Game 580: Disciplined Memphis races and paces past Iowa State to win 2023 AutoZone Liberty Bowl

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Memphis, TN – The Memphis Tigers (10-3) raced off to a 19-point lead in the first period to vanquish the Iowa State Cyclones (7-6) in the 64th AutoZone Liberty Bowl, 36-26.  Most impressively in front of an announced crowd of 48,789, the Tigers achieved a rarity. Coach Ryan Silverfield’s charges played the game without a penalty.  After watching so many nauseating, flag-filled bowl games on television this season, this was a pleasure and an unbelievable accomplishment in this day and age.

Memphis WR Demeer Blankumsee opens up the early scoring enroute on this 70-yard scoring play against Iowa State.
Memphis WR Demeer Blankumsee opens up the early scoring enroute on this 70-yard scoring play against Iowa State.

The Tigers roared out to a commanding lead. With 3:24 left in the first, they led 19-0.  On their first three possessions, QB Seth Henigan connected with WR Demeer Blankumsee in mid-stride on a 70-yard streak down the middle, capped a nine-play scoring drive with an 11-yard TD run, and tossed a 51-yard TD to WR Joseph Scates, an Iowa State transfer, to break ahead quickly.  Tanner Gillis missed the first extra point, and a two-point conversion after the third score failed. 

Memphis QB Seth Henigan battles his way for an 11-yard touchdown.
Memphis QB Seth Henigan battles his way for an 11-yard touchdown.

“Great seat, hey buddy!”

My seat selection in section 109, row 38 really paid off in the first half.  With the change in quarter two, Iowa State mounted a comeback scoring three times.  All scores thus far appeared directly in front of me.  ISU Cyclone QB Rocco Becht hit WR Jayden Higgins close to the left pylon on a 29-yard TD reception.  The next two scores came on Chase Contreraz field goals of 22 and 39 yards, the second with :35 left in the period. Not to be outdone, from the 25, Memphis went into a victory formation to seemingly run out the clock.  Instead, RB Blake Watson (107 yards on 15 carries) took a pitch and swept around left end for a 21-yard pick-up.  Henigan connected with Roc Taylor (102 yards, eight catches) for 17 yards and Blankumsee once again for seven.  Gillis nailed a 49-yard FG as time expired to end the half for a 22-13 Memphis lead.

Cyclone WR Jayden Higgins finally puts some points on the board for ISU early in the second period.
Cyclone WR Jayden Higgins finally puts some points on the board for ISU early in the second period.

“Give me Liberty (Bowl)!”

Both marching bands appeared for halftime festivities.  Following them, the Barkays, the Memphis-based Rhythm and Blues group known for their 1967 hit, “Soul Finger’’ performed. It was a fun halftime celebration. The Liberty Bowl puts on a good show.  Last season, the game was one of the best of the 2022 season.  My friend Rick Selak and I attended the 53-52 Arkansas double OT win over up-and-coming Kansas. Today, parking worked out great!  I found a convenient space available in a commercial industrial lot right across the street from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

 Seeing opt-outs and transfer portals impact many bowl games from a negative perspective this season, this game did not disappoint.  I may focus only on attending CFP games in the future, but I would consider still going to this game based on recent experiences.

The BARKAYs accompanied by other musical groups perform some of their hits from years past including "Soul Finger."
The BARKAYs accompanied by other musical groups perform some of their hits from years past including “Soul Finger.”

Memphis Tigers back on the prowl

To start the third, Memphis halted Iowa State for a three and out and started from the 35.  Watson exploded for a 55-yard run to ISU’s five. There Hennigan tossed a five-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Landphere. The Tigers forced another Cyclone punt, and started at the 50.  Wasting no time, a short pass to RB Sutton Smith resulted with him going down the left side for a 48-yard touchdown to lead 36-13. The Cyclones fought back after Becht got sacked by DT Willian Whitlow on his ten-yard line.  On third and 26, a 35-yard pass to Carson Hansen gave the Cyclone’s a first down.  It led to a 15-yard scoring pass to TE Easton Dean.  At the end of three, ISU showed some life training 36-20.

Sutton Smith (5) takes this one to the house to extend the Memphis lead in the third period.
Sutton Smith (5) takes this one to the house to extend the Memphis lead in the third period.

Memphis drove into the fourth. However, they came up empty here with a missed FG from 31 that probably would have sealed the victory at that point.  In response, ISU started a touchdown drive from their 20.  On a key play, Becht (22 of 38 for 466 yards and three TDs) hooked up with Ben Ngoyi for 46 yards to the Memphis 23.  Two plays later, Becht connected with Jaylin Noel for a scoring pass.  A two-point conversion fell, incomplete.  Iowa State trailed Memphis 36-26 with 9:55 left to play.

Despite the pressure applied by Memphis, Iowa Stat QB Rocco Becht threw for 466 yards and three TDs.
Despite the pressure applied by Memphis, Iowa State QB Rocco Becht threw for 466 yards and three TDs.

Tigers wear down their prey

Seemed like the Cyclones could still threaten if they could stop Memphis quickly on the next series. Starting from their 20 however, over the next nine minutes and 13 seconds, Memphis converted five first downs.  The Tigers showed patience.  ISU spent their three time-outs after 2:37 remained.  Though the Cyclones kept the Tigers out to the end zone, they could only take over on downs at their four with 42 seconds remaining.  Memphis ran out the clock to win holding on to the ball for over nine minutes.  That strategy, no turnovers, and no penalties can be attributed to the preparation of the very good Memphis coaching staff. 

Next! Back to Memphis

The Tigers look to return a strong contingent of starters for next season including their starting QB Seth Henigan. The junior took home the MVP award with 364 passing yards, four touchdown passes and one on the ground.  Here’ another tribute to this coaching staff.  In recruiting prowess, Memphis was the top-rated non-Power Five school, ranked 49th overall last season in recruiting.  Look for them to have another great season in 2024.  They will definitely be worth watching again next season.

We at CollegeFootballfan.com wrap up our 2023 season the next day when we attend the Transperfect Music City Bowl between Maryland and Auburn.

In a colorful tribute by the Cyclone Marching Band to their fellow Big XII members, next year two will be gone, and four more will be added. Good signs or bad signs for the future of college football and the Big XII?
In a colorful tribute by the Cyclone Marching Band to their fellow Big XII members, next year two will be gone, and four more will be added. Good signs or bad signs for the future of college football and the Big XII?

Game 679: Duke defense and deception defeat Troy in 76 Birmingham Bowl

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Birmingham, AL – Under Interim Head Coach Trooper Taylor, Duke’s defense held Troy’s intact offense in check, used some chicanery to score, and booted three field goals to win the 76 Birmingham Bowl, 17-10. The Blue Devil defense stopped the Troy offense we watched decimate Appalachian State in the Sun Belt Championship, 49-23, only two weeks before. Troy’s Kimani Vidal tallied only 75 yards on 17 carries for no scores. Against Appy State, he carried 26 times for 223 yards and five touchdowns.

The Duke defense held Kamani Vidal (28) to seventy yards, but more importantly to a long run of only 12 yards and no TDs.
The Duke defense held Kimani Vidal (28) to seventy-five yards, but more importantly to his longest run of only 12 yards and no TDs.

In front of 20,023 fans on a beautiful, sunny day at Protective Stadium, both teams matched in total yards and first downs with 300 and 19 respectively. To the Duke defense, credit them for holding an offense returning most key players including Vidal and senior QB Gunnar Watson. On the other hand, Duke started Freshman QB Grayson Loftis who managed the offense well enough while his defense kept Troy from crossing the 40 to score until late in the game. They halted Troy three times on all fourth down conversion attempts.

Inauspicious start for Duke

On this play, Troy Safety Dell Pettus (1) outraced Duke RG Jacob Monk (63) for this early fumble recovery.
On this play, Troy Safety Dell Pettus (1) outraced Duke RG Jacob Monk (63) for this early fumble recovery.

On their first possession, Loftis fumbled the ball under pressure, and Troy started at the Duke 37. A sack by DT Wesley Peebles on third down forced a 47-yard Troy FG which came up short. The Trojans would not mount a scoring threat the rest of the first half. With 2:29 left in the first, Loftis connected with WR Jalon Calhoun down the left sideline for 24 yards to spot the ball on the one. Jaylen Coleman took it over from there to put the Blue Devils up, 6-0. Coach Taylor anticipated a close, hard-fought battle, so he pulled off a bit of trickery on the extra point. Duke lined up in a spread formation to kick. Instead, long snapper Curtis Cooper looked right and snapped direct to TE Nicky Dalmolin who ran it over for two and an 8-0 lead.

Duke RB Jayeln Coleman carries Troy defenders into teh end zone for teh only Blue Devil touchdown of the day.
Duke RB Jaylen Coleman carries Troy defenders into the end zone for the only Blue Devil touchdown of the day.

Pelino on target for Blue Devils

In the second, the Troy defense halted Duke on fourth down at their 47. On the following series, Duke stopped Troy on fourth down on their 48. The result of the latter came with Todd Pelino’s 34-yard FG at Troy’s 17. Duke’s next possession started from their 25. With :04 remaining in the first half, Pelino extended the Duke lead, 14-0, with a 36-yard boot.

Several times during media time-outs, the bowl's master of Ceremonies yelled into his mic, "Is everybody having aa good time?" As Troy trailed throughout, their band and fans replied with a resounding "NOOOOOOOOO!"
Several times during media time-outs, the bowl’s Master of Ceremonies yelled into his mic, “Is everybody having a good time?” As Troy trailed throughout, their band and fans replied with an honest and resounding “NOOOOOOOOO!”

Collegefootballfan.com history and future

A little halftime history here. This was our first trip to Protective Stadium, but not our first game in Birmingham. As a matter of fact, this was our third. The first two were in 1979 and 1980 when we watched Auburn battle Alabama under then HC Paul “Bear” Bryant in two consecutive Iron Bowls. Both were won by Bama with the Tide winning the National Championship in 1979. Protective is a nice stadium. We recorded it as our 89th overall FBS stadium as it is the home of the UAB Blazers. We hope to see the Blazers play there next season if a convenient date falls into place when they host Navy. Both teams now compete against each other in the American Athletic Conference.

Troy twirler performs for 76 Birmingham Bowl halftime show.
Troy twirler performs for 76 Birmingham Bowl halftime show.

Duke vs. Troy: The Interim Coaches Bowl

Under Interim HC Greg Gasparato, Troy pulled out all the stops to start the third period. It did not help their case when punt returner Jabre Carter called for a fair catch on his three-yard line. Despite that, the Trojans got the ball out to the Blue Devil 43. On fourth and ten though, Watson’s pass fell incomplete. Duke took over there. Troy held to force a Duke punt. The Trojans drove from their 20, and with 1:36 in the third, they finally got on the scoreboard with Taylor Renfroe’s 44-yard FG to trail, 14-3.

Duke DT Aeneas Peebles sacked Gunnar Watson on fourth down in the first quarter.
Duke DT Wesley Williams (97) sacked Gunnar Watson on a third down in the first quarter.

Troy offense: too little and too late

Duke wasted no time heading into the final period. The ensuing drive finished with Pelino’s third score from 45 yards out. With 13:29 to play, Troy had time to get going. On fourth and two at Duke’s 47, the Blue Devils forced the ball over on downs once again. On the next series, Loftis floated a long pass too far, and CB Damaje Yancey hauled it in for Troy to set up shop on their 13. The Trojan offense started to put a long drive together primarily through the air. With a 30-yard completion to Peyton Higgins and a roughing the passer call against Duke, the Trojans had first down at the the Duke eight-yard line.

Twice in the second half, Duke defenders broke up long, potential scoring plays to halt Trojan threats.
Twice in the second half, Duke defenders broke up long, potential scoring plays to halt Trojan threats. Here CB Joshua Pickens breaks up a pass to Troy’s Chris Lewis.

Troy’s turn for Trickery

The Devil defense tightened up as it did all day. Troy reverted to “trickeration.” At the two, Gasparato called for at tackle eligible play. All the action went right until Watson wheeled around to hit wide-open, starting tackle Derrick Graham with a lateral. The 6-4″, 304-lb lineman lumbered across the goal line finally realizing no one ahead of him was big enough stop him. With that score, a targeting call was made against the defense. Trailing 17-10 now, Troy would kick off at Duke’s 45. With 5:54 left, at least Duke’s onsides could pin Duke deep in their territory. They started from their 18.

Myles Jones (1) recovers Troy's onsides kick at Duke's 18.
Myles Jones (1) recovers Troy’s onsides kick at Duke’s 18.

Duke finally punted from the 50, but by then Troy had used all three time-outs. They started from the 11, and Watson completed his first pass. However, the second was tipped into the air by Barber, and Jeremiah Lewis intercepted. Duke ran out the clock to take home the Trophy resembling the Vulcan statue, emblematic of the iron and steel company founded in Birmingham the 1880s to supply the southeast with material to build the infrastructure throughout the South. Hence, the Iron Bowl.

Next!

Duke finished the season 8-5 and welcomes new HC Manny Diaz, former DC at Penn State. Texas QB Malik Murphy announced his intention to transfer to Duke from Texas. He will have three more years of playing time. Bringing Murphy to Duke and keeping some of the younger talent we saw for Duke yesterday, the Blue Devils could continue to ramp-up from what former HC Mike Elko started to build there these last two years.

For Troy (11-3), with the departure of HC Jon Sumrall, 23-4 over the past two years, he leaves to keep Tulane climbing up the FBS ladder. His replacement Gerad Parker, former OC at Notre Dame last season with a lot of good coaching experience, looks to be promising. However, like most other programs, he will have to determine who is coming back and who is leaving Troy to figure out how to refill his missing pieces.

Collegefootball.com season continues

We at collegefootballfan.com, have two more bowls coming up after Christmas. Next Friday, we venture to Memphis for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl to see the Memphis Tigers (9-3) take on Iowa State (7-5) from the Big XII. The next day, we’re back in Nashville for another Transperfect Music City Bowl where Auburn (6-6) of the SEC and Maryland (6-6) of the Big Ten clash. A true consolation bout for these two mediocre programs in growing super conferences this season.

We expect to return to Protective Stadium next seasn when UAB Hosts navy. Maybe we'll get to another game at Troy as well.
We expect to return to Protective Stadium next season when UAB hosts Navy. Maybe we’ll get to another game at Troy as well.

Steveo’s Salvos: Bowl season musings, 2023

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Coming off our first and only bye week of 2024, collegefootballfan.com looks forward to our first bowl game of 2023 this Saturday.  It will be a battle between a Power Five team and a Group of Five team. Nine such games are slated during the 2023 bowl season.  We head to the Birmingham Bowl to see the Trojans of Troy (11-2), champions of the Sun Belt play improved Duke (7-5) of the ACC.  Regarding both programs, their successful coaches from 2023 have moved on to new opportunities. Both will be replaced by very reputable assistant coaches from the past few years. 

Kamini Vidal races downfield for a 39-yard Troy touchdown.
Kamini Vidal races downfield for a 39-yard Troy touchdown in Sun Belt championship against Appalachian State.

For this game, DC Greg Gasparato steps in to take over the Trojans replacing Jon Sumrall. He signed on to take over an up-and-coming Tulane program.  Duke will be under Trooper Taylor as interim head coach. He replaces Mike Elko who leaves to take on his new challenge at Texas A&M.  Good news for Troy, senior QB Gunnar Watson and RB Kimani Vidal who we saw play in the FBS championship win over Appalachian State ,49-23, will be in action once again. After Elko’s departure from Duke, numerous Blue Devils entered the transfer portal.  The biggest name includes QB Riley Leonard. He leaves for Notre Dame to follows in the footsteps of another former ACC QB, Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman. Trooper Taylor served this season as Associate HC for Duke among his 30 years in coaching including stops at Tennessee, Oklahoma State and Auburn.

Birmingham Bowl: Troy experience vs. Duke question marks

Under Gasparato, Troy ranked 10th nationally in scoring defense, 14th in rushing defense, and 15th in total defense. We look for the Trojans to win this one. They have a nucleus of good, experienced players returning against a team of Blue Devils decimated by the transfer portal.  We ask ourselves, are all these “bowl” games worth playing anymore?  They’re no longer about an accomplishment for a team after a fine season. The post season now screams, “Look who’s leaving,” and “Look who is coming to play (or coach) for us next year!”  It’s all about individualism now not only for coaches, but for players making moves for NIL money.

Coming to Birmingham Bowl: Troy senior QB Gunnar Watson isn't opting out against Duke. He's playing to win!
Coming to Birmingham Bowl: Troy senior QB Gunnar Watson isn’t opting out against Duke. He’s playing to win!

Next season, Manny Diaz, Penn State DC takes over as Blue Devil Coach.  For Troy, Gerad Parker steps in from his first-year OC duties at Notre Dame.  Prior to ND, he coached the offense at West Virginia and receivers at Penn State.  He offers a pretty impressive resume as an assistant dating back to his playing days a WR at Kentucky in 2002.

Power Five vs. Group of Five Bowls

Troy vs. Duke comes as one of nine bowl games this season matching Power Five programs to teams that in the past were called Mid-majors.  Last season, there were only six such contest.  Each faction took three victories.  We enjoy seeing the mix of both groups play one another.  It gives the Group or Five an opportunity to show that aside from the “Blue-bloods” of Power Five Football, they are just as competitive as many other programs of the so-called Power Five. Most lose to the Elite programs more that line the loss columns of the most dominant FBS programs.  Last season, among the group of six bowls, the top-rated Group of Five team, Tulane, defeated perennial FBS Power USC of the fading PAC-12, 46-45.  This year, No. 23 Liberty (13-0) takes its Group shot against No. 8 Oregon (11-2) in the Fiesta Bowl.

We watched Toledo defeat Bowling Green this season, 32-31. Toledo plays Wyoming in the Bowl and Bowling Green meets Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl.
We watched Toledo defeat Bowling Green this season, 32-31. Toledo plays Wyoming in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl and Bowling Green meets Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Group of Five should thrive

Among other such games as note, tonight American AC team South Florida (6-6) plays Syracuse (6-6) in Boca Raton Bowl; MAC’s Bowling Green (7-5) plays Minnesota (5-7) in the Quick Lane Bowl (why couldn’t Army (6-6) get this bowl instead of the Gophers); Tulane (11-2) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6) in the Military Bowl; and SMU vs. Boston College (6-6) in the Fenway Bowl.  Our second bowl venture features Memphis (9-3) of the AAC against Iowa State (7-5) of the Big XII at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. 

We think the Group of Five teams will excel in most of these games. In the future, as proposed in my new book Fifty Years of Tailgate tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly, I suggest scheduling more of the be best of some of these Groups against bowl against SEC and Big Ten opponents.  Too many Big Ten vs SEC games.  I’d like to see the Group teams play these squads with “Power Five” labels. We might find that the Power is not so dominant over the Group.

Bound for the Fenway Bowl, we saw SMU defeat East Carolina this year going to an 11-2 record in their final season of American Athletic play. Next season, they will play in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They are much closer to the Gulf of Mexico coast.
Bound for the Fenway Bowl, we saw SMU (in white) defeat East Carolina this year going to an 11-2 record in their final season of American Athletic play. Next season, they will play in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They are much closer to the Gulf of Mexico coast.

What’s in a name?

Remember when fewer bowl games existed and most teams won at least 80% of their games.  Eventually 7-4 was competitive as the number of bowls started to expand.  Some teams with records of 10-0, like Miami (O.) in the MAC back in 1998 didn’t even get a bid. Now 82 of 134 teams get to “bowl” games.  many are 6-6 with a victory over a non-bowl FCS competitor.  As indicated earlier, Minnesota got a bid with a record of 5-7.  In my book, I propose that all 134 teams are offered the opportunity to play one post season game.  Barring injuries or coaching changes or just a lack of interest, they don’t have to play any game.  However, whether this becomes reality of not, let’s consider calling only games of post-season games of significance “bowl games,” and call lesser contests for what they really are – “consolation” games. 

Despite winning the MAC championship over Toledo, these Miami Redhawk cheerleaders watched their team lose to Appy State in a torrential downpour at this year's Cure Bowl.
Despite winning the MAC championship over Toledo, these Miami Redhawk cheerleaders watched their team lose to Appy State in a torrential downpour at this year’s Cure Bowl. They stayed much drier this evening in their win over Buffalo.

Didn’t earn a bowl? Console!

To quantify the difference, any game between one team with a record of 8-4 at best plays another team with a worse record, call it a consolation game.  They didn’t have great seasons, but take the opportunity to practice like all other schools, earn some TV revenue and buckle up for next season.  If both teams have records of 8-4 or better, consider them bowl games. It’s misleading each year when a particular team plays. Fans hear they either have or had ten bowl teams on their schedule.  Probably half of these had mediocre seasons, not a “bowl” season. That used to depict an honor for a better than average season at least.

If you look at the 2023 post season games on record, of these contests, 15 of 41 would earn the designation of a Bowl game. So, 30 teams will compete in Bowls then.  That makes 22.4% of all FBS teams Bowl teams instead of 61%.  That latter ratio definitely does not define the best of the best.

Collegefootballfan.com 2023 Top Ten

Before attending three upcoming bowl games, here’s an analysis of our 2023 regular season.  Since August 26 through December 9, we attended 23 different college football games. Among 33 different teams, we saw 29 FBS programs and four FCS programs.  Nineteen different stadiums were visited, eight new ones for the first time.  Altogether, we attended games in 12 states from Massachusetts to Texas.

 Regarding conferences, we witnessed teams from ConferenceUSA (6), American Athletic (4), MAC (4), SEC (4), Sun Belt (4), ACC (3), Big Ten (3), Mountain West (2), and one Independent soon to be AAC – Army.  In the FCS, we saw one team each from the Big South-Ohio Valley, Ivy League, Missouri Valley and Patriot League. In upcoming bowl games, we will see Troy and Auburn both play for the second time this year.  We add four more FBS teams in Duke, Memphis, Iowa State (our first Big XII), and Maryland.

In our top matchup of the season, Michigan's Blake Corum breaks out for big pick-up against Penn State for some of his 145 yards in second period.
In our top matchup of the season, Michigan’s Blake Corum breaks out for big pick-up against Penn State for some of his 145 yards in second period. No. 1 Michigan plays No. 4 Alabama at The Rose Bowl in the CFP semi-final on January 1.

Based on final records within their level of play, post season results and games we watched each play in, this is our Collegefootballfan.com 2023 Top Ten:

  1. Michigan 13-0
  2. Florida State 13-0
  3. Missouri   10-2
  4. Penn State 10-2
  5. Liberty 13-0
  6. Troy 11-2
  7. SMU  11-2
  8. Miami (O.) 11-2
  9. Toledo (11-2)
  10. Tennessee (8-4)

Top FCS team: Lafayette 9-2

Stocking Stuffer for your Merry Christmas and Bowl Season to keep up with upcoming changes

Put this on Santa’s list or get one each for your best college football friends, my new book:

Click here on the title: Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales, The Good, the Fun and the Ugly

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.

Game 678: Army stops Navy at the one with :03 left to win 124th meeting

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Foxboro, MA – At the 124th annual meeting between these radiational rivals, Army stopped Navy at the one-yard line with :03 left to win the first game ever played between them here, 17-11. The final outcome included controversies and question marks while the rivals fought typically hard until the the dire end. The primary deciding play came on a strip of Navy QB Tai Lavatai by Army LB Kalib Fortner who knocked it loose and picked it up to race 44 yards to give the Cadets (6-6) a 17-3 lead with 4:49 left to play. For collegefootballfan.com, our 19th meeting of this rivalry leaves many great memories and experiences despite rooting for Navy due to ties going back 45 years.

On the back of Army Cadet uniforms, they spelled out "Eat Squid."
For the “Prisoner exchange” before the game, on the back of Army Cadet uniforms, they spelled out “Eat Squid.”

Defense dominates

The teams played a scoreless first quarter. Army moved the ball, but Navy (5-7) did not. Before a sellout crowd of 65,878 at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, the Mids under Senior QB Xavier Arline totaled 25 yards on 14 plays all in the first half. They resulted in three punts and one badly thrown interception. That turnover resulted in a 65-yard, 12-play scoring drive with Army QB Bryson Daily tossing a four-yard TD pass to Tyson Riley. We figured Arline played because Tai Lavatai, another senior Navy QB, fell injured. However, he entered the game on Navy’s next drive, and carried Navy on ten straight runs for 46 yards before ending with a turnover on downs. We couldn’t figure what Navy Head Coach Brian Newberry was thinking regarding his starting QB. In the past four years having seen Navy play, Arline never showed the skills Navy needed at QB. In the final series before the half, Army PK Quinn Maretzki booted a 47-yard field goal as time expired score. Halftime ended in favor of Army, 10-0.

Army RB Ay'Jaun Marshall stopped by Navy defense in first period.
Army RB Ay’Jaun Marshall (3) stopped by Navy defense in first period.

Divine Providence

Memorable time in New England for first Army-Navy game ever played there. Before hotel properties in Boston were closed to accommodate the homeless from other countries, we booked an apartment for four of us in Providence, RI. Not only is Foxboro less than half an hour away, Providence featured many great eating and drinking establishments within walking distance from were we stayed. Great Italian restaurants lined Atwell’s Street. The Trinity Pub near the Amica Mutual Pavilion (The AMP) where Providence College plays basketball lies a little further away. On Friday, Les, Frank, Bill and I enjoyed lunch at Angelo’s Restaurant on Atwell’s before venturing to Trinity for drinks. There, we watched busloads of Midshipman arrive to bed down that evening at the Providence Civic Center.

Frank Scarpa, Les Di Vite, Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales Steve Koreivo, and Bill Serafin settle into pre-game tailgate mode for army vs. Navy 2023.
Frank Scarpa, Les Di Vite, Author of “Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales” Steve Koreivo, and Bill Serafin settle into pre-game tailgate mode for Army vs. Navy 2023. Click on the image of the book cover on upper right to buy it on Amazon.com and please submit a review!

Italian fest!

That evening on the way back to our apartment, we stopped by Venda Ravioli Italian Deli to order great sandwiches the next day for our tailgate feast. When we picked up the next morning, we also ordered olives, cheeses, sausages, peppers and cannoli’s to add to our extreme Italian smorgasbord for the day. In addition, the apartment owners gifted us with a certificate for an Italian bakery nearby, La Salle’s. What a great comp! We ordered Italian pastry favorites “lobster tails ” and something Bill referred to as “Squiggly-jigglies.” The counter guy knew what he was talking about as he said that was about the tenth name he ever heard them called. Our great Italian feast started right after we arrived in parking lot 50A. Bloody Mary’s at the ready!

Influencing Army-Navy action

Like the first quarter, the third quarter went scoreless. To be honest, our group had something to do with this. At Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, when the opposition comes up for a third down, the PA announcer belts out in a booming voice, “It’s third Down!!“ Bill was spot on imitating today’s missing announcements. And each time he did so, Navy stopped Army to force a punt. Into the fourth, Navy concluded a 70-yard drive to the Army 19. There, the Mids finally got on the board with a 37-yard FG by Nathan Kirkwood to trail, 10-3. The back breaker play for the comeback occurred following three punt exchanges. At the Army 48, Fortner knocked the ball from Lavatai’s hand, and he was off with it to a 17-3 Army lead. With 4:49 left, this game was not over.

Unusual for Navy, they went strictly to the air – successfully. On a 4th and seven at the Army 43, Lavatai completed a 15-yard pass to Jayden Umbarger for the first down. Then we took over what was left behind at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial. I’d set it up for Bill with, “And that is another Navy…!” – “FIRST DOWN!!!” Bill would respond. It worked! Two consecutive passes to Umbarger went for a first down and then a touchdown.

Army LB Kalib Fortner (53) who forced and recovered a Navy fumble for a TD earlier, stops Navy FB Alex Tecza at the two-yard line for next to last play of the game.
Army LB Kalib Fortner (53) who forced and recovered a Navy fumble for a TD earlier, stops Navy FB Alex Tecza at the two-yard line on the next to last play of the game.

Two instead of one too early?

With 2:47 left, Navy trails by eight. Tight late in the game, and you get within eight,17-9, don’t try for two! Navy did just like the others and failed. Instead of being down by seven, when give your team incentive to get the ball to tie with seven or to win by eight, you take the pressure off until then. With the way the Navy offense played, they might be better off to play for the tie if they score again. Great comeback! However, hold off on that two-point option until later to set something up. This offense had just gotten started. Their confidence needed to be built back up.

IT’S THIRD DOWN!!!

Three Army plays and two final Navy time-outs later, Army punts back to Navy at the 37. The Mids take over at their 27 with 1:20 remaining. To this point for some reason, every Army punt made has backspin on it as if the punter avoids having the ball go into the end zone. Weird because in most cases, it wasn’t necessary. Here comes Navy needing eight. Aside from Lavatai’s nine-yard run to start the drive, he goes totally to the air to assure the clock will stop. At first and goal at the six, two Navy passes fall incomplete. With seven seconds left, Navy gets to the Army four. Clock running. For some reason, the ball from the line of scrimmage rolls out five yards into the end zone. Ball gets reset, Lavatai tried to sneak it over the middle. He looks short. They review it. Stopped at the one. The clock should have stopped for the previous play to be reviewed to at least be reset when the clock read seven seconds before ball rolled into the end zone before the final snap. Did a player kick it? Penalty if an Army player did. Did the ref mishandle it? No whistle blew. Never know now, but at least the clock should have been reset the game clock to seven seconds due to some inadvertent movement. Game over. This rivalry is never dull, even with only ten points scored in the first three quarters!

Navy QB Tai Lavatai stopped at the one with three seconds l
Navy QB Tai Lavatai stopped at the one with three seconds left. Army took a safety on the very last play to win, 17-11.

Honored guests

After the eventual loss, we headed back in the dark to finish off our post game tailgate feast. We came prepared to wait out the traffic. Drinking, eating and analyzing while cars sat in line all around us, a few uniformed sailors and officers walked by. We invited them over to share in our Italian fest and libations. They traveled up from Norfolk, VA, members of the crew of the USS Massachusetts, a nuclear-powered submarine still being built. They visited as honorees for the game by the state for which the boat is named for. We had a great time hanging out with them talking football, about the Navy , their careers and experiences. All nice guys aged 20-42. Several were academy grads, but Christian graduated from Pitt, of all places. As a PSU fan, we had to exchange some laughs.

Our post-game tailgate with officers of USS Massachusetts, SSN 798.
Our post-game tailgate with officers of USS Massachusetts, SSN 798.

Eventually, they brought by their Commanding Officer of the sub who was nearby. As traffic moved on, we took a few pictures together, and they thanked us with mementos of stampings of their boat’s emblem. As we left, they moved on to another remaining group nearby singing Taylor Swift songs. We enjoyed meeting these guys currently serving our country. When the USS Massachusetts, SSN 798 christening take place up in Boston in 2025, we plan to head back up to Providence with our wives to go witness the occasion. We look forward to seeing that, hopefully some of them again, and enjoying great Italian cuisine once again in Providence. Great reason for another good time in the area.

Next!

Despite six wins for Army (6-6), the season appears to be bowless for them. Navy completed their season at 5-7. Regretfully, both finished their seasons. We at college footballfan.com settle in to our first bye weekend of the season this week since August 26. ArmyNavy counted as our 24th game of this season. We have plans for at least three more post-season games. We get back into action on December 23 when we venture to Birmingham, Alabama to watch Troy (11-2), champions of the Sun Belt battle the Duke Blue Devils (7-5) of the ACC, improved but no longer under the coaching prowess of Mike Elko who moved on to Texas A&M. The Liberty Bowl and Music City loom days later. Check us out!

Game 677: Troy trounces Appalachian State for Sun Belt title behind Vidal’s five TDs

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Troy, AL – What started as a defensive slugfest turned into a late runaway as Trojan RB Kimani Vidal exploded for five rushing touchdowns among 233 yards on 26 carries for Troy to win the Sun Belt title, 49-23. In a scoreless first quarter, both teams exchanged punts after each possession. A turnover on downs caused by Troy at their 39 midway through the second seemed to indicate this contest would a defensive struggle until the end. Troy’s Vidal finally broke the score open with a seven-yard TD run to cap the ensuing 61-yard drive. Vidal broke though against a physical Appy defense later in the period with a 38-yard jaunt.

The Appy defense shut down Troy for most of the first half, but the Trojans would not be stopped later.
The Appy defense shut down Troy for most of the first half, but the Trojans would not be stopped later.

The Mountaineers fought back before the half as QB Joey Aguillar connected on several key passes to get down to the Troy one. Kayne Roberts score from there to cut the score to 14-7 heading into halftime. Rain started and persisted throughout most of the game played before 20,446 sold seats. Vocal student contingents from both schools added to the excitement of this game sitting on both ends of the same side of Veteran’s War Memorial Stadium. The atmosphere was generally vociferous and friendly as contests were held between game breaks by students of both universities. The Sun Belt presented a very fun event to attend despite the rainstorm which most students enjoyed despite in attire for dry weather.

Pursued by three tacklers, Troy RB Kamani Vidal managed to slice his way through here for a seven-yard score.
Pursued by three tacklers, Troy RB Kimani Vidal managed to slice his way through here for a seven-yard score.

Appy fights back, but Troy defense takes over

ASU drove 82 yards to open the third with Roberts scoring on a six-yard run to tie it, 14-14. Game on. Troy went to work through the air on its next possession. Gunnar Watson tossed a 51-yard scoring strike connecting with Chris Lewis on a 51-yard catch and run to go back into the lead. The Troy defense forced a punt on ASU’s next possession, but it was muffed by the returner. Appy took over at the Troy 15. The Mountaineers could only muster a 42-yard FG after a sack on third down to cut the score, 21-17.

Troy WR Chris Lewis catches a pass and whirls down field for a 51-yard touchdown
Troy WR Chris Lewis catches a pass from Gunnar Watson and whirls down field for a 51-yard touchdown.

Mountaineer mistake mires momentum

Heading into the fourth, ASU once again had the ball. On fourth and one at the Troy 48, they set up to go for the first. However, a procedure penalty pushed them back five yards and Coach Shawn Clark called on his punt unit. Costly penalty. Troy drove 81 yards. On a fourth and one at ASU’s 43, Vidal converted a two-yard gain for the first down. Then, he followed though with consecutive carries of 32 yards, next for nine, and finally for a three-yard TD run to take a 28-17 Trojan lead. The killing shot came on State’s next possession.

Kamini Vidal races downfield for a 39-yard Troy touchdown.
Through a downpour, Kamini Vidal races downfield for a 38-yard Troy touchdown.

To start from the 25, Aguillar dropped back to pass, but DB Don Callis stripped the ball right from his hand as he drew back to throw. The ball bounced up off the turf, and on the run Callis picked it up at the ten to put six more on the board for Troy. With 5:34 remaining, the Mountaineers completed a 75-yard drive for a touchdown. Aguillar got stopped short and fumbled into end zone. TE Eli Wilson recovered it for the ASU score. The two-point conversion failed.

Troy nails down SBC championship

Down 35-23, the visitors attempted an onsides kick. Troy recovered and picked up five more yards on an offside infraction and took over at ASU’s 38. Very next play, Vidal sped over left tackle for the distance to extend the lead 42-23. On Appy’s next possession, this time LB Javon Solomon stripped the ball from Aguillar’s hand just like Callis had previously. Troy recovered at the 49. Once again, Vidal wasted no time. Very next play, he whisked down field 49 yards for his fifth touchdown of the day. The celebration for the Troy faithful started as time expired with the goal post near the student section coming down quickly. Victory party on!

Let the Victory Party begin for the Trojans!
Let the Victory Party begin for the Trojans!

Next!

Head Coach Jon Sumrall’s Trojans stand 23-4 under him in their first two seasons, 11-2 this year. On December 23, they will meet Duke (7-5) of the ACC at the 76 Birmingham Bowl. We plan to be there to see the Trojans once again. Appalachian (8-5) will take on Mid American Conference champ Miami (O.), 11-2, who surprised Toledo for that championship in The Cure Bowl in Orlando. We at collegefootballfan.com head to Boston next Saturday for the final regular season game as Army takes on Navy for the 124th time. Both teams stand 5-6. No bowls seem to be on the horizon for either program. A few more overtimes this season?

Parting shot

Couldn’t stand listening to all the SEC hype on the radio on the drive back yesterday from Alabama. The build-up before the selection show just shows how much the media influences all the hype for their TV ratings. One ESPN broadcaster, a Kentucky grad, pointed out Kentucky beat Louisville in the final game of their season, 38-31, but then had the audacity to say South Carolina almost beat Clemson and Florida almost beat Florida State with their second team QB.

So even though the ACC defeated the SEC head to head in six of ten games this year, the SEC is far superior? Have to laugh what a big deal it was for Bama to defeat Auburn on the last play of their game. On that same field a week earlier, I heard no mention of how New Mexico State humiliated the Tigers, 31-10. The SEC is no better than any other conference regarding wins and losses against other power five programs. They can count other losses this season to BYU and Utah. I attended Tennessee’s win over Virginia in their season opener. UT tried to give that game away, but UVA couldn’t block or tackle. No mention of Georgia’s 31-23 win over Georgia Tech. FSU beat Florida by nine. Isn’t Tech’s 8-point loss to UGA an “almost.” Sickening. Other similar points were made by other media types.

Read all about it!

I’m glad I go to games and don’t spend time listening to these guys and their spins. Get my book Fifty Years of Tailgate tale: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly. I don’t pull any punches when it comes to topics I include among “the Ugly.” From Mel Kiper, Jr. to excessive TV time-outs, I find that the media is out of control.

Party on to Birmingham where Troy will meet the Duke Blue Devils!
Party on to Birmingham where Troy will meet the Duke Blue Devils!

Game 676: TXST Bobcats outlast USA Jaguars, 52-44

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San Marcos, TX- The Texas State Bobcats (7-5, 4-4) raced out to a 31-6 lead in the second quarter, and then held off a potent South Alabama offensive comeback the rest of the game to gain their seventh win of the season to get a foothold on a better bowl bid than their fellow Sun Belt foe (6-6, 4-4). For collegefootballfan.com, the Bobcats won their first game among five we’ve attended since 2012. In addition, this game introduced us to their new Head Coach, G.J. Kinne, who took over this program coming from FCS program Incarnate Word.

Bobcat Head Coach GJ Kinne, far left, escorts his medical staff with an injured player during the game.
Bobcat Head Coach GJ Kinne, far left, escorts his medical staff with an injured player during the game.

Last season, he took that program to the FCS semi-finals where they lost to perennial power North Dakota State. The atmosphere at Bobcat Stadium seemed more lively than in previous visits the last three years as we visit our daughter Alex and her fiancé’ Zach who works in business development at TXST. The evening’s attendance totaled 15,617. However, the club seats were abuzz with season ticket holders and alum back and excited about the future of the Bobcats under Kinne.

Bobcats attack

The Bobcat defense started the scoring on Kaleb Kulp’s 31-yard fumble return. Immediately, Kinne exposed a game-long strategy hooch-kicking all kickoffs to the Jaguars to give them decent field position. The strategy worked in the Bobcats favor. On the four subsequent possessions after such kickoffs, the Bobcats halted the Jags for three-and-outs to take over and score. The Bobcats next score came on a 48-yard pass on a crossing pattern to Ashlyn Hawkins from T.J. Finley. Jahmyl Jeter capped a 79-yard drive with a one-yard TD run, and Mason Shipley booted a 28-yard FG to put the Cats up, 24-0, before the end of the first period. Tinsley finished the day with 19 of 28 passing for 368 yards, three TDs, and one INT. Quite an improvement over his performance last season when we saw him play quarterback for Auburn in their 41-12 loss to Penn State.

Bobcat RB Jahmyl Jeter take the ball over from the one for a 21-0 first quarter lead.
Bobcat RB Jahmyl Jeter takes the ball over from the one for a 21-0 first quarter lead.

Jaguar wake-up call

On a fourth and four entering the second period, USA QB Carter Bradly fired a pass to Jason Ivory for a 39-yard score. A two-point play failed, but things got worse for the Jaguars quickly. Kole Wilson returned the ensuing kick-off 100 yards to put TXST up, 31-6. The Bobcats weren’t letting up, but neither were the Jaguars. They put the Cats back on their six with a punt. A fumble by Chris Dawn recovered by CB Marquise Robinson put South Alabama at the Texas State 29. The turnover resulted in a 51-yard FG by Diego Guajardo.

USA pulled out all the stops as Bradley led the Jags to the TXST 18 where he connected with TE DJ Thomas-Jones with :08 to play in the half. The combination connected again for a successful two-point play to trail, down by only two scores, 31-17. The Bobcat lead did not seem as formidable as it had earlier.

South Alabama TE Thomas-Jones scores on his first of three touchdown catches on the evening.
South Alabama TE DJ Thomas-Jones scores on his first of three touchdown catches on the evening.

Third quarter: Bobcats and Jaguars go toe-to-toe

Neither team scored on their first possession in the third, but the the gloves came off right after. First of all, Bradley (18 for 24, 183 yards and two TDs) left the game for good with an injury. Senior Desmond Trotter, a former starter a few years ago, came in to take his place. He drove the Jags 83 yards culminating with a one-yard scoring pass to Thomas-Jones. Not to be outdone, TXST responded with a 10-yard scoring pass from Tinsley to Donerio Davenport to finish a 75-yard drive to maintain the Bobcat lead, 38-24. Both defenses turned back the ensuing two drives with INTs as the Jags were driving again to start the final period.

Donerio Davenport snags a pass for TXST's 38-24 lead in the third period.
Donerio Davenport snags a pass for TXST’s 38-24 lead in the third period.

Two weeks ago, an OC lost his job for doing this

Trotter connected with Caullin Lacy on a 13-yard scoring pass. Once again, USA trailed by eight. Finley led the Bobcats right back with a 24-yard scoring pass to Kole Wilson. Trotter (18 for 21, 368 yards, four TDS, one INT) threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Thomas-Jones, his third of the game, to trail now, 45-36. USA went for two and failed. On November 11, PSU did the same against Michigan late in their game. They trailed by nine and killed any hopes for a comeback. South Alabama was now in the same position, but the defenses here weren’t as stingy as Michigan’s and Penn State’s. It also wasn’t as late in the game. PSU Head Coach James Franklin fired his OC Mike Yurcich after that game next day.

Under tight coverage, Kole Wilson hauls this TD pass in the end zone for another Bobcat score late in the game.
Under tight coverage, Kole Wilson hauls this TD pass in the end zone for another Bobcat score late in the game.

Bobcats reaching new heights

Things looked worse now for the Jaguars as the Bobcats recovered their onsides kick eight yards away. A 41-yard pass the TE Connor Fox put TSXT on the Jaguar one. RB Ismail Mahdi took it in from the one to lead 52-36 with 3:04 left. USA gave it one last blast. Trotter threw a five-yard TD to Jacob Hooper, and then they converted a two-point play to trail, 52-44, at the 1:04 mark. The Bobcats recovered the onsides again. The Jags used their last time-out, and the Bobcats went into the victory formation to win their seventh game of 2023.

That total ties the school high mark set back in 2014, their third season of FBS play. This year, they’ve earned the school’s first bowl game. Best conjectures indicate they will play in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl or the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl in Frisco, Texas. GJ Kinne seems to have the Bobcats ready to set some more records and go to more bowl games.

.

Not Texas, Texas State heads to their first ever bowl game!
Not Texas, Texas State heads to their first ever bowl game!

Next!

The Jaguars are Bowl eligible at 6-6 and will probably also get a bowl game in December. We at collegefootballfan.com look to fill in our open Championship/playoff weekend next Saturday. Our best option looks to be the SBC championship game where the Troy Trojans (10-2, 7-1) of the West Division will host Appalachian State (8-4, 6-2) of the East Division. No. 24 James Madison won the East, but because of some unusual rule not to be eligible in its first two years of FBS play, they will not play for this championship. Seems unfair to the players who earned such a great record. ASU holds the distinction though of handing the Dukes their only defeat this season, 26-23. JMU defeated Troy early in 2023, 16-14. This should be a great game for the SBC title.

Game 676 Schedule Update: Troy and FCS title game

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Austin, Texas – The Texas vs. Texas Tech game ticket prices fall way out of our budget this Friday, but a game at Troy next week will compensate. In retrospect on Saturday morning, great call. $150 plus fee proved to be a waste of money and time to see Texas destroy Texas Tech, 57-7. Even if Arch Manning got to play.

Troy lies in wait

Still have South Alabama (6-5, 4-3) at Texas State (6-5, 3-4) for Saturday night in a battle for better bowl games. Already for Saturday, December 2, we’re looking good for the Sun Belt Championship when the Troy Trojans (9-2,6-1), winners of the SBC West, will host the winner of the SBC East. That will be determined this Saturday. Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina will provide the competition. With 5-2 SBC records, if both win, CCU gets the edge based on their 27-24 win over Appy earlier this season. ASU has the easier task today though Georgia Southern is no SBC light weight. On the other hand, CCU hosts James Madison, fuming after their first loss of the year to Appalachian State. Troy played neither in the regular season.

Looking back at this season, we rate Troy's garnet and black uniforms as the best we'd seen this season.
Looking back lasts season, we rate Troy’s garnet and black uniforms among the best we’d seen.

Is James Franklin reading this website?

Penn State (10-2) destroyed Michigan State, 42-0, last night. Maybe his promotion of two coaches as co-offensive coordinators paid off, or else he read our comments regarding the Michigan loss we attended. Granted, he fired former OC Mike Yurcich after the loss. On the other hand, right from the start against the Spartans, we noted Drew Allar looking off his receivers and finding his receiving corps open. Early on, even the broadcasting team of Brian Griese and Noah Eagle called out “play action” on several occasions throughout the game. The two deficiencies pointed out here after both the Illinois and Michigan PSU games we attended, showed well in the big win last night. Too bad, the same weren’t display against the Buckeyes or the Wolverines this season. We believe the results would have been different.

Bucket List!

In addition, plans are being considered to attend this year’s FCS title game in Frisco Texas on January 6. FCS playoffs get underway this weekend. The Top Four seeds entering play include South Dakota State, Montana, South Dakota and Idaho. The FCS championship game is on our Bucket List which we share in our book Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to get your copy today!

Bowl bids

A couple of other options we’ll consider in the post season. If Liberty finishes undefeated and Toledo finishes with their one-loss record, if they meet in the Camellia Bowl, that might become a priority. If Penn State meets Alabama in the Orange Bowl or Peach Bowl, we may have to re-think our attendance at the FCS and at the Music City this upcoming bowl season.

Victor Venn fights and twists in to end zone for a 21-10 lead for Liberty.
Victor Venn fights and twists in to end zone for a 21-10 lead for Liberty in their victory over WKU this season.

Game 675: MTSU Blue Raider offense edges UTEP Miners in a game of cat-and-mouse

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Murfreesboro, TN – On a brilliant, sunny afternoon to play football, the MTSU Blue Raider “O” stayed ahead of the UTEP Miners over the course of the game, but the visitors’ “O” came back to tie the score on three different occasions. Not until 37 seconds remained to play did a Blue Raider stop of a Miner scoring threat on fourth down settle the score for a 34-30 victory for the home team. Both teams capitalized to score after turnovers. However, long, exciting scoring plays highlighted play for both teams in this game. MTSU QB Nick Vittiato passed for 242 yards on 18-of-35 passing while running for 100 yards on 14 carries. He threw for two TDs and one INT. UTEP QB Cade McConnell finished with 24 of 41 for 364 yards passing, two TDs and an interception. He misfired badly on the critical interception.

Offensive bout from the start

Raider RB Frank Peasant (24) scores game's first TD.
Raider RB Frank Peasant (24) scores game’s first TD.

UTEP (3-8, 2-5) fumbled the ball away on its opening series to give the Raiders the ball at the UTEP 48. Frank Peasant ran it in for a nine-yard score. The Miners got their offensive act together with a 75-yard scoring drive. McConnell hit WR Kelly Akharaiyi (six catches for 138 yards and two TDs) who made a beautiful over the shoulder catch before going out of bounds in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown grab to tie. The Blue Raiders (4-7, 3-4) responded with a 62-yard catch and run by wide-open WR Holden Willis down the right sideline to reclaim the lead. UTEP completed a 43-yard pass to Torrance Burgess on its next series, but to no avail, and punted. However, they backed the Raiders deep in their own territory.

The Raiders stay in front, but…

Torrance Burgess (5) returns punt for UTEP Miner score.
Torrance Burgess (5) returns punt for UTEP Miners to tie score, 14-14.

In the second period, UTEP forced MTSU to punt from its 11. The trajectory was low, and Burgess, the returner, took advantage as the ball beat the Raider punt team down field to give him a running start. He charged up field and then crossed over to the far left pylon escorted by his blockers for a 54-yard touchdown. UTEP knotted the score, 14-14. On the ensuing Blue Raider series, they lined up to punt from their 33 on a fourth and two. Instead, the snap went directly to blocking back Jordan Branch, a 290-lb defensive tackle. It was recognized later as the Play of the Game. He rumbled 24 yards for the first down to the Miner 43. MTSU continued to drive. Vittiato connected with Willis (six catches, 105 yards, two TDs) on a crossing pattern this time for a 17-yard touchdown.

Blue Raider WR Holden Willis grabs pass enroute for 17-yard score.
Blue Raider WR Holden Willis grabs pass enroute for 17-yard score.

The sunny day seemed to affect the Miners several times this day. On the ensuing kickoff, the ball bounced off Caden Harris’s chest to be recovered by the Raiders at the UTEP 18. The Miners held the Raiders out of the end zone. MTSU had to settle for Zack Rankin’s 38-yard field goal to extend their lead, 24-14. Late in the first half, the Miners took possession on their 15-yard line. A roughing the passer call moved the Miners to the MTSU 37. A screen pass to Deion Hankins put UTEP on the two. From there, Hankins ran it over for the final score of the first half to trail, 24-21.

Blue Raider Dance Team performs at Halftime.
Blue Raider Dance Team performs at Halftime.

The Miners pick their way back

The third period started similar to the first on the opening possession. An out pass to Harris was fumbled, and UTEP recovered at the 24. At 11:51 into the half, Buzz Flabiano booted a 33-yard FG to tie the score once again, 24-24. It didn’t take the Blue Raiders long to recover though. Five plays later, Vittiato connected with Zack Dobson on the right sideline for a 56-yard touchdown. The two teams exchanged turnovers before the third expired with MTSU in the lead, 31-24.

Zack Dobson cruises down field for long Blue Raider scoring play.
Zack Dobson cruises down field for long, Blue Raider scoring play.

To start the final period, the Raiders called on Rankin to extend their lead with a 24-yard field goal. UTEP responded right away on their next possession following a procedure penalty. A screen pass left to Akharaiyi went the length of the field for an 80-yard touchdown. However, the PAT was missed. With 14:32 left and trailing by four instead of three, it changed the nature of the game for the Miners. They turned the ball over on downs at the MTSU 43. They forced a Blue Raider punt, and they started from their 12. DB Marvae Myers stopped their drive when McConnell threw the ball directly into his chest with no Miner receiver any where near him. The next MTSU possession resulted with a punt at the UTEP 37.

Miner WR Kelly Akharaiyi outdistances everyone on this 80-yard score on a screen pass.
Miner WR Kelly Akharaiyi outdistances everyone on this 80-yard score on a screen pass.

Raider D rises to the final occasion

Starting from their 20 following a touchback, UTEP moved the ball out to the 45 for a fourth and six. A pass to Akharaiyi kept them in business at the MTSU 43. They gained only eight yards on three plays. On fourth and two at the Raider 37, McConnell’s got sacked with 37 seconds remaining. Middle Tennessee (4-7, 3-4) went into victory formation on its last play to take the victory in the final home game of their season, 34-30.

Raider D finally puts a stop to the day's scoring on this fourth down with 37 seconds left to play.
As shadows creep in, Raider D finally puts a stop to the day’s scoring on this fourth down with 37 seconds left to play.

Next, Texas for Thanksgiving!

The two teams finish at extreme opposites in Conference USA play next week. MTSU visits FBS newcomer Sam Houston State sitting at the bottom at C-USA. UTEP returns home to host first place Liberty (11-0, 7-0) ranked No. 22 in the AP poll. Collegefootballfan.com also travels to Texas this weekend to see two games, but neither of these. On Friday night, we plan to be in Austin to see No. 7 Texas (10-1, 7-1) host Texas Tech (6-5, 5-3). On Saturday night, we will be at a Sun Belt West finale between South Alabama (6-5, 4-3) and the Texas State Bobcats (6-5, 3-4) in San Marcos for our Thanksgiving weekend double-header.

Read all about These!

Want to know why Deion Sanders hasn’t been successful in his first year coaching at the FBS level, or how long he will probably continue to do so? Want to understand why USC can’t compete with Lincoln Riley at the helm following his “success” at Oklahoma? Do you have a feel for what Collectives are, and how they are changing the game of college football? Who are the best coaches going forward in upcoming years of college football? Released back in September, please check out my new book Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly available on Amazon.com. It offers these insights and others after a lifetime of attending 672 college games and seeing every FBS team play in person since 1972. What better way to track the pulse of college football? I got it all by doing this. Read all about it!

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.

Game 674: Miami (O.) defeats Buffalo Bulls to clinch MAC East title

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Oxford, OH – The Miami Red Hawks relied on it strong defense and two touchdowns by Rashad Amos to subdue a feisty Buffalo Bulls (3-8, 3-4) team, 23-10. The Bulls almost pulled closer in the final minutes with a play that went 80 yards for naught despite crossing the goal line. As one Miami fan nearby stated, “So goes our defense, so go our Red Hawks.” For collegefootballfan.com, we attended this game at our 85th FBS venue – only 49 more to go! As a bonus, we saw the two the MAC finalists on consecutive nights. Miami (9-2, 6-1) will face Toledo (10-1, 7-0), Champions of the West at Ford Field in Detroit on December 2. Toledo defeated Miami at Yager Stadium on October 21, 21-17. Should be a good rematch.

The Miami defense held Buffalo QB CJ Ogbonna in check this evening for only 50 yards on 16 carries.
The Miami Red Hawk defense held Buffalo QB CJ Ogbonna in check this evening for only 50 yards on 16 carries.

After a scoreless first period, most noticeable was that Buffalo QB CJ Ogbonna had no capability to throw a football. He finished 0 for 2 passing on the night, and both were feeble pass attempts out of bounds to avoid rushes. They were more like flips out of bounds as opposed to actual passes. Eventually, Head Coach Maurice Linquist shuttled in Cole Snyder sporadically. It was evident that when Ogbonna set up, it was to run. It made no sense to run a two-quarterback system under these circumstances. Miami had their number. By the end of the night, the Bulls totaled 131 rushing yards and 147 passing, 80 of which as mentioned came on one play that resulted in no points.

Miami defense carries the offense

Miami’s offense didn’t fare much better on the evening. They gained 180 on the ground. Amos led with 82 yards and two scores. QB Aveon Smith connected on 9 of 16 passes for 146 yards, 123 to Javon Tracy. The Red Hawks depended on few players offensively to carry them to aid their staunch defense. The Hawk defense allowed only 10.1 points per game in their previous six Mid American Conference games. Following Kenny Tracy’s 37-yard run to the Buffalo seven, they struggled and even lost a yard to the Bulls. Miami settled for Graham Nicholson’s 25-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.

Rashad Amos beats the Buffalo defense to the outside for his 30-yard touchdown run and a 10-0 first half lead.
Miami RB Rashad Amos beats the Buffalo defense to the outside for his 30-yard touchdown run and a 10-0 first half lead.

Later in the period, the Red Hawks drove 61 yards that saw Rashad Amos ramble around left end for a 30-yard score to increase the lead, 10-0. At that point, it looked like the night was going to be long for the Bulls. They seemed to have little offense to answer the call. However, Snyder played the entire, next series starting from the 22. He completed three passes along the way to get to the Miami 30. From there, Alex McNulty booted a 47-yard field goal. The Bulls were on the board with :02 left in the first half, down 10-3.

What a difference one night makes

Two and a half hours north of Oxford the night before, what a difference in game atmosphere. Granted, Bowling Green versus Toledo is a rivalry between two teams about 20 miles apart and the game atmosphere was lively. Both teams came in with winning records. One sign was that the Buffalo Wild Wings across the street was busy, and some fans planned to be back after the game. They left cars there and walked over to Doyt L. Perry Stadium to watch the 32-31 comeback by Toledo over Bowling Green.

Notre Dame Hall of Fame Head Coach Ara Parseghian is one of three coaches I saw along the sidelines who is honored at "The Cradle of Coaches."
Notre Dame Hall of Fame Head Coach Ara Parseghian is one of three coaches I saw in action over the years along the sidelines who is one of the honored at “The Cradle of Coaches.”

This evening, I walked into the BWW in downtown Oxford. No parking lot. Found a parking space with a meter that still takes quarters. Luckily, I keep some in the car for emergencies like this. There were a couple of dozen people there. Mostly empty tables. Basically, they depend on walk-in student business. Little pre-game activity here whatsoever. Drove to Yager Stadium. No traffic. Most of the empty lots available only accepted prepaid parking. I parked beyond the stadium in the one lot taking credit cards, and walked to Yager. When I entered, I stepped into a ghost town. Speaking of ghosts, I snapped some pictures of statues of famous coaches, most who have passed on, who mentored at Miami. Famously recognized as “The Cradle of Coaches,” Miami launched the careers of many head coaches from here into both College and Pro Football Hall of Fames.

Miami fans must be holding out for the Big One

Beyond the entrance gate past the statues, there were more players, marching band members, cheerleaders, and football recruits on the playing surface than there were people in the stands. Yager Stadium looked vast, but empty. Not many wearing the blue of Buffalo. Eventually, they announced 7,561 attended. Of course, colleges report seats sold, not how many fans actually passed through the turnstiles. Had to be less than that. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of following Miami gets at Ford Field when they face Toledo. The Rocket fan base seems more excited about their winning team, and it’s much closer to Detroit. Hopefully, Miami fans show their team more support at the title game.

Head Coach Chuck Martin of Miami invited a huge group of recruits to attend the Red Hawk Senior night on Wednesday. They would help fill the stands after kick-off.
Head Coach Chuck Martin of Miami invited a huge group of recruits and their families to attend the Red Hawk Senior night on Wednesday. They would help fill the stands after kick-off.

Buffalo’s second leading passer of the game

Miami moved the ball on its opening possession of the third to the UB 20. Nicholson put it up from there to extend the lead, 13-3. Buffalo showed a sense of urgency on their next possession. In punt formation at the Miami 49, the center snapped directly to the up-back, Tadd Barr. Th

e third team QB tossed a lob pass to Darrell Harding who took it 27 yards for a first down. Ogbonna came back in to quarterback. The Bulls stayed on the ground, and Ogbonna finally scored from the three. The Bulls surprisingly made a game of it trailing by three going into the final period, 13-10.

Javon Tracy makes the reception before racing 51 yards to the Buffalo two-yard line.
WR Javon Tracy (11) makes the reception before racing the rest of the 51 yard gain to the Buffalo two-yard line.

In the fourth, Aveon Smith connected with his favorite receiver, Javon Tracy, who caught it along the left sideline and bounced off two defenders. He raced 51 yards downfield to the UB two. Amos finished up the drive to put Miami up, 20-10. Forcing Buffalo to punt from their eight on the next possession, they started at the Bull’s 45. On a fourth and one at the 20, Amos ran it down to the ten. Buffalo allowed Miami no closer than the four. The Red Hawks settled again for a Nicholson 24-yard FG with 3:14 left.

Almost had us a new game

Looking inept at the passing game all night and with no time-outs remaining, the Bulls appeared to be finished. Shockingly though, Snyder connected on a short pass to WR Marlyn Johnson for his first reception of the game on a second and 15 from the 20. Johnson took it to the middle of the field and raced Red Hawk defenders toward the goal line. As he crossed it, he was tackled from behind by DB Michael Dowell. As he fell, the ball came out and was pounced on by a teammate before the ball went out. The officials ruled it a touchdown. They said Johnson had control of the ball before the ball came out when he hit the ground.

It’s never “official” until replay says so

Of course, the play was reviewed. Not only did Johnson not have control when he crossed, but the replay indicated the teammate who recovered had his foot out of bounds. After eighty yards on one play and a supposed six-point differential with 2:24 left on the clock, instead they turned the football over to the Hawks at their 20. Miami could not run out the clock, and their punt put the Bulls on their 36. Miami sacked Snyder and forced the fumble. Game over, 23-10. Too bad the Bulls didn’t put up the score at the end. With Miami only up by six instead, and a pending onsides kick, we’ve seen stranger things happen. It would have made this defensive struggle more exciting at the end.

Next!

Buffalo hosts Eastern Michigan (5-6, 3-4) next Tuesday to finish out 2023. EMU will have bowl eligibility to play for at least. Miami visits Ball State (3-7, 2-4) on November 25 hoping not to look beyond the Cardinals before their championship bout with Toledo in Detroit for the all the MACtion marbles. Collegefootballfan.com stays local this weekend to see Middle Tennessee (3-7, 2-4) and UTEP (3-7, 2-4) play their next to last CUSA games of 2023. Neither looks to become eligible for a bowl game.

The Red Hawk cheerleaders should be happy. Their team plays in Detroit for the MAC Championship on December 2.
The Red Hawk cheerleaders should look happy. Their team plays in Detroit for the MAC Championship on December 2.

Game 673: Down 28-10, Toledo overcomes Bowling Green, 32-31

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Bowling Green, OH – In the Battle of I-75, the Falcons of Bowling Green took a commanding lead in the first half. In the second, the Rockets of Toledo (9-1, 6-0) came back with big plays to put up 22 points. They took a 32-31 win with 1:45 remaining on a swing pass from Dequan Finn to Jacquez Stuart for the final score. Both teams came out hot, but the Toledo defense halted BGSU in the second to climb back into the game.

Toledo Rockets and BGSU Falcons come out flying

Both squads scored quickly on their respective first possessions. Finn burst for a 23-yard touchdown scamper up the middle for first blood. The Falcons (6-4,4-3) retaliated with a 44-yard scoring strike. Connor Bazelak threw to Harold Fannin, Jr over the middle on a slant to tie. Late in the first, Bazelak and Fannin connected again on a two-yard pop pass over the middle.

Harold Fannin, Jr. grabs a pop pass from Bazelak for a BGSU 14-7 lead over Toledo in the first quarter.
Harold Fannin, Jr. (44) grabs a pop pass from Bazelak for a BGSU 14-7 lead over Toledo in the first quarter.

In the second, Luke Pawaluk’s 39-yard FG cut the BGSU lead, 14-10. It was all Falcons for the balance of the half. Back-up QB Camden Orth finished a 75-yard drive with a five-yard run up the middle. The defense halted the next Rocket drive at their their 38. On a direct snap at the one, Ta’ron Keith took it in for a Bowling Green 28-10 lead at the half. In front of a good crowd of 20,590 on a cold night at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, an upset seemed to be in the making.

Typical MAC football in November at night: BGSU dance team and cheerleaders suit up in warmup suits.
Typical MAC football in November at night: BGSU dance team and cheerleaders suit up in warmup suits.

Toledo record on the line

The second half did not start off well on the Falcons’ first possession. On the punt, the snap sailed way off the mark, and the punter shanked the ball for 11 yards to their own 41. Finn hooked up with Junior Vandeross III with a perfect 22-yard strike in the end zone. Before the final period, both defenses buckled down. Toledo recovered a fumble by Orth. They halted a Falcon drive with a sack on a fourth and four to take over on downs. Bowling Green stopped Toledo on a fourth at their 48 to end the period still ahead, 28-17.

Toledo Junior Vandross catches 22-yard TD pass to climb back, 28-17.
Toledo WR Junior Vandross catches 22-yard TD pass to climb back, 28-17.

Following the opening series of the final period, Toledo forced a punt and took over on its ten. At their 35, Peny Boone (15 carries, 131 yards,1 TD) raced around right end for 55 yards to the BGSU ten. On a one-yard run, he scored. A two-point pass play to Anthony Torres closed the Falcon lead at 28-25. An underthrown pass by Finn got intercepted by Jordan Oladokun to put BGSU in business at the Toledo 39. Bazelak returned to play. However, Bowling Green had to settle for Alan Anaya’s 40-yard field goal with 7:30 to play with dangerous six-point lead, 31-25.

Six points not enough

A sack by Bowling Green forced a Toledo punt. However, the Falcons gained no yardage from their own 34. They punted to put Toledo on their 23 with 4:36 to play. On their 39, Finn connected with Stuart in the right flat, and he sailed up the sideline for the winning touchdown. Toledo held in the final 1:45 as the Falcons had only one time-out remaining. The Falcons and their fans enjoyed a happy 25-minute ride home with a satisfying 32-31 win over its very close rival. Glad we could work this one in this season!

Toledo RB Jarquez Stuart races 59 yards for winning score.
Toledo RB Jacquez Stuart races 59 yards for winning score.

Next!

Bowling Green plays Western Michigan next Tuesday. On Friday November 24, Toledo plays at Central Michigan. On December 2 they battle for the MAC title against East Division winner Miami (8-2, 5-1). Tonight, collegefootballfan.com will be in Oxford to see the Red Hawks take on the Buffalo Bulls (3-7, 3-3).

Bowl possibility looms

We’re hoping that the winner of the MAC, to be determined in Detroit, will get the bid to play in this year’s Bahamas Bowl. If Liberty defeats New Mexico State in the Conference USA championship game to remain undefeated, the MAC champ will probably play undefeated Liberty. Due to stadium reconstruction in the Bahamas, this year’s contest will be played at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte on December 18. Sounds like a road trip to us!

BGSU sings alma mater.
BGSU sings alma mater.