Week 3 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1.  #2 Florida State Seminoles @ #10 Louisville Cardinals

Quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Louisville offense had put up over 1500 yards of offense through their first two games of the season.  That is an incredible number no matter how weak the competition is, and Charlotte and Syracuse are definitely weak.  No one expected that kind of production to continue against the always talented Florida State defense, but that's exactly what happened.  Lamar Jackson used his explosive speed and excellent decision making to completely shred Florida State's defense on drive after drive.  When the players headed back to the locker rooms for halftime, Jackson had already scored 3 rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.  The Florida State sideline looked shell-shocked as they were trailing 35 to 10.  Things would only get worse for the Seminoles as the Cardinals would score four more touchdowns in the 2nd half, including a punt return touchdown and Jackson's 4th rushing touchdown.   The Florida State offense simply had no chance of keeping up.

Final Score: Louisville 63 Florida State 20

With this very impressive win, Louisville has vaulted their way to number #3 in the AP poll and a position as a tough playoff contender.  Clemson better be ready when the Cardinals fly into town in two weeks.

2.  #12 Michigan State Spartans @ #18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

What I thought might be a very close game all the way through, turned out to be a mostly one-sided affair.  Notre Dame put the first points on the board with a rushing touchdown by Deshone Kizer.  After that Michigan State began to dominate the game.  Beginning in the 2nd quarter, the Spartans scored 36 straight points while the Irish offense was plagued by inefficiency and a pair of turnovers. 

Down by 29 points, Notre Dame mounted a valiant comeback late in the 3rd quarter and throughout the 4th.  They got back within 8 points and had the ball with 4 minutes left. However, Kizer was sacked on a key 3rd down and the Irish could not overcome it.  Once again, Michigan State has found a way to silence the doubters.  This is the last time I underestimate them.

Final Score: Michigan State 36 Notre Dame 28

Most Exciting Game of the Week

#22 Oregon Ducks @ Nebraska Cornhuskers 

Although ranked in the top 25, Oregon was viewed as a slight underdog in this game. The experience of Nebraska's redshirt senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. was a big part of that.  His level of skill and great leadership can keep the Cornhuskers in any game. The Ducks' starting quarterback had no lack of experience either.  For the second year in a row the Ducks acquired the services of a graduate transfer from an FCS school.  Last year they convinced Vernon Adams Jr. from Eastern Washington to use his final year of eligibility to play for the Ducks.  This time they got Dakota Prukop from Montana University to come to Oregon.

On the third possession of the game the Ducks offense found their wings.  After a string of good running plays by Dakota Prukop and running back Royce Freeman, second string running back Tony Brooks-James finished off the drive with a 20 yard TD run.  As is Oregon's strange pattern of late, the Ducks went for 2 and made it.  Late in the first quarter, Tommy Armstrong Jr responded with a 22 yard TD strike to star receiver Jordan Westerkamp.

The next two touchdowns were scored by Oregon and they went for 2 both times but failed to convert either of them.  With 40 seconds left in the half, Nebraska returner De'Mornay Pierson-El returned a punt to the Oregon 19 yard line.  5 plays later, Armstrong cut Oregon's lead in half with a second touchdown pass to Westerkamp. Thanks to Oregon's failed 2 point conversion attempts, Nebraska was only down by 6 heading into the half. 

The Cornhuskers used their first two possessions of the 2nd half wisely, scoring two touchdowns on either side of a Oregon 3 and out.

Nebraska now held a 28-20 lead and Prukop and the Ducks offense knew it was time to take flight. On two straight drives, Oregon used Prukop's passing and running skills to set up the run game. Third string running back Kani Benoit gained most of the yardage and a touchdown while Brooks-James got the other touchdown.  Instead of doing the smart thing and kicking extra points, the Ducks went for 2 both times and ended up failing at both.  

Nebraska was now down by 4 but failed to score on their next drive.  However, the Nebraska defense forced a much-needed 3 and out, giving their offense another chance. After 9 plays, Nebraska found themselves in a do or die 4th and 9.  Westerkamp found an open spot in the zone defense and Armstrong fired the ball to him for a pivotal first down. 2 plays later, Armstrong took off on a designed quarterback run, dashed through the defense, and reached the endzone just as he was tackled.

The 90,000 fans of the 350th straight sellout crowd in Nebraska's Memorial Stadium cheered wildly for their boys in red.

With 2 1/2 minutes left, Oregon had plenty of time to get into field goal range for a shot at tying the game.  However, the Cornhuskers defense stepped up once again and forced the Ducks into their own do or die 4th down after a sack of Prukop.  On the ensuing play, Prukop was forced out of the pocket and was brought down from behind well short of the first down. 

The crowd roared with a loud cheer as the struggles that Nebraska had in winning close games last year shrank into the past.  Oregon fans on the other hand struggled to comprehend why their team hadn't attempted more extra points.

Final Score: Nebraska 35 Oregon 32 

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 4

1.  #19 Florida Gators @ #14 Tennessee Volunteers

Much like last year, Florida faces more quarterback issues.  Starting quarterback Luke Del Rio, who was playing very well, suffered a knee injury in last week's game and is expected to be out for 2 to 3 weeks.  The Gators will have to turn to Purdue transfer Austin Appleby who has shown promise.   For Appleby to be successful the Gators' potent run game will have to continue to be productive.  Their opponents are the Volunteers who are very talented but have been inconsistent at times.  Their struggles against the Gators in the last few years should be gnawing at the back of their minds.

My pick: Florida

2. #17 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. #10 Texas A&M Aggies 

This game between old rivals played in Cowboys Stadium should be very exciting.  Will the Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen have another big day or will he be out-dueled by A&M quarterback Kenny Hill?

My pick: Texas A&M