So Why Not BYU?

This is admittedly way early, but it is a question we all need to be asking.

If the Cougars run the table from here on out, why not them in the BCS title game?

There is no doubt that the absence of Bradford for the second half hurt Oklahoma’s chances, but as Dr. Saturday points out BYU was handling the Sooners pretty well up until the point Bradford went down.

In fact it was a flaw in the overall Oklahoma team dynamic – their inexperienced offensive line – that led proximately to Bradford’s absence. And when it most mattered the Oklahoma defense failed to keep the Cougars out of the end zone. While last year’s Heisman winner might be the story, BYU won this game.

(Continue to Saurian Sagacity)

Sunday Paper

I'm a little disappointed in the way things played out with the new and improved extra-protective batting helmet that David Wright tried out this week.

I'll admit - the things look silly. Players from the Mets and Rockies apparently called Wright The Great Gazoo, referencing the Flinstones character...I think it brings to mind Michael Dukakis. Regardless, I think they're necessary, and I don't think David Wright helped matters much by deciding to ditch the helmet after one game.


According to Wright, the change was due to comfort rather than appearance, but he took enough ridicule from all angles that I have to think he was somewhat worried about his image.

And that's the problem, because Wright is a star, and his image could have helped garner more widespread use of the product.

(Continue to 200 Miles From the Citi)

Notre Dame Impressive in Opener

Watched the game today with a fellow Notre Dame fan who wanted another touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"Don't want to be greedy," he said, "but 42-0 would have looked a lot better than 35-0."

Oh, well. Some guys are never satisfied.

Maybe Notre Dame's 35-0 win over Nevada doesn't qualify as a true blowout, but it certainly was a decisive, workman-like victory for the Irish.

(Continue to Bob Birge's Irish Eyes Are Smiling)

Knee-Jerk Thoughts on Georgia Loss

I was actually right about something regarding Week 1 of college football: Georgia’s defense stifled Oklahoma State’s offense.

The Bulldogs held Cowboys’ quarterback Zac Robinson to 11-22 and 135 yards. Kendall Hunter only averaged 3.3 yards a carry, and the reason why Oklahoma State finished with 172 yards rushing was the fact the Cowboys wore down a tired Georgia defense that was put into a lot of bad situations.

So what did you see?: Well, nothing good on offense outside of the first series. It looked like that first series was scripted since spring ball opened. And Branden Smith playing that much on offense early and then disappearing? Mike Bobo, my man, you’re behind the times.

(Continue to The Chapel Bell)

Sun Devils Defense Rises Up

The Arizona State University Sun Devils defense walked onto the field Saturday night and stole the spotlight. On a night where most focused on the quarterback position, where senior Danny Sullivan made his first start, the ASU defense became the center of attention as the Sun Devils overwhelmed the Idaho State Bengals 50-3 Saturday at Sun Devils Stadium.

The Sun Devils' most important squad stormed the Bengals' offense and made plays all night.

(Continue to Arizona Sportspage)

Rampage Jackson Scratched from UFC

It appears scheduling conflicts will postpone the heated grudge match between light heavyweights Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-7) and Rashad Evans (18-1-1) at UFC 107 on December 12th.

Jackson, 31, recently landed the role as B.A. Baracus in the upcoming "A-Team" remake and will soon begin shooting according to the Vancouver Sun. The six-week film shooting schedule will apparently hamper Jackson's ability to put in a solid camp in time for the December 12th, UFC 107 date with Evans which was set to take place in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

(Continue to Fighter's Corner)