28 Bowls and What Do You Get, Another Day Older and Seven To Go Yet

College Football Week 18 – Edsall to Maryland, Weis to the Gators

28 bowls and what do you get
Another day older and 7 to go yet

St. Peter don’t you call me cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the Championship Bowl

My apologies to the late Tennessee Ernie Ford, but since his signature recording was the No. 1 song in the country 55 years ago today, I only thought it fitting to tamper with the lyrics.

As I see it, the two-week Holiday break officially began on Monday, December 20. The time of the day is debatable. But for me it began when I had my first one of Karlene Tuttle’s chocolate covered bourbon balls of the season. And one of Swamp Mama’s (via Bootsie) Chocolate covered Oreo truffles. Karlene’s bourbon balls have long been a seasonal addiction for me. The Oreo truffles are a new, but welcome, addiction this year.

If you’re getting the picture that I like things covered in chocolate (dark chocolate), you aren’t far from wrong. In fact, I’d say you’re right on the target. I pop those things like pills. Best medicine I ever had.

Somebody out in Austin, Texas, was popping something too – popping it to the point of being delusional. Reports out of Longhorn land had Texas coach Mack Brown signing Florida defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to the same position at Texas, replacing Will Muschamp. According to the reports, the deal was all signed and sealed. But it never got delivered.

Then it was reported that Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox was going to be the new DC for the Longhorns. Ole Mackie Boy loves to raid the SEC for his defensive coordinators. When told about the latest Texas deal, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said, “Not so fast my friend. Wilcox ain’t going nowhere.”

It turns out Dooley was right. Justin Wilcox going to Texas was as delusional as Teryl Austin going to Texas. Then to make matters crazier, the Longhorn grapevine had Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio becoming the offensive line coach at Texas. This latest delusion out of Longhorn land was doused when Addazio was named the new head coach at Temple, replacing the departed Al Golden.

I think those folks at Texas are on something stronger than bourbon balls and Oreo truffles. And I know the officials at Temple are. Who in their right mind would hire Addazio as a head coach? Those poor Owls.

On December 21, reports surfaced that had Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn going to Maryland, replacing the fired Ralph Friedgen. Malzahn had previously turned down Vanderbilt’s offer to become the Commodores’ head coach. Of course, other reports still have Mike Leach becoming the new coach at Maryland. Stay tuned!

Penn State coach Joe Paterno turned 84, and Oregon coach Chip Kelly was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year. Kelly seems to be garnering all of the coach-of-the-year awards.

After popping another bourbon ball and Oreo truffle, I sat back and watched the St. Petersburg Bowl. Louisville beat Southern Miss, 31-28. Watch out for these two teams next year.

Wednesday night, Florida coach Urban Meyer (He is still the coach, isn’t he?) made his debut as an analyst on ESPN. (What’s this talk about spending more time with the family?) Meyer worked the pre-game and halftime studio reporting and commentary with John Saunders and Trevor Matich, before and during the Las Vegas Bowl. During the halftime commentary, Saunders teased Matich that Meyer was out to get his job.

Speaking of Meyer, here is my theory on what he eventually will do. I believe Urban will stay out of coaching for a few years. He may even end up working for ESPN as an analyst/broadcaster. That would not surprise me. Ultimately, I think Urban will wait for Brian Kelly to wear out his welcome in South Bend. That may take a few years but that would fit into Urban’s plan. Then when Notre Dame pulls the plug on Kelly and gives him the boot, Urban will become the coach of Notre Dame, fulfilling his lifelong dream.

Oh yeah, back to the Las Vegas Bowl, Boise State beat Utah, 26-3. It was a two-bourbon ball and two-Oreo truffle game. The Broncos played their last bowl game as a member of the WAC and Utah played its last bowl game as a member of the Mountain West Conference.

On the morning of December 23, Swamp Mama and I departed Brevard County, driving north-northwest to Florida’s panhandle. We were headed to Princess Gator’s, Bama Gator’s, Gator Gabe’s and Gator Babe’s house for Christmas. The day before Christmas Eve was beautiful in central and north Florida – sunny with crystal-clear, blue skies. The temperature was a mild 63° when we arrived at our destination. And yes, I packed the bourbon balls and Oreo truffles for the trip.

Checking the news from college football, I learned that five Ohio State players, including Terrelle Pryor, will have to sit out the first five games of the 2011 season. The NCAA is penalizing the players for selling Big Ten championship rings, trophies, autographed jerseys, gold pants (gold pants?), etc. for money. The players also got free tattoos for autographing merchandise. Ohio State is appealing the penalties.

Terrelle Pryor never has been a class act. A few weeks ago, Pryor said if Jim Tressel ran the kind of offense at Ohio State that Auburn runs, he would have been the best player in college football this year and would have won the Heisman Trophy.

That night, San Diego State beat Navy, 35-14, in the Poinsettia Bowl. The fact that the game was played was a miracle, considering all the rain they had in southern California for several days prior to the contest.

Speaking of San Diego State, there is talk out there that the Aztecs’ coach Brady Hoke could be the next coach at Michigan. Yeah, there is still a cloud hanging over Rich Rodriguez’s head. But we won’t know until January 1 what Rich Rod’s fate will be. There also is still mention of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh becoming the coach in Ann Arbor.

Christmas Eve and another beautiful day in the panhandle – clear, sunny skies, but a little cooler with an afternoon high of 59°. Along with the bourbon balls and Oreo truffles, I’ve now added cheese spreads, cheese balls and assorted cookies to my bowl-game menu. Fortunately, I left Rockledge Gator’s salami and anchovy-stuffed olives at home. I’m saving those for the after Christmas bowls.

Tulsa surprised the local team in the Hawaii Bowl. The Golden Hurricane beat Hawaii, 62-35 – football, not basketball.

So much for the good weather – Christmas Day was cloudy, rainy with a high in the low 50s. It was definitely getting colder – a good day to stay inside and eat bourbon balls and Oreo truffles.

Did I say it was getting colder? The day after Christmas the afternoon high was 40°. Earlier that morning, Bama Gator witnessed a few snow flurries as he headed out for some duck hunting. Not much news from the college football scene.

That night, Florida International, playing in its first bowl game, rallied to knock off Toledo, 34-32. FIU is one of six Florida schools playing in a bowl game, along with Florida, Florida State, Miami, South Florida and UCF. The only Division I-A Florida team not bowling this season is Florida Atlantic.

Monday morning, it was time for Swamp Mama and I to leave Jackson County and head back to the beaches of east-central Florida. With an early morning temperature of 23° we couldn’t leave soon enough. Saying our farewells to Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe, we headed south. Like the drive up, the sky was sunny – crystal-clear and blue. But unlike the drive up, it was much colder.

Rumors were brewing that Joe Paterno was going to step down after the Nittany Lions Outback Bowl game against Florida on January 1 – supposedly for health reasons. But Paterno was scoffing at the rumors. “Ridiculous,” he said.

And there were rumors circulating that Jim Tressel was going to hang it up after Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl game against Arkansas. Supposedly Tressel was fed up and frustrated with all the problems and issues with the five Buckeye players. But there wasn’t a lot of credence to these rumors. There is pressure on Tressel to bench the players for the bowl game. The five players did apologize to their teammates for bartering their possessions for tattoos and money.

Air Force beat Georgia Tech, 14-7, in the Independence Bowl. Falcon coach Troy Calhoun is one of my favorite coaches in college football. He could be the coach of Tennessee, but turned down the offer last year after Lane Kiffin left.

December 28 and I’m getting a little concerned about the Gators. It’s been two weeks since Will Muschamp was named the new coach and he has yet to hire an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator, let alone any assistant coaches. Speaking of Gator coaches, will it be “Sports Center is next” for Urban Meyer? The Florida coach said he is thinking about accepting a position with ESPN. Maybe they’ll ditch Lou Holtz. If only we could be so lucky.

Two Champs Sports Bowl tickets: $130
Parking permit for Lot B at the Citrus Bowl Stadium: $25
Food and beverages at the Citrus Bowl Stadium: $23
The Champs Sports Bowl game between West Virginia and N.C. State: WORTHLESS

Yes, Swamp Mama and I drove over to Orlando for the Champs Sports Bowl. All went well until the game began. Well, I guess I’m being a bit facetious. The score was 7-7 late in the second quarter. But the West Virginia offense, except for one passing play, was inept, sloppy and disorganized all night. The game was a typical Bill Stewart/Jeff Mullen production/direction – a Stewart/Mullen box office flop. N.C. State won 23-7. Even the West Virginia defense was bad. The WVU defense played its worst game of the season.

If any Mountaineer fans still had any doubts before the game why Mullen was fired, they shouldn’t have now. And if any Mountaineer fans still had any doubts before the game why Stewart was given only one more year to coach, they shouldn’t have now. West Virginia’s play in the Champs Sports Bowl was a typical Stewart/Mullen fiasco. Maybe they can become a songwriting team. We could use some good blues songs.

Ironically, earlier in the day, I spoke with my former N.C. State neighbor Brent Stancil. Brent and his family were back in town for Christmas and we visited and chatted for a few minutes. We talked about the game, but made no bets or predictions. Brent missed his chance. He could have won some money off me.

Later that same night, Iowa beat Missouri, 27-24, in the Insight Bowl. I watched the second half after Swamp Mama and I returned from Orlando. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is another one of my favorite coaches in college football.

The next day was a three-bowl game day. It was also a three-bourbon ball and Oreo truffle day for me. I might have had four. Unfortunately, all three bowls were routs. None of them were close. Maryland began the day, demoting East Carolina in the Military Bowl, 51-20. It was a fitting departure for Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, who was coaching the Terrapins for the last time.

Meanwhile, the search for Friedgen’s replacement is getting interesting. Apparently the job was offered to SMU coach June Jones, but Jones turned down Maryland. Now it appears that the job is Gus Malzahn’s if he wants it. Don’t know what happened to Mike Leach who originally was thought to be the No. 1 contender for the Maryland job. And maybe he’ll still surface yet. But Leach comes with a lot of baggage and that could be hurting his chances.

The day after the Champs Sports Bowl, we learn that West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has been playing with a fractured bone in his foot. Smith will undergo surgery and will miss spring practice. That’s a blow to the WVU program. With Dana Holgorsen coming in as the new offensive coordinator, he’ll obviously be making changes to the offense. Smith needs to learn the new scheme and missing spring practice doesn’t help.

In the Texas Bowl, Illinois jumped out and messed with Baylor to the tune of 38-14. It was a great day for the Banned Indians. Ron Zook was a happy camper, winning his first bowl game at Illinois. Baylor ended the season losing four consecutive games.

And finally in the nightcap, Oklahoma State booted Arizona, 36-10, in the Alamo Bowl. That’s the second-straight year Arizona has been clobbered in a bowl game. You just wonder how much longer Wildcat fans are going to put up with Mike Stoops. The Wildcats ended the season losing five consecutive games.

Four games were on the docket December 30. Unlike the day before, these games were donnybrooks. Three went down to the wire and the fourth was a major upset. In the opener, Army held on to beat SMU in the Armed Forces Bowl, 16-14. The three service academies finish 2-1 in bowl games.

Meanwhile, the day after Maryland beat East Carolina in the Military Bowl the school conducted an interview with Mike Leach. Word is the interview went well and the next coach of Maryland will be either Leach or Gus Malzahn.

In a thriller in the Bronx, Syracuse beat Kansas State, 36-34, in the Pinstripe Bowl. A day or so before the game, conditions at Yankee Stadium were much like those at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego before the Poinsettia Bowl – only snow instead of rain. A couple feet of snow had to be removed from the field at Yankee Stadium.

In a bigger thriller in Nashville, North Carolina beat Tennessee, 30-27 (2OT) in the Music City Bowl. Every time Tennessee managed to struggle and take a lead, the Vols’ defense quit and just like that North Carolina retook the lead or tied it up. Against LSU earlier in the season, Derek Dooley lost a game on stupidity. He almost won this game on Butch Davis’ stupidity. But Davis had Les Miles’ luck.

And in a shocker in San Diego, Washington upset Nebraska, 19-7, in the Holiday Bowl. Remember, back in September, Nebraska beat Washington in Seattle, 56-21. Just because you beat a team once doesn’t necessarily mean you can beat them the second time. But when you beat them by 35 points….? Washington wanted this game; Nebraska didn’t.

And through all of that excitement, I still have some bourbon balls and Oreo truffles left. At the halfway point, I’m 11-7 on my bowl predictions. Seventeen bowls to go.

New Year’s Eve and I believe there are a few Nebraska fans out there who would like to have a new offensive coordinator. Apparently Nebraska’s offensive coordinator was a candidate for the Miami (Ohio) head coaching job. But bad news Husker fans, Miami (Ohio) announced that Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell is the new coach of the RedHawks.

The bowl action on New Year’s Eve began in Charlotte, North Carolina. In the Meineke Car Care Bowl, South Florida stunned Clemson, 31-26. Skip Holtz becomes the second coach in his first year at a Big East school to win a bowl game this year. Louisville’s Charlie Strong is the other coach.

Out in El Paso, Texas, Notre Dame dispatched Miami (Florida), 33-17, in the Sun Bowl. Miami is a mess. The Irish finished strong, winning four consecutive games to end the season at 8-5. After a rough start, it was a good finish for first-year coach Brian Kelly.

Just when I was still thinking that Will Muschamp is delinquent in hiring assistant coaches, word breaks that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator and former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis will be named the new offensive coordinator at Florida. What a shocker! Weis is a great OC, no doubt about it. But will he fit in at Florida? And why would he leave the Chiefs after only one season? Time will tell.

As the Liberty Bowl game between UCF and Georgia was beginning, I broke down and opened two of the salamis that Rockledge Gator gave me for Christmas – the peppered salami and the sopressata. I sliced the salami and sliced some Monterey Jack cheese to go with it. Yum! Yum!

Swamp Mama said, “After you eat that, all the Lipitor pills in the world aren’t going to unclog your arteries.”

I ate away.

She asked, “Is Rockledge Gator the beneficiary of one of your insurance policies?”

“No, why,” I responded.

“Because he’s trying to kill you.”

Swamp Mama just doesn’t appreciate good food. Now, to top it off, a bourbon ball as dessert to the salami and cheese.

Big surprise in the Liberty Bowl. In a defensive battle, UCF wins its first bowl game in four tries, beating Georgia, 10-6. The Dawgs finish the season with a losing record, 6-7. UCF finishes the season at 11-3. Where was Uga VIII when Georgia needed him? Home with a stomach virus – suffering from a lack of Gator meat in his belly.

After the game on ESPN, Lou Holtz said that Georgia should keep Mark Richt, but that Richt should change his offensive coordinator. Many Georgia fans have been yelling for Mike Bobo’s head. After much criticism from fans last year, Richt replaced his defensive coordinator, bringing in Todd Grantham at the end of the season. Wonder if he will replace Bobo? Stay tuned!

Bizarre news out of South Bend, Indiana. New Pitt coach Mike Haywood was arrested for domestic violence. The violence was directed at a woman with whom Haywood has a child. Haywood was just hired about two weeks ago as the new head coach at Pitt. He had been the coach of Miami (Ohio). He may not be the coach at Pitt much longer. Stay tuned!

In the nightcap on New Year’s Eve, Florida State beat South Carolina, 26-17, in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Poor Steve Spurrier, he just can’t beat FSU. And this time, it wasn’t a Bowden who beat him. With the Gamecock loss, the SEC falls to 0-3 in bowl games. Seven SEC teams have yet to play. It was hard to tell the Florida State fans from the South Carolina fans – garnet here and garnet there. Isn’t garnet red neck for maroon?

Happy New Year college football fans! We still have 13 bowls to go, but in case you are wondering, it is 243 days to the start of the 2011 college football season. And in case you are wondering, I’m 12-10 on my bowl picks.

For me, New Year’s Day is a very sacred day. What’s more refreshing and stimulating than the first day of a new year, especially with six bowl games. And more bourbon balls, Oreo truffles and salami too.

So at the beginning of 2011, 15 of the 16 schools looking for new coaches have announced their picks. Only Maryland is still looking. And, will Pitt can its pick. Then there is Michigan. Will a change be made in Ann Arbor? And, if so, will that change cause Stanford or San Diego State to look for a new coach? Stay tuned!

Well, we didn’t have to wait long to hear from Pitt. The school fired new hire Mike Haywood for being arrested on a felonious domestic battery charge. I applaud Pitt for its decision. Haywood, who was hired on December 16, was on the job for only 16 days. That doesn’t beat George O’Leary’s brevity record at Notre Dame, but it does beat Mike Price’s at Alabama.

Coming into the day, the Big Ten was 2-0 in bowl games, following Iowa’s win over Missouri and Illinois’ win over Baylor – both Big 12 foes. But that was about to change. Five Big Ten teams played on January 1 and all five lost – three to SEC teams and one each to a Big 12 and Mountain West team.

Texas Tech held on to beat Northwestern, 45-38, in the Ticket City Bowl; Florida beat Penn State, 37-24, in the Outback Bowl; Mississippi State clobbered Michigan, 52-14, in the Gator Bowl; Alabama slaughtered Michigan State, 49-7, in the Capitol One Bowl, and TCU edged Wisconsin, 21-19, in the Rose Bowl.

I’m not sure why either Northwestern or Michigan State ever bother to go to a bowl game. They should just stay home and save their money. The Wildcats lost their eighth-consecutive bowl game and the Spartans lost their sixth-consecutive bowl contest. Michigan suffered its worst bowl loss in school history. You gotta figure Rich Rod is a goner. Only Wisconsin, of the five Big Ten teams, played decent in a loss.

Five of Florida’s six teams playing in bowls – FIU, USF, UCF, FSU and UF – won. Only one – Miami – lost. Nobody likes Miami, anyway.

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator called about five minutes before the Florida-Penn State game kicked-off. They were on their way home from Christmas in Alabama and Georgia. They only had a few miles to go. I knew they would be home for the game. And they knew to call before it started. Swamp Mama and I don’t answer the phone when Florida and West Virginia are playing. We learned it’s bad luck.

Betty “The Duchess of Indialantic” Pappas came over to watch the Gator-Nittany Lion game with us. She was back from Christmas with her children in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

During the day, I decided I needed some greens to go with the Salami so I opened the can of anchovy-stuffed olives that Rockledge Gator gave me. I also opened the third salami – Italian dry. And of course there were still some bourbon balls and Oreo truffles for dessert.

In the nightcap, Oklahoma beat Connecticut, 48-20, in the Fiesta Bowl. It was the Sooners first win in a BCS bowl since the 2002 season. OU had lost in its last five BCS bowl appearances.

Charlie Weis to Florida as offensive coordinator is confirmed. I guess I’ll have to start liking the elephant-tooshed Weis. He always was a good OC, just a bad head coach. Still no official word on the status of Rich Rod at Michigan. But there is one report, saying he is out and that Pitt may be interested in hiring him. How crazy does it get?

We do learn that neither Gus Malzahn nor Mike Leach will be going to Maryland. The Terps are set to hire Connecticut coach Randy Edsall. And the San Francisco 49er’s are trying real hard to get Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh.

And Will Muschamp’s staff starts to take shape at Florida since the naming of Weiss. Muschamp hired receivers coach Aubrey Hill and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson. He also retained three current assistants.

Muschamp kept running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Stan Drayton, linebackers coach/special teams coach D.J. Durkin and tight ends coach Brian White. Muschamp already said he would retain strength and conditioning coordinator Mickey Marotti. Drayton, Durkin, White and Marotti will provide Florida continuity while making the transition from former coach Urban Meyer to Muschamp.

Hill, who played at Florida (1991-94), is returning to Gainesville after spending the last three years as the receivers coach at Miami (Florida). He also served as the Hurricanes’ recruiting coordinator last year and has ties to talent-rich South Florida. Robinson, a former Auburn standout and NFL defensive back, comes to the Gators after serving as Texas Tech’s secondary coach this past season.

The bowl action took a well-deserved rest on Sunday. Activity resumes tonight with the Orange Bowl between Stanford and Virginia Tech. I’m 17-11 on my picks.

Another day older and seven to go yet.

Happy New Year!

Touchdown Tom
January 3, 2011


Review of the Bowls (most of them)

Only the Strong survive (in the St. Petersburg Bowl) – Louisville 31, Southern Miss 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 27, Southern Miss 16). Finally, we get an exciting bowl game. The first three were duds, but this one was still in contention down to the end of the game. Nothing fancy from any quarterbacks or running backs, just sound football. Actually, Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis did make a spectacular catch on a flea-flicker play in the second quarter that put the Eagles up 21-7. It was a better-than-expected first year for Louisville coach Charlie Strong. A crowd of 20,017 attended the game in St. Petersburg.

Utes busted (in the Las Vegas Bowl) – Boise State 26, Utah 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, Utah 28). Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore had a super game, passing for 339 yards. Without starting quarterback Jordan Wynn, Utah was hopeless. Wynn missed the game, nursing a shoulder injury. Boise State still would have won, but if Wynn had played, I think the game would have been closer. A crowd of 41,923 attended the game in Las Vegas.

Middies can’t float their boats (in the Poinsettia Bowl) – San Diego State 35, Navy 14 (Touchdown Tom said: San Diego State 33, Navy 25). The Aztecs’ Ronnie Hillman torpedoed through the Navy defense, rushing for 228 yards. Second-year San Diego State coach Brady Hoke has the Aztec program on the right track. But will he still be there next year? A crowd of 48,049 attended the game in San Diego.

Honolulu slammed by a Golden Hurricane (in the Hawaii Bowl) – Tulsa 62, Hawaii 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Hawaii 47, Tulsa 40). Tulsa receiver Damaris Johnson set an NCAA record for all-purpose yards. Johnson finished with 326 yards in the game to give him 7,796 yards total, an NCAA record. Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz threw four interceptions. Tulsa finished the season with seven consecutive wins. A crowd of 41,089 attended the game in Honolulu.

On the prowl (in the Little Caesar’s Bowl) – Florida International 34, Toledo 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Toledo 31, Florida International 29). FIU, trailing 21-7 at halftime and 24-7 in the third quarter, rallied to beat the Rockets on a 34-yard field goal as time expired. On the previous play, facing a 4th-and-17, the Panthers moved into field goal range on an amazing hook-and-ladder play. A crowd of 32,431 attended the game in Detroit.

Falcons raid the hive (in the Independence Bowl) – Air Force 14, Georgia Tech 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Air Force 29, Georgia Tech 27). This ended up being a defensive battle. With both teams running the triple option, the defenses were well prepared. The Falcons were plagued by dropped passes in the first half – one that was a certain touchdown had the receiver held onto the ball. Georgia Tech lost its sixth-straight bowl game. A crowd of 39,362 attended the game in Shreveport.

The moon didn’t shine for the Mounties (in the Champs Sports Bowl) – N.C. State 23, West Virginia 7 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 27, N.C. State 18). It was a sad night for the Mountaineers. For the WVU offense, it was similar to the way they played in the Connecticut game earlier in the season. For the WVU defense, it was the worst they played all season. N.C. State’s offensive line was impressive. They did an awesome job protecting quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson threw for 275 yards. A crowd of 48,962 attended the game in Orlando.

The Eyes have it (in the Insight Bowl) – Iowa 27, Missouri 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Missouri 24). This was the best and most exciting of the bowl games so far. Iowa, trailing 24-20, scored a touchdown with 5:32 remaining and then held on to beat the Tigers. Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert passed for 434 yards. But the Hawkeyes’ Marcus Coker rushed for 219 yards. A crowd of 53,453 attended the game in Tempe.

15 Turtles on a dead Pirates chest (in the Military Bowl) – Maryland 51, East Carolina 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Maryland 34, East Carolina 24). In Ralph Friedgen’s swan song at Maryland, the Terps clobbered the Pirates. East Carolina had the worst defense in Division I-A college football this season and it showed. The Terps’ Da’Rel Scott rushed for 200 yards. Maryland’s defense held ECU to 32 yards rushing. A crowd of 38,062 attended the game in Washington, DC.

The Zook can cook (in the Texas Bowl) – Illinois 38, Baylor 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 27, Illinois 25). The two teams combined for 970 yards of offense, but Baylor couldn’t get the ball into the end zone. Illinois’ Mikel LeShoure rushed for 184 yards and Baylor’s Robert Griffin passed for 306 yards. A crowd of 68,211 attended the game in Houston.

Pokes smoke the Wildcats (in the Alamo Bowl) – Oklahoma State 36, Arizona 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 31, Arizona 24). Okie State played sound, consistent football; while Arizona suffered from four turnovers. Cowboy receiver Justin Blackmon caught nine passes for 117 yards. A crowd of 57,593 attended the game in San Antonio.

Mules kick the Ponies (in the Armed Forces Bowl) – Army 16, SMU 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Army 26, SMU 20). Army jumped out to a quick 16-0 lead and held on for dear life to win. Both teams should be even better next year. A crowd of 36,742 attended the game in Dallas.

Orange zest the Wildcats (in the Pinstripe Bowl) – Syracuse 36, Kansas State 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Syracuse 18, Kansas State 17). This was a tight contest throughout – 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, 14-14 at the half. Syracuse led 27-21 at the end of the third quarter. K-State led 28-27 early in the fourth quarter. And so it went. The Wildcats scored with 1:13 remaining to pull within two. K-State receiver Adrian Hilburn, who scored the touchdown, then saluted the fans. Hilburn was penalized for excessive celebration. The ball was moved back 15 yards from the three to the 18 yard line. The Wildcats failed on their two-point conversion attempt. A crowd of 38,274 attended the game in the Bronx.

Heels lop Rocky Top (in the Music City Bowl) – North Carolina 30, Tennessee 27 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Tennessee 24, North Carolina 20). Tennessee was lucky to hang in this game with the Tar Heels. North Carolina held the Vols to 27 yards rushing and UT quarterback Tyler Bray threw three interceptions. Ultimately, Tennessee’s defense blew this game for the Vols on North Carolina’s final drive in regulation. Stupid play and a dumb penalty by the Vols’ defense allowed the Tar Heels to move the ball down the field and kick a field goal as time expired. And the time expired twice. But just when the Vols thought they had won, two seconds were put back on the clock. A crowd of 69,143 attended the game in Nashville.

Huskies plant the Corn where the sun doesn’t shine (in the Holiday Bowl) – Washington 19, Nebraska 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 33, Washington 19). Let’s just say this: Washington’s defense held Nebraska to less than 100 yards rushing and less than 100 yards passing. Meanwhile, the Huskies’ Chris Polk rushed for 177 yards. A crowd of 57,921 attended the game in San Diego.

Dabo gored (in the Meineke Car Care Bowl) – South Florida 31, Clemson 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 22, South Florida 15). South Florida led 31-13 in the closing minutes of the game. But Clemson scored two touchdowns in the final 1:47 to close the gap. The Bulls held the Tigers to 50 yards rushing. Clemson fans can’t be happy with Dabo. A crowd of 41,122 attended the game in Charlotte.

Kelly’s heroes (in the Sun Bowl) – Notre Dame 33, Miami (Florida) 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 24, Notre Dame 23). Miami’s Stephen Morris threw for 282 yards, but the hurricanes had four turnovers. Miami and Notre Dame were playing for the first time since 1990. Now, who will be the quarterback at Notre Dame next season – Dayne Crist or Tommy Rees? A crowd of 54,021 attended the game in El Paso.

Bobo needs to go, go (in the Liberty Bowl) – UCF 10, Georgia 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 30, UCF 22). The UCF defense held Georgia to 82 yards rushing. Watch out for the Knights in 2011. They should be good. And will the Big East take notice of UCF now? A crowd of 51,231 attended the game in Memphis.

DeMinted again (in the Chick-fil-A Bowl) – Florida State 26, South Carolina 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, South Carolina 26). Yeah, South Carolina football remains as demented as the state’s politicians. The Gamecocks committed five turnovers. And one thing’s for certain – South Carolina should stay away from the Georgia Dome. In a reversal of normal performance, Florida State had more yards rushing than passing. Was that a first this season? A crowd of 72,217 attended the game in Atlanta.

Raiders ticket the Wildcats (in the Ticket City Bowl) – Texas Tech 45, Northwestern 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 32, Northwestern 19). Texas Tech jumped out to a 31-9 third quarter lead on Northwestern, and then hung on to win. Tommy Tuberville became the first Red Raider coach to win a bowl game in his first season. Tech’s Taylor Potts passed for 369 yards, completing 77 percent of his lobs. A crowd of 40,121 attended the game in Dallas.

McGloin was McOff (in the Outback Bowl) – Florida 37, Penn State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Penn State 26). In a fairly tight contest, Florida’s Ahmad Black turned a pass interception into an 80-yard touchdown run with 0:55 remaining to seal the game for the Gators. Urban Meyer had to like that. Black was always one of his favorite players. Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin was a total disaster – throwing five interceptions. His poor play was the difference for Florida. The Gator offense still looked a bit discombobulated with its three-headed monster. It was a fitting climax to Meyer’s career at Florida. Meyer won 65 games in six seasons with the Gators. A crowd of 60,574 attended the game in Tampa.

Tide washes out the Spartans (in the Capital One Bowl) – Alabama 49, Michigan State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Michigan State 22). Alabama held Michigan State to -48 yards rushing and demolished the Spartans. Where was this Alabama team during a couple other games this season? The Tide had 546 yards of offense to the Spartans’ 171. A crowd of 61,519 attended the game in Orlando.

Bulldogs reel the Rod (in the Gator Bowl) – Mississippi State 52, Michigan 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Mississippi State 31, Michigan 30). I’d say Dan Mullen put a few feathers in his cap. He won’t be leaving Starkville this year, but he won’t be there for long. The game started out close – Michigan led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter. But it was all Miss State after that. A crowd of 68,325 attended the game in Jacksonville.

Purple Badger eaters (in the Rose Bowl) – TCU 21, Wisconsin 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, TCU 23). TCU linebacker Tank Carder knocked down Wisconsin’s pass for a two-point conversion and the Frogs began tooting their Horns. The Badgers scored a touchdown with 2:00 remaining to pull within two. But Carder saved the day for the Frogs. TCU quarterback Andy Dalton played a near-perfect game. The Frogs finish the season undefeated at 13-0. A crowd of 94,118 attended the game in Pasadena.

Landry cleans UConn’s laundry (in the Fiesta Bowl) – Oklahoma 48, Connecticut 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 29, Connecticut 16). Oklahoma built up a 34-10 lead in the third quarter and went on to win by 28 points. OU’s Landry Jones passed for 429 yards. A crowd of 67,232 attended the game in Glendale.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers: Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert – 41-57-2 for 434 yards; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 34-49-1 for 429; Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts – 43-56-1 for 369; Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne – 17-31-0 for 343; Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 28-38-1 for 339, and Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 30-41-0 for 306.

Also, SMU’s Kyle Padron – 23-34-2 for 302; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 22-33-1 for 282; Mississippi State’s Chris Relf – 18-23-1 for 281; San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley – 18-23-0 for 278; N.C. State’s Russell Wilson – 28-45-0 for 275, and East Carolina’s Dominique Davis – 35-57-2 for 268.


Impressive Rushers: San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 228 yards; Iowa’s Marcus Coker – 219 yards; Maryland’s Da’Rel Scott – 200 yards; Syracuse’s Delone Carter – 198 yards, and Toledo’s Adonis Thomas – 193 yards.

Also, Illinois’ Mikel LeShoure – 184 yards; Washington’s Chris Polk – 177 yards; North Carolina’s Shaun Draughn – 160 yards; Florida State’s Chris Thompson – 147 yards, and Boise State’s Doug Martin – 147 yards.


Quotes of the Past Two Weeks

“I’m just assuming he’s going to stay at Stanford. He really likes it there. He loves those players, but you just have to see,” Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, when asked if his brother Jim was going to Michigan.

“I’ve waited a long time to be a head football coach. I’ve paid my dues in this business,” new Temple coach Steve Addazio.

“Who started the crazy rumors?,” Sue Paterno, on the rumors that her husband is retiring.

“If you have to go out, this is the best way to do it,” outgoing Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, after the Military Bowl.

“If I get the itch again, I think somebody will hire me,” outgoing Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, after the Military Bowl.

“We’ll have to re-evaluate a lot of things,” Arizona coach Mike Stoops, after the loss to Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl.

“Hate’s a strong word, so I don’t know if I’d say that. But we really, really, really don’t like him a lot,” Michigan State fan Bill Howard, on Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“I’m embarrassed,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, after the loss to Washington in the Holiday Bowl.

“We’re all disappointed. We didn’t want to finish with a loss. We didn’t want to finish with a losing record. There are reasons why we ended up the way we did. We’ve got to make a change,” Georgia coach Mark Richt, after the loss to UCF in the Liberty Bowl.

“Mark Richt has lost control of this program,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Georgia loses almost annually to Florida. Now it loses to Central Florida. Get ready for 2012: Florida Atlantic is on the schedule,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Does anybody believe Mark Richt can still get it done?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“They’re not looking for him to leave. They don’t want him to leave, but he no longer wants to play at Penn State. He’s not happy at Penn State currently. If it was up to me, he definitely would leave, without a doubt. He’s definitely made it known that he does not want to be there anymore,” Robert Bolden, father of Penn State backup quarterback Rob Bolden


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Mel Tjeerdsma, who won three NCAA Division II national championships at Northwest Missouri State, announced his retirement. The 64-year-old Tjeerdsma is stepping down after 17 years /at the school, where he compiled a 183-32 record. Besides the three championships, his teams played in four other championship games…. Illinois State athletic director Sheahon Zenger has been hired as the new athletic director at Kansas.

Georgia and Ohio State have announced a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2020 and 2021. Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity also has been working on future games against Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State. Notre Dame and Michigan told McGarity they are not interested in playing Georgia. Penn State remains a possibility on future Georgia schedules…. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney fired his offensive coordinator Billy Napier and his running backs coach Andre Powell.


Extra Points

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

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


For auld lang syne

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but with college football fans still hung over from the bowl games and New Year’s celebration, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1936 was “The Music Goes Round and Round” by Tommy Dorsey

…70 years ago this week in 1941 was “Frenesi” by Artie Shaw

…65 years ago this week in 1946 was “Symphony” by Freddy Martin

…60 years ago this week in 1951 was “The Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page

…55 years ago this week in 1956 was “Sixteen Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford

…50 years ago this week in 1961 was “Wonderland by Night” by Bert Kaempfert

…45 years ago this week in 1966 was “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles

…40 years ago this week in 1971 was “My Sweet Lord/Isn’t It a Pity” by George Harrison

…35 years ago this week in 1976 was “Saturday Night” by The Bay City Rollers

…30 years ago this week in 1981 was “(Just Like) Starting Over” by John Lennon

…25 years ago this week in 1986 was “Say You, Say Me” by Lionel Ritchie

…20 years ago this week in 1991 was “Justify My Love” by Madonna


Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were seven passings of mention in the last two weeks – Steve Landesberg, Marcia Lewis, Fred Foy, Clay Cole, Bud Greenspan, Billy Taylor and Bernie Wilson.

Steve Landesberg, an actor and comedian with a friendly and often deadpan manner who was best known for his role in the long-running sitcom “Barney Miller,” died two weeks ago in Los Angeles. He was 74. On “Barney Miller,” which ran on ABC from 1975 to 1982, Landesberg played Sgt. Arthur P. Dietrich, an intellectual detective with a quiet manner who seemed to have an unrivaled knowledge of practically any topic that arose, much to the bewilderment of his fellow detectives. Landesberg received three Emmy Award nominations for that role. Stephen Landesberg was born on November 23, 1936, in the New York City. He began his career as a stand-up comic in the late 1960s.

Marcia Lewis, an actress and singer known for bringing a comic brassiness to the Broadway revivals of “Grease” and “Chicago,” died two weeks ago in Nashville. She was 72. Marcia Bernice Lewis was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, outside of Boston, on August 18, 1938. She grew up mostly in Cincinnati, where she attended the University of Cincinnati and became a registered nurse. Lewis played Miss Hannigan in the original Broadway run of “Annie” and Golde in the 1990 revival of “Fiddler on the Roof.” On television, she appeared in “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Baretta,” “Happy Days,” “Kate and Allie,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Goodtime Girls” and the mini-series “Rich Man, Poor Man.”

Fred Foy, the announcer and narrator of the “Lone Ranger” show, died two weeks ago at his home in Woburn, Massachusetts. He was 89. “A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hi-Yo Silver.” Three times a week on the radio, those words and the voice behind them captivated generations of Americans. For a decade, first on the radio and then on television, Foy was the man who intoned those gallant lines. Foy became the announcer and narrator of the “Lone Ranger” radio show in 1948 and remained with the show until it went off the air in the mid-1950s. He provided the same services for the “Lone Ranger” TV show from its inception in 1949 to its demise in 1957. On the radio, Foy was also the announcer for “The Green Hornet” and “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.” Fredrick William Foy was born and grew up in Detroit on March 27, 1921. After graduating from high school, he went to work for WMBC, a local radio station. In 1942, he joined WXYZ in Detroit. Serving in the Army during World War II, Foy was an announcer for Armed Forces Radio in Cairo, Egypt. He returned to WXYZ after the war.

Clay Cole, whose dance program “The Clay Cole Show” had a loyal following among adolescent television viewers in the New York area in the 1960s and gave many groups, including the Rolling Stones, early exposure on American television, died two weeks ago at his home on Oak Island, North Carolina. He was 72. From 1959 through 1967, Cole offered teenagers a concentrated dose of their own culture on his show, which was initially broadcast on Saturday nights on WNTA (Channel 13). After WNTA’s license was sold in 1963, the show moved to WPIX (Channel 11), where it was renamed “Clay Cole’s Diskotek” in October 1965. Like Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” which reached a national audience, “The Clay Cole Show,” taped before a studio audience, featured a regular cast of young dancers who moved to the latest Top 10 records and thrilled to the sight of pop stars lip-synching their hits. Cole’s show was one of the first to present Dion, the Four Seasons, Dionne Warwick, Richie Havens, Simon & Garfunkel, the Doors, Neil Diamond, the Young Rascals and the Who. Cole was born Albert Franklin Rucker Jr. on January 1, 1938, in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in nearby Hubbard, Ohio.

Bud Greenspan, who wrote, produced and directed uplifting documentaries about the Olympic and its athletes facing triumph and tragedy, died two weeks ago at his home in New York City. He was 84. From “16 Days of Glory” about the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, to the upcoming documentary about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, his films consisted of profiles of athletes – some stars, some unknowns – bracketed by the opening and closing ceremonies. The athletes told their stories, accompanied by narration. Greenspan, whose given name was Jonah, was born on September 18, 1926 and grew up in New York City. He attended New York University while working at WMGM Radio (known at other times as WHN), served as an Army intelligence officer late in World War II and then returned to the station, where he became its sports director at age 21.

Billy Taylor, a jazz pianist and composer who was also an eloquent spokesman and advocate for jazz as well as a familiar presence for many years on television and radio, died on last week in New York City. He was 89 and lived in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Taylor probably had a higher profile on television than any other jazz musician of his generation. He had a long run as a cultural correspondent on the CBS News program “Sunday Morning” and was the musical director of David Frost’s syndicated nighttime talk show from 1969 to 1972. William Edward Taylor Jr. was born in Greenville, North Carolina, on July 24, 1921, and grew up in Washington, DC.

Bernie Wilson, who sang baritone for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died last week in Voorhees, New Jersey. He was 64. Harold Melvin and the Blue notes had such hits as “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “The Love I Lost,” among others in the 1970s.