Week 3

Week 3: The Week of the Upset

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1. Georgia Bulldogs @ South Carolina Gamecocks

Final Score: South Carolina 38 Georgia 35

The result of this game is very surprising considering the Gamecock defense's horrible showing against Texas A&M in Week 1 when they gave up over 450 yards.  The game was a definite shootout as the teams racked up a total of 37 points in the first half alone.  In the second half, every time South Carolina went up by 10 or more points, Georgia kept pace and scored a touchdown of their own. After a South Carolina punt, Georgia had an opportunity to take the lead late in the game.  However, they could not punch it into the endzone and had to settle for a chance to tie with a field goal.  With rain coming down, the Georgia kicker got ready to kick an easy 27 yard field goal, and MISSED it wide to the right!  South Carolina then proceeded to run the clock out to win the game.  Sucks to be that kicker.

2. Louisville Cardinals @ Virginia Cavaliers

Final Score: Virginia 23 Louisville 21

Virginia quarterback Grayson Lambert's 1 rushing touchdown and 1 passing touchdown had his team thinking upset.  The Cavaliers had the lead for most of the game, until midway through the fourth quarter when a roughing the passer penalty (thanks to a Virginia linebacker's dumb move) negated an interception and extended a Louisville drive that resulted in a touchdown. (Score: 21-20)  Then the Cavaliers had to punt on the next drive. The Cardinals' punt returner  was in a perfect position to make the catch, but dropped the ball and it was recovered by the Cavaliers.  However, the Virginia offense had to settle for a 42 yard field goal attempt after sputtering on the next three plays.  But it was well within kicker Ian Frye's range and he booted it through, with 3 minutes left on the clock  The Virginia defense held and the Cavaliers walked away with the victory: a great win for a program that had struggled mightily in recent years.  

Top 2 Most Exciting Games of the Week

1. Kentucky Wildcats @ Florida Gators

The one number that was being repeated many times prior to the game was 1979, which was the most recent year the Wildcats beat the Gators at the Swamp.  They made a run at ending that streak Saturday night under the lights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Jump to late in the fourth quarter, Kentucky is lining up for a 46 yard field goal.  Unfortunately, they get called for a false start and have to back up five yards.  But the Kentucky kicker has cold water in his veins and makes it anyway, evening the score at 20.  Florida has just enough time to drive down the field to attempt a game winning 52 yard field goal.  However, Gators kicker Austin Hardin is not as fearless as his counterpart across the field and he misses wide right.  Overtime here we come.

In college football each team gets a chance to score starting at their opponents 25 yard line. Consequently, overtime can last awhile, which is what happened in this game.  In the first overtime, Kentucky gets the ball first, and proceeds to score a touchdown, meaning Florida HAS to score a touchdown to keep the game going.  However, Florida soon finds themselves backed into a corner, having to convert a 4th and 9 to stay alive.  Thankfully, the Gators had an answer.  Quarterback Jeff Driskel fired a pass to reliable target Demarcus Robinson for a touchdown.  Overtime # 2 coming up.

In the second overtime both teams settled for field goals, bringing the score to 30 apiece.  Then the Gators' defense snaps their jaws shut, shutting down the Wildcats' offense thanks to great play by the defensive line and a superb play by defensive back Brian Poole in the endzone.  This time the Kentucky kicker is out of gas, and misses the 42 yarder.  Sensing a victory, the Gators step on the gas and work their way down to the 1 yard line.  On the next play, running back Matt Jones forces his way into the endzone and the Gators celebrate a hard fought victory.  Florida fans everywhere breathe a sigh of relief as their team avoids an embarrassing loss.

Final score: Florida 36 Kentucky 30 (3OT)

2.  West Virginia Mountaineers @ Maryland Terrapins (another name for a turtle)

Maryland had excellent uniforms but that couldn't help them during the first quarter and a half of play, as they found themselves bring beaten handily 28 to 6.  Then their offense and defense woke up, leading to 21 unanswered points from the middle of the second to early in the third quarter. (Score West Virginia 28-27)  Then the Mountaineers fired a volley, netting nine points on a safety and a touchdown, giving themselves a 10 point 37-27 lead.  However, the Terrapins would not give up, racking up 10 more unanswered points.  However, West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett and his offense weren't done, marching down the field to set up a game winning 47 yard field goal with only seconds left.  Kicker Josh Lambert knocks it through easily and the Mountaineers fired their muskets off in celebration.

Final Score: West Virginia 40 Maryland 37

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 4

1. No. 5 Auburn Tigers @ No. 20 Kansas State Wildcats: 9/18 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

 

Will the Tigers maul the Wildcats with their dangerous read-option offense or will Kansas State's dynamic quarterback-receiver duo of Jake Waters and Tyler Lockett light up the scoreboard?

2. North Carolina Tar Heels @ East Carolina Pirates: 9/20 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU

The Pirates return for a home game after their upset of 17th ranked Virginia Tech on the road.  Their program is on the rise and, with senior quarterback Shane Carden at the helm, they look to continue to successfully raid the ports of ACC teams against long time ACC program North Carolina.  On the other hand, North Carolina is coming off an exciting win against San Diego State two weeks ago. Can the Tar Heels go into hostile territory and return home victors?