College Football
Week 15 – Shane Beamer named Gamecocks coach
Mama told me not
to come
“Want some whiskey in your water?
That pretty much sums up the way I feel about this football season. It’s definitely the craziest season that could ever be.
Before it began, we had four of the 10 FBS conferences (Big Ten, Pac-12, MAC and MWC) say they weren’t going to play football this season. Those four conferences canceled their seasons.
“Mama told me not to come
Three of the six conferences (ACC, Big 12 and SEC) who were playing, said they would delay the start of their seasons one week – to the second weekend in September. Only the AAC, C-USA and Sun Belt started on time – the first weekend in September.
The ACC announced an eleven-game schedule – 10 conference games and one non-conference game. The ACC also added Notre Dame as a football member for the 2020 season. The Big 12 announced a 10-game schedule – nine conference games and one non-conference game. The SEC announced a 10-game schedule – conference games only, no non-conference games.
That left some teams (AAC, C-USA, Sun Belt and Independents) scrambling to find new teams to play. Independents Army, BYU and Liberty had to rebuild their schedules. Out of frustration, Connecticut and New Mexico State decided to cancel their seasons.
Then, after the season began, the four conferences who canceled their seasons changed their minds. They decided to play. The Big Ten and MWC began their seasons the weekend of October 24, with an eight-game, conference-only schedule. The Pac-12 and MAC began their seasons the weekend of November 7, with a six-game, conference-only schedule.
Just a few weeks into the season, the postponements began – all due to COVID problems and issues. Once the Big Ten, MWC, Pac-12 and MAC began play, the cancelations began – all due to COVID problems and issues. The six conferences who began play in early September had wiggle room (open dates) in their schedules to make-up postponed games. But the four conferences who began their seasons much later had no room in their schedules to make up postponed games. They had to cancel their games that were called off due to COVID issues.
“Open up the window, let some air into this room
So here we are in December with just two weeks left and some teams (Utah, Washington State, Miami (Ohio) and Ohio) have only played three games. Others (Maryland, Wisconsin, Rice, Buffalo, Kent State, Colorado State, Washington, Stanford, California, Colorado, USC and Arizona) have just played four games. And then there is Arizona State. The Sun Devils have only played two games. All because of cancellations. More than 100 games have been postponed/canceled this season.
When the Big Ten decided to play this season and announced its eight-game schedule, the conference said that a team would have to play at least six of the eight games in order to qualify for the Big Ten championship game. That means, Ohio State, the likely winner of the Big Ten East Division, can’t afford to have its game against Michigan this week canceled. The Buckeyes have only played five games.
However, the rules may be changed. After all, rules were made to be changed. With Ohio State currently ranked 4th in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Big Ten Conference has taken notice. As a result, the Big Ten has made noise that should the Michigan-Ohio State game get canceled, the conference might change its rules – from six to five games required to qualify for the Big Ten title game. Michigan’s game last week against Maryland was canceled. The Wolverines are experiencing COVID issues. Stay tuned!
Last week, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit went so far as to say that he wouldn’t be surprised if Michigan pulled a fast one – using COVID as an excuse to call off the Ohio State game to keep the Buckeyes out of the conference title game and possibly the CFP playoff. He later apologized to Michigan for making the statement.
However, should the Michigan-Ohio State game be called off, and should the Big Ten change its title-game qualification rules, would the CFP selection committee rank an Ohio State team, that has only played six games, in the Top 4? Especially when there are playoff worthy teams who have played 11 games.
Then there’s the crazy ACC. As of this past weekend, Notre Dame and Clemson have qualified to play in the ACC title game on December 19. Even with games this weekend, no one can overtake them. Well, Notre Dame was scheduled to play Wake Forest this weekend and Clemson was scheduled to play Florida State. However, the ACC called off the Notre Dame and Clemson games this weekend. Obviously, to protect Notre Dame and Clemson from being upset and putting their playoff chances in jeopardy. Now you know why they call the ACC the “Wine and Cheese” Conference. Or is it the “Whine and Cheese” Conference? They avoid competition when they can. The ACC is wimpy.
Alabama and Florida have each qualified for the SEC title game. Both have final games this weekend. Alabama plays Arkansas and Florida plays LSU. The SEC didn’t call off the games. In fact, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey chastised the ACC last week for calling off their games.
“I ‘ve seen so many things I ain’t never seen before
Several games were played Saturday, but six games were the quintessential contests of the weekend.
First: In Conway, South Carolina, undefeated BYU tangled with undefeated Coastal Carolina, in a game that was hastily arranged not much more than 48 hours before it kicked off. Coastal Carolina was scheduled to host Liberty. But Liberty had to cancel due to COVID issues. BYU had an open weekend. Quick thinking by the athletic directors of BYU and Coastal Carolina set up the game between the two schools on the spur of the moment. An ideal game at that, being that both teams were undefeated.
The game went back-and-forth. Near the end of the first quarter, Coastal Carolina scored and went up 6-0. Early in the second quarter, BYU responded and went up 7-6. About 10 minutes later in the second quarter, the Chanticleers countered and went up 13-7. Not to be outdone, the Cougars scored again. At the half, BYU led 14-13. Early in the third quarter, the Cougars kicked a 29-yard field goal and extended their lead to 17-13. About six minutes later in the third quarter, Coastal Carolina closed the gap. The Chanticleers kicked a 41-yard field goal and trailed BYU, 17-16.
Then early in the fourth quarter, Coastal Carolina scored a touchdown. After the two-point conversion attempt failed, the Chanticleers led the Cougars, 22-16. With 55 seconds to go in the game, BYU, with no timeouts left, took over on its own 18-yard line. The Cougars drove to the Coastal Carolina 18. On the next play, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson completed a pass to Dax Milne. Running towards the goal line, Milne was tackled on the one-yard line as time expired – Coastal Carolina 22, BYU 16. The Chanticleers are 10-0.
Second: In Auburn, Alabama, Texas A&M hoped to keep its remote playoff chances alive. The Aggies were taking on Auburn. All looked promising for Texas A&M in the first half. The Aggies led at halftime, 14-10. But the third quarter was all Auburn. The Tigers outscored Texas A&M, 10-0. As the fourth quarter began, Auburn led the Aggies, 20-14. But Texas A&M scored 17 unanswered points in the final quarter and beat Auburn, 31-20. Gus Malzahn’s seat just got warmer.
Third: In Fort Worth, Texas, Oklahoma State, still in contention for a spot in the Big 12 championship game, came to town to take on TCU. The Cowboys took charge early. They led the Horned Frogs, 13-0, at the end of the first quarter. Okie State continued to hold a lead at the half – 16-7. But TCU came alive in the third quarter, outscoring the Cowboys, 14-6. As the fourth quarter began, Okie State held a one-point lead – 22-21. Midway through the fourth, TCU scored a touchdown on a 71-yard pass from Max Duggan to Dennis Davis. The Frogs went for two and converted. TCU held on and beat Oklahoma State, 29-22.
Fourth: In Columbia, Missouri, Arkansas and Missouri put on quite a show – an offensive show and an exciting show. After one quarter, the Tigers led the Hogs, 10-6. But at halftime, the Hogs led the Tigers, 27-20. In the third quarter, Arkansas extended its lead to 33-23. The fourth quarter was wild, with 42 points scored between the two teams. With 7:46 to go in the game, the score was tied, 40-40. Three minutes later, Missouri scored a touchdown and went up 47-40. Then, with just 0:43 on the clock, Arkansas scored a touchdown. The Hogs went for two and made it. Arkansas led Missouri 48-47. The Tigers received the kickoff and drove to the Arkansas 15. As time expired Missouri’s Harrison Mevis kicked a 32-yard field goal. Missouri beat Arkansas, 50-48. The teams combined for 1,218 total yards.
Fifth: In Seattle, Washington, a 1-2 Stanford took on a 3-0 Washington. Stanford came out hot. The Trees led Washington, 14-0, after one, and 24-3 at the half. Late in the third quarter, Stanford was still looking good. The Trees held a 31-10 lead over the Huskies. Then Washington put on a rally. In the next nine minutes, the Huskies scored 16 unanswered points, and trailed Stanford 31-26. But Stanford held on and won, 31-26.
Sixth: In Berkeley, California, a 3-1 Oregon faced an 0-3 California. It should have been in the pond for the Ducks. At the half, it was close, Oregon led 17-14. But the second half became a defensive battle. Only 7 points were scored. Cal scored those points on a touchdown midway through the third quarter. The Bears hung on and beat Oregon, 21-17.
Week 14 football began Thursday night with two games – Louisiana Tech beat North Texas, 42-31, and Air Force blew past Utah State, 36-7. Louisiana Tech’s Israel Tucker rushed for 161 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Friday night, in Boone, North Carolina, in the rain, Louisiana held off Appalachian State, 24-21. The Rajin’ Cajuns led the Little Mountaineers, 24-10, with less than nine minutes to go in the game. App State outscored Louisiana, 11-0, in the final 8:17, including two safeties. With one second to go in the game, App State missed a 30-yard field goal that would have put the game into overtime. The win was Louisiana’s first ever over Appalachian State.
In Saturday’s action, Indiana established itself as most likely the second-best team in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers went into Madison, Wisconsin, and, with a backup quarterback, beat Wisconsin, 14-6. After last week’s dump on Scott Frost, Nebraska got fired up and burned Purdue, 37-27.
Ohio State continued to rule in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes bounced Michigan State, 52-12. Penn State downed Rutgers, 23-7, while Iowa won its fifth-straight game, beating Illinois, 35-21.
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book got his 30th victory as a starter for the Irish. Notre Dame smashed Syracuse,45-21. Book’s 30 wins are the most ever by an Irish quarterback. He threw five touchdown passes against the Orange. Notre Dame’s win streak now stands at 16 games – 24 games at home.
Also in the ACC, Clemson solidified its spot in the conference championship game. The Tigers clawed Virginia Tech, 45-10. Miami improved to 8-1. The Canes dumped Duke, 48-0. Virginia outscored Boston College, 43-32, while NC State improved to 8-3, beating Georgia Tech, 23-13.
In the Big 12, the Texas players were trying to save Tom Herman’s job. The Longhorns demolished Kansas State, 69-31. Oklahoma held off Baylor, 27-14.
The two Division leaders both won in the SEC. Alabama silenced LSU, 55-17, while Florida took care of Tennessee, 31-19. Alabama’s Mac Jones and Florida’s Kyle Trask each threw four touchdown passes. Kentucky added to South Carolina’s misery. The Wildcats plastered South Carolina, 41-18. After the game, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops fired his offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and his quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw. Apparently, 41 points wasn’t enough for Stoops.
In a Pac-12 game, Colorado downed Arizona, 24-13. The Buffaloes are undefeated at 4-0.
Tulsa set up its encounter this week with Cincinnati by thumping Navy, 19-7. Also in the AAC, improving Tulane surprised Memphis, 35-21.
One undefeated team fell, while anther remained perfect. Marshall dropped its first game of the season, losing to Rice, 20-0. Marshall freshman quarterback Grant Wells threw five interceptions. Meanwhile, out West, San Jose State remained undefeated. The Spartans improved to 5-0, beating Hawaii, 35-24.
There were four late shows Saturday – two in the Pac-12 and two in the MWC. Or were they late-late shows? In the Pac-12, UCLA got by Arizona, 25-18, while Utah held off Oregon State, 30-24. In the MWC. Nevada improved to 6-1, downing Fresno State, 37-26, while New Mexico won its first game, edging Wyoming, 17-16.
Beyond the late shows, there were two games Sunday. Western Kentucky downed Charlotte, 37-19. And out in the Pac-12, USC toppled Washington State, 38-13. The Trojans are 4-0.
Week 14’s Winners: Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell, Louisiana coach Billy Napier and Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book. Week 14’s Losers: Three Big 12 coaches – Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, Kansas State’s Chris Klieman and West Virginia’s Neal Brown.
Seven Group of Five teams are still in the AP Top-25 Poll. They are in order, Cincinnati (8-0), Coastal Carolina (10-0), BYU (9-1), Louisiana (9-1), Tulsa (6-1), Liberty (9-1) and Buffalo (4-0). San Jose State (5-0) is knocking on the door. Cincinnati remains the highest ranked at 7th.
Southern Miss, the first school to fire its coach this season, is the first school to hire a new coach. Last week, Southern Miss named Tulane offensive coordinator Will Hall as its new coach. Prior to Tulane, Hall was an offensive coordinator at Louisiana, an associate head coach at Memphis and a head coach at both Division II West Georgia and West Alabama. Back in September, Southern Miss fired its head coach Jay Hopson, following the opening game, 32-21, loss to South Alabama.
Meanwhile, South Carolina, the second school to fire its coach this season, is the second school to hire a new coach. Just yesterday, Oklahoma assistant coach Shane Beamer was named the new coach at South Carolina. Beamer replaces Will Muschamp who was fired a few weeks ago. From all reports, Beamer beat out Louisiana coach Billy Napier for the job.
Then South Alabama fired coach Steve Campbell on Sunday. The Jaguars lost 29-0 to Troy on Saturday. They finished the season at 4-7. Campbell was 9-26 in three seasons at South Alabama.
With the announcements at Southern Miss and South Carolina, that leaves Vanderbilt and South Alabama as the only schools currently looking for a coach. However, Texas and Michigan could be looking for a new coach soon. Tom Herman and Jim Harbaugh are in serious jeopardy. Word out of Austin says Texas will do everything it can to get Urban Meyer. If that attempt fails, then the Longhorns reportedly will go after Oregon coach Mario Cristobal and/or Penn State coach James Franklin. Stay tuned!
Note: A rumor surfaced Sunday evening, reporting that Urban Meyer has told Texas he is not interested in the job, citing health reasons. Meyer supposedly informed Texas that he is not ready to get back into coaching at this time, saying he likes his broadcast job with FOX Sports.
American decathlete and film actor Rafer Johnson died last week. Johnson was the 1960 Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, having won the silver in 1956. He was the USA team’s flag bearer at the 1960 Olympics and lit the Olympic cauldron at the Los Angeles Games in 1984. A native of Hillsboro, Texas, and a graduate of UCLA, Rafer Lewis Johnson was 86.
Happy Hanukkah!
“Mama told me not to come
Touchdown Tom
(My apologies to Randy Newman and Three Dog Night.)
Weekend Recap
GAME OF THE WEEK: The wheels are off the Gus Bus – Texas A&M 31, Auburn 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 22, Auburn 19). Texas A&M dominated Auburn in the stats. The Aggies had 509 total yards to 340 for Auburn; 29 first downs to 16 for Auburn; 313 rushing yards to 196 for Auburn; 196 passing yards to 144 for Auburn and 38:00 to 22:00 in time of possession. The Aggies Isaiah Spiller rushed for 120 yards.
RUNNER-UP: The Hoosiers are a football school – Indiana 14, Wisconsin 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 26, Indiana 21). There wasn’t much offense in the game. Indiana’s defense held Wisconsin to two field goals. Wisconsin held Indiana to 87 yards rushing. Combined, the teams just had 559 total yards.
REST OF THE BEST: Canceled – Liberty at Coastal Carolina (Touchdown Tom said: Liberty 33, Coastal Carolina 30). The Liberty at Coastal Carolina game was canceled due to COVID issues at Liberty. It morphed into the BYU at Coastal Carolina game, as BYU quickly became a replacement for Liberty.
Rajin’ – Louisiana 24, Appalachian State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana 32, Appalachian State 27). App State led at the half – 10-9. Louisiana led after three quarters – 24-10. There wasn’t a lot of offense in the game – least of all passing. Louisiana had 101 passing yards and App State had 92. Both quarterbacks completed less than 50% of their passes. App State maintained ball possession for 35:43. Louisiana improved to 9-1.
Losing aim in Ames – Iowa State 42, West Virginia 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 21, West Virginia 20). Neal Brown’s climb took a detour on Saturday – it went sideways. The Mountaineers offense and defense were flat. WVU had 54 yards rushing, while giving up 485 total yards to Iowa State. The Cyclones led 35-0 as the fourth quarter began.
No contest – USC 38, Washington State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 30, Washington State 19). USC jumped out to a 28-0 first quarter lead over Washington State. The Trojans cooled their heels in the second quarter, holding a 35-6 lead over the Cougars at halftime. Then they really cooled their heels in the second half, only scoring 3 points. USC only had five yards rushing. Washington State only had 73. USC quarterback Kedon Slovis threw five touchdown passes.
Turnovers don’t hurt us – TCU 29, Oklahoma State 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 35, TCU 33). Want to know something wild? TCU had five turnovers and still won the game. The Frogs also had 501 total yards. Oklahoma State’s Dezmon Jackson rushed for 118 yards.
Wahoo! – Virginia 43, Boston College 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 29, Virginia 25). The third quarter was the difference for Virginia. That’s when the Cavs outscored BC, 10-0. The teams were even in the other quarters. BC only had nine yards rushing, but 520 yards passing. However, BC quarterback Dennis Grosel threw three interceptions. Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong passed for 287 yards and rushed for 130 yards. Boston College running back Zay Flowers rushed for 180 yards. The teams combined for 1,082 total yards.
Good ole Saint Nick – Alabama 55, LSU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 38, LSU 14). This one was over before it started. Alabama led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Tide amassed 652 yards of offense. Mac Jones was 20-for-28, passing for 385 yards and four touchdowns. Najee Harris rushed for 145 yards and three touchdowns.
It happens in Reno – Nevada 37, Fresno State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Nevada 30, Fresno State 27). Strange game. Nevada only had 14 first downs to 30 for Fresno. Only 416 total yards to 599 for Fresno. Only 62 yards rushing. Fresno State controlled time of possession: 35:01 to 24:59. And Nevada had three turnovers. Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener passed for 485 yards. Nevada quarterback Carson Strong passed for 354 yards.
YE OLDE STOMPING
GROUBNDS:
Gators mop Rocky Top – Florida 31, Tennessee 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 34, Tennessee 20). Florida got off to a slow start. The Gators were just up 3-0 at the end of one quarter. And Tennessee led 7-3 early in the second quarter. Then the Gators took off and led 31-7 early in the fourth quarter. That’s when the Gators defense went to sleep. Florida only had 21 yards rushing, but 433 yards passing. Florida’s Kyle Pitts had seven receptions for 128 yards.
The Corn is alive – Nebraska 37, Purdue 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 24, Nebraska 22). Nebraska jumped out to a 17-3 first quarter lead and then held off Purdue for the rest of the game. The Nebraska defense held Purdue to -2 yards rushing. Boiler quarterback Jack Plummer did pass for 334 yards.
Blown away – Miami (Florida) 48, Duke 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Duke 19). The Dookies only had 177 total yards – just 56 rushing. They also only had 14 first downs. Miami led 42-0 at the end of three quarters.
Postponed – Vanderbilt at Georgia (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 36, Vanderbilt 12). The Vanderbilt at Georgia game was postponed to December 19, due to COVID problems at Vanderbilt.
Week 14 Results: 8 winners, 4 fumbles (66.7 percent)
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
Georgia Southern 20, Florida Atlantic 3
Superlatives
Impressive Passers:
Fresno State’s Jake Haener – 41-65-0 for 485 yards (2TDs); Florida’s Kyle Trask – 35-49-0-433 (4TDs); Ball State’s Drew Plitt – 26-43-1-386 (4TDs); Alabama’s Mac Jones – 20-28-0-385 (4TDs); Missouri’s Connor Bazelak – 32-49-0-380; Toledo’s Eli Peters – 27-36-1-363 (2TDs); Nevada’s Carson Strong – 23-39-2-354 (5TDs), and Purdue’s Jack Plummer – 33-47-0-334 (3TDs).
Impressive Rushers:
Colorado’s Jarek Broussard – 301 yards; South Carolina’s Kevin Harris – 210 yards (1TD); Missouri’s Larry Rountree – 185 yards (3TDs); Akron’s Teon Dollard – 185 yards; Boston College’s Zay Flowers – 180 yards (2TDs); Texas’ Bijan Robinson – 172 yards (3TDs), and Arkansas’ Trelon Smith – 172 yards (3TDs).
Also, Utah’s Ty Jordan – 167 yards (1TD); Louisiana Tech’s Israel Tucker – 161 yards (2TDs); Wyoming’s Trey Smith – 154 yards (1TD); San Jose State’s Tyler Nevens – 152 yards (2TDs); Eastern Michigan’s Darius Boone – 148 yards (1TD); Alabama’s Najee Harris – 145 yards (3TDs), and Texas’ Roschon Johnson – 139 yards (3TDs).
Also. Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez – 139 yards (3TDs); Stanford’s Austin Jones – 138 yards (2TDs); Texas Tech’s Xavier White – 135 yards; Coastal Carolina’s C.J. Marable – 132 yards (2TDs); New Mexico’s Bobby Cole – 131 yards; Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong – 130 yards (1TD), and Western Michigan’s LaDarius Jefferson – 130 yards (2TDs).
Quotes of the Week
“I still think Michigan will waive the white flag and not play (Ohio State) next week. Is that fair? Michigan could opt out and keep Ohio State out of the Big Ten Championship. That doesn’t make sense to me. They don’t want to get humiliated or lose with the team they have. They don’t want to get embarrassed. I have no idea what Michigan’s situation is, but they have the power to say, ‘Hey, we’re not playing (Ohio State) next week,’” ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, speaking on the College Football Playoff Top-25 Ranking Show on ESPN last week. (Note: Herbstreit apologized to Michigan on social media after the show.)
“I think I got a great football coach who’s got a tough rebuilding challenge that he’s making progress with. I’ve liked a lot of the things that we’re doing. We’re working through some of the challenges of this year. But he’s here with me as long as I’m here. He’s just what I want and what Nebraska’s needed. There’s no reason for Scott Frost to be concerned about his job,” Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos.
“Cincinnati has a tougher schedule than Ohio State. Can you tell me Cincinnati has a worse schedule that Ohio State? No,” Urban Meyer.
“They’re doing everything they can to convince him.” Football Scoop’s John Brice, on Texas trying to lure Urban Meyer to be the Longhorns next coach.
Tweets of the Week
(Urban Meyer to Texas rumors)
“Urban Meyer’s wife said to be eying real estate in Austin, Texas. Could a Longhorns coaching position be on the table?”
“Ah yes, the real estate part of coaching rumors.”
“Great, now go check the private flights coming out of Columbus.”
“Coaches wives absolutely love to look at the real estate in Austin, Texas. It’s their favorite.”
“Do Shelly Meyer and Terry Saban share a real estate agent?”
“I was recently Zillowing real estate along the Pacific Coast Highway, but it doesn’t mean I’m moving to Malibu.”
“Who among us hasn’t spent untold hours Zillowing our way through the pandemic.”
“If only their kids were young enough that she could also be enrolling them in a school.”
“Zillow exists.”
Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Cincinnati (8-0) at Tulsa (6-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – This will be a preview of the AAC championship game. These two teams will turn around and meet again next week in the AAC title game. The title game will be played on the home field of whoever wins this game. So there is a lot at stake. The Bearcats plant their stake – Cincinnati 22, Tulsa 19.
RUNNER-UP: 2. North Carolina (7-3) at Miami (Florida) (8-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This has been a good year for both teams, but a better year for Miami. Manny Diaz may have finally turned things around at Miami. The Canes turn the Heels around on Saturday – Miami 34, North Carolina 30.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Nevada (6-1) at San Jose State (5-0) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 10 pm ET, Friday, CBSSN – Normally, Boise State steals all the glory in the MWC. But this year Nevada and San Jose State have been enjoying the glory. The Spartans receive more glory – San Jose State 33, Nevada 27.
4. Georgia (6-2) at Missouri (5-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, SECN – Missouri has been a surprise team this season – surprisingly better than expected. Georgia has been a surprise team too – surprisingly disappointing. But Uga is drooling at the bit with his new quarterback. No surprises here – Georgia 30, Missouri 20.
5. Oklahoma (7-2) at West Virginia (5-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – West Virginia didn’t show up last week. They better this week or it will be another blow out. Oklahoma is already in the Big 12 championship game. So the Sooners don’t need the win. And they could be looking ahead to Iowa State. This could all be to WVU’s advantage. Then again, it may not – Oklahoma 28, West Virginia 24.
6. Ole Miss (4-4) at Texas A&M 7-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Lane Kiffin has had a pretty good first year at Ole Miss. Still, he is looking for that first big win. A&M could be it. But the Aggies have been playing well lately. And A&M is still trying to find a way to slip into the playoff. Kiffin runs into the 12th Man – Texas A&M 35, Ole Miss 24.
7. USC (4-0) at UCLA (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This is such a big rivalry in Los Angeles, but no one will be at the game. That may be a good thing for UCLA fans – USC 30, UCLA 24.
8. Western Michigan (4-1) at Ball State (4-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – This is for the MAC West Division title. The winner plays in the MAC championship game. Ball State has been awfully strong lately. But the Broncos can’t be tamed – Western Michigan 32, Ball State 28.
9. Washington (3-1) at Oregon (3-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Both of these teams were upset last week. In fact, Oregon has been upset for two weeks in a row. I don’t know if this is an upset or not, but make it three weeks in a row – Washington 26, Oregon 23.
10. Wisconsin (2-2) at Iowa (5-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – Iowa began the season 0-2 and has now won 5 straight. Conversely, Wisconsin began the season 2-0 and has now lost 2 straight. Make it 3 straight – Iowa 23, Wisconsin 18.
YE OLDE STOMPING
GROUNDS:
LSU (3-5) at Florida (8-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Senior day in The Swamp. The Gators should go wild. But I hope they aren’t looking ahead to Alabama. And they could be. And that could be a bad thing. But for the Gators, it’s a Wild Thing – Florida 34, LSU 17.
Minnesota (2-3) at Nebraska (2-4) – (Bog Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 or BTN – Nebraska came alive last week. Something tells me the Corn is still poppin’. You know, when that red, red kernel comes pop, pop, poppin’ along. The Gophers can’t butter the Corn – Nebraska 30, Minnesota 23.
Duke (2-8) at Florida State (2-6) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Well, this should be fun. The two worst teams in the ACC face off. That’s assuming Mike Norvell doesn’t call off the game at the last minute. The Noles finally have something to chant about – Florida State 33, Duke 19.
Texas (6-3) at Kansas (0-9) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Well, Texas missed the big prize again this year. No Big 12 championship game. Texas may be missing a coach after next week. But the players are doing their best to keep him. They scored 69 points on Kansas State last week. Poor Kansas – Texas 47, Kansas 17.
Purdue (2-4) at Indiana (6-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Still can’t believe that Jeff Brohm is the highest paid coach in the Big Ten. He must talk better than he can coach. This is the year of the Hoosier – Indiana 28, Purdue 20.
ELSEWHERE AROUND
FLORIDA:
Florida Atlantic (5-2) at Southern Miss (2-7) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 6:30 pm ET, Thursday, CBSSN….
Touchdown Tom
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