East Carolina upset Virginia Tech on their home field on the strength of a blocked punt and touchdown return by Carolina’s T.J. Lee late in the fourth quarter. The irony in this is that Virginia Tech has won games for years on the strength of Beamer Ball and “died by its own sword” with the return by Lee to win the game for the Pirates.
Utah beat Michigan in the Big House in Rich Rodriguez opening game as head coach for the Wolverines. The loss marks the second consecutive year that Michigan has lost at home losing to Appalachian State least year in their home opener. It will take time for Michigan and Rodriguez to match scheme and personnel in order for the full effect of the spread offense to take hold and make the Michigan a contender once again in the Big 10.
Clemson based on some of the best returning talent in the country and bolstered by what some called the number one recruiting class signed this past February was supposed to contend for a national title. However, Alabama led by Mark Ingram and the rest of their highly regarded recruiting class including Julio Jones made a statement that they are not a year away and that the time is now for Alabama and its football fans.
Alabama dominated Clemson in the trenches from the beginning kickoff to the last whistle of the game. Alabama was able to run behind the strength of their dominant offensive line and Mark Ingram, the freshman tailback, from Michigan to drain the clock and keep the supposedly dangerous Clemson offense off the field. Alabama’s offense held the ball for 41 min and 13 seconds to keep the best one two punch at tailback in the country in James Davis and C.J. Spiller off the field. Alabama tight end Nick Walker was outstanding with 7 receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. The Tide defense although lacking star power held Clemson in check the whole game. Alabama served notice to the country and especially the SEC that their time is now and that the 5 million dollar annual salary that BAMA pays Steve Saban may well be worth it.
The 2008 season has started with these upsets as well as Arkansas state upsetting Texas A&M in the debut for head coach Mike Sherman. Pittsburgh was defeated by Bowling Green as well in what was a horrid opening weekend for the ACC as a whole, which went 2-4 against Division 1 opponents. Furthermore, North Carolina almost lost to McNeese State at home and Maryland barley clipped Delaware 14-7 at home. McNeese State and Deleware are from the Championship Subdivision. If the initial week in college football was any type of indicator for how the 2008 season is going to be played out, the coming season is going to be a wild one. Get your popcorn ready son…….. Get your popcorn ready….
Peace Claudious
