CFW Week 12 Results - James Franklin to Virginia Tech?

 CFW Week 12 Results – James Franklin to Virginia Tech?

Saturday’s winners and losers

 

Saturday was a defining day in college football. There were some big winners and some big losers. Let’s get started.

 

Texas, Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning were losers. The Longhorns and Sarkisian lost to Georgia for the third-straight time – including twice last year. Other than a 3-0 lead for four minutes in the first quarter, Texas never led in the game. In the fourth quarter, the Longhorns were wasted. They gave up. Georgia outscored Texas 21-0 in the fourth quarter. The Dawgs beat the Horns, 35-10. If it wasn’t clear earlier in the season, it is certainly clear now – Arch Manning is an overhyped quarterback. He is making the most of his family name. This season, he wasn’t ready for prime time. Maybe next year.

 

Oklahoma, Brent Venables and John Mateer were winners. The Sooners and Venables beat Alabama for the second-straight year. Oklahoma didn’t match Alabama in the statistics. The Tide had more passing yards, more total yards and a 9-minute edge in time-of-possession. The Tide also had three turnovers. The Sooners took advantage of those turnovers. The Sooners also played good defense when they had too. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer didn’t make any mistakes. He wasn’t splashy. He played a solid, stable game. Mateer also ran 20 yards for a touchdown. Oklahoma upset Alabama, 23-21. The Sooners ended Alabama’s 17-game winning streak at home.

 

South Carolina and Shane Beamer were losers. At halftime Saturday, South Carolina led Texas A&M, 30-3. At the end of the game, the Aggies had rallied to beat the Gamecocks, 31-30. It was Texas A&M’s biggest comeback in school history. South Carolina failed to score a touchdown or even a field goal in the second half. The Aggies outscored the Gamecocks 28-0 in the final two quarters – 21 of those points coming in the third quarter. After the game, South Carolina fans were so angry they flooded social media with comments like the following: “I’ve supported Shane Beamer through it all. This is my breaking point. So, I’m going to say it. Fire Shane Beamer.”…..“Fire Shane Beamer mid-press conference.”…..“South Carolina has to fire Shane Beamer and most of the coaches before they leave Texas.”…..“Shane Beamer better be fired before they land in Columbia.”…..“This is a big time show of arrogance and choke job. Beamer should be fired right now.”

 

Penn State and Kaytron Allen were winners. Prior to Saturday, Penn State was winless – 0-6 – in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions had lost six-straight games. Penn State ended that streak Saturday. The Lions are no longer winless in the Big Ten. Penn State beat Michigan State, 28-10. Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 10 yards.

 

Arkansas and interim coach Bobby Petrino were losers. Saturday, Arkansas lost its eighth-straight game. The Razorbacks are winless – 0-6 – in SEC play. Five of those losses are under Petrino. Against LSU, Arkansas led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Razorbacks led 22-16 at the end of the third quarter. But Arkansas lost to LSU, 23-22. The Razorbacks had three turnovers.     

 

Georgia Tech, Brent Key and quarterback Haynes King were winners. Saturday, Georgia Tech trailed Boston College, 28-17 at the end of the third quarter. Coming into the game, Boston College was 1-9 (0-6 in ACC play). Georgia Tech was 8-1 (5-1 in ACC play). The Yellow Jackets were 16^th in the CFP rankings. Georgia Tech got its act together. The Jackets outscored Boston College 19-6 in the fourth quarter. Trailing BC 34-33 with 4 minutes left in the game, Georgia Tech went on a 13-play, 68-yard drive. The Jackets kicked a 23-yard field goal with 0:11 on the clock. Georgia Tech rallied to beat Boston College, 36-34.

 

South Florida and coach Alex Golesh were losers. The Bulls entered Saturday ranked 24^th in the CFP rankings and the highest-ranked Group of Five Team in the CFP rankings. South Florida played Navy. The Midshipmen had lost its last two games to North Texas, 31-17, and to Notre Dame, 49-10. South Florida lost to Navy, 41-38. The Bulls blew their chance to be in the College Football Playoff.

 

James Madison and coach Bob Chesney were winners. Saturday, JMU entered its game against Appalachian State ranked 24^th in the AP Poll and just behind South Florida in the CFP rankings. The Dukes made a statement to become the highest-ranked Group of Five team. James Madison racked up 627 total yards, beating App State, 58-10. Look for JMU to be the highest-ranked Group of Five team this week. The Dukes are riding an eight-game winning streak.

 

Florida quarterback D.J. Lagway was a loser. Saturday, Lagway barely completed 50% of his passes (16-for-31) in Florida’s 34-24 loss to Ole Miss. He also added another interception, making it 13 for the season. Lagway has thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes.  

 

East Carolina, coach Blake Harrell and quarterback Katin Houser were winners. In its game against Memphis, the score was tied on three occasions, but East Carolina never led in the game. With 2:29 left in the fourth quarter, the Pirates trailed the Tigers, 27-24. Houser drove East Carolina down the field. Covering 75 yards in six plays, Houser threw a 31-yard touchdown pass with 1:08 remaining in the game. East Carolina held on and beat Memphis, 31-27. The Pirates have won four-straight games.

 

Maryland and coach Mike Locksley were losers. After beginning the season 4-0, Maryland lost its sixth-straight game. Saturday. The Terrapins lost to Illinois, 24-6.  

 

Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy and Ole Miss’s Kewan Lacy were winners. Hardy rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns, as Mizzou beat Mississippi State, 49-27. Lacy rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns, as Ole Miss downed Florida, 34-24.

 

 

College football Week 12 continued Thursday night in Norfolk, Virginia. In a Sun Belt Conference game, Old Dominion walloped Troy, 33-0. Old Dominion racked up 503 total yards.

 

The “Friday Night Lights” version of Week 12 had two games. In a close one, Clemson beat Louisville, 20-19. The 20^th-ranked Cardinals had hopes of sneaking into the CFP, but they can forget that now. Trailing Louisville 19-13 in the fourth quarter, Clemson scored a touchdown with 7:16 remaining in the game and held on to win. The lead in the game changed hands five times. Louisville had numerous opportunities to win, but the Cardinals kept stepping on themselves with 10 penalties.

 

In the second game, Oregon topped Minnesota, 42-13. The Ducks waddled to 510 total yards.

 

Of the 25 ranked teams in the CFP rankings, 7 of the teams lost over the weekend. The highest-ranked team to lose was No. 4 Alabama. The Crimson Tide fell to No. 11 Oklahoma, 23-21. No. 10 Texas lost to No. 5 Georgia, 35-10. Both Alabama and Texas are sure to fall in the rankings, but I suspect Alabama will remain in the Top-10. Texas will probably fall to 15^th or somewhere around there.

 

The five other ranked teams to lose were No. 20 Louisville (to Clemson), No. 21 Iowa (to USC), No. 22 Pitt (to Notre Dame), No. 24 South Florida (to Navy) and No. 25 Cincinnati (to Arizona). I suspect those five teams will all fall out of the rankings.

 

Elsewhere in the Big Ten on Saturday, Michigan slipped by Northwestern, 24-22. The Wolverines kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to beat Northwestern. Michigan had 5 turnovers. Ohio State trounced UCLA, 48-10. The Buckeyes limited the Bruins to 8 first downs.

 

In the ACC, Wake Forest added to Bill Belichick’s woes. The Deacons downed the Tar Heels, 28-12. Wake Forest limited North Carolina to 56 yards rushing. And in the Big 12, Utah walloped Baylor, 55-28. Utah quarterback Byrd Ficklin ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The Utes racked up 563 total yards.

 

After you went to bed Saturday night, BYU crushed TCU, 44-13. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 296 yards and ran for 59 yards. Washington State beat Louisiana Tech, 28-3. Louisiana Tech was held to 11 first downs and only 167 total yards.

 

San Diego State downed Boise State, 17-7. What’s wrong with Boise State this year? And finally, Fresno State clipped Wyoming, 24-3. Wyoming was held to 9 first downs and 184 total yards.

 

Sources report that former Penn State coach James Franklin is in early talks with Virginia Tech, negotiating a deal for Franklin to become the next head coach of the Hokies.

 

The Top-5 teams in this week’s AP Poll are 1. Ohio State (10-0), 2. Indiana (11-0), 3. Texas A&M (10-0), 4. Georgia (9-1), and Ole Miss (10-1). Three Group of Five teams are in the AP Top 25: James Madison at 21^st, North Texas at 22^nd , and Tulane at 24^th.

 

Touchdown Tom

November 17, 2025

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Weekend Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: Bark Boys take down the Moo Boys – Georgia 35, Texas 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 24, Texas 23). This was a decent game for three quarters. Then Texas fell apart. In the fourth quarter, the Dawgs owned the Horns. Texas had no running game. The Horns only rushed for 23 yards. You can’t win ball games rushing for 23 yards. Georgia had an 11-minute edge in time of possession.  Turnovers weren’t an issue. Both teams each had one turnover. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton was 24-29-1, passing for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Texas quarterback Arch Manning was ineffective. Georgia coach Kirby Smart was gutsy – not once but twice. With a fourth-and-1 from its own 36 late in the third quarter, and leading 14-10, Smart kept his offense on the field. Stockton hit Chauncey Bownes for 10 yards to move the chains. Georgia marched down the field and scored. The Dawgs were up 21-10. Then on the ensuing kickoff, Georgia executed an onside kick to perfection. Attendance in Athens: 93,033

 

RUNNER-UP: The Tide gets tie-dyed in Sooner Red – Oklahoma 23, Alabama 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 24, Oklahoma 21). Alabama’s first and only lead came with 7:27 remaining in the third quarter. The Tide led 21-20. Oklahoma went back up 23-21 on a 24-yard field goal with 13:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. The rest of the quarter was a stalemate. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was 28-42-1, passing for 326 yards and one touchdown. Last week, LSU held Alabama to 20 points. This week OU held the Tide to 21 points. Alabama dominated the stats and had a 9-minute edge in time of possession. But the Tide had three turnovers. OU had none. Attendance in Tuscaloosa: 100,077

 

REST OF THE BEST: Panthers can’t wreck the Carr – Notre Dame 37, Pitt 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Pitt 25). Pitt was never in this game. Notre Dame led 21-3 at the half and gradually increased its lead in the second half. The Irish led 37-9 until Pitt scored the last touchdown at the end of the game. Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr passed for 212 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw two interceptions. Notre Dame had an 11-minute advantage in time of possession. Pitt only had 70 yards rushing. Attendance in Pittsburgh: 68,400

 

Trojans were singin’ in the rain – USC 26, Iowa 21 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 27, Iowa 23). Iowa led throughout the first half. The Hawkeyes built up a 21-7 lead in the second quarter. Iowa led at halftime, 21-10. After three quarters, USC cut Iowa’s lead to 2 points – 21-19. The Trojans scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter and held on to win. It rained throughout the game. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava was 23-32-1, passing for 254 yards and one touchdown. USC receiver Makai Lemon had 10 receptions for 153 yards. Attendance in Los Angeles: 65,216

 

Ducky in Eugene – Oregon 42, Minnesota 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Minnesota 20). Oregon led 28-6 at halftime and went into cruise control in the second half. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was 27-30-0, passing for 306 yards and two touchdowns. The Ducks led in first downs 27-13. Oregon’s defense restricted Minnesota to 62 yards rushing. Attendance in Eugene: 58,830

 

Cougars go gigging – BYU 44, TCU 13 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 28, TCU 24). BYU took command of the game early and led 27-10 at halftime. The Cougars outscored the Frogs 17-3 in the second half. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover had a terrible game – 10-for-23 passing. BYU dominated the stats and had a 13-minute advantage in time of possession. Attendance in Provo: 64,447

 

Wildcats over Bearcats – Arizona 30, Cincinnati 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 28, Arizona 27). This game stayed close throughout. Cincinnati led from midway through the second quarter to late in the third quarter. Arizona went up 20-14 at the 5:20 mark in the third. The Wildcats never trailed again. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was 23-31-0, passing for 294 yards and one touchdown. Arizona receiver Kris Hutson had 8 catches for 123 yards. Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby had a bad game, throwing two interceptions. Arizona had a 13-minute edge in time of possession. Attendance in Cincinnati: 37,099

 

This Wolf wasn’t big and bad – Miami 41, NC State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 34, NC State 24). Miami simply overwhelmed NC State, building up a 24-0 halftime lead and a 41-0 lead in the fourth quarter. NC State quarterback C.J. Bailey had a terrible game, throwing two interceptions. Miami quarterback Carson Beck was 21-27-0, passing for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Miami had more first downs (28-9), more total yards (581 to 143), more passing yards (367 to 120) and more rushing yards (214 to 23). Miami had a 13-minute advantage in time of possession. Attendance in Miami Gardens: 59,157

 

Sailors were sailing – Navy 41, South Florida 38 (Touchdown Tom said: South Florida 35, Navy 28). Navy scored a touchdown at the 9:53 mark in the first quarter and never trailed for the remainder of the game. South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown was 23-32-1, passing for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Brown also ran for 136 yards and two more touchdowns. USF receiver Jeremiah Koger had 9 catches for 112 yards. Navy quarterback Blake Horvath passed for 147 yards and one touchdown. Navy running back Alex Tecza ran for 126 yards and one touchdown. Navy backup quarterback Braxton Woodson ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The teams combined for 1,080 total yards. Navy had an 11-minute edge in time of possession. Attendance in Annapolis: 34,856

 

Pirates find the gold – East Carolina 31, Memphis 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Memphis 27, East Carolina 24). East Carolina led 7-0 in the first quarter. Memphis led 17-10 at halftime. As the fourth quarter began, the game was tied 24-24. Memphis kicked a field goal and went up 27-24. That was with 2:29 remaining in the game. With 1:08 left on the clock, East Carolina scored a touchdown to win. East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser was 23-34-0, passing for 332 yards and one touchdown. Houser ran for another touchdown. The teams combined for 911 total yards. ECU was the better passing team. Memphis was the stronger running team. The Pirates had an 11-minute edge in time of possession. Attendance in Greenville: 37,348

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

No moonshine in the desert—Arizona State 25, West Virginia 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 30, West Virginia 24). The Mountaineers fought hard and nearly won the game. WVU kicked a field goal and took an initial 3-0 first quarter lead. ASU went up 7-3 in the second quarter and never trailed again until the 6:37 mark in the fourth quarter when WVU went up 23-22. The Sun Devils won the game on a 49-yard field goal with 2:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. WVU quarterback Scotty Fox was 19-31-1, passing for 353 yards and two touchdowns. ASU quarterback Jeff Sims passed for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Sims also ran for 81 yards. WVU had 421 total yards. ASU had 330 total yards. Attendance in Tempe: 54,101

 

Will he, or won’t he? – Ole Miss 34, Florida 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Ole Miss 30, Florida 19). Ole Miss led 10-7 after the first quarter. Florida led 24-20 at halftime. Ole Miss went up 27-24  early in the fourth quarter and never trailed after that. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was 26-35-1, passing for 301 yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Ole Miss had 538 total yards and dominated the stats. The Magnolias had a 15-minute advantage in time of possession. Florida fans at the game wore t-shirts that said, “Just here to see our new coach.” Attendance in Oxford: 68,138

 

Dookies have no legs – Virginia 34, Duke 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 31, Virginia 30). Virginia took a 7-0 first quarter lead and never trailed the entire game. Late in the third quarter, the Cavaliers built up a 31-3 lead. Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris, who was in concussion protocol and cleared to play prior to the game, was 23-36-2, passing for 316 yards and two touchdowns. Virginia receiver Trell Harris had 8 catches for 161 yards. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah had an off game. Virginia dominated the stats, racking up 540 total yards. Duke only had 42 rushing yards. Virginia had an 11-minute advantage in time of possession. Attendance in Durham: 27,215

 

Huskies bury Barry – Washington 49, Purdue 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 30, Purdue 20). Just when you thought Purdue was getting better, the Boilers got worse. Early in the third quarter, Washington led 35-0. Washington quarterback Demond Williams was 16-19-0, passing for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Huskies receiver Decker DeGraaf had five catches for 91 yards. Washington dominated in all categories and had 506 total yards.  Attendance in Seattle: 67,229

 

Week 11 Results:   9 winners, 5 fumbles (64.3 percent)

For the Season:    114 winners, 53 fumbles (68.3 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Jackson State 28, Bethune-Cookman 13 – Attendance in Jackson: 23,348

Valparaiso 32, Stetson 31 – Attendance in Valparaiso: 1,356

Florida A&M 26, Alabama A&M 23 – Attendance in Huntsville: 14,677

 

Valdosta State 47, West Florida 44 (OT) – Attendance in Pensacola: 5,754

Texas Tech 48, UCF 9 – Attendance in Lubbock: 60,229

Tulane 35, Florida Atlantic 24 – Attendance in New Orleans: 30,000

 

Miami 41, NC State 7 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 59,157

FIU 34, Liberty 27 (OT) – Attendance in Miami: 14,167

Florida State 34, Virginia Tech 14 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 64,937

 

 

Superlatives

 

Impressive Passers:

 

Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed – 22-39-2 for 439 yards (3TDs); Akron’s Ben Finley – 32-59-1-424 (3TDs); Middle Tennessee’s Roman Gagliano – 25-42-0-389 (2TDs), and Georgia Tech’s Haynes King – 26-34-0-371 (1TD).

 

Also, Western Kentucky’s Rodney Tisdale – 29-41-1 for 371 yards (3TDs); Boston College’s Dylan Lonergan – 26-40-0-362 (2TDs); West Virginia’s Scotty Fox – 19-31-1-353 (2TDs), and Delaware’s Nick Minicucci – 24-36-1-338 (1TD).

 

Impressive Rushers:

 

Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy – 300 yards (3TDs); Georgia Southern’s O.J. Arnold – 267 yards (2TDs); Ole Miss’s Kewan Lacy – 224 yards (3TDs); North Texas’ Caleb Hawkins – 189 yards (5TDs); Penn State’s Kaytron Allen – 181 yards (2TDs), and Utah’s Byrd Ficklin – 166 yards (2TDs).

 

Also, Tulsa’s Dominic Richardson – 166 yards (1TD); UConn’s Cam Edwards – 165 yards (2TDs); UAB’s Jevon Jackson – 159 yards; Georgia State’s Jordan Simmons – 154 yards (1TD); San Diego State’s Lucky Sutton – 150 yards, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love – 147 yards (1TD).

 

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“Kalen DeBoer is not going to take Alabama to where it wants to go,” CBS Sports writer Will Backus.

 

“This was one of the best college football weekends of the season because the college football itself was just so damn good,” ESPN writer Bill Connelly.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

P.S.

 

Not exactly college football related, but as the regular season was coming to an end and Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pies were almost in the oven, the number one song in the country…

 

…85 years ago, this week in 1940, was “Only Forever” by Bing Crosby

 

…80 years ago, this week in 1945, was “Till The End Of Time” by Perry Como, and “Chickery Chick” by Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye

 

…75 years ago, this week in 1950, was “Harbor Lights” by Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye

 

…70 years ago, this week in 1955, was “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams, and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” by The Four Aces

 

…65 years ago, this week in 1960, was “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles, and “Stay” by Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs

 

…60 years ago, this week in 1965, was “Get Off Of My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones, and “I Hear A Symphony” by The Supremes

 

…55 years ago, this week in 1970, was “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family

 

…50 years ago, this week in 1975, was “Island Girl” by Elton John, and “That’s The Way (I Like It)” by K.C. and The Sunshine Band

 

…45 years ago, this week in 1980, was “Lady” by Kenny Rogers

 

…40 years ago, this week in 1985, was “We Built This City” by Starship

 

…35 years ago, this week in 1990, was “Love Takes Time” by Mariah Carey

CFW Week 12 Forecast - Horns-Dawgs, Sooners-Tide, Irish-Panthers

 CFW Week 12 Forecast – Horns-Dawgs, Sooners-Tide, Irish-Panthers

College football down to its final quarter

 

Only three weeks of regular season games remain to be played in the 2025 college football season. It’s just about all over but the shouting. The shouting being the conference championship games, the bowl games and the college football playoff games. But let’s enjoy the final three weeks while we can.

 

Each of the Power Four conferences, along with the Group of Five’s American Conference have a pair of games in the Top-10 Games of the Week this week. The outcome of all 10 of the games has a direct impact on conference championship games and a spot in the CFP.

 

The SEC has this week’s top-2 games, beginning with Texas (7-2) at Georgia (8-1). From an SEC perspective, neither team can afford to lose this game. Both have one loss in conference play, but Georgia has an advantage. The Dawgs are 6-1 in conference play, while the Longhorns are 4-1. After this week, Georgia’s final two games are non-conference affairs. After this week, Texas still has to play Arkansas and Texas A&M. I’d say Texas needs the win more than Georgia, especially from a CFP perspective.

 

The other top-2 game in the SEC is Oklahoma (7-2) at Alabama (8-1). From an SEC perspective, Alabama holds the advantage. The Crimson Tide are 6-0 in conference action, while the Sooners are 3-2. If Alabama loses, the Tide could still make it to the SEC title game. If Oklahoma loses, its curtains for the Sooners. I’d say Oklahoma needs the win more than Alabama, especially from a CFP perspective.

 

Heading up the best pair of games in the ACC is Notre Dame (7-2) at Pitt (7-2). Notre Dame is not in the ACC in football. The Irish are just a partner. Pitt is in the ACC. So, a loss to Notre Dame won’t hurt the Panthers’ chances of making the ACC title game. Pitt, 5-1 in ACC play, is currently tied with three other teams at the top of the ACC. However, should Notre Dame lose, the Irish can say goodbye to the CFP. I’d say Notre Dame needs the win more than Pitt.

 

Also, in the ACC, is an interesting and intriguing clash in Hard Rock Stadium – NC State (5-4) at Miami (7-2). NC State will be playing for pride. The Wolfpack are 2-3 in conference play. But the Wolfpack pride is strong. NC State knocked off undefeated Georgia Tech two weeks ago. And the Wolfpack had last week off to prepare for the Canes. Miami will be competing for a spot in the ACC title game and a spot in the CFP. I’d say Miami needs the win more than NC State. (I originally had Virginia at Duke in this spot. That was until last week when Virginia lost to Wake Forest and Duke lost to Connecticut.)

 

The best of the two games in the Big Ten is Iowa (6-3) at USC (7-2). Iowa suffered a tough loss last week – about as tough as you can suffer – 18-16 to Oregon. And on a closing-seconds field goal at that. Iowa is 4-2 in Big Ten play and 21^st in the CFP rankings. USC is 5-1 in Big Ten play and 17^th in the CFP rankings. Win or lose, I don’t think Iowa has much of a chance of playing in the Big Ten title game or making the CFP. Win and USC has a chance of playing in the Big Ten title game and making the CFP. I’d say USC needs the win more than Iowa.

 

The other top Big Ten affair is Minnesota (6-3) at Oregon (8-1). Like NC State, Minnesota will be playing for pride. The Gophers have very little hope of making the Big Ten title game, much less, the CFP. But they can still make a stand. Oregon probably won’t make the Big Ten title game. But the Ducks are in an excellent position to play in the CFP. However, a loss could hurt Oregon – especially when they still have to play USC and Washington. I’d say Oregon needs the win more than Minnesota.

 

The Big 12 has a couple of biggies. Best of the duo of games is TCU (6-3) at BYU (8-1). TCU is another of those teams, playing for pride. But the Horned Frogs can be dangerous. BYU, on the other hand, is 12^th in the CFP rankings. And the Cougars just have one loss in Big 12 play. Only two other Big 12 teams have one loss in conference play – Texas Tech (6-1) and Cincinnati (5-1). BYU could be headed for a rematch against Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game. Regardless, the Cougars need the win to remain in CFP contention. I’d say BYU needs the win more than TCU.

 

The second top game in the Big 12 is Arizona (6-3) at Cincinnati (7-2). Arizona is playing for pride. But the Wildcats are a tough football team. Two of their three losses were by a total of 9 points – 3-point loss to Houston and a 6-point loss to BYU. However, Arizona has no chance of playing in the Big 12 title game and no chance of making the CFP. Cincinnati, on the other hand, has a chance of making both – the Big 12 title game and the CFP. But they’ll need to win the Big 12 title game to make the CFP. Currently the Bearcats are 25^th in the CFP rankings. I’d say Cincinnati needs the win more than Arizona.

 

The final set of top games are from the American Conference. Both have impact on a Group of Five spot in the CFP. The first top AC encounter is South Florida (7-2) at Navy (7-2). Navy is 5-1 in AC play and South Florida is 4-1 in conference action. Both teams are still contenders for the AC title game. Both are contenders for the highest-ranked Group of Five spot in the CFP. South Florida currently holds that spot at 24^th in the CFP rankings. I’d say no one team needs to win this game more than the other. It’s equally important to both.

 

And finally, in the AC, we have Memphis (8-2) at East Carolina (6-3). East Carolina, along with four other AC teams has just one loss in conference play. Memphis has two losses, but a better overall record at 8-2. Last week, Memphis was the top contender for the Group of Five CFP spot. But over the weekend, the Tigers lost to Tulane. They lost that spot to South Florida – a team Memphis beat earlier in the season. If Memphis can win out, the Tigers should be back in the saddle again. Lose and it’s curtains. East Carolina’s chances of making the CFP are slim – very slim. I’d say Memphis needs the win more than East Carolina.

 

I am curious and interested in the outcome of six other games this week. They are Virginia (8-2) at Duke (5-4). Both teams are still in the running in the ACC. Both teams collapsed last week. Which one will rebound this week?....North Carolina (4-5) at Wake Forest (6-3). All of a sudden Bill Belihick is winning ball games. Wake Forest has mostly been winning too. Who will win this game?....Penn State (3-6) at Michigan State (3-6). All right, something has to give. Both teams are winless in Big Ten play. One won’t be after Saturday.

 

Utah (7-2) at Baylor (5-4). Utah has CFP aspirations. Baylor can be tricky. Will Utah still be a CFP contender after Saturday?....Tennessee Tech (10-0) at Kentucky (4-5). An FCS team, Tennessee Tech is ranked 6^th in the FCS Coaches Poll. How good are the Golden Eagles? Can they give Kentucky a run for its money?....Boise State (6-3) at San Diego State (7-2). Two decent MWC teams. Boise State has been a disappointment. San Diego State has been better than expected. Both teams have been up-and-down. Which one will be up this week?

 

 

College football Week 12 began Tuesday night with two MAC games. The first of the two was a wild one. Kent State outlasted Akron, 42-35 (OT). For two and a half quarters, the lead in the game went back-and-forth, changing hands five times. Then in the third and fourth quarters, Kent State scored 21 unanswered points to take a 35-17 lead. Not to be out done, Akron scored 18 unanswered in the final 11 minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35-35. In overtime, Kent State scored and Akron didn’t.

 

But how in the heck did Akron lose the game? The Zips had more first downs (33-13), more total yards (530-374), more passing yards (424-317), more rushing yards (106-57) and a 17-minute advantage in time of possession. Also, Akron’s Ben Finley passed for 424 yards and 3 touchdowns. Akron running back Jordan Gant ran for 96 yards and one touchdown. Akron receiver Marcel Williams had 14 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Akron did have two turnovers, but Kent State had one turnover. Yes, how in the heck did Akron lose?

 

In the other game Tuesday night, Western Michigan won a tightly contested game against Ohio, 17-13. The lead in this game changed hands four times. Ohio led 7-3 at halftime. WMU led 10-7 at the end of three quarters.

 

College football Week 12 continued Wednesday night with three games – all in the MAC. Northern Illinois crushed Massachusetts, 45-3. At 0-10, UMass is the only winless team in FBS college football.

 

Toledo downed Miami (Ohio), 24-3, in a game marred by errors. There were six turnovers – three by each team. And finally, Central Michigan beat Buffalo, 38-19. Buffalo dominated the statistics, but the Bulls also dominated the turnovers with 5.

 

Florida State coach Mike Norvell said earlier this week that FSU was going to win a title in the near future. However, Norvell did not indicate how near in the future – two years, three years, four years? Nor did he indicate which title – ACC or National?

 

Based on this week’s CFP rankings, the 12 teams in the playoff would be 1. Ohio State (9-0), 2. Indiana (10-0), 3. Texas A&M (9-0), 4. Alabama (8-1), 5. Georgia (8-1), 6. Texas Tech (9-1), 7. Ole Miss (9-1), 8. Oregon (8-1), 9. Notre Dame (7-2), 10. Texas (7-2), 11. Miami (7-2) and 12. South Florida (7-2). Oklahoma (7-2) and BYU (8-1) finished 11^th and 12^th in the rankings, respectively. However, as things currently stand, the Sooners and the Cougars would be replaced in the playoff by 15^th Miami (highest-ranked ACC team) and 24^th South Florida (highest-ranked Group-of-Five team).

 

Obviously, with the Texas-Georgia, Oklahoma-Alabama. Notre Dame-Pitt and Iowa-USC games this week, along with other potential upsets, the rankings will go through a shakeup next week. Stay tuned!

 

In this week’s FCS Coaches Poll, the Top-5 teams are 1. North Dakota State (10-0), 2. Montana (10-0), 3. Montana State (8-2), 4. Lehigh (10-0) and 5. Tarleton State (9-1). Harvard (8-0) is 13^th and Lafayette (7-3) is 25^th. Lehigh, Harvard and Lafayette are non-athletic scholarship FCS programs.

 

West Florida (9-0) is 3^rd in the Division II Coaches Poll.

 

This weekend, ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the Notre Dame-Pitt game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will be at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, for the Michigan-Northwestern game. SEC Network’s SEC Nation will be in Athens, Georgia, for the Texas-Georgia game. The ACC Network’s ACC Huddle will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the Notre Dame-Pitt game.

 

Former basketball player and basketball coach Lenny Wilkens died on November 9. Wilkens played college basketball (point guard) for Providence from 1957 to 1960. He then played (point guard) for four teams in the NBA for 16 years (1960-1975), mostly with the St. Louis Hawks  (1960-1968). He coached six NBA teams for 37 years from 1969 to 2005. He is considered to be one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history. He won the NBA championship in 1979, coaching the Seattle Supersonics. He was the NBA Coach of the Year in 1984. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Leonard Randolph Wilkens was 88.

 

Touchdown Tom

November 13, 2025

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

Week Twelve’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #10 Texas (7-2) at #5 Georgia (8-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Both teams come into the game on winning streaks. Texas is riding a four-game winning streak. Georgia has a five-game winning streak going. Obviously, one of the streaks will come to an end. Texas’ two losses have been on the road – Ohio State and Florida. The Longhorns could use a big road win. It won’t be easy in Athens. Both teams are averaging around 31-32 points a game. Both are giving up around 18 points a game. Texas quarterback Arch Manning has passed for 2,123 yards (18 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). Lately, his play has been adequate. But he needs a big game against a big team. This is his opportunity. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has passed for 2,040 yards (15 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). Last year, Georgia beat Texas twice. Once during the season, 30-15, and in the SEC title game, 22-19 (OT). Make it three in a row for Uga – Georgia 24, Texas 23.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. #11 Oklahoma (7-2) at #4 Alabama (8-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Both teams need to win, but Oklahoma needs the win more than Alabama. An OU loss would remove the Sooners from SEC title hopes and possibly from the CFP. Alabama is undefeated in SEC play. OU’s two losses are both against SEC competition – Texas and Ole Miss. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has passed for 1,949 yards (8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions). Both teams are averaging around 31 points a game. Both are giving up around 15-16 points a game. Alabama enters the game on an 8-game winning streak. Tide quarterback Ty Simpson has passed for 2,461 yards (21 touchdowns, 1 interception). Simpson has been an accurate quarterback, and he is a Heisman Trophy contender. Bama has won 17-straight games at home. Make it 18 – Alabama 24, Oklahoma 21.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. #9 Notre Dame (7-2) at #22 Pitt (7-2) – (Ind vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Notre Dame enters on a 7-game winning streak. Pitt is riding a 5-game winning streak. Notre Dame can’t afford another loss. That would eliminate the Irish from the CFP. Pitt could lose and still get in the CFP, being the ACC champion. Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr has passed for 2,275 yards (19 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). Irish running back Jeremiyah Love has rushed for 988 yards (13 touchdowns). Pitt switched quarterbacks a few games ago. The Panthers new QB is Mason Heintschel. He has performed well. Both teams are averaging 39-40 points a game. Both are giving up around 20-21 points a game. The combination of Carr and Love is too much for the Panthers – Notre Dame 30, Pitt 25.

 

4. #21 Iowa (6-3) at #17 USC (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Both teams are in contention for the CFP, but USC is in the better position of the two. Iowa’s chances are slim. Surprisingly, Iowa is averaging 30 points a game. Not surprising, Iowa is holding opponents to 14 points a game. On offense, Iowa is averaging 133 passing yards a game and 176 rushing yards a game. Not necessarily impressive numbers but the Hawkeyes get the job done. Iowa quarterback Mark Gronwski doesn’t have impressive numbers, but he’s a sleeper. Conversely, USC generally puts up big numbers. The Trojans are averaging 40 points a game and holding opponents to 22 points a game. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has passed for 2,614 yards (17 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). Were the game played in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes would win. But the game is in Los Angeles, in the Coliseum. Tommy wins – USC 27, Iowa 23.

 

5. Minnesota (6-3) at #8 Oregon (8-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 9 pm ET, Friday, FOX – Minnesota is at the point where the Gophers are playing for a decent bowl game. There is little to no hope for the CFP. That still says the Gophers can be dangerous. However, Minnesota only averages 24 points a game, while giving up 22 points a game. Quarterback Drake Lindsey is okay but not spectacular. He’s only thrown 10 touchdown passes, with 6 interceptions. With games coming up against USC and at Washington, Oregon can’t afford to lose this one. Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has passed for 1,884 yards (19 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). Oregon averages 39 points a game, giving up 14 points a game. Last week, the Ducks escaped Iowa by 2 points, with a closing-seconds, 39-yard field goal. The Ducks could be a bit beat up and worn out from that encounter. Ducks do the quacking in this one – Oregon 33, Minnesota 20.

 

6. TCU (6-3) at #12 BYU (8-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 10:15 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN –  TCU is like Minnesota. The Horned Frogs are playing for fun and a good bowl game. BYU, on the other hand, stands a good chance to make the CFP. The Cougars just have to keep winning. TCU’s threat is quarterback Josh Hoover. He has passed for 2,690 yards (23 touchdowns, 8 interceptions). Both teams average 33 points a game on offense. The difference is on defense. TCU gives up 25 points a game. BYU holds opponents to 18 points a game. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has passed for 1,181 yards (12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). BYU lost its first game last week. The Cougars don’t lose this week – BYU 28, TCU 24.

  

7. Arizona (6-3) at #25 Cincinnati (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – Arizona and Cincinnati are both surprise teams this season. Both playing better than expected. Cincinnati only has one loss in Big 12 play. Arizona’s fortune has been driven by quarterback Noah Fifita. He has passed for 2,200 yards (23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). Both Arizona and Cincinnati are averaging about 34-35 points a game. They are similar on defense too – giving up around 21 points a game. Cincinnati’s success is attributed to quarterback Brendan Sorsby. He has passed for 2,064 yards (21 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). Sorsby has been an accurate quarterback. Last week, Arizona should have lost to Kansas. But the Wildcats won. This week, Arizona should lose to Cincinnati, and the Wildcats will lose – Cincinnati 28, Arizona 27.

 

8. NC State (5-4) at #15 Miami (7-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – This could be a tough one for the Canes. NC State knocked off Georgia Tech a couple weeks ago. The Wolfpack have an offense. NC State’s problem is no defense. The Wolfpack are averaging 33 points a game, while giving up 31 points a game. The offense can attribute its success to quarterback C.J. Bailey. He has passed for 2,411 yards (19 touchdowns, 7 interceptions). Like NC State, Miami averages 33 points a game. The difference between the two teams is defense. Miami holds opponents to 15 points a game. Quarterback Carson Beck leads the offense. Beck has passed for 2,194 yards (15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions). Lately, Beck has thrown several interceptions. A loss will blow Miami’s chances for the CFP. A win and the Canes are in good shape. Canes grow to a Cat-5 – Miami 34, NC State 24.

 

9. #24 South Florida (7-2) at Navy (7-2) – (AC vs. AC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Right now, South Florida is in the CFP as the highest-ranked Group of Five team. Navy could change that. It all depends on the availability of Navy quarterback Blake Horvath. Horvath didn’t play last week due to an upper body injury. If he returns this week, Navy will make a game of it. If he doesn’t, South Florida will blow out Navy. Horvath is that good, mostly running. But for a Navy quarterback, he is a decent passer. South Florida is led by quarterback Byrum Brown for both passing and running. Brown has passed for 2,203 yards (19 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). He has rushed for 705 yards (9 touchdowns). South Florida averages 42 points a game on offense. Navy is about 10 points behind that. Both teams hold opponents to around 25-26 points a game. Navy springs a leak – South Florida 35, Navy 28.

 

10. Memphis (8-2) at East Carolina (6-3) – (AC vs. AC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Memphis actually still has a shot of being the highest-ranked Group of Five team. But the Tigers can’t afford anymore slip ups. East Carolina is capable of causing Memphis to slip up. And the game is at East Carolina. Memphis will depend on the play of quarterback Brendan Lewis. He has passed for 2,186 yards (12 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). Memphis and East Carolina are averaging 35-36 points a game. They are holding opponents to 19 points a game. Both teams can score. Both can be careless on defense. The Pirates have a really good quarterback in Katin Houser. Houser has passed for 2,469 yards (14 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). This one could go either way. It goes the way of the Tigers – Memphis 27, East Carolina 24.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

West Virginia (4-6) at Arizona State (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, TNT – West Virginia has actually won two-straight games. The offense has started moving. The defense is still shaky. The Mounties are averaging 24 points a game, giving up 30 points a game. But the quarterback play has been improving with the emergence of Scotty Fox. Quarterback play has changed for Arizona State. Sam Leavitt is injured and will not play again this week. That may not be a bad thing. Two weeks ago, backup quarterback Jeff Sims ran for 228 yards. That could be scary for WVU. Last week, ASU was off, giving Sims more time to get adjusted to his newly starting role. Scotty doesn’t out Fox the Sun Devils – Arizona State 30, West Virginia 24.

 

Florida (3-6) at #7 Ole Miss (9-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Last year, Florida pulled a big-time and unexpected upset of Ole Miss – 24-17. Don’t look for that to happen this year. Florida is pathetic. Gator quarterback D.J. Lagway has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. The Gators are only averaging 20 points a game, giving up 22 points a game. Ole Miss is on a roll and apparently heading for the CFP. They are averaging 38 points a game. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has passed for 2,356 yards (13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). Running back Kewan Lacy has run for 912 yards (16 touchdowns). After being benched last week, Lagway strangely is the designated starting quarterback for the Gators. That’s how bad things are for Florida. Interestingly, Florida could be losing this game to its future coach – Lane Kiffin. No swamps in Oxford – Ole Miss 30, Florida 19.

 

#19 Virginia (8-2) at Duke (5-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Last week, Virginia lost its quarterback Chandler Morris and thus Virginia lost its game to Wake Forest. Morris is not expected to be back this week. That’s an advantage for Duke. Virginia is averaging 34 points a game but only got 9 points last week without quarterback Morris. The Dookies can score, averaging 35 points a game. But the Dookies’ opponents can score too, averaging 29 points a game. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has passed for 2,794 yards (24 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). Something tells me this is going to be a wild one. The Dookies are wilder – Duke 31, Virginia 30.

 

Purdue (2-8) at Washington (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Purdue has now lost 8-straight games. It doesn’t look good for the Boilers this week. Purdue is only averaging 21 points a game, while giving up 28 points a game. Quarterback Ryan Browne has passed for 1,898 yards, with barely more touchdowns than interceptions – 9 to 8. The Boilers could be catching Washington at the wrong time. After getting upset by Wisconsin last week, the Huskies will be angry. Quarterback Demond Williams has passed for 2,251 yards (15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). The Huskies are averaging 33 points a game. Make it a 9-game losing streak for the Boilers – Washington 30, Purdue 20.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Bethune-Cookman (5-5) at Jackson State (7-2) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Stetson (3-7) at Valparaiso (1-9) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Florida A&M (4-5) at Alabama A&M (4-6) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

Valdosta State (5-4) at West Florida (9-0) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

 

UCF (4-5) at #6 Texas Tech (9-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX….

Florida Atlantic (4-6) at Tulane (7-2) – (AC vs. AC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Liberty (4-5) at FIU (4-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 5 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Virginia Tech (3-6) at Florida State (4-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“Florida State isn’t a football team right now. It’s a collection of lost souls wearing the same jersey. There’s no identity, no discipline, no leadership. It’s not just bad football, it’s embarrassing. They’ve got nothing left in the tank,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.

 

“Dabo Swinney could leave Clemson for an SEC program. Arkansas,” college football insider Steven Godfrey.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com