This blog is going to be a little bit different from the earlier ones. As I said last week, I’d take a look at how some of the potential coaches are doing this year.
Les Miles, LSU v. UNC
LSU held off a late push by a suspension-depleted UNC team 30-24 in Atlanta. The Tigers got off to a quick start, going up 30-10 at half. They were unable to sustain a drive in the second half, gaining only 78 yards on 28 plays. After slowing down UNC’s offense throughout the game, the LSU defense gave up 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Tar Heels were a Zack Pianalto catch away from winning the game.
Outlook: This game’s end surprised and disappointed me. LSU got off to a lead, but then seemed to shut it down, which almost cost them the game. I expected Les Miles’ team to keep pushing, especially with the NCAA suspensions against UNC. I’ll be eager to see how they do against Vanderbilt this week. They’re on the road and they are the better team. If they play down to their competition, this could be the end of the Les Miles era.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern @ Vanderbilt
The Wildcats won a close game on the road to open their season, 23-21. Dan Persa lead the Wildcats on offense, going 19-21 for 222 yards and 3 TDs through the air while rushing for 82 yards. Three different receivers caught TD passes against the Commodore defense. The Commodores out gained Northwestern 432-365, but they were unable to take control of the game. Vanderbilt failed on a 2nd quarter PAT and two second half 2-pt conversions that would have tied the game.
Outlook: Northwestern has been talked up as being a middle of the pack Big Ten team, while Vanderbilt, under first year head coach Robbie Caldwell, is likely going to be among the weakest in the SEC. I honestly expected a bigger win for the Wildcats, but a win is a win. I’m hoping to see a stronger defense the rest of the year. Saturday they take on Illinois State at Ryan Field, which should be a big win for Pat Fitzgerald’s squad.
Greg Schiano, Rutgers v. Norfolk St
As can be expected Rutgers rolled against Norfolk St 31-0. Running back Joe Martinek rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown while Joe Savaged passed for 148 yards and a touchdown. Rutgers demolished Norfolk St, outgaining them 422 yards to 156 and 37:41 TOP to 22:19. Norfolk went 0-12 on 3rd down. 25 of RU’s points came in the second half.
Outlook: Schiano’s team was the better squad and they showed it. The defense dominated, holding Norfolk to only two drives for more than 18 yards and only one of 6 or more plays. With the Big East looking very weak this first week, and Rutgers having a pretty easy nonconference schedule, the Scarlet Knights could win the conference. They have a road game at FIU this week.
Chris Petersen, Boise St v. Virginia Tech
Whether you were cheering for or against them, Boise State pulled off a close win against the Hokies on Monday night on a “neutral site” 33-30. Virginia Tech handed Boise a 17-0 lead early on several special teams mistakes, a shocker for a Frank Beamer team. The Hokies got into the game in the second quarter and outscored the Broncos 30-16. The game was a battle of quarterbacks, as Heisman candidate Kellen Moore completed 23 of 38 passes for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game winner. VTech’s Tyrod Taylor went 15/22 and 186 yards passing and 2 touchdowns and 73 yards rushing.
Outlook: This was an insanely exciting game to watch, and honestly the only one I was able to watch entirely. I was underwhelmed with Kellen Moore throughout most of the game, as many of his passes seemed to be off. On that last drive, however, he met my expectations, leading Boise to a big win. From here, they should be favored the rest of the way, for better or worse. They get a Wyoming team next weekend coming off the death of one of their players. We’ll see how Wyoming plays this week against Texas and Boise the week after.
Jim Harbaugh, Stanford v. Sacramento St
Andrew Luck led the Cardinal in a rout of Sacramento St 52-17. Luck went 17/23 for 316 yards and a career high 4 TDs. On defense, Stanford dominated the Hornets holding them to 167 of total offense. After going into halftime with a 38-7 lead, Stanford’s offense slowed in the second half, scoring only 14 points and 151 yards of offense.
Outlook: Stanford looked to have a good game this weekend. I didn’t know the game was on and I was out and about, so I missed it. Stanford opens conference play Saturday at UCLA, which will go a long way to show how both teams will stand this year. UCLA’s breaking in a new pistol offense. If Luck can put up big numbers and the defense can smother the Bruins, it’ll go a long way to building up the Cardinal’s season.
As you can probably guess, I’ll be previewing Jim Harbaugh next. That’ll probably go up tonight or tomorrow morning. Keep a look out for it. Also, comment with any suggestions you have for the blog. I’ve been short on feedback, and I’d like to get some. Whether it’s about the format of the blog, coaches you’d like to see, other features, or anything else constructive would be welcome. Also, please comment! This isn’t as much fun without some participation from my readers. I can’t know how I’m doing without a vocal audience.
