CFW Week 6 Results – Cristobal is not a gameday coach
Gabriel Blew His Horn
Not the Angel Gabriel. It was Dillon Gabriel. But Dillon Gabriel is an angel to Oklahoma fans. With less than two minutes left in the Texas game and trailing the Longhorns 30-27, Dillon Gabriel drove Oklahoma down the field in one minute and two seconds, connecting with Nic Anderson on a three-yard touchdown pass, with 0:15 on the clock. Oklahoma beat Texas, 34-30.
Oklahoma-Texas was a classic football game. Not because Oklahoma won. Not because Texas lost. It was a classic game because it was close and exciting from start to finish. The lead changed hands four times. The game was tied three times. Neither team led by more than 10 points. Mostly, the leads were by 3 and 7 points. The weather was perfect – clear, blue skies with temps in the mid-60s. The Cotton Bowl was packed – 92,000-plus. Half Oklahoma fans. Half Texas fans. It was classic.
Georgia Tech-Miami (Florida) had a classic ending. With less than 0:12 to go in the game, Miami led Tech, 20-17. Miami had the ball and Tech had no timeouts. All the Canes had to do was take a knee and let the clock run out. But instead of taking a knee, Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke handed off to running back Don Chaney for a run up the middle. Chaney fumbled. The Yellow Jackets recovered the ball on the Miami 44 with 0:02 on the clock. Time for one play.
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King connected with receiver Christian Leary on a 44-yard pass play for a touchdown. Georgia Tech beat Miami, 23-20, handing the Canes their first loss. Miami coach Mario Cristobal never has been a gameday coach. He can recruit. But he is not a gameday coach. Miami fans, being the trash that they are, littered the field with trash after Georgia Tech scored the winning touchdown.
Arizona-USC was a classic game with a classic ending – an ending that didn’t come until the 3rd overtime. Arizona jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead over the Trojans, early in the 2nd quarter. USC took its first lead in the game at 21-20, late in the 3rd quarter. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 28-28. Both teams scored a touchdown in the first overtime – 35-35. Both teams scored a touchdown and failed on their two-point conversion attempts in the second overtime – 41-41. In the 3rd overtime, USC quarterback Caleb Williams ran into the endzone for the 2-point conversion. Arizona failed on its 2-point attempt. USC beat Arizona, 43-41 (3OT). Williams didn’t have the best night passing, but he rushed for three touchdowns, plus the 2-point conversion in the 3rd overtime.
There were other classics. Trailing Arkansas 20-17 midway through the 4th quarter, Ole Miss scored 10 points (a touchdown and a field goal) in the final 7:49 of the game to beat the Razorbacks, 27-20. Wyoming intercepted a Fresno State pass in the final minute of the game to hold on and beat the 24th-ranked Bulldogs, 24-19. The loss was Fresno State’s first.
With 0:50 to go in the game, Arizona State kicked a 42-yard field goal to tie Colorado, 24-24. The Buffaloes had 50 seconds to win the game. With the ball on the Colorado 31, Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders connected with receiver Javon Antonio on a 43-yard pass play. The ball was on the Arizona State 26. Then with 0:12 on the clock, Colorado’s Alejandro Mata kicked a 43-yard field goal. Colorado beat Arizona State, 27-24.
And move over Florida State. Yes, the Seminoles beat Virginia Tech, 39-17. But two other ACC teams – Louisville and North Carolina – are making a big splash, crowding FSU out of space atop the conference. Louisville upset Notre Dame big time, 33-20. North Carolina blasted Syracuse, 40-7. Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye passed for 402 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 55 yards and one touchdown.
Now interestingly, Florida State, Louisville and North Carolina don’t play each other during the season. So, if all three go 8-0 in conference play, it will be interesting to see which two play in the ACC championship game. Stay tuned!
College football Week 6 resumed Thursday night with two games – both Conference USA matchups. In the first game, Liberty remained undefeated, while Sam Houston remained winless. Liberty (5-0) downed San Houston (0-5), 21-16. In the second game, Western Kentucky had a big first half, while Louisiana Tech had a big second half. WKU beat La Tech, 35-28. The Hilltoppers scored all 35 of their points in the first half. The Bulldogs scored 21 of their 28 points in the second half.
Action continued Friday night with two games – a Big 12 encounter and a Big Ten matchup. In the Big 12 game, Oklahoma State upset Kansas State, 29-21. K-State had three turnovers and Okie State had none. The outcome of this game made me think of a comment I heard on Sirius XM’s “Full Ride” last week. The commentator said, “Except for Texas and Oklahoma, it looks like all the other teams in the Big 12 are going to cannibalize each other.”
In the Big Ten game, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule got his first conference win of the season. Nebraska beat Illinois, 20-7. It wasn’t the prettiest of games. Illinois coach Bret Bielema looks like he should be in the sideshow of a circus instead of on the sideline of a football field. His wife feeds him well.
In other action on Saturday, Temple’s E.J. Warner, the son of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, was 42-65-0, passing for 472 yards and five touchdowns. But it was a losing effort. Temple lost to UTSA, 49-34.
There were five interesting and intriguing games I said to keep an eye on. First (Syracuse at North Carolina): Drake Maye passed for 442 yards and three touchdowns, as North Carolina walloped Syracuse, 40-7. The Tar Heels are 5-0..... Second (Arizona at USC): It took three overtimes for USC to subdue Arizona, 43-41 (3OT). Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita passed for 303 yards and five touchdowns.
Third (Rutgers at Wisconsin): Wisconsin led 17-0 at halftime and held on in the second half to beat Rutgers, 24-13. The Scarlet Knights only had 64 yards rushing against the Badgers defense..... Fourth (Marshall at NC State): NC State outlasted Marshall, 48-41, in a game of miscues. Both teams had three turnovers. It was Marshall’s first loss….. (Fifth) Texas State at Louisiana: Trailing 30-21, Louisiana scored two touchdowns in the final 5:54 of the game to beat Texas State, 34-30. The teams combined for 953 total yards.
The NIL collective at Utah has given every player on the Utah football team a Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn truck. The collective leases the trucks for the players and pays for the insurance. That’s a pretty good recruiting enticement.
Remember before the season started when Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald for the hazing, including sexual assault, that allegedly was routine in the team’s locker room? Now Fitzgerald is suing Northwestern for $130 million for wrongful termination. Fitzgerald claims he was unlawfully fired.
Twice the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year and six-time first-team All Pro, Dick Butkus died on October 5. Butkus is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in NFL history. He played all nine of his NFL seasons for the Chicago Brears from 1965 to 1973. In college, Butkus played linebacker and center for the University of Illinois. He led the Illini to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963. After his football career, Butkus became an actor, endorser and broadcaster. A native of Chicago, Richard Marvin Butkus was 80.
Touchdown Tom
October 9, 2023
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
Note: CFW Week 7 Forecast will be posted Thursday morning, October 12.
Weekend Recap
GAME OF THE WEEK: The eyes are not upon you – Oklahoma 34, Texas 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 37, Oklahoma 25). Texas had three turnovers and Oklahoma had none. That cost Texas the game. Two of Texas’ turnovers were interceptions thrown by Quinn Ewers. That’s uncharacteristic of Ewers. Texas also had nine penalties to four for Oklahoma. Between them, the teams combined for 1,013 total yards. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel not only passed for 285 yards, but also, he rushed for 113 yards. Texas suffered its first loss. OU remains undefeated. Attendance in Dallas: 92,300
RUNNER-UP: Wildcats not ready for primetime – Georgia 51, Kentucky 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Kentucky 15). Georgia fans loved it, but this game was a total bore. Georgia had 33 first downs to 12 for Kentucky. Georgia had 608 total yards to 183 for Kentucky. The Wildcats only had 55 yards rushing. Kentucky totally failed to show up. Wildcats quarterback Devin Leary only completed 38% of his passes. On the other hand, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was 28-35-1, passing for 389 yards and four touchdowns. Dawgs tight end Brock Bowers had 7 receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown. Kentucky is no longer undefeated. Attendance in Athens: 92,746
REST OF THE BEST: Buckeyes come alive in the 4th quarter – Ohio State 34, Maryland 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio State 28, Maryland 19). Maryland played a good first half. The score was 10-10 at halftime. Then the Buckeyes outscored the Terps 27-7 in the second half. However, Maryland led 17-10 early in the 3rd quarter. The score was tied 17-17 midway through the 3rd quarter. And Ohio State only led 20-17 as the 4th quarter began. The Buckeyes scored 27 unanswered points in the second half. Amazingly, Ohio State only had 62 yards rushing. But quarterback Kyle McCord passed for 320 yards. Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had a bad game. Tagovailoa only completed 51% of his passes and threw two interceptions. Ohio State had no turnovers. The loss was Maryland’s first. Attendance in Columbus: 104,974
Potato famine in Kentucky – Louisville 33, Notre Dame 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 24, Louisville 23). This was a tight low-scoring game in the first half. At the break, the score was tied 7-7. As the 4th quarter began, Louisville led 17-13. Then the Cardinals blew out the game, scoring 16 unanswered points – one touchdown and three field goals. The Cardinals led 33-13. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman threw three interceptions. In all, the Irish had 5 turnovers. That was the difference. ND also only had 44 yards rushing. The loss was Notre Dame’s second. Louisville is 6-0. Attendance in Louisville: 59,081
Upset in Pasadena – UCLA 25, Washington State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington State 26, UCLA 24). As the 4th quarter began, Washington State led UCLA 17-12. But the Bruins outscored the Cougars 13-0 in the 4th quarter. Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward had his worst game of the season, throwing two interceptions and only completing 48% of his passes. UCLA quarterback Dante Moore had a bad game too. But Bruins running back Carson Steele rushed for 140 yards. Washington State only had 12 yards rushing and only 11 first downs. The Cougars also had four turnovers. Both teams are 4-1. Attendance in Pasadena: 35,437
It's tough to win in Laramie – Wyoming 24, Fresno State 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Wyoming 27, Fresno State 25). Wyoming jumped out to a 24-7 halftime lead and then held on. Fresno State outscored Wyoming 12-0 in the second half. Cowboys quarterback Andrew Peasley threw three touchdown passes. Fresno State only had 38 yards rushing. Both teams are 5-1. Attendance in Laramie: 20,788
Miss Terry was happy – Alabama 26, Texas A&M 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Texas A&M 20). Alabama trailed the Aggies 17-10 at the break. But the Tide outscored A&M 16-3 in the second half. Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe was 21-33-1, passing for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Neither team had a ground game. Alabama had 23 yards rushing and A&M had 67 yards. The loss is A&M’s second. Alabama is 5-1 and ruling the roost of the SEC West. Attendance in College Station: 108,101
Daniels runs and passes – LSU 49, Missouri 39 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 30, Missouri 26). Missouri jumped to a 22-7 lead early in the second quarter. But from that point on, Mizzou was outscored 42-17 by LSU. With three minutes to go in the game, Mizzou led 39-35. LSU scored 14 points (two touchdowns) in the final 2:58 of the game. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels passed for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Daniels also rushed for 130 yards and another touchdown. Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook threw two interceptions. The teams combined for 1,060 total yards. Mizzou had two turnovers and LSU had none. That was the difference. Attendance in Columbia: 62,621
Happy Harbaugh – Michigan 52, Minnesota 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 30, Minnesota 17). This game was never close. Minnesota only had 52 yards passing. The Gophers also had two turnovers. Michigan had none. The Wolverines outscored the Gophers 28-0 in the second half. Michigan remains undefeated. Attendance in Minneapolis: 52,179
Beavers dam Berkeley – Oregon State 52, California 40 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 27, California 20). Midway through the 2nd quarter, Cal led 17-14. That was the only lead the Bears ever had. But they kept it close. Oregon State quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei was 19-25-0, passing for 275 yards and five touchdowns. Cal’s strength was it running game. The Bears rushed for 241 yards. The teams combined for 947 total yards. The Beavers dominated possession 37:17 to 22:43. Oregon State is 5-1. Attendance in Berkeley: 34,930
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Vandy was like candy – Florida 38, Vanderbilt 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 27, Vanderbilt 19). Florida wasn’t about to let Vandy beat them again this year. Although after one quarter the score was 7-7. Then the Gators outscored Vandy 31-7. Gators quarterback Graham Mertz had a good game. Mertz was 30-36-0, passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns. The Gators Montrell Johnson rushed for 135 yards. Florida held Vandy to 64 yards rushing. After starting the season at 2-0, the Commodores have lost their last five games. Attendance in Gainesville: 89,432
An exercise in futility – Nebraska 20, Illinois 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Illinois 21). That’s what this game seemed like. Both teams were futile. They were battling futility. There were five turnovers. There were 13 penalties. Almost every time Nebraska had a chance to score, the Huskers blew it. Illinois wasn’t any better. The Banned Indians only had 21 yards rushing. There were only 3 points scored in the entire second half – a field goal by Nebraska. The Huskers were 5-for-15 in third down efficiency. Illinois was 4-for-15. Attendance in Champaign: 46,703
Hawkeyes always find a way to win – Iowa 20, Purdue 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 23, Purdue 17). As usual, Iowa had no offense. But the Hawkeyes managed to beat the Boilers. Purdue quarterback Hudson Card threw two interceptions. But Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill was only 6-for-21 passing (28% completion). Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown. The Hawkeyes are 5-1. Attendance in Iowa City: 69,250
Week 6 Results: 10 winners, 3 fumbles (76.9 percent)
For the Season: 64 winners, 22 fumbles (74.4 percent)
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
New Mexico State 34, FIU 17 – Attendance in Las Cruces: 11,540
Stetson 28, Presbyterian 24 – Attendance in Clinton: 1,202
Alabama State 19, Bethune-Cookman 14 – Attendance in Montgomery: 15,590
Florida State 39, Virginia Tech 17 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 79,560
Kansas 51, UCF 22 – Attendance in Lawrence: 46,107
UAB 56, South Florida 35 – Attendance in Birmingham: 23,792
West Florida 42, Shorter 3 – Attendance in Pensacola: 4,504
Florida Atlantic 20, Tulsa 17 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 21,077
Florida A&M 26, Southern 19 – Attendance in Baton Rouge: 17,174
Georgia Tech 23, Miami 20 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 58,045
Superlatives
Impressive Passers:
Temple’s E.J. Warner – 42-65-0 for 472 yards (5TDs); North Carolina’s Drake Maye – 33-47-0-442 (3TDs); Georgia’s Carson Beck – 28-35-1-389 (4TDs); Rice’s J.T. Daniels – 33-49-1-362 (2TDs); UAB’s Jacob Zeno – 19-25-1-343 (4TDs); UTSA’s Frank Harris – 25-33-0-338 (3TDs); Arizona State’s Trenton Bourguet – 32-49-0-335 (1TD), and Texas State’s T.J. Finley – 30-40-1-326 (2TDs).
Also, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe – 21-33-1 for 321 yards (3TDs); Ohio State’s Kyle McCord – 19-29-0-320 (2TDs); South Alabama’s Carter Bradley – 20-29-0-303 (3TDs); Arizona’s Noah Fifita – 25-35-1-303 (5TDs); Ohio’s Kurtis Rourke – 20-32-0-300 (3TDs); Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel – 23-38-0-285 (1); Oregon State’s D.J. Uiagalelei – 19-25-0-275 (5TDs); Western Michigan’s Hayden Wolff – 27-35-1-262 (3TDs); LSU’s Jayden Daniels – 15-21-0-259 (3TDs), and Florida’s Graham Mertz – 30-36-0-254 (3TDs).
Also, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders – 26-42-0 for 239 yards (1TD); Connecticut’s Ta’Quan Roberson – 15-19-0-215 (2TDs); Louisiana’s Zeon Chriss – 13-17-0-205 (3TDs); Eastern Michigan’s Austin Smith – 18-28-0-192 (2TDs); Northern Illinois’ Rocky Lombardi – 10-15-0-191 (2TDs); Mississippi State’s Will Rogers – 16-22-0-189 (3TDs); Wyoming’s Andrew Peasley – 18-27-0-183 (3TDs), and Florida State’s Jordan Travis – 18-24-0-170 (2TDs).
Impressive Rushers:
Northern Illinois’ Antario Brown – 280 yards (4TDs); Troy’s Kimani Vidal – 245 yards (3TDs); Florida State’s Trey Benson – 200 yards (2TDs); Toledo’s Dequan Finn – 172 yards (1TD), and Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks – 170 yards (1TD).
Also, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty – 167 yards; Massachusetts’ Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams – 157 yards (1TD); Kansas’ Devin Neal – 154 yards (1TD); TCU’s Emani Bailey – 152 yards; Louisville’s Jawhar Jordan – 143 yards (2TDs); Arizona’s Jonah Coleman – 143 yards, and Boston College’s Thomas Castellanos – 142 yards (4TDs).
Quotes of the Week
“I apologize for my anger, but I don’t expect mediocrity. I’m sick of it,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders, after the Buffaloes beat Arizona State.
Sign of the Day
Nebraska is a Volleyball School
Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
P.S.
Not exactly college football related, but in the autumn of October, as the college football season approached its halfway point, the number one song in the country…
…80 years ago, this week in 1943, was “Sunday, Monday Or Always” by Bing Crosby and The Ken Darby Singers
…75 years ago, this week in 1948, was “A Tree In The Meadow” by Margaret Whiting
…70 years ago, this week in 1953, was “St. George And The Dragonet” by Stan Freberg, and “You, You, You” by The Ames Brothers
…65 years ago, this week in 1958, was “It’s All In The Game” by Tommy Edwards
…60 years ago, this week in 1963, was “Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton, and “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs
…55 years ago, this week in 1968, was “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
…50 years ago, this week in 1973, was “Half-Breed” by Cher
…45 years ago, this week in 1978, was “Kiss You All Over” by Exile
…40 years ago, this week in 1983, was “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
…35 years ago, this week in 1988, was “Love Bites” by Def Leppard, and “Red, Red Wine” by UB40
…30 years ago, this week in 1993, was “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
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