Monday, October 18, 2021

College Football Week 8 - Orgeron To Be Fired At Season's End

 

College Football Week 8 – Orgeron to be fired at season’s end

Confirmation Saturday

There weren’t a lot of big games over the weekend. Week 7 wasn’t what you would call a monumental week with lots of classic battles between top teams. But in spite of the lack of so-called “big games,” Week 7 sure provided its share of interesting outcomes – monumental outcomes. And bizarre events. Week 7, particularly Saturday, was monumental for confirming what we had previously suspected and believed. Saturday was confirmation Saturday for a lot of teams, coaches and fans.

 

  1. Georgia, without a doubt, is the best team in the country. And Georgia, without a doubt, has the best defense in the country. In the first-ever meeting between two 6-0 SEC East teams, Georgia hosted Kentucky in Athens. When the game was over, Georgia handed Kentucky its first loss. The Dawgs pummeled the Wildcats, 30-13. The score was worse than it looks. Kentucky’s second touchdown came with 0:04 left in the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Georgia led Kentucky, 30-7. Georgia’s defense held Kentucky to only 51 yards rushing. No Kentucky running back had more than 14 yards rushing.

 

  1. Florida needs to part ways with coach Dan Mullen. Saturday, LSU hosted Florida in Baton Rouge. The Gators were 12-point favorites. When the game was over, LSU upset Florida for the second year in a row. The Tigers beat the Gators, 49-42. All week, LSU coach Ed Orgeron was the target of termination rumors. The previous week, LSU lost to Kentucky, 42-21. It was looking grim for Orgeron. Furthermore, LSU played Florida without five starters on defense who were all sidelined with injuries. How could Florida lose? How could Florida lose to LSU last year? Florida has now lost three-straight games to LSU. Dan Mullen is not consistently focused. He takes games for granted. Mullen is 4-6 in his last 10 games. Two of those four wins are over Group of Five teams and one is over Vanderbilt – a Group of Five team in disguise. In the last 10 games, Florida’s only win over a competitive team was the victory over Tennessee a few weeks ago. I feel certain that under Mullen, Florida will never win the SEC championship, much less the national championship.

3.      If nothing else, Florida coach Dan Mullen needs to part ways with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. In Saturday’s game against LSU, Florida’s defense gave up 454 total yards to the Tigers – 321 yards rushing. LSU running back Tryrion Davis-Rice rushed for 287 yards. Coming into the game, LSU only averaged 115 yards a game rushing. The Tigers averaged 7.1 yards a carry against the Gators. Coming into the game, LSU was no better than 71st in the country in total yards gained. Florida has lost three-straight games to LSU. In those three games, Grantham’s defenses have given up 128 points – 43 points a game. Todd Grantham is overrated. He is washed up and over the hill.

4.      Cincinnati really is a legitimate Top 4 team. Saturday, the Bearcats improved to 6-0, beating UCF, 56-21. The score was 56-14 until 1:48 left in the game. Cincinnati is 6th in the country in points scored, averaging 43.5 points a game. The Bearcats are better on defense – 3rd in the country in points allowed, giving up 13.7 points a game. They are 12th in the country in total yards allowed, giving up 294.5 yards a game. Cincinnati is the only team to beat Notre Dame. And the Bearcats beat the Irish in South Bend – 27-13. They held Notre Dame to its lowest point total of the season. The Irish are averaging 31 points a game. In Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati has one of the best quarterbacks in the country and the Bearcats defense is solid.

5.      Manny Diaz will be fired by Miami. Saturday, the Hurricanes fell to 2-4, losing to North Carolina, 45-42. Miami is 2-6 in its last eight games under Diaz. Attendance at Miami’s home games is suffering.  

6.      Nothing is below Tennessee fans when it comes to behavior. Saturday, with 0:54 left in the game and trailing Ole Miss, 31-26, the Vols failed to get a first down on a fourth down play. The ball was spotted about a yard short of the first down marker. The spot was reviewed and the ruling stood. At this point, Tennessee fans unleashed a barrage of objects onto the field – mostly plastic water bottles, partially or totally filled with water or some other liquid – brown in color. A plastic bottle of mustard landed on the field. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was hit with an orange golf ball. Play was stopped for 25-30 minutes before the game resumed for the final 54 seconds. The Tennessee cheerleaders and dance team exited the field. They were getting hit with objects. The members of the Tennessee marching band got out of their seats and exited the field. They were getting hit with objects. Once the game was over, Lane Kiffin continued to get hit with objects as he entered the tunnel, leaving the field. Also, when Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral collapsed to the field with an injury in the final 54 seconds, the Tennessee fans cheered.

 

Yes, Saturday had its share of monumental and interesting outcomes. And Saturday was a day of confirmation. We’ll see who and what gets confirmed.


College football Week 7 had an early start last week. Tuesday night, Louisiana took care of business in Lafayette. The Rajin’ Cajuns shutdown Appalachian State, 41-13. Louisiana tallied 455 total yards, while holding App State to 211 total yards, only 78 yards rushing. Louisiana improved to 5-1.

Following a break on Wednesday, college football Week 7 resumed on Thursday night with two games. Memphis, after losing three straight games, got back on track, beating Navy, 35-17. When the Tigers had the ball, they scored fast because Memphis only possessed the ball for 21:07 minutes.

In the second game, South Alabama slammed Georgia Southern, 41-14. The Jaguars racked up 545 total yards. South Alabama quarterback Jake Bentley was 24-of-31, passing for 389 yards and three touchdowns.

Friday night was a busy night with four games. In Texas, Marshall defeated North Texas, 49-21. The Herd led at halftime, 42-7. North Texas running back Deandre Torrey rushed for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

In a close one in the Carrier Dome, Clemson just got by Syracuse, 17-14. The Cuse missed a 48-yrd field goal in the closing seconds of the game. Syracuse running back Sean Tucker rushed for 157 yards.

The late show Friday night was a double feature. In the first feature, Oregon, trailing California 17-10, scored two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes of the game to beat Cal, 24-17. The second of the two touchdowns came with 4:50 on the clock. Oregon running back Travis Dye rushed for 145 yards.

The second feature was a defensive struggle and it went to double overtime. At the end of regulation, San Diego State and San Jose State were tied 6-6 – all field goals. Ultimately, San Diego State beat San Jose State 19-13 (2OT). The Aztecs improved to 6-0.

In other monumental confrontations, outcomes and confirmations on Saturday, undefeated Michigan State had a close call against Indiana. The Spartans improved to 7-0, edging Indiana, 20-15. Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker, the nation’s leading rusher, was held to 84 yards rushing.

Meanwhile, Nebraska, who had shown so much improvement in recent weeks, was shocked and stunned by Minnesota, 30-23. The Huskers only had possession of the ball for 21:59 minutes. The big shocker and stunner in the Big Ten took place in Iowa City. Purdue handed Iowa its first loss. The Boilers beat the Hawkeyes, 24-7. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell was 30-of-40, passing for 375 yards and two touchdowns.

Last week, Texas lost to Oklahoma, 55-48. Saturday, the Longhorns fell to the other Oklahoma team. Undefeated Oklahoma State downed Texas, 32-24. Cowboys running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 193 yards. Meanwhile, the other Oklahoma team – the Sooners – plastered TCU, 52-31. New Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams, who replaced Spencer Rattler in the Texas game, passed for 295 yards and four touchdowns against TCU. OU improved to 7-0.

Iowa State went into Manhattan – the Little Apple – and beat Kansas State, 33-20. Cyclones running back Breece Hall rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Baylor downed BYU, 38-24. Bears running back Abram Smith rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Baylor improved to 6-1.

In the ACC, Pitt and NC State both won and on the road. In Blacksburg, Pitt topped Virginia Tech, 28-7. In Chestnut Hill, NC State put it to Boston College, 33-7. Both the Panthers and the Wolfpack improved to 5-1.

Alabama quickly recovered from its loss last week to Texas A&M. The Crimson Tide slammed Mississippi State, 49-9. Bama quarterback Bryce Young passed for 348 yards and four touchdowns. The other Alabama team – Auburn – went into Fayetteville and turned back Arkansas, 38-23. When he’s good, he’s good and when he’s bad, he’s bad. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix had a good day against the Hogs. He was 21-of-26, passing for 292 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, Auburn got some help from the refs in beating Arkansas. Some people say, Auburn got some help from the refs again this year.

First-year South Carolina coach Shane Beamer got his first SEC win. The Gamecocks scored a touchdown and extra point with 0:37 left in the game to beat Vanderbilt, 21-20. Meanwhile, first-year Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea is still looking for his first SEC win. 

Last week, Connecticut gave Massachusetts its first win of the season. Saturday, UConn got its first win of the season. But it wasn’t easy. The Huskies beat Yale, 21-15.

In the MWC, Air Force improved to 6-1. On the “blue turf,” the Falcons downed Boise State, 24-17. Air Force had 307 rushing yards in the game.

And finally, in the three Pac-12 late, late, late shows, Washington State beat Stanford, 34-31, UCLA got by Washington, 24-17 and Utah upset Arizona State, 35-21. Washington State scored a touchdown with 1:30 on the clock to beat the Trees. UCLA scored a touchdown with 8:19 left in the game to down Washington. And trailing Arizona State, 21-7 at halftime, Utah rallied with 28 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Sun Devils.

With Connecticut’s win over Yale, the only two remaining winless teams are Arizona (0-6) and UNLV (0-6). On the positive side, there are 11 undefeated teams – Cincinnati, SMU, Wake Forest, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan, Michigan State, UTSA, San Diego State, Georgia, and Coastal Carolina.

Clemson, especially its offense, sure has been an enigma this season. In five games against FBS teams, Clemson has only scored eight touchdowns and one of those touchdowns was in overtime. The Tigers have only scored seven touchdowns in regulation time. That’s 1.4 touchdowns per game.

Following the UCF-Cincinnati game, UCF coach Gus Malzahn was torched on social media. Following the Ole Miss-Tennessee game, Vols fans were trashed on social media. And I’m thinking that Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had to be slammed on social media too, following the LSU game.

My friend, Casey Beavers, said that Florida doesn’t need any more coaches whose last names start with M – Meyer, Muschamp, McElwain and Mullen.

Touchdown Tom

October 18, 2021

 

Weekend Recap

GAME OF THE WEEK: Kentucky’s no Dawg catcher – Georgia 30, Kentucky 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 29, Kentucky 11). This was actually a close game at halftime. Georgia led Kentucky, 14-7. But the second half began and the Dawgs proceeded to score 16 unanswered points. Georgia had 416 total yards to 243 for Kentucky. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett was 14-of-20, passing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Attendance in Athens: 92,746

RUNNER-UP: The Bears threw the Book at the Cougars – Baylor 38, BYU 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Baylor 29, BYU 21). BYU kept things reasonably close until 3:55 to go in the game when Baylor went up 38-17. Baylor had 534 total yards – 303 of those yards rushing. Attendance in Waco: 48,016

REST OF THE BEST: The Cowboys took Bevo on a cattle drive – Oklahoma State 32, Texas 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Oklahoma State 25). For the second week in a row, Texas fell to an Oklahoma team. Texas led 17-3 halfway through the second quarter and 24-13 early in the third quarter. Okie State took its first lead – 25-24 – with 4:37 to go in the game. Texas running back Bijan Robinson had 135 yards rushing. Attendance in Austin: 99,916

Frogs croak – Oklahoma 51, TCU 32 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, TCU 27). Oklahoma never trailed in the game. The teams combined for 1,054 total yards. TCU quarterback Max Duggan was 20-of-30, passing for 346 yards and four touchdowns. Attendance in Norman: 84,391

Eagles got Packed – NC State 33, Boston College 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Boston College 26, NC State 22). Boston College was held to 97 yards rushing. BC scored midway through the first quarter and never saw the endzone for the rest of the game. NC State quarterback Devin Leary threw three touchdown passes. Attendance in Chestnut Hill: 40,349

Cajuns delete the Apps – Louisiana 41, Appalachian State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana 25, Appalachian State 24). App State suffered four turnovers – two interceptions and two fumbles. Time of possession favored Louisiana – 36:32. The Cajuns had a well-balanced attack – 209 yards passing and 246 yards rushing. Louisiana led 20-6 at halftime. Attendance in Lafayette: 20,066

Back on track – Alabama 49, Mississippi State 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 40, Mississippi State 19). Alabama had 543 total yards. Miss State’s total output was three field goals. Bama held the Bulldogs to -1 yard rushing. Miss State quarterback Will Rogers threw three interceptions. Attendance in Starkville: 53,796

The Vols fans completed 100% of their passes – Ole Miss 31, Tennessee 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Ole Miss 34, Tennessee 27). Ole Miss led 24-9 in the second quarter and 31-19 early in the third quarter. Ole Miss had 510 total yards and quarterback Matt Corral rushed for 195 of those yards. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker rushed for 108 yards. At the end of the game, the field at Neyland Stadium looked like a dump yard. Attendance in Knoxville: 102,455

Shocker in Salt Lake City – Utah 35, Arizona State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 27, Utah 26). Utah held Arizona State scoreless in the second half. The Utes had 455 total yards – well balanced at 208 yards rushing and 247 yards passing. Attendance in Salt Lake City: 51,724

Aubie puts the Pigs in a pen – Auburn 38, Arkansas 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 28, Auburn 24). Auburn led throughout the entire first half. Arkansas took its first lead at 17-14 early in the third quarter. Five minutes later, Auburn retook the lead at 21-17 and never trailed again. As the fourth quarter began, Auburn led 28-23. Attendance in Fayetteville: 73,370

In the games I suggested you keep a very close eye on: Pitt came out on top of Virginia Tech, 28-7….  Fresno State tossed Wyoming, 17-0….  Iowa State ran by Kansas State, 33-20….   Air Force got the best of Boise State, 24-17 and San Diego State sacrificed San Jose State, 19-13 (2OT).

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Intercepted in Baton Rouge – LSU 49, Florida 42 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, LSU 23). Thanks to interceptions and poor defensive play, Florida dug itself into a hole and then had to play catch up. Midway through the second quarter, the Gators trailed 21-6. Early in the third quarter they trailed, 28-13. Later in the third quarter, they trailed 35-21. Late in the third quarter, the Gators actually tied the game, 35-35. Midway through the fourth quarter the score was 42-42. But the Gators couldn’t keep LSU from scoring. For Florida fans it was a frustrating game to watch. I swore if I saw another Emory Jones up the middle, I was going to throw a glass at the TV screen. Florida played both Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson at quarterback. Both players threw two interceptions each. Florida was careless on offense and the defense played like it didn’t really care. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 96,012

Gopher ’d in Minneapolis – Minnesota 30, Nebraska 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 33, Minnesota 17). Minnesota and Nebraska are two freakish football teams – good one week, bad the next. No consistency. It was Minnesota’s week to be the better of the two. Minnesota grabbed a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter and never trailed for the rest of the game. The Gophers biggest lead was 30-16 late in the fourth quarter. The score may have been worse if Minnesota had not thrown two interceptions. Attendance in Minneapolis: 45,536

Strong armed in Charlottesville – Virginia 48, Duke 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 32, Duke 19). The Dookies suffered four turnovers which wiped out any hope they had. Virginia took advantage of everything. The Cavs racked up 528 yards of offense. Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong passed for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Duke was never in the game. Attendance in Charlottesville: 38,489

A good day to be a Boiler – Purdue 24, Iowa 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Purdue 13). You have to give it to Purdue’s passing and the Boilers defense. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell passed for 375 yards and the Boilers defense held Iowa to 273 total yards. Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras threw four interceptions. Attendance in Iowa City: 69,250

Week 7 Results:  7 winners, 7 fumbles (50 percent)

For the Season:  69 winners, 32 fumbles (68.3 percent)

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Cincinnati 56, UCF 21 – Attendance in Cincinnati: 37,978

Tulsa 32, South Florida 31 – Attendance in Tampa: N/A

St. Thomas 38, Stetson 7 – Attendance in Deland: 1,169

Prairie View 35, Bethune-Cookman 29 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 3,267
Florida A&M 35, Alabama A&M 31 – Attendance in Huntsville: 8,376

North Carolina 45, Miami 42 – Attendance in Chapel Hill: 50,500

West Georgia 30, West Florida 26 – Attendance in Pensacola: 7,053

 

Superlatives

Impressive Passers:

Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe – 37-54-1 for 397 yards (5TDs); Nevada’s Carson Strong – 34-54-0-395 (2TDs); South Alabama’s Jake Bentley – 24-31-0-389 (3TDs), and Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell – 30-40-0-375 (2TDs).

Also, Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong – 25-45-0 for 364 yards (2TDs); Alabama’s Bryce Young – 20-28-0-348 (4TDs); TCU’s Max Duggan – 20-30-0-346 (4TDs); BYU’s Jaren Hall – 22-31-0-342 (1TD), and Eastern Michigan’s Ben Bryant – 35-48-2-331 (1TD).

 

Impressive Rushers:

LSU’s Tyrion Davis-Price – 287 yards (3TDs); Northern Illinois’ Jay Ducker – 210 yards; Iowa State’s Breece Hall – 197 yards (2TDs); Oklahoma State’s Jaylen Warren – 193 yards; Cincinnati’s Jerome Ford – 189 yards (4TDs); Baylor’s Abram Smith – 188 yards (3TDs), and Ohio’s Armani Rogers – 183 yards (2TDs).

Also, North Texas’ Deandre Torrey – 179 yards (2TDs); Hawaii’s Dae Dae Hunter – 174 yards (2TDs); Western Michigan’s Sean Tyler – 169 yards (1TD); Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller – 168 yards (1TD); Syracuse’s Sean Tucker – 157 yards; Liberty’s Malik Willis – 157 yards (2TDs), and Oklahoma’s Kennedy Brooks – 153 yards (1TD).

Also, Oregon’s Travis Dye – 145 yards (1TD); Tulsa’s Shamari Brooks – 145 yards (1TD); Buffalo’s Dylan McDuffie – 143 yards (1TD); Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda – 140 yards; Air Force’s Brad Roberts – 138 yards (2TDs); Ball State’s Carson Steele – 138 yards (1TD); UAB’s Dewayne McBride – 137 yards (1TD), and Texas’ Bijan Robinson – 135 yards (2TDs).

 

Quotes of the Week

Nick Saban should quit dying his hair and look younger,” Mad Dog from Georgia, on The Paul Finebaum Show.

“Spencer, nice knowing you but hit the transfer portal because we’ve seen this before,” SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, on Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler.

“I don’t think there is a single college in this country that would get near John Gruden. He is un-hirable. Anywhere, anyplace,” SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, on the former Las Vegas Raiders coach.

“Tell me again about this offensive mastermind named Gus Malzahn,” David Cobb, after UCF lost to Cincinnati 56-21 and falling to 3-3 on the season.

Gus Malzahn made UCF worse,” Jordan Dent.

“So tell me again: UCF was supposed to be better with Gus Malzahn,” Robby Edwards.

Gus Malzahn sucks,” Ryan Singleton.

“There are a lot of people in Knoxville right now, and this is not the entire fan base, that need to get home, hopefully safely, and frankly reexamine their lives and priorities. That was embarrassing for too many people wearing orange,” ESPN’s Dari Nowkah, reacting to the scene at Neyland Stadium Saturday night at the end of the Ole Miss-Tennessee game.

“When you start throwing things on the field, you put other people in danger when you do something like that,” ESPN’s Benjamin Watson, on the ugly scene at Neyland Stadium.

“It was classless. There’s no place for it,” ESPN’s Gene Chizik, on the Tennessee fans throwing objects on the field.

“There were a number of bottles with some brown stuff in them. I’m not sure what it was. It probably wasn’t moonshine. They probably wouldn’t waste moonshine on me,” Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, on the objects thrown on the field near the end of the Ole Miss-Tennessee game.

“I got a few No. 1 signs too. But they were the No. 1 signs with the middle finger. I guess this is the story of my life. Nothing is normal,” Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, after the Tennessee game.

Tweets of the Week

“Tennessee fans reminding me why I’m grateful to not be associated with Rocky Top.”

“Tennessee fans are just classless, pathetic losers.”

“Always knew Tennessee fans had no class.”

Sign of the Week

No One Believes In UK

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Oklahoma State (6-0) at Iowa State (4-2)  – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Oklahoma State could be ripe for the upset. Iowa State has lost two games and it’s hard to believe the Cyclones will lose any more. The Cowboys are coming off a big win over Texas in Austin. This could be a shootout – high scoring. Both teams have the tools to get touchdowns. Cowboys go bird hunting – Oklahoma State 31, Iowa State 27.  

RUNNER-UP: 2. Oregon (5-1) at UCLA (5-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Both teams just have one loss in the conference. A second loss will do them in. Oregon always seems to play just good enough to come out with a win. But it won’t be good enough against the Bruins – UCLA 30, Oregon 27.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. San Diego State (6-0) at Air Force (6-1) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – Good battle in the MWC. San Diego State plays good defense but lousy offense. Air Force plays well on both sides of the ball. Home field gives the Flacons the advantage. Off we go – Air Force 24, San Diego State 18.

4. Coastal Carolina (6-0) at Appalachian State (4-2) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 7:30 pm ET, Wednesday, ESPN2 – Coastal Carolina is riding high this season. The Chanticleers are looking good. App State isn’t quite up to its usual standards this season. But Coastal Carolina will get them fired up. And the game is in Boone. The Rooster crows – Coastal Carolina 30, Appalachian State 23.

5. Wake Forest (6-0) at Army (4-2) – (ACC vs. Ind.) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, CBSSN – This should be a good game. Army’s running game against Wake’s passing game. The Cadets can stop the Deacons from running. But their challenge is to stop the Deacs from passing. Army could give Wake Forest headaches. The Preacher strikes fear in the Cadets – Wake Forest 30, Army 21.

6. Tennessee (4-3) at Alabama (6-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – There is no way Tennessee’s defense can stop Alabama’s offense. The Tide should have its way on offense. But it will be interesting to see what Tennessee’s offense can do against Bama. The Vols have gotten better and better each week on offense. Bama hides the plastic water bottles – Alabama 38, Tennessee 20.

7. Nevada (5-1) at Fresno State (5-2) – (MWC vs. MWC) – Saturday, FS2 – Another good contest in the MWV. Both teams are playing well. Both have outstanding quarterbacks – Jake Haener for Fresno State and Carson Strong for Nevada. Home field has to make Fresno State the favorite. Bulldogs divide the Pack – Fresno State 27, Nevada 22.

8. Clemson (4-2) at Pitt (5-1)  – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – The way Clemson has been playing, the Tigers are do for another loss. Pitt has the material to give it to them. The Panthers have a good offense led by quarterback Kenny Pickett. And their defense is solid. Clemson is really struggling on offense. But the Tigers do play good defense. The Panthers claw out a victory – Pitt 19, Clemson 16.

9. LSU (4-3) at Ole Miss (5-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Word has it that LSU coach Ed Orgeron will be dumped at the end of the season. That should fire up the LSU players. Ole Miss will have its hands full. Look for a high scoring game – very high. Lane Kiffin doesn’t have to worry about golf balls being thrown at him this week. He survives the eye of the Tiger – Ole Miss 40, LSU 37.

10. USC (3-3) at Notre Dame (5-1) – (Pac-12 vs. Ind.) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Notre Dame shouldn’t have any problems in this game. USC has had its share of problems, especially on defense. But it is a rivalry game so the Trojans may get fired up. But not enough – Notre Dame 34, USC 23.

I recommend you keep a very close eye on these four games:

Utah (4-2) at Oregon State (4-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, PAC12N –
Maryland (4-2) at Minnesota (4-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 –
BYU (5-2) at Washington State (4-3) – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 –
Kansas State (3-3) at Texas Tech (5-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 –

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

West Virginia (2-4) at TCU (3-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Through six games, West Virginia has had no offense. None whatsoever. The WVU defense looked good until the last game. The Mountaineers are coming off a bye week. Hopefully they patched up some problems. But you never know what to expect from WVU. TCU can score. That’s a known fact. The Frogs are jumpin’ – TCU 33, West Virginia 20.

Wisconsin (3-3) at Purdue (4-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – Saturday, BTN – If Purdue plays like it did against Iowa, then the Boilers have a chance. But Purdue doesn’t generally put two good games together. They are typically up and down. Wisconsin has been flat on offense. The Badgers do play good defense. The Badgers win a stalemate in West Lafayette – Wisconsin 22, Purdue 17.

 

ELSEWHERE AROUBND FLORIDA:

Massachusetts (1-5) at Florida State (2-4) – (Ind. vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN….

Stetson (2-4) at Drake (2-4) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3….
Bethune-Cookman (0-7) at Jackson State (5-1) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

Shorter (2-5) at Wet Florida (5-1) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 4 pm ET, Saturday….

Florida A&M (4-2) at Mississippi Valley State (2-4) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday….

Temple (3-3) at South Florida (1-5) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Memphis (4-3) at UCF (3-3) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2….
Western Kentucky (2-4) at FIU (1-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Florida Atlantic (3-3) at Charlotte (4-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, CBSSN….

NC State (5-1) at Miami (2-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2….

Touchdown Tom

 

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