coolege football first half

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Reflecting on highs, lows of the first half

Updated 10/13/2006 6:10 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this  

 

Enlarge By Carlos Osorio, AP

Michigan was ecstatic and Penn State was dejected after the conclusion of last year's game in Ann Arbor.

 NCAA WEEK 7 PREVIEW

Weekend Forecast: Erick Smith has all the picks from the Top 25 | Chat transcript

Weekend preview: Big week in Pac-10 with three contenders all facing stiff tests

Big East, all of a sudden: Once-cast off conference has three unbeatens in national title race

No. 2 up for grabs: Florida, Southern Cal early in line for BCS slot opposite Ohio State

Whiteside: Five key games that could set up the national title match

Top 25 on TV: Where to find the games

The predictions of a wild college football season have certainly held true through the first half of the season.

One look at this week's Top 25 tells the story. Both Florida State and Miami are out the rankings for the first time in 24 years while unbeaten Rutgers is in at No. 24.

As we prepare for what should be numerous twists and turns ahead in the second half, let's take a quick look at some of the high and lows so far in 2006.

Most impressive: Florida. Yes, Ohio State has won at Texas and Iowa. However, the Gators have dispatched three ranked teams (Tennessee, Alabama and LSU) and are set for a showdown at Auburn this week. As long as Urban Meyer can successfully juggle quarterbacks Chris Leak and Tim Tebow, he has his team on track to reach the title game.

Biggest surprise: Garrett Wolfe. Raise your hand if you had the Northern Illinois running back on your preseason Heisman list. The senior is averaging 236 yards per game and could break the NCAA single-season record of Barry Sanders.

Rebounding: Michigan and Tennessee. Both the Wolverines and Volunteers had subpar years in 2005 with the former finishing 7-5 and the latter missing out on the bowl season entirely. Both started out as fringe contenders and are now firmly in the Top 10, helping Lloyd Carr and Phil Fulmer silence some of the critics that were speaking loudly before the season.

Falling further: Miami. It started with last year's loss in the Peach Bowl and a housecleaning of the coaching staff. Now the Hurricanes are an unimpressive 3-2 and will likely need to run the table to save the job of Larry Coker, just five seasons after winning the national title.

BCS contender: Boise State. The Broncos have done all that has been asked of them, routing Oregon State at home and Utah on the road. Six more wins should land them one of the 10 coveted spots at the end of the season.

BCS pretender: TCU. The Horned Frogs, not Boise State, started the season in the Top 25 and had hopes of being the one to crash the big boys' exclusive party. Back-to-back losses to BYU and Utah have TCU on the outside of the Mountain West race.

No Heisman contenders, no problem: Before the season, Louisville created a website promoting both Brian Brohm and Michael Bush. It took three weeks for both to be seriously injured. Brohm is set to come back soon from a thumb injury while Bush is out for the season. It hasn't hurt the Cardinals, who are 5-0 and lead the nation in scoring.

Not getting their kicks: Alabama, Clemson, Minnesota. Missed extra points in overtime cost all three teams. The Tide's loss to Arkansas may have been the most painful as freshman Leigh Tiffin also missed three other kicks shorter than 40 yards. The bigger impact could be to the Tigers, who might be unbeaten if not for Jad Dean's shank at Boston College.

No. 1 Ohio State at Michigan State, 3:30 p.m.

Consider the dilemma of Spartans fans and their loyalties. With a win, the season could be turned around, but that would likely mean the return of John L. Smith. An embarrassing loss only further enhances the chance of new leadership on the sidelines for next season. Ohio State 31, Michigan State 14.

No. 2 Southern California vs. Arizona State, 8 p.m.

The Trojans and all of us are still adjusting to the team winning ugly with a conservative offense and a strong defense. This should be a breakout week unless the bye somehow straightened the Sun Devils out after their early difficulties. Southern California 37, Arizona State 13.

No. 3 Florida at No. 10 Auburn, 7:45 p.m.

Auburn doesn't have much time to rebound from its disappointing effort against Arkansas, though the loss might actually be the thing that gives them a sense of urgency after some so-so efforts lately. It may matter as Urban Meyer has the Gators successfully navigating the SEC gauntlet. If they don't lose Saturday, we might see them in the championship game. Florida 23, Auburn 19.

No. 4 West Virginia vs. Syracuse, noon

The Orange, already having tripled last year's win total, will have their optimism seriously tested with back-to-back games against Big East superpowers West Virginia and Louisville. West Virginia 40, Syracuse 12.

No. 5 Michigan at Penn State, 8 p.m.

The loss of Mario Manningham will cut down on the explosiveness of the Wolverines offense. Michael Hart will be asked to grind out a win against the stingy Nittany Lions, who surely will be motivated by last year's loss on the final play. Another close finish should be in the offing. Penn State 17, Michigan 16.

No. 6 Texas vs. Baylor, 7 p.m.

If he ever needs support from Texas fans, freshman quarterback Colt McCoy simply can remind them he already has equaled the number of wins against Oklahoma that Vince Young and Chris Simms combined to produce in their careers. Texas 45, Baylor 10.

No. 7 Louisville vs. Cincinnati, 3:30 p.m.

The Cardinals' passing game gets the headlines. The running game, however, is equally devastating, ranking fifth in the country at 237 yards per game. Louisville 42, Cincinnati 9.

No. 11 California at Washington State, 5 p.m.

There is no question now that the Golden Bears are the top contender for Southern Cal's mantle in the Pac-10. The Cougars provide an opportunity to compare both teams after the Trojans narrowly won in Pullman last month. California 27, Washington State 20.

No. 12 Clemson vs. Temple, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)

The city of Charlotte has to be thrilled to be serving as host of this monumental showdown. At least it will be quick and painless. Clemson 51, Temple 7.

No. 13 Iowa at Indiana, noon

For one week the Hoosiers can feel good after their final-play victory against Illinois. Not much hope of making it two in a row, however. Iowa 28, Indiana 13.

No. 14 Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, 12:30 p.m.

All Georgia's fears before the Tennessee game were about the offense. However, it was the other side of the ball that broke down against the Vols, allowing 51 points after entering the game ranked No. 1 in the country in scoring defense. The Commodores provide an opportunity for the Bulldogs to start feeling good about themselves again. Georgia 31, Vanderbilt 10.

No. 16 LSU vs. Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Three weeks ago, the Wildcats acquitted themselves quite well at Florida. They'll do the same again this week, especially with the Tigers licking their wounds after self-destructing against the Gators. LSU 34, Kentucky 14.

No. 17 Virginia Tech at No. 25 Boston College, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)

These former Big East rivals both need wins to stay in their respective ACC division races. The young Hokies have not been tested on the road and will face a disciplined Eagles team that has already upset Clemson on Chestnut Hill. Boston College 21, Virginia Tech 16.

No. 18 Oregon vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m.

Autzen Stadium may be one of the tougher environments for visiting teams, but the Bruins have somehow managed to win four of their last five at the home of the Ducks. It won't be easy this time with backup Patrick Cowan starting at quarterback and Oregon smarting after its loss at California. Oregon 34, UCLA 17.

No. 19 Boise State at New Mexico State, 8 p.m. (Sunday)

Thanks to national television, if you ever wondered what Sunday night is like in Las Cruces, now is your chance to find out. It may be more entertaining than the action on the field. Boise State 40, New Mexico State 17.

No. 20 Nebraska at Kansas State, 7:10 p.m.

Remember when this used to be the game of the year in the early stages of the Big 12? After a couple down years, the Cornhuskers might be able to commiserate with the rebuilding Wildcats, who are a few steps behind on the road to respectability. But don't expect Bill Callahan's bunch to take it easy on them. Nebraska 30, Kansas State 16.

No. 21 Missouri at Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m.

The defense carried the Tigers against Texas Tech in the first leg of their two-step tour through the Lone Star State. Chase Daniel and the offense should be the ones to lead the way this week. Missouri 28, Texas A&M 21.

No. 22 Oklahoma vs. Iowa State, 3:30 p.m.

With their national championship and Big 12 dreams all but over, all that is left for the Sooners is to begin an all-out push for Adrian Peterson and his run for the Heisman. Oklahoma 38, Iowa State 14.

No. 23 Arkansas vs. Southeast Missouri, 2 p.m.

Thankfully the Razorbacks don't need 100% focus this week and they can savor the win against Auburn for an extra few days. Arkansas 34, Southeast Missouri 10.

No. 24 Rutgers at Navy, 1:30 p.m.

The Scarlet Knights might be the ones that are ranked, yet it is the Midshipmen that are favored. When in doubt, remember that Las Vegas always knows more than the coaches or media. Navy 31, Rutgers 27.

Last week's record: 14-4 (10-7)

Season record: 104-19 (52-56-2)