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.