College Football Week 2

The Big Ten was perfect this last weekend of college football. However, don't buy into the propoganda the Big Ten Conference is selling. On its web site, the conference used the word "Dominating" to describe the process its teams took to win all eleven games. Let's take a look at the competition. Michigan wins by ten at home over a middle of the pack Mid-American Conference team, Miami (OH). Ohio State wasn't able to pull away until late over in-state rival, Ohio. Ohio isn't a traditional power of the MAC. Teams such as Iowa, Inidana, Illinois, Michigan State and Purdue won easily over Florida International, Murray State, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Northern Colorado. Perhaps the more impressive victories came when Minnesota won on the road at Bowing Green and Northwestern won at Duke. Of course Duke isn't a traditional power in the ACC, but David Cutcliffe has the program in the right direction. Penn State was able to overpower Oregon State, a team which may end up in the bottom of the Pac-10.

Syracuse, it is time to move on. A year ago there was no sign of improvement yet the school decided to let Greg Robinson return for a fourth year. While I believe a head coach should have four years to establish his program, there has been no signs that make anyone think the Orange will return to it national prominence under Robinson. With a loss at Northwestern followed by a home loss to Akron and Penn State this upcoming week, Syracuse is well on its way toward another 9+ loss season.

The worst call of the week goes to the Pac 10 officiating crew in Seattle. Washington's quarterback scores a touchdown to bring the Huskies to within one with a few seconds to go on Brigham Young. While celebrating the touchdown, the Washington QB throws the ball up in excitement. The official throws the flag for excessive celebration and the Huskies kick the PAT fifteen yards further back. The kick is blocked and BYU wins. Has the college game got to the point where spontaneous enthusiasm is penalized. This is a game played by 18-22 year olds and they are supposed to have fun. Allow them the opportunity to celebrate as long as it isn't excessive or showing up the other team.