Great article but really not true; there are many players involved in the NPF that are not from the ...more
posted 08/26/14 at 1:28pm
on Softball Standouts Plourde and Prezioso Represent Atlantic 10, Exemplify Mid-Major Potential at Next Level
posted by Draft Day Suit
Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 12:32am EDT
A (usually) humorous look at sports written by popular parent bloggers and some of their friends.
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The opening weekend of the college football season offered thrilling wins and huge upsets. None may have been bigger than Youngstown State’s surprising win at Heinz Field.
Alabama rolled over Michigan. A new Heisman candidate was born. One division title may have already been decided.
And now, we venture into Week 2, where a team looking for a rebound has to face the triple-option and two new SEC teams host their first conference games against formidable foes. And one game is big enough that an airline has added a direct flight for Saturday only so fans can attend.
Suit-able for Review: Five games worth remembering
5. Youngstown State’s win at Pitt
Yes, most Pitt fans will want to forget this game. But it’s worth remembering because it may play a factor in Pitt’s bowl hopes. After being completely dominated by the Division I FCS (I-AA) Penguins, 31-17, the Panthers could seriously enter their final game of the year at USF needing to win to qualify for a bowl. And kudos to the kids from Youngstown State on opening their season on a huge note in a game they won’t soon forget.
4. Michigan State’s win over Boise State
Not only was this one of the great games of the opening weekend, it was the breakout performance for running back Le’Von Bell. Although he was the leading returning rusher for the Spartans, he racked up a career-high 210 yards on the ground in Michigan State’s 17-13 win. Compare that to the entire 2011 season, where he accounted for 948 yards. Not only did Bell lead the Spartans to the win, he also firmly planted himself into the thick of the very early Heisman discussion.
3. Ohio’s win over Penn State
It all started as planned. Emotions were high. Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin led the Nittany Lions to a halftime lead. And then, in the second half, it all fell apart for the home team. Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton had his way with the vaunted Penn State defense in the second half, leading the Bobcats to 21-consecutive points and a 24-21 win. Tettleton finished the game with 324 yards, while the Nittany Lion defense allowed running back Beau Blankenship to rack up 109 yards on the ground, a rarity in State College. While there are big-time questions now for Penn State, Ohio is looking at a potential huge season now, as Penn State is believed to be the most difficult task on the schedule. Undefeated isn’t out of the question. And wouldn’t the BCS busters just love that one?
2. Alabama’s win over Michigan
It was dominating. So much so that at times it was painful to watch. But this game is worth remembering for a couple of reasons. For Alabama, it was a crushing 41-14 win over a highly-ranked opponent. Typically, the Crimson Tide generally doesn’t hit full stride until a couple of games into the season. If that’s the case, then the SEC West – and the rest of the college football world – should take notice. Immediately. For Michigan, concerns over the Wolverines’ line play and defense have emerged. If the offensive line doesn’t block, will Denard Robinson be able to run?
1. Virginia Tech’s overtime win over Georgia Tech
The last game of the weekend was kind of a dozer, until the fourth quarter. Not only was Virginia Tech’s 20-17 win a thriller … and the first-ever overtime game at Lane Stadium … it paves the way for Virginia Tech to be the frontrunner in the Coastal division. But, not all of Monday night was good for the Hokies, as the Washington Post reported Thursday morning that wide receiver D.J. Coles, a senior and leading returning receiver, is likely lost for the season with a knee injury.
Suit-able for Preview: Five games worth watching
(All times Eastern)
Miami at Kansas State, Noon Saturday, FX
It wasn’t a great start to the season for Kansas State, but it was a spectacular finish as the Wildcats scored 35 points on five touchdowns in the fourth quarter to roll over Missouri State, 51-9. Miami, meanwhile, was in an early slugfest of its own against Boston College before holding on for a 41-32 win. That discrepancy in fourth quarter production between these two could lead to a fantastic close in Manhattan. Freshman RB Duke Johnson was the standout for the Hurricanes last weekend, making a huge debut with two touchdown runs of 50-plus yards. Miami, meanwhile, will try to contain the air attack, led by QB Collin Klein. The Hurricanes allowed more than 400 yards in the air to Boston College last week, and head coach Al Golden has called Klein “spectacular.”
Florida at Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN
After having its game against Louisiana Tech postponed due to Hurricane Isaac, Texas A&M begins its season and new life in the SEC by hosting the Gators. Last week, Florida and its two-quarterback offense struggled against Bowling Green. This week, with Jeff Driskel being named the starter much earlier in the week – prior to the first snap of the game – Florida coach Will Muschamp looks to solidify the Gators’ offensive attack and hand the Aggies their first SEC loss.
Air Force at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
After its tough loss on a national stage last weekend to Alabama, Michigan looks to rebound with a win over Air Force and its triple-option attack. That’s not an easy task. And with the loss of cornerback Blake Countess to an ACL injury, the task may be even tougher. Air Force opened its season last week with a 49-21 win over Idaho State. Senior RB Cody Getz rushed for more than 200 yards and the team as a whole piled up nearly 500 yards on the ground.
Nebraska at UCLA, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, FOX
Nebraska quarterback Tyler Martinez had the best game of his career last week in the opener against Southern Miss, throwing for five touchdowns and more than 300 yards. UCLA, meanwhile, relied on its ground attack as RB Johnathan Franklin rushed for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns in its win over Rice.
Georgia at Missouri, 7:45 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2
Welcome to the SEC, Missouri. Play host to a Top 10 team in a nationally-televised game. No pressure there. Nope. Not at all. After a strong second half last week against Buffalo in a 45-23 win, Georgia looks to build upon the momentum against its new SEC East opponent. Quarterback Aaron Murray got his junior season off to a strong start, passing for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Missouri, meanwhile, opened its season with a 62-10 win over SE Louisiana. To say the competition is tougher this week may be the understatement of the year. To add to the intrigue in this game, Delta has added a flight direct from Atlanta to Columbia, Mo., just for Saturday.
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