Just Like South Bend...

USC football players have plenty of things to worry about it. Staying on top of their assignments on the field, keeping their grades up, and maintaining good behavior off the field - these are things that a Trojan football star will tell you are his priorities. Taking care of his measly mouth guard after football games - this will likely not be on the list.

Ramon Roges is a dentist. In his 10 years as the dentist for USC athletes, one of the greatest challenges Roges has faced is getting the football players to hang onto said mouth guards. Therefore, in an attempt to psychologically increase each player's personal connection with his own mouth guard, Roges began customizing them. For example, Roges replicated the Mexican national flag when designing quarterback Mark Sanchez's red, white, and green mouth guard, even including an eagle with a snake in its grasp. Sanchez thought "it was looking sweet," and wore the mouth guard in his second official start against Notre Dame in October 2007.

After throwing for four touchdowns en route to a 38-0 victory, the Trojan quarterback would march off the field in South Bend, bathing in chants of "San-CHEZ! San-CHEZ!" Unfortunately, the post-game reception was not nearly as supportive. A good portion of the media, especially the online portion, somehow interpreted Sanchez's cultural mouth guard as an endorsement for illegal immigration. USC's football office was immediately flooded with angry letters, phone calls, and emails.

Because of this incident, Sanchez has since stopped wearing the colorful mouth guard on a regular basis. On Saturday, USC played arguably one of the worst teams in Division I college football, Washington State University. And like he has all year, Sanchez would play without the mouth guard. Sanchez was taken out of the game in the third quarter as his Trojans had built a laughable 41-0 lead at halftime. In the 30 minutes of action he did see, Sanchez missed just five passes while completing 15 for 253 yards and 5 touchdowns (keep in mind, this was all in the first half, so mathematically, that's a touchdown every three and a half minutes he was on the field). Only once during the game did Sanchez throw two consecutive incomplete passes.

What other statistics can I regurgitate to properly portray how lopsided this game was? USC accumulated 625 yards of total offense (263 yards passing, 363 yards rushing) compared to Washington State's 116 (28 yards passing, 88 yards rushing). This stat could have easily been more skewed if Pete Carroll hadn't been uncharacteristically merciful, and kept Sanchez in the game. USC had 28 first downs compared to WSU's 4. The Trojans were 8-12 on third-down conversions while the Cougars were 1-13. This was a game between the varsity and the junior varsity. No, not even junior varsity. This was a game between the varsity and the frosh-soph team. True, the red, white, and green mouth guard was not there this time. The dominance Sanchez demonstrated in South Bend, however, was.

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Crazy Moment from LSU vs. South Carolina

Tim Donaghy, meet your College Football soulmate.

LOL, what?!

He must have asked the folks at Buffalo Wild Wings if they were ready to go home or not.

On a more serious note, he should be getting his resume ready. Good luck man, it's a tough job market out there.

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A Trojan's Christmas List

With seven weeks in the books and eight to go, the USC football team is currently ranked 6 by the Associated Press and 4 by USA Today. And with a cream puff schedule left to be played, the Trojans will unfortunately have to rely on the missteps of other teams to have any hope at the title game. I know it's only October, but here are a few things I wouldn't mind Santa delivering a little earlier this year:

1) Texas loses to Missouri on Oct. 18.

After upsetting the top-ranked Sooners last week, Texas continues its minefield march this Saturday against the explosive Missouri Tigers. If Colt McCoy is able to lead his Longhorns passed the Tigers, the hard part of their journey will be over, as they will only have to contend with Oklahoma State, unproven Texas Tech, and middle-of-the-road Kansas (though we'll know what the Jayhawks are made of this weekend when they play Oklahoma, won't we?).

As it looks now, Missouri looks like our best hope to trip up the undefeated Longhorns, moving us one spot closer to the title game. And with the great Chase Daniel having been embarrassed last weekend by being picked off three times, he and his Tigers will be seeking redemption.

2) Alabama loses to LSU on Nov. 8.

Before Week 7, people were labeling LSU as the most overrated team in the top 5. I, however, will have to go with Alabama as the most overrated team in the top 5. Sure they toppled former #3 Georgia 41-30 in their matchup two weeks ago. But anyone who watched that game could easily question the legitimacy of that win.

Close to one of the worst halves of football Georgia could have played, they committed five penalities for 56 yards that resulted in Alabama scoring on all five drives (four touchdowns and a field goal) of the half. After starting their opening drive on their own 20 yard line, Alabama would never again start inside their own 35. In fact, two drives would open on Georgia's 48 and 33, as a result of a terrible punt and a Georgia fumble, respectively. Finally, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson was a startling deviation from his normal self, playing an almost perfect half. Wilson was 10-11 for 139 yards and a touchdown in the first half. All of these factors would contribute to Alabama building what proved to be an insurmountable 31-0 lead.

Without this win, Alabama would be just another team peering into the top 10. And if these two teams were to meet again, I highly doubt that fortune would hand the game to Bama on a silver platter the way she did three weeks ago. So fine, after getting shredded by Florida 21-51, LSU didn't deserve the hype they were getting either, but this is my Christmas list, and LSU is my best shot at beating Bama.

3) Penn State loses to Ohio State on Oct. 25.

No team in the top 5 scares me quite like Penn State. I don't understand how Joe Paterno is still able to walk, but he walks, and coaches his team to dominant victory after dominant victory. With its current ranking of 3 by both the Associated Press and USA Today, and with Ohio State (laughing out loud as I am typing) as its biggest test remaining on the schedule, Penn State is easily the team with the best chance at the title game.

I know, it's sad.

Ohio State, the #3 team to open the season, for a while couldn't even decide who to play as their quarterback. But with Pryor having started the last two games, I think it's safe to say that they have opted to go with their freshman. The replacement of Boeckman with Pryor means the added threat of a quick, mobile quarterback. Unfortunately, this also means the Ohio State passing game will take a hit. In his two starts against Wisconsin and Purdue, Pryor has averaged just 120.5 yards of passing offense, with no touchdowns.

And while Penn State has been dominating, Ohio State has been doing the exact opposite, barely squeeking by opponents. I know it's outlandish to even suggest Ohio State has a chance against Penn State, but again, this is my Christmas list, and Ohio State is my only hope...

4) Oklahoma loses to Oklahoma State on Nov. 29.

A loss last week to a strong Texas squad was not quite enough for the AP voters to rank Oklahoma beneath USC. Therefore, I will be wishing for one more loss on OU's part. With remaining games against Kansas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State, Oklahoma has most reason to worry about Oklahoma State. And with its impressive victory over Missouri last week, it looks like Oklahoma State will be my darkhorse to beat the Sooners in the final game of the season.

Of course, if I am granted my first three wishes, this wish won't be necessary, as a USC Oklahoma championship game will likely be the result. That and the fact that I honestly cannot see Oklahoma State being nearly as successful against Oklahoma as they were against Missouri. Oklahoma actually has a defense.

5) To get buff like Jae Pee.

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Do or Die Dodgers

Did you see Cole Hamels at the press conference last night? With his hair all nicely combed and styled? I'm not gonna lie to you, that is one good looking boy. The Dodgers have no chance.

First of all, I'd like to congratulate the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. You guys managed to win 100 regular season games and even took a game off the defending champion Red Sox in the ALDS. You did all this with two good (at best) pitchers, and three average pitchers manning your rotation. But then again, in a season where Dustin Pedroia almost outslugs David Ortiz, I guess anything is possible.

WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT ANGELS PITCHING? But don't let my biased dislike for the Angels give you the wrong idea. The Halos easily deserved to be in the playoffs. All I'm saying is that they had no business winning 100 games, nor did they have any realistic shot at the World Series this year. In any case, the Angels are out, so let's focus our attention on a team that still matters. Now about them Dodgers...

In my relentless efforts to prove how doomed the Angels were in the postseason, I forgot to mention one thing: the Dodgers were more doomed. Easily one of the two weakest teams in the postseason, I'm not sure if the Dodgers belonged here this year. Dodger fans love making the case that the acquisition of Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake completely transformed this team. They say that Manny's presence alone has improved those around him. But let's look at this statistically. What changed, really? Matt Kemp and James Loney? They've been just as productive since Manny's arrival, no more, no less. Jeff Kent? Just as much of a non-factor since Manny's arrival as he was before. Andruw Jones? HAHAHA Andruw Jones. So fine. Andre Ethier temporarily lost his mind and slugged nine home runs during a three-week stretch, but he has since returned to normal, and hasn't hit a home run in nearly five weeks. Was Ethier simply maturing and coming into his own as a young, talented hitter? Was he inflicted with a temporary bit of amnesia and suddenly think he was Shawn Green? Whatever the reason, it probably doesn't have much to do with Manny.

So the Dodgers are sending out Chad Billingsley to face off against Cole Hamels tonight in their own do or die game. In fact, they're doing so at this very moment. Billingsley has been the Dodgers most dominant pitcher since the All-Star Break, and will try to rebound from his miserable performance in Game 2. Cole Hamels has been dominant all season, and has continued this dominance in the postseason. And when you have an offense as awesome as the Phillies offense, there really isn't much you can do but sit down on the floor and cry.

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Do or Die Angels (Died)

Boy, it's got to be frustrating if you're an Angel fan. Your ace gives you a quality start in Game 1 and you're only able to muster a single run. Your offense manages to wake up in Game 2, but your second started gets lit up. You finally muscle out a huge do-or-die Game 3 win in 12 innings in what you're hoping to the series-changer. Your ace tosses you yet another quality start in Game 4, and once again your offense isn't able to give him a decision. But your team hangs tough, and the game is tied heading into the 9th.

Your offense has been struggling all game, With GA, Vladi and Teixera all hitless. This inning doesn't look too promising either, with the bottom of the order due up. Miraculously, pinch-hitter Kendry Morales smokes a lead-off double off the green monster. You're in business. Howie Kendrick then executes a perfect sacrifice bunt, sending the pinch-runner Reggie Willits to third. Man on third with one out. Any ball put in play will likely score the go-ahead run. Then you'll be able to send out the most prolific single-season closer in MLB history to dig yourself out of what was once a 0-2 hole, suddenly making this a one-game series to be played at Angel Stadium...

Eric Aybar is at the plate. All he has to do is not strike out, put the ball in play. But Scioscia was desperate, and made a move he hoped the Red Sox were not expecting. He tried to squeeze Willits home. Unfortunately, Aybar's bunt attempt whiffed, and by the time Varitek plucked the ball out of his glove, Willits was stuck halfway between third and home. With two eyes on the back of his head, Willits did his best to scurry back to third, but Varitek chased him down and tagged him out. Suddenly, there were two outs, and the bases were empty. Aybar grounded out to end the top half of the 9th, Shields proceeded to blow the game in the bottom half, and that's the end of that story.

You can chew Scioscia out all you want for putting the entire season on one risky play. But the truth is, this was a great call. If the play had worked, the Angels may have escaped the game, the series, and we'd all be hailing Skip as a genius. So Scioscia rolled the dice. He gambled that Aybar would be able to lay the bunt down, or at least get his damn bat on the ball. If the bunt had sprayed foul, they could have easily reverted back to the original plan, getting Willits home on a sacrifice fly or ground out. Who would've guessed that a major league ball player would have whiffed on a bunt? Not you, not me, and not Mike Scioscia. There's a reason why Scioscia is a World Series champion, and the rest of us aren't. He makes the calls that the rest of us don't have the cajones to make.

Unfortunately, the dice isn't always kind. I guess you crapped out this time, Skip.

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Eli the Enigma

If you're a true sports fan, you'll agree with me. Nothing teaches you more about an athlete than having him on your fantasy team. You begin paying attention to injury reports, not just on your player, but any player on the team that may have an effect on your player. You start dragging yourself out of bed at the unholy hour of 10am on Sunday mornings to watch your player, praying he scores a touchdown in a game you otherwise wouldn't give a rat's ass about.

With our sports blog about to launch last year, I realized that I'd be a shameful sports writer/blogger knowing as little as I did about the NFL. I decided to venture outside the NBA and MLB bubble that had kept me so warm and cozy for the past decade, and draft my first fantasy football team. In retrospect, my rookie draft could not have turned out worse. My first round pick, Steven Jackson, was hobbled by injury all season (although I am comforted by the fact that every first round pick except LT, Romo, and Brady last year turned out to be busts). I went with aging legend Torry Holt over stars Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, and Andre Johnson. I went with one-year wonder Marc Bulger as my starting quarterback. By the way, the answer is: no, I didn't realize until after the draft that I had chosen three St. Louis Rams. My biggest mistake, however, even if it was in the 12th round, was drafting the underachieving headache that was Eli Manning...

I studied his career stats. Average yardage numbers, average touchdown to interception ratios, average accuracy numbers. Everything was average and by no means impressive. I looked into his college numbers at Ole Miss to gauge his potential upside. Slightly better yardage numbers, slightly better touchdown to interception ratios, and the same unimpressive accuracy numbers. So adjusted for college statistical inflation, I was most likely looking at the best that Eli Manning had to offer...

With Bulger as my first quarterback, I obviously gave him the nod over Eli in Week 1. As I watched Bulger struggle to produce just 167 yards and one touchdown pass, insult was added to injury as Eli rolled his way to 312 yards and four touchdown passes, on my bench. I immediately benched Bulger and inserted Eli into my lineup for Week 2, and what do you know? Bulger puts up a monster game in Week 2. At this point, I had a decision to make, and I decided to stick with Eli. For the remainder of the season, Eli would struggle with mediocre numbers and inconsistency. In fact, if it weren't for Ronnie Brown's early season heroics, my team would have floundered. By Week 10, I had grown sick and tired of Bulger's health issues and Eli's mediocrity. Luckily for me, I happened to stumble upon a pretty little gem on waivers named Kurt Warner, who would go on to put up monster numbers for me down the stretch.

With Eli as my quarterback for the first half of last season, I developed an awkward obsession with him. While most people develop loyal, affectionate inclinations toward their fantasy players, my relationship with Eli was one of animosity. Whenever a Giants game was broadcasted, I would watch, rooting for Eli to play poorly, which he often did. I did this partly because I wanted to make sure I did the right thing in cutting him loose, and partly just because I hated Eli Manning. One thing that stood out most when watching Giant's games was that kiddish expression that, more often than not, would be plastered across Eli's face. The anguished look that suggested Eli might be in some sort of physical pain; the crybaby look that portrayed Eli's sincere surprise at the 3 consecutive incomplete passes he had just thrown, when in fact this happened all the god damn time.

But this was last year. This was before Eli proceeded to put up MVP-caliber numbers in the postseason to lead his 10-6 Giants to the Super Bowl. This was before Eli, like a seasoned veteran, calmly marched his team 83 yards downfield to score the winning touchdown against the invincible Patriots. Despite all this, I maintained my dislike for Eli and vowed to stay away from him in this year's draft. This past weekend, the Giants played the Seahawks. I immediately saw the Super Bowl champion that Eli had matured into. In the first two Giant possessions, Eli led two perfect drives that led to two touchdowns, going 5-5 for 96 yards and a touchdown, allowing Brandon Jacobs to run it in for the other. This time, there was no anguished look on Eli's face after another 3 and out, only smiles after throwing another touchdown pass.

God I hate Eli Manning...

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Two of AtA's Finest

Ever wonder what AtA writers talk about amongst themselves when they're not writing?


Brian Chen: Damn.

Adriel Carolino: ?

Brian Chen: Steelers are 4 point underdogs against Jags. Is Willie Parker still out?

Adriel Carolino: I dunno. They're underdogs? Really?

Brian Chen: Yea, I guess trends play a lot in these odds. They've been terrible lately.

Adriel Carolino: Aren't they undefeated?

Brian Chen: They lost to Philly.

Adriel Carolino: Ok so they're 3-1. Plus they barely lost to Philly...

Brian Chen: They scored a combined 16 points against Cleveland and Philly.

Adriel Carolino: Philly is good so I dunno about that one. But yea they sucked at Cleveland. It was a horrible weather day though. If Parker is up, I think they can win.

Brian Chen: What's so special about the Jags? Passing game is unimpressive. Running game is bad.

Adriel Carolino: Their defense is sick. How is their running game bad? It's good.

Brian Chen: ...How is their running game good?

Adriel Carolino: Taylor and Drew are good. They're legitimately good.

Brian Chen: Not this year...

Adriel Carolino: Not so far this year...

Brian Chen: But you can't just go by potential, you have to go by actual production.

Adriel Carolino: So you'd take Lee Evans over Plaxico Burress? I mean, Taylor and Drew both had over 100 yards against the Colts. That's not bad. Last game wasn't that great but they still got rushing production overall. But I still think Pitt is better.

Brian Chen: Yea. Hahaha I love ESPN anchors.

Adriel Carolino: You keep saying that...

Brian Chen: "If you don't think this is awesome, you need to take awesome lessons." They're seriosuly geniuses.

Adriel Carolino: That sounds like Barney Stinson. Dude I'm pretty excited about the Dodgers.

Brian Chen: Hahah, dude we just spent all class discussing the Angels and Dodgers. And whether or not they have a chance at the World Series this year.

Adriel Carolino: I don't think either have great chances.

Brian Chen: I got hated on because I was bashing on Angels' pitching.

Adriel Carolino: Dude their pitching is solid. Lackey and Santana is one of the top duos in the league.

Brian Chen: Meh, I'll still take Beckett and Dice-K in the postseason.

Adriel Carolino: I dunno, I think Dice-K is more hittable.

Brian Chen: Dude, Dice-K is UNhittable. He may walk a lot, but he is unhittable. His BAA is .211!

Adriel Carolino: Whatever, I still think the Cubs have the sickest pitching in the majors. I'm terrified of Cubs' pitching.

Brian Chen: I'm not buying Cubs' pitching. Dempster is overperforming. I'm just waiting for him to get lit up. Z is slumping. But Harden is filthy, though.

Adriel Carolino: Yea, Harden is a monster. And Wood can close. But I have a feeling they're gonna burn out like that Astro's team.

Brian Chen: Doesn't matter, World Series champs are gonna be Phillies. They're way too stacked. And J-Roll is too good.

Adriel Carolino: Is the Phillies' bullpen any good?

Brian Chen: I'm not sure who they are, but they've been getting the job done.

Adriel Carolino: Hahaha I had J-Roll before he was good. I was like, cool black shortstop. He was athletic and stole bases but couldn't do anything else. That was back in high school though. I think the Brewers are screwed because everything depends on CC and Braun.

Brian Chen: Dude they have Sheets. And Gallardo's starting Game 1 I think. He was solid last year. Plus their lineup is pretty stacked also.

Adriel Carolino: Meh, Kendall is past his prime. Prince is a stupid vegan. Counsell just sucks. And Hardy is barely decent.

Brian Chen: Ok when I say, "Brewer lineup is stacked," I'm clearly not referring to Jason Kendall.

Adriel Carolino: Wait, why is Sheets not listed on their rotation? DUDE SHEETS ISN'T PLAYING.

Brian Chen: Omg. You're right. A torn muscle near his pitching elbow. He's done, and so are the Brewers.

Adriel Carolino: Yea, I thought so.

Brian Chen: Plus, they're playing the Phillies. They have no chance. Cole Hamels is such a gangster.

Adriel Carolino: If the Brewers put CC on the mound for three straight games, they have a chance.

Brian Chen: Honestly, I think he can do it. I really think he can do it.

Adriel Carolino: Yea I know. I'm not kidding. That fat monster. He can go 11 straight games. Get them to the Series. Then chill. Then if they lose the first three, he'll pitch out the next four games. He's like a camel in the desert...

Brian Chen: Hahahha, he's so god damn huge. He's like Prince Fielder's father.

Adriel Carolino: No, Cecil Fielder is Prince Fielder's father.

Brian Chen: ...It was a joke, asshole.

Adriel Carolino: He's like Prince's twin, except blown up x2. So who do you think will go all the way?

Brian Chen: Phillies. Their offense is absolutely unstoppable. But Burrell's back is questionable right now. But even without Burrell they will still outslug any team in the playoffs right now.

Adriel Carolino: See, that's why I wanted a Phillies hat.

Brian Chen: Yea dude, you should get a Phillies hat. The Phillies are sick.


Will Adriel get a Phillies hat? Tune in next time...

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Will The Overrated Angels Be Exposed in the Playoffs?

Relax, the question was rhetorical.

How the Angels managed to win 100 games this year is beyond me. On paper, it's baffling how grossly the Angels pitching staff have overperformed. Six months ago, if you had told me that a mystery pitching staff would finish the season winning a combined 70 games while losing only 37, I would've guessed the Red Sox or Diamondback rotation. If you had told me that this 70-37 record would be the combined efforts of Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jon Garland, Jered Weaver, and John Lackey, I would have called you a lying bastard and likely spat in your face.

Ervin Santana is 16-7 with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. John Lackey is 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. If every game were played at Angel Stadium, Santana would be a Cy Young contender every year. Fortunately for the Angels, Santana has learned to pitch on the road this year. Lackey, on the other hand, is fresh off his Cy Young caliber season last year, and the success has carried over to this year. So fine, I'll give you Santana and Lackey. But the other three...let's talk about the other three...

In his first year as a full time starter, Joe Saunders is a startling 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. With just 103 K's in 198 IP, it's pretty clear that Saunders is not a power pitcher. However, with 58 walks over that same span, he doesn't appear to have fantastic control either. In fact, nothing on his stat sheet suggests that his 17-7 record is and will continue to be the norm, so I will go ahead and assume that Saunders is enjoying the lucky season that many pitchers experience. Only time will tell if Saunders will blossom into the next Jamie Moyer, or fade away with the likes of Brian Bannister.

Next on our list we have Jon Garland. Look up "average" in the dictionary and you'll likely find a picture of Jon Garland. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches, Garland cannot strike out a batter to save his life, and like Saunders, has unimpressive control. Garland's record stands at 14-8, but his laughable 4.90 ERA and 1.51 WHIP suggest that this is clearly an aberration. Don't be surprised when Garland gets lit up in the postseason.

Finally, we have Jered Weaver. After storming onto the scene in 2006 and establishing himself as the Angels ace, Weaver's numbers have been anything but dominant. His 11-10 record, 4.33 ERA, and 1.28 WHIP might be the least impressive on the rotation, and Weaver has shown no signs of rediscovering the magic he had back in 2006. Expect him to continue to be a nonfactor in the postseason.

It wouldn't be a legitimate discussion about overrated pitchers without mentioning Francisco Rodriguez, would it? The numbers don't lie. 2.24 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 77 K's in 68.1 IP. Solid numbers, but not indicative of what is supposed to be baseball's premier closer. And while K-Rod has saved 62 games, he has also blown 7. The Phillies' Brad Lidge, on the other hand, has saved a perfect 41 out of 41. You tell me who you would rather have closing your games...

On offense, however, the Angels are much improved. Vlad Guerrero, easily having his worst season since his rookie year in 1997, is still putting up respectable numbers. And with run producers such as Mark Texeira, Torii Hunter, Garrett Anderson, Juan Rivera, and Gary Matthews Jr., any pitcher would find it difficult to navigate through the Angel lineup.

With a young, unproven pitching staff, the Angels' best chance at winning it all this year is to score more runs than the other team. And if the Halo's are lucky enough to make it to the World Series, they will likely face the powerhouse Phillies, in which case this feat will be near impossible. But then again, if the Angels' rotation is somehow able to pitch its way through Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Jayson Werth, and Jimmy Rollins in a seven game series, I will gladly eat my words and wipe the saliva from your face.

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A Half of Horror

Pop Quizz, class. Who is a 5'6", a true freshman, and has more rushing yards than all of USC's offense combined? I have seen some pretty horrific sights, none of which are even comparable to what I am watching right now. Shredded, destroyed, dominated, embarrassed. These are words that USC football usually INFLICTS, not SUSTAINS. Pete, you said at halftime that you're going to figure this out. Personally, I can't think of how anyone is going to stop Quizz. I guess that's why you're the coach, coach.

Don't you hate pop quizzes?

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Not Yet, Notre Dame

In a game that featured a seemingly improved Notre Dame football squad (though it isn't terribly difficult to improve upon last year's catastrophic season), the Irish once again had their weaknesses mercilessly exposed by a superior Michigan State team. Entering the game with a promising 2-0 record, the Fighting Irish were on a mission to prove that they had returned to the class of college football elites. In consecutive weeks, Notre Dame had convincing victories over San Diego State and Michigan, though the legitimacy of both teams is strongly debatable. But hey, a two-game winning streak is a two-game winning streak, and the Irish were hoping to keep the ball rolling (or in the case of a football, wobbling unpredictably). The Spartans, however, with two dominant victories over Eastern Michigan and Florida Atlantic and a respectable effort against a solid California team, would by no means be a walkover...



Michigan State compensated for a deficient passing game with Heisman hopeful Javon Ringer in the backfield, who entered Saturday's game averaging 166 yards per game along with 9 touchdowns in just three games. Not surprisingly, the helpless Irish defense simply could not contain the explosive Ringer. Continuing to establish an argument that Heisman voters are going to have to start taking seriously, Ringer recorded a blistering 201 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.

With Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, it's a safe bet that the Irish are going to put up consistent passing numbers. Clausen did a decent job trying to keep the Irish in the game, going 24/41, racking up 242 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. However, Clausen has never been the problem of Notre Dame's struggles. The question mark this year has been whether or not the Irish could sufficiently run the ball to take some of the pressure off Clausen in the pocket. And after the 23-7 loss to Michigan State on Saturday, the Irish are reluctant to reveal to the world that their running game is deplorable. Four different players combined for 16 carries, accumulating an embarrasssing total of 54 yards on the ground. These numbers don't even include Clausen's five quarterback scrambles that totaled negative 31 yards. Each time Clausen handed the ball of, you couldn't help but throw your hands into the air in disgust. Another tackle for a loss. Another down wasted on a promising drive...


The legendary and unwaveringly biased Lou Holtz predicted that Notre Dame would win at least eight games this year. After having their laughable ground game exposed last Saturday, it's doubtful whether the Irish will even come close to this mark. Looking over Notre Dame's remaining schedule, it's hard to imagine the Fighting Irish being a favorite in any of those games. At this point in the season, the best I can say about the Irish is that they might beat the Syracuse Orangemen on Novemeber 22. However, there is a good chance they will lose their remaining nine games and finish the season 2-10...

...Lou you better start talking to your boys.

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