College Football Week 7 – Winningest college football coach dies

The first loss is the deepest

Baby, I know. The first loss is the deepest.

Three teams found out Saturday just how deep that first loss can be. All three – Oklahoma, LSU and Kentucky – lost a game for the first time this season.

When you start out 5-0, you begin dreaming about an undefeated season. Then, just like that, all your dreams are vanished.

For Oklahoma, the first loss was even deeper – the Sooners lost to none other than Texas. The annual meeting between OU and Texas was the “game of the week.” And just like last week’s “game of the week” between Ohio State and Penn State, it lived up to its hype.

The game began as a thriller – for two and a half quarters. At the end of the first quarter, the Longhorns led the Sooners, 10-7. At halftime, Texas was up over Oklahoma, 24-17. Halfway through the third quarter, the Longhorns still clung to a 7-point lead – 31-24.

Then Texas took command. In the final six minutes of the third quarter, the Longhorns scored back-to-back touchdowns. At the end of three, Texas led OU, 45-24. As the fourth quarter began, it appeared the game was over for Oklahoma. Even with less than nine minutes to go in the game, Texas still led, 45-24.

But within a six-minute span, from 8:28 left on the clock to 2:38 remaining in the game, Oklahoma scored three-straight touchdowns. Game tied, 45-45. Wow! What a comeback!

But hold your wagons. Bevo ain’t done yet. Following the kickoff, Texas began its final drive on its own 25-yard line. From the 25, the Longhorns executed a 9-play, 52-yard drive in two minutes and twenty-nine seconds. Then before 92,300 fans, with 9 seconds left in the game and the ball on the Oklahoma 23-yard line, freshman kicker Cameron Dicker nailed a 40-yard field goal for Texas.

Longhorns win, 48-45. You just know how deep that loss was for Oklahoma.

The Florida-LSU game wasn’t the “game of the week,” but let me tell you, it had all of the emotion, excitement, enthusiasm, nail-biting and noise of a “game of the week,” even more. I can testify to that because Bootsie, Swamp Mama, Rockledge Gator and I were at the game.

At the end of the first quarter, the Tigers led the Gators, 7-0. At the halftime break, Florida was up by four, leading LSU, 14-10. LSU added a field goal in the third quarter and at the end of three, trailed by one point – 14-13.

About four minutes into the fourth quarter, LSU scored a touchdown. Failing on their two-point conversion attempt, the Tigers were ahead of the Gators, 19-14. But less than three minutes later, Florida scored a touchdown. The Gators were back in the lead 20-19. Like LSU earlier, Florida failed on a two-point conversion attempt. For the next seven minutes, the score remained, Florida 20, LSU 19. Then with just 1:45 left in the game, Florida cornerback Brad Stewart returned an intercepted pass 25 yards for a touchdown.

LSU got the ball back with 1:45 left in the game, but Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow was picked off again, this time by Florida safety Donovan Stiner. Game over.

Gators win, 27-19. The loss was deep for LSU, very deep.

Kentucky has been on a roll. With a 5-0 record, including wins over Florida, Mississippi State and South Carolina, the Wildcats have been the darlings of the 2018 season. After all, we are talking about football, not basketball.

The Kentucky-Texas A&M game was like two mules fighting over a turnip – a defensive struggle. Neither team could muster much offense, especially Kentucky. The Wildcats managed to score first and led 7-0 at the end of one. The Aggies scored second, and the score was tied, 7-7, at halftime.

Neither team could reach the goal line in the third quarter – still 7-7 after three. With 10:13 to go in the fourth quarter, Texas A&M scored on a 46-yard pass play. The Aggies were up 14-7. Six minutes later, Kentucky safety Darius West recovered an Aggie fumble and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown – 14-14.

At the end of regulation, the score remained 14-14. Overtime. The Wildcats had first possession. But after quarterback Terry Wilson was sacked, the Wildcats missed on a 43-yard field goal attempt. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced back. Texas A&M, however, took advantage of its first overtime possession. Trayveon Williams scored on a 10-yard touchdown run. Game over.

Aggies win, 20-14 (OT). Kentucky’s bubble was burst.

So after the losses by Oklahoma, LSU and Kentucky, 11 teams remain unbeaten – eight Power Five Teams and three Group of Five teams. The undefeated 11 are Clemson (6-0), NC State (5-0), Ohio State (6-0), West Virginia (5-0), Colorado (5-0), Alabama (6-0), Georgia (6-0) and Notre Dame (6-0). The three Group of Five teams are Cincinnati (6-0), South Florida (5-0) and UCF (5-0) – all from the AAC.

Four of the teams are in jeopardy this week and all four are on the road. West Virginia plays an improving Iowa State in Ames. Colorado meets USC in the Coliseum, Georgia tangles with LSU in Baton Rouge and UCF is at dangerous Memphis. Georgia may be in double jeopardy. Nothing worse than playing a wounded Tiger in Baton Rouge.

Ohio State, Alabama and Notre Dame have no chance of losing and all three are at home. Ohio State entertains Minnesota, Bama hosts Missouri and Notre Dame has Pitt in South Bend. South Florida should be safe, playing at a 1-4 Tulsa.

The two ACC unbeatens – Clemson and NC State – are off, preparing for their meeting on October 20. Cincinnati also has the week off.

With its 48-20 win over SMU, UCF extended the nation’s longest-winning streak to 18 games. The Knights are followed by Ohio State with 11-straight wins. The Buckeyes downed Indiana, 49-26. Meanwhile, UTEP extended the nation’s longest-losing streak to 17 games. North Texas beat UTEP, 27-24. The Miners are followed by Nebraska with 9-straight losses. Wisconsin beat the Huskers, 41-24.

Ole Miss was the only team to make the “70s club.” The Sharks beat ULM, 70-21. Coming close were Georgia Tech, Alabama and Clemson. The Yellow Jackets beat Louisville, 66-31, while the Tide beat Arkansas, 65-31. Clemson downed Wake Forest, 63-3.

Aside from Texas A&M-Kentucky, the only other overtime game during the weekend occurred in Pittsburgh. Pitt edged Syracuse, 44-37 (OT).

Virginia Tech unveiled a bronze statue honoring former coach Frank Beamer before the Notre Dame game. The statue is located at the southwest corner of Lane Stadium. But the Irish beat the Hokies, 45-23.

Reports say that the three most likely teams to lure in former Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant are Louisville, UCF and Oklahoma. Stay tuned.

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops was fired following the Sooners 48-45 loss to Texas. Stoops has been Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator since the 2012 season.

John Gagliardi, college football’s winningest coach, died over the weekend. See Passings of Note below.

Yes, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I attended our first of two Florida games in Gainesville over the weekend. We stayed at the Laurel Oak Inn (www.laureloakinn.com), where we have stayed every year since 2007. But we weren’t sure what to expect this year.

At the end of May, innkeepers Monta and Peggy Burt sold the Inn. We were very fond of Monta and Peggy and had become close to them. Well, I have to tell you, the Laurel Oak Inn is still in good hands with two wonderful innkeepers Dave and Nan Charland. The four of us took to Dave and Nan like moths to a flame. They are full of energy and full of friendliness. We had another delightful stay.

And I have to tell you, the atmosphere in Florida Field Saturday was electric. We haven’t seen it like that in a long time. The fans and the Gators were fired up – super fired up. It was just incredible.

Touchdown Tom

October 8, 2017

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Texas 48, Oklahoma 45 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 29, Texas 23). These teams were pretty evenly matched in the stats – first downs, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards. But Texas did a better job controlling the clock and holding onto the ball. Oklahoma had three turnovers to none for the Horns. Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger passed for 314 yards, while OU quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 304 yards. Attendance in Dallas: 92,300

RUNNER UP:  Florida 27, LSU 19 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 23, Florida 20). The teams were about as closely matched in the stats as you can get. But LSU had three turnovers to one for Florida. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow threw not only his first interception, but his first two interceptions of the season. Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks is getting better, but Feleipe is still a little flippy. Attendance in Gainesville: 90,283

REST OF THE BEST:  Notre Dame 45, Virginia Tech 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 28, Virginia Tech 19). This was a tight game in the first half. ND led at the break by only one point – 17-16. But the Irish poured it on in the second half, scoring three-straight touchdowns to take a 38-16 lead early in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams rushed for 178 yards. Attendance in Blacksburg: 65,632

NC State 28, Boston College 23 (Touchdown Tom said: NC State 35, Boston College 26). NC State dominated this game early and held a 28-3 lead late in the third quarter. Then BC scored three-straight touchdowns to close the gap to 5 points. The Wolfpack had 34 first downs to 12 for the Eagles. NC State controlled the clock for more than 41 minutes. The Wolfpack had 533 total yards. Attendance in Raleigh: 57,241

Texas A&M 20, Kentucky 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 26, Kentucky 20). Texas A&M really dominated the game in first downs, passing yards, rushing yards and time of possession. But the Aggies had two turnovers to none for Kentucky. Aggie running back Trayveon Williams rushed for 138 yards. Attendance in College Station: 99,829

Michigan 42, Maryland 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Maryland 18). Michigan was dominant with 24 first downs and 465 total yards. Maryland had 11 first downs and only 220 total yards. The Terps just had 73 yards passing. Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson passed for 282 yards. Attendance in Ann Arbor: 109,531

San Diego State 19, Boise State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, San Diego State 16). In a big game in the Mountain West, San Diego State beat Boise State on the Broncos blue carpet. Neither team mustered much offense – 267 total yards for the Aztecs to 229 total yards for Boise State. The Broncos only had 51 yards rushing. Boise State also had four turnovers. Attendance in Boise: 36,629

Iowa 48, Minnesota 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Minnesota 23). Iowa defense held Minnesota to just 86 yards rushing. The Gophers were crippled by four turnovers. Hawkeye quarterback Nate Stanley passed for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Attendance in Minneapolis: 48,199

Colorado 28, Arizona State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Colorado 30, Arizona State 27). This was a tight game throughout. The score was 7-7 at the end of the first quarter and 14-14 at the half. Colorado led 28-21 at the end of the third, while neither team scored in the fourth. Colorado did dominate the stats. CU quarterback Stephen Montez passed for 328 yards, Buffaloes running back Travon McMillian rushed for 136 yards. Attendance in Boulder: 52,681

Mississippi State 23, Auburn 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Auburn 20, Mississippi State 19). Miss State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald may have finally snapped back. Fitzgerald rushed for 195 yards. He’s been rather disappointing this season up until this game. Meanwhile Auburn’s offense and its quarterback Jarrett Stidham remain off track. Miss State maintained time of possession for an amazing 42 minutes. Auburn hardly ever had the ball. In addition to Fitzgerald, Bulldogs running back Kylin Hill rushed for more than 100 yards – 135. Attendance in Starkville: 60,635

….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Miami (Florida) 28, Florida State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: ns: 30, Florida State 23). Florida State led Miami 27-7 early in the third quarter. Then the Canes scored three-straight touchdowns. The Noles only had 200 total yards and only 70 rushing. Miami quarterback N’Kosi Perry threw four touchdown passes. Attendance in Miami Gardens: 65,490

Utah 40, Stanford 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 26, Utah 22). Utah only led 27-21 at the end of the third quarter. Then the Utes outscored Stanford 13-0 in the fourth quarter. Stanford only had 42 yards rushing. The Trees also had four turnovers. Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello passed for 381 yards. Utah running back Zack Moss rushed for 160 yards. Attendance in Palo Alto: 37,244

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

West Virginia 38, Kansas 22 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 49, Kansas 17). Early in the fourth quarter WVU held a 38-14 lead. Kansas scored its final touchdown as time expired. It was a mistake-prone game. The Mounties had four turnovers and Kansas had three. WVU had 509 total yards to 286 for the Jayhawks. Will Grier passed for 332 yards – four touchdowns, but three interceptions.  Attendance in Morgantown: 57,419

Wisconsin 41, Nebraska 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 30, Nebraska 13). Nebraska couldn’t run the ball, but the Huskers passed for 407 yards. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was responsible for 384 of those yards. Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 221 yards. Attendance in Madison: 80,051

Georgia 41, Vanderbilt 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 35, Vanderbilt 12). Georgia totally dominated the game with 28 first downs and 560 total yards. The Dawgs led Vandy, 41-6 early in the fourth quarter. Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

Week 6 Results:  10 correct picks, 5 fumbles (66.7 percent)

For the Season:   61 correct picks, 29 fumbles (67.8 percent)

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida 58, Massachusetts 42 – Attendance in Springfield: 7,988

UCF 48, SMU 20 – Attendance in Orlando: 40,856

Florida Atlantic 52, Old Dominion 33 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 18-204

Florida A&M 17, Norfolk State 0 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 26,045

Bethune-Cookman 41, Mississippi Valley State 27 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 10,278

Davidson 44, Jacksonville U. 37 – Attendance in Davidson: 3,524

Florida Tech 31, Mississippi College 24 – Attendance in Melbourne: 2,543

Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  

Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins – 33-44-2-455 (6TDs); Washington State’s Gardner Minshew – 30-40-0-430 (6TDs);New Mexico State’s Josh Adkins – 34-51-0-402 (4TDs), and Old Dominion’s Blake LaRussa –39-51-2-390 (2TDs).

Also, Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez – 24-42-0-384 (2TDs); Stanford’s K.J. Costello – 26-41-2-381 (1TD); Ole Miss’s Jordan Ta’amu – 21-24-0-374 (3TDs); Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson – 31-47-2-373 (3TDs), and Liberty’s Stephen Calvert – 31-54-1-365 (2TDs).    

Impressive Rushers:                                                

Jordan Cronkrite – 302 yards (3TDs);  Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor – 221 yards (3GTDs); Pitt’s Qadree Ollison – 192 yards (1TD);  Louisiana’s Elijah Mitchell – 191 yards (3TDs); Wyoming’s Nico Evans – 192 yards; Notre Dame’s Dexter Williams – 178 yards (3TDs), and Georgia Tech ‘s TaQuon Marshall – 175 yards (2TDs).

Also, Memphis’ Darrell Henderson – 174 yards (3TDs) ; Florida Atlantic’s Devin Singletary – 168 yards (2TDs); Clemson’s Travis Etienne – 167 yards (2TDs); Buffalo’s Kevin Marks – 167 yards (1TD); Marshall’s Tyler King – 165 yards; Liberty’s Frankie Hickson – 155 yards (1TD), and Missouri’s Damarea Crockett – 154 yards.

Quotes of the Week

“I want to be on the field with Trace McSorley. Why? Because he’s a winner,” FOX college sports commentator Joel Klatt.

“I don’t care if UCF goes undefeated for the next 100 years. They’ll never be in the playoffs,” ESPN college football commentator Paul Finebaum.

“Will Grier would be the third string quarterback at Alabama,” ESPN college football commentator Paul Finebaum.

“I can honestly say I was a little disappointed there weren’t more students at the last game. I think we’re trying to address that. I don’t think they’re entitled to anything, either. Personally, I think it should be first come first served. If they don’t want to come to the game, they don’t have to come. But I’m sure there are enough people around here who would like to come to the games and we’d like for them to come, too, because they support the players. I’ve never said anything about them before. Now, they don’t even cheer. They introduce our players and they don’t even cheer. Maybe I’ve already talked about it more than I should. You all can beat me up for it if you want. Our players work too hard. They deserve to have everything and people supporting them in every way,” Alabama coach Nick Saban, on the half-filled student section at Alabama football games.

“I don’t think you really beat the other team when you give up 31 points, like we did today,” Alabama coach Nick Saban after the Arkansas game.

Touchdown Tom’s predictions for

This Week’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Georgia (6-0) at LSU (5-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – This game will be a real test for Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. LSU has the best defense he has faced this season. The Tigers will be mad too. However, if Georgia’s defense can do what Florida’s defense did against LSU, then the Dawgs could pull it out. Regardless, this should be a classic game. Joe Burrow doesn’t throw any interceptions this week – LSU 23, Georgia 20.

RUNNER UP:  2. Wisconsin (4-1) at Michigan (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Both teams have a loss, but Michigan’s loss was to a good team. Wisconsin’s was to a bad team. I think the Badgers are overrated, except for Jonathan Taylor. He could make a difference. But he won’t – Michigan 30, Wisconsin 22.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Washington (5-1) at Oregon (4-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC/ESPN2 – A big battle among North Division teams in the Pac-12. There could be a lot of scoring. Both teams are capable of putting points on the board. But the Huskies put up more points in this one – Washington 32, Oregon 27.

4. UCF (5-0) at Memphis (4-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Possibly the first test for UCF this season. Memphis isn’t as good as last year, but the Tigers can play some good ball, especially at home. McKenzie Milton saves the day – UCF 36, Memphis 26.

5. Missouri (3-2) at Alabama (6-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Another blowout for Alabama. The Tide doesn’t have any competition – not in this game. But I’m sure Nick Saban will find something to be mad about. A Tua takeaway – Alabama 45, Missouri 22.

6. Colorado (5-0) at USC (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Tough test for unbeaten Colorado. The Trojans already have two losses and they don’t want any more. Not any time soon. Ralphie can’t outrun the Trojans – USC 28, Colorado 26.

7. Baylor (4-2) at Texas (5-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Look for a Texas letdown after the big win over Oklahoma. This could be an upset alert. But Bevo pulls it out – Texas 27, Baylor 24.

8. Miami (Florida) (5-1) at Virginia (3-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Miami got a scare last week. The Canes should have learned from that lesson. Virginia can play tough at times. But not this time – Miami 30, Virginia 25.

9. Michigan State (3-2) at Penn State (4-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Michigan State was overrated coming into the season. The Spartans will be no match for the Nitts. McSorley prevails – Penn State 32, Michigan State 14.

10. Texas A&M (4-2) at South Carolina (3-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – The Gamecocks had a big scare from Missouri last week. The Aggies will give them a bigger scare – Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 28.

….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

11. Texas Tech (3-2) at TCU (3-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – This is a tough call. Both teams have looked good at times. Both have looked bad. Home field may give the advantage to the Frogs. But Kliff likes to gig – Texas Tech 29, TCU 27.

12. West Virginia (5-0) at Iowa State (2-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – WVU can’t get sloppy like the Mounties did against Texas Tech and Kansas. Iowa State will take advantage if they do. The Cyclones are getting better. But not better enough – West Virginia 37, Iowa State 28.

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Florida (5-1) at Vanderbilt (3-3)  -- (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – After that tussle with LSU last week, the Gators get to relax this week. Vandy will probably have a new coach when next season begins. The Gators contribute to that – Florida 33, Vanderbilt 15.

Nebraska (0-5) at Northwestern (2-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Northwestern is up and down, but even when the Wildcats are down they should be up for Nebraska. Although the Huskers showed some promise last week against Wisconsin. Clayton Thorson beats the Huskers – Northwestern 26, Nebraska 18.

Duke (4-1) at Georgia Tech (3-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 :20 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Georgia Tech looks great one week and bad the next. But so does Duke. The Jackets put the sting on the Dookies – Georgia Tech 33, Duke 25.

Purdue (2-3) at Illinois (3-2) – (Big Ten at Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – The Boilers need this win to even their record. Illinois looked good against Rutgers, But, then again, everybody looks good against Rutgers. Boilers up – Purdue 33, Illinois 21.

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

South Florida (5-0) at Tulsa (1-4) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN….

Middle Tennessee (3-2) at FIU (3-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday….

Florida A&M (4-2) at North Carolina A&T (5-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….

Bethune-Cookman (3-3) at South Carolina State (1-4) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 2 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….

Marist (1-4) at Jacksonville U. (1-3) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Stetson (3-1) at Drake (3-1) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

Valdosta State (6-0) at Florida Tech (5-1) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Florida State (3-3) and Florida Atlantic (3-3) are off.

Touchdown Tom

www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but in the autumn of October as the college football season approached its halfway point, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1943 was “Sunday, Monday or Always” by Bing Crosby and The Ken Darby Singers

…70 years ago this week in 1948 was “A Tree In The Meadow” by Margaret Whiting

…65 years ago this week in 1953 was “St. George And The Dragonet”

 by Stan Freberg, and “You, You, You” by The Ames Brothers

…60 years ago this week in 1958 was “It’s All In The Game” by Tommy Edwards

…55 years ago this week in 1963 was “Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton, and “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs

…50 years ago this week in 1968 was “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

…45 years ago this week in 1973 was “Half-Breed” by Cher

…40 years ago this week in 1978 was “Kiss You All Over” by Exile

…35 years ago this week in 1983 was “Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler

…30 years ago this week in 1988 was “Love Bites” by Def Leppard

…25 years ago this week in 1993 was “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey

Not exactly college football related, but there were three passings of note last week – Charles Aznavour, Peggy Sue Gerron Rackham and John Gagliardi.

Charles Aznavour, one of France’s most celebrated singers of popular songs as well as a composer and film star, died at his home in Mouries, in southeastern France, last week. He was 94. His accomplishments were prodigious. He wrote more than 1,000 songs and sang them in French, Armenian, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Yiddish. He sold close to 200 million records. He appeared in more than 60 films. Charles Aznavour was born in Paris on May 22, 1924. His Armenian parents came to France, fleeing Turkish oppression, when they were denied visas to America. They opened a restaurant near the Sorbonne and made Paris their home. Aznavour spent nearly eight years in Edith Piaf’s entourage, as a song writer and secretary. He accompanied her to New York in 1948 and stayed for a year. Aznavour broke out on his own as a star in 1956. In 1963, he performed before a full house at Carnegie Hall in New York. Among those in the audience was Bob Dylan. A triumphant world tour followed. He later performed with Liza Minnelli and became a fixture in Las Vegas for a time.   

Peggy Sue Gerron Rackham, who became Buddy Holly’s circle of friends as a teenager and long reveled as having her name used as the title of one of his biggest hits, died last week in Lubbock, Texas. She was 78. Rackham’s boyfriend, Jerry Allison, was the drummer in Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets. The song, “Peggy Sue” was originally “Cindy Lou,” but Allison persuaded Holly to change the song’s lyrics and name. “Peggy Sue” was released in 1957 and it rose to No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Rackham and Allison married in 1958, but the marriage ended in divorce in the 1960s. She toured with The Crickets for a while after Holly’s death in a plane crash in 1959. Peggy Sue Gerron was born on June 15, 1940, in Olton, Texas.

John Gagliardi, who won more games than any other college football coach at a small Minnesota university, died over the weekend. He was 91. Gagliardi retired in 2012 after a record 64 seasons as a head coach, 60 of those at St. John’s, an all-male private university with 2,000 students. He retired with 489 victories, 138 losses and 11 ties, winning four national championships with the Johnnies. The major college leader in wins is the late Joe Paterno who finished with 409 at Penn State. John Gagliardi was born on November 1, 1926, in Trinidad, Colorado. He got his degree from Colorado College. At 22, he was hired as football coach at Carroll College in Montana. After four years he moved to St. John’s. Saturday’s eventually became an event on the serene, secluded campus as the team thrived under Gagliardi’s leadership.