Clemson Takes Charge
Clemson shocked a lot of people in week 3 by knocking off defending-champ Auburn. This week they faced the downtrodden Florida State Seminoles in what was supposed to be an important matchup only for the ACC. That was because Clemson and FSU were both strong ACC title contenders. But after the Tigers put away the highly-ranked Seminoles, this matchup became important for the National Title race as well. This Clemson team is starting to feel like Auburn did last year. They have a tough test at Virginia Tech this week, but if they come away with a win, all the title talk could turn their way towards the end of the season. This could be the team that comes out of nowhere and reaches the title game, but this time they're from the ACC!
All Three Options Look Good at GA Tech
Hand it off to the fullback? Run the QB? Pitch to the running back? It doesn't matter which option the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets choose, this super-productive offense is rolling its way onto the national stage one 8-yard play at a time. With fast backs and a lethal option attack, Georgia Tech is 4-0 after beating UNC at home this week. Tech is a team that received a lot of national attention a very short time ago in 2009, reaching the Orange Bowl where they lost to Iowa. (Tech's only losses that year were to teams that had more than a week to prepare for the defensive coordinator-stumping option attack). But the Yellow Jackets had a forgettable 6-7 year in 2010, and consequently they were forgotten. But in 2011 through week 4, this is the number one offense in the country - and if it can keep rolling, Tech could be looking at another BCS appearance. Watch out for Clemson October 29th, and for VA Tech two weeks after. Both those games are at home for the Yellow Jackets, and could secure their BCS spot.
I mentioned how Clemson could make a title run. If they get past VA Tech next week, they won't be in the clear since they have to face the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta.
LSU Rolls On
LSU won in Morgantown, West Virginia 47-21. Can the doubts about this team be laid to rest? The defense proved they are as vicious as advertised, and the scary part is the offense is coming on. QB Lee finished the day with 180 passing yards, 3 touchdown tosses, and 0 interceptions. The team rushed for 182 yards. West Virginia was held to 70 rushing yards and forced to turn to the air, where they did find success - they finished the day with 463 passing yards. About all you can do against a defense like LSU's is try to attack the secondary, but they were still too tough. WVU's 533 yards only led to 3 scores.
The Tigers play at Bama, but may even still be favored if they keep on rolling. A National Title is a very real possibility for the Bayou Bengals.
Cowboys Outgun Aggies Late
In our prestigious pick 'em pool, I picked Oklahoma State over Texas A&M. And for the longest time, I wondered why. A&M jumped out to the lead and didn't look back. They led 20 to 3 at the half, and OSU's offense looked so out of sync that a victory seemed out of reach. But I should have learned by now, it's a long game. OSU scored 27 unanswered points. They would have scored more if star wide-out Justin Blackmon hadn't gotten cocky and dropped a walk-in-the-end-zone touchdown catch, resulting in a touchback. But the Cowboys didn't need more. The Aggies rallied to pull within 3, but OSU held them off, taking a safety to secure a one point victory as the clock ran out. That's good football!
Weeden put up 438 passing yards and 2 TD passes, furthering his Heisman hopes.
Quick Hits:
Arizona State puts Trojans Away
ASU handled the Trojans at home this week. Did they just bounce back, or should Illinois (who beat ASU in week 3) be feared? Or is USC just that bad? They were able to beat Utah, who demolished BYU at BYU in week 3. Is BYU that terrible? They beat Ole Miss. What does that say about the Rebels? Well, we already knew they were pretty bad…. Ok, this can go on forever, and now you know what we have to go through when making picks. Whatever it means, things are looking up for the Sun Devils, who picked up their first win over USC in the last 11 tries.
Bama Bashes Razorbacks
Arkansas has one of the best wide receiver groups in the nation, but without Ryan Mallet slinging the ball around, that wasn't enough to best the ridiculously stout Alabama D. Bama rolled to a victory 38 14 behind a couple of defensive and special teams scores.
Boise State beat Tulsa
No surprises, I'm just happy for Kellen Moore!
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