CFB Week 2 Analysis

Iowa @ Arizona

On Saturday night Arizona finally got the win that solidified them in the national spotlight over Iowa 34-27 in Tucson. The focus before the game was the heat which reached 105 degrees and the struggles Iowa has had going west losing their last five games past the Rockies. The struggles continued especially early giving up a punt block that led to a score, a 100 yard kickoff return for a TD and a pick 6. The Hawkeye’s were resilient battling back from a 27-7 hole to tie the game with 9 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. But Nick Foles would lead a drive at the end of the game to give the Cats the victory. The key to the game besides the big plays had to be the impressive play by the Arizona defense. We heard all week about the defensive line for Iowa but it was Arizona’s dline that shutdown the Iowa running game and harassed Ricky Stanzi all over the field. Iowa’s line gave up a team high six sacks and could only produce 29 yards rushing. On offense, Nick Foles was efficient especially late in the game going 28/39 for 303 yards and 2 TDs. The night belonged to the U of A and their fans getting a win over a highly ranked non-league opponent and in the process showing the country the Pac-10 title may go through Tucson.

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Notre Dame @ Michigan State



This may have been one of the best games of the day. As, Michigan State defeated Notre Dame 34-31 in OT. This game had it all explosive offensive plays, tough defense in the first half, back and forth on the scoreboard and a trick play that even Boise State would enjoy. The game was tied 7-7 at half but then the offenses got going in the second half. The Spartans were able to run the ball up and down the field as Bell and Baker combined for 31 carries for 204 yards and 2 TDs. Notre Dame countered with Dayne Crist who was 32/55 for 369 yards with 4 TDs. This game will be remembered for one play the fake field goal in OT. Notre Dame was able to kick a field goal that gave them the lead in OT. Michigan State went three and out and prepared for their own kick. The Spartans decided to go with a gutsy call running a fake field goal executed to perfection for TD to send East Lansing into a frenzy. This was an unbelievable game that had a the aspects of an instant classic.

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Nebraska @ Washington

We knew going into the game it would be a clash between the stingy Nebraska defense and the playmaking ability of Washington QB Jake Locker. Nebraska’s defense would overwhelm Locker and the Huskies 56-21 in Seattle. Locker had a miserable day completed just 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs. The spotlight was taken by Redshirt Freshman QB Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska rushing attack. Martinez completed 7 of 11 passes for 150 yards and 1 TD, but ran the ball 10 times for 137 yards and 3 TDs. Nebraska offense rushed for 383 yards on this day. Nebraska was more than impressive and with Martinez at the helm defensive coordinators will not only have to worry about Martinez’s arm but his ability to run and run.

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Top Performances:

1. Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State): Weeden completed 23/32 for 409 yards with 6 TDs vs. Tulsa
2. Nebraska Defense: The Black Shirts held Heisman hopeful Jake Locker to 71yards passing, 2 INTs and scored once on defense vs. Washington
3. LaMichael James (Oregon): Rushed 14 times for 227 yards with 2 TDs vs. Portland State
4. Mark Ingram (Alabama): Ingram rushed 9 times for 151 yards and 2 TDs in his first game back from injury vs. Duke
　

What was that Performance?!

1.  Jake Locker (Washington): Completed 4/20 passes for 71 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs. The sad part is 45 of his 71 yards was completed in one pass play. Guess we can scratch Locker’s name of the Heisman Hopeful Watch List. 
2. Ohio University Offense: The OU offense could only manage 182 yards against Ohio State. They committed 5 turnovers and used two QBs. I know its OU vs. OSU but come on Bobcats at least make the hour and half drive worth the gas money.
3. Wake Forest Defense: The Demon Deacons gave up 41 points in the first half to Stanford. The Cardinal produced over 300 yards of offense on the ground. Wake Forest would give up 68 points total. Wake Forest will have plenty of time to review this tape on their 3.000 mile flight back to Winston-Salem.
4. Portland State Defense: PSU gave up 668 yards of total offense to Oregon, with 528 yards coming on the ground. The Ducks scored 69 points and 9 TDs. The positive for PSU is they did get 5 turnovers. Don’t worry PSU fans basketball season is only two months around the corner.