CFW Week 9 Results – LSU fires Brian Kelly
A day of emotional highs and lows
Fans were taken on a roller coaster ride. The ups and downs were incredible.
In Columbia, South Carolina, Gamecock fans were ready to rush the field. There were less than 3 minutes remaining in the game. South Carolina, a 13-point underdog, led Alabama, 22-14. But with 2:16 on the clock, Alabama scored on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Germie Bernard. The Tide went for two and converted. Score tied, 22-22. Then, following a fumble by South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers and with only 34 seconds remaining, Alabama scored on a 25-yard touchdown run by Germie Bernard. Just like that, the emotions of South Carolina fans went from an ultimate high to an ultimate low. Alabama beat South Carolina 29-22.
In Starkville, Mississippi, Bulldog fans were ready to rush the field. There were less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. Miss State, a 9-point underdog, led Texas, 38-31. But with 1:47 on the clock, Texas scored a touchdown on a 79-yard punt return by Ryan Niblett. The extra point kick was good. Score tied, 38-38. In overtime, Texas scored a touchdown and Miss State failed to score. Texas beat Mississippi State, 45-38 (OT). The emotions of Bulldog fans went from an ultimate high to an ultimate low.
In Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Missouri were tied 10-10 with less than 2 minutes remaining on the clock. At the 1:52 mark, Vanderbilt scored on a one-yard touchdown run by Diego Pavia. Vandy held on to beat Missouri, 17-10. After beating LSU last week, the emotions of Commodore fans remain on a high.
In West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue and Rutgers were both looking for their first win in Big Ten play this season. Both were 0-4. With less than 5 minutes remaining in the game, Purdue led Rutgers, 24-21. At the 1:06 mark, Rutgers kicked a field goal. The game was tied 24-24. On the ensuing series, Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne fumbled with 59 seconds on the clock. Rutgers kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to beat Purdue, 27-24. Rutgers ended on a high. Purdue ended on a low.
In Lincoln, Nebraska, Northwestern and Nebraska were tied 21-21 throughout most of the fourth quarter. Nebraska had blown a 21-6 lead over Northwestern. Late in the fourth quarter, Nebraska went on a grinding drive. The Huskers scored a touchdown on a 4-yard run by Emmett Johnson, with 2:44 remaining in the game. Nebraska held on to beat Northwestern, 28-21. From last week’s low after losing to Minnesota, the Huskers are back on a high this week. Northwestern went from the high of a 4-game winning streak to the low of the loss to Nebraska.
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina were tied 10-10 at halftime. North Carolina was looking for its first win in ACC play, and its first win over a Power Four Team. At the end of regulation, the two teams were still tied 10-10. In overtime, Virginia scored a touchdown and went up 17-10. Then, North Carolina scored a touchdown. The Tar Heels went for two and came up short – just short of the goal line. Virginia beat North Carolina 17-16 (OT). Virginia remains on an emotional Top-25 ranking high. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s emotional low continues.
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, SMU scored a touchdown with 2:58 remaining in the game to take a 12-10 lead over Wake Forest. It was SMU’s first lead in the game. However, as time expired, Wake Forest kicker Connor Calvert kicked a 50-yard field goal. Wake Forest upset SMU, 13-12. Needless to say, Wake Forest fans were on a high. SMU fans were on a low.
Yes, the fans were taken on a roller coaster ride.
There were other emotional extremes on Saturday. The games that weren’t close. The games that were blowouts, leaving one team on an emotional high and the other on an emotional low. In the SEC, Texas A&M humiliated LSU, 49-25, while Tennessee embarrassed Kentucky, 56-34. Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar passed for 396 yards and three touchdowns.
In the Big Ten, Indiana pulverized UCLA, 56-6, while Iowa bombed Minnesota, 41-3. UCLA’s three-game winning streak ended abruptly. Before the game, UCLA officials were seriously thinking about making interim coach Tim Skipper the full-time coach. After the game, UCLA officials were having second thoughts about Skipper.
In the ACC, Pitt demolished NC State, 53-34, while Georgia Tech stung Syracuse, 41-16. Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel passed for 423 yards and three touchdowns.
And finally in the Big 12, Utah blew out Colorado, 53-7, while Kansas State pelted Kansas, 42-17. Utah backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin passed for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Ficklin also ran for 151 yards, scoring another touchdown. Utah running back Wayshawn Parker ran for 145 yards. Utah had 422 rushing yards in the game.
It was a day of emotional highs and lows.
College Football Week 9 resumed Thursday night in Atlanta. South Alabama outscored Georgia State, 38-31. When the fourth quarter began, South Alabama led Georgia State, 28-17. But in the first 6 minutes of the fourth quarter, Georgia State scored 14 points to go up 31-28. However, in the final 6 minutes of the fourth quarter, South Alabama rallied. The Jaguars scored 10 points to win. The teams combined for 908 total yards.
Three games were on the docket Friday night. North Texas blasted Charlotte, E-20. North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker passed for an amazing 608 yards. The teams combined for 1,153 total yards. The Mean Green had 754 of those yards. Then in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech squeezed by California in two overtimes, 42-34 (2OT). Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins ran for 167 yards. As a team, Cal only rushed for 39 yards.
Lastly on Friday night, in Reno, Boise State downed Nevada, 24-3. Nevada had 5 turnovers – 2 fumbles and 3 interceptions. Boise State improved to 6-2
Group of Five teams had some emotional high and low games on Saturday. Early in the fourth quarter, South Florida led Memphis 31-17. The Tigers scored 17 unanswered points to rally and beat South Florida, 34-31. Memphis’ final and game-winning touchdown came with 1:07 remaining.
Kent State trailed Bowling Green, 21-3, with less than 7 minutes to go in the third quarter. The Golden Flashes scored 21 unanswered points to beat Bowling Green, 24-21. Kent State’s final and game winning touchdown came with 3:15 remaining in the game.
In Houston, Texas, the lead in the UConn-Rice game changed hands four times. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 24-24. In the first overtime, both teams scored – 31-31. In the second overtime, UConn kicked a field goal, but Rice scored a touchdown. Rice beat UConn, 37-34 (2OT).
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the lead in the Temple-Tulsa game changed hands five times. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 31-31. In overtime, Temple scored and went up 38-31. Tulsa scored and went for two. The two-point conversion attempt failed. Temple beat Tulsa, 38-37 (OT)
The ups and downs were incredible.
The Top-5 teams in this week’s AP Poll: 1. Ohio State (7-0), 2. Indiana (8-0), 3. Texas A&M (8-0), 4. Alabama (7-1), and 5. Georgia (6-1). Memphis (7-1) is the highest -ranked Group of Five team. The Tigers are 25th.
LSU fired Brian Kelly yesterday evening. During three-plus seasons in Baton Rouge, Kelly had a 34-14 record. His buyout is around $54 million. There are now 12 schools looking for a new coach – 8 Power Four schools and 4 Group of Five schools.
So Friday was the final day of activities at our Navy reunion in Franklin, Tennessee. Late that morning, we had a delightful tour of the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, makers of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. The distillery was founded in 1801. There is nothing better than a sampling of whiskey and bourbon on a cool morning in Tennessee.
Following the distillery tour, we had lunch at Fox & Locke in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. Leipers Fork is a quaint and charming little village. After lunch, we returned to our hotel for a mid-afternoon break. Late in the afternoon and early into the evening we paid a visit to the Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee. Nothing like starting your day on whiskey and ending it on wine.
Saturday, we said our farewells, and everyone headed back to their homes in such states as Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Next year, in late October, we will gather again, this time in Albuquerque/Santa Fe, New Mexico, for another reunion.
Film, stage and television actress June Lockhart died on October 23. Lockhart is best-known for two television series – “Lassie” and “Lost in Space.” She played the mother roles on both shows. Lockhart was also on the CBS television sitcom “Petticoat Junction.” A native of New York City, June Kathleen Lockhart was 100.
Touchdown Tom
October 27, 2025
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
Weekend Recap
GAME OF THE WEEK: Boomer later – Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 27, Ole Miss 24). The game was tied twice – 3-3 in the first quarter and 10-10 in the second quarter. Oklahoma’s only lead in the game was 26-25 late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter. OU failed to score in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss passed for 315 yards and one touchdown. Chambliss also ran for 53 yards. Ole Miss had an 11-minute edge in time of possession. Oklahoma’s defense was a disappointment. Attendance in Norman: 83,468
RUNNER-UP: These Tigers were kittens – Texas A&M 49, LSU 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 27, LSU 24). LSU actually led 18-14 at halftime. But the Tigers never scored in the second half until 59 seconds remained in the game. The Aggies scored 35 unanswered points in the second half. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed passed for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns. Reed also ran for 108 yards and two more touchdowns. But Reed threw two interceptions. LSU only rushed for 60 yards. In the third and fourth quarters, LSU fans were falling over themselves trying to get out of the stadium. They couldn’t get out of the stadium fast enough. They were also chanting “Fire Brian Kelly.” At 8-0, Texas A&M is off to its best start since 1992. Attendance in Baton Rouge: 101,924
REST OF THE BEST: Vandy is making a statement – Vanderbilt 17, Missouri 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Missouri 30, Vanderbilt 28). There was no scoring in the first quarter. The score was 3-3 at halftime. Vanderbilt led 10-3 as the fourth quarter began. Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Mizzou scored early in the fourth quarter – 10-10. Vandy scored the winning touchdown with 1:52 remaining in the game. Mizzou dominated the stats – first downs, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards. The Tigers even had a 13-minute edge in time of possession. There were 16 penalties in the game – eight by each team. Attendance in Nashville: 35,000
Mistake prone Cyclone – BYU 41, Iowa State 27 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 28, Iowa State 23). Iowa State led 17-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Cyclones led 24-17 at halftime. Then Iowa State scored only 3 pints in the second half. BYU scored 24 second half points. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Bachmeier also rushed for 49 yards and another touchdown. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht threw three interceptions. Cyclones running back Carson Hansen ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns. BYU receiver Parker Kingston had 7 catches for 133 yards. The teams combined for 905 total yards. ISU had four turnovers. Iowa State dominated the stats, including turnovers. Attendance in Ames: 61,500
Houston doesn’t have a problem – Houston 24, Arizona State 16 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona State 27, Houston 23). Houston led 14-0 at halftime and 24-0 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Arizona State finally woke up. The Sun Devils scored 16 unanswered points. ASU’s final touchdown came with 5:12 remaining. There was still time to get another touchdown. But Houston held on. The Cougars had a 15-minute edge in time of possession. Attendance in Tempe: 54,256
Bulls got barbecued – Memphis 34, South Florida 31 (Touchdown Tom said: South Florida 30, Memphis 27). South Florida led 24-14 at halftime. But Memphis outscored the Bulls 17-0 in the fourth quarter. South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown passed for 269 yards and one touchdown. Brown ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Memphis quarterback Brendan Lewis passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Lewis ran for 35 yards. The teams combined for 1,014 total yards. South Florida had 564 of those yards. Attendance in Memphis: 30,940
Huskies were husky – Washington 42, Illinois 25 (Touchdown Tom said: Washington 31, Illinois 30). Washington only led 21-17 at halftime. The Huskies outscored the Banned Indians 21-8 in the second half. Washington quarterback Demond Williams passed for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also ran for 66 yards. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer threw two interceptions. Washington receiver Denzel Boston had 10 catches for 153 yards. Washington had 449 total yards. Attendance in Seattle: 68,630
Iowa 41, Minnesota 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 24, Minnesota 20). Iowa jumped out to a 17-0 first quarter lead and built up a 31-0 halftime lead. Minnesota was never in the game. The Hawkeyes went into cruise control in the second half. There was very little offense in the game. Combined, the teams only had 407 total yards. Minnesota only had 24 rushing yards. The Gophers had 3 turnovers. Attendance in Iowa City: 69,250
Nebraska 28, Northwestern 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Northwestern 20). Nebraska never trailed in the game. The Huskers led 21-6 midway through the third quarter. Northwestern running back Caled Komolate ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns. The teams had two turnovers each. Attendance in Lincoln: 86,401
Bevo pulls it out again – Texas 45, Mississippi State 38 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 24, Mississippi State 19). Miss State led 24-14 at halftime and 31-14 at the end of the third quarter. Texas outscored Miss State 24-7 in the fourth quarter. Texas quarterback Arch Manning passed for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Miss State quarterback Blake Shapen passed for 381 and four touchdowns. Texas receiver Ryan Wingo had 5 catches for 184 yards. Texas only rushed for 72 yards. Miss State only had 63 yards rushing. It was a penalty-filled game – 17 combined. Attendance in Starkville: 52,680
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Mounties actually showed a pulse – TCU 23, West Virginia 17 (Touchdown Tom said: TCU 33, West Virginia 23). TCU had a 20-7 lead at halftime. WVU outscored the Frogs 10-3 in the second half. Mountaineer quarterback Scotty Fox passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The teams were basically even in the stats. TCU did have a 9-minute edge in time of possession. Attendance in Morgantown: 54,110
No steam in the Boilers – Rutgers 27, Purdue 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 30, Purdue 27). For three quarters, Purdue never trailed. Rutgers took its first lead at 21-17 midway through the fourth quarter. Purdue retook the lead at 24-17 and held it for a brief time. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis passed for 359 yards and one touchdown. Rutgers receiver K.J. Duff had 6 catches for 241 yards. Purdue played a penalty-free game. Rutgers had 543 total yards. Attendance in West Lafayette: 55,289
Week 10 Results: 8 winners, 4 fumbles (66.7 percent)
For the Season: 88 winners, 37 fumbles (70.4 percent)
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
Kennesaw State 45, FIU 26 – Attendance in Miami: 12,133
St. Thomas 52, Stetson 10 – Attendance in Deland: 2,024
West Florida 55, West Virginia State 6 – Attendance in Pensacola: 3,733
Navy 42, Florida Atlantic 32 – Attendance in Annapolis: 32,175
Bethune-Cookman 31, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 14 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 9,850
Florida A&M 43, Southern 35 – Attendance in Baton Rouge: 17,180
Miami 42, Stanford 7 – Attendance in Miami Gardens: 63,892
Superlatives
Impressive Passers:
North Texas’ Drew Mestemaker – 37-49-1 for 608 yards (4TDs); Pitt’s Mason Heintschel – 28-48-0-423 (3TDs); Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar – 20-26-0-396 (3TDs); Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen – 26-42-0-381 (4TDs); Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis – 19-27-0-359 (1TD); Texas’ Arch Manning – 29-46-1-346 (3TDs); UConn’s Joe Fagnano – 32-48-0-344 (3TDs), and Louisiana Tech’s Blake Baker – 31-45-1-340 (1TD).
Impressive Rushers:
Navy’s Blake Horvath – 174 yards (4TDs); Virginia Tech’s Marcellous Hawkins – 167 yards; Kejon Owens – 166 yards (1TD); Northern Illinois’ Chavon Wright – 166 yards; Auburn’s Jeremiah Cobb – 153 yards; Iowa State’s Carson Hansen – 152 yards (2TDs); Michigan’s Justice Haynes – 152 yards (2TDs), and Utah’s Byrd Ficklin – 151 yards (1TD).
Quotes of the Week
“I wanna stay retired. I don’t want Jimmy Sexton anywhere near Ms. Terry, because when she hears some of those numbers, she gets interested. And I ain’t interested,” retired Alabama coach Nick Saban.
“This is probably the worst beating I’ve ever had,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders, following the Buffaloes’ 53-7 loss to Utah.
“The shot of all the South Carolina students coming down to march on the field and take the goalposts down will never get out of Shane Beamer’s memory bank,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, on the ending of the Alabama-South Carolina game.
Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
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