Roller Coaster Continues in Week 6
CFB Roller Coaster Continues in Week 6
10/13/15
Joe Broback
TROJANS IN DISARRAY
Rivalry games did not disappoint this week, nor did the players involved. Star players put up big numbers and underdogs came ready to play. Injuries again played a factor in games (get well soon, Nick Chubb), which continues to prove that depth is an essential asset. With all of these ups and downs came a reality check for one coach and his program.
USC coach Steve Sarkisian was asked to take a leave of absence this weekend a few days after the Trojans were upset by Washington. Sarkisian was fired then fired on Monday. He was asked to attend to a personal matter, leaving offensive coordinator Clay Helton to run the team. Helton took the interim position for the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl when Ed Orgeron left, so he’s back in familiar territory. Sarkisian has been the talk of the program, unfortunately, in a negative manner. He said some things at a booster event this offseason after he had mixed pain killers and alcohol. While this seemed to be the end of that issue, there have been reports from within USC’s program that Sarkisian showed up intoxicated to a Trojans game. He also is going through a divorce. There is a phrase that says to leave work at work and home at home, and Sarkisian is an example of what can happen if you don’t. Now, we don’t know what he was asked to take a leave of absence specifically for, but it is a reminder that personal and mental health are essential for coaches. This controversy has taken the focus off of the players on the field, and shifted to one coach off the field.
A situation like this is unfair to the players in the program, and athletic director Pat Hayden hopes to sort through the mess to refocus on football. The Trojans have struggled on the field (3-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play), and need to turn things around quickly. While the situation is unfortunate for all involved, Sarkisian has now coached his last day as a Trojan. Hayden let the coach go a day after his reported leave of absence, which causes many to believe Sarkisian’s problems were greater than reported. Reports will eventually leak details of what has been going on with the USC program, but right now the Trojans are focused on saving a season that is turning into a disaster quickly.
TRENDING UP
Hook ‘Em----For those still paying attention, Texas has a pulse. Charlie Strong revived his team for a week and showed that Texas is able to finish a game. Helped by some poor Sooners tackling, UT shocked Oklahoma at the Texas State Fair to win the Red River Rivalry. Texas is now 6-2 against Oklahoma when they are an unranked underdog, which proves that you can never count an underdog out in a rivalry game.
Portland State----The Vikings have now defeated two FBS teams this season. The beat Washington State earlier and crushed North Texas this week by putting up 66 points against the Mean Green. Maybe the FBS thought they caught a break by not having to worry about NDSU this year, but Portland State sent a reminder that FCS schools are ready to put a whooping on the FBS.
TRENDING DOWN
Nebraska in the clutch----This week marked the fourth game that the Cornhuskers’ opponent won the game on their last offensive play. Nebraska had momentum after Wisconsin kicker Rafael Galianone missed a field goal with 1:26 left in the game. Nebraska could not run out the clock and the Badgers got the ball back with 1:03 left. The drove down the field (surprisingly easily) and Galianone drilled a 46 yarder to provide more heartbreak in Lincoln.
Fourth Down Playcalling----As if Rutgers weren’t struggling enough this season, their troubles spilled on to the field. On fourth down and time winding down, the Scarlet Knights spiked the ball to turn it over to Michigan State. Rutgers has already dealt with numerous off the field issues and now are adding insult to injury with a play that will surely be on ESPN for a long time.
PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK
Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee----Tennessee was on the ropes after letting two games slip away against Florida and Oklahoma. This time, they were the ones making a comeback. Dobbs led the Vols back from multiple deficits on his way to passing for 312 yards and three scores. Georgia could not find an answer for the dual threat as he ran for 118 yards and two more scores.
Matt Johnson, Bowling Green----The Falcons were flying down the field at mach speed. Yes they were playing UMass, but Johnson showed us how easy it can be to move the ball. The senior threw for 450 yards and five touchdowns en route to leading BGSU to a 62-38 win.
Treyvone Boykin, TCU----The TCU defense needs to figure out how to stop teams quickly, because Boykin may not be able to put up Heisman winning numbers every week. Boykin threw for 301 yards and two scores while using his legs for 124 yards and two more endzone trips. Boykin did everything he could to keep the Frogs in the game, and his 69 yards sprint put the Frogs up late, and his 55 yard pass to Josh Doctson put the dagger in the hearts of Wildcat fans.
Dalvin Cook, Florida State----Excluding a tweaked hamstring that he appeared to pull on a run, Cook looked unstoppable. The Hurricanes had no answer for Cook as he gashed their defense for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. He carried his team to a victory in a grinding game which many thought he would not return.
Devontae Booker, Utah----College Gameday showed up to campus, and Booker took the spotlight and ran with it. This spot could easily go to Utah’s defense who kept Cal QB Jared Goff in check, but Booker rushed for 222 yards and two scores. The Utes are now 6-0 and pressing for consideration for the playoff.
Luke Falk, Washington State----The Cougars have the opposite problem as LSU: they need to stop running the ball. Falk threw 74 passes en route to 505 yards and 5 touchdowns. Throwing the ball 74 times is ridiculous until you remember his predecessor and WSU great Connor Halliday threw 89 passes in a game once. Nevertheless, Falk led his team to an upset of a reeling Oregon team in overtime.
GAME BALL: Cook. This may have been the toughest week for a game ball. What set Cook apart from everyone is that he played on a bad hamstring. He also carried the team with that injury, and the sophomore kept the Seminoles playoff hopes alive with his performance.
WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS
Wait, am I seeing this right? A week of predictions that wasn’t 2-2? Three of these games could have gone the other way (thanks a lot Oklahoma). There were some impressive team and individual performances in each game, and statements were made by each winning team. 3-1 feels pretty good for a week, and it feels better when your upset special pick comes through. Add that on top of not having to throw a shout out to someone for their upset pick, and you have a near perfect week.
My pick: Oklahoma 42 Texas 17 ACTUAL: Texas 24 Oklahoma 17
Come on Sooners! This may have been the worst Texas team that OU has ever faced in the Red River Rivalry, and the Longhorns dominated both sides of the ball. The Sooners’ offense never really got going (including a virtually non-existent running game), and the Longhorns pulled off the upset in a big way. UT has struggled all season and appeared to be falling apart, but coach Charlie Strong found a way to bring his team together to stun everyone in Dallas Saturday.
My pick: Michigan 24 Northwestern 21 ACTUAL: Michigan 38 Northwestern 0
Talk about a statement. Northwestern came in giving up an average of 8 points a game, only to give up 38 to the Wolverines. While no individual stood out, the Wolverine offense outgained the Wildcats 380-168 and dominated time of possession. Big Blue is starting to look like teams from its past, but we will see how they look this week against “Little Brother” Michigan State. Michigan has now outscored its last three opponents 97-0, proving the Harbaugh effect is in full swing.
My pick: Florida State 28 Miami 10 ACTUAL: Florida State 29 Miami 24
Dalvin Cook pulled through for the Seminoles. His status was uncertain leading up to the start of the game, but Cook fought through a hamstring injury to lead his team past Miami. FSU’s defense could not stop Miami’s Brad Kaaya early (Kaaya threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns), but came up with timely stops late to limit the Canes to 24 points. Florida State appears to be on a collision with Clemson to ultimately determine which team has a chance at the playoff. The other will be eliminated.
My pick: Utah 34 California 21 ACTUAL: Utah 30 Cal 24
Gameday’s first trip to Utah’s campus was not a disappointment for the Utes, but it was a letdown for the Golden Bears. Cal’s QB Jared Goff threw 5 interceptions, and Utah’s defense kept their offense in check all game. Ute’s RB Devontae Booker ran for 222 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. Utah is showing why it should be the favorite to win the Pac-12 and be a playoff contender. Their next test against Arizona State, who surprised UCLA, so the Utes have their work cut out to remain undefeated.
