Well, South Florida began their usual slide into mediocrity last night by losing 24-10 to Cincinnati. The program Jim Leavitt has built is nothing short of amazing, but lately the Bulls seem to lack the mental toughness to get through the middle part of the season. Case in point, last night the Bulls had first and goal from the Bearcats two yard line, the O-line gets called for false start. Next two plays are busted inside the tackle runs. Next two plays are passing plays where Grothe did not even come close to hitting a receiver. What should have been a 24-17 game stayed a 24-10 game midway through the fourth quarter.
I have seen this lack of discipline and strong mental capacity too often this season. Teams like Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Virginia Tech and even USC have shown mental vulnerabilities this season. What is interesting about these teams (except Clemson) is they have coaches who emphasize solid fundamental football whose teams rarely beat themselves. USC and Georgia have been able to overcome these lapses with superior talent, but the rest have fallen on the sword.
Switching topics. I am completely amazed at the offensive play in the Big 12. Eight teams are in the Top 27 in total offense in the FBS. This is astonishing. Even the middle tiered teams like Nebraska and Kansas State are putting up big offensive numbers - though I think the Wildcats production is a bit overstated. The conference once known for the Wishbone and Power I has now become the "Cradle for Quarterbacks." Whether or not these teams can put up big numbers against teams with quality defenses remains to be seen, but I like their chances.
Top Games of the Week
Georgia v. Florida. The winner wins the SEC East and has a shot at the National Championship. The loser is likely the Capital One Bowl representative. Last year, Georgia throttled the Gators 42-30 in what was called Mark Richt's coming out party. After the Bulldogs scored their first touchdown, the entire team went into the endzone to celebtate. Think Tebow and Meyer have revenge on their mind? I do too. I like Florida in a shootout. 38-35.
Texas v. Texas Tech. Huge Big 12 South match up. Tech has managed to remain unbeaten and looked sharp last week against Kansas. All Texas has done has beaten Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State over the last three weeks. Win this game against the #7 Red Raiders and Texas should play for the National Championship for the second time in four seasons. If this happens, maybe Mack Brown should pay Tommy Tuberville a royalty fee for stealing two DC's the year before they played for the championship.
Florida State v. Georgia Tech. The Seminoles are quietly inching their way back into ACC dominance. A win over the upstart Yellow Jackets should cement Florida State in the ACC Title game. Georgia Tech lost a close game to Virginia last week and is looking to rebound. I like Florida State in a hard fought running battle. 21-14.
Oklahoma v. Nebraska. I think this game used to mean something. Oklahoma will likely crush the Huskers, but it will interesting to see how Pelini's team fares in this inter-division match up between old Big 8 rivals. Nebraska keeps it interesting for the first 8 minutes of the game, and then falls like a house of cards. Sooners win, 48-17.
Enjoy the games.
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