College Football Week 12 – Conference races tighten up
‘Far from the world we know where the clear winds blow’Love lift us up where we belong
What year was it?
We celebrated the birth of a prince and mourned the death of a princess. It was the year of extreme weather and The Weather Channel. A war took place in the South Atlantic. It was the year of the compact disc and the computer.
Just four days into the year, Bryant Gumbel began his 15-year stint as co-anchor on the Today Show. A few days later, AT&T agreed to divest itself into 22 subdivisions and the Commodore 64 (8-bit) computer was introduced.
As mid-January approached, a brutal cold snap sent temperatures to all-time record lows in dozens of cities throughout the Midwest. And then tragedy struck. Air Florida Flight 90 crashed, shortly after takeoff from Washington’s National Airport, into the city’s 14th Street bridge, falling into the Potomac River. Seventy-eight people were killed.
Before the month was over, the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-21, to win the Super Bowl in Pontiac, Michigan.
February brought us another plane crash. Japan Airlines Flight 350 crashed into Tokyo Bay due to thrust reversal as it approached Tokyo International Airport. The accident killed 24 of the 174 people on board.
Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world few hearts surviveAll I know is the way I feel
When it’s real, I keep it alive
In early March, “T.J. Hooker” premiered on ABC. Later in the month, “Cagney & Lacey” premiered on CBS. March signaled the start of spring football practice on several college campuses around the country. College football couldn’t be far away.
During the closing days of the month, a ground breaking ceremony for the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial was held in Washington, DC., North Carolina beat Georgetown, 63-62, to win the NCAA Basketball Championship, and Johnny Carson hosted the 54th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. “Chariots of Fire” won the Best Picture Award.
On April 2, the Falklands War began. Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands. Great Britain declared war on Argentina. The same day, John Chancellor anchored the NBC Nightly News for the final time.
A few days later, an unprecedented blizzard dumped one-to-two feet of snow throughout the Northeast, closing schools and businesses, snarling traffic, and canceling major league baseball games.
In mid-April, Craig Stadler won the Masters. Late in the month, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula, in accordance with the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty.
The first two days in May was a time for celebration. A crowd of more than 100,000 attended the first day of the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, and The Weather Channel aired on cable television for the first time.
But celebration soon turned to somber. A Unabomber bomb exploded in the computer science department at Vanderbilt University, and Braniff International Airways declared bankruptcy, ceasing all flights.
The road is long
There are mountains in our wayBut we climb a step every day
May was a busy time for sports. Gato del Sol ridden by jockey Ed Delahoussaye won the Kentucky Derby. In Europe, Aston Villa won the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich, 1-0, and Tottenham Hotspur won the F.A. Cup, beating Queens Park Rangers, 1-0. Lastly, the New York Islanders defeated the Vancouver Canucks, 4-matches-to-0, to win the NHL’s Stanley Cup.
June arrived with Mats Wilander and Martina Navratilova winning the men’s and women’s singles titles at the French Open. The next day, President Ronald Reagan became the first American president to address a joint session of the British Parliament.
Summer had begun and while not yet able to listen to the games on the radio, college football fans were listening to “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League; “When It’s Over” by Loverboy; “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder; “Heart of the Moment” by Asia; “Rosanna” by Toto; “Baby Come to Me” by Patti Austin and James Ingram; “Let It Whip” by Dazz Band; “Hurts So Good” by John Cougar; “Only the Lonely” by The Motels, and “Personally” by Karla Bonoff.
Also, “Crimson and Clover” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; “Any Day Now” by Ronnie Milsap; “Body Language” by Queen; “Forget Me Nots” by Patrice Rushen; “Caught Up In You” by 38 Special; “Play the Game Tonight” by Kansas; “Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard On Me” by Juice Newton; “Break It Up” by Foreigner; “This Man Is Mine” by Heart, and “After the Glitter Fades” by Stevie Nicks.
The preseason college football magazines went on sale at bookstores, supermarkets and newsstands around the country. In New York, a rally against nuclear weapons drew 750,000 to Central Park. Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Linda Ronstadt, among others, participated in the event.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 4-games-to-2, to win the NBA Championship. Mid June and the World Cup began in Spain, the Falklands War came to an end with Argentina surrendering to Great Britain, and Tom Watson won the U.S. Open Golf Championship.
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cryOn a mountain high
On June 21, John Hinckley is found not guilty because of insanity in the shooting of President Reagan, and Prince William is born in London. Four days later, Alexander Haig resigned as Secretary of State.
In early July, Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova won the men’s and women’s singles titles at Wimbledon. As the summer air grew warmer and thicker, the DJs were playing and college football were listening to “Take Me Down” by Alabama; “Early In the Morning” by The Gap Band; “Still They Ride” by Journey; “You Should Hear How She Talks About You” by Melissa Manchester; “Kids In America” by Kim Wilde; “Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Band; “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder, and “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago.
Also, “Hooked On Swing” by Larry Elgart & His Manhattan Swing Orchestra; “What Kind of Fool Am I” by Rick Springfield; “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor; “Even the Nights Are Better” by Air Supply; “Out of Work” by Gary (U.S.) Bonds; “Keep the Fire Burnin’” by REO Speedwagon; “Going to a Go-Go” by The Rolling Stones; “Hold Me” by Fleetwood Mac; “Wasted On the Way” by Crosby, Stills & Nash; “American Music” by The Pointer Sisters, and “Love Is In Control (Finger On the Trigger)” by Donna Summer.
On a sad note, Pan Am Flight 759 crashed shortly after takeoff from New Orleans International Airport, killing all 146 on board and eight on the ground. Italy won the World Cup, beating West Germany 3-1, and Tom Watson won the British Open Golf Championship.
In late July, the IRA detonated two bombs in central London, killing eight soldiers, seven horses, and wounding 46 people. Three days later, on a movie set, actor Vic Morrow and two child actors were killed in a helicopter stunt accident.
In mid-August, Raymond Floyd won the PGL Golf Championship, while the first compact discs (CDs) appeared in music stores.
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world belowUp where the clear winds blow
Summer was coming to an end and college football fans couldn’t wait for the season to begin. Pitt was the No. 1 team in the country at preseason. On the eve of the first kickoffs, college football fans were grillin’ and chillin’ to “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s; “Hot in the City” by Billy Idol; “Think I’m In Love” by Eddie Money; “Eye In the Sky” by The Alan Parsons Project; “Love Will Turn You Around” by Kenny Rogers; “Gloria” by Laura Branigan; “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls; “Blue Eyes” by Elton John, and “Take It Away” by Paul McCartney.
Also, “Who Can It Be Now” by Men At Work; “Valley Girl” by Frank Zappa; “Let Me Tickle Your Fancy” by Jermaine Jackson; “Jack and Diane” by John Cougar; “What’s Forever For” by Michael Murphey; “Only Time Will Tell” by Asia; “You Can Do Magic” by America; “Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne; “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; “Never Been In Love” by Randy Meisner, and “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” by Michael McDonald.
Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert-Lloyd won men’s and women’s singles titles at the U. S. Open Tennis Tournament. The Musical “Cats” began its 18-year run on Broadway.
Meanwhile, college football season was underway. Washington replaced Pitt at the No. 1 spot in the polls. Football fans were tailgating to “Hold On” by Santana; “Voyeur” by Kim Carnes; “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes; “Jump To It” by Aretha Franklin; “The One You Love” by Glenn Frey; “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson, and “Break It To Me Gently” by Juice Newton.
Princess Grace of Monaco died when her car plunged off a mountain road. Her daughter Stephanie suffered injuries. The USA Today began publication.
The median household income in the U.S. was $20,171. Unemployment was at 9.7 percent, and the cost of a first class stamp was 20 cents. The price of a gallon of gas was 91 cents.
Before September came to an end, “Family Ties” and “Cheers” premiered on NBC, and The Who began their farewell tour in Washington, DC.
Some hang on to, ‘used to be’
Live their lives looking behindAll we have is here and now
All our life out there to find
On the first day of October, Helmut Kohl replaced Helmut Schmidt as Chancellor of West Germany, while in Orlando, Walt Disney World opened EPCOT.
Later in the month, “Remington Steele” (NBC) and “Newhart” (CBS) made their premiers on TV. The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-3 in the final game, to win the World Series, 4-games-to-3.
Two thrillers occurred in college football. On October 16, Arizona’s Max Zendejas kicked a 48-yard field goal as time expired to give the Wildcats a 16-13 victory over Notre Dame. The very next Saturday, Mike Bass of Illinois kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired to give the Illini a 29-28 win over Wisconsin.
Kate Smith received the Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan, and Pitt retook the No. 1 spot in the polls.
At Halloween, college football fans were being tricked or treated, while listening to “The Look of Love (Part One)” by ABC; “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond; “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash; “What About Me” by Moving Pictures; “New World Man” by Rush; “Rock This Town” by Stray Cats; “Love Me Tomorrow” by Chicago; “Pressure” by Billy Joel; “On the Wings of Love” by Jeffrey Osborne; “American Heartbeat” by Survivor; “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash; “Get Closer” by Linda Ronstadt, and “Muscles” by Diana Ross.
On November 6, Notre Dame beat Pitt, 31-16. Georgia became the No. 1 team in the country. A week later, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC.
Then on November 20, California beat Stanford, 25-20, in a game that has branded itself into the history of college football as the game with the craziest ending. In the closing seconds of the contest, Stanford scored to take a 20-19 lead over Cal. On the ensuing kickoff, the Stanford band began taking the field from the end zone. Cal received the ball, and as time expired on the clock, the Bears returned the kickoff for a touchdown, executing an amazing five laterals along the way. The sixth Cal player to touch the ball ran through the Stanford band, knocking down a trombone player, to score the final touchdown.
The road is long
There are mountains in our wayBut we climb a step every day
At Thanksgiving, college football fans were stuffing themselves with turkey and pumpkin pie while listening to “I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)” by Donald Fagen; “Missing You” by Dan Fogelberg; “You and I” by Eddie Rabbit & Crystal Gayle; “Be My Lady” by Jefferson Starship; “Truly” by Lionel Ritchie; “Heartbroken” by Dionne Warwick; “Shadows of the Night” by Pat Benatar; “Maneater by Daryl Hall & John Oates; “Shock the Monkey” by Peter Gabriel; “Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley; “1999” by Prince; “Let’s Go Dancin’ (Ooh La, La, La)” by Kool & The Gang; “It’s Raining Again” by Supertramp, and “Africa” by Toto.
Georgia finished the regular season undefeated, and on the last day of November, Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” the biggest selling album of all time.
As the last month of the year arrived, Miguel de la Madrid took office as President of Mexico. At the University of Utah, 61-year-old, retired dentist Barney Clark became the first person to receive a permanent artificial heart. Clark lived for 112 days.
The consensus All-American first-team offense consisted of wide receiver Anthony Carter – Michigan, (5-11, 161) Riviera Beach, FL; tight end Gordon Hudson – BYU, (6-4,224) Salt Lake City, UT; lineman Don Mosebar – USC (6-7, 270) Visalia, CA; lineman Steve Korte – Arkansas (6-2, 270) Littleton, CO; lineman Jimbo Covert – Pitt (6-5, 279) Conway, PA; lineman Bruce Mathews – USC (6-5, 265) Arcadia, CA; center Dave Rimington – Nebraska (6-3, 290) Omaha, NE; quarterback John Elway – Stanford (6-4, 202) Northridge, CA; running back Herschel Walker – Georgia (6-2, 222) Wrightsville, GA; running back Eric Dickerson – SMU (6-2, 215) Sealy, TX; running back Mike Rozier – Nebraska (5-11, 210) Camden, NJ, and placekicker Chuck Nelson – Washington (5-11, 178) Everett, WA.
Georgia running back Herschel Walker won the Heisman Trophy. In the balloting, Walker beat out Stanford quarterback John Elway, SMU running back Eric Dickerson and Michigan receiver Anthony Carter. Walker also won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award as college football’s most outstanding player.
Nebraska’s Dave Rimington won the Outland Trophy (most outstanding interior lineman) and the Vince Lombardi Award (most outstanding lineman or linebacker). The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award went to Penn State’s Todd Blackledge.
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cryOn a mountain high
In the first bowl game of the season, Wisconsin beat Kansas State, 14-3 in the Independence Bowl.
The best albums of the year were “Rock In A Hard Place” by Aerosmith; “Now And Forever” by Air Supply; “The Last Unicorn” by America; “Asia” by Asia; “Rough Diamonds” by Bad Company; “Emotions In Motion” by Billy Squier; “The Hunter” by Blondie; “Nebraska” by Bruce Springsteen; “One To One” by Carole King; “One On One” by Cheap Trick; “Daylight Again” by Crosby, Stills & Nash, and “Rare” by David Bowie.
Also, “Love Over Gold” by Dire Straits; “I Can’t Stand Still” by Don Henley; “Rio” by Duran Duran; “Last Date” by Emmylou Harris; “Mirage” by Fleetwood Mac; “3 X 3” by Genesis; “Strait From The Heart” by George Strait; “Living My Life” by Grace Jones; “American Fool” by John Mellencamp; “Wild Things Run Fast” by Joni Mitchell; “The Blue Mask” by Lou Reed, and “Midnight Love” by Marvin Gaye.
Also, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson; “Get Nervous” by Pat Benatar; “Hot Space” by Queen; “Chronic Town” by R.E.M.; “Good Trouble” by REO Speedwagon; “Avalon” by Roxy Music; “Signals” by Rush; “Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Band; “Famous Last Words” by Supertramp; “Beautiful Vision” by Van Morrison; “Hello I Must Be Going” by Phil Collins, and “New York – St. Patrick’s Day” by U2.
With Christmas in the air and the big bowl games near, college football fans were doing their shopping to “I Know There’s Something Going On” by ABBA; “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Phil Collins; “Theme from Dynasty” by Bill Conti; “The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney; “Hand To Hold On To” by John Cougar; “Down Under” by Men At Work; “Two Less Lonely People in the World” by Air Supply; “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant; “You Got Lucky” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; “I Do” by The J. Geils Band, and “The Other Guy” by The Little River Band.
In other pre-Christmas bowl games, Ohio State won the Holiday Bowl, beating BYU, 47-17. Fresno State beat Bowling Green in the California Bowl, 29-28, and in the Florida Citrus Bowl, Auburn beat Boston College, 33-26.
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we knowWhere the clear winds blow
Some of the better movies of the year were “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial,” “Tootsie,” “An Officer And A Gentleman,” “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas,” “Annie,” “Evil Under The Sun,” “Gandhi,” “Missing,” “Poltergeist,” “Porky,” “Sophie’s Choice,” “The Return Of The Soldier,” “The Verdict,” and “Victor Victoria.”
The better reads during the year were “The Hotel New Hampshire” by John Irving; “An Indecent Obsession” by Colleen McCullough; “Rabbit Is Rich” by John Updike; “Noble House” by James Clavell; “North And South” by John Jakes; “The Parsifal Mosaic” by Robert Ludlum; “Spring Moon” by Bette Bao Lord; “A Green Desire” by Anton Myrer, and “The Man From St. Petersburg” by Ken Follett.
Also, “The Prodigal Daughter” by Jeffrey Archer; “Eden Burning” by Belva Plain; “Twice Shy” by Dick Francis; “Master Of The Game” by Sidney Sheldon; “The Valley Of Horses” by Jean Auel; “Space” by James A. Michener; “Cloak Of Darkness” by Helen MacInnes, and “Mistral’s Daughter” by Judith Krantz.
The consensus All-American first-team defense consisted of lineman Billy Ray Smith – Arkansas, (6-3, 228) Plano, TX; lineman Vernon Maxwell – Arizona State (6-2, 225) Carson, CA; lineman Mike Pitts – Alabama (6-2, 255) Baltimore, MD; lineman Wilbur Marshall – Florida (6-1, 230) Titusville, FL; lineman Gabriel Rivera – Texas Tech (6-3, 270) San Antonio, TX; lineman Rick Bryan – Oklahoma (6-4, 260) Coweta, OK; middle guard Georgia Achica – USC (6-5, 260) San Jose, CA; linebacker Darryl Talley – West Virginia (6-4, 210) East Cleveland, OH; linebacker Ricky Hunley – Arizona (6-1, 230) Petersburg, VA; linebacker Marcus Marek – Ohio State 6-2, 224) Masury, OH; defensive back Terry Kinard – Clemson (6-1, 189) Sumter, SC; defensive back Mike Richardson – Arizona State (6-0, 190) Compton, CA; defensive back Terry Hoage – Georgia (6-3, 196) Huntsville, TX, and punter Jim Arnold – Vanderbilt (6-3, 205) Dalton, GA.
Well-known people who were born during the year included Gilbert Arenas, Jessica Biel, Anna Chapman, Kelly Clarkson, Landon Donovan, Kirsten Dunst, Anne Hathaway, Justine Henin, Tara Lapinski, Apolo Anton Ohno, Anna Paquin, Danica Patrick, LeAnn Rimes, Andy Roddick, Ben Roethlisberger, Amara Stoudemire, Dwayne Wade and Prince William.
Famous people who passed away during the year included Hans Conried, Paul Lynde, Lee Strasberg, John Belushi, Ayn Rand, Romy Schneider, Vic Morrow, Henry Fonda, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Fernando Lamas, Marty Feldman, Jack Webb, Leonid Brezhnev, Eleanor Powell, Murray “The K” Kaufman, Warren Oates, Abe Fortas, Jack Dempsey, John Cheever, Satchel Paige, Dave Garroway, Bess Truman, Marty Robbins and Leon Jaworski.
Time goes by, no time to cry
Life’s you and I, a life todayOn Christmas Eve, a major snow blizzard hit Denver.
Christmas Day, North Carolina beat Texas, 26-10, in the Sun Bowl, and Washington beat Maryland in the Aloha Bowl, 21-20. On the day after Christmas, Arkansas won the Bluebonnet Bowl, beating Florida, 28-24.
The most popular TV shows of the year were “Dallas,” “Three’s Company,” “The Jefferson’s,” “Alice,” “Dukes of Hazard,” “M*A*S*H,” “One Day At A Time,” “Falcon Crest,” “Love Boat,” “Hart To Hart,” “Trapper John, MD,” “Magnum P.I.,” “Dynasty” and “Newhart.”
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year was given, for the first time, to a non-human – a computer.
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we knowWhere the clear winds blow
In the Liberty Bowl, Alabama beat Illinois, 21-15, and Florida State beat West Virginia, 31-12, in the Gator Bowl. On New Year’s Eve, Air Force won the All-American Bowl, beating Vanderbilt, 36-28, and Iowa beat Tennessee, 28-22, in the Peach Bowl.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the year at 1046.
College football fans were dancing, drinking and singing on New Year’s Eve to “Love In Store” by Fleetwood Mac; “Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring; “Allentown” by Billy Joel; “Heart to Heart” by Kenny Loggins; “Heart of the Night” by Juice Newton; “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” by Culture Club; “On the Loose” by Saga; “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth; “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” by Sammy Hagar, and “Back On the Chain Gang” by The Pretenders.
Five bowl games were played on New Year’s Day. Arizona State won the Fiesta Bowl, beating Oklahoma, 32-21, and SMU beat Pitt in the Cotton Bowl, 7-3. Nebraska beat LSU, 21-20, in the Orange Bowl, while UCLA won the Rose Bowl, beating Michigan, 24-14.
And finally, in the Sugar Bowl, Penn State beat undefeated and No. 1 ranked Georgia, 27-23.
Penn State became the national champions, finishing first in the AP and UPI polls. The Nittany Lions, coached by Joe Paterno, finished the season at 11-1. Penn State’s one loss was to Alabama, 42-21, on October 9 – their fifth game of the season.
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cryOn a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
“Up Where We Belong”
Sung by Joe Cocker and Jennifer WarnesWritten by Will Jennings, Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie
The song entered the charts on August 21 and spent 23 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100, throughout the football season, peaking at No. 1 in early November.
The year (and football season) was 1982.
Where were you in 1982?
Touchdown Tom
November 14, 2011Ole Miss fired Houston Nutt last week, effective at end of season. The Rebels become the fifth school that will be looking for a new coach.
The way Toledo has been playing lately, we’re not sure if it’s the football or basketball team. But, yes this is really Toledo’s football team, even though you have to wonder when you see the scores. Over the weekend, Toledo beat Western Michigan, 66-63. The previous week, the Rockets beat Northern Illinois, 63-60. This week, Toledo plays Central Michigan. Stay tuned!
And how ‘bout those Kansas State Wildcats? It doesn’t get any more exciting than the K-State games have been the past two weeks. Saturday, the Wildcats beat Texas A&M, 53-50 in four overtimes. The previous week, Kansas State lost to Oklahoma State 52-45. Do you think the Wildcats might be a bit worn out? This week, K-State plays Texas. Stay tuned!
Well, the fight is finally over in North Dakota. The University of North Dakota will drop its 81-year-old nickname – The Fighting Sioux. In 2005, the NCAA listed North Dakota among a group of schools with objectionable American Indian nicknames. UND was the only school still fighting the issue. Not any longer.
Houston, LSU and Oklahoma State are the only three remaining undefeated teams after Boise State and Stanford both lost for the first time Saturday. On the other side of the coin, Florida Atlantic is the only remaining winless team after New Mexico won for the first time Saturday. The Lobos beat UNLV, 21-14.
Sign of the Day Saturday: At the Oregon-Stanford game – “The Duck Stops Here.”
My favorite quarterbacks over the weekend were Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish, Kansas State’s Collin Klein, Washington State’s Connor Halliday, TCU’s Casey Pachall, Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden and West Virginia’s Geno Smith.
My favorite running backs were Michigan’s Fitzgerald Toussaint, Louisiana-Monroe’s Jyruss Edwards, California’s Isi Sofele, Colorado’s Rodney Stewart, Virginia Tech’s David Wilson and Utah’s John White.
It can’t get much worse for Bootsie and Rockledge Gator. A couple weeks ago, they were dressed in their orange and blue, doing the Gator chomp at the Florida-Georgia game, all while sitting smack-dab in the middle of the Georgia section. The Bulldogs won, 24-20. But at least they stayed until the end of the game.
Saturday, Bootsie and Rockledge Gator were dressed in their orange and blue, doing the War Eagle chant at the Auburn-Georgia game, all while sitting smack-dab in the middle of the Georgia section. The Bulldogs won, 45-7. This time they left at the end of the third quarter.
And I think they may have caught something. Both have been barking a lot, lately.
Swamp Mama and I spent the weekend in the Panhandle, celebrating Gator Babe’s 4th birthday.
RUNNER UP: Justice prevails – Nebraska 17, Penn State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 23, Penn State 19). Penn State fans still don’t get it, sitting there with signs that read, “This One’s For Joe.” This one should have been for the kids. And it was – Nebraska won. Rex Burkhead made the difference for the Huskers. A crowd of 107,903 attended the game in State College.
REST OF THE BEST: Frogs soil the Smurf Turf – TCU 36, Boise State 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, TCU 20). TCU only had 33 yards rushing, but the Frogs made up for it with 473 yards passing. A crowd of 34,146 attended the game in Boise.
Hokies take the Buzz out of the Bees – Virginia Tech 37, Georgia Tech 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 21, Virginia Tech 20). Virginia Tech offense was too much for the Yellow Jackets to handle. A crowd of 50,140 attended the game in Atlanta.
Rhinestone Cowboys – Oklahoma State 66, Texas Tech 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 29). The Cowboys jumped out to a 49-0 lead before the Red Raiders knew what hit them. Hard to believe this was the same Texas Tech team that beat Oklahoma in Norman a few weeks ago. Okie State is 10-0 for the first time in school history. A crowd of 57,205 attended the game in Lubbock.
Blocked – West Virginia 24, Cincinnati 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 30, West Virginia 27). WVU only had 32 yards rushing, but Geno Smith passed for 372 yards. Mounties blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt by the Bearcats as time expired. A crowd of 48,152 attended the game in Cincinnati.
Red Wolves take the Rajin’ out of the Cajun – Arkansas State 30, Louisiana-Lafayette 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas State 28, Louisiana-Lafayette 25). The Rajin’ Cajuns led 21-20 late in the third quarter before Ark State rallied with two touchdowns. Ark State held ULL to 66 yards rushing. A crowd of 20,261 attended the game in Jonesboro.
Uga puts the Puss in the boots – Georgia 45, Auburn 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 26, Auburn 24). The win all but gives Georgia the SEC East title. No way the Dawgs will lose to Kentucky this week. Georgia held Auburn to only 51 yards rushing. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Wolverines give the Banned Indians Fitz – Michigan 31, Illinois 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 26, Illinois 19). The Banned Indians’ offense never crossed midfield until well into the second half. The Wolverine defense held Illinois to 37 yards rushing. Michigan’s Fitzgerald Toussaint rushed for 192 yards. Illinois has lost four straight. A crowd of 60,670 attended the game in Champaign.
Eyes lose their sight – Michigan State 37, Iowa 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 24, Iowa 23). The Hawkeyes never knew what hit them. State jumped out to a 34-7 lead and went into cruise control. Three turnovers didn’t help Iowa’s effort any. A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City.
Huskies sit for the Trojans – USC 40, Washington 17 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 28, Washington 22). The Trojans’ defense held the Huskies to 46 yards rushing. A crowd of 64,576 attended the game in Los Angeles.
Bama puts the Bulldogs on a leash – Alabama 24, Mississippi State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Mississippi State 10). The game had to be a bit of a letdown for the Tide after last week’s loss to LSU. Bama’s defense held Miss State to a measly 12 yards rushing and only 131 yards total. A crowd of 57,871 attended the game in Starkville.
Tigers almost get lost in the Forest – Clemson 31, Wake Forest 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 33, Wake Forest 18). Trailing the Demon Deacons 28-14 late in the third quarter, Clemson had to play catch up. The Tigers kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to win. A crowd of 80,000 attended the game in Clemson.
Cocky gives the Gators chicken pox – South Carolina 17, Florida 12 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Florida 14). The Gamecocks only had 84 yards passing, but Brandon Wilds and Connor Shaw combined for 208 yards rushing for the Cocks. South Carolina finished its first sweep of the SEC East and won six conference games for the first time since joining the SEC in 1992. At this point in the season, I’m not sure why Will Muschamp is still playing John Brantley. Brantley has proven he can’t play under either system – Urban Meyer’s or Charlie Weis’. A crowd of 80,250 attended the game in Columbia.
Klein is fine – Kansas State 53, Texas A&M 50 (4OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 33, Texas A&M 26). K-State has been in the most exciting games the past two weeks – a 52-45 loss to Okie State last week and now a 53-50 (4OT) win over A&M. Wildcats’ quarterback Collin Klein is an amazing player – 281 yards passing and 103 rushing. A crowd of 46,204 attended the game in Manhattan.
Noles take the sugar out of the Canes – Florida State 23, Miami (Florida) 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 27, Miami 24). Miami won the stats, but the Noles won the game. The Canes held FSU to 63 yards rushing. FSU had a 23-7 lead halfway through the fourth quarter before Miami rallied. But the Canes’ rally fell short. A crowd of 82,322 attended the game in Tallahassee.
Lookin’ Porky – Arkansas 49, Tennessee 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 24, Tennessee 11). Tennessee fans have to be getting frustrated. The Vols haven’t shown any improvement all season. A crowd of 72,103 attended the game in Fayetteville.
So close – Southern Miss 30, UCF 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Southern Miss 30, UCF 19). UCF scored as time expired, but the Knights two-point conversion attempt failed. The Eagles held UCF to 48 yards rushing. A crowd of 32,925 attended the game in Hattiesburg.
Where’s the Beef? – Missouri 17, Texas 5 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 32, Texas 29). Just when the Longhorns thought they might be back, Mizzou proved them wrong. The Tigers held the Horns to 76 yards rushing. A crowd of 61,323 attended the game in Columbia.
Boilers crack the Nuts – Purdue 26, Ohio State 23 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 31, Purdue 21). Ohio State is now 2-4 on its last six visits to West Lafayette. A crowd of 43,334 attended the game in West Lafayette.
Cowboys take the Air out of the Force – Wyoming 25, Air Force 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Air Force 29, Wyoming 22). Trailing 17-12 halfway through the fourth quarter, the Cowboys went to work, scoring two late touchdowns. Air Force had -1 yards passing. A crowd of 33,823 attended the game in Colorado Springs.
Devils lookin’ blue – Virginia 31, Duke 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 28, Duke 14). The Cavs held the Devils to 34 yards rushing. Win out and Virginia captures the ACC Coastal Division title. A crowd of 45,733 attended the game in Charlottesville.
Comment: Stanford and Boise State lose for the first time. Clemson survives a scare to win the ACC Atlantic Division. West Virginia is alive again in the Big East.
A pretty good week at 16-6 on my picks. That brings my season total to 184-72 (71.9 percent).
South Florida downed Syracuse, 37-17. A crowd of 41,582 attended the game in Syracuse…. Florida International thumped Florida Atlantic, 41-7. A crowd of 17,378 attended the game in Miami…. Bethune-Cookman slammed Savannah State, 59-3. A crowd of 4,964 attended the game in Daytona Beach.
Florida A&M beat North Carolina Central, 31-10. A crowd of 7,711 attended the game in Durham…. Jacksonville U. beat Butler, 34-24. A crowd of 3,851 attended the game in Jacksonville.
Impressive Passers: Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 38-59-0 for 548 yards; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 27-36-0-494; TCU’s Casey Pachall – 24-37-1-473; Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden – 31-37-0-423; UAB’s Jonathan Perry – 29-48-0-410; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 22-34-0-391; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 29-43-0-372, and Northwestern’s Dan Persa – 25-32-2-372.
Also, Southern Miss’ Austin Davis – 26-48-0 for 364 yards; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 28-37-2-364; Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 26-52-1-362; New Mexico State’s Matt Christian – 25-43-1-360; Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler – 28-44-0-351; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 27-43-2-343; San Jose State’s Matt Faulkner – 27-49-0-340; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 31-38-1-331, and Houston’s Case Keenum – 22-29-0-325.
Also, Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 28-38-0 for 320 yards; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 22-27-1-318; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 22-29-1-312; Duke’s Sean Renfree – 21-38-1-303; G.J. Kinne – 24-31-1-302; Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 23-46-0-297; Notre Dame’s Tommy Rees – 30-38-0-296; Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish 16-26-0-294; Nevada’s Cody Fajardo – 25-36-0-290; Kansas State’s Collin Klein – 17-27-1-281; New Mexico’s B.R. Holbrook – 15-23-0-274, and Stanford’s Andrew Luck – 27-41-2-271.
Also, Colorado’s Rodney Stewart – 181 yards; Virginia Tech’s David Wilson – 175 yards; Utah’s John White – 167 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 166 yards; UNLV’s Dionz Bradford – 152 yards; Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish – 151 yards; USC’s Curtis McNeal – 148 yards; Kansas’ Darrian Miller – 147; Oregon’s LaMichael James – 146 yards, and UTEP’s Joe Banyard – 140 yards.
“After reading the Pennsylvania grand jury’s presentation, the first thought is not that Jerry Sandusky needs to go to prison if the allegations are true – it’s that he should be tied t the bumper of a Chevy and pushed off a cliff. I say that not as a father of two but as any human being with a shred of decency, morality and a soul,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“If you (Penn State) as a university can’t allow Joe Paterno to hold a simple Tuesday media briefing, how can you allow him to coach another game,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
“It appears Penn State could have been harboring an even dirtier secret of its own. And here we can only shake our heads and say: This is some fouled-up world is it not?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.
“Like the Catholic Church, Paterno and Penn State turned a blind eye to sexually abused children,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Penn State dropped the ball. And when everybody looks at Paterno on the sideline Saturday, the first thought most will have won’t be, ‘There’s a great football coach,’” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“I can’t imagine any university, company or entity handling a situation worse than how Penn State has handled the last few days,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“As the scandal continued to fester Tuesday, Penn State was reportedly planning Paterno’s exit after 46 years as head coach. What is to plan? He should have been gone yesterday; fired immediately,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Say you didn’t treat the sexual abuse of a child in the same manner you would treat a secondary NCAA violation for too many text messages. Don’t tell us you kicked it upstairs to your boss when we all know you ARE the boss. You ARE Penn State. Or at least you were Penn State,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Paterno needed to get behind a microphone, answer every question, show remorse and make us believe that there was no intent on his part to cover up such alleged heinous crimes for a long-time friend. Because anybody who enabled Sandusky also belongs behind bars,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
“In the end, Joe Paterno had no choice. Because when he had a choice, the winningest coach in college football history choked,” The Gainesville Sun columnist Tom Dooley.
“(Assistant coach Mike) McQueary didn’t stop it. He didn’t even say anything to Sandusky. And for that, he was promoted up the ladder at Penn State. He should have been fired on the spot,” The Gainesville Sun columnist Tom Dooley, on the Penn State receivers coach who said he saw Jerry Sandusky sodomizing the 10-year-old boy in the Penn State showers.
“Paterno should have every victory since 2002 taken away,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Mike McQueary failed to meet a moral obligation,” Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett.
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. USC (8-2) at Oregon (9-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – One more tough test for Oregon. But Stanford couldn’t beat the Ducks in Palo Alto, the Trojans won’t beat them in Eugene – Oregon 47, USC 34.
RUNNER UP: 2. Nebraska (8-2) at Michigan (8-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Both are still in the running for the Big Ten Legends Division title, but Nebraska is in the better position, especially if the Huskers win. The loser here is definitely out. The Huskers stay in contention – Nebraska 26, Michigan 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Kansas State (8-2) at Texas (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Can K-State possibly have any energy left after the last two weeks? Or have the Wildcats shot their wad? K-State saves a wad for Bevo – Kansas State 29, Texas 27.
4. Penn State (8-2) at Ohio State (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The Buckeyes have four losses, but only one of the four occurred in Columbus. And that one was just a three-point loss – 10-7 to Michigan State. The Nittany Lions had some emotion last week. The emotion is probably gone by now. Buckeyes win a defensive battle – Ohio State 14, Penn State 9.
5. Oklahoma (8-1) at Baylor (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – The Sooners still have a shot at the Big 12 title. Baylor is good enough to be a spoiler, especially in Waco. OU does the spoiling – Oklahoma 45, Baylor 30.
6. Oklahoma State (10-0) at Iowa State (5-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – If Texas Tech can shock Oklahoma, who says Iowa State can’t shock Okie State? No way – Oklahoma State 42, Iowa State 23.
7. California (6-4) at Stanford (9-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – As long as Stanford keeps the trombone player off the field, the Cardinal should be okay in this one. The Trees bloom again – Stanford 31, California 19.
8. Boise State (8-1) at San Diego State (6-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) – After the loss to TCU, the Broncos could be in a funk. After all, that loss moved them out of a BCS bowl and into some woe begotten bowl. The Aztecs can be dangerous. And the game is in San Diego. But the Broncos bounce back – Boise State 35, San Diego State 28.
9. North Carolina (6-4) at Virginia Tech (9-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – Last time the Tar Heels went to Blacksburg, they surprised the Hokies. Won’t happen this time – Virginia Tech 29, North Carolina 19.
10. Cincinnati (7-2) at Rutgers (7-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Both teams are still in the running for the Big East title. But then, isn’t everybody still in the running for the Big East crown? Rutgers has to win to remain in the running. The Bearcats don’t have to win. But the Bearcats do – Cincinnati 30, Rutgers 28.
11. Virginia (7-3) at Florida State (7-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – FSU has seven wins, but some say the Noles haven’t beaten anybody decent. Is Virginia decent? Probably not, because the Noles win – Florida State 27, Virginia 13.
12. SMU (6-4) at Houston (10-0) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – The Cougars are one of only three undefeated teams in the country. And GameDay is in Houston this week. Big time for the Cougars. SMU surprised TCU, but the Mustangs won’t surprise the Cougars – Houston 42, SMU 18.
13. Wisconsin (8-2) at Illinois (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Win out and the Badgers win the Big Ten Leaders Division. The Banned Indians have lost four straight. Make it five – Wisconsin 28, Illinois 11.
14. Mississippi State (5-5) at Arkansas (9-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – It’s hard to believe but I think Bobby Petrino really has something this year in Fayetteville. The Hogs are for real. Miss State is 1-5 in SEC play. Make it 1-6 – Arkansas 26, Mississippi State 10.
15. Clemson (9-1) at N.C. State (5-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Wolfpack already have the only win they care about. The one over the Tar Heels. The Tigers should have a heyday – Clemson 30, N.C. State 15.
16. Iowa (6-4) at Purdue (5-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Purdue needs one more win to become bowl eligible. Most likely it won’t come this week – Iowa 23, Purdue 22.
17. Miami (Florida) (5-5) at South Florida (5-4) – (ACC vs. Big East) – The Canes will be seeking revenge. The Bulls put it to them last year. The Bulls do it again – South Florida 24, Miami 23.
18. Texas Tech (5-5) at Missouri (5-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Both looking for that sixth win to become bowl eligible. Mizzou gets it – Missouri 32, Texas Tech 15.
19. Louisville (5-5) at Connecticut (4-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) – The winner stays in the running for the Big East title. The loser is out of it. Huskies are looking like the losers – Louisville 22, Connecticut 21.
20. Ball State (6-4) at Northern Illinois (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) – A win for NIU gives the Huskies the MAC West title and a spot in the MAC championship game. But Ball State can be dangerous. The Huskies come through – Northern Illinois 39, Ball State 28.
21. Vanderbilt (5-5) at Tennessee (4-6) – (SEC vs. SEC) – Ahhh, sweet opportunity for the Commodores. And they don’t get many opportunities against the Vols. It won’t come easy, but the Dores hang tough – Vanderbilt 27, Tennessee 23.
Furman (6-4) at Florida (5-5) – (Southern vs. SEC) – Oh, look at this – a team the Gators can beat. There haven’t been many of them this year. And this should make the Gators eligible for some cheap bowl game. Albert enjoys a rare win – Florida 40, Furman 14.
Georgia Tech (7-3) at Duke (3-7) – (ACC vs. ACC) – It’s about time for the Dookies to sneak up on somebody. No sneakin’ this week – Georgia Tech 29, Duke 22.
Kentucky (4-6) at Georgia (8-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – I can’t see Uga choking on this bone. Too much in store. And the Wildcats are as bad as bad can get – in the literal sense. There will be a lot of Woof, Woof’s in Athens – Georgia 42, Kentucky 11.
West Virginia (7-3) has the week off.
UCF (4-6) travels to East Carolina (4-6)…. Florida International (6-4) visits Louisiana-Monroe (3-7)…. Florida Atlantic (0-9) is at Troy (2-7)…. Florida A&M (7-3) vs. Bethune-Cookman (7-3) in Orlando…. Jacksonville U. (7-3) plays at San Diego (8-2).
Ball State at Northern Illinois – 8 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Ohio at Bowling Green – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Western Michigan at Miami (Ohio) – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Marshall at Memphis – 8 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
North Carolina at Virginia Tech – 8 p.m. ET – ESPNSouthern Miss at UAB – 8 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Oklahoma State at Iowa State – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Toledo at Central Michigan – 8 p.m. ET – ESPNUHarvard at Yale – 12 noon ET – Versus
Nebraska at Michigan – 12 noon ET – ESPNWisconsin at Illinois – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Cincinnati at Rutgers – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Louisville at Connecticut – 12 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Kentucky at Georgia – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Georgia Tech at Duke – 12:30 p.m. ET – ACC Game of the Week
Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M – 2:30 p.m. ET – ESPN Classic
Tulsa at UTEP – 3 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Colorado State at TCU – 3:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Mississippi State at Arkansas – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Clemson at N.C. State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Penn State at Ohio State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN
Texas Tech at Missouri – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Miami (Florida) at South Florida – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Boston College at Notre Dame – 4 p.m. ET – NBC
LSU at Ole Miss – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN
Vanderbilt at Tennessee – 7 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Colorado at UCLA – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Virginia at Florida State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Boise State at San Diego State – 8 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Kansas State at Texas – 8 p.m. ET – FX
Oklahoma at Baylor – 8 p.m. ET – ABC
USC at Oregon – 8 p.m. ET – ABC
California at Stanford – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN
New Mexico State at BYU – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Elsewhere around college football . . . UCF and Oklahoma are close to finalizing a two-game home-and-home series. The first game would be played in Orlando in 2012. The second game would be in 2013 in Norman…. UCF fired athletic director Keith Tribble and assistant football coach David Kelly….
Fifth BCS Standings: 1. LSU, 2. Oklahoma State, 3. Alabama, 4. Oregon,
5. Oklahoma, 6. Arkansas, 7. Clemson, 8. Virginia Tech, 9. Stanford, 10. Boise StateOn the Internet – College Football Week now has a Website and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.
Touchdown Tom
Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were three passings of note last week – Sid Melton, Joe Frazier and Ed Macauley.
Sid Melton, a character actor best known for his regular roles in the television shows “Make Room for Daddy” and “Green Acres,” died last week in Burbank, California. He was 94. Melton played the funny man in most of the 140 movie and TV roles in which he was cast. In “Captain Midnight,” a Saturday-morning children’s television show of the 1950s, he was the hero’s sidekick, Ichabod Mudd. He was Uncle Charlie Halper on “Make Room for Daddy,” later “The Danny Thomas Show,” from 1953 to 1964. On another sitcom, “Green Acres,” from 1965 to 1971, he was Alf Monroe. Sidney Meltzer was born on May 22, 1917, in New York City.
Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion whose furious and intensely personal fights with a taunting Muhammad Ali endure as an epic rivalry in boxing history, died last week at his home in Philadelphia. He was 67. The cause was liver cancer. Billy Joe Frazier was born on January 12, 1944, in Laurel Bay, South Carolina, the youngest of 12 children.
Ed Macauley, who was voted the national college basketball player of the year in 1949 and the most valuable player in the NBA’s first All-Star game in 1951, died last week in St. Louis. He was 83. Macauley was the second-highest paid player in the NBA in the early 1950s. In 1956, the Boston Celtics traded Macauley to the St. Louis Hawks for Bill Russell. Edward Charles Macauley was born in St. Louis on March 22, 1928. He played college basketball at St. Louis University. In 1948, St. Louis beat NYU to win the NIT, then considered the national championship. Macauley played in the NBA for 10 seasons and went on to coach the Hawks for two seasons.
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