Stanford’s run D vs. Oregon’s run O
A narrow escape last week for Stanford at home against Oregon State shifted the Cardinal into a spot to have a shot at mighty Oregon in noisy Autzen Stadium. Stanford, despite what Bishop Sankey did to it, is stout against the run. The Ducks average 325.1 rushing yards a game; Stanford allows 58.6 rushing yards a game. But could this game depend on new Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan?
Bray working for straight cash
Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray told the truth Tuesday. “I’m paid to win football games,” he said to reporters. Whoops-a-daisy. Bray quickly backtracked. “I mean, my education. That’s what the SEC likes to call ‘getting paid.’ ” So, yeah. Bray became famous after dispatching those gems earlier in the week. He’ll be playing against Vanderbilt this weekend. No word on how much he’ll get for the game.
What’s next for Johnny Football?
A week after upsetting Alabama and running crazy around the field, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel takes on ... Sam Houston State. Because that’s not interesting, here’s something that is, from his mom, Michelle, to ESPN: “It’s crazy. We laugh every day. He’s like, ‘Mom, this is crazy.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, son, it is.’ Last year we could go to lunch, go to movies, just do stuff, and no one recognized him. And this year, I haven’t been to lunch with him in last two months. … I think we’re all just in awe over everything.”
Expect a rebound for Optimus Klein
Not only is Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, he also has the coolest nickname in college football: “Optimus Klein.” He was just 12-for-21 for 145 yards passing last week against TCU, although he did run for two scores. This week, Klein gets to have fun against Baylor and ramp up the stats again.
Cougars on the mend?
Washington State coach Mike Leach claims the departure of stud receiver Marquess Wilson, right, was addition by subtraction. Leach also said more players on his team are buying in, and he’s seeing improvement. The Cougars head south Saturday to face an Arizona State team that has lost four in a row. Could this be the breakthrough for the Cougs that makes the Apple Cup even more intriguing?
todd.dybas@ thenewstribune.com
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