Too Much Food, But Never Enough Football

Ooooops, my bad.

Thought the "Civil War" (#12 Oregon vs. Oregon State) was today (Saturday), only to realize I missed an exciting comeback victory by the Quackers.  Texas stays alive in the Big 12 with a convincing win over Texas Tech, while both #15 LSU and #17 UCF escape close games.  But #16 Fresno State suffers its first loss, and likely any shot at being invited to a BCS bowl as an at-large team.  Unranked Nebraska falls in a big way to Iowa, giving rise to mumbles about head coach Bo Pelini's job security.

Missing this action is what comes with having five straight days off.  At least our piano has been moved and the living room rearranged.  Several other items on today's punch list, including the following college football:

Action from a previous Haskell Bowl

Air Force (2-9) at Colorado State (6-6).  Sorry to disappoint you Falcon faithbul, but Air Force is about to go winless in the Mountain West Conference for the first time ever.  Expect Ram RB Capri Bibbs to challenge the banged-up and undersized Air Force run defense.  On the other side of the ball, look for the hosts' defense to be all over QB Nate Romine, disrupting whatever momentum usually comes from the option attack.  Afraid the Fightin' Haskells take this one.  But it's only point-five.  PICK:  Colorado State.

Army (3-7) at Hawaii (0-11).  Will the Rainbows turn a six-hour time difference into a victory against the Black Knights?  Given the last two weeks' performances, I'd say it's a strong possibility.  Hawaii took both San Jose State and Wyoming to overtime before succumbing.  In the Wyoming game, the 'Bows scored 56 points in a losing effort.  Where Hawaii is most vulnerable is the pass, but Army is the #1 rushing team in the country.  Behind QB Sean Schroeder, Hawaii has the 19th-ranked passing game.  Expect a lot of yards out of both teams, with the difference coming in red zone efficiency.  Army?  Looking ahead.  Hawaii?  Playing at home.  Makes just that much difference.  PICK:  Hawaii.

Navy (idle); next 12/14 vs. Army.  Another bye week?  Really?

Think if we all dress differently...?

BYU (7-4) at Nevada (4-7).  This might be the game of the day, as both teams have double-threat QBs in the Cougars' Taysom Hill and the Wolf Pack's Cody Fajardo.  Perhaps the most significant impact will be the absence of longtime Nevada head coach Chris Ault, who gave way to Brian Polian this season.  UNR is capable of putting up big numbers, but will have trouble keeping the BYU offense off the field.  Expect a Cougar win, but for the Wolf Pack to put up a great fight.  PICK:  BYU.

#23 USC vs. #22 UCLA.  With the fortunes of these cross-town rivals seemingly taking opposite directions, it's hard to believe that UCLA is still ranked ahead of USC.  Such is the state of Pac-12 football this season, although the outcome of this game will have no bearing on the conference championship.  Injuries have riddled the Bruin offense, with WR Devin Fuller and a host of running backs have missed time, impacting the ability to move the football against the likes of Arizona State, Oregon, and Stanford.  With a healthy Fuller back in the lineup, QB Brett Hundley should keep the Trojan secondary busy all day.  If the USC defensive line can pressure Hundley and contain the run, that will allow their offense to stay on the field.  Unfortunately, with backfield injuries of their own, and an inconsistent offense, that may not be enough for USC.  This is one of those games where home field advantage may mean something, so I'll take the Trojans at home in the Coliseum.  PICK:  USC.

Boston College (7-4) at Syracuse (5-6).  Another potentially good game, another matchup between teams going in opposite direction.  Can playing at the Carrier Dome offset the current road rage being demonstrated by the Eagles?  The 'Cuse simply allows too many yards, and you better believe that RB Andre Williams, now being mentioned as a Heisman candidate, will take advantage of a defense ranked in the bottom half of the ACC.  The Orange offense has been stagnant as of late, only nineteen points in the last two games.  It will take a final game miracle recovery by Syracuse to offset all the strengths the Eagles bring to the table this weekend.  PICK:  Boston College.

"Guys, I'm beggin' ya...we're 0-11."

Georgia State (0-11) vs. South Alabama (4-6).  I really don't care that the Jaguars are a two-touchdown fave.  It's time for a Georgia State win, and since this is the final game of the season, I'm taking the Panthers.  Don't try to talk me out of it.  Stop, I said.  Cut it out.  Leave me alone.  PICK:  Georgia State.

Jinx Caps Baylor, Only A Week Late

Duke survives an early scare but roars back to a convincing 28-21 ACC win over a tough Wake Forest team.  Trailing 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter, the Dookies behind QB Anthony Boone's two TD passes tie the score before halftime.  After surrendering the lead again to start the 3rd quarter, Boone heaves a 58-yd. bomb to WR Jamison Crowder for his 3rd TD on a day in which he's 24-of-29 through the air.  The Blue Devils can thank the Demon Deacons for turnovers on their final two possessions, which seals the deal for Duke.  Now it's on the road to Chapel Hill to meet the 6-5 Tar Heels for a chance to play Florida State in the ACC Championship.

Baylor's Bears?  Not so much.  They get trounced 49-17 by a very well-prepared Oke State team with upset in their veins.  With RB Lache Seastrunk unavailable because of injury, replacement Shock Linwood manages only 29 yards on 14 carries and fumbles twice.  The Cowboys' 21-point blitz in the 3rd stanza forces Baylor into a shooting match, and while Heisman candidate Bryce Petty throws for 359 yds. and two TDs, he trips over his own feet en route to a score.  That's followed by one of Linwood's fumbles, and late in the game when a long snap sails over Petty's head, the Baylor national championship dream turns into a nightmare.  What's left for Baylor?  Only two more tough games (TCU and Texas) and one last chance to reclaim their position as one of the great success stories of 2013.

Here's how the rest of the extended weekend went in Week #13:

UNLV 41, Air Force 21.  Snow and cold cancel out the altitude, as the Falcons fall behind 21-0 in the first quarter and never recover.  Air Force simply can't contain RB Tim Cornett, whose 220 yds. of rushing and 4 TDs pace the Rebels, who notch their sixth win of the season for the first time since 2003.  When not chasing Cornett, the AFA defense is watching QB Caleb Herring run for 141 yds. and pass for 56 more.  Falcon QB Nate Romine manages to complete just three passes, one of which is a touchdown to Alex Ludowig.  The Academy looks ahead to its last game, the traditional rivalry with Colorado State, affectionately known among some of us as the Chris Haskell Bowl.

Navy 58, San Jose State 52 (3OT).  An FBS-record seven (count 'em...SEVEN) rushing touchdowns by Keenan Reynolds, and the Middies make me look good.  Even though he adds an eighth through the air, Reynolds isn't the only QB to make news.  The Spartans' David Fales is 42-of-56 for 440 yds. and five TDs of his own.  Now it's a well-earned two-week vacation as the Mids ready themselves for Army.

Notre Dame 23, BYU 13.  Steady snowfall and swirling winds play havoc with both squads in a tough match.  No sign of Everett Golson, as QB Tommy Rees leads the Irish with 235 yards of passing, one TD and one INT.  The Cougars counter with Taysom Hill, who is more efficient but manages no more scores than Rees.  Game comes down to placekickers, with Notre Dame's Kyle Brindza outbooting BYU's Justin Sorensen three scores to two.

#23 USC 47, Colorado 29.  South Bend isn't the only place with cold weather.  In Boulder the temperature is 29 degrees at game time.  Trojans hold Colorado scoreless in first half, then their subs hold off a Buffalo rally featuring two TD passes by QB Sefo Liufau.  Chalk up another recommendation for Ed Orgeron to turn the tag "interim" into "permanent".  What's a guy gotta do to keep his job, anyway?  Beat UCLA or something?  Stay tuned...

And one wonders why they lost

Boston College 29 , Maryland 26.  Eagles make good on another Smack prediction as they pull out a victory over the Terps on the strength of a last-second Nate Freese field goal.  Once again the difference maker for BC is RB Andre Williams, who runs 32 times for 263 yards and two TDs.  The Eagle defense holds Maryland to just 278 total yards.

Arizona 42, #12 Oregon 16.  Apparently they play decent football in Arizona after all.  Led by Ka'Deem Carey (48 carries, 206 yds., 4 TDs), the Wildcats dominate Oregon offensively.  QB B. J. Denker is uber-efficient (19-of-22 passing, 7.3 yds./carry rushing).  Duck QB Marcus Mariota puts up good numbers but is intercepted for the first time since last season, and not once but twice.  Arizona holds the ball for over 35 minutes and simply punches Oregon repeatedly in the mouth en route to the upset.

Name this famous GSU alumnus

Arkansas State 35, Georgia State 33.  This is one gutsy group of Panthers.  Forget about 0-11, I'm going out on a limb right now and picking them to finish with a win over South Alabama next week.  Hell, I may even try to find ESPN3 somewhere and watch in myself.  After all, a Panther win, while "illegal in nine countries", has "a formidable scent" that "60% of the time, it works every time."  (Anchorman fans, I salute you.)

It's So Neat To Meet Your Baby Where The Action Is

Duke's David Cutcliff gets the business

Last week it was Baylor in the headlines.  This week it's Duke, and not for basketball.  Though not in the BCS rankings, the Blue Devils debut at #25 in the AP poll and #24 in USA Today following their decisive victory over The U.  The last time that happened was in 1976 when the teams squared off for the very first time.  The Dookies have won eight games for the first time since 1994 and, with wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina, will capture the Coastal Division of the ACC.  This means a likely spot in the ACC championship game vs. Florida State. At least the Devils would be invited to the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, at best looms a trip to the Orange Bowl for the first time since 1958.

As for Week #13, a bit of an early start but nothing The Smack can't handle.  Here's the way it looks from out here on the left coast:

Thursday Early Bird Special

Falcon frying some Rebel worms

Air Force (2-8) vs. UNLV (5-5). The Rebels can't stop the run, and that's what The Academy does best (I mean, besides preparing steely-eyed fighters of the blue).  Yet Falcon QB Nate Romine also has found his way to four passing TDs and a 60% completion rate, so UNLV can't go to sleep on pass defense.  Game is being played in C-Springs, and I think this will give an advantage to the otherwise smallish Air Force defense.  Allthough Rebels have a possible bowl looming if they win, I am absolutely going with my heart on this one. PICK:  Air Force.

 

 

Friday Nite Lightweights

Navy (5-5) at San Jose State (6-4).  In something of an anomaly, only five wins got Navy an invite to play in the Armed Forces Bowl.  Must be because the other service academies stink.  I meant Merchant Marine and Coast Guard...who did you think I was talking about?  I guess if you have service academies you have to let them play in a bowl named after the armed forces.  Both teams have beaten Hawaii (no great shakes) but SJS has had the tougher overall schedule by far.    Navy's defensive focus will be to contain State's QB David Fales, because the Spartans' running game is abysmal.  Last week Nevada rolled up 500 yds. against the Joes, so once again Navy will try to dominate time of possession with its triple option.  Again, listening to my heart, I don't think any self-respecting Midshipman wants a gift invitation to a bowl game.  Like Smith Barney, they prefer to do it the old-fashioned way:  earn it.  PICK:  Navy.

Saturday Action

Is this what's meant by "parade rest"?

Army at "Pa-hraaaaaade HRST"; next 11/30 at Hawaii.

BYU (7-3) at Notre Dame (7-3).  Nothing that has happened this season makes Notre Dame a prohibitive favorite in this game, even at home in South Bend.  BYU has a more explosive offense.  BYU's defense allows fewer yards.  Notre Dame turns the ball over too much.  While QB Tommy Rees has pereformed well in place of the suspended Everett Golson, Golson applied for re-admission this past week.  Will he play (maybe even start) if he's fast-tracked to acceptance?  Listening to my heart again, I'm feeling a BYU upset (which according to the above wouldn't seem much of an upset at all).  PICK:  BYU.

Colorado's front four

#23 USC (8-3) at Colorado (4-6).  Both teams beat Cal in the past two weeks.  That's where the similarities end.  Alhough USC ranks in the middle of the Pac-12 in offense, they have more than enough weapons to push the Buffs around the field.  If they can establish a running game, they can overcome the altitude factor and control time of possession and keep the tandem of QB Sefu Liufau and WR Paul Richardson off the field.  The Trojan defense which, during the Ed Orgeron era has been superb, won't have to worry much about the Buffalo rushing game, whose starting RBs have been unable to produce 1,000 yards between them in ten games so far.  PICK:  USC.

Charles Durning as Coach Johnson

Boston College (6-4) at Maryland (6-4).  The game between two teams looking for their 7th win shapes up to be a battle between the Maryland defense and the BC offense.  For some reason, Eagle QB Chase Rettig has gradually regressed to a point where he threw for only 8 completions and 53 yards last week against NC State.  On the other side of the line sits a Terp defense that held Virginia Tech to 264 yds. in total offense and sacked the QB five times.  Also a factor will be turnoveers, from which BC doesn't usually suffer.  Game is being played in College Park, where head coach Randy Edsall has been rumored to be on the hot seat.  This is one of those games that could be a lot of fun to watch.  I'm reminded of the scene in North Dallas Forty where Jon Matuszak sniggers at the notion of an assistant coach remarking, "When I played college ball at Maryland...".  Since emotion is ruling my picks this week, I'll take the Eagles.  PICK:  Boston College.

Oregon (9-1) at Arizona (6-4).  Game will be influenced by last week's USC upset of Stanford more than anything the Wildcats can throw at the Ducks.  Stanford's loss puts Oregon back in the driver's seat for the northern division spot in the upcoming Pac-12 championship game and a shot at the Rose Bowl.  Arizona has lost to both UCLA and Washington State, two teams Oregon handled with ease.  None of Arizona's receiving corps has had a 100-yd. game so far this season.  But on the other side of the ball, their defensive backs have logged 13 interceptions.  Not putting too much effort into calling this one, seems obvious.  Then again, so did the Ducks against Stanford.  PICK:  Oregon.

Homecoming weekend in Jonesboro

Georgia State (0-10) at Arkansas State (6-4).  Time is running out for the Panthers.  With only two games remaining on the schedule, they may be thinking ahead to next week when they'll play at home against a South Alabama team with a losing record.  This week they get the ArkState Jaguars at home.  GSU gives up a lot through the air, meaning Red Wolves' QB Adam Kennedy and his gaudy 69% completion rate could have a fun afternoon.  The Arkansas State defense has yielded only 17 pts./game over the past three weeks, forces turnovers, and is sack-happy.  Nothing here that suggests a change in fortune for the Panthers.  PICK:  Arkansas State.

BONUS COVERAGE

#3 Baylor (9-0) at #11 Oklahoma State (9-1).  There's no question:  this game will be decided by which offense can score the most points.  Get ready for a whale of a show.  Amazingly, Oklahoma State scores over 40 points/game and yet is outdone by a Baylor squad that scores 21 points/game more than the Cowboys.  Each defense has been an outstanding compliment to their offenses, with the two allowing between 17 and 19 points each.  The Oke State receiving corps is a little banged up, meaning QB Clint Chelf, a player promoted at mid-season, may have trouble locating the open man.  Although the Bears don't get a lot of sacks, they go get a lot of tackles-for-loss, so Chelf may be on the run.  Watching last week's victory over Texas Tech, I was amazed at the adjustments Baylor made at halftime, after which they broke open an 8-point game and cruised to a win by 29.  Expect more of the same this week; the Bears are for real.  PICK:  Baylor

Can't Forget D-III!  

Apologies to those of you who saw the selection show on ESPNU last Sunday from Indianapolis.  I know I'm covering ground already familiar to you.  But for those less enlightened, here's the way things work in D-III.

• Twenty-four conferences receive automatic-qualifying berths.
• Three berths are reserved for true independents and those teams that are members of conferences that do not receive automatic qualification.
• The remaining five berths are awarded to teams from either automatic qualifying conferences that do not win an automatic berth, or the remaining true independent teams and teams in non-automatic qualifying conferences.

You know, a way to choose a national champion that makes perfect sense.

The top four seeds this year are defending champion Mount Union (OH), Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Bethel (MN).  2013 will be Mount Union’s 25th consecutive NCAA appearance.  In 2012, Mount Union defeated St. Thomas (Minn.) 28-10 for the title.

The first round of the championship will be played Nov. 23 at the host institution’s campus or at an alternate site approved by the football committee. The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the national championship game, will be played Dec. 20, at Salem Stadium in Salem, Va. The game will be broadcast live on ESNPU at 7 p.m. ET.

Why all this BCS nonsense when we have a perfectly workable blueprint right there in front of our noses?  No hand-wringing necessary.  No need to discontinue those swell postseason bowls.  Just play the games.

I'm out.

Revenge Of The Nerds

Brilliant metaphor for college football

We're rounding the far turn in the horse race that is college football.  Schedules are drawing down, showdowns for conference championships are shaping up, and the list of who's eligible to go bowling is getting longer every week (65 teams as The Smack goes to press).  'Bama and FSU continue to lead the way, but did anyone watch the Baylor Bears?


Assuming they win out, Baylor's strength of schedule the last three weeks of this season just might be enough for them to overtake THE Ohio State University.  In this the final year of the BCS national championship configuration, we can kiss goodbye the notion that these two might meet in, say, the Rose Bowl.  That game will feature the champ of the Big 10 (likely OSU) and the top dog of the Pac 12 (probably Oregon but--dare we say it?--USC?).

The best Baylor can hope for is a Fiesta Bowl matchup against the final at-large team, right now figuring to be #15 Fresno State, which owns a 9-0 record but against their less formidable Mountain West Conference opponents.  Just to make things interesting, there's a movement "out there" to reward UCF (yes, the George O'Leary UCF) with the final at-large.  Stay tuned.

Here's how it went in Week #12:

RPI students upon news of Union-RPI game

RPI 31, Union 28.  Dutchman's Shoes return to Troy as Enginerds.  Of course, there are those two rushing TDs by QB Brendan McGlynn.  But the Garnet have only themselves to blame, as RPI forces three interceptions and a costly fumble with just over two minutes remaining in the game.  Season over, goodbye to 20 seniors.  (Almost forget my annual mention of the fact that Audino was Marty White's position coach at Penn.)

Somebody other than Keenan Reynolds?

Navy 42, South Alabama 14.  Jaguars make a game of it until midway through the second quarter, when Middies option kicks into high for 39 unanswered points.  On the day Navy rolls up 351 yds. of rushing, featuring the efforts of RB Darius Staten, who averages 18.1 yds./carry.  Nine other backs touch the ball, including QB Keenan Reynolds (59 yds. rushing, TD) who also throws for 168 yds. and another TD.  South Alabama puts up goose eggs in the second half as Navy's defense stiffens.


BYU 59, Idaho State 13.  Six different BYU players score touchdowns, five in the 2nd quarter.  Senior QB Taysom Hill throws only nineteen times but two are for TDs.  Sophomore RB Adam Hine rushes for 142 yds. and bags his first TD.  Altogether the Cougar offense rolls up 578 yds. of total offense, an average of 8.4 yds./play.  Despite the Bengals' holding onto the ball for almost 36 minutes, they manage only one touchdown, as the BYU defense limits them to just 287 yds. in all.

Corso suffers wound from Herbstrieit

USC 20, Stanford 17.  Trojan defense puts on one of its most dominant efforts of the season, shutting down Cardinal QB Kevin Hogan (14-of-25, 127 yds., no TDs and two INTs) and limiting all rushers except Tyler Gaffney to just 52 yds. on the ground.  Though he's suffered through a tough year, PK Andre Heidari puts it between the uprights when it matters:  late in the 4th quarter.  Too bad coach Ed Orgeron has to wake up to news reports that (former USC player, current Denver Bronco acting head coach) Jack DelRio interviewed for his job.  Thank you, sir...may I have another?  Sheesh...

Boston College 38, North Carolina State 21.  Credit to USC for making a decision on a starting quarterback, even if was a week into the season.  Wolfpack should take a lesson on how badly tandeming works, even at the college level.  Starter Pete Thomas never looks comfortable and is held under his season average passing yardage.  BC defense holds State running game to only 35 yards.  But once again the big news concerns Eagle RB Andre Thomas, who breaks his week-old rushing record by churning up 339 yards and 2 TDs on 42 carries.  Not only is this a BC record but also an ACC record and highest in the nation amongst FBS schools this season.

Doesn't look injured to me

Oregon 44, Utah 21.  Reverting to pre-Stanford form, the Ducks manhandle the Utes in the second half and cruise to victory.  For the first 30 minutes it looks like Oregon is living in the past, and in the first few minutes of the second half Utah actually pulls to within 3 points.  Then the Quack Attack gets untracked, sparked by an 86-yard kickoff return by DeAnthony Thomas, who returned from injury just last week.  The third of three TD passes by Marcus Mariota and two rushing TDs by Byron Marshall show how explosive Oregon can be against anyone...well, except maybe Stanford.  Interesting Stat of the Day:  no Oregon drive takes longer than 1:57 to score.

Louisianna-Lafayette , Georgia State.  Panther defense has no answers for QB Terrance Broadway, who throws for 234 yards and four scores.  Once again State shows offensive ability, being outgained by only 14 yards in total offense.  The debate continues as to whether or not defense wins games, but lack of defense certainly loses them.

It's All About The Hardware

Thankfully, all the games we care about take place on Saturday this weekend.  Smack Daddy has had all week to think about the matchups and, with no trips out of state to play golf or to meet new grandchildren.  Mrs. SD taking her final exam to become a yoga instructor.  Big screen is mine all day, so should be able to catch a few of these games on TV.  Well, would have to live stream from Schenectady for the first one, but do-able.  Here's Week #12 and all that it has in store for us:

RU kidding??  UColl all the way!

Union (3-6) vs. RPI (4-5).  Always like to share the Dutchman's Shoes with my audience.  So this is our annual rivalry game, the fifth oldest in D-III.  Although the Enginerds have a better overall record, they're worse in conference.  Game is in Schenectady and the faithful will be ready to close out the season with a big effort.  Compared to Union, RPI gives up more of everything.  Three different QBs have managed to complete only 44% of passes attempted.  Their most prolific rusher, Andrew Armato has only gained 445 yds. all year.  An average of just over 55 yds./game, maybe he should be making sandwiches instead of playing football.  But I digest.  These numbers suggest that the Union "D" will contain RPI, and with it being "Senior Day" and all (20 seniors on the Garnet roster), QB Nick Becker and company should have a field day.  PICK:  Union. 



Air Force (2-8) idle; next 11/21 vs. UNLV.


Army (3-7) idle; next 11/30 at Hawaii.

Navy (5-4) vs. South Alabama (3-5).  The annual "Battle for the Jaguar" game!  Despite being near the bottom of the Sun Belt Conference, watch out for the Jags.  They beat Western Kentucky and only lost to Tennessee by a touchdown.  They like to throw the ball a lot more than run it, which they may be forced to do as a result of Navy's ball-control offense.  Senior QB Ross Metheny has a 61.8% completion rate and, with 359 yds., ranks 2nd on the team in rushing.  On the defensive side of the ball, SAU has held opponents to only 8 TDs on the ground.  But the motivation will be in Navy's corner, as one more victory means bowl eligibility.  Wouldn't be a bad bet to take the Jags and the points, though.  PICK:  Navy.

BYU (6-3) vs. Idaho State (3-7).  The annual "Battle for the Bengal Tiger" game!  OK, you get my point so I'll stop.  In the past month, Idaho State suspended head coach Mike Kramer for shoving WR Derek Graves to the ground.  Then the university suspended Graves for an undisclosed violation of team rules, rumored to center around Graves' habit of missing practices.  Kramer has a controversial coaching history that includes dismissals and lawsuits against former employers.  But none of that really matters when you consider that the Bengals are surrendering 61 pts./game in matchups against FBS teams.  BYU is most certainly an FBS team, and could easily win using its freshmen playing in the friendly confines of Lavell Edwards Stadium.  PICK:  BYU.

Another senseless mascot kidnapping

USC (7-3) vs. #4 Stanford (8-1).  The annual "Tree Game" actually is next week when Cal visits Palo Alto.  This week's matchup against USC should be a very good test, and determine how worthy Stanford may be of playing for a national championship.  We've seen how well both teams are capable of playing.  I'm inclined to lean in Stanford's direction because of how thoroughly they dominated Oregon, especially when running the ball.  But Southern Cal's offense has returned and their defense is playing out of its collective skulls under Ed Orgeron and staff.  Then there's the fact that the game is in Los Angeles.  But I think it's a matter of too much QB Kevin Hogan and RB Tyler Gaffney.  Last week the Trojan special teams got QB Cody Kessler off the hook by forcing turnovers that won't be as easy to find against a Cardinal team that protected the ball magnificently against Oregon.  PICK:  Stanford.

Boston College (5-4) vs. North Carolina State (3-6).  The Wolfpack rolls up yards but can't find the endzone.  Opponents have badly outscored NC State in the first and last quarters of most games.  Their QB tandem of Brandon Mitchell and Pete Thomas has a 55% completion rate but has suffered 24 sacks and 15 interceptions on the season.  The Eagles counter with QB Chase Rettig (64% completion rate, 14 TDs), RB Andre Williams (1,481 yds., 12 TDs), and a defense that limits opponents to just over 350 yds./game.  At home in Chestnut Hill, the Eagles should prevail.  PICK:  Boston College.

Joe Pesci's idea of "two utes".

#6 Oregon (8-1) vs. Utah (4-5).  Those of you who have watched My Cousin Vinny will understand the reference (see left).  Those of you with no sense of humor...*sigh*.  Coming off their first loss of the season, the Ducks return to Eugene to face a Utah team that has endured a somewhat disappointing season.  Last week the Utes nearly upset Arizona State and might have done so had it not been for the abysmal play of QB Travis Wilson (6-of-21, two interceptions).   On the flip side, Duck QB Marcus Mariota (knee) is still not 100%, nor is leading receiver Josh Huff (hand).  Just remember:  who beat Stanford earlier this year?  That's right, Utah.  Nah, ain't gonna happen.  PICK:  Oregon.

Georgia State (0-9) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (7-2).  Those of you who are Lord of The Rings fans...frightening, eh?  Now, for the sake of accuracy, Carville attended LSU and not Louisiana-Lafayette (or just plain "Loo-zee-anna" to many).  As for Gollum, a Google search turned up no results, although it is rumored that he completed one semester at Misty Mountain Community College.  The Louisiana offense reminds me of the service academy offenses:  one big gun (Alonzo Harris, 143 carries, 12 TDs), a cruise missile (Elijah McGuire, 9.0 yds./carry), and a read-option QB in Terrance Broadway, who can run (7 rushing TDs) and throw (64% accuracy).  State will be overwhelmed all day trying to throttle this offense, which scores over 38 pts./game and has gone over 40 both of the last two weeks.  Despite not wanting to go oh-fer-2013, the nod goes to the Cajuns.  PICK:  Louisiana-Lafayette.

Better Late Than Never

 The week begins in upsetting fashion, with Stanford winning against Oregon at home (scroll way down). Why, I was soooo upset that I forgot to pick the game involving my own alma mater!  The rest goes pretty much according to Doyle.  (Press Herald readers--at least those of a certain age--will understand that reference.)  Here's what happened while I was motoring to St. George, UT to see the new grandaughter...OOO-rah!!

Union 27, Merchant Marine 14.  Inspired by the news of superb golf coming out of St. Augustine the weekend before, the Dutchmen end a three-game losing skid by sinking USMMA in Kings Point.  QB Nick Becker throws for a lifetime-best 308 yds. and two TDs but is picked off twice.  The defense returns to mid-season form, keeping the Mariners off the scoreboard until just under 4:00 left in the first half, and allowing only one score in the second.  RB Matthew McDaniels punishes the Garnet with 177 yds. and two TDs of his own.  However two missed field goals and a fumble recovered in the end zone spell defeat for Merchant Marine.

Retiring Brian Urlacher's jersey in "The Querque"

New Mexico 45, Air Force 37.  BREAKING NEWS:  New Mexico throws three passes in win over Air Force!  Even bigger news is that Falcon QB Nate Romine throws 23 times, completing 15, three of which are touchdowns.  I'm just a bit off with the over/under, but game turns out to be a high-scoring win for the Lobos as predicted.  Once again RB Anthony LaCoste leads the rushing charge for Air Force with 21 carries and 177 yds.  UNM running backs chew up the Falcon defense for 451 yds.

 
Western Kentucky 21, Army 17.  Black Knights make this difficult for Hilltoppers, and in fact lead this game most of the way.  Army squanders two scoring opportunities, one on a 2nd quarter clipping penalty and another on a botched hook-and-ladder at the end of the game.  Western QB Brandon Doughty makes life miserable for Army, throwing two touchdown passes and racking up 199 yds. through the air.  Cadets manage 277 yds. rushing, divided amongst Terry Baggett, Tony Giovannelli, and Angel Santiago.

Navy 42, Hawaii 28.  As Denzel Washington asked in Remember the Titans, "Who's your daddy?"  Answer:  Keenan Freaking Reynolds, that's who.  The Navy QB rolls up 226 yds. in rushing, adds 59 via air, and accounts for five Middie touchdowns.  Unfortunately for Hawaii, this completely negates a fine effort on the part of QB Sean Shroeder, who is 29-of-33 for 246 yds. and three scores.  Kudos to the 'Bows for keeping it close for most of the game.

#22 Wisconsin 27, BYU 17.  Badgers turn this into an old-fashioned smashmouth struggle, with RB James White accounting for three TDs and 194 total yds. from scrimmage.  The Wisconsin defense limits Cougar's QB Taysom Hill to just 19 completions and only 53 rushing yards.  Not the exciting kind of game I hope for, but a good, solid, clean contest where the better team wins.

Wipe that smile off, George (left)

USC 62, California 28.  Time for another favorite movie quote, this one from Hoosiers:  "I told you, once we got rid o' him!"  Yes, Virginia, life has been a bowl of roses for USC since the departure of Lane Kiffin.  Of course, this win is against the hapless Cal Golden Bears, but hanging 62 points on anyone is good news for the Trojans.  Headlines come from an unusual place, as Nelson Agholor runs back two punts for scores.  QB Cody Kessler has only to throw 17 times to notch two TDs.  RB Javorious Allen only touches the ball a total of six times yet still piles up 135 yds. and two scores.  Bright spot for da Bears is QB Jared Goff, who is 34-of-48 for 255 yds. and three TDs.

The Village People called...

Boston College 48, New Mexico State 34.  Aggies, looking nothing like the 1-9 team they are, keep this close until the fourth quarter mostly on the strength of QB Andrew McDonald.  McDonald is 41-of-55, 384 yds. and three TDs, but is outdone by Eagle RB Andre Williams, who breaks the BC record by running for 295 yds. on 30 carries, resulting in two scores of his own.  Williams' two back-to-back scores late in the 4th quarter put the game out of reach for NMSU.

Fast-closing hole in Cardinal D-line

#5/6 Stanford 26, #2/3 Oregon 20.  The Cardinal do it again, this time by striking early and holding on against a furious Oregon rally.  RB Tyler Gaffney sets a Stanford record with 45 carries.  Often an over-used statistic, Stanford's ability to maintain possession (over 42 minutes) keeps Duck offense off the field where it can do little to erase the growing deficit through three quarters.  Defense forces four Oregon fumbles, two of which are lost.  Ducks also shoot themselves in the foot with 10 flags worth 81 lost yards.

NOTE TO FOLLOWERS:  I'm envious that one of you had a backstage pass to see Joe Satriani.  How 'bout weighing in on Joe Bonamassa?  P. S.  The wife and I are seeing Graham Nash on Monday.

Let The Games Begin...On A TUESDAY??

Thank goodness nobody reading The Smack follows the Mid-American Conference or I'd already be 0-3 for the week.  Had to shake the cobwebs out to get the following posted in time for tonight's big showdown.  Spending all day tomorrow in a "training", then motoring to St. George, UT to meet newest grandchild.  Hurrying to beat kickoff, so here you go with the fearless forecast for Week #10 in college football...

 

Thursday game

#2/3 Oregon (8-0) at #5/6 Stanford (7-1).  Trash-talking by Duck players intensified this week.  Maybe they ought to re-think that strategy, as it cost them dearly just last season.  Back then the Ducks were riding a 10-0 streak and while averaging 54.8 pts./game lost to the Cardinal by 3 points in OT.  This season they're averaging 55.6 pts./game but have been held under 50 twice in the last three weeks by both Washington and UCLA.  By the same token, Stanford has held its opponents to 19.4 pts./game in 2013.  The Cardinal only needed 17 points to beat the Ducks last year, but will probably need a few more this year.  Keep in mind:  Stanford is coming off a bye week, should be fresh and healthy, and will be playing at home to boot.  Everybody in the Top 6 has a stake in this game, but on paper Oregon is just too potent for the Cardinal.  Unless the Stanford defense can put a lot of pressure on QB Rich Mariota on passing downs, the Ducks will control the tempo and run the Cardinal right out of Palo Alto.  Revenge for last year is in the front of their minds.  PICK:  Oregon.

Friday game

 

Air Force (2-7) at New Mexico (2-6).  Really, I have to pick this game?  *Sigh* Both teams like to run first, pass as an afterthought.  Both teams have Swiss cheese defenses, allowing truckloads of yards and points on the ground.  Air Force is fresh off a big win against arch-rival Army, while the Lobos found themselves on the short end of the game against San Diego State, a team that also beat the Falcons.  Both teams lost convincingly to Utah State, but UNM gave Wyoming a far better game than did Air Force.  Both teams are about to fall several games short of bowl eligibility.  The game is being played in Albuquerque, so despite Air Force holding a commanding overall series record, I'll take the Lobos.  PICK:  New Mexico 113, Air Force 96.

Saturday games

 

Army (3-6) vs. Western Kentucky (5-4).  Big-time nod in the motivation department for Western.  They need only one more win to become bowl-eligible.  As for Army, a team having failed to put two wins in a row together all season, it's completely understandable they'd be so looking forward to having three byes in the next four weeks before facing Navy.  The Black Knight defense will be hard-pressed to stop RB Antonio Andrews, whose 3,161 all-purpose yards in 2012 were second-most in NCAA history.  Andrews is the nation's leading rusher this year as well.  Make no mistake:  the Hilltoppers' conference-leading defense will be tested by the Army option, but it's one thing to roll up yards and quite another to score.  So instead of relying solely on its offense, the Cadets will be asking their defense to pressure QB Brandon Doughty into adding to his 13 interceptions on the year, 3rd highest in the country.  Too much to ask.  PICK:  Western Kentucky.

Navy (4-4) vs. Hawaii (0-8).  How far the Rainbows have fallen since the days of June Jones.  Gone too are the likes of Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan.  Once again Hawaii has become the "off week" of the Mountain West Conference.  It's like every away game has turned into someone else's Homecoming.  As they invade Annapolis this weekend, they will run head-long into a Navy team that is more than just eager to prove last week's close call vs. Notre Dame was a fluke.  Big plays were the undoing of the Middies last week, but against a team whose QB Sean Shroeder was picked off three times against Utah State, and who managed only 73 yds. rushing the entire game, don't look for Hawaii to pose a big offensive threat.  Perhaps their best defensive game, the 'Bows still allowed 47 points.  Look for Keenan Reynolds to keep them honest against both the run and the threat of the pass.  Shouldn't be close.  PICK:  Navy.

Wisconsin linebacker corps.  Aren't they adorable?

BYU (6-2) at #21/22/24 Wisconsin (6-2).  When the BYU coaching staff told the team they'd be going to Camp Randall in November, the players thought it would be a bye week full of fun in the sun...arts & crafts.  Ah, but instead it's a meeting with the Wisconsin Badgers.  The Cougars benefit from the healing aspects of a bye week, while the Badgers are on a 3-game winning streak having just claimed the Heartland Trophy with a win over Iowa.  Both teams feature solid offenses, with BYU able to boast the biggest yardages but Wisconsin able to brag about scoring efficiency.  The Badgers are led by 6th-ranked Melvin Gordon who rushes for 8.7 yds./carry.  Gordon is complimented by James White, who has scored nine times this season.  Wisconsin's defense is ranked 5th in the nation in scoring and 6th in total.  Be sure to tune in; originally scheduled for the Big 10 Network, it's been picked up by ESPN and should be one of the marquee matchups of the season.  Says here that the edge goes to the home team.  PICK:  Wisconsin.

Boston College (4-4) at New Mexico State (1-8).  Aggie QB Andrew McDonald is fresh off a 327-yard, three-touchdown passing performance in a losing effort against Louisiana-Lafayette.  McDonald will have to face a BC defense that is 16th in the nation in turnover margin.  As for the opposite side of the ball, the Eagle offense has been spotty but the Aggie defense has been attrocious.  Look for this first-ever meeting between the two schools to feature plenty of running by BC's Andre Williams, who can punish in short-yardage situations and break away at just the right time.  NMU hasn't defeated an FBS team in almost two full years.  They will not beat one today.  PICK:  Boston College.

What the Golden Bears have to look forward to

USC (6-3) at California (1-8).  Their record is poor, but don't let the Golden Bears fool you:  they took Arizona to the wire before losing 33-28.  QB Jared Goff has over 2,800 yds. in passing, and threw for four scores last weekend.  The catch is...well, the catch.  Goff throws just fine but doesn't have much of a receiving corps on which he can depend.  The Cal running game is non-existent.  USC's defense has been outstanding in Ed Orgeron's tenure as interim coach.  Pressuring the QB will be the key to the Trojans' success, and Leonard Williams and Devon Kennard are specialists in sacks and tackles for loss.  Perhaps another yawner.  PICK:  USC.

Georgia State (0-9) idle; next 11/16 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.

Still Jet-Laggin'

Back from a terrific weekend of golf and brotherhood in St. Augustine, FL.  In-between raindrops, Smack Daddy had a couple of decent drives, one highlight reel putt, and splash-landed a tee shot on the par-3 7th hole.  My team finished at 1-under 71, but the winners were a full twelve shots under par.  As always, several notable quotes came out of the gathering, none of which can be repeated here.

Here's a roundup of the college and prep football action as culled from sources way more reliable than I.

Hobart 41, Union 20.  It seems as if nobody can stop the juggernaut that is Hobart football, and Steven Webb in particular.  The senior RB notches his 14th consecutive 100-yard rushing game and goes over the 1,000 yd. total rushing plateau for the second straight year.  The Statesman offense averages over 7.3 yards/play in the first half compared to Union's 4.  LB Devin Worthington is 1.5 tackles away from the all-time Hobart record, and the special teams unit gets credit for three blocked punts.  Leading 41-6 in the 3rd quarter, two Hobart drives stall as a result of turnovers.  Final two Garnet TDs come against Hobart scrubs.  Before anyone feels sorry for the Statesmen for being undefeated and yet still unable to rise above #7 in the polls, just know that all six teams above them are also undefeated, as are five below them. 

Anthony LaCoste befuddles Black Knights

Air Force 42, Army 28.  I don't even know why I'm even writing about this game.  I'm probably the only one reading The Smack that didn't see it on TV!  As predicted, the altitude as well as the punishment dished out by RB Anthony LaCoste highlights a Falcon ground game that provides plenty of late-game headaches for visiting Army.  LaCoste has 263 yds. and three TDs, compared to just 341 yds. total for the entire rest of the schedule.  QB Angel Santiago returns with 8-of-14 completions plus three rushing TDs in his return to the Black Knight lineup from injury.  Air Force's Nate Romine, allowed to transfer credits from this fall's "Unarmed Combat I" class at The Academy, has a nice day filling in for all those other dudes who violated the honor code or were carted from the field on a stretcher.  Romine completes seven of eight passes for 111 yards.

Notre Dame 38, Navy 34.  The Middies keep it close the whole way, but in the end it's the Irish defense which holds down the rushing totals for Keenan Reynolds and company.  Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees continues to make Irish faithful forget Nate Golson by completing 12 of 20 passes for two TDs.  Play that breaks Navy's back is a 4th down reverse, stopped cold, turning the ball over to the Irish who run out the clock and possibly play themselves back into the Top 25. 

Eagles dance the Hokie Pokie

Boston College 34, Virginia Tech 27.  Another upset, but don't blame Hokie QB Logan Thomas who throws for 391 yds. and two TDs.  VaTech's defense just sees too much RB Andre Williams, who rushes for 166 yds. and two TDs of his own.  Starting with the end of the 3rd quarter, Eagles get a touchdown pass, kick a field goal, force an interception, and produce a takeover on downs to put away the Hokies.  After scoring a TD and forcing a 3-and-out of their own late in the game, Thomas fumbles with just under a minute to play and sends Tech to its second consecutive loss and likely out of the Top 25.

USC 31, #16 Oregon State 14.  If the Trojans had been playing up to potential for the past two years, this would have been a no-brainer from the start.  Coach Ed Orgeron continues to audition for next year and has his charges playing very well, especially on defensive side of the football.  Beaver QB Sean Mannion enters the contest having been intercepted only three times all season, but the Trojans pick him off three times and hold him to just 268 yds. passing.  All told, USC shuts out OSU the entire second half while racking up 489 of total offense.  Coaches appear brilliant with their choice of QB Cody Kessler to steer the ship, as Kessler goes 17-for-21 including five completions (and one TD) to WR Marqise Lee.

Another long day for the Panthers

Western Kentucky 44, Georgia State 28.  Game marks Bobby Petrino's first return to the Georgia Dome since resigning abruptly as the coach of the Atlanta Falcons after Week #13 six years ago.  While neither team has the right to brag, it's same old-same old for the Panthers.  QB Ronnie Bell, back from a brief benching, throws 26-of 41 and has two TDs but also gets picked off twice.  Defense can't stop Hilltoppers' RB Keshawn Simpson who runs for four TDs on just 10 carries and 25 total yards.  A late 19-yard TD pass and a recovered onside kick fail to narrow the margin for the Panthers, who continue oh-fer-'13.

Sanford 33, South Portland 32.  And just like that, South Portland's season is over.  Both teams score substantially more than in their first match-up, but this time Sanford relies almost entirely on a running game led, surprisingly, by FB Nick Love (24 carries, 148 yds., TD).  As expected Riot QB Duncan Preston plays his heart out, throwing for four TDs and running for another.  Controversy arises over a 3rd quarter 73-yard run by RB Edward Michetti, when Riot defenders appear to strip the ball away just before Michetti crosses the goal line.  But officials rule that the ball breaks the plane before Michetti loses it, and the score stands.  A last-ditch 2-point conversion fails for SP and Sanford advances to the semi-finals for the first time in 10 seasons.

Puyallup 59, Rogers 35.   No surprise, just disappointment for a good Rogers team which rallies to a 21-21 tie before the end of the first half only to be buried after intermission.  QB Grayson Madland throws for two TDs and runs for another, and LeGrant Pegram gets the juices flowing for Ram fans with an electric 93-yard kickoff return.  But nobody measures up to the Rams' QB Brandon Illies who throws for a record seven TDs on the day.  Three of those passes are hauled in by WR D. J. Winter.

NOTE:  Oregon plays Stanford on Thursday night.  Be right back with the next edition of The Smack.