Oh Sweet Blindness

College Football Week One – Five Straight Days of Football

Oh Sweet Blindness

(With apologies to the late Laura Nyro)

Let’s go down by the gridiron, drink my daddy’s beer. Get happy!
Down by the gridiron, drink my daddy’s beer. Get happy, happy!

After seven months of waiting, college football season is here!

The season kicks off Thursday evening and opening weekend continues for the next four days, ending on Labor Day night – five-straight days of football. Does it get any better?

Oh sweet blindness, a little magic, a little kindness.
Oh sweet blindness, all over me.

Oregon State lineman Tyler Patrick Thomas was psyched for opening weekend last week. The Beavers’ offensive lineman was caught nude in a stranger’s home. When police arrived, Thomas got down in the three-point stance and charged the officers. One of the cops pulled out his stun gun and tazed Thomas. Police reported that Thomas was absolutely intoxicated.

Four leaves on a clover, and I’m just a bit of a shade hung over.

Ah, don’t you love college football? I figure Thomas should have told police he was practicing for the lingerie bowl. Thomas, by the way, has been dismissed from the Oregon State team.

Yes, the action commences Thursday with a TV doubleheader on ESPN – Southern Miss at South Carolina, followed by USC at Hawaii. ESPNU has Minnesota at Middle Tennessee, while Versus is carrying Pitt at Utah. Take your pick.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the season is beginning without Bobby Bowden. But on the eve of a new season, Bobby couldn’t stay out of the spotlight. He revealed last week, what we all knew, that he was “pushed out” by Florida State.

Bobby said he could have come back for one more year as the “ambassador coach.” But Jimbo Fisher would have been making the calls and running the team. He said he couldn’t cope with that kind of set up. His only other option was to “quit.”

You know, I thought I heard the Seminole cheerleaders revising a classic cheer last season. Instead of “Push ’em back, push ’em back, way back,” they were cheering “Push him out, push him out, way out.”

Friday night, Arizona makes a visit to Toledo to play the Rockets. ESPN is broadcasting the game.

Several games are on TV Saturday, including Connecticut at Michigan, Kentucky at Louisville, Purdue at Notre Dame, Texas at Rice, UCLA at Kansas State, Washington at BYU, Oregon State at TCU, LSU vs. North Carolina and Cincinnati at Fresno State to mention a few.

Georgia introduces a brand new Uga Saturday – Uga VIII. You may remember that Uga VII died at the end of last season. I suppose Uga VIII will be barking:

“I’m Uga the eighth I am
Uga the eighth I am, I am
I got married to the bitch next door
She’s been married seven times before
And everyone was an Uga (Uga)
She wouldn’t have a Rover or a Fido (no Fido)
I’m her eighth old Dawg, I’m Uga
Uga the eighth I am”

Sunday afternoon, ESPN2 broadcasts Tulsa at East Carolina, while ESPN televises SMU at Texas Tech.

And finally, on Labor Day Monday, ESPN offers a doubleheader – Maryland at Navy, followed by Boise State vs. Virginia Tech from Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland. Enjoy the games.

Swamp Mama and I hosted a college football season kickoff party Saturday night. The guests, fans of several different colleges, wore school t-shirts, team jerseys and brought flags, banners and other paraphernalia representing their schools.

Flags and banners of N.C. State, Notre Dame, Duke, North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky and Florida were draped over the banister on our front porch. When Brent Stancil brought his N.C. State flag, he draped it over top of the North Carolina flag. But Betty “The Duchess of Indialantic” Pappas wasn’t going to put up with that. She made sure her Tar Heel banner was displayed. Betty is also a big Georgia fan.

Rockledge Gator and Bootsie brought a football that all of the guests signed. It’s now a valued keepsake for Swamp Mama and me. Bootsie wore an Auburn shirt.

Tom and Jane Sharpe brought several Florida State t-shirts and sweatshirts and Swamp Mama actually draped the shirts inside the house. I had to take Swamp Mama’s temperature. I thought she must to be sick.

Swamp Mama’s good friend from high school Patti Maggiore and her husband Larry drove over from Punta Gorda, Florida, for the party. Patti and Larry brought a blowup Gator (Albert) that we setup in the backyard.

Dieter and Deb Gum wore their Florida Tech t-shirts that read: Florida Tech Football, Still Undefeated. Florida Tech doesn’t have a football team, but the Panthers are starting a team in 2013. So Dieter and Deb may have only three more years to wear those shirts.

John and Karlene Tuttle represented the Kentucky Wildcat contingency. They also brought our tickets for the Kentucky-Florida game. Roger and Sara Schenk represented more schools – Purdue, Duke, Notre Dame, Georgia and Michigan – than any other couple at the party. We had Roger’s large Purdue flag in the backyard.

And our friend Stephanie Stein made sure that Syracuse got its fair amount of attention at the party. We missed Steph’s husband Neal who was unable to attend. We also missed Brent Stancil’s wife Angela who was under the weather.

So, we’re ready. All we need now is for the games to begin.

The three most talked and written about teams at preseason are Alabama, Ohio State and Boise State. Each has a big test early in the season. Boise State opens against Virginia Tech. If the Bulldogs win that game, it is highly likely they will finish the season undefeated. Boise State’s only other test is a home game against Oregon State.

Alabama, hoping to repeat as national champions and given a good chance of doing it, has a meeting with Penn State in Tuscaloosa the second weekend of the season – September 11. That same day, Ohio State hosts Miami (Florida) in the Horseshoe in Columbus.

In the SEC, Alabama and Florida are the favorites to meet again in the SEC title game. If they do, it would be their second encounter of the season. The Crimson Tide and the Gators meet in Tuscaloosa on October 2. And don’t count out Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Georgia or South Carolina. One of those teams could surprise.

Virginia Tech and Florida State are the favorites to play for the ACC championship. The Hokies and the Seminoles don’t play each other during the season, but both have to play Miami on the road. Do Miami, Clemson, Boston College, Georgia Tech or North Carolina have enough to surprise?

Nebraska appears to be a sure bet to tangle with either Oklahoma or Texas for the Big 12 championship. And it will be Nebraska’s last year in the Big 12. Texas and Oklahoma play September 2, and the Longhorns play at Nebraska on October 16. The Huskers and the Sooners don’t meet during the season.

Ohio State is the solid favorite to win the Big Ten. If the Buckeyes slip up, Iowa and Wisconsin are given the best chance to win the conference. Penn State could surprise. Iowa has all three – Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State – at home. Ohio State also plays at Wisconsin, but the Buckeyes host Penn State. Wisconsin and Penn State don’t play. Michigan State and Michigan won’t surprise, but they could cause some problems to the above mentioned teams.

In the Big East, Pitt is the general favorite. West Virginia is given the best chance to challenge the Panthers. Connecticut, Cincinnati or Rutgers could surprise. Pitt and West Virginia meet in Pittsburgh on November 26.

The two Oregon’s – Oregon and Oregon State – are the favorites in the Pac-10. USC, on probation, will be playing for pride and could win out in the conference. Stanford, Washington or Arizona could be the surprise team.

TCU is the overwhelming favorite in the Mountain West. The Horned Frogs biggest challengers are Utah and BYU. Air Force could surprise. TCU has BYU in Fort Worth, but is on the road at Utah.

Boise State is the hands down favorite in the WAC. Only Nevada and Fresno State are slight threats to the Bulldogs and that is a minimal threat at best. Boise State has Fresno State at home and plays at Nevada.

In Conference USA, Houston is the solid choice to meet either UCF or Southern Miss for the C-USA championship. Southern Miss is at UCF on November 13 and hosts Houston on November 20. Houston and UCF don’t meet during the season.

Temple and Northern Illinois are the favorites to meet for the Mid-American championship. If they do, it would be a second encounter. The two teams meet at Northern Illinois on October 9. Ohio and Central Michigan could surprise.

Middle Tennessee is the pick of the Sun Belt, but Troy is a very serious threat to the Blue Raiders. The two teams meet at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on October 5.

Navy appears to be the best of the Independents. The Middies play both Notre Dame and Army. Navy plays Notre Dame at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 23.

There are two new bowl games in the 2010 season – the Pinstripe Bowl and the Dallas Classic. The Pinstripe Bowl will be played in Yankee Stadium on December 30 between a Big East team and a Big 12 team.

The Dallas Classic will be played January 1, 2011 in the Cotton Bowl. The Classic will pit a Big 12 team against a Big Ten team. The Cotton Bowl game is moving to Cowboys Stadium. There are 35 bowl games this season. The International Bowl has been discontinued.

College football has two new rules this year. No messages, words, phrases, etc. will be allowed on eyeblack. And no more wedge blocking on kick returns.

We welcome three new teams to the college football ranks this season – Lamar, Georgia State and South Alabama. Lamar is resuming its program after dropping football several years ago, while Georgia State and South Alabama will be playing football for the first time.

All three schools will be in the FCS (Division I-AA). Although South Alabama will move up to the FBS (Division I-A) in 2013. The Jaguars will compete in the Sun Belt Conference. Next year, Texas-San Antonio begins playing football as an FCS school.

And finally, the results of an extensive survey of men were published and broadcast last week. The survey, and I kid you not, found that 1-in-4 grown men sleep with a stuffed animal. I thought how could that be? But then it hit me. After all these years of traveling with Rockledge Gator, I now know why he always traveled with a second suitcase.

For the next four months, it’s chili dogs, cold pizza and beer for breakfast on Saturday mornings. College football is here!

Ain’t that sweet-eyed blindness good to me!

Touchdown Tom
August 30, 2010


Quotes of the Week

“And that roaring applause you heard Monday was pancake house waitresses and porn queens across the world rejoicing. Tiger is single again!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Dear NFL, I apologize for tweeting during the game but that was two months of my Bugatti payments you just took from me. I won’t do it again,” Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, on his $25,000 fine from the NFL for tweeting during a game.

“Fired might be a little too strong. Pushed out ain’t bad. I was definitely pushed out, no doubt about it. I didn’t want but one more year. Gosh, I’m 80,” Bobby Bowden, on his departure from Florida State.

“When I was a kid my dad used to take me to Tuscaloosa to watch the games. I think the last time I was there just watching as a fan was 1948 when I was a senior in high school and they were recruiting me. I always wanted to go back. And now I can,” Bobby Bowden, on going to an Alabama game again.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Opening Week … and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – (WAC vs. ACC) – Ten years ago no one had ever heard of Boise State. Now, no one wants to play them – at least not in Boise. Not on the Smurf Turf. Forty years ago no one had ever heard of Virginia Tech. The school was VPI then. They were the Gobblers, not the Hokies. Now, no one wants to play them in Blacksburg. So, the two teams – Boise State and Virginia Tech – are meeting at Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland. It’s the first meeting of the season (the only one this weekend) between two Top-10 teams. Boise State is favored. I say the Hokies win, but the Bulldogs keep it close. Bulldogs get poked – Virginia Tech 20, Boise State 15.

RUNNER UP: 2. Oregon State vs. TCU – (Pac-10 vs. MWC) – TCU begins the season ranked in the Top 10. The Beavers are in the Top 25. But the big question on everyone’s mind about this game is will the Oregon State offensive linemen suit up, or will they play in the nude. A bunch of naked offensive linemen could be pretty ugly – especially when they are down in the three-point stance. Look for the Frogs to stun the Beavers. But I say it’s closer than the oddsmakers have it. Beavers get tazed – TCU 17, Oregon State 12.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. LSU vs. North Carolina – (SEC vs. ACC) – Up until Thursday night, the bookmakers called this game even. Now, it’s off the books. Thursday night, all hell broke loose in Chapel Hill. North Carolina revealed that it is investigating a cheating scandal – academic fraud, improper tutoring. Sounds like a contagious disease that North Carolina caught from Florida State. UNC is supposed to have one of the best defenses in the country, but at this point, no one knows who and how many Tar Heel players will be held out of the game. Meanwhile, LSU coach Les Miles needs to win this game. As the season begins, Miles is feeling some pressure. The Tigers are somewhat of an unknown commodity. The talent is there. But the question is: how will the talent perform? It should perform well against UNC’s offense. Even if all the Tar Heels play, UNC’s offense was considered to be so-so at best. Prior to Thursday night’s news, I had LSU winning 17-14. Tigers claw through the defense of Tar – LSU 20, North Carolina 10.

4. Pitt at Utah – (Big East vs. MWC) – This is a rematch of the Fiesta Bowl played at the end of the 2004 season. Utah under coach Urban Meyer and with quarterback Alex Smith clobbered the Panthers, 35-7. It was Meyer’s last game at Utah before leaving for Florida. Pitt is not favored in this contest either, but it should be a lot closer. If the game were played in Pittsburgh, the Panthers would be favored. Utes on a Panther hunt – Utah 22, Pitt 17.

5. Washington at BYU – (Pac-10 vs. MWC) – The winner of this game could jump into the Top 25. All eyes will be on Huskies’ quarterback Jake Locker. The Washington senior, who turned down the NFL draft in the spring, is expected to have stellar year – possibly a Heisman one. He’ll have his work cut out for him in this game. BYU has incentive, because the school was spurned by the Pac-10 Conference during the expansions in June. Oddsmakers have the Cougars winning. I think not. Cougars trapped in the Locker – Washington 26, BYU 24.

6. Connecticut at Michigan – (Big East vs. Big Ten) – Pressure is on Rich Rod, but he says he can deal with it. A loss to UConn and the Wolverine fans will be howling. This may be Randy Edsall’s last chance to beat Rich Rod. Edsall was 0-4 against West Virginia when the Rod was coaching the Mountaineers. He never even came close. Now Edsall has another opportunity. Last year, UConn went into South Bend and beat Notre Dame. No reason the Huskies can’t go into Ann Arbor and beat Michigan. Oddsmakers have Michigan by three. I’m calling for the upset. R-Rod is no A-Rod – Connecticut 24, Michigan 22.

7. Purdue at Notre Dame – (Big Ten vs. Ind.) – New coach at Notre Dame. New quarterbacks at both schools. The Brian Kelly era begins in South Bend. Will it last longer than the Charlie Weis era? Former Miami (Florida) quarterback Robert Marve is directing the Boilers’ attack, after sitting out last season. Purdue is expecting big things from Marve. The Irish offense will be led by junior Dayne Crist. Florida governor Charlie Crist was a college quarterback. No relation. ND is favored by a touchdown and a field goal. I say the Irish win, but it will be closer. Kelly’s heroes – Notre Dame 28, Purdue 27.

8. Southern Miss at South Carolina – (C-USA vs. SEC) – This was supposed to be the year of the Gamecock – Steve Spurrier’s best season since he came to South Carolina in 2005. Then scandal hit South Carolina – like North Carolina, but for different reasons. It had to do with where some of the Chickens were roosting. Now, we don’t know who and how many Gamecock players may be held out of the game. We do know that South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders won’t play. Spurrier had already suspended him. Chickens fowl up the Eagles – South Carolina 26, Southern Miss 14.

9. Cincinnati at Fresno State – (Big East vs. WAC) – Like Pitt, Cincinnati has a tough opener on the road – and out west too. The Bearcats have a new coach too – Butch Jones. But Jones is making few if any changes to Brian Kelly’s offense at Cincinnati. Quarterback Zach Collaros should pick up where Tony Pike left off. Even though Fresno State coach Pat Hill just got a contract extension, he really needs the win. Last year, when the two teams met in Cincinnati, the Bearcats won a thriller. It could be a thriller again this year, only the Bulldogs win. Dogs collar the Cats – Fresno State 27, Cincinnati 22.

10. Marshall at Ohio State – (C-USA vs. Big Ten) – The last time these two played, the Buckeyes had to make a long field goal as time expired to win the game. That won’t be the case this time. Tough initiation for new Marshall coach Doc Holliday. Buckeyes have Pryor experience – Ohio State 45, Marshall 3.

11. SMU at Texas Tech – (C-USA vs. Big 12) – The Tommy Tuberville era begins at Texas Tech. The June Jones era continues at SMU. The Mustangs are getting better under Jones. But not better enough to beat the Red Raiders – only enough to make it close. Raiders corral the Ponies – Texas Tech 29, SMU 24.

12. Illinois vs. Missouri – (Big Ten vs. Big 12) – Illinois has not done well in this series and it looks bleak again this year for the Illini. This could be the beginning of the end for Illinois coach Ron Zook. There is some hope for the Illini. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel has suspended running back Derrick Washington for the game. Tigers book the Zook – Missouri 26, Illinois 19.

13. Wisconsin at UNLV – (Big Ten vs. MWC) – This may be a long season for new UNLV coach Bobby Hauk. Wisconsin won’t make it any shorter. Badger running back John Clay should have a field day. No running in these Rebels – Wisconsin 38, UNLV 15.

14. Maryland vs. Navy – (ACC vs. Ind.) – Navy is a hot team this year. The Middies should be with quarterback Ricky Dobbs. He can do a lot on the field – a lot of bad things for Maryland. Terp coach Ralph Friedgen could be looking at his last season with the Turtles. Battleships shell the Shells – Navy 25, Maryland 16.

15. UCLA at Kansas State – (Pac-10 vs. Big 12) – How long are Bruin fans going to put up with the mediocrity from Rick Neuheisel? He is 11-14 after two years in Westwood. And 2010 isn’t forecast to be that bright. Meanwhile, Bill Snyder is in his second year back, trying to rebuild the Wildcats. Bookies say that K-State is going to win by three. I beg to differ. Bruins come out of hibernation – UCLA 24, Kansas State 17.

16. Northwestern at Vanderbilt – (Big Ten vs. SEC) – The lone private school of the Big Ten vs. the lone private school of the SEC. The one from the Big Ten has been playing the better football. Pat Fitzgerald has the Wildcats playing competitive ball. Vandy has an unexpected new coach – Robbie Caldwell – who hopes to be around in Nashville for more than one year. Back to lining the fields – Northwestern 25, Vanderbilt 17.

17. Kentucky at Louisville – (SEC vs. Big East) – Both schools have new coaches – Joker Phillips at Kentucky and Charlie Strong at Louisville. Neither has a lot of talent, but Strong has the bigger rebuilding job of the two. Strong becomes weak – Kentucky 30, Louisville 17.

18. Minnesota at Middle Tennessee – (Big Ten vs. Sun Belt) – Last year, Middle Tennessee beat Maryland on the road. This year the Blue Raiders have the chance to beat a Big Ten team – and at home. It was looking real good for the Raiders until star quarterback Dwight Dasher was suspended from the team last week. But all hope is not gone. Minnesota is pretty grim. Hopes not Dashed – Middle Tennessee 24, Minnesota 23.

19. Western Michigan at Michigan State – (MAC vs. Big Ten) – These directional Michigan schools love to give the Spartans fits. Last year, Central did. This year it is Western. The pressure is on Mark Dantonio. He can’t afford a loss to the Broncos. The prospects look better for the Spartans. Will Spartans’ quarterback Kirk Cousins have a breakout season? Broncos broke – Michigan State 26, Western Michigan 15.

20. Washington State at Oklahoma State – (Pac-10 vs. Big 12) – If any coach is in danger, it is Washington State’s Paul Wulff. The Cougar coach is 3-22 in two years. And 2010 is looking dismal. Fortunately for Wulff, the prospects for Okie State aren’t much better. But unfortunately for Wulff, not nearly as bad as the Cougars’. Bookies have the Cowboys winning by two touchdowns. I’m figuring the Cougars make it closer. Cowpokes conduct a shootout – Oklahoma State 25, Washington State 22.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

21. Colorado vs. Colorado State – (Big 12 vs. MWC) – This may be the last time Dan Hawkins faces Colorado State. Hawkins is not expected to survive the year in Boulder. But fortunately for Hawkins, his team should beat the Rams in what most likely is his final contest against them. Ralphie rams the Rams – Colorado 26, Colorado State 21.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Miami (Ohio) at Florida – (MAC vs. SEC) – This isn’t the Miami from south Florida. The one everybody wishes Florida was playing. This is the Miami from south Ohio – southwestern Ohio. This Miami is often called the cradle of coaches. But nobody ever calls them the cradle of players. We will not only get to see John Brantley in action, but most likely, his backup too – and maybe the backup’s backup. Gators cruise. Swamp Thing – Florida 42, Miami (Ohio) 6.

Coastal Carolina at West Virginia – (Big South vs. Big East) – The Coastal Carolina Canabeers…I mean…Chanticleers. Why do South Carolina teams have chickens for mascots? Are they trying to tell us something? Coastal Carolina isn’t exactly on the coast. It’s about 16 miles from the sea. But at least the school got a better name than one at the other end of the state – Upstate U. Or is it Upstate State. Just think, Coastal Carolina could have been Downstate U. Or Downstate State. I know, I’m rambling. But when you play Coastal Carolina, you have to write about something. Mountaineer fans are anxiously awaiting the debut of quarterback Geno Smith. Eers coast. Chicken Pluckers – West Virginia 38, Coastal Carolina 6.

Western Kentucky at Nebraska – (Sun Belt vs. Big 12) – Last year, Nebraska played its first two games against Sun Belt Conference teams. This year the Huskers are playing another Sun Belt team. It’s getting to be a habit isn’t it? Maybe Nebraska AD Tom Osborne is sending a message. He’s about to retire to the Sun Belt. Or maybe Nebraska just wishes it was in the Sun Belt…not the conference. Actually, WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky – hardly the Sun Belt. Remember the Everly Brothers? They grew up near there. Their last song to make the Top 40 was titled “Bowling Green.” They sang about the girls in Bowling Green. “A man in Kentucky sure is lucky to lie down in Bowling Green.” Obviously, the girls in Bowling Green are better than the football players. Huskers roll. Herbie Tops the Hill – Nebraska 49, Western Kentucky 3.

Elon at Duke – (Southern vs. ACC) – Duke, Elon’s a comin’ you better hide. No, no, no, what am I thinking about. That was Eli. This is Elon. Elon just got a divorce. No, no, no that was Elin. This is Elon. Elon is lipstick and hand lotion. No, no, no that is Avon, Duke’s opening opponent next year. Avon’s mascot is the Ding Dong. Elon’s mascot is the Phoenix. I guess that means Elon rose from the ashes. Oh, where am I going with this? At least Elon’s mascot isn’t some kind of chicken. Elon’s from North Carolina, not South Carolina. Duke has a habit of opening against teams like Elon every year. And the Dookies often struggle with these teams. Devils turn up the heat – Duke 29, Elon 14.

Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) – Georgia’s first game and the debut of Uga VIII. Wonder how long he will live? Hopefully they don’t feed him any Cajun food from Lafayette. Did you ever eat at a Cajun restaurant in Lafayette? Everything on the menu is good. But everything on the menu is bad for you. After the meal, you have to pop about 10 Lipitors. This is supposedly the season that Mark Richt will be popping hypertension pills. The pressure is on the Georgia coach. And some of his players (Washaun Ealey, etc) aren’t making it any easier on Richt. But no hypertension pills are needed for this game. It’s a Dawg day afternoon. Lafayette, Uga is here – Georgia 40, Louisiana-Lafayette 9.

Texas vs. Rice – (Big 12 vs. C-USA) – After three seasons of Colt McCoy, it’s time for a new quarterback at Texas. The honor falls on Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert should have no problem in the opener. Rice plays like Krispies. Longhorns stampede. Gilbert throws Rice – Texas 45, Rice 10.


Comment: Will Randy Edsall get his first win over Rich Rodriguez? Will Pitt and Cincinnati survive their trips out west? How many North Carolina and South Carolina players will be held out of their respective games?


AROUND FLORIDA:

Florida State opens at home against Samford…. Miami is home, hosting Florida A&M…. South Florida entertains Stony Brook…. UCF is hosting South Dakota…. Florida Atlantic visits UAB…. Bethune-Cookman has a home opener against Edward Waters…. Jacksonville U. opens on the road at Old Dominion…. Florida International opens next week.


Thursday’s Television Schedule – September 2

Minnesota at Middle Tennessee State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Southern Miss at South Carolina – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
Pitt at Utah – 8:30 p.m. ET – Versus
USC at Hawaii – 11:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


Friday’s Television Schedule – September 3

Arizona at Toledo – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


Saturday’s Television Schedule – September 4

Miami (Ohio) at Florida – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Samford at Florida State – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
Western Michigan at Michigan State – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Network
Illinois vs. Missouri – 12:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Connecticut at Michigan – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Kentucky at Louisville – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Purdue at Notre Dame – 3:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Texas at Rice – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
UCLA at Kansas State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
North Texas at Clemson – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Washington at BYU – 7:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CS
Washington State at Oklahoma State – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Memphis at Mississippi State – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Oregon State vs. TCU – 7:45 p.m. ET – ESPN
LSU vs. North Carolina – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Cincinnati at Fresno State – 10:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Wisconsin at UNLV – 11:00 p.m. ET – Versus


Sunday’s Television Schedule – September 5

Delaware State vs. Southern – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Tulsa at East Carolina – 2:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
SMU at Texas Tech – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN


Monday’s Television Schedule – September 6

Maryland vs. Navy – 4:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Colorado and Ohio State will meet in Columbus, Ohio, next season in a one-game contract in which Colorado will receive $1.4 million…. Wisconsin has added UTEP to its 2012 schedule. The game will be played in Madison…. USC and Texas have agreed to a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2017-18.

Georgia has added Buffalo to its 2012 schedule. The game will be played in Athens…. Pitt has added Delaware to its 2014 and 2019 schedules. Both games will be played in Pittsburgh…. SMU extended June Jones contract through the 2014 season. It’s a two-year extension.

Extra Points

On the Internet – College Football Week now has a Website and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.

On the Radio – Listen live to Touchdown Tom every Friday morning from 8:05 to 8:40 ET on the Bill Mick Live show, talking college football with Bill Mick on NEWS TALK 1240 and 1350 WMMB AM. The show streams on http://www.wmmbam.com/. To listen, go to the Web site and click on “Listen Live.”

Enjoy the next four months and 10 days. College football 2010 comes to an end on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona, at the National Championship Bowl.

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the Labor Day weekend approached and college football fans were stoked for the start of another great season, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1935 was “East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)” by Tom Coakley

…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey.

…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “On The Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer

…60 years ago this week in 1950 was “Goodnight Irene” by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers

…55 years ago this week in 1955 was “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” by Mitch Miller

…50 years ago this week in 1960 was “It’s Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley

…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Help!” by The Beatles

…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “War” by Edwin Starr

…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Get Down Tonight” by K.C. & The Sunshine Band

…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Sailing” by Christopher Cross

…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News

…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “If Wishes Came True” by Sweet Sensation


Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were three passings of note last week – George David Weiss, Gloria Winters and William P. Foster.

George David Weiss, a songwriter who had a hand in some of the biggest hits of midcentury pop music, recorded by some of the biggest stars, died last week at his home in Oldwick, New Jersey. He was 89. Among his most famous numbers were “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” recorded by Elvis Presley, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” recorded by the Tokens, and “What a Wonderful World,” recorded by Louis Armstrong. Weiss’s other standards include “Lullaby of Birdland” (1952), “Surrender” (1946), recorded by Perry Como, “Confess” (1948), recorded by Patti Page, and “Wheel of Fortune” (1952), recorded by Kay Starr.

Gloria Winters, who personified youthful, clean-cut American innocence as Penny in the 1950s television series “Sky King,” died last week at her home in Vista, California, just north of San Diego. She was 78. “Sky King” was a contemporary western about an Arizona rancher and pilot, the title character, who ran into the likes of jewel smugglers, bank robbers and gangsters. Winters played Sky’s blond, baby-faced, perky but earnest and unfailingly helpful teenage niece, Penny, who often became involved in the adventures. She played the role from 1952 to 1959. Winters also did guest acting roles in numerous 1950s television series, including “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” “Racket Squad” and “Death Valley Days.”

William P. Foster, who revolutionized the once-staid world of collegiate marching bands as the founder and longtime director of the high-stepping, crowd-wowing Marching 100 band of Florida A&M University, died last week in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 91. Foster arrived at Florida A&M in Tallahassee in 1946. He retired as the Florida A&M band director in 1998.