Week 4 Forecast - Will it be Miller Time in The Big House?

 Week 4 Forecast – Will it be Miller Time in The Big House?

All eyes are on the state of Oklahoma

 

College football Week 4 promises to be a good one. There are several blockbuster games on the menu.

 

The state of Oklahoma takes center stage this week. The two biggest games in the country are being played in Norman and Stillwater. In Norman, No. 6 Tennessee (3-0) takes on No, 15 Oklahoma (3-0). The Vols provide a serious challenge for the Sooners. Can Oklahoma handle it?

 

In Stillwater, No. 12 Utah (3-0) visits No. 14 Oklahoma State (3-0). This showdown pits Okie State’s offense against Utah’s defense. Which one will prevail?

 

While we’re in the Big 12, Kansas State (3-0) has a challenge. The Wildcats travel to Provo to take on BYU (3-0). So far this season, K-State has relied on its rushing, while BYU has leaned on its passing. Which attack will come out on top?

 

Moving to the Big Ten, there are two games involving defensive-minded teams. Nebraska (3-0) hosts Illinois (3-0), and Minnesota (2-1) entertains Iowa (2-1). In Lincoln, it will be the minds of Bret Bielema and Matt Rhule challenging each other. Which one has a trick up their sleeve?

 

In Minneapolis, it will be the stingy defense of the Gophers trying to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson is averaging 160 yards per game. Which one rules?

 

Still in the Big Ten, we have another big game in The Big House. Two weeks ago, it was Texas at Michigan. This week it is USC (2-0) at Michigan (2-1). After three games under Davis Warren, the Wolverines will be starting a new quarterback – junior Alex Orji. USC has no need to change quarterbacks. Miller Moss has been on target, completing 72.5% of his passes. Who hits the target on Saturday?

 

Perhaps the two most intriguing games this week involve two Big Ten teams on the road against two ACC teams. First, we have Michigan State (3-0) at Boston College (2-1). Neither team was supposed to do well this year. But both have been surprising. Which one will surprise on Saturday?

 

Then there is Rutgers (2-0) at Virginia Tech (2-1). Is this the year Greg Schiano turns the corner at Rutgers? Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai has already rushed for 373 yards in two games. Quarterback Kyron Drones makes the Hokies a threat. Which team prevails?

 

Speaking of the ACC, there is a good conference tilt in Derby City – Georgia Tech (3-1) visits Louisville (2-0). Tech quarterback Haynes King has been a king for the Yellow Jackets, passing for 962 yards in four games. But Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough has been a stud for the Cardinals, passing for 581 yards in two games. Who’ll win the aerial attack?

 

There is a potentially good Group of Five vs. Power Four game in Chapel Hill. James Madison (2-0) takes on North Carolina (3-0). It will be an effort for JMU to stop the running of Omarion Hampton. Hampton has 416 yards in three games. Can the Dukes threaten the Tar Heels?

 

It has been a frustrating season for both Florida (1-2) and West Virginia (1-2). You have to think both teams have some built up anger. Both teams have opportunities on Saturday. Florida visits Mississippi State (1-2) and West Virginia hosts Kansas (1-2). The Bulldogs and the Jayhawks are frustrated too. Who vents their frustrations and anger on Saturday?

 

Oh, there is nothing like a good cupcake. That is until they run out. Texas (3-0) and Duke (3-0) are playing their last cupcake games of the season. The Longhorns host ULM (2-0), while the Dookies visit Middle Tennessee (1-2). After Saturday, it will be a tough row to hoe for Texas and Duke. Whose cupcake has the most icing?

 

Purdue (1-1) at Oregon State (2-1) is one of those “after you went to bed” games. It’s probably just as well. The way the Boilers and the Beavers have been playing, you don’t want to see them. It could be harmful to your eyes. And they don’t want you seeing them either. Somebody has to win. But it may be in your dreams.

 

And finally, the proverbial question of the week: After Saturday, will Florida State be 0-4 or 1-3? The Noles host California. Just two weeks ago, the Golden Bears were up the road from Tallahassee, beating Auburn. Will Cal’s second trip to the southeast be pleasant like the first one? Or will Mike Norvell have a smile on his face come Saturday night?

 

Last Saturday, Wake Forest lost to Ole Miss, 40-6, in Winston-Salem. The Demon Deacons were scheduled to play the return game against Ole Miss in Oxford next year. However, Wake Forest has canceled out of that game and replaced Ole Miss with Oregon State. The Deacons will play the Beavers in Corvallis next year. Oregon State will make the return trip to Winston-Salem in 2029. Wake Forest paid Ole Miss an undisclosed amount to buy out of the game in Oxford.

 

The ACC is in talks with Clemson and Florida State about a weighted-distribution plan. The proposal would allot a greater share of revenue to schools based on brand valuation and television ratings. Currently member schools receive an equal distribution of the revenue. Additionally, the ACC would potentially alter the expiration of the league’s grant of television rights, which currently runs through 2036. The revenue and grant of rights changes are based om Clemson and Florida State dropping their lawsuits against the ACC. Florida State and Clemson have said they are open to remaining in the conference if they can get a bigger share of the revenue. Stay tuned!  

 

The eight Ivy League schools kick off their seasons this weekend. I pay homage to them because they are the ones who began what we know today as college football. They remained relevant in the game up until the mid-late 1950s when they chose to play football purely for the fun of it.

 

Four Ivy League schools are home this weekend. Brown hosts Georgetown, Columbia entertains Lafayette, Dartmouth welcomes Fordham and Harvard hosts Stetson. The other four are on the road. Cornell is at Colgate, Princeton visits Lehigh, Penn plays at Delaware and Yale travels to Holy Cross.     

 

Alabama and Georgia are off this week, preparing for their battle in Tuscaloosa next week.

 

ESPN’s College GameDay is in Norman, Oklahoma, for the Tennessee-Oklahoma game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is in Columbus, Ohio, for the Marshall-Ohio State game.

 

Enjoy Week 4. Hope your team wins.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 19, 2024

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Tennessee (3-0) at Oklahoma (3-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This is the first real test for both of these teams. Tennessee has rolled over three opponents, while Oklahoma wasn’t all that impressive in two of its three wins. Either the Sooners were holding back, or they are somewhat overrated. OU’s offense has sputtered. Its defense has been fair to midland. Quarterback Jackson Arnold has passed for 484 yards and is the Sooners leading rusher with 159 yards. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has passed for 698 yards. The Vols leading rusher is running back Dylan Sampson with 357 yards. Compare those numbers to Oklahoma’s. It’s quite a difference. Tennessee’s offense and defense are both in the Top 10 in the country. But the game is in Norman. And maybe OU has been holding back. We’ll soon know. Smokey smokes the Sooners – Tennessee 35, Oklahoma 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. Utah (3-0) at Oklahoma State (3-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Oklahoma State has the better offense. Utah has the better defense. Okie State’s defense sucks. Utah’s offense sucks. That’s the way they have been so far. The Cowboys Alan Bowman has passed for 989 yards in three games. He is the Okie State offense. There has been no running game from the Cowboys. Ollie Gordon has been MIA. With Okie State’s poor defense, maybe the Utes can get their offense cranked up. They need a spark. Utah quarterback Cam Rising is injured again. He's listed as day-to-day. It will be up to the Utah defense to stop Oklahoma State’s offense. The Utes get Poked – Oklahoma State 21, Utah 18.

 

RESRT OF THE BEST: 3. Kansas State (3-0) at BYU (3-0) – Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Both teams are off to great starts. Not sure either one of them has played a significant opponent yet. This will be the biggest game to date for both teams. K-State is led by the quarterbacking of Avery Johnson and the running of D.J. Giddens. BYU is led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Retzlaff has passed for 841 yards in three games. He also leads the Cougars in rushing. Wildcats win the cat fight – Kansas State 27, BYU 21.

 

4. Illinois (3-0) at Nebraska (3-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – Both teams are stingy on defense. Nebraska is only allowing opponents 6.7 points a game – 8^th in the country. Illinois is only allowing opponents 8.7 points a game – 14^th in the country. Neither team has been that great on offense. The Banned Indians are the weaker of the two on offense. Illinois is led by quarterback Luke Altmyer. Nebraska counters with Dylan Raiola. Both have passed for around 650 yards in three games. It’s looking like a defensive battle. Herbie bans the Indians – Nebraska 21, Illinois 19.

 

5. James Madison (2-0) at North Carolina (3-0) – (Sun Belt vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ACCN – James Madison has been strong on defense and weak on offense. But the Dukes haven’t really played anybody. They are truly an unknown at this point. North Carolina isn’t much better known. The Tar Heels are undefeated, but the competition has been marginal at best. The Tar Heels biggest asset is running back Omarion Hampton. He has rushed for 416 yards in three games. The Tar Heels knock off the first of two Dukes – North Carolina 30, James Madison 25.

 

6. USC (2-0) at Michigan (2-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Michigan has struggled on offense this season. The Wolverines can’t get anything going – running or passing. The defense is better, but not as good as in recent years. Simply put, Michigan is struggling. USC has a strong passing game. Quarterback Miller Moss has thrown for 607 yards in two games. The Trojans have been weak in the running game. Surprisingly, USC has played pretty good defense. Defense has been a problem under coach Lincoln Riley. But he may have his act together this year. Another big game in The Big House. Trojans turn The Big House into a hut – USC 27, Michigan 20.

 

7. Michigan State (3-0) at Boston College (2-1) – (Big Ten vs, ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Both teams are playin under first-year coaches. Both coaches are well-respected. Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith performed wonders at Oregon State before coming to East Lansing. Boston College coach Bill O’Brien needs no introduction. The Spartans strength has been their defense. The offense has yet to show up. However, quarterback Aidan Chiles has thrown for 650 yards in three games. Boston College played well at Missouri last week, before losing by six points. The Eagles aren’t particularly strong on offense or defense, but they aren’t bad either. They are stable on both sides of the ball. BC’s strength is quarterback Thomas Castellanos. He can run and he can throw. This should be an interesting game. Eagles soar – Boston College 24, Michigan State 21.

 

8. Georgia Tech (3-1) at Louisville (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Louisville is 2-0, but the Cardinals are untested. Georgia Tech will give them a test. Against weak competition, Louisville has demonstrated a strong offense and defense. Quarterback Tyler Shough has passed for 581 yards in two games. Georgia Tech has been mediocre on offense and defense – not good, but not bad either. On offense, Tech’s strength lies in quarterback Haynes King. King has been dependable, passing for 962 yards in four games. The Yellow Jackets defense will be tested in this contest. Tech loses its buzz – Louisville 27, Georgia Tech 24.

 

9. Rutgers (2-0) at Virginia Tech (2-1) – (Big Ten vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Rutgers is a question mark – a big question mark. The Scarlet Knights are 2-0, but the competition has been pathetic. Rutgers’ passing game has been pathetic too. On a bright note, the running game has been outstanding. Kyle Monangai has rushed for 273 yards in two games. Virginia Tech hangs its hat on quarterback Kyron Drones. As Drones goes, so goes the Hokies. He has passed for 628 yards in three games. Overall, Tech is kind of average on offense and defense. This has the makings of a close game. The Hokies can’t hush hush sweet Scarlet – Rutgers 28, Virginia Tech 27.

 

10. Iowa (2-1) at Minnesota (2-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – The good news for Iowa is the Hawkeyes are playing better offense than last year. The bad news is it still isn’t a very good offense. The good news is Iowa is still playing good defense. The bad news is it isn’t as good as last year’s defense. So, in some ways the Hawkeyes are better. In some ways they aren’t. The best part of Iowa is running back Kaleb Johnson. He’s rushed for 479 yards in three games. Minnesota, in turn, has one of the best defenses in the country. The Gophers are holding opponents to 6.3 points a game (5^th in the nation). Minnesota, in turn, has one of the worst offenses in the country. The Gophers are kind of like Iowa the past two years. Minnesota and Iowa are a lot alike. But the Hawkeyes are slightly better – Iowa 20, Minnesota 17.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

Kansas (1-2) at West Virginia (1-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – As bad as West Virginia is and as bad as the Mountaineers need a new coach, they somehow will get their act together this weekend. They should and will be angry enough to win this game. After all, Kansas is having its problems too. WVU’s offense is below par. Quarterback Garrett Greene and running backs C.J. Donaldson and Kahiem White have been no-shows this season. And let’s face it, WVU’s defense is one of the worst in the country. They are giving up 29 points a game. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal have been no shows too. However, the Jayhawks have been playing pretty good defense. That could spell problems for WVU. It’s bird hunting season in West Virginia – West Virginia 27, Kansas 23.

 

Florida (1-2) at Mississippi State (1-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – As bad as Florida is and as bad as Florida needs a new coach, Mississippi State is worse. And that is saying something since Florida has one of the worst offenses and defenses in the country. One is as bad as the other. Miss State is giving up 26 points a game. Florida is giving up 27 points a game. Oddly enough, Miss State quarterback Blake Shapen has passed for 834 yards in three games. Like West Virginia, the anger will come out of Florida this weekend. The Bulldogs will be the recipients of that anger – Florida 28, Mississippi State 20.

 

Duke (3-0) at Middle Tennessee (1-2) – (ACC vs. C-USA) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Give those Dookies another cupcake. It’s their last one of the season. Except for a running game, there is none, Duke is playing good offense. The passing game is saving the Dookies. Quarterback Maalik Murphy has passed for 800 yards in three games. Overall, the Duke defense is pretty decent. Middle Tennessee is a disaster waiting to happen, especially on defense. On offense, the Blue Raiders do have a decent quarterback. Nicholas Vattiato has passed for 875 yards in three games. Still, the Blue Raiders are pretty bad – Duke 31, Middle Tennessee 20.

 

ULM (2-0) at Texas (3-0) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Beating a team like ULM this weekend could cause Texas to fall out of its No. 1 spot in the rankings. That could happen. But to the Longhorns fortune, Georgia and Alabama are off this weekend, Ohio State is playing Marshall and Ole Miss is playing Georgia Southern. Watch out for Tennessee. If the Vols beat Oklahoma, can they jump from 6 to 1? Looks like Arch Manning will be quarterbacking the Horns this week. But, as we know, that is no setback. Quinn Ewers is on a week-to-week basis with his injury. And it looks like this week is a no go. Texas is winning its games 46.3 (10^th in the country) to 6.3 (6^th in the country). That spells trouble for ULM – big time. Bevo grazes – Texas 52, ULM 12.

 

Purdue (1-1) at Oregon State (2-1) – (Big Ten vs. PAC-2) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, CWN – One of the nightcap games this Saturday night. The way Purdue is playing that’s probably pretty good for the Boilers. They don’t want anybody to see them play. Purdue’s offense and defense are hurting. Oregon State is almost as bad as Purdue. The Beavers may be slightly better. But only slightly – Oregon State 28, Purdue 27.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Stetson (2-1) at Harvard (0-0) – (Pioneer vs. Ivy League) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Clark Atlanta (2-1) at Bethune-Cookman (0-3) – (SIAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….

Monmouth (1-2) at FIU (1-2) – (CAA vs. C-USA) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

California (3-0) at Florida State (0-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2….

Miami (3-0) at South Florida (2-1) – (ACC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN….

 

Florida Atlantic (1-2) at Connecticut (1-2) – (AAC vs. Ind.) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, CBSSN….

Florida A&M (2-1) at Troy (0-3) – (SWAC vs. Sun Belt) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

West Alabama (3-0) at West Florida (1-0) – (Gulf South vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“I would love to get into entertainment if that is in my future. I love to cook. I think maybe there’s a future there down the road,” sports media personality Laura Rutledge, on other career possibilities.

 

“There’s no question that Miller is really smart. He may be the smartest quarterback that I’ve ever had, which is saying something. He has a great mind for the game,” USC coach Lincoln Riley, on his quarterback Miller Moss.   

 

“I am convinced that South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer spent way too much time grabbing shots with Pat McAfee, Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit and not enough time working on the game plan. The last couple minutes of that game, Beamer was atrocious,” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, on why South Carolina lost to LSU.

 

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(The next CFW – Week 4 Results – will be posted Monday morning, September 23.)

 

VFW Week 3 Results - Texas replaces Georgia as the new No. 1 team

 CFW Week 3 Results – Texas replaces Georgia as new No. 1 team

Drama in the Columbias, while

Manning shines, Georgia escapes, the

Gus Bus is rolling and FSU loses again

 

Drama in not one Columbia, but two Columbia’s – Columbia, South Carolina and Columbia, Missouri.

 

Early in the second quarter, when South Carolina went up 17-0 over LSU, ABC/ESPN sportscaster Chris Fowler, calling the game, clamored, “The Gamecocks are cookin’.” They sure were. But after that touchdown, the Gamecocks went from cookin’ to coolin’. Less than eight minutes after that touchdown, the 17-0 lead dwindled to a 17-10 lead.

 

Even though South Carolina was coolin’, the Gamecocks managed to hold onto the lead until almost the end of the game. Almost. With 1:12 on the clock in the fourth quarter, LSU took its first lead. Trailing 33-29, the Tigers scored a touchdown and went up and on to win the game, 36-33. So close!

 

In the other Columbia – the one in Missouri – Boston College was leading Missouri, 14-3, halfway through the second quarter. As time expired in the first half, Missouri’s Blake Craig kicked a 56-yard field goal. The Tigers took their first lead in the game, 17-14.

 

During the second half, Missouri extended its lead to 27-14. But with 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, Boston College scored a touchdown and trailed by six – 27-21. The Tigers held on and beat the Eagles, 27-21. So close!

 

Last week, in Lexington, South Carolina beat up on Kentucky, 31-6. Saturday night in Lexington, Kentucky faced Georgia. The Dawgs came into the contest averaging 41 points a game. As the fourth quarter began, Georgia only had six points. At the 12:20 mark in the fourth quarter, the Dawgs scored their first touchdown of the game. They took their first lead over Kentucky, 13-9. With 8:01 remaining, the Wildcats Alex Raynor kicked a 51-yard field goal. Eight minutes to go and Kentucky trailed Georgia by one point. The Dawgs held on and escaped Kentucky, 13-12. So close! 

 

Saturday night in Fort Worth, Texas, UCF faced TCU. At the 9:38 mark in the first quarter, the Horned Frogs took a 7-0 lead. By the 13:38 mark in the third quarter, TCU led the Knights, 28-7. With 5:03 to go in the third quarter, the Horned Frogs led UCF, 31-13. With less than 60 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter, TCU led UCF by only six points – 34-28. The Gus Bus was rolling. At the 0:36 mark, the Knights scored a touchdown. UCF beat TCU, 35-34. So close!

 

In Austin, Texas, Saturday night, it wasn’t so close. Texas beat UTSA, 56-7. But early in the second quarter, with the Longhorns up 14-0, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers left the game with an oblique muscle strain injury. Enter Arch Manning. Manning picked up where Ewers left off. He was 9-for-12, passing for 223 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He even rushed for a 67-yard touchdown. The eyes of Manning are upon you.   

 

And yes, it happened again. This time, Florida State lost to Memphis, 20-12. Florida State is 0-3. Including FSU’s 63-3 Orange Bowl loss to Georgia at the end of last season, the Noles are 0-4. FSU only had 37 yards rushing. There are 134 FBS teams in the country. Florida State is 133^rd in rushing yards, averaging 52 yards a game. The Noles are 128^th in total yards, averaging 274 yards a game. They are 124^th in points scored, averaging 15.3 points a game.

 

College football Week 3 began on Thursday night with two games. In the first of the two, Texas State had many opportunities, but the Bobcats couldn’t capitalize. Arizona State beat Texas State, 31-28. Sun Devils kicker Ian Hershey kicked a 22-yard field goal with 6:35 remaining in the game and Arizona State held on to win.

 

In the other game, South Alabama scored an unbelievable 87 points, as the Jaguars beat Northwestern State, 87-10. South Alabama racked up 622 total yards.

 

College football Week 3 continued on Friday night with two more games. It wasn’t always pretty, but UNLV struggled, held on and upset Kansas, 23-20. Trailing 20-16, the Rebels scored their winning touchdown with 2:00 remaining in the game.

 

In the nightcap, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson passed for 156 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 110 yards. Kansas State topped Arizona, 31-7.

 

The previous week, the SEC invaded the Big Ten when Texas went into Ann Arbor. The Longhorns prevailed over Michigan, 31-12. Saturday, the SEC invaded the Big Ten again. Alabama went into Madison. The Crimson Tide prevailed over Wisconsin, 42-10.

 

There are two coaches who need to be fired – Florida’s Billy Napier and West Virginia’s Neal Bown. Saturday, Florida lost to Texas A&M, 33-20. In his third season with the Gators, Napier is 12-16. With less than four minutes to go in the WVU-Pitt game, West Virginia had a 10-point lead over the Panthers – 34-24. WVU lost to Pitt 38-34. In his sixth season with the Mountaineers, Brown is 32-31.

 

In the two Pac-2 vs. Big Ten games, where former Pac-12 rivals met to settle their differences, Oregon and Washington State were the winners. Oregon downed Oregon State, 49-14, while Washington State beat Washington, 24-19.

 

All I can say is practice in South Bend last week must have been hell. After losing the previous week to Northern Illinois, 16-14, Notre Dame came out blasting Saturday. Notre Dame demolished Purdue, 66-7. The Irish were angry.

 

How ‘bout them Hoosiers? Coach Curt Cignetti has Indiana cookin’. The Hoosiers went into Pasadena and spanked UCLA, 42-13. Indiana, averaging 50 points a game, improved to 3-0.

 

In an intrastate rivalry, the Buffaloes took care of business. Colorado downed Colorado State, 28-9. It wasn’t much of a contest this year. Colorado State had four turnovers. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was 36-for-49, passing for 310 yards and four touchdowns.

 

After you went to bed Saturday night, BYU beat Wyoming, 34-14, and California downed San Diego State, 31-10. Cal’s Javian Thomas rushed for 169 yards.

 

Four Mountain West Conference schools – Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State – have announced they will leave the MWC in 2026 and join Oregon State and Washington State in the Pac-12. The four schools will join the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026.

 

Multiple reports claim that Notre Dame’s top boosters have contacted Urban Myer about coaching the Irish. Getting rid of Marcus Freeman would be easy, as his buyout is only $4 million.

 

In yesterday’s latest AP Poll, Texas is the new No. 1 team, replacing Georgia.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 16, 2023

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Week Three Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: The buck stops here – Missouri 27, Boston College 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 30, Boston College 16). Boston College took an early command of the game – 14-3. But the Eagles could not sustain their lead. The BC running game that was so powerful against Florida State was non-existent against Missouri. The Eagles only had 49 yards rushing. Missouri’s Nate Noel rushed for 121 yards. Tigers quarterback Brady Cook was 21-for-36, passing for 264 yards and one touchdown. Missouri dominated time of possession: 35:46 to 24:14. Attendance in Columbia: 62,621

 

RUNNER-UP: Purple reign – Kansas State 31, Arizona 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 27, Arizona 24). Kansas State is good. Arizona is not. Arizona scored first with 7:26 to go in the first quarter. They never scored again for the remainder of the game. Kansas State led 14-7 at halftime and outscored Arizona 17-0 in the second half. The Kansas State defense held Arizona to 56 yards rushing. Kansas State improved to 3-0. Attendance in Manhattan: 51,290

 

REST OF THE BEST: The cheese melted – Alabama 42, Wisconsin 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 28, Wisconsin 16). This was a good game in the first quarter – Alabama led 7-3. After that it was all Bama. The Badgers couldn’t hang with the Tide. Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe was 12-for-17, passing for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Milroe also rushed for 75 yards. Interestingly, Wisconsin controlled time of possession: 34:16 to 25:44. The Badgers had two turnovers. Alabama had none. Attendance in Madison: 76,323

 

Spurless in Columbia – LSU 36, South Carolina 33 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 23, South Carolina 16). This game had all the excitement. That’s for sure. South Carolina was the better running team. LSU was the better passing team. The Gamecocks Raheim Sanders rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers Garrett Nussmeier was 24-for-40, passing for 285 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. Attendance in Columbia: 79,531

 

The dam suffered an earthquack – Oregon 49, Oregon State 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 27, Oregon State 22). Close game in the first quarter – 7-7. Still pretty close at the half with Oregon up 22-14. Then the Ducks ran away from Oregon State in the second half, outscoring the Beavers, 27-0. Oregon racked up 551 total yards. Dillon Gabriel had a great game. He was 20-for-24 passing for 291 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and another touchdown. Attendance in Corvallis: 38,419

 

There was no chalk on the rock – UNLV 23, Kansas 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas 27, UNLV 25). UNLV trailed throughout the game. The Rebels never led until 2:00 remaining in the fourth quarter. That’s when they went up for the first time to pull out the victory. Neither team showed much offense, especially UNLV. The Rebels only had 86 yards rushing. Kansas had two turnovers. UNLV had none. UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka rushed for 124 yards. But he was only 7-for-18 passing. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels had a terrible game. He threw two interceptions. Jayhawk running back Devin Neal rushed for 120 yards. UNLV improved to 3-0. Attendance in Kansas City: 21,493

 

The Cougars got the apple – Washington State 24, Washington 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 30, Washington State 26). Washington led twice – 7-3 in the first quarter and 13-10 in the second quarter. When Washington State went up 17-13 near the end of the second quarter, the Cougars never trailed for the remainder of the game. Actually, Washington quarterback Will Rogers had a decent game. He was 23-for-31, passing for 314 yards and one touchdown. The Huskies were hampered by 16 penalties for 135 yards. Attendance in Seattle: 57,567

 

The wheels are on the bus – UCF 35, TCU 34 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 27, UCF 26). UCF was out of this game – down 28-7 early in the third quarter and 31-13 late in the third quarter. But TCU all but died in the fourth quarter. The Frogs, who scored 31 points in the first three quarters, only three points in the fourth quarter. UCF had 519 total yards. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover was 35-for-52, passing for 402 yards and four touchdowns. TCU receiver Jack Bech had nine receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown. UCF running back R.J. Harvey rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns. UCF receiver Kobe Hudson had six receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Attendance in Fort Worth: 48,889

 

The Cats couldn’t bob the Devil’s tail – Arizona State 31, Texas State 28 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas State 35, Arizona State 33). Texas State came so close, but ultimately let the game slip through its fingers. The Bobcats led Arizona State 21-7 late in the second quarter. Then they let the Sun Devils score two back-to-back touchdowns in the final 3:46 of the second quarter. The game was tied three times – 7-7 in the first quarter, 21-21 at halftime and 28-28 at the end of the third quarter. Texas State suffered from three turnovers. For the most part, the stats – first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, penalties – were even all the way down to time of possession. Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson had six receptions for 120 yards. Attendance in San Marcos: 25,187

 

No dew in Pittsburgh – Pitt 38, West Virginia 34 (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 27, Pitt 19). West Virginia had no business losing this game. The Mountaineers controlled time of possession 36:17 to 23:43. They held Pitt to 78 yards rushing. WVU led 34-24 with less than four minutes to go in the game. But in those final four minutes, the WVU players looked out of shape. They were gassed, pooped and sucking for air. They also looked confused. WVU quarterback Garrett Greene threw two interceptions. Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein was 21-for-30, passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 59 yards. I would have to think this game is the demise of WVU coach Neal Brown. West Virginia has put up with his nonsense for too long. Enough is enough. Attendance in Pittsburgh: 66,087

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

Chompless in The Swamp – Texas A&M 33, Florida 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 21, Florid 20). Texas A&M led 20-0 at halftime. The Aggies led 33-14 at the end of the third quarter. Florida stumbled all over itself. On offense, the Gators threw three interceptions (two by D.J. Lagway and one by Graham Mertz). And Florida only had 52 yards rushing. On defense, the Gators gave up 488 total yards and 27 first downs to the Aggies. Texas A&M controlled the ball: 37:46 to 22:14. Texas A&M was led by second-string quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed passed for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 83 yards and another touchdown. Attendance in Gainesville: 89,993

 

The Panthers were chased out of the cornfield – Nebraska 34, Northern Iowa 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 30, Northern Iowa 17). Northern Iowa got three points in the first quarter and that was all she wrote for the Panthers. When Nebraska had the ball, the Huskers scored quickly. Nebraska only had possession for 21:53. Northern Iowa controlled the ball for 38:07. But obviously, they couldn’t get it across the goal line. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola was 17-for-23, passing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Huskers backup quarterback Heinrich Haarberg saw action as well. Attendance in Lincoln: 86,546

 

Devils rally in the fourth – Duke 26, Connecticut 21 – (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 31, Connecticut 15). For a while, Duke was like South Carolina. The Dookies jumped out to a 17-0 second-quarter lead over UConn. Then the Huskies came back and took a 21-17 third quarter lead over the Dookies. Duke rallied with nine points in the fourth quarter to grab the 26-21 win. Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy was 28-for-43, passing for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Attendance in Durham: 20,174

 

Uga almost had a panic attack – Georgia 13, Kentucky 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 35, Kentucky 9). Go figure – Georgia only scoring two field goals and one touchdown. Only 262 total yards. And only 12 first downs. And against Kentucky. Georgia quarterback Connor Beck probably had his worst game ever. Still, Georgia won its 42^nd-straight regular season game. Kentucky controlled time of possession: 35:02 to 24:58. The Wildcats had one turnover. Georgia had none. For the second-straight week, Kentucky showed no offense. Attendance in Lexington: 61,663

 

Beep-Beep was Peep-Peep – Texas 56, UTSA 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 45, UTSA 7). Quinn Ewers left the game early in the second quarter and Arch Manning took over. It was a smooth transition. Almost transparent. Manning picked up where Ewers left off. The Horns racked up 614 total yards – 427 passing yards. Attendance in Austin: 101,892

 

It was a Guinness day in West Lafayette – Notre Dame 66, Purdue 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 20, Purdue 17). Somebody lit a fire under the Irish. They exploded for 42 points in the first half. The Boilers stumbled all over themselves. Purdue had three turnovers. Notre Dame had none. The Irish racked up 580 total yards. ND quarterback Riley Leonard had 112 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. He scored three rushing touchdowns. In the second half, backup Irish quarterbacks Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey saw action. Angeli passed for 100 yards. Purdue only had 162 total yards. Attendance in West Lafayette: 61,441

 

Week 3 Results:  11 winners, 5 fumbles (68.8 percent)

For the Season:  32 winners, 14 fumbles (69.6 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Memphis 20, Florida State 12 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 55,107

Furman 48, Stetson 7 – Attendance in Greenville: 7,917

 

Miami 62, Ball State 0 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 51,564

Florida Atlantic 38, FIU 20 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 24,283

 

Western Michigan 59, Bethune-Cookman 21 – Attendance in Kalamazoo: 23,476

South Florida 49, Southern Miss 24 – Attendance in Hattiesburg: 23,537

 

 

Superlatives

 

Week Three’s Impressive Passers:

 

Middle Tennessee’s Nicholas Vattiato – 24-31-1 for 456 yards (3TDs); Appalachian State’s Joey Aguilar – 32-47-2-424 (2TDs); TCU’s Josh Hoover – 35-51-0-402, and Western Kentucky’s Caden Veltkamp – 27-30-0-398 (5TDs).

 

Also, Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman – 24-31-1 for 396 yards (5TDs); Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart – 26-34-1-377 (2TDs); Akron’s Ben Finley – 28-43-1-358 (4TDs); San Jose State’s Emmett Brown – 26-38-0-355 (4TDs); Miami of Florida’s Cam Ward – 19-28-0-346 (5TDs), and Miami of Ohio’s Brett Gabbert – 23-33-1-339 (2TDs).

 

Week Three’s Impressive Rushers:

 

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton – 210 yards (3TDs); Western Michigan’s Jaden Nixon – 189 yards (2TDs); UCF’s R.J. Harvey – 180 yards (2TDs); Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson 173 yards (2TDs), and California’s Javian Thomas – 169 yards.

 

Also, Michigan’s Kalel Mullings – 163 yards (2TDs); Auburn’s Jacquez Hunter – 152 yards (1TD); Ole Miss’s Henry Parrish – 148 yads (2TDs); Sam Houston’s Jay Ducker – 148 yards, and Arkansas’ Ja’Quinden Jackson – 147 yards (1TD).

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“Everything’s under evaluation,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell, after the loss to Memphis.

 

“We’re not getting the results on the field right now that we want. We have to play more competitive football. That’s my responsibility,” Florida coach Billy Napier, after the loss to Texas A&M. 

 

“I don’t blame them,” Florida coach Billy Napier, responding to fans booing him.

 

“We played the run well. Unfortunately, they threw the ball more than they ran,” West Virginia coach Neal Brown, after the loss to Pitt.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(The next CFW – Week 4 Forecast – will be posted Thursday morning, September 19.)

CFW Week 3 Forecast - Will Billy Napier be fired on Sunday?

CFW Week 3 Forecast – Will Billy Napier be fired on Sunday?

A bit of a weird and strange week

 

This is a bit of a weird week in college football. There are no games you can really get your arms around. There are no games that knock you off your feet. The Week 3 games seem to be lacking in excitement, enthusiasm, whatever.

 

Last week, we had Texas at Michigan. This week’s equivalent is Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0). Close, but not quite the same. Last week, we had the Colorado-Nebraska revenge game. This week, there are no revenge games. We thought the Georgia-Kentucky game was going to be good. But it’s looking like a dud, after South Carolina trashed Kentucky (1-1) last week.

 

Don’t get me wrong. There are some good games this week. But they are like big movies with poor acting. Big movies with poor scriptwriting. Big movies with poor soundtracks. Something’s missing. Hopefully, once we get into the weekend, all that will change. Hopefully, these games will turn into blockbusters. Hopefully, some of these games will knock your sox off.

 

Let’s take a look at what we have to work with. My Game of the Week is Boston College (2-0) at Missouri (2-0). It doesn’t sound real exciting, does it? But to me, it has lots of intrigue. Perhaps more than any other game. Both teams have exciting quarterbacks – Brady Cook for Missouri and Thomas Castellanos for BC. After watching the BC-Florida State game, we know the Eagles are good in the trenches. Can Bill O’Brien perform his magic again?

 

BC at Missouri is the ACC vs. the SEC. There are three other SEC teams in my Top 10 games this week. I already mentioned Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0). But can the Badgers hang with the Tide? Bama is a 17-point favorite.

 

The other two SEC teams in my Top 10 games are LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0). The problem here is South Carolina’s offense is so flat. I mean really boring. But the game could turn out good.

 

The Big 12 actually has seven teams in my Top 10 games. First and foremost is Arizona (2-0) at Kansas State (2-0). Arizona’s first Big 12 conference game. Kansas State is an eight-point favorite. Then, we’re staying in Kansas for the UNLV (2-0) at Kansas (1-1) game. Yeah, I know, a Group of Five team. But have you seen UNLV play this year? They are exciting. Like K-State, Kansas is an eight-point favorite. Go Dorothy!

 

Up next, among the Big 12 teams, is UCF (2-0) at TCU (2-0). Now this one could knock your socks off. TCU is a mere one-point favorite. And when Gus Malzahn is around, there is never a dull moment. Okay, I know, the next one is a little strange – Arizona State (2-0) at Texas State (2-0). But like UNLV, have you seen Texas State play? The Bobcats quarterback – Jordan McCloud – is something else. Believe it or not, Texas State is a two-point favorite.

 

And my last Top 10 game with a Big 12 team is West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0). Surprise, surprise. But when you have a “Backyard Brawl,” I guess you could say it’s a lot like a Colorado-Nebraska revenge game – without Deion. And Pitt fired its athletic director this week. What was that about?

 

My final two Top 10 games take you back to the good ole days of the Pac-12 – Oregon (2-0) at (2-0) Oregon State and Washington State (2-0) at Washington (2-0). First of all, these two games could be dying rivalries. It remains to be seen. But for now, they are still playing, and they hate each other. And Dillon Gabriel needs to get his Heisman stats built up. Right now, he is trailing Quinn Ewers.

 

So, that is my Top 10 games this week in a bit of a weird, lackluster week.

 

Texas A&M (1-1) plays at Florida (1-1) this week. Word on the street says if Florida loses, Billy Napier will be fired after the game. The Aggies are only a three-point favorite. Stay tuned!

 

The Texas A&M-Florida game and the West Virginia-Pitt game are on TV at the same time. So, Swamp Mama and I will not be watching football in the same room on Saturday afternoon. It’s not often that happens.

 

And while we are in Florida, FSU (0-2) hosts Memphis (2-0). Memphis is no pushover. Will the Noles win their first game, or will they fall to 0-3. Florida State is a four-point favorite.

 

Still in Florida, the Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum game is this week – FIU (1-1) at FAU (0-2).

 

Hopefully, your team wins.

 

 

The voice of Darth Vader, Mufasa and “This is CNN” went silent this week. Actor James Earl Jones, known for his film roles, his work in theater and his voice, died on September 9. He is one of the few performers to receive the EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Jones was a graduate of the University of Michigan. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His theater work included numerous Broadway plays, including “The Great White Hope” (1968), “The Iceman Cometh (1973-1974),” “Of Mice and Men,” (1974-1975), “On Golden Pond (2005),” “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (2008),” “Driving Miss Daisy (2010-2011)” and “You Can’t Take It With You (2014).” He appeared in such films as “Dr. Strangelove” (1964), “The Great White Hope” (1970), “Matewan” (1987), “Coming to America” (1988); “Field of Dreams (1989); “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), “Patriot Games” (1992), “Clear and Present Danger” (1994) and many more. A native of Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones was 93.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 12, 2024

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

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

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Boston College (2-0) at Missouri (2-0) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 12:45 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Which team is for real? This game should let us know. Both are undefeated. Missouri has not played a Power Four team. Boston College has a win over a Power Four team. That team was Florida State. We are not sure about Florida State yet, other than the Noles are 0-2. In two games, we know that BC appears to have a strong ground game. The Eagles are averaging 285 yards a game rushing. BC’s defense is strong against the run, holding opponents to 41 rushing yards a game. Missouri has a strong offense – running and passing. The Tigers are averaging 504 total yards a game. Mizzou’s defense overall is good – against the pass and the rush. No one has scored on the Tigers. But again, the competition has been weak. So this could be a delightful battle. Eagle souffle, anyone? – Missouri 30, Boston College 16.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. Arizona (2-0) at Kansas State (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – This is Arizona’s inaugural Big 12 conference game. The Wildcats will be out to make a good impression. They have the capability with quarterback Noah Fifita. In two games, Fifita is averaging 298 yards a game passing. If the Wildcats have a weakness, it is defense. They gave up 39 points to New Mexico. Overall, on offense and defense, the other Wildcats – Kansas State – seem to have the better team. But K-State struggled to beat Tulane last week. Quarterback Avery Johnson needs to have a breakout game. This is his opportunity. Willie tackles Wilbur – Kansas State 27, Arizona 24.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0) – (SEC vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Alabama has been feasting on Little Debbie Cupcakes for two weeks. Now the Tide are ready to play some football. Wisconsin is the non-cupcake opposition. The Badgers are 2-0, however, they have struggled to beat two non-Power Four teams. Wisconsin had to rally in the fourth quarter to beat Western Michigan, 28-14. Ohio State beat Western Michigan, 56-0. The Badgers offense has stalled. They are led by old Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. But Van Dyke has been lame so far. Alabama has scored a lot of points – 105 – but the Tide hasn’t shown a lot of offense scoring those points. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is still waking up. His best stat so far is his completion rate – 70.4%. The Badger is a Big Debbie Cupcake – Alabama 28, Wisconsin 18.

 

4. LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – The outlook on this game changed big-time last week when South Carolina beat Kentucky, 31-6. It also changed the venue of ESPN’s College GameDay from Lexington, Kentucky, to Columbia, South Carolina. If the Gamecocks are to beat LSU, they are going to have to come up with an offense. They beat Kentucky on defense. Quite frankly, the South Carolina offense is one of the worst in the country. LSU doesn’t have a running game, but the Tigers have a big passing attack. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is averaging 303 yards a game through the air. South Carolina’s defense has its challenger there. Mike feasts on Cocky cordon bleu – LSU 23, South Carolina 16.

 

5. Oregon (2-0) at Oregon State (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Pac-2) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – These two teams are rivals – it’s a “Civil War” when they play. But no one knows how much longer they will be competing against each other. They are no longer in the same conference. Oregon has had two close calls in its first two games, winning both by a combined 13 points. In spite of the precarious start, Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy candidate, is off to a great start. Gabriel has passed for 623 yards in two games, completing 84.7% of his passes. Oregon State’s strength is its ground game. The Beavers, in two games, are averaging 300 yards a game rushing. The Duck gives Benny a toothache – Oregon 27, Oregon State 22.

  

6. UNLV (2-0) at Kansas (1-1) – (MWC vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN – UNLV is off to a great start. The Rebels may be off to a great season. They are averaging 349 yards rushing in two games. UNLV’s defense isn’t bad either. All of this could be a problem for Kansas. The Jayhawks were stunned by Illinois last week, suffering four turnovers. Three of those turnovers were interceptions thrown by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Both Daniels and running back Devin Neal have yet to have a great game. They need one against UNLV. The Jayhawk makes the Rebels yell – Kansas 27, UNLV 25.

   

7. Washington State (2-0) at Washington (2-0) – (Pac-2 vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, Peacock – This contest is similar to the Oregon-Oregon State game – two longtime rivals who are no longer in the same conference. And it is not known how much longer this game will be played. Washington State has looked good in its first two games – especially in the win over Texas Tech. Quarterback John Mateer has passed for 467 yards and he also leads the team in rushing. The Cougars have a strong offense. It is their defense that is suspect. Washington has been good on offense and defense. But the defense has been the better of the two. In two games, the Huskies’ opponents have been weak. Quarterback Will Rogers has completed 78.9% of his passes. Harry chases Butch away – Washington 30, Washington State 26.

 

8. UCF (2-0) at TCU (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX –

We think UCF is good. We’re not real sure. The Knights have looked impressive in their wins over lackluster opponents. UCF’s offense is very strong, especially the rushing game. The Knights are averaging 419 yards a game – No. 1 in the country. Running back R.J. Harvey has done well. The defense has also looked good. It will be tested this week. TCU has really been good passing. Quarterback Josh Hoover has passed for 620 yards in two games. Both teams will find out what they have this week. The Knight can’t gig the Frog – TCU 27, UCF 26.

 

9. Arizona State (2-0) at Texas State (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Sun Belt) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – Texas State is one of the better Group of Five teams in the country. The Bobcats have a good quarterback in Jordan McCloud and a good running back in Ismail Mahdi. In two games, McCloud has passed for 547 yards, completing 68.4% of his passes. Last week, the Bobcats beat a good UTSA team, 49-10. Meanwhile, Arizona State has been surprising people. The Sun Devils may be better than expected. Running back Cameron Skattebo is better than expected. He has rushed for 311 yards in two games. ASU is averaging 294 yards a game on the ground. The Arizona State defense is good too, especially against the run – No. 2 in the country. The Bobcats take the Sun out of the Devils – Texas State 35, Arizona State 33.

  

10. West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Nothing like a good ole “Backyard Brawl.” It makes for excitement when WVU and Pitt get together. In two games this season, West Virginia’s offense has not been good, and its defense has been worse – especially the pass defense. The bad news for West Virginia: Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein has passed for 635 yards in two games. And he’s hitting on 66.1% of his throws. The good news for West Virginia: Pitt’s defense is pretty bad too. So, this could be a high-scoring game. Garrett Greene needs to get his passing game going for the Mountaineers. C.J. Donaldson and Jahiem White need to get their running game going for the Mounties. The Eers have the Panthers doing the Backyard Crawl – West Virginia 27, Pitt 19.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMOPING GROUNDS:

 

Texas A&M (1-1) at Florida (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – My dentist tells me word on the street in Gainesville says Billy Napier will be fired after the game if Florida loses. We’ll see how much my dentist knows. Then again, Florida might win. After all, Texas A&M has not been good on offense or defense. The Aggies might be just what the Gators need. Napier is going to alternate quarterback Graham Mertz and D.J. Lagway. That could be enough to throw the Aggies off. In his first start, Lagway passed for 456 yards last week. It’s all hanging in the balance for Napier. How soon after the game? – Texas A&M 21, Florida 20.

 

Northern Iowa (2-0) at Nebraska (2-0) – (MVC vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – After that win over Colorado last week, Nebraska has to be feeling pretty good. The offense played a good first half. The defense played well all game. The defense is definitely the better part of the Nebraska team. The offense really hasn’t come together yet. But quarterback Dylan Raiola has the potential. The Huskers can’t afford to sit back on their laurels. Northern Iowa is a feisty little team. But the Panthers aren’t quite what they used to be. Still, they can cause some problems. No problem is too big for Herbie – Nebraska 30, Northern Iowa 17.

 

Connecticut (1-1) at Duke (2-0) – (Ind. vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Last week, in Evanston, a rabbit brought the Dookies luck. They shouldn’t need much luck to subdue UConn. The Huskies have one of the worst, if not the worst, defenses in the country. Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has passed for 533 yards in two games. The Devil’s in a blue dress – Duke 31, Connecticut 15.

 

Georgia (2-0) at Kentucky (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – The perspective on this game sure changed after Kentucky’s loss to South Carolina. Believe it or not, the Wildcats are playing halfway decent defense. It’s the offense that stinks. So, the Cats might give Connor Beck a little bit of a problem. However, Kentucky’s offense won’t even cause Uga to blink. It’s going to be three-and-punt, three-and-punt, three-and-punt all day for Kentucky. The Wildcats’ punter may even need a break from the action. Uga soils the blue grass – Georgia 35, Kentucky 9.

 

UTSA (1-1) at Texas (2-0) – (AAC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Last week, UTSA was a no show against Texas State. I can’t imagine the Road Runners will have anything to show against Texas. Like the opening week against Colorado State, this should be one of those Texas games where Arch Manning sees a good bit of action. Quinn Ewers just needs to stay in long enough to keep his Heisman numbers up. On offense, UTSA has no running game. On defense, the Road Runners have nothing. The Road Runners go weep-weep – Texas 45, UTSA 7.

 

Notre Dame (1-1) at Purdue (1-0) – (Ind. Vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – I have to tell you, Notre Dame has one of the worst offenses in the country. And the Irish defense isn’t much better. Purdue’s offense and defense is looking pretty good. However, the Boilers have only played one game and it was against Indiana State. This game could end up being a good quarterback battle between Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and Purdue’s Hudson Card. Boilers fizzle – Notre Dame 20, Purdue 17.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Memphis (2-0) at Florida State (0-2) – (AAC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN –

Stetson (2-0) at Furman (0-2) – (Pioneer vs. Southern) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

 

Ball State (1-0) at Miami (2-0) – (MAC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

FIU (1-1) at Florida Atlantic (0-2) – (C-USA vs. AAC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Bethune-Cookman (0-2) at Western Michigan (0-2) – (SWAC vs. MAC) – 6:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

South Florida (1-1) at Southern Miss (1-1) – (AAC vs. Sun Belt) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“GameDay is great, but the idea that GameDay is going to LSU at South Carolina? I mean, that is one of the more bizarre GameDay choices in its history,” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, questioning ESPN’s decision to hold this week’s College GameDay in Columbia, South Carolina.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(Note: The next CFW – Week 3 Results – will be posted Monday morning, September 16.)