CFW Week 2 Forecast – Basements in Florida/FSU has become FIU
SEC hopes to rebound, while the Big 12
and Big Ten have a challenge going
After getting knocked on its butt last week, the SEC has the opportunity to redeem itself this week. Last week, Florida fell to Miami (Florida), Texas A&M lost to Notre Dame and LSU fell to USC. All marquee games that ended in marquee losses for the SEC.
However, there were a couple of bright spots for the SEC. Georgia demolished Clemson and Vanderbilt upset Virginia Tech.
Well, as I said, the SEC has a chance to make amends this week. The two marquee games, involving SEC teams, are Texas (1-0) at Michigan (1-0), and Tennessee (1-0) vs. NC State (1-0). The Vols-Wolfpack are playing in Charlotte.
Three other opportunities for the SEC are Arkansas (1-0) at Oklahoma State (1-0), Mississippi State (1-0) at Arizona State (1-0) and Auburn (1-0) hosting California (1-0). Those three games aren’t as ritzy as the first two. However, SEC wins would be good for the conference.
The Big 12 and the Big Ten have a challenge going this week, with Iowa State (1-0) at Iowa (1-0), Colorado (1-0) at Nebraska (1-0) and Kansas (1-0) at Illinois. All three games are being played on the home fields of the Big Ten teams. Both conferences will be looking to come out on top.
Except for Florida State, 0-2 in the ACC, the season is still too young for many intra-conference games to have been played. But there are some pretty good intra-conference encounters taking place this week. The outcome of these games will give us an early indication of the direction some of these teams will be taking. On the menu are Baylor (1-0) at Utah (1-0) in the Big 12; South Carolina (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0) in the SEC; Michigan State (1-0) at Maryland (1-0) in the Big Ten; Georgia Tech (2-0) at Syracuse (1-0) in the ACC, and Wake Forest (1-0) at Virginia (1-0) also in the ACC.
When the Group of Five and the Power Five tangle with one another, we generally know what the outcome will be. There are three of these games this week where the outcome could be interesting – Appalachian State (1-0) at Clemson (0-1), Boise State (1-0) at Oregon (1-0) and Kansas State (1-0) at Tulane (1-0). Tulane knocked off Kansas State, 17-10, in 2022.
And the best game this week between two Group of Five teams is UTSA (1-0) at Texas State (1-0). That should be some contest.
Those thirty-four teams are all undefeated. Seventeen of them will have a loss come Sunday. And so the season moves on.
It may be moving too quickly for Florida State. As mentioned earlier, the Noles (0-2) already have two losses. FSU is off this week, so no threat yet of moving to 0-3. Stay tuned.
And speaking of FSU, with all the outstanding quarterbacks who were in the portal after last season, why did Florida State coach Mike Norvell go after D.J. Uiagalelei?
Did you notice all the coaches with long faces after their games last week? The coaches standing behind podiums or sitting at tables during the post-game press conferences. There were some sad faces. Some were making excuse after excuse. Others were saying, “I take the responsibility for the loss. Put the blame on me.” Some were doing both – taking responsibility, but also making excuses. Some were blaming their players.
Then there was Florida coach Billy Napier. Napier blamed everything on what some guy in his basement in rural central Florida is saying on social media. After almost three years of living in Florida does Napier still not know that houses in Florida don’t have basements. Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised he isn’t winning football games. I guess you have to blame somebody.
But Napier wasn’t alone. Also, in the “sad” and “long face” club were Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, LSU’s Brian Kelly, West Virginia’s Neal Brown, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry. LSU’s Kelly even slammed his fist on the table, almost knocking over his water bottle. It made for good drama.
Urban Myer revealed this week that an LSU fan threw a cup of urine on him before the 2007 Florida-LSU game in Baton Rouge. The incident occurred as he walked through the tunnel onto the field.
ESPN’s College GameDay and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff shows are both in Ann Arbor Saturday for the Texas-Michigan game.
“Oh, goodbye cruel world, I’m off to join a circus. Gonna be a broken-hearted clown…” Singer, actor and television director James Darren died last week. As a singer, Darren had five songs reach Billboard’s Top 40 between 1961 and 1967. His biggest hits were “Goodbye Cruel World,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard. It was on the chart for 17 weeks in the fall of 1961 and winter of 1962. And “Her Royal Majesty,” which peaked at No. 6 on Billboard. It was on the chart in the late winter and early spring of 1962. Darren appeared in a number of films, including “Gidget” (1959), “All the Young Men” (1960), “The Guns of Navarone” (1961) and “Diamond Head” (1962). He then began appearing in television shows. Darren was a regular in the police drama “T. J. Hooker” (1983-1986) and on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1998-1999). A native of Philadelphia, James William Ercolani was 88. “…Paint my face with a good-for-nothin’ smile, cause a mean, fickle woman turned my world upside down.”
Touchdown Tom
September 5, 2024
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
Week Two’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Texas (1-0) at Michigan (1-0) – (SEC vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – So, I’m thinking Texas had the better offense. Michigan has a slight edge on defense. Michigan’s offense was slow getting off the starting blocks last week. The Wolverines beat Fresno State 30-10, but Michigan only had 10 points at halftime. Some said the Wolverines were looking ahead to Texas. Texas, meanwhile, was beating up on Colorado State, 52-0. Michigan definitely had the tougher opponent, but not by much. The Texas offense will give the Michigan defense a challenge. The Eyes have it – Texas 27, Michigan 20.
RUNNER-UP: 2. Boise State (1-0) at Oregon (1-0) – (MWC vs. Big Ten) – 10 pm ET, Saturday, Peacock – Oregon had problems with Idaho last week. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the Ducks were only up by three points – 17-14 – on Idaho. Oregon ultimately won the game, 24-14. But Idaho? Boise State is a better team than Idaho. However, the Broncos have problems on defense. They gave up 45 points to Georgia Southern last week. On paper, Oregon’s offense should get cranked up on Saturday. Dillon Gabriel needs to build up his Heisman resume. The Ducks quack – Oregon 34, Boise State 27.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. NC State (1-0) vs. Tennessee (1-0) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Tennessee looked good last week. NC State didn’t. Both played FCS teams. Sounds like the Wolfpack could have been looking ahead to the Vols. Everyone is keen on Tennessee freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Some think he could win the Heisman as a freshman. NC State has a good quarterback – Grayson McCall. But Iamaleava has more talent around him. And Tennessee has the better defense too. The Wolves have nothing to howl about – Tennessee 30, NC State 20.
4. Iowa State (1-0) at Iowa (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – One thing is for sure. Whoever wins, the game will be close. In the last four meetings, the victory margin has been by 1, 10, 3, and 7 points. Iowa has former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. The Hawkeyes showed some offense last week. Iowa State, on the other hand, couldn’t get its offense going last week. Both are facing tougher defenses this week. The Cyclones can’t get spinning – Iowa 23, Iowa State 20.
5. Arkansas (1-0) at Oklahoma State (1-0) – (SEC vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Arkansas coach Sam Pittman just needs to keep this game close to keep buying time in Fayetteville. If the Razorbacks get blown out, Pittman may not make it through the season. On offense, Okie State has too many weapons – the biggest weapon being running back Ollie Gordon. Okie State’s weakness is on defense. That’s what Arkansas needs to take advantage of. The Cowboys hold a Pig pickin – Oklahoma State 26, Arkansas 18.
6. Baylor (1-0) at Utah (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Utah is a known team. Baylor, on the other hand, is unknown. That could play to Baylor’s advantage. But the Bears will need more than that. Utah is solid on offense and defense. And quarterback Cameron Rising is back. He makes a big difference. Baylor can’t Bear it – Utah 28, Baylor 14.
7. Kansas State (1-0) at Tulane (1-0) – (Big 12 vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN – Two years ago, Tulane surprised Kansas State – and in Manhattan. Now the two meet in New Orleans. This is a big game for the Green Wave. The Wildcats are led by quarterback Avery Johnson. He came on strong, leading K-State to its Pop-Tarts Bowl win over NC State last year. It was his first start. Tulane is under first-year coach Jon Sumrall. He’s a good coach, but Kansas State is a big challenge. The Wave turns Purple – Kansas State 30, Tulane 24.
8. South Carolina (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – First SEC matchup of the season and it should be a good one. Last week, South Carolina had no passing attack. The Gamecocks were not the best on defense. Kentucky had an easier win, but the Wildcats didn’t look all that good on offense. Both teams have tougher games next week. South Carolina plays LSU and Kentucky plays Georgia. Home field gives the advantage to the Wildcats. Cocky is a little rocky – Kentucky 21, South Carolina 20.
9. Colorado (1-0) at Nebraska (1-0) (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Last year, Colorado took it to Nebraska to the tune of 36-14. I’d say Nebraska has paybacks in mind. Two big name quarterbacks will be facing each other. Colorado has the experienced quarterback in Shedeur Sanders. Nebraska has the upstart quarterback in freshman Dylan Raiola. Colorado also threatens with its talented receiver corps. Nebraska’s defense will be tested. But Nebraska wins this game on Colorado’s weak defense. Herbie has a hay day – Nebraska 30, Colorado 20.
10. Appalachian State (1-0) at Clemson (0-1) – (Sun Belt vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – If Clemson plays against App State the way the Tigers played against Georgia, then App State has a chance. Regardless of how Clemson plays, App State has a chance. App State quarterback Joey Aguilar is every bit as good as Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. But the players around Aguilar aren’t as good as the players around Klubnik. However, App State often plays exceptional and fired up football above and beyond their talent level. The Tigers hack the App – Clemson 30, Appalachian State 23.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
UAlbany (1-0) at West Virginia (0-1) – (Coastal vs. Big 12) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Against competition like UAlbany, WVU should get its offense going this week. It sure didn’t get going last week. And the Mountaineers defense should play a decent game. They didn’t play a decent game last week. West Virginia needs this game to regroup. It should be a remedy to fix the problems WVU exhibited last week. Granted, UAlbany is one of the better teams out of the CAA. But it is all relative. The Great Danes aren’t so great – West Virginia 49, UAlbany 9.
Samford (0-1) at Florida (0-1) – (Southern vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – I can’t imagine the post-game press conference should Florida lose this game. Either Billy Napier would resign then and there on the spot, or he would blame the loss on what some guy in his condo in the middle of rural Everglades Florida is saying on social media. Florida won’t lose. But I could see Samford giving them problems for a while. Yesterday evening, Florida coach Billy Napier announced that Graham Mertz will not play against Samford. Mertz remains sidelined with a concussion that he got in the Miami game last week. With Mertz out, freshman quarterback D.J. Lagway gets the start. Albert gets his chomp back – Florida 34, Samford 14.
Duke (1-0) at Northwestern (1-0) – (ACC vs. Big Ten) – 9 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – These teams met each of the last three years. Duke won all three games. I always picked Northwestern to win – all three years. Neither team showed much on offense last week. Both were better on defense. I’m picking Duke this year for the first time. That means Northwestern will probably win. It’s too hot for the Wildcats – Duke 20, Northwestern 19.
Tennessee Tech (0-1) at Georgia (1-0) – (Ohio Valley vs. SEC) – 2 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+ – Georgia beat Clemson 31-3. I can only imagine what the score against Tennessee Tech will be. It won’t be pretty. That’s for sure. Not to Tennessee Tech fans. I suspect Connor Beck will only play two quarters in this game. Kirby Smart can use the second half to play all the other quarterbacks, including Billy Napier’s buddy Jaden Rashada. Uga ruffles the Eagle’s feathers – Georgia 59, Tennessee Tech 7.
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
McKendree (0-0) at West Florida (0-0) – (Great Lakes Valley vs. Gulf South) – 7 pm ET, Thursday….
Army (1-0) at Florida Atlantic (0-1) – (AAC vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, CBSSN….
Mercer (1-0) at Bethune-Cookman (0-1) – (Southern vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
Florida A&M (2-0) at Miami (1-0) – (SWAC vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Sam Houston (1-0) at UCF (1-0) – (C-USA vs. Big 12) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN +….
Central Michigan (1-0) at FIU (0-1) – (MAC vs. C-USA) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Warner (0-0) at Stetson (1-0) – (Sun vs. Pioneer) – 6:00 pm ET, Saturday….
South Florida (1-0) at Alabama (1-0) – (AAC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN….
Quotes of the Week
“I didn’t think we’d be here, but we are,” Florida State athletic director Mike Alford, on FSU’s 0-2 start.
“In a matter of months, FSU has become FIU,” USA Today sportswriter Matt Hayes.
“He’s lost more games in two seasons plus one game in The Swamp than Steve Spurrier lost in 12 years. And he’s going after his own fan base?” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, on Florida coach Billy Napier.
“This type of propaganda is usually only seen on Russian State television.” College football analyst Danny Kanell, on ESPN’s bias toward the SEC.
(The next CFW – Week Two Results – will be posted Monday morning, September 9.)
Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
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