College Football Week 1 – Five-straight days of football!
I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it
“I’m about to lose control and I think I like it”
Yeah, I’m so excited, I get the lyrics of the Pointer Sisters, Kool & The Gang, The Troggs and Three Dog Night in my head and all twisted around. That can only mean one thing.
“Celebrate good times
Come on!
Celebrate football times
Come on!”
It was a long winter and a long spring. And it’s been a long, hot summer. But summer is almost over. That can only mean one thing.
“I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes
The love that’s all around me, and so the feeling grows”
Yes, that can only mean one thing – a new college football season begins this week.
“Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music
Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music”
Well, I guess you can tell how excited I am.
“I’m about to lose control and I think I like it”
It’s been 149 years since Rutgers and Princeton lost control and played the first American college football game in 1869. Princeton beat Rutgers, 8-0. That was the only game played in 1869. Columbia began playing football the following year, and by 1872, Yale and Stevens Institute of Technology were playing the game. New York University and City College of New York came aboard in 1873. And the game of football took off.
“There’s a party going on right here
A celebration to last for the rest of the year
So bring your good times
Bring your laughter too
We’re going to help you celebrate – yahoo!”
There have been many changes in the game since 1969. Heck, some of those teams aren’t even playing football any more. But the rules of the game have certainly evolved over the 149 years.
So, before we get started talking about the 2018 season, now is as good a time as any to go over the rules changes for this season.
The new rules are:
1. The receiving team on a kickoff will be allowed to signal for a fair catch inside its own 25-yard line, resulting in a touchback. The ball will be placed on the 25-yard line for the start of play.
2. To easier understand blocking below the waist, the offense will not be allowed to block below the waist more than five yards from the line of scrimmage and, other than interior lineman, all blocks below the waist must be from the front.
3. Following a touchdown, the play clock will be set to 40 seconds to speed up the ensuing extra-point or two-point conversion attempt.
4. Following a kickoff, 40 seconds will be put on the play clock to resume play more quickly.
5. A 10-second runoff will occur when an instant replay overturns the ruling on the field with less than a minute remaining in either half when the correct call would not have stopped the game clock.
6. A continuation of an experimental collaboration on instant replay decision-making that isn’t limited to the stadium press box and could involve officials from a conference office.
7. Leaping rules on field goals and extra-point attempts were changed to mirror those related to leaping the shield on a punt, which make it illegal to leap over the body of an opponent.
8. Following a made field goal, the enforcement of a penalty will be the same as one on a made extra point. Specifically, personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct calls by the defending team will have the option to be enforced on the ensuing kickoff.
“It’s written on the wind, it’s everywhere I go
So if you really love football, come on and let it show”
Now that you know the changes to the rules for this season, we can talk about the changes to the teams and the conferences. There aren’t that many in 2018.
The conference make up in FBS football still contains five Power Five Conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC) consisting of 64 teams, plus Independent Notre Dame for a total of 65 teams at the Power Five level. Likewise, there are still five Group of Five Conferences (AAC, C-USA, MAC, MWC and Sun Belt) consisting of 60 teams, plus five Independents for a total of 65 teams at the Group of Five level.
So, there are still 130 FBS teams, but there was a slight change during the offseason. Idaho left the FBS ranks, dropping down to the FCS level. However, Liberty said farewell to FCS and moved up to the FBS level.
The only conference change occurred in the Sun Belt. The SBC ditched Idaho and New Mexico State, going from a 12-team to a 10-team conference. That’s why Idaho decided to step down to the FCS level. The Vandals, who were already a member of the Big Sky Conference for all other sports, are now competing in the Big Sky for football. New Mexico State remained an FBS team but is now an Independent. The Aggies join Army, BYU, Liberty and Massachusetts as a Group of Five Independent.
Meanwhile, the Sun Belt divided its 10 remaining teams into two divisions and will play a conference championship game this season for the first time. So all 10 FBS conferences will play championship games in 2018.
That’s it. You got it. You have everything you need to know about the changes to the rules, teams and conferences.
“Celebration
Let’s all have a good time”
The excitement begins Thursday night, August 30 and continues for the next four days. Yes, that’s five days of football from August 30 through Labor Day Monday on September 3. The bulk of the games are played on Saturday, September 1, but there are some good to excellent contests on each of the other four days.
Let’s get started with your suggested viewing for the five days.
The honor of officially kicking off the 2018 season on Thursday night goes to New Mexico State-Minnesota (BTN) and UCF-Connecticut (ESPNU). Both of those games kick off at 7 p.m. ET. So you might want to check in on one of those two games to drink a toast to the start of the 2018 season. I would suggest UCF-Connecticut, so you can check out UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton . He led the Knights to an undefeated season last year.
The best and most interesting game of Thursday night kicks off an hour later – Northwestern-Purdue at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Normally, Northwestern-Purdue would be one of the worst games in the Big Ten. Not anymore. After years as a door mat, second-year coach Jeff Brohm turned the Boilermakers into an exciting and competitive team in his debut in West Lafayette last year. Meanwhile, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald always has the Wildcats playing competitive football. So this one should be fun.
Then, Jimbo Fisher makes his debut at Texas A&M at 8:30 ET, Thursday night. But the Aggies are only playing FCS Northwestern State (SECN). No contest here.
There are six games Friday night, and the best of the bunch should be San Diego State-Stanford at 9 p.m. ET (FS1). First, you get to watch Stanford running back Bryce Love. Second, it should be a good game. The Aztecs knocked off the Cardinal last year, 20-17.Paybacks?
“I’m so excited
And I just can’t hide it
I’m so excited
And I just can’t hide it”
As I mentioned earlier, the bulk of the games are played on Saturday. There are several you want to check out. Action begins at 12 noon ET, with four games worth looking into – Florida Atlantic-Oklahoma (FOX), James Madison-NC State (ESPNU), Texas-Maryland (FS1) and Ole Miss-Texas Tech (ESPN).
Yeah, Oklahoma should win the game, but Lane Kiffin has Florida Atlantic playing surprisingly good football. And FAU is on a 10-game winning streak from last season. The Owls haven’t lost since September 23, 2017. And they have an exceptional running back in Devin Singletary.
NC State could be a spoiler this year in the ACC. The Wolfpack have one of the country’s better quarterbacks in Ryan Finley. But if the Wolfpack aren’t careful, they could be upset in their opening game. James Madison is always one of the better FCS teams in the country. This year, JMU is ranked No. 2 in the preseason FCS poll.
Last year, Maryland went out to Austin and shocked Texas big time – 51-41. In that game, Terrapins coach D.J. Durkin was on the sideline. Now Durkin is on paid administrative leave. Yes, scandal has hit the Maryland program. Durkin won’t be on the sideline this year. How will that affect the Maryland players?
Ole Miss and Texas Tech tangle in Houston – a neutral site. Both teams are question marks in 2018. Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury enters the season on the hot seat.
Checking in on those four 12 noon ET encounters should be fun. But the fun is just beginning. The action heats up at 3:30 p.m. ET with two games for your suggested viewing – Washington-Auburn (ABC) and West Virginia-Tennessee (CBS).
Washington-Auburn from Atlanta is my choice for the game of the week. Washington is No. 6 at preseason and Auburn is No. 9. The teams have two of the top quarterbacks in the country – Jake Browning (Washington) and Jarrett Stidham (Auburn). The Huskies have one of the best running backs – Myles Gaskin.
West Virginia enters the season on a high note with the No. 1 quarterback in the country – Will Grier. Grier is the first-team quarterback on all of the preseason All-American teams – AP, ESPN, CBS, Athlon, Lindys, etc. The pressure will be on the Mountaineer quarterback. Under first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee is an unknown.
At 6 p.m. ET, check out Boise State-Troy (ESPN News) – two of the better Group of Five teams in the country. The Broncos won last year in Boise, 24-13. The Trojans are out for paybacks. Then at 7 p.m. ET, Chip Kelly makes his return to college football – Cincinnati-UCLA (ESPN).
“Everyone around the nation
Come on”
The best evening game comes on at 7:30 p.m. ET – Michigan-Notre Dame (NBC). Both coaches are under pressure. There’s no pressure at 8 p.m. ET – only excitement – as Scott Frost debuts in Lincoln – Akron-Nebraska (FOX).
Also at 8 p.m. ET, the reigning national champions open their season in Orlando – Alabama-Louisville (ABC). You can wrap up a long day on Saturday at 9:45 p.m. ET, catching Kevin Sumlin’s debut in the desert – BYU-Arizona (ESPN). Arizona has an exciting quarterback in Khalil Tate.
After a busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sunday is a day of rest with only one game, but it should be a good one – an interesting one for sure. That would be a 7:30 p.m. ET encounter from Arlington, Texas – Miami (Florida)-LSU (ABC). Miami is a Top 10 team at preseason. LSU is a question mark. But never underestimate the Tigers.
The opening weekend comes to an end at 8 p.m. ET on Monday (Labor Day) – Virginia Tech-Florida State (ESPN). Willie Taggart makes his debut in Tallahassee. How’s that for a climax? And how’s that for five days of football viewing? I hope you survive.
“Celebrate good times
Come on!
Celebrate football times
Come on!”
Your package is almost complete. You know the changes to the rules, teams and conferences and the best games to watch on opening weekend. Now you just need to know who the conference favorites are this year, along with the challengers, the dark horses and yes, the losers. After all, some of you just may want to start thinking about basketball season.
Starting in the ACC Atlantic Division, Clemson is the overwhelming favorite. Florida State is considered a strong challenger to Clemson, while NC State, Boston College and Louisville are all dark horses. Wake Forest and Syracuse can hang it up.
In the ACC Coastal Division, Miami is the solid favorite. Virginia Tech is the challenger, while Georgia Tech, Duke and Pitt are the dark horses. North Carolina and Virginia are hopeless.
Clemson is the overall favorite to win the ACC title.
In the Big Ten East Division, Ohio State is the unanimous favorite – with or without Urban Meyer. The Buckeyes are being chased by three challengers – Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State. There’s no real dark horse in the Big Ten East. Maryland, Indiana and Rutgers are all losers.
In the Big Ten West Division, it’s on Wisconsin. The Badgers are the favorites – big time. Iowa is the challenger to Wisconsin, while Northwestern, Nebraska and Purdue are the dark horses. Minnesota and Illinois can forget about football.
Ohio State is the favorite to win the conference championship.
In the Big 12, Oklahoma is the big favorite. West Virginia and TCU are the challengers, while Texas, Oklahoma State and Kansas State are the dark horses. Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas are the bottom feeders.
Oklahoma is the favorite to win the conference championship.
In the Pac-12 North Division, Washington is the strong favorite. Stanford is the challenger, while Oregon is the dark horse. It’s all over for California, Washington State and Oregon State.
In the Pac-12 South Division, USC is the slight favorite over challenger Utah. Arizona and UCLA are the dark horses. Arizona State and Colorado can forget it.
Washington is the favorite to win the Pac-12 title.
In the SEC East Division, Georgia is the commanding favorite. Florida and South Carolina are the legitimate challengers, while Missouri is the dark horse. Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are cellar dwellers.
In the SEC West, who else? It’s all Alabama. Auburn and Mississippi State are the challengers, while Texas A&M and LSU are the dark horses. Ole Miss and Arkansas can call it quits.
Alabama is the favorite to win the SEC title.
“There’s a new moon rising in the air
It’s time for football, feel it everywhere
So bring your good times
Bring your laughter too
We’re going to help you celebrate – yahoo!”
In the AAC East Division, UCF is the big favorite. South Florida and Temple are the challengers, while Cincinnati is the dark horse. Connecticut and East Carolina are hopeless.
In the AAC West Division, Memphis is the favorite, while Navy and Houston are the challengers. There are no dark horses. SMU, Tulane and Tulsa are losers.
UCF is the favorite to win the AAC title.
In the C-USA East Division, Florida Atlantic is the clear favorite. Marshall and Middle Tennessee are the viable challengers, while FIU, Old Dominion and Western Kentucky are the dark horses. Charlotte is hurting – big time.
In the C-USA West Division, North Texas and Louisiana Tech are dual favorites – too close to call. UAB and Southern Miss are the challengers, while UT-San Antonio is the dark horse. Rice and UTEP can hang it up.
Florida Atlantic is the favorite to take the C-USA title.
In the MAC East Division, Ohio is the favorite. Miami and Buffalo are the challengers, while Akron is the dark horse. Bowling Green and Kent State can forget it.
In the MAC West Division, Northern Illinois is the favorite. Toledo is the challenger, while the three Michigans – Western, Eastern and Central are the dark horses. Ball State is out of it.
Ohio is favored to win the MAC title.
In the MWC Mountain Division, Boise State is the strong favorite. Utah State and Wyoming are the challengers, while Colorado State is the dark horse. Air Force and New Mexico are the losers.
In the MWC Pacific Division, Fresno State and San Diego State are a tossup to win the division. UNLV and Nevada are the challengers, while there are no dark horses. Hawaii and San Jose State can forget about football.
Boise State is favored to win the conference title.
And finally, in the Sun Belt East Division, Appalachian State and Troy are too close to call. Georgia Southern and Georgia State are the challengers, while there are no dark horses. Coastal Carolina is the bottom feeder.
In the Sun Belt West Division, Arkansas State is the overwhelming favorite. ULM is the challenger, while Louisiana and South Alabama are the dark horses. Texas State is awful.
It’s a tossup between Arkansas State, Appalachian State and Troy for the Sun Belt title, with Arkansas State the slight favorite.
“Celebration
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration”
We’re almost there. But there are a couple more important things – the bowls and the college football playoff.
The first of six college football playoff rankings this season will be released at 7 p.m. ET on October 30 on ESPN. Selection day for the four playoff teams is December 2.
The two semifinal bowl games this season are the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The winners of those two bowls will play for the national championship on January 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Three of the other four New Year’s Six Bowls – the Rose, Fiesta and Sugar – will be played on January 1. The remaining New Year’s Six Bowl – the Peach – will be played on December 29.
The number of postseason games this season does not change. Like last year, there remain 39 bowls, plus the national championship game – 40 postseason games in all.
Although there is no change to the number of bowls, three bowls did change their name. After all, we can’t go from one season to another without at least one bowl changing its name. What was the Heart of Dallas Bowl is now the First Responder Bowl – still played in the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. What was the Foster Farms Bowl is now the San Francisco Bowl – still played in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
And Cheez whiz! The Cactus Bowl is now the Cheez-It Bowl. I Cheez you not. The location remains the same – Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
The postseason activity begins with the New Mexico Bowl on December 15 and ends with the national championship game on January 7. But we have a whole season to play before that happens.
And speaking of a season to play, it kind of really did begin Saturday. Massachusetts sophomore receiver Brennon Dingle has the honor of scoring the first touchdown of the 2018 season. Just one minute and three seconds into the game between Duquesne and UMass, Dingle scored on a 32-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Andrew Ford. The Minutemen went on to beat the Dukes, 63-15.
In the second contest Saturday, Rice, trailing Prairie View A&M, 28-19, at end of the third quarter, scored a touchdown, got a safety and kicked a field goal – in that order – in the fourth quarter to beat Prairie View A&M, 31-28. The field goal, a 23-yarder by senior Jack Fox, came as the clock expired. Rice senior Emmanuel Esukpa rushed for 173 yards.
If you like passing, the third game Saturday was right down your alley. In the Hawaii-Colorado State contest, the teams combined for 87 passes, completing 60 of them for a combined 955 yards. Hawaii beat Colorado State, 43-34. Hawaii sophomore quarterback Cole McDonald passed for 418 yards and rushed for another 96 yards. Colorado State senior quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels passed for 537 yards.
In the nightcap, Wyoming beat New Mexico State, 29-7. Wyoming senior Nico Evans rushed for 204 yards. The Cowboys held New Mexico State scoreless until 1:16 left in the game when the Aggies scored their only touchdown.
“You know you can’t go on
Living life like a buried treasure
It’s time to stand and cheer
Everywhere, now what team’s your pleasure
Everyone around the nation
Come on”
By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea. Located just a mile or two from the ocean, it is only appropriate that Miami will be wearing uniforms, cleats and gloves made from ocean waste. The Hurricanes will wear the uniforms in their opener against LSU on September 2.
The uniform is designed in a partnership between Adidas and Parley for the Oceans. The repurposed material is made from fishing nets and other nylon waste removed from the ocean. The cleats and gloves are made from ocean garbage – plastics, etc. Miami is wearing the uniforms as an eco-friendly move to draw attention to the plastic pollution of the oceans.
Ohio State opens at home Saturday against Oregon State – 12 noon on ABC. But just like you and me, Urban Meyer will be watching the game on television. As a result of “Meyergate” Urban was suspended for Ohio State’s first three games.
Just a few comments on Meyer. Listening between the lines the other night at the press conference, what I, in effect, heard Meyer say was: “Because Earl Bruce was my mentor, I allowed and enabled his grandson Zach Smith to beat his wife, Courtney Smith.”
Meyer should have been fired. He wasn’t. Ohio State has to live with that. But
Meyer has lost all credibility for the rest of his life. He has to live with that. No one ever again will believe a single sentence he utters. From now on, Urban Meyer is Urban Liar. Nuff said.
Meanwhile in “Terpgate,” Maryland coach D.J. Durkin remains on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was named the interim coach for the Terps.
Rockledge Gator just about got himself put on administrative leave the other day. I don’t know if it would have been paid or not. Early one morning, Rockledge got up before Bootsie and prepared the coffee for breakfast. As he was making the coffee, Rockledge put on Gracie Fields music. She’s one of his favorites.
Bootsie soon got up and as Rockledge phrased it, “she threw a hissy fit” when she heard Gracie Fields. Bootsie wanted some George Strait music. I had to side with Bootsie on this one. I think I’d throw a hissy fit too if I heard Gracie Fields singing when I got up in the morning. Gracie Fields doesn’t sound like Grace Jones. She sounds more like Totie Fields.
So here we are just a few days away from the start of another college football season.
- A season that marks the return of Chip Kelly to college football – granted he moved south from Oregon to UCLA.
- A season that marks the return of Scott Frost to the Heartland – this time as the head coach at his alma mater.
- A season that marks the return of Dan Mullen to Gainesville – this time as the head Gator.
- A season that marks the return of Herm Edwards – this time as a head college coach for the first time.
- A season that marks a new era for Kevin Sumlin – this time at Arizona.
- A season that marks Jimbo Fisher’s debut in the SEC – the move from Tallahassee to College Station should be interesting.
- A season that marks Willie Taggart’s return to the state of Florida for the second time in just three seasons – from South Florida to Oregon to Florida State.
- A season that marks high expectations in Morgantown – with the tandem of quarterback Will Grier and receiver David Sills.
- A season that has you wondering what Power Five Conference or Conferences won’t make the playoff this year?
- A season that has you wondering if Lane Kiffin will have another outstanding year at Florida Atlantic? And if he does, where will he be in 2019?
- A season that has you wondering will Les Miles still be wandering the streets in December, looking for a new job?
And the biggest question of all: Will UCF be the national champions again?
“Let’s get excited
We just can’t hide it”
Break out the cold pizza, chili dogs and beer. Saturday morning is almost here.
Touchdown Tom
August 27, 2018
(Note: Next week’s CFW (Week 2) will be posted on Tuesday morning – September 4 – the day after Labor Day.)
Quotes of the Week
“I don’t know who coach Mullen is going to name. It’s not that big of a deal right now,” Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, competing with Kyle Trask and Emory Jones for the starting position.
“If Ohio State’s president wants to suspend Urban Meyer and he’s too weak to get it done, just rename the school Urban Meyer State,” USA Today sports columnist Dan Wolken.
“The investigative team found that Urban Meyer didn’t ‘deliberately’ lie. In other words, they tried to say it was an accident that Meyer provided false information when asked about Smith nine times at the Big Ten Media Days. Meyer was then ‘accidentally lying,’ according to what chairman of the investigative team Mary Jo White said. I like to know how one accidentally lies nine times and then releases a statement admitting to be purposefully untruthful,” college football analyst Connor O’Hara.
“Urban Meyer doesn’t sound like a man who actually gives a shit about what happened to Courtney Smith,” college football beat writer Jason Kersey.
“Urban Meyer has Ohio State wrapped around his finger,” college football analyst Connor O’Hara.
“The saddest part of watching Urban Meyer’s Hall of Fame coaching career devolve into a 23-page report that depicts him as a serial liar, aspiring cover-up artist and reckless personnel manager who protected a risky employee is that human beings actually read what was on paper and concluded he should remain as the coach at Ohio State,” USA Today sports columnist Dan Wolken.
“Ohio State University needed Urban Meyer more than Meyer needed Ohio State University, which isn’t just an embarrassment for one of the top public institutions in the country but a failure to understand its own and a lack of faith in its brand,” USA Today sports columnist Dan Wolken.
“Hey, college presidents: Learn from Ohio State’s blunder. Ohio State’s sham investigation was another case of the fox guarding the henhouse in college sports,” ESPN staff writer Ian O’Connor.
Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
Opening Weekend’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games.…and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Auburn vs. Washington – (SEC vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – If you are going to lose, it’s best to lose early in the season. One of these good teams is going to lose. This is a great Labor Day Weekend matchup, offering two of the best quarterbacks in the country – Auburn junior Jarrett Stidham and Washington senior Jake Browning. Then for icing on the cake, throw in the Huskies senior Myles Gaskin – one of the best running backs in the country. The ingredients are there for a classic game at a neutral site – Atlanta. In 2011, Chris Petersen brought his then Boise State team into Atlanta for a season opener against Georgia. The Broncos beat the Bulldogs, 35-21. Never underestimate a Chris Petersen team. The Huskies throw Gus off the bus – Washington 24, Auburn 23.
RUNNER UP: 2. Michigan at Notre Dame – (Big Ten vs. Ind.) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Both coaches come into this game under a fair amount of pressure. In three seasons, Jim Harbaugh still hasn’t taken Michigan to the level where fans think it should be. At Notre Dame, fans are starting to get a little tired of Brian Kelly. Both coaches need a boost. As an Independent, the game means more to the Irish. Michigan can lose and still win the Big Ten. Looks like the Wolverines will be starting Ole Miss transfer junior Shea Patterson at quarterback. These aren’t Kelly’s heroes – Michigan 24, Notre Dame 18.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma – (C-USA vs. Big 12) – 12 Noon ET, FOX, Saturday – I’m sure when this game was booked, it was booked as a cupcake game for Oklahoma. Well, guess what? Florida Atlantic isn’t a cupcake anymore. Lane Kiffin is coach and he has changed the Owls perspective. FAU was 11-3 last season. The Owls come into the game, riding a 10-game winning streak. They also come into the game with junior running back Devin Singletary, one of the best in the country. But OU counters with junior running back Rodney Anderson. And with one of the strongest offensive lines in the country that will open big holes for Anderson. Junior Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback for OU. The naughty Sooners trash shady Lane – Oklahoma 34, Florida Atlantic 21.
4. LSU vs. Miami (Florida) – (SEC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Sunday, ABC – This game should answer a lot of questions about both teams. Miami is loaded, but just how loaded and how good are the Hurricanes? Senior Malik Rosier provides good experience at quarterback. And the Canes have some skilled players at other key positions. LSU is a mystery. The Tigers could be awful. Then again, they could be one of the surprise teams of the season. If LSU has a strength, it is on defense. The Tigers offense doesn’t look good. The game takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – a neutral site. The first nail in Orgeron’s coffin – Miami 24, LSU 17.
5. Virginia Tech at Florida State – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Monday, ESPN –Willie Taggart takes over the reins at Florida State and debuts against a tough opponent. This won’t be an easy opener for the Noles. It won’t be an easy opener for either team. Whoever wins will definitely earn their victory – the hard way. There are a lot of unknowns at Florida State; not so many at Virginia Tech. But one known at FSU is sophomore running back Cam Akers. He could put a hurtin’ on Tech. Willie gives the Hokies the hand jive – Florida State 27, Virginia Tech 25.
6. Alabama vs. Louisville – (SEC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – When this game was booked it was probably thought to be a good encounter. But Louisville has fallen off in the last year or so, while Alabama just keeps getting better. The teams are meeting in Orlando. I have a feeling we’ll see both quarterbacks play for the Tide – Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. Bama shits a win – Alabama 32, Louisville 14.
7. San Diego State at Stanford – (MWC vs. P12) – 9 pm ET, Friday, FS1 – Last year, San Diego State pulled off the upset, beating Stanford, 20-17. There won’t be any upsets this year. Stanford senior running back Bryce Love will see to that. Still, expect to see the Aztecs show up. They won’t roll over and play dead. All you need is Love – Stanford 28, San Diego State 17.
8. Texas at Maryland – (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) – 12 Noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – Last year, in Austin, Maryland surprised Texas. The Terps beat the Horns, 51-41. Should that happen again this year, expect to see Tom Herman placed on the hot seat. Herman had a so-so debut last year – 7-6. Fans are expecting a big improvement this year. Texas is experienced at the quarterback position with junior Shane Buechele and sophomore Sam Ehlinger. Meanwhile, Maryland is a mess. The program is under investigation and the head coach – D.J. Durkin – is suspended until further notice. Many think he will be fired. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada is the interim coach for the Terps. The game is being played at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Bevo takes away their candy bars – Texas 33, Maryland 24.
9. Northwestern at Purdue – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – This game could go either way. Both teams are considered dark horses in the Big Ten West Division. The Boilers have the home field advantage, but the edge probably goes to the Wildcats. Northwestern has a solid quarterback in senior Clayton Thorson. Still, Jeff Brohm did an amazing job with Purdue in his debut season last year. He proved the Boilers can actually win. The attitude has to be better in West Lafayette. The Wildcats cap the Steam – Northwestern 22, Purdue 17.
10. Tennessee vs. West Virginia – (SEC vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Expectations are high in Morgantown with senior quarterback Will Grier and senior receiver David Sills. Add to that, a solid offensive line, good running backs and other good receivers. In other words, WVU is in good shape on offense. But the defense? Well, in Morgantown you just never know about the defense. Then again you usually do know, and it hasn’t been good. Again, this season, the Mountaineers defense is a question mark. But talk about mysteries and questions marks and that’s Tennessee. The Vols are under a new coach – Jeremy Pruitt. The quarterbacks are unknown. But that could be the Vols strength – WVU doesn’t know what to expect from Tennessee. The game is being played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Grier hushes the Vols in sweet Charlotte – West Virginia 33, Tennessee 20.
…AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
11. Boise State at Troy – (MWC vs. Sun Belt) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN News – Now this could be one of the better and most exciting contests of the weekend. Both teams play aggressive football, and both are talented. But Boise State probably has the better talent, beginning with senior quarterback Brett Rypien. If Troy wins, it will be on emotion. The Broncos sack Troy – Boise State 29, Troy 27.
12. Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech – (SEC vs. Big 12) – 12 Noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – A couple of problem teams here – Ole Miss is still on probation and Texas Tech has a coach on the hot seat – Kliff Kingsbury. In spite of all the issues and problems, Ole Miss does have some talent and some people think Tech could be a surprise team in 2018. But will the Red Raiders be surprisingly good or surprisingly bad? In spite of all the issues and problems, this has the makings for an exciting game. The teams could go on a scoring spree. The Shark doesn’t bite – Texas Tech 31, Ole Miss 30.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Charleston Southern at Florida – (Big South vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Florida opens with a cupcake. Look for all three quarterbacks to play – sophomore Feleipe Franks, sophomore Kyle Trask and freshman Emory Jones. It will be like the spring game. Charley South gets a big paycheck. Mullen makes the Bucs look sullen – Florida 45, Charleston Southern 10.
Akron at Nebraska – (MAC vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Ah, the season Husker fans have been waiting for. The return of the native. No, not Clym Yeobright. Scott Frost. Frost did amazing things at UCF and he is expected to do the same at Nebraska. But Husker fans need to give him a year. After all, his first season at UCF wasn’t so hot. But he doesn’t need a year to take care of Akron. Herbie Frosts the flakes – Nebraska 40, Akron 9.
Army at Duke – (Ind. vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPNU – Now, of the “Ye Olde Stomping Grounds” games, this should be the best of the bunch. Duke is actually supposed to be pretty good this year. The Dookies have some skilled players. But the Dookies are often sloppy in their opener and Army is the type of team that could give them some trouble. The Dookies pull rank – Duke 29, Army 22.
Austin-Peay at Georgia – (Ohio Valley vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Now, talk about cupcakes, I think the Dawgs have the biggest cake. Or should I say easiest cake. Whatever, Austin-Peay is a piece of cake. The only thing good about Austin-Peay is their cheer. At the football and basketball games, their fans cheer, “Let’s go Peay.” Peay is pronounced “Pee.” I’m sure Kirby Smart will play both quarterbacks – sophomore Jake Fromm and freshman Justin Fields. Heck, he’ll probably play a third quarterback before it’s over. Austin can’t pee – Georgia 52, Austin-Peay 7.
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
UCF at Connecticut – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Thursday, ESPNU….
St. Augustine’s at Jacksonville U. – (CIAA vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Fort Valley State at Florida A&M – (SIC vs. MEAC) – 5 pm ET, Saturday….
Elon at South Florida –(Colonial vs. AAC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Florida Tech at Benedict – (Gulf South vs. SIC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday….
Indiana at FIU – (Big Ten vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN….
Bethune-Cookman at Tennessee State – (MEAC vs. Ohio Valley) - 7 pm ET, Saturday....
Point at Stetson – (Mid-South vs. Pioneer) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….
“Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music
Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music”
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not exactly college football related, but as the Labor Day weekend approached and college football fans were hyped for the start of another great season, the number one song in the country…
…75 years ago this week in 1943 was “In The Blue Of The Evening” by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra
…70 years ago this week in 1948 was “Twelfth Street Rag” by Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra
…65 years ago this week in 1953 was “Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)” by Les Paul and Mary Ford, and “No Other Love” by Perry Como
…60 years ago this week in 1958 was “Little Star” by The Elegants, and “Bird Dog” by The Everly Brothers
…55 years ago this week in 1963 was “Fingertips Part 2” by Little Stevie Wonder
…50 years ago this week in 1968 was “People Got To Be Free” by The Rascals
…45 years ago this week in 1973 was “Brother Louie” by The Stories
…40 years ago this week in 1978 was “Grease” by Frankie Valli
…35 years ago this week in 1983 was “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
…30 years ago this week in 1988 was “Monkey” by George Michael
…25 years ago this week in 1993 was “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by UB40
Not exactly college football related, but there were six passings of note last week – Barbara Harris, George Andrie, Ed King, Robin Leach, John McCain and Neil Simon.
Barbara Harris, who won a Tony Award for her lead role in the musical “The Apple Tree” and appeared in the films “A Thousand Clowns” and “Nashville,” died last week in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was 83. Harris shifted easily between comedy and drama, from kooky to serious, on both screen and stage. She was a reluctant star who disliked fame. She received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in “Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me” (1971), starring Dustin Hoffman. She also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Family Plot” (1976) and in “Freaky Friday” (1976). Barbara Densmoor Harris was born on July 25, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois. Her final film was “Grosse Point Blank” (1987).
George Andrie, a Pro-Bowl end on the Dallas Cowboys’ Doomsday Defense who was remembered for scoring an unlikely touchdown in the 1967 NFL championship game in frigid Green Bay, Wisconsin, in what became known as the Ice Bowl, died last week at his home in Woodway, Texas. He was 78. Andrie played right end for the Cowboys from 1962 to 1972. In the Championship game against the Packers, Andrie scooped up a Bart Starr fumble and ran it into the end zone. But the Packers won the game, 21-17, when Starr sneaked for a touchdown with 13 seconds left in the game. George Joseph Andrie was born on April 20, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played football at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Ed King, the former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist who was a co-writer of the band’s greatest hit, “Sweet Home Alabama,” died last week in Nashville. He was 68. King grew up in Glendale, California, and performed in the Hollywood rock scene with the band Strawberry Alarm Clock before joining Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972. “Sweet Home Alabama” was a response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” and “Alabama.” King’s guitar was the note you heard first and what stuck out in that song, as well as on most Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. King left the band two years before a plane crash killed singer Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist Steve Gaines, and his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines, in 1977. He rejoined the group 10 years later when the band reunited. King retired in 1996.
Robin Leach, the television host who brought us the show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” died last week. He was 76. Prior to his death, Leach had been working as a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. His TV show ran from 1984 to 1995. Leach always ended the show with his signature line, “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams.” He was born in 1941 and raised in a lower, middle-class London suburb. After working for The Daily Mail, Leach came to New York in 1963 and worked for the New York Daily News, Ladies Home Journal, People magazine and the Star. He became a celebrity in his own right. After falling into obscurity in the mid and late 1990s, Leach surfaced again in Las Vegas, reviewing hotels and restaurants and covering showbiz for the Las Vegas Sun and the Las Vegas Review Journal.
John McCain, the “maverick” Republican who survived years of torture as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to become one of the most influential U.S. senators of his time, died Saturday. He was 81. McCain served in the U.S. Senate for six terms from 1987 to 2018. In 1988 and 1996, he was considered a viable choice for the Vice President on the tickets of George H. W. Bush and Bob Dole, but he wasn’t chosen. Then McCain had two unsuccessful runs for the presidency. He lost the 2000 nomination to fellow Republican George W. Bush. In 2008, McCain won the party’s nomination, but lost the presidential election to Barack Obama. John Sydney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936, in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father, a Navy officer, was stationed at the time. As a child he attended more then 20 schools as his father moved from base to base. He graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and followed his father and grandfather to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. After graduating from the Naval Academy, McCain became a Navy pilot. In 1967, he was shot down, captured and held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for six years. He was released in 1973.
Neil Simon, whose comic touch in “The Odd Couple,” “Barefoot in the Park” and many other hits on stage and screen made him the most commercially successful playwright of the 20th century, died over the weekend. He was 91. Thirty of Simon’s plays opened on Broadway. Seventeen ran a year or more. Simon adapted 18 of his plays for film or television and wrote 11 screenplays not based on his stage work. Two of his original stories for film were “The Out-of-Towners” (1970) and “The Goodbye Girl” (1977). Marvin Neil Simon was born on July 4, 1927, in New York City. In the early 1950s, he wrote for Sid Caesar’s “You Show of Shows.” He also wrote for “The Phil Silvers Show” later in the 1950s. His first play, “Come Blow Your Horn,” opened on Broadway on February 22, 1961.
