College Football Week 4 – Florida has a new quarterback

It’s five superpowers

and then all the others

                                                                  

It’s only three weeks into the season and I’ve already made up my mind. At this point, I don’t need any more evidence. Of the 130 teams in FBS (I-A) football, I’ve identified the five superpowers for 2019. In alphabetical order, they are Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma.

I’m not sure anybody is going to touch those teams. Although it’s pretty obvious that Alabama or Georgia has to get touched before the playoffs. If those two make it through the season undefeated, then they will meet each other in the SEC title game.

Now the question is: Of the five teams, which one won’t make the playoffs? Logic says there won’t be two teams from the SEC, but don’t count on that. After Notre Dame and Oklahoma got decimated in the semifinals last year, the argument that Georgia should have been one of the four finalists got louder and louder. That being Georgia instead of Notre Dame or Oklahoma. 

Four of the five teams are averaging 46 to 56 points a game on offense. Clemson is the outlier at 39 points a game. Oklahoma is the highest at 56 points a game. But the Sooners are the worst on defense, giving up 20 points a game. Georgia is the best on defense. The Dawgs are allowing just eight points a game. Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama are all between 10 and 12 points allowed per game. 

Now, I will admit I have four teams who are in the potential category. They have the potential to emerge as a superpower. They are LSU, Notre Dame, Utah and UCF. Yes, UCF. The Knights are outscoring their opponents by 38 points a game. The dynasty that Scott Frost began is continuing under Josh Heupel. UCF is 28-1 in its last 29 games. 

LSU has the opportunity to become a superpower when the Tigers meet Alabama on November 9 in Tuscaloosa. Notre Dame has its opportunity this weekend. The Irish play Georgia in Athens. If Utah finishes its season undefeated, including the Pac-12 title game, then the Utes qualify as a superpower. Utah has a tough defense, giving up only 10 points a game. 

The remaining 121 teams are just going to beat each other up during the season – some doing more beating than others. 

I know its early – only three weeks – but that’s my observation as we head into week four. Stay tuned! 

The five superpowers all looked strong on Saturday. On the road in Columbia, Alabama crushed South Carolina, 47-23. On the road in the Carrier Dome, Clemson shutdown Syracuse, 41-6. Racking up 656 total yards, Georgia skunked Arkansas State, 55-0. On the road in Bloomington, Ohio State plastered Indiana, 51-10, and on the road in the Rose Bowl, Oklahoma bested UCLA, 48-14. 

I mentioned above that the remaining 121 teams were just going to spend the season beating each other up. Here’s an example. Last week, Kansas lost at home to Coastal Carolina, 12-7. Saturday, Les Miles’ Jayhawks went into Chestnut Hill and not only beat Boston College, but beat the Eagles bad. Kansas tumbled Boston College, 48-24. This the same Boston College that beat Virginia Tech, 35-28, two weeks earlier. 

Mack Brown’s luck finally ran out. After North Carolina began the season with two upset wins over South Carolina and Miami (Florida), the Tar Heels fell Friday night to Wake Forest, 24-18. 

Last week, two teams had so much fun winning in overtime, they decided to go into overtime again Saturday. It was a good thing for one of the teams and a bad thing for the other. BYU, who beat Tennessee, 29-26 (2OT), last week, beat USC, 30-27 (OT) on Saturday. But Colorado, who beat Nebraska, 34-31 (OT), last week, lost to Air Force, 30-23 (OT). In the only other overtime game Saturday, Citadel surprised Georgia Tech, 27-24 (OT). 

Former West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen is off to a 1-2 start at Houston. Friday night, Dana’s Cougars lost to Washington State, 31-24. Holgorsen’s lone win is over an FCS team. 

Speaking of Holgorsen, his previous team found itself and its offense on Saturday. West Virginia erupted to beat NC State, 44-27. Neal Brown’s Mountaineers are now 2-1. 

Last week, I asked: What’s up with Maryland? Are the Terps for real? This after Maryland downed Syracuse, 63-20 and improved to 2-0, averaging 71 points a game. Well, as it turns out, nothing’s up with Maryland. And the Terps aren’t for real. Saturday, Temple beat Maryland, 20-17. 

After beating two weaker teams, UCF stepped up to Power Five competition on Saturday. The Knights made a big step, downing Stanford, 45-27. Down the road in Florida, first-year Miami coach Manny Diaz got his first win of the season. After losing its first two games to Florida and North Carolina, the Hurricanes beat Bethune-Cookman, 63-0. 

And speaking of Florida teams, the Gators rallied from a 21-10 fourth quarter deficit to beat Kentucky, 29-21. Florida got its revenge after losing to the Wildcats last year for the first time in 31 games. Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the game. Franks was replaced by Kyle Trask. With Trask quarterbacking, the Gators outscored Kentucky, 19-0. 

Sun Belt Conference teams have been a nuisance to Power Five teams this season and Georgia Southern was a nuisance to Minnesota on Saturday. In the closing seconds of the game, the Gophers trailed Georgia Southern, 32-28. But Minnesota scored a touchdown with 13 seconds on the clock to beat the Eagles, 35-32. 

But remember Georgia State? The Sun Belt team that beat Tennessee earlier this season. Well, Georgia State’s moment in glory is over. Saturday, Western Michigan blasted Georgia State, 57-10.

Willie Taggart always has to blame someone when Florida State loses. Someone but himself. The Seminoles lost to Boise State in Week One and Taggart blamed the loss on the team’s medical staff. He said his players were dehydrated and that’s why FSU lost. Now, after losing to Virginia on Saturday, Taggart blamed the loss on the play calling of his offensive coordinator, Kendal Briles. 

In Saturday’s three nightcap games – the late shows and the late-late shows – Arizona beat Texas Tech, 28-14, Boise State downed Portland State, 45-10, and Oregon tackled Montana, 35-0. 

Among the big-name quarterbacks, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa stepped into the spotlight Saturday. In the Tide’s big win over the Gamecocks, Tagovailoa was 28-36-0 for 440 yards, passing for five touchdowns. His former teammate, Jalen Hurts, led Oklahoma to a solid win over UCLA. Hurts, playing just three quarters, was 15-20-0 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Hurts also had 150 yards rushing, scoring another touchdown. 

LSU’s Joe Burrow, who had such a great game last week against Texas, performed well again on Saturday. Burrow was 21-24-1 for 373 yards and two touchdowns, as LSU beat Northwestern State, 65-14. The bright new star on Saturday was UCF freshman Dillon Gabriel. Starting his first game for the Knights, Gabriel was 22-30-0 for 347 yards, passing for four touchdowns in UCF’s 45-27 win over Stanford. 

This week, among the five superpowers, only Georgia has a challenge. The Dawgs host Notre Dame in Athens. Three of the other four superpowers play cupcakes and one has the weekend off. Alabama hosts Southern Mississippi, Clemson hosts Charlotte and Ohio State entertains Miami (Ohio). Oklahoma is off. 

In the something’s got to give games this week there are four games matching undefeated teams. Somebody’s got to lose. The games are Air Force (2-0) at Boise State (3-0), Michigan (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0), SMU (3-0) at TCU (2-0) and the big one – Notre Dame (2-0) at Georgia (3-0). 

Fortunately, Tropical Storm Humberto was a no show over the weekend. He pulled a student-body right and stayed far off the coast. 

Touchdown Tom
September 16, 2019
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Twice-delayed – Iowa 18, Iowa State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Iowa State 23). Trailing Iowa State, 17-15, Iowa kicked a 39-yard field goal with 4:51 to go in the game. The Hawkeyes held on to win. The lead changed hands three times in the fourth quarter. Iowa State led 14-9 as the final quarter began. Iowa went up 15-14 at the 12:10 mark. The Cyclones retook the lead 17-15 with 7:41 on the clock. The Hawkeyes went back in the lead and won with the 39-yard field goal. Iowa State had 418 total yards to 313 for Iowa. But the Cyclones suffered two turnovers. The Hawkeyes controlled the ball for 35 minutes. The game experienced two lengthy weather delays, both in the first half. Attendance in Ames: 61,500

RUNNER UP: 

The beginning of the next 31-straight – Florida 29, Kentucky 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Kentucky 21). Kentucky took a 14-7 at the 7:46 mark in the second quarter. The Wildcats never lost the lead until 4:11 left in the fourth quarter when Florida went up 22-21. With 33 seconds on the clock, the Gators increased their lead to eight points. Late in the third quarter and trailing Kentucky, 21-10, Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks suffered a severe ankle injury and left the game. The injury may have been a blessing in disguise for the Gators. Backup quarterback Kyle Trask entered the game and Florida went on a 19-0 run over Kentucky. The two teams were evenly matched in the stats, except that Kentucky controlled the clock for 35 minutes. Attendance in Lexington: 63,076

REST OF THE BEST:

Better late than never – Arizona State 10, Michigan State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 26, Arizona State 17). Both touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. Michigan State scored at the 8:37 mark. Arizona State scored with 50 seconds left in the game. In the first half, the Sun Devils kicked a 41-yard field goal. With six seconds to go in the game, Michigan State made a game-tying field goal. However, the field goal was negated because the Spartans had too many men on the field. In losing, the Spartans held ASU to just 216 total yards. Attendance in East Lansing: 73,531

So much for the Mack attack – Wake Forest 24, North Carolina 18 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 30, Wake Forest 26). It was non-existent in the first half. Wake Forest led North Carolina, 21-0, at the break. Then the Deacs held on for dear life in the second half, as the Tar Heels rallied. With 1:09 left in the game, Wake only led 21-18. That’s when the Deacs kicked a 32-yard field goal to increase their lead to six. Attendance in Winston-Salem: 31,345

Roasted – Alabama 47, South Carolina 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 34, South Carolina 16). Alabama only had 76 yards rushing, but that’s all the Tide needed with Tua Tagovailoa passing for 444 yards and five touchdowns. Tagovailoa was 28-for-36 passing. At the end of the first quarter, Alabama led 14-10. Then the Tide went on to outscore the Gamecocks 33-13. South Carolina freshman Ryan Hilinski passed for 324 yards. Attendance in Columbia: 81,954

Rolling through the ACC – Clemson 41, Syracuse 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 33, Syracuse 17). Clemson led 17-6 at the half and outscored Syracuse 24-0 in the second half. Although he threw two interceptions, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence passed for 395 yards. The Tigers held the Orange to 11 first downs, 15 yards rushing and 187 total yards. Meanwhile, Clemson racked up 612 total yards. Attendance in Syracuse: 50,248

Chopped down – UCF 45, Stanford 27 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 26, Stanford 20). At the end of the first quarter, UCF led 28-7. It was all over but the shouting. Freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel passed for 347 yards and running back Greg McCrae rushed for 109 yards. UCF had 545 total yards. Attendance in Orlando: 45,008

They ate it again – Penn State 17, Pitt 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 31, Pitt 15). The Panthers couldn’t find a running game, only rushing for 24 yards. However, the Panthers Kenny Pickett passed for 372 yards. Pitt controlled the clock – 34 minutes – but not the score. Attendance in University Park: 108,661

Smoke signals get crossed – Virginia 31, Florida State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 37, Florida State 23). The lead in the game changed hands four times. But the final change wasn’t until 2:34 left in the game when Virginia went up 31-24. The Cavaliers controlled the clock for 40 minutes. Florida State only had 95 yards rushing. Attendance in Charlottesville: 57,826

Steamless – TCU 34, Purdue 13 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 33, Purdue 27). Purdue only had eight first downs and 23 yards rushing. Two TCU running backs rushed for more than 100 yards. Darius Anderson tallied 179 yards, while Sewo Olonilua had 106 yards. The Frogs controlled the clock for 40 minutes. Purdue played without starting quarterback Elijah Sindelar -- concussion. Attendance in West Lafayette: 60,037

….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Well, hello offense – West Virginia 44, NC State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: NC State 28, West Virginia 17). It’s nice to have you back where you belong. Tied 21-21 at the half, West Virginia outscored NC State 23-6 in the second half, limiting the Wolfpack to two field goals. WVU took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter and never trailed for the rest of the game, although the score was tied on three occasions. The Mountaineers dominated both the rushing and passing game, tallying 445 total yards. Attendance in Morgantown: 57,052

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

A breather – Nebraska 44, Northern Illinois 8 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Northern Illinois 19). Northern Illinois never scored a touchdown. The Huskies only had two field goals and a safety to their credit. Surprisingly, NIU controlled the ball for an amazing 38 minutes. When Nebraska had the ball, the Huskers scored quickly. Nebraska finished with 525 total yards. Attendance in Lincoln: 89,593

Didn’t get stuck in the Middle – Duke 41, Middle Tennessee 18 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 35, Middle Tennessee 25). The Dookies led 31-3 at the break and went into cruise control in the second half. Dookie quarterback Quentin Harris was 24-for-27 passing (88.9 percent). Attendance in Murfreesboro: 19,852

As expected – Georgia 55, Arkansas State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 42, Arkansas State 22). Georgia amassed 658 total yards to only 220 for Arkansas State. Nuff said. The Red Wolves were restricted to 43 yards rushing. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

The Hook was working – Texas 48, Rice 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 47, Rice 15). Rice didn’t score its 13 points until the fourth quarter. Texas had 509 total yards. The Horns defense held the Owls to 13 first downs and 87 yards rushing. Sam Ehlinger was 23-for-27 passing (85.2 percent). Attendance in Houston: 42,417

Week 3 Results:  12 winners, 3 fumbles (80 percent)
For the Season:   35 winners, 11 fumbles (76.1 percent)




ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Marist 26, Stetson 23 – Attendance in Poughkeepsie: 1,456
West Florida 42, Shorter 14 – Attendance in Rome: 1,177
Florida Tech 30, Newberry 28 – Attendance in Newberry: 2,944 

Florida Atlantic 41, Ball State 31 – Attendance in Muncie: 14,333
Miami 63, Bethune-Cookman 0 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 52,036
Florida A&M 57, Fort Valley State 20 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 17,911 

South Florida 55, South Carolina State 16 – Attendance in Tampa: 31,368
FIU 30, New Hampshire 17 – Attendance in Miami: 11,756
Jacksonville U. 30, Presbyterian 20 – Attendance in Clinton: 2,208

Superlatives 

Impressive Passers: 

Troy’s Kaleb Barker – 29-43-0 for 504 yards (4TDs); Southern Miss’s – Jack Abraham – 28-36-0-463 (2TDs); Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa – 28-36-0-444 (5TDs); Washington State’s Anthony Gordon – 36-48-1-440 (3TDs); Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence – 22-39-2-395 (3TDs); LSU’s Joe Burrow – 21-24-1-373 (2TDs); Pitt’s Kenny Pickett – 35-51-0-372, and Florida Atlantic’s Chris Robinson – 33-41-0-366 (4TDs). 

Also, Notre Dame’s Ian Box – 15-24-0 for 360 yards (5TDs); UCF’s Dillon Gabriel – 22-30-0-347 (4TDs); Liberty’s Stephen Calvert – 23-30-0-325 (4TDs); South Carolina’s Ryan Hilinski – 36-57-1-324 (2TDs); Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond – 20-28-1-317 (1TD); Oregon’s Justin Herbert – 30-42-0-316 (5TDs), and Eastern Michigan’s Mike Glass – 23-36-0-316 (3TDs).

Impressive Rushers:

Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard – 256 yards (3TDs); Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins – 193 yards (1TD); Western Michigan’s LeVante Bellamy – 192 yards (3TDs); Kansas’ Khalil Herbert – 187 yards (1TD); FIU’s Kaylan Wiggins – 187 yards (2TDs), and Colorado State’s Marvin Kinsey – 180 yards (1TD).

Also, TCU’s Darius Anderson – 179 yards (2TDs); SMU’s T.J. McDaniel – 159 yards (3TDS); Navy’s Malcolm Perry – 156 yards (4TDs); Wyoming’s Trey Smith – 152 yards (2TDs); Boston College’s A.J. Dillon – 151 yards (1TD); Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts – 150 yards (1TD), and Air Force’s Kadin Remsberg – 146 yards (1TD).



Quotes of the Week

“I wanted to be able to come here and apologize to everybody, the fans, the players and truly tell you how sorry I am for the way it ended,” former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, speaking and apologizing to the Little Rock Touchdown Club, seven years after he was fired for misleading officials.

“Saturday’s are little boring right now. You know, the competitive spirit is still there,” former Arkansas and Louisville coach Bobby Petrino, speaking to the Little Rock Touchdown Club.

“Let’s look at the coaching decisions, which are inexcusable. Let’s also look at his demeanor, which is more inexcusable. You just can’t walk up to that podium namby-pamby. You’ve got to show who you are and what you’re all about. I think Jeremy Pruitt has failed miserably in that regard,” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, on the Tennessee football coach.

“When I was at the University of Florida, I think my jersey was one of the top jerseys around the world, and I didn’t make a dollar from it, but nor did I want to,” Tim Tebow, saying that paying college athletes changes the meaning of college sports.

“They’re looking at a 1-6 start. I think it’s time to press the panic button,” ESPN college football analyst Desmond Howard, on Tennessee.



Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
This Week’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Notre Dame (2-0) at Georgia (3-0) – (Ind. vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – After losing so badly to Clemson in the first round of the playoff last year, this is Notre Dame’s chance to gain some respect. Some people think as long as Notre Dame is an Independent, the Irish should never be selected for the college football playoff. Notre Dame’s defense won’t be able to contain Georgia’s offense. And Notre Dame’s offense won’t be able to penetrate Georgia’s defense. Uga finds the four-leaf clover – Georgia 26, Notre Dame 18. 

RUNNER UP:  2. Auburn (3-0) at Texas A&M (2-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – If A&M wants to win, the Aggies need to have a better performance from their offense than they did against Clemson. That won’t be easy. Auburn plays good defense. A&M’s key will be quarterback Kellen Mond. He needs a near perfect game. This will also be Bo Nix’s biggest challenge since the opener against Oregon. The Auburn quarterback can’t suffer a letdown. Aubie plays Reveille – Auburn 23, Texas A&M 19. 

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Michigan (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Michigan has been disappointing so far this season. You figure they are going to break out sometime. Wisconsin has looked good, but all against much weaker competition. If the Wolverines can contain Jonathan Taylor, they have a shot. But Taylor will be a thorn in Harbaugh’s side – Wisconsin 26, Michigan 20.

4. Utah (3-0) at USC (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 9 pm ET, Friday, FS1 – USC is facing the possibility of losing to two teams from Utah back to back. The Utes have a tough defense, holding opponents to 10 points a game. Utah’s defense is better than its offense. USC is an up and down team under Clay Helton. The Trojans will be down this week – Utah 28, USC 23. 

5. Oklahoma State (3-0) at Texas (2-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Okie State has one of the best running backs in the country in Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard is the leading rusher in the country with 521 yards in three games. Texas has one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Sam Ehlinger. The quarterback wins – Texas 33, Oklahoma State 25.

6. SMU (2-0) at TCU (3-0) – (AAC vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – These two rivals play every year and TCU has won big in recent years. The Frogs looked good in their win over Purdue last week, especially the defense. The Frogs will look good again this week – TCU 30, SMU 16.

7. Air Force (2-0) at Boise State (3-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 9 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2 – Air Force knocked off Colorado last week. The Falcons may still be celebrating against Boise State. As usual, Air Force has a good running game, but not much of a passing game. The Broncos are good on the ground and through the air. Versatility wins – Boise State 25, Air Force 19. 

8. Appalachian State (2-0) at North Carolina (2-1) – (Sun Belt vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday – This is a big opportunity for App State to knock off a Power Five team. The Little Mountaineers have a strong running back in Darrynton Evans. He’s averaging 167 yards a game. The Tar Heels can score, but their defense is so-so. That could be an advantage to Evans. But the Mack comes back – North Carolina 24, Appalachian State 23. 

9. Washington (2-1) at BYU (2-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Ind.) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC/ESPN2 – After BYU lost 30-12 to Utah, everybody was writing the Cougars off. But BYU has bounced back, winning two games in overtime. Washington is smarting from its loss to California. After a good opening game, quarterback Jacob Eason wasn’t so good against the Bears. But Chris Petersen will have the Huskies back – Washington 26, BYU 18.

10. Kentucky (2-1) at Mississippi State (2-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Both teams lost for the first time last week. One will bounce back. Kentucky quarterback Sawyer Smith has one game under his belt now. That should help the Wildcats. But how will Kentucky respond after the tough loss to Florida? Mark Stoops has them fired up – Kentucky 25, Mississippi State 22. 



AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

11. West Virginia (2-1) at Kansas (2-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 4:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Both teams snapped out of it last week. Kansas exploded for 48 points against Boston College. West Virginia exploded for 44 points against NC State. WVU’s defense needs to contain the running game of Kansas. Eers escape the Mad Hatter – West Virginia 27, Kansas 23. 



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Tennessee (1-2) at Florida (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – This used to be a big game. Back in the days when Tennessee used to compete for the SEC East title. The Vols haven’t been a contender in the East for many years. Until Kyle Trask entered the game against Kentucky, it didn’t look like Florida was going to be a contender this year. You gotta figure UT is getting better. Hopefully, Kentucky gave the Gators a wake up call. This is what Kyle Trask has waited for. Rocky Bottoms – Florida 27, Tennessee 14.

Nebraska (2-1) at Illinois (2-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – This will be back to back games against teams from Illinois for Nebraska. I think this one is the easier of the two. The Banned Indians lost to Eastern Michigan last week. Nebraska will probably have more fans in the stands than Illinois. The Huskers will have more points on the board too – Nebraska 34, Illinois 9.

Duke (2-1) and Purdue (1-2) are off



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

FIU (1-2) at Louisiana Tech (2-1) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 8 pm ET, Friday, CBSSN…. 

Dartmouth (0-0) at Jacksonville (1-1) – (Ivy League vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….

Louisville (2-1) at Florida State (1-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN….

UCF (3-0) at Pitt (1-2)  – (ACC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC/ESPN2….

Central Michigan (2-1) at Miami (1-2) – (MAC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN…. 

Wagner (0-3) at Florida Atlantic (1-2) – (Northeast vs. C-USA) – 6 pm ET, Saturday….

Western New England (2-0) at Stetson (1-1) – (Commonwealth Coast vs. Pioneer) – 6 pm ET, Saturday…. 

Bethune-Cookman (1-1) at Mississippi Valley State (0-2) – (MEAC vs. SWC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

Southern (1-2) at Florida A&M (1-1) – (SWC vs. MEAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….

Florida Tech (2-0) at Delta State (1-1) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

Virginia-Lynchburg (0-3) at West Florida (1-1) – (NCCAA vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Saturday…. 

South Florida (1-2) is off 

Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com



Not exactly college football related, but there were three passings of note last week – T. Boone Pickens, Eddie Money and Anne Rivers Siddons.

T. Boone Pickens, the Texas oil and gas entrepreneur whose life cast him in disparate roles of corporate raider, defender of shareholder rights, environmentalist, polemicist for political conservatism and philanthropist, died last week at his home in Dallas. He was 91. In corporate circles, Pickens became one of the most hated men in America. But he was the darling of the media. He headed a nationwide campaign to push for energy self-sufficiency through the exploitation of natural gas, wind power and solar energy with the aim of reducing the United States’ dependence on oil imports from the Middle East. T. Boone Pickens was born on May 22, 1928, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, a cattle town surrounded by oil wells. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1951, he got a job as a geologist for Phillips Petroleum Company. Pickens quit a few years later, creating his own drilling company. Later in life, he became a philanthropist, giving away almost $1 billion to charity, with half going to his alma mater Oklahoma State.

Eddie Money, whose string of rock hits in the late 1970s to the early 1990s included “Baby Hold On” and “Take Me Home Tonight,” died last week in Los Angeles. He was 70. Money’s birth name was Edward Mahoney. His first hit, “Baby Hold On” (1978), was followed by “Two Tickets To Paradise” and “Maybe I’m A Fool.” He had several more hits in the 1980s, including “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Walk On Water.” Edward Joseph Mahoney was born on March 21, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Levittown, New York, on Long island.

Anne Rivers Siddons, a best-selling Southern author known for many novels, including “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Peachtree Road,” died last week at her home in Charleston, South Carolina. She was 83. Siddons was born Sybil Anne Rivers on January 9, 1936, in Fairburn, Georgia. She attended Auburn University. Siddons published 19 novels. She also worked for Atlanta Magazine.