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)