Week at a Glance
Penn State is good, but don't knock Seminoles just yet
Posted: Monday August 30, 1999 01:12 PM
By Stewart Mandel, CNN/SI
Say what you want about the No. 3 team whipping the No. 4 team, or Ohio State stinking
up the place.
For our money, the biggest surprise of the week had to be N.C. State beating Texas -- on
three blocked punts. Think about the Longhorns' plight for a sec. The first time,
understandable. The second time, something's wrong. The third time ... maybe they should
have just gone for it.
As for the Penn State Spectacular witnessed Saturday, yes, the Nittany Lions looked good.
But if you're one of those clowns who think PSU should have flopped spots in the rankings with
No. 1 Florida State -- evidently some 41-7 wins aren't as impressive as others -- seek
counseling. First of all, if anyone deserves the Seminoles' spot, its the defending national
champs, who haven't actually done anything to merit slipping, save wearing too much
orange. And FSU didn't exactly roll over and play dead. Folks in Gainesville are shaking
right now over those freshmen studs, Anquan Boldin and Nick Maddox.
On paper, the week ahead doesn't hold much promise. But hey, there can't be any more
blowouts than the games just past. And there are a lot of great stories set to unfold
Saturday. More on that later.
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Each week, the Glance offers its projected BCS lineup. |
| Sugar:
Florida State vs. Penn State |
Orange:
Miami vs. Tennessee |
| Rose:
Michigan vs. Arizona |
Fiesta:
Nebraska vs. Georgia Tech |
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The bowl race at a glance: |
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If Penn State plays like it did Saturday, pencil it in for a Jan. 4 date in New Orleans. But
nobody's perfect every week, an important thing to consider following the impressive
performance Sunday by Miami, which hosts the Nittany Lions in three weeks. The
Hurricanes, who also play No. 1 Florida State, will be a major factor nationally. As for
'Zona, a return to national title consideration seems an awful long shot, but don't count out
the 'Cats for a run to the Pac-10 title. Remember, that would mean BCS, and, most likely,
a Rose Bowl berth.
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ON:
The Hurricanes. More dangerous in an open field -- Santana Moss or
Dennis? |
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ON:
Peter Warrick. And you should see him move without all the
jewelry. |
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OFF:
Ohio State. 8-4 -- get used to it, Buckeyes fans. Math tip for those who actually
went to school there: That's two wins for every loss.
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OFF:
Heisman Trophy. Next stop: Changing famous statue's stiff-arm to
unlock-Suzuki-hatchback arm.
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ON:
Chafie Fields. OK copy editors, let's all get together tomorrow and retire the
"Fields Day" headline before this gets ugly. |
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OFF:
Jamie Barnette. Once again, saved by a Holt. Too bad this one isn't an eight-foot
tall receiver. |
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| Sweet Lou |
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Sure, his team's talent is thinner than Ally McBeal before breakfast.
But you know you'll watch on Saturday to see the trademark
Holtz hat-tossing, foot-stomping, vigorus-pacing sign of disapproval.
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| Peachy Paterno |
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This year, it's not just an ice cream flavor, it's JoePa
realizing how good his team is. But does he turn to Rocky Road
the first time Arrington dances on field.
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| Notre Dame disses Big Ten |
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To each his own, but if you're going to essentially say you're too good for a conference,
you better make sure to take two-of-three in this upcoming Michigan-Purdue-Michigan
State swing.
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| Nebraska at Iowa, Saturday |
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What a great rivalry! ... Five years ago. At the rate Iowa players are fleeing, there may not be enough to even play this 66-13 debacle-in-the-making.
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| Marshall at Clemson, Saturday |
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Welcome to the ACC, Tommy Bowden. First thing's first: time to get
whipped up on by a MAC team whose offense looks a lot like yours
did at Tulane.
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| Fresno State at Air Force, Saturday |
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The WAC and Mountain West hate each other. Game gets
called as fans storm field on "Crummy Football Demolition Day."
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| * Three games selected at random |
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Ask the Glance and
you shall receive. Answers appear below starting next week.
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Remember: this column is updated on Sundays, so don't be that guy who asks,
"Is my team gonna win this weekend?"
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