JEFF DANTZLER BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED A View From ... Troy, Alabama Barry McKnight, the voice of Troy Athletics, does an excellent job lending us his thoughts on Saturday’s game between the Bulldogs and Trojans and college football in general. What is it like playing in the same state as Alabama and Auburn? It’s been a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that we compete in a state where college football is very, very popular and important, and Troy has been able to capitalize upon that. The curse is that they’re such behemoths that fans feel an obligation to pick a side, even our fans. Look, we’re not trying to compete with Auburn and Alabama and overtake them; we’re just trying for our fair share of attention in this football-crazed state. I would guess that a large majority of our fans also claim an allegiance to one of those schools as well, and that’s fine, as long as they’re Trojans, too. Who are some Troy players that Georgia should keep an eye on? A senior WR, Chandler Worthy (a Georgia native), is small but has great speed and big-play capability; Troy’s senior right tackle, Terrance Jones, is the Trojans’ most likely NFL prospect-- terrifically strong (check out his Youtube account of an 810-pound squat from the summer); defensively, MLB Mark Wilson is physical and a real leader, and DT Lonnie Gosha (an Arkansas transfer) should hold up well in trying to plug up UGA’s run game. What do you see as the big picture near-future for Troy? To compete for the Sun Belt title and get back to New Orleans and a bowl game! We’ve been the most successful program in the Sun Belt Conference, but none of our players now has shared in the bowl experience, and we need to change that! What does Troy need to do to pull the upset? They need big plays, for sure. The idea that Troy can match Georgia’s physicality on defense for four quarters is probably a false idea, so they need to strike deep a few times with success. The hope, as well, is that Troy’s offensive pace will take some toll on the Bulldog defense late in the game, so Troy would love to be able to stay close until then, with a chance to sneak out a win late! What are some changes you would like to see in college football? A - I’m actually okay with the new playoff system, and I like the idea of better serving the student-athlete, in terms of a cost-ofliving stipend and increased access to cafeteria services. All in all, I’m one of the happy college football fans out there! FBC BIG 10 HELMETS LOGOS 081904: Football helmets for the Big 10 conference; with related stories; Staff; ETA 8 p.m. Do you have a Final Four picked out for the playoff? I like Oregon, Florida State, Alabama, and UCLA. Georgia, Auburn, and Baylor are my secondary candidates. Editors note t is mandator to incl de all so rces that accompan this graphic when rep rposing or editing it for p blication. ILLI OIS What is your take on Georgia? I’m like a lot of people in that I would’ve picked Georgia in the Top 4 if we didn’t have questions about the QB, and he looks as though he’s answering some of the questions. Key losses on defense won’t matter, because they’ve got talent, but they’ve also got the transcendent player in college football in Todd Gurley. It’d surprise me not one whit if Georgia is still playing with three other schools at the end of the year. FBC PAC-10 LOGOS 081401: Football helmets for the Pacific-10 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA 8 p.m. I FBC PAC-10 LOGOS 081401: Football helmets for the Pacific-10 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA 8 p.m. Are your fans excited to come to Sanford Stadium? Without question! They love the Athens nightlife on Fridays; it’s very eclectic and exciting, more so than most any of the places we go (and we’ve been to a LOT of places). The funny thing I remember is when we came up there in 2007, when Omar Haugabook threw for 300 yards and our freshman WR, Jerrel Jernigan (who now plays for the Giants) had a big day. I grew up in a Gator family and went to school at Florida, so I know of the passion of Georgia fans; when we were down 17 late and driving, I told our radio crew “Watch these fans if we score.” There was a huge chorus of boos when we scored with seconds to go to pull to within ten, and the place rained boos. My guys didn’t know why --the outcome wasn’t in doubt-- until I pointed out (off the air) that Georgia wasn’t covering! To me, Sanford Stadium represents passion, unadulterated allegiance, and the love of the game. It’s what’s good and right with college football. IO A IA A ARIZONA STATE The slate this past weekend was not filled with a bunch of stellar games. South Carolina’s win over Georgia made the biggest news, while USC and Virginia Tech got upset after enormous program wins. Conference play is cranking up across the land. Independents Notre Dame and Brigham Young are off to impressive starts. The SEC has some good ones this week, including Florida-Alabama and Mississippi State-LSU. MICHIGA Note that this helmet—unlike any other in Division I-A—features an asymmetrical stripe. Editors note tis mandator to include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. Editors note tis mandator to include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. ALABAMA 1. Oregon – There was no letdown for the Ducks as they blew away Wyoming to make the record a perfect 3-0. Marcus Mariota is some kind of special to take OREGON quarterback. It’s off to Pullman STANFOR ARKANSAS on Mike Leach and disappointing Washington State. FBC BIG 12 LOGOS 081401: Football helmets for the Big 12 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA 8 p.m. -D renderin by . rendan e an 3. Alabama – TheIO Crimson Tide will AS A KENTUCKY have a tough test with the Gators in town. There will be some big time deAS C fenders on the field for Athis SAS one. It was easy pickings against Southern Miss, FBC PAC-10 LOGOS 081401: ALABAMA to what it was. Bama ISSO RI which isn’t close A SAS Football helmets for S theAPacific-10 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA is loaded at running 8 p.m. back. A SAS AUBURN GEORGIA TECH O LA O OLE MISS 4. LSU – No problem for LSU vs. Louisiana – Monroe. The ISSO Tigers have had RI A AS A a couple of breathersBRAS since the comeback win over Wisconsin. Conference AUBURN ARIZONA play cranks up Saturday with MississipLSU pi State coming toSOUTH town. The Maroons CAROLINA have some juice. Note that this helmet—unlike any other in Division I-A—features an asymmetrical stripe. AS ASAO A S A O LA 5. C Oklahoma – West Virginia hosts the Sooners this week. The Mountaineers GEORGIA TECH CALIFORNIA pulled it out against Maryland with a last FBC PAC-10 LOGOS 081401: second field goal, and that travel won’t MISSISSIPPI STATE ASfor the C Pacific-10 LA O A b . Brendan egan Football helmets with related stories; DH; ETA beD rendering easy for theconference; Sooners. This could be VANDERBILT 8 p.m. AS Oklahoma’s most talented team since they fell to Florida for the BCS title. G O G A O OREGON LSU 6. Florida State – It is a big test for the TENNESSEE Seminoles as Clemson comes to town. FBC MT WEST HELMET LOGOS 081904: Football helmets for the Mountain West Conference; ARIZONA Florida biggest challenge will with related stories;State’s STF; ETA 8 p.m. O LA O A D rendering b . Brendan be handling the Tigers’ outstanding defensive line. That Seminole defense FLO AS and A logos are trademarked and the property NOTE: All helmets T ERN CAL will have to be readySOfor two very good of their respective college or university. MISSISSIPPI STATE These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. quarterbacks. that this helmet—unlike any other in Division I-A—features an asymmetrical stripe. Editors note tis mandator toNote include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. COLO A O STATE Athens AS INGTON TENNESSEE CA OL A EW ME G Note that this helmet—unlike any other in Division I-A—features an asymmetrical stripe. ARKANSAS PE STATE 14. Wisconsin – The Badgers return to CALIFORNIA action against Bowling Green on Saturday. They still have to be smarting GEORGIA TECH from that slip-away against LSU. Melvin Gordon is a heck of a tailback and FLORIDA GEORGIA TECH Wisconsin will ride him. Gary Anderson will be hard on his troops to avoid the ISCO SI OREGON MAC upset. Editors note tis mandator to incl de all so rces that accompan this graphic when rep rposing or editing it for p blication. 12. BYU – The Cougars held off Houston and try and make it a perfect 4-0 O by E taking on suddenly tough Virginia at CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES AS FBCCBIG EAST HELMETS LOGOS 081904: egan Lavell Edwards Stadium. The Cavaliers Football helmets for the Big East conference; with related stories; Staff; ETA 8 p.m.off a big win over Louisville B just pulled AS INGTONthat STATE certainly got BYU’s attention. Editors note tis mandator to incl de all so rces that accompan this graphic when rep rposing or editing it for p blication. Editors note: It is mandatory to include all sources that accompany this graphic when repurposing or editing it for publication. 19. Boston College – The 2-1 Eagles lost to Pitt, but came OLE MISS back to beat Southern Cal. This set up perfectly for Boston College and they showed that EST I GI IA S AC SE they can be a factor in the ACC. For ETATS EP ETATS OIHO B.C. to beat USC is a big deal anytime. NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. COLLEGE These logosBOSTO are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. L SA Auburn ECTIC T E TG S NORTH CAROLINA KENTUCKY LSU EGO STATE WAKE FOREST GH TEMPLE AS INGTON STATE FO CE TAH A A -D renderin by . rendan e an NORTH CAROLINA STATE NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. .ytisrevinu ro egelloc evitcepser rieht fo ytreporp eht dna dekramedart era sogol dna stemleh llA :ETON .srebmem PA yb ylno esu lairotide rof decudorper era sogol esehT O E G P GEORGIA TECH VANDERBILT NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. S These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. W OM Lawrenceville IS OCSI CO 25. Florida – So much was hanging AUBURN in the balance, but the improved Gators found a way to handle the improved Kentucky Wildcats. Florida FLORIDA STATE MARYLAND heads to Tuscaloosa and will need to be at its best to have a shot. ARKANSAS MISSISSIPPI STATE TENNESSEE FLORIDA SOUTH CAROLINA Watkinsville -D renderin by . rendan e an CO AS INGTON STANFOR 20. Southern Cal – Last Saturday was CALIFORNIA LOSa ANGELES nightmare for USC. Coming off a O E physical, emotional victory at Stanford, the depth and cross country trip SO T ERN CALChestnut Hill wound AS up INGTONdoing STATE to USC in. The week had plenty of distractions A A as well. OREGON STATE Editors note tis mandator to include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. STANFOR SO T ERN CAL OREGON ALABAMA 13. Notre Dame – The Fighting Irish held off Purdue’s ARIZONA upset bid as they dominated the second half to make it 3-0. Next up is one of those pseudo AUBURN ACC games with Syracuse. Brian Kelly has another good team in South Bend. AUBURN secr os lla ed lcni ot rotadnam si t eton srotidE gnisopr per nehw cihparg siht napmocca taht .noitacilb p rof ti gnitide ro A SAFA A O TH ESTE Editors note tis mandator to include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. PITTSB d the property of their respective college or university. by AP members. ARIZONA STATE 21. Stanford – After suffering one FLORIDA AS INGTON 8. Baylor – The Bears are cooking by . rendanmost e an painful of the-D renderin all-time losses FLORIDA GEORGIA TECH right now and may be the best team in school history, the Cardinal came COLORADO inTECH the Big XII. Baylor blew out Buffalo back and took care ofBAYLOR Army. StanGEORGIA and have this off week P E before tangling ford has no margin for error after letSTANFOR with Iowa State. Art Briles is an outting that get away. They will have to KENTUCKY LSU BAYLOR standing coach and has kept it rolling 15. Mississippi State - There was no win out, most likely, to make it to the NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. after RGIII. look-ahead for MSU, as the Maroon PAC-12 Championship Game again. These logos are reproduced for editorial KENTUCKY LSU use only by AP members. FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football O E helmets for the Southeastern Conference; with Bulldogs smoked South Alabama 35-3 KENTUCKY LSU A SAS IO A S A related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. in Mobile. Dak Prescott is a stellar 9. Ole Miss – The Rebels are cooking 22. Missouri – The Tigers, despite all LSU quarterback and gives MSU a big time and Bo Wallace is coming off of one ALABAMA they lost on defense and at the skill duel threat. NowSOcomes T ERN CAL LSU in Baton AS INGTON STATE of his best performances. That highpositions are right in the thick of the OLE MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE Rouge. LSU has always had State’s ly touted recruiting class, they are all : 4 0 9 1 8 0 S O G O L S T E M L E H 0 1 G I B C B F > P A < IO A S A SEC East race. The big reason is Maty number. htiw ;ecnerefnoc 01 giB eht rof stemleh llabtooF >PA/< .m.p 8 ATE ;ffatS ;seirots detA aleA r sophomores now. The SEC West is Mauck, what a start he is off to. He OLE MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE ISSO RI A SAS S A absolutely loaded, but the Rebels may 16. South Carolina – The MISSISSIPPI Gamecocks may be the best quarterback in the OLE MISS STATE SIO ILLI have something to say about it. had to have it and they got it. Steve SEC. ARIZONA STATE INGTON Spurrier, who has AS beaten Georgia like MISSISSIPPI STATE TENNESSEE AUBURN ARKANSAS -D renderin by . rendan e an SOUTH CAROLINA no coach in history, led his team to a 10. UCLA – The Bruins are a perfect 23. Georgia – The Devil is in the deincludFBC BIG EAST HELMETS LOGOS 081904: fourth victory in five seasons against 3-0 with a narrow trio of wins, FBC ACC HELMETS LOGOS 081904: Football helmets for the Big East conference; with One busted or wasted A SAS S A BRAS A play can Football helmets for the Atlantic Coast conference; O LA O Atails. S A TENNESSEE related stories; Staff; ETA 8 p.m. the Bulldogs. South Carolina is back with related stories; Staff; ETA 8 p.m. this past weekend at Texas. Brett SOUTH ing CAROLINA doom a team in the brutal SEC. In its TENNESSEE on track. NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property SOUTH CAROLINA Hundley is a very talented quarterback BOSTO COLLEGE of their respectiveAcollege or university. last 17 games, Georgia is TECH 10-7, with OI GEORGIA A AI I These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. and his Bruins are certainly a team six of the losses by a touchdown or CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 17. Michigan State – It will be an easy to be dealt with in the PAC-12 South. NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property TENNESSEE blowout win for the Spartans against less. It will be a big test to see if the FLORIDA GEORGIA TECH of their respective college or university. Next up is a Thursday night bigfor one NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property VANDERBILT These logos are reproduced editorial use only by AP members. lowly Eastern Michigan. Mark DantoBulldogs can recover from this loss at of their respective college or university. AS ASA with Arizona State. These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. nio’s crew has probably been getting BRAS A South Carolina emotionally. salty, sitting around for a week after VANDERBILT FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football Oregon ran away from them. Arizona State – The helmets ETACO TS AECTIC G IHCIMT A GIHSCIMfor the Southeastern Conference; with NOTE: All helmets11. and logos are trademarked and the propertySun Devils held TG IMIAMI (FLA.) VIRGINIA TECH 24. Clemson – The Tigers will have VANDERBILT related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. of theirOREGON respective college or university. STATE off improving Colorado for a 38-24 win These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. their hands full in Tallahassee against 18. Pitt – The Panthers are an impresand sit at a perfect 3-0. Arizona State ALABAMA the defending national champion KENTUCKY sive 3-0. Pitt’s win over Boston College LSU AS C O LA O A is off this week, then has a massive D rendering b . Brendan egan Seminoles. If Clemson can pull off the looks even better with the Eagles win Thursday night showdown with UCLA over Southern Cal. Pitt is favored at upset, the Tigers are in good shape ASA ARIZONA STATE in Tempe. home to make it 4-0, as the Panthers for a shot at the ACC Championship ATOSE IM ETSPITTSB E HT O GH CLEMSON DUKE TEMPLE State. host Iowa, which just lost to Iowa Game. STANFOR OREGON NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. OREGON STATE ALABAMA A A OREGON STATE CALIFORNIA O tis mandator to include all sources this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. CALIFORNIA FBC BIG 12 LOGOS 081401: Football helmets for the Big 12 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA 8 p.m. O E 2. Texas A&M – Easy pickings for the Aggies against Rice. Kenny Hill is some SO T ERN CAL AS INGTON STATE kind of outstanding quarterback. The ALABAMA FLORIDA SEC West is just so BAYLOR brutally tough and COLORADO A A mix. the Aggies are right in the Their ASA non-conference schedule is a job. They COLORADO will blow out SMU in Dallas this week. Editors note that accompan ALABAMA ESOTA 7. Auburn – The Tigers figure to have their hands full Thursday night in the “little apple” to take on Bill Snyder’s ARKANSAS always tough Kansas State Wildcats. Auburn really has the offense clicking. AUBURN ARKANSAS AUBURN If the Tigers can pull this off, they figure OHIO STATE to be right there in the insanely tough SEC West. A SAS S A BRAS A FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football helmets for the Southeastern Conference; with related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. MI OREGON STATE AS INGTON FBC PAC-10 LOGOS 081401: Football helmets for the Pacific-10 conference; with related stories; DH; ETA 8 p.m. CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES JEFF DANTZLER STATE FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football helmets for the Southeastern Conference; with related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football helmets for the Southeastern Conference; with related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. Editors note tis mandator to include all sources that accompan this raphic when repurposin or editin it for publication. CALIFORNIA MICHIGA CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FBC SEC LOGOS 081303: Football IO A S A helmets for the Southeastern Conference; with related stories; ML; ETA 4 p.m. endan egan TOP 25 ARIZONA Note that this helmet—unlike any other in Division I-A—features an asymmetrical stripe. BAYLOR ARIZONA ARIZONA STATE AC SE EST VIRGINIA NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. What’s your Flavor? OLE MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE I GI IA NOTE: All helmets and logos are trademarked and the property of their respective college or university. These logos are reproduced for editorial use only by AP members. SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE NOTE: All helmets and logos a of their respective college or un These logos are reproduced for ed VANDERBILT www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 27