College Football Week 11 – Kentucky fires Joker Phillips
Tailgating under the hanging moss
on a misty, foggy morning
One can’t get around these days without a lot of procedures and regulations.  That certainly holds true for Rockledge Gator and me.  Ever since we have been retired, our wives have strapped us with a number of regulations.

Just because Bootsie and Swamp Mama are still working, they think their minds are sharper than ours.  They think our minds are deteriorating.  It’s beyond me why they think that way – but they do.
   
So as I backed the car out of the driveway early Friday afternoon to begin our trip to Gainesville, I had to adhere to one of Swamp Mama’s procedures – verifying that I had not forgotten the tickets to the football game.

It goes like this:  After Swamp Mama and I are both in the car with the doors locked and the car backing out of the driveway, I have to physically produce the tickets.    Swamp Mama takes the tickets and makes sure there are four of them and that they are for the game we are going to.  Then she calls Bootsie and confirms that she has seen and checked the tickets for accuracy.

We didn’t used to go through this procedure.  It only began since I have been retired.  I think it is discrimination against retired people.  If, God forbid, I can’t produce the tickets, I have to stop the car, turn off the ignition and go back in the house to retrieve them.

I suppose that’s Bootsie and Swamp Mama’s way of making sure we don’t head off to an event without the tickets.  Not that we haven’t done that before.  There are stories I can tell you.  But we won’t go there now. 

With tickets in hand – the correct ones and the correct number of them – I made it out of the driveway Friday on the first try and we headed up the road to pick up Bootsie and Rockledge Gator.  Our Florida Gator football weekend had begun.

Now we had about a two hour and forty-five minute drive ahead of us.  It was a comfortable and easy drive.  The sky was sunny and blue and the traffic was light.  Conditions were perfect.  And, of course, Rockledge Gator was our on-board, entertainment system.

As we got within 30 or so miles of Gainesville, I exited I-75 just north of Ocala.  It was time to get off the Interstate and take Highway 441 for the remainder of the trip.  Highway 441 between Ocala and Gainesville is a beautiful drive, going by the horse farms, through McIntosh, across Payne’s Prairie and into Gainesville.  It’s soothing to the soul.

After checking into the hotel, we went out to dinner and then over to The Oaks Mall.  Bootsie and Swamp Mama wanted to spend some money.  They are good at that – lots of practice, lots of experience.  I just wanted a grande, triple latte at Starbucks.  We all got what we wanted.  They spent money and I got my coffee.  And Rockledge Gator, he was singing, “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch.”

Saturday morning, we were up early.  The Missouri-Florida game had a 12-noon start.  We left the hotel at 8:00 to make sure we got the tailgating spot we wanted.  It was a good thing we didn’t leave any later – the spots were going fast.

We tailgated at the same location on the Florida campus that we had for the Kentucky-Florida game in late September.  It’s on the south side of Union Road, just off Newell Drive.  The area is full of moss-laden Live Oak trees, with a few Magnolia and East Palatka Holly trees sprinkled in for diversity.  The Grove at Ole Miss has nothing on us.

The morning was a bit misty and a little foggy.  Tailgating in the mist and the fog under the moss-laden oaks was funky – but cozy.  We had never experienced fog before in all the years of tailgating.  It wasn’t a thick fog.  Just enough of one to give you that mystical feeling.

We devoured little sandwiches, quiche, hard-boiled eggs, roasted pumpkin seeds and Bootsie’s own sweet-potato pound cake.  It was good.  We drank Mimosas and Bloody Marys.  I know….I went against my constitution.  I didn’t have any chili dogs, cold pizza and beer.  Nor any peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.  But we did have pickled okra.

After two hours, the sun broke through as the mist and fog faded away.  It was going to be another beautiful, sunny day.  We walked around, checking out some of the other tailgating spots near us.  Some of the people are real elaborate and creative – televisions, music, sound systems, huge grills, chimneas.  You name it, you see it.  And you smell it.  The aroma of grilled and smoked pork was intoxicating.  Everyone invites you to join them – have a drink.

Oh yes, we made it to the game.  Florida beat Missouri, 14-7.  There were lots of Mizzou fans at the game.  They seemed to be enjoying their time in Florida.  After the game, we drove back to the hotel, relaxed and watched some more football on TV.

At dinner Saturday evening, Rockledge Gator began singing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” again.  He said his mother used to sing that song to him.  Bootsie rolled her eyes.  But Swamp Mama was enamored.  She wondered if she could learn to play it on her guitar.  And so it began.

Driving home Sunday morning, Swamp Mama and Rockledge Gator searched for YouTube versions of “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” on their iPhones.  Unfortunately, they found some.  Bootsie and I were about ready to throw them out of the car.  Swamp Mama wanted to find the chords.  I knew I was going to hear it on the guitar when we got home.

Halloween was last Wednesday night, but it hung around a few more days for two of the six undefeated teams.  Saturday was downright frightful for Notre Dame and Alabama.  In South Bend, the Irish trailed Pitt, 20-6, as the fourth quarter began. 

Early in the fourth, Notre Dame scored a touchdown, but missed the extra point.  Pitt still led, 20-12.  No one scored for about 11 minutes.  Then, late in the fourth quarter, with just 2:11 remaining on the clock, Notre Dame scored a touchdown and pulled within two, 20-18.  The Irish went for a two-point conversion and were successful – 20-20.

Pitt failed to score in the final two minutes and the game went into overtime.  Both teams kicked a field goal in the first overtime – 23-23.  In the second overtime, it appeared Notre Dame would score a touchdown.  But the Irish fumbled near the goal line and Pitt recovered.  Pitt then took over and moved the ball to the 16 yard line.  On fourth down, the Panthers attempted a 33-yard field goal to win the game.  It was no good.

In the third overtime, Pitt had the ball first and kicked a field goal – 26-23.  Notre Dame got the ball and scored a touchdown.  The Irish pulled it out in three overtimes – 29-26.

But the excitement wasn’t over – not yet.  In Baton Rouge, LSU, after trailing Alabama through much of the game, scored early in the fourth quarter to take a 17-14 lead over the Tide.  For the next 11 minutes or so, the game was a stalemate.

Then in the waning minutes, with time winding down, Alabama found some life.  Quarterback A.J. McCarron drove the Tide down the field.  With 51 seconds on the clock, McCarron connected with T.J. Yeldon on a 28-yard touchdown pass.  Alabama was back up, 21-17.  The Tide held on for the victory.     
      
The other four undefeated teams had it a little easier, although USC did hang around Oregon long enough to make it interesting – for awhile.  The Ducks eventually beat the Trojans, 62-51.  Kansas State passed and ran its way over Oklahoma State, 44-30.  Louisville put down Temple, 45-17, and Ohio State demolished Illinois 52-22.  In the Kansas State game, Wildcat quarterback Collin Klein was injured.  The severity of his injury is unknown.  

It’s unusual to have six undefeated teams this late in the season.  Of course, Ohio State is on probation.  If the Buckeyes finish undefeated it would not impact the championship game.  They can’t participate.  And Louisville’s schedule (lack of strength) would keep the Cardinals out of contention, regardless of how they finish.

However, Alabama, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame are all very much in the picture.  All eyes will be on those four teams through December 1.  And if all four should suffer a loss or two, then five one-loss teams could enter the scene – Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Oregon State and Clemson.  It’s not over yet.  Stay tuned!

In some other games Saturday, Texas A&M put the hurt on Mississippi State, 38-13.  The Aggies are one of those teams that have gotten better each week.  A&M’s only losses were by three points to Florida and five points to LSU.  Florida is lucky it played the Aggies in early September.

Army blasted Air Force, 41-21, leaving the Falcons 0-2 against the service academies.  Air Force lost earlier in the season to Navy, 28-21 in overtime.  That means the winner of the Army-Navy game on December 8 will win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

Driving Alabama down the field in the closing minutes to score and beat LSU, 21-17, has definitely made A.J. McCarron a Heisman contender.  In fact, I’d say he is second in the field.  Collin Klein is still first.  I figure Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o is third.  But Oregon’s Kenjon Barner has to be in the mix too.  Saturday, Barner rushed for 321 yards against USC.  And what’s with Klein’s injury?  Stay tuned!

Kentucky lost to Vanderbilt, 40-0, on Saturday.  Sunday, Kentucky coach Joker Phillips was fired, effective at the end of the season.  The Wildcats are 1-9 this season – 0-7 in the SEC.  Phillips was in his third year coaching the Wildcats.  His overall record at Kentucky is 12-23.
 
Swamp Mama and I are off to Lower Alabama….I mean…..the Florida panhandle this weekend to celebrate Gator Babe’s 5th birthday.

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator are off to Auburn, Alabama, to attend the Georgia-Auburn football game.  It seems Rockledge Gator may have slipped up again and got tickets that are smack-dab in the Georgia section.  Bootsie said if any Dawg fans give her trouble, it’s going to be the night the lights went out in Georgia (in Auburn).
  
And Swamp Mama has already serenaded me on the guitar, singing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch.”  I may never forgive Rockledge Gator.

Touchdown Tom
November 5, 2012   
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 10 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Heisman drive – Alabama 21, LSU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 24, LSU 14).  If he wasn’t a contender before, and he probably was, Alabama’s touchdown-winning drive near the end of the game made A.J. McCarron a legitimate Heisman contender.  With 0:51 on the clock, McCarron threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Yeldon to give the Tide the lead.  With the exception of two Bama turnovers, the game was about as evenly matched as you can get.  The Tide won the first half; the Tigers won the second half.  A crowd of 93,374 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

RUNNER UP:  Gangnam style – Oregon 62, USC 51 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 40, USC 30).  How else can you describe this game?  Between Kenjon Barner’s 321 yards rushing and Matt Barkley’s 484 yards passing it was pretty wild.  The two teams combined for 1,345 yards of offense.  USC trailed the Ducks, 41-38, with two minutes to go in the third quarter.  Then Oregon scored 14 unanswered points and that pretty much sealed the outcome.  Three turnovers didn’t help the Trojans any.  A crowd of 93,607 attended the game in Los Angeles.

REST OF THE BEST:  A future Heisman winner? – Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 25, Mississippi State 19).  The Aggies led 31-0 early in the third quarter and then had mercy on the Bulldogs.  Johnny Manziel passed for 311 yards and rushed for another 129 yards.  A crowd of 55,240 attended the game in Starkville.

The Cats did the roping – Kansas State 44, Oklahoma State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 43, Oklahoma State 29).  Five turnovers killed any chances Okie State might have had in this game.  Collin Klein passed for 245 yards and rushed for 64.  He later left the game with an injury.  The Pokes trailed 24-17 late in the second quarter.  Then K-State scored 14 unanswered points.  A crowd of 50,781 attended the game in Manhattan.

Bevo steers a win – Texas 31, Texas Tech 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 42, Texas 23).  The game was evenly matched until the fourth quarter.  Up 24-22, Texas’ defense shutout the Red Raider offense in the final 15 minutes of the game.  The Horns added a touchdown as a clincher.  A crowd of 60,879 attended the game in Lubbock.

Beavs rebound – Oregon State 36, Arizona State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 32, Arizona State 30).  Trailing 19-10 early in the second quarter, the Beavers scored 36 unanswered points.  The Sun Devils never scored again until the final 22 seconds of the game.  A crowd of 45,979 attended the game in Corvallis.

Ole missed – Georgia 37, Ole Miss 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 20).  Ole Miss scored the first 10 points; Georgia scored the last 37 points.  The Dawg defense held the Rebel Bears to 46 yards rushing.  Aaron Murray passed for 384 yards.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Who put that Tiger in a Zou? – Florida 14, Missouri 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, Missouri 22).  Florida’s offense will drive you crazy.  But, fortunately, the Gators’ defense will make you happier than a witch in a broom factory.  The Florida defense is only giving up 12 points a game.  They’ve held several teams to their lowest offensive output so far this season, including, Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M.  Missouri suffered four turnovers – all interceptions.  A crowd of 90,496 attended the game in Gainesville.

Talk about luck – Notre Dame 29, Pitt 26 (3OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 28, Pitt 11).  The Irish totally dominated Pitt, but three turnovers kept the Panthers in the game.  Pitt could have won the game in the second overtime had the Panthers not missed a 33-yard field goal.  Ray Graham had 172 yards rushing.  A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.

Sooners roll – Oklahoma 35, Iowa State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 31, Iowa State 27).  Landry Jones passed for 405 yards and Brennan Clay rushed for 157 yards as the Sooners dominated the Cyclones.  OU had 593 yards of offense to Iowa State’s 290.  A crowd of 56,585 attended the game in Ames.

The Dookies couldn’t grab the Tiger by the tail – Clemson 56, Duke 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 33, Duke 19).  The two teams combined for 1,060 yards of offense, but Clemson had 718 of those yards.  The Tigers won big in spite of four turnovers.  Tajh Boyd threw three interceptions.  The Dookies only had 85 yards rushing.  A crowd of 31,894 attended the game in Durham.

Sad – TCU 39, West Virginia 38 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 34, TCU 27).  The Mountaineers are in shambles – players and coaching staff.  WVU has gone from one of the best offenses in the country to one of the worst.  Geno Smith has gone from a Heisman contender to a Heisman pretender.  Smith has simply lost his confidence, or so it appears.  It’s apparent that WVU did nothing during the week off to fix its problems.  The offense continues to get worse, and the defense remains as bad as ever.  The WVU defense makes every opponent’s quarterback look like a Heisman Trophy winner.  A crowd of 52,322 attended the game in Morgantown.

The Bruins are for real – UCLA 66, Arizona 10 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Arizona 33).  UCLA had 611 yards of offense to 257 for Arizona.  The Bruins have scored 111 points in their last two games.  A crowd of 81,673 attended the game in Pasadena.

Aztecs saddle the Horses – San Diego State 21, Boise State 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 35, San Diego State 23).  The Aztecs won for the first time in history over a ranked team on the road.  The victory was also San Diego State’s fifth in a row.  The game was evenly matched.  The Aztecs won the game on defensive and special teams play.  A crowd of 36,084 attended the game in Boise.

Cobs wipe the Spartans – Nebraska 28, Michigan State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 19, Nebraska 16).  The game ended up being a rushing contest between Taylor Martinez and Le’Veon Bell.  Martinez won and so did the Huskers.  It was definitely a ground game.  Not much action through the air.  A crowd of 73,522 attended the game in East Lansing.

What a hoot for the Cardinals – Louisville 45, Temple 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 32, Temple 16).  A 17-17 game about halfway through the second quarter, Louisville scored 28 unanswered points.  The Owls suffered four turnovers.  Teddy Bridgewater passed for 324 yards.  A crowd of 44,609 attended the game in Louisville.

Has Danny Hope been fired yet? – Penn State 34, Purdue 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 31, Purdue 17).  The Nitts gave the Boilers 3 points and then proceeded to score 34 unanswered points.  Matt McGloin passed for 321 yards.  A crowd of 40,098 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Pork chops the Golden Hurricane – Arkansas 19, Tulsa 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 33, Tulsa 27).  An evenly matched game, as Tulsa gave the Hogs more than they bargained for.  After trailing throughout most of the third quarter, Arkansas scored earlier in the fourth to take the lead and then held on to win.  A crowd of 64,451 attended the game in Fayetteville.

The Cajuns were ragin’ – Louisiana-Lafayette 40, Louisiana-Monroe 24 (Touchdown Tom said: ULM 42, ULL 21).  The Cajuns found a way to stop the Warhawks’ offense.  ULL could run and pass.  ULM could only pass.  A crowd of 20,203 attended the game in Monroe.

Sugar in the Canes – Miami (Florida) 30, Virginia Tech 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Virginia Tech 27).  The Hokies won the stats, the Canes won the game.  Throughout much of the contest, you got the feeling neither team wanted to win.  Tech suffered three turnovers.  Both quarterbacks – Logan Thomas and Stephen Morris – looked bad.  A crowd of 37,219 attended the game in Miami Gardens.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Bees keep the Terps out of the hive – Georgia Tech 33, Maryland 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Maryland 24, Georgia Tech 23).  The Jackets ran all over the Turtles, rushing for 370 yards.  Tech led 27-0 before Maryland got its first score at the end of the third quarter.  A crowd of 33,471 attended the game in College Park.

Week 10 Picks:    15 Correct,     6 Wrong   (71.4 percent)
On the Season:    162 Correct,   65 Wrong   (71.4 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
 
UCF dumped SMU, 42-17.  A crowd of 36,036 attended the game in Orlando….  South Florida got by Connecticut, 13-6.  A crowd of 36,190 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida Atlantic lost to Navy, 24-17.  A crowd of 29,326 attended the game in Annapolis….  Florida International beat South Alabama, 28-20.  A crowd of 11,936 attended the game in Mobile. 

Florida A&M fell to North Carolina A&T, 16-3.  A crowd of 6,346 attended the game in Greensboro….  Bethune-Cookman downed Morgan State, 24-13.  A crowd of 2,187 attended the game in Baltimore….  Jacksonville U. was edged by Butler, 19-16.  A crowd of 2,567 attended the game in Indianapolis.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers: Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 29-47-0-530; USC’s Matt Barkley – 35-54-2-484; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 28-49-2-476; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 32-45-2-405; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 30-46-0-393; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 21-28-0-384, and Louisiana-Lafayette’s Terrance Broadway – 23-32-1-373.

Also, Baylor’s Nick Florence – 26-42-0-367; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 30-39-0-348; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 34-44-0-341; Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 26-44-0-329; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 25-32-0-328; San Jose State’s David Fales – 27-39-1-328, and Colorado State’s Conner Smith – 13-23-1-326.

Also, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 19-28-0-324; Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 22-36-0-321; Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 20-27-2-316; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 28-47-1-316; Indiana’s Cameron Coffman – 21-33-0-315; Texas-San Antonio’s Eric Soza – 23-41-0-314; Akron’s Dalton Williams – 30-41-0-312, and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 30-36-0-311.

Also, East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 31-43-1-305; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 20-23-0-304; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 15-23-0-304; LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 24-35-0-298; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 39-57-1-293; UNLV’s Nick Sherry – 17-27-2-289; UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 23-28-0-288; Connecticut’s Chandler Whitmer – 24-38-0-284, and Western Kentucky’s Kawaun Jakes 19-30-1-283.  


Impressive Rushers:  Oregon’s Kenjon Barner – 321 yards; UAB’s Darrin Reaves – 223 yards; Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 205 yards; Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 199 yards; Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 189 yards; Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell – 188 yards; Pitt’s Ray Graham – 172 yards, and Cincinnati’s George Wynn – 165 yards.

Also, UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 162 yards; California’s C.J. Anderson – 160 yards; Navy’s Keenan Reynolds – 159 yards; Oklahoma’s Brennan Clay – 157 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 157 yards; Baylor’s Glasco Martin – 157 yards; UCF’s Latavius Murray – 155 yards, and Auburn’s Tre Mason – 152 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Steve Spurrier is right.  The Tide could roll NFL teams,” Orlando Sentinel blogger Jerry Greene.

“This is who we are.  It ain’t always pretty.  We need to continue to improve and become a more explosive offense,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, after the Missouri game.

“The Gators have the talent to win only eight games.  But they have the toughness and tenacity to win 10 or 11,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Aaron Murray is pretty darn good,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, after the Ole Miss-Georgia game.

“Unless Auburn fires Gene Chizik today and hires Bobby Petrino, Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher to replace him, the Doggies are almost certainly heading to Atlanta in December,” Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley, on Auburn’s chances of upsetting Georgia. 


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 11…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Texas A&M (7-2) at Alabama (9-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Texas A&M has to hope that Alabama spent itself mentally and physically in the win over LSU.  And that there is just nothing left to take on the Aggies.  Could be, but not likely.  More likely, as good as A&M seems to be getting, the Aggies may just be able to give the Tide a game, with or without any psychological and physical advantages.  Then again, they may not.  Regardless, it will be a real eye opener and test for the young Johnny Manziel.  Aggies can’t stop the Tide – Alabama 26, Texas A&M 15.   

RUNNER UP:  2. Oregon State (7-1) at Stanford (7-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Regardless of who wins, on paper, this has the makings of a barnburner.  At Corvallis, I see the Beavs winning, but at Palo Alto, I see the Trees winning – Stanford 33, Oregon State 27.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Mississippi State (7-2) at LSU (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – It seems that Miss State was nothing but a fraud.  The Bulldogs started out 7-0, but they didn’t play anybody.  Miss State has lost its last two against real competition.  The Bulldogs are about to lose again – LSU 27, Mississippi State 12.

4. Kansas State (9-0) at TCU (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Collin Klein and crew are determined to finish the season undefeated.  They just might do it.  But will Klein play this week?  The Frogs won’t stop them – Kansas State 33, TCU 17.

5. Penn State (6-3) at Nebraska (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Nittany Lions have been surprising a lot of people this season.  Back in early September, I remember ESPN’s Mark May saying Penn State would be lucky to win three games this season.  Of course May is a Pitt grad.  The Nitts could continue surprising this week in Lincoln.  The Huskers can’t afford to have a letdown after the win over Michigan State.  Herbie the Lion tamer – Nebraska 28, Penn State 20.

6. Northwestern (7-2) at Michigan (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Don’t be surprised if Northwestern has an early lead.  That’s not uncommon for the Wildcats.  But the Wolverines will wear them down – Michigan 32, Northwestern 21.

7. West Virginia (5-3) at Oklahoma State (5-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Whoever quarterbacks Okie State this week is in for a treat.  The Mounties will make him look like a Heisman Trophy winner.  We know the WVU defense won’t stop the Pokes.  We can only hope that the Eers find their offense.  The Pokes grow up to be Cowboys – Oklahoma State 39, West Virginia 30.

8. Louisville (9-0) at Syracuse (4-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Sometimes, the Orange have a habit of playing tougher in the Dome.  They may give the Cardinals a scare.  They may give them more than a scare.  Louisville better be prepared.  Cardinals feast on Orange seeds – Louisville 33, Syracuse 26.

9. Arizona State (5-4) at USC (6-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Remember back in August and early September when some thought the Trojans would be playing for the national championship in January?  So much for that thought.  Against the Sun Devils, the Trojans will still be licking their Duck wounds.  This could be a wild one in the Coliseum.  Kiffin breathes a sigh of relief – USC 40, Arizona State 30.

10. Florida State (8-1) at Virginia Tech (4-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Who, in their wildest imagination, thought the Hokies would be 4-5 at this point in the season.  The Hokies are definitely wounded, but they still can be dangerous.  The Noles better be on their toes.  Noles spear the Beamer – Florida State 27, Virginia Tech 19.

11. Fresno State (7-3) at Nevada (6-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After several so-so years under Pat Hill, Fresno State has bounced back this season under first-year coach Tim DeRuyter.  The Bulldogs will have a tough one on their hands against Nevada in Reno.  Look for a high-scoring affair.  The Bulldogs score the most – Fresno State 37, Nevada 29.

12. Air Force (5-4) at San Diego State (7-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Aztecs made a name for themselves, beating Boise State on the Smurf Turf last week.  That makes them prime to be upset.  And the Falcons could do it.  But not likely – San Diego State 33, Air Force 20.

13. Louisiana-Monroe (6-3) at Arkansas State (6-3) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Thursday) – At one point we thought Monroe was going to roll through the Sun Belt.  Lafayette spoiled that notion.  Arkansas State will spoil it some more – Arkansas State 42, Louisiana-Monroe 40.

14. Oregon (9-0) at California (3-7) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – It doesn’t look like anyone is going to stop the Ducks in the Pac-12.  Least of all the Golden Bears – Oregon 43, California 20.

15. Georgia (8-1) at Auburn (2-7) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s all up to the Tigers.  Only Auburn can stop the Dawgs from going to Atlanta on December 1.  And the Tigers haven’t been doing much stopping lately.  Uga loves to chase Cats – Georgia 32, Auburn 17.

16. Arkansas (4-5) at South Carolina (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Three straight losses and Gamecock fans won’t be happy.  But unless Steve Spurrier implodes on the sidelines, the Cocks should get back in the winning column.  Chikin’s’ say, “Eat mor Pork” – South Carolina 30, Arkansas 19.

17. Maryland (4-5) at Clemson (8-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This week, the right guard may play quarterback for Maryland.  Why not?  Just about everybody else on the team has played quarterback for the Terps at one time or another this season.  Since the loss to Florida State, Clemson has been on a roll.  The roll continues – Clemson 34, Maryland 14.

18. Baylor (4-4) at Oklahoma (6-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Baylor can score, but like West Virginia, the Bears can’t stop the other team from scoring.  Sounds like a perfect setup for the OU.  Sooners score at will – Oklahoma 41, Baylor 20.

19. Cincinnati (6-2) at Temple (3-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: BEN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Temple got off to a big start in the Big East, beating South Florida and Connecticut.  Then the Owls ran into Rutgers, Pitt and Louisville.  They are about to run into Cincinnati.  The Bearcats dine at Hooters – Cincinnati 32, Temple 19.

20. Georgia Tech (4-5) at North Carolina (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – You never know from one week to another which Georgia Tech team will show up.  Well, it won’t matter this week.  Whichever team shows up, the Tar Heels shouldn’t have any problems.  Heels take the buzz out of the Bees – North Carolina 34, Georgia Tech 21.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Wake Forest (5-4) at NC State (5-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – This is a must win for Wake Forest if the Deacs want to go bowling.  With Notre Dame and Vanderbilt on the horizon, it’s now or never for Wake.  The pressure is not quite as strong for the Wolfpack.  If they lose to Wake, they can always beat Boston College and get a bowl ticket.  The Deacs don’t go bowling this season – NC State 28, Wake Forest 23.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Louisiana-Lafayette (5-3) at Florida (8-1) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – The much-maligned Florida offense shouldn’t have any problems scoring this week.  Lafayette has no defense.  However, the Ragin’ Cajuns can play some offense.  So they might give the Florida defense a problem or two.  But not more than two – Florida 37, ULL 19.

Iowa State (5-4) at Texas (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: LSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – After the loss to Oklahoma, no one gave the Longhorns any hope for a decent season.  The “Mack must go” sentiment was on the rise.  It was all doom and gloom.  But the Horns have won three straight.  Make it four straight – Texas 27, Iowa State 18.

Purdue (3-6) at Iowa (4-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Talk about two hopeless teams.  The Boilers and the Hawkeyes are pretty bad.  In the Big Ten, only Illinois is worse.  But not much worse.  Hawkeyes stink, but not as bad as the Boilers – Iowa 27, Purdue 26.
Duke (6-4) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (5-4) travels to Virginia (3-6) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  UCF (7-2) visits UTEP (2-7) (TV: Local Cable, 7 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Atlantic (2-7) is away at Western Kentucky (6-3) (TV: SBN, 1 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (3-6) hosts North Carolina Central (6-3) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (7-2) is at Savannah State (1-8) (TV: None, 5 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Jacksonville U. (6-3) entertains Campbell (1-8) (TV: None, 12 noon ET, Saturday).
South Florida (3-6) and Florida International (2-8) are off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich has been named the new athletic director at Clemson….  Ohio State and Boston College have announced a two-game, home-and-home series to be played in 2020 and 2021.  Ohio State also announced that San Diego State has been added to its 2013 schedule.  The game against the Aztecs will be played in Columbus.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but in early November as the college football season began its final stretch, 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 “I Went to Your Wedding” by Patti Page

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “To Sir with Love” by Lulu

…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 Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany

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


Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment there were two passings of note last week – Don Steinberg and Dave May.

Don Steinberg, who helped Ohio State win its first national championship in 1942, died last week.  He was 90.  Steinberg, who lettered from 1941-43 and again in 1945, played end in the Buckeyes’ single-wing attack.  

Dave May, the onetime All-Star for the Milwaukee Brewers who was traded to Atlanta in order to bring back Hank Aaron, died last week in Bear, Delaware.  He was 68.  May played outfield for five big league teams, beginning with the Baltimore Orioles in 1967.  In addition to the Brewers, Braves and Orioles, May also played for the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates.  David FaFrance May was born on December 23, 1943, in New Castle, Delaware.