College Football Week 13 – Maryland and Rutgers to the Big Ten
Jon Gruden in Orange Pants?
Maybe orange boxers, but not orange pants.

Yes, what had been reported last week became official yesterday – Tennessee fired Derek Dooley, effective immediately.

Dooley was given the option to coach Tennessee’s final game this week against Kentucky.  He chose not to.  Thus, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was named the interim coach.  Chaney will coach the Vols against the Wildcats Saturday.

In three seasons at Tennessee, Dooley was 15-21 overall and 4-19 in SEC games.  He never had a winning season.  The 44-year-old Dooley was 0-15 against Top 25 teams.

Prior to Tennessee, Dooley’s only head coaching experience was three seasons at Louisiana Tech (2007-2009), where he was 17-20.  He only had one winning season at La Tech – his second year.

Dooley was named the coach at Tennessee, following Lane Kiffin’s bitter departure after the 2009 season.  At the time, a number of college football columnists, bloggers and commentators were critical of Tennessee’s hiring of Dooley.  They didn’t think Dooley’s record and lack of experience warranted the Tennessee position.  Many thought he got the job because of his father’s reputation and not his.   

Speculation of Dooley’s termination began several weeks ago as Tennessee’s season began deteriorating.  The speculation spawned talk of Dooley’s successor.  The most frequently mentioned successor was former Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.

Gruden, who provides color analysis for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” remains the most frequently mentioned candidate for the job at Tennessee.  His wife is a former Tennessee cheerleader.  But his name also has surfaced at Arkansas and as the next coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  Stay tuned!

Just a few weeks ago, we were talking about the possibility of four teams finishing the season with undefeated records – Alabama, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame.  How fast the possibility dissipated.  Two weeks ago Texas A&M knocked off No. 1 Alabama, 29-24.  Saturday, two more of the undefeated went by the wayside.  First, Baylor shocked No. 1 Kansas State, 52-24.  Then, Stanford upset No. 2 Oregon in overtime, 17-14.

That leaves Notre Dame as the only undefeated team in contention for the BCS title game.  Ohio State remains unbeaten, but the Buckeyes are on probation and not eligible for the national title game.  Notre Dame plays its final game this week in Los Angeles against USC.  Trojan quarterback Matt Barkley, injured in USC’s loss to UCLA on Saturday, will not play in the game against Notre Dame.

The Irish are the new No. 1 team in the latest BCS poll.  Alabama has moved up to the No. 2 spot and Georgia is sitting at No. 3.  That means, assuming Alabama beats Auburn and Georgia beats Georgia Tech, the winner of the Alabama-Georgia game for the SEC championship on December 1 would meet Notre Dame for the national championship.  And that’s assuming Notre Dame beats USC this week.  So there are still a number of assumptions and possibilities.

Should Notre Dame lose, or say Georgia is upset by Georgia Tech, Florida is sitting at No. 4 in the BCS poll.  Of course the Gators have Florida State this week.  So if Notre Dame, Georgia and Florida all lose this week, Oregon is sitting at No. 5 in the BCS poll.  The possibilities remain endless.  After all, last week we were convinced Kansas State would meet Oregon for the national championship.  Stay tuned!

Auburn finally found a team it could beat.  Yes, the Tigers won Saturday, beating Alabama A&M.  Reports have Auburn seeking membership in the SWAC Conference for next season.      

Speaking of membership in a new conference, potential movement from one conference to another has begun again.  Maryland has reportedly received an invitation to join the Big Ten Conference.  The University of Maryland Board of Regents will meet at 9 a.m. today to vote on accepting an invitation to join the Big Ten. 

Should Maryland choose to leave the ACC for the Big Ten, Rutgers is expected to follow.  The Rutgers announcement could come as soon as Tuesday.  If Maryland departs for the Big Ten, expect the ACC to reach out ASAP and grab Connecticut to fill Maryland’s vacancy.  The potential departures of Rutgers and Connecticut would leave the Big East two teams down.  Stay tuned!

And Derek Dooley wasn’t the only coach fired Sunday.  Western Michigan fired Bill Cubit.  In eight years with the Broncos, Cubit was 51-47.  This season WMU was 4-8 (2-6 in the MAC).  There are now four schools looking for a new coach – Kentucky, Idaho, Tennessee and Western Michigan.  Stay tuned! 

Swamp Mama was angry with me Saturday.  We were attending a wedding at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. It began at 4 p.m.  Sitting in our seats waiting for the wedding procession and service to begin, I was – naturally – following the college football games on my iPhone.  What else would I be doing?

Swamp Mama wanted me to turn off my phone and put it away.  Are you kidding?  Put it away?  NC State and Clemson were in the midst of a wild one.  USC and UCLA had a slugfest going on.  Ole Miss was giving LSU and Les Miles fits.  Ohio State and Wisconsin were in a barnburner.  And the preacher said, “You may kiss the bride.”  What a donnybrook.

Fortunately the wedding service was over.  Time to move on to the reception.  The sloshing and downing of drinks, the sound of the band music and the general frivolity of the occasion was the perfect background for following the results of football games.  I was in my zone.  West Virginia went up on Oklahoma.  Bring me another drink!  West Virginia lost to Oklahoma by one point.  Bring me another drink and make it a double!  I need to drown my sorrows.

Man, I thought the Mountaineers were going to win.  I was going to call Rockledge Gator.  Another day, another time.

Yeah, maybe orange boxers.  I just can’t see Jon Gruden standing on the sideline in orange pants.     

Happy Thanksgiving!

Touchdown Tom
November 19, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 12 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Ducks seeing Red – Stanford 17, Oregon 14 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 33, Stanford 22).  This game was about as evenly matched as you can get.  Stanford had 21 first downs, Oregon had 20.  Stanford had 411 yards of offense, Oregon had 405.  Stanford had 211 yards passing, Oregon had 207.  Stanford had 200 yards rushing, Oregon had 198.  No wonder it went into overtime.  Stanford had three turnovers to Oregon’s one.  But the Ducks couldn’t take advantage of that.  A crowd of 58,792 attended the game in Eugene.

RUNNER UP:  Barkley had no bitely – UCLA 38, USC 28 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, USC 33).  Midway through the second quarter, UCLA jumped out to a 24-0 lead.  It looked like a rout was developing.  But the Trojans battled back, trailing 24-20 early in the third quarter.  Midway through the fourth quarter, it was just 31-28 Bruins.  Three turnovers, including two Matt Barkley interceptions, didn’t help USC any.  A crowd of 83,277 attended the game in Pasadena.

REST OF THE BEST:  Timid Badgers – Ohio State 21, Wisconsin 14 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 26).  Wisconsin led in all the stats except the most important one – the final score.  The Badgers basically shut down Braxton Miller.  And Montee Ball rushed for 191 yards.  But Wisconsin couldn’t pull it out.  A crowd of 80,112 attended the game in Madison.

Heisman setback – Baylor 52, Kansas State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 37, Baylor 24).  All good quarterbacks have a bad game and Collin Klein had his.  The K-State Heisman contender threw three interceptions and only rushed for 39 yards.  Early in the third quarter, Baylor led K-State, 35-24.  Then the Bears added 17 unanswered points.  Baylor held the Wildcats to 76 yards rushing.  A crowd of 30,029 attended the game in Waco.

Jordan Football – Northern Illinois 31, Toledo 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 29).  Texas A&M has Johnny Football; NIU has Jordan Football.  Jordan Lynch passed for 407 yards and rushed for another 162 yards.  The Huskies led 31-14 early in the fourth quarter.  Toledo’s rally fell short.  There were seven turnovers – 4 by Toledo and 3 by NIU.  The Huskies take the MAC West Division title with the win.  A crowd of 17,813 attended the game in DeKalb.

Geno got his groove back, but – Oklahoma 50, West Virginia 49 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 40, West Virginia 30).  But, WVU’s defense and special teams still suck.  How do you have a back (Tavon Austin) rush for 344 yards and a quarterback (Geno Smith) pass for 320 yards and still lose the game?  When your defense and special teams are the worst in college football.  That’s how.  At halftime, the Fox Sports sideline reporter commented that Dana Holgorsen said he was upset with his defense.  Bout time, dude.  Everybody else has been upset with them since the Marshall game.  It took you 10 games to get upset with them?  I’m not convinced yet that Dana “Hal Mumme” Holgorsen is head coach material.  The guy is a loose cannon.  He lacks attention to detail.  Oklahoma scored on a 5-yard pass play with 0:24 remaining to grab the win.  The two teams combined for 1,440 yards of offense and 62 first downs.  WVU receiver Stedman Bailey had 13 catches for 205 yards.  OU’s Landry Jones passed for 554 yards, completing 75 percent of his lobs.  A crowd of 50,238 attended the game in Morgantown.

Defense – Rutgers 10, Cincinnati 3 (Touchdown Tom said: Rutgers 28, Cincinnati 22).  Rutgers Savon Huggins rushed for 179 yards.  Cincinnati kicked a field goal with 0:11 seconds remaining to keep from being skunked.  A crowd of 34,526 attended the game in Cincinnati

Wacky WAC – Utah State 48, Louisiana Tech 41 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Louisiana Tech 35, Utah State 26).  A classic wacky WAC game in the final year of the conference.  Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton passed for 340 yards and rushed for 121.  The teams combined for 1,275 yards of offense.  A crowd of 25,614 attended the game in Ruston.

Wailing Wolves – Clemson 62, NC State 48 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 34, NC State 23).  Strange game: Clemson scored the first 13 points then NC State scored the next 24 points.  Then the Tigers proceeded to score the next 41 points.  It ended with State scoring 24 of the final 31 points.  The teams combined for 1,351 yards of offense.  Clemson’s Tajh Boyd passed for 426 yards and rushed for 103.  A crowd of 76,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Pokes high in the saddle – Oklahoma State 59, Texas Tech 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 31).  Three turnovers crippled the Red Raiders’ chances.  But apparently, Tommy Tuberville didn’t hit anybody.  A crowd of 55,341 attended the game in Stillwater.

Ole misses – LSU 41, Ole Miss 35 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 30, Ole Miss 16).  LSU scored on a 1-yard run with 0:15 remaining to grab the win.  The game was marred by seven turnovers – four by Ole Miss and three by the Tigers.  A crowd of 92,872 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

Wobegonner – Nebraska 38, Minnesota 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17).  Nebraska led 38-0 at the end of the third quarter.  Then the Huskers put in their cheerleaders.  Black Shirts held the Gophers to just 90 yards passing and 87 rushing.  Taylor Martinez passed for 308 yards.  A crowd of 85,330 attended the game in Lincoln.

Wildcats claw out another one – Northwestern 23, Michigan State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Northwestern 22, Michigan State 21).  Spartan defense held the Wildcats to 57 yards rushing, but State was hampered by four turnovers.  It’s been a tough year for the Spartans.  A crowd of 75,101 attended the game in East Lansing.

Knights can’t turnaround Tulsa – Tulsa 23, UCF 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Tulsa 34, UCF 32).  It could have been worse if Tulsa had not suffered two turnovers.  The Hurricane held the Knights to 66 yards rushing.  Tulsa totally dominated the game, except for the two turnovers.  These two teams will mostly likely meet again on the same field in two weeks for the C-USA championship.  A crowd of 19,725 attended the game in Tulsa.

The Falcons get Flashed – Kent State 31, Bowling Green 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Kent State 27, Bowling Green 26).  The win gives the Golden Flashes the MAC West Division title.  Dri Archer rushed for 241 yards.  Tied 24-24, Kent State scored the winning touchdown with 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 16,002 attended the game in Bowling Green.

Bouncing Ball – Ball State 52, Ohio 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Ohio 24, Ball State 22).  An exciting game into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals only led the Bobcats, 31-27.  But in the final 12 minutes of the contest, Ball State outscored Ohio, 21-0.  The two teams combined for 1,071 yards of offense.  The loss by the Bobcats wipes out their hopes of winning the MAC East Division title.  A crowd of 10,097 attended the game in Muncie.

The “L” in John L stands for loser – Mississippi State 45, Arkansas 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Mississippi State 26, Arkansas 24).  After losing three-straight games, the Bulldogs got back in the winning column.  The Hogs had five turnovers in the game.  A crowd of 54,838 attended the game in Starkville.

Wolverines raid the Bird nest – Michigan 42, Iowa 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Iowa 14).  Wolverine quarterback Devin Gardner passed for 314 yards.  Michigan led 42-10, with the Hawkeyes scoring their final touchdown with 2 minutes left in the game.  A crowd of 113,016 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Roaring in State College – Penn State 45, Indiana 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 32, Indiana 16).  Indiana kept it close for a while.  The Hoosiers trailed 14-13 near the end of the first half and 28-22 halfway through the third quarter.  The Nitts scored the final 17 points in the game.  The two teams combined for 1,024 yards of offense, but the Lions held the Hoosiers to only 24 yards rushing.  A crowd of 90,358 attended the game in State College.

Cats litter in the Utes’ box – Arizona 34, Utah 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Arizona 34, Utah 28).  The Utes led 24-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter.  But it was all Arizona in the fourth.  The Wildcats scored 17 unanswered points.  Utah was the better passing team (313 yards); Arizona was the better rushing team (320 yards).  A crowd of 45,031 attended the game in Salt Lake City.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Cats neutered – San Jose State 20, BYU 14 (Touchdown Tom said: BYU 34, San Jose State 27).  An aerial game as neither team rushed for more than 90 yards each.  These Spartans are having a great season.  A crowd of 15,494 attended the game in San Jose.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Albert chomps another Gamecock – Florida 23, Jacksonville State 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 44, Jacksonville State 13).  If this was supposed to be the Gators’ warm-up for Florida State, it wasn’t very impressive.  Again, as has happened all season, the defense outshone the offense.  Caleb Sturgis kicked three field goals.  A crowd of 82,691 attended the game in Gainesville.

The Devil made Buzz do it – Georgia Tech 42, Duke 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia Tech 37, Duke 25).  The Dookies only trailed 28-24 early in the fourth quarter.  It was all Buzz after that.  Tech had 330 yards rushing.  A crowd of 41,904 attended the game in Atlanta.

Uga feasts on fowl – Georgia 45, Georgia Southern 14 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 36, Georgia Southern 12).  Georgia Southern was 1-for-4 passing for all of 16 yards.  Conversely, Aaron Murray passed for 330 yards.  Susan, Chris and John Eaton attended the game. A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Illini mistake prone – Purdue 20, Illinois 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Purdue 24, Illinois 15).  Had it not been for three turnovers, the Illini might have won the game.  Other than that, it was pretty even.  A crowd of 41,974 attended the game in Champaign.

Week 12 Picks:    19 Correct,     6 Wrong   (76.0 percent)
On the Season:    201 Correct,   75 Wrong   (72.8 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State pounded Maryland, 41-14.  A crowd of 35,244 attended the game in College Park….  Miami dumped South Florida, 40-9.  A crowd of 38,869 attended the game in Miami Gardens…..  Florida International beat Florida Atlantic, 34-24.  A crowd of 15,405 attended the game in Boca Raton.

Bethune-Cookman downed Florida A&M, 21-16.  A crowd of 32,317 attended the game in Orlando….  Jacksonville U. lost to Drake, 32-29.  A crowd of 2,012 attended the game in Jacksonville.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 38-51-1-554 yards; NC State’s Mike Glennon – 29-53-1-493; Indiana’s Cameron Coffman – 33-59-2-454; Clemson’s Tajh Boyd – 30-44-2-426; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 26-35-0-417; Miami of Florida’s Stephen Morris – 21-32-0-413; Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 25-33-0-412, and Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 25-36-1-407.

Also, Florida Atlantic’s Graham Wilbert – 28-51-1-403 yards; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 35-60-2-396; Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 22-32-1-395; Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib – 26-40-1-385; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 32-50-2-377; Southern Miss’ Arsenio Favor – 16-22-1-374; Arkansas State’s Ryan Aplin – 28-42-1-369; Notre Dame’s Everett Golson – 20-30-1-346, and Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 26-43-1-343.

Also, Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 20-34-0-340 yards; BYU’s Riley Nelson – 28-51-1-335; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 18-28-0-330; Western Michigan’s Alex Carder – 29-50-1-328; Oregon State’s Sean Mannion – 24-34-1-325; Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning – 25-34-1-324; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 27-43-2-322; West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 20-35-2-320, and Houston’s Crawford Jones – 31-44-0-316.

Also, North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 29-36-0-315 yards; Michigan’s Devin Gardner – 18-23-1-314; Utah’s Travis Wilson – 28-40-0-311; Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 21-29-0-308; San Jose State’s David Fales – 25-34-1-305; USC’s Matt Barkley – 20-38-2-301; Rice’s Taylor McHargue – 24-36-0-297; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 36-57-0-293; Texas State’s Shaun Rutherford – 25-40-0-290, and LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 22-37-2-282.    


Impressive Rushers:  Temple’s Montel Harris – 351 yards; West Virginia’s Tavon Austin – 344 yards; Kent State’s Dri Archer – 241 yards; Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews – 238 yards; Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 204 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 191 yards; Nevada’s Cody Fajardo – 186 yards; Baylor’s Lache Seastrunk – 185 yards; Auburn’s Tre Mason – 181 yards; Rutgers’ Savon Huggins – 179 yards, and UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 171 yards.

Also, Ball State’s Jahwan Edwards – 169 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 162 yards; Utah State’s Kerwynn Williams – 162 yards; Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor – 161 yards; Ohio’s Beau Blankenship – 161 yards; USC’s Curtis McNeal – 161 yards; Marshall’s Kevin Grooms – 155 yards; Middle Tennessee’s Jordan Parker – 154 yards, and Notre Dame’s Cierre Wood – 150 yards.   


Quotes of the Week:

“I wasn’t old enough to completely understand how important college football was to people.  But what I remember is that when people left the stadium and headed back to their cars, they were either very happy or very sad.  What I eventually learned was that in the South, college football was not just a game.  It’s who we are,” former Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia State coach Bill Curry, who retired last week at age 70.

“It will be interesting to see what happens after the season.  Athletic director Oliver Luck has said he wants accountability.  It will be surprising if some of Dana Holgorsen’s coaches aren’t fired,” Charleston Gazette columnist Mitch Vingle, on the West Virginia football team.

“He’s terrible,” New York Jets players, when asked about Tim Tebow.

“I love my Auburn Tigers to death, but this is embarrassment.  Something has to change ASAP,” former Auburn safety Zac Etheridge, on the Tigers’ 2-8 season (0-7 in the SEC). 

“John L. Smith said he is ‘optimistic’ about his chances to keep the Arkansas coaching job.  He’s 4-6, in bankruptcy and lost to Louisiana-Monroe.  Dude, your next job is handing out happy face stickers at Wal-Mart,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Did you see where Hostess, the makers of Twinkies and Ding Dongs, is going out of business?  Somewhere, Phil Fulmer is weeping uncontrollably, and Charlie Weis is flying his flag at half-staff,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“You can’t ignore the results at the end of the day,” Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart, upon announcing the firing of Vols coach Derek Dooley.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 13…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Florida (10-1) at Florida State (10-1) – (SEC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – When was the last time these two teams entered this game each with 10-1 records?  It’s been a while.  Gators have the defense; Noles have the offense.  But FSU’s defense isn’t that bad.  And the Gators’ offense isn’t that good.  And, who will quarterback the Gators: Brissett, Driskel, Burton?  Two of the three?  Maybe all three?  Just as well keep the Noles guessing.  Albert didn’t get enough Turkey on Thanksgiving – Florida 23, Florida State 21.

RUNNER UP:  2. South Carolina (9-2) at Clemson (10-1) – (SEC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – You have to figure Clemson is favored because the game is in Clemson and Spurrier has given the Tigers more than enough quotes for their locker room walls.  But never underestimate the ole ball coach.  He’s Cocky.  Chicken supreme – South Carolina 30, Clemson 26.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Oregon (10-1) at Oregon State (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – You have to figure the Ducks are angry.  And they will take out their anger on the Beavers.  But the Beavs have something to prove.  Donald trumps the Beavers – Oregon 33, Oregon State 27.

4. Stanford (9-2) at UCLA (9-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 6:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Either team could suffer a big letdown following their big wins last week.  Stanford needs the win more than UCLA.  The Bruins have already captured the Pac-12 South.  The Cardinal must beat the Bruins if Oregon beats Oregon State.  Trees smack the Bruins with their limbs – Stanford 28, UCLA 24.

5. Michigan (8-3) at Ohio State (11-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Urban Meyer never had an undefeated season at Florida.  But then the Big Ten is a lot easier than the SEC.  The Buckeyes are out to prove something.  Bucks take the beef out of Brady – Ohio State 28, Michigan 22.

6. Notre Dame (11-0) at USC (7-4) – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) (TV: ABC, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Something tells me that after four losses the Trojans are decimated with little to no pride.  After all, this was their year to win the national championship.  What happened?  Lane Kiffin flops again.  And Matt Barkley won’t be playing.  Irish cream the Trojans – Notre Dame 30, USC 27.

7. Oklahoma (8-2) at Oklahoma State (7-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The scoreboard may not be able to keep up with this one.  Both teams are capable of putting points on the board – lots of them.  Boomer walks a mile in the Pokes’ boots – Oklahoma 35, Oklahoma State 31.

8. Georgia Tech (6-5) at Georgia (10-1) – (ACC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Too much is hanging in this game for Uga.  The Dawgs still have a decent shot at playing in the national championship game.  Tech would love to spoil that, but there’s not a lot the Jackets can do.  But pressure can make strange things happen.  Uga goes swatting – Georgia 32, Georgia Tech 19.

9. Louisiana Tech (9-2) at San Jose State (9-2) – (WAC vs. WAC) (TV: ESPN2, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Last big game in the Wacky WAC.  Both teams are going bowling.  Each would like to enter their bowl at 10-2.  Only one can.  The Spartans won a tough one last week, while the Bulldogs lost a tough one.  Bulldogs win this tough one – Louisiana Tech 31, San Jose State 27.

10. TCU (6-4) at Texas (8-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Remember when Texas and Texas A&M always played on Thanksgiving Day?  Now it’s Texas and TCU.  The winning team’s players in the Texas-A&M game got an all expense paid trip to the best little whore house in Texas.  Maybe the winning team’s players in the Texas-TCU game will get an all expense paid trip to Jill Kelley’s house in Tampa, Florida.  The Horns are riding a four-game winning streak.  Make it five – Texas 33, TCU 16.

11. Ohio (8-3) at Kent State (10-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPNU, 11 am ET, Friday) – Kent State has already won the MAC East – a title the Bobcats were supposed to win.  So Ohio will be out to prove something.  So will the Golden Flashes – Kent State 33, Ohio 24.

12. Wisconsin (7-4) at Penn State (7-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Badgers have already won the Big Ten Leaders Division by virtue of default.  The best team – Ohio State – is on probation.  Penn State is on probation too.  If the Nitts win, Wisconsin goes to the Big Ten title game as the third best team in their division.  The Badgers go as the second best team – Wisconsin 28, Penn State 26.

13. Rutgers (9-1) at Pitt (4-6) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Rutgers is on a collision course with Louisville for the Big East title.  But a win over Pitt sure would help.  The Knights shine – Rutgers 28, Pitt 19.

14. Texas Tech (7-4) vs. Baylor (5-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 2:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After beating Kansas State last week, Baylor is prime to be knocked off by Texas Tech.  The game takes place on the neutral field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.  Raiders bag a Bear – Texas Tech 35, Baylor 34.

15. Arizona State (6-5) at Arizona (7-4) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10 pm ET, Friday) – Always a grudge match, the unexpected often happens in this game.  Todd Graham was on Rich Rodriguez’s coaching staff at one time.  These coaches know each other well.  Rich Rod knows Graham better – Arizona 33, Arizona State 30.

16. LSU (9-2) at Arkansas (4-7) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 2:30 pm ET, Friday) – After Les Miles’ ranting last week, following the Ole Miss game, the Tigers should come out fired up.  That’s the last thing John L. Smith needs.  But it’s the last game John L. coaches – LSU 30, Arkansas 16.

17. Mississippi State (8-3) at Ole Miss (5-6) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss has the incentive.  The Rebel Bears need the win to become bowl eligible.  But the Bulldogs won’t let that bother them – Mississippi State 26, Ole Miss 19.

18. Auburn (3-8) at Alabama (10-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Is Bama about to hold Gene Chizik’s farewell party?  More than 100,000 people are invited.  It should be a blowout.  Chiz ain’t no wiz – Alabama 36, Auburn 13.

19. Air Force (6-5) at Fresno State (8-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Fresno State still has a shot of winning the MWC outright.  A win here assures them of at least a share of the title.  This has not been one of Air Force’s better seasons, but the Falcons are bowl-bound.  Falcons stall – Fresno State 27, Air Force 15.

20. South Florida (3-7) at Cincinnati (7-3) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Friday) – Skip Holtz may be on his last leg at South Florida.  A win sure would help.  A loss and it’s curtains.  The curtains come down on Skip – Cincinnati 26, South Florida 17.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Marshall (5-6) at East Carolina (7-4) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: CBSSN, 2 pm ET, Friday) – Slim though it is, East Carolina still has a chance of winning the C-USA East title.  That’s the Pirate’s incentive.  Marshall will be playing to become bowl eligible.  That’s the Herd’s incentive.  Could be a wild one.  Pirates get the booty – East Carolina 34, Marshall 30.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

West Virginia (5-5) at Iowa State (6-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC, 3:30 pm ET, Friday) – Ten games and the Mounties haven’t found their defense.  I think it’s hidden pretty well.  The Cyclones don’t see it – Iowa State 33, West Virginia 32.

Nebraska (9-2) at Iowa (4-7) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Friday) – A win and the Huskers are off to the Big Ten title game.  A loss and the Huskers might still be off to the title game.  That depends on Michigan.  But the Huskers don’t have to depend on Michigan.  Herbie’s as smooth as silk – Nebraska 38, Iowa 19.

Miami (Florida) (6-5) at Duke (6-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – If the Canes win, Miami is off to the ACC title game, representing the Coastal Division.  A loss and Georgia Tech goes.  So, the Dookies can make life miserable for the Canes.  No misery here.  The title game is a rematch against FSU – Miami 34, Duke 29.

Indiana (4-7) at Purdue (5-6) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It’s been another tough year for the Hoosiers.  But they can take some pride in keeping Purdue out of a bowl game. That is if they beat the Boilers.  Close, but no cigar for the Hoosiers – Purdue 29, Indiana 28.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

UCF (8-3) hosts UAB (3-8) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Florida International (3-8) entertains Louisiana-Monroe (7-4) (TV: None, 6 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (3-8) is off.

Bethune-Cookman (9-2) hosts Coastal Carolina (7-4) in a first-round game of the FCS playoff (TV: None, 2 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (4-7) and Jacksonville U. (7-4) have completed their seasons.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . The Big East Conference, which will have 12 teams next season and a championship game, announced its two divisions.  The East Division will consist of Connecticut, Rutgers, South Florida, UCF, Louisville and Cincinnati.  The West Division will consist of San Diego State, Boise State, Houston, SMU, Memphis and Temple….  Maryland and Rutgers are in talks with the Big Ten about joining the conference.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the regular season was coming to a climax and Thanksgiving turkeys and pumpkin pies were almost in the oven, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1942 was “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo” by Glenn Miller

…65 years ago this week in 1947 was “Near You” by Francis Craig

…60 years ago this week in 1952 was “It’s in the Book (Parts I & II)” by Johnny Standley

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The 4 Seasons

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock

…40 years ago this week in 1972 was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

…35 years ago this week in 1977 was “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone

…30 years ago this week in 1982 was “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes 

…25 years ago this week in 1987 was “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

…20 years ago this week in 1992 was “How Do You Talk to an Angel” by The Heights


Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there was one passing of note last week – Cleve Duncan.

Cleve Duncan, whose soaring tenor voice as lead singer for the Penguins helped propel the 1954 ballad “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)” to rock ‘n’ roll immortality, died last week in Los Angeles.  He was 78.  “Earth Angel,” which sold more than 10 million copies, was the Penguins only hit.  In early 1955, “Earth Angel” reached No. 8 on the Billboard pop chart, a rare achievement for an R&B record at that time.  As was common then, a white group, the Crew-Cuts recorded a version of the song.  Their rendition reached No. 3 on the charts. 

College Football Week 12 – Dooley out; Is Chizik next? 
‘We sang in the sunshine,
You know we laughed every day’
“We sang in the sunshine,
Then she went on her way” 

What year was it?

It was a year of protests, and a year of riots.  It was the year The Band, The Birds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Moody Blues and The Who performed for the first time, while “Sing Along With Mitch” and “Hootenanny” aired on television for the last time.  And it was the year Touchdown Tom and Rockledge Gator graduated from high school.

As the year began, “Top of the Pops” aired on BBC television for the first time, while in the States “That Was the Week That Was” premiered on NBC TV.  Still in January, the United States government announced for the first time that smoking may be hazardous to your health, and “Hello Dolly” opened on Broadway at New York City’s St. James Theater.

John Glenn resigned from the space program to enter politics, and plans to build New York City’s World Trade Center were announced.    

On the first day of February, the Beatles vaulted into the No. 1 spot on U.S. music charts for the first time with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”  On the very same day, Indiana governor Mathew E. Welsh declared the song “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen pornographic.  Meanwhile, the U.S. Government authorized the 24th amendment, outlawing poll tax.

The Beatles arrived in the U.S. from England at New York City’s JFK International Airport.  Two days later, the Beatles made their first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”  The show broke television ratings records.  Before February ended, the Beatles made two more appearances on the show. 

In Miami Beach, Florida, Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston.  Ali was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.   

In early March, Elvis Presley’s 14th movie “Kissin’ Cousins” opened in theaters around the U.S., and the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line.  About a week later, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were married for the first time in Montreal, Quebec, while disc jockey Alan Freed was charged with tax evasion.

UCLA won the NCAA basketball title, beating Duke 97-83 in the championship game.

In late March, the great Alaskan earthquake struck south-central Alaska, killing 125 people and inflicting massive damage on the city of Anchorage.  At a magnitude of 9.2, it was the second most powerful earthquake in the world and the most powerful in the U.S.  Spring football practice was underway on the campuses of many colleges around the country.  Football season couldn’t be far off.  

Radio Caroline became England’s first pirate radio station, from a ship anchored just outside U.K. territorial waters.  As the month came to a close, Jeopardy debuted on NBC TV, with Art Fleming as host.  In Brazil, the military overthrew President Joao Goulart, beginning 21 years of military dictatorship in the South American country.  

Early April was a busy time.  The Beatles held the Top 5 positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart with “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and Please Please Me.”  Meanwhile, three high school friends in Hoboken, New Jersey, opened the first Blimpie.

IBM announced System/360.  Gemini I, the first unmanned test of the two-man spacecraft, was launched, and “From Russia with Love” premiered in U.S. movie theaters.

“We’ll sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine
Then I’ll be on my way.”

Demolition of the Polo Grounds sports stadium commenced in New York City.  Sydney Poitier became the first black to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.  Poitier won for his role in the movie “Lilies of the Field.”  Arnold Palmer won the Masters Golf Championship

Still in April, The Rolling Stones released their debut album “The Rolling Stones.”  Shea Stadium opened in Flushing, New York, with the New York Mets playing their first game in the facility.  The Mets lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3.  During the game, the Pirates’ Willie Stargell hit the first home run in the stadium’s history.

As April was nearing an end, BBC2 began broadcasting for the first time in the U.K.  In Scandinavia, the Swedish warship VASA, sunk in 1628, was raised from the waters in Stockholm’s harbor, while thieves stole the head of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.  In Africa, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the country of Tanzania.

The Boston Celtics won the NBA championship, 4 games to 1 over the San Francisco Warriors.

On the first of May, two computer engineers ran the first program written in BASIC, an easy to learn high-level program language.  The next day, one-thousand students marched through Times Square in New York City, while another 700 students marched in San Francisco.  These, along with smaller marches in Boston, Seattle and Madison, Wisconsin, were the first major demonstrations against the Vietnam War.

Hitchhiking in Meadville, Mississippi, Henry Dee and Charles Moore were kidnapped and beaten to death by members of the Ku Klux Klan.  The U.S. Congress officially recognized bourbon whiskey as a distinctive product of the United States.

Northern Dancer became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.  In California, Pacific Airlines flight 773 crashed near San Ramon.  It was later learned from the cockpit recorder tape that the pilot and co-pilot had been shot by a suicidal passenger.  In New York City, 12 young men burned their draft cards to protest the Vietnam War.  It was the first such act of war resistance.       

In the FA Cup final in England, West Ham United downed Preston North End, 3-2, and India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru died. 
   
As May came to a close, Touchdown Tom graduated from Huntington High School in Huntington, West Virginia, and Rockledge Gator graduated from Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida.  The two would not meet for another 13 years. 

June arrived as The Rolling Stones began their first U.S. tour.  In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment.  Ken Venturi won the U.S. Open Golf Championship.  U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, 32, was seriously injured in a private plane crash at Southampton, Massachusetts.  The pilot was killed.

“I will never love you,
The cost of love’s too dear,
But though I’ll never love you,
I’ll stay with you one year.”

Summer was underway and while not yet able to listen to the games on the radio, college football fans were listening to “My Guy” by Mary Wells; “People” by Barbra Streisand; “Ronnie” by The 4 Seasons; “It’s Over” by Roy Orbison; “Cotton Candy” by Al Hirt; “(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet” by The Reflections; “Love Me Do” by The Beatles; “Love Me With All Your Heart (Cuando Calienta El Sol)” by The Ray Charles Singers, and “Diane” by The Bachelors.

Also, “Today” by The New Christy Minstrels; “Little Children” by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas; “I Don’t Want To Be Hurt Anymore” by Nat King Cole; “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick; “Once Upon A Time” by Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells; “Every Little Bit Hurts” by Brenda Holloway; “Do You Love Me” by The Dave Clark Five; “Not Fade Away” by The Rolling Stones, and “Chapel Of Love” by The Dixie Cups.

The preseason college football magazines were out and that could only mean one thing:  The start of college football was just around the corner. 

Near the end of June, three civil rights workers, Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were murdered near Philadelphia, Mississippi, by local Klansmen, cops and a sheriff.  Their bodies were not found until almost two months later.  Jim Bunning pitched a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 6-0 win over the New York Mets.

Tony Lema won the British Open Golf Championship on the same day that the Beatles returned to Liverpool in triumph after their successful U.S. tour.  They arrived just in time for the premier of their film “A Hard Day’s Night.”

As the summer air grew warmer and thicker, the DJs were playing and college football fans were listening to “P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles; “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley; “A World Without Love” by Peter and Gordon; “Tears And Roses” by Al Martino; “What’s The Matter With You Baby” by Marvin Gaye & Mary Wells; “What’d I Say” by Elvis Presley; “Tell Me Why” by Bobby Vinton, and “I’ll Touch A Star” by Terry Stafford.

Also, “Beans In My Ears” by The Serendipity Singers; “Yesterday’s Gone” by Chad & Jeremy; “No Particular Place To Go” by Chuck Berry; “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying” by Gerry and The Pacemakers; “I Get Around” by The Beach Boys; “Bad To Me” by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas; “Don’t Worry Baby” by The Beach Boys; “Don’t Throw Your Love Away” by The Searchers, and “Memphis” by Johnny Rivers. 

On July 18, race riots lasting for six days broke out in Harlem.  On the last day of the month, Ranger 7 sent back the first close-up photographs of the moon. 

“And we can sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then I’ll be on my way.”

Just two days into August, the wreckage of a private plane, piloted by singer Jim Reeves, was found near Brentwood, Tennessee.  There were no survivors.  Five days later, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad war powers to deal with the North Vietnamese. 

Summer was coming to an end and football fans couldn’t wait for another season to begin.  Ole Miss was the No. 1 team in the country at preseason.  On the eve of the first kickoffs, college football fans were grillin’ and chillin’ to “Remember Me” by Rita Pavone; “Good Times” by Sam Cooke; “Try It Baby” by Marvin Gaye; “Keep On Pushing” by The Impressions; “The Girl From Ipanema” by Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and “Can’t You See That She’s Mine” by The Dave Clark Five.

Also, “Dang Me” by Roger Miller; “Do I Love You?” by The Ronettes; “I Wanna Love Him So Bad” by The Jelly Beans; “Steal Away” by Jimmy Hughes; “Rag Doll” by The 4 Seasons; “Wishin’ And Hopin’” by Dusty Springfield; “I Believe” by The Bachelors; “Nobody I Know” by Peter & Gordon; “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson; “Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters; “The Little Ole Lady (From Pasadena)” by Jan & Dean, and “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin.
 
Later in the month, Bobby Nichols won the PGA Championship, and the movie “Mary Poppins” had its world premier in Los Angeles.  During the last week of August, three days of race riots broke out in Philadelphia.

In September, Touchdown Tom began his freshman year at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.  On television, “Shindig,” “Peyton Place,” “The Addams Family,” “Flipper,” “The Munsters,” “Gilligan’s Island” and Bewitched” premiered. 

Meanwhile, the college football season was underway and fans were tailgating to “You’re My World” by Cilla Black; “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” by The Rolling Stones; “Al-Di-La” by The Ray Charles Singers; “Sugar Lips” by Al Hirt; “Little Latin Lupe Lu” by The Kingsmen; “Walk Don’t Run (Part II)” by The Ventures, and “How Do You Do It?” by Gerry and The Pacemakers.

Also, “C’mon And Swim” by Bobby Freeman; “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes; “Just Be True” by Gene Chandler; “People Say” by The Dixie Cups; “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles; “It Hurts To Be In Love” by Gene Pitney; “Such A Night” by Elvis Presley; “And I Love Her” by The Beatles; “Maybe I Know” by Lesley Gore, and “It’s All Over Now” by The Rolling Stones.

A first class U.S. postage stamp was 5 cents, while a gallon of gas cost 30 cents.  The average price of a new car was $3,500 and a loaf of bread was 21 cents.

“I’ll sing to you each morning,
I’ll kiss you every night,
But darlin’ don’t cling to me,
I’ll soon be out of sight.”

In Athens, King Constantine of Greece married Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark.  She became Europe’s youngest queen at age 18.  Also, in the Mediterranean, the Island of Malta obtained its independence from Great Britain.

College football fans were celebrating their wins and mourning their losses “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry; “Because” by The Dave Clark Five; “Selfish One” by Jackie Ross; “G.T.O.” by Ronny and The Daytonas; “Clinging Vine” by Bobby Vinton; “Haunted House” by Gene Simmons; “The House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals; “We’ll Sing In The Sunshine” by Gale Garnett; “Maybeline” by Johnny Rivers, and “Bread And Butter” by The Newbeats.

Also, “Funny” by Joe Hinton; “Baby I Need Your Loving” by The Four Tops; “A Summer Song” by Chad & Jeremy; “I’m On The Outside (Looking In)” by Little Anthony and The Imperials; “Rhythm” by Major Lance; “From A Window” by Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas; “Remember (Walkin’ In The Sand)” by The Shangri-Las, and “Dancing In The Street” by Martha and The Vandellas.

By month’s end, “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway, and Pete Townshend of The Who destroyed his first guitar.  Kentucky scored a late touchdown, upsetting No. 1 Ole Miss, 27-21.  Texas became the No. 1 team in the country.

October began with three-thousand students marching and protesting at the University of California in Berkeley in what became the Berkeley Free Speech Movement.  The Kinks released their first album, and 23 men and 31 women escaped to West Berlin through a narrow tunnel under the Berlin Wall. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip began an eight-day visit to Canada, and American civil rights movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.  He became the youngest recipient of the award.

On October 15, Nikita Khrushchev was deposed as the leader of the Soviet Union.  Leonid Brezhnev and Alexi Kosygin assumed power.  The same day, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees, 7-5, to win the World Series in seven games.

The next day, Harold Wilson became the new British prime minister, the Peoples Republic of China exploded an atomic bomb and Arkansas beat No. 1 Texas, 14-13. 

“But we can sing in the sunshine,
We’ll laugh every day,
We’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then I’ll be on my way.”

The movie “My Fair Lady” premiered in New York City, and a federal committee in Canada selected a maple leaf design to become the new official flag of Canada.  Northern Rhodesia, a former British protectorate, became the independent Republic of Zambia, ending 73 years of British rule.  And Ohio State became the new No. 1 team in the country.

The Rolling Stones began their second U.S. tour on October 24.  The next day, they appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” for the first time.  As the month ended, a collection of irreplaceable gemstones, including the 565 carat Star of India, were stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. 

At Halloween, college football fans were being tricked or treated, while listening to “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison; “Matchbox” by The Beatles; “When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)” by The Beach Boys; “You Must Believe Me” by The Impressions; “Softly, As I Leave You” by Frank Sinatra; “Chug-A-Lug” by Roger Miller, and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” by Manfred Mann.

Also, “Let It Be Me” by Betty Everett & Jerry Butler; “On The Street Where You Live” by Andy Williams; “Tobacco Road” by The Nashville Teens; “Little Honda” by The Hondells; “Come a Little Bit Closer” by Jay & The Americans; “Ride The Wild Surf” by Jan & Dean; “Baby Don’t You Do It” by Marvin Gaye, and “Have I The Right?” by The Honeycombs.

Several days into November, the British House of Commons voted t abolish the death penalty for murder in Britain.  Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks became the first NBA player to score 20,000 points.  Then unranked Penn State upset No. 1 Ohio State, 27-0, and Notre Dame became the new No. 1 team in the country.

“My daddy he once told me,
‘Hey don’t you love you any man,
Just take what they may give you,
And give what you can.’”

On November 19, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the closing of 95 military bases and facilities, including the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  Two days later, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge opened to traffic.  At Thanksgiving, college football fans were stuffing themselves on turkey and pumpkin pie, while listening to “I Got Sand In My Shoes” by The Drifters; “I’m Crying” by The Animals; “I Like It” by Gerry and The Pacemakers, and “The Door Is Still Open To My Heart” by Dean Martin.

Also, “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks; “Everybody Knows (I Still Love You)” by The Dave Clark Five; “I Don’t Want To See You Again” by Peter & Gordon; “Baby Love” by The Supremes; “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” by Elvis Presley; “Leader Of The Pack” by The Shangri-Las; “Ask Me” by Elvis Presley; “Is It True” by Brenda Lee; “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones; “I’m Into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits, and “She’s Not There” by The Zombies.

At the end of the month, USC beat No. 1 Notre Dame, 20-17, and NASA launched the Mariner 4 space probe from Kennedy Space Center to Mars to take pictures of that planet.  France performed an underground nuclear test in Algeria, while Alabama, Arkansas and Princeton all finished the regular season undefeated.

At the beginning of December Gustavo Diaz Ordaz took office as the President of Mexico, and Alabama became the No. 1 team in the country.  Two days later, police arrested about 800 students at the University of California in Berkeley, following their takeover and sit-in at the Sproul Hall administration building.

The consensus All-American first-team consisted of end Jack Snow – Notre Dame, (6-2, 210) Long Beach, CA; end Fred Biletnikoff – Florida State, (6-1, 186) Erie, PA; tackle Larry Kramer – Nebraska, (6-2, 240) Austin, MN; tackle Ralph Neely – Oklahoma, (6-5, 243) Farmington, NM; guard Rick Redman – Washington, (5-11, 215) Seattle, WA; guard Glenn Ressler – Penn State, (6-2, 230) Dornsife, PA; center Dick Butkus – Illinois, (6-3, 237) Chicago, IL; quarterback John Huarte – Notre Dame, (6-0, 180) Anaheim, CA; running back Gale Sayers – Kansas, (6-0, 194, Omaha, NE; running back Lawrence Elkins – Baylor, (6-1, 187) Brownwood, TX, and running back Tucker Frederickson – Auburn, (6-2, 210) Hollywood, FL.

It was the last year that there was not a separate All-American team for offense and defense.  Up through this year, most players played both ways.

Notre Dame quarterback John Huarte won the Heisman Trophy.  Following Huarte in the balloting were Tulsa quarterback Jerry Rhome, Illinois center Dick Butkus, and Michigan quarterback Bob Timberlake.

The Maxwell Award for college football’s most outstanding player went to Penn State center/guard Glenn Ressler.  Tennessee tackle Steve DeLong won the Outland Trophy, awarded to college football’s most outstanding interior lineman. 

“And you can sing in the sunshine,
You’ll laugh every day,
You’ll sing in the sunshine,
Then be on your way.”

The one-hour special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” premiered on NBC.  On December 11, Che Guevara addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York, and singer Sam Cooke was killed under mysterious circumstances in Los Angeles.

Seven days later, the deadly Pacific Northwest Christmas flood began, affecting northern California, southern Washington, southwest Idaho and much of Oregon.  Considered a 100-year flood, it was one of the worst to affect the Willamette River Valley in Oregon.  Northern California and Oregon were the hardest hits areas in the flood.

The best albums of the year were “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles, “Beatles For Sale” by The Beatles, “Little Deuce Coup” by The Beach Boys, “All Summer Long” by The Beach Boys, “Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys, “Another Side of Dylan” by Bob Dylan, “Times They Are A-Changin’ ” by Bob Dylan, “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes, “I Hear a Symphony” by The Supremes, “Together” by Marvin Gaye, “Take Two” by Marvin Gaye, “When I’m Alone I Cry” by Marvin Gaye, and “Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook” by Ella Fitzgerald.

Also, “Where Love Has Gone” by Jack Jones, “My Kind of Town” by Jack Jones, “A Girl Called Dusty” by Dusty Springfield, “Stay Awhile/I Only Want To Be With You” by Dusty Springfield, “Wednesday Morning 3 AM” by Simon & Garfunkel, “Kinks” by The Kinks, “My Guy” by Mary Wells, “Meet the Temptations” by The Temptations, “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane, “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash, “Ain’t That Good News” by Sam Cooke, and “The Kingsmen in Person” by The Kingsmen.

Also, “The Animals” by The Animals, “The Beatles’ Second Album” by The Beatles, “Make Way for Dionne Warwick” by Dionne Warwick, “12 x 5” by The Rolling Stones, “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters, “The Manfred Mann Album” by Manfred Mann, “Rag Doll” by The 4 Seasons, “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin, and “A World Without Love” by Peter & Gordon.

With Christmas in the air and bowl games near, college football fans were doing their shopping to “Reach Out For Me” by Dionne Warwick; “Everything’s Alright” by The Newbeats; “Right Or Wrong” by Ronnie Dove; “Walking In The Rain” by The Ronettes; “I’m Gonna Be Strong” by Gene Pitney; “My Love, Forgive Me” by Robert Goulet; “Oh No Not My Baby” by Maxine Brown; “Sidewalk Surfin’” by Jan & Dean, and “Mountain Of Love” by Johnny Rivers.

Also, “Ringo” by Lorne Greene; “Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton; “Big Man In Town” by The 4 Seasons; “Dance, Dance, Dance” by The Beach Boys; “Saturday Night At The Movies” by The Drifters; “The Jerk” by The Larks; “Willow Weep For Me” by Chad & Jeremy; “Any Way You Want It” by The Dave Clark Five; “Sha La La” by Manfred Mann, and “Come See About Me” by The Supremes.

In the first bowl games of the season, East Carolina beat Massachusetts, 14-13, in the Tangerine Bowl, while Utah won the Liberty Bowl in a 32-6 win over West Virginia.

Some of the better movies of the year were “Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “My Fair Lady,” “Goldfinger,” “Mary Poppins,” “Becket,” “The Pawnbroker,” “The Train,” “Topkapi,” “Marnie,” “A Fist Full of Dollars,” “Zorba the Greek,” “The World of Henry Orient,” “A Shot in the Dark,” and “Fail Safe.”

Also, “The Americanization of Emily,” “The Night of the Iguana,” “Sven Days in May,” “Cheyenne Autumn,” “Kiss Me, Stupid,” “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” “Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte,” “From Russia with Love,” “The Carpetbaggers,” The Pink Panther” and “Sex and the Single Girl.”

“And when a year has ended,
And I have gone away,
You’ll often speak about me,
And this is what you’ll say:”

The better novels during the year were “The Group” by Mary McCarthy, “The Shoes of the Fisherman” by Morris L. West, “The Venetian Affair” by Helen MacInnes, “Caravans” by James Michener, “The Spy Who Came In From the Cold” by John le Carre, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” by Ian Fleming, and “The Hat on the Bed” by John O’Hara.

Also, “The Living Reed” by Pearl S. Buck, “The Wapshot Scandal” by John Cheever, “Von Ryan’s Express” by David Westheimer, “The Night of the Generals” by Hans Kirst, “A Night in Lisbon” by Erich Maria Remarque, “The Martyred” by Richard E. Kim, “The Spire” by William Golding, and “Armageddon” by Leon Uris.

Also, “Julian” by Gore Vidal, “The Rector of Justin” by Louis Auchincloss, “You Only Live Twice” by Ian Fleming, “This Rough Magic” by Mary Stewart, “The Man” by Irving Wallace, “Herzog” by Saul Bellow, “The Lost City” by John Gunther, and “The Horse Knows the Way” by John O’Hara.

Well-known people who were born during the year included Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Monica Bellucci, Clive Owen, Mary-Louise Parker, Courteney Cox, Marisa Tomei, John Leguizamo, Rob Lowe, Laura Linney, Don Cheadle, David Spade, Mariska Hargitay, and Matt Dillon.

Also, Juliette Binoche, Teri Hatcher, Janeane Garofalo, Chris Farley, Calista Flockhart, Melissa Gilbert, Rosie Perez, Courtney Love, Stephen Colbert, Elle Macpherson, Faith Ford, Robin Givens, Steve Alford, Glenn Beck, Bonnie Blair, Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco.

Also, Will Clark, Prince Edward, Joe Girardi, Dwight Gooden, Mark Gottfried, Mark Grace, Ozzie Guillen, Lee Janzen, Wynonna Judd, Davis Love III, Urban Meyer, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Chris Petersen, Bret Saberhagen, Shepard Smith, Mats Wilander, and Trisha Yearwood.

Five days before Christmas, the movie “Goldfinger” premiered in the United States.  The next day, comedian Lenny Bruce was sentenced to four months in prison for obscenity. 

“We sang in the sunshine,
You know we laughed every day,
We sang in the sunshine,
Then she went on her way” 

After Christmas, The Buffalo Bills beat the San Diego Chargers, 20-7, to win the AFL Championship, while the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Colts, 27-0, to win the NFL Championship.  In another bowl game, Georgia beat Texas Tech, 7-0, to win the Sun Bowl.          

Famous people who passed away during the year were Gracie Allen, William Bendix, Eddie Cantor, Rachel Carson, Sam Cooke, Ian Fleming, Cedric Hardwicke, Herbert Hoover, Alan Ladd, Peter Lorre, Douglas MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Grace Metalious, Jawaharlal Nehru, Flannery O’Connor, Cole Porter, and Jim Reeves.

The most popular TV shows of the year were “Bonanza,” “Bewitched,” “Gomer Pyle, USMC,” “Andy Griffith Show,” “The Fugitive,” “Red Skelton,” “Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Lucy Show,” “Combat,” “Beverly Hillbillies” and “My Three Sons.”

Also, “Petticoat Junction,” “The Munsters,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Jackie Gleason Show,”  “Ed Sullivan Show,” “Peyton Place,” “The Virginian,” “Flipper” and “Addams Family.”

At the close of the year, the Dow Jones industrial average was 874, while the unemployment rate stood at 5.7 percent.  The average income was $6,000 and the average price of a new home was $13,050.

During the final days of the year and on New Year’s Eve, college football fans were dancing, celebrating, drinking and singing to “The Wedding” by Julie Rogers; “Thou Shalt Not Steal” by Dick and DeeDee; “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow The Sun)” by Del Shannon; “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You” by Marvin Gaye; “Amen” by The Impressions; “Do-Wacka-Do” by Roger Miller; “Walk Away” by Matt Monro, and “Hawaii Tattoo” by The Waikikis.

Also, “Dear Heart” by Andy Williams; “As Tears Go By” by Marianne Faithful; “Dear Heart” by Jack Jones; “Don’t Forget I Still Love You” by Bobbi Martin; “Love Potion Number Nine” by The Searchers; “She’s A Woman” by The Beatles; “I’ll Be There” by Gerry and The Pacemakers; “I Feel Fine” by The Beatles; “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” by Dean Martin, and “The Name Game” by Shirley Ellis.

In the final bowl games of the season, Arkansas beat Nebraska, 10-7, in the Cotton Bowl, and LSU won the Sugar Bowl, beating Syracuse 13-10.  Michigan beat Oregon State in the Rose Bowl, 34-7.

Florida State beat Oklahoma, 36-19, in the Gator Bowl, and in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Texas beat No. 1 ranked Alabama, 21-17.

In spite of the loss to Texas, Alabama (10-1), under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, was the national champions in both the AP and UPI polls. 

“You know we laughed every day.”

“We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” – by Gale Garnett (written by Gale Garnett).
The song entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart on August 8 where it remained for 17 weeks throughout the football season.  It peaked at No. 4.  The song also reached No. 42 on Billboard’s Country Music chart.  In later years, “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” was recorded by Helen Reddy, Bobbi Martin, Dean Martin, The Fleetwoods, Bobby Bare, Skeeter Davis, Sonny & Cher, Wanda Jackson, Wayne Newton, Susan Maughan, Dolly Parton, Trini Lopez and The Mike Curb Congregation. 

The year (and football season) was 1964.

Touchdown Tom
November 12, 2012
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)

P.S. I’ve always believed that getting married in the fall is sacrilegious, especially in the South.  Well, Swamp Mama and I are off to the Punta Vedra Inn in Punta Vedra Beach this weekend to attend a wedding.  Whatever happened to love, honor and cherish football Saturday’s?


Week 11 Review

Alabama and Louisville each suffered their first loss.  Oregon, Kansas State and Notre Dame remain undefeated.  Unbeaten Ohio State had the weekend off.  Reports say Tennessee’s Doug Dooley will be fired before the end of November, and Auburn’s Gene Chizik is on thin ice – very thin.  Stay tuned!

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Soap suds – Texas A&M 29, Alabama 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 26, Texas A&M 15).  The Tide was emotionally and physically spent after the LSU game and had little to nothing left for A&M.  Johnny Football and the Aggies came out strong in the first quarter, building up a 20-0 lead over Bama.  The Tide caught a second wind in the next two quarters and pulled within three at 20-17.  But Bama ran out of gas in the fourth quarter.  Manziel passed for 253 yards and rushed for another 92.  There are a number of candidates for “Coach of the Year,” but Kevin Sumlin has to be one.  A crowd of 101,821 attended the game in Tuscaloosa.

RUNNER UP:  Beavs sent to the dentist – Stanford 27, Oregon State 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Stanford 33, Oregon State 27).  Stanford did everything it could to hand the game to the Beavers.  The Trees suffered four turnovers.  Oregon State led 23-14 late in the third quarter.  But Stanford responded with the final 13 points.  The lack of a ground game hurt the Beavers.  A crowd of 47,127 attended the game in Palo Alto.

REST OF THE BEST:  Tigers rebound – LSU 37, Mississippi State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Mississippi State 12).  Miss State dropped its third-straight after starting the season 7-0.  The Tigers held the Bulldogs to 47 yards rushing.  A crowd of 92,831 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

Toads lose their stools – Kansas State 23, TCU 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 33, TCU 17).  Collin Klein didn’t have a Heisman-performance game.  Then again, he was coming off an injury from the week before.  The Wildcats led 23-0 at the end of the third quarter.  Bill Snyder is definitely a “Coach of the Year” candidate.  A crowd of 47,292 attended the game in Fort Worth.

Huskers wake up – Nebraska 32, Penn State 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 28, Penn State 20).  The Nitts led 20-6 at the half.  The Huskers went to work in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.  A crowd of 85,527 attended the game in Lincoln.

These Cats don’t have nine lives – Michigan 38, Northwestern 31 (OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan 32, Northwestern 21).  The poor Wildcats can’t hold onto a lead late in the game and it happened to them again.  A crowd of 112,510 attended the game in Ann Arbor.

Sad, getting sadder – Oklahoma State 55, West Virginia 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma State 39, West Virginia 30).  By now, it is apparent that WVU – the team and coaching staff – has no leadership, no intelligence, no pride, no confidence and no smarts.  Last year the Mounties had a bad defense.  This year the defense is worse.  Last year WVU was bad at special teams play.  This year they are worse.  By now, you would have thought the team would be showing some improvement.  Instead, they are getting worse.  Geno Smith has gone from a good quarterback to a bad quarterback.  Are the players really that bad?  Or is the coaching staff really that bad?  Or is it both?  Dana Holgorsen has reduced himself to a caricature on the sideline, looking like the mad scientist whose experiments keep failing.  It’s looking more and more like the Orange Bowl win last year was a “flash-in-the-pan” experience for Holgorsen.  A crowd of 57,799 attended the game in Stillwater.

Beware of the Dome – Syracuse 45, Louisville 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 33, Syracuse 26).  Louisville suffered its first loss, getting its clock cleaned in the Carrier Dome.  The Orange held the Cardinals to 48 yards rushing.  A crowd of 40,312 attended the game in Syracuse.

Miscue matchup – USC 38, Arizona State 17 (Touchdown Tom said: USC 40, Arizona State 30).  The Sun Devils led 17-14 early in the third quarter.  Then the Trojans scored 24 unanswered points.  The game was fraught with turnovers – five by USC and four by ASU.  A crowd of 80,154 attended the game in Los Angeles.

Low Beams – Florida State 28, Virginia Tech 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida State 27, Virginia Tech 19).  FSU had minus 15 yards rushing and still won the game.  E.J. Manuel made up for the difference with 326 yards passing.  The Hokies fall to 4-6.  Who would have thunk it?  A crowd of 65,632 attended the game in Blacksburg.

Dogs have some bite – Fresno State 52, Nevada 36 (Touchdown Tom said: Fresno State 37, Nevada 29).  Dumping Pat Hill after last season was a smart move by Fresno State.  New coach Tim DeRuyter has done a good job.  The Bulldogs are 8-3.  Robbie Rouse rushed for 261 yards.  A crowd of 22,104 attended the game in Reno.

Aztecs sacrifice a Falcon – San Diego State 28, Air Force 9 (Touchdown Tom said: San Diego State 33, Air Force 20).  The Falcons were hampered by four turnovers.  The Aztecs are 8-3 and tied for the lead of the MWC.  A crowd of 30,266 attended the game in San Diego.

No longer the Monroe we used to know – Arkansas State 45, Louisiana-Monroe 23 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas State 42, ULM 40).  A 17-17 contest early in the third quarter, the Red Wolves poured it on in the second half.  ULM’s early season notoriety is all but a faint memory now.  A crowd of 30,243 attended the game in Jonesboro.

No stoppin’ the Ducks – Oregon 59, California 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 43, California 20).  The Ducks got off to a slow start with only a 24-17 lead early in the third quarter.  Then they turned on the after burners, scoring 35 unanswered points.  Marcus Mariota passed for 377 yards.  A crowd of 57,672 attended the game in Berkeley.

Mercy, mercy, mercy – Georgia 38, Auburn 0 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 32, Auburn 17).  Could it get any worse for Gene Chizik?  Bootsie and Rockledge Gator attended the game.  Apparently, there were a number of barking mouths sitting behind them.  It was all Rockledge could do to keep Bootsie restrained.  A crowd of 86,146 attended the game in Auburn.

Pigs squeal – South Carolina 38, Arkansas 20 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Arkansas 19).  It was worse than the score reflects.  The Hogs scored a touchdown with 0:39 left in the game.  Neither team had much of a running game.  A crowd of 78,722 attended the game in Columbia.

Where was the hare when the Turtles needed one? – Clemson 45, Maryland 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 34, Maryland 14).  The Terps were 6-for-12, passing for 41 yards.  I’m not sure if the water boy or the Terrapin mascot played quarterback for the Terps.  Both teams had their share of turnovers – three-a-piece.  A crowd of 76,000 attended the game in Clemson.

Sooners can’t shake the Bears – Oklahoma 42, Baylor 34 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 41, Baylor 20).  Baylor only trailed by two – 28-26 – halfway through the third quarter.  Landry Jones passed for 277 yards.  A crowd of 84,945 attended the game in Norman.

Owls screech – Cincinnati 34, Temple 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Cincinnati 32, Temple 19).  The Bearcats are still in the Big East race.  A crowd of 20,192 attended the game in Philadelphia.

No, this wasn’t the basketball teams – Georgia Tech 68, North Carolina 50 (Touchdown Tom said: North Carolina 34, Georgia Tech 21).  What a contest!  The lead changed hands five times.  But with the Tar Heels leading 36-34 in the third quarter, Tech scored 24 unanswered points.  The two teams combined for 1,085 yards of offense.  The Yellow Jackets have been like a box of chocolates this season.  From one week to the next, you never know what you’re going to get.  A crowd of 50,000 attended the game in Chapel Hill.
 

AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Bowl eligible – NC State 37, Wake Forest 6 (Touchdown Tom said: NC State 28, Wake Forest 23).  State bounces back after the crushing loss to Virginia.  The Wolfpack held Wake to 185 yards of offense – only 16 yards rushing.  A crowd of 52,567 attended the game in Raleigh.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Muschamp was ragin’ – Florida 27, Louisiana-Lafayette 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 37, ULL 19).  You get the feeling the Gators are still down from the loss two weeks ago to Georgia.  Florida scored on a blocked punt as time expired to win the game.  The Gators only tied the game with 1:42 remaining on a three-yard touchdown pass by Jacoby Brissett.  Brissett was playing for the injured Jeff Driskel, who left the game with an ankle injury.  A crowd of 86,482 attended the game in Gainesville.

Revival – Texas 33, Iowa State 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 27, Iowa State 18).  Since losing to West Virginia and Oklahoma, the Horns have won four straight.  Texas racked up 609 yards of offense on the Cyclones, with David Ash passing for 364 yards.  A crowd of 100,018 attended the game in Austin.

There’s still life in those Boilers yet – Purdue 27, Iowa 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Iowa 27, Purdue 26).  The Boilers kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.  Purdue held the Hawkeyes to 74 yards rushing.  A crowd of 70,585 attended the game in Iowa City.

Week 11 Picks:    20 Correct,     4 Wrong   (83.3 percent)
On the Season:    182 Correct,   69 Wrong   (72.5 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami lost to Virginia, 41-40.  A crowd of 45,870 attended the game in Charlottesville….  UCF beat UTEP, 31-24.  A crowd of 25,483 attended the game in El Paso….  Florida Atlantic surprised Western Kentucky, 37-28.  A crowd of 14,185 attended the game in Bowling Green.

Florida A&M edged North Carolina Central, 22-21.  A crowd of 14,768 attended the game in Tallahassee….  Bethune-Cookman flossed Savannah State, 49-7. A crowd of 3,683 attended the game in Savannah….  Jacksonville U. thumped Campbell, 40-14.  A crowd of 3,012 attended the game in Jacksonville.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers:  Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 45-59-1-476 yards; Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert – 37-50-2-455; Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 36-49-1-424; Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 37-54-0-404; Mississippi’s Bo Wallace – 31-49-0-403; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 27-34-0-377; Wyoming’s Brett Smith – 20-32-0-374; Texas’ David Ash – 25-31-0-364, and West Virginia’s Geno Smith – 36-54-0-364.

Also, Louisiana-Monroe’s Cody Wells – 37-53-1-357 yards; North Carolina’s Bryn Renner – 24-35-1-350; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 31-45-0-337; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 26-34-1-334; Washington State’s Connor Halliday – 26-43-1-330; Florida State’s E.J. Manuel – 25-42-1-326; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 25-28-0-322, and Alabama’s A.J. McCarron – 21-34-2-309.

Also, Pitt’s Tino Sunseri – 19-34-0-302 yards; Virginia’s Michael Rocco – 29-37-0-300; Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas – 19-34-2-298; Mississippi State’s Tyler Russell – 26-38-1-295; Oklahoma State’s Clint Chelf – 22-31-1-292; Michigan’s Devin Gardner – 16-29-1-286; Buffalo’s Joe Licata – 21-33-0-285, and Central Michigan’s Ryan Radcliff – 20-34-0-284.  


Impressive Rushers:  Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey – 366 yards; Fresno State’s Robbie Rouse – 261 yards; Kansas’ Tony Pierson – 202 yards; Toledo’s David Fluellen – 200 yards; Wisconsin’s Montee Ball – 198 yards; UAB’s Darrin Reaves – 184 yards; Bowling Green’s Anthon Samuel – 181 yards; UTEP’s Nathan Jeffery – 174 yards, and Kent State’s Trayion Durham – 172 yards.

Also, USC’s Curtis McNeal – 163 yards; Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 162 yards; Eastern Michigan’s Alex Gillett – 162 yards; Wisconsin’s James White – 161 yards; Missouri’s Kendial Lawrence – 153 yards;  Minnesota’s Donnell Kirkwood – 152 yards; Kent State’s Dri Archer – 151 yards; Miami of Florida’s Duke Johnson – 150 yards, and Navy’s Gee Gee Greene – 150 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Bama-Oregon: The game that just has to happen,” Wall Street Journal writer Rachel Bachman, on the potential national championship game.

“Too bad.  It would have been amusing seeing John Calipari and Bobby Petrino trying to co-exist in the same athletic department,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on word that Petrino is not a candidate for the Kentucky job.

“Jimmy Johnson actually said Arkansas should rehire Bobby Petrino.  Question: Is he willing to bankroll the university for all future sexual-harassment lawsuits?,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz. 

“Back to Gene Chizik.  I’m generally not a proponent of firing coaches two years after winning national championships.  But this guy is now 9-29 in SEC and Big 12 conference games in which he didn’t have the luxury of telling Cam Newton, ‘Here’s the ball.  Go do anything you want’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“The disingenuous Nick Saban says no-huddle, spread offenses like Texas A&M’s are a danger to player safety.  Let me translate: ‘If they go too fast and I can’t rotate my three-deep, five-star, winded front seven, there’s a chance I might lose’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Les Miles is a great coach when he’s not trying to pull a moose out of a hat,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“In 23 years of living in Atlanta, I’ve never seen a home crowd for a major college football team – let alone a team that won a national championship just two years ago – bolt from a game so quickly,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on the Auburn crowd at the Georgia-Auburn game in Auburn.

“Boos started to rain down in the second quarter when Georgia built its lead to 21-0.  When Keith Marshall ran 62 yards for a score to make it 31-0 in the third quarter, it was like somebody yelled, ‘Fire,’ in the stadium and thousands of fans streamed out.  Georgia had more fans in the stadium than Auburn in the fourth quarter.  That might be the worst sign of all for coach Gene Chizik,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 12…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Stanford (8-2) at Oregon (10-0) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Only Stanford can beat out Oregon for the Pac-12 North title.  But to do that, the Cardinal has to beat the Ducks and then beat UCLA next week.  Not impossible, but not likely – Oregon 33, Stanford 22.

RUNNER UP:  2. USC (7-3) at UCLA (8-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – It has been a while since the Bruins have entered this game with this good of a record.  The Trojans must beat UCLA to win the Pac-12 South.  Otherwise, the Division title goes to the Bruins.  Kiffin throws a tantrum – UCLA 34, USC 33.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Ohio State (10-0) at Wisconsin (7-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Regardless of the outcome, the Badgers have won the Big Ten Leaders Division, even with a 4-4 conference record.  Wisconsin sure has been a strange team this season.  The pressure gets to the Buckeyes – Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 26.

4. Kansas State (10-0) at Baylor (4-5) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ESPN, 8 pm ET, Saturday) – Collin Klein and the Boys from Manhattan continue their roll through the Big 12.  The Bears won’t stop them – Kansas State 37, Baylor 24.

5. Toledo (8-2) at Northern Illinois (9-1) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPN2, 9 pm ET, Wednesday) – This one is for the title of the MAC West Division.  Give it to the home team – Northern Illinois 35, Toledo 29.

6. Oklahoma (7-2) at West Virginia (5-4) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – This week WVU will make Landry Jones look like the Heisman Trophy winner.  And OU will make Dana Holgorsen look like Hal Mumme.  Is there any hope for the Eers?  Not this week – Oklahoma 40, West Virginia 30.

7. Rutgers (8-1) at Cincinnati (7-2) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: BEN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Four teams are still in the race for the Big East title.  The Scarlet Knights and the Bearcats are two of them.  The Knights get closer – Rutgers 28, Cincinnati 22.

8. Utah State (8-2) at Louisiana Tech (9-1) – (WAC vs. WAC) (TV: None, 4 pm ET, Saturday) – Both teams are undefeated in WAC play.  The Aggies won’t be after this one – Louisiana Tech 35, Utah State 26.

9. NC State (6-4) at Clemson (9-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Talk about revenge, you are going to see it at Clemson.  After what the Wolfpack did to the Tigers last year, it won’t be pretty.  The Tigers will take names and kick ass – Clemson 34, NC State 23.

10. Texas Tech (7-3) at Oklahoma State (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – You don’t want to be one of Tommy Tuberville’s assistant coaches.  You may take a harder hit than the players do in the game.  This week, the Cowboys do the hitting – Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 31.

11. Ole Miss (5-5) at LSU (8-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Ole Miss is still trying to get bowl eligible.  It won’t happen this week – LSU 30, Ole Miss 16.

12. Minnesota (6-4) at Nebraska (8-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Poor Minnesota.  Even Garrison Keillor sings songs, lamenting the Gophers luck against the Huskers.  The folks in Lake Wobegon won’t like the results this year either – Nebraska 32, Minnesota 17.

13. Northwestern (7-3) at Michigan State (5-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN2, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Logic says the Wildcats will blow another lead this week and lose the game.  And the Spartans have the incentive.  They need one more win to become bowl eligible.  Cats defy logic – Northwestern 22, Michigan State 21.

14. UCF (8-2) at Tulsa (8-2) – (C-USA vs. C-USA) (TV: FSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – These two most likely will meet again in the C-USA championship game.  Tulsa has already won the C-USA West title.  UCF still needs one more win to take the East Division title.  The Golden Hurricane win this one – Tulsa 34, UCF 32.

15. Kent State (9-1) at Bowling Green (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: Local Cable, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – It’s not in the bag yet, but the winner of this one takes a giant step towards the MAC East title.  The Falcons get Flashed – Kent State 27, Bowling Green 26.

16. Ohio (8-2) at Ball State (7-3) – (MAC vs. MAC) (TV: ESPNU, 8 pm ET, Wednesday) – Ohio, the preseason favorite, is out of the running for the MAC East title.  But the Bobcats still have a shot at a bowl game.  Bobcats take the air out of the Ball – Ohio 24, Ball State 22.

17. Arkansas (4-6) at Mississippi State (7-3) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – Miss State is on a three-game losing skid.  That should end this week – Mississippi State 26, Arkansas 24.

18. Iowa (4-6) at Michigan (7-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – You have to wonder if Kirk Ferentz is in trouble at Iowa.  The Hawkeyes have been sad this year.  The Wolverines make them sadder – Michigan 32, Iowa 14.

19. Indiana (4-6) at Penn State (6-4) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Bill O’Brien still has a shot at some “Coach of the Year” awards.  But the Lions need to win their remaining two games.  They win this one – Penn State 32, Indiana 16.

20. Arizona (6-4) at Utah (4-6) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPNU, 10 pm ET, Saturday) – First year at Arizona and Rich Rod has the Wildcats going to a bowl.  He also has them beating the Utes – Arizona 34, Utah 28.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. BYU (6-4) at San Jose State (8-2) – (Ind. vs. WAC) (TV: ESPN2, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This one could be a barnburner.  The Spartans have been surprisingly good this season.  And it helps to have the Cougars on their home turf in San Jose.  But it doesn’t help enough – BYU 34, San Jose State 27.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Jacksonville State (6-4) at Florida (9-1) – (Ohio Valley vs. SEC) (TV: PPV, 1 pm ET, Saturday) – After losing to Georgia, the Gators have struggled against Missouri and Louisiana-Lafayette.  They should take out their frustrations on Jack.  Gators put Jack in the John – Florida 44, Jacksonville State 13.

Duke (6-4) at Georgia Tech (5-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Yeah, the Dookies could beat the Jackets.  Tech was spot on last week.  So that means they should be spot off this week.  But the Bees want to go bowling – Georgia Tech 37, Duke 25.

Georgia Southern (8-2) at Georgia (9-1) – (Southern vs. SEC) (TV: PPV, 1:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Dawgs have the SEC East title for the second year in a row.  Now they get to take it easy this week.  Puppy love – Georgia 36, Georgia Southern 12.

Purdue (4-6) at Illinois (2-8) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Believe it or not, a win this week over Illinois and next week over Indiana and the Boilers are going bowling.  Can you believe it?  You better believe it this week – Purdue 24, Illinois 15.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Florida State (9-1) visits Maryland (4-6) (TV: ESPNU, 12 noon ET, Saturday)….  Miami (5-5) entertains South Florida (3-6) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday)….  Florida Atlantic (3-7) hosts Florida International (2-8) (TV: ESPNU, 8 pm ET, Friday).

Florida A&M (4-6) vs. Bethune-Cookman (8-2) in Orlando (TV: ESPN Classic, 2 pm ET, Saturday) ….  Jacksonville U. (7-3) plays host to Drake (7-3) (TV: None, 12 noon ET, Saturday).


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Nebraska and Oklahoma have agreed to a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2021 and 2022.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment, there were four passings of note last week – Milt Campbell, Carmen Basilio, Darrell Royal and Lee MacPhail. 

Milt Campbell, the first African-American to become an Olympic decathlon champion, died last week at his home in Gainesville, Florida.  He was 78.  Campbell won the decathlon at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.  He also played professional football.  Campbell played one year for the Cleveland Browns (1957) and seven years in the Canadian Football League (1958-64).  Milton Gray Campbell was born on December 9, 1933, in Plainfield, New Jersey.  He played football and ran track for Indiana University.  His college career was interrupted by service in the Navy during World War II.  

Carmen Basilio, 85, the welterweight and middle weight boxing champion of the 1950s who fought two brutal bouts with Sugar Ray Robinson, winning his middleweight title and then losing it to him, died last week in Rochester, New York.  He was 85.  Carmen Basilio was born on April 2, 1927, in Canastota, New York, about 25 miles east of Syracuse.  He boxed in the Marine Corps in World War II and made his pro debut in 1948. 

Darrell Royal, a former All-American player who became one of college football’s most acclaimed and innovative coaches, leading the University of Texas Longhorns to three national championships, died last week in Austin, Texas.  He was 88.  He became the Texas coach in 1957 and held the job for 20 seasons.  He coached Texas to 11 Southwest Conference championships and 16 bowl games.  Royal never had a losing season and was named national coach of the year five times.  His squads pioneered a wishbone offense running game.  Royal was an All-American player at Oklahoma.  Darrell K. Royal was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, on July 6, 1924.  He was an outstanding quarterback and defensive back at OU, playing for Bud Wilkinson.  He coached Mississippi State for two years and Washington for one before coming to Texas in 1957.  He retired as coach after the 1976 season, but stayed on as athletic director until 1980.  

Lee MacPhail, a former president of the American League, a general manager of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, and the oldest member of the baseball Hall of Fame, died last week at his home in Delray Beach, Florida.  He was 95.  Leland Stanford MacPhail Jr. was born on October 25, 1917, in Nashville, Tennessee.  He graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he played baseball and football.  Except for serving in the Navy during World War II, his whole working life was in baseball.
  

College Football Week 11 – Kentucky fires Joker Phillips
Tailgating under the hanging moss
on a misty, foggy morning
One can’t get around these days without a lot of procedures and regulations.  That certainly holds true for Rockledge Gator and me.  Ever since we have been retired, our wives have strapped us with a number of regulations.

Just because Bootsie and Swamp Mama are still working, they think their minds are sharper than ours.  They think our minds are deteriorating.  It’s beyond me why they think that way – but they do.
   
So as I backed the car out of the driveway early Friday afternoon to begin our trip to Gainesville, I had to adhere to one of Swamp Mama’s procedures – verifying that I had not forgotten the tickets to the football game.

It goes like this:  After Swamp Mama and I are both in the car with the doors locked and the car backing out of the driveway, I have to physically produce the tickets.    Swamp Mama takes the tickets and makes sure there are four of them and that they are for the game we are going to.  Then she calls Bootsie and confirms that she has seen and checked the tickets for accuracy.

We didn’t used to go through this procedure.  It only began since I have been retired.  I think it is discrimination against retired people.  If, God forbid, I can’t produce the tickets, I have to stop the car, turn off the ignition and go back in the house to retrieve them.

I suppose that’s Bootsie and Swamp Mama’s way of making sure we don’t head off to an event without the tickets.  Not that we haven’t done that before.  There are stories I can tell you.  But we won’t go there now. 

With tickets in hand – the correct ones and the correct number of them – I made it out of the driveway Friday on the first try and we headed up the road to pick up Bootsie and Rockledge Gator.  Our Florida Gator football weekend had begun.

Now we had about a two hour and forty-five minute drive ahead of us.  It was a comfortable and easy drive.  The sky was sunny and blue and the traffic was light.  Conditions were perfect.  And, of course, Rockledge Gator was our on-board, entertainment system.

As we got within 30 or so miles of Gainesville, I exited I-75 just north of Ocala.  It was time to get off the Interstate and take Highway 441 for the remainder of the trip.  Highway 441 between Ocala and Gainesville is a beautiful drive, going by the horse farms, through McIntosh, across Payne’s Prairie and into Gainesville.  It’s soothing to the soul.

After checking into the hotel, we went out to dinner and then over to The Oaks Mall.  Bootsie and Swamp Mama wanted to spend some money.  They are good at that – lots of practice, lots of experience.  I just wanted a grande, triple latte at Starbucks.  We all got what we wanted.  They spent money and I got my coffee.  And Rockledge Gator, he was singing, “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch.”

Saturday morning, we were up early.  The Missouri-Florida game had a 12-noon start.  We left the hotel at 8:00 to make sure we got the tailgating spot we wanted.  It was a good thing we didn’t leave any later – the spots were going fast.

We tailgated at the same location on the Florida campus that we had for the Kentucky-Florida game in late September.  It’s on the south side of Union Road, just off Newell Drive.  The area is full of moss-laden Live Oak trees, with a few Magnolia and East Palatka Holly trees sprinkled in for diversity.  The Grove at Ole Miss has nothing on us.

The morning was a bit misty and a little foggy.  Tailgating in the mist and the fog under the moss-laden oaks was funky – but cozy.  We had never experienced fog before in all the years of tailgating.  It wasn’t a thick fog.  Just enough of one to give you that mystical feeling.

We devoured little sandwiches, quiche, hard-boiled eggs, roasted pumpkin seeds and Bootsie’s own sweet-potato pound cake.  It was good.  We drank Mimosas and Bloody Marys.  I know….I went against my constitution.  I didn’t have any chili dogs, cold pizza and beer.  Nor any peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.  But we did have pickled okra.

After two hours, the sun broke through as the mist and fog faded away.  It was going to be another beautiful, sunny day.  We walked around, checking out some of the other tailgating spots near us.  Some of the people are real elaborate and creative – televisions, music, sound systems, huge grills, chimneas.  You name it, you see it.  And you smell it.  The aroma of grilled and smoked pork was intoxicating.  Everyone invites you to join them – have a drink.

Oh yes, we made it to the game.  Florida beat Missouri, 14-7.  There were lots of Mizzou fans at the game.  They seemed to be enjoying their time in Florida.  After the game, we drove back to the hotel, relaxed and watched some more football on TV.

At dinner Saturday evening, Rockledge Gator began singing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” again.  He said his mother used to sing that song to him.  Bootsie rolled her eyes.  But Swamp Mama was enamored.  She wondered if she could learn to play it on her guitar.  And so it began.

Driving home Sunday morning, Swamp Mama and Rockledge Gator searched for YouTube versions of “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” on their iPhones.  Unfortunately, they found some.  Bootsie and I were about ready to throw them out of the car.  Swamp Mama wanted to find the chords.  I knew I was going to hear it on the guitar when we got home.

Halloween was last Wednesday night, but it hung around a few more days for two of the six undefeated teams.  Saturday was downright frightful for Notre Dame and Alabama.  In South Bend, the Irish trailed Pitt, 20-6, as the fourth quarter began. 

Early in the fourth, Notre Dame scored a touchdown, but missed the extra point.  Pitt still led, 20-12.  No one scored for about 11 minutes.  Then, late in the fourth quarter, with just 2:11 remaining on the clock, Notre Dame scored a touchdown and pulled within two, 20-18.  The Irish went for a two-point conversion and were successful – 20-20.

Pitt failed to score in the final two minutes and the game went into overtime.  Both teams kicked a field goal in the first overtime – 23-23.  In the second overtime, it appeared Notre Dame would score a touchdown.  But the Irish fumbled near the goal line and Pitt recovered.  Pitt then took over and moved the ball to the 16 yard line.  On fourth down, the Panthers attempted a 33-yard field goal to win the game.  It was no good.

In the third overtime, Pitt had the ball first and kicked a field goal – 26-23.  Notre Dame got the ball and scored a touchdown.  The Irish pulled it out in three overtimes – 29-26.

But the excitement wasn’t over – not yet.  In Baton Rouge, LSU, after trailing Alabama through much of the game, scored early in the fourth quarter to take a 17-14 lead over the Tide.  For the next 11 minutes or so, the game was a stalemate.

Then in the waning minutes, with time winding down, Alabama found some life.  Quarterback A.J. McCarron drove the Tide down the field.  With 51 seconds on the clock, McCarron connected with T.J. Yeldon on a 28-yard touchdown pass.  Alabama was back up, 21-17.  The Tide held on for the victory.     
      
The other four undefeated teams had it a little easier, although USC did hang around Oregon long enough to make it interesting – for awhile.  The Ducks eventually beat the Trojans, 62-51.  Kansas State passed and ran its way over Oklahoma State, 44-30.  Louisville put down Temple, 45-17, and Ohio State demolished Illinois 52-22.  In the Kansas State game, Wildcat quarterback Collin Klein was injured.  The severity of his injury is unknown.  

It’s unusual to have six undefeated teams this late in the season.  Of course, Ohio State is on probation.  If the Buckeyes finish undefeated it would not impact the championship game.  They can’t participate.  And Louisville’s schedule (lack of strength) would keep the Cardinals out of contention, regardless of how they finish.

However, Alabama, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame are all very much in the picture.  All eyes will be on those four teams through December 1.  And if all four should suffer a loss or two, then five one-loss teams could enter the scene – Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Oregon State and Clemson.  It’s not over yet.  Stay tuned!

In some other games Saturday, Texas A&M put the hurt on Mississippi State, 38-13.  The Aggies are one of those teams that have gotten better each week.  A&M’s only losses were by three points to Florida and five points to LSU.  Florida is lucky it played the Aggies in early September.

Army blasted Air Force, 41-21, leaving the Falcons 0-2 against the service academies.  Air Force lost earlier in the season to Navy, 28-21 in overtime.  That means the winner of the Army-Navy game on December 8 will win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

Driving Alabama down the field in the closing minutes to score and beat LSU, 21-17, has definitely made A.J. McCarron a Heisman contender.  In fact, I’d say he is second in the field.  Collin Klein is still first.  I figure Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o is third.  But Oregon’s Kenjon Barner has to be in the mix too.  Saturday, Barner rushed for 321 yards against USC.  And what’s with Klein’s injury?  Stay tuned!

Kentucky lost to Vanderbilt, 40-0, on Saturday.  Sunday, Kentucky coach Joker Phillips was fired, effective at the end of the season.  The Wildcats are 1-9 this season – 0-7 in the SEC.  Phillips was in his third year coaching the Wildcats.  His overall record at Kentucky is 12-23.
 
Swamp Mama and I are off to Lower Alabama….I mean…..the Florida panhandle this weekend to celebrate Gator Babe’s 5th birthday.

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator are off to Auburn, Alabama, to attend the Georgia-Auburn football game.  It seems Rockledge Gator may have slipped up again and got tickets that are smack-dab in the Georgia section.  Bootsie said if any Dawg fans give her trouble, it’s going to be the night the lights went out in Georgia (in Auburn).
  
And Swamp Mama has already serenaded me on the guitar, singing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch.”  I may never forgive Rockledge Gator.

Touchdown Tom
November 5, 2012   
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


Week 10 Review

GAME OF THE WEEK:  Heisman drive – Alabama 21, LSU 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 24, LSU 14).  If he wasn’t a contender before, and he probably was, Alabama’s touchdown-winning drive near the end of the game made A.J. McCarron a legitimate Heisman contender.  With 0:51 on the clock, McCarron threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Yeldon to give the Tide the lead.  With the exception of two Bama turnovers, the game was about as evenly matched as you can get.  The Tide won the first half; the Tigers won the second half.  A crowd of 93,374 attended the game in Baton Rouge.

RUNNER UP:  Gangnam style – Oregon 62, USC 51 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon 40, USC 30).  How else can you describe this game?  Between Kenjon Barner’s 321 yards rushing and Matt Barkley’s 484 yards passing it was pretty wild.  The two teams combined for 1,345 yards of offense.  USC trailed the Ducks, 41-38, with two minutes to go in the third quarter.  Then Oregon scored 14 unanswered points and that pretty much sealed the outcome.  Three turnovers didn’t help the Trojans any.  A crowd of 93,607 attended the game in Los Angeles.

REST OF THE BEST:  A future Heisman winner? – Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 25, Mississippi State 19).  The Aggies led 31-0 early in the third quarter and then had mercy on the Bulldogs.  Johnny Manziel passed for 311 yards and rushed for another 129 yards.  A crowd of 55,240 attended the game in Starkville.

The Cats did the roping – Kansas State 44, Oklahoma State 30 (Touchdown Tom said: Kansas State 43, Oklahoma State 29).  Five turnovers killed any chances Okie State might have had in this game.  Collin Klein passed for 245 yards and rushed for 64.  He later left the game with an injury.  The Pokes trailed 24-17 late in the second quarter.  Then K-State scored 14 unanswered points.  A crowd of 50,781 attended the game in Manhattan.

Bevo steers a win – Texas 31, Texas Tech 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 42, Texas 23).  The game was evenly matched until the fourth quarter.  Up 24-22, Texas’ defense shutout the Red Raider offense in the final 15 minutes of the game.  The Horns added a touchdown as a clincher.  A crowd of 60,879 attended the game in Lubbock.

Beavs rebound – Oregon State 36, Arizona State 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Oregon State 32, Arizona State 30).  Trailing 19-10 early in the second quarter, the Beavers scored 36 unanswered points.  The Sun Devils never scored again until the final 22 seconds of the game.  A crowd of 45,979 attended the game in Corvallis.

Ole missed – Georgia 37, Ole Miss 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 20).  Ole Miss scored the first 10 points; Georgia scored the last 37 points.  The Dawg defense held the Rebel Bears to 46 yards rushing.  Aaron Murray passed for 384 yards.  A crowd of 92,746 attended the game in Athens.

Who put that Tiger in a Zou? – Florida 14, Missouri 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 30, Missouri 22).  Florida’s offense will drive you crazy.  But, fortunately, the Gators’ defense will make you happier than a witch in a broom factory.  The Florida defense is only giving up 12 points a game.  They’ve held several teams to their lowest offensive output so far this season, including, Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M.  Missouri suffered four turnovers – all interceptions.  A crowd of 90,496 attended the game in Gainesville.

Talk about luck – Notre Dame 29, Pitt 26 (3OT) (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 28, Pitt 11).  The Irish totally dominated Pitt, but three turnovers kept the Panthers in the game.  Pitt could have won the game in the second overtime had the Panthers not missed a 33-yard field goal.  Ray Graham had 172 yards rushing.  A crowd of 80,795 attended the game in South Bend.

Sooners roll – Oklahoma 35, Iowa State 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Oklahoma 31, Iowa State 27).  Landry Jones passed for 405 yards and Brennan Clay rushed for 157 yards as the Sooners dominated the Cyclones.  OU had 593 yards of offense to Iowa State’s 290.  A crowd of 56,585 attended the game in Ames.

The Dookies couldn’t grab the Tiger by the tail – Clemson 56, Duke 20 (Touchdown Tom said: Clemson 33, Duke 19).  The two teams combined for 1,060 yards of offense, but Clemson had 718 of those yards.  The Tigers won big in spite of four turnovers.  Tajh Boyd threw three interceptions.  The Dookies only had 85 yards rushing.  A crowd of 31,894 attended the game in Durham.

Sad – TCU 39, West Virginia 38 (2OT) (Touchdown Tom said: West Virginia 34, TCU 27).  The Mountaineers are in shambles – players and coaching staff.  WVU has gone from one of the best offenses in the country to one of the worst.  Geno Smith has gone from a Heisman contender to a Heisman pretender.  Smith has simply lost his confidence, or so it appears.  It’s apparent that WVU did nothing during the week off to fix its problems.  The offense continues to get worse, and the defense remains as bad as ever.  The WVU defense makes every opponent’s quarterback look like a Heisman Trophy winner.  A crowd of 52,322 attended the game in Morgantown.

The Bruins are for real – UCLA 66, Arizona 10 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Arizona 33).  UCLA had 611 yards of offense to 257 for Arizona.  The Bruins have scored 111 points in their last two games.  A crowd of 81,673 attended the game in Pasadena.

Aztecs saddle the Horses – San Diego State 21, Boise State 19 (Touchdown Tom said: Boise State 35, San Diego State 23).  The Aztecs won for the first time in history over a ranked team on the road.  The victory was also San Diego State’s fifth in a row.  The game was evenly matched.  The Aztecs won the game on defensive and special teams play.  A crowd of 36,084 attended the game in Boise.

Cobs wipe the Spartans – Nebraska 28, Michigan State 24 (Touchdown Tom said: Michigan State 19, Nebraska 16).  The game ended up being a rushing contest between Taylor Martinez and Le’Veon Bell.  Martinez won and so did the Huskers.  It was definitely a ground game.  Not much action through the air.  A crowd of 73,522 attended the game in East Lansing.

What a hoot for the Cardinals – Louisville 45, Temple 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 32, Temple 16).  A 17-17 game about halfway through the second quarter, Louisville scored 28 unanswered points.  The Owls suffered four turnovers.  Teddy Bridgewater passed for 324 yards.  A crowd of 44,609 attended the game in Louisville.

Has Danny Hope been fired yet? – Penn State 34, Purdue 9 (Touchdown Tom said: Penn State 31, Purdue 17).  The Nitts gave the Boilers 3 points and then proceeded to score 34 unanswered points.  Matt McGloin passed for 321 yards.  A crowd of 40,098 attended the game in West Lafayette.

Pork chops the Golden Hurricane – Arkansas 19, Tulsa 15 (Touchdown Tom said: Arkansas 33, Tulsa 27).  An evenly matched game, as Tulsa gave the Hogs more than they bargained for.  After trailing throughout most of the third quarter, Arkansas scored earlier in the fourth to take the lead and then held on to win.  A crowd of 64,451 attended the game in Fayetteville.

The Cajuns were ragin’ – Louisiana-Lafayette 40, Louisiana-Monroe 24 (Touchdown Tom said: ULM 42, ULL 21).  The Cajuns found a way to stop the Warhawks’ offense.  ULL could run and pass.  ULM could only pass.  A crowd of 20,203 attended the game in Monroe.

Sugar in the Canes – Miami (Florida) 30, Virginia Tech 12 (Touchdown Tom said: Miami 30, Virginia Tech 27).  The Hokies won the stats, the Canes won the game.  Throughout much of the contest, you got the feeling neither team wanted to win.  Tech suffered three turnovers.  Both quarterbacks – Logan Thomas and Stephen Morris – looked bad.  A crowd of 37,219 attended the game in Miami Gardens.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

Bees keep the Terps out of the hive – Georgia Tech 33, Maryland 13 (Touchdown Tom said: Maryland 24, Georgia Tech 23).  The Jackets ran all over the Turtles, rushing for 370 yards.  Tech led 27-0 before Maryland got its first score at the end of the third quarter.  A crowd of 33,471 attended the game in College Park.

Week 10 Picks:    15 Correct,     6 Wrong   (71.4 percent)
On the Season:    162 Correct,   65 Wrong   (71.4 percent)


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
 
UCF dumped SMU, 42-17.  A crowd of 36,036 attended the game in Orlando….  South Florida got by Connecticut, 13-6.  A crowd of 36,190 attended the game in Tampa….  Florida Atlantic lost to Navy, 24-17.  A crowd of 29,326 attended the game in Annapolis….  Florida International beat South Alabama, 28-20.  A crowd of 11,936 attended the game in Mobile. 

Florida A&M fell to North Carolina A&T, 16-3.  A crowd of 6,346 attended the game in Greensboro….  Bethune-Cookman downed Morgan State, 24-13.  A crowd of 2,187 attended the game in Baltimore….  Jacksonville U. was edged by Butler, 19-16.  A crowd of 2,567 attended the game in Indianapolis.


Superlatives

Impressive Passers: Tennessee’s Tyler Bray – 29-47-0-530; USC’s Matt Barkley – 35-54-2-484; Tulane’s Ryan Griffin – 28-49-2-476; Oklahoma’s Landry Jones – 32-45-2-405; Troy’s Corey Robinson – 30-46-0-393; Georgia’s Aaron Murray – 21-28-0-384, and Louisiana-Lafayette’s Terrance Broadway – 23-32-1-373.

Also, Baylor’s Nick Florence – 26-42-0-367; Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron – 30-39-0-348; Marshall’s Rakeem Cato – 34-44-0-341; Texas Tech’s Seth Doege – 26-44-0-329; Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin – 25-32-0-328; San Jose State’s David Fales – 27-39-1-328, and Colorado State’s Conner Smith – 13-23-1-326.

Also, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater – 19-28-0-324; Penn State’s Matt McGloin – 22-36-0-321; Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton – 20-27-2-316; North Texas’ Derek Thompson – 28-47-1-316; Indiana’s Cameron Coffman – 21-33-0-315; Texas-San Antonio’s Eric Soza – 23-41-0-314; Akron’s Dalton Williams – 30-41-0-312, and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel – 30-36-0-311.

Also, East Carolina’s Shane Carden – 31-43-1-305; Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – 20-23-0-304; Fresno State’s Derek Carr – 15-23-0-304; LSU’s Zach Mettenberger – 24-35-0-298; Wake Forest’s Tanner Price – 39-57-1-293; UNLV’s Nick Sherry – 17-27-2-289; UCLA’s Brett Hundley – 23-28-0-288; Connecticut’s Chandler Whitmer – 24-38-0-284, and Western Kentucky’s Kawaun Jakes 19-30-1-283.  


Impressive Rushers:  Oregon’s Kenjon Barner – 321 yards; UAB’s Darrin Reaves – 223 yards; Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez – 205 yards; Buffalo’s Branden Oliver – 199 yards; Washington’s Bishop Sankey – 189 yards; Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell – 188 yards; Pitt’s Ray Graham – 172 yards, and Cincinnati’s George Wynn – 165 yards.

Also, UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin – 162 yards; California’s C.J. Anderson – 160 yards; Navy’s Keenan Reynolds – 159 yards; Oklahoma’s Brennan Clay – 157 yards; Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch – 157 yards; Baylor’s Glasco Martin – 157 yards; UCF’s Latavius Murray – 155 yards, and Auburn’s Tre Mason – 152 yards. 


Quotes of the Week

“Steve Spurrier is right.  The Tide could roll NFL teams,” Orlando Sentinel blogger Jerry Greene.

“This is who we are.  It ain’t always pretty.  We need to continue to improve and become a more explosive offense,” Florida coach Will Muschamp, after the Missouri game.

“The Gators have the talent to win only eight games.  But they have the toughness and tenacity to win 10 or 11,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Aaron Murray is pretty darn good,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, after the Ole Miss-Georgia game.

“Unless Auburn fires Gene Chizik today and hires Bobby Petrino, Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher to replace him, the Doggies are almost certainly heading to Atlanta in December,” Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley, on Auburn’s chances of upsetting Georgia. 


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of Week 11…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK:  1. Texas A&M (7-2) at Alabama (9-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Texas A&M has to hope that Alabama spent itself mentally and physically in the win over LSU.  And that there is just nothing left to take on the Aggies.  Could be, but not likely.  More likely, as good as A&M seems to be getting, the Aggies may just be able to give the Tide a game, with or without any psychological and physical advantages.  Then again, they may not.  Regardless, it will be a real eye opener and test for the young Johnny Manziel.  Aggies can’t stop the Tide – Alabama 26, Texas A&M 15.   

RUNNER UP:  2. Oregon State (7-1) at Stanford (7-2) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: Fox, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Regardless of who wins, on paper, this has the makings of a barnburner.  At Corvallis, I see the Beavs winning, but at Palo Alto, I see the Trees winning – Stanford 33, Oregon State 27.

REST OF THE BEST:  3. Mississippi State (7-2) at LSU (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – It seems that Miss State was nothing but a fraud.  The Bulldogs started out 7-0, but they didn’t play anybody.  Miss State has lost its last two against real competition.  The Bulldogs are about to lose again – LSU 27, Mississippi State 12.

4. Kansas State (9-0) at TCU (6-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: Fox, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – Collin Klein and crew are determined to finish the season undefeated.  They just might do it.  But will Klein play this week?  The Frogs won’t stop them – Kansas State 33, TCU 17.

5. Penn State (6-3) at Nebraska (7-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Nittany Lions have been surprising a lot of people this season.  Back in early September, I remember ESPN’s Mark May saying Penn State would be lucky to win three games this season.  Of course May is a Pitt grad.  The Nitts could continue surprising this week in Lincoln.  The Huskers can’t afford to have a letdown after the win over Michigan State.  Herbie the Lion tamer – Nebraska 28, Penn State 20.

6. Northwestern (7-2) at Michigan (6-3) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: ESPN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Don’t be surprised if Northwestern has an early lead.  That’s not uncommon for the Wildcats.  But the Wolverines will wear them down – Michigan 32, Northwestern 21.

7. West Virginia (5-3) at Oklahoma State (5-3) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Whoever quarterbacks Okie State this week is in for a treat.  The Mounties will make him look like a Heisman Trophy winner.  We know the WVU defense won’t stop the Pokes.  We can only hope that the Eers find their offense.  The Pokes grow up to be Cowboys – Oklahoma State 39, West Virginia 30.

8. Louisville (9-0) at Syracuse (4-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Sometimes, the Orange have a habit of playing tougher in the Dome.  They may give the Cardinals a scare.  They may give them more than a scare.  Louisville better be prepared.  Cardinals feast on Orange seeds – Louisville 33, Syracuse 26.

9. Arizona State (5-4) at USC (6-3) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: P12N, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – Remember back in August and early September when some thought the Trojans would be playing for the national championship in January?  So much for that thought.  Against the Sun Devils, the Trojans will still be licking their Duck wounds.  This could be a wild one in the Coliseum.  Kiffin breathes a sigh of relief – USC 40, Arizona State 30.

10. Florida State (8-1) at Virginia Tech (4-5) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPN, 7:30 pm ET, Thursday) – Who, in their wildest imagination, thought the Hokies would be 4-5 at this point in the season.  The Hokies are definitely wounded, but they still can be dangerous.  The Noles better be on their toes.  Noles spear the Beamer – Florida State 27, Virginia Tech 19.

11. Fresno State (7-3) at Nevada (6-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – After several so-so years under Pat Hill, Fresno State has bounced back this season under first-year coach Tim DeRuyter.  The Bulldogs will have a tough one on their hands against Nevada in Reno.  Look for a high-scoring affair.  The Bulldogs score the most – Fresno State 37, Nevada 29.

12. Air Force (5-4) at San Diego State (7-3) – (MWC vs. MWC) (TV: NBCSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – The Aztecs made a name for themselves, beating Boise State on the Smurf Turf last week.  That makes them prime to be upset.  And the Falcons could do it.  But not likely – San Diego State 33, Air Force 20.

13. Louisiana-Monroe (6-3) at Arkansas State (6-3) – (Sun Belt vs. Sun Belt) (TV: ESPNU, 7 pm ET, Thursday) – At one point we thought Monroe was going to roll through the Sun Belt.  Lafayette spoiled that notion.  Arkansas State will spoil it some more – Arkansas State 42, Louisiana-Monroe 40.

14. Oregon (9-0) at California (3-7) – (Pac-12 vs. Pac-12) (TV: ESPN, 10:30 pm ET, Saturday) – It doesn’t look like anyone is going to stop the Ducks in the Pac-12.  Least of all the Golden Bears – Oregon 43, California 20.

15. Georgia (8-1) at Auburn (2-7) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: ESPN2, 7 pm ET, Saturday) – It’s all up to the Tigers.  Only Auburn can stop the Dawgs from going to Atlanta on December 1.  And the Tigers haven’t been doing much stopping lately.  Uga loves to chase Cats – Georgia 32, Auburn 17.

16. Arkansas (4-5) at South Carolina (7-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) (TV: CBS, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Three straight losses and Gamecock fans won’t be happy.  But unless Steve Spurrier implodes on the sidelines, the Cocks should get back in the winning column.  Chikin’s’ say, “Eat mor Pork” – South Carolina 30, Arkansas 19.

17. Maryland (4-5) at Clemson (8-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ESPNU, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – This week, the right guard may play quarterback for Maryland.  Why not?  Just about everybody else on the team has played quarterback for the Terps at one time or another this season.  Since the loss to Florida State, Clemson has been on a roll.  The roll continues – Clemson 34, Maryland 14.

18. Baylor (4-4) at Oklahoma (6-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: FSN, 3:30 pm ET, Saturday) – Baylor can score, but like West Virginia, the Bears can’t stop the other team from scoring.  Sounds like a perfect setup for the OU.  Sooners score at will – Oklahoma 41, Baylor 20.

19. Cincinnati (6-2) at Temple (3-5) – (Big East vs. Big East) (TV: BEN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Temple got off to a big start in the Big East, beating South Florida and Connecticut.  Then the Owls ran into Rutgers, Pitt and Louisville.  They are about to run into Cincinnati.  The Bearcats dine at Hooters – Cincinnati 32, Temple 19.

20. Georgia Tech (4-5) at North Carolina (6-3) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: ACCN, 12:30 pm ET, Saturday) – You never know from one week to another which Georgia Tech team will show up.  Well, it won’t matter this week.  Whichever team shows up, the Tar Heels shouldn’t have any problems.  Heels take the buzz out of the Bees – North Carolina 34, Georgia Tech 21.


AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: 

21. Wake Forest (5-4) at NC State (5-4) – (ACC vs. ACC) (TV: FSN, 3 pm ET, Saturday) – This is a must win for Wake Forest if the Deacs want to go bowling.  With Notre Dame and Vanderbilt on the horizon, it’s now or never for Wake.  The pressure is not quite as strong for the Wolfpack.  If they lose to Wake, they can always beat Boston College and get a bowl ticket.  The Deacs don’t go bowling this season – NC State 28, Wake Forest 23.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS: 

Louisiana-Lafayette (5-3) at Florida (8-1) – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) (TV: SECN, 12:20 pm ET, Saturday) – The much-maligned Florida offense shouldn’t have any problems scoring this week.  Lafayette has no defense.  However, the Ragin’ Cajuns can play some offense.  So they might give the Florida defense a problem or two.  But not more than two – Florida 37, ULL 19.

Iowa State (5-4) at Texas (7-2) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) (TV: LSN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – After the loss to Oklahoma, no one gave the Longhorns any hope for a decent season.  The “Mack must go” sentiment was on the rise.  It was all doom and gloom.  But the Horns have won three straight.  Make it four straight – Texas 27, Iowa State 18.

Purdue (3-6) at Iowa (4-5) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) (TV: BTN, 12 noon ET, Saturday) – Talk about two hopeless teams.  The Boilers and the Hawkeyes are pretty bad.  In the Big Ten, only Illinois is worse.  But not much worse.  Hawkeyes stink, but not as bad as the Boilers – Iowa 27, Purdue 26.
Duke (6-4) is off.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA: 

Miami (5-4) travels to Virginia (3-6) (TV: ABC, 12 noon ET, Saturday). ….  UCF (7-2) visits UTEP (2-7) (TV: Local Cable, 7 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Florida Atlantic (2-7) is away at Western Kentucky (6-3) (TV: SBN, 1 pm ET, Saturday).

Florida A&M (3-6) hosts North Carolina Central (6-3) (TV: None, 3 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Bethune-Cookman (7-2) is at Savannah State (1-8) (TV: None, 5 pm ET, Saturday). ….  Jacksonville U. (6-3) entertains Campbell (1-8) (TV: None, 12 noon ET, Saturday).
South Florida (3-6) and Florida International (2-8) are off.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich has been named the new athletic director at Clemson….  Ohio State and Boston College have announced a two-game, home-and-home series to be played in 2020 and 2021.  Ohio State also announced that San Diego State has been added to its 2013 schedule.  The game against the Aztecs will be played in Columbus.

Touchdown Tom
(www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com)


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but in early November as the college football season began its final stretch, the number one song in the country…

…70 years ago this week in 1942 was “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo” by Glenn Miller 

…65 years ago this week in 1947 was “Near You” by Francis Craig

…60 years ago this week in 1952 was “I Went to Your Wedding” by Patti Page

…55 years ago this week in 1957 was “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis

…50 years ago this week in 1962 was “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals

…45 years ago this week in 1967 was “To Sir with Love” by Lulu

…40 years ago this week in 1972 was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

…35 years ago this week in 1977 was “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone

…30 years ago this week in 1982 was “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

…25 years ago this week in 1987 was “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany

…20 years ago this week in 1992 was “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men


Not directly college football related, but on a sad comment there were two passings of note last week – Don Steinberg and Dave May.

Don Steinberg, who helped Ohio State win its first national championship in 1942, died last week.  He was 90.  Steinberg, who lettered from 1941-43 and again in 1945, played end in the Buckeyes’ single-wing attack.  

Dave May, the onetime All-Star for the Milwaukee Brewers who was traded to Atlanta in order to bring back Hank Aaron, died last week in Bear, Delaware.  He was 68.  May played outfield for five big league teams, beginning with the Baltimore Orioles in 1967.  In addition to the Brewers, Braves and Orioles, May also played for the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates.  David FaFrance May was born on December 23, 1943, in New Castle, Delaware.