Campus Confidential

I’m really sorry about this week. I wanted to do a recruiting piece, but these baseball playoffs are really handcuffing what I can do with the blog. As long as the Mets and/or Yankees are alive and kicking, I have to be baseball first.

However, I will not falter on my Friday previews, Monday recaps/poll and Thursday Heisman watch. I will try to get a head start on getting something posted next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Before I go into this week’s Heisman watch, I wanted to tell everyone that I am always open to suggestions or ideas. Just email me or leave me a comment. I’m thinking about dissecting the country’s most notorious rivalries and coming up with a list. It might take a lot of research and a scoring system…thoughts?

My top dogs, in order:

Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Running back, Junior
I don’t like when teams or players lose cred when they have an off week. AP holds on to the top spot because he’s just dominant. If he rips off 200 yards and 3 TDs against Texas, nobody can deny he’s the man to beat.
Last week: idle
This week: versus No. 7 Texas (in Dallas)

Troy Smith, Ohio State
Quarterback, Senior
He’s such a beast. Last weekend in Iowa was a big statement for his campaign – the Hawkeyes are no slouch on defense and he rolled over them. His TD to INT ratio? 6:1 That’s Playstation numbers that should only get better this weekend.
Last week: 16-25, 186 yards, 4 TDs at Iowa
This week: versus Bowling Green

Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
Running back, Senior
His projected numbers through five weeks are insane: 305 carries, 2,834 yards, 26 TDs. Even more insane? His game last week, but it was against Ball State. I’m worried about his competition; he might need 5 more 300-yard games to get big boy consideration.
Last week: 31 carries, 353 yards (11.4 ypc), 3 TDs
This week: at Miami (OH)

Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
Wide receiver, Junior
Virginia Tech tried to make a comeback against the Yellow Jackets, but Johnson’s two first-quarter touchdowns made that a moot point. I don’t know that he is containable. He needs more touches though.
Last week: 6 catches, 115 yards, 2 TDs at Virginia Tech
This week:versus Maryland

Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Quarterback, Senior
Another day at the office for Mr. Quinn against the Boilermakers. I like the efficiency, but he has some work to do. He’s currently 41st in the country in passer rating.
Last week: 29-38, 316 yards, 2 TDs versus Purdue
This week: versus Stanford

Yeah, I know those are the same names in the same order as last week, but those are honestly the top 5 contenders right now.

Making moves:

David Ball, New Hampshire
Wide receiver, Senior
I have to give some love to this guy. His game against Dartmouth in the same company as Jerry Rice for I-AA career touchdowns. JERRY. RICE. If that’s not making moves, I don’t know what is. The Wildcats went down to Delaware and Ball had another big game, but couldn’t break the tie with Rice. Quarterback Ricky Santos has gotta make this happen.
Last week: 7 catches, 126 yards, 0 TDs versus Dartmouth
This week: versus Richmond

Defensive bruiser:

Eric Weddle, Utah
Defensive back, Junior
Don’t throw to his side of the field, just don’t. San Diego State did on September 23 and he picked off three passes, returning two for a touchdown (he also had a rushing touchdown). Boise State didn’t learn much from that game film because he picked off two more passes the following week. His backfield mate, Steve Tate, had 17 tackles against Boise State as well, it’s just too bad they lost 36-3.
Last week: 6 tackles, 2 INTs
This week: tonight versus Texas Christian