Athlon Sports News
2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 2
Mitch Light predicts the outcome of 10 of the week's biggest games in the Week 2 edition of his 2009 Weekend on Tap column.Clemson (+5.5) at Georgia Tech (Thursday)
Georgia Tech has won four of the past five in this always interesting Atlantic vs. Coastal showdown. Last year, the Tigers did a decent job against Georgia Tech’s option attack, limiting the Yellow Jackets to a 4.0-yard average on their 52 rushing attempts. Clemson, however, managed only 249 yards of offense and committed four turnovers en route to a 21–17 loss at home. In the wide-open ACC, it’s dangerous to put too much emphasis on the opener, but this is a very important swing game for both teams. I’ll take Paul Johnson against any first-year head coach.
Georgia Tech 27, Clemson 20
South Carolina (+7) at Georgia
Since joining the SEC in 1992, South Carolina is 5–12 against Georgia, but three of those five wins have come in Athens, including a 16–12 win in 2007. That score two years ago is indicative of how this series has played out in recent seasons; the winning team has averaged only 17 points since 2004. And if you watched both teams in action in Week 1, the obvious assumption is that this will once again be a low-scoring affair. South Carolina scored seven points, but it was enough to beat North Carolina State 7–3, while Georgia was limited to 257 yards and 10 points in a 24–10 setback at Oklahoma State. And as of Thursday, it’s looking like the Dawgs might not have Joe Cox available at quarterback.
Georgia 14, South Carolina 10
North Carolina (-4.5) at Connecticut
Very quietly, UConn picked up a good win in Week 1, topping a solid Ohio team 23–16 on the road. The Huskies’ running attack was strong, as expected, with both Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon topping the 100-yard mark. But quarterback Zach Frazer, a transfer from Notre Dame, struggled in the Huskies’ new up-tempo attack. Frazer completed 11-of-24 attempts for 127 yards (only 5.3 per attempt) and was intercepted three times. Those numbers will have to improve against a very solid North Carolina defense. Last year, the Tar Heels blasted UConn in Chapel Hill 38–12 despite being outgained 378—273. Don’t expect the score to be as lopsided, but the Heels should win on the road.
North Carolina 27, UConn 14
Notre Dame (-3.5) at Michigan
These two proud programs could not have asked for a much better opening weekend of football. As expected, Notre Dame flexed its offensive muscle against Nevada, but the Irish defense was the surprise of the day, holding the powerful Wolf Pack attack to only 307 yards and zero points. Michigan was equally dominant in its 31–7 win over Western Michigan. The Wolverines rushed for 242 yards and passed for 197 in what was by far the finest offensive showing of the Rich Rodriguez era. Now, the level of competition gets ratcheted up several notches. These teams appear to be pretty even in the talent area, but Notre Dame has the edge in experience, especially at quarterback and wide receiver. This should be one of the most interesting games of the weekend.
Notre Dame 28, Michigan 24
USC (+6.5) at Ohio State
Ohio State has yet another opportunity to earn some national credibility against one of the elite teams in college football. The Buckeyes’ failures have been well documented, but don’t forget, this team did beat Texas in Austin 24–7 in 2006. It’s not as if the Buckeyes never win a big out-of-conference game. Terrelle Pryor was solid in the win over Navy, completing 17-of-26 for 210 yards and rushing six times for 30 yards. The concern heading into this weekend’s game is at wide receiver. Devier Posey is slowed by an ankle injury but is expected to play. Even with Posey in the lineup, the Buckeyes’ wideouts don’t really strike fear into opposing defensive coordinators. This unit has talent but is untested against elite competition. Matt Barkley and the USC offense passed every test against a decent San Jose State team. Obviously, they face a much more difficult challenge this weekend. It won’t be quite as easy as last season, but Trojans should make it two straight in this great intersectional showdown.
USC 30, Ohio State 17
UCLA (+8.5) at Tennessee
Tennessee never recovered last season from its inexplicable 27–24 overtime loss at UCLA. Now, it’s payback time. With a new coaching staff and new energy around the program, the Vols are feeling pretty good about themselves. In last week’s tune-up against Western Kentucky, the young skill players lived up to the hype and, most important, senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton played very well. UCLA has talent, but the Bruins are very young and have concerns on the offensive line. Winning on the road in such a difficult venue is too much to ask of this team at this point.
Tennessee 27, UCLA 10
Iowa (-7) at Iowa State
Iowa survived a major scare in Week 1 from in-state rival Northern Iowa, one of the elite teams in the FCS ranks. Now, the Hawkeyes take on Iowa State, one of the weaker BCS conference teams in recent seasons. Iowa has won four of the past six in this series but has lost four of its last five trips to Ames. With that in mind, it’s tempting to pick Iowa State to pull off the upset at home. But the Cyclones’ struggles to stop the run in Week 1 are a concern. In its 34–17 win over North Dakota State, ISU gave up 210 yards rushing on 38 attempts (5.5 per). Look for Iowa’s ground game to be the difference in a close Hawkeye victory.
Iowa 17, Iowa State 14
Stanford (+2.5) at Wake Forest
Stanford and South Carolina are the only two teams in the country with an opportunity to open the season with back-to-back wins on the road vs. BCS teams. Stanford rolled past Washington State in Week 1, showing nice balance on offense. Redshirt freshman quarterback Andrew Luck completed less than 50 percent of his passes, but he threw for 193 yards and did not throw a pick, while senior tailback Toby Gerhart rushed for 121 yards to lead a ground attack that picked up 288 yards on only 42 carries. Wake Forest is rebounding from a tough loss at home to an emerging Baylor team. Riley Skinner, usually so solid under center, was intercepted three times and averaged only 4.6 yards on his 31 attempts. This has nothing to do with this week’s game, but Wake has not lost two straight at home since October 2004.
Wake Forest 28, Stanford 24
Houston (+15) at Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State proved it could win a defensive struggle last week, topping Georgia 24–10 in the much-hyped season opener. The Pokes, however, will need more than 24 points to beat high-flying Houston. The Cougars boast a ton of skill on offense, led by quarterback Case Keenum, tailback Bryce Beall and a host of wide receivers. O-State rolled up an astounding 699 yards of offense last season in a 56–37 win over Houston, but Keenum did throw for 387 yards and four touchdowns in a losing effort. And three years ago, the Coogs beat the Pokes 34–24 in Houston. Mike Gundy is well aware of the dangers that this game presents; his team will be ready to play.
Oklahoma State 38, Houston 24
Mississippi State (+14) at Auburn
It’s not often that you can win a game when you score three points, but the Tigers managed to do just that last September in their infamous 3–2 victory in Starkville. Auburn’s offense picked up a semi-respectable 315 yards in the game but turned the ball over three times, converted only 3-of-16 third downs and missed two field goals. Both teams have new coaching staffs, with an added emphasis on offense. Auburn’s new boss Gene Chizik brought in Gus Malzahn to run the Tiger offense, while Mississippi State hired longtime Urban Meyer aide Dan Mullen to be the Bulldogs’ new head coach. Both offenses figure to be a work in progress throughout the 2009 season, but Malzahn has more talent to work with at Auburn.
Auburn 20, Mississippi State 10
Last week — 6–4 overall (4–6 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.