College Football Week 5 – WVU’s First Big 12 Game
Kentucky should drop football,
Florida should downsize its stadium
And Tim Tebow is no Jeff Driskel.  Jeff Driskel knows how to pass.

Just a few reflections while sitting in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday, watching Florida beat Kentucky.  Maybe it was the heat that gave me those reflections.  It was hot.

As to Kentucky dropping football, it was the Wildcats losing, 38-0.  It was the Wildcats losing to Florida for the 26th time since 1986.  It was the 13th time since 1986 that I have witnessed Kentucky losing to Florida in Gainesville.  I think I saw the other 13 – the ones in Lexington – on TV.

Kentucky is a basketball school pure and simple.  I don’t think the administration at Kentucky ever intends for the school to be any good in football.  Whenever an opening pops up for a new football coach at Kentucky, the athletic director always seems to hire the worst coach he can find.  They don’t want football competing with basketball in Lexington.

As long as the Kentucky football team loses, the coach’s job is always secure.  He can stay there for seven, eight or more years as long as the team loses.  But, heaven forbid, if the Wildcats should start winning in football.  The coach’s job would be in jeopardy.  He’d be fired on the spot.

Kentucky has a great image in basketball, but a lousy one in football.  All through the game Saturday, my 4-year-old granddaughter kept calling Kentucky the Bobcats.  I repeatedly told her that they are the Wildcats.  But she insisted they are the Bobcats.  Even a 4-year-old recognizes that Kentucky’s football team has had their tails bobbed. 

Yeah, it was hot at the game Saturday.  Maybe it was the heat.  Maybe it was the Bobcats….I mean….the Wildcats.  Maybe Florida has become an Ivy League school.  But I couldn’t help but notice that Ben Hill Griffin Stadium wasn’t full Saturday.  And I got to thinking that I haven’t seen the stadium full since Steve Spurrier was the coach.  Spurrier left after the 2001 season.  That’s 11 years ago.

The only games that fill Ben Hill Griffin to capacity since Spurrier left are the Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Tennessee contests in Gainesville.  Maybe Auburn.  And South Carolina ever since Spurrier has been the coach of the Gamecocks.  A Lou Holtz South Carolina team never filled the stadium.

So I got to thinking Saturday, that along with Kentucky dropping football, maybe Florida should just downsize Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to a smaller capacity.  That way there might be more capacity crowds at the games.  Maybe it was just the heat.

Last week, before the Kentucky-Florida game, a number of pundits were comparing current Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel with Tim Tebow.  Primarily, they were commenting that Driskel reminds them of Tebow. 

Now I know that Driskel may not lead Florida to a national championship.  And I know he may not win the Heisman Trophy.  But, at the game Saturday, I got to thinking that Driskel is no Tebow.  Driskel knows how to pass.  Maybe it was the heat.

In spite of the heat, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama, Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe (the one who kept calling Kentucky the Bobcats) and I all had a good weekend in Gainesville for the Kentucky game.  One of the good things about going to a Kentucky-Florida game: You know you’ll never see the Gators lose.

The guys left the hotel first on Saturday morning to pick up a few last minute supplies at Publix and then stake out our tailgate site.  We like to tailgate at a spot on the west side of Newell Drive on the Florida campus.  Panic struck when we learned that our usual tailgate spot had been converted this season into a pre-paid lot. 

We continued on up Newell Drive and turned right on Union Road.  Luck was with us as we found a spot on the south side of Union Road on the campus.  By now, the girls were on their way and we phoned to tell them about the change in location.  There was one spot left for their vehicle.

As it turned out, we liked the new spot better than the old one.  More shade and the Florida band provides some pre-game entertainment nearby.  A new tradition has begun.  Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I will be back there for the Missouri-Florida game on November 3.

Saturday was a great day for the Mid-American Conference.  Four MAC teams engineered some good wins.  Central Michigan beat Iowa, 32-31.  The Chippewas kicked a 47-yard field goal with three seconds left to stun the Hawkeyes.  Just 42 seconds before the field goal, CMU scored a touchdown to pull within 31-29.  The Chippewas missed the two-point conversion.  But they recovered an onside kick and moved the ball to the Iowa 30-yard line for the winning field goal.

Ball State scored on a 19-yard pass with 1:02 left and held on to shock South Florida, 31-27.  Northern Illinois, trailing Kansas 23-13 early in the fourth quarter, scored 17 unanswered points in the final period to beat the Jayhawks, 30-23.  And finally, Western Michigan surprised Connecticut, 30-24.

Marshall and Rice gave us one of the wildest games on Saturday.  In Houston, the Owls, trailing the Herd 41-31, scored 10 points in the final 3:17 to put the game in a 41-41 tie at the end of regulation.  Marshall finally pulled it out in the second overtime, beating Rice, 54-51.

For the second week in a row, Army was involved in another donnybrook.  The Cadets lost a wild one to Wake Forest, 49-37.  There were four big upsets: Oregon State beat UCLA, 27-20; Colorado beat Washington State, 35-34, Rutgers downed Arkansas, 35-26 and Kansas State beat Oklahoma, 24-19.  Colorado scored with 0:09 remaining (and kicked the extra point) in the Buffaloes upset of Washington State.             

And finally there were no overtimes this week for Louisiana-Monroe.  But the Warhawks were every bit as exciting.  ULM pushed Baylor to the edge, before falling to the Bears in regulation, 47-42.

Rockledge Gator went hip-hoppin' last week.  While out for his early morning walk, he realized he had forgotten to put on his belt.  Not long into the walk, his pants were falling below his underwear.  He had to walk with his hand in his crotch to keep his pants up.  Rockledge Gator claimed that since he started walking in the mornings, he no longer has a butt.  That’s why his pants were falling.  Bootsie said, “Yeah, you still have a butt.  It just moved to another spot.”   

Touchdown Tom
September 24, 2012      
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 4 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  New Heisman candidate – Florida State 49, Clemson 37 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, Clemson 30).  Three minutes into the third quarter, the Tigers led 28-14.  Even nine minutes into the third period, the Tigers led 31-21.  Then it was all FSU after that.  The Noles scored 28 unanswered points.  FSU racked up an impressive 667 yards offense, while E.J. Manuel entered the Heisman picture with his 380 yards passing and 102 yards rushing.  Clemson has problems on defense.  A crowd of 83,231 attended the game in Tallahassee.

RUNNER UP:  Bill Snyder does amazing things at K-State – Kansas State 24, Oklahoma 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 29, Kansas State 23).  Landry Jones passed for 298 yards, but K-State held the Sooners to 88 yards rushing.  OU also suffered three turnovers.  A crowd of 85,276 attended the game in Norman.

REST OF THE BEST:  Ducks skunk the Wildcats – Oregon 49, Arizona 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 37, Arizona 24).  A game of turnovers – five by Arizona and three by Oregon.  The Ducks only led 13-0 at the half.  Then they wore Arizona down, scoring 36 in the second half.  A crowd of 58,334 attended the game in Eugene.

Robinson’s old nemesis returns – Notre Dame 13, Michigan 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 24, Michigan 16).  Michigan suffered six turnovers, including four by Denard Robinson.  Robinson threw four picks.  He has been plagued in the past with interceptions.  A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.

Beavers dam up Franklin – Oregon State 27, UCLA 20 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Oregon State 22).  Oregon State may be the surprise team of 2012.  The Beavers held the Bruins to 72 yards rushing.  Johnathan Franklin was held to 45 yards.  Oregon State never trailed in the game.  A crowd of 54,636 attended the game in Pasadena.

Broncos beat Bronco – Boise State 7, BYU 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 29, BYU 20).  For the second time in three games, Boise State’s offense failed to score a touchdown.  I think the Broncos must be missing Brent Pease.  But the Boise State defense held BYU to 61 yards passing.  A crowd of 36,864 attended the game in Boise.

Did Aubie expose Mike? – LSU 12, Auburn 10 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 33, Auburn 17).  Eleven minutes into the first quarter, LSU led 9-0 and it appeared the game could become a rout for the Cajun Tigers.  But give Auburn some credit.  The Aubie Tigers played some defense.  Problem is LSU played better defense.  The Cajun Tigers held Auburn to only nine first downs and less than 100 yards passing and fewer than 100 rushing.  A crowd of 86,721 attended the game in Auburn.

Back in the saddle again – USC 27, California 9 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 34, California 19).  Matt Barkley threw two interceptions, but that didn’t seem to bother the Trojans.  USC held Cal to 77 yards rushing as the Bears could only manage three field goals in the game.  A crowd of 83,421 attended the game in Los Angeles.

Toads take the Cavs on a wild ride – TCU 27, Virginia 7 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 27, Virginia 15).  The Cavs were plagued with four turnovers.  Casey Pachall passed for 305 yards.  A crowd of 46,330 attended the game in Fort Worth.

Uga eats Vandy like candy – Georgia 48, Vanderbilt 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 26, Vanderbilt 12).  Todd Gurley gave the Dawgs 130 yards rushing and Aaron Murray was steady, as Georgia methodically put away the Dores.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Near perfect – South Carolina 31, Missouri 10 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Missouri 20).  Connor Shaw was about as close to perfect as you can get, connecting on 20 of his 21 tosses.  Mizzou scored its only touchdown with just 17 seconds left in the game.  A crowd of 80,836 attended the game in Columbia.

Seventh straight – West Virginia 31, Maryland 21 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 39, Maryland 18).  Any time West Virginia scores less than 40 points in a game you get the feeling something isn’t right.  It definitely wasn’t right in the third quarter when the Eers were held scoreless.  Geno Smith upheld his end of the offense, passing for 338 yards.  But the Mountie rushing game was a no show – 25 yards total on the ground.  WVU’s defense shutdown Maryland’s rushing – 46 yards total.  But they got a little loose, too loose, with Maryland’s passing, giving up 305 yards.  WVU has now won seven in a row against the Terps.  A crowd of 58,504 attended the game in Morgantown.

Pigs penned – Rutgers 35, Arkansas 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, Rutgers 26).  Both teams came to pass, totaling 816 yards through the air.  But Tyler Wilson threw two interceptions.  The Hogs were missing a rushing game with only 73 yards on the ground.  If this keeps up, John L. Smith will be more than bankrupt at the end of the season.  A crowd of 72,543 attended the game in Fayetteville.

On the rebound – Virginia Tech 37, Bowling Green 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 31, Bowling Green 17).  I don’t know if this makes up for the loss to Pitt, but the Hokies were definitely taking out their frustrations on BG.  One thing about the Falcons, they were consistent – 133 yards passings and 133 yards rushing.  A crowd of 65,632 attended the game in Blacksburg.

My old Kentucky losing streak – Florida 38, Kentucky 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 35, Kentucky 13).  Four games into the season and the Gators are 3-0 in SEC play.  Not bad.  But they sure seem to have a problem getting going in the first quarter.  They just don’t get out of the gate quick.  Jeff Driskel threw his first interception of the season, but it wasn’t a bad interception – one of those long bomb mishaps.  Kentucky played without its starting quarterback – Maxwell Smith – and it showed.  The Wildcats only had 60 yards passing.  What was that song…..“Twenty-six Miles Across the Sea?”  How ‘bout “Twenty-six Wins Against Kentucky?”  Twenty-six straight wins that is.  A crowd of 87,102 attended the game in Gainesville.

Devils boot the Ute – Arizona State 37, Utah 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 30, Utah 22).  ASU’s Taylor Kelly passed for 326 yards.  Three turnovers didn’t help the Utes any.  In his first season, Todd Graham is off to a pretty good start with the Sun Devils.  A crowd of 58,107 attended the game in Tempe.

Badgers mine some points – Wisconsin 37, UTEP 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, UTEP 17).  The Badgers scored more points against UTEP than they did in their last two games combined….and in their first two games combined.  Until Saturday, Wisconsin hadn’t scored a lot of points in a game this season.  But the Badger defense gave up the most points of any game this season.  A crowd of 79,806 attended the game in Madison.

No honey for the Bees – Miami (Florida) 42, Georgia Tech 36 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 32, Miami 24).  Strange game – Miami won the first and fourth quarters; Tech won the second and third quarters.  The Canes led 19-0 at the end of the first; the Jackets led 22-19 at the half.  Tech led 36-22 at the end of the third.  The game was tied 36-36 at the end of regulation.  A crowd of 50,390 attended the game in Atlanta.

Banned Indians have banned football – Louisiana Tech 52, Illinois 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana Tech 35, Illinois 31).  High-scoring, but messy game, nine turnovers in all – six for Illinois and three for La Tech.  Eight of the nine turnovers were fumbles.  The Bulldogs are a hot team – 3-0 start.  Where will Sonny Dykes be coaching next year?  A crowd of 46,539 attended the game in Champaign.

Heels plunder the Pirates – North Carolina 27, East Carolina 6 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 34, East Carolina 23).  Bryn Renner had a good game, passing for 321 yards.  A crowd of 59,500 attended the game in Chapel Hill.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Nothing cowardly about this Lion – Penn State 24, Temple 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 31, Temple 25).  In spite of an interception, Matt McGloin had one of his better games, passing for 318 yards.  The Nitts evened their record at 2-2.  A crowd of 96,680 attended the game in State College.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Did the cheerleaders get in the game? – Nebraska 73, Idaho State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 52, Idaho State 9).  I sure hope Idaho State got a good payday out of this.  The Huskers outrushed the Bengals 385-31.  A crowd of 84,923 attended the game in Lincoln.

Dookies know the Blues – Duke 38, Memphis 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 45, Memphis 24).  The good days are over for the Dookies.  No more teams like North Carolina Central and Memphis on the schedule.  Sean Renfree passed for 314 yards.  The Dookies’ defense held Memphis to less than 100 yards passing and less than 100 rushing.  A crowd of 23,658 attended the game in Durham.

Week 4 Picks:    19 Correct,    4 Wrong   (82.6 percent)
On the Season:  73 Correct,    23 Wrong   (76.0 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida was upset by Ball State, 31-27.  A crowd of 16,397 attended the game in Muncie….  Florida International lost to Louisville, 28-21.  A crowd of 12,318 attended the game in Miami….  Florida Atlantic fell to Alabama, 40-7.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

Florida A&M beat Delaware State, 24-22.  A crowd of 2,758 attended the game in Dover….  Bethune-Cookman lost to Tennessee State, 21-14.  A crowd of 9,461 attended the game in Daytona Beach….  Jacksonville U. downed Dayton, 21-17.  A crowd of 2,523 attended the game in Dayton.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 31-52-1-436 yards; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 20-39-2-419; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 27-43-1-401; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 32-60-2-401; Rutgers’ Gary Nova – 25-35-0-397; Florida State’s E.J. Manuel – 27-35-0-380; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 24-35-1-379; UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 27-42-0-372, and Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 23-35-0-365.

Also, Baylor’s Nick Florence – 26-39-2-351 yards; Colorado’s Jordan Webb – 29-42-1-345; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 18-24-0-344; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 30-43-0-338; Connecticut’s Chandler Whitmer – 28-44-1-333; Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly – 19-26-0-326; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 27-43-0-321; Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 24-36-1-318, and Duke’s Sean Renfree – 26-37-1-314.

Also, Rice’s Taylor McHargue – 21-36-0-314 yards; South Florida’s B.J. Daniels – 19-30-2-312; Idaho’s Dominique Blackman – 34-46-0-306; TCU’s Casey Pachall – 21-32-1-305; Maryland’s Perry Hills – 20-29-1-305; Texas State’s Shaun Rutherford – 21-26-0-301; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 28-43-1-298; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 27-36-0-290, and Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 26-35-0-283.  


Impressive Rushers:  Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell – 253 yards; Iowa’s Mark Weisman – 217 yards; Utah State’s Kerwy Williams – 205 yards; San Diego State’s Adam Muema – 202 yards; Massachusetts’ Michael Cox – 188 yards; Nevada’s Stefphon Jefferson – 170 yards; Marshall’s Steward Butler – 166 yards; Rice’s Taylor McHargue – 153 yards; USC’s Silas Redd – 158 yards, and Tennessee’s Rajion Neal – 151 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Arkansas put a motorcycle and a cardboard cutout of a blonde in John L. Smith’s office, hoping he’d take the bait.  It didn’t work.  They’re stuck with him,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Shultz.

“They ain’t what people think.  They’re good and everything, but they can be beat,” Florida Atlantic defensive end Cory Henry, on Alabama prior to the FAU-Alabama game.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 5…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1.Baylor (3-0) at West Virginia (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FX, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The wait is over – the Mountaineers finally play their first Big 12 Conference game.  And what a game it could be too.  Baylor is not only undefeated, but also the Bears are averaging better than 51 points-a-game.  Baylor will be the biggest test for the Mountie defense so far this season.  On the other hand, Baylor is giving up about 30 points-a-game.  That could bode well for the Mountie offense.  So we could be looking at a shootout.  Mountaineers love to shoot it out – West Virginia 49, Baylor 35.

RUNNER UP:  2. Texas (3-0) at Oklahoma State (2-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7:50 pm ET, Saturday) – Staying in the Big 12, undefeated Texas travels to Oklahoma State in what could be another shoot out.  Texas is averaging 49 points-a-game, while Okie State is averaging 62.  Something’s got to give.  The Pokes give and the Horns take – Texas 40, Oklahoma State 39.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Ohio State (4-0) at Michigan State (3-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Buckeyes are undefeated, but UCF, California and UAB give you the feeling that Ohio State is vulnerable.  Of course, Michigan State’s poor offensive showing gives you the feeling the Spartans are vulnerable too.  Urban Meyer says that Braxton Miller is the best athlete he has ever coached.  That makes him the best athlete who ever lost to the Spartans – Michigan State 20, Ohio State 18. 

4. Tennessee (3-1) at Georgia (4-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Derek Dooley is still looking for his first big win at Tennessee.  His Mama is still looking for it too.  We’re not sure who Papa will be cheering for, but we know who Mama will be cheering for.  Aaron Murray out duels Tyler Bray – Georgia 32, Tennessee 23.

5. Wisconsin (3-1) at Nebraska (3-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Okay, no more Arkansas State’s and Idaho State’s for the Huskers.  That part of the schedule is over.  The going gets tough for Nebraska, but I’m not sure Wisconsin is all that tough.  And the Huskers are looking for revenge – big time.  Bo barfs on the Badgers – Nebraska 28, Wisconsin 18.

6. Oregon State (2-0) at Arizona (3-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – Before the season began, Mike Riley was on the hot seat.  Right now, he’s on the throne – King for a Day.  Sean Mannion helps Riley keep his crown – Oregon State 29, Arizona 24.

7. Texas Tech (3-0) at Iowa State (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Another battle in the Big 12 between two undefeated teams.  But neither one has played anybody.  I’m not convinced either one will have played anybody after this game.  But the Cyclones are the better body of the two – Iowa State 23, Texas Tech 19.

8. Ole Miss (3-1) at Alabama (4-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 9:15 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss is 3-1, but the three wins were against nobodies and the one loss was by 35 points.  The Black Bear Rebs are about to be handed another 35-point loss – Alabama 38, Ole Miss 10.

9. Florida State (4-0) at South Florida (2-2) – (ACC vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – FSU is averaging 56 points-a-game.  The Noles would be averaging more, but one of their games was called in the third quarter because of bad weather.  To make matters worse, South Florida’s defense isn’t that good.  And to make matters all the more worse, the Noles will be out for revenge.  B.J. Daniels hung a loss on FSU three years ago.  It won’t be pretty.  E.J. scalps B.J. – Florida State 47, South Florida 17.

10. Cincinnati (2-0) vs. Virginia Tech (3-1) – (Big East vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Both of these teams played Pitt.  Cincy beat the Panthers; Tech lost to the Panthers.  And neither game was close.  That doesn’t make the Bearcats better.  But somebody’s gotta win – Cincinnati 22, Virginia Tech 20.

11. Stanford (3-0) at Washington (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 9 pm ET, Thursday) – The Trees continue their march through the Pac-12 toward their showdown with Oregon on November 17.  Next stop Seattle, where the Trees hope to keep the Huskies’ hind legs from lifting.  Trees lower the Price – Stanford 28, Washington 19.

12. NC State (3-1) at Miami (Florida) (3-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Stephen Morris had a sensational game against Georgia Tech last week.  Can he make it two weeks in a row?  It won’t be easy.  The Wolfpack can make things tough.  But not tough enough – Miami 34, NC State 28.

13. South Carolina (4-0) at Kentucky (1-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Sorry Wildcats, but we aren’t playing basketball here – this is football.  Not your game.  And besides, Kentucky has only beaten Steve Spurrier one time.  There won’t be a second time, not this year at least – South Carolina 32, Kentucky 9.

14. Clemson (3-1) at Boston College (1-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The question here: Can Clemson bounce back from the devastating loss to Florida State.  Against BC, who couldn’t bounce back? – Clemson 30, Boston College 16.

15. TCU (3-0) at SMU (1-2) – (Big 12 vs. C-USA) (TV: FSN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – SMU is playing out of its class again.  When the Frogs say jump, the Mustangs say how high – TCU 33, SMU 6.

16. Louisville (4-0) at Southern Miss (0-3) – (Big East vs. C-USA) (TV: CBSSN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Southern Miss has had a rough start under Ellis Johnson.  But you have this feeling that the Eagles are about ripe to pop someone.  Either that or Johnson shouldn’t be a head coach.  The Cardinals do the popping – Louisville 37, Southern Miss 22.

17. Louisiana Tech (3-0) at Virginia (2-2) – (WAC vs. ACC) (TV: None, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Louisiana Tech is looking more and more like this year’s Cinderella team.  Will Virginia be the ugly step sister?  The Cavs are pretty ugly.  But they won’t turn La Tech’s coach into a pumpkin – Louisiana Tech 29, Virginia 20. 

18. Missouri (2-2) at UCF (2-1) – (SEC vs. C-USA) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Mizzou makes the first of two trips to Florida this season.  The Tigers won’t win the on the second trip and they won’t win on this trip either – UCF 22, Missouri 19.

19. Arkansas (1-3) at Texas A&M – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – What was supposed to be a good, even very good, season for the Hogs has turned into a mess.  The Pigs are getting slopped every week.  And their downfall continues – Texas A&M 39, Arkansas 22.

20. Arizona State (3-1) at California (1-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: FX, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – Each week, Jeff Tedford has been getting another nail hammered into his coffin.  ASU pounds another one – Arizona State 23, California 16.

AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Marshall (2-2) at Purdue (2-1) – (C-USA vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Rakeem Cato is a good enough quarterback to lead Marshall to an upset of Purdue.  This could be an exciting game.  The Herd stampedes the steam out of the Boilers – Marshall 24, Purdue 23.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Duke (3-1) at Wake Forest (3-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Looks like the fun could be over for the Dookies.  But they will make a game of the situation.  The Tanner gets the Dookies hide – Wake Forest 37, Duke 29.

Florida (4-0) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida Atlantic (1-3) hosts North Texas (1-3) (TV: None, 5 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida International (1-3) travels to Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (2-2) plays Southern U. (1-2) in Atlanta (TV: NBCSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday)….  Bethune-Cookman (2-2) travels to Hampton (0-3) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Jacksonville U. (3-1) entertains Marist (2-2) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). 


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Notre Dame and Connecticut are in talks about playing a game at Fenway Park in Boston in 2014…. The Big East Conference is looking for a 14th team as a football only member and those under consideration are Air Force, Army and BYU.  Or the conference said it would take all three of those schools making the Big East a 16-team football conference.  One or all three of those schools would join Boise State, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Navy, Rutgers, San Diego State, SMU, South Florida, Temple and UCF.  The Big East will split into two divisions for football play with a conference championship game at the end of the season.

Torii Hunter Jr., the son of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, has committed to Notre Dame.  Hunter Jr. is a 6-foot, 175-pound receiver out of Prosper, Texas.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

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

…70 years ago this week in 1942 was “Jingle Jangle Jingle” by Kay Keyser

…65 years ago this week in 1947 was “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” by Tex Williams

…60 years ago this week in 1952 was “You Belong to Me” by Jo Stafford

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Honeycomb” by Jimmie Rodgers

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “Sherry” by The 4 Seasons

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “The Letter” by The Box Tops


…40 years ago this week in 1972 was “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me” by Mac Davis

…35 years ago this week in 1977 was “Best of My Love” by The Emotions

…30 years ago this week in 1982 was “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago

…25 years ago this week in 1987 was “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” by Michael Jackson

…20 years ago this week in 1992 was “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men

College Football Week 4 – Clemson-Florida State
Notre Dame and $50 million
solidify the Atlantic Coast Conference
But mostly, it’s the $50 million.

Last week, the ACC Council of Presidents voted unanimously to accept Notre Dame into the conference as a member, participating in all sports except football.  The Irish will remain an Independent in football, but will play five ACC teams in football each season.

At the same meeting, the ACC Council conducted another vote –a vote that literally binds the conference together for eternity.  The second vote upped the conference’s exit fee from $20 million to $50 million – yes, $50 million.  It was only a year ago that the ACC upped its exit fee from $12 million to $20 million.

This was a smart move by the ACC because the new exit fee insures that no member of the conference will ever leave.  No member could afford to pay the $50 million.  The vote to increase the exit fee was 10 schools in favor and two schools against.  The two members voting against the raise were Florida State and Maryland.

You may recall that back in the late spring and early summer there were rumors afloat (some verified and some not) that several ACC schools were considering or looking into leaving the conference.  It was primarily the more football-oriented schools – Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, even NC State.

With the recent changes, strengthening and new TV deals in the Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC conferences and with the future termination of the BCS, some feared the ACC would go the way of the Big East.  It would no longer be relevant in football.  The addition of Pitt and Syracuse did nothing to improve conference’s football image. 

As the stories went, Florida State and Clemson were eyeing the Big 12, while NC State and Virginia Tech had their eyes on the SEC.  And as the stories went, the Big 12 would love to incorporate Florida State and Clemson, while the SEC was interested in grabbing NC State and Virginia Tech.

Whether those stories had any substance, or whether they were partly or entirely speculation, it doesn’t matter anymore.  You can forget about it.  With a $50 million exit fee, it will never happen.  Those four schools are locked into the ACC now.

The fact that Florida State voted against the higher exit fee probably indicates the Seminoles had interest in leaving the ACC.  Clemson, NC State and Virginia Tech may or may not have had interest in leaving, but by voting for the higher exit fee it gave each of them insurance that none of the other football-oriented schools would be leaving. 

The fact that Maryland voted against raising the exit fee is another story, but an interesting one.  There had been speculation that the Big Ten’s next expansion grab would be to the East – more specifically, Maryland and Rutgers.  If that speculation was true, and it may have been since Maryland voted against the higher exit fee, it won’t happen now – at least the Maryland part won’t.

All in all, it was a smart move by the ACC not only to acquire Notre Dame, in the manner that it did, but also to raise the exit fee to $50 million.  And by the way, this new exit fee applies to Notre Dame as well.  Ultimately, you have to believe that Notre Dame will become a full-fledged football member of the ACC.  It won’t happen soon, but eventually.  

The addition of Notre Dame, Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC brings the conference to 15 members.  And you know that the ACC isn’t going to continue with 15 members.  Fifteen is not a good, workable number.  But 16 is.  My guess: Connecticut is the next and last addition to the ACC.  Stay tuned.


Well, just two years after Auburn won the national championship and already some Tiger fans are calling for the termination of Gene Chizik.  And that was before Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Zydeco…..I mean…..Gumbo…..I mean…..Monroe.

Yes, Louisiana-Monroe almost pulled it off again.  After beating Arkansas in overtime last week, the Warhawks took Auburn to overtime on Saturday.  But this time, they came up short, losing to Auburn 31-28 in overtime.

However, another team from Louisiana-Monroe’s conference – Western Kentucky – pulled off the upset Saturday, also beating an SEC team in overtime.  The Hilltoppers beat Kentucky, 32-31 (OT).

And speaking of upsets, how about Stanford’s 21-14 win over USC.  I know it’s early and things can always turnaround, but the USC loss may have knocked Matt Barkley out of the Heisman race.  It certainly set him back.

In another stunning upset, Pitt beat Virginia Tech, 35-17.  The game’s outcome was more shocking in that Pitt looked so bad in its first two games, losing to Youngstown State and Cincinnati.  What next?

One of Saturday’s most exciting games was the contest in West Point between Northern Illinois and Army.  The lead in the game changed hands five times – four times in the second half alone – before NIU finally hung on to beat Army, 41-40.

A shout-out goes to four players in the game.  Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch passed for 342 yards and rushed for another 123 yards.  And three Army backs each rushed for more than 100 yards – Raymond Maples (159), Larry Dixon (136) and Trent Steelman (116).

This season is only three weeks old and already it’s been a scary time to be an assistant coach.  During opening weekend, Houston was upset by Texas State, a newcomer to FBS football.  That week after the game Houston coach Tony Levine fired his offensive coordinator Mike Nesbitt.  Then, just last week, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema fired his offensive line coach Mike Markuson.  Wisconsin, 1-1 at the time, was coming off a 10-7 loss to Oregon State.  Patience obviously isn’t a virtue of some college football coaches.  Or, maybe their patience had just worn out.

I see where they are going to make a movie about Joe Paterno – surprise, surprise.  It’s probably going to be one of those made for TV movies.  Word is Al Pacino is slated to play JoePa.  The movie will be based on the book “Paterno” written by Joe Posnanski.  Seems like everyone has panned the book so I can’t imagine the movie will be any good. 

Every year before the Tennessee-Florida game my Rocky Top friend Greg Walker contacts me for a wager on the game.  Nothing big mind you.  Usually the wager is $20 or a dinner.  More often than not a dinner.  This year, Greg requested an additional clause in the wager that I agreed to.  It had to do with my comment last week “Mama Dooley’s gonna cry.”

Our deal was that if Florida lost, I would have to write an apology in this newsletter for saying “Mama Dooley’s gonna cry.” Well, fortunately Florida won and I don’t have to write any apologies.  And I’m sure Mama Dooley is bawling her eyes out.

Florida beat Tennessee for the eighth year in a row so Greg has not faired too well in our wagers.  However, he usually gets back at me during basketball season.  We have wagered on Tennessee-Florida basketball games as well and Florida, for some strange reason, doesn’t do too well against the Vols in basketball.

Rockledge Gator maintained a low profile this week.  He didn’t appear to get into any trouble.  I know, that’s hard to believe – isn’t it? 

Well, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I are off to Gainesville Friday for a weekend of football.  We’ll be hooking up with Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe who are coming down from the Panhandle.  We’re all going to the Kentucky-Florida football game.  It’s a noon kickoff, so sounds like we’ll be having a Bloody Mary and Mimosa tailgate.  The rest of the menu, the non-liquid part, will be put together during the week.  I’m sure you will hear about it and our ventures in Gainesville next week.    

Oh, and Louisiana-Zydeco…..I mean…..Bayou.…I mean…. Monroe is back again and may be causing more mayhem.  The Warhawks play undefeated Baylor this week.  And ULM is not on the road this time.  The Warhawks are hosting Baylor.  Stay tuned!
  
Touchdown Tom
September 17, 2012     
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week Three Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Fun on the Farm – Stanford 21, USC 14 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 33, Stanford 28).  Stanford owns USC.  Matt Barkley lost to the Trees for the fourth-straight year.  Stepfan Taylor rushed for 153 yards.  The Stanford defense held USC to a mere 26 yards rushing.  A crowd of 50,360 attended the game in Palo Alto.

RUNNER UP:  Celtic uprising – Notre Dame 20, Michigan State 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 24, Notre Dame 23).  There was a crack in the Le’Veon Bell.  The Irish shutdown the Michigan State running game, limiting the Spartans to 50 yards rushing.  A crowd of 79,219 attended the game in East Lansing.

REST OF THE BEST:  Tip a Mama and Tyler too – Florida 37, Tennessee 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Tennessee 20).  Florida’s offense may still be a work in progress, but there sure was a lot of progress made in Knoxville Saturday evening.  The Gator offense is no longer struggling to find itself.  It found itself on Rocky Top.  Yes, Davey Crockett was buried on a mountain top in Tennessee Saturday evening.  And Mama Dooley is not only crying, she is bawling.  Unless things change, her baby boy Derek is well on his way to joining the ranks of the unemployed.  Jeff Driskel totally outshone Tyler Bray.  Bray only completed 50 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions.  Driskel completed 70 percent of his passes and was interception free. And how ‘bout that 80-yard touchdown run by Tre Burton?  How sweet it was!  Florida’s defense faced its first serious passing threat of the season and the Gator defense held its ground.  The Gators didn’t fear the Orange Pants.  A crowd of 102,455 attended the game in Knoxville.

Pig pickin’ – Alabama 52, Arkansas 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Arkansas 10).  This game was over before it began.  Not even Tyler Wilson would have made a difference for the Hogs.  Bama totally shutdown Arkansas’ offense, holding the Hogs to 79 yards passing and 58 rushing.  The Tide was about as balanced as you can get – 213 yards passing and 225 rushing.  It’s not looking good for John L. “Adam Sandler” Smith.  A crowd of 74,617 attended the game in Fayetteville.

Only the Strong survive – Louisville 39, North Carolina 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 32, North Carolina 24).  More than halfway through the third quarter, Louisville led, 36-7.  Just goes to show you it’s not over till it’s over.  Louisville held the Tar Heels to 47 yards rushing.  A crowd of 53,334 attended the game in Louisville.

Utes are holier – Utah 24, BYU 21 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 30, Utah 21).  Utah took advantage of a couple turnovers and the good play of quarterback Jon Hays.  BYU held the Utes to 49 yards rushing.  A crowd of 45,653 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

Wake Florist – Florida State 52, Wake Forest 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, Wake Forest 20).  You can forget the fact that Wake Forest had won four of the past six games against the Noles.  FSU’s defense held the Deacons to seven first downs, 83 yards passing and 43 rushing.  All while the Noles were racking up 612 yards of offense.  Chris Thompson rushed for 197 yards. A crowd of 68,833 attended the game in Tallahassee.

No tea for Bigelow – Ohio State 35, California 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 34, California 19).  Cal didn’t win the game, but the Bears proved the Buckeye defense is porous.  Zach Maynard passed for 280 yards and Brendan Bigelow rushed for 160 yards.  A crowd of 105,232 attended the game in Columbus.

Killer Bees – Georgia Tech 56, Virginia 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 23, Virginia 20).  Georgia Tech amassed 594 yards of offense – 461 of it on the ground.  A crowd of 44,225 attended the game in Atlanta.

Knights in white satin – Rutgers 23, South Florida 13 (Touchdown Tom said: South Florida 30, Rutgers 18).  As a freshman, USF quarterback B.J. Daniels showed so much promise.  He’s now a senior, starting his fourth season with the Bulls.  Against Rutgers, Daniels looked terrible, incompetent.  He threw three interceptions and completed less than 50 percent of his passes.  USF is a junior and senior laden team.  They should be better.  Don’t know where the problem is – maybe with Skip Holtz.  Rutgers is still a wait and see.  A crowd of 44,219attended the game in Tampa.

No Sun for the Devils – Missouri 24, Arizona State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, Missouri 32).  Mizzou led 24-7 going into the fourth quarter.  The Sun Devils suffered from four turnovers.  A crowd of 71,004 attended the game in Columbia.

Cow Pile – Texas 66, Ole Miss 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Ole Miss 16).  The two teams combined for 1,076 yards of offense, but Texas accounted for 676 of those yards.  A crowd of 61,797 attended the game in Oxford.

For Chryst sakes – Pitt 35, Virginia Tech 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 29, Pitt 11).  It sure seems like Frank Beamer has had a lot of problems on offense in recent years.  The Hokies only had 59 yards rushing.  And Logan Thomas only completed 45 percent of his passed, throwing three interceptions.  Pitt had 537 yards of offense.  Paul Chryst got his first win as a Pitt coach.  A crowd of 48,032 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

Aggies pin the tail on the Pony – Texas A&M 48, SMU 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 32, SMU 18).  After being bottled up by the Gators last week, the Aggies let it loose this week.  Quarterback Johnny Manziel passed for 294 yards and rushed for 124.  A crowd of 32,016 attended the game in Dallas.

Pokes lasso the Cajuns – Oklahoma State 65, Louisiana-Lafayette 29 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 29).  Okie State had 742 yards of offense.  At the beginning of the third quarter, the Pokes led 44-0.  Quarterback J.W. Walsh passed for 347 yards.  A crowd of 56,062 attended the game in Stillwater.

Knights no diplomats – UCF 33, Florida International 20 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 40, FIU 19).  UCF revenged its loss to FIU last year.  A crowd of 40,478 attended the game in Orlando.
Hollywood high – UCLA 37, Houston 6 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Houston 17).  Houston had six turnovers.  Five were interceptions thrown by David Piland.  A crowd of 53,723 attended the game in Pasadena.

Weis gets warts – TCU 20, Kansas 6 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 33, Kansas 14).  Both quarterbacks threw for more than 300 yards each.  A crowd of 43,867 attended the game in Lawrence.

Nitts go on a cruise – Penn State 34, Navy 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 29, Navy 15).  Bill O’Brien gets his first win at Penn State.  The Middies were doomed with four turnovers.  A crowd of 98,792 attended the game in State College.

Spaziani seeing pink – Northwestern 22, Boston College 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 30, Boston College 24).  Northwestern limited BC to a measly 25 yards rushing.  The Wildcats are off to a 3-0 start.  A crowd of 32,597 attended the game in Evanston.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Edsall is looking like an Edsel – Connecticut 24, Maryland 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Connecticut 26, Maryland 20).  Randy Edsall lost to his former team – how embarrassing.  Has Maryland ever fired a coach after only two seasons?  A crowd of 35,491 attended the game in College Park.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

JMU is still a girls’ school – West Virginia 42, James Madison 12 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 49, James Madison 19).  The Mounties scored on each of their first four possessions, then went into cruise control for the remainder of the game.  Geno Smith was 34-39-0, passing for 411 yards and five TDs.  The defense looked better, but the Mountie rushing game was not up to par.  WVU will next return to FedEx Field in a couple of years for a game against BYU.  A crowd of 45,511 attended the game in Landover.

Abdullah the butcher – Nebraska 42, Arkansas State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 40, Arkansas State 20).  The Huskers rushed for 347 yards, with Ameer Abdullah accounting for 167 of those yards.  Nebraska rolled in spite of four turnovers – all fumbles.  Bo Pelini rolled too – and fumbled.  Hey Bo, you’re too old to go out the night before a game and raise hell and party like that.  You can’t do that sort of thing anymore.  You’re not as young as you used to be.  A visit to a nice quiet tea parlor the night before a game would be appropriate.  A crowd of 85,290 attended the game in Lincoln.

You Devils, you – Duke 54, North Carolina Central 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 41, North Carolina Central 16).  The Dookies don’t have many games like this so they better enjoy them while they last.  A crowd of 22,829 attended the game in Durham.

Uga likes Hooters – Georgia 56, Florida Atlantic 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 42, Florida Atlantic 14).  FAU hung around with Uga for a while.  The score was just 14-14 half way through the second quarter.  The Dawgs racked up 713 yards of offense in a well-balanced attack – 385 passing; 328 rushing.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Eagles get steamed – Purdue 54, Eastern Michigan 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 32, Eastern Michigan 16).  Big rushing day for Purdue as the Boilers amassed 392 yards on the ground.  A crowd of 40,217 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Week 3 Picks:    20 Correct,   6 Wrong   (76.9 percent)
On the Season:  54 Correct,   19 Wrong   (74.0 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami put it on Bethune-Cookman, 38-16.  A crowd of 39,435 attended the game in Miami Gardens….  Florida A&M beat Hampton, 44-20.  A crowd of 17,871 attended the game in Tallahassee….  Jacksonville U. downed Webber, 33-10.  A crowd of 2,725 attended the game in Jacksonville. 


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Akron’s Dalton Williams – 37-48-1-446 yards; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 44-65-1-432; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 34-39-0-411; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 26-45-2-378; San Jose State’s David Fales – 27-34-0-370; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 26-41-1-363, and UNLV’s Nick Sherry – 33-49-1-351.

Also, Troy’s Corey Robinson – 32-45-2-343 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 18-27-1-342; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 14-19-1-342; Oklahoma State’s J.W. Walsh – 20-29-0-341; Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 27-35-0-340; TCU’s Casey Pachall – 24-30-0-335; Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 22-35-0-335; Illinois’ Reilly O’Toole – 26-31-1-333; Texas’ David Ash – 19-23-0-326, and Memphis’ Jacob Karam – 26-37-1-325.

Also, UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 27-42-2-320 yards; Baylor’s Nick Florence – 24-41-2-312; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 20-29-0-310; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 21-28-1-308; Boise State’s Joe Southwick – 24-31-1-304; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 20-28-0-303; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 17-22-1-300, and UTEP’s Nick Lamaison – 21-32-0-300.

Also, Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson – 24-42-1-297 yards; Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 20-36-0-294; Michigan’s Denard Robinson – 16-24-1-291; Boston College’s Chase Rettig – 24-44-0-291; Arizona’s Matt Scott – 30-36-0-288; Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 19-28-1-283, and California’s Zach Maynard – 26-37-1-280. 


Impressive Rushers:  Nevada’s Stefphon Jefferson – 237 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Tevin King – 204 yards; Florida State’s Chris Thompson – 197 yards; Mississippi State’s LaDarius Perkins – 179 yards; Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy – 174 yards; Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah – 167 yards, and Tulsa’s Ja’Terian Douglas – 163 yards.

Also, Boise State’s D.J. Harper – 162 yards; California’s Brendan Bigelow – 162 yards; Army’s Raymond Maples – 159 yards; Pitt’s Rushel Shell – 157 yards; Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor – 153 yards, and Rutgers’ Jawan Jamison – 151 yards.


Quotes of Last Week

“UGone,” headline in the New York Daily News, on the ouster of UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun.

“I think it’s punitive.  I don’t know how you can justify that number,” Florida State trustee Allen Bense, on the newly imposed $50 million exit fee for current ACC members.

“I don’t think anybody should have a right to pick and choose in today’s day and age.  I think that’s something that the rest of the conferences shouldn’t put up with,” UCF coach George O’Leary, on Notre Dame joining the ACC, but not for football.

“The NCAA continues to hover over Auburn.  Now, it’s about a recruit (Javon Robinson) having his high school transcript altered, which led to him being declared academically ineligible.  I’m not declaring guilt or innocence here.  But given the amount of time NCAA investigators spend in Auburn, wouldn’t buying a condo save on hotel costs?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Shultz.

“After losing to Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas coach John L. Smith needed a rallying cry.  He settled on: ‘We’re still undefeated in the league.’  Now there’s a statement with a limited shelf life,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“It’s going to be an ugly day for Arkansas,” CBSSports.com blogger Tony Barnhart, on the Alabama-Arkansas game.

“Yippee, the ACC gets Notre Dame lacrosse but not football,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Getting Notre Dame in everything but football?  Isn’t that sort of like going to Hooters for everything but the waitresses?”, Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Florida rehired Zook,” Tennessee fan’s sign at ESPN GameDay in Knoxville.

“There was talk before the game that Tennessee fans were making plans to storm the field and rip down the goal posts if they won.  Instead, they stormed the exits midway through the fourth quarter and undoubtedly ripped coach Derek Dooley on their way out,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, on the Florida-Tennessee game.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 4…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Clemson (3-0) at FSU (3-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Here we go again – another Jimbo-Dabo classic.  And look who’s coming to town to participate in the celebration – ESPN GameDay.  The Tigers won last year in a thriller at Clemson.  I’m thinkin’ the Noles win this year in a thriller in Tallahassee – Florida State 33, Clemson 30.

RUNNER UP:  2. Kansas State (3-0) at Oklahoma (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7:50 pm ET, Saturday) – How good is K-State?  On the other hand, how good are the Sooners?  We’ll soon find out, and I think the Sooners are better – Oklahoma 29, Kansas State 23.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Arizona (3-0) at Oregon (3-0) (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – My, my, Rich Rodriguez is 3-0.  But he better enjoy the perfect record while it lasts.  The Wildcats haven’t seen a team like Oregon, although I’m thinkin’ Okie State was pretty close.  And Arizona took care of the Pokes.  The Wildcats could make this interesting, but only for a while – Oregon 37, Arizona 24.

4. Michigan (2-1) at Notre Dame (3-0) – (Big Ten vs. Ind.) (TV: NBC, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Nothing like two Michigan teams back-to-back.  But the Irish have this one at home.  The Wolverine attack will be different than the Spartan attack.  And the Wolverine defense is looser.  So this game could be wide open.  Wide open in favor of the Irish – Notre Dame 24, Michigan 16.

5. Oregon State (1-0) at UCLA (3-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Wow! UCLA is out to a 3-0 start.  The Bruins are looking good.  Oregon State is still a mystery.  The Beavers have only played one game.  It was a close win over Wisconsin.  And it didn’t tell us a lot about the Beavers.  Bruins are still looking good – UCLA 34, Oregon State 22.

6. BYU (2-1) at Boise State (1-1) – (Ind. vs. MWC) (TV: ESPN, 9 pm ET, Thursday) – Both teams’ losses were close ones.  The Broncos lost to Michigan State by four points, and the Cougars lost to Utah by three points.  Otherwise, they are looking pretty good.  But the Broncos are looking a little better – Boise State 29, BYU 20.

7. LSU (3-0) at Auburn (1-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – This one could get ugly.  Auburn has not been playing well this season.  And no one has come close to LSU.  It’s the second Tigers vs. Tigers game for Auburn.  The other was Clemson.  Aubie falls to 1-3 – LSU 33, Auburn 17.

8. California (1-2) at USC (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – Both teams come into this game disheartened.  Cal lost a close game to Ohio State.  USC was upset by Stanford.  Cal may put up a fight, but USC will be angry.  The angry team wins – USC 34, California 19.

9. Virginia (2-1) at TCU (2-0) – (ACC vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – TCU has a good defense and the Cavaliers have no offense.  That’s all that needs to be said – TCU 27, Virginia 15.

10. Vanderbilt (1-2) at Georgia (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7:45 pm ET, Saturday) – Georgia’s good, no doubt about it.  I’m especially impressed with the Dawgs’ offense – not so much with the defense.  Vandy played well in its opener – a close loss to South Carolina.  Then the Dores looked bad against Northwestern.  That’s how it is with Vandy – you never know what you’re going to get.  Whichever Vandy team shows up, Uga handles the situation – Georgia 26, Vanderbilt 12.

11. Missouri (2-1) at South Carolina (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Looks like the Tigers are going to begin their SEC slate at 0-2.  Mizzou may give the Cocks a fight.  But a losing fight – South Carolina 30, Missouri 20.

12. Maryland (2-1) at West Virginia (3-0) – (ACC vs. Big 12) (TV: FX, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – WVU’s last non-conference game before jumping into the Big 12 schedule.  On paper, Maryland shouldn’t provide much difficulty for the Eers, but these two neighboring-state schools love to go at each other.  Randy Edsall, in only his second season with the Terps, could be looking at his last one.  Terp fans haven’t been happy with him.  They may be unhappier after this one – West Virginia 39, Maryland 18.

13. Rutgers (3-0) at Arkansas (1-2) – (Big East vs. SEC) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Tempted to go with Rutgers here.  I would if the game were being played in Piscataway.  The Knights surprised me against South Florida.  Arkansas hasn’t looked good.  But the Hogs should have Tyler Wilson back.  The Pork pulls it out – Arkansas 28, Rutgers 26.

14. Bowling Green (1-2) at Virginia Tech (2-1) – (MAC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Frank Beamer definitely has problems with his offense this season.  He still may have problems, but they won’t be bad enough to lose to BG.  Happy Hokies – Virginia Tech 31, Bowling Green 17.

15. Kentucky (1-2) at Florida (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Kentucky is pathetic.  No two ways about it, the Wildcats are just plain pathetic.  And to make matters worse, Kentucky hasn’t beaten Florida since 1986, when a Galen Hall-coached Gator team lost to the Wildcats, 10-3.  The Gators have won 25-straight games.  Make it 26-straight – Florida 35, Kentucky 13.

16. Utah (2-1) at Arizona State (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – Tough pick here.  Both teams have looked pretty good this season.  But have to go with the Sun Devils in Tempe – Arizona State 30, Utah 22.

17. UTEP (1-2) at Wisconsin (2-1) – (C-USA vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Badgers have to be the strangest team in the country this year – at least so far.  Wisconsin has only scored 49 points in three games against reasonably weak competition.  In the Badgers two wins, they won by five points and two points.  They lost by three points.  Wisconsin has played some pretty good defense, but the offense has been woeful.  Badgers win, but it could be close again – Wisconsin 28, UTEP 17.

18. Miami (Florida) (2-1) at Georgia Tech (2-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Both teams are a tough read, but the Canes are a tougher read.  The Jackets seem to have gotten their act together since the opening overtime loss to Virginia Tech.  Miami has been up and down and all over the place.  The Jackets are all over the Canes –  Georgia Tech 32, Miami 24.

19. Louisiana Tech (2-0) at Illinois (2-1) – (Sun Belt vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Watch out for La Tech.  The Bulldogs missed their chance to upset Texas A&M when the game was washed out by Isaac on opening weekend.  Now they get their chance to knock off Illinois.  Surprise in Champaign – Louisiana Tech 35, Illinois 31.

20. East Carolina (2-1) at North Carolina (1-2) – (C-USA vs. ACC) – (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The intrastate rivalry will keep this game close.  Maybe too close for UNC, but the Tar Heels pull it out – North Carolina 34, East Carolina 23.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Temple (1-1) at Penn State (1-2) – (Big East vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm. ET, Saturday) – The Nitts got their first win against Navy and should be on par to improve their record this week.  But it may not be easy.  Temple would love to win this game.  But the Owls won’t – Penn State 31, Temple 25.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Idaho State (1-1) at Nebraska (2-1) – (Big Sky vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If it got easier for the Huskers last week, it gets even easier for them this week.  Idaho State’s lone win this season was over some school called Black Hills State.  And I’m not sure that was in football.  I’m not even sure where Black Hills State is.  I’m not even sure where Idaho State is.  I just hope Bo doesn’t blow his lunch this week.  Huskers have a party – Nebraska 52, Idaho State 9.

Memphis (0-3) at Duke (2-1) – (C-USA vs. ACC) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – All right!  Another easy game for the Dookies.  Give their athletic director a hand.  He finally figured out how to appropriately schedule the right teams for the Dookies.  I don’t have to tell you, Memphis is a hurtin’ team.  The Dookies will make them hurt more – Duke 45, Memphis 24.

Purdue (2-1) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida (2-1) travels to Ball State (2-1) (TV: Sun, 4:30 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida International (1-2) hosts Louisville (3-0) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (1-2) visits Alabama (3-0) (TV: PPV, 5 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (1-2) is at Delaware State (1-2) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Bethune-Cookman (2-1) entertains Tennessee State (3-0) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday)….  Jacksonville U. (2-1) is away at Dayton (1-2) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday)….  UCF (2-1) is off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football … Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn has decided to end his football career after suffering yet another shoulder injury and possibly a fourth operation.  Wynn suffered his latest shoulder injury in the loss to Utah State earlier….  TCU and LSU will meet on Labor Day Weekend next year in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Michigan and Alabama each made $4.7 million off of this year’s Labor Day Weekend game in Cowboys Stadium. 

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)

College Football Week 3 – USC-Stanford, ND-MSU and Gators-Vols
Bankruptcy, initiation in the SEC,
the best and the worst in the Pac-12
Arkansas coach John L. Smith made it official last week.  He declared bankruptcy.  A while back, Smith purchased property in Kentucky and the deal went sour.

Unfortunately for Smith and Arkansas fans, his problems proved to be contagious.  Saturday night, the Arkansas football team filed for bankruptcy.  The Razorbacks’ game against Louisiana-Hayride…..I mean….Gumbo…..I mean Monroe went sour.  Favored by 31 points, Arkansas lost to Louisiana-Jefferson…..I mean…..Madison…..I mean…..Monroe, 34-31 in overtime.

Smith, as you recall, was hired to coach Arkansas during the spring after Razorback coach Bobby Petrino was fired for playing Steve McQueen on his motorcycle with his mistress.  If Arkansas keeps losing to teams like Louisiana-Monroe, Smith will be fired for playing Adam Sandler on the field with the  Razorback football team.

Arkansas was the low point of the weekend in the SEC.  The high point was the initiation of two new members – Texas A&M and Missouri – into the conference.  Florida had the honor of baptizing the Aggies in College Station, Texas.  In a closely contested game, the Gators beat Texas A&M, 20-17. 

That evening, in Columbia, Missouri, Georgia initiated Mizzou into the conference.  In a hard fought game that wasn’t decided until the fourth quarter, the Dawgs beat the Tigers, 41-20.  Welcome to the SEC Texas A&M and Missouri. 

Speaking of a high point and a low point, there is quite a contrast of teams from the top to the bottom in the Pac-12.  At the top, you have USC and Oregon.  Like Alabama and LSU in the SEC, I’m not sure anybody in the Pac-12 can stop those two teams other than each other.  And the Trojans and the Ducks meet on November 3 in the Coliseum in Los Angeles.  Stay tuned.

At the other end of the spectrum in the Pac-12 is Colorado.  The Buffs are off to an 0-2 start.  The losses have been to Colorado State (1-1) and Sacramento State (1-1) – who in turn have lost their other games to North Dakota State and New Mexico State respectively.  I don’t think second-year coach Jon Embree is long for Boulder.

The Pac-12 suffered two other embarrassing loses over the weekend with Utah’s loss to Utah State and Washington losing to LSU by 38 points – 41-3.  Utah was picked to finish second in the Pac-12 South behind USC.  Fourth-year coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t appear to be making a lot of improvement in Seattle.   

In the middle of the spectrum, in the Pac-12, are three pleasant surprises – UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State.  All three teams are 2-0.  UCLA’s latest triumph was a 36-30 win over Nebraska.  Saturday, Arizona upset Oklahoma State, 59-38, and Arizona State smothered Illinois, 45-14.  The Wildcats and the Sun Devils, both under first-year coaches, were supposed to struggle this year.  Oregon State gave us a surprise too.  The Beavers upset Wisconsin, 10-7.     

Four games over the weekend were decided by one point.  Rice beat Kansas, 25-24, and South Florida beat Nevada, 32-31, on field goals kicked in the closing seconds of the two games.  Virginia beat Penn State, 17-16, and Wake Forest beat North Carolina, 28-27, both on touchdowns scored in the final two minutes of the games.  South Florida, Virginia and Wake Forest are 2-0.

In a three-point game, Notre Dame kicked a field goal with seven seconds remaining to beat Purdue, 20-17. 

Four other games deserve mention.  Kansas State, favored by only seven points, exploded to beat Miami (Florida), 52-13.  Mississippi State added to Auburn’s woes.  The Bulldogs beat the Tigers, 28-10.  Iowa State revenged last year’s triple-overtime loss to Iowa.  The Cyclones beat their intrastate rivals, 9-6.  And finally, Northwestern remained undefeated.  The Wildcats beat Vanderbilt, 23-13.  Kansas State, Miss State, Iowa State and Northwestern are all 2-0.   

Prior to the start of the Florida-Texas A&M game Saturday, Gator fans were cheering wildly for UCF.  The Knights were playing Ohio State.  More than anything, Gator fans wanted UCF to beat Urban Meyer.  It didn’t happen.  The Buckeyes beat the Knights, 31-16.

Then there was the Penn State fan who sent a letter to the USA Today last week, exonerating Joe Paterno.  The fan was defending Joe on the basis that he didn’t think Paterno knew what pedophilia was or meant.  Now if that doesn’t take the cake.  Can you imagine?  I know, not in your wildest dreams.  It’s amazing the crap these Penn State fans will come up with for excuses.

Well, I could see it coming.  I knew it was inevitable.  Rockledge Gator has thrown Lady Gaga under the bus for Honey Boo Boo.

Touchdown Tom
September 10, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  We don’t need no Honey Bear – LSU 41, Washington 3 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Washington 16).  Washington kicked a 34-yard field goal just 57 seconds into the game, but didn’t score another point after that.  The Huskies only had 26 yards rushing.  A crowd of 92,804 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

RUNNER UP:  The old men win – Georgia 41, Missouri 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 26, Missouri 24).  This was a good game through the third quarter.  It was all Georgia after that.  The Dawgs outscored Mizzou 17-0 in the final period.  A crowd of 71,004 attended the game in Columbia.

REST OF THE BEST:  It’s all about the defense – Florida 20, Texas A&M 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 23, Texas A&M 21).  Kevin Sumlin teams typically are known for their offense and not so much for their defense.  Holding the Aggies to 17 points says a lot for the Florida defense.  Only scoring 20 points against A&M doesn’t say much for the Florida offense.  In its first two games, Florida’s defense has played well.  The Gator offense, however, remains a work in progress – it’s still trying to find itself.  A crowd of 87,114 attended the game in College Station.

Wildcats do the Poking – Arizona 59, Oklahoma State 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 29, Arizona 17).  Rich Rodriguez may find success at Arizona sooner than he, and everyone else, thought.  Either that, or Okie State has a piss-poor defense.  Of course four turnovers (to none for Arizona) didn’t help the Pokes’ cause any.  A crowd of 45,602 attended the game in Tucson.

Carl Pelini please come home – UCLA 36, Nebraska 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 30, UCLA 24).  Nebraska’s defense gave up 653 yards to the Bruins.  That’s seven more yards than UCLA got the previous week against Rice.  A crowd of 71,530 attended the game in Pasadena.

All is not Golden – Kansas State 52, Miami (Florida) 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 33, Miami 26).  K-State held the Canes to 40 yards rushing.  A crowd of 48,843 attended the game in Manhattan.

Finally – Mississippi State 28, Auburn 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Miss State 19, Auburn 14).  After three years of frustration, Dan Mullen got his first win over an SEC West team other than Ole Miss.  The Tigers had five turnovers.  A crowd of 56,111 attended the game in Starkville.

Boiler down – Notre Dame 20, Purdue 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Purdue 27).  Kyle Brindza kicked a 27-yard field goal with 0:07 remaining to break a 17-17 tie.  Caleb TerBush threw two interceptions.  The Irish won the game with only 50 yards rushing.  A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.

Should have played at the Carrier Dome – USC 42, Syracuse 29 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 40, Syracuse 17).  Syracuse only trailed 21-16 at the half.  The Orange are 0-2 and have given up 42 points in each loss.  A crowd of 39,507 attended the game in East Rutherford.

Nitts losing their wits – Virginia 17, Penn State 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 27, Penn State 13).  The Cavs scored on a six-yard pass play with 1:28 remaining to take the 17-16 lead.  Virginia won the game in spite of four turnovers and only 32 yards rushing.  Penn State missed four field goals.  A crowd of 56,087 attended the game in Charlottesville.

Robinson’s alive and well and playing in Ann Arbor – Michigan 31, Air Force 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, Air Force 20).  Denard Robinson passed for 208 yards and rushed for 218.  Fitz Toussaint only had seven yards rushing.  A crowd of 112,522 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

The Badgers have lost their running game – Oregon State 10, Wisconsin 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Oregon State 25).  The Badgers only had 35 yards rushing.  The Beavers’ Sean Mannion passed for 276 yards.  A crowd of 42,189 attended the game in Corvallis.

The Price is right – Wake Forest 28, North Carolina 27 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 24, Wake Forest 16).  Tanner Price scored on a one-yard run with 2:09 remaining to give the Deacons a 28-27 lead.  Price also threw for 327 yards.  A crowd of 29,526 attended the game in Winston-Salem.

Panthers couldn’t take a bite out of Munchie – Cincinnati 34, Pitt 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 26, Pitt 15).  Munchie Legaux passed for 205 yards and rushed for another 117 yards.  How long can Cincy hold onto Butch Jones?  Pitt is downright sad.  The Panthers are in a heap of trouble.  A crowd of 33,562 attended the game in Cincinnati.

Ducks drive the Carr – Oregon 42, Fresno State 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 44, Fresno State 25).  Oregon led 35-6 at the half.  The Ducks only scored one touchdown in the second half.  Kenjon Barner rushed for 201 yards.  A crowd of 55,755 attended the game in Eugene.

Pack sends the Huskies packing – NC State 10, Connecticut 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Connecticut 26, NC State 22).  The two teams only had 89 yards rushing combined, and both quarterbacks passed for an identical 204 yards.  UConn had four turnovers.  A crowd of 34,202 attended the game in East Hartford.

He’s still no Aaron – Northwestern 23, Vanderbilt 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Vanderbilt 22, Northwestern 20).  The Wildcats outscored the Commodores 17-3 in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 31,644 attended the game in Evanston.

Three field goals and a touchdown – Iowa State 9, Iowa 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 24, Iowa 23).  The Cyclones won in spite of four turnovers.  Iowa only had 68 yards rushing.  A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City.

No Aggie joke – Utah State 27, Utah 20 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 32, Utah State 18).  The Aggies beat the Utes for the first time since 1997.  Chuckie Keeton passed for 216 yards and rushed for another 86 yards.  Merlin Olsen must have been rockin’ in his grave.  A crowd of 25,513 attended the game in Logan.

Desert storm – Arizona State 45, Illinois 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, Illinois 21).  The Illini miss Nathan Scheelhaase.  Illinois only had 101 yards passing.  A crowd of 54,128 attended the game in Tempe.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

San Diego is a Navy town – San Diego State 42, Army 7 (Touchdown Tom said: San Diego State 28, Army 16).  Army threw all of eight passes – three were completed and two were intercepted.  This may be Rich Ellerson’s last year in West Point.  A crowd of 30,799 attended the game in San Diego.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Warming up for USC – Stanford 50, Duke 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 28, Duke 21).  The Dookies had four turnovers and only 27 yards rushing.  A crowd of 44,016 attended the game in Palo Alto.

Happy cows – Texas 45, New Mexico 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 40, New Mexico 12).  New Mexico only had 35 yards passing.  Case McCoy saw action.  A crowd of 100,990 attended the game in Austin.

Week 2 Picks:    16 correct;  7 wrong  (69.6 percent)
On the Season:   34 correct;  13 wrong  (72.3 percent)


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State dumped Savannah State, 55-0.  A crowd of 71,126 attended the game in Tallahassee….  South Florida slipped by Nevada, 32-31.  A crowd of 22,804 attended the game in Reno….  UCF lost to Ohio State, 31-16.  A crowd of 104,745 attended the game in Columbus….  Florida Atlantic fell to Middle Tennessee, 31-17.  A crowd of 16,227 attended the game in Murfreesboro.

Florida International edged Akron, 41-38 (OT).  A crowd of 15,685 attended the game in Miami….  Florida A&M was crushed by Oklahoma, 69-13.   A crowd of 84,852 attended the game in Norman….  Bethune-Cookman beat South Carolina State, 27-14.  A crowd of 15,491 attended the game in Orangeburg….  Jacksonville U. downed Charleston Southern, 31-10.  A crowd of 2,136 attended the game in Charleston.


Superlatives

Weekend’s Best Passers:  Houston’s David Piland – 53-77-0-580 yards; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 46-70-1-485; Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 42-67-1-412; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 32-42-0-377; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 29-40-1-364, and South Florida’s B.J. Daniels – 22-40-0-363.

Also, Kentucky’s Maxwell Smith – 30-39-0-354 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 34-52-0-353; Idaho’s Dominque Blackman – 30-37-1-352; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 30-9-0-344; Wyoming’s Brent Smith – 20-28-2-339; South Carolina’s Dylan Thompson – 21-37-0-330; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 27-38-1-327, and Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 30-46-2-327.

Also, Arizona’s Matt Scott – 28-41-0-320 yards; Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 25-32-0-319; Akron’s Dalton Williams – 27-54-1-313; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 18-20-0-310; UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 21-33-0-305; Arkansas State’s Ryan Aplin – 23-43-0-302; Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 25-41-0-300, and Notre Dame’s Everett Golson – 21-31-0-289.


Weekend’s Best Rushers:  Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 238 yards; Michigan’s Denard Robinson – 218 yards; UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 217 yards; Oregon’s Kenjon Barner – 198 yards, and Ohio’s Beau Blankenship – 168 yards. 


Quotes of Last Week

“Brent Pease, in his first game with the Gators, came across as a crazed, cursing, out of control coordinator,” Orlando Sentinel writer Edgar Thompson, on Florida’s new offensive coordinator.

“My mom said I need to watch my mouth,” Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease.

“This week, I’m going to be the biggest, most obnoxious UCF fan you’ve ever seen in your entire life.  Urban Meyer is the man you dated and the ending went so bad, you have an unhealthy hatred for him.  He’s the ex-boyfriend you hope gets fat, gets divorced five times and his last wife leaves him for Rachel Maddow.  I want UCF to embarrass Urban Meyer.  Stomp him!”, a Gator fan named Mandy, calling into the Mike Bianchi radio show.

“The next time you see Buckeyes fans irate is when Urban Meyer ditches them for Notre Dame,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Kiss your date on first downs.  You won’t have any touchdowns today,” ESPN’s David Pollock, to the Texas A&M students.

“Muschamp takes bubble baths,” Texas A&M fan’s sign at ESPN GameDay.


This Week’s 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games.…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. USC (2-0) at Stanford (2-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – It can’t get much more thrilling than last year’s game.  Stanford won in the Coliseum, 56-48 in three overtimes.  But believe me, the Trojans still remember that loss.  Either USC will win in a blowout, or it will be another thriller.  No more Luck – USC 33, Stanford 28.

RUNNER UP:  2. Notre Dame (2-0) at Michigan State (2-0) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – It can’t get much more thrilling than the last time these two met in East Lansing.  The Spartans won 34-31 in overtime.  That was in 2010.  No heroes for Kelly – Michigan State 24, Notre Dame 23.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Florida (2-0) at Tennessee (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – The Gators’ defense has been playing well.  The Gators’ offense is still trying to find itself.  It’s been looking for two games and hasn’t found itself yet.  Tennessee’s offense, led by Tyler Bray, has been on cruise control.  But the Vols’ competition hasn’t been as stiff as the Gators.  Something’s got to give in Knoxville.  Mama Dooley’s gonna cry – Florida 27, Tennessee 20.

4. Alabama (2-0) at Arkansas (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This was the Game-of-the-Week until Arkansas bailed against Louisiana-Hayride…..I mean…..Gumbo….I mean….Monroe.  It appears Tyler Wilson will play.  He’s day-to-day.  Whether he plays or not, Arkansas just isn’t in Alabama’s league.  Big Al goes Hog huntin’ – Alabama 28, Arkansas 10.

5. North Carolina (1-1) at Louisville (2-0) – (ACC vs. Big East) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Tar Heels may score on Louisville, but they won’t outscore the Cardinals.  Louisville has too many weapons for the Tar Heel defense.  The Cardinals make Carolina blue – Louisville 32, North Carolina 24.

6. BYU (2-0) at Utah (1-1) – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN2, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s the annual polygamy bowl, pitting the whacko Mormons against the secular Mormons.  The game is a whack job – BYU 30, Utah 21.

7. Wake Forest (2-0) at Florida State (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Last year the Deacons stunned the Seminoles.  No one will be stunned this year.  The Noles get the Price down – Florida State 33, Wake Forest 20.

8. California (1-1) at Ohio State (2-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This may be Jeff Tedford’s last year in Berkeley.  He’s on the hot seat and Urban isn’t going to help him out any.  Braxton Miller is looking better and better.  Bears can’t get any Bucks – Ohio State 34, California 19.

9. Virginia (2-0) at Georgia Tech (1-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Yellow Jackets don’t want to get off to an 0-2 start in the ACC.  The Cavs almost tasted defeat last week.  They get a taste of it this week – Georgia Tech 23, Virginia 20.

10. Rutgers (2-0) at South Florida (2-0) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – South Florida is looking like one of the teams to beat in the Big East.  Rutgers is an unknown.  We’ll know this week.  The Bulls are on the run – South Florida 30, Rutgers 18.

11. Arizona State (2-0) at Missouri (1-1) – (Pac-12 vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Mizzou will be the Sun Devils toughest game to date.  They may be too tough.  Devils apply the heat – Arizona State 33, Missouri 32.

12. Texas (2-0) at Ole Miss (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 9:15 pm ET, Saturday) – Both teams are undefeated, but neither have played anyone.  Ole Miss is playing someone this week, but Texas isn’t.  The Cows milk the Rebs – Texas 27, Ole Miss 16.

13. Virginia Tech (2-0) at Pitt (0-2) – (ACC vs. Big East) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Pitt’s a mess.  Paul Chryst has a big rebuilding job on his hands.  The Panthers have looked bad in their first two games.  Hokies skin the Cats – Virginia Tech 29, Pitt 11.

14. Texas A&M (0-1) at SMU (1-1) – (SEC vs. C-USA) (TV: FSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After losing its opener to Florida, the Aggies will be looking for their first win against the Ponies.  They get it – Texas A&M 32, SMU 18.

15. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-0) at Oklahoma State (1-1) – (Sun Belt vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Pokes stumbled last week against Arizona.  It wasn’t pretty.  The Cajuns are good, but haven’t been tested.  They are capable of giving Okie State a scare.  But they flunk this test – Oklahoma State 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 29.

16. Florida International (1-1) at UCF (1-1) – (Sun Belt vs. C-USA) (TV: CSBA, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – The Knights will be out for revenge.  FIU put it to them last year.  Revenge is sweet for the Knights – UCF 40, FIU 19.

17. Houston (1-1) at UCLA (2-0) – (C-USA vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Bruins may be the surprise team of 2012.  They are doing okay so far.  Jim Mora may be just what they have needed for a coach in Westwood.  The Bruins put the Cougars in the ruins – UCLA 34, Houston 17.

18. TCU (1-0) at Kansas (1-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FX, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It’s going to be a long season for Charlie Weis.  The Horned Frogs win their first Big 12 game – TCU 33, Kansas 14.

19. Navy (0-1) at Penn State (0-2) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After two frustrating games, the Nitts will find success this week.  But Navy may not be a total pushover.  Lions roar – Penn State 29, Navy 15.

20. Boston College (1-1) at Northwestern (2-0) – (ACC vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Northwestern is off to a good start.  That’s fine with Pat Fitzgerald.  The Wildcats remain undefeated – Northwestern 30, Boston College 24.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Connecticut (1-1) at Maryland (2-0) – (Big East vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Randy Edsall goes up against his old team.  The second-year Maryland coach is on the hot seat and needs all the wins he can get.  The two coaches know each other well.  Paul “Pass the Baloney” Pasqualoni was coaching Syracuse during some of Edsall’s years at UConn.  Now they are meeting up again.  It’s not a happy reunion for Edsall – Connecticut 26, Maryland 20.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

James Madison (2-0) vs. West Virginia (1-0) – (Colonial vs. Big 12) (TV: RSPI, 4:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After the 69-point outburst against Marshall, the Mountie offense got a rest last week.  Hopefully, they don’t lose their momentum.  And hopefully, the defense got a few things worked out.  James Madison is a feisty FCS team.  The Dukes beat Virginia Tech two years ago.  James Madison was a girls’ school when I was in college.  No football then.  The game is at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.  Mounties turn the Dukes into Dookies – West Virginia 49, James Madison 19.

Arkansas State (1-1) at Nebraska (1-1) – (Sun Belt vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Huskers get a breather this week – a chance to sit back and figure out what went wrong against UCLA.  The Husker offense has nothing to worry about.  Ark State’s defense won’t stop them.  But Nebraska’s defense can’t rest too much.  Ark State put 34 points on the board against Oregon.  Ryan Aplin is a tough quarterback.  The Corn is poppin’ – Nebraska 40, Arkansas State 20.

North Carolina Central (1-1) at Duke (1-1) – (MEAC vs. ACC) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – After the trouncing from Stanford, the Dookies get a rest.  Just when we thought they might have something this year, Stanford proved us wrong.  Devils ham it up – Duke 41, North Carolina Central 16.

Florida Atlantic (1-1) at Georgia (2-0) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) (TV: CSS, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dawgs get a well-deserved rest after the hard fought win over Missouri.  FAU often struggles, but the Owls are really struggling this season.  Howard Schnellenberger left the cupboard bare – very bare.  Mark Richt will appreciate this scrimmage.  Dawgs take the hoot out of the Owls – Georgia 42, Florida Atlantic 14.

Eastern Michigan (0-2) at Purdue (1-1) – (MAC vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Oh, so close against Notre Dame.  The Boilers may be down this week.  But, who better to be down against than Eastern Michigan.  The Eagles are sad.  Boilers do some steamin’ – Purdue 32, Eastern Michigan 16.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (1-1) plays host to Bethune-Cookman (2-0) (TV: None, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Florida A&M entertains Hampton (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday)….  Jacksonville U. (1-1) is off.
  
In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football … After first announcing last week that it was considering a name change, the Big East Conference later released a statement saying there would be no name change to the conference. 

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)

P.S.

Not directly college football related, but in mid-September as the college football season was finally underway, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1942 was “Jingle Jangle Jingle” by Kay Keyser

…65 years ago this week in 1947 was “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” by Tex Williams

…60 years ago this week in 1952 was (tie) “Wish You Were Here” by Eddie Fisher and “Half as Much” by Rosemary Clooney

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Diana” by Paul Anka

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “Sheila” by Tommy Roe

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobby Gentry

…40 years ago this week in 1972 was “Black & White” by Three Dog Night

…35 years ago this week in 1977 was “Best of My Love” by The Emotions

…30 years ago this week in 1982 was “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago

…25 years ago this week in 1987 was “La Bamba” by Los Lobos

…20 years ago this week in 1992 was “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were three passings of note last week – Joe South, Art Modell and Dorothy McGuire

Joe South, a singer-songwriter who wove confrontational lyrics into bouncy pop hits of the late 1960s and early 1970s, died last week at home in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  He was 72.  South wrote and recorded the hits “Games People Play,” “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” and “Don’t It Make You Want to Go Home.”  He wrote “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” for Lynn Anderson; “Down in the Boondocks” and “I Knew You When” for Billy Joe Royal; “Hush” for Deep Purple, and “Yo-Yo” for the Osmonds.  Joseph Alfred Souter was born February 28, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia.  He played guitar on recording sessions with Bob Dylan (“Blonde On Blonde”) and Aretha Franklin.
       
Art Modell, owner of the Cleveland Browns and then the Baltimore Ravens, died last week in Baltimore.  He was 87.  He was the hands-on owner of the Browns from 1961 to 1995 and the Ravens from 1996 to 2003.  He was also a visionary, making the NFL rich with its TV contracts that he negotiated.  Arthur Bertram Modell was born in New York City on June 23, 1925.  He bought the Browns for $4 million in 1961.  

Dorothy McGuire, who teamed with her two sisters for a string of hits in the 1950s and 1960s as the McGuire Sisters, died last week in Phoenix, Arizona.  She was 84.  Among the many hits were “Sincerely” (1954) and “Sugartime” (1957).  Her married name was Dorothy McGuire Williamson.

College Football Week Two – Jeff Driskel to start against Texas A&M
All right now, baby, it’s all right now,
But Isaac gave some teams the Shaft
Yes, it’s all right now.  College football has begun.  Baby, it’s all right now.

Rich Rodriguez, Bob Davie, John L. Smith, Charlie Weis and Jim Mora proved there is life after death – at least for one weekend.  But Terry Bowden and Mike Leach haven’t risen as yet.  Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas and UCLA all won their openers, while Akron and Washington State were losers.

Alabama left no doubt.  In thrashing Michigan, the Tide picked up where they left off last year – at the top.  And leave no doubt, in losing to Colorado State, Colorado picked up where the Buffaloes left off last year – at the bottom.

We were surprised by Duke and disappointed in Oklahoma and Stanford.  We were stunned by Nevada and Texas State and fooled by Pitt.  The Panthers were impersonating an FBS team.  We were blown away by Le’Veon Bell, Devin Smith, Andre Ellington and Geno Smith, while disappointed with Mike Glennon, Denard Robinson and Jeff Tuel.

But most of all, we were glad that 76 football games involving FBS teams were played.  I must admit, we were worried for awhile about several of the games.  During the week, Hurricane Isaac played havoc in the Gulf, before slowly moving up the Mississippi as a rainy tropical storm.  It forced several teams to cancel practices.  Some even abandoned their campuses. 

In the end, only two games (Texas A&M at Louisiana Tech and Nichols State at Oregon State) were postponed to later in the season.  One game (UT San Antonio at South Alabama) was moved from Thursday night to Saturday afternoon.  Shades of last season on opening weekend when numerous heavy rain storms with severe lightning caused lengthy delays to several games and even caused a couple of games to be called in the second half.

Before we got to Saturday, I thought 17-13 was going to be the norm.  Thursday night, South Carolina beat Vanderbilt, 17-13.  The very next night, Michigan State edged Boise State, 17-13.  But as it turned out, that was to be it for 17-13 games.

Don’t judge South Carolina by its opening game.  Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks often look sloppy in their openers.  Up in East Lansing, there was nothing sloppy about Le’Veon Bell in the Spartans close win.  Bell put on an impressive show, racking up 210 yards rushing and another 55 yards receiving.

It was not a happy scene in Unhappy Valley.  Ohio beat Penn State, 24-14, spoiling Bill O’Brien’s debut.  And will there ever be an end to Penn State’s messy scandal.  After a summer full of some pretty crude and crass Penn State jokes on the Internet, the folks in Columbus, Ohio, were adding their two cents to the brouhaha last week.

T-shirts were being sold around the Ohio State campus that said, “I’d rather shower at Penn State than cheer for the Wolverines.”  Then Penn State contributed to the never-ending debacle itself, when a university official put his foot in his mouth.  The school announced that “Sweet Caroline” would be removed from the game-day playlist at Beaver Stadium, because of the song’s lyrics.  School officials were leery of the boozed-up Penn State students and fans singing the lyrics, “touchin’ me, touchin’ you.”  Yet, another tradition dies at Penn State.

And speaking of putting your foot in your mouth, how about Notre Dame football commentator Allen Pinkett?  Pinkett, a former player for the Irish, in a radio interview last week, said that in order to be a top team in college football today you had to have a few criminals on your team.  He said that’s why Notre Dame isn’t a top team.

Of course, Pinkett failed to mention that four Notre Dame players had been suspended for the Navy game.  After his comments, Pinkett was suspended too – from the radio broadcast team.  Notre Dame beat Navy, 50-10.  The game was played in Dublin, Ireland.   

Only three of the weekend’s 76 FBS games went into overtime.  Thursday night, it took Minnesota three overtimes to put away UNLV, 30-27.  Saturday night, Arizona slipped by Toledo, 24-17, in overtime.  And Monday night, Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech, 20-17, in overtime. 
  
And what was it about the Northern’s?  Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa scared the daylights out of Iowa and Wisconsin.  Northern Illinois fell to Iowa, 18-17, and Northern Iowa lost to Wisconsin, 26-21.  However, Northern Colorado didn’t scare anybody.  Utah beat the Bears, 41-0.

From one extreme to another, Oklahoma State scored 84 points, beating Savannah State, 84-0, while Maryland only scored seven points, beating William & Mary, 7-6, and Florida Atlantic did the same, beating Wagner, 7-3.

For excitement, it was hard to beat the Northwestern-Syracuse game.  Late in the third quarter, the Wildcats led the Orange, 35-13.  But Syracuse quickly scored 28 unanswered points and led Northwestern, 41-35, with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.  The Wildcats bounced back, scoring on a 9-yard pass play with 0:44 left on the clock.  Northwestern held on and beat Syracuse, 42-41.

Another exciting game took place in Berkeley, California.  Nevada scored with 0:36 remaining in the game and held on to beat California, 31-24. 

The Big 12 is the only undefeated conference after the first weekend.  Big 12 teams finished 9-0.  TCU did not play.  The worst conference was C-USA at 2-10.  The only winners in C-USA were UCF and East Carolina.  In addition to TCU, the only other teams that were not scheduled to play opening weekend were Army, Cincinnati and Louisiana-Monroe.  All play this weekend, along with the three teams whose games were postponed because of Isaac – Louisiana Tech, Oregon State and Texas A&M.

Just a week or so ago, LSU’s Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu transferred to Rehab U.  Now, he’s back enrolled at LSU.  That’s the fastest rehab job I’ve ever seen.  But he still won’t be playing football for the Tigers this fall.

At least six coaches need to think about putting up “For Sale” signs in their front yards – Middle Tennessee’s Rick “Standstill” Stockstill, NC State’s Tom O’Brien, Rice’s David Bailiff, Idaho’s Robb Akey, California’s Jeff Tedford and Boston College’s Frank Spaziani.  Meanwhile, Pitt coach Paul Chryst is lucky this is just his first year with the Panthers.  Pitt lost to Youngstown State, 31-17.

Talk about a short time on the job, following Houston’s 30-13 loss to FBS newcomer Texas State, Cougar coach Tony Levine fired his offensive coordinator – Mike Nesbitt.  This was just Nesbitt’s first year as offensive coordinator at Houston.  And he didn’t make it through one season.   

Rockledge Gator is lucky that Bootsie puts up with him.  The two of them went out to dinner the other night.  At the restaurant, Bootsie looked down at Rockledge Gator’s feet and realized he didn’t have the same pair of shoes on – the shoe on his left foot didn’t match the one on his right foot.  Rockledge looked at Bootsie and said, “I have another pair just like these at home.”

A few days later, the two of them were at lunch when Rockledge Gator had to go to the bathroom.  He walked into the men’s room, up to the urinal and unzipped.  That’s when Rockledge Gator discovered he had his underpants on backwards.  Bootsie will be checking into Circles of Care any day now.

Reading the newspaper Saturday morning, I saw where Melbourne Central Catholic lost to Cocoa Beach.  I told Swamp Mama that MCC is not as good now that Michael Sharpe has graduated.             

And one more thing about Rockledge Gator, he benched Erin Andrews.  Yeah, he threw Erin under the bus for Samantha Steele.  He’s like that.  Rockledge Gator threw Britney Spears under the bus for Fergie, and then threw Fergie under the bus for Lady Gaga.

All right now, baby, it’s all right now.

Touchdown Tom
September 4, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Weekend Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Denard was denied – Alabama 41, Michigan 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 18, Michigan 16).  Bama looked better than predicted – downright scary.  Michigan looked overrated, but Brady Hoke looked downright scary – still.  Bama always manages to have a new running back star up its sleeve – T.J. Yeldon.  A crowd of 90,413 attended the game in Arlington.

RUNNER-UP:  Broncos couldn’t ring the Bell – Michigan State 17, Boise State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 30, Boise State 19).  Boise State is a better team than we thought they would be.  Never underestimate Chris Petersen.  Never underestimate Le’Veon Bell either.  The Spartan running back looks good – 210 yards.  A crowd of 78,709 attended the game in East Lansing.

REST OF THE BEST:  Andre the Giant – Clemson 26, Auburn 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 26, Auburn 24).  Andre Ellington – 231 yards – was too much for Auburn.  A crowd of 75,211 attended the game in Atlanta.

Hokies get the honey – Virginia Tech 20, Georgia Tech 17 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 27, Georgia Tech 22).  Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech for the sixth time in the past eight years.  A crowd of 66,233 attended the game in Blacksburg.

Nashville Cocks – South Carolina 17, Vanderbilt 13 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Vanderbilt 22).  I got the spread right, but the score wrong.  Jordan ain’t no Aaron, not yet at least…..probably never.  Marcus Lattimore rushed for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns.  The SEC refs wanted South Carolina to win.  That was a blatant, missed pass interference call near the end of the game.  Any decent ref would have flagged the Cocks.  A crowd of 38,393 attended the game in Nashville.

Cougars bleach the Leach – BYU 30, Washington State 6 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 32, Washington State 26).  BYU quarterback Riley Nelson was the star of the game, passing for 285 yards, completing 69.5 percent of his throws.  Wazzu was a typical Mike Leach team.  The Cougars threw 45 passes, but only rushed for -7 yards.  It was only the third time that a Leach-coached team failed to score a touchdown in a game.  A crowd of 57,045 attended the game in Provo.

Mama Dooley’s Happy – Tennessee 35, NC State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: NC State 28, Tennessee 27).  Either Tennessee is better than we thought, or NC State is worse.  Maybe both.  Tyler Bray passed for 333 yards.  Mike Glennon looked like the most uncoordinated and spastic quarterback in college football.  And it may be time for Tom O’Brien to pack his bags.  A crowd of 55,529 attended the game in Atlanta.

No drought for this Corn – Nebraska 49, Southern Miss 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 38, Southern Miss 16).  This was still a good game at halftime.  Huskers didn’t put it away until the third quarter.  Taylor Martinez had a great game passing for 354 yards, five TDs, completing 76.5 percent of his passes.  A crowd of 85,425 attended the game in Lincoln.

Hurricane Isaac won the Texas A&M-Louisiana Tech game.  The contest was postponed to October 13. 

Football, not basketball – West Virginia 69, Marshall 34 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 35, Marshall 14).  WVU’s offense looks scary good.  I’m still wondering about the defense – although, Marshall’s Rakeem Cato is a darn good quarterback.  Geno Smith completed 89 percent of his passes, throwing for 323 yards and four TDs.  He also ran one in for a touchdown.  Shawne Alston – 123 yards – was a pleasant surprise.   A crowd of 59,120 attended the game in Morgantown.

Wildcats don’t know how to play Cards – Louisville 32, Kentucky 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 27, Kentucky 21).  I’m sure after the game Kentucky’s athletic director told Joker Phillips that losing was okay.  After all, they don’t care about football in Lexington.  Louisville can run and pass.  We’re not sure what Kentucky can do.  A crowd of 55,386 attended the game in Louisville.

Bears Nick the Mustangs – Baylor 59, SMU 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 34, SMU 24).  I’m not sure Baylor will miss RG3.  Nick Florence looked pretty good.  Then again, the Bears were only playing SMU.  If June Jones is making any progress at SMU, you could fool me.  Garrett Gilbert (remember him – former Texas QB) quarterbacked the Mustangs.  A crowd of 43,514 attended the game in Waco.

We were Penn State – Ohio 24, Penn State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 24, Ohio 19).  Is there a song called “Sour Caroline?”  If so, they could have sung that in Beaver Stadium Saturday.  Yes, it’s going to be a long season for Penn State.  But the good news is, except for two or three teams, the Big Ten is really bad this year.  So the season may not be so terrible for the Nitts after all.  A crowd of 97,186 attended the game in State College.

Irish out-criminal the Middies – Notre Dame 50, Navy 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Navy 15).  Navy was never in this game.  The Irish were too good, or as Allen Pinkett would say – Notre Dame had too many criminals.  Navy needs to dump Ken Niumatalolo.  He has destroyed everything that Paul Johnson built in Annapolis.  A crowd of 48,820 attended the game in Dublin.

Urban resumes – Ohio State 56, Miami (Ohio) 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 38, Miami 14).  Before the game, Urban Meyer said that Braxton Miller is the best athlete he has ever coached (better than Alex Smith, Chris Leak and Tim Tebow).  Saturday, Miller passed for 207 yards and ran for 161.  But Devin Smith made the catch (one-handed) of the day – maybe the season.  A crowd of 105,039 attended the game in Columbus.

The Canes were Golden – Miami (Florida) 41, Boston College 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 22, Miami 20).  Interesting game.  BC was leading halfway through the third quarter.  Then Miami scored 20 unanswered points and put the game away.  Both teams could pass, but Miami had a running game and BC didn’t.  That was the difference.  A crowd of 39,262 attended the game in Chestnut Hill.

Rich Rod’s alive and well – Arizona 24, Toledo 17 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 30, Toledo 20).  I thought Toledo would give Arizona problems and the Rockets did.  The Wildcats couldn’t put the game away until overtime.  Arizona racked up 624 yards on offense.  A crowd of 48,670 attended the game in Tucson.

Who would have thunk it – Duke 46, Florida International 26 (Touchdown Tom said: FIU 25, Duke 19).  Are you kidding me?  If Alabama hadn’t been playing Michigan, I would have said this was Alabama dressed in the Duke uniforms.  I mean, the Dookies scored 30 points in the second quarter alone.  That’s more points than they normally score in a game.  The two teams combined for 638 yards passing.  A crowd of 31,117 attended the game in Durham.

Where was Skippy? – UCF 56, Akron 14 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 32, Akron 17).  Or is it Zippy?  Terry Bowden waddled onto the field.  And Terry Bowden waddled off of the field.  That was about as exciting as it ever got for the Zips.  They could have used a Skip in their bounce.  The Zips weren’t very Zippy.  It’s going to be a long, long season for Terry.  It may be a very good season for UCF.  But no bowl?  A crowd of 12,616 attended the game in Akron.

What a debut – Texas State 30, Houston 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Houston 42, Texas State 17).  For its first game as a FBS team, Texas State made a statement – a big statement.  Houston has egg all over its face.  A crowd of 32,207 attended the game in Houston.

 
…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Roadrunners were mobile in Mobile – UT San Antonio 33, South Alabama 31 (Touchdown Tom said: South Alabama 26, UTSA 23).  Hurricane Isaac moved game from Thursday to Saturday.  That may have been to the Roadrunners advantage.  Four turnovers didn’t help South Alabama any.  A crowd of 17,144 attended the game in Mobile.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Murky swamp – Florida 27, Bowling Green 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 38, Bowling Green 12).  Will Mustake….I mean…..Muschamp isn’t going to improve his image any with wins like this one.  He’s already being called RZ2 – Ron Zook II.  This contest was tied 14-14 halfway through the third quarter.  After platooning Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett in the first half (each played a quarter), Muschamp went with Driskel in the second half.  But after the game, Muschamp said he still isn’t sure which one is the better quarterback.  On the positive side, Mike Gillislee rushed for 148 yards.  A crowd of 84,704 attended the game in Gainesville.

Old-man football – Georgia 45, Buffalo 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 49, Buffalo 9).  Georgia only led 24-16 at the half.  The Dawgs were holding back in preparation for Missouri.  From a mistake perspective, this was about as clean of a game as you will ever see – few penalties and no turnovers.  A crowd of 92,446 attended the game in Athens.

Boiler up – Purdue 48, Eastern Kentucky 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 33, Eastern Kentucky 16).  Robert Marve (remember him – former Miami QB) stepped in at quarterback for Caleb TerBush when Purdue coach Danny Hope suspended TerBush prior to the game.  Marve proceeded to pass for 295 yards, completing 79 percent of his lobs.  He may be the new starter.  A crowd of 40,572 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Ash Saturday – Texas 37, Wyoming 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 37, Wyoming 12).  David Ash did all the quarterbacking for the Horns.  Case McCoy was not to be seen.  Texas held Wyoming to 69 yards rushing.  A crowd of 101,142 attended the game in Austin.

Opening Weekend’s Picks:  18 correct, 6 wrong  (75 percent)


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State dumped Murray State, 69-3.  A crowd of 70,047 attended the game in Tallahassee….  South Florida downed Chattanooga, 34-13.  A crowd of 41,285 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida Atlantic edged Wagner, 7-3.  A crowd of 14,510 attended the game in Boca Raton.

Florida A&M lost to Tennessee State, 17-14.  A crowd of 15,652 attended the game in Nashville….  Bethune-Cookman beat Alabama State, 38-28.  A crowd of 17,410 attended the game in Orlando….  Jacksonville U. fell to Georgia Southern, 58-0.  A crowd of 20,132 attended the game in Statesboro. 


Superlatives

Weekend’s Best Passers:  Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 44-65-1-470 yards; Boston College’s Chase Rettig – 32-51-1-441; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 38-54-1-413; Arizona’s Matt Scott – 30-46-1-387; USC’s Matt Barkley – 23-38-0-372; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 19-27-0-367; New Mexico State’s Andrew Manley – 14-22-0-367; Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 26-34-0-354, and FIU’s Jake Medlock – 27-46-0-354.

Also, Baylor’s Nick Florence – 21-30-0-347 yards; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 27-41-0-333; Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 31-41-0-324; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 32-36-0-323; UAB’s Jonathan Perry – 18-33-1-317; Virginia’s Michael Rocco – 25-37-0-311; Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 22-26-1-304; Arkansas State’s Ryan Aplin – 29-44-1-304, and Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 31-53-2-303.

Also, Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 20-25-0-298 yards; Western Kentucky’s Kawaun Jakes – 18-23-1-296; Purdue’s Robert Marve – 30-38-1-295; Duke’s Sean Renfree – 21-30-1-290; SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 34-59-2-289; BYU’s Riley Nelson – 25-36-0-285; Iowa State’s Steele Jantz – 32-45-1-281; Indiana’s Tre Roberson – 26-36-0-280, and Kentucky’s Maxwell Smith – 35-50-0-280.


Weekend’s Best Rushers:  Minnesota’s MarQueis Gray – 269 yards; Clemson’s Andre Ellington – 231 yards; Air Force’s Cody Getz – 218 yards; UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 214 yards; Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell – 210 yards; Troy’s Shawn Southward – 204 yards; Ball State’s Jahwan Edwards – 200 yards; Central Michigan’s Zurlon Tipton – 180 yards, and Ohio State’s Braxton Miller – 161 yards.


Quotes of Last Week

“If you grew up around here, the excitement is one of those things you often think back to, like significant holidays.  You remember where you were for certain games.  I still remember listening to Georgia Tech and Tennessee on the radio in 1956.  This is my 58th time doing this as a player, coach or broadcaster.  I think the last time I had Labor Day off was in 1954.  I was in the seventh grade,” Georgia State coach Bill Curry.

“I’ve lived in Atlanta for 23 years.  I never truly had a sense for how important college football was in these parts until moving here from a distant galaxy (California) in 1989.  I remember sitting on a MARTA train, leaving the airport one Sunday morning after returning from an assignment, thinking, ‘Why are people talking about the Tennessee game?  And Auburn?  And who cares about Clemson?’  I don’t wonder anymore,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.
  
“Save your money.  The only insight the book offers is into the author’s ego,” Fox Sports writer Jason Whitlock, on the book “Paterno” by Joe Posnanski.

“As long as the likes of Spanier have any affiliation with Penn State, the rest of us have every right to wonder if the school still doesn’t truly appreciate the magnitude of what happened there.  Penn State is now the most notorious and most watched campus on earth.  Let’s hope school officials start acting like they know it,” USA Today columnist Christine Brennan, on Penn State’s continued botched handling of the Sandusky/Paterno scandal.

“With all due respect to the 123 other schools that play major-college football, the sport’s foreseeable future boils down to one question: Can anyone stop Alabama?”, Wall Street Journal writers Rachel Bachman and Ben Cohen.

“Cooper Bateman, a top-ranked quarterback from Utah, took a tour of SEC schools in the spring before he committed to Alabama.  What stood out to his family during his visit?  All of Alabama’s players made sure they took off their hats when meeting his mother,” from the Wall Street Journal article “How Saban Turned the Tide” by Rachel Bateman and Ben Cohen.

“I’ve always felt like, to have a successful team, you gotta have a few bad citizens on the team.  I mean that’s how Ohio State used to win all the time.  They would have two or three guys that were criminals.  That just adds to the chemistry of the team.  You can’t have a football team full of choir boys.  You get your butt kicked if you have a team full of choir boys,” Notre Dame radio football commentator Allen Pinkett.

“I don’t understand how the NCAA can justify this.  I don’t understand why Penn State has to spend four years in the NCAA’s intensive-care-unit for the abhorrent actions of a few former employees, while North Carolina gets a pass for its rampant academic fraud,” SI.com writer Michael Rosenberg.

“That was a wow moment,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, on the one-handed catch by Devin Smith. 


This Week’s 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games.…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Washington (1-0) at LSU (1-0) – (Pac-12 vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – It gets tougher this week for the Tigers.  It gets tougher for the Huskies too.  Most likely, too tough for the Huskies – LSU 27, Washington 16.

RUNNER-UP:  2. Georgia (1-0) at Missouri (1-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7:45 pm ET, Saturday) – Gary Pinkel was worried that Georgia was spying on his practices during preseason.  I have a feeling the Dawgs are just as worried about Missouri as the Tigers are of Georgia.  That is except for Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson who said Georgia plays “old-man football.”  Missouri’s baptism into the SEC – Georgia 26, Missouri 24.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Florida (1-0) at Texas A&M (0-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Hurricane Isaac postponed the Aggies’ opener.  So A&M is still a mystery to the Gators.  The way Florida played in its opener I’d say the Gators are a mystery to the Aggies.  Welcome to the SEC, A&M – Florida 23, Texas A&M 21.

4. Oklahoma State (1-0) at Arizona (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Rich Rod escaped with a win last week.  There are no escape routes for the Wildcats this week.  Desert Cowboys – Oklahoma State 29, Arizona 17.

5. Nebraska (1-0) at UCLA (1-0) – (Big Ten vs. Pac-12) (TV: FOX, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Jim Mora has an offense at UCLA, but I’m not sure he has a defense.  Both will get tested this week.  The Bruins are still in childhood.  The Huskers are past puberty, with or without Rex Burkhead.  Herbie does Hollywood – Nebraska 30, UCLA 24.

6. Miami (Florida) (1-0) at Kansas State (1-0) – (ACC vs. Big 12) (TV: FX, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Canes will be looking for revenge, but they won’t get it.  Midwest tornadoes are more powerful than Hurricanes – Kansas State 33, Miami 26.

7. Auburn (0-1) at Mississippi State (1-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Could Auburn possibly start the season at 0-2?  Maybe.  The thought of last year’s close loss at Auburn should be enough to give bite to the Bulldogs’ bark.  A long ride home from Starkville for the Tigers – Miss State 19, Auburn 14.

8. Purdue (1-0) at Notre Dame (1-0) – (Big Ten vs. Ind.) (TV: NBC, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Who will quarterback the Boilers this week – TerBush or Marve?  It may not matter.  Purdue doesn’t beat the Irish very often.  And it won’t happen this year either – Notre Dame 30, Purdue 27.

9. USC (1-0) vs. Syracuse (0-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Big East) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Matt Barkley gets to show off on Mark Sanchez’s field.  The game is at MetLife Stadium.  Sanchez should be at the game cheering on his old team.  Maybe he will bring his buddy, Tim, along.  Barkley peels an Orange – USC 40, Syracuse 17.

10. Penn State (0-1) at Virginia (1-0) – (Big Ten vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It only gets tougher for the Nitts.  Ohio was a good team but Virginia is better.  O’Brien falls to 0-2 – Virginia 27, Penn State 13.

11. Air Force (1-0) at Michigan (0-1) – (MWC vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The poor Wolverines got the daylights knocked out of them last week.  Well, it gets easier this week.  Air Force ain’t no Bama – Michigan 30, Air Force 20.

12. Wisconsin (1-0) at Oregon State (0-0) – (Big Ten vs. Pac-12) (TV: FX, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – Oregon State had its opener postponed due to Isaac.  So the Badgers are facing a stranger in Corvallis.  But it’s a weak stranger – Wisconsin 28, Oregon State 25.

13. North Carolina (1-0) at Wake Forest (1-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Now, I’m wondering if any of the Tar Heel players have ever taken a class at North Carolina.  I mean, why make them go to class when you can just give them a grade.  There is no such thing as a student athlete in Chapel Hill.  Meanwhile, Wake struggled against Liberty last week.  But I’m sure the Deacons aren’t that bad.  Just bad enough to lose to the Fraud Heels – North Carolina 24, Wake Forest 16.

14. Pitt (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-0) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Thursday) – It may be a long season for the Panthers.  They lost to Youngstown State last week.  They’ll lose to another school from Ohio this week – Cincinnati 26, Pitt 15.

15. Fresno State (1-0) at Oregon (1-0) – (MWC vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 6:30 pm ET, Saturday) – I sure hope the Duck is in good shape this season.  He’ll be piling on the push-ups again this week.  Another pond party in Eugene – Oregon 44, Fresno State 25.

16. NC State (0-1) at Connecticut (1-0) – (ACC vs. Big East) (TV: BEN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It may be a rough start for the Wolfpack.  They didn’t look good in their opener against Tennessee.  UConn won’t be as tough, but the Huskies won’t be pushovers either.  Dogs run in packs too – Connecticut 26, NC State 22.

17. Vanderbilt (0-1) at Northwestern (1-0) – (SEC vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Vandy almost pulled it off against South Carolina.  Darn those SEC refs.  Things should get a little easier for the Commodores this week.  Anchor down – Vanderbilt 22, Northwestern 20.

18. Iowa State (1-0) at Iowa (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Last year Iowa won this game in three overtimes.  It may be like that this year, regardless of who wins.  Cyclones knock the wind out of the Hawkeyes – Iowa State 24, Iowa 23.

19. Utah (1-0) at Utah State (1-0) – (Pac-12 vs. WAC) (TV: ESPN2, 8 pm ET, Friday) – Both won big last week.  But neither one played anybody worth talking about.  The Aggies are definitely playing somebody this week.  Utah may or may not be.  The Utes conduct a scalping party – Utah 32, Utah State 18.

20. Illinois (1-0) at Arizona State (1-0) – (Big Ten vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Both looked pretty good in their openers, but the competition wasn’t all that great.  Both teams have new coaches too.  The advantage goes to the Sun Devils – Arizona State 33, Illinois 21.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Army (0-0) at San Diego State (0-1) – (Ind. vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This could be a make or break season for Army coach Rich Ellerson.  The Aztecs make it a painful start for the Cadets – San Diego State 28, Army 16.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Duke (1-0) at Stanford (1-0) – (ACC vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Do I dare go against the Dookies this week?  After all, they could be the surprise team of the season.  Is there a bowl game on the horizon?  Maybe, but they won’t surprise the Cardinal – Stanford 28, Duke 21.

New Mexico (1-0) at Texas (1-0) – (MWC vs. Pac-12) (TV: LHN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Bevo is still hanging out with MWC teams – Wyoming last week, New Mexico this week.  The Horns hang a few on the Lobos – Texas 40, New Mexico 12.

West Virginia (1-0) is off.


AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State (1-0) hosts Savannah State (0-1) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  South Florida (1-0) visits Nevada (1-0) (TV: CBSSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday)….  UCF (1-0) travels to Ohio State (1-0) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (1-0) is at Middle Tennessee (0-1) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida International (0-1) is home against Akron (0-1) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida A&M (0-1) is away at Oklahoma (1-0) (TV: PPV, 7 pm ET, Saturday)….  Bethune-Cookman (1-0) is on the road at South Carolina State (1-0) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Jacksonville (0-1) visits Charleston Southern (0-1) (TV: None, 1:30 pm ET, Saturday).    


In the Huddle

Arkansas and Texas A&M have agreed to play their yearly series in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, from 2014 through 2024.  This year’s game is in College Station and next year’s contest will be played in Fayetteville….  Former Colorado, Washington and UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is a commentator on the Pac-12 Network….  Florida coach Will Muschamp has named Jeff Driskel the starter for the Texas A&M game.

Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has been reinstated, following his one-game suspension for the Alabama game….  The Big 12 Conference is signing TV contracts this week with ESPN and Fox worth a combined $2.6 billion to be paid over 13 years.  The deals guarantee $200 million annually for the conference through 2025.   

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were three passings of note last week – Art Heyman, Hal David and Michael Clarke Duncan.

Art Heyman, a 6-foot-5 scoring force drafted No. 1 overall by the New York Knicks after leading Duke to its first Final Four in 1963, winning national player of the year, died last week in Florida.  He was 71.  Out of high school, Heyman originally committed to North Carolina, but at the last minute, he chose to go to Duke.  Arthur Bruce Heyman was born in New York City on June 24, 1941.  At his death, he was living in Groveland, Florida. 

Hal David, the Oscar and Grammy-winning lyricist who in the 1960s and 1970s gave pop music vernacular the questions “What’s It All About?,” “What’s New Pussycat?,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose? And “What Do You Get When You Fall in Love?,” died last week in Los Angeles.  He was 91.  His first Top 10 hit was “Magic Moments,” recorded by Perry Como in 1958.  Harold Lane David was born in New York City on May 25, 1921. 

Michael Clarke Duncan, the character actor whose dozens of films included an Oscar-nominated performance as a death row inmate in “The Green Mile” and such other box office hits as “Armageddon,” “Planet of the Apes” and “Kung Fu Panda,” died on Monday.  He was 54.  Duncan was born in Chicago in 1957.