CFW Week 3 Forecast - Florida-Auburn, Miss State-South Carolina

 CFW Week 3 Forecast – Florida-Auburn, Miss State-South Carolina

Oxford, Mississippi, is ground zero

 

Last week, all eyes were on Austin, Texas. This week we move east where the focal point is Oxford, Mississippi. Last week in Austin, it was primarily a football game. This week in Oxford it is more than a football game. It is an event – a big event.

 

The football game is #9 LSU taking on #8 Ole Miss in Oxford. The event is the return of former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. After coaching the Magnolias for six years, Kiffin left Ole Miss at the end of last season to become the head coach at LSU.

 

Last year, Kiffin coached Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff, but left the team before the Playoff started. Kiffin’s departure left Ole Miss fans angry. They felt jilted. Pete Golding, Kiffin’s defensive coordinator at Ole Miss was named the Magnolias’ coach. Kiffin and Golding will be going head to head Saturday in the LSU-Ole Miss game. Not only is Kiffin returning, but also four former Ole Miss players who now play for LSU are returning as well. And to make matters worse, Ole Miss has filed a $550,000 lawsuit against one of the four players – defensive end Princewill Umanmielen.

 

Word is, people will be pouring into Oxford without a ticket to the game. They just want to be there. They want to be in the atmosphere. They want to be part of the event. Already Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has pleaded with Ole Miss fans to be nice. Landry said, “We might need the National Guard out there to protect our team.”

 

The Oxford police department is bringing in support. Mounted police patrols from Mobile, Alabama,  and New Orleans will be on hand to assist the Oxford police. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt said Kiffin incorporated World War II footage into team meetings as part of the preparation for Ole Miss. According to Leavitt, Kiffin’s message has been, “We’re walking into a war zone, so be ready for anything.” With a 7:30 pm ET kickoff, the fans have all day to build up their emotions. I’m thinking most people will behave.

 

Needless to say, LSU-Ole Miss is the Game of the Week. Let the fun begin!

 

LSU-Ole Miss is the big one, but there are two other key SEC encounters this week. Two encounters that will give us an early indication of just where things stand in the SEC. These two games are Florida at Auburn and Mississippi State at South Carolina. All four teams are undefeated. Obviously, only two of them will be after Saturday.

 

Florida at Auburn matches two first-year coaches who are trying to get their programs rebuilt. Mississippi State at South Carolina will let us know which one of these teams is for real.

 

There are two other SEC games landing in the Top 10 games of the week. Not so much because of who will win, but more a case of how the winner will play, facing its first SEC competition of the season. These two games are Kentucky at Texas A&M and Georgia at Arkansas.

 

Kentucky had an opportunity last week but blew it in the second half. After this week, the Wildcats will likely be 0-2 in SEC play. Georgia is 2-0 against two powder puffs. Arkansas is not good, but the Razorbacks aren’t a powder puff. And Arkansas is the home team.

 

The Big 12 has a good intraconference encounter this week – Houston at Texas Tech. This is a good ole intrastate affair. The ACC has a top-notch game between two of its members – SMU at Louisville. This one could be high scoring.

 

Speaking of the ACC, two teams are involved in interconference affairs – Florida State at Alabama and Virginia vs. West Virginia. After what FSU did to Alabama last year, you have to believe the Crimson Tide will be out for revenge – big time. No mercy! Neighbors Virginia and West Virginia get together down in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

And finally, another Big Ten team gets a shot at the Irish. That’s a shot at the Irish, not a shot of Irish. Wisconsin had its chance and failed. Now it is Michigan State’s turn. Michigan State may need a few shots of Irish Whiskey after Notre Dame is finished with them – Michigan State at Notre Dame.

 

Almost making my Top 10 games this week, and probably it should have, is Virginia Tech at Maryland. Both teams are undefeated. This is James Franklin’s first real test with the Hokies.

 

Also keep an eye on Colorado at Northwestern, NC State at Vanderbilt, North Carolina at Clemson and Miami at Wake Forest.

 

The Ivy League teams begin their seasons this weekend. Most of the Ivy League schools helped get this whole thing called football established back in the 1870s. Princeton played in the very first college football game in 1869. So, every year I salute the Ivy League on their opening weekend.

 

Only one Ivy Leaguer is hone this weekend. The other seven teams are on the road. Columbia hosts Lafayette. “Roar Lions, Roar!” Brown is at New Haven; Dartmouth visits Lehigh; Princeton travels to Bryant; Harvard is at New Hampshire; Cornell travels to Colgate; Yale visits Holy Cross, and Penn is at Bucknell.

 

As late as the early 1950s, non-conference teams like Army, California, Michigan, Navy, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia and Wisconsin were on the schedules of the Ivy League teams. Up until 1940, the Ivy League (Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Yale) won or shared most of the national championships.

 

We began the season in Dublin, Ireland. Saturday, Kansas and Arizona State meet at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The game will be televised on FS1 at 12:00 noon ET (5 pm London time). It’s the inaugural Union Jack Classic.

 

The bloodbath has begun in Tallahassee. Florida State announced Monday morning that athletic director Michael Alford had been fired. Who’s next?

 

The Saturday morning pregame shows this weekend: ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Oxford, Mississippi, for the LSU-Ole Miss game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will be at the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London, England, for the Kansas-Arizona State game. SECN’s SEC Nation will be in Auburn, Alabama, for the Florida-Auburn game. ACCN’s ACC Huddle will be in Clemson, South Carolina, for the North Carolina-Clemson game.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 17, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #7 LSU (2-0) at #8 Ole Miss (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Will Oxford, Mississippi, survive this weekend? Not only survive the game between two Top-10 teams but also survive the return of Lane Kiffin. It’s going to be wild – the likes we may have never seen before. You have to believe there will be as many people without tickets traveling to  Oxford as there will be people inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. They want to be there for the atmosphere. And some atmosphere it should be. Kiffin says the pressure is on Ole Miss. He’s probably right. I’m thinking with Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss has the better offense. But I’m thinking LSU has the better defense. Ole Miss had no defense against Louisville. Let the party begin – LSU 27, Ole Miss 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. #22 Houston (2-0) at #13 Texas Tech (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – Which of these two teams are for real. Texas Tech is higher ranked, but the Red Raiders have been a little shaky. Houston is supposed to be good, but the Cougars will have to convince us. Interestingly, both teams have played Oregon State. At home, Houston beat Oregon State, 33-20. Houston couldn’t quite shake the Beavers, but the Cougars were always in control. On the road, Texas Tech beat Oregon State, 35-24. Midway through the 4^th quarter, Oregon State led Texas Tech, 24-21. Houston had better stats against the Beavers than did Texas Tech. Throw the stats out the window – Texas Tech 31, Houston 27.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. #16 SMU (2-0) at #23 Louisville (1-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – SMU had a close win over Florida State two weeks ago. Louisville had a close loss to Ole Miss two weeks ago. Whoever wins this game, it’s going to be close. I was really impressed with Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz in the Ole Miss game. Louisville lost but Kienholz was a winner. Th Cardinals also have top-rated running back Isaac Brown. SMU has a hot quarterback too – Kevin Jennings. Neither team has an outstanding defense. But the defenses aren’t bad. This is a tough road assignment for the Mustangs and Louisville takes advantage. Mustangs don’t make the Derby – Louisville 30, SMU 24.

 

4. #27 Florida (2-0) at Auburn (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Florida and Auburn have had some great games in the past. This should be another good one. Both teams are playing under first-year coaches. Auburn wanted Florida’s coach – Jon Sumrall. The Tigers lost out to the Gators. Auburn then got their next choice – Alex Golesh. Golesh was a good catch. Florida quarterback Aaron Philo has been playing good. Likewise Byrum Brown has been playing well for the Tigers. Forida’s ace in the hole is running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh turned faces last year. He’s doing the same this year. The Tigers lose out to the Gators again – Florida 28, Auburn 21.

 

5. #32 Mississippi State (2-0) at #33 South Carolina (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 4:15 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – This is the third of three top-notch matches in the SEC. Miss State has come on strong, especially under fledgling quarterback Kamario Taylor. Taylor has been impressive – very impressive. Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby has the offense rolling at State. South Carolina is still a bit of a mystery. The talent is there. The competition has been weak. It won’t be weak on Saturday. The Gamecocks are under veteran quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Let the battle begin. The Gamecocks won’t be a mystery after Saturday – South Carolina 30, Mississippi State 21.

 

6. #25 Virginia (2-0) vs. West Virginia (2-0) – (ACC vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – These two neighbors are traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to get together. One will have a happy ride hoe, The other one won’t. Both are undefeated. WVU hasn’t truly been tested. Virginia has aced one test already. That was the Cavs 34-8 win over NC State. That was an impressive win. WVU’s offense has looked good under quarterback Michael Hawkins and running back Cam Cook. It’s the Mounties’ defense that has question marks – lots of them. Virginia, under quarterback Beau Pribula, could have a heyday. Both quarterbacks are dangerous runners. So, the Virginia’s have to go to the Carolina’s to play football. The Cavs are happy with that – Virginia 30, West Virginia 23.

 

7. Michigan State (2-0) at #3 Notre Dame (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Ind) 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Michigan State is desperately seeking a good season. The Spartans are off to a good start. The competition hasn’t been the strongest. State is also under a first-year coach – Pat Fitzgerald. Notre Dame has the expertise. Quarterback C.J. Carr is one of the best – if not the best. The Irish defense is outstanding. ND already has a win over one Big Ten team. That was a 41-13 thrashing of Wisconsin. Michigan State may or may not be better than Wisconsin. But the Irish are better than both – Notre Dame 34, Michigan State 16.

 

8. Florida State (1-1) at #10 Alabama (2-0) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – We all remember what happened last year in Tallahassee. Alabama was heavily favored. The Tide were also heavily unprepared. The Noles ruled – 31-17. What a surprise that game was. Even the Noles were surprised. There won’t be any surprises this year. I have a feeling Bama has had this game marked for a year. FSU is inconsistent on offense and confused on defense. The Noles have a threat on offense in wide receiver Duce Robinson. But they have to make use of that theat. Alabama has lots of threats – offense and defense. On offense, it begins with quarterback Keelon Russell. He has been good so far. Last week, the Bama defense was a little unsettled in the first half against Kentucky. They got their act together in the second half. Florida State likely is studying that first half film. Revenge in Tuscaloosa –    Alabama 40, Florida State 17.

 

9. Kentucky (1-1) at #9 Texas A&M (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN –  Last week, Kentucky had a good first half, a bad second half. Last week, Texas A&M had a tough three quarters. The Aggies came to life in the fourth quarter. Kentucky coach Will Stein will probably have the Wildcats fired up again this week. He seems to be good at doing that. But Kentucky is on the road this week and Texas A&M is as good as Alabama – maybe better. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed is sharp and quick. And he has good receivers. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey is good but still learning the ropes. The Aggies give the Wildcats a whippin’ – Texas A&M 40, Kentucky 21.

  

10. #2 Georgia (2-0) at Arkansas (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Welcome to Power Four football, Georgia. Not that Arkansas is a Power Four powerhouse. But the Razorbacks aren’t powder puffs. That’s who the Dawgs have been playing the first two weeks – powder puffs. Arkansas may be, and probably is, the worst team in the SEC. But worst teams can and do improve. After the Razorbacks’ loss to Utah last week, first-year coach Ryan Silverfield has been riddled with criticism. Maybe that will fire up the Razorbacks. Maybe it will, but not enough to beat the Dawgs – Georgia 42, Arkansas 16.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMOPING GROUNDS:

 

Stanford (1-1) at Duke (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, CWN – Two of America’s best educational institutions get together on the football field. It may noy be a good game, but at least it should be a smart game. Stanford is in the process of rebuilding its program. The teams is led by former Stanford quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Tavita Pritchard. Luck is the general manager, and Pritchard is the first-year coach. The Trees’ offense looked good in its opener against Hawaii. But, along with the defense, looked bad against Miami. Everybody looks bad against Miami. Stanford should be a much better team towards the end of the season. Duke is off to a good start. Head coach Manny Diaz continues to do a good job with the program. Diaz has the Dookies competitive again this year. Quarterback Walker Eget and running back Nate Sheppard make the offense competitive. The Dookies trim the Trees – Duke 31, Stanford 28.

 

#6 (FCS) North Dakota (3-0) at Nebraska (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. ) – 7:15 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – North Dakota is just an FCS team. But don’t be surprised if the Huskers find North Dakota tougher to handle than its first two opponents Ohio and Bowling Green. North Dakota is ranked 6^th in this week’s FCS Coaches Poll. The Fighting Hawks have no chance of beating Nebraska, but they could be a problem. North Dakota is averaging 50 points a game. However, their defense is giving up 23 points per game. The Huskers should have no problem scoring on the Fighting Hawks. But the Nebraska defense will be challenged by the North Dakota offense. Huskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea is improving, and Nebraska appears to have a slew of good running backs. Fighting Hawks go down to Fighting Herbie – Nebraska 42, North Dakota 20.

 

UTSA (2-0) at #1 Texas (2-0) – (AC vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Texas may have a letdown following that big win over Ohio State. But even with a letdown, the Longhorns should have no trouble beating UTSA. That said, UTSA is a good team and is capable of causing problems. The Roadrunners are led by quarterback Owen McCown. Texas, of course, is full of talent. Bevo takes the beep out of Beep Beep – Texas 33, UTSA 17.

 

Purdue (1-1) at #35 UCLA (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 11 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – It’s going to be another long season for the Boilermakers. They had their chance last week against Wake Forest and couldn’t take advantage of it. The remainder of the schedule consists of Notre Dame and Big Ten Conference games. It doesn’t look hopeful for the Boilers. Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne has been looking good, but he has no support. Meanwhile, first-year coach Bob Chesney has UCLA on a winning track. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been doing well and the Bruins defense has been looking good. Boilers run out of steam – UCLA 34, Purdue 17.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

#5 Miami (2-0) at Wake Forest (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Friday, ESPN….

Virginia-Lynchburg (0-3) at Bethune-Cookman (1-1) – (NCCAA vs. SWAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday

 

FIU (1-1) at Florida Atlantic (1-1) – (C-USA vs. AC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Georgia State (2-0) at UCF (1-1) – (SBC vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Delaware State (2-1) at South Florida (2-0) – (MEAC vs. AC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Austin Peay (2-1) at #17 (FCS) West Florida  (2-0) – (UAC vs. UAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

 

Tennessee State (0-3) at Florida A&M (1-2) – (OVC vs. SWAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

Stetson (1-2) at UC Davis (2-1) – (Pioneer vs. Big Sky) – 10 pm ET, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“One Mike down, one to go,” USA Today sports columnist Matt Hayes, on the firing of Florida State  AD Mike Alford, with the assumption that FSU football coach Mike Norvell will be next.

 

“This thing will make the Mardi Gras look like a backyard barbecue,” a New Orleans law enforcement official, on the LSU-Ole Miss weekend in Oxford.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

CFW - Week 2 Results - Is OU's Brent Venables on the hot sear?

 CFW Week 2 Results – Is OU’s Brent Venables on the hot seat?

An emotional rollercoaster

 

That’s the best way to describe Week 2.

 

Ohio State-Texas, Oklahoma-Michigan, Oregon-Oklahoma State and other games ripped and tore at your emotions, taking you from emotional highs to emotional lows and perhaps back again. When those games ended, you were emotionally strained and drained.

 

What a weekend!

 

The tension, angst and drama of the Ohio State-Texas game was perhaps the most emotionally draining. The game took your emotions from one end to the other. From top to bottom. Ohio State controlled and dominated the first three quarters. The Buckeyes built up a 10-0 first quarter lead. Ohio State added to its lead in the second quarter, making it 20-3 at halftime. In the 3^rd quarter, the Buckeye kicked a field goal. Ohio State led 23-3 as the 3^rd quarter ended. The first three quarters were an emotional high for Ohio State fans.

 

Trailing by 20 points as the 4^th quarter began, the game was all but over for Texas. It did not look promising. But quarterback Arch Manning, his receivers and running backs Hollywood Smother and Raleek Brown went to work. At the 14:19 mark of the 4^th quarter, the Longhorns scored their first touchdown of the game. Ohio State 23, Texas 10.

 

Then, at the 7:14 mark, Texas scored again. During this drive, it looked grim for Texas. The Longhorns faced a 4^th-and-long in their own territory. However, Texas made the first down. Ohio State 23, Texas 17.

 

But it looked like the Texas comeback was going to fail. Ohio State’s next drive stalled. The Buckeyes, however, lined up for a 45-yard field goal. Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins, a Texas native, had already kicked field goals of 26, 30 and 48 yards earlier in the game. The field goal would all but put the game out of reach for Texas. However, Hawkins missed the field goal attempt. The football sailed wide left. The score remained Ohio State 23, Texas 17.

 

The Longhorns started what would become their final drive of the game. Like in their previous drive, Texas found itself at a 4^th-and-long in their own territory. The Longhorns went for it and made the first down. Finally with 0:25 remaining in the game, Texas running back Hollywood Smothers scored on a one-yard run. The extra point kick was good. Texas 24, Ohio State 23.

 

Ohio State had time for a couple of Hail Mary passes. Both were unsuccessful. Game over – Texas 24, Ohio State 23. Texas pulled off a 21-point, 4^th-quarter rally to win.

 

Had this game been played late in the season with the same results, Arch Manning’s 4^th quarter drive would be a Heisman Trophy winning performance. It may still be.

 

Last week, Michigan barely beat (and in my mind they lost to) Western Michigan, 13-12. Saturday, the Wolverines hosted Oklahoma. The Sooners were 6-point favorites.

 

Michigan dominated the first half. The Wolverines led at the break, 10-0.

 

In the second half, Oklahoma got hot. The Sooners scored a touchdown and trailed 10-7 at the end of the 3^rd quarter. At the 11:49 mark in the 4^th quarter, Oklahoma kicked a field goal. The score was tied 10-10. It looked like Oklahoma had found itself and was taking over the game.

 

However, at the 7:53 mark in the 4^th quarter, Michigan scored a touchdown. The Wolverines touchdown was set up by a John Mateer interception. Michigan 17-10.

 

Oklahoma failed to score in the final minutes. Michigan upset the Sooners, 17-10.

 

Last week, Tulsa beat Oklahoma State, 24-10. Saturday, the Cowboys hosted #6 Oregon. The Ducks were 25-point favorites.

 

Oregon took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Then Oklahoma State scored back-to-back touchdowns and went up 17-7. The teams proceeded to trade touchdowns. Oklahoma State was up 17-14, 24-14 and finally, 24-17 at halftime.

 

The teams continued to trade scores. Oklahoma State led 27-17, 27-24 and 30-24 at the end of the 3^rd quarter. Oregon rallied and took its first lead since the 1^st quarter. The Ducks went up 31-30. At the 10:21 mark in the 4^th quarter, Oklahoma State went back up 36-31.

 

With 3:11 remaining in the game, the Cowboys added a field goal. Oklahoma State 39, Oregon 31. Oregon failed to score. Oklahoma State held on to upset the Ducks, 39-31.

 

Oregon has an offense, but the Ducks don’t have a defense. They have given up 66 points in two games.

 

Even Kentucky had Alabama fans going crazy with angst. The Wildcats led the Tide 17-13 at halftime. But Bama came out and outscored Kentucky 32-0 in the second half to beat the Wildcats, 45-17. Kentucky ran out of bourbon.

 

Purdue scored 10 points in the final 3:55 of the game to put their contest with Wake Forest into overtime. Ultimately, Wake Forest beat Purdue in two overtimes, 38-36 (2OT). South Florida scored 14 points in the final 3:13 of its game with Army. The Bulls beat the Cadets, 28-24. South Florida’s final touchdown came with 0:19 remaining.

 

California scored a touchdown with 4:51 on the clock in the 4^th quarter to beat Syracuse, 21-18. Duke trailed Illinois 24-14, but rallied to beat the Banned Indians, 31-27. UTSA scored a touchdown with 0:14 remaining in the game to beat Texas State, 31-26.

 

Iowa kicked a field goal with 0:15 left on the clock to down Iowa State, 16-13. Ohio and Jacksonville State played four overtimes to decide the outcome of their game. Ohio won 29-27 (4OT).

 

College football Week 2 began Thursday night with a beatdown. I mean a real beatdown like you wouldn’t believe. The winning team had 42 first downs; the losing team had 4. The winning team had 856 total yards; the losing team had 107 total yards. At the end of the 3^rd quarter, the score was 77-0. Miami beat Florida A&M, 77-7. There was some good news for Florida A&M. They got a check for $760,000 to play Miami.

 

There were several games Friday night with the featured game being Missouri at Kansas. The Tigers and the Jayhawks battled to a 14-14 score at halftime. In the second half, Missouri ran away from Kansas, outscoring the Jayhawks 18-7. Missouri beat Kansas, 38-21.

 

In another contest on Friday night, Boston College downed Rutgers, 28-21. The Scarlet Knights fell to 0-2. Greg Schiano is digging his grave.

 

Saturday night, in a couple of interesting Group of Six games, Boise State beat Memphis, 38-20. Memphis suffered its first loss. And North Texas, coached by former West Virginia coach Neal Brown, clobbered UNLV, 44-6. UNLV coach Dan Mullen continues to have his problems.

 

While you were sleeping Saturday night, North Dakota State downed Air Force, 38-32. North Dakota State, in its first year in FBS football, is 3-0. And USC beat Louisiana, 49-30. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava threw five touchdown passes.

 

In Saturday’s ultimate beatdown, James Madison plastered Wagner, 87-3. No tension, angst or drama here.

 

Texting with some of my Navy buddies over the weekend, I learned something new. One of the guys – Randy Rollman – of Pennsylvania informed us he refers to Penn State as Iowa State East. And of course he refers to Virginia Tech as Penn State South. Sounds about right to me.

 

The new AP Top-25 Poll is out. Here are your Top-12 teams: 1. Texas (2-0), 2. Georgia (2-0), 3. Notre Dame (2-0), 4. Indiana (2-0), 5. Miami (2-0), 6. Ohio State (1-1), 7. LSU (2-0), 8. Ole Miss (2-0), 9. Texas A&M (2-0), 10. Alabama (2-0), 11. BYU (2-0), 12. USC (3-0).

 

I’m drained and still wiped out from Saturday’s games.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 14, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Week Two Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: Fourth quarter Bevo – Texas 24, Ohio State 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 23, Ohio State 21). This game was a classic. It was a classic going into the game and it lived up to its hype. During the first three quarters, Ohio State could do no wrong, and Texas could do nothing right. Then in the fourth quarter, Texas could do no wrong and Ohio State could do nothing right. Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith had 8 receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown. He was amazing in the first half. Ohio State running back Bo Jackson rushed for 74 yards. Texas running back Hollywood Smothers also rushed for 74 yards. Smothers had two touchdowns. Texas was decent in third down efficiency at 9-of-16. Ohio State wasn’t so good at 6-for-14. The game was practically free of penalties. Ohio State had four and Texas had two. Texas had two turnovers and Ohio State had one. Ohio State had a better passing game. Texas had a stronger running game. Attendance in Auston: 105,044

 

RUNNER-UP: Boomer boomed out – Michigan 17 - Oklahoma 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 21, Michigan 13). Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer had a terrible game. Although with 45 yards rushing, he ended up being OU’s best rusher. Likewise, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was the Wolverines’ best rusher with 87 yards. There wasn’t a lot of offense. Both teams each had less than 290 total yards. Oklahoma had two turnovers and Michigan had none. OU was only 3-of-13 on third down efficiency. Michigan wasn’t much better at 4-of-13. Lots of penalties. Michigan had 11 and Oklahoma had 9. So, does the OU loss put Brent Venables on the hot seat? Attendance in Ann Arbor: 111,240

 

REST OF THE BEST: A Cat fight – BYU 28, Arizona 17 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 24, Arizona 23). Arizona led at halftime 17-14. The Wildcats trailed after three quarters 21-17. But the game was still close. BYU added a touchdown in the 4^th quarter to go up by 11 points. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Cougars running back L.J. Marin rushed for 98 yards. Both teams  passed well, but BYU was definitely the better running team. Attendance in Provo: 64,409

 

Sun Devils made too many mistakes – Texas A&M 48, Arizona State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 28, Arizona State 23). This was a tight game through three quarters. A&M led 24-20 as the 4^th quarter began. And that’s when it all changed. The Aggies outscored the Sun Devils 24-0 in the 4^th quarter. ASU quarterback Cotter Boley threw two interceptions. However, he was on target with his receiver Reed Harris. Harris had 9 receptions for 189 yards. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw three touchdown passes. He threw one interception. ASU actually had more rushing and passing yards than Texas A&M. But the Sun Devils had four turnovers. That was their demise. They also had 9 penalties to just one for A&M. Both teams were 3-for-12 in third down efficiency. Attendance in College Station: 107,523

 

Bama continues its dominance over Kentucky – Alabama 45, Kentucky 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Kentucky 15). Kentucky fans were fired up for this game and so were the Wildcat football players. Kentucky scored first and except for a 7-7 tie late in the first quarter, Kentucky led throughout the first half. But it was a different story in the second half. Kentucky lost its fire. It was all Alabama in the third and fourth quarters. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell threw two interceptions. Bama running back Daniel Hill rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown. Alabama dominated the passing and rushing stats. Both teams had eight penalties. Both teams had three turnovers. Bama’s record against Kentucky is now 40-2-1. Attendance in Lexington: 61,820

 

Going to be a long season for the Razorbacks – Utah 43, Arkansas 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 28, Arkansas 18). Arkansas scored first and last. In between Utah scored 6 times for 43 points. The Utes led 29-3 at halftime. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Dampier rushed for 50 yards and two more touchdowns. The Utah defense held Arkansas to 61 rushing yards. The Utes rolled up 442 total yards. Attendance in Salt Lake City: 51,532

 

Truman controls the border – Missouri 38, Kansas 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 30, Kansas 27). Scoreless in the first quarter, both teams added two touchdowns each in the second quarter. At 14-14, we had ourselves a ball game. The contest was still close after three quarters, although Missouri had a 28-21 lead. Then it was all Tigers in the fourth quarter, with Missouri outscoring Kansas 10-0. Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall had a rough game, throwing two interceptions and only completing 43% of his passes. Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons was on target, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 66% of his throws. Missouri had 469 total yards compared to 255 yards for Kansas. The Missouri defense held Kansas to 81 yards rushing. The Jayhawks had three turnovers. Attendance in Lawrence: 32,000

 

Dookies get revenge – Duke 31, Illinois 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Illinois 21, Duke 11). Illinois led at halftime, 24-21. Duke limited the Banned Indians to a single field goal in the second half. Duke quarterback Walker Eget passed for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Dookies running back Nate Sheppard rushed for 147 yards and one touchdown. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw an interception. Illinois receiver Collin Dixon had 11 receptions for 166 yards. Illinois was the better passing team. Duke was the better rushing team. Duke had 11 penalties for 112 yards. Attendance in Champaign: 60,670

 

Nothing Gold about the Gopher – Mississippi State 38, Minnesota 13(Touchdown Tom said: Minnesota 20, Mississippi State 19). Miss State just may be a sleeper team this year. Be on alert. The Bulldogs built up a 28-6 halftime lead over Minnesota and continued to outscore the Gophers in the second half. Miss State’s real surprise and threat is quarterback Kamario Taylor. He’s a sleeper. He’s good too. Taylor passed for 227 yards and three touchdowns. Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Miss State receiver Anthony Evans had 7 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. Miss State had 479 total yards. Minnesota was flat on offence. The Gophers only had 13 yards rushing. It may be about that time for Minnesota to get rid of coach P.J. Fleck. The Gophers suffered from 12 penalties. Attendance in Minneapolis: 48,048

 

No Buzz – Tennessee 45, Georgia Tech 24  (Touchdown Tom said: Tennessee 27, Georgia Tech 14). Tech led 10-7 after the first quarter. The Vols led 24-10 at halftime. Tennessee expanded its lead in the second half. Tennessee’s strength was its running game. DeSean Bishop rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Daune Morris rushed for 98 yards and one touchdown. Tech was the better passing team. The Vols were the better running team. Tennessee had 14 penalties for 142 yards. Tech suffered from two turnovers. Attendance in Atlanta: 52,113

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

The Deacons were pulpit bullies – Wake Forest 38, Purdue 36 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 27, Wake Forest 26). This game was basically close throughout, but Wake had three 10-point leads – 17-7 in the 2^nd quarter, 20-10 in the third quarter and 23-13 in the 4^th quarter. Purdue then scored 10 points in the final 3:53 of the game. The Boilers final score came as time expired – a 20 yards field goal. The teams continued to fight it out through two overtimes with Wake finally succeeding. The Deacons made their two-point conversion and Purdue didn’t. Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne passed for 329 yards and one touchdown. Purdue running back Fame Ijebol rushed for 114 yards. The Boilers racked up 455 total yards. Purdue was the better passing team. Wake was the better running team. The game was turnover free. Attendance in West Lafayette: 50,363

 

I think Uga got into the game – Georgia 70, Western Kentucky 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 52, Western Kentucky 10). Another good warm up game for the Dawgs. They should be pretty warm by now. Georgia led 49-6 at halftime and coasted in the second half. Dawgs quarterback Gunner Stockton passed for 234 yards and 5 touchdowns. Two other Georgia quarterbacks played as well. Georgia rolled up 493 total yards – about half passing and half rushing. There were 6 turnovers in the game – 4 by WKU and 2 by Georgia. Attendance in Athens: 93,033

 

Mountaineers had Martin smartin’ – West Virginia 52, UT Martin 7 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 42, UT Martin 14). WVU managed to play two halves this week – 28 points in the first half and 24 points in the second half. WVU’s defense kept UT Martin scoreless. The Skyhawks lone touchdown was a fumble return for a TD. It came late in the 4^th quarter. WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins had 155 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also had 96 yards rushing and two more touchdowns. WVU played three quarterbacks. The Mounties racked up 525 total yards. It was basically a penalty-free game – 6 on UT Martin and 2 on WVU. Attendance in Morgantown: 47,049

 

Guess what day of the week it is – Florida 52, Campbell 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 49, Campbell 12). Nothing like playing the Fighting Camels. I didn’t know Camels fought. From the looks of the score, I don’t think they do. Gators led 45-3 at halftime and coasted through the second half with subs. Gators quarterback Aaron Philo passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jadan Baugh rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Dallas Wilson had 5 receptions for 104 yards. Florida had 24 first downs to 11 for Campbell. The Gators had 514 total yards to 210 yards for Campbell. The Camels were limited to 62 yards rushing. Both teams had two turnovers. Attendance in Gainesville: 88,863

 

Stayin’ alive! Huskers must have thought they were playing the Bee Gees – Nebraska 56, Bowling Green 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 52, Bowling Green 14). I knew the Huskers would find the Falcons easier prey than the Bobcats. The Huskers got off to a stronger start this week, scoring 35 points in the first half. Then Herbie took a nap in the 3^rd quarter, before waking up in the 4^th to score another 21 points. Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea passed for 222 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Jamal Rule rushed for 88 yards. Receiver Jacory Barney had 8 catches for 115 yards. Nebraska had 28 first downs to 9 for BG. Huskers racked up 546 total yards to 169 for the Falcons. BG had less than 90 yards rushing and less than 90 yards passing. Attendance in Lincoln: 86,193

 

Week 2 Results:  11 winners, 4 fumbles (73.3 percent)

For the Season:  27 winners, 8 fumbles (77.1 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Miami 77, Florida A&M 7 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 63,618

South Florida 28, Army 24 – Attendance in West Point: 23,670

 

Pitt 12, UCF 7 – Attendance in Pittsburgh: 45,926

Bethune-Cookman 43, Stetson 18 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 3,921

 

FIU 33, Buffalo 20 – Attendance in Miami: 18,202

Florida Atlantic 38, Navy 30 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 22,273

 

 

Superlatives

 

Week Two’s Best Passers:

 

TCU’s Jordan Craig – 24-31-0-391 (4TDs); Florida Atlantic’s Caden Veltkamp – 27-32-0-386 (5TDs); FIU’s J.J. Kohl – 21-36-0-367 (3TDs); Colorado’s Julian Lewis – 17-23-0-366 (4TDs); Maryland’s Malik Washington – 34-41-0-347 (2TDs); Hawaii’s Micah Alejado – 33-45-0-346; SMU’s Kevin Jennings – 14-16-0-337 (5TDs); Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz – 16-21-0-332 (2TDs), and Purdue’s Ryan Browne – 32-42-0-329 (1TD).

 

Also, Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer – 31-42-0-327 (2TDs); Fresno State’s Jayden Mandal – 23-26-0-316 (2TDs); South Alabama’s Bishop Davenport – 22-32-0-296 (2TDs); Missouri’s Austin Simmons – 19-29-0-292 (3TDs); NC State’s C.J. Bailey – 13-17-0-281 (1TD); Penn State’s Rocco Becht – 21-27-0-268 (3TDs); Jacksonville State’s Caden Creel – 18-24-0-265 (1TD), and USC’s Jayden Maiava – 19-29-1-261 (5TDs).

 

Also, Missouri State’s Skyler Locklear – 17-20-0-258 (1TD); Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr – 16-20-0-253 (4TDs); Miami’s Darian Mensah – 14-15-0-252 (3TDs); Toledo’s John Alan Richter – 15-24-0-252 (3TDs); Cincinnati’s J.C. French 21-24-0-245 (2TDs); North Carolina’s Billy Edwards – 15-20-0-244 (2TDs); Florida’s Aaron Philo – 16-21-0-242 (2TDs); South Florida’s Michael Van Buren – 19-30-0-239 (2TDs), and UTEP’s E.J. Colson – 14-21-0239 (4TDs).

 

Also, Georgia’s Gunner Stockton – 13-16-0-234 (5TDs); Miami of Ohio’s David McComb – 13-13-0-234 (3TDs); North Texas’ Tayven Jackson – 15-26-0-233 (2TDs); Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor – 16-22-0-227 (3TDs); Akron’s Cibastian Broughton – 23-27-0-227 (4TDs); Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss – 23-26-0-225 (2TDs); Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea – 20-24-1-222 (4TDs); BYU’s Bear Bachmeier – 16-26-0-217 (3TDs), and Western Michigan’s Broc Lowry – 14-20-0-212 (3TDs).

 

Also, Louisiana’s Lunch Winfield – 16-22-0-212 (1TD); Duke’s Walker Eget – 15-21-0-206 (3TDs); Texas Tech’s Will Hammond – 20-27-0-189 (1TD);  California’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele – 21-34-0-182 (2TDs); James Madison’s Camden Coleman – 12-18-0-171 (1TD); Virginia’s Beau Pribula – 12-14-1-162 (3TDs); UMass’s William Watson – 9-10-0-152 (1TD); Wyoming’s Tyler Hughes – 18-26-0-149 (2TDs), and Arkansas State’s Trey Owens – 13-17-0-132 (2TDs).

 

Week Two’s Best Rushers:

 

Tulane’s Jaylin Lucas – 214 yards (1TD); Boise State’s Dylan Riley – 206 yards; Colorado State’s Mel Brown – 171 yards (2TDs); San Jose State’s Jabari Bates – 163 yards; Michigan State’s Cam Edwards – 152 yards (2TDs); Texas State’s Torrance Burgess – 149 yards; Duke’s Nate Sheppard – 147 yards (1TD); Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop – 147 yards (2TDs), and Miami’s Javian Mallory – 142 yards (2TDs).

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“In college football’s player compensation era, Power Four and FCS programs are barely playing the same sport. So what’s the point of playing against each other?” CBS Sports columnist David Cobb, after Miami beat Florida A&M, 77-7.

 

“That’s what college football is all about. You want to see a great product on the field. I want to see insane fans in the stands,” Kentucky coach Will Stein, telling Kentucky fans to scream obscenities at Alabama.

 

“Go old school and sneak booze into Kroger Field. Sneak a flask in. Do whatever you got to do,” Kentucky coach Will Stein, advising Kentucky fans before the Alabama game.

 

“This one hurts.” Ohio State coach Ryan Day, after the Texas game.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

P.S.

 

Not exactly college football related, but in mid-September as the college football season was underway, the number one song in the country…

 

…85 years ago, this week in 1941, was “Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes)” by Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra

 

…80 years ago, this week in 1946, was “Five Minutes More” by Frank Sinatra

 

…75 years ago, this week in 1951, was “Because Of You” by Tony Bennett

 

…70 years ago, this week in 1956, was “Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley and “My Prayer” by The Platters

 

…65 years ago, this week in 1961, was “Michael” by The Highwaymen

 

…60 years ago, this week in 1966, was “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes

 

…55 years ago, this week in 1971, was “Go Away Little Girl” by Donny Osmond

 

…50 years ago, this week in 1976, was “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” by KC and The Sunshine Band

 

…45 years ago, this week in 1981, was “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

 

…40 years ago, this week in 1986, was “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin

 

…35 years ago, this week in 1991, was “The Promise Of A New Day” by Paula Abdul

 

The next CFW – Week 3 Forecast – will be posted Thursday morning, September 17.