Statistical Anomaly Has Running Back Seeing Double

Heisman Implications Unclear

Shawnee Mission, KS (AP)--A college football running back is in both 3rd and 4th place in this year's statistics for rushing yards by a running back. The player has filed suit in Wyandotte County against the NCAA to have his statistics combined and make him the number one rusher in the nation.

"No one else this year rushed for over 1,000 yards, and I've got over 1,600 without having played a full schedule," said Ryan Matthew Williams, who has 871 yards for Virginia Tech. He also has 743 yards rushing for Fresno State under the name Ryan William Matthews. "I switch around my middle name just to remember which team I'm playing for."

When asked about the difficulties, he said "Sure it's hard playing for two different schools on two different coasts at the same time. Travel arrangements can be a real bear and I end up doing most of my classwork and homework on airplanes and in airports."

Williams is hoping that the NCAA bowl selection groups make his job easier and have his schools play against each other in a bowl game. "This way, I could just hang out in one city with all of my friends and just switch jerseys on the sidelines when the defenses were on the field. It would sure make my holiday plans a lot easier."

Since Ryan is enrolled as a junior at one school and a freshman at another, he faces problems when he finishes his career at one school. "I don't know whether one of me should come out early or if I should finish my education and play college and pro ball at the same time. Maybe I could get drafted by two NFL teams and just play for the better one, or the one that offers more money."

Moral of the story:  Don't believe everything you read in The Smack.

Here's the lowdown on Week #5 in college football beginning with tonight's schedule:

3rd place in "Best Of Provo" contest

BYU (1-2) vs. Middle Tennessee (3-1).  Injury to RB Jamaal Williams depletes Cougar running game.  That’ll put more of the burden on QB Taysom Hill who prefers running  to passing.  Only one BYU receiver (Cody Hoffman) has double-digit receptions so far this season.  Although Middle Tennessee has averaged 31 pts. in each of their first four games, the Blue Raiders have allowed 484 yds. of offense at the same time.  Since Cougars’ defense has held opponents under 21 points and allowed only 24% of 3^rd down conversions, I like BYU at home in a relatively low-scoring game.  PICK:  BYU.

Both preps on our radar play tonight, as follows:

South Portland (2-1) vs. Noble (1-2).  Knights beat SP's last foe, Massabesic, by a touchdown.  But they got hammered by 38 against Thornton, a team the Riots beat by two touchdowns.  Of his young team, first-year coach Andrew Elwell remarked, “We are looking to get better every day and play our best football in November.”  Not yet having downloaded the new iPhone operating system, my calendar still says September, so Noble is a few weeks away.  PICK:  South Portland.

Rogers (1-2) at Spanaway Lake (1-2).  This week the Rams go up against a Spanaway Lake team that beat Beamer handily.  The Sentinels’ defense has been able to hold down the opponents’ yardage but is giving up too many points.  Rogers is relying primarily on the passing game, and their ability to hold onto the ball is continually in doubt.  While the Ram defense has forced its share of fumbles, the team as a whole is giving back yardage to its opponents due to penalties.  Each team would dearly love to even its record.  With the higher quality win (and one higher quality loss), plus playing at home, I gotta go with the Sentinels.  PICK:  Spanaway Lake. 

Saturday's college games break down like this:

Frank Bailey Field

Union (0-2) vs. St. Lawrence (2-1).  The Saints defense is tops in the Liberty League, and their offense is very balanced between the run and the pass.  The Dutchman second-half defense has allowed no TDs and only two field goals on the season.   Unfortunately, Union averages only 1.7 yds./carry and its young O-line has allowed nine QB sacks.  UColl is the only winless Liberty League team thus far in 2013.  I don’t expect that to change this week.  PICK:  St. Lawrence.

Air Force (1-3) at Nevada (2-2).  Put simply, the Falcon defense is gonna have to show up SOME day.  Ranked #117 in the country, they’ll get something of a reprieve having to face a freshman in Huskie QB Tyler Stewart.  All Stewart did in relief of upperclassmen Cody Fajardo and Devin Combs was throw for 202 yds. and three TDs in a win over Hawaii last week.  The Wolf Pack defense also forced two fumbles and four interceptions.  Fortunately for Air Force, QB Jaleel Awini is becoming familiar with the offense, and knows regular starter Kale Pearson is lost for the season.  Just seems like too much to ask, especially playing in Reno.  PICK:  Nevada.

Familiar sight to at least two Smack fans

Army (1-3) at Louisiana Tech (1-3).  Skip Holtz is in his first year as coach of the Ragin’ Bradshaws.  So far he has taken what was once considered a dangerous pass-oriented offense and infused so much balance that opponents now gain more yardage than Tech.  One bright spot for LaTech has been their ability to be stingy inside the red zone.  That spells trouble for Army, a team that has been racking up impressive yardage but has trouble scoring points.  Tech’s starting QB is hurt, but backup Ryan Higgins filled in capably in a close loss to Kansas.  The difference will be the Bulldogs’ defense, which has recorded 13 sacks and five interceptions this season, which should provide Cadet QB Angel Santiago more than enough distress.  PICK:  Louisiana Tech.

Navy (2-0) at Western Kentucky (2-2).  Statistically, the Middies’ defense is nearly as effective as BYU’s.  Everybody knows Navy relies on the run, and this year is no different (398 yds./game).  Two things stand out:  +1.5 turnover ratio and QB Keenan Reynolds’ 304 yds. and two TDs through the air.  The Hilltoppers’ defense is allowing scores in the red zone 80% of the time, and a total of 31 pts./game.  Their offense, while balanced, may have a tough time getting on the field, as Navy averages over 6 yds. per rushing play.  Even though the game is being played in Bowling Green, give the edge to the Goats.  PICK:  Navy.

Boston College (2-1) vs. #8 Florida State (3-0).  Both schools are reported to be among the parties investigated by the NCAA in an effort to rid college sports of offensive mascots.  The investigation was launched as an effort to avoid a lawsuit threatened by the Americans Silencing Senseless Harassment Of Liberals Everywhere.  So far, the NCAA has found Boston College to be guilty of "a crass flaunting of the symbol of American imperialism, as well as an exploitation of an endangered species."  However, in a surprise judgment, the NCAA has characterized opposition to Florida State's "Chief Osceola" as nothing more than a "callous affront to those who cannot understand that the Seminole tribes give their blessing to the use of their name."  Other than that, FSU has a good team.  PICK:  Florida State.

USC (3-1) at Arizona State (2-1).  Speaking of USC, this week’s game will be tough on another mascot, Tommy Trojan.  On the road in Tempe, Arizona State’s offense will certainly challenge the USC's with much more versatility and talent than they’ve seen all year.  A trio of RBs in Marion Grice, D. J. Foster, and Deantre Lewis can score on the ground or on the end of the 60% passing of QB Taylor Kelly.  With the play of WR Marquis Lee having fallen off dramatically from last year, as well as that early instability at the QB position, SoCal will need a big game out of RB Tre Madden.  BREAKING NEWS:  Los Angeles--Three defensive starters will miss the rest of the season due to injury.  That does it.  PICK:  Arizona State.

No caption needed

#2 Oregon (3-0) vs. California (1-2).  Da Bears certainly can score (over 33 pts./game), and the break-neck pace of the Oregon offense will give Cal an opportunity to control the ball for big chunks of time.  Unfortunately, these Ducks also play defense, allowing only nine points/game.  The only offensive threat to Oregon could come through the air, as Cal freshman QB Jared Goff is averaging 433 yds./game through the air, mostly to WRs Chris Harper and Bryce Treggs.  Everything seems to be pointing in the direction of the boys from Eugene.  PICK:  Oregon.

Georgia State (0-4) idle; next vs. #1 Alabama.  (What was that I preached about running up the score??)

"It's Your Job To Keep The Score Down, Not Mine"

Bobby Bowden to Lou Holtz--October 11, 1969

 

Miami 77…Ohio State 76…Louisville 72…Baylor 70.  All these points caused CBS’s Tony Barnhart to exclaim, “Routs help nobody”.  This reminds me of the craze known as “dwarf tossing” that was the rage in South Florida when I lived and worked there.  Everyone (including me) was horrified at how “little people” were being exploited.  But did anyone ask them?  Well, actually someone did.  What we learned was that at least some were just fine, thank you very much, with separating large sums of cash from the morons who wanted to treat them like bowling balls.

So expressing our outrage while football powerhouses run up the score on their disadvantaged brethren may be the sportsmanlike attitude.  But has anyone asked the “victims”?  If you’re Savannah State, Florida A & M, Florida International, or Louisiana-MONroe, you just made a boatload of money.  To say that it doesn’t help anyone is naive.  Even with schedules being planned 5-6 years in advance, Savannah State only needs to review Miami’s storied (and even probation-affected) past to know that it will get plastered.  On the other hand, State can rake in that additional game revenue to improve its facilities (include adding seats at the stadium), step up its recruiting, and get its name on the college football map.  This is precisely how Boise State upset Oklahoma back in 2007.

Don’t cry for me, Argentina.  Just ask yourself:  how long have Louisville, Northwestern, and Fresno State been in the Top 25?  Of course, if you were Appalachian State in 2007, you have your cake (revenue) and eat it (Michigan) too.  I look forward to the rematch next season.

Here’s  what else happened in Week #4:

Ithaca 17, Union 3.  Dutchmen allow 219 yds. through the air, although Bombers’ two TDs come on the ground.  Ithaca defense sacks Union QB Connor Eck four times, bringing the total to 13 in his first two games.  Even with two offensive turnovers of their own, Ithaca manages to hold my beloved Garnet to just 222 total yards of offense.  The only second half score comes on an Ithaca field goal, as Union’s defense once again provides reason for hope when Liberty League play begins next week.

Wyoming 56, Air Force 23.  There’s optimism right out of the box, as Falcon QB Jaleel Awini runs 33 yds. for a score on the opening drive.  Give credit to the Falcons for recognizing that Awini has to throw more for the offense to be effective, as he completes 11-of-18 for 89 yds.  But Cowboy QB Brett Smith puts on a clinic, throwing 41 times with 35 completions  (that’s over 85% for those of you without calculators) and adds a fifth on the ground.  The Academy manages just three trips inside the 20, while Wyoming is a perfect 7-for-7 on the day.

Practicing with hats instead of footballs

Wake Forest 25, Army 11.  I tune in on the radio on the way to and returning from a haircut.  Black Knights are in this all the way and even take the lead briefly midway through the 3^rd quarter on the strength of three straight Dan Grochowski field goals.  But the Demons respond quickly to end the period, then add an insurance score in the 4^th to spoil Army’s afternoon.

Utah 20, BYU 13.  Although Cougar QB Taysom Hill manages 359 yards of total offense by himself, he’s sacked five times and intercepted once by the Utah defense.  The so-called “Holy War” is a mistake-free game, as both defenses hold tough on four offensive series and force field goals instead of TDs.  Utah’s offense is just a little better on this day, with QB Travis Wilson tossing two TD passes while Hill has none.

USC 17, Utah State 17.  Denise is too busy  to watch this game with me.  Something about an overseas call from Japan.  Well, as a USC fan she doesn’t really miss too much.  Granted, Lane Kiffin has finally settled on Cody Kessler as his permanent-for-now  starter.  But neither team plays especially well, and the talent-laden Trojan offense looks particularly out of sync.  Good thing the defense shows up to give Aggie QB Chuckie Keeton fits.  Keeton manages to outshine Kessler by throwing for two TDs but is pressured up and down the field all afternoon.

Jacksonville State 32, Georgia State 26 (OT).  Doormats don’t take games to OT!  The Gamecocks survive a 4^th-quarter scare, as Georgia State recovers a blocked punt, follows that with a TD, and manages to tie the game on a field goal at the end of regulation.  JState RB DeMarcus James  rushes for fewer than 3 yds./carry on the day, but scores twice inside the 5 yd.-line when it’s needed most, sending the Panthers to their fourth consecutive defeat.  Georgia State QB Ronnie Bell is a source of optimism for the visitors, with 250 yds. through the air and another 57 yds.  on the ground.

South Portland 40, Massabesic 7.  The following “account” is brought to you via Twitter.  Seems the Press Herald doesn’t send reporters to any of the Friday night games last week.  Riots take the lead for good three minutes into the 2^nd quarter, scoring 34 unanswered points en route to crushing the Mustangs and running their record to 2-1.  Senior QB Duncan Preston has a big day, and SP’s defense shines, holding Massabesic scoreless after the first quarter.  But if you want "impressive", Senior RB Joey DiBiase's 40-yard TD run actually made the USA Today Top 5 High School Football Plays of the Week.  Click on http://www.wtsp.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2686929161001 to see for yourself (it's about 40 seconds into the clip).

Rogers 43, Emerald Ridge 40.  Old-fashioned shoot-out finds Rams on the short end of the score after first half.  Defense gets stingy in second half, as Rogers outplays Emerald Ridge down the stretch.  QB Grayson Madland throws for three TDs and runs for two others.  Jaguars add late TD but game is already in the bag by then.

Think Oregon isn't tough?

I’m told by some out there that I may have missed my calling as a sports commentator.  So I’m working to expand my readership from the current four to at least ten.  Along the way, I seem to have piqued the interest of my principal, who is a die-hard Oregon Quacker.  Thus, in order to keep my day job (thanks for the suggestion, Mr. Rad), I will begin following Oregon along with the rest of our merry men in the weeks to come.  That is, if the Ducks pause long enough for me to catch my breath.  I envision wardrobe commentary as a regular feature as well.  If nothing else, Oregon can claim to have influenced the uniform options being sported by several college football teams.  What next…yellow turf?

PARTING SHOT:  Whenever an athlete says, “It’s not about the money”…it’s about the money.  So when Nick Saban says he’s happy in Tuscaloosa and is too old to move…

 

Bo Pelini Cries "ARGO!!", Apologizes To Husker Nation

Is Forgiven By Tom Osborne

Going into Week #4 in college football the headlines revolve around all you @#$%1&* fair-weather fans out there.  Coaches are putting YOU on notice:  "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take your whining any more."  Joining Lane Kiffin on "the watch" is Texas coach Mack Brown who still has a few assistants he can fire before they come for his playbook.  But in Chicago coach Pat Fitzgerald and his #18 Northwestern Wildcats are riding a 3-0 wave into their showdown with FCS juggernaut Maine.

Since Fitzgerald took the reins in 2006, he reportedly has focused attention on the sleep habits of his players.  He has changed practice times, instituted sleep assessments, and even mandated team naps on game days.  Naps during the work day...jeez, I wanna play for this guy!  His strategy last week also included making ESPN's Mike Greenberg the honorary team captain, and asking Greeny to address the locker room before the Western Michigan game, an eventual 38-17 victory.  All this innovation has led in part to a Wildcat offense that averages 43 points/game.

No games of the century this week.  In fact, the only game between Top 25 teams is #5 Stanford hosting #23 Arizona State.  Good weekend to give some love to the FCS, Division II, and Division III teams. Attention:  Sentinel--New Hamster is a 4-point favorite over Colgate-Palmolive.  Here's the rest of the action, as seen through my eyes:

Action from Union-Ithaca, 2011

Union (0-1) vs. Ithaca College (1-0).  The Bombers roll into Schenectady looking for their second win of the season.  QB Phil Neumann threw for 201 yds. and 2 TDs in Ithaca's 31-7 victory over Moravian.  When not throwing to one of nine different receivers, Neumann defers to RB Rakim Jones, who gains just under 5 yds./carry.  Their only noticeable weakness is holding onto the football, turning it over three times last week.  The Dutchmen must do a better job of protecting QB Connor Eck as well as find a way to establish a ground game with RB Jake Larson.  The Union D was stellar against both the run and the pass (2.2 yds./carry and 5.8 yds./pass vs. Utica).  Since the game is at home after a road loss to start the season, I’ll take the good guys.  PICK:  Union.

Air Force (1-2) vs. Wyoming (2-1).  Let’s be positive, shall we?  Air Force now owns the fourth-longest active streak of games in which the team has scored (249), behind only Michigan, Florida, and TCU.  OK, that’s enough.  Wyoming runs up the yards, and can score either on the ground or through the air.  The Falcons are pretty much limited to their ground attack.  Fortunately for them, the Cowboys give up a lot of yards that way.  The Academy benefits from home field advantage and, with a little luck, that should spell the difference.  I’m going with the mild upset.  PICK:  Air Force.

Army (1-2) vs. Wake Forest (1-2).  After both teams won their openers, both dropped their next two.  Gotta like Army’s strength of schedule (Ball State and Stanford) compared to Wake’s (Presbyterian, Louisiana-MONroe).  Wake has the ACC record-holder in receptions per game in WR Michael Campanaro, but with a league-worst 0.8 yds/carry can’t seem to run the ball even a little bit,  With a ball-control, run-oriented offense, Army should be able to do what the Deacons’ other opponents have done:  move the ball down the field and score three out of every four times inside the 20.  Although Wake won last year’s shootout, it’s Army’s turn this year, and playing at home they get the nod.  PICK:  Army.

"Idle Navy"; vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.

Navy (2-0) idle (2^nd bye week this season????); next 9/28 at Western Kentucky.

BYU (1-1) vs. Utah (2-1).  That Utah is ranked #14 in the nation against the run is hugely misleading.  Truth is, they’re so inept against the pass that opponents tend to skip the ground game altogether.  This does not bode well against Quarterback U, and though the Cougars' Taysom Hill got off to a slow start against Virginia, he was all over Texas last week, including 259 yds. running the football.  Interestingly, BYU’s defense is proving to be its strong point, so look for a solid (but not lopsided) Cougar win in Provo this Saturday.  PICK:  BYU.

Boston College (2-1)  idle; next 9/28 vs. Florida State.

"Drink on, SC!"

USC (2-1) vs. Utah State (2-1).  Smack Daddy is sooooo tempted to pick the Aggies in an upset.  This is mostly because colleague and USC-grad Mr. Rad(ical) read the blog last week and said, “Keep your day job.”  Well, I did ask for feedback.  Anyway, it could be alma mater warfare in the hallways of our fair school, as Mr. Hough’s boys invade the Coliseum with a high-flying aerial attack led by QB Chuckie Keeton.  Unfortunately, the Aggie defense doesn’t put much pressure on the QB, so whether it’s Cody Kessler or Max Wittek the Trojans will be able to mix up their plays to utilize Tre Madden, the latest tailback hero (and no relation to John).  In a battle between balance vs. imbalance, I'll take balance.  Althought I don't want to.  PICK:  USC.

Georgia State (0-2) vs. Jacksonville State (3-0).  Was going to make an Artis Gilmore reference until I realized I was confusing Jackson State with the U. of Jacksonville.  These Gamecocks play in the Ohio Valley Conference...anybody have a map??  What do they think "GPS" stands for...Giant Possum Slingshot?  Unlike South Carolina, they’re undefeated so far this season.  That’s not likely to change against the Panthers. A trio of running backs--Miles Jones, Troymaine Pope, and Elijah Jenkins--each averages over 5 yds./carry.  The combination of QB Max Shortell to WR Telvin Brown nets close to 12 yds./pass.  I’m envisioning an offensive line that dominates the line of scrimmage.  Panthers have surrendered  38 points/game thus far in 2013.  They may surrender a whole lot more to JState.  PICK:  Jacksonville State.

This, apparently, is what passes as a Red Riot these days.

South Portland (1-1) vs. Massabesic (0-2).  Waterboro, that’s where.  The Mustangs are led by Jon Gallant, who was last seen coaching Deering.  Last week they lost to Biddeford, which was crushed by Bonny Eagle in Week #1.  On the strength of common opponents, once removed (and home field advantage), this should be red and white all the way.  But factoring in the Steve Stinson coefficient, anything could happen.  PICK:  South Portland.

Rogers (0-2) vs. Emerald Ridge (0-2).  Both teams have lost to Federal Way, but Rogers scored twice as many points against the Eagles as did Emerald Ridge.  Of course, the Rams also gave up more points to FW, so where does that leave us?  Last week Rogers stopped Beamer on three straight two-point conversions, so obviously they are tough in short-yardage situations in the red zone.  Emerald Ridge scored both of its TDs on long pass plays last week against Federal Way.  If da Rams can pressure the QB, it should be a "discount daaable-check" at home.  PICK:  Rogers.