Written by Cris Sykes

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October is the month that separates the men from the boys in college football, and that's exactly what started to happen this week says Cris Sykes. He hits on the Buckeyes win over Iowa, Florida's brutal upcoming schedule, and a possible Ohio State - Michigan game for all the marbles on Nov 18th. Sykes also updates his Heisman ballot, which saw some major changes this week.

“Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends”

-Green Day 

No truer words have ever been sung, at least as it applies to college football.  There is a lot of hype thrown around during the month of September.  By time we get to October ... most of the big boys have started to separate themselves from the field.

First and foremost, The Ohio State Buckeyes have gone a long way towards establishing themselves as the team to beat in college football.  They have gone on the road and beaten a top 12-team, at night, in front of the entire country … twice.  With an average margin of victory of 19 points.  Their performance thus far leaves me with only one question.  What two people (West V has two AP #1 votes), honestly, without being a homer, think West Virginia can beat this team on a neutral field?  Please feel free to jump on our message boards to make a convincing argument if you think West Virginia could stay within single digits of the Buckeyes.

Florida took a step in the right direction, heading into an absolute brutal part of their schedule by handling Alabama at home.  It took a little longer for them to get rolling than I would have liked.  But they got the job done - in a game that would be pretty easy to overlook with LSU coming to town this week, followed by a trip to Auburn.  And it doesn't end there for the Gators.  After a bye week, they travel to Georgia to play Mark Richt and the Bulldogs.  That is three games in four weeks against top ten teams.  I wouldn’t give most teams a wolverine’s chance in Columbus, but I like this Florida team and think they at least have a shot to shock the world and emerge from that mess unscathed.

Michigan continues to try and convince voters that the two best teams in the country reside in the Big Ten.  They doubled up on Minnesota 28-14, jumping out to a big lead, and then just doing enough to make sure it never got close.  Mike Hart gave another impressive performance, gaining 195 yards on 31 carries.  If Michigan can keep winning and Hart can handle all these carries, he is going to evolve into a legitimate Heisman candidate. 

Larry Coker Memorial Hot Seat Update

This is where I will be able to provide updated misery reports on the coaches that I think are in real trouble.  I can call it the Coker Memorial, because Larry Coker has been fired.  They might no have announced it, but you know it, I know, and everyone else does too.  14-13 at home against Houston? 

John L. Smith –MSU Go ahead and pack your bags.  That is about as bad of a loss as you will ever see.  At home against Illinois on homecoming and that is the best you can do? 

Dirk Koetter -- Arizona State You don’t have to pack your bags, but you might want to look over your shoulder.  That is a couple of pretty bad losses over the last couple of weeks.  You better not let “Lil Stoops” steal one from you in that rivalry game with Arizona, or it could get real hot in Phoenix in November.

Holy Kent State!  Could they possibly win the MAC East this year?  They have won three straight, on the heels of 11 straight losses.  Their 3 wins came against Miami (OH), Bowling Green and Akron.  Those just happen to be the three teams projected to finish     1-2-3 in MAC East.

Heisman Ballot 

1. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State – Another impressive win for the Buckeyes.  His passing numbers might not be your normal Heisman candidates, but anyone who has watched his games knows his leadership and “Big-Time” plays are what will win him the award.
2. Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois – Now, if you want to talk about Heisman numbers, this is your guy.  127 carries, 1181 yards, and 11 touchdowns.  That is in 5 games.  If Northern Illinois can get in the MAC championship game, and win to get itself a bowl birth, Wolfe will have a fairly legitimate shot at 3,000 yards.  Think about that for a minute.  Barry Sanders holds the record with 2,628 yards.
3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma – Needs Wolfe to fall off that pace, plus have Oklahoma run the table to get closer to the top.
4. Chris Leak, QB, Florida – Will gain some real momentum by beating LSU next weekend.  Will get hurt by the presence of Tim Tebow down at Florida.
5. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia – Only has the Louisville game in a few weeks to make his case.