterback Corey Robinson; sans a November visit from Marcus Lattimore and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Both teams have lost a great deal of talent off of their 10-win 2010 teams. Alabama has 14 returning starters while Arkansas has 11. Offensively Arkansas and Alabama have had to replace their starting left tackles. Arkansas has had to go a step further and replace two additional offensive linemen.

Arkansas lost Knile Davis to injury during fall practices, a 1,322-yard rusher in 2010, while Alabama had to replace their 2009 Heisman Trophy winning tailback Mark Ingram (875-yards rushing in 2010). Trent Richardson and Ronnie Wingo Jr. saw significant snaps for their respective teams last year. Richardson ended the year with 700-yards rushing on 112 attempts for a 6.2 yard per carry average to Wingo’s 253-yards rushing on 41 attempts also good for a 6.2 yard per carry average. Both backs excel as pass catching options out of the backfield.

Tyler Wilson has stepped in well for departed quarterback Ryan Mallet. Wilson is currently 23rd in the nation in passing yards averaging 274-yards per game in part-time work. AJ McCarron has replaced Greg McElroy at quarterback by posting 193-passing yards per game, ranking him 69th in FBS. McCarron has thrown two touchdown passes to Wilson’s five.

Arkansas entire wide receiving core returns from a passing offense that ranked fourth in the nation. The Tide has to replace first round draft pick Julio Jones and Preston Dial.

Arkansas is the first team ever to have four finalists for the Biletnikoff Award (Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Cobi Hamilton, and Jarius Wright). Alabama has three finalists named to the watch list (Duron Carter, Darius Hanks, and Marquis Maze) even though none of their receivers topped 600-yards receiving last season. Adams had 813, Childs 659, and Wright had 788-yards receiving. Maze had 557-yards.

14 Razorbacks were named to the All-SEC Preseason Teams, the most of any SEC team.

Both teams return seven starters from their highly ranked defense. Bama finished the season ranked fifth in the nation in total defense, Arkansas finished 36th.

Alabama currently has the third ranked defense in the nation to Arkansas 35th ranked defense. Between the two teams Arkansas has played a team with a more dynamic offense, Troy, than Alabama has in Kent State, Penn State, or North Texas. Penn State has the 103rd ranked offense in FBS to Troy’s 33rd ranked offense; versus Clemson and Arkansas.

Arkansas has the 11^th ranked offense, Alabama the 21^st.

Arkansas has two punt returns for touchdowns, Alabama zero.

Arkansas has one kickoff return for a touchdown and is ranked third in FBS with 33-yards per kickoff return. Alabama is ranked 33rd averaging 24.6-yards per kickoff return with zero touchdowns.

What’s the main difference between two evenly matched teams? Not much other than Arkansas can put points on the board against any team in the nation. Alabama’s young offense has yet to prove their abilities against a top tier defense.

Bama has a slight advantage playing at home but not enough to cover the current spread out of Las Vegas at 13 points.

Both teams may have played a vanilla offense against lesser opponents thus far and held back their blitz and defensive packages but you can expect Arkansas to run some of their 5-2 defense against Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. Arkansas defensive coordinator will beg Nick Saban to let AJ McCarron throw the ball to beat the Razorbacks.

Arkansas has a more experienced quarterback that has played well on the road in the state of Alabama. Wilson threw for 332-yards and four touchdowns at Jordan-Hare Stadium in front of 85,000 plus in less than three quarters worth of time. The 100,000 in attendance in Bryant-Denny Stadium will not rattle Tyler Wilson.

Alabama gets a slight edge on the offensive line… but they did give up four sacks against North Texas; three on AJ McCarron and one on Phillip Sims.

Arkansas wins the special teams match-up due to their kickoff and punt returns. Both teams have excellent field goal kickers.

The turnover battle will always factor into any football game. No one can predict what one team will or will not do against the other.

Arkansas will limit the pressure their young offensive line will receive from Alabama’s defense by running five and eight-yard pass routes. When the Tide sit back look for Arkansas to drag Bama’s defenders from one side of the field to the other.

Arkansas will be able to stop Alabama’s big play threats from Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson. Against North Texas Alabama broke four long runs for touchdowns, 43, 58, 71, and 67-yards. Those four plays account for all of Alabama’s net rushing yards (347) against North Texas.

Arkansas wins this one 28-21. After all Petrino “didn’t come here to paint”. 

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