College Football Week 9 – Ducks, Mizzou and Spartans Face Challenge
No. 1 is a Dangerous Position
Remember that old television commercial for Chiffon Margarine? “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” Well, let me tell you, it’s not nice being No. 1 in college football. It’s downright dangerous. Just ask Alabama, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
You don’t even want to be ranked No. 1 this early in the season. At the end of the season, yes. But not at this point and time. It’s too dangerous.
For six weeks, Alabama was the No. 1 ranked team in the country. That is until the Crimson Tide went on the road to Columbia, South Carolina, to play the Gamecocks. Steve Spurrier’s team had a surprise waiting for the Tide. South Carolina put a 35-21 whopping on Alabama and the Tide was no longer No. 1.
Enter Ohio State. The Buckeyes became No. 1. But only for a week. Ohio State went on the road to Madison, Wisconsin, to play the Badgers. Bret Bielema’s team was waiting for the Buckeyes. Not only waiting, but prepared. Wisconsin handed Ohio State a 31-18 whipping.
Entree vous Oklahoma. The Sooners became No. 1 in the season’s first BCS Standings. But not for long. Oklahoma went on the road to Columbia (must be something about Columbia), Missouri, to play the Tigers. Gary Pinkel’s team had a trap set. And the Sooners got caught. Missouri showed Oklahoma how it’s done, tripping up the Sooners, 36-27.
Three No. 1 teams went on the road. Three No. 1 teams lost.
This week Oregon remains No. 1 in the AP and Coaches Polls. And guess what the Ducks are doing this week? They are going on the road. Oregon is headed to the Coliseum in Los Angeles to face USC. Will Lane Kiffin’s Trojans stuff the Ducks? Will USC be eating foie gras next week? Not if Tennessee fans have anything to do with it.
But unfortunately for Vols’ fans, they don’t have anything to do with it. It’s a dangerous game for Oregon. We may have a new No. 1 team next week. Stay tuned!
Oregon remained in the No. 1 spot in the AP and Coaches Polls, following its impressive 60-13 win over UCLA last Thursday night. Elsewhere in the Pac-10 over the weekend, Arizona throttled Washington, 44-14; Stanford beat Washington State, 38-28, and California pounded Arizona State, 50-17. Will Dennis Erickson still be coaching the Sun Devils next year?
In the Big Ten, Michigan State survived a scare from Northwestern. Trailing 17-0, the Spartans rallied to beat the Wildcats, 35-27. State coach Mark Dantonio was on the sidelines for the first time since his heart attack after the Notre Dame game on September 18. Also in the Big Ten, Wisconsin edged Iowa, 31-30, and Illinois beat Indiana, 43-13.
Auburn’s Cam Newton put on a Heisman performance Saturday. The Tiger quarterback rushed for 217 yards, as Auburn edged LSU, 24-17. Newton’s 49-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter was a quintessential Heisman-winning play. And speaking of Auburn, the Tigers have a target on them too. Auburn is No. 1 in the BCS Standings. Also in the SEC, Arkansas spanked Ole Miss, 38-24; Georgia downed Kentucky, 44-31, and Alabama blasted Tennessee, 41-10.
Oklahoma wasn’t the only undefeated Big 12 team to lose Saturday. Nebraska knocked off previously undefeated Oklahoma State, 51-41. Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez revived his Heisman hopes, passing for 323 yards and rushing for another 112. Baylor outlasted Kansas State, 47-42, and Texas Tech beat Colorado, 27-24. The biggest surprise in the Big 12 occurred in Austin, Texas. Iowa State upset heavily favored Texas, 28-21.
There was a big upset in the Big East too. Syracuse came into Morgantown and stymied West Virginia, 19-14. Improving Pitt stomped Rutgers, 41-21, and Louisville skunked Connecticut, 26-0. On Friday night, South Florida surprised Cincinnati, 38-30.
Miami got back on the winning track in the ACC. The Canes spanked North Carolina, 33-10. In another ACC game, Clemson bested Georgia Tech, 27-13.
In the Mountain West, TCU and Utah remained undefeated. The Horned Frogs grounded Air Force, 38-7, and the Utes dumped Colorado State, 59-6. In the WAC, Boise State had the week off, but improving Hawaii squashed Utah State, 45-7. Fresno State downed San Jose State, 33-18, and Idaho beat New Mexico State, 37-14.
Navy beat Notre Dame for the third time in four years. The Middies stunned the Irish, 35-17. Navy’s Alexander Teich rushed for 210 yards. In the MAC, Temple and Ohio continue to be the best in the East Division. The Owls beat Buffalo, 42-0, while the Bobcats thumped Miami (Ohio), 34-13. The two best of the West Division both won. Northern Illinois downed Central Michigan, 33-7, and Toledo edged Ball State, 31-24.
Three teams lost for the first time Saturday – LSU, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Only seven teams remain undefeated – Oregon, Auburn, Boise State, TCU, Utah, Michigan State and Missouri. Oregon, Michigan State and Missouri all have tough games Saturday. And all three tough games are on the road – Oregon at USC, Michigan State at Iowa and Missouri at Nebraska.
Auburn, TCU and Utah are also all on the road Saturday. But all three face weaker competition – Auburn at Ole Miss, TCU at UNLV and Utah at Air Force. The Falcons could provide some angst for the Utes, while Auburn can’t afford to go to sleep. Boise State has a home game Tuesday night against Louisiana Tech.
Meanwhile, only two teams remain winless – Akron (0-8) and New Mexico (0-7). And the remainder of the season does not look promising for the Zips and Lobos. They may well finish winless. Western Kentucky won for the first time Saturday. The Hilltoppers beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 54-21. Hard to believe that Rickey Bustle will be back coaching the Cajuns next year.
Speaking of not returning for the 2011 season, North Texas fired head coach Todd Dodge last week. Dodge was in his fourth season coaching the Mean Green. He had a record of 6-37 (1-6 this season). Dodge was a high school coach when he was hired by North Texas. That was about as smart a move as when Notre Dame, several years ago, hired Jerry Faust, the Holy Roller from Moeller. North Texas offensive coordinator Mike Canales was named the interim coach for the remainder of the Mean Green’s season.
The Pac-10 which will be the Pac-12 next season announced its division setup last week. There will be a North and South Division. The North will include Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford and California. The South will include USC, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado.
Each team will play every team in its division and four teams from the other division – nine conference games. There will be a conference championship game played at the end of the season between the two division champions. The title game will be played on the home field of the team with the best conference record. I assume the Pac-10 is hoping that Washington State never wins its division with the best overall conference record. Pullman in December?
So, as I see it, moving up on the Heisman list: Auburn’s Cam Newton, Oregon’s LaMichael James, Stanford’s Andrew Luck, Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez, Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert and TCU’s Andy Dalton. No movement – up or down: Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Michigan’s Denard Robinson. Moving down on the Heisman list: Alabama’s Mark Ingram, Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor and Oklahoma’s DeMarco Murray. Waiting in the wings: Wisconsin’s John Clay.
Then, you have to figure, if Michigan State and Utah continue to go undefeated shouldn’t Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins and Ute quarterback Jordan Wynn receive Heisman consideration? Cousins and Wynn are both having good seasons. And they’re both a significant reason for their respective teams being undefeated.
So, the target’s on Oregon. The target’s on Auburn. Who will be the next No. 1 team to fall?
Friday night, Swamp Mama and I attended the Melbourne Central Catholic-Holy Trinity football game at MCC with Tom and Jane Sharpe. Tom and Jane’s son Michael is a star player for MCC. Michael didn’t let us down. On MCC’s first offensive play of the game, he caught a touchdown pass. Michael went on to score two more touchdowns before the game was over. MCC won, 49-14.
Well, Rockledge Gator and Bootsie have returned from their sabbatical in Alabama and Georgia. Rockledge Gator had to get back before the Florida-Georgia game. But I’ll let you Dawg fans in on a little secret – Rockledge Gator was born in Georgia. But he never learned to say, “Woof, woof.”
Touchdown Tom
October 25, 2010
Weekend Review
GAME OF THE WEEK: Cam-shaft – Auburn 24, LSU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 24, LSU 17). It takes an outstanding performance in a game like this to establish yourself as the leading Heisman contender. That’s exactly what Cam Newton did. His 49-yard touchdown run is in all the highlight films. Auburn racked up 526 yards of offense on the highly-touted LSU defense. A crowd of 87,451 attended the game in Auburn.
RUNNER UP: Sooners can’t show ’em – Missouri 36, Oklahoma 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 31, Missouri 24). Missouri coach Gary Pinkel gets his first ever win over Oklahoma. Tiger quarterback Blaine Gabbert was flawless. A crowd of 71,004 attended the game in Columbia.
REST OF THE BEST: Cowboys stuck in Corn syrup – Nebraska 51, Oklahoma State 41 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Oklahoma State 25). The Huskers found their offense which was so missing against Texas. Taylor Martinez can spell Heisman again. But the Nebraska defense was a no show. Granted, Okie State has a powerful passing attack. A crowd of 55,935 attended the game in Stillwater.
Hickory-dickory dock, the Badgers ran out the clock – Wisconsin 31, Iowa 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Wisconsin 22). Well, this week’s “time mismanagement at the end of the game” trophy goes to Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes could have won the game with a field goal had Ferentz not mishandled the remaining time at the end of the game. Deep in its own territory, Wisconsin kept its final winning drive alive with a fake punt. Iowa’s defense was pooped after that play. A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City.
Wildcats miss the Mark – Michigan State 35, Northwestern 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 30, Northwestern 20). Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for 329 yards. A crowd of 41,114 attended the game in Evanston.
Frogs glide – TCU 38, Air Force 7 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 29, Air Force 19). Tight first quarter, then it was all TCU after that. A crowd of 46,096 attended the game in Fort Worth.
Bears hug the Wildcats – Baylor 47, Kansas State 42 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 34, Kansas State 33). Baylor’s duo of Robert Griffin and Jay Finley put on quite a show. Griffin passed for 404 yards and Finley rushed for 250 yards. A crowd of 40,057 attended the game in Waco.
Locker’s no rocker – Arizona 44, Washington 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 24, Washington 16). And Arizona was playing with a backup quarterback. The Wildcats are still alive in the Pac-10. What a disappointing season for the Huskies. A crowd of 56,244 attended the game in Tucson.
Tutorless in Miami – Miami (Florida) 33, North Carolina 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 23, North Carolina 19). The Tar Heels’ four-game winning streak comes to an end. A crowd of 43,584 attended the game in Miami Gardens.
No Buzz in Clemson – Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 23). Let’s face it, Georgia Tech is not really a very good team this year. A crowd of 77,000 attended the game in Clemson.
Sailors swab the Irish – Navy 35, Notre Dame 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 27, Navy 25). Brian Kelly has a rebuilding job on his hands. The Irish are not out of the woods yet – facing a 6-6 season. A crowd of 75,614 attended the game in East Rutherford.
Bruins drown in the Duck Pond – Oregon 60, UCLA 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 42, UCLA 14). Ducks’ offense is awesome. So in its remaining games, whose defense is going to stop Oregon’s powerful offense – USC? Washington? Cal? Arizona? Oregon State? Maybe Arizona? Otherwise, you can pencil in the Ducks for the national championship game. Meanwhile, Rick Neuheisel has major problems. Will he survive in Westwood? A crowd of 59,372 attended the game in Eugene.
Elephant walk – Alabama 41, Tennessee 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 36, Tennessee 13). Close at halftime, Bama exploded in the second half, outscoring the Vols 28-0. Quarterback Greg McElroy, receiver Julio Jones and running back Trent Richardson each had a great game for the Tide. Tennessee falls to 2-5. A crowd of 102,455 attended the game in Knoxville.
Mounties can’t peel the Orange – Syracuse 19, West Virginia 14 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 33, Syracuse 12). Mountaineer quarterback Geno Smith, who only had two interceptions all season coming into the game, threw three interceptions in the first half. Syracuse beat WVU for the first time since 2001. A crowd of 58,122 attended the game in Morgantown.
Hogs rib the Rebels – Arkansas 38, Ole Miss 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 24). Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett made a nice recovery from his concussion last week. A crowd of 73,619 attended the game in Fayetteville.
Nighty Knight – Pitt 41, Rutgers 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Pitt 24, Rutgers 18). Pitt’s coming on strong, winning two in a row and scoring a combined 86 points in the two wins. Panther quarterback Tino Sunseri passed for 307 yards. A crowd of 50,425 attended the game in Pittsburgh.
Bears come out of hibernation – California 50, Arizona State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: California 30, Arizona State 27). Cal plays much better at home than on the road. Meanwhile, ASU’s Dennis Erickson has to be in trouble. A crowd of 51,599 attended the game in Berkeley.
Rocky Mountain low – Texas Tech 27, Colorado 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 29, Colorado 26). Curtains for Dan Hawkins. A crowd of 47,665 attended the game in Boulder.
Looking Bully – South Florida 38, Cincinnati 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 26, South Florida 15). Surprise, surprise – the Bulls found an offense, but lost a defense. Meanwhile, the Bearcats still have an offense and still have no defense. Cincinnati had 590 yards total offense and lost the game. A crowd of 32,670 attended the game in Cincinnati.
Strong attack – Louisville 26, Connecticut 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 27, Connecticut 24). Charlie Strong is waking up the Cardinal. A crowd of 48,591 attended the game in Louisville.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Lynch pinned – Illinois 43, Indiana 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Illinois 35, Indiana 28). Ron Zook is safe; Bill Lynch is in jeopardy. A crowd of 53,550 attended the game in Champaign.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Tyrod tie-dyes the Dookies – Virginia Tech 44, Duke 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 35, Duke 11). Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor had a great day. Meanwhile, the Dookies exhibit little-to-no improvement from week-to-week. A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.
Cat bones for Uga – Georgia 44, Kentucky 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 30, Kentucky 29). After a 1-4 start, Georgia has won three straight. A crowd of 70,884 attended the game in Lexington.
Buckeyes blast the Boilers – Ohio State 49, Purdue 0(Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 34, Purdue 17). The Boilers had a measly 118 yards offense to Ohio State’s 489 yards. Terrelle Pryor threw two interceptions. A crowd of 105,387 attended the game in Columbia.
Cyclones feast on T-Bones – Iowa State 28, Texas 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, Iowa State 13). Iowa State gets its first ever Big 12 win over Texas. The Longhorns are a strange team. A crowd of 100,142 attended the game in Austin.
Comment: A better week at 19-6, brings my season total to 142-51 (73.6 percent).
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF dumped Rice, 41-14. A crowd of 38,151 attended the game in Orlando…. Florida Atlantic lost to Arkansas State, 37-16. A crowd of 13,159 attended the game in Jonesboro.
Florida A&M edged Norfolk State, 17-13. A crowd of 21,118 attended the game in Norfolk…. Bethune-Cookman beat North Carolina Central, 23-10. A crowd of 7,645 attended the game in Durham…. Jacksonville U. flattened Marist, 56-14. A crowd of 4,233 attended the game in Jacksonville.
Superlatives
Impressive Passers: Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros – 30-53-1 for 463 yards; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 26-38-1 for 404; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 25-41-2 for 389; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 17-24-0 for 372; South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia – 31-39-1 for 355; Kentucky’s Mike Hartline – 27-43-1 for 353; Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins – 29-43-0 for 329, and Ole Miss’ – Jeremiah Masoli – 21-36-0 for 327.
Also, Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 23-35-0 for 323 yards; Utah’s Jordan Wynn – 23-29-0 for 321; SMU’s Kyle Padron – 26-46-2 for 318; Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert – 30-42-0 for 308; Oregon’s Darron Thomas – 22-31-0 for 308; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 21-27-1 for 307; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 32-50-2 for 303; Minnesota’s Adam Weber – 26-49-1 for 299; Washington State’s Jeff Tuel – 21-28-2 for 298, and San Jose State’s Jordan La Secla – 19-31-2 for 292.
Also, Idaho’s Nathan Enderle – 25-47-0 for 291 yards; South Florida’s B.J. Daniels – 13-16-0 for 286; Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts – 24-38-1 for 286; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 18-35-1 for 283; Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor – 13-17-0 for 280; Colorado’s Cody Hawkins – 22-43-0 for 274; Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor – 16-22-2 for 270; Alabama’s Greg McElroy – 21-32-0 for 264, and Western Kentucky’s Kawaun Jakes – 18-22-0 for 262.
Impressive Rushers: Baylor’s Jay Finley – 250 yards; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 217 yards; Navy’s Alexander Teich – 210 yards; TCU’s Ed Wesley – 209 yards; Oklahoma State’s Kendall Hunter – 201 yards, and Arkansas’ Knile Davis – 176 yards.
Also, Hawaii’s Alex Green – 172 yards; Clemson’s Andre Ellington – 166 yards; Georgia’s Washaun Ealey – 157 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Javonti Green – 155 yards; South Carolina’s Brian Maddox – 146 yards, and Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor – 142 yards.
Quotes of Last Week
“He’s a coward, he ruined a bunch of people’s lives, a bunch of families, kids, because he didn’t have enough guts to stay there and finish the job. And that’s the truth. Most people in football have enough courage about them and enough fight to stick it out and not quit halfway through the year. It’s cowardly. He’s a gutless bastard. You can quote that,” Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, on Bobby Petrino, his former boss at the Atlanta Falcons.
“If 1-2 Vanderbilt wins out, it’s in the SEC title game. OK, not going to happen. But after South Carolina beat Alabama one week and lost to Kentucky the next, is anybody issuing guarantees? On a related note, Steve Spurrier is rooming with Cheswick and Martini but is said to be doing very well with finger paints this week,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Hey, just think, if Auburn Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Newton had sent a threatening text message to his girlfriend instead of throwing a stolen laptop out the window, he might be the quarterback of the Gators right now,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
"They’re big, they’re fast and they’re bold,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun, on TCU.
The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Oregon (7-0) at USC (5-2) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – They say this is USC’s bowl game. Since the Trojans can’t go to a real bowl game, they have been pointing to the Oregon game as their “bowl game.” USC’s defense must play better than it has all year if the Trojans want to stay in this contest. The Ducks move and they move fast. Little Kiffy needs Aflac – Oregon 35, USC 27.
RUNNER UP: 2. Missouri (7-0) at Nebraska (6-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – This could be another shoot out like the Nebraska-Okie State game last week. Mizzou is very similar to the Cowboys. Only the Tigers are lacking a strong running game. But Blaine Gabbert’s passing can open up some gains on the ground. Mizzou’s defense will be heavily tested by Nebraska. Tigers get lost in the Maize – Nebraska 28, Missouri 26.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Michigan State (8-0) at Iowa (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – After stubbing their toes against Wisconsin, the Hawkeyes will be out to spoil Michigan State’s party. The Spartans seem to be a second half team. Iowa was worn out against Wisconsin in the final quarter. The Hawkeyes better be in better shape against the Spartans or Kirk Cousins will pick them to pieces in the fourth quarter. Hawkeyes are no yokes – Iowa 33, Michigan State 32.
4. Florida State (6-1) at N.C. State (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Noles are undefeated in ACC play. The Wolfpack would like to change that. These two teams have had some good encounters in recent years. Looks like another good one. Noles bingo the Wolves – Florida State 27, N.C. State 26.
5. Oklahoma State (6-1) at Kansas State (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Both teams need to bounce back from tough losses last week. Okie State bounces better. Cowboys boot the Wildcats – Oklahoma State 39, Kansas State 27.
6. Utah (7-0) at Air Force (5-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Air Force is hurting – two-straight losses. Three-straight losses is not typical of a Troy Calhoun team. Utes could have some problems on their hands. Fly Boys lose their wings – Utah 28, Air Force 14.
7. East Carolina (5-2) at UCF (5-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – The two best teams in the C-USA East. UCF is lucky to have the home field advantage in this one. It should be quite a contest. Knights rum the Pirates – UCF 32, East Carolina 30.
8. Michigan (5-2) at Penn State (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Will either team be able to stop the other team? Michigan has suffered two-straight losses. The natives are getting restless again in Ann Arbor. Rich Rod really needs this one. It wouldn’t hurt for Paterno to get a win too. I’m sure the natives are getting restless in Happy Valley as well. The Rod is too Rich for the Lions – Michigan 36, Penn State 29.
9. Stanford (6-1) at Washington (3-4) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is trying to keep his Heisman stock trading high. The Huskies can be a different team at home. They beat USC. Trees bark – Stanford 34, Washington 26.
10. Florida (4-3) vs. Georgia (4-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – This game presents an interesting scenario. After winning its first game, Georgia lost four in a row, dropping to 1-4. Then the Dawgs won three straight. Georgia comes into this game on a high. The Dawgs are hot and talking about running the table. Then there’s Florida. The Gators won their first four games, although not always looking pretty in their wins. But in their last win, the Gators beat Kentucky, 48-14. It was their best game. Then Florida’s fate turned. The Gators lost three in a row. Fortunately for the Gators, they had a week off – a much needed week off. So the Dawgs who started in a funk, seemingly have turned things around; while the Gators, who were 4-0, have fallen into a funk. And Urban Meyer is so desperate for a win, he reinstated Chris Rainey. What will Mark Richt do this year to fire up the Dawgs? Recently, in this game, he’s had them storm the field after their first touchdown and wear black helmets for the first time in history. Maybe Saturday, he’ll have the Dawgs wear red panties under their team pants. After all, what happens in Athens doesn’t stay in Athens. Just ask Damon Evans. Red panty raid – Florida 27, Georgia 26.
11. Auburn (8-0) at Ole Miss (3-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – After the big wins over Kentucky, Arkansas and LSU, the Tigers can’t afford a letdown in Oxford. Given a few breaks, Ole Miss can be tough. Aubie snags a Bear – Auburn 33, Ole Miss 16.
12. California (4-3) at Oregon State (3-3) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – This could be the turning point for these two teams. A win here is key for both teams. Little Beaver – California 30, Oregon State 29.
13. Baylor (6-2) at Texas (4-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Well, if Iowa State can beat Texas, surely Baylor can. The Bears are a better team than the Cyclones. Baylor is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1993. But if Texas lost last week, that means the Horns will probably win this week. Go figure. Bears can’t tip the Cows – Texas 27, Baylor 24.
14. Louisville (4-3) at Pitt (4-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Both teams looked good last week. Louisville is still young. Pitt has the experience. Plus Pitt has the home field. Bird shot – Pitt 35, Louisville 27.
15. Syracuse (5-2) at Cincinnati (4-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Could Syracuse be the surprise team in the Big East this year. Guess we’ll find out. The Bearcats will be mad after the loss to South Florida. Pulp – Cincinnati 26, Syracuse 18.
16. Arizona (6-1) at UCLA (3-4) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Arizona is not out of the Pac-10 race yet. The Wildcats don’t want to stumble on a team like UCLA. Wildcats ruin the Bruin – Arizona 30, UCLA 17.
17. Kentucky (4-4) at Mississippi State (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Wow! Look at Miss State. Six-two. Who would have thunk it? The Bulldogs almost drowned in their success against UAB. They should be up for the Wildcats. Dapper Dan – Mississippi State 32, Kentucky 29.
18. West Virginia (5-2) at Connecticut (3-4) – (Big East vs. Big East) – WVU’s offense is snake bit. The Eers better get the problem fixed before the UConn game. I suspect if WVU loses this week, Mountie fans will be calling for Bill Stewart’s hide. Some are already. Mounties give the Dogs a bath – West Virginia 30, Connecticut 19.
19. Texas Tech (4-3) at Texas A&M (4-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Aggie coach Mike Sherman really needs a win here. He’s definitely in jeopardy. This is Tech’s second-straight game on the road. The Raiders could be a little tired. Sherman’s march to the TD – Texas A&M 28, Texas Tech 25.
20. Idaho (4-3) at Hawaii (6-2) – (WAC vs. WAC) – The Hula Hula Warriors are coming on strong behind the passing of quarterback Bryant Moniz. The Vandals’ Nathan Enderle has a strong arm. Potatoes don’t go well with Pineapples – Hawaii 37, Idaho 29.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
21. Northwestern (5-2) at Indiana (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Indiana’s Bill Lynch is hanging on for his life in Bloomington. Northwestern plans to make his grip a little more precarious. But the Wildcats often play their worst games against the weaker teams. Wildcats pin Lynch – Northwestern 29, Indiana 28.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Duke (1-6) at Navy (5-2) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – Ah, the Dookies get to put on their bellbottoms and go up to Annapolis. Believe me, the Middies will have the Dookies swabbing the decks when this one is over. Sailors Shanghai the Devils – Navy 29, Duke 19.
Purdue (4-3) at Illinois (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – A cat has nine lives and so does Ron Zook. On the brink of extinction, it looks like Zook will be back for yet another year with the Banned Indians. Of course, he has to beat Purdue and another team or two. But a 4-3 start is better than expected. Banned Indians sabotage the Boilers – Illinois 31, Purdue 17.
Comment: Three undefeated teams (Oregon, Missouri and Michigan State) have very stiff challenges this week and all on the road: Oregon-USC, Missouri-Nebraska and Michigan State-Iowa). The winner of East Carolina at UCF may determine the C-USA East Division champion. Will Baylor beat Texas?
AROUND FLORIDA:
Miami (5-2) plays at Virginia (3-4)…. Florida Atlantic (1-5) hosts Florida International (2-4)…. Florida A&M (4-3) entertains Morgan State (4-3)…. Bethune-Cookman (7-0) is home against North Carolina A&T (1-7)…. Jacksonville U. (7-1) travels to Morehead State (3-4)…. South Florida (3-4) is off.
Tuesday’s Television Schedule – October 26
Louisiana Tech at Boise State – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Thursday’s Television Schedule – October 28
Florida State at N.C. State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
North Carolina A&T at Bethune-Cookman – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Friday’s Television Schedule – October 29
West Virginia at Connecticut – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 30
Clemson at Boston College – 12:00 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Louisville at Pitt – 12:00 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Miami (Florida) at Virginia – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Oklahoma State at Kansas State – 12:00 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
Purdue at Illinois – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN2
Syracuse at Cincinnati – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
VMI at Army – 12:00 noon ET – CBS-CSN
Tennessee at South Carolina – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Tulsa at Notre Dame – 2:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Arizona at UCLA – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Duke at Navy – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Florida vs. Georgia – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Michigan State at Iowa – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Missouri at Nebraska – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Wake Forest at Maryland – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Auburn at Ole Miss – 6:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Baylor at Texas – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Kentucky at Mississippi State – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Stanford at Washington – 7:00 p.m. ET – Versus
Vanderbilt at Arkansas – 7:00 p.m. ET – Sun Sports Network
Utah at Air Force – 7:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Michigan at Penn State – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Ohio State at Minnesota – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Oregon at USC – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Colorado at Oklahoma – 9:15 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Utah State at Nevada – 10:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
TCU at UNLV – 11:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
In the Huddle
Elsewhere around college football . . . BYU and Georgia Tech have scheduled a four-game home-and-home series. The Cougars will play in Atlanta in 2012 and 2014. The Yellow Jackets will play in Provo in 2013 and 2017…. South Florida has added UTEP and Florida A&M to its future schedules. The Bulls will host UTEP in 2011 and will host FAMU in 2011 and 2015.
Alabama will open the 2011 season at home against Kent State. Kent State is the alma mater of Alabama coach Nick Saban…. Michigan State and Miami (Florida) have scheduled a two-game home-and-home series for 2020 and 2021.
Extra Points
AP Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Auburn, 4. TCU, 5. Michigan State, 6. Alabama
Coaches Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Auburn, 4. TCU, 5. Michigan State, 6. Alabama
TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. Boise State, 4. TCU, 5. Michigan State, 6. Missouri
BCS Rank – 1. Auburn, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise State, 4. TCU, 5. Michigan State, 6. Missouri
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.”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not directly college football related, but as the days were getting shorter, the nights were getting colder, the leaves were on the ground, the frost was on the pumpkins, and Halloween was just around the corner, the number one song in the country…
... 15 years ago this week in 1935 was “Truckin’” by Fats Waller
…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “Only Forever” by Bing Crosby
…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “Till the End of Time” by Perry Como
…60 years ago this week in 1950 was “Goodnight Irene” by Gordon Jenkins & the Weavers
…55 years ago this week in 1955 was “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams
…50 years ago this week in 1960 was “Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters
…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Yesterday” by The Beatles
…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Bad Blood” by Neil Sedaka
…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Woman in Love” by Barbra Streisand
…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “Black Cat” by Janet Jackson
Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were two passings of mention last week – Tom Bosley, and Johnny Sheffield.
Tom Bosley, a warm-voiced, round-bodied actor who personified paternal authority on television as a Middle American dad in the hit comedy “Happy Days,” died last week in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 83. He also had significant roles on popular crime-solving television dramas, including the title character in “The Father Dowling Mysteries” and Sheriff Amos Tupper, an ally of the sleuth and mystery writer Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), in “Murder, She Wrote.” Thomas Edward Bosley was born in Chicago on October 1, 1927. He also occasionally appeared as a character actor in movies, including “Love With the Proper Stranger” (1963) with Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen and “The World of Henry Orient” (1964) with Peter Sellers, among others. Bosley also made appearances in myriad television series, including “Ben Casey,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Get Smart,” “Mission: Impossible,” “The Mod Squad,” “Bonanza” and “Bewitched.”
Johnny Sheffield, who played the character Boy in the Tarzan movies of the 1930s and 1940s, died last week at his home in Chula Vista, California. He was 79. Sheffield beat out more than 300 youngsters for the role. He later played another jungle boy, Bomba, in a dozen low-budget movies but quit the business after the last one in 1955. He went on to earn a business degree at UCLA, and worked for various companies in contracting and real estate. Johnny Sheffield was born on April 11, 1931, in Pasadena, California.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Seven Down and Seven to Go
College Football Week 8 – Minnesota Fires Tim Brewster
Seven Down and Seven to Go
We’re halfway through the season. Seven weeks are in the books and seven more weeks to go before we head into the Heisman Trophy presentation, firings and bowl games.
Speaking of firings, only seven weeks into the season and the first one has occurred already. Yesterday, Minnesota fired head coach Tim Brewster. Why am I not surprised? The pathetic Gophers are 1-6 this season. Their record includes losses to South Dakota and Northern Illinois. The one lowly win was a seven-point decision over Middle Tennessee.
Brewster was on my hot-seat list back in August – at preseason. I never understood Minnesota hiring him in the first place. Brewster had no credentials. In his fourth season at Minnesota, Brewster was 15-30. Offensive coordinator Jeff Horton will serve as the Gophers’ interim coach for the remainder of the season. Who’s next on the chopping block in the Big Ten – Bill Lynch? – Ron Zook? – Rich Rodriguez? Stay tuned.
And speaking of pathetic, how about the Florida Gators? If someone told you back in August that Florida would be 4-3 halfway through the season, would you have believed them? Probably not.
Well, it’s true – the Gators are 4-3, following Saturday’s 10-7 loss to Mississippi State. All of a sudden, upcoming games against Georgia, South Carolina and Florida State look scary. Can you say 6-6? Heck, the November 20 game against Appalachian State is ominous. Appalachian State is 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA). Remember who upset Michigan three years ago?
At the mid-point in the season, there are a number of surprises in the SEC – Mississippi State at 5-2, LSU at 7-0 and Georgia at 3-4. Perhaps the biggest surprise is Auburn at 7-0. Saturday, the Tigers, led by Cam Newton’s 188 yards rushing, outlasted Arkansas, 65-43. The thriller in the SEC occurred in Lexington where Kentucky upset South Carolina, 31-28. In the closing seconds, the Gamecocks had an opportunity to tie the score and put the game into overtime. But Steve Spurrier is no Les Miles.
Halfway through the season, the ACC is going according to plan. Florida State is sitting atop the Atlantic Division and Virginia Tech is first in the Coastal Division. The Seminoles and Hokies were favored to win their respective divisions at preseason. Virginia Tech got off to a shaky start, losing its first two games – both non-conference affairs. Since then, the Hokies have won five in a row, including Saturday’s 52-21 rout of Wake Forest. Florida State had a scare from Boston College before edging the Eagles, 24-19. In other ACC action, Clemson ended its three-game losing skid. The Tigers beat Maryland, 31-7. North Carolina bounced Virginia, 44-10.
In the Big 12, undefeated Missouri is sitting atop the North Division and undefeated Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are tied for first in the South Division. All three looked good Saturday – Missouri 30, Texas A&M 9; Oklahoma 52, Iowa State 0, and Oklahoma State 34, Texas Tech 17.
In the Big 12’s marquee game, Texas jumped out to an early lead and held on to beat Nebraska, 20-13. The Longhorn defense totally shutdown Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez and Roy Helu. Baylor is looking good and a bit of a surprise at 5-2. The Bears beat Colorado, 31-25. Missouri still has a date with Nebraska and the winner of that game will most likely win the Big 12 North.
Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins could be in trouble. The Aggies are 0-2 in conference play (3-3 overall) and their only wins are over Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and Florida International. Likewise, Colorado is 0-2 in the conference and 3-3 overall.
Michigan State is ruling the roost in the Big Ten and the Spartans are the conference’s only undefeated team. Saturday, State beat Illinois, 26-6. The Spartans are 7-0 for the first time since 1966. Hell, Steve Waite wasn’t born then. Iowa is undefeated in conference games, following its 38-28 win over Michigan.
Don’t count out Wisconsin or Ohio State, each with only one loss. Saturday, the Badgers handed the Buckeyes their first loss, 31-18. Purdue is 2-0 in conference play, but the Boilers don’t appear to be a threat. To date, their conference competition has been weak, including Saturday’s 28-17 win over Minnesota. The disappointment in the Big Ten has to be Penn State at 0-2 in conference games and 3-3 overall.
Anything could yet happen in the Big East. It’s still too early. But at this point, West Virginia appears to be the conference stalwart. The Mountaineers (5-1) began conference play, beating South Florida, 20-6. Pitt blasted Syracuse, 45-14, and Cincinnati out-distanced Louisville, 35-27.
On a sad note, Rutgers’ junior defensive tackle Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal-cord injury in the Scarlet Knights’ 23-20 overtime win over Army and is paralyzed below the neck. LeGrand had surgery to stabilize his spinal cord and is in intensive care where he is expected to remain for the near future. A full recovery is hoped for.
After seven weeks, Oregon is the dominant team in the Pac-10. The undefeated Ducks are No. 1 in the AP and Coaches polls and No. 2 in the BCS standings. But, before it is all over and done with, Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford and Washington could cause Oregon some problems in the Pac-10 standings. The thriller in the Pac-10 Saturday took place in Seattle. Washington beat Oregon State 35-34 in two overtimes. Washington State coach Paul Wulff is definitely in trouble – serious trouble. And, the jury is still out on Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson and UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel.
TCU and Utah are the kings of the Mountain West Conference. Both are undefeated and are scheduled to meet in Salt Lake City on November 6. In Saturday’s conference thriller, San Diego State upset Air Force, 27-25. The Aztecs are an improving team. New Mexico coach Mike Locksley is most likely toast. The Lobos are 0-6.
Boise State continues to roll in the WAC. The undefeated Broncos are the No. 3 team in the BCS standings, and No. 2 in the AP and Coaches polls. Hawaii could cause some problems for the Broncos. The Warriors, 3-0 in conference play, knocked off previously undefeated Nevada Saturday night, 27-21. Boise State and Hawaii meet in Boise on November 6. And Fresno State shouldn’t be totally dismissed yet.
In Conference USA, East Carolina and UCF are the kingpins in the East Division, while SMU is atop the West Division. All three are undefeated in conference play. Saturday, East Carolina went out of the conference and beat N.C. State, 33-27 in overtime. UCF beat Marshall, 35-14. Also in C-USA action, Southern Miss beat Memphis 41-19; Rice upset Houston, 34-31, and Tulsa beat Tulane, 52-24. UTEP coach Mike Price and UAB coach Neil Callaway are in trouble. Both are sitting on a bubble.
Miami (Ohio) is the surprise team in the MAC at mid-season. Picked to finish at or near the bottom, the RedHawks are sitting atop the MAC East with a 3-0 conference record. Saturday, Miami beat Central Michigan, 27-20. Northern Illinois and Toledo in the MAC West are also sporting 3-0 conference records. NIU beat Buffalo, 45-14 and Toledo downed Kent State, 34-21. Ohio and Temple remain a threat to Miami in the East. Ohio beat Akron, 38-10, and Temple beat Bowling Green 28-27. Kent State coach Doug Martin is in jeopardy.
And finally, in the Sun Belt Conference at mid-season, it is all Troy. The Trojans are 3-0 in conference games and 4-2 overall. Saturday, Troy beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 31-24. Also in the Sun Belt, Florida International beat North Texas, 34-10, and Louisiana-Monroe downed Western Kentucky, 35-30. North Texas coach Todd Dodge is in serious trouble. The Mean Green are 1-6. Louisiana-Lafayette’s Ricky Bustle and Arkansas State’s Steve Roberts could be in trouble.
After Saturday’s games, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore and Auburn quarterback Cam Newton should be near or at the top of the Heisman race. Oregon running back LaMichael James and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, neither of whom played Saturday, are still in contention. Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Alabama running back Mark Ingram all took a tumble. Of the four, only Ingram’s team won, but he was not a factor. Alabama beat Ole Miss, 23-10.
The undefeated team list was cut from 13 to 10 Saturday. Nebraska, Ohio State and Nevada fell for the first time. The remaining undefeated teams are Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Boise State, Utah, TCU, LSU, Auburn and Oregon. This week, Oklahoma plays Missouri and LSU plays Auburn. There will be no more than eight undefeated teams next week – maybe fewer.
Well, it’s finally over in Oxford, Mississippi. Ole Miss has a mascot at last. After months and months of polling, and selection committee decisions, and more voting, etc, etc, the new mascot at Ole Miss is a Bear – a Black Bear – more specifically, a Rebel Black Bear. But unfortunately for Sarah Palin, she can’t be the mascot. Palin is a Grizzly.
In the final polling, the Bear received 62 percent of the votes, beating out the Land Shark and the Hotty Toddy. And how, do you ask, is the Black Bear associated with Ole Miss? Well, William Faulkner, a well-known Oxford resident, once penned a story called “The Bear.” In the story, the bear named “Old Ben” stood for pride, strength and toughness. Also, the origination of the “Teddy Bear” is traced back to a story that while hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear. Good selection Ole Miss.
Meanwhile, up in Champaign, Illinois, the Banned Indians are still just that – the Banned Indians.
But speaking of banned, that’s exactly what happened to “Russ” last week up in Athens, Georgia. He was banned. “Russ,” the half-brother of Uga VII, had been the interim Bulldog through Georgia’s first six games this season. But after a 2-4 record, Georgia officials decided to exile “Russ” to the bone yard.
At the Vanderbilt game Saturday, Georgia introduced “Big Bad Bruce” as the official new Uga VIII. “Big Bad Bruce,” his registered name, is the grandson of Uga VI. Uga VIII is 13 months old and weighs 55 pounds. Wonder if he has a pair of red panties hanging on the wall in his doghouse?
And speaking of panties, did you see the video last week of the soccer player from Montenegro who took off his shorts after scoring a goal? Then he proceeded to run around the field in his underwear with his shorts pulled over his head. Didn’t I write in August about the absurdities of soccer?
Can you imagine a football player taking off his pants after scoring a touchdown? Oops, I shouldn’t have written that. I may have just given Mark Richt an idea for this year’s Florida-Georgia game.
Every year, Swamp Mama and I always enjoy watching the children of our friends compete in sporting events. Last week, we watched David Stein, son of Neal and Stephanie Stein play football. Nine-year-old David plays for the Suntree-Viera Lightning (Mighty Mite Division) in the Brevard Youth Football Association.
David plays linebacker and also does all the kicking (kickoffs and extra points) for Suntree-Viera. He plays with intensity and has a real love for the game. A few weeks earlier, Swamp Mama watched David’s sister Julia play soccer.
This Friday, Swamp Mama and I will watch Michael Sharpe, son of Tom and Jane Sharpe, play football. Sixteen-year-old Michael plays for undefeated Melbourne Central Catholic High School. MCC is 6-0 and is the No. 2 ranked Class 1A team in the state of Florida. Michael plays offense and defense for the Hustlers. He’s already scored several touchdowns this season.
Rockledge Gator has been so frustrated with the Florida offense, he flew the coop and left town before the weekend. He’s hiding out somewhere up in Alabama or Georgia. I was worried that he was going to go and do something crazy. But fortunately Bootsie went with him. She’ll keep him on the straight and narrow. Problem is: he may come back an Auburn fan. Wonder who would give him that persuasion?
Touchdown Tom
October 18, 2010
Weekend Review
GAME OF THE WEEK: No Pryor experience – Wisconsin 31, Ohio State 18 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 26, Wisconsin 20). Wisconsin was faced with a challenge and the Badgers lived up to it. Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-0 lead. Then the Buckeyes cut the lead to three points – 21-18. That was early in the fourth quarter. It was all Badgers after that. Terrelle Pryor did not have a good game. A crowd of 81,194 attended the game in Madison,
RUNNER UP: Basketball – Auburn 65, Arkansas 43 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 27, Arkansas 24). Strange game. Strange score. Arkansas actually led 43-37 early in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks lost quarterback Ryan Mallett to a concussion in the first half. But backup quarterback Tyler Wilson played like a starter. There were some strange calls and decisions. Auburn definitely has an offense, but the Tigers’ defense is spotty. Cam Newton’s performance should definitely have him on the Heisman list. A crowd of 87,451 attended the game in Auburn.
REST OF THE BEST: Not good for the Rod Squad – Iowa 38, Michigan 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Michigan 22). One thing about Rich Rodriguez: He is all offense. Defense is secondary to his thinking. Four turnovers didn’t help the Wolverines any. After Denard Robinson was injured, Tate Forcier almost brought Michigan back. A crowd of 112,784 attended the game in Ann Arbor.
Longhorns wore the Black Shirts – Texas 20, Nebraska 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Texas 23). This was a big opportunity for Nebraska. Paybacks for last year’s loss in the Big 12 title game. And a chance to hand Texas a final defeat before departing for the Big Ten. But the Husker offense came out flat – very flat. Taylor Martinez proceeded to remove himself from the Heisman list. Backup quarterback Zac Lee came in and almost brought the Huskers back. A crowd of 85,648 attended the game in Lincoln
Cowboys banged the Potts – Oklahoma State 34, Texas Tech 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 31, Texas Tech 29). Oklahoma State wasn’t supposed to be very good this year. But the Cowboys are 7-0. And they seem to be getting better each week. A crowd of 60,454 attended the game in Lubbock.
Happy Lane – USC 48, California 14 (Touchdown Tom said: California 30, USC 28). And I picked Cal. USC ended its two-game losing streak. A crowd of 72,386 attended the game in Los Angeles.
Tiger rag – Missouri 30, Texas A&M 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 22, Texas A&M 21). Missouri reminds me of Oklahoma State. Mike Sherman may be on his way out at Texas A&M. Can’t imagine that Aggie fans are happy with him. A crowd of 83,453 attended the game in College Station.
Hoke is no joke – San Diego State 27, Air Force 25(Touchdown Tom said: Air Force 31, San Diego State 23). Brady Hoke is doing a good job bringing San Diego State back to respectability. A crowd of 28,178 attended the game in San Diego.
The Swamp is drained – Mississippi State 10, Florida 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Mississippi State 19). Three losses in a row for the Gators. When did the Gators’ problems begin? Last year, when Urban Meyer announced he was resigning and then changed his mind? Has all that mess been hanging over Meyer’s head ever since? When Tim Tebow said farewell to Gainesville? Maybe the Gators can’t adjust to his absence. When Steve Addazio took over the Gator offense? That probably gets the most votes. And I admit, the Gator offense is bad. But I still say the Gator defense has problems too. Miss State rushed for 212 yards. And the Bulldogs ran the exact same play on almost every down. There was no mixing it up. Well, the Gators have two weeks to straighten out whatever the problem (or problems) is. A crowd of 90,517 attended the game in Gainesville.
Fried Chicken – Kentucky 31, South Carolina 28 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Kentucky 25). South Carolina should fire Steve Spurrier for his mismanagement of the offense in the final seconds of the game. Spurrier has gone from one of the smartest coaches in the country to one of the dumbest. All week, so many said this game was the “upset special” of the week. The Gamecocks should have been prepared. But they couldn’t handle their success. A crowd of 67,955 attended the game in Lexington.
Pirates seal the Pack – East Carolina 33, N.C. State 27 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 38, East Carolina 23). When this game was over, I felt relieved that my N.C. State neighbor Brent Stancil had moved away. I can only imagine the plethora of four-letter words we would have heard, emanating from his house. It wouldn’t have been a pretty sound or sight. Brent hates East Carolina about as much as he hates the Tar Heels. But I was only relieved for a second or two. Now I wish he was still living across the street. A crowd of 50,410 attended the game in Greenville.
No Bull – West Virginia 20, South Florida 6 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 30, South Florida 15). I’m liking WVU quarterback Geno Smith better and better every week. He’s not perfect, but he’s getting better. But why weren’t Bill Stewart and Jeff Mullen letting Geno throw downfield more? Seems like that’s where USF’s weakness was on defense. If you ask me, Stewart doesn’t play to win. He plays not to lose. A crowd of 54,955 attended the game in Morgantown.
Frogs are courtin’ – TCU 31, BYU 3 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 33, BYU 17). Man, BYU is 2-5. TCU’s Andy Dalton should be on the Heisman list. A crowd of 40,416 attended the game in Fort Worth.
Neyhawks – Kansas State 59, Kansas 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 25, Kansas 23). Turner Gill has serious problems at Kansas – serious problems. This job will make or break Gill as a coach. A crowd of 47,561 attended the game in Lawrence.
Beavers stuffed in the Locker – Washington 35, Oregon State 34 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 32, Washington 26). Seems like there is a thriller like this every week in the Pac-10. Jake Locker made his second appearance of the season. The Washington quarterback passed for 286 yards. A crowd of 65,235 attended the game in Seattle.
Scarlet Knights better than Black Knights – Rutgers 23, Army 20 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Army 26). The excitement of the game was overshadowed by the spinal-cord injury suffered by Rutgers’ Eric LeGrand. A crowd of 41,292 attended the game in East Rutherford, NJ.
Dabo bounces back – Clemson 31, Maryland 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 28, Maryland 20). Clemson ends a three-game losing skid. Me thinks Ralph Friedgen is a short timer. A crowd of 71,000 attended the game in Clemson.
Cowboys aren’t supposed to lose to Indians – Utah 30 Wyoming 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 36, Wyoming 12). The undefeated Utes still have to play Air Force, TCU, Notre Dame and San Diego State. A crowd of 20,014 attended the game in Laramie.
King Fisher – Florida State 24, Boston College 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 39, Boston College 10). Watching this game, Swamp Mama asked me what Jimbo Fisher’s real name was. I said, “Jimbo.” She said, “No way.” I said, “Yes, he’s from West Virginia. It’s Jimbo.” Then I did a Google search. His name is John James Fisher. Noles were sleeping after the big win over Miami. A crowd of 75,301 attended the game in Tallahassee.
Cavs caught counting sheep – North Carolina 44, Virginia 10 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 24, Virginia 19). Will this be Butch Davis’ last year in Chapel Hill? And not because of his record. The Tar Heels are 4-2 and have won their last four games. A crowd of 50,830 attended the game in Charlottesville.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
It takes Art – Baylor 31, Colorado 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 30, Colorado 26). Baylor is on the up-and-up and is having a good season. Dan Hawkins is packing his bags in Boulder. The moving van is on its way. A crowd of 48,953 attended the game in Boulder.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Only a Tropical Depression – Miami (Florida) 28, Duke 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 33, Duke 19). Hats off to the Dookies. They threw five interceptions and still only lost to Miami by two touchdowns. A crowd of 25,911 attended the game in Durham.
Big Bad Bruce – Georgia 43, Vanderbilt 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Vanderbilt 19). Well, Uga VIII is 1-0. I know. It was only Vanderbilt. The Dawgs are on a roll. They’ve won two in a row. Woof, woof. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Boiled Gopher – Purdue 28, Minnesota 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 27, Minnesota 23). Doesn’t current Purdue coach Danny Hope look an awful lot like a thinner version his predecessor Joe Tiller – mustache and all. Hope looks like the junior walrus. A crowd of 47,319 attended the game in West Lafayette.
Comment: After Saturday, I was reminded of a comment that I frequently heard from folks during my visits and work at many newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. It goes something like this: “Nothing makes me happier than when Michigan and Ohio State both lose on the same day.”
A tough Saturday for me at 16-8, brings my season total to 123-45 (73.2 percent).
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF crushed Marshall, 35-14. A crowd of 23,601 attended the game in Huntington…. Florida International walloped North Texas, 34-10. A crowd of 14,718 attended the game in Denton…. Florida A&M downed Savannah State, 31-0.
Bethune-Cookman beat South Carolina State, 14-0. A crowd of 10,077 attended the game in Orangeburg…. Jacksonville U. terminated Valparaiso, 86-7. A crowd of 893 attended the game in Valparaiso.
Superlatives
Impressive Passers: Louisiana Tech’s Ross Jenkins – 31-44-0 for 422 yards; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 36-53-1 for 412; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 29-47-0 for 399; Indiana’s Ben Chappell – 26-42-0 for 382; South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia – 20-32-2 for 382; East Carolina’s Dominique Davis – 37-53-0 for 376; Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert – 31-47-0 for 361; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 24-35-2 for 356, and USC’s Matt Barkley – 25-37-0 for 352.
Also, Kentucky’s Mike Hartline – 32-42-0 for 349 yards; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 30-34-0 for 334; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 25-34-2 for 332; Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 29-52-0 for 329; North Carolina’s T.J. Yates – 17-22-0 for 325; N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 26-52-0 for 322; Texas A&M’s Jerrod Johnson – 27-48-0 for 322; Maryland’s Danny O’Brien – 24-45-0 for 302; Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor – 19-27-0 for 292, and Florida International’s Wes Carroll – 17-31-0 for 288.
Also, Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 15-24-0 for 287; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 26-36-0 for 287; Bowling Green’s Matt Schilz – 30-51-0 for 287; Washington’s Jake Locker – 21-35-1 for 286 yards; Houston’s David Piland – 23-45-1 for 282; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 28-43-2 for 277; Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros – 18-28-2 for 275; Southern Miss’ Austin Davis – 19-30-0 for 275; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 33-44-2 for 275; TCU’s Andy Dalton – 24-36-0 for 273; UAB’s Bryan Ellis – 20-28-0 for 272, and Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 17-24-0 for 266.
Impressive Rushers: Wake Forest’s Josh Harris – 241 yards; Louisville’s Bilal Powell – 209 yards; San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 191 yards; Boston College’s Montel Harris – 191 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Alex Gillett – 189 yards; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 188 yards, and Louisiana Tech’s Lennon Creer – 179 yards.
Also, Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey – 169 yards; UCF’s Ronnie Weaver – 150 yards; Fresno State’s Robbie Rouse – 150 yards; Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead – 145 yards; Iowa’s Adam Robinson – 143 yards; Baylor’s Jay Finley – 143 yards, and Oregon State’s Jacquizz Rodgers – 140 yards.
Quotes of Last Week
“By the end of this season, the Dogs may have twice as many arrests as wins. (Right now, the score is 11-2.),” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Urban Meyer commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Month his own special way: He conditionally reinstated Chris Rainey because, while it’s true the player texted “Time To Die, Bitch” to a girl, it’s not like it was Meyer’s wife or daughter, because then it would’ve been serious – unless the Gators really needed Rainey, which they do, because they’ve already lost two SEC games, so suddenly it’s, ‘Oh, these darn kids.’ Seriously. Do they not hand out souls any more at coaches’ conventions?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Not to interrupt the euphoria in Pigville, but has it occurred to anybody that Arkansas’ wins have come over Tennessee Tech (2-4), Louisiana-Monroe (2-3), Georgia (2-4) and Texas A&M (3-2), and it lost to the only good team it has played (Alabama)?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Steve Spurrier’s reward for upsetting Alabama is consecutive games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Tennessee (combined 1-7 in SEC). Blow this and his head explodes,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“The Rebels have officially drop-kicked Col. Reb into the Red (Neck) Sea. Turns out the other 49 states viewed a plantation owner as a mascot to be as endearing as a Mussolini plush toy. So welcome to the new mascot: Rebel Black Bear. You know, the party might’ve lasted longer if it was Louisiana-Lafayette week,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“N.C. Central at Georgia State: The first-year Panthers play their sixth home game in seven weeks. Just resting their legs before shocking the world in Tuscaloosa!,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Gator fans should boo Urban Meyer, not Steve Addazio,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I’m not saying that SEC football has international ramifications, but my operatives tell me that these were the first words that came from the mouth of one of the Chilean miners after the rescue: ‘The only person more fortunate than we are today is Les Miles,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Strange but true stat of the week: Ron Zook’s offense is ranked No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring and Urban Meyer’s is ranked No. 87,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Ole Miss has replaced the controversial Colonel Reb mascot with a bear wearing slacks. In other words, the Rebels have gone from politically incorrect to zoologically inconceivable,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“And speaking of mascots, Georgia will introduce Uga VIII at its homecoming game Saturday. My question: Who will be on a shorter leash – the new mascot or head coach Mark Richt?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Brett Favre bio addendum: NFL all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes and penis pictures,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Gators Urban Meyer must bench either John Brantley or Steve Addazio. It has to be one or the other because the two have obviously become the worst sports marriage since Tiger and Elin,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The last time the Florida Gators lost to Mississippi State, Ron Zook got fired as head coach. And so now we ask: Who will lose their job in the aftermath of the embarrassing 10-7 home loss to Mississippi State Saturday night?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I thought their fans hung in there with them. But I could feel some of their fans, when we got up 10-0 thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding, not again,’” Texas coach Mack Brown, on the Nebraska fans.
“We’ll let the fans feel sorry for what happened. We have to take an experience like this and have it make us stronger. I know our team has a lot of character,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, after the Texas game.
“We just can’t, as they say, put the nail in the coffin. We can’t put a team away. We just can’t do it. I don’t know why. We just can’t do it,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, after the Kentucky game.
The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. LSU (7-0) at Auburn (7-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Something’s got to give. Both can’t be undefeated after this game. It’s not soccer. Can LSU bottle up Cam Newton? That’s the key for the LSU Tigers. Auburn definitely has the better offense. LSU definitely has the better defense. Which one will rule the game? The winner could take a big jump in the BCS standings. Newton has all the apples – Auburn 24, LSU 17.
RUNNER UP: 2. Oklahoma (6-0) at Missouri (6-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Something has to give in this game too. Missouri is undefeated, but is it a weak undefeated? Several teams have played the Sooners close. The Tigers have to be more than close. Both have good quarterbacks, but the Sooners also have DeMarco Murray. A good game and Murray will be on the Heisman list. Sooners show ’em – Oklahoma 31, Missouri 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Nebraska (5-1) at Oklahoma State (6-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Huskers can’t continue to sob over the loss to Texas. Otherwise, it will be curtains in Stillwater. Okie State is like Missouri – undefeated, but a weak undefeated. Will we see the return of Taylor Martinez and Roy Helu? Or will Brandon Weeden and Kendall Hunter have a big game? Red sails in the sunset – Nebraska 28, Oklahoma State 25.
4. Wisconsin (6-1) at Iowa (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Both teams will be celebrating from last week, but Wisconsin may be celebrating longer. This is one of those games where it helps to be playing at home. The Egg Men cometh – Iowa 27, Wisconsin 22.
5. Michigan State (7-0) at Northwestern (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – This could be a trap game for the Spartans. You never know how the Wildcats are going to play. Sometimes they play over their heads. And State has Iowa coming up the following week. Could the Spartans be looking ahead? Heart and soul – Michigan State 30, Northwestern 20.
6. Air Force (5-2) at TCU (7-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Air Force has the potential to play TCU tough – very tough. The Falcons lost to Oklahoma by only three points. Frogs escape the bombs – TCU 29, Air Force 19.
7. Kansas State (5-1) at Baylor (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Both teams are on the brink of having a decent season. The winner will have. The loser could go belly up. The Wildcats can’t Bear it – Baylor 34, Kansas State 33.
8. Washington (3-3) at Arizona (5-1) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – The Huskies can put some points on the board, but they have no defense. At Arizona, it’s all about defense. Huskies can’t get over the Stoops – Arizona 24, Washington 16.
9. North Carolina (4-2) at Miami (Florida) (4-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Butch Davis returns to his old stomping grounds. Well, they are playing in a different stadium now. But Davis knows the area well. Problem is: He doesn’t know this Miami team. Head over Heels – Miami 23, North Carolina 19.
10. Georgia Tech (5-2) at Clemson (3-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Both teams need this one badly – Clemson more so than Tech. It’s usually a good one when they get together. Tigers get the Bees’ honey – Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 23.
11. Notre Dame (4-3) vs. Navy (4-2) – (Ind. vs. Ind.) – Both teams have struggled some and have been a bit of a disappointment. The Irish are in the soft part of their schedule before ending the season against USC. They need to take advantage of these games. The Middies won’t make it easy. You haven’t heard of the Irish Navy? – Notre Dame 27, Navy 25.
12. UCLA (3-3) at Oregon (6-0) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – If anybody is going to stop Oregon, it won’t be UCLA – not in Eugene. The Bruins have been up-and-down this season. They will be down this week. The Ducks LaMichael James is working on his Heisman resume. Neuheisel goes Quack – Oregon 42, UCLA 14.
13. Alabama (6-1) at Tennessee (2-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Like so many of Alabama’s SEC opponents (five), Tennessee had the week off prior to this game. They needed it after getting embarrassed by Georgia. But it won’t do them any good. Alabama will be out to do some more embarrassing. And the Tide is working on style points for the BCS poll. High Tide on rocky Top – Alabama 36, Tennessee 13.
14. Syracuse (4-2) at West Virginia (5-1) – (Big East vs. Big East) – WVU coach Bill Stewart says the Mounties are in a seven-round fight to win the conference. They won the first round last week. Syracuse is round two. Mounties should get the decision here. The Orange are struggling on offense and defense. Syracuse is almost in heaven – West Virginia 33, Syracuse 12.
15. Ole Miss (3-3) at Arkansas (4-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – The Hogs are smarting after the loss to Auburn. They need to bounce back quickly and may have to do it with their backup quarterback. Ole Miss has been very erratic this year. You never know how the Black Bears will play. We don’t need no Mallett – Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 24.
16. Rutgers (4-2) at Pitt (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Pitt had a big win over Syracuse last week. Did the Panthers find themselves? Rutgers will be tougher than Syracuse. Crucial win for both. Panthers pit the armor – Pitt 24, Rutgers 18.
17. Arizona State (3-3) at California (3-3) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Two similar teams. Home field advantage means a lot in this one. Cal needs to bounce back. ASU is coming in after a layoff. The Devil went down in Berkeley – California 30, Arizona State 27.
18. Texas Tech (3-3) at Colorado (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Dan Hawkins really needs this one. He is sitting on a bubble in Boulder and it is about to burst. Tech needs the win too if the Red Raiders are going to salvage their season. Buffalo burgers – Texas Tech 29, Colorado 26.
19. South Florida (3-3) at Cincinnati (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – The Bulls are all defense and no offense. The Bearcats are just the opposite – all offense and no defense. It should make for an interesting time. It’s a Bearcat market – Cincinnati 26, South Florida 15.
20. Connecticut (3-3) at Louisville (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Turnaround game for both teams. Both are coming in off losses, but UConn had the week off after its loss. Chirpy, chirpy is not cheap, cheap – Louisville 27, Connecticut 24.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
21. Indiana (4-2) at Illinois (3-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Two coaches facing extinction at the end of the season. They need every win they can muster and this is one of those wins that is achievable for both. Both are capable of exploding on offense. Hoosier quarterback Ben Chappell is due to have a good game. Banned on the run – Illinois 35, Indiana 28.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Duke (1-5) at Virginia Tech (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Last week the Dookies suffered five interceptions and still held Miami at bay. Even without any interceptions, they won’t hold the Hokies at bay – not in Blacksburg. Tech is still trying to make up for those two losses at the beginning of the season. Hokies oust the Dookies – Virginia Tech 35, Duke 11.
Georgia (3-4) at Kentucky (3-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Now this one could be interesting. It should let us know if Georgia is truly back. For Kentucky, did last week’s win over South Carolina fire up the Wildcats? Or, will they be caught celebrating? Dawgs catch the Cats – Georgia 30, Kentucky 29.
Purdue (4-2) at Ohio State (6-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Last year, the Boilers surprised the Buckeyes in West Lafayette. No surprises this year. Besides, the Buckeyes are like a wounded animal – mad. They could take out their madness on the Boilers. Terrelle rings the Boilers bell – Ohio State 34, Purdue 17.
Iowa State (3-4) at Texas (4-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – After suffering back-to-back losses, it looks like Texas is ready to celebrate back-to-back wins. The Cyclones will provide little, if any, opposition. Bevo’s Horny – Texas 33, Iowa State 13.
Comment: Several potential exciting games this week. Two games involving undefeated teams – LSU-Auburn and Oklahoma-Missouri. Plus, throw in Wisconsin-Iowa and Nebraska-Oklahoma State and you’ve got quite a foursome. And Michigan State-Northwestern, Air Force-TCU and North Carolina-Miami could be interesting.
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF (4-2) entertains Rice (2-5)…. Florida Atlantic (1-4) travels to Arkansas State (2-5)…. Florida A&M (3-3) plays at Norfolk State (2-4)…. Bethune-Cookman (6-0) is away at North Carolina Central (2-4)…. Jacksonville U. (6-1) hosts Marist (2-4)…. Florida State (6-1) and Florida International (2-4) have the week off.
Thursday’s Television Schedule – October 21
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
UCLA at Oregon – 9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Friday’s Television Schedule – October 22
South Florida at Cincinnati – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 23
Syracuse at West Virginia – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Duke at Virginia Tech – 12 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Iowa State at Texas – 12 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
Michigan State at Northwestern – 12 noon ET – ESPN
Notre Dame vs. Navy – 12 noon ET – CBS
Penn State at Minnesota – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Rutgers at Pitt – 12 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Ole Miss at Arkansas – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Arizona State at California – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Connecticut at Louisville – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Georgia Tech at Clemson – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Wisconsin at Iowa – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Nebraska at Oklahoma State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Houston at SMU – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
LSU at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Alabama at Tennessee – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
South Carolina at Vanderbilt – 7:00 p.m. ET – Sun Sports Network
Texas A&M at Kansas – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
UAB at Mississippi State – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
North Carolina at Miami – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Oklahoma at Missouri – 7:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Air Force at TCU – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Washington at Arizona – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN
In the Huddle
Elsewhere around college football . . . Last week, the Pasadena City Council approved a $152 million renovation plan for the 88-year-old Rose Bowl Stadium. The council also approved 30-year lease extensions with UCLA and the Tournament of Roses to continue playing at the bowl. The number of luxury seats will be increased from about 550 to 2,500. The stadium will also get a new scoreboard, additional restrooms and concession stands and receive general safety improvements.
Connecticut has scheduled home-and-home series with Virginia and Western Michigan. The Huskies will play Virginia in 2016 and 2017. UConn’s games against Western Michigan are scheduled for 2011 and 2012…. The Michigan-Alabama football game set for Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is official. The game will be played September 1, 2012.
Extra Points
AP Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Oklahoma, 4. TCU, 5. Auburn, 6. LSU
Coaches Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Oklahoma, 4. TCU, 5. Auburn, 6. LSU
TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. TCU, 4. Oklahoma, 5. Auburn, 6. Michigan State
BCS Poll – 1. Oklahoma, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise State, 4. Auburn, 5. TCU, 6. LSU
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.”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not directly college football related, but Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has committed to play baseball at San Diego State. If Trevor swings a baseball bat the way his father swings a hockey stick, he’ll be a winner.
Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were seven passings of mention last week – Joan Sutherland, Jerry Marshall, Larry Siegfried, Simon MacCorkindale, General Johnson, Barbara Billingsley and Belva Plain.
Joan Sutherland, one of the most acclaimed sopranos of the 20th century, a singer of such power and range that she was crowned “La Stupenda,” died last week at her home near Montreux in Switzerland. She was 83. Sutherland was born on November 7, 1926, in Sydney, Australia.
Jerry Marshall, who lent a velvet voice to the AM airwaves of the New York metropolitan area in the heydays of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland, died last week at a hospice near his home in Delray Beach, Florida. He was 91. During more than 30 years on the air, Marshall hosted hit shows like “Music Hall” and “The Make-Believe Ballroom” on WNEW and “Record Room” on WMGM, as well as shows on WINS, WNBC and WCBS. His “Jerry Marshall Show” was eventually syndicated in cities up-and-down the East Coast. Jerome Saul Jaffe (he chose Marshall as his last name after becoming a radio host) was born in Far Rockaway, New York, on April 15, 1919. Marshall graduated from Cornell in 1942 with a degree in political science.
Larry Siegfried, a stalwart guard on the great Boston Celtic teams of the 1960s, died last week in Cleveland. He was 71 and lived in Perrysville, Ohio. Known for solid shooting, mistake-free ball-handling and sticky defense, Siegfried played for the Celtics and the legendary coach Red Auerbach from 1963 to 1970. He was born Lawrence Eugene Siegfried in Shelby, Ohio – north central Ohio, on May 22, 1939. A schoolboy legend at Shelby High, Siegfried led the state in scoring as a senior, averaging 38 points per game, then went on to play basketball at Ohio State.
Simon MacCorkindale, the dashing British actor who turned heads in the star-studded 1978 film “Death on the Nile” and went on to play villains and charming Englishmen on numerous television shows in Britain and the United States, died last week in London. He was 58. MacCorkindale had a recurring role as the conniving lawyer to Jane Wyman’s equally conniving Angela Channing in the prime-time CBS soap opera “Falcon Crest.” He also appeared on “Dynasty,” “Hart to Hart” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” on which he played the snobby British cousin to the country-bumpkin Duke brothers. Born February 12, 1952, in Ely, England, MacCorkindale was married to actress Susan George.
General Johnson, who provided the distinctive lead vocal for the Chairmen of the Board’s 1970 Top 10 hit, “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” and went on to become a successful rhythm-and-blues songwriter, died last week in suburban Atlanta. He was 69 and lived in East Point, Georgia. Johnson was best known as a singer but won a Grammy in 1971 for his composition “Patches,” a Top 10 hit for Clarence Carter. He also wrote hits for the Honey Cone (“Want Ads,” “Stick-Up”) and Freda Payne (“Bring the Boys Home”). He first reached the pop charts in 1961 as the lead singer of the Showmen, whose song “It Will Stand,” which he wrote, was a defiant ode to the power of rock ’n’ roll. General Norman Johnson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 23, 1941.
Barbara Billingsley, who as June Cleaver on the television series “Leave It to Beaver” personified a Hollywood postwar family ideal of the ever-sweet, ever-helpful suburban stay-at-home mom, died last week. She was 94. Billingsley was born Barbara Lillian Combes on December 22, 1915, in Los Angeles.
Belva Plain, who became a best-selling author at age 59 and whose multigenerational family sagas of Jewish-American life won a loyal readership in the millions, died last week at her home in Short Hills, New jersey. She was 95. Plain’s first novel, “Evergreen,” published in 1978, spent 41 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list in hardcover and another 20 in paperback, and was made into a mini-series by NBC in 1985. She was born Belva Offenberg in New York City on October 9, 1915, and later graduated from Barnard College in 1939.
Seven Down and Seven to Go
We’re halfway through the season. Seven weeks are in the books and seven more weeks to go before we head into the Heisman Trophy presentation, firings and bowl games.
Speaking of firings, only seven weeks into the season and the first one has occurred already. Yesterday, Minnesota fired head coach Tim Brewster. Why am I not surprised? The pathetic Gophers are 1-6 this season. Their record includes losses to South Dakota and Northern Illinois. The one lowly win was a seven-point decision over Middle Tennessee.
Brewster was on my hot-seat list back in August – at preseason. I never understood Minnesota hiring him in the first place. Brewster had no credentials. In his fourth season at Minnesota, Brewster was 15-30. Offensive coordinator Jeff Horton will serve as the Gophers’ interim coach for the remainder of the season. Who’s next on the chopping block in the Big Ten – Bill Lynch? – Ron Zook? – Rich Rodriguez? Stay tuned.
And speaking of pathetic, how about the Florida Gators? If someone told you back in August that Florida would be 4-3 halfway through the season, would you have believed them? Probably not.
Well, it’s true – the Gators are 4-3, following Saturday’s 10-7 loss to Mississippi State. All of a sudden, upcoming games against Georgia, South Carolina and Florida State look scary. Can you say 6-6? Heck, the November 20 game against Appalachian State is ominous. Appalachian State is 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA). Remember who upset Michigan three years ago?
At the mid-point in the season, there are a number of surprises in the SEC – Mississippi State at 5-2, LSU at 7-0 and Georgia at 3-4. Perhaps the biggest surprise is Auburn at 7-0. Saturday, the Tigers, led by Cam Newton’s 188 yards rushing, outlasted Arkansas, 65-43. The thriller in the SEC occurred in Lexington where Kentucky upset South Carolina, 31-28. In the closing seconds, the Gamecocks had an opportunity to tie the score and put the game into overtime. But Steve Spurrier is no Les Miles.
Halfway through the season, the ACC is going according to plan. Florida State is sitting atop the Atlantic Division and Virginia Tech is first in the Coastal Division. The Seminoles and Hokies were favored to win their respective divisions at preseason. Virginia Tech got off to a shaky start, losing its first two games – both non-conference affairs. Since then, the Hokies have won five in a row, including Saturday’s 52-21 rout of Wake Forest. Florida State had a scare from Boston College before edging the Eagles, 24-19. In other ACC action, Clemson ended its three-game losing skid. The Tigers beat Maryland, 31-7. North Carolina bounced Virginia, 44-10.
In the Big 12, undefeated Missouri is sitting atop the North Division and undefeated Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are tied for first in the South Division. All three looked good Saturday – Missouri 30, Texas A&M 9; Oklahoma 52, Iowa State 0, and Oklahoma State 34, Texas Tech 17.
In the Big 12’s marquee game, Texas jumped out to an early lead and held on to beat Nebraska, 20-13. The Longhorn defense totally shutdown Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez and Roy Helu. Baylor is looking good and a bit of a surprise at 5-2. The Bears beat Colorado, 31-25. Missouri still has a date with Nebraska and the winner of that game will most likely win the Big 12 North.
Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins could be in trouble. The Aggies are 0-2 in conference play (3-3 overall) and their only wins are over Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and Florida International. Likewise, Colorado is 0-2 in the conference and 3-3 overall.
Michigan State is ruling the roost in the Big Ten and the Spartans are the conference’s only undefeated team. Saturday, State beat Illinois, 26-6. The Spartans are 7-0 for the first time since 1966. Hell, Steve Waite wasn’t born then. Iowa is undefeated in conference games, following its 38-28 win over Michigan.
Don’t count out Wisconsin or Ohio State, each with only one loss. Saturday, the Badgers handed the Buckeyes their first loss, 31-18. Purdue is 2-0 in conference play, but the Boilers don’t appear to be a threat. To date, their conference competition has been weak, including Saturday’s 28-17 win over Minnesota. The disappointment in the Big Ten has to be Penn State at 0-2 in conference games and 3-3 overall.
Anything could yet happen in the Big East. It’s still too early. But at this point, West Virginia appears to be the conference stalwart. The Mountaineers (5-1) began conference play, beating South Florida, 20-6. Pitt blasted Syracuse, 45-14, and Cincinnati out-distanced Louisville, 35-27.
On a sad note, Rutgers’ junior defensive tackle Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal-cord injury in the Scarlet Knights’ 23-20 overtime win over Army and is paralyzed below the neck. LeGrand had surgery to stabilize his spinal cord and is in intensive care where he is expected to remain for the near future. A full recovery is hoped for.
After seven weeks, Oregon is the dominant team in the Pac-10. The undefeated Ducks are No. 1 in the AP and Coaches polls and No. 2 in the BCS standings. But, before it is all over and done with, Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford and Washington could cause Oregon some problems in the Pac-10 standings. The thriller in the Pac-10 Saturday took place in Seattle. Washington beat Oregon State 35-34 in two overtimes. Washington State coach Paul Wulff is definitely in trouble – serious trouble. And, the jury is still out on Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson and UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel.
TCU and Utah are the kings of the Mountain West Conference. Both are undefeated and are scheduled to meet in Salt Lake City on November 6. In Saturday’s conference thriller, San Diego State upset Air Force, 27-25. The Aztecs are an improving team. New Mexico coach Mike Locksley is most likely toast. The Lobos are 0-6.
Boise State continues to roll in the WAC. The undefeated Broncos are the No. 3 team in the BCS standings, and No. 2 in the AP and Coaches polls. Hawaii could cause some problems for the Broncos. The Warriors, 3-0 in conference play, knocked off previously undefeated Nevada Saturday night, 27-21. Boise State and Hawaii meet in Boise on November 6. And Fresno State shouldn’t be totally dismissed yet.
In Conference USA, East Carolina and UCF are the kingpins in the East Division, while SMU is atop the West Division. All three are undefeated in conference play. Saturday, East Carolina went out of the conference and beat N.C. State, 33-27 in overtime. UCF beat Marshall, 35-14. Also in C-USA action, Southern Miss beat Memphis 41-19; Rice upset Houston, 34-31, and Tulsa beat Tulane, 52-24. UTEP coach Mike Price and UAB coach Neil Callaway are in trouble. Both are sitting on a bubble.
Miami (Ohio) is the surprise team in the MAC at mid-season. Picked to finish at or near the bottom, the RedHawks are sitting atop the MAC East with a 3-0 conference record. Saturday, Miami beat Central Michigan, 27-20. Northern Illinois and Toledo in the MAC West are also sporting 3-0 conference records. NIU beat Buffalo, 45-14 and Toledo downed Kent State, 34-21. Ohio and Temple remain a threat to Miami in the East. Ohio beat Akron, 38-10, and Temple beat Bowling Green 28-27. Kent State coach Doug Martin is in jeopardy.
And finally, in the Sun Belt Conference at mid-season, it is all Troy. The Trojans are 3-0 in conference games and 4-2 overall. Saturday, Troy beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 31-24. Also in the Sun Belt, Florida International beat North Texas, 34-10, and Louisiana-Monroe downed Western Kentucky, 35-30. North Texas coach Todd Dodge is in serious trouble. The Mean Green are 1-6. Louisiana-Lafayette’s Ricky Bustle and Arkansas State’s Steve Roberts could be in trouble.
After Saturday’s games, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore and Auburn quarterback Cam Newton should be near or at the top of the Heisman race. Oregon running back LaMichael James and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, neither of whom played Saturday, are still in contention. Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Alabama running back Mark Ingram all took a tumble. Of the four, only Ingram’s team won, but he was not a factor. Alabama beat Ole Miss, 23-10.
The undefeated team list was cut from 13 to 10 Saturday. Nebraska, Ohio State and Nevada fell for the first time. The remaining undefeated teams are Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Boise State, Utah, TCU, LSU, Auburn and Oregon. This week, Oklahoma plays Missouri and LSU plays Auburn. There will be no more than eight undefeated teams next week – maybe fewer.
Well, it’s finally over in Oxford, Mississippi. Ole Miss has a mascot at last. After months and months of polling, and selection committee decisions, and more voting, etc, etc, the new mascot at Ole Miss is a Bear – a Black Bear – more specifically, a Rebel Black Bear. But unfortunately for Sarah Palin, she can’t be the mascot. Palin is a Grizzly.
In the final polling, the Bear received 62 percent of the votes, beating out the Land Shark and the Hotty Toddy. And how, do you ask, is the Black Bear associated with Ole Miss? Well, William Faulkner, a well-known Oxford resident, once penned a story called “The Bear.” In the story, the bear named “Old Ben” stood for pride, strength and toughness. Also, the origination of the “Teddy Bear” is traced back to a story that while hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear. Good selection Ole Miss.
Meanwhile, up in Champaign, Illinois, the Banned Indians are still just that – the Banned Indians.
But speaking of banned, that’s exactly what happened to “Russ” last week up in Athens, Georgia. He was banned. “Russ,” the half-brother of Uga VII, had been the interim Bulldog through Georgia’s first six games this season. But after a 2-4 record, Georgia officials decided to exile “Russ” to the bone yard.
At the Vanderbilt game Saturday, Georgia introduced “Big Bad Bruce” as the official new Uga VIII. “Big Bad Bruce,” his registered name, is the grandson of Uga VI. Uga VIII is 13 months old and weighs 55 pounds. Wonder if he has a pair of red panties hanging on the wall in his doghouse?
And speaking of panties, did you see the video last week of the soccer player from Montenegro who took off his shorts after scoring a goal? Then he proceeded to run around the field in his underwear with his shorts pulled over his head. Didn’t I write in August about the absurdities of soccer?
Can you imagine a football player taking off his pants after scoring a touchdown? Oops, I shouldn’t have written that. I may have just given Mark Richt an idea for this year’s Florida-Georgia game.
Every year, Swamp Mama and I always enjoy watching the children of our friends compete in sporting events. Last week, we watched David Stein, son of Neal and Stephanie Stein play football. Nine-year-old David plays for the Suntree-Viera Lightning (Mighty Mite Division) in the Brevard Youth Football Association.
David plays linebacker and also does all the kicking (kickoffs and extra points) for Suntree-Viera. He plays with intensity and has a real love for the game. A few weeks earlier, Swamp Mama watched David’s sister Julia play soccer.
This Friday, Swamp Mama and I will watch Michael Sharpe, son of Tom and Jane Sharpe, play football. Sixteen-year-old Michael plays for undefeated Melbourne Central Catholic High School. MCC is 6-0 and is the No. 2 ranked Class 1A team in the state of Florida. Michael plays offense and defense for the Hustlers. He’s already scored several touchdowns this season.
Rockledge Gator has been so frustrated with the Florida offense, he flew the coop and left town before the weekend. He’s hiding out somewhere up in Alabama or Georgia. I was worried that he was going to go and do something crazy. But fortunately Bootsie went with him. She’ll keep him on the straight and narrow. Problem is: he may come back an Auburn fan. Wonder who would give him that persuasion?
Touchdown Tom
October 18, 2010
Weekend Review
GAME OF THE WEEK: No Pryor experience – Wisconsin 31, Ohio State 18 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 26, Wisconsin 20). Wisconsin was faced with a challenge and the Badgers lived up to it. Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-0 lead. Then the Buckeyes cut the lead to three points – 21-18. That was early in the fourth quarter. It was all Badgers after that. Terrelle Pryor did not have a good game. A crowd of 81,194 attended the game in Madison,
RUNNER UP: Basketball – Auburn 65, Arkansas 43 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 27, Arkansas 24). Strange game. Strange score. Arkansas actually led 43-37 early in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks lost quarterback Ryan Mallett to a concussion in the first half. But backup quarterback Tyler Wilson played like a starter. There were some strange calls and decisions. Auburn definitely has an offense, but the Tigers’ defense is spotty. Cam Newton’s performance should definitely have him on the Heisman list. A crowd of 87,451 attended the game in Auburn.
REST OF THE BEST: Not good for the Rod Squad – Iowa 38, Michigan 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Michigan 22). One thing about Rich Rodriguez: He is all offense. Defense is secondary to his thinking. Four turnovers didn’t help the Wolverines any. After Denard Robinson was injured, Tate Forcier almost brought Michigan back. A crowd of 112,784 attended the game in Ann Arbor.
Longhorns wore the Black Shirts – Texas 20, Nebraska 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Texas 23). This was a big opportunity for Nebraska. Paybacks for last year’s loss in the Big 12 title game. And a chance to hand Texas a final defeat before departing for the Big Ten. But the Husker offense came out flat – very flat. Taylor Martinez proceeded to remove himself from the Heisman list. Backup quarterback Zac Lee came in and almost brought the Huskers back. A crowd of 85,648 attended the game in Lincoln
Cowboys banged the Potts – Oklahoma State 34, Texas Tech 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 31, Texas Tech 29). Oklahoma State wasn’t supposed to be very good this year. But the Cowboys are 7-0. And they seem to be getting better each week. A crowd of 60,454 attended the game in Lubbock.
Happy Lane – USC 48, California 14 (Touchdown Tom said: California 30, USC 28). And I picked Cal. USC ended its two-game losing streak. A crowd of 72,386 attended the game in Los Angeles.
Tiger rag – Missouri 30, Texas A&M 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 22, Texas A&M 21). Missouri reminds me of Oklahoma State. Mike Sherman may be on his way out at Texas A&M. Can’t imagine that Aggie fans are happy with him. A crowd of 83,453 attended the game in College Station.
Hoke is no joke – San Diego State 27, Air Force 25(Touchdown Tom said: Air Force 31, San Diego State 23). Brady Hoke is doing a good job bringing San Diego State back to respectability. A crowd of 28,178 attended the game in San Diego.
The Swamp is drained – Mississippi State 10, Florida 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Mississippi State 19). Three losses in a row for the Gators. When did the Gators’ problems begin? Last year, when Urban Meyer announced he was resigning and then changed his mind? Has all that mess been hanging over Meyer’s head ever since? When Tim Tebow said farewell to Gainesville? Maybe the Gators can’t adjust to his absence. When Steve Addazio took over the Gator offense? That probably gets the most votes. And I admit, the Gator offense is bad. But I still say the Gator defense has problems too. Miss State rushed for 212 yards. And the Bulldogs ran the exact same play on almost every down. There was no mixing it up. Well, the Gators have two weeks to straighten out whatever the problem (or problems) is. A crowd of 90,517 attended the game in Gainesville.
Fried Chicken – Kentucky 31, South Carolina 28 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Kentucky 25). South Carolina should fire Steve Spurrier for his mismanagement of the offense in the final seconds of the game. Spurrier has gone from one of the smartest coaches in the country to one of the dumbest. All week, so many said this game was the “upset special” of the week. The Gamecocks should have been prepared. But they couldn’t handle their success. A crowd of 67,955 attended the game in Lexington.
Pirates seal the Pack – East Carolina 33, N.C. State 27 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 38, East Carolina 23). When this game was over, I felt relieved that my N.C. State neighbor Brent Stancil had moved away. I can only imagine the plethora of four-letter words we would have heard, emanating from his house. It wouldn’t have been a pretty sound or sight. Brent hates East Carolina about as much as he hates the Tar Heels. But I was only relieved for a second or two. Now I wish he was still living across the street. A crowd of 50,410 attended the game in Greenville.
No Bull – West Virginia 20, South Florida 6 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 30, South Florida 15). I’m liking WVU quarterback Geno Smith better and better every week. He’s not perfect, but he’s getting better. But why weren’t Bill Stewart and Jeff Mullen letting Geno throw downfield more? Seems like that’s where USF’s weakness was on defense. If you ask me, Stewart doesn’t play to win. He plays not to lose. A crowd of 54,955 attended the game in Morgantown.
Frogs are courtin’ – TCU 31, BYU 3 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 33, BYU 17). Man, BYU is 2-5. TCU’s Andy Dalton should be on the Heisman list. A crowd of 40,416 attended the game in Fort Worth.
Neyhawks – Kansas State 59, Kansas 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 25, Kansas 23). Turner Gill has serious problems at Kansas – serious problems. This job will make or break Gill as a coach. A crowd of 47,561 attended the game in Lawrence.
Beavers stuffed in the Locker – Washington 35, Oregon State 34 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 32, Washington 26). Seems like there is a thriller like this every week in the Pac-10. Jake Locker made his second appearance of the season. The Washington quarterback passed for 286 yards. A crowd of 65,235 attended the game in Seattle.
Scarlet Knights better than Black Knights – Rutgers 23, Army 20 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Army 26). The excitement of the game was overshadowed by the spinal-cord injury suffered by Rutgers’ Eric LeGrand. A crowd of 41,292 attended the game in East Rutherford, NJ.
Dabo bounces back – Clemson 31, Maryland 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 28, Maryland 20). Clemson ends a three-game losing skid. Me thinks Ralph Friedgen is a short timer. A crowd of 71,000 attended the game in Clemson.
Cowboys aren’t supposed to lose to Indians – Utah 30 Wyoming 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 36, Wyoming 12). The undefeated Utes still have to play Air Force, TCU, Notre Dame and San Diego State. A crowd of 20,014 attended the game in Laramie.
King Fisher – Florida State 24, Boston College 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 39, Boston College 10). Watching this game, Swamp Mama asked me what Jimbo Fisher’s real name was. I said, “Jimbo.” She said, “No way.” I said, “Yes, he’s from West Virginia. It’s Jimbo.” Then I did a Google search. His name is John James Fisher. Noles were sleeping after the big win over Miami. A crowd of 75,301 attended the game in Tallahassee.
Cavs caught counting sheep – North Carolina 44, Virginia 10 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 24, Virginia 19). Will this be Butch Davis’ last year in Chapel Hill? And not because of his record. The Tar Heels are 4-2 and have won their last four games. A crowd of 50,830 attended the game in Charlottesville.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
It takes Art – Baylor 31, Colorado 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 30, Colorado 26). Baylor is on the up-and-up and is having a good season. Dan Hawkins is packing his bags in Boulder. The moving van is on its way. A crowd of 48,953 attended the game in Boulder.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Only a Tropical Depression – Miami (Florida) 28, Duke 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 33, Duke 19). Hats off to the Dookies. They threw five interceptions and still only lost to Miami by two touchdowns. A crowd of 25,911 attended the game in Durham.
Big Bad Bruce – Georgia 43, Vanderbilt 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Vanderbilt 19). Well, Uga VIII is 1-0. I know. It was only Vanderbilt. The Dawgs are on a roll. They’ve won two in a row. Woof, woof. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Boiled Gopher – Purdue 28, Minnesota 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 27, Minnesota 23). Doesn’t current Purdue coach Danny Hope look an awful lot like a thinner version his predecessor Joe Tiller – mustache and all. Hope looks like the junior walrus. A crowd of 47,319 attended the game in West Lafayette.
Comment: After Saturday, I was reminded of a comment that I frequently heard from folks during my visits and work at many newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. It goes something like this: “Nothing makes me happier than when Michigan and Ohio State both lose on the same day.”
A tough Saturday for me at 16-8, brings my season total to 123-45 (73.2 percent).
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF crushed Marshall, 35-14. A crowd of 23,601 attended the game in Huntington…. Florida International walloped North Texas, 34-10. A crowd of 14,718 attended the game in Denton…. Florida A&M downed Savannah State, 31-0.
Bethune-Cookman beat South Carolina State, 14-0. A crowd of 10,077 attended the game in Orangeburg…. Jacksonville U. terminated Valparaiso, 86-7. A crowd of 893 attended the game in Valparaiso.
Superlatives
Impressive Passers: Louisiana Tech’s Ross Jenkins – 31-44-0 for 422 yards; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 36-53-1 for 412; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 29-47-0 for 399; Indiana’s Ben Chappell – 26-42-0 for 382; South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia – 20-32-2 for 382; East Carolina’s Dominique Davis – 37-53-0 for 376; Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert – 31-47-0 for 361; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 24-35-2 for 356, and USC’s Matt Barkley – 25-37-0 for 352.
Also, Kentucky’s Mike Hartline – 32-42-0 for 349 yards; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 30-34-0 for 334; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 25-34-2 for 332; Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 29-52-0 for 329; North Carolina’s T.J. Yates – 17-22-0 for 325; N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 26-52-0 for 322; Texas A&M’s Jerrod Johnson – 27-48-0 for 322; Maryland’s Danny O’Brien – 24-45-0 for 302; Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor – 19-27-0 for 292, and Florida International’s Wes Carroll – 17-31-0 for 288.
Also, Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 15-24-0 for 287; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 26-36-0 for 287; Bowling Green’s Matt Schilz – 30-51-0 for 287; Washington’s Jake Locker – 21-35-1 for 286 yards; Houston’s David Piland – 23-45-1 for 282; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 28-43-2 for 277; Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros – 18-28-2 for 275; Southern Miss’ Austin Davis – 19-30-0 for 275; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 33-44-2 for 275; TCU’s Andy Dalton – 24-36-0 for 273; UAB’s Bryan Ellis – 20-28-0 for 272, and Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 17-24-0 for 266.
Impressive Rushers: Wake Forest’s Josh Harris – 241 yards; Louisville’s Bilal Powell – 209 yards; San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 191 yards; Boston College’s Montel Harris – 191 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Alex Gillett – 189 yards; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 188 yards, and Louisiana Tech’s Lennon Creer – 179 yards.
Also, Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey – 169 yards; UCF’s Ronnie Weaver – 150 yards; Fresno State’s Robbie Rouse – 150 yards; Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead – 145 yards; Iowa’s Adam Robinson – 143 yards; Baylor’s Jay Finley – 143 yards, and Oregon State’s Jacquizz Rodgers – 140 yards.
Quotes of Last Week
“By the end of this season, the Dogs may have twice as many arrests as wins. (Right now, the score is 11-2.),” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Urban Meyer commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Month his own special way: He conditionally reinstated Chris Rainey because, while it’s true the player texted “Time To Die, Bitch” to a girl, it’s not like it was Meyer’s wife or daughter, because then it would’ve been serious – unless the Gators really needed Rainey, which they do, because they’ve already lost two SEC games, so suddenly it’s, ‘Oh, these darn kids.’ Seriously. Do they not hand out souls any more at coaches’ conventions?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Not to interrupt the euphoria in Pigville, but has it occurred to anybody that Arkansas’ wins have come over Tennessee Tech (2-4), Louisiana-Monroe (2-3), Georgia (2-4) and Texas A&M (3-2), and it lost to the only good team it has played (Alabama)?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Steve Spurrier’s reward for upsetting Alabama is consecutive games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Tennessee (combined 1-7 in SEC). Blow this and his head explodes,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“The Rebels have officially drop-kicked Col. Reb into the Red (Neck) Sea. Turns out the other 49 states viewed a plantation owner as a mascot to be as endearing as a Mussolini plush toy. So welcome to the new mascot: Rebel Black Bear. You know, the party might’ve lasted longer if it was Louisiana-Lafayette week,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“N.C. Central at Georgia State: The first-year Panthers play their sixth home game in seven weeks. Just resting their legs before shocking the world in Tuscaloosa!,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Gator fans should boo Urban Meyer, not Steve Addazio,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I’m not saying that SEC football has international ramifications, but my operatives tell me that these were the first words that came from the mouth of one of the Chilean miners after the rescue: ‘The only person more fortunate than we are today is Les Miles,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Strange but true stat of the week: Ron Zook’s offense is ranked No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring and Urban Meyer’s is ranked No. 87,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Ole Miss has replaced the controversial Colonel Reb mascot with a bear wearing slacks. In other words, the Rebels have gone from politically incorrect to zoologically inconceivable,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“And speaking of mascots, Georgia will introduce Uga VIII at its homecoming game Saturday. My question: Who will be on a shorter leash – the new mascot or head coach Mark Richt?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Brett Favre bio addendum: NFL all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes and penis pictures,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Gators Urban Meyer must bench either John Brantley or Steve Addazio. It has to be one or the other because the two have obviously become the worst sports marriage since Tiger and Elin,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The last time the Florida Gators lost to Mississippi State, Ron Zook got fired as head coach. And so now we ask: Who will lose their job in the aftermath of the embarrassing 10-7 home loss to Mississippi State Saturday night?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I thought their fans hung in there with them. But I could feel some of their fans, when we got up 10-0 thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding, not again,’” Texas coach Mack Brown, on the Nebraska fans.
“We’ll let the fans feel sorry for what happened. We have to take an experience like this and have it make us stronger. I know our team has a lot of character,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, after the Texas game.
“We just can’t, as they say, put the nail in the coffin. We can’t put a team away. We just can’t do it. I don’t know why. We just can’t do it,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, after the Kentucky game.
The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. LSU (7-0) at Auburn (7-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Something’s got to give. Both can’t be undefeated after this game. It’s not soccer. Can LSU bottle up Cam Newton? That’s the key for the LSU Tigers. Auburn definitely has the better offense. LSU definitely has the better defense. Which one will rule the game? The winner could take a big jump in the BCS standings. Newton has all the apples – Auburn 24, LSU 17.
RUNNER UP: 2. Oklahoma (6-0) at Missouri (6-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Something has to give in this game too. Missouri is undefeated, but is it a weak undefeated? Several teams have played the Sooners close. The Tigers have to be more than close. Both have good quarterbacks, but the Sooners also have DeMarco Murray. A good game and Murray will be on the Heisman list. Sooners show ’em – Oklahoma 31, Missouri 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Nebraska (5-1) at Oklahoma State (6-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Huskers can’t continue to sob over the loss to Texas. Otherwise, it will be curtains in Stillwater. Okie State is like Missouri – undefeated, but a weak undefeated. Will we see the return of Taylor Martinez and Roy Helu? Or will Brandon Weeden and Kendall Hunter have a big game? Red sails in the sunset – Nebraska 28, Oklahoma State 25.
4. Wisconsin (6-1) at Iowa (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Both teams will be celebrating from last week, but Wisconsin may be celebrating longer. This is one of those games where it helps to be playing at home. The Egg Men cometh – Iowa 27, Wisconsin 22.
5. Michigan State (7-0) at Northwestern (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – This could be a trap game for the Spartans. You never know how the Wildcats are going to play. Sometimes they play over their heads. And State has Iowa coming up the following week. Could the Spartans be looking ahead? Heart and soul – Michigan State 30, Northwestern 20.
6. Air Force (5-2) at TCU (7-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Air Force has the potential to play TCU tough – very tough. The Falcons lost to Oklahoma by only three points. Frogs escape the bombs – TCU 29, Air Force 19.
7. Kansas State (5-1) at Baylor (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Both teams are on the brink of having a decent season. The winner will have. The loser could go belly up. The Wildcats can’t Bear it – Baylor 34, Kansas State 33.
8. Washington (3-3) at Arizona (5-1) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – The Huskies can put some points on the board, but they have no defense. At Arizona, it’s all about defense. Huskies can’t get over the Stoops – Arizona 24, Washington 16.
9. North Carolina (4-2) at Miami (Florida) (4-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Butch Davis returns to his old stomping grounds. Well, they are playing in a different stadium now. But Davis knows the area well. Problem is: He doesn’t know this Miami team. Head over Heels – Miami 23, North Carolina 19.
10. Georgia Tech (5-2) at Clemson (3-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Both teams need this one badly – Clemson more so than Tech. It’s usually a good one when they get together. Tigers get the Bees’ honey – Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 23.
11. Notre Dame (4-3) vs. Navy (4-2) – (Ind. vs. Ind.) – Both teams have struggled some and have been a bit of a disappointment. The Irish are in the soft part of their schedule before ending the season against USC. They need to take advantage of these games. The Middies won’t make it easy. You haven’t heard of the Irish Navy? – Notre Dame 27, Navy 25.
12. UCLA (3-3) at Oregon (6-0) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – If anybody is going to stop Oregon, it won’t be UCLA – not in Eugene. The Bruins have been up-and-down this season. They will be down this week. The Ducks LaMichael James is working on his Heisman resume. Neuheisel goes Quack – Oregon 42, UCLA 14.
13. Alabama (6-1) at Tennessee (2-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Like so many of Alabama’s SEC opponents (five), Tennessee had the week off prior to this game. They needed it after getting embarrassed by Georgia. But it won’t do them any good. Alabama will be out to do some more embarrassing. And the Tide is working on style points for the BCS poll. High Tide on rocky Top – Alabama 36, Tennessee 13.
14. Syracuse (4-2) at West Virginia (5-1) – (Big East vs. Big East) – WVU coach Bill Stewart says the Mounties are in a seven-round fight to win the conference. They won the first round last week. Syracuse is round two. Mounties should get the decision here. The Orange are struggling on offense and defense. Syracuse is almost in heaven – West Virginia 33, Syracuse 12.
15. Ole Miss (3-3) at Arkansas (4-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – The Hogs are smarting after the loss to Auburn. They need to bounce back quickly and may have to do it with their backup quarterback. Ole Miss has been very erratic this year. You never know how the Black Bears will play. We don’t need no Mallett – Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 24.
16. Rutgers (4-2) at Pitt (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Pitt had a big win over Syracuse last week. Did the Panthers find themselves? Rutgers will be tougher than Syracuse. Crucial win for both. Panthers pit the armor – Pitt 24, Rutgers 18.
17. Arizona State (3-3) at California (3-3) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Two similar teams. Home field advantage means a lot in this one. Cal needs to bounce back. ASU is coming in after a layoff. The Devil went down in Berkeley – California 30, Arizona State 27.
18. Texas Tech (3-3) at Colorado (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Dan Hawkins really needs this one. He is sitting on a bubble in Boulder and it is about to burst. Tech needs the win too if the Red Raiders are going to salvage their season. Buffalo burgers – Texas Tech 29, Colorado 26.
19. South Florida (3-3) at Cincinnati (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – The Bulls are all defense and no offense. The Bearcats are just the opposite – all offense and no defense. It should make for an interesting time. It’s a Bearcat market – Cincinnati 26, South Florida 15.
20. Connecticut (3-3) at Louisville (3-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Turnaround game for both teams. Both are coming in off losses, but UConn had the week off after its loss. Chirpy, chirpy is not cheap, cheap – Louisville 27, Connecticut 24.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
21. Indiana (4-2) at Illinois (3-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Two coaches facing extinction at the end of the season. They need every win they can muster and this is one of those wins that is achievable for both. Both are capable of exploding on offense. Hoosier quarterback Ben Chappell is due to have a good game. Banned on the run – Illinois 35, Indiana 28.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Duke (1-5) at Virginia Tech (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Last week the Dookies suffered five interceptions and still held Miami at bay. Even without any interceptions, they won’t hold the Hokies at bay – not in Blacksburg. Tech is still trying to make up for those two losses at the beginning of the season. Hokies oust the Dookies – Virginia Tech 35, Duke 11.
Georgia (3-4) at Kentucky (3-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Now this one could be interesting. It should let us know if Georgia is truly back. For Kentucky, did last week’s win over South Carolina fire up the Wildcats? Or, will they be caught celebrating? Dawgs catch the Cats – Georgia 30, Kentucky 29.
Purdue (4-2) at Ohio State (6-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Last year, the Boilers surprised the Buckeyes in West Lafayette. No surprises this year. Besides, the Buckeyes are like a wounded animal – mad. They could take out their madness on the Boilers. Terrelle rings the Boilers bell – Ohio State 34, Purdue 17.
Iowa State (3-4) at Texas (4-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – After suffering back-to-back losses, it looks like Texas is ready to celebrate back-to-back wins. The Cyclones will provide little, if any, opposition. Bevo’s Horny – Texas 33, Iowa State 13.
Comment: Several potential exciting games this week. Two games involving undefeated teams – LSU-Auburn and Oklahoma-Missouri. Plus, throw in Wisconsin-Iowa and Nebraska-Oklahoma State and you’ve got quite a foursome. And Michigan State-Northwestern, Air Force-TCU and North Carolina-Miami could be interesting.
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF (4-2) entertains Rice (2-5)…. Florida Atlantic (1-4) travels to Arkansas State (2-5)…. Florida A&M (3-3) plays at Norfolk State (2-4)…. Bethune-Cookman (6-0) is away at North Carolina Central (2-4)…. Jacksonville U. (6-1) hosts Marist (2-4)…. Florida State (6-1) and Florida International (2-4) have the week off.
Thursday’s Television Schedule – October 21
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
UCLA at Oregon – 9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Friday’s Television Schedule – October 22
South Florida at Cincinnati – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 23
Syracuse at West Virginia – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Duke at Virginia Tech – 12 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Iowa State at Texas – 12 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
Michigan State at Northwestern – 12 noon ET – ESPN
Notre Dame vs. Navy – 12 noon ET – CBS
Penn State at Minnesota – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Rutgers at Pitt – 12 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Ole Miss at Arkansas – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Arizona State at California – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Connecticut at Louisville – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Georgia Tech at Clemson – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Wisconsin at Iowa – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Nebraska at Oklahoma State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Houston at SMU – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
LSU at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Alabama at Tennessee – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
South Carolina at Vanderbilt – 7:00 p.m. ET – Sun Sports Network
Texas A&M at Kansas – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
UAB at Mississippi State – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
North Carolina at Miami – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Oklahoma at Missouri – 7:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Air Force at TCU – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Washington at Arizona – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN
In the Huddle
Elsewhere around college football . . . Last week, the Pasadena City Council approved a $152 million renovation plan for the 88-year-old Rose Bowl Stadium. The council also approved 30-year lease extensions with UCLA and the Tournament of Roses to continue playing at the bowl. The number of luxury seats will be increased from about 550 to 2,500. The stadium will also get a new scoreboard, additional restrooms and concession stands and receive general safety improvements.
Connecticut has scheduled home-and-home series with Virginia and Western Michigan. The Huskies will play Virginia in 2016 and 2017. UConn’s games against Western Michigan are scheduled for 2011 and 2012…. The Michigan-Alabama football game set for Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is official. The game will be played September 1, 2012.
Extra Points
AP Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Oklahoma, 4. TCU, 5. Auburn, 6. LSU
Coaches Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. Oklahoma, 4. TCU, 5. Auburn, 6. LSU
TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Boise State, 3. TCU, 4. Oklahoma, 5. Auburn, 6. Michigan State
BCS Poll – 1. Oklahoma, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise State, 4. Auburn, 5. TCU, 6. LSU
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.”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not directly college football related, but Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has committed to play baseball at San Diego State. If Trevor swings a baseball bat the way his father swings a hockey stick, he’ll be a winner.
Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were seven passings of mention last week – Joan Sutherland, Jerry Marshall, Larry Siegfried, Simon MacCorkindale, General Johnson, Barbara Billingsley and Belva Plain.
Joan Sutherland, one of the most acclaimed sopranos of the 20th century, a singer of such power and range that she was crowned “La Stupenda,” died last week at her home near Montreux in Switzerland. She was 83. Sutherland was born on November 7, 1926, in Sydney, Australia.
Jerry Marshall, who lent a velvet voice to the AM airwaves of the New York metropolitan area in the heydays of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland, died last week at a hospice near his home in Delray Beach, Florida. He was 91. During more than 30 years on the air, Marshall hosted hit shows like “Music Hall” and “The Make-Believe Ballroom” on WNEW and “Record Room” on WMGM, as well as shows on WINS, WNBC and WCBS. His “Jerry Marshall Show” was eventually syndicated in cities up-and-down the East Coast. Jerome Saul Jaffe (he chose Marshall as his last name after becoming a radio host) was born in Far Rockaway, New York, on April 15, 1919. Marshall graduated from Cornell in 1942 with a degree in political science.
Larry Siegfried, a stalwart guard on the great Boston Celtic teams of the 1960s, died last week in Cleveland. He was 71 and lived in Perrysville, Ohio. Known for solid shooting, mistake-free ball-handling and sticky defense, Siegfried played for the Celtics and the legendary coach Red Auerbach from 1963 to 1970. He was born Lawrence Eugene Siegfried in Shelby, Ohio – north central Ohio, on May 22, 1939. A schoolboy legend at Shelby High, Siegfried led the state in scoring as a senior, averaging 38 points per game, then went on to play basketball at Ohio State.
Simon MacCorkindale, the dashing British actor who turned heads in the star-studded 1978 film “Death on the Nile” and went on to play villains and charming Englishmen on numerous television shows in Britain and the United States, died last week in London. He was 58. MacCorkindale had a recurring role as the conniving lawyer to Jane Wyman’s equally conniving Angela Channing in the prime-time CBS soap opera “Falcon Crest.” He also appeared on “Dynasty,” “Hart to Hart” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” on which he played the snobby British cousin to the country-bumpkin Duke brothers. Born February 12, 1952, in Ely, England, MacCorkindale was married to actress Susan George.
General Johnson, who provided the distinctive lead vocal for the Chairmen of the Board’s 1970 Top 10 hit, “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” and went on to become a successful rhythm-and-blues songwriter, died last week in suburban Atlanta. He was 69 and lived in East Point, Georgia. Johnson was best known as a singer but won a Grammy in 1971 for his composition “Patches,” a Top 10 hit for Clarence Carter. He also wrote hits for the Honey Cone (“Want Ads,” “Stick-Up”) and Freda Payne (“Bring the Boys Home”). He first reached the pop charts in 1961 as the lead singer of the Showmen, whose song “It Will Stand,” which he wrote, was a defiant ode to the power of rock ’n’ roll. General Norman Johnson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 23, 1941.
Barbara Billingsley, who as June Cleaver on the television series “Leave It to Beaver” personified a Hollywood postwar family ideal of the ever-sweet, ever-helpful suburban stay-at-home mom, died last week. She was 94. Billingsley was born Barbara Lillian Combes on December 22, 1915, in Los Angeles.
Belva Plain, who became a best-selling author at age 59 and whose multigenerational family sagas of Jewish-American life won a loyal readership in the millions, died last week at her home in Short Hills, New jersey. She was 95. Plain’s first novel, “Evergreen,” published in 1978, spent 41 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list in hardcover and another 20 in paperback, and was made into a mini-series by NBC in 1985. She was born Belva Offenberg in New York City on October 9, 1915, and later graduated from Barnard College in 1939.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Cock-a-doodle-doo! What a wild and crazy day
College Football Week Seven – Buckeyes, Auburn to be Tested
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
What a wild and crazy day
The roosters are still crowing in South Carolina. They’ve been crowing since the final second ticked off the clock in Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday evening. The scoreboard read: South Carolina 35, Alabama 21.
Except for a brief Alabama lead early in the first quarter, the Gamecocks led throughout the contest. The Tide’s 3-0 lead soon turned into an 18-point South Carolina lead by early in the second quarter – 21-3.
Still you had the feeling in the back of your mind that Alabama would come back – just as the Tide did against Arkansas. In that game, the Razorbacks led Alabama 20-7 in the waning seconds of the third quarter, but Bama rallied and won, 24-20. Tide running backs Mark Ingram (157 yards rushing) and Trent Richardson (85 yards rushing) wore down and rolled over the Arkansas defense.
South Carolina’s 21-3 lead soon became a leery 21-14 lead. Then the Gamecocks 28-14 lead was cut to an uncomfortable 28-21 lead. Bama quarterback Greg McElroy was having a good day. McElroy completed 79 percent of his passes for 315 yards and no interceptions.
But unlike the Alabama-Arkansas game, Tide running backs Ingram and Richardson were no shows against South Carolina – they were MIA. South Carolina ignored McElroy. The Gamecocks keyed on Ingram and Richardson and stopped the Alabama running attack. Ingram rushed for a mere 41 yards and Richardson only had 23 yards rushing.
South Carolina added an insurance touchdown with 7:01 remaining and the Cocks led 35-21. That’s when you had the feeling that the Tide was going out. That’s when the roosters started tuning up their vocal chords. It was a great finish to a week for South Carolina – a week that began on a downer for the Gamecocks.
Have you ever wondered who the real SC is – Southern California or South Carolina? Well, last Monday, the Supreme Court said it didn’t care. And with that snub, South Carolina lost its trademark battle with the other SC – Southern California. The nation’s highest court refused to take up the case. The Supreme Court refused to hear South Carolina’s appeal.
Previously, lower federal courts had ruled that only Southern California has the right to use SC. South Carolina cannot use the interlocking “SC” on its merchandise. So, since the lower courts ruled that the SC in Los Angeles is the real SC, the Supreme Court’s snub left the SC in Columbia sucking a hot toddy. Oh wait, I’ve got the wrong school. It left the one in Columbia sucking an egg – a chicken egg. Fortunately, they didn’t get salmonella. Alabama can testify to that.
Speaking of the other SC, the Supreme Court’s action was the high point of its week. Saturday night in Palo Alton, the Trojans lost to Stanford, 37-35. Actually, USC appeared to have the game in hand. The Trojans scored with 1:12 remaining to take a 35-34 lead over Stanford. But in the final minute, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck drove the Cardinal down the field to the Trojan’s 13 yard line. Stanford kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.
Three other teams won in the waning seconds Saturday. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Navy scored on a six-yard pass from Ricky Dobbs to Greg Jones with 0:26 remaining to beat Wake Forest, 28-27. In Lexington, Kentucky, Auburn’s Wes Byrum kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired and the Tigers beat Kentucky, 37-34.
Then there was the contest in Gainesville, Florida. With 14:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, LSU scored to take, what appeared to be, a commanding 26-14 lead over the Gators. But Florida’s Andre Debose scored on the ensuing kickoff and Florida cut the Tigers’ lead to five – 26-21. Then, with 3:21 left in the game, Florida’s Mike Gillislee scored on a five-yard run. The Gators were successful on a two-point conversion and Florida led LSU, 29-26.
All the Gators had to do now was hold LSU in the final 3:21. It appeared that Florida had succeeded in its task. With 0:35 left, the Gators held and LSU lined up to kick a 53-yard field goal for the tie. But it was a fake. Tiger holder Derek Helton flipped a no-look toss over his head to placekicker Josh Jasper. The ball hit the ground, but took a LSU bounce, as Jasper scooped it up and ran for the first down. A few plays later, LSU scored a touchdown and won the game, 33-29.
All-in-all, it was a busy week for college football. Prior to Saturday’s games, there were four nights of football on TV last week – Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday night, Troy downed Middle Tennessee, 42-13. Wednesday evening, in the alphabet game, UCF beat UAB, 42-7. Message to UCF students: Leave the thunder sticks at home. Big time college football student sections don’t use thunder sticks. That’s about as hokey as bringing Vuvuzelas to a game – downright tacky.
Thursday night, college football fans who had not yet had the opportunity to see Taylor Martinez in action this season got a real treat. The Nebraska quarterback rushed for 241 yards (4 TDs) and passed for 128 yards (1 TD), as the Huskers beat Kansas State, 48-13.
A doubleheader was on the platter Friday evening. Rutgers, trailing Connecticut 24-17 since midway through the second quarter, scored 10 points (a touchdown and a field goal) in the final four minutes of the game to beat the Huskies, 27-24. In the nightcap, Oklahoma State remained undefeated (5-0), downing Louisiana-Lafayette, 54-28.
I saw LSU coach Les Miles being interviewed Friday on ESPN after the Tigers arrived in Gainesville for their upcoming game against Florida. Message to Les: Get rid of the comb over. It looks bad. You’re no Donald Trump.
Heart and Soul – Then there was the 69-year-old Detroit man who put off surgery last week to install a pacemaker in his chest so he could watch the Michigan State-Michigan game on TV Saturday. Major Hester deferred the pacemaker procedure which was scheduled for last Thursday. The surgery has been rescheduled for this week. The retired office supply clerk is a devout Spartans fan. Hester said he couldn’t risk something going wrong on the operating table that would prevent him from seeing the game.
The Spartans didn’t disappoint Hester. Michigan State shutdown the Wolverines’ Denard Robinson, beating Michigan 31-17. Robinson threw three interceptions and was held to 86 yards rushing. The Spartans’ Kirk Cousins passed for 284 yards. And speaking of heart, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was coaching from the press box. You gotta have heart…miles and miles and miles of heart.
In other action Saturday, either Illinois is getting better, a lot better, or Penn State is getting worse – a lot worse. The Banned Indians surprised the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley to the tune of 33-13. Except for one game, Penn State’s Evan Royster has been a no show this season. Maybe the Lions were overrated at preseason. Maybe it will be Joe Paterno’s last year. Stay tuned. Betsy Barefoot and Michelle Grady attended the game.
Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Ohio State spanked Indiana, 38-10. Terrelle Pryor passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Wisconsin cleaned up on Minnesota, 41-23. The Gophers’ Tim Brewster will most likely be fired at season’s end. And Purdue handed Northwestern its first loss. The Boilers beat the Wildcats, 20-17.
In the ACC, Florida State won the big showdown with Miami. The Noles embarrassed the Canes, 45-17. N.C. State got back on the winning track. Russell Wilson passed for 328 yards and three touchdowns as the Wolfpack stymied Boston College, 44-17. North Carolina beat Clemson, 21-16, and Georgia Tech stopped Virginia, 33-21.
Somebody finally lit a fire under Uga. Georgia blasted Tennessee, 41-14. Two SEC teams played in Texas. Mississippi State downed Houston, 47-24 and Arkansas knocked off Texas A&M, 24-17.
In the Big 12, Missouri skunked Colorado, 26-0, and Texas Tech outlasted Baylor, 45-38. In the Big East, West Virginia trashed UNLV, 49-10, and Syracuse upset South Florida in Tampa. The Orange beat the Bulls, 13-9. Notre Dame held off Pitt, 23-17. Louisville scored big, downing Memphis, 56-0, and Cincinnati thumped Miami (Ohio), 45-3.
Out west, Oregon State scored early and held on to knock off Arizona, 29-27. It was the Wildcats first loss. Also in the Pac-10, California trounced UCLA, 35-7, Oregon blasted Washington State, 43-23, and Arizona State downed Washington, 24-14.
Utah remained undefeated. The Utes annihilated Iowa State, 68-27. TCU remained undefeated as well. The Horned Frogs blanked Wyoming, 45-0. Boise State kept its record perfect. The Broncos tossed Toledo, 57-14. And Nevada is still unbeaten. The Wolf Pack dominated San Jose State, 35-13.
In four other games, East Carolina trimmed Southern Miss, 44-43, and SMU edged Tulsa, 21-18. Also, Northern Illinois beat Temple, 31-17, and finally, Army slammed Tulane, 41-23.
After six weeks of play, 13 teams (Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Ohio State, TCU, Utah, Oregon, Auburn, LSU, Boise State and Nevada) remain undefeated, while four teams (Akron, Eastern Michigan, New Mexico and Western Kentucky) are still winless.
Five teams (Alabama, Arizona, Kansas State, Michigan and Northwestern) lost for the first time Saturday. Two teams (New Mexico State and Florida International) won for the first time.
In the race for the Heisman, three remain high on the list – Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor, Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Auburn’s Cam Newton. Two fell off the list – Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Michigan’s Denard Robinson. One joined the list – Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez, and one returned to the list – Stanford’s Andrew Luck. Stay tuned.
And the beat goes on…. It turns out that voting for the new Mascot at Ole Miss will continue to October 12. Again, the three finalists are the Land Shark (Jimmy Buffett), the Bear (Sarah Palin) and the Hotty Toddy (?).
So far, voting turnout has been light, as most Ole Miss students, alumni, faculty and fans remain apathetic about the selection of a new mascot. Their preference is to retain the Kentucky Fried Chicken image – Col. Sanders.
After I released last week’s blog, one of my many Nebraska friends, Brian Smith, e-mailed to suggest that I start providing my personal Top 6, along with the AP and Coaches Polls. Well, I went back and added my Top 6 to the Web site version of CFW last week. Starting this week it is in both versions – e-mail and the Web site. It can be found in the “Extra Points” section. Thanks Brian – good idea.
Every year in late October, Rockledge Gator and Bootsie usually go to a few Halloween parties. This year Rockledge Gator is going to the parties as Lady Gaga. This year Bootsie isn’t going.
Touchdown Tom
October 11, 2010
Weekend Review
GAME OF THE WEEK: Spartans stall the Hot Rod – Michigan State 34, Michigan 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 34, Michigan 32). Well, Rich Rodriguez who had taken a few baby steps forward this season, just took one giant step backwards. Michigan fans don’t like losing to the Spartans. For Mark Dantonio, it was Valentine’s Day. He got lots of hearts from State fans. Michigan has no defense and State contained Denard Robinson. A crowd of 109,933 attended the game in Ann Arbor.
RUNNER UP: Chickens rip the Tide – South Carolina 35, Alabama 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 26, South Carolina 18). South Carolina may not be the “real” SC, but the Gamecocks were authentic enough to fool the Tide. Steve Spurrier is now 3-1 against Nick Saban. A crowd of 82,933 attended the game in Columbia.
REST OF THE BEST: Suckers – LSU 33, Florida 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, LSU 13). You can’t be critical of the Florida offense. A banged up Gator offense scored 29 points on the LSU defense – one of the best defenses in the country. Florida scored more points on LSU than any team this season. It’s the Florida defense that is bad. LSU has one of the worst offenses in the country. Yet the Tigers put 33 points on the board – the most points LSU has scored in a game this season. And to fall for the fake field goal was ridiculous. The Gators already got burned on a fake field goal by Kentucky earlier this season. Gator defenders should never have been playing to block the kick. There was no way he was going to make a 53-yarder. My complaints aren’t targeted at Steve Addazio. My complaints are targeted at Teryl Austin. There was no defense in the Alabama game, and there was no defense in the LSU game. A crowd of 90,721 attended the game in Gainesville.
Smooth as silk…Corn Silk – Nebraska 48, Kansas State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Kansas State 19). The better the competition, the better Nebraska is. Taylor Martinez is a legitimate Heisman candidate. Martinez and Roy Helu combined for 351 yards rushing. A crowd of 51,015 attended the game in Manhattan.
Noles feel at home near the Everglades – Florida State 45, Miami (Florida) 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 26, Florida State 23). So, Jimbo Fisher is asking FSU fans, “How do you like me now?” Randy Shannon has to be embarrassed. The Canes were not even prepared for this game. A crowd of 75,115 attended the game in Miami Gardens.
Luck drives down the Lane – Stanford 37, USC 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 34, USC 20). Andrew Luck is “Mr. Clutch.” Luck leads Stanford down the field in the final minute for the game-winning field goal. A crowd of 51,607 attended the game in Palo Alto.
Aggies get Oinked – Arkansas 24, Texas A&M 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, Texas A&M 25). Since the loss to Alabama, Ryan Mallett is making a comeback. Mike Sherman could be in trouble at A&M. A crowd of 65,622 attended the game in Arlington.
Crying in the Chappell – Ohio State 38, Indiana 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 35, Indiana 22). Indiana scored big on Michigan last week, but this week Hoosiers couldn’t move the ball against the Buckeye defense. Ben Chappell was futile. Terrelle Pryor had a Heisman performance game. A crowd of 105,291 attended the game in Columbus.
Mo shows the Buffies – Missouri 26, Colorado 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 32, Colorado 22). Just when we thought Colorado was getting better and that Dan Hawkins might save his job, along comes Missouri. A crowd of 62,965 attended the game in Columbia.
The life of Riley – Oregon State 29, Arizona 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 24, Oregon State 18). Poor Mike Stoops just can’t quite get over that hurdle in Tucson. Still, the Wildcats will be heard from again this season. Meanwhile, Mike Riley continues to do an amazing job at Oregon State. A crowd of 56,054 attended the game in Tucson.
Pitty Pitt – Notre Dame 23, Pitt 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Pitt 19). Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri had a great game, but the Panthers couldn’t pull it out. Is Dave Wannstedt in trouble yet? Notre Dame has won two in a row. A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.
It’s all relative – Auburn 37, Kentucky 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 33, Kentucky 19). A lot of people picked this as their “upset of the week.” It almost was. But the Wildcats couldn’t stop Cam Newton (198 yards rushing). A crowd of 70,776 attended the game in Lexington.
Tweetie Birds – N.C. State 44, Boston College 17 (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 30, Boston College 16). The Wolfpack come back strong after last week’s loss. Russell Wilson has a great day. It’s going to be a long season for BC – very long. A crowd of 56,859 attended the game in Raleigh.
Dabo gets Spiked – North Carolina 21, Clemson 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 23, North Carolina 20). Considering everything the Tar Heels have been through, they are amazing. I have a feeling Dabo Swinney won’t be around very long at Clemson. He can’t seem to turn the corner. A crowd of 60,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill.
Frustrated in Madison – Wisconsin 41, Minnesota 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Minnesota 17). So Tim Brewster didn’t like Bret Bielema going for the two-point conversion late in the game. I thought they were going to get in a fight with each other after the game. Oh well, Brewster won’t be around much longer. Never understood why Minnesota hired him in the first place. A crowd of 80,328 attended the game in Madison.
Turfed – Boise State 57, Toledo 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 35, Toledo 19). Another one goes by the wayside against Boise. A crowd of 33,933 attended the game in Boise.
Davey Jones Locker – Arizona State 24, Washington 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 30, Arizona State 27). Well, so much for Jake Locker. After making an appearance last week, Locker is MIA again. ASU is having a better season than expected. A crowd of 65,685 attended the game in Seattle.
Green Day – Georgia 41, Tennessee 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Tennessee 23, Georgia 22). Well, well. My, oh my. What got into these Bulldogs? I know, they have A.J. Green back. And Aaron Murray seemed to find himself. The Dawgs are so confident now they are talking about running the table. Amazing what a big win can do to your ego. We’ll see. Meanwhile, Barbara Dooley can put her red panties back on. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Bees swarm – Georgia Tech 33, Virginia 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 27, Virginia 17). Tech had a good day from Anthony Allen – 195 yards rushing. A crowd of 48,016 attended the game in Atlanta.
Teddy Bears picnic – California 35, UCLA 7 (Touchdown Tom said: California 26, UCLA 24). UCLA is a strange team. Rick Neuheisel is struggling. Cal’s up-and-down too. But more up than down. A crowd of 61,664attended the game in Berkeley.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Not Chipper – Virginia Tech 45, Central Michigan 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 31, Central Michigan 16). Little-by-little the Hokies are getting their groove back. Can they run the table? A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
The moon shines in Morgantown – West Virginia 49, UNLV 10 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 42, UNLV 9). And the Mounties only went half steam at UNLV. I think the water boy got in this game. A crowd of 58,234 attended the game in Morgantown.
Boilers erupt – Purdue 20, Northwestern 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 32, Purdue 23). Last year, Purdue beat Ohio State. Now the Boilers hand Northwestern its first loss. Just when you don’t expect it, the Boilers play well. A crowd of 33,847 attended the game in Evanston.
Comment: A tough week at 15-8, brings my season total to 107-37 (74.3 percent).
AROUND FLORIDA:
South Florida was shocked by Syracuse, 13-9. A crowd of 41,917 attended the game in Tampa…. UCF clobbered UAB, 42-7. A crowd of 40,281 attended the game in Orlando…. Florida Atlantic fell to Louisiana-Monroe, 20-17. A crowd of 16,513 attended the game in Monroe.
Florida International beat Western Kentucky, 28-21. A crowd of 14,335 attended the game in Miami…. Bethune-Cookman slammed Delaware State, 47-24. A crowd of 10,151 attended the game in Daytona Beach…. Jacksonville U. edged Drake, 39-34. A crowd of 2,843 attended the game in Jacksonville.
Superlatives
Impressive Passers: Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts – 42-59-1 for 462 yards; Arizona’s Nick Foles – 35-46-1 for 440; Oregon State’s Ryan Katz – 30-42-1 for 393; USC’s Matt Barkley – 28-45-1 for 390; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 31-42-0 for 384; SMU’s Kyle Padron – 27-40-1 for 381; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 29-49-1 for 376, and Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 29-47-2 for 351.
Also, Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor – 24-34-0 for 334 yards; N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 38-51-2 for 328; UTEP’s Trevor Vittatoe – 19-32-0 for 327; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 37-53-0 for 326; Utah’s Jordan Wynn – 23-31-1 for 325; Rutgers’ Chas Dodd – 18-29-0 for 322; Alabama’s Greg McElroy – 27-34-0 for 315, and Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett – 27-38-1 for 310.
Also, Louisiana-Lafayette’s Chris Masson – 33-55-1 for 308 yards; Northwestern’s Dan Persa – 30-41-0 for 305; Houston’s David Piland – 30-57-2 for 301; Arizona State’s Steven Threet – 21-34-1` for 288; Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 20-24-0 for 285; Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins – 18-25-0 for 284, and Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 25-41-1 for 282.
Also, Bowling Green’s Matt Schilz – 23-37-1 for 277 yards; Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick – 20-27-1 for 273; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 27-29-1 for 272; TCU’s Andy Dalton – 14-17-0 for 270; Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 16-22-0 for 267;Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 17-25-0 for 266; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 17-29-0 for 265, and Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-37-0 for 259.
Impressive Rushers: Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 241 yards; Louisville’s Bilal Powell – 204 yards; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 198 yards; Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead – 197 yards; Nevada’s Vai Taua – 196 yards; Georgia Tech’s Anthony Allen – 195 yards, and Florida State’s Chris Thompson – 158 yards.
Also, Florida Atlantic’s Alfred Morris – 153 yards; California’s Shane Vereen – 151 yards; Michigan State’s Edwin Baker – 147 yards; Army’s Jared Hassin – 144 yards; Ohio’s Phil Bates – 142 yards; Colorado State’s Leonard Mason – 139 yards, and Oregon’s LaMichael James – 136 yards.
Quotes of Last Week
“What’s wrong with UGA? Sad to say, it starts with Mark Richt,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
“Richt’s job should be in jeopardy. Why? Because not only are the Bulldogs not very good, but there is no sign that they are getting better,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Richt isn’t commanding Georgia players’ respect or attention,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“John Brantley can still be a great college quarterback. As long as Urban Meyer starts allowing him to be John Brantley and stops forcing him into being a poor imitation of Tim Tebow,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I am very sorry that all of this stuff has tainted the football program and, as the head football coach, I take a tremendous amount of responsibility for all the football-related issues. I’m the head guy, OK? I’m sorry it has affected the football program. But I’m going to tell you what I’m more sorry about: I’m sorry that I trusted John Blake,” North Carolina football coach Butch Davis.
“Butch Davis apologized this week for “trusting” his excommunicated assistant, John Blake, who’s accused of running for an agent, which suggests he knew nothing about the actions of his assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. Let me translate: “I’ve never seen my left arm before. My right arm and I were over here sipping a latte during that bank holdup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Mark Richt can use a sedative. His team has lost four straight and he’s so lost for ideas that he had the Dogs practice in pads this week, and is taking the advice of a caller to his weekly radio show who suggested he lead his players onto the field. I’m thinking of that scene in Animal House when the Delta House crashes the Homecoming Parade and leads the band into an alley and a brick wall,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Lunch at Georgia State: Savannah State is 0-5 and has been outscored 211-48. I know it’s only year one for Bill Curry but you can always tell a former SEC coach by his scheduling,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
"Les Miles is that guy who could walk across the freeway, stop to pick up a nickel, continue, stop to admire a crow on a power line, continue, turn around and go back home because he forgot he left his glasses, cross the freeway again while humming, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” and somehow not get touched as drivers swerve into a 37-car pileup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“What do sandcastles and the Gators have in common? They both look great until the Tide rolls in,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“And can you believe the NFL is investigating whether Brett Favre sent racy voice mails and pornographic pictures to a former sideline reporter? Somewhere, Tiger Woods is saying, ‘I hope his pre-nup is better than mine!,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The Gators signed John Brantley, the most prolific passer in Florida high school history, to run the option? Isn’t that like hiring Penelope Cruz to clean your house?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Urban Meyer being outcoached by Les Miles is like Britney Spears outscoring Einstein on the physics quiz. It’s like the church ukulele player beating Eddie Van Halen in Guitar Hero,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Ohio State (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – After a platter of mostly cupcakes, the Buckeyes may have some competition this week. The Badgers have the Bucks where they want them – in Madison. Now the Badgers have to step up to the plate if they want to be in the game. Otherwise, the Bucks will roll. Pryor melts the Cheese – Ohio State 26, Wisconsin 20.
RUNNER UP: 2. Arkansas (4-1) at Auburn (6-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – The Hogs have already stumbled to one team from Alabama this season. Bobby Petrino knows that Arkansas fans will be frustrated if the Hogs lose this one. Auburn better hope it got a wakeup call against Kentucky. Could be a breakout game for Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton. The Ribs are Spare – Auburn 27, Arkansas 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Iowa (4-1) at Michigan (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The easy part of the schedule ended last week for Rich Rod. They are all hard games now. But, can Iowa handle Denard Robinson? Hawkeyes make Michigan look like a Yoke – Iowa 27, Michigan 22.
4. Texas (3-2) at Nebraska (5-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Nebraska fans have been waiting for this game since last December. Texas has been dreading this game since last December. The Longhorns are lacking in offensive weapons. That’s where the Huskers are loaded. Nebraska has a good defense too. Herbie gets Bevo in the T-Bone – Nebraska 28, Texas 23.
5. Oklahoma State (5-0) at Texas Tech (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Cowboys must stop the passing attack of Taylor Potts if they hope to win. Both teams can score points and both can give up points as well. Cowboys pan the Potts – Oklahoma State 31, Texas Tech 29.
6. California (3-2) at USC (4-2) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Will Lane Kiffin and USC suffer a third-straight loss? The Bears bowl on the Lane – California 30, USC 28.
7. Missouri (5-0) at Texas A&M (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Aggies are seriously wounded. They have lost two in a row. That means they could be dangerous. Mo will be defending its undefeated streak. Tigers are Mo mean – Missouri 22, Texas A&M 21.
8. Air Force (5-1) at San Diego State (3-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Little-by-little, Brady Hoke is making improvements at San Diego State. You get the feeling the Aztecs are going to pop one soon. They almost got Missouri. Fly Boys on auto pilot – Air Force 31, San Diego State 23.
9. Mississippi State (4-2) at Florida (4-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – For three quarters, Dan Mullen and his Bulldogs gave the Gators fits last year in Starkville. Big question here is how the Gators will respond to back-to-back losses. Bulldogs could be catching Florida at the best time or the worst time. Albert walks a Dog – Florida 27, Mississippi State 19.
10. South Carolina (4-1) at Kentucky (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – I’d say the Gamecocks are ripe for plucking this week. I can smell an upset. The Gamecocks will be so high after the win over Alabama. Kentucky is feeling its oats after the close loss to Auburn. But remember, Steve Spurrier has never lost to Kentucky – never ever. Roosters in the Cat house – South Carolina 26, Kentucky 25.
11. N.C. State (5-1) at East Carolina (3-2) – (ACC vs. C-USA) – Virginia Tech and North Carolina have already clobbered East Carolina. Now it’s the Wolfpack’s turn. But if the Pack isn’t careful, the Pirates can put some points on the board. Problem for the Pirates is they can’t keep their opponents from putting points on the board. Could be a high scorer. Wolfpack puts the Pirates in chains – N.C. State 38, East Carolina 23.
12. South Florida (3-2) at West Virginia (4-1) – (Big East vs. Big East) – After five non-conference games, the Mounties begin their seven-game conference run. First up, the Bulls. USF has a history of giving the Eers some trouble. This year, it should be the Mounties giving all the trouble. Eers hold a barbecue – West Virginia 30, South Florida 15.
13. BYU (2-4) at TCU (6-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – TCU may stumble before the season is over, but it won’t be against BYU. Not in Fort Worth. Frogs too horny for the Cougars – TCU 33, BYU 17.
14. Kansas State (4-1) at Kansas (2-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – So far, Turner Gill is having a rough first year at Kansas. A win over the intrastate rivals would be a feather in his cap. And Bill Snyder is trying to rebuild the Wildcat program. The outcome of this game should be an indication of his progress. Turner is blue in the Gills – Kansas State 25, Kansas 23.
15. Oregon State (3-2) at Washington (2-3) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – What, if anything, will Jake Locker do this week. He has to be one of the big disappointments of the 2010 season. If the Huskies are going to turn things around, they need to get it done this week. Mike Riley has the Beavers playing well. Beavers get the Huskies all Lockered up – Oregon State 32, Washington 26.
16. Rutgers (3-2) at Army (4-2) – (Big East vs. Ind.) – Rich Ellerson is in his second season at West Point and he has the Cadets playing well. They are now competitive with Navy and Air Force. The Knights could get upset. Knights disband the Army – Rutgers 28, Army 26.
17. Maryland (4-1) at Clemson (2-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Dabo Swinney needs this win badly. Clemson has dropped three in a row. Maryland is a dangerous team this year. The Terps could give the Tigers some problems. Dabo gets a Terp-in-time – Clemson 28, Maryland 20.
18. Utah (5-0) at Wyoming (2-4) – (MWC vs. MWC) – The Utes have an awesome offense and the Cowboys have a pathetic defense. Doesn’t sound good for Wyoming. Utes boot-scoot the Cowboys – Utah 36, Wyoming 12.
19. Boston College (2-3) at Florida State (5-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Noles have the ACC championship game in their sights and Boston College isn’t going to stop them. In fact, BC may not stop an ACC team this season. Noles make the Eagles look like Dodo Birds – Florida State 39, Boston College 10.
20. North Carolina (3-2) at Virginia (2-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Never under estimate the Tar Heels. But sometimes the Heels get up for the big games and don’t play well in the smaller ones. Virginia is a rival but it’s not a big game. High heels – North Carolina 24, Virginia 19.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
21. Baylor (4-2) at Colorado (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Robert Griffin’s passing may be too much for the Buffalo defense. Ralphie can’t Bear to watch – Baylor 30, Colorado 26.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Miami (Florida) (3-2) at Duke (1-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Well, the Canes had it tough last week. They have it easy this week. It’s like having the week off. The Dookies had some promise at preseason, but that promise has dissipated faster than Hootie and the Blowfish. Canes blow through Durham – Miami 33, Duke 19.
Vanderbilt (2-3) at Georgia (2-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Now here is a team Georgia can beat. This is what the Dawgs were reading on the schedule when they said they were going to run the table. That was after the Tennessee win. Unfortunately for the Dawgs, they can’t spell Florida. Uga feels like a Pit Bull – Georgia 28, Vanderbilt 19.
Minnesota (1-5) at Purdue (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Fancy this, Purdue has a chance for a two-game winning streak. Party time in West Lafayette. Brewster boils over – Purdue 27, Minnesota 23.
Comment: Two good matchups in the Big Ten (Ohio State-Wisconsin and Iowa-Michigan) and a good one in the SEC (Arkansas-Auburn). Then there’s that little affair in Lincoln (Texas-Nebraska). It’s going to be a fun weekend.
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF (3-2) visits Marshall (1-4)…. Florida International (1-4) travels to North Texas (1-5)…. Florida A&M (2-3) hosts Savannah State (0-6)…. Bethune-Cookman (5-0) plays at South Carolina State (4-1)…. Jacksonville U. (5-1) is at Valparaiso (0-6)…. Florida Atlantic (1-4) is off.
Wednesday’s Television Schedule – October 13
UCF at Marshall – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Thursday’s Television Schedule – October 14
Kansas State at Kansas – 7:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
South Florida at West Virginia – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
Friday’s Television Schedule – October 15
Cincinnati at Louisville – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 16
Minnesota at Purdue – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN2
Boston College at Florida State – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Missouri at Texas A&M – 12:00 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
N.C. State at East Carolina – 12:00 noon ET – CBS-CSN
Pitt at Syracuse – 12:00 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Maryland at Clemson – 12:00 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Arkansas State at Indiana – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
Vanderbilt at Georgia – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Western Michigan at Notre Dame – 2:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Arkansas at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
California at USC – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Iowa at Michigan – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Texas at Nebraska – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
SMU at Navy – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
BYU at TCU – 4:00 p.m. ET – Versus
South Carolina at Kentucky – 6:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Ohio State at Wisconsin – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Mississippi State at Florida – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Iowa State at Oklahoma – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
McNeese State at LSU – 7:00 p.m. ET – Sun Sports Network
Arizona at Washington State – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Air Force at San Diego State – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Ole Miss at Alabama – 9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Oregon State at Washington – 10:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
New Mexico State at Fresno State – 10:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
In the Huddle
Elsewhere around college football . . . BYU and Utah have agreed to continue playing each other after they both leave the Mountain West Conference next summer. Utah is joining the Pac-10 Conference and BYU is going the Independent route.
Doctors, last week, amputated the right foot of Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker, who is battling complications from diabetes…. Nebraska unveiled a $56 million expansion plan to its football stadium that would boost capacity to about 90,000. Memorial Stadium’s current capacity is 81,607.
Extra Points
Hottest Ticket – According to Stubhub, the hottest ticket in college football last week was for the Michigan State-Michigan game. Rounding out the Top 5 were Alabama-South Carolina, Florida State-Miami (Florida), Arkansas-Texas A&M and LSU-Florida in that order.
AP Poll – 1. Ohio State, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise state, 4. TCU, 5. Nebraska, 6. Oklahoma
Coaches Poll – 1. Ohio State, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise State, 4. Nebraska, 5. TCU, 6. Oklahoma
TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Ohio State, 3. Boise State, 4. TCU, 5. Nebraska, 6. Oklahoma
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.”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not directly college football related, but in the autumn of October as the college football season approached its halfway point, the number one song in the country…
…75 years ago this week in 1935 was “Cheek to Cheek” by Fred Astaire
…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey
…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “Till the End of Time” by Perry Como
…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 “Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters
…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Yesterday” by The Beatles
…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Bad Blood” by Neil Sedaka
…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Oh Sheila” by Ready For The World
…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “Praying for Time” by George Michael
Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were two passings of mention last week – Norman Wisdom and Solomon Burke.
Norman Wisdom, one of Britain’s best-loved cinematic clowns, who also earned a Tony nomination on Broadway, died last week on the Isle of Man. He was 95 and had continued performing until he was 90. His films included “Trouble in Store” (1953), “Follow a Star” (1959) and “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (1968). Norman Wisden was born in London on February 4, 1915.
Solomon Burke, a singer whose smooth, powerful articulation and mingling of sacred and profane themes helped define soul music in the early 1960s, died yesterday at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. He was 70 and lived in Los Angeles. Drawing on gospel, country and gritty rhythm and blues in songs like “Cry to Me” (1962), “You Can Make It if You Try” (1963) and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (1964), Burke developed a vocal style of his own. Solomon Burke was born on March 21, 1940, in Philadelphia.
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
What a wild and crazy day
The roosters are still crowing in South Carolina. They’ve been crowing since the final second ticked off the clock in Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday evening. The scoreboard read: South Carolina 35, Alabama 21.
Except for a brief Alabama lead early in the first quarter, the Gamecocks led throughout the contest. The Tide’s 3-0 lead soon turned into an 18-point South Carolina lead by early in the second quarter – 21-3.
Still you had the feeling in the back of your mind that Alabama would come back – just as the Tide did against Arkansas. In that game, the Razorbacks led Alabama 20-7 in the waning seconds of the third quarter, but Bama rallied and won, 24-20. Tide running backs Mark Ingram (157 yards rushing) and Trent Richardson (85 yards rushing) wore down and rolled over the Arkansas defense.
South Carolina’s 21-3 lead soon became a leery 21-14 lead. Then the Gamecocks 28-14 lead was cut to an uncomfortable 28-21 lead. Bama quarterback Greg McElroy was having a good day. McElroy completed 79 percent of his passes for 315 yards and no interceptions.
But unlike the Alabama-Arkansas game, Tide running backs Ingram and Richardson were no shows against South Carolina – they were MIA. South Carolina ignored McElroy. The Gamecocks keyed on Ingram and Richardson and stopped the Alabama running attack. Ingram rushed for a mere 41 yards and Richardson only had 23 yards rushing.
South Carolina added an insurance touchdown with 7:01 remaining and the Cocks led 35-21. That’s when you had the feeling that the Tide was going out. That’s when the roosters started tuning up their vocal chords. It was a great finish to a week for South Carolina – a week that began on a downer for the Gamecocks.
Have you ever wondered who the real SC is – Southern California or South Carolina? Well, last Monday, the Supreme Court said it didn’t care. And with that snub, South Carolina lost its trademark battle with the other SC – Southern California. The nation’s highest court refused to take up the case. The Supreme Court refused to hear South Carolina’s appeal.
Previously, lower federal courts had ruled that only Southern California has the right to use SC. South Carolina cannot use the interlocking “SC” on its merchandise. So, since the lower courts ruled that the SC in Los Angeles is the real SC, the Supreme Court’s snub left the SC in Columbia sucking a hot toddy. Oh wait, I’ve got the wrong school. It left the one in Columbia sucking an egg – a chicken egg. Fortunately, they didn’t get salmonella. Alabama can testify to that.
Speaking of the other SC, the Supreme Court’s action was the high point of its week. Saturday night in Palo Alton, the Trojans lost to Stanford, 37-35. Actually, USC appeared to have the game in hand. The Trojans scored with 1:12 remaining to take a 35-34 lead over Stanford. But in the final minute, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck drove the Cardinal down the field to the Trojan’s 13 yard line. Stanford kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.
Three other teams won in the waning seconds Saturday. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Navy scored on a six-yard pass from Ricky Dobbs to Greg Jones with 0:26 remaining to beat Wake Forest, 28-27. In Lexington, Kentucky, Auburn’s Wes Byrum kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired and the Tigers beat Kentucky, 37-34.
Then there was the contest in Gainesville, Florida. With 14:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, LSU scored to take, what appeared to be, a commanding 26-14 lead over the Gators. But Florida’s Andre Debose scored on the ensuing kickoff and Florida cut the Tigers’ lead to five – 26-21. Then, with 3:21 left in the game, Florida’s Mike Gillislee scored on a five-yard run. The Gators were successful on a two-point conversion and Florida led LSU, 29-26.
All the Gators had to do now was hold LSU in the final 3:21. It appeared that Florida had succeeded in its task. With 0:35 left, the Gators held and LSU lined up to kick a 53-yard field goal for the tie. But it was a fake. Tiger holder Derek Helton flipped a no-look toss over his head to placekicker Josh Jasper. The ball hit the ground, but took a LSU bounce, as Jasper scooped it up and ran for the first down. A few plays later, LSU scored a touchdown and won the game, 33-29.
All-in-all, it was a busy week for college football. Prior to Saturday’s games, there were four nights of football on TV last week – Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday night, Troy downed Middle Tennessee, 42-13. Wednesday evening, in the alphabet game, UCF beat UAB, 42-7. Message to UCF students: Leave the thunder sticks at home. Big time college football student sections don’t use thunder sticks. That’s about as hokey as bringing Vuvuzelas to a game – downright tacky.
Thursday night, college football fans who had not yet had the opportunity to see Taylor Martinez in action this season got a real treat. The Nebraska quarterback rushed for 241 yards (4 TDs) and passed for 128 yards (1 TD), as the Huskers beat Kansas State, 48-13.
A doubleheader was on the platter Friday evening. Rutgers, trailing Connecticut 24-17 since midway through the second quarter, scored 10 points (a touchdown and a field goal) in the final four minutes of the game to beat the Huskies, 27-24. In the nightcap, Oklahoma State remained undefeated (5-0), downing Louisiana-Lafayette, 54-28.
I saw LSU coach Les Miles being interviewed Friday on ESPN after the Tigers arrived in Gainesville for their upcoming game against Florida. Message to Les: Get rid of the comb over. It looks bad. You’re no Donald Trump.
Heart and Soul – Then there was the 69-year-old Detroit man who put off surgery last week to install a pacemaker in his chest so he could watch the Michigan State-Michigan game on TV Saturday. Major Hester deferred the pacemaker procedure which was scheduled for last Thursday. The surgery has been rescheduled for this week. The retired office supply clerk is a devout Spartans fan. Hester said he couldn’t risk something going wrong on the operating table that would prevent him from seeing the game.
The Spartans didn’t disappoint Hester. Michigan State shutdown the Wolverines’ Denard Robinson, beating Michigan 31-17. Robinson threw three interceptions and was held to 86 yards rushing. The Spartans’ Kirk Cousins passed for 284 yards. And speaking of heart, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was coaching from the press box. You gotta have heart…miles and miles and miles of heart.
In other action Saturday, either Illinois is getting better, a lot better, or Penn State is getting worse – a lot worse. The Banned Indians surprised the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley to the tune of 33-13. Except for one game, Penn State’s Evan Royster has been a no show this season. Maybe the Lions were overrated at preseason. Maybe it will be Joe Paterno’s last year. Stay tuned. Betsy Barefoot and Michelle Grady attended the game.
Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Ohio State spanked Indiana, 38-10. Terrelle Pryor passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Wisconsin cleaned up on Minnesota, 41-23. The Gophers’ Tim Brewster will most likely be fired at season’s end. And Purdue handed Northwestern its first loss. The Boilers beat the Wildcats, 20-17.
In the ACC, Florida State won the big showdown with Miami. The Noles embarrassed the Canes, 45-17. N.C. State got back on the winning track. Russell Wilson passed for 328 yards and three touchdowns as the Wolfpack stymied Boston College, 44-17. North Carolina beat Clemson, 21-16, and Georgia Tech stopped Virginia, 33-21.
Somebody finally lit a fire under Uga. Georgia blasted Tennessee, 41-14. Two SEC teams played in Texas. Mississippi State downed Houston, 47-24 and Arkansas knocked off Texas A&M, 24-17.
In the Big 12, Missouri skunked Colorado, 26-0, and Texas Tech outlasted Baylor, 45-38. In the Big East, West Virginia trashed UNLV, 49-10, and Syracuse upset South Florida in Tampa. The Orange beat the Bulls, 13-9. Notre Dame held off Pitt, 23-17. Louisville scored big, downing Memphis, 56-0, and Cincinnati thumped Miami (Ohio), 45-3.
Out west, Oregon State scored early and held on to knock off Arizona, 29-27. It was the Wildcats first loss. Also in the Pac-10, California trounced UCLA, 35-7, Oregon blasted Washington State, 43-23, and Arizona State downed Washington, 24-14.
Utah remained undefeated. The Utes annihilated Iowa State, 68-27. TCU remained undefeated as well. The Horned Frogs blanked Wyoming, 45-0. Boise State kept its record perfect. The Broncos tossed Toledo, 57-14. And Nevada is still unbeaten. The Wolf Pack dominated San Jose State, 35-13.
In four other games, East Carolina trimmed Southern Miss, 44-43, and SMU edged Tulsa, 21-18. Also, Northern Illinois beat Temple, 31-17, and finally, Army slammed Tulane, 41-23.
After six weeks of play, 13 teams (Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Ohio State, TCU, Utah, Oregon, Auburn, LSU, Boise State and Nevada) remain undefeated, while four teams (Akron, Eastern Michigan, New Mexico and Western Kentucky) are still winless.
Five teams (Alabama, Arizona, Kansas State, Michigan and Northwestern) lost for the first time Saturday. Two teams (New Mexico State and Florida International) won for the first time.
In the race for the Heisman, three remain high on the list – Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor, Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Auburn’s Cam Newton. Two fell off the list – Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Michigan’s Denard Robinson. One joined the list – Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez, and one returned to the list – Stanford’s Andrew Luck. Stay tuned.
And the beat goes on…. It turns out that voting for the new Mascot at Ole Miss will continue to October 12. Again, the three finalists are the Land Shark (Jimmy Buffett), the Bear (Sarah Palin) and the Hotty Toddy (?).
So far, voting turnout has been light, as most Ole Miss students, alumni, faculty and fans remain apathetic about the selection of a new mascot. Their preference is to retain the Kentucky Fried Chicken image – Col. Sanders.
After I released last week’s blog, one of my many Nebraska friends, Brian Smith, e-mailed to suggest that I start providing my personal Top 6, along with the AP and Coaches Polls. Well, I went back and added my Top 6 to the Web site version of CFW last week. Starting this week it is in both versions – e-mail and the Web site. It can be found in the “Extra Points” section. Thanks Brian – good idea.
Every year in late October, Rockledge Gator and Bootsie usually go to a few Halloween parties. This year Rockledge Gator is going to the parties as Lady Gaga. This year Bootsie isn’t going.
Touchdown Tom
October 11, 2010
Weekend Review
GAME OF THE WEEK: Spartans stall the Hot Rod – Michigan State 34, Michigan 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 34, Michigan 32). Well, Rich Rodriguez who had taken a few baby steps forward this season, just took one giant step backwards. Michigan fans don’t like losing to the Spartans. For Mark Dantonio, it was Valentine’s Day. He got lots of hearts from State fans. Michigan has no defense and State contained Denard Robinson. A crowd of 109,933 attended the game in Ann Arbor.
RUNNER UP: Chickens rip the Tide – South Carolina 35, Alabama 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 26, South Carolina 18). South Carolina may not be the “real” SC, but the Gamecocks were authentic enough to fool the Tide. Steve Spurrier is now 3-1 against Nick Saban. A crowd of 82,933 attended the game in Columbia.
REST OF THE BEST: Suckers – LSU 33, Florida 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, LSU 13). You can’t be critical of the Florida offense. A banged up Gator offense scored 29 points on the LSU defense – one of the best defenses in the country. Florida scored more points on LSU than any team this season. It’s the Florida defense that is bad. LSU has one of the worst offenses in the country. Yet the Tigers put 33 points on the board – the most points LSU has scored in a game this season. And to fall for the fake field goal was ridiculous. The Gators already got burned on a fake field goal by Kentucky earlier this season. Gator defenders should never have been playing to block the kick. There was no way he was going to make a 53-yarder. My complaints aren’t targeted at Steve Addazio. My complaints are targeted at Teryl Austin. There was no defense in the Alabama game, and there was no defense in the LSU game. A crowd of 90,721 attended the game in Gainesville.
Smooth as silk…Corn Silk – Nebraska 48, Kansas State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Kansas State 19). The better the competition, the better Nebraska is. Taylor Martinez is a legitimate Heisman candidate. Martinez and Roy Helu combined for 351 yards rushing. A crowd of 51,015 attended the game in Manhattan.
Noles feel at home near the Everglades – Florida State 45, Miami (Florida) 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 26, Florida State 23). So, Jimbo Fisher is asking FSU fans, “How do you like me now?” Randy Shannon has to be embarrassed. The Canes were not even prepared for this game. A crowd of 75,115 attended the game in Miami Gardens.
Luck drives down the Lane – Stanford 37, USC 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 34, USC 20). Andrew Luck is “Mr. Clutch.” Luck leads Stanford down the field in the final minute for the game-winning field goal. A crowd of 51,607 attended the game in Palo Alto.
Aggies get Oinked – Arkansas 24, Texas A&M 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, Texas A&M 25). Since the loss to Alabama, Ryan Mallett is making a comeback. Mike Sherman could be in trouble at A&M. A crowd of 65,622 attended the game in Arlington.
Crying in the Chappell – Ohio State 38, Indiana 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 35, Indiana 22). Indiana scored big on Michigan last week, but this week Hoosiers couldn’t move the ball against the Buckeye defense. Ben Chappell was futile. Terrelle Pryor had a Heisman performance game. A crowd of 105,291 attended the game in Columbus.
Mo shows the Buffies – Missouri 26, Colorado 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 32, Colorado 22). Just when we thought Colorado was getting better and that Dan Hawkins might save his job, along comes Missouri. A crowd of 62,965 attended the game in Columbia.
The life of Riley – Oregon State 29, Arizona 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 24, Oregon State 18). Poor Mike Stoops just can’t quite get over that hurdle in Tucson. Still, the Wildcats will be heard from again this season. Meanwhile, Mike Riley continues to do an amazing job at Oregon State. A crowd of 56,054 attended the game in Tucson.
Pitty Pitt – Notre Dame 23, Pitt 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Pitt 19). Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri had a great game, but the Panthers couldn’t pull it out. Is Dave Wannstedt in trouble yet? Notre Dame has won two in a row. A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.
It’s all relative – Auburn 37, Kentucky 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 33, Kentucky 19). A lot of people picked this as their “upset of the week.” It almost was. But the Wildcats couldn’t stop Cam Newton (198 yards rushing). A crowd of 70,776 attended the game in Lexington.
Tweetie Birds – N.C. State 44, Boston College 17 (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 30, Boston College 16). The Wolfpack come back strong after last week’s loss. Russell Wilson has a great day. It’s going to be a long season for BC – very long. A crowd of 56,859 attended the game in Raleigh.
Dabo gets Spiked – North Carolina 21, Clemson 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 23, North Carolina 20). Considering everything the Tar Heels have been through, they are amazing. I have a feeling Dabo Swinney won’t be around very long at Clemson. He can’t seem to turn the corner. A crowd of 60,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill.
Frustrated in Madison – Wisconsin 41, Minnesota 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Minnesota 17). So Tim Brewster didn’t like Bret Bielema going for the two-point conversion late in the game. I thought they were going to get in a fight with each other after the game. Oh well, Brewster won’t be around much longer. Never understood why Minnesota hired him in the first place. A crowd of 80,328 attended the game in Madison.
Turfed – Boise State 57, Toledo 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 35, Toledo 19). Another one goes by the wayside against Boise. A crowd of 33,933 attended the game in Boise.
Davey Jones Locker – Arizona State 24, Washington 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 30, Arizona State 27). Well, so much for Jake Locker. After making an appearance last week, Locker is MIA again. ASU is having a better season than expected. A crowd of 65,685 attended the game in Seattle.
Green Day – Georgia 41, Tennessee 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Tennessee 23, Georgia 22). Well, well. My, oh my. What got into these Bulldogs? I know, they have A.J. Green back. And Aaron Murray seemed to find himself. The Dawgs are so confident now they are talking about running the table. Amazing what a big win can do to your ego. We’ll see. Meanwhile, Barbara Dooley can put her red panties back on. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Bees swarm – Georgia Tech 33, Virginia 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 27, Virginia 17). Tech had a good day from Anthony Allen – 195 yards rushing. A crowd of 48,016 attended the game in Atlanta.
Teddy Bears picnic – California 35, UCLA 7 (Touchdown Tom said: California 26, UCLA 24). UCLA is a strange team. Rick Neuheisel is struggling. Cal’s up-and-down too. But more up than down. A crowd of 61,664attended the game in Berkeley.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Not Chipper – Virginia Tech 45, Central Michigan 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 31, Central Michigan 16). Little-by-little the Hokies are getting their groove back. Can they run the table? A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
The moon shines in Morgantown – West Virginia 49, UNLV 10 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 42, UNLV 9). And the Mounties only went half steam at UNLV. I think the water boy got in this game. A crowd of 58,234 attended the game in Morgantown.
Boilers erupt – Purdue 20, Northwestern 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 32, Purdue 23). Last year, Purdue beat Ohio State. Now the Boilers hand Northwestern its first loss. Just when you don’t expect it, the Boilers play well. A crowd of 33,847 attended the game in Evanston.
Comment: A tough week at 15-8, brings my season total to 107-37 (74.3 percent).
AROUND FLORIDA:
South Florida was shocked by Syracuse, 13-9. A crowd of 41,917 attended the game in Tampa…. UCF clobbered UAB, 42-7. A crowd of 40,281 attended the game in Orlando…. Florida Atlantic fell to Louisiana-Monroe, 20-17. A crowd of 16,513 attended the game in Monroe.
Florida International beat Western Kentucky, 28-21. A crowd of 14,335 attended the game in Miami…. Bethune-Cookman slammed Delaware State, 47-24. A crowd of 10,151 attended the game in Daytona Beach…. Jacksonville U. edged Drake, 39-34. A crowd of 2,843 attended the game in Jacksonville.
Superlatives
Impressive Passers: Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts – 42-59-1 for 462 yards; Arizona’s Nick Foles – 35-46-1 for 440; Oregon State’s Ryan Katz – 30-42-1 for 393; USC’s Matt Barkley – 28-45-1 for 390; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 31-42-0 for 384; SMU’s Kyle Padron – 27-40-1 for 381; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 29-49-1 for 376, and Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 29-47-2 for 351.
Also, Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor – 24-34-0 for 334 yards; N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 38-51-2 for 328; UTEP’s Trevor Vittatoe – 19-32-0 for 327; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 37-53-0 for 326; Utah’s Jordan Wynn – 23-31-1 for 325; Rutgers’ Chas Dodd – 18-29-0 for 322; Alabama’s Greg McElroy – 27-34-0 for 315, and Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett – 27-38-1 for 310.
Also, Louisiana-Lafayette’s Chris Masson – 33-55-1 for 308 yards; Northwestern’s Dan Persa – 30-41-0 for 305; Houston’s David Piland – 30-57-2 for 301; Arizona State’s Steven Threet – 21-34-1` for 288; Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 20-24-0 for 285; Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins – 18-25-0 for 284, and Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 25-41-1 for 282.
Also, Bowling Green’s Matt Schilz – 23-37-1 for 277 yards; Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick – 20-27-1 for 273; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 27-29-1 for 272; TCU’s Andy Dalton – 14-17-0 for 270; Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 16-22-0 for 267;Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 17-25-0 for 266; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 17-29-0 for 265, and Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-37-0 for 259.
Impressive Rushers: Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 241 yards; Louisville’s Bilal Powell – 204 yards; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 198 yards; Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead – 197 yards; Nevada’s Vai Taua – 196 yards; Georgia Tech’s Anthony Allen – 195 yards, and Florida State’s Chris Thompson – 158 yards.
Also, Florida Atlantic’s Alfred Morris – 153 yards; California’s Shane Vereen – 151 yards; Michigan State’s Edwin Baker – 147 yards; Army’s Jared Hassin – 144 yards; Ohio’s Phil Bates – 142 yards; Colorado State’s Leonard Mason – 139 yards, and Oregon’s LaMichael James – 136 yards.
Quotes of Last Week
“What’s wrong with UGA? Sad to say, it starts with Mark Richt,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
“Richt’s job should be in jeopardy. Why? Because not only are the Bulldogs not very good, but there is no sign that they are getting better,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Richt isn’t commanding Georgia players’ respect or attention,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“John Brantley can still be a great college quarterback. As long as Urban Meyer starts allowing him to be John Brantley and stops forcing him into being a poor imitation of Tim Tebow,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I am very sorry that all of this stuff has tainted the football program and, as the head football coach, I take a tremendous amount of responsibility for all the football-related issues. I’m the head guy, OK? I’m sorry it has affected the football program. But I’m going to tell you what I’m more sorry about: I’m sorry that I trusted John Blake,” North Carolina football coach Butch Davis.
“Butch Davis apologized this week for “trusting” his excommunicated assistant, John Blake, who’s accused of running for an agent, which suggests he knew nothing about the actions of his assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. Let me translate: “I’ve never seen my left arm before. My right arm and I were over here sipping a latte during that bank holdup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Mark Richt can use a sedative. His team has lost four straight and he’s so lost for ideas that he had the Dogs practice in pads this week, and is taking the advice of a caller to his weekly radio show who suggested he lead his players onto the field. I’m thinking of that scene in Animal House when the Delta House crashes the Homecoming Parade and leads the band into an alley and a brick wall,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Lunch at Georgia State: Savannah State is 0-5 and has been outscored 211-48. I know it’s only year one for Bill Curry but you can always tell a former SEC coach by his scheduling,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
"Les Miles is that guy who could walk across the freeway, stop to pick up a nickel, continue, stop to admire a crow on a power line, continue, turn around and go back home because he forgot he left his glasses, cross the freeway again while humming, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” and somehow not get touched as drivers swerve into a 37-car pileup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“What do sandcastles and the Gators have in common? They both look great until the Tide rolls in,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“And can you believe the NFL is investigating whether Brett Favre sent racy voice mails and pornographic pictures to a former sideline reporter? Somewhere, Tiger Woods is saying, ‘I hope his pre-nup is better than mine!,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The Gators signed John Brantley, the most prolific passer in Florida high school history, to run the option? Isn’t that like hiring Penelope Cruz to clean your house?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Urban Meyer being outcoached by Les Miles is like Britney Spears outscoring Einstein on the physics quiz. It’s like the church ukulele player beating Eddie Van Halen in Guitar Hero,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Ohio State (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – After a platter of mostly cupcakes, the Buckeyes may have some competition this week. The Badgers have the Bucks where they want them – in Madison. Now the Badgers have to step up to the plate if they want to be in the game. Otherwise, the Bucks will roll. Pryor melts the Cheese – Ohio State 26, Wisconsin 20.
RUNNER UP: 2. Arkansas (4-1) at Auburn (6-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – The Hogs have already stumbled to one team from Alabama this season. Bobby Petrino knows that Arkansas fans will be frustrated if the Hogs lose this one. Auburn better hope it got a wakeup call against Kentucky. Could be a breakout game for Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton. The Ribs are Spare – Auburn 27, Arkansas 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Iowa (4-1) at Michigan (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The easy part of the schedule ended last week for Rich Rod. They are all hard games now. But, can Iowa handle Denard Robinson? Hawkeyes make Michigan look like a Yoke – Iowa 27, Michigan 22.
4. Texas (3-2) at Nebraska (5-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Nebraska fans have been waiting for this game since last December. Texas has been dreading this game since last December. The Longhorns are lacking in offensive weapons. That’s where the Huskers are loaded. Nebraska has a good defense too. Herbie gets Bevo in the T-Bone – Nebraska 28, Texas 23.
5. Oklahoma State (5-0) at Texas Tech (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Cowboys must stop the passing attack of Taylor Potts if they hope to win. Both teams can score points and both can give up points as well. Cowboys pan the Potts – Oklahoma State 31, Texas Tech 29.
6. California (3-2) at USC (4-2) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Will Lane Kiffin and USC suffer a third-straight loss? The Bears bowl on the Lane – California 30, USC 28.
7. Missouri (5-0) at Texas A&M (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Aggies are seriously wounded. They have lost two in a row. That means they could be dangerous. Mo will be defending its undefeated streak. Tigers are Mo mean – Missouri 22, Texas A&M 21.
8. Air Force (5-1) at San Diego State (3-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Little-by-little, Brady Hoke is making improvements at San Diego State. You get the feeling the Aztecs are going to pop one soon. They almost got Missouri. Fly Boys on auto pilot – Air Force 31, San Diego State 23.
9. Mississippi State (4-2) at Florida (4-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – For three quarters, Dan Mullen and his Bulldogs gave the Gators fits last year in Starkville. Big question here is how the Gators will respond to back-to-back losses. Bulldogs could be catching Florida at the best time or the worst time. Albert walks a Dog – Florida 27, Mississippi State 19.
10. South Carolina (4-1) at Kentucky (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – I’d say the Gamecocks are ripe for plucking this week. I can smell an upset. The Gamecocks will be so high after the win over Alabama. Kentucky is feeling its oats after the close loss to Auburn. But remember, Steve Spurrier has never lost to Kentucky – never ever. Roosters in the Cat house – South Carolina 26, Kentucky 25.
11. N.C. State (5-1) at East Carolina (3-2) – (ACC vs. C-USA) – Virginia Tech and North Carolina have already clobbered East Carolina. Now it’s the Wolfpack’s turn. But if the Pack isn’t careful, the Pirates can put some points on the board. Problem for the Pirates is they can’t keep their opponents from putting points on the board. Could be a high scorer. Wolfpack puts the Pirates in chains – N.C. State 38, East Carolina 23.
12. South Florida (3-2) at West Virginia (4-1) – (Big East vs. Big East) – After five non-conference games, the Mounties begin their seven-game conference run. First up, the Bulls. USF has a history of giving the Eers some trouble. This year, it should be the Mounties giving all the trouble. Eers hold a barbecue – West Virginia 30, South Florida 15.
13. BYU (2-4) at TCU (6-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – TCU may stumble before the season is over, but it won’t be against BYU. Not in Fort Worth. Frogs too horny for the Cougars – TCU 33, BYU 17.
14. Kansas State (4-1) at Kansas (2-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – So far, Turner Gill is having a rough first year at Kansas. A win over the intrastate rivals would be a feather in his cap. And Bill Snyder is trying to rebuild the Wildcat program. The outcome of this game should be an indication of his progress. Turner is blue in the Gills – Kansas State 25, Kansas 23.
15. Oregon State (3-2) at Washington (2-3) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – What, if anything, will Jake Locker do this week. He has to be one of the big disappointments of the 2010 season. If the Huskies are going to turn things around, they need to get it done this week. Mike Riley has the Beavers playing well. Beavers get the Huskies all Lockered up – Oregon State 32, Washington 26.
16. Rutgers (3-2) at Army (4-2) – (Big East vs. Ind.) – Rich Ellerson is in his second season at West Point and he has the Cadets playing well. They are now competitive with Navy and Air Force. The Knights could get upset. Knights disband the Army – Rutgers 28, Army 26.
17. Maryland (4-1) at Clemson (2-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Dabo Swinney needs this win badly. Clemson has dropped three in a row. Maryland is a dangerous team this year. The Terps could give the Tigers some problems. Dabo gets a Terp-in-time – Clemson 28, Maryland 20.
18. Utah (5-0) at Wyoming (2-4) – (MWC vs. MWC) – The Utes have an awesome offense and the Cowboys have a pathetic defense. Doesn’t sound good for Wyoming. Utes boot-scoot the Cowboys – Utah 36, Wyoming 12.
19. Boston College (2-3) at Florida State (5-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Noles have the ACC championship game in their sights and Boston College isn’t going to stop them. In fact, BC may not stop an ACC team this season. Noles make the Eagles look like Dodo Birds – Florida State 39, Boston College 10.
20. North Carolina (3-2) at Virginia (2-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Never under estimate the Tar Heels. But sometimes the Heels get up for the big games and don’t play well in the smaller ones. Virginia is a rival but it’s not a big game. High heels – North Carolina 24, Virginia 19.
AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
21. Baylor (4-2) at Colorado (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Robert Griffin’s passing may be too much for the Buffalo defense. Ralphie can’t Bear to watch – Baylor 30, Colorado 26.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Miami (Florida) (3-2) at Duke (1-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Well, the Canes had it tough last week. They have it easy this week. It’s like having the week off. The Dookies had some promise at preseason, but that promise has dissipated faster than Hootie and the Blowfish. Canes blow through Durham – Miami 33, Duke 19.
Vanderbilt (2-3) at Georgia (2-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Now here is a team Georgia can beat. This is what the Dawgs were reading on the schedule when they said they were going to run the table. That was after the Tennessee win. Unfortunately for the Dawgs, they can’t spell Florida. Uga feels like a Pit Bull – Georgia 28, Vanderbilt 19.
Minnesota (1-5) at Purdue (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Fancy this, Purdue has a chance for a two-game winning streak. Party time in West Lafayette. Brewster boils over – Purdue 27, Minnesota 23.
Comment: Two good matchups in the Big Ten (Ohio State-Wisconsin and Iowa-Michigan) and a good one in the SEC (Arkansas-Auburn). Then there’s that little affair in Lincoln (Texas-Nebraska). It’s going to be a fun weekend.
AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF (3-2) visits Marshall (1-4)…. Florida International (1-4) travels to North Texas (1-5)…. Florida A&M (2-3) hosts Savannah State (0-6)…. Bethune-Cookman (5-0) plays at South Carolina State (4-1)…. Jacksonville U. (5-1) is at Valparaiso (0-6)…. Florida Atlantic (1-4) is off.
Wednesday’s Television Schedule – October 13
UCF at Marshall – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Thursday’s Television Schedule – October 14
Kansas State at Kansas – 7:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
South Florida at West Virginia – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
Friday’s Television Schedule – October 15
Cincinnati at Louisville – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 16
Minnesota at Purdue – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN2
Boston College at Florida State – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Missouri at Texas A&M – 12:00 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
N.C. State at East Carolina – 12:00 noon ET – CBS-CSN
Pitt at Syracuse – 12:00 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Maryland at Clemson – 12:00 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Arkansas State at Indiana – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
Vanderbilt at Georgia – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Western Michigan at Notre Dame – 2:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Arkansas at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
California at USC – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Iowa at Michigan – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Texas at Nebraska – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
SMU at Navy – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
BYU at TCU – 4:00 p.m. ET – Versus
South Carolina at Kentucky – 6:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Ohio State at Wisconsin – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Mississippi State at Florida – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Iowa State at Oklahoma – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
McNeese State at LSU – 7:00 p.m. ET – Sun Sports Network
Arizona at Washington State – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Air Force at San Diego State – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Ole Miss at Alabama – 9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Oregon State at Washington – 10:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
New Mexico State at Fresno State – 10:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
In the Huddle
Elsewhere around college football . . . BYU and Utah have agreed to continue playing each other after they both leave the Mountain West Conference next summer. Utah is joining the Pac-10 Conference and BYU is going the Independent route.
Doctors, last week, amputated the right foot of Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker, who is battling complications from diabetes…. Nebraska unveiled a $56 million expansion plan to its football stadium that would boost capacity to about 90,000. Memorial Stadium’s current capacity is 81,607.
Extra Points
Hottest Ticket – According to Stubhub, the hottest ticket in college football last week was for the Michigan State-Michigan game. Rounding out the Top 5 were Alabama-South Carolina, Florida State-Miami (Florida), Arkansas-Texas A&M and LSU-Florida in that order.
AP Poll – 1. Ohio State, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise state, 4. TCU, 5. Nebraska, 6. Oklahoma
Coaches Poll – 1. Ohio State, 2. Oregon, 3. Boise State, 4. Nebraska, 5. TCU, 6. Oklahoma
TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Ohio State, 3. Boise State, 4. TCU, 5. Nebraska, 6. Oklahoma
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.”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not directly college football related, but in the autumn of October as the college football season approached its halfway point, the number one song in the country…
…75 years ago this week in 1935 was “Cheek to Cheek” by Fred Astaire
…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey
…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “Till the End of Time” by Perry Como
…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 “Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters
…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Yesterday” by The Beatles
…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Bad Blood” by Neil Sedaka
…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Oh Sheila” by Ready For The World
…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “Praying for Time” by George Michael
Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were two passings of mention last week – Norman Wisdom and Solomon Burke.
Norman Wisdom, one of Britain’s best-loved cinematic clowns, who also earned a Tony nomination on Broadway, died last week on the Isle of Man. He was 95 and had continued performing until he was 90. His films included “Trouble in Store” (1953), “Follow a Star” (1959) and “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (1968). Norman Wisden was born in London on February 4, 1915.
Solomon Burke, a singer whose smooth, powerful articulation and mingling of sacred and profane themes helped define soul music in the early 1960s, died yesterday at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. He was 70 and lived in Los Angeles. Drawing on gospel, country and gritty rhythm and blues in songs like “Cry to Me” (1962), “You Can Make It if You Try” (1963) and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (1964), Burke developed a vocal style of his own. Solomon Burke was born on March 21, 1940, in Philadelphia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)