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Posted 09/18/2009 at 03:01 AM
I’ve got my free opinion for this week’s college action included here, as well as some added injury notes of importance.
Arizona had upgraded star TE Rob Gronkowski to probable status, but it looks like his back injury hasn’t healed enough for him to play. Gronkowski is now listed as out for Saturday’s game… Illinois is off this week, but they won’t have LB Martez Wilson when they return to action. He’s now out for the season with a neck injury. This is a significant blow to the Illini, as Wilson was their leading returnee in both tackles and sacks… Ohio State has lost right tackle Jim Cordle for perhaps as much as one month with a bad ankle. Cordle is the most experienced lineman for the Buckeye and his versatility on the front line will be missed… Florida Atlantic has suspended Cortez Gent, its best wideout, for conduct detrimental to the team. The length of the suspension has not been announced… Virginia QB Vic Hall is doubtful for Saturday with numerous injuries. Jameel Sewell will get the starts under center in the meantime… Washington State has lost yet another player, as WR Jeshua Anderson has decided to concentrate exclusively on track. The Cougars depth chart is taking an absolute beating… Boston College has another injury, with DT Damik Scafe unlikely to play Saturday.
Here’s my take on this week’s clash between Eastern Michigan and Michigan. You might think Michigan is in a letdown spot after battling rival Notre Dame last week. However, take a look at Eastern Michigan’s situation: At Northwestern last week, and now at Michigan. And this is a bad Eastern Michigan (0-2 SU/1-1 ATS) defense, one that got steamrolled by the Army ground game in the opener, a 27-14 loss. The Eagles have a new coach in former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English. The offense has senior QB Andy Schmitt (15 TDs, 8 INTs in 2008), but this defense was awful and has been for a while. They allowed 303 rushing yards to Army. Northwestern had the Eagles blown out, up 21-0 and seemingly on their way to a rout. Give the Eagles credit for taking advantage of very sloppy Northwestern play in mounting a very surprising comeback. But I feel this was more a result of the big favorite letting up and almost getting bitten in the process.
Michigan (2-0 SU/ATS) is back! At least for a week. The Wolverines are off a thrilling 38-34 win over No. 18 Notre Dame on Saturday, as freshman QB Tate Forcier (5 TDs, 1 INT) continues to impress, completing 23-of-33 for 240 yards, 2 TDs and 1 pick, plus running for 70 yards. Forcier’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Greg Mathews with 11 seconds left capped a game-winning drive. The defense was also a problem, allowing 28.9 ppg, so they bring in new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, the former Syracuse coach and DC at Texas. They allowed 490 yards to Notre Dame. The Wolverines also had a 31-7 win over a good MAC team, Western Michigan, with 438 yards (242 rushing). I don’t see a letdown taking place here. Instead, I like the Wolverines to build off the big win and deliver a strong statement against the outmanned Eagles.
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