August 2008 - Posts
While enjoying some college football on a Sunday and wishing it would be this way every week, I’d like to offer these EXTRA POINTS after the first four days of the 2008 campaign.
It could have been worse: Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford should be thanking his lucky stars (if he’s got any left) that Maryland was able to hold off Delaware, 14-7, in College Park. Yes, the Fightin’ Blue Hens don’t fall into the cupcake category, having advanced all the way to last season’s Football Championship Subdivision title game, but that was with quarterback Joe Flacco (now with the Baltimore Ravens) at the helm. Previously known for a prolific offense, Delaware’s defense took center stage and made the Terrapin offense look like a Colonial Athletic Association cellar dweller.
We’re not finished with the ACC. How about North Carolina? A 35-27 victory at home over McNeese State isn’t exactly the way Butch Davis wanted to start out. Especially when you consider that the Tar Heels were seemingly a one-man-band in the opener. If not for senior wide receiver Brandon Tate’s 397 all-purpose yards, UNC could have been toppled and the ACC’s black eye would have been an even darker shade.
CONTINUED >>
Coaches and sportswriters have a long history of displaying their differences. Last season’s explosion by Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and its aftermath is perhaps the best illustration of recent times.
But when it comes to the polls, they march in lockstep.
On Saturday, the Associated Press released its Top 25 college football poll, more than two weeks after the USA Today Coaches Top 25 made its debut.
CONTINUED >>
