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