Dimes and Duds

Every Monday I will vent on some

Dimes (thumbs up) and Duds (thumbs down)

Here's the list of Dimes:

1. Teams Pulling Monster Upsets

In what was surely the upset of the week, James Madison University toppled the Virginia Tech Hokies in front of a severely shocked Lane Stadium crowd.  The Dukes managed to grab the victory, possibly shattering Boise State's national championship dreams in the process.  While Virginia Tech may go on to even win the ACC (considering the awful weekend the conference produced), it may be impossible to justify the Broncos reaching the championship game.  Let's look at the evidence:

Exhibit A: James Madison defeated Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.  While Boise State's victory didn't take place on a TRUE neutral field, it was not Lane Stadium.

Exhibit B: James Madison beat the Hokies 21-16, compared to the Broncos who won 33-30.

Exhibit C: Relatively speaking James Madison might have an easier road to an undefeated season...Then again maybe not.  With the exception of Oregon State and maybe Nevada, James Madison's battles against Delaware, at Richmond and at Villanova may prove to be more difficult than navigating the WAC.

So if James Madison and Boise State go undefeated, wouldn't James Madison's resume be just as competitive? Verdict: No national championship shot for Boise State...point, blank, period.

Another shocker came in Lawrence, Kan. where another team suffered a defeat at the hands of a Div.I-AA foe.  Only the team that fell short in that battle (Kansas) came up with a huge win over defending ACC Champ Georgia Tech.  Any thoughts of national championship were thrown out the window for the boys in Atlanta.  Turner Gill's approval rating went from an all-time low to a staggering high in just one week.

2. Runnin' Quarterbacks
Michiagn QB Denard Robinson has made the country very aware of his unique talents in just two games as the starter for the Wolverines.  In a sensational performance, Robinson threw for 244 yards while tacking on 258 on the ground.  He scored three touchdowns as well.  So after two games he leads the country in rushing with 455 yards.  Possible Heisman?
Another QB that hasn't generated as much national attention resides in Lincoln.  Taylor "T-Magic" Martinez ran for 157 yards with two touchdowns this past weekend against Idaho.  He currently sits No. 7 on the nations rushing leader list.

3.  Top Tier Teams Topple Top Competition
How's that for alliteration?
The top two teams in the country were SUPPOSED to be playing against relevant opponents this weekend.  Someone should've reminded Penn State and Miami of that.  But then again, maybe Alabama and Ohio State are the top-ranked teams in the country for a reason.  Ohio State player a very typical "Ohio State-like" game (kudos to Danny Schwimmer on that one).  No turnovers against four Hurricane turnovers = Win.  It's simple as that.  Yes, Ohio State has talent....a great amount of it.  But this isn't what wins them ball games...it's the fact that 1. They will always play defense, keeping them in any game and 2. They don't turn the ball over.  It's a recipe that seems to be working as Ohio State prepares to run the table this year.

Meanwhile, in Tuscaloosa the Crimson Tide were putting a slow, methodical beat-down on Penn State.  The Nittany Lions came in hoping to make some waves nationally.  Well the only wave they created came way of foot, with a field goal in the fourth quarter that proved to be their only points.  Trent Richardson and the Tide offense simplay dominated the outmanned PSU squad as 'Bama rolled to a 24-3 victory. 

Overall, Alabama and Ohio State proved the polls right.  These are the best teams in the country and we won't find out much for at least another weekend as there arent't and marquee matchups this upcoming weekend.

4. Meeeeeeeeeeeechigan

(Clapping) This is the first time since the Rich Rod era has begun that I have honestly applauded an effort by Michigan.  The Wolverines are back in the polls and should move up further with a rather elementary schedule ahead.  It is easy to envision this team being 5-0 heading into a tough Big 10 stretch.  The Wolverines see the likes of UMASS, Bowling Green, and Indiana in the coming weeks.  We won't find out anything until this team hits the heart of their Big 10 schedule.

The List of Duds:

1.  In what was possibly the worst weekend in the conference's history, the ACC managed to completely define themselves as the worst BCS conference in the country (with the exception of Big East who still gets an automatic bid which is beyond me). 

In it's two nationally televised games the conference was abused.  Miami and Florida State clearly showed they are not ready to be nationally relevevant teams as they once were.  Georgia Tech lost to a flat out bad Kansas team.  Virginia Tech lost to FCS foe James Madison at home.  NC State eeked by Central Florida, as did Boston College over almighty Kent State.  Then there was the shootout in the first conference matchup of the season between Wake Forest and Duke.  54-48. Wow. I don't know what to say.  Now I know the Demon Deacons and Blue Devils are putting out 54 and 48 point offenses on the field.  The fact the game turned into a flag football affair is rather scary, considering Duke takes on Alabama this weekend. Predicted score three gazillion to zero. (Yes, gazillion is a number and is quite relevant in this scenario).

The only teams not hurting their resume's were Clemson, Maryland and Virginia.  Virginia turned in an impressive performance on the road at USC (Granted I don't think USC is a top 20 team).  Maryland routed FCS Morgan State 62-3.  Nothing bad to say about the Terps who have done an amazing job trying to save Ralph Friedgen from his inevitable firing.  Wins against Navy and blowouts in these games prove this team may not actually be cellar-bound as once thought in the preseason.  Clemson quietly routed Big South cellar-dweller Presbyterian.

2. The Miami "Horrid"canes

For a team that claims they are a national title contender they sure don't play like it.  The team was sloppy and just flat-out awful in a game that has been circled for years (yes, years).  I must quote my good friend and Hurricane fan Danny Schwimmer when he said, "For a unit [wide receivers] claiming to be the best in the country, they can't even catch.  Catch the ball then talk."  Now I know there is talent there.  But he is right...you have to do little things.  Catch the football. Hold your blocks on the outside. If you can't even do that....SHUT YOUR MOUTH.  Hankerson is the only person excused from that rant.

Another thing, Jacory Harris may be "special"...but he's not the answer.  He's not smart, he throws a painfully slow ball.  Not to give the receivers an excuse but those are hard to catch.  It's tough to go over the middle, waiting for a 220lb. safety to kill you as a ball gently floats to you.  THROW THE FOOTBALL! If not, recruit someone who can and stop writing swag in the side of your head.

Granted I have ranted on the Hurricanes, I do think this is a top 20 team.  Top 10, no, but top 20 I can see.  The talent is there to win an ACC/Pee-Wee championship.  The Canes should rout Pitt and need to quite honestly to regain some "swag".  It will be interesting to see how they perform in another nationally televised game after barely getting off the plane in Columbus.

Well I could countinue on, but I will leave you here.  Please feel free to comment and join the blog. I expect to hear from all my Hurricanes reading this. Let me know what you think! OUT!