Week 13 – Meyer to Ohio State, Belotti to Arizona and Erickson fired?
Halloween Came Late This Year Every year in college football, there is always one weekend when several high-ranking teams get upset. Invariably, that weekend occurs in October – usually the latter part of October. Often times near Halloween – perhaps on or near a full moon.
It didn’t happen this year – at least, not in October. Halloween came late – the third weekend in November. No. 2 Oklahoma State, No. 9 Clemson, No. 7 Oregon and No. 6 Oklahoma all got tricked. All four lost on the same weekend. All four became Thanksgiving turkeys.
The first of the eerie events took place Friday night in Ames, Iowa. It was a dry but chilly night in Ames. Undefeated (10-0) Oklahoma State met unranked Iowa State (5-4). The Cowboys were heavily favored to beat the Cyclones. And it appeared that Oklahoma State would take care of business at hand. Early in the third quarter, the Cowboys were safely leading, 24-7.
Then there must have been a shift in the wind. Iowa State rallied, scored 17 points and with 05:30 remaining in the game, the score was tied 24-24. Oklahoma State missed a 37-yard field goal attempt and the game went into overtime. At the end of the first OT, the game was tied, 31-31. In the second OT, Iowa State intercepted a Brandon Weeden pass. The Cyclones scored on the ensuing series and upset No. 2 Oklahoma State, 37-31.
The second of the four upsets took place on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina. A one-loss Clemson (9-1) team was visiting N.C. State (5-5). The Tigers were heavily favored. Clemson scored first – a 24-yard field goal. Then the Wolfpack reeled off an unbelievable 30 points. Early in the third quarter, N.C. State led Clemson, 30-3. It was curtains for the Tigers. At the end, No. 9 Clemson was upset by unranked N.C. State, 37-13.
The third of the four upsets occurred on a rainy Saturday night in Eugene, Oregon. A one-loss Oregon (9-1) team was hosting a good USC squad (8-2). But the Ducks were strong favorites. Like N.C. State against Clemson, USC jumped out to a strong lead over Oregon. Late in the third quarter, the Trojans led the Ducks, 38-14. Oregon appeared doomed.
Then the Ducks rallied. They scored 21 points in 10 minutes. By midway through the fourth quarter, Oregon had cut USC’s lead to three points – 38-35. With about 03:00 remaining in the game, Oregon missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. The Trojans held on and upset No. 7 Oregon, 38-35. Three major upsets and the night wasn’t over.
The fourth big upset happened in Waco, Texas. A one-loss Oklahoma (9-1) was visiting Baylor (6-3). There was some concern for the Sooners, but they were solid favorites. The Oklahoma-Baylor contest played out differently than the other three upsets. Baylor scored and Oklahoma scored. Baylor scored and Oklahoma scored. Back-and-forth it went. Baylor scored and led the Sooners, 17-10, at the half. Early in the third quarter, Oklahoma scored twice. The Sooners led the Bears, 24-17.
Then Baylor scored twice. At the end of the third quarter, the Bears led the Sooners, 31-24. The game had remained basically even throughout, with the lead changing hands a few times. Baylor scored again and led, 38-24. But back came the Sooners. OU scored twice and trailed Baylor, 38-37, after the second score, with 00:51 remaining. Oklahoma was going for a two-point conversion to take the lead. But a false start on the Sooners moved the ball back five yards. OU kicked the extra point instead and the score was tied, 38-38.
With 51 seconds left, Baylor appeared content to let the time expire and go into overtime. Seeing this, OU coach Bob Stoops called a time out, thinking the Sooners could hold Baylor and get the ball back for a few plays. After the timeout, Baylor changed its game plan and got aggressive. With 00:08 remaining, the Bears scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass and led, 45-38. Baylor held OU and the No. 6 Sooners were upset by the Bears. It was the first time in history Baylor beat Oklahoma. Prior to the game, Baylor was 0-20 against the Sooners.
In another upset, with lesser national magnitude, Virginia beat favored Florida State, in Tallahassee, 14-13. Like Oklahoma State and Oregon, Florida State missed a field goal attempt (42 yards) in the closing seconds of the game.
Halloween came late this year.
Former Notre Dame coach and ESPN analyst Bob Davie will be back on the sidelines next season. New Mexico announced last week that Davie was hired as its new football coach. Davie was the head coach at Notre Dame from 1997 to 2001. The Lobos fired Mike Locksley earlier in the season.
New Mexico competes in the Mountain West Conference – a conference that has lost some esteem recently. BYU and Utah left the MWC last summer. TCU is pulling out of the conference next summer. And Boise State (who just joined the MWC) and Air Force may leave the conference for the Big East in 2013.
The New York Times reported that Arizona interviewed Urban Meyer for its opening. According to The Times, Meyer turned down the Arizona offer. So now the top candidates at Arizona appear to be former West Virginia and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, former Oregon coach Mike Belotti and current Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen.
A few days later, ESPN and others reported that Ohio State and Urban Meyer have been talking. Some reports even go so far to say that Ohio State has offered the job to Meyer. While others say that Meyer is showing strong interest.
Harvard coach Tim Murphy said he is interested in the Penn State job. Reports say North Carolina is interested in Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. Other candidates at North Carolina are Houston’s Kevin Sutherlin and Southern Miss’ Larry Fedora.
Illinois may be close to firing Ron Zook. Meanwhile, Arizona State officials are denying reports that football coach Dennis Erickson has been fired.
Quarterback Nick Montana, son of former Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana, made his first start for Washington Saturday. Montana was 11 of 21 passing for 79 yards for the Huskies. He threw two touchdown passes and one interception. Washington lost to Oregon State, 38-21.
My favorite quarterbacks over the weekend were Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish, Baylor’s Robert Griffin, Iowa State’s Jared Barnett, Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson, Arizona’s Nick Foles and USC’s Matt Barkley.
My favorite running backs were Wisconsin’s Montee Ball, Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey, Rutgers’ Jawan Jamison and Utah’s John White.
The top three teams in the latest BCS poll are LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. All three are from the SEC and all three from the SEC’s West Division. Arkansas and LSU play at 2:30 p.m. ET, Friday, in Baton Rouge. Alabama plays Auburn at 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, at Auburn. It could become more interesting. Stay tuned.
Bootsie and Rockledge Gator are off to Georgia for Thanksgiving, where they will be with family and friends. Swamp Mama and I will have 16 (family and firends) over for Thanksgiving dinner.
Touchdown Tom
November 21, 2011GAME OF THE WEEK: Trojans feast on foi gras – USC 38, Oregon 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 47, USC 34). Often times, Pac-12 teams build up an early lead on Oregon only to watch the Ducks come back and win. That almost happened to USC. The Trojans led Oregon 38-14 late in the third quarter. Then here came the Ducks. Oregon scored three touchdowns to pull within three. But this time the Ducks came up short. In the closing seconds, Oregon missed a 37-yard field goal attempt which would have evened the score. USC snapped Oregon’s 21-game winning streak in Autzen Stadium and the Ducks 19-game winning streak in conference games. USC’s Matt Barkley had a sensational game. A crowd of 59,993 attended the game in Eugene.
RUNNER UP: Corn doesn’t grow in Michigan – Michigan 45, Nebraska 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 26, Michigan 24). Nebraska not only isn’t ready for prime time, but the Huskers aren’t ready for the Big Ten either – not the Big Ten title game. The Huskers need to find a consistent quarterback and a consistent defense. They just need to find consistency. A crowd of 113,718 attended the game in Ann Arbor.
REST OF THE BEST: Horns still silent – Kansas State 17, Texas 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 29, Texas 27). The Wildcats are amazing. K-State only had 83 yards passing and 38 yards rushing, but the Wildcats still found a way to win. K-State led 17-3 late in the third quarter and fended off the Horns’ rally. Texas is 2-4 in its last six starts. A crowd of 100,705 attended the game in Austin.
Lions hit the ground running – Penn State 20, Ohio State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 14, Penn State 9). There was a strange atmosphere hanging over this game. Both teams were playing under interim coaches – two coaches who will both be gone at the end of the season. Both teams were pathetic passing – each with less than 90 yards through the air. And, of course, it was Penn State’s first win without Joe Paterno since 1965. A crowd of 105,493 attended the game in Columbus.
There’s always a first time for everything – Baylor 45, Oklahoma 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 45, Baylor 30). Before Saturday night, Baylor was 0-20 against the Sooners. And most of those 20 games weren’t even close. RG3 passed for 479 yards. A crowd of 40,281 attended the game in Waco.
Cowboys knocked out of their saddles – Iowa State 37, Oklahoma State 31 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 42, Iowa State 23). Okie State’s Brandon Weeden threw three interceptions and the Cyclones held the Cowboys to 60 yards rushing. Okie State missed a 37-yard field goal attempt in the final minute, which most likely would have been the game winner for the Cowboys. Okie State led the Cyclones 24-7 early in the third quarter, before letting the game slip away. A crowd of 52,027 attended the game in Ames.
Bears get Axed – Stanford 31, California 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 31, California 19). Both quarterbacks – Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Cal’s Zach Maynard were 20-for-30 passing. But the Cardinal held the Bears to 81 yards rushing. Stanford holds on to the Axe. A crowd of 50,360 attended the game in Palo Alto.
They’re back – Boise State 52, Dan Diego State 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 35, San Diego State 28). Good passing duel between Boise State’s Kellen Moore and San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley. But the Aztecs couldn’t put the ball in the end zone. The Broncos led 45-14 at the end of the third quarter. A crowd of 52,256 attended the game in San Diego.
With a little help from my friends – Virginia Tech 24, North Carolina 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 29, North Carolina 19). Tech is the better team, but ACC officials made sure North Carolina lost. A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.
RU not surprised – Rutgers 20, Cincinnati 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 30, Rutgers 28). Picked to finish last in the Big East, the Knights continue to surprise. Rutgers limited the Bearcats to 67 yards rushing. A crowd of 47,447 attended the game in Piscataway.
And it wasn’t Miami – Virginia 14, Florida State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 27, Virginia 13). FSU missed a 42-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds. A weird ending to the game as it appeared to be over on a couple occasions, but the referees kept putting time back on the clock, after reviewing previous plays. The Noles held the Cavs to 78 yards rushing, but couldn’t manage to win. A crowd of 77,178 attended the game in Tallahassee.
Cougars can play defense too – Houston 37, SMU 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Houston 42, SMU 18). Houston’s defense held SMU to a mere 24 yards rushing. The Cougars improve to 11-0. A crowd of 32,207 attended the game in Houston.
Illinois couldn’t hold the Ball (in more ways than one) – Wisconsin 28, Illinois 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Illinois 11). Trailing 17-7 at the half, Wisconsin rallied with 21 unanswered points in the second half. The Banned Indians suffered four turnovers. They also suffered their fifth-straight loss. The Badgers Montee Ball rushed for 224 yards. A crowd of 45,519 attended the game in Champaign.
No Pork for the Bulldogs – Arkansas 44, Mississippi State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 26, Mississippi State 10). Tyler Wilson passed for 365 yards as the Razorbacks rolled. Arkansas has won seven-straight since losing to Alabama in the fourth game of the season. A crowd of 55,761 attended the game in Fayetteville.
Dabo’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf – N.C. State 37, Clemson 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 30, N.C. State 15). It was the Wolfpack who had a heyday. Clemson suffered four turnovers and only had 34 yards rushing. A crowd of 57,583 attended the game in Raleigh.
Birdmen become road warriors – Iowa 31, Purdue 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 23, Purdue 22). Iowa got its first road win of the season. Hawkeyes’ James Vandenberg passed for 273yards. A crowd of 40,106 attended the game in West Lafayette.
Bulls get Caned – Miami (Florida) 6, South Florida 3 (Touchdown Tom said: South Florida 24, Miami 23). In a defensive struggle, the Canes kicked a 36-yard field goal as time expired to win the game. South Florida kicked a field goal early in the second quarter to tie the score and the game remained 3-3 until the final seconds. A crowd of 57,572 attended the game in Tampa.
We don’t need no Pinkel – Missouri 31, Texas Tech 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 32, Texas Tech 15). Mizzou quarterback James Franklin passed for 172 yards and rushed for 152 more. Texas Tech led throughout the game until the final 2:22 when the Tigers took the lead for the first time. Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel was suspended from the game for DUI charge. A crowd of 54,309 attended the game in Columbia.
Birds flock the Huskies – Louisville 34, Connecticut 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 22, Connecticut 21). After starting the season at 2-4, the Cardinals are now 6-5. One more win and Louisville will have a share of the Big East crown. A crowd of 34,483 attended the game in East Hartford.
The Cardinals couldn’t harness Harnish – Northern Illinois 41, Ball State 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Northern Illinois 39, Ball State 28). NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish is amazing. Harnish rushed for 181 yards and passed for 338 – 519 yards total. The Huskies are one victory shy of the MAC Championship game. A crowd of 12,391 attended the game in DeKalb.
Barbara Dooley is happy – Tennessee 27, Vanderbilt 21 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Vanderbilt 27, Tennessee 23). This game was about as even as you can get. Tennessee had 290 yards of offense, Vanderbilt 283. Vanderbilt controlled the ball for 30:50 minutes, Tennessee for 29:10. The Commodores lost the game on pure stupidity. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray returned to action for the first time since injuring his thumb on October 8. The Vols are a different team under Bray – better. A crowd of 91,367 attended the game in Knoxville.
Albert gets a scare – Florida 54, Furman 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 40, Furman 14). It wasn’t looking good for the Gators when the first quarter ended with Furman up 22-7. Florida woke up in the second quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points. The third quarter was a tossup. Then the Gators put the game away in the fourth. A crowd of 84,674 attended the game in Gainesville.
Bees give the Dookies hives – Georgia Tech 38, Duke 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 29, Duke 22). Tech quarterback Tevin Washington passed for 185 yards and rushed for 136, as the Yellow Jackets hung on to beat the Dookies. A crowd of 18,747 attended the game in Durham.
East Division champs – Georgia 19, Kentucky 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 42, Kentucky 11). A field goal battle in the first half, as five of the six scores were three-pointers. Kentucky never scored again after the halftime break. Georgia held the Wildcats to 23 yards rushing. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.
Too many upsets leave me at 14-10 on my picks. That brings my season total to 198-82 (70.7 percent).
UCF lost to East Carolina, 38-31. A crowd of 50,277 attended the game in Greenville…. Florida International beat Louisiana-Monroe, 28-17. A crowd of 10,587 attended the game in Monroe…. Florida Atlantic fell to Troy, 34-7. A crowd of 14,342 attended the game in Troy.
Bethune-Cookman downed Florida A&M, 26-16. A crowd of 60,218 attended the game in Orlando…. Jacksonville U. lost to San Diego, 23-14. A crowd of 2,771 attended the game in San Diego.
Impressive Passers: Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler – 36-65-2 for 487 yards; Baylor’s Robert Griffin – 21-34-0-479; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 36-51-1-447; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 36-57-1-429; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 42-54-1-413; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 32-48-1-396; Iowa State’s Jared Barnett – 31-58-2-376; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 32-43-0-375, and Arizona’s Nick Foles – 35-51-0-370.
Also, Boise State’s Kellen Moore – 28-40-1 for 366 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 25-45-0-355; San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley – 30-51-1-350; San Jose State’s Matt Faulkner – 33-44-1-345; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 26-37-1-339; Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish – 24-36-0-338; Florida’s John Brantley – 16-28-0-329; USC’s Matt Barkley – 26-34-1-323; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 20-32-0-320, and Houston’s Case Keenum – 30-45-0-318.
Also, Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 37-53-1 for 315 yards; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 25-37-1-294; Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne – 19-25-1-283; Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill – 21-26-0-280; California’s Zach Maynard – 20-30-0-280; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 24-32-0-275; Idaho’s Brian Reader – 27-39-1-275; Iowa’s James Vandenberg – 22-32-0-273; Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins – 16-23-0-272, and Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 19-29-0-271.
Also, Alabama’s Trent Richardson – 175 yards; Air Force’s Asher Clark – 169 yards; UCLA’s Jonathan Franklin – 162 yards; Temple’s Bernard Pierce – 157 yards; Auburn’s Michael Dyer – 157 yards; Missouri’s James Franklin – 152 yards; Minnesota’s MarQueis Gray – 147 yards; Rice’s Tyler Smith – 145yards, and Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 140 yards.
“I still have the hunger to coach. We’ll see what happens in the next three or four weeks,” former West Virginia and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, on coaching somewhere next year.
“Penn State should announce that it will cancel the 2012 football season,” New York Times columnist Joe Nocera.
“Anyone who’s been around college athletics knows that there are no secrets in a locker room. The notion that they (Penn State coaching staff) were all in the dark about Sandusky is, frankly, pretty unlikely,” New York Times columnist Joe Nocera.
“Who looked more defeated after Tebow ran in for the winning touchdown against the Jets Thursday night – Rex Ryan or John Elway?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Hey, did you hear Gator fans have started a new protest organization? It’s called Occupy Charlie Weis’ Offense!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Regis Philbin retired this week. I hear he wants to spend more time with Urban Meyer’s family,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I really have no explanation for what just happened,” N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien, after his Wolfpack beat Clemson.
“I know it’s that time of year. I’ve not been offered any job, and I’ve certainly not accepted any job,” former Florida coach and ESPN analyst Urban Meyer, on the Ohio State opening.
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Arkansas (10-1) at LSU (11-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – After last weekend’s wild finishes, I would not be surprised at all if the Hogs upset the Tigers. Not saying it is going to happen. But it wouldn’t surprise me. After losing to Alabama, Arkansas is riding a seven-game winning streak. If Tyler Wilson is clicking, the Hogs should be able to score on the Tigers. LSU will be tested. But not enough – LSU 27, Arkansas 18.
RUNNER UP: 2. Penn State (9-2) at Wisconsin (9-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The winner of this contest wins the Big Ten Leaders Division and a spot in the Big Ten title game against Michigan State. If Penn State wins, that means the game was a defensive battle – low scoring. The Nittany Lions don’t score much – just enough to win. But Wisconsin will test the Penn State defense. If the Badgers come out firing in all cylinders, they could put up a few scores on the Lions. Badgers play like champs – Wisconsin 22, Penn State 15.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Clemson (9-2) at South Carolina (9-2) – (ACC vs. SEC) – If Stephen Garcia had kept his head on his shoulders and if Marcus Lattimore hadn’t been hurt, the Gamecocks would win this game. But unfortunately for the Cocks, Garcia and Lattimore are history. Clemson screwed up big-time last week. The Tigers aren’t going to screw up two-straight weeks. One for the ACC – Clemson 26, South Carolina 23.
4. Notre Dame (8-3) at Stanford (10-1) – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) – Stanford is back in the hunt for the national championship game, depending on how the cookies crumble. But the Cardinal must beat the Irish and hope for a couple upsets. Beating the Irish will take concentration. Irish have no Luck – Stanford 28, Notre Dame 20.
5. Virginia Tech (10-1) at Virginia (8-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The winner of this game wins the ACC Coastal Division and plays Clemson in the ACC title game. The Hokies were expected to be in this position. The Cavs weren’t. The Cavs won’t be in it much longer – Virginia Tech 25, Virginia 22.
6. Alabama (10-1) at Auburn (7-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – This game has Alabama written all over it. But it is a huge rivalry and it is being played in Auburn. If Alabama wins and LSU loses to Arkansas, the Tide is in the SEC title game. That’s enough incentive for me – Alabama 34, Auburn 20.
7. Houston (11-0) at Tulsa (8-3) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – Looks like the Cougars are headed for a BCS bowl. But they must beat Tulsa. That won’t be easy. Case Keenum vs. G.J. Kinne should be interesting. It may make you dizzy. Houston has the better defense and that could be the difference. Cougars move on to C-USA title game – Houston 35, Tulsa 27.
8. Georgia (9-2) at Georgia Tech (8-3) – (SEC vs. ACC) – The Dawgs are on a roll – a nine-game winning streak. Stop Tevin Washington and it will be a 10-game winning streak. One for the SEC – Georgia 32, Georgia Tech 21.
9. Iowa State (6-4) at Oklahoma (8-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – I don’t think Iowa State can beat Okie State and Oklahoma back-to-back. Plus this one is on the road – in Norman. And the Sooners will be pissed-off after their debacle in Waco. It may not even be close. Bob Stoops won’t be criticized this week – Oklahoma 35, Iowa State 23.
10. Wyoming (7-3) at Boise State (9-1) – (MWC vs. MWC) – The Cowboys have had quite a season. Not good enough to beat the Broncos, especially not in Boise, but Wyoming has been getting better-and-better each week. Broncos headed for another 12-1 season – Boise State 35, Wyoming 22.
11. Ohio State (6-5) at Michigan (9-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Jim Tressel is no longer coaching the Buckeyes, so this is the year for the Wolverines to win. And they should. Except for a couple lapses, Michigan has played very well. But the Buckeye defense will be tough. This one’s for the Brady Bunch – Michigan 24, Ohio State 15.
12. Michigan State (9-2) at Northwestern (6-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The Spartans are already in the Big Ten title game, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Michigan State have a letdown in this contest. The Wildcats can be tough and the game is in Evanston. Spartans win, but oh so close – Michigan State 34, Northwestern 32.
13. Iowa (7-4) at Nebraska (8-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Both of these teams are hard to figure. Sometimes they look brilliant and other times they look like a disaster. But they are young. Both are vulnerable in spots – very vulnerable at times. The Corn is better west of the Missouri – Nebraska 28, Iowa 23.
14. UCLA (6-5) at USC (9-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – Rick Neuheisel’s job could be hanging on the outcome of this game. A Bruins’ win and Neuheisel is definitely back in 2012. A Bruins’ loss and Neuheisel is most likely curtains. It doesn’t look good for Ricky – USC 33, UCLA 24.
15. Pitt (5-5) at West Virginia (7-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Both teams are under first-year coaches. But interestingly, the Pitt coach – Todd Graham – used to be an assistant at West Virginia. And the Pitt offensive coordinator – Calvin Magee – used to be the offensive coordinator at WVU. Both teams are still in the running for the Big East title. It all makes for an interesting game. But then, Backyard Brawls are always interesting games. Panthers can’t dance at the Brawl – West Virginia 30, Pitt 19.
16. Texas (6-4) at Texas A&M (6-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Who would have thunk it? This is the last year the Aggies and the Longhorns will play for who knows how long. Man, that should provide some big-time incentive for both teams. Texas has lost four of its last six games. The Aggies have lost three of their last four. Aggies go out the winner – Texas A&M 22, Texas 17.
17. Florida State (7-4) at Florida (6-5) – (ACC vs. SEC) – This hasn’t been the best of years for either team. FSU was ranked in the Top 5 at preseason. Now the Noles aren’t in the Top 25. The Gators were in the Top 25 at preseason. Now they are close to the Bottom 25. Neither team’s offense has clicked. The fans are frustrated. Gator fans are hoping for an upset. Two for the ACC – Florida State 27, Florida 24.
18. Texas Tech (5-6) at Baylor (7-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – Baylor may be hung over. I would be if I had just beat Oklahoma for the first time in 21 tries. That means Tech could be catching the Bears at a good time. The Red Raiders also beat Oklahoma. But you never know what Tech team will show up. The one that beat OU? Or, the one that lost to Okie State, 66-6. Bears sober up just in time – Baylor 34, Texas Tech 29.
19. Cincinnati (7-3) at Syracuse (5-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Since beating West Virginia, Syracuse has dropped three straight. That’s what beating West Virginia does to you. It’s about time for the Orange to pulp again – Syracuse 26, Cincinnati 22.
20. Rutgers (8-3) at Connecticut (4-6) – (Big East vs. Big East) – The Scarlet Knights are out to prove something. After all, they were picked to finish last in the Big East. The Knights keep proving – Rutgers 28, Connecticut 21.
21. Louisville (6-5) at South Florida (5-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) – Louisville has a shot at winning the Big East – a good shot. But visiting teams have often gone into Tampa with high hopes, only to come out on the losing end. Lou Holtz’s eyes are smiling – South Florida 23, Louisville 17.
Duke (3-8) at North Carolina (6-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – The Dookies are on a six-game skid. Make it seven – North Carolina 24, Duke 21.
Purdue (5-6) at Indiana (1-10) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – The Boilers want to become bowl eligible. They do – Purdue 33, Indiana 18.
Miami (6-5) hosts Boston College (3-8)…. UCF (4-7) entertains UTEP (5-6)…. Florida International (7-4) travels to Middle Tennessee (2-8)…. Florida Atlantic (0-10) is home against UAB (3-8).
Bethune-Cookman (8-3), Florida A&M (7-4) and Jacksonville U. (7-4) have completed their seasons.
Miami (Ohio) at Ohio – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Tuskegee at Alabama State – 4 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Texas at Texas A&M – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN Houston at Tulsa – 12 noon ET – FSN Affiliates
Iowa at Nebraska – 12 noon ET – ABC
Louisville at South Florida – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois – 12 noon ET – ESPNU
Arkansas at LSU – 2:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Boston College at Miami (Florida) – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Colorado at Utah – 3:30 p.m. ET – FSN Affiliates
Pitt at West Virginia – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN
UTEP at UCF – 7 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
California at Arizona State – 10:15 p.m. ET – ESPN
Cincinnati at Syracuse – 12 noon ET – Big East Game of the Week
Georgia at Georgia Tech – 12 noon ET – ESPNOhio State at Michigan – 12 noon ET – ABC
Iowa State at Oklahoma – 12 noon ET – FX
Rice at SMU – 12 noon ET – FSN Affiliates
Rutgers at Connecticut – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Tennessee at Kentucky – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Game of the Week
Maryland at N.C. State – 12:30 p.m. ET – ACC Game of the Week
Grambling vs. Southern – 2:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Alabama at Auburn – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS
Duke at North Carolina – 3:30 p.m. ET – FSN Affiliates
East Carolina at Marshall – 3:30 p.m. ET – CBS College Sports Network
Kansas at Missouri – 3:30 p.m. ET – FSN Affiliates
Oregon State at Oregon – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Virginia at Virginia Tech – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Penn State at Wisconsin – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Baylor at Texas Tech – 7 p.m. ET – FSN Affiliates
Florida State at Florida – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Ole Miss at Mississippi State – 7 p.m. ET – ESPNU
UAB at Florida Atlantic – 7 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Washington State at Washington – 7:30 p.m. ET – Versus
Clemson at South Carolina – 7:45 p.m. ET – ESPN
Notre Dame at Stanford – 8 p.m. ET – ABC
UCLA at USC – 10 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Elsewhere around college football … Florida has added Massachusetts to its 2016 schedule. The game will be played in Gainesville…. UCLA and Texas have scheduled a game for September 13, 2014, in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas…. Penn State named David Joyner its acting athletic director effective immediately. Joyner is a former wrestler and football player at Penn State.
Columbia fired football coach Norries Wilson. The Lions finished the season 1-9…. Arkansas backup tight end Garrett Uekman was found dead in his dorm room Sunday morning. The cause of death was not known. University police said there were no suspicious circumstances about Uekman’s death…. Miami (Florida) is not going to a bowl this season, self imposing a ban that school officials say is “necessary” in response to an ongoing NCAA investigation.
Sixth BCS Standings: 1. LSU, 2. Alabama, 3. Arkansas, 4. Oklahoma State,
5. Virginia Tech, 6. Stanford, 7. Boise State, 8. Houston, 9. Oklahoma, 10. OregonOn the Internet – College Football Week now has a Website and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Touchdown Tom
Not directly college football related, but as the regular season was coming to a climax and Thanksgiving turkeys and pumpkin pies were almost in the oven, the number one song in the country…
…75 years ago this week in 1936 was “You Turned the Tables on Me” by Benny Goodman
…70 years ago this week in 1941 was “Piano Concerto in B Flat” by Freddy Martin
…65 years ago this week in 1946 was “Rumors Are Flying” by Frankie Carle
…60 years ago this week in 1951 was “Cold, Cold Heart” by Tony Bennett
…55 years ago this week in 1956 was “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley
…50 years ago this week in 1961 was “Big Bad John” by Jimmy Dean
…45 years ago this week in 1966 was “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by The Supremes
…40 years ago this week in 1971 was “Theme from Shaft” by Isaac Hayes
…35 years ago this week in 1976 was “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart
…30 years ago this week in 1981 was “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John
…25 years ago this week in 1986 was “Human” by The Human League
…20 years ago this week in 1991 was “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton
Roger Christian, whose four-goal game propelled the United States to its first gold medal in Olympic ice hockey at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Games, died last week in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was 75. The cause was a heart attack. The amateurs of the 1960 squad defeated powerful Canadian and Soviet teams, then captured the Olympic championship with a 9-4 victory over Czechoslovakia. Roger Allen Christian was born on December 1, 1935.
Charlie Lea, one of the few French-born players in major league baseball history and the only one to pitch a no-hitter, died last week at his home in Collierville, Tennessee. He was 54. Born in Orleans, France, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Lea, a right-hander, pitched from 1980 until 1988. He spent six seasons with the Montreal Expos and one with the Minnesota Twins. On May 10, 1981, Lea threw a no-hitter as the Expos beat the San Francisco Giants, 4-0, in the second game of a doubleheader in Montreal. He was the starting and winning pitcher for the National League in the 1984 All-Star Game.
Lee Pockriss, who wrote the music for a number of pop hits, including “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” (Brian Hyland), “Catch a Falling Star” (Perry Como) and “Johnny Angel” (Shelley Fabares), died last week at his home in Bridgewater, Connecticut. He was 87. Lee Julian Pockriss was born on January 20, 1924, in New York City.
Walt Hazzard, the former UCLA and NBA star who played on the Bruins’ first NCAA championship basketball team in 1964 and later coached the team for four seasons in the 1980s, died last week. He was 69. The cause was complications from heart problems. Hazzard helped the United States win a gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and played 10 years in the NBA. Walter Raphael Hazzard was born on April 15, 1942, in Philadelphia, where he played for Overbrook High School.
Larry Munson, the celebrated and decorated Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs for 42 years (1966-2008), died at his home in Athens, Georgia, Sunday. He was 89. The cause was complications from pneumonia. Munson spent 60 years in broadcasting and was the 2003 recipient of the Chris Schenkel Award, given annually by the College Hall of Fame. Larry Munson was born and raised in Minneapolis.
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