The Pryor Problem

Well, we were right to put Terrelle Pryor in the spotlight in our Friday College Football Preview. Except, #2 got ran over by a Boilermaker train on Saturday. This was not how the Terrelle Pryor Era in Columbus was supposed to go. A 26-18 defeat at an unfancied 1-5 Purdue team isn't fulfilling the big hype and big dreams that the biggest recruit in college football history was supposed to bring to reality.

Pryor's numbers against Purdue: 17/31 221 yds 1 TD 2 INT, 21 carries 34 yds 1 TD 2 fumbles

Ouch. 4 turnovers? 34 yards on 21 carries! That's 1.3 yards per carry. I think Peyton Manning has had better games rushing the football. While his passing numbers don't look JaMarcus Russell bad, if you watched the game on Saturday, you saw a QB with little hope of turning into a superstar.

Coming out of Jeanette, PA, Terrelle Pryor was supposed to transform college football. He was the next Vince Young, he was the next Tim Tebow. Do you remember all of the hoopla about this kid when he came out of high school? Do you remember when the nation was put on halt when he didn't sign on signing day? Do you remember the drama of the recruiting race between Penn St, Michigan, and OSU? Do you remember the celebration when he signed to play in the Shoe?

My, doesn't that seem silly now.

In his first full season as a starter, Pryor has been held under 200 yards passing in 5 out of 7 games with the only outliers being Saturday's loss and a game against Toledo, (that game against Toledo also featured his only 100 yard rushing game of the season). He's only had one game above 65 yards rushing this season as well.

Now, you might tell me, "Hey, give the kid a break, he's only a sophomore." Yes, but, I counter by saying that Pryor has regressed in nearly every statistical category from his freshman season. He's down in QB Rating, down in TD/INT ratio, down in yards per carry, down in completion percentage. Terrelle Pryor's portfolio might as well be in Bernie Madoff's pile at this point.

But, it's not just the stats that are a concern with Pryor. The space between #2's ears is perhaps a larger problem. His poor decision making is troubling. His reluctance to use his ability to break the pocket and get up the field is baffling. Throwing interceptions that Steve Bellisari would be proud of brings back nightmares. Anyone in Columbus will tell you that this kid's confidence isn't just shattered, but nonexistent at this point in his career.

In an age where Tim Tebow can win a Heisman as a sophomore, and Matt Barkley can lead USC as a freshman, age is no longer an excuse to a growingly impatient college football fanbase. Slowly but surely, big programs like OSU are asked to reload and win every season. A kid like Terrelle Pryor is expected to use his gifts and ability to win ballgames.

Blame the poor O-Line, blame the lack of impactful skill players around him, those are issues that affect Pryor's play. Blame Jim Tressel, but he coached Troy Smith to a Heisman not so long ago. Blame a number of things that surround Terrelle Pryor, but the time for excuses is running out.

A letter into the Columbus Dispatch on Sunday said that the initial concern for Ohio St. fans was that Terrelle Pryor would stay for 3 years, now the worry is that he'll stay for 4.

Our papa asked us yesterday, "Is it too late to put Pryor into the Top 10 Flops of the Decade?"

Maybe the Pryor Problem is symbolic of a greater problem in the world of sports. Why do we lay so much hype and so much pressure on young kids that haven't graduated high school yet? Why do hundreds of thousands of people put their faith and live and die based on the actions of a 20 year old? Do we really need high school kids showcased, criticized, and put in the public light to such an extreme degree? In truth, it's unfair to lay this on any youngster, but they know what awaits them when they put that hat on. For Pryor, hopefully he's able to get back his confidence, find a consistent passing game, and use those special talents to win games and win back fans. Nobody wants to see a kid that's not even old enough to enter a casino fail in the national spotlight.

But, as it stands right now, maybe we should revise that Flops of the Decade list.

Check back later tonight as Mr. Yoder II takes you through the rest of College Pig in more uplifting fashion with our YCS Standings and the Heisman Watch. See you further on up the road.

YCS/Heisman Watch-Week 6

Another week is in the books in college football, and we're back to tell you like it is here at RSS! Who are the movers and shakers in the YCS? Is the Heisman really Tim Tebow's to lose? Find out the answers to this and more as we wrap up the week that was in college pig!

YCS STANDINGS

1.Florida (5-0, last week W at LSU 13-3, up next Sat. vs. Arkansas)

-Saturday night's developments in the bayou should be frightening for the entire college football world. Florida won a tough road game in the SEC against a top 10 team, and they could have done it without Tim Tebow. The Gator defense completely dominated the entire game, and the 13-3 score does not reveal how dominant Florida was. Even without Tebow, Florida wins that game. Still, the Gators should be leery of a letdown similar to last year at home to Ole Miss. Tim Tebow still doesn't look 100% and Arkansas will visit the swamp with a capable QB in Ryan Mallet.

2. Alabama (6-0, last game W at Ole Miss 22-3, up next Sat. vs. #22 South Carolina)

-Nice to see the rest of the country catch up with the YCS and vault Bama to the #2 spot in both polls. They turned in their most complete performance of the season according to head coach Nick Saban, who has to be pleased with the team's defensive effort after a suspect outing the previous week against Kentucky. Ole Miss QB Jevean Snead was intercepted four times by the Tide defense and Bama RB Mark Ingram continued to return to his early season form (see more below...). The ole' ball coach shouldn't give this Tide team any trouble this Saturday, they look destined for a showdown with the Gators in Atlanta.

3. Texas (5-0, last week 38-14, up next Sat vs. #20 Oklahoma)

-Somehow the Longhorns still find themselves in the 3rd spot in the YCS countdown after looking unimpressive once again. They were losing at halftime, at home, to a Colorado team that should have its D-IA (or Bowl Subdivison Whatever) license revoked. Hopefully, for their sake, they were looking ahead to the Red River Shootout this Saturday. If not, the assumed Longhorns national title game appearance may vanish into thin air.

4. Cincinnati (5-0, last week idle, up next Thur. @ #21South Florida)

-The Bearcats created quite the stir here in Ohio with their leapfrogging of Ohio State two weeks ago. Thankfully for the Buck Nuts, order was restored to the universe as UC fell back below OSU after being idle this past weekend. Still, the YCS continues to recognize the outstanding job done by head coach Brian Kelly and the rest of the Bearcats. So, it would be nice if you didn't blow your season with a loss at USF this Thursday night...get past that hurdle, then the serious talk can begin for a dark horse national title run.

5. Boise St. (5-0, last week idle, up next Wed. at Tulsa)

-Perhaps the best medicine for Boise St. was a week off after their stinker of a performance at home against UC Davis. However, they'll have the spotlight all to themselves on a rare Wednesday night game at Tulsa.

6. Va. Tech (4-1, last game W vs. Boston College 48-14, up next Sat. @ #19 Georgia Tech)

-Virginia Tech continues its slow march back up the YCS with a dominant performance at home against Boston College. Perhaps the final test of their season will be this Saturday against the triple option of Georgia Tech. If they continue to go unbeaten, they would catch a real break in a potential ACC Championship game against one team from the poo-poo platter that is the ACC Atlantic Division.

7. Ohio St. (5-1, last game W vs. Wisconsin 31-13, up next Sat. at Purdue)

-Ohio St. also jumps up the YCS after an impressive win against previously unbeaten Wisconsin. Well, at least the defense and special teams of the Buckeyes were impressive, combining for 3 TDs while Terrelle Pryor and the offense continues to struggle. While I won't go as far as others (cough, Colin Blowhard, cough) to condemn all Big 10 quarterbacks and their coaches, it would be nice to see some semblance of a consistent passing attack. Let's remember Vince Young wasn't lighting the world on fire as a sophomore either.

8. TCU (5-0, last game W at Air Force 20-17, up next Sat. vs. Colorado State)

-TCU stays stuck in neutral after a close win at Air Force this past weekend. While it was a gutsy win, their ceiling now has to be a BCS berth, not a miracle national title game appearance. They seem like the next most likely to fall from the YCS though, with BYU and Utah still looming large on their schedule

9. USC (5-1, last week idle, up next Sat. at Notre Dame)

-USC may have needed their bye week more than any team in the country. They have key players banged up on both sides of the ball (Matt Barkley and Taylor Mays included) and will need all hands on deck for their next 3 games which will make or break their season. The first is at the Fighting Irish, and you can bet Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen will be summing up all of the magic they've already used this season for the Trojans come Saturday.

10. Miami (Fl) (4-1, last game W vs Florida A&M 48-16, up next Sat. at UCF)

-The U sneaks back into the YCS, just narrowly edging out Iowa for the coveted final spot this week. Count this as a tip of the cap for their impressive win over Oklahoma two weeks ago instead of their run-of-the-mill victory over FAMU this past Saturday. While the 'Canes may not be in the running for the ACC (save for a Va. Tech stumble), they can still play their way into an at-large bid if they keep the resurgence up.

Dropped from the YCS: LSU

Just Missed Out: Iowa, Oregon, Nebraska

-Again, only one team drops out of the YCS, the Bayou Bengals of LSU. Perhaps that #4 ranking was a bit misleading as they showed no offensive spark against the Gators. Still, their defense will be good enough to finish just outside the top 10 by season's end. Iowa continues to be snubbed by the YCS because, frankly, they aren't any good. They were fortunate to get by Michigan at home, and if they can win on the road at Wisconsin this Saturday, then maybe they'll get their due. Oregon and Nebraska also seem to be two teams who have recovered from tough out-of-conference losses to right the ship and should be a factor in the Pac 10 and Big 12 races down the final stretch of the regular season.

RSS HEISMAN WATCH

1. Tim Tebow-QB-Florida (last week 11/16, 134 yards, 1TD, 1INT, 17 rushes, 38 yards)

-Tim Tebow keeps a tenuous hold on 1st place in the RSS Heisman Watch after a gritty performance at LSU. When many felt he couldn't or shouldn't play, he led his team to victory in their biggest game of the season. Again, especially in this weak year of candidates, most of the lazy sports media may award the Heisman to Tebow as a lifetime achievement award or as the best player on the best team. The most damaging thing for his candidacy would be a letdown performance next week at home to Arkansas.

2. Tony Pike-QB-Cincy (last week idle)

-Tony Pike holds firm the best way Heisman candidates this year can, by not playing! His Heisman candidacy, much like most of our list this week, can get a real boost this week as he plays Thursday night at South Florida. Being the QB at a low-profile program like the Bearcats is already one strike against Pike, but if he continues to play at the high level he has been, and continue to win games, his candidacy will be hard to ignore.

3. Jimmy Clausen-QB-Notre Dame (last week idle)

-Much like Pike, Clausen is coming off a bye week playing his most important this week at home to USC. A career-defining win and performance against a program like the Trojans could be enough to vault Clausen all the way to the top of the Heisman Watch list. His season has already had a magical feel to it with several last-gasp victories already, one more against USC would be hard to ignore.

4. Ndamukong Suh-DT-Nebraska (last week 6 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT, 1 pass defended)

-Finally, finally, a defensive player makes his way back into the Heisman Watch. Who couldn't be impressed with Suh's overall dominant performance at Missouri last week. He's strong enough to shut down any running game almost single-handedly while being athletic enough to drop into coverage and make plays. Suh has been an unheralded great player for a couple years now, so it's good to see him getting the national recognition he deserves. Still, he would have to match those numbers in every game the rest of the season to be a serious threat to the Heisman.

5. Colt McCoy-QB-Texas (last week 32/39, 265 yards, 1TD, 1INT)

-In case you haven't gotten the theme of this week's RSS Heisman Watch, Colt McCoy is the 3rd QB on the list who faces a make-or-break game this week for his Heisman candidacy. The Red River Shootout at the beginning of the season was imagined to be a game with huge Heisman implications between Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy. Instead, we get a game with one QB coming back from injury (Bradford) and another QB whose Heisman campaign is on life support (McCoy). It will take a monumental performance by McCoy to climb back up the mountain and challenge for the Heisman.

Dropping Out of the Race: Case Keenum drops out of the Heisman Watch not of his own doing, but because Houston has now officially dropped out of the national spotlight, never to be heard from again until the It's a Candy Dish, Not a Bowl, Bowl. Keenum continues the long line of Wild West gunslingers who put up awe-inspiring numbers, but aren't legit candidates.

Keep an Eye On: Alabama RB-Mark Ingram

-An RSS favorite is slowly making his way back into the Heisman discussion as our eye this week turns to hard-charging Bama RB Mark Ingram. For the second week in a row, Ingram led the Alabama attack with 28 rushes for 172 yards and a TD. Whiie Ingram hit a rough patch after his impressive opening week against Va. Tech, his dominant running style is rounding back into form. While the stable of backs at Alabama damages a serious challenge, he's a player worth watching the rest of the year in college football.

That does it for this week's YCS/Heisman Watch. As always feel free to let us know what you think by posting a comment. Tune in later this week for our baseball thoughts as well as our NFL wrap-up. Also, look for the continuation of our Decade Series as we review the Top 10 Flops of the Decade. Until then, it's bye for now!

YCS/Heisman Watch Week 2

Week 2 of college football turned out to have just as much to offer as Week 1. USC and Freshman Matt Barkley snuck by Ohio State in the Horseshoe while RichRod got the win he needed against, surprise, an overrated Notre Dame. What else did we find out? Who stays and goes in the YCS? Who's making a move in our RSS Heisman Watch? Follow me, follow me to all you need to know about Week 2!

YCS STANDINGS

1.Florida (2-0, last game W vs. Troy 56-6, up next Sat. vs. Tennessee)

-The Florida train keeps rolling with a dominant win over a slightly stronger opponent in Troy. Another route should be on hand next week when Florida welcomes another cupcake to the swamp in Lane Kifffin's Volunteers. You've gotta know Urban Meyer is going to want to run up the score on a guy who thinks he's the new sheriff in town. It could get ugly for the Volunteers this week. It's going to take a special performance from a special team to beat the Gators this year.

2. USC (2-0, last game W vs. Ohio State 18-15, up next Sat. at Washington)

-USC picked up another big road win in a hostile environment against the Buckeyes, everyone can calm down a little bit over Matt Barkley. While he showed some poise for a true freshman, several times he was rattled by Ohio State's pressure. USC's highly touted offensive line also looked a step slow against Ohio State. However, with playmakers like Joe McKnight leading the way, the next two weeks should be a Washington sweep before their big game at Cal.

3. Texas (2-0, last game W at Wyoming 41-10, up next Sat. vs. Texas Tech)

-Another slow start for Texas had some at RSS Central checking the scoreboards early and often. However, Colt McCoy and company were able to right the ship in Wyoming. Now, they get to make their first real statement to the voters against the team that derailed their national title hopes last year, Texas Tech. While the Red Raiders lost their biggest offensive threats, never discount the mad genius, Mike Leach. Still, the 'Horns should take care of business.

4. Alabama (2-0, last game W vs. Fla. International 40-14, up next Sat. vs. North Texas)

-While Alabama did win by 26 points, it wasn't necessarily in the dominant style of their other counterparts in the YCS. Up only 20-14 at halftime, Bama rolled through with their overpowering running game in the second half. Although the slow start is a concern, their big win in Week 1 over Va. Tech at a neutral field sees them stick at #4. Expect North Texas to get the same treatment next Saturday as well.

5. BYU (2-0, last game W at Tulane 54-3, up next Sat. vs. Fla. St.)

-One team that did impress thoroughly against a very beatable opponent was BYU. In fact, BYU was so dominant they did not punt once the entire game. Behind emerging Heisman candidate Max Hall (more on him later), BYU may be positioning itself for a serious National Championship run. They can put another notch in their BCS belt this weekend when they welcome Florida State, although a win won't look as good after Bobby Bowden's team struggled mightily with Jacksonville St.

6. California (2-0, last game W vs. E. Washington 59-7, up next Sat. at Minnesota)

-The biggest riser in our YCS this week are the Bears from Berkley. No team has been more dominant so far than Jeff Tedford's club with their first two wins coming by a combined score of 107-20. Of course, this wouldn't be the first time Cal started hot only to flame out in Pac-10 play, but a the biggest part of the YCS is how you're playing right now, and on that merit, Cal comes in at #6. They can move up even further with a winnable road game at Minnesota.

7. Boise St. (2-0, last game W vs. Miami (OH) 48-0, up next Sat. at Fresno State)

-The blue turf boys from Boise (beautiful alliteration I know) kept up with their mid-major rivals BYU by disposing of Miami (OH) in easy fashion. It was a nice sign to see the Broncos offense show a little more life, but they will certainly have their hands full with WAC opponent Fresno St. next week.

8. Penn St. (2-0, last game W vs. Syracuse 28-7 up next Sat. vs. Temple)

-After Ohio State's loss, Penn St. takes up the Big 10 flag with their win over the Ron Paulus Players. QB Darryl Clark seems to be manning the Spread HD just fine after losing his three best WRS and the defense seems to have picked up where they left off from last year. No way they let Temple slip by them next week.

9. Georgia Tech (2-0, last game W vs. Clemson 30-27, up next Sat. at the U, aka Miami (Fl))

-The Ramblin' Wreck showed they had top 10 ability when they quickly built a 21-0 lead on their conference rival. However, a sloppy 2nd and 3rd quarter left it to a late field goal to rescue a monumental collapse. Still, they hang on in the YCS for their resolve, but will face another tough conference test against a rejuvenated 'Canes Saturday.

10. Cincinnati (2-0, last game W vs. SE Missouri St. 70-3, up next Sat. at Oregon St.)

-Well Ole Miss, if you don't play early on, you don't stay in the YCS. Taking their spot is, what's this, a team from the Big East?! That's right, the Bearcats of Cincinnati take the last spot in this week's YCS. Head coach Brian Kelly has an apparent offensive juggernaut after impressive wins, including a rare season-opening conference win on the road at Rutgers. We'll see how for real this team is though when they make the trek out west to face Oregon St.

Dropped from the YCS: Oklahoma St., Ohio St., Ole Miss

Just Missed Out: LSU, Ole Miss, Ohio St.

-While the Buckeyes did lose, they at least gave a good account for themselves in losing a game they should have won. Oklahoma St. also saw their dark horse championship hopes go up in smoke in a shocking loss at home to Houston. Finally, I think Charlie Weis is still somewhere waiting on the officials to come back on the field to give him a second chance against Michigan. While the Maize and Blue looked better than last year's stinkers, let's not put them in the discussion yet for beating a creation of the national sports media.

RSS HEISMAN WATCH

1. Tim Tebow-QB-Florida (last game 15/24, 237 yards, 4 TDs; 13 rushes, 71 yards, 1 TD)

-Jesus Christ Quarterback remains at the top of the RSS Heisman Watch after a textbook stats-padding performance over the weekend. While he may not threaten his astounding TD numbers of the past, he looks to be in just as good a form as ever. Much like his team, someone is going to need something special to supplant him.

2. Javhid Best-RB-California (last game 17 rushes, 144 yards, 2 total TDs)

-Best backed up a solid first game with an even better performance in his second. While Cal has been thought of as a QB haven under Jeff Tedford, the school actually may have a better record recently with uncovering monster running backs. If the junior can hold up and propel Cal to the top of the Pac-10, he stands a chance.

3. Colt McCoy-QB-Texas (last game 30/47, 337 yards, 4 TDs (1 rushing), 1 INT)

-McCoy loses some ground, but not too much to the frontrunners because he still had a more than respectable statistical day against Wyoming. Still, he'll be hard-pressed to match his amazing completion percentage from last season. However, McCoy will need to come close, or hope for a stumble from Tebow or Best, to climb to the top of the RSS Heisman Watch.

4. Max Hall-QB-BYU (last game 24/32, 309 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)

-On Saturday, Max Hall did what he needed to do to truly begin his Heisman campaign, have a great statistical day against a weak opponent. Once again, a lot will depend on his team's success, but then again, BYU's success will depend a lot on their senior quarterback.

5. Jacquizz Rodgers-RB-Oregon St. (last game 26 rushes, 166 yards, 1 TD)

-Rodgers has continued his impressive form from last season to make himself a dark horse candidate this season. It will be hard to make an impact on the national scale from Corvallis, he does deserve some love from us here at RSS.

Dropping Out of the Race: Mark Ingram (RB-Alabama) disappointed against an easy opponent in FIU by letting other Alabama backs steal most of the yards and TDs. Dez Bryant (WR-Oklahoma St.) also drops out after dropping a huge pass in the 4th quarter which directly resulted in a Houston TD. Although he was suffering from cramps at the time, those are plays Heisman winners don't make.

Keep an Eye On: Joe McKnight (RB-USC)

He was the true star Saturday night in the horseshoe as the junior once again showed why he was compared to Reggie Bush. While he's a long way from accepting the trophy in New York, he showed his special athleticism and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Of course, he'll have plenty more chances to shine in big games against Cal and Notre Dame later this season. Another early dark horse candidate, Jevean Snead (QB-Ole Miss), has a lot of work to do to catch up with the other quarterbacks who've already had big impacts on their teams this season.

Join us tomorrow as we debut our newest feature, Protecting the Shield, where we'll review Week 1 of the National Football League. Also, stay tuned for the return of the ever popular Decade Series, as we begin the countdown to the greatest single athlete of the 2000s. Until then, it's bye for now!

Hot Off The Grill - CFB Week 2

The beginning of the football season sees RSS debut our new feature "Hot Off The Grill." In previewing both College Football and the NFL we'll breakdown the weekend's biggest players, stories, and games by channeling our heritage at Randall Simon's Sausages. Our foam sausage friends will provide us with insight into what to watch this weekend as only they can. First up, the college kids are on the menu. Fire up the grill, get the tailgates ready and the sausages cookin, and follow me!

Big Kielbasa's Game Of the Week - #3 USC @ #8 Ohio St.

The game of the week is obviously in C-Bus as OSU looks (again) to finally shut everyone in the MSM up and win a big game. USC only has to look to the Longhorns who came into the Shoe and won a few years ago, but Texas had Vince Young, not a Freshman QB. The key to this game though is in the trenches. Ohio St. has gotten killed up front on both sides of the ball in recent years, which has led to their overall demise. Most people assume it's the skill positions where OSU is at a disadvantage, but it's a lack of quality and athleticism up front which is their biggest issue.

Matt Barkley looked good in his 1st start, but so would I with McKnight, Johnson, and Havili against San Jose State. If it stays close, Terrelle Pryor might make just enough plays to see it through, but if USC gets off to a hot start and takes the crowd out of it, the streets of Columbus will look like a scene from the Odyssey. A tough pick, the heart says Ohio State, the head says USC. PICK - Push?? Ok fine, Ohio State.

Beer Brat's Spotlight Game Of the Week - #18 Notre Dame @ Meeeechigan

Our spotlight game features two resurgent powers, if you listen to most CFB pundits that is. I'm not ready to crown either of these teams yet after dispatching of Nevada and Western Mich. in Week 1. I'm also not sure how ND is #18 in the country, but that's another issue for another day. One of these teams is going back to earth quickly, my pick is that it's Michigan. The RichRod Era doesn't seem like it should be able to turn around so quickly. Jimmy Clausen and his great WR's will uncover Michigan's true weakness the past few years, it's secondary. PICK - ND

Chorizo's Upset Of the Week - #19 UNC @ UConn

Our spicy friend will provide us with the upset of the week throughout the season. This week, UNC is really the only ranked team in danger of losing this week at Connecticut. Yes, UConn lost Donald Brown and didn't look especially sharp in Athens (OH, not GA). However, if UNC thinks they are becoming an elite program, Butch Davis and co. will have to take a step back towards reality this week. PICK - UConn

Andouille's UTR Game - Purdue @ Oregon

The vastly underrated andouille gives us our Under The Radar Game of the Week, taking us to Eugene. Lost in the PunchGate saga is how poor Oregon played against Boise. They face another tough test Saturday as Purdue comes to town. Purdue looked dynamic in their opener, and with all of the controversy surrounding Oregon, this could be a solid win for the Big 10. Both of these programs could really use a win in an important non-conference game that you should keep an eye on this week. Pick - Purdue

Hot Dog Of The Week - Alabama RB Mark Ingram

The Bama Sophomore was the breakout star of Week 1 with his fantastic all-around performance in the Georgia Dome against Va Tech. Y2 likes his angry running style, and he could lead Bama to the top of the rankings. He gets a chance this week against FIU to pad the stats and start building towards a surprise Heisman campaign.

Extra Toppings -

-How will Boise State and BYU respond after huge wins last week? Tulane and Miami (OH) are two good opponents to continue the mojo for the BCS Busters.

-Spurrier's reign at South Carolina has probably been the biggest disappointment in college pig the last 5 years. They were more relevant under Lou Holtz for goodness sake! Another loss Between the Hedges at UGA will drive the Ol' Ballcoach closer to the golf course.

-Please resist the temptation to anoint the winner of the ND/UM showdown as a National Title contender.

-Also resist the urge to anoint Lane Kiffin a genius when they whomp UCLA in Knoxville.

-Texas' trip to Wyoming is the strangest road game this decade. Unless Colt McCoy and crew get mauled by buffaloes and grizzly bears at Yellowstone, there isn't a lot of danger in this fixture.

-Take a trip to Yellowstone before you die, it's worth it.

-Where has the Big East gone exactly??

-Idaho State continues Oklahoma's woes with a shocking win... a guy can dream right?

-I'm really hoping for an OSU win this weekend, not to be a C-Bus homer... but just to see the reaction of the Mark May's and Colin Cowherd's of the world. Go ahead and lose every other game this year Bucks, just win this one for me please.

-I'm also really hoping Troy finishes within 50 points of Florida.

Randall's Got His Eye On You... Jim Tressel

This week is a watershed game for the Sweater Vest. Whacked in 2 BCS Title games, whacked by USC... it hasn't been a fun time lately for Jimmy T in Columbus. If he fails to beat USC this weekend, don't be surprised to see the questions and doubts start to swirl around Tressel. He's nearly untouchable here in Columbus, but another big game loss could spell the beginning of the end of the Tressel Era at Ohio State. His poor coaching decision of going for a 4th & 2 last week instead of kicking a FG to go up 18 in the 4th was lost in the hoopla of the Navy escape. Another wrong move this week, or another blowout could have Randall's bat aimed squarely at Jim Tressel.

Hot Off The Grill returns soon with our look ahead at Week 1 in the National. Football. League. Enjoy the weekend!

Boomer Bust: Exposing Oklahoma Football

Which team has been the most underachieving program in college football this decade? Which team has lost big game after big game? Which team has been upset at home, road, and neutral venues repeatedly? Which elite program has a losing record in bowl games this decade? Which team hasn't won a national title in 9 years despite a gaggle of 1st Round NFL picks and multiple Heisman Trophy winners?

See... you would think that the answer to this question would be the Ohio State Buckeyes. They are the villains of college football, right? The hateable losers that everybody loves to, well, hate. Can't win a big game, can't beat an SEC team, can't beat Michigan (oh, wait, they can), and their coach wears that stupid sweater vest. Oh, and they play in the deplorable Big Ten. Why is it deplorable you ask? Well, it's not the SEC, it's not USC, and it's not on the East Coast... I guess that's good enough of a reason, right? Those Midwestern people just ain't right, ya know.

But, the true answer to this question is... the Oklahoma Sooners. While Ohio State and the Big 10 continue to get ramrodded by the Mainstream Media (this is a dangerous path I'm going down, I'm sounding like Glenn Beck again... ), the Sooners have somehow quietly gone the last 6 years as one of the most miserable elite teams in the country. Of course, here at RSS I could just give you mere opinion and conjecture, but I show you the facts. Let's look at Oklahoma's "resume" since 2003.

-2003: A team that beat A&M 77-0 and Texas 65-13, lost to Kansas State in the Big XII Title game 35-7. Quite a turnaround, eh? Oh, they had the Heisman winner in Jason White too. Somehow, after getting blown out by 28 in their Conference Championship, they got a crack at the BCS title game, and were dominated by LSU, getting a consolation TD to make the score 21-14. Billed as one of the best teams ever, they played more like Tulsa down the stretch instead of OU.

-2004: A 12-0 season brought the Sooners back to the National Title game. They met USC, led by Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. In what was billed as the Game of the Century, Oklahoma lost 55-19. Let that sink in. 55-19. With a Heisman winner, and Adrian Peterson, and a powerhouse defense, they lost by 36 points.

TIMEOUT!

Wait a second, Oklahoma lost two straight National Title games??? Isn't that like an automatic ban from ever being allowed back into the national title picture? Isn't that eternal damnation for your team and your conference? Isn't that even more embarrassing than Charlie Weis? (They beat Nevada!! ND is back!!) If you're Ohio State, yes. If you're Oklahoma, no. Not that this column is meant to prove any double standards, or hypocrisy or anything... back to the facts.

-2005: Lost home opener to TCU, finished 8-4, but won only Bowl game in this stretch by winning the Holiday Bowl, yea! Team was led by new QB Rhett Bomar, yes, Rhett Bomar who was kicked out of the program. At least Coach Stoops can balance crappy on-field performances with NCAA violations and players getting kickbacks.

-2006: Lost to Texas. Came back to win Big XII at 12-2. Then there was that little Fiesta Bowl game against Boise State. Losing to a WAC School in a BCS game? If you're Oklahoma, just sweep it under the rug. Hey, at least Stoops didn't fall for any school yard trick plays though right?

-2007: Another 11-2 season. Another Big XII Championship. Another embarrassing Fiesta Bowl loss. This time, Pat White and West Virginia destroyed the Sooners 48-28. Notice a trend here?

-2008: Another loss to Texas. Another Big XII Championship. Another Heisman Winner in Sam Bradford. Another BCS Title Game loss, this time to Florida. The Heisman winner managed 14 points of offense in the title game.

-2009: A marquee home opener at Jerry Jones Palace in Dallas becomes just the latest big game Oklahoma choke job. They lost to BYU 14-13. Sure, Sam Bradford was hurt, but it's not like he tore the house down while in the game. Oh, and you lost to B Y F*&#@n' U!

So, for a brief recap. Since 2003, Oklahoma has lost 3 National Title games (including 1 embarrassing blowout), lost to 3 WAC/Mountain West schools, (including in a BCS game), and went 1-5 in Bowl Games despite 4 Big XII titles and 2 Heisman Winners.

Compare this to an Ohio State program since 2003 which lost 2 National Title games (including 1 blowout), lost to 0 mid-majors, blew out Brady Quinn's Notre Dame and that KSU team who beat OU 35-7 in 2003, split 2 games vs Texas, went 3-3 in Bowl Games, won at least a share of 4 Big 10 Titles and 1 Heisman Winner, and according to most pundits deserve to be relegated to the MAC, along with 4/5 of the Big 10.

You tell me which program should be under fire from the MSM more.

So, in the coming week, you'll hear everyone make excuses for another OU choke job against BYU. You'll hear that a loss at the beginning of the season doesn't hurt as much as later ones. You'll hear that once Sam Bradford comes back everything will be fine. You'll hear that Bob Stoops is still a great coach, and OU is still a great program.

You'll also hear about how Ohio State is going to get trounced by USC next Saturday. You'll hear how terribly they played against Navy (SI's Stewart Mandel had the obligatory Big 10 Sucks column up seconds after that game, even though OSU won). You'll hear how great the Trojans are and how sorry the Bucks are. You'll hear about the wretched Big 10. You'll hear that even if the Bucks win this game, they still have a long way to go before they can reach national respect again. You'll hear that they only won because they played a freshman QB.

What you won't hear is the truth. Saturday's loss to BYU is just another embarrassing loss for an OU program that has had its share this decade. You won't hear that OU and Bob Stoops should be under fire for their repeated losses in big games to inferior competition. You won't hear how OU has been outplayed and outcoached repeatedly in the last 6 years. You won't hear anyone calling out Oklahoma or Bob Stoops from the College Football Media. You won't hear anything about the Oklahoma Sooners being the true underachievers of College Football.

Bob Stoops should count his blessings that he coaches in Norman, OK instead of Columbus, OH.

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