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.
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 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.
Boomer sooner!
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