Game 668: Air Force subdues Navy to remain undefeated

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Annapolis, Maryland – Air Force (7-0) shut down a weak, unimaginative Navy offense for more than three quarters and overcame a tough Navy defense to vanquish its archrival, 17-6. The Midshipmen gained only 48 yards of offense with Freshman QB Mike Woodson into the third period. Tai Lavatai, who sat out last week and this week with a rib injury, replaced him in the fourth. After throwing a pick-six, he led the Mids to a score on their final drive to avoid the shutout.

This turned out to be the brunt of the Navy game through the air in the first half against Air Force.
This turned out to be the brunt of the Navy game through the air in the first half against Air Force.

Defense, defense…

The two military academies played a scoreless first quarter. However, on the first play of the second period, Falcon QB Zac Larrier connected with WR Dane Kinamon. He beat his receiver badly, made a nice over the shoulder catch, and raced 94 yards for the only score of the first half. Air Force held Navy in check allowing only three conversions of 17 in third down attempts. Of the Mids’ first ten possessions, the Falcons stifled them with nine three-and-outs. Navy gained only 22 yards on the ground. On defense, however, they held the Air Force offense which scored 34 or more points in five of six starts to only 17.

Air Force at Navy 2023: how most of the plays looked during the entire game.
Air Force at Navy 2023: how most of the plays looked during the entire game.

In the third period, Matthew Dapore made good for a 40-yard FG to put Air Force up, 10-0. On the subsequent series, he missed an attempt from 35 yards out. Fourth quarter, enter Lavatai at quarterback for Navy. Despite three first down on Lavatai’s first series, the Mids punted again. His next series ended much worse. Linebacker Alec Mock picked off his pass for the Falcons and returned it unscathed for an 18-yard TD. Trailing, 17-0, Lavatai came out firing on Navy’s next and final series. He completed ten passes for 78 yards resulting in a 10-yard touchdown toss to Eli Heidenreich. The two-point conversion failed and with a failed onsides kick, the game was over. Air Force triumphed over the Mids (3-4), 17-6, and rose to No. 19 in the AP poll.

Air Force keeps Navy out of the end zone on two-point conversion, but the game was basically over.
Falcons of Air Force keep Mids out of the end zone on two-point conversion, but the game was basically over.

Air Force brings crabbiness to Crabtown

It was a disappointing day for Navy fans who set a new Navy Marine Corps Stadium attendance record this day with 38,803 paid seats. Among them attended two legendary Naval Academy honorees. Former 1963 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach attended. So did former new College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Navy Head Coach Paul Johnson.

He came to Navy from Georgia Southern where he won three FCS championships. He led Navy to a 45-29 record over six seasons (2002-2007). His teams beat Army all six of his seasons and went 11-1 in games against Army and Air Force. Johnson took the Mids to five straight bowl games. In addition, friends of mine from USNA class of 1978 came to the game to celebrate their 45th reunion. Disappointing outcome on the field, but great get together tailgating with them and 11 other friends who attended our annual excursion to see a Navy game in Annapolis.

Our "crew" had a great time getting together for this year's annual get-together in Annapolis. Next year - Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.
Our “crew” had a great time getting together for this year’s annual get-together in Annapolis. Next year – Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.

Next!

Air Force (7-0, 4-0) looks to keep rolling next Saturday. They visit the Colorado State Rams (3-4, 1-2) in a Mountain West clash. Navy (3-4, 2-2) has a bye week before visiting Temple (2-6, 0-4) in Philly for an American Athletic contest on November 4. As for collegefootballfan.com, we not only follow up seeing another undefeated team on Tuesday night, we have two other undefeated teams on our slate for our next three games.

Liberty (7-0, 5-0) calls on Western Kentucky (4-3, 2-1) in a key Conference USA clash. This could determine if both these teams will meet in the eventual conference championship. On Saturday, we’ll see No. 4 Florida State (7-0, 5-0) visit Wake Forest (4-3, 1-3). The following week, we travel to State College, PA to see No. 2 Michigan (7-0, 4-0) tangle with Penn State (6-1, 3-1) in a Big Ten thriller. Both games start with a noon kickoff.

Game 667: Midshipmen defense and big plays knock off 49ers

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Charlotte, NC- The Midshipmen of Navy sailed into Charlotte for the first time to play the Charlotte 49ers and as first-time American Athletic Conference football foes. The Navy defense shut out their new opponent, and the Midshipmen offense led by sub QB Braxton Woodson scored on two long plays to top Charlotte, 14-0. Woodson, a freshman who replaced starter Tai Lavatai after the first series due to a rib injury, started off nervously. However, as Guest Game Analyst Al Di Vite noted, he settled in more relaxed during the second half. Especially after he completed a touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead.

Efficiency and defense

He finished with five of 14 passes for 85 yards and 18 rushes for 32 yards. It doesn’t sound like much, but his Midshipmen defensive counterparts held the 49ers to 265 yards in total offense. Charlotte only made it to the Midshipmen territory at the 37 once and then beyond in its last two possessions of the game. The first at the 37 resulted in a turnover on downs. The second on the last play of the game resulted in an INT in the end zone by Mid CB Deshaun Peele.

Midshipmen QB Braxton Woodson (5) connects with RB Heidenreich for a 69-yard TD to take a 7-0 lead in the third quarter.
Midshipmen QB Braxton Woodson (5) connects with RB Eli Heidenreich (not shown) for a 69-yard TD to take a 7-0 lead in the third quarter.

After a 0-0 stalemate at the half, in the third period, Woodson connected over the middle firing a strike to Eli Heidenreich. Out of the backfield, he who avoided a tackle and bounced off another to race downfield for a 69-yard touchdown reception. With an interception by Rayuan Lane III, the Midshipmen stopped the 49ers next drive at the UC 35. However, they could not capitalize. In the fourth, Navy sacked Charlotte QB Trexler Ivey forcing a fumble and taking over at their 38. On the very next play, FB Alex Tecza broke left through hole and rambled 62 yards for the second Navy score. With 11:02 left, the Midshipmen went up, 14-0.

Midshipmen make ’em count

Navy stopped the two subsequent Charlotte possessions as noted with a turnover on downs and an interception. Both teams finished with 265 yards on 40 rushing attempts. The big differences came on three Charlotte turnovers to none for the Midshipmen. Heidenreich’s one catch on the day for a 69-yard touchdown and Tecza’s burst of 69 yards among his six carries for 76 yards powered the Mids’ offense. Al Di Vite, my GGA, joined me early on back in 1978 for one of my premiere, pre-history games. We traveled to Auburn to visit our friend Charlie Murren to see Auburn and Georgia battle to a 22-22 tie.

Navy Safety Eavan Gibbons closes in on Duane Brown for at stop in the second period.
Navy Safety Eavan Gibbons (11) closes in on Duane Brown for a stop in the second period.

Next!

Charlotte heads to East Carolina who we saw lose to SMU last Thursday. It will be an AAC battle of futility as both teams hold the same record of 1-5, 0-2. Navy heads to Annapolis and we follow. The Midshipmen (3-3) will host archrival Air Force (6-0) ranked No. 22. This battle is the first leg of the Military Academies’ Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Last season the Air Force Falcons defeated Navy 13-10 in Colorado Springs. Despite the possibility of freshman Woodson most likely starting again, expect the Mids to be up for this one. They look to take back the disputed hardware.

Go Navy! See you in Annapolis this Saturday!
Go Navy! See you in Annapolis this Saturday!

Game 666: Late surge by SMU subdues East Carolina, 31-10

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Greenville, NC – On Thursday night in a competitive, American Athletic game between two bad teams, SMU (4-2, 2-0) defeated East Carolina on scores with only 7:22 left to play. At our first game ever attended in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on the beautiful East Carolina campus, the stadium and the spirit of the ECU faithful impressed despite their team finishing this contest with a record of 1-5, 0-2 in the conference. The game was not pretty.

ECU Pirate Head Coach Mike Houston disappoints us having seen his success leading FCS James Madison as an annual top contender in that division previously. The talent and the game plan displayed fell far short of what we expected from him. His record at East Carolina in his fifth year stands now at 23-29.

Close for three quarters

A fumble by ECU QB Alex Flinn gave SMU possession on their 32. Roger Collins 50-yard field goal for SMU early in the fourth put the Mustangs up, 17-10. Later at the 7:22 mark, SMU safety Jonathan McGill picked off Flinn’s poorly thrown pass. He raced 34 yards down the right sideline untouched for a TD. The Mustangs extended their lead, 24-10.

SMU QB Preston Stone lofts a pass in early action against East Carolina.
SMU QB Preston Stone lofts a pass in early action against East Carolina.

The Pirates started their next series from the 25. They punted from the 33 with 6:43 left, despite needing two scores to tie or lead. They might as well have gone for the first down, even if they failed to convert on fourth and two. With 2:29 remaining, RJ Maryland caught a pass from Preston Stone for 43 yards with a twisting, turning dive to settle the score at 31-10 in favor of SMU. For Stone, he recorded his third throw for a TD among 19 of 38 for 276 yards. He lofted many passes high only to have eight knocked down by Pirate defenders.

SMU Ponies and ECU Pirates need some giddy-up!

ECU’s Mason Garcia substituted early for the ineffective Flinn, but he could only muster 155 yards through the air on 12 of 26 passes. SMU defended ten passes for knock downs between the two ECU quarterbacks. Neither team threatened on the ground. SMU picked up only 58 yards compared to the Pirates’ 97. Neither team impressed. Despite the 4-2 SMU record, they would struggle with many other teams with comparable records. Good luck to them next year against ACC competition.

SMU secondary breaks up East Carolina pass in action for one of ten pass break-ups during the game last Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
SMU secondary breaks up East Carolina pass for one of ten pass break-ups during the game last Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Next!

Ho-hum. More American Athletic action coming up. SMU travels on to Philadelphia next week to take on anemic Temple (2-5, 0-3). ECU takes a break next week before a visit by neighboring Charlotte (1-5, 0-2) who we just watched get shut out by Navy. This game should be a yawner. For us, we traveled four hours west to Charlotte to witness the AAC matchup between Charlotte and Navy.

ECU QB Mason Garcia has his back to the wall against SMU in second quarter.
ECU QB Mason Garcia has his back to the wall against SMU in second quarter.

Game 665: Balanced offense puts MTSU past LA Tech, 31-23

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Murfreesboro, TN – The MTSU Blue Raiders protected QB Nick Vattiato better than in previous games attended and balanced an improved running game with a passing attack to upend the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 31-23. Vattiato under less pressure completed 23 of 29 for 248 yards and two TDs. He scored on the ground once. His 15 rushing yards were compensated this week by Jaiden Credle’s 65 yards and some effective short runs by Terry Wilkens. Tech played QB Jack Turner in the first half and Hank Bachmeier in the second. They combined for 340 yards, two TDs and one interception. The MTSU defense held LT to 79 rushing yards. S Tra Fluellen’s INT in the end zone thwarted a key Bulldog drive.

Scoring through the air

Following Zeke Rankin’s 26-Yrd FG for MTSU, Kyle Maxwell hauled in a 20-yard TD pass from Turner. Blue Raider S Jakobe Thomas burst through to block the point after. MTSU responded with a 75-yard scoring drive capped by Elijah Metcalf’s over the shoulder catch along the end zone sideline to lead 10-6 at the end of one.

In the second, Jacob Barnes 23-yard FG closed the score, 10-9. Later in the period, Zach Dobson returned a punt for Middle Tennessee 53 yards to the Louisiana Tech 31. On third and ten, Vattiato connected with Holden Willis for a gain of 20 after the tackled forced a fumble out of bounds. At the two, Vattiato swept let and dove over for a touchdown. MTSU led at the half, 17-9.

Tech's Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.
Louisiana Tech’s Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.

Tech repeat of last week?

The previous week, LT scored 21 points in the second half down to Western Kentucky who led , 35-7, at the intermission. Though they fell short, 35-28, would they display the same firepower this evening against MTSU? Turner looked prepared to mount a comeback. He connected with Cyrus Allen for 38 yards to the Blue Raider seven. The LT threat was quelled by Fluellen’s INT falling backward in the end zone. The MTSU offense put together an 80-yard drive culminating with Credle running it in from nine yards out. With the help of an invisible roughing the passer penalty, Tech sustained a scoring drive. On a fourth, Dakota Williams took it over from six. The score narrowed the Blue Raider lead, 24-16.

MTSU and LT fight in fourth

MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.
MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.

In the fourth, MTSU broke off a big play with a 60-yard catch and run by Holden (4 catches for 103 yards) on a crossing pattern down the right sideline. A sack on a third and ten forced a Tech punt on its next possession. Middle Tennessee seemed to catch a break on an incomplete pass. Vattiato was grabbed by the face mask and thrown to the ground. The official watched and threw no flag – a blatant missed call. The Bulldogs took over from their 24 and drove to the MTSU ten-yard line. On fourth and goal at the ten, Bachmeier connected with Charvis Thornton for a touchdown. Louisiana Tech trailed now 31-24 with 2:30 left to play.

Using their three remaining time-outs after a squib kick starting the Raiders on their 18, Tech forced MTSU to punt after a three and out. They took over from their 32. On fourth down at the 46, MTSU’s heavy rush force Bachmeier’s pass to go incomplete. Middle Tennessee ran out the clock to take their first ConferenceUSA win this season to go 2-5, 1-2. Louisiana Tech fell to 3-5, 2-2.

Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU's Red Floyd Stadium.
Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU’s Red Floyd Stadium.

Next!

In two weeks, Tech returns home to take on Jerry Kill’s New Mexico State Aggies (currently 3-3, 1-1). MTSU travels to Liberty (6-0, 4-0) for their fourth straight weekday night game before returning to Saturday games to complete their regular season. Collegefootballfan.com will see them for our fifth and final Blue Raider game this season when they host UTEP on November 18.

Three games in five days

CFF.com heads to Greenville, NC Thursday night for an American Athletic contest when SMU (3-2) visits East Carolina (1-4) for our first game ever at ECU’s Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. SMU looms as 12.5 favorites here. ECU allows 32 ppg against FBS foes, and SMU has put up similar scores against comparable FBS competition. We’ll see what ECU Head Coach Mike Houston can muster for this game. Last time we saw him, he was leading a formidable FCS James Madison program set to move up to the FBS.

On Saturday, we head to Charlotte for our first time at Jerry Richardson Stadium. We’ll watch Navy (2-3, 1-2) play a new foe in the same AAC. The Mids are favored by 3, but the 49ers (1-4, 0-1) under Biff Poggi are said to be hungry. Will the 15,314 seats in their stadium distract the Mids used to playing in bigger venues? Charlotte has lost to four FBS programs with winning records. The Mids have played three of their last four in Annapolis. They lost to Memphis by four on the road and defeated North Texas by three at home last week. This will be a fight for a close one. All I can say is, “Go Navy!”

Available now on Kindle – Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the fun and the Ugly – click here! In Paperback soon.

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

Game 664: Lafayette kicks down Princeton, 12-9

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Princeton, NJ – The Lafayette Leopards (5-1) defense held Princeton’s offense to three rushing yards on the day. The final outcome came due to a late safety and a missed extra point to settle the score, 12-9. In the fourth, Princeton blew their big opportunity to tie. The Lafayette win ended their 12-game losing streak to Princeton (2-2). The Leopard defense stood out limiting the Tiger offense to three first down conversions of 13 for first down attempts. They halted the Tigers twice on fourth down to take over on downs. LB Billy Schaeffer corralled ten tackles , three for losses, and two for sacks while forcing a fumble.

Cats go toe-to-toe

Lafayette opened the game starting from its 25 to take the lead on Jack Simonetti’s 40-yard FG. Princeton countered on its ensuing drive with Jeffrey Sexton’s kick made good from 29. Late in the first, PU QB Blake Senstrom (26 of 35, 310 yards, one TD) connected with WR AJ Barber (son of former NY Giant Tiki) for a 57-yard pass to the LC 10. Sexton next connected with WR Luke Colella on an outstanding, twisting catch with one foot down inside the end zone to grab the Tiger lead, 9-3. The extra point failed.

In the second, the two teams clawed to a standstill as both forced turnovers on downs on consecutive possessions. Late in the period, a Lafayette sack of Senstrom forced a Princeton punt from the 15. Elijah Steward’s six-yard return put the Leopards at the Tiger 46. With :26 left until halftime, a swing pass left to 6’8″ TE Mason Gilbert at the PU 15, put Lafayette up, 10-9.

Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette. Last time at PU, they combined with Brown band. Had more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.
Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette last Saturday. Last time at PU, they combined with the Brown University band. Had much more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.

A quick quarter

In the third period, a long Princeton drive fell short on a fourth and four at the Lafayette 16 with a sack and a fumble. The next Lafayette drive resulted in a punt, and Princeton’s next drive ran over into the final period for a very quick third quarter. Into the fourth, play continued with both teams punting.

Lafayette defense adds to lead

Princeton finally got to the Lafayette 20 for a supposed chip shot. However, Sexton’s 37-yard attempt went wide right. Lafayette got back on offense to consume over six minutes. A sack placed them back on the Princeton 33 with a fourth and 20. QB Dean Denobile (20 of 28, 177 yards, one TD) quick-kicked to back Princeton up at their four. After an incomplete pass, LB Blamassi Meite tackled Senstrom for a safety to extend Lafayette’s lead, 12-9.

With 1:57 remaining and rain beginning to fall, the Tiger onsides kick put Lafayette at their 33. A PU time-out and eventually a Leopard first down allowed Lafayette to run down the clock for a low-scoring , hard-fought victory. The game exemplified the significance of PATs and missed chip shots. Had PU converted one of each, the results could have made for a Tiger victory. Never take the kicking game for granted.

Next!

Princeton 1-0 in the Ivy, plays at Brown next weekend. Lafayette, now 1-0 in the Patriot, has a bye week before facing their most challenging conference foe, FCS No. 11 Holy Cross (4-2, 2-0). This game will probably decide the Patriot League’s champion to play for the FCS title.

Not the best of teams, but…

As for Collegefootballfan.com, we continue into our heavy October schedule consisting of eight games in the month of October. We attend three games alone this week – Louisiana Tech (3-4) at Middle Tennessee (1-5) on Tuesday, SMU (3-2) at East Carolina (1-4) on Thursday, and Navy (2-3) at Charlotte (1-4) on Saturday. No world-beaters here, but teams playing comparable competition and three fighting for a second win. Desperate teams playing for desperate measures half way through the season. Coaches trying to avoid proverbial hot seats! The latter two are American Athletic Conference clashes. We get to add two new FBS venues to our growing list to see as many as we can.

Game 663: JSU Gamecocks blast MTSU with 38 unanswered points

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee – JSU trailed MTSU 23-7 at the half, but sacks, pressures, turnovers and Zion Webb garnered 38 straight points before Jacksonville State (5-1,3-0) triumphed, 45-30. With QB Logan Smothers under center, JSU went nowhere on offense into the second period. Enter Zion Webb. Three plays including his 61-yard run to the one before Malik Jackson’s TD put JSU in front, 7-3. Things got scary on MTSU’s next series. WR Kellen Stewart left strapped to a stretcher before a silent crowd. First responders worked on him for 15 minutes. A post-game report says he is in the hospital moving his arms and legs.

Raiders ramp up

After this disconcerting delay, the Blue Raiders caught some offensive fire. On a fourth and two, QB Nick Vattiato connected with DJ Riles for 42 yards to the one. There, Frank Peasant took it in to lead, 10-7. The Raiders didn’t’ stop scoring for the rest of the half. Vattiato connected for touchdown passes to Elijah Metcalf on MTSU’s ensuing series for 71 yards and for 19. The Blue Raider defense stepped up behind DEs Richard Kinley and Quindarius Dunnigan to keep JSU under wraps. The last extra point, however, was missed. It was probably a sign of things to come in the second half though MTSU led, 23-7.

JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.
JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.

JSU scores on offense and defense

To start the second half, the Raiders seemed in control knocking down two of three pass attempts before JSU punted. JSU increased the pressure on Vattiato (26 for 41, 408 yards, two TDs, two INTs) who kept passing from outside the pocket. An interception by Safety Kekoura Tarnue started to turn the momentum around for the Gamecocks. His pick resulted in a ten yard TD pass from Webb to TE Sean Brown. JSU punted on its next possession, but the MTSU return man misplayed the ball. The Gamecocks continued at the MTSU 27. Webb (11 for 21, 186 yards passing, two TDs, and 101 rushing yards) took it in from the one to narrow the Raider lead, 23-21. Alin Karajic’s 43-yard FG gave JSU a 24-23 lead going into the final fifteen.

Frustration

A sack forced MTSU to punt from the 50. JSU started to take control for good starting from their eight. A swing pass left went to Perry Carter who raced 63 yards for a score. On the ensuing Blue Raider possession, under pressure, Vattatio’s pass attempt was tipped and intercepted by DE Chris Hardie to put JSU at the MTSU 17. J’Wan Evans swept left for a one-yard score and a 38-27 JSU lead. On a fourth and four at the 14, a bad snap and sack resulted with the Gamecocks taking over from their 27.

I made a pit stop under the upper deck seats as most of the MTSU fans on Black-out Night (which looked more like silver-out night with all the empty aluminum seats) couldn’t watch any more. Only 13,066 attended. I returned to a portal over the north end zone to watch for any sign of a Raider comeback before following.

JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.
JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.

Right away, under pressure, Vattiato lost control of the ball on a spring left. Curley Young of JSU returned it 26 yards for a TD. A female Raider fan in from of me slammed her fists on a hand rail, cursed, and stormed out on to the mezzanine to hang her head in frustration. You couldn’t blame her. Her team played poorly and dropped this game, 45-30, in the end. They’re 1-6. One more loss assures no bowl for this season, and we’ll know that quickly.

Coming back?

With my season ticket package to take advantage of weekday games like this one, we’ll probably both be back next Tuesday night the the Louisiana Tech game (3-3, 2-0). That’s only five days from now. Head Coach Rick Stockstill was concerned about the timing of the games his team plays this year at the pre-season Blue Raider Blitz I attended. It seems like he’s had a long season already. And some fans in the seatback section near me vocalized their opinions about their coach of 17 years very negatively.

Next!

Jacksonville stands now at 5-1, 3-0 in Conference USA. Their next game comes as a challenge with undefeated Liberty (4-0, 2-0) who plays Sam Houston State this evening. Because JSU joined the FBS this year, for some dumb reason, it won’t be eligible to play in any bowl game this year. Collegefootballfan.com ventures east for a wedding weekend with Saturday available to allow us to attend Lafayette (4-1) at Princeton (2-1). This should be a good, fun game. Look forward to seeing a game again at PU.

Game 663: Jacksonville State at Middle Tennessee

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Murfreesboro, TN- Since our season opener when Jacksonville State defeated UTEP, 17-14, their offense has picked up and the Gamecocks lead Conference USA with a 4-1,2-0 record. The offensive output under Junior QB Logan Smothers has picked up some steam averaging over 30 points per game since. Smothers has completed 60.8% of his passes for 474 yards, Five TDs and no INTs. He’s run for 255 yards and five scores. Malik Jackson leads in rushing with 505 yards for three six-pointers. Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s defense has recorded 14 sacks and eight interceptions.

MTSU needs to step-up against Jacksonville

On a Black-out Night at Red Floyd Stadium, the Blue Raiders are looking for their first C-USA win at 1-4, 0-1. QB Nick Vattiato has passed for 1,168 yards and Jaiden Credle and Frank Peasant have combined for 492 yards. The team has to improve regarding the -3 in the turnover department. Sacks and INTs stand at nine and two respectively. Not a good sign on defense when Safety Tra Fluellen leads in tackles with 38 and his counterpart Safety Jakobe Thomas is third with 26. Head Coach Rick Stockstill’s defenders up front need to turn on some heat to win this one.

Blue Raiders favored by 2.5, but not sure why. Jacksonville State joined the FBS as a very successful FCS program, and it looks like it’s holding its own so far after five games. MTSU is 1-1 at home with win against very wee FCS Murray State. Jacksonville seems to have good balance on offense to keep the Blue Raiders on their heels to win this one.

Busy in October!

Following this week’s Wednesday night Conference USA game, college ffotballfan.com ventures back east. At Princeton Stadium, thee Lafayette Leopards of the Patriot League bring their 4-1 record against the Princeton Tigers (2-1) of the Ivy League. The following Tuesday, we’re back at Floyd when MTSU hosts Louisiana Tech. Another first for us is a second weekday night game during the same week. We trek to Greenville, NC to see SMU visit East Carolina for our first game there. On Saturday, we go to Charlotte for the first time. The 49ers host Navy in and American Athletic showdown. That’s five games in eleven days, some kind of an FBS record here!

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

Game 662: Missouri Tigers “Cook” Vandy Boys, 38-21

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Nashville, Tennessee – Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook put up 395 passing yards and four touchdown passes to keep late Vanderbilt threats at bay for a 38-21 win. In the process of his fourth straight game of over 300 passing yards, Cook set an SEC record of 325 passing attempts without an interception. At 5-0, the Tigers stand one game short of last year’s win total. Vanderbilt started Ken Seals at QB in place of injured AJ Swann. The Commodore offense picked up new life late in the game with a long passing game to challenge, but Cook and his Tigers retaliated down the stretch.

Cook Connections

Seals six-yard run in the first gave Vanderbilt a 7-3 lead at the end of one. However, Mizzou dominated the scoring into the next two quarters. An 85-yard drive resulted in a one-yard TD on a sweep by Cody Shrader. Before the first half ended, Cook connected with Theo Wease as he kicked over the goal line pylon on a 12-yard pass play. Up 17-7 with their first possession in the third, Cook hooked up with his favorite target, Lee Burden III, along the back of the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. On the following drive Vandy threatened. However, Seals’ pass got picked in the end zone by Kris Abrams-Draine.

Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook lets one fly on his record-setting day.
Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook lets one fly on his record-setting day.

In the fourth, Vandy stopped Mizzou on fourth down on an unexpected snap from center that hit Cook in the shoulder. The Dores took over from their 40 with new life. With play action, Seals connected on two consecutive passes to Will Sheppard of 29 and 31 yards to break their scoring drought to get within ten. With the ensuing kickoff out of bounds starting the Tigers at their 35, Mizzou scored five plays later. Cook connected with Marquis Johnson for a 44-yard catch and run to lead, 31-14.

Commodores almost come back

The Commodore offense continued to challenge despite the Tiger lead. From 50 yards out, Seals connected with Junior Sherrill on a 45-yard scoring pass to close back to within ten with 9:36 left to play. The Dores needed a stop to get back into what was becoming a fight. The defense stepped up. On a third and three from his 44, Cook got stopped for a one-yard gain by DB Marlen Sewell, and Mizzou had to punt. Starting from their 15, Vanderbilt got only to the 32 for a fourth down. Seals got sacked for 15-yard loss at his 19. Cook connected with Burden ( 11 catches for 140 yards, two TDs) once again with an 18-yard scoring strike to finalize the score, 38-21. Mizzou forced a Vandy put and ran out the clock. The Tigers moved up to No. 21 in the AP poll.

Next!

Vanderbilt heads to Gainesville next Saturday to play the Florida Gators (3-2) coming off a 33-14 loss to Kentucky. The Dore defeated both those SEC foes last year, but fell to the Kentucky wildcats already this season. Mizzou hosts LSU (3-2) after their 55-49 loss at Ole Miss.

Collegefootballfan.com continues its week night C-USA feast nights on Wednesday when Jacksonville State (4-1, 2-0) visits Middle Tennessee (1-4, 0-1). On Saturday afternoon, we’ll be back in New Jersey sandwiching a game between two wedding dates each hosted by longtime fans Les Di Vite and Fred Bacchetta. Princeton (2-1) of the Ivy will be hosting Lafayette (4-1) of the Patriot. Both the Tigers and Leopards defeated the Columbia Lions. Princeton won 10-7 and Lafayette, 24-3. Lafayette’s lone loss came at the hands of FBS No. 19 Duke, 42-7.

Wishful thinking

In year 150, Vanderbilt starts renovations to 101-year-old stadium. Guest Game Analyst Paul Kleim and I want to see his Alma mater, West Virginia. come visit Nashville in the future.
In year 150, Vanderbilt starts renovations to its 101-year-old stadium. Guest Game Analyst Paul Kleim wants to see his Alma mater, West Virginia, come visit Nashville in the future.

Game 661: Western Kentucky mauls Middle Tennessee, 31-10

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2, 1-0) defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-1)) outgaining them through the air and on the ground for a 31-10 victory. Hilltopper QB Austin Reed threw two touchdown passes and plunged for a one-yard score late in the first half following a fumble. WKU recovered at the 30 to give Western Kentucky a 23-3 advantage at the half. MTSU showed some glimmer to come back in the second half, but could only sustain one scoring drive in the third. The Hilltoppers ended the scoring in the final period with Elijah Young’s 14-yard TD run highlighted by hurdling a would-be tackler into the end zone. First-time Guest Game Analyst Al Tatum noted that both teams primarily favored tendencies going to the right. Something to watch for again in future games played by both on our 2023 schedule.

Western Kentucky Houchens-Smith Industries Stadium.
Western Kentucky Houchens-Smith Industries Stadium.

Western Kentucky gets leg up in Conference USA

Reed passed for 297 yards, and LT Sanders of Western Kentucky led all rushers with 83 yards. MTSU’s Nick Vittiato passed for 252 yards, but WKU picked him off twice deep in their territory. The fumble recovery by LB Bryson Washington and one of two turnovers on downs in the second half led to Western Kentucky touchdowns. The first stop came at the WKU three. The second for the score began at the MTSU 44. Blue Raider Frank Peasant rushed for 76 yards including a 16-yard touchdown. Collegefootballfan.com plans to see both teams in the near future on weekday night games. MTSU hosts Jacksonville State next Wednesday, and Western Kentucky will host C-USA leader Liberty (4-0) October 10.

Next!

On Saturday, we stay local to see No. 19 Missouri Tigers (4-0) play at Vanderbilt in an SEC East clash. Mizzou quarterback has completed 72% of his passes for 1,073 yards, seven scores and no INTs. RB Cody Schrader leads the team with 403 rushing yards averaging 6.2 yards per carry. WR Luther Burden III performs as Cook’s favorite target. He’s fourth in the nation with 504 yards among 32 snags with three TDs.

Vandy struggles offensively. QB AJ Swann looks shaky at best completing 53.8% of his passes for 1,280 yards for 11 TDs, but seven INTs. Defenses have sacked him nine times. The Tigers will let the Commodores hang early before they expose traditionally weak Vanderbilt. The Dores rely on SEC coattails to earn the reference of being a “Power Five team.” Seeing Vanderbilt play exists as part of our econo-plan for 2023 staying close to home to save for our daughter’s wedding next year.

Game 661: Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky in C-USA clash Thursday night

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky on Thursday night opens as one of two Conference-USA meetings to be played through October on televised week night games. The MTSU Blue Raiders (1-3) look to end a four-game losing streak against the WKU Hilltoppers (2-2). The two rivals suffered huge losses to top ranked teams already this season. The Blue Raiders fell to Alabama in their opener, 56-7, while the Toppers got clobbered by Ohio State, 63-10. Both have wins against FCS competition and other games were battles. This one will be close.

MTSU Safety Blankenship chases WKU's Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by teh Toopers, . Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
MTSU Safety Reed Blankenship chases WKU’s Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by the Toppers, 48-21. Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky stats

Offensively, the Blue Raiders are led by QB Nick Vattiato who’s thrown for 916 yards, seven TDs and two INTs. Jaiden Credle leads all Raider rushers with 188 yards for a 6.2 yard gain per carry. The defense has given up 1,536 yards and allows 31.0 ppg. The Hilltopper offense is led by QB Austin Reed who led the NCAA in total passing yards in 2022. He has a lot of catching up to do ranked at No. 27 in that category currently. He’s completed 63% of his passes for 1,021 yards, nine TDs and one INT. The rushing game has totaled only 331 yards compared to the Raiders’ 512 yards. Defensively, WKU has yielded 1,991 yards per game and allows 34.0 ppg.

C-USA implications

Liberty looks to be the best team in this conference at 4-0 thus far under former Coastal Carolina mentor Jamey Chadwell. The winner of Thursday night’s game could challenge them for the C-USA title. The top two teams meet in the conference championship on December 2. This one will end close, and look for the Hilltoppers’ passing game to score the decisive final points to win at the end.

Week Five - WKU QB Austin Reed (8) leads his team on Saturday night against Middle Tennessee.
Week Five – WKU QB Austin Reed (16) leads his team on Saturday night against Middle Tennessee.

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

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