College Football Week 12 – Hug a veteran today!
‘When you’re feeling lonely and small,
You need somebody there to hold you’

“You can call out my name when you’re only lonely.”

What year was it?

It was the year of the Happy Meal and the year when we first learned of Margaret Thatcher.  Dire Straits, B.B. King, The Who, Elton John and U2 all had firsts during the year. 

Speaking of firsts, the CD made its debut, and “Morning Edition” premiered on National Public Radio.  It was also the year of Three Mile Island.

As the year began, the United States and the Peoples Republic of China established full diplomatic relations for the first time.  Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Bill Graham closed the Winterland Ballroom, following a New Year’s Eve concert by the Blues Brothers and the Grateful Dead.

A week later, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime fell in Cambodia, and two weeks into the year, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran and his family fled Iran, relocating to Egypt.

Television’s “CBS News Sunday Morning” debuted.  The following day, former U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell was released on parole after 19 months in a federal prison in Alabama.

Before January came to a close, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl, beating the Dallas Cowboys, 35-31, and “The Dukes of Hazard” debuted on CBS.

On the first of February, convicted bank robber Patty Hearst was released from prison after her sentence was commuted by President Jimmy Carter, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran after nearly 15 years of exile.

Still early in February, former Sex Pistols’ bassist Sid Vicious was found dead at the age of 21 of a heroin overdose in New York City.  Stephen Stills became the first major rock artist to record digitally, laying down four songs at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, and Rod Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy” hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts where it remained for four weeks.

On February 11, the Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in Iran.  Two days later, an intense windstorm struck western Washington, sinking a 1/2-mile-long section of the Hood Canal Bridge.

“When the world is ready to fall on your little shoulders,
And when you’re feeling lonely and small,
You need somebody there to hold you.”

All within three days, the Bee Gees collected four Grammys for “Saturday Night Fever,” The Peoples Republic of China invaded northern Vietnam, launching the Sino-Vietnamese War and the Sahara Desert experienced a snowfall.

Late in February, the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia became independent from the United Kingdom, and Dire Straits began their first U.S. tour in Boston.  Also, B.B. King became the first blues artist to tour the Soviet Union, kicking off a one-month tour there. Meanwhile in New Orleans, the annual Mardi Gras celebration was canceled due to a strike called by the New Orleans Police Department.

March arrived and photos from the Voyager I space probe revealed Jupiter’s rings.  Philips demonstrated the Compact Disc publicly for the first time, while later in the month, the first fully functional space shuttle orbiter, Columbia, was delivered to the John F. Kennedy Space Center to be prepared for its first launch.  In a ceremony at the White House, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel signed a peace treaty.

At the end of March, Michigan State beat Indiana State, 75-64, in Salt Lake City, to win the NCAA basketball tournament, and America’s most serious nuclear power plant accident occurred at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania.  Also, Gali Atari and Milk and Honey, representing Israel, won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Hallelujah.”

Rod Stewart married Alana Hamilton early in April. 

Later in the month, a tornado hit Wichita Falls, Texas, killing 42 people.  It was the strongest of 26 tornadoes that pounded the Midwest on April 10.  The next day, Tanzanian troops took Kampala, the capital of Uganda.  Idi Amin fled. 

On April 15, a 7.0 earthquake struck Montenegro (in Yugoslavia) and parts of Albania, causing extensive damage and killing 136 people.  The same day, Fuzzy Zoeller beat out Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a three-way playoff to win the Masters.

Two days into May, The Who played their first concert, following the death of drummer Keith Moon.  On May 4, Conservative Margaret Thatcher became Great Britain’s first female prime minister, ending the rule of James Callaghan’s Labour government.  The next day, Spectacular Bid won the Kentucky Derby.

A few days later, a Unabomber bomb injured Northwestern University grad student John Harris, and Arsenal beat Manchester United, 3-2, to win the FA Cup. 

On the 21st of May, Dan White received a light sentence for killing San Francisco mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.  The Montreal Canadiens beat the New York Rangers, 4 games to 1, to win the Stanley Cup, and Elton John played the first of eight concerts in the Soviet Union.

“You can call out my name when you’re only lonely,
Now, don’t you ever be ashamed, you’re only lonely.”

Late in May, American Airlines Flight 191, a DC-10, crashed during takeoff at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, killing all 271 on board and two people on the ground in the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history.  Also, Rick Mears won the Indianapolis 500 for the first time.

On the first day of June, McDonalds introduced the Happy Meal, and the Seattle Supersonics beat the Washington Bullets, 4 games to 1, to win the NBA Championship.  The following day, Pope John Paul II arrived in his native Poland, becoming the first Pope to visit a Communist country.  Two days later, Joe Clark became Canada’s 16th and youngest Prime Minister.

A week later, at the French Open Tennis Tournament in Paris, Chris Evert won the women’s singles title and Bjorn Borg won the men’s singles title.  In mid-June, Hale Irwin won the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev signed the SALT II agreement in Vienna.

Summer was underway and while not yet able to listen to the games on the radio, college football fans were listening to “Love Is The Answer” by England Dan & John Ford Coley; “Reunited” by Peaches & Herb; “Just When I Needed You Most” by Randy Vanwarmer; “The Logical Song” by Supertramp; “Makin’ It” by David Naughton; “Deeper Than The Night” by Olivia Newton-John; “When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman” by Dr. Hook, and “Honesty” by Billy Joel.

Also, “You Take My Breath Away” by Rex Smith; “Love You Inside Out” by The Bee Gees; “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer; “Dance Away” by Roxy Music; “Dance The Night Away” by Van Halen; “Chuck E’s In Love” by Rickie Lee Jones; “She Believes In Me” by Kenny Rogers; “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead; “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge; “I Want You To Want Me” by Cheap Trick; “You Can’t Change That” by Raydio, and “Minute By Minute” by The Doobie Brothers.

Late in the month, a Nicaraguan National Guard soldier killed ABC TV news correspondent Bill Stewart.  The killing was captured on tape.  Also, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Haig escaped an assassination attempt by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist gang. 

No sooner had July arrived and the Sony Walkman went on sale for the first time.  Meanwhile, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul, Afghanistan.

A week into the month and Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova won the men’s and women’s singles championships respectively at Wimbledon in England.  A few days later, NASA’s first orbiting space station Skylab began its return to earth after being in orbit for six years and two months. 

A Disco Demolition Night publicity stunt went awry at Comiskey Park, forcing the Chicago White Sox to forfeit their game against the Detroit Tigers.  Iraqi President Hasan al-Bakr resigned and Vice-President Saddam Hussein replaced him. 

“When you need somebody around on the nights that try you,
Remember, I was there when you were a queen,
And I’ll be the last one there beside you.”

As the summer air grew thicker and warmer, the DJs were playing and college football fans were listening to “Heart Of The Night” by Poco; “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions; “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward; “Does Your Mother Know” by ABBA; “Shine A Little Love” by Electric Light Orchestra; “Gold” by John Stewart; “Sad Eyes” by Robert John, and “If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold It Against Me” by The Bellamy Brothers.

Also, “Shadows In The Moonlight” by Anne Murray; “Weekend” by Wet Willie; “People Of The South Wind” by Kansas; “I Can’t Stand It No More” by Peter Frampton; “Do It Or Die” by The Atlanta Rhythm Section; “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by Kiss; “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer; “Lead Me On” by Maxine Nightingale; “Days Gone Down (Still Got The Light In Your Eyes)” by Gerry Rafferty, and “One Way Or Another” by Blondie.

On July 17, Nicaraguan dictator General Anastasio Somoza Debayle resigned and fled to Miami.  Two days later, the Sandinista National Liberation Front concluded a successful revolutionary campaign against the U.S.-backed Somoza dictatorship and assumed power in Nicaragua.

Maritza Sayalero of Venezuela won the Miss Universe pageant.  The pageant stage collapsed when contestants and photographers rushed to her throne.  Before July was over, Seve Ballesteros won the British Open Golf Championship.

August began on a sad note as New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson died in a plane crash. 

David Graham won the PGA Championship, and Michael Jackson released his breakthrough album “Off The Wall.”  It sold seven million copies in the United State alone.

Summer was coming to an end and football fans couldn’t wait for another season to begin.  USC was the No. 1 team in the country at preseason.  Just days before the first games of the season, college football fans were grillin’ and chillin’ to “Suspicions” by Eddie Rabbit; “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” by Elton John; “Getting Closer” by Paul McCartney & Wings, and “The Main Event/Fight” by Barbra Streisand.

Also, “Good Times” by Chic; “Heaven Must Have Sent You” by Bonnie Pointer; “Highway Song” by Blackfoot; “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band; “Born To Be Alive” by Patrick Hernandez; “My Sharona” by The Knack; “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” by Dionne Warwick; “Let’s Go” by The Cars, and “I Know A Heartache When I See One” by Jennifer Warnes.

Late in August, “My Sharona” by the Knack hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts.  It was the first time in over a year that a song that was not either a disco song or a ballad hit No. 1.  Also, Lord Mountbatten, British admiral, statesman and uncle of the Duke of Edinburgh, and four others were assassinated by the Irish Republican Army. 

On the first two days of September, Pioneer 11 became the first spacecraft to visit Saturn, when it passed the planet at a distance of 12,600 miles, and U2 entered the studio for the first time to record a single.

Just a week into September and the first cable television sports channel, ESPN, was launched.  The long-running comic strip, “For Better or For Worse,” began its run, while at the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, John McEnroe won the men’s singles title, and Tracy Austin won the women’s singles title.

“So you can call out my name when you’re only lonely,
Now, don’t you ever be ashamed, you’re only lonely.”

Meanwhile, the college football season was underway and fans were tailgating to “Oh Well” by The Rockets; “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp; “After The Love Has Gone” by Earth, Wind & Fire; “The Boss” by Diana Ross, and “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin’” by Stephanie Mills.

Also, “Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)” by Robert Palmer; “Driver’s Seat” by Sniff ‘N’ The Tears; “Lonesome Loser” by The Little River Band; “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” by Journey; “Where Were You When I Was Falling In Love” by Lobo; “Don’t Stop ’Til I Get Enough” by Michael Jackson, and “Rise” by Herb Alpert.

A first class U.S. postage stamp cost 15 cents, while a gallon of gas was only 86 cents.  The average price of a new home was $58,100, and the average income was $17,500.

During mid-September, Hurricane Frederic made landfall at 10 p.m. on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and two families escaped from East Germany by fleeing in a hot air balloon. 

College football fans were celebrating their wins and mourning their losses to “Don’t Bring Me Down” by Electric Light Orchestra; “Dependin’ On You” by The Doobie Brothers; “Get It Right Next Time” by Gerry Rafferty; “Spooky” by The Atlanta Rhythm Section; “Sail On” by The Commodores, and “Pop Muzik” by M.

Also, “Rolene” by Moon Martin; “So Good, So Right” by Brenda Russell; “Arrow Through Me” by Paul McCartney & Wings; “Midnight Wind” by John Stewart; “Street Life” by The Crusaders; “Dim All The Lights” by Donna Summer, and “Please Don’t Go” by KC and The Sunshine Band.

As October began, Pope John Paul II arrived in the United States for a six-day visit.  Three days later, an EF4 tornado hit Windsor Locks, Connecticut, causing extensive damage to the town. 

On October 6, Ken Naber kicked a 56-yard field goal on the final play of the game, giving Stanford a 27-24 win over UCLA.  The following Saturday, October 13, No. 1 USC was tied by Stanford, 21-21.  This after the Trojans led 21-0 at halftime.  Two days later, Alabama became the No. 1 team in the country. 

In mid-October, near Guam, Typhoon Tip reached a record intensity of 870 millibars, the lowest pressure ever recorded at sea level.  This made Tip the most powerful tropical cyclone ever.  Two days later, a major gay rights march took place in Washington, DC, involving tens of thousands of people.

A loaf of bread cost 43 cents and the average price of a new car was $6,847.

“When the world is ready to fall on your little shoulders,
And when you’re feeling lonely and small,
You need somebody there to hold you.”

On October 16, a tsunami in Nice, France, killed 23 people.  The next day, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Baltimore Orioles in game seven of the World Series.  Willie Stargell was named the series MVP.  On October 20, Ted Peterson kicked a 49-yard field goal on the final play of the game, giving UNLV a 43-41 victory over Utah. 

The following week, Park Chung Hee, the President of South Korea, was assassinated.  Also, Michigan beat Indiana, 27-21, on the final play of the game.  The Wolverines Anthony Carter scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass from John Wangler.  The next day, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence from the United Kingdom.

At Halloween, college football fans were being tricked or treated to “Hold On” by Ian Gomm; “Come To Me” by France Joli; “Good Girls Don’t” by The Knack; “Fins” by Jimmy Buffet, and “Gotta Serve Somebody” by Bob Dylan.

Also, “Dirty White Boy” by Foreigner; “You Recorded My Life” by Kenny Rogers; “You’re Only Lonely” by J.D. Souther; “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit (Jim Henson), and “Please Don’t Leave” by Lauren Wood.

As November came upon us, five members of the Communist Workers Party were shot to death and seven more were wounded by a group of Klu Klux Klansmen and Neo-Nazis, during a “Death to the Klan” rally in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Still early in November, 3,000 Iranian radicals invaded the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 90 hostages, 53 of whom were American.  They demanded that the United States send the former Shah of Iran back to stand trial.  On November 5, the radio news program “Morning Edition” premiered on National Public Radio.

Five days later, Penn State edged NC State, 9-7, on the final play of the game when Herb Menhardt kicked a 54-yard field goal.

The next week, Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini ordered the release of 13 female and African-American hostages being held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.  In the final week of November, in Dublin, Ireland, Provisional Irish Republican Army member Thomas McMahon was sentenced to life in prison for the assassination of Lord Mountbatten, and Air New Zealand flight 901, a DC-10, crashed into Mount Erebus in Antarctica on a sightseeing trip, killing all 257 people on board. 

In the annual Harvard-Yale game on November 17, undefeated Yale was upset by Harvard, 22-7.  Also, on the same Saturday, Air Force beat Vanderbilt, 30-29, on the last play of the game.  Andy Bark scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Dave Ziebart 

“So don’t you ever be ashamed, you’re only lonely
Ah, you can call out my name when you’re only lonely.”

At Thanksgiving, college football fans were stuffing themselves on turkey and pumpkin pie, while listening to “Dreaming” by Blondie; “Half The Way” by Crystal Gayle; “Damned If I Do” by The Alan Parsons Project; “Still” by The Commodores; “Dream Police” by Cheap Trick; “Tusk” by Fleetwood Mac; “Heartache Tonight” by The Eagles; “Babe” by Styx; “Ladies Night” by Kool & The Gang; “Crusin’” by Smokey Robinson; “Highway To Hell” by AC/DC, and “Ships” by Barry Manilow.

Also, “Take The Long Way Home” by Super Tramp; “I Want You Tonight” by Pablo Cruise; “Better Love Next Time” by Dr. Hook; “No More Tears” by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer; “Cool Change” by Little River Band; “We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Cliff Richard; “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes; “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins, and “Do That To Me One More Time” by Captain & Tennille. 

Two days after Thanksgiving, Arizona downed Arizona State, 27-24, when Brett Weber kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired. 

Having beaten a highly regarded Michigan team, 18-15, Ohio State replaced Alabama as the No. 1 team in the country.

Alabama, BYU, Florida State, McNeese State and Ohio State were all undefeated at the end of the regular season.  Wake Forest, under John Mackovic, was the most improved team on the season, going from 1-10 the year before to 8-3.

On December 3, eleven fans were killed during a crowd rush for unreserved seats before The Who concert at Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Three days later, the world premier of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

The consensus All-American first team offense consisted of wide receiver Ken Margerum – Stanford, (6-1, 175) Fountain Valley, CA; tight end Junior Miller – Nebraska, (6-4, 222) Midland, TX; tackle Greg Kolenda – Arkansas (6-1, 258) Kansas City, KS; tackle Jim Bunch – Alabama, (6-2, 240) Mechanicsville, VA; guard Brad Budde – USC, (6-5, 253) Kansas City, MO; guard Ken Fritz – Ohio State, (6-3, 238) Ironton, OH; center Jim Ritcher – NC State (6-3, 245) Hinckley, OH; quarterback Marc Wilson – BYU, (6-5, 204) Seattle, WA; running back Charles White – USC, (6-0, 185) San Fernando, CA; running back Billy Sims – Oklahoma, (6-0, 205) Hooks, TX; running back Vegas Ferguson – Notre Dame, (6-1, 194) Richmond, IN, and placekicker Dale Castro – Maryland, (6-1, 170) Shady Side, MD.

USC running back Charles White won the Heisman Trophy.  White beat out (2) Oklahoma running back Billy Sims, (3) BYU quarterback Marc Wilson and (4) Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter.  White also won the Maxwell Trophy and the Walter Camp Award, as college football’s best player.

The Outland Trophy went to NC State center Jim Ritcher, and USC guard Brad Budde won the Lombardi Award. 

The best albums of the year were “Damn the Torpedoes” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; “The Wall” by Pink Floyd; “Breakfast in America” by Supertramp; “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson; “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC; “Tusk” by Fleetwood Mac; “Regatta de Blanc” by The Police; “Eat to the Beat” by Blondie, and “Secrets” by Robert Palmer.

Also, “Cornerstone” by Styx; “Evolution” by Journey; “Head Games” by Foreigner; “Candy-O” by The Cars; “Desolation Angels” by Bad Company; “Black Rose: A Rock Legend” by Thin Lizzy; “Into the Music” by Van Morrison; “Too Old to Change” by Jerry Jeff Walker, and “The Long Run” by The Eagles.

Also, “Rust Never Sleeps” by Neil Young and Crazy Horse; “London Calling” by The Clash; “In Through the Out Door” by Led Zeppelin; “Deguello” by ZZ Top; “Lodger” by David Bowie; “At Budokan” by Cheap Trick; “Back to the Egg” by Paul McCartney & Wings, and “I’m the Man” by Joe Jackson;

“When you’re only lonely,
Ah, it’s no crime
Darling, we got lots of time.”

With Christmas in the air and bowl games near, college football fans were doing their shopping to “Wait For Me” by Daryl Hall & John Oates; “Don’t Let Go” by Isaac Hayes; “Jane” by Jefferson Starship; “Send One Your Love” by Stevie Wonder; “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson; “Video Killed The Radio Star” by The Buggles; “Head Games” by Foreigner, and “Déjà Vu” by Dionne Warwick.

Also, “I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love” by Rita Coolidge; “Savannah Nights” by The Doobie Brothers; “Third Time Lucky (First Time I Was A Fool” by Foghat; “Don’t Do Me Like That” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers; “Coward Of The County” by Kenny Rogers, and “Yes, I’m Ready” by Teri DeSario & KC and The Sunshine Band.

Later in December, the eradication of the smallpox virus was certified, making smallpox the first and to date only human disease driven to extinction.  An earthquake and resulting tsunami killed 259 people in Columbia.

Some of the better movies of the year were “Superman;” “Every Which Way But Loose;” “Force 10 From Navarone;” “The Deer Hunter;” “Norma Rae;” “The China Syndrome;” “Alien;” “Rocky 2;” “Escape From Alcatraz,” and “The Main Event.”

Also, “The Muppet Movie;” “Moonraker;” “Breaking Away;” “The Amityville Horror;” “Apocalypse Now;” “The Life of Brian;” “The Onion Field;” “The Great Santini,” and “The Rose,”

In the first bowl game of the season, Syracuse won the Independence Bowl, beating McNeese State, 31-7.  A week later, Indiana beat BYU, 38-37, to win the Holiday Bowl.  It was the first loss of the season for both BYU and McNeese State. 

In the Sun Bowl, it was Washington 14, Texas 7.  Also, LSU beat Wake Forest, 34-7, in the Tangerine Bowl, and in the Liberty Bowl, Penn State beat Tulane, 9-6.

The better reads during the year included “Chesapeake” by James A. Michener; “War and Remembrance” by Herman Wouk; “Evergreen” by Belva Plain; “The Far Pavilions” by M.M. Kaye; “Bright Flows the River” by Taylor Caldwell; “Prelude to Terror” by Helen MacInnes; “Eye of the Needle” by Ken Follett; “Overload” by Arthur Hailey; “The Empty Copper Sea” by John D. MacDonald, and “The Sixth Commandment” by Lawrence Sanders.

Also, “The World According to Garp” by John Irving; “Dress Gray” by Lucian K. Truscott; “Second Generation” by Howard Fast; “SS-GB” by Len Deighton; “The Coup” by John Updike; “Proteus” by Morris West; “The Matarese Circle” by Robert Ludlum; “Hanta Yo” by Ruth Beebe Hill; “Good as Gold” by Joseph Heller; “Shibumi” by Trevanian; “The Island” by Peter Benchley; “The Pigeon Project” by Irving Wallace; “Sophie’s Choice” by William Styron, and “Class Reunion” by Rona Jaffe.

Also, “Sphinx” by Robin Cook; “The Last Enchantment” by Mary Stewart; “A Woman of Substance” by Barbara Taylor Bradford; “Triple” by Ken Follett; “Jailbird” by Kurt Vonnegut; “The Establishment” by Howard Fast; “Shadow of the Moon” by M.M. Kaye; “To Catch a King” by Harry Patterson; “The Executioner’s Song” by Norman Mailer; “The Formula” by Steve Shagan, and “Memories of Another Day” by Harold Robbins. 

“Ah, there’s nothing wrong with you
Darling, I get lonely too.”

Well-known people who were born during the year included Brandy; Drew Brees; Claire Danes; Ross Douthat; Carl Edwards; Jennifer Love Hewitt; Kate Hudson; Norah Jones, and Heath Ledger.

Also, Adam Levine; Graeme McDowell; Tracy McGrady; Lamar Odom; Pink; LaDainian Tomlinson, and Nik Wallenda. 

Two days before Christmas, the highest aerial tramway in Europe, the Klein Matterhorn, opened in Switzerland.  On Christmas Eve, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

The consensus All-American first team defense consisted of lineman Hugh Green – Pitt, (6-2, 220) Natchez, MS; lineman Steve McMichael – Texas, (6-2, 250) Freer, TX; lineman Bruce Clark – Penn State, (6-3, 255) New Castle, PA; lineman Jim Stuckey – Clemson, (6-5, 241) Cayce, SC; middle guard Ron Simmons – Florida State, (6-1, 235) Warner Robins, GA; linebacker George Cumby – Oklahoma, (6-0, 205) Tyler, TX; linebacker Ron Simpkins – Michigan, (6-2, 220) Detroit, MI; linebacker Mike Singletary – Baylor, (6-1, 224) Houston, TX; defensive back Kenny Easley – UCLA, (6-3, 204) Chesapeake, VA; defensive back Johnnie Johnson – Texas, (6-2, 190) LaGrange, TX; defensive back Roland James – Tennessee, (6-2, 182) Jamestown, OH, and punter Jim Miller – Ole Miss, (5-11, 183) Ripley, MS.

On Christmas Day, Pitt beat Arizona, 16-10, in the Fiesta Bowl.  Three days later, North Carolina won the Gator Bowl, beating Michigan, 17-15. 

Famous people who passed away during the year included Joan Blondell; Al Capp; Mamie Eisenhower; Arthur Fiedler; Lester Flatt; Jack Haley; Donny Hathaway; Conrad Hilton; Barbara Hutton; Jim Hutton; Emmett Kelly; Stan Kenton; Tommy Leonetti; Zeppo Marx; Van McCoy, and Lord Mountbatten.

Also, Thurmon Munson; S.I. Newhouse, Sr.; Merle Oberon; Walter O’Malley; Mary Pickford; Minnie Ripperton; Nelson Rockefeller; Richard Rodgers; Jean Seberg; Fulton J. Sheen; Vivian Vance; Sid Vicious; John Wayne; Michael Wilding, and Darryl F. Zanuck.

The most popular TV shows of the year were “60 Minutes;” “Three’s Company;” “M*A*S*H;” “Alice;” “Dallas;” “Flo;” “The Jeffersons,” and “The Dukes of Hazard.”

Also, “One Day at a Time;” “WKRP in Cincinnati;” “Taxi;” “Little House on the Prairie;” “CHiPs,” and “Happy Days.”

“If you need me
All you gotta do is call me
You’re only lonely”

During the final days of the year and on New Year’s Eve, college football fans were dancing, celebrating, drinking and singing to “Forever Mine” by The O’Jays; “I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince; “Romeo’s Tune” by Steve Forbert; “Lost Her In The Sun” by John Stewart; “The Long Run” by The Eagles, and “An American Dream” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Also, “The Second Time Around” by Shalamar; “With You I’m Born Again” by Billy Preston; “Why Me” by Styx; “Wonderland” by The Commodores; “Sara” by Fleetwood Mac; “When I Wanted You” by Barry Manilow; “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg, and “Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl” by The Spinners.

On New Year’s Eve, Baylor beat Clemson, 24-18, in the Peach Bowl.

At the close of the year, the unemployment rate was 5.8%, while the Dow Jones closed at 838.

In the final bowl games of the season, Houston beat Nebraska in the Cotton Bowl, 17-14, while Oklahoma won the Orange Bowl, beating Florida State, 24-7.

Alabama beat Arkansas, 24-9, in the Sugar Bowl, and in the Rose Bowl, it was USC 17, Ohio State 16. 

Alabama, under coach Bear Bryant, finished the season 12-0.  The Tide was named national champions by AP and UPI.  Alabama only gave up 67 points all season, shutting out five opponents.  The Tide only had two close games – 3-0 over LSU and 25-18 over Auburn.

“So if you need me, all you gotta do is call me
You’re only lonely”

“You’re Only Lonely” – by J.D. Souther (written by J.D. – John David – Souther)
The song entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart on September 8.  It remained on the Hot 100 chart for 21 weeks, throughout the entire football season.  It peaked at No. 7.  J.D. Souther was born on November 2, 1945 in Detroit, but grew up in Amarillo, Texas.  He and Glenn Frey (The Eagles) formed the Longbranch Pennywhistle Band.  Then in 1974, Souther teamed with Chris Hillman (The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers) and Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield and Poco) to form the Souther, Hillman, Furay Band.

The year (and football season) was 1979.

Touchdown Tom
November 11, 2013
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

In the latest BCS poll, Alabama remains No. 1.  Florida State is No. 2, followed by Ohio State at No. 3.  Holding down the No. 4 spot is Stanford, followed by Baylor at No. 5.

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Gaffney smacks the Quacks – Stanford 26, Oregon 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 27, Stanford 22).  Stanford all but knocks Oregon out of the BCS championship game, while making itself a strong contender for the game.  With remaining games against USC, Notre Dame and the Pac-12 title game opponent, the Cardinal’s strength of schedule just might get them into the title game even with a loss.  That assumes Stanford wins out.  The Cardinal shutout Oregon until the final 10 minutes of the game.  That’s when the Ducks caught fire.  But it was a little too late for Oregon.  The Cardinal held the Ducks to 62 yards rushing.  Stanford’s Tyler Gaffney ran for 157 yards.  A crowd of 51,545 attended the game in Palo Alto.

RUNNER UP:  Did the Bama fans stay past the third quarter? – Alabama 38, LSU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 32, LSU 17).  I wouldn’t want Nick Saban to have a hissy fit.  The Tide only led by a touchdown – 24-17 – at the end of the third quarter so I imagine the Bama fans hung around at least until the Tide made it 31-17.  For those who thought Bama was getting complacent in recent games, they shouldn’t have any more thoughts.  The convincing win over LSU was proof that Alabama belongs in the No. 1 spot.  Although Zach Mettenberger had a good game (241 yards and no interceptions), the Tigers had no running game.  Bama held LSU to a measly 43 yards rushing.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

REST OF THE BEST:  Bears break the Sooners Neks – Baylor 41, Oklahoma 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 34, Oklahoma 29).  The Bears are for real.  And the win over Oklahoma makes them a serious contender for the BCS title game.  With remaining games against Oklahoma State and Texas, the strength of schedule will boost the Bears if they win out.  Baylor held Oklahoma to 237 yards of offense – 150 passing and 87 rushing.  The Bears Shock Linwood rushed for 182 yards.  A crowd of 50,537 attended the game in Waco.

We can see the BCS bowl at the end of the tunnel – UCF 19, Houston 14 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 30, Houston 29).  Looking at the stats and looking at the score, this game was about as evenly matched as you can get.  Houston was on the UCF goal line in the closing seconds and the Knights kept the Cougars out of the end zone.  UCF is heading for a BCS bowl game, but the Knights still have four conference games to play and three of them could be troublesome.  A crowd of 44,665 attended the game in Orlando.

Logan Thomas where have you been? – Virginia Tech 42, Miami (Florida) 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 26, Virginia Tech 15).  After being dormant all season, the Hokies offense finally came to life.  But I suspect the Canes still hadn’t gotten over the beating they took from Florida State last week.  And Miami definitely missed Duke
Johnson.  The Canes only had 28 yards rushing.  A crowd of 49,267 attended the game in Miami Gardens.

Badgered – Wisconsin 27, BYU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 36, BYU 30).  BYU scored first and last.  In between, Wisconsin outscored the Cougars 27-7.  The Badgers running game was too much for the Cougars.  Wisconsin’s James White ran for 147 yards.  A crowd of 80,191 attended the game in Madison.

Bears paw the Wildcats – UCLA 31, Arizona 26 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Arizona 33).  This was another close game, both in the score and the stats.  The Bruins were slightly dominant.  UCLA’s Brett Hundley passed for 227 yards and ran for 56.  A crowd of 51,531 attended the game in Tucson.

The Maize got lost in the Maze – Nebraska 17, Michigan 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 22, Nebraska 20).  A defensive battle – neither team was impressive on offense.  Least of all Michigan – the Wolverines were held to -21 yards rushing.  The Huskers were the first team to hand Brady Hoke a loss in the Big House.  No doubt Ohio State will be the second team to do it in a couple weeks.  I suspect Brady’s seat could be getting a little warm.  Meanwhile, Bo’s seat could be cooling off.  He may not need those drugs from his brother, after all.  The Huskers beat the Wolverines for the second-straight year.  A crowd of 112,204 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Wild wings! – Buffalo 30, Ohio 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Buffalo 32, Ohio 29).  It wouldn’t have made a difference in the game, but Ohio got badly screwed on two calls by the officials.  Being a televised game, it was a downright embarrassment for officiating crews in the Mid-American Conference.  If I was the NCAA, I wouldn’t let MAC officials call a bowl game.  Buffalo remains undefeated in MAC play.  The Bulls Branden Oliver rushed for 249 yards.  A crowd of 22,918 attended the game in Buffalo.

Gopher momentum – Minnesota 24, Penn State 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Minnesota 23, Penn State 21).  The Golden Gophers are amazing.  They just keep rolling along.  Nothing about the team stands out other than they just keep winning.  A crowd of 48,123 attended the game in Minneapolis.

Tigers ground it out – Auburn 55, Tennessee 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 27, Tennessee 23).  Auburn won this game with only 35 yards passing, but the Tigers had 444 yards rushing.  Maybe the offense was Navy in Auburn uniforms?  Nick Marshall ran for 214 yards and Tre Mason rushed for 117.  Marshall was 3-for-7 passing with one interception.  It’s been a tough year for Butch Jones.  A crowd of 102,455 attended the game in Knoxville.

Aerial attack – Texas A&M 51, Mississippi State 41 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 39, Miss State 22).  The Aggies were almost the reverse of Auburn.  A&M only had 91 yards rushing, but 446 yards passing.  Johnny Manziel was 30-for-39, but he threw three interceptions.  The Aggies have no defense.  A crowd of 88,504 attended the game in College Station.

Panthers piss on the Irish – Pitt 28, Notre Dame 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 26, Pitt 19).  Last year, Pitt couldn’t quite get the job done in three overtimes against Notre Dame.  This year, the Panthers had no trouble in regulation.  Actually, the Irish dominated the stats, but Notre Dame had three turnovers.  Tommy Rees completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions.  A crowd of 65,500 attended the game in Pittsburgh.

Living on the edge – Arizona State 20, Utah 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 27, Utah 22).  Utah led 19-7 at the start of the fourth quarter.  That’s when the Sun Devils woke up and scored two TDs in the final period.  The second touchdown came with 2:37 remaining.  ASU’s Marion Grice rushed for 136 yards.  A crowd of 45,183 attended the game in Salt Lake City.

Can’t wait till next year – Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, West Virginia 30).  When these two teams get together, it’s always exciting.  Last year, Texas came up short.  This year, WVU came up short.  Five turnovers and the lack of a rushing game didn’t help the Mounties any.  WVU only had 109 yards on the ground.  The Longhorns remain undefeated in Big 12 play.  A crowd of 58,570 attended the game in Morgantown.
 

….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Tabasco! – Louisiana-Lafayette 41, Troy 36 (Touchdown Tom said: ULL 35, Troy 23).  Troy outplayed ULL, but the Cajuns hung on to win.  ULL had a great goal line stand in the closing minutes of the game which saved their victory.  Troy’s Corey Robinson passed for 271 yards.  A crowd of 22,562 attended the game in Lafayette.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Waterloo? – Vanderbilt 34, Florida 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 28, Vanderbilt 25).  If this game isn’t Will Mustake’s Waterloo, I don’t know what is.  Ron Zook never lost to Vanderbilt.  Saturday, Florida lost to Vandy for the first time since 1988 and the first time in Gainesville since 1945.  The Gators only had 39 yards rushing, along with four turnovers.  Tyler Murphy threw three picks.  Florida was penalized 11 times for 84 yards.  What is Jeremy Foley waiting for?  A crowd of 88,004 attended the game in Gainesville.

The Minnesota of the ACC – Duke 38, NC State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 25, NC State 22).  Or is Minnesota the Duke of the Big Ten?  Trailing NC State, 20-17, in the fourth quarter, the Dookies scored 21 unanswered points in the final 3:31 of the game.  The last two scores were on pass interceptions returned for touchdowns.  The game was marred by turnovers – four for Duke and four for the Wolfpack.  A crowd of 32,010 attended the game in Durham.

The pause that refreshes – Georgia 45, Appalachian State 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 40, Appalachian State 16).  In between Florida and Auburn, Uga needed a break.  That break was Appalachian State.  Aaron Murray passed for 281 yards.  Uga held Appy State to 32 yards rushing.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Can it get any worse? – Iowa 38, Purdue 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Purdue 17).  It just can’t get any worse for the Boilers.  Well, yes it can.  They still have three games to play.  The Hawkeyes held the Boilers to 53 yards rushing, while Iowa’s Jordan Canzeri ran for 165 yards.  A crowd of 41,038 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Week 11 Picks:   15 Correct, 5 Wrong (75.0 percent)
On the Season:    154 Correct, 53 Wrong (74.4 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State walloped Wake Forest, 59-3.  A crowd of 30,865 attended the game in Winston-Salem….  Florida International fell to Middle Tennessee, 48-0.  A crowd of 16,717 attended the game in Murfreesboro….  Norfolk State upset Bethune-Cookman, 27-24.  A crowd of 5,651 attended the game in Daytona Beach.

Florida A&M lost to South Carolina State, 25-21.  A crowd of 20,022 attended the game in Orangeburg….  Mercer outlasted Jacksonville U., 45-42.  A crowd of 9,729 attended the game in Macon….  Stetson beat Davidson, 26-13.  A crowd of 6,544 attended the game in Deland….  Florida Tech lost to North Alabama, 55-28.  A crowd of 4,000 attended the game in Melbourne. 


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Illinois’ Nate Scheelhaase – 38-57-1 for 450 yards; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace – 26-33-2-407; SMU’s Garrett Gilbert – 38-47-0-403; East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 34-50-0-384; New Mexico State’s Andrew McDonald – 41-55-1-375; Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 25-31-0-366, and Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 33-46-0-360.

Also, Western Michigan’s Zach Terrell – 24-39-1 for 348 yards; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 16-29-0-324; Washington’s Keith Price – 22-29-2-312; Idaho’s Taylor Davis – 15-29-2-308; San Jose State’s David Fales – 27-48-2-301; Ball State’s Keith Wenning – 20-29-0-299, and Cincinnati’s Brendon Kay – 27-32-2-299.   


Impressive Rushers:  Colorado State’s Kapri Bibbs – 312 yards; Boston College’s Andre Williams – 295 yards; Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 249 yards; Navy’s Keenan Reynolds – 226 yards; Indiana’s Tevin Coleman – 215 yards; Auburn’s Nick Marshall – 214 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon – 207 yards; North Texas’ Brandin Byrd – 202 yards, and Hawaii’s Joey Iosefa – 191 yards.

Also, Baylor’s Shock Linwood – 182 yards; New Mexico’s Kasey Carrier – 179 yards; Air Force’s Anthony LaCoste – 177 yards; Iowa’s Jordan Canzeri – 165 yards; Stanford’s Tyler Gaffney – 157 yards; Kansas State’s John Hubert – 157 yards; Mississippi’s State’s Dak Prescott – 154 yards; Indiana’s Stephen Houston – 150 yards, and Penn State’s Zach Zwinak – 150 yards.  


Quotes of the Week

“I’m not renewing my season tickets.  I don’t agree with the pro-style offense were trying to run.  Just running it up the middle is not effective.  We need to get back to where we can throw.  They do the same damn plays over and over.  It’s just not effective,” former Palm Beach County Gator Club president Jeannie Macaluso, on the Florida football team under Will Muschamp.

“Not cool.  Not cool.  I think there is an expectation of discipline and control that needs to be delivered upon regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard,” Orlando attorney Fred Leonhardt, on the Gators lack of discipline.  (Note: Florida led the SEC in penalties each of Will Muschamp’s first two seasons and they are currently leading the SEC in penalties during Muschamp’s third season.)

“I think Muschamp is smart enough to know he has to change his style of play.  He has to change his style to meet the athletes the state of Florida has, and the way the game is changed.  Defensive players can’t do what they used to be able to do.  So offenses have an advantage,” Bull Gator Seth Ellis. 

“We hope to play them again in a BCS bowl or playoff game at some point,” Texas A&M senior associate athletic director Jason Cook, indicating that the Aggies have no interest in scheduling Texas as a regular season opponent.

“He has done a great job of really, really bonding with the team.  I love playing for the guy,” USC quarterback Cody Kessler, on interim Trojans coach Ed Orgeron.  

“Oh look, it’s another Nick Saban-to-Texas rumor.  ‘Well, I don’t know where these reports come from,’ he said.  Yeah, you do, numbskull.  It’s your agent – the guy you pay to start fires and say stuff like, ‘Nick’s under special pressures,’ and ‘(Fill in the blank) is the only job he would leave Alabama for,’ and then get your raises so that you can stand at a podium and say, ‘Tsk, tsk, you media gum on the bottom of my shoe.  I am not a candidate anywhere’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Virginia Tech is coming off consecutive losses to Duke and Boston College.  This might be a good time for Frank Beamer to meet with Bobby Bowden for lunch at Applebee’s,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“A Gators lineman broke his arm this week when he fell off a scooter.  Probably just a coincidence, but two days later somebody left a new scooter with a bow on it outside of Will Muschamp’s office,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“The problem in Raleigh isn’t that Duke is a nine-point favorite over NC State.  The problem is it’s football, not basketball,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Where is Ron Zook when we need him,” Rockledge Gator, when Vanderbilt took a 17-0 lead over Florida in the second quarter.

“I’m a competitor.  I don’t like losing.  I certainly don’t like the product we’re putting on the field and that’s my responsibility.  I take credit for that, and when it’s good, it’s good, and when it’s not good, it’s not good.  And it hasn’t been good.  That’s on me,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, after the loss to Vanderbilt. 


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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Texas Tech (7-3) vs. Baylor (8-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – An upset here, an upset there and the Bears have a chance of making it to the BCS title game.  But Baylor has to take care of its business first – one game at a time.  The first of those games is Texas Tech.  The Red Raiders started out hot, winning their first seven games.  Then they hit the skids, losing three straight.  Will the Raiders bounce back and spoil Baylor’s run?  Swamp Mama hopes they do.  But they won’t – Baylor 44, Texas Tech 25. 

RUNNER UP:  2. Oklahoma State (8-1) at Texas (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s hard to believe that Oklahoma State’s only loss is to West Virginia.  But then Texas came oh so close to losing to the Mountaineers too.  This has all the ingredients for a barn burner.  Texas is undefeated in Big 12 play.  Will the Longhorns make it 2-0 over the teams from Oklahoma?  No – Oklahoma State 35, Texas 33.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Michigan State (8-1) at Nebraska (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Huskers own the Spartans.  Since joining the Big Ten in 2011, Nebraska is 2-0 against State.  The Spartans probably have their best defense in three seasons.  So the Husker offense will be challenged.  State’s offense has been hot and cold.  Nebraska’s offense and defense has been hot and cold.  Will the Huskers make it a trifecta over the Spartans?  No – Michigan State 19, Nebraska 14.

4. Stanford (8-1) at USC (7-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Stanford could be running into USC at the wrong time.  The Trojans have won three-straight and four of their last five games under interim coach Ed Orgeron.  The USC offense is clicking.  But the Trees are on a three-game winning streak too, including a 26-20 win over Oregon.  But that win was on the Farm, the USC game is on the road.  It’ll be some night in the Coliseum.  Will USC make it four straight?  No – Stanford 28, USC 23.

5. Georgia (6-3) at Auburn (9-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Talk about on a roll, how ’bout Auburn.  The Tigers are riding a six-game winning streak.  Auburn’s hot and the Tigers will do all they can to keep Uga from pissing on them.  Auburn can put some points on the board and defense has been Georgia’s problem this year.  But the Dawgs have their weapons too – Aaron Murray and Todd Gurley.  Will the Tigers be riding a seven-game winning streak going into the Alabama game?  Yes – Auburn 30, Georgia 26.

6. Houston (7-2) at Louisville (8-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Both of these teams still have a shot at the AAC championship and a BCS bowl.  But, and it’s a big but, UCF must lose twice in AAC play.  Louisville seems to be back in form after losing to UCF.  But Houston may have had the wind knocked out of its sails in the loss to UCF last week.  Will Houston get its wind back?  No – Louisville 31, Houston 20.

7. Ball State (9-1) at Northern Illinois (9-0) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPN2, 8 pm ET, Wednesday) – Both teams are undefeated in MAC play.  This one is for the MAC West Division title.  NIU must win to keep its hopes alive for a BCS bowl spot.  It should be a good one.  The Huskies are wagging their tails – Northern Illinois 35, Ball State 28.

8. Georgia Tech (6-3) at Clemson (8-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Clemson still has a remote chance of making it to the BCS title game.  The Tigers are 7th in the BCS poll.  Granted, the chances are very remote – extremely remote.  Better yet, Clemson has a chance of getting into a BCs bowl game.  But for either to happen, the Tigers must win out.  Getting by Georgia Tech could be tough, especially if the Jackets play a near perfect game.  But that’s what the Jackets need to do if they expect to win.  They don’t – Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 20.

9. Miami (Florida) (7-2) at Duke (7-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Talk about winning streaks, the Dookies have won five-straight.  They have no fear.  In come the Canes.  Miami has lost two in a row.  And the Canes have lost their running game.  The Dookies don’t really have a game.  They just take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes.  The Dookies haven’t beaten Miami since the Canes joined the ACC.  Will the Devils get their first ACC win over the Canes?  Yes – Duke 25, Miami 24.

10. Washington (6-3) at UCLA (7-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN2, 9 pm ET, Friday) – Both teams are playing well.  Both have good offenses.  But UCLA has the better defense.  The Bruins still have a shot at winning the Pac-12 South.  Washington has no chance of winning the Pac-12 North.  Will the Bruins keep their chances alive?  Yes – UCLA 34, Washington 26.

11. Oregon State (6-3) at Arizona State (7-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Pac-12 Network, 9:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Beavers only have one thing going for them – quarterback Sean Mannion.  They have no running game and their defense is so-so.  The Sun Devils have a lot going for them, including a four-game winning streak.  ASU is also atop the Pac-12 South.  Will the Sun Devils make it five-straight wins?  Yes – Arizona State 27, Oregon State 22.

12. Alabama (9-0) at Mississippi State (4-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7:45 pm ET, Saturday) – The Bulldogs have to be hoping that Bama has a letdown after the big win over LSU.  But even with a letdown, the Tide should have no trouble with Miss State.  It would take a lot more than a letdown for the Bulldogs to win.  It’s been a tough season for Dan Mullen.  Will the Bulldogs make it close?  Not likely –     Alabama 34, Miss State 19. 

13. Buffalo (7-2) at Toledo (6-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPNU, 7:30 pm ET, Tuesday) – Buffalo is looking good to win the MAC East Division title.  Toledo still has a remote chance to win the MAC West Division title.  Basically, the Bulls can afford to lose; the Rockets can’t.  Toledo is tough at home.  Too tough for the Bulls – Toledo 29, Buffalo 27.  

14. Cincinnati (7-2) at Rutgers (5-3) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: ESPN News, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – If it wasn’t for that strange loss to South Florida, the Bearcats would be tied with UCF at the top of the AAC.  Instead, they are bunched up with Louisville and Houston in second place.  That means they still have a shot at the marbles.  But Rutgers will be a challenge.  The Scarlet Knights are no pushover.  Will the Bearcats keep their chances alive?  Yes – Cincinnati 26, Rutgers 23.

15. Ohio (6-3) at Bowling Green (6-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: None, 7:30 pm ET, Tuesday) – Ohio has basically destroyed its chances of winning the MAC West, but Bowling Green still has a good chance of winning the West Division.  That gives the incentive to the Falcons – Bowling Green 28, Ohio 25.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

16. Utah (4-5) at Oregon (8-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox Sports 1, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – Utah was the spoiler against Stanford.  The Utes almost knocked off Arizona State last week.  But both of those encounters were in Salt Lake City.  The Utes are playing the Ducks in Eugene – in The Pond.  Only Ducks come out of The Pond alive.  The Utes can play some defense.  Will the Ducks score more than 30?  Yes – Oregon 33, Utah 18.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

West Virginia (4-6) at Kansas (2-7) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – WVU has two games remaining.  The Eers need to win both to become bowl eligible.  Meanwhile, Charlie Weis is hungry for a Big 12 win – something he hasn’t obtained in two seasons.  And Jayhawks fans are hungry for a new coach.  Will the Mountaineers bounce back after the tough loss to Texas?  Yes – West Virginia 27, Kansas 20.

Florida (4-5) at South Carolina (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – At 4-5, Florida is facing its first losing season since 1979.  With South Carolina and Florida State two of the three teams remaining on the schedule, it doesn’t look good for the Gators.  Last year, the Gamecocks self-disintegrated in The Swamp and literally handed the game to the Gators with multiple turnovers and mistakes.  Steve Spurrier will remember that.  He won’t let it happen again.  Is Will Mustake the Ray Goof of Florida?  Yes – South Carolina 30, Florida 17. 

Purdue (1-8) at Penn State (5-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Neither team is having the best of seasons, but it has really been bad for the Boilers.  Purdue is giving up 37 points a game, while only averaging 12 of its own.  Will the Boilers remain winless in Big Ten play?  Yes – Penn State 31, Purdue 14. 


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State (9-0) hosts Syracuse (5-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday). ….  UCF (7-1) visits Temple (1-8) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: AAC Network, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  South Florida (2-6) entertains Memphis (2-6) – (AAC vs. AAC) (TV: None, 7 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Atlantic (3-6) travels to Southern Miss (0-9) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: Local Cable, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida International (1-8) is on the road at UTEP (1-8) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: None, 8 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (3-7) is home against Delaware State (4-5) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (8-2) is hosting Hampton (4-6) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Jacksonville U. (4-6) hosts Stetson (2-7) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) (TV: None, 1 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Tech (3-7) entertains Webber International (5-4) – (Gulf South vs. Ind.) (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday).  


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Oklahoma and UCLA have agreed to a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2018 and 2019….  Texas named Arizona State athletic director Steve Patterson to replace DeLoss Dodds as the new athletic director for the Longhorns.  Dodds is stepping down at the end of August 2014.  Patterson is a graduate of Texas.  Previously, it was reported that West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck was the favorite for the job.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell has interviewed for the Florida Atlantic coaching job, replacing Carl Pelini who was fired last week for using cocaine and marijuana.  Fickell was Ohio State interim head coach during the 2011 season.

The son of former Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson died.  Eddie Robinson Jr. was 70.  The younger Robinson played for his father at Grambling and later worked for him as an assistant coach….  Eastern Michigan fired Ron English.  Nine games into his fifth season at EMU English was 1-8 and 11-46 overall.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but sadly there were four passings of note last week – Auline Robinson, Charlie Trotter, Ace Parker and Bobby Thomason.

Auline Robinson, a lifelong Florida Gator fan and affectionately known as Grand Swamp Mama, died last week in Melbourne, Florida.  She was 92.  A third-generation Floridian, Auline Wilkins Robinson was born on February 17, 1921, in Punta Gorda, Florida, where she lived for her first 86 years.  In 2007, she relocated to Melbourne where she lived the past six years.   

Charlie Trotter, a chef whose flagship restaurant, Charlie Trotter’s, helped establish Chicago as a serious dining city, died last week.  He was 54.  Charles Trotter was born on September 8, 1959, in Wilmette, Illinois.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin in 1982.  He opened his famous restaurant in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago in 1987.

Ace Parker, a star running back in the National Football League who could do just about everything in the days of leather helmets, died last week in Portsmouth, Virginia.  He was 101.  Parker was an All-American tailback at Duke and he also was a star outfielder on the Blue Devils baseball team.  He signed with the Philadelphia Athletics out of college.  Parker played for the A’s during the 1937 and 1938 seasons.  He played football for the NFL’s Brooklyn Dodgers from 1937 to 1941.  In 1940, Parker was named the NFL’s most valuable player.  Clarence McKay Parker was born on May 17, 1912, in Portsmouth.  He played at Duke under Wallace Wade, one of college football’s best-known coaches.  After five seasons with the Dodgers, Parker served in the Navy in World War II.  After the war, he joined the NFL’s Boston Yanks.  In the late 1940s, Parker returned to Duke where he became an assistant football coach and the Blue Devils baseball coach.   

Bobby Thomason, a three-time Pro Bowler who in 1953 became the first Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to pass for more than 400 yards in a game, died last week at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He was 85.  Robert Lee Thomason was born on March 26, 1928, in Albertville, Alabama, and grew up in nearby Leeds, Alabama.  He played football and baseball for VMI, graduating with an engineering degree in 1949.  Thomason played one season each for the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers and five seasons for the Eagles.