What a weekend

I know I say this every weekend, but it was a great sports weekend. Not so much for some of the teams I follow, but there was plenty to watch.

Even though this is a football blog, let me start with baseball. I've watched closely as the Mets and Padres have tanked their seasons over the last few days. ESPN covers it extensively and asks people to rank the Mets' collapse with other chokes. When I was on people put it at the top, which I find ridiculous, given the other choices.

At least the Padres get a chance at redemption tomorrow (7:30 Eastern on TBS). Likely Cy Young winner Jake Peavy takes the mound in Denver against Josh Fogg. That the Padres are only -145 favorites in this pitching match-up speaks volumes about the direction in which these teams are headed.

Isn't it ironic that Tony Gwynn's son might be responsible for keeping the Pads out of the playoffs?

Okay, back to football, the stated topic of our little blog.

On Friday, River Hill (Clarksville) continued to make their case to be the best team in the Baltimore area by posting a 57-0 win over Hammond (Columbia). They have now outscored their opponents 184-0 in four games. They take on Howard County's only other undefeated team, Wilde Lake (Columbia) this Friday. We'll have a preview of the key players on Thursday.

Michael Campanaro accounted for five TDs on Friday. Read more about this weekend's top performers here.

In the D.C. area, DeMatha rolled St. John's 35-6. Friendly (Fort Washington), likely the state's best team, beat McDonough(Pomfret) 40-0.

Call Saturday what you will —"upset Saturday," "train wreck Saturday" — five of the Top 10 went down. Of the five who did win, only Ohio State did so easily.

It would be easy to attribute several of these upsets to look-ahead games: LSU and Florida and Texas and Oklahoma all face off next week. In Texas' case, I just don't think the Longhorns are that good.

Of all the teams I've watched thus far, I am most impressed by Ohio State, who dominated Minnesota. Their defense is scary good. I'm not sure that Wisconsin will be able to score more than 20 against them.

That may not be enough fr a Wisky win, because the Badgers defense has been scary bad. When Jack Ikegwuonu has missed time, like against the Citadel and saturday's 37-34 close call against Michigan State, they seem incapable of making a stop. They did however come up with big third and fourth down stops against the Spartans.

Ike was suffering from an unidentified illness. The State Journal discusses the D0 here.

Wisconsin is off to Champaign this weekend to take on Illinois, who is really good. I don't know how Ron Zook talked all these kids into attending Illinois, but I expect they'll beat at least one more ranked team this year.

Before we leave the Big 10, I want everyone to see the uniforms the Gophers wore on Saturday by clicking on that link. Looks like they saw the Eagles' ugly challenge and raised.


Leaving the Big Ten behind, how wide open is the Big 12 now? I still feel like Oklahoma is the favorite. Missouri is probably the team to beat in the North, but it appears Colorado and Kansas State have the ability to push them.

In the ACC, how about Maryland's win at Rutgers? Nothing like a total meltdown to inspire you to upset a Top 10 team on the road the following week. I didn't watch a lot of this game, but I think the box score tells the story. Run the ball. Run it some more. 239 yards on the ground! Here's a Post story.


South Florida should request a patent on how to beat West Virginia. Rutgers' loss puts the Bulls in the Big East penthouse, but as Louisville and Rutgers found out last year, it's not always an easy place to stay.

Holy crap! It's midnight. Look for more this week.

--Nate Sandstrom

Lockdown -- Week 4

I bounced back last week going 2-1, but I'm still looking for perfection.

Saturday
Purdue (-21.5) vs. Notre Dame
If you just bet against Notre Dame all year, you could retire by now. I'm coming late to the game, but better late than never. Curtis Painter has a 16/1 TD ratio, and the Irish should allow him to add to his impressive stats.
Purdue 45 Notre Dame 10

Sunday
Over 40 Baltimore/Cleveland. Baltimore has played in games with totals over 40 twice and Cleveland has each week. Plus, the Ravens are banged up. I'm calling for a total of 50.
Cleveland 27 Baltimore 23

Monday
New England (-7.5) at Cincinnati.
The Patriots have been the model of consistency. They have won 38-14, 38-14 and 38-7. The Bengals D has given up 20 points or more in each of their games. Uh-oh. Usually when games look this easy I go the other way, but I think people might just be putting too much stock into the Bengals being at home.
New England 45 Cincinnati 21

Upset Special (10-point or more dog to win)
Indiana (+365/+10.5) at Iowa
This is the second straight week when I would rather pick no upset special, but like I said then, it's a weekly feature.
The fact that the Hoosiers caught the Hawks off-guard last year makes me even more skeptical, but the Hawks have had two narrow losses in a row and I'm hoping their heads are down.
The line has actually moved in Indiana's favor since it opened, so what they hey, here we go on the high payout:
Indiana 24 Iowa 23

Mark's Week 4 Power Rankings

1. Patriots (1) - What is there to say?
2. Colts (2) - When was the last season they looked mortal in week 3?
3. Cowboys (4) - Somewhere beneath his facelift, Jerry Jones is smiling.
4. Steelers (3) - Didn't move them down so much as I moved the Cowboys up
5. Titans (16) - Madden curse my ass.
6. Ravens (6) - I'm honestly thinking Boller may be the right QB. That tells you how much trouble this team may be in.
7. Packers (9) - Crap. Another season of Favre love.
8. Seahawks (13) - Manilow liked Super Bowl XL
9. Chargers (5) - LT has fewer yards than Najeh Davenport. Get it together.
10. Jaguars (18) - Road win in Denver? We won't have Nate commited just yet.
11. Bears (12) - Let's hope Griese can get them back on track.
12. Texans (10) - The Texans are at # 12. Enough said.
13. Panthers (14) - Thank Smith.
14. Bucs (20) - Garcia is a white, efeminite Vince Young - he just wins
15. Bengals (21)- The poop hits the fans
16. Eagles (23) - Keep the throwbacks.
17. Broncos (8) - Colts 35 Broncos 6
18. Lions (11) - Griese's first test
19. Skins (7) - 1st and goal on the one?
20. Cardinals (17) - The Whiz has some tricks up his sleaves
21. Niners (15) - Truth comes to light when you play a real team
22. Jets (29) - J. E. T. S. ... S. U. C. K.
23. Giants (24) - Maybe if Strahan spent more time filming the opponent instead of his sister in law
24. Browns (25) - Jamal knows the Ravens' weaknesses? We'll see.
25. Vikings (22) - Need a QB
26. Raiders (28) - Culpepper gets the start against Dolphins.
27. Bills (27) - Craig Nall?
28. Saints (19) - Bush's approval rating is an all time low
29. Chiefs (31) - Who is ruining more fantasy teams - LJ or LT?
30. Rams ( )- they suck (we drew a blank)
31. Dolphins (30)- Joey Porter's guarantees are as much a lock as LaLo staying sober*
32. Falcons (32) - Now on the clock...

* Disclaimer - Carolyn helped with these

NFL QB Revenge Weekend

Three NFL quarterbacks will have a chance to get back at the teams that got rid of them this weekend.

None will likely be more motivated than Daunte Culpepper in his return to Miami. Billed as the answer and then the problem in his one season with the 'Phins, it was kind of convenient that McCown got injured before this game to elevate Daunte as the starter. Should be an interesting game, partly because both teams' highly-touted D's have played so poorly. I wouldn't want to touch a line of Miami -4. Pick: Miami 27 Oakland 21.

In Atlanta, fans are wishing that Vick's idiot cousin or whoever it was had been popped for selling drugs a few weeks earlier. Despite his bad rep, Harrington has a passer rating of 90.6 this season.

But Schaub is over 100, and Texans fans for the first time can dream of the playoffs.

Atlanta outyardaged the Panthers by more than 100 last weekend but still lost. This still strikes me as a good spot for Atlanta, but in this matchup, I'll take Houston. Pick: Houston 20 Atlanta 16

Finally, the Browns' Derek Anderson gets another shot at the team who drafted him, even though Jamal Lewis is the one really fired up to get back at the Ravens. The Ravens should have lost on this trip last year. Pick: Cleveland 27 Baltimore 23


Bonus revenge comes in the Pittsburgh-Arizona game. Former Steelers coaches Ken Whisenhunt and the snubbed Russ Grimm will have their Cardinals ready for the Steelers, who have run over all comers thus far. Before the year I marked this down as a Cards win, but I'm less confident now. Hines Ward was listed as doubtful today. Pick: Arizona 23 Pittsburgh 19

--Nate Sandstrom

Worst to First

One of my great childhood sports memories is the 1991 worst-to-first World Series between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.

It's not such a special thing in the NFL, especially in the typically putrid NFC.

Each NFC team that finished last in their division last season has started this year in the thick of things.

The Bucs, 'skins and Lions are each 2-1, while Arizona is 1-2, but both their losses are by just three points.

Since the NFC went from three to four divisons in 2002, six teams have gone from last to first the following season -- a rate of 37.5%. Even more interesting, it has happened in the NFC South each year. Atlanta and New Orleans will really be racing for the bottom.

That trend may continue. Of the four teams that finished last in their divisions in 2006, I think the Bucs, who may have their best defense since the Dungy years, have the best chance to win in 2007. I think the others could make a run, but I consider Dallas, Green Bay and Seattle far ahead of them.

--Nate Sandstrom

Does That Make Him Craaaaazy

Maybe it is my analytical English major mindset reading too much into this, but Samari Rolle may be about to pull a Barrett Robbins. Rolle came down with a sudden, undisclosed illness just before Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals.

According Brian Billick, the medication that Rolle is now on to fight this illness has now caused him to be so lethargic that he has missed three practices and will not be active against the Browns this coming Sunday. It is known that some antidepressants have a lethargic effect. And when the coach uses the word “balance” when describing your medicine, it sounds like a red flag to me. Plus, Billick openly says that to tell anything specific would cause speculation and concern.

Read Billick’s quote for yourself and tell me what you think:

"It's evidently something that he is going to have to monitor for a while. I hesitate to make comparisons because everybody will go, 'Oh, my God, you mean he has ... ' No. But it takes medication, and you have to have the right balance. That's the best I can offer you."

This is pure speculation and I could be way off. However, Billick is known as a media savvy coach who knows what words to use and these words hint to me of some sort of non-traditional illness at the least.

Looking for contributions--

Hello to all the SoBo Football readers. We've been posting for about a month, and it's focused more on lists, rankings and predictions. There are two good reasons for that.

1) Because it's a little less time consuming
2) Because I thought it would generate some debate about what an idiot I am to predict those guys to win or to think these guys are #1.

However, few people have posted comments. Would those of you reading prefer to see more wirtten opinions, analysis or links? Do you want to talk about the popular topics like screaming Ok St. coaches? Or do you get enough of that from sports radio and come here to really read about on-the-field stuff?

I know that we could post more often, and we're working on it. I'm also not in love with the overall design.

Whatever thoughts you have, they are appreaciated — even if you think we suck. Post them here or e-mail us at sobofootball@gmail.com.

--Nate Sandstrom

Consider the Ravens

Reasons to Doubt

1. Billick. This is the coach that literally didn’t believe in two minute drills until last season. There is no reason to believe that he will suddenly start making good play calls or using the clock wisely. He’ll continue to stubbornly stand by players that aren’t getting the job done. Overall, he’s a good coach, but he’s got many tragic flaws to overcome in a serious title run.
2. Age. The team is old. They’re going to have to blow up next season. Injuries have already become an issue. McNair, especially. He looks every bit his 34 years old. However, this is one place where Billick comes in handy. One of his positives is his record of pacing the team and managing the veterans and their bodies.
3. Pittsburgh. I don’t care what anyone says about their opponents. They’re good. They had a down year last year, but at heart this is still the same team that has dominated since Roethlisberger’s arrival (and even before then). This is a watered down league with maybe four truly great teams. Not just any team would roll through these first three opponents. It’s the teams that win when they should and learn how to win convincingly (pay attention, Ravens) that perform down the stretch.
4. Defense. Still dominant, still intimidating. But where are the sacks and interceptions from a year ago? The pressure is about a half second behind where it needs to be. The reason this team is fading in the fourth quarter is b/c they have to play a solid four quarters as opposed to the ridiculous lights out first half with 3 sacks and an interception of last year. The nine sack Pittsburgh game from last year is a perfect example. This defense was built to knock you around and make you quit early, not play four perfect quarters.
5. Offense. If the offense scored touchdowns in the first quarter of the Cardinals game instead of field goals (after 14 play, 7 minute drive) the Cardinals would have been in a huge hole and wouldn’t have been able to come back. Same as the Jets game. The problem isn’t the 4th quarter. IT’S THE 1ST QUARTER! If you allow a team to hang around, it will believe and eventually score. The offense needs to find some long plays that score. Running the ball this well, there should be more effective play action.

Howard County Power Rankings -- Week 3 edition

TronBlaster's Howard County Power Rankings (Week 3 edition)

(Team, W-L, PF-PA, summary, last opopent, next

The elite
1. River Hill 3-0 127-0 The shutout streak reaches three. Campanaro's throwing touchdown passes now. What's he gonna do next? Ride a unicycle across the crossbar? (Last week: beat Glenelg 35-0; This week: Hammond at)
2. Wilde Lake 3-0 97-29 They showed they can even stop the pass against the Stangs. How long til Oct. 5 (when they play RH for the county championship.) (beat Marriotts Ridge 45-12; at Centennial)
3. Atholton 2-1 47-34 Kelechi Odocha is averaging almost 200 yards a game. He'll probably reach 1,000 yards on the season against an immobile Glenelg defense. (beat Howard 17-6; Glenelg at)

Could make the playoffs (Glenelg only cause they're 1A)
4. Reservoir 3-0 110-17 Yet to be challenged, but they can only play the teams on the schedule. I hope none of their players get detention like on Breakfast Club, because they'll face a stiff test Saturday at 1!!! (beat Oakland Mills 42-0; Howard at)
5. Howard 2-1 87-56 Chins up Lions, you played Atholton tough on the road, so you're not docked any slots in these prestigious power rankings (lost to Atholton 6-17; at Reservoir)
6. Glenelg 0-3 17-99 Even though they've had a hellish early schedule, (WL, Ho, RH, A) they've looked bad. Fat, slow and stupid is no way to go through life, sons. (lost to River Hill 0-35; at Atholton)

Could knock someone out of the playoffs
+7 (8). Long Reach 2-1 55-64 Team most likely to unseat Glenelg in the six spot now that Hughes has the 100-win monkey off his back. (beat Centennial 7-6; Mt. Hebron at)

-8 (7). Centennial 0-3 6-71 Scored for the first time this season on the opening kickoff return, then missed the extra point after a 15-yard penalty for celebrating. At least they didn't injure their selves banging their heads against the wall like Gus Frerotte (lost to Long Reach 6-7; Wilde Lake at)
9. Marriotts Ridge 2-1 78-93 They'll be 3-1 after this week, but those big bully teams above will probably still pick on them and shove them around and give them rear admirals (lost to Wilde Lake 12-45; Oakland Mills at)

Just go out there and have fun kids
10. Hammond 1-2 70-61 They looked like the Harlem Globetrotters of football against Hebron. Don't be surprised if they're the first team to crack the end zone on the Hawks. (beat Mt. Hebron 43-7; at River Hill)
11. Mt. Hebron 0-3 31-129 Everyone's teasing the Vikings. Luckily they can still get their revenge on their little brothers, Oakland Mills. (lost to Hammond 7-43; at Long Reach)
12. Oakland Mills 0-3 45-117 The Scorps looked good in the preseason passing tournament, but someone forgot to tell them in the regular season you can just take the ball and run with it. (lost to Reservoir 0-42; at Marriotts Ridge)

NFL Power Rankings Week 4

Okay, I’m drinking the Packer Kool-Aid and putting them #6. I thought they would start 0-4, and still finish 8-8 so they are in great position.

I can’t remember the last time I thought the NFC had five of the league’s 11 best teams. Maybe 1998?

Jacksonville and the Giants make this week’s biggest gains, while Bills continue free fall, down 11 spots.

(Record, Last week)
1. New England (3-0, 1): Scoring 38 points is so routine.
2. Indianapolis (3-0, 2): What happened to those blowouts?
3. Pittsburgh (3-0, 3): Outscored opponents 97-26.
4. Baltimore (2-1, 5): QB Platoon? Does Billick think he’s Spurrier?
5. Dallas (3-0, 9): I’ll stop calling them overrated.
6. Green Bay (3-0, 11): Won seven straight.
7. San Diego (1-2, 4): With their schedule, I expected 1-2.
8. Seattle (2-1, 7): Sticking with them as NFC Champ.
9. Philadelphia (1-2, 12): Should wear blue and gold all the time.
10. Houston (2-1, 10): Need Andre Johnson back.
11. Chicago (1-2, 8): Can’t Devin Hester play QB?
12. Tennessee (2-1, 13): Jeff Fisher, all-time underrated coach.
13. Cincinnati (1-2, 14): Next on chopping block for Pats.
14. Denver (2-1, 6): Needs a run defense.
15. Tampa Bay (2-1, 15): First to worst to first?
16. Jacksonville (1-2, 23): What do you know? Del Rio runs the ball and wins.
17. Carolina (2-1, 20): Will David Carr rewrite his legacy?
18. Washington (2-1, 16): Sunday collapse was the Redskins I know.
19. Detroit (2-1, 17): Nice while it lasted.
20. N.Y. Jets 91-2, 18): Pats' biggest challenger in AFC East. Ha!
21. Arizona (1-2, 21): Leinart takes a step back.
22. San Francisco (2-1, 22): Steelers provide reality check to Niners.
23. Cleveland (1-2, 25): Billick needs Anderson back for even better platoon.
24. N.Y. Giants (1-2, 31): Showed spirit in comeback.
25. New Orleans (0-3, 26): Brees will straighten things out.
26. Kansas City (1-2, 27): Larry Johnson loves checkers.
27. Minnesota (1-2, 24): Hope Dome can stop Favre.
28. Miami (0-3, 29): Once great franchise is just sad.
29. Oakland (1-2, 30): Pseudo-cheating with time outs evens out in the end.
30. Buffalo (0-3, 19): Lee Evans has five catches.
31. St. Louis (0-3, 28): Must be depressing to be Rams fan.
32. Atlanta (0-3, 32): Missed good chance to win.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch — Post-Week 4

Darren McFadden and DeSean Jackson, my top two all year, fall out this week. McFadden keeps racking up yards, but Arkansas keeps losing. Jackson's injured thumb meanwhile seems to be limiting his production to the point where he's falling out of consideration. A big game against Oregon this week could bring him back.

Steve Slaton and Pat White have a chance to make their respective cases in a big time showdown against a top defense in South Florida on Friday.

1. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia. 617 yards from scrimmage, 10 TDs and a long highlight reel.
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. 8 TDS in the air, 5 on the ground and a passer rating of 197.96! We'll see if he can keep it up in a tough SEC schedule.
3. Pat White, QB, West Virginia. Completed 18 of 20 passes in route of ECU. Has 6 TDs through the air and on the ground. Passer rating is now 174.82.
4. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. Defenses don't find anything funny about what he has done to them. Went over 150 for the second straight week against Stanford. In four games has racked up 503 yards for 7.7 ypc and 4 TDs. Chance to raise profile against Cal.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. Continues to rack up yards in the Knights offense. In three games, has posted 490 yards for 5.8 ypc, 7 TDs. May not have strength of schedule to stay up here.

Rising — P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin; Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Heisman Pundit keeps McFadden on top.

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 Rankings, Post-Week 4

LSU's is in my top spot for the first time this year. Not that it really mattes in September. Two wins over teams in my Top 25 give the Tigers the edge. A trio of 4-0 teams also appear in this poll for the first time this year — Cincinnati, Arizona State and Kentucky. Michigan is also getting closer to a return to the poll after beating Penn State who falls out of the Top 25.

1. LSU (4-0). Trying to schedule Atlanta Falcons.
2. Oklahoma (4-0). Will Sooners look past Colorado to Texas? Does it matter?
3. USC (3-0). Ball St. undermines Trojan performance at Lincoln.
4. West Virginia (4-0). Looks for revenge against South Florida on Friday.
5. Florida (4-0). Auburn gave Gators their only loss last year. No repeat this week.
6. Ohio State (4-0). Defense continues to dominate.
7. Oregon (4-0). Broke 50 for the second straight week. Cal is next.
8. Wisconsin (4-0). Keep winning, even if it's ugly.
9. South Carolina (3-1). Must try to avoid hangover versus upstart Miss. St.
10. Texas (4-0). Rice gives Horns the blowout they've been looking for.
11. Rutgers (3-0). Maryland provides first real test this weekend.
12. Georgia (3-1). Big road win at 'Bama.
13. California (4-0). Ready for shootout with Ducks.
14. Clemson (4-0). Davis/Spiller continue to dominate.
15. South Florida (3-0). Will try to prove their D is faster than W.Va's O.
16. Boston College (4-0). Takes on I-AA's top team, UMass, for homecoming this week.
17. Missouri (4-0). Off this week before showdown with Huskers.
18. Alabama(3-1). Needs to refocus as they head to Tallahassee.
19. Miami (3-1). The swagger was back in blowout over A&M.
20. Cincinnati (4-0). Blowouts keep coming for Bearcats.
21. Virginia Tech (3-1). Hokies finally dominate a team, even if it was William&Mary.
22. Arizona State (4-0). Football is back in Tempe.
23. Purdue (4-0). Offense keeps piling up the points.
24. Tennessee (2-2). Needs win vs. Georgia to get back in BCS picture.
25. Kentucky (4-0). # 7 SEC team is #25 in nation.

AP and USA Today posted under comments.
--Nate Sandstrom

Mark's Jessup Lockdown of the Week

Washington (-3.5) vs. NY Giants

The giants are in disarray. As usual. There is no reason to expect a divisional road win out of them. Unless they can manage to rally around a good old pre-game Tiki bashing, they’ll have a long Sunday.

Expect the Redskins to easily shut down the Giants’ running game. With the load clearly on his sore shoulders, Eli will pout and throw poor pass after poor pass, leaving his receivers as target practice for Landry and Taylor. It will be a rout by the third quarter.

Clemson (-7.5) at NC State

Clemson looks focused this year. Cullen is throwing with 72% accuracy. He has 700 yards, ten touchdowns and no picks. The Wolfpack have a strong pass defense. But is that because teams are able to run for over 200 yards against them? Clemson will use the run to set up the pass and pick apart NC State.

Besides that, Clemson has won the past three meetings by an average of eleven points.
Clemson will win in an offensive shootout. 34 – 20.

Lockdown -- Week 3

What a rough weekend Week 2 was. In the nine-man picks league I'm in, I finished with the weekend's top record at 12-12-2.

In this feature, I pulled a big goose egg. That brings my locks of the week down to 2-4, and my upset specials down to 0-2. Playing my picks to win $100 each and a $50 parlay translates into -540.

It's frustrating because I bumped two good picks (FAU +7 and TB +3) in the end for losers UConn and Indy.

Last weekend showed every 'dog has its day, so here's hoping my picks for this weekend get better.

Buffalo (+3) vs. Baylor
Get this one while you still get the field goal, not that I think it will matter. For years the Bison have been doormats in the MAC, but with nearly every starter back from a team that made progress, I like the Bison a lot.

Baylor is 2-1, but their wins come against a I-AA school and a team that lost to a I-AA school.

Buffalo is 1-2, but their losses come at Penn St. and at Rutgers. They actually finished the Penn State game with a slight yardage edge.
The Bison will show up a Big 12 team I expect to be overconfident.

Buffalo 35 Baylor 20

Wake Forest (-3) vs. Maryland
Prior to the Deacs drubbing the Terps in College Park last year, Maryland had covered seven straight in this rivalry. Expect the reversal trend to continue this weekend.

Maryland had a few extra days of prep time after falling to W. Virginia on Thursday. But this seems like a spot for a let down after their annual rivalry game with the 'Neers.

Wake Forest meanwhile is off to a 1-2 start, but they gave BC the toughest fight they've had all year in Boston and easily could've beat Nebraska. Wake QB Skinner is listed as probable this weekend, although they will win even if he doesn't play.

Wake Forest 31 Maryland 17

Pittsburgh (-9) at San Francisco
The Steelers have blown out both their opponents this year, and I expect that trend to continue. The Niners are 2-0 and were labeled a sleeper by so many people they can hardly be called a sleeper. But I don't think they have enough outside of Frank Gore to compete with one of the leagues top teams.

Pittsburgh 27 San Francisco 10

Upset special (+10 or more to win)
Air Force (+400) at BYU
The Falcons have had everything go right. They look to sweep the Mountain West's top three talented teams in the first four weeks of the year Saturday.

They'll need a little luck, as the Cougars should be fired up after stumbling to a 1-2 start. BYU has superior talent and home field advantage.

But I've kind of committed to picking one of these upsets a week, so why not call for luck to remain on the AFA's side. It was between them and New Mexico St. at Aurburn and Oregon St. at Arizona State.

By default: Air Force 34 BYU 31

Mark's Week 3 Power Rankings

1. Patriots - Mangini may have woken a sleeping giant
2. Colts - Has Peyton ever declined a commercial?
3. Steelers - Say what you want about their opponents - good teams win when they should
4. Cowboys - Beware of the Redskins
5. Chargers - This spot is based on talent. But I just feel like they're missing something they had last year
6. Ravens - The fact that it isn't crazy to think they may lose to the Cardinals says it all
7. Redskins - Good D and a strong running game. It wins.
8. Broncos - Cutler is playing smart.
9. Packers - It makes a huge difference when your QB doesn't throw 3 picks a game
10. Texans - How different this year would be if Vick had been indicted prior to Schaub being traded
11. Lions - They may just start to believe in themselves
12. Bears - Even though he's white, Grossman is still being criticized.
13. Seahawks - They'll find a groove. They're going to get at least 7 home wins
14. Panthers - They'll take this division. But their D needs to improve
15. Niners - This is low for a 2-0 team. They need to find some explosion
16. Titans - They backed up their words (even with a loss) against the Colts
17. Cardinals - Matt Leinart gets a big test this week
18. Jaguars - Barely beating the Falcons? They should be fined a draft pick
19. Saints - I think Drew Brees will eventually find a rhythm. Soon the questions are going to be on Bush
20. Bucs - If it looks like a rat... Jeff Garcia is a winner
21. Bengals - From here down, the league blows at this point.
22. Vikings - Bring in Holcomb and they'll win 3 more games than they would with Jackson (I'm not a racist!)
23. Eagles - Defense is solid, but the offense has done nothing. This team is destined for a tailspin this season. See the 2005 Ravens
24. Giants - How does the defense get pushed around with that talent up front?
25. Browns - Where was that Jamal last year?
26. Rams - At some point Stephen Jackson will fit the billing. Won't he?
27. Bills - If they could have scored a touchdown early, they would have had a shot against the Steelers
28. Raiderrs - At least they're playing exciting games this year.
29. Jets - They just don't have that much elite talent. But Kellen Clemens is the future
30. Dolphins - They traded for Trent Green. We all knew their season was over then
31. Chiefs - Did anyone really believe in Damon Huard?
32. Falcons - Could Michael Vick have made that much of a difference?

Howard County Power Rankings -- Week 3

TronBlaster's Howard County Power Rankings
The elite
1. River Hill 2-0 Outscoring opponents 92-0 so far. When do the playoffs start? (Last week: beat Centennial 44-0; This week: at Glenelg)
2. Wilde Lake 2-0 Won statement game against Atholton, there's clear separation between the county's top three. (beat Atholton 28-10; at Marriotts Ridge)
3. Atholton 1-1 Kelechi Odocha is like Barry Sanders, only more Kelechier (lost to Wilde Lake 10-28; Howard at)

Could make the playoffs
4. Reservoir 2-0 They don't play anyone good until week four, are they paper tigers? (beat Hammond 26-3; at Oakland Mills)
+5 (7). Howard 2-0 Handled Glenelg convincingly on their field, won the Elgard trophy (beat Glenelg 40-10; at Atholton)
-6 (5). Glenelg 0-2 This spot is up for grabs. How far will they slide? Butch Schaffer isn't a sorcerer... (lost to Howard 10-40; River Hill at)

Could knock someone out of the playoffs
-7 (6). Centennial 0-2 Two tough opponents, but they've been outscored 64-0 so far. Big chance to make a fist this week. (lost to River Hill 0-44; at Long Reach)
8. Long Reach 1-1 How much does a win over Oakland Mills mean? This week's grudge match will be telling. (beat Oakland Mills 34-16; Centennial at)
9. Marriotts Ridge 2-0 Uh oh, when do we have to start taking the Stangs seriously? (beat Mt. Hebron 38-24; Wilde Lake at)

Just go out there and have fun kids
10. Hammond 0-2 The best athletes of the county's worst trio of teams (lost to Reservoir 3-26; Mt. Hebron at)
11. Mt. Hebron 0-2 Schultz better start throwing like he's playing arena football, but who will be his Bobby Sippio? (lost to Marriotts Ridge 24-38; at Hammond)
12. Oakland Mills 0-2 They're scoring more points last year, but still leaking them like a sieve. (lost to Long Reach 16-34; Reservoir at)

NFL Power Rankings — Week 3

Two weeks in and the cream definitely appears to be rising to the top. But there's 14 weeks left and many chances for injuries, so we'll see what happens.

(Record, Last week)
1. New England (2-0, 1): On their way to 19-0. Why play the season?
2. Indianapolis (2-0, 3): Showed they can win close ones too.
3. Pittsburgh (2-0, 7): Looking for their weakness.
4. San Diego (1-1, 2): Were beaten by Pats from the first drive.
5. Baltimore (1-1, 5): Defense is still top notch.
6. Denver (2-0, 6): Rather be lucky than good.
7. Seattle (1-1, 8): Hard to move up a team that loses to Arizona. Need to work on handoffs.
8. Chicago (1-1, 9): Why would anybody kick to Devin Hester?
9. Dallas (2-0, 12): How long until Garrett becomes head coach?
10. Houston (2-0, 21): Will drop fast if Andre Johnson is gone too long.
11. Green Bay (2-0, 13): Is it 2007 or 1997?
12. Philadelphia (0-2, 11): Best winless team in football.
13. Tennessee (1-1, 23): Almost jumped to 2-0 division start.
14. Cincinnati (1-1,5): Paging the Bengals defense.
15. Tampa Bay (1-1, 19): Best in the NFC South.
16. Washington (2-0, 20): LBs making huge strides.
17. Detroit (2-0, 24): It’s like the Wayne Fontes winning era.
18. N.Y. Jets (0-2, 18): Nearly rallied for big win.
19. Buffalo (0-2, 10): I though the defenses was supposed to be the problem.
20. Carolina (1-1, 15): Texans provide reality check.
21. Arizona (1-1, 25): Seahawks pulled a Cardinals.
22. San Francisco (2-0, 26): Win this week and I’m a believer.
23. Jacksonville (1-1, 14): Coach, you have Jones-Drew and Taylor.
24. Minnesota (1-1, 22): Adrian Peterson is really good.
25. Cleveland (1-1, 31): Seven points. Fifty-one points. Same old consistent Browns.
26. New Orleans (0-2, 17): At least I didn’t pick them to be a Super Bowl team.
27. Kansas City (0-2, 29): Showed signs of life.
28. St. Louis (0-2, 16): Yuck. I thought this team was good.
29. Miami (0-2, 28): Trent Green will end the QB con…never mind.
30. Oakland (0-2, 30): Won, then lost.
31. N.Y. Giants (0-2, 27): Florida is nice this time of year coach.
32. Atlanta (0-2, 32): Please trade for Brunell.


--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch — Week 3

I've got a new #1. Even though Arkansas lost, Darren McFadden was a major reason the Hogs rallied back from down 21-0. DeSean Jackson was limited by injury and drops to number two.

Last weeks ranking in parentheses.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. (2) Went for 195 yards on the ground and two TDs against 'Bama. He and Felix Jones ran the Tide ragged, although 'Bama eventually rallied in a see-saw game. For the year, McFadden has rushed 346 yards on the ground in two games and has also caught five passes and tossed a 42-yard TD.
McFadden hype site here.
2. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. (1) Not much of a stat line against La. Tech as he is nursing a sprained thumb. He has just 112 receiving yards but also two 70-yard plus TDs this year, one on a reverse and another on a punt return. He has the highlight reel to impress voters.
3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. (NR) What a difference a 39-point win over Tennesse makes. Everyone has loved Tebow's talent, but look at his numbers! He's completed 73.8 percent of his passes for a rating of 228.76. By the way, he's rushed for 192 yards. If Gators keep winning, Tebow will move up.
4. Steve Slaton, RB, W. Virginia. (3) Slaton sliced through the Maryland defense again last week, posting 137 yards rushing and 2 TDs. That brings his total for the year to an I-A-leading 9 TDs. He shares the ball with the many other players in the 'Neers offense, but you have to consider Slaton threat #1.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. (5) I keep Smith in the dark horse position, even though the Knights upset bid against Texas fell short. Racked up a total of 366 yards and 4 TDs on the ground against N.C. State and the Longhorns. Could really pad the stats when he gets into C-USA schedule.


Click here for ESPN's take. Heisman Pundit also has McFadden on top.

--Nate Sandstrom

Billick Throws Belichick a Bone

Brian Billick hinted today at where he stands on the Pats cheating scandal.

Refering to the Jets' defensive practice of shouting false signals, Billick used the word "illegal" at least three times. Is it any coincidence that the week after the Patriots get caught cheating, Billick accuses the team that caught them of illegal procedures? Doubtful.

Billick's statements give weight to the thought that cheating is prevalent in professional sports and that the real tool in this situation is Eric Mangini. The pereception of Mangini is that he has done what it's taken to get to where he is. And he may have taken it too far by betraying the coach's club that got him the top spot in New York.

Mark Goldman

Top 25 rankings - Week 3

1. Oklahoma (3-0). Who says you can't win with a freshman QB?
2. USC (2-0). Reggie who? Dwayne what? They just reload.
3. LSU (3-0). Just keeps dominating. Big game against the other SC this weekend.
4. West Virginia (3-0). Speed kills.
5. Florida (3-0). At what point do you stop worrying about them losing 9 starters on D.
6. Penn State (3-0). Have lost eight straight to Michigan. Is this their year?
7. Wisconsin (3-0). Can not afford slow starts in Big 10 play.
8. Ohio State (3-0). Laurinaitis leads one of nation's top Ds.
9. S. Carolina (3-0). Mitchell can not turn ball over at LSU.
10. Oregon (3-0). Dominated a strong schedule.
11. Texas (3-0). Regardless of score, they keep winning.
12. Texas A&M (3-0). First road trip of year is at Miami on Thursday.
13. Rutgers (3-0). Dominating bad teams.
14. Georgia (2-1). Good team in better conference.
15. Alabama (3-0). Gritty performance against Arkansas, but lucky to escape.
16. South Florida (2-0). Must avoid looking past UNC to W. Va.
17. Arkansas (1-1). Tough loss for hogs, but they rebounded from early setback last year.
18. Cal (3-0). Most dangerous special teams in the country.
19. Missouri (3-0). How long will Tigers remain under the radar?
20. Clemson (3-0). Still riding FSU win.
21. Boston College (3-0). That's 3-0 in the ACC.
22. Purdue (3-0). Haven't looked this good since 2004. No matter how that ended.
23. Hawaii (3-0). Keep piling on the points.
24. Virginia Tech (3-0). Need a signature win. And offensive line.
25. Air Force (3-0). Wins over Utah and TCU put Falcons in MWC driver's seat.

AP And USA Today polls posted under comments.

--Nate Sandstrom