Week Ten of Steveo’s Salvos: James Madison at Louisville; SEC in CFP determined this week; Make way for “new” Ivy rivalry; Potential playoff weekend options; Review of Week Nine and Preview of Week Ten

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We look forward our Week Ten matchup as James Madison (5-2) becomes the 131st FBS team on our schedule when they visit the Louisville Cardinals (4-3) this Saturday.  Though we’ve seen the Dukes of JMU over the years play Delaware, South Dakota State, and Colgate, the latter two in the FCS playoffs, we now get to see how quickly they ‘ve adapted to FBS.   This week’s game takes us beyond the foes among their ConferenceUSA competition.  They get a dose of the Power Five with the ACC Cardinals, a team hot off an upset over No. 20 Wake Forest, 48-21. On the other hand, the Dukes, who reached No. 25 a few weeks ago, fell in their last two games vs. Georgia Southern and Marshall. 

   The Dukes go to Louisville with an incentive few FBS teams have known before.  Even if they win their conference, not only do they not win the official title, they can’t even go to a bowl game.  For some reason, this is another stupid NCAA statute.  The Cardinals come to play with a totally realistic incentive.  Currently at 5-3, their next win makes them eligible for bowl berths.  Pretty good as HC Scott Satterfield sat on a hot seat entering this season. 

Week 10: James Madison officially becomes our 131st FBS team seen in action
Week 10: James Madison officially becomes our 131st FBS team seen in action. Seen here: JMU faced South Dakota State in the 2016 FCS Semi-final we attended. We asked, How close will they ever get to the CFP?

The Duke’s devastating” D” 

       JMU’s defense ranks near the top in many FBS categories in its inaugural season. Their 293.3 yards allowed per games ranks them 10th.  Their 54.9 in rushing yards allowed ranks them first. Their average of 3.00 sacks per game rates them 16th, and their 8.9 tackles places them third.  They’ll be facing a tough Run/pass QB in the Cardinals Malik Cunningham.  We saw him defeat Wake in OT in 2019, 62-59, and watched him fall last season to Virginia, 33-32. This season, he’s tossed for 1,254 passing yards and 5 TDs while rushing for 541 yards as the team leader and crossing the goal line 11 times. This should be an interesting battle.

Missing in action?  

     When the Dukes go on offense, they average 480.7 yards and 38.7 points per game ranking 18th and respectively.  In six games of their seven contests, QB Todd Centeio has completed 64.0 percent of his passes for 1,780 yards and 17 touchdowns with four INTs.  Rushing, he’s gained 333 yards and scored five touchdowns. JMU averages 194.1 yards per game on the ground ranking at 31st in the FBS. Leading rusher Percy Agyei-Obese accounts for 556 yards and four scores.

     However, in last week’s 26-12 loss to Marshall, Centeio did not play.   A pulled oblique muscle worsened from an injury against Appy State earlier.  Redshirt Frosh QB Billy Atkins filled in.  No report yet from HC Curt Cignetti about who will play versus the Cardinals. The Dukes had two weeks to practice with a bye last week.   

     Louisville’s defense looks pretty formidable with 32 sacks and 14 INTs to date.  DL YaYa Diaby leads in sacks with 5.5. Five players each have two INTs including LB Yasir Abdullah who’s second in sacks with 4.5.  Not knowing if Centeio participates makes it difficult to predict with the Cards favored by 7.5.  All we can say is if he plays, this will be an exciting game.  If not…?  If anything, JMU realizes how important depth matters playing at the FBS level.

SEC in CFP: one, two, or three?

    The big game this weekend pits No. 1 Georgia hosting No. 2 Tennessee (tied with Ohio State in AP).  Think about this: last season one-loss Alabama defeated undefeated Georgia, 48-21, in the SEC Championship.  The teams finished one and two respectively in the CFP. Georgia won the CFP taking revenge over Bama, 33-18.

     Fast forward to this weekend. Georgia wins and finishes 2022 as outright No. 1.  UGA, Tennessee, and Bama win their remaining regular season games.  Then, Bama defeats UGA in SEC Championship.  All three SEC teams have one loss. We know Ohio State and Michigan will lose at least one game. If the winner of their game and Clemson and TCU all finish undefeated, the three SEC schools will all still claim to have the right to go the CFP having lost one and won one against each other. 

    What will the selection committee argue?  How? Will one-loss teams take a back seat to three undefeated teams?  Makes sense, possibly, but who knows what goes on behind those closed doors of the selection committee?  Who argues? Who rants?   Who threatens? Who complains? Who backs off? Who reasons?  Who takes control? Who listens? Who interrupts?

Three one-loss SEC teams possibly, one way or another

   If Tennessee defeats UGA and loses to Bama in the championship, the SEC will still make that argument with three one-loss teams among top teams nationally.  UT would have wins over both UGA and Bama to get the nod to the CFP.  If all others remain undefeated as suggested, there will be major outcries from all eliminated.  Rightfully so?  This justifies expansion of course, but it can’t come soon enough.  The hope calls for some more upsets if fans want to see other conferences represented instead of having three SEC squads. Best thing for final clarification is if UT or UGA wins all their remaining games.  One team remains undefeated, and the others have two or one and get sorted out among all the others.   

Alabama is still ranked No. 6 going into Week Ten. They still have to beat LSU, Mississippi, and Auburn to play in SEC championship this year.
Alabama is still ranked No. 6 going into Week Ten. They still have to beat LSU, Mississippi, and Auburn to play in SEC championship this year.

What surprises are in store for the CFP?

    If Austin Peay can’t knock off Alabama and if Georgia Tech can’t off the Bulldogs in non-conference games (just kidding), fans of the non-SEC variety will have to root for the likes of SEC teams such as LSU, Ole Miss, Mizzou, Kentucky, Auburn, or Vandy to spring the surprises. Maybe one or two can.  Of course, there could be some surprises awaiting The Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 out there as well.  When it comes to hoping who wins the Saturday clash between the Bulldogs and Volunteers, neutral fans can feel free to pick their” poison” when it comes to the SEC. When the dust settlers, the action in the selection room may be more intense than what happens on the gridiron. Maybe they should televise that in “pay per view”!  Should be fun to watch.

Changing gear – Week Ten among the Ivies

    In a more simplified version of college football, eight members play ten games including all seven conference foes, or in this case, “League” members for the championship. It’s a very clean model to determine an Ivy League championship when two or even three members tie for first in the end.  No playoff game ever happens.  After their Week Ten, traditionally the third week in November, all Ivy League players stop practice and prepare for final exams.  An undefeated, ranked FCS team will not even be considered for the playoffs. Traditionally, football has no precedence over final exams among the Ancient Eight.

TV jumped the gun, however

    ESPNU announced that it will televise the 138th edition of THE GAME on November 19 at noon when Harvard (5-2,3-1) hosts Yale (5-2, 3-1). Lovely, but did anyone at ESPNU realize another Ivy League rivalry can be more significant that day?  Princeton (7-0, 4-0) hosts archrival Penn (6-1,3-1) that same day at 1 pm.  Penn fell to Brown last Saturday, 34-31, to mar their prefect record. They already defeated Yale, 20-13.  On November 12, Penn hosts Harvard and Princeton visits Yale.  If the non-New England teams both triumph that day, ESPNU will be missing the more significant rivalry among the Ivies. 

    Hopefully, the network management will have the foresight to get that game moved to the evening that Saturday for the people who care. Otherwise, switch among the many ESPN networks to give precedence to the true Ivy League title game.  You’d think the Ivy Leaguers at the top there would plan for this.  Of course, as Thurston Howell III on Gilligan’s Island would begrudge, “They must be Yale men!”

It’s not as pretty as SEC and Big 10 football, but Harvard and Dartmouth still blocked and tackled in the Ivy League when we last watched them play. Fun football as they play all conference members for a championship every season.

Our current FCS playoff picture

   We keep Week Fifteen open all season for FCS playoff possibilities. D-2, D-3, or even FBS championship games may be considered.  We give the FCS games priority.  We look for games withing easy travel distance and preferably day games.  Here are options we foresee today based on current “local” conference standings. Of course, the December 3 date this season offers the second round of games. A possible team we target could be eliminated the week before, so we have to remain flexible.

Southern Conference possibilities

   Among the SoConn, No. 10 Samford (7-1, 5-0), No. 11 Mercer (7-1, 5-1) and No. 12 UT Chattanooga (6-2, 4-1) fight for first and will most likely two survivors will earn a bid in the 24-team pool.  Down the stretch, Samford visits UTC (6-2, 4-1)  on November 12 and hosts Mercer on the next and final regular season Saturday. UTC already defeated Mercer, but fell to No. 19 Furman (7-2, 5-1), 24-20 last week.  Any combination of these four can possibly get in. Our hopes rest in Samford and UTC to make it that weekend as both are within driving distance for us.  Been to UTC twice last year, but never to Samford in Homewood, Alabama. 

We hoped Austin Peay had a shot to get to this year's FCS playoffs. At 5-3. 1-2 this season, chances are now nil entering Week Ten.
We hoped Austin Peay had a shot to get to this year’s FCS playoffs. At 5-3. 1-2 this season, chances are now nil entering Week Ten.

 Ohio Valley options

  In the Ohio Valley, No. 15 UT Martin stands (5-3, 3-0).  SE Missouri though 6-2, 2-0 ranks lower at No. 20. And very unusual in this seven-team conference, these two teams don’t play each other. Both have common conference opponents Eastern Illinois (2-6, 1-2) and Tennessee State (3-5, 2-1) left on their slates.  The SE MO State Bears play Murray State (1-8, 1-3) to finish their conference play.  The Skyhawks of UTM play Kennesaw State (4-4) in Week Ten.    We’re not sure either will warrant a home game if they win heading into round two.  But if either, we hope UTM since the Skyhawks are closer to us. 

    We look forward to seeing some FCS playoff game this season. If not, we’ll see something else at another level.  ACC championship maybe.

Review of Week Nine and Preview of Week Ten among our top-ranked teams

No. 1 Georgia defeated Florida, 42-20, and of course we saw the other No. 2, Ohio State come to life with 9:26 reaming to defeat No. 16 PSU we reported on, 44-31.  Other top teams had bye weeks to get ready for Week Ten. No. 4 Clemson visits Notre Dame and No. 6 Alabama readied for Saban to coach against Brian Kelly at No. 15 LSU. One or two of those possible upsets we mentioned looming here? 

Power Five teams on our slate playing in Week Ten

Auburn (3-5,1-4)   lost to Arkansas, 41-27, and Bruce Harsin received a $15.5 MM payoff from Auburn to go find another job while they search for new HC.  The Tigers go to Mississippi State this weekend. Kentucky (5-3, 2-3) got walloped by No. 2 Tennessee, 44-6, looks to recover when they travel to Mizzou (4-4) Saturday.  So much or an upset bid when we see them host No. 1 UGA on November 19.

     Purdue (5-3, 3-2) got knocked off course to the Big Ten West title by Wisconsin, 35-24. Next for the Boilers comes Iowa with no offense to West Lafayette (4-4, 2-3).  Iowa is the perfect barometer of the B1G.  The Hawkeyes have beaten B1G cellar dwellers Northwestern and Rutgers, and have fallen to Ohio State, Michigan, and Illinois with combined records of 23-1. Among our Big Twelve participants this season, Texas (5-3, 3-2) lost to No. 18 Oklahoma State two weeks ago, 41-34. Next, they travel to Kansas State (6-2, 4-1) who just annihilated these same OSU Cowboys in a big surprise, 48-0. Baylor (5-3, 3-2) who we will see tussle with Texas on November 25, defeated Texas Tech, 45-17. The Bears roam into Boomer Sooner territory this weekend.

Groups of the Other Five in Week Nine and Week Ten

     Army (3-4) had a bye to get up to play Air Force for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in Arlington, TX in Week Ten.  Navy went to 3-5 with a win over Temple in OT, 27-20. Now, they start a tough three-game stretch with Cincinnati who fell to UCF last week and out of the Top 25, 25-21.  The Army Navy game in 2022 will be another low scoring slugfest.  Hope it’s freezing in Philly on December 10.

    Ball State’s now (5-4, 3-2) with a 27-20 win over Kent State this past Tuesday in MACtion. Ohio U (6-3,4-1), who we plan to see Ball State host on Tuesday, Nov. 15, did the same that night with a 45-24 victory over Buffalo.  In American Athletic play, Houston (5-3, 3-1) defeated USF, 42-27, and head into SMU (4-4, 2-2) in Week Ten. 

With their one loss to Tulane in the American Athletic, with a favorable schedule and Tulane's unbeaten mark to be challenged going forward, the Cougars might still be playing for the championship.
With their lone loss to Tulane in the American Athletic, with a favorable schedule and Tulane’s unbeaten mark to be challenged going forward, the Cougars (5-3, 3-1) might still be playing for the conference championship.

C-USA and Sun Belters

    In C-USA, Middle Tennessee State (4-4, 1-3) finally won their first conference game of 2022 upending UTEP, 24-13.  HC Rick Stockstill’s Blue Raiders will try to keep that momentum going when they meet Louisiana Tech (2-6, 1-3) in Ruston for week Ten.  MTSU rival Western Kentucky (5-4, 3-3) comes off a loss to North Texas State, 40-13.  They head to play Charlotte, (2-7, 2-3) fresh off a 56-23 win over Rice.  UTSA (6-2, 4-0) stayed in first alone last week defeating North Texas, 31-27. They head to UAB to meet the Blazers (4-4, 2-3) to defend their 2021 championship.

   In the Sunbelt, Texas State (3-5, 2-3) lost to Southern Miss, and they will play ULM (2-6, 0-4) in a must-win for TSU HC Jake Spavital to survive his hot-seat once again.  The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (4-4, 2-3) who we will see TSU host on November 26, also fell two weeks ago to Southern Miss.  Saturday, they host Troy (6-2, 4-1) on a five-game winning streak.  Their last triumph on October 20 came over 6-2 South Alabama in a defensive battle, 10-6.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you enjoy reading Steveo’s Salvos, read all our tales when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

We enjoyed the Blue Raider pregame Homecoming festivities performed by the MTSU Dance Team now ranked as on of our favorites!
We enjoyed the Blue Raider pregame Homecoming festivities performed by the MTSU Dance Team now ranked as on of our favorites!

Game 646:  Ohio State Buckeyes surge past Penn State with 28 points in final 9:46

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State College, PA – The Penn State Nittany Lions capped a 75-yard drive on Kaytron Allen’s one-yard run with 9:46 in the fourth quarter to take a 21-16 lead over the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes.  After that, the Buckeyes roared back with the help of two turnovers. They outscored the Lions 28-10 to seal their eighth win, 44-31.  In the final period, Buckeye DE JT Tuimoloau strip-sacked Sean Clifford to set up TJ Henderson’s second TD. Next, he picked off Sean Clifford’s pass thrown directly to him for a 14-yard TD return for the last Buckeye score. 

Late Buckeye rally

     OSU QB CJ Stroud completed 26 of 33 passes for 354 yards and one TD.  PSU QB Clifford recorded 32 for 47 passing, 371 yards, and three TDs.  However, the Buckeyes picked him off three times and knocked the ball loose from his grasp to convert into 21 points.  Those made the difference in this game.  Despite mistakes and inept execution by the Lion offense, they stayed toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes until 9:46 remained.  WR Parker Washington’s play with 11 receptions for 179 yards and one TD impressed in this game.  Allen ran hard and effectively for 76 yards and one TD on 12 carries for PSU.

    The Nittany Lion defense shut down the Buckeyes running game most of the day holding OSU to only 50 yards. RB TreVeyon Henderson then bolted for a 41-yard TD in the final period.  The deadliest weapon offensively for the Buckeyes came in WR Marvin Harrison, JR.  Many of his ten receptions for 183 yards resulted in key first downs in third and long situations.  The Buckeye strategy cleared the middle and opened him up on quick slants into the wide-open field throughout the contest. 

Tuimoloau to the defense!

     A strip of Clifford by Tuimoloau who also recovered it gave OSU possession at the PSU 24. With a 23-21 lead in Q4,  Stroud completed the next pass to his TE Cade Stover who crossed the goal line to increase the Buckeye lead, 30-21.  The Lions countered with a drive for Jake Pinegar’s 44-yard FG to keep within six of the second-ranked Buckeyes.   

    Starting from their 25, however, Ohio State struck again.  A 42-yard pass to WR Emeka Egbuka put the visitors at the two.  Following a five-yard procedure penalty for Ohio State, Henderson scored from the seven to put the Buckeyes up, 37-24.  Clifford fired his next pass from scrimmage directly to Tuimoloau who raced 14 yards to extend the Buckeye lead, 44-24.  The Lions drove one more time to score as Clifford connected with Allen for a five-yard TD with 1:12 left to lock in the final score at 44-31 in favor of the now tied No. 2 Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0).  Tennessee who dominated Kentucky Saturday night jumped to No. 2 to tie OSU in the AP poll.

The now No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes staged a fourth quarter rally to defeat Penn State at Beaver Stadium, 44-31.
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes staged a fourth quarter rally to defeat Penn State at Beaver Stadium, 44-31.

Seasoned veteran?

    Earlier in the first period, Tuimoloau blocked a Clifford pass attempt. It landed in the hands of teammate DE Zach Harrison to stop a Penn State drive.   It resulted in no points due to a missed field goal.  Throughout this game, however, Clifford threw low passes easily batted down by the Ohio State defensive front.   One of our Guest Game Analysts, Ty, mentioned that all season, Clifford has displayed no authority to put the right touch on his passes to his receivers.  The knockdowns and INTs by Clifford proved that today.  He has little touch to get his passes beyond arms of outstretched defenders.  These turnovers greatly impacted Penn State offensive effectiveness against Ohio State.

     Many Penn State fans question why HC James Franklin persists on playing Clifford while keeping five-star, frosh QB Drew Allar on the sideline.  Many think, including us, it will help Allar’s future and nudge Clifford to play more effectively.  Franklin, according to reports and online articles, feels Clifford’s experience makes him the best option for his now NO. 16 Lions, (6-2, 2-2) for this season’s success.  With no chance now for the CFP, questions linger if he will possibly start to give Allar some more playing time. Since many Blue and White fans think Allar projects as the PSU QB of the future, reps will benefit him.  Clifford’s future beyond PSU is questionable.  Ty quipped; he’ll be heading for the CFL at best.

   Not what we expected

     Our pre-game analysis for Penn State raised concerns about HC James Franklin’s lack of game-day coaching capabilities.  His plan seemed to be better than expected.  However, most of the time along the sideline, he seems very un-involved with arms akimbo during play or standing outside of huddles when assistants meet with players during time-outs.

      Today’s issues seemed more in regards to physical mistakes made by Clifford. However, you would hope that a player in his sixth year of college experience would be coached better to improve his passing skills by this time.  Not that we think Clifford will be a prime QB as a pro prospect, we hope that he will consider Franklin’s commitment to him when it comes to bowl season.  Would Clifford dare opt-out to preserve whatever chances he has beyond college play?   Would Franklin have no option other than to finally start Allar? Bowl games are basically no longer interesting, competitive games among players that competed for the participating teams all season.

Week Ten coming up

  The now No. 16 Nittany Lions head to Indiana (3-5, 1-4).  No. 2 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) hosts Northwestern (1-7, 1-4). Collegefootballfan.com will see 5-2 James Madison of Conference USA visit Louisville (5-3) of the ACC. JMU becomes our 131st FBS team seen in competition.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

Penn State fights on despite its loss to the Buckeyes!
Penn State fights on despite its loss to the Buckeyes!

Week Nine of Steveo’s Salvos:  Game 646: Ohio State at Penn State; Frying pans; Review of Week Eight; Best of Week Nine

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In Week Nine, collegefootballfan.com travels to State College, PA to see No. 2 Ohio State (7-0, 4-0) play the No. 13 Nittany Lions (6-1, 3-1).  As much as we hope to see a competitive game, we think we would have to go with OSU giving the points.  Having seen The Lions unprepared for Michigan, we see this as a James Franklin shortcoming.  We believe he relies too much on the talent of the players he recruits.  He doesn’t react or adapt during games to the schemes or strategies of his opponent.  When it comes to playing other teams with strong recruiting capabilities, it comes down to coaching on the field to win.

In Week nine, we will see Ohio State and Penn State go at it for the eighth time.
In Week Nine, we will see Ohio State and Penn State go at it for the ninth time. Here, Ohio State QB TJ Barrett feels pressure from the Nittany Lions in 2016. PSU won 24-17, but OSU finished No. 6 ahead of No. 7 PSU.

Week nine frying pans become hotter seats

Entering Week Nine, we see significant challenges ahead for coaches on several programs we will see to continue with the current schools they coach.  This Saturday, Scott Satterfield of Louisville (4-3) starts the first of five games against teams with a combined record of 29-7. No. 13 Wake Forest (6-1) with QB Sam Hartman comes to town.  The following week, we will see the Cardinals host the Dukes of James Madison (5-2).  Again, we will see Satterfield’s squad the next week when we head to No. 5 Clemson (7-0) for our first game there ever. NC State (5-2) calls on the Cards next looking to challenge for a top ACC spot. LU goes back on the road to finish with No. 19 Kentucky (5-2). Tough slate ahead for Satterfield.

    Texas State (3-5) HC Jake Spavital needs some wins to build on his 12-32 career record in San Marcos.  He probably needs a winning season to show things are turning around.   His four games remaining include ULM (2-5), South Alabama (5-2), Arkansas State (2-5), and Louisiana (4-3) who we will see the Bobcats play on November 26.  Some challenges ahead, but he’ll have to have his team prepped every week.

Even a favorite of ours

     Navy HC Ken Niumatalolo’s Navy team (2-5) looks like it’s on a losing course. Temple (2-5) shows up at Navy’s Homecoming this Saturday which can help start to right that direction.  The rest of the road ahead, however, goes through No. 20 Cincinnati, Notre Dame (4-3) in Baltimore, Central Florida (5-2), and the Mids’ key game in Philly against archrival Army (3-4) on December 10 which we will attend for the 13th year in a row. A loss to Army with any other loss(es) could seal the end of the great Head Coach’s 15-year career in Annapolis.

HC Ken Niumatatolo has a career record of over his first 12 years at the Naval Academy. However, sine c teh covid-19 season on 2020, his record sits at .
HC Ken Niumatatolo has a career record of 98-60 over his first 12 years at the Naval Academy. However, since the Covid-19 season of 2020, his record stands at only 9-20.

     Of course, almost every week, Bruce Harsin rumors begin that he’s out at Auburn (3-4). Games with Arkansas (4-3), at Mississippi State (5-2), vs. A&M (3-4), vs. Western Kentucky (4-3), and at No. 6 Alabama loom ahead.  Even an upset win over archrival Bama probably can’t save him at Auburn for the long -term.  It might be a fond farewell if that happened, however.

 Keep an eye out here

    Believe it or not, despite a long-term contract, James Franklin at Penn State needs to start winning games against the better teams in the Big Ten and probably needs a bowl win to his long-term in Happy Valley. After No. 2 OSU, the Lions face Indiana, Maryland, Rutgers, and Michigan State.  If they falter in any combo of the last four and don’t challenge the Buckeyes, his status will remain under a microscope heading into next season and beyond.

Week Eight and Week Nine: Teams in the Top 25 on our 2022 slate

     No. 1 Georgia comes off its bye week to play their big rival, the Florida Gators (4-3) this week in Jacksonville.  Talk going on ending the neutral site and going to a home and home rivalry.   No.2 Ohio State walloped disappointing Iowa, 54-10, before coming to State College to meet No. 13 Penn State, winners over Minnesota, 45-17.   No. 5 Clemson won a tough tilt with No. 16 Syracuse who led most of the game, 27-24.  The Tigers are off in Week Nine before visiting Notre Dame (4-3).  Bama (No. 6) defeated Mississippi State, 30-6, to knock them out of the Top 25.  The Demon Deacons of WFU, ranked at No. 11, blasted Boston College at home, 43-15.  No. 19 Kentucky and QB Will Levin had a week to heal before playing No. 3 Tennessee in Lexington.  No. 25 South Carolina (5-2) hosts Missouri (3-4) in an SEC East clash.

Alabama is still the highest raned team we see at No. 6 entering Week Nine. However, No. Georgia, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Clemson all loom ahead on this season's schedule.
Alabama is still the highest ranked team we’ve seen at No. 6 currently entering Week Nine. However, No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 5 Clemson all loom ahead for us on this season’s schedule.

Other Week Eight and Week Nine games amongst our schedule

    Troy extended a five-game winning streak by defeating South Alabama, 10-6.  Western Kentucky (4-3, 3-1) knocked off UAB, 20-17, at home to move up to second place in Conference USA. Army (3-4) mashed ULM, 48-24, while we watched Navy (2-5) fall to Houston (4-3) in Annapolis, 38-20. USNA has won 42 games we’ve attended now and lost 40. We will attend our 18th Army-Navy game on December 10. Ohio U, (5-3) defeated Norther Illinois 24-17 while Ball State (4-4) fell to Eastern Michigan, 20-16. We will attend the Ohio U at Ball State game on Tuesday, November 15. Long johns needed?  UTSA (6-2, 4-0) defeated North Texas (4-4, 3-1) to maintain first place in C-USA while the Mean Green are now tied with WKU for second. James Madison (5-2) lost for the second week in a row, this time to Marshall 26-12.

   Wisconsin (4-4) won their second game under new HC John Leonhard defeating Purdue (5-3), 35-24. Vandy (3-5, 0-4) maintained its doormat position in the SEC East falling to Mizzou, 17-14.  Southern Miss beat Texas State, 20-14. Louisville surprised Pitt, 24-10, and Utah State (3-5) lost to Wyoming, 28-14.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

The Blue RAiders of MTSU (3-4, 0-3) hope to defeat UTEP this seekend to get their first confeence win and evene the recod a t 4-4 to turn this season around.
The Blue Raiders of MTSU (3-4, 0-3) hope to defeat the UTEP Miners this weekend to get their first conference win of 2020 and to even their record at 4-4 to turn this season around.

Game 645: Houston Cougar passing attack leaves Navy Midshipman in wake

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Annapolis, MD – The Houston Cougars got off to a quick 14-0 start scoring on passes their first two series.  QB Clayton Tune connected twice in the first with Nathaniel Dell (8 catches, 93 yards, two TDs) on their way to a 38-14 victory.  Tune (21/30, 261 yards, five TDs) took apart the Navy pass defense. With minimal pressure on him, his receiving corps got wide open with plenty of time.  On the defensive side, the Houston line penetrated the Navy offense at will often. Their rush resulted in one sack, seven TFLs, two hurries, and two INTs. 

Houston WR Nathaniel Dell hauls in first TD of game on first series to lead, 7-0.
Houston WR Nathaniel Dell hauls in first TD of game on first series to lead, 7-0.

       Effective at neither the triple option (16 carries for 30 yards) nor passing, QB Tai Lavatai (6/13, 125 yards, one TD, two INTs), the Navy ground game totaled 201 yards on 50 carries. Houston halted Midshipman drives twice, blocked a field goal, and Navy misfired once.  HC Ken Niumatalolo’s triple option offense does not click on all its cylinders like it did over the first 12 years of his 15 in “Crab Town”.

Plays like this by Houston's NG Jamykal Neal (95) brole through often to keep Navy's running game in check.
Plays like this by Houston’s NG Jamykal Neal (95) broke through often to keep Navy’s running game in check.

Key to victory

   As we pointed out in last week’s Salvos, whoever scored first would have the advantage in this game.  With Navy’s best defense being its offense keeping its opponents on the sideline, we were surprised, Navy deferred to kick the ball to start.  Houston scored on its first two possessions. Tune connected with WR Nathaniel Dell (8 for 93 yards, two TDs) from the six and 22.  The second came after an interception by DB Jayce Roberts. He was literally all alone near the left hash.  Guest Game Analyst and all our other eight GGAs could not believe the errant pass thought intended for a streaking WR down the middle of the field.  Tune’s second TD pass covered 22 yards to Dell for the 14-0 lead.

  In the second, Houston took over on downs after a fourth and three stop at their 32. They traveled the length of the field and came close to scoring again.  However, on a 28-yard pass reception by WR Brandon Campbell, he fumbled approaching the end zone.  Navy DB Joe Hutson recovered as his momentum carried him into the end zone for a touchback. Lavatai completed a 52-yard pass to WR Jayden Umbarger to the Houston 28.  From the 25, frosh Daba Fofana, the one bright spot for the Mids running game (28-89 yards, one TD), broke loose and put the Mids within striking distance, 14-7.   

FB Daba Fofana (45) races toward end zone for 25-yard Midshipman touchdown.
FB Daba Fofana (45) races toward end zone for 25-yard Midshipman touchdown.

The defense giveth, and the offense taketh away

   However, the Houston offense started from the 25 and could not be denied.  Clayton passes to TE Matt Byrnes (2/34 yards, one TD) and the running of Stacy Sneed (20 /100 yards) allowed the Cougars to score not once, but twice, really.  On fourth and three at Navy’s six, Kyle Ramsey put up the kick for three. Despite an offsides call, the officials signaled the penalty was declined and the kick good.  GGA Paul Fraley wondered why. With 5:18 left, the Cougars could have a first down and with plenty of time for another TD. 

     Finally, someone along HC Dana Holgorsen’s sideline realized Houston could get half the distance for a first down at the three.  Tune connected from there with Byrne, his 6’6” TE who towered over the Navy secondary, for the TD.  With Houston leading, 21-7, the ensuing Navy drive resulted in a blocked FG by DE Nelson Caesar through its porous offensive line.

Houston Cougars swarm to block FG attempt by Navy PK Dan Davies late in first half.
Houston Cougars swarm to block FG attempt by Navy PK Dan Davies late in first half.

Party in the parking lot!

    Under a hot, bright mid-day sun, our Navy tailgate partiers decided to get some shade.  With mobile tickets, this the first time in our memory that Navy allowed fans to head to the parking lot at halftime and return.  We all took advantage for shade, food already paid for, and cold beverages.  During our pre-game tailgate, we met with USNA graduate friends from our past like John Semcken, Rick Yasky and his wife Rebecca, Mike Malinack, and Alden “The Rock” Williams.  We also met with regular tailgaters and Navy fans from Buffalo, NY who we enjoyed meeting for the first time. 

John Semcken and Rick Yasky ,both USNA '78 with yours truly at pregame tailgate.,
John Semcken and Rick Yasky ,both grads of USNA ’78, with yours truly at pregame tailgate.

     Jill, a possessional chef, had cooking equipment set up and shared some of her recipes with us that were delicious!  She was featured on the TV program “Chopped” in an episode.  We have to find a way to meet up with that group again at future Navy tailgates. At the post-game party, The Rock and I defeated Notre Dame/ Navy fan Bill Serafin and brother- in-law Frank Lorito in a prolonged game of “Janga” to wrap up the festivities.    

    The tailgating, travels, and meeting other fans from around the country make college football a great part of the fun.  As Chris Schenkel always said, “College football: what better way to spend an autumn afternoon?”

2022 Navy Tailgater friends from over the years coming together for a great time from NJ, Delaware, Florida, and Tennessee.
2022 Navy Tailgater friends from over the years coming together for a great time from NJ, Delaware, Florida, and Tennessee.

Back to football

    Only a few of us returned after our halftime break to see if the Mids could get back into this game.  It seemed many of the 32,443 of the announced attendance didn’t return.  Navy closed the score by seven with a five-yard fumble recovery return by LB Jianni Woodson-Brooks.  Good sign. However, Houston responded with a drive resulting in a 24-yard FG by Ramsey.  The Cougars turned over Navy’s next drive with an interception by CB Art Green to put Houston at Navy’s 17.  A 14-yard pass to Sam Brown to extend the lead basically put the game away. They led 31-14.  The Mids looked as if they could not sustain any drives on offense.

Houston WR Sam Brown came down with this pass from Tune for a 31-14 lead.
Houston WR Sam Brown came down with this pass from Tune for a 31-14 lead.

Justcollegefootball.com

     In the final period, we met with Stephen Hiegel of JustCollegeFootball.com whose preseason podcast we were interviewed. He met us in section 127.  Stephen’s goal is to attend games in every FBS Stadium (134 in total now).  He’s up to eight, most in within driving distance of Maryland where he lives.  We’re up to 76 such (160 stadiums in all to see all levels of play since 1979).  It’s not easy balancing time and budgets to accomplish this, but we wish him luck and hope to cross paths sometime again in the future.

 “Tuned” in and out

    Houston turned back the next Navy possession on a fourth and three.  Later in the period, the Cougars drove 63 yards to score on Tune’s fifth scoring pass.  He connected a second time with Brown for a four-yard pass.  Navy went to the air on its next drive.  Lavatai completed four of six passes with the final one to Umbarger for a 41-yard score.  Maybe Navy HC Ken Niumatalolo has to consider going to a more pass-based offense with the personnel he has.  The blocking would have to be improved from what we saw. Also, the tools like quickness afoot and with the hands that don’t seem to meet the standards of skill players for the option he had in the past. 

Brown comes down with Tune's fifth and final TD pass on the day.
Brown comes down with Tune’s fifth and final TD pass on the day.

    An onsides kick ensued, and Houston ran out the clock.   The Cougars joined up with the Brigade to stand with the Navy to the traditional singing of “Navy Blue and Gold”.  I encouraged Stephen Hiegel to remain to hear this as we think it’s one of the best traditions in all of college football.  We just hope to see the Mids turn it around, especially when we see them play Army on December 10. 

A tradition second to none: Navy sing "Navy Blue and Gold" at end of game joine by their guests- win or lose.
A tradition second to none: Brigade of Midshipman sing “Navy Blue and Gold” at end of game joined by their guests – win or lose.

Week Nine next!

     Navy (2-5, 2-3) plays at home for the last time this season when Temple (2-5, 0-3) comes calling for Homecoming. Houston (4-3, 2-1) heads home to face South Florida (1-6, 0-3). Collegefootballfan.com hopes to see something more competitive at noon on Saturday when No. 13 Penn State (6-1, 3-1) hosts No. 2 Ohio State (7-0, 4-0).  Hopefully, PSU HC James Franklin preps his team better than he did for the Michigan game.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

Navy cheerleaders remained postitive on a beautiful day despite their team's inability to catch the Cougars.
Navy cheerleaders remained positive on a beautiful day despite their team’s inability to catch the Cougars.

Week Eight of Steveo’s Salvos: Houston at Navy; Saban-soft; Top 25 teams on our 2020 schedule; More to come late on Thursday

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Our Week Eight: Houston (3-3,1-1) at Navy (2-4, 2-2)

     For the eighth and final time as American Athletic foes, Houston and Navy clash at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at noon on Saturday.  The Cougars lead the series, 5-2, but many battles resulted in high-scoring affairs. As in the past, a competitive game will depend on Navy’s ability to move the ball on the ground.  With QBs Keenan Reynolds and Mason Perry leading the Mids effectively in a 46-40 win in 2016 and 56-41 in 2019, the Mids will be looking for the same effectiveness from Tai Lavatai. 

    Navy seemed to be on track again two weeks ago in their trouncing of Tulsa 53-21 thanks to a big game by Frosh FB Daba Fofana with 158 yards and three TDs.  Navy fell to SMU last week as they caught up late in their 40-34 loss.  They ran for 372 versus the Mustangs and scored three times in the final period after trailing 33-14.  On the other side, Pony QB Tanner Mordecai threw for 336 yards and three TDs.

All indicators – too close to call

    Houston, who was supposed to challenge Cincinnati for the AAC crown this year, depends on the passing of QB Clayton Tune.  He comes into this game with a total of 1,567 yards and 12 TDs.   Offensively, the Cougars average 31 ppg.  Their defense yields the same.  Five of their six games have been settled by seven point or less.  They are 1-2 in OT.  Navy averages 23 ppg and allows 24 ppg.

Clayton Tune seen here in AAC championship against Cincinnati last year leads the Cougars in Week eight against Navy.
Clayton Tune seen here in AAC championship against Cincinnati last year leads the Cougars in Week eight against Navy. WR Nathaniel Dell (1) has three TD receptions to his credit this season.

  Any key to a Navy win here rests on their capability to sustain drives and to control the clock.  Their demise is their inability to defend against a strong-passing team.  The key to this particular game will be determined on how quickly Navy can generate ball control and score with their triple option.  If Houston takes a significant lead early, with their passing attack, the game will go in their favor. In either case, this game will be close. With the Brigade in attendance, Navy 38-35.

Saban says his players are “soft”, what did he expect?

 In an online story on “The Comeback” by Stacey Mickles entitled,” Nick Saban calls his team ‘Soft’ after Tennessee loss”, as we’ve harped on all along, we’ll use the phrase, “You are what you eat.” According to the article, fans question two things after the 52-49 loss at Tennessee: “the referees and the play calling by Alabama”.  We’ll look the other way regarding that first issue.  We’ve seen plenty of times including bad calls and no calls that went in Bama’s favor. In the 2017 CFP 26-23 win over Georgia, we still question about five plays. Even the opening Notre Dame drive in the BCS we attended in 2012 began with questionable calls that set that Alabama win their way.

     Let’s start with the play-calling.  Mickles poses Alabama fans’ question,” With seconds left in the game and Alabama with the football, rather than running the ball and taking time off the clock, the Crimson Tide opted to throw three straight times.”  Bama missed a field goal and Tennessee responded with two Herndon Hooker passes that resulted in that great, knuckle ball field goal that launched the Neyland goal post into the Tennessee River. 

Nick Saban right in his "comfort zone" surrounded by players and admirere at bryant -denny before bfacing teh Utah State Aggies in their 55-0 slaughter. The Roman Coliseum of the millenium.
Nick Saban right in his “comfort zone” surrounded by players and cheered by admirers at Bryant-Denny before facing the Utah State Aggies in their 55-0 slaughter. Emperors in the Roman Coliseum must have felt the same way.

Saban hates challenges

     Nick Saban has few instances where he’s had the pressure to win a regular season game in its final minutes.  Scheduling the Utah State game (55-0) we attended and ULM (63-7), while the SEC threw him the Vanderbilt bone (55-3), gives him non-conference wins he typically schedules.  They only boost this successful record.  Unchallenged does not hone his nor his staffs’ game-coaching capabilities.  The games are generally finished, all played at home, by halftime.  The win on the road over Texas, 20-19, his first quality non-con on the road in 11 years, could have been a catastrophe if not for starting Longhorn starting QB Quinn Evers going down early. 

     Mickles also wrote, “Head coach Nick Saban even called out his team for playing soft Saturday.”  Again, that makes sense due to his soft scheduling strategy we highlighted in last week’s Salvos.  With No. 18 pass-happy Mississippi State (5-2) under Mike Leach coming to town in Week Eight, followed by road games at No. 23 LSU (5-2) and at No. 6 Ole Miss (7-0), there’s light at the end of this tunnel.  Things should get back into Saban’s “comfort zone” when his five-star players will play hard when FCS Austin Peay pays them a visit.  Maybe the pollsters will see a lopsided win over the Govs as beneficial to overcome any close calls or Bama losses against any of these three SEC units.

APSU's Fortera Stadium hosted EKU for avictory to vault to No. 16 in Week Five. EKU
Austin Peay’s victory over No. 20 Eastern Kentucky vaulted them to FCS No. 16 in Week Five. The scenery will be quite different when the Governors visit Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 19.

 Top teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Seven to Week Eight

     With a long trip to start our travels on Wednesday, we will update more for the upcoming weekend on Thursday night.  Meeting with tailgate revelers on Friday and an early morning tailgate on Saturday to prep for, we’ll have limited time to update.  For the 12-noon kickoff on week Eight we look forward to meeting with many friends in Annapolis to share “Tales from the Tailgate!”

Our Top 25 teams in 2022 in Week Eight

    Entering Week Eight, here’s where teams on our 2022 schedule now stand: No.  1 Georgia plowed Vanderbilt last week 55-0 and rest on their laurels this week with bye. No. 2 Ohio State host Iowa (3-3) this weekend before they venture to No. 16 Penn State the following Saturday when we’ll be there. Hopefully, James Franklin will have the Lions better prepared for this battle in Happy Valley more than they were prepped for Michigan. The still have to contend with Minnesota (4-2) at home, this Saturday night. The Golden Gophers lost their last two games. This week they face the magical, mystical atmosphere of the PSU “white-out”! No. 5 Clemson comes off a 34-28 victory over Florida State. They’ll host surprising, undefeated No. 14 Syracuse. The Orange (6-0) aren’t being taken too seriously it seems. They have good wins at home over Purdue and NC State (24-9). Only one road gamed played thus far – at lowly UConn. HC Dino Babers seems to have the QB now that he’s needed in JR QB Garrett Schrader (1,434 yards and 12 TD passes). Big challenge here for them. If the Orange can surprise, their date at Wake Forest November 19 may have some implications on the ACC Atlantic Division.

Penn State celebration White-out style!

No. 6 Alabama (6-1) and Nick Saban will be steaming after their lone loss to Tennessee last week. However, they play another potent offense in No. 24 Mississippi State averaging 35.4 ppg. QB Will Rogers impresses with 2,324 passing yards and 23 TDs. In games against SEC teams on the road though, the Bulldogs only scored 16 and 17 respectively against LSU and Kentucky. Will Mike Leach’s team be able to generate more points at Bryant-Denny? Their defense allows 21.4 ppg. Their offense or defense has to perform better to defeat The Tide in Week Eight. Speaking of No 13 Wake Forest, they come off a bye week to play struggling Boston College (2-4).

Rounding out our best of the best

After defeating Mississippi State, No. 19 Kentucky (5-2) has two weeks to get ready to challenge No. 3 Tennessee in Knoxville. Surging No. 20 Texas (5-2), winners of three straight, travels to No. 11 Oklahoma State (5-1) coming off their first loss to TCU, 43-40. This will go down to the wire for a Big Twelve title. The Longhorn defense seems to be improving, but their lone loss was at Texas Tech, their only game in a hostile environment. State lost on the road as well. We’ll look for the Cowboys to win here in a close one.

Others receiving votes battling to move back up:

South Carolina (4-2) entertains Texas A&M (3-3) after both coming off bye weeks. We saw the Gamecocks defeat Kentucky without their starting QB Will Levis that weekend. A&M lost to Bama, 24-20 on the road at the wire. Look for A&M to defeat the home team as USC’s wins are not as impressive as the Aggies wins at this point. James Madison (5-1) lost their first game a week ago to Georgia Southern, 45-38. They host Marshall (3-3). Except for the Thundering Herd’s big upset over Notre Dame, their two other wins came over FCS programs. Look for JMU to win big here.

Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.
RB Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge early for South Carolina’s 7-0 lead in their win over No. 19 Kentucky.

 

Other results of interest in Week Seven

Among other teams on our 2022 slate, seven of nine won, and in a head-to-head game, Troy (5-2) edged Texas State, 17-14. We’ll see the TSU Bobcats host Louisiana on November 26. The Ragin Cajuns defeated aforementioned Marshall, 23-13. The day before this game in San Marcos, we plan to be in Austin to see Baylor (3-3) visit Texas. The Baylor Bears fell to West Virginia last Saturday, 43-40. Another Texas team, UTSA (5-2), won its fourth in a row over FIU, 30-10. Navy archrival, Army (2-4), got in the win column over FCS Colgate (1-54). The Cadets other win came over Villanova.

No. 9 Ole Miss beat Auburn (3-4) , 48-34. How long can Bruce Harsin avoid an in-season firing? He’s got five competitive games ahead to win to salvage his current job. Ball State (4-3) defeated UConn, 25-21. We plan to see them in a Tuesday night clash at home in November when they host 4-3 Ohio U. The Bobcats defeated Western Michigan last week, 33-14. This looks to be a good MAC meeting in the making. Utah State (3-4) edged Colorado State (1-5). 17-13. Purdue (5-2) won its fourth straight defeating Nebraska, 43-37.

Keeping an eye on these games in Week Eight

Let’s stick to these Purdue Boilermakers. They are 3-1 in the Big Ten with four straight Big Ten West foes coming up starting at 3-4 Wisconsin Saturday. Two weeks later, they play surprising No. 18 Illinois (6-1). The Illini play host to Nebraska this weekend and then play No. 4 Michigan in three weeks at The Big House. The Boilers and Illini vie against one another for the Big Ten West title. UTSA and North Texas both sit atop Conference USA at 3-0 and will meet this week for first place. No. 9 UCLA (6-0) travels to No. 10 Oregon (5-1). Fun game, we like UCLA to make its move here in the PAC-12 since they defeated 5-2 Washington and 5-2 Utah the last two games. Oregon , though at home, hasn’t beaten anybody as good yet.

No. 25 Tulane (6-1) hosts 4-3 Memphis. The Green Wave had a good road win earlier at No. 17 Kansas State (5-1). However, Memphis hungers for a win at Tulane where the home team fell to Southern Miss, 27-24. The Tigers fell by one to Houston two weeks go and by two to East Carolina last week. Teams seem to be having difficulty hanging in at No. 25. We think the Tigers will come out on top here. Regarding No. 9 Ole Miss at LSU, we see Lane Kiffin outcoaching Brian Kelly in this one here.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

WKU dance team at the half in Week Five
The Western Kentucky Dance team performed to the music of Michael Jackson at halftime in their homecoming game against Troy.

Game 644:  WKU Hilltoppers roll past MTSU Blue Raiders

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Like the South Carolina Gamecocks in the game we attended the week before, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders took advantage of an early WKU Hilltopper fumble and turned it into points.  Unlike the Gamecocks against Kentucky, the Blue Raiders (3-4, 0-3) could generate very little offense. The Hilltoppers (4-3,2-1) rolled right past them with 21 unanswered points in the second half for a 35-17 ConferenceUSA victory. Three fumbles and an INT turned back the Hilltoppers from scoring more.  The outcome disappointed the MTSU homecoming crowd under the blue-gray, and sometimes rainy, October sky.

TE Joshua Simon hauls in a pass for short gain in the first quarter. Later he would haul in a three-yard TD pass in Q3 for the Hilltoppers. l
TE Joshua Simon hauls in a pass for short gain in the first quarter. Later he would haul in a three-yard TD pass in Q3 for the Hilltoppers.

Battle brewing

     Guest Game Analyst and new resident of Murfreesboro, TN following us from NJ, Ed Mainardi (former Brown Bruin student football manager), hoped the turnover and 14-yard TD run by QB Chase Cunningham were signs of things to come.  We both hoped the quick 7-0 lead indicated that the Blue Raiders showed up to give the favored Hilltoppers a competitive battle.  The two rivals 100 miles apart went back and forth through the first without scoring.  Two fights had to be broken up on consecutive plays as the first ended.  Regarding the rivalry sometimes referred to as “100 miles of hate”, Ed commented, “Well, they seem up to it!”

WKU WR Malachi Corley fights his way into teh end zone with a pass from Austin Reed to tie the score, 7-7.
WKU WR Malachi Corley fights his way into the end zone with a pass from Austin Reed to tie the score, 7-7.

     Four seconds into the second, the Hilltoppers finally unleashed their damage completing a 62-yard scoring drive.   On a three-yard TD pass from QB Austin Reed (32/49, 278 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) to Malachi Corley, they tied the game, 7-7. The rivals exchanged punts on three consecutive drives. One frustrated Blue Raider fan nearby loudly begged, “Throw the ball!” WKU responded on the ensuing drive with a pass.  Blue Raider S Tra Fluellen halted the punting monotony with an interception taking over at the MTSU 13.  They went nowhere, but the Hilltoppers took the next punt to start a scoring drive from their 16.  RB Kye Robichaux (8 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD) who fumbled on the initial drive, ran it in from the 14 to give WKU a 14-7 lead.  

For King and Queen

     With 2:39 left in the half, QB Chase Cunningham (32/51, 228 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; led all Blue  rushers with only 29 yards) went to the air. A 32-yard pass got them to the Hilltopper 17.  However, the Blue Raiders could only come away with a 41-yard FG by Zeke Rankin.  The teams went into intermission and a Middle Tennessee Homecoming presentation of the new King and Queen’s team trailing, 14-10. 

Chase Cunningham carries deep into WKU territory to set up Rankin's FG late in the first half.
MTSU QB Chase Cunningham carries deep into WKU territory to set up Rankin’s FG late in the first half.

WKU gets hopping in second half; MTSU sputters

     Starting from their 27, WKU got down to the one on its opening series. He tossed a 26-yard pass to TE Joey Beljan (Frenchtown, NJ, Delaware Valley HS).  Reed took it over from the one to go up by eleven.   Ed noted that MTSU seemed to be on a roll on their ensuing drive.  However, on fourth and seven, despite a 12-yard pass completion to Yusuf Ali, he fumbled. However, a tripping penalty nullified the play for a turnover on downs. Desperate to score, MTSU’s next series ended on downs again. With an incomplete pass on fourth and five at the WKU 47, the Toppers took over. 

     The Hilltoppers went right to work from there.  Reed connected with Corley (10 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD) with a 47-yard pass to the six. RB Davion Ervin-Pointdexter ran it to the one.  The Blue Raider defense stuffed Reed twice for no gains.  On fourth and goal, Reed hit WR Joshua Simon on a one-yard slant pass for the score. The Hilltoppers extended their lead, 28-10.

WKU RB Kye Robichaux gains yards on first TD drive on the second half.
WKU RB Kye Robichaux gains yards on first TD drive on the second half.

WKU ruins Raider runners

   We noted earlier in the first half that Blue Raider RB Darius Bracy sat alone suited up on folding chair rarely standing.  We watched him on a 53-yard TD jaunt against UTSA two week ago.  In the fourth, we noted other RBs Frank Peasant limping badly along the sideline and Joe Ervin who taken a hard shot on a short yardage play join Bracy somewhat shaken up.   With QB Cunningham leading all rushers, the Hilltoppers, through decimation, held the Blue Raiders to 63 yards on 29 carries.  When it came to rushing, The Blue Raiders seemed to have no legs left to stand on. R-Fr. Terry Wilkins carried four times for -1 yard.

Hilltopper QB Austin Reed points his offense downfield on way to first half score late in the second period.
Hilltopper QB Austin Reed points his offense downfield on way to first half score late in the second period.

    Down 28-10, the Blue Raider defense halted WKU and took over on downs.  MTSU had little choice but to go through the air. The effort turned futile.  Freshman DB Darius Thomas swiped Cunningham’s pass and raced 42 yards to put the Hilltoppers up, 35-10, with 9:44 left to play.  Later in the period, WKU fumbled and MTSU took over at the Hilltopper 38.  Cunningham’s 12-yard TD pass to WR Izaiah Gathings cut the lead, 35-17.  Again, the Blue Raider defense stopped a Topper drive on downs.   Time expired as MTSU had the ball for the last time.  The Hilltoppers defeated the Blue Raiders for the fourth year in a row.

We enjoyed the Blue Raider pregame Homecoming festivities performed by the MTSU Dance Team now ranked as on of our favorites!
We enjoyed the Blue Raider pregame Homecoming festivities performed by the MTSU Dance Team now ranked as one of our favorites!

Coming up!

   The WKU Hilltoppers sit right in the middle of the ConferenceUSA pack with a 2-1 record. They continue into the thick of things with UAB (2-1) coming to Bowling Green next Saturday followed by North Texas (3-0) the following week.  The MTSU Raiders have big hole to climb out of tied for last at 0-3 with Charlotte who they entertain on November 12.  They go on the road to UTEP (1-2) next Saturday.

    Next weekend, Collegefootballfan.com starts our nostalgic eastern swing attending Houston (3-3, 1-1) at Navy (2-4, 2-2) in their final American Athletic clash.  The Cougars move on the Big Twelve in 2023.  From Annapolis, we head back through State College on October 29 where the Happy Valley is not so happy.  The No. 16 Nittany Lions got manhandled and out-coached by No. 4 Michigan, 41-17.  We will see them host No. 2 Ohio State with QB CJ Stroud and company after the Lions meet Minnesota in their traditional “white-out” game next Saturday.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read all our tales when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

We hope the Blue Raider Dance Team will have more to cheer about in upcoming games.
We hope the Blue Raider Dance Team will have more to cheer about in upcoming games.
Not sure why WKU mascot Topper looks so disgruntled. Surely he had a great view of his teams win from along his sideline!
Not sure why WKU mascot Topper looks so disgruntled. Surely he had a great view of his team’s win from along his sideline!

Week Seven of Steveo’s Salvos: Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee; Saban’s test at the other game in Tennessee; PSU-Michigan Showdown; Best of Week Six and of Week Seven

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For Week Seven, we stay “local” for a rivalry, ConferenceUSA match between Western Kentucky (3-3, 1-1) and Middle Tennessee (3-3,0-2) sometimes referred to as “100 miles of hate”. This becomes our second edition of this series since we attended last seasons’ 48-21 Hilltopper Victory.  MTSU HC Rick Stockstill had to go with QB by committee as starting QB Chase Cunningham suffered a season-ending injury in the previous game. 

 Keys to Victory

   For Saturdays’ game, Cunningham returns.  We noted his toughness versus UTSA in that 35-20 loss two weeks ago.  He will be facing a very good WKU defense that allows only 115.5 yards rushing per game and totals 14 turnovers to its credit.  Middle Tennessee averages only 112 yards rushing per game, so pressure will be on Cunningham literally and figuratively to challenge WKU through the air.  He averages 260.6 passing ypg.  He’ll need another performance like the one that upset No. 25 Miami when he threw for 408 yards and three TDs.  Those three went for 71, 69, and 98 yards.  However, his receiver for the first and third, DJ England-Chisolm, hasn’t played since then. 

   Like WKU’s defense, MTSU can cause turnovers.  It’s taken the ball away 12 times, but it “bends” too much allowing 427.3 yards per game.  QB Austin Stein leads the Hilltopper offense averaging 352.8 yards with its passing attack and averages 43.8 ppg.  It comes off a 31-28 loss at UTSA who had beaten MTSU the week before, a game we attended. The home team will be looking to put on a better performance for its Homecoming against its archrival as an incentive.   Figure the Blue Raiders to hang with the Hilltoppers late into the third, but in the end WKU wins in Week Seven by a TD and a FG.  We expect a good battle all game long.

MTSU needs big plays in Week Seven to beat WKU
The Blue Raiders will need some big plays on offense in Week Seven like this 53-yard run by Darius Bracy against UTSA two weeks ago.

The other big game in Tennessee on Week Seven

    Nick Saban brings his No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide to Knoxville to face Josh Heupel’s No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers.  A 13-point underdog at home has to have the Vols charged up.  Bama has gotten by Texas on the road in a close one, and the game last week against so-so A&M went down to the wire.  Whether a recovering Bryce Young or with a developing Jalen Milroe, this is where Saban runs out of “luck”.  Tennessee QB Herndon Hooker plays well, and HC Heupel has this program in a better direction than the Volunteer teams Saban has historically dominated. 

     Look at the two schedules these two SEC foes have played to date.  Bama has padded points and stats against 2-4 Utah State (55-0), 2-4 UL Monroe (63-7), and perennial SEC patsy Vanderbilt (55-3). Ball State who the Vols defeated in their opener could probably have the same 3-0 record against the same slate. All at home.  Whoopee! The Tide struggled against Texas 20-9, Arkansas for three quarters, and home to the final play versus A&M.   Tennessee defeated better competition at Pitt, vs Florida, and at LSU.  If 13-point underdog Tennessee can’t finally roll back The Tide this season, something is way wrong. 

Will Bryce Young be as mobile in Week SEven against Tennessee if he plays as he was against Utah State in Week one?
Will Bryce Young be as mobile in Week Seven against Tennessee, if he plays, as he was against Utah State in Week One?

Another “padder” falls in Week Seven

   Like Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh padded this year’s schedule with three teams to start that didn’t belong on the same field with his five-star recruits.  This silliness has to end. When it came to finally playing other Big Ten competition, but not the best, Maryland gave them a run to fall by seven, not the average of the 48-point margin enjoyed over the three hand-picked opponents. Michigan beat Iowa who has no offense to talk about, 27-14. The Hawkeyes lost 9-6 against Illinois last week. Indiana hung with them until the third with J.J. McCarthy throwing three TD passes.

      Enter Penn State into The Big House in Week Seven.  The Nittany Lions went to Purdue in the opener and out-played a potent offense, 35-31.  They went to Auburn and handed that SEC team it’s worst loss of the season, 41-19.  They slipped and fumbled to a 17-7 win over struggling Northwestern two weeks ago.  However, their defense continued to improve. Don’t compare the defensive stats of Michigan to those of PSU’s.  A “level” playing field hardly existed in any of those games. 

Pride of Nittany Lions comes to face Michigan in Week Seven
A pride of Nittany Lions preyed on Auburn Tiger QB TJ Finley. Michigan and QB JJ McCarthy need to be more prepared than ever before during their 6-0 season so far.

 This Lion defense is unlike the others   

PSU had a week off to adjust and recover from the mistakes made against Northwestern. The Lion defense will bring the pressure, and the secondary coverage far exceeds the talent the Wolverines have faced thus far.  It will be an awakening.  Michigan will not come close to the 32 points it’s averaged against the three Big Ten teams it’s beaten. Penn State will play better ball control this week and its defense allowing 14.8 ppg will be relentless.  Win at the Big House by a touchdown.

Top 25 teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Six to Week Seven

     With now No. 3 Alabama’s close win at home over Texas A&M, Georgia came in at No. 1 and Ohio State vaulted Bama to No. 2 with wins over Auburn (42-14) and Michigan State (49-20) respectively. We saw Kentucky, who we will see against UGA, fall to South Carolina without the services of QB Will Levis.  Hopefully, the top pro prospect will return healthy before that game to challenge the Bulldogs. The Buckeyes visit Penn State October 29 after the Lions visit Michigan and host Minnesota in their annual “White-out”. No. 4 Clemson jumped past U on M by mopping up Boston College, 31-3. We see the Tigers on November 12 at home for our first time there versus Louisville (3-3, 1-2).

Maybe the pollsters finally see what we’ve been pointing out about non-competitive early season scheduling all along. Anticipate some significant poll changes over the rest of this season. The CFP may result in nothing but surprises. As far as we’re concerned, to the benefit of college football.

Kentucky lust wasn't the same with Kaiya Sheron (12) at QB in place of Will Levis. They will need to play much better in Week Seven with Mike Leach's pass-efficient Mississippi State in town. for Week Seven.
Kentucky just wasn’t the same with Kaiya Sheron (12) at QB in place of Will Levis against the USC Gamecocks. They will need to play much better in Week Seven with Mike Leach’s, pass-efficient Mississippi State in town for Week Seven.

In other Top 25 action among teams on our 2022 slate

     Possibly a collegefootballfan.com record this week – nine Top 25 Teams entering Week Seven landed from our schedule. No. 14 Wake Forest (5-1) clubbed Army (1-4) this past week, 45-10.  At No. 14, note the improvement on Wake’s defense under returning DC Brad Lambert who spent a few years at Purdue.  Last season, The Deacs had to rely on late scores to defeat the triple-option Cadets, 70-55. Army unloads against FCS Colgate (1-4) in Week Seven.

No. 23 Texas (4-2,2-1) humbled Oklahoma (3-3, 0-3) in their annual Red River Shoot-out, 49-0.   OU first-year HC Max Venable lost too many players after Lincoln Riley absconded with key talent to No. 7 USC.  In a surprise to many, FBS new comer James Madison (5-0, 3-0) of the Sun Belt joined at No. 25 with a 42-20 win over Arkansas State.  We will see the Dukes visit Louisville (3-3, 1-2) on November 5.  JMU plays at Georgia Southern (3-3) and Marshall (3-2) before we attend that tussle at Cardinal Stadium.

Demon Deacons QB Sam Hartman's stock seems to be going up each week. WFU has a bye in WEEK seven before hosting BC who we saw them defeat soundly last season.
Demon Deacons QB Sam Hartman’s stock seems to be going up each week. WFU has a bye in Week Seven before hosting BC. We saw them defeat the Eagles soundly last season on the road, 41-10.

Our other 2022 teams in action

     Houston (3-3, 1-1) defeated Memphis 33-32 in American Athletic play last week.  The Cougars were supposed to challenge No. 21 Cincinnati (5-1) this year, but they have some catching up to do.  We’ll see them a week from Saturday at Navy who seems to have found a running game in their 53-21 victory over Tulsa last week. Frosh Daba Fotana lit up for 159 yards and three TDs.  The Mids totaled 455 yards on the ground.  If they can continue this, that will key future victories by keeping opponents’ potent, passing offenses on the sidelines. SMU this Friday will be a good test for the Mids to do this.

Texas State pulled off a stunning upset last week over Appalachian State, 36-24.  The Bobcats (3-3,1-1) seem to be headed in the opposite direction of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns who we will see them entertain on Thanksgiving weekend. Louisiana is 2-3, 0-3 having dropped three straight games. South Alabama beat them at Cajun Field last, 20-17. (Update: Louisana defeated Marshall Wednesday night, 23-13).

     Purdue (4-2,2-1) knocked off Maryland, 31-29.  With two Big Ten East opponents already met, the road ahead against five Western teams starts with Nebraska coming to West Lafayette.   Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-2) fell to No. 9 Ole Miss in SEC play as expected, 52-28. They have a date with No. 1 Georgia Saturday.  Anybody’s guess? For the final score, that is.   Utah State (2-4) surprised Air Force (4-2, 1-2) in Mountain West play, 34-27.  Troy remained hot in Conference USA with a 27-10 Southern Miss.  They’ll host Texas State Saturday. Remember they fell to Appy State on a “Hail Mary” pass in Week Three who TSU just beat. Big Sun Belt game for both here.

Aidan O'Connell got good protection most of the game against Penn State
Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell has his team at 4-2 heading into five straight weeks of Big Ten West competition starting with Nebraska on Saturday. The Boilermakers two losses are to undefeated Penn State and to undefeated Syracuse.

 Other results of interest in Week Six

  Notre Dame bested BYU in Vegas, 28-20. Irish now 3-2 and hosting Stanford in Week Seven.  Mississippi State hammered Arkansas, 40-17. Better than Bama did. After Kentucky this weekend, Mike Leach’s team visits Nick Saban’s Tide in Tuscaloosa.  UConn won a third game under HC Mike Mora beating Florida international 33-12. Maybe Ball State (3-3, 2-1) this weekend? NOT! But UMass and Army lurk ahead for the Huskies. Illinois under Bert Bielema showing new life at 5-1,2-1 now at No. 24 defeating inoffensive Iowa, 9-6.  Our friend Dave Hickman roots on his Illini hoping to possibly catch them in Nashville on New Year’s Eve in The Music City Bowl.

     In the FCS, we keep an eye on “local” teams we can see possibly in a playoff game.  Jacksonville State of the ASUN knocked off Kennesaw State, 35-28, to go 5-1,1-0. They have to contend with Austin Peay in a few weeks, but these Gamecocks seem awfully strong in the Conference before heading to the FBS next year. In the Ohio Valley, UT Martin stands 4-2 ,2-0 beating Murray State badly last week, 45-16.  SE Missouri State at 5-1, 2-0 also, but it looks like these two don’t play one another this year.  UT Chattanooga (4-1, 2-0) whipped ETSU (3-3, 1-3) in SoConn play. Wins over Mercer and Samford will be needed. Love going to games at UTC.

Games to watch in Week Seven

    Of course, aforementioned Alabama at Tennessee and PSU at Michigan fall on our radar like everyone else’s.  Here are others: No. 19 Kansas at Oklahoma.  The Big Twelve upside-down.  Coach of the Year Lance Leipold goes for win No. 6 already. Minnesota (4-1, 1-1) at No. 24 Illinois.  How real are these Illini?  No.15 NC State (5-1, 1-1) at No, 18 Syracuse (5-0, 2-0).  The Wolfpack already fell to Clemson.  Cuse heads down on October 22. How sweet are the Orange, really? No. 8 Oklahoma State at No. 13 TCU playing for Big Twelve marbles.  No. 7 USC at No. 20 Utah.  Can Riley get the Pac-12 back into the CFP this year?  

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you enjoy reading our Salvos and Game reviews every week, we know you’ll enjoy reading about our adventure to see every FBS team in action over 30 years. Please link on the title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

South Carolina was happy to be leaving Kentucky with a win and 4-2 record. They go back to Columbia for a bye. Then Texas A&M comes to town to see if they can continue their winning ways.
South Carolina was happy to be leaving Kentucky with a win and 4-2 record. They go back to Columbia for a bye in Week Seven. Then Texas A&M comes to town to see if they can continue their winning ways.

Game 643:  Without QB Will Levis, No. 13 Kentucky Wildcats fall to South Carolina Gamecocks

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Lexington, KY – With Frosh QB Kaiya Sheron at QB for Kentucky, the first play from scrimmage indicated that a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks required a special effort by the Wildcats (4-2, 1-2).  They  struggled in a 24-14 loss.  On first down from the 25, Sheron and RB Chris Rodriguez mishandled the exchange between them.  South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway picked the ball up and returned it to the Kentucky two.  Thirteen seconds into the game, Marshon Lloyd (22 carries for 110 yards, one TD) blasted over for the Gamecocks 7-0 lead.

Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.
RB Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.

       A blocked punt by South Carolina, their fifth this year for HC Shane Beamer (son of Frank), put the Cocks at the U of K 22.  However, former Heisman candidate (and we do mean former) QB Spencer Rattler got sacked and fumbled the ball back.  The Wildcat’s subsequent FG attempted hit the left upright to give USC the ball back. Neither squad scored again until late in the second period.

Despite mostly 61,612 blue-clad Wildcat fans at Kroger Stadium, South Carolina mascot Cocky and his teammates were not intimidated.
Despite mostly 61,612 blue-clad Wildcat fans at Kroger Stadium, South Carolina mascot Cocky (the real one on the perch) and his teammates were not intimidated.

 Life without Levis

     Kentucky stopped the South Carolina drive entering Q2 on a fourth and two on their 40.  The Wildcats capitalized when Sheron (15-27, 178 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) connected with Jordan Dingle on a 15-yard touchdown pass over the middle to knot the score, 7-7.  After a punt, the Gamecocks held the Wildcats deep in their territory.  They started from three and punted from their 19.  An INT by Wildcat DB Trevin Wallace stopped a South Carolina drive at the 13 with 35 seconds to go in the second quarter.

     The game we initially anticipated before this season began did not live up to our expectations.  The matchup we envisioned did not see Levis in a boot on the sidelines nor Rattler not living up to the reputation developed before being benched last year at Oklahoma.  However, the battle at Kroger Stadium this evening featured hard-hitting.  The defenses took advantage of what they could from each other’s offenses.  The offensive play especially frustrated Kentucky fans.  Reports earlier in the week stated Levis suffered a finger injury, but later reports showed him in a walking cast.   HC Bob Stoops eventually admitted his status was day-to-day.  We plan to be back for Georgia on November 19.  Hopefully, Levis returns to action before that.

LB Jordan Wright stops Gamecock WR Jalen Brooks on one of his three receptions.
Kentucky LB Jordan Wright flies in to tackle Gamecock WR Jalen Brooks on one of his three receptions.

South Caronia Gamecocks strut their stuff

     Not as quick as in the first half, but South Carolina scored first again in the second half.  RB Antwane Wells, Jr. sprinted 42 yards to the end zone to spring the Carolina lead, 14-7, at 2:18 into the third.  The Wildcats went nowhere once again as sacks by Hemingway and Gilber Edmond set UK back for 20 yards combined. This night, South Carolina sacked Sheron six times.  The Gamecocks started next from their 16 where Rattler (14-19, 172 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) seemed to become more comfortable.  He mixed plays up passing and running with Lloyd before connecting with Jaylen Brooks along the ring sideline for 30 yards to the Wildcat 21. Strong-legged, Gamecock PK Mitch Jeter, who booted every kickoff through the end zone, put up a three from 32 to extend the South Carolina lead, 17-7.  

    In the final period, the Gamecocks broke the scoring ice once again when Jalen Brooks took his one handoff of the day and jaunted 24 yards for Carolina’s 24-7 lead with 6:53 left.  By this time, many frustrated Kentucky fans already stepped out of Kroger Stadium, but most of those still in attendance stated to follow suit now.  Gamecock fans started to celebrate!  The Wildcats on the field did not let down, however.  Not knowing how long they’ll be playing without Will Levis, they put together a 75-yard drive.  Fifteen plays later with 2:49 left, Sheron tossed a 10-yard scoring pass to JuhTahn McClain to get within 24-14.  South Carolina and fielded the onsides attempt.  A three-and-out ensued. Carolina punted. Sheron threw an interception, and the surprising victory was South Carolina’s, 24-14.

Jalen Brooks run puts South Carolina up, 24-7.
Jalen Brooks 24-yard run puts South Carolina up, 24-7.

With the win, the South Carolina Gamecock’s record with us sits at 10-4. Among teams we’ve seen play more than six times, they total a record of 10-4. That ties them with Alabama in ninth place with 10 wins, but sixth overall in winning percentage at 0.714 behind Wake Forest, Alabama, Penn State, Miami, and Tennessee. Kentucky stands at 2-3. We’ve seen the Gamecocks defeat the Wildcats in two of three games.

South Carolina plays their fight song, "Step to rear," as Kentucky fans exit Kroger Stadium in Q4.
South Carolina plays their fight song, “Step to rear,” as Kentucky fans exit Kroger Stadium in Q4.

Week Seven coming up

    Both SEC East teams have identical records now at 4-2, 1-2.  South Carolina has a bye next weekend, before Texas A&M, 24-20 loser to Alabama, come to Columbia.  Now No. 22 Kentucky awaits the recovery of Levis and the visitor to Kroger next weekend when No. 16 Mississippi State comes to town.  Collegefootballfan.com stays local to see Western Kentucky (3-3,1-1) visit Middle Tennessee (3-3, 0-2) in a Conference USA clash in Murfreesboro.  WKU fell in a close 31-28 loss to UTSA on Saturday.  The Blue Raiders got burned by the UAB Blazers, 41-14.   The home team has got to be itching for a win C-USA win here. This year’s game should be better than what we saw last year when the Hilltoppers won big, 48-21.

South Carolina and Kentucky in the Annals of our History

Note of thanks

    To our daughter Alex, Gamecock Alum, and our son Eric, now Chief Petty Officer, USN, thanks for these tickets as a great Father’s Day gift.  When St. Laurie and I boarded a shuttle bus from the downtown Lextran Center, with my Gamecock sweatshirt and ballcap on, I got booed!  Prepared for entering Wildcat territory, I announced that our daughter and our money went to South Carolina!  I would be back though to root for the Wildcats when they play Georgia. The message was greatly appreciated! 

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read all our tales when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

Kentucky dance team without masks.
When we attended this same matchup here in 2020, it was only one of three games we attended. The good news appears to be that Kentucky’s dance team above and South Carolina’s cheerleaders below no longer have to wear masks. Freedom!
South Carolina Gamecock cheerleaders had much to smile about Saturday night!!
South Carolina Gamecock cheerleaders had much to smile about Saturday night!

Week Six of Steveo’s Salvos: Rutgers HC Greg “What comes around, goes around”; Guru Finebaum – Not!; SMU Quitters; Our game: South Carolina at No. 13 Kentucky; Week Five and six; Lesson learned, Scotty?;  Upside down Big Twelve; Saban’s surprises ahead

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Heading into our Week Six, SEC East skirmish

   Week Six, this will be a somewhat abbreviated Salvo as we are in the midst of a transfer to a new location in Tennessee.   Our Saturday priorities don’t change, of course.  We venture to Lexington, Kentucky to watch South Carolina (3-2, 0-2) take on No. 13 Kentucky.  The Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) dropped their first game of the season to Ole Miss last weekend, 22-19.  South Carolina did typical FBS damage to an HBCU FCS squad South Carolina State, 50-10.   Look for QB Will Levis and RB Chris Rodriguez keep the Cats moving on offense.  In the two SEC losses by the Gamecocks, Georgia and Arkansas scored 48 and 44 points respectively.  Don’t expect the Wildcats to be any different especially after falling to Ole Miss. In their conference win, they conquered the Florida Gators.

Week six 2022: South Carolina at Kentucky
We’ll see SC Gamecocks clash with UK Wildcats at Kroger Field for the second time in three years.

Greg Schiano:  What goes around, comes around

     We laughed watching Rutgers HC Greg Schiano pointing his finger and yelling at No. 3 Ohio State HC Ryan Day.  The reaction came after Schiano’s team was penalized for a late hit out of bounds.  RU WR Aron Cruikshank laid an illegal hit on OSU punter Jesse Mirco who ran 22 yards for a first down.  OSU led, 49-10, with 9:24 remaining in the game.  Schiano – what a hypocrite!

     In 2007, he had his team call timeouts on a final touchdown drive to go up 52-0 over FCS Norfolk State – before the first half ended! RU won, 59-0. What a sport!  The week before, we saw him try something similar at home against Navy. He took a 41-17 lead with one-minute left to play in a game where RU fans booed the Navy team running on to the field with American flags at the height of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. With under a minute to play, Navy scored a TD to look more respectable in defeat, 41-24. 

     Of course, in the pros, rookie HC Schiano coached Tampa Bay against the Giants coached by Tom Coughlan.  In the victory formation with the final score no doubt a loss for the Buccaneers, Giant QB Eli Manning took a knee as the Tampa D-line submarined the Giants’ o-line risking serious injuries. The old-school, pro, Coughlin, blew up!    Schiano defended his actions stating, “We play to the end.”  What goes around comes around. He will continue to eat those words.  He thinks 49-0 against OSU embarrassed him this year?  Wait until next year even though the Ohio State game will be in Piscataway!

 “Mr. Obvious” Finebaum proves no college football guru

   He’s so bald and blind, we know where his head’s been all season! Suddenly, approaching Week Six, a “Spun” headline announces, “Paul Finebaum Is Expecting Prominent Head Coach to Leave”.  The Kansas Jayhawks have not enjoyed a winning season since 2008 (8-5).  Now 5-0 and ranked No. 19, Finebaum recognizes KU HC Lance Leipold now as “prominent”.  If Finebaum wasn’t so focused on one program and its HC, he’d recognize Leipold as a prominent HC before he even got to Kansas.  In Week Six Leipold meets his toughest challenge of 2022 when No. 17 TCU Horned Frogs (4-0,1-0) come to Lawrence.  

   Previously, Leipold turned under-the-radar Buffalo into a winning program in five years winning the MAC, winning two bowl games, and developing a few good pro players such as DT Khalil Mack.  Before Buffalo, Leipold coached D-3 Wisconsin-Whitewater to a 109-6 record winning six Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls in eight years. He can flat-out coach!  In every aspect – recruiting, player development, and game planning.  

      Leipold took over the Jayhawks in 2021 after spring practice.  With no time to do much recruiting or developing his inherited talent before summer practice, his team improved during 2021.  After a record of 12-60 record since 2015 at KU, he wound up 2-10 including a 57-56 upset over Texas, and two close losses to TCU and WVU to end last season. Until now, Finebaum never recognized any HC except for Nick Saban and a few SEC coaches.  If you want to hear about our pre-season selection for Coach of the Year, check out our podcast with Stephen Hiegel of Just CollegeFootball.com. We, like Mr. Finebaum, are folically-challenged, but we’re not as blind.  No brag, just fact.

Week Six, Lanc Leipilds Kansas Jayhawks are ranked at No. 19 at 5-0
We predicted that six wins for Kansas this season that Lance Leipold would be Coach of the Year. He’s already 5-0 and got his team ranked at No. 19. Could be better with a win over No. 21 TCU Saturday. He’s already C of Y!

SMU Quitters, nothing more or less

    This week, the Dallas Morning News reporter Joseph Hoyt wrote an article that several SMU players decided to sit out the rest of the 2022 season. Their reason centers on using the transfer portal to go elsewhere to leave after this season. Starters SR S Chace Cromartie, soph WR Roderick Daniels, JR., and Soph S Isaiah Nwokobia leave behind their teammates with a 2-2 record.  Selfish, for sure.  If a player plays more than four games in a season, he cannot red-shirt.  Great timing! They avoid losing a season of eligibility when transferring elsewhere.

    Tonight, as we publish, the Mustangs lost to 3-1 UCF, 41-19.  Players like these look for the easy way.  A better opportunity?  They just started conference play.  Challenges lie ahead to win. Perhaps, no one will want them.  Think about the cliché about choosing “somebody you’d want in your foxhole”.  Would anyone want these Quitters in that situation?  Hopefully, SMU rescinds their scholarships immediately to let them fend for financing their educations further themselves. Give them to players who will show up to play and win for SMU instead.

Following idol’s footsteps? Vice versa?

  We admire the passion and energy the Austin Peay HC Scotty Walden leads his Governor footfall team with. He’s building up a program that has struggled more often than not.   On the other hand, we see him emulating what Nick Saban does for Alabama.  We figure there’s some connection here as FCS APSU went for the big payout offered by Bama to entice the Governors to make a lot of money while getting pounded for memory’s sake when they visit Bryan-Denny Stadium on November 19. 

  Walden’s schedule emulates Saban’s to a great extent.  Beat up on feeble programs like Presbyterian, Mississippi Valley State, and Alabama A&M who tally a combined record of 2-13 thus far in 2022.  APU gets three dominant, non-conference wins.  Combined score – 132-3. Then, they defeat a tough conference foe Eastern Kentucky at home, 31-20.  Looking good at 4-1, Austin Peay jumps to No. 19 in the FCS polls.  With confidence heading out to 1-3, Central Arkansas, however, APSU gets shockingly exposed, 49-20.  

   Bama uses basically the same scheduling tactics, though they defeated Texas, 20-19, when Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers went down to injury. The Crimson Tide (5-0) went on the road versus Arkansas after hosting several pay-for play teams and SEC doormat Vandy. They got off to a quick start Saturday. Bama QB Bryce Young left with an injury early Jalen Milroe filled in adequately.  However, the Razorback climbed back in by the end of three to get within, 28-23. Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs tore off two long TDs in Q4 to put Arkansas away though, 49-26.   This could be Bama’s similarity to APSU‘s win over EKU.  Could A&M in Week Six be Bama’s Central Arkansas?  Probably not since the game is home.  The real question is if Saban can cover the 24-point spread?  He might be under pressure this week to do so.

Week Six: Alabama Cheers for A&M to come to Bryant-Denny this weekend!
Alabama cheerleaders will always look forward to the slaughters at Bryant-Denny. Austin Peay on November 19 will be one, at least.

The Big 12 turned upside down in Week Six

   Not sure when this, if ever, last happened. Even in the Big Eight.  Kansas and Kansas State are both on top at 2-0 entering Week Six. Oklahoma rests on the bottom at 0-2. Kansas State already defeated Oklahoma, 41-34.  The Jayhawks visit the Sooners in Norman on October 15. Kansas secured wins already over WVU and Iowa State last week, 14-11.

Saban surprises ahead?

   Before the season started, Week Six seemed to be Bama’s biggest challenge with Texas A&M coming in with a talented group of freshmen that raised the ire of Nick Saban.  With so much focus on this one, he may be more concerned in the weeks beyond.  A couple of SEC surprises loom which he may not have envisioned as bonafide threats before this season started. Things could change beforehand, of course.

   One week after facing their prime nemesis of 2022, the Tide travels to play No. 8 Tennessee (4-0,1-0). The following week, surprising Mississippi State (4-1, 1-0) under Mike Leach goes to Tuscaloosa ranked currently at No. 23.  After a bye week, two SEC West road games put Bama at No.  25 LSU (4-1, 2-0) and at No. 9 Ole Miss (5-0,1-0).  Then following the Bama scrimmage against FCS Austin Peay, the big upset looms when archrival Auburn (3-2, 1-1). If the SEC is a tough as it claims to be, there’s a Bama loss or two in there somewhere.  If not, when you hear any “SEC, SEC” chants, it stands for Saban’s Eastern Conference!

Other teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Five to Week Six

     Georgia (5-0, 2-0) unimpressed pollsters with a 26-22 win over Missouri dropping them to No.  2 behind Alabama again. They host Auburn (3-2, 1-1) in the most played rivalry in the South.  The Tigers fell to LSU last week, 21-17. No. 3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0) faces disappointing Michigan State (2-3, 0-2).  No. 5 Clemson downed No. 15 NC State, 30-20, and heads north this week to face Boston College. Wake Forest moved back to No. 15 with a 31-21 win over 4-1 Florida State. In Week Six, they host struggling 1-3 Army who fellto Georgia State, 31-14.  Navy stands with the same record as the Cadets at 1-3, 1-0 after dropping the first round of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to Air Force, 13-10.  The Mids try to get their running game operating again this week when Tulsa (2-3, 0-1) visits Annapolis.

     No. 10 Penn State (5-0, 2-0) struggled with fumbles in the rain at Happy Valley to get by Northwestern, 17-7. They head into a bye week before going to Ann Arbor the week after to battle No. 4 Michigan.  Aforementioned Boston College defeated Louisville (2-3,0-3) last week, 34-33. LU meets UVA (2-3, 0-2) next.  On November 5, we’ll see the Cardinals host undefeated James Madison (4-0, 2-0) who is starting to garner some votes.  The Dukes thrashed Texas State (2-3, 0-1) last week in a Sun Belt contest.

Louisiana (2-3,0-2) is not looking good after the departure of HC Billy Napier to Florida.  They fell to South Alabama in Week Five, 21-17. The Ragin Cajuns will tangle with the TSU Bobcats in late November.  Texas (3-2, 1-1) and Oklahoma (3-2, 0-2) meet the Saturday in their Red River Shoot-out. We plan to see the Longhorns host Baylor (3-2, 1-1) also in late November. Doesn’t look like the key game in the Big 12 we hoped it would be.  The Bears lost a key game in Big 12 play to Oklahoma State, 36-25.

Our other 2022 teams in action Week Six

    The No. Purdue (3-2, 1-1) got past Minnesota (4-1, 1-1) in Big Ten West play. BYU (4-1) pasted struggling Utah State, 38-26. BYU heads to Vegas Saturday to play the Fighting Irish in as struggle between Independents for probably the last time as BYU moves into the Big 12 next season.   Houston (2-3,0-1) fell to Tulane (4-1, 1-0), 27-24. The Cougars, not the Green Wave, are supposed to challenge No. 19 Cincinnati this year for the AAC title this season.

Other games of interest to us  

Here’s a surprise: UConn (2-3) defeated Fresno State. In the Ivies, Penn beat Dartmouth 23-17.  Monmouth clobbered Lehigh, 35-7, in a big win for the first-time member of the Patriot league. Cornell beat Colgate in their upset New York rivalry, 34-21. Among FCS teams we could see come playoff time: Jacksonville State 35 Kennesaw 28; Tennessee-Martin 45 Tennessee Tech 28: UT Chattanooga 24, ETSU  16.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

WKU dance team at the half in Week Five
The Western Kentucky Dance Team performed to the music of Michael Jackson at halftime last Saturday!

Game 642: “Prodigal son” returns with Troy Trojans to level WKU Hilltoppers

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – This game between the Trojans and Hilltoppers started out “smash-mouth” more than any game attended in quite a while.  In the end, the 34-27 win by the Trojans turned out to be a story book memory.  However, unlike the Bible lesson about forgiveness in the Book of Luke, this story about a “prodigal” son was clearly about REVENGE!  It made for a tense, hard-hitting, abusive, exciting football game.  

WKU pre-game tailgate for Parent and family weekend for Trojan game
Outside Houchens-LT Smith Stadium at WKU, tailgaters celebrated Parents and Family weekend. In the Bible, the father of the prodigal son celebrated his return with a “fatted calf”. There was no such welcome here for the return of WKU’s ex-QB Jarrett Doege!

QB Jarret Doege left WKU on short notice

      For those unaware of the situation, before this season started, QB Jarret Doege left West Virginia through the transfer portal to become a graduate transfer at WKU.  About ten days before this season started, he left WKU to take to the portal again to join the Trojans of Troy. It evidently and rightfully left a bad taste among Toppers in Bowling Green.  Selfishly, no matter how one looks at it, Doege took advantage of his teammates. He possibly put their season at risk. He abused the uncontrolled portal system at the last days of summer practices before their first game.

     We saw this as an incentive to attend this game even though we planned to see it any way.  To our disappointment and to that of the Hilltopper team, Doege did not become the starter at Troy since he left WKU.  However, with an injury to Trojan starting QB Gunnar Watson late in the third, jersey No. 9 with “Doege”, much to the “delight “of the Hilltopper team, stepped in to take his place. More than we anticipated, the ears of the Toppers pinned-back to take it out more physically on their prodigal brother.  With the score tied at 20-20 at the time, how would the incentives on both teams affect the outcome of this game?  How would the Trojans react on their side of the stadium?

Toppers and Trojans played Smash-mouth football
Even before Doege entered the game, the Toppers and Trojans were already embroiled in a game of “smash-mouth” football.

To quote good ol’ Lindsey Nelson, “With the score tied, we move on to further action…”

     To start, late in the third with less than two minutes remaining, Watson took a hard shove along the WKU sideline. He laid face down in a twisted mess before being escorted off the field.  From this view point, the one-handed shove was intentional, but didn’t look that hard.  On third and nine at the WKU 33, enter Doege.  The already tense atmosphere on the field seemed to pick up right away.  Doege’s first pass went incomplete. 

Trojan HC Jon Sumrall decided to go for the first.  Doege obliged with an 18-yard completion for a first down. Two plays later under pressure, Doege lofted a long pass far beyond his receiver in the end zone.  The refs flagged him for intentional grounding, but they also flagged WKU for roughing the passer. Replaying the down, his next pass went for a three-yard loss. However, third pass proved the charm as he connected WR Jabre Barber for a 16-yard TD pass.  While doing so, he absorbed another roughing the passer penalty, to the chagrin of Topper fans.  We could agree from their perspective. Questionable call.

Doege completes his first pass for a Trojan first down, f
QB Jarret Doege (9) completes his first pass for a first down to WR Tez Johnson (15). After this throw, he was rarely seen standing as shown here!

 Mixed, but understood, emotions

   As the Trojans lined up to kickoff from the 50, Doege was jostled, back-slapped, and supported by many teammates along the sideline. They anticipated the greeting he was getting from his former, angry, revenge-driven “ex-teammates”.  On the ensuing drive, the Hilltoppers converted a fourth and one at their 49 for a first down.  With a fourth and two at the Trojan 39, Troy stopped them and took over on downs.  Doege and his offense returned. With 7:14 left to play, his ten-yard TD pass to Tez Johnson (six receptions for 105 yards, one TD, and threw for another on an option play to Watson) not only widened the lead, 34-20, but Doege incurred another roughing the passer call to kick again from the 50.

Tez Johnosn Scores for Trojans to go up, 34-20.
Tez Johnson falls out of bounds after catching fade pass from Doege to put Trojans up, 34-20.

A play for the records

   The ensuing Hilltopper drive becomes an asterisk in this tale.  Had WKU won, this play would be legendary.  On fourth and eleven from their 24 with time running out, Austin Reed’s pass intended for his receiver glanced off his hands. Suddenly, it was caught behind the line of scrimmage by RT Gunner Britton. The big lineman grabbed it, and unflinchingly ran 12 yards until tackled for a first down to keep the drive alive.  He certainly looked like he knew what he was doing. A Hilltopper fan turned and shouted as we both laughed, “I’ve never seen that before!”  I didn’t have time to explain, but in 642 games, neither had I!

No quit from the Hilltoppers

     Two plays later, Reed connected with his longest pass of the day to WR Michael Mathison to put the Toppers at the six.  On third and goal, he fired a pass to Daewood Davis (12 receptions, 122 yards, one TD) at the back of the end zone for six points.  The PAT was good. The Toppers trailed the hated Trojans and their prodigal “brother”, 34-27, with 4:20 left to play.  Doege and company started from the 25 with two time-outs in their pocket to the Toppers’ three.  Over the next five plays, the Toppers ate two while the Trojans used one before punting away on fourth and two from their 44.  The home team started from their ten with 1:56 left on the clock to tie or win. 

     A 26-yard pass to Malachi Corley put the Hilltoppers on the 50.  Two short completions and a 12-yard run by Reed (39 for 56, 406 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) got the Toppers to the 32 with a second and eight.  Next play, he dropped back under pressure, looked down field, and as he drew his arm back to throw, a hand came out from LB Richard Jibunor in on the sack to knock the ball loose.  The Trojans recovered and ran out the clock with 1:01 remaining for the win.

Malachi Corley gets Toppers to the 50 on final attempted comeback by WKU
WR Malachi Corley takes a pass from Austin Reed to the 50 in a last minute WKU comeback attempt to tie or win.

It’s about time!

     We never agreed with Doege’s short exit to Troy through the transfer portal.  We had hoped the result of this game would have been different because of it. However, the drama witnessed added a lot of emotion to a very hard-fought game brought on by Doege’s selfish move. Thankfully, the NCAA announced it’s incurring time limits as to when players can exit a program in the future.  It’s unfair to teams and coaching staffs for players to leave on such short -term notice.  It’s also shameful if another program entices a player to do that. 

Trojans RB DK Billingsley (2*) rushed 22 times for 122 yards and a TD on the day.
Though a lot of focus was on the passing game here, Trojan RB DK Billingsley (28) rushed 22 times for 122 yards and a TD on the day.

Coming up in Week Six

     Troy (3-2,0-1) returns home to host Sun Belt newcomer Southern Mississippi in a conference game.  WKU (3-2,1-0) travels back to conference play in Conference USA against UTSA (3-2,1-0). We just saw UTSA at Middle Tennessee the night before. In Week Seven, we look forward to seeing WKU at MTSU in a Saturday afternoon, rivalry game.  Should be good!  Collegefootballfan.com goes SEC this weekend with South Carolina (3-2,0-1) at No. 13 Kentucky (4-1, 1-1) in Lexington.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read our tales from when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of  the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

Thank Heaven for half time and the Hilltopper Dance Team
Thank Heaven for half time performances and the Hilltopper Dance Team!