Really, who watches Thursday games? I always forget they’re on unless I’m channel surfing and pass ESPN. This week was no exception, but when I saw the game’s score, I was sad I had missed it. Unranked North Carolina topped #13 Virginia Tech 20 – 17, proving that the Hokies really were ranked too high (something I had muttered to a friend last week). Both teams are now 5 – 3, but this wasn’t just a lucky win for the Tar Heels. The UNC defense SHUT DOWN Virginia Tech, holding them to less than 100 yards rushing during the entire game.

The real hero of the night, however, was Casey Barth. With the last seconds running off the clock, he kicked a 21-yard field goal to win the game and the crowd at Lane Stadium began to file out to the parking lot with long faces.

Nobody knows the kicker's name...until you need him. Image: Newscom

Although they’ve lost some key games, I think UNC is better than most people think. Have they done enough to warrant a ranking in the AP top 25? Maybe. After all, Oklahoma was in the mix at #22, even though their record of 4 – 3 is less than mind-blowing. I think we’ll know more when the Tar Heels go up against Miami in two weeks, so I’ll look forward to that game.

A game that I did catch was last night’s #21 West Virginia at South Florida. Even though South Florida was unranked coming into Week Nine, I had a suspicion this would be an interesting game. Ultimately, the Bulls won 30 – 19, and once again, this game was all about defense. Noel Devine, the Mountaineers’ golden child in the world of rushing, couldn’t do anything the entire game. On the other hand, South Florida’s quarterback B.J. Daniels finishing the game breaking person records with 232 yards throwing, 104 rushing, and three touchdowns. There’s no doubt in my mind that this team should be ranked going into Week Ten. They may not be BCS bowl game contenders, but they’re a solid group who deserves some recognition.

Today, all eyes will be on the USC – Oregon game to see who will rule the Pac-10. Let’s not forget the other games, though. Week Nine has already show us that the ranked teams can fall, and with the lower have of the Top 25 being so shaky, it’ll be interesting to see who else tumbles and how it changes for next week.

Post from: EveryJoe

Two Top Teams Fall Before Sat during Week 9

Rich Rodriguez, back when he coached at WVU, Image: Newscom

And he still hasn’t apologized for leaving the way he did. Should he have to though? At least one writer thinks so.

Rodriguez recently said,

“It was painful last year and it’s still painful now. But I still have to be honest and say that I’m glad I did it. That’s nothing against West Virginia or anyone there, but I felt the time was right. I just wish it hadn’t gotten so personal.’’

At the end of the day, coaching is a job. You wouldn’t expect an employ to turn down a better job and then say he’s sorry about it. I think what rubs people the wrong way here, though, is that Coach Rod seemed to be letting down a program that he promised to help. To many, it just seemed like a sneaky way to leave.

What do you think – should Rodriguez apologize?

Post from: EveryJoe

Should Coach Rod Say He’s Sorry?

The competition, which was started four years ago, has more than 100,000 participants from more than 100 countries. Each year has a different theme which students focus on for their projects, he said. This year’s theme is “Imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all.”

“It gets students to think about worldwide issues and how technology can help them,” Sines said. There are three categories in which students can compete and three individual competitions within each category, he said. The categories are technology solutions, skills challenges and digital arts. The winner of the national competition will travel to Korea to compete against winners from other countries. The first place winner of the software design challenge will walk away with $25, 000, Sines said. The prizes will vary by category.

If you’re a student at WVU and attend this event, let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

Post from: EveryJoe

Microsoft Introduces Imagine Cup to WVU Students