If you're not doing anything Friday, check out this game

Howard County's top two high school football teams face off this Friday, when the star-studded River Hill (Clarksville) Hawks visit the Wilde Lake (Columbia) Wilde Cats and stud DT Cody Blue.

Wilde Lake, ranked #6 among Maryland 3A teams by MdVarsity.com, has a stingy defense that is led by Blue, 6-5, 280, ranked the nation's #43 DT by Scout.com. He has committed to play for Maryland next year.

They will be the first real test for River Hill, ranked #1 in 2A and #5 in the state by MdVaristy.com. Their opponents so far have a combined record of 1-15, but the Hawks have outscored them 184-0.

The Hawks are led by small but speedy junior Michael Campanaro who plays QB, RB, CB and returns punts. He is small (5'9, 175) but runs a 4.4 40.

He has offers from Northwestern and Akron, and is also being recruited by Illinois, Notre Dame, Boston College, Maryland and others.

But that's not the end of the talent on this team. Linebacker Jonathan Hill will attend Navy next year, RB/LB Zach Martin, was the Howard County Times' 2006 Defensive Player of the Year and burner junior RB Malek Redd can take it to the house at any time.

Kick off is at 7 p.m.

--Nate Sandstrom

Getting your story straight

Since Joe Gibbs has returned to Redskins Park,everyone on the team seems to have a different answer to the same question.

From which coach calls the plays when to who is hurt and how injured they are, the answer to every question seems to depend on who you ask.

So now, nearly two weeks after Ladell Betts was stuffed twice at the Giants'1-yard line to end the game, the answer to why Clinton Portis didn't get the ball is going through similar evolutions.

Gibbs told reporters at a press conference yesterday that no one is trying to lie, and Post columnist Mike Wise seems to agree. But the botched communication is clear. From the Post:

But the reason people wonder about conspiracy theories is because, often, no two people say the same thing in Ashburn. Case in point: When people wanted to know why Portis was not on the field for the final series of plays, Gibbs said afterward that Portis and Betts were "interchangeable."

Monday morning after the game, Al Saunders, the associate head coach who calls the plays, said that he was unsure if Portis was available from his perch in the booth.

Gibbs detailed the end of the game in his news conference that evening, mentioning that running backs coach Earnest Byner sent Betts into the game to throw off a Giants defense used to Portis running the same plays.

A week later, we learned about Portis being banged up, though it's unclear exactly when it happened and it was unclear for a while what the actual injury was.

Ten days later, there's not a lot of clarity. What gives?

But it's just another week in the world of the Redskins, where, since the Daniel Snyder era began, the story has almost always been away from the field.

Now, for the actual game this Sunday. If the season were over today, both the Redskins and Lions would be in the playoffs. The Redskins opened the week as a 3.5-point favorite, and that has held fairly steady.

So here's an angle on this game: Since 2004, the Redskins have lost more games that they led at halftime (11) than any other team. That's the same amount of blown leads the Redskins had in Gibbs 1.0, from 1981 to 1992.

The article doesn't mention it, but they play an opponent in the Lions that set the NFL record for most points in a fourth quarter (34) last week. Could this week be another candidate for a blown lead? They also torched the Raiders in the fourth quarter in Week 1,

The Redskins have won 20 of the last 22 meetings between these clubs, although the Lions two wins have come in the last four meetings, whatever all that counts for.

I think this game will turn on injuries. At the receiver position, Calvin Johnson is expected to play this weekend while Santana Moss is listed as doubtful. The 'skins signed Keenan McCardell to take his place this weekend. McCardell took punt return reps in practice this week, I hope that doesn't mean he will return punts during the game.

Portis is listed as probable, and it appears Fred Smoot will return this week.

Detroit has the NFL's #17 rushing defense, good news for a team that is at its best when it runs. (Witness blown lead against Giants when they abandon the run.)

I expect a high scoring, see-saw game. Betts will get 95 yards this week and I think Portis plays and gets another 80 and 2 TDs. I also think Kitna will be able to work Carlos Rogers/Fred Smoot and will limit turnovers.

If I recover from a throat infection I'll be in the stands and the Redskins usually lose when I go. Of course they also usually lose when I don't go. What they hey, I'll call for a Washington win.

Washington 30 Detroit 24

--Nate Sandstrom

Mark's Jessup Lockdown of the Week

Cardinals (-3) at Rams

The Rams’ injury report is a mile long. Including their starting left tackle, quarterback and running back. Gus Frerotte is getting the start over the battered, inaccurate, newly paid Marc Bulger. But there’s a reason the Farrely brothers used Brett Favre instead of Gus Frerotte in There’s Something About Mary despite an equally R’d up name.

On the other side, there’s the red hot Cardinals fresh off their victory over the Steelers. The Cardinals have looked good all year except for the play of Matt Leinart. Expect Kurt Warner to get a lot of playing time in his old home. And why not? Just compare their stats:

Warner: 70% for 390 yards and 3 TDs, no picks
Leinart: 53% for 547 yards, 2 TDs, 3 picks

The Cardinals are extremely well coached and have played even better than their 2-2 record would indicate. Besides, Arizona is 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 whereas St. Louis is 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 against NFC West. On top of that, St. Louis is forcing 9.8 ppg and allowing 25. Arizona is forcing 21 and giving up 20. I could go on. But this pick seems too obvious. A little too obvious?

Virginia Tech (+5.5) at Clemson *UPSET SPECIAL*

My Clemson bandwagon ride has come to an end. This is a match-up that the Hokies traditionally own. Don’t worry about the road game either. They’re 10-3 in their last 13 road games.

Clemson is a little banged up on offense and is going to struggle against the Hokies’ sound defense. Look for Clemson to move the ball between the 20s and have trouble in the red zone. Cullen Harper will get frustrated and try to force some throws, resulting in a late game-deciding turnover.

Heisman Watch -- Post-Week 5

Me of little faith. A week after I drop DeSean Jackson he lights up the Oregon defense and retakes the lead on my ballot. Sorry I'm going abbreviated this week, but I'm sick and need to go to bed.

1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. See above.
2. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. Likely rushing champion.
3. P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin. Illinois game is P.J.'s chance to break into lead.
4. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. It's the system? Everyone knows he's coming and they can't stop him.
5. Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana. Don't expect him to stick around long, but multi-purpose threat invokes Randle-El days. Stomping Iowa helps.

Nate's NFL Power Rankings Week 5

Mark — You're a day early!

Anyway, I'm finding myself doing the rankings from the bottom up, because I see so many holes in so many teams. I like the Bucs, but I balked a bit at putting them in the Top 10, especially without Williams.

It's shaping up to be a boring year with the Pats and Colts clearly the top two again. My worst to first post last week showed NFL parity, but look at my top six and tell me where the parity is. This league is turning into baseball.

(Record, Last week)
1. New England (4-0, 1): Think the ’72 Dolphins will bother showing up on Miami’s sideline this year?
2. Indianapolis (4-0, 2): Shredded Denver, Bucs next?
3. Pittsburgh (3-1, 3): I called that loss and I am not concerned.
4. Dallas (4-0, 5): This pains me.
5. Green Bay (4-0, 6): Favre is even winning in domes now.
6. Seattle (3-1, 8): Will be checking the officials working in Pittsburgh.
7. Tennessee (2-1, 13): Moves up by default.
8. Baltimore (2-2, 4): I called that loss and I am concerned.
9. Arizona (2-2, 21): Who is that grocery boy?
10. Tampa Bay (3-1, 15): Lost their Caddy.
11. Cincinnati (1-3, 13): Held the Pats to their lowest total — 34.
12. Denver (2-2, 14): Losses to Colts happen.
13. Philadelphia (1-3, 9): Digging a deep hole.
14. Washington (2-1, 18): Win over Lions should pump hype machine.
15. Detroit (3-1, 19): Should pretend every quarter is the fourth.
16. Cleveland (2-2, 23): Dangerous at the landfill.
17. N.Y. Giants (2-2, 24): How long will I doubt this team?
18. Houston (2-2, 10): They’re new non-Andre Johnson ranking.
19. Jacksonville (2-1, 16) Think Del Rio forgot how to run in the off week?
20. Carolina (2-2, 17): At least they’re in the NFC South.
21. San Francisco (2-2, 22): Medi-ocre! Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap!
22. Chicago (1-3, 11): Told you Mark.
23. Oakland (2-2, 29): Anyone want a #1 pick?
24. New Orleans (0-3, 25): Anyone want a #2 pick?
25. Kansas City (2-2, 26): Must put them above teams they beat, I guess.
26. San Diego (1-3, 7): When LT cries, I cry. So does the woman answering the phone.
27. Minnesota (1-3, 27): Pack you bags, Coach Childress.
28. Buffalo (1-3, 30): By virtue of beating Jets.
29. N.Y. Jets (1-3, 20): They were a playoff team?
30. Atlanta (1-3, 32): Well, they got a win.
31. Miami (0-4, 28): Blown out at home by Raiders. Do I need to say more?
32. St. Louis (0-4, 31): Who wants to spend the top pick on a lineman?

--Nate Sandstrom

Mark's Week 5 Power Rankings

1. Patriots (1) - Randy Moss and Adalius Thomas are worth every dollar. Especially Moss. They may go down as the greatest tandem offseason pickup.
2. Colts (2) - They are still looking mortal. And injuries to Harrison, Adai, and Sanders are crucial.
3. Cowboys (3) - Still haven't faced strong opponents. Romo is quickly becoming the poor man's Tom Brady.
4. Packers (3) - Relying heavily on Favre and the passing game. Will it work in December in Lambeau?
5. Titans (5) - Who could forget them?
6. Steelers (4) - Loss to the Cardinals was almost to be expected. It's tough to punish them for it, but has Whiz provided a defensive blueprint for stopping them?
7. Lions (18) - Can Kitna's arm hold up?
8. Seahawks (8) - Is there suddenly more depth in the NFC?
9. Bucs (14) - Yes, there is.
10. Jaguars (10) -
11. Ravens (6) - #11 on the road, #6 at home.
12. Browns (24) - Jamal didn't get a lot of yards, but he earned them all and is showing this team how winners play. Derek Anderson is a good QB.
13. Chargers (9) - How low will they go? Just like the Ravens, the pass rush has vanished.
14. Redskins (19) - Good time for a bye week. Lions are going to give them a run.
15. Bears (11) - This hole is getting deep. They're looking up at the Lions and Packers
16. Texans (12) - Nate called it. Sort of. Injuries are going to show. But this team is building a core.
17. Bengals (15) - On the verge of a total collapse. They still have enough firepower to win 7 or 8 games.
18. Cardinals (20) - The platoon will work. Leinart came in in the fourth and looked sharp. Mike Tomlin isn't a bad coach and will have a lot of success, but the Cardinals lucked out landing these guys.
19. Chiefs (29) - Somehow they're winning. Beats me.
20. Broncos (17) - I have absolutely no read on the Broncos/Chargers game this week.
21. Giants (23) - All those sacks and they still only won 16-3. Hmmm
22. Panthers (13) - Bring on Carr...
23. Vikings (25) - Adrian Peterson stays healthy and he's a lock for Rookie of the Year
24. Jets (22) - They're fighting, but they need talent
25. Raiders (26) - I had hoped that sometime during the last year, Culpepper would have dropped that stupid rolling thing
26. Niners (21) - Dilfer's a week late for grudge week
27. Falcons (32) - I bet they're rethinking the panicked Leftwich signing
28. Eagles (16) - One good week means nothing. They're just not good. Get ready for Kolb in 2008
29. Dolpins (31) - Where is Snowflake when you need him?
30. Saints (28) - I'm ready to see Bush try and carry the load. No more of these "diversion" techniques
31. Bills (27) - Fighting for last place
32. Rams (30) -Bulger is the new Kurt Warner (again)

Top 25 -- Post-week Five

Per my post yesterday, I want to put Ohio State at #1, and a win over Purdue could help cause. But LSU clearly has the upper hand if they can get revenge against the Gators.

Kentucky's #8 ranking may make them the most overrated team in history. Their wins include E. Kentucky, Kent St., at Florida Atlantic and at Lousiville on a lucky play. At Arkansas is legit, but I say this team gets smacked with a reality check in Columbia this weekend.

Texas at #16 in the coaches poll is also crazy. Between struggles to beat bad teams and getting slaughtered by good ones, that is a name-only ranking.

I had called for Oklahoma to be this year's only undefeated team, although I'm starting to think Nevada might not have the shot against Hawaii I once did. In the end, I say they wind up this year's only undefeated team, which will make for more whining about the need for a playoff this year.

1. LSU. Tim Tebow burned them last year.
2. Ohio State. I know common opponent is an NFL tiebreaker, but the Bucks killed UW.
3. USC. Played bad and still won.
4. Wisconsin. Need to avoid falling behind early against Illinois this year.
5. California. New defense is doing enough.
6. South Florida. I thought I was the only one who knew the Bulls.
7. South Carolina. GAME! COCKS! What will they come up with next?
8. West Virginia. Still in it if they run the table.
9. Oregon. Who do they think they are Leon Lett?
10. Georgia. Getting things together.
11. Florida. More losses could be on the way.
12. Arizona State. Could be 7-0 when Cal comes to town.
13. Boston College. 10-point win over UMass was not that close.
14. Oklahoma. So I said it didn't matter if they looked past Colorado. WRONG.
15. Missouri. Can Chase Daniel mount a Heisman campaign?
16. Illinois. Don't celebrate too much. You still have to show up next week.
17. Kansas State. Want to see someone run down Texas?
18. Clemson. Three points against Georgia Tech? Who are these guys Notre Dame?
19. Florida State. Could be righting the ship.
20. Kentucky. Louisville doesn't count as a good win.
21. Purdue. Win over the Buckeyes would start title talk.
22. Rutgers. I'm surprised Norfolk State didn't have the Knights prepared for Terps.
23. Cincinnati. See Kentucky re: weak schedule. At least Cincy's blowing teams out.
24. UCLA. How do you explain the Utah game?
25. Hawaii. Stats galore.

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.