College Football Week 10 – The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

Down go the Sooners and Irish;

Up go the Tigers and Buckeyes 

Up go the Nittany Lions, Ducks and Utes. Down go the Badgers, etc. Yes, Week 9 had its ups and downs. Saturday was a topsy-turvy day.

“Jalen, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

You just wonder if Lincoln Riley didn’t say something like that to Jalen Hurts when Kansas State, after trailing Oklahoma, came back to not only take the lead but build up a 24-point lead over the Sooners. I mean, Kansas State just doesn’t do things like that to Oklahoma. Riley must have thought he was in Alabama or Louisiana or somewhere else. But surely not in Kansas.

Yeah, it was a sad Saturday for Oklahoma, Auburn, Notre Dame and others. But it was a great Saturday, for LSU, Ohio State, Penn State and others.

Oklahoma’s totally unexpected 48-41 loss to Kansas Sate has seriously damaged the Sooners playoff hopes. Early in the second quarter, OU led K-State, 17-7. Then, the Wildcats went on an incredible and unbelievable run, outscoring the Sooners 41-7 in a 30-minute span. With 12:54 to go in the fourth quarter, K-State led OU, 48-23.

Granted, Oklahoma put on a frantic and desperate rally in the final 12 minutes of the game – scoring 18 unanswered points. OU came darn close to recovering an onside kick that would have given them a shot at winning or at least tying the game in regulation. But in the end the Sooners came up seven points short.

Oklahoma is not totally eliminated from playoff contention. If the Sooners win-out, including a win in the Big 12 championship game, they still have a shot at making the playoff at 12-1. But their chances aren’t as strong as they once were. It will take a lot of luck and the perfect set of losses among the teams above them. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, down the road from Manhattan, in Lawrence, Kansas, another coach must have wondered if he was still in Kansas too. Texas Tech coach Matt Wells must have shared Dorothy’s feelings when his Red Raiders lost to Kansas, 37-34. I mean, you just don’t lose to Kansas.

Late in the fourth quarter, Kansas trailed Texas Tech, 34-27. With 5:12 remaining, the Jayhawks tied the game at 34-34. Then, as time expired, Kansas kicked a 32-yard field goal to upset the Red Raiders. And it was the Jayhawks second attempt at the field goal. On the first try, the kick was blocked. A Texas Tech player picked up the ball and began running with it. But, lo and behold, he fumbled and Kansas recovered. So the Jayhawks got their second shot at a field goal. The second time was a charm.

Eight games into the season, under first-year coach Les Miles, Kansas has already won three games. The Jayhawks have not won more than three games in a season since 2009 when they won five. In nine-plus seasons, Kansas has only won 21 games.

Down went Notre Dame, Saturday night. The Irish not only lost, they were swept off the field by Michigan, 45-14. Entering the game at 5-1, Notre Dame still had a chance of making the playoff. But now with two losses, the Irish have no chance. At 8-for-25 passing, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book only completed 32% of his passes.

It was an up day for LSU, as the Tigers knocked off Auburn, 23-20. Even though the score was close – Auburn led on three occasions – throughout the game you never had the feeling Auburn was going to win. At least I didn’t. LSU was outrushing and outpassing Auburn. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow looked confident; Auburn quarterback Bo Nix didn’t. Like I said when Auburn lost to Florida, you live by a freshman quarterback; you die by a freshman quarterback. Against LSU, Auburn died – again.

It was a rainy day in Columbus, Ohio, but it was an up day for Ohio State. The Buckeyes flattened Wisconsin, 38-7. The Ohio State defense held vaunted Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor to just 52 yards rushing on 20 attempts. Meanwhile, Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 163 yards on 20 attempts. I must say Ohio State looks like a complete team in all aspects of the game. There are no weaknesses.

Penn State is looking more and more impressive each week. The Nittany Lions are improving with age. Saturday, in East Lansing, they shook down Michigan State, 28-7. Early in the third quarter, the Nitts led the Spartans, 28-0. That’s back-to-back wins over Michigan teams for Penn State.

In the late shows Saturday night, two Pac-12 teams were looking up – keeping their chances alive for a playoff berth. But one of the teams was lucky to escape. Trailing Washington State, 35-34, Oregon kicked a 26-yard field goal as time expired to come away with a 37-35 victory. The lead changed hands four times in the thrilling game. Neither team ever led by more than seven points. Oregon couldn’t stop Washington State’s passing attack – 406 yards. And Washington State couldn’t stop Oregon’s ground attack – 306 yards.

In the other game, Utah’s defense looked solid, as the Utes downed California, 35-0. The Bears couldn’t penetrate the Utah defense. Cal finished the game with only 85 total yards. The Bears only maintained possession for 22 minutes. Cal’s leading rusher only had 24 yards. The Bears’ quarterback only completed 36.8% of his passes.

Oregon and Utah could be headed for a confrontation in the Pac-12 championship game.

Week 9 began Thursday night, with SMU beating Houston, 34-31. SMU is undefeated at 8-0. But I have to tell you, I wasn’t impressed with the Mustangs at all. Not against Houston, I wasn’t. Maybe SMU was looking ahead to Memphis. Right now, I’m thinking Memphis will beat the Mustangs. Stay tuned! 

In a good game Friday night, USC rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Colorado, 35-31. USC’s freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis passed for 406 yards and four touchdowns.

Oklahoma and Texas Tech weren’t the only Big 12 teams upset on Saturday. In fact, all four Big 12 games were upsets (Baylor and West Virginia were off). Iowa State and Texas were upset victims too.

In Ames, Oklahoma State took advantage of three interceptions thrown by Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy. The Cowboys ended the Cyclones three-game winning streak. Iowa State fell to Oklahoma State, 34-27. Then in Fort Worth, TCU took advantage of four interceptions thrown by Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger. The Horned Frogs upset the Longhorns, 37-27.

In the ACC, Miami and Florida State tuned up, in a positive way, in preparation for their encounter this week. The Hurricanes, in a defensive battle, edged Pitt, 16-12. Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, the Seminoles put aside Syracuse, 35-17. Both Miami and FSU upped their records to 4-4.

Poor ole Nebraska – the Huskers just can’t win for losing. Saturday, Nebraska led at halftime, 21-16, but ultimately fell to Indiana, 38-31. Of interest, Huskers’ backup quarterback Luke McCaffrey saw action when starting quarterback Noah Vedral was injured. McCaffrey is the younger brother of former Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey and current Michigan backup quarterback Dylan McCaffrey. Luke was 5-for-6, passing for 71 yards and one touchdown.

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Minnesota remained undefeated. The Gophers blasted Maryland, 52-10. Minnesota hosts Penn State on November 9. The two teams are off this week.

When Stanford is good, the Trees are really, really good. When Stanford is bad, the Tree are really, really bad. Saturday the Trees were good. Stanford downed Arizona, 41-31. Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello was 30-for-43, passing for 312 yards and three touchdowns.

And what do you know – Chip Kelly got a win. UCLA surprised Arizona State, 42-32. The Bruins pulled off the win in spite of three turnovers – all fumbles.

In the SEC, Alabama didn’t need Tua Tagovailoa to beat Arkansas. The Tide put down the Razorbacks, 48-7. Backup quarterback Mac Jones handled the duties for Tua. Jones was 18-for-22, passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns. In the second half, Jones was replaced by Tua’s younger brother – freshman Taulia Tagovailoa.

Also, in the SEC, South Carolina led Tennessee, 21-17, at halftime but lost to the Vols, 41-21. Tennessee shutout the Gamecocks 24-0 in the second half. And Kentucky added to Missouri’s woes. After losing to Vanderbilt last week, Saturday, Missouri lost to Kentucky 29-7.

There were some good games in the AAC. UCF continues to get back on track. The Knights toppled Temple, 63-21. Navy and Tulane put on a thriller in Annapolis. The Middies beat the Green Wave on a 48-yard, time expiring field goal, 41-38. And finally, Memphis scored a touchdown with 4:26 on the clock to beat Tulsa, 42-41. I’m thinking the Tigers were looking ahead to this week’s encounter with SMU.

And finally, in what was supposed to be a good game in the MWC, Air Force ran over Utah State, 31-7. The Falcons improved to 6-2.

With Oklahoma’s loss, only nine teams remain undefeated – Baylor (7-0), Clemson (8-0), Minnesota (8-0), Ohio State (8-0), Penn State (8-0), Alabama (8-0) and LSU (8-0) from the Power Five, and SMU (8-0) and Appalachian State (7-0) from the Group of Five.

But there are some strong one-loss teams out there who still have a chance to make the playoff. Consider Oklahoma (7-1), Oregon (7-1), Utah (7-1), Florida (7-1) and Georgia (6-1). It all depends on how the cookie crumbles.

SMU remains the No. 1 Group of Five team for a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl. But the Mustangs are being chased by Appalachian State, Boise State (6-1), Memphis (7-1), Cincinnati (6-1) and Navy (6-1).

After Week 9, my Top 4 in alphabetical order are Alabama, LSU, Ohio State and Penn State. My Top 4 wannabes are Clemson, Minnesota and Baylor.

I’m calling this week the “Off Week” as so many of the top teams are off. But four games, at least, should be very interesting – Florida-Georgia in Jacksonville, Oregon at USC, Utah at Washington and SMU at Memphis. Stay tuned!

My Top 3 Heisman candidates dropped to a Top 2 Heisman candidates – LSU’s Joe Burrow and Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

There were reports last week that Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan at the end of the season, returning to a head coaching job in the NFL. At a presser, Harbaugh denied the reports.

There were also reports that Florida State is interested in hiring Urban Meyer. At a presser, Florida State athletic director David Coburn said not only is FSU not interested in Meyer, but that the Noles wouldn’t even be interested in Steve Spurrier. I’m not sure if Coburn was smoking dope or trying to flatter himself.

Coaching salaries were in the news last week. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is the highest paid coach in college football, making $9.3 million a year. Alabama coach Nick Saban is second at $8.85 million a year. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh makes $7.504 million, followed by Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher at $7.5 million. Georgia coach Kirby Smart is 5^th at $6.87 million a year.

Finishing out the Top 10 are Auburn coach Gus Malzahn at $6.83 million, Texas coach Tom Herman at $6.75 million, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm at $6.6 million, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley at $6.3 million and Florida coach Dan Mullen at $6.1 million a year.

The SEC is the only conference where every coach makes $3 million or more.

In last week’s blog, I wrote about the trip Swamp Mama and I took to Paducah, Kentucky, to visit the National Quilt Museum. Well, I received a couple of interesting responses to the blog from long-time CFW readers.

I mentioned that on the way to Paducah, we stayed overnight at Adairsville, Georgia, north of Atlanta. Fern Musselwhite, a CFW reader and friend from Gainesville, Florida, told me there is an excellent BBQ restaurant at the Adairsville exit off I-75 – Characters BBQ. I value Fern’s recommendations, so the next time any of you all are around Adairsville at lunch or dinner time, give Characters BBQ a try.

Then I heard from long-time CFW reader and friend Chris Burnette of Columbia, South Carolina. Chris, a South Carolina graduate, told me that the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum currently has a quilt exhibit on display. The exhibit runs to July 2020. Chris is on the board of the museum and he suggested that I bring Swamp Mama to see the quilts. We’re planning to do that in the spring.

So hats off to the state of Kansas. It’s not often that both Kansas and Kansas State win on the same day.

Touchdown Tom
October 28, 2019
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com



Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Frustration for Gus – LSU 23, Auburn 20 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 30, Auburn 24). The score was close but the stats weren’t. LSU totally dominated Auburn in first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, third down efficiency, pass completion percentage  and time of possession. LSU’s Joe Burrow completed 76% of his passes. Auburn’s Bo Nix completed 43% of his passes. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 102,180 

RUNNER UP: Rockin’ Dobbins – Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 28, Wisconsin 16). Ohio State not only dominated the score but also the stats – first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, third down efficiency and time of possession. Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins rushed for 163 yards. Attendance in Columbus: 102,998

REST OF THE BEST:  Potato famine – Michigan 45, Notre Dame 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 27, Michigan 24). Michigan’s defense was awesome – holding Notre Dame to only 180 total yards and just 47 yards rushing. The Wolverines held the Irish scoreless in the first half and outscored Notre Dame 21-7 in the fourth quarter. Michigan’s Hassan Haskins rushed for 149 yards. Attendance in Ann Arbor: 111,909

Boomer bust – Kansas State 48, Oklahoma 41 – (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, Kansas State 17). Oklahoma won the first quarter (17-7) and the fourth quarter (18-7). Kansas State won the second quarter (17-6) and the third quarter (17-0). Early in the fourth quarter, K-State led 48-23. Then OU scored 18 unanswered points. It was a game of spurts. From early in the third quarter to early in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats scored 24 unanswered points. Key for K-State was time of possession. The Wildcats controlled the ball for more than 38 minutes. OU’s Jalen Hurts was 19-for-26, passing for 395 yards. K-State quarterback Skylar Thompson rushed for four touchdowns. Attendance in Manhattan: 50,394

Dantonio in danger – Penn State 28, Michigan State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 20, Michigan State 14). The stats were reasonably close but Michigan State suffered from four turnovers. Penn State’s Sean Clifford had four touchdown passes. Attendance in East Lansing: 70,298

Thriller – Oregon 37, Washington State 35 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 37, Washington State 30). Oregon kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired to win the game. The game was close throughout – tied 17-17 at the halftime break. The Ducks had a balanced attack, while the Cougars only had 40 yards rushing. Washington State made up for it with 406 yards passing. But the Cougars’ Anthony Gordon threw two interceptions. Oregon’s C.J. Verdell rushed for 257 yards. Attendance in Eugene: 59,361

Sailors delight – Navy 41, Tulane 38 (Touchdown Tom said: Navy 29, Tulane 24). Navy jumped out to a 24-0 lead but Tulane came roaring back to tie the game at 31-31 early in the fourth quarter. The rest of the fourth quarter was a battle. Navy kicked a 48-yard field goal as time expired to win. The teams were pretty evenly matched in the stats, with Tulane the better passing team and Navy the better rushing team. Navy’s Jamale Carothers rushed for 154 yards and Malcolm Perry rushed for 142 yards. Attendance in Annapolis: 31,118

Unleashed – UCF 63, Temple 21 (Touchdown Tom said: UCF 30, Temple 27). A close game at the halftime break, UCF outscored Temple 35-0 in the second half. The Knights had 614 total yards to 266 for the Owls. Temple only had 45 yards rushing. The Knights’ Otis Anderson rushed for 205 yards. Attendance in Philadelphia: 29,949

Defense – Utah 35, California 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 26, California 14). Utah’s defense held Cal to 85 total yards – just 25 rushing and 60 passing. The Utes had 23 first downs to 6 for Cal. Utah maintained time of possession for more than 37 minutes. Attendance in Salt Lake City: 46,626

It wasn’t a Purdy party – Oklahoma State 34, Iowa State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 33, Oklahoma State 29). The game stayed close throughout but Oklahoma State never trailed. The Cyclones had 30 first downs to 14 for Okie State. Iowa State maintained time of possession for more than 34 minutes. But the Cyclones also had three turnovers – all interceptions thrown by Brock Purdy. The Cowboys’ Chuba Hubbard rushed for 116 yards.  Attendance in Ames: 61,500



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Peyton’s Place – Indiana 38, Nebraska 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 32, Indiana 28). The third quarter was the downfall for Nebraska. That’s when Indiana outscored the Huskers 15-3.Nebraska was the better rushing team. The Hoosiers were the better passing team. Indiana’s Peyton Ramsey passed for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Lincoln: 89,317



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Tarred – North Carolina 20, Duke 17 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 30, Duke 25). North Carolina broke the 17-17 tie with a 40-yard field goal with seven minutes left in the game. Both teams suffered three turnovers – one fumble and two interceptions each. Attendance in Chapel Hill: 50,500

Warts – TCU 37, Texas 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, TCU 23). The game was always close and was tied on three separate occasions. Texas suffered from four turnovers – all interceptions thrown by Sam Ehlinger. Attendance in Fort Worth: 47,660

Boilers need repair – Illinois 24, Purdue 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 30, Illinois 29). Neither team mustered much of an offense. Illinois only had 26 yards passing. The Banned Indians’ strength was its rushing game with 242 yards on the ground. Illinois’ Dre Brown rushed for 131 yards. Attendance in West Lafayette: 58,735

Week 9 Results:   8 winners, 6 fumbles (57.1 percent)
For The Season:  97 winners, 34 fumbles (74.1 percent)



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Miami 16, Pitt 12 – Attendance in Pittsburgh: 47,918
West Florida 38, Florida Tech 14 – Attendance in Melbourne: 2,215
Valparaiso 19, Stetson 10 – Attendance in Valparaiso: 878 

Butler 24, Jacksonville U. 14 – Attendance in Indianapolis: 3,484
Florida A&M 24, Morgan State 12 – Attendance in Baltimore: 2,786
Florida State 35, Syracuse 17 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 50,517
Florida Atlantic 41, Old Dominion 3 – Attendance in Norfolk: 17,744 

Middle Tennessee 50, FIU 17 – Attendance in Murfreesboro: 9,512
South Florida 45, East Carolina 20 – Attendance in Greenville: 30,088
South Carolina State 27, Bethune-Cookman 19 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 12,204 



Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Troy’s Kaleb Barker – 34-45-0 for 421 yards (2TDs); Kansas’ Carter Stanley – 26-37-1-415 (3TDs); Houston’s Clayton Tune – 18-35-1-407 (2TDs); USC’s Kedon Slovis – 30-44-1-406 (4TDs); Washington State’s Anthony Gordon – 32-50-2-406 (3TDs), and Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts – 19-26-0-395 (1TD).

Also, North Texas’ Mason Fine – 26-38-0 for 394 yards (5TDs); Indiana’s Peyton Ramsey – 27-40-1-351 (2TDs); Louisiana Tech’s J’Mar Smith – 29-35-0-338 (3TDs); Charlotte’s Chris Reynolds – 24-32-0-336 (3TDs); Colorado’s Steven Montez – 27-43-0-324 (3TDs); Colorado State’s Patrick O’Brien – 23-42-1-322 (2TDs), and LSU’s Joe Burrow – 32-42-1-321 (1TD).

Impressive Rushers:

Toledo’s Bryant Koback – 259 yards (2TDs); Oregon’s C.J. Verdell – 257 yards (3TDs); Georgia State’s Tra Barnett – 242 yards (2TDs); Wyoming’s Xazavian Valladay – 206 yards; UCF’s Otis Anderson – 205 yards (1TD); Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden – 204 yards (2TDs); New Mexico’s Ahmari Davis – 200 yards (2TDs), and Western Michigan’s LeVante Bellamy – 178 yards (4TDs).

Also, UCLA’s Joshua Kelley – 164 yards (4TDs); Connecticut’s Kevin Mensah – 164 yards (5TDs); Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins – 163 yards (2TDs); Navy’s Jamale Carothers – 159 yards (3TDs); Middle Tennessee’s Asher O’Hara – 159 yards (2TDs); Massachusetts’ Bilal Ally – 159 yards (2TDs); Northern Illinois’ Tre Harbison – 158 yards (2TDs), and Ball State’s Walter Fletcher – 156 yards (1TD).

Also, Tulsa’s Shamari Brooks – 156 yards (1TD); Charlotte’s Benny LeMay – 155 yards (2TDs); Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill – 151 yards; Michigan’s Hassan Haskins – 149 yards; Memphis’ Kenneth Gainwell – 149 yards (3TDS); Buffalo’s Jaret Patterson – 149 yards (1TD); Air Force’s Timothy Jackson – 148 yards (1TD); Miami of Ohio’s Tyre Shelton – 148 yards, and Fresno State’s Ronnie Rivers – 146 yards (2TDs).



Quotes of the Week

“If Willie Taggart was hit by a bus tomorrow, we would not target Urban Meyer, period. I say that with all due respect to coach Meyer. We would not target Steve Spurrier either,” Florida State athletic director David Coburn, denying rumors that FSU was going to hire Urban Meyer.

“Total crap. Fabricated to hurt recruiting. This is a choreographed message that comes up at this time every year before signing day. It’s people spreading messages to further their own personal agenda. But I’m on record right here, right now: I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying at Michigan. We have big plans here and there’s a lot we want to accomplish,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, on rumors he wants to leave for the NFL.

“It wasn’t quite as loud as it was at Florida,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, saying The Swamp was louder than Death Valley.

Signs of the Day

Last Time Corso Was In South Dakota Was With Lewis & Clark

I Only Drink Three Days A Week: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow



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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Florida (7-1) vs. Georgia (6-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Here we go again – the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. This year it has more meaning than it has for a while. Both teams are in the Top 10. Both teams are still candidates for the playoff. The loser will be out. The winner will still be in the running. Interesting note: Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has been the defensive coordinator for both teams in this game. Not all that long ago, Grantham was the DC at Georgia. Georgia’s offense has been non-existent in the Dawgs’ last two games. But they have had the week to get that problem corrected. The Gators’ offense has been like wine – improving with age. Pop the cork – Florida 27, Georgia 22.

RUNNER UP:  2. SMU (8-0) at Memphis (7-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – SMU is good but the pressure is mounting on the Mustangs. Key to SMU is how well quarterback Shane Buechele plays. Likewise for Memphis – how well Scott Brady plays. This could be a high-scoring affair. And a fun game. Tigers give the Ponies the Blues – Memphis 34, SMU 28.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Utah (7-1) at Washington (5-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – With one conference loss, the Utes are tied with USC for the Pac-12 South Division lead. Utah can’t afford another loss. The Huskies are just playing for respectability and a good bowl. But they have the home field. Utes defense should hold the Huskies’ offense. Harry sits – Utah 28, Washington 26. 

4. Oregon (7-1) at USC (5-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Both of these teams can score. Both have leaky defenses. USC coach Clay Helton is fighting for his job. Win and he’s in. One more loss and he’s out. Ducks put Helton on quacky ground – Oregon 33, USC 27. 

5. Virginia Tech (5-2) at Notre Dame (5-2) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – 2:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – While Notre Dame was getting smacked by Michigan, Virginia Tech had the week off. The Hokies will be rested. The Irish will be tired. Notre Dame bounced back after the Georgia loss. The Irish bounce back again – Notre Dame 28, Virginia Tech 19.

6. NC State (4-3) at Wake Forest (6-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – What if Wake Forest were to win-out – beating Clemson and winning the ACC title? Does that put them in the playoff? First they have to beat the Wolfpack. They do – Wake Forest 30, NC State 21.

7. TCU (4-3) at Oklahoma State (5-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Both teams pulled off big upsets last week. Only one can win this week. This could be a “u-pick ’em.” I pick the Cowboys – Oklahoma State 29, TCU 27.

8. Virginia (5-3) at North Carolina (4-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Virginia was picked to win the ACC Coastal Division. They still can. But the Cavs have been disappointing. North Carolina has been all over the place. The Cavs put them in their place – Virginia 27, North Carolina 24.

9. Miami (Florida) (4-4) at Florida State (4-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – It’s always fun when these two get together. Although the game hasn’t been very important in recent years. Only pride comes into play. The Noles have more pride – Florida State 23, Miami 20. 

10. West Virginia (3-4) at Baylor (7-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – Both teams have had a week and a half to prepare for this one. Baylor probably doesn’t have to prepare as much as WVU does. The Bears have been playing well. The Mounties have barely been playing. This Bear escapes the hunt – Baylor 34, West Virginia 17. 



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

11. Houston (3-5) at UCF (6-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – UCF has lost two games by a total of four points. That’s all that separates them from an undefeated season. Dillon Gabriel has been performing well as UCF’s quarterback. The Knights are loaded with good running backs. Houston will be overwhelmed. The Knights redshirt Dana – UCF 36, Houston 17. 



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS

Nebraska (4-4) at Purdue (2-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – What does Nebraska need to do to win? Play Purdue. That’s what they need to do. It’s hard to believe Purdue coach Jeff Brohm is the highest paid coach in the Big Ten. But he is. He must have fed a good line to the Boilers. The Huskers feed off Brohm’s line –   Nebraska 30, Purdue 27.

Duke (4-4) and Texas (5-3) are off.



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Old Dominion (1-7) at FIU (4-4) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Stetson (5-2) at Jacksonville U. (2-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
West Alabama (4-4) at Florida Tech (3-5) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 2 pm ET, Saturday…. 

Delaware State (1-7) at Florida A&M (7-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Florida Atlantic (5-3) at Western Kentucky (5-3) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
North Greenville (3-5) at West Florida (6-1) – ( vs. Gulf South) – 5 pm ET, Saturday….

Bethune-Cookman (6-2) and South Florida (4-4) are off.



Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com



P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but there were three passings of note last week – Willie Brown, Bernie Parrish and John Conyers.

Willie Brown, a Hall of Fame defensive back for the Oakland Raiders in the 1960s and 70s, died last week in Tracy, California. He was 78. Brown joined the Raiders in a trade in 1967. He played on the Raiders’ team that won the Super Bowl in 1977. William Ferdie Brown was born on December 2, 1040, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He attended Grambling State, where he played split end and linebacker for Eddie Robinson. Brown went undrafted in 1963 by both the National Football League and the American Football League. Eventually, he was signed by the Denver Broncos of the AFL. The Broncos traded Brown to Oakland in 1967. After retiring from football, he became the Raiders’ defensive backfield coach from 1979 to 1988. During that time, Oakland won two more Super Bowls in 1981 and 1984. In 1991, Brown was the head coach of Long Beach State. The school dropped its football program at the end of the season. Brown got his master’s degree at Long Beach State. In 1994, he coached a high school team in Los Angeles. Brown returned to the Raiders in 1995 as director of staff development.

Bernie Parrish, a former college and professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League and American Football League for eight seasons during the 1950s and 1960s, died last week in Springfield, Missouri. He was 83. Bernard Paul Parrish was born on April 29, 1936, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Gainesville, Florida, where he graduated from P.K. Yonge High School and the University of Florida. In the NFL, Parrish played for the Cleveland Browns 1964 NFL championship team. He was indicted into both the University of Florida’s and Cleveland Browns’ Hall of Fames. In 1971, Parrish wrote the bestseller “They Call It A Game.” He was an early advocate of retired NFL players receiving redress for their football-related traumatic brain injuries. In the NFL, Parrish played seven years for the Browns (1959-1965) and one season for the Houston Oilers (1966). He played halfback and defensive back for the Gators.

John Conyers, a Korean War veteran who was the longest serving African-American member of Congress in U.S. history, died yesterday. He was 90. During his 53 years in the U.S. House, Conyers built a reputation as a champion for civil and human rights. The Detroit Democrat was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969. Conyers resigned from Congress in December 1917 amid allegations of sexual harassment. He was first elected to Congress in 1964. Conyers had bachelor’s and a law degrees from Wayne State University.

College Football Week 9 – Tua out; back for LSU game?

To Paducah and back,
Just in time for football


To serious quilters in this country, there are four Meccas – Sisters, Oregon; Hamilton, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky, and the Houston Quilt Show.

Swamp Mama, a serious quilter, had been to two of those. As of last week, she has now been to three of the four Meccas. In June 2011, I took her to Sisters, during our nine-day drive around the state of Oregon. In October 2017, she visited Hamilton, during our several-days drive around the state of Missouri, with our Nebraska friends – Sue and Dave Brolhorst.

Last week, Swamp Mama and I drove to Paducah, Kentucky, so she could visit the National Quilt Museum and several quilt shops in the area. The idea and decision to make the trip kind of popped up on the spur of the moment just a few weeks prior. But you can do things like that when you are retired. Just take off when you want to.

My only requirement was we had to do it between football weekends. Not a problem. We left home on a Monday morning. Now you know why you got last week’s CFW on Sunday night. And we arrived back home on Friday afternoon.

Monday, we drove to Adairsville, Georgia, north of Atlanta. The scourge of every Floridian driving to the north central area of the U.S. is the fear and angst of driving through Atlanta. There is no way of escaping it. Unless you drive out of your way hundreds of miles, you have to drive through Atlanta. And I think most of us know what that is like.

I hadn’t driven through the Atlanta area in years. All my recent drives up north have been on Interstate 95 to more eastern destinations. So I have to tell you, I didn’t know what to expect.

Well, it was a breeze. Swamp Mama and I arrived in the Atlanta area on Interstate 75 late in the afternoon. At that time of the day, the heavy traffic was heading south – out of Atlanta. We were heading north – into Atlanta.

Instead of going through the city, I took I-285 around the westside of the Atlanta. The traffic was busy, but moving. North of Atlanta, at the intersection of I-285 and I-75, I picked up the “Express Lane.” The traffic heading north on I-75 out of Atlanta was bottled up – moving an inch a minute. However, I flew up the “Express Lane” – moving 75 miles an hour.

Our neighbors, Russ and Sandy Grunewald, told me about the “Express Lane” and that it accepts “Florida SunPass,” a prepaid toll program. I had my “SunPass” transponder attached to the windshield.

Actually, the problem areas were Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Nashville. We left Adairsville, Georgia, Tuesday morning and hit the Chattanooga area about an hour later. We entered on Interstate 75 and made the connection onto Interstate 24 going around the town. The combination of rush hour commuters and massive road construction on the Interstate made for many delays and stops. There was just one lane of traffic open for a while.

Nashville was a mess too. I knew to take Briley Parkway around the east side of the city, rejoining Interstate 24 north of Nashville. But I thought what the heck, I’ll stay on I-24 through town. I thought the morning rush hour would be over. Well, that was a mistake – a big one. I don’t think rush hour is ever over in Nashville.

Oh well, the trials and tribulations.

As we traveled Tuesday morning, I was listening to “The 60s on 6” on Sirius XM Radio. Phlash Phelps was the DJ. Somewhere on Interstate 24 between Chattanooga, Tennessee and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a lady from Lincoln, Nebraska, called Phlash. She commented on some 60s band and they chatted a little bit.

As they were talking, Phlash said to her, “How’s your football team doing?”

After a few seconds of dead silence, the lady from Lincoln, Nebraska said, “Can’t we talk about something else?”

Well, wouldn’t you know it, three or four songs later, a man from Norman, Oklahoma, called Phlash Phelps. They chatted for a while. As they talked, the man appeared to be getting a little irritated. Finally, the man from Norman, Oklahoma said to Phlash, “Aren’t you going to ask me about my football team?”

I think I was still laughing, as we traversed through Nashville.

Crossing from Tennessee into Kentucky on Interstate 24, the condition of the highway deteriorates considerably. I was thinking to myself, “Don’t they have civil engineers in Kentucky?”

Or, “Maybe the state doesn’t have any money.” Or, “Both.”

Anyway, we made it too Paducah. Swamp Mama was in a state of intense happiness and bliss. She was in seventh heaven.

The best part of the National Quilt Museum for me was “Quilts of Valor – A 50 State Salute” exhibit. The Quilts of Valor Foundation was established in 2003 to present a quilt to every American serviceman – active or veteran – who has been touched by war. Every state participates in the program and every state has a quilt. Today, more than 200,000  Quilts of Valor have been presented to wounded American servicemen. Each of the unique 50 state quilts were on display at the National Quilt Museum.

At lunch on Wednesday, I have to tell you that Swamp Mama and I had two of the best sandwiches we have ever eaten. Mine was a grilled fried-green tomato BLT and Swamp Mama’s was a grilled pimento-cheese and bacon sandwich. To make lunch even better, we accompanied our sandwiches with the best French onion soup we have ever had. The lunch spot was Kirchoff’s Deli and Bakery in Paducah.

Later in the day on Wednesday, I had the best ever chocolate chip cookie. It was a sweet and salty, caramel, dark-chocolate chip cookie from a bakery called Confleur.

For you Tennesseans out there, Paducah, Kentucky, is where the Tennessee River empties into the Ohio River.

The two of us bid farewell to Paducah on Thursday morning and began our trek back to Florida. The Thursday drive took us from Paducah to Tifton, Georgia. Traveling through Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta was basically a charm – we sailed. I took the Briley Parkway in Nashville this time

Following an overnight in Tifton, Swamp Mama and I arrived home around midday on Friday – just in time for a football weekend.

I can’t believe I began writing this football blog with quilts as the subject matter. But I must admit the combination of the two – football and quilts – made me think of former Penn State defensive lineman Roosevelt Grier. After his Penn State days in the 1950s, Rosey went on to become an All-Pro, playing for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. Then, of all things, after retiring from football, Grier took up needlepoint and macramé as a hobby. He even wrote a book about it.

And speaking of Penn State, the Nittany Lions sure added to Jim Harbaugh’s woes Saturday night. In the Game of the Week, amidst a white-out in Beaver Stadium, Penn State slapped a 28-21 defeat on Michigan.

At one point, it looked like the game was going to be a rout. With 7:22 to go in the second quarter, Penn State scored its third touchdown and went up 21-0 on the Wolverines. But Michigan did come back. With 1:05 to go in the third quarter, the Wolverines scored and trailed the Nitts, 21-14.

About three minutes later, Penn State scored and increased its lead to 14 points again at 28-14. Less than five minutes later, Michigan scored and trailed 28-21 with 8:48 remaining in the game. But the Nitts held on to win.

The loss for the Wolverines was Michigan’s second this season, dropping them to 5-2. Even more damaging to Michigan, it was the second conference loss for the Wolverines. Ohio State and Penn State are still undefeated in Big Ten play and overall. Ohio State hosts Penn State on November 23 in Columbus. Stay tuned!

And speaking of Big Ten play, how about Illinois? How about those Banned Indians? Illinois’ James McCourt kicked a 39-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Banned Indians a 24-23 upset win over Wisconsin. It was the Badgers first loss of the season.

Most perplexing, Wisconsin maintained possession of the ball for almost 41 minutes. Illinois never led in the entire game until McCourt’s game-winning field goal as the clock expired. Wisconsin’s loss leaves Minnesota as the only undefeated team in the Big Ten West Division. The Gophers toppled Rutgers on Saturday, 42-7.

Wisconsin wasn’t the only team to suffer a big-time upset. In the SEC, Vanderbilt, yes Vandy, knocked off Missouri, 21-14. It was Missouri’s first loss and Vanderbilt’s fist win in SEC play. And the Commodores didn’t win off of Missouri turnovers. Each team had one turnover. Vandy simply outplayed the Tigers.

Elsewhere in the SEC, Florida was on the verge of losing to South Carolina until the fourth quarter. That’s when the Gators outscored the Gamecocks 21-7 and won the game 38-27. After looking like a champ last week, South Carolina coach Will Muschamp has fallen back to the moniker Will Mustake, as he was erupting and popping corpuscles on the sideline.

Georgia, losers to South Carolina last week, managed to beat Kentucky, 21-0. But the Dawgs are still searching for an offense, especially a passing offense. That’s not the case with LSU and Alabama. LSU’s offense is still rolling. The Tigers dumped Mississippi State, 36-13. Joe Burrow passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense suffered a setback, but survived, as the Tide took care of Tennessee, 35-13. Bama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the game late in the second quarter with a high-ankle sprain.

In the Big 12, Oklahoma’s offense is still rolling, but the Sooner Schooner isn’t. OU passed and ran past West Virginia, 52-14. Jalen Hurts passed for 316 yards, scoring three touchdowns and rushed for 75 yards scoring two more touchdowns. Hurts was 16-for-17 passing.

While Hurts was at the top of his game, OU’s Sooner Schooner was at the bottom of its game. Making a sharp turn around the field, following an Oklahoma touchdown, the Schooner wagon flipped over on its side, tossing its two occupants onto the field. The Sooner Schooner, the official mascot of the Oklahoma football team, failed to make another appearance after the mishap.

Also in the Big 12, Iowa State, following a 2-2 start, won its third-straight game. The Cyclones downed Texas Tech in Lubbock, 34-24. Brock Purdy passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Baylor remained undefeated. The Bears toppled Oklahoma State in Stillwater, 45-27.

But the interesting game in the Big 12 took place in Austin. Heavily favored Texas had to kick a 33-yard field goal as time expired to subdue lowly Kansas, 50-48. Until the end, the Mad Hatter was working his magic.

Thursday night, the Pac-12 got the weekend off to an early start. In Palo Alto, UCLA stunned Stanford, 34-16. The Bruins held the Trees to 198 total yards, while UCLA running back Joshua Kelley rushed for 192 yards.

In the Pac-12’s second stunner, Oregon State surprised California. The Beavers beat the Bears, 21-17. The win was Oregon State’s second this season in Pac-12 play – the first time since 2016 that the Beavers have had two wins in the conference. In the Pac-12’s feature game, Oregon scored with 5:10 left to knock off Washington in Seattle, 35-31.

North Carolina and Virginia Tech had a wild affair in the ACC. It took the Hokies six overtimes to finally beat the Tar Heels, 43-41. The score was 31-31 at the end of regulation. The game marked the debut of college football’s new overtime rules, which call for going for two points after the fourth overtime. No more starting at the 25-yard line after four OTs.

Georgia Tech and Miami (Florida) also played an overtime game. But it only took the Yellow Jackets one overtime to down the Hurricanes, 28-21. The win was Georgia Tech’s first in ACC play this season. Meanwhile, Miami continues to falter under first-year coach Manny Diaz.

Florida State continues to suffer too. The Seminoles fell to Wake Forest, 22-20. The Deacons’ Nick Sciba kicked a 25-yard field goal with 4:18 left and Wake Forest held on to win.

A third team lost for the first time Saturday. It wasn’t necessarily a big-time upset, like the other two (Wisconsin and Missouri), but it was an upset none the less. Boise State fell to a 2-4 BYU, 28-25. Boise State’s loss is detrimental to the Broncos’ chances of making a New Year’s Six bowl game as the top rated Group of Five team in the CFP poll.

Replacing Boise State as the top-rated Group of Five team is SMU. The Mustangs remained undefeated, beating Temple, 45-21. SMU quarterback Shane Buechele passed for 457 yards and six touchdowns. Also in the AAC, Memphis remained a contender. The Tigers downed Tulane, 47-17. Memphis quarterback Brady White passed for 358 yards and five touchdowns.

After Week Eight, 10 teams remain undefeated – eight Power Five teams and two Group of Five teams. The Power Five teams are Clemson (7-0) from the ACC, Baylor (7-0) and Oklahoma (7-0) from the Big 12, Minnesota (7-0), Ohio State (7-0) and Penn State (7-0) from the Big Ten and Alabama (7-0) and LSU (7-0) from the SEC.

The two Group of Five teams are SMU (7-0) from the AAC, and Appalachian State (6-0) from the Sun Belt.

This week, Clemson (Boston College), Oklahoma (at Kansas State), Minnesota (Maryland), Alabama (Arkansas), SMU (at Houston) and Appalachian State (at South Alabama) should roll. However, it could be interesting for three of the undefeated teams – Ohio State hosts Wisconsin, Penn State travels to Michigan State and LSU entertains Auburn. Stay tuned!

Baylor is off this week.

My Top Four teams in alphabetical order are Alabama, LSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma. Breathing down their throats are Penn State and Clemson. Waiting in the wings are Baylor and Minnesota.

My three top players for the Heisman Trophy in alphabetical order are Joe Burrow (LSU), Justin Fields (Ohio State) and Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma).

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa should be out for two weeks with his high-ankle sprain. He had surgery for the sprain on Sunday morning. Bama doesn’t need him this week against Arkansas. The Tide could beat the Razorbacks with Paul Finebaum at quarterback. Alabama is off the following week – November 2. Then comes the meeting with LSU – November 9.

Last week, the Heisman Trophy won by Ricky Williams in 1998 sold for $504,000. Williams played for Texas.  The $504,000 is a record for Heisman Trophy sales. The previous record for a Heisman Trophy sale was set when Tim Brown’s 1987 trophy sold for $435,763 last December. Brown played for Notre Dame. When you need the money, you need the money.

News reports have Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead as the No. 1 candidate for the opening at Rutgers.

So now, to complete the quad, all Swamp Mama needs to do is visit the Houston Quilt Show. It’s held around the end of October/first of November every year. She may have to wait until 2021, as I have my Navy reunion in late October next year.

And what else would you expect from Rockledge Gator. Two weeks ago, at the Auburn-Florida game, when I told him Swamp Mama and I were going to Paducah, he responded by saying, “Remember the Duke of Paducah?”

“No.”

Rockledge remembers all those pre-1960 entertainers. The Duke of Paducah was actually Benjamin Francis Ford, a country music comedian, radio host and banjo layer. A regular on the Grand Ole Opry, he was big in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Interestingly, the Duke of Paducah wasn’t born in Paducah nor did he ever live there. He was born in Missouri and grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He always ended his show by saying, “I’m going back to the wagon, boys, these shoes are killin’ me.”

Obviously, the Duke of Paducah never rode on the Sooner Schooner wagon.

Touchdown Tom
October 21, 2019
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com



Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK:  The Lions Roar – Penn State 28, Michigan 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 24, Michigan 16). What’s wrong with this picture? Michigan had 26 first downs to 14 for Penn State. Michigan had 417 total yards to 293 for Penn State. Michigan had 141 rushing yards to 111 for Penn State. Michigan had 276 passing yards to 182 for Penn State. Michigan maintained time of possession for almost 38 minutes. Yet Penn State won the game. Attendance in University Park: 110,689

RUNNER UP:  These Devils weren’t hot – Utah 21, Arizona State 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Utah 30, Arizona State 23). Utah’s defense dominated. The Utes held Arizona State to only eight first downs, only 136 total yards and only 25 passing yards. All of this in spite of the fact that Utah had four turnovers. Attendance in Salt Lake City: 46,402

REST OF THE BEST:  Quack attack – Oregon 35, Washington 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Washington 30). Except for about five minutes in the first quarter, Washington never trailed in the game until the last five minutes of the game. The teams were well-matched in the stats – pretty even. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 280 yards and four touchdowns, while Washington quarterback Jacob Eason passed for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Washington running back Salvon Ahmed rushed for 140 yards. Attendance in Seattle: 70,867

The Ponies are for real – SMU 45, Temple 21 (Touchdown Tom said: SMU 30, Temple 27). SMU amassed 655 total yards and 34 first downs to 273 and 15 for Temple. The Mustangs defense held Temple to 69 yards rushing. SMU quarterback Shane Buechele passed for 457 yards and six touchdowns. Attendance in Dallas: 23,132

No Wave – Memphis 47, Tulane 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Memphis 34, Tulane 27). Three turnovers – all interceptions – befuddled Tulane. Memphis quarterback Brady White passed for 358 yards and five touchdowns. Attendance in Memphis: 30,221

The Bears have it – Baylor 45, Oklahoma State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 27, Oklahoma State 25). Tight game in the first half. Oklahoma State led 13-10 at the break. Then Baylor outscored the Pokes 35-14 in the second half. Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer passed for 312 yards. Bears running back JaMycal Hasty rushed for 146 yards, while Okie State running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 171 yards. Attendance in Stillwater: 55,060

It Hurts – Oklahoma 52, West Virginia 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 41, West Virginia 20). Again, WVU has hurting for a running game. The Mounties only had 51 yards rushing. Oklahoma had 560 total yards. Jalen Hurts was responsible for 391 of those yards – passing for 316 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Norman: 82,620

Mustake comes through in the pinch – Florida 38, South Carolina 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 24, South Carolina 22). As the fourth quarter began, South Carolina led Florida, 20-17. The Gators outscored the Gamecocks 21-7 in the final 15 minutes. Florida scored 21 unanswered points to go up 38-20. South Carolina scored a “who cares” touchdown with 1:53 left in the game. South Carolina running back Tavien Feaster rushed for 175 yards. Attendance in Columbia: 78,883

Dookless in Charlottesville – Virginia 48, Duke 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 30, Duke 21). The Dookies had five turnovers – three fumbles and two interceptions. Neither team had much offense. They combined for only 557 total yards. Attendance in Charlottesville: 52,847

Southern missed – Louisiana Tech 45, Southern Miss 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana Tech 29, Southern Miss 26). At half time, Southern Miss led 27-24. The third quarter was scoreless. Then La Tech outscored the Eagles, 21-3 in the fourth quarter. Southern Miss quarterback Jack Abraham threw four interceptions. Attendance in Ruston: 23,419



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

Brock Purdy held a block party – Iowa State 34, Texas Tech 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 33, Texas Tech 31). The teams combined for 971 total yards. The Cyclones had most of them. Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Cyclones running back Breece Hall rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Lubbock: 52,315



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Dull – Georgia 21, Kentucky 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Kentucky 15). Boring game in the first half. The score was 0-0 at the break. Neither team had any offense – least of all Kentucky. The Wildcats only had 180 totals yards – only 17 yards passing. Georgia wasn’t much better with only 35 yards passing. The Dawgs did find a ground attack. D’Andre Swift rushed for 179 yards. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

Wild one – Texas 50, Kansas 48 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 37, Kansas 17). As the fourth quarter began, the game was tied, 24-24. The Longhorns’ Cameron Dicker kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired to win the game. The teams combined for 1,207 total yards. Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger passed for 399 yards and four touchdowns. Kansas running back Pooka Williams rushed for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Austin: 97,137

The Hawkeyes are back in the winning column – Iowa 26, Purdue 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Purdue 23). Purdue has had rushing problems all season. Against Iowa, the Boilers only had 33 yards rushing. Iowa maintained time of possession for almost 36 minutes. The game wasn’t quite as close as the score indicates. Purdue’s final touchdown came with 24 seconds left in the game. But the fourth quarter was frantic, with 23 points put on the board in the final 15 minutes.  Attendance in Iowa City: 69,250

Week 8 Results:  14 winners, 0 fumbles (100 percent)
For the Season:   89 winners, 28 fumbles (76.1 percent)



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Marshall 36, Florida Atlantic 31 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 15,138
Georgia Tech 28, Miami 21 (OT) – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 54,106
Stetson 38, Dayton 21 – Attendance in Deland: 1,407
Davidson 49, Jacksonville U. 14 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 2,732 

West Florida 30, West Georgia 2 – Attendance in Carrollton: 1,092
Valdosta State 55, Florida Tech 28 – Attendance in Valdosta: 4,631
Navy 35, South Florida 3 – Attendance in Annapolis: 29,774
Bethune-Cookman 35, Norfolk State 22 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 2,135 

Florida A&M 34, North Carolina A&T 31 (OT) – Attendance in Tallahassee: 1,061
FIU 32, UTEP 17 – Attendance in Miami: 13,951
UCF 41, East Carolina 28 – Attendance in Orlando: 42,906
Wake Forest 22, Florida State 20 – Attendance in Winston-Salem: 24,782



Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

SMU’s Shane Buechele – 30-53-1 for 457 yards (6TDs); Hawaii’s Cole McDonald – 34-52-1-404 (3TDs); Texas’ Sam Ehlinger – 31-44-1-399 (4TDs); Iowa State’s Brock Purdy – 23-32-1-378 (3TDs), and North Texas’ Mason Fine – 33-45-2-375 (1TD).

Also, Washington State’s Anthony Gordon – 35-51-1 for 369 yards (4TDs); UCF’s Dillon Gabriel – 22-35-0-365 (2TDs); (Florida Atlantic’s Chris Robinson – 21-39-1-362 (1TD); Memphis’ Brady White – 21-29-0-358 (5TDs); Eastern Michigan’s Preston Hutchinson – 31-36-0-357 (3TDs), and Liberty’s Stephen Calvert – 23-35-0-351 (5TDs).

Also, North Carolina’s Sam Howell – 26-49-0 for 348 yards (5TDs); Ohio’s Nathan O’Rourke – 19-28-0-342 (2TDs); LSU’s Joe Burrow – 25-32-0-327 (4TDs); Purdue’s Jack Plummer – 30-50-1-327 (2RDs), and Louisiana Tech’s J’mar Smith – 14-21-1-325 (1TD).

Impressive Rushers:

Marshall’s Brenden Knox – 224 yards (2TDs); Boston College’s A.J. Dillon – 223 yards (3TDs); Clemson’s Travis Etienne – 192 yards (1TD); Kansas’ Pooka Williams – 190 yards (2TDs); Navy’s Malcolm Perry – 188 yards (2TDs); Iowa State’s Breece Hall – 183 yards (2TDs), and Georgia’s D’Andre Swift – 179 yards (2TDs).

Also, UCLA’s Joshua Kelley – 176 yards (1TD); South Carolina’s Tavien Feaster – 175 yards (1TD); Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard – 171 yards (2TDs); Arkansas State’s Marcel Murray – 164 yards; Maryland’s Javon Leake – 158 yards (2TDs); Florida State’s Cam Akers – 157 yards (1TD), and Baylor’s JaMycal Hasty – 146 yards 2TDs).



Quotes of the Week

“There’s a high school team in Arkansas that does an onside kick for every kickoff and never punts. If we could do that and never give Alabama the football, that would be a great game plan,” Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt, on his game plan prior to the Alabama game.

“You heard it from the fans all offseason – with a second-year in coach X’s system we’ll start to see results on the field. The culture has been built. The payoff is near. Here’s the update on that: It’s not working for Scott Frost at Nebraska. Or Chip Kelly at UCLA. Or Willie Taggart at Florida State. Or Jeremy Pruitt at Tennessee. Or Chad Morris at Arkansas. Or Joe Moorhead at Mississippi State. Or Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M. Their combined record in Year 2: 18-25. Their combined record against Power Five competition: 8-19. Their combined salary in Year 2: $31.35 million. It is, however, working for Sonny Dykes, 6-0, at SMU. And Dan Mullen, 6-1, at Florida. And Herm Edwards, 5-1, at Arizona State,” Yahoo Sports college football analyst Pat Forde.

“The SEC Championship Game, national championship two years ago, this game (South Carolina-Georgia). There are several, there’s a large enough sample size for us to see this now and go, you know, Kirby is costing his team in big-time crunch situation games,” former Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason, saying that Kirby Smart got caught with his pants down again.

“No, it’s not something that is under consideration. My focus is here at Mississippi State. This is where we want to be. That’s is what we’re going to do,” Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead, on rumors he is the No. 1 candidate for the Rutgers job.

“The guy ran 40 yards away and dropped the flag. I have no idea. I’d rather him drop it on my feet. Drop it on my feet next time. Gutless,” South Carolina coach Will Muschamp on his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the Florida game.



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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Auburn (6-1) at LSU (7-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – The pressure is on LSU. It’s hard to stay undefeated. Auburn has already had a loss. So the Tigers should be a little more relaxed. But, Bo Nix is a freshman; Joe Burrow is not – LSU 30, Auburn 24.

RUNNER UP:  2. Wisconsin (6-1) at Ohio State (7-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Obviously, Wisconsin was caught looking ahead to Ohio State at Illinois last week. How else can you explain it? With Justin Fields, Ohio State rules. Miracles never cease to happen, but there will be no miracles in Columbus on Saturday – Ohio State 28, Wisconsin 16.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Notre Dame (5-1) at Michigan (5-2) – (Ind. vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Can Jim Harbaugh survive if Michigan loses to Notre Dame? I doubt it. While the Wolverines were wearing themselves out against Penn State, the Irish were relaxing. Notre Dame should be well rested. Harbaugh doesn’t survive –  Notre Dame 27, Michigan 24.

4. Oklahoma (7-0) at Kansas State (4-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Kansas State could give the Sooners some fits. But Jalen Hurts will give the Wildcats more fits. Sooner Schooner stays home this week. But the football team doesn’t –  Oklahoma 35, Kansas State 17.

5. Penn State (7-0) at Michigan State (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Now, Penn State could have a letdown following the big win over Michigan. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio has been under attack. He should be angry. Angry can be dangerous. But even if there is a letdown by the Nitts, the Michigan State offense won’t master the Penn State defense. Nittany survives – Penn State 20, Michigan State 14.

6. Washington State (4-3) at Oregon (6-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Oregon just beat Washington. Now the Ducks have to beat the other Washington team – the crazy one. It should be wild. But the Ducks prevail – Oregon 37, Washington State 30.

7. Tulane (5-2) at Navy (5-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – Tulane has already defeated Army. But Navy is a different story. The Green Wave are a good team, but they seem to be wearing down. Navy seems to be getting better. Malcolm Perry has a heyday – Navy 29, Tulane 24. 

8. UCF (5-2) at Temple (5-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – After suffering two losses, UCF is coming back. But Temple will give them a fight. The Knights struggle a bit then win – UCF 30, Temple 27.

9. California (4-3) at Utah (6-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Cal can play defense. But Utah plays better defense. And the Utes have a better offense. Still, this one could have some interesting moments. More interesting for the Utes – Utah 26, California 14.

10. Oklahoma State (4-3) at Iowa State (5-2) – ( Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Iowa State is on a roll. The Cyclones had a tough start, but they have their act together now. Okie State is still trying to get it together – Iowa State 33, Oklahoma State 29.



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

11. Indiana (5-2) at Nebraska (4-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – After a week of rest in the cornfields, the Huskers should be a renewed team. Indiana can score but the Hoosiers have no defense. Neither does Nebraska. But it holds its own against the Hoosiers – Nebraska 32, Indiana 28. 



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Duke (4-3) at North Carolina (3-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – The Dookies often start the season out strong and then peter out. Although, after six overtimes, North Carolina should be petered out. That was tiresome watching it – six overtimes. Regardless, the Tar Heels prevail – North Carolina 30, Duke 25.

Texas (5-2) at TCU (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Texas can’t afford to play against TCU the way they did against Kansas. If the Horns do, they will lose. The Horns get their act together – Texas 33, TCU 23.

Illinois (3-4) at Purdue (2-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, BTN – Purdue was respectable in its loss to Iowa. And you figure Illinois will still be hungover from the win against Wisconsin. Yeah, the Banned Indians have a hangover – Purdue 30, Illinois 29.

Florida (7-1), Georgia (6-1) and West Virginia (3-4) are off.



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Miami (3-4) at Pitt (5-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday ,ESPN….
West Florida (5-1) at Florida Tech (3-4) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Stetson (5-1) at Valparaiso (0-7) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Jacksonville U. (2-5) at Butler (1-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday…. 

Florida A&M (5-1) at Morgan State (1-6) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Syracuse (3-4) at Florida State (3-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2....

Florida Atlantic (4-3) at Old Dominion (1-6) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
FIU (4-3) at Middle Tennessee (2-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, NFLN…. 

South Florida (3-4) at East Carolina (3-4) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:45 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU….
South Carolina State (4-2) at Bethune-Cookman (6-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com 

P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but as the days were getting shorter, the nights were getting colder, the leaves were falling, the frost was on the pumpkins, and Halloween was just around the corner, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1944 was “You Always Hurt The One You Love” by The Mills Brothers, and “(There’ll Be A) Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin (When The Yanks Go Marching In)” by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters

…70 years ago this week in 1949 was “That Lucky Old Sun” by Frankie Lane

…65 years ago this week in 1954 was “Hey There” by Rosemary Clooney

…60 years ago this week in 1959 was “Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darin

…55 years ago this week in 1964 was “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” by Manfred Mann

…50 years ago this week in 1969 was “I Can’t Get Next To You” by The Temptations

…45 years ago this week in 1974 was “Nothing From Nothing” by Billy Preston, and “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners

…40 years ago this week in 1979 was “Rise” by Herb Alpert

…35 years ago this week in 1984 was “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder

…30 years ago this week in 1989 was “Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson

…25 years ago this week in 1994 was ““I’ll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Men



Not exactly college football related, but there was one passing of note last week – Elijah Cummings.

Representative Elijah Cummings, a son of sharecroppers who rose to become one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress, died last week in his hometown of Baltimore. He was 68. Cummings was serving his 13^th term in the House. Elijah Eugene Cummings was born on January 18, 1951, in Baltimore. His parents were former sharecroppers from South Carolina. Cummings graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University in Washington, DC, with a degree in political science. He was student government president at Howard. He earned a law degree from the University of Maryland.

College Football Week 8 – Jerry Jones wants Lincoln Riley

Half Heaven - Half Heartache 

We’re halfway through the season and for some teams, it’s half heaven. For others, it’s half heartache.

For Georgia, it was more than half heartache Saturday. It was pure heartburn. The Dawgs couldn’t do anything right in a double-overtime, 20-17 (2OT), loss to South Carolina. It was Georgia’s first loss of the season. Dawg fans sat and watched with stunned looks on their faces, as Georgia came up short again and again on drives and opportunities during the game.

It was like, “When is this nonsense going to end. This is South Carolina for gosh sakes. Georgia should be beating the Gamecocks by three or four touchdowns.”

Georgia placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship missed two of three field goal attempts – his first misses of the season. Blankenship’s second missed field goal was a 42-yard attempt in the second overtime.

Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm threw three interceptions. He only completed 54.9% of his passes. Actually, Georgia moved the ball pretty well between the 20s. But when the Dawgs got in or near the red zone, they fell apart. South Carolina’s defense stumped Georgia throughout the game.

Make no mistake about it, Will Mustake was a champ as he was back to being Will Muschamp. On the other hand, there was nothing smart about Kirby Smart. He was Kirby Dumb.

Three other teams experienced half heartaches on Saturday, all losing for the first time. Like Georgia, it was pure heartburn for Florida, as the Gators fell to LSU, 42-28. But unlike Georgia, the Gators weren’t favored in their game against the Tigers.

For most of the three quarters, Florida hung with LSU. The game was tied 28-28 late in the third quarter. Then it all began to unravel for the Gators. The offense sputtered and the defense softened. The Florida defense, that looked so strong against Auburn the week before, ran out of gas.

Basketball season has begun already in the ACC. Louisville beat Wake Forest, 62-59. Actually, it wasn’t a basketball game. It was a football game. And it was Wake Forest’s first loss of the season. Just like that, the Demon Deacons went from half heaven to half heartache, halfway through the season.

Louisville led Wake Forest 52-31 with 9:14 left in the game. But the Deacons rallied and trailed by only three points, 55-52, with 3:37 remaining. Two more touchdowns, one by each team, were scored in the final three minutes of the game. Wake Forest entered the contest a solid favorite to beat Louisville. But like Georgia and Florida, the Demon Deacons are no longer undefeated.

Memphis entered its game against Temple undefeated. But when the contest was over, the Tigers were experiencing half heartache – perhaps heartburn. The Owls beat Memphis, 30-28. Like Wake Forest, the Tigers trailed Temple throughout the game – by as much as 16 points on a couple of occasions. But, like Wake Forest, Memphis’ second-half rally came up short.

So, halfway through the season, four teams – Georgia, Florida, Wake Forest, and Memphis – experienced half heartache, losing for the first time.

However, halfway through the season, 12 teams are still experiencing half heaven. They are the 12 remaining undefeated teams. They are halfway to paradise. Six of the 12 teams – Alabama (6-0), Clemson (6-0), Wisconsin (6-0), Minnesota (6-0), Appalachian State (5-0) and Boise State (6-0) – won easily over the weekend. Four teams – LSU (6-0), Oklahoma (6-0), Penn State (6-0) and Baylor (6-0) – had tough games, and two teams – Ohio State (6-0) and SMU (6-0) – were off.

Alabama took care of business in College Station. The Crimson Tide bested Texas A&M, 47-28. Clemson trounced Florida State, 45-14. Wisconsin devastated Michigan State, 38-0. Minnesota had a surprisingly easy time with Nebraska. The Gophers downed the Huskers, 34-7. Appalachian State was routine against Louisiana. The Little Mountaineers beat the Ragin’ Cajuns, 17-7. And Boise State had no problems with Hawaii. The Broncos topped the Rainbow Warriors, 59-37. Those were the teams that won easily.

Then there were the four who had tough games. LSU fought off Florida, 42-28. Oklahoma outlasted Texas, 34-27. Penn State out-defensed Iowa, 17-12. And it took Baylor two overtimes to subdue Texas Tech, 33-30 (2OT).

This week, three of the 12 undefeated teams are on upset alert. Penn State hosts Michigan. Baylor is on the road at Oklahoma State. SMU hosts Temple. One or more of those could be half heartache by this time next week. Stay tuned!

The other nine undefeated teams should come through okay. Clemson travels to Louisville. Minnesota plays at Rutgers. Ohio State visits Northwestern. Wisconsin is on the road at Illinois. And Boise State has a date at BYU.

Oklahoma hosts West Virginia. Alabama entertains Tennessee. Appalachian State is home against ULM, while LSU takes on Mississippi State in Starkville. Sounds like half heaven to me.

As usual, there were the early games over the weekend. Thursday night, NC State held off Syracuse, 16-10. Friday evening, Miami (Florida) surprised Virginia, 17-9, and Oregon waddled past Colorado, 45-3. The Ducks have won five straight since their season opening loss to Auburn.

Purdue is an unpredictable team this season. Saturday, the Boilers put in on Maryland, 40-14. Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer passed for 420 yards and three touchdowns. Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Michigan prepped for Penn State by beating Illinois, 42-25. But the Wolverines almost blew it. Late in the second quarter, Michigan led Illinois, 28-0. Then the Banned Indians scored 25 unanswered points. Early, in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines’ lead had shrunk to three points, 28-25.

Speaking of the Big Ten, Iowa has only scored 15 points in its last two games – three against Michigan and 12 against Penn State. Sounds like the Hawkeyes need to recharge their offense.

In losing to Oklahoma, 34-27, the Texas loss reminded me somewhat of the Longhorns loss to LSU (45-38) earlier in the season. In the LSU game, Texas was always behind, but they kept coming back. The Tigers couldn’t shake them. Saturday, except for a brief 10-10 tie, Texas always trailed Oklahoma, but the Longhorns hung in there. The Sooners couldn’t shake them.

Also in the Big 12, Iowa State thumped West Virginia, 38-14. West Virginia has given up 80 points in its last two games. Watching WVU play is like a game of “Chutes and Ladders.” West Virginia’s theme this season is “Trust the Climb.” Sometimes the Mountaineers land right and climb up the ladder. But other times WVU lands on the chute and takes a big slide down. That was a long chute Saturday.

Just when I had all but given up on Washington, the Huskies up and surprise you. Last week Washington was upset by Stanford, 23-13. Earlier in the season the Huskies were upset by California, 20-19. So when you think that’s it for Washington, the Huskies go on the road Saturday and beat Arizona, 51-27.

In a thriller in the Pac-12, Arizona State beat Washington State, 38-34. The Sun Devils scored with 0:34 left to win the game. It was the Cougars third loss in a row, after starting the season 3-0. Another Pac-12 team lost for the third time this season. USC fell to Notre Dame, 30-27.

In the SEC, Tennessee actually won a game. The Vols beat Mississippi State, 20-10. But lowly Vanderbilt lost to UNLV, 34-10.

My Top 4 superpower teams this week, in alphabetical order, are Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. Waiting in the wings, I have three potential superpower teams – Clemson, Penn State and Wisconsin.

Hats off to Southern Miss quarterback Jack Abraham, who was 29-for-36, passing for 421 yards and three touchdowns, in the Eagles 45-27 win over North Texas. And to Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on becoming Alabama’s all-time career touchdown pass leader with 81 touchdown passes.

And hats off to Notre Dame running back Tony Jones and Oregon running back C.J. Verdell. Jones rushed for 176 yards in Notre Dame’s 30-27 win over USC, and Verdell rushed for 171 yards in Oregon’s 45-3 win over Colorado.

I don’t have a particular order yet, but my Top 4 Heisman candidates are definitely Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. At midseason, the four of them are in half heaven.

Yeah, we’re on the back seven now. Seven weeks down and seven more to go.

Gene Pitney’s “Half Heaven – Half Heartache” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Pop Chart in February 1963.

Touchdown Tom
October 13, 2019
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com



Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: Down on the bayou – LSU 42, Florida 28 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Florida 23). The game was tied 21-21 at the half. And it was tied 28-28 late in the third quarter. Then it was over for the Gators. There was a lot of offense. LSU had 512 total yards. Florida had 457 total yards. The teams were pretty close in passing yards. LSU had the distinct advantage in rushing yards – 219 to 146. Amazingly, Florida controlled time of possession – more than 38 minutes. LSU scored quick when it had the ball. Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow was 21-for-24 passing (87.5%). Attendance in Baton Rouge: 102,321

RUNNER UP:  No honking – Oklahoma 34, Texas 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, Texas 27). Except for a brief 10-10 tie for one minute in the third quarter, Oklahoma always led, but the Sooners couldn’t shake Texas. The Longhorns kept hanging around. Oklahoma dominated in yardage, outpassing and outrushing the Horns. Texas only had 100 yards rushing. OU quarterback Jalen Hurts had four touchdowns – three passing and one rushing. Hurts rushed for 131 yards. The teams only combined for 13 points in the first half. Then exploded for 48 points in the second half. Attendance in Dallas: 92,100

REST OF THE BEST:  Can you spell defense? – Penn State 17, Iowa 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 17, Penn State 10). Iowa was the better passing team – 286 yards to 117. Penn State was the better rushing team – 191 yards to 70. But neither team had a lot of offense. It was a defensive battle. Iowa had two turnovers. Penn State led 7-6 at halftime. Attendance in Iowa City: 69,034

Domination! – Wisconsin 38, Michigan State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Michigan State 14). The Badgers dominated. Wisconsin had 403 total yards to 149 for Michigan State. The Badgers had 22 first downs to only seven for the Spartans. Wisconsin also controlled time of possession for more than 39 minutes. Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan was 18-for-21 passing (85.7%). Attendance in Madison: 80,470

The Corn is not sweet – Minnesota 34, Nebraska 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Minnesota 33, Nebraska 28). Minnesota led 34-0 before Nebraska even scored. The Gophers had 450 total yards to 299 for the Huskers. Minnesota did its damage rushing – 322 yards. The Gophers Rodney Smith rushed for 139 yards. Attendance in Minneapolis: 43,502

What a Hoot – Temple 30, Memphis 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Temple 27, Memphis 24). Temple led 23-7 late in the second quarter. Then the game got tight. Memphis only trailed 23-21 midway through the third quarter. Memphis was plagued with four turnovers. Tigers quarterback Brady White passed for 363 yards. Attendance in Philadelphia: 34,253

No luau – Boise State 59, Hawaii 37 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, Hawaii 24). What was supposed to be a close game turned out not to be. Boise State led 31-14 at halftime and 52-21 at the end of three quarters. Hawaii had 438 total yards, but four turnovers. Attendance in Boise: 36,902

Where was the 12^th man? – Alabama 47, Texas A&M 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 30, Texas A&M 15). Alabama outscored Texas A&M in every quarter – 14-7, 10-6, 10-7 and 13-8. Tua Tagovailoa passed for 293 yards and four touchdowns. Bama running back Najee Harris rushed for 114 yards. Attendance in College Station: 106,749

No wampum – Clemson 45, Florida State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 34, Florida State 23). Clemson led 42-0 before Florida State scored. The Tigers had 552 total yards to 253 for FSU. Clemson had 31 first downs to 10 for the Noles. Clemson maintained time of possession for almost 40 minutes. Clemson running back Travis Etienne rushed for 127 yards. Attendance in Clemson: 80,500

Mad dog – Washington 51, Arizona 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 34, Washington 30). Arizona led 17-13 at the break. It was all Washington in the second half. The Huskies outscored the Wildcats 38-10 in the third and fourth quarters. Arizona suffered from four turnovers. Attendance in Tucson: 47,933



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Nothing ragin’ about the Cajun – Appalachian State 17, Louisiana 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Appalachian State 26, Louisiana 21). Close game until 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter when App State expanded their lead from 10-7 to 17-7. Until that point, it was anybody’s ball game. The Little Mountaineers held the Ragin’ Cajuns to 254 total yards. Attendance in Lafayette: 21,012



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Stalled out – Iowa State 38, West Virginia 14 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 30, Iowa State 27). The game was tied 14-14 at the half. Iowa State outscored West Virginia 24-0 in the second half. WVU only had 190 total yards – only 41 yards rushing. The Cyclones controlled the ball for 36 minutes. Iowa State running back Breece Hall rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Attendance in Morgantown: 51,836

Not much of an engineer – Duke 41, Georgia Tech 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 35, Georgia Tech 17). The Dookies had a second quarter breakout, outscoring the Yellow Jackets, 28-7. That gave Duke a 38-10 halftime lead. Neither team scored much in the second half. In spite of the score, the teams were pretty closely matched in the stats. Tech actually had more total yards. Attendance in Durham: 21,741

Stunned in Athens – South Carolina 20, Georgia 17 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 30, South Carolina 18). Georgia outpassed and outrushed South Carolina. The Dawgs had 468 total yards to 297 for the Gamecocks. Georgia 30 first downs to 16 for South Carolina. The Dawgs controlled the ball for 36 minutes. And yet, Georgia lost. Four turnovers didn’t help Georgia any. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

Turtle soup – Purdue 40, Maryland 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Maryland 28, Purdue 27). Purdue led 30-14 at the break and skunked Maryland in the second half. The Boilers had 547 total yards. Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer passed for 420 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 80.5 percent of his passes. Attendance in West Lafayette: 52,296

Week 7 Results:  10 winners, 5 fumbles (66.7 percent)
For the Season:   75 winners, 28 fumbles (72.8 percent)



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Bethune-Cookman 27, North Carolina Central 13 – Attendance in Durham: 5,261
Miami 17, Virginia 9 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 54,538
Morehead State 30, Jacksonville 22 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 1,433 

Florida A&M 42, South Carolina State 38 – Attendance in Orangeburg: 15,792
South Florida 27, BYU 23 – Attendance in Tampa: 35,375

Florida Atlantic 28, Middle Tennessee 13 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 12,107
FIU 48, Charlotte 23 – Attendance in Miami: 16,834
Mississippi College 34, Florida Tech 14 – Attendance in Cleveland: 2,507



Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Washington State’s Anthony Gordon – 44-64-0 for 466 yards (3TDs); Southern Miss’s Jack Abraham – 29-36-0-421 (3TDs); Purdue’s Jack Plummer – 33-41-0-420 (3TDs); Colorado State’s Patrick O’Brien – 25-34-0-420 (3TDs), and San Jose State’s Josh Love – 23-45-1-405 (3TDs).

Also, Arizona State’s Jayden Daniels – 26-36-0 for 363 yards (3TDs); Memphis’ Brady White – 28-43-1-363 (2TDs); Texas Tech’s Jett Duffey – 31-42-2-362 (1TD); Nevada’s Malik Henry – 22-37-2-352 (1TD); Northern Illinois’ Ross Bowers – 23-39-1-338 (1TD), and Missouri’s Kelly Bryant – 23-35-1-329 (1TD).

Impressive Rushers:

New Mexico’s Bryson Carroll – 193 yards (1TD); Notre Dame’s Tony Jones – 176 yards; Oregon’s C.J. Verdell – 171 yards; Indiana’s Stevie Scott – 164 yards; Central Michigan’s Kobe Lewis – 161 yards (2TDs); South Florida’s Jordan Cronkrite – 158 yards (2TDs), and Florida Atlantic’s Malcolm Davidson – 149 yards (1TD).



Quotes of the Week

“I don’t think we ask those questions right now. We’re seven games into the schedule. I think that is sort of a dumbass question, to be quite honest with you,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio when, after the 38-0 loss to Wisconsin, a reporter asked him if it was a mistake not to bring in a new offensive staff this season.

“I feel like I didn’t do my job, today,” Georgia placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship, on missing two field goals against South Carolina.

“I mean. It’s a great achievement, but we’re not done yet. As a team we still gotta continue to grow. We still gotta get each other better offensively and defensively and see what we can do better,” Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, on becoming Alabama’s all-time career touchdown pass leader.

“We’re just getting started,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, after the Sooners win over Texas.



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

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Michigan (5-1) at Penn State (6-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Michigan plays good defense, but bad offense. Penn State is good on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines don’t appear to be improving. The Nitts are definitely improving. Improvement wins – Penn State 24, Michigan 16.

RUNNER UP:  2. Arizona State (5-1) at Utah (5-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, PAC-12N – These are the two best teams in the Pac-12 South Division. One of the two will most likely play in the Pac-12 championship game. It will be the Utes – Utah 30, Arizona State 23.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Oregon (5-1) at Washington (5-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – These are the two best teams in the Pac-12 North Division. One of the two will most likely play in the Pac-12 championship game. It will be the Ducks – Oregon 33, Washington 30. 

4. Temple (5-1) at SMU (6-0) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – After the big upset win over Memphis last week, look for Temple to be off this week. The Owls may still be celebrating. Plus this is a road game for Temple. SMU believes in themselves. Mustangs rule – SMU 30, Temple 27. 

5. Tulane (5-1) at Memphis (5-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – After falling to Temple last week, look for Memphis to bounce back this week. The Tigers will be mad. They take their anger out on Tulane. But the Green Wave won’t be a pushover. Tigers rub ’em – Memphis 34, Tulane 27. 

6. Baylor (6-0) at Oklahoma State (4-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Baylor had a close call last week. It took them two overtimes to win. In Stillwater, the Bears will  be on upset alert. Another close call for the Bears – Baylor 27, Oklahoma State 25. 

7. West Virginia (3-3) at Oklahoma (6-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – West Virginia can only hope that Oklahoma has a bit of a letdown, following the big win over Texas. That win probably took something out of the Sooners. But not enough to lose to the Mounties – Oklahoma 41, West Virginia 20. 

8. Florida (6-1) at South Carolina (3-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Curious game. How will Florida react to its first loss? How will South Carolina react to its big won over Georgia? The Gators bounce back – Florida 24, South Carolina 22. 

9. Duke (4-2) at Virginia (4-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Virginia was awful last week in its loss to Miami. Unfortunately for the Dookies, the Cavs won’t be awful this week – Virginia 30, Duke 21. 

10. Southern Miss (4-2) at Louisiana Tech (5-1) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, NFLN – This is a big game in C-USA. Both teams are undefeated in conference play. Southern Miss has a dangerous passer in Jack Abraham. La Tech is tough all around. Bulldogs have bite in their bark – Louisiana Tech 29, Southern Miss 26. 



….AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

11. Iowa State (4-2) at Texas Tech (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – Texas Tech has looked good in its last two games – the win over Oklahoma State and in the double-overtime loss to Baylor. But after a rough start, Iowa State is on a roll. The Cyclones roll over the Raiders – Iowa State 33, Texas Tech 31. 



YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Kentucky (3-3) at Georgia (5-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Uga is mad – a mad Dawg. And the Dawgs will take out their anger on Kentucky. I hope the Wildcats have their rabies shots. It won’t be pretty. The return of Fromm – Georgia 32, Kentucky 15.

Kansas (2-4) at Texas (4-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, LHN – Texas will be down after the loss to Oklahoma. Kansas could take advantage. But the Longhorns will cover that advantage – Texas 37, Kansas 17.

Purdue (2-4) at Iowa (4-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Iowa has lost two-straight games. And the Hawkeyes have only scored 15 points in those two losses. Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer is hot. But the Hawkeyes will be hotter – Iowa 27, Purdue 23.



ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Marshall (3-3) at Florida Atlantic (4-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 6:30 pm ET, Friday, CBSSN…. 

Georgia Tech (1-5) at Miami (3-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN….
Dayton (4-1) at Stetson (4-1) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Davidson (4-2) at Jacksonville U. (2-4) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+…. 

West Florida (4-1) at West Georgia (4-2) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….
Florida Tech (3-3) at Valdosta State (6-0) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
South Florida (3-3) at Navy (4-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN….
Norfolk State (2-5) at Bethune-Cookman (5-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3…. 

North Carolina A&T (4-1) at Florida A&M (5-1) – (MEAC vs. MEAC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
UTEP (1-4) at FIU (3-3) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
East Carolina (3-3) at UCF (4-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN….
Florida State (3-3) at Wake Forest (5-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com 

P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but there were two passings of note last week – Karen Pendleton and Robert Forster.

Karen Pendleton, one of the original Mouseketeers from “The Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950s, died last week in Fresno, California. She was 73. Known for her shoulder-length blonde curls, Pendleton was among the youngest of the original Mouseketeers. She appeared on “The Mickey Mouse Club” during its entire first run from 1955 to 1959, one of only nine to do so. She famously paired with Carl “Chubby” O’Brien in the episode closing “Now it’s time to say goodbye” song. Karen Pendleton was born on August 1, 1946, in Glendale, California. She was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash in 1983 and spent the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Undaunted, she returned to school and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Through it all, Pendleton maintained friendships with her fellow Mouseketeers, joining them at reunions, parades and fan shows.

Robert Forster, the actor whose comeback role as a bail bondsman in “Jackie Brown” earned him an Oscar nomination, and who drew acclaim for his performances on the television series “Breaking Bad” and the reboot of “Twin Peaks,” died last week at his home in Los Angeles. He was 78. Forster appeared in close to 200 films and televisions shows during his more than five decades in show business. He made his movie debut in 1967 in “Reflections in a Golden Eye” that starred Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor. He starred in two short-lived TV series in the early 1970s “Banyon” and “Nakia.” Forster was in the 1986 movie “The Delta Force” with Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin. He was born Robert Wallace Foster on July 13, 1941, in Rochester, New York. His surname was changed when he became an actor. Forster received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Rochester. He moved to New York City and made his Broadway debut in 1965 in “Mrs. Dally Has a Lover” with Arlene Francis.