Quick Hits

A fantastic saturday in college football was capped off by 2 massive statement games last night. First statement comes from Alabama. They rolled Florida 31 to 6. I am starting to wonder if Alabama is ever going to lose again. Unrealistic, but this year it is a very possible for Bama to win out. The Tide mixed short passes with strong runs last night. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson may be the best duo in the country, rivaled by Darren Thomas and LaMichael James of Oregon. Ingran has 10 carries for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns and Richardson had 10 carries for 63 yards. Not stellar numbers, but respectable against a good Florida defense. Wide receiver Marquis Maze tossed a touchdown. Other then that the passing game was dismal. Greg McElroy was 11/17 for 84 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The outcome was expected, as the Tide beat up on a depleted Gator squad.

Oregon made the other statement. They defeated the Stanford Cardinal 54 to 31. Oregon went down 21 to 3 early. I watched this game, and I personally felt like it was still a close game. Sure enough the offense got going. They scored, got an onside kick, and scored again. The high powered Ducks offense cannot be denied. They will find a way to score no matter who they are playing. Darren Thomas as a sophomore is developing into Chip Kelley's system very nicely. He is a good passer, and a freak of an athlete. He was 20/29 for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. He just needs to limit his interceptions, he did throw 2 last night. Then there is his backfield counterpart, LaMichael James. James put up some X box numbers. 31 carries, 257 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He is my all week running back. Darren Thomas also contributed to the run game, with 117 yards on 15 carries and a score. Now lets give some credit to Stanford's Andrew Luck. He threw for 341 yards in a very hostile environment. I believe this game will help his draft stock rise despite the 2 picks he threw. Now here is where the debate comes in. Does Oregon slip to number 3 in the country? Or does Boise State maintain the ranking? This week they beat New Mexico State 59 to 0. I believe Boise should, and will stay number 3. But this opinion will change on a week to week basis due to there week to week performance.

Quick Note: Michigan State got an emotional 34 to 24 win over Wisconsin. With coach Mark Dantonio back in the booth after his heart attack, The Spartans looked recharged. Look out Iowa and Ohio State. Here comes Sparty!

Quick Note: Virginia Tech beat NC State yesterday. NC State Quarterback Russel Wilson threw 3 interceptions.......to the same guy. Jayron Hosely, The Hokies sophomore corner. This Virginia Tech defense is very young, but they are improving under Bud Foster. In a year or 2 The Hokies will have one on the top 5 defenses in the country.-Josh Neighbors