Week 11

Week 11

Top 2 Most Exciting Games of the Week

1.  No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes @ No. 8 Michigan State Spartans

This game would most likely decide who would win the Big 10 Conference and have the best chance to make it to the playoffs.  Each team was raring to go before the players even arrived at Spartan Stadium.  

Early in the 2nd quarter, Michigan State answered Ohio State's 1st touchdown drive of the game with their second TD drive.  The Spartans were now up 14-7 and Ohio State wanted to respond quickly. Unfortunately, the kickoff returner for Ohio State was paying too much attention to how he would score a touchdown and wasn't fully focused on the ball flying towards him.  The ball slipped through his fingers and landed on the turf where the Spartans recovered it.  The Buckeyes would be in serious trouble if they gave up a second straight touchdown.  However, after standing tall for 2 plays the Ohio State defense got a break when a touchdown was called back due to a holding call.  Michigan State attempted a 39 yard field goal but missed it wide to the left.  

The Buckeyes' blunder hadn't cost them and quarterback J.T. Barrett and his offense were eager to get back on the field.  On the 1st play, Barrett threw a short pass to receiver Michael Thomas, who broke a tackle and won the ensuing footrace to the endzone.  The game was tied, instead of the Spartans being up by 2 touchdowns: a huge difference.  The Ohio State defense only allowed Michigan State to gain 1 first down on their next drive and soon the ball was back in the hands of their offense.  5 plays later, Barrett fired a 44 yard pass to star receiver Devin Smith who caught it for the touchdown.

The Buckeyes held that lead at the end of the 1st half. (28-21)

After holding the Spartans to a field goal on the 1st drive of the 3rd quarter, Ohio State set their sights on taking control of the game.  They put together a long and methodical drive that ended with a short touchdown run by sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliot.  The Buckeyes were now up by 11 points and would coast to a 49-37 win.  But will this win give them a high enough boost in the playoff rankings to have a shot to get into the top 4?  Only time will tell. 

2.  No. 7 Kansas State Wildcats @ No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs

Both these teams have purple as one of their two primary colors, and the game would decide who were the true Purple People.  A song about a flying purple people eater comes to mind.  Anyway, due to their respective rankings this game would decide who would assume a major spot in the playoff discussion.

At the half, the scoreboard showed TCU was leading 17-7.  It could have been 21-7 without a bad move by the referees who spotted the ball at least a yard short, forcing the Horned Frogs to kick a field goal.  O.k. I'm done venting.

Thankfully, TCU got the ball first in 2nd half, and after a very good kickoff return followed by 2 great passes by quarterback Trevone Boykin, soon found themselves at the Kansas State 19 yard line. On the next play, Boykin dropped back to pass but saw an opening and sprinted past the defensive line.  Soon he was at the 5 yard line and saw two defenders converging right in front of the goal line. He charged towards them and initiated a jump that turned into a front flip after his body hit one of the defenders.  Before you knew it he had landed in the endzone.

After that electric play, the Wildcats' quarterback Jake Waters led his team on a TD drive that culminated in a superb TD pass to quality receiver Curry Sexton.  However, the Horned Frogs were not about to let Kansas State think they could mount a comeback.  3 plays into their next drive, TCU would put the game away.  Running back Aaron Green, starting in place of injured BJ Catalon, took the handoff, beat the Wildcat defenders to the edge, cut back from the right sideline to the left sideline, picked up a wall of blockers, and coasted into the endzone.  The fans were going crazy after two fantastic touchdowns and they could feel a victory coming on.  They were right and the Horned Frogs were soon celebrating a big 41-20 win.

Reaching the playoffs is now quite possible for TCU, as long as they win the rest of their easy games.

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 12

1.  No. 1 Mississippi State Bulldogs @ No. 4 Alabama Crimson Elephants/Tide: 11/15 at 3:30 p.m. on CBS 

This game has huge implications for me, because I REALLY want to see Alabama knocked out of the championship race.  Will Mississippi State go on the road and prove they are still #1?  Or will Alabama lose?  Hahaha.

My pick: Do I even need to say it.

2.  Toledo Rockets @ Northern Illinois Huskies: 11/11 at 8 p.m. on ESPN 2

This rare Tuesday, yes Tuesday, night game will decide who will win the West Division in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and likely win the conference title.  Will Northern Illinois's powerful running game led by bruising running back Cameron Stingily lead them to a victory?  Or will Toledo keep their undefeated conference record intact?

My pick: Northern Illinois

Week 10

Week 10: One Step Closer to the Playoffs

Top 2 Most Exciting Games of the Week

Once again both of this week's Top Games to Watch fit nicely into this category

1.  TCU Horned Frogs @ West Virginia Mountaineers 

This game was as exciting as it was slated to be, but with fewer points than expected.  The game started with West Virginia scoring 13 unanswered points while the usually explosive TCU offense seemingly forgot the gunpowder at home.  Thankfully, the Horned Frogs found some gunpowder left under one of the sideline benches by the Mountaineers' musket-wielding human mascot, and fired off a touchdown drive.  The defenses ruled the 2nd half, with no points being scored.  Many people, myself included, were wondering why the wheels were coming off of these two high-powered offenses.  The 2nd half would be a different story.

On their first drive of the 2nd half, the Horned Frogs hopped down the field and took the lead on a 2 yard run by quarterback Trevone Boykin.  (14-13)  Then the Mountaineers regrouped and pushed the Horned Frogs' defense back until crossing the goal line on a 5 yard dash by one of their running backs.  West Virginia held the lead and now their defense needed to step up.  Usually sure-handed receiver Josh Doctson caught a pass from Boykin, but was stripped of the ball by cornerback Terrell Chestnut, who picked up the loose ball and ran it back for a touchdown.  The cluster of TCU fans who made the trip were trying to comprehend how the momentum had shifted so quickly.

Later in the 3rd quarter, TCU's offense was sparked by the play of running back B.J. Catalon who ended the drive with a 23 yard TD run.  Then, early in the final quarter, reliable kicker Josh Lambert gave West Virginia a 30-21 lead by making an easy 23 yard field goal.  The Horned Frogs responded again with a timely touchdown drive that was capped off by another dash by Catalon.  Thanks, to some way too conservative play-calls by West Virginia head coach Dana Holgerson, TCU would have 2 more chances to win it.

Getting the ball back a 2nd time with just over 2 minutes left, the Horned Frogs needed to make something happen.  The deep passing ability of Boykin finally revealed itself when he fired a pass to his receiver Kolby Listenbee for a 40 yard completion.  After 1 short pass completion and 3 runs by Catalon, the Horned Frogs were deep in Mountaineers' territory.  With 4 seconds remaining, TCU kicker Jaden Oberkrom nailed a 34 yard attempt right between the uprights and quieted the crown that had been as loud as a NASCAR race only a moment before.  The Horned Frogs had avenged the loss that they had suffered in similar fashion against Baylor.  TCU is still in the hunt for a spot in the first College Football Playoffs!

Final Score: TCU 31 West Virginia 30

2.  Auburn Tigers @ Ole Miss (Mississippi) Rebels

These two were ranked No. 3 and 4 respectively in the first ever rankings by the College Football Playoff Committee, and only the winner would remain among the 4 teams currently slated to take part in the playoffs.  Whichever team lost this one was going to be really disappointed.

The first quarter was just a taste of what was to come, with both teams scoring a touchdown.  In the second quarter, things began to heat up.  Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace marched his team down the field and finished the drive off when a screen pass to stand-out receiver Laquon Treadwell, who scampered into the endzone for a 10 yard TD.  But the Tigers were not about to let the game get out of hand.  Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall escaped the pocket, sidestepped a would-be tackler, and launched a pass to receiver Sammie Coates.  Two defenders converged on Coates, but the pass somehow made it past their outstretched hands and Sammie was soon standing in the endzone holding the ball.  However, the Rebels were not content with a tie heading into the half, and their offense sprinted down the field, setting up a 47 field goal which was made by kicker Gary Wunderlich.  The scoreboard read: Rebels 17, Tigers 14.

Ole Miss got the ball first in the 2nd half, but couldn't capitalize and had to punt the ball to Auburn. But Auburn did even worse, giving the ball back to Ole Miss at midfield after a 3 and out and a horrible punt.  The Rebels made them pay on the next play, as Wallace threw a short pass to tight end Evan Engram who ran 50 yards for a touchdown.  Auburn was down by 10 and on the ropes, but they just wouldn't quit. Thanks to a defensive stop, the Tigers took the lead by scoring 14 straight points on a TD run and a TD pass by Marshall. (28-24)

The Ole Miss offense got back on track and answered with a touchdown run by Wallace.  On the ensuing drive, Auburn was soon forced into a 3rd and long situation.  On 3rd down, Marshall fired an ill-advised pass towards Coates, and Sammie came down with it again, using his 200 pound frame to get between the defender and the ball.  6 plays later, Auburn regained the lead on a short run by powerful running back Cameron Artis-Payne.  (35-31)

Ole Miss would have 2 chances in the red zone (20 yards and closer to the endzone) to take the lead back.  The first time, Wallace had the ball on a 2nd and 1 play, was almost brought down for no gain, but unnecessarily fought for extra yardage, leaving himself vulnerable to a fumble.  That's just what happened: the Tigers clawed the ball loose and pounced on it.  However, Auburn only managed 1 first on their drive and had to punt.

The Rebels got the ball near midfield, and fought their way down to the 20 yard line.  Two plays later, tragedy struck.  Wallace threw a pass to Treadwell who caught it and broke through the defense.  But at the 5 yard line, Treadwell was tracked down from behind by a defender who landed on Treadwell's leg.  Treadwell's leg bent awkwardly as he fell forward, and Treadwell lost his grip on the football near the goal line.  Thinking it was a fumble, Auburn jumped on the ball. The play was called a touchdown, but Treadwell was on the ground in serious pain.  The Ole Miss fans chanted his name as he was eased onto a cart by the team's medical staff.  But the situation would get even worse, when the referees reviewed the play and discovered Treadwell had in fact fumbled before the ball crossed the goal line, rewarding Auburn with possession.

The fans watched in silence as the Tigers ran the clock out to end the game.  A tragic and horrible way to lose a game for the Rebels.  I pray Treadwell will have a quick and full recovery.

Final Score: Auburn 35 Ole Miss 31

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 11

1.  Ohio State Buckeyes @ Michigan State Spartans: 11/8 at 8 p.m. on ABC

Both teams come into this game with only 1 loss, and they can't afford another if they want to stay in the playoff discussion.  The last time these two teams met in Spartan Stadium, Ohio State walked away with a close win.  Can Head Coach Urban Meyer and his Buckeyes do it again, or will the Spartans be victorious as they were in last year's Big 10 Championship Game?

My pick: Ohio State!

2.  Kansas State Wildcats @ TCU Horned Frogs: 10/8 at 7:30 p.m. on Fox

Can TCU continue their winning ways against tough Big 12 Conference opponents, or will the Bill Snyder coached Wildcats leap into the championship discussion with a huge win?

My pick: TCU!  All of you should know that by now.

Week 9

Week 9

Top 2 Most Exciting Games of the Week

(Both Games to Watch for last week had to be included in this category)

1.  Ohio State Buckeyes @ Penn State Nittany Lions (local name for mountain lions that used to roam near the school a long time ago)

Just before the start of the season, star quarterback Braxton Miller of Ohio State injured his shoulder in practice so bad that he would miss the entire season.  Sophomore quarterback J.T. Barrett stepped into the starting role and led his team to a close victory in Week 1 against Navy.  In the second game of the season, Barrett's inexperience caught up to him and he played poorly in a disappointing home loss to Virginia Tech.  Ever since that game, however, the Buckeyes have played better and better, thanks to the superb coaching of Urban Meyer and the huge improvement shown by Barrett.  But their first real test of the season would come against a hard-nosed Penn State team, surrounded by over one hundred thousand fans.

The game began as many expected it would, with Ohio State taking an early lead.  Just five plays into the game, the Ohio State defense intercepted a pass by Penn State QB Christian Hackenburg, giving their offense excellent starting field position.  7 plays later, Ohio State's rising star running back Ezekiel Elliot zoomed into the endzone for the first points of the day.  The score remained the same until a field goal by the Buckeyes extended their lead to 10.  Then, late in the 2nd quarter, Ohio State blocked a punt, providing Barrett and the offense once again with great field position.  This time the Buckeyes scored even faster, by way of a Barrett TD pass 6 plays later.  Thanks to superb play on defense, Ohio State led 17 to nothing at the half.

In the locker room, Penn State head coach James Franklin rallied his troops and they came out hungry for some points.  The Buckeyes got the ball first, but the Penn State defense had other plans.  3 plays into the drive, Barrett's pass was intercepted by Penn State linebacker Anthony Zettel and he returned it for a touchdown.  The white-clad Penn State fans jumped up and down with glee, and the stadium came alive with energy.

The crowd settled down a bit, as both teams traded punts until the 4th quarter. On the first play of the Buckeyes' initial 4th quarter drive, Barrett was intercepted again, setting up Penn State with great starting field position of the own.  The Nittany Lions wouldn't let this opportunity slip through their paws and closed to 3 points on a touchdown pass by Hackenburg.  The teams then traded 3 punts and with just under 3 minutes to play, Penn State would have 1 final chance to tie it or take the lead. Starting at their own 9 yard line, Penn State put together a long 19 play drive, thanks to a trio of 3rd down conversions all completed by Hackenburg, 2 with his legs and 1 with his arm.  Then, with nine seconds remaining, kicker Sam Ficken put the ball through the uprights to send the game to overtime.  (Tied at 17)

In overtime, Penn State started with the ball, and 2 completions by Hackenburg got the ball down to the 2 yard line.  2 running plays later, the Nittany Lions had a touchdown and a 7 point lead. However, Ohio State's offense, specifically Barrett and Elliot, finally woke up from their 2nd half slumber.   After a short gain by Elliot, Barrett needed only 2 plays to run the ball into the endzone, with his excellent decision making and speed.  After the touchdown, a Penn State player was called for unsportsmanlike conduct, which would give the Buckeyes the ball at the 12 yard line instead of the usual starting point of the 25 yard line.

Once again, all it took was 1 run by Elliot and 2 by Barrett for Ohio State to score another touchdown and take the lead back.  (24-17)  With their backs against the wall, and their fans biting their nails, the Nittany Lions need to match the score to survive and advance to a 3rd overtime.  However, 3 plays later they found themselves on a last chance 4th and 5 opportunity.  Fighting off fatigue, Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa fought past the offensive lineman in front of him, got a hand on Hackenburg, and brought him down for the game-winning sack.

The Buckeyes escaped with a victory, but they had better learn some lessons from this game if they are to win on the road again in 2 weeks against powerful Michigan State.

Final Score: Ohio State 31 Penn State 24 (OT)

2.  University of Southern California (USC) Trojans @ Utah Utes

This game would decide which team would stay in the hunt for the PAC-12 Conference Championship.  The Utes fans were riled up as usual and hoping to spur on their team to their 1st win over a storied USC program.

From the very beginning, the game was sloppy.  On the 2nd offensive play by USC, quarterback Cody Kessler threw a backwards pass to his receiver Darius Rogers.  Rogers missed the catch and the ball bounced onto the ground.  Both teams stood still, thinking it was an incomplete pass, while failing to remember that a dropped backwards pass is a fumble!!  Finally, at the urging of his coaches, a Utah defender picked up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. 

However, the Trojans did not let this blunder get the best of them, tying up the game with a 10 play touchdown drive.  No more scoring occurred until the 2nd quarterback when Utah quarterback Travis Wilson completed passes to 3 different receivers that all resulted in 1st downs.  But the drive stalled at the 7 yard line and they had to settle for a field goal.  Unfortunately for the Utes, the Trojans returned the subsequent kickoff for a touchdown.  5 minutes later, both teams headed into the locker room, with USC leading 14 to 10.  

Describing the start of the 3rd quarter as uneventful would be an understatement, as 6 punts were made.  It started to pick up when, 4 plays after a fumble by Utah, the home team intercepted a pass by Kessler and stole the ball right back.  Starting at the Trojans 38 yard line, the Utes needed only 4 plays to score by way of a rushing touchdown by Devon Booker.  Utah would head into the final quarter with a 17 to 14 lead, but the game was far from over.

On a drive that started in the 3rd quarter, Cody Kessler went to his 2 top receivers Darius Rogers and Nelson Agholor to orchestrate a drive that ended in a TD.  Finding themselves down by 4, Travis Wilson and the Utah offense were stymied by a tough Trojans defense.  USC got the ball back and looked like they were going to run out the remainder of the clock as they got 3 consecutive 1st downs.  But then the Utah defense stiffened and forced USC into a 4th down.   Instead of trying a 45 yard field goal to extend their lead to 7, USC head coach Steve Sarkisian decided to go for the 1st down.  Agholor caught a toss from Kessler and had plenty of room to make the first down.  But he stepped out of bounds a yard shy of the marker.  Utah had a chance.

Thanks to a pass interference call on the Trojans, and 4 great passes by Wilson, the Utes were soon at the Trojans' 19 yard line.  Then, on the next play, Wilson saw an opening, sped through the defense and had just enough room to leap into the endzone!  The stadium was filled with happiness.  But hold the presses!  Upon review, Wilson was pushed out of bounds at the 1 yard line.  Twenty second remained on the clock, and Utah's attempt to pound it into the endzone with Booker was stopped. Thankfully, Utah had saved 1 last timeout.  12 seconds left.  On 2nd down, Wilson rolled to his right and fired a dart of a pass into the waiting arms of his receiver.  

The victory was soon in the books, and the fans rushed the field.  "What a game," the announcers said.  Certainly a game to remember for Utah.

Final Score: Utah 24 USC 21

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 10

 1.  No. 10 TCU Horned Frogs @ No. 20 West Virginia Mountaineers: 10/1 at 3:30 p.m on ABC or ESPN 2

TCU's offense is on fire, scoring a combined 182 points in their last 3 games.  But can they go on the road and beat an on-fire West Virginia team that is coming off two big wins of their own?  Or will the Mountaineers continue to sharp-shoot their way to another huge victory?

My pick: TCU

2.  No. 4 Auburn Tigers @ No. 7 Ole Miss (Mississippi) Rebels: 10/1 at 7 p.m. on ESPN

Ole Miss is coming off of a surprising road loss to the underwhelming LSU Tigers and comes back home facing a even tougher test.  Can Auburn, led by coach Gus Malzahn, defeat a disheartened Ole Miss team.  Or will the Rebels bounce back well and deal the Tigers a loss that would end their championship hopes? 

My pick: Auburn

Special Requests

Illinois is a team that has been struggling to win games in the Big 10 Conference for years.  But in a game against Minnesota, a team which had not lost a conference game this year, that was all about to change.  This was a homecoming game for Illinois and instead of wearing their usual orange and white uniforms they wore gray uniforms to honor a legendary Illinois player from the 1920's known as "The Gray Ghost."  The Illinois players put together their best first half performance of the season, and led 14-3 at the break.  Then, Minnesota mounted a comeback in the 3rd quarter and fought their way to a 24-21 lead.  Fast forward to about 3/5ths of the way through the final quarter, and Minnesota has the ball and is trying to run out the clock.  The usually sure-handed Minnesota running back David Cobb gets a handoff, but an Illinois defender knocks the ball free.  A teammate of his scoops up the ball and marches into the endzone.  Illinois would hold on to win 28-24, a surprising win over a talented Minnesota team.