Week 13 wasn’t filled with crazy upsets like the previous week, but Rivalry Week didn’t disappoint, either. As we do every week, CSF takes a look at the top stories from the week that was.
LSU is the clear #1: Les Miles and his Tigers have continued their quest for another BCS Title, and #3 Arkansas was the latest victim. A lot of experts said that if anyone could challenge the dominant defense and plethora of NFL-ready defensive backs on the LSU roster, it was Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson and his stable of great receivers. After jumping to a 14-0 lead, Arkansas found out why LSU is the #1 team in the country. Tyrann Matthieu led the way with a punt return for a touchdown and two more forced fumbles, and the rout was on. LSU takes on a red-hot Georgia team in the SEC Championship this weekend, but expect them to be in New Orleans for the BCS Title on January 9th.
Trent Richardson makes his case for the Heisman: The junior running back is looking to become the second player in Bama history to bring home the Heisman, and he made a huge statement in arguably the most heated rivalry in college football, when he rushed for 203 yards against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. On the season, Richardson has rushed for 1,583 yards and 20 TDs. His former teammate, Mark Ingram, won the Heisman in 2009 with similar stats, posting 1,542 yards, but Ingram had an extra game (the SEC Championship Game, which Richardson will not have).
Stage has been set for a painfully dreadful Pac 12 Championship: The inaugural Pac 12 Championship Game could end up with worse ratings than the MAC Championship this on Friday, when both conference championship games are set to take place. What will be more fun to watch? Ohio vs. Northern Illinois? Or lowly UCLA vs Oregon? Due to USC’s post-season ban from the Pete Carroll regime and the dismal collapse of Arizona State late in the season, the 6-6 UCLA Bruins will serve as little more than a bump in the road for the fast-paced Oregon offense. The match up is not what Pac 12 officials had in mind when they created the 12-team conference to ensure the ability for a conference title game. And the ratings will show that.
Urban Meyer to Ohio State: After his worst season at Florida and signs of more of the same entering this season, Urban Meyer sited health reasons for an early exit from Gainesville. Apparently, Meyer has the same doctor who cured Magic Johnson of HIV, because the former head coach for the Gators has accepted the reigns at Ohio State for next season. All joking aside, Meyer should be a good fit for the Buckeyes, and barring NCAA sanctions, they should compete for a Big Ten Title next season. Like him or not, Meyer knows how to win…and win quickly. He won his first of two BCS Titles at Florida in just two seasons.
