(#1)
#24 Oregon State (3-3) – 34 vs. Washington (3-3) – 35 – 2 OT
Vs. 
How it all went down… If there is one thing learned through week seven of the college football season, it’s that a lead, no matter how large, is never safe. Washington scooped 21 large the Beavers through the second quarter before Oregon State went on a blackjack streak of their own, much in part to Jacquizz Rodgers taking over the game, to send the matchup to overtime at 21 all.
The fat lady started singing when…In the second overtime Oregon State elected to go for two, failing to convert. Someone should have told Mike Riley his hero reputation could have been put on the line in the third overtime.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Oregon State, it’s a bye week and a winnable three weeks of PAC-10 play. The Beavers also need to find another player to move the ball. If Quizz Rodgers gets taken out of the game plan, this is an ugly Beavers offense. For Washington, it’s probably a loss. The Huskies have been continuing a trend of following a loss with a win this season. Next up: a trip to the desert to take on Arizona.
It’s a numbers game… 7 – Washington wideout Jermaine Kearse now has nine touchdown receptions on the year, seven of which came in two games. Kearse brought in 146 yards and four touchdowns Saturday against the Beavers.
Player of the game…Jake Locker, Washington, QB – 21-35 passing, 286 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT – 12 rush, 60 yds
(#2)
#10 South Carolina (4-2) – 28 vs. Kentucky (4-3) – 31
Vs.
How it all went down…Those of you watching Saturdays SEC matchup of the Gamecocks vs. the Wildcats were introduced to the definition of a trap game. After upsetting the No.1 ranked Tide, Carolina had to keep its focus against a Kentucky team that had its upset taste washed from their mouths a week before against Auburn. The Gamecocks, however, failed to focus on much following running back Marcus Lattimore’s ankle injury. Lattimore’s absence left the Carolina offense crippled, giving the Wildcats a chance to sneak by.
The fat lady started singing when…Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline found wideout Randall Cobb on a 24 yard connected with 1:15 left to go in the game. The two-point conversion gave the Wildcats a 31-28 lead.
Where do we go from here coach..? For South Carolina, it’s picking up their jaws. Understandingly not believing what just happened the Gamecocks need to move forward from the loss, because the SEC East is up for grabs this year. For Kentucky, it’s a job well done showing resiliency. After losing to Auburn the week prior on a last minute field goal the Wildcats have the upset to spark the season. Good call by Cobb calling out the Kentucky fans who showed up late and then booed the Wildcats in the first quarter.
It’s a numbers game….. 260 – Lattimore accounted for 212 total yards before his early third quarter ankle injury forced him to leave and not return. The rest of the South Carolina offense amounted just 260 yards the entire game.
Player of the game…Mike Hartline, Kentucky, QB – 32-42 passing, 349 yds, 4 TD
(#3)
#1Ohio State (6-1) – 18 vs. #18 Wisconsin (6-1) – 31
Vs. 
How it all went down…I tried telling everyone how eerily similar this matchup felt to the South Carolina and Alabama upset the week before. Turns out, that feeling was right. The Badgers made an early statement returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Next the Badgers placed a 21- 3 halftime lead on the Buckeyes, similar to South Carolina’s 21-9 lead at halftime. The 
Bucks would cut it close early in the fourth, making it a 21-18 game. It had looks of a comeback similar to Alabama’s 21-14 answer late in the third the week before. The Badgers would seal the game with a rushing score at 6:57 in the fourth, making it a 28-18 game. A lot like…well you get it by now.
The fat lady started singing when…Wisconsin kicker Philip Welch connected on a 41 yard field goal at 4:14 in the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes had been cracked in a 31-18 game.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Ohio State, it’s yet another loss in the Big Ten. The Buckeye’s have failed to walk away with a clean slate in the Big Ten for a fourth straight season. For Wisconsin, it’s snapping a three game skid to the Buck’s. Time to Jump Around.
It’s a numbers game… 8 – Ohio State quarterback Terrell Pryor’s streak of eight games with at least one touchdown ended against the Badgers.
Player of the game…John Clay (above), Wisconsin, RB – 21 rush, 104 yds, 5.0 avg. 2 TD
Photo Credit: Chris Russell
(#4)
12 Arkansas (4-2) –43 vs. #7 Auburn (7-0) – 65
Vs. 
How it all went down…Defense came optional between Arkansas and Auburn. Fans and analysts alike knew there’d be some chalk put on the board between the Razorbacks and Tigers, but the highest scoring game in SEC history came as a surprise. Prolific Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was knocked from the game with a concussion. The offense, however, didn’t skip a beat until the fourth quarter, when many Razorback fans hearts began skipping. Backup quarterback Tyler Wilson threw for over 300 yards and four scores on the Tigers defense, but two fourth quarter interceptions would fuel Auburn’s 22 point win.
The fat lady started singing when…Auburn freshman running back Michael Dyer busted through the Razorback defense for a 38 yard scamper and score with 6:36 to go in the game. It ended each side’s arsenal of touchdowns.
Where do we go from here coach..?For Arkansas, it’s getting Mallett back and healthy. It’s nice to know backup Tyler Wilson can throw and throw quite nicely against good competition, but it’s a little like driving your Corvette while your Lamborghini is in the shop. You’ll drive the ‘Vette, but really you’re just waiting to stretch the road again. For Auburn, it’s congratulations on a 7-0 start. Now find a defense! It’s clear the Tigers can put up points, led by Heisman front runner Cam Newton, but how long can the wet napkin of a defense hold up for before it rips?
It’s a numbers game…118 – Auburn has given up 118 points to four SEC opponents this season, an average of nearly 30 points a game. Luckily the Tigers have scored 154 points.
Player of the game…Cameron Newton, Auburn, QB – 10-14 passing, 140 yds, 1 TD – 25 rush, 188 yds, 3 TD
(#5)
Mississippi State (5-2) – 10 vs. #22 Florida (4-3) – 7
Vs.
How it all went down…The once famous Swamp representing the University of Florida has turned into a drying marsh where ferocious Gators now lay nearly extinct. Florida dropped their third game in a row and second consecutive game at home. The last time the Gators lost more than one game at home in a season was 2003, with a 3-3 Swamp record. Florida head coach Urban Meyer had previously lost just two games at home in his six years as the Gators head man. A once beautiful offense, has turned into something about as appealing as a hair cut from Stevie Wonder. A strict defens by the Bulldogs held Florida’s inconsistent offense at bay all night.
The fat lady started singing when…Florida kicker Chas Henry missed a 42 yard kick with only seconds remaining.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Mississippi State, it’s a huge pat on the back to its defense. The Bulldogs have now matched last season’s win total of five and can become bowl eligible next week against UAB for the first time since 2007 and second time this decade. For Florida, it’s finding their pride and once powerful offense. The Gators are at risk of spreading like warm butter across the SEC East if things don’t get figured out on the offensive side of the ball. Both Georgia and South Carolina have to be licking their chops right about now. Luckily the Gators have a bye next.
It’s a numbers game… 0 – Mississippi State pitched zeros in the turnover department, proving you don’t need an offense to beat the Gators. The Bulldogs gained just 245 yards on the day, enough for a 10-7 win.
Player of the game…Chris White, Mississippi State, LB – 11 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks
(#6)
#23 Air Force (5-2) – 25 vs. San Diego State (4-2) – 27
Vs.
How it all went down…A dominating rushing performance was expected in this one, it just happened to be by a player wearing an Aztec jersey rather than from Air Force’s powerful option attack. A back and forth battle between two of the Mountain West’s best this season came down to the finesse running game of Ronnie Hillman and the Aztecs. Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson connected with tight end Chaz Demerath on a seven yard score with 18 seconds remaining, but after two failed two-point conversions in the game, it proved to be too little too late.
The fat lady started singing when…San Diego State crushed any hope for an Air Force win after recovering an onside kick by the Falcons.
Where do we go from here coach..? For Air Force, it’s a two week gauntlet that can still save their season. The Falcons travel to TCU before hosting Utah in consecutive weeks. For San Diego State, it’s a nice start to a season that could keep piling up W’s in the win column. In his second year as the Aztecs coach, Brady Hoke has his team on the verge of an eight win season. The Aztecs very well could be 6-0 if not for a late game pass and catch against Missouri and a horrendous call against BYU, which gave suspensions to a group of referees.
It’s a numbers game…14 – It had been 14 years since San Diego State last beat a ranked opponent.
Player of the game…Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State, RB – 24 rush, 191 yds, 8.0 avg. 2 TD – 1 rec. 8 yds
(#7)
#19 Nevada (6-1) – 21 vs. Hawaii (5-2) – 27
Vs.
How it all went down…It’s hard to tell what crushed Nevada’s hopes of an undefeated season more. The four turnovers or the 2,600 miles traveled. I’m guessing a combination of both. One of the prettiest offenses of the 2010 college football season, Nevada looked like the Florida Gators. Maybe not that bad. The Warriors placed a 17-0 lead on the Wolf Pack at halftime and for the first time Nevada’s powerful offense would work to gain the lead, rather than maintain it. Nevada has not won at Hawaii since 1948.
The fat lady started singing when…Nevada’s late chance to take the lead would come to a halt when Colin Kaepernick’s pass found the hands of Hawaii strong safety Mana Silva.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Nevada, it’s still a stretch farther than most thought the Wolf Pack would start the year. There still lies a chance to knock of an undefeated Boise team at home later in the year. Next though, a lot of rest following 5,200 total miles traveled. Good thing it’s a bye week. For Hawaii, the little island is at least on the radar. The Warriors gave a game to USC and have put together two impressive WAC wins against Fresno State and Nevada. Next up is the troublesome Utah State.
It’s a numbers game… 21 – Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz has tossed 21 touchdown passes halfway through the season. The junior passer has at least three scores through the air in five games this season.
Player of the game…Kealoha Pilares, Hawaii, WR – 8 rec. 67 yds, 2 TD
(#8)
Texas (4-2) – 20 vs. Nebraska (5-1) – 13
Vs.
How it all went down…If Nebraska fans were enraged about last year’s loss to the Longhorns in the Big 12 title game. What does that make them now? The Huskers Red-emption went just as Texas had planned. With the Huskers fans wanting to Red-eem their money yet again. Especially one Nebraska fan, who chose not to pay the bills this month in order to fly to the Huskers game from Bangkok, Thailand. The plan only worked out if one of those bills was a Husker fan site payment. One week after torching Kansas State, Nebraska starting quarterback Taylor Martinez found himself benched. The legs of Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert turned out to be the difference here, rather than Martinez. Only a late 95 yard pootch-punt return made the score look reasonably close.
The fat lady started singing when…Nebraska decided to go with backup quarterback Zach Lee at 6:14 in the third quarter. It was clear that if Martinez wasn’t going to get it done for the Huskers, Lee wasn’t going to succeed.
Where do we go from here coach...? For Texas, it avoided a similar three game losing stretch Florida is currently on. The Longhorn’s executed and played its best football of 2010 to date. I guess that’s what happens when head coach Mack Brown has an extra week to prepare. For Nebraska, it’s more fuel to the fire of the next Texas matchup. The Huskers aren’t yet out of the Big 12 or the national title picture just yet either.
It’s a numbers game… 21 – Martinez amounted just 21 rushing yards against the Longhorns. Martinez brought in 30 yards and a score on the ground on Nebraska’s first drive against Kansas State the week before.
Player of the game…Garrett Gilbert, Texas, QB – 4-16 passing, 62 yds – 11 rush, 71 yds, 2 TD
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