Week 9 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1. #4 Washington Huskies @ #17 Utah Utes 

This highly anticipated matchup between the leaders of the North and South divisions of the PAC 12 Conference was close throughout.  The Huskies scored the first points of the game on a touchdown run by the master of the spin move, running back Myles Gaskin. Then, early in the 2nd quarter, Washington hit pay-dirt again when Heisman candidate quarterback Jake Browning connected with wide receiver John Ross for a 16 yard touchdown.  Utah scored 10 points late in the half, thanks to the powerful running of Joe Williams. 

Utes quarterback Troy Williams gave Utah the lead with a short TD pass halfway through the 3rd quarter but Browning answered with a TD pass of his own.  Washington extended their lead with a field goal early in the 4th quarter and the home crowd started to get nervous.  Troy Williams responded by leading the Utes on a touchdown drive that lasted only 4 minutes.  The Utah fans clad in bright red came to life.  The stadium got even louder when the Huskies came up short on a 3rd down during their next drive.  However, Washington kept their offense on the field, looking like they were going to go for it on 4th down.  Much to the defense's surprise, Browning punted the ball.  The punt was perfect and the Huskies were able to down it at the 2 yard line.  Sensing an opportunity to change the momentum of the game, the Washington defense forced a 3 and out.  The resulting punt by Utah punter Mitch Wishnowsky landed in the hands of Washington returnman Dante Pettis. Pettis retreated for a moment before racing past tacklers all the way to the endzone.  After that amazing play, plenty of time remained for Utah to tie the game up but the Washington defense was not about to let that happen.  The Huskies shut the door with a timely sack and were soon celebrating their 8th win of the season.

Final Score: Washington 31 Utah 24

2. #7 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #11 Wisconsin Badgers

The first half of this game was typical Big Ten action: football predicated on commitment to the running game and solid defense.  Wisconsin held a 10-7 lead at the break and had the momentum on their side.  Right after the half, Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook and running back Dare Ogunbowale helped the Badgers put together a quality drive.  After 3 straight productive scampers by Ogunbowale, Hornibrook evaded the pass rush and fired a pass through a tight space to wide receiver Robert Wheelwright for a touchdown.  

After the teams traded punts, Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr knew it was now or never.  He used his strong arm and quick feet to cut through the stingy Wisconsin defense and constructed a brilliant touchdown drive.  After getting into the redzone by completing a pass to wide receiver Jordan Westercamp, Armstrong ran it in himself three plays later.   The Nebraska defense stepped up in the 4th quarter, snagging an interception and forcing a missed field goal.  Nebraska scored a field goal in the meantime and the game went into overtime. 

Wisconsin got the ball first in overtime and scored a touchdown after only 4 plays on an eleven yard touchdown run by Ogunbowale.  But Wisconsin kicker Andrew Endicott missed the extra point.  Just like Oregon last week, Nebraska had a chance to win the game.  However, the Wisconsin defense refused to break and 3 plays later Nebraska was left with one chance to get a first down.  Armstrong took a shot into the endzone but the pass was broken up!  The Badgers celebrated triumphantly while the Cornhuskers went back to eating corn.

Final Score: Wisconsin 30 Nebraska 24 (OT)

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#3 Clemson Tigers @ #12 Florida State Seminoles 

If you go back, I've written about the Clemson vs. Florida State every year I've run this blog.  Every year the stakes are high and each team is loaded with dynamic players.  On top of that, the contests always go down to the wire.

Clemson started off very strong.  The Clemson offensive line gave star quarterback Deshaun Watson plenty of time to pass and ample space to run.

Combine that with the fact that running back Wayne Gallman returned from injury and it was no surprise that the Seminole defense was on their heels for all of the 1st quarter. Clemson's first drive of the day ended in a short TD run by Gallman, while the second culminated in an easy touchdown pass from Watson to top receiver Hunter Renfro. 

By the 2nd quarter, however, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook arguably the best running back in the nation, was finally warmed up.  His offensive line began to block more effectively and Cook hit the gaps hard.  Cook's running fueled two 2nd quarter Florida State drives that resulted in touchdowns, including one right before the half.  A field goal was Clemson’s only points of the 2nd quarter.

The Tigers managed another field goal early in the 3rd quarter but then they hit a dry spell.  Florida State defensive back Tarvaris McFadden came down with an interception to end Clemson’s next drive.  One play later, Cook took advantage of great blocking to speed down the right sideline for a touchdown that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The next Clemson drive ended in a punt.  One play after that, Cook raced down the left sideline for another long touchdown run.  

In the blink of an eye, the Tigers had gone from leading by six to trailing by eight.  But the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney and Deshaun Watson helped the Tigers offense regain their composure.  Watson converted three 3rd down conversions on the next drive.  Gallman ran it in for a touchdown but Clemson failed to score the 2 point conversion. 

Still leading by 2, the Seminoles were unable to move the ball due to a questionable penalty call made all the worse by the ridiculous antics of Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher.  Fisher yelled at a referee for so long that he was finally nailed for a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. 

The Tigers were able to get 3 points out of their next drive to take a one point lead.  With only five minutes remaining, the Seminoles were running out of time.  Florida State got into the redzone thanks to a pass interference penalty on Clemson and a long run by fullback Freddie Stevenson.

Cook grabbed the next handoff and powered through two Clemson defenders for his 4th touchdown of the day.  The Seminoles were back on top, but decided to go for 2 to try and stretch their lead to 7.  Quarterback Deondre François lofted a pass that fell incomplete due to miscommunication between him and wide receiver Travis Rudolph. The door had been left open for Clemson to put together a game-winning touchdown drive. 

Faced with another situation that could make or break Clemson’s quest for a National Championship, Deshaun Watson finished strong yet again.  Two long completions by Watson to wide receiver Jordan Leggett got the ball into Seminole territory.  Then, Watson zinged a pass to Leggett who dodged a pair of defenders and strode into the endzone.

The fans in orange who made the trip to Tallahassee cheered at the top of their lungs. The Tigers added two more points on a completion from Watson to wide receiver Mike Williams.

Florida State only needed a field goal to send it to overtime, but the Clemson defense was getting ready to show their mettle.  Two incompletions by François followed by two sacks by the Clemson defense, and Florida State's comeback attempt fell short.  Amazingly, the Tigers are looking even more resilient and talented than last year.  Go Tigers!!

Final Score: Clemson 37 Florida State 34

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 10

1. #9 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #6 Ohio State Buckeyes

Will Nebraska bounce back from their loss to Wisconsin by knocking Ohio State from the Championship hunt or will Ohio State defend their home turf and get their mojo back?

My pick: Ohio State!!

2. UCLA Bruins @ #21 Colorado Buffaloes 

Will the Buffaloes win another game to continue their surprising candidacy for PAC 12 South Division Champion or will the Bruins eke out an even more surprising upset?

My pick: Colorado 

Extra Point

Akron Zips @ Buffalo Bulls

The Akron Zips, leaders of the MAC East division, came to Buffalo expecting to be able to impose their will on a struggling Bulls team.  Both individually and collectively the Bulls said, "Not so fast!"  Buffalo's quarterback Tyree Jackson and running back Jordan Johnson had productive first halves, each recording one touchdown on the ground.  That combined with exceptional defense gave the Bulls held a 20-10 lead at the half.  After a largely uneventful 3rd quarter, Jackson bolted down the field on a 38 yard TD run early in the 4th quarter.  Akron answered with a touchdown drive not long after, but it would the last points of the night for the Zips.  Jackson recorded his firs touchdown pass of the day less than two minutes later.  Johnson added a long rushing touchdown 5 minutes later and soon the Bulls were celebrating a resounding win.  If they keep on winning, a bowl berth is a distinct possibility.

Final Score: Buffalo 41 Akron 21

Week 8 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch 

1. #17 Arkansas Razorbacks @ #21 Auburn Tigers 

From Auburn's first snap on offense, the Tigers completely dominated every phase of the game.  The Auburn offensive line opened up a big opening that allowed running back Eli Stove to take a simple handoff and speed away for a 78 touchdown run.  The Auburn defense bottled up the usually effective Arkansas run game, preventing the Razorbacks from ever having a chance.  Starting running back Kamryn Pettway and quarterback Sean White lit up the scoreboard, bringing the Tigers squarely back into SEC contention.

Final Score: Auburn 56 Arkansas 3

2. #6 Texas A&M @ #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Aggies played the best any team has played against Alabama since Ole Miss went to toe to toe with the Tide in September.  After a slow start, the Texas A&M offense got cranking close to the half.  A passing touchdown on each side of halftime by Trevor Knight gave the Aggies a 14-13 lead over Alabama, a noteworthy accomplishment.  The Tide responded with a long touchdown drive capped off by a passing touchdown by freshman sensation Jalen Hurts.  Three possessions later, the Aggies committed two serious mistakes.  First, the Aggies gave up a sack, then running back Keith Ford fumbled the ball which was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Alabama.  It is very hard to recover after giving up a defensive touchdown; against Alabama it is a death knell. Simply put, the Tide took it from there.

Final Score: Alabama 33 Texas A&M 14

I continue to be disappointed as I watch team after team fold like a deck of cards to the Tide.  Will they win the championship?  If their opponents keep finding ways to give away the game, it is very likely they will.

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

Oregon Ducks @ California Golden Bears 

The PAC-12 Conference plays many of it games late in the day, making for a very late airtime over here on the East Coast.  This has given rise to the phrase "PAC 12 After Dark."  Many of these games turn out to be high scoring back-and-forth affairs, none more so than this matchup.

Thanks to four passing touchdowns by Cal quarterback Davis Webb, the Golden Bears held a 31-14 halftime advantage.  

A Cal field goal on the first possession of the 3rd quarter lengthened their lead to an even 20.  Later in the 3rd quarter, the Ducks offense finally took flight.  Quarterback Justin Herbert, promoted over original starter Dakota Prukop, led Oregon on a series of touchdown drives that should receive top marks for speed and efficiently.  A long run by Herbert set up the first touchdown, while a pass from Herbert to running back Tony Brooks-James helped the 2nd drive to take off.  

The 3rd drive was 11 plays long, but Herbert ran the no-huddle offense so well that he was able to tally a passing touchdown after just 2 1/2 minutes.  In the meantime, the weak Oregon defense had come up with two important defensive stops.

Now trailing by a point in the 4th quarter, it was time for the Cal offense to respond. Webb and running back Tre Watson fueled an 11 play drive of their own that put the Golden Bears in front once again.  

Wanting to establish a 7 point lead late in the game, Cal head coach Sonny Dykes decided to go for two.  Webb flung a pass to tight end T.J. Hinnault who caught it in the endzone for 2.  After trading punts with Cal, Oregon got the ball with less than 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter.  Three plays later, Herbert lofted up a deep pass to wide receiver Charles Nelson who caught it for a 42 yard touchdown.  After the extra point was converted, the Ducks had tied the game.  Webb, Watson, and the rest of the Cal offense used the remaining time to set up a 41 yard field goal.  Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich called both his two remaining timeouts right before California kicker Matt Anderson booted the ball, a strategy called "icing the kicker."  This time the strategy paid off as Anderson missed the kick as time expired.  

Yet again, the Most Exciting Game of the Week ventures into overtime.  Oregon got the ball first and scored just two plays later on a 20 yard TD pass from Herbert to wide receiver Jalen Brown.  A 12 yard completion by Webb set up a short TD run by the young quarterback to send the game into the 2nd overtime.  With the order of possessions switching, the Golden Bears got the ball again.  After clawing their way to the 3 yard line, Cal's drive was stalled by 3 penalties in a row on the offensive line.  The Golden Bears had to settle for a field goal by Anderson, opening a window that the Ducks could fly through for the victory.  On the 2nd play of Oregon's drive, Herbert fired a low pass over the middle.  Unfortunately for Herbert, Cal linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk was standing in the way.  The talented linebacker tipped the ball to himself and shut the window hard.  Splat went the Ducks! 

The California players and fans celebrated with shouts of joy while Oregon players shook their heads, knowing this was a season they would love to forget.

Final Score: California 52 Oregon 49 (2OT)

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 9

1. #4 Washington Huskies @ #17 Utah Utes: 10/29 at 3:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1

Will quarterback Jake Browning help the Huskies prove they are the best team in the PAC-12 Conference or will the Utes win in a defensive struggle in front of an energetic home crowd?

My pick: Washington

2. #7 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #11 Wisconsin Badgers: 10/29 at 7 p.m. on ESPN

Will Wisconsin stretch their winning streak to two games with a crucial Big Ten victory or will Nebraska continue on their surprising unbeaten season?

My pick: Nebraska

Two-Point Conversion

It's not often that a game goes into a 4th overtime and almost unheard of when it goes into a 5th.  But that's exactly what happened in the annual rivalry game between the Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners and the Texas-El Paso (UTEP) Miners.  The game finally ended when UTEP's Ryan Metz fired a 6 yard TD pass to wide receiver Warren Redix.  I'm sure both teams wanted the game to end at that point.

Final Score: UTEP 52 UTSA 49 (5OT)

Week 7 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1.  North Carolina State Wolfpack @ #3 Clemson Tigers 

The Tigers held a 10-3 lead at the half due to a quick touchdown drive at the tail end of the 2nd quarter.  That lead didn't last long thanks to the fast NC State defense.  On the first play of the drive, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson's pass was intercepted by defensive back Mike Stevens and returned 28 yards for an NC State touchdown.  Adding to the frustration on offense, the next two Clemson drives each ended in another turnover.  The first time, a botched handoff led to a lost fumble.  The second time, Watson completed a 21 yard pass to top receiver Mike Williams who then promptly let the ball get knocked out of his hands which was recovered by the defense.  After the Williams fumble, the Wolfpack got the ball deep in Clemson territory but couldn't gain a first down.  When the resulting field goal was missed by kicker Kyle Bambard, the Tigers had dodged a major bullet.

This time, Watson led his team all the way to the endzone, scoring the touchdown himself on a short run.  The Wolfpack responded by going on a long TD drive of their own, powered by the well placed passes of quarterback Ryan Finley and a great run by running back Matthew Dayes.  Clemson's next drive looked very promising but they drove themselves into a ditch with two consecutive holding penalties. The Tigers punted and gave the ball back to the Wolfpack with more than 6 1/2 minutes remaining.  Much to the dismay of the fans in orange, NC State advanced slowly but surely down the field, using up all of the clock and set themselves up for a potential 33 yard game winning field goal. With the ball being in the middle of the field, Bambard had a straight shot to be a hero. The hold was good and the kick ... terrible! The ball sailed way to the right and the Clemson coaches, players and fans were ecstatic.  The game would continue in overtime.

Clemson got the first possession and put it to good use.  The Tigers overcame a false start and a holding penalty to get the ball to the 1 yard line.  On the next play, Watson let the shotgun snap slip past his fingers but was able to recover it.  Showing his well-known resiliency on the next play, Watson fired a low pass that was caught mere inches from the turf by wide receiver Artavis Scott for a touchdown.  Needing a touchdown to stay in the game, Finley decided to air it out on the first play of the drive, throwing a long pass into the endzone.  But a defensive back Marcus Edmond, the same guy who came up with a game winning tackle against Louisville, ran in front of the intended receiver.  Edmond secured the ball and his teammates dashed onto the field and dog piled on top of him.

The fans rushed the field and head coach Dabo Swinney gave another passionate postgame interview surrounded by wild cheering fans.

Final Score: Clemson 24 NC State 17

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#2 Ohio State Buckeyes @ #8 Wisconsin Badgers 

Every week, College Gameday, the nation's premier pregame show, chooses a game to attend.  The game must be a top 25 matchup with high stakes for both teams. They bring their elaborate set to a site near the stadium or on campus and thousands come to show their support for the home team.  Sometimes the game turns out to be a one-sided affair but that certainly wasn't the case this time.

The first half was dominated by Wisconsin.  The Badgers defense seemed to be everywhere, severely limiting the production of an usually electric Buckeyes offense led by dynamic quarterback J.T. Barrett.  The Buckeyes did manage to scratch and claw into the redzone twice, but the Badgers prevented them from getting into the endzone each time. On the other side of things, the Ohio State defense kept the Buckeyes in the game. Wisconsin barged their way into the redzone three times, but Ohio State only gave up one touchdown.  Combined with a field goal, the Badgers scored 16 points in the first half, while the Buckeyes had only managed six.  Ohio State's chances to continue their undefeated season seemed quite tenuous at this point.

But as is the case in so many games, the second half was a different story.  Ohio State's first drive, which looked very promising, ended in an interception.  However, the Buckeyes would turn their setback into a great opportunity when their defense forced a three and out.  The resulting punt gave the ball back to the Buckeyes just inside Badgers territory.  Ohio State's drive was slow but just effective enough to get the job done. The Buckeyes converted two 4 and 1 scenarios thanks to the power and determination of running back Mike Weber and his blockers.

Late in the drive, a pass interference penalty was called on Wisconsin defensive back Sojourn Shelton in the endzone, giving Ohio State the ball at the 2 yard line.  Two plays later, Barrett ran it in himself to cut the Badgers lead down to three.

The Badgers offense, headlined by freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook and running back Corey Clement, had been stagnant for the entire quarter.  Things went from bad to worse, when Hornibrook's pass was intercepted by Ohio State defensive back Gareon Conley on the third play of the drive.  Getting the ball in even better position than last time, Barrett got his team into the redzone on the third play of the drive when he fired a blazing pass to wide receiver Noah Brown.  Three plays later, Barrett scored another touchdown on the ground from eight yards out.

With 14 minutes left to play, Ohio State had all the momentum.  But the Badgers stole it right back with a 36 yard completion from Hornibrook to wide receiver Jazz Peavy early in the drive.

On 7 of the next 8 plays, Wisconsin ran the ball, pushing the Ohio State defense backwards in a hurry.  Fullback Austin Ramesh blasted his way into the endzone on the 8th play and the Badgers had the lead once again.

Down by 3 and with time at a premium, Barrett knew the time to score was now.  Four plays into the drive he was sacked, but then threw an awesome pass to receiver Dontre Wilson for 43 yards on the very next play.  But the Badgers defense clamped down and forced the Buckeyes into a chance to tie it.  Kicker Tyler Durbin nailed a 31 yard field goal and the score was deadlocked at 23.

Almost 4 minutes remained and Wisconsin had plenty of time to score on the final possession of the game.  The Badgers reached midfield but their drive was stalled when offensive lineman Brett Connors was hit with a holding penalty.  A third down pass by Hornibrook fell incomplete and overtime was assured.

Ohio State got the ball first in overtime, and the drive started off well with a 10 completion from Barrett to running back Curtis Samuel.  The next play was not so great: a 5 yard false start penalty on the offense.  Not fazed, Barrett came back with a 12 yard completion to receiver James Clark.  Unfortunately, a Buckeyes lineman was tagged with a 10 yard holding penalty on the next play and the Buckeyes had to do the moonwalk once again.  Showing his resiliency, Barrett fired two perfect passes on the next two plays, the second a 7 yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown.

Hornibrook knew he had his work cut out for him: score a touchdown or lose the game. On 2nd and 10, Hornibrook avoided a potential sack and threw off balance.  Somehow, Wisconsin receiver Robert Wheelwright caught the ball to set the Badgers up inside the 10 yard line.  Long-time Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell urged his defense to stand their ground.  After stopping Clement twice for no gain and forcing an incompletion, the Buckeyes were one play away for a victory.  On 4th down, the Ohio State defensive line busted through the gaps and were bearing down on the quarterback. Hornibrook saw that none of his receivers were open and was sacked by Tyquan Lewis.

The Buckeyes streamed out onto the field and filled the air with shouts of jubilation.

Barrett's teammates congratulated him on another fantastic game that proved he is one of the best leaders in college football.

Final Score: Ohio State 30 Wisconsin 23 (OT)

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 8

1.  #17 Arkansas Razorbacks @ #21 Auburn Tigers: 10/22 at 6 p.m. on ESPN 

A resurgent Auburn looks to score a top 25 victory that will restore the Tigers to national relevancy while the Razorbacks are hoping to build off their big victory over Ole Miss last week.

My pick: Auburn

2. #6 Texas A&M @ #1 Alabama Crimson Tide: 10/22 at 3:30 on CBS

For weeks now, the consensus has been that the Aggies have the best chance to knock off Alabama.  They have a dynamic quarterback in Trevor Knight, a great running back in Traveon Williams, an imposing defense, and are well rested after a bye week.  Can they do it?  I cannot describe how much I want them to.

My pick: Texas A&M!!!

Extra Point 

Ball State Cardinals @ Buffalo Bulls 

Bulls quarterback Tyree Jackson had his best game this season, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.  The Bulls held a 14-7 lead at the half, due to a strong first half defensive showing.  In the 2nd half, Cardinals running back James Gilbert got cranking.  His quick feet keyed the Ball State offense to score 24 straight points while the Buffalo suddenly started to struggle.  The Bulls managed a late touchdown but they fell short in a 31-21 loss.

Two Point Conversion 

Another crazy finish caught my eye this week.  The annual rivalry game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders went into overtime.  After a pair of touchdowns in the first overtime, the Blue Raiders got the ball first in the second overtime. Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill led a touchdown drive, but the extra point was blocked by Western Kentucky tight end Deon Yelder.  Now the Hilltoppers could score a touchdown with an extra point and win the game.   An 11 yard completion by quarterback Mike White to Taywan Taylor and four scampers by running back Anthony Wales got the Hilltoppers into the endzone.  The ensuing extra point by Western Kentucky kicker Skylar Simcox was good and the Hilltoppers secured bragging rights for another year.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 44 Middle Tennessee 43 (2OT)

Week 6 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

 

1. #25 Virginia Tech Hokies @ #17 North Carolina Tar Heels

This game was played in the rain generated from the remnants of Hurricane Matthew. Why they didn't move the game to Sunday, I have no idea.

Whether it was just the rainy conditions or something else, the North Carolina offense was terrible.  This was surprising for no other reason than the fact that the Virginia Tech offense managed to be productive.  Virginia Tech quarterback Jarrod Evans threw for 2 touchdowns and ran for one, helping the Hokies to gain twice as many yards as the Tar Heels.  North Carolina scored a whopping 3 points and their early success in the ACC has come to a close.

Final Score: Virginia Tech 27 North Carolina 3

2.  #1 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #16 Arkansas Razorbacks 

Arkansas had to play a great game to beat the Tide and they couldn't muster anything close.  The Razorbacks showed a short burst of life when quarterback Austin Allen found tight end Jeremy Sprinkle for a touchdown to shrink Alabama's early lead to 14-7.  Other than that, Arkansas looked like they were sleepwalking, at least in the first half.  At one point, an Alabama running back looked like he was going to be forced out of bounds.  But the running back stayed in bounds and ran past 3 Arkansas defenders who did little more than stand around.  The Alabama Pain Train, belching smelly diesel fumes into the air, chugs on.

Final Score: Alabama 49 Arkansas 30

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#9 Tennessee Volunteers @ #8 Texas A&M Aggies 

In four out of five of their previous games, the Volunteers have had to overcome sizable halftime deficits, sometimes as large as 21 points, in order to win.  They even needed a miraculous ending to walk away with a victory against Georgia last week.  The general consensus was that Tennessee's string of come from behind victories would be ended in the confines of Texas A&M's massive Kyle Field.

As expected the Volunteers fell behind early, trailing 21-7 at the half.  Things looked even more bleak for Tennessee when A&M running back Traveon Williams lengthened the lead with a 7 yard TD run early in the 3rd quarter.

But as usual, when backed against the wall, the Volunteers become ferocious.  On Tennessee's 2nd drive of the quarter, 3 excellent completions by quarterback Josh Dobbs got the Volunteers into the red zone.  Then, starting tailback Alvin Kamara, normally the backup, ripped off a 15 yard touchdown run that ignited the hope of Tennessee fans.  

The momentum for Tennessee slowed until five minutes into the final quarter when they began a long drive.  Dobbs threw a mix of short and screen passes that were effective in moving the ball slowly yet surely down the field.  On the 13th play of the drive, running back John Kelly powered into the endzone.  Incredibly, the Volunteers were mounting another comeback.

However, the Aggies appeared to shut the door when quarterback Trevor Knight knifed through the Volunteers defense on a thrilling 62 yard TD run.  Just over 3 minutes remained on the clock, and it seemed for just a moment that Tennessee's late game magic had run out.  But Dobbs and the offense would have none of that and kicked into overdrive.

Tennessee sped down the field, and after a screen pass to Kamara that netted 36 yards, Kamara bull rushed his way into the endzone with 2 minutes left in the game.

All Tennessee needed was a defensive stop to keep hope alive.  On the second play of the Aggies' ensuing drive, it looked like it was all over.  Williams darted through a hole in the defense and raced unimpeded toward the endzone.  At the last possible moment, defensive back Malik Foreman caught up to Williams and knocked the ball loose! Tennessee would gain possession of the ball in the mad scramble, giving the Volunteers the ball at their own 25 yard line.  Working the no huddle offense to perfection, Dobbs guided his team down into the redzone after only 5 plays.  On the following play, Dobbs got the ball to Kamara via a pass and watched as his teammate scored the game tying touchdown. 

When Texas A&M got the ball back, forty one seconds were still on the clock: plenty of time to set up a field goal attempt.  A run by Williams and two completions of 20+ yards by Knight later, the Aggies were getting ready to kick a potential game winning 38 yard field goal.  Tennessee players knelt down and hoped for another lucky break.  A&M kicker Daniel LaCamera shanked it hard to the left and the Volunteers celebrated.  Overtime loomed large.

Tennessee and Texas A&M each scored a field goal in the first overtime, necessitating a 2nd extra period.   The Aggies got the ball first in the second overtime and went to work. On 2nd and 10, Knight fired a laser of a pass to wide receiver Christian Kirk who caught it a yard short of the goal line.  Knight pushed his way into the endzone on the next play and Tennessee was backed up against the wall again.  Needing a touchdown to extend the game, Dobbs tried to get it all on the first play.  He fired a long pass toward the endzone, but it was intercepted by Texas A&M safety Armani Watts.

The win sealed, the Aggies ran onto the field to celebrate a hard fought victory.

Final Score: Texas A&M  45 Tennessee 38

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 7

1.  #2 Ohio State Buckeyes @ #8 Wisconsin Badgers: 10/18 at 8 p.m. on ABC

Will the Buckeyes continue their trouncing of opponents large and small or will the Badgers eke out their third upset win of the year?

My pick: Ohio State 

2.  North Carolina State Wolfpack @ #3 Clemson Tigers: 10/18 at Noon on ABC

Will Clemson follow up on their thrilling defeat of Louisville two weeks ago with another victory over a quality ACC foe or will NC State grab a season defining upset of one of the best teams in college football? 

My pick: Clemson

Extra Point

Kent State Golden Flashes @ Buffalo Bulls

Back home for the start of Mid American Conference play, the Bulls were confident they could get their season back on track.  Unfortunately, Kent State running back Nick Holley, and his offensive line, decided it was high time he had a career day.  Holley used the ample space his blockers gave him to rush for 224 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Buffalo did show good offensive improvement, though.  Quarterback Tyree Jackson threw for 250 yards and a touchdown, but it was not enough.

Final Score: Kent State 44 Buffalo 20

Week 5 2016

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch 

1.  #3 Louisville Cardinals @ #5 Clemson Tigers 

Billed as the biggest game of the year so far, this crucial battle of ACC frontrunners lived up to and surpassed expectations.

After a scoreless first quarter, Louisville took the early lead on a short touchdown run by running back Jeremy Smith at the end of a drive fueled by the running and passing abilities of superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.  Following that, however, Clemson took control of the 2nd quarter.  The Tigers went on to score 4 touchdowns before the half, 3 on beautiful touchdown passes by senior playmaker Deshaun Watson and the other on a short scoring run by talented running back Wayne Gallman.  Seeing how the last Clemson touchdown was mere seconds before the end of the half, I figured that the momentum was clearly in Clemson’s favor.  

On the other hand, these situations are breeding grounds for overconfidence.  Furthermore, five years of following college has taught me that no lead is safe.  It turned out to be true in this case.  

The Cardinals came soaring back in the next 20 minutes of play, their offense reaching new heights while the Tigers were plagued by complacency on offense.  Louisville scored 19 unanswered points to take a 29-28 lead.

When Watson, Gallman, and the rest of the Tigers offense came back onto the field, urgency marked their faces.  But on just the second play of the drive, Watson's pass was intercepted  by top cornerback Jaire Alexander, his second interception of the day.  Four plays later, Jackson darted through the right side of the defense to score an 11 yard touchdown.  Now down by eight, Clemson looked like they were in serious trouble.  

On the ensuing kickoff, Clemson wide receiver Artavis Scott broke off a spectacular return and was finally pushed out by the kicker after a 77 yard return.  Just two snaps later, Watson fired a bullet over the middle to receiver Mike Williams who muscled his way in for the touchdown.  However, when Watson's pass was batted then intercepted on the two point conversion attempt, the Tigers still trailed by 2.  The Clemson defense would have to come up with a stop.  

And stop them they did. On 3rd and 2, defensive tackle Carlos Watkins raised his muscular arm into the air and batted down Jackson's pass that would surely have been caught for a first down.  After the ensuing punt, Watson and Gallman took 7 plays to lead the offense to the Louisville 35 yard line.

On the next play, Watson realized Louisville had 12 men on the field (a 5 yard penalty) and the defense was very confused.  So he called for the center to snap the ball, caught the shotgun snap, and lofted a pass to wide receiver Jordan Leggett.  Leggett outran the defender covering him and ran untouched into the endzone.  Easy as pie, right?

Head coach Dabo Swinney decided to go for two again and this time it worked.  The Tigers now led 42-36, but over 3 minutes still remained on the clock.

Louisville took that remaining time and used it effectively.  Lamar Jackson continued to use his strong arm and fast legs to lead the Cardinals into the redzone after just 7 plays.  But after 3 ineffective plays and a false start penalty made them go a yard in reverse, the Cardinals were running out of chances.  On 4th and 11th, Jackson scrambled to the right and threw a pass to wide receiver James Quick near the left sideline.  Quick caught it and looked like he could make it past the 1st down marker.  But at the last moment, trailing cornerback Marcus Edmond pushed Quick out of bounds a half a yard short.  The Tiger defense celebrated around Edmond while thousands of Clemson fans within the confines of the affectionately named Death Valley cheered wildly.  

After Watson took a knee to run the rest of the clock out, Clemson fans rushed the field as they are known to do after big wins.  Coach Swinney gave another impassioned postgame interview surrounded by a mass of fans and the Tigers continued their run of impressive regular season performances.

Final Score: Clemson 42 Louisville 36

2. Oklahoma Sooners @ #21 TCU Horned Frogs 

Although this game was loaded with points and gigantic changes of momentum, it couldn't match the finish of the Clemson game.  As is the case in most of the Big 12 Conference, both teams have high powered offenses combined with porous defenses.  Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and TCU quarterback Kenny Hill turned the field into a playground where they could have a proper duel.  Hill had the hot hand at first and the Horned Frogs hopped out to a 21-7 lead.

Then Mayfield and Sooners running back Semaje Perine responded with an explosion of production on offense, helping Oklahoma to a 28-3 scoring run that gave them a 35-24 halftime lead.  The Sooners lengthened their lead with 2 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, but 3 touchdown drives and a 2 point conversion by TCU in the 4th quarter got the Frogs back within 3.  But when all was said and done, the ending wasn't all that dramatic.  The Sooners kicked a late field goal and held on to win by 6.  This just proves that you should never count a good team out.

Final Score: Oklahoma 52 TCU 46

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

North Carolina Tar Heels @ #12 Florida State Seminoles

A key inter-divisional clash in the ACC between perennial front runner Florida State and young upstart North Carolina turned out to be more than Seminole fans had bargained for.

At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Seminoles trailed 28-14, having been outplayed by the Tar Heels for most of the game.

However, a sense of panic was noticeably absent among the Florida State players.  The Seminoles have built a reputation in the past few years of mounting successful comebacks in any situation.  It was almost as if the players were saying, "We've got them right where we want them."

On two successive drives separated by a Tar Heels punt, the Seminoles marched down the field with gusto.  Quarterback Deondre François was on target with his passes and running back Dalvin Cook used strong bursts of his well-known speed to tear through the Tar Heels defense. Cook finished each drive with a short TD run, bringing the score to a 28 point draw.  

Not about to give the game away, North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky and his offense went to work.  After a holding penalty on the offense early in the drive, Trubisky fired 3 straight completions that set them up in prime Florida State territory.  On the 7th play of the drive, Trubisky threw a screen pass to wide receiver Thomas Jackson.  Jackson broke two tackles, picked up a key block from a fellow receiver, and sped down the sideline for a 34 yard touchdown.  But kicker Nick Weiler's extra point was blocked, and the Tar Heels' lead was a precarious 6.

Two and a half minutes remained and the Florida State offense knew what it had to do.  On the first third down on the drive, François lobbed a screen pass to Cook who took it all the way down to the North Carolina 33 yard line.  On top of that, Tar Heels defensive lineman M.J. Stewart was flagged for roughing the passer, a 15 yard penalty, moving the ball into the redzone.  Seven plays later, the Seminoles had the ball at the Tar Heels 2 yard line, facing a 2nd and Goal.

As the chosen play called for, François scrambled to right, looking for an open receiver.  Once he saw that there were none, François knew it was time to run.

He dodged one tackle, ducked under another one and dove into the endzone for a touchdown!  When Florida State kicker Ricky Aguayo nailed the extra point with only 23 seconds left, North Carolina was left with just the smallest glimmer of hope.

But 23 seconds is a long time in college football.  Trubisky tossed a pass to wide receiver Mack Hollins, which netted 23 yards.  17 seconds left.  Then a second pass to star receiver Ryan Switzer fell incomplete.  9 seconds left.  On the next play, Trubisky tried to throw a deep pass to Hollins again, but the ball hit the turf.  Much to the dismay of Seminole fans, officials called defensive pass interference on cornerback Patrice Rene, a 15 yard penalty.  With the ball now on the Florida State 37 yard line, North Carolina Head Coach Larry Fedora was faced with a decision.  Should they try for a Hail Mary or attempt a very long 54 yard field goal?

Fedora decided to give kicker Nick Weiler a shot, even though he had missed a 51 yarder in the 3rd quarter.  There were few who thought that Weiler would make the kick, me included.  The snap was good, the hold was great and Nick booted it as hard and accurately as he could.  The ball sailed through the air and I though it would narrowly miss to the right.  Wrong!  The ball made it between the uprights and above the cross bar with room to spare!

The Tar Heels raced onto the field, led by Nick Weiler who mocked the Seminoles' Tomahawk Chop as he ran down the sideline!  

A truly remarkable win that is one of the most unbelievable victories of the year.

Final Score: North Carolina 37 Florida State 35

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 6

1. #25 Virginia Tech Hokies @ #17 North Carolina Tar Heels: 10/8 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2

Can North Carolina notch another important victory against a quality ACC foe one week after shocking Florida State or will Virginia Tech march into Chapel Hill and nab an upset?

My pick: North Carolina 

2. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #16 Arkansas Razorbacks 

Arkansas has a real chance to knock off the puffed up juggernaut called Alabama in front of a crowd itching to see the Crimson Tide washed out to sea.  Can quarterback Austin Allen and the duo of Arkansas running backs (Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker) score enough points to outlast Alabama or will the Crimson Tide.... bleh I can't even write it.

My pick: Arkansas!!!

4th Down Conversion 

(new section describing an additional wild ending)

#11 Tennessee Volunteers @ #25 Georgia Bulldogs

With 15 seconds left on the clock Georgia freshman quarterback Jacob Eason lobbed a pass that looked very much like a Hail Mary into the waiting arms of wide receiver Riley Ridley for a 47 yard touchdown.  But on the ensuing kickoff, Tennessee kick returner Evan Berry managed to return the ball close to midfield.  Combined with a 5 yard offside penalty on Georgia, this gave Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs the ball at the Georgia 47 yard line.  On the final play of the game, Dobbs heaved the ball 50 yards into the endzone.  At just the right moment, Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings leaped in front of the wall of Georgia defenders and came down with the game winning touchdown!

The Tennessee players spilled onto the field alongside head coach Butch Jones who went down to a knee in a combination of celebration and relief.  The Volunteers' dream of having a magical season had come to life. (Not to mention they still have a good chance to knock off Alabama in 2 weeks)

Extra Point

A shout-out to Uncle Dave and cousins Mark and Mike Horgan

Buffalo Bulls @ Boston College Eagles

One week after a scoring a hard-fought upset over undefeated Army, the Buffalo Bulls charged headlong into Boston College's Alumni Stadium to take on the resurgent Eagles.

Despite fighting hard, Buffalo could score only 3 points against a Boston College defense that can shut down any offense and ended up losing 35-3.  However, with Mid-American Conference play set to begin for the Bulls next week, plenty of opportunities remain for the Bulls to reach a bowl game.