College Football Week 11 – Ducks-Trees, OU-Baylor, LSU-Bama
The final stretch and the race is on

Now the race is on and here comes Oregon up the backstretch
Florida State is going to the inside
Baylor is holding back, trying not to fall
Ohio State’s out of the running
Miami scratched for another ACC team’s sake
The race is on and it looks like Alabama
And the SEC will take it all

Yeah, we are in the final stretch of the season.  The race is on and five teams – Alabama, Oregon, Florida State, Ohio State and Baylor – still have a legitimate shot at playing in the BCS championship game.  Five more teams – Stanford, Clemson, Oklahoma, Missouri and Auburn – have an outside, but slim, chance of making the title game.  It all depends on how the cards fall in these final weeks of the season.

Undefeated Alabama is clearly out in front of the rest of the teams.  The Tide is sitting at the top of the BCS poll.  Bama has four games remaining on its schedule – two sure wins – Mississippi State and Chattanooga – and two probable wins – LSU and Auburn.  LSU knocked off Bama two years ago in Tuscaloosa in a similar scenario.  The other Tigers – Auburn – are sitting at 8-1 with their own plans to make a run for the title.  Or ruin someone else’s.  Plus Auburn is a rival.  Never underestimate a rival.  Assuming all goes well for the Tide, then there is the SEC title game.  Remember Georgia last year?  Oh so close.

And here comes Oregon running up the backstretch.  The undefeated Ducks will be favored in their final four games, but three of the four are cause for concern – Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State.  Stanford handed the Ducks their only loss last year, wiping out Oregon’s hopes for a spot in the national championship game.  And this year the game is in Palo Alto.  The Arizona game is on the road and Oregon State is a rival.  Assuming all goes well for the Ducks, then there is the Pac-12 title game – yet another obstacle along the way.  But can anyone stop the Quack Attack?

Florida State is going to the inside, hoping Alabama or Oregon or both stumble in the home stretch.  FSU’s strength of schedule takes a dive in its final four contests – Wake Forest, Syracuse, Idaho and Florida.  Only Florida is a mild threat because the Gators are a rival and the game is in Gainesville.  But even if the undefeated Seminoles win those four games and the ACC title game, it may not be enough to get them in the BCS title game – assuming Alabama and Oregon finish undefeated.  The Noles need some help.

Undefeated Baylor is holding back, trying not to fall.  But “trying not to fall” are the key words.  Of all the contenders, Baylor has the toughest road ahead.  The Bears face four Top 25 teams in their final five games – Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Texas.  But if Baylor wins out what a boost the Bears would get in the computer rankings.  Baylor has a task on its hands – a big task. 

And I said Ohio State is out of the running.  Well, not technically.  But in reality – most likely.  The undefeated Buckeyes have been taking a hit in the BCS poll for wins over weak teams – a pathetic schedule.  And Ohio State’s three remaining opponents have no credibility – Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.  The Wolverines provide a mild threat because of the rivalry and the game is in Ann Arbor.  Ohio State has to hope that Michigan State wins the rest of its games, finishing 11-1.  Then the Buckeyes need to beat the Spartans in the Big Ten title game.  A win over Michigan State would give the Bucks a good boost by the computers.  But they still need for three of the four above teams – Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Baylor – to lose.

Now, considering all the possibilities, and as remote as it is, Stanford, Clemson, Oklahoma, Missouri and Auburn still have a heartbeat.  Crazier things have happened – just ask LSU.  Regardless of how it ends, it’s going to get wild before it’s over.  It always does in the final stretch.  It’s going to be heartache for one or two teams.  The race is on.  Stay tuned!

In addition to Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Ohio State and Oregon, two more teams are still undefeated – Fresno State and Northern Illinois.  But the Bulldogs and the Huskies are not in contention for the BCS championship game.  However, they are in contention for a spot in a BCS bowl.  Stay tuned!

Until Saturday, Miami (Florida) was in contention for the BCS championship game.  But the Hurricanes scratched for another ACC team’s sake.  Basically, the Canes were scratched – or better yet, speared – by Florida State, 41-14.  However, the two teams could meet again in a rematch in the ACC title game.  The Seminoles have all but won the Atlantic Division.  Miami is sitting atop the Coastal Division, but the Canes still have games against Virginia Tech, Duke, Virginia and Pitt.  Stay tuned!

Is Ohio State running up the score to impress the BCS pollsters?  Some are accusing the Buckeyes of pouring it on.  Since the poll first appeared two weeks ago, Ohio State has defeated Penn State, 63-14 and Purdue, 56-0.  The Buckeyes trail Alabama, Florida State and Oregon in the poll.

The season isn’t over and yet another coach was fired last week – Florida Atlantic’s Carl Pelini.  But unlike Lane Kiffin, Paul Pasqualoni and Don Treadwell, Pelini wasn’t fired for his poor record – even though he had a poor record (5-15).  In his second season at FAU, Pelini was fired for snorting cocaine and smoking marijuana – he and his defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis.

Meanwhile, Carl’s brother Bo Pelini must have felt like he was on a cocaine or marijuana high Saturday after his Huskers beat Northwestern.  Trailing the Wildcats, 24-21, Nebraska scored a touchdown as time expired on a 49-yard, Hail-Mary pass.  The ball was tipped by a Northwestern player and fell into the hands of the Huskers Jordan Westerkamp in the end zone.  Yes, that should have given Bo a pretty good buzz.  After the loss to Minnesota last week, Bo needed a good high.  He got it.   

Reports say that former Arkansas and Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt is eyeing the Connecticut job.  UConn fired Paul Pasqualoni earlier in the season. 

There were only two overtime games Saturday.  Penn State downed Illinois, 24-17 (OT), and West Virginia beat TCU, 30-27 (OT).  It was the Mountaineers first win on the road this season.  Likewise, only two teams made the “60 plus” club over the weekend.  Northern Illinois beat Massachusetts, 63-19, and Marshall downed Southern Miss, 61-13.  Two teams just missed making the club.  Clemson beat Virginia, 59-10, and Texas A&M downed UTEP, 57-7.

In the latest BCS poll, Alabama remains No. 1.  Florida State, on the strength of its impressive 41-14 win over Miami (Florida) replaced Oregon at the No. 2 spot.  Oregon, who had the weekend off, fell to No. 3.  Ohio State is still No. 4.  Stanford is sitting at No. 5, and Baylor is No. 6. 

Three games this week will have a big impact on the BCS poll – Oklahoma at Baylor, Oregon at Stanford and LSU at Alabama.  Stay tuned!

Swamp Mama and I had company over the long football weekend.  Princess Gator, Bama Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe paid us a visit.  They arrived Wednesday and left Sunday.  Gator Gabe and Gator Babe had a good time trick-or-treating Thursday evening.

I barbecued ribs and prepared a couple of my other dishes Saturday.  Snacking on the food, we watched the Florida-Georgia game.  During the commercial breaks we switched to the West Virginia-TCU game – back-and-forth.  All I can say – there was one good ending and one bad ending.

Gator Gabe and Gator Babe brought their rabbits – Sassy Fry and Pumpkin – with them.  After our visitors left Sunday, I was in the backyard checking out my raised-bed herb garden.  Somebody or bodies had darn near wiped out my dill and parsley.  Swamp Mama started laughing.  Apparently she and Princess Gator took the rabbits out to exercise Saturday – exercise in my herb garden.  Sassy Fry and Pumpkin ate well.  Funny, they didn’t touch the cilantro.  Picky eaters.

Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I are heading to Gainesville for the weekend.  We’re going to the Vanderbilt-Florida game Saturday.  After his third loss to Georgia, I’m anxious to see what kind of reception Will Mustake gets from the Gator fans. 

Speaking of going to a game, Tim Muth and his family will be attending the Florida State-Wake Forest game in Winston-Salem on Saturday.  Tim has his bachelor’s degree from FSU and his master’s from Wake Forest.

Next week, College Football Week – CFW Week 12 – will be posted and published on Tuesday, November 12.  Along with all the college football news, it will contain my annual “What Year Was It?”  Stay tuned!
     
And finally, my apologies to Don Rollins, who wrote “The Race is On.”

Touchdown Tom
November 4, 2013   
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: No sugar for the Canes – Florida State 41, Miami (Florida) 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 30, Miami 24).  This was a good game in the first half.  Then the Noles ran away from the Canes in the second half.  Jameis Winston passed for 325 yards and the Noles held the Canes to 83 yards rushing.  Winston completed 72 percent of his passes, but he threw two interceptions.  You have to wonder if his squinting makes it difficult for him to see receivers down the field.  Winston doesn’t wear contacts during the game.  He squints to read the play-calling signals from the sideline.  That has to drive Jimbo Fisher crazy.  A crowd of 84,409 attended the game in Tallahassee.

RUNNER UP:  Kliff got cooled – Oklahoma State 52, Texas Tech 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 37, Oklahoma State 29).  Okie State jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead and Texas Tech played catch up the rest of the game.  The teams combined for 1,041 yards of offense.  A crowd of 61,836 attended the game in Lubbock.

REST OF THE BEST:  What a defense! – Michigan State 29, Michigan 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 24, Michigan 20).  You have to be impressed with the Spartans defense.  They held Michigan to -48 yards rushing.  If the Wolverines lose to Ohio State, Brady Hoke will be on the hot seat.  A crowd of 76,306 attended the game in East Lansing.

Trojans peeve the Beav – USC 31, Oregon State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 23, USC 17).  USC’s running game was too much for Oregon State.  The Trojans had two backs rush for more than 100 yards each – Silas Redd (140 yards) and Javorius Allen (133 yards).  The game was tied 14-14 late in the second quarter.  It was all USC after that.  Oregon State’s Sean Mannion threw three picks.  A crowd of 45,379 attended the game in Corvallis.

Big Mo – Missouri 31, Tennessee 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 29, Tennessee 19).  And this was the same Tennessee team that beat South Carolina?  And South Carolina beat Missouri?  Crazy isn’t it?  Missouri is in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East.  A crowd of 65,869 attended the game in Columbia.

Not in our coop – South Carolina 34, Mississippi State 16 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Miss State 20).  Miss State won the statistics battle, but the Bulldogs had five turnovers.  A crowd of 82,111 attended the game in Columbia.

Cheese whiz – Wisconsin 28, Iowa 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Iowa 23).  The Badgers kept the Hawkeyes out of the end zone.  Three field goals were all Iowa could muster.  A crowd of 69,812 attended the game in Iowa City.

The Leach man still sucks – Arizona State 55, Washington State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 39, Washington State 36).  ASU took command of the game and was never threatened throughout.  Wazzu only had two yards rushing.  The Sun Devils had 33 first downs to the Cougars’ 14.  A crowd of 20,617 attended the game in Pullman.

Engineered – Georgia Tech 21, Pitt 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 29, Pitt 20).  The Georgia Tech defense held Pitt to -5 yards rushing.  But the Jackets only led 14-10 until late in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 52,312 attended the game in Atlanta.

Andre the Giant – Boston College 34, Virginia Tech 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 25, Boston College 16).  Tech dominated the Eagles in the statistics.  But the Hokies had four turnovers.  They also only had 55 yards rushing.  BC’s Andre Williams rushed for 166 yards.  Is Frank Beamer becoming Bobby Bowden?  A crowd of 30,129 attended the game in Chestnut Hill.

Hail Mary – Nebraska 27, Northwestern 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Northwestern 22).  What an ending!  Scoring on a desperation heave as time expires to win the game is about as thrilling as you can get.  Nebraska suffered four turnovers in the game.  Bo is living on the edge.  But unlike his brother, he hasn’t fallen off the edge – not yet.  A crowd of 91,140 attended the game in Lincoln.

The Gophers are 7-2 – Minnesota 42, Indiana 39 (Touchdown Tom said: Minnesota 34, Indiana 32).  The teams combined for 1,069 yards of offense.  Minnesota’s David Cobb rushed for 188 yards.  The Gophers continue to surprise.  A crowd of 44,625 attended the game in Bloomington.

These Rams aren’t tough – Boise State 42, Colorado State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 32, Colorado State 26).  The teams combined for 1,063 yards of offense.  Trailing 17-14 midway through the second quarter, Boise State scored 28 unanswered points to take a 42-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.  Even though it is an off year for the Broncos, they still pretty much dominate the MWC.  The Rams Garrett Grayson passed for 397 yards.  A crowd of 21,133 attended the game in Fort Collins.

London's in the fog -- Clemson 59, Virginia 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 36, Virginia 16).  Clemson had 610 yards of offense to Virginia’s 277.  Tajh Boyd passed for 377 yards.  It’s just a matter of time before Virginia cans Mike London.  A crowd of 46,959 attended the game in Charlottesville.

Will don’t know no offense – Georgia 23, Florida 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 25, Florida 24).  Will Mustake is a loser.  Playing for Georgia against Florida, he was 0-4 in this game.  Coaching Florida, he is 0-3 in this game.  That makes him 0-7.  Halfway through his third season, Ron Zook was fired with a record that was no worse than Mustake’s halfway through his third season.  Plus Zook was 2-1 against Georgia.  Florida’s play calling was strange.  The Bull Gators have to be pissed.  A crowd of 84,693 attended the game in Jacksonville.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Where’s the goal line? – Penn State 24, Illinois 17 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 35, Illinois 21).  This was a great game between the 20s.  There was a lot of offense generated for such little scoring.  Penn State’s Bill Belton rushed for 201 yards.  A crowd of 95,131 attended the game in State College.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Hallelujah! – West Virginia 30, TCU 27 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 27, West Virginia 19).  This was such a frustrating game for WVU that ended on a positive note for once.  The Mountaineers got an early interception, but then failed to score a touchdown in the red zone.  Then TCU jumped out to a 17-3 lead.  Then WVU fought back to take a 27-17 lead – only to give up 10 points to TCU in the final three minutes of the game.  Talk about going from a high to a low to a high to a low.  But the Eers pulled it out in overtime.  WVU’s secondary is still bad.  The defense is good against the rush and the offense is better except for quarterback.  The Eers are hurting for a quarterback.  A crowd of 41,632 attended the game in Fort Worth.

Jayhawks are bird shot – Texas 35, Kansas 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 37, Kansas 14).  I don’t think Charlie Weis is long for Kansas.  Texas led 35-6 early in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 97,105 attended the game in Austin.

Urban destruction – Ohio State 56, Purdue 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 35, Purdue 17).  The Buckeyes outgained the Boilers 640 yards to 116.  Purdue only had 89 yards passing and 27 yards rushing.  Ohio State led 28-0 at the end of the first quarter.  Braxton Miller completed 83 percent of his passes.  A crowd of 51,423 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Week 10 Picks:  15 Correct, 4 Wrong (79.0 percent)
On the Season:  139 Correct, 48 Wrong (74.3 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida lost to Houston, 35-23.  A crowd of 22,707 attended the game in Houston….  Florida Atlantic dumped Tulane, 34-17.  A crowd of 16,406 attended the game in Boca Raton….  Florida International lost to East Carolina, 34-13.  A crowd of 16,961 attended the game in Miami….  Florida A&M beat Norfolk State, 16-6.  A crowd of 10,627 attended the game in Norfolk.

Bethune-Cookman pounded North Carolina Central, 38-14.  A crowd of 6,411 attended the game in Durham….  Jacksonville U. lost to Marist, 42-35.  A crowd of 1,667 attended the game in Poughkeepsie….  Stetson fell to Campbell, 19-18.  A crowd of 3,008 attended the game in Deland….  Florida Tech lost to West Georgia, 28-14.  A crowd of 2,611 attended the game in Carrollton.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 39-55-0 for 487 yards; Texas Tech’s Davis Webb – 45-71-2-435; Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson – 36-53-1-397; TCU’s Casey Pachall – 40-58-2-394; Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 24-41-2-391, and Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 24-29-1-377.

Also, Toledo’s Terrance Owens – 18-24-0 for 375 yards; Rutgers’ Gary Nova – 27-38-0-371; Utah State’s Darell Garretson – 28-41-1-370; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 31-52-0-362; Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 21-31-0-354; New Mexico State’s Andrew McDonald – 24-34-1-327; Florida State’s Jameis Winston – 21-29-2-325, and Georgia State’s Ronnie Bell – 26-41-2-325.

Also, Southern Miss’ Nick Mullens – 24-48-1 for 323 yards; Cincinnati’s Brendon Kay – 25-35-1-321; Illinois’ Nathan Scheelhaase – 33-52-2-321; South Florida’s Mike White – 26-41-1-311; Boise State’s Grant Hedrick – 19-27-0-305; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 29-54-1-300, and Minnesota’s Philip Nelson – 16-23-0-298.


Impressive Rushers: Air Force’s Anthony LaCoste – 263 yards; San Diego State’s Adam Muema – 233 yards; Penn State’s Bill Belton – 201 yards; Minnesota’s David Cobb – 188 yards; San Jose State’s Jarrod Lawson – 187 yards; Auburn’s Tre Mason – 168 yards, and Toledo’s Kareem Hunt – 168 yards.

Also, Boston College’s Andre Williams – 166 yards; Massachusetts’ Lorenzo Woodley – 163 yards; Middle Tennessee’s Reggie Whatley – 155 yards; West Virginia’s Charles Sims – 154 yards; UAB’s Jordan Howard – 154 yards; Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 152 yards, and Akron’s Jawon Chisholm – 151 yards.    


Quotes of the Week

“Do I need to say anymore?,” former Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier, reiterating his feelings about Husker coach Bo Pelini.

“I don’t have nothing to prove.  They keep doubting.  We’re going to keep winning.  Let them keep doubting us.  That’s all I can say.  It’s a team sport.  For all what people think about me – I just want to win with my team,” South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

“Nick Saban is the best financial investment this university has ever made,” Alabama chancellor Dr. Robert Witt.

“Famous Jameis will be too much for the Canes and hard for Heisman voters to ignore,” CBSSports.com blogger Tony Barnhart, on FSU quarterback Jameis Winston.

“Georgia-Florida is an elimination game, cocktails or not,” CBSSports.com blogger Tony Barnhart.

“Seminoles will handle the ‘U’ like FIU,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, prior to the Miami-Florida State game. 


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Oregon (8-0) at Stanford (7-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 9 pm ET, Thursday) – Last year, Stanford shutdown the Quack Attack, holding Oregon to 14 points.  The Cardinal has the defense to do it again.  Plus the Cardinal is home this year.  But the Cardinal has a monumental task on its hands.  Oregon is averaging 55.6 points a game.  The Ducks lowest output was 42 points against UCLA.  And Oregon is holding its opponents to only 16.9 points a game – ninth best in the country.  Yes, Stanford has a challenge.  But the Cardinal is good at meeting challenges.  Likewise, Oregon does too and is too.  Marcus Mariota adds momentum to his run for the Heisman.  All waddles in Palo Alto – Oregon 27, Stanford 22.   

RUNNER UP:  2. LSU (7-2) at Alabama (8-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Last time the Tigers played in Tuscaloosa, two years ago, they knocked off the Tide.  But that Tiger team was better than this one.  The Mad Hatter is going to have to come up with some pretty good tricks to win this one, especially on defense.  The weaker side of LSU’s team is definitely the defense.  A.J. McCarron will take advantage of that.  The Tide is on a march to its third-straight appearance in the BCS title game.  But, will Bama play Oregon, Florida State or someone else.  The Bama fans stay around for the fourth quarter – Alabama 32, LSU 17.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Oklahoma (7-1) at Baylor (7-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Baylor is undefeated, but the Bears are entering the tougher part of their schedule.  First up – Oklahoma.  The Sooners have already lost to one team from Texas.  Will they fall to another one?  If Bryce Petty and Lache Seastrunk have anything to do with it, they will.  The Bears are averaging 63.9 points a game.  And the Baylor defense is holding opponents to 15.9 points a game.  Oklahoma stoops – Baylor 34, Oklahoma 29.    

4. Houston (7-1) at UCF (6-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Freshman quarterback John O’Korn has been exciting for the Cougars.  He has their offense on a roll.  Houston could be a bigger challenge for the Knights than Louisville was.  But the Knights overcame the Louisville challenge.  A UCF win will give the Knights a big boost in the polls.  Blake Bortles counters O’Korn – UCF 30, Houston 29.   

5. Virginia Tech (6-3) at Miami (Florida) (7-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – One of these teams has to bounce back.  Both are coming off bad losses.  Tech has no offense and Miami lost its top rusher (Duke Johnson) to a season-ending injury.  A Hokie win would throw the ACC Coastal Division into a wide-open race.  Canes are able – Miami 26, Virginia Tech 15.

6. BYU (6-2) at Wisconsin (6-2) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This could be a high-scoring affair.  Both teams know how to score.  BYU has a weak defense.  That gives the edge to the Badgers.  Bucky is lucky – Wisconsin 36, BYU 30.

7. UCLA (6-2) at Arizona (6-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – Key game in the Pac-12 South.  Both are 3-2 in conference play.  Arizona is improving, but the Bruins are already improved.  Bruins take the Rod to Rich – UCLA 34, Arizona 33.

8. Nebraska (6-2) at Michigan (6-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If Nebraska can get a jump on Michigan’s weak defense the Huskers could come out of Ann Arbor with a win.  But you never know how either of these teams is going to play from one week to the next.  Wolverines bounce back – Michigan 22, Nebraska 20.

9. Ohio (6-2) at Buffalo (6-2) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPN2, 8 pm ET, Tuesday) – Both teams are in contention for the MAC East Division title.  This game should be a thriller.  In Buffalo, it could be a chiller.  For the Bobcats, that is – Buffalo 32, Ohio 29. 

10. Penn State (5-3) at Minnesota (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Can the Gophers keep a good thing going?  They can’t let their guard down against the Nitts.  Penn State has a way of taking advantage of miscues.  Nothing moldy about Goldy – Minnesota 23, Penn State 21. 

11. Auburn (8-1) at Tennessee (4-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Tigers are having an amazing season.  They are on a roll.  But the Vols knocked off South Carolina in Knoxville.  They could shatter the Tigers dreams.  But they won’t – Auburn 27, Tennessee 23.

12. Mississippi State (4-4) at Texas A&M (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s been a disappointing season for Miss State.  And it’s not going to get any better against the Aggies.  Manziel has the Dogs panting – Texas A&M 39, Miss State 22.

13. Notre Dame (7-2) at Pitt (4-4) – (Ind. vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Remember this game last year?  The overtimes?  Pitt had it won, but didn’t win.  The Panthers should have some kind of incentive.  But the Irish have the luck – Notre Dame 26, Pitt 19. 

14. Arizona State (6-2) at Utah (4-4) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s about time for the Utes to knock off somebody again in Salt Lake City – like they did against Stanford.  That makes the Sun Devils a candidate.  But ASU has its eyes on the Pac-12 championship game.  The eyes have it – Arizona State 27, Utah 22. 

15. Texas (6-2) at West Virginia (4-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Last year, this was one of the best games of the season.  WVU won 48-45 in a thriller.  It could be another thriller this year.  Then again, it might not be.  Fortunately for the Eers, Texas isn’t the best passing team around.  But then everybody passes well against WVU.  Horns too loud for the Eers – Texas 33, West Virginia 30.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Troy (5-4) at Louisiana-Lafayette (6-2) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) (TV: ESPNU, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – The Rajin’ Cajuns are having a great season.  It should be even greater after this game.  Boudin on the Bayou – Louisiana-Lafayette 35, Troy 23.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Vanderbilt (4-4) at Florida (4-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – The Gators may be deflated after the loss to Georgia.  Vandy might take advantage of that.  But if the Gators are down early, they should get fired up.  Nobody likes to lose to the Dores – Florida 28, Vanderbilt 25.

NC State (3-5) at Duke (6-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dookies are on a roll and the Wolfpack are not.  That says the Dookies should roll the Pack – Duke 25, NC State 22.

Appalachian State (2-7) at Georgia (5-3) – (Southern vs. SEC) (TV: Local Cable, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dawgs get to rest this week.  They can use a rest before Auburn and Georgia Tech.  This isn’t one of Appy State’s better years.  Uga gets a bone – Georgia 40, Appalachian State 16.

Iowa (5-4) at Purdue (1-7) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – This week it’s Iowa’s turn to beat up on Purdue.  The Boilers have been taking their share of hits this season.  Well, it’s almost over.  Birds dive bomb the Boilers – Iowa 27, Purdue 17.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State (8-0) travels to Wake Forest (4-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  Florida International (1-7) visits Middle Tennessee (5-4) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: Local Cable, 4 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (8-1) hosts Norfolk State (2-7) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida A&M (3-6) is away at South Carolina State (6-3) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 1:30 pm ET, Saturday).

Jacksonville U. (4-5) is on the road at Mercer (8-1) – Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Stetson (1-7) entertains Davidson (0-9) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Tech (3-6) hosts North Alabama (6-2) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday).

South Florida (2-6) and Florida Atlantic (3-6) are off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck is reported to be the front-runner for the athletic director position at Texas.  Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds is retiring in August….  Northern Illinois has announced its non-conference opponents for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.  In 2014, the Huskies will play Presbyterian at home and Northwestern, UNLV and Arkansas away.  In 2015, NIU will play UNLV, Murray State and Wyoming at home and Ohio State away. 

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but in early November as the college football season began its final stretch, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1943 was “Pistol Packin’ Mama” by Al Dexter

…65 years ago this week in 1948 was “Buttons and Bows” by Dinah Shore

…60 years ago this week in 1953 was “Vaya Con Dios (May God Be with You)” by Les Paul and Mary Ford

…55 years ago this week in 1958 was “It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty

…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 “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips

…35 years ago this week in 1978 was “You Needed Me” by Anne Murray

…30 years ago this week in 1983 was “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

…25 years ago this week in 1988 was “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

…20 years ago this week in 1993 was “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf


Not directly college football related, but sadly there were two passings of note last week – Johnny Kucks and Walt Bellamy.

Johnny Kucks, a right-hander who was just 24 when he shut out the Brooklyn Dodgers to clinch the 1956 World Series for the New York Yankees in the seventh game, died last week in Saddle River, New Jersey.  He was 81.  Kucks’ big league tenure lasted six seasons.  In 1956, his second season with the Yankees, he was the team’s second-most reliable starter behind Whitey Ford.  He finished the season 18-9.  John Charles Kucks Jr. was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on July 27, 1932.  In 1959, the Yankees traded Kucks to Kansas City. 

Walt Bellamy, the Hall-of-Fame center who was a leading NBA scorer and rebounder, died Saturday.  He was 74.  Bellamy was the NBA rookie of the year in 1962, playing for the Chicago Packers.  He was an All-American at Indiana University and played on a gold-medal-winning United States Olympic basketball team.  He had a 14-year NBA career and was an All-Star each of his first four seasons in the NBA.  In addition to the Packers, Bellamy played for the Baltimore Bullets, the New York Knicks, the Detroit Pistons, the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Jazz.  Walter Jones Bellamy was born on July 24, 1939, in New Bern, North Carolina.  He played on the 1960 U.S. Olympic team with Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Jerry Lucas.  He often called that team “the authentic dream team.”