College Football
Week 12 – Scott Frost or Jon Gruden to South Florida?
Nicole was on a
roll,
And what is with all the false starts?
As if we needed another one, Hurricane Nicole rolled through Florida last week. Actually, it spent most of its time in Florida as Tropical Storm Nicole. But it entered the state off of the Atlantic Ocean as a Category 1 hurricane, before dropping down to a tropical storm shortly thereafter.
Yeah, we needed another hurricane/tropical storm like we needed a hole in our head. At least Nicole was a fast mover and it didn’t impact any football games, other than bringing rain to some games far north of Florida.
Nicole entered Florida on North Hutchinson Island, about halfway between Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. The storm made landfall around 3:00 Thursday morning. It proceeded northwest across the state to the west coast of Florida. There it turned due north, moving up the Gulf Coast and across the eastern part of Florida’s panhandle, before entering Georgia on Thursday evening.
Nicole was a fast mover. It had the speed of a wide receiver, unlike Ian six weeks earlier. Ian was a slow mover. It had the speed of an offensive guard or tackle. Where Ian dropped a lot of rain, in addition to its wind, Nicole deposited very little rain – only wind.
And unlike Ian, Nicole didn’t impact any football games. It quickly moved through Florida on a Thursday. By Friday, all was well for the high school games. By Saturday, all was well for the college games. Ian also moved through Florida on a Thursday. But the aftermath of its impact was stronger. Ian’s winds and rain left a path of destruction that canceled, postponed and relocated high school and college football games in Florida.
Unlike Ian and others, Nicole didn’t make the all-star team. Thank goodness.
Where Ian initiated some damage to the beaches and dunes of Florida’s east coast, Nicole finished the job, bringing more damage to the beaches and dunes.
Yes, two storms in one season is more than enough – shades of Frances and Jeanne in 2004. Perhaps worse, a storm in November. Definitely not used to that. It’s a rarity. And to think that July and August were so quiet.
Where Nicole was on a roll, Oregon and UCLA took a toll.
While Washington and Oregon are rivals – anything can happen in a rivalry – Oregon was a 12-point favorite over Washington. Oregon was 8-1. The Ducks stood a good chance of making the CFP playoff. But the unexpected, happened Saturday evening. And, even worse for Oregon, it happened in Eugene – in the Duck Pond.
Washington knocked off Oregon, 37-34. With the game tied at 34-34, Washington’s Peyton Henry kicked a 43-yard field goal with 0:51 left in the game. Oregon had 51 seconds to score a touchdown and win the game, or kick a field goal and tie the game. But Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who has had such a sensational season, failed to move the Ducks in the final minute. Had he done so, it could have been a Heisman winning moment for Nix. Instead, his chances for the Heisman are now down the drain. Just like Oregon’s chances for the CFP are now down the drain.
UCLA was a bigger favorite over Arizona. The Bruins were 20-point favorites to beat the Wildcats. UCLA was 8-1. Arizona was only 3-6. Not anymore. UCLA is 8-2 and Arizona is 4-6. The Wildcats upset the Bruins, 34-28.
With 10:22 to go in the game, UCLA led 28-24. But Arizona added 10 points in the final 6:34 of the contest. First a touchdown that put the Wildcats up 31-28. Then, a field goal with 1:07 on the clock that made it 34-28.
Two highly ranked Pac-12 teams go down to defeat. Oregon was 6th in the CFP rankings and UCLA was 12th. They won’t be any more.
And yes, what’s with all the false starts this season. Is it just me, or have you noticed there have been an unseemly number of false start penalties this season? Every time you turn around – “false start.” I think there have been more false start calls this season than the past three or four seasons combined.
A team has a third down and 1 – “false start.” A team has a fourth down and 1 and they are going for it – “false start.” A team has a first and goal on the 3 or 4 – “false start.” It’s endless. I don’t know what the issue is with offenses this year. But they seem to have a problem staying still before the snap. They aren’t in sync.
I just don’t know. Maybe it’s me. I have visions of referees going through the false start motion in my sleep. Maybe I watch too much football. Never!
Oregon was the only team ranked in the Top 10 of the CFP poll to lose. The other nine teams all won. Don’t look for any change in the Top 10 positions this week, other than the teams below Oregon moving up one spot.
Oregon was ranked 6th. Positions one through five – Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, TCU and Tennessee – should remain the same. Although Tennessee was definitely going for style points in its 66-24 win over Missouri. With Tennessee up 59-24 over Missouri and only 0:36 left in the game, the Vols scored a touchdown instead of taking a knee. Not the classiest of moments for Tennessee coach Josh Heupel.
Positions seven through 10 – LSU, USC, Alabama and Clemson – should move up one spot and become six through nine. Either Utah or North Carolina should jump into the 10th spot. Utah (8-2) beat Stanford, 42-7, and North Carolina (9-1) beat Wake Forest, 36-34.
Seven other teams in the CFP rankings lost Saturday – Ole Miss (11th), UCLA (12th), NC State (16th), Tulane (17th), Texas (18th), Illinois (21st) and Kentucky (24th).
Tulane was the highest-ranked Group of Five team in the rankings. But UCF beat the Green Wave, 38-31. Look for the Knights to become the highest-ranked Group of Five team. Tulane will either fall out of the rankings or drop to a lower position. Cincinnati (8-2) should enter the Top 25 and possibly Coastal Carolina (9-1). I don’t for see any other Group of Five teams in the rankings.
College football Week 11 had another early start, as Mid-American Conference teams had three games on Tuesday and three on Wednesday. Tuesday night began in Akron, Ohio, where Eastern Michigan squeaked out a win over Akron, 34-28. Entering the fourth quarter, EMU had a 31-14 lead over the Zips. Akron rallied, but it came up short. EMU running back Cam Wiley rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns.
Moving over to southwestern Ohio, Miami hosted Ohio. The Bobcats prevailed 37-21. Ohio racked up 556 total yards, with an impressive passing and running game. Bobcats quarterback Kurtis Rourke was 25-45-0, passing for 363 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ohio running back Sieh Bangura rushed for 145 yards and one touchdown.
In the third and final game on Tuesday night, Toledo scored late to break a tie and beat Ball State, 28-21. The Rockets final touchdown came with 1:18 left in the game. The contest was tied three times at 7-7, 14-14 and 21-21. Ball State running back Carson Steele rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Toledo improved to 7-3.
The MAC action continued Wednesday night with the other three games. In a game where the lead changed hands six times, Northern Illinois scored a touchdown with 0:56 left on the clock to beat Western Michigan, 24-21. NIU running back Jaiden Credle rushed for 136 yards.
Trailing Buffalo, 24-7, at halftime, Central Michigan rallied in the second half to beat the Bulls, 31-27. Still trailing, 27-24, CMU scored the winning touchdown with 7:29 to go in the game and held on to win. Chippewa running back Bert Emanuel rushed for 293 yards and three touchdowns.
The third game Wednesday was a rout, as Kent State smashed Bowling Green, 40-6. The Golden Flashes tallied 415 total yards, with am even mix of running and passing.
Thursday night was downright boring – both games. Memphis beat Tulsa, 26-10, in a game where the two teams only combined for 25 yards rushing in the first half. When the game was over, Tulsa only had 31 yards rushing. Memphis wasn’t much better. The second game was a rout. Louisiana downed Georgia Southern, 36-17.
Three games were played on Friday night. In the opener, Cincinnati just got by East Carolina, 27-25. The Bearcats Ryan Cole kicked a 21-yard field goal with 9:42 left in the game and Cincinnati held on to win.
Out in California, USC rolled over Colorado, 55-17. The Trojans racked up 531 total yards. In Las Vegas, Fresno State beat UNLV, 37-30. The lead in the game changed hands five times. Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener was 28-34-0, passing for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
In other action on Saturday, a streak had to end in the Texas A&M-Auburn game. And it did for Auburn. Coming into the contest, both the Aggies and the Tigers were riding five-game losing streaks. Auburn beat Texas A&M, 13-10. The Aggies have now lost six-straight games. And Jimbo continues to laugh all the way to the bank.
Kentucky got a surprise on Saturday. And it wasn’t a good surprise. Vanderbilt, winless in the SEC, knocked off Kentucky, 24-21. Vandy is now 1-5 in SEC play. Trailing Kentucky 21-17, the Commodores scored a touchdown with 0:32 left on the clock. The score wasn’t an anomaly. Vanderbilt had more first downs, passing yards and rushing yards than Kentucky. The win ends Vandy’s 26-game SEC losing streak.
In two three-point difference affairs, LSU squeaked by Arkansas, 13-10, and Notre Dame got by Navy, 35-32. LSU-Arkansas was a defensive battle, as both teams had less than 285 total yards. Notre Dame led Navy, 35-13 at halftime. The Middies outscored the Irish 19-0 in the second half but came up short.
Liberty, winners over Arkansas last week, lost to Connecticut, 36-33. Trailing 33-28, UConn scored a touchdown and two-point conversion with 5:43 to go in the game. The lead changed hands four times. With the win, UConn became bowl eligible. Boston College upset NC State, in Raleigh, 21-20. Trailing NC State, 20-14, Boston College scored a touchdown with 0:14 left in the game.
Florida State’s defense smothered Syracuse. The Noles beat the Orange, 38-3. Syracuse was held to 65 yards passing and 90 yards rushing. FSU is on the way up – 3-straight wins. Syracuse is on the way down – 4-straight losses. And speaking of defense, Iowa all but shut down Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes beat the Badgers, 24-10. Wisconsin was held to 94 yards passing and 52 yards rushing.
In two west coast late shows, Oregon State beat California, 38-10, and Boise State topped Nevada, 41-3.
No undefeated teams lost over the weekend. Four teams – Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and TCU – remain undefeated. All four are 10-0. This week, Georgia plays at Kentucky, Michigan hosts Illinois, Ohio State plays at Maryland and TCU plays at Baylor.
Last week, there were 10 one-loss teams. This week there are five. Liberty (8-2), Ole Miss (8-2), Oregon (8-2), Tulane (8-2) and UCLA (8-2) all lost. The five remaining one-loss teams are Clemson, Coastal Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and USC. All five are 9-1.
According to reports, Jon Gruden and Scott Frost are the two leading candidates to be the next coach of South Florida. Meanwhile, at Nebraska, the top three candidates to replace Scott Frost appear to be former Temple and Baylor coach Matt Rhule, former TCU coach Gary Patterson and current Army coach Jeff Monken. Stay tuned!
After Nicole blew by last week, I had to get the yard cleaned up on Thursday afternoon before Swamp Mama and I got out of Dodge. Friday morning, we hit the road for the Florida panhandle. It was time for a visit with the kids – Princess Gator, Gator Gabe and Gator Babe. We had not visited up there since June. They were down at our house in July.
If I could have a nickel for all the bucket trucks I saw on I-95 and I-10, I would be a millionaire. Those bucket trucks are a common sight after a storm blows through. Those guys are great at getting the power restored. The help that comes in from power companies in nearby states is amazing.
So my football viewing took place at a different venue over the weekend. And on central time instead of eastern time. Still had all the channels available to me. You know, the ones that carry all the college football games. Our daughter and our grandkids know my routine on college football Saturdays.
Yesterday, Gator Babe celebrated her 15th birthday. And she passed her driver’s license test for a learner’s permit. I didn’t know you can take those things online now. How do they know it’s you?
Tuesday evening, Gator Gabe’s high school basketball team has its first game of the season. They are playing Pensacola Christian High School. We’ll attend the game.
Wednesday, Swamp Mama and I will be on the road again, heading home.
I hope your week is a good one! Without any false starts.
Touchdown Tom
Weekend Recap
GAME OF THE WEEK: A miss by Ole Miss – Alabama 30, Ole Miss 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 38, Ole Miss 28). As the third quarter ended, the game was tied 24-24. Both teams were kept out of the end zone in the fourth quarter, but Alabama kicked two field goals – a 23-yarder with 11:19 to go and a 49-yarder with 2:23 to go. Ole Miss had more first downs, more passing yards and more rushing yards than Alabama. But the Tide had more points. Bryce Young threw three touchdown passes. Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for 135 yards. Attendance in Oxford: 65,923
RUNNER-UP: Not good for Sarkisian – TCU 17, Texas 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, TCU 30). TCU never trailed in the game. The Frogs held Texas to 199 total yards – just 28 rushing. Where was B.J. Robinson when you needed him? TCU running back Kendre Miller rushed for 138 yards – averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Texas fell to 6-4. Attendance in Austin: 104,203
REST OF THE BEST: The sun didn’t shine on Autzen – Washington 37, Oregon 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 27, Washington 24). Oregon dominated the stats and controlled time of possession – 34:31. But Washington dominated the score. Washington’s Michael Penix was 26-35-1, passing for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon’s Bo Nix was 19-27-0, passing for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon had two backs rush for more than 100 yards each. Mar’Keise Irving rushed for 143 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Noah Whittington rushed for 108 yards. Attendance in Eugene: 58,756
Leach-less in Starkville – Georgia 45, Mississippi State 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 31, Mississippi State 22). Georgia only led 17-12 at halftime. Then the Dawgs outscored Miss State, 28-7 in the second half. Georgia had 468 total yards and held Miss State to 47 yards rushing. Stetson Bennett threw two interceptions. He was 25-37-2, passing for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Bennett also rushed for another touchdown. Georgia is the new Alabama. Attendance in Starkville: 60,352
Wave-less in New Orleans – UCF 38, Tulane 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Tulane 34, UCF 30). UCF held 24-7 (second quarter) and 31-14 (third quarter) leads. Tulane tried to play catchup but fell short. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee passed for 132 yards and one touchdown and he rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt was 23-39-0, passing for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Tulane running back Tyjae Spears rushed for 130 yards. Attendance in New Orleans: 27,317
No seeds for the Cardinals – Clemson 31, Louisville 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 26, Louisville 23). Louisville was no contest for Clemson. The Tigers led 31-10 near the end. The Cardinals scored a touchdown as time expired. Clemson had three turnovers – all fumbles. Attendance in Clemson: 80,176
Air ball – North Carolina 36, Wake Forest 34 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 34, Wake Forest 26). Wake Forest never led until 8:35 to go in the third quarter. That’s when the Deacons went up 28-27. North Carolina retook the lead and then Wake went back up 34-33 with 4:36 to go in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels Noah Burnette kicked a 33-yard field goal with 2:12 to go in the game. The teams combined for 1,075 total yards – 768 of those yards were from passing. North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye was 31-49-0, passing for 448 yards and three touchdowns. Maye also rushed for 71 yards and another touchdown. Wake quarterback Sam Hartman was 18-31-1, passing for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Attendance in Winston-Salem: 31,346
Just enough – Cincinnati 27, East Carolina 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 30, East Carolina 23). It seems like Cincinnati always does just enough to barely win its AAC games. The Bearcats had no business winning this game. East Carolina had more first downs, more passing yards, more rushing yards, no turnovers and controlled time of possession for 36:43. ECU took the initial lead, 5-0, on a safety and field goal all in the first quarter. With 2:57 left in the first quarter, the Bearcats went up, 7-5. Cincinnati held on to the lead until 2:02 to go in the third quarter – the Pirates took a 25-24 lead. Cincy added a field goal in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats only had 66 yards rushing. Attendance in Cincinnati: 38,199
No snap in these Turtles – Penn State 30, Maryland 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 35, Maryland 18). Penn State’s defense smothered Maryland. The Terps had 134 total yards – 60 yards rushing and 74 passing. The Nitts maintained time of possession for 34:46. Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in University Park: 108,796
Bears hibernated – Kansas State 31, Baylor 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 35, Baylor 34). Kansas State had 30 first downs to 17 for Baylor. The Wildcats possessed the ball for 37:37. Kansas State quarterback Will Howard was 19-27-0, passing for 196 yards and three touchdowns. K-State improved to 7-3. Attendance in Waco: 47,686
YE OLDE STOMPING
GROUNDS:
Wonders never cease – West Virginia 23, Oklahoma 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 35, West Virginia 24). Just when you think the Mounties won’t win another game this season, they up and surprise you. Oklahoma led throughout the first half, holding a 12-6 halftime lead. WVU went up 13-12 with 3:36 to go in the third quarter. OU went back up 20-13 before the quarter ended. WVU outscored Oklahoma 10-0 in the fourth quarter – scoring a touchdown with 11:20 to go and kicking a field goal as time expired. The teams were pretty even in the stats. But West Virginia controlled possession for 37:15. OU running back Eric Gray rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns. WVU benched quarterback J.T. Daniels for Garrett Greene. Greene passed for 138 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 119 yards and two more touchdowns. Attendance in Morgantown: 50,281
Chicken tenders – Florida 38, South Carolina 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, South Carolina 22). Florida’s defense played a great game for four quarters. The Gators offense and Anthony Richardson were sensational in the first half. The offense and Richardson were terrible in the second half. Florida had 26 first downs to 11 for South Carolina. The Gators had 515 total yards to 237 for South Carolina. The Gamecocks only had 44 yards rushing. Florida possessed the ball for 36:20. Richardson completed less than 50% of his passes. Florida running backs Montrell Johnson rushed for 112 yards and Trevor Etienne for 100 yards. Richardson had 96 yards rushing. Attendance in Gainesville: 89,454
Lost in a Maize – Michigan 34, Nebraska 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, Nebraska 18). Michigan held Nebraska to 146 total yards – 75 yards rushing and 71 passing. The wolverines had 27 first downs to 8 for Nebraska. Michigan running back Blake Corum rushed for 162 yards and one touchdown. It was a frustrating day for the Huskers. Attendance in Ann Arbor: 110.192
Early Thanksgiving dinner – Duke 24, Virginia Tech 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 31, Virginia Tech 21). Virginia Tech took an initial 7-0 lead. Then the Dookies scored 24 unanswered points spread out over four quarters. Duke held the Hokies to 281 totals yards and 13 first downs. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard was 19-31-1, passing for 262 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 48 yards and another touchdown. Duke improved to 7-3. Attendance in Durham: 20,857
The Boilers were hot – Purdue 31, Illinois 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Illinois 21, Purdue 17). The game was tied 7-7 (second quarter), 14-14 (second quarter) and 21-21 (third quarter). Purdue took a 10-point lead, 31-21, in the fourth quarter. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell was 25-40-1, passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Attendance in Champaign: 45,574
Week 11 Results: 10 winners, 5 fumbles (66.7 percent)
ELSEWHERE AROUNBD FLORIDA:
SMU 41, South Florida 23 – Attendance in Tampa: 24,907
Alcorn State 17, Bethune-Cookman 14 – Attendance in Alcorn: 6,562
Miami 35, Georgia Tech 14 – Attendance in Atlanta: 33,857
Superlatives
Impressive Passers:
Temple’s E.J. Warner – 42-59-0 for 486 yards (3TDs); North Carolina’s Drake Maye – 31-49-0-448 (3TDs); Washington’s Michael Penix – 26-35-1-408 (2TDs); Western Kentucky’s Austin Reed – 23-33-1-377 (3TDs); Ohio’s Kurtis Rourke – 25-35-0-363 (3TDs); Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker – 25-35-0-355 (3TDs), and Georgia State’s Darren Grainger – 25-40-1-349 (1TD).
Impressive Rushers:
Central Michigan’s Bert Emanuel – 293 yards (3TDs); Ball State’s Carson Steele – 198 yards (3TDs); Kansas’ Devin Neal – 190 yards; UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet – 181 yards (3TDs), and Utah’s Tavion Thomas – 180 yards (2TDs).
Also, Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim – 178 yards (3TDs); UCF’s John Rhys Plumlee – 176 yards (2TDs); Air Force’s Brad Roberts – 163 yards; Florida State’s Trey Benson – 163 yards; Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai – 162 yards, Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez – 162 yards (2TDs), and Michigan’s Blake Corum – 162 yards (1TD).
Quotes of the Week
“Jimbo has to give up play calling tomorrow. There is absolutely no excuse for being this bad on offense. It’s just plain bad. We will not succeed with his offense,” Texas A&M fan Brandon Leone.
“Watching Jimbo call plays tonight is like listening to someone scratch a blackboard for three hours,” Texas A&M fan Rusk.
“When will Texas A&M show Jimbo the door? Gotta think his clock is ticking.” Texas A&M fan BTJ.
“Serious question… is Jimbo Fisher trying to get fired?,” Texas A&M fan Drip Bayless.
“Steve Sarkisian and Jimbo Fisher are stealing money from the state of Texas and I love it,” obviously not a Texas or Texas A&M fan Jam Bender.
“Watching Jimbo’s job at Texas A&M this fall makes me realize I went into the wrong profession.” Greg McManus.
“Jimbo’s trying to get out of Texas A&M before he even puts the Christmas tree up,” Dustin Tackett.
Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. USC (9-1) at UCLA (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – The battle for L.A. It’s been a long time since both of these teams have been this good for their annual meeting. They are a combined 17-3. UCLA was most likely looking ahead to USC when the Bruins lost to Arizona over the weekend. Everybody thought they both would be 9-1 going into this game. Both teams can score, and both have weak defenses. It should be a high scoring affair. The Rose Bowl will be rocking. It’ll be the life of Riley – USC 40, UCLA 34.
RUNNER-UP: 2. Illinois (7-3) at Michigan (10-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Trap game for Michigan? The Wolverines have Ohio State next week. When Illinois is on the Banned Indians can be tough. Michigan doesn’t have to worry about Illinois’ offense. I’m not sure they have one. It’s Illinois’ defense that is the problem. But no problem for Blake Corum – Michigan 26, Illinois 11.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Utah (8-2) at Oregon (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Oregon just had a wild game against Washington in Eugene. This one could be wilder. Both teams want to play in the Pac-12 championship game. Bo Nix will be looking to redeem the loss to Washington. The Ducks get in a row – Oregon 33, Utah 28.
4. Georgia (10-0) at Kentucky (6-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Obviously, Kentucky was overlooking Vanderbilt for Georgia. The Wildcats paid for it too. Tennessee had no problem with the Wildcats. And you saw what Georgia did to Tennessee. Uga never did like Cats – Georgia 31, Kentucky 15.
5. TCU (10-0) at Baylor (6-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – The pressure keeps mounting for TCU. The Frogs keep handling it. Baylor is a strange team. When the Bears are good, they are really good. When they are bad, well, they can be bad. The Frogs make them look bad – TCU 33, Baylor 27.
6. Tennessee (9-1) at South Carolina (6-4) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Tennessee still has CFP on its mind. Win out and the Vols should be in good shape. But they can’t overlook the Gamecocks. South Carolina is a spotty team. The Gamecocks have their good spots and their bad spots. The Vols find Cocky’s bad spot – Tennessee 30, South Carolina 16.
7. Boise State (7-3) at Wyoming (7-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN – Wyoming at Wyoming is always a dangerous team. After a so-so start, Boise State seems to have found itself. The Broncos are playing ball like they used too. The Cowboys can’t tame these Broncos – Boise State 25, Wyoming 22.
8. SMU (6-4) at Tulane (8-2) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – If Tulane’s defense can stop Tanner Mordecai then the Green Wave have a chance. SMU has a good offense and a weak defense. Tulane’s offense isn’t as good as SMU’s offense. But the Green Wave’s defense is better than SMU’s defense. The Wave turns the Mustangs green – Tulane 34, SMU 32.
9. Duke (7-3) at Pitt (6-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN – For a first-year coach, Mike Elko has had a great season with Duke. But sometimes the opponent is a little better. The Panthers are a little better than the Dookies – Pitt 31, Duke 29.
10. Iowa (6-4) at Minnesota (7-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Tough call. This game could easily go either way. Iowa seems to have found an offense. Something the Hawkeyes didn’t have at the beginning of the season. The Hawkeyes defense has always been stable. Minnesota is unstable. The Hawkeyes make them look wobbly – Iowa 23, Minnesota 20.
And keep an eye on these 12 games during Week 12: Bowling Green (5-5) at Toledo (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 7 pm ET, Tuesday, ESPNU…..Ohio (7-3) at Ball State (5-5) – (MAC vs. MAC) – 7 pm ET, Tuesday, ESPN2…..UTSA (8-2) at Rice (5-5) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+…..and Houston (6-4) at East Carolina (6-4) – (AAC vs, AAC) – 2 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+.
Also, NC State (7-3) at Louisville (6-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN…..Ohio State (10-0) at Maryland (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC…..and South Alabama (8-2) at Southern Miss (5-5) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, NFLN.
Also, Marshall (6-4) at Georgia Southern (5-5) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+…..Oklahoma State (7-3) at Oklahoma (5-5) – (Big 12 vs, Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC…..Ole Miss (8-2) at Arkansas (5-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, SECN…..and Syracuse (6-4) at Wake Forest (6-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN.
YE OLDE STOMPING
GROUNDS:
Kansas State (7-3) at West Virginia (4-6) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 2 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Who knows. Wonders may never cease again. The Eers are only 5-point underdogs. The game is in Morgantown. Who is going to quarterback WVU? A lot of ifs. And one but. The Wildcats are solid – Kansas State 35, West Virginia 27.
Florida (6-4) at Vanderbilt (4-6) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, SECN – Well, let’s hope the Gators don’t pull a Kentucky. They could. After all, it’s Florida State next week. You can’t take Vandy for granted. A loss to the Commodores is never forgivable. The Gators don’t have to be forgiven – Florida 27, Vanderbilt 19.
Wisconsin (5-5) at Nebraska (3-7) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Will Nebraska win a fourth game this season. We’re getting down to just a couple of chances left. The poor Huskers didn’t show anything in Ann Arbor. The Huskers are tougher at home, but not tough enough for the Badgers – Wisconsin 22, Nebraska 18.
Northwestern (1-9) at Purdue (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – Northwestern is the Vanderbilt of the Big Ten. But the Wildcats already have their one Big Ten win of the season. They are not do for anymore – Purdue 33, Northwestern 17.
Texas (6-4) at Kansas (6-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – This could be one of the best games of the week. Kansas is a fun team. The Jayhawks can score. But so can their opponents. Texas may or may not have its head screwed on right. The Jayhawks won’t find out – Texas 30, Kansas 27.
ELSEWHERE AROUNBD
FLORIDA:
South Florida (1-9) at Tulsa (3-7) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 9 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2….
Presbyterian (1-9) at Stetson (3-6) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday….
Miami (5-5) at Clemson (9-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN….
Touchdown Tom
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