College Football Week 14 – Eight coaches fired
Well, Bite My Tongue
Thanksgiving Week is generally an exciting week every year in college football and this year was no exception.  You name it; we had it – conference expansion, retirements, firings, terminations, extensions and some pretty darn good and exciting games.

Back on September 17, I wrote in College Football Week 4 that “Notre Dame and $50 million solidify the ACC.”  And, I said “It’s mostly the $50 million.”

Notre Dame announced it was joining the ACC for all sports except football.  However, in football, Notre Dame said it would commit to playing five ACC schools a year.  Around the same time of the Notre Dame announcement, the ACC Council of Presidents voted to raise the conference’s exit fee from $20 million to $50 million.  The vote was 10 for and 2 against.  The two against were Florida State and Maryland.

I thought the $50 million was too steep for any school to fork over for departure.  And I thought the appeal of the Notre Dame camaraderie and partnership was strong enough to keep the ACC schools together.  Well, bite my tongue.  How wrong I was.

On Monday, Maryland made it official, announcing it was leaving the ACC for the Big Ten.  After all, what’s $50 million to cash-strapped Maryland – a school that has been dropping athletic programs right and left?  And if $50 million is nothing to Maryland, what’s to say that Florida State, Clemson, NC State or Virginia Tech won’t pull out?  Stay tuned!

The next day, as expected, Rutgers announced it was leaving the Big East for the Big Ten.  The addition of Maryland and Rutgers makes the Big Ten a 14-school conference.  The Leaders and Legends Divisions will each have seven teams, similar to the SEC.  Maryland and Rutgers will begin competing in the Big Ten at the start of the 2014-15 academic year.

The Maryland departure will leave the ACC with 13 football members, an unworkable number.  So the ACC could attempt to convince Notre Dame to become a full-fledged member, joining for football as well.  Or the conference could go after another school – most likely Connecticut. 

Most likely the ACC will do the latter of the two options.  In fact, many believe that Connecticut will announce its departure from the Big East for the ACC as soon as this week.  However, some think that Louisville is in play.  Stay tuned! 
      
Regardless of who replaces Maryland in the ACC, you gotta believe that Connecticut, Louisville and Cincinnati are all chomping at the bit to get out of the Big East.  South Florida may be jumping on the bandwagon too.  It began with West Virginia’s departure to the Big 12.  Now that Rutgers is leaving you can imagine the angst. 

Shortly after Rutgers announced its departure from the Big East, rumors circulated that Boise State and San Diego State were having second thoughts about leaving the Mountain West Conference for the Big East.  Boise State and San Diego State are committed to join the Big East for football only next season.  But if those schools see the Big East breaking up, why would they leave the MWC?

In the new playoff structure starting in 2014, the Big East is no longer a “BCS” level conference.  The Big East will compete with C-USA, the MAC, the MWC and the Sun Belt Conferences to get a team in a playoff bowl.  Only the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC will have guaranteed spots in the playoff bowls.

And that brings us full circle back to the ACC.  How comfortable are the football schools Florida State, Clemson, NC State and Virginia Tech?  The addition of Pitt and Syracuse, who are joining next year, does nothing to enhance the football image or appeal of the ACC.  Likewise Connecticut, if the Huskies join. 

Look what happened to the ACC over the weekend – Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 10, Florida 37, Florida State 26, South Carolina 27, Clemson 17 and Vanderbilt 55, Wake Forest 21.  Look what West Virginia did to Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl.  Look what Stanford did to Virginia Tech two years ago in the Orange Bowl.  Look at the ACC’s record in BCS bowls – 2-12.  You just have that feeling that Florida State, Clemson, NC State and Virginia Tech may be getting antsy and have their eyes focused elsewhere. 

And while we are still on the ACC, Miami announced last week it was self-imposing a bowl ban on its football team.  This is the second year Miami has imposed a bowl ban on the team.  Miami is doing this in hopes that the NCAA won’t come down so hard on them when it announces the probation measures on the school.  The measures are expected to be announced soon.

Had Miami chosen not to impose the ban, the Canes, and not Georgia Tech, would be playing Florida State this Saturday in the ACC championship game. 

The winningest coach in college football history, John Gagliardi, announced his retirement last week from Division III St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  The 86-year-old Gagliardi started coaching in 1949 and spent the last six decades at St. John’s.  He retires with a record of 489-138-11 (77.5 winning percentage), piling up four national titles at St. John’s along the way.  In 1949, he got his first gig at Carroll College in Helena, Montana.  He took the reins at St. John’s in 1953.  Collegeville is located about 80 miles northwest of Minneapolis.     

Some coaches weren’t as fortunate as Gagliardi.  Eight schools fired their coaches during the past seven days.  Prior to Thanksgiving, California terminated Jeff Tedford and UTEP fired Mike Price.  Tedford was 82-57 in 11 seasons at Berkeley.  Cal was 3-9 (2-7 in the Pac-12) this season.  Price was 48-61 in nine seasons at Texas-El Paso.  UTEP finished this season at 3-9 (2-6 in C-USA).

On Saturday, Arkansas terminated John L. Smith.  It was expected.  Smith was hired at Arkansas in the late spring to replace Bobby Petrino, who was terminated abruptly for several misgivings.  Arkansas finished the season at 4-8 (2-6 in the SEC).  Arkansas said it would have a new coached named within 10 days.         

Five coaches got the ax on Sunday – Auburn’s Gene Chizik, NC State’s Tom O’Brien, Purdue’s Danny Hope, Boston College’s Frank Spaziani and Colorado’s Jon Embree.  Chizik is the first coach to be fired just two years after winning a national championship.  In four years at Auburn, Chizik was 33-19.  This season the Tigers finished 3-9 (0-8 in the SEC).  Chizik’s fate may have been sealed last week when the NCAA announced that Auburn was being investigated yet again for recruiting violations.

Some say O’Brien was fired for his consistent mediocrity.  In six seasons at NC State, O’Brien was 40-35.  This year the Wolfpack were 7-5 (4-4 in the ACC).  Hope was 22-27 in four seasons at Purdue.  He was 6-6 (3-5 in the Big Ten) this year.  Spaziani had a record of 22-29 in four seasons with Boston College.  This year the Eagles were 2-10 (1-7 in the ACC).  And finally, Embree was canned after only two years in Boulder.  He had a record of 4-21.  This season the Buffalos were 1-11 (1-8 in the Pac-12).  

The eight firings bring to 12 the number of coaches who have been terminated.  Previously, Idaho, Kentucky, Western Michigan and Tennessee fired their coaches.

Two coaches were more fortunate last week.  Duke’s David Cutcliffe and Buffalo’s Jeff Quinn both had their contracts extended.

There were seven overtime thrillers during the long Thanksgiving weekend, the most of any weekend this season.  East Carolina and Marshall began it on Friday with a 65-59 (2OT) win for East Carolina.  The Pirates’ Shane Carden passed for 439 yards.  Later that day, Washington State upset Washington, 31-28 in overtime.  The Cougars’ Jeff Tuel had 350 yards passing.

Connecticut and Louisville began the overtime thrillers on Saturday.  UConn knocked off Louisville, 23-20 (3OT).  Out in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Baylor beat Texas Tech, 52-45 (OT).  Baylor’s Nick Florence passed for 396 yards.  Still in the Big 12, Oklahoma got by Oklahoma State, 51-48 (OT).  OU’s Landry Jones had 500 yards passing.

In the Big Ten, Penn State finished a remarkable season, beating Wisconsin, 24-21 (OT).  And in the nightcap, Louisiana-Monroe edged Florida International, 23-17 in overtime. 

Tennessee should have dumped Derek Dooley sooner.  Playing their first game without Dooley as coach, the Vols won their first SEC game of the season, beating Kentucky, 37-17.  In Memphis, Southern Miss finished the season as the only winless FBS team in the country.  The Eagles lost to Memphis, 42-24, finishing with a record of 0-12.  Southern Miss was playing this season under first-year coach Ellis Johnson.  At pre-season, some pundits thought the Eagles would be contenders for the C-USA East Division title.        

We now know that this year’s BCS National Championship game on January 7 in Miami Gardens will be Notre Dame (12-0) versus the winner of this week’s SEC Championship game between Alabama (11-1) and Georgia (11-1). 

And finally, in the Heisman race, it appears the Top 3 (in no particular order) are Kansas State’s Collin Klein, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel and Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o.  Manziel and Te’o have played their last games before the Heisman winner is announced on December 8.

Manziel had a good final game, passing for 372 yards and rushing for 67 yards in Texas A&M’s 59-29 win over Missouri.  Te’o and the Notre Dame defense were outstanding in the Irish’s 22-13 win over USC.  Klein has one more game left to add to his Heisman credentials.  Kansas State plays Texas Saturday.

Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving, I spoke with Rockledge Gator on the phone.  He and Bootsie were on their way to Georgia.  That evening Swamp Mama got out her guitar and started playing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” again.  I told Rockledge Gator I was never going to forgive him.

Touchdown Tom
November 26, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 13 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Albert kicks Sammy in the Semihole – Florida 37, Florida State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 23, Florida State 21).  It was like three different games in one.  The Gators won the first game, controlling most of the first half and leading 13-0 late in the second quarter.  The Noles won the second game, coming to life near the end of the second quarter, ruling the third quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points and leading 20-13 at the start of the fourth quarter.  The Gators won the third game, dominating the fourth quarter, scoring 24 unanswered points and leading 37-20 with two minutes left in the game.  Florida’s problems late in the second quarter began when the Gators got a little too cute for themselves on offense.  They should have stuck with what was working well.  FSU was supposed to have a good defense, but the fact is the Noles’ defense hadn’t faced a good or decent offense all season.  The lack of a running game hurt FSU, and E.J. Manuel didn’t look or play like a veteran, senior quarterback.  He looked like a rookie – a bad rookie.  And, “oh my,” what a great game Gators’ running backs Mike Gillislee and Matt Jones had.  After the game, I think Will Muschamp was about to sing, “I’m too sexy for my shirt.”  A crowd of 83,429 attended the game in Tallahassee.
 
RUNNER UP:  Dumbo Swinney loses again – South Carolina 27, Clemson 17 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Clemson 26).  Steve Spurrier and South Carolina beat Clemson for the fourth year in a row.  Just as the Florida defense demoralized E.J. Manuel, the Gamecock defense made Tajh Boyd look like a second-hand fiddle.  Boyd fiddled all through the game, while Clemson burned.  He completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions.  The Gamecocks held the Tigers to just 3 points after the first quarter.  A crowd of 82,000 attended the game in Clemson.

BEST OF THE REST:  Ducks shoot Beavers – Oregon 48, Oregon State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Oregon State 27).  This game was still close halfway through the third quarter.  Oregon only led, 20-17.  Then the Ducks scored 28 unanswered points.  The Beavers defeated themselves with six turnovers.  Together, Oregon’s Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas rushed for 320 yards – 198 for Barner and 122 for Thomas.  A crowd of 47,249 attended the game in Corvallis.

A preview to the title game – Stanford 35, UCLA 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 28, UCLA 24).  Tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, Stanford took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back.  Stepfan Taylor rushed for 142 yards.  The Cardinal defense held the Bruins to 73 yards rushing.  The teams meet again this week in Palo Alto in the Pac-12 Championship game.  A crowd of 68,222 attended the game in Pasadena.

Perfection on probation – Ohio State 26, Michigan 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 28, Michigan 22).  A close game throughout, the lead changed hands four times.  Michigan led 21-20 at the half.  The second half was a defensive battle – the Wolverines were scoreless and the Buckeyes kicked two field goals.  Braxton Miller was near perfect passing, completing 14 of 18 tosses.  The Wolverines were crippled by four turnovers.  The Buckeyes finished with a perfect season at 12-0.  A crowd of 105,899 attended the game in Columbus.

Irish head to Miami – Notre Dame 22, USC 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, USC 27).  Defense wins games and that’s what the Irish have – a good defense.  Although the score never got out of hand, you had the feeling that Notre Dame was in control throughout.  Theo Riddick rushed for 146 yards.  USC quarterback Max Wittek threw two picks.  Notre Dame had a great goal-line stand near the end of the game.  USC fans have been very critical of Lane Kiffin’s play calling.  A crowd of 93,607 attended the game in Los Angeles.

Along came Jones – Oklahoma 51, Oklahoma State 48 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, Oklahoma State 31).  A wild game throughout – Okie State would get the lead and OU would catch up.  The Cowboys could never shake to Sooners.  OU finally took the lead in overtime.  The teams combined for 1,108 yards of offense.  OU was better passing; Okie State was better running.  Landry Jones had 500 yards passing.  A crowd of 85,824 attended the game in Stillwater.

Dawgs tumble the Bumbles – Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Georgia Tech 19).  The Jackets had 306 yards rushing, but they couldn’t get the ball across the goal line.  Aaron Murray was near perfect passing – 14 for 17 and no picks.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Spartans fix the Bulldogs – San Jose State 52, Louisiana Tech 43 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana Tech 31, San Jose State 27).  A tight game throughout, Louisiana Tech led 37-31 midway through the third quarter.  Halfway through the fourth quarter, San Jose State had rebounded, but only led 45-43.  The teams combined for 1,151 yards of offense – 850 of it passing.  The Spartan defense held the Bulldogs to 58 yards rushing.  A crowd of 12,326 attended the game in San Jose.

Brown and out – TCU 20, Texas 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, TCU 16).  Frustrated Texas used both quarterbacks – David Ash and Case McCoy – but couldn’t overcome its own mistakes to beat TCU.  Between them, Ash and McCoy threw three interceptions.  A crowd of 99,950 attended the game in Austin.

Flashes make it 10-straight – Kent State 28, Ohio 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Kent State 33, Ohio 24).  Kent State completed its MAC slate undefeated at 8-0.  Next up for Kent is the MAC Championship game.  The Bobcats began the season hot, winning their first seven games.  Then Ohio lost four of its last five games.  A crowd of 18,230 attended the game in Kent.

Badgers don’t like overtime – Penn State 24, Wisconsin 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Penn State 26).  The two teams were equal in the stats – first downs, rushing and passing.  The big difference was Penn State’s Zach Zwinak rushing for 179 yards.  Wisconsin lost in overtime for the second straight week.  A crowd of 93,505 attended the game in State College.

Knights tarnished – Pitt 27, Rutgers 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Pitt 19).  In a shocker in the Big East, Pitt built up a 24-0 lead early in the third quarter and held on to beat Rutgers.  The Panthers handed the Scarlet Knights their first loss in Big East play.  Pitt defense held Rutgers to 50 yards rushing.  A crowd of 38,786 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

Bears Nick Raiders – Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 35, Baylor 34).  The Red Raiders led through three quarters.  Baylor grabbed the lead early in the fourth quarter. The teams proceeded to bounce back-and-forth, finishing tied at the end of regulation.  Baylor and Tech combined for 1,241 yards of offense.  Texas Tech was hampered by four turnovers.  Seth Doege threw three picks.  Nick Florence passed for 396 yards and no picks.  A crowd of 44,168 attended the game in Arlington.

Todd beats Rod – Arizona State 41, Arizona 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 33, Arizona State 30).  Arizona State led throughout the second quarter and half of the third.  Arizona took the lead halfway through the third quarter and held it until early in the fourth.  Then ASU came back and retook the lead, one they held until the end of the game.  The Sun Devils outscored the Wildcats 24-7 in the fourth quarter.  Neither team passed well, but both ran well.  They combined for 561 yards rushing.  Four turnovers killed the Wildcats.  A crowd of 51,901 attended the game in Tucson.

Did Les kiss them on the mouth? – LSU 20, Arkansas 13 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 30, Arkansas 16).  Arkansas won the battle of the stats.  But two turnovers killed the Hogs’ chances.  The Tigers have had two close calls in their last two games.  LSU receiver Jarvis Landry made a spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown in the second quarter to give LSU a 10-0 lead.  A crowd of 71,117 attended the game in Fayetteville.

All for the Egg – Ole Miss 41, Mississippi State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Mississippi State 26. Ole Miss 19).  Tied 17-17 early in the third quarter, Ole Miss scored 24 unanswered points.  The Rebels held Miss State to 30 yards rushing.  Bo Wallace passed for 294 yards.  The Bulldogs lost for the fourth time in five games.  A crowd of 61,005 attended the game in Oxford.

Aubie goes out with the Tide – Alabama 49, Auburn 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 36, Auburn 13).  Alabama’s defense totally shutdown Auburn.  The Tigers were held to only 7 first downs, 71 yards passing and 92 yards rushing.  Bama’s Eddie Lacy rushed for 131 yards.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

Fly Boys hit turbulence – Fresno State 48, Air Force 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Fresno State 27, Air Force 15).  Fresno State led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter, and 48-7 early in the fourth quarter.  The Bulldogs amassed 603 yards of offense, as Derek Carr passed for 452 yards.  A crowd of 36,240 attended the game in Fresno.

Boring – Cincinnati 27, South Florida 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 26, South Florida 17).  What a dull game.  There was never an exciting moment.  The passing was bad.  The running was bad.  Skip Holtz’s days have to be numbered.  A crowd of 21,171 attended the game in Cincinnati.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Shades of Mobile – East Carolina 65, Marshall 59 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: East Carolina 34, Marshall 30).  Late in the second quarter, East Carolina led, 35-14.  Marshall rallied and took a 45-42 lead early in the fourth quarter.  The score was 52-52 at the end of regulation.  The game was reminiscent of the December 2001 GMAC Bowl game in Mobile when Marshall beat East Carolina, 64-61 in two overtimes.  A crowd of 46,317 attended the game in Greenville.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

So that’s what a win looks like – West Virginia 31, Iowa State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 33, West Virginia 32).  West Virginia won its first game since October 6.  It wasn’t pretty, but the Eers pulled it out in Ames.  All in spite of the undisciplined Mountie defense who almost blew it again.  Trailing 24-23 with less than seven minutes left, Tavon Austin scored on a touch-pass and long run to give WVU the lead for good.  The Mountaineers became bowl eligible with the win.   A crowd of 53,792 attended the game in Ames.

Two mules fighting over a turnip – Nebraska 13, Iowa 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 38, Iowa 19).  A defensive battle, the two teams only had 463 yards of offense combined.  Both had less than 100 yards each passing.  All scoring took place in the first and third quarters.  A crowd of 69,805 attended the game in Iowa City.

Duke overwhelms Duke – Miami (Florida) 52, Duke 45 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 34, Duke 29).  Miami led 31-10 midway through the third quarter.  But the Dookies rose up and pulled within seven, 31-24, within two minutes.  Duke never took the lead, but the game remained close there out.  The teams combined for 1,229 yards of offense – 830 of the yards passing.  Miami’s Duke (of all names) Johnson rushed for 176 yards.  A crowd of 26,895 attended the game in Durham.

Whosiers – Purdue 56, Indiana 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 29, Indiana 28).  A wild game through three quarters, the score was tied 35-35 early in the fourth.  The teams were equal in stats, except for the Hoosiers suffering four turnovers.  Both quarterbacks passed for 348 yards.  A crowd of 42,638 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Week 13 Picks:    17 Correct,    8 Wrong   (68.0 percent)
On the Season:    218 Correct,   83 Wrong   (72.4 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA 

UCF beat UAB, 49-24.  A crowd of 28,602 attended the game in Orlando….  Florida International fell to Louisiana-Monroe, 23-17.  A crowd of 12,115 attended the game in Miami.

Bethune-Cookman lost to Coastal Carolina, 24-14.  A crowd of 5,465 attended the game in Daytona Beach.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 46-71-1-500 yards; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 28-32-0-452; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 38-47-0-439; Duke’s Sean Renfree – 36-59-0-432; Toledo’s Austin Dantin – 29-35-1-397; Baylor’s Nick Florence – 22-37-0-396, and BYU’s James Lark – 34-50-0-384.

Also, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 32-44-1-372 yards Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 15-25-0-369; San Jose State’s David Fales – 25-37-1-367; South Alabama’s Ross Metheny – 27-44-0-360; Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson – 31-52-1-359; Washington State’s Jeff Tuel – 33-53-2-350; Purdue’s Robert Marve – 20-29-1-348, and Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 30-53-1-331.

Also, Texas State’s Shaun Rutherford – 31-42-0-324 yards; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 31-40-1-318; South Carolina’s Dylan Thompson – 23-41-1-310; UAB’s Jonathan Perry – 21-28-0-307; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 28-39-0-305; Louisiana-Lafayette’s Terrance Broadway – 11-19-0-305; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace – 15-22-2-294, and Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 20-34-0-293.


Impressive Rushers:  Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell – 266 yards; San Diego State’s Adam Muema – 255 yards; Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews – 230 yards; San Jose State’s De’Leon Eskridge – 217 yards; Oregon’s Kenjon Barner – 198 yards, and Central Michigan’s Zurlon Tipton – 185 yards.

Also, Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy – 180 yards; Penn State’s Zach Zwinak – 179 yards; Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 176 yards; Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 172 yards; North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard – 163 yards; Indiana’s Stephen Houston – 158 yards; Arizona State’s Marion Grice – 156 yards, and Rice’s Charles Ross – 154 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“We don’t win sexy.  But my wife says I’m sexy,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, prior to the Florida State game.

“Let’s beat the shit out of Michigan,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, the day before the Michigan game.

“Question for Tennessee fans: If your job is so attractive then why did Derek Dooley have it in the first place?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The only things certain in life: (1) Death, (2) Taxes, (3) Auburn being investigated by the NCAA,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The Gators will not score an offensive touchdown against FSU,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, the day before the Florida-Florida State game.

“LeBron’s watching.  Barack Obama’s watching.  Mitt Romney’s watching.  The election’s over with.  This is the real game.  Put on a show,” Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel, prior to the Florida game. 

“Y’all saw what you saw out there tonight,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik, after losing to Alabama, 49-0.

“We are a sexy football team that ought to be playing for the national championship.  This was really a sexy win.  In fact, I was going to come in here with my shirt off,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, in the locker room after the Florida State game.

“Jimbo Fisher owes the BCS computers an apology,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

Joke of the Week

Do you know why Tim Tebow won’t get married?  Because he would have to throw a reception.


The 15 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 14…and then one

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Alabama (11-1) vs. Georgia (11-1) – (SEC Championship) (TV: CBS, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – This is Alabama’s third SEC title game in five years.  The Tide lost in 2008 and won in 2009 – both times against Florida.  This is Georgia’s second-straight appearance in the title game.  The Dawgs lost to LSU last year.  The winner of the game will go on to play Notre Dame in the National Championship game on January 7.  Georgia is riding a six-game winning streak.  The Dawgs last and only loss was on October 6 to South Carolina.  Alabama lost its only game just three weeks ago to Texas A&M.  Both teams will feel the pressure.  Both teams are averaging about 40 points-a-game on offense.  The difference is on defense.  The Tide is giving up only 9 points-a-game, while the Dawgs are allowing about 18 points-a-game.  This game will be won on defense.  Big Al puts Uga in the Dawghouse – Alabama 28, Georgia 26.

RUNNER UP:  2. UCLA (9-3) at Stanford (10-2) – (Pac-12 Championship) (TV: Fox, 8 pm ET, Friday) – How’s this for a conference title game?  It’s a rematch of a game played between UCLA and Stanford last Saturday.  Stanford won that game 35-17.  Just six days later, UCLA and Stanford meet again for the Pac-12 Championship.  This time the game is played in Palo Alto at Stanford.  It could be tough for Stanford to get psyched up in just six days to beat the Bruins again.  But a spot in the Rose Bowl should be pretty good incentive for the Cardinal.  They haven’t been to the bowl since the 1999 season.  UCLA hasn’t been since the 1998 season.  Both teams have breakout runners – Stepfan Taylor for Stanford and Johnathan Franklin for UCLA.  Like the SEC title game, this one will be won on defense.  And Stanford has the better defense.  Trees shed on the Bruins – Stanford 28, UCLA 24.

BEST OF THE REST:  3. Texas (8-3) at Kansas State (10-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – This is Collin Klein’s last chance to make himself a frontrunner for the Heisman again.  An exceptional individual performance against Texas, along with a Wildcat win over the Longhorns could secure the Heisman for Klein.  A Texas loss would leave a sour taste in the mouths of Longhorn fans.  They won’t be happy campers.  K-State needs to win or needs Oklahoma to lose in order to represent the Big 12 in a BCS bowl.  Cats milk the Cows – Kansas State 27, Texas 23.       

4. Louisville (9-2) at Rutgers (9-2) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – If Rutgers beats Louisville, the Scarlet Knights win the Big East outright and will play in a BCS bowl.  If Louisville beats Rutgers, there will be at least a three-way tie and possibly a four-way tie for the Big East crown.  Louisville would represent the Big East in a BCS bowl.  This is the biggest Louisville-Rutgers game since the 2006 contest in Piscataway.  Rutgers won that game 28-25.  Both teams must have been looking ahead to each other in their upset losses last week.  Teddy has the Cardinals ready – Louisville 29, Rutgers 26.

5. Northern Illinois (11-1) vs. Kent State (11-1) – (MAC Championship) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Friday) – Kent State is playing in its first ever MAC Championship game.  It’s been a great season for the Golden Flashes, capped off with the 35-23 win over Rutgers.  It was the Scarlet Knights only loss until they lost to Pitt Saturday.  Kent State is riding a 10-game winning streak.  The Golden Flashes only loss was to Kentucky back on September 8.  Northern Illinois, on the other hand, is an old pro at MAC Championship games.  It’s the Huskies’ fourth MAC title game and third in a row.  They are 1-2 in the game.  NIU is riding an 11-game winning streak.  The Huskies only loss this season was by one point to Iowa – 18-17.  That was back on September 1.  Make it a 12-game winning streak – Northern Illinois 29, Kent State 23.    

6. Oklahoma (9-2) at TCU (7-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – If Oklahoma beats TCU and Kansas State loses to Texas, the Sooners win the Big 12 and are off to a BCs bowl.  If Oklahoma beats TCU and Kansas State wins, the Sooners could still be going to a BCS bowl.  Lose to TCU and no BCS bowl.  Landry Jones has his act together – Oklahoma 35, TCU 26.

7. Wisconsin (7-5) vs. Nebraska (10-2) – (Big Ten Championship) (TV: Fox, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Some Big Ten title game.  Wisconsin isn’t even ranked in the Top 25.  This should be a no brainer for Nebraska.  The Badgers have no passing game.  Stop their running game and you stop Wisconsin.  The Badgers can play some defense. But if you can hit them with a mix of running and passing, you can get through and around their defense.  Nebraska can run and pass.  Like I said, a “no brainer” – Nebraska 28, Wisconsin 25.

8. UCF (9-3) at Tulsa (9-3) – (C-USA Championship) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This is a rematch of a game played two weeks ago.  In that contest, Tulsa beat UCF, 23-21.  Like that game, this one too will be played in Tulsa.  Sometimes it’s hard to beat a team a second time in the same season.  This time it will be too hard for Tulsa – UCF 26, Tulsa 24.

9. Florida State (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (6-6) – (ACC Championship) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Like the Big Ten title game, this one is a joke too.  The Coastal Division of the ACC was a mess this year.  Stop the run and you stop Georgia Tech.  The Yellow Jackets don’t know what a pass is.  And the Jackets generally don’t have a defense.  This is the squad that lost to Middle Tennessee.  Noles raid the Hive – Florida State 33, Georgia Tech 19.

10. Oklahoma State (7-4) at Baylor (6-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FX, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This is a battle for better positioning in the Big 12 and a better bowl.  Both teams can score like crazy and neither team has much of a defense.  Lots of points will be scored.  Cowpokes are back in the saddle again – Oklahoma State 39, Baylor 37.

11. Middle Tennessee (8-3) at Arkansas State (8-3) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – This one is for the Sun Belt championship.  Both teams are 6-1 in conference play.  Arkansas State is riding a six-game winning streak.  Middle Tennessee has a four-game winning streak going.  Raiders can’t find the Ark – Arkansas State 30, Middle Tennessee 25.

12. Boise State (9-2) at Nevada (7-4) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This will be Boise State’s final game in the MWC.  The Broncos are off to the Big East next season.  That’s assuming they don’t change their mind and come running back to the MWC.  Whatever.  A win over Nevada will give the Broncos a share of the MWC title with Fresno State and San Diego State.  A loss and Boise State finishes third in the conference.  The Wolf Pack can play some offense.  But they have no defense.  The Broncos take advantage of that weakness – Boise State 39, Nevada 22.

13. Cincinnati (8-3) at Connecticut (5-6) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – A win for the Bearcats could give Cincinnati a share of the Big East title.  They would need Louisville to lose to Rutgers.  UConn popped out of nowhere last week and knocked off Louisville.  Don’t know where that came from or what inspired them.  The inspiration is short-lived – Cincinnati 26, Connecticut 25.

14. Kansas (1-10) at West Virginia (6-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 2:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Jayhawks haven’t won a Big 12 Conference game this season.  You better believe Dana “Hal Mumme” Holgorsen doesn’t want to become the only Big 12 coach to lose to Charlie “Hostess Cake” Weis.  The Mountaineers haven’t won in Morgantown since September 29.  It’s been so long, Mountaineer fans can’t remember what a win looks like in Morgantown.  They get a reminder – West Virginia 34, Kansas 23.  

15. Pitt (5-6) at South Florida (3-8) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Is Skip Holtz about to be fired?  A loss to Pitt and surely he will be.  Maybe he can save himself with a win.  Pitt upset Rutgers last week.  But if there is one thing the Panthers have lacked this year it is consistency.  USF has been consistent – at losing.  Panthers get caught in the running of the Bulls – South Florida 24, Pitt 21.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Louisiana-Lafayette (7-4) vs. Florida Atlantic (3-8) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Obviously, Howard Schnellenberger left the shelves bare at FAU.  It’s been a tough season for the Owls.  Lafayette came to Florida a few weeks ago and almost beat the Gators.  The Rajin’ Cajuns have better luck in Florida this time – ULL 31, Florida Atlantic 24. 


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Florida (11-1), Duke (6-6) and Purdue (6-6) have completed their regular seasons.  All three will be playing in a bowl game. 


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (7-5), Florida International (3-9) and Bethune-Cookman (9-3) have completed their seasons.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football. . . Deion Sanders Jr., son of former NFL player Deion Sanders, committed to SMU last week.  Sanders Jr. is a cornerback. 

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 – Warren Rudman, Larry Hagman and Deborah Raffin. 

Warren Rudman, a former centrist and moderate Republican senator from New Hampshire, died last week in Washington, DC.  He was 82.  Rudman served two terms in the Senate, but decided not to run for re-election in 1992.  Warren Bruce Rudman was born in Boston on May 18, 1930.  He graduated from Syracuse University and served in the Korean War.  

Larry Hagman, whose portrayal of J.R. Ewing led the CBS series “Dallas” to enormous world popularity, died last week in Dallas, where he was filming the sequel to his famous show.  He was 81.  Prior to “Dallas,” Hagman co-starred in the in the successful 1960s sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie.”  Larry Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1931.  He was the son of Broadway actress Mary Martin. 

Deborah Raffin, an actress who had roles in several movies, including “Forty Carats,” “Haywire” and “Once Is Not Enough,” died last week in Los Angeles.  She was 59.  She also starred in the television mini-series “Noble House.”  Deborah Iona Raffin was born March 13, 1953 in Los Angeles. 

College Football Week 13 – Maryland and Rutgers to the Big Ten
Jon Gruden in Orange Pants?
Maybe orange boxers, but not orange pants.

Yes, what had been reported last week became official yesterday – Tennessee fired Derek Dooley, effective immediately.

Dooley was given the option to coach Tennessee’s final game this week against Kentucky.  He chose not to.  Thus, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was named the interim coach.  Chaney will coach the Vols against the Wildcats Saturday.

In three seasons at Tennessee, Dooley was 15-21 overall and 4-19 in SEC games.  He never had a winning season.  The 44-year-old Dooley was 0-15 against Top 25 teams.

Prior to Tennessee, Dooley’s only head coaching experience was three seasons at Louisiana Tech (2007-2009), where he was 17-20.  He only had one winning season at La Tech – his second year.

Dooley was named the coach at Tennessee, following Lane Kiffin’s bitter departure after the 2009 season.  At the time, a number of college football columnists, bloggers and commentators were critical of Tennessee’s hiring of Dooley.  They didn’t think Dooley’s record and lack of experience warranted the Tennessee position.  Many thought he got the job because of his father’s reputation and not his.   

Speculation of Dooley’s termination began several weeks ago as Tennessee’s season began deteriorating.  The speculation spawned talk of Dooley’s successor.  The most frequently mentioned successor was former Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.

Gruden, who provides color analysis for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” remains the most frequently mentioned candidate for the job at Tennessee.  His wife is a former Tennessee cheerleader.  But his name also has surfaced at Arkansas and as the next coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  Stay tuned!

Just a few weeks ago, we were talking about the possibility of four teams finishing the season with undefeated records – Alabama, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame.  How fast the possibility dissipated.  Two weeks ago Texas A&M knocked off No. 1 Alabama, 29-24.  Saturday, two more of the undefeated went by the wayside.  First, Baylor shocked No. 1 Kansas State, 52-24.  Then, Stanford upset No. 2 Oregon in overtime, 17-14.

That leaves Notre Dame as the only undefeated team in contention for the BCS title game.  Ohio State remains unbeaten, but the Buckeyes are on probation and not eligible for the national title game.  Notre Dame plays its final game this week in Los Angeles against USC.  Trojan quarterback Matt Barkley, injured in USC’s loss to UCLA on Saturday, will not play in the game against Notre Dame.

The Irish are the new No. 1 team in the latest BCS poll.  Alabama has moved up to the No. 2 spot and Georgia is sitting at No. 3.  That means, assuming Alabama beats Auburn and Georgia beats Georgia Tech, the winner of the Alabama-Georgia game for the SEC championship on December 1 would meet Notre Dame for the national championship.  And that’s assuming Notre Dame beats USC this week.  So there are still a number of assumptions and possibilities.

Should Notre Dame lose, or say Georgia is upset by Georgia Tech, Florida is sitting at No. 4 in the BCS poll.  Of course the Gators have Florida State this week.  So if Notre Dame, Georgia and Florida all lose this week, Oregon is sitting at No. 5 in the BCS poll.  The possibilities remain endless.  After all, last week we were convinced Kansas State would meet Oregon for the national championship.  Stay tuned!

Auburn finally found a team it could beat.  Yes, the Tigers won Saturday, beating Alabama A&M.  Reports have Auburn seeking membership in the SWAC Conference for next season.      

Speaking of membership in a new conference, potential movement from one conference to another has begun again.  Maryland has reportedly received an invitation to join the Big Ten Conference.  The University of Maryland Board of Regents will meet at 9 a.m. today to vote on accepting an invitation to join the Big Ten. 

Should Maryland choose to leave the ACC for the Big Ten, Rutgers is expected to follow.  The Rutgers announcement could come as soon as Tuesday.  If Maryland departs for the Big Ten, expect the ACC to reach out ASAP and grab Connecticut to fill Maryland’s vacancy.  The potential departures of Rutgers and Connecticut would leave the Big East two teams down.  Stay tuned!

And Derek Dooley wasn’t the only coach fired Sunday.  Western Michigan fired Bill Cubit.  In eight years with the Broncos, Cubit was 51-47.  This season WMU was 4-8 (2-6 in the MAC).  There are now four schools looking for a new coach – Kentucky, Idaho, Tennessee and Western Michigan.  Stay tuned! 

Swamp Mama was angry with me Saturday.  We were attending a wedding at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. It began at 4 p.m.  Sitting in our seats waiting for the wedding procession and service to begin, I was – naturally – following the college football games on my iPhone.  What else would I be doing?

Swamp Mama wanted me to turn off my phone and put it away.  Are you kidding?  Put it away?  NC State and Clemson were in the midst of a wild one.  USC and UCLA had a slugfest going on.  Ole Miss was giving LSU and Les Miles fits.  Ohio State and Wisconsin were in a barnburner.  And the preacher said, “You may kiss the bride.”  What a donnybrook.

Fortunately the wedding service was over.  Time to move on to the reception.  The sloshing and downing of drinks, the sound of the band music and the general frivolity of the occasion was the perfect background for following the results of football games.  I was in my zone.  West Virginia went up on Oklahoma.  Bring me another drink!  West Virginia lost to Oklahoma by one point.  Bring me another drink and make it a double!  I need to drown my sorrows.

Man, I thought the Mountaineers were going to win.  I was going to call Rockledge Gator.  Another day, another time.

Yeah, maybe orange boxers.  I just can’t see Jon Gruden standing on the sideline in orange pants.     

Happy Thanksgiving!

Touchdown Tom
November 19, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 12 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Ducks seeing Red – Stanford 17, Oregon 14 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Stanford 22).  This game was about as evenly matched as you can get.  Stanford had 21 first downs, Oregon had 20.  Stanford had 411 yards of offense, Oregon had 405.  Stanford had 211 yards passing, Oregon had 207.  Stanford had 200 yards rushing, Oregon had 198.  No wonder it went into overtime.  Stanford had three turnovers to Oregon’s one.  But the Ducks couldn’t take advantage of that.  A crowd of 58,792 attended the game in Eugene.

RUNNER UP:  Barkley had no bitely – UCLA 38, USC 28 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, USC 33).  Midway through the second quarter, UCLA jumped out to a 24-0 lead.  It looked like a rout was developing.  But the Trojans battled back, trailing 24-20 early in the third quarter.  Midway through the fourth quarter, it was just 31-28 Bruins.  Three turnovers, including two Matt Barkley interceptions, didn’t help USC any.  A crowd of 83,277 attended the game in Pasadena.

REST OF THE BEST:  Timid Badgers – Ohio State 21, Wisconsin 14 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 26).  Wisconsin led in all the stats except the most important one – the final score.  The Badgers basically shut down Braxton Miller.  And Montee Ball rushed for 191 yards.  But Wisconsin couldn’t pull it out.  A crowd of 80,112 attended the game in Madison.

Heisman setback – Baylor 52, Kansas State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 37, Baylor 24).  All good quarterbacks have a bad game and Collin Klein had his.  The K-State Heisman contender threw three interceptions and only rushed for 39 yards.  Early in the third quarter, Baylor led K-State, 35-24.  Then the Bears added 17 unanswered points.  Baylor held the Wildcats to 76 yards rushing.  A crowd of 30,029 attended the game in Waco.

Jordan Football – Northern Illinois 31, Toledo 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 29).  Texas A&M has Johnny Football; NIU has Jordan Football.  Jordan Lynch passed for 407 yards and rushed for another 162 yards.  The Huskies led 31-14 early in the fourth quarter.  Toledo’s rally fell short.  There were seven turnovers – 4 by Toledo and 3 by NIU.  The Huskies take the MAC West Division title with the win.  A crowd of 17,813 attended the game in DeKalb.

Geno got his groove back, but – Oklahoma 50, West Virginia 49 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 40, West Virginia 30).  But, WVU’s defense and special teams still suck.  How do you have a back (Tavon Austin) rush for 344 yards and a quarterback (Geno Smith) pass for 320 yards and still lose the game?  When your defense and special teams are the worst in college football.  That’s how.  At halftime, the Fox Sports sideline reporter commented that Dana Holgorsen said he was upset with his defense.  Bout time, dude.  Everybody else has been upset with them since the Marshall game.  It took you 10 games to get upset with them?  I’m not convinced yet that Dana “Hal Mumme” Holgorsen is head coach material.  The guy is a loose cannon.  He lacks attention to detail.  Oklahoma scored on a 5-yard pass play with 0:24 remaining to grab the win.  The two teams combined for 1,440 yards of offense and 62 first downs.  WVU receiver Stedman Bailey had 13 catches for 205 yards.  OU’s Landry Jones passed for 554 yards, completing 75 percent of his lobs.  A crowd of 50,238 attended the game in Morgantown.

Defense – Rutgers 10, Cincinnati 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Cincinnati 22).  Rutgers Savon Huggins rushed for 179 yards.  Cincinnati kicked a field goal with 0:11 seconds remaining to keep from being skunked.  A crowd of 34,526 attended the game in Cincinnati

Wacky WAC – Utah State 48, Louisiana Tech 41 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana Tech 35, Utah State 26).  A classic wacky WAC game in the final year of the conference.  Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton passed for 340 yards and rushed for 121.  The teams combined for 1,275 yards of offense.  A crowd of 25,614 attended the game in Ruston.

Wailing Wolves – Clemson 62, NC State 48 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 34, NC State 23).  Strange game: Clemson scored the first 13 points then NC State scored the next 24 points.  Then the Tigers proceeded to score the next 41 points.  It ended with State scoring 24 of the final 31 points.  The teams combined for 1,351 yards of offense.  Clemson’s Tajh Boyd passed for 426 yards and rushed for 103.  A crowd of 76,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Pokes high in the saddle – Oklahoma State 59, Texas Tech 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 31).  Three turnovers crippled the Red Raiders’ chances.  But apparently, Tommy Tuberville didn’t hit anybody.  A crowd of 55,341 attended the game in Stillwater.

Ole misses – LSU 41, Ole Miss 35 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 30, Ole Miss 16).  LSU scored on a 1-yard run with 0:15 remaining to grab the win.  The game was marred by seven turnovers – four by Ole Miss and three by the Tigers.  A crowd of 92,872 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

Wobegonner – Nebraska 38, Minnesota 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17).  Nebraska led 38-0 at the end of the third quarter.  Then the Huskers put in their cheerleaders.  Black Shirts held the Gophers to just 90 yards passing and 87 rushing.  Taylor Martinez passed for 308 yards.  A crowd of 85,330 attended the game in Lincoln.

Wildcats claw out another one – Northwestern 23, Michigan State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 22, Michigan State 21).  Spartan defense held the Wildcats to 57 yards rushing, but State was hampered by four turnovers.  It’s been a tough year for the Spartans.  A crowd of 75,101 attended the game in East Lansing.

Knights can’t turnaround Tulsa – Tulsa 23, UCF 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Tulsa 34, UCF 32).  It could have been worse if Tulsa had not suffered two turnovers.  The Hurricane held the Knights to 66 yards rushing.  Tulsa totally dominated the game, except for the two turnovers.  These two teams will mostly likely meet again on the same field in two weeks for the C-USA championship.  A crowd of 19,725 attended the game in Tulsa.

The Falcons get Flashed – Kent State 31, Bowling Green 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Kent State 27, Bowling Green 26).  The win gives the Golden Flashes the MAC West Division title.  Dri Archer rushed for 241 yards.  Tied 24-24, Kent State scored the winning touchdown with 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 16,002 attended the game in Bowling Green.

Bouncing Ball – Ball State 52, Ohio 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio 24, Ball State 22).  An exciting game into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals only led the Bobcats, 31-27.  But in the final 12 minutes of the contest, Ball State outscored Ohio, 21-0.  The two teams combined for 1,071 yards of offense.  The loss by the Bobcats wipes out their hopes of winning the MAC East Division title.  A crowd of 10,097 attended the game in Muncie.

The “L” in John L stands for loser – Mississippi State 45, Arkansas 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Mississippi State 26, Arkansas 24).  After losing three-straight games, the Bulldogs got back in the winning column.  The Hogs had five turnovers in the game.  A crowd of 54,838 attended the game in Starkville.

Wolverines raid the Bird nest – Michigan 42, Iowa 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Iowa 14).  Wolverine quarterback Devin Gardner passed for 314 yards.  Michigan led 42-10, with the Hawkeyes scoring their final touchdown with 2 minutes left in the game.  A crowd of 113,016 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Roaring in State College – Penn State 45, Indiana 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 32, Indiana 16).  Indiana kept it close for a while.  The Hoosiers trailed 14-13 near the end of the first half and 28-22 halfway through the third quarter.  The Nitts scored the final 17 points in the game.  The two teams combined for 1,024 yards of offense, but the Lions held the Hoosiers to only 24 yards rushing.  A crowd of 90,358 attended the game in State College.

Cats litter in the Utes’ box – Arizona 34, Utah 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 34, Utah 28).  The Utes led 24-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter.  But it was all Arizona in the fourth.  The Wildcats scored 17 unanswered points.  Utah was the better passing team (313 yards); Arizona was the better rushing team (320 yards).  A crowd of 45,031 attended the game in Salt Lake City.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Cats neutered – San Jose State 20, BYU 14 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 34, San Jose State 27).  An aerial game as neither team rushed for more than 90 yards each.  These Spartans are having a great season.  A crowd of 15,494 attended the game in San Jose.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Albert chomps another Gamecock – Florida 23, Jacksonville State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 44, Jacksonville State 13).  If this was supposed to be the Gators’ warm-up for Florida State, it wasn’t very impressive.  Again, as has happened all season, the defense outshone the offense.  Caleb Sturgis kicked three field goals.  A crowd of 82,691 attended the game in Gainesville.

The Devil made Buzz do it – Georgia Tech 42, Duke 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 37, Duke 25).  The Dookies only trailed 28-24 early in the fourth quarter.  It was all Buzz after that.  Tech had 330 yards rushing.  A crowd of 41,904 attended the game in Atlanta.

Uga feasts on fowl – Georgia 45, Georgia Southern 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 36, Georgia Southern 12).  Georgia Southern was 1-for-4 passing for all of 16 yards.  Conversely, Aaron Murray passed for 330 yards.  Susan, Chris and John Eaton attended the game. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Illini mistake prone – Purdue 20, Illinois 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 24, Illinois 15).  Had it not been for three turnovers, the Illini might have won the game.  Other than that, it was pretty even.  A crowd of 41,974 attended the game in Champaign.

Week 12 Picks:    19 Correct,     6 Wrong   (76.0 percent)
On the Season:    201 Correct,   75 Wrong   (72.8 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State pounded Maryland, 41-14.  A crowd of 35,244 attended the game in College Park….  Miami dumped South Florida, 40-9.  A crowd of 38,869 attended the game in Miami Gardens…..  Florida International beat Florida Atlantic, 34-24.  A crowd of 15,405 attended the game in Boca Raton.

Bethune-Cookman downed Florida A&M, 21-16.  A crowd of 32,317 attended the game in Orlando….  Jacksonville U. lost to Drake, 32-29.  A crowd of 2,012 attended the game in Jacksonville.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 38-51-1-554 yards; NC State’s Mike Glennon – 29-53-1-493; Indiana’s Cameron Coffman – 33-59-2-454; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 30-44-2-426; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-35-0-417; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 21-32-0-413; Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 25-33-0-412, and Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 25-36-1-407.

Also, Florida Atlantic’s Graham Wilbert – 28-51-1-403 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 35-60-2-396; Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 22-32-1-395; Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 26-40-1-385; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 32-50-2-377; Southern Miss’ Arsenio Favor – 16-22-1-374; Arkansas State’s Ryan Aplin – 28-42-1-369; Notre Dame’s Everett Golson – 20-30-1-346, and Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 26-43-1-343.

Also, Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 20-34-0-340 yards; BYU’s Riley Nelson – 28-51-1-335; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 18-28-0-330; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 29-50-1-328; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 24-34-1-325; Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 25-34-1-324; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 27-43-2-322; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 20-35-2-320, and Houston’s Crawford Jones – 31-44-0-316.

Also, North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 29-36-0-315 yards; Michigan’s Devin Gardner – 18-23-1-314; Utah’s Travis Wilson – 28-40-0-311; Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 21-29-0-308; San Jose State’s David Fales – 25-34-1-305; USC’s Matt Barkley – 20-38-2-301; Rice’s Taylor McHargue – 24-36-0-297; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 36-57-0-293; Texas State’s Shaun Rutherford – 25-40-0-290, and LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 22-37-2-282.    


Impressive Rushers:  Temple’s Montel Harris – 351 yards; West Virginia’s Tavon Austin – 344 yards; Kent State’s Dri Archer – 241 yards; Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews – 238 yards; Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 204 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 191 yards; Nevada’s Cody Fajardo – 186 yards; Baylor’s Lache Seastrunk – 185 yards; Auburn’s Tre Mason – 181 yards; Rutgers’ Savon Huggins – 179 yards, and UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 171 yards.

Also, Ball State’s Jahwan Edwards – 169 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 162 yards; Utah State’s Kerwynn Williams – 162 yards; Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor – 161 yards; Ohio’s Beau Blankenship – 161 yards; USC’s Curtis McNeal – 161 yards; Marshall’s Kevin Grooms – 155 yards; Middle Tennessee’s Jordan Parker – 154 yards, and Notre Dame’s Cierre Wood – 150 yards.   


Quotes of the Week:

“I wasn’t old enough to completely understand how important college football was to people.  But what I remember is that when people left the stadium and headed back to their cars, they were either very happy or very sad.  What I eventually learned was that in the South, college football was not just a game.  It’s who we are,” former Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia State coach Bill Curry, who retired last week at age 70.

“It will be interesting to see what happens after the season.  Athletic director Oliver Luck has said he wants accountability.  It will be surprising if some of Dana Holgorsen’s coaches aren’t fired,” Charleston Gazette columnist Mitch Vingle, on the West Virginia football team.

“He’s terrible,” New York Jets players, when asked about Tim Tebow.

“I love my Auburn Tigers to death, but this is embarrassment.  Something has to change ASAP,” former Auburn safety Zac Etheridge, on the Tigers’ 2-8 season (0-7 in the SEC). 

“John L. Smith said he is ‘optimistic’ about his chances to keep the Arkansas coaching job.  He’s 4-6, in bankruptcy and lost to Louisiana-Monroe.  Dude, your next job is handing out happy face stickers at Wal-Mart,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Did you see where Hostess, the makers of Twinkies and Ding Dongs, is going out of business?  Somewhere, Phil Fulmer is weeping uncontrollably, and Charlie Weis is flying his flag at half-staff,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“You can’t ignore the results at the end of the day,” Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart, upon announcing the firing of Vols coach Derek Dooley.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 13…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Florida (10-1) at Florida State (10-1) – (SEC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – When was the last time these two teams entered this game each with 10-1 records?  It’s been a while.  Gators have the defense; Noles have the offense.  But FSU’s defense isn’t that bad.  And the Gators’ offense isn’t that good.  And, who will quarterback the Gators: Brissett, Driskel, Burton?  Two of the three?  Maybe all three?  Just as well keep the Noles guessing.  Albert didn’t get enough Turkey on Thanksgiving – Florida 23, Florida State 21.

RUNNER UP:  2. South Carolina (9-2) at Clemson (10-1) – (SEC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – You have to figure Clemson is favored because the game is in Clemson and Spurrier has given the Tigers more than enough quotes for their locker room walls.  But never underestimate the ole ball coach.  He’s Cocky.  Chicken supreme – South Carolina 30, Clemson 26.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Oregon (10-1) at Oregon State (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – You have to figure the Ducks are angry.  And they will take out their anger on the Beavers.  But the Beavs have something to prove.  Donald trumps the Beavers – Oregon 33, Oregon State 27.

4. Stanford (9-2) at UCLA (9-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 6:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Either team could suffer a big letdown following their big wins last week.  Stanford needs the win more than UCLA.  The Bruins have already captured the Pac-12 South.  The Cardinal must beat the Bruins if Oregon beats Oregon State.  Trees smack the Bruins with their limbs – Stanford 28, UCLA 24.

5. Michigan (8-3) at Ohio State (11-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Urban Meyer never had an undefeated season at Florida.  But then the Big Ten is a lot easier than the SEC.  The Buckeyes are out to prove something.  Bucks take the beef out of Brady – Ohio State 28, Michigan 22.

6. Notre Dame (11-0) at USC (7-4) – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Something tells me that after four losses the Trojans are decimated with little to no pride.  After all, this was their year to win the national championship.  What happened?  Lane Kiffin flops again.  And Matt Barkley won’t be playing.  Irish cream the Trojans – Notre Dame 30, USC 27.

7. Oklahoma (8-2) at Oklahoma State (7-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The scoreboard may not be able to keep up with this one.  Both teams are capable of putting points on the board – lots of them.  Boomer walks a mile in the Pokes’ boots – Oklahoma 35, Oklahoma State 31.

8. Georgia Tech (6-5) at Georgia (10-1) – (ACC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Too much is hanging in this game for Uga.  The Dawgs still have a decent shot at playing in the national championship game.  Tech would love to spoil that, but there’s not a lot the Jackets can do.  But pressure can make strange things happen.  Uga goes swatting – Georgia 32, Georgia Tech 19.

9. Louisiana Tech (9-2) at San Jose State (9-2) – (WAC vs. WAC) (TV: ESPN2, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Last big game in the Wacky WAC.  Both teams are going bowling.  Each would like to enter their bowl at 10-2.  Only one can.  The Spartans won a tough one last week, while the Bulldogs lost a tough one.  Bulldogs win this tough one – Louisiana Tech 31, San Jose State 27.

10. TCU (6-4) at Texas (8-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Remember when Texas and Texas A&M always played on Thanksgiving Day?  Now it’s Texas and TCU.  The winning team’s players in the Texas-A&M game got an all expense paid trip to the best little whore house in Texas.  Maybe the winning team’s players in the Texas-TCU game will get an all expense paid trip to Jill Kelley’s house in Tampa, Florida.  The Horns are riding a four-game winning streak.  Make it five – Texas 33, TCU 16.

11. Ohio (8-3) at Kent State (10-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPNU, 11 am ET, Friday) – Kent State has already won the MAC East – a title the Bobcats were supposed to win.  So Ohio will be out to prove something.  So will the Golden Flashes – Kent State 33, Ohio 24.

12. Wisconsin (7-4) at Penn State (7-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Badgers have already won the Big Ten Leaders Division by virtue of default.  The best team – Ohio State – is on probation.  Penn State is on probation too.  If the Nitts win, Wisconsin goes to the Big Ten title game as the third best team in their division.  The Badgers go as the second best team – Wisconsin 28, Penn State 26.

13. Rutgers (9-1) at Pitt (4-6) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Rutgers is on a collision course with Louisville for the Big East title.  But a win over Pitt sure would help.  The Knights shine – Rutgers 28, Pitt 19.

14. Texas Tech (7-4) vs. Baylor (5-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 2:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After beating Kansas State last week, Baylor is prime to be knocked off by Texas Tech.  The game takes place on the neutral field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.  Raiders bag a Bear – Texas Tech 35, Baylor 34.

15. Arizona State (6-5) at Arizona (7-4) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10 pm ET, Friday) – Always a grudge match, the unexpected often happens in this game.  Todd Graham was on Rich Rodriguez’s coaching staff at one time.  These coaches know each other well.  Rich Rod knows Graham better – Arizona 33, Arizona State 30.

16. LSU (9-2) at Arkansas (4-7) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 2:30 pm ET, Friday) – After Les Miles’ ranting last week, following the Ole Miss game, the Tigers should come out fired up.  That’s the last thing John L. Smith needs.  But it’s the last game John L. coaches – LSU 30, Arkansas 16.

17. Mississippi State (8-3) at Ole Miss (5-6) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss has the incentive.  The Rebel Bears need the win to become bowl eligible.  But the Bulldogs won’t let that bother them – Mississippi State 26, Ole Miss 19.

18. Auburn (3-8) at Alabama (10-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Is Bama about to hold Gene Chizik’s farewell party?  More than 100,000 people are invited.  It should be a blowout.  Chiz ain’t no wiz – Alabama 36, Auburn 13.

19. Air Force (6-5) at Fresno State (8-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Fresno State still has a shot of winning the MWC outright.  A win here assures them of at least a share of the title.  This has not been one of Air Force’s better seasons, but the Falcons are bowl-bound.  Falcons stall – Fresno State 27, Air Force 15.

20. South Florida (3-7) at Cincinnati (7-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Friday) – Skip Holtz may be on his last leg at South Florida.  A win sure would help.  A loss and it’s curtains.  The curtains come down on Skip – Cincinnati 26, South Florida 17.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Marshall (5-6) at East Carolina (7-4) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: CBSSN, 2 pm ET, Friday) – Slim though it is, East Carolina still has a chance of winning the C-USA East title.  That’s the Pirate’s incentive.  Marshall will be playing to become bowl eligible.  That’s the Herd’s incentive.  Could be a wild one.  Pirates get the booty – East Carolina 34, Marshall 30.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

West Virginia (5-5) at Iowa State (6-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Friday) – Ten games and the Mounties haven’t found their defense.  I think it’s hidden pretty well.  The Cyclones don’t see it – Iowa State 33, West Virginia 32.

Nebraska (9-2) at Iowa (4-7) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Friday) – A win and the Huskers are off to the Big Ten title game.  A loss and the Huskers might still be off to the title game.  That depends on Michigan.  But the Huskers don’t have to depend on Michigan.  Herbie’s as smooth as silk – Nebraska 38, Iowa 19.

Miami (Florida) (6-5) at Duke (6-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If the Canes win, Miami is off to the ACC title game, representing the Coastal Division.  A loss and Georgia Tech goes.  So, the Dookies can make life miserable for the Canes.  No misery here.  The title game is a rematch against FSU – Miami 34, Duke 29.

Indiana (4-7) at Purdue (5-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It’s been another tough year for the Hoosiers.  But they can take some pride in keeping Purdue out of a bowl game. That is if they beat the Boilers.  Close, but no cigar for the Hoosiers – Purdue 29, Indiana 28.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

UCF (8-3) hosts UAB (3-8) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Florida International (3-8) entertains Louisiana-Monroe (7-4) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (3-8) is off.

Bethune-Cookman (9-2) hosts Coastal Carolina (7-4) in a first-round game of the FCS playoff (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (4-7) and Jacksonville U. (7-4) have completed their seasons.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . The Big East Conference, which will have 12 teams next season and a championship game, announced its two divisions.  The East Division will consist of Connecticut, Rutgers, South Florida, UCF, Louisville and Cincinnati.  The West Division will consist of San Diego State, Boise State, Houston, SMU, Memphis and Temple….  Maryland and Rutgers are in talks with the Big Ten about joining the conference.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the regular season was coming to a climax and Thanksgiving turkeys and pumpkin pies were almost in the oven, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1942 was “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo” by Glenn Miller

…65 years ago this week in 1947 was “Near You” by Francis Craig

…60 years ago this week in 1952 was “It’s in the Book (Parts I & II)” by Johnny Standley

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The 4 Seasons

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock

…40 years ago this week in 1972 was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

…35 years ago this week in 1977 was “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone

…30 years ago this week in 1982 was “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes 

…25 years ago this week in 1987 was “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

…20 years ago this week in 1992 was “How Do You Talk to an Angel” by The Heights


Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there was one passing of note last week – Cleve Duncan.

Cleve Duncan, whose soaring tenor voice as lead singer for the Penguins helped propel the 1954 ballad “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)” to rock ‘n’ roll immortality, died last week in Los Angeles.  He was 78.  “Earth Angel,” which sold more than 10 million copies, was the Penguins only hit.  In early 1955, “Earth Angel” reached No. 8 on the Billboard pop chart, a rare achievement for an R&B record at that time.  As was common then, a white group, the Crew-Cuts recorded a version of the song.  Their rendition reached No. 3 on the charts. 

College Football Week 12 – Dooley out; Is Chizik next? 
‘We sang in the sunshine,
You know we laughed every day’
“We sang in the sunshine,
Then she went on her way” 

What year was it?

It was a year of protests, and a year of riots.  It was the year The Band, The Birds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Moody Blues and The Who performed for the first time, while “Sing Along With Mitch” and “Hootenanny” aired on television for the last time.  And it was the year Touchdown Tom and Rockledge Gator graduated from high school.

As the year began, “Top of the Pops” aired on BBC television for the first time, while in the States “That Was the Week That Was” premiered on NBC TV.  Still in January, the United States government announced for the first time that smoking may be hazardous to your health, and “Hello Dolly” opened on Broadway at New York City’s St. James Theater.

John Glenn resigned from the space program to enter politics, and plans to build New York City’s World Trade Center were announced.    

On the first day of February, the Beatles vaulted into the No. 1 spot on U.S. music charts for the first time with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”  On the very same day, Indiana governor Mathew E. Welsh declared the song “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen pornographic.  Meanwhile, the U.S. Government authorized the 24th amendment, outlawing poll tax.

The Beatles arrived in the U.S. from England at New York City’s JFK International Airport.  Two days later, the Beatles made their first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”  The show broke television ratings records.  Before February ended, the Beatles made two more appearances on the show. 

In Miami Beach, Florida, Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston.  Ali was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.   

In early March, Elvis Presley’s 14th movie “Kissin’ Cousins” opened in theaters around the U.S., and the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line.  About a week later, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were married for the first time in Montreal, Quebec, while disc jockey Alan Freed was charged with tax evasion.

UCLA won the NCAA basketball title, beating Duke 97-83 in the championship game.

In late March, the great Alaskan earthquake struck south-central Alaska, killing 125 people and inflicting massive damage on the city of Anchorage.  At a magnitude of 9.2, it was the second most powerful earthquake in the world and the most powerful in the U.S.  Spring football practice was underway on the campuses of many colleges around the country.  Football season couldn’t be far off.  

Radio Caroline became England’s first pirate radio station, from a ship anchored just outside U.K. territorial waters.  As the month came to a close, Jeopardy debuted on NBC TV, with Art Fleming as host.  In Brazil, the military overthrew President Joao Goulart, beginning 21 years of military dictatorship in the South American country.  

Early April was a busy time.  The Beatles held the Top 5 positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart with “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and Please Please Me.”  Meanwhile, three high school friends in Hoboken, New Jersey, opened the first Blimpie.

IBM announced System/360.  Gemini I, the first unmanned test of the two-man spacecraft, was launched, and “From Russia with Love” premiered in U.S. movie theaters.

“We’ll sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine
Then I’ll be on my way.”

Demolition of the Polo Grounds sports stadium commenced in New York City.  Sydney Poitier became the first black to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.  Poitier won for his role in the movie “Lilies of the Field.”  Arnold Palmer won the Masters Golf Championship

Still in April, The Rolling Stones released their debut album “The Rolling Stones.”  Shea Stadium opened in Flushing, New York, with the New York Mets playing their first game in the facility.  The Mets lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3.  During the game, the Pirates’ Willie Stargell hit the first home run in the stadium’s history.

As April was nearing an end, BBC2 began broadcasting for the first time in the U.K.  In Scandinavia, the Swedish warship VASA, sunk in 1628, was raised from the waters in Stockholm’s harbor, while thieves stole the head of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.  In Africa, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the country of Tanzania.

The Boston Celtics won the NBA championship, 4 games to 1 over the San Francisco Warriors.

On the first of May, two computer engineers ran the first program written in BASIC, an easy to learn high-level program language.  The next day, one-thousand students marched through Times Square in New York City, while another 700 students marched in San Francisco.  These, along with smaller marches in Boston, Seattle and Madison, Wisconsin, were the first major demonstrations against the Vietnam War.

Hitchhiking in Meadville, Mississippi, Henry Dee and Charles Moore were kidnapped and beaten to death by members of the Ku Klux Klan.  The U.S. Congress officially recognized bourbon whiskey as a distinctive product of the United States.

Northern Dancer became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.  In California, Pacific Airlines flight 773 crashed near San Ramon.  It was later learned from the cockpit recorder tape that the pilot and co-pilot had been shot by a suicidal passenger.  In New York City, 12 young men burned their draft cards to protest the Vietnam War.  It was the first such act of war resistance.       

In the FA Cup final in England, West Ham United downed Preston North End, 3-2, and India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru died. 
   
As May came to a close, Touchdown Tom graduated from Huntington High School in Huntington, West Virginia, and Rockledge Gator graduated from Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida.  The two would not meet for another 13 years. 

June arrived as The Rolling Stones began their first U.S. tour.  In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment.  Ken Venturi won the U.S. Open Golf Championship.  U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, 32, was seriously injured in a private plane crash at Southampton, Massachusetts.  The pilot was killed.

“I will never love you,
The cost of love’s too dear,
But though I’ll never love you,
I’ll stay with you one year.”

Summer was underway and while not yet able to listen to the games on the radio, college football fans were listening to “My Guy” by Mary Wells; “People” by Barbra Streisand; “Ronnie” by The 4 Seasons; “It’s Over” by Roy Orbison; “Cotton Candy” by Al Hirt; “(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet” by The Reflections; “Love Me Do” by The Beatles; “Love Me With All Your Heart (Cuando Calienta El Sol)” by The Ray Charles Singers, and “Diane” by The Bachelors.

Also, “Today” by The New Christy Minstrels; “Little Children” by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas; “I Don’t Want To Be Hurt Anymore” by Nat King Cole; “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick; “Once Upon A Time” by Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells; “Every Little Bit Hurts” by Brenda Holloway; “Do You Love Me” by The Dave Clark Five; “Not Fade Away” by The Rolling Stones, and “Chapel Of Love” by The Dixie Cups.

The preseason college football magazines were out and that could only mean one thing:  The start of college football was just around the corner. 

Near the end of June, three civil rights workers, Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were murdered near Philadelphia, Mississippi, by local Klansmen, cops and a sheriff.  Their bodies were not found until almost two months later.  Jim Bunning pitched a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 6-0 win over the New York Mets.

Tony Lema won the British Open Golf Championship on the same day that the Beatles returned to Liverpool in triumph after their successful U.S. tour.  They arrived just in time for the premier of their film “A Hard Day’s Night.”

As the summer air grew warmer and thicker, the DJs were playing and college football fans were listening to “P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles; “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley; “A World Without Love” by Peter and Gordon; “Tears And Roses” by Al Martino; “What’s The Matter With You Baby” by Marvin Gaye & Mary Wells; “What’d I Say” by Elvis Presley; “Tell Me Why” by Bobby Vinton, and “I’ll Touch A Star” by Terry Stafford.

Also, “Beans In My Ears” by The Serendipity Singers; “Yesterday’s Gone” by Chad & Jeremy; “No Particular Place To Go” by Chuck Berry; “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying” by Gerry and The Pacemakers; “I Get Around” by The Beach Boys; “Bad To Me” by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas; “Don’t Worry Baby” by The Beach Boys; “Don’t Throw Your Love Away” by The Searchers, and “Memphis” by Johnny Rivers. 

On July 18, race riots lasting for six days broke out in Harlem.  On the last day of the month, Ranger 7 sent back the first close-up photographs of the moon. 

“And we can sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then I’ll be on my way.”

Just two days into August, the wreckage of a private plane, piloted by singer Jim Reeves, was found near Brentwood, Tennessee.  There were no survivors.  Five days later, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad war powers to deal with the North Vietnamese. 

Summer was coming to an end and football fans couldn’t wait for another season to begin.  Ole Miss was the No. 1 team in the country at preseason.  On the eve of the first kickoffs, college football fans were grillin’ and chillin’ to “Remember Me” by Rita Pavone; “Good Times” by Sam Cooke; “Try It Baby” by Marvin Gaye; “Keep On Pushing” by The Impressions; “The Girl From Ipanema” by Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and “Can’t You See That She’s Mine” by The Dave Clark Five.

Also, “Dang Me” by Roger Miller; “Do I Love You?” by The Ronettes; “I Wanna Love Him So Bad” by The Jelly Beans; “Steal Away” by Jimmy Hughes; “Rag Doll” by The 4 Seasons; “Wishin’ And Hopin’” by Dusty Springfield; “I Believe” by The Bachelors; “Nobody I Know” by Peter & Gordon; “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson; “Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters; “The Little Ole Lady (From Pasadena)” by Jan & Dean, and “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin.
 
Later in the month, Bobby Nichols won the PGA Championship, and the movie “Mary Poppins” had its world premier in Los Angeles.  During the last week of August, three days of race riots broke out in Philadelphia.

In September, Touchdown Tom began his freshman year at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.  On television, “Shindig,” “Peyton Place,” “The Addams Family,” “Flipper,” “The Munsters,” “Gilligan’s Island” and Bewitched” premiered. 

Meanwhile, the college football season was underway and fans were tailgating to “You’re My World” by Cilla Black; “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” by The Rolling Stones; “Al-Di-La” by The Ray Charles Singers; “Sugar Lips” by Al Hirt; “Little Latin Lupe Lu” by The Kingsmen; “Walk Don’t Run (Part II)” by The Ventures, and “How Do You Do It?” by Gerry and The Pacemakers.

Also, “C’mon And Swim” by Bobby Freeman; “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes; “Just Be True” by Gene Chandler; “People Say” by The Dixie Cups; “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles; “It Hurts To Be In Love” by Gene Pitney; “Such A Night” by Elvis Presley; “And I Love Her” by The Beatles; “Maybe I Know” by Lesley Gore, and “It’s All Over Now” by The Rolling Stones.

A first class U.S. postage stamp was 5 cents, while a gallon of gas cost 30 cents.  The average price of a new car was $3,500 and a loaf of bread was 21 cents.

“I’ll sing to you each morning,
I’ll kiss you every night,
But darlin’ don’t cling to me,
I’ll soon be out of sight.”

In Athens, King Constantine of Greece married Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark.  She became Europe’s youngest queen at age 18.  Also, in the Mediterranean, the Island of Malta obtained its independence from Great Britain.

College football fans were celebrating their wins and mourning their losses “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry; “Because” by The Dave Clark Five; “Selfish One” by Jackie Ross; “G.T.O.” by Ronny and The Daytonas; “Clinging Vine” by Bobby Vinton; “Haunted House” by Gene Simmons; “The House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals; “We’ll Sing In The Sunshine” by Gale Garnett; “Maybeline” by Johnny Rivers, and “Bread And Butter” by The Newbeats.

Also, “Funny” by Joe Hinton; “Baby I Need Your Loving” by The Four Tops; “A Summer Song” by Chad & Jeremy; “I’m On The Outside (Looking In)” by Little Anthony and The Imperials; “Rhythm” by Major Lance; “From A Window” by Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas; “Remember (Walkin’ In The Sand)” by The Shangri-Las, and “Dancing In The Street” by Martha and The Vandellas.

By month’s end, “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway, and Pete Townshend of The Who destroyed his first guitar.  Kentucky scored a late touchdown, upsetting No. 1 Ole Miss, 27-21.  Texas became the No. 1 team in the country.

October began with three-thousand students marching and protesting at the University of California in Berkeley in what became the Berkeley Free Speech Movement.  The Kinks released their first album, and 23 men and 31 women escaped to West Berlin through a narrow tunnel under the Berlin Wall. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip began an eight-day visit to Canada, and American civil rights movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.  He became the youngest recipient of the award.

On October 15, Nikita Khrushchev was deposed as the leader of the Soviet Union.  Leonid Brezhnev and Alexi Kosygin assumed power.  The same day, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees, 7-5, to win the World Series in seven games.

The next day, Harold Wilson became the new British prime minister, the Peoples Republic of China exploded an atomic bomb and Arkansas beat No. 1 Texas, 14-13. 

“But we can sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then I’ll be on my way.”

The movie “My Fair Lady” premiered in New York City, and a federal committee in Canada selected a maple leaf design to become the new official flag of Canada.  Northern Rhodesia, a former British protectorate, became the independent Republic of Zambia, ending 73 years of British rule.  And Ohio State became the new No. 1 team in the country.

The Rolling Stones began their second U.S. tour on October 24.  The next day, they appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” for the first time.  As the month ended, a collection of irreplaceable gemstones, including the 565 carat Star of India, were stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. 

At Halloween, college football fans were being tricked or treated, while listening to “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison; “Matchbox” by The Beatles; “When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)” by The Beach Boys; “You Must Believe Me” by The Impressions; “Softly, As I Leave You” by Frank Sinatra; “Chug-A-Lug” by Roger Miller, and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” by Manfred Mann.

Also, “Let It Be Me” by Betty Everett & Jerry Butler; “On The Street Where You Live” by Andy Williams; “Tobacco Road” by The Nashville Teens; “Little Honda” by The Hondells; “Come a Little Bit Closer” by Jay & The Americans; “Ride The Wild Surf” by Jan & Dean; “Baby Don’t You Do It” by Marvin Gaye, and “Have I The Right?” by The Honeycombs.

Several days into November, the British House of Commons voted t abolish the death penalty for murder in Britain.  Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks became the first NBA player to score 20,000 points.  Then unranked Penn State upset No. 1 Ohio State, 27-0, and Notre Dame became the new No. 1 team in the country.

“My daddy he once told me,
‘Hey don’t you love you any man,
Just take what they may give you,
And give what you can.’”

On November 19, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the closing of 95 military bases and facilities, including the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  Two days later, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge opened to traffic.  At Thanksgiving, college football fans were stuffing themselves on turkey and pumpkin pie, while listening to “I Got Sand In My Shoes” by The Drifters; “I’m Crying” by The Animals; “I Like It” by Gerry and The Pacemakers, and “The Door Is Still Open To My Heart” by Dean Martin.

Also, “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks; “Everybody Knows (I Still Love You)” by The Dave Clark Five; “I Don’t Want To See You Again” by Peter & Gordon; “Baby Love” by The Supremes; “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” by Elvis Presley; “Leader Of The Pack” by The Shangri-Las; “Ask Me” by Elvis Presley; “Is It True” by Brenda Lee; “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones; “I’m Into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits, and “She’s Not There” by The Zombies.

At the end of the month, USC beat No. 1 Notre Dame, 20-17, and NASA launched the Mariner 4 space probe from Kennedy Space Center to Mars to take pictures of that planet.  France performed an underground nuclear test in Algeria, while Alabama, Arkansas and Princeton all finished the regular season undefeated.

At the beginning of December Gustavo Diaz Ordaz took office as the President of Mexico, and Alabama became the No. 1 team in the country.  Two days later, police arrested about 800 students at the University of California in Berkeley, following their takeover and sit-in at the Sproul Hall administration building.

The consensus All-American first-team consisted of end Jack Snow – Notre Dame, (6-2, 210) Long Beach, CA; end Fred Biletnikoff – Florida State, (6-1, 186) Erie, PA; tackle Larry Kramer – Nebraska, (6-2, 240) Austin, MN; tackle Ralph Neely – Oklahoma, (6-5, 243) Farmington, NM; guard Rick Redman – Washington, (5-11, 215) Seattle, WA; guard Glenn Ressler – Penn State, (6-2, 230) Dornsife, PA; center Dick Butkus – Illinois, (6-3, 237) Chicago, IL; quarterback John Huarte – Notre Dame, (6-0, 180) Anaheim, CA; running back Gale Sayers – Kansas, (6-0, 194, Omaha, NE; running back Lawrence Elkins – Baylor, (6-1, 187) Brownwood, TX, and running back Tucker Frederickson – Auburn, (6-2, 210) Hollywood, FL.

It was the last year that there was not a separate All-American team for offense and defense.  Up through this year, most players played both ways.

Notre Dame quarterback John Huarte won the Heisman Trophy.  Following Huarte in the balloting were Tulsa quarterback Jerry Rhome, Illinois center Dick Butkus, and Michigan quarterback Bob Timberlake.

The Maxwell Award for college football’s most outstanding player went to Penn State center/guard Glenn Ressler.  Tennessee tackle Steve DeLong won the Outland Trophy, awarded to college football’s most outstanding interior lineman. 

“And you can sing in the sunshine,
You’ll laugh every day,
You’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then be on your way.”

The one-hour special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” premiered on NBC.  On December 11, Che Guevara addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York, and singer Sam Cooke was killed under mysterious circumstances in Los Angeles.

Seven days later, the deadly Pacific Northwest Christmas flood began, affecting northern California, southern Washington, southwest Idaho and much of Oregon.  Considered a 100-year flood, it was one of the worst to affect the Willamette River Valley in Oregon.  Northern California and Oregon were the hardest hits areas in the flood.

The best albums of the year were “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles, “Beatles For Sale” by The Beatles, “Little Deuce Coup” by The Beach Boys, “All Summer Long” by The Beach Boys, “Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys, “Another Side of Dylan” by Bob Dylan, “Times They Are A-Changin’ ” by Bob Dylan, “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes, “I Hear a Symphony” by The Supremes, “Together” by Marvin Gaye, “Take Two” by Marvin Gaye, “When I’m Alone I Cry” by Marvin Gaye, and “Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook” by Ella Fitzgerald.

Also, “Where Love Has Gone” by Jack Jones, “My Kind of Town” by Jack Jones, “A Girl Called Dusty” by Dusty Springfield, “Stay Awhile/I Only Want To Be With You” by Dusty Springfield, “Wednesday Morning 3 AM” by Simon & Garfunkel, “Kinks” by The Kinks, “My Guy” by Mary Wells, “Meet the Temptations” by The Temptations, “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane, “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash, “Ain’t That Good News” by Sam Cooke, and “The Kingsmen in Person” by The Kingsmen.

Also, “The Animals” by The Animals, “The Beatles’ Second Album” by The Beatles, “Make Way for Dionne Warwick” by Dionne Warwick, “12 x 5” by The Rolling Stones, “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters, “The Manfred Mann Album” by Manfred Mann, “Rag Doll” by The 4 Seasons, “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin, and “A World Without Love” by Peter & Gordon.

With Christmas in the air and bowl games near, college football fans were doing their shopping to “Reach Out For Me” by Dionne Warwick; “Everything’s Alright” by The Newbeats; “Right Or Wrong” by Ronnie Dove; “Walking In The Rain” by The Ronettes; “I’m Gonna Be Strong” by Gene Pitney; “My Love, Forgive Me” by Robert Goulet; “Oh No Not My Baby” by Maxine Brown; “Sidewalk Surfin’” by Jan & Dean, and “Mountain Of Love” by Johnny Rivers.

Also, “Ringo” by Lorne Greene; “Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton; “Big Man In Town” by The 4 Seasons; “Dance, Dance, Dance” by The Beach Boys; “Saturday Night At The Movies” by The Drifters; “The Jerk” by The Larks; “Willow Weep For Me” by Chad & Jeremy; “Any Way You Want It” by The Dave Clark Five; “Sha La La” by Manfred Mann, and “Come See About Me” by The Supremes.

In the first bowl games of the season, East Carolina beat Massachusetts, 14-13, in the Tangerine Bowl, while Utah won the Liberty Bowl in a 32-6 win over West Virginia.

Some of the better movies of the year were “Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “My Fair Lady,” “Goldfinger,” “Mary Poppins,” “Becket,” “The Pawnbroker,” “The Train,” “Topkapi,” “Marnie,” “A Fist Full of Dollars,” “Zorba the Greek,” “The World of Henry Orient,” “A Shot in the Dark,” and “Fail Safe.”

Also, “The Americanization of Emily,” “The Night of the Iguana,” “Sven Days in May,” “Cheyenne Autumn,” “Kiss Me, Stupid,” “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” “Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte,” “From Russia with Love,” “The Carpetbaggers,” The Pink Panther” and “Sex and the Single Girl.”

“And when a year has ended,
And I have gone away,
You’ll often speak about me,
And this is what you’ll say:”

The better novels during the year were “The Group” by Mary McCarthy, “The Shoes of the Fisherman” by Morris L. West, “The Venetian Affair” by Helen MacInnes, “Caravans” by James Michener, “The Spy Who Came In From the Cold” by John le Carre, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” by Ian Fleming, and “The Hat on the Bed” by John O’Hara.

Also, “The Living Reed” by Pearl S. Buck, “The Wapshot Scandal” by John Cheever, “Von Ryan’s Express” by David Westheimer, “The Night of the Generals” by Hans Kirst, “A Night in Lisbon” by Erich Maria Remarque, “The Martyred” by Richard E. Kim, “The Spire” by William Golding, and “Armageddon” by Leon Uris.

Also, “Julian” by Gore Vidal, “The Rector of Justin” by Louis Auchincloss, “You Only Live Twice” by Ian Fleming, “This Rough Magic” by Mary Stewart, “The Man” by Irving Wallace, “Herzog” by Saul Bellow, “The Lost City” by John Gunther, and “The Horse Knows the Way” by John O’Hara.

Well-known people who were born during the year included Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Monica Bellucci, Clive Owen, Mary-Louise Parker, Courteney Cox, Marisa Tomei, John Leguizamo, Rob Lowe, Laura Linney, Don Cheadle, David Spade, Mariska Hargitay, and Matt Dillon.

Also, Juliette Binoche, Teri Hatcher, Janeane Garofalo, Chris Farley, Calista Flockhart, Melissa Gilbert, Rosie Perez, Courtney Love, Stephen Colbert, Elle Macpherson, Faith Ford, Robin Givens, Steve Alford, Glenn Beck, Bonnie Blair, Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco.

Also, Will Clark, Prince Edward, Joe Girardi, Dwight Gooden, Mark Gottfried, Mark Grace, Ozzie Guillen, Lee Janzen, Wynonna Judd, Davis Love III, Urban Meyer, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Chris Petersen, Bret Saberhagen, Shepard Smith, Mats Wilander, and Trisha Yearwood.

Five days before Christmas, the movie “Goldfinger” premiered in the United States.  The next day, comedian Lenny Bruce was sentenced to four months in prison for obscenity. 

“We sang in the sunshine,
You know we laughed every day,
We sang in the sunshine,
Then she went on her way” 

After Christmas, The Buffalo Bills beat the San Diego Chargers, 20-7, to win the AFL Championship, while the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Colts, 27-0, to win the NFL Championship.  In another bowl game, Georgia beat Texas Tech, 7-0, to win the Sun Bowl.          

Famous people who passed away during the year were Gracie Allen, William Bendix, Eddie Cantor, Rachel Carson, Sam Cooke, Ian Fleming, Cedric Hardwicke, Herbert Hoover, Alan Ladd, Peter Lorre, Douglas MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Grace Metalious, Jawaharlal Nehru, Flannery O’Connor, Cole Porter, and Jim Reeves.

The most popular TV shows of the year were “Bonanza,” “Bewitched,” “Gomer Pyle, USMC,” “Andy Griffith Show,” “The Fugitive,” “Red Skelton,” “Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Lucy Show,” “Combat,” “Beverly Hillbillies” and “My Three Sons.”

Also, “Petticoat Junction,” “The Munsters,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Jackie Gleason Show,”  “Ed Sullivan Show,” “Peyton Place,” “The Virginian,” “Flipper” and “Addams Family.”

At the close of the year, the Dow Jones industrial average was 874, while the unemployment rate stood at 5.7 percent.  The average income was $6,000 and the average price of a new home was $13,050.

During the final days of the year and on New Year’s Eve, college football fans were dancing, celebrating, drinking and singing to “The Wedding” by Julie Rogers; “Thou Shalt Not Steal” by Dick and DeeDee; “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow The Sun)” by Del Shannon; “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You” by Marvin Gaye; “Amen” by The Impressions; “Do-Wacka-Do” by Roger Miller; “Walk Away” by Matt Monro, and “Hawaii Tattoo” by The Waikikis.

Also, “Dear Heart” by Andy Williams; “As Tears Go By” by Marianne Faithful; “Dear Heart” by Jack Jones; “Don’t Forget I Still Love You” by Bobbi Martin; “Love Potion Number Nine” by The Searchers; “She’s A Woman” by The Beatles; “I’ll Be There” by Gerry and The Pacemakers; “I Feel Fine” by The Beatles; “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” by Dean Martin, and “The Name Game” by Shirley Ellis.

In the final bowl games of the season, Arkansas beat Nebraska, 10-7, in the Cotton Bowl, and LSU won the Sugar Bowl, beating Syracuse 13-10.  Michigan beat Oregon State in the Rose Bowl, 34-7.

Florida State beat Oklahoma, 36-19, in the Gator Bowl, and in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Texas beat No. 1 ranked Alabama, 21-17.

In spite of the loss to Texas, Alabama (10-1), under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, was the national champions in both the AP and UPI polls. 

“You know we laughed every day.”

“We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” – by Gale Garnett (written by Gale Garnett).
The song entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart on August 8 where it remained for 17 weeks throughout the football season.  It peaked at No. 4.  The song also reached No. 42 on Billboard’s Country Music chart.  In later years, “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” was recorded by Helen Reddy, Bobbi Martin, Dean Martin, The Fleetwoods, Bobby Bare, Skeeter Davis, Sonny & Cher, Wanda Jackson, Wayne Newton, Susan Maughan, Dolly Parton, Trini Lopez and The Mike Curb Congregation. 

The year (and football season) was 1964.

Touchdown Tom
November 12, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)

P.S. I’ve always believed that getting married in the fall is sacrilegious, especially in the South.  Well, Swamp Mama and I are off to the Punta Vedra Inn in Punta Vedra Beach this weekend to attend a wedding.  Whatever happened to love, honor and cherish football Saturday’s?


Week 11 Review

Alabama and Louisville each suffered their first loss.  Oregon, Kansas State and Notre Dame remain undefeated.  Unbeaten Ohio State had the weekend off.  Reports say Tennessee’s Doug Dooley will be fired before the end of November, and Auburn’s Gene Chizik is on thin ice – very thin.  Stay tuned!

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Soap suds – Texas A&M 29, Alabama 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 26, Texas A&M 15).  The Tide was emotionally and physically spent after the LSU game and had little to nothing left for A&M.  Johnny Football and the Aggies came out strong in the first quarter, building up a 20-0 lead over Bama.  The Tide caught a second wind in the next two quarters and pulled within three at 20-17.  But Bama ran out of gas in the fourth quarter.  Manziel passed for 253 yards and rushed for another 92.  There are a number of candidates for “Coach of the Year,” but Kevin Sumlin has to be one.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

RUNNER UP:  Beavs sent to the dentist – Stanford 27, Oregon State 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 33, Oregon State 27).  Stanford did everything it could to hand the game to the Beavers.  The Trees suffered four turnovers.  Oregon State led 23-14 late in the third quarter.  But Stanford responded with the final 13 points.  The lack of a ground game hurt the Beavers.  A crowd of 47,127 attended the game in Palo Alto.

REST OF THE BEST:  Tigers rebound – LSU 37, Mississippi State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Mississippi State 12).  Miss State dropped its third-straight after starting the season 7-0.  The Tigers held the Bulldogs to 47 yards rushing.  A crowd of 92,831 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

Toads lose their stools – Kansas State 23, TCU 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 33, TCU 17).  Collin Klein didn’t have a Heisman-performance game.  Then again, he was coming off an injury from the week before.  The Wildcats led 23-0 at the end of the third quarter.  Bill Snyder is definitely a “Coach of the Year” candidate.  A crowd of 47,292 attended the game in Fort Worth.

Huskers wake up – Nebraska 32, Penn State 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Penn State 20).  The Nitts led 20-6 at the half.  The Huskers went to work in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 85,527 attended the game in Lincoln.

These Cats don’t have nine lives – Michigan 38, Northwestern 31 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Northwestern 21).  The poor Wildcats can’t hold onto a lead late in the game and it happened to them again.  A crowd of 112,510 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Sad, getting sadder – Oklahoma State 55, West Virginia 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 39, West Virginia 30).  By now, it is apparent that WVU – the team and coaching staff – has no leadership, no intelligence, no pride, no confidence and no smarts.  Last year the Mounties had a bad defense.  This year the defense is worse.  Last year WVU was bad at special teams play.  This year they are worse.  By now, you would have thought the team would be showing some improvement.  Instead, they are getting worse.  Geno Smith has gone from a good quarterback to a bad quarterback.  Are the players really that bad?  Or is the coaching staff really that bad?  Or is it both?  Dana Holgorsen has reduced himself to a caricature on the sideline, looking like the mad scientist whose experiments keep failing.  It’s looking more and more like the Orange Bowl win last year was a “flash-in-the-pan” experience for Holgorsen.  A crowd of 57,799 attended the game in Stillwater.

Beware of the Dome – Syracuse 45, Louisville 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 33, Syracuse 26).  Louisville suffered its first loss, getting its clock cleaned in the Carrier Dome.  The Orange held the Cardinals to 48 yards rushing.  A crowd of 40,312 attended the game in Syracuse.

Miscue matchup – USC 38, Arizona State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 40, Arizona State 30).  The Sun Devils led 17-14 early in the third quarter.  Then the Trojans scored 24 unanswered points.  The game was fraught with turnovers – five by USC and four by ASU.  A crowd of 80,154 attended the game in Los Angeles.

Low Beams – Florida State 28, Virginia Tech 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 27, Virginia Tech 19).  FSU had minus 15 yards rushing and still won the game.  E.J. Manuel made up for the difference with 326 yards passing.  The Hokies fall to 4-6.  Who would have thunk it?  A crowd of 65,632 attended the game in Blacksburg.

Dogs have some bite – Fresno State 52, Nevada 36 (Touchdown Tom said: Fresno State 37, Nevada 29).  Dumping Pat Hill after last season was a smart move by Fresno State.  New coach Tim DeRuyter has done a good job.  The Bulldogs are 8-3.  Robbie Rouse rushed for 261 yards.  A crowd of 22,104 attended the game in Reno.

Aztecs sacrifice a Falcon – San Diego State 28, Air Force 9 (Touchdown Tom said: San Diego State 33, Air Force 20).  The Falcons were hampered by four turnovers.  The Aztecs are 8-3 and tied for the lead of the MWC.  A crowd of 30,266 attended the game in San Diego.

No longer the Monroe we used to know – Arkansas State 45, Louisiana-Monroe 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas State 42, ULM 40).  A 17-17 contest early in the third quarter, the Red Wolves poured it on in the second half.  ULM’s early season notoriety is all but a faint memory now.  A crowd of 30,243 attended the game in Jonesboro.

No stoppin’ the Ducks – Oregon 59, California 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 43, California 20).  The Ducks got off to a slow start with only a 24-17 lead early in the third quarter.  Then they turned on the after burners, scoring 35 unanswered points.  Marcus Mariota passed for 377 yards.  A crowd of 57,672 attended the game in Berkeley.

Mercy, mercy, mercy – Georgia 38, Auburn 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Auburn 17).  Could it get any worse for Gene Chizik?  Bootsie and Rockledge Gator attended the game.  Apparently, there were a number of barking mouths sitting behind them.  It was all Rockledge could do to keep Bootsie restrained.  A crowd of 86,146 attended the game in Auburn.

Pigs squeal – South Carolina 38, Arkansas 20 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Arkansas 19).  It was worse than the score reflects.  The Hogs scored a touchdown with 0:39 left in the game.  Neither team had much of a running game.  A crowd of 78,722 attended the game in Columbia.

Where was the hare when the Turtles needed one? – Clemson 45, Maryland 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 34, Maryland 14).  The Terps were 6-for-12, passing for 41 yards.  I’m not sure if the water boy or the Terrapin mascot played quarterback for the Terps.  Both teams had their share of turnovers – three-a-piece.  A crowd of 76,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Sooners can’t shake the Bears – Oklahoma 42, Baylor 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 41, Baylor 20).  Baylor only trailed by two – 28-26 – halfway through the third quarter.  Landry Jones passed for 277 yards.  A crowd of 84,945 attended the game in Norman.

Owls screech – Cincinnati 34, Temple 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 32, Temple 19).  The Bearcats are still in the Big East race.  A crowd of 20,192 attended the game in Philadelphia.

No, this wasn’t the basketball teams – Georgia Tech 68, North Carolina 50 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 34, Georgia Tech 21).  What a contest!  The lead changed hands five times.  But with the Tar Heels leading 36-34 in the third quarter, Tech scored 24 unanswered points.  The two teams combined for 1,085 yards of offense.  The Yellow Jackets have been like a box of chocolates this season.  From one week to the next, you never know what you’re going to get.  A crowd of 50,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill.
 

AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Bowl eligible – NC State 37, Wake Forest 6 (Touchdown Tom said: NC State 28, Wake Forest 23).  State bounces back after the crushing loss to Virginia.  The Wolfpack held Wake to 185 yards of offense – only 16 yards rushing.  A crowd of 52,567 attended the game in Raleigh.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Muschamp was ragin’ – Florida 27, Louisiana-Lafayette 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 37, ULL 19).  You get the feeling the Gators are still down from the loss two weeks ago to Georgia.  Florida scored on a blocked punt as time expired to win the game.  The Gators only tied the game with 1:42 remaining on a three-yard touchdown pass by Jacoby Brissett.  Brissett was playing for the injured Jeff Driskel, who left the game with an ankle injury.  A crowd of 86,482 attended the game in Gainesville.

Revival – Texas 33, Iowa State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Iowa State 18).  Since losing to West Virginia and Oklahoma, the Horns have won four straight.  Texas racked up 609 yards of offense on the Cyclones, with David Ash passing for 364 yards.  A crowd of 100,018 attended the game in Austin.

There’s still life in those Boilers yet – Purdue 27, Iowa 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Purdue 26).  The Boilers kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.  Purdue held the Hawkeyes to 74 yards rushing.  A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City.

Week 11 Picks:    20 Correct,     4 Wrong   (83.3 percent)
On the Season:    182 Correct,   69 Wrong   (72.5 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami lost to Virginia, 41-40.  A crowd of 45,870 attended the game in Charlottesville….  UCF beat UTEP, 31-24.  A crowd of 25,483 attended the game in El Paso….  Florida Atlantic surprised Western Kentucky, 37-28.  A crowd of 14,185 attended the game in Bowling Green.

Florida A&M edged North Carolina Central, 22-21.  A crowd of 14,768 attended the game in Tallahassee….  Bethune-Cookman flossed Savannah State, 49-7. A crowd of 3,683 attended the game in Savannah….  Jacksonville U. thumped Campbell, 40-14.  A crowd of 3,012 attended the game in Jacksonville.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 45-59-1-476 yards; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 37-50-2-455; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 36-49-1-424; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 37-54-0-404; Mississippi’s Bo Wallace – 31-49-0-403; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 27-34-0-377; Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 20-32-0-374; Texas’ David Ash – 25-31-0-364, and West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 36-54-0-364.

Also, Louisiana-Monroe’s Cody Wells – 37-53-1-357 yards; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 24-35-1-350; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 31-45-0-337; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 26-34-1-334; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 26-43-1-330; Florida State’s E.J. Manuel – 25-42-1-326; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 25-28-0-322, and Alabama’s A.J. McCarron – 21-34-2-309.

Also, Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 19-34-0-302 yards; Virginia’s Michael Rocco – 29-37-0-300; Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 19-34-2-298; Mississippi State’s Tyler Russell – 26-38-1-295; Oklahoma State’s Clint Chelf – 22-31-1-292; Michigan’s Devin Gardner – 16-29-1-286; Buffalo’s Joe Licata – 21-33-0-285, and Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 20-34-0-284.  


Impressive Rushers:  Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 366 yards; Fresno State’s Robbie Rouse – 261 yards; Kansas’ Tony Pierson – 202 yards; Toledo’s David Fluellen – 200 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 198 yards; UAB’s Darrin Reaves – 184 yards; Bowling Green’s Anthon Samuel – 181 yards; UTEP’s Nathan Jeffery – 174 yards, and Kent State’s Trayion Durham – 172 yards.

Also, USC’s Curtis McNeal – 163 yards; Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 162 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Alex Gillett – 162 yards; Wisconsin’s James White – 161 yards; Missouri’s Kendial Lawrence – 153 yards;  Minnesota’s Donnell Kirkwood – 152 yards; Kent State’s Dri Archer – 151 yards; Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 150 yards, and Navy’s Gee Gee Greene – 150 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Bama-Oregon: The game that just has to happen,” Wall Street Journal writer Rachel Bachman, on the potential national championship game.

“Too bad.  It would have been amusing seeing John Calipari and Bobby Petrino trying to co-exist in the same athletic department,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on word that Petrino is not a candidate for the Kentucky job.

“Jimmy Johnson actually said Arkansas should rehire Bobby Petrino.  Question: Is he willing to bankroll the university for all future sexual-harassment lawsuits?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz. 

“Back to Gene Chizik.  I’m generally not a proponent of firing coaches two years after winning national championships.  But this guy is now 9-29 in SEC and Big 12 conference games in which he didn’t have the luxury of telling Cam Newton, ‘Here’s the ball.  Go do anything you want’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“The disingenuous Nick Saban says no-huddle, spread offenses like Texas A&M’s are a danger to player safety.  Let me translate: ‘If they go too fast and I can’t rotate my three-deep, five-star, winded front seven, there’s a chance I might lose’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Les Miles is a great coach when he’s not trying to pull a moose out of a hat,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“In 23 years of living in Atlanta, I’ve never seen a home crowd for a major college football team – let alone a team that won a national championship just two years ago – bolt from a game so quickly,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on the Auburn crowd at the Georgia-Auburn game in Auburn.

“Boos started to rain down in the second quarter when Georgia built its lead to 21-0.  When Keith Marshall ran 62 yards for a score to make it 31-0 in the third quarter, it was like somebody yelled, ‘Fire,’ in the stadium and thousands of fans streamed out.  Georgia had more fans in the stadium than Auburn in the fourth quarter.  That might be the worst sign of all for coach Gene Chizik,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 12…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Stanford (8-2) at Oregon (10-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Only Stanford can beat out Oregon for the Pac-12 North title.  But to do that, the Cardinal has to beat the Ducks and then beat UCLA next week.  Not impossible, but not likely – Oregon 33, Stanford 22.

RUNNER UP:  2. USC (7-3) at UCLA (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – It has been a while since the Bruins have entered this game with this good of a record.  The Trojans must beat UCLA to win the Pac-12 South.  Otherwise, the Division title goes to the Bruins.  Kiffin throws a tantrum – UCLA 34, USC 33.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Ohio State (10-0) at Wisconsin (7-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Regardless of the outcome, the Badgers have won the Big Ten Leaders Division, even with a 4-4 conference record.  Wisconsin sure has been a strange team this season.  The pressure gets to the Buckeyes – Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 26.

4. Kansas State (10-0) at Baylor (4-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Collin Klein and the Boys from Manhattan continue their roll through the Big 12.  The Bears won’t stop them – Kansas State 37, Baylor 24.

5. Toledo (8-2) at Northern Illinois (9-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPN2, 9 pm ET, Wednesday) – This one is for the title of the MAC West Division.  Give it to the home team – Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 29.

6. Oklahoma (7-2) at West Virginia (5-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – This week WVU will make Landry Jones look like the Heisman Trophy winner.  And OU will make Dana Holgorsen look like Hal Mumme.  Is there any hope for the Eers?  Not this week – Oklahoma 40, West Virginia 30.

7. Rutgers (8-1) at Cincinnati (7-2) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: BEN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Four teams are still in the race for the Big East title.  The Scarlet Knights and the Bearcats are two of them.  The Knights get closer – Rutgers 28, Cincinnati 22.

8. Utah State (8-2) at Louisiana Tech (9-1) – (WAC vs. WAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – Both teams are undefeated in WAC play.  The Aggies won’t be after this one – Louisiana Tech 35, Utah State 26.

9. NC State (6-4) at Clemson (9-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Talk about revenge, you are going to see it at Clemson.  After what the Wolfpack did to the Tigers last year, it won’t be pretty.  The Tigers will take names and kick ass – Clemson 34, NC State 23.

10. Texas Tech (7-3) at Oklahoma State (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – You don’t want to be one of Tommy Tuberville’s assistant coaches.  You may take a harder hit than the players do in the game.  This week, the Cowboys do the hitting – Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 31.

11. Ole Miss (5-5) at LSU (8-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss is still trying to get bowl eligible.  It won’t happen this week – LSU 30, Ole Miss 16.

12. Minnesota (6-4) at Nebraska (8-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Poor Minnesota.  Even Garrison Keillor sings songs, lamenting the Gophers luck against the Huskers.  The folks in Lake Wobegon won’t like the results this year either – Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17.

13. Northwestern (7-3) at Michigan State (5-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Logic says the Wildcats will blow another lead this week and lose the game.  And the Spartans have the incentive.  They need one more win to become bowl eligible.  Cats defy logic – Northwestern 22, Michigan State 21.

14. UCF (8-2) at Tulsa (8-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – These two most likely will meet again in the C-USA championship game.  Tulsa has already won the C-USA West title.  UCF still needs one more win to take the East Division title.  The Golden Hurricane win this one – Tulsa 34, UCF 32.

15. Kent State (9-1) at Bowling Green (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: Local Cable, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It’s not in the bag yet, but the winner of this one takes a giant step towards the MAC East title.  The Falcons get Flashed – Kent State 27, Bowling Green 26.

16. Ohio (8-2) at Ball State (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPNU, 8 pm ET, Wednesday) – Ohio, the preseason favorite, is out of the running for the MAC East title.  But the Bobcats still have a shot at a bowl game.  Bobcats take the air out of the Ball – Ohio 24, Ball State 22.

17. Arkansas (4-6) at Mississippi State (7-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Miss State is on a three-game losing skid.  That should end this week – Mississippi State 26, Arkansas 24.

18. Iowa (4-6) at Michigan (7-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – You have to wonder if Kirk Ferentz is in trouble at Iowa.  The Hawkeyes have been sad this year.  The Wolverines make them sadder – Michigan 32, Iowa 14.

19. Indiana (4-6) at Penn State (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Bill O’Brien still has a shot at some “Coach of the Year” awards.  But the Lions need to win their remaining two games.  They win this one – Penn State 32, Indiana 16.

20. Arizona (6-4) at Utah (4-6) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPNU, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – First year at Arizona and Rich Rod has the Wildcats going to a bowl.  He also has them beating the Utes – Arizona 34, Utah 28.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. BYU (6-4) at San Jose State (8-2) – (Ind. vs. WAC) (TV: ESPN2, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This one could be a barnburner.  The Spartans have been surprisingly good this season.  And it helps to have the Cougars on their home turf in San Jose.  But it doesn’t help enough – BYU 34, San Jose State 27.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Jacksonville State (6-4) at Florida (9-1) – (Ohio Valley vs. SEC) (TV: PPV, 1 pm ET, Saturday) – After losing to Georgia, the Gators have struggled against Missouri and Louisiana-Lafayette.  They should take out their frustrations on Jack.  Gators put Jack in the John – Florida 44, Jacksonville State 13.

Duke (6-4) at Georgia Tech (5-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Yeah, the Dookies could beat the Jackets.  Tech was spot on last week.  So that means they should be spot off this week.  But the Bees want to go bowling – Georgia Tech 37, Duke 25.

Georgia Southern (8-2) at Georgia (9-1) – (Southern vs. SEC) (TV: PPV, 1:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dawgs have the SEC East title for the second year in a row.  Now they get to take it easy this week.  Puppy love – Georgia 36, Georgia Southern 12.

Purdue (4-6) at Illinois (2-8) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Believe it or not, a win this week over Illinois and next week over Indiana and the Boilers are going bowling.  Can you believe it?  You better believe it this week – Purdue 24, Illinois 15.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State (9-1) visits Maryland (4-6) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Miami (5-5) entertains South Florida (3-6) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (3-7) hosts Florida International (2-8) (TV: ESPNU, 8 pm ET, Friday).

Florida A&M (4-6) vs. Bethune-Cookman (8-2) in Orlando (TV: ESPN Classic, 2 pm ET, Saturday) ….  Jacksonville U. (7-3) plays host to Drake (7-3) (TV: None, 12 noon ET, Saturday).


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Nebraska and Oklahoma have agreed to a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2021 and 2022.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were four passings of note last week – Milt Campbell, Carmen Basilio, Darrell Royal and Lee MacPhail. 

Milt Campbell, the first African-American to become an Olympic decathlon champion, died last week at his home in Gainesville, Florida.  He was 78.  Campbell won the decathlon at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.  He also played professional football.  Campbell played one year for the Cleveland Browns (1957) and seven years in the Canadian Football League (1958-64).  Milton Gray Campbell was born on December 9, 1933, in Plainfield, New Jersey.  He played football and ran track for Indiana University.  His college career was interrupted by service in the Navy during World War II.  

Carmen Basilio, 85, the welterweight and middle weight boxing champion of the 1950s who fought two brutal bouts with Sugar Ray Robinson, winning his middleweight title and then losing it to him, died last week in Rochester, New York.  He was 85.  Carmen Basilio was born on April 2, 1927, in Canastota, New York, about 25 miles east of Syracuse.  He boxed in the Marine Corps in World War II and made his pro debut in 1948. 

Darrell Royal, a former All-American player who became one of college football’s most acclaimed and innovative coaches, leading the University of Texas Longhorns to three national championships, died last week in Austin, Texas.  He was 88.  He became the Texas coach in 1957 and held the job for 20 seasons.  He coached Texas to 11 Southwest Conference championships and 16 bowl games.  Royal never had a losing season and was named national coach of the year five times.  His squads pioneered a wishbone offense running game.  Royal was an All-American player at Oklahoma.  Darrell K. Royal was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, on July 6, 1924.  He was an outstanding quarterback and defensive back at OU, playing for Bud Wilkinson.  He coached Mississippi State for two years and Washington for one before coming to Texas in 1957.  He retired as coach after the 1976 season, but stayed on as athletic director until 1980.  

Lee MacPhail, a former president of the American League, a general manager of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, and the oldest member of the baseball Hall of Fame, died last week at his home in Delray Beach, Florida.  He was 95.  Leland Stanford MacPhail Jr. was born on October 25, 1917, in Nashville, Tennessee.  He graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he played baseball and football.  Except for serving in the Navy during World War II, his whole working life was in baseball.