Random Game Day Observations (Week 4)

Rushing Roulette

The difference between Bud Foster and other defensive coordinators with shrunken cojonoes...?  How many times have you seen a three man rush in long-yardage passing situations?  Against Boston College, with a 16-0 lead early in the 4th quarter, and the Eagles facing a 3rd and 14 from their own 39, Virginia Tech blitzed.  The result?  BC loses 3 yards.  Other coaches please take note.  I despise the three man rush. 

Riding the Pine

Speaking of Boston College, has anyone noticed that quarterback Dave Shinskie is terrible?  First of all, he is a 26 year old "sophomore" after playing a few years of pro basbeball, so he should, in theory, be capable of making better decisions than your average 19 year old, but... no, not so much.  In my opinion, once you take money for playing any professional sport, you should be ineligible for any college sport. But that's another story.

Secondly, he has a knack for making bad plays right when the opponent needs them.  Let's just look at today's game.  He has fumbled once and thrown two interceptions - one in the Virginia Tech endzone.  The height of stupidity - trailing 7-0 with no time outs and a 1st and 6 from the Virginia Tech 11, but only 15 seconds remaining, Shinskie scrambled on a pass play.  Ok, ok, he got within a yard of the end zone, but by then there was no time left on the clock.  You have got to get at least a field goal attempt out of that.  Unless, of course, you are Dave Shinskie.

But, hey, at least he improved over last year's performance in Blacksburg in which he went 1 for 12 for 4 yards and threw two interceptions, including a pick 6.

Currently, he is riding the pine, watching his backup lead the Eagles the rest of the way to a 19-0 loss.

Who's the Boss?

Is there a dominant team out there?  Texas is currently losing at home to UCLA.  It's only half-time, and it may not hold up, but... 

Alabama and Arkansas are slugging it out.  Both teams have looked good at times, but the quarterbacks have already combined to throw 3 interceptions in the first half - 2 by the Tide's McElroy. 

In my view, the dominant team, at least until someone proves otherwise?  Boise State.