Pyle of List

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009...3:52 pm

The Undefeateds (Week 3)

“Men, I’ll be honest. Winning isn’t everything. Men, it’s the only thing.”

-Henry Russell “Red” Sanders

The abbreviated version of this quote is often incorrectly attributed to Vince Lombardi. Not that he didn’t say it, but Sanders is on record as having said on two separate occasions, both preceding the first know utterance from Mr. Lombardi. Nothing wrong with borrowing a good quote, but it’s a shame that people (myself included until moments ago) think he came up with it. Guess that’s what happens when you’re much more famous.

Sanders was a college football coach for 14 years, first with Vanderbilt and then with the ucla bruins. During his tenure at ucla, he also said, “Beating ‘SC is not a matter of life and death. It’s more important than that.” It’s also notable that he’s the only bruin coach to lead the team to a national championship. As much of a Trojan fan as I am, I kind of like the guy’s style.

But enough about the past. Let’s look at the future.

Though last week’s LSU/Vanderbilt game was closer than I expected, I still picked it accurately, and went 3-1 overall. Which brings me to a dead even 4-4 (I’m counting my Florida pick now because it’s convenient.)

After two weeks of games we’re down to 47 unbeaten teams, or roughly 39% of what we started with. I was quite surprised to learn that this week still features 8 matchups between undefeated teams. I only consider one of them high profile (despite what ESPN tries to tell me), but as long as there are at least four matchups available, I’ll slot them into my categories.

MOST INTRIGUING

#14 Georgia Tech vs. #20 Miami

Not just because it’s the first conference game between two teams in the top 20 but also because no one has any idea what will happen. Miami ran a shotgun offense in more ways than one as they scattered the ball all over the field against Florida State. Which seemed impressive until the Seminoles only eked out a victory over Jacksonville State.

Likewise, George Tech ran right through, around, under, and over that same Jacksonville State team, then got a very comfortable lead against Clemson that became nail-bitingly uncomfortable in the 4th quarter.

Letting Clemson mount any kind of comeback would generally be a terrible thing, but under their new coach, the Tigers have a little more fire. But it still speaks volumes about Tech’s defense.

They don’t have the type of offense to hang around in a shootout, and they don’t seem to have a defense that can hold off a powerful offense. Miami takes them down.

One thing is certain. This song’s still awesome. Right, guys? Guys?

LEAST INTRIGUING GAME

(TIE)

#9 LSU vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

#2 Texas vs. Texas Tech

LSU gets special mention for having a very unappealing game against another undefeated team for the second week in a row. This wouldn’t have been possible if the Ragin’ Cajuns hadn’t had the luxury of playing an utterly clueless and lost Kansas State team. Bill Synder must be turning over in his grave. Oh wait, he’s coaching again.

If the Cajuns somehow pull this off, I will write them a 10,000 word love letter. But they won’t.

I’d like Carville’s chances against LSU though.

Meanwhile, ESPN is trying to hype the Texas/Texas Tech game as something it’s not. Does Texas want revenge? Absolutely. Will they get it? Absolutely.

Some people seem to think that with Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree (who really should come back for this game since he’s not doing anything else right now), Mike Leach won’t know how to run a football team. That’s not the case. They’ll be about the same as they’ve always been. But you can’t expect to replace that kind of offensive power and put up the same kind of numbers?

Well, actually, if you’re Texas Tech you can. Maybe not as many touchdowns, but I expect a lot of yards passing. That place is a system more than a team, so the athletes are mostly interchangeable.

What you can’t do is replace Michael Crabtree and expect to win a Texas revenge game AT Texas. I wouldn’t even like their chances if Harrell and Crabtree were both back, so I certainly don’t like them now.

“It is inevitable, Mr. Crabtree.”

UPSET SPECIAL

Oregon State vs. #17 Cincinnati

I know that the Beavers needed a last minute field goal to beat UNLV while Cincy absolutely smashed Rutgers and Southeast Missouri State (You know it’s bad when it has TWO directions in it.) But Jacquizz Rodgers put up a lot of yards and will do so again.

The bottom line is I won’t be convinced Cincy is any good until I see them beat a decent team.

He was so excited to collect his trophy he didn’t even wait for his shirt to dry. (Or to take off his hat’s price tag.)

JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT

Auburn vs. West Virginia

The Mountaineers are passing like it’s going out of style, and the Tigers are running and actually scoring points. Both had a down season last year, but Auburn’s was far, far worse. I still think they have a long way to climb and aren’t ready to beat a pretty good team.