Here are the important headlines in the aftermath of the 8th week of college football, brought to you in a new all-audio format.
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Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Headlines Week7 2018
Rainy Afternoon in Memphis Leads to Dramatic Turnaround
Riding the nation's longest winning streak of 18 games, the UCF Knights faced their toughest test of the year on a road trip to play the Memphis Tigers. After the Knights scored the game's 1st touchdown on a short run by running back Taj McGowan, UCF eventually fell behind by a score of 20-7 five minutes into the 2nd quarter. UCF's star quarterback McKenzie Milton cut the deficit in half with a 75 pass completion for a touchdown to wide receiver Gabe Davis, but Memphis responded with a drive that ended with a field goal. The Knights' offense then went cold, giving the Tigers the ball right back, an opportunity they used to complete a quick touchdown drive. UCF tallied a field goal before the half but still faced a sizable 30-17 deficit.
Things looked much the same until a light rain starting to fall in the 3rd quarter. The drizzle increased to a steady rainfall, which caused 3 consecutive turnovers by the teams. However, the Knights adjusted quicker to the changing conditions and on 4th and 1 play in the third quarter, the comeback began. Using a clever play in which they snapped the ball quickly after a lot of big lineman strode up to the line of scrimmage, a play that you can rely on to usually get you a yard or two, Taj McGowan instead broke completely through for an unexpected 71 yard TD run. The Knights would end up take the lead on a brave touchdown run by McKenzie and barely hang on for a one-point victory. The 31-30 triumph extends their winning streak to 19 games!
Another Exhilarating Week of Chaos
Like a jokester that comes around to poke you in the ribs, the sneaky character known as "Chaos in the Top 25" made another appearance. A total of 7 teams in the Top 25 were defeated Saturday, including 4 in the Top 10 alone. For sake of brevity I will focus on those.
The #2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs traveled to face the LSU Tigers in the hostile confines of a stadium known as "Death Valley" and lost by a large margin of 38-13, their tails. between their legs. #7 Washington was tripped up by the Oregon Ducks in a narrow loss in overtime 30-27. Back in the eastern part of the country, in Pennsylvania, Penn State hosted unranked Michigan State but had a poor offensive performance and fell 21-17.
But, the most meaningful upset to me was Iowa State's shocking victory over undefeated West Virginia 30-13. It was a momentous win, especially because Iowa State had a losing record prior to the game, and the fans had no qualms about rushing the field just after the final play.
It reminds me of a similar win by Iowa State 7 years ago. This time it was a Thursday night game in which they derailed Oklahoma State's well-defined track to the National Championship Game with a come-from-behind victory that finished up in overtime. The fans rushed the field then too, filling the night air with their voices singing along to "Sweet Caroline," the song they traditionally sing after important home victories. The cameras continued to roll, showing a little girl hoisted atop her father's shoulders singing along too. I stayed glued to the TV, soaking up all I could of the magical moments being shown. It's just something about the enthusiasm of the fans, the surprise of an upset, and the passion of the fans that is so wonderful to watch. This was definitely one of the moments that endeared college football to my heart.
Wolverines Win Big in "The Big House."
Michigan's gigantic stadium seats over 100,000 people, and the Michigan faithful were treated to some satisfying action.
I was dining at Scotty's Brewhouse, an excellent sports bar in Punta Gorda, watching this game. But distracted by conversation with some fellow football enthusiasts and the other games on the various TV's, the first quarter was over before I knew it. I thought, "That's traditional Big Ten football for you, offense predicated on running the ball and controlling the clock." At that point, the score was knotted at 0-0, but that soon changed when Michigan scored their first rushing touchdown of the game . Wisconsin's reply came in the form of a touchdown of their own by way of a 33 yard scoring run by wide receiver Kendric Pryor.
After that, however, it was all Michigan. The Wolverine defense, statistically the best in the nation, lived up to their billing, locking Wisconsin's offense down tight, giving Michigan plenty of time to start dominating with their running game. The Wolverines ended up with 320 yards rushing, with a rushing touchdown for each of their top three running backs. The Michigan defense scored as well with an interception return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter and the game was just about put to bed.
With this win, Michigan appears to the top challenger to Ohio State in the Big Ten East. However, their rivalry game will be played in Ohio State's famous "Horseshoe" Stadium, not "The Big House."
Riding the nation's longest winning streak of 18 games, the UCF Knights faced their toughest test of the year on a road trip to play the Memphis Tigers. After the Knights scored the game's 1st touchdown on a short run by running back Taj McGowan, UCF eventually fell behind by a score of 20-7 five minutes into the 2nd quarter. UCF's star quarterback McKenzie Milton cut the deficit in half with a 75 pass completion for a touchdown to wide receiver Gabe Davis, but Memphis responded with a drive that ended with a field goal. The Knights' offense then went cold, giving the Tigers the ball right back, an opportunity they used to complete a quick touchdown drive. UCF tallied a field goal before the half but still faced a sizable 30-17 deficit.
Things looked much the same until a light rain starting to fall in the 3rd quarter. The drizzle increased to a steady rainfall, which caused 3 consecutive turnovers by the teams. However, the Knights adjusted quicker to the changing conditions and on 4th and 1 play in the third quarter, the comeback began. Using a clever play in which they snapped the ball quickly after a lot of big lineman strode up to the line of scrimmage, a play that you can rely on to usually get you a yard or two, Taj McGowan instead broke completely through for an unexpected 71 yard TD run. The Knights would end up take the lead on a brave touchdown run by McKenzie and barely hang on for a one-point victory. The 31-30 triumph extends their winning streak to 19 games!
Another Exhilarating Week of Chaos
Like a jokester that comes around to poke you in the ribs, the sneaky character known as "Chaos in the Top 25" made another appearance. A total of 7 teams in the Top 25 were defeated Saturday, including 4 in the Top 10 alone. For sake of brevity I will focus on those.
The #2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs traveled to face the LSU Tigers in the hostile confines of a stadium known as "Death Valley" and lost by a large margin of 38-13, their tails. between their legs. #7 Washington was tripped up by the Oregon Ducks in a narrow loss in overtime 30-27. Back in the eastern part of the country, in Pennsylvania, Penn State hosted unranked Michigan State but had a poor offensive performance and fell 21-17.
But, the most meaningful upset to me was Iowa State's shocking victory over undefeated West Virginia 30-13. It was a momentous win, especially because Iowa State had a losing record prior to the game, and the fans had no qualms about rushing the field just after the final play.
It reminds me of a similar win by Iowa State 7 years ago. This time it was a Thursday night game in which they derailed Oklahoma State's well-defined track to the National Championship Game with a come-from-behind victory that finished up in overtime. The fans rushed the field then too, filling the night air with their voices singing along to "Sweet Caroline," the song they traditionally sing after important home victories. The cameras continued to roll, showing a little girl hoisted atop her father's shoulders singing along too. I stayed glued to the TV, soaking up all I could of the magical moments being shown. It's just something about the enthusiasm of the fans, the surprise of an upset, and the passion of the fans that is so wonderful to watch. This was definitely one of the moments that endeared college football to my heart.
Wolverines Win Big in "The Big House."
Michigan's gigantic stadium seats over 100,000 people, and the Michigan faithful were treated to some satisfying action.
I was dining at Scotty's Brewhouse, an excellent sports bar in Punta Gorda, watching this game. But distracted by conversation with some fellow football enthusiasts and the other games on the various TV's, the first quarter was over before I knew it. I thought, "That's traditional Big Ten football for you, offense predicated on running the ball and controlling the clock." At that point, the score was knotted at 0-0, but that soon changed when Michigan scored their first rushing touchdown of the game . Wisconsin's reply came in the form of a touchdown of their own by way of a 33 yard scoring run by wide receiver Kendric Pryor.
After that, however, it was all Michigan. The Wolverine defense, statistically the best in the nation, lived up to their billing, locking Wisconsin's offense down tight, giving Michigan plenty of time to start dominating with their running game. The Wolverines ended up with 320 yards rushing, with a rushing touchdown for each of their top three running backs. The Michigan defense scored as well with an interception return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter and the game was just about put to bed.
With this win, Michigan appears to the top challenger to Ohio State in the Big Ten East. However, their rivalry game will be played in Ohio State's famous "Horseshoe" Stadium, not "The Big House."
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Headlines Week 6 2018
Red River Shootout
The annual showdown between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns is called the Red River Rivalry, taking its name from the Red River which forms much of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. The venue is the original Cotton Bowl Stadium, one half filled with fans clad in burnt orange (Texas) the other half in maroon (Oklahoma). What's makes this a truly unique event is the fact that the Texas State Fair, complete with ferris wheels, rides, and carnival games is going on right outside.
Unlike in recent years, Texas controlled the game almost from the beginning, the offensive line gave quarterback Sam Ehlinger plenty of time and space to use his cannon for an arm and his physical running style to run roughshod over the Oklahoma defense. Ehlinger passed for a touchdown and ran for another as the Longhorns scored 24 1st half points, the most points they scored in the first half against Oklahoma since they won the national championship in 2005.
The Texas stampede continued in the 3rd quarter. Ehlinger threw another touchdown pass and also ran for two more, proving Texas could impose their will at the line of scrimmage. Oklahoma, however, rallied back in the 4th quarter, erasing a 21-point deficit. A 67 yard touchdown run by speedy quarterback Kyler Murray certainly helped. But Texas got the last laugh, putting together an effective drive, the most important play of which, you guessed it, a designed quarterback run for Ehlinger. The kicker, Cameron Dicker (pause to consider the rhyme) came on and booted a majestic 40 yard field goal to provide jubilation to Texas players and fans alike. A season defining program win had been achieved by the Longhorns, which I can assure you has been a long time in coming.
Notre Dame's Continued Rise
The Fighting Irish hadn't won a road game against a ranked team in 4 years and they faced just such a test as they traveled to face 24th ranked Virginia Tech. After a half of play, the Irish held a razor thin 14-13 lead. Then, great punt by Virginia Tech, after their first drive, pinned Notre Dame down at their own 5 yard line. Running back Dexter Williams lost a couple yards on first down, but the blocking of his teammates improved drastically on 2nd down, opening up a big gap in the defense that allowed him to race 97 yards for a game-changing touchdown.
The rest of the 2nd saw the Irish flex their offensive muscles. Forgive the pun but ever since the coaching staff decided to turn the page on original starter Brandon Wimbush for new QB Ian Book, the offense has been energized. He tossed two touchdowns in the 2nd half, both to receiver Myles Boykin. Dexter Williams added another 31 yard touchdown scamper late in the 4th and Fighting Irish rolled out of Blacksburg, Virginia with a win that cements their place as a top 5 playoff team.
Gator-Tiger Battle in the Swamp Leads to Surprising Result
The LSU Tigers, ranked in the top five for the first time in years, came into the Gators' stadium in Gainesville, called the Swamp, ready to play the an upstart Florida team, fresh off a 13-6 upset of ranked Mississippi State. Florida's defense was the reason they won that game and Tim Tebow spoke to the team before this game to encourage the defense to continue playing well and perhaps inspire the offense to perform better.
The offense, led by improving sophomore feleipe Franks, answered the call the second quarter. The Tigers led 7-0 but we're pinned deep in their own territory by a good Florida punt. The Gators defense forced a three and out, necessitating a punt by the Tigers that gave Florida great field position. 7 productive running plays, followed by a Franks touchdown pass to tight end Moral Stephen's tied the game at 7. LSU tallied a field goal with three minutes left in the half but the Gators responded with a seven play 75-yard TD drive to take a 14-10 lead heading into the half.
The only points scored in the third quarter was a field goal by the Tigers. Florida's offense went silent, and a LSU scored a touchdown early in the 4th quarter but failed on the two-point conversion, giving them a 19 to 14 lead.
The Gators immediately responded with a nine-play drive that showcased just how much Franks has improved as a quarterback since last year. He fired a big 25 yard completion to wide receiver Van Jefferson and ran for 12 yards on a third down later in the drive. The next play was a trick play in which Frank's handed the ball off to tight end Lucas Krull and received a pass back from him, advancing the Gators down to the 2 yard line. Running back Lamical Perine busted into the endzone to give Florida the lead.
The sharp-toothed Gators defense came up big during LSU's last three drives intercepting two passes, returning one for an interception that was the deciding play of the game. The packed house of 90,000 Florida fans were soon celebrating a season-changing win that propels them into the top echelons of the SEC East.
The annual showdown between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns is called the Red River Rivalry, taking its name from the Red River which forms much of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. The venue is the original Cotton Bowl Stadium, one half filled with fans clad in burnt orange (Texas) the other half in maroon (Oklahoma). What's makes this a truly unique event is the fact that the Texas State Fair, complete with ferris wheels, rides, and carnival games is going on right outside.
Unlike in recent years, Texas controlled the game almost from the beginning, the offensive line gave quarterback Sam Ehlinger plenty of time and space to use his cannon for an arm and his physical running style to run roughshod over the Oklahoma defense. Ehlinger passed for a touchdown and ran for another as the Longhorns scored 24 1st half points, the most points they scored in the first half against Oklahoma since they won the national championship in 2005.
The Texas stampede continued in the 3rd quarter. Ehlinger threw another touchdown pass and also ran for two more, proving Texas could impose their will at the line of scrimmage. Oklahoma, however, rallied back in the 4th quarter, erasing a 21-point deficit. A 67 yard touchdown run by speedy quarterback Kyler Murray certainly helped. But Texas got the last laugh, putting together an effective drive, the most important play of which, you guessed it, a designed quarterback run for Ehlinger. The kicker, Cameron Dicker (pause to consider the rhyme) came on and booted a majestic 40 yard field goal to provide jubilation to Texas players and fans alike. A season defining program win had been achieved by the Longhorns, which I can assure you has been a long time in coming.
Notre Dame's Continued Rise
The Fighting Irish hadn't won a road game against a ranked team in 4 years and they faced just such a test as they traveled to face 24th ranked Virginia Tech. After a half of play, the Irish held a razor thin 14-13 lead. Then, great punt by Virginia Tech, after their first drive, pinned Notre Dame down at their own 5 yard line. Running back Dexter Williams lost a couple yards on first down, but the blocking of his teammates improved drastically on 2nd down, opening up a big gap in the defense that allowed him to race 97 yards for a game-changing touchdown.
The rest of the 2nd saw the Irish flex their offensive muscles. Forgive the pun but ever since the coaching staff decided to turn the page on original starter Brandon Wimbush for new QB Ian Book, the offense has been energized. He tossed two touchdowns in the 2nd half, both to receiver Myles Boykin. Dexter Williams added another 31 yard touchdown scamper late in the 4th and Fighting Irish rolled out of Blacksburg, Virginia with a win that cements their place as a top 5 playoff team.
Gator-Tiger Battle in the Swamp Leads to Surprising Result
The LSU Tigers, ranked in the top five for the first time in years, came into the Gators' stadium in Gainesville, called the Swamp, ready to play the an upstart Florida team, fresh off a 13-6 upset of ranked Mississippi State. Florida's defense was the reason they won that game and Tim Tebow spoke to the team before this game to encourage the defense to continue playing well and perhaps inspire the offense to perform better.
The offense, led by improving sophomore feleipe Franks, answered the call the second quarter. The Tigers led 7-0 but we're pinned deep in their own territory by a good Florida punt. The Gators defense forced a three and out, necessitating a punt by the Tigers that gave Florida great field position. 7 productive running plays, followed by a Franks touchdown pass to tight end Moral Stephen's tied the game at 7. LSU tallied a field goal with three minutes left in the half but the Gators responded with a seven play 75-yard TD drive to take a 14-10 lead heading into the half.
The only points scored in the third quarter was a field goal by the Tigers. Florida's offense went silent, and a LSU scored a touchdown early in the 4th quarter but failed on the two-point conversion, giving them a 19 to 14 lead.
The Gators immediately responded with a nine-play drive that showcased just how much Franks has improved as a quarterback since last year. He fired a big 25 yard completion to wide receiver Van Jefferson and ran for 12 yards on a third down later in the drive. The next play was a trick play in which Frank's handed the ball off to tight end Lucas Krull and received a pass back from him, advancing the Gators down to the 2 yard line. Running back Lamical Perine busted into the endzone to give Florida the lead.
The sharp-toothed Gators defense came up big during LSU's last three drives intercepting two passes, returning one for an interception that was the deciding play of the game. The packed house of 90,000 Florida fans were soon celebrating a season-changing win that propels them into the top echelons of the SEC East.
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