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

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

Florida State starts new QB

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

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

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

Mirror images of offenses

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

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

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

Still not an offensive score for the Seminoles

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

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

Pulling out the FSU stops?

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

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

Duke Football celebrates Good Time

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

Back to a Bowl. Back to Reality?

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

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

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

Next up for the Blue Devils and Noles!

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

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

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

Game 699 next for Collegefootballfan.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hokies make things happen

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

Boston College Burst

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

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

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

Hokies wake up

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

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

Next on Week 9 for Hokies and Eagles

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

Week 8 continues for Collegefootballfan.com

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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