Week 9 2017

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch 

#14 NC State Wolfpack @ #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

A loss in this game would definitely either team from playoff contention.  And the home team would not be losing Saturday.  

NC State got on the board first when the Wolfpack blocked a punt and recovered it in the endzone for a touchdown.   Notre Dame responded with a drive that concluded with a 25 yard passing touchdown by quarterback Brandon Wimbush. The scoring ceased until the 2nd quarter when NC State scored a touchdown on a 15 yard pass by their quarterback Ryan Finley.   However, the Fighting Irish then took control of the game with 2 straight touchdown drives that gave them a 21-14 at the half.

Notre Dame's defense shutout NC State the rest of the way and returned an interception for a touchdown to make matters worse for the Wolfpack.  Josh Adams, the top running back for the Fighting Irish, sped down the field for a 77 yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter, icing the game for all intents and purposes. 

Final Score: Notre Dame 35, NC State 14

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#2 Penn State Nittany Lions @ #6 Ohio State Buckeyes 

The stakes for this game couldn't have been higher for the Buckeyes.  Penn State was undefeated coming into this game and could afford a loss while still remaining in the chase for the playoffs.  Ohio State, on the other hand, had already suffered a loss early in the season to Oklahoma.  A 2nd loss would virtually destroy the Buckeyes' chances of making the playoffs.

According to how the game started for Ohio State, elimination from the playoff discussion seemed to be their destiny.  The coin toss decided that Penn State would receive the ball first.  This made the Penn State coaches happy because star running back Saquon Barkley was their return man and they were hoping he would have a chance to create a great return.  The Ohio State kicker unwisely did not kick the ball away from Barkley.  Big mistake.   Upon catching the ball, Barkley started toward the left sideline before realizing the Buckeyes coverage team had left the other side of the field wide open.  Barkley zoomed across the field, took advantage of good blocking by his teammates, and scored a 97 yard kick return touchdown that silenced the crowd.

This horrendous start for the Buckeyes would only get worse when wide receiver Parris Campbell fumbled on the 3rd play of Ohio State's opening drive.  This set the Penn State offense with exceptional field position at the Ohio State 22 yard line.  Five plays later, the Nittany Lions found the endzone when quarterback Trace McSorley completed a 13 yard TD pass to top receiver DaeSean Hamilton.

Ohio State's next drive didn't go much better for one reason: bad play calling.  For weeks, senior quarterback J.T Barrett had proven that his medium and deep passing abilities had improved greatly.  But much to my bewilderment, when the Buckeyes passed the ball, they called screen passes which are thrown to wide receivers behind the line of scrimmage.  The talented Nittany Lion defense stopped many of those plays for minimal or sometimes even negative yardage. Eventually, the Ohio State offensive coordinator began to trust Barrett with some deep passing opportunites, but he should have figured it out far quicker when he's paid an insane amount of money to call plays.  (Some of the blame should be placed on Head Coach Urban Meyer as well).

 The Buckeyes finally got on the board with a field goal with 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter.  After this, 4 straight touchdown drives occurred.  The first of Penn State's two touchdown drives were powered by the arm of Trace McSorley and the legs of Saquon Barkley.

The second was due to blunders committed by Ohio State and the referees. 

After scoring their first touchdown of the day to make the score 21-10, Ohio State had to kick off again.  Kickoffs continued to be an embarrasing problem for the Buckeyes when a good kick that kept the ball away from Barkely was negated by a offsides penalty on the kicking team.  Ohio State had to repeat the kickoff and this time terrible positioning reared its ugly head again.  The Buckeyes kick coverage team all directly raced toward secondary returner Koa Farmer once he caught the ball instead of staying in their lanes.  Soon they were out of position again!  Just like Barkley, Farmer faked left then cut back to the right, speeding all the way down to the Ohio State 23 yard line.  As a Buckeyes fan, I wanted to cover my face with a pillow after those two plays.

Penn State was actually almost prevented from scoring when a  defensive back intercepted a McSorley pass in the endzone. However, a bogus defensive pass interference was called on Buckeyes cornerback Damon Arnette, giving the Nittany Lions the ball at the 6 yard line.  Quarterback Trace McSorley ran for a touchdown on the next play and Penn State now led 28-10.

Fortunately, the play calling continued to improve for the Buckeyes.  Ohio State running back Mike Weber busted into the endzone on the last play of a very important touchdown drive.  The Buckeyes had cut the lead to 28-17 and the score remained the same going into halftime. 

When the Buckeyes opened the 3rd quarter with a drive that ended in a field goal, the Ohio State faithful were invigorated with fresh passion for their team.    However, Penn State's next possession would quiet the crowd again.  McSorley and Barkley continued to make headway against the Ohio State defense.

On the 10th play of the drive, McSorley lofted a deep pass to wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins.  Thompkins was well covered and both receiver and defender had their hands on the ball when they landed in the endzone.  The play was originally ruled an interception but upon review it was apparent that Thompkins had been the one that truly caught the ball.

Yet again, Penn State held a two score lead: this time 35-20.  This score held for the rest of the 3rd quarter, but the scoreboard would sure shift in the 4th!  

Early in the final quarter of play, Penn State was forced into a three-and-out by the great play of the Ohio State defensive line.  The Buckeyes decided to bring an all-out blitz the try and block the ensuing punt.  Denzel Ward sped around the right side of the screen of Penn State blockers and knocked the ball out of the air soon after it left the punters's foot.

Ohio State defender Dante Booker picked the ball up and returned it 6 yards to the Penn State 41.

The special teams unit had finally come through with a great play and the entire Ohio State team had a fresh wave of confidence.   Two plays afterwards, Barrett fired an accurate pass over the middle to wide receiver Johnnie Dixon who caught it in stride and galloped into the endzone for a 38 yard touchdown.  The Nittany Lions now possessed a 1 score, 35-27 lead. 

Penn State managed to scrape together enough offense to tally a field goal, but it was obvious the Ohio State defense was just beginning to get the upper hand.  

Now down by 11 with under six minutes left, the Buckeyes had to score, and fast! They scored at lightning-fast speed as a matter of fact.  J.T. Barrett continued to show just how much he has improved as a passer, throwing two crisp passes to wide receiver Austin Mack, and one to K.J. Hill, before finding Johnnie Dixon for another touchdown.

The Buckeyes went for two to try and get within a field goal but failed.

Seeing their lead dwindling to only five, Penn State was nonetheless unable to respond because of the constant pressure that Ohio State's defensive line was able to exert on McSorley.  When the Buckeyes got the ball back with 3 minutes remaining, it seemed like they had enough confidence to complete the comeback.

Barrett still had to make a key throw under pressure to keep his offense running on all cylinders, but he was up to the task.

J.T. concluded the drive with a perfect placed completion to tight end Marcus Baugh to give the Buckeyes their first lead of the game.

The Lions of Nittany had plenty of time to mount a comeback attempt of their own, but didn't even get a sniff of the endzone.  The defensive line of Ohio State, arguably the best in the nation, got continued pressure on McSorley, giving him no time at all to throw the ball.  A final desperate 4th down pass by McSorley skipped off the turf and the game was all but over.

Having witnessed such a dramatic comeback, it was no wonder that Ohio State fans rushed the field to revel in the victory.

Look out, College Football Playoff Selection Committee, the Buckeyes are making their case!

Final Score: Ohio State 39, Penn State 38

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 10

1.  #5 Oklahoma Sooners @ #11 Oklahoma State Cowboys 

This rivarly is affectionately known as Bedlam.  Considering this is also a playoff elimination game, things could be even wilder.  Will the Sooners beat the Cowboys and prove once again that they are the top program in the state?  Or will Oklahoma State finally show they can win a big game?

My pick: Oklahoma   

2.  #13 Virginia Tech Hokies @ #10 Miami Hurricanes 

Miami has shown they can win close games with a combination of will to win and fortunate bounces.  Will the Hurricanes' quest for an undefeated season end against the Hokies?  Or will Head Coach Mark Richt guide his team to yet another victory? 

My pick: Miami 

Week 8 2017

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch 

1.  #19 Michigan Wolverines @ #2 Penn State Nittany Lions 

The stadium where this very important Big Ten game occurred is known as Happy Valley, and I can assure you that opposing teams are not happy to play here.  On Saturday night, fans were clad all in white, waving thousands of white streamers attached to wands.  Over 110,000 fans are squeezed inside the stadium and there were so many streamers that it looks like a blizzard is going on!  To stay this is a tough environment to play in would be like saying the wind is cold in Antarctica.

The scoring got started in a hurry on Penn State's first possession.  After a six yard completion by quarterback Trace McSorley, the Nittany Lions unveiled a unexpected play that caught the Michigan defense off guard.  Super talented running back Saquon Barkley caught a direct snap and faked like he was going to run to the right.  The Michigan defense took the bait after which Barkley cut back to the left and sped into open grass.

Sixty-nine yards later, Barkley raced into the endzone for a touchdown that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Michigan's ensuing drive ended quickly when quarterback John O'Korn was sacked by defensive lineman Curtis Cothran on 3rd down.  Penn State got the ball back and wasted no time in doing something with it.  A  23 yard scamper by McSorley and a 35 yard completion to receiver Mike Gisicki got the ball into the redzone.  Barkley scored on the next play with a 15 yard touchdown run and this game appeared to be heading to the city of No Contest.

Fortunately for college football purists, the roles would soon reverse.  Late in the first quarter, a McSorley pass was intercepted and returned 20 yards, setting the Michigan offense up with good field position.  Using a good mix of running plays and short passes, the Wolverines marched down the field in 11 plays and scored a touchdown on a 4th and Goal rush by running back Karan Higdon.  But the Michigan kicker missed the extra point and the Wolverines had only cut the lead to 14-6.

The teams then traded punts.  Penn State had a chance to extend their lead on their next drives, but a dropped pass by Barkley soon led to a turnover on downs.

The Wolverines took this opportunity and went on a drive fueled by two medium length completions by O'Korn.  Michigan running back Ty Isaac blasted his way into the endzone on the final play of the drive and the score became 14-13.

Penn State fans were now getting restless, sensing the tide was turning.  However, the Nittany Lions would grab the momentum right back on their next possession.   Trace McSorley proved how valuable he is by completing 3 passes for a total of 65 yards, guiding his team into the redzone once again.

McSorley capped the drive off with a 3 yard touchdown run that gave Penn State all the momentum heading into the half.

The rest of the game was all Penn State.  The Nittany Lions continued to shred the Wolverine defense by scoring 3 more touchdowns.  On the other side, Michigan offense's earlier successes ended as the Penn State defense began to prove that their offense isn't the only reason why they #2 team in the nation.  The game ended in resounding fashion soon after the Wolverines' final attempt to scrape together some points ended in a turnover on downs.

This victory keeps Penn State locked in prime position in the hunt for a playoff spot and sets up one heck of a game between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes.

Final Score: Penn State 42, Michigan 13

2.  #11 USC Trojans @ #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

Billed as a virtual playoff elimination game, this showdown had all the ingredients to be an instant classic like many other games in the lore of this great rivalry.  But would the ingredients combine to form a delicious helping of college football?

Notre Dame received the opening kickoff but quickly went three-and-out.  USC soon had control of the ball and were hoping to take advantage of it.  USC started in shotgun formation with quarterback Sam Darnold ready to make something happen.  Unfortunately for him, the snap was too high and Darnold just barely got his fingertips on it. The ball spun wildly through the air as Notre Dame defensive lineman Tevon Coney, unblocked in the chaos, crashed into the quarterback.  In the end, the ball ended up hitting the ground close to Coney and he dove on it to secure the turnover.

This disaster of a start for the Trojans would only get worse as Notre Dame would get on the scoreboard three plays later with a touchdown pass by quarterback Brandon Wimbush.

The rest of the first half continued in much the same fashion. Notre Dame's offense fired on all cylinders while Sam Darnold and USC could hardly do anything right.  The Fighting Irish would score three more touchdowns in the first half while the most noteworthy thing Darnold accomplished was to throw an interception.

In the 2nd half, things went a little better for USC, as Darnold passed for 2 touchdowns the first two times his team had the ball.  However, it mattered little in the end because Notre Dame responed each time with touchdowns of their own.  The stingy Notre Dame defense kept USC off the scoreboard the rest of the game, stamping out any hope for a comeback.   

Notre Dame is sure looking like a true playoff contender but their schedule doesn't get any easier.  The question is: Can the Fighting Irish continue on their winning ways or will they be tripped up in the end?

Final Score: Notre Dame 49, USC 14

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#25 Memphis Tigers @ Houston Cougars

A pivotal battle in the American Conference, this game would prove which team was one of the toughest cats in the conference.  Haha.  Cat humor.

Anyways, the first half was dominated by Houston.  The Tigers offense, averaging 40 points per game in their previous contests, couldn't manage to score a point as their possessions were plagued by  turnovers and three-and-outs.  Houston capitalized by scoring 17 points, a respectable advantage but not large enough to erase the possibility of a comeback.

Houston quickly went three-and-out to start the third quarter, giving Memphis just the opportunity they needed.  Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson shook off the terrible start and started to look like himself.  Ferguson used 6 passes, including one that drew a pass interference penalty on the defense, to lead his team inside the Houston 5 yard line.
Two plays later, running back Patrick Taylor Jr. rumbled into the endzone to get the Tigers onto the scoreboard.

The Cougars roared back with a productive drive of their own.  Houston reached the redzone after 7 plays, the most notable of which were a 15 yard rush by running back Dillon Bardin and two completions by quarterback Kyle Postma for 35 yards.  It took the Cougars 6 more plays to reach the endzone, needing a 4th down conversion to keep the drive alive.  The score was now 24-7 and the pressure was now solidly back on the Memphis offense to keep the game close.

Ferguson didn't need to lift a finger, however, when the Tigers' speedy kick returner Tony Pollard took the ensuing kickoff back for a game-changing 93 yard touchdown.

The scoring kept on going a rapid pace as both teams scored a touchdown on their next possession.  Houston still maintained a 31-21 lead with just a little over 1 quarter to play.  The Cougars had the ball next and began to construct what looked to be another long scoring drive.  But their plans were soon upended. Defensive lineman Tito Windham was tired of Houston scoring at will against him and the Memphis defense.  Windham evaded the offensive lineman blocking him, ran toward Postma and knocked the ball out of the quarterback's  hands before Postma threw it.  Fellow Memphis defender John Tate recovered the fumble and the Tigers took a big step toward shrinking the deficit even further.

Memphis scored yet another touchdown on their next drive, as the Tigers offense continued to prove they could move the ball down the field almost at will.  Patrick Taylor Jr. tallied his 3rd touchdown run of the day 9 plays into the drive to get his team within 3.

Houston's success on offense did not end either.  Thirteen plays later, the Cougars scored again on an 8 yard touchdown pass from Postma to receiver Stephen Dunbar.

As you would expect, Memphis wasn't done scoring.  Riley Ferguson continued to be red-hot, torching the Houston defense like he was burning hay.

An exceptional 52 yard completion from Ferguson to top receiver Anthony Miller, plus a personal foul penalty on Houston, moved the ball 57 yards on 1 play.  One snap later, Patrick Taylor Jr. scored his 4th TD of the day.

Taking a cue from the offense, Memphis' defense stepped up once again and forced Houston to punt on their next drive.  It was almost inevitable that the Tigers would score again, and sure enough they did.  A 21 yard pass from Ferguson to receiver Sean Dykes went for a touchdown and the Tigers had their first lead of the day: 42-38!

Yes, folks, that means they scored 42 points in one half of play.

The Cougars ended up having two tries to construct a game-winning drive, but each opportunity ended in a turnover.  Houston fans were soon leaving the stadium with a sour taste in their mouths as Memphis players and fans were just beginning to revel in a comeback victory that was one of the most impressive of the season.

Final Score: Memphis 42, Houston 38

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 9

1.  #2 Penn State Nittany Lions @ #6 Ohio State Buckeyes

This game is of monumental importance due to the fact that both teams are solidly in the playoff discussion.   Will the Nittany Lions follow up their victory over the Wolverines by defeating Michigan's rival on the road in a hostile environment?  Or will the Buckeyes prove their early season loss to Oklahoma will be just a blip in the radar at the end of the season?

My pick: Ohio State, obviously!  O-H-I-O!!

2.  #14 NC State Wolfpack @ #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

Although this matchup won't be headlining the weekend, it is no less important. If Notre Dame can keep winning, they will be in the playoffs at season's end.  Will the Wolfpack stake their own claim to a playoff spot at the expense of the Fighting Irish?  Or will Notre Dame prove they will play like champions on Saturday?

My pick: Notre Dame

Week 7 2017

Results of Last Week's Game to Watch 

#25 Navy Midshipmen @ Memphis Tigers 

This American Conference showdown started fast, with Navy taking a 10-7 lead after just 3 total possessions.  The rest of the first half saw only a field goal scored by Memphis, bringing the score to a 10-10 tie at the break.

The 3rd quarter started badly for the Midshipmen.  Early in Navy's possession, quarterback Zach Abey's pass was intercepted by Memphis linebacker Austin Hall who returned it to Navy's 12 yard line.  Two plays later, Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson completed a pass to Darrell Henderson for a ten yard touchdown.

The Midshipmen couldn't muster any response on their ensuing drive, but a great punt by Owen White pinned the Tigers at the own 1 yard line.  The punt paid dividends when Ferguson was forced to throw the ball out of bounds to avoid getting tackled in his own endzone.  Ferguson was still in the pocket when he threw it, which merits an intentional grounding penalty.  By rule, intentional grounding in the endzone is a safety for the opposing team, worth 2 points.  Being awarded a safety also meant that Navy would receive a kickoff from Memphis.

The Navy triple-option offense then went to work, running the ball play after play, wearing down the Memphis defense.  Quarterback Zach Abey muscled his way into the endzone on the 10th play of the drive and the Midshipmen now had a 19-17 lead.

Riley Ferguson responded to the adversity well, throwing 5 straight completions on the Tigers' next drive.  But eventually, two incompletions necessitated a field goal attempt.  Kicker Riley Patterson nailed the 42 yarder, giving Memphis a 20-19 lead.

The Memphis defense followed up the success of their offense by ending the success of Navy's potent running attack with a defensive stop.  After receiving the ensing punt, the Memphis picked up where they left off.   Five plays into the drive, the Tigers had charged into Navy territory thanks to a personal foul penalty against a Navy player.  The next 2 plays were as tasty as a nice juicy steak for the Tigers.  Top receiver Anthony Miller caught a pass from Ferguson on the first, and wide receiver Phil Mayhue used a spectacular toe drag along the left sideline to haul in the pass on the second.  It was not long before Miller caught his 2nd touchdown pass of the day.

Navy started to self-destruct on their next drive when Abey fumbled deep in his own territory.  Memphis defender Curtis Akins fell on the loose ball and the Tigers had secured any momentum they didn't already have.  Despite the exceptional field position, the Tigers weren't able to take full advantage and settled for a field goal.

Memphis now led 30-19 and appeared to be on their way to a victory.  However, the Tigers had a turnover of their own midway through the 4th quarter. Afterwards, the Navy offense found their sea legs and put together a touchdown drive, adding 2 points on a successful conversion attempt.  Memphis' lead was now down to 3 and they punted on their next drive, giving Navy a chance to set sail on a game-winning drive.  But the Midshipmen's dream were short-lived as Abey threw an interception on the first play to none other than linebacker Austin Hall.

Memphis simply ran the rest of the clock out and roared like Tigers as they celebrated an important victory over a military academy that always fields tough football teams.

Final Score: Memphis 30, Navy 27

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ #11 Miami Hurricanes 

Two weekends ago, Miami snatched a victory away from Florida State, a rival they hadn't defeated in 7 years, by way of a last-second touchdown pass from quarterback Malik Rozier to wide receiver Darrell Langham.  The looming question for Miami was whether or not they could handle Georgia Tech and their crafty triple-option rushing attack so soon after celebrating a monumental victory.

Early in the 2nd quarter, it appeared that Miami had not handled success well. They were trailing 14-3 due to an offense which could hardly do anything right and a defense that couldn't stop the triple-option.   But much to the delight of the home fans, the Hurricanes began to do things rights on offense, scoring 10 unanswered points during the remainder of the quarter.

Coming out of the locker room, the Hurricanes were only down by a point, but would have to kick the ball to the Yellow Jackets.  Knowing Georgia Tech was apt to control time of possession in a game, Miami Head Coach Mark Richt decided to try an onside kick to catch Georgia Tech off guard.  The kick would need to travel right around ten yards to give Miami a chance to legally recover it.  Miami kicker Michael Badgely attempted the onside kick, but the ball traveled definitely less than ten yards.  It hit a Miami player in the foot and bounced into an area of empty grass.  Thinking quickly, Georgia Tech's Lamont Simmons picked up the ball and raced 42 yards to score a gift-wrapped touchdown.   

After this blunder that I can only describe as the worst onside kick attempt I have ever seen, Miami trailed by 8.   Each team scored a field goal in the 3rd quarter and Georgia Tech's lead remained unchanged.

At the start of the 4th quarter, Miami's offense was approaching midfield, trying to mount a drive that could possibly tie the game.  Right around that time, a late afternoon rain shower, quite typical in south Florida, began to drench the field. Soon, players were splashing, slipping, and sliding as they continued to play. Almost as if the Hurricanes were energized by the weather, the Miami offensive line opened a big hole that running back Travis Homer sped through en route to a 27 yard touchdown dash.  Miami would try for a two point conversion, but failed when a pass by Rozier fell incomplete.

The Hurricanes were still down by 2 and the Yellow Jackets were not about to let that lead slip away.  Georgia Tech forced Miami to punt on their next two drives, but Miami's defense played just as tough and forced 3 punts.

At this point, only 2 1/2 minutes remained in the game and Miami had the ball, affording them one last chance to construct a game-winning drive.

The first part of the drive went well for the Hurricanes.  Three completions from Rozier to top wide receiver Braxton Berrios provided the spark to get the drive moving.  Then, 3 straight completions from Rozier to receiver Christopher Herndon IV pushed the ball forward to the Georgia Tech 34 yard line.  Another completion to Berrios appeared to have brought Miami into field goal range, but an illegal block penalty on Miami brought it back.

Three plays later and Miami was facing a do-or-die 4th and 10.  Rozier caught the shotgun snap but didn't find any open receivers right away and scrambled out of the pocket.  With the Georgia Tech defensive line bearing down on him, Rozier elected to loft a pass toward the hero of the previous week's game: wide receiver Darrell Langham.  Langham was surrounded by two defenders, and, as I watched the ball sail through the air, I had major doubts as to Langham's chances of catching it.

Langham and the defenders leapt into the air.  First, the ball bounced off a defender's helmet, glancing off toward Langham.  Then, it hit Langham's helmet and bounced right into his view.

Now falling backwards, Langham had the skills and composure to come down with a catch.  Miami fans jumped to their feet as the commentators tried to describe the miraculous catch.

A key 12 yard run by Homer 2 plays later, made Badgley's forthcoming field goal attempt about the same distance as an extra point.  Badgley redeemed himself for the terrible onside kick by hitting the ball straight and true through the uprights. Miami players soon raced onto the field, celebrating the resurgence of Miami football.

Final Score: Miami 25, Georgia Tech 24

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 8

1.  #19 Michigan Wolverines @ #2 Penn State Nittany Lions 

Michigan has had a season of ups and downs.  In Week 1 they defeated the Gators with a dominating defense performance.  Two weeks ago, the Wolverines' offense struggled mightily in a disappointing 14-10 loss to rival Michigan State.  However, Michigan bounced back with an overtime victory over Indiana last week.  

Will Michigan be able to roll into a massive stadium filled with over 100,000 Penn State fans and be able to keep this game close?  Or will the Nittany Lions' Heisman frontrunner, running back Saquon Barkley, prove too much for the Wolverines to handle?

My pick: Penn State

2. #11 USC Trojans @ #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

Even though these two teams are located at opposite sides of the country, they have faced off in games dating back to 1926.  This has created a rare long distance rivalry that is rich in tradition and excitement.  

Will the Trojans jump back into the playoff discussion with a much-needed big win?  Or will the Fighting Irish win this highly-contested battle and stake their own claim for a playoff spot? 

My pick: USC

Extra Point 

Texas A&M Aggies @ Florida Gators 

Florida's chances to get back into the win column looked pretty good early in the 4th quarter when they scored a rushing touchdown to take a 17-10 lead. Unfortunately, those were the last points the Gators scored in the game, and Texas A&M's 3 field goals during the rest of the 4th quarter was enough to spell defeat.   I think a 3rd straight SEC East Division title is all but out of the question now for the Gators.

Final Score: Texas A&M 19, Florida 17  

Week 6 2017

Results of Last Week's Games to Watch

1. #23 West Virginia Mountaineers @ #6 TCU Horned Frogs 

Just befote this game started at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. TCU had just learned that Oklahoma had suffered a very unexpected loss to Iowa State in a game that started at noon.  With that newly acquired knowledge, the Horned Frogs knew they could be the Big 12's lone remaining undefeated team with a victory over the Mountaineers.

However, that knowledge translated into added pressure that quarterback Kenny Hill and the TCU offense wasn't able to handle at first.  The only points the Horned Frogs scored was on a short drive set up by a fumble by a West Virginia kick returner.   Running back Sewo Olonilua did the honor of busting into the endzone to tally 7 points for the Horned Frogs.

On the other side of the ball, the Horned Frogs' defense continued to show significant improvements from last year by holding West Virginia to a whopping 3 points in the first half.  

The 2nd half proved to more like what you would expect from a Big 12 game.  After a West Virginia punt to open the 3rd quarter, quarterback Kenny Hill was ready to jump start the game.  On the first 5 plays of the drive, Hill ran 3 times for 36 yards and completed a 20 yard pass to wide receiver John Diarse.  But the Mountaineers' defense clamped down and forced a field goal.  TCU kicker Jonathan Song coverted the 37 yarder to give his team a 10-3 lead.

West Virginia quarterback Will Grier started to lead a drive in response but was intercepted on the 5th play by TCU linebacker Nick Orr.   Hill quickly converted the turnover to a TD with a deep pass down the right sideline to receiver Jalen Reagor who made a over-the-shoulder catch for a touchdown. 

Now down by 14, West Virginia knew they had to score points quickly to keep the game from getting out of hand.  On 2 drives that took less than 2 minutes combined, Will Grier added two 2 touchdowns to his stats using a pair of deep passes, one to David Sills V and the other to Ka'Ruan White.  

It was now tied with less than a minute left in the 3rd quarter and the points would keep on coming.  The ensuing TCU drive reached midfield after an 8 yard completion to John Diarse and two rushes by tailback Darius Anderson.  On the 4th play of the drive, things would get tricky.  Hill handed the ball over to speedster KaVontae Turpin on an apparent end around.  But, no, it was a trick play!  Turpin threw the ball back to Hill who was wide open with a caravan of blockers in front of him.  Hill used his speed to race down the sideline, dodge a defender and score a rare receiving touchdown for a quarterback.

The scoring finally slowed to a stop when each team had to punt on their next possession.  A little less than a quarter remained when West Virginia began a long drive fueled by short completions from Grier to his receivers.  On the 10th play of the drive, Grier found David Sills V for a 4 yard TD that tied the game.  

With just under 10 minute left, the Horned Frogs began a long, methodical drive that drained a lot of time off the clock.  The engine of TCU's drive was also short passes, none more important than a 3rd down completion from Hill to John Diarse.  On the 12th play, nearly 7 minutes into the drive, Kenny Hill ran for a short TD run, bringing his total on the day to 3 (1 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving).  

Will Grier and the West Virginia offense had an opportunity to tie the game if they could effectively run the two minute drill and score a touchdown.  However, the Horned Frogs' defense would have none of it, allowing West Virginia to gain only one first down before forcing an incomplete pass on 4th down. 

3 plays later and TCU was celebrating a pivotal victory that establishes them as the frontrunner to win the Big 12 Conference. 

Final Score: TCU 31, West Virginia 24

   

2. #21 Louisville Cardinals @ #23 NC State Wolfpack 

The last time Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals had played in front of a "Blackout" crowd, they had been at home but were defeated by the Clemson Tigers.  This time they were on the road, playing a recently improved NC State team.  Did things things turn out any differently last Thursday night?  

Almost from the beginning the Cardinals offense struggled.  Similar to Clemson, NC State has a talented defensive line which was able to contain or pressure Lamar Jackson on most plays, severely limiting the reigning Heisman trophy winner's production.  His counterpart on the other team, NC State quarterback Ryan Finley, had not thrown an interception in quite a while and was not about to throw one against Louisville.  Thanks to his smart and accurate passing, the Wolfpack looked like a great team throughout.    

Late in the first half, the Wolfpack got the ball with 3 minutes left.  One minute later, NC State had reached midfield thanks to a couple good runs by running back Reggie Gallaspy Jr.  Two plays later, Finley saw that the Cardinals' defense was in tight man-to-man coverage and he knew that at least one of his receivers could get open.  Wide receiver Stephen Louis, racing down the left sideline, soon got open.  Finley threw a perfect pass and Louis pulled it in with a great catch along the sideline at the 11 yard line.  The next play call was a handoff to running back Nyheim Hines who broke one tackle and strode into the endzone for a NC State touchdown.  The score was now 10 to 7.

From that point on, the Wolfpack had the lion’s share of the momentum of the game.  The closest Louisville got to tying the game came early in the 3rd quarter after a field goal on each side of the half cut the NC State lead to 4.  The Wolfpack responded with a 9 play drive that concluded with another touchdown run by Hines.   Even though Louisville scored two more touchdowns in the game, the Cardinals' defense was unable to stop Finley and the two powerful Wolfpack running backs when it mattered the most.  A late pass by Jackson was intercepted by NC State's Germaine Pratt and returned for a touchdown, icing the game for all intents and purposes.

With this important victory, NC State had now moved into a position to challenge Clemson when they play them in early November.   Clemson better be ready for them.

Final Score: NC State 39, Louisville 25

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

Kansas State Wildcats @ Texas Longhorns 

The hot commodity in coaching last offseason was former Houston Head Coach Tom Herman.  Texas ended up securing Herman's services but his first four games have included an embarrasing loss to Maryland and a doulbe overtime loss to USC.  To say that Herman was longing to a get a victory over a good team is a understatement.

But after the first half, Herman's Longhorns had a 21-17 lead over a well-coached Kansas State squad.  Starting quarterback Shane Buechele was injured in the previous week's victory over Iowa State so it was time for freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger to lead the offense.  His first pass had been intercepted, but he learned from mistakes and later tossed a 33 yard touchdown pass that was a key play in the 2nd quarter.

We'll pick up the action two minutes into the 3rd quarter.  Texas gets the ball and drives down the field due in large part to 2 straight medium length completions by Ehrlinger.  Later, the drive stalls and kicker Joshua Rowland converts a 33 yard field goal.  2 possessions later, Kansas State punter Nick Walsh pins the Longhorns at their own 1 yard line with an exceptional punt.  Texas is unable to move the ball out from the shadow of their own goal post after 3 plays and are forced to make a punt of their own.  A good return by Kansas State punt returner D.J Clark sets the Wildcats up with excellent field position at the Texas 34 yard line.

Kansas State starting quarterback Jesse Ertz uses his running and passing abilities to get a first down.  Following a unproductive play on 1st down, backup quarterback Alex Delton comes into the game and runs the ball 3 times in a row. Delton is rested and blasts into the endzone on the 3rd play.

The Wildcats' defense continued to make life difficult for the Longhorns' defense, enable their offense to take the lead with a field goal early in the 4th quarter. 

Finally, the Texas offensive line began to play better again, giving Ehlinger time to pass and running back Chris Warren III room to run.  However, the drive stalled inside the Wildcats' 10 yard line and Joshua Rowland comes onto the field again. Unfortunately, he shanks the short 27 yard kick badly and the Longhorns remain behind by 3.  

Fortunately for Rowland, he would get another chance.  The Texas defense forces Kansas State into a three-and-out.  The Longhorns soon began another that drive that seems like it might fail when Texas is forced into a 3rd and 10.  On this critical play, Ehrlinger completes a pass over the middle to wide receiver Jordan Humphrey.  Humphrey races around a defender and hurdles another to get the first down.  But before Humphrey's feet hit the ground, Kansas State defender Duke Shelley knocks the ball out of his hands.  Fortunately for Humphrey, Chris Warren III was following the play and jumped on the loose ball.  Texas regains possession, breathes a sigh of relief, and get back to business. 

Ehlinger converts another 3rd down later in the drive with a good pass, but the Wildcats' defense stiffens once again.  Rowland gets ready for another kick, this time a 34 yarder.  Rowland hits this one straight and true and the game is tied. Rowland would actually get yet another chance to kick a field goal after a Jesse Ertz pass is intercepted by Texas.  The Longhorns moves into field goal range in less than 30 seconds.  With only 6 seconds left, Rowland got ready to attempt a 45 yarder.  This kick misses just barely to the right and the game heads to overtime.

Texas gets the ball first in overtime and quickly tallies seven points on a 25 yard touchdown pass from Ehlinger to receiver Jerrod Heard.  Kansas State sends the game to a 2nd overtime with a TD drive that takes only 3 plays longer.  

The order of possession flips and Kansas State gets the ball first in double overtime.  It appears that the Wildcats appeared destined for the endzone again when a holding penalty brings the play back.  Then, a second straight holding penalty on Kansas State moves the ball back even further.  Three unproductive plays later and the Wildcats are forced to attempt a long field goal that kicker Matthew McCrane understandably misses.  

Knowing scoring even a field goal would win the game, the Longhorns channel that energy in the right direction by getting inside the 5 after just 2 plays.  However, after two unproductive running plays it looked like the Longhorns might need a field goal to win.  A risky proposition for sure!  Thankfully, Rowland's services aren't required when the brute strength of Chris Warren III, plus that of four Texas players pushing him, get the ball across the goal line.

The Texas player now lying on top of Warren congratulate him energetically, the thrill of victory coursing through their veins.   At last, things are looking up for the Texas program.

Final Score: Texas 40, Kansas State 34 (2OT) 

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 7

1.  Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ #11 Miami Hurricanes 

Will Georgia Tech's crafty triple option offensive attack be enough to overpower a great Miami team coming off a last second victory over Florida State?  Or will Miami continue their resurgence toward being a top ACC team?

My pick: Miami

2. #25 Navy Midshipmen @ Memphis Tigers 

This American Conference game features an undefeated Navy squad against a group of Tigers whose only loss was to the rapidly improving UCF team?  Will the Midshipmen stay undefeated or will the Tigers claw their way to victory?

My pick: Memphis

Extra Point

The Gators offensive struggles continued when they played a home game against an LSU team coming off an embarrasing loss to Troy.  The Gators defensive played well but the only scored two touchdowns and a field goal.  The blunder of the game was a missed extra point by the usually reliable Eddy Pineiro, a mistake that ended up costing the Gators the game.

Final Score: LSU 17, Florida 16  

Two Point Conversion 

I would be remiss not to mention a certain game between the Buffalo Bulls and the Western Michigan Broncos.  The final score of the game you ask?   Western Michigan 71, Buffalo 68 in 7 overtimes!!!  You heard me right, 7 overtimes!  The game was so long that bathroom breaks for the players were necessary.  Also of note, the 139 total points were the most points scored in a college football game in the modern era.

Week 5 2017

Results of Last Week's Game to Watch 

1. #2 Clemson Tigers @ #12 Virginia Tech Hokies

As is tradition, the Hokies entered Lane Stadium as a Metallica song pounded from the stadium's speakers.  The fans were jumping up and down and were hoping for a landmark upset. 

From the start, Virginia Tech quarterback and his receiving corps led by Kam Phillips, were bottled up by the Clemson defense.  The Tigers defensive line, headlined by defensive end Christian Wilkins, continued to show they are the best front four in college football, pressuring the quarterback on every play.

On the other side of the ball the Tigers were productive, scoring a field goal on their first possession.  Then, after a 2nd Virginia Tech three-and-out, Clemson got the ball with good starting field position.  Three plays into the drive, a Virginia Tech linebacker blew his coverage of running back Tavien Feaster who raced out of the backfield, ready to catch a pass.  Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant lobbed the ball to Feaster, watching as he raced down the sideline for a 60 yard touchdown.

The Tech defense clamped down for the next 15 minutes of play, but their offense only managed to score 3 points during that span.  Towards the end of the 2nd quarter, Bryant found his rhythm throwing the ball, completing two big completions to wide receiver Deon Cain.  The first moved the ball 35 yards down the field and the second got the ball down to the 1.  One snap later, and running back C.J. Fuller rumbled in for the touchdown.

Clemson would go on to lengthen their lead early in the 3rd quarter with a long ten play drive that ended in a short touchdown run by Tavien Feaster.  Now leading by 21 points, the Clemson defense didn't let the lead shrink until early in the 4th quarter when a poor punt and a great return set the Hokies up at the 2 yard line.  Virginia Tech running back Sean Savoy darted around the left side of the defense and strolled into the endzone. 

After a Clemson punt on their next drive, Virginia Tech got the ball again and were hoping to cut further into the lead.  But their hopes were dashed on the 2nd play of the drive when Josh Jackson fired a pass to well-covered receiver Henry Murphy.  The ball bounced off Murphy's hands and landed on top of his helmet.  The ball rolled off the back of his helmet and was snatched out of the air by linebacker Dorian O'Daniel who returned it 22 yards for an easy pick 6.

Virginia Tech would add a late touchdown but their hopes of achieving an upset victory had long since past.  Their fans slowly exited the stadium, the excitement of their team's grand entrance fading into the past.  

Clemson has now beaten 3 top 15 teams in September, a feat that has never been accomplished before.  Can anyone from the ACC stop the Tigers?  In my opinion, No!

Final Score: Clemson 31, Virginia Tech 17

Most Exciting Game of the Week 

#5 USC Trojans @ #16 Washington State Cougars 

When I started watching college football back in 2011, Washington State was viewed as one of the worst teams in the major conferences and for good reason.  In their 3 previous seasons, they had never finished with more than 2 wins.  How much of a laughingstock the Cougars were can best be described from a running joke of sorts on the excellent pregame show College Gameday.  For years a group of fans had always been on hand to fly the Washington State flag, sort of a way to give some love for the lowliest team in college football.

It wasn't until 2015 that the Cougars actually finished with a winning record, mainly due to the talents of quarterback Luke Falk.  It was thought that this was nothing more than a flash in the pan, for the Washington State defense was still lackluster.  2 years later, the Cougars started to prove that they were here to stay.  Coming into this game with the vaunted Trojans, they had won their first 4 games in a row, most notably a win over the always capable Boise State Broncos.  The question was: could they go toe to toe with one of the most storied programs in the nation?

The scoring started right from the beginning.  Luke Falk completed four passes on the first drive for a total of 30 yards.  Combine that with a 30 yard run by tailback Jamal Morrow and the Cougars had their eyes on the endzone.  However, a sack of Falk by top USC pass rusher Rasheem Green stalled the drive and forced a field goal attempt, which was converted by kicker Erik Powell.

The Trojans, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, responded with a drive of their own, fueled by 4 completion for 34 yards by the sophomore quarterback. After that, Darnold showed his speed and toughness by running for 13 yards on 2 carries, the second of which being a 9 yard TD run.

The scoring then took a short hiatus as the next 4 drives ended in 3 punts and a lost fumble by Washington State.  Late in the first quarter, the Cougars got the ball deep in their own territory.  Falk got them out of trouble quickly with a pass to receiver Renard Bell who ran all the way to the USC 28.  Two plays later, wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. caught a pass with blockers positioned on both sides: what is known as a tunnel screen. The blocks created a wide-open tunnel and Martin raced unimpeded into the endzone.

Three possessions later, the Trojans took the lead when running back Ronald Jones Jr. sped through a big hole in the right side of the defense and ran for a 86 yard touchdown. The Cougars were not able to formulate a reply when, on the first play of the drive, Falk threw an interception to a defensive lineman at his own 3 yard line.  In this pivotal moment of the game, the Washington State defense refused to give up no more than a yard in 3 plays.  The Trojans got 3 points with a field goal, but they knew they could have had more.

Washington State got the last possession of the half and made good use of it.  They marched down the field in 12 plays, moving the ball with short passes and a couple of important rushes by Morrow and his running mate James Williams.   With 13 seconds left in the half, Morrow muscled his way into the endzone to tie the game at 17.

Coming out of the locker room, the players of Washington State knew the chance for an upset was beginning to turn into a real possibility.  Quarterback Sam Darnold and the USC offense did not look like themselves on their first 4 drives, going three-and-out every time except when they went four-and-out.

However, the Cougars couldn't take full advantage of this, only scoring a field goal within that span.  The Trojans willed themselves forward on a drive late in the 3rd quarter, tallying a field goal to tie it up at 20.

Sensing the increase need to score, Falk completed 7 of his next 9 passes, which moved the ball all the way to the USC 34 yard line. But it was now 4th and 2.  Instead of running it, Head Coach Mike Leach kept the ball in Falk's hands and he came through with an 11 yard completion to receiver Kyle Sweet.  On the next play, Falk shoveled the ball to Morrow who broke through the defense for a 23 yard score, capping off a 12 play, 75 yard touchdown drive.

Not wanting to go down without a fight, Darnold found his rhythm again and constructed a 12 play, 75 yard touchdown drive of his own.  But the Cougars responded right away with a 8 play drive, the key play being a 35 yard run by Morrow.  Erik Powell soon kicked his 3rd made field goal of the day and the Cougars had a 3 point lead with 1:40 remaining.

A game-winning touchdown drive could certainly do wonders for Darnold's Heisman trophy campaign.  However, an incompletion was not a good way to start the drive.  On the 2nd play, things got far worse. Washington State defender Jahad Woods blitzed late and rocketed past the USC offensive line.  Darnold didn't react fast enough and had the ball knocked loose by the hit.  The Cougars recovered and the game was all but over.

A couple kneel downs later and the crowd cheered at the top of their lungs.  The fans clamored down the 3 foot high jump to field level and rushed onto thr gridiron.  This was undoubtedly the biggest win in program history and Washington State fans sure knew how to celebrate it.

Final Score: Washington State 30, USC 27

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 6

1. #23 West Virginia Mountaineers @ #8 TCU Horned Frogs 

Will the Horned Frogs continue to rise up the rankings with another statement win over a top 25 team, giving their purple-clad fans more to cheer about?  Or will the Mountaineers saunter in to Fort Worth and come out with a victory? 

My pick: TCU all the way.

2. #17 Louisville Cardinals @ #24 NC State Wolfpack 

NC State garnered national attention two weeks ago with their upset of a Florida State team reeling over the loss of their quarterback Deondre François.  That victory might have been caused more by the Seminoles' weaknesses than the Wolfpack's strength.  But they certainly will have a chance to prove me wrong as the face Louisville, led by last year's Heisman winner: quarterback Lamar Jackson.  

Will the Cardinals gain much needed momentum with a quality road win? Or will the Wolfpack prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC?

My pick: Louisville

Extra Point 

Vanderbilt Commodores @ #21 Florida Gators

Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, who threw that long pass to beat Tennessee two weeks ago, was ineffective last week against Kentucky.  Gators Head Coach Jim McElwain benched Franks and brought in 2nd-string quarterback Luke Del Rio.  Del Rio led the Gators to a 14 point comeback victory in that game and so it was no surprise that he was given the start against Vanderbilt.  

The game started off well for Del Rio.  He completed short and medium length passes effectively on Florida's first drive.  The determined Florida offensive line and hard-nosed running backs did the rest.  On the tenth play of the drive, Lamical Perine blasted in from a yard out to give the Gators a 7-0 lead.  The game went back and forth the rest of the 1st half.  Vanderbilt scored 17 points on a pair of touchdown passes by quarterback Kyle Shurmur and a field goal just before the half.  Florida tallied a field goal and scored a 2nd touchdown on another TD run by Perine.

Now for the unfortunate truth.  Del Rio was hit legally by a blitzer late in the 2nd quarter. He got to his feet with help and walked slowly to the sideline, suffering from pain in his left shoulder.  He went to the locker room for X-rays and Feleipe Franks was thrust back into action.  

Franks played quite well in the 2nd half, completing short passes when called upon and a few medium length passes as well.  The Gators' running game continued to give Florida fans reasons to do the Gator Chomp.   Florida running back Malik Davis scored two touchdowns in the 2nd half and Perine added another to bring his total touchdowns to a total of 3 for the day.  The Gators' defense clamped shut around the Commodores and Florida was soon celebrating their 3rd win in a row.

After the game came the terrible news that Del Rio had suffered a broken left collarbone and is out for the season.  My prayers go out for him, as I'm sure he needs them during this difficult season of his life.

Yet again, Florida has to deal with a setback at the quarterback position.   Thankfully, Feleipe Franks has shown moments of greatness and will hopefully develop into a good, consistent quarterback. 

Final Score: Florida 38, Vanderbilt 24