College Football Week 9 – Fresno State fires coach Tim DeRuyter
Hello life, Goodbye Columbus

“I’ve got a feeling that
You’re gonna hear from us
You’re gonna know
That we’ve taken
The world by surprise
Got that look in our eyes
It’s a lucky day”

That’s exactly what is was for Penn State Saturday night after the Nittany Lions upset Ohio State, 24-21 in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions took the college football world by surprise. Penn State was a 20-point underdog going into the game.

And as the fourth quarter began, it looked like the oddsmakers would be right. Ohio State held a 14-point lead – 21-7 – over the Lions. But early in the fourth, Penn State cut the lead to 7 when Lions’ quarterback Trace McSorley scored on a 2-yard run. Just four minutes later, the lead was cut to 4 when Tyler Davis kicked a 34-yard field goal for Penn State.

“I’ve got a feeling that
You’re gonna hear from us

Barely five minutes later, the Buckeyes heard from the Lions. Penn State safety Marcus Allen blocked an Ohio State field goal attempt. Lions’ cornerback Grant Haley picked up the loose ball and returned it 60 yards for the go-ahead score with 4:27 left to play. The Nittany Lions held on for the win.

You’re gonna know
That we’ve taken
The world by surprise

Penn State’s defense sacked J.T. Barrett six times, and held Ohio State scoreless in the first and fourth quarters. In doing so, the Lions became the first team this season to hold the Buckeyes scoreless for a quarter. The defeat was just Ohio State’s second Big Ten regular-season game lost under fifth-year coach Urban Meyer.

“Yeah, yeah
Goodbye, goodbye Columbus
Goodbye, goodbye Columbus”

Ohio State was one of two undefeated teams that lost Saturday. The other was Texas A&M who suffered its first loss at the hands of undefeated Alabama. The Tide beat the Aggies, 33-14.

So the race for the four playoff spots is on and with Ohio State’s loss, it got a little more interesting. In addition to Alabama (8-0), six other undefeated teams – Michigan (7-0), Washington (7-0), Nebraska (7-0), West Virginia (6-0), Boise State (7-0) and Western Michigan (8-0) – won over the weekend, while two – Clemson (7-0) and Baylor (6-0) – had the day off.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan dumped Illinois, 41-8. The Wolverines held the Banned Indians to only six first downs and less than 100 yards rushing and passing. In Seattle, Jake Browning passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns, as Washington spanked Oregon State, 41-17.

In Lincoln, the Black Shirts held Purdue to 24 yards rushing, as Nebraska beat the Boilers, 27-14. In Morgantown, Skyler Howard threw four touchdown passes and West Virginia’s defense held TCU scoreless in the second half, as the Mountaineers beat the Horned Frogs, 34-10.

On the blue turf, Boise State survived BYU. The Broncos edged the Cougars, 28-27. Jeremy McNichols rushed for 140 yards. In Kalamazoo, Zack Terrell passed for 398 yards and three touchdowns, as Western Michigan downed Eastern Michigan, 45-31.

Three of the 10 “one-loss” teams suffered their second loss over the weekend. South Florida fell to Temple, 46-30, Memphis lost to “one-loss” Navy, 42-28, and Houston was upset by SMU, 38-16. In addition to Navy (5-1), five other “one-loss” teams – Louisville (6-1), Utah (7-1), Toledo (6-1), San Diego State (6-1) and Troy (6-1) – won Saturday, while one team – Florida (5-1) – had the weekend off.

Louisville blasted NC State, 54-13. The Cardinals defense held the Wolfpack to 14 yards rushing. Utah outlasted UCLA, 52-45, as the Utes Joe Williams rushed for 332 yards. Utah’s defense held the Bruins to 46 yards rushing. Toledo’s Logan Woodside passed for 264 yards and four touchdowns, as the Rockets downed Central Michigan, 31-17.

San Diego State kept San Jose State out of the end zone, as the Aztecs dumped the Spartans, 42-3. Troy rallied from an 8-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat South Alabama, 28-21. Brandon Silvers passed for 395 yards and Jordan Chunn rushed for 143 yards.

Going into this weekend, there are nine undefeated teams and nine teams with one loss. Of the nine undefeated teams, Alabama and Western Michigan have the week off. But for the other seven teams, it is going to be interesting. They all are on the road and most are up against formidable opponents.

Michigan is at intrastate rival Michigan State. Washington travels to one-loss Utah. Clemson visits troublesome Florida State. Baylor is at Texas. Nebraska goes up to Wisconsin. West Virginia travels to Oklahoma State and Boise State visits a 5-2 Wyoming.

Among the nine “one-loss” teams, only Troy has the weekend off. Louisville is at Virginia. Ohio State hosts Northwestern. Utah, as mentioned above, entertains Washington. Florida meets Georgia in Jacksonville. Texas A&M has an easy one, hosting New Mexico State. Navy plays at South Florida. Toledo entertains Ohio and San Diego State visits Utah State.

Legitimately, there are 12 teams that are still in contention for the four playoff spots. They are Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, Washington, Louisville, Ohio State, Nebraska, Baylor, Texas A&M, West Virginia, Florida and Utah. Come December, four of those teams will be in the playoffs.

Then there are six Group of 5 teams that are still in contention for the one spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. They are Boise State, Western Michigan, Navy, Toledo, San Diego State and Troy.

The race is on. And we’re getting close to the final stretch. Stay tuned!

The weekend was full of exciting games. Last winter, Oklahoma’s basketball team went into Lubbock and beat Texas Tech 65-63. Saturday, Oklahoma’s football team went into Lubbock and beat Texas Tech 65-59. The teams combined for 1,708 yards. The Red Raiders Patrick Mahomes passed for 734 yards. The Sooners Baker Mayfield passed for 545 yards. Dizzy yet?

There were only three overtime games during the weekend. But one of the three went to the extreme. UTEP and UTSA played five overtimes before UTEP won 52-49. The score at the end of regulation was 28-28. Oddly enough, one of the other overtime games ended in the same score. But it only took California two overtimes to subdue Oregon, 52-29. In the third overtime game, Hawaii beat Air Force 34-27 (2OT).

There are no more winless teams. Rice, the lone holdout, beat Prairie View A&M, 65-44. (They really do like basketball scores in Texas, don’t they?) Rice is now 1-6. The Owls join 7 other single-win teams: Iowa State (1-6), Kansas (1-6), Florida Atlantic (1-6), Massachusetts (1-7), Buffalo (1-6), Bowling Green (1-7) and Fresno State (1-7).

Speaking of Fresno State, the Bulldogs football coach Tim DeRuyter was fired Sunday. DeRuyter was in his fifth season coaching Fresno State. The Bulldogs won the Mountain West Conference his first two season and went to a bowl game his first three seasons. Last year Fresno State finished 3-9. DeRuyter was 30-30 in four plus years with the Bulldogs.

Eight weeks into the season and four coaches have been fired.

And the agony continues for poor BYU. The Cougars are 3-4 and their four losses are by a combined total of 7 points. BYU lost by one point to Utah, two points to UCLA, three points to West Virginia and Friday night Boise State beat the Cougars by one point – 28-27. BYU’s three wins are over Arizona, Michigan State and Toledo. The Cougars beat Arizona and Toledo by two points. So, six of BYU’s seven games have been settled by three points or less.

Then there are the reversals – teams that have reversed their seasons in one direction or the other. Miami (Florida) began the season 4-0 and is now 4-3. The Canes have dropped three consecutive games. Oregon began the season 2-0. The Ducks are now 2-5. Michigan State started out 2-0. The Spartans have lost five consecutive games and are sitting at 2-5.

Conversely, Northwestern was 1-3. The Wildcats are now 4-3, after winning three-straight games. Washington State began 0-2 and the Cougars are now 5-2. Auburn who was sting at 1-2 is now 5-2. The Tigers have won four consecutive games. Under Les Miles, LSU started 2-2. Under Ed Orgeron, the Tigers have won three-straight games and are 5-2.

Speaking of Orgeron, on the “Paul Finebaum Show” last week, Finebaum said if LSU goes 4-1 in its remaining five games, finishing 9-3, he believes Orgeron will become the full-time head coach. But if LSU goes 3-2 or worse in its remaining five games, then Finebaum thinks Orgeron will be ditched.

Washington State coach Mike Leach was fined $10,000 last week by the Pac-12 Conference for his comments about Arizona State stealing signs.

It was good to hear from Tim Muth and Mike Wright last week. Tim became a grandfather for the first time on October 14. Tim informed me that the day after the birth, his new grandson, Lucas Emerson Ryan, wore a Seminole outfit and watched his first FSU football game.

Mike, from Crossville, Tennessee, reminded me that I failed to mention Rod Temperton in CFW’s “Passings of Note” section. Mike was right. Temperton had quite a background. Rod Temperton, an English songwriter, musician and record producer, died recently. He was 66. Temperton was the keyboardist and main songwriter for the 1970s funk and disco band Heatwave. The band’s hit songs were “Boogie Nights” and “Always and Forever.” He wrote several well-known songs, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Rock with You.” Temperton worked with Quincy Jones and also wrote songs for George Benson, Patti Austin and James Ingram, Donna Summer, Herbie Hancock, The Manhattan Transfer, among others.

Bootsie is feeling better this week now that Auburn is 5-2. She’s back on the Gus Bus.

Swamp Mama and I fly to Texas this week. We are attending a wedding in Houston. While there, I look forward to visiting with Terry and Charlotte Conner.

Enjoy your week!

“Yeah, yeah
Goodbye, goodbye Columbus
Goodbye, goodbye Columbus”

Touchdown Tom
October 24, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

P.S. “Goodbye Columbus” was recorded by The Association and written by Jim Yester a member of The Association. The song was on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring and early summer of 1969. Although it got no higher than 80, the song was on the chart for 11 weeks. “Goodbye Columbus” was the theme song from the movie of the same name.


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: Still perfect (well, one is) – Alabama 33, Texas A&M 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 34, Texas A&M 21). For about two and a half quarters, Texas A&M kept the game interesting. The Aggies led Alabama 14-13 midway through the third. Then the Tide scored 20 unanswered points. The Aggies had no response. The Tide dominated the ground game with 287 rushing yards to 114 for A&M. Neither team passed that well. Bama’s Jalen Hurts threw two interceptions. A&M’s Trevor Knight only completed 45% of his passes – 14-for-31. Attendance in Tuscaloosa: 101,821

RUNNER UP: The Lion was playing possum – Penn State 24, Ohio State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 28, Penn State 13). Through three quarters, it was all playing out as expected. The Buckeyes were on their way to their seventh win, with a 21-7 lead after three. Then the fourth quarter came along. That’s when Penn State outscored the Bucks, 17-0. The clincher was a blocked field goal that Penn State returned 60 yards for a touchdown. Both teams were even on the ground, but Ohio State dominated the passing game 245 yards to 154. Nitts quarterback Trace McSorley only completed 35% of his passes – 8-for-23. Attendance in University Park: 107,280

REST OF THE BEST: Bird attack – Louisville 54, NC State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 27, NC State 18). Obviously, NC State was wasted after its performance against Clemson last week. The Pack had nothing left for Louisville. The Cardinals led 44-0 at halftime. NC State only had 9 first downs and a mere 14 yards rushing. Louisville had 553 total yards. Lamar Jackson passed for 355 yards. Attendance in: Louisville: 55,218

Dissected – West Virginia 34, TCU 10 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 38, TCU 30). West Virginia led 21-10 at the half and then proceeded to shut out the Frogs in the second half. The Mounties were a positive 8-for-15 (53%) on third down conversions, while TCU was a negative 2-for-11 (18%). WVU quarterback Skyler Howard threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Attendance in: Morgantown: 61,780

Can’t get any closer – Boise State 28, BYU 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 27, BYU 24). At the end of the first quarter the game looked like it was going to be a blowout. Boise State led 14-0. Then BYU scored 17 unanswered points. With 0:35 to go in the second quarter, the Broncos scored to take a 21-17 lead at the half. BYU then scored 10 unanswered points to take a 27-21 lead early in the fourth quarter. Boise State scored with 10:37 to go in the game and held on to win. The Broncos had 571 total yards to 322 for the Cougars. Boise State’s Brett Rypien passed for 442 yards. The Broncos suffered five turnovers and still won the game. Attendance in: Boise: 34,575

Pork, it’s what’s for dinner – Auburn 56, Arkansas 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 33, Auburn 30). Auburn only had 89 yards passing. But the Tigers didn’t need to pass when they could rush for 543 yards. Arkansas only had 25 yards rushing. The Tigers not only dominated, they humiliated the Hogs. It’s been a strange year for both teams. Auburn’s Kamryn Pettway rushed for 192 yards. Attendance in Auburn: 87,451

Baseball? – Colorado 10, Stanford 5 (Touchdown Tom said: Colorado 20, Stanford 18). Colorado continues to be the surprise team in the Pac-12. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey doesn’t have the quality players around him this year that he had last season. Stanford plays good defense, but the offense is lacking. Colorado’s Phillip Lindsay rushed for 131 yards. Attendance in: Palo Alto: 44,535

Badger persistence – Wisconsin 17, Iowa 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 23, Wisconsin 20). Well, we knew this was going to be a defensive battle. Both teams lack the propensity to score a lot, and both have good defenses. Wisconsin was the dominant team – 423 total yards to 236 for Iowa, and 20 first downs to 14 for the Hawkeyes. Iowa was a sad 2-for-13 on third down conversions – 15%. The Badgers Corey Clement rushed for 134 yards. Attendance in: Iowa City: 70,585

Signals, what signals? – Washington State 37, Arizona State 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 37, Washington State 36). Late in the third quarter, Washington State led 31-14. Then in the final 15 minutes of the game, the Cougars were outscored 18-6 by Arizona State. The Cougars won the game in spite of -50 yards rushing. They made up for it with 398 yards passing by Luke Falk. Attendance in: Tempe: 50,582

Worth it – Navy 42, Memphis 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Navy 31, Memphis 30). Navy quarterback Will Worth rushed for 201 yards. It was a big rushing day for the Middies – 447 yards on the ground. Memphis had 333 yards passing. With 10:21 left in the fourth quarter, Navy just had a 7-point lead over the Tigers – 35-28. Attendance in: Annapolis: 35,943

Zack attack – Western Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Western Michigan 30, Eastern Michigan 24). Led by quarterback Zack Terrell, WMU remained undefeated. Terrell completed 83% of his passes, throwing for 398 yards. The Broncos had 561 total yards to 461 for EMU. Eagles quarterback Brogan Roback passed for 319 yards. Attendance in: Kalamazoo: 23,721

Holy – Toledo 31, Central Michigan 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Toledo 31, Central Michigan 26). The score was only 3-0 at the half – Toledo leading. Then the teams combined for 45 points in the second half. Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside threw four touchdown passes. The Rockets improved to 6-1. Attendance in Toledo: 17,821


….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Sheared – Virginia Tech 37, Miami (Florida) 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia Tech 25, Miami 23). Halfway through the third quarter, this was still a tight ballgame. Virginia Tech led 23-16 at that point. Then the Hokies poured it on, scoring 14 unanswered points. Miami lost its third consecutive game. Virginia Tech held the Canes to just 42 yards rushing. Tech had 523 total yards and 28 first downs to 15 for Miami. The Canes Brad Kaaya passed for 323 yards. Attendance in Blacksburg: 63,507

He’s back – LSU 38, Ole Miss 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Ole Miss 30, LSU 27). That would be Leonard Fournette. Fournette returned Saturday and rushed for 284 yards, almost single-handedly defeating Ole Miss. Add on his 25 yards receiving and Fournette had 60% of LSU’s total yards. Actually, this was a good game through the first half. The score was tied 21-21 at the break. Then LSU added 17 unanswered points in the second half. Ole Miss is back to its old tricks. They poop out in the second half. No stamina. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 101,720


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Déjà vu – Nebraska 27, Purdue 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 34, Purdue 17). This game was almost a carbon copy of Nebraska’s win over Illinois in Lincoln two weeks prior. In that game, the Huskers trailed the Banned Indians 13-10 at the half. In this game, Nebraska trailed Purdue 14-10 at the break. Nebraska went on to beat Illinois 31-16. The Huskers went on to beat Purdue, 27-14. Against Illinois, the Huskers had 23 first downs to 12 for the Banned Indians. Against the Boilers, Nebraska had 22 first downs to 13 for Purdue. Against Illinois, Nebraska had 423 total yards – against Purdue, 409 total yards. Kinda eerie. Purdue quarterback Danny Blough, a sophomore, has a promising future. Attendance in Lincoln: 90,546

Week 8 Results: 10 correct picks, 5 fumbles (66.7 percent)
For the Season: 95 correct picks, 46 fumbles (67.4 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Temple 46, South Florida 30 – Attendance in Philadelphia: 25,950
UCF 24, Connecticut 16 – Attendance in East Hartford: 28,008
Jacksonville U. 61, Morehead State 49 – Attendance in Morehead: 3,055

Bethune-Cookman 21, Norfolk State 14 – Attendance in Norfolk: 3,618
Florida A&M 31, Hampton 14 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 26,044

West Alabama 45, Florida Tech 35 – Attendance in Livingston: 3,588
Stetson 30, Campbell 24 – Attendance in Buies Creek: 6,673
Louisiana Tech 44, Florida International 24 – Attendance in Miami: 17,061


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes – 52-88-1 for 734 yards; Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield – 27-36-0-545; Boise State’s Brett Rypien – 25-39-2-442; Syracuse’s Eric Dungey – 32-38-1-434; Rice’s Tyler Stehling – 22-31-0-407; Western Michigan’s Zack Terrell – 29-35-1-398; Washington State’s Luke Falk – 42-53-0-398, and Troy’s Brandon Silvers – 28-42-0-395.

Western Kentucky’s Mike White – 28-32-1 for 378 yards; Louisville’s Lamar Jackson – 20-34-0-355; Cincinnati’s Gunner Kiel – 23-40-0-348; Akron’s Thomas Woodson – 27-40-0-338; Memphis’ Riley Ferguson – 25-40-0-333; California’s Davis Webb – 42-61-0-325, and Miami of Florida’s Brad Kaaya – 23-38-1-323.


Impressive Rushers:

Utah’s Joe Williams – 332 yards; Wyoming’s Brian Hill – 289 yards; LSU’s Leonard Fournette – 284 yards; Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon – 263 yards; Temple’s Ryquell Armstead – 210 yards, and Navy’s Will Worth – 201 yards.

Auburn’s Kamryn Pettway – 192 yards; Tulsa’s James Flanders – 190 yards; New Mexico’s Tyrone Owens – 171 yards; Tulane’s Josh Rounds – 166 yards; Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill – 162 yards, and North Texas’ Jeffrey Wilson – 160 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“There is no comparison between Ohio State and Michigan fans. Ohio State fans know what they are talking about. They are very knowledgeable. Michigan fans are from another planet,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.

I’ve yet to meet a Michigan fan who has a sense of humor or an ounce of objectivity,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.

Michigan fans are arrogant. They are a bunch of sniveling, delusional fans,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.

“Brian will lead this team out of the tunnel opening day next year,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, responding to rumors that Brian Kelly will be sacked at the end of the season.

“I bear responsibility. I’m ultimately responsible for our performance. So, all of us are in this together. But I can tell you I continue to have complete confidence in Brian. I think you really see what you’ve got in a coach with how they manage times like this, and I think he has done a great job of it,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, on his football coach Brian Kelly.

“They tell me, the guy who turned in a pedophile, to stay away from team facilities. And they let him go around there for years after they knew about it not once, but twice. That gets me. That does not make sense to me. It’s wrong,” former Penn State assistant coach Mike McQueary, testifying in the trial of his lawsuit against Penn State.

“I think they still steal signs, and we’ll have to keep an eye on that. That is a very unsavory practice they have. So, we’ll have to do what we can to defend against it,” Washington State coach Mike Leach, on Arizona State.

“What you did in the newspaper is chicken shit. I’ve always respected you. For you to do that is bullshit,” Arizona State coach Todd Graham to Washington State coach Mike Leach, when the two coaches shook hands after the game.


Quote from the Past

“I asked Darrell Royal, the coach of the Texas Longhorns, why he didn’t recruit me. He said, ‘Well Walt, we took a look at you and you weren’t any good’,” Oklahoma State player Walt Garrison, who was from Texas.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Washington (7-0) at Utah (7-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – These two teams, perhaps the best in the Pac-12, could meet again in the conference championship game in December. However, a loss here would most likely knock Utah out of a potential spot in the playoffs. Washington could lose and conceivably still make the playoffs by winning the Pac-12 with a 12-1 record. Both teams are loaded with talent. Chris’ dogs are better than Kyle’s – Washington 30, Utah 28.

RUNNER UP: 2. Clemson (7-0) at Florida State (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – With two losses, Florida State has been out of the conversation for a while. Another loss and it is curtains for the Noles. Win and FSU is still out of the picture. So the Noles have nothing to lose. Clemson could lose and still survive in the long run. The Tigers don’t know how to play Bingo – Florida State 27, Clemson 26.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Nebraska (7-0) at Wisconsin (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Wisconsin against Nebraska is kinda like Florida State against Clemson. The Badgers don’t have a lot to lose. They already have two losses. The pressure is on the Huskers. Although if the Huskers lose, they could still sneak into things. The Huskers need a big win and this is it – Nebraska 18, Wisconsin 16.

4. West Virginia (6-0) at Oklahoma State (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, Fox – Last year I was at a wedding reception in Las Vegas. I followed this game on my cell phone. WVU lost it in a barn burner. I drowned my sorrows in dirty martinis. This year I will be at a wedding and reception in Houston. Guess I have to follow it on my cell phone again. Swamp Mama will be angry. Are the Central Michigan referees available for this game? No, the Mounties should be able to win without those refs. I’m celebrating with dirty martinis at this reception – West Virginia 30, Oklahoma State 25.

5. Navy (5-1) at South Florida (6-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2 – Navy has a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl. But the Middies have to beat South Florida or their boat is sunk. Both teams can score. The Middies don’t spring a leak – Navy 29, South Florida 24.

6. Virginia Tech (5-2) at Pitt (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – These two are fighting for the Coastal Division title in the ACC. That would put one of them in the ACC title game. The Hokies are playing well under new coach Justin Fuente. But not well enough to beat the Panthers – Pitt 25, Virginia Tech 22.

7. Baylor (6-0) at Texas (3-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 ET, Saturday, ABC – All Texas can do now is play the spoiler role. And if the Horns should beat Baylor, that’s exactly what they would be – the spoilers. The Bears are undefeated but not seriously tested. Texas shouldn’t be a serious test either. The Bears add another nail to Charlie Strong’s coffin – Baylor 30, Texas 23.

8. Florida (5-1) vs. Georgia (4-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Ah, the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party – always a good time in Jacksonville. Kirby Smart played for Georgia. He knows what this is all about. Jim McElwain got baptized last year – baptized with a win. Both teams have struggled on offense. Georgia has struggled on defense. The Gators’ defense wins it – Florida 24, Georgia 18.

9. Boise State (7-0) at Wyoming (5-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – Boise State appears to be coasting along to a MWC championship. But Wyoming has come on strong of late. The Cowboys have been playing good football. And they have the home field. The Broncos could have some problems. But not that many problems – Boise State 31, Wyoming 22.

10. Ohio (5-3) at Toledo (6-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, CBSSN – Toledo still has possibilities. The Rockets could win the MAC. They could get in a New Year’s Six bowl. Lots of possibilities, but they can’t afford to lose. Ohio could be a spoiler. The Bobcats are good. But not that good – Toledo 31, Ohio 20.

11. Tulsa (5-2) at Memphis (5-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN News – Tulsa and Memphis are out of contention for a New Year’s Six bowl, but either could still win the AAC West. And potentially the AAC. Both can score. Both have good quarterbacks. But the Tigers are good at home – Memphis 34, Tulsa 33.

12. UCF (4-3) at Houston (6-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Scott Frost has the Knights back on track. They have already won four more games than they did last year. They will give Houston a battle. But they won’t win the war – Houston 32, UCF 20.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

13. Auburn (5-2) at Ole Miss (3-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:15 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Auburn is on a roll – a three-game roll. The Gus Bus is repaired, while the Magnolias are hurtin’. A loss to Arkansas followed by a loss to LSU. But there is still a pulse in the Ole Miss. The Gus Bus gets a flat tire – Ole Miss 30, Auburn 27.

14. California (4-3) at USC (4-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – The Trojans are on a roll. Cal is too. Both are explosive on offense. Sometimes Cal’s defense explodes too. It gives up as many points as the offense scores. It’s not a Sonny day in Los Angeles – USC 37, California 30.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Duke (3-4) at Georgia Tech (4-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN – The Dookies are at the bottom of the ACC Coastal. The Techsters are fighting for Paul Johnson’s life. After Saturday, the Dookies remain at the bottom of the ACC coastal. Paul Johnson lives for another day – Georgia Tech 27, Duke 19.

Penn State (5-2) at Purdue (3-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC/ESPN2 – Now you just know the Nitts will be higher than a kite. You would be too if you beat Urban. They have a right to celebrate – and the time too. You can be high and still beat the Boilers – Penn State 26, Purdue 17.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Florida A&M (3-5) at North Carolina A&T (6-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Jacksonville U. (3-3) at Davidson (2-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Stetson (4-3) at Dayton (6-2) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Miami (4-3) at Notre Dame (2-5) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC….
Western Kentucky (5-3) at Florida Atlantic (1-6) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday….
Delaware State (0-7) at Bethune-Cookman (1-5) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday….

Middle Tennessee (5-2) at Florida International (3-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Valdosta State (6-1) at Florida Tech (5-2) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

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

…75 years ago this week in 1941 was “Piano Concerto in B Flat” by Freddy Martin and His Orchestra

…70 years ago this week in 1946 was “To Each His Own” by Eddy Howard

…65 years ago this week in 1951 was “Because of You” by Tony Bennett

…60 years ago this week in 1956 was “Hound Dog”/“Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley

…55 years ago this week in 1961 was “Runaround Sue” by Dion

…50 years ago this week in 1966 was “96 Tears” by ? & the Mysterians

…45 years ago this week in 1971 was “Maggie May”/“Reason to Believe” by Rod Stewart

…40 years ago this week in 1976 was “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago

…35 years ago this week in 1981 was “Arthur’s Theme (Best that You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross

…30 years ago this week in 1986 was “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

…25 years ago this week in 1991 was “Emotions” by Mariah Carey


Not exactly college football related, but sadly there were three passings of note last week – Fred Slaughter, Dennis Byrd and Eddie Applegate.

Fred Slaughter, who helped UCLA win its first NCAA basketball championship as a senior under coach John Wooden in 1964, died last week at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 74. Slaughter was the Bruins starting center from 1962 to 1964. UCLA was 30-0 in the 1963-64 season. Joining Slaughter in the starting five were guards Walt Hazzard and Gail Goodrich and forwards Keith Erickson and Jack Hirsch. Slaughter earned a degree in business administration and went on to earn an MBA at UCLA and a law degree from Columbia. As a sports agent and lawyer, he represented professional football and basketball players. Fred Slaughter was born on March 14, 1942, in Topeka, Kansas. He competed in basketball, football and track at Topeka High School.

Dennis Byrd, a former New York Jets defensive lineman, died last week in a two-vehicle crash near Claremore, Oklahoma. He was 50. In 1992, while playing for the Jets, Byrd suffered a career-ending neck injury and made a miraculous recovery. Dennis Byrd was born on October 5, 1966, in Oklahoma City. He played college football for the University of Tulsa. The Jets drafted him in the second round in 1989. Byrd lived in Talala, Oklahoma, about 40 miles northeast of Tulsa.

Eddie Applegate, an actor best-known for playing Patty’s high school sweetheart on the 1960s sitcom “The Patty Duke Show,” died last week in Los Angeles. He was 81. “The Patty Duke Show” ran on ABC from 1963 to 1966. Edward Robert Applegate was born on October 4, 1935, in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. He also appeared on other TV series, including “The Many Love of Dobie Gillis,” “Daktari” and “Gunsmoke.” His movies included “A Ticklish Affair” (1963) and “Easy A” (2010).