A Week of Paterno, the Big East, Cam Newton and Todd Grantham

College Football Week 11 – Gamecocks-Gators for the SEC East

A Week of Paterno, the Big East,
Cam Newton and Todd Grantham

Every week introduces something new to college football. Last week was no exception. It was a week of celebration and a week of allegation. It was a week of expansion talk and a week of trash talk. It was a week of positives and a week of negatives.

Saturday, Penn State hosted Northwestern at Beaver Stadium in State College. Coming in at 6-2, Northwestern was having a good season. At 5-3, Penn State was a little disappointing. Neither team was ranked in the Top 25.

The importance of the game had nothing to do with the teams’ records or rankings. Instead, it marked a milestone for one of college football’s legendary coaches. Penn State’s Joe Paterno, in his 45th year coaching the Nittany Lions, was going for his 400th win.

After a slow start, trailing Northwestern 21-0, Penn State rallied and beat the Wildcats, 35-21. Paterno’s record at Penn State is 400-132-3. He became the first coach in Division I-A (Football Bowl Subdivision) to win 400 games. Two other coaches have achieved the honor, but not in Division I-A.

Grambling’s Eddie Robinson had 408 victories. Grambling is a Division I-AA (Football Championship Subdivision) school. Robinson, who retired in 1997, passed away in 2007. John Gagliardi, the coach of Division III St. John’s (Minnesota) has 477 wins. Gagliardi, who turned 84 last week, is still coaching St. John’s.

Paterno turns 84 on December 21. The Nittany Lions have four games remaining – three regular season contests and a bowl game. Paterno not only got his 400th win, but at 6-3, Penn State became bowl eligible. The remaining season games are against Ohio State, Indiana and Michigan State. Of the three, only Michigan State is home.

Congratulations Coach Paterno!

And, no, it’s not true that a “Dadgummit” was heard out of Tallahassee when Penn State beat Northwestern.

In addition to Penn State’s win over Northwestern in the Big Ten Saturday, Iowa escaped an upset in Bloomington. The Hawkeyes scored late in the fourth quarter to beat Indiana, 18-13. And in Ann Arbor, Michigan won the shootout against Illinois. The Wolverines beat the Banned Indians in triple overtime – 67-65.

Still in the Big Ten, Michigan received fairly good news last week. The NCAA finally handed down judgment on the five major rules violations it had charged the Wolverines with back in 2009. Four of the five violations dealt with practice and training time exceeding the amount allowed by the NCAA, and the use of student managers and graduate assistants to conduct the additional training time. The fifth charge said that Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez was not in compliance with the NCAA rules.

In response to the charges and prior to last week, Michigan had instituted self-imposed punishment, giving itself two years probation and reducing its practice/training time by 130 hours over a two-year period. The NCAA added a third year to the probation and said that Rodriguez had to attend a NCAA rules seminar. Michigan had feared that it could get hit with a reduction in scholarships over a period of time, along with additional reduction in practice/training time beyond what it had self imposed.

The Michigan ruling should bode well for West Virginia. This past summer, the Mountaineers were charged with almost the exact same violations by the NCAA. The common denominator here is Rich Rodriguez. West Virginia won’t know the outcome of its violations until sometime in 2011.

Speaking of West Virginia, the Big East Conference, of which the Mountaineers are a member, approved expansion, adding at least two more schools. The presidents and athletic directors of the 16 schools in the Big East met in Philadelphia and unanimously approved the expansion.

However, there is a caveat. The new schools only would participate in football and not the other sports – basketball, etc. Schools mentioned as expansion candidates, included TCU, Houston, UCF, Villanova and Temple.

I can’t imagine that TCU, of the Mountain West, and Houston and UCF, of Conference USA, would want to join the Big East for football only. Where would their other sports compete? I don’t think the MWC and C-USA would allow them to leave for football only, while keeping the schools for the other sports. It’s either all or nothing.

Villanova, already a member of the Big East, does not compete in football in the conference. Only eight of the Big East’s 16 schools compete in Division I-A (FBS) football. The Wildcats compete at the Division I-AA (FCS) level. Villanova would have to elevate its football program.

Temple fits the expansion requirements in that its football team competes in the Mid-American Conference, while its other sports’ teams compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. However, the Big East expelled Temple from the conference several years ago. It doesn’t make sense to invite them back. With the football only caveat, I don’t think the Big East can attract any decent schools. Stay tuned.

In the Big East on Saturday, Louisville handed upstart Syracuse a loss in the Carrier Dome. The Cardinals beat the Orange, 28-20. Wednesday night, South Florida edged Rutgers, 28-27.

Around mid-week last week, the college football world received a shock. ESPN and The New York Times reported that the NCAA was investigating allegations that an agent, supposedly representing Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, had sought financial return for the services of Newton.

According to reports, former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond said that Kenneth Rogers, the supposed agent for Newton, approached him and wanted upwards of $180,000 for Newton’s commitment to Mississippi State. Bond reported the incident to Mississippi State who in turn informed the SEC who in turn notified the NCAA.

Mississippi State was recruiting Newton. Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen previously coached Newton when both were at Florida. The two had a good rapport. Newton left Florida for a year at a junior college in Texas and Mullen became the head coach at Mississippi State. Newton was also being recruited by Auburn and Oklahoma and he eventually signed with Auburn where he enrolled last January.

If the allegations are false, this is a terrible smear on Newton, a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. The supposed incident was reported to the NCAA much earlier in the year and the NCAA’s investigation was not considered a public matter at this point. So who informed ESPN and The New York Times that the investigation was taking place? And why did they do it now?

One report said that Florida coach Urban Meyer was the source of the leak. But this has been adamantly denied by Meyer and discounted by others who are familiar with the situation. You also have to ask was Rogers hired or contracted to be an agent for Newton, and if so, why? Newton’s talents were known. He didn’t need an agent to promote him.

All we know for sure at this point is that the NCAA investigation continues. And until we know more, no one should come to any conclusions.

Still in the SEC, another nasty incident surfaced last week from the Florida-Georgia game. This one occurred near the end of the game in overtime when Florida kicker Chas Henry was about to kick the game-winning field goal.

Prior to the kick, Georgia, as expected, called a time out to ice Henry. During the time out, Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham yelled at Henry, “I hope you f…ing miss.” And while yelling the expletive, Grantham made the infamous “choke sign,” moving his hand across the front of his neck. Henry looked at Grantham and blew him a kiss.

Early last week, several members of the media in the southeast, including some in Georgia, opined that Bulldog coach Mark Richt should punish Grantham for his actions, suggesting Grantham be banned from coaching in Georgia’s game against Idaho State Saturday. Richt only scoffed at the suggestions, indicating that Grantham was a “high energy” individual. So much for Richt’s discipline, or lack thereof. Georgia rebounded from the loss to Florida, beating Idaho State, 55-7.

Elsewhere in the SEC Saturday, there was a donnybrook down in Baton Rouge. LSU upset Alabama, 24-21. Arkansas spoiled the evening in Columbia for South Carolina fans. The Hogs devastated the Gamecocks, 41-20. In Nashville, Florida beat Vanderbilt, 55-14. In Auburn, Cam Newton passed for 315 yards, all in the first half, as the Tigers beat Chattanooga, 62-24.

Life became interesting in the ACC’s Atlantic Division Saturday as Florida State lost and Clemson beat N.C. State. North Carolina knocked off the Noles in Tallahassee, 37-35. Clemson rallied to beat the Wolfpack, 14-13. Thursday night, Virginia Tech remained undefeated in conference play. The Hokies beat Georgia Tech, 28-21. Miami scored in the closing seconds to beat Maryland, 26-20.

In the heartland, Texas lost again. Kansas State beat the Longhorns, 39-14. Also in the Big 12, Texas A&M upset Oklahoma, 33-19, and Texas Tech handed Missouri its second loss. The Red Raiders beat Mizzou, 24-17. Oklahoma State destroyed Baylor, 55-28. In Ames, overtime was necessary for Nebraska to overcome Iowa State. The Huskers won, 31-30.

Out West, Stanford was impressive, beating Arizona, 42-17. Elsewhere in the Pac-10, UCLA upset Oregon State, 17-14, and USC slipped by Arizona State, 34-33. Oregon continued to roll. The Ducks beat Washington, 53-16.

The big game in the Mountain West Conference turned out to be no game at all. TCU spanked Utah, 47-7. Hawaii was no match for Boise State in the WAC. The Broncos beat the Warriors, 42-7. Also in the WAC, Nevada ran over Idaho, 63-17.

Air Force won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The Falcons, who beat Navy earlier in the season, downed Army, 42-22. Navy exploded in the second half to beat East Carolina, 76-35. Friday night, UCF beat Houston, 40-33. Elsewhere in C-USA, Tulsa downed Rice, 64-27 and Marshall beat UAB, 31-17. Also, UTEP beat SMU, 28-14 and Southern Miss dumped Tulane, 46-30.

Some interesting names have surfaced in Minnesota’s search for a new coach – Boise State’s Chris Petersen, TCU’s Gary Patterson, former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer. Stay tuned!

Well, it finally felt like football weather in east-central Florida – highs in the 60s and 70s with lows in the 40s and 50s. That’s my kind of weather.

Rockledge Gator and Bootsie are off to Auburn for the upcoming weekend. They will be attending the Georgia-Auburn game. Bootsie will be watching the game and Rockledge Gator will be watching the coeds.

Touchdown Tom
November 8, 2010


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK: Bull Frog – TCU 47, Utah 7 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 27, Utah 24). This was supposed to be a close game – a game between the two best teams of the Mountain West Conference. But by halftime, TCU had outgained Utah 328-72. The Horned Frogs went on to amass 558 yards to the Utes’ 199. If Utah is the second-best team in the MWC, and it is, TCU is a man amongst boys in the MWC. Andy Dalton passed for 355 yards. A crowd of 46,522 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

RUNNER UP: Powder – LSU 24, Alabama 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, LSU 23). I could hear the Miami Dolphins’ fans cheering all the way from South Florida. They still don’t like Nick Saban. Bama won’t be repeating in the BCS championship bowl, and, most likely, won’t be three-peating in the SEC championship game. You have to wonder what happened to Bama’s running game. The Tide doesn’t have one anymore. Yes, the Tide rushed for more yards than they passed. But when they needed the running game, it wasn’t there. And this isn’t the first time it’s been missing. A crowd of 92,969 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

REST OF THE BEST: Trees root the Wildcats – Stanford 42, Arizona 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 28, Arizona 24). I don’t often get to see the West Coast teams, but I watched this game late Saturday night. And I have to tell you, I was impressed with Stanford. The Cardinal are a complete team. Andrew Luck passed for 293 yards. You wonder how long they can hold onto Jim Harbaugh. A crowd of 43,506 attended the game in Palo Alto.

Cowboys lasso the Bears – Oklahoma State 55, Baylor 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 35, Baylor 32). I think the Cowboys were trying to make a statement. Okie State tallied 725 yards of offense. That’s an embarrassment to Baylor’s defense. Brandon Weeden passed for 435 yards. A crowd of 50,741 attended the game in Stillwater.

Hogs raid the Hen house – Arkansas 41, South Carolina 20 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Arkansas 24). Before the game, Steve Spurrier said, “I’ve never been 7-2 at South Carolina.” Well, he won’t be either – not this year. Maybe never. South Carolina plays like its politicians – demint-ed. A crowd of 75,136 attended the game in Columbia.

Surfless in Boise – Boise State 42, Hawaii 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 45, Hawaii 31). Like Utah against TCU, Hawaii was supposed to give the Broncos a fight. I think the Warriors left their fight on a surf board. And like TCU in the MWC, Boise State in the WAC is like a man amongst boys. Kellen Moore passed for 507 yards. A crowd of 34,060 attended the game in Boise.

Oklahoma isn’t OK – Texas A&M 33, Oklahoma 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 31, Texas A&M 26). The Aggies held the Sooners to 72 yards rushing. OU trailed 19-0 early in the third quarter, but closed the gap to 19-17 by the end of the quarter. A&M scored two unanswered touchdowns early in the fourth to extend its lead to 33-17. A crowd of 81,392 attended the game in College Station.

Wide right – North Carolina 37, Florida State 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 27, North Carolina 19). FSU missed a 40-yard field goal as time expired. T.J. Yates passed for 439 yards. Tar Heel running back Johnny White broke his right clavicle and is out for the season. A crowd of 70,157 attended the game in Tallahassee.

Hokies get the honey – Virginia Tech 28, Georgia Tech 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 32, Georgia Tech 17). Georgia Tech led until early in the fourth quarter. The score was tied until the Hokies scored the winning touchdown with 2:23 remaining. Yellow Jackets’ quarterback Josh Nesbit was injured near the end of the second quarter and didn’t return to the game in the second half. A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.

400 – Penn State 35, Northwestern 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 31, Northwestern 29). For a while, it looked like Joe Paterno was going to have to wait a game, or two or three before he got his 400th win. The Lions trailed Northwestern 21-0 late in the second quarter. Then Penn State proceeded to score 35 points. A crowd of 104,147 attended the game in State College.

Turtle soup – Miami (Florida) 26, Maryland 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Maryland 26). Miami scored on a 35-yard touchdown pass with 0:37 remaining to win the game. The Canes Stephen Morris passed for 286 yards. A crowd of 55,434 attended the game in Miami Gardens.

Swish – Michigan 67, Illinois 65 (3OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Illinois 29, Michigan 26). No, this wasn’t a basketball game. The score was 42-42 at the end of four quarters. In the third overtime, Michigan made its two-point PAT and Illinois failed on its two-point attempt. Wolverine quarterback Denard Robinson left the game at the end of the third quarter with concussion symptoms. Tate Forcier replaced Robinson for the fourth quarter and three overtimes. Robinson passed for 305 yards. A crowd of 111,441 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Tigers forgot their cornflakes – Texas Tech 24, Missouri 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 30, Texas Tech 29). Tech held Missouri to 95 yards passing. Blaine Gabbert only completed 40 percent of his passes. A crowd of 55,667 attended the game in Lubbock.

Tigers stack the Pack – Clemson 14, N.C. State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: N.C. State 28, Clemson 26). You know you are in trouble when your leading rusher only has 29 yards. But Clemson wasn’t any better on the ground. State rushed for 63 yards and Clemson rushed for 46. A crowd of 74,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Middies make the Pirates seasick – Navy 76, East Carolina 35 (Touchdown Tom said: East Carolina 31, Navy 29). This was a close game at the half. Navy led 28-21. Then the Middies outscored the Pirates 48-14 in the second half. Navy rushed for 521 yards. A crowd of 50,191 attended the game in Greenville.

Off we go – Air Force 42, Army 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Air Force 29, Army 26). The victory gives Air Force the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. A crowd of 38,128 attended the game in West Point.

The bubble burst – Louisville 28, Syracuse 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Syracuse 18, Louisville 17). With back-to-back wins over West Virginia and Cincinnati, Syracuse was on a roll. A crowd of 40,735 attended the game in Syracuse.

Wolves raid the potato patch – Nevada 63, Idaho 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Nevada 32, Idaho 20). Nevada improves to 8-1. A crowd of 11,247 attended the game in Moscow.

What a bunch of Bull – South Florida 28, Rutgers 27 (Touchdown Tom said: South Florida 24, Rutgers 22). South Florida beat Rutgers for the first time since 2005. Rutgers had won four in a row. Bulls Moise Plancher rushed for 135 yards. A crowd of 39,465 attended the game in Tampa.

Looking Quacky – Oregon 53, Washington 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 46, Washington 16). Oregon only led 25-16 halfway through the third quarter. Then the Ducks reeled off 28 unanswered points. The Duck didn’t get a break in his pushups. A crowd of 60,017 attended the game in Eugene.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Primrose Lane – USC 34, Arizona State 33 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 33, Arizona State 24). Dennis Erickson’s seat is getting hotter. A crowd of 68,744 attended the game in Los Angeles.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Gators sing – Florida 55, Vanderbilt 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Vanderbilt 12). I know it was only Vanderbilt, but the Gators put together a complete game and looked relaxed doing it. Often, Florida goes up to Nashville after the Georgia game and doesn’t play well. The Gator defense held Vandy to 109 yards of offense. John Brantley passed for 157 yards and backup quarterback Jordan Reed passed for another 120 yards. A crowd of 33,848 attended the game in Nashville.

Herbie survives – Nebraska 31, Iowa State 30 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Iowa State 17). With back-to-back wins over Oklahoma State and Missouri, the Huskers didn’t have a lot left for Iowa State. The score was 24-24 at the end of four. In the overtime, the Cyclones attempt at a two-point conversion failed. Nebraska won on the ground. The Huskers only had 79 yards passing. A crowd of 51,159 attended the game in Ames.

Basketball? – Duke 55, Virginia 48 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 27, Duke 25). The Dookies scored on a 35-yard touchdown run with 0:40 remaining to win the game. A crowd of 22,741 attended the game in Durham.

Uga recuperates – Georgia 55, Idaho State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 56, Idaho State 0). Wonder if Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had a piece of tape over his mouth during the game? A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Cheese rules – Wisconsin 34, Purdue 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Purdue 13). Even in the stats, each team had 303 yards of offense. Purdue led 10-6 at the half, but was outscored 28-3 in the second half. The Boilers suffered from four turnovers. A crowd of 45,227 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Bevo’s ill – Kansas State 39, Texas 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 27, Texas 23). Kansas State led 39-0 at the end of the third quarter and went into cruise control. Garrett Gilbert threw five interceptions. A crowd of 46,734 attended the game in Manhattan.

Comment: An awful week at 17-10, brings my season total to 175-68 (72.0 percent).


AROUND FLORIDA:

UCF downed Houston, 40-33. A crowd of 32,008 attended the game in Houston…. Florida Atlantic trimmed Western Kentucky, 17-16. A crowd of 10,275 attended the game in Bowling Green…. Florida International got by Louisiana-Monroe, 42-35. A crowd of 17,301 attended the game in Miami.

Florida A&M edged North Carolina A&T, 22-19. A crowd of 7,242 attended the game in Greensboro…. Bethune-Cookman slipped by Hampton, 23-18. A crowd of 12,244 attended the game in Hampton…. Jacksonville U. beat Butler, 24-16. A crowd of 2,815 attended the game in Indianapolis.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers: Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 30-37-2 for 507 yards; North Carolina’s T.J. Yates – 24-35-0 for 439; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 34-42-0 for 435; East Carolina’s Dominique Davis – 43-65-0 for 413; Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne – 26-39-0 for 371; Temple’s Mike Gerardi – 21-29-2 for 368; TCU’s Andy Dalton – 21-26-0 for 355; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-39-2 for 347; Houston’s David Piland – 27-44-2 for 344, and Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 27-38-1 for 339.

Also, Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 19-33-0 for 325 yards; Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick – 20-30-0 for 317; Auburn’s Cam Newton – 15-21-0 for 315; Michigan’s Denard Robinson – 10-20-2 for 305; Marshall’s Brian Anderson – 25-41-1 for 304; Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett – 21-30-1 for 303; Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 23-36-1 for 300; UCF’s Jeff Godfrey – 15-19-0 for 294; BYU’s Jake Heaps – 19-31-0 for 294; Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 23-32-0 for 293, and Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi – 22-33-1 for 290.

Also, Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 36-59-1 for 290 yards; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 18-30-2 for 286; Kentucky’s Mike Hartline – 15-24-1 for 272; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 27-44-0 for 272; North Texas’ Riley Dodge – 17-29-0 for 269; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 30-48-1 for 267; Colorado State’s Pete Thomas – 22-40-1 for 266, and Florida State’s Christian Ponder – 24-34-0 for 264.


Impressive Rushers: Fresno State’s Robbie Rouse – 286 yards; Boston College’s Montel Harris – 183 yards; Michigan State’s Edwin Baker – 179 yards; Rice’s Sam McGuffie – 178 yards; Akron’s Alex Allen – 175 yards, and Colorado’s Rodney Stewart – 175 yards.

Also, Navy’s Alexander Teich – 157 yards; Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey – 152 yards; San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 151 yards; Wyoming’s Alvester Alexander – 151 yards; Tulane’s Orleans Darkwa – 138 yards, and Ole Miss’ Brandon Bolden – 136 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“May Randy Moss disappear into infamy,” Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz.

“There’s not a student in the student section that knows the school’s fight song,” ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, on the South Florida student section.

“Cam Newton is no longer a feel-good story,” Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz.

“In the wake of Reggie Bush being stripped of the Heisman Trophy due to integrity issues, I’m going to stay away from casting my vote for Cam Newton. It’s not worth it to me. Newton has legal issues, potential NCAA issues and who knows what other issues on his resume. There are plenty of other worthy Heisman candidates who have never been in any trouble and who are outstanding players. I’ll cast my vote for one of them, if you don’t mind,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Idaho State at Georgia: I’m not sure that the Dogs can cover a 45-point spread. But at least Todd Grantham should be able to make it through four quarters without lithium,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Michigan has lost three straight and Les Miles may have a wandering eye again, not to be confused with the wandering head in the final two minutes,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Lamar at Georgia State: Lamar returned to college football after dropping it 21 years ago. That’s an even longer layoff than Bill Curry had,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“North Carolina at Florida State: The Seminoles are probably the best team in the ACC. The Tar Heels are just happy nobody is making them play in leg chains. How does Butch Davis still have a job?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“I feel like they haven’t faced anybody else like me and Aaron Murray with our offense. We’re really going to show them. We’re going to shock a lot of people,” Georgia receiver A.J. Green, on the Dawgs’ upcoming game against Auburn.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. South Carolina (6-3) at Florida (6-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – The ol’ ball coach returns to the Swamp, but the odds aren’t good. South Carolina has only beaten Florida once in 18 tries and the Gamecocks have never won in Gainesville. But never has the opportunity been so great for the Cocks. If South Carolina wins, the Cocks go the SEC championship game for the first time in history. But figure the odds. South Carolina generally can’t handle success. And the Cocks appear to be catching Florida at the wrong time. After a severe mid-season slump, the Gators seem to have found themselves again – offensively and defensively. Urban Meyer is fired up. And when Meyer is fired up – watch out. Demint-ed again – Florida 30, South Carolina 22.

RUNNER UP: 2. Penn State (6-3) at Ohio State (8-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – After back-to-back losses to Iowa and Illinois, Penn State appears to be rejuvenated. The Nitts have won three in a row. But the competition in those three wins doesn’t compare to the competition Penn State will be facing in Columbus. Plus, the Buckeyes had the week off to rest and lick their wounds. Paterno has 400, but he won’t see 401 this week. Buckeyes are more than peanut butter and chocolate – Ohio State 29, Penn State 19.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. San Diego State (7-2) at TCU (10-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – San Diego State is the last chance for anyone to beat TCU. After the Aztecs, the Frogs play New Mexico and there ain’t no way New Mexico is going to beat TCU. It’s not likely the San Diego State will either. But the Aztecs are playing better and they may catch the Frogs celebrating the big win over Utah. But with their sights on the BCS championship game, TCU doesn’t figure to have any letdowns. Aztecs sacrificed – TCU 33, San Diego State 16.

4. Mississippi State (7-2) at Alabama (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Several weeks ago, this appeared to be a sure win for Bama. It probably still is a win for the Tide, but not as sure as it once was. State is on a six-game winning streak. And Bama is coming off its second loss of the season. The Bulldogs should be playing inspired ball; while the Tide may suffer a letdown from the LSU loss. That combination should make for a closer, more exciting game. We’ll see. Tide washes the Bull out of the Dog – Alabama 28, Mississippi State 16.

5. Iowa (7-2) at Northwestern (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Iowa often plays its worst against weaker teams. Northwestern often plays its best against stronger teams. Sounds like the makings of a close game. Salmonella strikes again – Iowa 30, Northwestern 27.

6. Kansas State (6-3) at Missouri (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Mizzou is coming off a two-game losing streak. I’m sure the Tigers are glad to be home. The two losses were on the road. You gotta figure K-State is still celebrating the win over Texas – may be for months to come. But what’s to celebrate – everybody is beating Texas. Mo puts the Wildcats in a Zou – Missouri 26, Kansas State 23.

7. USC (6-3) at Arizona (7-2) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Remember USC is just playing for fun this year and that’s what makes them dangerous. Little Kiffy is coaching like a wild man. He has nothing to lose. But lose he will to the Wildcats. Wildcats have a horse – Arizona 24, USC 17.

8. Texas A&M (6-3) at Baylor (7-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – After the win over Oklahoma, Mike Sherman is breathing easier. But he may be breathing harder again after Saturday. Baylor has a good thing going and the Bears don’t want to blow it. Bears give the Aggies a hug – Baylor 27, Texas A&M 26.

9. Oregon (9-0) at California (5-4) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Cal definitely plays better at home than on the road. The Bears are almost like a different team at home. But, even at home, Cal isn’t better enough to keep up with the Ducks. Ducks get a Teddy Bear – Oregon 32, California 20.

10. Georgia (5-5) at Auburn (10-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – A.J. Green thinks Georgia will win. He says Auburn hasn’t faced anyone like him or Aaron Murray. What’s A.J. smoking? He better share it with Mark Richt. The Dawgs are looking in the face of 5-6. Cam muzzles the Mutts – Auburn 30, Georgia 26.

11. Virginia Tech (7-2) at North Carolina (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Last year, heavily favored Virginia Tech was upset by North Carolina in Blacksburg. So the Hokies will be out for revenge – big time. After beating Florida State in Tallahassee, the Tar Heels proved they are big time. But can they put up two big-time wins in a row? Hokies can’t herd the Sheep – North Carolina 24, Virginia Tech 22.

12. Stanford (8-1) at Arizona State (4-5) – (Pac-10 vs. Pac-10) – Next to Oregon, Stanford appears to be the best team in the Pac-10. Look for the Cardinal to be in the Rose Bowl. But they can’t stumble in their final three games. Trees sap the Devils – Stanford 36, Arizona State 23.

13. Boise State (8-0) at Idaho (4-5) – (WAC vs. WAC) – Man do these two schools ever hate each other. Boise State has no interest in playing Idaho after the Broncos leave the WAC for the MWC. That should provide some incentive for the Vandals. They need all they can get. Broncos spud the Vandals – Boise State 39, Idaho 19.

14. Clemson (5-4) at Florida State (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – This ain’t the father-son game anymore. The son left Clemson a couple of years ago. And daddy took down his teepee and left the tribe last January. Now, it’s the Dabo-Jimbo game. Or is it the Jimbo-Dabo game. Jimbo scalps Dabo – Florida State 23, Clemson 20.

15. Nevada (8-1) at Fresno State (6-2) – (WAC vs. WAC) – Two teams with dreams of derailing Boise State. But before the Broncos come along, they have to get by each other. And only one will get by. Wolves are no Dogs – Nevada 35, Fresno State 27.

16. Toledo (6-3) at Northern Illinois (7-2) – (MAC vs. MAC) – The winner of this contest should go on to win the MAC West and on to the MAC championship game. Toledo has been a surprise this year, but the Rockets won’t surprise the Huskies. No glare in these Rockets – Northern Illinois 29, Toledo 27.

17. Utah (8-1) at Notre Dame (4-5) – (MWC vs. Ind.) – The records say that Utah should win. But after the humiliating loss to TCU, the Utes may be totally demoralized. And the Irish had the week off to prepare. We’ll see what the Utes are made of. Utah 28, Notre Dame 27.

18. Texas Tech (5-4) at Oklahoma (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Sooners stumbled last week. Now they are back in Norman. And the Sooners know the Big 12 South is on the line. That spells trouble for the Red Raiders. Sooners make the Red Raiders look like Green Raiders – Oklahoma 35, Texas Tech 25.

19. Oklahoma State (8-1) at Texas (4-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The way the Horns are playing, this should be the year the Cowboys beat them. But it seems like Okie State can never beat Texas. And if the Cowboys get a big lead early in the game, you just know the Horns are going to win. But can Texas beat anybody this year? Sorry Nebraska. Cowboys brand Bevo – Oklahoma State 29, Texas 27.

20. Southern Miss (6-3) at UCF (7-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – The Eagles are UCF’s last real hurdle in the way of the C-USA East title. A win and the Knights should finish 8-0 in the conference and 10-2 overall. Knights raid the Eagles’ nest – UCF 32, Southern Miss 20.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

21. Pitt (5-3) at Connecticut (4-4) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Pitt is undefeated in Big East conference play. It’s not likely that the Huskies are going to change that. Huskies get neutered – Pitt 25, Connecticut 16.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Cincinnati (3-5) at West Virginia (5-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Both teams are in a slump and only one can come out of it. Both had the week off to correct their problems too. Obviously, WVU didn’t correct its biggest problem – Bill Stewart. Interestingly, Bearcat coach Butch Jones, a former assistant at WVU, sought the job in Morgantown when Stewart was chosen. Jones has reason to prove something. It’s not almost heaven for the Bearcats – West Virginia 30, Cincinnati 18.

Kansas (3-6) at Nebraska (8-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Now you have to figure that Nebraska can’t be too rough on the Jayhawks. After all, Kansas is coached by a golden icon – a former Husker. After Nebraska leaves the Big 12, I’m sure Husker fans would love to see Kansas win the conference every year – as long as the Jayhawks are coached by Turner Gill. But unfortunately for Gill, no love lost between Nebraska and Kansas this year. Huskers mash the Jayhawks – Nebraska 38, Kansas 9.

Boston College (4-5) at Duke (3-6) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Dookies are on a roll – two wins in a row. But so are the Beantown Birds. They’ve won two straight as well. Something’s got to give here. Hard to believe the Dookies can win three in a row. But you gotta believe. Dookies put a feather in their hat – Duke 25, Boston College 22.

Michigan (6-3) at Purdue (4-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The Boilers should score some points this week. The Wolverines don’t have a defense. Unfortunately, the Boilers won’t score enough points to win. Denard denies the Boilers – Michigan 36, Purdue 27.


Comment: Winner of the South Carolina-Florida game goes on to the SEC title game as the SEC East Division champion. A lot of jockeying for position going on in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-10. The picture should be clearer after this week. Northern Illinois and Toledo battle for the MAC West Division title and UCF can all but wrap up the C-USA East Division title with a win over Southern Miss. Another fun week.


AROUND FLORIDA:

Miami (6-3) visits Georgia Tech (5-4)…. South Florida (5-3) is on the road at Louisville (5-4)…. Florida Atlantic (3-5) hosts Louisiana-Lafayette (2-7)…. Florida International (3-5) travels to Troy (5-3)…. Florida A&M (6-3) entertains Hampton (5-4)…. Bethune-Cookman (9-0) is home against Howard (1-8)…. Jacksonville U. (9-1) is home playing Campbell (3-6).


Tuesday’s Television Schedule – November 9

Toledo at Northern Illinois – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2


Wednesday’s Television Schedule – November 10

Miami (Ohio) at Bolwing Green – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2


Thursday’s Television Schedule – November 11

Grambling at Texas Southern – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN Classic
Pitt at Connecticut – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
South Carolina State at Morgan State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
East Carolina at UAB – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN


Friday’s Television Schedule – November 12

Ball State at Buffalo – 6:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Boise State at Idaho – 9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2


Saturday’s Television Schedule – November 13

Brown at Dartmouth – 12:00 noon ET – Versus
Cincinnati at West Virginia – 12:00 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Indiana at Wisconsin – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN2
Iowa at Northwestern – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Miami (Florida) at Georgia Tech – 12:00 noon ET – ACC Game of the Week
Ole Miss at Tennessee – 12:00 noon ET – CBS
South Florida at Louisville – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
Southern Miss at UCF – 12:00 noon ET – CBS-CSN
Vanderbilt at Kentucky – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Kansas State at Missouri – 12:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Georgia at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Central Michigan at Navy – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN
Penn State at Ohio State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Virginia Tech at North Carolina – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Texas Tech at Oklahoma – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Syracuse at Rutgers – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Utah at Notre Dame – 3:30 p.m. ET – NBC
San Diego State at TCU – 4:00 p.m. ET – Versus
Texas A&M at Baylor – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
UTEP at Arkansas – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Mississippi State at Alabama – 7:15 p.m. ET – ESPNU
South Carolina at Florida – 7:15 p.m. ET – ESPN
Oregon at California – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Clemson at Florida State – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
USC at Arizona – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Oklahoma State at Texas – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Tulsa at Houston – 8:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CSN


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Michigan State and Boise State have scheduled a three-game series for 2012, 2022 and 2023. Two of the games will be played in East Lansing and one game will be played in Boise.

BBVA Compass bank has taken over sponsorship of the PapaJohns.com Bowl played in Birmingham, Alabama. The bowl features teams from the Southeastern and Big East conferences. The game is owned and operated by ESPN and will be played January 8 at Legion Field. BBVA Compass bank is based in Birmingham.

Sadly, Mississippi State defensive end Nick Bell died last week at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Bell, a 20-year-old from Bessemer, Alabama, was diagnosed in late September after experiencing headaches during football practice and had surgery on October 1 to remove a mass from his brain.

And, on another sad note, Bob Fulton, the voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks for more than 40 years, died last week at his home in Lexington, South Carolina. He was 89. Fulton was one of the legendary announcers in college athletics. His career with South Carolina spanned from 1952-1964 and 1967-1995. He worked football, basketball and baseball games for the Gamecocks Sports Network. His career at South Carolina spanned 13 athletic directors, 10 basketball coaches, nine football coaches and 10 university presidents.


Extra Points

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

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

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

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


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 early November as the college football season was in its final stretch, the number one song in the country…

…75 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 and The Weavers

…55 years ago this week in 1955 was “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams

…50 years ago this week in 1960 was “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles

…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Get Off of My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones

…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5

…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Island Girl” by Elton John

…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Woman in Love” by Barbra Streisand

…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Miami Vice Theme” by Jan Hammer

…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “Love Takes Time” by Mariah Carey


Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, in addition to Nick Bell and Bob Fulton mentioned above, there were five other passings of mention last week – Charlie O’Donnell, Andy Irons, Sparky Anderson, Jill Clayburgh, Charles McDowell.

Charlie O’Donnell, whose resonant off-camera voice was a fixture on American television for decades, most notably in heralding the opening of the game show “Wheel of Fortune” for 28 years, died last week at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 78. While best known for his decades on “Wheel of Fortune,” O’Donnell also was the voice for other popular game shows, including “To Tell the Truth,” as well as for Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” the Oscars, the Emmys and the Golden Globes.

Over the decades, O’Donnell also did stints as the announcer for “The Dating Game,” “The Joker’s Wild,” “The Gong Show,” “The Newlywed Game,” and “Tic Tac Dough,” among other shows. Born in Philadelphia on August 12, 1932, O’Donnell got his start in television in his hometown as the announcer for “American Bandstand” in 1958. He had previously been a disc jockey in New York.

Andy Irons, a three-time world surfing champion from Hawaii whose progressive wave riding and intense rivalry with Kelly Slater invigorated the sport’s competitive scene, died last week in a Dallas hotel room while traveling home to Kauai. He was 32. Philip Andrew Irons was born on July 24, 1978, in Hanalei, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai.

Sparky Anderson, who managed Cincinnati’s powerful Big Red Machine to baseball dominance in the 1970s and became the first manager to win World Series championships in both the National and American Leagues, died last week at his home in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 76. Anderson managed the Cincinnati Reds to four pennants and two World Series titles in the 1970s, a memorable seven-game victory over the Boston Red Sox in 1975 and a sweep of the New York Yankees in 1976. After nine years in Cincinnati, he managed Detroit for 16 ½ seasons, capturing his third World Series championship when the 1984 Tigers defeated the San Diego Padres in five games.  George Lee Anderson was born on February 22, 1934, in Bridgewater, South Dakota. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was eight.

Jill Clayburgh, an Oscar-nominated actress known for portraying strong, independent women, died last week at her home in Lakeville, Connecticut. She was 66. Clayburgh received Best Actress Oscar nominations for her roles in “An Unmarried Woman” (1978) and “Starting Over” (1979). Her other films include “Semi-Tough” (1977), opposite, “It’s My Turn” (1980), “Monday in October” (1981), “I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can” (1982). Clayburgh was born in New York City on April 30, 1944. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from Sarah Lawrence College in 1966. Her many television credits include guest appearances on “Law & Order,” “The Practice” and “Nip/Tuck,” and a recurring role on “Ally McBeal.” Most recently Clayburgh was a member of the cast of “Dirty Sexy Money,” broadcast from 2007 to 2009 on ABC.

Charles McDowell, a retired columnist for The Richmond Times-Dispatch who brought a folksy manner to a regular stint on the PBS program “Washington Week in Review” and to a prominent role in Ken Burns’ PBS series “The Civil War,” died last week. He was 84. McDowell worked for the Richmond paper for almost half a century, covering local news and state politics from 1949 until 1965, when he became the paper’s Washington correspondent. His nationally syndicated column ran from 1954 until his retirement in 1998. Charles Rice McDowell Jr. was born in Danville, Kentucky, on June 24, 1926. He joined the Richmond paper after graduating from Washington and Lee University and the Columbia University School of Journalism.