Red Card Top 10 (Championship Week)

Posted by Nick Verlaney on Dec 2, 2010 in NCAA Football | 4 comments

- Hey everyone. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Just a quick note about the next few weeks: since the college football season is almost over, this will be the next to last Top 10 until all the bowls are over. For the rest of the month, I will do a bowl preview, an NFL playoff preview, and my long-awaited 25 hottest women in the world edition.

- Real quick shout-out to Jered for getting Adam and I on to the field for halftime and most of the 3rd quarter for Nebraska’s game against Colorado. I never thought I would be able to do that. Seeing Ndamukong Suh’s jersey get retired on the field was something special. Go Big Red. Im also excited for the Huskers to play Oklahoma for the last time in the Big XII this weekend. There is so much history between the 2 teams that this weekend will be special.

-Also, I know I recommended Kanye’s new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy last week, but it is so good that I am recommending it again. Honestly, it may be the best album of the year. My only complaint is that Christian Dior Denim Flow did not make it on the album, but that is about it. Ranks just above Thank Me Later by Drake as the years best for me, so far.

- FIFA is corrupt. There, I said it. Why I’m saying it is due to today’s selection of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. Russia hosting in 2018 is understandable, kind of. Qatar (pronounced “cutter”) over Australia and the United States for the 2022 World Cup is blasphemous. Raise your hand if you have heard of Qatar before? Raise your hand if you can guess what their main export is? Oil? NO WAY. Raise your hand if you think there might have been just a little corruption happening during the voting process? The only reason I would suggest such a scandal is because of Cam Newton. Ok, Im joking, but the real reason is because it was found 4 months ago that Qatar was selling their vote for the 2018 World Cup in exchange for support for the 2022 cup. A clear violation of FIFA policy. BUT, they have money, which at the end of the day makes the world turn. That will undoubtedly be the worst venue for a World Cup ever. A country the size of Connecticut, without the infrastructure to support this event, during the 120 degree days in the summer does not sound like a logical choice for a World Cup. RED CARD.

- It may just be me, but LeBron returning to Cleveland is not Must-See TV for me. Look, I guess I can see why the state of Ohio is up in arms about LeBron’s return after he shunned them to become a member of Miami Thrice. What bothers me is the fact, that for 7 years, LeBron basically saved Cleveland and northeast Ohio. While LeBron was a member of the Cavs, business was booming. The city reinvented its downtown, stores began to see record revenue, and the economy started to improve for the entire area. Financially, he was a god-send. He was also a home-grown hero. A guy that didnt mess up in public. A role-model for all. He played with passion, and he played for a hard-luck city that hasnt won a championship in any sport since 1964. He was gonna be the guy that turned it all around. But, he didnt, and couldnt, by himself. And then he left. And now everyone hates him for taking the best option available to him. Like all of those new “haters” wouldnt do the same? Child please. Sure, it may have seemed calice, but it was honest. For that, I’m showing all the booers who claim LeBron “abandoned” them a RED CARD. It isnt his job to save your city, or to change the perception of Cleveland. If the fans want to change that, start tonight by being civil. Watch this clip by Rick Reilly of ESPN.

- A quick note on the Alabama stadium D.J. who was fired after playing Son of a Preacher Man and Take the Money and Run during Auburn’s warm-up. Are you kidding me? That was the weakest excuse for a firing since Frank Solich was fired from Nebraska. Isnt the SEC supposed to be the toughest, most hostile environment for opponents in all of the NCAA? And this poor guy got fired for playing 2 songs that most of the fans probably didnt even notice in the pre-game? Wow. What are you gonna tell me next, that Colorado fans have to stop slashing tires and throwing urine-bombs at Nebraska fans in Boulder?

- This week is designated by ESPN as Jimmy V week for the continued research of cancer. During all of the basketball telecasts, ESPN will have a phone number and a website by the bottom line, for those who are able, to donate to finding a cure for cancer. I would implore you to do this. Jim Valvano was one of the great ambassadors for this disease before it took his life. His speech at the ESPY’s right before he died has to go down as one of the best speeches of all time. If you havent seen it yet, watch it here. His great quote from that speech was “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” Donate, please.

- On a much lighter, and sexier note; The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was on Tuesday and it did not disappoint. To all the guys out there: as much as we all dream of being with an Angel, it will never happen. It is fun to dream though. To all the ladies out there: be the best you can be. Trying to imitate these models is ridiculous. There are probably less than 1,000 women in the world who could be a VS Angel. 1,000/3 billion is the definition of a long shot. Do you, and the rest will work itself out.

- Lets take a look at the Top 10 as we head into Championship Week:

1. Oregon. Again, the Ducks were just too much for an opponent in the second half, beating Arizona 48-29. Next up they face arch-rival Oregon State in the Civil War. This will be the final test before the Ducks play in the National Championship.
2. Auburn. Gutsy. That is the word to describe their comeback victory against hated rival Alabama. After going down 24-0 by halftime, the fightin’ Cam Newton’s stormed back, winning 28-27, and shocking the ‘Bama faithful. Next up: SEC Championship against South Carolina.
3. TCU. After beating 1-11 New Mexico down to stay undefeated, the Horned Frogs are looking for a little luck to stay in the National Championship hunt. At #3, they have a great shot if Oregon or Auburn lose.
4. Stanford. Frankly, they took Oregon State to the woodshed last week, winning 38-0. It was another dominant performance from Jim Harbaugh’s team, who is the best 1-loss team in the country for my money. They too could have an outside chance of the National Title if Oregon loses.
5. Wisconsin. Another day, another blowout. The last month of the season has been a statement by the Badgers, who will barely miss out on the National Championship. A trip to the Rose Bowl will be a nice consolation, though.
6. Ohio State. The Buckeye’s will be in yet another BCS Bowl game after slaughtering rival Michigan, 37-7. The Sugar Bowl is the most likely scenario for Jim Tressel’s boys.
7. Oklahoma. The Sooners came out on top against hated rivals Oklahoma State to win the Big XII South on a tiebreaker. Plain and simple, if they play consistent on both sides of the ball, this is a Top 5 caliber team, if not, maybe it makes they Top 20. OU has the talent, but they just lack the consistency and focus week-to-week to be a championship-type team. Up next: Big XII Championship against Nebraska.
8. Arkansas. After an impressive win against #5 LSU, the Razorbacks find their way back into the Top 10 for the first time since early October. They still lack consistency on the defensive side of the ball, though, which has been their crutch all year.
9. Boise St. I have not been as high on the Broncos as others have this year, mainly due to their schedule. That is why most readers will find it shocking that I still have them in my Top 10, even after a loss. The way they lost against Nevada was heartbreaking, but it was also a fluke. I would still love them play a big school in a bowl game to prove their worth.
10. Michigan State. Sparty has been an escape artist all year, but they have continued to win games in the 4th quarter, when it counts. After tying for the Big 10 crown, the Spartans will get left out of the BCS discussion since Ohio State and Wisconsin will occupy the conferences 2 bids. Still, it was a great season for Mark Dantonio and the Spartans.

- Now lets take a look at the 2010 Heisman race as it nears the finish.

1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. Honestly, if you didnt have Cam #1 before his performance against Alabama, then there is no other option now. His 4 TD performance led the Tigers back from a 24-0 deficit against their hated rival, Alabama, to keep their dream season alive. The guy is far-and-away the best player in College Football this year. Now, whether the NCAA set a bad precedent by ruling him eligible is up for debate. USC seems to think that Reggie Bush’s parents cost them a lot of money, and they may have a gripe against the Cam Newton ruling.
2. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. I moved Luck up to #2 this week because after seeing his last few games, he is the clear-cut #2 player in the country. The guy is not only a leader, but also is putting up amazing numbers and has his team playing as well as any team in college football right now.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon. The demotion from #2 to #3 isnt a statement on James’ body of work, just the fact that Luck is playing better right now. At any rate, it doesnt matter which order #2 and #3 come in, because Cam Newton is winning this trophy.

- Here are the games that will have the final say on who plays in the National Championship and BCS Bowl games (all rankings are based on current BCS standings):

• #1 Auburn vs #19 South Carolina: It all comes down to this for Auburn. Win, and they are in the National Championship. Lose, and the dream ride is over. Now that Cam Newton has been determined eligible, some of the dark cloud is off Auburn. What makes this game more difficult is the fact that they have played South Carolina already this year. The Gamecocks gave Auburn one of their toughest games, with the Tigers winning 35-27 in a game that South Carolina controlled most of. Steve Spurrier’s bunch has been a model of inconsistency this year though, sometimes looking unbeatable (against Alabama) and the very next week getting beat (against Kentucky). The key to this game is not trying to stop Cam Newton, because that wont happen. South Carolina must throw the ball effectively to set up the run if they will have a chance to win. If South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore can have a big day on the ground, there could be an upset in the making. Prediction: Auburn 35-31. Confidence: 7.
• #9 Oklahoma vs #13 Nebraska. In the final Big XII Championship before Nebraska leaves for the Big 10, they face an old-foe. There are so many juicy storylines for this game. The once great rivalry. The Stoops vs Pelini’s. The possible officiating in the game. Landry Jones possible redemption after a 5 INT day against Nebraska last year. OU’s passing offense against Nebraska’s great pass defense. Nebraska’s rushing offense against OU’s rush defense. Dan Beebe’s “life threatening emails” from Nebraska fans. The possible trophy presentation between Beebe and Pelini. This is gonna be fun. Not to mention that both teams seem to be hitting their stride right now. This could be another classic in the long standing rivalry. If Nebraska can hit a few early passes to set up the run, they should be able to control the clock for most of the game. If not, look for Oklahoma to put 9 men in the box and stuff the run. Prediction: Nebraska 21-20. Confidence: who knows what will happen.
• #1 Oregon at Oregon State. Forget the 38-0 beatdown that Stanford just put on Oregon State last week. Rivalry games mean something regardless of records. Sure, on paper, this should be a blowout. BUT, that is what ’07 USC thought when they were well on their way to playing for a National Championship and rival UCLA beat them. That is what makes these games so much fun for the fans. Everyone is all riled up and excited for an upset. There will need to be some magic in the air for that to happen again. Oregon State is as injury riddled as any team in the country. Oregon has played with fire the last few weeks, but has still taken care of business late in games. Look for this to be closer than most people think. Prediction: Oregon 28-20. Confidence: 7.
• #21 Florida State vs #15 Virginia Tech. After both teams sputtered this year, they both made it back to the title game in Atlanta. The winner gets an automatic bid to the Orange Bowl. The loser will most likely go to the Chick Fil-A Bowl. This game should be evenly matched through-out, and could be a whoever-scores-last wins type of game. Look for Beamer Ball to take care of the mistake prone Seminoles and be the difference in the game. Prediction: Va Tech 31-28. Confidence: 8.

- Now lets take a look at the big hits from the NFL in week 12:

• How awesome was the Andre Johnson-Cortland Finnegan fight in the Titans-Texas game? Look, Finnegan is a repeat offender for being an instigator to fights, but Andre Johnson should have been suspended. Johnson is a model citizen in the NFL’s eyes, but, come on NFL. Finnegan also said that if it was him that was throwing punches, that he would have been suspended 1 game, and he is right. RED CARD.

• Apparently part of the reason for not suspending Johnson is because the Texans play the Eagles on Thursday night football, and it would create a competitive disadvantage. What network is that game on again? Oh yeah, the NFL Network. You know, the network the NFL owns. This sets a bad precedent. Another RED CARD, for good measure.
• How hilarious was Derek Anderson’s post game rant? Not up there with Jim Mora’s “Playoffs?” yet, but it was good. Look, the guy got caught in a lie, and did the Alpha-male thing; yell louder than the other guy.
• Bills WR Steve Johnson blamed God on twitter for his dropped touchdown pass that would have beaten the Steelers. RED CARD.
• Again, another tough luck loss for the Bills. You have to feel bad for them.
• Hey, Roy Williams, your game-losing fumble against the Saints is a microcosm of your entire career: game breaking ability, but the inability to finish big plays. RED CARD.
• Steelers LB James Harrison got fined again for what looked like a legal hit on Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Is the NFL still football? RED CARD.
• On that note: every player on the Steelers and Ravens better have their checkbook ready for Sunday night when these 2 rivals meet. Easily the hardest hitting game on the NFL Calendar. There could be a million dollars worth of fines handed out by Roger Goodell.
• Another great game on Monday night will be Patriots-Jets. The winner of this game has an 80% chance of winning the division. Brady v Revis. Belichick v Ryan. Sanchez v Wilfork. Great game to watch, and it may snow.
• What an impressive butt-whooping that the Chargers put on the Colts last Sunday. They have Peyton’s number for whatever reason.
• Phillip Rivers, as much as I loathe saying it, is playing amazing football right now.
• Good for Leslie Frazier for winning his first game in charge of the Vikings. Bad for Frazier that he may have lost Adrian Peterson for a few weeks.
• How much hotter can the seat get for Josh McDaniels? Between the taping scandal and the 5-16 record in the last 21 games, he has to gone at the end of the year. RED CARD.
• How do the Bears keep winning? Im at a loss.
• The NFC West winner will most likely be under .500. How pathetic is that.
• Good for the 49ers for finding a QB in Troy Smith.
• Good for Brian Westbrook for finding his game in San Francisco again.