(#1)
Michigan (2-0) – 28 vs. Notre Dame (1-1) – 24
Vs.
How it all went down…Quarterback Denard Robinson is no Pat White. But so far for Michigan, that looks like a great thing as Robinson churned up 502 total yards on the Irish. The Wolverines held a 21-7 halftime lead on the home Irish, but starting in the third, Notre Dame placed 17 straight points on Michigan to take the lead 24-21. Robinson led a 12 play 72 yard drive late in the fourth, before running in the go-ahead touchdown with 27 seconds remaining.
The fat lady starting singing when… Irish quarterback Dayne Crist threw a hail marry with zeros on the clock. The pass sailed over the endzone, looking like Crist had never made a desperation throw before.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Michigan, it’s another 2-0 start to a season. The Wolverines need to do the opposite of whatever they starting doing last season, before a collapse happens after their next two wins against Massachusetts and Bowling Green. For Notre Dame, it’s not going into panic mode. The Wolverines appear to be a good team this season, and a loss this early in the year isn’t all that bad.
It’s a numbers game… 30 – Apart from Robinson; the rest of the Michigan offense was responsible for just 30 of the Wolverines 532 total yards.
Player of the game…Denard Robinson, Michigan QB – 24-40 passing, 244 yds, 1 TD, 28 carries, 258 yds, 2 TDs
(#2)
#23 West Virginia (2-0) – 24 vs. Marshall (0-2) – 21
Vs.
How it all went down…The Mountaineer’s were outplayed, outclassed and beaten for three quarters of play. The game, however, lasted longer than three quarters. On the 40 year anniversary of the tragic Marshall Plane crash, the Thundering Herd hosted 
West Virginia for the third time in school history. The Herd crowd got into the heads of the Mountaineers early, with the Herd’s swarming defense getting into the backfield the rest of the time. A 14-3 halftime lead by Marshall would be outdone by the Mountaineers 21 second half points. Two scores within the last five minutes of play sent the game to overtime, where three points would be all West Virginia would need.
The fat lady starting singing when…West Virginia kicker Tyler Bitancurt connected on a 20 yard field goal in overtime.
Where do we go from here coach..? For Marshall, it’s a trip to Bowling Green. The Falcons should be quite scared of a team that has faced No. 2 Ohio State and West Virginia in the first two weeks. They’re ready to get their first win. For West Virginia, it’s a matchup against neighboring Maryland. The Mountaineers will need to find better ways to get the ball into the hands of their speedy playmakers.
It’s a numbers game….. 3.6 – The Herd was able to hold the Mountaineers speed in check and rushing game to just a 3.6 team average.
Player of the game… Geno Smith, West Virginia QB – 32-45 passing, 316 yds, 1 TD
*Photo Credit: Jeff Gentner/Associated Press
(#3)
#15 Georgia Tech (1-1) – 25 vs. Kansas (1-1) – 28
Vs.
How it all went down…One week after losing a home opener against an FCS school the Jayhawks pull off an upset against the Yellow Jackets. Kansas was able to hold the option and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt in check in the second half. The Jayhawks took the lead in the third 21-17, later adding to it in early in the fourth, breaking away 28-17. Nesbitt was then forced to throw, which clearly feels as awkward to him, as it looks to fans.
The fat lady starting singing when…With Georgia Tech moving into Kansas territory with a minute left, Nesbitt’s pass fell incomplete on fourth and eight to Stephen Hill.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Kansas, it’s a rebound. Losing to an FCS school is never the way to start the year, but upsetting a top 15 team the next week is the way to bounce back. For Georgia Tech, it’s finding a defense and a passing game. Just in case the scenario happens again. Nesbitt will need to know how lead a drive at the end without running the option. A trip to North Carolina lies in store next.
It’s a numbers game…6 – Six players carried the football at least five times for the Yellow Jackets. Besides Anthony Allens 89, none gained more than 55. Of Allens 89, 48 was gained on one play.
Player of the game….James Sims, Kansas RB – 17 carries, 101 yds, 1 TD
(#4)
Minnesota (1-1) – 38 vs. South Dakota – 41
Vs.
How it all went down…The only lead of the game for the Golden Gophers came at 10:54 in the first quarter at 3-0. South Dakota placed a 21-10 halftime lead on the Gophers, with a 28-10 lead soon to come in the third. Minnesota made things interesting in the fourth after running back Duane Bennett rushed in for a one yard touchdown with 3:21 left in the game, making it a 41-38 game. But the damage was done.
The fat lady starting singing when…On third and four at the South Dakota 46, Coyote quarterback Dante Warren completed an eight yard pass to Dustin Nowotny for the first down. South Dakota was able to run the clock out from there.
Where do we go from here coach..? For Minnesota, it’s joining the club of teams to go down to FCS programs this year. Six teams have now fallen to the lower division programs. For South Dakota, its good things in the badlands. The Coyotes proved hockey wasn’t the only thing they do at USD.
It’s a numbers game… 11.7 – The Coyotes were averaging a first down every pass, with an 11.7 average. They threw the ball 30 times.
Player of the game…Dante Warren, South Dakota QB – 21-30 passing, 352 yds, 3 TDs – 10 carries, 81 yds, 2 TDs
(#5)
James Madison – 21 vs. #13 Virginia Tech (0-2) –16
Vs.
How it all went down…Think the Hokies might have been a little drained of a Boise State win a week prior? James Madison head coach Mickey Matthews was surprised by Frank Beamers comments early in the week regarding his team must be ready for James Madison. I think now Matthews is more surprised by how Virginia Tech wasn’t ready. The Dukes brought in the game’s final two scores in the third and fourth quarter, while the Hokie offense was busy counting their three turnovers.
The fat lady starting singing when…Running Back Darren Evans fumbled on the James Madison 19 with 5:21 remaining in the game.
Where do we go from here coach...? For James Madison, it’s a lesson to coach Matthews to no longer doubt his team’s abilities. Or maybe, it’s a lesson to doubt his team’s abilities every week? For Virginia Tech, what the hell happened? Wasn’t this a team that was supposed to have a Heisman contending running back and national championship implications?
It’s a numbers game… 127 – The Hokies outgained James Madison by 127 yards. They also had nine more first down than the Dukes. Just goes to show how far three turnovers can go.
Player of the game…Drew Dudzik, James Madison, QB – 5-8 passing, 121 yds, 1 TD – 12 carries, 35 yds, 2 TDs
*Photo Credit: Don Peterson/Associated Press
(#6)
#21 Auburn (2-0) – 17 vs. Mississippi St. (1-1) – 14
Vs.
How it all went down… A Thursday night showdown in Starkville is never an easy place to find a win. Add in 30,000 cowbells and it get even harder. The Bulldogs, however, needed more COWBELL, in this one. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton carved through his second defense of the season, finding his first SEC win in a tight knit match.
The fat lady starting singing when… Mississippi State’s quarterback Chris Relf’s fourth straight pass fell incomplete with 22 seconds remaining on the clock.
Where do we go from here coach..? For Auburn, it’s a pat on the back of quarterback Cameron Newton. Newton survived his first SEC test. Although it came against Mississippi State, Starkville at night on a national stage is no easy place to play. For Mississippi State, it’s a valiant effort cut short. They’ll need to pick up their pride for a trip to an up and down LSU team. The Bulldogs are far from big underdogs after two almost collapses for the Tigers.
It’s a numbers game…39 – The longest play of the game came on a 39 yard pass from Newton to receiver Emory Blake. Not even a kick return went for longer than 33 yards.
Player of the game…Nick Fairley, Auburn DT – 5 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1 Fumble. Rec., 1 INT, 1.5 sacks.
(#7)
#12 Miami (FL) (1-1) – 24 vs. #2 Ohio State (2-0) –36
Vs.
How it all went down… It was a test for both Miami and Ohio State. Only the Buckeye’s passed. Terrell Pryor proved to be just as good as he was against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, while Jacory Harris proved mistakes come in packages for the second year starter. Two kick returns for the Hurricanes kept Miami in the game early, but the ‘Canes offense failed to score a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Pryor was able to move the ball at will on Miami defenders.
The fat lady starting singing when… Pryor rushed for two yards on fourth and one at the Miami 36 yard line with 3:27 remaining in the game.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Miami, it’s preparing for big games. Although the ‘Canes are far from out of a BCS game with the way the ACC race is shaping up, Miami needs to prepare better for big opponents on the road. Jacory Harris tossed four interceptions, two of which can be credited to wideout Travis Benjamin. For Ohio State, it’s staying on course. The Bucks have slipped up to a Big Ten opponent the last three years.
It’s a numbers game…44 – Pryor completed just 44 percent of his passes on the day. The junior quarterback relied on his legs more often than not to pick up first downs.
Player of the game…Chimdi Checkwa Ohio State, CB – 6 tackles, 2 INTs
(#8)
Duke (1-1) – 48 vs. Wake Forest (2-0) – 54 
Vs.
How it all went down… A little defense in this one would have been nice. The two Carolina rivals combined for 987 yards and 102 total points. Wake tried pulling away four times before their fifth lead proved to be the winning outcome. Every time the Demon Deacons scored, Duke Quarterback Sean Renfree was around to answer.
The fat lady starting singing when… Duke kicker Will Synderwine’s onside kick was recovered by Wake with 1:39 remaining in the game.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Duke and Wake both, it’s an offensive rest hopefully before their next game. I hope both offenses have enough in the tank for tough games Alabama and Stanford respectively.
It’s a numbers game…4 – The Blue Devils turned the ball over four times, proving to be four too many costly mistakes in a close game.
Player of the game… Chris Givens, Wake Forest WR – 4 catches, 159 yds, 1 TD – 1 fumble return TD
#7 Oregon (2-0) – 41 vs. Tennessee (1-1) – 13
Vs.
How it all went down… Believe it or not, this was once a close game. Lightning in the first quarter stopped the game with the Vols holding onto a 6-0 lead. The two were tied at 13 halftime. In the second half the Ducks shut the lights out on Tennessee, scoring five straight touchdowns. I’m sure the Vols were hoping for another delay to turn things back on at some point in the second half. Ducks running back LaMichael James, who was suspended last week, returned bringing in 134 yards and a score.
The fat lady starting singing when… Oregon defensive back Cliff Harris return an interception 76 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. It gave the Ducks just a 27-13 lead, but it was clear then, the air was out of the bag for the Vols.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Oregon, keep on keeping on. The worst enemy for the Ducks powerful offense right now is themselves. A visit from Portland State should be another big week for the O’s O. For Tennessee it’s picking up the pebbles left at Rocky Top in preparation for Florida next week. Hopefully they can glue the place back together for a possible struggling Gator offense.
It’s a numbers game…2 – The Vols converted on just two third downs all day. How do you plan to win a game completing two of 15 third downs?
Player of the game… Darron Thomas, Oregon QB – 17-32 passing, 202 yds, 2 TD – 7 carries, 34 yds
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