Alma mater Updates

Abilene Christian: Don't look now but the Wildcats are 3-0 and ranked 25 in the D-II pole. Is there hope of a winning season on the hill? It's going to be a hard decision next season, should I get Texas or ACU season tickets?

Mesquite High: The Fightin' Skeeters are 3-1 on the year and travel to Abilene this Saturday to take on the Rebels of Midland Lee. I haven't seen the team in action yet this year, but after this week they play in town every game until the last game. Junior QB Kelly Paige has passed for 680 yards with 7 touchdowns and rushed for 217 and 4 TD's. They play North on Oct. 20 this year and I just happen to be off that day. I'll probably spend the day driving by North yelling obscenities and then head to the parking lot to tailgate.

Let's get ready for the Weekend!!

Key Games:

Alabama @ Florida: This could get ugly fast. Alabama fresh off a deflating loss could come out and try to make a statement, but Florida hasn't forgotten their humiliating loss to the Tide last year. Bama has a young team this year and so far Kenneth Darby has not met expectations, averaging 58 yards/game, so getting out of Gainesville with a moral victory would be key for the rest of their season. Florida's offense looks like it's ready to explode and the Gator faithful will be calling for a blow out win. Florida 35-10

Tech @ A&M: I've gone back and forth with this game. What if the Tech offense lays an egg again? Can A&M control the game with their running game? Will A&M play inspired ball in front of the home field and try to save Fran's job? How much has the Tech defense improved? Well, although the Aggies will come out swinging, I think Tech just has too much fire power. The main problem with A&M defense is their tackling, and that's how you stop Tech. You know Tech is going to make catches, but you have to make sure to get tackles and not let the 5 yard crossing routes turn into long plays. A&M looks like they have a stong running game, but McGee is still unproven as a passer, and he hasn't played against a defense like Tech yet. It's the beginning of the end for Coach Fran (or was that when he lost to Baylor two years ago?). Tech 45-17

Ohio State @ Iowa: I'm picking this as my upset special. At the beginning of the season I thought it would be hard for any team to run the table this year, so this is when I think the Buckeyes will fall. Iowa has an experienced team that has proven they are winners by their consecutive 10 win seasons. They will be playing in only the second ever home night game. Kinnick Stadium will be rocking and I think OSU will have problems running the ball, which will hurt their lethal passing attack. Iowa's offense will be able to move the ball and, if they don't commit turnovers, they will put points on the board. The season is about to get interesting. Iowa 24-21

Other games of interest:
-Michigan tries to win back the little brown jug
-Georgia Tech can make a statement against the Hokies
-Kansas is horrid on the road, but tries to prove last year wasn't a fluke against Nebraska
-Houston tries to do the unthinkable at Miami
-Notre Dame begins the fluff of thier schedule
-Texas tries to leave the SHSU game injury free

The View from Forney Top 25

I don't think that it is a major issue, but a case can be made for waiting on releasing the polls until some games have been played. After week 4 things are starting to work themselves out, so I have chosen to release my poll now. Over the summer I made a few calls and my poll will count as .00000134% in the BCS formula. Preseason polls are a college football staple, but by waiting we can see that California is not as bad as they looked against Tennessee, Notre Dame was overrated, and there have been surprise teams (Rutgers, Wake Forrest, Missouri). I rated the teams on what I think of their season so far and not how I think they will end (ex. I think Michigan has played well enough to be 3rd, but they are bound to lose a couple of games). With further delay here is the first addition of the poll.

1. Ohio State
2. Auburn
3. Michigan
4. USC
5. Florida
6. West Virginia
7. LSU
8. Texas
9. Georgia
10. Louisville
11. Iowa
12. Tennessee
13. Notre Dame
14. Virginia Tech
15. Oregon
16. TCU
17. Oklahoma
18. Clemson
19 California
20. Boise State
21. Missouri
22. Georgia Tech
23. Rutgers
24. Wake Forrest
25. Florida State

Well I would love to have your input. Is this worth doing every week? Would a few of you like to cast a ballot and we can have an official View from Froney poll?

Quickhits

-Whoever made the decision to regulate Ron Franklin to the ESPN2 game should lose their job because they are out of touch with college football. He is the voice of the SEC night game.
-At one point Clemson had more rushing touchdowns (7) than UNC had rushing yards (6).
-Mel Kiper is on board with getting rid of replay
-Tim Tibow looked very dangerous running the ball. Do you think it would work if Florida lined both him and Leak in the backfield to keep the defense guessing?
-I like Georgia Tech's throwbacks and the old Michigan State decal on the helmet looked very good. Teams should not just wear anything that comes out of Beaverton (VT and Florida from last season).
-Abilene Christian got a plug during the Texas game. Colt's dad and Jordan Shipley's dad were roommates at ACU, I'm surprised they didn't mention our champion caliber team.?
-West Virginia reminds me of the old Miami teams of the Big East. By not playing a tough schedule they will lose a game they shouldn't. I'm very hesitant in writing this but watch out when they visit Mississippi State in Oct. The bulldogs have a strong defense and WV will not have played in an environment like that, but I don't know how MSU will score.
-I think all fans want someone to put Mark May in his place, but listening to Lou Holtz stumble through thoughts is not the answer.

I would like to welcome Aaron (of Dallas), hereafter known as Ern, to the View from Forney. Your intelligence is much needed on this waste of webspace.

Texas vs Iowa State Thoughts

This game was exciting because I thought it would give a good indication of where the team was at. ISU has played us close in past games and most conference games create a greater sense of urgency. I was very pleased with the game, we made a few mistakes, but overall I would rate the game a solid B+. Mack says that the team is still looking for an identity, but I think it is clear that this is a team that has to run the ball. That's not a bad problem to have because we have looked very good running and it has helped open up the passing game. I would like to see us line up in the I-formation more often and put H. Melton at fullback and just run it down teams throats, but it looks like we are going to stick with the zone read. Not that this strategy hasn't worked, but it is easy for defenses to string the play out when Colt is not a threat to hold onto the ball.

I think Colt displayed his arm strength with a few of his throws, and I think is interception was just a bad decision and not a matter of arm strength. It seems he was trying to lay the ball in there or be to fine with it instead of just letting it fly. He would of had another interception if Jermichael Finely had not out muscled the defensive back. It was nice to see Finely make a few plays, we need to have him develop into a threat.

I thought the defense looked good, they got a lot of pressure on the QB and had several punishing hits. Iowa State did connect on a few long pass plays, but Meyer and the WR have been around for a while and can make plays. I think we've seen that luck plays a major part in every team that wins championships. We've been hampered by injuries, but lucky we are pretty deep. The Robinson injury was tough to see, he always plays hard and is a leader, especially on a play were the lineman completely misses his block and pulls a leg whip out of his butt as he is falling down. Luckily his injury doesn't seem to be serious.

I'm also sorry to see Selvin Young go down with injury, in what has been an injury field career. I don't now how much time he will miss, but I don't think he will be much of a factor the rest of the season. He should be commended for fighting through the different injuries he has had and he has been an asset to the team, but everyone has seen what a talent Jamaal Charles is and this will just give him more opportunities to make plays. It will also give Melton a bigger role in the offense, which is bad news for opposing defenses. His has the ability to turn a short yardage third down into a TD from anywhere on the field. To win the Big 12 we need to wear teams down with a power running game.

Next up for the Horns: Sam Bomar State or Bomar Tech (I did not come up with either of these).

Can it ever be the same again?

What would possess a teenage/college student to wake up before noon on a fall morning? Homework? Work? Girlfriend? No, my friends, College Gameday is what called me out of bed all of those autumn mornings. The smell of gravy biscuits in the kitchen, the theme music, the fans waving their flags and screaming their lungs out. Much of the useless information that is floating around in my skull is from college gamedays. I couldn't wait for that hour. It was the perfect way to start a full day of football watching. And then, finally, the roadshow would come to Austin for the matchup with #3 Nebraska. It was a thrill seeing my flag on the screen, the chants of "TEXAS FIGHT", singing the Eyes, and Corso putting on the BEVO head. Gameday helped fuel my passion for college football.

The past few years though, I have felt my love for Gameday waning. Last weekend I almost fast forwarded through the entire show, and it was the most important weekend since 1993. Why do I feel this way? What's wrong with me? I still love the show, but it's just not the same. I don't HAVE to watch it anymore, and that makes me sad. I think it started when they made the show an hour and a half, and now 2 hours. They don't talk about the game they are at that much, the fans aren't as rabid as they used to be, there is a fake football field on set, and the Corso bit is becoming tiresome. If they come to the Texas/OU game, I don't even know if I'll show up. Can you believe it? It's just not all that fun to stand there for 3 1/2 hours and listen to feel good stories and watch commercials. Can they save the show? Will it ever be the same?

I guess its the end of an era, much like believing in Santa Claus and collecting baseball cards, all good things must come to an end.

The New Rule Changes are Working Out Great

You have to hand it to the masterminds at the NCAA. You want to get the fans and media off your back about the BCS because there is way too much money involved, so what do you do??? You make some ridiculous rule changes. I think we are all aware of the new rules so here are the problems with them: In an effort to shorten the length of the games, the clock now runs almost continuously. The only problem is that the games are only about 10 minutes shorter, but the number of plays per team is what is really shortened. If they wanted to speed up the games, why not do the obvious...cut commercials. But that means losing money. Starting the clock after first downs is ok, but the time is really ticking off after change of possessions.

The Georgia Bulldogs have a good team this year.

Having a coaches' challenge makes as much sense as the tax code. If every play is being reviewed by the official, why is there a need for a coach to waste a timeout to ask for a review. If it is a bad call then review it, don't wait for the coach to ask. By changing the clock rules, timeouts are now more precious than ever and you want to ask the coach to give up one? Doesn't make much sense to me.

Colorado scored three points on "defense is optional" ASU. Georgia allows 3 points per game. The only way the buffs will score is if the hairy dawgs take a safety.

Speaking of the review system, why do we have one if its not going to work? The fastest way to speed up the games is to get rid of this nuisance. If you think it's bad watching the official review on TV, it's even worse when you at the game. Most of the plays reviewed come after an exciting play or a momentum changing play, and by the time the official runs across the field, stands there for 5 minutes, and attempts to explain the result, all the energy is sucked out of the stadium. I know they are just trying to make the right calls, but my suggestion is to just cut your losses and let the onfield officials do their jobs. Sure, there are bad calls in every game, but they have a way of working out. For instance, if we didn't have replay last year in the Rose Bowl Michael Griffin would not have been credited for his great interception, but Texas was helped on VY's pitch when his knee was down.

Mark Richt is one of the most underrated coaches in America. He will win a national championship with Matthew Stafford.

Hopefully the big wigs will find a way to keep games at a reasonable time, but not punish the fans with less football.

Shout-outs:
Mike (from work) great anonymous comment. You got me good.
Courtney's best friend, Bonnie, thanks for reading. Sorry OU lost.
Bo- are you satisfied? And if by big cities, you mean San Angelo, Tuscola, and Merkle...Then YES!

Quickhits:

-My Dad reminded me that I should have been going for LSU since we are going to the LSU@Tennessee game later this year, but I'm still glad Auburn won. Would everyone please pull for the Tigers and Vols to stay at only one loss, so the game will have significant meaning.

-Coaches that are working toward a trip to the unemployment office:
Larry Coker, Miami
John Bunting, North Carolina
Al Groh, Virginia
Chuck "red shoes" Amato, N.C. State
Sylvester Croom, Mississippi State
Walt Harris, Stanford
Dennis Franchione, Texas a&m

-Why was A&M celebrating like they had just beating the Army team of 1945. I can understand a few pats on the back, but the bench should not pour out onto the field. How far as A&M fallen that they cannot dominate a service academy.

-Speaking of Army, do they practice winning? They were lost in the last two minutes. They should have won the battle of real Army vs fake Army.

-Is the Big East better than the Big 12? I'm just kidding, but really are they?

-How hard is it to be a Clemson fan? Every since I went to a game there last season, I like to pull for the tigers, but why can they put together a complete season. They will most likely lose to Wake or Duke later this season, lucky they have a loyal and positive fan base.

-Michigan earned my trust again. They played like a Michigan team should play, finally.

-Miami is no longer allowed to stomp on the 50 yard line.

-Games I watched
Iowa/Iowa State (4th qtr)
LSU/Auburn
OU/Oregon
ND/Mich (during timeouts of lsu/Auburn)
Texas/Rice
Tenn/Florida
USC/Nebraska
Clemson/FSU
Real Army/Fake Army
It was a good day!!

West Virginia?

I wasn't planning on posting tonight, but WVU has been playing out of their mind on Thursday night football. Now Maryland is not going to strike the "fear of the turtle" in many teams this year, but they are still a mid-level ACC team. What strikes me most about the Mountaineers is their overall team speed. Steve Slaton has convinced me to vote for him for heisman, Reggie Bush who? West Virginia has a very good chance to run the table, but if there are still two other undefated team look for WVU to be the odd man out. I don't wish for the Horns to meet up with them in a BCS bowl game. It's almost time for football Saturday!!

Is it Saturday Yet?

There are two or three Saturday's a season that feel like Christmas to the avid college football fan. This Weekend my friends is one of those Saturday's. This is quite possibly one of the best gamedays in years. Lets preview the games.

LSU @ Auburn:
The battle of the tigers will give the winning team the upper edge in the SEC west. Auburn's running game is virtually unstoppable and there defense looks to be of champion caliber. LSU really surprised me by blowing out a much improved Arizona team. Stewart Mandel picked LSU to be to be the team in the top 10 most likely to have a down year, but so far that looks like a bad pick. This series has favored the home team over the years, and I expect this year to be no different. Who do I want to win-Auburn. Who will Win-Auburn.

Nebraska @ USC:
A Nebraska win would be shocking and send the Husker nation into hysteria. I don't think Nebraska will be prepared for the speed of USC after playing two week teams. The blackshirt defense has not shown any signs of greatness, and USC has way to many weapons for them to contain. Who do I want to win-Nebraska. Who will Win-USC.

Michigan @ Notre Dame:
This would be a statement win for a Michigan team that has not lived up to expectations. But much like Nebraska, Michigan hasn't shown me anything to make me think they can win. This is ND last test for a while, if they win look for a season ending showdown with USC.
Who do I want to win-Michigan. Who will win-Notre Dame.

Florida @ Tennessee:
Last season would be forgotten if the Vols can beat the hated Gators. Florida has struggled running the ball, but Tennessee has lost defensive starters to injury. Both teams have shown they can put points on the board, which defense can make a crucial stop.
Who do I want to win-Tennessee. Who will win- Tennessee.

Oklahoma @ Oregon:
An OU win could tell sooner fans that they can get on with their season, the team is fine. The Pac-10 will drop below the Big East if Oregon can't pull this one out at home.
Who do I want to win-Oregon. Who will win-OU.

If I could go to any of these games I would head to the lovely village on the plane, Auburn. The atmosphere will be electric and the only way this game would be better is if it was played at night. The crowd will be loud and hopefully the game will come down to a last second play.

A shout out to my beautiful wife, Courtney, who with out her, college football wouldn't be the same. When asked what game she would attend she said LSU/Auburn because she "would like to see what Auburn looks like."

Here's to a great weekend of close games.

Postgame Comments

All winning streaks must come to an end, but losing is never fun. First, Ohio State played a great game and really impressed me. They played basically played a mistake free game and took advantage of our mistakes. The better team won, but Texas had its chances to win and that is what makes this loss so disappointing. Obviously the Billy Pittman's fumble was a major turning point and may have cost us the game. You never want to get down on a player for trying to make something happen and giving a full effort, but you just can't stick the ball out with opposing players bearing down on you. If a cornerback is trying to pull you down from behind then go for it and try to get the ball across the goal line, but when you already made a great play breaking tackles and you have more defenders in front of you, you have to go down and trust that your going to score the next play.

I think Troy Smith became the front-runner for the Heisman. He made play after play and we really weren't able to force him out of the pocket. For the most part we did as good as job as you can do against a player like Ted Gin. I do question the man-to-man coverage at the end of the first half when you know they have to try to strike deep. I think that sucked the wind out of the stadium.

I think Colt played fine and was forced to try to make big plays after we got down. I thought we were running the ball great, and kinda of got away from it to begin the second half. If we could have had a long drive to start the 3rd Q, it would of help wear down the Buckeye defense and would have been a lot better then the interception that occurred. We do need to be able to throw the ball down field better, but that will come. I think Colt showed great toughness and poise that he will need to win the big twelve. He'll be fine and I hope we don't have a overreaction to this game, because the team (and Greg Davis) put him in situations were he had to make big plays.

The loss hurts, but hopefully made the team stronger for the rest of the season. Honestly, no one expected us to repeat, but I think we should be able to win the Big 12 and go to a BCS bowl. We might still have one more loss in us either @nebraska or @tech. We can't make mistakes like we did last year and expect Vince to bail us out. We need to play better football.

Thank goodness for Rice. Hook'em.

TEXAS - OSU PREVIEW

When Texas has the ball:
I look for texas to control the line of scrimmage and wear down the osu defense throughout the game. The buckeyees will crowd the line of scrimmage early, but if Colt can connect over the top in the first quarter look for the running game to really open up. Also, look for the tight ends to make a few big 3rd down catches. I think last week Texas intentionally didn't showcase the skill of Neale Tweedie and Jermichael Finley. With Colt keeping the osu defense honest, look for the ground game to take over the 4th quarter on a long game clenching drive.

When Texas is on defense:
I think the front four of Texas will be able to get pressure on Troy Smith, but this offensive is the real deal. They will make plays, but it is up to the Horns to force a game turning turnover and to limit the big plays Teddy Gin. We must not allow yards after the catch and hopefully force field goals much like last years game. I also think the Texas defensive front will wear down the OSU line and take over as the game goes on.

Special Teams:
Texas has the advantage but they must, and i repeat MUST, cover the kick offs. Ohio State dominated the field position last year because we couldn't cover the kicks. We can't let them start from the 40 every time. We can block punts and this would be the game to get one. Aaron Ross made some mistakes last week, but he is a very capable return man.

I'm not good at predicting scores, but i think (hope) Texas will win by 10, scoring a late TD.

Something that only interests me:
Ohio state has two great fight songs, Fight the Team and Buckeye Battle Cry, check them out at http://www.fightmusic.com

The best time of the year has begun and I'm loving it. I attended the season opener for my beloved Texas longhorns this past weekend. There is nothing like attending the first game of the season and the excitement that comes along. A chance to see new players, changes to the stadium, and of course the first time the band comes walking down the tunnel and strikes up "Texas Fight" are a few of the charm's the first game offers.

I was very pleased with the play of redshirt freshman Colt McCoy. He displayed an accurate arm, poise in the pocket, and the ablility to make plays with his feet. I said going into the season that he does not have to win games by his play, his play just can't lose games for the horns to be successful. He needs to the Ben Rothlisburger of college football. Limas Sweed showed signs of greatness and JC ran the ball well.

There were several changes to the DKR that are of note. First and most obvious, is the new scoreboard Godzillatron. The size did not disappoint, but the content was rather disappointing. There were a lot of ads place around the border, and the most annoying thing to me are the ads they play during timeouts. If they feel the need to make the ads, to add to the millions upon millions they make a year, I wish they would limit them to one per timeout and only last 20 seconds. Part of the charm of going to a college game is hearing the band play and the ads are taking up to much time. Also, the bleachers in the endzone are very good looking. They create a much needed buffer between the field and locker room. The only disheartening thing about the upgrades is that they had to take down the large flagpoles that flew the six flags over Texas. They left the two on the end to fly the US and Texas flag. To replace them they put small, very small, poles on top of the scoreboard they fly the six flags, but its just not the same.

I guess this concludes my first post, hopefully more to come, maybe a Texas vs OSU preview later this week. I would like to give a shout out to my only reader Aaron, don't study to hard.