Week 8 2015

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1.  #22 Temple Owls @ East Carolina Pirates

As is the case for many East Carolina home games, there was a "blackout" in effect.  (A blackout is when all the fans are instructed to wear black shirts to the game).  The cheers of the East Carolina faithful willed their team to a slim 14-10 lead that lasted from just before halftime until deep into the 4th quarter.  After being held scoreless for nearly 2 full quarters, the Temple offense finally hit its stride, putting together a 7 play 71 yard drive that reached the endzone on a TD pass from quarterback P.J. Walker.  The Pirates got a chance to respond with 3 minutes remaining, but couldn't manage a single 1st down.  The ensuing punt was blocked by the Owls and recovered deep in Pirates territory.  2 plays later, the Owls put the game away on a TD run by J. Thomas.

Final Score: Temple 24 East Carolina 14

This win keeps Temple undefeated and makes their home game against Memphis in late November into a contest that might determine which team gets invited to a New Year's bowl game.

2.  #6 Clemson Tigers @ Miami Hurricanes

Anyone who watched this game knows it was basically over after Clemson scored a touchdown with a trick play on their first drive.  Clemson is a great team, but the effort of the Miami players was lackluster to put it nicely.  Any chance the Hurricanes had of winning was gone before halftime as were most of their fans.  

Final Score: Clemson 58 Miami zilch

Most Exciting Game of the Week

Auburn Tigers @ Arkansas Razorbacks

To describe this game as a marathon would be an understatement.  SEC Conference games are usually hard-fought, but this one surpassed them all.

Let's pick things up early in the 4th quarter.  Don't worry, there's still plenty to cover.  Arkansas has just scored a field goal to take a 24-21 lead, leaving only a minute on the clock for Auburn to work with.  The Tigers use their time wisely, marching down to the Razorbacks' 24 yard line in less than a minute.  Kicker Daniel Carlson nails the 41 yard field goal and sends the game to overtime.

In overtime, each team gets one possession starting at their opponents' 25 yard line.  Auburn gets the ball first and quickly scores a touchdown within 3 plays.  The pressure is now on Arkansas to even the score or lose in front of the home crowd.  The Razorbacks charge down to the 6 yard line after 5 plays.  But a 3rd down incompletion brings up a last chance 4th and 3.  Quarterback Brandon Allen fires a pass to a well covered receiver who catches it firmly for the touchdown.  The game is going to a 2nd overtime.

In the each overtime, the order of possession switches by rule so Arkansas gets the first opportunity to score.  This time, the Razorbacks tally a touchdown after 3 plays on a short scamper by running back Kody Walker (see below).  The Tigers respond with a 6 play TD drive of their own that sends the game into triple overtime.

When the game enters a third overtime, teams have to go for 2 if they score a touchdown (this helps to make a 4th overtime less likely).  The Tigers use their running game exclusively during their possession, adding another 7 points on a TD run by running back Peyton Barber.  On the two point conversion attempt, wide receiver Melvin Ray catches a pass in the corner of the endzone from quarterback Sean White, creating a 46-38 Auburn lead.

Razorback fans shift nervously in their seats, hoping their team can somehow force a 4th overtime.  Six plays later, the Razorbacks face another last chance opportunity, this time 4th and 2 from the 4 yard line.  Instead of running straight up the middle, which is what most teams would do on 4th and short, Brandon Allen pitches the ball to Kody Walker who sprints untouched into the endzone.  On the ensuing 2 point conversion, Arkansas turns to the passing game.  Allen rolls out to the right and hopes a receiver will get open.  At last, he finds one and fires a pass into the waiting hands of tight end Jeremy Sprinkle.  The Arkansas fans jump up and down in delight, while the members of the Auburn offense heave a tired sigh, knowing their team will need them again.

The Auburn offense has to come back on the field sooner than they think, after watching Brandon Allen complete a 25 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Morgan on the 1st play of the drive. A successful 2 point conversion pass to Kody Walker extends the lead even further.  Now it's the Tigers turn.  Peyton Barber is held to a single yard on his 1st down carry.  On 2nd down, Sean White lofts a deep pass to star receiver Ricardo Louis who has an opportunity to catch the ball in the endzone.  Unfortunately for the Tigers, Louis fails to catch the ball.

After an incomplete pass on 3rd down, Auburn has one last chance to keep the game going.  White's 4th down pass to Louis is broken up by Arkansas defensive back Josh Liddell.  The Arkansas bench clears as the players use whatever energy they have left to celebrate a wild SEC victory.

Final Score: Arkansas 54 Auburn 46 (4OT) 

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 9

1.  West Virginia Mountaineers @ #5 TCU Horned Frogs: 10/29 at 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1 (available on most TV packages)

The Horned Frogs need to keep winning to stay hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff.  They should be able to do it if their offense fires on all cylinders inside the friendly confines of Amon G. Carter Stadium on Thursday night.  The only thing standing in their way is a West Virginia team that is good at scoring points, but not so good at playing defense.

My pick: TCU all the way

2.  #11 Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs: 10/31 at 3:30 p.m. on CBS 

This is a pivotal contest in the SEC that will likely determine which team will win the East Division and earn a trip to the SEC Championship Game.  Can the Gators simply use their ground game to run roughshod over Georgia just as they did last year or will they have to rely on quarterback Treon Harris to connect on short passes (which he is quite capable of doing)?  Georgia's offense will have to find a way to get out of their slump they are in if they are to have a chance in this game.

My pick: Florida

Extra Point

#9 Florida State Seminoles @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

To determine which play decided this game is easy.  6 seconds to go in the game the score is tied at 16 and Florida State is lining up for a long 56 yard field goal.  Seminoles kicker Roberto Aguayo is one of the most reliable kicker in college football and is quite capable of hitting long field goals.  But even Aguayo is bound by the laws of physics and has to make the trajectory on his kick lower so he can kick it far enough.  Georgia Tech defensive lineman Patrick Gamble sticks his hand up at the just the right moment and blocks the kick.  The ball bounces to the Georgia Tech 22 yard line, where defensive back Lance Austin picks it up.  Ignoring Head Coach Paul Johnson's instructions to do the safe thing and fall on it, conceding overtime, Austin instead begins running toward the Florida State endzone.  He picks up some blockers, dodges and weaves around potential tacklers, and crosses the goal line with no time left (sound familiar).  

The Georgia Tech fans go crazy and quickly storm the field.  

The finish was so spectacular you should watch it yourself.  http://espn.go.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400756962# .  

The mascot sure had a good time.

Final Score:  Georgia Tech 22 Florida State 16

Two-Point Conversion 

(An additional bonus section)

I cannot forget to mention the other quadruple overtime game between Duke and Virginia Tech.  Yes, 2 games in the same week went to 4 overtimes!  In this case, the away team, Duke, won on a gutsy 2 point conversion run by quarterback Thomas Sirk. 

Final Score: Duke 45 Virginia Tech 43 (4OT) 

Week 7 2015

Results of Last Week's Game to Watch

#17 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #20 Northwestern Wildcats 

From the first snap it was clear who the better team was.  The Iowa Hawkeyes used their strong offensive line and stable of running backs to impose their will on the Northwestern Wildcats.  The Hawkeyes had only a slim 16-10 lead at the half, but turned the game into a rout in the 2nd half. Iowa running back Akrum Wadley, filling in for Jordan Canzeri who was injured in the 1st quarter, finished with 204 yards and 4 touchdowns.  

Final Score: Iowa 40 Northwestern 10

With this dominating win, Iowa remains undefeated and has become the favorite to win the Big Ten West Division.  Barring 2 unforeseen losses, they look to be headed to the Big Ten Championship Game to face the winner of the East Division

Most Exciting Game of the Week

#7 Michigan State Spartans @ #12 Michigan Wolverines

Much was on the line for both teams in this highly anticipated rivalry game.  A potential spot in the Big Ten Championships was up for grabs.  Who would emerge out of the Big House (Michigan's stadium) as champions?

Midway through the 2nd quarter, Michigan State evened the score at 7 after a touchdown run by running back L.J. Scott.  A minute and a half later, the Wolverines tallied the final points of the 1st half with a field goal that gave them a 10-7 lead.

After two unsuccessful drives to begin the 2nd half, the Wolverines turned excellent field into 7 points on a short TD run by fullback Sione Huoma.  The Spartans were down by 10 and quarterback Connor Cook and the rest of the offense knew they had to score on their next drive to get back in the game.  Cook and his receivers went to work, completing 2 medium range passes before connecting for a 30 yard TD catch.

Fast forward to just over 9 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter.  Michigan had scored 6 straight points on a pair of field goals and now holds a two possession 23-14 lead.  Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio knows time is of the essence and calls a trick play of sorts.  Cook faked a handoff to a receiver running a reverse and instead throws the ball to fullback Trevon Pendleton who raced down the field untouched until he is finally tackled at the 1 yard line.  On the next play, L.J. Scott forced his way into the endzone to shrink his team's deficit to 2.

The Spartans' defense then forced the Wolverines' offense into a 3 and out, giving Cook and Scott a chance to take the lead.  Unfortunately, the Spartans were forced to punt after just 4 plays.  Undeterred, the Michigan State defense once again forced a 3 and out, giving their offense another chance to win the game.  This time, Cook and the offense manage to reach the Michigan 36 yard line before a sack brings up 4th and long.  On 4th down, Cook avoids a sack and launches a pass to a receiver in double coverage.  The ball is deflected by one of the defenders and falls to the turf.

1:47 remains on the clock and Michigan State only has 1 timeout.  According to those numbers, Michigan just had to run 4 plays or get a 1st down to run out the clock.  The Spartans' defense stops them from getting a 1st down on 3 straight plays, meaning the Wolverines have to punt on the final play of the game.

The result of the game seemed inevitable.  Some Michigan State fans were leaving the stadium, while news anchors prepared to give their comments on the game.  Then, something astounding happened.  The ball is snapped to the punter, but he mishandled it.

Then he tried to punt it anyway, but he's tackled and the ball flies into the air.  Special team specialist Jalen Watts-Jackson was in just the right position to catch the ball.  He grabbed it cleanly and began sprinting toward the endzone.  He took advantage of blocking by his teammate, Jermaine Edmondson, and is tackled into the endzone as time expires.

The Michigan fans stood in stunned silence.  The Spartans ran onto the field and raucously celebrated a miracle win.  

My thoughts after the play went something like this:  "Did that just... How did.... Oh my goodness."  That play will go down as one of the most improbable finishes in college football history.   

Final Score: Michigan State 27 Michigan 23

It is important to note that Jalen Watts-Jackson suffered a dislocated hip when he was tackled into the endzone and had to be carted off the field after the dust settled.  He was taken to an area hospital and the surgery to repair his hip was successful.  No injury can deny the fact that Jalen was the hero of the game and is certainly being viewed as such by his teammates and all Michigan State fans.

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 8

1. #22 Temple Owls @ East Carolina Pirates:  10/22 at 7 p.m. on ESPN 2

I'm shifting my usual focus off off well-known teams to bring you an intriguing Thursday night matchup of two great teams from the American Conference.  Temple is 6-0, having notched a big upset victory over Penn State in Week 1.  If they finish the regular season at a perfect 12-0, they would most likely earn a spot in a New Years' Bowl Game (such as the Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, or Peach Bowls) which would be a huge accomplishment for the program.  This week they go on the road to face a wily East Carolina team that has become quite adept at pulling upsets.

My pick: Temple

2. #6 Clemson Tigers @ Miami Hurricanes:  10/24 at Noon on ABC

Will the Tigers notch another win that get them one step closer to a possible spot in the College Football Playoffs?  Or will Miami pull a big upset that is desperately needed to reignite their hopes of reaching the ACC Championship Game?

My pick: Clemson

Week 6 2015

Result of Last Week's Game to Watch

1.  #23 California Golden Bears @ #5 Utah Utes 

By and large, Utah was in control through most of this game.  The only time Cal had the lead was late in the 1st quarter when quarterback Jared Goff completed a 35 yard TD pass.  The rest of Goff's night was little short of a disaster as the stingy Utah defense intercepted 5 of his passes.  Some of the interceptions weren't bad passes, but the Utah secondary was playing at the top of their game and came up big Saturday night.  Even after all those turnovers, Utah couldn't manage to deliver a knockout blow to Cal.  Fortunately for the Utes, their exceptional running back Devontae Booker delivered a spectacular 222 yard, 2 TD performance that gave his defense enough cushion to be able stifle a comeback attempt with under a minute left.

Final Score: Utah 30 California 24 

With this win, Utah controls its own destiny to win the PAC 12 Conference and get into the playoffs.

Most Exciting Game of the Week

#2 TCU Horned Frogs @ Kansas State Wildcats

(I was right to pick this one as a "Game to Watch")

If you remember from the Week 4 post, TCU survived a trip to Texas Tech thanks to a tipped pass that was caught in the endzone with only 20 seconds left.  This game would be just as exciting.

Due to 3 unanswered touchdowns by the Wildcats late in the 2nd quarter, the Horned Frogs found themselves trailing by 18 points.  TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson must have said something motivating because the Horned Frogs came out for the 2nd half ready to mount a comeback.  

Kansas State got the ball first to begin the 3rd quarter, but that ended up being very good for TCU.  On the 4th play of the drive, Horned Frogs defensive back Derrick Kindred intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown.  On the ensuing Kansas State drive, TCU forced a punt and gave the ball to their explosive offense.  9 plays later, the Horned narrowed the deficit to 35-31 on a short TD run by running back Aaron Green.  Following 4 uneventful possessions, Kansas State got the ball and began a 10 play drive that resulted in a touchdown.  TCU now trailed 31-42, but there was still plenty of time left.  The Horned Frogs responded quickly with a drive one play longer that ended when outstanding quarterback Trevone Boykin reached around the pylon for a touchdown!

TCU went for 2 but failed, leaving the score 42-37.  The Horned Frogs' defense forced another punt and Boykin soon had the ball in his hands again.  On an option play, Boykin found a gaping hole in the defense and sprinted 69 yards for another TD!  The Horned Frogs went for 2 again, but this time they made it, giving themselves a 3 point lead.  

The Wildcats had given up a huge lead but they were not content to fade quietly into that dark night.  They mounted an 8 play drive that ended in a field goal with a minute and a half left.  The score was now tied and the game looked to be headed for overtime.  But could the Horned Frogs score fast enough to avoid the pressure of overtime?  The answer was a definitive "Yes!"  On the 2nd play of the drive, Boykin lofted a long pass to his best receiver Josh Doctson who was wide open.  Doctson caught it easily and sauntered nonchalantly into the endzone.  Minutes later, the TCU players were celebrating another razor-thin victory.  

Final Score: TCU 52 Kansas State 45

Who needs a good defense when your awesomely spectacular offense can outscore any opponent you face, right?  Through 6 games, Boykin has thrown for over 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns, Doctson has caught 50 passes for 10 touchdowns, and Green has run for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns.  What more do you need?

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 7

1. #7 Michigan State Spartans @ #12 Michigan Wolverines:  10/17 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN

The storied Michigan program has decreased in prominence in recent years, a trend that has completely turned around this year.  Jim Harbaugh, whom NFL fans will recognize as the former coach of the 49ers, has taken over as the Head Coach.  Harbaugh's notoriety as a successful NFL coach and the fact that he played quarterback at Michigan in the 80's has helped to create sky-high expectations for the Wolverines.  Amazingly, Harbaugh's Wolverines have met those expectations, clawing their way to a 5-1 record.  Their lone loss was to the vaunted Utah Utes and they have shut out 3 opponents in a row!  Even though Michigan State is a Top 10 team, the Spartans struggled to defeat an underwhelming Rutgers team last week.  The final fact that makes my pick for this game easy is the game will be played in Ann Arbor, where over 100,000 Michigan fans will be cheering on their Wolverines.

My pick: Michigan

#17 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #20 Northwestern Wildcats:  10/17 at Noon on ABC/ESPN2

Will the Wildcats bounce back from their 38-0 drubbing at the hands of Michigan with a big win at home or will the Hawkeyes remain unbeaten after a solid performance on the road?

My pick: Iowa

Week 5 2015

Result of Last Week's Game to Watch

1.  #13 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #8 Georgia Bulldogs

This game was tied at 3 early in the 2nd quarter, but it would not be for long.  The offense, defense, and special teams of Georgia started to be dominated by Alabama.  The Bulldogs' sluggish offense, brittle defense, and inability to protect a punt from being blocked and returned for a touchdown quickly turned this game into a blowout.   

Final Score: Alabama 38 Georgia 10

It seems that Alabama is still hanging around the playoff discussion, but they still have some tough upcoming games against LSU and Texas A&M.  Hope springs eternal!

Most Exciting Game of the Week

#6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ #12 Clemson Tigers 

(This game had to be included in this category)

Many considered this prime-time contest to be a must-win for either team to keep their playoff hopes alive.  Rain was coming down during most, if not all, of the game, and the wet conditions only added to the drama.

During the first three quarters, however, it appeared that the game wasn't living up to the hype.  The Clemson's defense was dominant, forcing 4 punts and a fumble and only allowing only 3 points. The Tigers' offense was playing arguably their best game yet, as quarterback Deshaun Watson had thrown for 2 touchdowns and run for another.

But after Watson's rushing TD in the 3rd quarter, Clemson's offense started to run out of steam.  Then, early in the 4th quarter, Notre Dame's offense finally got moving.  Quarterback Deshone Kizer lofted a pass to talented running back C.J. Prosise who evaded two defenders and raced into the endzone for a 56 yard TD.  Notre Dame tried for a 2 point conversion to get within 10, but a pass from Kizer slipped through a wide receiver's hands (understandable because of the wet conditions) and the score remained 21-9.  In response, the Tigers used their running game to put together a 6 play 50 yard drive that resulted in a field goal.

But Kizer and the Irish were no where close to giving up.  After returning the kickoff out to their own 36 yard line, it took Notre Dame only 4 plays to close the gap with a TD run by Kizer.  Following three uneventful possessions, the Irish got the ball with 4 1/2 minutes left.  4 plays later, Notre Dame had the ball at the Clemson 12 yard line, only down by 8 points.  Receiver Chris Brown caught a pass from Kizer and looked like he might be able to bulldoze his way into the endzone.  However, a Clemson safety reached his hand out just right and knocked the wet ball out of Brown's hands, and the Tigers recovered it!  The fans wearing orange jumped up and down with happiness.  All their team had to do was get a 1st down so they could run out the clock.  Unbelievably, the Tigers only managed 6 yards in 3 plays and had to punt.

Notre Dame had one last chance with a minute remaining.  6 plays later, the Irish were at the 1 yard line and knocking on the door.  With 15 seconds left, Kizer lofted a pass over the head of a Clemson cornerback and into the waiting arms of receiver Torii Hunter Jr. for the touchdown.  Kizer and offense didn't relax a bit for they still had to convert a 2 point conversion to tie the game and force overtime.  Watson and the rest of the Tigers' offense watched the next play closely to see if they would have to stay out in the rain any longer.  Kizer caught the snap and ran to the right.  The endzone looked so close.  Then two Clemson defenders pushed an offensive lineman into Kizer and tackled him a yard short of the goal line.  The defense ran to the sideline jumping with exhilaration.  Head Coach Dabo Swinney fell in his knees in relief.  Soon, Clemson fans stormed the field in spite of the rain and celebrated a great win.

Final Score: Clemson 24 Notre Dame 22

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 6

#23 California Golden Bears @ #5 Utah Utes:  Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. on ESPN  

(Set your DVR's for this one)

This contest between two undefeated teams battling for supremacy in the PAC 12 Conference has attracted the attention of the producers of College Gameday, who have chosen it as the site for this week's show.  The Utes have skyrocketed to #5 in the polls due largely to their blowout win against the Ducks two weeks ago.  Will they prove they deserve their high ranking with a convincing victory?  Or will the surprising Golden Bears continue their climb up from the depths of obscurity by scoring a major upset on the road? 

My pick: Utah

#2 TCU Horned Frogs @ Kansas State Wildcats: Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. on Fox

Normally, I like to choose a matchup between two ranked teams, but sometimes a game featuring one or two unranked teams turn out to be more exciting.  This particular game has a higher probability of being very interesting for two reasons.  One, the Horned Frogs defense has been prone to give up plenty of points to teams with balanced offenses (offenses that can run the ball and pass effectively), and Kansas State has that.  Plus, the Wildcats tend to play smart football under the leadership of renowned Head Coach Bill Snyder and will have the home crowd at their back.  But we can't forget about the talented TCU trio of Trevone Boykin, Aaron Green, and Josh Doctson.   It should be a good game.

My pick: TCU, of course!

Extra Point

#3 Ole Miss Rebels @ #25 Florida Gators

The Florida Gators once again made it into my blog with another surprising win.  This win was not surprising because of a comeback, but rather due to the way in which Florida destroyed Ole Miss.  The Gators played in a way that made Ole Miss look like they were the underdogs.  By the end of the 1st half, Gators freshman QB Will Grier had thrown for 4 touchdowns, while the defense had completely shut down the potent Rebels offense, forcing 4 turnovers in the process.  The Gators would coast to an impressive 38-10 win that skyrocketed them to #11 in the polls.  If Florida keeps playing like this, who knows how far they can climb.

#23 West Virginia Mountaineers @ #15 Oklahoma Sooners

(By request)

The fans in Norman, Oklahoma were ready for this one.  84,000 packed into Memorial Stadium to watch the Sooner defend their turf from a talented Mountaineers team.  The game was close until early in the 2nd quarter when Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield threw a 28 yard TD pass to star receiver Sterling Shepard.  By the end of the half, Oklahoma had built a 24-7 halftime lead.  West Virginia had a good 3rd quarter, however, pulling within a score of 24-27.  Mayfield responded with a long TD pass that quickly deflated West Virginia's morale.  The Sooners would not allow a single point the rest of the game.

Final Score: Oklahoma 44 West Virginia 24

TCU and Baylor better watch out for Oklahoma if they want to win the Big 12 Conference.