College Football Week 11 – Can Miss State beat Alabama?
Pleasant in Gainesville, toxic in Athens
and the playoff scenarios abound

Fasten your seatbelts college football fans, it’s going to get bumpy.

A lot went down this past week – both pleasant and unpleasant. Florida won the SEC East, after barely escaping Vanderbilt by the skin of a Gator’s tooth. Florida State lost to Clemson, the Seminoles second loss this season.

Alabama not only beat LSU, the Tide demolished the Tigers, emasculating Leonard Fournette along the way. Nebraska, loser to Purdue last week, knocked off previously undefeated Michigan State, destroying the Spartans playoff hopes.

Arkansas beat Ole Miss, surviving in overtime on one of the wildest and craziest plays of all time. Down and out, Auburn stunned Texas A&M before 105,000 in College Station. Navy not only beat previously undefeated Memphis, the Middies pounded the Tigers, winning by 25 points.

Undefeated Oklahoma State knocked off previously undefeated TCU. Washington State continued its wizardry in the Pac-12. This time Wazzu downed Arizona State. Stanford and North Carolina extended their winning streaks to eight games.

Yes, LSU, TCU, Michigan State and Memphis all lost for the first time. USA Today reported that Mark Richt’s job is in jeopardy, saying the coaching staff at Georgia is toxic and full of dissension. And in Columbia, Missouri, the African-American football players at the University of Missouri have threatened to strike if the school’s president, Tim Wolfe, doesn’t resign or isn’t fired.

Friday, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I drove up to Gainesville for another football weekend with the Gators, our last one this season. After a brief trek up I-95, we made our way over to U.S. 17, continuing north through Crescent City to Palatka.

We stopped in Palatka for a mid-day break. The girls checked out a quilt shop in town. The guys headed straight for the husband chairs. After Bootsie and Swamp Mama took care of their business in the quilt shop, the four of us walked down the street for lunch at The Magnolia Café.

Following lunch, it was back on the road, taking Florida 20 west to Gainesville. We arrived in Gainesville just as the homecoming parade was ending. Fortunately, we avoided most of the parade traffic, turning south off University Avenue onto 7th Street, making our way to the Laurel Oak Inn.

Over wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres that evening, we renewed our friendships with Monta and Peggy Burt, Dan and Brenda Brown, Bob and Fern Musselwhite, Jeff and Christy Brigman and Steve Kaplan, and met for the first time Howard and Barbara Greenberg. The college football conversation was well underway.

The Gator game Saturday, against Vanderbilt, was an early start – 12 noon. And for a November game, it was a hot start – 85 degrees. Usually, it’s around 70-75 at the games in November – 50-55 if it’s a night game. We were in for a hot one.

The Gators got off to a hot start too – well briefly. Florida received the opening kickoff and nearly returned it for a touchdown. It was going to be a good game. But the drive stalled out with the Gators facing a 4th-and-3 on the Vanderbilt seven. Field goal? You would think. But the Gators went for the first down and failed. You got the feeling that Jim McElwain wasn’t taking Vandy very seriously.

About halfway through the first quarter, the Gators scored a touchdown, but the extra point kick was wide. Florida led 6-0. With about a minute to go in the first half, the score was still 6-0. What was supposed to be a romp for Florida had become a defensive battle.

Then, with 48 seconds left in the first half and on the only breakdown Florida’s defense had all game, Vandy running back Ralph Webb slipped through the line and ran 74 yards down the field for a Commodore touchdown. The PAT was good and Vandy led, 7-6.

With less than 3 minutes left in the game, Vandy still led 7-6. Four turnovers – three fumbles and an interception – didn’t help the Gators any. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. But the Gators were driving. “Were” is the key word. The drive stalled on the Vandy 26. The Gators had a 4th-and-1.

Should Florida go for the first down or kick a field goal. Twice earlier in the game, the Gators had passed on field goal opportunities. Who knows? Florida could have been winning 9-7 or 12-7 at this point, instead of losing 7-6. Coach McElwain opted for the field goal – a 43-yarder.

Field goals have not been one of Florida’s strong points this season. The crowd was on edge. But Austin Hardin booted the 43-yarder between the uprights and the Gators went up 9-7. What a relief. The crowd was ecstatic.

Florida not only won the game 9-7, but also the win gave Florida the SEC East Division title and the right to play for the SEC championship in Atlanta on December 5.

Back at the Laurel Oak Inn that evening, everyone was delirious, on cloud nine, in a euphoric and cheerful frame of mind – the Browns, the Musselwhites, the Brigmans, the Greenbergs and Steve, along with Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and me.

Monta and Peggy hosted a chili dinner for everyone – white chili and red chili, accompanied with cornbread, salad and ample wine and beer. It was a festive evening.

The evening became more festive as we all gathered around and watched the Florida State-Clemson game on TV. We really should have been cheering for FSU. A Clemson loss would knock the Tigers out of the playoffs. But Gator fans can’t cheer for the Noles. It’s just too hard. It’s just impossible.

Clemson beat Florida State, 23-13. I think we cheered as loud as we did at the end of the Vanderbilt game. The loss dropped FSU to 7-2, and ruined any hopes the Noles might have had of making the playoffs. The two losses are the most FSU has had since the 2012 season when the Noles were 12-2.

Gainesville was a pleasant experience – the Gator win and the good times at the Laurel Oak Inn.

Later Saturday night, Alabama hosted undefeated LSU in Tuscaloosa. The Tide beat the Tigers, 30-16. The game was close throughout the first half, but Bama ran away from LSU in the second half. It was obvious that Bama concentrated on stopping LSU’s running game. The Tide defense restricted Leonard Fournette to 31 yards rushing.

If LSU was going to beat Bama, then Brandon Harris would have to get the job done. The Tide basically dared Harris to beat them through the air. It was a good dare, because Harris crumbled under pressure – 6-for-19 passing, with one interception.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, Saturday night, the Huskers, 3-6 on the season, were playing undefeated Michigan State. With less than two minutes to go in the game, the Spartans led the Huskers, 38-26. At the 1:47 mark, Nebraska scored a touchdown to pull within 5 points of the Spartans. The Huskers trailed 38-33.

Then Nebraska got the ball back with 1:02 left in the game on its own 9-yard line. With 17 seconds on the clock, Tommy Armstrong connected with Brandon Reilly on a 30-yard touchdown pass. Nebraska led 39-38. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

No Hail Mary’s this game. Nebraska held on to beat Michigan State and knock the Spartans from the undefeated list.

Also Saturday evening, Arkansas and Ole Miss had a wild one going in Oxford. At the end of four quarters, the score was tied 45-45. In overtime, Ole Miss scored first and led 52-45.

Arkansas’ ensuing series in the overtime wasn’t going well. On a fourth down play, quarterback Brandon Allen passed to Hunter Henry. Henry caught the ball short of the first down. As he was being tackled, Henry just flung the ball backward over his head. The Hogs Alex Collins picked up the ball off of a bounce and scampered around to the other side of the field and down the sideline for a first down.

Arkansas went on to score and then chose to go for two points to win the game. The first attempt failed. But Ole Miss was charged with grabbing Allen’s face mask. On the second attempt, Allen crossed the goal line and Arkansas won, 53-52. The loss all but knocked Ole Miss out of contention for the SEC West Division title.

Auburn, who had all but become the laughing stock of the SEC West, went into College Station, Texas, Saturday night and knocked off favored Texas A&M, 26-10. It was the best Auburn’s defense has looked all season. And Jeremy Johnson quarterbacked.

Going into the weekend, undefeated Memphis was the highest ranked team from the Group of 5 in the Playoff Poll. The Tigers resume included a big win over Ole Miss. Saturday, a one-loss Navy team went into Memphis and demolished the Tigers, 45-20.

In Stillwater, Oklahoma, in a battle between two undefeated teams, Oklahoma State took advantage of four Trevone Boykin interceptions, and the Cowboys upset TCU, 49-29. Meanwhile, in the Pac-12, Washington State, who began the season losing to Portland State, continued its reversal with another mystical win, beating Arizona State, 38-24. The 6-3 Cougars already have wins this season over Oregon and Arizona. Wazzu only lost to Stanford by two points. Mike Leach is alive and well.

North Carolina and Stanford both won for the eighth-straight time. The Tar Heels improved to 8-1, beating Duke, 66-31; while the Cardinal improved to 8-1, beating Colorado, 42-10.

After Georgia lost to Florida last week, Dawg fans stepped up their calls for Mark Richt to be fired. All matter of stories began to circulate about the coaching staff in Athens, many claiming that defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was the source and reason for the problems and dissension on the Georgia coaching staff.

Other reports said that even if Richt survives, Pruitt and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will be terminated at the end of the season. USA Today reported that Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity wanted to fire Richt after last season, but was overruled by Georgia’s president Jere Morehead.

Then former Georgia quarterback Fran Tarkenton came out and verbally attacked the coaching staff at Georgia, saying it’s a “bad and sad situation at my alma mater.”

At the University of Missouri, the African-American football players have threatened to strike if the school’s president, Tim Wolf, does not step down or is not removed from his job. The players claim there have been a number of racially charged incidents on campus this fall and Wolfe has failed to respond to or properly handle the issues.

The interesting thing here is that both Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel and athletic director Mack Rhoades support the players. Missouri is scheduled to play BYU in Kansas City this Saturday. The game could be canceled. Stay tuned.

The first Playoff Poll came out last week. It consisted of 1. Clemson, 2. LSU, 3. Ohio State and 4. Alabama. The next two were 5. Notre Dame and 6. Baylor.

Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame and Baylor all won over the weekend. LSU lost, but the Tigers lost to No. 4 Alabama. Clemson beat Florida State, so they should hold onto the No. 1 spot. Clemson’s remaining games are against Wake Forest, Syracuse, South Carolina and the ACC championship game, perhaps against North Carolina. The Tigers appear to be a safe bet for the playoffs.

With its win over LSU, Alabama could jump to No. 2 this week. The Tide has remaining games against Mississippi State, Charleston Southern, Auburn and the SEC championship game – Florida. I think the Tide has a tougher path than Clemson. But Alabama should be favored in those games.

Ohio State should hold onto to the No. 3 spot. The Buckeyes remaining games are against Illinois, Michigan State, Michigan and the Big Ten title game – Iowa. The Buckeyes are in good shape to make the playoffs, but Michigan State or Michigan could be a problem.

Either Notre Dame or Baylor should move up to the No. 4 spot this week. The Irish still have to play Wake Forest, Boston College and Stanford. A win over Stanford should insure Notre Dame of a playoff spot, but the Irish don’t have a conference championship game. So there is always the possibility Notre Dame could fall a spot after the December 5 conference title games are played – a la TCU last year.

Baylor has the toughest slate. The Bears have games remaining with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas. There is a good chance Baylor could lose one of those games. If they don’t, then the Bears should make the playoffs based on the strength of the teams at the end of their schedule.

Stanford was No. 11 in last week’s poll, but if the Cardinal win out, including the Pac-12 championship, then they should be in the playoffs. Florida was No. 10 last week. If the Gators win out, including a win over Alabama in the SEC title game, then Florida should be in the playoffs.

And keep your eyes on Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Utah should those teams win out. These next three or four weeks are going to be very interesting. Fasten your seatbelt.

We are down to six undefeated teams: Clemson (9-0), Baylor (8-0), Oklahoma State (9-0), Iowa (9-0) Ohio State (9-0) from the Power 5, and Houston (9-0) from the Group of 5.

And there are 14 one-loss teams: North Carolina (8-1), Oklahoma (8-1), TCU (8-1), Notre Dame (8-1), Michigan State (8-1), Stanford (8-1), Utah (8-1), Alabama (8-1), LSU (7-1), Florida (8-1) from the Power 5, and Memphis (8-1), Navy (7-1), Temple (8-1) and Toledo (7-1) from the Group of 5.

After LSU’s Leonard Fournette was held to 31 yards rushing by Alabama and TCU’s Trevone Boykin threw four interceptions in the Frogs loss to Oklahoma State, the Heisman race is up for grabs. There is no clear cut favorite now. But keep your eyes on Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, especially if the Cardinal beats Notre Dame and win the Pac-12 championship.

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator are chilling this week, relaxing in a cabin near Hiawassee, Georgia. From Hiawassee, they will make their way to Auburn to take in the Georgia-Auburn game this Saturday.

Last week, when I told my Husker friend (and Colorado resident) Gary Schwartzkopf that Rick Neuheisel picked Nebraska over Michigan State as his “upset of the week,” Gary responded:

“Rick just jinxed Nebraska.”

After Nebraska upset the Spartans, Gary texted:

“Rick finally did something right.”

And I texted: “Never doubt the Neuheisel.”

Saturday, while we were all gathered around at the Laurel Oak Inn talking college football, Jeff Brigman wondered why Vanderbilt would use “Anchor Down” as a rallying cry. After all, as Jeff said, when you are anchored, “You aren’t moving. You aren’t going anywhere. You’re stuck in one spot.”

Oh well, Vanderbilt people never were known for their brains.

Fasten your seatbelt. It’s going to get bumpy. Now, I wonder what Neuheisel’s “upset of the week” will be this week.

Touchdown Tom
November 9, 2015
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: Hop-less in Stillwater – Oklahoma State 49, TCU 29 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 37, Oklahoma State 35). TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin, uncharacteristically, threw four interceptions, as the Frogs suffered their first loss of the season. Okie State built up a 28-9 halftime lead and TCU couldn’t sustain a rally in the second half. The teams combined for 1,119 total yards – 663 yards belonging to the Frogs. TCU also had 36 first downs to only 16 for Okie State. TCU even controlled the ball for 37 minutes to only 22 minutes for the Cowboys. Attendance in Stillwater: 59,061

RUNNER UP: No rainbow for Jimbo – Clemson 23, Florida State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 26, Florida State 23). A close game for three and a half quarters, the Tigers put the Noles to bed in the final eight minutes. Clemson had 512 total yards to 361 for the Noles. The Tigers had 29 first downs to 14 for FSU. The Noles were 2-for-12 (17%) in third down efficiency. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson passed for 297 yards and rushed for another 107 yards. Attendance in Clemson: 83,099

REST OF THE BEST: Dance with me Henry – Alabama 30, LSU 16 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Alabama 26). Bama crushed LSU to the tune of Derrick Henry 210 yards rushing to Leonard Fournette 31 yards rushing. The Tide had 434 total yards to 182 for the Tigers, and 30 first downs to 16 for LSU. The Tigers only had 54 yards rushing. Bama controlled the clock, maintaining the ball for 39 minutes to 21 minutes for LSU. The Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris was 6-for-19 passing – 24%. The game was a contest in the first half. Bama led at the break – 13-10. The Tide ran away from the Tigers in the second half. Attendance in Tuscaloosa: 101,821

Anchors away – Navy 45, Memphis 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Memphis 30, Navy 29). Memphis outscored Navy 10-7 in the first quarter. Then the Middies outscored the Tigers 38-10 in the remaining three quarters. As expected, Navy had 375 yards rushing and Memphis had 305 yards passing. The Middies dominated the clock – 37 minutes to 23 minutes. Memphis suffered its first loss of the season. Attendance in Memphis: 55,212

Basketball? – North Carolina 66, Duke 31 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 24, Duke 21). The teams combined for 1,237 total yards – 704 by the Tar Heels. North Carolina’s Marquise Williams passed for 494 yards. The Tar Heels built up a 38-10 halftime lead and continued to add to Duke’s misery in the second half. Attendance in Chapel Hill: 60,000

Pity Pitt – Notre Dame 42, Pitt 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 30, Pitt 19). With 5:47 left in the game, Notre Dame led 42-17. Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer threw five touchdown passes. Attendance in Pittsburgh: 68,400

Still undefeated – Houston 33, Cincinnati 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Houston 35, Cincinnati 26). Cincinnati had 589 total yards to only 427 for Houston. But the Bearcats only had 66 yards rushing. Cincinnati’s Gunner Kiel passed for 523 yards. But Houston controlled the clock – 38 minutes to 22 minutes. Attendance in Houston: 32,889

By a whisker – Northwestern 23, Penn State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 20, Penn State 19). With 9 seconds left in the game, Northwestern’s Jack Mitchell kicked a 35-yard field goal to give the Wildcats the win. Northwestern held a 20-7 lead at halftime. But the Nitts fought back to take a 21-20 lead with 12:22 left in the fourth quarter. The teams were pretty evenly matched in the stats. But the Wildcats Justin Jackson rushed for 186 yards. Attendance in Evanston: 34,116

Duds – Northern Illinois 32, Toledo 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Toledo 29, Northern Illinois 21). Toledo had a running game, but when it came down to it, the failure of its passing game doomed the Rockets. Toledo lost its first game of the season. NIU improved to 6-3. The Huskies defeated the Rockets for the sixth consecutive season. Attendance in Toledo: 23,089

Howls that – Arkansas State 40, Appalachian State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Appalachian State 33, Arkansas State 30). Appalachian State led 21-17 at halftime, but the Little Eers fell apart in the second half. Ark State outscored Appy State 23-6 after the halftime break. The teams combined for 982 yards. The Red Wolves had 309 yards rushing. The Little Eers had 357 yards passing. Ark State improved to 6-3. Attendance in Boone: 18,721

Sit – Utah 34, Washington 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 18, Washington 16). Early in the fourth quarter, Utah only led by one point – 24-23. But the Utes scored 10 points in the final 3:27 to put the game away. The teams were pretty evenly matched in the stats. Attendance in Seattle: 61,420

Strike! – Bowling Green 62, Ohio 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Bowling Green 33, Ohio 19). The teams combined for 1,124 total yards. The Falcons had 399 yards passing. The Bobcats had 299 yards rushing. BG’s Matt Johnson passed for 365 yards. The Falcons improved to 7-2. Attendance in Bowling Green: 16,233


….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Just Ducky – Oregon 44, California 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 37, California 30). Oregon racked up 777 total yards – 477 rushing and 300 passing. Cal couldn’t counter. After starting 3-3, Oregon has won three-straight games to improve to 6-3. Conversely, after starting out 5-0, Cal has lost four-straight games. Attendance in Eugene: 56,604

Has Aubie found a defense? – Auburn 26, Texas A&M 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 29, Auburn 18). A rushing game, careful passing by Jeremy Johnson and, lo and behold, a defense gave the Tigers their victory over the Aggies. Auburn’s Javon Robinson rushed for 159 yards. Johnson was 13-for-17 passing, with no picks. And Auburn’s defense held A&M to 3 points in the first quarter and 7 points in the third quarter. Attendance in College Station: 104,625


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Terra firma – West Virginia 31, Texas Tech 26 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 34, Texas Tech 31). WVU ended its four-game losing skid, rushing for 300 yards to knock off the Red Raiders. The Eers Wendell Smallwood rushed for 163 yards. Attendance in Morgantown: 54,932

Some growl – Florida 9, Vanderbilt 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 28, Vanderbilt 9). Except for a breakdown on one play, Florida’s defense played a perfect game. Problem was, Vanderbilt’s defense played a perfect game too. And the Dores were helped by the Gators four turnovers. Together, the teams only had 433 total yards – only 23 first downs. Vandy only had 30 yards passing. Attendance in Gainesville: 90,061

Neuheisel was right! – Nebraska 39, Michigan State 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 26, Nebraska 18). With 4:16 left in the game, Michigan State led 38-26. Nebraska scored two touchdowns in the final 1:47 of the game to win – the final TD, a 30-yard pass, with just 17 seconds on the clock. The lead changed hands four times in the game. The teams were about as closely matched in the stats as you can get. Both quarterbacks passed for more than 300 yards. Attendance in Lincoln: 90,094

Claw-less in Athens – Georgia 27, Kentucky 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 26, Kentucky 15). Kentucky’s hapless defense only had 180 total yards – only eight first downs. Georgia had no passing game – only 90 yards. But the Dawgs Sony Michel made up for the difference – 165 yards rushing. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

And the Boilers beat Nebraska – Illinois 48, Purdue 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 33, Illinois 20). The game started out bad for the Boilers and it only got worse. Illinois led 41-7 at the end of the third quarter. The Banned Indians racked up 595 total yards to only 263 for Purdue. Illinois had two 100-yard rushers – Ke’Shawn Vaughn (180 yards) and Josh Ferguson (133 yards). Attendance in West Lafayette: 40,197

Bevo shoots the Bird – Texas 59, Kansas 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, Kansas 17). Four turnovers crippled the winless Jayhawks. Texas’ D’Onta Foreman rushed for 157 yards. Attendance in Austin: 92,529

Week 10 Picks: 12 correct, 8 wrong (60%)
On the Season: 120 correct, 52 wrong (69.8%)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Tulsa 45, UCF 30 – Attendance in Tulsa: 16,128
Western Kentucky 35, Florida Atlantic 19 – Attendance in Bowling Green: 18,421
Miami 27, Virginia 21 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 40,963
South Florida 22, East Carolina 17 – Attendance in Greenville: 45,194
Florida International 48, Charlotte 31 – Attendance in Miami: 14,200

Marist 49, Stetson 14 – Attendance in Poughkeepsie: 1,905
Jacksonville U. 42, Davidson 12 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 3,769
Hampton 33, Florida A&M 0 – Attendance in Hampton: 2,211
Florida Tech 28, West Georgia 26 – Attendance in Melbourne: 4,553
Bethune-Cookman 38, Morgan State 14 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 7,461


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Cincinnati’s Gunner Kiel – 28-51-2 for 523 yards; Washington State’s Luke Falk – 36-55-1-497; North Carolina’s Marquise Williams – 23-35-0-494; Arkansas’ Brandon Allen – 33-45-0-442; Baylor’s Jarrett Stidham – 23-35-0-419; Old Dominion’s David Washington – 29-48-1-378; Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly – 24-34-0-368 and Louisville’s Kyle Bolin – 24-35-1-364.

Also, Middle Tennessee’s Brent Stockstill – 21-34-0 for 353 yards; Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph – 16-24-0-352; Arizona’s Anu Solomon – 31-46-1-352Marshall’s Chase Litton – 34-56-1-346; Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield – 23-31-0-342; Michigan’s Jake Rudock – 18-25-0-337; Michigan State’s Connor Cook – 23-37-1-335; UCLA’s Josh Rosen – 22-33-0-333, and Troy’s Brandon Silvers – 22-33-0-326.

Also, Western Michigan’s Zach Terrell – 16-22-0 for 324 yards; Appalachian State’s Taylor Lamb – 22-35-1-321; Nebraska’s Tommy Armstrong – 19-33-2-320; Idaho’s Matt Linehan – 26-39-1-317; Georgia State’s Nick Arbuckle – 22-38-1-313; Memphis’ Paxton Lynch – 26-42-1-305; Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott – 27-40-0-303, and Oregon’s Vernon Adams – 17-29-2-300.


Impressive Rushers:

Alabama’s Derrick Henry – 210 yards; New Mexico State’s Larry Rose – 207 yards; Florida State’s Dalvin Cook – 194 yards; Hawaii’s Paul Harris – 190 yards; Northwestern’s Justin Jackson – 186 yards; Oregon’s Royce Freeman – 180 yards; Illinois’ Ke’Shawn Vaughn – 180 yards, and Indiana’s Jordan Howard – 174 yards.

Also, Western Michigan’s Jamauri Bogan – 171 yards; Tulsa’s Ramadi Warren – 168 yards; Georgia’s Sony Michel 165 yards; West Virginia’s Wendell Smallwood – 163 yards; Auburn’s Javon Robinson – 159 yards; Texas’ D’Onta Foreman – 157 yards; Kansas State’s Joe Hubener – 153 yards, and Utah’s Devontae Booker – 150 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“While many are understandably disappointed in the current record of our football team, I am confident the future is bright because I see it in the eyes of our players and I am impressed by what I know is going on behind the scenes. Though the consistent victories are not there yet, I am confident they will come,” Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst, on the state of the Huskers football program and its coach Mike Riley.

“Mark Richt just isn’t getting enough out of his Dogs anymore,” columnist Tom Brew.

“The staff is not functioning properly. We’ve got troubles in our program that need to be fixed,” Fran Tarkenton, on the Georgia coaching staff.

“I’m not a great fan of Jeremy Pruitt,” Fran Tarkenton, on Georgia’s defensive coordinator.


Sign of the Day

Herbstreit Screams Like A Girl


Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
This Week’s 12 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Oklahoma (8-1) at Baylor (8-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Last week, Baylor survived Kansas State without quarterback Seth Russell. Now the Bears have to get by Oklahoma without Russell. In fact, Baylor has to get by everybody here on out without Russell. They say at Baylor, it’s the system, not the quarterback. The Bears will need a super system. The Sooners have been playing like an unbeatable team since the lone loss to Texas. But everybody is beatable – Baylor 34, Oklahoma 31.

RUNNER UP: 2. Memphis (8-1) at Houston (9-0) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Houston has the inside track to a New Year’s Six bowl. Win out and the Cougars will be the highest rated Group of 5 team. Heck, it’s not impossible for Houston to make the playoffs – but it’s doubtful. But it could be close. Depends on how the cards fall. First the Cougs have to get by Memphis. They do – Houston 37, Memphis 34.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Alabama (8-1) at Mississippi State (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Bama looked unbeatable against LSU last week. But Miss State is a vastly improved team. The Bulldogs have been getting better and better each week since the season began. If Dak Prescott is on, he could give the Tide fits – lots of fits. But Bama will pull it out at the bell – the cowbell – Alabama 28, Mississippi State 21.

4. Oregon (6-3) at Stanford (8-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Stanford has won eight straight. Oregon has won three straight. Somebody’s straight has to come to an end. A Trees win gives Stanford the Pac-12 North title. The Ducks won’t be able to stop Christian McCaffrey. Donald, as in Duck, goes down – Stanford 31, Oregon 23.

5. Miami (Florida) (6-3) at North Carolina (8-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Like Stanford, North Carolina has not lost since its season opener. The Tar Heels have won eight in a row. Since firing Al Golden, Miami has been playing inspired ball. But the Canes aren’t inspired enough to stop Marquise Williams. The Heels spike the Canes’ juice – North Carolina 30, Miami 24.

6. Washington State (6-3) at UCLA (7-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:45 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Washington State is a much improved team. The Cougars can cause problems for anybody. This could be a wild one – a shooting match between Josh Rosen and Luke Falk. These guys know how to shoot. And the defenses are suspect. Rosen hits the bull’s eye – UCLA 34, Washington State 32.

7. NC State (6-3) at Florida State (7-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – The Noles are hurting. They suffered their second loss of the season last week. This may be a good time for NC State to play the Noles. Then again, it could be the worst time. It depends on how the Noles respond to the Clemson loss. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, the Noles have too many arrows – Florida State 33, NC State 22.

8. Utah (8-1) at Arizona (5-5) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Utah still has its eyes on the playoffs. Win out and the Utes are in. Another loss and they can kiss it all goodbye. Arizona was supposed to be a hot team this year. But the Wildcats are hurting. The Utes make them hurt more – Utah 36, Arizona 27.

9. Bowling Green (7-2) at Western Michigan (6-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 8 pm ET, Wednesday, ESPN2 – One more win is all the Falcons need to wrap up the MAC East title. But Western Michigan is on top in the MAC West. And the Broncos want to stay there. This has the makings for a real barn burner. And it’s Matt Johnson who does the burning – Bowling Green 38, Western Michigan 32.

10. Temple (8-1) at South Florida (5-4) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – After the close loss to Notre Dame, Temple bounced back last week with a win over SMU. The Owls are still on top in the AAC East. But right behind them is South Florida. After beginning the season 1-3, the Bulls have gone 4-1. They are vastly improved. This could be a problem game for Temple. But the Owls are wise – Temple 22, South Florida 20.

11. Minnesota (4-5) at Iowa (9-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Iowa has to be the most questionable undefeated team in the country. The schedule just hasn’t been that tough. And Minnesota doesn’t give the schedule any credibility. Oh well – Iowa 33, Minnesota 23.

12. Arkansas (5-4) at LSU (7-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:15 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – After Arkansas’ win over Ole Miss last week, this game is looking better and better. LSU is vulnerable. Alabama proved that. The Hogs won’t stop Leonard Fournette like Bama did, but they can score on the Tigers. This has the makings for a donnybrook. The Tigers slice the Pork – LSU 27, Arkansas 26.


….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

13. Toledo (7-1) at Central Michigan (5-4) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 8 pm ET, Tuesday, ESPN2 – Toledo and Central Michigan are actually tied in conference play at 4-1. The loser can forget it. The winner is still in the running for the MAC West. The Rockets stubbed their toe last week against Northern Illinois. The Chippewas get their toes stubbed this week – Toledo 29, Central Michigan 22.

14. Pitt (6-3) at Duke (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPNNEWS –The Dookies are in a funk. They have dropped two in a row. Both teams still have a shot at the ACC Coastal Division title. Pitt has the better shot. But the Dookies ruin the Panthers shot – Duke 25, Pitt 24.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Texas (4-5) at West Virginia (4-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – After losing four in a row, the Mountaineers bounced back last week. There’s life in the Eers yet. Texas bounced back too after the Horns embarrassing loss to Iowa State. Only one if these teams can keep bouncing. The loser will be deflated. WVU silences the Horns – West Virginia 34, Texas 23.

Florida (8-1) at South Carolina (3-6) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Florida doesn’t need this game to win the SEC East. The Gators have already won it. But Florida does need this win to keep its playoff hopes alive. A two-loss Gator team won’t make the playoffs even if the Gators were to win the SEC championship. Since Steve Spurrier has departed, the Gamecocks have been playing inspired football. Albert takes a chomp out of their inspiration – Florida 21, South Carolina 12.

Nebraska (4-6) at Rutgers (3-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Nebraska actually won a close game last week. Wonders never cease. Regardless if this game is close or not, the Huskers will win. Rutgers is as bad as Purdue. Oops, I shouldn’t have said that. No, I didn’t jinx the Huskers. Surely not – Nebraska 36, Rutgers 26.

Georgia (6-3) at Auburn (5-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, CBS – I have a feeling this is going to be a fun game. Auburn-Georgia games often are. There’s a lot riding on this game, considering that neither team is in contention for their division title. But Mark Richt is in contention for his job. Auburn is in contention to take an embarrassing season and make it halfway decent. Both won last week. The Tigers looked good against Texas A&M. The Dawgs beat Kentucky, but everybody beats Kentucky. Aubie takes Uga for a walk – Auburn 24, Georgia 18.

Purdue (2-7) at Northwestern (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, BTN – Northwestern is on its way to a fine season. I can’t say so much for Purdue. After this game, both teams will continue to be identical in reverse 2-8 and 8-2 – Northwestern 30, Purdue 17.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Middle Tennessee (4-5) at Florida Atlantic (2-7) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ASN….
FIU (5-5) at Marshall (8-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FSN….
UCF (0-10) is off.

Florida A&M (1-8) at Morgan State (3-5) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Ave Maria (4-6) at Stetson (2-7) – (Sun vs. Pioneer) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
Jacksonville U. (7-2) at Campbell (5-5) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Florida Tech (7-3) at Valdosta State (7-2) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
Bethune-Cookman (8-2) is off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . The College Football Playoff National Championship game will be played in Atlanta (2018), in Santa Clara (2019) and in New Orleans (2020). The future championship sites were announced last week. Cities that bid to host the national championship and lost out were Houston, Miami, Charlotte, Detroit, San Antonio and Minneapolis. Next season’s national championship game will be played in Tampa, with the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl serving as the semifinals.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

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

…75 years ago this week in 1940 was “Only Forever” by Bing Crosby

…70 years ago this week in 1945 was “Till The End Of Time” by Perry Como

…65 years ago this week in 1950 was “All My Love (Bolero)” by Patti Page

…60 years ago this week in 1955 was “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams

…55 years ago this week in 1960 was “Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters

…50 years ago this week in 1965 was “Get Off Of My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones

…45 years ago this week in 1970 was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5

…40 years ago this week in 1975 was “Island Girl” by Elton John

…35 years ago this week in 1980 was “Woman In Love” by Barbra Streisand

…30 years ago this week in 1985 was “Miami Vice Theme” by Jan Hammer

…25 years ago this week in 1990 was “Love Takes Time” by Mariah Carey