Collegefootballfan.com Countdown to Game # 500: Game 499

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Air Force seals win with a pass breakup on final play to beat Utah State, 35-28

The Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Sky Diving team honors and mourns France in its pre-game parachuting ceremony.

The Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue Sky Diving team honors and mourns for France in its pre-game parachuting ceremony.

Colorado Springs, Colorado ( November 14) – The vaunted Air Force ground attack came up with an unexpected air attack to stay a step ahead of the Utah State passing attack for a well-played 35-28 victory. The USAFA’s win was not assured until Safety Weston Steelhammer broke up Kent Myer’s 18-yard pass attempt into the end zone on fourth down with 36 seconds left to secure the win over its Mountain West division foe, Utah State. For CFF.com, this was our 499th college football game since 1979 – first ever at the Air Force Academy and last of the five locations where we’ve attended a game among the five federally funded US military academies. We added Falcon Stadium to the other stadiums including Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and The Merchant Marine Academy. It was also the second very competitive football game we attended within 24 hours in the great state of Colorado.

On a beautiful, bright, sunny, clear day with a noon kickoff, the Air Force Falcons started the game scoring with their first drive of 79 yards polished off with a 31-yard touchdown run by FB D.J. Johnson (13 rushes, 79 yards, 1 TD) for an early 7-0 lead. Utah State kept up with the Falcons on its next possession as Myers lofted a high 40-yard pass to WR Hunter Sharp to tie it up. A timely end around play off the triple option and a 20-yard pass to Garrett Brown put Air Force at the two from where Jacobi Owens scored for another Air Force lead. Not to be outdone, the Aggies scored with their same combination as the first when Sharp caught a 48-yard pass carrying a defender on his back for the last five yards into the end zone. The quarter ended with the most scores seen by CFF.com that early in a game this season to tie it at 14-all.

USAFA FB DJ Johnson crosses the goal line to start the game's scoring finishing his 31-yard TD run.

USAFA FB DJ Johnson crosses the goal line to start the game’s scoring finishing his 31-yard TD run.

Both defenses made adjustments that paid off in the second period until late in the frame. Starting from the 15, the Cadets in blue drove the length of the field and QB Karson Roberts took in over on the right side for a six-yard run with 40 seconds left, and that’s how the first half ended, 21-14, in favor of the home team.

QB Karson Roberts follows his blocking to score before the end of the first half.

QB Karson Roberts follows his blocking to score before the end of the first half.

Like Army and Navy, Air Force has its unique traditions. It started before the game with some aerial acrobatics in a glider piloted by a Cadet with streams of white smoke trailing from its wing tips. Like Navy and unlike Army, the entire Wing of the Academy marched on to the field before the game – much more fitting than Army marching only six companies on to the Michie Stadium surface when they play games at home. The full command is much more inspiring in sight and sound and it displays unity between the team and the other Cadets. Air Force’s parachute team, The Wings of Blue, sky dives down to deliver the game ball and features appropriate flags. Included on this day was the flag of France to show solidarity and mourning for the fiendish attacks in Paris by terrorist the night before. Right before kickoff, a single B52 Bomber flew over Falcon Stadium roaring by with awesome power. At halftime, an actual Air Force falcon mascot swooped down from the press box to catch bait swung from a tether by a Cadet falconer standing near midfield. After the show on this day, an American bald-headed eagle soared over the stadium. An Air Force fan and season ticket holder sitting behind me at our 50-yard line seats (got mine from Stubhub) saw me watching it through my binoculars and wondered aloud if it showed up to eat the Falcon. I think the Falcon is much quicker in the 40. In the first half, both teams had eaten up a lot of yardage already although through totally different attacks. Air Force gained 212 of 309 yards via the running game – pretty typical – while the Aggies generated 197 of 209 through the air lanes. Would both teams maintain their game plans through the second half?

An Air Force Cadet Falconer works her Falcon during the halftime performance.

An Air Force Cadet Falconer works her Falcon during the halftime performance.

The Falcons started the second half from the 25 following a touchback. After gaining a yard, they pulled off the surprise. Roberts (11 of 17 passing for 271 yards, 1 TD) took a page from the USU play book and lofted a high pass to 6’4” WR Jalen Robinette who leaped high in the air at midfield with a defender on his back and left him on the ground for a 74-yard catch and run TD and a sudden, shocking two score lead of 28-14. About ten minutes later in the period, the Aggies got back on the scoreboard through the air from Myers to Sharp (13 catches for 193 yards, 3 TDs) for their third scoring connection of the game. Like the first quarter, both teams scored two TDs before the period ended. Air Force drove 75 yards to retain a 14-point edge on Owens’ scoring run of three yards with 1:28 remaining. Myers connected for a 44-yard TD pass to a different WR, Devante Robinson, for his only reception of the game to settle the score at 35-28 as the third period came to an end.

WR Jalen Robinette made an unusual play for the Air Force turning this catch into a 74-yard touchdown.

WR Jalen Robinette made an unusual play for the Air Force turning this catch into a 74-yard touchdown.

Air Force started again after another touchback and went for a TD on fourth and goal where the Aggies stopped Owens at the ten, but they only got out to the 27 before punting the ball back. The Aggie D held Air Force to punt from their 39, but a roughing the punter call allowed Air Force to maintain possession and eat up more clock as time was running down. Utah State got the ball back at their 20 with 2:45 left in the game. On a fourth and two, Myers connected with his go-to guy Sharp who snared it for a first down at the Falcon 45 with 1:44 left. A 21-yard run by Myers and a 13-yard completion to Wyatt Houston moved the Aggies to the 11 for a first down. USU lost seven yards on a sack by DE Alex Hansen. Following an incompletion, Utah State went for the score with a fourth and 17 from the 18. Myers fired the ball to his receiver in the end zone and Steelhammer, who picked off an INT earlier, knocked it down to settle the final score for the birds’ victory in an exciting, well-played game right down to the finish. In the end, the Falcons tallied 580 total yards, 309 on the ground and unexpectedly 271 through the air. The Aggies rushed for 75 yards and threw for 364 for a total of 439 yards. They overwhelmingly controlled time of possession – 37:08 to 22:52. The Air Force scores came on some quick, long strikes..

Kent Myers and Hunter Sharp combined on this play for their second of three TD passes on the day with this throw.

Kent Myers and Hunter Sharp combined on this play for their second of three TD passes on the day with this throw.

State (5-5, 4-2) returns home to Ogden next week to host MWC opponent Nevada, and then it hosts now non-conference in-state rival BYU the following week. They have to win while Air Force has to knock off Boise and then lose to New Mexico to still have a shot at the division title.   Air Force (7-3, 5-1) flies to Boise State this Friday with the Mountain Davison title up for grabs as the two teams are currently  tied for first. Boises’s loss came at the hands of Utah State, 52-26. Most likely the winner will go on to play the West Division champion on December 5. San Diego State (7-3, 6-0) leads that division now with two games remaining. This was the last home game for the Falcons this season (winners of their last 12 home games). If they defeat Boise which they did last season at home, New Mexico stands in their way as their final conference foe for this season. As for CFF.com, you close followers already know that we head to West Point to celebrate our 500th college football game since we started all this back in September of 1979. With two full busloads of football friends and a few carloads, we will see Army (2-8) host Rutgers (3-7). Both teams have struggled this season to say the least which we hope bodes well for another competitive game to add what’s already been a fantastic 2015 500th game anniversary season. Go Knights (Scarlet or black, we don’t care. We’re going to win the tailgate)!

Air Force's pre-game festivities were enjoyable to watch as the Dance Team performed.

Air Force’s pre-game festivities were enjoyable to watch as the Dance Team performed.

Extra points: Check back with us tomorrow.

Only at the Air Force Academy.

Only at the Air Force Academy.

Collegefootballfan.com Countdown to Game # 500: Game 498

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Trojans come back and corral Golden Buffaloes to avoid upset, 27-24

Buffs run USC QB Cody Kessler out of his pocket.

Buffs run USC QB Cody Kessler out of his pocket.

Boulder, Colorado (Friday, November 13) – Despite losing starting QB Sefo Liufau to a leg injury late in the first period, Colorado led the favored USC Trojans by as much as 17-3 in the first half, but a fumble recovery by the Trojans in the third period resulted in a lead change as the visitors from “Troy” halted the final Buffalo drive to secure a closer than expected victory, 27-24. CU Frosh QB Cade Apsay started adequately in Liufau’s place, but struggled later in the game. Christian Powell’s fumble recovered by Trojan DL Antwan Woods at the Colorado 34 resulted in Cody Kessler’s scoring strike to Taylor McNamara in the back of the end zone for a 20-17 USC lead. For CFF.com, it was our first game at Colorado’s Folsom Field thanks to Colorado Sports Information Director Dave Plati who invited me to watch the game from up in Press Row. It was only the second time attending a CU game since last time Dave invited us out to add both the Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams back in 2006 when we saw the two square off in The Rocky Mountain Showdown held at then Invesco Stadium (now Sports Authority Stadium we noted on our trip to Colorado Springs this weekend), and the fifth time we saw the Trojans but first time we saw them play somewhere other than The Meadowlands or at Penn State ( a USC-UCLA game is as a must-see at LA Coliseum some time in CFF’s future).

     USC got on the board first with Alex Wood’s 22-yard Field goal. The Buffaloes pressured Kessler (17 of 27 for 204 yards, 3 TDs/1 INT) to stifle the next Trojan possession. A 20-yard pass from Liufau to Patrick Carr put the Buffs in position for Phillip Lindsay’s four-yard TD run to give CU a 7-3 lead. Liufau (6 of 8 for 94 yards) completed a 36-yard pass to Nelson Spruce (7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD) who hauled it in at the SC 29. Two plays later, Liufau was sacked and the first period ended, but little did anyone know that we’d seen the last of Liufau for the evening.

Colorado on the move in the first quarter.

Colorado on the move in the first quarter.

     The drive continued nowhere to start the second period as Apsay was sacked on his first play before CU punted. However, a Jered Bell interception of a Kessler pass returned 19 yards put the Buffs back on offense at the USC 26. From the nine, Apsay drilled a pass to the diving Spruce on a slant pattern over the middle to give the senior wide receiver his 22nd career TD to tie a school record and give the home team a surprising 14-3 lead. Inspired, DE Jimmie Gilbert sacked Kessler on SC’s next series and forced another Trojan punt after a three-and –out. A shovel pass to Donovan Lee provided CU a key first down to continue a drive that resulted in Diego Gonzalez’s 28-yard FG to put the Buffs up 17-3 with their second team QB seemingly in control. At Denver Metro Airport earlier that day, we heard locals laughing and telling arriving USC fans that their team wasn’t going to get much of a game from the Colorado Buffaloes.   Maybe some more of the locals should fill the empty seats among the 37,905 in attendance and see what’s going on with the Colorado University football program under Mike McIntyre. The third-year HC seems to be making some positive progress. According to Saturday’s Denver Post, CU Athletic Director Rick George confirmed McIntyre will be back next season despite 10-24, 2-22 overall and conference records. The coach, however, committed a faux pas of his own making right before the first half ended. The Trojans attempted a 46-yard FG and the Buffs blocked it – all for naught! McIntyre called time-out just before the ball was snapped! To this day, it’s a horrible strategy for one reason. He gave the Trojans a second chance and Wood converted as time expired. The Buffs led at halftime, 17-6, instead of 17-3. Had the block stood it would have been demoralizing for the Trojans rather than giving them three more points to build on. Would the game have been played differently in the second half had the score been different. Hard to say, but it would have at least killed any small amount of momentum the Trojans picked up from it. Would it make a difference in the final score?

     It was a cool, pleasant, windless night. Could’ve been anywhere, but at halftime I realized I had to be in Colorado! After the CU band performed, for the first time ever, I watched snowboarding as halftime entertainment! A short, snow slope with a rail from the end zone stand to my right were rigged up to watch young athletes purposely fall on their heines! The only one who seemed charged up by all the performers falling on their backsides was the over-exuberant announcer hosting the performance. I was somewhat disappointed that the USC Trojan Marching Band, who accompanied the team, did not perform after Colorado’s Marching band. No, I wasn’t charged up to hear them play “Fight on!” though I admit that song does fire me up against them from memories growing up a Notre Dame fan. I was disappointed because they brought along their dancing Song Girls and I couldn’t get a good view of them from where I sat down to my far left. I could have gotten a much better view from Row 2 in Press Row sitting high above the 45 yard line had they come out to do some of their routines at midfield. There are some college football traditions that are must-see whether you’re a fan of a particular team or not! Snowboarding? Where are our college football priorities going? After the CU band performed, for the first time ever, I watched snowboarding as halftime entertainment!

I was somewhat disappointed that the USC Trojan Marching Band, who accompanied the team, did not perform after Colorado’s Marching band. No, I wasn’t charged up to hear them play “Fight on!” though I admit that song does fire me up against them from memories growing up a Notre Dame fan. I was disappointed because they brought along their dancing Song Girls and I couldn’t get a good view of them from where I sat down to my far left. I could have gotten a much better view from Row 2 in Press Row sitting high above the 45 yard line had they come out to do some of their routines at midfield. There are some college football traditions that are must-see whether you’re a fan of a particular team or not! Snowboarding? Where are our college football priorities going?

I didn't get to see the Song Girls as I had wished, but the CU Dance team was enjoyable to watch!

I didn’t get to see the USC Song Girls, but the CU Dance team was definitely enjoyable to watch!

     A sack of Apsay on CU’s first series showed where the momentum was swinging as the loss of ten yards forced a quick Colorado punt. The Trojan’s got the running game going with the one-two punch of Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis getting them down to the CU seven before a Buffalo offsides penalty. Kessler threw a four-yard TD pass to Jahleel Pinner on the right side of the end zone to cut the CU lead down, 17-13. Lee’s return out to the 37 seemed like a good starting point for the Buffs to mount a new scoring drive. However, Powell’s fumble gave SC the ball back for their subsequent lead-changing score.

Trojan LB Scott Felix levels Apsay on a short gain.

Trojan LB Scott Felix (47) levels Apsay for a sack.

     Trailing 20-17 in the last period, CU attempted a 52-yard FG, but the Trojan’s Adoree ‘ Jackson blocked it and recovered it at Colorado’s 35. Two plays later, Kessler threw a 36-yard TD pass to Juju Smith-Schuster (3 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD) for a 27-17 lead. Apsay could not get the Buffs driving again, but CU’s defense also held USC in check and forced a punt after stalling on its nine. Spruce returned the punt 45 yards to the four and two more were tacked on for a late hit out of bounds. Apsay connected with George Frazier with a pass from the one to get back to within 27-24. A big hit on Justin Davis by LB Grant Wantanabe stopped the next Trojan drive from finishing in the end zone. CU took over from its 21. A 10-yard pass to Shay Fields gave the Buffs a first down at their 32. However, Apsay couldn’t get his team beyond their 43 where his fourth down pass fell incomplete with 1:22 left. The Trojans took over on downs and efficiently ran the clock down to preserve a tougher than expected win.

Grant Wanatabe's break up of this pass stopped the Trojan drive to force a punt for CU's last chance to at least even the score.

Grant Wanatabe’s break up of this pass stopped the Trojan drive to force a punt for CU’s last chance to at least even the score.

     Next up for USC (7-3, 5-2) is Oregon before UCLA comes calling to the LA Coliseum for their traditional season-ending slugfest. For Colorado (4-7, 1-6), this was their final home game of the season. They honored their seniors who will play their final two games at Washington State and at Utah. The college football regular season sure does seem to come and go quickly after much off-season anticipation. For CFF.com, I walked off the campus and down South Broadway in Boulder to go back to my rented “mini-van” and take a short drive back to the Days Inn Hotel. I looked forward to an early start the very next morning with a 70-mile trip to Colorado Springs for another first time venue to see Air Force host Utah State for our 499th game leading us up to our Big 500 a week later.

 

Extra points:  Thanks to Dave Plati again for inviting me to Folsom Field. He even told me that the buffet in the press box was in my honor!  It was great despite no alcoholic beverages allowed.  News guys are always pretty good at finding the favorite local watering holes any way ( I found two quickly – The Southeastern Sun and SIP).  Mountain Dews and big chocolate chip cookies for desserts enticed me the most.  Dave included me in his “Welcome” section of the Pregame information brochure handed out to all the media guests.  It highlighted my visit as my 498th game.  I really appreciated the Buffaloes hospitality to Collegefootballfan.com!

I had an assigned Seat # 21. When I went there to sit in my supposed seat in the front row, at first I thought the card there read “Joe Tessatorre”. What ? Was I supposed to be on ESPN all of a sudden?  Instead upon second look, it read “Joe Tessalore.” Oh, USC Sports Information Director. And he was supposed to be sitting next to USC AD Pat Haden. I found out that I was in the wrong row – one flight up and to their left.  I never saw either one of them sitting in those seats.  I was too busy watching a good game and going back to the buffet.  I still wished the Song Girls had gotten closer though!

According to Dave’s report, there were 19 NFL Scouts visiting there to watch the game including my old neighbor in Florham Park, GM Mike Maccagnan of the NY Jets.  I figured like others, he’s getting a close look at USC QB Cody Kessler.  I’d have reminded Mike if I’d seen him that the last Trojan QB the Jets drafted last didn’t work out so well – Mark Sanchez.  I would have invited him to join me on my schedule and I’ll help him find some prospects.  Heck, I’m going to Ohio State at Michigan in two weeks.  There will be at least four prospects for him to look at there.

I stopped for a visit with Ralphie whom I hadn't seen in nine years. She still prefers running around with Cowboys.

I stopped for a visit with Ralphie whom I hadn’t seen in nine years. She still prefers running around with Cowboys.

Steveo’s Salvos – November 11, 2015

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“On the road again!”  After our bye week where we settled in to enjoy seeing Navy dominate Memphis on the tube in a 45-20 victory that catapulted the Mids to No. 20 in the CFP poll, we look forward to getting on the road for our farthest trip of 2016 to attend our games # 498 and # 499.  Friday, we head out to Boulder, Colorado for the Friday night clash at CU’s Folsom Field to see the Trojans of USC (6-3, 4-2) tussle with PAC 12 South foe Colorado sitting at the bottom of the conference (4-5,1-5).  We’re not predicting upset in this one, but we’re sure hoping for one!  CU got belted by No. 11 Stanford last week, 42-10, but had been showing signs of improvement earlier with some closer scores against stiff competition as they did vs. UCLA in a 35-31 loss.  QB Sefo Liufau leads a rushing attack of six ball carriers who each have over 280 yards so far this season.  The home field might give them some advantage with temperatures dipping into the 30s.  USC comes in on a three-game winning streak under interim HC Clay Helton who stepped in after the ouster of Steve Sarkasian before the Notre Dame loss.  The Trojans won close games in their last two outings at Cal, 27-21, and at home against Arizona, 38-30.  We think the Buffs can make this a competitive game with the ESPN spotlight on them.  Their key defensively is to try to slow down Troy QB Cody Kessler who’s thrown for 2,511 yards, 20 TDs, and five INTs.  His favorite target is WR JuJu Smith-Schuster who’s caught most of his completions for 1,094 yards and nine TDs.  RB Ronald Jones II is the leading Trojan ground gainer with 710 yards and six TDs.  You know there will be some talent on the field as I’m told at least 16 NFL scouts will be in attendance in the press box. I know because I’ll be up there with them out of the cold for this one.  CU SID Dave Plati who invited me out several years ago to add CU and Colorado State to my goal to “See ’em all!” is my gracious host for this game out in Colorado once again.  I told Dave I really appreciated the last opportunity when the Buffs and Rams met at Invesco Field at the time, but I really wanted to catch a game on campus with that brown-brick façade at Folsom Field!  I’m really looking forward to this. What great timing a week before we celebrate Game 500.  Go Buffs!…Of course taking such a road trip would be in vain on a Friday night if we didn’t find something fairly local to attend on Saturday.  Game # 499 worked out neatly.  The next morning, we head down to Colorado Springs for our first game ever at the US Air Force Academy.   We’ve been to West Point and Annapolis many times including this year’s game when Air Force fell to Navy, 33-11.  We love the traditions we’ve seen numerous times at Army and Navy, so we look forward to Air Force traditions such as the pre-game flyover and other festivities.  The Falcons (6-3, 4-1)  will host Mountain West Mountain division foe Utah State (5-4, 4-2).  The Aggies big win this season came over Boise State, 52-26.  They’ve scored 50 points plus in three of their last five games but hit a bump in the road last week at New Mexico, 14-13.  The Lobos halted the vaunted USU running attack holding it to 78 yards on 37 carries. Until then, it ran with potency.  Leading rusher Devante Mayes with 615 yards and seven TDs will try to get the running attack back on track.  QB Kent Myers stepped in for Chuckie Keeton who is sidelined for his third season in a row.  Myers has 1,106 yards passing for 10 TDs and one INT while rushing for 318 yard and three TDS.  We will see USAFA QB Karson Roberts lead his team a second time this season as he’s thrown for 694 yards while rushing for 410 and seven touchdowns.  RB Jacobi Owens is second in ground gains with 615 yards and four TDs.  Six players have rushed for 285+ yards.  With their 20-3 win over Army last week, the Falcons will focus on the MWC title again.  USU will be looking to even their conference record, but we think the Air Force will have some thruster power to keep the Aggies off balance.  This could be a trap game for the Air Force though as it reckons with Boise on the road the following week  A win here is  a step in the direction to take the Mountain division.  In the title game, the winner will probably take on San Diego State whom we saw get beat by Penn State early this season in State College.  We think this will be a tight game down to the wire game that will possibly go into overtime.  We think this will be another good one in what’s already been a fantastic season for collegefootballfan.com….

Air Force QB Roberts stopped for no gain.

Air Force QB Roberts (16) will have to get the triple option rolling to keep pace with the Aggies this Saturday.

Navy’s win last week really makes things exciting for us in the American Athletic Conference.  The Mids play SMU and Tulsa next.  If they win those two, it will most likely be a showdown with The Houston Cougars who are 9-0 right now.  But hold everything!  No. 24 UH plays No. 21 Memphis this Saturday reeling from their loss last week to No. 20 Navy, ranked for the first time since 2004.  The week after, Memphis travels to No. 22 Temple.  There are lot of big clashes in the AAC West the next few weeks.  Most likely, the champ of the West will play Temple.  Highest seed gets home field advantage.  If Navy wins out, we could go to the championship game in Annapolis.  If not, we could see Temple for the third time this year host a game at the Linc.  We are really looking forward to see how this conference unfolds, but Go Navy!  If Navy wins the AAC Championship, it looks like they could be the Group of Five rep in a major bowl this season.  It could be the Peach Bowl.  Too bad we have our Orange Bowl playoff ticket already. It’s seven hours away on the same day…

Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame in that order in the CFP.  We can agree with the final four, but in that order?  Bama lost to Ole Miss who lost to Memphis who lost to Navy.  So much for the body of work.  However, things are always apt to change.  Among three of the four teams here, rivalry games could be their undoing. You never know.  Clemson has South Carolina, but SC is tumbling.  Dabo Swinney will have his Tigers up for this one in memory of the Old Ball Coach, his antagonizer who quit on his team at mid-season.  Bama has Auburn, never mind Mississippi State.  The Iron Bowl?  You never know. That’s got potential though.  Ohio State Michigan at the Big House – this is the one to watch and we’ll be there! Of the three rivalry match-ups, this will be a blood bath. We get to see this game in the right year.  Despite Michigan’s two losses, the opener at tough Utah and the punt miscue that did them in against Michigan State, Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines are going to be charged up. And if Ohio State isn’t, this could be the Big Ten’s ouster for the CFP.  Of course , the Irish have Stanford to contend with out in Palo Alto.  The Cardinal will be looking to gain some respect for the PAC 12…

The Irish and the Temple Owls have their sights set on great endings this football season.

The Irish and the Temple Owls have their sights set on great endings this football season.

Other games of consequence leading to the bowl make up – Florida State at Florida. I wouldn’t want the Noles as my opponent as a “spoiler”.  TCU at Baylor?  What about Oklahoma State finishing at home to Baylor and Oklahoma with TCU as a victim already.  A successful finish by the Cowboys is going to make it hard to keep them out of the CFP.  One last note about arch rivals.  If Navy wins on December 5 to take the AAC crown to compete in a major bowl, they still have to play Army!  Crazier things have happened, but Naah!  No way the Mids will look past that game even under those circumstances…Iowa ranked No. 5 in the CFP?  Last year in the TaxSlayer Bowl, Tennessee beat them like they were standing still – literally!  It was the slowest football team I’d ever seen at the FBS level. I just can’t believe they changed that much in one season.  I have to see them to believe there’s been that much improvement since that game…We’re not sure what FCS games if any are going to come in our direction this season.  With the potential of attending the AAC Championship on December 5 followed by army-navy a week later, that leaves December 19.  We have family plans on Saturday, but the D-3 championship is on Friday night.  The top four right now are Mt. Union  as usual), Linfield, UW-Oshkosh (UW Whitewater is No. 6),  and St. Thomas of Minnesota.  Others looming are No. 8 Johns Hopkins and No. 11 Wesley who fell to Salisbury State last week, 38-35.  Playoffs start in two weeks.  Like the FBS, a lot is going to happen before two teams reach the Stagg bowl in Salem, Virginia, but we want to get down there for that one, too….A lot of great football on its way over the next few weeks. We love this!

Steveo’s Salvos – November 6, 2016

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Only two weeks away from our Game 500 Celebration!  Can’t wait! Two full buses of tailgaters heading up to West Point For Rutgers at Army.  Go Knights!  We’re looking forward to a good time for what has been a tremendous season of college football – for the sport in general and for us in particular…With the announcement of the College Football Playoff Rankings, it shows we’ve seen some quality football teams this season.  We’ve seen # 3 Ohio State,  #5 Notre Dame, #7 Michigan State, # 16 Florida State in a huge, exciting upset loss to Georgia Tech, we will see #17 Michigan at OSU the week after Game # 500, #22 Temple twice already and maybe a third time in the AAC championship game, and we’ll see #24 Toledo the night before OSU and Michigan tear each other apart.  Add some other “also receiving votes” teams  like Duke, USC, Penn State, Washington State, and Navy, we’re seeing some good competitive football games. All we say though is don’t get too excited about the CFP rankings.  Things are going to change.  There are a lot of critical games between now and December 13 for all that matters…

The Owls put pressure on the Iris last week, but ND is still the highest ranked team we've seen this year at No. 5.

The Owls put pressure on the Irish last week, but ND is still the highest ranked team we’ve seen this year at No. 5.

Last week was the first time this season all the teams we are seeing during this regular season had a combined losing record (9-11).  It shows that teams are getting into the meat of their schedules…Washington State who we saw beat Rutgers, 37-34, early in the season is in a funny predicament.  They’re 5-3 overall and gave No. 11 CFP Stanford a tussle last week missing a last second FG to fall, 30-28.  The polls have been holding them out even before that. Why? Their first loss of the season was to FCS Portland State (7-1)  ranked at No. 10 in that division.  How do you rank an FBS school that lost to an FCS school ranked No. 10?  You’d have to place FCS #1-10 among the top teams in the FBS!…

We have a bye week this weekend and our timing is great with some great games on TV. These include Alabama vs. LSU and TCU vs. Oklahoma State in a game of unbeatens.  But we’re really excited to be able to watch Navy play at Memphis in a Western Division American Athletic Conference game.  It will be Navy’s triple option against Memphis with high-powered QB Paxton Lynch.  The Tigers have the big win over Ole Miss, and are favored at home.  The key to Navy winning is ball control and keeping Memphis on the field to a minimum.  Can they put pressure on Lynch and cover tight will be the big questions.  It will be tough for Navy to win this one, but we’d like to see them make things interesting with another game against undefeated Houston also in their division a few weeks from now. Winner among those three West teams looks like they will be playing against Temple for the championship. Temple hosts Memphis on November 21.  It would be great to see that AAC championship game on December 5 if it ends up in Philly or Annapolis.  We’re watching this AAC situation rooting for the Mids!…

After seeing Georgia Tech two weeks ago with that exciting win over FSU on the last play of the game, the Yellow Jackets could not build any momentum. They fell to Virginia last week, 27-21.  FSU has Clemson this week. That looks to be the Tiger’s greatest challenge to stay in the CFP. WAs FSU QB Sean Maguire the real deal for FSU last week in their win over Syracuse. We hear he looked pretty good …

At least Georgia tech had something to cheer about when they beat Florida State.

At least Georgia tech had something to cheer about when they beat Florida State.

Rutgers was humbled in another Big Ten game last week falling to Wisconsin easily, 48-10.  They are at Michigan this weekend and you know Jim Harbaugh will show no mercy.  As a matter of fact, he’s trying to ramp up recruiting in the Garden State.  The Scarlet Knight play a struggling Nebraska team at home a week later.  The question is what kind of shape are the Scarlet Knights going to be in a after their visit to Ann Arbor…Our other Game 500 combatant Army is at arch-rival Air Force this week.  The Falcons return home after devastating Hawaii last week, 58-7. Maybe the Falcons will be tired from their long flight back to give Army a slight chance.  Nah! The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is on the line…When we see Air Force play Utah State on November 14, the game will possibly have championship ramifications for the Mountain West Conference.  Both teams are tied for first in the Mountain division. Utah State beat Boise State, 52-26.  Air Force will go into that game with a conference record of 4-1 after they play Army.  USU plays at New Mexico this week.  The week after we see Air Force and Utah State play, the Falcons play at Boise.  Utah State’s conference loss is to West Division leader, San Diego State, Tom Able’s team who we saw fall to Penn State this season.  We’re going to see some significant action when we’re in the Rockies…And by the way, we think Colorado is going to surprise USC.  They gave UCLA a tough game in a 35-31 loss.  What a great season, and a lot more is on the way!…

Air Force has rival Army this week followed by critical MWC game against Utah State and Boise. What a great schedule we put together this year!

Air Force has rival Army this week followed by critical MWC game against Utah State and Boise. What a great schedule we put together this year!

Enjoy the games this weekend.  Things are going to start shaking out!…The injury to James Madison QB Vad Lee who we saw play QB at Georgia Tech in the Music City Bowl two years ago has set the Dukes back. They lost their second game in a row to William and Mary,  44-41…Harvard defeated Dartmouth , 14-13, last Friday to take sole possession of first place in the Ivy league…The crimson’s archrival Yale fell to lowly Columbia, 17-9 for a major setback…Colgate defeated Fordham to take sole possession of the Patriot league with a surprising 3-0 record…Charleston Southern upset Coastal Carolina last week 33-28.  Both teams have the same record of 7-1.  the Buccaneers are 4-0 in conference play while the Chanticleers are now 2-1.  CCU is ranked No. 8 and SCU is ranked No. 15?  Go figure!…In D-3, Mt. Union remains No1, followed by Linfield, UW-Oshkosh, and then Wesley. Only two games left in the season before they start the playoffs.  We are hoping to get to the Championship on December 18, a Friday night.  We’re hoping to see two team other than Mount Union and Wisconsin -Whitewater, but we’ll see.

Collegefootballfan.com Countdown to Game # 500: Game 497

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Late Notre Dame TD overcomes tough, unbeaten Temple, 24-20

Philadelphia – Following a fourth quarter, 36-yard FG by Temple’s Austin Jones, Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer led his team on a 76-yard drive completing a 45-yard pass to Alize Jones to get to the Temple 8. Two plays later from that distance, he connected with Philadelphia native Will Fuller who kept his feet in the end zone to haul in the game-winning catch with 2:09 remaining for a 24-20 lead. No. 8 Notre Dame (7-1) slammed the door shut on the upstart, No. 23 Owls (7-1, 4-0) when CB DeiVarae Russell picked off P.J. Walker’s pass at the ND 35 to ice the score to finish off the Irish victory in a game well-played by both squads. For Collegefootballfan.com, it was our second game of this Saturday driving up after the Navy vs. USF game played at noon in Annapolis. We parked in a lot within walking distance from Lincoln Financial Field and walked past day –long tailgate parties coming to an end and passed out college students in the now lighted parking lot on the way into the long lines security lines heading into the stadium. It was well worth the effort to see this game played between a traditional college football power and an up and coming new “beast of the East”, the well-coached Temple Owls. After the close game, the Irish jumped to No. 8 from No. 9 while the Owls remained in the Top 25 falling from No. 21 to 23 attesting to the quality of both teams. Both still have their sights set on major bowl bids at the end of this season.

Here come the Irish!

Here come the Irish!

The Irish wasted no time scoring after the opening kickoff. Kizer (23 for 36 passing, 299 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs; 17 carries for 143 yards and 2 TDs) mixed the pass and run effectively finishing off a 74-yard drive with a four-yard TD run for the early lead. ND’s next possession went for three and out. A 27-yard punt started the Owls from their 42. A 14-yard pass from P.J. Walker ( 13 for 30, 188 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) to Venlett Bryant (6 catches for 91 yards) on a third down followed by a 22-yard completion to Robby Anderson were key plays for Austin Jones to put three up on the board with his 41-yard FG cutting the ND lead, 7-3.

QB DeShone Kizer looks for running room on the way to Notre Dame's first touchdown.

QB DeShone Kizer looks for running room on the way to Notre Dame’s first touchdown.

After an exchange of punts in the second period, the Irish drove to the Owl 17. Then after calling for timeout by HC Brian Kelly, LB Praise Martin-Oguike intercepted Kizer’s pass and TU took over from its six. A 39-yard run by Jahad Thomas (21 rushes for 82 yards, 1 TD), a 26-yard pass to Bryant, and a pass interference by ND put Temple on the ND 9. Backed up three yards, Walker fired a pass over the middle to WR Brandon Shippen with his back to the defender who he made contact with and fought this way over the goal line falling over for the TD to grab a 10-7 lead for the Owls. A holding call on the ensuing kickoff set the Irish on its 12. Kizer broke through the right side and once past the defenders in the box against a short yardage situation he raced 79 yards into the end zone to regain the lead for the Irish, 14-10. The Irish forced Temple to a three and out on its next series, and took control back on its 15. The Irish moved down field with some key plays for big gains. On third and six at the Temple 26, Kizer threw a 15-yard completion to Chris Brown (six for 72) for the first down. On third and ten knocking on the door at the 11, All-AAC LB Tyler Matkevich picked off Kizer’s pass over the middle and returned it to the 26 with one minute left to play in the half. The teams went to their respective locker rooms with the Irish up by four.

DL Matt Ioannidis halts Kizer near goal line to eventually force a Justin Yoon FG.

DL Matt Ioannidis halts Kizer near goal line to eventually force a Justin Yoon FG.

The Temple Owl Marching Band celebrated Halloween at halftime in front of the sell-out crowd of 69,696. They put on an entertaining “Thriller/Time Warp Show” with the appropriate tunes for the occasion by Michael Jackson and from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” On a very comfortable, seasonably cool evening, I looked forward to the second half not rooting for either team in particular this half. I like both teams. ND was my favorite growing up as a kid, but they were set aside based on my personal affiliations with Penn State and Navy over the years. For Temple, I now have lot of respect for what I’ve seen Matt Rhule, former Nittany Lion LB, do with this program in his third year as Head Coach. The Owls impressed when I saw them beat PSU in the season opener for both schools. From what I’ve seen in person and the program’s results, I think Rhule will be coaching in the Big Ten in the near future, Rutgers or Maryland. He does a great job recruiting in the northeast at Temple which will bode well for him at either aforementioned school. But, I’m most impressed with his game preparation and the execution of his team’s play on the field in all facets. He has surrounded himself with a good staff. He evidently has good organizational and leadership skills to take over a bigger program.

The Temple Band's 'Walking Mummy" performs at halftime.

The Temple Band’s ‘Walking Monster” performs at halftime.

In the third period, the Irish drove to Temple’s six where the Owls held, and PK Justin Yoon kicked a 23-yard FG for a 17-10 Notre Dame lead. Both defenses held to three and outs. Temple was driving at the ND 43 as the third period ended.

Continuing the drive, on fourth and four, Walker completed a 31-yard pass to Robby Anderson who took it to the Fighting Irish seven. Aided by a personal foul, TU picked up a first down and Jahad Thomas banged it over from the one to make the score even between the two ranked teams. Next time the Owls had the ball, they moved 42 yards in eight plays for Jones to convert his second field goal to go ahead of the Irish, 20-17, with 4:45 left to play. At that point, it was Kizer’s arm and his legs that put the Irish in the lead for good to seal the win in a great, entertaining game played by both teams. We’re hoping for the best for both programs through the end of this season.

Temple defense closes in of RB CJ Prosise.

Temple defense closes in of RB CJ Prosise (20).

The Irish will next visit another improving team in the East when they meet ACC opponent Pitt (6-2, 4-1), also a long-time rival of Notre Dame’s. No. 9 Stanford of the PAC 12 looms in the future out in Palo Alto for a key contest that could possibly land either team in the College Football Playoff with a win in that game. Temple travels to SMU in Dallas next weekend. They need to avoid a letdown a week after their first loss. This is a so-called “trap “a game for them as the following week they will host AAC West foe Memphis (8-0,4-0) currently ranked No. 15 in the nation. This could probably also be a prelude to the AAC Championship game (although we’re hoping Navy has something to do with that this weekend). Wins for the Owls the rest of the regular season could bring the AAC championship game right back here to “The Linc” on December 5 (and again we hope Navy…) and if so, we’re going! As for Collegefootballfan.com this weekend, we’ve declared it as our first official BYE week of this season. Not only is it time to rake leaves, take old paint cans to the County Recycling center, and watch some big impact games on TV (Navy-Memphis, LSU-Alabama, ND- Pitt, et al), but we’ve got to finalize some plans for our gala Game # 500 two weeks later on November 21 at West Point when we celebrate at the Rutgers- Army game with two busloads of friends coming along for the festivities. The week before, we will be seeing Games 498 and 499 for our longest regular season trip of this season when we fly out to Colorado. On the evening of Friday, November 13, we will be at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado for the game between the USC Trojans and The Colorado Golden Buffaloes (Go Buffs!). The next day, we will head from there to Colorado Springs for our first Air Force home game when the Falcons host the Utah State Aggies.

Everything is going as planned for what we had hoped would be a great season for CFF.com, and so far it’s been just that! Keep coming back to check out our site for the latest.

 

 

Collegefootballfan.com Road to Game #500: Game #496

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Navy sails past South Florida late to win, 29-17; Reynolds ties NCAA TD rushing record

Annapolis, MD – The Navy Midshipman (6-1, 4-0) sustained an 80-yard scoring drive in the final period and followed up with a turnover for a second to take the lead and then distance themselves from the South Florida Bulls (4-4, 2-2) to win the American Athletic Conference game, 29-17. Both scores came on one-yard runs by Navy QB Keenan Reynolds ( 26 rushes for 125 yards and two TDs) for his 76th and 77th career rushing TDs tying the NCAA record held by Wisconsin’s Montee Ball established in 2012. For Collegefootballfan.com, we tailgated before the noon kickoff in Annapolis with our good friend and Navy season ticket holder Brian Donnelly who brought along his girlfriend Laurie (his “St. Laurie” he calls her) and some of his other family members for a pre-game tailgate get-together. The noon kickoff at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium offered CFF.com an opportunity to also attend the 8 pm kickoff this evening up at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia between No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 21 Temple. We had a big football Saturday planned. This would be our second Saturday double-header of 2015.

There was a lot to cheer about for Navy on this beautiful Saturday when they took on the USF Bulls for their first meeting in the new two division AAC.

There was a lot to cheer about for Navy on this beautiful Saturday when they took on the USF Bulls for their first meeting in the new two division AAC.

 

On a beautiful fall, Halloween afternoon in front of an unusually sparse crowd at Navy-Marine Corps (26, 766 announced), the Bulls lit up the scoreboard right away as WR Rodney Adams took the opening kickoff back 97 yards for a TD and a quick lead for the Bulls who came to town riding a three-game winning streak. The Mids came right back to cut the score 7-3 on its initial possession with Austin Grebe’s 30-yard FG. The Bulls came out again on the move getting to the Navy four after starting from its 25. LB D.J. Palmore stopped QB Quinton Flowers (12 for 20 passing, 208 yards) for a three-yard loss before Emili Nadelman’s FG attempt from 25 was good. USF converted three third down situations on the drive until that final looking like they’d be tough for the Mids to stop. Navy started a drive from its 24 heading into the second period.

USF QB Quinton Flowers looks for a receiver down field.

USF QB Quinton Flowers looks for a receiver down field in front of the Brigade.

FB Chris Swain (23 carries, 131 yards, one TD) broke a few tackles and headed up the right side for a 24-yard TD to even the score at 10 for each. The Bulls got into position to attempt a 46-yard FG, but Nadelman’s kick missed. Later in the period, a USF punt sailed out of bounds for a short 15 yards to put Navy at its 49. With 33 seconds left in the second, Grebe booted a 26-yard FG for a USNA lead of 13-10 at halftime.

FB Chris Swain gives Navy the power in their triple-option attack.

FB Chris Swain gives Navy the power in their triple-option attack.

At the half, the Navy D&B Corps performed as well as did the official Marching Band of the Washington Redskins. Established in 1937, it’s the only marching band of an NFL team, most widely known for its rendition of “Hail to the Redskins.” Brian came down to our seats in section 26 in the lower section to invite his sisters Eileen, Patsy, her husband, Barney, and me to join him in the upper deck during the second half. The stadium was not as crowded as it has been at most games we’ve attended during the past few years, and plenty of seats were available on a beautiful day for an important conference game in Navy’s first season in the AAC. I wondered why Navy fans wouldn’t be there to see the Mids compete in a conference game, something they never had a chance to do in the past. However, Barney pointed out that a lot of fans with young kids were probably out enjoying Trick or Treating with their families this day. He was probably right. We moved up to the upper deck to sit with Brian proudly wearing his yellow foam Navy ship hat. He looked ready to go trick or treating himself.

Before the game for a little tailgating with Barney, Patsy, myself, Dan with his Navy ship hat, Laurie, and Eileen.

Before the game for a little tailgating with Barney, Patsy, myself, Dan with his Navy ship hat, Laurie, and Eileen.

In the third, a 35-yard USF pass to Chris Barr put the Bulls at the one, and Marlon Mack carried it over from there to give the visitors the lead, 17-13. A 28-yard FG by Grebe pulled the Mids to within one, 17-16, heading into the final 15 minutes of play.

Flowers completed a 40-yard pass to Adams (3 catches for 86 yards) to Navy’s 29. On a third and four, DE Will Anthony caught Flowers from behind for a one-yard gain to cause USF to set up for a field goal attempt, but the Mids jumped offside and the Bulls got a fresh set of downs. A pass to Adams was caught out of bounds for an incompletion on third down. Nadelman’s attempt missed wide left, and Navy took over from its 20. The Mids cruised down field on nine rushes with Reynolds carrying the last six with the final one over left guard from the one to give USNA the lead, 22-17. A failed two-point conversion kept the lead at five, giving USF the opportunity to take the lead with a TD as 6:58 remained. Adams returned the kickoff to about the 40, but Myer Krah caused and recovered a fumble the give the Mids possession again at USF’s s 42. Reynolds carried for three yards, but his head was slammed hard into the turf and he came up woozy. He headed to the sideline. His backup Tago Smith took over and drove Navy to the USF 11 before Reynold’s re-entered the fray. FB Chris Swain carried seven yards to the one, and Reynolds drove it in from the one over left guard again to give the Mids a 29-17 lead with only 1:49 left. With that touchdown, he tied the NCAA record and still has five regular season games remaining for a chance to smash the record, a fine one that he will surely give full credit to his teammates.

Navy QB Keenan Reynolds (19) scores his first TD of the game and 76th of his college career.

Navy QB Keenan Reynolds (19) scores his first TD of the game and 76th of his college career.

USF gave the ball up after four downs on its 18. Their early perceived, offensive domination was adjusted well to by Navy who outgained them on the day, 444 yards to 270 with only 62 of USF’s on the ground. The game was history for both schools and CFF.com. The Mids achieved bowl eligibility with their sixth win, their twelfth in thirteen seasons. They could be playing again in Annapolis on December 28 with a bid to the Military Bowl (we will be there), but if things go better than most expect and they can go on to win the AAC championship on December 5, the bowl bid could be set on a much larger stage with a bid going to the top team among what is called The Group of Five as compared to the Power Five conferences in FBS football.

That opportunity starts next week when the Mids travel to play in the Liberty Bowl to take on the No. 15 Memphis Tigers (4-0, 4-0) with a recent 37-24 win over Ole Miss. A West Division foe with whom the Mids are in a three-way tie with along with Houston, they will have to use their solid running game to score and to keep QB Paxton Lynch and their passing game off the field to get an edge. When was the last time the Tigers faced a triple option? Probably not in a very long time. The game is slated for 7 pm. USF heads out to play East Carolina (4-5, 2-3) for an East Division AAC game with both vying for eventual bowl eligibility. CFF.com headed up I-95 North after this game to Philly to see No. 9 Notre Dame face an unexpectedly ranked No. 21 Temple at Lincoln Financial Field. (Come back after tomorrow night to check out our game report on this one). The Owls could be the team for the winner of the West to contend with for the AAC championship game. After this one, there will be two more games for Collegefootballfan.comto attend before our Tailgate Extravaganza to celebrate Game 500 on November 21!

"Hey you Plebes! Drop and give me 29!" (as in the total number of points scored)

“Hey, you Plebes! Drop and give me 29!” (as in the total number of points scored) “All the way down, Mister! I mean Miss!”

 

Highlight from last weekend!

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I thought I saw an amazing play last weekend (and I did)  when Georgia Tech blocked a field goal last week with six seconds remaining and returned it 78 yards  for a TD to shock No. 9 Florida State as time expired, 22-16.
  This video below was sent to me Monday by my friend and work colleague Bill Lombardi who coaches Pee Wee football.
  End of 1st half, ~ 40 seconds remaining.
# 32 on Freehold (blue jersey) is Yahsin Calhoun, cousin of MSU DE All American Shalique Calhoun.
Could be the greatest individual effort I’ve ever seen at any level of football….from an 11 year old

Countdown to Collegefootballfan.com Game # 500: Game # 495

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Bedlam at Bobby Dodd Stadium: Georgia Tech upsets No. 9 Florida State on final play, 22-16

Georgia Tech fans rushed the Field at Bobby Dodd stadium after Lance Austin's 78-yard TD rune tow win the game as time expired.

Georgia Tech fans rushed the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium after Lance Austin’s 78-yard TD run to win the game as time expired.

Atlanta, Georgia – Chris Harken (Miami, O.), Ron (LSU), and I were overwhelmed by a crush of white-out wearing Georgia Tech fans as Yellow Jacket DB Lanced Austin returned a blocked FG attempt by Robert Aguayuo and returned it 78 yards on the last play in regulation for the game-winning touchdown to upset No. 9 Florida State, 22-16. The three of us lost track of each other though standing next to one another ten rows off the end zone where Austin crossed the goal line in a shocker of a play. Chris’s new cell phone was broken and lost briefly in all Georgia Tech exuberance. After the game, Ron commented, “You know, we were probably a broken arm away from spending the rest of the evening together in some emergency ward!” Aside from Chris’s broken cell phone that bounced into a bag of souvenir shirts and he eventually found under the seats of fans in front of us, we survived the deserved, unexpected, explosive mayhem around us. After the frenzy, we were astonished and amazed to have witnessed such a comeback victory by the Rambling Wrecks, very reminiscent of the Auburn field goal return in their big win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl two seasons ago. Tech (3-5, 1-4) knocked FSU (6-1, 4-1) off its unbeaten pedestal and out of the Top Ten to No. 17. What Collegefootballfan.com picked as a game to attend before the season started figuring it would have a bearing on both squads trying to qualify for the 2015 College Football Playoff did not live up to that anticipation. Instead, for what some pundits dubbed as “Upset Saturday”, we had 10th row seats along the end zone to see that become reality right in front of us when Austin amazingly crossed the line for the final score. What sport is more exciting during its regular season than the short, hard-fought season of college football?

FSU PK Robert Aguayo, who fell victim of to the ultimate block of his 55-yard scoring attempt, posted State with a 3-0 lead in the first period with his 20-yard FG following an interception of a tipped Justin Thomas pass by Freshman DE John Sweat at GT’s 19. On Tech’s ensuing possession, Harrison Butker impressed with a 53-yard FG to tie the score before moving on into the second period.

The Yellow Jacket defense swarmed over Dalvin Cook (4) early to force Aguayo's field goal to hold FSU to a 3-0 lead.

The Yellow Jacket defense swarmed over Dalvin Cook (4) early to force Aguayo’s field goal to hold FSU to a 3-0 lead.

After Tech HC Paul Johnson called his team’s second time-out of the half early in the second period, it seemed to be a waste as Thomas’s pass on the next play was intercepted by DB Lamarcus Brutus who returned it 57 yards to Georgia Tech’s two. Dalvin Cook (17 carries for 82 yards, 1 TD) scored from there on the next play for a 10-3 Florida State Seminole lead. Aguayo tacked on three more with a 27-yard FG. Tech returned the kickoff out to the 36, but an illegal block set them back on their six. Thomas (4 of 10 passing, 67 yards, 2 INTs; 67 yards rushing) connected to WR Ricky Lejeune for his only catch of the day for 33 yards. From the 40, Thomas ran the option right and raced around the Seminoles basically untouched for a 60-yard TD, the break through the Georgia Tech Homecoming crowd was waiting for. Tech trailed, 13-10. Under pressure from DT Antonio Simmons, FSU QB Everett Golson (20 for 30, 210 yards, 1 INT) threw an incomplete pass to force a field goal attempt. With six seconds remaining in the half, Aguayo split the uprights to give the Seminoles a 16-10 lead at the intermission.

Tech's defense pressured Everett Golson in several critical passing situations.

Tech’s defense pressured Everett Golson in several critical passing situations.

Georgia Tech celebrated its Homecoming at halftime. We realized that for the second season in a row, we attended a Homecoming game with Florida State visiting as a ranked and undefeated nemesis! Last year, we saw them defeat Syracuse as their Homecoming opponent. Generally in the past, the Homecoming opponent was normally some struggling, long-time patsy to invite for the Homecoming “feast”. With midseason conference play well under way, those games are fairly too elusive to schedule, unless it’s in the SEC where Vanderbilt is usually on call (see Mizzou vs. Vandy yesterday) if not some FCS team or Sun Belt alternative.

With a five-game losing streak entering the game against No. 9 Florida State, the Yellow Jackets were playing with fire, and won!

With a five-game losing streak entering the game against No. 9 Florida State, the Yellow Jackets were playing with fire, and won!

In the third period the Yellow Jackets controlled the clock on its first possession (as it did the entire game 34:51 to 25:09), and Butker, who booted every kickoff for a touchback, finished the drive with a 40-yard FG. Tech drove the ball down to the FSU 28 as the third period expired trailing now, 16-13.

After Tech punted, the Seminoles started its drive from the 26. Down to the ten yard line on a third and goal, Golson fired a pass over the middle where DB Lawrence Austin tipped it up and Jamal Golden picked it off in the end zone for a touchback. Following exchanges of punts, Tech started again from its 37. On fourth and six from Tech’s 41, Thomas completed a 36-yard pass along the right sideline to Freshman WR Brad Stewart for his only catch of the day and a key first down. With: 54 left remaining in regulation, Butker tied the score, 16-16 with a 35-yard FG. As usual, the ‘Noles started from the 25 thanks to another Butker touchback. FSU worked the sidelines and the clock to get to Tech’s 38. An incompletion near the sideline brought Aguayo out to attempt his 55-yarder. DB Corey Griffin knocked the ball out of mid-air. Lance Austin hesitated to pick it up on the right hash mark at his 22, sprinted left, picked up some great blocks, and brought bedlam to Bobby Dodd Stadium as time expired for an exciting 22-16 last second victory. College football doesn’t get any better than this (unless you’re from Florida State, of course)!

Georgia Tech's Harrison Butker kicked a 35-yard field goal with 54 seconds left to tie FSU, 16-16.

Georgia Tech’s Harrison Butker kicked a 35-yard field goal with 54 seconds left to tie FSU, 16-16.

Next week, HC Paul Johnson vows to run the table starting the rest of the season next week with Tech heading to play Virginia (2-5, 1-2) in Charlottesville. FSU will host Syracuse (3-4, 1-2) at noon in Tallahassee. CFF.com has a great “double-header Saturday” lined up. At noon, we will be in Annapolis after an early tailgate with Brian Donnelly and company to see Navy (5-1, 3-0) host South Florida (4-3, 2-1) for our first American Athletic Conference game we will see the Mids play in. We hope to see Navy QB Keenan Reynolds also make some progress to catch Montee Ball’s NCAA scoring record of 500 points. After that game, we head a couple of hours north to Philly to see now No. 9 Notre Dame (6-1) visit No. 22 Temple (7-0, 4-0) for an 8 pm battle royale at “The Linc” to gain more respect for each in the polls of the upcoming CFP rankings. It’ll be a big weekend preceding our recently announced bye week on November 7. These two games and two more on November 13-14 lead us up to our Game 500 weekend when Rutgers visits Army. The season is speeding along to capture some more thrilling college football moments.

GT mascot "Buzz" posed with fans for photos during halftime.

GT mascot “Buzz” posed with fans for photos during halftime.

Extra points: met up with Chris and Ron close to the Georgia Tech campus at The Yard House. Great food! Terrible table service and poor management of the screens showing all the games. We thought Auburn – Arkansas was over and the Tigers had won until we saw highlights during another game. And in Atlanta on a college football Saturday, no less.

This was Collegefootballfan.com’s first game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Didn’t get to catch up at any tailgates which are strewn throughout the campus. But thought the Stadium itself and of course the atmosphere there were first-rate.

Three players on the Seminole roster hail from our area in Sussex County, NJ. Back-up QB Sean Maguire of Sparta who played at Seton Hall Prep; starting Junior OT Chad Mavety of Sparta who played for Pope John HS; and redshirt Freshman TE Ryan Izzo from Highland Lakes who also play for PJ. He caught two passes for 27 yards.

Ron, the LSU fan, claims that the “real national championship” will be played on November 7 when LSU plays Alabama. We don’t agree, but we look forward to watching that one on our bye week along with Navy at Memphis in a key AAC Western Division match-up.

 

 

 

 

 

Steveo’s Salvos – October 23

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Michigan State acame out smelling like "Roses" after last week's last second win over Michigan. They play Ohio State at The Shoe on November 21.

Michigan State came out smelling like “Roses” after last week’s last second win over Michigan. They play Ohio State at The Shoe on November 21.

What we thought looked like a great game before the season with some significance to the bearing on the College Football Playoff, now looks like a game where No. 9 Florida State (6-0) seems to be an overwhelming favorite over a struggling 2-5 Georgia Tech. We liked Tech returning QB Justin Thomas operating HC Paul Johnson’s triple option when we saw lead Tech over Mississippi State in last year’s Orange Bowl victory along with a pretty solid defense returning. We selected Tech as our dark horse as one of our final four picks for the CFP. After two lopsided wins over nobodies to open the season, the Jackets fell at Notre Dame and have continued to slide downhill since. All we look forward to now on the field is a shot at seeing a major upset. ND transfer QB Everett Golson and RB Dalvin Cook bring the Seminole offense for our first trip to Bobby Dodd Stadium. We look forward to tailgating and seeing a game at a stadium we’ve only seen from the outside on non-game days. We will see if Johnson can get his offense charged up for a spoiler roll against the Seminoles. A sixth loss here for GT will make it difficult to get the Ramblin’ Wreck to earn a bowl again this year. We attended their last two the last two as we saw Tech fall to Ole Miss in the Music City before their big win last year in Miami…Here’s a first for us. In the middle of the season, we’ve decided to schedule a bye weekend! The primary reason is to assure that our game on November 21 is still going to officially be our 500th game as planned. The second is that no game at any level of NCAA football within reach for us on November 7th really stirs our interest. We’ve probably been spoiling ourselves recently with some competitive matchups between major teams or teams we really wanted to see play. In the meantime, we were looking at several Treats rather than Tricks available for us on Halloween, October 31. We got a ticket for the Notre Dame at Temple game that’s sold out. Who’d have “thunk” it? They finally announced the kickoff at 8 pm. We originally had our eye on South Florida at Navy to see the Mids play in an American Athletic Conference game for the first time and to see if Navy QB Keenan Reynolds can add some more points in pursuit of Montee Ball’s career scoring record of 500 points. The kickoff between the Mids and the Bulls is at noon. Called our Navy friend Brian Donnelly to figure out the tailgate plan and he has an extra ticket to boot. Should be a great double header. As for November 7, the lawn will need to be raked (Oh joy!), the recycling center has a free hazardous material collection, I’ve got to get rid of some old paint stuff, and there are a few good games on the tube we want to see – Navy at Memphis, LSU at Alabama – with my friends Evan Williams and Jeremiah Weed. I can also take a Sunday off from game reporting. And the following week, we make our first trip west of the Mississippi since the Fiesta Bowl on January 1, 2011 when we go to see games in Boulder and Colorado Springs for the first time. Can’t wait! With this plan, Rutgers at Army is o as Game # 500…The Top 25 keep popping up on our schedule and that’s before we even consider some of the bowl games that we’re targeting. As of this week, we have No. 1 Ohio State on 11/28 at No. 15 Michigan; No. 7 Michigan State defeated Rutgers in a close one on October 10, 31-24; No. 9 Florida State is on tap this weekend; No. 11 Notre Dame the following weekend visits No. 22 Temple at the Linc; No. 19 Toledo will be hosting Western Michigan on November 27; and No. 24 Duke we saw dismantle Army two weeks ago, 44-3. Of these eight ranked teams, five are still undefeated…Last weekend, the teams on our schedule that played won 14 of 21 games. Of note, Washington State keeps surprising at 4-2 and defeated Oregon and Oregon State on consecutive Saturdays. Utah State defeated Boise State, 52-26. USC is now 3-3. Colorado could give them a challenge when we see them meet on November 13…Nobody else is saying it, but all I can say about Steve Spurrier is that he’s a “quitter”. He says he’s not done and he’ll be coaching again somewhere. Didn’t he do the same thing when he left the Washington Reskins? When the chips are down, he left behind the guys he chose to play for him. When he figured he couldn’t do anything to help them, he ran away and figures he’ll coach someplace else even if it’s at the high school level. He should have stuck it out with his players until at least the end of this season. He’s not having any medical issues. It seems it’s just about him. No commitment to the players he recruited to help them turn tough times around so he’ll just leave. Wouldn’t want to be in the proverbial “fox hole” with him… Penn State is 5-2 and unimpressive thus far. The only “positive” thing that can be said is that their losses are to two undefeated teams – Ohio State and surprisingTemple…Temple defeated East Carolina Thursday evening to reach their first 7-0 record in the history of their program. They got by ECU late to win 24-14 to enter the game versus Notre Dame undefeated… Army beat Bucknell, 21-14. They should consider joining the the Patriot League to play football. They are 1-1 versus this group with their 37-35 opening loss to Fordham…Georgia Tech lost their fifth in a row in a 31-28 loss to Pitt who’s on the rise under former Michigan State DC Pat Narduzzi…FSU beat Louisville last week, 41-21, who’s struggling under returned HC Bobby Petrino. Good…We said that the American Athletic would have some teams ranked in the Top 25 suddenly and three jumped in last weekend. The most impressive was Memphis’s win over Ole Miss. Houston and Temple won and followed them up in the polls as well. We still say that Navy has a chance at beating any of these. The schedule is for the AAC sets up well to see some important conference match-ups as the regular season winds down…Among category leaders we’ve seen play this year, Washington State’s QB Luke Falk is fifth in the nation in passing yards with 2,371 yards. DE Carl Nassib of Penn State leads the nation in sacks with 15. Top rushers include top Heisman candidate Leonard Fournette of LSU who we saw play in last year’s Music City Bowl against Notre Dame leading all rushers with 1,202 yards. Ezekiel Elliott of Ohio State follows with 988 yards and is gearing up for upcoming games against Michigan State and Michigan. Dalvin Cook of Florida State comes in third with 955 yards and we will see him add to his total against Georgia Tech this weekend. … Some notes on the two MAC teams we will see play the night before Ohio State vs. Michigan: No 19 Toledo is 6-0 will play three consecutive Tuesdays before we see them play on a Friday night. On 11/ 3 they host Northern Illinois, followed by Tuesday road trips to Central Michigan and Bowling Green. That sucks for the team and for its fans. What parents, students, and alumni of Toledo can make it to those games to root for the Rockets? We agree with statements made by Arizona HC Rich Rodriguez. How do they expect student-athletes to attend to their studies during a semester when they schedule games like this? Articles are also written about dwindling college football attendance, here’ a major part of that problem. It’s obviously all about the TV money. College football was created for Saturday afternoons, not prime time television in front of sparse crowds. As for Western Michigan currently 3-3, two losses were against Ohio State and Michigan State…In the FCS, 5-1 Jacksonville State remains at No. 1 buoyed by their overtime loss to fading FBS Auburn. Coastal Carolina remains No. 2 at 6-0, 2014 runner-up Illinois State at 5-1 falls in at No. 3, and undefeated James Madison (7-0) of the Colonial Athletic is No. 4. Three time defending champ North Dakota State (4-2) is ranked 8th, but the FCS saving grace is that there’s a 24-team playoff system. South Dakota defeated the Bison last week, 24-21. Former Bison HC Craig Bohl coached his Wyoming Cowboys to their first win of the season last week, 28-21, over Nevada. JMU hosts Game Day this weekend playing against No. 11 in-state rival Richmond (5-1) this Saturday. We expect the Dukes of Harrisburg to throttle the Spiders who haven’t played anybody with a winning record yet. Hopefully we’ll get to see them JMU play in their cool-looking stadium down their off I-81 in an FCS playoff game this season…Fordham (6-1) lost its only game to floundering Villanova, 14-7. The Cats, despite an injury that took out starting QB John Robertson earlier this season, still ranks at No. 23 with a 3-3 record. No. 14 Portland State (5-1) defeated FBS Washington State (4-2) in its season opener. In the Ivy League, No. 15 Harvard (5-0) and No. 25 Dartmouth (5-0) are on a collision course on Friday October 30 when they meet in Cambridge for what could be for the Ivy League title. They make it so easy to determine a champion in the Ancient Eight in such a short, clear-cut season. Just wish they could get the approval of their Presidents to join in the FCS playoffs. It would be fun to see what they could do… Penn took it out on former Head Coach Al Bagnoli’s new team as they crushed Columbia, 42-7… In D-3, Mt. Union is No. 1 with 19 votes. New NJAC teams clobbered old traditional ones as Wesley killed Kean, 56-14, and Salisbury State wrecked William Patterson, 62-33. No. 4 Wesley hosts No. 21 Rowan (5-1) this weekend in a key conference game…Wisconsin –Whitewater, No. 6 at 6-1, may have faltered off the pace, but in the meantime former HC Lance Leipold’s Buffalo Bulls took a hit last week in their 51-14 loss to Central Michigan. Prior to that, they were losing close ones in competitive games. The team stands at 2-4, but there seems to be progress being made up there in Buffalo under the six-time D-3 championship coach…

Countdown to Collegefootballfan.com Game #500: Game # 494

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Old Dominion TD passes in final period deck Charlotte for first C-USA win , 37-34

Norfolk, Virginia –Old Dominion quarterback David Washington to threw 16-yard and 11-yard touchdown passes to WR Zach Pascal in the final 9:46 to overcome a nine- point Charlotte 49er lead to win their first Conference USA game of the season, 37-34. It was an exciting game played between two of the newest FBS teams in the NCAA. A year ago Collegefootballfan.com vowed to come back to Foreman Field after watching ODU (3-3, 1-2) in its inaugural season get smacked down by a dominant Marshall team, 56-14, and figured welcoming this year’s FBS newcomer Charlotte into the FBS would make for a much more competitive game for the two newcomers. It definitely turned out that way, and Charlotte was added to our history as our 129th, and for now, final FBS team. We can precisely say once again, we’ve “seen ‘em all.”

49er defense reviews strategy early in the game.

49er defense reviews strategy early in the game.

Charlotte took a 24-22 lead into the last period as ODU scored the only ten points in the third quarter. Washington (25 for 43, 365 yards, 4 TDS, 1 INT) threw a TD pass that was tipped to Marquis Little who scored for a 33-yard TD pass. Following a field goal attempt by Charlotte’s Blake Brewer blocked by Rashaad Coward and returned to the Charlotte 37 by Marvin Branch, Chris Kirtley converted on a 45-yard FG attempt to close the 12-point gap at halftime.   Charlotte ran a no huddle offense successfully in the first half, but slowed down the tempo in the second half to come up empty on the scoreboard in the third period.

Kalif Phillips (with ball) looks for running room gaining 204 yards for a Charlotte school record.

Kalif Phillips (with ball) looks for running room gaining 204 yards for a Charlotte school record.

To start the last stanza, the 49ers got back on a scoring track finishing a 79-yard drive with QB Matt Johnson faking the hand off to RB Kalif Phillips ( 35 carries for 204 yards and 2 TDS) and going over from the one to widen the visitors’ lead, 31-22, looking for its first conference win in its sixth game of FBS play. Old Dominion’s comeback seemed to be sputtering as its next possession ended with a missed FG from 35 yards. Luck turned their way quickly though as Andrew Buie fumbled the ball on the Niners first play from the 20 where the Monarch’s Shadow Williams recovered at the Charlotte 17. Washington’s 15-yard pass into the end zone was caught by WR Zach Pascal ( 11 catches for 231 yards, 3 TDS) to get within two trailing, 31-29. Charlotte punted after its next possession after a three and out. With the clock running down, ODU faked a punt on its next possession, but Pascal’s rushing attempt came up short. Charlotte had the ball at ODU’s 33, but with 5:11 remaining, they settled for Brewer’s 20-yard FG to lead by five to force the Monarchs to come up with a TD to get the win.   Starting from the 25, Washington connected with Pascal for a 33-yard pass to the Charlotte 42. On third and seven, Washington ran to the 29 for the first. On two consecutive runs, Jeremy Cox stepping in for Ray Lawry brought the ball to the eleven. From there, Washington hooked up with Pascal in the end zone again to get the TD for the one-point lead. A two point conversion pass to Jonathan Duhart gave the Monarchs a 37-34 lead with 2:18 left. Guest Game Analyst Bernie Olszyk (King’s College, Pennsylvania) and I wondered if the home team had left too much time on the clock. Charlotte moved the ball to the Monarch 44, but on a fourth and 13, Lee McNeil’s pass attempt to TJ Ford fell incomplete. The Monarchs ran out the clock with :44 and took the first Conference USA win this year for either team. It was an exciting game with an exciting finish. Charlotte definitely gave us the best performance among all the teams we’ve seen in recent years who have just joined the FBS.

Zach Pascal hauls in game-winning TD pass for 35-34 ODU lead.

Zach Pascal hauls in game-winning TD pass for 35-34 ODU lead.

Next week, ODU goes on the road to face Eastern Division foe Florida International (3-4,1-2). Charlotte returns home to host Southern Miss of the Western Division (4-3, 2-1) looking to pull an upset for their first CUSA win. Collegefooballfan.com travels to Atlanta to attend a disappointing game we chose before the season that’s lost a lot of luster. We head to Bobby Dodd Stadium for the first time to attend a Georgia Tech (2-5 , 0-4) home game. There they will meet No. 9 Florida State (6-0, 4-0). To make the game not only memorable but significant, we’re looking for the Ramblin’ Wreck to pull off the upset. We’ll be there to let you know.

Let's hear it for Old Dominion sideline spirit!

Let’s hear it for Old Dominion sideline spirit!

Extra points: David Washington caught a pass early from his wide receiver position. He replaced original starting QB Shuler Bentley after the first series of the game and came up big with 365 passing yards and four TDs. Bernie reports that last year’s ODU QB Taylor Heinecke, who we were not impressed by in his game against Marshall, made the Minnesota Vikings roster.

Before the game, Bernie, a Jersey boy who now lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, met me at the Red Dog Saloon as outdoor tailgating at ODU is relatively limited to season ticket holders due to parking limitations. We had a great time and enjoyed the beers and appetizers at the Red Dog sports bar owned by a former Navy SEAL . It’s at 1421 Colley Avenue in Norfolk. Parking is tough, but it’s worth the short walk if you can’t park too close. Our tickets were compliments of Gary Gray who is not only an ODU grad, but sells scoreboards to various sports venues. I have to find out where I may have seen some of his other products. He gave Bernie and I front row seats, but we moved up higher in the second half as it was hard to see the action so low. We came away having enjoyed a great game. It doesn’t get any better than seeing two evenly matched teams play down to the wire no matter what their records or their ranking (or even lack thereof).

Stayed in Virginia Beach on Friday night. The sand on the beach was cold during the morning walk. The game started comfortably at 3:30 pm, but put the hoodies went on when the sun was down in the second half. Drove through some flurry action in Central Jersey Sunday on the way home. Still too early for that! And we plan to be at Colorado, West Point , and Ann Arbor in November?

Charlotte was keeping ODU off balance in the first half with their no huddle offense. McNeil moved the team through the air (23 of 33 for 219 yards) while Johnson picked up 42 yards on the ground running read options. Seemed to work well with two QBs, but not sure why they got away from the no-huddle in the second half.

Charlotte QB Lee McNeil winds up to throw a pass over the middle.

Charlotte QB Lee McNeil winds up to throw a pass over the middle.

Bush League band: When the home team band starts chanting “F___ __ , Charlotte”, no less the student body, there’s evidently something wrong with the leadership at the school. They did it several times in the first half before something must have definitely been said, but that was two too many. It shows no class and poor sportsmanship. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before from an organized perspective. I hope the admin will take some further action. It has no place in sports and reflects very poorly on the school.

The game was a sell-out with a total of 20,118 in attendance.

RB Raw Lawry of ODU attended his grandfather’s funeral on Thursday. He carried seven times for only 34 yards and fumbled twice before HC Bobby Wilder inserted Jeremey Cox to do some of the heavy lifting in the offensive backfield. Condolences to Ray. We looked forward to seeing him play again after being the one bright spot for ODU when we saw them get creamed by Marshall a year ago. He had 131 yards rushing in the 56-14 loss. I think he’s a soph, but my knowledge about the teams did not expand as we found no game programs available for today’s game. We hate when that happens

Bernie and I were impressed by the speed of skill position players for both teams. An avid Syracuse fan where his daughter went to school, and where he and I traveled together for several memorable trips, he’s been keeping track of ODU in particular seeing that the Monarchs are recruiting and getting players also being sought by the likes of Syracuse, Rutgers, and Temple among others. HC Bobby Wilder who came from the University of Maine still has ties to the northeast. By the way, last time Bernie and I attended a game together was in 2008 in Williamsburg where we saw William & Mary defeat VMI, 52-17.

Whoever does the scoreboard at Ballard Stadium for ODU is the quickest and most accurate keeper of a scoreboard I have ever seen. The downs and the yard marked were always updated as soon as any play was over. I was pretty amazed.

Senior ODU Guard Tyler Burns stood out on the field for his size.  The California native stand 6′-6″ and weighs 370 lbs.

QB David Washington picks up a key first down for ODU on the winning scoring drive.

QB David Washington picks up a key first down for ODU on the winning scoring drive. Note number 65 to the left.