Just as I had predicted in my previous blog, both top ranked Auburn and Oregon would put an end to the insanity that prevailed over previous three weeks. It was even better that both outings resulted in almost similar high scoring affairs; quite a treat for everyone indeed. So let us proceed to hand out the goodies where due.
Auburn: What more can I say about Cam Newton that hasn’t already been said. It wasn’t enough that he’s running or passing for touchdowns, but had a great catch for a touchdown on a nice jump-ball fade in the corner of the end zone. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and put any thought of a rally/upset to the sword. Verdict: Treat.
Oregon: Trailing 32-29, the Ducks piled up 24 unanswered points and not only flew away with the game but the #1 BCS ranking as well. LaMichael James and Darron Thomas put on a show to match the Hollywood setting. LA hadn’t seen such a dynamic duo since Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in the early 90’s. Verdict: Treat.
Michigan State: The Spartans couldn’t rekindle the same spark that saw them overcome a 17 point deficit against Northwestern a week earlier. Plainly put, they bit off more corn than they could chew (Lol, I know; I had to put a corny joke in there somehow). Verdict: Trick.
Missouri: After putting on a complete and dominant performance in their win over the top ranked Sooners, the Tigers lost a very good shot at taking control of the North Division. Verdict: Trick.
Oklahoma: The Sooners were able shake off their loss with a much needed win over Colorado. They put the Buffs away early, since they only know too well what happens when you let the Buffs hang around for long. Verdict: Treat
Oklahoma State: Playing on the road without a suspended Justin Blackmon, it was Bo Bowling, Josh Cooper and Michael Harrison who stepped up and made plays in the passing game. The defense also made the win more impressive; forcing three turnovers including a “pick 6” to ice the game. Verdict: Treat.
Tulsa: In one of the biggest wins (if not the biggest of them all) in school history, the Golden Hurricane made big play after big play; Shawn Jackson’s 66 yard “pick 6”, Damaris Johnson 59 yard punt return for a score. None of these however, was bigger than James Flanders’ game clinching interception. The Golden Hurricane swept through the Golden Dome. Verdict: Treat.
Baylor: There was a joke that once went like this, “How do you beat the Baylor Bears?” The answer: “Just show up”. You can still show up, but you might get mauled. The Bears made big plays on offense and defense resulting in their first win in Austin since 1991; and they also ruined what was supposed to be Colt McCoy’s glorious homecoming. Verdict: Treat.
Texas: Many felt this team was primed for another title run following their appearance in the National Championship game. Granted, they lost a lot of players were lost to the draft, but it’s Texas; they don’t rebuild, they reload. The rich do cry after all. Verdict: Trick.
Nebraska: Finally, they were able to put on another impressive performance for a second consecutive week. This time, they went retro using a punishing ground game and dominant defense to bring Mizzou down from Cloud 9. Verdict: Treat.
Second helping of treats go to:
Roy Helu, Jr, Nebraska: 28 carries, 307 rushing yards, 3 TDs; sparking a win over Mizzou
Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M: 449 passing yards, 4 TDs leading the Aggies to a win over Texas Tech, in his 1st start at QB.
Entire Baylor Bears team: Great team effort.
Entire Oklahoma State Cowboys team: Their last win in Manhattan came in 1988. This may not have been an impressive win, but it was a commendable team effort all around.
LaMichael James, Darron Thomas, Jeff Maehl; Oregon: 1, 2, 3 strikes!! You’re out of the ol’ ball game.......
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Set a school single game receiving record; 208 yards on 9 receptions to go along with 3 touchdowns.
If I forgot to mention your squad, don’t take it personal. Just let me know, and I’ll be sure to send a shout out.
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