3BLACK E3 DAILY 10-25-08 MD RE E3 BLACK

The Washington Post Saturday, October R 25, 2008 E3

ON THE HOOK FRONT LINE MIDDLE GROUND Virginia at No. 21 Georgia Tech, As Injuries Mount, So Do 3:30 p.m., ESPNU; Virginia Tech at No. 24 Florida State, 3:30 p.m., WJLA-7, Bulldogs’ Rushing Yards WMAR-2. The task of Georgia’s offensive line has been unen- Virginia, the team that remains, statis- viable for most of the season: gather up enough tically, one of the worst offensive teams in all healthy bodies each week to assemble a unit that can of college football, is in contention for a divi- cohesively block for star tailback . sion title and a spot in the Atlantic Coast Con- As one lineman after another succumbed to an as- ference title game. Read that last sentence sorted variety of injuries, that task grew increasingly twice. Put an ice pack over your head. And difficult — and the Bulldogs’ schedule is not helping then watch the Cavs take on Georgia Tech, matters. which is learning a little something about This week, Georgia squares off against Louisiana moving the football under first-year coach State, which is No. 16 in the nation in rushing defense. Paul Johnson . The Bulldogs, who have used four starting combina- Meantime, Virginia Tech will be trying to tions this season, will go with the same group as last keep its ACC title hopes alive when it faces week: sophomore Clint Boling, below with Moreno, at Florida State. The Seminoles rank No. 3 in the left tackle, freshman Cordy Glenn at left guard, fresh- nation in total defense, which is not some- man Ben Jones at center, redshirt sophomore Chris thing the anemic Hokies offense needs to hear Davis at right guard and redshirt freshman Justin An- — much less oppose — at the moment. Quar- derson at right tackle. Seven of LSU’s top eight defen- terback Tyrod Taylor can run for only so many sive linemen are upperclassmen. yards. “When you look at it on paper,” Georgia Coach Mark Richt told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ear- BY GENE J. PUSKAR — ASSOCIATED PRESS lier this week, “it is pretty scary, to say the least.” Penn State’s Daryll Clark, left, will lead the Nittany Lions in their Big Ten showdown on the road against Ohio St. The Bulldogs’ front line has been decimated by in- juries this season. Georgia lost its best offensive line- No. 8 Texas Tech at No. 19 Kansas, noon, ESPN; No. 7 Oklahoma State at No. 1 Texas, 3:30 p.m., SECONDARY man, left tackle Trinton Sturdi- pay-per-view; No. 9 Georgia at No. 11 Louisiana State, 3:30 p.m., WUSA-9, WJZ-13; No. 3 Penn State vant, in August to a season- at No. 10 Ohio State, 8 p.m., WJLA-7, WMAR-2. No. 25 Minnesota at Purdue, noon, ESPN ending knee injury. A Classic; Michigan State at Michigan, 3:30 knee injury also claimed Three critical intra-conference matchups highlight Yes, Texas Colt McCoy is the current Heis- p.m., ESPN2; No. 2 Alabama at Tennessee, the rest of tackle Vince this weekend’s slate of games. The game with the most man Trophy front-runner, but Cowboys quarterback 7:45 p.m., ESPN. Vance’s season on national title implications will take place in Columbus, Zac Robinson leads the fourth-best scoring offense in Oct. 11. Ohio, where Ohio State faces Penn State. The Big Ten the nation, and he has wideout , one of the Minnesota has reappeared in the top 25 “Every week is a has no conference championship game, and several of most underrated playmakers in the nation, at his dispos- thanks, in large part, to the performance of challenge for those the conference’s traditional powers (Michigan, Wiscon- al. wideout Eric Decker, who ranks fifth in the na- guys, really and tru- sin and Illinois) are mired in down years, which means Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno is one of top run- tion in receiving yards per game with 111.7. ly,” Richt said. the winner of this game stands a decent chance of win- ners in the nation, though the Bulldogs’ rushing offense The sky may continue to fall in Ann Arbor if “They’re still feel- ning the remainder of its regular season schedule. Keep squares off against a stingy foe in Louisiana State this Michigan State’s Javon Ringer has another ban- ing their way an eye on the quarterback matchup: Most college foot- week. LSU is allowing opponents just 96.7 rushing ner day and Michigan can’t figure out a way to around a little ball fans have been hearing about Buckeyes quarterback yards per game. Moreno, on the other hand, is rushing get Rich Rodriguez’s state-of-the-art offense bit.” Terrelle Pryor for years, but Penn State’s Daryll Clark for 108.9 yards per game. out of park. Despite a 3-4 record, Tennessee — Steve Yanda might have more impact on the outcome of this game. If it’s an aerial show you’re after, tune in for Texas ranks second in the Speaking of quarterback play, take note of both signal Tech-Kansas. Red Raiders quarterback Graham Harrell in total defense; the Vols will need that and callers in the Texas-Oklahoma State matchup, as well. is averaging 394.4 passing yards per game. more against Alabama.

FIRST DOWN SECOND DOWN THIRD DOWN FOURTH DOWN Looking Around Well Running Dry Platoon Possible Mouth Off-Limits Syracuse Athletic Director Daryl Gross hired The BP Capital hedge fund of Oklahoma State South Carolina Coach told After Purdue’s loss to Northwestern on Oct. 18, search consultant Chuck Neinas and reached out booster T. Boone Pickens has dropped so low reporters that and tailback Kory Sheets criticized quarterback Curtis to Connecticut Coach Randy Edsall to gauge his during the current economic crisis that university Chris Smelley might split time during South Painter for not finding him. “I’m kind of getting interest in taking over for Greg Robinson, officials put on hold the academic village it was Carolina’s next game, Nov. 1 against Tennessee. used to it,” Sheets told the Courier & Journal. according to a report in Wednesday’s New York supposed to fund. Two years ago, Pickens Garcia started an Oct. 18 loss against LSU, and When asked if Painter was capable of leading the Times. Edsall denied he has been donated $165 million to his alma Smelley had started the six games Boilermakers — losers of their past contacted by Syracuse. Late mater for athletic programs, and the prior. “Both of them play better off four games — Sheets paused and Wednesday night, Gross denied to university immediately invested it the bench; that’s what we’ve then said, “No comment.” That did the Syracuse Post-Standard he had into Pickens’s hedge fund in an learned,” Spurrier said. “So maybe not sit well with Coach , hired any search firms. Robinson is attempt to grow the gift. Oklahoma we’ll start [walk-on] Zac Brindise who said Sheets “has grown 8-34 at Syracuse and his job security officials will not say how much of and then bring both of them in. [physically] but not intellectually in remains in question. the fund remains. Maybe that’s the way to go.” the last four years.”

THURSDAY NIGHT’S GAMES Mids Want Offense to Run Smoothly Again White Brings West Va. Back By Camille Powell staff: What’s our confidence like? Washington Post Staff Writer We try to be psychologists and try Associated Press four straight entering the heart of to figure it out, but we’ve got to the Big East schedule. So much of Navy’s offensive come out and go to work. They’re West Virginia quarterback Pat “Now people can see we are on identity is built on its ability to run still confident.” White never lost his focus. a roll,” said Dorrell the football, whether it’s grinding Midshipmen Note: Senior quar- After two early interceptions Jalloh, who caught two scoring out yards or exploding for big terback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enha- helped Auburn take a double- passes from White. plays. So when the Midshipmen da, who is nursing a strained left digit lead, White put aside the K AIR FORCE 23, NEW MEXICO 10: have a game like they did last Sat- hamstring, might not resume play- mistakes to throw three touch- The overworked Air Force de- urday against then-No. 23 Pitts- ing until Nov. 15, when Navy plays down passes. With Noel Devine fense was frazzled and fatigued burgh, when they ran for a season- Notre Dame in Baltimore. Kahea- rushing for a career-high 207 — not that safety Aaron Kirchoff low 194 yards, it’s only natural to ku-Enhada initially hurt his ham- yards, that was more than minded rumbling 96 yards on a be disappointed. string in the first scrimmage, made enough for the Mountaineers to fumble return. “We’re all frustrated,” said sen- his season debut five weeks later beat the visiting Tigers, 34-17, “I just reverted to my running ior fullback Eric Kettani, who had against Duke, and then aggravated Thursday night. back days,” Kirchoff said of his just 13 yards on eight carries, one the injury two weeks later against “It made me mad,” White said game-changing touchdown, of the least productive games of his Wake Forest. of his first-quarter picks. “I don’t which helped the Falcons over- career. He hasn’t played since then know if it flustered me. You’ve come three early turnovers to “We’re definitely not happy to (Sept. 27), and did not participate got to take the good with the beat visiting New Mexico. run for less than 200 yards. That in any portions of team practice bad.” “It felt like 300 yards to me,” could be okay for other teams, but this past week. He ran on Wednes- The bad quickly came for Au- said Kirchoff, who also made a we don’t pass for 200, 300 yards a day but felt his leg tightening up, burn, which looked strong early touchdown-saving play in the game,” senior left guard Anthony according to Niumatalolo. Navy behind quarterback Kodi Burns waning minutes as the Falcons Gaskins said. “We want to be lead- BY NICK WASS — ASSOCIATED PRESS plays Temple (2-5) next week and before faltering on both sides of (6-2, 4-1 Mountain West) secured ing the nation in rushing at the end Coach Ken Niumatalolo’s Midshipmen ran for a season-low 194 yards vs. Pitt. then has a bye. the ball. The Tigers (4-4) gave up bowl eligibility for the second of the year. It’s something that “If we rush for 200 yards, we’re not going to win many more games,” he said. “I think everybody’s gotten a lit- the game’s final 31 points, while straight season under Coach keeps us pushing forward.” tle gun-shy pushing it,” Niumatalo- the offense managed just 33 sec- Troy Calhoun. Navy (4-3), which hosts SMU Navy vs. SMU lo said. “We might’ve pushed him a ond-half yards and was shut out The Lobos, coming off a 70-7 (1-7) today, led the nation in rush- little too much” earlier in the sea- over the final 40 minutes. rout of San Diego State, fell to 4-5 ing in each of the past three sea- When: 3:30 p.m. son. West Virginia (5-2) has won overall and 2-3 in the conference. sons; last year, it set a school rec- Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis. ord by averaging 348.8 yards per Records: Midshipmen 4-3; Mustangs 1-7. game on the ground. This season, TV: CBS College Sports Network. Navy is fourth at 296.4 yards per Radio: WNAV (1430 AM), WFED (1500 AM), WBAL (1090 AM). game. The 194 yards against Pitts- MEET THE NEW BOSS: SMU’s media guide cover is emblazoned with “June Cometh,” APR burgh were the Midshipmen’s few- and the first two pages are devoted to new coach , who brought his high 2009 est rushing since Oct. 14, 2006, % 2008 octane run-and-shoot offense to Dallas. The Mustangs — who start six freshmen, Cadillac CTS when they were held to 113 yards including quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, on offense — throw the ball an average of 40 for Cadillac DTS by Rutgers, and it marked only the times per game, and 23 of their 26 touchdowns have come through the air. MSRP $39,500 seventh time in the current triple- TAKE IT AWAY: Navy’s defense has forced 11 turnovers in its past three games, which 36 MSRP $46,465 option era (82 games) that they has set up four touchdowns and two field goals. Six players have intercepted a pass in failed to gain at least 200 yards on that span. Mitchell, SMU’s quarterback, is completing 59.6 percent of his passes but the ground. has been picked off 18 times. months “We’re not a team that’s looking BE PREPARED: Coach Ken Niumatalolo was asked several times this week about the for balance: 200 [yards] rushing, challenges of motivating his team to face SMU after playing two ranked teams (Wake 200 [yards] passing,” Coach Ken Forest and Pittsburgh) and a rival (Air Force). “We are a team that if we are going to Niumatalolo said. “If we rush for play Severna Park [High], we’ve got to be ready to go,” he said. “It’s not like, ‘Okay, The 200 yards, we’re not going to win we’ve got them.’ Every week we’ve got to strap it on. We always preach that to our Ultraview, Heated & many more games.” kids: We can never forget who we are. That’s been part of our success in the past.” Capitol Price Leather, Washington Area’s Cooled Capitol Price In their 42-21 loss to Pittsburgh, — Camille Powell 6-speed Front Seats, the Midshipmen broke one long Automatic, Original Premium Paint run on their first drive: a 40-yard wouldn’t get a block, on another “Coaches are harping on execu- $32,871 Premium Paint Cadillac Dealer Stock #8471 $34,622 touchdown dash by slot back Shun it’d be a guard or tackle,” Gaskins tion, execution, execution,” Ketta- Stock #9092 White that came off of a well- said. “It’s frustrating to know that ni said. “We’ve got to get people on 888-919-4411 executed option pitch. But that was you’re that close, but it gives you the ground and give people the Navy’s only big rushing play; the something to work towards. You’re chance to make big plays, including On the Beltway in Panthers focused on stopping the right there, if you just keep push- myself.” Greenbelt, MD fullback, and they also were able to ing. We’re always that close to bust- They also need to get off to a Online at contain the slot backs. White’s final ing big gains. It’s just letting us good start against the Mustangs, ECapitol.com eight carries went for a total of 26 know that if we keep working, we’ll who have lost six straight, and try yards. get Shun to break a couple of big to regain some of their swagger. *APR subject for GMAC approval. Prices exclude tax, tag, dealer fees and processing fee of $100. Includes any and all rebates and incentives. CTS model includes ultraview. Must take delivery by 10/31/08. After the game, quarterback Ja- runs.” “We told the guys that this is a rod Bryant said the Midshipmen Niumatalolo often tells the team big game and we have to come out were “so close” so often to break- that it takes all 10 players doing ev- and play well, because you can go ing a big play. Gaskins saw the erything right to allow the ballcar- from the highs of the highs to the same thing when he watched the rier to pick up yards. That’s been lows of the lows real fast,” offensive game film, and it was both frustrat- the focus this week: making sure coordinator Ivin Jasper said. ing and encouraging. that everyone knows his role and is “That’s what it feels like. . . . It’s

“It’s like on one play an A back confident doing it full speed. something we talk a lot about as a 3BLACK E3