Hello Football Fiends!

Did you know Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh is a giant flaming stinking pile of isht? You didn’t? Well now you do and trust me, I’ll remind you again and again.  Look, I give the guy all the credit in the world for the coaching job he’s done at Stanford over the past three seasons. Stanford is a difficult program to get to succeed what with the school’s pesky academic requirements and yet Harbaugh took a 1-11 team and three seasons later had them pull off back to back upsets of top ten ranked teams. Impressive. However, the man needs a giant personality transplant. What a nasty piece of work he is. He seems to have a giant chip on his shoulder where USC football and Pete Carroll are concerned. Well his shit talking, rudeness, and mocking will be tolerated no longer. The USC Mafia will call him out and He. Will. Pay.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s address all these ridiculous “The Fall of Troy: The Dynasty is Dead” statements the press has been screaming from their pulpits. People. Let’s get real. USC has the talent, it has the depth, it has Pete Carroll. After seven years at the top of the Pac-10 pile, and with coaching attrition the likes of which no other major collegiate program has (a whole post dedicated to that will go up this week) Pete Carroll’s Trojans were due a rebuilding year.

Three losses is not the end of the freaking world folks. Nor is it the end of the elite status of USC football. Let’s take a look at what Pete Carroll has accomplished in his years at USC:

2001: 6-6-0 (5-3-0 Pac-10) Loss in the Las Vegas Bowl to the University of Utah,  Not Ranked

2002: 11-2 (7-1 Pac-10) Pac-10 Champs, Finished the season #4, Carson Palmer Heisman, Beat Iowa in the Orange Bowl, lost to Kansas State and Washington State

2003: 12-1 (7-1 Pac-10) Pac-10 Champions, AP National Champions, Beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl, finished season ranked #1 AP  #2 BCS, only loss was to Cal by 3 in triple overtime

2004: 13-0 (8-0 Pac-10) Pac-10 Champions, AP and BCS National Champions, Matt Leinart Heisman, Beat Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl for the BCS Nat’l Championship, Wire to wire AP #1

2005: 12–1 (8–0 Pac 10) Pac-10 Champions, Reggie Bush Heisman, Played Texas in the Rose Bowl for National Championship and lost, end season ranked #2 Only loss of season to Texas in Nat’l Championship game

2006: 11–2 (7–2 Pac-10) Pac-1o Champions, Beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl, finished season #4. Lost to Oregon State and UCLA

2007: 11–2 (7–2 Pac-10) Pac-10 Champions, Beat Illinois in the Rose Bowl, finished season ranked #2 in the Coaches Poll, #3 in the AP Lost to Stanford and Oregon

2008: 12–1 (8–1 Pac-10) Pac-10 Champions, Beat Penn State in the Rose Bowl, finished season ranked  #2 in the Coaches Poll and #3 in the AP, Lost to Oregon State

Folks, those are some pretty consistent numbers. So we have three losses so far this season, so what. Consider the case of the University of Florida football program.  Urban Meyer took over the Gator football program at the start of the 2005 season. They went 9-3. The following year, in 2006, Florida won the SEC and the BCS National Championship game.

Then 2007 rolled around and the Gators lost 4 games. They lost to  Auburn, LSU, Georgia and Michigan (in the Capital One Bowl) and ended the season ranked #13.  Tim Tebow won his Heisman that year.  Did anyone cry “end of an era” “The dynasty is over” back then? Hell no. In fact, for years after the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Seminoles started dropping off the national radar, they were also still given the benefit of the doubt. Words like rebuilding and phrases like “a down year” were bandied about. The media stressed the rich recruiting in the state of Florida and stated that the Gators (or Hurricanes or ‘Noles depending on the year) would be back.

So why not cut USC some of that same slack folks? We’ve got a true freshman at QB who has a bad habit of throwing balls into coverage. We’ve got a new offensive coordinator who has shown some of the worst play calling in FBS division football. Our defense is…bizarrely slow and out of position most of the time. We’ve got discipline and chemistry problems. Sometimes those things take a season to work out. Sure, that hasn’t really happened in the Pete Carroll era of USC Football yet–but let’s face it, all those John David Booty led teams, while successful, didn’t really set the world on fire. Matt Barkley will mature and with that maturity he will become a stronger player and USC will rise to the top of the Pac-10 and BCS once again.

And you know what? It’s just one season. So stop rubbing your hands together in glee celebrating USC’s fall from grace. While many streaks do die this year (seven straight Pac-10 championships, seven straight BCS bowls, seven straight 11 win seasons, etc), this is no cause for true alarm. Pete Carroll and the Men of Troy will work the kinks out.

And when they do, boy, I wouldn’t want to be Jim Harbaugh or the Stanford Cardinal. The complete lack of class they showed on Saturday will be paid back to them. You can’t keep USC down for long, especially not with Big Balls Pete at the helm.

-Your Gridiron Goddess

Philadelphia Eagles :
*Placed (LB)Omar Gaither on Injured Reserve
*Signed (RB)P.J. Hill off New Orleans Saints Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers :
*Signed (TE)Jason Pociask/Colts to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Rashaad Duncan from Practice Squad

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Signed (FB)Chris Pressley off Cincinnati Bengals Practice Squad
*Signed (DE)Maurice Evans/Panthers to Practice Squad

San Francisco 49ers :
*Re-Signed (CB)Tarell Brown to a 3 Year Contract Extension
*Signed (TE)Carson Butler/Lions to Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks :
*Activated (RB)Louis Rankin from Practice Squad
*Placed (OL)Walter Jones on Injured Reserve
*Signed (LB)Anthony Heygood/Panthers to Practice Squad

Miami Dolphins :
*Signed (S)Nate Ness/Seahawks to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Derrick Jones from Practice Squad

Cleveland Browns :
*Released (RB)Cedric Peerman from Practice Squad

Tennessee Titans :
*Signed (QB)John David Booty/Vikings to Practice Squad
*Released (RB)Lance Ball from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Re-Signed (S)Ricky Page to Practice Squad

*Eagles – Jeff Garcia
*Vikings – John David Booty (Signed w/ Tennessee Titans Practice Squad)
*Titans – Patrick Ramsey
*Falcons – D.J. Shockley (Re-Signed to Practice Squad)
*Redskins – Andre Woodson
*Buccaneers – Brian Griese
*Vikings – Gus Frerotte
*49ers – Damon Huard
*Lions – Brock Berlin
*Saints – Joey Harrington
*Ravens – Cleo Lemon
*Bills – J.P. Losman
*Patriots – Andrew Walter
*Lions – Brooks Bollinger
*Saints – Chase Daniel (Re-Signed to Practice Squad)
*Jaguars – Todd Bouman
*Bills – Gibran Hamdan
*Cowboys – Brad Johnson
*Giants – Anthony Wright
*Seahawks – Jeff Rowe (Signed w/ Patriots Practice Squad)
*Texans – Alex Brink
*49ers – Jamie Martin
*Browns – Ken Dorsey
*Chiefs – Quinn Gray
*Broncos – Ingle Martin
*Raiders – Marques Tuiasosopo
*Steelers – Tyler Palko
*Lions – Drew Henson
*Colts – Shane Boyd
*Bills – Matt Baker
*Jaguars – Paul Smith
*Rams – Jeff Otis
*Texans – Craig Nall

New York Giants :
*Waived (OL)Andrew Carnahan from Injured Reserve
*Re-Signed (DT)Dwayne Hendricks to Practice Squad

Philadelphia Eagles :
*Re-Signed (OL)Dallas Reynolds to Practice Squad

Washington Redskins :
*Signed (WR)Anthony Armstrong/Dolphins to Practice Squad

Chicago Bears :
*Placed (LB)Pisa Tinoisamoa on Injured Reserve

Detroit Lions :
*Signed (DT)Joe Cohen/Raiders to Practice Squad
*Signed (CB)Jahi Word Daniels/49ers to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Jervonte Jackson from Practice Squad

Green Bay Packers :
*Signed (RB)Ahman Green/Texans
*Placed (RB)DeShawn Wynn on Injured Reserve

Minnesota Vikings :
*Released (QB)John David Booty from Practice Squad
*Signed (CB)DeAndre Wright/Lions to Practice Squad

Atlanta Falcons :
*Released (QB)D.J. Shockley from Practice Squad
*Signed (RB)Antone Smith/Vikings to Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers :
*Signed (S)Keith Lewis/Cardinals

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Claimed (OL)Shawn Murphy off Waivers from Miami Dolphins
*Waived (WR)Kelly Campbell from Practice Squad

Arizona Cardinals :
*Signed (LB)Brandon Renkart/Jets to Practice Squad
*Released (LB)Lee Robinson from Practice Squad

St. Louis Rams :
*Signed (OL)Phil Trautwein from Cleveland Browns Practice Squad
*Waived (WR)Nate Jones

San Francisco 49ers :
*Signed (RB)Keon Lattimore/Cowboys to Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks :
*Signed (OL)Mike Gibson from Philadelphia Eagles Practice Squad
*Re-Signed (OL)Kyle Williams to Practice Squad

New York Jets :
*NFL Suspended (S)James Ihedigbo for 1 Game
*NFL Suspended (LB)Marques Murrell for 1 Game

Cleveland Browns :
*Signed (TE)Michael Gaines/Bears
*Signed (TE)Colin Cloherty/Colts to Practice Squad

Houston Texans :
*Signed (LB)Jamie Winborn/Falcons
*Re-Signed (DE)Tim Jamison to Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Signed (DT)Kenny Smith/Patriots
*Waived (LB)Justin Rogers
*Signed (DT)Marlon Favorite/Panthers to Practice Squad

The Vikings on Wednesday adjusted their practice squad by terminating the contract of one player and filling the roster spot by signing another.

QB John David Booty was released and DB DeAndre Wright was signed.

Wright played collegiately at New Mexico and was drafted by the New York Giants in the 6th round of last April’s draft. The Giants ended up releasing him and the Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad. He is a native of Washington D.C. and stands at 5-10, 198 pounds.

Washington Redskins :
*Activated (P)Glenn Pakulak from Practice Squad
*Released (DE)Renaldo Wynn

Chicago Bears :
*Released (TE)Michael Gaines

Minnesota Vikings :
*Re-Signed (QB)John David Booty to Practice Squad
*Released (OL)Clint Oldenburg

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Activated (CB)Derrick Roberson from Practice Squad

New York Jets :
*Activated (WR/RB)Danny Woodhead from Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Howard Green

Tennessee Titans :
*Re-Signed (WR)Dominique Edison to Practice Squad
*Released (WR)Phillip Morris from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Activated (OL)Barry Richardson from Practice Squad
*Waived (LB)Justin Rogers

Earlier in the week the Vikings tweaked their practice squad roster by releasing QB John David Booty and filling his spot with T Clint Oldenburgh.

At the end of this week, the Vikings again tweaked their practice squad roster.

And they did so by bringing Booty back to the squad and releasing Oldenburg.

Week 7 Final: 12-4

Week 6 Final: 14-2

Week 5 Final: 11-6

Week 4 Final:11-5

Week 3 Final: 14-2

Week 2 Final: 11 – 4

Week 1 Final: 10 – 4

Hey Football Fiends-

It’s the big USC v Notre Dame weekend. The Trojans are favored by 10.5 and this is one game that I do think we will not only win, but cover the spread. Consider the past 2 contests between USC and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame – USC has won by a margin of 76-3. Matt Barkley may not yet be Mark Sanchez, but he’s at least as good as the 2007 Trojan QB, John David Booty.

College Football Picks Week 7

USC over Notre Dame

Pitt over Rutgers

BC over NC State

Ohio State over Purdue

Wake Forest over Clemson

Cal over UCLA

Texas Tech over Nebraska

VA Tech over GA Tech

Oklahoma State over Mizzou

Arizona over Stanford

ASU over Washington

Miami (FL) over UCF

Florida over Arkansas

Bama over So Carolina

Penn State over Minnesota

Auburn over Kentucky

-Your Gridiron Goddess

Washington Redskins :
*Re-Signed (P)Glenn Pakulak to Practice Squad
*Waived (WR)Roydell Williams off Injured Reserve

Minnesota Vikings :
*Released (QB)John David Booty from Practice Squad
*Signed (OL)Clint Oldenburg/Broncos to Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers :
*Signed (DT)Terrance Taylor/Colts to Practice Squad

New Orleans Saints :
*Re-Signed (OL)Renardo Foster to Practice Squad

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Signed (LB)Eric Bakhtieri/Chargers to Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks :
*Signed (OL)Mark Lewis/Dolphins to Practice Squad

Miami Dolphins :
*Placed (RB)Patrick Cobbs on Injured Reserve

New England Patriots :
*Released (DT)Terdell Sands

Pittsburgh Steelers :
*Placed (DE)Aaron Smith on Injured Reserve
*Signed (DE)Ra’Shon Harris off Carolina Panthers Practice Squad

Houston Texans :
*Signed (OL)Tutan Reyes/Giants
*Placed (OL)Mike Brisiel on Injured Reserve
*Signed (LB)Darnell Bing/Lions to Practice Squad

Indianapolis Colts :
*Signed (K)Matt Stover/Ravens
*Re-Signed (WR)Sam Giguere to Practice Squad
*Released (CB)Terrail Lambert from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Signed (LB)Justin Rogers/Cowboys
*Placed (RB)Jackie Battle on Injured Reserve

Oakland Raiders :
*Signed (OL)Langston Walker/Bills
*Waived/Injured (FB)Oren O’Neal

San Diego Chargers :
*Released (S)Clinton Hart
*Re-Signed (DT)Ian Scott

The Vikings on Wednesday terminated the practice squad contract of QB John David Booty and used the free spot on T Clint Oldenburg, a 6-5, 305-pound linemen out of Colorado State who was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2007 and was most recently with the Denver Broncos.

Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress said Booty wasn’t getting many reps during practice, but he also said he would not rule out the possibility of bringing the 2008 5th round pick back at some point.

“The fact is we needed another offensive lineman to practice and wanted to take a look at Clint,” Childress said Wednesday. “He had (practice squad) eligibility. I’m not going to rule out bringing him (Booty) back, but we do what we need to do to make it through week-by-week.”

The Vikings made a tweak to their practice squad roster on Wednesday.

QB John David Booty has been dropped from the practice squad and T Clint Oldenburg was added.

Oldenburg played collegiately at Colorado State and was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2007. He’s also played for the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams, but was most recently on the Denver Broncos roster.

USC QB Matt Barkley

Hey there Football Fiends-

We’re less than 24 hours away from kickoff in Columbus. USC vs Ohio State. The Rematch. Collision in Columbus. Showdown at the ’shoe. Call it what you will, but fully expect USC to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Oh sure, there are articles all over the internet that call up the Ghosts of Seasons past and bring up GASP Vince Young and the 2006 Rose Bowl. Which, I feel the need to point out was FOUR SEASONS AGO.  Do you not think that Pete Carroll, one of the finest and craftiest coaches in the NCAA, hasn’t changed the way his team prepares for a mobile QB? I can assure you that he has. And that the speed and agility of USC’s defense will knock the isht out of Ohio State’s already holey and suspect Offensive Line.

Terrelle Pryor – We’ve got your number and we’re coming for you.

Let’s just run down a few stats. I’m not going to go into a whole USC vs Ohio State by the numbers thing. That’s not my style. I’m just going to throw a few facts out and then we’ll see what happens tomorrow.

USC has 22 consecutive non-conference victories.

USC has won seven straight road openers – Colorado, Auburn, VA Tech, Hawaii, Arkansas, Nebraska and Virginia. Not a FCS team amongst them (Take notice Florida, Texas, et al)

The scores of those seven straight road openers:

• 2002 USC 40  Colorado 3
• 2003 USC 23  Auburn 0
• 2004 USC 24  VA Tech 13
• 2005 USC 63  Hawaii 17
• 2006 USC 50 Arkansas 15
• 2007 USC 49  Nebraska 31
• 2008 USC 52 Virginia 7

QBs Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, John David Booty and Mark Sanchez were all brand new at one point. Carroll did not play them conservatively in their first road openers and do not expect him to play true freshman Matt Barkley conservatively, either.

In 2003 Matt Leinart made his road debut at Auburn. The Tigers were heavily favored. Leinart went 17 for 30 passing with 192 yards.

In 2006 John David Booty made his road debut at Arkansas. He made bacon out of the Hogs, throwing for 261 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs.

In 2008 Mark Sanchez went into his first non conference road game at Virginia and set Charlottesville on fire with 338 yards and 3 TDs. Not to mention what he did to the Buckeyes at the Coliseum 2 weeks later.

Do I even need to mention the score of last year’s USC v Ohio State game? It was 35 – 3 for those who may have forgotten.

Let’s take a look at USC vs the Big Ten in this decade:

• 2002   The 2003 Orange Bowl vs Iowa.  USC 38  Iowa 17
• 2003  The 2004 Rose Bowl vs Michigan  USC 28 Michigan 17
• 2006 The 2007 Rose Bowl vs Michigan  USC 32 Michigan 18
• 2007  The 2008 Rose Bowl vs Illinois USC 49  Illinois 17
• 2008  The 2009 Rose Bowl vs Penn State  USC 38  Penn State 24

Matt Barkley is young sure. But he also steps into a program that has proven it can reload year after year with barely a hiccup. Big games are not where USC struggles.  USC excels in Big Games.

Ohio State is a Big Game.

My prediction: USC 31  Ohio State 13

-Your Gridiron Goddess

Das erste Wochenende College Football liegt hinter uns und wie nicht anders zu erwarten gab es auf der einen gleich die ersten großen Überraschungen und auf der anderen Seite böse Packungen für das Kanonenfutter, welches sich die meisten powerhouses zum Saisonauftakt vorsetzen lassen. Der Reihe nach:

Am letzten Donnerstag begann die Saison mit dem Aufeinandertreffen der alten Rivalen South Carolina (SEC) und North Carolina State (ACC) – Endstand: 7-3. Es war die erste schmerzliche Niederlage der ACC an diesem Wochenende – und es sollte nicht die letzte bleiben. Die aggressive defense der Gamecocks war zuviel für das Wolfpack, die im gesamten Spiel nur 133 yards an Raumgewinn erzielen konnten. So reichte South Carolina der Touchdown, den sie im ersten Viertel erzielten, nachdem sie einen fumble des Wolfpack an deren 14-yard-Linie sichern konnten. Der Sieg hätte auch noch deutlicher ausfallen können, wenn die Gamecocks sich nicht zu oft mit eigenen Fehlern (turnovers, penalites) um die Früchte ihrer Arbeit gebracht hätten.

Ebenfalls am Donnerstag gab es die erste faustdicke Überraschung der Saison. Die Oregon Ducks krochen gegen die Boise State Broncos nur wie angeschossene Erpel über den wirklich sehr blauen turf im Bronco Stadium. Nachdem die Ducks in der letzten Saison eine der aufregendsten und besten offenses im ganzen Land waren (485 yards und 42 Punkte pro Spiel; 8. bzw. 7. in division I-A), gelang ihnen gegen die Broncos in der ersten Halbzeit nicht mal ein first down. Mit hohen Erwartungen und viel Vorschußlorbeer ausgestattet (16. im AP preseason poll), war die offense der Ducks nicht mehr wiederzuerkennen. Am Ende standen auf Oregons Seite nur 8 Punkte und 152 yards an total offense – so wenige wie seit 15 Jahren nicht mehr. Boise State (14. AP) dagegen war überraschend stark in der Verteidigung und zeigte gewohnt gute Leistungen auf der offensiven Seite. Wenn nicht 3 vergebene Field-Goal-Möglichkeiten in der ersten Hälfte und drei fumbles in der zweiten Hälfte gewesen wären, hätte das Ergebnis noch viel höher ausfallen können als das letztendliche 19-8. Trauriger Höhepunkt für die Enten war direkt nach Spielende dann diese Aktion

Zur Eröffnung des traditionellen college-football-saturday besuchte Navy (indepdendent) die Ohio State Buckeyes (BigTen) im Horseshoe in Columbus. Wie so oft mit ganz hohen Erwartungen gestartet (6. in den preseason polls, mit dem Ziel, wie 2006 und 2007 in das NCAA Championship Game einzuziehen) sahen sich die Buckeyes ganz schnell auf den harten Boden der Realität zurückgeholt. Die 12 Punkte, die sie nach drei turnovers der Midshipmen machten, haben sie aber noch gerettet. Vorher wurde es noch einmal knapp. Mit einer 29-14-Führung im Rücken und noch 6:27 Minuten zu spielen versuchten sie einen 4th&2 zu verwandeln und scheiterten – im nächsten Spielzug wirft Navy QB Ricky Dobbs einen 85-yard-TD-pass zu RB Marcus Curry – 29-21. Nur zwei Minuten später wirft Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor auch noch eine interception, die zu einem weiteren touchdown von Navy führt. Jetzt steht es 29-27 und die Matrosen versuchen eine 2-point-conversion. Anstatt wie fast das ganze Spiel über es mit einem Lauf zu versuchen, wirft QB Dobbs den Ball in die Hände von Ohio State Linebacker Brian Rolle, der denn Ball über das ganze Feld für zwei Punkte zurückträgt – 31-27, game over. Nächste Woche empfängt Ohio State 3rd-ranked USC und wenn sie da so auftreten wie gegen Navy wird das Spiel so böse enden wie letztes Jahr, als sie von den Trojans mit 35-3 abserviert wurden. Sophmore QB Pryor sah mit dem Arm recht durchwachsen aus (14/21, 174yds, 1TD, 1INT), konnte aber mit seinen Beinen die offensichtlichen Schwächen seiner offensive line ein ums andere Mal auswetzen (6rush, 30yards, 1TD). Ansonsten sah bei den Buckeyes noch true freshman WR Duron Carter, Sohn von Cris Carter recht gut aus (3rec, 21yds), während RB Dan Herron (17rush, 72yds, 1TD) noch nicht den Eindruck macht, als könnte er Chris “Beanie” Wells ersetzen. Bei den Midshipmen stach neben QB Ricky Dobbs (9/13, 156yds, 2TD, 1INT; 18rush, 83yds, 2TD) vor allem LB Ross Pospisil heraus, der immer zur Stelle war, wenn es einen Brand zu löschen galt. Wenn Navy dieses Niveau halten kann und die Zahl der eigenen Fehler reduziert, können sie dieses Jahr noch für die eine oder andere Überraschung sorgen.

Kaum einem Heimspiel in der Oklahoma State-Geschichte wurde in Stillwater mehr entgegengefiebert. Noch nie sind die Cowboys (Big12) mit so hohen Erwartungen in eine Saison gestartet. Fast alle Stammspieler neben dem playmaker-trio QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant und RB Kendall Hunter kehren zurück, im AP preseason poll war man 9. Zur Wiedereröffnung des renovierten Boone Pickens Stadium kamen die auf Rang 13 geführten Georgia Bulldogs, die gleich so loslegten, wie man es von einem Team erwartet, das sich Hoffnungen auf den BigTen-Titel macht und unbedingt in einem BCS-Bowl spielen will. Erster drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, QB Joe Cox über 4 yards zu Michael Moore – touchdown, 7-0 Bulldogs. Danach allerdings zeigte OK State, daß sie völlig zu Recht als top-10-Team gehandelt werden. Nach diesem ersten Bulldogs-drive ließen sie nur noch 3 Punkte zu und erzielten selber 24.  Die Verteidigung, letztes Jahr die Schwachstelle der Cowboys, zeigte Georgias offense, die QB Matt Stafford und RB Knowshon Moreno (beides 1st-round picks in der diesjährigen NFL draft) ersetzen mußte, die Grenzen auf. Wenn die eigene offense jetzt noch das Niveau der letzten Saison erreicht, ist sogar der Big12-Titel drin. Cornerback Perrish Cox war der auffälligste Spieler der Cowboys. Und nicht nur hat er star receiver A.J. Green fast völlig aus dem Spiel genommen (4rec, 52yds), sondern ist auch noch ein erstklassiger kick- und punt-returner – die zweite Halbzeit eröffnete mit einem 74-yard-KO-return. OK State 24, Georgia 10.

Nach zwei enttäuschenden Jahren (2007: 3-9, 2008: 7-6) war der Druck groß vor der Saisoneröffnung in South Bend für Notre Dame und insbesondere head coach Charlie Weis. Die Fighting Irish empfingen Nevada mit ihrer gefürchteten “Pistol”-offense, die letztes Jahr, gemessen an erzieltem Raumgewinn, den fünftbesten Angriff des Landes stellten. Dann ging aber alles überraschend schnell und vor allem deutlich über die Bühne. Die Fighting Irish feuerten aus allen Rohren und das Wolfpack sah mehr aus wie ein Korb voller ängstlicher Dackel. Zur Halbzeit stand es 28-0 und die Messe war gelesen. (Endstand 35-0) Quarterback Jimmy Clausen warf mehr touchdowns als incompletions (15/18, 315 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INT) und WR Michael Floyd fing 4 Bälle für beeindruckende 189 yards (47,3yds/catch) und brachte 3 bis in die Endzone. Bei Nevada stach junior RB Vai Taua heraus mit 18 Läufen für 114 yards und 3 receptions für 38 yards.

Im Cowboys Stadium in Arlington trafen die 3rd-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (Big12) auf die an Position 20 geführten BYU Cougars (Moutain West Conference). Die story des Spiels ist schnell erzählt: Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford verletzte sich kurz vor Ende der ersten Halbzeit an der Schulter; bei Oklahoma läuft nicht viel zusammen (auch mit Bradford nicht, 10/14, 96yds, 1TD); und BYUs Max Hall (26/38, 329yds, 2 TDs, 2 INT) zeigt allen, daß auch er ein big-time-quarterback ist, als er im viertel Viertel bei einem 7-13-Rückstand seine Cougars in 16 Spielzügen über 79 yards bis in die Sooners Endzone führt – 14-13 BYU.

Im Chick-Fil-A-Kickoff-Game trafen im Georgia Dome zu Atlanta die Alabama Crimson Tide (5. AP, SEC ) und die Virginia Tech Hokies (7. AP, ACC) zum Top-Spiel aufeinander. Alabama war letztes Jahr die Überraschung der Saison und mußte sich erst im SEC championship Game gegen Florida die erste und darauffolgend im Sugar Bowl gegen Utah die zweite Saisonniederalge abholen. Die Crimson Tide überraschte die Hokies, seit Jahren eine der besten Verteidigungen des Landes, mit vielen wildcat looks, aber nach drei guten drives war jeweils nicht mehr als ein field goal drin. Den kickoff nach dem zweiten field goal trug Hokie Dyrell Roberts 98 yards zum touchdown zurück. Dann ging es hin und her. Im zweiten Viertel vollendete RB Roy Upchurch (7rush, 90yds, 1TD) einen langen `Bama drive (11plays, 76yards) mit einem 19-yard-TD-Lauf, den VT mit einem touchdown zur Fürhrung ihrerseits beantwortete (17-16), worauf Crimson Tide kicker Leigh Tiffin zwei Sekunden vor Ende der ersten Halbzeit einen 37-yard-FG-Versuch vergeigt. Im dritten Viertel war es dann über weite Strecken die erwartete Verteidigungsschlacht auf beiden Seiten, ehe sich Alabama im vierten Viertel nach einem TD ihres überragenden RB Mark Ingram (26rush, 150yds, 1TD; 3rec, 35yds, 1TD) die Führung zurückeroberte, 24-17. Den darauffolgen kickoff erobert Alabama nach einem Hokies fumble und erhöht mit einem FG auf 27-17. Nachdem VT nochmals auf 27-24 verkürzen konnte setzte wiederum RB Ingram den Schlußpunkt, indem er einen Paß von QB Greg McElroy über 18 yards in die endzone trägt. McElroy hatte in seinem ersten Karriere-Start eine schwierige Anfangsphase, in der er überhaupt nicht gut aussah, steigert sich dann aber deutlich und sollte eine solide Saison spielen – wichtiger wird für die Crimson Tide allerdings das running-back-duo Ingram/Upchurch sein, die Glen Coffee ersetzen. Endstand: 34-24 Bama.

Sowohl LSU (SEC) als auch Washington (Pac-10) hatten sehr enttäuschende Spielzeiten 2008, wenn auch auf unterschiedlichem Niveau. Die Huskies gewannen als einziges Team in der Division I-A nicht ein einziges Spiel (0-12). LSU, in den fünf Jahren zuvor immer unter den 12 besten Mannschaften des Landes, war Ende der letzten Saison nicht mal mehr in den Top-25-polls geranked und verlor auch noch 5 der 8 conference games. Ein Grund für das schlechte Abschneiden der Huskies letztes Jahr war der Verlust von Riesentalent Jake Locker nach vier Wochen. Washingtons neuer head coach Steve Sarkisian hat mit QB Locker als Mittelpunkt eine ganz neue Offensive auf die Beine gestellt, die sehr gut aussieht und LSUs defense oftmals vor große Probleme gestellt hat. Sarkisian kam von USC, wo er 7 der letzten 8 Jahre als quarterbacks coach und offensive coordinator verbrachte und maßgeblich für die Erfolge von Heisman-Trophy-QB Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart (ebenfalls Heisman-Trophy-Gewinner), Matt Cassell und John David Booty verantwortlich war. Pech nur für Washington, daß sie mit LSU auf ein ungemein starkes Team trafen, das dieses Jahr wieder top-ten-Kaliber hat. Die Huskies konnten lange mithalten bis Tigers sophmpore QB Jordan Jefferson, der vor zwei Wochen erst 19 Jahre geworden ist, 1:54 vor Schluß für seinen dritten TD-pass WR Brandon LaFell in der Endzone fand und auf 31-16 erhöhte. (Endstand 31-23). Der auffälligsten Spieler im LSU Angriff waren neben LaFell (4rec 34yds, 1TD), der aber lange brauchte, um ins Spiel zu finden, WR Terrance Toliver (4rec, 117yds, 2TD), der kräftige RB Charles Scott (12rush, 52yds) und Jefferson (11/19, 172yds, 3 TDs, 0 INT). Auf der anderen Seite des Balles war CB Patrick Peterson der überragende Spieler; ebenfalls stark die Leistung des Linebacker-Trios Perry Riley, Kelvin Sheppard und Jacob Cutrera. Mit der offense in den Händen von Locker (25/45, 321yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT; 12rush, 51yds) und geführt von Sarkisian werden die Huskies dieses Jahr in der Pac10 wieder wettbewerbsfähig sein.

Zum Schluß noch zur Sektion Kanonenfutter:
(1) Florida überrent Charleston Southern mit 62-3; Tebow 10/15, 188yds, 1TD. Nr. 2 Texas läßt Louisana Monroe beim 59-20 keine Chance; QB Colt McCoy 21/29, 317yds, 2TDs; WR Jordan Shipley 8rec, 180yds, 1TD. True freshman QB Matt Barkley (15/19, 233yds, 1TD) führt Nr. 4 USC zu einem ungefährdeten Sieg – 56-3 über San Jose State, kräftige Unterstützung bekam Barkley dabei von den RBs Joe McKnight (14rush, 145yds, 2 TDs), Marc Tyler (5rush, 72yds, 1TD) und Allen Bradford (4rush, 53yds, 1TD). Nr. 9 Penn State ließ Akron keine Chance beim 31-7. Überragende Spieler der Nittany Lions waren QB Daryll Clark (29/40, 353yds, 3 TDs, 1INT) und die beiden sophmore WR Derek Moye (6rec, 138yds, 1 TD) und Chaz Powell (7rec, 65yds, 1 TD).

Noch ein Wort zur ACC. Als wären die Niederlagen von Virginia Tech und North Carolina State nicht schon genug gewesen, ließen sich die Maryland Terrapins auch noch von 12th-ranked Cal vorführen (52-13), deren star running back Jahvid Best für seine 137 yards und 2 TDs nur 10 Versuche brauchte. Wake Forest verlor gegen Baylor (Big12) und um das blamable Wochende für die ACC komplett zu machen, verloren Virginia (14-26 gegen William&Mary) und Duke (16-24 gegen Richmond) auch noch gegen Division-II Mannschaften.

According to multiple outlets, including the Star Tribune’s “Access Vikings” blog (which credits NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora), the Vikings have waived QB John David Booty.

We are unable to confirm this is indeed the case. But we will post the official announcement of the Vikings 53-man roster as soon as it is made available.

Stay tuned to vikings.com for more information.

Written by Jonathan Mathis of http://www-sportsnation.blogspot.com.

For years, USC has being obsessed with potent quarterbacks. They were obsessed with Carlson Palmer’s powerful arm, Matt Leinart’s accuracy , John David Booty’s decision making, and Mark Sanchez’s mobility.

I’m sure you were shocked when true freshman Matt Barkley was named the starting quarterback. It was a bold move for Pete Carroll, one of college football’s successful coaches, trusting in an inexperienced quarterback to engineer a potent program that’s expecting to sustain a national championship.

Faltering in the previous seasons, the Trojans are anxious, starving, and alarmed to repossess exhilaration and winning respectability after relapsing in the prior two seasons to Stanford and Oregon State.

Each were heart throbbing losses that hindered USC of capturing a national title. And Carroll, the mastermind who rejuvenated the Trojans with brilliant recruiting and coaching methods, puts his trust and gives the ball to the No. 1 recruit in the nation.

Barkley was confident, raw and eager to lead the Trojans out of the Coliseum in the season opening. Before he could speculate if Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain was next in line to gain spotlight and hurl passes to a core of quality receivers, Barkley’s wishes weren’t surreal, but reality.

Imprinting a page in the history books, Barkley will become the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Trojans.

It is risky, and was a tough decision to pick a self-assured 18-year old with raw talent. At a young age, he will be faced with pressure and huge burdens in a prestigious programs that expects to collect hardware and celebrate victories each year.

Other than roses, the Trojans are expected to win the big one, the national championship. And if so, much will be demanded out of Barkley. His leadership, athleticism and maturity will be an essential part on how well the Trojans perform this season.

Known for their fabulous rush attack, a speedy Joe McKnight, who has been compared to the former running back Reggie Bush, and an electric Stafon Johnson succors a high-powered offense that has excited USC fans over the years.

However, Barkley is trying to be the difference in what the Trojans presume is a moment to shine and jettison all the nightmarish times of heartbreaking lapses to Stanford and Oregon State. Is it just me, or can we trust in Barkley?

I’ll say if we trust in Carroll’s pickings and coaching approach, we should trust in Barkley. Assuming he knows the type of quarterback he has given full pledge to compel vigor offensively, Berkley is the right player beckoned by the intelligence of Carroll.

He understands Barkley’s strengths and weaknesses, and understanding this can cease a season of perfection. A few errant throws to surrender a game against an inferior team would cause the Trojans to drop drastically in the AP poll.

Falling out of the top five seed will have them fighting against the BCS, rather than fighting against the conference. It’s disadvantages they refuse to withstand this season, and Barkley is counted on to magnify a familiar scenario. To compete with teams such as Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, Barkley has a chance to dictate the entire season if he manages to play efficiently.

Getting the nod over Corp is an indication that Barkley is capable and ready to elevate into spotlight, along with living the college life with multiple textbooks, classes and a sense of knowledge by coming to USC a year early to prepare.

But he’s getting more of a nod, surprisingly after Corp was more accustomed with the offensive system and was impressive at the mock game. By weighing starting honors because of health status, Barkley is better off starting against San Jose State on Sept. 5.

In early August, Corp suffered a cracked fibula and hasn’t fully recovered, but will still play if Barkley falters in the game to avoid an upsetting loss.

So wondering with kind of talent he’ll bring to the game and wondering how he can espouse and modernize winning among an elite core, Barkley has potential and will be exciting to watch.

At high school, under the Friday Night Lights, the Mater Dei product was enthralling to watch and embrace.

And even he has facts to affirm his proclivity in a full season, if he’s able to endure the role as a starter. He was named 2007 Gatorade’s Male Athlete of the Year and throw 54.5 percent for 2,877 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 18 inceptions before enrolling into USC, impressing Carroll to empower him to make a faster choice, but doomed Corp’s chances and forces him to wait.

The way the Trojans dominate is by composure and confidence. If Barkley plays with excellent poise and stays unflappable, he’s then trusted to engineer the Trojans to multiple titles during a decisive stint with sturdy mechanics, ingenious footwork and firmness as a pocket passer.

After winning two national titles and compiling a record of 88-15 in eight seasons at USC to overwhelm us, there’s no questioning any decisions Carroll makes. His decision making doesn’t usually produce bad results, and they often turn into gratifying victories.

So, trusting the legendary coach who was obsessed with every quarterback he has every coached, including his obsession with Barkley, means you have to trust in the talented freshman.

Trust Barkley, as some say he understands the offensive schemes better than Sanchez, Palmer, Booty, and Leinart.

All the buzz around the College Football landscape is that True Freshman Matt Barkley won the starting QB job at USC. You pretty much figured so, especially when Aaron Corp was out for that week and a half. So in all reality its not that newsworthy.  Especially with ESPN, if you’ve watched College Football Live at all this off-season you should be able to recite anything and everything about Matt Barkley now.  I’m just excited to see him play so I don’t have to see anymore Under Armour All-American Game highlights.

What has really annoyed me though with this announcement is everywhere you turn, the media keeps saying the USC Quarterback position is the most  prestigious position in the land.  Are you kidding me?  I really want to be informed of how that is true.

When I think of the Southern California Trojans (to take a note from Keith Jackson) I instantly think of Running Backs.  Charles White, O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Mike Garrett, Reggie Bush, LenDale White, and others.  The USC QB position didn’t become prominent until Carson Palmer’s Senior season in 2002.  Since then it has been very good, but at the same time you could say its been a line of underachievers.

Carson Palmer was the best talent out of the group in this decade, but as I said didn’t hit his stride til his Senior year by leading the Trojans to the Orange Bowl.

Matt Leinart was a stud but at the same token had guys like Mike Williams, Keary Colbert, Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, Fred Davis to throw the ball to.  Then had Bush, White, Herschel Dennis in the backfield.  Also one of the best O-Lines around.  Kalil at Center, Winston Justice when he wasn’t suspended at Offensive Tackle.  So let’s get real here.  Were seeing what Leinart has done in the NFL and it hasn’t been anything special.

Now insert John David Booty.  Probably the least impressive of all the QBs this decade.  Remember this was the clown who led USC to one of the most embarrassing and shocking losses in College Football history, losing to 41-point underdog Stanford in the Coliseum.  Complete underachiever at USC.

Then there’s Mark Sanchez who is the hardest case to examine considering he only started in 16 games.  Great young talent, but still had the slip up at Oregon State last season; and the USC offense wasn’t very potent last season.  They would have some real grind-it-out kind of games.  The Trojans were just fortunate to have one of CFBs greatest defenses ever statistically and on a talent front.

So do you really want to keep saying the USC Quarterback position is the most prestigous position in all the land?  Is it just because of the exposure?  Is that it?  Because on that front I could understand but in terms of churning big-time Quarterbacks who produce week-in and week-out I’m not seeing it with these guys.

Programs like BYU, Miami, Florida State have better QB traditions than the Trojans.  You wanna go in the Pac-10?  Stanford and Arizona State have a richer tradition at the QB spot than USC.

So back to Barkley.  The kid is going to special, he honestly could end up the best Trojan QB ever he’s that kind of talent.  But quit saying its the most prestigious in the land.  Because its clearly not.

John David Booty
Originally uploaded by drawes28

The Brett Favre situation with the Minnesota Vikings has certainly been the dominating story with the team recently. However, reports have surfaced that not everyone in the locker room supports Favre. Some players think Jackson gives the team the best chance to win, while others support Sage Rosenfels. John David Booty wonders why no one thinks he should start.

“How about some love for me?” said Booty. “So what if I’ve never thrown a regular season NFL pass. All this talk about Favre, Jackson and Rosenfels has been really hard on me. You’d think one guy in this locker room besides me thinks I could help us win. So what if I gave up my uniform number for Favre. My mom thinks I can do a good job, so why not my teammates?”

Don’t worry John David. We’re pretty sure the quarterback circus in Minnesota will be around for this year and probably next year too.

Why in the hell are people hating on Tarvaris Jackson, especially those Minnesota Vikings fans out there? Vikings fans, why are you being so negative on your quarterback? If you say something negative, something negative is going to happen. If you say something positive about T-Jack, then yes, he’ll most probably have a good performance.

I hate when people hate on Jackson, I absolutely do. It’s no wonder a CFL team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, have added him to their negotiation list, according to the CFL report. But then you may ask, “Josh, nobody is hating on Tarvaris Jackson.” Well, if you go to NFL.com and click on “Blogs,” take a look on the latest post there.

After Brett Favre’s performance, going one-of-four for four passing yards, Tarvaris Jackson stepped in to replace him, and as you could see, fans were booing inside the place in the team’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. But even though Jackson took the criticism, it just made him better. He went twelve-of-15 for 202 passing yards and two touchdowns, with a big damn 158.3 quarterback rating. How the hell can people boo at that?

But look, people aren’t booing at Sage Rosenfels, who was a freaking choker in all the games I usually saw him play in, especially against the Indianapolis Colts last year. Then you have John David Booty, who has yet to make a regular-season snap. Jackson had a 95.4 rating last year, the best out of all the Vikings quarterbacks that year. I just don’t understand what’s wrong with him. Yes, I know, Jackson isn’t all that great, I think I know that.

I do have to point some negatives, I’ve seen Jackson as a choker, but it was during the start of regular season, and it was the season where he would actually be a 16-game starter. His first time. Yes, he did get sacked a lot last year, and he took time, but it wasn’t entirely his fault. Nobody expected it, neither did I, and probably Jackson either. Can anyone give him some love? Many others have.

Here is what Leroy Watson, a very passioned sportswriter (you have to see his work), commented about Jackson in one of my old Vikings post about T-Jack:

One of the greatest writers said that. Yes, you may say that the opinions don’t matter, but some do. Watson has great knowledge of sports, and if he can say that, you have to believe him on this one. I also have to agree with him with Jackson’s days back with Alabama State. This guy truly was remarkable. In his career at Alabama State, he had thrown for over 7,300 yards, 64 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, and a 136.5 rating. On the ground: 924 rushing yards and eleven touchdowns.

So, you still hating or what? I would never hate on Jackson. This guy needs two to four more years to develop as a great quarterback. He has been getting better and better each year. He continues to impress me each game and he definitely works his ass off. And with Brett Favre in for Minny, Jackson will be learning a lot. Wait and see. When Favre is gone for good, which will happen in about two-to-three years maybe, watch what Jackson will be doing in training camp.

No more haters. Jackson has a good future ahead of him. Many teams are requesting to have Jackson as their backup. And also, look what I realized. When Jackson is not starting, he is actually much better. When he comes off the bench to fill in for somebody, like he did last year with Gus Frerotte. Jackson was remarkable. So when he comes off the bench for number four, he’ll be amazing.

You have to believe me on this. This guy has the arm, he is going to get better. This kid can also run. And this is my case for Tarvaris Jackson.

Sources

Jackson Booed After Replacing Favre–NFL.com
Jackson Added to Blue Bombers List–The CFL Report
Josh Dhani–Bleacher Report
Leroy Watson B/R Profile
KC at MIN–NFL.com

For the Minnesota Vikings, the 2009 season has the potential to be spectaular, or spectacularly awful. And it all hinges on the dinged-up right wing of the greatest passer in the history of the NFL.

Ten days ago, without any inside information from anonymous sources within the Minnesota Vikings locker room, I wrote the following:

Sadly, I don’t think this is the end of Brett Favre. After all, Michael Jordan retired three times. Compared to MJ, Brett’s got one more “un-retirement” left.

Like catching fish in a barrel…proof’s here, in case you don’t believe me:

http://masterprocrastinator.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/random-thoughts-ii/

In two years’ time, Brett Favre has gone from being one of the most beloved athletes to one of the most polarizing, thanks in large part to his on-again, off-again retirements, and his desire to play against Green Bay Packers after playing for them for 17 years.

I feel for the die-hard Packers fans. I’m a long time Denver Broncos fan, and if John Elway had decided to come out of retirement and play for the Oakland Raiders or Kansas City Chiefs ten years ago, I would have been livid.

Vikings fans, I feel for you too. The hype and expectations associated with Favre donning the purple and yellow will ultimately exceed the results, I’m afraid.

What are the expectations? Simply put, if the Vikings don’t make it to the Super Bowl with Favre under center, then his addition would qualify as a failure. There is no other way to say it.

The Vikings were 10-6 last year and won the NFC North division with Gus Frerotte and Tavaris Jackson handing the QB position. They have one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. Their offensive line is strong. Their defense is one of the best at stopping the run. To top it off, the Vikings’ schedule doesn’t appear to be challenging.

With all that working in their favor, the Vikings then add the most prolific passer in NFL history to their team.

Of course, the Brett Favre the Minnesota Vikings get in 2009 isn’t the same guy who had 5 straight seasons with 30 or more TD passes (1994-98). He faded down the stretch last year and needed surgery on his right biceps this summer. On top of being fresh off of biceps surgery, Favre also revealed that he has a tear in the rotator cuff of his throwing shoulder.

Other than that, he’s perfectly fit and capable of leading a Super Bowl contender for 16 games! At least the Vikings have some depth at the QB position now, just in case Favre’s shoulder doesn’t last the season, or something else happens.

Sage Rosenfels, acquired by the Vikings back in February for a fourth-round draft pick and then signed to a two-year extension, will back up Favre. Tavaris Jackson, who went 3-1 in the Vikings’ final four regular season games last year and was the “QB of the future” in Minnesota not that long ago, will seemingly be released later this week, making John David Booty, who has supposedly performed well in training camp, the #3 QB.

How the 2009 season plays out for the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre is anyone’s guess, but only one outcome will make fans believe this saga was worth the time and energy spent on it. Anything short of a Super Bowl berth, and this chapter in the Brett Favre legacy and the history of the Minnesota Vikings will be forgettable.