Thanksgiving Week Drama

College Football Week 14 – Six More Coaches Canned Last Week

Thanksgiving Week Drama

Thanksgiving week is bittersweet for college football fans. Bitter because it’s a reminder the season is coming to an end. Sweet because, along with the pecan and pumpkin pies, there are so many good rivalries and games played during the week.

Then there is the drama. In addition to the rivalries, games and pies, Thanksgiving week is always full of drama. This year was no exception.

The week began with drama when Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman verbally reprimanded Husker football coach Bo Pelini. “Pelini’s actions were embarrassing,” Perlman said.

Perlman was reacting to Pelini’s foul-mouthed rants, screaming and temper tantrums during the Husker’s game against Texas A&M – a game Nebraska lost 9-6. And a game where Nebraska was penalized 16 times for 145 yards and Texas A&M only was penalized twice for 10 yards.

Pelini also lashed out at his quarterback Taylor Martinez midway through the second quarter in the game. Late Sunday and early Monday, rumors spread that Martinez had quit the team. But, by mid-day Monday, the rumors were dispelled. Martinez was still on the team.

And Bo wasn’t the only Pelini misbehaving at the Texas A&M game. Brother Carl, Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, attacked a cameraman after the game. When asked about the incident later, Carl denied the attack. But video and photos confirmed he was guilty.

In Columbus, Ohio, another university head made some verbal reprimands. E. Gordon Gee, president of Ohio State, reprimanded the pollsters and the BCS for their high regard for Boise State and TCU. In an apparent attempt to get higher respect for Ohio State in the polls, Gee made some rather absurd and foolish statements, especially for a university president.

Attacking the schedules of Boise State and TCU, Gee said, “We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor. We play very fine schools on any given day.”

Let’s see, Ohio State doesn’t play Little Sisters of the Poor? Marshall, Ohio, Eastern Michigan were on the Buckeyes’ schedule. What are they? And in the Big Ten, Ohio State played the weakest teams – Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Minnesota, Penn State and Michigan. Indiana, Purdue and Minnesota were definitely Little Sisters of the Poor this year.

Gee went on to liken Ohio State’s schedule to “murderer’s row.” If you look at the current Top 25, Ohio State only played one Top 25 team – Wisconsin. And the Buckeyes lost to Wisconsin. Murderer’s row? How about Cupcake Lane!

At another Ohio school – Kent State – football coach Doug Martin announced his resignation last week. Martin, in his seventh season with the Golden Flashes, was 29-53 at Kent State, including Saturday’s 28-6 upset win over Ohio.

Meanwhile, another coach has no plans to resign.

“I had no intentions, and I’ve never indicated to anybody, including myself, that I was not coming back.” That was Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who let it be known on Tuesday that he would return for the 2011 season.

Paterno went on to say, “It’s always been in my mind that now is not the time to go. I think we’ve got a good young team. They may not be there yet but they will be soon.” Let’s just hope that Paterno can fill the seats next year. Empty seats were prevalent at Beaver Stadium this season.

Later Tuesday, a second Mid-American Conference school dumped its football coach. Ball State fired Stan Parrish, a few days after finishing the season 4-8. Parrish stepped in for Brady Hoke to coach the Cardinals in the GMAC Bowl after the 2008 campaign, then led the team to a 2-10 finish in 2009 before this year’s disappointing season ended with a 59-21 home loss to Northern Illinois. It’s rare that a school fires a coach after only two years. Parish was 6-19 at Ball State.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe arrived for Thanksgiving.  All was well.

Tuesday night, Miami of Ohio upset Temple, 23-3. Both teams had good seasons. The RedHawks finished 8-4 (7-1 in the MAC). Temple finished 8-4 (6-2 in the MAC).

Thanksgiving Day, Swamp Mama and I had 16 guests for Turkey dinner. Along with the family, including Swamp Mama’s mother Auline, the guests included Tom Sharpe and his sons Michael and Jack (wife Jane was working at the hospital), Neal and Stephanie Stein and their children Julia and David. Also, Steph’s parents Ron and Lillian. And our neighbors Dieter and Deb Gum.

It was a great gathering of family and friends and a good time and good food and drink was had by all. I even have a new favorite pecan pie now. Several years ago at one of our Thanksgiving gatherings, Jane Sharpe brought a pecan pie that was made by neighbor Susan Beall. It was the best pecan pie I had ever tasted.

For some years thereafter, Susan always made a pecan pie especially for me at Thanksgiving. I looked forward to it every year. But Susan abandoned me. She and her family moved to Orlando. At this year’s Thanksgiving gathering, Deb Gum brought a pecan pie that she made. It was so good – the best. Deb’s pecan pie is now my favorite. Hint, hint! Just kidding Deb.

There was plenty of drama on TV Thanksgiving night. I digested my pecan pie watching Beyonce, Taylor Swift and the Texas A&M-Texas football game. Beyonce and Taylor Swift each had specials on TV.

The Longhorns gave the Aggies a good battle. It was a tight game. Texas had the better passing and A&M had the better running. The Aggies won by a touchdown, 24-17. The Longhorns finished the season at 5-7. Who would have thunk it? The Horns were missing a rushing game all season, and Garrett Gilbert’s passing was erratic at best.

There was more drama in Ohio and in the Mid-American Conference on Friday. Akron, the only winless team in Division I-A college football, won its first and only game. In the final game of the season, 0-11 Akron beat Buffalo, 22-14, to finish 1-11.

West Virginia, wearing its special Nike uniforms with the gold shoes, beat Pitt in the 103rd Backyard Brawl, 35-10. But the drama was only beginning. Auburn, trailing Alabama 24-0 midway through the second quarter, rallied, behind Cam Newton, to beat the Tide, 28-27 in the Iron Bowl. Alabama had all the Iron in the first half. Auburn had it all in the second half.

Nebraska and Colorado met in the last ever Big 12 game for Colorado and the last ever regular season Big 12 game for Nebraska. Nebraska joins the Big Ten next year and Colorado joins the Pac-12. The Huskers beat the Buffaloes, 45-17. The win propelled Nebraska into the Big 12 championship game.

Friday night, Oregon and Arizona played a good game for two quarters. At the half, The Ducks led the Wildcats, 19-14. But in the second half, it was all Oregon. The Ducks went on to beat Arizona, 49-28. Then the week’s biggest drama occurred late Friday night and into the wee hours of Saturday morning. Nevada knocked off previously unbeaten Boise State, 34-31 in overtime. Boise State missed two twenty-plus-yard field goals – one to win the game in regulation, and the other to tie the game in the first overtime.

Saturday, Vanderbilt coach Robbie Caldwell announced he was resigning after the Commodores game with Wake Forest. Caldwell, who was just named head coach in July when Bobby Johnson unexpectedly stepped down, went 2-10 this season at Vandy. The Commodores lost to Wake Forest, 34-13. Caldwell, who joked at the SEC Preseason Media days about being unknown, will continue to be unknown.

Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan State all won Saturday to finish in a three-way tie for the Big Ten crown. The Badgers beat Northwestern, 70-23; the Buckeyes beat Michigan, 37-7, and the Spartans upended Penn State, 28-22.

South Florida upset Miami (Florida), 23-20 in overtime. After the game, Hurricane coach Randy Shannon was fired. The Canes finished the season 7-5 and Shannon was 28-22 in four seasons at Miami. At the other end of Florida, Florida State beat Florida for the first time in seven years. The Noles downed the Gators, 31-7, in a game where Florida’s offense was so confused, it didn’t know who the quarterback was.

N.C. State blew its opportunity to win the ACC Atlantic Division and go to the conference title game. The Wolfpack lost to Maryland, 38-31. I felt for Brent Stancil. Arkansas ruined LSU’s BCS bowl hopes. The Hogs dumped the Tigers, 31-23. Oklahoma won the Big 12 South title, nipping Oklahoma State, 47-41.

Out west, Notre Dame surprised the USC Kiffins…I mean…Trojans. The Irish edged USC, 20-16. Lane Kiffin is 7-5 in his first year at USC, with one game remaining. The Irish, under first-year coach Brian Kelly, finish the season at 7-5. Mississippi State beat Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, 31-23; and Stanford beat Oregon State, 38-0.

In the ACC-SEC quadfecta, the conferences finished 2-2. Georgia and South Carolina beat Georgia Tech and Clemson respectively. Florida State and Wake Forest beat Florida and Vanderbilt respectively.

During the day Sunday, Indiana fired coach Bill Lynch. In four seasons with the Hoosiers, Lynch was 19-30 (5-7 this season). Indiana beat Purdue Saturday, 34-31 in overtime.

Sunday night, word leaked that Louisiana-Lafayette has fired football coach Rickey Bustle. In nine seasons at ULL, Bustle was 41-65 (3-9 this season). Saturday, ULL beat cross-state rival Louisiana-Monroe, 23-22.

So, to update the coaching carousel, nine schools are in the hunt for a new head coach – North Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, Kent State, Ball State, Vanderbilt, Miami (Florida), Indiana and Louisiana-Lafayette. San Diego State coach Brady Hoke has expressed interest in the Minnesota job. Former Colorado coach Bill McCartney has expressed interest in returning to Colorado. McCartney is 70. Reports have Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney getting the North Texas job. And there is a report that Jon Gruden is interested in the Miami job.

Sunday afternoon, Swamp Mama and I went to see Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at the Cocoa Village Playhouse. It was very entertaining.

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator were in Georgia for a long Thanksgiving weekend. After the way Florida played Saturday, I wouldn’t be surprised but what Bootsie had to do the driving coming home. I also wouldn’t be surprised but what Bootsie heard some new four-letter words after the game.

Yes, Thanksgiving week was a bittersweet week. Florida’s loss to Florida State was bitter. But West Virginia’s win over Pitt and Deb Gum’s pecan pie were sweet.

Touchdown Tom
November 30, 2009


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK: Tide dyed Orange – Auburn 28, Alabama 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 36, Auburn 34). The Tide came out on fire, scoring 24 unanswered points against the Tigers. But the fire died midway through the second quarter and it never sparked again. Bama’s offense and defense literally quit halfway through the second quarter. They died. Bama stopped Cam Newton from running, but the Tide couldn’t stop Newton’s passing. Auburn, on the other hand, let Greg McElroy pass all day – 377 yards. The Tigers stopped the Tide’s running game. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson were worthless. A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

RUNNER UP: Slow Pokes – Oklahoma 47, Oklahoma State 41 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 34, Oklahoma 31). In the battle of the quarterbacks, both threw three interceptions each in the game. But OU’s Landry Jones outdistanced Okie State’s Brandon Weeden in passing yards 468 to 257. It was a close game, but the Sooners were always one step ahead of the Cowboys. A crowd of 51,164 attended the game in Stillwater.

BEST OF THE REST: Pork fat – Arkansas 31, LSU 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, LSU 27). Arkansas may be the best team in the SEC right now. The Razorbacks are playing good, sound football. The emergence of Knile Davis’ running has made Ryan Mallett a bigger threat passing. LSU’s luck finally ran out. A crowd of 55,808 attended the game in Little Rock.

Disco Ducks – Oregon 48, Arizona 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Arizona 19). Arizona’s Nick Foles passed for 448 yards. But the Ducks held the Wildcats to only 58 yards rushing. Again, Oregon runs away from its opponent in the second half. A crowd of 59,990 attended the game in Eugene.

Oh it’s howling time again in Reno – Nevada 34, Boise State 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 37, Nevada 22). Nevada rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit to upset the Broncos. Boise State missed a 26-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in regulation to win the game. Then the Broncos missed a 29-yard field goal in the first overtime, which would have kept the game alive. A crowd of 30,712 attended the game in Reno.

Jumbo scalps Urban – Florida State 31, Florida 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, Florida State 27). Remember how discombobulated the Florida offense was in the first game of the season against Miami (Ohio)? Well, 11 games later, the Florida offense was just as discombobulated against FSU in the final game of the season. Not only discombobulated, but totally confused. Half of the time, the Gator offense never knew who was quarterbacking the team. Heck, the quarterback didn’t know who was quarterbacking the team. And the Gator defense isn’t much better. In its last two big games (against South Carolina and FSU) Florida was totally unprepared. You really have to wonder what is going on with Urban Meyer’s staff. You have to wonder what is going on in Meyer’s head. Until the loss to Alabama last year in the SEC title game, Meyer always thought he walked on water. Bama knocked that attitude out of him. After the FSU game Saturday, I’m not sure Meyer has the confidence to swim in water. One thing is for sure. Meyer doesn’t like to shake hands with the opposing coach after a loss. It was as brief as could be with Jimbo Fisher. I’m not sure Meyer ever did shake Spurrier’s hand. FSU held the Gators to 64 yards passing. A crowd of 82,324 attended the game in Tallahassee.

Wolves choke – Maryland 38, N.C. State 31 (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 28, Maryland 18). Unbelievable! Where was the N.C. State pass defense? Maryland is the worst good team in the ACC. The Wolfpack held the Terps to minus nine yards rushing. But the Turtles had 417 passing. State wasn’t much better rushing. The Wolfpack never have had a running game. And quarterback Russell Wilson barely completed 50 percent of his passes. A crowd of 35,370 attended the game in College Park.

Trees bark at the Beavers – Stanford 38, Oregon State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 34, Oregon State 17). Stanford is an amazing team on both sides of the ball. Andrew Luck passed for 305 yards. A crowd of 38,775 attended the game in Palo Alto.

Spartans near perfect – Michigan State 28, Penn State 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 25, Michigan State 23). The Spartans built up a 21-3 lead at the end of three and then hung on for dear life in the fourth quarter. Michigan State had a balanced attack, while Penn State couldn’t run the ball. The vast number of empty seats in Beaver Stadium were all too obvious. A crowd of 102,649 attended the game in State College.

Galloping Badgers – Wisconsin 70, Northwestern 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 40, Northwestern 15). At least the Badgers didn’t score on the Wildcats in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin’s 70 points all came in the first three quarters. The Badgers running combo of Montee Ball and James White is scary. Ball rushed for 178 yards and White had 134 yards. A crowd of 80,011 attended the game in Madison.

Buckeyes in-Vest wisely – Ohio State 37, Michigan 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 35, Michigan 16). Not only did the Wolverines not have a defense, but they didn’t have an offense in this game. The Buckeyes shut them down. A crowd of 105,491 attended the game in Columbus.

Shannon gored – South Florida 23, Miami (Florida) 20 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, South Florida 15). The Canes were only 3-3 at home this season. Miami coach Randy Shannon was fired after the game. A crowd of 41,148 attended the game in Miami Gardens.

RedHawks boot the Hoot – Miami (Ohio) 23, Temple 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Temple 27, Miami 22). Temple began the season with so much promise only to finish the season with so much disappointment. Miami began the season with a 34-12 loss to Florida and finished strong. A crowd of 13,235 attended the game in Oxford.

Eagles fly into a Storm – Tulsa 56, Southern Miss 50 (Touchdown Tom said: Tulsa 34, Southern Miss 32). This was one of those classics of whoever had the ball last was going to win. After a season opening loss to East Carolina, Tulsa had an amazing season. The Golden Hurricane finished 9-3, including a win over Notre Dame. A crowd of 21,901 attended the game in Tulsa.

Mounties give Pitt a fit – West Virginia 35, Pitt 10 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 23, Pitt 19). And of all things, WVU scored three of its five touchdowns in the second half. The Mountie defense held Pitt to 78 yards rushing. A crowd of 60,562 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

Young get hung – Utah 17, BYU 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 30, BYU 24). Utah blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by BYU at the end of the game to preserve the win. Both teams passed well. Neither team could run the ball. A crowd of 45,272 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

Chicken livers – South Carolina 29, Clemson 7 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Clemson 23). South Carolina seems to have gotten that erratic play out of its game plan. The Cocks have become consistently good. Clemson fans can’t be happy with a 6-6 finish. A crowd of 81,500 attended the game in Clemson.

Irish use the Trojans – Notre Dame 20, USC 16 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 29, Notre Dame 23). Notre Dame scored on a five-yard run with 2:23 to play and the Irish snapped an eight-game losing streak to USC. Former Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain played quarterback for the Trojans. A crowd of 85,417 attended the game in Los Angeles.

Mississippi State 31, Ole Miss 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Mississippi State 26, Ole Miss 20). Miss State built up a 31-9 lead on Ole Miss and then held on to beat the Black Bears. The Bulldogs held Ole Miss to 65 yards rushing. A crowd of 58,625 attended the game in Oxford.

Eagles squeeze the Orange – Boston College 16, Syracuse 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 18, Syracuse 17). After a promising start, Syracuse lost its final two games to finish at 7-5. A crowd of 42,191 attended the game in Syracuse.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Dooley traps the Joker – Tennessee 24, Kentucky 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Tennessee 34, Kentucky 31). No matter how good Kentucky is or how bad Tennessee is, the Wildcats can’t beat the Vols. UT quarterback Tyler Bray passed for 354 yards. A crowd of 101,170 attended the game in Knoxville.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Herdless in Lincoln – Nebraska 45, Colorado 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Colorado 16). Bo Pelini left his temper at home this week. Of course Nebraska’s 45-17 win (and a few words from Tom Osborne and Harvey Perlman) may have had something to do with Pelini’s good behavior. Next stop for the Huskers: Arlington, Texas, for the Big 12 title game. A crowd of 85,646 attended the game in Lincoln.

Dookies get Rammed – North Carolina 24, Duke 19 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 24, Duke 21). North Carolina held Duke to 12 yards rushing to continue its dominance over the Dookies. A crowd of 30,904 attended the game in Durham.

Uga sprays the insects – Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Georgia Tech 22). Georgia Tech scored with 4:57 to play to apparently tie the game at 35-35. But Tech missed the PAT and trailed 35-34. Aaron Murray was near perfect, passing for the Dawgs – 15-19-0 for 271 yards. Georgia Tech was near perfect running the ball – 411 yards rushing. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Boiler spoilers – Indiana 34, Purdue 31 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 33, Indiana 32). Indiana kicked at field goal with 0:09 remaining to tie the score and then kicked a field goal in overtime to win the game. The Hoosiers Ben Chappell passed for 330 yards. Both teams passed well. Neither team could run the ball. Indiana snapped a 12-game Big Ten losing streak. A crowd of 50,136 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Gray day for Bevo – Texas A&M 24, Texas 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 21, Texas 20). Texas has its first losing season and fails to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1997. And to think the Longhorns were a Top 5 team at preseason. The Aggies’ Cyrus Gray rushed for 223 yards. A crowd of 100,752 attended the game in Austin.

Comment: A rough week at 16-10, brings my season total to 225-94 (70.5 percent).


AROUND FLORIDA:

UCF downed Memphis, 37-17. A crowd of 14,922 attended the game in Memphis…. Florida Atlantic lost to Middle Tennessee, 38-14. A crowd of 10,140 attended the game in Murfreesboro…. Florida International beat Arkansas State, 31-24. A crowd of 14,588 attended the game in Miami.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers: Arizona’s Nick Foles – 29-54-1 for 448 yards; Maryland’s Danny O’Brien – 33-47-0 for 417; Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne – 23-37-2 for 406; Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler – 27-36-0 for 380; Alabama’s Greg McElroy – 27-37-0 for 377; Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts – 32-46-1 for 373; Southern Miss’ Austin Davis – 28-41-1 for 371; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 20-38-2 for 354, and Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 20-31-0 for 348.

Also, San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley – 22-30-0 for 338 yards; SMU’s Kyle Padron – 21-34-0 for 331; Indiana’s Ben Chappell – 31-50-0 for 330; Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 28-39-1 for 322; UCLA’s Richard Brehaut – 33-56-1 for 321; Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett – 12-23-2 for 320 yards; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 21-31-1 for 315; East Carolina’s Dominique Davis – 33-45-1 for 314, and Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 23-43-1 for 312.

Also, N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 31-60-1 for 311yards; Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 21-30-0 for 305; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-39-1 for 304; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 22-34-0 for 304; Mississippi State’s Chris Relf – 13-20-1 for 288; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 28-46-1 for 284, and Bowling Green’s Matt Schilz – 19-31-1 for 282.

Also, Kentucky’s Mark Hartline – 31-44-1 for 272 yards; Memphis’ Ryan Williams – 21-34-1 for 272; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 15-19-0 for 271; Buffalo’s Jerry Davis – 19-34-2 for 268; Florida International’s Wes Carroll – 21-27-1 for 266; North Carolina’s T.J. Yates – 28-35-0 for 264, and Ole Miss’ Jeremiah Masoli – 24-44-1 for 261.


Impressive Rushers: Hawaii’s Alex Green – 327 yards; North Texas’ Lance Dunbar – 270 yards; Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas – 269 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Lennon Creer – 252 yards; Texas A&M’s Cyrus Gray – 223 yards, and Boston College’s Andre Williams – 185 yards.

Also, Miami of Ohio’s Thomas Merriweather – 182 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 178 yards; Ohio State’s Daniel Herron – 175 yards; Connecticut’s Jordan Todman – 175 yards; Georgia Tech’s Anthony Allen – 166 yards, and Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey – 157 yards.

Also, San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 152 yards; Arkansas’ Knile Davis – 152 yards; Boise State’s Doug Martin – 152 yards; Middle Tennessee’s Phillip Tanner – 150 yards; Arizona State’s Cameron Marshall – 147 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 142 yards, and Wake Forest’s Josh Harris – 138 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“At times I get too animated,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini.

“He’s still vocal and energetic on the field. He still loves to come out and coach, be vocal. He has fun with it, we see that and we feed off of that,” Penn State linebacker Chris Colasanti, on Joe Paterno returning in 2011.

“It’s been quiet on the Cam Newton front. You would’ve figured somebody at Alabama would’ve started a rumor about him dating Lizzie Borden or being part-Klingon. But even if Cecil “Huggy Bear” Newton and the NCAA don’t derail Auburn this week, Alabama will,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Miss. State at Oxford Correctional Institute: Let’s check in on the school of Faulkner. Houston Nutt is 1-6 in the SEC. Good thing he de-shackled felon Jeremiah Masoli or his team might be really bad. Nutt’s also suspended leading receiver Melvin Harris for an unspecified team violation (presumably not robbery because we know that’s allowed),” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“The Seminoles have lost seven straight to the Gators. Maybe they should change their name to the Bulldogs,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“After a 2-6 start, the Vols have won three straight and can become bowl-eligible with a win. That would enable Derek Dooley to coach one more bowl game than Lane Kiffin. OK, for one week, everybody loves orange, Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Virginia ranks 106th in the nation against the run. Another 10 yards and they’re officially a turnpike,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Did you see where President Obama told Barbara Walters that he is a Miami Heat fan and keeps tabs on the Heat’s progress from the White House? Should we really be surprised? I mean, why wouldn’t Obama be a big fan of a team that has spent tons of money but is getting no results? The Heat are the NBA’s version of the federal government,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The Miami Dolphins offense is sort of like those TSA agents: Groping for something explosive but coming up with junk,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Richard Seymour gets fined $25,000 for decking Ben Roethlisberger. What a bargain. Most of us would pay twice that to deck Ben Roethlisberger,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“I don’t know what makes me more drowsy – the tryptophan in that Thanksgiving Day turkey or watching Steve Addazio’s offense,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Admit it Seminoles: You’d rather beat Gators than win ACC,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“What do you want me to do? Hold hands with all the Buckeye fans and sing ‘Kumbaya’?,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, after the loss to Ohio State.


The 15 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Week…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Auburn (12-0) vs. South Carolina (9-3) – (SEC Championship Game – Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA) – It’s often hard to beat a team twice in the same season. That’s the challenge facing Auburn. But then, nobody has beaten Auburn all season. That’s the challenge facing South Carolina. In the first meeting early in the season, the Tigers rallied to beat the Gamecocks, 35-27. Gator fans can relish the fact that both coaches are Florida grads. Steve Spurrier played and coached at Florida. Gene Chizik, a native of Clearwater, Florida, played for the Gators. Contain Cam Newton, and South Carolina wins. Aubie raids the Coop – Auburn 34, South Carolina 33.

RUNNER UP: 2. Oregon (11-0) at Oregon State (5-6) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Only Oregon State stands in the way of Oregon finishing undefeated and going to the BCS Championship Bowl. The Beavers are facing a big task. Oregon State can be tough in Corvallis. But are the Beavers tough enough in the second half to beat Oregon? Ducks ambush the Beaver patrol – Oregon 32, Oregon State 19.

BEST OF THE REST: 3. Nebraska (10-2) vs. Oklahoma (10-2) – (Big 12 Championship Game – Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX) – Unfortunately for Nebraska, the game is in Texas. I don’t think the Huskers like to play in Texas. But then it is an opportunity for Nebraska to finish in Texas with a positive mark. The Huskers need to outscore Oklahoma to win. Herbie throws a tantrum – Oklahoma 29, Nebraska 28.

4. Virginia Tech (10-2) vs. Florida State (9-3) – (ACC Championship Game – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC) – The two divisions of the ACC ended up just as most predicted at preseason – the Hokies and the Noles. The Hokies are riding a 10-game winning streak. Hokies turn on their Beamers – Virginia Tech 27, Florida State 17.

5. Connecticut (7-4) at South Florida (7-4) – (Big East vs. Big East) – UConn controls its own destiny. Beat USF and the Huskies are in a BCS bowl. The Bulls can play some defense. But they still may be celebrating the win over Miami. Bulls outrun the Dogs – South Florida 19, Connecticut 16.

6. Rutgers (4-7) at West Virginia (8-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – WVU not only needs to beat Rutgers, but the Mounties need UConn to lose to South Florida. That combination will put WVU in a BCS bowl. Guido gets lost in the hills – West Virginia 28, Rutgers 13.

7. Pitt (6-5) at Cincinnati (4-7) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Pitt needs to win and for both UConn and West Virginia to lose for the Panthers to make it to a BCS bowl. Not impossible, but not likely. Still, stranger things have happened. Panthers win the Cat fight – Pitt 31, Cincinnati 26.

8. SMU (7-5) at UCF (9-3) – (C-USA Championship Game – Bright House Stadium, Orlando, FL) – Look for a lot of points to be scored in this contest. Both teams can score. UCF has the better defense. Knights corral the Mustangs – UCF 32, SMU 28.

9. Northern Illinois (10-2) vs. Miami (Ohio) (8-4) – (MAC Championship Game – Ford Field, Detroit) – At preseason, Northern Illinois was predicted to be here; Miami wasn’t. Some picked Miami to finish at the bottom of the MAC East. Bird Dogs – Northern Illinois 25, Miami 18.

10. Arizona State (5-6) at Arizona (7-4) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – ASU has already said that Dennis Erickson will be back in 2011. So that pressure is off his back. Arizona may have worn itself out at Oregon last week. Wildcats freeze the Devils – Arizona 31, Arizona State 30.

11. USC (7-5) at UCLA (4-7) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – This has been a disappointing year for UCLA. Rick Neuheisel has already said he will make staff changes after the season. Kiffy beats Ricky – USC 24, UCLA 23.

12. Illinois (6-5) at Fresno State (7-4) – (Big Ten vs. WAC) – Strange game to be played this late in the season. But you have to play somebody. Regardless of the outcome, it looks like Ron Zook will return in 2011. Indians are banned in California too – Fresno State 35, Illinois 34.

13. Nevada (10-1) at Louisiana Tech (5-6) – (WAC vs. WAC) – Can Nevada keep its momentum going? Or will the Wolf Pack collapse after the big win over Boise State. Wolves continue the howling – Nevada 32, Louisiana Tech 25.

14. Utah State (4-7) at Boise State (10-1) – (WAC vs. WAC) – Look for the Broncos to bounce back – big time. No mercy for Utah State. Looking Horsey in Boise – Boise State 41, Utah State 18.

15. Washington (5-6) at Washington State (2-9) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Everyone is expecting Washington State coach Paul Wulff to be fired after the game. With a win, the Huskies become bowl eligible. Dogs catch the Cats – Washington 26, Washington State 19.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

16. UNLV (2-10) at Hawaii (9-3) – (MWC vs. WAC) – Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz has put up some big numbers this season. He’ll put up a lot more in this contest. Rebels run, but they can’t surf – Hawaii 47, UNLV 21.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Florida (7-5), Georgia (6-6), Texas (5-7), Duke (3-9) and Purdue (4-8) have completed their seasons. Florida and Georgia will be going bowling.


Comment: Five conference title games and the three-game play out in the Big East make for an exciting weekend.


AROUND FLORIDA:

Florida Atlantic (4-7) entertains Troy (6-5)…. Florida International (6-5) hosts Middle Tennessee (5-6).


Thursday’s Television Schedule – December 2

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


Friday’s Television Schedule – December 3

Northern Illinois vs. Miami (Ohio) (MAC Championship) – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Illinois at Fresno State – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN2


Saturday’s Television Schedule – December 4

Rutgers at West Virginia – 12:00 noon ET – ABC/ESPN
Pitt at Cincinnati – 12:00 noon ET – ABC/ESPN
SMU at UCF (C-USA Championship) – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN2
Troy at Florida Atlantic – 2:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Oregon at Oregon State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Auburn vs. South Carolina (SEC Championship) – 4:00 p.m. ET – CBS
Washington at Washington State – 7:00 p.m. ET – Versus
Virginia Tech vs. (ACC Championship) – 7:45 p.m. ET – ESPN
Nebraska vs. (Big 12 Championship) – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Connecticut at South Florida – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
USC at UCLA – 10:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand has been taken off a ventilator and is able to breathe on his own. The 20-year-old defensive tackle was paralyzed from the neck down October 16, making a tackle on a kickoff return against Army.

Cam Newton of Auburn, Andrew Luck of Stanford and Kellen Moore of Boise State are the finalists for the Maxwell Award, which goes to the best player in college football, and the Davey O’Brien Award, which honors the top quarterback…. Finalists for the Bednarik Award, which goes to the best defensive player, are Clemson end Da’Quan Bowers, Auburn tackle Nick Fairley and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

The Doak Walker Award finalists for best running back are Oregon’s LaMichael James, Wisconsin’s John Clay and Oklahoma State’s Kendall Hunter…. The finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the top receiver, are Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles and South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffrey…. The Outland Trophy finalists for top interior lineman are Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi, Florida State guard Rodney Hudson and Colorado tackle Nate Solder.

The finalists for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the top defensive back, are LSU’s Peterson, Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara and TCU safety Tejay Johnson…. The kickers who are finalists for the Lou Groza Award are Notre Dame’s David Ruffer, Oklahoma State’s Dan Bailey and Southern Mississippi’s Danny Hrapmannn.

The punters up for the Ray Guy Award are Chas Henry of Florida, Ryan Donahue of Iowa and Drew Butler of Georgia…. Finalists for the Mackey Award, which goes to the best tight end, are Missouri’s Michael Egnew, Wisconsin’s Lance Kendricks and Arkansas’ D.J. Williams.


Extra Points

AP Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. TCU, 4. Wisconsin, 5. Stanford, 6. Ohio State

Coaches Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. TCU, 4. Wisconsin, 5. Stanford, 6. Ohio State

TT’s Poll – 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. TCU, 4. Stanford, 5. Wisconsin, 6. Michigan State

BCS Rank – 1. Auburn, 2. Oregon, 3. TCU, 4. Stanford, 5. Wisconsin, 6. Ohio State


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 on a sad note, there were two passings of mention last week – Danny McDevitt and Leslie Nielsen.

Danny McDevitt, who pitched, and won, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ final game at Ebbets Field in 1957, a 2-0 shutout, died last week in Covington, Georgia. He was 78. McDevitt, a left-handed pitcher, struck out nine Pirates, four in a row, on his way to a complete-game victory against Pittsburgh in that last home game, on September 24, 1957, by the last major league team to represent Brooklyn. Daniel Eugene McDevitt was born in New York City on Nov. 18, 1932, and blossomed as a high school pitcher after the family moved to Hallstead, Pennsylvania. After a semester at St. Bonaventure University, he was signed by the New York Yankees in 1951 but was shortly released. He pitched while in the Army and afterward joined the Dodgers’ farm system. McDevitt played professionally until 1963, with stints with the Yankees, the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Athletics after leaving the Dodgers.

Leslie Nielsen, the Canadian-born actor who in middle age tossed aside three decades of credibility in dramatic and romantic roles to make a new, far more successful career as a comic actor in films like “Airplane!” and the “Naked Gun” series, died yesterday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was 84. His best-known roles included the stalwart spaceship captain in the science fiction classic “Forbidden Planet” (1956), the wealthy, available Southern aristocrat in “Tammy and the Bachelor” (1957) and an ocean liner captain faced with disaster in “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972). Leslie William Nielsen was born on February 11, 1926, in Regina, Saskatchewan. The son of a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Danish heritage and a Welsh mother, he grew up in the Northwest Territories and in Edmonton, Alberta. Jean Hersholt, the Danish-born actor and humanitarian, was an uncle.