My Recovery Weekend

Week 2 In College Football

by Jonathan Gillespie

            First off I want to apologize to everybody out there. I had promised an in depth breakdown of the Virginia Tech vs. Ohio State game last Monday. However, every time I tried to write something I got either mad or sad. It wasn’t the loss that upset me. I was not expecting Virginia Tech to win but it was the loss of the quarterback Brewer that had me super concerned. I thought any hopes of Virginia Tech having a successful season shattered along side his collarbone. So I decided to hold my thoughts on that until I could see another Hokie game. I will talk more on that later.

            Week 2 was a fun week in college football. The games were much closer than last week and one can start thinking about making predictions about who is going into the playoffs at the end of the season. Even though some people are still going to try to make the predictions now...silly ESPN. Lets get it started, my weekly look at what I saw in college football this week!

            Oregon State 7  vs.  Michigan 35

            Michigan is not the powerhouse they used to be. Things in Ann Arbor were just not up to their traditionally successful ways. Over the off-season they brought back one of their own: the master of the tantrums in khakis, Jim Harbaugh. It was a flashy game but the power running style of Michigan slowly beat down on Oregon State. I really am confident that we will see Michigan get back to their old ways. Watch out Ohio State!

"I may look fun and happy, but I am INSANE on the sidelines."

(9)Notre Dame 34  vs  Virginia 27

            I think I owe UVA fans an apology. I watched Rudy earlier in the day. I think that may of been the reason for the crazy finish in this game.  Virginia was so close to making this a huge win for the program and getting coach Mike London off the hot seat. Instead it was still a loss on an incredible 39 yard touchdown pass from the BACKUP Notre Dame QB in the closing seconds.  UVA played their hearts out, but London's seat is still very warm, I'm sure.  However, this does make me nervous for the match-up between UVA and Tech at the end of the season,.

Go back to the Shire you jerk.

Furman 3 vs. Virginia Tech 42

            So I was nervous coming into this game. I didn’t think that Virginia Tech was in any danger of losing the game but I wanted to see if the offense could be productive. Motley did not look good throwing the ball at all in the Ohio State game. It took about a half but then Motley started to show he could throw the ball. Also, he didn’t make any huge mistakes. The Virginia Tech defense dominated this game. The defense will keep the Hokies in the games. It’s up to the offense to score on the chances that are given to them. I am feeling much more hopeful about the season. Yes, it was only a win against a small school but a win and a confidence building game was needed for the Hokies. This game was exactly that.  My hope in the Hokies have recovered. I don’t think they are contenders for the ACC title anymore but I do think the streak of going to bowl games will continue.

"YES! WE BEAT FURMAN! THE MIGHTY PALADINS!!! IN YOUR FACE!! GO BACK TO....uhmmmm...Siri, where is Furman University?"

(7)Oregon 28  vs.  (5)Michigan State 31

            This was a fun game to watch. It did go back and forth with no team really capturing the game until the very end. I really feel people are underestimating Michigan State as a playoff contender. This win will look very good for them. I feel like THE Ohio State will be the only undefeated team coming into the playoff at the end of the season. So it’s big wins like this that may put Michigan State over other teams when it comes to putting them in the running. Also, I am tired of the SEC dominance, we need some different teams winning the National Title. 

"The Spartans are the best! No one can challenge...that duck is sneaking up behind me again, isn't he? He's not threatening or anything, he just sneaks up behind me and stands there. It's kinda cute, but also a little creepy."

Blowout of the Week

Howard 0 Boston College 76

            Not only a blowout but a shutout. I mean it could be worse. Actually, no that is the worst possible outcome in a game

Don't get too cocky BC; the last time you were relevant was when Flutie Flakes was your QB. That was so long ago, the only picture I could find was in black and white. Let that sink in. 

Upset of the Week

Toledo 16  vs(18)Arkansas 12

            The mighty SEC goes down at the hands of the not as mighty but scrappy MAC. Not only was it a win for a mid-major over a major conference but it was against a ranked team. Way to go Rockets!

In Toledo, they have an actual rocket outside the stadium...and that stadium looks like a castle! How is this team not amazing? 

The Almost Greatest Upset of the Year

Jacksonville State 20  vs.  (6)Auburn 27

 

            Auburn was looked at as a possible contender for being in the four team playoff. This game hurt those chances big time. This was a home game for Auburn and they had to go into overtime before they could win. Though the won, this still destroyed their rankings. Also, this shows maybe the SEC isn’t the juggernaut it used to be.

Auburn fans, you almost lost to a team who's internet famous for this guy. Hang your heads in shame. 

Jonathan Gillespie is the College Football expert for GGR: The Great Geek Refuge. He also is a snazzy dresser and loves rice pudding. Ask him for a recipe some time!