College Football Week 17 – Early signing period: December 20-22
Coaching carousel ends
As bowl season begins
By the end of the week, last week, the coaching carousel had pretty much come to an end, and the first of the 39 bowl games were played.
All but one school had found and hired its new coach. There shouldn’t be any more pink slips handed out. But you never know. Meanwhile, the bowl marathon began Saturday, with five games played on the first day of the bowl season.
UCF sure has a thing for former Big 12 quarterbacks. Two years ago when UCF was looking for a coach, the school hired Scott Frost. Frost is a former Nebraska quarterback when the Huskers were in the Big 12.
Looking for a new coach this year, to replace Frost, UCF hired Josh Heupel. Heupel is a former Oklahoma quarterback from the Big 12. Frost and Heupel also were both offensive coordinators before coming to UCF – Frost at Oregon and Heupel at Missouri.
Yes, last week, UCF named Josh Heupel the new coach of the Knights. UCF is one of 20 schools hiring a new coach at the end of the 2017 season. As of yesterday, 19 of the 20 schools had secured their man. One was still searching.
Other schools naming new coaches last week were Arizona State (Herm Edwards), Florida State (Willie Taggart), South Alabama (Steve Campbell), Arkansas (Chad Morris), UTEP (Dana Dimel), Oregon (Mario Cristobal), Louisiana-Lafayette (Billy Napier), SMU (Sonny Dykes) and last but not least Tennessee (Jeremy Pruitt).
Many have criticized Arizona State’s hiring of Herm Edwards, a former NFL coach at the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. They equate it to Illinois’ hiring of Lovie Smith two years ago. After two seasons, Smith is 5-19 at Illinois – 0-9 in the Big Ten this season. Like Edwards, Smith was a former NFL coach (Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) who had never coached a college team.
After losing Jimbo Fisher to Texas A&M, Florida State hired Oregon coach Willie Taggart. Many view Taggart’s hiring as a step down from Fisher. Taggart only spent one season at Oregon – going 7-5. Prior to Oregon, Taggart was the head coach of South Florida (four seasons) and Western Kentucky (three seasons). He finished with a losing record at both schools.
South Alabama ended its search, hiring Steve Campbell to be the Jaguars new coach. Campbell comes to South Alabama after a four-year stint at Central Arkansas (FCS), where he guided the Bears to a 33-15 mark. Campbell was also the head coach at Division II Delta State from 1999 to 2001.
Arkansas fans seem to have mixed reactions to the hiring of Chad Morris. Although most consider anything or anybody is better than Bret Bielema. Morris comes to Arkansas from SMU where he coached the Mustangs for the past three seasons – 14-22. Before SMU, Morris was an offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Clemson (four seasons) and the same at Tulsa (one season).
At UTEP, all Dana Dimel has to do is win one game next season and that will be an improvement over this past season. The Miners were 0-12. Dimel comes to UTEP from Kansas State where he has been Bill Snyder’s offensive coordinator for several seasons. Dimel was a head coach at Houston (2000-2002) and at Wyoming (1997-1999).
Meanwhile, in Eugene, rather than search for a coach, Oregon simply elevated its offensive coordinator – Mario Cristobal – to be the Ducks new coach, replacing Willie Taggart. Critics are calling this the worst of all the new coach hires. Cristobal was the head coach of Florida International for six seasons (2007-2012), compiling a 27-47 record.
Just a few days ago, Louisiana-Lafayette hired Billy Napier to be the Rajin’ Cajuns new coach. Napier comes to Lafayette from Arizona State, where he was the Sun Devils’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach this past season. He was Clemson’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons – 2009-2010. More recently, Napier was Alabama’s wide receivers coach under Nick Saban – 2013-2016).
Upon losing Chad Morris to Arkansas, SMU responded by hiring Sonny Dykes. Dykes is a former head coach at Louisiana Tech (2010-2012) and at California (2013-2016). He spent the past season as an offensive analyst for TCU.
After going through many trials, tribulations and trepidations, including the firing of an athletic director, Tennessee last week named Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt as the Vols new coach. Some Tennessee fans looked favorably on Pruitt’s hiring. Others didn’t.
Some people equate Pruitt’s hiring to that of Kirby Smart’s at Georgia two years ago. Like Pruitt, Smart was a defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban. Pruitt has been a defensive coordinator at three prominent schools – Alabama (2016-2017), Georgia (2-14-2015) and Florida State (2013).
Yes, 19 schools have their new coach, one – Kent State – is still looking. Kent State is expected to name its coach this week. The finalists appear to be Syracuse offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Sean Lewis and Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich.
You can go home again – not once, but twice. New Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith hired the recently fired Nebraska coach Mike Riley. Riley will be the assistant head coach for the Beavers. This is his third stint with Oregon State and second return to Corvallis.
First, Riley was the head coach at Oregon State for two seasons in 1997 and 1998. Then, after a four-year stretch in the NFL, he returned to Corvallis the first time in 2003 for his second stint with the Beavers. This time Riley stayed for 12 seasons, coaching Oregon State from 2003 to 2014. Now, following a three-year term at Nebraska, he is returning to Corvallis the second time for a third stint with the Beavers – this time as assistant head coach. They say the third time is a charm.
Back at UCF, Josh Heupel didn’t waste any time hiring his defensive coordinator. Heupel hired Randy Shannon. Shannon, most recently, was the defensive coordinator at Florida. He became Florida’s interim coach after Jim McElwain was fired near the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Randy Sanders, Florida State’s co-offensive coordinator the past four years was named the new head coach at East Tennessee State (FCS). Sanders, a former offensive coordinator at Tennessee, played football for the Vols.
The bowl season began Saturday with five games played. The first day of the bowls was definitely the “day of the underdog.” Four of the five games were upsets.
The first game of the day was the only game that went as expected. In fact, it went more than expected. Troy, a 7-point favorite, beat North Texas by 20 points in the New Orleans Bowl. The Trojans downed the Mean Green, 50-30.
A close game at the break, Troy led North Texas 22-20 at halftime. But the Trojans blew the game wide open in the third quarter, outscoring the Mean Green, 21-3. At the end of three, Troy led North Texas, 43-23.
After a high-scoring game in the opener, the second game of the day was a low-scorer. In fact, it was the lowest-scoring (total points) game of the day. It was also the first of four upsets on the day. Georgia State surprised Western Kentucky, 27-17 in the Cure Bowl. The Hilltoppers were favored by 7 points.
In the highest-profile game of the day, Boise State upset Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, 38-28. Already Mario Cristobal is looking like a bad hire. The Broncos jumped out to a 24-0 lead late in the second quarter and the Ducks tried to play catch up. Oregon was a 7-point favorite in the game.
The day’s third upset occurred in Albuquerque, as Marshall knocked off Colorado State in the Underwear Bowl. The Herd beat the Rams, 31-28. CSU was a 3-point favorite. After three seasons in Fort Collins, Colorado State coach Mike Bobo has been rather disappointing. Meanwhile, Marshall has a promising season to look forward to in 2018.
In the nightcap, on day one of the bowl games, Arkansas State was favored by four points over Middle Tennessee. But the jinx continued, as Middle Tennessee beat Arkansas State 35-30 in the Camellia Bowl.
Red Wolves’ quarterback Justice Hansen passed for 337 yards, as Arkansas State dominated the statistics, but Middle Tennessee dominated the score.
So after the first five bowl games were played, two things were evident. The underdog won (4 of 5 games) and running backs were dormant on 9 of the 10 teams. Except for Marshall’s Keion Davis rushing for 141 yards in the Underwear Bowl, the running backs were non-existent in the other four games.
Next up in the bowl lineup is the Boca Raton Bowl tomorrow night (December 19), featuring Florida Atlantic against Akron. Terry Bowden’s Zips will try to end the nine-game winning streak of Lane Kiffin’s Owls. During that winning streak, FAU has averaged 46 points a game. Will the underdog win again? Stay tuned!
College football’s first ever early signing period commences on Wednesday of this week and runs for three days through Friday, December 22. Some coaches are in favor of it and some aren’t. If a player doesn’t sign this week, then he has to wait until the regular signing period, which begins February 7.
And speaking of early signing, the nation’s top prospect in the class of 2018 says he will sign on Wednesday. Justin Fields, a 6-foot-3, 223-pound quarterback plans to sign with Georgia. In spite of last ditch efforts from Texas A&M, Florida and Florida State to secure Fields, the five-star quarterback from Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, says he remains committed to Georgia.
It was good to hear from Brian Smith and Tim Muth last week.
CFW Extra – Holiday Bonus will be posted this Friday, December 22. It’s my annual “What Year Was It.”
Meanwhile, CFW – Week 18 will be posted next week on Wednesday, December 28.
Happy Hanukkah..…Seasons Greetings..…Merry Christmas..…Happy Holidays
Touchdown Tom
December 18, 2017
Review of the First Five Bowls
South Texas (in the New Orleans Bowl) – Troy 50, North Texas 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Troy 30, North Texas 22). Troy’s defense shut down North Texas’ running game. The Trojans held the Mean Green to negative yards rushing – minus 8. On offense, Troy racked up 435 total yards, balancing its running and passing games. Meanwhile, North Texas was plagued with five turnovers. Troy finished its season at 11-2. Attendance in New Orleans: 29,904
The Panthers were Hill-stoppers (in the Cure Bowl) – Georgia State 27, Western Kentucky 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Western Kentucky 31, Georgia State 20). A close game until the fourth quarter, Georgia State only led WKU, 13-10 at halftime. But with 5:50 on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Panthers went up 27-10. The Georgia State defense held the Hilltoppers to negative yards rushing – minus 2. Meanwhile, Georgia State had a well-balanced attack – rushing and passing. Georgia State finished its season at 7-5. Attendance in Orlando: 19,585
Sad start for Cristobal (in the Las Vegas Bowl) – Boise State 38, Oregon 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 30, Boise State 29). Boise State came out fired up and Oregon didn’t. The Broncos racked up 481 total yards, while holding the Ducks to only 47 yards rushing. Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien passed for 362 yards. Boise State finished its season at 11-3. Attendance in Las Vegas: 36,432
Bobo went boo-boo in his shorts (in the New Mexico Bowl) – Marshall 31, Colorado State 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Colorado State 32, Marshall 20). At the end of three quarters, Marshall led 31-14. Colorado State tried to play catch up in the fourth quarter, but fell short. The Thundering Herd had 501 total yards – 239 yards rushing and 262 passing. Marshall’s defense held the Rams to 70 yards rushing. The Herds’ Keion Davis rushed for 141 yards. Marshall finished its season at 8-5. Attendance in Albuquerque: 26,087
The Blue Raiders bloomed (in the Camellia Bowl) – Middle Tennessee 35, Arkansas State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas State 34, Middle Tennessee 20). Middle Tennessee jumped out to a 21-10 halftime lead and then held on to beat Arkansas State. In spite of the loss, the Red Wolves had 462 total yards to 352 for the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee finished its season at 7-6.
First Five Bowl Picks: 1 correct, 4 fumbles (20 percent)
Superlatives
Impressive Passers:
Boise State’s Brett Rypien – 21-38-2 for 362 yards; Western Kentucky’s Mike White – 26-39-1-351; Arkansas State’s Justice Hansen – 31-57-1-337, and Troy’s Brandon Silvers – 24-31-1-305.
Impressive Rushers:
Marshall’s Keion Davis – 141 yards.
Weekend Recap
FCS (Division IAA) Semifinals
North Dakota State 55, Sam Houston State 13
James Madison 51, South Dakota State 16
Celebration Bowl
North Carolina A&T 21, Grambling State 14
Division II Championship
Texas A&M-Commerce 37, West Florida 27
Division III Championship
Mount Union 12, Mary Hardin-Baylor 0
Quotes of the Week
“Them donuts. What are they called? Beignets? Yeah, beignets. I’m going to get me some of them,” Clemson defensive end Dexter Lawrence, on what he is most looking forward to at the Sugar Bowl.
“Kevin is, in my opinion, the best defensive coordinator in all of college football,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, on his defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
“The athletic department there is perceived as a cluster. Their athletic director, Phillip Fulmer, is a pariah,” Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson.
“I don’t think it is in the player’s best interest. I don’t see how it benefits anybody. I think it’s really stressful for everyone. We’re all trying to get ready for bowl games and playoff games and we have a signing day right in the middle of when we are going to be practicing for a playoff game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban, voicing his displeasure of the new early signing period in college football.
“So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun”
“And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young”
“A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not exactly college football related, but during the pre-Christmas days of December as college football fans were drinking eggnog and eating fruitcake with visions of what ifs, bowl games and Santa Claus dancing in their heads, the number one song in the country…
…75 years ago this week in 1942 was “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
…70 years ago this week in 1947 was “Ballerina” by Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra
…65 years ago this week in 1952 was “Why Don’t You Believe Me?” by Joni James and “The Glow Worm” by The Mills Brothers
…60 years ago this week in 1957 was “April Love” by Pat Boone and “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
…55 years ago this week in 1962 was “Telstar” by The Tornados
…50 years ago this week in 1967 was “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees
…45 years ago this week in 1972 was “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul
…40 years ago this week in 1977 was “How Deep Is Your Love” by The Bee Gees
…35 years ago this week in 1982 was “Maneater” by Daryl Hall and John Oates
…30 years ago this week in 1987 was “Faith” by George Michael
…25 years ago this week in 1992 was “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Not exactly college football related, but sadly there were three passings of note last week – Tommy Nobis, Frank Larry and Keely Smith.
Tommy Nobis, a standout middle linebacker, died at his home near Atlanta last week. He was 74. A redheaded native of San Antonio, Texas, Nobis starred on both sides of the line at the University of Texas. He won the Maxwell Award as college football’s best all-around player and the Outland Trophy as the top lineman. Nobis finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He appeared on the covers of Life and Sports Illustrated. Nobis was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 1965 and also drafted by his home-state Houston Oilers of the American Football League. He signed with Atlanta, becoming the first Falcon in franchise history. Nobis had an 11-year career in the NFL, spent entirely with the Falcons. Playing both linebacker and offensive guard, he helped Texas win the national title in 1963 under Darrell Royal. Thomas Henry Nobis was born in San Antonio on September 20, 1943.
Frank Larry, the star Detroit Tigers pitcher who was called the Yankee Killer because of his success against the New York Yankees, died last week in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was 87. Larry, a 5-foot-11 right hander, pitched for the Tigers from 1954 to 1964. He was 27-10 against the Yankees from 1955 to 1961. Larry also played for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox during his 12-year career in major league baseball. Frank Strong Larry was born in Northport, Alabama, on April 10, 1930. He played baseball for the University of Alabama, and helped to lead the Crimson Tide to the College World Series in 1950. His brother Al was a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Larry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Keely Smith, the Grammy-winning singer known for her solo recordings of jazz standards, as well as her partnership with her first husband, Louie Prima, died Saturday in Palm Springs, California. She was 89. Smith’s hits, including “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “That Old Black Magic,” made a big impression on pop culture. Born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely on March 9, 1928, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was of Cherokee and Irish parentage. Smith started out singing in a naval air station band and got her first paying job at age 15 with the Earl Bennett Band. She was hired as the “girl singer” in Louie Prima’s band and went on the road with the band in 1948. Smith and Prima eventually married in 1953 and had two children. She became a mainstay of the Las Vegas lounge scene. Smith also sang in several movies, including “Thunder Road.”
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