CFW Week 13 Forecast - Three coaches fired, one retired

 CFW Week 13 Forecast – Three coaches fired, one retired

Will Indiana and Army

remain undefeated?

 

There are several good games this week, but three in particular take the prize. The results of all three will have a major impact on the CFP rankings. Undefeated seasons are on the line in two of the three games. One of the three games will determine who plays Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. And one of the three games will either clear up or cloud up the race for the Big 12 championship.

 

The games are No. 5 Indiana (10-0) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1), No. 19 Army (9-0) at No. 6 Notre Dame (9-1) and No. 14 BYU (9-1) at No. 21 Arizona State (8-2).

 

The winner of the Indiana-Ohio State game will meet Oregon in the Big Ten championship game on December 7. If Indiana loses, the Hoosiers will not only have their first loss, but also, the Hoosiers risk falling out of the 12-team playoff field. If Ohio State loses, the Buckeyes will remain in the playoff field.

 

A lot is up in the air, pending the results of the Army-Notre Dame game. Should Army upset Notre Dame, the Cadets will not only remain undefeated at (10-0), but also, the Cadets could move ahead of No. 12 Boise State as the highest-ranked Group of Five team. That would put Army in the 12-team playoff field – for the time being at least. Should Army lose to Notre Dame, there is still some hope for the Cadets. Army will have to win-out, beating UTSA and Navy. Then the Cadets need to win the AAC championship game – beating Tulane. Then it all comes down to how the MWC championship game plays out. If Notre Dame beats Army, the Irish remain solid in the CFP rankings. If Notre Dame loses to Army, the Irish would most likely fall out of the 12-team playoff field.

 

Then there is BYU-Arizona State. Should BYU beat Arizona State, the Cougars will remain in the 12-team playoff field and all but secure a spot in the Big 12 championship game on December 8. Arizona State would be eliminated from playing in the Big 12 championship game. If, however, Arizona State beats BYU, then Colorado, for the time being at least, moves into the 12-team playoff field – assuming the Buffaloes beat Kansas this weekend. But Arizona State remains in strong contention to play in the Big 12 championship game and remains alive to make the 12-team playoff field. It’s all very complicated. As I said, the Big 12 picture will either clear up or cloud up.

 

In addition to Indiana-Ohio State, there are some other key Big Ten games this weekend. For starters, there is No. 4 Penn State (9-1) at Minnesota (6-4). This could be a difficult game for the Nittany Lions. If Penn State loses, the Nitts would most likely fall out of the 12-team playoff field.

 

Two other curious games in the Big Ten are Wisconsin (5-5) at Nebraska (5-5) and No. 25 Illinois (7-3) at Rutgers (6-4). Wisconsin and Nebraska are struggling to become bowl eligible. One of them will become bowl eligible on Saturday. Illinois-Rutgers should be a good battle.

 

Besides, BYU-Arizona State, there are three other interesting games in the Big 12. To begin, how about No. 16 Colorado (8-2) at Kansas (4-6). The Jayhawks came to life last week and beat BYU at BYU. Kansas is home this week. Is Colorado in trouble?

 

Two other curious games in the Big 12 are UCF (4-6) at West Virginia (5-5) and Cincinnati (5-5) at No. 22 Iowa State (8-2). UCF and West Virginia are hoping to become bowl eligible. The Mountaineers could reach that plateau on Saturday. Iowa State is still in the running for the Big 12 championship game. Cincinnati is a tricky team.

 

Conference USA has two cracker jack games – Sam Houston (8-2) at Jacksonville State (7-3) and Western Kentucky (7-3) at Liberty (7-2). Therse are the four top teams in C-USA and all four are in the running for the C-USA championship game.

 

The two best games in the ACC are No. 13 SMU (9-1) at Virginia (5-5) and Pitt (7-3) at Louisville (6-4). SMU is in the driver’s seat to play in the ACC championship game. The Mustangs are also knocking on the door to become a playoff team. Virginia can be dangerous, especially in Charlottesville. Pitt and Louisville are out of the race for the ACC championship. Both are playing for a better bowl game.

 

Interestingly, there are several other intriguing games involving ACC teams – Connecticut (7-3) at Syracuse (7-3), North Carolina (6-4) at Boston College (5-5), Virginia Tech (5-5) at Duke (7-3) and NC State (5-5) at Georgia Tech (6-4).

 

UConn-Syracuse is an interconference game. Both teams are playing well. North Carolina wants to send Mack Brown out a winner. Bill O’Brien has Boston College playing tough. Duke has had a great season under first-year coach Manny Diaz. The Blue Devils want to keep it that way. Virginia Tech has had a disappointing season, but the Hokies could finish strong. Like the Hokies, NC State has had a disappointing season. Georgia Tech has been a bit of a surprise, especially when the Yellow Jackets beat Miami. Boston College, Virginia Tech and NC State are all trying to become bowl eligible.

 

The two top games in the SEC are No. 9 Ole Miss (8-2) at Florida (5-5) and No. 7 Alabama (8-2) at Oklahoma (5-5). Florida seems to have found itself. Can the Gators knock off Ole Miss? Oklahoma has had a bad season, but at home, the Sooners would love to surprise Alabama. Not likely, but you never know.

 

A third interesting game in the SEC is Vanderbilt (6-4) at LSU (6-4). Vanderbilt seems to have run out of steam. LSU is a frustrated team. Can Vandy do it?

 

And finally, out in the MWC, No. 24 UNLV (8-2) at San Jose State (6-4) is a key game in that conference. UNLV is competing against Colorado State and Boise State to make the MWC championship game. San Jose State could spoil things. The Spartans are capable.

 

It’s going to be an exciting weekend. Enjoy the games!

 

Florida Atlantic head coach Tom Herman was fired on Monday. Herman was in his second season with the Owls. During his two seasons at FAU, Herman was 6-16 – 2-8 this season (0-6 in AAC play). Assistant coach Chad Lunsford was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Herman is a former head coach at Houston and Texas. Lunsford is a former head coach at Georgia Southern.

 

Monday was a bad day for coaches. Massachusetts head coach Don Brown was fired. Brown was in his third season with the Minutemen. During his three seasons at UMass, Brown was 6-28 – 2-8 this season. UMass competes as an Independent. This was Brown’s second stint at UMass. As the head coach of the Minutemen from 2004 to 2008, he went 43-19. Offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

 

It's dangerous to be a coach of an AAC team. Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi was fired on Monday. Poggi was in his second season with the 49ers. During his two seasons at Charlotte, Poggi was 6-16 – 3-7 this season (2-4 in AAC play). Tight ends coach Tim Brewster was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Poggi was the second AAC coach fired on Monday and the fifth AAC coach fired this year. East Carolina, Rice and Temple fired their coaches prior to Monday, while Florida Atlantic fired its coach earlier in the day on Monday.

 

Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain announced yesterday that he is retiring at the end of the season. The Chippewas are 4-7 (2-5 in MAC play), with one game remaining at Northern Illinois on November 30. McElwain is a former head coach at Colorado State and Florida. His overall record is 77-63. In six seasons (2019-2024) at Central Michigan, McElwain was 33-35. He coached Colorado State from 2012 to 2014, with a 22-16 record, and Florida from 2015 to 2017, with a 22-12 record. McElwain was the offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2008 to 2011.  

 

After Week 12, the 12 teams in the College Football Playoff are Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Alabama, Miami (Florida), Ole Miss, Georgia, Boise State and BYU. Sitting on the bubble outside the 12 are Tennessee, SMU, Texas A&M and Colorado.

 

Key games this week, impacting the College Football Playoff contenders are Indiana-Ohio State, Penn State-Minnesota, Army-Notre Dame, Alabama-Oklahoma, Ole Miss-Florida, BYU-Arizona State and SMU-Virginia,

 

In this week’s FCS Coaches Poll, North Dakota State (10-1) is No. 1, followed by 2. Montana State (11-0), 3. South Dakota State (8-2), 4. South Dakota (8-2), 5. U.C. Davis (9-2) and 6. Incarnate Word (9-2).

 

This week, ESPN’s College GameDay is in Columbus, Ohio, for the Indiana-Ohio State game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is in Pasadena, California, for the USC-UCLA game, and the SEC Network’s SEC Nation is in Austin, Texas, for the Kentucky-Texas game.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Touchdown Tom

November 21, 2024

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(The next CFW – Week 13 Results – will be posted Monday morning, November 25.)

 

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Indiana (10-0) at Ohio State (9-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Indiana is a good team at 10-0. But are the Hoosiers a great team? We’ll find out Saturday when Indiana faces its first and only major test of the season. Ohio State has faced two major teams – Oregon and Penn State. Indiana has not faced one major team. That is until Saturday when the Hoosiers face Ohio State. Quite frankly, the pundits don’t think Indiana has the horses to beat Ohio State. Many think Indiana will lose by at least two touchdowns. The Hoosiers have a challenge. Can they measure up? Hats off to Indiana for what the Hoosiers have accomplished so far. But it all comes crashing down on Saturday – Ohio State 28, Indiana 20.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. Army (9-0) at Notre Dame (9-1) – (AAC vs. Ind.) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Army and Notre Dame are both like Indiana. Neither has faced a major team all season. But Notre Dame’s opponents have been more formidable than Army’s. Both teams have a shot at the playoff. Lose and that shot is all but gone. One of them has to lose on Saturday. It’s not looking good for the Black Knights. Danny Boy keeps his hopes alive – Notre Dame 30, Army 22,

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. BYU (9-1) at Arizona State (8-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Neither team was supposed to be here. Both were supposed to finish at or near the bottom of the Big 12. Both are still in contention to play in the Big 12 championship game. The loser, most likely, will fall out of that contention. BYU was upset at home last week. Arizona State got a big win on the road. The teams have a lot of similarities. BYU averages 32 points a game; Arizona State averages 31 points. The Cougars are holding their opponents to 20 points a game; the Sun Devils are holding their opponents to 23 points. BYU has a slight edge over ASU. But the Sun Devils are home. ASU is undefeated at home. The Sun Devils remain undefeated at home – Arizona State 31, BYU 30.  

 

4. Penn State (9-1) at Minnesota (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Next to Ohio State, Minnesota is most likely Penn State’s toughest opponent all season. Minnesota was on a four-game winning streak, until the Gophers stumbled at Rutgers last week. Maybe they got caught looking ahead to Penn State. Minnesota has a decent quarterback in Max Brosmer. He has passed for 2,252 yards, while only throwing four interceptions in 10 games. Should Penn State lose, the loss could knock the Nitts out of the playoff. The Nittany Lions meet the challenge – Penn State 30, Minnesota 23.

 

5. Sam Houston (8-2) at Jacksonville State (7-3) – (C-USA vs, C-USA) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, CBSSN – The other Bearcats against the other Gamecocks. Both teams are in the running for the C-USA championship game. Jax State is on a seven-game winning streak. Sam Houston comes in on a three-game winning streak. Jax State averages 39 points a game. The Bearcats only average 25 points a game. But the Gamecocks give up 29 points a game. Sam Houston only gives up 20 points a game. So, look for a potential high-scoring affair. The Gamecocks extend their winning streak to eight games – Jacksonville State 33, Sam Houston 28.

 

6. SMU (9-1) at Virginia (5-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Is the pressure getting to SMU? The Mustangs got a scare from Boston College last week. Virginia got a beating from Notre Dame. Virginia has been a strange, but sneaky, team. The Cavaliers have lost four of their last five games. But while getting clobbered by North Carolina, Clemson and Notre Dame, they barely lost to Louisville (4 points) and beat Pitt. Virginia is giving up 28 points a game, while scoring 25 points a game. SMU is on a seven-game winning streak. The Mustangs are averaging 40 points a game too. But if Boston College can give SMU problems, Virginia can too. The Mustangs solve the problems – SMU 28, Virginia 21.

 

7. Ole Miss (8-2) at Florida (5-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Can the Gators pull off another upset in The Swamp? It could happen. Florida seems to have found its groove. The Gators are playing better. But Ole Miss is a better team than LSU. The Magnolias have Jaxson Dart at quarterback. They are averaging 41 points a game, while holding opponents to 13 points a game. That’s pretty impressive. Plus, the Magnolias are on a three-game winning streak. And a loss would knock Ole Miss out of the playoff. Florida will find it difficult to score on Ole Miss. And the Gators will find it difficult to keep Ole Miss from scoring. Albert will have to wait until next week to become bowl eligible – Ole Miss 26, Florida 23

 

8. Pitt (7-3) at Louisville (6-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Both teams are in a funk. Louisville lost to lowly Stanford last week. Pitt, after starting 7-0, has lost three-straight games. Pitt’s quarterback Eli Holstein is on the injured list. He may or may not play. However, backup Nate Yarnell played pretty good against Clemson last week. Both teams average about 35-36 points a game. Both give up about 25-26 points a game. As a team, Louisville fell apart against Stanford. The Cardinals lost their composure and their discipline. The funk continues for Pitt – Louisville 27, Pitt 24.

 

9. UNLV (8-2) at San Jose State (6-4) – (MWC vs. MWC) – 10 pm ET, Friday, FS1 – UNLV is still in the running to play in the MWC championship game. San Jose State isn’t. The Spartans will have to play the role of the spoiler. They could be a spoiler too. San Jose State gave Boise State a big scare last week, before the Broncos pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Spartans were home last week, and they will be home against UNLV. The Rebels are averaging 40 points a game. San Jose State has some issues on defense. Nothing spartan about the Rebels – UNLV 34, San Jose State 23.

 

10. Alabama (8-2) at Oklahoma (5-5) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This has been a disappointing season for Oklahoma. But the school recently gave coach Brent Venables a vote of confidence. Maybe that will give the Sooners the confidence to beat Alabama. Most likely not. OU has problems on offense and on defense. The Sooners also lack a quarterback. OU is 1-5 in SEC play. The Sooners may make it tough on Alabama for a while, but not for long. I have a feeling that Jalen Milroe will slice and dice the Sooners. And Bama is focused on the SEC title game and the playoff. The Schooner is lacking wheels – Alabama 28, Oklahoma 19.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

UCF (4-6) at West Virginia (5-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Both teams are scrambling to become bowl eligible. WVU needs to win one of its last two games. UCF needs to win both of its last two games. The odds are 50/50 for both of them. WVU may or may not be playing its next to last game under Neal Brown. Who knows? It’s unclear what may or may not happen to Brown. The problem with West Virginia: Its defense gives up as many points as its offense scores – 30-30. UCF should have no problem scoring on the Mounties. Can WVU outscore UCF? It should be fun. Or maybe sad. However, the Mountaineers become bowl eligible – barely – West Virginia 31, UCF 30.

 

Wisconsin (5-5) at Nebraska (5-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – These two teams are scrambling to become bowl eligible too. And like UCF-WVU, this is a tough game to call. Both teams are averaging 23-24 points a game. Both are giving up 20-21 points a game. Neither has an offense. Both have the ability to play defense. Wisconsin fired its offensive coordinator. Nebraska hired a new offensive coordinator. There could be a lot of angst in this game. Bucky shucks Herbie – Wisconsin 20, Nebraska 17.

 

Virginia Tech (5-5) at Duke (7-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Another tough game that is hard to pick. Both are capable of winning. Tech is more desperate for the win. Duke is already bowl eligible. Tech quarterback Kyron Drones is questionable. He is injured and may or may not play. Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has been playing well lately. He could be the difference. Regardless, the difference won’t be by much. Dookies over Hokies – Duke 24, Virginia Tech 22.

 

Massachusetts (2-8) at Georgia (8-2) – (Ind.  vs. SEC) – 12:45 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – What a relief. No problem picking this one. The three games above under “Ye Olde Stomping Grounds” were separated by a total of six points in my predictions. This one could be settled by 60 points. Carson Beck need only play the first half. Actually, he need not play at all, but you have to keep him warmed up for Georgia Tech. And to think, UMass fired its coach this week. Sometimes, teams play better under the interim coach. The Minutemen will need to play a lot better. This will be like a day at the pool for the Dawgs. Uga sips his poolside drink – Georgia 45, Massachusetts 12.

 

Kentucky (4-6) at Texas (9-1) – (Sec vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – You just know Texas will have its mind on Texas A&M – next week’s opponent. That means Kentucky could slip up on the Horns. Texas only played one big team this season and the Horns lost that game – Georgia. Quinn Ewers has not been playing well lately. So, the ingredients could be there for Kentucky to make this a good game. After all, the Wildcats did sneak up on Ole Miss. No sneaking for the Wildcats this time – Texas 30, Kentucky 15.

 

Purdue (1-9) at Michigan State (4-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – Here are two of the Big Ten’s most woeful teams. Michigan State is 2-5 in conference play. Purdue is worse at 0-7. The Spartans are averaging 19 points a game and giving up 26 a game. They are also coming in on a three-game losing streak. But Purdue is worse. The Boilers are averaging 17 points a game, while giving up 39 points a game. And the Boilers have lost nine-straight games. That’s painful. The Spartans make it more painful – Michigan State 24, Purdue 23.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Wake Forest (4-6) at Miami (9-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN….

Drake (7-2) at Stetson (2-8) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Charleston Southern (1-10) at Florida State (1-9) – (Big South vs. ACC) – 1:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

FIU (3-7) at Kennesaw State (1-9) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) – 3 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Charlotte (3-7) at Florida Atlantic (2-8) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Florida A&M (5-5) vs. Bethune-Cookman (2-9) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU….

Tulsa (3-7) at South Florida (5-5) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“I was bored,” former West Virginia and Houston coach Dana Holgorsen, on why he accepted the offensive consultant/coordinator job at Nebraska.

 

“I’m happy where I am, man. I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? That means I’m resting. I’m good. I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders, on speculation he will leave Boulder for another job.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

P.S.

 

Not exactly college football related, but I need to correct a mistake. On Monday, I mistakenly gave you the number one songs 80, 75, 70, 65, etc. years ago from 2023, instead of 2024. Here are the number one songs 80, 75, 70, 65, etc. years ago from 2024. I apologize for my mistake.

 

The number one song in the country…

 

…80 years ago, this week in 1944, was “I’ll Walk Alone” by Dinah Shore

 

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

 

…70 years ago, this week in 1954, was “I Need You Now” by Eddie Fisher, and “This Ole House” by Rosemary Clooney

 

…65 years ago, this week in 1959, was “Mr. Blue” by The Fleetwoods

 

…60 years ago, this week in 1964, was “Baby Love” by The Supremes

 

…55 years ago, this week in 1969, was “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones, and “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies

 

…50 years ago, this week in 1974, was “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” by John Lennon, and “I Can Help” by Billy Swan

 

…45 years ago, this week in 1979, was “Still” by the Commodores

 

…40 years ago, this week in 1984, was “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!

 

…35 years ago, this week in 1989, was “When I See You Smile” by Bad English

 

CFW Week 12 Results - Two coaches and an OC fired

 CFW Week 12 Results – Two coaches and an OC fired

BYU and Tennessee lose,

Oregon and Texas get a scare

 

In all, seven Top 25 teams lost and five got a scare. The picture is starting to develop. However, it is still anybody’s guess who will play for the SEC and Big 12 titles. Two more weeks to go. Be patient.

 

BYU (9-1) is no longer undefeated. Late Saturday night, the No. 6 Cougars lost, at home, to Kansas (4-6), 17-13. As the third quarter came to an end, BYU led the Jayhawks, 13-10. But early in the fourth quarter, Kansas scored a touchdown and went up, 17-13. For the remaining 13 minutes, the Jayhawks kept BYU out of the end zone. Kansas handed the Cougars their first loss.

 

It was a strange game. BYU had more total yards (354 to 242), more rushing yards (162 to 73), more passing yards (192 to 169) and more first downs (23 to 13). Yet, Kansas won. BYU coaches and players must still be scratching their heads.

 

No. 7 Tennessee (8-2) lost to No. 12 Georgia (8-2), 31-17. This was an exciting, close and tense game in the first half. The score was 17-17 at the break. But the second half belonged to the Dawgs. The Vols went to sleep. Georgia outscored Tennessee 14-0 in the second half.

 

Had Georgia lost, the Dawgs would have fallen out of contention for the SEC title game and out of contention for the playoff. With the loss, Tennessee remains in contention for both the SEC title game and the playoff. Stay tuned!

 

The No. 1 and No. 3 teams didn’t lose, but they sure got a good fright. No. 1 and undefeated Oregon trailed Wisconsin, 10-6 at halftime. As the fourth quarter began, Oregon trailed Wisconsin 13-6. In the final 13 minutes of the game, Oregon (11-0) scored a touchdown and kicked a field goal to beat Wisconsin (5-5), 16-13. Oregon’s game clinching fourth-quarter field goal came with 2:36 on the clock. Oregon’s win assures the Ducks will have a spot in the Big Ten championship game.

 

No. 3 Texas led Arkansas 10-0 at halftime. The Longhorns increased their lead to 13-0 midway through the third quarter. Then Arkansas came alive. The Razorbacks scored a touchdown late in the third quarter and kicked a field goal early in the fourth quarter. Just like that, the Texas lead was cut to three points, 13-10. With 9:05 to go in the game, Texas increased its lead to 20-10. But Arkansas continued to threaten. However, Texas (9-1) hung on and beat Arkansas (5-5), 20-10.

 

Five more Top 25 teams lost on Saturday. No. 16 Kansas State (7-3) fell to Arizona State (8-2), 24-14. Kansas State’s chances for the Big 12 title game and the playoff are all but gone. However, Arizona State’s chances have improved. Stay tuned!

 

No. 18 Washington State lost to New Mexico, 38-35. The Cougars led the Lobos 21-7 midway through the second quarter. Washington State led New Mexico 28-14 at halftime. However, the Lobos outscored the Cougars 24-7 in the second half. Trailing 35-31, New Mexico’s winning touchdown came with 0:21 remaining in the game.

 

No. 19 Louisville (6-4) was stunned by Stanford (3-7), 38-35. Stanford scored 10 points in the final 45 seconds of the game to win. First, the Trees scored a touchdown with 0:45 left on the clock. Then, after forcing a turnover on downs, Stanford’s Emmet Kenney kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired.

 

No. 22 LSU (6-4), lost its third-straight game, falling to Florida (5-5), 27-16. The loss knocked LSU out of contention for the SEC title game.

 

The seventh Top 25 team to lose was No. 23 Missouri. The Tigers (7-3) lost to No. 21 South Carolina (7-3), 34-30.  

 

Three more Top 25 teams got a scare Saturday. No. 14 SMU (9-1) kept their ACC title game and playoff hopes alive, beating Boston College (5-5), 38-28. But it wasn’t easy for the Mustangs. Boston College hung with SMU throughout the game. BC led SMU, 21-20, early in the third quarter. With 5:52 to go in the game, the Eagles scored and trailed the Mustangs, 31-28. SMU secured the win, scoring a touchdown with 0:08 remaining in the game.   

 

Trailing Pitt 20-17, No. 20 Clemson (8-2) scored a touchdown with 1:16 remaining on the clock to beat the Panthers (7-3), 24-20. The win keeps Clemson’s hopes alive for the ACC title game and playoff.  

 

Finally, and as mentioned above, No. 21 South Carolina barely escaped No. 23 Missouri, 34-30. The Gamecocks, trailing the Tigers, 30-27, scored a touchdown with 0:15 remaining in the game to grab the win. South Carolina has remote chances of making the playoff.

 

College football Week 12 began Tuesday evening with three Mid-American Conference games. Buffalo (6-4) won a thriller over Ball State (3-7), 51-48 (OT). With less than six minutes remaining in regulation, Buffalo trailed Ball State 45-31. The Bulls scored two touchdowns in four minutes to tie the score at 45-45. In overtime, Ball State kicked a field goal, while Buffalo got a touchdown. The teams combined for 1,010 total yards.

 

Bowling Green (6-4) had an easy time of it, discarding Western Michigan (5-5), 31-13. Bowling Green running back Terion Stewart rushed for 150 yards and one touchdown. In the third game, Toledo (7-3) crushed Central Michigan (3-7), 37-10. Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason passed for 136 yards and one touchdown. Gleason also rushed for 66 yards and two more touchdowns.

 

Three more MAC games took place on Wednesday night. Miami (6-4) unloaded on Kent State (0-10), 34-7. Miami running back Keyon Mozee rushed for 196 yards and one touchdown. Northern Illinois (6-4) had a tougher time with Akron (2-8). Halfway through the fourth quarter, the Huskies led the Zips by one touchdown, 23-16. But with less than eight minutes remaining in the game, Northern Illinois scored the clincher and beat Akron, 29-16.

 

In the final game on Wednesday night, Ohio (7-3) took care of business, beating Eastern Michigan (5-5), 35-10. Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro passed for 277 yards. Navarro also rushed for 106 yards, scoring four touchdowns.

 

In the sole game on Thursday night, East Carolina (6-4) overcame four turnovers and 12 penalties (125 yards) to beat Tulsa (3-7), 38-31. Trailing Tulsa 31-30, the Pirates scored their winning touchdown with 2:07 remaining in the game. East Carolina had 536 total yards.

 

Friday night lights was a busy night under the lights with four games – all with a western flair. In the opener, Colorado State (7-3) remained undefeated in MWC play. The Rams downed Wyoming (2-8), 24-10. Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi was 14-17-0, passing for 192 yards and one touchdown.

 

Moving down to Texas, UTSA (5-5) put a beating on North Texas (5-5), 48-27.  North Texas running back Shane Porter rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns. UTSA quarterback Owen McCown was 29-43-1, passing for 379 yards and two touchdowns. Roadrunner running back Robert Henry rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

 

In the Pacific northwest, Washington (6-5) beat UCLA (4-6), 31-19. Early in the third quarter, Washington only led by one point – 14-13. Then the Huskies scored 17 unanswered points to take a 31-13 lead in the fourth quarter. UCLA scored its last touchdown as time expired.

 

Moving down to the southwest, Arizona (4-6), losers of five-straight games, knocked off Houston (4-6), 27-3. In Friday’s nightcap, Arizona running back Quali Conley rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown. Wildcat quarterback Noah Fifita passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns.  

 

In some other games on Saturday, Colorado (8-2) won its fourth-straight game and seventh in its last eight games, beating Utah (4-6), 49-24. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was 30-41-1, passing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

 

In the Big Ten, Rutgers (6-4) beat Maryland (4-6), 31-17. Rutgers receiver Dymere Miller had eight receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. I’m thinking Maryland will be getting rid of head coach Mike Locksley.

 

James Madison (8-2) kept its Sun Belt title game hopes alive, beating Old Dominion (4-6), 35-32. JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett was 18-26-0, passing for 192 yards and one touchdown. JMU receiver Yamir Knight had eight receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.

 

After you went to bed Saturday night, UNLV (8-2) downed San Diego State (3-7), 41-20.

 

So, with BYU’s loss, three teams remain undefeated – Oregon (11-0), Indiana (10-9) and Army (9-0). Oregon has one game remaining against Washington. Indiana has two games left against Ohio State and Purdue. Army has three games to play against Notre Dame, UTSA and Navy.

 

We’re still waiting on eight of the conferences, but we know who will be playing in the American Athletic Conference championship game – Tulane and Army. And at this stage, you have to figure that the Group of Five team in the College Football Playoff will either be Tulane or Army from the AAC or Boise State or UNLV from the MWC – one of those four teams.

 

With two games remaining, Temple fired head coach Stan Drayton yesterday. In his third season with the Owls, Drayton was 9-25 – 3-7 this season. He never won more than three games in a single season. Defensive coordinator Everitt Withers will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

 

The previous day, Ball State fired head coach Mike Neu. In his ninth year with the Cardinals, Neu was 40-63 – 3-7 this season. Offensive line coach Colin Johnson was named the interim head coach for the rest of the season. Ball State has two games remaining.

 

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell fired his offensive coordinator Phil Longo yesterday.

 

Touchdown Tom

November 18, 2024

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(The next CFW – Week 13 Forecast – will be posted Thursday morning, November 21.)

 

 

Weekend Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: Back in the saddle again – Georgia 31, Tennessee 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Tennessee 27). After the team’s loss to Ole Miss last week and after Carson Beck’s two frustrating games, both Georgia and Beck found themselves back in the saddle again against Tennessee. As a team. Georgia looked solid against the Vols. As a player, Beck was near perfect going 25-40-0, passing for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Beck also ran for 32 yards and another touchdown. Tennessee played Georgia tough in the first half. But the Vols were no match for the Dawgs in the second half. The win should propel Georgia back into the Top 11 in the CFP rankings when they come out tomorrow. Georgia was the first team out last week. Tennessee will most likely fall out of playoff spot for the time being at least. Both teams still have a shot at playing in the SEC championship game. Attendance in Athens: 93,033

 

RUNNER-UP: AAC title game here we come – Tulane 35, Navy 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Tulane 24, Navy 21). With the win over Navy, Tulane secured a spot in the AAC championship game. Without quarterback Blake Horvath, Navy isn’t the same football team. Horvath was knocked out of the game with a rib injury. Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah was 10-14-0, passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Mensah also ran for 57 yards and another touchdown. The Tulane defense held Navy to just 113 total yards. Attendance in Annapolis: 38,914

 

REST OF THE BEST: The Badger almost caught himself a Duck – Oregon 16, Wisconsin 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 27, Wisconsin 16). Oregon dominated Wisconsin in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and first downs. But the Ducks couldn’t get the ball across the goal line. Oregon had three field goals and only one touchdown. The game was definitely a defensive struggle, as Wisconsin had two field goals and only one touchdown. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel was 22-31-1, passing for 218 yards. Oregon running back Jordan James rushed for 121 yards and one touchdown. Attendance in Madison: 76,298

 

Shocker in the Little Apple – Arizona State 24, Kansas State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 30, Arizona State 27). The Sun Devils really took it to the Wildcats. Arizona State led Kansas State 24-0 before the Wildcats knew what hit them. Finally, late in the third quarter, K-State put 6 points on the board. The Wildcats added 8 more points in the fourth quarter and that was the best they could do. ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt was 21-34-0, passing for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Leavitt added another 42 yards rushing. Three turnovers added to K-State’s woes. ASU took advantage of ball possession 36:36 to 23:24. Attendance in Manhattan: 51,880

 

Klubnik can run – Clemson 24, Pitt 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 30, Pitt 19). This game had an exciting finish. As the fourth quarter began, Clemson led Pitt 17-7. Then Pitt woke up and scored 13 unanswered points. With 1:36 remaining in the game, Pitt led 20-17. Just 20 seconds later, 1:16 to go, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik broke loose on a 50-yard touchdown run. Clemson was up 24-20 and won the game. Klubnik was 27-41-0, passing for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Pitt quarterback Nate Yarnell had a good day too. Yarnell was 34-54 -1, passing for 350 yards and one touchdown. Attendance in Pittsburgh: 58,667

 

Close for a while – Boise State 42, San Jose State 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 31, San Jose State 23). San Jose State actually jumped out to a 14-0 second quarter lead. But it didn’t take Boise State long to get back into the game. However, the Broncos couldn’t shake the Spartans for a while. The score was 21-21 late in the third quarter. Then Boise State scored 21 unanswered points. San Jose State’s success was from quarterback Walker Eget. He was 34-50-2, passing for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Spartan receiver Justin Lockhart had 10 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was 22-30-0, passing for 288 yards and one touchdown. Bronco running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns. The teams combined for 939 total yards. But San Jose State only had 37 yards rushing. Attendance in San Jose: 20,517

 

Down to the final seconds – South Carolina 34, Missouri 30 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 24, Missouri 20). This became an exciting game in the fourth quarter. South Carolina led 21-6 at halftime. But Missouri took a 22-21 lead with 9:12 to go in the fourth quarter. The Gamecocks retook the lead – 27-22 – at the 5:04 mark in the fourth. Missouri went back up – 30-27 – at the 1:10 mark. South Carolina scored its winning touchdown with 0:15 left in the game. Mizzou running back Nate Noel rushed for 150 yards and one touchdown. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was 21-30-1, passing for 353 yards and five touchdowns. Attendance in Columbia: 79,361

 

Texas a little wimpy – Texas 20, Arkansas 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, Arkansas 16). Texas started out like a house-a -fire. Before you knew it, the Longhorns were up 10-0. The score became 13-0 in the third quarter. Then Texas went cold. Arkansas scored 10 points, and we had ourselves a ball game. Ultimately, Texas added a security touchdown to go back up by 10 points. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers didn’t look that good. He may have caught Carson Beck disease. Texas only had 315 total yards. Attendance in Fayetteville: 74,929

 

Pony power – SMU 38, Boston College 28 (Touchdown Tom said: SMU 30, Boston College 20). Boston College stayed on SMU’s heels all game. The Eagles actually went up briefly in the third quarter – 21-20. The Eagles had a new quarterback. BC coach Bill O’Brien benched quarterback Thomas Castellanos earlier in the week. Grayson James became the new quarterback for the Eagles. James passed for 237 yards and one touchdown. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings was 24-35-1, passing for 298 yards and three touchdowns. SMU running back Brashard Smith rushed for 120 yards and one touchdown. Mustang receiver Jordan Hudson had seven receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. The teams were pretty closely matched in the stats. Attendance in Dallas: 34,438

 

Second half strong – Iowa State 34, Cincinnati 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa State 27, Cincinnati 18). Iowa State didn’t take control of this game until the second half. The score was 10-10 at halftime. The Cyclones outscored the Bearcats 24-7 in the second half. Cincinnati quarterback Brandan Sorsby had a terrible day passing, but he ran for 141 yards and one touchdown. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht passed for 234 yards and one touchdown. Cincinnati only had 66 yards passing. Attendance in Ames: 52,881

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

Get rid of Neal Brown – Baylor 49, West Virginia 35 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 27, Baylor 24). This was a wild first half with 63 points scored. Baylor led 35-28 at the break. Only 21 points were scored in the second half – all in the fourth quarter. Baylor had 14 of those points. Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson was 26-36-0, passing for 329 yards and three touchdowns. WVU quarterback Garrett Greene rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Greene was terrible at passing. The teams combined for 1,011 total yards. It probably won’t be but this game should be the final nail in Neal Brown’s coffin. In his sixth season at WVU, Brown is a total mess as a coach. He has accomplished nothing. Attendance in Morgantown: 52,376

 

A pleasant surprise in The Swamp – Florida 27, LSU 16 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 33, Florida 24). I just love seeing LSU coach Brian Kelly having a mental breakdown on the sideline. Kelly really can’t handle losing. And it’s always someone else’s fault. Kelly was yelling at his players, and his players were yelling at him. LSU’s only lead was a brief one in the third quarter at 13-10. Otherwise, Florida led throughout the game. When Florida had the ball, the Gators scored quickly. LSU ruled time of possession 41:43 to 18:17. Attendance in Gainesville: 90,067  

 

Where was Dana? – USC 28, Nebraska 20 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 28, Nebraska 20). This game was nip-and-tuck throughout. The score was tied twice – 7-7 and 14-14. Nebraska briefly led 17-14 in the third quarter. As the fourth quarter began, the Trojans led 21-20. If Dana Holgorsen did anything for Nebraska’s offense, it wasn’t obvious. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava was 25-35-11, passing for 259 yards and three touchdowns. USC running back Woody Marks rushed for 146 yards. Nebraska only had 310 total yards. Attendance in Los Angeles: 75,304

 

Take a knee – Penn State 49, Purdue 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 42, Purdue 10). Whenever James Franklin has the opportunity to show character and have his quarterback take a knee at the end of a game, he never does. Franklin has no character. Up 42-10 with 1:51 left in the game, Penn State scored on a 24-yard pass play. Franklin must be hurting for attention. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was 17-19-0, passing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Penn State racked up 539 total yards. Attendance in West Lafayette: 58,346

 

Week 11 Results:  11 winners, 3 fumbles (78.6 percent)

For the Season:    116 winners, 51 fumbles (69.5 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Mississippi Valley State 24, Florida A&M 21 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 12,485

Jacksonville State 34, FIU 31 – Attendance in Jacksonville: 17,688

 

Temple 18, Florida Atlantic 15 (OT) – Attendance in Philadelphia: 12,291

Texas Southern 17, Bethune-Cookman 14 – Attendance in Houston: 6,916

South Florida 39, Charlotte 24 – Attendance in Charlotte: 15,030

 

San Diego 45, Stetson 6 – Attendance in San Diego: 1,996

Valdosta State 28, West Florida  7 – Attendance in Valdosta: 3,833

 

 

Superlatives

 

Impressive Passers:

 

San Jose State’s Walker Eget – 34-50-2 for 446 yards (3TDs); UTSA’s Owen McCown –29-43-1-379 (2TDs); Washington State’s John Mateer – 25-36-0-375 (4TDs); South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers – 21-30-1-353 (5TDs); Pitt’s Nate Yarnell – 34-54-1-350 (1TD), and Georgia’s Carson Beck – 25-40-0-346 (2TDs).

 

Also, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders – 30-41-1 for 340 yards (3TDs); Maryland’s Billy Edwards – 32-55-1-335 (1TD); Texas State’s Jordan McCloud – 23-28-1-335 (4TDs); Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson – 26-36-0-329 (3TDs); Ball State’s Kadin Semonza – 25-37-1-327 (4TDs), and Syracuse’s Kyle McCord – 29-46-0-323 (1TD).

 

 

Impressive Rushers:

 

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton – 244 yards (12TD); Miami of Ohio’s Keyon Mozee – 196 yards (1TD); New Mexico’s Devon Dampier – 193 yards (3TDs), and North Texas’ Shane Porter – 193 yards (3TDs).

 

Also, Utah State’s Rahsul Faison – 191 yards (2TDs); UTSA’s Robert Henry – 168 yards (2TDs); Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty – 159 yards (3TDs); Bowling Green’s Terion Stewart – 150 yards (1TD); Missouri’s Nate Noel – 150 yards (1TD), and Liberty’s Quinton Cooley – 147 yards (3TDs).

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“Is Tennessee football a CFP team? Maybe, maybe not. Are the Vols a national championship contender? Absolutely not. Not with this offense. What happened to Josh Heupel, once an offensive savant,” USA Today sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.

 

“Quinn Ewers has become a problem for Texas. Ewers’ pocket presence is not where it needs to be for a player that has spent five years at the collegiate level. He runs himself into sacks far too often and gets happy feet if his early reads aren’t there,” CBS Sports columnist Will Backus.

 

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

P.S.

 

Not exactly college football related, but as the regular season was coming to an end and Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pies were almost in the oven, the number one song in the country…

 

…80 years ago, this week in 1943, was “Paper Doll” by The Mills Brothers

 

…75 years ago, this week in 1948, was “Buttons And Bows” by Dinah Shore

 

…70 years ago, this week in 1953, was “Rags To Riches” by Tony Bennett

 

…65 years ago, this week in 1958, was “Tom Dooley” by The Kingston Trio, and “It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty

 

…60 years ago, this week in 1963, was “Deep Purple” by Nino Tempo and April Stevens, and “I’m Leaving It Up To You” by Dale and Grace

 

…55 years ago, this week in 1968, was “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

 

…50 years ago, this week in 1973, was “Keep On Truckin’” by Eddie Kendricks and, “Photograph” by Ringo Starr

 

…45 years ago, this week in 1978, was “Mac Arthur Park” by Donna Summer

 

…40 years ago, this week in 1983, was “All Night Long (All Night) by Lionel Richie

 

…35 years ago, this week in 1988, was “Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi