Football Week 6 – First coaching casualty: UTEP’s Kugler out
First month down, two more to go

The first five weeks of the 2017 college football season are history. But we still have eight weeks of the regular season left, plus championship weekend, Army-Navy weekend and the bowl games. The fun has just begun!

Swamp Mama and I have one game down, two more and a reunion to go.

Late Friday morning, we picked up Bootsie and Rockledge Gator and the four of us were off to Gainesville for the Vanderbilt-Florida football weekend.

Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Boston Coffee House in Deland. Of course, being in Deland, we couldn’t leave until Swamp Mama and Bootsie spent some time in the Quilt Shop of Deland – one of their favorites, among quilt shops.

Whenever I go to a quilt shop with Swamp Mama, the first thing I ask the proprietor is, “Do you have a husband chair?” The first time we went to the Quilt Shop of Deland – two or three years ago – I asked the proprietor, “Do you have a husband chair?”

She said, “Honey, we not only have a husband chair, we have a husband couch. You can stretch out and take a nap while your wife shops.”

I jumped at her advice.

The Quilt Shop of Deland also has chairs outside in front of the shop. The last time Rockledge Gator and I were in Deland with Bootsie and Swamp Mama, we sat outside. After all, the couch only has room for one of us to stretch out.

While we were sitting outside that day, several ladies walked by. They gave us friendly smiles. Some even stopped to chat a bit. When Bootsie and Swamp Mama came out, we told them a number of ladies tried to pick us up. You’re lucky we’re still here.

Of course Bootsie and Swamp Mama said, “Yeah, right. How old were the ladies – in their 80s or 90s?”

A couple years ago, the four of us were having a day and night of fun in Dunedin, Florida. Bootsie and Swamp Mama found a quilt shop. So they were having more fun.

Rockledge Gator and I sat outside the shop. The girls had been in the place for an awfully long time. I stepped inside, cupped my hands around my mouth and loudly stated, “The tour bus is leaving in 10 minutes.”

I’m still hearing about that today.

Driving out of Deland, I took 44 West to County Road 42 West. I was exploring a new road, taking 42 over to Weirsdale. Then I would pick up 27 North to Ocala and 441 North to Gainesville. About halfway to Weirsdale on 42, we ran into a road block. The road was closed. The county deputies made us turn around and go back – so much for my exploration.

I back-tracked to Deland and took 17 North and 40 West to Ocala. There are lots of ways to Gainesville.

In Gainesville, we checked into our cottage at the Laurel Oak Inn and visited with the innkeepers, Peggy and Monta Burt. We had not seen them since last football season. Then it was off to Amelia’s for a nice dinner. From the Inn, it’s a short walk across Sweetwater Branch Creek to Amelia’s.

After dinner at Amelia’s, we walked back to our cottage and caught some football on TV – Miami (Florida) beat Duke, 31-6, and Nebraska beat Illinois, 28-6. Then Bootsie, Rockledge Gator and Swamp Mama went to bed. I wanted to stay up and watch the USC-Washington State game, but eventually I got too tired and hit the sack.

I missed a good one. Washington State knocked off USC, 30-27. With the score tied 27-27, the Cougars kicked a 32-yard field goal with 1:40 left in the game.

Rain was predicted for Saturday’s game. We took our ponchos with us as we rode the Gator Aider to the stadium. We no sooner walked into the stadium and the rain began. It didn’t look good. On went our ponchos.

However, shortly before kickoff, the rain ceased. And although it was a cloudy, gray overcast day throughout, it didn’t rain during the game. We were fortunate. Florida was fortunate too. The Gators beat Vanderbilt, 38-24.

But the game was a bit closer than the score indicates. Florida and Vandy were tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, and 17-17 at the halftime break. By early in the fourth quarter, the Gators went up 31-17 on the Commodores. Just when the outcome was looking safe, Vandy scored and trailed 31-24. However, Florida sealed the victory with 1:42 left in the game, when running back Malik Davis broke through for a 39-yard touchdown run.

After we got off the Gator Aider on our way back to the Laurel Oak Inn after the game, we stopped in Big Lou’s Pizza for a cold draft and a couple of pizzas. We took the pizzas back to our cottage where we ate and watched football on TV. To help down the pizzas, I fixed – what else – Irish Mules for the four of us.

There were several games to choose from on the television. We channel-surfed around between the Florida State-Wake Forest, Indiana-Penn State, Baylor-Kansas State, Georgia-Tennessee and Iowa-Michigan State games. Mostly, we watched the FSU-Wake game. It was close. The Seminoles led 13-12 at the half. The Deacons led 19-16 early in the fourth quarter. But midway through the fourth quarter, Florida State took control, scored 10 points in the final six minutes and won 26-19.

Penn State beat Indiana, 45-14, Kansas State downed Baylor, 33-20, Michigan State edged Iowa, 17-10, and Georgia pummeled Tennessee, 41-0. Has the moving van been sent to Butch Jones’ house yet?

After a visit with Peggy and Monta, we returned to our cottage and channel-surfed some more – Mississippi State-Auburn, Memphis-UCF, South Carolina-Texas A&M, Clemson-Virginia Tech and Oklahoma State-Texas Tech.

Two of the games were routs. Auburn clobbered Miss State, 49-10. That’s the second-straight pounding the Bulldogs have taken. Last week, Georgia whipped them 31-3. UCF topped Memphis, 40-13. The Knights are looking good.

Two of the games were close. As the fourth quarter began, South Carolina led Texas A&M, 17-10. But the Aggies scored two touchdowns in the final quarter and edged the Gamecocks, 24-17. Meanwhile, in Lubbock, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech were in a donnybrook. Finally, midway through the third quarter, the Cowboys took a 14-point lead over the Red Raiders, 31-17.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Okie State maintained its 14-point lead, 34-20. But Texas Tech came charging back. The Red Raiders scored two touchdowns. Midway through the final quarter, the game was tied 34-34. With 1:12 on the clock, the Cowboys scored a touchdown and hung on to win, 41-34.

Clemson pretty much had its way with Virginia Tech. Halfway through the third quarter the Tigers led the Hokies, 24-3. Clemson went on to win the game, 31-17.

After a sumptuous and filling breakfast Sunday morning, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I said farewell to Peggy and Monta and began our trek back to Brevard County. No road blocks on the way home.

But a number of teams ran into road blocks on Saturday, perhaps none more so than LSU. The Tigers were stunned by Troy – yes Troy – 24-21. Deep into the fourth quarter, the Trojans led LSU, 24-7. The Tigers scored two touchdowns in the final eight minutes of the game to make it close.

Favored Colorado fell to UCLA, 27-23, as did Minnesota to Maryland. The Terps stopped the Gophers, 31-24.

Believe it or not, we got through the weekend without a single overtime game. That’s a rarity.

So you can look now – Duke, Wake Forest, Texas Tech and Minnesota are no longer undefeated. Wake Forest, Texas Tech and Minnesota barely lost, while Duke was walloped.

But don’t look now – Washington State is still undefeated. The Cougars have a toughie this week – Oregon on the road. Stay tuned!

I’m thinking the best of the Group of Five are San Diego State, UCF, South Florida, Navy, Troy and UTSA. Memphis dropped off the list, while Troy jumped on. All but Troy are undefeated. The Trojans are 4-1.

The first coaching casualty of the season has occurred. Feeling the pressure, UTEP coach Sean Kugler resigned yesterday, after an 0-5 start. Saturday, the Miners suffered a 35-21 loss at Army. This was Kugler’s fifth season at UTEP. He leaves with an 18-36 record.

Last week, Nebraska named legendary center Dave Rimington as its interim athletic director, replacing the fired Shawn Eichorst. Rimington, 57, played for the Huskers from 1979 to 1982. He remains the only player to twice win the Outland Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top interior lineman. Nebraska plans to name a new athletic director within the next 60 days.

An update on the mascot voting at Ole Miss. Students voted overwhelmingly to change their mascot from the Black Bear to the Landshark. Of the 4,000 students who voted, 81% voted for the Landshark. And the battle cry will be “Fins up.” You know, like “Boilers up,” not like “Anchors down.” To signify Fins up, one puts the tip of the thumb on their forehead with their fingers sticking straight up.

Former Wyoming and Purdue coach Joe Tiller died Saturday.

It was good to hear from Scott Greenwood last week.

Swamp Mama and I are traveling to the Midwest later this week – Missouri to be specific. Stay tuned!

Have a good week!

Touchdown Tom
October 2, 2017
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: Can’t hold that Tiger – Clemson 31, Virginia Tech 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 30, Virginia Tech 22). In the battle of the undefeated teams, Virginia Tech controlled the stats but not the score. All of the stats, that is, except turnovers. The Hokies had three, the Tigers none. Attendance in Blacksburg: 65,632

RUNNER UP: Trojans fall in the Falk-lands – Washington State 30, USC 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington State 30, USC 28). USC quarterback Sam Darnold can forget about any Heisman Trophy hopes this season. Darnold not only fumbled on USC’s final drive, but also he was outplayed by Washington State quarterback Luke Falk. Falk passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns, completing 67% of his passes. Darnold passed for 164 yards and no touchdowns, completing 52% of his passes. Attendance in Pullman: 33,773

REST OF THE BEST: Hurricane blows through Durham – Miami (Florida) 31, Duke 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Duke 25). The Dookies kept the game reasonably close for three quarters. They trailed Miami 17-6 at the start of the fourth. But the Canes outscored the Devils 14-0 in the final period. Duke was the better rushing team on the night – 183 yards to 139 for Miami. But the Canes were the better passing team – 270 yards to 166 for the Dookies. The loss was Duke’s first this season, while Miami remains undefeated. Attendance in Durham: 36,314

Tigers suffer Frost burn – UCF 40, Memphis 13 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 34, Memphis 26). In another battle of undefeated teams, UCF controlled just about everything. The Knights had 603 total yards and controlled the ball for more than 37 minutes of the game. Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson suffered three interceptions. Attendance in Orlando: 34,022

Dawged – Georgia 41, Tennessee 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Tennessee 23). Who would have thunk it. I mean, Georgia was favored but not by 41 points. The Dawgs held Tennessee to 142 total yards – only 62 rushing and 80 passing. The Vols fall to 3-2 – 0-2 in the SEC. Attendance in Tennessee: 102,455

Back in the saddle again – Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 42, Texas Tech 31). Okie State’s offense looked good – 597 total yards, 221 rushing and 376 passing. But the Cowboys defense is leaky. Attendance in Lubbock: 60,901

Lions roar – Penn State 45, Indiana 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 34, Indiana 28). This one might have been closer if Indiana had held onto the ball. The Hoosiers had four turnovers – three fumbles and one interception. The Nitts jumped out to a quick 28-0 lead in the first quarter. Then Indiana rallied with two touchdowns to trail 28-14 at the half. Penn State added 17 points in the second half. Indiana added none. Surprisingly, Penn State only had 39 yards rushing. Attendance in University Park: 107,542

Fast start – San Diego State 34, Northern Illinois 28 (Touchdown Tom said: San Diego State 28, Northern Illinois 20). San Diego State scored most all of its points in the first half and led NIU, 31-14 at the break. The Huskies scored two touchdowns in the second quarter and made it a ballgame. NIU dominated the Aztecs in the stats, but the Huskies had four turnovers to none for San Diego State. Attendance in San Diego: 35,717

Aubie chases Dogs – Auburn 49, Mississippi State 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 27, Mississippi State 22). Only 21-10 at the half, Auburn outscored Miss State 28-0 in the second half. The Tigers had 511 total yards – 244 rushing and 267 passing. Attendance in Auburn: 86,901

Webbed – Oregon 45, California 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, California 30). Oregon held Cal to 8 yards rushing. Early in the fourth quarter, Cal was only trailing 24-17. But the Ducks outscored the Bears 21-7 in the final 10 minutes of the game. Attendance in Eugene: 55,707

Really, Orgeron – Troy 24, LSU 21 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Troy 17). Troy won this game because it controlled the clock for 35 minutes of the game – that and the Trojans Jordan Chunn rushing for 191 yards. Chunn was a big reason Troy controlled the clock. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 99,879

Methodical – Wisconsin 33, Northwestern 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 32, Northwestern 20). Northwestern led 10-7 at the break, but Wisconsin outscored the Wildcats 14-0 in the third quarter. The Badgers defense held the Wildcats to 25 yards rushing. Attendance in Madison: 80,584


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Big shells – Maryland 31, Minnesota 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Minnesota 27, Maryland 18). Maryland broke a 24-24 tie, scoring a touchdown with 1:10 left in the game. The Terps handed the Gophers their first loss. Maryland’s Ty Johnson rushed for 130 yards. As a team, Minnesota only had 80 yards rushing. Attendance in Minneapolis: 43,511


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Good news, bad news – Florida 38, Vanderbilt 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 24, Vanderbilt 12). Florida finally showed some offense – 467 total yards – but the Gators were hurting on defense, especially pass defense. Vandy only had 46 yards rushing, but 264 passing. After rallying the Gators to the win over Kentucky last week, quarterback Luke Del Rio started against Vanderbilt – only to suffer a broken collar bone in the game. Del Rio is out for the season. Florida is 3-0 in the SEC. Attendance in Gainesville: 84,478

The night was clear, the moon was yellow and the Illini came tumblin’ down – Nebraska 28, Illinois 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 26, Illinois 19). Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee had his best game of the season, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. Lee was 17-for-24 passing. The Huskers dominated the Banned Indians. Nebraska had 411 total yards to only 199 for Illinois. Attendance in Champaign: 43,058

Buechele returns – Texas 17, Iowa State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Iowa State 23). Mostly a defensive battle, Texas held Iowa State to only 10 yards rushing. Quarterback Shane Buechele returned to the starting position for the Longhorns. He passed for 171 yards and one touchdown. Texas controlled the clock, maintaining the football for about 42 minutes of the game. The Cyclones couldn’t sustain any drives. Attendance in Ames: 50,011

Week 5 Results: 14 correct picks, 2 fumbles (87.5 percent)
For the Season: 60 correct picks, 21 fumbles (74.1 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

North Carolina Central 21, Florida A&M 14 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 18,488
South Florida 61, East Carolina 31 – Attendance in Greenville: 34,883
Valparaiso 27, Stetson 24 – Attendance in Valparaiso: 4,492

Jacksonville U. 56, Guilford 21 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 2,014
Florida State 26, Wake Forest 19 – Attendance in Winston-Salem: 31,588
Bethune-Cookman 24, Savannah State 12 – Attendance in Daytona Beach:

Florida Atlantic 38, Middle Tennessee 20 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 12,913
Florida International 30, Charlotte 29 – Attendance in Miami: 15,348
West Florida 23, Florida Tech 21 – Attendance in Melbourne: 3,422


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Pitt’s Max Browne – 28-32-0 for 410 yards; Connecticut’s Bryant Shirreffs – 22-28-0-408; Massachusetts’ Andrew Ford – 32-54-1-390; Syracuse’s Eric Dungey – 30-47-1-385; Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph – 27-38-1-376; UCLA’s Josh Rosen – 28-45-1-372, and North Texas’ Mason Fine – 24-40-1 for 366 yards.

Also, Hawaii’s Dru Brown – 31-47-0-362; Colorado State’s Nick Stevens – 18-22-0-351; New Mexico State’s Tyler Rogers – 23-38-1-344; Washington State’s Luke Falk – 34-51-1-340; Texas Tech’s Nic Shimonek – 29-46-1-330, and Coastal Carolina’s Tyler Keane – 18-31-2-329.


Impressive Rushers:

Stanford’s Bryce Love – 301 yards; Troy’s Jordan Chunn – 191 yards; Navy’s Zach Abey – 185 yards; New Mexico’s Richard McQuarley – 179 yards; Florida International’s Benny LeMay – 178 yards; Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill – 164 yards, and Notre Dame’s Josh Adams – 159 yards.

Also UTEP’s Quardraiz Wadley – 156 yards; Tulsa’s Chad President – 151 yards; North Texas’ Jeffrey Wilson – 148 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Huff – 148 yards; UNLV’s Lexington Thomas – 146 yards, and Buffalo’s Emmanuel Reed – 144 yards.


Quotes of the Week

“Hey, I’m all in. I’m all in. I’m behind Butch Jones,” former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, Tweeting support for the Vols coach.


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

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Washington State (5-0) at Oregon (4-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Washington State is for real, but Oregon is a threat – a definite threat. Except for the two-point loss to Arizona State the Ducks have looked good. Good on offense. Oregon’s defense is bad. That’s where the Cougars could get them. But they don’t – Oregon 37, Washington State 36.

RUNNER UP: 2. Alabama (5-0) at Texas A&M (4-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:15 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Last week, Alabama flattened Ole Miss, 66-3. The Tide could do the same thing to the Aggies. A&M is on a four-game winning streak – not that the Aggies have played anybody. It just doesn’t look good for A&M. The Tide may make it look worse – Alabama 28, Texas A&M 15.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. West Virginia (3-1) at TCU (4-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – If WVU’s defense doesn’t get its act together, the Mounties don’t have a chance in this one. WVU may score and score a lot, but TCU will score more – TCU 33, West Virginia 31.

4. Michigan State (3-1) at Michigan (4-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – The Wolverines were off last week and just waiting to get back into action. State suffered a bad loss to Notre Dame earlier, but the Spartans are dangerous, especially when they play Michigan. But they aren’t dangerous enough – Michigan 30, Michigan State 24.

5. Louisville (4-1) at NC State (4-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – This could be one of the better games of the weekend. Both teams are in the same Division in the ACC. Louisville already has one ACC loss. A second loss in conference play will all but eliminate them from title contention. The Wolfpack are undefeated in ACC play and look to stay that way – NC State 28, Louisville 27.

6. California (3-2) at Washington (5-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:45 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Cal doesn’t have the material to hang with the Huskies. The Bears can score but they can’t defend. The Huskies can do both – Washington 32, California 16.

7. Stanford (3-2) at Utah (4-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:15 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – After starting 1-2, Stanford has won two straight. The Cardinal have looked good in their last two wins. Bryce Love is an incredible running back. But Utah has looked good too. This also should be one of the better games of the weekend. All you need is Love – Stanford 26, Utah 22.

8. Wisconsin (4-0) at Nebraska (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – The Huskers would love nothing better than to hand the Badgers their first loss. It’s certainly possible, but not probable – Wisconsin 30, Nebraska 22.

9. SMU (4-1) at Houston (3-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – Keep your eye on SMU. The Mustangs are a much improved football team. If SMU beats Houston, the Mustangs will become one of the prominent Group of Five teams. But beating the Cougars won’t be easy. However, the Pony Express rides – SMU 24, Houston 22.

10. Duke (4-1) at Virginia (3-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12:20 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – The Dookies were looking good until the loss to Miami. They didn’t look good at all against the Canes. The Cavs are an improving football team. But they aren’t improving fast enough to beat the Dookies – Duke 25, Virginia 20.

11. Georgia (5-0) at Vanderbilt (3-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – The Dawgs may be sky high after the big win over Tennessee. Vandy may be inspired after playing a good game against Florida. But talent beats inspiration – Georgia 32, Vanderbilt 17.

12. LSU (3-2) at Florida (3-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – You have to be thinking that LSU was highly overrated at preseason. How else do you explain the Tigers? Florida’s offense is starting to click. The Gators defense is still a question. But the Tigers don’t have any answers – Florida 27, LSU 23.


….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

13. Kansas State (3-1) at Texas (2-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – This game could make or break both teams. It could make the winner and break the loser. Texas is an up-and-down team. The Horns are up this week – Texas 33, Kansas State 30.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Minnesota (3-1) at Purdue (2-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Okay, it’s about time for the Boilers to start winning again. Minnesota is certainly beatable. Maryland proved that. The Boilers win one for Tiller – Purdue 27, Minnesota 24.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Brown (2-1) at Stetson (0-5) – (Ivy League vs. Pioneer) – 12:30 pm ET, Saturday….
Davidson (2-2) at Jacksonville U. (3-1) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Florida A&M (2-3) at Norfolk State (1-3) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

Florida International (3-1) at Middle Tennessee (2-3) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Miami (3-0) at Florida State (1-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN….

Florida Atlantic (2-3) at Old Dominion (2-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 6 pm ET, Saturday….
Florida Tech (3-2) at North Alabama (1-3) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….
UCF (3-0) at Cincinnati (2-3) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU –

South Florida (5-0) and Bethune-Cookman (2-3) are off this week.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but sadly there were five passings of note last week – Hugh Hefner, Anne Jeffreys, Red Miller, Monty Hall and Joe Tiller.

Hugh Hefner, who created Playboy magazine and spun it into a media and entertainment-industry giant (clubs, casinos and TV shows), died last week at his home near Beverly Hills, California. He was 91. Hefner was a stunning success from the moment he emerged in the early 1950s. The first issue of Playboy was published in 1953 when Hefner was 27. Playboy’s circulation reached one million by 1960 and peaked at seven million in the 1970s. Hugh Marston Hefner was born on April 9, 1926, in Chicago. His parents were Nebraska-born Methodists. After serving in the Army, Hefner attended the University of Illinois. His other big enterprise, the Playboy Club, first opened in Chicago in 1960. Dozens more clubs followed.

Anne Jeffreys, the blonde actress and singer who played a glamorous ghost in the 1950s television series “Topper,” died last week at her home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. She was 94. “Topper” ran on CBS from 1953 to 1955. Jeffreys starred opposite her real-life husband Robert Sterling. Her television fame was preceded by a few busy years of moviemaking. She was in “I Married an Angel” (1942) with Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy, “Step Lively” (1944) with Frank Sinatra, “Nevada” (1944) with Robert Mitchum, “Dick Tracy” (1945) and “Dillinger” (1945). Jeffreys appeared in a number of westerns in the 1940s, including “Wagon Tracks West” and “Death Valley Manhunt.” She appeared in four Broadway shows in the late 1940s and early 1950s – “Street Scene” (1947), “My Romance” (1948), “Kiss Me Kate” (1950) and “Three Wishes for Jamie” (1952). In her later years, Jeffreys reached new audiences with her work on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital” and its spinoff “Port Charles.” Anne Jeffreys Carmichael was born on January 26, 1923, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She attended Anderson College in South Carolina. Her first movie was “Billy the Kid Trapped” a 1942 western. One of her last movies was “Boys Night Out” (1962), a comedy with Kim Novak.

Red Miller, who turned the hapless Denver Broncos into a defensive powerhouse and guided the team to its first Super Bowl, in 1978, in his first season as a head coach, died last week in Denver. He was 89. Miller replaced John Ralston as head coach of the Broncos. Players on the Broncos had soured on Ralston who they thought was aloof and ineffectual. Under Miller, the Broncos defense became known as the Orange Crush. The Broncos had an explosive first season under Miller, attaining a 12-2 regular season record. After beating the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders in the playoffs, Denver lost to Tom Landry’s Dallas Cowboys, 27-10, in Super Bowl XII. Miller led the Broncos for three more seasons and two more playoff appearances, obtaining a regular season record of 40-22. He was fired after the 1981 season and replaced by Dan Reeves. Robert Neil Miller was born in Macomb, Illinois, on October 31, 1927. He played offensive guard for Western Illinois University. Before Denver, Miller was an assistant coach for a number of teams.

Monty Hall, the genial host and co-creator of the TV game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” died Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 96. “Let’s Make a Deal” had its premiere in 1963. Hall kept “Let’s Make a Deal” going for most of almost 5,000 broadcasts on NBC, on ABC and in syndication. The show ended its original daytime run in 1976 on ABC. A concurrent syndicated nighttime version lasted until 1977. The show occasionally resurfaced over the years and, after being off the air for a while, was revived in October 2009 on CBS. It is still on the air. Monte Halparin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on August 25, 1921. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and zoology from the University of Manitoba. After college, he moved to Toronto and began working as an actor and singer. In 1955, he moved to New York where he worked for NBC radio. In 1960, he moved to Hollywood and became the host of “Video Village,” a CBS TV game show. Hall’s daughter, Joanna Gleason, is a Tony Award-winning actress, and his son, Richard, a producer, won an Emmy for “The Amazing Race.”

Joe Tiller, the winningest football coach in Purdue history, died Saturday in Buffalo, Wyoming. He was 74. Tiller coached the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2008 and had a record of 87-62. He led the previously downtrodden program to 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl. He coached NFL quarterbacks Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter. Tiller coached for six years at Wyoming before joining Purdue. In 1996, he led the Cowboys to a 10-2 record and a No. 22 ranking.