"We Don't Even Have To Have A Reason"

Sigs discussing the rules of the "shamble" format

Smack Daddy (and Mrs. Daddy) will be heading to St. Augustine, FL on Friday to participate in the 6th Annual Sigma Chi Golf Outing, to be held this year at the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Over the first five years of the one-day tourney, brothers in our chapter (and honored guests) have helped raise over $40,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research, and the John Huntsman Foundation for cancer research.  5-day forecast calls for a 50% chance of thunder showers at the "Slammer & Squire" course.  Here's hoping the inclement weather holds off until the four foursomes are able to finish.

Usually Alabama and LSU hook up for a football game during our stay in Florida.  This year the Crimson Tide have a bye week coming to them, much-needed after all the stress of beating up on Tennessee.  But there's lots of other football to be played, though I won't be able to watch much of it.  Here's what I think will happen this weekend in my absence from the TV.

Friday's Games

Oregon State mascot "Justin Beaver"

USC (5-3) at Oregon State (6-2).  Having beaten USC three of the last five meetings, Oregon State is favored to beat USC, and not just by a little.  The game will be played in cozy Corvallis (stadium capacity 45,674) where the Beavers have won five straight from the Trojans.  Yet this will be the second week in a row that OSU has faced a team with an exceptionally strong defense.  They were stymied by Stanford and now must face the PAC-12's #2 rated unit.  The difference is that State usually moves the football with relative ease, behind Sean Mannion (over 3,200 yds., 30 TDs, and only three INTs).  Southern Cal continue to struggle with inconsistency at QB and injuries to the receiving corps.  If the Beavers can stop the USC running game, they have an excellent chance at getting (and keeping) their offense on the field long enough to wear down the Trojan defense.  PICK:  Oregon State.

#3 South Portland vs. #6 Sanford.  Six teams from Western Maine Class A make the playoffs.  Top seed Bonny Eagle and 2nd seed Thornton get a first round bye.  The Riots have a second date with Sanford, having defeated the Spartans 21-10 just four weeks ago.  The red & white should be ready for an early Sanford strike, and are not likely to fall behind as they did during the first meeting between the two.  In the interim, QB Duncan Preston has been on a tear, earning Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts against Biddeford.  With Chase Eldredge throwing and Peter Hegarty running, Sanford has an impressive 1-2 punch, but not enough to outpace Preston and RB Joey DiBiase.  The Riots give up an average of 26 points/game to Sanford's 22, but the Spartans have been held to ten or fewer points on four occasions this season.  The rematch should turn out about the same as the original.  PICK:  South Portland.

Rogers (4-4) vs. Puyallup (5-3).  Rams wrap up the regular season with cross-town rival Vikings.  Both teams own wins over Spanaway Lake, Emerald Ridge, and Bethel.  Both teams also lost to Curtis in close matches.  Puyallup beat three teams with wins over Rogers (Beamer, Federal Way, and Graham-Kapowsin).  Both teams score about 37 points a game, but Rogers allows 40 while Puyallup allows 27.  On paper this should be a Viking win (two words which don't appear together very often).  The Rams' best chance at an upset will be for QB Grayson Madland to get off to a torrid start.  Puyallup's will be to overwhelm the Rogers defense, which Ram opponents have been doing much of the year.  PICK:  Puyallup.

Saturday...while I'm on the links

D-III humor:  Hobart or William Smith?

Union (2-5) vs. #7 Hobart (6-0).  Garnet return to Schenectady heartbroken after letting another tough one slip away last week.  Things aren't bound to get much better as they host the undefeated and 7th-ranked Statesman this week.  Hobart is outscoring opponents by an average of 23 points, running about 70% of its plays on the ground, yet QB Patrick Conlan has thrown for nine TDs.  Their leading rusher is Steven Webb with nearly 150 yds./game.  The defense is holding opponents to under 4 yds./rush and has allowed only three TDs through the air. With 13 seniors on the roster, experience will be a key factor against the young Dutchmen.  Oh, and they were dropped from #6 to #7 in last week's D-III rankings.  PICK:  Hobart.

Air Force (1-7) vs. Army (3-5).  No amount of prodding succeeded in generating much trash talk among the service academy grads in my family.  So many reasons to pick Army, so few reasons to pick Air Force.  If only the Falcons weren't using quarterbacks discovered in P. E. classes, they might be able to pick on a Black Knight defense that can't stop the pass.  Army's QB Angel Santiago is questionable with a bad ankle, so their last-in-the-nation aerial attack will be unreliable to say the least.  Their running game is slightly better than Air Force's, but part of that comes from Santiago.  Could we see a game with no passes thrown at all?  Home field (at altitude) will be the deciding factor.  Predicting a strong second half surge for the Falcons, in what may be their final chance at a win this season.  PICK:  Air Force.

Navy (4-3) at Notre Dame (6-2).  Another service academy appears on the pre-holiday menu for the Fighting Irish.  This time it's Navy's triple option, a higher-octane version of that which the Irish contained to 339 yards against Air Force, thank you very much.  But after a scoring a modest 24 points against Pitt, the Middies are due for their offense to put up a big number.  Sorry, it won't happen against Notre Dame, which also held Southern Cal to just 10 points.  Suffering all of its losses on the road doesn't help Navy's cause either.  Long story short, it's a solid W for the Domers.  PICK:  Notre Dame.

BYU (6-2) idle; next 11/9 at Wisconsin.

Hokies in the huddle

Boston College (3-4) vs. Virginia Tech (6-2).  I actually took the time to look up what a Hokie is.  Apparently it was the creation of one O. M. Stull, Class of 1896, a senior when the school was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.  The name change to Virginia Polytechnic Institute brought with it the need for a mascot and team colors.  Young Mr. Stull came up with the winning "Hokie Cheer" and when asked what was a Hokie, replied that it was the sole product of his imagination.  So too were the colors Chicago maroon and burnt orange, which were unique back in the day.  As for this game, Tech is coming off an upset loss to Duke which dropped them out of the Top 25 after having risen as high as #16.  They are having trouble getting out of the blocks on offense, but their defense is solid.  Extra motivation may come from knowing they're but a half-game behind #7 Miami for the lead in the ACC-Coastal.  With The U taking on #3 Florida State, the Hokies can move into the fast track to a conference championship and possible BCS bowl.  That's all I need to know.  PICK:  Virginia Tech.

#2 Oregon (8-0) idle; next 11/9 at #5 Stanford.

Georgia State (0-8) vs. Western Kentucky (4-4).  Ladies and gentlemen, introducing coach Bobby Petrino.  Yes, that Bobby Petrino, who has the Hilltoppers playing pretty decent ball, especially on the offensive side.  RB Antonio Andrews already has 1,180 yards and 11 TDs rushing.  Xavious Boyd, with 73 tackles, leads the WKU defense which tops the Sun Belt conference.  After all, it's the Sun Belt so I'm afraid that doesn't mean much.  Except against the Panthers, who are experiencing a quarterback conversion after starting the season 0-8.  The only way Georgia State can log its first win is to force Western into a lot of turnovers, which is possible since they're already at a minus-13 in that department.  But the motivation will be with the Hilltoppers, as they still have an outside chance to wind up in a bowl game like they did last year.  PICK:  Western Kentucky.

Just Because I Can...

 

The 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox!

Be Careful What You Wish For

Smack Daddy is riding high on a perfect week!  First time in history, I believe.  OK, so I was mistaken in thinking the BYU-Boise State game was in Boise.  So much for perfection.  But I also won $125 in last week's pro football pool in which I've been playing for the past few years.

Here's the rundown on Week #8:


Rochester 21, Union 7.  Another great performance by the Garnet defense, which does not allow a Yellowjacket score in the first half.  The story behind the 21 points is turnovers:  a bad snap on a punt, a fumble, and an interception.  Another Massachusetts Kennedy--this time Dean, from Scituate--tosses three TD passes as Rochester rallies from 7-0 deficit to hand Union its second straight loss.  Dutchmen able to muster only 164 yards of total offense behind backup QB Nick Becker.

"Falcon Stadium, huh?"

Notre Dame 45, Air Force 10.  Apparently Irish catch Air Force looking ahead to Army.  QB Tommy Rees feasts on Falcon meat, throwing for a career-high five TDs on 17-of-22 passing.  High note for The Academy comes when RB Colton Huntsman cashes in from ten yards out, making it 55 straight games in which Air Force has scored a rushing touchdown.  But it's the Falcon defense, allowing over 7 yds./carry and 12 yds./reception, that once again is their undoing.

Navy 24, Pittsburgh 21.  Middies win on a Nick Sloan 30-yard field goal as time expires.  Behind most of the game, Navy scores the final ten points in the last four minutes of play.  QB Keenan Reynolds once again leads the way, only this time he throws for more yards (105) than he rushes (93).  Reynolds makes it count with a 58-yarder to slotback Marcus Thomas to open the 2nd quarter.  Fellow slotbacks Geoffrey Whiteside (7.3 yds./carry) and Darius Staten (8.7 yds./carry) take the load of Reynolds, contributing to an 11-minute edge in time of possession.

Kind of edgy for Provo, no?

BYU 37, Boise State 20.  Uncharacteristic of Chris Peterson's Boise State teams of recent years, this game is never close as BYU jumps out to a 24-3 halftime lead.  Cougar QB Taysom Hill completes 27-of-41 for 339 yards and three TDs.  Game also marks BYU's first-ever win over the Broncos.  While the Cougars' rubber-band defense gives up almost 500 yds., it also forces four Bronco turnovers negating another quality performance by QB Grant Hedrick (29-46-1).

USC 19, Utah. 3.   Another stellar performance by the Trojan defense.  Good thing because there's not much left of the offense.  Ute QB Travis Wilson, still exhibiting effects of a throwing hand injury, is lifted after going just 5-of-14 and being intercepted twice.  Without Wilson, Utah offense gags on USC defense which limits them to just 201 yards.  By the same token, Trojans unable to run for more than 30 yards against Utah's defense.  Clearly, USC is not the team that ranked among the nation's best for most of the preceding decade.  Don't expect interim head coach Ed Orgeron to get much more than a handshake at the end of the season.

Oregon front four

#2 Oregon 42,  #17 UCLA 14.  Not your ho-hum blowout for the Ducks, who fumble and have a punt blocked in the first quarter.  But when the dust settles on Sunday, Oregon has climbed back to #2 in the country after a week behind Florida State. RB Byron Marshall steals the show with 133 yards and three rushing TDs.  Credit to the Bruin defense for allowing Heisman hopeful QB Marcus Mariota just 230 yards and one touchdown through the air, while limiting him to a career-low 18 yards of rushing.

Maybe this is G-State's problem...

Louisiana-Monroe 38, Georgia State 10.  When is the bye week?  It can't come soon enough for the poor Panthers, who are blown out on the road.  Again.  Warhawks completely overwhelm Georgia State, with QB Kolton Browning throwing for 224 yards and four TDs.  G-State's QB Ronnie Bell (2-for-9, 22 yds., 2 INTs), his confidence shaken, is lifted in the 2nd quarter.  ULM defense forces four turnovers and makes repeated stops in the Panther backfield all night long.

Portland 38, South Portland 14.  The 97th renewal of the Battle for the Bridge has shades of last year's Super Bowl.  Following first series of downs, lights at Fitzpatrick Stadium go off.  Add that to sub-40-degree temps, and you have the makings of an unpleasant night.  And so it is for the Riots, who start strong but eventually are drubbed by arch-rival Portland.  The Bulldogs sustain drives of 99, 80, and 95 yards.  RB Justin Zukowski runs for 226 yards and three TDs.  Riots are left waiting to see what seed they'll be awarded for upcoming playoff run.

Curtis 53, Rogers 48  Well, it certainly isn't for lack of heroics by QB Grayson Madland.  All he manages to do is throw three TD passes, two of which are for 73 and 84 yards respectively.  LaGrant Peegram and Kyler Oooley each have over 125 receiving yards.  But the hero of this shootout is Curtis RB Donnell Diego, who runs for four scores of his own as well as catching a TD pass from QB Scott Wismer.

Parting Shots

Last week we all heard about Alabama coach Nick Saban's rant about students leaving Crimson Tide games early, right?  So I think it's only fitting that I present the Top 5 jokes about Alabama football.

#5:  It's reported that Nick Saban will only dress 20 players for the LSU game.  The rest will have to dress themselves.

#4:  Q:  What does the average Alabama football player get on his SAT score?  A:  Drool.

And when you're done with the wart...

#3:  An Alabama football fan walks into the doctor's office one day with his hat on.  He takes off the hat, and the doctor sees that there is a big frog sitting right on top of his head.  The doctor looks at the fan and asks him why he has a frog sitting on his head.  It was the frog who replied "Actually doc, I was the one who wanted to see you. Can you remove this wart off my butt?"

#2:  Q:  What should you do if you find three Alabama fans buried up to their necks in cement? A:  Get more cement.

And......The #1 joke:

What do a parasite and an Alabama fan have in common?  They can both live off of a dead bear for 20 years.

(Check out the picture above, one more time...)

Oregon Experiences Own Version Of "Spygate"

Look who showed up at Autzen Stadium in Eugene to observe his kinfolk preparing to face UCLA this weekend!  Unconfirmed reports claim that the pigeon was actually a cleverly disguised Alabama drone.

It's Friday and you know what follows at the end of the workday. Available on national TV, BYU and Boise State will tangle as they did for years in the Mountain West.  But Friday's biggest rivalry won't even be televised locally, and involves the annual "Battle for the Bridge" beteween Portland and South Portland high schools.

This rivalry game brings back two ugly memories from my high school years.  While neither has scarred me for life, they seem worthy of repeating.  Besides, I need a little filler before my picks.  Memory #1 was at Martin Field on our campus, looking from the bleachers to my right and seeing the booster club's snack bar engulfed in flames, a total loss.   Memory #2 was of boarding the band bus (I was a stellar baritone horn player in my day) for the trip back to the 'burbs after an ugly, fight-marred victory.  Our bus was attacked by Portland fans, and rocks were actually thrown breaking at least one window.

Ah, those wacky, wild, wonderful high school years!

Here's the rundown for Week #8:

Friday games

"Natural turf" stadium in Boise

BYU (5-2) at Boise State (5-2).  Broncos are slow starters on defense, so if BYU can get an early jump like it did against Houston last week, it could be a long afternoon for Boise State.  As usual, BSU has no problems on offense.  When starting QB Joe Southwick went down with an injury early in last week's game against Nevada, backup Grant Hedrick entered the game and managed to go 18-for-21.  But Hedrick's strongest attribute is his ability to run, as he did against the Wolf Pack, when he carried eight times for 115 yards and two TDs.  Broncs also have Jay Ajayi, a fleet-footed runner whose production topped 200 yards last week.  With a defense featuring players like Kyle Van Noy and Uani Unga, Hedrick will be under pressure all day.  If the Cougars can get to him, it will put BYU's offense on the field a lot, just like it was against Houston.  Despite home field, I'm going with the Cougs.  PICK:  BYU.

South Portland (5-2) at Portland (6-1).  What a set-up...annual Battle of the Bridge AND the final regular season game for both teams.  Ironically, these longtime rivals compete in different divisions within Maine Class A football, so no common opponents this season. Bulldogs were an early season loser to powerful Cheverus, and the Stags crushed Thornton, a South Portland victim which hardly justifies a fast pick.  The Bulldog defense has held three opponents to seven points or fewer, while averaging 45 points/game of scoring.  Led by RB Justin Zukowski, they've also won six straight.  Zukowski will likely crack the 1,000-yd. rushing plateau against the Riots.  In recent weeks, QB Jordan Talbot has also come of age, and poses a threat as either a passer or runner.  I have an uneasy feeling that Portland just has too many weapons, on both sides of the ball, for the Riots to take the bridge trophy home to Highland Avenue.  PICK:  Portland.

Rogers (4-3) at Curtis (6-1).  Vikings held Graham-Kapowsin to 24 points while Rogers gave up 59 to the Eagles.  Yet surprisingly Bethel lost to Curtis 17-14, while Rogers hung 48 on the Braves just last week.  Guess that's why they play the games.  Curtis has three running backs who average seven or more yards/game.  QB Scott Wismer has thrown for 1216 yds. and 11 TDs on the season, ranking him just behind the Rams' Grayson Madland.  They are a team that likes to start fast, while Rogers is a team that loses its focus during the middle of games.  If Madland could get some help from his running backs, Rogers would be my pick.  But at home, with all the weapons they have, I gotta go with the Vikings.  PICK:  Curtis.

Saturday fare

Union (2-4) at Rochester (4-2).  Both teams have losses to St. Lawrence on their records, with Rochester's being on the short end of a much more defensive struggle than that of Union's.  The Yellowjackets edged Springfield while the Dutchmen were beaten soundly by The Pride.  Rochester's front seven don't put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which should be good news to the Garnet's QB Connor Eck.  The Jackets are far more successful on 3rd down than is Union, but the latter has a decided edge on 4th down conversions.  In order for the UColl to win, the defense must return to its stellar mid-season play, especially against the pass.  Rochester will still be dangerous in the second half because it has proved it can gain big chunks through the air.  Given that the game is out west, I'm leaning Jackets.  PICK:  Rochester.

ND pre-game meal (if AFA is lucky)

Air Force (1-6) vs. Notre Dame (5-2).  Oh yeah, Falcons have Fighting Irish at home, right where they want 'em.  And hey, Notre Dame is UNRANKED going into this week...even Central Florida is ranked 25th (by USA Today)!  This game will not improve on the Fighting Irish's standing with the infamous BCS computers.  Both teams are playing with backup quarterbacks, but Notre Dame's season's average for scoring is over 37 points.  Expect that to be their total in this one, while on the other side of the ball the only thing on which they'll have to focus is stopping the Falcons' formidable running game.  ND holds opponents to just over 123 yds. rushing/game, so this one promises to be ugly for The Academy.  PICK:  Notre Dame.

Army (3-5) idle; next at Air Force on 11/2.  C'mon Smack readers, don't delay...let's get us some trash talkin'.  Grow a pair, post it directly on the site!

Navy (3-3) vs. Pittsburgh (4-2).  The Steelers are banged up and could be ripe for the picking.  Wait...oh, PITT, as in the university!  I get it.  Like all service academy opponents, the Panthers will focus primarily on stopping Navy's triple option attack.  Run defense is what they do, holding opponents to only 136 yds./game.  Pitt's offense has been hampered by injuries, but this week WR Devin Street returns to add some punch to the passing game.  The Panthers have a chance to win if they can balance their offensive attack and keep Navy off the field.  I don't know that they can.  Playing at home and not having lost three games in a row in ten years, I'll go with the Mids.  PICK:  Navy.

USC (4-3) vs. Utah (4-3).  This could turn out to be the true Game of the Week.  Identical records, but that's where the similarities end.  Everyone knows that the Trojans are potent offensively, right?  Chew on this:  they rank 11th in the Pac-12 in total offense, ahead of only Colorado.  But they do have a league-best defense, trailing only Oregon in points allowed.  What puts this game in USC's column is the fact that Utah QB Travis Wilson is questionable.  Before exiting in the 2nd quarter of the loss to Arizona last week, Wilson was only 3-of-9 and had been picked off twice, both undoubtedly due to sustaining an injury to his throwing hand.  Given that Wilson also is the team's leading rusher, the impact of his likely absence should be devastating to the Utes.  PICK:  USC.

ESPN's ebullient Lee Corso

Boston College (3-3) at North Carolina (1-5).  No truth to the rumor that Tarheels tried to schedule this as a basketball game. Could "the other Carolina" be flying under the radar?  As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast, my friend."  With a 1-5 record, most folks have forgotten that North Carolina was 8-4 last year but were banned from bowl games due to NCAA sanctions.  Their 2013 record belies the fact that they had The U down by 10 in the 4th before losing by three.  Whether going long to WR Eric Ebron or inside the red zone to WR Quinshad Davis, UNC's Bryn Renner is a quality QB.  Too bad their running game ranks last in the ACC.   If Renner can ignite the offense and UNC can score more than 24 points, the Heels win.  They're at home, too.  PICK:  North Carolina.

#2 Oregon (7-0) vs. #12 UCLA (5-1).  If the Bruins thought the Stanford defense was stingy, wait 'til they get a load of the Ducks.  Even though Washington State rolled up a lot of yards on Oregon last week, the Ducks have one ultra-impressive stat:  21 forced turnovers.  That spells trouble for UCLA signal-caller Brett Hundley, who was intercepted twice last week against Stanford.  But make no mistake:  this game will be all about offense, of which Oregon has more than everyone else in the country except Baylor.  And Aledo High School.  The Bruins get RB Jordan James, the team's leading rusher, back from a two-game absence due to injury.  That should take the pressure off Hundley and force the Ducks to play honest defense.  Nevertheless, if you haven't seen QB Marcus Mariota in action, you're in for a treat.  Tune in to watch an 80-point game.  PICK:  Oregon.

Georgia State (0-7) at Louisiana-Monroe (3-4).  Poor Georgia State.  They have a two-man offense, with QB Ronnie Bell and WR Albert Wilson accounting for nearly all of the Panthers' yardage. Meanwhile, their defense ranks last in the Sun Belt, which is not saying much, as they allow an average of nearly 36 points/game.  Warhawks' QB Kolton Browning has been lost for the season due to injury, so ULM's ability to score will be hampered.  They too have a lousy defense.  With mediocrity like this, who knows how it'll turn out?  Fall-back position:  game location.  It's in MONrow.  PICK:  Louisiana-Monroe.

Upsets, Upsets, and More Upsets

Five Top-25 teams are upset over the weekend, beginning with George O'Leary's Central Florida Knights knocking #6 Louisville from the ranks of the unbeaten on Friday night.  Then it's the shocker in Death Valley with #5 Florida State dismantling #3 Clemson.  Finally, complete and utter carnage in the SEC, as perennial loser Vanderbilt sends #15 Georgia to its third loss of the season; unheralded Tennessee shocks #11 South Carolina; Ole Miss topples #8 LSU; and #23 Auburn stuns #7 Texas A & M.  Not sure if I get all those rankings accurately from before the weekend, but what the hell does it matter?  I mean, Baylor is now #5...FIVE.

The upset bug doesn't spare The Smack, although many games come down to the wire and are decided by teensy-weensy margins.  With the wife otherwise engaged in yoga instructor training, I have unfettered access to lounge chair, big-screen, and refrigerator taking in about 936 different games.  An exciting weekend of ball to say the least, with no excuses for errant picks.

Napoli welcomed in the dugout after blast.

Oh, and the Sawx are going to The Series.

And in other news of New England...

Western New England 33, Union 30.  Dutchmen play this one bass-ackward, allowing Western only 7 points in the first half but giving up 23 more in regulation after halftime.  The Golden Bears gamble four times on fourth down, converting twice, and their defense intercepts Garnet QB Connor Eck three times.  Western QB John Krafick throws for two TDs and runs for another, while RB Kevin Cook adds a pair of rushing scores.  Despite dominating time of possession, Union can't overcome mistakes and drops a heartbreaker on a field goal in double OT.

Temple 33, Army 14. The Owls find an offense, as QB P. J. Walker throws for 203 yards and two TDs.  Although Army enters the game averaging over 352 rushing yds./game, the Temple defense holds the Black Knights to just 255 yards on the ground.  Cadets don't help their own cause when a lost fumble turns into a 19-yard Temple touchdown just before the end of the first half.  Army's Kelvin White, subbing for injured QB Angel Santiago, also throws two picks.

Toledo's "front four" stops Reynolds, no one else

Toledo 45, Navy 44 (2OT).  I manage to catch nearly all of this war of attrition.  Looks very much like Toledo's game plan is to let everyone except Keenan Reynolds run the ball, allowing the rest of the Middies to run for 382 yards while holding Reynolds to just 37.  As for the Navy defense, the only way they're able to contain RB David Fluellen (153 yds. on 19 carries) is to try to snap off his leg.  The injured Fluellen is replaced by Kareem Hunt who manages 127 yds. of his own.  Craziness ends when Navy's PK Nick Sloan misses the P-A-T in the 22nd OT and the Rockets cash in.

BYU 47, Houston 46.  No overtime, but another wild one.  72 points in the first half alone...whew!  If ever there's an argument for balance on offense, Houston makes the case with 435 yards through the air but only 48 on the ground.  Houston's QB John O'Korn throws for three TDs but is also picked off three times.  A late 2-pt. Houston conversion attempt leaves BYU within one score of a tie.  They capitalize with just 1:08 remaining in the the game when QB Taysom Hill hits Skyler Ridley for an 11-yard score. 

"First Down Moses"

Notre Dame 14, USC 10.  Both defenses play exceptionally well, with no scoring whatsoever in the 2nd half.  Irish QB Tommy Rees plays just well enough (166 yds, 2 TD passes) before leaving the game with an injury in the 4th quarter.  Unable to utilize WR Marqise Lee, who himself leaves game with a re-aggravated knee injury, QB Cody Kessler suffers a late 4th-down sack followed by a last-gasp three passes, all of which sail incomplete, to seal the victory for Notre Dame.

Texas State 24, Georgia State 17.  For the second straight week the Panthers lose a contest by just one touchdown.  Both teams score in the first quarter and Georgia State trails at halftime and again after three quarters, by virtue of only a 20-yard Jason Dann field goal.  After that, it's all Bobcats, with Georgia State scoring again with only one tick left on the clock.  QB Ronnie Bell throws for 208 yds. of passing as well as 36 on the ground in a close, but losing effort.

Photo does no justice to glitter finish

#2 Oregon 62, Washington State 38.  In a rather odd kind of upset, it's Oregon's assistant coach Nick Aliotti who calls out State's head coach Mike Leach for calling nothing but pass plays in the second half of this game, won handily by Oregon.  In earlier editions of The Smack we carried discussion of running up the score, but this is the first time a coach from the winning team complains about the opponent trying to win the game.  Sorry, Coach Aliotti...anyone wearing those garish helmets (and in vulgar combination with the yellow in the jerseys) doesn't get to complain...AT ALL.  Hey Ducks, "Gaudy Day" was last week.


South Portland 55, Biddeford 24.  QB Duncan Preston throws 29 passes, averaging nearly 20 yds. per completion.  Six of those go for TDs, a personal best to say the least.  He even runs for a 7th and gets a 2-pt. conversion to boot, but Preston unselfishly credits his receivers, remarking "We talk about spreading the ball around because we have playmakers."  Give credit to the coaching staff which tear the Riots a new one at halftime because of numerous mental lapses allowing Biddeford to keep it close.  Good thing the Tigers suffer from the same problems, including letting SP score the last 21 points on Senior Night.  Riots playing for either the #1 or #2 seed in the west heading into the playoffs.

Rogers 48, Bethel 28.  Once again QB Grayson Madland is the story, throwing for four TDs and running for two others.  His one error comes on a 3rd-quarter  interception that is returned 38 yards for a TD.  The Ram defense shuts down Bethel's passing game and even blocks a P-A-T, but allows scores on three red zone runs.

Parting Shots

1.  New Smack follower "The Llama" asked that a take on the Grambling State debacle be included in the weekly review.  To do so would be to take a jovial little blog in a pretty serious direction.  In the interests of keeping things light whenever possible, I offer the following link to those interested in reading about a college football program that is truly struggling to operate under legitimate hardship.

http://therotation.sportsonearthblog.com/the-grambling-state-football-strike-what-just-happened/

2.  To "The Sentinel":  Your secrets are safe with me.

Boston Takes 3-2 ALCS Lead Back To Fenway

Dueling catchers, Thursday nite

All week I've been planning to bombard you with propaganda about my beloved Red Sawx.  About how, top to bottom, they have the best lineup in baseball.  About how athletic they are, which is something I've NEVER heard said about them.  About how Xander Boegarts is the youngest player to ever start a postseason game.  About the beards.  Etc., etc., etc.

But in the end you don't read this blog to get information about major league baseball.  You read it for the humor, so here's a sampling of some of the best lines I've ever heard (or used):

"Some days the supply of available curse words in insufficient to meet my needs."
 "Dude, stop calling me 'bro'."
"Top Ten Reasons I Procrastinate:  1."
"I have CDO.  It's like OCD, except all the letters are in alphabetical order.  As they should be."
"Some people just need a high-five.  In the face.  With a chair."
"1.  Place new batteries on table.  2.  Take out old batteries.  3.  Place all batteries on table.  4.  Mix them all up.  5.  Trial and error."
"If I found out I had only a week to live, and could go anywhere, I think I'd go to the hospital because that sounds serious."
"Sometimes I get scared robots are going to take over the world.  Then I use a motion-controlled sink."
 "Whatever you do, always give 100%.  Unless it's donating blood."

Admittedly, I'm short on material, so here's what you came looking for:

Friday Night Preps

South Portland (4-2) vs. Biddeford (4-2).  Longtime rivals (and once great powers) find themselves with identical records.  Given the number of returning starters, South Portland's was somewhat expected, while Biddeford (pronounced "BID-deh-fidd") was thought to be rebuilding.  Both teams lost to Bonny Eagle and both beat Massabesic, Noble, and Sanford.  The difference was Scarborough which beat the Riots in the OT thriller, yet was upended by 21 against the Tigers.  Neither team seems capable of stopping the run on a consistent basis, and while Biddeford scores mostly on very short rushing plays, the Riots seem to have the explosive breakaway threat either on the ground or through the air.  There has never been any love lost between these schools, at least since I went there.  I'll take the homers in a war.  PICK:  South Portland.

Rogers (3-3) vs. Bethel (2-4).  Braves are catching Rams coming off a huge upset of Kentwood.  Wait...can we get a good mascot/nickname argument going here?  These two have beaten the same teams (Emerald Ridge and Spanaway Lake) as well as lost to the same teams (Federal Way and Graham-Kapowsin), and by remarkably similar margins.  Bethel doesn't throw the ball much, while passing is the name of Rogers' game.  The key will be whether or not the Rams can prevent mistakes.  So far this season, they've turned over the ball every time they've fumbled (13 occasions) and have lost 405 yds. in penalties.  Mistakes or not, I just don't see the Braves tomahawk-chopping QB Grayson Madland.  PICK:  Rogers.

Saturday Regulars

Union (2-3) at Western New England (1-4).  Riding a defensive high, the Dutchmen take on a new opponent which has been less than impressive during the 2013 season.  For starters, the Golden Bears lost to Springfield 49-40 while Union crushed the Pride 27-7.  Nevertheless, WNE has been a scoring machine during the rest of its season, averaging over 34 points per game.  This inaugural meeting between the two schools sets up to be a classic between teams with opposite strengths.  While home field will go to the Bears, it shouldn't matter because they don't seem to be able to stop opponents.  PICK:  Union.

Air Force (1-6) idle (mercifully); next 10/26 vs. Notre Dame.  Falcon apologist The Sentinel was hoping that I would help him distract Smack followers by sending me an "explanation" of the Air Force football team's shortcomings.  Not buyin' it, not reprintin' it.

Lincoln Financial Field all dolled up

Army (3-4) at Temple (1-6).  Several years back, The Smack followed Temple as that year's doormat.  Then followed a number of successful seasons including bowl trips.  But Temple is back on the bottom this year.  Despite having a fairly balanced offense, the Owls have been unable to get much production out of the QB position.  The same cannot be said for Army.  Temple may be more formidable up front against the run, but hasn't had to contend with the likes of the Black Knights' triumverate of Terry Baggett, Larry Dixon, and Twentin Turrentine.  Some pundits are picking Temple.  Must be the same guys who predicted the government shutdown would last well into the holiday season.  PICK:  Army.

Navy (3-2) at Toledo (3-3).  Get ready to be surprised.  Unless you follow MAC football, you won't know how good the 3-3 Rockets really are.  They have a quality offense led by RB David Fluellen who is ranked 4th in the nation.  No really, Fluellen is ranked 4th!  Toledo's defense has allowed only 142.7 yds./game on the ground, which will certainly challenge whichever offense shows up for the Middies.  Their three losses have included #14 Missouri, and #22 Florida (who, coincidentally, play each other this week).  Not going out on the limb too far to predict that Navy will even its record at 3-3 as well.  PICK:  Toledo.

"I'm the BYU mascot. Who are you?"

BYU (4-2) at Houston (5-0).  Classic example of how being undefeated midway through a season means nothing.  Notice that these Cougars are not nationally-ranked, though.  That's because Houston has feasted on the likes of Southern, Temple, Rice, Texas-San Antonio, and Memphis.  On the other hand, BYU--the "other white meat"--has lost to the likes of Utah and Boise State by a combined four points.  BYU is notably more offensive than Houston (I mean, they have the advantage when they have the ball).  Houston has a tendency to drop the ball, and while they recovered four of their five fumbles last week against Memphis, they haven't faced the opportunism which is BYU's defense.  PICK:  BYU.

USC (4-2) at Notre Dame (4-2).  This may turn out to be one of those classics in the longtime rivalry.  While the Irish are not the team they were last season, USC is on the uptick because they've been rid of the cancer that was Lane Kiffin.  Notre Dame seems to not be missing QB Everett Golson as much as the experts thought they would.  Former 1st-stringer Tommy Rees has performed well, although he's not the running threat that Golson was.  The Trojan offense has adjusted to the absence of WR Marqise Lee, especially with the return of RB Silas Redd.  But Lee returns this week, and Redd is not the only RB the Irish have to defend (team rushing leader Tre Madden).  Notre Dame will miss LB Jarrett Grace, who leads the team with 40 tackles.  Most are leaning toward the Irish prevailing in a close game at home.  I'll take the upset.  PICK:  USC.

Boston College (3-3) idle; next 10/26 at North Carolina.  Hey, Air Force isn't busy...

Georgia State (0-6) at Texas State (3-3).  Interestingly, I very nearly chose Texas State as this year's doormat.  Like Central Florida a few years back, T-State is enjoying a better-than-expected season.  Yet neither team has a passing game, with the Bobcats unable to decide on a starting QB from amongst three who have seen action thus far.  But they do have RBs Robert Lowe and Chris Nutall, each racking up 5.7 yds./carry.  Unfortunately, the offense also was responsible for two pick-sixes.in last week's loss to Loozianna-MONrow, but the good news is that their defense only gave up 7 points and 192 yds.  Add that to G-State's being on the road, and I don't see the Panthers turning it around this week.  PICK:  Texas State.

Oregon (6-0) vs. Washington State (4-3).  In case you hadn't heard by now, the Ducks will be sporting pink helmets in tribute to October's being "Breast Cancer Awareness Month".  This was only after heated debate, with a small but vocal group of team members from predominantly farm states who pushed to substitute a spiral-cut pork leg for the traditional "O" helmet logo in recognition of "Eat Country Ham Month".  As for the game, forget that the Cougars beat an emotionally-disturbed USC team earlier this season.  Their defense already gives up 43 points and 581 yds. per contest.  In this week's presser following a 52-24 loss to Oregon State, head coach Mike Leach said of his team, "For two-thirds of the game I thought they played really well. For one-third of the game I thought they played about as bad as it's possible to play."  First of all, someone tell Leach that football is played in QUARTERS, not THIRDS.  Also, quit referring to your own team as "they", it's not endearing to the players, the fans, or the university.  Maybe he still thinks he's at Texas Tech.  Maybe he wishes he were.  PICK:  Oregon.

And finally, I leave you with this...

"If I've pissed you off already today, I'm sorry.  If I haven't, please take a number and I'll be with you shortly."

"I am NOT Daniel Tosh!"

 Notes From Lane Kiffin's Game Day Appearance, brought to you by collegefootballmock.com:

 “After all the things I did wrong, from deflating footballs, to switching jersey numbers on players during games, to walking out on the media 30 seconds into a press conference, to lying about who I voted #1 in the Coaches Poll, to burying my face in my play chart during games, to losing the locker room, to hiring my Dad as a defensive coordinator and on and on and on, I still felt like I deserved a 19th chance to turn it around,” Kiffin told ESPN’s Game Day host Chris Fowler. “19 is the charm, they say. And in spite of my players clearly quitting on me and begging our athletic director to fire me, I felt we were on the precipice of having a really special season.”


All in all, The Smack has a pretty successful week predicting the outcomes of several enjoyable college football games.  Aside from putting too much faith in a couple of service academies, I'm proud of my record.

San Diego State 27, Air Force 20.  Am unable to watch this game because even the "Premier" level of our Verizon package doesn't include CBSS.  So while I slum on the deciding game of the Detroit-Oakland playoff series, the Falcons squander what is likely to be their last opportunity for a win in the next two weeks.  After QB Quinn Kahler throws to WR Eric Judge for an early score, the Air Force defense blocks the PAT, and scores the next 20 unanswered points. Down by two touchdowns entering the 4th quarter, Aztec rally begins when their defense forces a punt and on the next series gets a 3-and-out.  Kahler capitalizes on both, tossing two more TD passes in the last twelve minutes.  House Republicans bemoan lack of defense spending.

USC 38, Arizona 31.  It isn't pretty, but it is a W for the Trojans.  Marqise who?  Star of the night is WR Nelson Agholor who hauls in seven Cody Kessler throws for 161 yds. and a TD.  Oh, and that's Lee grinning on the sideline in civvies.  Silas Redd also returns to the lineup and makes good with 80 yds. rushing, as USC races to a 28-3 lead and then is forced to hold on for dear life as Arizona rallies only to fall just short.  Wildcat QB B. J. Denker throws for 363 yds. and four scores, two of them legitimate bombs.  As the Trojan defense begins to unravel toward the end of the game, the offense is left to pick up a much-needed 1st down and keep Arizona's offense off the field.  Following the game, interim coach Ed Orgeron immediately orders the reinstatement of Crunchy Cheetos to training table.

Union 35, Worcester Polytech 6.  Break up the Dutchmen, we're 2-0 in our last two games!  Even I pay too much attention to how our teams score their points, so this week credit where credit is due.  The stars for Union include Thomas Hayes with12 tackles, and Jake La Rovera who adds seven.  Union holds Engineers scoreless in the 1st quarter and the entire second half.  All told, Garnet have allowed just 23 second-half points in its five games.  Bring on Baylor!!

Army 50, Eastern Michigan 25.  On the other hand, one can't ignore a record-setting performance like the one turned in by Army's Terry Baggett.  Baggett rolls up 304 yds. of rushing by himself, breaking The Point's record which has stood for 14 years.  His four TDs also tie the existing record for second-most via the ground.  As a team, the Black Knights average 9.5 yds./carry on the way to 513 yards in total rushing.  QB Angel Santiago has 36 yds. on the ground and another 38 through the air, as Eastern drops its fifth straight game.  Cadets already looking forward to November 2nd.

Duke 35, Navy 7.  The Blue Devils' QB Anthony Boone exploits the Navy secondary by throwing three TD passes en route to the lopsided victory.  Once again the Middies' offense is missing, especially QB Keenan Reynolds, who is held to just 31 yds. on 16 carries.  While it's Navy who usually holds the advantage in time of possession, Dookies keep the ball for 35 minutes and Goats are only able to muster 230 yards of rushing.  Beginning to envision this year's Army-Navy game...

Georgia Tech mascot

BYU 38, Georgia Tech 20.  Just when opponents think they can beat Cougars by stopping QB Taysom Hill from running the ball, he turns to his receivers and...lights out.  Hill still gets his game-high 87 yards on the ground, but it's his 244 yards through the air that overwhelm the Yellowjackets.  Despite having the ball for nearly 37 minutes of the game, Tech gets just 242 yds of rushing which, for a triple option team, is simply not enough.  Hence bees get flattened for third week in a row (see right).

Oregon 45, Washington 24.  One feature of Oregon's offensive power is its ability to strike quickly.  Case in point:  following a Washington touchdown, it takes the Ducks only three plays to  score on a 57-yard pass from QB Marcus Mariotta to WR Josh Huff.  Overall, Mariotta goes 24-for-31 and 366 yds, plus another 88 on the ground.  Another Duck quality is the ability to turn adversity into gain.  After being stopped on a 4th-and-five early in the game, Oregon forces the Huskies to go 3-and-out before taking eight plays to score from their own 23 yardline.  Says U-Dub coach Steve Sarkisian, "They're a good football team."

Troy 35, Georgia State 28.  A "good football team" is NOT what we call 0-6 Georgia State.  But that record doesn't tell the entire story, as the Panthers lead the ballgame twice, and take Troy down to the wire before allowing a 54-yard Corey Robinson-to-Chris Williams strike with under 4:00 minutes to go.  State's defense just gives up too much yardage (644 on the day vs. Troy) and too many big plays to rescue what is turning into a decent little offense.  Although QB Ronnie Bell completes only 44% of his passes, he does manage to throw four balls for TDs.  Maybe we're seeing a team in need of a couple more years of FBS competition before it makes noise.

Damn those unpredictable, hormonal teens.  Wait'll you see how wrong, wrong, wrong I was about our preps...

Scarborough's Dan "Money" LeClair

Scarborough 58, South Portland 57 (2OT).  I've heard of "40 minutes of hell", which was the '93 Arkansas Razorback NCAA basketball champions' war cry.  But according to Steve Stinson, the Riots "...spotted [Scarborough] 24 minutes of intensity."  Down 21 in the second quarter, South Portland manages to battle back to tie the game with just 32 ticks remaining in regulation.  At the end of the second OT, Red Storm coach Lance Johnson calls for a two-point conversion on a "jet sweep" (end-around) Scarborough hasn't used all year to snatch victory.  As expected, RB Dan LeClair is money, with 198 yds. on 28 carries, with QB Ben Greenberg adding 24 rushes for 200 yds.

Rogers 34, Kentwood 33 . BOOM!  Kentwood is knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten.  A 95-yard LaGrant Pegram punt return breaks a second-quarter tie and fires up the Ram defense, which stalls Conquerors twice, forcing field goals instead of allowing touchdowns.  Once again QB Grayson Madland comes up big, running for one TD and throwing the 25-yard game-winner to Kyleer Oooley.

Not Olive Loaf, But Just As Tasty

 (That one's for you, nephew)

 

Hurrying to post this preview before tonight's early games.  Still sluggish from attending last night's performance of Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers with Edie Brickell.  Print THAT across the back of a football jersey.  That reminds me...SALTALAMACCHIA, the Sawx are in the ALCS again!  Here's hoping my TV doesn't spontaneously combust with all the sports that seem to be showing these days.  And now for something completely different...Week #7 in college (and selected high school) football.

Thursday:

Whaddya mean it's a "party school"?

Air Force (1-5) vs. San Diego State (2-3).  This is just not the Falcons’ year.  On the other hand, State is playing its third game in 13 days, so maybe Air Force can take advantage of the Aztecs’ fatigue.  Their common opponent was Nevada, with SDSU winning and USAFA losing to the Wolf Pack.  Both of those contests were high-scoring affairs resolved by relatively small margins.  Two of State’s losses came at the hands of pretty decent teams (Ohio State, Oregon State).  Neither team plays very good defense.  Air Force’s offense is run-oriented, while San Diego State’s is well-balanced.  If the altitude bug has deflated the Aztecs’ tires in the second half, Air Force may be able to come away with its second W of the season.  I’ll take a flyer, so to speak.  PICK:  Air Force.

USC (3-2) vs. Arizona (3-1).  Trojans’ first game in the EOE (Ed Orgeron Era), which should be short-lived.  Both teams are coming off a bye week, but USC has had the more tumultuous experience by far.  The Wildcats’ potent running offense was all but grounded in their most recent game, a loss to Washington.  USC has the most to prove, especially after Orgeron reinstated desserts to the Trojans' training table.  We'll see if chocolate chip cookies help Southern Cal in continuing to hold opponents to 3.5 yds./carry, or if improves on their allowing 10.5 yds/pass.  Since a passing game is important in breaking the Trojans, Arizona will struggle because they don’t have the air attack to complement their running game.  While many are picking the Wildcats to match last year’s shootout win.  I think otherwise.  PICK:  USC.

Friday:

South Portland (4-1) at Scarborough (2-3).  Back when The Sentinel and I went to SPHS, Scarborough was known as the Redskins and didn’t even have a football team.  We had Willard Beach, they had Higgins.  After early-season losses to both Sanford and Thornton, both of whom lost to South Portland, they played some pretty decent ball, losing late to a tough Bonny Eagle team that handled the Riots with ease and crushing a rebuilding Biddeford by 25 points.  Scarborough isn’t exactly a road trip for the Riots, just a quick bus ride out Highland Avenue and a short juke up the Gorham Road.  But the Riots will have to find a way to hurry QB Ben Greenburg and shut down a potent rushing attack led by RB Dan LeClair.  Treating Bonny Eagle as a statistical anomaly, the Riots have held opponents to 11 points/game.  Defense wins championships, and the Red & White are riding the wave to a possible deep postseason run.  PICK:  South Portland.

Rogers (2-3) at Kentwood (5-0).  Looks like another tough game for the Rams, who run into an undefeated foe for the second consecutive week.  The Conquerors boast a potent aerial act featuring QB Brian Campbell and WR Terrence O’Grady, who combined for three TDs last week in a lopsided win over Kentridge.  Kentwood seems to throw the ball for distance and then pound it inside for red zone scoring.  The rushing duo of Derrick Bell and Brandon Systma will challenge the Ram defensive line which has allowed opponents nearly 170 yards a game.  The defense gets nasty when opponents fall behind and have to turn to the passing game.  Kentwood allows just 29% passing and 145 total yds./game, which further explains why they’ve outscored its opponents 60-0 in the 4^th quarter.  Sorry, this shouldn’t be close.  PICK:  Kentwood.

Saturday:

Heads-up:  Sources report that ex-USC coach Lane Kiffin will be appearing on ESPN's "College Game Day".  Post mortem or job interview?  You be the judge.  Just don't forget to set that DVR, wouldn't want to miss out on this quality viewing.

Union (1-3) vs. Worcester Polytech (2-3).  It’s Homecoming Weekend in Schenectady!  Rum & cider ensconced firmly beneath jackets and a world-renowned kazoo band at halftime!  First impressions can be misleading, as each team has lost three games.  Upon further review, Union ranks 1^st in the Liberty League in total defense, allowing 220 yds./game, while WPI ranks dead last with 420.6.  The Engineers have one defensive advantage, getting to the QB.  The Dutchmen may have learned to prevent that in last weekend’s win against St. Lawrence.  Offensively, the teams are pretty even, though WPI scores more points.  Led by kickoff return specialist Sean Murphy (24.8 yds./touch), they also have a decided advantage across the board in special teams. categories.  The Dutchmen should be cranked for Homecoming, so if the O-line holds, I see adrenaline levels determining the outcome.  PICK:  Union.

Army (2-4) vs. Eastern Michigan (1-4).  Second week in a row that the Black Knights have had to face a team whose nickname is the Eagles.  Army’s defense would be reason for concern, allowing over 29 pts/game.  It’s just that Eastern has struggled to put points on the board, averaging under 13 pts./game.  The Eagles’ defense has been bitten by the long ball, giving up 20+ yards on 40 total plays, and nine TDs on plays of 50+ yards.  When you consider that most of these are running plays, and Army is one of the top rushing teams in the country, I’d say it’s safe to side with the home team.  Signal callers may decide the outcome of this one.  The Black Knights’ Angel Santiago is questionable, with an ankle injury.  ESU’s Tyler (Mercedes) Benz, who completes 64% of his passes but has been intercepted four times.  If the Army defense allows Benz to establish passing routes, this could turn into a surprise.  Not.  PICK:  Army.

Home of Randolph and Mortimer Duke

Navy (3-1) at Duke (3-2).  The Blue Devils have already shown they struggle with the triple option, falling to ex-Navy coach Paul Johnson’s Georgia Tech Yellowjackets 38-14 last month.  Yet the Dookies’ backup QB Brandon Connette has stepped firmly into the starter’s role and is a legitimate threat to either run or pass for double-digit yards every time he touches the ball.  But a team that already gives up 28 points and 400 yards a game will have trouble containing Navy’s Keenan Reynolds and company.  If this were hoops, there’d be a shot clock.  Absent one on the gridiron, the key may well be who dominates time of possession, so my money’s on the Middies.  PICK:  Navy.

BYU (3-2) vs. Georgia Tech (3-2).  Cougars get a look at one of the masters of the triple option when the aforementioned Georgia Tech visits Provo.  BYU also prefers to run the ball, although QB Taysom Hill is coming off a previous win in which he threw more than he ran.  Since both teams are also solid defensively, the game may come down to which one commits the most mistakes, either penalties or turnovers.  In such a situation, always go with the home team.  And then there’s that pesky altitude thing.  PICK:  BYU.

"Fear The Rock" (K, you know what I mean)

Boston College (3-2) at #3 Clemson (5-0).  Not this week, Eagles.  This is Clemson, with Heisman candidate Tajh Boyd leading a potent offense that scores both on the ground and through the air.  Yet as impressive as they are on the attack, it is the Tigers’ defense that has them sitting atop the ACC and challenging for their first national title since the Danny Ford-led 1981 team.  Unfortunately for BC, its lack of a consistent, penetrating defense will give Boyd & Co. all the time they need to orchestrate win #6.  Clear edge to the home team in Death Valley.  PICK:  Clemson.

#2 Oregon (5-0) vs. #16 Washington (4-1).  Quietly, coach Steve Sarkesian has built the Huskies into a Pac-12 contender.  Bodies should be flying all over Husky Stadium on Saturday.  Oregon coach Mike Helfrich sprung his best Lou Holtz imitation in the weekly presser, claiming that his Ducks--averaging nearly 60 points a game--“haven't played remotely to what we can in any phase in any game”.  Huh?  The Huskies don’t score as much as Oregon, but they control the ball and pile up the yards.  Under “normal” circumstances, this would favor them, but as explosive as Oregon’s offense typically is, they don’t need a lot of time on the field to be successful.  As with most top teams, even those that score a lot have outstanding defenses to thank, and the Ducks are no exception, limiting opponents to just 11.2 points/game.  Interestingly, some actually grade Washington’s defense better than Oregon’s, and it’ll have to be for the Huskies to pull off the upset, and in Eugene at that.  I don’t think so.  PICK:  Oregon.

Georgia State (0-5) vs. Troy (3-3).  Mercifully, Georgia State begins its Sun Belt Conference schedule this week against the Trojans, and will be playing at home again.  I’ll never forget the scare Troy put into Florida State just a few short years ago.  Their current QB Corey Robinson leads the nation in completion percentage (.742) and has thrown for nearly 12,000 career yards.  RB Brandon Burks can run but also has 24 receptions coming out of the backfield this year.  Were it not for an atrocious defense, this would be a rout for Troy.  Actually, even WITH an atrocious defense, this should be a rout for Troy because the Panthers can’t score.  Another long week.  PICK:  Troy.