The LSU Tiger Defense flashed Saturday night, disrupting an Oregon Duck Offense that's largely predicated on tempo, precision execution, some trickery and big plays. The LSU Defense was physical and cut off inside running lanes and put Oregon in a lot of 2nd and 3rd and longs, much like Ohio State did vs the Ducks in the 2010 Rose Bowl, with Auburn also using a similar formula against them in last January's National Championship Game.
On Offense, LSU was physical, as well, controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock with the two headed monster of Sophomore RB's Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Again, it was a formula we saw in the Ducks' previous two Bowl defeats, and one that Stanford will try to install against them later this fall.
Notre Dame surprised many, including yours truly, with a very flat performance at home vs a South Florida team that looked more athletic and faster, especially in their front seven on Defense. They took it to ND physically, and now Brian Kelly's squad has to quickly rebound on the road against an improving, but still young and defensively thin, Michigan team - with a potential quarterback controversy brewing between preseason starter Dayne Crist and backup Tommy Rees.
It's hard to say that the 2nd game of a season is pivotal for a team, but it would be fair to say that for ND, as they travel to the Big House next Saturday night.
And is Boise State Head Coach Chris Petersen the NFL version of Bill Belichick - a brilliant mad scientist whose football knowledge is far superior to his coaching peers? Like Belichick, Petersen and his staff continue to find players who fit or can be molded into their system, and their victory against Georgia on Saturday is probably Boise State's most impressive performance and win under Petersen.
For Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt, the loss is one of his worst and may go a long way in determining whether he's back next season.
Though they played lowly Akron, you have to be impressed with Ohio State's ability to once again reload on Defense. The LB's and DB's look more athletic than last year's units, and the Defensive Line is again solid, though the front four's inability to mount much of a pass rush vs Akron is a concern -- especially with Michigan State and Wisconsin on this year's schedule.
Flash Performers:
LSU RB's Spencer Ware and Michael Ford: The talented Sophomore duo combined for 195 yards on the ground and helped the Tigers control the clock and keep the high powered Oregon Duck Offense off the field. Both Ware and Ford are powerful runners with NFL futures, and both give LSU Head Man Les Miles the physical, between-the-tackle pounders that he craves.
LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu: He was a spot starter and nickel back as a freshman last season, but flashed in many games in 2010, including against Ole Miss, Alabama and during the Cotton Bowl. Though only 5'9" and 175 lbs, he plays bigger and is always around the ball, bringing a physical, ball-hawking style reminiscent of a young Antoine Winfield. Matthieu scored a touchdown after he picked up the fumble that he forced on a punt return against the Ducks and was arguably the best player on the field Saturday night in Cowboy Stadium, totaling 10 tackles and playing all 82 snaps on Defense.
Ohio State RB Carlos Hyde: The 235 lbs Ohio State Sophomore filled in for the suspended Boom Herron and Jordan Hall, and laid claim to the starting job. He rushed for 93 yards on 19 carries and ran hard, breaking numerous tackles. He runs downhill with great forward lean and according to reports was electronically timed at 4.42 in the forty this summer, which is not overly surprising since he had numerous 50+ yard runs in high school in Florida.
Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson: Though the NC State transfer had a few hiccups Friday night vs UNLV, Wilson has only had three weeks of practice in Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator's Paul Chryst's system. With very limited practice reps, he still flashed playmaking skills not normally seen from a Wisconsin QB, both on the ground and in the air. The ultra bright, charismatic Wilson gives the Badgers a skill set at QB that they have not had under Bret Bielema.
Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill: The hiring of Kill was not a flashy hire, like former NFL Assistant Tim Brewster, but it was exactly what Minnesota needed. Kill is a tough winner who I first met when he was the Head Man at Saginaw Valley State. Kill impressed me then, and he continued winning at Northern Illinois, before landing at Minnesota.
His Golden Gophers were down 19-3 in the Coliseum to a much more talented USC team, but they battled back to bring the score to 19-17, before an interception ended their comeback attempt in the game's final minute. His Team's toughness and fight on Saturday are great signs for the program's future and are consistent with the values of their new Head Coach.
His Golden Gophers were down 19-3 in the Coliseum to a much more talented USC team, but they battled back to bring the score to 19-17, before an interception ended their comeback attempt in the game's final minute. His Team's toughness and fight on Saturday are great signs for the program's future and are consistent with the values of their new Head Coach.
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