First and 10: Approaching the quarter pole

Published: September 30th, 2011 | Tags: First and 10, Brian Billick, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Joe Theismann, Pittsburgh Steelers, Roger Goodell

Week 4 marks the end of the first quarter of the season, a significant landmark for most coaches, and that means a lot of teams will have their first-quarter “grade” on the line when they take the field this weekend, says NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan. Get ready for all this weekend’s contests with NFL.com’s exclusive Game Center.

Here’s what else is on tap for Friday:

Former Redskins quarterback and NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann has some harsh words for Bears wide receiver Roy Williams in the latest episode of “No Huddle.”Congress has invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith and the chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to Capitol Hill for a discussion on human growth hormone.Quarterback stability and the presence of strong playmakers have done wonders for the Raiders’ pirate crew. Jason La Canfora breaks down the factors that have brought the swagger back to Oakland.In his latest Pick Six, Adam Rank offers an alternative to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for players who feel slighted about not making it to Canton.Most of the attention going into games is on the stars, but lesser-known players often end up being difference-makers. Bucky Brooks looks at guys to watch in Week 4.

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SMU vs. UCF: Approaching kickoff

ORLANDO -- We are just a few minutes away from kickoff between UCF and SMU in the Conference USA championship game.

Quarterback Kyle Padron, who injured his ankle last week, looked good during pregame warm-ups and is set to go. This is a late-arriving crowd just a few minutes from kickoff. UCF officials are expecting about 40,000 fans, short of a sellout. The student section is full and wearing black, ready to root on UCF in its quest to win its first conference championship since 2007.

SMU hasn't won a conference title since 1984, when SMU shared the Southwest Conference crown with Houston. The Mustangs continue their resurgence under coach June Jones, who has managed to turn around a program most thought was dead. They went 1-11 in his first season, but last year they shared the West Division title and this year they are playing for a C-USA championship.

You already saw my keys to the game. Here are a few other notes:

SMU running back Zach Line has rushed for 1,297 yards this season, third best in SMU history behind Eric Dickerson in 1981 and 1982.

This season marks the 75th anniversary of SMU's first national championship in 1935.

UCF is trying to become the fifth team to win at least two C-USA titles, joining Southern Miss (three), Louisville (three), Houston (two) and East Carolina (two).

The Knights are hoping for a school-record-tying 10th victory of the season.

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