On a lazy Friday afternoon at work some 16 years ago, I sat at my PC and began to write. If memory serves me right, it was the Friday before Labor Day weekend. Hit with a crazy inspiration, I wrote a brief commentary on seven college football games to be played that weekend. Each commentary was sprinkled with dose of humor.
Having completed my task, I then e-mailed my composition to 12 acquaintances – mostly fellow workers. The 12 recipients, along with myself, represented fans of Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, Duke, Purdue and West Virginia – hence, the seven commentaries.
Little did I realize then that what I wrote would become a weekly labor of love for the remainder of that football season – thanks to the encouragement of those 12 original recipients. Nor did I ever imagine in my wildest dreams that it would still be going today. And unthinkable that each weekly exercise would eventually grow from about a page and a half of text to several pages each week, and from 12 readers to more than 700 recipients (and countless, unknown others that it has been forwarded, and forwarded and forwarded to). Not to mention the several thousand who began reading it via my on-line blog last season (www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com).
Along the way, what began in 1995, eventually took on the name “College Football Week.” My wife became Swamp Mama and Swamp Mama gave me the name Touchdown Tom. In 1998, Touchdown Tom began a weekly, 30-minute radio show on WMMB (1240 AM). Originally working with commentator Larry Brewer, the show continues today with commentator Bill Mick.
And, as College Football Week grew, it developed into an established format – a format that has remained basically the same for several years. The seven teams of the 12 original recipients are now the “Ye Olde Stomping Grounds.”
A week from today – August 15 – College Football Week will begin its 17th season. For the next 23 weeks, you can take an interesting trip, following the world of college football as seen through the eyes of Touchdown Tom and his accomplices Swamp Mama, Rockledge Gator and Bootsie. CFW is simply everything college football and then some. You can follow it at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.
“So, spread the word around,
Guess who’s back in town”
“I said the boys are back in town”
College football and CFW are back. Preseason practice has begun at all 120 Division I-A colleges.
Touchdown Tom
August 8, 2011
For the long-time readers who need to reminisce, and for the first-time readers who need an introduction, below is an abridged, weekly trip through the 2010 season of CFW.
College Football Week – Preseason and Counting Down to Kickoff
So, the Big Ten is the Big 12,
And the Big 12 is the Big Ten
(August 16, 2010) Not quite, but the Pac-10 is the Pac-12. And, at one point, it looked like the Big 12 was going to become Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” – and then there were none.
And so, Touchdown Tom wrote about the conference shake-ups that took place during the off-season.
Then TT provided his annual preview of the upcoming quarterbacks for the 2010 season, along with the new coaches and the coaches on the hot seat. And, of course, there were the quotes of the off-season.
A sampling of last year’s “Quotes of the Off-Season
“Some Gator fans plan to rent a billboard in Tallahassee to remind the Seminoles, ‘It’s been more than 2,000 days since FSU last beat Florida in football!’ If FSU fans had a sense of humor, they would construct a retaliatory billboard in Gainesville: ‘Yeah, but it’s been less than 2 days since a UF football player got arrested!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Still can’t believe the NFL is going to have a Super Bowl in New Jersey. Isn’t that sort of like having your daughter’s Sweet 16 party at a biker bar?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
"Take Your Big Red and Shove It,” sign outside an Austin, Texas, restaurant, when Nebraska announced it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten.
"Take Your Big Red and Shove It,” sign outside an Austin, Texas, restaurant, when Nebraska announced it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten.
“And now let’s listen in on a future Big 12 budget meeting where Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds is divvying up the TV revenue: ‘Two for us, one for you! Two for us, one for you! Two for us, one for you!’,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Lindsay Lohan is going to jail. Her big mistake: Not getting arrested in Gainesville,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I’m not just some face or swimsuit girl thrown into a sideline role,” Jenn Brown, who is replacing Erin Andrews as ESPN’s new college football sideline commentator.
“Tennessee doesn’t just have a football problem, it has an image problem,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“FSU and Clemson went from Bobby and Tommy to Jimbo and Dabo. Just a hint if you want a coaching job,” from the Tallahassee Democrat.
College Football Week – Still Preseason, But the Landing Gear is Down
“FSU and Clemson went from Bobby and Tommy to Jimbo and Dabo. Just a hint if you want a coaching job,” from the Tallahassee Democrat.
College Football Week – Still Preseason, But the Landing Gear is Down
What It Was, Was Football?
Or, You Can Take FIFA
and Shove It Up Your Vuvuzela
(August 23, 2010) During his annual review of the off-season, Touchdown Tom commented on, among other events, the disaster that was World Cup in South Africa, where the fans were more interested in blowing obnoxious horns than watching the game on the field. The off-season began with Lane Kiffin running out on Tennessee and Urban Meyer playing mind games with Florida. It ended with two firings – one in Georgia and the other in Arkansas. Georgia AD Damon Evans got fired for getting pulled over by the cops with a pair of women’s panties in his crotch and Arkansas radio reporter Renee Gork was fired for wearing a Gator ball cap to a Bobby Petrino interview. At least Evans was more politically correct – the panties were red.
Then TT previewed the top teams, running backs, wide receivers and other players for the 2010 season.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“The best thing about ‘Playboy’ playmate Shanna McLaughlin doing the sexy photo spread in UCF’s locker room? Now maybe Tiger Woods will become a Knights’ season-ticket holder,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week One – Five Straight Days of Football
Oh Sweet Blindness
(August 30, 2010) Touchdown Tom and Oregon State lineman Tyler Patrick Thomas were psyched for the start of the college football season. Touchdown Tom and Swamp Mama threw a kickoff party, while Thomas, the Beavers’ offensive lineman, was caught nude in a stranger’s home. When police arrived, Thomas got down in the three-point stance and charged the officers. One of the cops pulled out his stun gun and tazed Thomas. Police reported that Thomas was totally intoxicated. Fortunately, no one got totally intoxicated at Touchdown Tom and Swamp Mama’s kickoff party.
After 40 seasons with Bobby Bowden, Florida State was opening the season under a new coach – Jimbo Fisher, while in Athens, Georgia was introducing a new Uga – Uga VIII. Southern Miss at South Carolina was the season opener. Three of the biggest games on tap for opening weekend were Boise State vs. Virginia Tech, Oregon State vs. TCU and LSU vs. North Carolina.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“And that roaring applause you heard Monday was pancake house waitresses and porn queens across the world rejoicing. Tiger is single again!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Dear NFL, I apologize for tweeting during the game but that was two months of my Bugatti payments you just took from me. I won’t do it again,” Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, on his $25,000 fine from the NFL for tweeting during a game.
“Fired might be a little too strong. Pushed out ain’t bad. I was definitely pushed out, no doubt about it. I didn’t want but one more year. Gosh, I’m 80,” Bobby Bowden, on his departure from Florida State.
College Football Week Two – Canes-Buckeyes, Nittany Lions-Tide
Too Late, To Turn Back Now
(September 7, 2010) College football season was underway and Touchdown Tom reported it was “Too Late, To Turn Back Now.” With some of the scores and exciting games from opening weekend, we were already falling in love with the season. Boise State beat Virginia Tech, TCU beat Oregon State and LSU beat North Carolina. And Jacksonville State upset Ole Miss and North Dakota State upset Kansas.
But while America was under attack from bed bugs, college football season was off and running and we were ready for week two. Three of the biggest games on tap for week two were Penn State at Alabama, Florida State at Oklahoma and Georgia at South Carolina.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Dadgum. That’s a lot of tickets,” Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher when told that 15,000 tickets for the Samford-Florida State game in Tallahassee were still unsold six days before the game.
“But when potentially nine football players get arrested between spring and opening kickoff, something is wrong. Bottom line: This falls on Mark Richt. It’s his program. It’s his responsibility. It’s on his watch. He doesn’t have to be the one drinking-and-driving. Or hitting-and-running. Or drinking-and-groping. Richt recruited these guys. Richt signed these guys. Richt is the one who ultimately determined, ‘These players will represent the University of Georgia well.’ Either he is picking too many of the wrong guys, or he’s not saying or doing enough of the right things when they get here. But don’t deny the problem,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“If Georgia State never wins another game or scores another point, the Panthers and their fans can say this: On Sept. 2, 2010, a start-up college-football program outdrew a first-place big-league baseball club head to head. On its first time out of the box, GSU served notice that there’s enthusiasm in this city for this brand new team,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley, on Georgia State’s first ever football game, which outdrew the Atlanta Braves game (by 6,000) also taking place in Atlanta on the same night.
“Stuff happens,” Florida quarterback John Brantley, on the Gators’ sloppy win over Miami (Ohio).
College Football Week Three – Iowa at Arizona, Clemson at Auburn
Expect the Unexpected
(September 13, 2010) After the first two weeks of the season, Touchdown Tom was a confirmed believer that we can expect the unexpected in 2010. Kansas, a team that lost to North Dakota State the week before, beats Georgia Tech, 28-25. South Dakota, a team that lost to UCF 38-7 the first week, beats Minnesota, 41-38. Gardner-Webb upsets Akron, 38-37.
Marshall, a team that lost to Ohio State 45-7 the week before, leads West Virginia 21-6 with 5:20 left in the game, before losing the contest to WVU in overtime, 24-21. Oklahoma, who barely beat Utah State the first week, throttles Florida State, 47-17. Oklahoma State, who beat Washington State 65-17 the week before, hangs on to barely edge Troy, 41-38. And Alabama beat Penn State and South Carolina beat Georgia.
A sophomore quarterback at Michigan – Denard Robinson – was attracting attention, while Tennessee coach Derek Dooley revealed that he had to teach his players how to take showers and wash themselves with soap. Three of the biggest games on tap for week three were Iowa at Arizona, Texas at Texas Tech and Clemson at Auburn.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Don’t burn the Quran, burn Steve Addazio’s playbook,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, on Florida’s offensive coordinator.
“With Daytona International Speedway in the process of being repaved, track officials buried a time capsule at the start-finish line the other day. Here are the three mementos I would have put in the capsule to remind future generations of what NASCAR used to be like: (1) A naked-lady mud flap, (2) A Confederate flag halter top and (3) A framed photograph of Dale Earnhardt Jr. crossing the finish line in 14th place,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Tim Tebow’s NFL debut: Two yards and a cloud of lust,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 4 – Mark Dantonio suffers a mild heart attack
A Week of One Liners,
and Some Excellent Football Too
(September 20, 2010) Touchdown Tom reported that it was the week of one liners – from “Home of the Sooners,” to “Jeter’s a cheater,” to “Jeter’s not a cheater,” to “Time to Die,” to “Enough’s enough,” to “53 men’s packages.” We also had some excellent football games too.
Clemson led Auburn 17-0, but the Clem Tigers lost to the Aub Tigers, 27-24 in overtime. Michigan State faked a field goal attempt and scored a touchdown to beat Notre Dame, 34-31 in overtime. And in Tucson, Arizona led Iowa 27-7 at the half. But the Hawkeyes came storming back to tie the game 27-27 in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats scored in the final minutes of the game to win, 34-27. Texas beat Texas Tech, 24-14. Arkansas beat Georgia in a wild game, 31-24. Also, Florida beat Tennessee and Florida State downed BYU.
The biggest games on tap for week four were Alabama at Arkansas, Oregon State at Boise State, South Carolina at Auburn and West Virginia at LSU. Meanwhile, TT, Swamp Mama and family were scheduled to attend the Kentucky-Florida game in Gainesville.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“ ‘Time to die.’ Those three words should make Florida coach Urban Meyer’s decision simple. If star wide receiver Chris Rainey indeed sent that three-word death threat to a girlfriend, Meyer must boot him off the team. Meyer has said in the past that he has daughters and therefore he does not tolerate crimes against women. If he is serious about such a stance — and I believe he is — then he has no choice. Chris Rainey allegedly threatened to kill a woman. End of story. End of college career,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Question: Does Urban Meyer need to check the Gators’ schedule first to see how long he thinks they can do without one of their starting receivers? Because it seems to me when a football program is accumulating arrests and one player admits to police that he sent a text message to his (ex-)girlfriend with an assumed death threat, reading, ‘Time to Die Bitch,’ the case is fairly cut and dried. Chris Rainey should be gone,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said a few days ago when opening the Middle East peace talks: ‘People with a history of conflict can learn to live together.’ My question: Was she talking about Israel and Palestine or Butch Van Gundy and Pat Riley? But, seriously, I don't know about you, but I think this war of words between Van Gundy and Riley is the best thing to happen to the NBA since the Laker Girls. But Van Gundy better be careful: Riley's already run him out of one job,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week Five – Florida-Alabama; Stanford-Oregon
No longer mascotless at Ole Miss
(September 27, 2010) Touchdown Tom knew it wasn’t a word, but what could he say. After not having a mascot for seven years, Ole Miss finally got a new mascot. Back in 2003, Ole Miss decided to dump Col. Sanders….I mean…..Col. Reb as a mascot. Then the school went seven years without a mascot. Finally, in 2010, Ole Miss officially became the Black Bears. In a vote among students, faculty and alums, the Black Bears beat out the Land Sharks, the Lions, the Horses and the Hotty Toddies. Personally, TT thought Ole Miss should have become the Magnolias – the Ole Miss Magnolias. But as TT pointed out, at least Ole Miss has a mascot, unlike Illinois who is still the Banned Indians.
TT was saddened by the loss of his N.C. State neighbor – Brent Stancil – who, along with family, moved to Maryland. And TT wrote about the weekend in Gainesville at the Kentucky-Florida game. Alabama beat Arkansas, Boise State beat Oregon State, LSU beat West Virginia and Auburn beat South Carolina.
Big games coming up in week five were Florida at Alabama, Stanford at Oregon, Oklahoma vs. Texas, Wisconsin at Michigan State and Penn State at Iowa.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Georgia opened this week as an underdog to Mississippi State, which is somewhat like the Ukraine opening as an underdog to Lichtenstein. These Dogs haven’t lost to those Dogs since 1974 (1951 in Starkville, when bread was 16 cents. Starkville looked the same, though.),” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“It will also be the best party in all of college football this weekend. Both sides win the party. LSU wins the game,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Tony Barnhart, on the West Virginia-LSU game.
“There’s no other way to say it: Mark Richt is in trouble at UGA,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
Football Week Six – Spartans-Wolverines; Tide-Gamecocks
Rumors, an update and old friends
bring together a great football week
(October 4, 2010) Rumors were rampant – Mike Leach might return to coaching at New Mexico and TCU might join the Big East. Touchdown Tom and Rockledge Gator ran into old friend Roger Shannon. And TT was reminded of his Mobile Press-Register friends, as he read in the USA Today about Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile being the best place in Alabama for a hamburger. TT had many hamburgers at Callaghan’s with his friends from The Press-Register.
Alabama beat Florida, Oregon beat Stanford, Oklahoma beat Texas, Michigan State beat Wisconsin and Iowa beat Penn State. Tennessee and LSU had a donnybrook. The Tigers won 16-14 on the last play of the game – a play given to LSU due to a Tennessee penalty – 13 men on the field. Michigan beat Indiana in a wild game, 42-35.
The biggest games on tap for week six were Michigan State at Michigan, Alabama at South Carolina, LSU at Florida and Nebraska at Kansas State.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“A new report ties an agent with a former Tar Heels assistant coach, John Blake, who resigned three weeks ago. I would say the NCAA is about to bring down the Tar Heels, but that would suggest Butch Davis ever did much to prop them up,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“I’m not saying attendance has reached a crisis point yet in Tallahassee, but a Seminole buddy of mine was at the mall the other day and parked his car with two FSU tickets sitting on the dashboard. When he came back out, his car had been broken into and there were four FSU tickets sitting on the dashboard,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“What’s this – Alberto Contador, yet another winner of cycling’s Tour de Farce, has tested positive for a banned drug? This might be the least-surprising news since Lindsay Lohan fell off the wagon,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
How bad was David Hasselhoff before he got eliminated on “Dancing with the Stars?” Well, let me put it this way: I haven’t seen such disjointed human motion since Jeff Bowden’s Florida State offense,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week Seven – Buckeyes, Auburn to be Tested
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
What a wild and crazy day
(October 11, 2010) Yes, South Carolina knocked off Alabama, 35-21. It was one of the biggest wins in Gamecock history. On the downside, South Carolina lost its SC trademark battle with Southern California. The courts ruled that the Trojans are the real SC. That has the high point for Southern California, as the Trojans lost to Stanford, 37-35. Michigan State beat Michigan, LSU beat Florida and Nebraska beat Kansas State.
Hottest games on tap for week seven were Ohio State at Wisconsin, Arkansas at Auburn, Iowa at Michigan and Texas at Nebraska.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“What’s wrong with UGA? Sad to say, it starts with Mark Richt,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
“Richt’s job should be in jeopardy. Why? Because not only are the Bulldogs not very good, but there is no sign that they are getting better,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Butch Davis apologized this week for “trusting” his excommunicated assistant, John Blake, who’s accused of running for an agent, which suggests he knew nothing about the actions of his assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. Let me translate: “I’ve never seen my left arm before. My right arm and I were over here sipping a latte during that bank holdup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Mark Richt can use a sedative. His team has lost four straight and he’s so lost for ideas that he had the Dogs practice in pads this week, and is taking the advice of a caller to his weekly radio show who suggested he lead his players onto the field. I’m thinking of that scene in Animal House when the Delta House crashes the Homecoming Parade and leads the band into an alley and a brick wall,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“Les Miles is that guy who could walk across the freeway, stop to pick up a nickel, continue, stop to admire a crow on a power line, continue, turn around and go back home because he forgot he left his glasses, cross the freeway again while humming, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” and somehow not get touched as drivers swerve into a 37-car pileup,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“What do sandcastles and the Gators have in common? They both look great until the Tide rolls in,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 8 -- Minnesota Fires Tim Brewster
Seven Down and Seven to Go
(October 18, 2010) It was mid-season – seven weeks down and seven to go. The first firing of the season occurred. Minnesota canned Tim Brewster. Florida was a measly 4-3 at mid season. Georgia was also hurting at 3-4. On the up side, Auburn and LSU were 7-0, and Mississippi State was a surprising 5-2. Touchdown Tom reviewed and commented on each of the conferences at mid-season.
Wisconsin beat Ohio State, Auburn beat Arkansas, Iowa downed Michigan and Texas knocked off Nebraska.
The big games on tap for week eight included LSU at Auburn, Oklahoma at Missouri, Nebraska at Oklahoma State and Wisconsin at Iowa.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Not to interrupt the euphoria in Pigville, but has it occurred to anybody that Arkansas’ wins have come over Tennessee Tech (2-4), Louisiana-Monroe (2-3), Georgia (2-4) and Texas A&M (3-2), and it lost to the only good team it has played (Alabama)?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“I’m not saying that SEC football has international ramifications, but my operatives tell me that these were the first words that came from the mouth of one of the Chilean miners after the rescue: ‘The only person more fortunate than we are today is Les Miles,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Strange but true stat of the week: Ron Zook’s offense is ranked No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring and Urban Meyer’s is ranked No. 87,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Ole Miss has replaced the controversial Colonel Reb mascot with a bear wearing slacks. In other words, the Rebels have gone from politically incorrect to zoologically inconceivable,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Brett Favre bio addendum: NFL all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes and penis pictures,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I thought their fans hung in there with them. But I could feel some of their fans, when we got up 10-0 thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding, not again,’” Texas coach Mack Brown, on the Nebraska fans.
College Football Week 9 – Ducks, Mizzou and Spartans Face Challenge
No. 1 is a Dangerous Position
(October 25, 2010) Touchdown Tom said being No. 1 is dangerous. Just ask Alabama, Ohio State and Oklahoma who had already fallen from the top spot. The latest being Oklahoma. The Sooners lost to Missouri. Oregon now sits atop both polls.
Auburn beat LSU, Nebraska topped Oklahoma State and Wisconsin edged Iowa.
Hottest games on tap for week nine were Oregon at USC, Missouri at Nebraska and Michigan State at Iowa.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“He’s a coward, he ruined a bunch of people’s lives, a bunch of families, kids, because he didn’t have enough guts to stay there and finish the job. And that’s the truth. Most people in football have enough courage about them and enough fight to stick it out and not quit halfway through the year. It’s cowardly. He’s a gutless bastard. You can quote that,” Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, on Bobby Petrino, his former boss at the Atlanta Falcons.
“Hey, just think, if Auburn Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Newton had sent a threatening text message to his girlfriend instead of throwing a stolen laptop out the window, he might be the quarterback of the Gators right now,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 10 – TCU-Utah, Bama-LSU, Arizona-Stanford
Time for a Reality Check
(November 1, 2010) College football was entering its final stretch. A number of significant games were played in Week 9. Touchdown Tom commented on them. Oregon beat USC, Nebraska beat Missouri and Iowa beat Michigan State. Also of significance, N.C. State beat Florida State, Penn State beat Michigan, Florida beat Georgia, Baylor beat Texas and Connecticut beat West Virginia.
Big games on tap for week 10 were TCU at Utah, Alabama at LSU, Arizona at Stanford, Baylor at Oklahoma State, Arkansas at South Carolina and Oklahoma at Texas A&M.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“According to legend, or sources close to legend, the origins of Halloween date back over 2000 years when the summer harvest ended and the weather turned cold and the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead were so narrow that SEC football coaches figured it was safe to start recruiting and NCAA executives and college presidents lounged inside their palatial suites that were paid for by network executives and texted each other, ‘Time To Close Our Eyes. Hey, are you going to Urban’s pool party later?’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“It’s the 30th anniversary of Buck Belue to Lindsay Scott. Now let’s advance to more recent decades. The Gators have won 17 of the last 20 meetings. The last two came by a combined score of 90-27, give or take a major organ,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“The note of the year: Dan Mullen (6-2) is bowl eligible before Urban Meyer, Mark Richt, Steve Spurrier and Bobby Petrino. He doesn’t make as much money as the others but there’s that psychic income of living in Starkville,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
College Football Week 11 – Gamecocks-Gators for the SEC East
A Week of Paterno, the Big East,
Cam Newton and Todd Grantham
(November 8, 2010) Touchdown Tom said 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. Penn State coach Joe Paterno became the first coach in Division I-A college football to win 400 games – the Nittany Lions beat Northwestern, 35-21. Meanwhile, the NCAA handed down its charges against Michigan and its coach Rich Rodriguez.
The Big East approved expansion of two more teams for football. Word broke that an agent representing Auburn quarterback Cam Newton had sought money for Newton’s services while he was being recruited by Mississippi State. Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was reprimanded for his trash talk directed at Florida kicker Chas Henry.
TCU beat Utah, LSU beat Alabama, Stanford beat Arizona, Oklahoma State beat Baylor, Arkansas downed South Carolina and Texas A&M stunned Oklahoma.
The hottest games on tap for week 11 were South Carolina at Florida, Penn State at Ohio State, San Diego State at TCU, Mississippi State at Alabama, USC at Arizona and Texas A&M at Baylor.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“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.
“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.
“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.
College Football Week 12 – Buckeyes, Huskers and Badgers Face Tests
‘There ain’t no good guys,
There ain’t no bad guys’
(November 15, 2010) In his annual “what year was it,” Touchdown Tom provided the music, news and college football highlights of 1977.
Meanwhile, fast-forward to 2010, South Carolina beat Florida, Ohio State beat Penn State, TCU squeaked by San Diego State, Alabama beat Mississippi State, USC edged Arizona and Texas A&M dumped Baylor.
The hot games on tap for week 12 were Ohio State at Iowa, Nebraska at Texas A&M, Wisconsin at Michigan, Arkansas at Mississippi State, Virginia Tech at Miami (Florida) and Oklahoma at Baylor.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“This is a character assassination attempt. I think there’s a group of people who have a hidden agenda and don’t want to see him (Cam Newton) as a Heisman nominee, let alone a winner,” Cecil Newton, father of Cam, on the allegations against his son.
“Don’t be sad, Florida fans, be happy. The Gators may not have won the game Saturday night for the right to play for the SEC Championship, but a Gator – the ultimate Gator – still won. And, admit it, there’s a little piece of you that is happy about it. If you’re going to lose your chance to win a championship, aren’t you glad the Eastern Division title is staying in the family?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“God has smiled on the Gamecocks,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, after the win over Florida.
Week 13 – Thanksgiving Week and the games are big!
Cheering Against the Mountaineers
(November 22, 2010) Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and Touchdown Tom went to the Florida game and TT found himself cheering against the Mountaineers – Appalachian State. In Gainesville, the group stayed in their favorite B&B – The Laurel Oak Inn. And got to visit with Innkeepers Peggy and Monta Burt. Also, TT commented on e-mail from readers Greg Walker, Brent Stancil and Barry LeBlanc.
Ohio State edged Iowa, Texas A&M slipped by Nebraska, Wisconsin downed Michigan, Arkansas got by Mississippi State in two overtimes, Virginia Tech spanked Miami (Florida) and Oklahoma trounced Baylor.
The hottest games for week 13 were Auburn at Alabama, Oklahoma at Oklahoma State, LSU at Arkansas and Boise State at Nevada.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Can you believe CBS is developing a sitcom based on national sports talk radio host Colin Cowherd? Let’s just hope this doesn’t start a trend. I mean do we really want to see Paul Finebaum on Dancing With the Stars?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Are we supposed to be excited that Tiger Woods is now on Twitter? Come on, the man hasn’t said anything interesting in 14 years; why would you think he’s going to say anything interesting in 140 characters?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 14 – Six More Coaches Canned Last Week
Thanksgiving Week Drama
(November 29, 2010) Touchdown Tom wrote that 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 and this year was no exception.
Nebraska chancellor Harvey Pearlman verbally reprimanded Husker coach Bo Pelini for Pelini’s antics during the Nebraska-Texas A&M game – a game Nebraska lost, 9-6. In Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee reprimanded pollsters and the BCS for their high regard of Boise State and TCU. He said that Ohio State didn’t play the “Little Sisters of the Poor,” indicating that Boise State and TCU do.
Auburn rallied to beat Alabama, Oklahoma outdistanced Oklahoma State, Arkansas beat LSU and Nevada surprised Boise State. In the annual Backyard Brawl, West Virginia beat Pitt, 35-10, and Florida State dumped Florida, 31-7.
The big games on tap for week 14 were Auburn vs. South Carolina (for the SEC title), Nebraska vs. Oklahoma (for the Big 12 title), Florida State vs. Virginia Tech for the ACC title and Connecticut at South Florida.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“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 Miami Dolphins offense is sort of like those TSA agents: Groping for something explosive but coming up with junk,” 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.
College Football Week 15 – It’s Auburn-Oregon for the Marbles
Big Day for Auburn, Oregon,
Sooners, Hokies and Connecticut
(December 6, 2010) Auburn clobbered South Carolina (SEC), Oregon downed Oregon State (Pac-10), Oklahoma edged Nebraska (Big 12), Virginia Tech thumped Florida State (ACC) and Connecticut survived South Florida (Big East) to win their respective conferences.
Meanwhile, rumors were rampant that Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez would be canned. TCU announced it was joining the Big East. Donald Trump was pushing Miami to hire Mike Leach.
Hottest game for week 15 – Army vs. Navy.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Florida State was impressive last week against Florida, but who wasn’t impressive this year against Florida, except, well, you know. Arf,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“In the Reggie Bush case, when the parent did something inappropriate the kid and the school suffered,” USC athletic director Pat Haden, on the NCAA’s decision regarding Cam Newton.
“If Cam Newton wins the Heisman, the trophy should be recast in honor of Cam’s dad. The guy on top of trophy shouldn’t have his arm out; he should have his hand out,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The United States gets beaten out for the 2022 World Cup by Qatar? This might be the lowest point in American sports since the inception of the Motor City Bowl,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Extra – TT’s Special Bowl Game Preview
O Bowl Games of Comfort and Joy!
(December 10, 2010) In a CFW Extra, Touchdown Tom provided his annual bowl game preview.
College Football Week 16 – Florida gets Muschamp; Miami gets Golden
Rockin’ Around the Crystal Ball
At the Football Party Hop
Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl Rock
Bowl Games Swing and Bowl Games Ring
Predicting and forecasting is bushels of fun
Now that Touchdown Tom’s picks are done
(December 13, 2010) Touchdown Tom provided his annual bowl game predictions.
Texas coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp was named the new coach of the Gators, replacing Urban Meyer who had announced his resignation earlier. Navy beat Army, 31-17. Auburn’s Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy. The runners-up were Stanford’s Andrew Luck, Oregon’s LaMichael James and Boise State’s Kellen Moore.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Why couldn’t Urban Meyer coach and spend time with family,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
"By the way, it’s been three days now and Meyer has not changed his mind. I guess he really means it this time,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 17 – Is Mike Leach headed to Maryland?
Pre-Christmas Happenings,
While Decking the Halls
(December 20, 2010) Touchdown Tom checked out the college football scene in the last days before Christmas. The Big Ten announced that its two new divisions would be known as the Leaders and Legends. Few seemed to like the names. Touchdown Tom thought they should be the Sauers and Krauts or Brats and Wursts. How about the Jaegers and Meisters or the Noodles and Strudels. The Wieners and Schnitzels wouldn’t be bad either. Or Leders and Hosens.
More new coaches were named, while West Virginia named Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen as its new offensive coordinator and head coach-to-be in 2012.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Anyone with the word ‘Champ’ in their name has to be a winner, right?,” former Florida and current Buffalo Bill wide receiver David Nelson, on Will Muschamp, the Gators’ new coach.
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
(January 3, 2011) Touchdown Tom reviewed the bowls played during the Christmas holidays and covered other news from college football – more coaching changes were announced. Meanwhile, TT had his usual share of bourbon balls and buckeyes over the holidays.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Who started the crazy rumors?,” Sue Paterno, on the rumors that her husband is retiring.
“If I get the itch again, I think somebody will hire me,” outgoing Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, after the Military 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.
"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.
“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.
College Football Week 19 – Miles, Hoke main candidates for Michigan
It’s been a long time coming,
but the wait is almost over
(January 10, 2011) On the eve of the national title game, Touchdown Tom said the wait is almost over. We were down to the final bowl game. Meanwhile, Michigan fired Rich Rodriguez. And no one hired Mike Leach.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Andrew Luck is the straw that stirs the drink around here,” Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, on his quarterback after the Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
“Here’s all you need know about Charlie Weis: He turned Brady Quinn into a first-round draft pick. Good grief, if he can do that, he can turn John Brantley into John Unitas, Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Charlie Weis succeeding Steve Addazio? Are you kidding me? This is like William Faulkner succeeding Dr. Seuss. The Gator playbook just went from ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ to ‘The Sound and the Fury,’ Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Oh yeah, we’ve seen he’s got a lot of dirty plays, throwing people around after the play and things like that.” Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas, on Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, prior to the BCS championship game.
“Football coach Randy Edsall leaves Connecticut to take his ‘dream job’ at Maryland. Dream job – really? Seriously? Maryland is your dream job? Isn’t that sort of like an up-and-coming actress saying her dream gig is to play Frenchy in the Yeehaw Junction Dinner Theater production of ‘Grease?,’ ” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
College Football Week 20 – It’s a Fond Farewell, Until August 15
What Now My Love,
Now That It’s Over
(January 14, 2011) Go Gators, Geaux Tigers, Go Gators, Roll Tide and War Eagle!
Auburn beat Oregon to win the national championship, bringing the SEC its fifth-straight national title. Touchdown Tom reviewed the title game and how the conferences have performed in each of the 13 BCS national title games. With the lyrics of “What Now My Love, Now That It’s Over” setting the tone, TT sadly closed out another college football season.
A sampling of that week’s quotes of the week
“Holy cow! Yesterday, where Mark Richt says, ‘I have been freed from administrative duties to spend more time on football.’ Then I quote him, he said, ‘The moves give me more time to study the game of football and be an expert and be on the cutting edge.’ What has he been doing for nine years? I have never heard any college, high school, professional coach say that he was not able to spend enough time on football,” Former Georgia football player Fran Tarkenton, on Mark Richt.
“Richt is a wonderful guy. He is a good Christian guy. He wants to be a missionary. He goes on missions. That is a wonderful thing. But do you know the religion of Nick Saban? Or Gus Malzahn? Or Chip Kelly? I don’t think we care what their religion is. We hire them to be football coaches. If we are hiring religious instructors, let’s go to the Candler School of Theology over here in Decatur and get some of their people to come and coach our football team,” Former Georgia football player Fran Tarkenton, on Mark Richt.
“Right now our program has had three years of regression, and I don’t see any way this thing is going to get out of the ditch. In the meantime Alabama and Auburn and Tennessee are working and kicking our butts and recruiting people and getting coaches that have spread offenses. I mean, can you imagine? We scored two field goals against Central Florida. I think the signs are that we have a program that is in big trouble,” Former Georgia football player Fran Tarkenton, on Mark Richt and the Georgia program.
“I am pleased to announce that Les Miles will remain the head coach at LSU. Les has led this program to many great successes on the field and his players represent LSU well off the field. We look forward to many great years of LSU football under his leadership,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva, on Miles decision to remain at LSU.
“We are pleased to announce the hiring of Brady. He is a terrific coach and will be a great ambassador and leader for our football program. We look forward to having him build a championship program on the field and in the classroom,” Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon, on the Wolverines new football coach Brady Hoke.
“We’ll be the most explosive team in the country,” new Pitt coach Todd Graham.
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