Start me up, if you start me up,
I’ll never stop, never stop, never stop
On a lazy Friday afternoon at work some 17 years ago, I sat at my PC and began to write.  If memory serves me correct, it was the Friday before Labor Day weekend.  Hit with a crazy inspiration, I wrote a brief commentary on seven college football games to be played that weekend.  Each commentary was sprinkled with dose of humor. 

Having completed my task, I e-mailed my composition to 12 acquaintances – mostly fellow workers.  The 12 recipients, along with myself, represented fans of Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, Duke, Purdue and West Virginia – hence, the seven commentaries. 

Little did I realize then that what I wrote would become a weekly labor of love for the remainder of that football season – thanks to the encouragement of those 12 original recipients.  Nor did I ever imagine in my wildest dreams that it still would be going today.  And unthinkable that each weekly exercise eventually would grow from about a page and a half of text to several pages each week, and from 12 readers to more than 700 recipients (and countless, unknown others that it has been forwarded, and forwarded and forwarded to).  Not to mention the several thousand others who have been reading it via my on-line blog since the 2010 season.  (www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)

Along the way, what began in 1995, eventually took on the name “College Football Week.”  My wife became Swamp Mama and Swamp Mama gave me the name Touchdown Tom.  For 13 years, beginning in 1998, Touchdown Tom had a weekly, 30-minute radio show on WMMB (Melbourne, Florida).  Originally working for six years with commentator Larry Brewer, the show continued for another seven years with commentator Bill Mick.
 
And, as College Football Week grew, it developed into an established format – a format that has remained basically the same for several years.  The seven teams of the 12 original recipients are now the “Ye Olde Stomping Grounds.” 
  
A week from today – August 13 – College Football Week will begin its 18th season.  For the next 23 weeks, you can take an exciting trip, following the world of college football as seen through the eyes of Touchdown Tom and his accomplices Swamp Mama, Rockledge Gator and Bootsie.  CFW is simply everything college football and then some.  You can follow it at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.

So, if you start me up
If you start me up, I’ll never stop
I’ve been runnin’ hot
You got me tickin,’ gonna blow my top

Start me up
If you start me up, I’ll never stop
Never stop, never stop, never stop

College football and CFW are back.

Touchdown Tom
August 6, 2012 


For the long-time readers who need to reminisce, and for the first-time readers who need an introduction, below is a much-abridged, weekly trip through the 2011 season of CFW.

College Football Week – Preseason and the itch is almost over
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes,
Turn and Face the Strange
(August 15, 2011) It was preseason and Touchdown Tom commented on all the changes – conferences and personnel.  Nebraska was about to begin its first season in the Big Ten, as were Colorado and Utah in the Pac-12.  Boise State had jumped from the WAC to the MWC and BYU had left the MWC to compete as an Independent.  And rumors were flying that Texas A&M soon would be joining the SEC. 

Urban Meyer was at ESPN and Charlie Weis, having left the Kansas City Chiefs, was about to coordinate the Florida offense under first-year coach Will Muschamp.  In Columbus, Ohio, the Buckeyes were about to start the season with a new coach, after 10 years under Jim Tressel.
  
Some of the Quotes of the Off-Season

“I can get the SEC to 16 teams in 15 minutes,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, on potential expansion in the SEC.

“Did you see where G.A. Mangus, Steve Spurrier’s quarterback coach at South Carolina, was suspended after police saw him urinating in public?  Spurrier used to coach the “Fun and Gun;” now it’s the “Pee and Flee.” Orlando Sentinel sports columnist Mike Bianchi.

“No doubt, if coach Meyer were still coaching, I’d still be playing for the Gators,” former Florida defensive back Janoris Jenkins, who was dismissed from the team by Will Muschamp.



College Football Week – Still Preseason, but the mustard’s on the hot dog
You Can’t Spell Scum Without UM
(August 22, 2011) The start of the season was still about two weeks away and already Miami was in trouble – can you spell Nevin Shapiro?  Touchdown Tom reminded readers that Miami had a history of being in trouble.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“This is Michigan.  There aren’t going to be any excuses.  If we don’t win the Big Ten championship, we failed them as coaches,” first-year Michigan coach Brady Hoke.

“Wow, the price of gold is now nearing $1,900 an ounce.  Reminds me of the price of a beer at an NBA game,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Week One – Aggies to announce departure from Big 12
Here We Go Loop de Loop
(August 29, 2011) On the eve of the kickoff, Touchdown Tom set the stage for the 2011 season.  Meanwhile, news broke that Texas A&M would be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, effective July 1, 2012.

Some of the Best Quotes of the Week

“Urban Meyer of ESPN says the Gators ‘are loaded’ this year.  Translation: ‘Don’t blame me if Will Muschamp goes 7-5.’  Meyer is a great coach, but Ron Zook left Meyer a better team than Meyer left Muschamp,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.  

“Former UCF athletic director Steve Orsini, now at SMU, has informed the Big 12 that SMU is ready to join.  In related news, Bob, who plays ukulele in the local Holiday Inn house band, has informed U2 that, he too, is ready to join,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Week Two – Is Oklahoma next to leave the Big 12?
Lightning is striking again
And again and again and again
(September 6, 2011)  The first week of college football was history and the weather played havoc with several of the opening games.  Meanwhile, rumors were hot that Oklahoma might leave the Big 12. 

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“The most important thing about September 3 is that for a few hours, we’re able to take our minds off of what happened April 27,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox.

“They think they run the whole world.  Certainly they think they run the state, and all of college football.  I just wish OU would go too and teach Texas a lesson,” Fort Worth-based writer and author Dan Jenkins, on the arrogance of Texas destroying the Big 12 Conference.

“During Thursday night’s 14-3 Kentucky victory over Western Kentucky, ESPN cameras showed Western linebacker Andrew Jackson asking incredulously about the Wildcats, ‘They supposed to be SEC?’  Gator fans have been asking the same question about Kentucky for years,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Week Three – OU at FSU ( No. 1 vs. No. 5)
’Cause this is thriller, thriller night
(September 12, 2011) In just the second weekend of the season, there were plenty of thrillers – Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31, Arizona State 37, Missouri 30 (OT), Baylor 50, TCU 48, South Carolina 45, Georgia 42, Texas 17, BYU 16, Vanderbilt 24, Connecticut 21, Auburn 41, Miss State 34, Iowa State 44, Iowa 41 (3OT) and California 36, Colorado 33 (OT), among others.  Meanwhile, a big game was coming up between Oklahoma and Florida State.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“They were fine from the waist down,” Betsy Barefoot, on the Maryland uniforms.

“Randy Edsall and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoats,” USA Today writer Reid Cherner, on Maryland’s uniforms.

“We’re going to shake off the mistakes and become a very good football team,” Georgia coach Mark Richt, after the South Carolina game.



College Football Week 4 – ESPN College GameDay in Morgantown!
When the Going Gets Tough
The Tough Gets Going
(September 19, 2011) After three weeks, college football began separating the men from the boys.  Meanwhile, ESPN College GameDay was going to be in Morgantown, West Virginia, for the upcoming LSU-WVU game.

Some of the Quotes of the 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.

“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.



College Football Week Five – Nebraska’s First Big Ten Game
It was déjà vu in the Big 12
(September 26, 2011) For the second time in two years, just when it appeared the Big 12 would fall apart, the conference survived another test of its durability.  Although Texas A&M would be leaving, Oklahoma and Texas would remain.  Meanwhile, Nebraska was about to play its inaugural Big Ten game – Huskers at Wisconsin.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

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

“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.

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



College Football Week Six – Brantley out with high-ankle sprain
Gators, Huskers get their clocks cleaned
(October 3, 2011) On the fifth weekend of college football there were big games in Gainesville, Florida, and Madison, Wisconsin.  In Gainesville, Florida lost to Alabama, 38-10, and in Madison, Nebraska lost to Wisconsin 48-17.  Not only did Florida lose, but also Gator quarterback John Brantley was injured, suffering from a high-ankle sprain.  Meanwhile, there were rumors now of Missouri leaving the Big 12 for the SEC.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Well, if they’re joining us, you’d think there would be at least another one joining somewhere along the way,” Georgia coach Mark Richt, on Texas A&M joining the SEC. 

“I could care less about Maryland.  I’ve burned my diploma.  I’m flying a Georgia Tech flag right now,” Maryland grad and former Terrapin football coach Ralph Friedgen.

“It has been a difficult week, and I’m not just talking about the Braves’ exit or the fact that Nancy Graceless had some sort of wardrobe malfunction on Dancing with the Mutants, which brought the world to a standstill, wiped out half the planet’s vegetation and destroyed the good and the innocence that exists inside all of us,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“You can’t tell me that Pitt and Syracuse are making ACC football significantly better.  In the last few years, they have laid off more football coaches than Bank of America did with its employees last week,” Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.

“I apologize to the fans of Nebraska,” Husker coach Bo Pelini, after the loss to Wisconsin. 



College Football Week Seven – Vols’ Tyler Bray out with broken thumb
Those Midseason Surprises
(October 10, 2011)  Midseason was upon us and already college football had its share of surprises.  Wake Forest beat Florida State, Clemson and Georgia Tech were 6-0, Texas A&M had announced it was going to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, now Missouri also might leave the Big 12 for the SEC, Michigan and Illinois were 6-0, Pitt and Syracuse announced they would be leaving the Big East for the ACC and Auburn was playing better than expected, including an impressive win over South Carolina.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Since Ohio State repeatedly has not taken a stand for its own integrity, its punishment from the NCAA needs to reflect that.  And it needs to bring the Buckeyes to their knees,” Fox Sports writer Thayer Evans.

“Let me say this.  Derek Dooley walked into kind of a mess.  Florida coach Will Muschamp walks into talent just oozing out of their ears.  Jimbo Fisher walks into FSU with talent.  And y’all are telling me that Derek Dooley is on the damn hot seat?  Are you crazy?  You’ve got Mama’s rile up now, buddy,” Barbara Dooley, mother of Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, when she heard a Knoxville News-Sentinel writer say that her son was on the hot seat if Tennessee doesn’t beat Georgia.

“Barbara Dooley doesn’t need no wacky tobaccy to have fun.  Don’t hit me Babs.  I’m on your side.  I don’t want Mama Dooley mad at me,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on picking Tennessee to beat Georgia. 

“It was an excellent day,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, after the Texas game.

“Classy,” Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne, on the vandalizing of the A&M buses by some Texas Tech fans. 



College Football Week 8 – Lattimore out for the season
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
(October 17, 2011) Halfway through the season and Touchdown Tom reviewed the good, the bad and the ugly of college football to date.  There was a lot of good and some bad, but the ugly was Florida.  Meanwhile, South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore suffered torn ligaments in his left knee during the Gamecocks 14-12 win over Miss State. 

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Hiring (Urban) Meyer is the only way OSU’s (Gordon) Gee and (Gene) Smith can survive,” CBSSports.com writer Gregg Doyell, on Ohio State’s president and athletic director saving their jobs.

“I’m not going to pull a Steve Spurrier on you,” Alabama coach Nick Saban at his weekly conference with the media.  

“For the rest of our life, we can walk the streets of Michigan,” Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, after beating Michigan.



College Football Week 9 – West Virginia headed to the Big 12?
Save the Best for Last
(October 24, 2011) On the eighth weekend of college football, two of the best games of the day were two of the last played – Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31, and Texas Tech 41, Oklahoma 38.  Meanwhile, news broke that West Virginia would be moving to the Big 12. 

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Worst idea:  Steve Spurrier allowing Stephen Garcia a second chance, much less a fifth,” CBSSports.com writer Dennis Dodd.

“It’s hard when you’ve got a six-year-old and a 10-year-old at home and you’ve got to go home and explain to them what you said.  So that’s not good and that’s not how we’re going to run our program.  That’s it.  Again, as far as the sideline stuff’s concerned, we’re going to be who we are.  I’m just apologizing for the language, nothing else,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, on his sideline outbursts during the Florida-Auburn game.

“So the SEC suspends Georgia and Vanderbilt players, but not even a reprimand for the coaches.  The conference hasn’t been this whipped since it was taking orders from Urban Meyer,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Moammar Gadhafi’s last words: ‘But I just picked up Tebow on my fantasy team,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Did you see where Will Muschamp apologized for his profanity-laced tirade against SEC officials last week?  My question: When is Charlie Weis going to apologize for the Gators’ pathetic offense?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Something we’re doing ain’t right,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, after the Miami game. 



College Football Week 10 – The Game: LSU-Alabama
You can’t take the
Mountain out of the Eers
(October 31, 2011) It was official.  West Virginia would be leaving the Big East for the Big 12.  But even though WVU was moving to the Heartland, Touchdown Tom said you couldn’t take Mountain out of the Eers.  Additionally, Missouri was leaving the Big 12 for the SEC.  And Touchdown Tom, Swamp Mama, Bootsie and Rockledge Gator attended the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville.  Meanwhile, a big game was looming between Alabama and LSU.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“And what’s going on with Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential bid?  He’s dropped further in the polls during the last month than Florida State,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“If Charlie Weis is a genius, then Steve Addazio was a mastermind,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“At least our offense isn’t that bad,” Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, on Florida’s offense.



College Football Week 11 – Child sex abuse scandal rocks Penn State
A Morning Tailgate calls for
Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s
(November 7, 2011) Touchdown Tom, Swamp Mama, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe spent the weekend in Gainesville for the Vandy-Florida game.  It was a 12 noon start, so that meant lots of Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s during tailgating.  In “The Game,” LSU beat Alabama 9-6, in a game in which no touchdowns were scored.  Touchdown Tom had correctly predicted the score.  Meanwhile, an awful scandal surfaced at Penn State.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“College is important.  Without college there would be no college football,” Tim Allen, on Last Man Standing.

“The reason Tony Larussa retired?  He wanted to spend more time with Urban Meyer’s family,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“You want to talk about a scary Halloween costume?  One kid in my neighborhood came to my door the other night dressed as Tim Tebow’s throwing motion,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Week 12 – Conference races tighten up
‘Far from the world we know
where the clear winds blow’
(November 14, 2011) In his annual “What Year Was It,” Touchdown Tom reminisced about the football, events and music of 1982.  Meanwhile, it was the second week in November and the conference races were coming down to the wire.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“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.

“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.



Week 13 – Meyer to Ohio State, Belotti to Arizona and Erickson fired?
Halloween Came Late This Year
(November 21, 2011) Every year, “Upset Weekend” usually occurs around or near Halloween.  But in 2011, it didn’t occur until the third weekend in November.  Nos. 2, 6, 7 and 9 all lost on the same weekend – Iowa State 37, Oklahoma State 31 (2OT); Baylor 45, Oklahoma 38; USC 38, Oregon 35, and NC State 37, Clemson 13.  Also Virginia upset Florida State in Tallahassee, 14-13.  Meanwhile there were reports of Urban Meyer becoming the new coach at Ohio State and that Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson would be fired.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“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.

“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. 


  
College Football Week 14 – Eight coaches fired on Sunday
What You Want, Baby I Got It
(November 28, 2011) Touchdown Tom reviewed a Thanksgiving Week full of football and a few other things.  On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, no less than eight coaches were fired.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“It’s obvious that a huge part of the problems at Penn State stem from people choosing to look the other way,” USA Today writer Tom Weir.

“Having a system that benefits an idle team is one more chunk of proof that the BCS is as dysfunctional as the Kardashians,” USA Today writer Tom Weir.

“Do us all a favor Penn State and stay at home,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, commenting that Penn State should ban its football team from playing in a bowl game.

“That’s why on Thanksgiving weekend, I would like to give thanks that the college football regular season in the State of Florida ended Saturday night.  Haven’t we all suffered enough?  This year’s edition of UF-FSU was a bigger Thanksgiving turkey than the 33½-pound Butterball I saw in the frozen food section at Publix earlier this week,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“I blame all the Vols’ woes on Dooley’s orange pants,” Tennessee fan, after the Vols lost to Kentucky.      



College Football Week 15 – Coaching merry-go-round gets wild
Spread and Choke?
Only Time Will Tell
(December 5, 2011) It was official.  Urban Meyer was the new head coach at Ohio State.  How will Urban and his spread offense do in Columbus?  Touchdown Tom said only time will tell.  Meanwhile, the rumors about new coaches filling vacancies were getting wild.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“The ‘I just want to spend my time with my family’ excuse never washed with anybody.  That’s not to say Meyer doesn’t love his wife and children but that never seemed the No. 1 motivating factor in him quitting,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Do u find it ironic that after firing one liar OSU hired another,” Twitter comment on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Website.  

“From Urban Meyer to Urban Liar,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“What was it those renowned football analysts – Fleetwood Mac – once sang about Urban Meyer?  ‘Tell me lies.  Tell me sweet little lies,’” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The Buckeyes have replaced one coach who couldn’t tell the truth with another,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.  

“Meyer fled Florida a year ago for health and family reasons.  Then he got better, or his family got sick of him, and he decided to go coach Ohio state,” CBSSports.com columnist Ray Ratto.

“Fans have been warned: Don’t look Urban in the eye when he emerges for his pontiff wave from a luxury suite before kickoff.  Nice year for the Big Ten’s first title game.  Scandal at Ohio State.  Slime at Penn State.  Where’s next year’s game, Chernobyl?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Carolina is still in Chapel Hill and USC is still in California,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, knocking South Carolina.

“By the way, Florida and Ohio State will likely be paired in the Gator Bowl.  And for the first time in history you will see Urban Decay and Urban Renewal on the same field,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Extra – Touchdown Tom’s Bowl Game Preview
Walkin’ in a Bowl Game Wonderland
(December 9, 2011)  Touchdown Tom provided his annual look at the upcoming bowl games.



College Football Week 16 – Mora to UCLA; Sumlin to Texas A&M
Hang Your Favorite Team
Upon the Highest Bough,
And Have Yourself
A Merry Little Bowl Game Now

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
TT’s picks are coming to town
(December 12, 2011) Touchdown Tom’s annual bowl game forecast.  Meanwhile, UCLA and Texas A&M named new coaches.  And after only one year at Florida as offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis is named the new coach at Kansas.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Boise State is relegated to the Maaco Whatever Bowl because it doesn’t belong to the conflict-ridden monopoly that’s parading as the BCS,” USA Today writer Tom Weir.

“Throwing Boise State overboard and then keeping a straight face while telling us how fans were served?  I give the BCS credit for showing a level of hubris so rare that it deserves study by future generations.  Whether you give it the smell, laugh, or pregnancy test, it fails them all,” USA Today writer Reid Cherner.

“I would not kick to him.  I would not throw at him.  I would not want to get hit by him.  It’s far better to watch the ‘Honey Badger’ from the comfort of your home than to poke at him in person in his lair,” USA Today writer Reid Cherner, on LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu.

“Charlie Weis leaves Florida after one pathetic year as offensive coordinator and takes over the head-coaching job at Kansas.  In memoriam, all Gainesville area Krispy Kremes are flying their flags at half-staff,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.



College Football Week 17 – 5-star recruit Spence commits to Ohio State
A few hot toddies while waiting for Santa
(December 19, 2011)  While waiting for Santa Claus, Touchdown Tom commented: Potential changes in the BCS, the never-ending coaching carousel, talk of quarterback transfers and more bad news out of Penn State.  Even though the regular season is over, the college football scene never fails to hold our interest and keep us intoxicated.  It never suffers from a dull moment.  And, oh yes, the first three bowl games are history.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“Defense wins championships.  Alabama and LSU this year are kind of a different breed.  Their defenses are devastating,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

“He knows where I live.  He knows my phone number,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, on not having heard from current FSU coach Jimbo Fisher, since Bowden stepped down.

“It was kind of a no-brainer,” former Florida coach Urban Meyer, on accepting the Ohio State job.

“I’ve retired from football, but not life.  I don’t want to do nothing,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden. 



College Football Week 18 – Is Brian Schottenheimer Florida’s next OC?
Twenty-Six Bowls in a Fortnight,
And a few Presents from Santa
(January 3, 2012) After taking off a week, Touchdown Tom reviewed college football through the Christmas Holidays – bowl games, new coaches and all.  Meanwhile, Will Muschamp was looking for a new offensive coordinator.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“I’ve tried to think what I would do, if one of my coaches had come to me and told me what happened.  I would have gone to that guy (Sandusky), asked him if it was true and I would have told him to get away from here and don’t ever come back.  And then I would have gone to the police,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, on how he would have reacted differently than Joe Paterno.

“What does it say when over 400 Penn State football players, rather than merely focusing on the 52 alleged counts of sexual abuse in the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case, seem more concerned about signing a letter in support of former coach Joe Paterno, who was fired amid perceptions that he did not do enough to stop his former assistant coach,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Their (former Penn State football players) loyalty has become delusional.  Loyalty has crippled people’s judgment,” former NFL fullback Heath Evans.

“I’m so excited to be a Zip,” Terry Bowden at the press conference introducing him as the new Akron coach.

“When it comes to sexual molesting little kids, Penn State fans need to quit defending their school and remember this isn’t about the Blue and White; it’s about what’s wrong and right,” Orlando Sentinel  columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Jon Gruden is a blowhard in the broadcast booth who spouts off when he doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Fox Sports NFL analyst Mike Pereira.



College Football Week 19 – Colts will take Luck with their No. 1 pick
The Tide Was Higher
the Second Time Around
(January 10, 2012) In the rematch, Alabama beat LSU to win the national championship.  The Tide beat the Tigers 21-0.  During the season, LSU beat Bama, 9-6.  Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts confirmed that their No. 1 draft pick in April would be Andrew Luck.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“It’s unfortunate that coach O’Brien has not been made aware of the implications of him being in this position.  I don’t envy him at all.  He doesn’t have the support of the vast majority of former Penn State players and the vast majority of the student body and the faculty won’t support him.  I feel sorry for him,” former Penn State linebacker Brandon Short, on Bill O’Brien being named the coach at Penn State.

“Much is being said about the hiring of Bill O’Brien as the next football coach at Penn State.  I do not know him.  I have never met him nor been coached by him.  One thing I do know is that I will support him and I call on all Penn State football lettermen to do the same.  Whether you agree or disagree with his hiring, we should support him.  Instead of chastising him for not being a Penn Stater, let’s show him what it means to be a Penn Stater.  Coach O’Brien is faced with the daunting task of resurrecting our beloved, yet bruised program.  Let’s support him in any way we can,” former Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins.

“I am excited about the hiring and some of the players I have spoken with are excited as well.  I am anxious to get spring ball started and am ready for a fresh start.  I think coach O’Brien will lead us in the right direction and am looking forward t working with someone who has a lot of experience with quarterbacks.  I think it is a great hire and a great thing for Penn State football,” current Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin, on the hiring of Bill O’Brien.



College Football Week 20 – It’s a Fond Farewell, Until August 13
‘Before I fly and wave goodbye’
(January 16, 2012) Sadly, Touchdown Tom closed out yet another college football season.

Some of the Quotes of the Week

“There is no question that we will be playing a Big 12 schedule in all of our sports for the 2012-13 academic year,” West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck.

“I didn’t know which way to go,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno, on not knowing how to handle the Jerry Sandusky situation.

“I didn’t know exactly how to handle it and I was afraid to do something that might jeopardize what the university procedure was.  So I backed away and turned it over to some other people – people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno, on blowing the Jerry Sandusky situation.