'Canes defeat Razorbacks to win 1st ever NoBCS Title !!!

Both offenses struggled and Arkansas held a slim 6-0 lead at the half on two FGs. The game was tied 6-6 after a extra point try was blocked to start the 4th quarter. Overtime looked very likely, but Miami's Ed Reed picked off a pass on the ensuing drive and Miami took a 9-6 lead on a 40-yard FG.

Clinton Portis sealed the deal with a "1" roll with 3:00 minutes left on 3rd and 8 from 36 yards out to put the game out of reach at 16-6.

Miami ends up with a 9-1 record. Arkansas had a great year and ended up 7-3.

Clinton Portis was voted MVP for his 148 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Miami's defense, as it has done all season, has bailed out the offense with 4 turnovers (2 fumbles and 2 INTs).

NOTE - If this was in the PVL, the 10-point lead with 3 minutes to go, would leave the game still up for grabs :-) But, this Miami defense can make any online coach look good. Wayne called a great game like always and it was a low-scoring battle that was not unexpected. Only 31 passes thrown, combined for both teams, as most of the time both teams went with a 2 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR formation, as evidenced by the 86 run plays called. -submitted by Mark Miller--

'Canes slip by Sooners to advance to Finals

Miami wins 23-20 in OT after trailing 17-0 in the first half. Turnovers and penalties were in favor of Oklahoma in this re-match. Only 2 Oklahoma penalties and Dorsey threw one pick and Andre Johnson lost a fumble on a kickoff that put the 'Canes in a big hole early. But, it is a four quarter game (and sometimes more with OT). Oklahoma misses a FG in OT, Miami does not. Also, Miami dodged a huge bullet with a missed FG with only seconds left in regulation. --submitted by Mark Miller--

ROSE BOWL: Hogs hold off Lions

Hogs win 34-27 stopping Penn State on 4th and 4 with 40 secs to play. Hogs had another 4th and 2 stop from the 2 or 3 earlier in the quarter. Actually led 34-20 with about 5 minutes. Penn State quickly scored to make it 34-27 with about three and a half to play. I pretty much figure I can run out the clock or close to it. Fumble and he moved down to the wild finish. Just a great game. That3 4-20 lead was the only time a team led by more than one score. Big play IMO wasan 80 yard TD run by Ben Cowins in the first quarter. I knew I'd need a cheap TD somewhere!I guess Mark and Bill aren't playing until Monday. This will seem like the long break real schools take before the bowl games! --contributed by Wayne Poniewaz--

FIESTA BOWL: Nittany Lions claw 'Noles 42-28

The Lions avenged an early season 25 point loss to the Seminoles. They were lead by Kerry Collins who was 15-23 passing 309 yards 4 TD and 1 INT which was returned for a TD. Freddie Scott and Bobby Engram lead the receiving combining for 10 catches for 208 yards and 4 TD.The Seminoles #1 Offense in BCS still managed 560 yards of Offense but struggled on 3rd and 4th down conversions going a combined 9-21.Charlie Ward led the way offensively going 36-57 thru the air for 341 yards and 2 TD and 1 INT he would also be sacked twice.Penn St's bend but not break approach really worked although Florida St. moved the ball they were often long time consuming drives.Penn St. now (6-3) will meet (6-2) 77 Arkansas in the BCS Semifinals. Florida St. finished the season 5-4. --submitted by Mike Kenney--

ORANGE BOWL: Sooners nip Gators 22-21

The first meeting between these team came down to the final play. In that game Oklahoma had driven down to the Florida 27 yard line and was well within field goal range to possibly force a overtime. Thompson went back to pass on play action and due to the Gator pressure was sacked and also fumbled away any chance OU had of getting it to overtime.

This time around the game once again would come down to the final seconds before a winner would jubilantly celebrate on the Orange Bowl field.

Florida would start this game out in fashion as they would take the opening drive from its own 25 to the Sooner 19 yard line in just 8 plays. Oklahoma was just trying to find a way to stop the drive and force a field goal when lady luck struck on the Sooners side. Danny Wuerffel (26-39-321) would be picked by FS Ricky Dixon to end the threat.

Starting from its own 31, Jamielle Holieway and company would masterfully move down the field with the wishbone and a occasional rare pass. 11 plays and 5:19 seconds later HB Anthony Stafford (9-49) would go in from 5 yards out to give the Sooners a 7-0 lead. Both teams would exchange a punts but Florida would start its first scoring drive very late in this quarter.

It wouldn't take them long to finalize it in the 2nd quarter though as with 14:52 left RB Eugene McCaslin would take it in from 4 outs to tie the game at 7 apiece. OU would come right back and RD Lasher would kick a 29 yard field goal to put OU back on top at 10-7. That lead would last less than 3 minutes as Florida went 80 yards in 6 plays and tore through a darn good OU defense as Wuerfful would find RB Elijah Williams wide open for a 27 yard strike. OU would go into the locker room down 14-13 at the half as Lasher added a 30 yard field goal late in the half.

OU would take its first lead since the opening quarter to start the 3rd as they marched 60 yards in 9 plays as Holieway (24-93 rushing and 6-12-123 passing) went in from 2 yards out. Knowing they needed to go for 2, they rushed out and Holieway could not handle the snap and the conversion was no good. Late in the 3rd, the Gators were driving for the go ahead score at the Sooners 21 yard line. Backup QB Shottenhiemer would find Green for a 11 yard gain but as he was hit he lost the ball and OU recovered ending yet another Gator scoring opportunity.

Trailing now 19-14 to begin the 4th, Florida would put together a impressive 96 yard drive in 16 plays to retake the lead. Reidel Anthony (7-139) would take in a 8 yard pass from Wuerffel and with the extra point UF led again 21-19. Oklahoma would be forced to punt as the Gator defense gave very little ground. UF would start its next drive at the Gators own 12 with only 6:13 left.

Facing a 3rd and two from its own 34, OU was playing run but UF OC Marc Wiess made one heck of a call. On play action completely fooling the OU defense, Wuerffel would find Anthony in the flat and he would race 60 yards down to the OU 6 yard line. At this point the OU coaches figured it was pretty much over. A holding call though would push the Gators back and eventually were force to attempt the field goal. Bart Edmiston was called upon to force OU to score a touchdown to win. The 31 yard attempt sailed right and OU dodged a bullet.

With only 3:01 left OU would now have to go about 50 yards just to get into field goal range. With the wishbone even that may not be enough time. With just :59 seconds left OU was within field goal range sitting at the Gators 17. Lasher again would come out and this time the kick would either break the Sooners or Lasher was going to be a hero. Lasher would not miss and with only now :55 to go and a 22-21- lead all they had to do was make the tackles.

Green though had other ideas as he took that kickoff and ran it back to the OU 40. Sooner fans began to rustle around. Surely UF would get into Field Goal range as they still had 45 ticks to play. Weurffel on 2nd down PA would find Green for a 11 yard gain but he had forgotten something as OU players pounced on the ball.

OU then the Sooners just ran the clock down and OU wins either way.
--submitted by Bill Vogt--

SUN BOWL [Tuscon, AZ]: Lions claw Wolverines 27-7 to complete season sweep

Penn St. jumped out early again in the second meeting after holding Mich. to a 3 and out the Lions marched 69 yards on 12 plays with Ki-Jana Carter finishing off the drive with an 8 yard TD scamper. He would gain 132 yards for the day.After adding a FG to end the 1st Qtr. the Wolverines went a nice drive themselves and found paydirt on a 1 yard Michael Hart TD plunge capping an 8 play 48 yard drive. "I was like here we go this is going to be a battle" said coach Kenny.His team would answer after Conway added another FG and following a Michigan punt the Lions found themselves pinned on their own 2 late in the 1st Half. I said "Lets just run the clock out and get into the lockeroom" Kijana Carter had other plans as he broke an inside run and sprinted 58 yards before running out of gas. 2 plays later Mike Archie would weave his way to the end zone on a screen pass to increase the lead to 27-7.

"We were really holding our breath that 2nd half, we know they are capable of moving the ball and putting points on the board, as they did in the first game" "But our defense really rose to occasion" Penn St. who ranked 12th in the 12 team league in rushing defense giving up 5.0 ypr came up big only allowing 3 ypc this night holding talented running back Michael Hart to 67 yards on 20 carries. "Anytime you keep him under 100 yards mission accomplished" The defense really got pressure on Chad Henne to sacking him 4 times. "He's someone you can't give time to sit back and find those talented receivers". Kerry Collins continued his stellar QB play completing 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards and 2 TD's. He now has 14 TD's to only 2 INT's for the season

Motor City Bowl: Florida 71, USC 63 (4 OT)

Two incredible offensive teams hooked up for an Instant Bowl Classic. Both teams combined for over 1,200 yards on offense. With just over 9 minutes left to go in the game Florida thought it had a comfortable 21 point lead. NEVER think your lead is comfortable, when your team features a pass happy offense not designed to run out the clock. USC scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game at 49 apiece and force OT. USC's final score was aided by a brilliant onside kick recovery.

OT was a microcosm of regulation as neither team could stop the other. Both SC and FL had 4th down convert or go home opportunities in OT. Florida converted 1 and USC converted 1 of 2. With it all on the line USC had a 3rd and 4 and elected to run an exhausted Reggie Bush, who was met by a stiff run D by Florida that was keying him. This setup the big 4th and 3. With Florida already up by 8 thanks to a 3 yd Reidel Anthony reception, SC had to convert and score or the game was over. Matt Leinart threw a short pass attempt to Steve Smith who was double teamed. The ball fell to the harmlessly to the carpet at Ford field to end this classic contest.

Both teams were visibly exhausted. USC's coach Geller said at his post game press conference, "Both defenses left early". Coach Weiss of Florida responded, "I suspect both defenses never even boarded their respective planes to Detroit". Danny Wuerffel was selected the game's MVP as he threw for 484 yards and 8 TD's (4 in OT). Reidel Anthony caught 5 of those TD passes for 158 yards. Reggie Bush on his own outrushed Florida with 153 yard on 26 carries. Bush had 57 more yards on 4 receptions and would have been voted game MVP if SC won. Dwayne Jarrett had almost 200 yards (196) on 13 big receptions to lead all receivers.

Michigan holds off Ohio St 31-24 to claim top spot in CFB's most storied rivalry.

Michigan jumped out to a 21 point lead early in the second quarter before the Buckeyes started coming back. Ohio State cut the lead to 7 on a Damon Moore 55 yd interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter, but Michigan added a field goal to take a 10 point half time lead. Neither team scored in the third quarter. Then the Buckeyes got a field goal early in the fourth in make it a one touchdown game. With just over five minutes to play, the Buckeyes were facing a 4th and 9 from the Michigan 42. Buckeye coach Alan Bernardo then made the call of the game, having his punter Bartholomew run a fake punt and the result was a 42 yard run for a touchdown. The two teams traded three and outs and Michigan had the ball on their own 36 with 1:53 remaining. Chad Henne then hit Manningham for 6 yards, Arrington for 18, Massey for 10 and Hart for 21 on consecutive plays to leave Michigan with a first an goal from the 9 a nd 1:17 remaining. Three Michael Hart runs later burned all the Buckeye time outs and ended in a touchdown for Michigan with 56 ticks on the clock. From his own 20, Joe Germaine hit Jon Lumpkin for 32 yards to the Michigan 48. But Shawn Crable came through to get Michigan's only sack of Germaine for an 11 yard loss. A spike left the Buckeyes with 2 plays. They were only able to pick up seven yards, and Michigan came away with a victory in the game selected as the one number sports rivalry by Sports Illustrated. 31-24.
Chad Henne was 21-38 for 344 yards, 2 tds, 3 ints. Joe Germaine was 24-40, 168 yards, 1 td, 1 int.
Mike hart rushed for 134 yards on 28 carries and 2 tds. Mike Wiley was 17-68. Steve Breaston caught 8 passes for 131 yards, 1 td, mostly in the first half. Mario Manningham caught 5 passes for 109 yards including a 61 yard td reception. Daryll Boston caught 8 passes for 63 yards and 1 rd.

SOONERS ESCAPE WOLVERINES CLAWS 22-19

Intradivisional games began this week with Oklahoma hosting the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams entered the contest with 1-1 records on the young season. Michigan had Heisman winning RB Michael Hart (15-69) on a mission to prove that the Sooner defense could be moved on. On the other side of the ball, the Sooners defense was chopping it to bits to get their hands on Hart. Oklahoma would need to cut down on its fumbles (16 and lost 11 through 2 games) and force UM to have long drives. Michigan also knew that the wishbone would not be easy to stop.

Things got off to a quick start for the Wolverines as WR Steve Breasten (7-71) returned the opening kickoff 58 yards back to the Sooners 38 yard line. A personal fould penalty was tacked on and now Michigan would begin its opening drive at OU's 21 yard line. Already the OU defense was in a bad situation due to its special teams breakdown, but hey at least it wasn't due to a fumble by the offense. After 3 straight attempts to at least get a first down the Wolverines were forced to bring in Garrett Rivas to kick a 35 yard field goal. In less than a minute the Wolverines led 3-0. OU would punt to Michigan on its first two possessions of the game sending the Sooners a message loud and clear that they had come to play. Michigan would miss an opportunity to go up 6-0 on its second drive but Rivas was unable to convert the 49 yard field goal.

Midway through the opening quarter Michigan would silence the crowd here at Gaylord Memorial Stadium by going up 10-0 on Chad Hennes touchdown pass to Adrian Arrington with only 1:58 left in the opening quarter. Rivas would come on to start to second quarter by hitting a 49 yard field goal to now put the Wolverines up 13-0 created by a Sooner fumble at its own 31 yard line. OU would finally put together a nice drive but penalties killed it and OU was forced to bring in RD Lasher to kick the 35 yard field goal. That lead would go to 16-3 after yet another Michigan field goal, this time from only 29 yards. Lasher prior the half ending would put OU within 8 at 14-6.

OU would open up the 3rd quarter and get some help along the way to keep the drive going. The costly one though came on an attempted OU field goal. The field goal was missed badly, but Michigan would be called for "climbing over the back" of a defender in an attempt to block the kick. Now instead of it being 4th and 11 it was now a makeable 4th and 1. OU opted to take the field goal team and go for it. Patrick Collins would smash off right tackle for a 3 yard gain and a Sooner first down. 5 plays later Eric Mitchell would go in from 5 yards out cutting the UM lead to 16-10. By the end of the 3rd the Sooner team was starting to take the game over.

Michigan would retake the lead at 19-16 early in the 4th quarter. Again penalties would hurt OU as midway through the 4th forcing OU to overcome a 2nd and 22 when Holieway was called for intentional grounding. 6 plays later OU got its first lead of the game on seldom used Damon Stells 5 yard run. The extra point was missed and OU now only led by 3 at 22-19. The game would end this way as now OU goes to 2-1 and Michigan dropped to 1-2 on the young season.

Michigan coach Tom Davis stated after the game "I wasn't thinking right and earlier in the 4th quarter should have opted to kick a field goal as I was thinking I was down by 4.".

Good luck to Michigan the rest of the way. --submitted by Bill Vogt--

Michigan 41, Texas 20

Texas received the opening kick but failed to get a first down. Th ensuing punt went to Steve Breaston at the Michigan 19. When Steve stopped running he was in the end zone and Michigan had a 7-0 lead. Texas picked up a field goal and then a Vince Young 12 yd run to take a 10-7 lead into the 2nd quarter. Michigan opened the second quarter with a Jerome Jackson 13 yard run for a td and then Garret Rivas added a field goal for a 17-10 lead. Vince Young tied the game with a two yard run and then the Longhorns added a second field goal from Pino to end the half down after Mike Hart scored a touchdown for the Wolverines and the half ended 24-20 Michigan. The second half was all Michigan. touchdown runs by Hart and Jackson and a Rivas field goal was all the scoring in the second half as Michigan won 41-20. Texas suffered from penalties, 11 for 96 yards, many coming at crucial moments. Michigan's Hart fumbled twice and Henne threw an interception but the Longhorns could only capitalize on one of the turnovers for their first field goal. Vince Young rushed for 70 yards and two tds and threw for 155. Mike hart rushed for 150 yards on 26 carries and Steve Breaston caught 7 passes and had 132 yards returning three punts (his second return was for about 58 yards).

SOONERS ROLL TIDE 45-7

Alabama fans may want to put this game out of their memories because this is the type of game that will cause any sane fan nightmares. No one, not even the Oklahoma Sooners themselves could have envisioned a Sooner blowout. The respect that both fan bases share with each other is almost like akin to brothers. At times you love them, but when you compete against them they become your enemy for the duration of that competition.

This game would turn into one of those ugly fights you usually had with your older brother. You know the one where your older brother uses you as a punching bag. The best part of that fight is that at least at the very beginning your chances of getting the best of him is better than when the fist start actually flying.

In the beginning of this Alabama-Oklahoma contest it looked as if both sides would do more pushing and shoving than actually connecting with those right hooks. In fact it was more in line with a war of words early on. You know those, "I'm gonna kick your ass" threats with no real action.

For the first 14:32 seconds neither team was able to land a scoring blow as both teams had trouble moving the ball. Oklahoma would land the first big blow when RB Patrick Collins would find a huge whole on the right side of the Bama defense and race 42 yards to paydirt to give OU the early 7-0 lead and the only score of the opening quarter.

In the second quarter Alabama would give the Sooner offense a gift as Jay Barker would be intercepted by Darren Kilpatrick and give the ball to the Sooners at the Bama 34. Bama's defense though would win this battle as they would deflect a possible knockout punch by OU and force OU to settle for a R.D Lasher 43 yard field goal. Bama now needed to respond offensively and show the OU defense that they could move the ball on them. A holding call though would negate a penetration into the Sooner territory though and force Bama to once again punt the ball. After a return punt by OU, the Sooner defense would strip RB Chris Anderson of the ball at the Bama 16 and it would be scooped up by Frank Blevins setting OU up at the Tides 13.

Four playes later, Jamelle Holieway would race in from 8 yards out to put OU now on top 17-0. That score would turn into a 24-0 Sooner lead just minutes afterward as Barker again was intercepted by David Vickers who would return it back to the Bama 21. Patrick Collins 7 yard run 2 plays later would almost shut out any hope that Bama had of a possible comeback.

Alabama knowing that if they had any hope at all would have to come out and stop the Sooners on the opening drive of the 3rd quarter. After the Sooners had moved the ball down inside the 40 of Bama they would get a break as Lydell Carr would be stripped of the ball and the Bama defense would come up with it to kill the Sooner drive. Barker though again would throw a errant pass that the Sooners would pick once again and take over at the Bama 30.

The Sooners would make the Tide pay for the mistake as Anthony Stafford would race in later from 5 yards out to give OU the 31-0 lead. "I played like crap and this game was lost due to my inability to find my own receivers" stated Barker. Actually Jay, not to debate you but I think the inability to move the ball either on the ground or through the air was the problem. Lets not forget the inability of your offensive line being able to protect you" Oklahoma's defense swarmed and dominated the Bama offense as the Sooner D held the Bama offense to only 101 total yards. Oklahoma recorded 8 sacks, 3 by Troy Johnson, and 5 interceptions off Barker.

Sooner coach Barry Switzer never once called for a pass play and rushed for 361 yards on the ground, led by Patrick Collins 99 yards on 11 carries. Leading 31-0 entering the 4th quarter Switzer ordered his troops to just try to kill clock, but how do you keep from scoring when the opposing QB basically hands your defense a pick 6 late as Barker did. The last score was due to yet another Barker interception and OU only had to go 26 yards with still 9+ minutes to go.

Bama would score with only 1:28 left as they converted a Sooner fumble into a touchdown as they only had to go 7 yards to get it. "Hey at least we scored" stated HC Gene Stallings and we can now build on that".

In the end this wasn't even a fair fight, the Tide kept leaving themselves open for those bruising punches and like in any fight, if you get hit hard and often eventually that knockout blow is going to put your lights out. This was the case in this game, Jim called a great game, but everything and I do mean everything went OU's way and very little things went Bama's way.

OU now heads to Miami and will hope that the defense once again rises to the occasion, while Bama now prepares to regroup at home vs. USC. --submitted by Bill Vogt--

Buckeyes rally to defeat upstard Razorbacks 17-14

An underdog Hog squad knew they were going to have to control the tempo of the game and hopefully take advantage of some Buckeye turnovers before a hostile Ohio State crowd.Things started off as planned when Ohio State fumbled on their first possession but the Hogs failed to take advantage. The game became a defensive struggle for most of the first quarter until Ron Calcagni found Danny Bobo on consecutive plays of 49 and 26 yards to give Arkansas a 7-0 lead with about four minutes remaining in the period.Ohio State picked up one first down on their next possession the pinned the Razorbacks at the 3 yard line. Arkansas brought in the two-TE package and decided to play some smash-mouth football. Twelve straight runs moved the ball to the Ohio State 36. A play action pass failed on first down but Calcagni tried it again on 2nd down. This time it was complete for 15 yards and it was followed by a flagrant face mask. Two more runs produced the TD and a 14-0 lead.

The 100,000+ fans were stunned.Ohio State went three and out on their next possession and this time Arkansas started at their own 14. They gained a few yards but lost them all on two 15 yard personal foul penalties. (Arkansas was penalized 10 times for 110 yards in the game including five personal fouls. The Buckeyes were also penalized 10 times but for 71 yards.) A short punt and a 14 yard return gave Ohio State the ball at the Arkansas 39. Three plays later it was 14-7.The third quarter was a defensive struggle which featured three turnovers including INTs on successive plays at the end of the quarter. The second one gave Ohio State the ball at the Arkansas nine yard line but a key sack on second down meant the Buckeyes had to settle for a FG making it 14-10. A whole lot more defense followed (or poor offense) in the 4th quarter.

Ohio State moved to the Ark 45 but fumbled with 5:51 to play. Calcagni was sacked on 1st down as Arkansas tried to surprise the Buckeye defense. A run gained 5 yards then Calcagni found 3rd string WR Gary Stiggers for 41 yards. 4:35 remained. 4:23 remained when Calcagni lost a fumble on the next play after an 8 yard option run had moved the ball to the OSU 14.Still Ohio State had not managed a sustained drive all day against this Hog defense and they need a touchdown. Thirteen plays later they were at the Arkansas 25 after converting a 3rd and 13, 3rd and 2 and 4th and 6. 1:26 remained and they had just one timeout. The Arkansas defense was very tough as the opponent's moved closer to the goal line and optimism still ran high on their sideline. But Reggie Germany took a medium short pass 25 yards to the house on the next play making it 17-14.Arkansas moved the ball to the 49 after the kick but an 11 yard sack killed their hopes. The Hail Mary fell incomplete as the game ended.Hogs ran 54-188 (includes 4 sacks) and Calcagni was 13-27 for 188 yards passing. Germane was 18-34 for 187 and they picked up 43-156 on the ground (also including 4 sacks). The Hogs D gets a severe test next week as 94 Penn State comes to visit. The Buckeyes travel to Tallahassee to face 93 FSU.

'01 Canes sneak by '98 Arizona 23-20 on a 44 yd FG

Miami (Fla) '01 at Arizona '98. Both coaches know each other pretty well and it showed as the contest was not decided until 34 seconds were left on the clock.

Arizona played the better first half of the game and took a 13-3 lead into the locker room. A 50-yard FG (17% chance) with 46 ticks left sent the visiting team to their locker room searching for answers.

Arizona also won the battle of the 3rd quarter (7 to 3) to make it 20-6 and it really looked like the game was over and heading for blowout status.

But the boosters paid good money for the 2001 Hurricanes. How else would you be able to field a team consisting of Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Willis McGahee, Ken Dorsey, Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed, Andre Johnson and Najeh Davenport. You have this much talent you need to step up and quit playing like a local high school team (for the blind).

The 4th quarter saw 7 plays flagged with Arizona having 4 go against them. Roughing the passer and pass interference kept the drive alive so that Miami could pull within a TD, 20-13. Clinton Portis did the heavy lifting and Frank Gore finished the drive with a 7-yard rushing TD. With 8 minutes still to go, the Arizona fans were a little nervous. Frank Gore was the hero on the next drive, ripping off a 57-yard run on 3rd and 10. Jeremy Shockey found paydirt on a pass from Ken Dorsey to tie the game at 20-20 with a little over 4 minutes to go.

Another 3-and-out series, followed by a big punt return put the Wildcats in a bad spot. A big sack stalled the drive and Miami had its first lead 23-20 on a 44-yard FG by Todd Sievers. Still plenty of time left for Arizona to possibly tie the game, but unfortunately, they had to start at their own 8-yard line.

Coach Keller was up for the task. Arizona moved the ball to the Miami 29 with 34 seconds left. On 3rd and 2, James Lewis intercepted an errant pass by Keith Smith to end Arizona's chances at overtime.

Frank Gore was the MVP of the game, rushing for 115 yards, 1 TD with a long gain of 57. Clinton Portis had more carries and also eclipsed the 100-yard mark with 106 rushing yards as well. Arizona countered with their own 100-yard guy as Trung Candidate ran for a buck-nineteen and 1 TD.

Both teams struggled on 3rd down (MIA 4-14, ARZ 4-13). Turnovers were key as the Wildcats shot themselves in the foot with 4 turnovers, compared to 2 giveaways by the Hurricanes. 20 penalties for almost 200 yards made for a very sloppy game.

Miami will host Oklahoma, while Arizona travels to Florida.

Shootout at the Coliseum: USC 45, Florida 41

Geller+Weiss=a flip a coin close game result. This one was no different. If it wasn't for turnovers, by both teams the score could have been higher. Well over 1,000 yards of offense posted and it still came down to an onside kick and an offense that had to draw deep down on its reserves to run out the clock and ensure victory. Both QB's were seen icing down their arms after the game. Leinart actually had to miss his ballroom dancing class. Wuerfel limped over to prayer meeting. Expect to see these two squads in the thick of it.

Reggie Bush was unstoppable as he accounted for 243 all purpose yards. Bush was 24-142 with 3 rushing TD's. Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith both eclipsed the century mark for yards receiving. Matt Leinart was 29-37-365-3td-1int to lead the #1 ranked Trojans to victory.

Ike Hilliard caught 7 passes for 134 yards and Reidell Anthony had 7 for 99, which included 2 TD's. The big difference in the game was QB play. Leinart only threw one pick, while Danny Wuerffel (27-38-402-4td-4int) threw 4.

Tuesday 9/23/2008: Opening Night !!!

6 games on tap for week #1:

Florida @ USC
Michigan @ Penn St.
Miami (FL) @ Arizona
Alabama @ Oklahoma
Florida St. @ Texas
Arkansas @ Ohio St.