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

Posted on by

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

Safety first

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

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

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

Second half much like first

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

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

Middle Tennessee and Kennesaw going nowhere

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

Next up for the Blue Raiders and the Bulldogs

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

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

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

Great Tailgate friends made at MTSU

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

Ohio keeps rolling along

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

CMU fans in until the end

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

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

Mounting comeback against these Ohio U. Bobcats

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

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

Questionable coaching call

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

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

Next up for the Chips and the Cats

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

On to Game 700!

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

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

Speaking of Tailgating

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

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

Game time!

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

And we wonder why

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

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

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

Great Tailgate in Athens

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

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

As expected, first-half action Georgia’s way

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

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

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

Odes to Uga’s

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

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

A War Eagle take off, but…

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

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

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

Georgia lands

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

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

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

Next Week’s slate

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

Can Fair Weather Fans be blamed?

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

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

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

More college football changes needed

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

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

At least one new college football Subdivision needed

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

Next UP! Duke demise to begin?

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

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

In other action next week

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

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

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

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

Jacksonville State ready for take-off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

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

As expected, Jacksonville State marched on

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

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

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

Next time will be more competitive for KSU

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

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

Sweet Home Alabama

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

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

Texas State Bobcats down Troy, 38-17; McCloud leads with four scores

Posted on by

Troy, AL – Texas State Bobcats QB Jordan McCloud threw for three TDs and ran for one as they defeated the Troy Trojans, 38-17.  With the departure of former HC Jon Sumrall to Tulane, the atmosphere and talent witnessed at Troy’s Veterans Memorial Stadium fell far from what we experienced here last season.  Following a 24-2 record and two Sun Belt championships, new HC Gerad Parker’s takeover appears to be a work in progress.

Bobcats fast forward

Texas State DE Jo' Laison Landdy sacks Troy QB Tucker Kilcrease to force punt on first series.
Texas State DE Jo’ Laison Landry sacks Troy QB Tucker Kilcrease to force a punt on first series.

A sack by DE Jo’Laison Landry halted Troy’s opening drive.  The ensuing Bobcat possession resulted with a one-yard TD run by Ismail Mahdi.  Texas State’s next score followed a fumble by QB Tucker Kilcrease. The Bobcats drove 64 yards as McCloud (20 for 29, 252 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) connected for his first TD on a 10-yard pass to Jaden Williams for a 14-0 lead at the end of one.

Troy made some noise in the second.  An interception bounced off a lineman’s helmet fell into the hands of LB Jordan Stringer for the turnover.    Kilcrease connected effectively with WR Landon Parker on the following series. They connected from ten yards out to cut the Texas State Bobcats’ lead, 14-7. The Trojans tried to keep up the rest of the half, but to no avail. A roughing the kicker penalty on TXST’s next drive put the Bobcats on their 49.  McCloud connected near the end zone with Kole Wilson for a 51-yard touchdown. Troy responded with Scott Renfroe’s 40-yard FG to trail, 21-10.

WR Jaden Williams made a diving catch for Texas State's second score to put the Bobcats up 14-10 in the first quarter.
WR Jaden Williams made a diving catch for Texas State Bobcats second score to put them up, 14-10, in the first quarter.

Bobcats Halt Valiant Trojan Try

A Bobcat pass and 15-yard penalty put State at the Trojan 45. McCloud threw 28 yards to Joey Hobert to extend the lead 28-10.  Troy moved the ball deep into Bobcat territory before the half ended.  WR Peyton Higgins raced toward the end zone for an apparent score but fumbled the ball and S Ryan Nolan recovered at the two to end the scoring threat. The Bobcats closed leading by 18 at the half.

The Bobcat secondary surrounds Trojan WR Peyton Higgins before forcing him to fumble before he crossed the goal line to narrow the score before the end of the second period.
The Bobcat secondary surrounds Trojan WR Peyton Higgins before forcing him to fumble before he crossed the goal line to narrow the score before the end of the second period.

Only real fireworks for Troy

In the third, Mason Shipley’s 52-yard FG put the Bobcats up 31-10. A turnover on downs ensued over to Texas State.  This time, McCloud scored with his legs on a 42-yard TD gallop. The Trojans countered with a 75-yard scoring drive as Devonte Ross hauled in a 25-yard scoring pass.  The Veterans Memorial Stadium scoreboard set off some fireworks, literally, before the fourth period started.  However, only the Texas State Bobcats lit up the scoreboard in the fourth following another Trojan turnover on downs.  Final score: 38-17 in favor of the Bobcats.

TSXT QB Jordan McCloud (3) got great protection in teh pocket as the Bobvats were teh ones lighting up the scorebara at our 692nd game attended at Troy's Veterans Memorial Stadium this evening.
TSXT QB Jordan McCloud (3) got great protection in the pocket as the Bobcats were the ones lighting up the scoreboard at our 692nd game attended this evening.

Next up!

Troy travels to Mobile, Alabama to play South Alabama in two weeks.  The Texas State Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) will host Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-2, 1-0) in what will be an early, key conflict between both for Sun Belt superiority in the standings. Last season, ASU trounced TXST, 77-31. Revenge will play a factor in this one. Collegefootballfan.com drives on the see Kennesaw State (0-4) host Jacksonville State (1-3) in a Conference USA dispute the following evening. KSU starts it inaugural season in the FBS and CUSA. Despite a very sure end result, we’ll check the box as the Owls Fifth Third Bank Stadium becomes our 93rd FBS venue.  After that, Auburn at Georgia on Saturday.

Texas State in our future

We still continue to monitor the Sun Belt Conference through the end of this year. We anticipated a big improvement at TXST since HC GJ Kinne took over last season and guided the Bobcats to their first eight-win season since 2008. Much is still expected as having an experienced, strong-armed QB from a winning program like James Madison joined his team. However, the competition anticipated comes from a different group of foes than expected.

Among the most anticipated contenders in preseason, several have fallen out and several have stepped in unexpectedly. We watched Appalachian State (2-3, 0-2) falter big to South Alabama already, 48-14. James Madison (4-1, 0-1) dropped this weekend from the ranks of the undefeated to surprising UL Monroe (4-1,1-0), 21-19. The ULM War Hawks’ (4-1, 2-0) only loss thus far came against No.1 Texas. In addition, Arkansas State coming up stands as a formidable opponent. Louisiana (4-1,1-0) looks formidable as usual, and South Alabama (2-4, 1-1) offers an end of year challenge. We still consider attending this one in Mobile if it coincides with our Thanksgiving weekend plans to visit the USS Alabama in Mobile.

East challengers

This season, the two top Sun Belt conference teams in regular season will play for the title. Also looking strong among others playing within an “East Division,” Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Marshall have gotten off to strong starts in the Sun Belt. The balance of the season looks conjure up some pretty big battles to win the SBC. Stay tuned.

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

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

Mids of Navy extinguish UAB Blazers, 41-18; Horvath leads in total offense

Posted on by

Birmingham, AL – Navy QB Blake Horvath threw two TD passes and ran for one with 225 passing yards and 84 rushing to lead the Mids to a dominant 41-18 over the UAB Blazers.  In the American Athletic clash, Navy led a balanced offensive attack and the Mid defense kept the pressure on UAB QB Jacob Zeno applying pressure and recording three sacks early.  The Mids left town with a 4-0 record, 3-0 in AAC play.  The Blazers under second-year HC Trent Dilfer, have not made much progress since last season’s 31-6 loss to the Mids in Annapolis.  They struggle at 1-3 and start 0-1 in the AAC.

Guest Game Analyst Mike Malinack (USNA) has attended all four Navy games thus far and seen improvement.  He attributes it to new Offensive Coordinator Drew Cronic and Horvath who is healthy this year.  Cronic comes to Navy after being HC for FCS Mercer in Macon, Georgia.  Horvath played four games last season before injuring his thumb.  He brings back what Keenan McReynolds and Mason Perry brought to the Midshipmen quarterback position in past seasons.

Mid DE Landon Robinson sacks Blazer QB Jacob Zeno on fourth down to take ball over on downs.
Navy DE Landon Robinson sacks Blazer QB Jacob Zeno on fourth down to take ball over on downs.

Navy defense penetrates and punishes

Midshipman DE Landon Robinson halted the first UAB possession with a sack.  The Mids took over on downs from their 39.  Horvath finished the first Navy possession with a 20-yard TD run.  Navy’s other DE Justin Reed sacked Zeno on the next UAB series to force a punt.  In the second period, the Mids drove 84 yards with FB Alex Tecza taking it in from the five for a 14-0 lead.  UAB got on the board with 1:10 left in the first half on Jonah Delange’s 35-yard FG.  

Navy retaliated quickly through the air.  Horvath connected with WR Nathan Kent for 77 yards as Kent raced the final 35 yards to paydirt.  This was right after a UAB fan sitting behind us showed up late with friends and commented to another, “No wonder why UAB isn’t that good, these players look like a bunch of high school players.” The friend replied, “We’re sitting behind the Navy bench.  It seems he figured clean-shaven guys with short hair don’t know how to play football.  It just demonstrates how some people just don’t understand the military of U.S. academy football.  He finally left in the third quarter when he realized things weren’t going to go UAB’s way.

Navy QB Blake Hovarth picks up a first down for the Mids on a first quarter touchdown drive.
Navy QB Blake Hovarth (11) picks up a first down for the Midshipmen on a first quarter touchdown drive.

Relentless Navy attack

Leading 21-3 to start the second half, Navy received the kickoff as they deferred on the coin toss. Horvath lit up the scoreboard once again. He found WR Eli Heidenrich on the fly for a 77-yard scoring strike.  The Mids performed dominantly.  They took over the next punt at their 23.  They moved downfield to set up Nathan Kirkwood for a 45-yard FG and a 31-3 lead.  A glimpse of former NFL QB and successful Lipscomb Academy (TN) HS HC Trend Dilfer along the sideline portrayed a baffled look on his face.  He must have figured out something eventually.  The Blazers started their next drive from the 20.  In four plays that included a facemask penalty against the Mids, Zeno hooked up with Iverson Hooks for a 39-yard score. 

Despite trailing now 31-10, the Blazers seemed to have some momentum taking place.  They held navy to a three and-out.  UAB started to drive.  Rolling to his left under pressure, Zeno tossed a long, errant pass down field and Navy CB Mbiti Williams made a diving catch.  The Mids took over from their 5.

Finishing touches

Entering the final period, Navy marched down the field once again. With 10:32 to play, FB Daba Fofana broke tackles up the middle and put Navy on the board once again with a 16-yard jaunt.  The Blazers kept rolling again, too.  After a 67-yard pass completion to Terrell McDonald, Lee Beebe scored from the two with 9:09 left.  A two-point conversion pass to Kam Shanks made the score 38-18.  Navy controlled the ball on its next drive taking 6:55 off the clock before Kirkwood extended the lead 41-18 with his 46-yard FG.  The second teams came in for game-time experience, and that was the final.

Navy QB Blake Horvath brings back the run/pass versatility needed to run a Navy offense as other quarterbacks did for successful Mid teams in the past.
Midshipmen QB Blake Horvath (11) brings back the run/pass versatility needed to run a Navy offense as other quarterbacks did for successful Mid teams in the past.

Week Six College Football Action: Think Army Navy game

UAB takes on another American Athletic contender next Saturday when Tulane (3-2, 1-0) comes to town. This may be our alternative game if we don’t see our other option that’s up in the air right now for next Saturday (see below). Navy has a big archrivalry game next week when it visits Air Force out in Colorado Springs.  Air Force (1-3) comes off a loss to winless Wyoming for this one.  We saw the Cowboys bounced by No. 19 BYU the week before.  However, the Mids can’t take the Falcons lightly.  Both teams compete for that Commander-in Chief Trophy.  And with Army also at 4-0, the Mids will have to get a leg up for more than just that Hardware.  A lot of pride exists to outdo Army in anything. They want to outpace the Cadets in the win column, conference game or not.

There’s even more riding on that game now that the two play in the American Athletic.  We’ll see the Mids again on October 26 when they battle Notre Dame in the Meadowlands for our Game 700!  One fan also going recently said to me, “We may still see an undefeated team play in that game. Not the one we expected tough.”  Besides Air Force, Navy plays Charlotte after them at home.  As we know, the Fighting Irish have already fallen to Northern Illinois of the Mid American, now 2-2, 0-1.

Collegefootballfan.com goals to be achieved

Big weekend coming up.  We hit three games in three days in order to basically assure that October 26 is officially Game 700.  On Thursday night, we go to Troy, Alabama to see The Trojans (1-4, 0-1) host Texas State (2-2) in a Sun Belt showdown.  TXST lost their last two non-conference games to Arizona State, 31-28, and a last-minute comeback loss to Sam Houston, 40-39. Head Coach GJ Kinne will have his Bobcats looking to make some noise against Troy and their first-year HC Gerad Parker. 

Our Friday night game will feature first year FBS program Kennesaw State (0-4, 0-1) hosting Jacksonville State (1-3, 1-1). Got to go with the JSU Gamecocks here.  KSU Owls fell to FCS UT Martin on Saturday.  We hope this will be a battle between these two flocks.  We go to add the Owls’ Fifth Third Bank Stadium for our goal to attend as many FBS venues as possible.  When they get better, we’ll find a more competitive opportunity in the future. For now, we have objectives to achieve. The sooner the better to get this opportunity closed. Like Navy OC drew Cronic, Midshipmen HC Brian Newberry also cut his teeth as a KSU assistant.

Thanks for Conference USA weekday night games like Liberty at WKU last season, Collegefootballfan.com finds these and MACtion opportunities to build up our schedule to capture long-term goals.
Thanks to Conference USA weekday night games like Liberty at WKU last season shown here, Collegefootballfan.com finds these and MACtion opportunities to build up our schedule to capture long-term goals.

Option play?

We are working on arrangements to see an old-fashioned SEC rivalry on Saturday when Auburn visits No. 5 Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens.  This would be only our second time there. The Dawgs (3-1, 1-1) are reeling now from last Saturday’s loss to Bama.  What better way to come back by beating up on Auburn?  The Tigers (2-3,0-2) come in looking for some way to turn this season around.  What better way, but do they have to horses to do it? They played Oklahoma last week closer than expected in their 27-21 loss.  This will be the first game for Auburn on the road. Could be a rocky one.  If we don’t get to see this tussle, we’re on our way back to Birmingham for Tulane visiting UAB.

CFF.com September Poll Rankings

For fun, we’ve decided to rank a Top Ten among the 41 FBS teams on our Tentative Schedule in 2024.  For now, all intents and purposes, the teams on it are basically set in stone except for aforementioned Georgia.  We’ll keep them in our ranking until our October poll comes out late next month.  We’re shocked already not only by how many undefeated teams remain in our poll, but by how many we’ve already seen that remain undefeated. Definitely some surprises here:

  1. Ohio State 4-0
  2. Georgia 3-1
  3. Penn State 4-0
  4. Oregon 4-0
  5. Notre Dame 4-1
  6. BYU 5-0*
  7. Navy 4-0*
  8. Duke 5-0*
  9. Boston College 4 -1*
  10. Liberty 4-0

*Seen play already

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

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

South Alabama Jaguars roll favored Appalachian State, 48-14

Posted on by

Boone, NC – South Alabama (2-2,1-0)  took a 28-0 lead before the ASU Mountaineers could answer with a score as the first half ended.  After that, the Jaguar defense held the favored home team in check during the Sun Belt Conference opener for both schools.  In the second half, the visiting offense continued to pour it on. Similar to the first half, the Mountaineers scored in the final minute of play as the Jags took the victory, 48-14.

South Alabama QB Gio Lopez runs against ASU mountaineers on first half scoring drive.
South Alabama QB Gio Lopez runs against ASU Mountaineers for a gain on a first half scoring drive.

South Alabama QB Gio Lopez passed for 154 yards and two TDs.  On the ground, he traveled for 105 yards and a TD on seven carries.  RB Fluff Bothwell rambled for 166 yards and two TDs.  The Jaguars outgained the Mountaineers in rushing, 320 yards to 119.  They averaged 7.4 yards per carry.  Guest Game Analyst Al Di Vite noted early on that the South Alabama offensive line just dominated ASU at the line of scrimmage.

South Alabama takes charge from the start

The Jaguars made it look easy.  Following a 50-yard run on USA’s first possession, Lopez tossed a 10-yard scoring pass to DJ Thomas Jones on the sixth play.  The next South Alabama series also finished after six plays over 60 yards with Bothwell’s 22-yard score.  The Jaguars took a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.  At this juncture, Al, our other GGA Sharon Di Vite, and I all agreed that Appalachian State could not tackle.  ASU fans around us were livid at our 689th college game since 1979. 

South Alabama CB Jordan Scruggs on the way to set up another Jaguar ITD on his INT return to Appalachian State four-yard line.
South Alabama CB Jordan Scruggs (far left) on the way to set up another Jaguar TD on his INT return to Appalachian State four-yard line.

In the second period, Appalachian State went to the South Alabama 41 and punted to put USA on their five.  Again, the Mountaineers displayed poor, arm-tackling techniques.  South Alabama drove for 95 yards over seven minutes.  Lopez ran right up the middle for 31 yards to build the Jaguar lead, 21-0.  Appalachian threatened to score on the ensuing drive taking it all the way to South Alabama’s seven.  However, Jaguar CB Jordan Scruggs read Joey Agular’s pass perfectly in the left flat to break on it and race all the way to the Mountaineer four.  A horse collar tackle added two yards more to place it on the Appy two.  From there, RB Kentrel Bullock took it in for a 28-0 pounding.

Appalachian State students started mud-sliding in the end zone SRO areas before halftime. GGA Sharon Di Vite exclaimed, "It's more fun watching that than watching this game!" Astute observation by our first-time GGA.
Appalachian State students started mud-sliding in the end zone SRO areas before halftime. GGA Sharon Di Vite exclaimed, “It’s more fun watching that than watching this game!” Astute observation by our first-time GGA.

Appalachian glimmer of hope… 

At the end of the half, ASU finally mustered a score with a 47-yard desperation pass by Aguilar into the end zone.  WR Dalton Strohman circled back slightly in the end zone to remain over the line for the score to stand, 28-7, going into halftime.

But South Alabama would not yield

Desperate, with the first possession of the second half, Appalachian gave the ball back over on downs on their 47.  Lopez followed through and connected for his second TD pass for 18 yards to Jamaal Pritchett.  The PAT was missed.  Later in the period, Bothwell scored on a dash from 20 yards away for a South Alabama lead, 41-7. 

The South Alabama defense dominated the ASU Mountaineer defense all evening that caused concerns for their fans in attendance.
The South Alabama defense dominated the ASU Mountaineer defense all evening that caused concerns for their fans in attendance.

In the final period of play, Jaguar Iverson Celestine completed a 55-yard drive with his six-yard TD.    The Mountaineers’ Maquel Haywood ran it over from the two with :52 left.  The South Alabama Jaguars routed the Mountaineers (2-2,0-1) at Boone, in surprising fashion, 48-14, to finalize the score.  We thought that Appy would head to the Sun Belt Championship on December 6, but it looks like they’ll have a tougher road ahead than expected.    

Next Up!

South Alabama heads to Baton Rogue to face No. 16 LSU.  Appalachian State remains in Boone to take on Liberty (3-0), favorites to win ConferenceUSA.  It didn’t sound like many ASU fans seemed excited to attend the “white-out” planned for Kidd Brewer Stadium among the 34,133 in attendance last night.

For Collegefootballfan.com, this Saturday we will see Duke (3-0) visit Middle Tennessee (1-2) for a 3 pm kick-off in Murfreesboro.

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

BYU Cougars best struggling Wyoming, 34-14; Retzlaff tosses three TDs

Posted on by

Laramie, Wyoming – The BYU Cougars bested the struggling Wyoming Cowboys (0-3) to win its tenth straight contest in the 80-game rivalry, 34-14.  Cougar QB Jake Retzlaff completed 22 of 36 passes for 291 yards and three TDs. With Brigham Young now a member of the Big XII, this will probably be the last game of this series for a long while.  However, with the recent announcement of four other Mountain West teams joining to form a new PAC 12 (6?), who will Wyoming and other MWC foes play on a regular basis?  Several options remain open, but for the short-term, this will probably cause a mess for college football teams once again.

BYU QB fires a pass on a first period scoring drive.
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff fires a pass on a first period scoring drive.

BYU stumbles; recovers quickly

Brigham Young University got off to an awry start.  Cowboy CB Wrook Brown made a diving interception on his back to halt the Cougars’ first possession.  However, it put the Wyoming offense at a disadvantage.  They started from their one-yard line.  As the first of many three and outs for the Cowpokes, BYU started again at the Wyoming 44.  QB Jake Retzlaff connected with TE Jeanu Hill for a 20-yard score.  Wyoming punted once again after three plays.  The BYU Cougars drove 74 yards and into the second period.  This time, Retzlaff passed three yards to WR Kody Epps to go up, 14-0.

Wyoming responded with a 75-yard scoring drive when QB Evan Svoboda ran it in from the two.  Later in the period, BYU extended the final score at the end of the half on Will Fenner’s 49-yard kick, 17-7.

There was big news for the Wyoming Cowboy Marching Band shown here at hafltime. They're invited to march in the 2025 Rose Bowl Parade.
There was big news for the Wyoming Cowboy Marching Band shown here at halftime. They’re already invited to march in the 2025 Rose Bowl Parade. It doesn’t look like their football team will be joining them.

BYU fireworks in the third, then tough D

BYU opened up the second half with an explosion.  Keelan Martin took the kick two yards deep in the end zone.  At about the 25, he veered left and took it the distance fending off a couple of tacklers to give BYU an early 24-7 to start the third. The Cougar defense stifled the Cowboys through the second half. Brigham Young forced an immediate three-and -out.  They followed with Ferrin’s 27-yard FG.  The next Cowboy series also lasted only three snaps. BYU stopped the next on fourth down to take possession on their 35.  Retzlaff’s third TD pass of the day went 20 yards to Darius Lassiter to go up, 34-7.

Because of our very low seats at War Memorial Stadium, we had to follow a lot of the action on the videoboard. We watctched BYU PK Will Ferring practic coe on tehsidelines befor making tow field goals agsine the Cowboys. His kicking net and sometimes the mobile television camera crew got in the way.
Because of our very low seats at War Memorial Stadium, we had to follow a lot of the action on the videoboard. We watched BYU PK Will Ferrin practice on the sideline before making two field goals against the Cowboys. This kicking net, BYU players and sometimes the mobile television camera crew got in the way of taking good photos.

Fourth period – building for the future

After that, BYU HC Kilani Sitake replaced his starters with players in clean jerseys.  At that point, his defense yielded only 147 yards of total offense and eight first downs to the Cowboys.  With Wyoming HC Jay Sawvell leaving his first team in, they drove 76 yards and gained four first downs before Svoboda dove in from the one to finalize the score, 34-14. BYU takes its home its 3-0 record into Big XII play just like they did last season.

The BYU defense held Evan Svoboda (17) to 14 of 31 passes for 140 yards and one INT.
The BYU defense held Evan Svoboda (17) to 14 of 31 passes for 140 yards and one INT.

Cowboys need to wrangle in their season – fast

At 0-3 following a 9-4 season that filled the faithful in Laramie with optimism this season, the remainder of this season looks rather bleak now.  The retirement of former HC Craig Bohl seemed to assure the program with continuity.  Naming his four-year Defensive Coordinator, Jay Sawvel, who has 21 successful seasons with an impressive array of mentors seemed like a great start.  In addition, Bohl’s son, Aaron, stepped up to take over for Sawvel at DC.  However, it seems the drop in optimism probably stems from this coaching change.  For Sawvel, he serves now as HC for the first time.  Maybe the leap comes too early.  We’ll watch with interest to see what happens to the Cowboys over the balance of 2024.

We saw Mountain West foe New Mexico open our season with a last-minute 35-31 loss to FCS power Montana State. Wyoming also lost to FCS Idaho a week ago, 17-13.  From this objective viewpoint, the Lobos showed indications of a much better team than the Cowboys.  New HC Bronco Mendenhall brought in years of experience as a head coach to UNM. These two teams will meet in Albuquerque on November 2.

Despite trailing late in the third, 27-7, Wyoming fans, especially students, hung around and still seemed to have good time. At many other schools, we;e seen teh student body whitteld down to go party elsewhere.
Despite trailing late in the third, 27-7, Wyoming fans, especially students, hung around and still seemed to have good time. At many other schools, we’ve seen the student body whittled down to go party elsewhere by halftime. Good for them!

Next Up

On Saturday, Wyoming visits North Texas State (2-1) who fell big to Texas Tech, 66-21. After the Mean Geen, the MWC slate lies ahead for the Pokes.  Things have to change quickly if Sawvel’s squad still wants to challenge.  Hard to believe after what we saw from this offense.  BYU immerses itself the next nine weeks against Big XII competition.  It begins at home in Saturday against No. 13 Kansas State who defeated Arizona on Friday night, 31-7. The Cougars look to improve their initial 2-7 conference record from a year ago.  They also look to qualify to get back in the bowl business with six wins overall.

Collegefootballfan.com has two games on our docket this week.  On Thursday night, we’ll see South Alabama (1-2) visit Appalachian State (2-1) in the Sun Belt opener for both.  On Saturday night, we’ll see two teams we saw play a few weeks ago.  Duke comes to Murfreesboro with a record of 3-0 to play Middle Tennessee (1-2). It’s unusual to see a Power Four program visit a Group of Five team, but we’d like to see this happen more often.

Extra Points

Special thanks to the Groner family in Laramie for hosting me this past weekend.  I worked with Gary about 20 years ago at AlliedSignal. His wife Susie, sister Shawna, daughter Bailey, son-in-law Keenan and friends attended the game with me.  Keenan, a Wyoming grad, like Gary, gave me a tour around the Wyoming campus not far from the Groner residence.

This game marked my 688th college football game.  Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium, named in honor of state residents serving in WWII, became the 92nd Football Bowl Subdivision venue I’ve attended. In total, this makes 184 stadiums I’ve seen a college game in. As of now. Wyoming becomes the 40th state (including Washington, D.C) where I’ve attended a college football game.

My historical Wyoming “connection”

You may think this is a display of an old football helmet, but it's not. It's the skull and tusks of a Wooly Mammoth at the U of W Geological Museum on campus.
You may think this is a display of an old football helmet, but it’s not. It’s the skull and tusks of a Wooly Mammoth at the U of W Geological Center on campus.

Not only did Keenan take me to some sites like the University of Wyoming Geological Center, with locally excavated dinosaur bones, and the book store, but we also toured the Wyoming Arena and Auditorium know to Wyoming fans as “The A-A.” There, the basketball team practiced as Keenan helped guide me in my quest to find some kind of tribute to my fellow Boonton (NJ) High School alumnus, Jim Kiick, who played football at Wyoming from 1965-1967. We found his name and action photo on their wall depicting the Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1966, Kiick led Wyoming in rushing and won the MVP award for the 10-1 Cowboys in the Sun Bowl that season.  Wyoming defeated Florida State, 28-20.  I remember watching that game on television with my late father, Allen.  We had seen Jim play for the Boonton Bombers in high school a few years prior. He played under the same football coach that I would eventually, the late Joe Molotoris. A season later, Wyoming with Kiick finished 10-1 again.  They lost in the Sugar Bowl, 20-13, in comeback fashion late in the game against LSU.  Both seasons, the Pokes as they are also known, averaged about 35 points per game while allowing only 10.5 per game. In ’67, they ranked No. 6 in the final Associated Press poll.

Super Kiick

Kiick played for the Miami Dolphins in three consecutive Super Bowls including the unprecedented 17-0 Super Bowl VI team.  He scored a TD in that game in the 14-7 win over Washington and the following year in Super Bowl VII win over Minnesota, 24-7.  He and his FB Larry Csonka earned the moniker of “Butch Cassady and the Sundance Kid,” named after the Western movie adventure featuring stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford.  Jim passed away in 2020 at 73 years old from complications due to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).  Fond memories of him are still shared by many of his fellow classmates and alumni from Boonton High School. Jim was inducted into the Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. Thanks to Keenan Mumm for helping me to follow up on such great memories in Laramie.

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

Author of Fifty years of Tailgate tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to buy from Amazon and give us your review! We really appreciate it. Thanks.

A picture of Wyoming Hall of Famer and Boonton Bomber Jim Kiick (21) on display at Wyoming's Hall of Fame tribute at The A-A.
A picture of Wyoming Hall of Famer, Miami Dolphin and Boonton Bomber Jim Kiick (21) on display at Wyoming’s Hall of Fame tribute at The A-A.

ASU Red Wolves battle Tulsa Golden Hurricane to 28-24 win; INT and punt return lead turnaround

Posted on by

Jonesboro, Arkansas – Arkansas State and Tulsa changed leads five times on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 19,316 at Alison Park at Centennial Bank Stadium.  The final lead took place with 3:30 remaining in the third period on WR Corey Rucker’s five-yard reception from Jaylen Raynor. The play capped a 79-yard scoring drive by the ASU Red Wolves. Both defenses stiffened throughout the balance of the contest. A Hurricane blunder hindered a last-minute comeback by the Visitors. The Red Wolves held TU to only 14 yards for the balance of the game.  The Golden Hurricane allowed 86, but 44 by ASU resulted in a missed field goal. 

With 1:48 left, Tulsa looked to force a punt when they halted the Red Wolves for a loss on third and six on their 35.  However, Golden Hurricane LB Gavin Potter negated an ASU punt when called for a flagrant and poorly-timed unnecessary roughness penalty. It extended the Red Wolves possession.  With no time-outs left for Tulsa, Arkansas State ran the clock to seal their second victory of the season for a 2-0 start.

Red Wolves force Tulsa QB Kirk Francis out of pocket in second period scoring drive. Takes from a phone, this is the only picture taken today as the camera battery died before the game started. So Sorry!
Red Wolves force Tulsa QB Kirk Francis out of pocket in second period scoring drive. Taken from a phone, this is the only picture taken today as the camera battery died before the game started. So Sorry!

Red Wolves and Golden Hurricane engage in see-saw battle

Arkansas State overcame Tulsa’s early three-point lead with a 35-yard pass from Raynor (21 of 32 passes, 255 yards, two INTs and one INT) to Adam Jones before the first quarter ended.  In the second, Tulsa S Dayne Hodge picked off a Raynor pass to take over on the TU nine.  The Golden Hurricane drove the length of the field ending with Kirk Francis’s touchdown strike to WR Kamdym Bejamin (six catches for 131 yards and one TD).  Later in the period, a Tulsa punt bounced off Red Wolf Courtney Jackson.  Tulsa’s Zion Steptoe pounced on it to recover it at the Tulsa 31.  QB Cardell Williams came in to run the ball over for a one-yard score to put Tulsa up, 17-7 at halftime.

Red Wolves retaliate

To start the second half on Tulsa’s first possession, Red Wolves’ S Trevian Thomas intercepted a Francis pass. From the ASU 37, Raynor directed the ensuing drive to the Golden Hurricane 15.  From there, he carried the ball through the middle for a 15-yard score.   Following a five-yard loss on third down on their next series, Tulsa punted from their 19.  The Red Wolves’ Jackson, who had erred earlier leading to a Golden Hurricane TD, redeemed himself.  He fielded the punt, broke a few tackles and running left, he sped around the left side all the way to the end zone for a 77-yard TD.  The Red Wolves jumped back ahead for a 21-17 lead.  The third quarter action heated up.

On the next Tulsa possession from the 35, Francis (16 of 28 passing, 199 yards, one TD and one INT) connected with Benjamin for a 45-yard pass to the ASU 20.  That set up Anthony Watkin’s two-yard scoring run.  The Golden Hurricane took back the lead, 24-21.  On the subsequent Red Wolves’ possession, however, they ran six minutes off the clock to lead once again with Rucker’s previously reported touchdown.  This week’s Guest Game Analyst, Rick Selak said, “I would have taken the over on this (66).  With over three minutes to play, I responded, “Rick, this will be the final score.” For once, I was right!   The defensive battle endured for the final 18 minutes in a hard-fought game with a bitter ending for the Golden Hurricane. Final score: Arkansas State 28 – Tulsa 24.

Extra points: Red Wolves and Hurricane movin’ on up

The Red Wolves travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan to face No. 17 Michigan (1-1), fresh off their 31-12 loss to Texas at The Big House on Saturday.  Good luck to the Red Wolves.  Arkansas State introduced four starting players from Michigan among their starters last Saturday. Their Homecoming will not be heart-felt by over 100,000 Wolverine fans. Tulsa takes a bus trip over an hour away to Stillwater, OK to play No. 13 Oklahoma State (2-0).  The Cowboys return from their 39-31 double-OT win at Arkansas.

As for our continuing saga

BYU seen in action against Virginia in the Cougars 66-49 win when we attended in Provo in 2022.
BYU defense seen in action against Virginia in the Cougars 66-49 win when we attended at Provo in 2022.

We at Collegefootballfan.com take our first football excursion on a flight for our first time to see another team of Cowboys play.  These Cowboys from Wyoming got off to a slow start his season.  At 0-2, they fell hard at Arizona State, 48-7, in Week One. Despite the lower score, the fell even harder at home to FCS Idaho last weekend, 17-13. Their incoming opponent is no slouch.  BYU comes calling with a record of 2-0. They won over Southern Illinois and SMU, a top 25 team in many preseason polls.

Like Arkansas State last week, this will only be our second game seeing the Wyoming Cowboys.  In 2005, St. Laurie and I watched them play UNLV on cold night in the desert at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.  A botched extra point was their downfall to the Rebels in overtime, 49-48.  This lasts as a very memorable excursion. You can read about it in my book, Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to enjoy that adventure and all the others over so many years!

  As for our BYU history, it goes back to the ‘80s – A Kickoff Classic and a game at Navy.  These are also recorded in Fifty Years.  With a record of 3-1, we saw the Cougars twice again two years ago at home and in the Independence Bowl. HC Kalani Sitake guides his team through one more game before jumping into their second Big XII season for the rest of the 2024 season.

Enjoyed “Jones-boogie”

Agriculture and the school itself dominate the Jonesboro aura.  Arkansas State sits on a beautiful campus with very nice athletic facilities.  Allison Field at Centennial Bank Stadium is a great place to watch a ballgame.  Sorry to say my camera battery died for some reason before the game even started.  Very disappointed here that I could not record the action and the beauty of a game here in photos on a crisp, clear evening. The school seems to be building a fun game atmosphere on game days in the stadium.  The Red Wolves will be a team to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt after its next two games at Michigan and at Iowa State.

My host Rick Selak (Auburn ’80)   and I enjoyed the local good ole Buffalo Wild Wings® despite not getting to watch his alma mater’s game on TV there.  Nixed by the ESPN contract to show certain games outside their primary markets.  We did enjoy the spirit of the Arkansas Razorback fans who cheered their team into OT against Oklahoma State there.  They left right after the loss to Oklahoma State.  It was fun for us while they lasted.  In the end, Rick wasn’t too happy either.  His Tigers fell to the Cal Bears at home, 21-14.  Still on the Pacific Coast, the University of California of Berkley near San Francisco Bay plays now in the Atlantic Coast Conference.  Geography is no longer essential to college education.

-ed. by Steve Koreivo  – Member of Football Writers Association of America; Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.  Click on the title to read reviews, buy my book and to submit a review.  Thanks!