Week 3 NCAA grades

Same rules as last week.

California – D.  This is the same old Cal: disappointing at every turn, never sustaining themselves at a high level, never succeeding in the clutch, never playing defense for four whole quarters.  They’ll go to a bowl, and they might even win it, but heaven help them if they end up in the Holiday Bowl against Big XII opposition.

Maryland – B.  They looked like they’re ready to be in the top half of the ACC this year, but what kind of achievement is that?  I thought Cal played badly more than Maryland played well.  Their defense was able to be exploited all day and they didn’t play particularly well on offense.  They’re better than the bottom half of the ACC, but I honestly don’t even see them contending for the conference this year.  A step forward, but a small step.

Kansas – B-.  They’re the real deal, in the sense that they’re ready to be a legitimate force in the Big XII.  That’s there.  What isn’t there is that next step that will enable them to stay there for a long time and compete with top flight opposition.  They played an OK game on the road, but if you can’t run against South Florida, I’m really not sure how you’re going to run on Oklahoma or Texas.  They’re a good, solid, 5-3 type team in the Big XII.  There’s nothing to be ashamed of……but they’re not quite ready for the big leagues of the Big XII.

South Florida – B+.  They looked like the best team in the Big East, and I doubt anyone in the country would completely have their way with them.  Nevertheless, this is a team that would have a very tough time competing in a BCS bowl.  KU isn’t quite up to the talent levels of the Oklahomas, Floridas, and LSUs of the world, and USF still had a lot of trouble holding serve despite some very fortunate occurrences.  Good win and a real step forward, but there is work to be done.

MIchigan – F.  They did not execute well at all.  They handed Notre Dame a game that nobody deserved and they were not able to do anything well.  This was a step back.  I stand by what I said: Michigan has a future and Notre Dame, as of now, still does not.  But Michigan isn’t moving toward that future until they learn to hold onto the ball and play tougher defense.

Notre Dame – C-.  A win is a win is a win, and they were better this week than last.  But they didn’t beat Michigan: Michigan beat Michigan, and Notre Dame happened to be innocent bystanders.  Still, there is something to be said for not giving up what you’ve been given.  Indeed, I suspect that last year’s Fighting Irish would have found a way to drop this one too.  A step forward…..but a very small step.

Georgia – B.  I thought they played OK and were just in a dogfight with a tough South Carolina team in a hostile environment.  This is the SEC, friends, and they played some good ball.  I like Stafford and Moreno, but I think they’re a playmaker short: every Sooner, Gator, or Trojan on the field can burn you.  Can you say the same for the Bulldogs?  I really don’t think you can.  This team is a legit threat to run the table, but they are also legitimately capable of losing four games.  Wait and see……but don’t hold today against them if you know anything about college football.

South Carolina – B.  Their defense is legitimately capable of competing with the big boys.  Their offense is not.  Who thought you’d say that of a Steve Spurrier team?  They’re going to be OK, but they need some playmakers and Spurrier needs a quarterback he can trust.  Then again, maybe a quarterback needs a Spurrier he can trust…….

Oklahoma – A-.  Still some special teams and secondary concerns, but these guys looked unstoppable at times.  Absolutely dominant, and great to see that happening on the road.  Oklahoma plays at a different speed than anybody else in the college game and I see no reason to believe that they can’t run the table.  They’ll need to play just a little bit sharper in order to navigate the Big XII, but it can happen.  Get to work and get it done.

Washington – D.  Look, they’re headed in the right direction.  They really are.  I swear it.  But they were standing on the tracks and the train came through, and I suspect some hotshot young assistant will get the credit for turning UW around.  Jake Locker is a player, and I was sorry to see him take the beating he took.

USC - A.  I’m actually not 100% sold: Mark Sanchez isn’t quite there for me, but there was nothing to complain about.

Ohio State – D-.  Separate post forthcoming.