Saturday is the annual day that the media proclaims one college football player top dog of his sport.  Its good to see a couple of new guys get their shot at the bronze stiff arm in “Big Suh” and Toby Gerhart, as well as knowing that Tim Tebow will most likely not win his second Heisman thus preserving the legacy of Archie for at least one more year.  Anyhoo, here’s the rundown on the finalists:

Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford:

• 311 attempts
• 1,736 yards
• 5.6 yards per carry average
• 26 TDs
• 0 Fumbles
• 10 receptions
• 149 yards

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska:

• 82 tackles
• 47 solo tackles
• 12 sacks
• 1 interception

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama:

• 249 carries
• 1,542 yards
• 6.2 yards per carry average
• 15 TDs
• 30 receptions
• 322 yards
• 3 TDs

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida:

• 182/279 passing (65.2%)
• 2,413 yards
• 18 TD, 5 INT
• 203 rushes
• 589 yards
• 13 TDs

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas:

• 330/468 passing (70.5%)
• 3,512 yards
• 27 TDs, 12 INT
• 128 rushes
• 348 yards
• 3 TDs

Now, who do I think should win the trophy?  Well, if I had a vote I’d cast it for either Ndamukong Suh or Toby Gerhart.  They both played like men among boys during their respective seasons, easily head and shoulders above anyone else at their positions this year in college football.  Who do I think will actually win?  Probably Mark Ingram.  He had a great performance in the SEC championship game on national TV and that game, coupled with his season stats, will probably catapult him to the stage on Saturday.

Your’s truly just jumped in Mirror Lake for the first time in his life.  It was actually pretty warm.  The last two years it was snowing.  There was a newspaper photographer taking pictures there, so look for me in tomorrow’s Dispatch.  It may or may not happen.  In either case, LET’S BEAT MICHIGAN. (regardless of what terrelle pryor is doing after the last victory.)

I don’t want to jinx us with the picture, but the entire off-season, the entire regular season has led up to today (well, about 2 hours from today).  I will be live tweeting my thoughts and observations on the game, so if you’re a twitter fan pay attention.  Here’s to the first Rose Bowl in the new millennium.  Cheers.

Alternate uniforms have been en vogue for quite some time, from the NFL to the NBA, from college basketball to college football - North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Georgia, and Tennessee all wore them in the last two weeks to varying degrees of success.  But there are teams that appear to be immune to the fads of sports fashion and impervious to the pressures of hulking apparel sponsors.  Oregon is not one of those teams.  But Ohio State appeared to be. Until now.

Pat Forde mentioned it earlier this week and some brief scouring of message boards reveals the image to out left.  Are the Buckeyes about to break out new jerseys to help their mojo? It bears mentioning that other than pictures appearance on an Ohio State-related site, there is no evidence to suggest that it was designed to be worn by THE Ohio State University, say, during a game against Penn State, in early November, three days now.  None.  It could belong to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for all I know.

Is that a ‘Block O’ at the bottom of the neck?  [/sigh]

Let’s just assume that this is, in fact, the “alternate” road uniform the Buckeyes are going to trot out on Saturday afternoon.  It’s bad, to be sure.  But what about the pants?  Are those going to be red?!  That could be a pure disaster.

I have already pontificated about the meaningless, derivative, and largely uncool “red” end zones.  If these uniforms happen, I may lose it.  Is anyone at Ohio State paying attention?  How would this get past the people that it has to get past?

This is not to say that I oppose all things outside the bounds of the norm.  I think retro uniforms could be amazingly cool, perhaps even inspirational for the team.  And there is plenty for the program to draw from (see below).  What about the 1954 unis, with some appropriate updates (like a face mask, for example)?  I think Tressel would go for that and it would not look like a rejection from a UFL trunk sale.

Update (3:15pm): 1460 just read a statement from Nike that did not confirm or deny the possibility of alternate uniforms.  Apparently The Fan contacted Nike for a comment and the following was provided: “We are always looking for ways to innovate and inspire - so stay tuned.”

Seriously, we are almost half way finished with this season.  That would normally be depressing but this season seems to have taken a while to get warmed up.  There have been a handful of injuries that have shaped the early action as much as anything.  The Top 10 is largely in place, while the major upset - BYU over Oklahoma - was as much the result of shell-shocked Sooner squad as anything the Cougars did.  With two huge SEC games plus a Big Ten balancer in Iowa City, I think the season is about to turn the corner.  The best part of that scenario is that this weekend’s schedule is far more balanced than before.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

Nebraska v. Missouri
ESPN, 9:00pm
Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer, Erin Andrew s

Am I the only one who thinks the Big 12 has been a disappointment since Texas’ national championship?  I feel like the entire conference is soft now, which is probably from all of the spread offenses.  It seems like any physical team takes it to a Big 12 team these, although Nebraska seems to show early signs of becoming physically imposing.  Oklahoma has been horrible out of conference but dominate in conference.  Texas recruits as well as anybody but seem to lack playmakers on offense.  Texas Tech reminds me of Houston and their run-and-shoot in the 1980s, they destroy terrible teams and get exposed against good ones.  Baylor is hysterical even with that QB and Texas A&M is irrelevant.  I am excited for tonights game as I think Missouri pulls off a close one at home.  I am not sold on Nebraska’s secondary which got exposed against Tyrod Taylor, the worst passing QB in the country.  Nebraska’s front seven is down-right scary.  They can really shut down a running attack.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

(17)Auburn v. Arkansas
ESPN, 12:00pm
Dave Pasch, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman

This is go-to game for the noon slot.  No questions asked.  Sure, Fayetteville is the site of horrifically poor offensive battles in 2007 (9-7) and 2003 (10-3), but there is no way that happens this time around.   Meanwhile, the Tigers are 3-1 in Fayetteville since 2000.  Gussy Gus returns to the scene of his first college “success.”  While recognized as a top-flight coordinator in his lone year in Fayetteville, Malzahn left within days of the end of the season.  Now, he has native son and Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett slinging it around. Arkansas’ pass defense is awful, and Auburn has been clicking in every way early on.  Depending on your view of the SEC, this game may make you a believer in Auburn.

Georgia v. Tennessee
SEC Network, 12:00pm
Dave Neal, Andre Ware, Cara Capuano

It is not often that you get one decent SEC game at noon, much less a pair of totally watchable ones.  If you are more of a traditionalist you may tend towards this game as a mainstay instead of a flip.  Of course, you may not get the SEC Network, in which case you will be relegated to flipping to …

Boston College v. (5)Virginia Tech
Gameplan, 12:00pm
Tim Brant, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood

If you would asked me before the season, I would have told you that BC would win 3 games total.  But after an emotional weekend with FSU in town, you have to wonder have much the Eagles have left.  This is the fifth meeting between these teams in just more than 24 months, which has to be some kind of record.  The series is 2-2, and the last time these two met in Lane Stadium, the Eagles walked out with a miracle 14-10 victory behind Matty Ice (followed by one of those most awkward coaching celebrations).

You do not need to worry about the coverage maps this weekend, but here they are anyway.

Wisconsin v. (9)Ohio State
ABC/ESPN, 3:30pm
Sean McDonough, Matt Millen, Holly Rowe

This is an example of great time slot distribution.  You will be watching the Buckeyes, of course, but you cannot get much better on the flip spot.  You cannot miss any plays from this game and you will not feel like you are missing the other game of the day as CBS mercifully placed the Florida v. LSU game on at night.  The Bama game is nice but …

(3)Alabama v. (20)Mississippi
CBS, 3:30pm
Craig Bolerjack, Steve Beurelein

… the way these teams have played so far, there is little reason to believe that the TIde will not punish the Rebels as badly as they have everyone else.  That fact makes the Ohio State game that much more enjoyable.  And, SEC games on CBS typically run a little long so you should have some extra football watch after the Buckeyes get done with Wisky.

(1)Florida v. (4)LSU
CBS, 8:00pm
Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Tracy Wolfson

Do we have another earthquake game on our hands?  I am not sure if there are any seismographs on campus, but if the Tigers are able to pull this off you can sure the ripples will be felt across the college football landscape.  Along with the USC/Ohio State game, this has to be considered the other great game of the season.  This game is rife with storylines and good football players, so you have no excuse to miss it. Your conference biases may lead to watch more of the Big Ten night cap, but there is no way I can recommend turning away from this one until it is decided.

Michigan v. (12)Iowa
ABC, 8:00pm
Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Lisa Salters

Unlike last week, your preferred flip game is actually available in HD on regular television.  I am stunned that Iowa is a 8-point favorite.  Am I the only one who thinks the Hawkeyes are ripe for a loss?  Barely squeaking by Northern Iowa in week one is an aberration, putzing around with Arkansas State is cause for alarm.  Even against a suspect Michigan defense, don’t look for the Hawkeyes to light up the scoreboard.  First team to 20 wins.

p.s. - You have to give the schedulers at ABC a lot of credit for selecting this game for prime time.  I am not sure how many fans outside of Ann Arbor and Iowa City believed this would be a serious elimination game in the Big Ten.

This is getting up late as usual. If I did not have to work for a living so I can eat, heat, and drive (to that job of all places) blogging would be a lot easier. Alas, I can assure you I wrote the game vignettes in chronological order.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Colorado v. West Virginia
7:30pm, ESPN
Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer, Erin Andrews

Is there any team that needs a win more than Colorado? Getting that much needed win will not be easy at West Virginia as a 16-point underdog. This is a slightly disappointing penultimate weekend tilt. The worst of the season, probably. VT/ECU on 11/5 is bad, too. Anyway, Noel Devine is a top 15 running back but he seems to have lost the shine he had when he showed up as the Deion Sanders project. Against the Colorado rush defense, he should leap back into some CFB fans consciousness.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Pittsburgh v. Louisville
8:00PM, ESPN2
Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore

Has any team risen and fallen faster than Lousiville? From 2000-2006, the Cardinals went 70-20 and was a top 10 program in terms of winning percentage. Likewise, has a rising star gone black hole as suddenly as Steve Kragthorpe? Of course, he was only 29-22 while coaching Tulsa and won only a single Conference USA title so maybe he should have been a lessor target. Alas, fans everyone have it in for him. Louisville has not defeated a D-I team yet this season and it is doubtful they will get it on Friday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Can anyone tell me why College Gameday is in Boston this weekend for the Florida State v. Boston College game? Sure, Boston is a top-5 city but BC recently gained approximately half a field in one game and FSU had a total meltdown last week. Thankfully, there is a reason and very good one too boot.

ESPN’s College GameDay has been all over the country since they took their show on the road, literally, in 1993. Until this coming weekend, though, the show had only been in Boston once, parachuting into Chestnut Hill in 2005 for Boston College’s first ACC game.

The reasoning for going to a matchup of two unranked teams in a town where college football may be the fourth or fifth passion? Well, at least on its surface, it likely has something to do with the story of Mark Herzlich, the BC linebacker who was 2008’s ACC Defensive Player of the Year and diagnosed with cancer in March.

However, at the risk of sounding crass: Does this really require moving the entire production to Boston? ESPN’s offices, it is impossible to forget, are in Bristol, Connecticut, and their crews are more than capable of driving to Chestnut Hill or Pennsylvania, where Herzlich may be with his family, and putting together a moving piece with or without GameDay in town.

Nuf said.

Michigan v. Michigan State
12:00pm, BTN
Wayne Larrivee, Chris Martin, Charissa Thompson

I am actually excited about this game. Why, you ask. Because it is the only reasonable game starting at noon and I do not have the fortunate task of attending a home Ohio State game. Moreover, the Buckeyes kick off at night so I get to watch a full two games before I have to devote all of my energy to pounding the Hoosiers in submission. What better to start with than a semi-major rivalry game where at least one team cheats every time?

Wisconsin v. Minnesota
12:00pm, ESPN
Dave Pasch, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman

These teams are 2-0 in the Big Ten and 7-1 overall. So, why don’t I respect either one? Each team had to go to overtime to defeat an overmatched opponent, and each team won their conference opener in a relatively high-scoring, defense-omitting game. I promise that I will take the winner of this game seriously … until they get revert back to their same ol’ selves.

Let’s talk about coverage maps. While they are not really important for the afternoon slot, they become very important later on, kinda. I never really articulated this before, but I want every Ohio State game to start at noon. That way I can watch the marquee SEC matchup or the big B12 battle at 3:30pm. This weekend, the Buckeyes get slotted in the weirdo 7:00pm zone. That is pizza pick up time most weekends.

(4)Louisiana State v. (18)Georgia
3:30pm, CBS
Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Tracy Wolfson

This will be an entertaining game (read: main game). No questions asked. They may be 3-1 but they have played the most compelling schedule to date. Even their loss to Oklahoma State was fun. When you combine that with LSU’s lack of assertive play you get a classic SEC battle in the teens.

(15)Penn State v. Illinois
3:30pm, ABC/ESPN2
Mike Patrick, Craig James, Heather Cox

It is difficult to make an argument for watching this game and I actually picked Illinois and Penn State to finish second and third, respectively in the Big Ten. Why I ever bet on Ronnie is beyond me. Illinois is 0-1 in the league but there are virtually no signs of life as the Illini appear in capable of getting the ball to Benn. They say he is a 1st round pick but you would never know it.

Washington v. Notre Dame
3:30pm, NBC
Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Alex Flanagan

I simply cannot recommend this as the #1 flip game because I hate ND and I need to see them lose. They have won two straight games because Big Ten teams (and coaches) have totally blown it. I don’t want to talk about it. Just know that the Huskies will win.

(9)Ohio State v. Indiana
7:00pm, BTN
Craig Coshun, Glen Mason, Rebecca Haarlow

Ohio State football is a blessing at any time of day but I would prefer this game be the nooner. There are three good games on opposite this one but you will not see a down of them if you are like me. You will watch every brutal head shot delivered by the Ohio State defense and curse Bollman’s name every time the Buckeyes go 3-and-out. Indiana put up a fight last weekend but for all of their improvements, Michigan’s defense is still sorry.

Auburn v. Tennessee
7:45pm, ESPN
Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Erin Andrews

This is a worthy flip game and not just for the 15 minutes before the nightcaps start Auburn did something incredibly novel, they hired an offensive coordinator in an effort to gain more yards and score more points. How has that worked out for them? They are averaging 525 yards/game and 45 points/game. During a commercial after Thoma has punted one out of the stadium, flip over and watch what a little coaching can do.

(7)USC v. (24)California
8:00pm, ABC
Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham

Boy, the shine really came off this one. This was a Top 10 matchup until California was pantsed by Oregon. So, in true Pac 10 fashion the Bears will win and totally muddy the waters. Is that good for Ohio State? Is it wrong that I want to play USC in the Rose Bowl this season?

(8)Oklahoma v. (17)Miami
8:00pm, ABC
Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Lisa Salters

Another mega matchup botched by a rising team who potentially looked ahead. Still, I am almost 100-percent certain Miami is going to win. Not because they are better, not because they are at home, and not because Bradford is out. Just because.

Overwhelmed by work and laziness this week, today I present to you the teaser version of your weekend viewing guide.  Rest assured, it will be updated for this weekend, which incidentally offers a very nice slate of games.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

(14)Georgia Tech v. (20)Miami
7:30pm, ESPN
Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer, Erin Andrews

Thursday night college football used to be the exclusive province of also-ran leagues like the WAC and MWC.  You could still make that argument now as it is relatively dominated by the ACC.  The league will have six Thursday night games this season if you count N.C. State’s season opener.

Tonight’s game features two of the league’s “best” teams and the winner will have a leg up in the Coastal Division race.  Each team has played a tough game, although GT was probably not expecting such a stern test from Clemson, so you would expect each squad to have worked some kinks out.  The weird thing for Miami is that they have not played a game in 10 days and could oddly be rusty only two weeks into the season.  In fact, after tonight these teams will have only played 1 out of 5 of their collective games on Saturday.

The oddsmakers like the Hurricanes tonight at home and if they can get off to a fast start tonight you have to like their chances as Tech QB, Josh Nesbitt, is having a horrific passing season - 9 for 25 for 224 yards and 2 interceptions.  It is hard to imagine that the Yellow Jackets could come from behind.  Roddy Jones has to get more than 5 touches tonigyt if GT is going to win.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

(10)Boise State v. Fresno State
9:00pm,  ESPN
Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore

If you read my recent BlogPoll you know I am not a huge fan of the mid-majors, which is why I will watch this game and recommend you do the same.  Boise State is getting a lot of love right now after their win against a fairly pedestrian Oregon team (yes, I know I ranked the Ducks in the Top 10 to start the season) but Fresno may provide a more stern test.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

[Insert weekly rant about noon games here].

(11)Ohio State v. Toledo
12:00pm, Gameplan or a local affiliate in 17 areas
Michael Reghi, Doug Chapman

All things being equal, this is a nice way to start the day especially after the marathon that was last Saturday.  You can get early, cut the grass, head to the gym, or do whatever you need to do to appease your wife before plopping down to watch 12 straight hours of football.  This could be an exciting game depending on Ohio State’s level of interest and execution.  Honestly, I have never heard of these announcers so you may want to mute that 60-incher and listen to Jim Lachey stumble all over the place.  Seriously, I once heard Lachey say that Alonzo Spellman had great vertical height.  Really?

(8)California v. Minnesota
12:00pm, ESPN
Dave Pasch, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman

Is there anyone out that can explain to me how this came to be a noon start?  Doesn’t California have a say in the start time?  Doesn’t Minnesota have any decency?  You would think that Minny would what to give their fans a chance to get their roll on before the nation’s best running back starts tearing off huge chunks of yards. Alas, this is ostensibly a breakfast meeting for the Bears.  Luckily for Gophers fans liquor sales start at 8:00am on Saturdays.  The only real benefactor of this asinine scheduling is you the television viewing public because it offers a nice flip game and the opportunity to see Best and Cal play at least once this season.

The 3:30pm time slot is perhaps the most stacked of the season.  There are literally 6 games worth watching depending on your biases and allegiances.  There is a nice mix of conference and non-conference games as well as intriguing storylines to follow.

For the first time this season the coverage maps come into play, which means that Gameplan would likely be handy unless you have DIRECTV (like moi) which provides “ESPN Alternative” stations with the other regional games.  I am not sure why they do it, but it renders Gameplan virtually obsolete.  Anyway, if you are in central Ohio you are basically getting hosed.  If you were hoping to watch Nebraska/VT, move to Dayton because you are getting the Iowa game here.  It is a rare moment when the coverage map looks like anything other than four quarters each painted a different color.  But this weekend, there is some crazy action going in Ohio, Missouri, and Florida.

Tennessee v. (1)Florida
3:30pm, CBS
Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Tracy Wolfson

I totally expect Florida to cover the 30-point line or whatever it is now.  And, it is not just because Meyer wants to gut Kiffin like a carp.  It is because the Gators are almost always the better team.  In fact, they have won more than two-thirds of the games against the Vols since the mid-50s.  The only thing Tennessee has that is better than Florida is their endzone paint.  So, why is this your #1 option on Saturday when there are half a dozen good ones?  For all the reasons just stated, plus it is the first CBS game of the season and there is something really cool about the lone SEC game on during the day.  It just elevates it out of the fray.

(19)Nebraska v. (13)Virginia Tech
3:30pm, ABC
Sean McDonough, Matt Millen, Holly Rowe

I am going to level with you guys; before doing some insignificant and ultimately unhelpful research on this game, I coudl not name one offensive player for the Huskers.  Not one.  I had also completely forgotten that they played last season.  Because of my complete lack of recognition and recollection, I am making this the top flipper at this slot.  That, and the fact that it is the only Top 25 matchup of the day.

Michigan State v. Notre Dame
3:30pm, NBC
Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Alex Flanagan

Remember when Notre Dame tried to be different by playing their games at 2:30pm EST?  Now, they try to be different by having the worst announcing team on television coupled some of the poorest production value around.  Tom Hammond would be considered the poor man’s Verne Lundquist is he were midly entertaining and seemed like he cared even a little about the game.    Is this the same network that has Sunday Night Football?  You would not know except for the watermark.  Anyway, this is an acceptable flip game in place of MSU/ND in the event you have some sick affinity for the Irish or, god forbid, the Spartans.

(3)USC v. Washington
3:30pm, ABC
Terry Gannon, David Norrie, Quint Kessenich

For those of you hoping to see USC have another colossal letdown the week after the Ohio State, this is the game for you.  It is also a chance to watch the USC team you didn’t see because Aaron Corp is going to be the quarterback after the Buckeyes beat the crap out of Barkley.  Are two former USC coordinators and a dual-threat QB enough to derail the Trojans?  The Beavers did it with far less last season.

Remote drive-bys include Arizona v. Iowa and (18)Utah v. Oregon, and you could actually sub these two in for the latter two above.  Extended viewing, however, of these games is generally discouraged.  Dedicated readers know we only advocate having a main game and flip game.  When you try to watch more than two games you end up watching none.

Florida State v. (7)BYU
7:00pm, Versus
Joe Beninati, Glenn Parker, Lindy Thackson

In the BlogPoll Roundtable, I picked this as one of the games I am most interested in this weekend and I meant it.  If the Florida State offense that showed up against Miami makes an appearance in Provo it could be a long night for the Cougars defense.  Now, the flip side is that BYU’s may have some success against the Seminoles.  The game could not line up any better for BYU because it comes at home, after a tune-up against Tulane, and against a nationally recognized program.  It is the ultimate “prove it” moment.  It could be a lot of pressure for BYU.

(23)Georgia v. Arkansas
7:30pm, ESPN
Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Erin Andrews

I have not paid any attention to Ryan Mallett and the Hogs but somehow they are a 1-point fave in the tilt.  This could presage a big power shift to the SEC West if Petrino’s gang pulls this off.  I will probably keep it locked on the FSU game unless it is out of control and then flip over for the final quarter of this one if I can.

Texas Tech v. (2)Texas
8:00pm, ABC
Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Lisa Salters

I don’t see anyway that this game remains close for more than one quarter.  It is okay if you want to flip to this one instead of the Hogs and Dawgs but I would not expect too much.  Hey, look at it this way: at least you can go to sleep an hour earlier this week.

“I’ve never had more fun in my life.  Ever.”

That is the opening line of a message from a friend and Buckeye football connoisseur of the highest order.

I couldn’t agree more.

Last night, the atmosphere in Ohio Stadium was the best I have ever seen, at any sporting event.  I have been to the Texas games, USC games, bowl games high and low, and the majority of the games against Michigan (home and away) since 1990, and last night was the most fun I have ever has leading up to and during a game.

I don’t imagine anything - not any soccer game anywhere - would top it.  The place was electric and USC felt it.  For once, the crowd knew it had to play a major role the outcome of the game and it did.  To be sure, the competitiveness of the game helped but the crowd was not only intense and loud, but it was a party.  (How many times did the crowd spontaneously start the Seven Nation Army chant only to be followed by the PA system playing the song?!) I am not sure why it is not like that for every big game, but I am glad a real crowd showed up last night.

And, I would be willing to bet that any USC fan that was there would agree that was one of the best sports experience they have ever seen.

Maybe that is the lesson to be taken out of last night.  Why should we all spend the time, money, and energy if it was not going to be fun?  I sure as hell would not spend precious free time writing this blog if I did not get an unnatural amount of pleasure watching Ohio State football and I don’t think any of you would bother to read if you did not feel the same way.

I will offer up some analysis in the day(s) to come because that is why I am here, but I think anyone lucky enough to have sat in the ‘Shoe last night should recognize what they saw: a maximum capacity crowd in a pure lather watching the greatest sports in the country, in the greatest venue in the country.

That should have been the time of your life.