Week 7 National Notebook

Team of the Week

Texas — The Longhorns climbed to the top spot in the nation by virtue of its 45–35 win over previous No. 1 Oklahoma. The Texas offense rolled up 438 yards against an OU defense that had given up an average of only 256 in its first five games. And the Horns’ defense shut down the Oklahoma ground game, limiting DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown to a total of 35 yards on 14 carries. The Horns still have several significant hurdles on the 2008 slate — beginning with a visit from Missouri this weekend — but Mack Brown’s club is in great shape in the Big 12 South.

High honorable mention

Oklahoma State — Their streak of topping the 50-point plateau was snapped at four, but the Cowboys scored more than enough points to upset Missouri in Columbia. Oklahoma’s State 28–23 victory will go down as one of the biggest in school history and it vaulted the Pokes into the top 10 in the AP poll. Underrated quarterback Zac Robinson completed 19-of-28 passes for 215 yards and two scores, while diminutive tailback Kendall Hunter rushed for 154 yards on 24 carries.

Honorable mention

Arkansas — We’ve had some fun with Arkansas’ slow start this year, but it’s time to give the Hogs some credit. Yes, Auburn has had its struggles this year, but winning at Jordan-Hare Stadium is never easy. Led by Michael Smith’s 175 yards on 35 carries, Arkansas totaled 416 yards of offense against a stingy Auburn defense. And while the Hogs no doubt have been a disappointment this season, it is worth noting that the three teams they have lost to — Alabama, Texas and Florida — are all ranked in the top 5 of the latest AP poll.

Disappointments of the Week

LSU — There’s obviously no shame in losing in Gainesville, but we all were expecting some more fight from the Tigers. They made it interesting midway through the third quarter, cutting the lead to 20–14 on an Andrew Hatch touchdown, but then gave up 21 points over a five-minute stretch to fall behind 41–14 early in the fourth quarter. Les Miles’ club has some serious issues: The offense lacks a proven playmaker at quarterback and the defense has given up an average of 32 points in three SEC games.

Iowa State — Baylor is a much-improved team this season, but it’s hard to argue that progress is being made at Iowa State when the Cyclones are run off the field by the Bears in Waco. The Clones managed only 176 yards passing and 81 yards rushing en route to the 38–10 loss in the first meeting between these schools since 2005.

Vanderbilt — The Commodores tasted defeat for the first time this season due in large part to an anemic offense that managed a stunningly low 107 total yards in a 17–14 loss at Mississippi State. The Dores only had two possessions in the entire game that lasted more than three plays. Vanderbilt was flagged for a season-high 10 penalties and the defense failed to force a turnover for the first time.

Player of the Week

Jordan Shipley, Texas — There were several offensive standouts in the Longhorns’ 45–35 win over Oklahoma, but Shipley, a veteran receiver, shined the brightest. He caught a Red River Rivalry-record 11 passes for 112 yards and returned a kick-off 96 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Freshman of the Week

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M — Tannehill sparkled in a losing effort, catching 12 passes for 210 yards (both school freshman records) and one score in the Aggies’ 44–30 to Kansas State. He is only the fifth freshman ever at A&M to top the 100 yard receiving mark.

Highs and Lows

• Seven of the top 10 passing leaders in last weekend’s action played on a losing team, while seven of the top 10 rushing leaders played on a winner.

• Maybe it’s time to start calling Tulane ‘Running Back U.’ Last year, Matt Forte finished second in the nation in rushing, averaging 177.3 yards per game. This year, junior Andre Anderson currently ranks fourth nationally with a 142.0-yard average. Last week, in a 24–21 loss to UTEP, Anderson rushed for 255 yards on 29 carries.

• Michigan’s 2–4 record is its worst after six games since 1967.

• Rutgers, which won 26 games from 2005-07, is still winless against Division I-A competition. The Knights dropped to 1–5 with a 13–10 loss to Cincinnati Saturday.

• Western Michigan is the first team in the nation to win four conference games. The Broncos are 6–1 overall and 4–0 in the MAC.

• Wyoming has scored a total of 10 points in its four MWC games.

• Virginia has scored 66 points in its last two games — wins over Maryland and East Carolina. In their previous three games vs. Division I-A competition, the Cavs totaled 20 points.

• Miami and UCF combined for 294 yards of offense in the Canes’ 20–14 win. UCF managed 78 yards on 64 plays.

• FIU has won three straight games, improving its record to 4–26 since the beginning of the 2006 season.

• Turnovers have played a large role in Minnesota’s turnaround from 1–11 in 2007 to 6–1 in ’08. Last year, the Gophers forced a total of 14 turnoverd and ranked 114th in the nation in turnover margin. Through seven games this season, they have already forced 20 turnovers and rank second in the nation in turnover margin.