Week 3 2017

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch 

(Or Games I would have picked had a hurricane not come to town)

1.  #3 Clemson Tigers @ #14 Louisville Cardinals

This game pitted the reigning Heisman trophy winner (Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson) against the reigning National Champion Clemson Tigers.  The Cardinals fans were dressed in black as were the players, making this a "Blackout" game.  

Jackson and the Lousville offense started off slowly with two three-and-outs, mainly due to the wily Clemson defense that showed up ready to play.  The Tigers took a early 7-0 lead on a 10 play, 79 yard drive that ended with quarterback Kelly Bryant dashing in for a 7 yard TD run.  On the Cardinals' third possession starting deep in their own territory, Jackson found his rhythm on designed quarterback runs, chewing up 55 yards on just 3 carries.  On the 6th play of the drive, Jackson scrambled out of the pocket and fired a perfect pass into tight coverage that was caught by tight end Charles Standberry.

For the nest few possessions, the defenses asserted themselves.  The only possible points for the next 10 minutes of play went to Clemson on a field goal that they missed.  Then, midway through the second quarter, the Tigers moved the ball enough to get in range for a 31 yard field goal that kicker Greg Heugel made.

By this time, Lamar Jackson was definitely off his game, pressured by the Clemson defensive line and linebackers.  After yet another Louisville punt, Kelly Bryant was getting ready to light up the scoreboard.  On a play snapped from the Clemson 21 yard line, Bryant lofted a deep pass to star receiver Ray-Ray McCloud who caught it in stride on the way to a 79 yard touchdown. 

The Tigers added another field goal late in the second quarter to take a 19-7 halftime lead (one of the extra points was blocked).  Although the margin was still less than 2 touchdowns, the gap seemed almost insurmountable because of the highly confident and very strong Clemson defense.  Linebacker Dorian O'Daniel snagged a 44 yard interception return for a TD (pick-six) early in the 3rd quarter, shutting the door hard on any potential comeback by Louisville.   The final score showed that the 2017 Clemson Tigers might be just as formidable as last year's championship team.

Final Score: Clemson 47 Louisville 21

Most Exciting Game of the Week

#23 Tennessee Volunteers @ #24 Florida Gators 

Dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma will be a long endeavor. The Gators football team had a lot to play for, mainly an opportunity to give fans across the state something to cheer about. 

The game started much as I thought it would, a low-scoring affair created by Florida's stifling defense and inept offense.  Brightening my dim view of the Gators' offense were two productive drives which 6 points on 2 field goals by reliable kicker Eddy Pineiro.  The defense did more than their fair share, preventing Tennessee from moving the ball except with great difficulty.  The score was 6-3 at the half, thanks to a long 51 yard field goal by Tennessee kicker Brent Cimaglia.

The third quarter was not eventful, but the 4th quarter was a sight to behold.  Tennessee had the ball at the start of the 4th quarter, but the Florida secondary was itching to get their hands on the ball.  Freshman cornerback C.J. Henderson, who already had a pick-six in the Florida first game stepped in front a receiver and carried the ball to the endzone for a 16 yard touchdown.  

Now leading 13-3, I thought the Gators' defense could take it from here, based on their performance so far.  At first my prediction seemed correct when Florida defender Malik Davis picked up a fumble and returned for what could have been a touchdown. Unfortunately, Davis wasn't paying attention and let the ball get knocked off of his hands by a Tennessee player just before he crossed the goal line.

Afterwards, the Volunteers offense finally got going on a touchdown drive that covered 80 yards in just five plays.  Finding that their lead was dwindling, the Gators' offense was getting ready to become what is expected of them.  A great kick return by receiver Kyrie Cleveland gave the offense fantastic starting field position at the Tennessee 44.  After two runs plays which netted 5 yards, Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks threw a 3rd down pass to Cleveland who caught for it for a first down.  Two plays later, Franks completed a 13 yard pass to receiver Brandon Powell for another first down.    Running back Mark Thompson pounded the ball down to the 5 yard line on the following play and Franks capped off the drive with a TD pass to Brandon Powell. 

Tennessee was not about to concede the game and responded with a 75 yard touchdown drive that took only two plays.  On the ensuing Florida drive, a pass by Franks bounced off the hands of a receiver and was intercepted by Tennessee.  The Volunteers subsequently drove the ball deep into the red zone, but the Gators defense held firm. With only 50 seconds left, Tennessee kicker Austin Medley tied the game at 20.  

Facing the looming specter of overtime gave the Franks, the offensive line and the receiver a shot of adrenaline.  The Gators got 1 first down but took 41 seconds to do so, leaving only seconds on the clock.  On the last play of regulation, Franks caught the shotgun snap and scrambled to his right.  He cocked his cannon of his arm upon noticing that receiver Kyrie Cleveland had slipped behind the defense.

Franks heaved the ball 65 yards and it was caught by Cleveland for a jaw-dropping, delirium-inducing, game-winning touchdown.

Florida players and coaches streamed onto the field and formed a dog-pile on top of Kyrie Cleveland.  Feleipe Franks was ecstatic and gave some Gators fans joyous high-fives.  All of the Florida fans were celebrating, and for just a few precious minutes, the effects of a hurricane were the last thing on their minds.

Final Score: Florida 26 Tennessee 20  

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 4

1.  #16 TCU Horned Frogs @ #6 Oklahoma State Cowboys 

Will the Cowboys blow away another opponent in a barrage of Mason Rudolph touchdown passes or will the Horned Frogs' own high-scoring offense score more?

My pick: TCU, of course!

2.  #17 Mississippi State Bulldogs @ #11 Georgia Bulldogs

This game leapt onto my radar because of Mississippi State's jump from unranked to #17. This rapid shift in ranking in certainly warranted after Mississippi State shocked #11 LSU in an incredible 37-7 win.  Will Mississippi State tally a second straight win over a top 15 team or will Georgia defend their turf with a close victory?

My pick: Mississippi State