Athlon Sports News
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 14
Mitch Light predicts the outcome of 10 of the week's biggest games in the Week 14 edition of his 2009 Weekend on Tap column.Oregon State (+10) at Oregon
This has been a great decade for football in the state of Oregon, so it’s only fitting that the final Civil War of the 2000s will decide which team from the Beaver State will represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. Oregon has been getting much more pub nationally, but Oregon State is playing at a very high level, as well. The Beavers have won six of their past seven games — with the only loss at USC — and they boast one the most underrated players in college football, Jacquizz Rodgers. The sophomore tailback has rushed for 1,313 yards and 19 touchdowns and has also caught 67 passes for 436 yards and another score. Oregon counters with redshirt freshman LaMichael James, who churns out 100-yard games on a weekly basis for Chip Kelly’s high-powered attack. As usual, this one should be entertaining.
Oregon 34, Oregon 30
West Virginia (+1.5) at Rutgers
Both teams are 8–3, but not all 8–3 teams are created equal. If you look at both schools’ resumes in 2009, it’s pretty clear that West Virginia has been the better team. True, Rutgers did shut out South Florida 31–0, while WVU lost by 11 to the Bulls, but other than that, the Mountaineers have been more impressive against common opponents. And they have also played a far more difficult non-conference slate; WVU went 3–1 against Auburn, Colorado, East Carolina and Marshall, while Rutgers swept Howard, FIU, Maryland and Texas Southern. Rutgers is good. WVU is better.
West Virginia 27, Rutgers 17
Cincinnati (-1.5) at Pittsburgh
The vast majority of BCS bowl projections have included the assumption that Cincinnati will represent the Big East. But Brian Kelly and the Bearcats have one final hurdle to climb — and it won’t be easy. Despite its loss at West Virginia last Friday night, Pittsburgh is a very good team with an outstanding running game and a ferocious defensive line. The key to the game could be how well UC can protect quarterback Tony Pike. Pitt leads the nation in sacks (3.91 per game), while the Bearcats rank fifth in fewest sacks allowed (.82).
Cincinnati 27, Pittsburgh 24
Arizona (+7.5) at USC
If Arizona loses at USC this week — as expected — the Wildcats’ final regular-season record will be 7–5 overall and 5–4 in league play. That, however, would not be an accurate reflection the ’09 Cats. All four of Arizona’s losses to date have come by 10 points or less, and three of the four defeats were against teams currently ranked. The offense has thrived in the post-Willie Tuitama era, and the defense has been good enough — in most weeks. USC’s strange ’09 season took another interesting turn last week in the Trojans’ 28–7 win over UCLA. Pete Carroll’s decision to go for the late score after the Bruins called timeout has added some spice to an already bitter rivalry. The Trojans’ offense, once again, was a bit of a disappointment. Since outlasting Oregon State 42–36 in late October, USC has averaged just over 20 points per game. This one should remain interesting deep into the fourth quarter.
USC 28, Arizona 21
Cal (-6.5) at Washington
No matter what happens this weekend in Seattle, it’s fair to call the first season of the Steve Sarkisian era a success. The Huskies are currently 4–7 overall and 3–5 in the Pac-10, highlighted by wins over USC and Arizona. They haven’t won four league games in a single season since Keith Gilbertson’s second-to-last Husky team finished 4–4 in 2003. Speaking of Gilby, the Cal Bears are in the midst of yet another good, but not great, season. Jeff Tedford’s club has quietly won five of its past six and is in position to win 10 games for the third time in the past six seasons.
Cal 27, Washington 20
Florida (-5.5) vs. Alabama
It’s the final SEC game of the decade and it might not be a stretch to call it the league’s most anticipated game of the 2000s. For the first time since the SEC split into two divisions in 1992, both the champions from the East and the West are undefeated. The stakes are clear: The winner heads to Pasadena for the national title game; the loser — barring some strange developments — will make the short trip to the Sugar Bowl. With the bar set incredibly high, Florida has not played quite as well as expected this season. Yes, the Gators have won every game, but they haven’t dominated as much as we expected. Alabama, on the other hand, has been better than anticipated. We knew the Tide would be very good (Athlon picked them to win the West and had them ranked No. 6 in the nation), but we weren’t quite sure they’d be national championship good. Hopefully this one lives up to the hype.
Florida 20, Alabama 13
Texas (-13.5) vs. Nebraska
Texas survived a scare last week, outscoring Texas A&M, 49–39, in College Station. This Saturday, the Longhorns take on a very different type of team in the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Bo Pelini’s club is stout on defense (opponents average just over 11 points per game), but struggles to move the ball on offense. NU ranks 92nd in the nation in total offense and has scored 20 points or less in five of eight Big 12 games. That does not bode well for this weekend. Texas is more likely to lose a game 38–35 than 17–10, and I don’t believe Nebraska is capable of scoring more than 20 points against the Longhorns.
Texas 27, Nebraska 10
Georgia Tech (-1) vs. Clemson
It’s always a good show when Georgia Tech and Clemson get together, and it should be even more entertaining now that the stakes are quite a bit higher. The winner will make its first-ever trip to a BCS bowl, while the loser could be headed to the Music City Bowl. Now, don’t get me wrong: Nashville’s a great place (it’s home to Athlon Sports), but both of these teams have their sites set a bit higher. Georgia Tech has won five straight in this series, including a 30–27 decision in early September. Tech jumped out early with some special teams scores and then rallied late to win the game. Despite giving up 301 yards rushing, the Tigers actually did a decent job against the Jackets’ option attack. Most of those yards were very early or very late. Clemson might have a bit of an advantage because it’s the second time the Tigers have seen the option this season. But Paul Johnson and his staff have also seen how Clemson defends the option. I’ll take Johnson over Dabo Swinney.
Georgia Tech 34, Clemson 24
Houston (+1) at East Carolina
Houston stole the headlines in Conference USA with two big non-conference wins (at Oklahoma State, vs. Texas Tech) and its explosive offense, but East Carolina was the team with the best record in league play at 7–1. The Pirates don’t do anything particularly well — they rank 70th in scoring offense and 68th in scoring defense — but they protect the ball (13th in turnover margin) and they protect the quarterback (11th in fewest sacks allowed). Houston has been sensational for the majority of the season but has one inexplicable loss (58–41 at UTEP) and one surprising loss (37–32 at UCF). I’d feel a lot better about this pick if this game were on a neutral field, but I’m sticking with the Coogs — the more talented team.
Houston 34, East Carolina 24
Ohio (+12.5) vs. Central Michigan
Central Michigan cruised through the MAC this season with a perfect 8–0 record, and all but one game was decided by 11 points or more. Ohio went 7–1 in league play, but four of its wins came by single digits. CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour has been spectacular as a senior, both in the passing game (25 TDs, 5 INTs) and on the ground (650 yards, 14 TDs). Ohio’s defense has been solid in most league games, but the Chips boast the best — and most diverse — offense in the MAC. Frank Solich’s club should put up a good fight, but I can’t envision LeFevour letting his team lose this game.
Central Michigan 34, Ohio 24
Last week — 6–4 overall (5–5 against the spread)
Season — 83–47 overall (56–61–3 against the spread)
HEADLINE ARCHIVE
2010 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 12009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 14
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 13
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 12
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 11
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 10
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 9
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 8
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 6
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 5
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 4
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 3
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 2
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 1
2009 Heisman Watch: Sam Bradford
"Wow, what a great honor it is to receive an award named after Johnny Unitas, one of the greatest football players ever,” McCoy said. “I had a chance to talk to John, Jr. and Raymond Berry last night when they told me I was this year's winner and I was pretty speechless.
“With all of the great quarterbacks around the country it’s definitely humbling to be picked as the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. But, like I told them last night, this is an honor I can't wait to share with my teammates and coaches. Without them I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything, so this is an award that reflects the success we've had as a team and is a tribute to all of them."
“With all of the great quarterbacks around the country it’s definitely humbling to be picked as the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. But, like I told them last night, this is an honor I can't wait to share with my teammates and coaches. Without them I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything, so this is an award that reflects the success we've had as a team and is a tribute to all of them."
Often times college football fans and the media become so enthralled with touchdown passes, elusive runs, ferocious tackles and quarterback sacks that we lose sight of other important matters of college athletics. The Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the top senior quarterback by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Foundation encapsulates all that is positive in college sports. The award acknowledges performance on the field for sure. But it goes beyond completion percentage and touchdown strikes. The award values character, citizenship, integrity and those who honor the game.
"The winner of the Golden Arm Award is recognized not only for his athletic accomplishments, but also for his character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and athletic abilities," says John Unitas, Jr., President of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award bears the name of the man many refer to as the finest quarterback ever to play the game of football.
In addition to honoring a player with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc., has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to deserving scholar-athletes from local area high schools both in Maryland and Kentucky.
"Despite my Dad's outstanding accomplishments, he never forgot his humble beginnings, and this won him a permanent place in the hearts of all who ever knew him," notes Unitas, Jr. "Giving life to his commitment to 'give back,' the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. was established to promote football on all levels by providing financial aid to deserving young athletes."
GOLDEN ARM WATCH LIST
Jarrett Brown
West Virginia earned its 15th consecutive victory over Rutgers, holding on for a 24–21 win in New Jersey. Brown completed 10-of-20 passes for 116 yards, as the Mountaineers punched their ticket to the Gator Bowl, where they will face Florida State and former WVU coach Bobby Bowden in his final game.
Daryll Clark
Penn State rolled to a 42–14 win at Michigan State in the Big Ten season finale. Clark completed 19-of-27 passes for 310 yards, four scoring strikes and zero interceptions in the final regular season game of his Nittany Lion career.
Armanti Edwards
Appalachian State rallied for an impressive 35–31 win at defending FCS champion Richmond in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. Edwards completed 21-of-33 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown — a game-winning four-yarder to Matt Cline with 10 seconds remaining — and zero picks, while scrambling on 12 carries for 51 yards and two trips to the end zone.
Matt Grothe
South Florida lost 29–27 to Connecticut, but Grothe did not play due to a season-ending ACL injury suffered against Charleston Southern on Sept. 19.
Max Hall
BYU won the Holy War over Utah, with a 26–23 overtime thriller in Provo. Hall’s stats were not overly impressive, as the senior signal-caller completed just 12-of-32 passes for 134 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. But his 25-yard scoring strike to Andrew George clinched the victory in overtime after the Cougars defense held the Utes to a field goal.
Tim Hiller
Western Michigan was shocked by Ball State, 22–17, in Kalamazoo. Hiller struggled in defeat, completing 33-of-62 passes for 354 yards, one score and four picks.
Mike Kafka
Northwestern pulled off a season-ending upset of Wisconsin, 33–31. Kafka played mistake-free football, completing 26-of-40 passes for 326 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in his final home game.
Dan LeFevour
Central Michigan rolled to a 20–10 win over Ohio in the MAC Championship Game at Ford Field in Detroit. LeFevour completed 28-of-39 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in CMU’s third MAC title in four seasons. In the process, LeFevour broke the FBS record for career total touchdowns (passing, rushing, receiving), previously shared by Hawaii’s Colt Brennan (2007) and Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell (2008), with 148 scores (101 passing, 46 rushing, 1 receiving).
Corey Leonard
Arkansas State won its season finale, 24–20, against Western Kentucky. Leonard, however, was unable to play due to a knee injury.
Thaddeus Lewis
Lewis became the 60th player in FBS history to pass for 10,000 career yards during his final game at Duke. Unfortunately, the Blue Devils could not defeat Wake Forest, suffering a 45–34 loss.
Colt McCoy
Texas found a way to outfight an aggressive Nebraska team led by defensive tackle Ndumakong Suh, winning 13–12 on a 46-yard field goal that went through the uprights as time expired — for a second time. One second was added to the clock following an incomplete McCoy pass that sailed out of bounds before the game-winning kick. Under pressure all night, McCoy completed 20-of-36 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns, but did secure the most important stat of all — a victory that capped a perfect regular season, Big 12 championship and a trip to Pasadena for the BCS title game against Alabama.
Tony Pike
Cincinnati pulled off an amazing 45–44 win in the snow at Pittsburgh in the de facto Big East title game. Pike completed 22-of-44 passes for 302 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Trailing 31–17 at halftime, Pike threw three second-half scoring strikes — a 68-yard bomb to star receiver Mardy Gilyard, an 8-yarder to D.J. Woods and a 29-yard over-the-shoulder spiral to Armon Binns to take a one-point lead the Bearcats would not relinquish with 33 seconds to play.
Patrick Pinkney
East Carolina knocked off Houston, 38–32, to clinch its second straight Conference USA title and a trip to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. Pinkney completed 21-of-34 passes for 262 yards, one touchdown and zero turnovers in a clutch win at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., where the Pirates have not lost since falling to the Cougars last year.
Todd Reesing
Kansas could not hold on to a late lead in the 117th Border War with Missouri. The Jayhawks lost 41–39 despite a career outing from Reesing, who completed 37-of-55 passes for a school-record 498 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Zac Robinson
Oklahoma State lost out on a shot at a BCS berth by losing 27–0 at Oklahoma. Robinson fought through a shoulder injury to complete just 9-of-21 passes for 44 yards, no scores and one interception in the disappointing shutout loss to unranked OU.
Tyler Sheehan
Bowling Green took care of business against Toledo, winning 38–24 in the season finale. Sheehan completed 19-of-31 passes for 137 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in victory.
Riley Skinner
Wake Forest cruised to a 45–34 win over Duke, as Skinner completed 28-of-38 passes for a career-high 372 yards, a school-record five touchdowns and zero interceptions. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Demon Deacons.
Rusty Smith
Florida Atlantic held on to beat Florida International, 28–21, in Miami. Unfortunately, Smith did not play due to a season-ending shoulder injury suffered in a Halloween loss to Middle Tennessee.
Tim Tebow
Superman ran into Crimson kryptonite, as Florida fell to Alabama 32–13 in the SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. In a disappointing effort, Tebow completed 20-of-35 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and one interception through the air, while tucking the ball on 10 carries for 63 yards. The Gators will not compete for their third national title in Tebow’s four seasons. Instead, UF will play Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Chris Turner
Maryland lost its seventh straight game, falling 19–17 to Boston College. After missing two weeks recovering from a knee injury, Turner completed 11-of-17 passes for 101 yards during his final college start.
Joe Webb
UAB’s one-man offense was not enough to avoid a 34–27 loss to UCF. Webb did all he could, completing 20-of-35 passes for 322 yards, three touchdowns and one interception through the air, while adding 18 carries for 137 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Juice Williams
Illinois lost a heartbreaker to Fresno State in a 53–52 shootout in Champaign. Williams completed 8-of-16 passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, but was unable to lead the Fighting Illini to victory, as Illinois was outscored 22–14 in the fourth quarter of a one-point loss on Senior Day.