Week 4: The Day Shift

It's been an interesting day of football so far, even if things have held to form in the top 25. All ranked teams, or teams ranked higher than their opponent, have won or are winning. That doesn't mean it was all easy: #1 Ohio State struggled with the weather, but beat Penn State, 28-6. In weather that ranged from a drizzle to a downpour, the Buckeyes trailed at the half, 3-0, but took advantage of Penn State junior quarterback Anthony Morelli's three interceptions to win. Two of Morelli's interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Heisman front runner, Troy Smith, goes 12-22 for 115 yards. A great defensive struggle. Ohio State's being the difference. #2 Auburn beats Buffalo, 38-7. Kenny Irons did not play with a foot sprain. Buffalo held Auburn to 10 points in the first half. #6 Michigan defeated Wisconsin in Ann Arbor, 27-13. Michael Hart, 23-91. Chad Henne 18-25-211, along with three picks and two scores. Michigan was too conservative on third down plays or they might have won by a bigger margin. Michigan went 2 for 13 on third down #8 Louisville gets a bit more confidence, their back up running back and quarterback defeat Kansas State, 24-6. There will be lots of discussion this week as who will be under center next weekend for Georgia as they come from behind to beat hapless Colorado, 14-13. Highly touted freshman qb, Matthew Stafford, was ineffective and was yanked in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs trailed 13-0. Stafford was 8-17-72 yards on the day. Fellow freshman Joe Cox came in and went 10-13-153 and two scores as Georgia won on a 20 yard pass from Cox to Martrez Miller with :42 to play. Ole Miss is next for the 'Dawgs. #11 Virginia Tech struggled with Cincinnati at home for a half, but dominated the second and beat the Bearcats, 29-13. #14 Iowa rolled over Illinois, 24-7. Drew Tate, 17-27-181 and 1 touchdown, 1 pick. #15 Tennessee all over Marshall, 33-7. LaMarcus Coker has a huge day, 8-146-1 on the ground. #18 Florida State defeats Rice, 55-7. The Seminoles get something going on the ground. Antone Smith goes 12-137-2, one of those for 25 yards. #19 Clemson embarrasses North Carolina, 52-7. Clemson's James Davis goes 15-96 and four touchdowns. #21 Cal makes a statement, pounding Arizona State at home, 49-21. QB Nate Longshore went 18-26 with 4 td's. Cal led 42-14 at the half. All other teams are tonight or in progress. In national TV games not involving the top 25: Arkansas takes advantage of Alabama's balky kicker, winning 24-23 in 2ot. Kicker Lee Tiffin missed three field goals and a 'Bama extra point in overtime. Purdue downed Minnesota, 27-21. Finally, New Hampshire wide receiver, David Ball, ties Jerry Rice's touchdown reception mark in I-AA. He pulled down three today, giving him 50 all told, in UNH's 56-14 pasting of Dartmouth.