Monday, September 26, 2011

It was deja vu in the Big 12

College Football Week Five – Nebraska’s First Big Ten Game

It was déjà vu in the Big 12

Or as Yogi Berra would have said, “It’s like déjà vu all over again in the Big 12.”

Two weeks ago, everyone was convinced the Big 12 was finished.  Kaput.  A gonner.

Texas A&M announced it was leaving the conference to join the SEC.  The Aggies announced departure spawned reports that Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech were soon to become members of the Pac-12, making it the Pac-16.  Like Texas A&M, Missouri also would be off to the SEC, while Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas and Kansas State would become orphans, left on the doorstep.  And the Big 12 would be no more.

Serious discussions began between Texas and Oklahoma and the Pac-12.  Texas wanted entry into the Pac-12 on its terms, while the Pac-12 would only accept Texas on Pac-12 terms.  Meanwhile, back in the heartland, presidents and athletic directors of the other Big 12 schools were working hard to keep the conference together.

Sound familiar?  It should.  Less than two years before, in 2010, the Big 12 went through a similar scenario.  It began when Nebraska announced it was leaving the conference for the Big Ten.  Nebraska’s announcement spawned reports that Colorado, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech would join the Pac-10, making it the Pac-16.  Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri would be left to wander in the desert.  Again, the Big 12 would be no more.  The conference was doomed.

But the Big 12 schools and the Pac-10 couldn’t come to an agreement on the terms of their membership.  Meanwhile, back in the heartland, there was work going on behind the scenes to keep the Big 12 together.  Of the five schools that were headed for the Pac-10, only Colorado agreed to join.  Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech decided to stay home.  The Pac-10 then reached out to Utah from the Mountain West Conference.  With Colorado and Utah as new members, the Pac-10 became the Pac-12.

The Big 12, losing Nebraska and Colorado, became a 10-team conference, but decided to remain in name the Big 12.   

Last week, we learned that Texas and the Pac-12 couldn’t come to terms again.  And when the Big 12 schools mutually agreed to get rid of the conference’s commissioner Dan Beebe, we learned the Big 12 was saved, yet again.  Only Texas A&M would leave, as originally scheduled, and the other nine members would remain together.  A committee was formed to find a replacement for Texas A&M.  Former Big Eight commissioner Chuck Neinas was named, on an interim basis, as Beebe’s replacement.  So again last week, as in 2010, we learned the Big 12 would live to play another day.  At least for awhile.  Oh, what’s that you say, Mizzou?  Stay tuned.

Speaking of the Big 12, one of Saturday’s most exciting games took place, in all places, in College Station, Texas, between Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.  The Cowboys, trailing the Aggies 20-3 at halftime, scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to take a 24-20 lead over Texas A&M. 

Okie State added two field goals in the fourth quarter to increase its lead to 10 points – 30-20.  Then the Aggies scored with 02:20 on the clock and pulled within three points – 30-27.  As time expired, Texas A&M got a safety, but lost to the Cowboys, 30-29.  The two quarterbacks – Okie State’s Brandon Weeden and A&M’s Ryan Tannehill – combined for 747 yards passing, but Tannehill threw three interceptions.  Weeden completed 78 percent of his passes. 

And speaking of déjà vu, last year Texas A&M led Okie State 21-7 at the half.  Then the Cowboys came back in the second half, outscoring the Aggies 31-14 to win an exciting game, 38-35.  This year’s game was “Déjà vu all over again,” as Yogi would say.  By the way, at Saturday’s game, Oklahoma State fans attending the game in College Station were chanting “Big12, Big 12, Big 12,” as the final seconds ticked away.

The Oklahoma State-Texas A&M game Saturday was one of seven games pitting undefeated teams against each other.  In Tuscaloosa, Alabama left no doubt who was boss, as the Tide beat Arkansas, 38-14.  Another SEC team sent a message loud and clear.  On the road in Morgantown, LSU used its offense, defense and special teams to wipe out West Virginia’s hopes of an upset.  The Tigers beat the Mountaineers, 47-21.

South Carolina used its defense to put down Vanderbilt, 21-3.  In a big affair in the ACC, Georgia Tech held off North Carolina, 35-28.  Nebraska, slow at the start, knocked off Wyoming, 38-14.  And in one more game involving unbeaten teams, Michigan put down San Diego State, 28-7.

Four other undefeated teams lost Saturday.  USC was no contest for Arizona State in the fourth quarter.  The Sun Devils beat the Trojans, 43-22.  Also, in the Pac-12, California lost its first game.  Washington beat the Golden Bears, 31-23.  Ohio fell to Rutgers, 38-26, and Florida International was upset, losing its first game.  Louisiana-Lafayette beat the Panthers, 36-31.

Twelve other teams remained undefeated.  Clemson held on, in an exciting game, to beat Florida State, 35-30.  Oklahoma subdued Missouri, 38-28.  Florida ran rough-shod over Kentucky.  The Gators beat the Wildcats, 48-10.  Kansas State moved to 3-0, knocking off Miami (Florida), 28-24.  Baylor upended Rice, 56-31.  Boise State and Kellen Moore are still looking good.  The Broncos blasted Tulsa, 41-21.

Virginia Tech spanked Marshall, 30-10.  In the Southwest, Texas Tech scored in the closing seconds to beat Nevada, 35-34.  South Florida downed UTEP, 52-24.  In Champaign, Illinois rallied to beat Western Michigan, 23-20.  Also in the Big Ten, Wisconsin pounded South Dakota, 59-10.  And finally, Houston remained undefeated.  The Cougars dumped Georgia State, 56-0.

Thursday night, Cincinnati shut down N.C. State.  The Bearcats beat the Wolfpack, 44-14.  The next night, BYU got by UCF, 24-17.  Among a few other interesting games, Temple surprised Maryland, 38-7.  Notre Dame slipped by Pitt, 15-12.  In a strange game in the Carrier Dome, Syracuse beat Toledo in overtime, 33-30.  But during regulation, the Orange were given the benefit of a bad call when a missed extra point kick was ruled good.  After the game, the Big East apologized for the mistake.

In the Sun Belt Conference, Troy beat Middle Tennessee in an exciting game.  The Trojans beat the Blue Raiders, 38-35.  And finally, Georgia won and moved to 2-2 on the season.  The Dawgs beat Ole Miss, 27-13.

Eleven undefeated teams lost Saturday, while 22 teams remain undefeated.  Three undefeated teams, Iowa State, Stanford and Texas, had the week off.  Texas and Iowa State meet this week in Ames.   

Only four weeks into the season and already the first coach has been fired.  New Mexico fired coach Mike Locksley.  The Lobos are 0-4 and lost Saturday to FCS Sam Houston State, 48-45 in overtime.  Locksley was 2-26 in less than three full seasons at New Mexico. 

In addition to New Mexico, two other FBS teams lost to FCS teams Saturday.  Minnesota lost to North Dakota State, 37-24, and UNLV fell to Southern Utah, 41-16. 

Some reflections on Week 4:  I’m beginning to think that coming into the season, Georgia Tech may have been the most underrated team.  And I’m beginning to think that Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma belong in a league of their own.  We’ll see.

LSU is now No. 1 in the Coaches Poll.  The Tigers are followed by Oklahoma and Alabama.  Oklahoma remains No. 1 in the AP Poll.  The Sooners are followed by Alabama and LSU. 

My favorite quarterbacks this week were: Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden, Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, Baylor’s Robert Griffin and Michigan’s Denard Robinson.

My favorite running backs were: Oregon’s LaMichael James, San Jose State’s Brandon Rutley, Nebraska’s Rex Burkhead, Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead and Temple’s Bernard Pierce.  

Sunday afternoon, Swamp Mama went to a place near Melbourne called the Funky Chicken Farm.  Don’t ask me any questions.  But doesn’t that sound like a place Rockledge Gator would visit.    

Touchdown Tom
September 26, 2011      


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  GameDazed – LSU 47, West Virginia 21 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 23, West Virginia 17).  The Tigers were poised; the Mountaineers were dazed.  Poor special teams play, poor defense, turnovers and an inconsistent offense plagued the Eers.  Dana Holgorsen has a lot of work to do.  The Mounties were not ready for prime time.  A crowd of 62,056 attended the game in Morgantown.

RUNNER UP:  Tide slops the Hogs – Alabama 38, Arkansas 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Arkansas 26).  Do you think Arkansas fans understand that the Razorbacks will always be an also ran in the SEC as long as Bobby Petrino is coach?  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

REST OF THE BEST:  Take that, AggiesOklahoma State 30, Texas A&M 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 31, Oklahoma State 29).  The Aggies dominated the first half (led 20-3); the Cowboys dominated the second half – outscored the Aggies, 27-9.  Brandon Weeden was sensational; Ryan Tannehill was everything but.  A crowd of 87,358 attended the game in College Station.

Dabo dabs Jimbo – Clemson 35, Florida State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 26, Florida State 23).  This contest was a classic battle of the quarterbacks – Clemson’s Tajh Boyd and FSU’s Clint Trickett.  Both were good.  It was a shame one had to lose.  A crowd of 82,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Landry makes seafood out of the Tigers – Oklahoma 38, Missouri 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 29, Missouri 16).  Landry Jones threw two interceptions, but passed for 448 yards, as the Sooners revenged last year’s loss to the Tigers.  A crowd of 85,547 attended the game in Norman.  Mizzou had its fair share of yards – 532.   

The Devil made Kiffin lose it – Arizona State 43, USC 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, USC 30).  This was a tight ballgame until the fourth quarter.  USC suffered four turnovers.  A crowd of 61,495 attended the game in Tempe.

Commodores are Chicken feed – South Carolina 21, Vanderbilt 3 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Vanderbilt 15).  The Gamecocks are still looking for an offense, but at least they found their defense.  Vandy, no slouch this year, was held to 150 yards.  A crowd of 77,015 attended the game in Columbia.

Stung in the Heel – Georgia Tech 35, North Carolina 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 24).  The Jackets couldn’t shake loose from the Heels.  Giovani Bernard – 155 yards rushing – kept UNC hanging around.  A crowd of 46,849 attended the game in Atlanta.

Moore of it – Boise State 41, Tulsa 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 42, Tulsa 17).  Tulsa couldn’t stop Kellen Moore – 289 yards passing.  A crowd of 34,019 attended the game in Boise.

LaDuck – Oregon 56, Arizona 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 30, Arizona 19).  LaMichael James finally had the game every Duck fan has been waiting for this season – 288 yards rushing.  Late in the second quarter, Oregon led, 35-3.  A crowd of 56,096 attended the game in Tucson.

The Dempster – Florida 48, Kentucky 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, Kentucky 15).  After playing in the shadows of Chris Rainey this season, Jeff Demps had his breakout game, rushing for 157 yards.  Actually, Rainey didn’t exactly go away.  He added 105 yards rushing.  The Gators didn’t need to pass.  They ran all over the Wildcats.  A crowd of 65,134 attended the game in Lexington.

And here’s to you Mr. Robinson – Michigan 28, San Diego State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, San Diego State 23).  Brady Hoke beat his old team, as Denard Robinson ran for 200 yards.  A crowd of 110,707 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Huskies chew the stuffing out of the Teddy Bears – Washington 31, California 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 30, California 26).  The Huskies handed Cal its first loss of the young season, despite Zach Maynard passing for 349 yards.  A crowd of 60,437 attended the game in Seattle.

Hokie high – Virginia Tech 30, Marshall 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 29, Marshall 14).  The Hokies got through their four non-conference games unscathed.  A crowd of 34,424 attended the game in Huntington.

Cougar Town – BYU 24, UCF 17 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 26, UCF 22).  The Knights had every chance to win the game, but turnovers killed their opportunities.  A crowd of 59,874 attended the game in Provo.

Hot Seat Bowl – Georgia 27, Ole Miss 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 14).  Mark Richt won, while Houston Nutt lost the Hot Seat Bowl.  Aaron Murray and Isaiah Crowell had a banner day for the Dawgs.  Meanwhile, Nutt’s Black Bears looked everything but grizzly.  They were hibernating during most of the game.  A crowd of 58,042 attended the game in Oxford.

Irish give Pitt a fit – Notre Dame 15, Pitt 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 27, Pitt 19).  Notre Dame has some talent, but neither team looked good.  A crowd of 65,050 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

Meow! – Cincinnati 44, N.C. State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 22, N.C. State 20).  So the Wolfpack’s Mike Glennon can pass, but the team can’t run worth a darn – minus 26 yards rushing.  No wonder the Pack has, not one but two, FCS teams on its schedule.  N.C. State should stick to playing Liberty and South Alabama.  A crowd of 28,431 attended the game in Cincinnati.

Robbed – Syracuse 33, Toledo 30 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Toledo 21, Syracuse 20).  Syracuse actually lost the game 30-29 in regulation.  But a shady Big East replay official ruled that an obviously missed extra point was good when the play was challenged by Toledo.  The extra point attempt after Syracuse’s last touchdown in regulation sailed left, failing to pass through the uprights.  Officials called the kick good.  The replay official erroneously confirmed their call when the play was reviewed.  After the game, the Big East apologized for the ruling.  A crowd of 39,116 attended the game in Syracuse.

Austin powers – Southern Miss 30, Virginia 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 30, Southern Miss 19).  Just when we thought the Cavs were improving, they obviously aren’t.  The Eagles Austin Davis passed for 313 yards.  A crowd of 43,220 attended the game in Charlottesville.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Tuberville breathes a sigh of relief – Texas Tech 35, Nevada 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 35, Nevada 20).  It was worth keeping an eye on this one.  The Red Raiders, facing a 4th-and-three, with 44 seconds on the clock, scored on a 3-yard pass to win the game.  A crowd of 55,664 attended the game in Lubbock.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Herbie raids Laramie – Nebraska 38, Wyoming 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 33, Wyoming 20).  The Huskers were slow getting out of the starting gate, but once they got going, Wyoming couldn’t stop them.  Rex Burkhead rushed for 170 yards.  A crowd of 32,617 attended the game in Laramie.

Dookies do the Wave – Duke 48, Tulane 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 25, Tulane 24).  Sean Renfree – 278 yards passing – had his second-consecutive big game for the Dookies.  A crowd of 20,138 attended the game in Durham.

Comment:  Maybe LSU should be No. 1.  Regardless, the Tigers, Alabama and Oklahoma may be in a league of their own.  Oklahoma State put on quite a rally and Florida State and Clemson put on quite a show.  USC suffered its first loss.   

I was 20-3 on my weekly picks, which brings my season total to 80-18 (81.6 percent).


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami lost to Kansas State, 28-24.  A crowd of 43,786 attended the game in Miami Gardens….  South Florida beat UTEP 52-24.  A crowd of 39,628 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida Atlantic fell to Auburn, 30-14.  A crowd of 82,249 attended the game in Auburn….  Florida International was upset by Louisiana-Lafayette, 36-31.  A crowd of 16,780 attended the game in Miami.

Bethune-Cookman outlasted Hampton, 35-31.  A crowd of 4,765 attended the game in Daytona-Beach….  Florida A&M downed Southern, 38-33.  A crowd of 59,373 attended the game in Atlanta….  Jacksonville U. rattled Campbell, 57-21.  A crowd of 3,752 attended the game in Buies Creek.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 38-65-2 for 463 yards; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 35-48-2-448; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 47-60-0-438; Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz – 30-40-0-424; Houston’s Case Keenum – 29-34-0-415; Middle Tennessee’s Logan Kilgore – 28-48-1-415; Arizona’s Nick Foles – 34-57-0-398; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 24-37-2-371; SMU’s J.J. McDermott – 28-44-1-357, and California’s Zach Maynard – 23-43-0-349.

Also, Troy’s Corey Robinson – 24-38-1 for 348 yards; Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson – 19-25-0-345; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 23-37-1-344; Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 23-36-0-339; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 29-33-0-338; Florida State’s Clint Trickett – 24-38-1-336; N.C. State’s Mike Glennon – 25-36-2-334; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 24-30-0-324; Southern Mississippi’s Austin Davis – 27-41-0-313; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 30-48-1-306, and Washington’s Keith Price – 19-25-0-292.

Also, Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 23-29-0 for 289 yards; New Mexico’s B.R. Holbrook – 19-30-0-289; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 24-40-1-287; Duke’s Sean Renfree – 21-30-1-278; Miami of Florida’s Jacory Harris – 21-31-1-272; UCF’s Jeff Godfrey – 17-25-1-272; Iowa’s James Vandenberg – 21-32-0-270; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 17-26-1-268; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 25-40-2-265; Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros – 25-34-1-263, and Rice’s Taylor McHargue – 23-38-1-260.  


Impressive Rushers:  Oregon’s LaMichael James – 288 yards; San Jose State’s Brandon Rutley – 209 yards; Michigan’s Denard Robinson – 200 yards; Akron’s Jawon Chisholm – 188 yards; Nebraska’s Rex Burkhead – 170 yards; East Carolina’s Reggie Bullock – 169 yards, and Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead – 167 yards.

Also, Florida’s Jeff Demps – 157 yards; North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard – 155 yards; Temple’s Bernard Pierce – 149 yards; USC’s Marc Tyler – 149 yards; Air Force’s Asher Clark – 148 yards; Georgia’s Isaiah Crowell – 147 yards; Jasmin Hopkins – 143 yards, and Arizona State’s Cameron Marshall – 141 yards.  


Quotes of the Week

“I think we’re a team that is on the rise, but we’ll see,” Georgia coach Mark Richt.

“If I hear or read another college president try to use academics or education to cloak his shameless money grab known as conference realignment, I’m going to throw up in my mouth,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“So why don’t the university presidents just admit it instead of trying to act like education has anything to do with it?  Why don’t they just say that this is about greed and TV money – period – and to hell with the tradition and rivalries, history and heritage that made college football what it is today?  This has absolutely nothing to do with institutions of higher learning and everything to do with institutions of higher earning,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“If conference commissioners were the founding fathers of this country, we would have Guatemala, Uruguay and Argentina in the United States,” Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim, on the conference realignment brouhaha.

“The NBA announced on Friday that preseason games have been cancelled.  Is that a threat or a promise?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Only at the ‘U’ could you read this headline: ‘Ex-rapper sues renegade booster’,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Georgia at Ole Miss:  Mark Richt should enjoy this game.  It might be the only time this season he is opposed by a coach with less job security.  Houston Nutt lost to Vanderbilt, 30-7.  In most conferences, that’s considered a felony, even in the Big East, and they hardly have anybody left since the last time the ACC went shopping,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“We’re our own worst enemy,” Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, after the loss to Clemson. 


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Nebraska (4-0) at Wisconsin (4-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Aha!  Nebraska’s initiation into the Big Ten has finally arrived.  And what an initiation it is – Wisconsin.  Not only Wisconsin, but in Madison.  Nebraska must be saying, “Gee, thanks Big Ten.  Why couldn’t it have been Minnesota?  Or Indiana?”  Oh well, if you are going to get initiated, you might as well get initiated by the best.  And Wisconsin sure looks like the best team in the Big Ten.  Actually, until Russell Wilson arrived on the scene in Madison, this might not have been such a tough game.  But lo and behold, Wilson did arrive.  And that changed the outlook for the Badgers.  On a scale of 1-10, the Badgers went from a 6 or 7 to a 9 or 10.  Anyway, this should be one hell of a contest.  And College GameDay is in Madison.  Not as much fun as Morgantown, but the next best thing.  The Huskers will be out to firmly plant their Corn in the Big Ten.  But the Badgers dig up that Corn – Wisconsin 26, Nebraska 22.

RUNNER UP:  2. Alabama (4-0) at Florida (4-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Well, we know Alabama is for real.  No one is second guessing the Tide.  But how about the Gators?  We thought Tennessee was going to be a good test for Florida.  But no such thing.  The Vols weren’t even good pretenders.  Bama is beyond pretending.  The Tide is the Real McCoy.  So this will be a true test for the Gators.  We’ll see what Mr. Weis has in store for the visitors from Tuscaloosa.  Unfortunately for the Gators, the store is not well-stocked.  Elephants drain The Swamp – Alabama 28, Florida 20.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Clemson (4-0) at Virginia Tech (4-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Wow!  This is the third tough game in a row for the Tigers – Auburn, Florida State, Virginia Tech.  And unlike Auburn and Florida State, this one is on the road in Blacksburg.  That’s asking a lot of a team.  Tigers run out of steam – Virginia Tech 27, Clemson 24.

4. Auburn (3-1) at South Carolina (4-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Speaking of a tough row to hoe, The Gamecocks have been through Georgia, Navy and Vanderbilt.  And now – Auburn.  The Cocks’ defense may have found itself, but their offense is still struggling.  It’s inconsistent.  But Auburn doesn’t have much of a defense.  Still, it should be another interesting day in Columbia.  Garcia seasons the Chick Peas – South Carolina 26, Auburn 24.

5. Arkansas (3-1) vs. Texas A&M (2-1) – (SEC vs. Big 12) – Welcome to the SEC, Aggies.  I know….it’s not a conference game yet.  But for all practical purposes.  If Ryan Tannehill throws another three INT’s this week, the Aggs are dead.  But he doesn’t – Texas A&M 29, Arkansas 28.

6. Baylor (3-0) at Kansas State (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Watch out for Baylor.  Robert Griffin is a true Heisman candidate.  But watch out for K-State too.  Bill Snyder may be working his magic again in Manhattan.  Snyder is one trick short of a magic act – Baylor 24, Kansas State 23.

7. Texas (3-0) at Iowa State (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Who would have thunk it?  Iowa State undefeated after three games.  Well you don’t have to thunk anymore – Texas 27, Iowa State 26.

8. Michigan State (3-1) at Ohio State (3-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Okay, this is the Spartans chance to tell us that the game against Notre Dame was a fluke.  The Buckeyes aren’t your mother’s Buckeyes.  Spartans make Fickell look fickle – Michigan State 24, Ohio State 22.

9. Washington (3-1) at Utah (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – This is Utah’s first official Pac-12 game.  That contest against USC a couple weeks ago was just practice.  Utes tame the Huskies – Utah 28, Washington 26.

10. Northwestern (2-1) at Illinois (4-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – No….they are not playing in Wrigley Field this year.  The Wildcats and Banned Indians are back on a real football field.  Somehow I just can’t see Ron Zook losing to a team that lost to Army.  Nobody loses to Army.  But somehow Northwestern did.  The Wildcats lose again too –    Illinois 25, Northwestern 22.

11. SMU (3-1) at TCU (3-1) – (C-USA vs. MWC) – A few seasons ago, SMU was the only team to beat TCU.  And SMU was bad then too.  No one could figure out how it happened.  Well, SMU is better now, but so are the Frogs – TCU 33, SMU 28.

12. South Florida (4-0) at Pitt (2-2) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Some think South Florida is now the team to beat in the Big East.  We’ll see.  But Pitt won’t beat the Bulls – South Florida 24, Pitt 19.

13. Air Force (2-1) at Navy (2-1) – (MWC vs. Ind.) – Now this could be a conference game in a few years.  That is if the Middies and the Falcons both end up in the Big East, as some predict.  That is if the Big East still exists in a few years.  But how did I digress.  Back to the game.  Air Force and Navy are definitely the class of the service academies.  Army got stuck in a latrine somewhere along the way and still hasn’t dug itself out.  This should be a dandy in Annapolis.  The Middies take the Fly Boys out for a canoe ride – Navy 25, Air Force 24.

14. Nevada (1-2) at Boise State (3-0) – (WAC vs. MWC) – Hey, Nevada was the only team to beat the Broncos last year.  And, the Wolf Pack almost beat Texas Tech last week.  Kellen Moore won’t let Nevada win this year.  Wolf trap – Boise State 39, Nevada 22.

15. Georgia Tech (4-0) at N.C. State (2-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Yellow Jackets are exceeding expectations.  The Wolfpack are falling short of expectations.  Expect the Buzz Boys to win – Georgia Tech 31, N.C. State 20.

16. Mississippi State (2-2) at Georgia (2-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Looks who’s climbing back.  After an 0-2 start, Georgia has won two straight.  Granted, Miss State is going to be stronger than Coastal Carolina and Ole Miss.  But the game is in Athens.  The Dawgs need a good conference win at home for the coach.  They woof well – Georgia 25, Mississippi State 19.

17. North Carolina (3-1) at East Carolina (1-2) – (ACC vs. C-USA) – The Tar Heels defense will get to the Pirates.  UNC gets back on the winning track.  Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of wine – North Carolina 34, East Carolina 23.

18. Arizona (1-3) at USC (3-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – This may be Mike Stoops last year coaching the Wildcats.  Arizona’s season is not starting out on a positive note.  And there will be nothing positive about the Wildcats’ play against the Trojans – USC 33, Arizona 14.

19. Toledo (1-3) at Temple (3-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) – Now what more can the officials do to Toledo this week.  Surely the Rockets are due for some good luck.  Should be a good one, but no luck for the Rockets in Philly – Temple 28, Toledo 21.

20. Minnesota (1-3) at Michigan (4-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – I’d say Rich Rodriguez left Brady Hoke a talented group of players.  How else do you explain the Wolverines’ 4-0 start?  Denard Robinson….that’s how you explain it.  But the Gophers still have some explaining to do – Michigan 36, Minnesota 17.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Western Michigan (2-2) at Connecticut (2-2) – (MAC vs. Big East) – This one could be interesting.  The Broncos almost beat Illinois.  I like their quarterback – Alex Carder.  He’s good.  UConn has been struggling.  But the Broncos will struggle in this one – Connecticut 25, Western Michigan 22.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Bowling Green (3-1) at West Virginia (3-1) – (MAC vs. Big East) – After playing LSU, how do you keep your emotions up for Bowling Green?  Dana Holgorsen could have a psychological challenge on his hands.  It could be like the Norfolk State game.  The Mounties may not step it up until the second half.  But they better not wait too long.  WVU turns the Falcons green – West Virginia 34, Bowling Green 16

Duke (2-2) at Florida International (3-1) – (ACC vs. Sun Belt) – FIU was off and running to a great start until the Panthers caved to Louisiana-Lafayette last week.  After beating Louisville and UCF, they couldn’t handle success.  Well, beating the Dookies is not considered success.  Panthers bounce back – Florida International 29, Duke 25.

Notre Dame (2-2) at Purdue (2-1) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) – The Irish are on a roll.  And Purdue is not about to stop it.  Brian Kelly knows how to shoot off some steam – Notre Dame 30, Purdue 17.

Comment: Three enormous games this week – one in the Big Ten, one in the SEC and one in the ACC.  And all three featuring undefeated teams.  Nebraska plays its first Big Ten game – Wisconsin.  Alabama comes to The Swamp.  And Virginia Tech entertains Clemson.

Throw in Auburn-South Carolina, Arkansas-Texas A&M, Baylor-Kansas State, Texas-Iowa State, Michigan State-Ohio State and Air Force-Navy and we have the potential for an exciting weekend.    


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Bethune-Cookman (2-1) travels to Miami (1-2)….  Florida Atlantic (0-3) visits Louisiana-Lafayette (3-1)….  Jacksonville U. (2-2) is at Marist (1-3)....  Florida A&M (2-2) hosts Delaware State (2-2)....  Florida State (2-2) and UCF (2-2) have the week off.    


Thursday’s Television Schedule – September 29

Texas Southern at Jackson State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Houston at UTEP – 8 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
South Florida at Pitt – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN


Friday’s Television Schedule – September 30

Utah State at BYU – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN


Saturday’s Television Schedule – October 1

Air Force at Navy – 12 noon ET – CBS
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M – 12 noon ET – ESPN
Northwestern at Illinois – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Penn State at Indiana – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Tulane at Army – 12 noon ET – CBS College Sports Network
Kentucky at LSU – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Wake Forest at Boston College – 12:30 p.m. ET – ACC Game of the Week
Nevada at Boise State – 2:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Auburn at South Carolina – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Baylor at Kansas State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Bethune-Cookman at Miami (Florida) – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Georgia Tech at N.C. State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Michigan State at Ohio State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
SMU at TCU – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Clemson at Virginia Tech – 6 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Duke at Florida International – 7 p.m. ET – EPSNU
Texas at Iowa State – 7 p.m. ET – FX
Nebraska at Wisconsin – 8 p.m. ET – ABC
Alabama at Florida – 8 p.m. ET – CBS
North Carolina at East Carolina – 8 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Notre Dame at Purdue – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Ole Miss at Fresno State – 9:15 p.m. ET – ESPN2


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . It’s now official.  Texas A&M has been accepted into the SEC, effective July 1, 2012.  Baylor dropped all legal barriers to the move. 


Extra Points

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

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but at the end of September as the college football season was about to move into its second month, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1936 was “A Fine Romance” by Fred Astaire

…70 years ago this week in 1941 was “Blue Champagne” by Jimmy Dorsey

…65 years ago this week in 1946 was “Five Minutes More” by Frank Sinatra

…60 years ago this week in 1951 was “Because of You” by Tony Bennett

…55 years ago this week in 1956 was “Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley

…50 years ago this week in 1961 was “Take Good Care of My Baby” by Bobby Vee

…45 years ago this week in 1966 was “Cherish” by The Association

…40 years ago this week in 1971 was “Maggie May/Reason to Believe” by Rod Stewart

…35 years ago this week in 1976 was “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

…30 years ago this week in 1981 was “Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Ritchie

…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “I Adore Mi Amor” by Color Me Badd


Not directly college football related, but I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about the best places to eat barbecue in Kansas City.  According to WSJ, here are the best barbecue joints in KC:  Woodyard Bar-B-Que, Perry Foster BBQ, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, Oklahoma’s Joe’s Barbecue, Gates and Sons Bar-B-Q, LC’s Bar-B-Q, Big T’s Bar-B-Q and K&M Bar-B-Q.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were four passings of note last week – Wilma Lee Cooper, Frances Bay, Dolores Hope and Orlando Brown.

Wilma Lee Cooper, a perennial favorite with the Grand Ole Opry and a member, with her husband, Stoney, of a popular tradition steeped country singing duo, died last week at her home in Sweetwater, Tennessee.  She was 90.  She and her husband had their highest-charting country hit – it reached No. 3 – with “There’s a Big Wheel,” a song written by Don Gibson.  Another of the couple’s Top 10 hits came with a rollicking adaptation of “Midnight Special,” released under the title “Big Midnight Special” in 1959.  Wilma Lee Leary was born February 7, 1921, in Valley Head, West Virginia. 

Frances Bay, a character actress who late in life became a mainstay of television – playing roles from Arthur Fonzarelli’s grandmother on “Happy Days” to the woman who scraps with Jerry Seinfeld over a loaf of marble rye – died last week in Los Angeles.  She was 92.  The cause was complications from pneumonia.  She made her movie debut in the Goldie Hawn-Chevy Chase film “Foul Play” (1978).  She also played the grandmother to Adam Sandler’s title character in the film “Happy Gilmore.”  She made more than 158 performances on television, including episodes of “Who’s the Boss?,” “Seinfeld,” “Happy Days,” “ER,” “Matlock” and “The X-Files.”  Most recently, she appeared in a recurring role on the sitcom “The Middle.”  Frances Goffman was born in Manville, Alberta, on January 23, 1919.

Dolores Hope, who gave up her singing career to spend 69 years at the side of her husband, Bob Hope, pursuing philanthropy and projecting with him the image of an enduring Hollywood marriage, died last week in the home she and her husband bought in 1940 in the Toluca Lake section of Los Angeles.  She was 102.  Dolores DeFina was born on May 27, 1909, in the Harlem section of New York City.  She grew up in the Bronx and changed her last name to Reade when she began a career as a nightclub singer.

Orlando Brown, a bruising offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts who was once temporarily blinded in one eye by a referee’s errant penalty flag, was found dead in his apartment last week in Baltimore.  He was 40.  Orlando Claude Brown was born on December 12, 1970, in Washington, DC.  He played college football for South Carolina State.


Monday, September 19, 2011

When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going

College Football Week 4 – ESPN College GameDay in Morgantown!

When the Going Gets Tough
The Tough Gets Going

 This was just the third weekend of the season.  But what a big weekend it was.

After two weeks of so many “patsy” games, the action was about to get interesting – real interesting.  College football was ready to start separating the men from the boys.  It was the first big test of the season for several teams.

Among the tests, there were no less than 12 games, pitting undefeated teams facing off against each another.  Something had to give.  The biggest of those contests took place in Tallahassee, Florida, where visiting and No. 1 ranked Oklahoma survived Florida State, 23-13.  Elsewhere in Florida, there were two more games matching undefeated teams.  Florida beat Tennessee for the seventh-consecutive time, 33-23.  Then, down in Miami, upstart Florida International, who knocked off Louisville last week, surprised UCF, 17-10.  My, oh my!

West Virginia, which hasn’t lost to Maryland since 2003, traveled to College Park to take on the undefeated Terrapins.  After building up a 34-10 lead, the Mountaineers held on to beat Maryland, 37-31.  Auburn, who won its first two games by the skin of its teeth, finally ran out of luck, falling to Clemson, 38-24.  North Carolina remained undefeated, beating Virginia, 28-17.

South Carolina, off to a good start, got a big scare from undefeated Navy.  But with a little help from a guy named Marcus Lattimore, the Gamecocks held on to beat the Midshipmen, 24-21.  Arizona State traveled to the Midwest only to lose to Illinois, 17-14.  Likewise, Washington traveled to the Midwest and fell to Nebraska, 51-38.

Georgia Tech racked up 768 yards and revenged last year’s upset, grounding Kansas, 66-24.  USC remained undefeated, beating Syracuse, 38-17.  And finally, San Diego State, with the running of Ronnie Hillman, dumped Washington State, 42-24.  But USC and San Diego State will have their hands full this week.  The Trojans travel to Arizona State, while the Aztecs visit Michigan.

Then there were 12 games where ranked and/or undefeated teams were all on the road facing big challenges to their perfect records.  Thursday night, LSU met its challenge, beating Mississippi State, 19-6.  The next night, Boise State and Iowa State remained undefeated.  The Broncos beat a dangerous Toledo, 40-15, and the Cyclones edged Connecticut, 24-20.

Saturday, Ohio State traveled to the Sunshine State to take on Miami in what was being billed as the Scandal Bowl and the Suspension Bowl.  The Hurricanes upended the Buckeyes, 24-6.  Michigan State had a date in South Bend against a wounded animal.  Notre Dame was 0-2, but a dangerous 0-2.  The Irish crushed the Spartans, 31-13.  Wisconsin made a trip down to Chicago to take on Northern Illinois in Soldier Field – a neutral site.  NIU wasn’t much of a challenge.  The Badgers won, 49-7.

Stanford was looking at its first test of the season.  The Cardinal hit Tucson for an encounter with Arizona.  Stanford won, 37-10.  Texas took a California vacation and beat UCLA, 49-20.  Northwestern, off to a good start, was facing a tricky and potential trap game in West Point.  Army snared the Wildcats, 21-14. 

Pitt ventured out to Iowa and built up a 24-3 third-quarter lead on the Hawkeyes.  But Iowa bounced back, knocking off the Panthers, 31-27.  After a three-hour weather delay, Oklahoma State showered host Tulsa, 59-33.  And finally, Houston got a major scare in Ruston, Louisiana, but the Cougars rallied to beat Louisiana Tech, 35-34.

In a few other interesting games, Vanderbilt, yes Vanderbilt, remained undefeated, beating Ole Miss, 30-7, and Arkansas, also of the SEC, held off a late charge from Troy, beating the Trojans, 38-28.  Louisville handed Kentucky its first loss.  The Cardinals beat the Wildcats, 24-17.

Undefeated Temple came oh-so close to beating Penn State.  But in the end, the Owls fell to the Nittany Lions, 14-10.  South Florida annihilated Florida A&M, 70-17.  Utah decimated BYU, 54-10.  And finally, Georgia is no longer winless.  The Dawgs demolished Coastal Carolina, 59-0.

The Ivy League schools played their first games of the season over the weekend – each playing non-conference games.  Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth and Yale all won, while Columbia, Harvard, Penn and Princeton each lost.

And finally, FCS Charleston Southern ended its three week Florida vacation on Saturday.  Some vacation – the Buccaneers lost in week one to UCF, 62-0; in week two to Florida State, 62-10, and Saturday to Jacksonville U., 37-30.  If it is any consolation, each game got closer for Charleston Southern.    

Conference alignment and expansion remained in the headlines all week last week, mainly dealing with the solvency of the Big 12.  But Friday night a real stunner hit the Internet.  The New York Times reported that Pitt and Syracuse had applied for membership in the ACC.  And the Times report said that the two schools would be admitted to the ACC.

Sure enough, at 9:30 Sunday morning, ACC commissioner John Swofford announced that Pitt and Syracuse had been accepted into the conference.  Shortly afterward, USA Today reported that Connecticut and Rutgers most likely were going to be the 15th and 16th members of the ACC.

That’s four teams from the Big East.  Early Sunday afternoon, West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck issued the following statement:

“There is no question that the landscape of college athletics is once again changing.  West Virginia University has great tradition as the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, and we will continue working to do what’s best for our University and its athletic teams.  No matter how the college athletic landscape changes, there is no doubt WVU is and will remain a national player.”

Meanwhile, the status of the Big 12 Conference was back-and-forth all week.  First it appeared the Big 12 was doomed.  Then it appeared the conference would hang together and find a replacement for Texas A&M.  But by Friday, it looked like the Big 12 was doomed again.  Whatever, statements issued from Oklahoma and Texas indicate we will know the status of the Big 12 sometime between Monday and Friday of this week.

There appears to be three scenarios:

1.       Texas A&M doesn’t pull out for the SEC and the Big 12 remains together as is.
2.       Texas A&M leaves for the SEC, but the Big 12 remains together, finding a   replacement for Texas A&M
3.       The Big 12 dissolves, with members scattering to multiple conferences, SEC, Pac-12, etc. etc.

Oklahoma’s Board of Regents meets today to decide the Sooners’ fate in the conference.  Speculation has Oklahoma, along with Oklahoma State, leaving the Big 12 for the Pac-12.  Texas’ Board of Regents has a similar meeting scheduled.    Stay tuned.

My favorite quarterbacks this week were Boise State’s Kellen Moore, Texas Tech’s Seth Doege, Iowa’s James Vandenberg, West Virginia’s Geno Smith, Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, Western Michigan’s Alex Carder and Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson.

My favorite running backs were South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore, San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman, Miami of Florida’s Lamar Miller and Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy.

Prior to Saturday, my Crossville, Tennessee, friend Greg Walker was so confident about the play of the Vols that he bet me a dinner on the Gator game.  Tennessee wins – I buy dinner.  Florida wins – Greg buys dinner.  I hope you have lots of money, Greg.

And the anxiety of the college football season has my friend Rockledge Gator experiencing all kinds of wild dreams.  Unfortunately, I can’t repeat those dreams in this blog.  Let me just say that I hope none of them come true.

Touchdown Tom
September 19, 2011     


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  At least it wasn’t as bad as last year – Oklahoma 23, Florida State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 28, Florida State 27).  Oklahoma won that one 47-17.  The Noles are making an improvement.  We know that, because the Sooners are just as good if not better than they were last year.  A crowd of 84,392 attended the game in Tallahassee.   

RUNNER UP:  Ware’d down – LSU 19, Mississippi State 6 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Mississippi State 26).  LSU running back Spencer Ware rushed for 107 yards, as the Tiger defense smothered the Bulldogs.  Dan Mullen is now 0-3 against LSU and the Bulldogs are 1-19 against the Tigers during the past 20 years.  A crowd of 56,924 attended the game in Starkville.  

REST OF THE BEST:  Trees grow in the desert – Stanford 37, Arizona 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 28, Arizona 17).  Stanford is Andrew Luck, but it is more than Andrew Luck.  Stanford is balanced – well balanced.  A crowd of 49,636 attended the game in Tucson. 

The Gators had a secret weapon – Florida 33, Tennessee 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Tennessee 23).  It was Mike Pouncey.  He was the center for Tennessee.  And thank goodness for Chris Rainey.  That dinner on Greg is going to taste mighty good.  A crowd of 90,744 attended the game in Gainesville. 

The luck ran out – Clemson 38, Auburn 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 30, Auburn 27).  No nail biters for Auburn this week.  Clemson made sure of that.  Auburn’s defense has given up 110 points and 1,603 yards in three games.  I’d say Auburn has a problem on defense.  A crowd of 82,000 attended the game in Clemson. 

One half is better than none – West Virginia 37, Maryland 31 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 30, Maryland 24).  One of these days, I hope, WVU is going to put together two good halves.  Otherwise, Dana Holgorsen may not have any hair left on his head at the end of the season.  A crowd of 53,627 attended the game in College Park. 

Alive and well and kicking in Champaign – Illinois 17, Arizona State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, Illinois 31).  Just when you think Ron Zook is down and out, he rises again.  Illinois is 3-0.  Watch out for the Banned Indians this year.  Dennis Erickson may be the one who is down and out.  A crowd of 50,669 attended the game in Champaign.  

Another power in Miami – Florida International 17, UCF 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida International 21, UCF 20).  FIU is for real.  UCF found that out – the hard way.  The Panthers move to 3-0.  A crowd of 20,205 attended the game in Miami.  

Who needs Butch Davis – North Carolina 28, Virginia 17 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 30, Virginia 20).  The Tar Heels are out to a 3-0 start.  But Virginia’s quarterback Michael Rocco looked pretty good.  A crowd of 55,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill.

Sweet blindness – Nebraska 51, Washington 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 36, Washington 26).  But no kindness.  Nebraska has given up 60 points in its last two games.  Should anyone be concerned?  A crowd of 85,110 attended the game in Lincoln. 

Cocky almost got Shanghaied – South Carolina 24, Navy 21 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Navy 21).  The Gamecocks will just let Marcus Lattimore take care of things at hand, until they can find a consistent passing game.  A crowd of 78,807 attended the game in Columbia. 

Chicago, Chicago, that wonderful town – Wisconsin 49, Northern Illinois 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 38, Northern Illinois 19).  And NIU was supposed to give the Badgers a battle?  Could have fooled me.  But nobody fools the Wisconsin offense.  It’s balanced and it’s potent.  The defense ain’t bad either.  A crowd of 41,068 attended the game in Chicago. 

The Irish woke up – Notre Dame 31, Michigan State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 24, Notre Dame 20).  Notre Dame held the Spartans to 29 yards rushing.  So much for Michigan State’s expectations.  A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend. 

Broncos had a Blast – Boise State 40, Toledo 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 29, Toledo 21).  Ohio State should be glad it doesn’t play Boise State.  Kellen Moore passed for 455 yards.  A crowd of 28,905 attended the game in Toledo. 

Where were the Little Sisters of the Poor? – Miami (Florida) 24, Ohio State 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 25, Miami 23).  The Buckeyes found out that the Canes are a little different than Akron and Toledo.  Ohio State’s defense couldn’t stop the running of Lamar Miller.  Miller had 184 yards rushing.  So, did Miami get a trophy for winning the Scandal Bowl?  A crowd of 66,279 attended the game in Miami Gardens. 

Joseph Smith must be rolling in his grave – Utah 54, BYU 10 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 18, Utah 16).  BYU had seven turnovers.  Nuff said.  A crowd of 63,742 attended the game in Provo. 

The Hawkeyes only need one quarter….the fourth – Iowa 31, Pitt 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Pitt 20).  Pitt led 24-3 late in the third quarter.  Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg passed for 399 yards.  A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City. 

California dreamin’ – Texas 49, UCLA 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, UCLA 24).  I’m not sure Rick Neuheisel will make it to the end of the season.  And I’m still not sure that Texas is the real McCoy.  But maybe.  A crowd of 54,583 attended the game in Pasadena. 

No, this wasn’t the Razorbacks – Virginia Tech 26, Arkansas State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 30, Arkansas State 16).  Doesn’t look like the Hokies are going to have any issues with non-conference games this season.  Three down and one to go.  Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas had a good game.  A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg. 

Alabama on our mind – Arkansas 38, Troy 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 40, Troy 27).  Arkansas built up a 31-7 lead and then started thinking about Alabama.  Never underestimate Troy and its quarterback Corey Robinson.  A crowd of 69,861 attended the game in Fayetteville. 


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Ground troops – Army 21, Northwestern 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 32, Army 22).  Northwestern’s first loss; Army’s first win.  And Army only had six yards passing, but 381 rushing.  The Wildcats always drop a non-conference game they shouldn’t lose.  A crowd of 35,784 attended the game in West Point.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

The Dookies found a team they can beat – Duke 20, Boston College 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 26, Duke 21).  And Boston College is still looking for a team it can beat.  Duke quarterback Sean Renfree finally had a good game.  A crowd of 35,812 attended the game in Chestnut Hill.  

Dawgs coast – Georgia 59, Coastal Carolina 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 38, Coastal Carolina 20).  Do you think Uga was a little frustrated?  What will Coastal Carolina coach Dave Bennett do for YouTube this week….squeak like a mouse?  A crowd of 91,946 attended the game in Athens. 

The Boilers found the right corner of the right state – Purdue 59, Southeast Missouri State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 29, Southeast Missouri State 16).  Next year, Purdue should schedule Southwest Missouri, Northwest Missouri and Northeast Missouri.  Central Missouri too.  A crowd of 46,116 attended the game in West Lafayette.  

Comment:  Will anyone beat Oklahoma?

I was 18-6 on the week’s picks, which brings my season total to 60-15 (80 percent).


AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida humiliated Florida A&M, 70-17.  A crowd of 50,128 attended the game in Tampa….  Jacksonville U. edged Charleston Southern, 37-30.  A crowd of 4,185 attended the game in Jacksonville.     


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 32-42-1 for 455 yards; Bowling Green’s Matt Schliz – 34-55-2-437; Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 40-44-0-401; Iowa’s James Vandenberg – 31-48-1-399; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 36-49-1-388; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 30-42-0-386; South Florida’s B.J. Daniels – 20-28-0-380; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 36-63-1-373; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 29-39-2-369; Duke’s Sean Renfree – 40-52-1-359, and Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 28-37-1-355.

Also, Houston’s Case Keenum – 25-40-2 for 351 yards; Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson – 23-32-1-347; Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill – 27-40-1-340; Memphis’ Taylor Reed – 20-30-0-332; Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins – 34-53-1-329; Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 20-31-0-325; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 27-47-1-325; USC’s Matt Barkley – 26-39-0-324; BYU’s Jake Heaps – 27-50-1-305; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 23-36-1-303; Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 21-33-2-292, and Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 26-48-2-288.

Also, Virginia’s Michael Rocco – 22-37-2 for 287 yards; Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 20-29-0-285; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 22-26-0-281; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 21-32-2-281; SMU’s J.J. McDermott – 19-35-1-278; N.C. State’s Mike Glennon – 17-20-0-274; Washington’s Keith Price – 21-37-2-274; San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley – 21-37-1-273, and Indiana’s Edward Wright-Baker – 21-27-0-273.   


Impressive Rushers:  Missouri’s Henry Josey – 263 yards; South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore – 246 yards; Oregon’s LaMichael James – 204 yards; Michigan’s Denard Robinson – 198 yards; San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman – 191 yards; Miami of Florida’s Lamar Miller – 184 yards, and Utah’s John White – 174 yards.

Also, Tulsa’s JaTerian Douglas – 173 yards; Minnesota’s MarQueis Gray – 171 yards; Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy – 169 yards; Alabama’s Trent Richardson – 167 yards; Tulsa’s Trey Watts – 159 yards; Georgia Tech’s Orwin Smith – 157 yards; Southern Mississippi’s Kendrick Hardy – 155 yards; Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor – 153 yards, and Auburn’s Michael Dyer – 151 yards.


Quotes of Last Week

“Maybe he just hasn’t gone outside,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on Mark Richt saying he doesn’t have a cloud hanging over his head.

“Coastal Carolina at Georgia: If you can’t beat the school in Columbia, I guess Myrtle Beach is the logical next stop,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Boise State will never be an elite team.  Not when you beat one good team a year,” ESPN’s Lee Corso.

“Now that my brother Mark coaches there, I can’t hate Florida State like I used to when I was at Florida,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, after the game against Florida State.

“End of the day, we all wanted a win.  I don’t care what the score is,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, after the Washington game.

“They know what they’re doing,” Arizona coach Mike Stoops, on Stanford.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. LSU (3-0) at West Virginia (3-0) – (SEC vs. Big East) – What a party it will be in Morgantown.  ESPN College GameDay in town.  Big game with LSU.  It doesn’t get much better.  The challenge for WVU is LSU’s defense.  There’s none much better.  Tigers have a better time at the party – LSU 23, West Virginia 17.

RUNNER UP:  2. Arkansas (3-0) at Alabama (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Last year, we were in Gainesville and watched this game on TV while we were tailgating before the Kentucky-UF game.  It was exciting.  It could be exciting again this year.  But the Hogs definitely have a challenge.  Crimson and clover, over and over – Alabama 28, Arkansas 26.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Oklahoma State (3-0) at Texas A&M (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – This was a barn burner last year.  Okie State won, 38-35.  It has the makings for a barn burner this year.  And it could be the last game these two play in a while – maybe a long while.  T. Boone Pickens won’t be happy – Texas A&M 31, Oklahoma State 29.

4. Florida State (2-1) at Clemson (3-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Noles could be hurting from the loss to Oklahoma.  That was a hard game.  Then again, the Tigers could have their heads in a cloud after the win over Auburn.  FSU has the better defense.  Clemson may have the better offense.  It may come down to quarterback play.  Tigers don’t fear the spear – Clemson 26, Florida State 23.

5. Missouri (2-1) at Oklahoma (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – This was a wild game last year.  Missouri won.  Mizzou won’t win this year.  The Tigers are worse and the Sooners are better.  These wagons have wheels – Oklahoma 29, Missouri 16.

6. USC (3-0) at Arizona State (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – The Trojans are 3-0, but they haven’t really been tested.  The Sun Devils got tested by Illinois last week.  They didn’t like the taste of that test.  It helps to have a 6-foot-8 quarterback – Arizona State 33, USC 30.

7. Vanderbilt (3-0) at South Carolina (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Something tells me that after the scare from Navy, the Gamecocks will be prepared this week.  They better be.  Commodores suffer their first loss – South Carolina 26, Vanderbilt 15.

8. North Carolina (3-0) at Georgia Tech (3-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Tech is a lot better than everyone thought they would be.  Tar Heels have to stop the run.  Heels burn in Atlanta – Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 24.

9. Tulsa (1-2) at Boise State (3-0) – (C-USA vs. MWC) – Tulsa has had some toughies on its schedule – Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and now Boise State.  The Golden Hurricane can score but they have no defense.  And the Broncos have an offense – a big offense.  Tulsa gets turned around – Boise State 42, Tulsa 17.

10. Oregon (2-1) at Arizona (1-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – Mike Stoops and his Wildcats are hurting.  They didn’t look good against Oklahoma State or Stanford.  They may look worse against Oregon.  Ducks find moisture in the desert – Oregon 30, Arizona 19.

11. Florida (3-0) at Kentucky (2-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Gators can’t afford to have a letdown after the Tennessee win.  The Wildcats have a tendency to cause problems for the Gators in Lexington.  But this isn’t a very good Kentucky team.  Wildcats can’t handle RaineyFlorida 30, Kentucky 15.

12. San Diego State (3-0) at Michigan (3-0) – (MWC vs. Big Ten) – If Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman are at their peak, they will cause problems for the Wolverines.  Michigan’s weakness is defense.  But Lindley and Hillman aren’t Big enough for the House – Michigan 30, San Diego State 23.

13. California (3-0) at Washington (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – Both teams have good offense.  Neither has a strong defense.  Home field advantage gives the Huskies the edge – Washington 30, California 26.

14. Virginia Tech (3-0) at Marshall (1-2) – (ACC vs. C-USA) – Marshall should be up for this game.  But the Herd has been a strange team.  The play of quarterback Rakeem Cato will determine how well Marshall does.  Hokies finish their non-conference slate at 4-0 – Virginia Tech 29, Marshall 14.

15. UCF (2-1) at BYU (1-2) – (C-USA vs. Ind.) – UCF got its first taste of defeat last week.  The Knights will get their second taste this week.  Cougars take out their Utah frustrations on the Knights – BYU 26, UCF 22.

16. Georgia (1-2) at Ole Miss (1-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Lose this game and Mark Richt can definitely call it quits.  Ole Miss has to be the worst team in the SEC.  Actually, both coaches are on the hot seat.  A Dawg day afternoon in Oxford – Georgia 28, Ole Miss 14.

17. Notre Dame (1-2) at Pitt (2-1) – (Ind. vs. Big East) – Looks like the Irish found their grove against Michigan State.  I can’t see Pitt knocking them out of their groove.  Kelly’s heroes – Notre Dame 27, Pitt 19.

18. N.C. State (2-1) at Cincinnati (2-1) – (ACC vs. Big East) – These two teams are hard to read, which makes this game hard to call.  Home field gives the nod to Cincy.  Bearcats pack the Pack – Cincinnati 22, N.C. State 20.

19. Toledo (1-2) at Syracuse (2-1) – (MAC vs. Big East) – Rockets looked good against Ohio State and bad against Boise State.  That should put them on schedule to look good again.  Rockets make the Orange look Blue – Toledo 21, Syracuse 20.

20. Southern Miss (2-1) at Virginia (2-1) – (C-USA vs. ACC) – Eagles are overrated.  Cavs are underrated.  Rocco rocks – Virginia 30, Southern Miss 19.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Nevada (1-1) at Texas Tech (3-0) – (WAC vs. Big 12) – The Wolf Pack were good last year – only team to beat Boise State.  They were supposed to remain competitive this year.  The Pack bombed against Oregon.  Let’s see if they can put up a good fight against Texas Tech.  Red Raiders have a topnotch quarterback in Sean Doege.  Little Red Raider Hood gets the Big Bad Wolf – Texas Tech 35, Nevada 20.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Nebraska (3-0) at Wyoming (3-0) – (Big Ten vs. MWC) – Big game for Wyoming.  It’s not often that a team like Nebraska comes to Laramie.  Herbie must have cabin fever.  Huskers give the Cowboys a husking – Nebraska 33, Wyoming 20.

Tulane (2-1) at Duke (1-2) – (C-USA vs. ACC) – This could be one of those all offense, no defense high-scoring games.  Whoever has the ball last wins.  How about another one-point win for the Dookies – Duke 25, Tulane 24.

Texas (3-0) and Purdue (2-1) have the week off.

Comment:  Looking at a big non-conference showdown between two undefeated teams – LSU-West Virginia.  Then a huge game in each the SEC (Arkansas-Alabama) and the Big 12 (Oklahoma State-Texas A&M).  Toss in two huge games in ACC (Florida State-Clemson and North Carolina-Georgia Tech).  It all makes for another huge weekend.


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (1-1) entertains Kansas State (2-0)….  South Florida (3-0) hosts UTEP (2-1)….  Florida Atlantic (0-2) visits Auburn (2-1)….  Florida International (3-0) is home against Louisiana-Monroe (1-2)….  Bethune-Cookman (1-1) is hosting Hampton (2-1)….  Florida A&M (1-2) entertains Southern (1-2)….  Jacksonville U. (1-2) travels to Campbell (1-1).


Thursday’s Television Schedule – September 22

Hampton at Bethune-Cookman – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
N.C. State at Cincinnati – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN


Friday’s Television Schedule – September 23

UCF at BYU – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN


Saturday’s Television Schedule – September 24

Central Michigan at Michigan State – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Eastern Michigan at Penn State – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
North Carolina at Georgia Tech – 12 noon ET – ESPN
Cornell at Yale – 12 noon ET – Versus
Notre Dame at Pitt – 12 noon ET – ABC
SMU at Memphis – 12 noon ET – Fox Sports Network
Georgia at Ole Miss – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Temple at Maryland – 12:30 p.m. ET – ACC Game of the Week
Arkansas at Alabama – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Florida State at Clemson – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
California at Washington – 3:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Colorado at Ohio State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Kansas State at Miami (Florida) – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Florida A&M vs. Southern – 3:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Virginia Tech at Marshall – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Florida at Kentucky – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN
Vanderbilt at South Carolina – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State – 7 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Nebraska at Wyoming – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
LSU at West Virginia – 8 p.m. ET – ABC
Missouri at Oklahoma – 8 p.m. ET – FX
Tulsa at Boise State – 8 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Oregon at Arizona – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN2
USC at Arizoa State – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football … Vanderbilt and Massachusetts have signed a four-game home-and-home series that will begin in 2012….  Tennessee has added Georgia State to its 2012 schedule.  The game will be played in Knoxville….  Auburn has added Alabama A&M to its 2012 schedule.


Extra Points

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

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were four passings of note last week – Mary Fickett, Sam DeLuca, Dave Gavitt and Charles H. Percy.

Mary Fickett, who acted in theater, film and television before becoming a legend on the soap opera “All My Children” as Ruth Martin, a nurse unafraid to speak her mind, died last week at her home in Callao, Virginia.  She was 83.  The cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.  On Broadway, she replaced Deborah Kerr in “Tea and Sympathy” and played Eleanor Roosevelt in “Sunrise at Campobello” opposite Ralph Bellamy.  On TV, she appeared in “The Untouchables,” “Have Gun Will Travel” and “Naked City,” among other shows.  From 1961 to 1963, Fickett co-hosted “Calendar,” a CBS-TV morning news and entertainment show, with Harry Reasoner.  Her movie work included “Man on Fire” (1957), with Bing Crosby.  She was in the first episode of “All My Children” on January 5, 1970, and continued with the series until 1996 when she left the show.  Mary Fickett was born in Buffalo, New York, on May 23, 1928.  She grew up in Bronxville, New York.     

Sam DeLuca, a scrappy guard for the New York Jets in the 1960s who became a broadcaster after a career-ending injury, died last week at his home in Pelham, New York.  He was 75.  The cause was pancreatic cancer.  Originally drafted by the New York Giants in 1957, DeLuca was sent to the Canadian Football League.  In 1960, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers of the American Football League.  DeLuca joined the Jets prior to the 1964 season.  At the beginning of his fourth season with the Jets in 1967, he sustained a knee injury in the final preseason game.  The injury ended his career.  He became the color commentator for the Jets radio broadcasts on WABC.  Then in 1972, he became a sportscaster on NBC TV, where he worked until his retirement in 1988.  Severio DeLuca was born in New York City (Brooklyn) on May 2, 1936.  He attended high school with future Los Angeles Dodgers pitching star Sandy Koufax.  DeLuca played college football for the University of South Carolina.

Dave Gavitt, an influential leader in basketball who created the Big East Conference, died last week.  He was 73.  The cause was congestive heart failure.  In 1979, Gavitt, who played college basketball and baseball at Dartmouth, established the Big East.  Gavitt is a former basketball coach at Dartmouth and Providence.  He took the Friars to the NCAA tournament five teams and made it to the Final Four in 1973. 

Charles H. Percy, a former United State Senator from Illinois and a moderate Republican, died Saturday.  He was 91.  A three-term (18 years) senator, Percy went to Washington in 1967.  Charles Haring Percy was born in Pensacola, Florida, on September 27, 1919.  He grew up in Chicago.  He was the captain of the water polo team at the University of Chicago.  Prior to running for the Senate, he was president of Bell & Howell.