Guilty Pleasures: Virtual college football

Because confession is good for the soul. . .

Released in July 2006, I played this game ad nauseam — as in, two or three times a week, quite often by my standard — for over five years. Having officially retired the game several months ago, my PS2 now sits dormant as it collects dust, turned on only in the rare instance I get the gumption to play an older version of the Madden franchise (the one with Brett Favre on the cover). But this one will always be my favorite game.

Did You Know (or Care): The pre- and post-Paterno era

c/o Kristin

Penn State was recently defeated by Houston in the TicketCity Bowl, 30-14. It was the Nittany Lions’ first bowl game without longtime head coach Joe Paterno in a nearly a half-century. Such an unprecedented run got me curious about Penn State’s last postseason appearance without the legendary “Joe Pa” at the helm. What I found damn-near brought a tear to my eye.

The 1962 Gator Bowl (played on December 29 in Jacksonville, Florida) pitted Penn State against the Florida Gators. Led by head coach Charles “Rip” Engle, the Nittany Lions – ranked #9 nationally and winners of nine out of 10 games – were openly disappointed to be playing a second tier bowl game against a team that had struggled to a mediocre 6-4 record.

Feeling slighted by these ruffians from way up north, the Gators responded by placing a Confederate Battle Flag decal on the side of their helmets. The Lions reportedly mocked the sentiment before kickoff, but they were whistlin’ Dixie afterward. The heavy underdog Gators defeated Penn State, 17-7.

Coach Engle steered the Lions for 16 seasons, leading PSU to a respectable 104-48-4 record during his tenure. His retirement in 1965 led to the promotion of a young assistant who ultimately earned two national championships (should’ve been three) and victories in 24 bowl games en route to setting the all-time wins record on the highest level of college football.

Paterno’s departure may have been tenuous at best. But his legend is incontestably permanent.

Sources: The Helmet Project & The Florida Times-Union

E/C’s College Football Top 10, Week 14

Louisiana State demonstrated why they are the top ranked team in the nation once again with a second half surge against Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game that buried any hope for an upset. The Tigers’ interdivision rivals from Tuscaloosa are the only ones who stand a chance to stop this freight train. But the next time these two teams get together, on January 9, it will be in New Orleans. And it’s difficult at this point to imagine LSU getting beat in their backyard. Advantage: Bayou Bengals.

Among the rest, Virginia Tech – possibly the weakest third-ranked team in history – got exposed by Clemson for the second time in the ACC title game. Houston, despite the Cougars’ first 12-win season ever, lost by three touchdowns in Conference USA title game to Southern Mississippi. They fall from the Top 10 as a result and are replaced by Wisconsin and Kansas State.

LSU, of course, are your regular season champions. The final Top 10 will be released the day after 'bama/LSU go final.

1. Louisiana State (def. Georgia. 42-10), 13-0, 680 pts.
2. Alabama (Bye), 11-1, 605 pts.
3. Oklahoma State (def. Oklahoma, 44-10), 11-1, 570 pts.
4. Oregon (def. UCLA, 49-31), 11-2, 545 pts.
5. Stanford (Bye), 11-1, 525 pts.
6. Boise State (def. New Mexico, 45-0), 11-1, 510 pts.
7. Arkansas (Bye), 10-2, 435 pts.
8. Wisconsin (def. Michigan State, 42-39), 11-2, 425 pts.
9. Southern California (def. UCLA, 50-0), 10-2, 370 pts.
10. Kansas State (def. Iowa State, 30-23), 10-2, 335 pts.

E/C’s Heisman Ballot

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor – 4,642 total yards, 45 TD, 192.3 QB rating [led nation]
2. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California – 3,528 yards, 39 TD, 69.1 comp. %
3. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin – 2,014 total yards [led nation in rushing and scoring], 38 TD
4. Case Keenum, QB, Houston – 5,099 yards [led nation], 45 TD, 71.7 comp. %
5. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama – 1,910 total yards, 23 TD
6. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford – 3,170 yards, 35 TD, 70.0 comp. %
7. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon – 1,856 total yards, 18 TD
8. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State – 3,507 yards, 41 TD, 74.1 comp. %
9. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State – 4,328 yards, 34 TD, 72.6 comp. %
10. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin – 3,199 total yards, 36 TD, 10.3-to-1 TD/INT ratio [led nation]

Honorable Mentions

(listed alphabetically)

David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State – 11 interceptions [led nation]
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State – 1,336 yards, 15 TD
Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson – 3,764 total yards, 36 TD
Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois – 2,942 passing yards, 1,234 rushing yards, 36 TD
Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State – 1,877 total yards, 20 TD
Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College - 191 tackles [led nation for second consecutive season]
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois – 14.5 QB sacks [led nation]
Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State – 1,431 total yards, 25 TD
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor – 1,572 yards, 13 TD

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu celebrates upon earning MVP honors after the Tigers’ 42-10 victory over Georgia in the SEC championship game in Atlanta. Despite the media attention he receives as the leader of a daunting smash-mouth defense, it seems that Mathieu’s status as a Heisman contender is, at least, debatable.

His 71 tackles, five forced fumbles and two interceptions were complimented by a nation-leading 12.7 yards per punt return (92-yard long, 2 TD). Yet it also seems that his catchy “Honey Badger” nickname has kept Mathieu in the press as much as his on-field performance. Some are easily swayed by the media, but not I. The "Badger" is rock solid, but the true Sophomore is not quite Heisman worthy.

E/C’s College Football Top 10, Week 13

The regular season is just about over. This much is indisputably clear: Louisiana State is the #1 team in the nation. Alabama is barely half a notch below them. And everything else at this point is practically inconsequential.

Oklahoma had a respectable win against bowl-bound Iowa State, but it wasn’t enough to keep them ranked in this illustrious poll. USC replaces the Sooners by virtue of the (ineligible) Trojans’ 50-point shutout over rival UCLA.

1. Louisiana State (def. Arkansas, 41-17), 12-0, 675 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Auburn, 42-14), 11-1, 610 pts.
3. Virginia Tech (def. Virginia, 38-0), 11-1, 560 pts.
4. Stanford (def. Notre Dame, 28-14), 11-1, 555 pts.
5. Houston (def. Tulsa, 48-16), 12-0, 535 pts.
6. Oregon (def. Oregon State, 49-21), 10-2, 500 pts.
7. Oklahoma State (Bye), 10-1, 445 pts.
8. Boise State (def. Wyoming, 36-14), 10-1, 415 pts.
9. Arkansas (lost to LSU, 41-17), 10-2, 355 pts.
10. Southern California (def. UCLA, 50-0), 10-2, 350 pts.

Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The University of Georgia’s Ben Jones (left) and Brandon Boykin celebrate winning the 103rd installment of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” over traditional rival Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday in Atlanta. While both players will be playing on Sundays next year, the juggernaut that awaits them five days from now – same city, different team – will be a bit more challenging.

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 12

The top three teams in the land not only reside in the same conference, but they are interdivision rivals as well. Unexpected losses two days ago by Oklahoma State, Oregon and Oklahoma made it possible for Louisiana State, Alabama and Arkansas to now comprise the first three spots in every possible ranking. Such an unparalleled feat could only be accomplished in the Southeastern Conference, from which the last five national champions have hailed. It’s barely surprising anymore.

As for the rest of the contenders, it’s complicated.

The Sooners and Ducks suffered respectable defeats to quality opponents – Baylor and Southern California respectively. The once second-ranked Cowboys, in contrast, were slayed by an underachieving Iowa State team that has earned its giant killer reputation. Thus all three hang on to remain in the Top 10, as their potential replacements have yet to garner enough consideration to be placed among the national elite.

Clemson’s 24-point loss to lowly North Carolina State knocks the Tigers from the Top 10 for a second time. They are replaced by Boise State, who make their second appearance in the upper tier. Perhaps most suspect however is Virginia Tech, who rises to #4 practically by default. A comparatively weak schedule has allowed the Hokies to fly under the radar all season. Yet their less-than-dominant performance against largely substandard competition will most likely keep them from going any higher.

1. Louisiana State (def. Ole Miss, 52-3), 11-0, 665 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Georgia Southern, 45-21), 10-1, 600 pts.
3. Arkansas (def. Mississippi State, 44-17), 10-1, 580 pts.
4. Virginia Tech (def. North Carolina, 24-21), 10-1, 545 pts.
5. Stanford (def. Cal-Berkeley, 31-28), 10-1, 535 pts.
6. Houston (def. Southern Methodist, 37-7), 11-0, 500 pts.
7. Oregon (lost to Southern California, 38-35), 9-2, 465 pts.
8. Oklahoma State (lost to Iowa State, 37-31 in 2 OT), 10-1, 405 pts.
9. Boise State (def. San Diego State, 52-35), 9-1, 370 pts.
10. Oklahoma (lost to Baylor, 45-38), 8-2, 335 pts.

Louisiana State head coach Les Miles sings the school fight song with his players after defeating Ole Miss in Oxford, 52-3. The Tigers simply look unbeatable. Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 11

"Baseball is what we were. Football is what we have become."
– Mary McGrory (1918–2004), journalist and columnist for The Washington Post who probably wasn't paying homage to the game that has possibly replaced baseball as our new American pastime.

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The Commercial Appeal's Geoff Calkins is right: 2011 has been the most scandal-plagued year in college football history. What began with the conference realignment shuffle/multi-billion-dollar money grab has culminated with a mélange of far-reaching controversies at benchmark institutions such as North Carolina, Ohio State, Miami (FL) and now Penn State from which there appears no end in sight. Yet the irony is found in how the sport only continues to flourish.

College football and the NFL are a conjoined juggernaut that remains unscathed by even the most salacious state of affairs. In fact the world class athletic paradigms central to the sport itself are tolerated because perhaps nothing is more genuinely American than dressing up like a modern day Roman legion and acting the part of the ultimate alpha male, thus allowing the average person to share vicariously in the illusion of being large, strong, tough, famous, wealthy and practically untouchable.

Such age-old fascinations played a considerable role in establishing our country as the nation by which all others are judged. It is a permanent part of our cultural landscape. Consequently the ethos from which scandals of every imaginable sort has become the acceptable norm will likely never change, either.

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Stanford's loss to the burgeoning Oregon Ducks costs the Cardinal their #2 ranking, but hang on to remain in the Top 10. The same cannot be said for Boise State, whose surprising loss to resurgent Texas Christian has the Broncos on the outside looking in for the first time this season.

In addition Virginia Tech's victory over nationally ranked Georgia Tech all but clinches a rematch with Clemson – who handed the Hokies their only defeat – for the ACC championship on December 3.

1. Louisiana State (def. Western Kentucky, 42-9), 10-0, 640 pts.
2. Oklahoma State (def. Texas Tech, 66-6), 10-0, 610 pts.
3. Alabama (def. Mississippi State, 24-7), 9-1, 585 pts.
4. Oregon (def. Stanford, 53-30), 9-1, 575 pts.
5. Oklahoma (Bye), 8-1, 545 pts.
6. Arkansas (def. Tennessee, 49-7), 9-1, 520 pts.
7. Virginia Tech (def. Georgia Tech, 37-26), 9-1, 455 pts.
8. Stanford (lost to Oregon, 53-30), 9-1, 405 pts.
9. Clemson (def. Wake Forest, 31-28), 9-1, 350 pts.
10. Houston (def. Tulane, 73-17), 10-0, 315 pts.

Players and coaches from Penn State and Nebraska met at midfield to pray before the start of the game in State College, PA. Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Penn State cheerleaders embrace on the last play of the game against Nebraska. JoePa’s boys lost, 17-14. Things in Happy Valley may not ever be the same. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 10

In a game that featured at least 15 first and second round NFL prospects on defense alone, Louisiana State proved its mettle beyond any question by edging the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. The battle wasn’t quite what most expected, as the impact of four missed field goals and a 73-yard punt essentially decided the game. Yet the talent and tenacity exhibited by each squad on that pleasant autumn evening in the Heart of Dixie will be remembered (and discussed) for decades to come. And don't be surprised if these two end up matched in the BCS title game in January. It's a stretch, but far from impossible.

Nebraska drops from the Top 10 in lieu of their unexpected loss at home to sub-.500 Northwestern. Undefeated Houston, one of two Conference USA teams ranked in the national top 25 (two more than the Big East), moves into the Top 10 as a result.

1. Louisiana State (def. Alabama, 9-6 in OT), 9-0, 650 pts.
2. Stanford (def. Oregon State, 38-13), 9-0, 600 pts.
3. Oklahoma State (def. Kansas State, 52-45), 9-0, 590 pts.
4. Boise State (def. UNLV, 48-21), 8-0, 575 pts.
5. Alabama (lost to LSU, 9-6 in OT), 8-1, 545 pts.
6. Oregon (def. Washington, 34-17), 8-1, 510 pts.
7. Oklahoma (def. Texas A&M, 41-25), 8-1, 465 pts,
8. Arkansas (def. South Carolina, 44-28), 8-1, 405 pts.
9. Virginia Tech (Bye), 8-1, 350 pts.
10. Houston (def. UAB, 56-13), 9-0, 310 pts.

Drew Alleman (#30) of LSU celebrates with his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime to defeat Alabama, 9-6. All future opponents beware: the Tigers look unbeatable. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 9

In lieu of this season's version of The Game of the Century, it's worth noting that former #1 Oklahoma's 41-point win over a solid Kansas State team demonstrated why the Sooners were kept in the Top 10 after their fluke loss to Texas Tech nine days ago – any momentum of which the Red Raiders tossed the very next game following a doleful 41-7 defeat to perennial doormat Iowa State. OU's shot at the national title is gone, but their status as an elite squad remains undeniable.

Michigan State drops from the ranks of the contenders thanks to a 21-point loss to Nebraska, who now reclaims their own place among in the upper tier. Clemson also fall from the Top 10 via their 14-point loss in Atlanta to unranked Georgia Tech. While Arkansas managed a win in its second straight nail-biter, their struggle to put away inferior opponents results in the Razorbacks losing a position in the rankings. Similarly, Virginia Tech is a tenuous entry into the Top 10, as their four-point win over lowly Duke makes the Hokies' game against Georgia Tech (after their upcoming by week) a chance to prove they're for real.

As for LSU/Alabama this weekend, what else can be said about the Tigers and Tide that hasn't already been said about the Super Bowl? It's gonna be huge.

1. Louisiana State (Bye), 8-0, 630 pts.
2. Alabama (Bye), 8-0, 620 pts.
3. Stanford (def. USC, 56-48 in 3 OT), 8-0, 600 pts.
4. Oklahoma State (def. Baylor, 59-24), 8-0, 575 pts.
5. Boise State (Bye), 7-0, 545 pts.
6. Oregon (def. Washington State, 43-28), 7-1, 510 pts.
7. Oklahoma (def. Kansas State, 58-17), 7-1, 455 pts.
8. Nebraska (def. Michigan State, 24-3), 7-1, 395 pts.
9. Arkansas (def. Vanderbilt, 31-28), 7-1, 350 pts.
10. Virginia Tech (def. Duke, 14-10), 8-1, 320 pts.

c/o NikkiBama

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 8

The last four words in the Week 7 report were "Don't doubt the Sooners." Five days later, they lost at home to then-unranked Texas Tech. While an argument can be made against their place in the upper tier, Oklahoma hangs on despite their surprising defeat to the Red Raiders. Yet the Sooners' mettle will be tested in each of the next two weeks, as Kansas State and Texas A&M – both nationally ranked – could push OU, not just further down the national rankings, but out of contention for the Big XII title as well.

Similarly, Wisconsin fall out of the top 10 thanks to a Michigan State "Hail Mary" that produced the most sensational ending all season. Hence the Spartans now hold a place among the national contenders while the Badgers find themselves on the outside looking in for the first time this year.

While Oregon jumped a couple of spots with their progressively improved play, all pales in comparison to the colossal showdown coming on November 5 between the undisputed two best teams in the land. Both the Tigers and the Tide stand to benefit from having this week off, as both squads know the next 12 days will determine the path of both SEC and national superiority.

In the arena of college football, Christmas is about to come a bit early this year.

1. Louisiana State (def. Auburn, 45-10), 8-0, 630 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Tennessee, 37-6), 8-0, 620 pts.
3. Stanford (def. Washington, 65-21), 7-0, 600 pts.
t-4. Boise State (def. Air Force, 37-26), 7-0, 560 pts.
t-4. Oklahoma State (def. Missouri, 45-24), 7-0, 560 pts.
6. Oregon (def. Colorado, 45-2), 6-1, 515 pts.
7. Clemson (def. North Carolina, 59-38), 8-0, 450 pts.
8. Arkansas (def. Ole Miss, 29-24), 6-1, 385 pts.
9. Michigan State (def. Wisconsin, 37-31), 6-1, 350 pts.
10. Oklahoma (lost to Texas Tech, 41-38), 6-1, 330 pts.

c/o MCC

It was of some consolation to hear recently about the new Ole Miss mascot being routinely jeered during home games. Indeed, for a number of years now, the Oxford faithful have made their feelings about the new university representative clear in almost total unison. While school officials are likely to stay the course no matter the opposition, one can expect loyalists who support the Rebels through thick and thin to do the same.

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 7

Like a lot of people, I'm somewhat apathetic to the BCS because the process seems to work as intended only every other season. However much is arguable at this point, your humble purveyor has no issue with keeping Oklahoma in the top spot with the best of the Southeastern Conference trailing just inches behind. The Alabama/LSU showdown on November 5 will resolve most questions. Until then, most other teams can expect to remain on the outside looking in.

Michigan fall out of the top 10, as the Wolverines lost to Michigan State for the fourth consecutive season. They are replaced by Oregon, who after their opening week loss to LSU, have won five straight by an average margin of 33 points per game. The Ducks are possibly better than their ranking. But similar to Boise State, their strength of schedule will likely hinder them from here on out.

1. Oklahoma (def. Kansas, 47-17), 6-0, 630 pts.
t-2. Alabama (def. Ole Miss, 52-7), 7-0, 620 pts.
t-2. Louisiana State (def. Tennessee, 38-7), 7-0, 620 pts.
4. Stanford (def. Washington State, 44-14), 6-0, 560 pts.
5. Wisconsin (def. Indiana, 59-7), 6-0, 555 pts.
6. Boise State (def. Colorado, 63-13), 6-0, 505 pts.
7. Oklahoma State (def. Texas, 38-26), 6-0, 445 pts.
8. Clemson (def. Maryland, 56-45), 7-0, 390 pts.
9. Arkansas (Bye), 6-0, 345 pts.
10. Oregon (def. Arizona State, 41-27), 5-1, 330 pts.

© Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones (right) congratulates wide receiver Ryan Broyles after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. Don't doubt the Sooners.

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 6 (a day late)

Preseason rankings are debatable, if not borderline controversial. But not only have Oklahoma done nothing to lose the top spot they've had from the beginning, the Sooners proved their worth beyond any question during their annual neutral site "shootout" over the weekend with a 38-point win over then-undefeated Texas. Accordingly the Crimson & Cream tighten their grip on #1, the Longhorns fall out of the top 10 after just one week, and Arkansas takes their place in the rankings after recent consecutive wins over nationally ranked opponents.

In addition, LSU's 30-point victory over Florida was slightly more impressive than Alabama's 34-point shutout win over a better-than-expected Vanderbilt squad that could make another bowl run. Thus 'bama and Louisiana State swap positions but remain in easy striking distance of Oklahoma. Yet something will have to give when these two titans of the Southeastern Conference meet on November 5. Dude, it's gonna be awesome.

1. Oklahoma (def. Texas, 55-17), 5-0, 635 pts.
2. Louisiana State (def. Florida, 41-11), 6-0, 620 pts.
3. Alabama (def. Vanderbilt, 34-0), 6-0, 615 pts.
4. Stanford (def. Colorado, 48-7), 5-0, 570 pts.
5. Wisconsin (Bye), 5-0, 545 pts.
6. Boise State (def. Fresno State, 57-7), 5-0, 500 pts.
7. Oklahoma State (def. Kansas, 70-28), 5-0, 445 pts.
8. Clemson (def. Boston College, 36-14), 6-0, 410 pts.
9. Michigan (def. Northwestern, 42-24), 6-0, 345 pts.
10. Arkansas (def. Auburn, 38-14), 5-1, 315 pts.

A nice panoramic of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Go Vols!
(Original source unknown, click to enlarge)

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 5

While the top five teams in the land are clear, it's the new entries into the remaining half of the top 10 that fascinate the most. Clemson, by virtue of their third consecutive win over a nationally ranked opponent (for the first time in the program's 115-year history), arrive in the upper tier. Joining the upstart Tigers are Michigan and Texas, each of whom replace Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas A&M.

It seems the Wolverines and Longhorns are back in form after a lengthy hiatus. Texas will be tested first, as the top-ranked Sooners await them in the Red River Shootout this weekend.

1. Oklahoma (def. Ball State, 62-6), 4-0, 630 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Florida, 38-10), 5-0, 625 pts.
3. Louisiana State (def. Kentucky, 35-7), 5-0, 620 pts.
t-4. Stanford (def. UCLA, 45-19), 4-0, 565 pts.
t-4. Wisconsin (def. Nebraska, 48-17), 5-0, 565 pts.
6. Boise State (def. Nevada, 30-10), 4-0, 490 pts.
7. Oklahoma State (Bye), 4-0, 435 pts.
8. Clemson (def. Virginia Tech, 23-3), 5-0, 410 pts.
9. Michigan (def. Minnesota, 58-0), 5-0, 345 pts.
10. Texas (def. Iowa State, 37-14), 4-0, 315 pts.

c/o Saturday Down South

An unidentified Georgia fan snapped a pic of Mississippi State defensive back Nickoe Whitley watering the legendary hedges at Sanford Stadium. Evidently he thought nobody would notice. That is vintage Mississippi State.

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 4

With one-third of the regular season already complete, the crème de la crème are wasting no time in staking their claim as the ones to beat. While top-ranked Oklahoma labored more than anticipated to get past a burgeoning Missouri squad, both Alabama and Louisiana State demonstrated once again (and with relative ease) why five consecutive BCS national champions have represented the same conference.

LSU is the new #1 in the Associated Press poll. Undoubtedly a legitimate argument on their behalf could be made. Yet jumping both the Sooners and the Crimson Tide seems marginally premature for now. Nevertheless a better appraisal of the Tigers' depth will be established by the time they face #2 Alabama on November 5 – at which point the #1 ranking could very well belong to the Bayou Bengals.

In lieu of their one-point loss to fellow contenders Oklahoma State, formerly sixth-ranked Texas A&M drops to #10, while Florida State falls out the rankings altogether thanks to a five-point defeat at nationally ranked Clemson. Resulting from Saturday's games, Oklahoma State jumps Wisconsin and Louisiana State jumps Boise State.

Virginia Tech received top 10 consideration, but playing arguably the least challenging schedule among the upper tier FBS schools makes it difficult to overlook undefeated South Carolina – not to mention resurgent Oregon. Next Saturday, expect the Gamecocks to be tested against Auburn and Alabama to be pushed by perennial contender, Florida. Outside of the nation's top conference, expect a cage match to develop at Camp Randall between #7 Wisconsin and #8 Nebraska. The coming weeks are what college football is all about.

1. Oklahoma (def. Missouri, 38-28), 3-0, 640 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Arkansas, 38-14), 4-0, 635 pts.
3. Louisiana State (def. West Virginia, 47-21), 4-0, 630 pts.
4. Boise State (def. Tulsa, 41-21), 3-0, 560 pts.
5. Stanford (Bye), 3-0, 510 pts.
6. Oklahoma State (def. Texas A&M, 30-29), 4-0, 480 pts.
7. Wisconsin (def. South Dakota, 59-10), 4-0, 445 pts.
8. Nebraska (def. Wyoming, 38-14), 4-0, 420 pts.
9. South Carolina (def. Vanderbilt, 21-3), 4-0, 365 pts.
10. Texas A&M (lost to Oklahoma State, 30-29), 2-1, 315 pts.

c/o SixPackSpeak

Ole Miss Rebels, as an identity, is gone. They're the Mississippi Bears now. Not the Black Bears – as officially recognized by the university – or the Brown Bears, the Sun Bears, the Panda Bears, the Polar Bears, the Bear Bryants, the Teddy Bears or the Theodore Roosevelts. And no, the new mascot was not chosen in lieu of William Faulkner's "short novel," The Bear.

Colonel Rebel is gone (but not forgotten) because of oversensitive garbage commingled with an apparent refusal to understand a remote campus which, for decades, featured substandard facilities by the lofty standards of the Southeastern Conference will always trump the depiction of any mascot.

Editorial Sketch of the Week: The haves and have-nots of college football

  © John Darkow, Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 3

Although Florida State stumbled at home against the #1 Sooners, the Seminoles remain in TEC's top 10 thanks in part to the efforts of redshirt freshman QB Clint Trickett, whose laudable play helped FSU keep victory within reach. However the substance of their upper tier ranking will be tested on Saturday against unbeaten Clemson (AP #21, USA Today #22).

Fourth-ranked LSU similarly grinded their past a feisty Mississippi State squad, and the Tigers will be tried once more on Saturday against West Virginia (AP & USA Today #16). Yet the most notable games of the coming weekend will see Arkansas (AP #14, USA Today #12) at #2 Alabama and #8 Oklahoma State at College Station to face #6 Texas A&M.

It's early, but some of the games this weekend could have a considerable impact upon how the season shapes up. As always in college football, every game counts.

1. Oklahoma (def. Florida State, 23-13), 2-0, 650 pts.
2. Alabama (def. North Texas, 41-0), 3-0, 635 pts.
3. Boise State (def. Toledo, 40-15), 2-0, 615 pts.
4. Louisiana State (def. Mississippi State, 19-6), 3-0, 560 pts.
5. Stanford (def. Arizona, 37-10), 3-0, 530 pts.
6. Texas A&M (def. Idaho, 37-7), 2-0, 470 pts.
7. Wisconsin (def. Northern Illinois, 49-7), 3-0, 445 pts.
8. Oklahoma State (def. Tulsa, 59-33), 3-0, 410 pts.
9. Nebraska (def. Washington, 51-38), 3-0, 375 pts.
10. Florida State (lost to Oklahoma, 23-13), 2-1, 310 pts.

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 2

While SEC commissioner Mike Slive recently stated that his conference is not looking to expand beyond adding Texas A&M next season, Orange Bloods is reporting that two more Big XII schools – Oklahoma and Oklahoma State – will apply for membership to the Pac-12 within the next several weeks.  We may as well embrace it now because the dominos are definitely falling in favor of a mega-conference structure that's all but certain to take shape within the next several years.

There were no surprises last weekend, so the top 10 remains the same.  That will change next week, as the top-ranked Sooners visit Tallahassee this weekend for a showdown with the rejuvenated sixth-ranked Seminoles.  That one has the makings of a classic.

1. Oklahoma (Bye), 1-0, 665 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Penn State, 27-11), 2-0, 640 pts.
3. Boise State (Bye), 1-0, 610 pts.
4. Louisiana State (def. Northwestern State, 49-3), 2-0, 555 pts.
5. Stanford (def. Duke, 44-14), 2-0, 530 pts.
6. Florida State (def. Charleston Southern, 62-10), 2-0, 475 pts.
7. Texas A&M (Bye), 1-0, 450 pts.
8. Wisconsin (def. Oregon State, 35-0), 2-0, 380 pts.
9. Oklahoma State (def. Arizona, 37-14), 2-0, 360 pts.
10. Nebraska (def. Fresno State, 42-29), 2-0, 335 pts.

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron (#10) – Captain Tramp Stamp – celebrates after a touchdown against Penn State during the first half at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.  Love 'em or hate 'em, the Tide look poised to challenge for the national title yet again.

TEC's College Football Top 10, Week 1

c/o The Clearly Dope – September 4, 2011

Preseason #3 Oregon, last year's TEC regular season champion, falls out of the top 10 after a less-than-inspiring performance against #4 LSU – a squad with a bevy of issues whom the Ducks should've been primed to knock off.  Instead, the elite of the SEC stepped up and demonstrated why the last five national champions have come from the same conference.

Most contenders performed as expected, including Boise State, who can never pacify the doubters, even after the Broncos' convincing performance against nationally ranked Georgia.  As a result, Nebraska enters the top 10 and all others move up a notch.

1. Oklahoma (def. Tulsa, 47-14), 1-0, 665 pts.
2. Alabama (def. Kent State, 48-7), 1-0, 640 pts.
3. Boise State (def. Georgia, 35-21), 1-0, 610 pts.
4. Louisiana State (def. Oregon, 40-27), 1-0, 555 pts.
5. Stanford (def. San Jose State, 57-3), 1-0, 530 pts.
6. Florida State (def. Louisiana-Monroe, 34-0), 1-0, 475 pts.
7. Texas A&M (def. SMU, 46-14), 1-0, 450 pts.
8. Wisconsin (def. UNLV, 51-17), 1-0, 380 pts.
9. Oklahoma State (def. Louisiana-Lafayette, 61-34), 1-0, 360 pts.
10. Nebraska (def. Chattanooga, 40-7), 1-0, 335 pts.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Maybe I didn't give this guy the credit he deserved last season.  Perhaps I merely resisted buying into what could be easily construed as media hype.  Whatever the case, Andrew Luck is a legitimate Heisman candidate who possesses enough mojo to lead the Cardinal, not just to the Pac-12 title, but also to an appearance in the BCS national championship game in January.

TEC's 2011 Preseason College Football Top 10

I've never had much use for preseason college football polls because they are historically comprised of gut feelings by those who base their estimations on hype that is largely concentrated upon a criterion of returning starters and unproven recruits.  A year-by-year comparison of national polls, from the start any particular season to the final tally, proves the unreliability of these long-standing traditions in foretelling who the best of the best really are beyond any question.

My 5,000-point system of ranking has proven as good as any other yardstick over the previous two seasons.  And because I am hindered by neither the media nor the NCAA, The Eccentric Conservative has brought the Top 10 back for a third season.

Here's the way it looks going into Week 1:

1. Oklahoma, 650 pts.

2. Alabama, 625 pts.

3. Oregon, 590 pts.

4. Boise State, 565 pts.

5. Louisiana State, 530 pts.

6. Stanford, 505 pts.

7. Florida State, 450 pts.

8. Texas A&M, 400 pts.

9. Wisconsin, 355 pts.

10. Oklahoma State, 330 pts.

Contender watch list: Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Texas Christian

In addition, only three Heisman winners since 1950 were not positioned in the offensive backfield: Tim Brown won as a wide receiver at Notre Dame in 1987.  Desmond Howard did the same at Michigan in 1991, and fellow Wolverine Charles Woodson followed in 1997 as the first defensive player to win the coveted trophy.

The trend of offensive recipients is likely to continue.  Hence the Heisman watchlist (alphabetically, with last season's stats) is as follows:

* Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State (1,201 rush. yards, 5.8 ypc, 13 TD)

* Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma (131 rec., 1,622 rec. yards, 14 TD)

* LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (1,731 rush. yards, 5.9 ypc, 21 TD)

* Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma (4,718 pass. Yards, 38 TD, 65.6 comp. %)

* Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina (1,197 rush. yards, 4.8 ypc, 17 TD)

* Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (3,338 pass. yards, 32 TD, 70.7 comp. %)

* Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State (3,845 pass. yards, 35 TD, 71.3 comp. %)

* Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (700 rush. yards, 6.3 ypc, 6 TD)

* Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan (2,570 pass. yards, 1,702 rush. yards, 32 total TD)

* Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State (4,277 pass. yards, 34 TD, 66.9 comp. %)

This season cannot get started soon enough.

 c/o Smokey's Trail

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic for The Great Pumpkin.  In a little over 16 seasons, former University of Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer managed a combined 48-3 conference record against Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Vanderbilt.

Along with career splits versus Auburn and Louisiana State, Fulmer also went 9-2 against Arkansas, 10-5 against Georgia and 11-3 against arch rival Alabama.  Eight bowl wins, six division and two conference titles along with a national championship made him great.  And he never cheated.  Go Vols!

Iconic Shot: Hank & The General

Original source unknown

I become nostalgic for college football around this time every year. Correction: I remain wistful for college football practically year-round, but I digress.

In this shot, University of Tennessee head coach Robert Neyland (right) and consensus All-American running back Hank Lauricella examine their Longhorn opponents during the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 1951. Lauricella finished runner-up in the Heisman voting earlier that season. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

With 173 wins, seven conference titles, four national championships, and a career .829 winning percentage, Coach Neyland (also a U.S. Army Brigadier General) remains the most successful coach in Tennessee football history.

And by the way, the Volunteers defeated Texas on this particular day, 20-14.

Willfully oblivious

Copyright CBS Sports

Responding to the scathing criticism former Auburn University quarterback Cam Newton has garnered leading into the NFL draft on April 28, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon – Newton’s personal mentor – refuted the denunciation of his star pupil by claiming, "A lot of the criticism he's receiving is unfortunate and racially based. I thought we were all past this. I don't see other quarterbacks in the draft being criticized by the media or fans about their smile or called a phony. He's being held to different standards from white quarterbacks. I thought we were past all this stuff about African-American quarterbacks, but I guess we're not."

Moon is responding to the analysis Newton received from Pro Football Weekly scout Nolan Nawrocki. The rough stuff is as follows:

"Was arrested in late November and charged with felony charges of burglary, larceny and intimidating a witness, informant or victim after stealing a laptop computer from a student's dorm room and throwing it out the window when police arrived at Newton's for questioning.  Charges were dropped upon his completion of a pretrial diversion program.  Reportedly transferred rather than face possible expulsion stemming from three incidents of academic cheating, including two as a sophomore when he put his name on someone else's paper and purchased a paper online, attempting to pass it off as his own work. … Was declared ineligible for a day leading up to the SEC title game — Newton's father, Cecil, allegedly enlisted an agent 'runner' to initiate a pay-for-play bidding war for Cam's commitment.  It was reported that Cam's desire was to play for Mississippi State, but he allegedly succumbed to his father's decision (Auburn) based on a six-figure payment. … Very disingenuous — has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup.  Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them.  Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law — does not command respect from teammates and always will struggle to win a locker room. … Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness — is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example.  Immature and has had issues with authority.  Not dependable."

Clearly there is a lot of baggage with this particularly gifted prospect.  Further a great deal of evidence has to be overlooked to make the considerable leap from accountability and sketchy connections to charges of racism, which makes identifying actual racism even more confounding when emotion and double standards are favored over comprehensive truth.

Moon's charge is more than a convenient diversion.  It's also reckelss.