CFW Week 19 Forecast - Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson seek NC State job

 CFW Week 10 Forecast – Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson seek NC State job

Weekend full of blockbuster games

 

Man, are we in store for a blockbuster weekend! No less than six blockbuster games. Playoff buster games too.

 

It all begins with the biggest of the blockbusters – No. 1 Miami (8-0) at No. 4 Notre Dame (7-1). If this game lives up to its hype, it should be a doozy. It could be a Heisman maker game too between Miami’s Darian Mensah and Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr. Will defense play a part in this game?

 

Right behind the Canes-Irish encounter is the second biggest of the blockbusters – No. 7 BYU (7-1) at No. 3 Utah (8-0). This game will match the running-passing quarterbacks Bear Bachmeier of BYU against Devon Dampier of Utah. And will defense play a part in this game too? These two could actually meet again in the Big 12 title game.

 

The remaining four of the six blockbusters are all SEC encounters – big encounters too. We begin with No. 2 Georgia (7-1) and No. 12 Ole Miss (6-2). The Dawgs will be out to shut down Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. That’s a big assignment. Ole Miss will be out to remain in contention for the CFP.

 

Next, we have No. 9 Alabama (6-2) at No. 15 LSU (6-2). But instead of Baton Rouge at nighttime, it’s Baton Rouge in the afternoon. Lane Kiffin isn’t happy about that. The Tigers will just have to learn to play in the daylight. I imagine Sam Leavitt can do that. How about Keelon Russell?

 

Then we have No. 8 Kentucky (7-1) at No. 16 Tennessee (6-2). USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says, “Football winning has become intoxicating at Kentucky.” The heck with basketball season. It can wait. No doubt, Tennessee will have its hands full. Which team will step up?

 

The last of the six blockbusters is a goodie – No. 10 Texas (6-2) at No. 19 Missouri (6-2). Arch Manning needs a breakout game, and this could be it. But never overlook Eli Drinkwitz. The Missouri coach is a mastermind of surprises.

 

The next three games may not be blockbusters, but they are quality games in their own right. They are all playoff busters. And all three are Big Ten encounters. How about No. 27 Oregon (5-3) at No. 11 Ohio State (6-2)? Neither team is playing with the quarterback it began the season with. Oregon has Dylan Raiola and Ohio State has Luke Fahey. May the best quarterback win.

 

I like this next encounter – No. 5 UCLA (8-0) at No. 32 Minnesota (5-3). Like Kentucky, UCLA has been a surprise team this season – a real surprise. But the longer you remain undefeated, the more tense and stressful the games get. Minnesota is a tricky team. The Gophers tricked Washington, Michigan and Iowa. They darn near tricked Indiana. Can they ruin UCLA’s perfect record?

 

The third of the three Big Ten playoff busters is No. 21 Iowa (6-2) at No. 26 Northwestern (6-2). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has always had good defenses. Now he has the Hawkeyes playing good offense. But Northwestern is sitting there waiting to knock off Iowa. It’s going to be hot times in Evanston.

 

The last of our Top 10 Games of the Week can’t be overlooked – Cincinnati (5-3) at No. 17 Houston (6-2). We know the Bearcats are capable. They knocked off Texas Tech a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile, Houston is looking to climb up in the rankings.

 

How’s that for a group of Top 10 games? If ever there was a weekend to be a couch potato, this is it – all those blockbuster and playoff buster games. It doesn’t get much better than this. You better have lots of cold pizza and chili dogs on hand.

 

There are three other games to keep an eye on this week. They are UTSA (7-1) at Florida Atlantic (5-3), Virginia Tech (6-2) at SMU (6-2) and Air Force (6-2) at Army (5-3).

 

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables fired his offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.

 

Two former NC State quarterbacks – Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson – are seeking to become the head coach of the Wolfpack. Meanwhile, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz denies that he is a candidate for the Florida State job.

 

The Top 12 teams in the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the season are 1. Miami (8-0), 2. Georgia (7-1), 3. Utah (8-0), 4. Indiana (8-1), 5. Alabama (6-2), 6. Kentucky (7-1) 7. Texas (6-2), 8. UCLA (8-0), 9. BYU (7-1), 10. Ole Miss (6-2), 11. Notre Dame (7-1) and 12. Ohio State (6-2).

 

At No. 25, Boise State is the highest-ranked Group of Six team. If the playoff was to begin today, Ohio State would be removed and Boise State would take the Buckeyes’ place as the 12^th-seed team.

 

The Top 12 teams in this week’s FCS Coaches Poll are 1. Tarleton State (9-0), 2. Stephen F. Austin (9-0), 3. Montana State (8-1), 4. Youngstown State (7-2), 5. South Dakota State (7-2), 6. Northern Arizona (7-2), 7. Austin Peay (7-2), 8. Illinois State (7-2), 9. Tennessee Tech (8-1), 10. South Dakota (7-3), 11. Mercer (7-2), and 12. Lamar (7-2).

 

This week’s Saturday morning pregame shows: ESPN’s College GameDay is in South Bend, Indiana, for the Miami-Notre Dame game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is in West Point, New York, for the Air Force-Army game. SECN’s SEC Nation is in Oxford, Mississippi, for the Georgia-Ole Miss game. ACCN’s ACC Huddle is in Syracuse, New York, for the Clemson-Syracuse game.

 

What a weekend!

 

Touchdown Tom

November 5, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Weekend Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #1 Miami (8-0) at #4 Notre Dame (7-1) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Last year, Miami beat Notre Dame. However, Notre Dame cried “no fair” when Miami was selected for the CFP and Notre Dame wasn’t. I never did understand ND’s logic on that one. Well Irish, guess what? This is your year. Beat Miami, win the rest of your games and you are a shoo in for the CFP. Neither team has had a tough schedule. ND’s only tough opponent was BYU. The Irish lost that one. Miami’s only tough opponent was Wake Forest. The Canes won that one. Miami has the better key players. However, Canes receiver Malachi Toney will not play. Toney has a high ankle sprain that requires surgery. Notre Dame has the better team. Miami’s defense has become a joke. Break out the Jameson – Notre Dame 30, Miami 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. #7 BYU (7-1) at #3 Utah (8-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – This is a lot like the Miami-Notre Dame game. Same records. Interesting that Notre Dame’s one loss was to BYU. More interesting that BYU’s one loss was to UCF. Utah is deceptively good – on offense and defense. Nothing deceptive about BYU. The Cougars are obvious – on offense and defense. They are also more vulnerable – on offense and defense. Utes remain perfect – Utah 30, BYU 24.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. #2 Georgia (7-1) at #12 Ole Miss (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC –  Ole Miss is on the verge of suffering its third loss. That would put the Magnolias in a precarious position for making the CFP. Ole Miss is currently in the playoff, but on the edge.  One more loss could move them outside the edge. Like Miami, Ole Miss has the key players. But Georgia, like Notre Dame, has the team. The Dawgs are solid. They have few vulnerabilities. But obviously, Auburn found them. The Magnolias won’t find them – Georgia 28, Ole Miss 24.

 

4. #9 Alabama (6-2) at #15 LSU (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – If Alabama wins, then the Tide will finish the season at 10-2. The Tigers are Bama’s last obstacle. If Alabama wins, the Tide will be in the CFP. If Bama loses, the Tide could drop to the bubble. After Alabama, LSU still has to play Texas and Tennessee. The Tigers have it tougher. Should LSU lose to Alabama, most likely the Tigers won’t be in the CFP. Lane Kiffin was hired to have LSU in the CFP every year. Kiffin survives this one. But he may not survive Texas and/or Tennessee. Tigers have a successful Elephant hunt – LSU 27, Alabama 24.

 

5. #8 Kentucky (7-1) at #16 Tennessee (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 6:15 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Right now, Tennessee is on the outside of the CFP, looking in. Lose and the Vols will remain looking in. Win and they have a good shot at making the playoff. Right now, Kentucky is in the playoff. But the Wildcats need to keep winning. Kentucky has been an amazing team for playing under a first-year coach. Can the Wildcats keep it up? Tennessee 27, Kentucky 21.

 

6. #10 Texas (6-2) at #19 Missouri (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Missouri can’t afford to lose. If Mizzou wins out, the Tigers are in the playoff. However, one more loss and the Tigers are out. Texas could lose and still get in as a 9-3 team. Both teams are similar. Their offenses are good. Both have capable quarterbacks – Arch Manning at Texas and Austin Simmons at Mizzou. Both defenses are up and down. Truman can’t do the Two Step – Texas 27, Missouri 24.

 

7. #27 Oregon (5-3) at #11 Ohio State (6-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – After losing quarterback Dante Moore for the season, Oregon seems to be improving with Dylan Raiola. The Ducks came through last week against Northwestern. But that was in Eugene. Against Ohio State, the Ducks are in Columbus. The Buckeyes have to be careful too, or they won’t make the playoff. Oregon may give the Buckeyes a good battle for a while. But overall, Ohio State has more than the Ducks can handle. Ohio State will stick with freshman Luke Fahey as the Buckeyes quarterback. Bucks grill the Ducks – Ohio State 28, Oregon 17.

 

8. #5 UCLA (8-0) at #32 Minnesota (5-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – UCLA has been incredible this season. Who in their right mind would have thought the Bruins would be undefeated at this point in the season. But each game from here on out is a land mine. UCLA has to be careful. Minnesota is an up-and-down team. At times this year, the Gophers have been brilliant. Then at times, Minnesota has been a disaster. The Bruins avoid the holes – UCLA 20, Minnesota 14.

 

9. #21 Iowa (6-2) at #27 Northwestern (6-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Both teams are still in contention for the playoff. However, neither one can afford to lose another game. That means the winner is still in the running and the loser is out. Northwestern stubbed its toe last week at Oregon. The Wildcats looked good at first, but the Ducks rallied to win. Meanwhile, Iowa looked spectacular, shutting out Wisconsin. Northwestern’s luck may have run out. The Eyes have it – Iowa 23, Northwestern 15.

 

10. Cincinnati (5-3) at #17 Houston (6-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Cincinnati may have peaked when the Bearcats beat Texas Tech. They looked awful last week, losing to Utah. Most everyone does look awful against Utah. But the Bearcats may have played themselves out. Houston, on the other hand, still has a lot to prove. The Cougars hope to be doing good things at the end of the season. They may be. First they have to get by Cincinnati. Cougar Cats are better than Bearcats – Houston 27, Cincinnati 24.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

Nebraska (5-3) at Illinois (5-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – So, what is Nebraska going to do in the fourth quarter this week? If the Huskers follow recent precedent, and if they are winning when the fourth quarter begins, Nebraska will lose the game. If Illinois follows what the Banned Indians did last week, they’ll do just that. Last week the Banned Indians were trailing Maryland when the fourth quarter began. Behold! Illinois came from behind in the fourth quarter and beat Maryland. That’s all Nebraska needs. But the Huskers are not Maryland. They are better than Maryland. Herbie reverses the trend – Nebraska 28, Illinois 21.

 

Duke (6-2) at NC State (4-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12:30 pm ET, Saturday, CWN – Duke began the season 4-0, lost two-straight games and then won two-straight games. Two weeks ago, sitting at 3-4, NC State fired its coach. Then the Wolfpack goes out and plays like they have never played before. Thet beat California, 31-10. This makes for an interesting game. Can the Dookies extend their winning streak to 3 games? Or will NC State continue to play better without their old coach? And what’s with these rumors about Duke coach Manny Diaz becoming the new head coach at Florida State? Lots of things to ponder. The Dookies prevail – Duke 21, NC State 20.

 

Maryland (2-6) at Purdue (3-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – It’s about time for Purdue to get back on the winning track. After beating Minnesota and Illinois, the Boilers have lost to Washington and Penn State. This week the Boilers return home. Purdue may not be the best team, but Maryland is a far worse team. Purdue Pete steams the turtles – Purdue 27, Maryland 20.

 

Oklahoma (4-4) at #25 Florida (5-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:45 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Oklahoma fans are upset. This was supposed to be a good year for the Sooners. OU coach Brent Venables is under fire. If he didn’t have such a big buyout, Venables would be fired. This week he took his frustrations out on his offensive coordinator and fired him. OU quarterback John Mateer is not popular either. The Sooners’ fans are not happy with him. Florida fans are frustrated too. No one was expecting a great season from the Gators. But after wins over Ole Miss and Texas, no one could understand the losses to Missouri and South Carolina. No one expected the Gators to beat Georgia. But everyone thought the Gators would play a better game against Georgia. Granted, Georgia was tough, but Florida just went out and all but gave the game to the Dawgs. One of these frustrated teams will turn things around this week. Albert comes out on top – Florida 24, Oklahoma 20.

 

West Virginia (5-3) at #13 Texas Tech (7-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 9:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Can the Mountaineers keep it close against Texas Tech? The WVU offense should be able to score on the Red Raiders. But can the defense stop the Red Raiders? It’s doubtful. Still, it might be an interesting game. Then again, it might not. Texas has too much Tech for the Mountaineers – Texas Tech 35, West Virginia 27.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

#28 UTSA (7-1) at Florida Atlantic (5-3) – (AC vs. AC) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, 7:30 pm….

South Florida (6-2) at East Carolina (4-4) – (AC vs. AC) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2….

Florida State (3-5) at Boston College (4-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN….

 

Stetson (1-8) at Davidson (3-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Florida A&M (2-7) at Alcorn State (5-4) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

Bethune-Cookman (5-4) at Southern (4-5) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

 

UCF (4-4) at Kansas (3-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:45 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2….

Missouri State (3-5) at FIU (3-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

West Florida (4-3) at North Alabama (5-4) – (UAC vs. UAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“Do you work for a tabloid now? I’ll keep my personal comments and my relationships to myself if that’s alright with you?” North Carolina coach Bill Belichick to a reporter when asked at a Tar Heels’ press conference about his breakup with Jordon Hudson.

 

“Will Stein has Kentucky drunk on football. Basketball season can wait,” USA Today sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

The next CFW – Week 10 Results – will be posted Monday morning, November 9.

CFW Week 9 Results - Florida State fires head coach Mike Norvell

 CFW Week 9 Results – Florida State fires head coach Mike Norvell

‘Double, double toil and trouble’

 

The ghosts, ghouls and goblins were out on Saturday – the witches too. Afterall, it was Halloween. Several teams were tricked. Several were treated.

 

The No. 1 team in the country almost got tricked. But Miami survived with a treat. The Hurricanes beat North Carolina, 38-35. The game reminded me a lot of the Florida State-Miami game a couple weeks ago. Until the fourth quarter, the teams traded scores. Miami would score and then North Carolina would respond.

 

The game was tied twice at 7-7 and 14-14, both times in the second quarter. North Carolina took its first lead at 21-17 early in the third quarter. Then the teams traded leads. There were four lead changes in the game. Midway through the fourth quarter, Miami went up for good. The Canes led 31-28. Five minutes later, they added to that lead, 38-28. The Tar Heels closed the gap to 38-35 with 1:35 remaining in the game. Miami’s defense is looking suspicious.

 

Combined, Iowa State and Oklahoma State scored 100 points. The game was tied twice at 7-7 and 14-14. There were three lead changes in the game – two of them in the fourth quarter. Thirty-four points were scored in the fourth quarter. Iowa State beat Oklahoma State 51-49.

 

With less than a minute to go in the game, Iowa State led Oklahoma State 48-42. The Cowboys scored a touchdown with 0:53 on the clock to take a 49-48 lead over the Cyclones. But the ghouls and goblins were out to spook Oklahoma State. As time expired, Iowa State kicked a 34-yard field goal to beat the Cowboys, 51-49.

 

Even spookier was the game in Boise, Idaho. At halftime, Boise State led Texas State, 28-3. After the break, Texas State proceeded to score 36 unanswered points – six unanswered touchdowns. The Bobcats took a 39-28 lead over the Broncos. The game saw four lead changes, all in the fourth quarter. Trailing Texas State 45-40, Boise State scored a touchdown with 2:40 remaining in the game. The Broncos hung on to beat Texas State, 46-45.

 

In Tallahassee, everything was going Clemson’s way until six minutes into the fourth quarter. At that point, Clemson had a 29-10 lead over Florida State. Then the haunting began. The Seminoles scored back-to-back touchdowns. With 5:30 to go in the game, FSU trailed Clemson 29-24. It was a new ballgame. But the treats were over for Florida State. Clemson scored a touchdown at the 3:17 mark and beat Florida State, 36-24.

 

As the fourth quarter began in the LA Coliseum, the No. 2 team in the country found itself on the rocks. USC led Ohio State 27-9. But the Buckeyes rose from the grave. Ohio State scored nine unanswered points – a field goal and a touchdown. With 2:12 remaining, the Trojans led the Buckeyes, 27-18. At the 1:46 mark, USC added a field goal. The Trojans were up on Ohio State, 30-18. On the ensuing drive, Ohio State drove quickly into the USC red zone, ready to score. But the Trojans stopped the Buckeyes and held on to win. Down goes the No. 2 team.

 

Talk about being spooked, how about Nebraska? Late in the first quarter, Nebraska scored a touchdown and went up on Washington, 7-0. Although Washington got a field goal in the second quarter, Nebraska held onto to its lead for almost the remainder of the game. Almost! With 1:40 on the clock in the fourth quarter, Washington scored a touchdown and went up 10-7 over Nebraska. Fifteen seconds later, the Huskies intercepted an Anthony Colandrea pass and returned it for a touchdown. Just like that, Washington was up 17-7. The Huskers kicked a field goal with 0:31 remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, Nebraska almost recovered its onside kick. Almost! Washington beat Nebraska, 17-10.

 

Then there was the ending to top all endings. Only on Halloween. As the fourth quarter began in Bloomington, Indiana, Minnesota and Indiana were tied 10-10. At the 11:49 mark, Minnesota kicked a 51-yard field goal and went up 13-10. About eight and half minutes later, Indiana kicked a 34-yard field goal. The score was tied, 13-13. Almost three minutes later, with 0:19 remaining, Minnesota kicked a 60-yard field goal. The Gophers led the Hoosiers, 16-13. Then, as bad as Indiana’s offense is, the Hoosiers moved the ball to the Minnesota 43 yard line in less than 19 seconds. At which point, Indiana kicked a, you guessed it, 60-yard field goal as time expired – 16-16. In  overtime, Indiana scored and Minnesota didn’t. The Hoosiers beat the Gophers, 23-16.

 

College football Week 9 had a Tuesday night start with two C-USA games. In the first game, Delaware beat Western Kentucky, 35-21. Blue Hens quarterback Nick Minicucci passed for 414 yards and 4 touchdowns. Delaware receiver Sean Wilson had 9 catches for 183 yards. The two teams combined for 972 total yards.

 

The second game Tuesday saw Missouri State down Sam Houston, 24-3. Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin passed for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns. Receiver Jmariyae Robinson had 7 receptions for 102 yards.

 

Week 9 continued on Wednesday night with two more C-USA games. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Kennesaw State blasted host Middle Tennessee, 44-28. Kennesaw quarterback Rickie Collins was 16-19-1, passing for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns. Next up, Jacksonville State beat New Mexico State, 24-0. Jax State quarterback Caden Creel passed for 109 yards and one touchdown. Better yet, Creel rushed for 211 yards and one touchdown.

 

Thursday night was not lacking for action, as two games went down to the wire. In a game where the two teams combined for 1,167 total yards, North Texas outlasted Florida Atlantic, 48-41. FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp passed for 452 yards and five touchdowns. FAU receiver Easton Messer had 16 receptions for 189 yards. Not to be outdone, North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson passed for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns. North Texas running back Jahiem White rushed for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns. NT receiver Justin Stevenson had 9 catches for 119 yards and one touchdown.

 

The other contest on Thursday went down to an overtime. Troy upset James Madison, 24-21 (OT). It was JMU’s second upset and overtime loss in its last two games. Now you know why Florida got rid of Billy Napier. Napier’s poor play calling and clock management at the end of regulation cost JMU the game. JMU running back Seth Cromwell rushed for 135 yards and one touchdown.

 

Three games were played under Friday Nights’ Lights in Week 9. Tulane rallied in the second half to beat Charlotte, 38-31 OT. Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell passed for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns. Baylor racked up 503 total yards, beating UCF, 41-9. Baylor quarterback D.J. Lagway passed for 319 yards and 4 touchdowns.

 

In Friday’s finale, Sacramento State downed Kent State, 31-10. Kent State had five turnovers.

 

In other action Saturday, what has gotten into South Carolina? Who or what lit the fire under the Gamecocks? South Carolina is amazing – dangerous too. The Gamecocks won their third-straight game Saturday, 42-25 over Oklahoma.

 

In the ACC, Syracuse knocked off SMU, 30-27, and Wake Forest blasted Virginia, 51-7. In the Big 12, BYU beat Arizona State, 27-20.

 

UCLA remained undefeated, beating Nevada, 27-0. Notre Dame warmed up for Miami by beating Navy, 35-13. And while you were asleep Saturday night, Fresno State downed Oregon State, 38-22.

 

Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark announced he is stepping down, effective January 31, 2027. Yormark became the Big 12 Commissioner in July 2022. He will be taking a job outside of college sports.

 

In Chapel Hill, it was announced that 74-year-old Bill Belichick and 25-year-old Jordan Hudson are no longer an item. Apparently, the couple, who had been together for four years, silently parted ways about a year ago.

 

Florida State fired head football coach Mike Norvell yesterday. Norvell went 41-39 in seven seasons with the Seminoles. FSU is 3-5 this season. Norvell’s high point came in 2023 when FSU went 13-0 and won the ACC. With quarterback Jordan Travis injured, Florida State was left out of the four-team CFP. Scouting Director Rick Stockstill will be Florida State’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

 

The Top 12 teams in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll are 1. Miami (8-0), 2. Georgia (7-1), 3. Utah (8-0), 4. Notre Dame (7-1), 5. UCLA (8-0), 6. Indiana (8-1), 7. BYU (7-1), 8. Kentucky (7-1), 9. Alabama (6-2), 10. Texas (6-2), 11. Ohio State (6-2), 12. Ole Miss (6-2).

 

The season’s first College Football Playoff rankings will be announced Tuesday evening, November 3, on ESPN. The CFP rankings will be announced weekly until Sunday, December 6, when the final rankings and CFP participants will be announced.

 

On the opening day of college basketball yesterday, Notre Dame beat Villanova, 74-72. The game was played in Rome, Italy.

 

English actor Patrick Stewart, whose career spanned more than 60 years on stage, screen and television, died on October 28. Stewart became famous and gained international stardom for his leading role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994). The role was reprised in a series of films and in “Star Trek: Picard” (2000-2003). He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2010. In film, Stewart gained further stardom portraying Professor Chrles Xavier in the “X-Men” film series (2000-2017), reprising the role in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2022, 2026). A native of Mirfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, Sir Patrick Stewart was 86.

 

Former NFL and college football coach June Jones died on October 29. Jones was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons (1994-1996). In college, he was the head coach of Hawaii (1999-2007) and SMU (2008-2014). His 2007 Hawaii team finished the season at 12-0 and played Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Jones was famous for his wide open, pass heavy, run-and-shoot offense. A native of Portland, Oregon, June Sheldon Jones was 73.

 

German actress Elke Sommer died on October 28. Sommer appeared in numerous films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including “The Prize” (1963), “A Shot in the Dark (1964),” “The Art of Love” (1965), “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number” (1966), “The Oscar” (1966), “The Wrecking Crew” (1968), “And Then There Were None” (1974), “Carry On Behind” (1975), among others. Her co-stars included Paul Newman, Peter Sellers, James Garner, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Dick Van Dyke, and others. Sommer made 99 film and television appearances. She appeared in the September 1964 and December 1967 issues of Playboy magazine. A native of Berlin, Germany, Elke Schletz was 85.

 

Touchdown Tom

November 2, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Weekend Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Gators beat themselves – Georgia 27, Florida 8 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Florida 24). Florida can’t win for losing – 4 turnovers and 8 penalties. This problem has plagued Florida all season. Penalties killed the Gators against Missouri. Turnovers and penalties killed Florida against South Carolina. Jon Sumrall needs to get his act together. Florida’s defense came to play. Florida’s offense was a no show. The offense looked like crap. The Gators only had 54 yards rushing. Georgia led at halftime, 24-0. The Dawgs went into cruise control in the second half. Attendance in Atlanta: 72,541

 

RUNNER-UP:  Scaredy cats – Utah 49, Cincinnati 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 28, Cincinnati 18). Utah has become the team to beat in the Big 12. The Utes led Cincinnati 42-6 at halftime. Utah receiver Hunter Andrews had 5 catches for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Utes racked up 534 total yards. Attendance in Cincinnati: 36,487

 

REST OF THE BEST:  Lincoln Riley breathes a sigh of relief – USC 30, Ohio State 18 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 31, USC 27). USC had a good first half, leading the Buckeyes 20-9 at the break. All Ohio State could do in the first half was kick field goals. The two teams played even in the second half. Ohio State running back Bo Jackson had 121 rushing yards. If you look at the stats, you would have thought Ohio State won. The Buckeyes dominated, including time of possession 39:28 to 20:32.  Attendance in Los Angeles: 70,810

 

Wildcats got raided – Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 24, Texas Tech 23). This was quite a ballgame for 3 quarters. Texas Tech led in the first quarter. Arizona led in the second and third quarters. As the fourth quarter began, Tech led 24-23. Former Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos quarterbacked Texas Tech. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita passed for 417 yards and one touchdown. Arizona receiver Isaiah Mizell had 7 catches for 182 yards and one touchdown. The Tech defense held Arizona to 12 yards rushing. Attendance in Lubbock: 59,131

 

Living on a prayer – Indiana 23 Minnesota 16 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Indiana 20, Minnesota 9). Indiana escapes. Until the overtime, the two teams scored one touchdown and kicked three field goals each. The last field goal by each team was a 60 yarder. Indiana receiver Charlies Becker had 8 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover was injured in the first half. Backup quarterback Grant Wilson took over in the second half. The Hoosiers completely dominated the stats. Minnesota only had 215 total yards and 95 rushing yards. Attendance in Bloomington: 54,400

 

Aubie is a paper Tiger – Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Ole Miss 30, Auburn 20). Auburn hung with the Magnolias for a half. The score at the break was Ole Miss 14, Auburn 9. Auburn even pulled within two points – 17-15 – in the third quarter. Then the Tigers fell apart. Ole Miss scored 28 unanswered points. Ole Miss had 487 total yards, while holding Auburn to 63 rushing yards. Attendance in Oxford: 67,041

 

Not looking good for Luke Fickell – Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 17, Wisconsin 12). Iowa had 10 points in each of the first three quarters. The Hawkeyes went into cruise control in the fourth quarter. Iowa quarterback Hank Brown passed for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Wisconsin was limited to 52 yards rushing. Iowa’s offense never looked so good. Attendance in Iowa City: 69,250

 

Quackers – Oregon 34, Northwestern 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 27, Oregon 24). Northwestern was looking good in the first half. The Wildcats led 10-3 after the first quarter and 20-13 at halftime. Then the Ducks outscored the Wildcats 21-6 in the second half. Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola passed for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns. Oregon receiver Dakorien Moore had 7 receptions for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. Attendance in Eugene: 55,673

 

Playing basketball? – Boise State 46, Texas State 45 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, Texas State 21). Texas State scored 3 points in the first half and 42 points in the second half. Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson passed for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns. The two teams combined for 910 total yards – 694 of those yards from passing. Boise State controlled time of possession 37:01 to 22:59. Attendance in Boise: 34,429

 

Cocky is frightening – South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 21, South Carolina 20). South Carolina has become a nightmare for opposing teams. The Gamecocks have obviously found themselves. Early in the fourth quarter, South Carolina led OU, 42-16. The Gamecocks racked up 521 total yards. South Carolina had three turnovers and it didn’t seem to bother them. Attendance in Norman: 83,189

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

The Dukes of Durham – Duke 47, Boston College 2 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 31, Boston College 26). Duke running back Nate Sheppard ran for 97 yards and five touchdowns. Duke led 41-2 after three quarters. The Dookies held Boston College to 78 yards rushing. Duke improved to 6-2 on the season. Attendance in Durham: 15,653

 

Happy in the Valley – Penn State 31, Purdue 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 30, Purdue 27). The score was 14-14 late in the second quarter. Penn State got a touchdown just before the half. The Nittany Lions ruled in the second half. Penn State running back Cam Wallace rushed for 135 yards and one touchdown. Penn State had 457 total yards to 175 for Purdue. The Nitts had 22 first downs to 9 for Purdue. The Boilers only had 33 rushing yards. Attendance in University Park: 102,041

 

Snake bit – Washington 17, Nebraska 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Washington 24). This is the third-straight game that Nebraska has lost in the fourth quarter. I have a contact in Lincoln who went to a Halloween party as “Fourth Quarter Misery.” His wife went as “Three Quarters of Happiness.” That about sums it up for the Huskers. Nebraska was outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter. The Huskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw three interceptions. Washington receiver Chris Lawson had 12 catches for 155 yards and one touchdown. The Huskers defense held Washington to 32 yards rushing. Attendance in Lincoln: 86,097

 

Week 11 Results:  8 winners, 5 fumbles (61.5 percent)

For the Season:    86 winners, 43 fumbles (66.7 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

North Texas 48, Florida Atlantic 41 – Attendance in Denton: 22,092

Baylor 41, UCF 9 – Attendance in Orlando: 45,906

South Florida 30, UAB 10 – Attendance in Tampa: 22,829

 

Dayton 44, Stetson 34 – Attendance in Deland: 1,568

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 63, Bethune-Cookman 21 – Attendance in Pine Bluff: 5,231

Southern 42, Florida A&M 14 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 10,224

 

Liberty 49, FIU 10 – Attendance in Lynchburg: 16,702

Clemson 36, Florida State 24 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 60,472

Miami 38, North Carolina 35 – Attendance in Chapel Hill: 44,257

 

 

 

Superlatives

 

Impressive Passers:

 

Florida Atlantic’s Caden Veltkamp – 37-56-1 for 452 yards (5TDs); Arizona’s Noah Fifita – 33-45-0-417 (1TD); Delaware’s Nick Minicucci – 32-38-0-414 (4TDs); North Texas’ Tayven Jackson – 33-46-0-404 (4TDs); Memphis’ Marcus Stokes – 29-35-0-371 (4TDs); SMU’s Kevin Jennings – 29-36-0-351 (2TDs); North Carolina’s Billy Edwards – 28-34-0-341 (4TDs); Oregon’s Dylan Raiola – 22-31-0-336 (3TDs), and Texas State’s Brad Jackson – 23-38-0-327 (4TDs).

 

Also, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker – 27-42-1 for 323 yards (5TDs); Baylor’s D.J. Lagway – 16-25-0-319 (4TDs); Georgia Southern’s Max Johnson – 36-47-0-318; Iowa State’s Jaylen Raynor – 18-28-1-309 (3TDs); Miami’s Darian Mensah – 22-29-0-274 (3TDs); Stanford’s Davis Warren – 23-37-1-270 (3TDs); Michigan’s Tommy Carr – 22-27-0-266 (1TD); Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss – 22-34-1-263 (2TDs), and Utah’s Devon Dampier – 22-29-1-260 (2TDs).

 

 Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz – 20-28-0 for 250 yards (2TDs); Charlotte’s Conner Harrell – 23-36-0-239; Wake Forest’s Gio Lopez – 13-21-0-229 (1TD); Kansas State’s Blake Barnett – 18-28-0-224 (3TDs); Iowa’s Hank Brown – 20-24-0-222 (2TD); USC’s Jayden Maiava 15-22-0-222 (1TD); Texas’ Arch Manning – 16-20-0-200 (3TDs); Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr – 19-29-0-210 (2TDs); Kennesaw State’s Rickie Collins – 16-19-1-206 (3TDs); Auburn’s Byrum Brown – 25-38-0-195 (1TD), and Missouri State’s Henry Belin – 12-18-0-184 (2TDs).

 

Impressive Rushers:

 

Iowa State’s Aiden Flora – 221 yards (2TDs); Jacksonville State’s Caden Creel – 211 yards (1TD); Air Force’s Kemper Hughes – 200 yards; Oklahoma State’s Caleb Hawkins – 194 yards (2TDs); North Texas’ Jahiem White – 193 yards (2TDs); Pitt’s Damon Ferguson – 185 yards (2TDs); Texas Tech’s J’Koby Williams – 175 yards (1TD), and Southern Miss’s Steven Robinson – 151 yards (1TD).

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“This is entertainment, so I thought we’d bring some entertainment to the game. Minnesota played great and we just made some plays. But this team just finds a way to win,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, after the Hoosiers overtime win over Minnesota.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

CFW Week 9 Forecast - Robert Griffin III seeking Baylor job

 CFW Week 9 Forecast – Robert Griffin III seeking Baylor job

Four big questions for Week 9:

Is it still the World’s Largest Cocktail Party in Atlanta?

Can Cincinnati make it two-straight over Top 10 teams?

Will Lincoln Riley get fired this weekend?

Who will win the Arizona-Texas Tech game?

 

This is the weekend of the annual Florida-Georgia football game. But it’s not being played in Jacksonville. This year’s game is in Atlanta. Yes, in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. So, can you still call it the World’s Largest Cocktail Party? I mean, it won’t have the same feeling in Atlanta. It won’t have the same atmosphere. There’s no tailgating in Atlanta. That means there are no cocktails.

 

Last week, Cincinnati pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Bearcats knocked off Texas Tech, giving the then No. 8 Red Raiders their first loss of the season. That game was in Cincinnati. This weekend, also in Cincinnati, the Bearcats host undefeated and 6^th-ranked Utah. Can Cincinnati do it again?

 

This weekend, USC hosts Ohio State in the Los Angeles Coliseum. It’s well known that Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is on the hot seat. Four coaches have already been fired this season. All four were fired following a loss. Should USC lose to Ohio State, will Riley get the pink slip?

 

In a key Big 12 game this weekend, Arizona (6-1) plays Texas Tech (6-1) in Lubbock, Texas. Arizona is on a 5-game winning streak. Texas Tech was upset last week. Who will win this weekend – the Wildcats or the Red Raiders?

 

Those four contests are the Top 4 games of the week. In addition to Florida-Georgia, there are two other big games in the SEC. Auburn travels to Oxford to take on Ole Miss. Can the Tigers do to the Magnolias what they did to Georgia?

 

South Carolina takes on Oklahoma in Norman. The Gamecocks may be the hottest team in the SEC right now. Can South Carolina burn the Sooners?

 

In addition to Ohio State-USC, there are three other big games in the Big Ten. Minnesota invades Bloomington to battle Indiana. Can the Gophers upset Indiana? Or will the Hoosiers show some offense this week?

 

Wisconsin travels to Iowa City for an encounter with the Hawkeyes. Like Lincoln Riley, Badgers coach Luke Fickell is treading water. Can Wisconsin score on the Iowa defense?

 

Cinderella Northwestern pays a visit to Eugene for a meeting with Oregon. The Ducks have been a strange team this season – not the team we expected. Can Northwestern keep its magic going?

 

In the Pac-12, Boise State hosts upstart Texas State. Boise State is the highest-ranked Group of Six team. Is there an upset in the works?

 

There are five other intriguing games of interest to keep your eye on this weekend. They are Army (5-2) at Memphis (6-2), Clemson (4-3) at Florida State (3-4), Miami (7-0) at North Carolina (4-3), Florida Atlantic (5-2) at North Texas (5-2) and Arizona State (4-3) at BYU (6-1).

 

The Top 12 teams in this week’s FCS Coaches Poll are 1. Tarleton State (8-0), 2. Stephen F. Austin (8-0), 3. Montana State (7-1), 4. Youngstown State (6-2), 5. South Dakota State (6-2) 6. South Dakota (7-2), 7. Northern Arizona (6-2), 8. Austin Peay (7-2), 9. Illinois State (6-2), 10. Tennessee Tech (7-1), 11. North Dakota (6-3), and 12. Mercer (6-2).

 

This week’s Saturday morning pregame shows: ESPN’s College GameDay is in Bloomington, Indiana, for the Minnesota-Indiana game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is in Iowa City, Iowa, for the Wisconsin-Iowa game. SECN’s Sec Nation is in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Florida-Georgia game. ACCN’s ACC Huddle is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for the Merrimack-Wake Forest game. Now, that’s a biggie.

 

Bo Bryan, son of country music singer Luke Bryan, has committed to Georgia. Bo Bryan is a senior at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he plays quarterback. He also had offers from Austin Peay, North Alabama and UT Martin. At Georgia, Bryan will be in the same recruiting class with quarterback Colton Nussmeier, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs and former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Bryan is a 3-star quarterback. Nussmeier is a 4-star quarterback.

 

Florida State coach Mike Norvell hasn’t been fired yet. But already Norvell is being mentioned as a candidate for the offensive coordinator job at Oregon.

 

Sam Houston fired head coach Phil Longo after a 3-17 start across two seasons. Longo was fired a day after Sam Houston lost to Missouri State, 24-3. Longo was 1-11 in Conference USA play. Associate head coach Eric Raisbeck and defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay will serve as interim co-head coaches for the rest of the season.

 

The college basketball season gets underway on Sunday, November 1.

 

Actress Susan St. James died on October 26. St. James first came to fame, starring in the TV series “The Name of the Game” (1968-1971). She received three Emmy Award nominations for the show, winning one in 1969. Her co-stars in “The Name of the Game,” who rotated weekly, were Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry and Robert Stack. Next St. James starred in the TV series “McMillan & Wife” (1971-1976) for which she received three Emmy nominations. Her co-star in “McMillan & Wife” was Rock Hudson. Then she co-starred with Jane Curtin in the TV series “Kate & Allie” (1984-1989), which garnered her two Emmy nominations. Throughout her career, St. James appeared in several films and many TV shows. A native of Los Angeles, Susan Jane Miller was 80.

 

Enjoy your weekend.

 

Touchdown Tom

October 29, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #17 Florida (5-2) at #3 Georgia (6-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – We know Georgia is beatable. Auburn taught us that. We know Florida can beat tough teams. Ole Miss and Texas taught us that. So who is going to be beatable this weekend? And who will Florida start at quarterback – Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones? We may not know until the game starts. Florida is due to win. Georgia has won the last five games and eight of the last nine games in this series. It’s the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Or is it this year? The game is being played in Atlanta. It will be in Tampa next year. Then back to Jacksonville in 2028. Anyone can win. But the Gators don’t – Georgia 28, Florida 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. #6 Utah (7-0) at #28 Cincinnati (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:35 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Cincinnati has the chance to knock off two Top 10 teams in successive weeks. Last week, the Bearcats beat No. 8 Texas Tech. Cincinnati was at home in that game. The Bearcats are home again this week. Can they beat No. 6 Utah? They can. But I don’t think they will. If nothing else, the Bearcats will still be hungover. Utes skin the Cats – Utah 28, Cincinnati 18.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. #2 Ohio State (6-1) at #32 USC (6-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – This game will be interesting. The Buckeyes won’t have quarterback Julian Sayin. He’s out for the season. The Trojans probably won’t have Lincoln Riley if they lose this game. Riley is that close to losing his job. Playing without Sayin and the potential firing of Riley makes for interesting times. Riley could be headed back to the Big 12 – Ohio State 31, USC 27.

 

4. #22 Arizona (6-1) at #13 Texas Tech (6-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Texas Tech lost its first game last week. So one would think the Red Raiders will bounce back this week. They could. But Tech is playing a tougher team this week than the one the Red Raiders lost to last week. Arizona beat Cincinnati, 34-7. And at Cincinnati. I know. You can’t compare scores. Still, with Noah Fifita at quarterback, I think the Wildcats are potentially the better team. It should be quite a game. Tech stumbles again – Arizona 24, Texas Tech 23.

 

5. #31 Minnesota (5-2) at #4 Indiana (7-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – So, I think we have come to the conclusion that Indiana has one of the best defenses in the country. But the Hoosiers don’t have one of the better offenses. Josh is no Fernando. Minnesota is somewhat similar. A weak offense combined with a pretty good defense. But the Gophers defense can’t compare with Indiana’s. Gophers head for their holes – Indiana 20, Minnesota 9.

 

6. Auburn (4-3) at #12 Ole Miss (5-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12:45 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Both teams lost last week. Ole Miss to Texas and Auburn to LSU. Ole Miss won’t have running back Kewan Lacy this week. Still, the Magnolias are better than the Tigers. Auburn is a rebuilding team. The Eagle is still looking for his War – Ole Miss 30, Auburn 20.

 

7. #25 Wisconsin (5-2) at #26 Iowa (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – The contest in the Big Ten this week is which game can produce the most points – Minnesota-Indiana or Wisconsin-Iowa. Badgers coach Luke Fickell is fighting to keep his job. So far, he is hanging in there. Iowa was upset last week. The Hawkeyes will be looking to bounce back. The ice gets thinner under Fickell –  Iowa 17, Wisconsin 12.

 

8. #20 Northwestern (6-1) at Oregon (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, Peacock – Northwestern is one of the surprise teams of the season. At least, so far. The Wildcats have a tough one this week. Oregon isn’t the Oregon everyone thought the Ducks would be. Still, the Ducks are tough and especially at home. But not tough enough this week. Wildcats feast on Duck – Northwestern 27, Oregon 24.

 

9. Texas State (4-3) at #20 Boise State (6-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10 pm ET, Saturday, CWN – Texas State is 4-3, but the Bobcats are a strong 4-3. They have a potent offense. Quarterback Brad Jackson keeps them moving – through the air and on the ground. Texas State’s problem is its defense. There isn’t one. That’s where Boise State will take advantage of the Bobcats. But Texas State is capable of making this a good game. Bobcats can’t tame the Broncos – Boise State 31, Texas State 21.

 

10. #30 South Carolina (4-3) at Oklahoma (4-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 4:15 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Who is going to win this game? Both teams are still desperate for wins. South Carolina is hot. Maybe the hottest team in the country. In back-to-back weeks, the Gamecocks have knocked off Florida and Tennessee. Can we say that Oklahoma has the better defense and South Carolina has the better offense? Cocky loses by a hind feather – Oklahoma 21, South Carolina 20.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

Boston College (4-3) at Duke (5-2)  – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, CWN – Duke started out 4-0. Then the Blue Devils lost two-straight games. The Dookies got back on track last week. But they may have trouble staying on track. After beginning the season 2-3, Boston College has found itself the last two weeks. The Eagles have wins over Pitt and Georgia Tech. We all know that Duke lost to Georgia Tech. It all makes for what could be an exciting game. The Dookies survive – Duke 31, Boston College 26.

 

Purdue (3-4) at Penn State (3-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 4:15 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Both of these teams are floundering in the Big Ten. Penn State has yet to win a conference game. The Nitts are 0-4. Purdue has managed to pull out two wins in conference play. But, in general, neither team has looked good. Both could struggle in this game. Boilers run out of steam – Penn State 30, Purdue 27.

 

Washington (4-3) at Nebraska (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – At 5-0, the Huskers were looking pretty good. Then along came Indiana and Oregon. The Huskers haven’t looked so good. Washington is worse. The Huskies have been hot and cold. Washington quarterback Demond Williams may or may not play – game time decision. Who wants this game more? It’s the Huskers who are looking husky – Nebraska 28, Washington 24.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Florida Atlantic (5-2) at North Texas (5-2) – (AC vs. AC) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN….

Baylor (4-3) at UCF (4-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Friday, ESPN….

UAB (4-3) at South Florida (5-2) – (AC vs. AC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPNU….

 

Dayton (6-1) at Stetson (1-7) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, YouTube….

Bethune-Cookman (5-3) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-3) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

Southern (3-5) at Florida A&M (2-6) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

 

FIU (3-4) at Liberty (6-1) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN….

Clemson (4-3) at Florida State (3-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

#1 Miami (7-0) at North Carolina (4-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“I understand your frustration. We’re methodically working on a plan,” Florida State president Richard McCullough to the FSU fans.

 

“Lincoln Riley could make USC fire him. Or he could just cut and run,” USA Today sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.

 

“USC and Lincoln Riley appear headed for an ugly breakup. It’s an unhappy marriage,” USA Today sports columnist John Brice.

 

“This is where I want to be. This is the right place for me. I’m the right person to be here,” USC coach Lincoln Riley.

 

“I’m 100% interested in the Baylor job,” former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, on the head coach opening at his alma mater.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

The next CFW – Week 9 Results – will be posted Monday morning, November 2.