College Football Week Two – Rare meeting between Gators-Canes
I know, it’s only football,
But I like it, like it, yes I do

There was something for everybody to like during the opening weekend of college football – thrilling games, big-time upsets, blasts from the past, 75-yard touchdown runs, down-the-field passes, remarkable catches, last second field goals. 

Yeah, I know, Georgia fans didn’t like the outcome of the Clemson game.  And even though their teams won, West Virginia and Nebraska fans were disappointed in the performance of the Mountaineers and Huskers on Saturday.

Still, there is nothing quite like the feeling on opening weekend of the college football season.  The arrival of Labor Day weekend has been anticipated all summer.  It can’t get here soon enough.  Five-straight days of football games and there had to be something to like.  I know, it’s only football, but I like it.

The Georgia-Clemson game was my pick for the most exciting game.  And it didn’t take long for the excitement to get going.  Three scores all within 31 seconds early in the first quarter set the tone for the game.

About five and a half minutes into the opening quarter, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd scored the first touchdown of the game on a four-yard run.  Twelve seconds later, Georgia running back Todd Gurley countered, scampering down the field for a 75-yard touchdown.  Just 19 seconds after that, Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins added another Tiger touchdown on a 75-yard pass from Boyd.  And so it went.  Ultimately, Clemson won the game 38-35.  But the outcome was in doubt until late in the fourth quarter.      

My next favorite game was Ole Miss-Vanderbilt.  And the score – 39-35 – was almost the same as the Georgia-Clemson contest.  The lead changed hands four times.  Three of those changes occurred in the fourth quarter.  Two of those changes occurred in the final 1:30 of the fourth quarter.  First, Vanderbilt’s Steven Scheu scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Austyn Carter-Samuels.  With one and a half minutes left, Vanderbilt led 35-32.  Then, Twenty-three seconds later, Ole Miss running back Jeff Scott escaped down the field on a 75-yard touchdown run.  And so the game ended.  Ole Miss won.

It was hard to beat the fourth quarter excitement of the Rutgers-Fresno State game Thursday night – a game finally won by Fresno State in overtime, 52-51.  Thirty-one of the game’s points were scored in the fourth quarter – four touchdowns and a field goal.  Twenty-four of those 31 points were scored in the final 5:30 of the fourth quarter.  The last touchdown in regulation was scored with 0:38 remaining on the clock.  Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr connected with receiver Josh Harper on a two-yard touchdown pass.  The score was tied, 45-45.  Rutgers failed on a two-point conversion in the first overtime. 

There is nothing like the excitement of an in-state rivalry.  In the Utah State-Utah game Thursday night, the lead changed hands four times.  Utah won the game, 30-26.  The first of two field goals with 6:38 left in the game gave the Utes the lead, 27-26.  The second field goal with 0:19 on the clock secured the win for Utah. 

In Iowa City, Iowa, Northern Illinois’ Mathew Sims kicked a 36-yard field goal with 0:04 remaining in the game to give the Huskies a 30-27 win over Iowa.  Only five minutes earlier, Northern Illinois had scored on a 33-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 27-27.  And Virginia’s Kevin Parks scored on a 13-yard touchdown run with 2:36 left in the game to give the Cavaliers a 19-16 win over BYU.

If you cheer for the underdog, you had to like the outcome of eight games all where FCS teams upset their upper-level FBS opponents.  It began Thursday night in East Hartford, Connecticut, where Towson knocked off UConn, 33-18, and it ended Saturday night in California, when Eastern Illinois downed San Diego State, 40-19.

In between, Southern Utah edged South Alabama, 22-21, and Samford beat Georgia State, 31-21.  But the first of the biggest FCS-FBS shockers occurred Friday night – North Dakota State surprised Kansas State, 24-21.  In three more big FCS-FBS stunners, Eastern Washington shocked No. 25 Oregon State, 49-46; McNeese State silenced South Florida, 53-21, and Northern Iowa embarrassed Iowa State, 28-20.

I like it, I like it!

I saw two blasts from the past over the weekend – Dennis Erickson and Hal Mumme.  Erickson, the former head coach of Idaho, Wyoming, Washington State, Miami (Florida), Oregon State, Idaho again and Arizona State in college football and of the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, is back after a year’s sabbatical.  He is the co-offensive coordinator at Utah, under Kyle Whittingham.  The television camera provided frequent shots of Erickson during the Utah State-Utah game Thursday night.

Then Mumme, the former head coach of Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State, Kentucky, Southeastern Louisiana, New Mexico State and McMurry, surfaced in Dallas.  He is now the co-offensive coordinator at SMU, under June Jones.  Mumme was frequently shown on camera during the Texas Tech-SMU game Friday night.  Yes, he still wears the towel on his shoulder.

At least one anticipated performance was disappointing on opening weekend.  Thursday evening, we awaited the play of South Carolina defensive end and Heisman Trophy candidate Jadeveon Clowney.  But Clowney was a no-show.

Before the North Carolina-South Carolina game, the PA announcer should have said to the crowd, “At tonight’s performance, the role of Jadeveon Clowney will be played by …….who?  It sure wasn’t Clowney.  Well, Clowney was there all right.  He played – well, some of the time.  But he was obviously winded – out of shape.  He wasn’t effective – only three tackles, all in the first half.  Clowney spent much of the game on the bench.

Maybe it was just an act to make this week’s opponent – Georgia – overconfident.  Clowney said he was suffering from the effects of a stomach virus.  Actually, Clowney’s performance, or lack thereof, reminded me of Warren Sapp in the January 1, 1995 Orange Bowl game – a game Miami (Florida) lost to Nebraska, 24-17.  After a sensational 1994 season at Miami, Sapp was clearly out of shape, winded and ineffective in the Orange Bowl contest.

Speaking of the North Carolina-South Carolina game, I got an interesting email from my friend Jamie Fuller.  Prior to the game, Jamie read an article in The New York Post that referred to the North Carolina-South Carolina contest as an “in-state rivalry.”  To The Post, North and South must just be two geographical areas of the State of Carolina.  Although known for good headlines, The Post never has been known for good journalism.

And speaking of Jamie, it has been several seasons since I have posted the results of the Washington & Lee football games.  Just as they always announce the Slippery Rock score at Michigan’s home games, I always posted the Washington & Lee score in CFW.  W&L, the alma mater of Jamie and his wife Ann, opens its season this week against Franklin & Marshall.  Now that has a ring to it – Washington & Lee & Franklin & Marshall.  Kind of like a modern family version of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.

And speaking of Ann Fuller, I got a message from her twin sister Susan Eaton, after the Georgia-Clemson game.  Susan, a Georgia grad, said “Well, I thought the defense would be problematic.  It never occurred to me the right side of the offensive line was going to be a train wreck of missed assignments.  If I were Aaron Murray, I’d be tearing #72 and #75 new ones this morning.”

Speaking of train wrecks, after only one game, I think a number of coaches can start cleaning out their offices and put their homes on the market.  Pink slips will most likely be on the way to UNLV’s Bobby Hauck (lost to Minnesota, 51-23), Connecticut’s Paul Pasqualoni (lost to Towson, 33,18) South Alabama’s Joey Jones (lost to Southern Utah, 22-21), Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz (lost to Northern Illinois, 30-27), Miami of Ohio’s Don Treadwell (lost to Marshall, 52-14) and Iowa State’s Paul Rhoads (lost to Northern Iowa, 28-20).  Stay tuned!

The best basketball-football game over the weekend was Indiana 73, Indiana State 35.  In addition to Indiana, five more teams put 60 or more points on the board – Houston (62), Georgia Tech (70), Oregon (66), Arkansas State (62) and Baylor (69).  The lowest scoring games (combined points) were San Jose State 24, Sacramento State 0, and Oklahoma State 21, Miss State 3.

Of the 75 games over the weekend that involved FBS teams, only two of the games went into overtime – the Fresno State-Rutgers contest mentioned above, and the Troy-UAB game.  Troy won that game in overtime, 34-31.

Terry Bowden’s return to Orlando was not a happy experience.  Bowden’s Akron Zips lost to UCF, 38-7.  After he was run out of Auburn in 1998, Bowden moved to Orlando, where he lived for 10 years. 

The scores of two games surprised me somewhat.  Washington beat Boise State, 38-6.  I wasn’t necessarily surprised that the Huskies won, but winning so easily was a surprise.  Is the Boise dynasty over?  And then, Bowling Green’s 34-7 domination of Tulsa was a big surprise.  The Golden Hurricane were highly rated at preseason – picked to win Conference USA. 

You can tell former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema has his system installed at Arkansas.  The Razorbacks had two runners rush for more than 100 yards each – Jonathan Williams (151 yards) and Alex Collins (131 yards).  And speaking of Arkansas, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has egg all over his face.  On “College GameDay” Saturday morning, Herbstreit said, “Mark my word.  Louisiana-Lafayette will beat Arkansas, Toledo will beat Florida and Louisiana-Monroe will hang in there with Oklahoma.”  Arkansas beat ULL, 34-14, Florida beat Toledo, 24-6 and Oklahoma beat ULM, 34-0. 

And Bielema’s system is still in place at Wisconsin.  The Badgers had three runners rush for more than 100 yards each – Melvin Gordon (144 yards), James White (143 yards) and Corey Clement (101 yards).  Wisconsin beat Massachusetts, 45-0.

Yeah, it was quite an opening weekend.  Johnny Half-Game (or is it Johnny Half-Time?) was back in action (touting and dissing opposing players) – for a half, for a while, until his Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin pulled him from the game.  Meanwhile, those of us over 60 learned a new word (and its meaning) last week – twerk. 

Thinking about Rockledge Gator over the weekend for some reason I was reminded of a time back when Rockledge and I both worked at Harris.  Sitting on a bookshelf, outside our offices, was a photograph taken of Rockledge when he worked at The Today newspaper.  The photograph must have been taken 25 or so years earlier.  Rockledge was much younger – trimmer and thinner.

One day, our secretary Raquel, a native of the Basque region of Spain, was talking to us.  She spotted the photograph.  She stared at it and then she looked at Rockledge.  She looked at the photograph again and looked back at Rockledge.  Again, she looked at the photograph, then looked back at Rockledge.  In her Sofia Vergara accent, she said, “What happened to you?  You used to look so good.”     

And after the weekend’s results, I’m sure that’s what some college football fans are saying about their teams, “What happened to you?  You used to look so good.”     

Over the weekend, Swamp Mama asked me name of the Auburn eagle.  I said, “War.”  Fortunately, I ducked in time when the shoe came flying at me. 

Oh well, I like it, I like it.

Yes, I do!

Touchdown Tom
September 2, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:   Impressive – Clemson 38, Georgia 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Clemson 24).  What else can be said?  It definitely was the game of the week.  It lived up to its billing.  Even in the loss, Todd Gurley established himself as a Heisman contender.  He averaged 12.8 yards per carry.  A crowd of 83,830 attended the game in Clemson.

RUNNER-UP:  Unimpressive – Alabama 35, Virginia Tech 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 31, Virginia Tech 15).  Neither team had an offense.  Three of Alabama’s five touchdowns came on a kickoff return, a punt return and a pass interception return.  Take those away and the score was 14-10.  A.J. McCarron only completed 43 percent of his passes (10-for-23) and even worse, Logan Thomas only completed 19 percent of his passes (5-for-26).  Virginia Tech actually had more total yards than Alabama – 212 to 206.  A crowd of 73,114 attended the game in Atlanta.

REST OF THE BEST:  Watch out for them Tigers – LSU 37, TCU 27 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 17, TCU 13).  Watch out Alabama and Texas A&M.  LSU may have something to say in the SEC West.  Where was TCU’s famous defense?  A crowd of 80,230 attended the game in Arlington.

We don’t need no Clowney – South Carolina 27, North Carolina 10 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 28, North Carolina 14).  Early on, it looked like South Carolina was going to clobber the Tar Heels.  The Gamecocks led 17-0 at the end of the first quarter.  But North Carolina woke up and kept the score decent.  Meanwhile, Jadeveon Clowney got off to a bad start in the Heisman race.  But he has plenty of time to catch up.  A crowd of 81,572 attended the game in Columbia.

What have those Huskies been eating? – Washington 38, Boise State 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 29, Washington 26).  One dynasty may be over and another one may be beginning.  Boise State hasn’t looked this bad in a month of Sundays.  Steve Sarkisian may finally have things going his way in Seattle.  A crowd of 71,963 attended the game in Seattle.

These Dogs have no teeth – Oklahoma State 21, Mississippi State 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 27, Miss State 19).  Getting to be tough times for Dan Mullen in Starkville.  Was Okie State’s defense that good, or Miss State’s offense that bad?  A crowd of 35,874 attended the game in Houston.

It ain’t over till it’s over – Ole Miss 39, Vanderbilt 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Vanderbilt 27, Ole Miss 24).  A game of streaks in the first half.  Ole Miss led 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.  Vandy led 21-10 at halftime.  Then it was wild in the second half.  A crowd of 40,350 attended the game in Nashville.

Move over Johnny Football – Florida State 41, Pitt 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, Pitt 14).  Florida State has the next Heisman Trophy winner – and a freshman too.  That’s how good Jameis Winston looked.  Meanwhile, Pitt fans couldn’t get out of the stadium fast enough.  A crowd of 65,500 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

50 shades of red – Fresno State 52, Rutgers 51 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Fresno State 33, Rutgers 28).  The lead changed hands no less than seven times.  It was a wild ride.  The teams combined for 1,080 yards of offense.  A crowd of 33,098 attended the game in Fresno.

Déjà vu – Florida 24, Toledo 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, Toledo 22).  Florida looks so much like the Gators of last year.  The defense was impressive; the offense was not.  Even this game reminded me so much of the first game last year when Florida beat Bowling Green (also a MAC team), 27-14.  Granted, a lot of Gators were MIA due to injuries and suspensions.  A crowd of 83,604 attended the game in Gainesville.

Heisman claim – Louisville 49, Ohio 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 37, Ohio 19).  Teddy Bridgewater has staked his claim for the Heisman.  I don’t think Louisville will lose a game this season.  But the Cardinals schedule may not get them into the BCS championship game.  A crowd of 55,332 attended the game in Louisville.

BYU won everything but the final score – Virginia 19, BYU 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 22, BYU 20).  BYU quarterback Taysom Hill was 13-for-40 passing (32 percent).  But BYU so totally dominated Virginia in the stats.  Mike London needed this win.  Now he needs a few more.  A crowd of 53,310 attended the game in Charlottesville.

It wasn’t Sonny in California – Northwestern 44, California 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 30, California 19).  Northwestern had the running game; Cal had the passing game.  The two teams combined for 1,056 yards of offense.  Cal kept it close until late in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 58,816 attended the game in Berkeley.

Wore ’em down – UCLA 58, Nevada 20 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 40, Nevada 20).  A close game at the half, UCLA outscored the Wolf Pack 41-7 in the second half.  Bruins had 647 yards of offense.  A crowd of 60,562 attended the game in Pasadena.

Utes chuck Chuckie – Utah 30, Utah State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 28, Utah State 26).  Utah State led 23-14 late in the third quarter.  Then the Ute defense put a halt to Aggie quarterback Chuckie Keeton.  A crowd of 45,237 attended the game in Salt Lake City.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Kingsbury era begins – Texas Tech 41, SMU 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 35, SMU 24).  Combined, the two quarterbacks attempted 122 passes in the game.  A crowd of 34,790 attended the game in Dallas.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

It wasn’t exactly almost heaven – West Virginia 24, William & Mary 17 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 34, William & Mary 10).  WVU trailed 17-7 at the half.  The Mounties scored a touchdown with 3:22 left on the clock to win the game.  WVU offense didn’t look good.  It has lots of room for improvement.  The jury is still out on the WVU defense.  They may be as bad as last year.  How can you tell against Bill & Mary?  A crowd of 56,350 attended the game in Morgantown.

Is the thumb still up? – Nebraska 37, Wyoming 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 42, Wyoming 15).  Husker fans have to be looking at the Nebraska defense and saying, “What happened to you.  You used to look so good.”  After the Ohio State, Wisconsin and Georgia games last season, and now the Wyoming game this year, you have to wonder whatever happened to the famous Nebraska defense.  The Huskers led Wyoming 31-14 late in the third quarter.  Then they let the Cowboys back into the game.  Wyoming had 602 yards of offense to Nebraska’s 530.  A crowd of 91,185 attended the game in Lincoln.

Signs of a defense? – Duke 45, North Carolina Central 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 45, North Carolina Central 12).  I would say things look promising for the Dookies, but then this was who…..North Carolina Central?  Is that a railroad?  Or a bank?  A crowd of 22,521 attended the game in Durham.

Austin city limits – Texas 56, New Mexico State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 47, New Mexico State 12).  It took a while for the new Texas offense to get going.  But once it did, it didn’t stop.  The Longhorns trailed New Mexico State 7-0 late in the second quarter.  Texas racked up 715 yards of offense.  A crowd of 99,623 attended the game in Austin.

Boiler shut down – Cincinnati 42, Purdue 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 26, Purdue 17).  The Tommy Tuberville era begins in Cincinnati.  It’s going to be a long, long season for the Boilers.  Purdue only had 65 yards rushing.  A crowd of 36,007 attended the game in Cincinnati.

Week 1 Picks:  18 correct, 3 wrong (85.7 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami beat Florida Atlantic, 34-6.  A crowd of 50,151 attended the game in Miami Gardens….  UCF downed Akron, 38-7.  A crowd of 35,115 attended the game in Orlando….  South Florida got clobbered by McNeese State, 53-21.  A crowd of 35,470 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida International fell to Maryland, 43-10.  A crowd of 36,321 attended the game in College Park.

Florida A&M punched Mississippi Valley State, 27-10.  A crowd of 24,736 attended the game in Orlando….  Bethune-Cookman slipped by Tennessee State, 12-9.  A crowd of 16,108 attended the game in Nashville….  Jacksonville U. lost to Delaware, 51-35.  A crowd of 19,120 attended the game in Newark….  Stetson beat Warner, 31-3.  A crowd of 6,479 attended the game in Deland. 


Superlatives

Weekend’s Best Passers: Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 52-73-1 for 456 yards; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 46-54-0-447; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 37-43-0-422; Illinois’ Nathan Scheelhaase 28-36-1-416; Texas Tech’s Baker Mayfield – 43-60-0-413; Colorado’s Connor Woods – 33-46-0-400;  Georgia State’s Ronnie Bell – 28-51-2-391; SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 41-62-0-388, and Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 29-43-1-383.

Also, Southern Miss’ Allan Bridgford – 28-53-2 for 377 yards; Florida State’s Jameis Winston – 25-27-0-356; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 23-28-1-355; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 23-27-0-349; Rutgers’ Gary Nova – 26-41-1-348; Notre Dame’s Tommy Rees – 16-23-0-346; Texas’ David Ash – 20-28-2-343; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 24-40-0-340; Washington’s Keith Price – 23-31-1-324, and Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 20-29-1-323.

Also, Troy’s Corey Robinson – 30-32-0 for 319 yards; Missouri’s James Franklin – 26-38-0-318; UCF’s Blake Bortles – 18-24-0-314; Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 31-40-0-314; Utah’s Travis Wilson – 17-28-0-302; UAB’s Austin Brown – 19-29-0-301; Vanderbilt’s Austyn Carta-Samuels – 21-36-2-300, and Baylor’s Bryce Petty – 18-23-0-290.   


Weekend’s Best Rushers: Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 186 yards; Rutgers’ Paul James – 182 yards; Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 161 yards, and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman – 169 yards.

Also, Ohio State’s Jordan Hall – 159 yards; Middle Tennessee’s Jordan Parker – 156 yards; UCLA’s Jordan James – 155 yards; Georgia’s Todd Gurley – 154 yards, and Arkansas’ Jonathan Williams – 151 yards.  


Quotes of the Week

“It is at the University of Alabama where the doctrine of the Primacy of the Coach has perhaps its purest expression.  There are people living right now whose given names are Bear and Saban, the way ancient Egyptian children were named after kings.  There may be some parents in Michigan who named their son Schembechler, but I have not heard of them,” New York Times national correspondent Campbell Robertson.

“Since the first Heisman was awarded in 1935, seven Notre Dame players have won, while Notre Dame has claimed eight national championships.  Oklahoma’s Heisman-to-championship ratio is five to seven.  Ohio State’s is seven to seven.  This is a nice balance of individual and institution.  Alabama’s Heisman-to-championship ratio in this period is 1 to 11,” New York Times national correspondent Campbell Robertson.

“If Alabama loses, it’s going to be because of Alabama, not because of who they’re playing,” former Auburn coach Pat Dye.

“If we were in the Big 12, I don’t know that Johnny Manziel would have won the Heisman,” Texas A&M athletic director Eric Hyman, on ESPN’s unholy alliance with the SEC.

“College football begins this week and that means we’re back in ESPN’s clutches for another five months,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley.

“Football season.  It means not feeling guilty when you crack your first beer at 9 a.m.  Hey, the game starts at noon,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Can we investigate the investigators?  Dez Bryant got suspended a season for lying about a dinner that wasn’t a violation and Manziel gets a half,” Deion Sanders.

“Actually, this works out well.  Manziel can spend the first half at the College Station LaQuinta signing autographs,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on Johnny Manziel’s first half suspension.

“Is Frank Beamer starting to look like Bobby Bowden?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Are you serious?  Clowney is doggin’ it bad.  Bad first impression for me.  I don’t buy the hype,” former Penn State All-American and All-Pro linebacker LaVar Arrington, on Jadeveon Clowney’s performance against North Carolina. 

“The night before I had a stomach virus – all night long until this morning,” South Carolina’s defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, on the reason for his poor performance against North Carolina.

“You’re not getting my autograph,” Johnny Manziel to a Rice player, during the Aggies-Owls game.

“Oh shit,” Swamp Mama when she saw the halftime score of the Florida State-Pitt game.


Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
This Week’s 15 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games.…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Notre Dame (1-0) at Michigan (1-0) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 8 p.m. ET, Saturday) – Hard to read these teams after their opening games – both had weak opponents.  Although, Michigan’s opponent probably was much weaker than Notre Dame’s.  Quarterback Tommy Rees was impressive in the Irish’s opener.  Best I can figure, these two teams probably are pretty evenly matched.  Perhaps momentum favors the Wolverines.  I favor the Wolverines – Michigan 24, Notre Dame 23.

RUNNER-UP:  2. Florida (1-0) at Miami (Florida) (1-0) – (SEC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Gators are continuing their déjà vu trip.  Last year they opened against a MAC team and then had a tough game on the road against Texas A&M.  This year, the Gators opened against a MAC team and then have a tough game on the road at Miami.  And this year’s Gator offense and defense look so much like last year’s.  All the signs are so similar.  Meanwhile, Miami is still looking for its Golden years.  I thought the Canes were in their Golden years.  Maybe David Bowie knows.  As Yogi Berra says, “It’s déjà vu all over again” – Florida 23, Miami 16.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. South Carolina (1-0) at Georgia (0-1) (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – South Carolina has a two-day advantage in this one.  The Gamecocks played last Thursday night.  The Dawgs played Saturday night.  Couple more days of rest and preparation for the Gamecocks.  Plus the Gamecocks had an easy time of it in their opener, while the Dawgs were in a knockdown, drag out fight with Clemson.  But maybe, just maybe, that made the Dawgs tougher.  The Gamecocks might come into this game a little soft.  In this week’s performance, who will play the role of Jadeveon Clowney?  Maybe it will be the real Jadeveon.  He just wanted to make the Dawgs think he is soft.  Clowney makes his comeback on the stage – South Carolina 26, Georgia 22.

4. Oregon (1-0) at Virginia (1-0) – (Pac-12 vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – Virginia hung in there last week and beat BYU.  But Oregon is no BYU.  The Ducks are the real McCoy.  This week, the Cavaliers get hung – Oregon 33, Virginia 19.

5. Texas (1-0) at BYU (0-1) – (Big 12 vs. Ind.) (TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday) – Texas had a rough time getting it cranked up last week.  But once the Horns got it going, there was no stopping them.  BYU won’t stop them either – Texas 27, BYU 18.

6. San Jose State (1-0) at Stanford (0-0) – (MWC vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 11 p.m. ET, Saturday) – This could be the year of the Cardinal.  The Tree is loaded.  But little nearby neighbor San Jose State loves to give the Cardinal fits when these two play.  And the Spartans are getting better.  But not better enough to climb the Tree – Stanford 28, San Jose State 17.

7. West Virginia (1-0) at Oklahoma (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday) – Quite frankly, we don’t know much about West Virginia after last week.  We know the offense looked sloppy.  We fear the worst for the defense.  But I don’t think the Sooners have any fears at all – Oklahoma 29, West Virginia 14.

8. Cincinnati (1-0) at Illinois (1-0) – (AAC vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Bearcats face their second-straight Big Ten opponent.  This one could be a little tougher.  Illinois definitely has a better offense than Purdue.  Nathan Scheelhaase is the real thing.  But the Banned Indians defense may be just as bad, if not worse, than Purdue’s.  The Tuberville train rolls on – Cincinnati 39, Illinois 31.

9. Arkansas State (1-0) at Auburn (1-0) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) (TV: Fox Sports Network, 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – Oooh, now this could be a fun one.  Some of these non-SEC opponents, teams like Arkansas State, have been giving Auburn fits in recent times.  Gus Malzahn coached at Arkie State last year.  Now he’s at Auburn.  I’d say the Arkie State guys have some incentive.  Now, what’s that bird’s first name?  Don’t muss with Gus – Auburn 30, Arkansas State 20.

10. Western Kentucky (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) (TV:  SEC Network, 12:20 p.m. ET, Saturday) – The Hilltoppers beat Kentucky last week – second year in a row.  Now they are ready to take on Tennessee.  Maybe they should join the SEC.  You know, with coaches like Phil Fulmer, Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley, it used to be easy to make fun of Tennessee.  But it’s hard to be funny about the Vols now with a coach like Butch Jones.  He’s so serious.  The Hilltoppers can’t top Rocky Top – Tennessee 30, Western Kentucky 19.

11. Wake Forest (1-0) at Boston College (1-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET, Friday) – Both picked to finish in the cellar of the ACC.  But you never know.  One of these two could be a surprise in 2013.  Both won their openers, but not exactly against the toughest competition.  BC does the surprising – Boston College 22, Wake Forest 20.

12. Bowling Green (1-0) at Kent State (1-0) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPN Regional, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – These two teams just could be the contenders for the MAC East.  BG looked awesome against Tulsa.  Hopefully Kent State has Dri Archer back this week.  The Golden Flashes need him.  STRIKE! – Bowling Green 28, Kent State 23.

13. Middle Tennessee (1-0) at North Carolina (0-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big 12) (TV: ACC Network, 12:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – The Tar Heels get it a little easier this week.  But they can’t take the Blue Raiders for granted.  Middle-Tenn is tougher than you think.  The Tar Heels play Smurf ball – North Carolina 29, Middle Tennessee 20.

14. Washington State (0-1) at USC (1-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 10:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – In his second year, Mike Leach appears to have some offense at Washington State.  But his defense is still bad.  The Trojans will take advantage of that.  Lane Kiffin lives to coach another day – USC 33, Washington State 22.

15. South Florida (0-1) at Michigan State (1-0) – (AAC vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – I’m sure the Bulls want to forget about last week.  It doesn’t get much worse than that.  Willie Taggart may wish he had stayed at Western Kentucky.  Will the Spartans show any mercy?  Sparty grabs the Bulls by their……horns – Michigan State 36, South Florida 15.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Utah State (0-1) at Air Force (1-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: CBS Sports Network, 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – After a tough loss to intrastate rival Utah last week, something tells me the Aggies will bounce back this week.  I don’t think the Flyboys can handle Chuckie Keeton.  Aggies learn to fly – Utah State 30, Air Force 25.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Southern Miss (0-1) at Nebraska (1-0) – (C-USA vs. Big Ten) (TV: Big Ten Network, 6 p.m. ET, Saturday) – I think that thumb is wavering.  That was a little too close for comfort last week.  Well, no worries this week.  The Huskers could beat the Eagles with their hands tied behind their backs.  Well, maybe the defense needs to have their hands free.  A sigh of relief – Nebraska 40, Southern Miss 10.

Duke (1-0) at Memphis (0-0) – (ACC vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) – The Dookies actually held their opponent scoreless last week.  Stranger things have happened, but not many.  The test gets a little tougher for the Dookies this week – but not that tough.  The Devils make it hot – Duke 31, Memphis 16.

Indiana State (0-1) at Purdue (0-1) – (Missouri Valley vs. Big Ten) (TV: Big Ten Network, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Last week, Indiana State lost 73-35, and the Boilers lost 42-7.  So you tell me what’s going to happen this week.  The Boilers show a little steam – Purdue 40, Indiana State 26.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

UCF (1-0) travels to Florida International (0-1) (TV: CBS Sports Network, 8 p.m. ET, Friday) ….  Florida Atlantic (0-1) visits East Carolina (1-0) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday) ….  Florida A&M (1-0) hosts Tennessee State (0-1) (TV: None, 2 p.m. ET, Saturday).

Bethune-Cookman (1-0) entertains Virginia Union (0-0) (TV: None, 4 p.m. ET, Saturday) ….  Jacksonville U. (0-1) plays at Jacksonville State (1-0) (TV: ) ….  Florida Tech (0-0) inaugurates its football program, hosting Stetson (1-0) (TV: None, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday).  Florida State is off. 


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football …. Levi’s Stadium, the new home of the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, will play host to the California-Stanford game next season…. Ohio State and Virginia Tech will play a two-game series in 2014 and 2015.  The 2014 game will take place in Columbus on September 20.  The following year, the two teams will meet in Blacksburg on Labor Day night….  BYU and California have scheduled a home-and-home series for 2014 and 2017. 

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

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

David Frost, the British broadcaster best known for interviewing former President Richard Nixon after he resigned from office in disgrace, died Saturday.  He was 74.  Frost spent more than 50 years in television.  David Paradine Frost was born April 7, 1939, in Tenterden, England.  His father was a Methodist minister.  In 1962, Frost became the host of “That Was the Week That Was,” a satirical look at the news.  While it lasted only two seasons in Britain, “TW3,” as it was known, was reborn as a program on NBC in the United States.  His penetrating interviews with Nixon took place in 1977.