Fan's Weekend Guide - Week 15

College Football Insiders previews the Week 15.

Division I-FCS Semifinal: William & Mary (11-2) @ Villanova (12-1)
December 11 * ESPN2 * 8:00 PM

It’s a rematch of the October 3rd battle in which Villanova came out on top 28-17 despite William & Mary out-gaining them 472-283 in terms of yards. The Indians have arrived at this point led by their defense. They rank fifth in the country in sacks and first against the run. The game features two veteran pass rushers on both sides. For the Indians it’s senior Adrian Tracy (pictured) who has 23 career sacks and 17-tackles for a loss. Coming off of a two-sack performance is Tim Kukucka who now has racked up a total of eight on the season.

Division II Championship: Grand Valley State (12-1) vs. Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
December 12 * ESPN2 * 1:00 PM

The Bearcats look to cap off an undefeated season and be crowned Division II champs when they face the one-loss Lakers. Quarterback Blake Bolles has 41 touchdowns on the year and 26 of them have gone to receiver Jake Soy. Going up against a solid Laker defense that has 20 interceptions on the season, the duo will need to continue their connection if the Bearcats are to be successful offensively. The Lakers, for their part, must get production out of their two-headed backfield monster, James Berezik and P.T. Gates. They’ll also need quarterback Brad Iciek, who has 33 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year, to perform at that mistake-free level for his team to hoist the trophy.

SWAC Championship: Alabama A&M (7-4, 4-3) vs. Prairie View A&M (8-1, 7-0)
December 12 * ESPN Classic* 2:00 PM

The Panthers come into the SWAC Championship game having won their last seven games, one of which was against the Bulldogs. Panther running back Donald Babers will have to run effectively and quarterback K.J. Black needs to make smart decisions as he has all season (19 TDs, three INTs.) to give his team an opportunity to win. The Bulldogs won the much weaker Eastern division in the SWAC by ending the season as its only team with a winning conference record. They will need 1,000-yard rusher Ulysses Banks and receiver Thomas Harris to make some big plays to have a chance at the upset.

Army (5-6) vs. Navy (8-4))
December 12 * CBS* 2:30 PM

One of college football’s oldest rivalries will be renewed when Army (5-6) and Navy (8-4) meet Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. In a departure from the past, the annual Army/Navy game was rescheduled this season to the week following “Championship Week” in an effort to gain exposure for the contest. This game is going to be won on the ground. Both teams have highly productive running attacks—Navy is ranked third in the nation in rushing yards per game (279.7) while Army is 14th (212.1). Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs is the offensive key for the Midshipmen. Dobbs is second in the nation in scoring with 12.6 points per game. Army’s ability to slow down Dobbs and the Navy rushing attack will be a key factor in determining whether the Black Knights can knock off the Midshipmen. Army has not beaten Navy since 2001. The Black Knights will need a great performance from leading tackler, junior linebacker Stephen Anderson, to end the losing streak. This game has bowl implications as well. Navy is slated to face Missouri on December 31 in the Texas Bowl. However, Army needs a win in order to qualify for the EagleBank Bowl on December 29, otherwise the Bruins of UCLA will take the last available bowl slot.

Division 1-FCS Semifinal: Appalachian State (11-2) @ Montana (13-0)
December 12 * ESPN * 4:00 PM

This isn’t the first time to the show for quarterback Armanti Edwards (pictured). He’s already led Appalachian State to two NCAA Division I-FCS Championships and has improved his playoff record to 11-1 by advancing this far. With a combined 30 touchdowns passing and rushing on the season, he has once again delivered as one of the more exciting players in all of the college football. However, he is not the only player to watch in this contest. Montana’s Chase Reynolds and Appalachian State’s Devon Moore are both in the top five in rushing touchdowns and have combined for 2,535 yards on the year.

John Garrett, Christopher Mogollon & Mark Zavodnyik contributed to this column.

Photos Courtesy of ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline, Jim Agnew

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 26, 1905: All-America Navy halfback Admiral Thomas Hamilton is born in Hoopeston, IL. He led Navy to a 9-0-1 record in 1926, while leading the country in field goals made by drop kick. During World War II Hamilton founded the Navy V-5 Pre-Flight training program and later served as Navy's head football coach twice. Admiral Hamilton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and won the prestigious Gold Medal Award in 1970. Hamilton also served as the National Football Foundation's vice president.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Eagle Bank Bowl Notes: Wake Forest 29, Navy 19

Redemption City:

The first time these teams met Riley Skinner threw four interceptions in a Wake Forest loss – arguably the worst performance of his career considering the junior signal caller had just seven interceptions total on the season. On Saturday he completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 166 yards (15.1 yards per pass attempt) and the game-winning touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

Skinner played a smart conservative game. Several times with his receivers covered down field, Skinner tucked the ball and ran rather than forcing a pass into coverage. Punting isn’t always the worst thing.

Down 13-0 late in the second quarter, Skinner opened it up completing passes of 21 and 30 yards to senior wide out D.J. Boldin (four receptions, 66 yards) while leading the Deacs on a 98-yard drive to close out the half. With the score 13-7 early in the third quarter, Skinner connected on a 32-yard pass to tailback Kevin Harris coming out of the backfield after faking a hand-off to Alphonso Smith. This set up a Josh Adams touchdown and gave Wake its first lead of the day. Trailing again in the fourth quarter, the junior quarterback spotted a wide open Chip Brinkman 44 yards down the field to position the North Carolina school for the game-winning score. Three plays later Skinner found tight end Ben Wooster in the back of the end zone. Throughout the game, Skinner did an excellent job of moving his feet in the pocket and buying more time for his receivers to get down the field.

The Demon Deacons improved to 19-3 when Skinner does not throw an interception. They are just 7-8 when he throws an interception.

Aaron Curry Is A Beast:

Going up against the triple-option offense of Navy was not the ideal setting to scout Aaron Curry’s vast array of skills. Nevertheless, the senior stood out as the best football player on either squad. The Butkus Award winner did a great job of being disciplined and taking care of his responsibilities – if his duty was to take the pitchman, he took the pitchman, and if he was assigned the quarterback, he hit the quarterback.

Curry was unstoppable as a pass-rusher. Even though he didn’t record a sack, whenever the Midshipmen dropped back to pass (which wasn’t often), Curry was able to pressure the quarterback, often laying a lick. The strongside backer used his strength, speed and spin moves to overwhelm would-be blockers. Whenever a back was asked to block Curry, who was explosive running down ball carriers, it was game over. He even looked good when he put his hand down on the ground.

The future first round pick may have made just four tackles (one TFL), but no one had a bigger impact on the game.

Mismatch:

You don’t think football is a game of match-ups? The Demon Deacons went with a surprise starter at tailback in junior Harris. Harris entered the game with 40 yards on nine carries on the season and had accumulated just 100 yards over the last two seasons following his 393 yards as a freshman in 2006. The 230-pound back outweighed eight of Navy’s starting defenders, with only the three down linemen tipping the scales more than the Wake tailback. In fact, nose guard Nate Frazier is the only Navy starter that checks in at over 250 pounds.

Harris rumbled for 136 yards on 24 carries in all, although he was stuffed twice on third-and-one in the contest. Even against the undersized Navy line, the Wake Forest offensive line struggled in short yardage situations just as it had all season. Backup Adams did his best work in the red zone, twice crossing the goal line. The 2007 ACC Freshman of the Year suffered through an injury plagued sophomore campaign.

Alphonso Smith Sets Record:

When an errant Kaipo-Nao Keheaku-Enhada pass fell into the waiting arms of Alphonso Smith, the Bronko Nagurski finalist became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leading interceptor with his 21st career theft. Smith’s accomplishment on defense made up for his fumble on offense. Taking a reverse, the senior cornerback displayed his deft running skills, but did not protect the ball fumbling the pigskin into the hands of Navy defensive back Rashawn King, who scooped it up and strolled in from 50 yards out to give the Midshipmen a 10-0 first quarter lead. Smith (one tackle) had some trouble shedding blocks and one could imagine going up against a triple-option offense is not something the lockdown cover corner was looking forward to.

More Defensive Notes:

* Senior free safety Chip Vaughn (team-high eight tackles) made several plays particularly when he was allowed to roam free. He is a very good open field tackler, capable of delivering a solid blow with his 215-pound frame. However, whenever a blocker got his hands on Vaughn, the senior had major problems getting disengaged.

* The same could be said for senior middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux (seven tackles). He made some plays when the offensive line kept him untouched, but he can be blocked.

* One defender who seemed to flourish playing the triple-option was junior cornerback Brandon Ghee (six tackles, 1.5 TFLs) – he was beating blocks, getting penetration and making plays in the backfield.

Navy Notes:

* Fullback Eric Kettani, who didn’t have a big day as a runner, had trouble the couple of times he was asked to block Mr. Curry. Kettani ran for 50 yards on 14 carries (3.6 yards per carry) after busting loose for 175 yards versus the Demon Deacons in the regular season. He fell 18 yards short of 1,000-yard season. Shun White broke off a 39-yard run on Navy’s first offensive play, but was quiet after that (14 carries, 71 yards). Their most effective runner was Kaheaku-Enhada who ran for a season-high 83 yards on 15 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and had their lone offensive touchdown.

* Frazier was Navy’s best defender, displaying excellent quickness for a man of his size. The junior doesn’t have much closing speed if the play goes outside the tackles, but has the ability to disrupt a play from the interior. Also keep an eye on freshman Jabaree Tuani, an undersized but quick defensive end. He is likely better suited to play in a 4-3 defense rather than the 3-4 scheme the Midshipmen employed this season.

* Notable Service Assignments: Kaipo-Nao Keheaku-Enhada and Rashawn King will serve in the Marine Corps (Ground). Eric Kettani, Shun White and wide receiver Tyree Barnes will serve on Surface Warfare units.

Photo Credit: College Press Box, Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film

Eagle Bank Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Navy

By JOHN GARRETT

December 20 * 11:00 AM * ESPN

This will mark the second meeting between the two squads this season – Navy won the first meeting 24-17. The key match-up is Wake Forest’s defensive front seven vs. the Navy ground attack. Wake Forest capitalizes on its ability to create turnovers, and have relied on their defense to win games. Linebacker Aaron Curry and cornerback Alphonso Smith lead the Demon Deacons’ defense, ranked 19th best in the country overall, allowing 300.33 yards per game; the unit is also allowing just 116.1 yards on the ground. Quarterback Riley Skinner and the offense have struggled in the red zone with only 20 touchdowns in 41 trips. Part of the problem has been the shaky play of the offensive line, which may have also been a factor in the lack of consistency in the running game. Navy will make its sixth straight bowl appearance, and hasn’t allowed a single point over its past eight quarters. In the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season, the Midshipmen were able to force six turnovers. Navy comes in winners in four of their last five, the last two being shutouts. With that being said, it is the running game, not the defense that is the strength of this Midshipmen squad. Tailback Shun White – who leads the nation in rushing with 298.33 yards per game – should be heavily utilized. Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who left the first meeting with a hamstring injury, is also expected to be completely healthy for the game.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch:

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-5, 4-4)
Pass: Riley Skinner – 2,181 yards, 12 TDs
Run: Brandon Pendergrass – 528 yards, 5 TDs
Catch: D.J. Boldin – 77-782-3 TDs

Navy Midshipmen (8-4)
Pass: Jarod Bryant – 275 yards, 2 TDs
Run: Shun White – 1021 yards, 9 TDs
Catch: Tyree Barnes – 18-368-2 TDs

Photo Courtesy: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film (Wake Fores University)

CFI Radio: Tailgate Show - Bowl Previews

THE TAILGATE SHOW - THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2008

***Click to Listen to THE TAILGATE Show***

5:00 - 7:00 PM EASTERN

Are you ready to go bowling? Let us get you ready for the College Football Bowl Season. Plus a Heisman recap and around the nation in college football. Special Guests: Butkus Award Winner AARON CURRY of Wake Forest, Georgia LB RENNIE CURRAN, DE GEORGE SELVIE of South Florida, Southern Miss LB GERALD MCGRATH, BYU RB HARVEY UNGA and Troy head coach LARRY BLAKENEY. Hosted by College Football Insiders Founder Daniel Mogollon. 2 Hr.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

A Football Fan’s Four-Pack…

By JOHN GARRETT

Army vs. Navy (December 6, 12:00, CBS): In one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports, Army and Navy will battle for the 109th time in front of a sold-out crowd that will include President George W. Bush at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Black Knights (3-8) and Midshipmen (7-4) will feature two of the most prolific rushing offenses in the nation when they fight for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, which is presented annually to the winner of the football competition among the three major service academies – Army, Navy and Air Force. Navy leads the nation averaging 292 yards per game on the ground, while Army will feature the country’s ninth-best run-attack with an average of 254 yards per contest

Super Senior: Collin Mooney, FB, Army

Star of Tomorrow: Ricky Dobbs, QB, Navy

USC @ UCLA (December 6, 4:30, ABC): For the 37th time, the battle between these Pac-10 rivals will have a Rose Bowl berth on the line. No. 6 USC (10-1, 7-1 in Pac-10 play) is searching for its fourth straight and 33rd overall entrance to the Rose Bowl, while UCLA (4-7, 3-5 in Pac-10 play) would love nothing more than to repeat the stunning performance that upset the Trojans in 2006 – the last time USC traveled to Pasadena for the rivalry – which knocked the Men of Troy out of the BCS Championship Game. But keep in mind that USC has won eight straight games, which has guaranteed them at least a share of the Pac-10 title for the seventh straight time. A win over the Bruins would extend its NCAA record streaks of BCS bowl berths and 11-win seasons to seven consecutive.

Super Senior: Patrick Turner, WR, USC

Star of Tomorrow: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Arizona St. @ Arizona (December 6, 8:00, FSN): The Wildcats and Sun Devils will meet for the 82nd time in a rivalry that dates back to 1899. Arizona State (5-6, 4-4 in Pac-10 play), which won 20-17 in Tempe last year, has won five of the last six contests although four of the last seven games have been decided by a touchdown or less. Arizona (6-5, 4-4 in Pac-10 play) will have to contend with a Sun Devil defense that tied an NCAA record with four defensive touchdowns last week – its fourth game in a row with a defensive score – and one that hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 10 quarters. At stake in the Duel in the Desert is the Territorial Cup, the oldest rivalry trophy in the NCAA.

Super Senior: Rudy Carpenter, QB, Arizona State

Star of Tomorrow: Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

Cincinnati @ Hawaii (December 6, 11:30, ESPN2): Coming off of their first Big East championship, the No. 13 Bearcats (10-2, 6-1 in Big East play) are tied for the highest ranking in school history and will make their first appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game. Hawaii (7-5, 5-3 in WAC play) secured a bowl berth for the third straight year and sixth in the last seven years after a 24-10 victory over Washington State last Saturday. The Warriors accepted a bid to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl for the fifth time since 2002. Both teams will be a bit unfamiliar with each other considering the last time Hawaii played a Big East opponent was when they took on Boston College in 1992.

Super Senior: David Veikune, DL, Hawaii

Star of Tomorrow: Mardy Gilyard, WR, UC

Photo Credit: College Press Box (USC)

This Date in College Football History

Oct. 23, 1976: Pittsburgh tailback Tony Dorsett (1994 College Football Hall of Famer) breaks Archie Griffin's (1986 College Football Hall of Famer) NCAA record for career rushing with 5,206 yards while becoming the first player to rush for 1,000 yards four straight seasons, as the Panthers shutout Navy 45-0 in Annapolis

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Inside the Big East - Week Eight

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON -
BIG EAST INSIDER

Both Louisville and South Florida took care of business as home this week.

No. 19 South Florida defeated Syracuse 45-13 despite a rough first half. South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe was able to orchestrate drives all game with his arm and legs, finishing with 248 yards passing and three total touchdowns. His two touchdown passes to sophomore wide receiver A.J. Love and senior Taurus Johnson in the third quarter put the game away. Two more Bulls, Carlton Mitchell and Benjamin Williams, were standouts—each caught three balls for over 60 yards.

Grothe rushed for a season high 72 yards and added his third rushing touchdown of the year. The Bulls’ offense was highly efficient in the second half and their offensive line was dominant, allowing very little pressure from the Syracuse D-Line.

With this loss, the Syracuse Orange have clinched their fourth straight non-winning season. The SU offense was able to run the ball very well in the first half, as running back Curtis Brinkley finished with 112 yards and two touchdowns. This was the fourth straight 100-yard game for Brinkley. But in the second half, the Syracuse offense was inept, unable to convert a single first down in the fourth quarter and finishing with seven total yards in the second half. Quarterback Cameron Dantley was less than impressive, finishing the game with only 129 yards passing, but with limited protection it was difficult for the junior to establish any rhythm.

Now that Syracuse is 1-6 the only news that awaits Orange fans is when Coach Greg Robinson will be fired. With this loss, Robinson falls to 2-22 in Big East games.

Louisville’s running game dominated in their 42-23 victory over Middle Tennessee State. After a lackluster first half, the Cardinals broke out in the second on the shoulders of running backs Victor Anderson and Brock Bolen. The freshman Anderson rushed for 161 yards including a career high 88-yard touchdown run. This was the freshman’s third 100-yard game of the year. Bolen was even stronger around the goal line, as the short-yardage back rushed for three touchdowns. Quarterback Hunter Cantwell came out throwing but was not very successful--his two interceptions kept MTSU around until the third quarter.

The Cardinals defense took over after halftime. They allowed a total of -11 yards on Middle Tennessee State’s first five possessions of the second half. Linebacker Chris Campa led all Cardinals with seven tackles.

No. 23 Pittsburgh crushed Navy, 42-21, and extended their winning steak to five. The Panthers’ offense was rolling from the first snap, scoring 35 points in the first half. Running back LeSean McCoy continued to run the ball well, racking up a season high 156 yards and three touchdowns. The sophomore star averaged 8.7 yards a carry and caught two balls for 46 yards. Quarterback Bill Stull did throw two interceptions but for the most part, he was efficient and his 255 yards passing were nearly a season high. Wide receiver Jonathon Baldwin has become a playmaker for the Panthers. The freshman caught three balls including a 60-yard bomb late in the game, and his 101 yards receiving yards were a career high. But it was the defense that was most impressive--the Navy offense finished with 194 rushing yards, 119 yards less than their season average.

Scarlet Knights Drop to 0-3

By JOHN GARRETT - RUTGERS BEAT WRITER

For the first time in nine years Rutgers has started a season 0-3.

One can use all the clichés in the world to try and deflect criticism, second guessing, or whatever, but one thing that isn’t up for debate – when the fifth-year senior starting quarterback is taking swings at teammates – things are bad.

The latest loss, a heartbreaking 23-21 decision to Navy, is just another bad chapter, in what is turning out to be a horror story of a season for the Scarlet Knights.

After the Midshipmen had taken a 23-21 lead with 2:06 to play, and put the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, Rutgers had the ball at the 40-yard line with a chance to drive down the field and quiet all the naysayers; unfortunately old habits came back to haunt them.

With 1:34 left, Mike Teel locked on to tight end Kevin Brock, allowing linebacker Ross Pospisil to make the interception, inevitably ending the game.

As Teel was jogging off the field, reserve safety Glen Lee tried to offer words of encouragement to the disheveled quarterback. Teel let his emotions get the best of him, and took a swipe at Lee.

Head Coach Greg Schiano downplayed the incident as a “family matter”, but it just shows how frustrated everyone is with the poor start.

The Scarlet Knight defense did their part in the first half, holding Navy – and the nation’s leading ground game – to 109 yards. But in the second half, the Midshipmen exploited the defense for 185 total yards, in the third quarter alone.

And while the defense also held the nation’s leading rusher coming into the game, Shun White, in check, they allowed fullback Eric Kettani to put up a career-high 134 yards and a touchdown.

In one bright spot for Rutgers, two red-shirt freshmen, Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek, seemed to breathe a little life in the Scarlet Knight running game.

Ray Rice was on the sidelines to root on his former teammates, and for the first time in this young season, the Scarlet Knight running game looked strong.

Brooks ended the day with his first career start under his belt, and ended the day with 134 yards and two touchdowns. Martinek had a score of his own -- his first collegiate touchdown.

Through two games this season the Rutgers play calling has been questionable, at best. Two things that can be added to the list of guarantees in life, besides death and taxes; if back-up quarterback Jabu Lovelace comes into the game, he’s going to run the ball (even if it’s third-and-13), and it might be time to put the wide receiver screen on the shelf.

Changes seemed to make a difference in the running game, at this point any other changes should be considered, if the one change that means most is going to happen – changing that zero in the win column.

This Date in College Football History

September 21, 1957: In a game arranged by then-U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy, Navy spoils the first game in Boston College's on-campus Alumni Stadium. The Midshipmen outscore the Eagles 46-6 in front of a sell-out crowd, which included the former King of Belgium.


Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Navy is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 46-44 overtime win at Notre Dame, the Navy Midshipmen (5-4) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Nov. 3.

Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Campbell on the first play of the third overtime possession, then found him again in the end zone for the 2-point conversion as Navy defeated Notre Dame for the first time since 1963.

The win ended an NCAA-record 43-game losing streak to Notre Dame, dating back to a 35-14 Navy win in '63.

Navy's Michael Walsh and Irv Spencer sealed the win when they tackled Notre Dame's Travis Thomas short of the goal line on the Fighting Irish's final play.

"Wow, what a game," Navy coach Paul Johnson said. "I'm so happy for our players. Now they will have that they are the class that broke the streak and they won't have to hear any more about it."

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Nov. 3 included:

· Kansas (9-0): Todd Reesing threw six touchdown passes as the Jayhawks piled up the most points ever scored vs. Nebraska in a 76-49 rout.

· Oregon (8-1): Dennis Dixon threw five touchdown passes in the Ducks' 35-23 win over previously unbeaten Arizona State.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Select members of the FWAA board of directors decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2007 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Nov. 26.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted five games that have decided the college football national championship, including two Bowl Championship Series title games. Last season, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl presented three post-season games, including the Insight Bowl and the BCS title game. This season the game will be played on Jan. 2, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.