Why I Love College Football: The Week That Was

How good was the last week of college football? I count 11 memorable games between Saturday, 9/5 and Saturday, 9/12. Let's review.

Saturday, 9/5: BYU 14-Oklahoma 13
Probably the least entertaining game on this list, especially in the 2nd half, but that last drive by Max Hall was epic and BYU's D was nasty all game. It wasn't like Sam Bradford ... who must've been missing Jermaine Gresham big time ... was carving up the Cougars when he got hurt. Here's the Sooners' 8 first half drives: 3-and-out (with 3 false start penalties); 3-and-out, but BYU fumbles the punt, Sooners recover, and go bang-bang-bang for the TD; 2-and-fumble (after a momentum-changing INT); 3-and-out; 3-and-out; 2-and-fumble, decent drive ending with Bradford's injury and a FG.

Saturday, 9/5: Bama 34-Virginia Tech 24
Flawed game, but several big plays, and watching Bama's offense come to life in the 4th quarter was a thing of beauty. Early season outlook: You better to get to Bama early ... ideally with a few big plays like VA Tech ... because Nick Saban will make adjustments and the Tide D is two-deep across the board.

Monday, 9/7: Miami 38-FSU 34
Instant classic, despite the FSU sideline displaying third world clock management skills. Jacory Harris showed star potential for the Canes, as did Christian Ponder, to a slightly lesser extent, for the 'Noles. I do believe Miami's matchup with OU on October 3 ... in Miami, mind you ... looks verrrry winnable.

Thursday, 9/10: Georgia Tech 30-Clemson 27
I like Paul Johnson's coming-from-ahead strategy. Totally went against tendencies. Crafty.

Saturday, 9/12: Michigan 38-Notre Dame 34
"My God, he's just a freshman!" It's fair to say that Tate Forcier's met expectations thus far. But about that D. How much was Jimmy Clausen and the Irish and how much was Michigan? In fact, I think you could reasonably pose a version of that same question to Notre Dame.

Saturday, 9/12: Georgia 41-South Carolina 37
I went to the Dawg-Cock game and a Big 12 game broke out. I'm not complaining, but huh???

Saturday, 9/12: Wisconsin 34-Fresno State 31

I rooted for you Fresno State, I really did. Pat Hill, I love the handlebar 'stache and the go-for-broke, Swayzian joie-de-vivre. I get it. But when you say you'll play anyway, anyhow, anywhere you choose, it rings a little hollow when you always lose.

Saturday, 9/12: Houston 45-Oklahoma State 35
I went to the Oklahoma State game and an Oklahoma State game broke out. Exceeding expectations? Check. SI cover? Check. Too much success for own damn good. No comment. Regression to mean in 3...2...1...

Saturday, 9/12: Central Michigan 29-Michigan State 27
Sparty, you and Oklahoma State need to talk.

Saturday, 9/12: USC 18-Ohio State 15
See Hidden Plays: USC vs. Ohio State.

Saturday, 9/12: Oregon 38-Purdue 36
Ducks bounce back with a strong, entertaining game that 6 people watched. I don't care what anyone says, I love the feathers on the unis.