Pitarresi: Colgate's Eachus no surprise

How about that Nate Eachus?

 

The Colgate freshman was part of a special defensive package going into today’s game against Cornell, and he made three tackles and had a sack in the first quarter.

 

Then, all-time leading rusher Jordan Scott goes down with an ankle injury. Eachus moves to tailback, and carries 37 times – in three quarters – for 241 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a great day’s work.

 

The Colgate coaches aren’t surprised. Eachus rush for 2,196 yards and 28 touchdowns for Hazelton, Pa. High School last season. He also was a state wrestling champion. Oh, are the Raiders glad no big-time school went after the kid. I guess we know who is going to get the ball after Scott graduates this year.

 

How about these scores?

 

South Florida 45, Syracuse 13 – Again, Curtis Brinkley ran well, and the Orange were in the game for a while, but the defense just doesn’t get any stops. It is almost impossible to give up 487 yards and win a game.

 

Northern Illinois 38, Toledo 7 – The Rockets beat Michigan 13-7 last week, one of the greatest victories in their history but it wasn’t a Mid American Conference game. Then they lose badly to the Huskies in a game that really counts in the standings.

 

Maryland 26, Wake Forest 0 – Apparently, the Deacons are no longer Demons and their bubble really has burst. Maryland is the strangest team. They beat Delaware just 14-7, beat ranked California and Clemson, and lose to Viginia 31-0 … last week? Then beat the supposed No. 21 team in the nation. Come on.

 

Alabama 24, Ole Miss 24 – The Rebels couldn’t squeeze out five more points? I have nothing against ‘Bama, but – and I’m exactly sure why – but I am definitely not a Nick Saban fan.

 

Penn State 46, Michigan 17 – They didn’t look good early, trailing 17-7, but the Nittany Lions came on strong and really have a shot at a national championship. I wish they’d get it so Joe Paterno can retire. He’s been a great, great coach, but he’s not safe on the sideline and he looks very out of place up in the box.

 

USC 69, Washington State 0 – Do you know how hard it is to keep playing when you’re taking a beating like that? I don’t, either, but almost. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.