Ladies and Gentlemen college football is back! Definitely a highlight on a lot of our calender rolls into the fall season. Well there was no better way to start the college football season then with our game of the week #3 Boise State vs. #10 Virginia Tech and what a game it was. Boise State, winner of last years Fiesta Bowl had a lot to prove going into this game needing to prove they can win tough games and that they belong with the nations top tier programs. Playing in the below average WAC conference many people criticize them for not playing hard teams and that their schedule is a lot easier then everyone else. Meanwhile this was equally a crucial game for Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies, a win here would boost confidence as well as moving up in the polls. The stage was set at FedEx Field in Washington D.C. and this one didn't disappoint.
The Broncos struck first early with a field goal and then when Heisman Candidate quarterback Kellen Moore connected with Austin Pettis. A great play action fake that caught safety Davon Morgan by surprise. Not only did Pettis score here but on the previous play he blocked the Boise state punt, one of several errors made and taken advantage of. Within the first five minutes Boise is already up 10-0. However the scoring did not stop, tight end Tommy Gallarda made an AMAZING CATCH in the corner of the end zone from Moore the second of the game to go up 17-0. Virginia Tech's offense struggled while Boise looked to be in complete control on both sides of the ball. However Tyrod Taylor would not let his team get embarrassed and the comeback was in tact. VT had two good drives and scored 14 in the second quarter to go in at half only down by 6. Frank Beamer made great coaching adjustments on defense containing the broncos high scoring offense.
The third quarter would excite and started with Ryan Williams getting his 3rd touchdown of the night with 6:34 left form one yard out. Three long drives lead by Williams and Taylor starting taking a toll on the defense and this was evident in the tackling and speed. On a crucial 3rd and short D.J. Harper took it 71 yards for a score giving the lead back to Boise. This is a difficult coaching situation, because you never know what Boise will do, run, play action or even a trick play, you cannot play anything safe. Tylor continued his spectacular game with a 28 yd td pass to Jarrett Boykin. This back and forth game would have to come down to one final drive, Kellen Moore took his offense on to the field with 2 mins left down 26-30. Completing a series of short passes and quickly driving down field and scoring on another play action pass to his favorite receiver Austin Pettis.
Boise State's coach Chris Peterson i thought did a wonderful job in preparing his two minute drill as each play worked almost to perfection. Routes were ran very well, the line gave Moore time to make his reads and throw. VT and Frank Beamer could have taken notes as their 2 minute offense looked horrible, they looked unorganized and throwing the ball deep twice resulting in nothing. This is where Moore and Taylor differ, Moore's pocket presence and poise were clearly present. No pressure and calmness was all there. Another thing that needs to be worked on by the Hokies is the secondary and play action. The Broncs scored twice on almost the identical play catching the safety out of position. Playing in the ACC they will see that all year and it could be very costly and give up huge plays. Boise was outscored in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but they scored early and scored when it mattered in the 4th quarter, playing hardcore defense and basic pitch and catch offense.
Player of the game award goes hands down to QB Kellen Moore. He went 23-38 for 215 yards and three TD passes. All game he was sharp and came up with big play after big play. He lead his offense down field in a situation with enormous amount of pressure, and did it like he was in practice. Leading the offense to 18 first downs and 383 yds of total offense. Taylor played very well but just could not hang on for the W as he went for over 200 yards of total offense.
Moving forward Boise is now in prime position to land a spot in the national title game in Phoenix, as the only tough test will be against Oregon State on the 25th. However in this crazy game of football you never know so look for a potential WAC upset becuase the bubble is bound to burst at some point. If they played in a major conference week in and week out, not saying back to back at florida or alabama but atleast a few decent teams in a row i do not think they would go undefeated. However they are good at winning games that matter against big time programs, this is what makes them special. On the other hand this is a crushing blow to Beamer and his team as they loose this heart breaker. Luckily it is week one and their is still time to move up in the polls and earn a BCS berth. Improvements do need to be made to get there as they play a tough ACC schedule. In conclusion it looks like this win will almost guarantee a national championship game for the broncos if they go undefeated. What a game and what a way to start off the season.
Tune in as i preview as next weeks game: #2 Ohio State vs. #12 Miami
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chris
This week's game of the week will feature a great battle for SEC supremacy between the tenth ranked Arkansas Razorbacks and the top ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama. This will be not only does it have significance in the national rankings but in the title for the SEC west as well. Arkansas is ranked #10 the highest in years thanks to good coaching from Bobby Petrino and playing fundamental football. Junior quarterback Ryan Mallett will lead the Razorbacks coming off of a very impressive performance last week at Georgia where he threw for 380 yards and 3 touchdowns including leading the offense down the field with less then a minute for the win. This was a major win for the team as it was their first conference game and at Georgia it is never a guarantee. This gives them momentum as well as confidence as they prepare for the defending national champs. Another thing in their favor this weekend is that the game is being played in Fayetteville, which is huge and should work to their advantage. Making adjustments and audibles can easily be made and Alabam
a will have to play in a loud environment along with a hostile crowd. However the Tide have looked very very impressive as they have outscored opponents 134-19, and they beat some known decent teams including Duke and Penn State. Quarterback Greg McElroy has looked great continuing good play from last season. The return of Hiesman winner Mark Ingram will be very beneficial in an already stud defense, with him back this creates the two headed monster along in the backfield with Richardson. You know coach Nick Saban will do a great job with the defense and that is where i feel Arkansas could struggle, on the defensive side. This is a major chance and opportunity to knock off the favorites for the title along to make a statement to the college football world. If they win this will go down as one of the biggest wins in the program's history, boost their ranking, and could possibly turn Mallett into a Heisman contender. But Alabama is loaded on offense and their defense will continue to play well. It will be a close game untill the end but Bama is going to pull one out on the road 27-24.
