No. 4 Ohio State jumped No. 3 Penn State as usual, 20-13; Fans chant, “Fire Franklin!”

Posted on by
Reply

State College, PA – Our 701st college football game began presumably well for Penn State against Big Ten foe Ohio State. The Buckeyes held a 9-1 advantage over the Nittany Lions since HC James Franklin rode into State College.  They opened the Big Ten battle with an opening drive for a 3-0 lead on Ryan Baker’s 29-yard field goal.  They followed to extend the lead with Zion Tracy’s 31-yard pick-six on OSU’s first series to mount a 10-0 lead.  Things went PSU’s way until then.  However, turnovers, careless penalties and questionable play calling and time management by the Lions helped the Buckeyes to a 20-13 victory.

The Buckeyes responded before the first period ended with Will Howards’ 25-yard TD pass to Emeke Egbuka to close the gap, 10-7.   Heading into the second, PSU LB Abdul Carter jumped offsides to give Ohio State a first down on a third and two from the 27.  Guest Game Analyst (GGA) Joe Massimilla stated that was expected. Carter does that every game according to his weekly observations. 

Ohio State benefits from PSU penalties

Later on a third and 11, the Lions appeared to stop the Buckeye drive halting Carnell Tate for a seven-yard gain.   However, with no flag thrown and no official announcement, the refs walked off a 15-yard penalty to keep the Ohio State drive alive.  Later, we found out the PSU tackler stepped over Tate.  That translated into an unsportsmanlike penalty.  Taunting?  We could not tell from section NA 48 rows up.  Replays seemed questionable about any direct unsportsmanlike behavior to draw a flag.  Instead of an expected punt, Ohio State finished the drive with a 21-yard pass from Howard to slotback Brandon Innis to go on top, 14-10.

Following a Penn State punt, Ohio State began their subsequent drive on their 42.  They threatened to score with a first and ten at the PSU 13.  Howard took it around left end, dove toward the near pylon, but a Lion DB forced him to fumble out of bounds through the end zone for a touchback.  The Nittany Lions took the ball over on their 20.

A lot of Ohio State Scarlet in attendance during Penn State's "Stripe-out" seen across the way. A lot of season ticket holders must cover the cost of their season ticket packages by selling tix for this one.
A lot of Ohio State Scarlet in attendance during Penn State’s “Stripe-out” seen across the way. A lot of season ticket holders must cover the cost of their season ticket packages by selling tix for this one.

Timely and surprising

Late in the second period, PSU marched to the OSU three-yard line for a first and goal.  QB Drew Allar lofted a fade pass to receiver Harrison Wallace III who seemed to make a great catch with both feet inbounds before going out.  However, the review to determine if he scored or not resulted in an Ohio State interception by CB Davison Igbinosun. PSU score thwarted. End of half – Ohio State 14 Penn State 10.

Ohio State maintains lead

To start the third, the Buckeyes threatened at the Lions 25.  Kobe King’s sack pushed Ohio State back to the 28.  Jayden Fielding made good from the 46 to widen the visitors lead, 17-10.  Penn State retaliated driving to the Ohio State 27.  Barker converted a 44-yard FG.  The teams exchanged punts their next two possessions.  Next, the Buckeyes moved the ball 64 yards on 12 plays consuming 5:02 into the third.  Fielding booted a 39-yard attempt this time to lead, 20-13, with 10:13 remaining in the contest.

Buckeyes make early stop to hold Nittany Lions to a field goal on their first series.
Buckeyes make early stop to hold Nittany Lions to a field goal on their first series.

The Nittany Lion offense needed a touchdown with time off the clock. They finally came up with their best chance.   Allars converted with TE Tyler Warren for a 33-yard catch and run all the way to the Ohio State three with 7:35 left to play.  It was time for HC James Franklin to coordinate with his first-year OC Andy Kotelnicki get six and then decide to go for the tie or for the win with two.

Hard to understand James Franklin

As in critical situations witnessed during crucial games in years past, I observed Franklin’s interactions, or lack thereof, with his players and coaches along the sideline. As in the past, he stood far from the team huddled together with arms folded, headphones on, and his attached microphone on his headset sticking straight up in the air. He seemed to be listening to some conversation, but did not communicate on the mic nor with anyone standing along the sideline. He remained this way during the following sequence of events.

First play – Kaytron Allen up the middle for no gain. Second play – Allen up the middle for one. Penn State still had all three time-outs left. Time to assess play options?  Motivate players? Get everyone one on the same page? No. Third play – Allen up the middle to the one. Fourth down – no time out. Incomplete pass to Khalil Dinkins on a crossing pattern along the end line. Through it all, no time-outs, no interaction between head coach with assistants or players. No imagination. No strategy. No deception. Most importantly, no touchdown.

Penn State clock management – not!

Ohio State took over from their one with 5:13 to play. Buckeyes – four yards on first play; nine more for first down; six yards; 15 more for first down; six more yards; all on the ground and then the two-minute media time-out! Still, Franklin still has three time-outs left in his pocket. Why? No strategy, no motivation, no defensive adjustments, nothing from the head coach, the supposed leader of this program, to manipulate the clock and provide his team a game plan to get the ball back. This is leadership? This is coaching? This is what he gets paid for? Franklin has a multi-year contract and a $56M buy-out? Must be nice – coaching tenure.

It's one thing to delegate to your assistants for a time-out, but does it make sense for PSU Head Coach James Franklin not to work with his players during a critical time-out as shown here in the third period of last year's 24-15 loss against Michigan? He did the same last Saturday vs. Ohio State.
It’s one thing to delegate to your assistants for a time-out, but does it make sense for PSU Head Coach James Franklin not to work with his players during a critical time-out as shown here in the third period of last year’s 24-15 loss against Michigan? He did the same last Saturday vs. Ohio State.

Ohio State continues: Quinshon Judkins – two yards; time-out PSU with 1:54 left; Howard- three yards: PSU time-out with 1:40; third and two – OSU time-out.  What is HC Ryan Day planning? Howard runs three yards for first down. OSU time-out with 1:19 left. Howard runs seven yards for first down. Back-to-back remaining time-outs by both squads with 1:11 to play.  Penn State offense has not crossed the goal line after 58 minutes and 49 seconds.  Much too late to thwart the Ohio State offense and score. Not very strategic from a PSU perspective nor any other teams’ offensive scheme for that matter. Two OSU snaps later – final score: Ohio State 20 Penn State 13.

If not now, when?

Evidently, James Franklin feels confident his team makes the 12-tean College Football Playoff (CFP) format this season. Had his team at least scored to tie this game 20-20 with some deception and more imaginative play-calling among four shots at the end zone, even a loss in overtime would have been more honorable than what we witnessed this day.  A Penn State win here and a Buckeye loss would have put the pressure on Ohio State with games remaining against undefeated Indiana and archrival Michigan.

Franklin needs to realize the road to the national championship goes through the best competition in college football. This includes Ohio State, a conference foe, in particular.  What happens next time they play against one another? Especially in the CFP. As GGAs John and Joe Massimilla pointed out, will he play conservatively again?  Is he going to “play not to lose, instead of to win, again?” Chants of “Fire Franklin” echoed in Beaver Stadium after the game attended by 111,030 – a new attendance record. In his postgame analysis, Franklin stated that 90% of the schools in college football would like to be in this position with his record.

Unclear goals

Probably great for the Vanderbilt, Duke, Northwestern and Rutgers among the FBS.  If he’s most comfortable with this attitude, maybe he should seek employment among those programs. Like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Texas among the best in college football, the Penn State fan base hungers to win it all again like it did in 1982 and 1986. They’ve waited too long since.

Penn State hired James Franklin to get them to that next level, not remain among the other 90%. Penn State gives him the resources he didn’t have at Vanderbilt.  With a 1-10 record against Ohio State, we wonder how many more chances James Franklin will have to defeat them before Penn State’s administration figures how many such losses are too many.  Franklin needs to be challenged. If he’s confident on his team making the CFP, why not require a goal to win this year’s title?  If not accomplished, maybe Penn State needs to find new leadership for its football program.

Upcoming Battles

Ohio State (7-1, 4-1) hosts Purdue (1-7, 0-5) in the Big Noon Game on Fox. That’s the best TV can do?  Penn State (7-1, 4-1) hosts Washington in their traditional “White-out!” An 8 pm kickoff on a cold November evening isn’t looked forward to by a lot of PSU fans. That drive home in the dark into the wee hours of the morning leaving the congested parking lots after a full day of tailgating is neither fun nor safe.

 MACtion begins for us.

We at collegefootballfan.com start our first of three weeknight MACtion games the following Tuesday. These games provide opportunities to attend games at venues never visited before.  We begin with Miami (O.) (4-4,3-1) visiting Ball State (3-5, 2-2). The Cardinals’ Scheumann Stadium becomes our 95th FBS stadium attended. No problem getting a ticket. People who will be watching election results that evening can flip back to this game.  If no rain, look from me in my bright yellow Game 700 ball cap from last week’s milestone game between Notre Dame and Navy at The Meadowlands. Our adventure including interviews with my fellow tailgaters that day will be featured on an NPR Travel podcast before the Super Bowl in January. Look for more details in coming weeks.

Collegefootballfan.com October Top Ten

For fun, we had to include the No.2 FCS school in our final October poll. Montana State players celebrate with their fans at UNM's University Stadium after the last-minute victory.
For fun, we had to include the No.2 FCS school in our final October poll. Montana State players celebrate with their fans at UNM’s University Stadium after their last-minute victory.

As initiated at the end of September, here is our Top Ten based on teams we’ve seen this season or teams we’ve “etched in stone” for the balance of our season.

  1. Oregon 9-0
  2. Georgia 7-1
  3. Ohio State 7-1
  4. Penn State 7-1
  5. BYU 8-0
  6. Notre Dame 7-1
  7. Vanderbilt 6-3
  8. South Carolina 5-3
  9. Montana State (FCS) 9-0
  10. Virginia Tech 5-4

-ed. By Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to order your copy and submit a review on Amazon.com. Thanks.

Fighting Irish of Notre Dame defeat Navy in our 700th Game, 51-14

Posted on by

East Rutherford, NJ – The now No.  8 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame took advantage of Navy turnovers, mental mistakes and some jitters to blast the No. 24 Mids, 51-14.  In a game that could have pointed the Navy season (6-1) in a more positive direction, the Fighting Irish (7-1) scored early and often to display their superiority.  Our party of over 40 celebrators attending www.collegefootballfan.com’s 700th game noted the Mids propensity to try to “bite off than they could chew” efforts.

The Fighting Irish, as known by many, recruit bigger, stronger and faster players than do the Mids.  However, we noted a lot of football recruits along the Navy sideline for this game. A Navy alum, John Semcken in attendance with us this weekend, reported Navy is benefiting and not being impacted negatively by the transfer portal.  As many schools prefer now to bring in transfers, more high-level quality, high school players seek playing opportunities with the Naval Academy.

Commemorative hat received today for all our tailgaters celebrating Game 700 with us in The Medowlands today for our historic occasion. Some asked about No. 1000. Let's at least get to No. 800 first!
Commemorative hat received today by all our tailgaters celebrating Game 700 with us in The Meadowlands for our historic occasion. Some asked about Game No. 1000. Let’s at least get to No. 800 first!

Great start for the Fighting Irish

Navy deferred the ball to start, and the Irish opened with a 75-yard scoring drive on nine plays.  Fighting Irish QB Riley Leonard’s pass on a third and five to Jaden Greathouse for 42 yards to the 12 demonstrated Notre Dame’s superior speed against the Navy secondary.   Leonard scored from the one.  Many fans expected to see the Navy offense display improvement on their subsequent series.  It didn’t help, however, when Navy returner Isaiah Bryant took the kick in his end zone and only got out to start from the 11. Jitters?  A touchback would have been the “smarter” decision to take it at the 25.  At the 34, FB Alex Tecza fumbled without contact. The Fighting Irish put the ball in play at Navy’s seven on Safety Adon Shuler’s return.  Leonard passed a strike to wide-open WR Kris Mitchell from the six to go up, 14-0.

Fighting Irish WR Jaden Greathouse (1) comes back to make the recption form Riley Leonard on the their first series to get to Navy's 20-yard line.
Fighting Irish WR Jaden Greathouse (1) comes back to make the reception from Riley Leonard on their first series to get to Navy’s 12-yard line.

Fighting Irish take advantage of Midshipmen miscues

Mid QB Blake Horvath fumbled this time without much contact.  Notre Dame took over at the Navy 44.  Zac Yoakam’s 36-yard FG attempt sailed wide left.  Maybe, Navy would finally settle in to make this a game.  Going into the second period, however, things looked better for USNA. Horvath weaved and dodged into the open for a 47-yard touchdown. A sign of what the Mids had done all season. However, Jeremiyah Love broke away on a 64-yard touchdown run to keep the Fighting Irish rolling.

With Notre Dame up now 21-7, the teams exchanged punts.  On fourth and seven, from our section 148, our celebratory tailgating band watched the wind push the ball to the near sideline.  Bryant made the effort to field the wind-swept, curving football. He fumbled it away instead of letting it go out of bounds.  The Fighting Irish recovered to continue their drive starting at Navy’s 40.

Fighting Irish RB Jeriymiah Love evades Navy MLB Kyle Jacobs (43) for ND's 7-0 lead in first quarter.
Fighting Irish RB Jeremiyah Love evades Navy MLB Kyle Jacobs (43) for ND’s 7-0 lead in first quarter.

On fourth and seven at the 37, Notre Dame displayed air superiority again with 17-yard pass to Jordan Faison to get to the 20.  Five running plays later, Love (102 rushing yards, two TDs) took it over from the two for a 28-7 lead. Next, Navy misfired on a field goal attempt to cut the lead.  Instead, the Irish retaliated with Yoakam’s conversion from the 32 to take the lead at the half, 31-7.

Navy turnover woes continue

On a beautiful, sunny, cool day for football, our party stuck it out hoping to see the Mids make some second half adjustments and challenge offensively at least. They showed some semblance to come around. They drove 75 yards on 12 plays to begin the third quarter.  The drive could’ve been shorter.   On second and goal at the three on a well-executed reverse option pass, Horvath dropped an on-target pass in the end zone. Two plays later though, Eli Heidenreich carried it in on fourth and goal at the one. 

After that, it was all Irish.  Riley tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to WR Beaux Collins.  Next, Bryant misplayed the ensuing kickoff knocking the ball out of bounds to start the Mids on their four-yard-line. It got worse. Horvath fumbled at the eight, and Fighting Irish Rover Jaylen Sneed recovered it in the end zone for a score.  The PAT failed to give the Irish a 44-14 lead, but it came quickly.   Into the third, Navy drove to the Fighting Irish 17.  Irish CB Leonard Moore intercepted in the end zone to take over on the 20.  We’d seen enough.  A second team scrimmage was about to start.

Generally, we prefer to show some pretty cheerleaders along the sidelines. Today, we settled for this bunch of mugs who joined us in section 148.
Generally, we prefer to show some pretty cheerleaders along the sidelines. Today, we settled for this bunch of mugs who joined us in section 148. Note our commemorative ball caps! They stood out, we were told.

Fighting Irish finish it off

Notre Dame’s second team offense punted. Navy fumbled on the return. The Fighting Irish second team went up, 51-14 ending with a 16-yard drive.  By that time, most of our 700 Game partiers returned to the parking lot to savor food and drink once again at our great tailgate feast!  The Fighting Irish marked their stamp on this, our historical milestone, 51-14.  Many had hoped for a more competitive game than witnessed. The Mids fell out of the rankings, for now, falling into the “Also Receiving Votes” category with 23.  Late in the season, key games including AAC foe Tulane loom to possibly face undefeated No. 21 Army (7-0, 5-0) for the American Athletic title. This may occur one week before playing in their traditional season-ending rivalry in Washington, D. C. this year. As two AAC members now, these two greatest of college football rival will play annually in a non-conference game.

Tailgaters from throughout the years were able to join up today for a festive and fun occasion in the parking lot this day. Some inquired already about Game No. 1000. Maybe another ten years from now?
Tailgaters from throughout the years were able to join up for a festive and fun occasion in the parking lot this day. Some inquired already about Game No. 1000. Maybe another ten years from now?

Future battles lie ahead for all today

The Fighting Irish take a bye next Saturday before hosting decimated Florida State (1-7) in South Bend. The Mids take it on the road to Houston to face American Athletic foe Rice, (2-6, 1-3). Rice comes off a 20-17 loss to UConn. For collegefootballfan.com though, it doesn’t get better than next week.

Our 701st game starts us off at State College, PA where No. 3 Penn State (7-0, 4-0) hosts arch-nemesis and No. 3 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1).  PSU defeated Wisconsin last week 28-13, and the Buckeyes got by Nebraska, 21-17.  Were both looking ahead to this one now with the Buckeyes trailing the Nittany Lions in both national and Big Ten standings?  Will PSU HC James Franklin have his players ready for a team he’s still not beaten since he’s been at State College?  OSU’s only loss has been to No. 1 Oregon this season. 

Can’t plan much better than this

How’s this for our scheduling? Two weeks after this one, we’ll see No. 1 Oregon visit Wisconsin for our first game ever at Camp Randall.  On October 5 this year, we attended No. 4 Georgia’s win over Auburn.  At this point, we’ll see the current top four teams in the nation play by end of November.  In addition, we’ve seen the No. 8 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the No. 9 BYU Cougars (8-0), leading the BIG XII Conference.  On January 9, we already have the Capital One Orange Bowl CFP semi-final meeting penned in. We have a good shot at seeing two of these teams meet in that one! 

Get ready for us on NPR Travel podcast in January

Recently Michael Olcott of National Public Radio (NPR) Travel contact us for an upcoming podcast about Tailgating.  We did an online interview a few weeks ago, and Michael came to visit our pregame tailgate in The Meadowlands this past Saturday.  Besides myself, he spoke with others attending about our experiences and the great, ongoing, unique adventure I’ve continued to march on with.  Once we know more information about the release of this podcast, look for it here on www.collegefootballfan.com!

Some upcoming schedule changes

In two weeks, we had undefeated Liberty visiting Middle Tennessee on our slate. Liberty took it on the chin this past week to winless Kennesaw who we saw lose twice this year. Amazing! Congratulations to the Owls for their first FBS win ever. Since the aspect of not seeing the undefeated Flames play against hapless MTSU doesn’t thrill us anymore, we decided to stick even closer to home. We haven’t seen the surprising Vanderbilt Commodores (5-3, 2-3 SEC) play yet. So instead on November 9, we wait to see them host South Carolina (4-3, 1-3) where our daughter Alex and some of our money went while she was part of Gamecock nation for four years. A few other changes and additions look to be worthwhile in the future – to be determined.

By the way, St. Laurie and I have a full Nashville slate that weekend now. Out with our friends Dave and Kalani hopefully around on that Friday night if they’re in town. On Sunday, we utilize my birthday present from our kids for a hop-on/hop-off microbrewery tour. On Monday, we go see Bonnie Raitt at the Ryman Theatre. Retirement is grand. I love it! And we like it here – near Nashville!

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of the book Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to buy it and review it on Amazon.com!

OK, we can't let y'all down. Here's a favorite from a few years ago.
OK, we can’t let y’all down. Here’s a favorite from a few years ago.

Davidson Wildcats Crush Stetson Hatters, 70-48, in Pioneer League game before Game 700!

Posted on by

Davidson, NC – One week after losing to Pioneer leader Dayton, 16-14, Davidson College (5-2, 3-1) let it all hang out against Stetson (2-4, 0-2).  They shot out to a 21-0 lead in the first period.  The third TD was set up with an onsides kick.  Wasn’t sure if HC Scott Abell was sending some kind of message to Stetson. Maybe he lacked confidence in his team holding a lead.  As the game went on, maybe it was the latter. When Stetson got close, the Wildcats scored at will.

Usually not well run, but Davidson did it

Davidson College used a two QB system.  Andrew Frazier completed six of six passe for 108 yards.  Luke Durkin hit six out of eight for 146 yards and two TDs.   On the Stetson side, HC Brian Young utilized two QBs as well.  With only 54 rushing yards, the Hatters took to the air often.  Brady Meitz connected on 16 of 30 passes for 280 yards, three TDs and one INT.  Trip Maxwell hit on seven of fourteen for 156 yards, three TDs and one INT.  The action was heavy throughout the game. 

The total score of 118 points blew out our non-FBS scoring record. FDU Madsion and alma mater Juniata recorded 92 back in 2005 (51-41, FDU). It still trails the combined scores of two FBS game that totaled 121.  Louisville defeated Wake Forest and UMass defeated Liberty by identical scores of 62-59.  However, the first game was settled in regulation.  The latter hit the mark with three OTs.

Davidson QB Luke Durkin (9) runs option to the right ready to pitch out.
Davidson College QB Luke Durkin (9) runs option to the right ready to pitch out to Aaron Maione (21).

Hatters catch up, but…

Davidson put up 411 yards on the ground and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Mari Adams, the Pioneer league’s top rusher ran for 135 on 13 carries with touchdown runs of 16, 20 and 54 yards. Stetson started to challenge in the second period closing the score to 35-21. Meitz connected with Fabian Baez to cut the score to 35-28 early in the second half.  However, the Wildcats responded with five consecutive scores including an interception return by LB John Tessmann for 21 yards.

Calling this one early

Up 70-35 at the end of three, with a six-hour drive home, I decided to call it a game. The final period would be more of a scrimmage between players that hadn’t played yet, and Davidson College had already proven to be the superior team.  I recorded this within a crowd of among 2,366 other attendees to be the finish of my 699th game.  Time to get ready and prepare for Game 700 in The Meadowlands.  I’d be flying out on Thursday and had much to do. First thing needed – report on the last three games attended before going to Game 700 to show, 699 officially appears in our history books. Check it out right here for verification.

Davidson defender stops Stetson RB for a short gain.
Davidson College defender stops Stetson RB with a form tackle for a short gain.

Who’d have “thunk” it?

I can’t believe I’ve done this now for 45 straight years.  And I’m not finished. I may slow down a little.  This year challenged me to select a 700th game of significance that could be attended by many friends I’ve attended game with over all these years.  To do so, I had to cram a schedule of 18 games in eight weeks before October 26 to get make this happen.  If you read my latest book, Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly, you’ll note my Bucket List at the very end.  I have other goals.

Like seeing as many more FBS Stadiums (up to 94 today) as possible and attending at least one college football game in every state (nine more to go; Alaska doesn’t have a team, but I’ve been there also; also attended games in Washington, DC).  This year, I’ve already added New Mexico, Wyoming, and Arkansas among my travels.  Wisconsin will be added on November 16.  The added bonus regarding that one is that the Badgers host the current No. 1 Oregon Ducks!  Looking forward to the Jump Around and the Fifth Quarter besides! Also, as of today, the top four teams in the country are on our slate this season. We watched Georgia defeat Auburn on October 3. Ohio State visits Penn State for our game 701, and Oregon meets Wisconsin for our game on November 16!

Like Badger RB Jonathan Taylor shown eluding Penn State with an early TD jaunt in 2018, we will finally catch up to see Wisconsin play a game at Camp Randall this season.
Like Wisconsin Badger RB Jonathan Taylor shown eluding Penn State with an early TD jaunt in 2018, we will finally catch up to see Wisconsin play a game at Camp Randall this season.

Game of significance?

Well, no one expected Navy (6-0) to be undefeated and ranked 24th heading to the Meadowlands next weekend. The Fighting Irish come in in at No. 12.  A few things of significance regarding this one.  I’ve attended seven of these rivalry games already, considered the first true intersectional rivalry in the country.  I saw the Mids win for only the second time since Roger Staubach played for Navy in the early 60’s.  I watched them defeat ND at the Meadowlands, 35-17, in 2010.  They did it against the ND Head Coach who was an assistant at my high school Boonton (NJ) a few years after I graduated – Charlie Weis.  This Saturday night after Game 700, I’m driving about 10 miles away for my 50th BHS reunion.

For more than a few reasons

However, there’s a greater point of significance for me in this one.  In 1974, I attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.  I didn’t graduate from there. I left in 1976 as the Navy and I figured out I’m not the engineering type.  But on November 2 that season, I went to see my favorite team, Notre Dame, play growing up as a kid in New Jersey. 

However, wearing my Navy uniform with a lot of my good fellow plebe friends there, I cheered wholeheartedly for our fellow Mids against the Irish at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.  We led the defending National Champions going into final period, 6-0.  We cheered ecstatically.  In the end we fell to Notre Dame, 14-6.  ND’s great Head Coach Ara Parseghian admitted later that that game made him decide it was time to retire.  I always admired Ara greatly since his early years at South Bend. 

With me in brown jacket, i attended the 2022 Army navy game with my USNA calss mates of Second comapany Class of 1978. Still great taht I can call these guys my friends!
With me in brown jacket third from right, I attended the 2022 ArmyNavy game with my USNA classmates of Second Company, Class of 1978. Still great that I can call these guys my friends!

New pecking order since

However, from that time on, I still root for the Mids along with Penn State now, for other reasons, as my two favorite teams.  The Irish are basically behind these two for me now, but I really look forward to a Navy upset this weekend.  Many of the guys I attended USNA with in Second Company class of 1978, I still call friends.  Many can’t make this game, but I will be attending with many more who have not only gone to other various games during the many seasons, but many of them have joined me over the last ten years for Navy games down in Annapolis.  This will be fun!  Go Navy!

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy today and please submit a review.  Thanks!

And this "crew" of assorted characters had a great time getting together for last year's annual get-together in Annapolis. This year - Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.
And this “crew” of assorted characters had a great time getting together for last year’s annual get-together in Annapolis. This year – Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.

Duke ends Florida State winning streak at 22, 23-16, Game of Futility

Posted on by

Durham, NC – In a sloppy but intense meeting between long-time ACC foes, Duke (6-1, 2-1) ended Florida State’s dominance over them at Wallace Wade Stadium, 23-16.  Duke’s defense dominated the FSU offense on University Family Night.  Blue Devil fans I met on the shuttle from the H Lot before the game raised concerns over the performance of their former QB transfer from Texas, Maalik Murphy. We wondered if he’d shown improvement since the Duke opener against Elon.  Evidently, not to their fan-base satisfaction. However, despite his preference to only throw short passes and not long ones, the Duke defense proved to be thriving under new HC Manny Diaz and his staff.

Florida State starts new QB

The Blue Devils defense kept the Seminoles offense out of the end zone this evening no matter who quarterbacked. QB Brock Glenn started in place of ailing starter DJ Uiagalelei sitting out with an injury.  The FSU Faithful didn’t seem to be in a hurry to see the former Clemson Tiger return any time soon.

Glenn started the ‘Noles with a 46-yard drive to get a 23-yard FG from Ryan Fitzgerald.  Duke’s offense ran only 13 plays for 22 yards on its first four possessions.  At the 1:38 mark before the first quarter expired, the Blue Devils put seven on the scoreboard with Chandler Rivers’ pick for a 36-yard TD return and a 7-3 lead.

Duke DB Chandler Rivers picks off FSU pass to return 36 yards for a 7-3 Blue Devil lead in first quarter.
Duke DB Chandler Rivers picks off FSU pass to return 36 yards for a 7-3 Blue Devil lead in first quarter.

Mirror images of offenses

The Seminole and Blue Devil offensive play calling seemed to mimic each other in futility from one series to the next.  Duke fan and James Madison U. grad, Aaron, and I sitting next to one another among 30,375, noted the eerily, similar play-calling strategies and silly mistakes for both teams throughout the game.  Maalik Murphy couldn’t throw long passes. FSU couldn’t sustain drives whether Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek played QB.   Duke’s defense kept the Blue Devils in the game.  We joked that both defenses would have to lead their respective teams in scoring. On cue, FSU turned the ball over again with Glenn’s fumble on their 36 recovered by Devil DE Ryan Smith.

Duke drove to the two, and Star Thomas took it in for a 14-3 Duke lead.  The Blue Devils had already met their defensive TD allotment evidently. Florida State’s next series ended with LB Ossie Nicholas’s INT to put the Devils at the Seminole 11.  However, the Duke offense could gain only one yard.  As expected, they settled for Todd Pelino’s 27-yard FG.  FSU HC Mike Norvell saw enough of Glenn and brought in Freshman Kromenhoek much to the satisfaction of Seminole Nation in the visitors’ stands.  During his second series under center, a hand to the face penalty gave his unit some yardage, but a sack by Duke put the Noles at their 35.  Ryan Fitzgerald answered his calling once again, good for three with 1:46 remaining in the first half.  That’s the way the half ended before the visitors took their long trek back to the detached locker room far from Wallace Wade Stadium.

The Duke University visitors' Locker room kills at least five minutes of oponents time during halftime. It's a long walk. FSU players dould be seen running in the distance as well.
The Duke University visitors’ Locker room kills at least five minutes of opponents time during halftime. It’s a long walk. FSU players could be seen running in the distance as well.

Still not an offensive score for the Seminoles

As Duke fan Aaron and I agreed to earlier, both defenses needed to score in this contest.  We forgot about special teams, however.  To start the second half, Samuel Singleton fielded the Duke kickoff and returned it 95 yards for a TD to close the scoring gap, 17-13.  Despite sloppiness and offensive ineptitude on display tonight, we still witnessed an entertaining, competitive game.

Duke started its next series from their 27.  Murphy (12 for 24, 70 yards, no TDS, no INTs) continued his out passes and incompletions.  One just can’t picture him competing with Quin Ewers nor Arch Manning to play QB at Texas. He got the Blue Devils into FG range, however, and Pelino converted from 44 yards out to regain their seven-point margin. Duke added to its defensive repertoire with a new weapon against Florida State, the squib kick. No way Singleton would fly downfield once again.  Plus, they directed it away from his side of the field.  Punts rained on the field at Wallace Wade going into the final period.

Pulling out the FSU stops?

Glenn surprisingly returned under center for Florida State.  On a third and 27, he motored 14 yards to the Duke 19.  Again, the Noles settled for Fitgerald adding only three points once again from 38 to climb closer, 20-16.  11:33 remained in this game.  Could either team score a touchdown again?  On Duke’s next series, Star Thomas (21 carries for 88 yards, one TD already) raced 44 yards to the FSU 21. The Blue Devil drive stalled there.  Pelino drilled it once again from 39 to go up by seven once again.  It was as if Duke tempted Florida State to score a touchdown to see if they could make two.  Aaron and I agreed the field goal would be good enough as long as State got only one more possession. Couldn’t imagine them getting into the end zone for six today.  Maybe another three, but that was about it.

F
FSU QB Brock Glenn throws an early pass on the Noles way to set up a field goal.

Duke Football celebrates Good Time

Duke squibbed the ball strategically down field again.  A Roughness penalty by the Noles helped even more, spotting the ball on their 17.  We turned out to be right.  Duke punched the ball out of Kam Davis’s hands.  DT Preston Watson recovered at the Duke 31.  Of course, Duke eventually punted the ball away on a fourth and 18 back on its 23.  FSU started from their 41.  Eight plays later, they turned to ball over on downs at their 48.  The Florida State offense is so inept. They totaled 281 yards in total offense, 95 yards on a kickoff return.  Duke totaled only 180 yards of offense, but one offensive TD.  It only took their defense 36 yards to score on an interception return.  Duke fans still had significant reason to celebrate – overcoming 22 seasons of FSU Seminole domination. It marked our Game 698 as a historical milestone in the history of Collegefootballfan.com.

Back to a Bowl. Back to Reality?

Not only that, but Duke officially became bowl eligible at 6-1.  They still won’t make the Top 25.  If they want it bad enough, they have their work cut out for them over the rest of their season, especially the next tow weeks. FSU falls to 1-6 and calls now stir to terminate HC Mike Norvell.  In his defense, we’ll say that the disrespect for his 13-0 run last season was a cold shot. Players left because the selection committee decided they couldn’t compete with their injured star QB Jordan Travis.  On top of that, ten players he recruited for the Noles got drafted by NFL teams last season.

RB Trey Benson showed pass-catching skills out of the backfield for Florida Stat here against Wake Forest in 2023.
RB Trey Benson showed pass-catching skills out of the backfield for Florida State here against Wake Forest in 2023. Like many Seminoles from that team, he moved on, but he went on to get drafted by the NFL Cardinals.

The transfer portal isn’t what it’s all cracked up to be.  People tend to think only the best players bidding for movement to other schools.  Basically, most players that don’t start do now seeking “greener” pastures. Realistically, most of them show up as unproven entities. Teams still need to be built from within, not by hiring a bunch of wandering mercenaries.  This isn’t Fantasy football.  FSU fans probably don’t want to hear this, but Norvell did his job to get the Seminoles to the top in 2023.  The problem was that other folks in the NCAA refused to recognize this last season.  Hate to say it, but it’s back to the drawing board for Florida State University if they allow him to.

Next up for the Blue Devils and Noles!

Here’s the work the Blue Devils have immediately in front of them: No. 22 SMU comes calling at Wallace Wade next week. They average 40 points per game.  Their only loss is to No. 11 BYU, 18-15.  Things get tougher the following week. They head to Miami to face No. 6 Hurricanes averaging 48 point per game! Duke’s defense has led the way, but until now, they’ve only faced UConn (4-3) and Georgia Tech (5-3) with winning records.  Tech defeated them, 24-14. The Blue Devil defense will be looking to pitch shutouts in both.  Hard to imagine.  Maybe the Duke offense has been holding back?  Shoot-out? Doubt it, but what do I know?

We hope the Duke cheerleading squad will still have things to cheer about next week when SMU invades Wallace Wade
We hope the Duke cheerleading squad will still have things to cheer about next week when SMU invades Wallace Wade.

As for FSU, they have to win all five remaining games to meet bowl eligibility.  No. 6 Miami meets on their slate next, and two weeks later, they visit No.  12 Notre Dame.  Of course, the Florida Gators await them to meet in their traditional season finale.

Game 699 next for Collegefootballfan.com

One more game before our Big 700 milestone celebration on October 26!  Tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 19) we step down to attend a conveniently located FCS game.  For the first time, we will attend a game at Davidson College in North Carolina. We don’t know what to expect from these two members of The Pioneer Football Leage spread out across the country from New York State to San Diego, California.  At this game, we will add two new teams for the first time.  The Davidson Wildcats (4-2, 3-2) will host the Hatters of Stetson (3-3, 2-3) located in Florida.  Then, on to surprising No. 24 Navy (6-0, 4-0) vs. No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) at MetLife Stadium back in the NJ Meadowlands.  If Northern Illinois could beat the Irish, why not the Mids? They combine an offense that is clicking and a defense that is hitting.  Go Navy! Can’t wait.

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy today and please submit a review.  Thanks!

Virginia Tech thwarts Boston College, 42-21; Tuten posts 266 rushing yards and four scores

Posted on by

Blacksburg, VA – Virginia Tech piled up 28 points in the first half to take a commanding lead.  Thanks to Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten, his TD burst of 83 yards followed by a 20-yard pass reception from Kyron Drones seemed to put the game away by halftime.  Ask the many Hokie fans who left Lane Stadium with a 28-0 lead after a seasonably cold first half.

What they failed to imagine came in the second half as BC scored 21 consecutive points to start.  HC Bill O’Brien’s squad changed its game plan in the second half, albeit too late.  They converted to a more potent ground game and took advantage of Hokie turnovers.  Their first half passing strategy with one or no backs to protect their quarterback fell quickly to an aggressive Hokie front seven. The VA Tech defense got to QB Thomsas Castellanos often for big losses with significant pressure.  DE Antwuan Powell-Ryland sacked the BC quarterback four times. 

Virginia Tech QB Kyron Jones throws down field on first half series scoring drive to set up team's first lead of the game.
Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones throws down field on first half series scoring drive to set up team’s first lead of the game.

Hokies make things happen

The Hokies opened up the scoring with their first possession. QB Kyron Drones finished the drive with an 11-yard TD run.  Boston College’s next two series resulted in fumbles on their 19 and at Tech’s six.  Both turnovers resulted in TDs.  Drones scored again from the one this time, and Tuten raced 83 yards unscathed for the second score.  Tech finished their first-half annihilation with Tuten’s pass reception.

Boston College Burst

BC Head Coach Bill O’Brien animated his frustrations on his headset talking to his coaching staff in the press box during the first half.  Evidently, whatever messages he vocalized along the sideline continued into the locker room at the half.

The BC Eagles forced a punt from the Hokies to start the second half.  Next, their offense drove 80 yards with Castellanos connecting with Treshaun Ward from the VT 25 to put finally put “7” up on the scoreboard.  Eagle LB Cameron Martinez followed up with an INT to start BC’s next drive at Tech’s 29.  Wide-open Jeremiah Franklin scored over the middle with a catch from 11 yards out.  On Tech’s next series, the Eagles forced Tuten this time to cough up the football. Again, they knocked on the door at the Hokies’ 18.  A few plays later, Kyle Robichaux took it over from the five.  Suddenly, BC only trailed, 28-21.  As the period ended, the Hokies’ home crowd fired up with an improvised music video of “Shout!” from the movie, “Animal House!”  The folks at Horsham Field became energized.  So did its football team.

Virginia Tech applied the pressure to BC QB Anthony Castellanos throughout the first half. Despite a strong offensive line, backs generally did not protect him in the backfield that caused him to scramble often in the first half.
Virginia Tech applied the pressure to BC QB Anthony Castellanos throughout the first half. Despite a strong offensive line, backs generally did not protect him in the backfield that caused him to scramble often in the first half.

Hokies wake up

The Eagles tried to convert a fourth and one from their 49, but Tech stopped Robichaux for no gain. They took the ball back on downs.  Immediately Tuten picked up 18 yards, and Ayden Green sped 25 more to the BC six.  Tuten (266 yards, four TDs) hauled it over from there to extend his home team’s lead, 35-21.  BC drove to the Tech 19.  There, however, Castellanos dropped back and fumbled. Dorian Strong recovered and advanced the ball 12 yards to the Tech 39.  Tuten sealed the win right then and there – with a 61-yard scoring jaunt with 8:25 left in the game. Boston College turned the ball over on downs on their final possession. They had no late answers for the Hokies fourth quarter scores.

Bhayshul Tuten of Paulsboro, NJ amassed a school record of 266 rushing yards and scored four TDs. Drones passed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 14 of 18 passes. He scored two first quarter touchdowns following Boston College fumbles. Virginia Tech totaled 533 yards of total offense, their largest output of the season. For BC, they allowed their highest total from any opponent.  Tech (4-3, 2-1 ACC) took the win, 42-21.  BC fell to 4-3, 1-2 after a 4-1 start. 

Next on Week 9 for Hokies and Eagles

On Saturday, Tech hosts the other ACC Tech- Georgia.  The Rambling Wrecks fell late to No. 12 Notre Dame last week at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, 31-13.  BC returns to Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill to try to right things against Louisville (4-3, 2-2).  The Cardinals lost a 42-35 battle at home against No. 6 Miami (F.) (7-0, 3-0).  

Week 8 continues for Collegefootballfan.com

After staying overnight about an hour south of Blacksburg, we drove on the following day to see Duke host Florida State to witness an unusual ACC role reversal.  Duke comes in at a surprising 5-1, FSU at surprising1-5.  They started the in this season’ pre-season Top Ten in most polls. Saw Duke defeat FCS Elon in Durham previously, and we watched the Seminoles lose at home to these BC Eagles. 

Looking forward to what direction both teams are heading now. To assure we attend our 700th game on October 26, Navy vs. Notre Dame, we recorded this as our second of four games in Week 8 to get this done. Tech and BC met this week in our 697the game. We saw them play once before in Chestnut Hill at our 589th game played in 2019. BC prevailed in that one, 35-28.

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy today and please submit a review.  Thanks!

Middle Tennessee prevails in struggle against Kennesaw State, 14-5

Posted on by

Murfreesboro, TN – We went, we saw and we recorded our 696th college football game as the Blue Raiders and Bulldogs both struggled to put forth much offense in the MTSU, 14-5, victory. Guest Game Analyst Al Tatum (Tennessee State) and I did note some wicked hitting on the field this evening.  Loud pops of pads heard.  Overall, though, these two teams have long roads ahead to even challenge for Conference USA honors.  The Blue Raiders (2-5, 1-2) won only their second game of 2024.  Its first against not only a conference foe, but first against any FBS team.  Kennesaw State still seeks a win at 0-6,0-2. Maybe the game at UTEP on October 30 may be their last chance to savor victory this season.

Safety first

The scoring for this game got started appropriately. MTSU punted after the first possession, and KSU drove literally to the one-inch line.  There, MTSU stopped them on downs and took over.  To get breathing room, QB Nick Vattiato handed off to Jekail Middlebrooks up the middle. Ready, the Bulldogs penetrated and stuffed him two yards deep in the end zone for the first two points of the game. Later in the period, Middlebrooks extracted some revenge. With 4:22 left in the half, he topped off an 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run for a 7-2 MTSU lead.

As demonstrated here, not much imagination was displayed even here by Kennesaw on a third and long situation.
As demonstrated here, not much imagination was displayed even here by Kennesaw on a third and long situation.

The balance of the first half was a display of offensive futility by both teams. Neither team sustained a drive for more than eight plays. On that one, Middle Tennessee gained only 4t yards. Kennesaw’s best went for seven and that resulted in an intercepted pass in the end zone. A second pick was made by Middle Tennessee with 33 seconds remaining in the first half.

Second half much like first

Kennesaw started with another three-and-out. Middle Tennessee drove to the Kennesaw 17. The Owls stopped the Raiders on fourth though for a turnover on downs. Another three and out looked to give Middle Tennessee good field position once again. However, it got better than that for the Blue Raiders. Return man Omari Cooper picked up a one-hop bounce in his chest and raced forward through KSU defenders for a 61-yard scoring return. Amazingly, the Owls responded with a scoring drive of their own.

Qua Ashley returned the ensuing kick out to the 37. The Owls pieced together a drive to the MTSU 20. From there as the game went into the final period, Austin Welch booted a 37-yard FG to trail, 14-5. After that, both squads reverted back to their offensive ineptitudes. Aside from three-four play series leading to punts, Middle Tennessee misfired on a field goal. Kennesaw turned the ball over on downs. This game was over. Put it in our book as Game # 696. That is what mattered most in this Tuesday night contest.

Middle Tennessee and Kennesaw going nowhere

MTSU QB Nick Vattiato completed 19 of 34 passes for 199 yards. That averages 3.8 yards per attempt. The Blue Raiders ran for 85 yards on 36 carries. That averaged 2.4 yards per touch. KSU QB Khalib Johnson and Braden Bohannon combined for 10 completions on 27 attempts for 103 yards and two INTs. That’s 3.8 yards per pass. The average per rush totaled 3.9 yards per carry. These paltry stats came against less than formidable defenses. Lots of improvement needed for both programs.

Next up for the Blue Raiders and the Bulldogs

Next Saturday, the Blue Raiders visit Jacksonville State who we watched decimate the Bulldogs two weeks ago, 63-24. Kennesaw State heads to home to host undefeated CUSA Frontrunner, Liberty.  We plan to see the Flames visit MTSU on November 9.  Right now, I’d have to say, we have tickets for this game and for New Mexico State on November 23.  We may be looking for some other entertaining, and more competitive games based on what we saw from the Blue Raiders last night.    

As for collegefootballfan.com, this became our 695th game since 1979.  We pack in more games to attend Game 700 for a tailgate celebration on October 26. Thursday, we’ll attend Boston College at Virginia Tech in an ACC clash. Friday, we’re on hand to see 2024 disappointment Florida State visit Duke in an ACC game.

On Saturday, we’re up in the air due to the hurricane destruction left in North Carolina.  The Davidson Wildcats will host the Stetson Hatters in a Pioneer conference game.  WE might head off to see a D-2 game instead in Jefferson City , Tennessee. There, Carson-Newman hosts UVA -Wise. Either will complete Game 699.  The following Saturday, we’ll tailgate early with friends and Bloody Mary’s when possibly undefeated No. 25 Navy will play No. 12 Notre Dame.  It should be a far better game than we initially anticipated!

Great Tailgate friends made at MTSU

A good friend from New Jersey, Ed Mainardi and his wife Margaret, who also moved to Tennessee caught up with some neighbors of his who read my book. Jane and Jim Rust invited us all to tailgate with them before tonight’s game in front of Jones Hall at MTSU. Jim worked for Middle Tennessee State for 50 years! Among other friends came Joey Peay and his wife, Charlotte. Joey, an MTSU grad, made a presentation during the game on behalf of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. Also came friends Rusty and Joan, former High school coaches who Rusty told me they combined for six state championships in the Commonwealth of Virginia (Joan – 6 in track and field; Rusty 0 in football).

My friend Al Tatum and I flanked by friends of Jim (far left) and Jane Rust (far right) at our pregame tailgate celebration at Middle Tennessee State University.
My friend Al Tatum and I flanked by friends of Jim (far left) and Jane Rust (far right with my book) at our pregame tailgate celebration at Middle Tennessee State University.

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy today and please submit a review.  Thanks!

The Middle Tennessee Dance Team performed beautifully marking Breast Cancer Awareness garbed in Pink.
The Middle Tennessee Dance Team performed beautifully marking Breast Cancer Awareness garbed in Pink.

Ohio U. Bobcats outlast CMU Chippewas, 27-25; Novarro totals 323 yards and two TDs for OU

Posted on by

Mt. Pleasant, MI – Ohio U. QB Parker Novarro led his Bobcats with 323 yards of total offense and two TDs for an early 24-0 lead.  However, the CMU Chippewas whittled down the lead with some offense of its own.  A late field goal gave the Bobcats the advantage, however, to defeat CMU at its homecoming, 27-25.

Ohio QB Parker Novarro ran for 176 yards on 14 carries and a TD. He also passed for 147 yards and a TD completing on 13 of 22 targets.
Ohio U. QB Parker Novarro (# 13) ran for 176 yards on 14 carries and a TD. He also passed for 147 yards and a TD completing on 13 of 22 targets.

Novarro started the excitement on the first play from scrimmage with a 52-yard run to CMU’s 23.  It resulted in Gianni Spetic’s 35-yard FG for a quick Bobcat advantage.  The Bobcats dominated the second period.  Novarro capped a 75-yard drive with an eight-yard TD for a 10-0 lead.  The next Ohio Bobcat possession commenced from its 45. Novarro connected with WR Coleman Owen near the right sideline in the end zone for a score from the five.  With Tyler Jefferson replacing QB Joey Labas for the Chips, they went three and out (never imagined that a transfer QB from Iowa in recent years could amount to any value to any offense anyway). Looks like the Chips found a new starting QB for this season.

Ohio WR Owen Coleman races toward end zone on Bobcat scoring drive in the first half.
Ohio U. WR Coleman Owen races toward end zone on a Bobcat scoring drive in the first half.

Ohio keeps rolling along

Ohio U. countered with a screen that went to Chase Hendricks who raced from his 30 to CMU’s 13.  A penalty negated a blocked field goal for the Chips.  Instead, it led to a four-yard TD run by Duncan Brune to give the Bobcats a 24-0 lead by halftime.  First half statistics indicated how Ohio U dominated Central Michigan.  The Bobcats gained 332 yards compared to the Chips’ 62!  Many CMU students decided to leave after half time festivities.  Bolstered by friends and alumni with my friends Mike and Cheryl Meyers with their family and friends, along with Mike’s 90-year-old Mother who purchased all of our tickets for us, we stayed the course into to second half.

CMU fans in until the end

The dedication paid off for CMU fans.  Several of us noted the butt-chewing by defensive coaches on the bench before the first half ended.  Surely, it continued into the locker room at intermission.   The trailing Chippewas came to life finally.  The defense forced a punt after a three-and-out by the Bobcats.  After a block in the back on the punt return set the Chips on their 33, with Jefferson still barking signals, they capped a long drive with Marion Lukes’ five-yard TD run.  Jefferson connected with him on a two-point conversion.  The score closed, 24-8.  Ohio U. punted once again.

Central Michigan RB Marion Lukes (#9) picks up yardage against Ohio for a big gain.
Central Michigan RB Marion Lukes (#9) picks up yardage against Ohio for a big gain.

Mounting comeback against these Ohio U. Bobcats

Starting the final period, the Chips’ Tristan Mattson made good on a 37-yard FG to cut the score further, 24-11.  After an exchange of punts, Ohio U. started on their 27.  On a first and ten from their 42, LB Dokata Cochran sacked Novarro for a 19-yard loss and he fumbled. Cochran recovered at the Ohio 15.  The Chips scored on a four-yard run up the middle by Lukes (20 carries, 110 yards, three TDs). Ohio started again after touchback from its 25.  They settled on Spetic’s second field goal for the day from 44 yards to take a lead, 27-18.   

 CMU’s ensuing drive began from its 25.  Jefferson converted on fourth down from their 40 for nine yards for a first down.  After an Ohio U. time-out with a fourth and one at the Bobcats 28, CMU called upon Lukes. He burst up the middle for a touchdown with 1:52 left.  With three timeouts remaining, HC Jim McElwain decided to kick off instead of attempting an onsides kick. . 

Questionable coaching call

CMU burned their three time-outs with Ohio U. gaining first downs twice by Anthony Tyus for gains of 13 and 11 yards respectively to kill any chance of getting the ball back. The strategy failed. Ohio (4-2, 2-0) defeated Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1) by the final score of 27-25.  In Collegefootballfan.com’s 695th game, the Chippewas made a great effort to overcome a 24-0 halftime deficit, but they came up short to the chagrin of our CMU friends and the entire Meyer family.

On this Homecoming day, Central Michigan honored the Chippewas of 1974, the D-2 National Champions who defeated Delaware in the final. With the walker is their Natinal Football Foundation Hall of Fame Head coach Coach Roy Kramer.
On this Homecoming Day, Central Michigan honored the Chippewas of 1974, the D-2 National Champions. They defeated Delaware, 54-14, in the final. With the walker is their National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Head Coach Roy Kramer.

Next up for the Chips and the Cats

Next Saturday, the Chips head to play Eastern Michigan, surprise starters at 4-2, 1-1. Ohio U. heads to Miami (O.) (2-4, 1-1) who beat EMU just this past week, 38-14.  We will see both teams in action again later this season.  CMU will visit Toledo and Ohio hosts EMU for some MACtion on November 12 and 13.

On to Game 700!

As for collegefootballfan.com, this became our 695th game since 1979.  We pack in four games starting Tuesday night to attend Game 700 for a tailgate celebration on October 26. We start with a Tuesday night tailgate to see Middle Tennessee (1-5, 0-2) host Kennesaw State (0-5, 0-1) on an evening ConferenceUSA match.  One of them has to win its first CUSA game of the season. Should be a battle for a win. Thursday, we’ll attend Boston College at Virginia Tech in an ACC clash. Friday, we’re on hand to see 2024 disappointment Florida State (1-5, 1-4) visit Duke (5-1, 1-1) in an ACC game. everyone probably expected to these records be reversed.

On Saturday, we wind up the weekend for our first game ever between two FCS squads to add to our all-time list of teams.  The Davidson Wildcats (4-2, 2-1) will host the Stetson Hatters (2-3, 1-1) in a Pioneer Football Conference game. Seen Wildcats before, but never Hatters! That will complete our Game 699.  The following Saturday, we’ll tailgate early with friends and Bloody Mary’s when possibly undefeated No. 25 Navy will play No. 12 Notre Dame in our 700th.  It should be a far better game than we initially anticipated!

Speaking of Tailgating

St. Laurie and I (in blue CFF shirt) are surreonded by Cental Michgain fans at our great tailgate party. Mike Meyer is to lauriesn left in CMU Collors. His wife Chreyl, kneels on bottom left in teh fron row. Mike's Mom, who plans this tailgate every year, Swith white hair, stans to teh left. Tremendndows time was celbrated by all!
St. Laurie and I (in blue CFF shirt) are surrounded by Cental Michigan fans at their great tailgate party. Mike Meyer is to Laurie’s left in CMU colors. His wife, Sharyl, kneels on bottom left in the front row. Mike’s Mom, who plans this tailgate every year, with white hair, stands to the right in front row. Tremendous time was celebrated by all!

Great time up at Central Michigan.  St. Laurie and I visited our friend Mike Meyer, who worked with me at BASF, and his wife Sharyl for a fantastic time.  We attended a Detroit Tiger party with them at their neighbors on Thursday night.  Checked out the Northern Lights after. On Friday, we hiked together and took a boat ride on the lake they’ve retired on now.  Had a nice lunch at The Lake House nearby.  Later, dined at their house with another former work colleague, Dave Imrick, a former U of M Cheerleader of all things. 

Game time!

On Saturday, we had a great tailgate party on the beautiful campus at CMU where Mike, Cheryl and their kids Lindsay and Nick also graduated.  Hosting us all was Mike’s 90-year-old mother, also a graduate and die-hard Chip fan, who traditionally invites all her family and extended friends and gets them all tickets for a game every season.  St. Laurie and I were honored to be invited to this year’s tailgate.   We met many of their extended CMU family, and had a great time. They all brought so many good things to eat, we filled up and forced ourselves to try even more!  “Fire up, Chips!” as they cheer. 

And we wonder why

Sidenote:  Before we walked over to Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Tootsie Pops and “suckers” were distributed to all of us going in.  St. Laurie’s was confiscated by security – of all things! No wonder why she doesn’t go to more games with me.  Go figure!

-ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America and author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy today and please submit a review.  Thanks!

St. Laurie strides through CMU tailgate area to the Kelly /Shorts Stadium. Stadium security confiscated her Lolli-pop before entering for safety reasons unknow. She held here in her hand others dient. Nick Meyer, Mike and Chrley's sone, walks in on lefef foreground.
St. Laurie (center) strides through CMU tailgate area to Kelly /Shorts Stadium. Stadium security confiscated her Lolli-pop before entering for safety reasons unknow. She held hers in her hand; others didn’t. Nick Meyer, Mike and Cherly’s son, walks in on left foreground, unscathed.

Georgia upends Auburn, 31-13; Moves up with help from Vanderbilt

Posted on by

Athens, GA – Auburn went down to Georgia looking for a game to steal, but with a punchless offense, it couldn’t pull off the deal. Sorry Charlie…Daniels that is.   The Tigers went down to the tune of 31-13.  Despite the 18-point margin, the Tigers didn’t play poorly.  Its defense made stops early on and the offense didn’t turn the ball over.  When they had their moments, the Georgia defense basically rose to the occasion. 

The impression by Auburn and Georgia fans alike figured that the Bulldogs were primed to make up for their 41-34 loss to Alabama a week ago. The loss dropped them from No. 2 to No. 4.  However, on this occasion, all SEC eyes, including those in Sanford Stadium this day, turned their eyes and ears, when possible, to follow the game in Nashville.  There, No. 1 Alabama played unranked 1-2 Vanderbilt.  That’s Vandy, infamous as the traditional doormat of the SEC. 

Great Tailgate in Athens

After a sundrenched but great tailgate in a local student housing apartment building owned by some UGA fans and alumni friends of my long-time, Auburn friend Charlie Murren, we enjoyed a great time talking football before the game with his friend BJ and others.   Kevin, Charlie IV’s father-in-law, provided me with some suggestions for my trip to Wisconsin when I see the Badgers host Oregon.  In particular, we talked about planning my visit to Green Bay the day after that though the Packers play in Chicago.   Even before the game, the talk turned to the discussions of how it was easy it was for most SEC fans to dislike Alabama fans!  That brought more focused attention later to the game in Nashville.

Where Georgia fans like to take their "shots" before a game at Sanford Stadium in Athens.
Where Georgia fans like to take their “shots” before a game at Sanford Stadium in Athens.

As expected, first-half action Georgia’s way

Georgia started off the scoring with Trevor Etienne’s two-yard touchdown run to polish off a 75-yard drive (I was hoping this was a sign for Travis who I have in a fantasy football league on Sundays, but I digress now).  Before the first period came to a conclusion, Auburn’s Towns McGough put up three from 27 to put the Tigers on the board.  Both teams punted twice without scoring until late in the second quarter. 

With 17 seconds remaining, Carson Beck completed an 11-yard TD pass to Dominic Lovett for a 14-3 lead. A 25-yard kickoff return and facemask penalty put AU at their 40.  A Payton Thorne scramble out of bounds for 15 yards and a nine-yard pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith (former Penn Stater) put the Tigers on the 36.  With seconds left, the Bulldogs blocked McGough’s kick to keep the first half scoring intact. 

Georgia QB Carson Beck passes on first drive against Auburn on way to a score.
Georgia QB Carson Beck passes on first drive against Auburn on way to a score.

Odes to Uga’s

BJ had invited me previously to go see the Bulldog memorials in Sanford for all the former UGA Bulldog mascots.  He said we’d have to go before halftime to see them, but I told him my focus was on the game during the action. If not for the delays getting seats into a very poorly managed traffic flow behind the student section on the way in, it would have been nice to have planned for that before the game.  We’ll know better next time.

We didn't get to meet Georgia's true mascot UGA. but we did bet to meet our tailgate hosts Bulldog, Murray, before the game.
We didn’t get to meet Georgia’s true mascot UGA. But we did get to meet our tailgate host’s Bulldog, Murray, before the game. No truer a real Georgia Bulldawg did we ever meet!

A War Eagle take off, but…

To start the third, Auburn took over after a quick three and out by the Bulldogs. Offensively, the period couldn’t have started better start for AU.  They started from their 32 and got down to their 38.  There, Jarquez Hunter swept around to left side and down field to cut the UGA lead, 14-10. On the following Georgia possession, Auburn stuffed a play on third and one at the UGA 45.  On fourth down, however, Beck plunged through for the first down.  The Dawgs continued to roll. 

Beck (23 for 29, 240 yards and two TDs) connected with WR Colbie Young for 27 yards. Etienne rambled for 21 more to the two.  After two stops, he went through the middle on third and goal at the one. One ref initially signaled fourth down, but the second signaled for a score.  Without clear evidence, the latter stood.  UGA led now, 21-10.  The Tigers started their ensuing drive from the 35.

Georgia RB Trevor Etienne looks for running room against Auburn defense in first half action. He totaled 88 yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries against the Tigers.
Georgia RB Trevor Etienne looks for running room against Auburn defense in first half action. He totaled 88 yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries against the Tigers.

Georgia lands

Entering the final period, AU went for the first down on a fourth and one at their 44-yard line.  Unlike the Dawgs, they couldn’t covert.  QB Payton Thorne was dropped for a four-yard loss, and Georgia took over. Two Beck passes of 17 and 13 yards along with a roughing the passer call put the home team at the Tiger five.  Thereafter, Beck connected with WR Dillon Bell in the end zone for a three-yard score to extend their lead. On their next drive, Auburn converted for a first down with a pass on fourth and eight at the Georgia 42.  However, once again their drive faltered at the UGA eight, and they settled for McGough’s kick from there. 

Georgia answered with a three-pointer of their own with Peyton Woodring’s 47 yarder with 1:50 left to play. The clock wound down to a Georgia victory and Bulldog celebrations.  The stadium emptied as fans from both schools went out to hear about the doings back in Nashville.  There, Vanderbilt pulled the upset after a 60-year drought to beat Bama, 40-35.  Fans from both teams playing that day at Sanford Stadium had something to celebrate!

Auburn's drive stalls at the eight to settle for a field goal.
In the last quarter, Auburn’s drive stalls at the eight to settle for a field goal.

Next Week’s slate

Georgia (4-1, 2-1), now No. 5 ranked ahead of No. 7 Alabama, hosts Mississippi State (1-4, 0-2). Auburn (2-4, 0-3) travels to face No. 21 Missouri (4-1, 1-1).  These Tigers fell for the first time this season to Texas A&M the previous week, 41-10. We at Collegefootballfan.com take kind of a breather this weekend.  We only go to one game.

 Looking forward to catching up with a great friend, Mike Meyer (not the one from the movies) from my former working days up in Michigan along with his family for a big tailgate party! We’ll attend a game at Central Michigan, his and most of his family’s alma mater. The Chippewa’s (3-2, 1-0) match up against Mid-American foes, the Ohio U. Bobcats (3-2,1-0).  This should be a good game. This will be our first game at CMU’s Peden Stadium and our 94th FBS venue. We haven’t seen the Chips play since they lost at Syracuse back in September of 1999.  Looking forward to this one.

-ed. by Steve Koreivo, Member of Football Writers Association of America

Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to get your copy and submit a review today.  Thanks!

Duke Blue Devils overwhelm Middle Tennessee, 45-17; Unranked despite 4-0 start entering ACC

Posted on by

Murfreesboro, TN – Probably the biggest surprise Duke Bue Devils encountered this young season came when MTSU RB Jaiden Credle burst open the game scoring with a 66-yard TD. His jaunt over left tackle jolted MTSU to an early 7-0 MTSU lead.  Surprising under HC Manny Diaz, known as a defensive guru in college circles.  After that though, the Duke Blue Devil offense scored 38 of the next 41 game points to slam the host Blue Raiders, 45-17.

Duke TE Nicky Dalmolin races 71 yards for a TD two plays after the first Blue Raider touchdown to erase MTSU's 7-0 lead.
Duke TE Nicky Dalmolin races 71 yards for a TD two plays after the first Blue Raider touchdown to erase MTSU’s 7-0 lead.

Blue Devil QB Maalik Murphy connected on 14 passes for 216 yards and three TDs.  His running back, Sir Thomas, ran for 111 yards and two scores on 17 carries.  TE Nicky Dalmolin grabbed four passes for 100 yards and two scores.  After Credle’s burst, the Duke defense allowed only 102 more yards on the ground. MTSU also garnered only 3.6 yards among their 21 pass receptions.

Blue Devil RB Star Thomas (17) goes high over MTSU defense to extend Duke's lead over MTSU in first quarter, 21-10.
Blue Devil RB Star Thomas (17) goes high over MTSU defense to extend Duke’s lead over MTSU in first quarter, 21-10.

Can Fair Weather Fans be blamed?

MTSU’s biggest break came with six minutes remaining in the third period. Lightning strikes delayed their agony with a one hour and 42-minute weather delay.  Guest Game Analyst Ed Mainardi (Brown U.) and I remained to the very end.  We found dry spots to stand under the sieve called Red Floyd Stadium with a handful of stalwart Blue Raider followers. We enjoyed the covered, but open, upper deck beer stand that featured popular brews sold at the MTSU Beer Garden. Many others among the 15,209 of the announced attendance probably left to go watch Tennessee play Oklahoma on television kicking off at 6:30 local time.

To finish the day’s scoring, MTSU TE Holden Willis hauled in a 15-yard pass from Nick Vittiato late in the third.  Sir Thomas of the Duke Blue Devils closed out the scoring for the day. He finished with a one-yard run to settle a 14-yard drive following DaShawn Stone’s interception early in the fourth.  Final score: Duke 45 MTSU 17.

Blue Devil defenders stop Blue Raider RB Jaiden Credle who gained 125 yards and scored a TD on just 12 carries.
Duke Blue Devils stop Blue Raider RB Jaiden Credle who gained 125 yards and scored a TD on just 12 carries.

More college football changes needed

Unlike South Alabama’s 48-13 blow-out over favored Appalachian State on Thursday we attended, this result was expected.  As part of our final assessment, this game demonstrates the disparity among the college football “Haves” and “Have-nots.”  Though Duke never threatens as a major Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) powerhouse, their 4-0 record this season demonstrated the superiority of “Power Five” programs over the majority of other colleges. We reported previously on their 26-3 win over FCS Elon we also attended.

Look how aforementioned Tennessee decimated two lower programs for their 4-0 start.  They clobbered FCS UT-Chattanooga, 66-0, and struggling Group of Five Kent State, 71-0. Granted they hammered NC State as well. Their 25-15 winning score over Oklahoma reflects the reality of such teams playing other Power Five programs. The same will be exposed for UT among other SEC contests coming up.  Plenty of other examples exist also among most other “Super Conference” programs running up huge scores among much lesser competition.  It’s time to start eliminating the scheduling of so many wasteful games toward the FBS championship.  At least from a budgetary definition, let the major teams compete against comparable teams for a common national championship.  Teams with the most money get the best players with larger NIL coffers now, more than ever. 

At least one new college football Subdivision needed

In essence, let’s cordon the Power Four off from the others by playing only comparable competition.  On the flip side, like the existing FCS (Football Championship Subdivision), there should be a third faction of teams between these two categories. They’d compete for a third national championship stimulating more fan interest regarding this new category.  Regarding the arguments that these smaller-budgeted teams need to play Power Four’s in a paid-for, butt-kicking, the 12 regular season games among the Super Conference members would allow them: instead “donate” half a million dollars each to a fund to be allocated among the lower division teams.  Put the money where the intent is if they are sincere about the sustainability of these programs.  Besides, with the wide-open transfer portal, it would be like funding their de facto “minor league system.”

Next UP! Duke demise to begin?

The Duke Blue Devils stand at 4-0 and get no respect; deservedly so. Their other two wins came against struggling Northwestern and UConn by six and five-point margins respectively. Not only are they not rated among the Top 25, but they also do not even register among “others receiving votes.” Next week, they get a chance to knock off their big, next-door rival, North Carolina (3-1). UNC put up 50 points last week. However, they gave up 70, and fairly quick, to James Madison in their first loss this season.  UNC averages 38 ppg.  Can the Blue Devils keep up?  We don’t think so. QB Maalik Murphy hasn’t shown enough to prove he can keep up with a quicker scoring pace like this.

Dalmolin falls in end zone with second of two TD receptions in end zone. Will Duke offesne with QB Maalik Murphy (6) under center be prepared to shoot it out with the UNC Tar Heels this weekend?
Dalmolin falls in end zone with second of two TD receptions. Will Duke offense with QB Maalik Murphy (6) under center be prepared to shoot it out with the UNC Tar Heels next weekend?

In other action next week

Middle Tennessee visits 3-1 Memphis. Like UNC they scored a lot of points last week. However, they also fell to Navy in an American Athletic bout, 56-44. The Tigers will be looking to take this loss out on somebody.  Very bad timing for the Blue Raiders.  Speaking of 3-0 (2-0 in AAC) Navy, we head three hours away Saturday morning. USNA visits UA-Birmingham (1-2) for the Blazers’ first AAC game.  We really look forward to seeing Midshipman QB Blake Horvath of USNA run the Mids’ new run-pass option offense.  Last Saturday, he ran for 192 yards and two TDs. Also, in un-Navy like fashion, passed for 211 yards and four touchdowns. This game should be fun to watch.

ed. by Steve Koreivo   Member of Football Writer Association of America (FWAA)

Author of Fifty Years if Tailgate tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to buy yours and to submit a review for us as soon as possible. Enjoy! Thanks!

Jacksonville State leads Kennesaw 21-17 at half; explodes after to win, 63-24

Posted on by

Kennesaw, GA – For the first half, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Kennesaw State Owls fought beak to beak and claw to claw for an entertaining start to this contest.  The Owls trailed 21-17 at the end of one half.  However, in the second, the Gamecock s put up 42 more, and the Owls had no answers. Jacksonville State rudely welcomed Kennesaw State in their ConferenceUSA debut, 63-24.

Jacksonville State QB Tyler huff ran for 176 yards on 15 carries.  He scored TDs from 6, 14 and 19 yards out.  His longest jaunt went for 46 yards.  In the air, he passed for 193 yards on 25 attempts.  No TDs, but no INTs as well.  Teammate RB Tre Steward carried 24 times for 134 yards and crossed the goal line four times.  Three times he finished drives with one-yard runs.  The eight rushing scores tied a Jacksonville State record accomplished twice in previous games.

The Jacksonville State backfield tandem of QB Tyler Huff (6) and RB Tre Stewart shown here, combined for eight TD runs against Kennesaw in our 693rd game since 1979.
The Jacksonville State backfield tandem of QB Tyler Huff (6) and RB Tre Stewart, shown here, combined for eight TD runs against Kennesaw in our 693rd game since 1979.

Jacksonville State ready for take-off

The first half entertained. Stewart carried for 25 yards to the one for the game’s first score.  Kennesaw State followed with Austin Welch’s 25-tyard FG by the end of the first.  During the second period, KSU forced a turnover on downs at the 48.  However, S Zechariah Poyser picked off his first of two Owl passes for the Gamecocks.  A Stewart first down run and a 15-yard penalty put the Gamecocks on the KSU 20.  Huff finished off the drive with a six-yard QB draw for a touchdown.  JSU led, 14-3. JSU’s next drive started from its 21. Stewart carried this score over from the nine. 

Before this game started to get out launched into a romp, Owl Qua Ashley took the ensuing kickoff and raced through Gamecocks for a 93-yard kickoff return.  A fumble lost by the Gamecocks on their next possession put the Owls on their 33.  They converted a third and eight at the 47 for a first down by Michael Benefield (17 carries for 112 yards, 1 TD) at the JSU 35.  Benefield carried twice to get to the ten.  On a third and goal, QB Davis Bryson rolled left to connect with his TE Carson Kent for a seven-yard TD pass with 1:49 left in the first. The Jacksonville Gamecocks marched down the field to the 16-yardline with 12 seconds remaining.  On third down, the pass fell incomplete.  Garrison Grippa’s 33-yard FG launched low and got blocked as time ran out.  We looked forward to a competitive battle in the second half with Jacksonville State up, 21-17.

RB Michael Benefield (30) Led the Owl offense with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville State.
RB Michael Benefield (30) led the Owl offense with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville State.

When we don’t care who wins, we just want competition

It didn’t turn out to be the game we had hoped for.  Always like to see a competitive game.  This one didn’t go that way.  Jacksonville State drove to the 22. On fourth and one, Stewart picked up the first down.  Huff faked a handoff to his back going right and ran a bootleg left for bootleg a 16-yard TD run.  No defender challenged him. On the next KSU series, Poyser intercepted his second pass to take over from the JSU 35.  Huff broke off for his longest run of the day for 46 yards.  With 6:14 to play in the third, Stewart took in in from the one for a score to lead now, 35-17. 

Kennesaw went three-and out on the next series.  JSU started from the 32.  On a third and six, they went down to the KSU 30 for a first down.  Kennesaw could not halt the Jacksonville State running game that would total 384 rushing yards on this day.  With :23 left in the third, Huff scored once again on a 19-yard draw play to extend the Gamecock lead, 42-17, over the Owls.

QB Tyler Huff also passed for 193 yards for Jacksonville State gamecocks for their second win in a row for the 2-4 Gamecocks.
QB Tyler Huff also passed for 193 yards for Jacksonville State for their second win in a row for the 2-4 Gamecocks.

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

A full period remained to be played.  It was getting late.  I had an hour drive at least to the other side of Atlanta to a stay with friends there for an early start to tomorrow’s game between Auburn and Georgia in Athens. I figured; this one is over. Put it in the record books.  It had been a long ride up from Troy this day after a game there the previous night.  I must be getting old. Sitting in great seats right behind the KSU bench, I noted that the players on this latest of all FBS teams didn’t look very big.  They had no depth – at least of a full-grown FBS program. They proved to have long way to go. As the FBS continues to expand, We have to ask: Are there enough players to go around for all 136 FBS teams to play for a national championship?” The easy answer is, “No.”

As expected, Jacksonville State marched on

On my way out of the stadium another cheer erupted.  The Public Adress blared, “Jacksonville State interception return for a touchdown.”  CB Jabari Mack took it back 30 yards for the score.  I knew I had made the right move out at the right time.  Didn’t want to watch another practice session.

As I left and maneuvered in and out of greater Atlanta traffic, Kennesaw added another score following a 68-yard drive on four plays. Benefield scored from the one.  Stewart put up his third one-yard TD run following a 75-yard drive.  I didn’t regret missing this fourth quarter scrimmage.  It was long day. With 1:22 remaining as I was probably pulling into Charlie and Lynda Murren’s driveway, Mike Franklin scored on a 23-yard run.  He sealed the deal for me to see my 133rd FBS team, 63-24. 

Jacksonville State also brought their band, "The Marching Southerners," to perform at halftime along with the Kennesaw State Marching Owls.
Jacksonville State also brought their band, “The Marching Southerners,” to perform at halftime along with the Kennesaw State Marching Owls.

Next time will be more competitive for KSU

If you can believe this, the next time the Owls play, they visit Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro on a Tuesday, October 17. We’ll be there and even plan to tailgate beforehand with a few avid readers of my book, Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly.  They’ve asked to meet me after reading about my fun, unique adventure.

 This game should be more competitive. The Owls (0-5) will be playing the Blue Raiders, currently 1-4 before meeting Louisiana Tech on the road next Saturday.  Jacksonville entertains New Mexico State (1-4, 0-2) this Wednesday night.  And certainly, by now you’ve heard of Diego Pavia!

Sweet Home Alabama

Last season, he quarterbacked New Mexico State to their 9-win season and a big upset over Auburn, Alabama’s archrival.  Well, just this past Saturday, he led Vanderbilt over Alabama in the biggest SEC upset ever, 40-35!  As for Collegefootballfan.com, we just happened to leave this game this evening to go see Auburn play No. 4 Georgia fresh off the loss against No. 1 Alabama the previous week.  Amazing how my life-long journey just winds around college football history.  We can’t wait to see where the goal post tossed into the Cumberland River eventually ends up, somewhere in nearby Nashville!

-ed. by Steve Koreivo   Member of Football Writers Association of America