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.