College Football Week 10 – Now it’s Alabama vs. Oregon
First ever ‘football’ homecoming

Swamp Mama and I went to a football game over the weekend.  No, we weren’t in Gainesville with Bootsie and Rockledge Gator, attending a Florida game.  The Gators had the weekend off – thank goodness.  They need a few weekends off, the way they’re playing.

We went to the Florida Tech game in Melbourne.  It was the Panthers’ homecoming.  They were playing Warner University from Lake Wales, Florida.  Did I say homecoming?  Actually, it was Florida Tech’s first ever ‘football’ homecoming – football being the key word.

Florida Tech has held annual homecomings for several years.  But since this is the first year the Panthers have a football team, this was the school’s first homecoming held on a weekend of a Florida Tech football game, hence the first football homecoming.

The homecoming events began Thursday evening with the Florida Tech 5K.  The race (and/or walk) took place on the streets of downtown Melbourne.  It was co-sponsored by Meg O’Malley’s, our local Irish pub.  Swamp Mama, along with several faculty and staff from the College of Business at Florida Tech participated in the race.

I chose to sit out the 5K, choosing instead to sit in Meg O’Malley’s and enjoy a Guinness or two – the key word being two.  While Swamp Mama was being the energizer bunny, I joined Alex Vamosi and John Allen at a table on the back terrace of Meg’s. 

Alex is the Associate Dean of the College of Business and John is the Manager of Assessment.  You may remember Alex as Swamp Mama’s date on the night of Florida Tech’s first football game back in September.  You remember, the date that took her to a pre-game dinner at Hardee’s.

Like me, Alex and John chose Guinness over the 5K too.

Swamp Mama finished the race first in her age group.  She won a medal for her efforts.  It was presented to her by the President of Florida Tech.  She also received a hug from the school’s mascot – Pete the Panther.  I treated Swamp Mama to dinner at Meg O’Malley’s for her efforts.  She’s moving up in the world – from Hardee’s to Meg’s.

During the medal presentation, my friend Tim Muth, a Finance Instructor in the College of Business, hassled me to change my prediction on the NC State-FSU game.  The previous week I picked Clemson over FSU.  The Noles won.

Tim, a Florida State grad, was worried that I jinxed the Noles by picking them to beat NC State.  Let’s see, FSU beat NC State, 49-17.  And my prediction worried Tim?  It’s a good thing Tim is a finance instructor and not a bookie.  Hey Tim, this week I picked the Noles to beat the Canes.  You won’t be able to sleep at night?

Before the game Saturday, Swamp Mama and I joined a tailgating party on the Florida Tech campus hosted by that doyenne of hospitality Catherine Cook.  Catherine, an Associate Professor of Marketing in the College of Business, is a Florida State grad.  What’s with all these FSU grads?  I need to speak to Dr. Becker.

Danny ‘Everything Gator’ and Mardi ‘Accounting Gator’ Sale joined us at the tailgate.  Mardi is an Associate Professor of Accounting.  Before we boarded the bus to the stadium, we clinked our paper cups of champagne, toasting the Panthers.

It was a perfect day for football – clear, sunny skies and not too hot.  A crowd of 3,975 settled in for the game.  Florida Tech scored first, taking a 7-0 lead over Warner.  The Royals followed with a field goal and that turned out to be their only points in the game.  The Panthers went on to win 37-3.

Florida Tech is a Division II school and that can have its benefits for those attending the game.  Chances are it won’t be televised.  Televised games can go on forever with all the stoppage and time outs for television.  There were no TV time outs Saturday.  With a 1 pm start at the Florida Tech game, I was home in time to catch the West Virginia-Kansas State game, starting at 4:00.

The Mountaineers led the Wildcats 12-7 late in the third quarter.  After that, I wish I was back at Catherine’s tailgate party, drinking champagne – or over a Meg’s drinking Guinness.  Kansas State beat WVU, 35-12.

Saturday was fairly quiet compared to the previous two Saturday’s, but there were a few big upsets – at least three.  No. 5 Missouri led No. 20 South Carolina 17-0 early in the fourth quarter.  Then the Tigers went to sleep – sound asleep.  The Gamecocks scored 17 points in the final period to tie the Tigers 17-17 at the end of regulation.  After two overtimes, South Carolina went on to upset Missouri, 27-24.

Duke knocked off No. 16 Virginia Tech, 13-10, in Blacksburg.  With the win, the Blue Devils became bowl eligible.  Minnesota stunned No. 25 and heavily favored Nebraska, 34-23.  The win made the Gophers bowl eligible also.  Two other Top 25 teams lost, but they were not upset.  No. 10 Texas Tech lost to No. 17 Oklahoma, 38-30.  But the Sooners were favored.  No. 12 UCLA lost, as expected, to No. 2 Oregon, 42-14.

Two ranked and undefeated teams came close to losing Saturday.  Trailing Wake Forest 21-17 late in the fourth quarter, No. 7 Miami (Florida) scored a touchdown with 0:53 remaining to beat the Demon Deacons, 24-21.  In California, No. 15 Fresno State needed an overtime to subdue San Diego State, 35-28.

There were three overtime games over the weekend.  In addition to South Carolina-Missouri and Fresno State-San Diego State, Iowa downed Northwestern in overtime, 17-10.  Two teams combined for a perfect score, although Marshall fans wouldn’t call it perfect.  Middle Tennessee and Marshall combined for 100 points.  The Blue Raiders beat the Herd, 51-49.

Ohio State and UCF made the “60 plus” club.  The Buckeyes beat Penn State, 63-14, while UCF downed Connecticut, 62- 17.  Scoring 59 points each, four teams just missed the club.  Baylor beat Kansas, 59-14; Ole Miss downed Idaho, 59-14; Northern Illinois beat Eastern Michigan, 59-20, and SMU downed Temple, 59-49.  Oklahoma State just missed the club too.  The Cowboys beat Iowa State, 58-27.

So, ten little Indians and then there were eight.  We are down to eight undefeated teams – Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Fresno State, Miami (Florida), Northern Illinois, Ohio State and Oregon.  We will be down to at least seven undefeated teams after this weekend.  Miami and Florida State tangle in Tallahassee.  Alabama, Baylor and Oregon are off this week.  Fresno State, Northern Illinois and Ohio State have weak opponents.

Alabama is still No. 1 in the latest BCS poll.  But Oregon replaced Florida State at No. 2.  FSU fell to No. 3.  Ohio State is still sitting at No. 4.  I have read that if Baylor finishes the season undefeated, the Bears will replace Ohio State at No. 4.  The Buckeyes would fall to No. 5.  If this was next year, the Buckeyes wouldn’t make the four-team playoff.

It’s early, but my three favorites for the Heisman Trophy at this stage are Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, Florida State’s Jameis Winston and Baylor’s Bryce Petty.  Stay tuned!

Alabama coach Nick Saban was crying at a press conference last week about the Alabama fans leaving at the end of the third quarter.  He said the fans should stay and see the team play to the end of the game.  Why should the Bama fans do that when Nick won’t let the players play to the end of the game?  Saturday, Alabama led Tennessee, 35-0 at halftime and 42-3 at the end of the third quarter.  Bama won 45-10.  Thirty-five points in the first half and only 10 in the second half – only three in the fourth quarter.  Come on Nick.  What are you crying about?  Give the fans some entertainment.

You may have read or seen where Bobby Bowden returned to Doak-Campbell Stadium Saturday.  It was his first time back to a Florida State game since he retired at the end of the 2009 season.  Bobby was not only coming back, but he was also going to plant the flaming spear in the turf in the pre-game ceremony.

I couldn’t wait to see this.  But I was disappointed.  I thought Bobby was going to come riding out on that horse – what’s the horse’s name – Free Shoe?, Dillard?, Bingo?  But Bobby just walked out and threw the spear in the ground.  Actually, Bobby was half right – the real Seminole Indians didn’t ride horses.  And he was half wrong – the real Seminole Indians didn’t throw flaming spears either.  FSU is big on fabrication.   

I’m worried about Swamp Mama.  She went into a state of depression early Saturday evening.  It was just about the time the Texas Tech-Oklahoma game ended.     

Touchdown Tom
October 28, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
     

Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Swamp Mama’s depressed – Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 29, Oklahoma 25).  The lack of a ground game hurt the Red Raiders.  Texas Tech only had 72 yards rushing.  Three turnovers hurt too.  A crowd of 84,734 attended the game in Norman.  

RUNNER UP:  Bears get stuffed – Oregon 42, UCLA 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 40, UCLA 34).  A good game at the half – 14-14 – Oregon poured it on in the second half.  UCLA only had 64 yards passing.  A crowd of 59,206 attended the game in Eugene. 

REST OF THE BEST:  “God smiled on the Gamecocks” – South Carolina 27, Missouri 24 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 26, South Carolina 24).  Trailing 17-0, Connor Shaw came in and saved the game for the Gamecocks.  Mizzou just totally fell apart in the final quarter.  A crowd of 67,124 attended the game in Columbia, MO. 

Beavers met a Tree they couldn’t fell – Stanford 20, Oregon State 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 27, Stanford 25).  Stanford’s defense dominated the Beavers.  Oregon State only had 17 yards rushing.  A crowd of 44,519 attended the game in Corvallis.  

BCS wasn’t impressed – Ohio State 63, Penn State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 34, Penn State 20).  What a demoralizing loss for the Nitts.  Urban Meyer was definitely out to impress the pollsters.  The Buckeyes had 686 yards of offense.  A crowd of 105,889 attended the game in Columbus. 

Nick told his players to stop playing in the second half – Alabama 45, Tennessee 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Tennessee 17).  So why should the fans stay for the second half.  Alabama is a great team, but even the Tide bores its fans.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa. 

They’re back – Clemson 40, Maryland 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 36, Maryland 34).  Sloppy game.  The teams combined for seven turnovers.  Clemson dominated the Terps in the stats.  A crowd of 48,134 attended the game in College Park.  

How ’bout them Dookies! – Duke 13, Virginia Tech 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 27, Duke 15).  You look at the stats and you would have thought the Hokies won.  Tech had 387 yards of offense to Duke’s 198.  Also a sloppy game – teams combined for eight turnovers.  Logan Thomas just isn’t getting the job done for the Hokies.  A crowd of 63,326 attended the game in Blacksburg.  

Back on the hot seat again – Minnesota 34, Nebraska 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17).  Bo has to be feeling the heat after this one.  Minnesota’s ground game was impressive.  A crowd of 49,995 attended the game in Minneapolis. 

This ain’t your daddy’s Boise State – BYU 37, Boise State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 29, BYU 28).  The Cougars built up a 31-6 lead over Boise State and then toyed with the Broncos.  Boise State suffered its third loss this season, something the Broncos haven’t done since 2007 when they finished 10-3.  Boise State had four turnovers on the game.  BYU’s Taysom Hill passed for 339 yards.  A crowd of 62,954 attended the game in Provo.

These Knights have no honor – Houston 49, Rutgers 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Houston 22).  Rutgers had six turnovers.  Houston had none.  Nuff said.  A crowd of 52,200 attended the game in Piscataway.

Noles dance with the Wolves – Florida State 49, NC State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, NC State 16).  FSU is becoming like Alabama – a boring team in the second half.  The Noles led the Wolfpack 42-0 at the half.  FSU had 566 yards of offense.  A crowd of 80,389 attended the game in Tallahassee.  

Just how good are the Spartans? – Michigan State 42, Illinois 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 30, Illinois 19).  Spartans defense held the Banned Indians to 128 yards of offense – only 25 rushing.  A crowd of 45,895 attended the game in Champaign.  

Manziel didn’t do any running – Texas A&M 56, Vanderbilt 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 35, Vanderbilt 19).  He didn’t need to against Vandy.  A&M led 28-0 early in the second quarter, but only 28-17 at the half.  Then the Aggies led 49-17 at the end of the third quarter.  A crowd of 86,584 attended the game in College Station.  

All defense, no offense – USC 19, Utah 3 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 30, Utah 18).  Defense is winning the games for the Trojans, not their offense.  USC only had 30 yards rushing.  A crowd of 64,715 attended the game in Los Angeles.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Delayed – Texas 30, TCU 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 23, TCU 14).  This game was delayed forever and ever.  Weather delay.  The return of Casey Pachall didn’t help the Frogs.  A crowd of 48,212 attended the game in Fort Worth.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Kansas State 35, West Virginia 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 33, West Virginia 23).  As hard as I look and try to find something good about West Virginia, I can’t.  The coaching staff is abysmal.  The offense is bad to the bone.  The defense is sad.  The defensive secondary is worse than last year.  WVU has shown no improvement since the start of the season.  I can’t see the Mountaineers winning another game this year.  WVU football is at rock bottom and the future looks grim.  The list of next year’s commitments is disappointing.  Dana Holgorsen not only can’t coach, he can’t recruit.  He’s 5-11 in his last 16 games at WVU.  Somebody needs to buy Holgorsen a one-way bus ticket to Cross Lanes.  A crowd of 52,898 attended the game in Manhattan.  

Week 9 Picks:   10 Correct, 7 Wrong (58.8 percent)
On the Season:  124 Correct, 44 Wrong (73.8 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami edged Wake Forest, 24-21.  A crowd of 66,160 attended the game in Miami Gardens….  UCF routed Connecticut, 62-17.  A crowd of 37,924 attended the game in Orlando….  South Florida fell to Louisville, 34-3.  A crowd of 35,782 attended the game in Tampa.

Florida Atlantic lost to Auburn, 45-10.  A crowd of 85,517 attended the game in Auburn….  Florida International lost to Louisiana Tech, 23-7.  A crowd of 13,389 attended the game in Miami….  Florida A&M lost to North Carolina A&T, 20-13.  A crowd of 9,209 attended the game in Tallahassee….  Bethune-Cookman beat South Carolina State, 14-3.  A crowd of 10,421 attended the game in Daytona Beach.

Jacksonville U. defeated Davidson, 56-13.  A crowd of 3,116 attended the game in Jacksonville….  Stetson fell to Marist, 27-0.  A crowd of 1,826 attended the game in Poughkeepsie….  Florida Tech downed Warner, 37-3.  A crowd of 3,975 attended the game in Melbourne.    


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 37-53-0 for 538 yards; San Jose State’s David Fales – 27-37-0-482; Baylor’s Bryce Petty – 20-32-0-430; Western Kentucky’s Brandon Doughty – 29-45-0-387; Texas Tech’s Davis Webb – 33-53-2-385; Washington’s Keith Price – 20-32-0-376;Virginia’s David Watford – 43-61-1-376, and Houston’s John O’Korn – 24-30-0-364.

Also, Nevada’s Cody Fajardo – 24-40-1 for 357 yards; Hawaii’s Sean Schroeder – 28-49-1-349; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 25-29-0-344; BYU’s Taysom Hill – 27-41-0-339; San Diego State’s Quinn Kaehler – 21-39-1-337; California’s Jarred Goff – 32-54-0-336; UNLV’s Caleb Herring – 29-42-0-335; LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 16-24-2-328, and Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 22-32-0-306.

Also, Troy’s Corey Robinson – 20-32-1 for 306 yards; Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 25-35-1-305; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 28-41-1-304; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 25-45-1-302; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 18-27-2-300; South Alabama’s Ross Metheny – 27-43-1-300; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 35-57-0-298; Temple’s P.J. Walker – 26-37-0-293, and Florida State’s Jameis Winston – 16-26-1-292.   


Impressive Rushers: Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 241 yards; Wyoming’s Shaun Wick – 234 yards; Oklahoma State’s Desmond Roland – 219 yards; Arizona’s B.J. Denker – 192 yards; UTEP’s Aaron  Jones – 186 yards; Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 185 yards; NC State’s Shadrach Thornton – 173 yards, and Ohio’s Beau Blankenship – 172 yards.

Also, Boston College’s Andre Williams – 172 yards; Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 168 yards; Akron’s Jawon Chisholm – 166 yards; Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah – 165 yards; Clemson’s Roderick McDowell – 161 yards; Rutgers’ Justin Goodwin – 161 yards; Rice’s Charles Ross – 152 yards, and Boise State’s Jay Ajayi – 151 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“Clemson at Maryland: If you’re wondering why Dabo Swinney will be standing on the sideline without pants, it’s because he lost them in the Florida State game,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“They’re calling it the ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Pity Party’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution writer Chip Towers, on this year’s Florida-Georgia game. 

“Well not only his talent but his humility.  He’s not doing like Manziel.  Winston gives all the credit to the rest of his team,” Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, comparing Jameis Winston to Johnny Manziel.

“Will Muschamp is a good football coach – a very good football coach.  But he has a bad offense – a very bad offense.  And if he doesn’t get it fixed soon, a good football coach will soon be an unemployed football coach,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Right now, the Gators aren’t winning and they aren’t entertaining.  This is a lethal combination for a football coach,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Miami (Florida) (7-0) at Florida State (7-0) (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – You gotta figure the Canes will give the Noles a tougher time than Clemson did.  I can’t see FSU beating Miami as bad as they beat the Tigers.  But I can’t see FSU losing.  Jameis Winston and the Noles defense will be too much for the Canes to handle.  Sorry Tim – Florida State 30, Miami 24.

RUNNER UP:  2. Oklahoma State (6-1) at Texas Tech (7-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – For Swamp Mama’s sake, I hope the Red Raiders bounce back this week.  This does have the makings of a good one – a classic.  The hotter coach wins – Texas Tech 37, Oklahoma State 29.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Michigan (6-1) at Michigan State (7-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – No one is really sure about these two teams.  Just how good are they?  The records are good, but they haven’t beaten anybody.  The winner should make a big jump in the polls.  Spartans state their case – Michigan State 24, Michigan 20.

4. USC (5-3) at Oregon State (6-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN2, 9 pm ET, Friday) – I can’t see the Beavers losing two-straight at home.  But the Trojans do have an outstanding defense.  Mannion gets hot – Oregon State 23, USC 17. 

5. Tennessee (4-4) at Missouri (7-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Mizzou should be mad as hell after blowing that game last week.  It doesn’t get any easier for the Vols – Missouri 29, Tennessee 19. 

6. Mississippi State (4-3) at South Carolina (6-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SEC Network, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Looks like the Gamecocks are back on a roll.  Don’t bet against the Ole Ball Coach – South Carolina 30, Miss State 20.

7. Wisconsin (5-2) at Iowa (5-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Both teams are playing well, but the Badgers have more talent.  Looking Bucky for the Badgers – Wisconsin 28, Iowa 23.

8. Arizona State (5-2) at Washington State (4-4) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Thursday) – It’s about time for Mike Leach and the Cougars to pop one.  The Sun Devils are on upset alert.  But the Devils apply the heat – Arizona State 39, Washington State 36.

9. Pitt (4-3) at Georgia Tech (5-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Pitt lost to Navy and Georgia Tech runs the same offense as the Middies.  And the Jackets are better – Georgia Tech 29, Pitt 20.

10. Virginia Tech (6-2) at Boston College (3-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Hokies need to crank up their offense.  Their defense should beat the Eagles – Virginia Tech 25, Boston College 16.
 
11. Northwestern (4-4) at Nebraska (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Northwestern is hurting.  The Wildcats have dropped four straight.  As strange as Nebraska is playing, I can’t see the Huskers losing this one.  If they do, Bo better check the job openings.  Herbie bounces back – Nebraska 28, Northwestern 22.
 
12. Minnesota (6-2) at Indiana (3-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – I can see the Gophers having a letdown this week after the big win over Nebraska.  The Hoosiers can put some points on the board.  They aren’t shy about scoring.  Gophers on a mission – Minnesota 34, Indiana 32.

13. Boise State (5-3) at Colorado State (4-4) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: CBSSN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – The Broncos are having a tough year, but they are still looking good in their conference.  They’ll look better after this one – Boise State 32, Colorado State 26.
 
14. Clemson (7-1) at Virginia (2-6) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 3:30 pm Et, Saturday) – The Tigers are still trying to figure out what happened against Florida State.  They need to get over the FSU loss.  They do – Clemson 36, Virginia 16.

15. Florida (4-3) vs. Georgia (4-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – A writer in Georgia called this game the Pity Party.  Both teams have been pitiful.  This should be interesting.  Georgia has an offense, but no defense.  Florida has a defense, but no offense.  Muschamp is 0-2 against Georgia.  Will he become 0-3?  Yes – Georgia 25, Florida 24.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Illinois (3-4) at Penn State (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – As bad as the Nitts looked last week, they should bounce back against the Banned Indians.  Illinois is about as bad as you can get – Penn State 35, Illinois 21. 


YE OLE STOMPING GROUNDS

West Virginia (3-5) at TCU (3-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Is there any hope for the Mountaineers?  Like WVU, TCU has no offense.  But the Frogs can play some defense.  Looking bleak for the Eers – TCU 27, West Virginia 19.

Kansas (2-5) at Texas (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Local Cable, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Longhorns get a breather this week.  There is no hope for the Jayhawks – Texas 37, Kansas 14.

Ohio State (8-0) at Purdue (1-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – What more can the Buckeyes do after putting 63 on the board against Penn State?  If they are going to do it, Purdue is a team to do it against.  The Boilers are pretty woeful.  But the Boilers have been surprising in the past, giving the Buckeyes trouble.  Not this year – Ohio State 35, Purdue 17.

Duke (6-2) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida (2-5) plays at Houston (6-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Thursday). ….  Florida Atlantic (2-6) hosts Tulane (6-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 5 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida International (1-6) entertains East Carolina (5-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: Local Cable, 6 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (2-6) travels to Norfolk State (2-6) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (7-1) visits North Carolina Central (4-4) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: ESPN News, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  Jacksonville U. (4-4) is away at Marist (5-3) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday).

Stetson (1-6) is home against Campbell (1-7) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Tech (3-5) is on the road at West Georgia (4-4) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) (TV: Local Cable, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday).

UCF is off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Louisville and Houston have agreed to a two-game, home-and-home series to be played in 2015 and 2016…. 

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but sadly there were four passings of note last week – Noel Harrison, Bill Sharman, Marcia Wallace and Lou Reed.

Noel Harrison, the actor and folk singer best known for his role on NBC’s “The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.” and his rendition of the Academy Award winning song “The Windmills of Your Mind,” died last week in Exeter, England.  He was 79.  Harrison was the son of the English actor Rex Harrison.  He was a member of Britain’s alpine ski teams in the 1952 and 1956 Winter Olympics.  Harrison sang folk and calypso songs in nightclubs around Europe.  He often performed at the Blue Angel in London where a young Paul McCartney was a fan.  In the United States, Harrison had a mild hit in 1965 with the song “A Young Girl.” In addition to his starring role on “The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., he made appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Mod Squad” and “Mission Impossible.”  He also performed with The Beach Boys and Sonny and Cher.  He recorded “The Windmills of Your Mind” in 1968.  Noel John Christopher Harrison was born on January 29, 1934.  In the 1970s, he lived in Canada and hosted “Take Time” a Canadian television show on the CBC network.

Bill Sharman, a sharpshooting guard who helped establish the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1950s and who coached the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers to a record 33-game winning streak and the NBA title, died last week at his home in Redondo Beach, California.  He was 87.  For 10 seasons, beginning in the fall of 1951, Sharman teamed with the playmaking guard Bob Cousy to form one of the NBA’s legendary backcourts.  He led the Celtics in scoring during four seasons and was on the team when they won four NBA titles.  Sharman retired from the Celtics after the 1960-61 season.  He coached a number of teams, including Los Angeles State and the Los Angeles Stars of the ABA.  He became the Lakers coach in the fall of 1971 and led them to a 69-13 record and NBA title that season.  Sharman retired from coaching after the 1975-76 season, becoming the Lakers general manager.  He became the team’s president in 1983 and retired from that position in 1990.  William Walton Sharman was born on May 25, 1926, in Abilene, Texas.  His family moved to California when he was a child.  He attended the University of Southern California where he was a two-time All-American.  Sharman also played baseball for the Trojans and was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He played for the Dodgers in the early 1950s.    

Marcia Wallace, the star of “The Bob Newhart Show” and “The Simpsons,” died last week at her home in Los Angeles.  She was 70.  The cause was breast cancer.  Wallace played Newhart’s daffy receptionist on the hit CBS show during its entire six-season run.  Then she made guest appearances on shows like “ALF,” “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island” and “Murphy Brown,” before becoming a regular on game shows such as “The $25,000 Pyramid,” “Password” and “Hollywood Squares.”  Wallace built a second career as the voice of Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpson’s fourth grade teacher on “The Simpsons.”      

Lou Reed, the singer, songwriter and guitarist whose work with the Velvet Underground in the 1960s had a major influence on generations of rock musicians, died yesterday at his home in Amagansett, New York.  He was 71.  Lewis Allan Reed was born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York.  His family moved to Long Island when he was a child.  He graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in English.  Reed left the Velvet Underground in 1970.  David Bowie produced Reed’s album “Transformer.”  It rose to No. 29 on the Billboard’s album charts.  “Walk on the Wild Side,” a single from the album was Reed’s only Top 40 hit. 

College Football Week 9 – Tide-Noles in BCS Title Game?
Déjà vu, Shakeup II

It began Friday night when unranked UCF, trailing 28-7 late in the fourth quarter, rallied to upset eighth-ranked Louisville, 38-35.  It ended Saturday night with fifth-ranked Florida State pulverizing third-ranked Clemson, 51-14.  Along the way, seven other ranked teams took a tumble. 

In all, nine Top 25 teams were beaten over the weekend.  This marked the second-straight week that several teams in the Top 25 were knocked off.  Last week, no less than seven ranked teams fell.

Without a doubt, the biggest shakeup over the weekend occurred in the SEC where five – count ’em – five ranked teams – Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Texas A&M and LSU – were upset Saturday.  The SEC shockers began in Nashville, where unranked Vanderbilt rallied in the fourth quarter to upset 15th-ranked Georgia, 31-27.  Trailing the Bulldogs 27-14 at the end of the third quarter, the Commodores scored 17 unanswered points in the final period.

The shakeup continued in Knoxville with unranked Tennessee knocking off 11th-ranked South Carolina, 23-21.  Down 21-17 at the end of the third quarter, the Volunteers kicked two field goals in the final period – the second field goal as time expired – to beat the Gamecocks.  In Columbia, 14th-ranked Missouri jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter and never looked back, upsetting 22nd-ranked Florida, 36-17.  The Tigers were higher-ranked, but the Gators were favored in the game.

In a wild one in College Station, the bedlam continued with unranked Auburn stunning seventh-ranked Texas A&M 45-41.  It was a game where the lead changed hands seven times.  The Tigers finally pulled it out, scoring a touchdown with 1:19 remaining in the game.  And if those four SEC upsets weren’t enough, Ole Miss had another shakeup in store for us.  Saturday night in Oxford, the unranked Rebels upset sixth-ranked LSU, 27-24.

Ole Miss led throughout most of the game, holding a 17-0 lead halfway through the third quarter.  But LSU rallied to tie the score at 24-24 with 3:19 remaining in the game.  In the closing three minutes, the Rebels drove down the field and kicked a 41-yard field goal with just two seconds on the clock.  
   
The other two ranked teams losing Saturday were UCLA and Washington.  The ninth-ranked Bruins fell to Stanford, 24-10, and the 20th-ranked Huskies lost big time to Arizona State, 53-24.

Two ranked teams – Miami (Florida) and Texas Tech –  had close calls, both pulling out their wins in the final quarter.  The Hurricanes trailed North Carolina 23-13 early in the fourth quarter.  Miami then scored two touchdowns – the second with 0:16 remaining – to rally and beat the Tar Heels, 27-23.

In Morgantown, Texas Tech trailed West Virginia 27-16 late in the third quarter.  The Red Raiders then scored 21 unanswered points to pull out a 37-27 win over the Mountaineers. 

Four teams lost for the first time this season – Clemson, Houston, Louisville and UCLA.  Of the four, only Houston wasn’t ranked.  But the Cougars were knocking on the door.  That is until Saturday when Houston lost to BYU in a thriller, 47-46.

In a tightly contested game, Houston led at the half, 38-34 and 46-41 late in the game.  But with 1:08 left on the clock, BYU scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Taysom Hill to Skyler Ridley and held on to win.   

So after eight weeks of football, we are now down to 10 undefeated teams – Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Fresno State, Miami (Florida), Missouri, Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas Tech.  All 10 of the undefeated teams play this weekend.  But barring any big upsets, only Missouri, Oregon and Texas Tech face stiff competition.  Missouri hosts South Carolina and Oregon hosts UCLA.  Texas Tech is the most vulnerable.  The Red Raiders travel to Oklahoma.  Stay tuned!

In the weekend’s only overtime game, Toledo outlasted Navy in two overtimes, 45-44.  After jumping out to a 4-0 start, Northwestern has now lost three-straight games.  Saturday, the Wildcats fell to Minnesota, 20-17.

Georgia Tech is off to a strange season.  After winning their first three games, the Yellow Jackets then lost three straight.  Saturday, Tech bounced back big time, beating Syracuse, 56-0.  Then there is Duke.  The Dookies (5-2) are only one win away from going to their second-straight bowl game.  Trailing Virginia 22-0 late in the second quarter, Duke rallied to score 35 unanswered points and beat the Cavaliers, 35-22.

Baylor’s back at it.  After being held below 70 points last week, the Bears bounced back, beating Iowa State, 71-7.  Also making the “60 plus” club were Michigan, beating Indiana, 63-47, and Oregon, beating Washington State, 62-38.

The first BCS poll is out and no surprise at No. 1 – Alabama.  The surprise is No. 2 – Florida State.  Oregon is No. 3.  But we still have a few weeks of football to play.  Stay tuned!

It’s early, but eight weeks into the season three coaches who deserve consideration for “Coach of the Year” are Missouri’s Gary Pinkel, Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury and Auburn’s Gus Malzahn. 

In case you missed it, the selection committee for the four-team playoff, beginning next season, was named last week.  Chairing the committee is Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long.  The other 12 members consist of four more athletic directors – West Virginia’s Oliver Luck, Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez, Clemson’s Dan Radakovich and USC’s Pat Haden.  Also, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; retired Lt. General Michael Gould; former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese; former college coaches Tom Osborne and Tyrone Willingham; former NFL and Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning; former NCAA vice president Tom Jernstedt, and former USA Today sports writer Steve Wieberg.

Somewhere, someplace, Pat Dye and David Pollack are crying over their beers.
 
“Swamp Mama, we have a problem.  The Texas Tech-West Virginia and Florida-Missouri games are on television at the same time.”

That’s what I told Swamp Mama late last week.  But she said she’d be generous and let me watch the Mountaineers.  “No biggie.”  Then it dawned on me, Swamp Mama was being generous all right – generous to herself.  She wanted to watch Texas Tech-West Virginia.  More specifically, she wanted to watch Kliff Kingsbury.

I couldn’t believe it.  In Swamp Mama’s preference of favorite things, Kliff Kingsbury has taken precedence over the Gators.  Then, watching the game, I realized Swamp Mama wasn’t even cheering for West Virginia.  Not only is Florida second fiddle to Kliff Kingsbury, but so am I. 

That’s it.  I’m joining a gym today and starting a high-energy, rigorous workout routine.  Anything to make me look like Kliff.  You don’t think it’s too late, do ya? 

Maybe some cosmetic surgery?  And, I’ll need the shades.

I truly believe if Texas Tech was playing Florida, Swamp Mama would cheer for Texas Tech.  I seriously hope Florida State never hires a sexy coach.  

Touchdown Tom
October 21, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  The Tajh was no Mahal – Florida State 51, Clemson 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 33, Florida State 27).  Maybe Jadeveon Clowney was right.  The defense can see the fear in Tajh Boyd’s eyes.  This was Boyd’s game to go out a champion.  He was the senior.  He was the experienced quarterback.  He was a flop.  Jameis Winston won the battle of the quarterbacks.  Winston did just about everything except walk on water.  He may do that on November 30 when he comes to The Swamp.  A crowd of 83,428 attended the game in Clemson.

RUNNER UP:  Bears can’t climb these Trees – Stanford 24, UCLA 10 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 30, Stanford 26).  Stanford definitely has UCLA’s number.  But these two could meet again in the Pac-12 title game.  The Cardinal was balanced – running and passing.  Tyler Gaffney rushed for 172 yards.  The Bruins had no ground game and it wasn’t Brett Hundley’s night.  A crowd of 51,424 attended the game in Palo Alto.

REST OF THE BEST:  Knights raid the Birds’ nest – UCF 38, Louisville 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 27, UCF 24).  I changed channels when Louisville went up 28-7.  Switched back to the game later and couldn’t believe my eyes.  UCF was winning, 31-28.  Teddy Bridgewater was good, but the Cardinals had no ground game.  A crowd of 55,215 attended the game in Louisville.

Later Gator – Missouri 36, Florida 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 22, Florida 17).  All of a sudden Tyler Murphy is starting to look like Jeff Driskel.  And the Gator defense is looking like the Sugar Bowl game against Louisville.  And Will Muschamp is looking like Will Mustake.  Mizzou had 500 yards of offense to Florida’s mere 151.  A crowd of 67,124 attended the game in Columbia.

What a surprise – Auburn 45, Texas A&M 41 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 35, Auburn 24).  Can you believe what Gus Malzahn has done for this Auburn team?  Unbelievable!  Neither Auburn nor Texas A&M has a defense.  The teams combined for 1,217 yards of offense.  But A&M’s was all passing.  Auburn was balanced – passing and running.  Johnny Manziel threw two interceptions.  A crowd of 87,165 attended the game in College Station.

No holiday for Halliday – Oregon 62, Washington State 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 57, Washington State 26).  These teams combined for 1,278 yards of offense.  But the Cougars only had 2 yards rushing.  Connor Halliday threw four interceptions.  Marcus Mariota is definitely a top-two contender for the Heisman.  Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti called Mike Leach “low class.”  A crowd of 56,949 attended the game in Eugene.

Houston couldn’t take the Hill – BYU 47, Houston 46 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 34, Houston 22).  These two combined for 1,164 yards of offense.  But Houston only had 48 yards rushing.  Taysom Hill passed for 417 yards and rushed for 128.  Houston lost for the first time this season.  A crowd of 33,115 attended the game in Houston.

Dana’s delirium – Texas Tech 37, West Virginia 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 31, West Virginia 30).  The Mountaineers defense can stop the run, but they are pathetic against the pass.  Just as bad, if not worse, than last year’s defense.  The frustration continues in Morgantown.  A crowd of 54,084 attended the game in Morgantown.

Bo-dacious – Ole Miss 27, LSU 24 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Ole Miss 20).  Zach Mettenberger threw three interceptions.  The Rebels outrushed and out-passed the Tigers.  Bo Wallace was near perfect.  A crowd of 61,160 attended the game in Oxford.

Hog slaughter – Alabama 52, Arkansas 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 30, Arkansas 12).  Bret Bielema has a big rebuilding job on his hands at Arkansas.  Meanwhile, all continues to go right for Alabama.  You get the feeling the Tide hasn’t been tested.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

Huskies have gone to the dogs – Arizona State 53, Washington 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, Washington 32).  After starting 4-0, Washington suffered its third-straight loss.  The Sun Devil defense held the Huskies to -5 yards rushing.  Bishop Sankey was held to 22  yards.  ASU’s Marion Grice rushed for 158 yards.  A crowd of 60,057 attended the game in Tempe.

Cocky was a little Rocky – Tennessee 23, South Carolina 21 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Tennessee 23).  Bad day for the Gamecocks quarterbacks.  Spurrier must be frustrated.  Butch Jones is definitely making some progress at Tennessee.  No one can take the Vols for granted.  A crowd of 95,736 attended the game in Knoxville.

Looked like a Lane Kiffin offense – Notre Dame 14, USC 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, USC 23).  All the scoring was in the first half.  The defenses looked good.  The offenses looked bad.  A crowd of 80,975 attended the game in South Bend.

Devin was heaven – Michigan 63, Indiana 47 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 36, Indiana 26).  The teams combined for 1,323 yards of offense.  The Hoosiers know how to score, but they can’t keep anybody from scoring on them.  A close game until midway through the fourth quarter – Michigan led 49-47.  Then the Wolverines ran away with it, scoring two touchdowns in the final six minutes.  Devin Gardner passed for 503 yards.  A crowd of 109,503 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Wildcats mute the Ute – Arizona 35, Utah 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 30, Utah 28).  The difference was Ka’Deem Carey.  The Wildcat rushed for 236 yards.  A crowd of 50,871 attended the game in Tucson.

Cowboys feast on Frog legs – Oklahoma State 24, TCU 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 26, TCU 19).  Sloppy game.  Both teams suffered four turnovers.  TCU held Okie State to 95 yards rushing.  A crowd of 59,638 attended the game in Stillwater.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Banned Indians can’t cut the Cheese – Wisconsin 56, Illinois 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Illinois 21).  The Banned Indians began the year with some promise, but it hasn’t come to fruition.  Surprised the Badger defense gave up 32 points.  But they did contain Illinois to 72 yards rushing.  A crowd of 47,362 attended the game in Champaign.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Dookies bomb London – Duke 35, Virginia 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 30, Duke 29).  Once the Dookies got the first half behind them, they were okay.  Duke scored 28 of its 35 points in the second half.  And the 7 first-half points were scored with 0:46 seconds left on the clock in the second quarter.  The Dookies shutout the Cavs in the second half.  A crowd of 39,071 attended the game in Charlottesville.

Dawgs got anchored – Vanderbilt 31, Georgia 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Vanderbilt 26).  What’s happened to Aaron Murray?  That guy has gone downhill.  The Dawgs suffered their second-straight loss.  You can’t take Vandy like candy any more.  A crowd of 40,350 attended the game in Nashville.

A little Spartan on offense – Michigan State 14, Purdue 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 32, Purdue 17).  Now this must have been a boring game to watch.  We know Purdue has no defense and the Spartans could only muster 14 points.  A crowd of 71,514 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Week 8 Picks:   12 Correct, 8 Wrong (60.0 percent)
On the Season:  114 Correct, 37 Wrong (75.5 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami rallied to beat North Carolina, 27-23.  A crowd of 56,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill….  Florida A&M lost to Howard, 21-10.  A crowd of 15,342 attended the game in Tallahassee.

Bethune-Cookman downed Savannah State, 48-21.  A crowd of 4,693 attended the game in Daytona Beach….  Jacksonville U. edged Campbell, 52-45.  A crowd of 2,750 attended the game in Buies Creek….  Florida Tech rallied to beat Shorter, 28-24.  A crowd of 4,000 attended the game in Melbourne.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Michigan’s Devin Gardner – 21-29-0 for 503 yards; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 35-45-0-481; Texas Tech’s Davis Webb – 36-50-0-462; Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 28-38-2-454; Florida State’s Jameis Winston – 22-34-1-444; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 33-48-0-412; Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 23-30-1-375; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace – 30-39-0-346, and Baylor’s Bryce Petty – 23-31-0-343.

Also, Louisiana Tech’s Ryan Higgins – 36-54-2 for 343 yards; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 29-38-0-341; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 23-32-0-327; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 25-37-0-324; SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 27-43-1-321; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 30-37-0-308; Cincinnati’s Brendon Kay – 17-24-0-300; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 28-36-1-297, and Missouri’s Maty Mauk – 18-36-1-295.


Impressive Rushers:  Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 316 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Bronson Hill – 257 yards; Pitt’s Isaac Bennett – 240 yards; Ka’Deem Carey – 236 yards; Boise State’s Jay Ajayi – 222 yards; Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 216 yards; Colorado State’s Kapri Bibbs – 201 yards; Oregon’s Byron Marshall – 192 yards, and Auburn’s Tre Mason – 178 yards.

Also, Texas State’s Robert Lowe – 177 yards; Stanford’s Tyler Gaffney – 171 yards; Rice’s Charles Ross – 167 yards; Arizona State’s Marion Grice – 158 yards; Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews – 154 yards; Toledo’s David Fluellen – 153 yards; Navy’s Noah Copeland – 153 yards, and Michigan’s Fitzgerald Toussaint – 151 yards.  


Quotes of the Week

“This young man is as good as anybody we’ve ever had.  Maybe as a freshman, that’s asking too much, but before he leaves here.  And he might do it this year,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, on FSU quarterback Jameis Winston.

“Personally, I don’t have a problem with anybody on the committee – least of all former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“I understand there’s a group of self-proclaimed football MENSA candidates (Pat Dye, Bobby Bowden, David Pollack) who believe Condoleezza Rice, because she never played the game, and, even worse, is a GIRL, has no place on the committee.  Did I miss something?  Are we asking Condi to run a cone drill or call plays?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“As former San Francisco 49ers center and guard Randy Cross, who got a little dirty now and then, once told me: ‘It’s football.  It’s not rocket science.’  But in rocket science, I think I would also take Condoleezza Rice over Pat Dye,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Florida State at Clemson: In science, there are two absolutes: a Peep in the microwave will balloon to the size of Mike Krzyzewski’s head and what goes up eventually morphs into Clemson and comes down.  The Tigers are 6-0 at home, but underdogs.  ‘Ain’t nobody going to skin us or eat us alive,’ said Dabo Swinney.  And then somebody closed the microwave door,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“You can’t take care of UCF at home?  Bye, bye!,” ESPN’s David Pollack, on Louisville being overrated.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Texas Tech (7-0) at Oklahoma (6-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Well, we know what game Swamp Mama will be watching at 3:30 on Saturday.  The Red Raiders will have their hands full with the Sooners.  The hotter coach wins – Texas Tech 29, Oklahoma 25. 

RUNNER UP:  2. UCLA (5-1) at Oregon (7-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Oregon has to be pissed that Florida State is ahead of them in the BCS poll.  That can only mean trouble for UCLA.  The Ducks will want to run it up and pour it on.  Marcus quacks, Brett cracks – Oregon 40, UCLA 34.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. South Carolina (5-2) at Missouri (7-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Will it be Mizzou against Bama in the SEC title game?  Not if Spurrier has anything to do about it.  The Tigers are definitely a hot team.  Still unbeaten – Missouri 26, South Carolina 24.

4. Stanford (6-1) at Oregon State (6-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Just as Utah was a trap game for Stanford, so too could be this game.  The Cardinal came off a big win against UCLA.  They are on the road in this one just as they were against Utah.  Beavers show some teeth – Oregon State 27, Stanford 25.

5. Penn State (4-2) at Ohio State (7-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – The Buckeyes are still hoping to make it to the BCS title game.  But it doesn’t look good.  They simply don’t play anybody.  The Bucks gotta hope the teams above them lose.  I can’t see Ohio State losing unless it is to Michigan.  The Nitts won’t be a problem – Ohio State 34, Penn State 20.

6. Tennessee (4-3) at Alabama (7-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Vols showed some life against South Carolina.  But this is Alabama.  The Tide will take the life out of the Vols.  Tide gives Davey Crocket a bath – Alabama 28, Tennessee 17.

7. Clemson (6-1) at Maryland (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Clemson has to be hurtin’ after that smacking the Tigers took from Florida State.  They may come out a little weak against the Terps.  But they should get their swagger back.  Tigers make tracks in College Park – Clemson 36, Maryland 34.

8. Duke (5-2) at Virginia Tech (6-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dookies have been playing good, but not that good.  Not good enough to handle the Hokies defense.  Hokies make eggs out of the Devils – Virginia Tech 27, Duke 15.

9. Nebraska (5-1) at Minnesota (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Nebraska is coming off an open week.  Open weeks seem to do a world of good for the Huskers.  It gives Bo time to get the Corn fertilized.  The Gophers never seem to play well in this game.  No reason to believe they will this time.  Herbie’s corn is stronger than the Goldy’s aquavit – Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17.

10. Boise State (5-2) at BYU (5-2) – (MWC vs. Ind.) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Friday) – The Broncos got off to a slow start, but they seem to have gotten their act together.  Both teams can score and neither has a great defense.  But the Broncos defense is better.  Cougars can’t ride the Horses – Boise State 29, BYU 28. 

11. Houston (5-1) at Rutgers (4-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN News, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Houston won’t have anything left in them after that wild loss to BYU.  All the while, Rutgers was enjoying an off week.  Chivalry exists in Piscataway – Rutgers 28, Houston 22.

12. NC State (3-3) at Florida State (6-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Wolfpack has been known to be troublesome for the Noles.  But this year, the Wolves are more trouble for themselves.  And Jameis Winston will only add to their troubles.  Noles aren’t afraid of any Wolf – Florida State 33, NC State 16. 

13. Michigan State (6-1) at Illinois (3-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Spartans are playing good defense.  But their offense is a little strange.  However, the Banned Indians have a terrible defense.  Sparty gets farty – Michigan State 30, Illinois 19.

14. Vanderbilt (4-3) at Texas A&M (5-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SEC Network, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Vandy better enjoy that win over Georgia all it can.  Because there won’t be anything for the Commodores to enjoy this week.  Johnny steals the Commodores rum – Texas A&M 35, Vanderbilt 19.

15. Utah (4-3) at USC (4-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – The Trojans still have problems on offense, especially against a good defense.  The Utes don’t have that good of a defense.  Both teams still trying to find themselves.  Utes don’t have a horse – USC 30, Utah 18.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Texas (4-2) at TCU (3-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After the big win over Oklahoma, the Longhorns have their eyes set on winning out.  That means going undefeated in the Big 12.  They get off to a good start against the Frogs.  Bevo hooks ’em – Texas 23, TCU 14.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

West Virginia (3-4) at Kansas State (2-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 3:45 pm ET, Saturday) – The Mountaineers still have too many issues.  The problems aren’t getting solved.  Meanwhile, the Wildcats had the week off.  They’ll be prepared.  Cats have a Wild time – Kansas State 33, West Virginia 23.

Florida (4-3), Georgia (4-3) and Purdue (1-6) are off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (6-0) hosts Wake Forest (4-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  UCF (5-1) entertains Connecticut (0-6) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: Local Cable, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  South Florida (2-4) is home against Louisville (6-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Atlantic (2-5) visits Auburn (6-1) – (C-USA vs. SEC) (TV: FSN, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida International (1-5) hosts Louisiana Tech (2-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (2-5) entertains North Carolina A&T (3-3) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (6-1) is home against South Carolina State (5-2) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Jacksonville U. (3-4) hosts Davidson (0-7) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Stetson (1-5) travels to Marist (4-3) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Tech (2-5) entertains Warner (0-8) – (Gulf South vs. Ind.) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). 


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Nebraska and Oregon have scheduled a two-game, home-and-home series to be played in 2016 and 2017….  Illinois announced a two-game, home-and-home series against Kansas to be played in 2019 and 2020, and a two-game, home-and-home series against Virginia to be played in 2021 and 2022….  Indiana announced a two-game, home-and-home series against Wake Forest to be played in 2015 and 2016.

Iowa added Wyoming to its 2017 schedule.  The game will be played in Iowa City….  Maryland added Towson to its 2020 schedule.  The game will be played in College Park….  Michigan State has added Air Force to its 2015 schedule.  The game will be played in East Lansing….  Penn State and LSU have agreed to play at a neutral site in 2020.

Michigan has added UCF to its 2016 schedule, Air Force to its 2017 schedule, and Ball State and SMU to its 2018 schedule.  The games will be played in Ann Arbor.  Meanwhile, Michigan and UCLA have agreed to a two-game, home-and-home series to be played in 2022 and 2023.  Also, Michigan and Florida have agreed to a game in 2017 to be played at a neutral site.    

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the days were getting shorter, the nights were getting colder, the leaves were falling, the frost was on the pumpkins, and Halloween was just around the corner, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1943 was “Sunday, Monday or Always” by Bing Crosby

…65 years ago this week in 1948 was “A Tree in the Meadow” by Margaret Whiting

…60 years ago this week in 1953 was “St. George and the Dragonet” by Stan Freberg

…55 years ago this week in 1958 was “It’s All in the Game” by Tommy Edwards

…50 years ago this week in 1963 was “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs

…45 years ago this week in 1968 was “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

…40 years ago this week in 1973 was “Angie” by The Rolling Stones

…35 years ago this week in 1978 was “Hot Child in the City” by Nick Gilder

…30 years ago this week in 1983 was “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

…25 years ago this week in 1988 was “Red, Red Wine” by UB40

…20 years ago this week in 1993 was “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey


Not directly college football related, but sadly there were three passings of note last week – Ed Lauter, Bum Phillips and Don James.

Ed Lauter, a character actor best-known for his role as the brutal prison guard and Burt Reynolds’ nemesis in the 1974 comedy-drama “The Longest Yard,” died last week in West Hollywood, California.  He was 74.  Lauter’s other numerous movies included “Family Plot,” “Death Wish 3,” “The Artist,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “The New Centurions,” “My Blue Heaven,” “Revenge of the Nerds II,” “Not Another Teen Movie,” “Trouble With the Curve” and the remake of “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”  His television credits included “The Office,” “ER,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Rockford Files.”  Edward Mathew Lauter was born on October 30, 1938, in Long Beach, New York.  After serving in the Army, he appeared on Broadway in “The Great White Hope” with James Earl Jones.

Bum Phillips, the homespun Texan who built the Houston Oilers into one of the NFL’s leading teams in the late 1970s, died last week at his ranch in Goliad, Texas.  He was 90.  Phillips became the Oilers coach and general manager in 1975.  In 1981, Phillips was hired as the coach and general manager of the New Orleans Saints.  Oail Andrew Phillips was born on September 29, 1923, in Orange, Texas.  He played football at Lamar College (now Lamar University) in Beaumont, Texas, served in the Marines during World War II and finished his college, playing football for Stephen F. Austin State College (now University) in Nacogdoches, Texas.  He graduated in 1949 and became a high school football coach in Texas.  Phillips was the head coach of Texas Western (now UTEP) in 1962.  He was 55-35 with the Oilers, who became the Tennessee Titans in 1997, and he was 27-42 with the Saints.  His son Wade is the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.   

Don James, the long-time Washington coach who led the Huskies to a share of the 1991 national title, died at his home in Seattle yesterday.  He was 80.  James was 176-78-3 at Kent State and Washington.  He coached the Huskies from 1975 to 1992 (153-58-2).  He took Washington to six Rose Bowl games.  At Kent State, James led the Golden Flashes to the 1972 Mid-American Conference title.  Don James was born on December 31, 1932 in Massillon, Ohio.  He graduated from Miami (Florida) where he was quarterback for the Hurricanes in the early 1950s.  

College Football Week 8 – Big Showdown in the ACC
A week of Clowney, injuries,
‘women,’ upsets, and for two
teams: halfway to paradise

I don’t know if this was the big one or not – it usually occurs on the last weekend in October (near Halloween) – but Saturday had all the signs of being a shakeup, shakedown Saturday.  The Top 25 took a pounding.

Stanford fell from 5 to 13 in the polls, Georgia dropped from 7 to 15, Oklahoma from 12 to 18, Washington from 16 to 20, Florida from 17 to 22, while Michigan and Northwestern fell out of the Top 25 all together.  Stanford, Oklahoma and Michigan all suffered their first loss of the season.

Six other Top 25 teams, five of them undefeated, survived scares to hold on to their lofty spots – Clemson, Louisville, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas Tech and Northern Illinois.  And for two of the lucky teams in the Top 25 – they are halfway to paradise.  Saturday marked the halfway point in the season – seven weeks down and about seven weeks to go.   

It was also the week of Jadeveon Clowney, injuries and “women.”  But more on that later – let’s get back to the weekend’s action. 

Who said Mack Brown had one foot in a bucket and the other one on a banana peel?  After Saturday’s Oklahoma-Texas game, Brown must have been saying, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”  Texas pulled off the unexpected, beating Oklahoma, 36-20.  The Longhorns took a 3-0 lead about five minutes into the game and never looked back.  Texas handed the Sooners their first loss of the season.

Stanford suffered its first loss.  The Cardinal stumbled in Salt Lake City to Utah, 27-21.  The game had all the makings of an upset.  Stanford was coming off a hard-fought win last week over Washington, while Utah was coming off a hard-fought loss to UCLA.  The Utes were determined they weren’t going to lose again.

In State College, Michigan had a number of chances to put away the game against Penn State.  But too many conservative play calls by Brady Hoke and too many missed field goals by Brendan Gibbons cost the Wolverines the game.  The Nittany Lions waited out Michigan and hung on to beat the Wolverines, 43-40, in four overtimes.  Michigan was the third undefeated team to lose Saturday.

Georgia lost its first SEC game of the season.  Missouri came into Athens and stunned the Dawgs, 41-26.  Georgia suffered four turnovers in the contest.  Washington and Florida lost to higher-ranked teams Saturday.  Oregon racked up 631 yards of offense, downing the Huskies, 45-24.  In Baton Rouge, Florida’s offense was flat, as the Gators fell to LSU, 17-6. 

Northwestern was ranked and Wisconsin wasn’t.  But the Badgers were favored over the Wildcats.  And the favored team won.  Unranked Wisconsin all but shutdown ranked Northwestern, 35-6.  The Wildcats were limited to 44 yards rushing.

As mentioned, six ranked teams had close calls over the weekend.  Trailing Boston College, 14-10, in the fourth quarter, third-ranked and undefeated Clemson rallied, scoring two touchdowns to come back and beat the Eagles, 24-14.  No doubt the Tigers were looking ahead to Florida State.

Throughout most of the fourth quarter, eighth-ranked and undefeated Louisville only led Rutgers, 17-10.  The Cardinals pulled it out, 24-10.  In Oxford, Mississippi, ninth-ranked Texas A&M kicked a field goal as time expired to subdue Ole Miss, 41-38.  The Aggies trailed the Rebels, 38-31, late in the fourth quarter. 

Believe it or not, someone finally held undefeated Baylor below 70 points this season – considerably below.  At the end of the third quarter, Kansas State led the 15th-ranked Bears, 25-21.  Baylor rallied with two touchdowns in the fourth to win, 35-25.  Texas Tech may have thought it was going to have an easy time with Iowa State.  But the 20th-ranked and undefeated Red Raiders couldn’t shake the Cyclones.  The game was basically tit-for-tat throughout, as Texas Tech held on to win, 42-35.

And finally, Akron, who scared Michigan big-time earlier in the season, gave 23rd-ranked Northern Illinois all it could handle.  The undefeated Huskies played well-enough, to hold off the Zips, 27-20. 

In some other interesting games, USC, playing its first game under interim coach Ed Orgeron, beat Arizona, 38-31.  Army’s Terry Baggett rushed for a record 304 yards, as the Black Knights downed Eastern Michigan, 50-25.  After beginning the season 0-4, South Florida won its second-straight game, edging Connecticut, 13-10.

Houston remained undefeated, beating Memphis, 25-15.  Tulane, out to a surprising 5-2 start, outlasted East Carolina, 36-33, in three overtimes.  In two one-point games, Maryland scored with 5:14 left in the game to beat Virginia, 27-26, while Marshall scored on a Justin Haig 41-yard field goal as time expired to down Florida Atlantic, 24-23.

In another one-pointer, Mississippi State held off Bowling Green, 21-20.  There was only one member of the “60-plus” club over the weekend – Auburn.  The Tigers defeated hapless Western Carolina, 62-3.  Arizona State, Oregon State and South Carolina came close to getting into the club.  The Sun Devils beat Colorado, 54-13, the Beavers downed Washington State, 52-24, and the Gamecocks pounded Arkansas, 52-7.

So at the halfway point in the season, there are 14 undefeated teams – Alabama, Baylor, Clemson, Florida State, Fresno State, Houston, Louisville, Miami (Florida), Missouri, Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas Tech and UCLA.

The group will be reduced by at least one this weekend – Florida State meets Clemson.  Four more of the undefeated teams have tough encounters: Louisville plays UCF, Houston meets BYU, UCLA plays Stanford and Missouri meets Florida.  And you never know what could happen.  Any of the other eight could fall victim to an upset.  Stay tuned!

By the way, the SEC has a record eight teams in the Top 25 this week – (1) Alabama, (6) LSU, (7) Texas A&M, (11) South Carolina, (14) Missouri, (15) Georgia (22) Florida, and (24) Auburn. 

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was at the top of the college football news at the first of the week.  After sitting out two games due to a rib injury, Clowney drew the ire of his coach Steve Spurrier and several writers.  However, a day or so later, Spurrier and many writers changed their tune about Clowney.  They basically accepted his absences, saying that Clowney must do what is best for his health and his future – the future being the NFL.

Spurrier said that Clowney would be accepted and welcomed back when he is ready to play.  Clowney played in South Carolina’s win over Arkansas over the weekend, but was only credited with one tackle in the game.

Reading about Clowney and other related situations with some players, I have become convinced that the NFL needs to start a minor league in pro football.  Coming out of high school, players could choose to enter the minor league or play college ball – one or the other, but not both.  This would hopefully root out the players who are not interested in an education. 

Remember the comment from Ohio State’s Cardale Jones last year?  “Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play football?  We ain’t come to play school.  Classes are pointless.”  Players like Jones should be able to go directly into the NFL minor leagues out of high school.   

Injuries were also a popular topic last week in college football – faked injuries.  After last week’s Washington-Stanford game, Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian accused Stanford coach David Shaw of having his defensive players fake injuries after a play to slow down the Washington offense.  Earlier in the season, California coach Sonny Dykes accused Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald of the same thing.  There have been other similar accusations from coaches this season.

The supposed tactic gives the defenses a breather and time to substitute players against the hurry-up, fast-paced offenses.  Whether they were or not in the above games, I’m sure some injuries have been faked.  Coaches are coaches after all.  We’re not surprised by anything they do.

However, that said, it seems to me there have been considerable more injuries in college football games this season.  At the Arkansas-Florida game in Gainesville last week, there was an injury on almost every other play – especially in the second half.  Watching games on television this season, it seems there are more injuries.  All the injuries add time to the games.  It seems like the games are taking longer.  Maybe the refs should let the clock run and add injury time at the end of the game – like soccer.

It’s a rough game and it’s getting rougher.

Then we learned last week that former Auburn coach Pat Dye and ESPN commentator David Pollack don’t think women have any business being on the selection committee for the four-team playoff starting next season.  This surfaced when former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was mentioned in reports to be a likely committee member.

Both Dye and Pollack said women shouldn’t be on the selection committee.  Pollack’s comment drew the ire of Fox Sports commentator Erin Andrews.  You realize the common denominator here is Georgia.  Dye and Pollack are both Georgia graduates.  Perhaps there’s a moral to the story for women: Don’t marry a Dawg.

Oregon’s cheerleaders have their eyes on the Ducks.  At the Oregon-Washington game this past weekend, the Ducks’ cheerleaders wore green and yellow contacts in their eyes.  Wonder if the contacts were paid for by Aflac? 

The Iowa State-Texas Tech football game was on television Saturday.  You know what that meant at our house.  We had to watch the game.  Swamp Mama was glued to the screen.  After a while, she complained that the TV cameras were showing too much of the game and not enough of Kliff Kingsbury. 

I said, “Honey, this is the Iowa State-Texas Tech football game.  It’s not the Kliff Kingsbury Show.” 

But maybe it was.  Texas Tech won.

Later in the day, Saturday, Swamp Mama and I participated in the Witch Way 5K, an annual event that takes place in our town every October.  We walked over to the starting area.  It was only about a half mile from our house and the race course goes through our neighborhood.

After the race, we walked back home.  A few blocks from our house, there was a young couple in a pickup truck, collecting the traffic cones and “Caution, Racers” signs that were positioned throughout the course.

Walking by the couple, the girl stared at us with a suspicious, yet concerned look.

“I hope you all have finished the race?,” she said.

“We have,” I responded.

“Oh, thank God, I’m so relieved,” she said.  “I was worried you all were lost and going the wrong way.”

Touchdown Tom
October 14, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Oregon 45, Washington 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 42, Washington 36).  This game wasn’t as close as many thought it would be.  Oregon’s running and passing was too much for the Huskies.  But Washington’s Bishop Sankey did rush for 167 yards.  A crowd of 71,833 attended the game in Seattle.

RUNNER UP:  LSU 17, Florida 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Baton Rouge).  Will Mustake….I mean….Muschamp is in his third season at Florida and he still hasn’t established an offense.  A common problem when you hire a defensive coordinator as a head coach.  He’s also a Georgia man.  Remember Ray Goof?  Florida’s offense was flat.  And especially against a LSU defense that is considered weak this year.  Meanwhile, I don’t know what happened to Florida’s defense.  A crowd of 92,980 attended the game in LSU 27, Florida 24.

REST OF THE BEST:  Missouri 41, Georgia 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Missouri 22).  It was bound to happen eventually.  Georgia’s defense has been bad all season.  Four turnovers didn’t help the Dawgs any either.  Aaron Murray can forget the Heisman.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Not the Knights’ night – Louisville 24, Rutgers 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 33, Rutgers 28).  Although the score was close throughout most of the fourth quarter – Louisville led 17-10 – the Cardinals all but controlled this game.  Louisville had almost twice as many yards as the Knights.  The Cardinals held Rutgers to only 12 yards rushing.  Turnovers by both teams marred the game.  A crowd of 55,168 attended the game in Louisville.

Utah 27, Stanford 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 32, Utah 20).  This was an upset waiting to happen.  Utah popped up between Washington and UCLA on Stanford’s schedule.  I think the Cardinal took the Utes for granted.  A crowd of 45,372 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

Clemson 24, Boston College 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 40, Boston College 20).  Do you think Clemson was looking ahead to Florida State – just a bit?  Tajh Boyd had a spectacular game.  A crowd of 77,506 attended the game in Clemson.

Texas 36, Oklahoma 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 25, Texas 17).  Just when you think Mack Brown is down and out, he pops up and surprises you.  Texas sure surprised the crap out of Oklahoma.  The Horns Jonathan Gray rushed for 123 yards and Malcolm Brown rushed for 120 yards.  OU’s offense and defense were flat.  A crowd of 92,500 attended the game in Dallas.

Penn State 43, Michigan 40 (4OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Penn State 21).  Penn State all but handed this game to Michigan so many times.  But the Wolverines refused to accept it.  Brady Hoke’s play calling was way too conservative.  Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg (305 yards passing) is amazing.  He made a believer out of me.  A crowd of 107,884 attended the game in State College.

Virginia Tech 19, Pitt 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 25, Pitt 11).  Virginia Tech shuts down the offense of every team the Hokies play.  Tech quarterback Logan Thomas seems to be getting his act together.  A crowd of 64,954 attended the game in Blacksburg.

Oregon State 52, Washington State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 38, Washington State 35).  This was an exciting game through the third quarter – 24-24 after three.  Then Oregon State scored 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.  Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (493 yards passing) is amazing.  A crowd of 31,955 attended the game in Pullman.

Texas A&M 41, Ole Miss 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 31, Ole Miss 20).  A close call for the Aggies.  Johnny Manziel (346 yards passing, 124 rushing) put on quite a show – a Heisman performance.  The teams combined for 1,049 yards of offense.  A crowd of 60,950 attended the game in Oxford.

Wisconsin 35, Northwestern 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Northwestern 29).  Northwestern was still wiped out from the Ohio State game.  They had nothing left in them.  The Badgers pounded the Wildcats on the ground with the rushing of Melvin Gordon (172 yards) and James White (101 yards).  A crowd of 81,411 attended the game in Madison.

Michigan State 42, Indiana 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 29, Indiana 26).  Maybe, just maybe, the Spartans are getting their act together.  They put on a pretty good offensive show.  But then again, Indiana doesn’t have much of a defense.  A crowd of 73,815 attended the game in East Lansing.

South Carolina 52, Arkansas 7 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 26, Arkansas 24).  Arkansas only had seven first downs and only 30 yards passing.  Florida must have beat up the Hogs pretty good.  Bret Bielema has a job on his hands.  A crowd of 66,302 attended the game in Fayetteville.

Baylor 35, Kansas State 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 40, Kansas State 27).  All week, everybody asked, “How many points will Baylor put up on K-State?”  Answer: “Not that many.”  The Bears’ Bryce Petty passed for 332 yards.  The Wildcats’ Daniel Sams rushed for 199 yards.  A crowd of 52,803 attended the game in Manhattan.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

The Wildcats didn’t take off their rainbow shades – USC 38, Arizona 31 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 33, Arizona 32).  Looks like USC did the right thing getting rid of Lane Kiffin.  However, early in the fourth, the Trojans led 38-17 and almost let Arizona come back and tie the game.  The Wildcats’ rally fell short.  The teams combined for a 1,054 yards of offense.  A crowd of 64,215 attended the game in Los Angeles.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Nebraska 44, Purdue 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 38, Purdue 20).  It’s already been a long year for the Boilers and it’s going to get longer.  The Huskers held Purdue to 32 yards rushing.  Purdue’s only score came with 0:39 left in the game.  Nebraska must have had the cheerleaders in at that point.  A crowd of 47,203 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Duke 35, Navy 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Navy 31, Duke 29).  The Dookies defense must really know the Navy offense.  The Dookies are only two wins from being bowl eligible.  A crowd of 23,749 attended the game in Durham.

Week 7 Picks:   13 Correct, 5 Wrong (72.2 percent)
On the Season:  102 Correct, 29 Wrong (77.9 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida slipped by Connecticut, 13-10.  A crowd of 37,861 attended the game in East Hartford….  Florida Atlantic lost to Marshall, 24-23.  A crowd of 19,760 attended the game in Boca Raton….  A crowd of 15,696 attended the game in Miami….  Florida A&M beat Savannah State, 27-14.  A crowd of 5,620 attended the game in Savannah.

Bethune-Cookman downed Howard, 27-6.  A crowd of 1,052 attended the game in Washington, DC….  Stetson fell to Dayton, 49-20.  A crowd of 5,116 attended the game in Deland….  Florida Tech lost to Ave Maria, 45-41.  A crowd of 1,345 attended the game in Ave Maria.    


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 34-51-1 for 493 yards; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 41-55-1-480; San Jose State’s David Fales – 28-35-1-431; Texas Tech’s Davis Webb – 35-56-1-415; UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 31-41-0-410; UNLV’s Caleb Herring – 34-57-1-385; Arkansas State’s Adam Kennedy – 22-32-1-375; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 24-31-0-366, and Arizona’s B.J. Denker – 28-44-0-363.

Also, Alabama’s A.J. McCarron – 21-35-0 for 359 yards; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 21-37-2-350; Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 31-39-1-346; Boise State’s Joe Southwick – 30-44-2-335; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 30-44-0-334; Baylor’s Bryce Petty – 12-21-0-332; Maryland’s Caleb Rowe – 18-34-0-332; Hawaii’s Sean Schroeder – 24-47-0-325, and Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton – 24-33-2-319.

Also, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 21-31-1 for 310 yards; Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson – 19-34-2-310; Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg – 23-44-2-305; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 23-46-2-305; Florida International’s Jake Medlock – 17-34-1-302; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace – 22-36-1-301; USC’s Cody Kessler – 15-30-0-297; Duke’s Anthony Boone – 31-38-0-295, and Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 25-45-2-290.


Impressive Rushers:  Army’s Terry Baggett – 304 yards; Kansas State’s Daniel Sams – 199 yards; Central Michigan’s Saylor Lavallii – 184 yards, and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon – 172 yards.

Also, Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 167 yards; Connecticut’s Lyle McCombs – 164 yards; UNLV’s Tim Cornett – 162 yards; UAB’s Jordan Howard – 159 yards; Idaho’s James Baker – 150 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“All she knows about football is what somebody told her,” former Auburn coach Pat Dye, on Condoleezza Rice being a member of the playoff selection committee.

 “Have you ever been to Manhattan, Kansas?  They say that nothing ever happens there after 10:00 – 10:00 in the morning,” Sports commentator Colin Cowherd.

“Say no to Quack,” Washington Huskies fan’s sign on College GameDay in Seattle.

“If Clowney plays, will his heart be in it?,” CBSSports.com blogger Tony Barnhart, on South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

“Lennart , Lennart, Lennart. OK...when you see a status that says BOOMER you respond SOONER. Then BOOMER....then SOONER.  Jeff Wohler gets a pass because SOMEDAY the Ducks will win a national championship and his world will be balanced.  Tom Carnohan gets a pass because he is a “dyed in the wool” (meaning forever) West Virginia fan with a SLIGHT loyalty – which only Lynn Yawn understands – to Florida.  All other participants must adhere to the Boomer/Sooner mandate or face blistering SCORN,” Oklahoma fan Beki Links, explaining American football fan support to a Swede.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Florida State (5-0) at Clemson (6-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – The quarterback battle – the experienced Tajh Boyd against the outstanding, but inexperienced, Jameis Winston.  Boyd has been here before.  Winston hasn’t.  But FSU had an extra week to prepare.  Clemson got by Georgia earlier this season.  But the Noles have a better defense.  Fisher’s hook comes up empty – Clemson 33, Florida State 27.

RUNNER UP:  2. UCLA (5-0) at Stanford (5-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Bruins lost to Stanford twice last season.  They won’t lose a third time.  Brett Hundley makes the difference for the Bruins – UCLA 30, Stanford 26. 

REST OF THE BEST:  3. UCF (4-1) at Louisville (6-0) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Friday) – UCF had a chance to make a name for itself against South Carolina.  The Knights failed.  Now they have a chance again against the Cardinals.  This shapes up to be a duel between Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater.  Louisville goes from one Knight (Rutgers) to another (UCF).  The Birds defend their nest – Louisville 27, UCF 24.

4. Florida (4-2) at Missouri (6-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SEC Network, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Mizzou lost its quarterback late in the Georgia game.  James Franklin is out for the season.  That’s an advantage for the Gators.  But that’s the only advantage for the Gators.  No swamps in the Midwest – Missouri 22, Florida 17. 

5. Auburn (5-1) at Texas A&M (5-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Auburn is a surprise this season.  The Tigers are playing well.  But they aren’t playing well-enough to handle Johnny Manziel.  The Tigers get thrown out of a fraternity party – Texas A&M 35, Auburn 24.

6. Washington State (4-3) at Oregon (6-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – The Ducks get the other team from Washington this week.  And this one isn’t as good.  The Cougars can pass, but they have no defense.  Cougars don’t like water – Oregon 57, Washington State 26.

7. BYU (4-2) at Houston (5-0) – (Ind. vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN News, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Houston is one of the 14 undefeated teams.  But the Cougars are untested.  BYU will give them a test.  The Cougars flunk it – BYU 34, Houston 22.

8. Texas Tech (6-0) at West Virginia (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Can the Mountaineers pull off another Oklahoma State-type upset against the Red Raiders?  Or will Texas Tech dominate?  I have a feeling Swamp Mama will be cheering for the wrong team.  Kliff winks, Swamp Mama faints – Texas Tech 31, West Virginia 30.

9. LSU (6-1) at Ole Miss (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss sure gave Texas A&M a good scare.  I don’t know if they can scare the Tigers or not.  They won’t scare Zach Mettenberger.  The Magnolias wilt – LSU 27, Ole Miss 20.

10. Arkansas (3-4) at Alabama (6-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Ho, hum – this looks like another easy win for the Tide.  The Hogs have no offense.  Bama does the Pig calling – Alabama 30, Arkansas 12.

11. Washington (4-2) at Arizona State (4-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – Three tough ones in a row for Washington – Stanford, Oregon and now Arizona State.  The winner improves their stock.  Devils crush the Mush – Arizona State 33, Washington 32.

12. South Carolina (5-1) at Tennessee (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This could be a tricky one for the Gamecocks.  Tennessee had an extra week to prepare.  And the Vols seem to be getting better.  But not better enough – South Carolina 26, Tennessee 23.

13. USC (4-2) at Notre Dame (4-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Ind.) (TV: NBC, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This used to be a big game.  Now, it’s just another game.  USC is playing under an interim coach.  Notre Dame is a big disappointment after going undefeated and playing for the national championship last year.  Well, it will be a big game for the winner.  The winner moves to 5-2 with hopes of salvaging what began as a dismal season.  The loser falls to 4-3 with hopes that next year will be better.  Irish eyes are smiling – Notre Dame 30, USC 23.
  
13. Indiana (3-3) at Michigan (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Brady Hoke doesn’t have to play conservative against Indiana’s defense.  He can be a liberal.  Not a Hoosier kind of day – Michigan 36, Indiana 26.

14. Utah (4-2) at Arizona (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – So, I’m thinking Utah has a letdown after the big win over Stanford.  And I’m thinking Rich Rod is ready for a win.  The Wildcat mutes the Utes – Arizona 30, Utah 28.

15. TCU (3-3) at Oklahoma State (4-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It will all come down to how well TCU’s defense plays.  The Frogs have struggled on offense.  Cowboys like Frog legs – Oklahoma State 26, TCU 19.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Wisconsin (4-2) at Illinois (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – The Banned Indians won’t roll over and fall dead like Northwestern.  They’ll show some life against the Badgers.  But the Banned Indians defense can’t stop the Wisconsin ground game.  Bucky bans another Indian – Wisconsin 30, Illinois 21.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Duke (4-2) at Virginia (2-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: Fox Sports Network, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If the Dookies defense plays as well as they did against Navy, the Devils should win.  But Virginia runs a different type of offense than Navy.  And the Cavs are hungry.  Cavs ice the Devils – Virginia 30, Duke 29.

Georgia (4-2) at Vanderbilt (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Dawgs will bounce back but not before Vandy gives them a few problems.  You gotta figure Vandy’s offense will put up a few points on the Georgia defense.  But Aaron Murray will make the difference for the Dawgs.  Uga takes over the bridge – Georgia 32, Vanderbilt 26.

Purdue (1-5) at Michigan State (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Once in a while, the Boilers pop up and surprise somebody.  But I’m not sure the Boilers have any surprises in them this year.  Meanwhile, the Spartans have been getting the kinks out of their system.  Sparty throws a Boiler party – Michigan State 32, Purdue 17.

Nebraska (5-1) and Texas (4-2) are off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (5-0) visits North Carolina (1-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday). ….  Florida A&M (2-4) entertains Howard (1-5) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (5-1) hosts Savannah State (1-6) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday).

Jacksonville U. (2-4) travels to Campbell (1-5) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Tech (1-5) is home against Shorter (0-6) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday).

South Florida (2-4), Florida Atlantic (2-5), Florida International (1-5) and Stetson (1-5) are off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . BYU has added Stanford, Hawaii and Savannah State to its future schedules.  The Cougars and Cardinal will play a four-game, home-and-home series from 2020 to 2025.  BYU and Hawaii will play a two-game, home-and-home series in 2017 and 2018.  The Cougars will play Savannah State in Provo in 2014.

Tennessee and Virginia Tech will play their 2016 game at the Bristol Motor Speedway racetrack.  The two schools are hoping to set a record for the largest crowd ever to attend a football game….  Wisconsin has added Georgia State to its 2016 schedule.  The game will be played in Madison….  LSU and Wisconsin will play at the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016. 

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but sadly, there were three passings of note last week – Gordon Polofsky, Scott Carpenter and Andy Pafko.

Gordon Polofsky, who played three seasons in the NFL and was a linebacker and fullback on Tennessee’s 1951 national championship team, died last week in Knoxville.  He was 82.  Polofsky lettered at Tennessee from 1949 to 1951.  The Volunteers had a combined 28-4-1 record during those three seasons.  The 1950 team finished fourth in the polls with an 11-1 record, including a victory in the Cotton Bowl.  The 1951 team went 10-1 and finished first in the polls.  Polofsky played for the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals from 1952 to 1954.

Scott Carpenter, whose flight into space in 1962 as the second American to orbit the Earth was marred by technical glitches, died last week in Denver.  He was 88.  Carpenter was one of the seven original astronauts.  Malcolm Scott Carpenter was born on May 1, 1925, in Boulder, Colorado. 

Andy Pafko, an All-Star outfielder who played on four teams that won the National League pennant, died last week at a nursing home in Stevensville, Michigan.  He was 92.  Swinging right-handed, Pafko was an outstanding hitter, playing for the Chicago Cubs, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Milwaukee Braves.  He played for the Cubs from 1943 to 1950, then was traded to the Dodgers in 1951.  After two seasons with the Dodgers, Pafko was traded to the Braves in 1953.  He retired from the Braves after the 1959 season, with a career batting average of .285 and 213 home runs.  He was later a coach for the Braves.  Andrew Pafko was born on February 25, 1921, in Boyceville, Wisconsin.  In 1998, a 1952 Andy Pafko trading card sold for $83,870.

College Football Week 7 – 17 teams still undefeated
A long day’s journey into night

One of the things I always enjoy when sitting in a stadium at a college football game is the crowd reaction when the score of another game is announced or flashed across the video screen.  It often spawns some of the loudest cheers of the game.

Saturday night, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I were in Gainesville at The Swamp watching the Arkansas-Florida game.  It was the first of our two Gator games this season.  We’ll be at the Vanderbilt-Florida game in November.

During the first quarter, the video screen at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium gave us updates on the Georgia-Tennessee game in progress in Knoxville.  The Dawgs-Vols game was in its final quarter.  Tennessee was winning.

The sight of the score – Tennessee ahead – brought a loud cheer from the Gator fans.  Someone outside the stadium surely must have thought Florida scored a touchdown.  Again, the score was displayed and Tennessee was still winning.  Again, the crowd erupted with a loud cheer. 

Rockledge Gator said, “If Tennessee wins, the Florida band will probably play “Rocky Top.”

Late in the game, Georgia pulled even to Tennessee, 31-31.  Then the Dawgs went on to win in overtime, 34-31.  There was a loud groan from the crowd at Ben Hill Griffin.

During the second quarter, the video screen began displaying scores from the Ohio State-Northwestern game.  The Wildcats were winning.  Again there were wild and loud cheers from the Gator fans.  Florida fans have no love for Urban Liar…..I mean……Urban Meyer.

Fortunately for Gator fans, the Arkansas-Florida game ended before the Ohio State-Northwestern game.  The Buckeyes ended up beating Northwestern, 40-30.  I don’t think the Florida fans could have survived two major groans in one sitting. 

Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I rode up to Gainesville Friday afternoon.  It was a good drive.  We took a new road.  After exiting I-75 just north of Ocala, I turned left on County Road 25A and continued the drive north.  It’s a pretty, country-road drive through the towns of Martin, Lowell and Reddick.  Then it merges onto 441 just below McIntosh.

After checking into our hotel, we headed over to Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille in Gainesville for our traditional pregame eve meal.  Harry’s isn’t the best restaurant in Gainesville, but it’s a good restaurant – a fun place to eat and drink.

At the bar, Rockledge Gator ran into his old friend Mike Sanford.  I think Mike is a Friday-night regular at the bar at Harry’s.  It was good seeing him again.

Our first stop Saturday morning was at CVS.  Swamp Mama forgot her lipstick and needed to get some.  I told her to be sure and purchase “Arkansas Red.”  She didn’t appreciate that.

Following the brief stop at CVS, we drove over to the farmers market at Haile Plantation, west of Gainesville.  We discovered this farmers market when we were in Gainesville last February for a Gator basketball game.  It’s a good one.  We made a few purchases to complement our tailgate food and beverages.

On the way back to the Florida campus, we made a quick stop at Publix to purchase some additional tailgate items.  With all the necessary purchases made, it was time to stake out our tailgate spot.  Lately, we’ve been getting a place on Union Road, off Newell Drive, on the Florida campus.  It’s a beautiful area, covered with oak trees thick with Spanish moss.      

At 11 a.m. we were all set up.  But the game wasn’t starting until 7 p.m. – eight hours away.  It was going to be a long day.  We walked around among other tailgaters to kill some time.  In the midst of several orange and blue Gator canopies we spotted a garnet and gold Seminole canopy.  What the heck?

We figured those folks must have been driving up I-75 on their way to Tallahassee for the Maryland-Florida State game.  But when they got to Gainesville, they just couldn’t overcome the temptation to tailgate at Florida.  After all, tailgating with the Gators is more fun than tailgating with a bunch of Noles.

Since our tailgating time was going to cover both lunch and dinner, we decided to go out for lunch and use our tailgate food for dinner.  We walked over to The Swamp Restaurant on University Avenue for lunch.  The Swamp Restaurant touts itself as the No. 1 college sports bar in the country.

We’ve had several pre-basketball game meals and beverages at The Swamp.  This was our first time at the establishment on the day of a football game.  It was packed and kickoff was still seven hours away.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for a table.

Back at our tailgating spot, we were down to six hours to go.  Sitting around the table, nibbling on some snacks, we all dozed off into a post-lunch siesta.  It had to be those Bloody Marys and Mojitos at The Swamp.  People walking by, looking at us must have thought, “Look at those old Gators.”

A brief nap does one a world of good.  We needed to do some more walking.  This time, we trekked over to the student union on campus.  There, we found a good spot to watch the remainder of the Maryland-Florida State game.

The last time the four of us watched a Florida State game on television at the UF student union was on September 12, 1998.  NC State upset Florida State, 24-7 that day.  The headline of College Football Week on Monday read, “They Play More Than Basketball on Tobacco Road.”  On this day, Florida State beat Maryland, 63-0. 

We walked around the student union and adjacent bookstore.  Swamp Mama and I ran into Albert the Alligator.  We had our picture taken with him.  Albert’s a good sport.

Two hours till kickoff.  Time to breakout the tailgate food and have dinner.  After stuffing ourselves, we walked over and watched the Florida band warm up.  Then, onto the stadium for the game.  The Gators beat Arkansas, 30-10. 

Back at the hotel after the game, I intended to watch the Washington-Stanford game on television.  Swamp Mama intended to go to sleep.  She can’t sleep with the television on.  After a brief standoff, Swamp Mama won.  I turned off the TV.  It was a long day.

Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I had a pleasant and uneventful drive home on Sunday. 

USC got it started, firing Lane Kiffin.  In the seven days since, Connecticut fired Paul Pasqualoni and yesterday, Miami (Ohio) fired Don Treadwell.  In his third season with the Huskies, Pasqualoni was 10-18 – 0-4 this season.  Previously, he coached Western Connecticut State (1982-1986) and Syracuse (1991-2004).

Pasqualoni joined the Syracuse staff as an assistant in 1987.  He was an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins from 2005 to 2010.  In his last year or so at Syracuse, Orange fans began calling him “Pass the Baloney” – Paul “Pass the Baloney” Pasqualoni.

Treadwell, in his third season at Miami was 8-21 – 0-5 this season. A former quarterback at Miami, Treadwell was the offensive coordinator at Michigan State prior to taking the job at Miami in 2011. 

After Saturday’s games, I have to believe that pink slips are on their way to Virginia’s Mike London and Eastern Michigan’s Ron English.  The Cavaliers (2-3) lost to Ball State, 48-27, and the Eagles (1-4) lost to Buffalo, 42-14.   

It’s looking more and more like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt may have been two of the country’s most overrated teams coming into the 2013 season.  The Rebels (3-2) lost to Auburn, 30-22, and the Commodores (3-3) lost to Missouri, 51-28.   

In addition to Georgia-Tennessee, there were three other overtime games during the weekend.  Trailing 44-23, Nevada scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to tie San Diego State, 44-44, only to lose to the Aztecs in overtime, 51-44.

Trailing Rutgers, 35-14, SMU scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to tie the Scarlet Knights at 35-35.  After three overtimes, Rutgers prevailed over the Mustangs, 55-52.  And finally, trailing Rice, 24-13, Tulsa scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to tie the Owls, 24-24.  Rice won in the first overtime, 30-27.

James Street, the quarterback who led Texas to the 1969 national championship, died last week.  You can read the full obituary in “Not Directly College Football Related” below.

So Jadeveon Clowney’s ribs are sore.  And the Gamecocks are about to play Arkansas.  Does Clowney have any spare ribs?

Florida Tech plays Ave Maria this week.  I can’t help but wonder if the Ave Maria mascot is Perry Como. 

It’s been a long day.

Touchdown Tom
October 7, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  No hiding Hyde – Ohio State 40, Northwestern 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 30, Northwestern 22).  Northwestern led throughout much of the game.  But sadly the Wildcats didn’t have a running game to go with their passing game.  Ohio State did.  Carlos Hyde rushed for 168 yards.  A crowd of 47,330attended the game in Evanston.  

RUNNER UP:  Tree tops – Stanford 31, Washington 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 30, Washington 26).  Stanford led throughout, but Washington hung in there and kept it close.  The Huskies bettered the Cardinal in total yards – 489 to 279.  A crowd of 50,424 attended the game in Palo Alto.  

REST OF THE BEST:  Jameis Christ Superstar – Florida State 63, Maryland 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 33, Maryland 18).  The Chosen One passed for 393 yards.  Seminoles finished with 614 yards of offense.  The FSU defense held the Terps to 33 yards rushing.  A crowd of 74,909 attended the game in Tallahassee.  

Uga pants – Georgia 34, Tennessee 31 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Tennessee 20).  Obviously, the Dawgs were emotionally and physically spent from the LSU game.  But they weren’t spent enough for Tennessee to win.  Injuries were a problem for the Dawgs too.  A crowd of 102,455 attended the game in Knoxville.

Hot Rod Hundley – UCLA 34, Utah 27 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Utah 28).  With 3:33 left in the game, UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley broke loose for a 36-yard touchdown run which all but assured a win for the Bruins.  Hundley also passed for 211 yards.  Utah managed to hang in the game, in spite of Travis Wilson throwing six interceptions.  A crowd of 45,272 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

The Bell was ringing – Oklahoma 20, TCU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 29, TCU 14).  TCU had no offense – only 44 yards rushing and not much better passing.  But the Frogs did play some defense.  Oklahoma’s rushing was the difference.  A crowd of 84,992 attended the game in Norman.

Zach puts Bully in a sack – LSU 59, Mississippi State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Miss State 19).  This was a good game until the fourth quarter.  Then Miss State went to hell in a hand basket.  LSU only led 31-26 at the end of three.  The teams combined for 1,031 yards of offense.  Zach Mettenberger had another good game.  A crowd of 57,113 attended the game in Starkville.

Corn beef and cabbage – Notre Dame 37, Arizona State 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 33, Notre Dame 24).  Turnovers and the lack of a running game hurt the Sun Devils.  There’s still some life in the Irish after all.  A crowd of 66,960 attended the game in Arlington, Texas.  

RAID! – Miami (Florida) 45, Georgia Tech 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Georgia Tech 27).  Georgia Tech showed up for the first quarter.  Then Bees were nowhere to be seen after that.  Both teams suffered from turnovers – seven between them.       A crowd of 47,008 attended the game in Miami Gardens.

Basketball? – Baylor 73, West Virginia 42 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 34, West Virginia 24).  No, this wasn’t a basketball game.  Bryce Petty, Lache Seastrunk and Shock Linwood put on a real display of offense for the Bears.  Baylor ended up with 864 yards of offense.  Meanwhile, WVU had no offense, had no defense, had no special teams, had no coach and had no coaching staff.  I’m not sure the Mountaineers have a football program.  A crowd of 45,467 attended the game in Waco.  

Back in the saddle – Michigan 42, Minnesota 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, Minnesota 17).  After a few weeks of some close calls, the Wolverines have their act together again.  A crowd of 111,079 attended the game in Ann Arbor.  

Albert takes a chomp out of Bielema’s pork belly – Florida 30, Arkansas 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Arkansas 18).  Quarterback Tyler Murphy and the Gator defense played great.  But with LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida State on tap, the real tests for the Gators are yet to come.  A crowd of 90,043 attended the game in Gainesville.

Rebels can’t hold that Tiger – Auburn 30, Ole Miss 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Ole Miss 26, Auburn 20).  Ole Miss had the passing game; Auburn had the running game.  Auburn won.  The Rebels may have been overrated this season.  Gus Malzahn is doing a good job with the Tigers.  A crowd of 86,504 attended the game in Auburn.

We don’t need no Martinez – Nebraska 39, Illinois 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 36, Illinois 29).   As long as Ameer Abdullah can rush for 225 yards, the Huskers don’t need a quarterback.  A crowd of 90,458 attended the game in Lincoln.  

Mutiny – Missouri 51, Vanderbilt 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 30, Vanderbilt 29).  I know it was only Vanderbilt, but is Mizzou a surprise team this year?  James Franklin is playing well.  The other James Franklin isn’t coaching well.  A crowd of 36,892 attended the game in Nashville.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Captain Kirk loses the Enterprise – Michigan State 26, Iowa 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 17, Michigan State 16).  The Spartans defense held Iowa to 23 yards rushing.  Kirk Ferentz could be in real trouble.   A crowd of 69,025 attended the game in Iowa City.  


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

The refs give Mack some slack – Texas 31, Iowa State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Iowa State 23).  Iowa State won the stats; Texas won the game.  The Cyclones out-rushed and out-passed the Longhorns.  In the closing minutes of the game, on the Cyclone goal line, Texas, trailing 30-24, got the benefit of a questionable non-fumble call by the refs.  A crowd of 52,762 attended the game in Ames.

Week 6 Picks:   14 Correct, 3 Wrong (82.4 percent)
On the Season:  89 Correct, 24 Wrong (78.8 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

UCF rallied to beat Memphis, 24-17.  A crowd of 30,274 attended the game in Memphis….  South Florida surprised Cincinnati, 26-20.  A crowd of 31,077 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida Atlantic downed UAB, 37-23.  A crowd of 11,319 attended the game in Birmingham….  Florida International edged Southern Miss, 24-23.  A crowd of 21,891 attended the game in Hattiesburg.

Florida A&M lost to Morgan State, 34-21.  A crowd of 1,259 attended the game in Baltimore….  Bethune-Cookman beat Delaware State, 21-7.  A crowd of 2,205 attended the game in Dover….  Jacksonville U. fell to Drake, 27-17.  A crowd of 3,121 attended the game in Des Moines….  Stetson lost to Butler, 35-15.  A crowd of 1,494 attended the game in Indianapolis….  Florida Tech was crushed by Valdosta State, 52-14.  A crowd of 7,612 attended the game in Valdosta.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 41-67-1 for 521 yards; California’s Jarred Goff – 32-58-1-489; SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 45-70-0-484; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 20-27-2-455; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 37-48-1-419; Florida State’s Jameis Winston – 23-32-0-393; Nevada’s Cody Fajardo – 33-51-0-393, and Western Kentucky’s Brandon Doughty – 24-36-1-370.

Also, Texas Tech’s Baker Mayfield – 33-51-1 for 368 yards; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 43-57-0-365; Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly – 33-47-2-362; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 16-27-0-355; Washington’s Keith Price – 33-48-1-350; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 25-35-0-348; Baylor’s Bryce Petty – 17-25-1-347; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 23-41-0-346, and LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 25-29-1-340.

Also,  Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg – 30-55-0 for 340 yards; Vanderbilt’s Austyn Carta-Samuels – 29-41-1-338; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace – 25-48-2-336; Louisiana-Lafayette’s Terrance Broadway – 18-23-0-335; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 29-42-2-326; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 17-22-2-324; Indiana’s Nate Sudfeld – 23-38-1-321; Florida Atlantic’s Jaquez Johnson – 23-36-0-299, and Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 19-28-0-293.


Impressive Rushers: Northern Illinois’ Cameron Stingily – 266 yards; Boston College’s Andre Williams – 263 yards; Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah – 225 yards; Toledo’s David Fluellen – 220 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon – 200 yards; Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 184 yards, and Baylor’s Lache Seastrunk – 172 yards.

Also,  Ohio State’s Carlos Hyde – 168 yards; Tulsa’s Trey Watts – 165 yards; LSU’s Jeremy Hill – 157 yards; Fresno State’s Marteze Waller – 157 yards; Ball State’s Jahwan Edwards – 155 yards; Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews – 155 yards; Central Michigan’s Saylor Lavalli – 151 yards, and Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 150 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Nobody likes to get fired or leave a job, but things happen.  I’d go on record and say ‘Yes, I think it’s time,’” former Texas running back Earl Campbell, saying it’s time to fire Mack Brown.

“I take my hat off to USC for what they’ve done.  They didn’t mess around with it.  They just said, ‘Let’s do it now.’  I think at some point our university’s people are going to have to make a decision,” former Texas running back Earl Campbell, saying Mack Brown should go. 

“I’m disappointed,” Texas coach Mack Brown, responding to Earl Campbell’s comments.

“Jon Gruden is on the list because it’s a college job and Jon Gruden has been rumored to take every college opening since like 1845,” CBSSports.com blogger Tom Fornelli, on Jon Gruden’s name appearing on the candidates list for the USC job.

“LSU at Mississippi State: Les Miles joked (maybe) that he might have to pipe in cowbell sounds over the speakers in practice to prepare for the trip to Starkville.  Personally, I’ve always felt a blindfold was the best preparation for Starkville,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.


Touchdown Tom’s predictions for
The 15 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 7…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Oregon (5-0) at Washington (4-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – The Huskies gave Stanford a hell of a battle.  Can they keep up with the Ducks?  No one has come close to Oregon yet.  But an upset in Seattle could be brewing.  Don’t bet your Starbucks on it – Oregon 42, Washington 36.

RUNNER UP:  2. Florida (4-1) at LSU (5-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Against Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas, Tyler Murphy has looked good.  LSU ain’t no Tennessee, Kentucky or Arkansas.  We’ll know something about Tyler after this game.  The Gator defense will have their hands full trying to contain Zach Mettenberger.  Gators have the Will; do they have the way?  Murphy’s law – LSU 27, Florida 24.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Missouri (5-0) at Georgia (4-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Are the Tigers for real? We’ll soon know.  Mizzou is finally playing a real team.  After the letdown last week, Uga should be up this week.  A day in the park for Uga – Georgia 32, Missouri 22.

4. Rutgers (4-1) at Louisville (5-0) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – The Knights will be Louisville’s first and biggest test this season.  The Cardinals ace the test – Louisville 33, Rutgers 28.

5. Stanford (5-0) at Utah (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12 Network, 6 pm ET, Saturday) – This could be a trap game for Stanford.  I see a letdown after the big game against Washington last week.  Watch out for an upset.  Trees bend but don’t break in the storm – Stanford 32, Utah 20.

6. Boston College (3-2) at Clemson (5-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This should be a cake walk for the Tigers.  BC is improving, but not that much.  Tigers on the prowl – Clemson 40, Boston College 20.

7. Oklahoma (5-0) vs. Texas (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – I think Mack Brown’s fate is hanging on this game.  A loss to OU and Brown is a gonner – for sure.  A win over OU and Brown can salvage his job.  Na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey-hey, Goodbye – Oklahoma 25, Texas 17.

8.  Michigan (5-0) at Penn State (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 5 pm ET, ESPN) – This isn’t last year’s Penn State team.  The Nitts have gotten worse.  Still, Michigan will have a fight on its hands.  The Brady Bunch plays State College – Michigan 32, Penn State 21.

9. Pitt (3-1) at Virginia Tech (5-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Pitt’s offense will stall against the Hokies’ defense.  Has Logan Thomas found himself?  Panthers puke – Virginia Tech 25, Pitt 11.

10.  Oregon State (4-1) at Washington State (4-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN2/ESPNU, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If you like offense, especially passing offense, don’t miss this game.  It will be a fireworks display – Sean Mannion vs. Connor Halliday.  Beavers got some teeth – Oregon State 38, Washington State 35.

11. Texas A&M (4-1) at Ole Miss (3-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 8:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This could be the continuation of the downfall of Ole Miss.  Rebels without a cause – Texas A&M 31, Ole Miss 20.

12. Northwestern (4-1) at Wisconsin (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – I’m thinking Northwestern exhausted itself on Ohio State.  No momentum left for the Badgers.  Bucky gets lucky – Wisconsin 30, Northwestern 29.

13. Indiana (3-2) at Michigan State (4-1) (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This game should tell us something about these two teams.  Is Indiana that good?  Are the Hoosiers on the rise?  Is State’s defense that good?  Can the Spartans handle success?  Hoosiers can’t hit the Mark – Michigan State 29, Indiana 26.

14. South Carolina (4-1) at Arkansas (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SEC Network, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – This could be a problem for the Gamecocks.  They didn’t look so hot against Kentucky.  And what’s up with Clowney?  Chicken over Pork – South Carolina 26, Arkansas 24.

15. Baylor (4-0) at Kansas State (2-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – K-State will be the best defense Baylor has seen so far.  But the Wildcats won’t stop the Bears.  Baylor is first in passing offense, first in rushing offense and first in scoring – 70.5 points-a-game.  Grizzly – Baylor 40, Kansas State 27.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Arizona (3-1) at USC (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 10:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Washington gave Arizona a whipping last week; while USC gave its coach a firing.  One of these teams will bounce back; one won’t.  The Trojans are bouncing – USC 33, Arizona 32.  


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Nebraska (4-1) at Purdue (1-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This should be a breather for the Huskers – a chance for Bo to experiment if he wants to.  It just isn’t the Boilers year.  They’ve taken a pounding.  Herbie hammers them some more – Nebraska 38, Purdue 20.

Navy (3-1) at Duke (3-2) – (Ind. vs. ACC) (TV: ACC Network, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – I have a feeling this will be an exciting contest in Durham.  Both can score and both give up a few points.  It could come down to whoever has the ball last wins.  Sailors swab the Dookies – Navy 31, Duke 29.

West Virginia (3-3) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida (1-4) visits Connecticut (0-4) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: AAC Network, 12 noon ET, Saturday).  …. Florida Atlantic (2-4) is hosting Marshall (3-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 5 pm ET, Saturday).  …. Florida International (1-4) entertains UAB (1-4) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 7:30 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (1-4) travels to Savannah State (1-5) (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday).  ….  Bethune-Cookman (4-1) is away at Howard (1-4) (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday).  …. Stetson (1-4) hosts Dayton (3-2) (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday).  ….  Florida Tech (1-4) is at Ave Maria (3-2) (Gulf South vs. Ind.) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida State (5-0), Miami (5-0), UCF (4-1) and Jacksonville U. (2-4) are off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds announced he will retire on August 31, 2014.  Dodds will remain as a consultant for the Longhorns until December 31, 2015.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but in the October autumn as the college football season approached its halfway point, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1943 was “Sunday, Monday or Always” by Bing Crosby

…65 years ago this week in 1948 was “A Tree In The Meadow” by Margaret Whiting

…60 years ago this week in 1953 was “You, You, You” by The Ames Brothers

…55 years ago this week in 1958 was “It’s All In The Game” by Tommy Edwards

…50 years ago this week in 1963 was “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs

…45 years ago this week in 1968 was “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

…40 years ago this week in 1973 was “Half-Breed” by Cher

…35 years ago this week in 1978 was “Kiss You All Over” by Exile

…30 years ago this week in 1983 was “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

…25 years ago this week in 1988 was “Love Bites” by Def Leppard

…20 years ago this week in 1993 was “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey


Not directly college football related, but sadly there were five passings of note last week – Patricia Blair, James Street, Bob Kurland, L.C. Greenwood and Tom Clancy.

Patricia Blair, an actress who played in the 1960s television westerns “Daniel Boone” and “The Rifleman,” died last week at her home in Wildwood, New Jersey.  She was 80.  She played the hotel owner Lou Mallory on “The Rifleman” starting in 1962, and Rebecca Boone, Daniel’s wife, for that show’s six-year run, beginning in 1964.  Patsy Lou Blake was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 15, 1933.  Prior to television, she appeared in several movies, including “Jump into Hell” (1955), “The Black Sheep” (1956) and “City of Fear” (1959).  She made appearances on other television shows, including “The Virginian,” “Bonanza,” “Perry Mason” and “Surfside 6.”  She later appeared in the 1979 Robert Redford-Jane Fonda movie “The Electric Horseman.”

James Street, a quarterback who led Texas to the 1969 national championship, died last week in Austin, Texas.  He was 65.  Street was the operator of Coach Darrell Royal’s wishbone offense.  He made his first career start two games into his junior season and went 20-0.  In 1969, Texas and Arkansas, both 10-0, met in what was then called “the game of the century.” With less than six minutes to go in the game, Texas trailed Arkansas, 14-8.  Street led the Longhorns down the field for a game winning touchdown.  Texas went on to beat Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, its second Cotton Bowl win under Street.  Street became a legend in Texas.  He was also a pitcher on the Texas baseball team, compiling a 29-8 record and pitching two no-hitters.  One of his five sons, Huston Street, is a relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres.  James Lowell Street was born on August 2, 1948, in Longview, Texas.   

Bob Kurland, who led Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) to two consecutive NCAA basketball championships in the mid-1940s, died last week on Sanibel Island, Florida.  He was 88.  Standing 6-foot-10, Kurland was considered an oddity at the time.  Playing for Hank Iba, Kurland led Oklahoma A&M to the 1945 and 1946 NCAA championships.  He was voted the tournament’s most valuable player both years.  Kurland also was a three-time All-American.  He later led the United States Olympic basketball team to two gold medals in the 1948 (London) and 1952 (Helsinki) summer Olympics.  Out of college, Kurland shunned the pros and went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  He led the Phillips 66ers to three national Amateur Athletic Union basketball championships.  Kurland worked for Phillips until his retirement in the mid-1980s.  Robert Albert Kurland was born on December 23, 1924 in St. Louis.  He grew up in Jennings, Missouri. 

L.C. Greenwood, a 6-foot-6 member of the Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s, died last week in Pittsburgh.  He was 67.  Greenwood helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories.  He was named first-team All-Pro in 1974 and 1975.  L.C. Henderson Greenwood was born on September 8, 1946, in Canton, Mississippi.  He played college football for Arkansas AM&N (now Arkansas-Pine Bluff).  In the 1980s, Greenwood appeared in several television commercials.   

Tom Clancy, the author of numerous best sellers, including “The Hunt for Red October” (his first book), “Red Storm Rising,” “Patriot Games,” “The Cardinal of the Kremlin” and “Clear and Present Danger,” died last week in Baltimore, Maryland.  He was 66.  Thomas Leo Clancy Jr. was born on April 12, 1947, in Baltimore.  He graduated in 1969 from Loyola College in Baltimore where he majored in English.  Prior to the release of “The Hunt for Red October,” Clancy was an insurance salesman.  After his success as an author, he became a part owner of the Baltimore Orioles.