Building A Career: A NCAA Football Coaching Dynasty

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 7 Results

#1 USC 73, Arizona 10
#2 Michigan 35, Purdue 19
#3 Texas 32, Iowa State 13
#5 Virginia Tech 59, Duke 14
Penn State 38, #6 Wisconsin 21
#11 Auburn 41, #7 Arkansas 24
#8 LSU 32, Kentucky 28
#9 Ohio State 56, Kent State 7
#12 Nebraska 36, #20 Oklahoma State 16
#13 Miami 31, Georgia Tech 14
Oregon State 22, #14 Cal 15
#15 Hawaii 49, San Jose State 17
#17 Oklahoma 28, Missouri 20
#18 Rutgers 35, Syracuse 7
#19 Boise State 20, Nevada 3
#21 Alabama 29, Ole Miss 28
#22 Boston College 24, Notre Dame 17
#23 Texas A&M 45, Texas Tech 17
#24 Louisville 49, Cincinnati 5
#25 Florida State 35, Wake Forest 21

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (41)
2 (2) Michigan (20)
3 (3) Texas
4 (4) West Virginia
5 (5) Virginia Tech
6 (8) LSU
7 (9) Ohio State
8 (11) Auburn
9 (10) UCLA
10 (12) Nebraska
11 (13) Miami
12 (7) Arkansas
13 (6) Wisconsin
14 (15) Hawaii
15 (16) Florida
16 (17) Oklahoma
17 (18) Rutgers
18 (19) Boise State
19 (21) Alabama
20 (22) Boston College
21 (23) Texas A&M
22 (NR) Penn State
23 (24) Louisville
24 (14) Cal
25 (25) Florida State

Heisman Watch

1) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan >>>
2) Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii ^^^
3) Sean Glennon, QB, Virginia Tech ^^^
3) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville <<<
5) P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin <<<

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Stafon Johnson, RB, USC
7 rec. - 191 yds, 4 TD; 14 att. - 182 yds

Defense:
James Osborne, SS, San Diego State
2 tkls, 2 INT, 2 TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Jordan Winston, RB, Middle Tennessee State
6 rec. - 146 yds, 3 TD; 19 att. - 135 yds

Defense:
Chris Brewer, SS, UL-Monroe
4 tkls, INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 7)

1) Troy --- 3-3 (3-0 Sun Belt)
2) North Texas --- 3-3 (3-0)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 1-5 (1-1)
4) Middle Tennessee State--- 3-4 (1-1)
5) Arkansas State --- 2-4 (1-1)
6) UL-Lafayette --- 3-4 (1-2)
7) Florida International --- 1-5 (0-2)
8) UL-Monroe --- 0-6 (0-3)

[kblu54]

Warhawks erase halftime deficit to steal win from Panthers
FIU Football News

Down 17-3 at the half, it seemed like Louisiana-Monroe was looking at their 7th straight loss. But thanks to some tough defense and a solid offensive gameplan, the Warhawks came roaring back to tie the game and eventually win it on RB Calvin Dawson's 34-yard TD run midway through the 4th quarter. UL-Monroe was able to steal the win, 27-20.

The 1st half was all FIU, as they worked UL-Monroe with their solid offense and shut the Warhawks down on defense. Junior RB Casey Simmons had over 100 yards rushing in the 1st half in his 1st game back from injury, including a 62-yard TD run, and freshman QB DeMarcus Jean showed he could run a 2-minute drill well, throwing a TD pass to TE Mike Hamilton with only 17 seconds left in the 1st half. Up 17-3, the Panthers were riding high and looking right at win #2.

Unfortunately for FIU, there still was another half to play. The Warhawks made some great halftime adjustments on both sides of the ball and began to slowly work their way back into the game. On offense, QB Patrick Dombrowski used his arm and his feet to lead the Warhawk offense, scoring on a 7-yard TD run early in the 3rd quarter and tying the game with a beautiful 40-yard TD pass to WR Chris Barbour just before the 3rd quarter ended. On defense, UL-Monroe switched to a 4-4 defense to attack FIU's spread option offense and it seemed to work perfectly.

"Usually teams switch to a 5-2 to counteract us," Coach Borland said. "We were prepared to face a 5-2, but instead they switched to a 4-4. Having that extra linebacker in there allowed them to plug up holes that we usually our running lanes in the 5-2. We couldn't make the adjustment and they shut our offense down."

In the 4th quarter, teams traded possessions until the Warhawks sustained another solid drive midway through the 4th quarter. That drive ended up deciding the game, as RB Dawson split the FIU defense and sprinted his way to the game-winning 34-yard TD run, putting the Warhawks up 27-20. On the next drive, Jean began to lead the Panthers down but threw his 3rd interception of the game in Warhawk territory to seal the win for UL-Monroe.

Dombrowski was an unstoppable dual threat force for the Warhawks, throwing for 240 yards and running for 92 while having a hand in 2 Warhawk TDs (1 passing, 1 running). Dawson put up 79 yards rushing on 13 carries and Barbour had 121 yards receiving on 3 catches.

For FIU, they wasted a great game from the returning Simmons. Simmons put up 181 yards on 29 carries, including his 62-yard TD run. Jean struggled in the 2nd half and was a liability running the ball, finishing with -71 yards rushing but was sacked 6 times. Jean completed 12-of-26 passes for 212 yards and threw a TD, but his 3 interceptions turned out to be very costly.

"I hate to use the young team excuse again, but we are a really young team," Coach Borland said after the game. "You could see that as UL-Monroe began making their comeback that our guys were starting to lose their composure little by little. This loss really hurts considering we were up at halftime, but you live and you learn and you move on. The season is not over, and games like this are great learning experiences for freshmen and sophomores, which take up most of our starting spots. We just got to take the good, take the bad and look ahead to next week."

The schedule doesn't get any easier for FIU, as they travel to take on #10 Arkansas and Heisman hopeful Darren McFadden next week.

Box Score

ULM 0 3 17 7 - 27
FIU 7 10 3 0 - 20

1st --- FIU --- Simmons 62 run (Woodard kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Woodard 37 FG
2nd --- FIU --- Hamilton 25 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
2nd --- ULM --- McCarty 38 FG
3rd --- ULM --- Dombrowski 7 run (McCarty kick)
3rd --- ULM --- McCarty 35 FG
3rd --- FIU --- Woodard 44 FG
3rd --- ULM --- Barbour 40 pass from Dombrowski (McCarty kick)
4th --- ULM --- Dawson 34 run (McCarty kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: ULM --- 16 ... FIU --- 17
Total Offense: ULM --- 428 ... FIU --- 322
Rushing: ULM --- 34-188 ... FIU --- 42-110
Passing (C-A-I): ULM --- 9-23-1 ... FIU --- 12-26-3
Pass Yards: ULM --- 240 ... FIU --- 212
Sacked: ULM --- 1 ... FIU --- 6
3rd Down Conversions: ULM --- 5-12 ... FIU --- 4-16
Turnovers: ULM --- 2 ... FIU --- 3

Individual Stats

ULM

Dombrowski, QB --- 9 - 23 - 240 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; 16 att. - 92 yds, TD

Dawson, RB --- 13 att. - 79 yds, TD

Barbour, WR --- 3 rec. - 121 yds, TD
Thomas Jefferson, WR --- 2 rec. - 64 yds

Chris Brewer, SS --- 11 tkls (3 TFL), 2 sacks, FF
Isaac Burnsides, CB --- 7 tkls (1 TFL), INT
Andrew Davis, DE --- 6 tkls (4 TFL), 2 sacks

FIU

Jean, QB --- 12 - 26 - 212 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT; 13 att. - (-71) yds

Simmons, RB --- 29 att. - 181 yds, TD

D. Anderson, WR --- 5 rec. - 86 yds
Hamilton, TE --- 4 rec. - 58 yds, TD
J.J. Smith, WR --- 3 rec. - 68 yds

J. Anderson, CB --- 8 tkls (2 TFL)
Paul, CB --- 7 tkls (3 TFL), INT
Razzano, SS --- 6 tkls (1 TFL), FR

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 8 Results

#1 USC 49, Notre Dame 14
#2 Michigan 14, Illinois 7
#3 Texas 42, Baylor 7
#4 West Virginia 50, Mississippi State 21
#8 Auburn 31, #6 LSU 14
#7 Ohio State 28, Michigan State 14
#9 UCLA 42, Cal 7
#10 Nebraska 37, #21 Texas A&M 34 (OT)
#25 Florida State 23, #11 Miami 20
#12 Arkansas 35, Ole Miss 10
#13 Wisconsin 24, Northern Illinois 21
#14 Hawaii 62, Western Kentucky 7
#15 Florida 41, Kentucky 17
#16 Oklahoma 30, Iowa State 7
#17 Rutgers 49, USF 42
#18 Boise State 51, Louisiana Tech 7
#19 Alabama 37, Tennessee 30
Indiana 32, #22 Penn State 22
#23 Louisville 49, Connecticut 7

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (36)
2 (2) Michigan (22)
3 (3) Texas (1)
4 (4) West Virginia (1)
5 (5) Virginia Tech (1)
6 (8) Auburn
7 (7) Ohio State
8 (9) UCLA
9 (10) Nebraska
10 (12) Arkansas
11 (6) LSU
12 (13) Wisconsin
13 (14) Hawaii
14 (15) Florida
15 (16) Oklahoma
16 (17) Rutgers
17 (11) Miami
18 (18) Boise State
19 (19) Alabama
20 (20) Boston College
21 (25) Florida State
22 (23) Louisville
23 (NR) Oklahoma State
24 (NR) Maryland
25 (21) Texas A&M

Heisman Watch

1) Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii ^^^
2) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan <<<
3) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville ^^^
4) P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin ^^^
5) John David Booty, QB, USC ^^^

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
25 - 31 - 393 yds, 6 TD

Defense:
Chad Thompson, OLB, New Mexico State
11 tkls (4 TFL), 2 sacks, FF, 2 FR

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Lee Davis, WR, North Texas
7 rec. - 167 yds, 3 TD

Defense:
Andrew Davis, CB, UL-Lafayette
3 tkls, 2 INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 8)

1) North Texas --- 4-3 (4-0 Sun Belt)
2) Troy --- 3-4 (3-1)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 2-5 (2-1)
4) Middle Tennessee State--- 4-4 (2-1)
5) Arkansas State --- 2-5 (1-2)
6) UL-Lafayette --- 3-5 (1-3)
7) UL-Monroe --- 1-6 (1-3)
8) Florida International --- 1-6 (0-3)

[kblu54]

FIU hangs tough but can't topple #10 Arkansas
FIU Football News

FIU put up the fight of their life in trying to upset #10 Arkansas on the road, but in the end the Razorbacks turned out to be just too much in the 42-37 win for the ranked home squad.

The Golden Panthers played extremely well and had the lead or was tied after each of the 1st three quarters, but two late TDs proved to be the difference for the Razorbacks. FIU outplayed the Arkansas offense but the Panther defense couldn't hold a lead for the 2nd straight week. Preseason Heisman candidate RB Darren McFadden diced the Panther defense for 169 yards rushing on 29 carries and 3 TDs, including the game-clinching 18-yard gallop in the 4th quarter.

It was another wasted effort from junior RB Casey Simmons, who continues to output outstanding games despite all the losses. Simmons was unstoppable for the Panthers, rushing for 170 yards on 24 carries and a 77-yard TD run. Not only was Simmons a force in the running game, but he also was a major factor in the passing game, as he caught 3 screen passes for 138 yards and turned 2 of them into 1st-half TDs. FIU led 7-6 at the end of the 1st quarter, 21-13 at the half, was tied at 28 going into the 4th quarter and took a 4th quarter lead following a Terence Woodard field goal.

Arkansas came roaring back with 2 TDs to take a 42-31 lead, but freshman QB DeMarcus Jean's 3rd TD pass of the day to top target sophomore WR Donald Anderson brought the Panthers within 5 at 42-37, but FIU was unable to recover the ensuing onside kick.

Jean had his 1st career 300-yard passing game, totaling 308 yards on 12-of-23 passing. He threw 3 TDs but had 4 passes intercepted. In his last 3 games, Jean has thrown 11 interceptions compared to only 6 TDs. Anderson had 109 yards receiving on 5 catches and that late TD catch.

FIU resumes conference play next week at another Arkansas opponent, this time in the form of Arkansas State. The 2-6 Indians may be the win the Panthers need.

Box Score

ARK 6 7 15 14 - 42
FIU 7 14 7 9 - 37

1st --- ARK --- McFadden 2 run (kick blocked)
1st --- FIU --- Simmons 73 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Simmons 64 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
2nd --- ARK --- Jennings 73 fumble return (Fontaine kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Peterson 95 kick return (Woodard kick)
3rd --- ARK --- McFadden 70 run (Dick pass to Little)
3rd --- ARK --- Ford 34 run (Fontaine kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Simmons 77 run (Woodard kick)
4th --- FIU --- Woodard 49 FG
4th --- ARK --- Porter 23 pass from Dick (Fontaine kick)
4th --- ARK --- McFadden 18 run (Fontaine kick)
4th --- FIU --- D. Anderson 22 pass from Jean (pass failed)

Team Stats

1st Downs: ARK --- 15 ... FIU --- 16
Total Offense: ARK --- 340 ... FIU --- 451
Rushing: ARK --- 42-215 ... FIU --- 32-143
Passing (C-A-I): ARK --- 8-20-2 ... FIU --- 12-23-4
Pass Yards: ARK --- 125 ... FIU --- 308
Sacked: ARK --- 3 ... FIU --- 2
3rd Down Conversions: ARK --- 6-14 ... FIU --- 5-11
Turnovers: ARK --- 2 ... FIU --- 6

Individual Stats

ARKANSAS

Casey Dick, QB --- 8 - 20 - 125 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT

Darren McFadden, RB --- 29 att. - 169 yds, 3 TD
John Ford, WR --- 2 att. - 38 yds, TD

Nick Porter, WR --- 2 rec. - 70 yds, TD
Marcus Monk, WR --- 2 rec. - 32 yds

Michael Grant, FS --- 8 tkls (2 TFL), 2 INT
Weston Dacus, MLB --- 6 tkls (3 TFL)
Tim Bass, DE --- 5 tkls (4 TFL), FR
Chris Bailey, CB --- 4 tkls (1 TFL), 1 sack, INT

FIU

Jean, QB --- 12 - 23 - 308 yds, 3 TD, 4 INT; 4 att. - (-30) yds

Simmons, RB --- 24 att. - 170 yds; 3 rec. - 138 yds, 3 total TD
Peterson, RB --- 95-yd KR TD

D. Anderson, WR --- 5 rec. - 109 yds, TD

Townes, MLB --- 6 tkls (2 TFL), 2 sacks
Razzano, SS --- 6 tkls, INT

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 9 Results

#1 USC 28, Oregon 23
#2 Michigan 63, Minnesota 13
#9 Nebraska 56, #3 Texas 7
#4 West Virginia 45, #16 Rutgers 14
#5 Virginia Tech 27, #20 Boston College 15
#6 Auburn 43, Ole Miss 17
#7 Ohio State 36, Penn State 26
#8 UCLA 52, Washington State 10
#10 Arkansas 42, FIU 37
Indiana 36, #12 Wisconsin 30
#13 Hawaii 52, New Mexico State 7
Georgia 27, #14 Florida 7
#18 Boise State 35, Fresno State 10
#21 Florida State 45, Duke 19
#22 Louisville 45, Pittsburgh 35
#24 Maryland 38, Clemson 10
#25 Texas A&M 37, Kansas 14

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (33)
2 (2) Michigan (24)
3 (4) West Virginia (1)
4 (5) Virginia Tech (1)
5 (7) Ohio State
6 (6) Auburn
7 (9) Nebraska
8 (8) UCLA (1)
9 (10) Arkansas
10 (3) Texas
11 (11) LSU
12 (13) Hawaii
13 (15) Oklahoma
14 (17) Miami
15 (18) Boise State
16 (19) Alabama
17 (12) Wisconsin
18 (21) Florida State
19 (16) Rutgers
20 (22) Louisville
21 (23) Oklahoma State
22 (14) Florida
23 (24) Maryland
24 (20) Boston College
25 (NR) Georgia

Heisman Watch

1) Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii >>>
2) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan >>>
3) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville >>>
4) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech ^^^
5) John David Booty, QB, USC >>>

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Keon Lattimore, RB, Maryland
3 rec. - 127 yds, 2 TD; 33 att. - 210 yds

Defense:
Nate Shaw, OLB, Ole Miss
7 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack, INT, TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Casey Simmons, RB, FIU
3 rec. - 138 yds, 2 TD; 24 att. - 170 yds, TD

Defense:
Dylan Edwards, CB, Middle Tennessee State
4 tkls (1 TFL), 2 INT, FR

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 9)

1) North Texas --- 4-4 (4-1 Sun Belt)
2) Troy --- 4-4 (4-1)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 3-5 (3-1)
4) Middle Tennessee State --- 5-4 (3-1)
5) UL-Lafayette --- 3-5 (1-3)
6) Arkansas State --- 2-6 (1-3)
7) UL-Monroe --- 1-7 (1-4)
8) Florida International --- 1-7 (0-3)

[kblu54]

FIU falls behind early, falls short in comeback attempt
FIU Football News

FIU still can't seem to find success in Sun Belt play as they couldn't overcome an early 21-point deficit as their comeback attempt fell just short in a heartbreaking 30-28 road loss to Arkansas State.

Arkansas State scored early and often to start the game, building a 21-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter, and used some tough defense to ruin most of the Golden Panthers' chances at a full comeback. RB Mike Childs, starting in place of an injured starter, churned out 124 yards rushing on 23 carries against the hapless Panther defense and scored the game's opening TD. WR Albert Gore burned senior CB Alex Galloway on several plays and scored 2 huge TDs, including a one-handed TD grab in the 2nd quarter to put ASU up 21-0. Gore finished with 146 yards receiving on 6 catches.

As for FIU, their 1st half struggles were highlighted by the benching of freshman QB DeMarcus Jean. After throwing his 12th interception in 4 games, head coach Kyle Borland pulled Jean in favor of sophomore backup Will Ferguson. Unfortunately, the experiment produced worst results than expected, as Ferguson went only 1-of-3 passing for 17 yards and was sacked 3 times in leading 2 drives. Jean re-entered the game in the 2nd quarter and remained there for the rest of the game, and was a catalyst for the Panthers' comeback.

Jean threw a TD pass to junior RB Casey Simmons on a screen pass to finally put the Panthers on the board in the 2nd quarter. In the 2nd half, FIU got two return TDs to help out, as junior RB Justin Peterson returned his 3rd kickoff return for a TD this season to open the 2nd half, and junior CB Andre Paul intercepted a Luke Carter pass and returned it 90 yards for his 2nd defensive TD. Paul's TD cut the lead to 27-21 and it looked like FIU was on the comeback path.

Unfortunately, the Indian defense stiffened and forced FIU to punt several times to put a damper on the comeback attempt. Arkansas State seemingly iced the game when they drive just far enough into FIU territory to nail a 26-yard field goal for a 9-point, 2-possession lead at 30-21. The Panthers were able to drive down and get a TD on a pass from Jean to top target Donald Anderson, but the ensuing onside kick fell into the hands of the Indians.

Jean was noble in his effort despite the temporary benching, completing 14-of-25 passes for 274 yards and 2 TDs. The FIU running game was very ineffective and produced -5 yards on 34 carries. Simmons, despite the TD reception, had only 34 yards on 23 carries for his lowest output of the season and his 1st non-100-yard game since the beginning of the season. Anderson caught 7 passes for 157 yards but had several key drops down the stretch that ruined a few drives.

The Panthers get a bye next week to hopefully recover from these heartbreaking losses, but they should look forward to the end of the season, in which they get 3 home games to close out the regular season.

Box Score

ASU 7 14 6 3 - 30
FIU 0 7 14 7 - 28

1st --- ASU --- Childs 16 run (Patterson kick)
2nd --- ASU --- Gore 24 pass from Carter (Patterson kick)
2nd --- ASU --- Gore 37 pass from Carter (Patterson kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Simmons 41 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Peterson 93 kick return (Woodard kick)
3rd --- ASU --- Hampton 80 kick return (kick blocked)
3rd --- FIU --- Paul 90 INT return (Woodard kick)
4th --- ASU --- Patterson 26 FG
4th --- FIU --- D. Anderson 9 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: ASU --- 13 ... FIU --- 13
Total Offense: ASU --- 310 ... FIU --- 286
Rushing: ASU --- 41-157 ... FIU --- 34-(-5)
Passing (C-A-I): ASU --- 7-13-1 ... FIU --- 15-28-1
Pass Yards: ASU --- 153 ... FIU --- 291
Sacked: ASU --- 4 ... FIU --- 5
3rd Down Conversions: ASU --- 3-12 ... FIU --- 4-13
Turnovers: ASU --- 2 ... FIU --- 2

Individual Stats

ARKANSAS STATE

Carter, QB --- 7 - 13 - 153, 2 TD, 1 INT

Childs, RB --- 23 att. - 124 yds, TD
Marcus McCowan, FB --- 7 att. - 55 yds

Gore, WR --- 6 rec. - 146 yds, 2 TD

Troy Hampton, CB --- 7 tkls (1 TFL), 80-yd KR TD
Alexis Lee, CB --- 6 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack
Jabari Murray, DT --- 5 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack
Khayyam Burns, FS --- 5 tkls, INT, FF

FIU

Jean, QB --- 14 - 25 - 274 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 4 att. - (-13) yds
Ferguson, QB --- 1 - 3 - 17 yds; 4 att. - (-27) yds

Simmons, RB --- 23 att. - 34 yds; 1 rec. - 41 yds, TD
Peterson, RB --- 3 att. - 1 yd, 93-yd KR TD

D. Anderson, WR --- 7 rec. - 157 yds, TD
Ernst, WR --- 3 rec. - 40 yds
J.J. Smith, WR --- 2 rec. - 31 yds

Townes, MLB --- 10 tkls (6 TFL), 3 sacks
Moore, OLB --- 9 tkls (2 TFL), FF, 2 blks
Paul, CB --- 3 tkls (1 TFL), 90-yd INT ret TD

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 10 Results

#1 USC 37, Oregon State 23
#2 Michigan 34, Michigan State 13
#4 Virginia Tech 21, Georgia Tech 12
#5 Ohio State 38, #17 Wisconsin 14
#6 Auburn 45, Tennessee Tech 7
#7 Nebraska 41, Kansas 14
#8 UCLA 37, Arizona 26
#9 Arkansas 56, South Carolina 35
#21 Oklahoma State 21, #10 Texas 9
#11 LSU 41, #16 Alabama 31
#13 Oklahoma 24, Texas A&M 17
#14 Miami 28, N.C. State 10
#15 Boise State 48, San Jose State 7
#18 Florida State 20, #24 Boston College 17
#19 Rutgers 48, Connecticut 7
#22 Florida 34, Vanderbilt 7
#23 Maryland 31, North Carolina 14
#25 Georgia 38, Troy 14

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (34)
2 (2) Michigan (23)
3 (4) Virginia Tech (2)
4 (3) West Virginia (1)
5 (5) Ohio State (1)
6 (6) Auburn
7 (8) UCLA
8 (7) Nebraska
9 (9) Arkansas
10 (11) LSU
11 (12) Hawaii
12 (13) Oklahoma
13 (14) Miami
14 (15) Boise State
15 (10) Texas
16 (18) Florida State
17 (21) Oklahoma State
18 (19) Rutgers
19 (20) Louisville
20 (16) Alabama
21 (22) Florida
22 (23) Maryland
23 (17) Wisconsin
24 (25) Georgia
25 (NR) Texas Tech

Heisman Watch

1) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan ^^^
2) Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii <<<
3) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech ^^^
4) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville <<<
5) Sam Keller, QB, Nebraska ^^^

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
38 att. - 278 yds, 5 TD

Defense:
Ryan Coleman, OLB, Pittsburgh
6 tkls, 2 INT, 2 TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Albert Gore, WR, Arkansas State
6 rec. - 146 yds, 2 TD

Defense:
Dylan Edwards, CB, Middle Tennessee State
3 tkls, 2 INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 10)

1) Middle Tennessee State --- 6-4 (4-1)
2) North Texas --- 4-4 (4-1 Sun Belt)
3) Troy --- 4-5 (4-1)
4) Florida Atlantic --- 3-5 (3-1)
5) Arkansas State --- 3-6 (2-3)
6) UL-Lafayette --- 3-6 (1-3)
7) UL-Monroe --- 1-8 (1-5)
8) Florida International --- 1-8 (0-4)

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 11 Results

#1 USC 41, Cal 10
#2 Michigan 45, #23 Wisconsin 28
#3 Virginia Tech 33, #16 Florida State 14
#19 Louisville 20, #4 West Virginia 17
#5 Ohio State 44, Illinois 6
#6 Auburn 56, #24 Georgia 35
#7 UCLA 45, Arizona State 42
#8 Nebraska 44, Kansas State 18
#9 Arkansas 32, Tennessee 29 (OT)
#10 LSU 33, Louisiana Tech 13
#11 Hawaii 59, Fresno State 14
#12 Oklahoma 45, Baylor 0
#13 Miami 13, Virginia 10
#14 Boise State 48, Utah State 21
#15 Texas 14, #25 Texas Tech 9
#17 Oklahoma State 49, Kansas 7
#18 Rutgers 34, Army 6
#20 Alabama 35, Mississippi State 10
#21 Florida 36, South Carolina 13
#22 Maryland 45, Boston College 21

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (35)
2 (2) Michigan (25)
3 (3) Virginia Tech (1)
4 (5) Ohio State (1)
5 (6) Auburn
6 (7) UCLA
7 (9) Arkansas
8 (8) Nebraska
9 (4) West Virginia
10 (10) LSU
11 (11) Hawaii
12 (12) Oklahoma
13 (13) Miami
14 (14) Boise State
15 (15) Texas
16 (19) Louisville
17 (17) Oklahoma State
18 (18) Rutgers
19 (20) Alabama
20 (21) Florida
21 (22) Maryland
22 (16) Florida State
23 (NR) Utah
24 (NR) Indiana
25 (25) Texas Tech

Heisman Watch

1) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan >>>
2) Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii >>>
3) Sam Keller, QB, Nebraska ^^^
4) John David Booty, QB, USC ^^^
5) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville <<<

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Ken Barrow, RB, Penn State
39 att. - 281 yds, 3 TD; 2 rec. - 57 yds, TD

Defense:
Keith Brittain, CB, UL-Lafayette
3 INT, TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Andrew Foreman, WR, Florida Atlantic
5 rec. - 85 yds, 3 total TD

Defense:
Keith Brittain, CB, UL-Lafayette
3 INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 11)

1) North Texas --- 5-4 (4-1 Sun Belt)
2) Troy --- 5-5 (4-1)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 4-5 (4-1)
4) Middle Tennessee State --- 6-5 (4-2)
5) UL-Lafayette --- 4-6 (2-3)
6) Arkansas State --- 3-7 (2-4)
7) UL-Monroe --- 2-8 (1-5)
8) Florida International --- 1-8 (0-4)

FIU pulls in 2 in-season recruits
FIU Football News

Despite the Golden Panthers' struggles on the field, they seem to be having some success in the recruiting trail, as two solid players committed to Coach Borland's program this week. FB Tyrone Cannon, out of Kennesaw, GA, and TE Mike Smith, out of Warrington, FL, signed their letters of intent to play for FIU next season. And the better news about these two recruits is that they are not just some walk-ons off the street. Both of these young men are highly ranked in their positions nationally.

Cannon, a quick and powerful 4-star back, is the top-ranked fullback in this year's class. The Panthers do not use the fullback a ton due to the spread option, but they are very useful when they run out of the I-formation or in goalline situations. Smith, a 3-star player recruited out of nearby Warrington, is ranked #9 nationally for tight ends. Both of these players seem to set the tone for the recruiting pace Coach Borland has set.

"We are going after the big names," Coach Borland said in a recent interview. "And we're going to get them. We are not running some run-of-the-mill losing program where it's a struggle to win 2-3 games. We are going to continue to improve and grow as a program. I want to compete for the Sun Belt title within the next 2 years, and I believe the players we have now and the ones we will sign will be the heart of that goal."

The Panthers are struggling this season at 1-8, but have shown great signs of life over the past few weeks. They finally return home to welcome 3 straight Sun Belt opponents to close out the regular season, beginning with UL-Lafayette next week.