M. Hart (Purdue)

On November 1^st, Boilermaker fans were able to forget, if only briefly, about the dismal season that is Purdue Football 2008. On that day, Justin Siller took the reigns of the offense and led Purdue to a thrilling 48-42 victory. Siller was brilliant in managing the game. He threw three touchdown passes and ran for another all while only turning the ball over one time. Keep in mind that this is all coming from a guy who was playing running back just two weeks before. This was his first collegiate start. This was against Michigan. This was after only a week of taking snaps with the first team. In other words, this was not supposed to happen. Keep in mind, Curtis Painter has been the Purdue quarterback for essentially the last four years. Joey Elliot has been the backup for the last two years. However, with both Painter and Elliot injured, it was Siller’s time to shine. Never mind the fact that the win came against the worst Michigan team in 40 years, Siller showed that he has athleticism, desire, and ability. The offense looked “alive,” which is something that it has not been in the weeks leading up to the game. Of course, Siller and the offense came crashing back to earth at Michigan State, but one has to think that Siller will now have a leg up on Joey Elliot next fall when it is time to decide on a starter. It is unfortunate for Elliot as it was finally his turn to play when Painter went down. He has Northwestern to blame for the season ending shoulder injury that opened up the door for Siller. Not only did Siller provide excitement for fans, but “Cowboy Joe” made a return to Ross-Ade Stadium as well. Fans have been upset with conservative play calling by Tiller and the coaching staff in recent years. The gunslinger that Joe Tiller used to be seemed to have ridden off into the sunset long ago. However, for one afternoon, he returned. Tiller called a gutsy fake punt early in the 4^th quarter that set up a Purdue touchdown, and then late in the game, he called a hook-and-lateral play that proved to be the winning touchdown. Where has this creative play calling been? It was clear that the coaches wanted to win this game. They were not satisfied going to overtime or “being in position to win,” they wanted to push the issue. That is the attitude that Purdue fans want to see Coach Danny Hope have when he takes over next season. There are now two games remaining in the season. Even though the season is already lost, there is still some intrigue with this team. Have I mentioned Justin Siller? It is time to see if this kid can play. Was Michigan a fluke? Hopefully the coaches give him a chance and build for the future. The Boilermakers also face the Indiana Hoosiers in the season finale. Not only is this game for the Old Oaken Bucket and state pride, but it will also be for last place in the Big Ten. The loser of the game probably will finish all alone in the basement of the league—something Purdue has not done since 1940. There is also a chance to send Joe Tiller out on a winning note—something he deserves for all he has done for the program. I predict that Purdue will in fact send Tiller out a winner, and Purdue will beat a hapless Indiana team: Purdue 31, IU 21

A. Staab

Big East

It was 1895 when Arch Carson, the University of Cincinnati’s first football coach, envisioned a stadium on the spot where Nippert Stadium stands today. Seven years later in 1902 his vision became a reality when the first game was played on the new field. In the 106 years since, there has never been a game of greater magnitude than the one this Saturday. Sure, Cincinnati hosted #2 Georgia in 1942 and #1 Miami in 1986 but they lost those games. And the Bearcats upset #8 Wisconsin in 1999 but a trip to the BCS wasn’t on the line. Not even president elect Barack Obama could generate the kind of wild excitement Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium will see on Saturday when the UC Bearcats take on the Pitt Panthers in a Big East battle of first place teams. When Obama’s campaign rolled into Nippert on November 2^nd, approximately 27,000 enthusiastic fans showed up for the rally. But that will seem tame by comparison to the atmosphere Pitt will be walking into on November 22^nd. With a victory over Pitt, Cincinnati will all but sew up its first Big East title. All that would remain for the Bearcats to do is put lowly Syracuse and lame duck head coach Greg Robinson out of their misery in a home game against the Orange on the 29^th. Cincinnati would then grab the Big East automatic bid to the BCS with a 6-1 conference record - holding the tie breaker should WVU also finish at 6-1.

That Cincinnati is in this position is nothing short of astounding given the injuries the Bearcats have suffered throughout the season. Most impressive is the fact that Cincy has started 3 different quarterbacks due to injuries and yet they haven’t missed a beat sitting at 8-2 overall and 4-1 in conference. Opening day starting QB Dustin Grutza returned during the Louisville game for the first time since breaking his leg against Oklahoma in the second game of the year. Grutza, who took the field after Pike went down with a bruised sternum, led the Bearcats on a long TD drive mid way through the 4^th quarter that gave the Bearcats a 28-20 lead.

Much of the credit must go to Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly, who is 18-5 since taking over the program a little less than two years ago. He has been able to keep the offense moving despite all the changes at quarterback. Now it looks as though both Grutza and Pike will be available for the Pitt game, which is great news for the Bearcats and Brian Kelly. “It is the biggest game in Nippert Stadium history”, said coach Kelly. “You put yourself in position for qualification for a BCS bowl game. There isn’t a bigger game than this one.” And it’s safe to say Arch Carson wouldn’t have it any other way.

Send comments to astaab@TheHeismanRace.com

T. Masse
Big 12 (Colorado)

The 2008 version of the University of Colorado are not the most talented team to run behind Ralphie. However this group has some guts. This group of seniors has been through everything from a scandal at the University which led to a coaching change to an upset win against Oklahoma last year. The guts of the team are not limited to just the seniors. The underclassmen that have been brought in by Coach Hawkins are a gutty group.

Last week against the Iowa State Cyclones Coach Hawk started the young pup Tyler Hansen. The Buffs offense sputtered during the first half of play.

Enter Cody Hawkins.

The young Hawk came in during the second half and showed some guts. Cody took the team down the field again and again to lead the Buffs from behind to take the lead from the Cyclones. Hawkins was poised and strong as he delivered a critical 2-point conversion. Cody is nowhere near the most talented QB that has played on Folsom field; however he showed the very trait that is becoming a theme on this team. He showed guts.

Young Freshmen Darrell Scott showed guts as well on Saturday. Scott who has been hurt all year had to carry the load for the Buffs on Saturday. He did his job and did it well. While he did not rush for a 100 yards, he did stay on the field most of the game and got the job done. He followed the lead of several other Buffs who were also playing hurt and showed guts. Darrell will be counted on again this week to carry the load.

Another gutty performance on Saturday came from Jimmy Smith. The corner who had struggled during the middle part of the game came up huge in the end. With a chance to win the game the Cyclones lined up in a spread and called the option which had been working all day. Smith and fellow Buff D.J. Dykes sniffed the play out and stuffed the option before the end zone.

If this group can learn and continue to grow they might have something special brewing in Boulder. This senior group has taught the younger guys how to be tough and be gutty. With a few more talented players we may see Hawkins and co. have a break out season like they thought this one would be.

The Buffs have two games left to play themselves into a bowl game. A bowl would be critical to bring this team along and make them into a true player in the Big 12.

Up this week the OSU cowboys come into Boulder for a night time tussle with Colorado. While on paper this is a tough game for the Buffs, the Cowboys are coming off an embarrassing loss to high powered Texas Tech and might be looking forward to the instate showdown with OU. The Buffs lack the fire power to hang in this one with the cowboys. The season, the bowl birth, and the future of the team will hang on the game with the Huskers in Lincoln.

A.. Staab

Big East

Cincinnati’s defense put the clamps on West Virginia’s running game and the Bearcat’s offense and special teams produced just enough points to pull out the schools second win all time against the Mountaineers. Cincinnati, which had been a miserable 1-15 against WVU going into Saturday’s game, survived a miracle finish by the Mountaineers, which scored an incredible 13 points in the last two minutes of the game to forge a 20 all tie and force overtime.

Trailing 20-9 with 1:11 left after an intentional safety by the Bearcats, WVU took over at its own 39 yard line and went 61 yards for a touchdown in 7 plays, with Pat White tossing a three yard touchdown pass to Dorrell Jalloh. After a Pat White two point conversion run made it 20-17, there were just 18 seconds left on the clock. But WVU recovered an onside kick at their own 44 and still had a chance to pull off a miracle. On first down White hit Jalloh for a 21 yard gain to the Cincy 35. After an incomplete pass, WVU kicker Pat McAfee drilled a 52 yard field goal as time expired sending the game to overtime.

Despite all the momentum on West Virginia’s side, the Bearcats held the Mountaineers to a field goal to open the first overtime session, leaving the door open for Cincy to end the game. Bearcat’s quarterback Tony Pike connected on first down for 10 yards to Dominick Goodman and a subsequent personal foul penalty on the Mountaineers moved the ball to the WVU 7 yard line. After a 5 yard run to the two, Pike found Kazeem Alli all alone in the end zone for the winning score.

With the win Cincinnati now finds itself in a 3 way tie for first place with Pittsburg and West Virginia at 3-1 in conference play. Resurgent Rutgers is half a game back at 3-2 but having already lost to Cincy and WVU, Rutgers will need a lot of help before they have any shot at the Big East crown and the automatic BCS bid.

In a topsy-turvy year in the Big East, the winner probably won’t be decided until the last week of the regular season when West Virginia hosts South Florida and Connecticut hosts Pittsburg.  But right now it appears as though Cincinnati is in the driver’s seat. If the Bearcats win out they will win the Big East with a 6-1 record and their remaining schedule is the easiest of the three currently in first place.

Remaining conference games for the contenders:

Cincinnati:

11-14-08 @ Louisville

11-22-08 vs. Pitt

11-29-08 vs. Syracuse

West Virginia

11-22-08 @ Louisville

11-28-08 @ Pitt

12-06-08 vs. South Florida

Pittsburg

11-22-08 @ Cincy

11-28-08 vs. WVU

11-26-08 @ UConn

Send comments to astaab@TheHeismanRace.com

By: T.Rohan

Big Ten (Michigan)

The next three games will be crucial to forming the identity of the next year’s Michigan team. Not only are these three games a tryout in a sense to see who can contribute next year, but also will show everyone in the nation the mental makeup of this team. If the Wolverines fold in their final three games, after losing a shootout to Purdue, they will have a ten loss season to explain to fans and recruits alike.

Michigan rebounded to beat Minnesota 29-6 last week. With experts around the country, and commentators alike, everyone seems to be focusing on the recruiting class that Rich Rodriguez is bringing in. People are talking about how he doesn’t have the personnel yet, to run his scheme. But in the long run these next two games are extremely important for his tenure as coach. If he can rally his troops to avoid the embarrassment of an 8 or 9 loss season, that would be huge. Also he could gain respect among players, alumni, and fans alike that the program is going in the right direction. With his recruits coming into this somewhat young team Rodriguez could show the nation that the future is bright at Michigan.

Most importantly it shows that the program has character if Michigan can bring effort to the last two games and show progress. The big question is if Michigan can do it. But whether they play well or not Michigan does have a few players that are showcasing their talent this year and will play key roles next year as well.

Coming into the year Michigan had one returning starter on offense, right tackle Stephen Schilling, but will most likely return every player starting on this years offense. The question is whether their starting position will be there when they get back next year. Key contributors on this years team, who aren’t seniors, will probably continue to play next year. There have been a few bright spots on this year’s team and several players who need to show coach Rodriguez in the next two games they can play at a high level.

Even though it seems there is nothing left to play for Michigan can play for next year if anything at all. Michigan is out of bowl contention for the first time in over three decades, and the seniors want the rest of the team

The players who offer hope for next year on this year’s team are easy to spot:

Offense

-Brandon Minor – He’s a tough hard nosed runner and when he’s healthy he has been a reliable running back.

-Michael Shaw/Sam McGuffie – Both freshman running backs have shown glimpses of great running, but also have shown their inexperience through many on-field mistakes. They will both contribute to next year’s team, but should be playing behind Minor. Rich Rodriguez has played both at receiver and utilized them out of the backfield this year and they will be effective in those roles again next year.

-Martavious Odoms – The freshman has found holes in the defense and made an impact on special teams. He looks like the perfect slot receiver for the spread scheme.

Defense

-Brandon Graham – If the junior returns next year he will once again be the guy chasing down the opposing quarterback. He is one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten if not the nation.

-Obi Ezeh – The tackling machine will be a junior next year and is already the leader of the defense. He could be the player who stands out most on a unit that has been very inconsistent this year.

-Donnovan Warren – Just like Ezeh, Warren will be a Junior next year and has coverage skills, and doesn’t have impressive stats this year. This could be due to the fact that opponents don’t throw his way very often.

D. Ostler

Mountain West Conference

Best Win of the Week to the Worst Loss

1. Air Force 16 Army 7- Nice win over their rival.
2. #13 TCU 44 UNLV 14- The Horned Frogs left no doubt in Vegas who the better team was.
3. #20 BYU 45 Colorado St. 42- Another last minute shoot out win; how long can BYU keep escaping losses.
4. #10 U. of Utah 13 New Mexico 10- The Ute’s struggled in this one possible looking ahead to Thursday game with TCU.
5. Wyoming 35 San Diego 10- The cowboy’s hand SDSU the title of worst MWC team.
6. New Mexico 10 U. of Utah 13- Coach Long makes a top ten team look overrated.
7. Colorado St. 42 BYU 45- Colorado has looked competative against everyone in the league no matter what their ranking.
8. UNLV 14 TCU 44- UNLV hasn’t won a conference game.
9. San Diego 10 Wyoming 35- It’s official the Aztec’s are not only bad they are the worst team at least until they play UNLV.

Best in the Mountain West

Top Tier
1. #12 Texas Christian University 9-1 (6-0)
2. #8 University of Utah 9-0 (5-0)
3. #15 Brigham Young University 8-1 (4-1)
4. Air Force Academy 7-2 (4-1)

Middle of the Pack
5. Colorado State University 4-5 (2-3)
6. University of New Mexico 4-6(2-4)

Bottom Self
7. University of Wyoming 3-6(1-5)
8. University of Nevada Las Vegas 3-6 (0-5)
9. San Diego State University 1-8 (0-5)

Week 8 Top Performances

1. Devin Moore RB WYO- 234 yards with 9.8 average and 3 TDs.
2. Dennis Pita TE BYU- 175 yards to go along with 2 scores.
3. Max Hall QB BYU- 389 yds. 5 TDs.
4. Billy Farris QB CSU- He threw for 251 yards and 3 TDs.
5. Austin Collie WR BYU- 3 TDs and 156 yards recieving.

The Five Best in the Mountain West

1. Jerry Hughes DE TCU- He is simply the best player on the best defense in the league.
2. Max Hall QB BYU- He is completing 70% of his passes and has 29 TDs.
3. Austin Collie WR BYU- 69 catches for 1058 yds and 11 touchdowns.
4. Devin Moore RB WYO- 1036 rushing yards and 176 all-purpose yards per game.
5. Jason Beauchamp LB UNLV- Continue to lead the conference in tackles.

Coach of the Week
Rocky Long UNM