College Football Week 11 – Kansas fires David Beaty

Loh has balls, Jewel in the Crown,

and Horns Down in Austin

Before any serious football was played last week, there was some serious goings on in College Park, Maryland. On Tuesday, the long-awaited decision on the status of suspended Maryland coach D.J. Durkin, was announced by James T. Brady, the chairman of the Maryland Board of Regents.

Durkin was absolved of any wrong doing in the death of Maryland player Jordan McNair and cleared of running a toxic football program at Maryland. At the recommendation of the Board of Regents, Durkin was to be reinstated as Maryland’s coach.

Brady’s announcement sent shock waves not only throughout the University of Maryland community – students and school administrators, but also throughout the media around the country – printed and social. Everyone was riled by the Board of Regents decision. Maryland students began protesting – saying they would not attend anymore home games.

The Board of Regents told Maryland president Wallace Loh that he would be fired if he didn’t officially reinstate Durkin. But, lo and behold, President Loh, who already had announced he was retiring at the end of the year, proved he had some balls after all. On Wednesday, the day after Loh reinstated Durkin, he defied the Board of Regents and fired Durkin.

Loh supported his decision, saying he had spoken with the leadership of the student government, leaders of various student organizations, deans, department heads and other campus leaders and all wanted Durkin fired. Later, Loh’s decision was backed up by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

The next day, Thursday, Board of Regents chairman Brady resigned.

So Durkin, who had been on paid administrative leave since August, was, in effect, the Maryland coach again for only 24 hours. Interim coach Matt Canada will continue to coach the Terrapins for the remainder of the season – maybe longer.

Now the other culprit in this whole mess is Maryland athletic director Damon Evans. And everybody wants Evans fired. A few years ago, Evans was fired by the University of Georgia for inappropriate behavior. No one could understand how or why Maryland ever hired Evans in the first place. Stay tuned!

Maryland sure is one hell of a mess.

And I must say it has been interesting this season in the Big Ten with decisions from Boards of Regents.

Thursday night, the playing of serious football began. That’s when UCF outlasted Temple, 52-40, in Orlando. Now I won’t go so far as to say that the officials gave this game to UCF. But I will go so far as to say that the officials did everything they could do to keep Temple from winning the game.

In all, Temple was penalized 14 times for 149 yards. Often, when Temple got close to scoring a strategic touchdown, the officials would thwart the Owls scoring drive by flagging them with some false claim. Conversely, whenever it looked like Temple may have stopped a UCF scoring drive, the officials would call pass interference or some such on the Owls. It was ridiculous. Even the ESPN commentators were questioning the calls.

I can only imagine that word went out from the AAC commissioner’s office to the officiating crew directing that under no circumstances was UCF to lose this game. After all, UCF is the AAC’s only “Jewel in the Crown.” The Knights are 11^th in the AP and Coaches Polls and 12^th in the College Football Playoff Rankings. The AAC has never had it so good. 

Friday night, in Charlottesville, Pitt stunned Virginia, 23-13. Pitt running back Darrin Hall rushed for 229 yards. Then in Tucson, Arizona improved to 5-5, as the Wildcats thumped Colorado, 42-34. Arizona running back J.J. Taylor rushed for 192 yards, while quarterback Khalil Tate passed for 350 yards.

Saturday, the big game was supposed to be Alabama-LSU. Some were calling it the “game of the decade” in Baton Rouge. Well, the “big game” was the “big misnomer” of the weekend. It was a dud. LSU was a no show. Bama beat the Tigers for the eighth-straight time. The final score was Alabama 29, LSU 0. The Tigers only had 196 total yards – only 12 yards rushing.   

Georgia at Kentucky was supposed to be a big game. The winner would win the SEC East Division and play in the conference championship game. Kentucky was playing its best football since the 1970s. But the game was a dud. Georgia led Kentucky 28-3 in the third quarter and 31-10 in the fourth quarter, before ultimately winning 34-17.

Penn State at Michigan was supposed to be a big game. But like LSU and Kentucky, Penn State was a no show. The Wolverines beat the Nittany Lions, 42-7. Michigan led Penn State 42-0 until 1:59 left in the game. The Nitts only had 184 total yards – only 68 yards rushing. 

As it turned out, the game of the week took place in Austin, Texas – West Virginia-Texas. It was a game where the lead changed hands eight times. When West Virginia scored its first touchdown on a 60-yard pass from Will Grier to David Sills to retake the lead at 10-7 in the first quarter, Sills raised his hands and flashed a double “Horns Down” gesture. The referees flagged Sills with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Huh?

On the succeeding extra point kick, the officials flagged WVU left tackle Yodny Cajuste with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and ejected Cajuste from the game. But there was no explanation of what Cajuste supposedly did. It became apparent at this point that West Virginia was not only up against Texas, but also the Mountaineers were up against the officials. Even the FOX broadcast commentators were questioning the calls. Before the game was over, WVU was flagged 14 times.

Game on. The lead bounced back and forth throughout the first half. Texas led at the break, 28-27. After 55 points were scored in the first half, only three points were scored in the third quarter. Texas added a field goal and led 31-27 at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Texas added another field goal and extended its lead to 34-27. With a touchdown at 5:40 on the clock, WVU tied the score at 34-34. Three minutes later, Texas went up 41-34. The Mountaineers had two minutes and 34 seconds to respond. They did. With 0:16 on the clock, Will Grier hit Gary Jennings on a 33-yard touchdown pass and West Virginia trailed Texas, 41-40.

Assuming WVU made its extra point kick, it appeared the game was going into overtime. But the Mountaineers were out to win the game. There would be no extra point kick. WVU was going for two.

On the attempt, Grier hit David Sills on a quick pass and the conversion attempt was good. West Virginia wins. But wait. No. The officials said Texas had called a time out just before the center snapped the ball. WVU would have to try again for the two-point conversion.

On the second attempt, Grier took one step back, briefly paused as if he was going to pass and then scampered around the left side and into the end zone. West Virginia goes up 42-41.

Texas had 16 seconds to change the score. But, on two plays, the Longhorns failed to make a difference. Game over. West Virginia beat Texas (and the officials), 42-41. The Mountaineers are now 4-1 all-time in Austin.

Also, in Texas, later that night in Lubbock, there was another thriller in the Big 12 – Oklahoma beat Texas Tech, 51-46. And yes, there was another surprise Saturday in the Big 12. Oklahoma State fell to Baylor. Trailing Oklahoma State 31-21 with less than six minutes left in the game, Baylor scored two touchdowns to rally and beat the Cowboys, 35-31. The Bears second of the two touchdowns came with 0:07 on the clock.

In the ACC, NC State held Florida State to only 24 yards rushing, as the Wolfpack beat the Noles, 47-28. In Blacksburg, Boston College handed Virginia Tech its second-straight loss. The Eagles downed the Hokies, 31-21. In South Florida, Duke stunned Miami. The Dookies beat the Canes, 20-12, holding Miami scoreless in the second half.

Two games in the Big Ten resulted in wins by a combined seven points. First, in Columbus, Nebraska came to play and gave Ohio State a big time scare. In the end, the Buckeyes held on to beat the Huskers, 36-31. In West Lafayette, Purdue led Iowa throughout the game, only to have the Hawkeyes come back and take a 36-35 lead over the Boilers with 10:19 on the clock in the fourth quarter. But with 0:08 left in the game, Purdue kicked a 25-yard field goal and squeaked by Iowa, 38-36.

The Pac-12 is always good for a few thrillers and the conference did not disappoint on Saturday. First, in the western part of Washington – Seattle – the Huskies survived a second half rally from Stanford and held on to beat the Trees, 27-23. Washington led Stanford 21-0 at halftime. Then, in the eastern part of Washington – Pullman – the Cougars and the Bears were involved in a defensive battle. With less than a minute to go in the game, Washington State and California were tied 13-13. The Cougars scored a touchdown with 0:32 on the clock and beat Cal, 19-13.

Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley broke his collarbone in the Utes 38-20 loss to Arizona State. Herm Edwards (ASU) is now 5-4 and Kevin Sumlin (Arizona) is now 5-5. But Chip Kelly (UCLA) is just 2-7. The Bruins lost to Oregon, 42-21.

In the SEC, South Carolina and Ole Miss put on a show of offense. With less than 12 minutes to go in the game, the Sharks led the Cocks, 44-34. But South Carolina rallied, scoring two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes of the game. The Cocks beat Ole Miss, 48-44. In Auburn, the Tigers trailed Texas A&M 24-14 with less than six minutes left in the game. But Auburn rallied. The Tigers scored two touchdowns and beat the Aggies, 28-24. In Gainesville, the Gators, still searching for a quarterback, were stunned by Missouri, 38-17. It was Missouri’s first SEC win of the season.

There were two upsets in the AAC. First, in Dallas, SMU knocked off Houston, 45-21. Then in Tampa, Tulane surprised South Florida, 41-15. In Conference-USA, Florida Atlantic walloped FIU, 49-14. In the MWC, Fresno State and Utah State continue to impress. Fresno State (8-1) downed UNLV, 48-3, while Utah State (8-1) topped Hawaii, 56-17.

In a couple non-conference affairs, Boise State edged BYU, 21-16, and Army beat Air Force, 17-14.

Speaking of Air Force-Army, Aurora, the Air Force Academy’s falcon mascot was injured during the football team’s trip to West Point. Aurora suffered an injury to both of her wings when she was abducted by West Point cadets in a prank gone wrong. The injuries may require Aurora to be euthanized.

Clemson joined the “70s Club.” The Tigers smashed Louisville, 77-16. Massachusetts came close to club membership. UMass outlasted Liberty, 62-59 in three overtimes. There were no other overtime games.

The nation’s longest losing streak came to an end over the weekend. UTEP ended its 19-game losing streak with a 34-26 win over Rice. Ironically, Rice now  holds the longest losing streak at nine games. The Owls are followed by Rutgers with an eight-game losing streak.

With their wins over the weekend, Alabama and Georgia punched their tickets to the SEC championship game. The Tide and the Dawgs will meet in Atlanta on December 1.

So, Alabama (9-0), Clemson (9-0), Notre Dame (9-0) and UCF (8-0) remain unbeaten. The Irish beat Northwestern, 31-21. This week, Alabama hosts Mississippi State, Notre Dame entertains Florida State and UCF hosts Navy. Clemson visits Boston College. That one could be interesting.

Looking strong with just one loss are Michigan (8-1), Georgia (8-1), Oklahoma (8-1), Washington State (8-1), Ohio State (8-1), West Virginia (7-1), Cincinnati (8-1), Utah State (8-1), Fresno State (8-1), UAB (8-1) and Buffalo (8-1).

USC coach Clay Helton fired his offensive line coach Neil Callaway last week. I wouldn’t be surprised if Helton is fired at the end of the season.

The Big 12 Conference announced last week that it was fining Baylor $2 million for “reputational damage to the conference and its members” stemming from Baylor’s sexual assault scandal two years ago.

Deposed Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant, who’ll be a graduate transfer next season, has visited North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri and Auburn. He has a visit coming up with Mississippi State. So far, Bryant seems to like Auburn the best. But you never know.

Kansas coach David Beaty was fired yesterday. In his fourth season with the Jayhawks, Beaty was 6-39 – 3-6 this season. He was 2-31 against Big 12 teams – 1-5 this season. Yesterday, Kansas lost to Iowa State, 27-3.

Beaty’s current contract runs through the 2021 season. He will be owed $3 million. Some reports say Kansas has interest in former LSU coach Les Miles. Beaty is the third coach to be fired this season. A few weeks ago, Bowling Green fired Mike Jinks, and last week Maryland fired D.J. Durkin.

Meanwhile, Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck fired his defensive coordinator, Robb Smith, yesterday. Against Big Ten opponents this season, Minnesota’s defense has allowed 43.2 points per game and 507.7 yards per game.

This weekend, Bootsie, Rockledge Gator, Swamp Mama and I will be in Gainesville for the South Carolina-Florida game. After Auburn’s big win over Texas A&M, Bootsie is buying our drinks. The way Florida has been playing lately, she may have a big tab.  

Bootsie counters, saying that after West Virginia’s big win over Texas, I am buying dinner.

Horns down!

Touchdown Tom

November 5, 2018 

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  LS Who? – Alabama 29, LSU 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 26, LSU 23). To begin with, Alabama had 576 total yards to 196 for LSU. Need we go further? The Tide maintained time of possession for more than 35 minutes. Bama had 29 first downs; LSU had 13. The only thing negative about Alabama was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw his first interception of the season. Obviously, it didn’t help LSU any. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 102,321

RUNNER UP:  Is it basketball season yet? – Georgia 34, Kentucky 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 26, Kentucky 21). That’s what Kentucky fans must be thinking. Georgia shut down Kentucky’s running game and stepped up their own. The Dawgs held Wildcat running back Benny Snell to 73 yards rushing. Meanwhile two Georgia runners rushed for more than 100 yards – D’Andre Swift (156 yards) and Elijah Holyfield (115 yards). Attendance in Lexington: 63,543

REST OF THE BEST:  Getting better – Michigan 42, Penn State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, Penn State 20). Michigan seems to be a team going in the right direction, while Penn State is a team going in the wrong direction. The Wolverines held the Nitts to 186 total yards, 12 first downs and 68 yards rushing. Michigan controlled time of possession for more than 37 minutes. Michigan running back Karan Higdon rushed for 132 yards. Attendance in Ann Arbor: 111,747

Still perfect – Notre Dame 31, Northwestern 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 24, Northwestern 19). Early in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame appeared to be running away with the game when the Irish went up 24-7. But Northwestern came roaring back, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to three points – 24-21. The Irish defense pretty much shut down the Wildcats. ND quarterback Ian Book passed for 343 yards. Attendance in Evanston: 47,330

Two – West Virginia 42, Texas 41 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 33, Texas 27). The teams combined for 55 points in the first half, but only 28 points in the second half. The defenses tightened up after the break. The teams combined for 1,098 total yards – 578 for WVU. Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger passed for 354 yards and three touchdowns. WVU quarterback Will Grier passed for 346 yards and three touchdowns. WVU running back Martell Pettaway rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Austin: 100,703

Questionable officiating – UCF 52, Temple 40 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 29, Temple 22). Quite a game. The lead changed hands seven times. The teams combined for 1,300 total yards. Temple had 670 of those yards. Each team had 35 first downs. Temple dominated time of possession – more than 38 minutes. Owls quarterback Anthony Russo passed for 444 yards. Knights running back Greg McCrae ran for 188 yards. Temple running back Ryquell Armstead rushed for 142 yards. Attendance in Orlando: 41,153

Shoot-out – Oklahoma 51, Texas Tech 46 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, Texas Tech 20). Oklahoma took its first lead with 4:22 left in the second quarter. But Texas Tech retook the lead just before half time. Oklahoma went back up early in the third quarter and never relinquished the lead, but Tech stayed close. The teams combined for 1,136 total yards. The Sooners had the better stats, but not by much. OU quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 360 yards and rushed for 100 more. OU running back Trey Sermon rushed for 206 yards. Attendance in Lubbock: 60,454

Blight – Washington 27, Stanford 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 26, Stanford 21). Except for rushing yards, Stanford all but outplayed Washington. But the Trees had three turnovers. Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello passed for 347 yards. Washington running back Myles Gaskin rushed for 148 yards. Attendance in Seattle: 69,690

Bootsie was a happy camper – Auburn 28, Texas A&M 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 29, Auburn 23). Texas A&M all but shut down Auburn in the stats. The Aggies had 28 first downs to 13 for Auburn, 421 total yards to 278 for Auburn and controlled the clock for more than 38 minutes. The Aggies even held the Tigers to 19 yards rushing. But the Aggies literally died in the fourth quarter. Attendance in Auburn: 85,945

The Hokies were pokeys – Boston College 31, Virginia Tech 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 26, Virginia Tech 22). The teams were pretty even in the stats. Virginia Tech led 14-7 at halftime. But the Hokies were outscored 24-7 by BC in the second half. Both teams had less than 400 yards in total offense. Attendance in Blacksburg: 65,632

….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Wet Devils – Duke 20, Miami (Florida) 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Duke 25). Miami had 411 total yards to 290 for Duke, but the Dookies had eight more points. Two Miami running back rushed for more than 100 yards – Travis Homer (133 yards) and Deejay Dallas (124 yards). Duke running back Deon Jackson rushed for 113 yards. The game was played in pouring rain. Attendance in Miami Gardens: 62,754

Blast – Purdue 38, Iowa 36 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 23, Purdue 17). Purdue led throughout the game, but Iowa wouldn’t go away. The Hawkeyes finally led for about 10 minutes in the fourth quarter. A last second field goal saved the Boilers. Purdue quarterback David Blough passed for 333 yards. Attendance in West Lafayette: 60,716

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Quarterback-less – Missouri 38, Florida 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 24, Missouri 16). After two and a half quarters, Florida benched Feleipe Franks for Kyle Trask. Trask was an improvement. But the Gators are still looking for an offense, while the defense seems to be deteriorating. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock was 24-32-0 for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Missouri running back Damarea Crockett rushed for 114 yards. Attendance in Gainesville: 80,017

So close – Ohio State 36, Nebraska 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 16). Nebraska led 21-16 at halftime. But Ohio State dominated the second half, outscoring the Huskers 20-10. The teams were pretty even in the stats. Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 163 yards. Attendance in Columbus: 104,245

Week 10 Results:  10 correct picks, 4 fumbles (71.4 percent)

For the Season:     102 correct picks, 47 fumbles (68.5 percent)

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

NC State 47, Florida State 28 – Attendance in Raleigh: 57,600

Tulane 41, South Florida 15 – Attendance in Tampa: 31,388

Florida Atlantic 49, FIU 14 – Attendance in Miami: 18,478

Howard 31, Florida A&M 23 – Attendance in Washington, DC: 6,858

Bethune-Cookman 30, Morgan State 28 – Attendance in Baltimore: 2,008

Jacksonville U. 48, Butler 44 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 1,765

Stetson 48, Morehead State 24 – Attendance in Deland: 2,571

Florida Tech 37, North Greenville 7 – Attendance in Melbourne: 2,800

Valdosta State 48, West Florida 21 – Attendance in Pensacola: 5,893

Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  

Massachusetts’ Ross Comis – 29-44-1 for 540 yards (4TDs); East Carolina’s Holton Ahlers – 34-62-0-449 (3TDs); Temple’s Anthony Russo – 31-52-2-444 (4TDs); Florida State’s James Blackman – 29-46-1-421 (4TDs); New Mexico State’s Josh Adkins – 32-44-0-396 (4TDs); Ole Miss’s Jordan Ta’amu – 31-46-0-379; South Carolina’s Jake Bentley – 22-32-0-363 (2TDs), and Memphis’ Brady White – 21-30-0-362 (3TDs).

Also, Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray – 20-35-2 for 360 yards (3TDs); Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson – 20-34-0-358 (3TDs); Texas’ Sam Ehlinger – 25-36-0-354 (3 TDs); Arizona’s Khalil Tate – 17-22-1-350 (5TDs); West Virginia’s Will Grier – 28-42-0-343 (3TDs); Notre Dame’s Ian Book – 22-34-0-343 (2TDs), and Colorado’s Stephen Montez – 27-42-1-343 (3TDs).

Impressive Rushers:

Pitt’s Darrin Hall – 229 yards (3TDs); Illinois’ Reggie Corbin – 213 yards (2TDs); Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor – 208 yards (3TDs); Oklahoma’s Trey Sermon – 206 yards (3TDs); USC’s Aca-Cedric Ware – 205 yards (3TDs); Middle Tennessee’s Chaton Mobley – 198 yards; Arizona’s J.J. Taylor – 192 yards; UCF’s Greg McCrae – 188 yards, and Wyoming’s Nico Evans – 187 yards (1TD).

Also, Florida Atlantic’s Devin Singletary – 184 yards (3TDs); Arizona State’s Eno Benjamin – 175 yards (2TDs); Northern Illinois’ Tre Harbison – 169 yards (1TD); Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins – 163 yards (3TDs); UCLA’s Joshua Kelley – 161 yards (1TD); Appalachian State’s Darrynton Evans – 159 yards (1TD); Michigan State’s Connor Heyward – 157 yards (2TDs), and Georgia’s D’Andre Swift – 156 yards (2TDs).

Quotes of the Week

“I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach, and somebody spit in my face,” Martin McNair, father of former Maryland player Jordan McNair, on hearing that Maryland coach D.J. Durkin had been reinstated.

It is the pathetic thing to do. It is the weak thing to do. It is the cheap thing to do,” USA Today sports writer Dan Wolken, on Maryland reinstating D.J. Durkin.

“I am deeply troubled by the lack of transparency from the Board of Regents, and deeply concerned about how they could have possibly arrived at the decision announced yesterday,” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, on the Regents decision to reinstate D.J. Durkin.

“What a mess the Maryland football program has become. The entire Board of Regents should be the next to go. They should take athletic director Damon Evans with them. They all need to go. It’s that bad,” USA Today sports writer Christine Brennan.

“I will step down from the Board of Regents immediately,” Maryland Board of Regents chairman James T. Brady.

“To be honest with you, I hope we elect to kick ass, is what I hope we do,” Alabama coach Nick Saban, when asked what he will choose during the coin toss of the Alabama-LSU game.

“I’m not scared of the Alabama defense,” LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, prior to the Alabama game.

“I’m ready to smash somebody,” Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson, prior to the LSU game.

Signs of the Week

We Want UCF

My Mama Said They Say Roll Tide Because They Can’t Spell Elephant

Saban Eats Crawfish With A Fork

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Clemson (9-0) at Boston College (7-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Of the four unbeaten teams, Clemson is the only one who could have some problems this week. If BC is clicking on all cylinders, the Eagles could be a problem for the Tigers. But only a thorn in the Tigers paw – Clemson 30, Boston College 22.

RUNNER UP:  2. Mississippi State (6-3) at Alabama (9-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – After the LSU performance, Miss State must be the encore. Or if LSU was the entre, Miss State is the dessert. There may be a bit of a letdown. After all LSU was a pretty big show. But even with a letdown, Bama should have little trouble from the Bulldogs. A soothing victory for the Tide – Alabama 34, Mississippi State 12.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Ohio State (8-1) at Michigan State (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Purdue showed us there are issues. Nebraska showed us the issues haven’t all gone away. If there are still some issues, Michigan State could take advantage. The Spartans are capable. But the Spartans are such an up-and-down team. They are not up enough – Ohio State 21, Michigan State 20.

4. Auburn (6-3) at Georgia (8-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Uga could be ripe for a bit of a letdown, after wins over Florida and Kentucky. But this is Auburn and the Dawgs are generally up for the Tigers. But the Tigers are generally up for the Dawgs too. Uga is up higher – Georgia 28, Auburn 20.

5. South Florida (7-2) at Cincinnati (8-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – South Florida is in a funk. The Bulls have lost two straight. And last week’s loss at home to Tulane of all teams was really unexpected. The Bearcats are no slouch. The Bulls are still in a funk – Cincinnati 28, South Florida 24.

6. Fresno State (8-1) at Boise State (7-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 10:15 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2 – Fresno State has been an up and coming team this season. The Bulldogs have a strong offense. Boise State is good this year but not great. The Bulldogs get a rare win on the blue carpet – Fresno State 27, Boise State 25.

7. Oklahoma State (5-4) at Oklahoma (8-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – How do you figure out Okie State? The Cowpokes beat Texas then they lose to Baylor. Oklahoma doesn’t have to figure them out. The Sooners just beat them – Oklahoma 39, Oklahoma State 19.

8. Washington State (8-1) at Colorado (5-4) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Washington State is sitting atop the Pac-12 North. The Cougars are on a roll – unstoppable. But, in Boulder, the Buffs could stop them. Ralphie is capable, but not capable enough – Washington State 26, Colorado 21.

9. Wisconsin (6-3) at Penn State (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Both of these teams have been a bit disappointing. More was expected of them. This should be a close one. But the Badgers are happy in the valley – Wisconsin 22, Penn State 21.

10. Oregon (6-3) at Utah (6-3) – (Pac- 12 vs. Pac-12) – 5:30 pm ET, Saturday, PAC-12N – The Utes were on a four-game roll, then they up and lost to Arizona State. Oregon has been up and down too. Playing at home, the Utes take advantage of the Ducks – Utah 32, Oregon 30.

….AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

11. Troy (7-2) at Georgia Southern (7-2) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 1 pm ET, Saturday – The best teams in the Sun Belt are in the East Division and these are two of the best. The Eagles knocked off Appalachian State two weeks ago. Now they would like to get Troy. But they don’t – Troy 27, Georgia Southern 20.

12. South Carolina (5-3) at Florida (6-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – South Carolina has been winning an awful lot of close games. Granted this should be another close one. The Gators are hurting for a quarterback. Feleipe has been a bit too flippy. Maybe Kyle will pull this one out for the Gators. Whatever, Albert won’t back down – Florida 24, South Carolina 22.

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

TCU (4-5) at West Virginia (7-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – Now the last thing WVU needs is a letdown after the big win over Texas. Otherwise, the Frogs could take advantage of them. TCU is a strange team – scary at times, but generally not. The Eers take care of business – West Virginia 34, TCU 17.

Illinois (4-5) at Nebraska (2-7) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, BTN – I don’t know what got into Illinois last week. The Banned Indians scored 55 points against Minnesota. But then, Nebraska scored 53 points against Minnesota. And the Huskers almost beat Ohio State – in Columbus. Win No. 3 – Nebraska 28, Illinois 21.

North Carolina (1-7) at Duke (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12:20 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – So how long will it be before North Carolina fires Larry Fedora? It can’t be very long. Maybe the Dookies will help them make their announcement. The Dookies put another nail in the coffin –  Duke 29, North Carolina 20.

Texas (6-3) at Texas Tech (5-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – One thing is for sure. This will be a wild game. All games are wild in Lubbock. Texas has already lost two-straight games. Make it three – Texas Tech 35, Texas 33.

Purdue (5-4) at Minnesota (4-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – So will Purdue score 50 some points on the Gophers. That seems to be the trend. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has been a disappointment. The Boilers may not score 50 points but they win – Purdue 27, Minnesota 23.

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Navy (2-7) at UCF (8-0) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2….

Miami (5-4) at Georgia Tech (5-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2….

Florida State (4-5) at Notre Dame (9-0) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC….

Western Kentucky (1-8) at Florida Atlantic (4-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 5 pm ET, Saturday….

FIU (6-3) at UTSA (3-6) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

North Carolina Central (4-4) at Bethune-Cookman (5-5) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 7 pm ET, Thursday, ESPNU….

South Carolina State (3-5) at Florida A&M (6-3) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….

Stetson (7-1) at Butler (3-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Jacksonville U. (2-6) at Valparaiso (1-8)– (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Florida Tech (7-3) at Shorter (0-10) – (Gulf South vs, Gulf  South) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

West Florida (6-4) at West Alabama (7-3) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but in early November as the college football season began its final stretch, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1943 was “Paper Doll” by The Mills Brothers

…70 years ago this week in 1948 was “Buttons And Bows” by Dinah Shore

…65 years ago this week in 1953 was “Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)” by Les Paul and Mary Ford, and “You, You, You” by The Ames Brothers

…60 years ago this week in 1958 was “It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty

…55 years ago this week in 1963 was “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 “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips

…40 years ago this week in 1978 was “You Needed Me” by Anne Murray

…35 years ago this week in 1983 was “Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

…30 years ago this week in 1988 was “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

…25 years ago this week in 1993 was “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf

Not exactly college football related, but sadly there was one passing of note last week – Willie McCovey.

Willie McCovey, the Hall-of-Fame first baseman who hit 521 home runs in 22 major league seasons, almost all of them with the San Francisco Giants, died last week at Stanford Hospital in California. He was 80. McCovey joined the Giants in 1959 and was a unanimous selection as the National League’s rookie of the year. At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, his nickname was Stretch. The inlet of San Francisco Bay behind the right-field fence at the Giant’s AT&T Park has been christened McCovey Cove. Willie Lee McCovey was born in Mobile, Alabama, on January 10, 1938, the seventh of 10 children. He was signed to the Giant’s minor league system in 1955. McCovey was traded to the San Diego Padres after the 1973 season and played with them until late in the 1976 season when he was picked up by the Oakland A’s. He rejoined the Giants in 1977 and played for them to the end of the 1980 season, retiring as a four-decade player.