The Boys

According to Sports Nation, 64% of America is still concerned about the Cowboys, and they should be. Unlike most fans of the Cowboys, I'm not disapointed in Tony Romo's performance so far this year, I'm disapointed with Jason Garrett, the offensive coordinator. The Cowboys have three 0utstanding running backs (proven Monday when they rushed for 212 yards without their starting running back), yet they still insist on putting the ball in Tony's hands. I believe Tony is a fine quarterback, but when he gets to play a manager's role. When you have one of the largest offensive lines in the NFL, and three premier running backs, there is one thing you should do: pound the football. There is no reason for Romo to throw the ball more than 25 times in a game, and there is ABSOLUTELY no reason why Jason Garrett should call two straight fade routes from the one yard line when you are only up by a field goal; and more importantly, have been running at will against the Panthers (who allowed 6.6 yards a rush Monday night against the Cowboys). Get it together Jason, you have two outstanding tightends, who both have been blocking well this year two, three running backs who could all start somewhere in the League, with a lacking receiving core, and a quarterback who is constantly being criticized, this is not rocket science. The run/pass ratio was 32/33, when this team is obviously built for running the football, these numbers should have been much more like: 43/22. Please run the ball Jason, please

The UT win (loss?)

After the UT win over Tech, you heard plenty of skeptics talking about the margin of victory not being as great as expected, Colt not looking to be in Heisman form, the defense still looking soft on the outside, and the Greg Davis play calling still being too conservative. On the contrary, I was excited about the win; sure I would have liked to seen Colt throw for five touchdowns with a 90% completion percentage, but that is just because I'm ready to see another Heisman trophy in Austin, Tx. But when our Heisman candidate quarterback was having a rough game, against a tough, rival opponent, who's best offensive weapons match up against our worse defensive positions, at night, with all the pressure on us, and we still win! How could one not appreciate this victory?
Although I wish Greg would stretch the field out a little more, I believe our offense found a vaulable asset in young running back Tre Newton. He's a slasher, but still has enough power to get tackled falling forward. Yes, Curtis Brown got burned a few times, but Sergio recorded his first sack, and our linebackers forced turnover after turnover, which is something we saw very little of last year.
After this game, I believe if people want to start jumping off board on the heisman for Colt ( I'm not ready yet ) I can kind of see that, but I believe people should start jumping on board for our championship run. We have proved that our best player can have a bit of an off game, and we can still beat a tough opponent. And now with USC out of the picture, we can have nine more "unimpressive" wins, plus a Big XII championship game and I will see you in Pasadena.

Best Freshman Quarterback

Highly regarded in this debate is USC's Matt Barkley, but I believe people should take a closer look at Michigan's Tate Forcier. Barkely proved a lot of doubters wrong last week getting a big win over a rival in a hostel enviornment. Although he had medicore numbers, he came through the most when he was needed. While Forcier did not have to deal with an hostel enviornment like Barkley, he had a big upset win over rival Notre Dame this last week. Barkley, though he had medicore numbers played really well in the forth quarter, and on the drives he was needed most. Forcier had a passer rating of 98 with 240 yards of offense with two TDs, plus another TD on the ground. Although the numbers tell the story all by themselves, I believe you also have to look at the teams and these games alone. Barkley: impressed us, but frankly, led a better team on the field and won a game a lot of people USC to win. Forcier led a Michigan team, still in their rebuilding years with new coach Rich Rodriguez, against an opponent expected to beat them and didn't only play well in crucial moments (which he did), but played well the entire game. I'm not going to say that Barkley won't eventually be a top overall pick in the NFL draft, but the bottom line is, right now Barkley is playing for a team that is talented enough where he can just not mess up and they can still win. Forcier is required to play great to give them a chance to win. Forcier will win the heisman before he is done at Michigan. Barkley will be the first quarterback taken overall when he enters the draft.

Lou Holtz

Earlier in the week Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame football coach picked Notre Dame to win the National Championship this year. This is after a 7-5 record including a loss to Syracuse, and loses against their only two ranked opponents. This year they came in with a generous ranking of 23 and they only play one ranked team this entire year. I know people can be bias for their favorite teams, but this is taking that to an extreme. There are two obvious favorites to be playing in the for the championship this year: Florida and Texas, with a clear favorite: Florida. And I believe the sleepers are: Oklahoma State, USC, Ohio State, and Alabama. Every one of these teams would have to lose two games and Notre Dame would have to win out for it to even be possible for Notre Dame to be a contender, and even then it would be questionable. I think it is safe to say that Notre Dame should not be considered as a contender, and that if Lou Holtz keeps making statements like that, he should no longer be considered a credible source. A lot of respect for you Mr. Holtz, but lock it up.