A Weekend To Remember

Sports pundits across the nation are hailing the past holiday weekend as the greatest ever in college football.  You'll get no objection from The Smack.  No sooner do I consider the Ohio State-Michigan game one of the best ever, then I  tune in to Alabama-Auburn only to have my chin drop to the floor a second time.

For the record, whether you like Grady Hoke or not, his decision to go for two--at home, rivalry game--is the correct (and gutsy) one.  The specific play called?  Not so much.

Winner...............loser.

As for Nick Saban, another story.  How do you throw a redshirt freshman into a game-winning kicking situation and then not properly cover the ensuing runback when it falls short?  Humble pie is on the menu in Tuscaloosa this week.

All of this means (a) I look forward to the upcoming week's conference championship preview and (b) the entire college football world (or at least those in my family) prep for the Army-Navy classic the following week.  Meanwhile, here's how it went down with our usual faves in Week #14:

Colorado State 58, Air Force 13.  No pic available, but the Chris Haskell Bowl trophy is a giant "0.5" shaped from Legos atop a  Silly Putty base.  (This is an inside joke no one other than The Sentinel will understand.  In fact, there is an actual "Ram-Falcon" trophy which has been awarded to the winner of this annual game since 1957.)  The prize goes to the Rams as Air Force closes out 2013 winless in the MWC.  Caught focusing on RB Kapri Bibbs (as was The Smack), Falcon secondary helpless in stopping QB Garrett Grayson, who is 26-of-34, 395 yds., and 4 TDs (including one on the ground).  Despite entering game averaging over 272 yds. on the ground, Air Force is held scoreless for three quarters and manages only 154 yds. rushing on the day.

Much of a stereotype, ya think?

Hawaii 49, Army 42.  As suspected, Rainbows catch Black Knights looking ahead.  The six-hour time change doesn't help, either.  Hawaii jumps out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, then holds off a furious Army 2nd half comeback attempt.  Just like Grayson (above), QB Sean Schroeder has 3 TDs through the air and one on the ground.  The Army defense allows the 'Bows to pile up 608 yds. of total offense, featuring (I love this name) Steven Lakalaka, who runs for 104 yds. and a TD as Hawaii avoids a perfect season.



BYU 28, Nevada 23.  Knew this one would be exciting...and close.  Wolf Pack actually holds Cougars scoreless in the first half but cannot keep QB Taysom Hill down all day.  Hill wakes up and throws for two scores in the second half and RB Jamaal Williams rushes for 219 yds. and two more TDs.  Pack scores a late TD, misses the 2-pointer, and cannot wrest the ball from BYU during the last three minutes of the game..

#22 UCLA 35, #23 USC 14.  Oh, NOW I understand why UCLA was ranked ahead of USC.  Bruin QB Brett Hundley carries the ball 13 times for 80 yds. and gives postgame credit to his O-line for allowing him to throw for 208 more.  The Trojan offense, under scrutiny from the preseason, is unable to run or pass and is held scoreless in both the first and last quarters.  Jim Mora, Sr. actually could be seen running off the field with his head coach son saying, "PLAYOFFS!!"  Late word out of L. A.:  Boise State's Chris Peterson sits atop Pat Haden's short list of candidates to succeed interim coach Ed Orgeron at the end of the season.  It is said that Orgeron will be asked to stay on "in come capacity".  Yeah, like that'll happen.

Syracuse 34, Boston College 31.  Close all the way, the 'Cuse wins a wild one behind an impressive 21-point 2nd quarter performance and a 75-yard last-ditch drive to end the game.  A huge blow to the Eagles is the absence of RB Andre Williams, lost to injury in the 3rd quarter after gaining just 29 yds.  Orange QB Terrel Hunt proves to be a dual threat,throwing for 270 yds. and two TDs and adding 90 yds. and another score on the ground.

#12 Oregon 36, Oregon State 35.  Civil War indeed!  State nearly sends Ducks to their third defeat in November.  Once again QB Marcus Mariota saves the day, this time with a 12-yard toss to Josh Huff with just 29 ticks left on the clock, the third time on the day that these two hook up for scores.  Typical time of possession, with the Beavers holding onto the ball for over 35 minutes, to no avail.  When the Ducks strike, they strike quickly.  Two 4th down conversions also help.

South Alabama 38, Georgia State 17.  First year in FBS ends without a win for the Panthers.  Try as they might, the Georgia State defense simply cannot stop opponents' offenses.  Today it's the Jaguars' QB Ross Metheny and RB Jay Jones who combine for three touchdowns and 392 yds.  Like the Chicago Cubs, wait 'til next year, Panther faithful.