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.