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.