Game 660: Colorado State Rams overtake MTSU Blue Raiders in fourth for first win

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee- A hard-fought, well-played battle between two evenly matched teams took place Saturday evening.  The Colorado State Rams broke away in the final period with two scores to triumph, 31-23.  Both quarterbacks atoned for most of the yardage.  Both defenses shut down the running games.  On a fake field goal and a defensive score, Colorado State capitalized.  In front of over 19,000 fans at Red Floyd Stadium, Guest Game Analyst Ed Mainardi (Brown U.)  and I concurred- it was a fun game to watch!

Note: if you were looking for a review of Kentucky vs Vanderbilt here, we aborted that visit.  Unlike previous seasons where parking was ample and easy for Vandy games, the arrangements were fubar. Due to construction eliminating parking spaces and a very long traffic line to get into only one nearby parking garage, it wasn’t worth the price and aggravation. Now that we know, we will be at Vandy vs Missouri next week as part of our econo-schedule this season.

Teams go toe-to-toe

Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi looks downfield to no avail. Settled for field goal on next play.
Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi looks downfield to no avail. Settled for field goal on next play.

     The two teams battled through three quarters to a 17-17 tie.  CSU (1-2) scored its first possession with a 32-yard field goal by Jordan Noyes.  The Blue Raiders struck right back with a 49-yard TD pass from Nick Vittiato to Holden Willis.  An unsportsmanlike penalty by the Raiders gave the Rams good field position after a kickoff from the 20.  CSU set up for a field goal at the MTSU 24. Noyes followed through with a fake boot. Holder Giles Pooler rolled left and connected with TE Dallin Holker whose catch and run turned into a 24-yard TD.  Before the first period ended, Zeke Rankin converted on a 32-yard field goal to even the score for Middle Tennessee, 10-10.

     In the second period, following an MTSU interception, the teams continued to exchange punts.  For the day, the Rams garnered only 33 yards on 19 carries.  QB Braden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 30 of 43 for 321 yards, two TDs and one INT. The Raiders totaled 151 rushing yards with Vittiato leading with 47.  He threw for 30 of 41 for 279 yards and two touchdowns.  He completed a 35-yard pass to Willis who made a beautiful diving catch at the four with seconds left in the half.  From there, Vittiato ran it in for a 17-10 lead to close the first-half scoring.

Colorado State finds its man

Colorado State WR Tory Horton hauls in one of ten passes tor 99 yards and two TDS on the day.
Colorado State WR Tory Horton (14) hauls in one of ten passes tor 99 yards and two TDS on the day.

    Halfway through the third, Fowler-Cangelosi tossed a seven-yard TD pass to Tory Horton to cap an 80-yard drive to tie it up.  On the ensuing MTSU possession, the Ram defense halted the Raiders’ Frank Peasant on a fourth and two to take over on downs on their 24.  The Rams drove the length of the field into the fourth culminating again on a seven-yard pass again to Horton for a 24-17 lead.   On second down from their own 25, Middle Tennessee attempted some trickery of its own.  On a double reverse, CSU pressured to force a fumble. It got picked up at the five and run for a touchdown return by DE Mohamed Kamara. He sat the bench in the first half due to a targeting call the previous Saturday in their OT loss to Colorado.

Never say die

    MTSU (1-3) responded with a 75-yard scoring drive.  Vittiato connected with Elijah Metcalf from the yards out with 6:34 left to play. However, the low PAT attempt got blocked to make the comeback somewhat tenuous as the Blue Raiders trailed, 31-23.  They forced Colorado State to punt from their 44 eventually, but burned their final two time-outs. To start with 2:39 remaining, the Raiders picked up three first downs to the Colorado State 32.  Two passes fell incomplete in the end zone.  On the final play of the game, CSU sacked Vittiato for an 11-yard loss. They preserved their first victory of the season, 31-23.  Despite a relatively small homecoming crowd, the game was exciting and the crowd was into it.  Fun time as Ed and I agreed. Looking forward to some more games there as more Conference USA action looms ahead.

Next Thursday!

Colorado State heads home to host FCS Utah Tech (1-3). They lost badly to Missouri State, 59-14, who we saw fall to UT-Martin two weeks ago.  We will see Middle Tennessee play again earlier than expected. We will join them for their annual rivalry with C-USA foe Western Kentucky (2-2) Thursday night in Bowling Green. Conference USA teams will be playing on weekday nights throughout October. We plan to see several such contests. On Saturday, our plan will be to attend the game between now No. 23 Missouri (4-0) and typical, struggling Vanderbilt (2-3) who shows very little on offense. Hopefully the Dores make it some kind of a fight.

Games 660 : Colorado State at MTSU

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Murfreesboro- We venture to Murfreesboro to see our first of five Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders games this season. Like his mentor Bobby Bowden at Florida State, Head Coach Rick Stockstill looks for superior non-conference competition. Following a blow-out loss at Bama in the opener, the Raiders gave Missouri all they could handle in Columbia, Missouri in a 23-19 loss. The Blue Raiders (1-2) went home last week and defeated FCS Murray State. The Colorado State Rams (0-2) come off a disappointing loss to No. 19 Colorado last week week, 45-42, in the final minute of play.

Blue Raider more balanced

QB Nick Vittiato has thrown for 632 yards and five TDs. Jaiden Credle leads in rushing with 142 yards, but the Raiders wait for Frank Peasant to start contributing as well. Colorado State relies on the passing of QG Braden Fowler-Nicolosi who averages 288 passing yards per game thus far, but has thrown for five TDs and four picks. The rushing attack has only 144 yards in two games against Colorado and and No. 21 Washington State. On defense, starting DT Mohammed Kamara sits out the first half after an ejection last week. HC Mike Norvell’s team looks to get fast start on the road, but will have to find a balance in the offensive game plan.

Frank Peasant has been a key back who needs to step up for the Blue Raiders.

MTSU has shown it can compete against a mid-level SEC program and built a little momentum last week in their win at home. CSU comes off an emotional loss after big build-up. The Blue Raiders look to start challenging after this game for the Conference USA championship which starts for them the following Thursday night at Western Kentucky. Hopefully, the Raiders can focus on the task at hand. As 3.5-point favorites, I think they can as both squads need a win here against comparable competition. MTSU has more balance offensively and a home game gives them the advantage over a team a little beat up from a week ago. Again, should be fun as I see neither team winning in a run-away here.

Game 661

In collegefootballfan.com history, the Blue Raiders are 1-4 not having won in our presence since November 2000 at UCONN. Colorado State won their only game we ever attended when they defeated Colorado at Invesco Stadium in 2006, 14-10.

The Blue Raiders of MTSU will be sending Season's Greetings from the Hawaii when the play San Diego State on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!
We look forward to seeing the Blue Raiders of MTSU at home four times this season.

Game 569: Fighting Illini serve up turnovers to Nittany Lions at Champaign breakfast for 30-13 loss

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Champaign, Illinois – After missing a 47-yard field goal to end its first possession, the Fighting Illini of Illinois served up a fumble and two INTs on its next three to spot the Nittany Lions (3-0,1-0) a 13-0 lead in the second period. The 11 am kickoff launched a low scoring first half. More Illini turnovers in the second led to a 30-13 Lion victory. The staunch Illini defensive front allowed only 92 yards among the first four PSU possessions. Otherwise, the game would have been out of hand even earlier.   The Lions took over with good field position each time to start at the Illini 43, 22, and on their own 43 respectively.  The first two drives resulted in 20-yard and 45-yard field goals by Alex Felkins. These gave the Nittany Lions a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Penn State RB Kaytron Allen follows blocking into end zone for first touchdown of the day against the Illini.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen follows blocking into end zone for first touchdown of the day against the Illini.

     LB Abdul Carter’s INT late in the first resulted in a 57-yard drive with Kaytron Allen taking it in from the four to give the Lions a 13-0 lead early in the second.  Later in the period, Illini DT Jer’Zhan Newton blocked Felkin’s 52-yard attempt to take over on the 32.  Illinois sustained a drive with Reggie Love III taking it over from the five to close the score to within seven.  Before halftime, PSU’s Kaden Saunders returned a punt 19 yards out to the State 41 with 42 seconds remaining.  Drew Allar completed a 33-yard pass to Liam Clifford to set up a 27-yard FG by Felkins as time expired for a 16-7 Penn State advantage at the intermission.

Collegefootballfan.com Scouting report

   The first half exposed strengths and weaknesses of both teams. The Illini defensive front led by Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. demonstrated a formidable force. The potent Lion running game had a tough time against them in the red zone.  The Penn State interceptions came on generally underthrown balls by Illini QB Luke Altmyer.  He doesn’t possess a strong arm. The Lions also had both a field goal and a punt blocked. Special teams will need to be assessed moving forward into Big Ten East play. 

   Regarding PSU QB Drew Allar, his arm is strong, but he telegraphs all of his passes. He focuses on his primary target on every play.  He’s got to learn to look off his receivers, widen his vision and perplex the secondary.  Sometimes, he connected based purely on his arm strength, but other times defenders knocked away six of his passes. He won’t get away with that against Iowa’s secondary next week.

Do coaches coach? Do players listen?

   This point leads me next to the PSU coaching strategy.  On the series when they finally scored the first TD, they went with play action to freeze defenders, and it helped Allar.  Though successful, they stopped doing that further in the second half.  They didn’t use the strong running game they have to enable the play action to work. Hopefully in the future, adjustments will be made regarding Allar’s ability to look off receivers, and the strategy will utilize their running strength with a mix of play action for success.  If PSU doesn’t, some better defenses in the future will be eating up more of their turnovers.

Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of I to one score with first team on field through the fourth quarter.
Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of I to one score with first team on field through the fourth quarter.

Some chicanery and more INTs

     In the third, the teams exchanged the ball six times on one INT by Penn State and five punts. The Illini outgained the Lions 33 yards to 25 over these six series.  Finally, PSU moved the ball on its next series as Allar spread three passes to different receivers, and Allen ran the ball 18 yards to the Illini 11. A bit of trickery was called on from there.  Trey Watts lofted a halfback option pass to wide open Tyler Warren in the end zone to put the Lions up, 23-7, going into the fourth.

    Cam Miller picked off another underthrown Altymer pass at the U of ILL 30 following a sack. Nick Singleton put the Lions on the scoreboard once again with a 16-yard run.  Both teams replaced their starting quarterbacks on their next series and eventually more second team players came in to get in on some game action.  Illini substitute QB John Paddock completed at touchdown pass to Malik Elzy for 19 yards, and their two-point conversion failed to make the final score a 30-13 victory for Penn State. The Lions remain No. 7 heading into next Saturday’s tussle against Iowa.

Illini tribute to their legendary All-American running back, Red Grange, "the Galloping Ghost."
Illini tribute to their legendary All-American running back, Red Grange, “the Galloping Ghost.”

Next – tough game for PSU and a Double-header for us!

  As mentioned, Penn State hosts Iowa (3-0) next Saturday.  Despite no impressive wins by the Hawkeyes so far in 2023, they should be much more formidable. Last season, we saw Iowa defeat Kentucky in last year’s Music City Bowl, 21-0.  They return key players from their always strong defense and specially in the secondary.  All-American CB Cooper De Jean, S Quinn Schulte and S Xavier Nwankpa return from last year’s squad. They returned two pick sixes against the Wildcats for the shut out. PSU better consider adjustments in my scouting report for this encounter.   On offense, the Hawkeyes can only be better. Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara, formerly with Michigan now plays under center for them.

  The Illini finish their non-conference slate against the Florida Atlantic Owls (1-2).  We at collegefootballfan.com stepped into a local Saturday double-header in the Nashville area.  This one snuck up on us as another 11 am kickoff was announced last week.  Vanderbilt (2-2) hosts Kentucky (3-0) at that time.  Not our typical Vandy game here in Nashville that we typically avoid. Last season, the Commodore’s nipped the Wildcats, 24-21, in Lexington for their first of two SEC wins.  This season, both teams have pretty decent and experienced QBs in Soph AJ Swann for Vandy and Devin Leary who transferred to Kentucky from NC State.  We saw him in a 45-42 shoot-out loss against Wake Forest in 2021.  This game looks more interesting now that it’s conveniently available to us.

Night cap

   For this Saturday, we had already penned in Colorado State (0-2) at Middle Tennessee (1-2) for a 6 pm kickoff. Red Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro is about an hour away from downtown Nashville – perfect! Colorado State comes off with a late, heart-breaking, OT loss to Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday, 43-35.  Rick Stockstill’s Blue Raiders of MTSU come off their first win, 35-14, over FCS Murray State.  This follows a loss to Alabama, and then a 23-19 loss at Missouri who just upset No. 15 Kansas State on Saturday.  Hopefully, we’ll attend two exciting games in one day.

Under pressure, NC State QB Devin Leary fires a 28-yard TD pass in the Wolfpack’s 45-42 loss to Wake Forest in 2021. He’ll be wearing a Kentucky Wildcat uniform when we see him play Vanderbilt in Nashville this Saturday.

Game 659: Penn State at Illinois, September 16

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Champaign, Illinois – Collegefootballfan.com looks forward to seeing No. 7 Penn State (2-0) visit the Fighting Illini (1-1) for our first game ever at Memorial Stadium on the Illinois campus. The action kicks Week 3 off early at 11 am CST. We add Memorial Stadium as our 81st FBS venue on this journey.

Look for the Illini defense with DT Johnny Newton to challenge the potent Penn State running game of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen early. This will be game where QB Drew Allar with good pass protection from his solid but developing line will need to open up the passing game effectively. The Illini will be looking for a new start in conference play after losing to Kansas last week and edging Toledo in its opener. The run-pass offense led by Jaylon Daniels gave their defense problems, but PSU will be relying on multiple playmakers dished to by Allar to gain big yards here.

Penn State on the road again for us like last year at Auburn and Purdue; this year at another new venue, Illinois.
Penn State on the road again for us like last year at Auburn and Purdue; this year at another new venue, Illinois.

Defensively the Nittany Lions should keep the Illini in check, but Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema can throw some fits their way as in the past. In 2021, his team bested the Lions in nine OTs, 20-18, but QB Sean Clifford was not up to par for the Lions after an injury suffered against Iowa. Illinois hangs close in the first half, but the Lions pick up steam in the second.

Extra points: SEC is 2-6 this season against Power Fives already; 1-4 versus the ACC. Only win came against Virginia by Tennessee we attended and even though the Vols gave the Cavs plenty of opportunities, they did nothing. I reported in my new book that over the past five years, the SEC’s regular season records versus Power Fives indicate the won 60% of the time. Among all other conferences and annual games against FCS schools and basically all at home, they’ve won 92% of those non-conference games. Over the last five season (with non non-conference games played in 2020, they’ve accumulated 55 wins over FCS competition (Vanderbilt lost to East Tennessee in 2021). All the FBS teams rack it up on the FCS now a la Penn State’s 63-7 win over Delaware last week. The FBS teams like to hand out big pay days for wins. This has to stop.

I offer a different way for the FBS to show their benevolence to the FCS teams so both subdivisions can play games with more meaning for their respective championships and still give the teams with smaller budgets more money. You can read about my proposal when my new book Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly gets released on Amazon.com. Look for my announcement regarding this soon! See the cover below along with the book description with the endorsement of Dick Vitale, renowned college basketball analyst and a great fan of college football to be posted on Amazon with the release.

About the Book:

Dick Vitale, top college basketball broadcaster and analyst says, “If you are a football lover like I am, you will enjoy reading this book by Steve Koreivo as he shares his insights and passion for college football.”  Koreivo regales throughout his lifelong adventure attending 676 games over 50 years while balancing this passion with family, faith, education, career, friendships and everyday life from boyhood into retirement.

As much as he loves the excitement, traditions, spirit and experiences of traveling, attending, and tailgating across the country and over time to see as many college teams play as possible, he has concerns regarding some of the current changes taking place.  As there is no doubt that money is essential to support collegiate athletics, he sees the emphasis taken away from some of the intangibles to be instilled – like teamwork, loyalty, hard work and commitment.

In the words of the great football coach Vince Lombardi who coached Army at West Point as well as the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowls: “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”  Realize that slightly only over two percent of college football players go on to play professional football. The majority move on to other professions and career paths.  College football offers intangibles as lessons for life learned outside of formal classroom education in order for players to be successful as men, as fathers, and as leaders in whatever profession or career path they choose to contribute to society for the rest of their lives.

Beyond the fun, memorable and entertaining football memoirs and travels by the Author, he also shares his insights in two essays. In the first, he depicts how a combination of changing factors can possibly turn the game into one no longer played by student-athletes. He envisions college football turning too far away from the intangibles that need to be taught to being totally focused only on profits for certain schools.  In his second essay, he proposes how to make college football better for players and for fans alike with ideas to enhance competition among more Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams rather than continuing along to favor just the handful that currently dominate.  His journey continues beyond his tales in this book. Enjoy his journey and his insights.

Game 658: Sam Franklin leads UTM Skyhawks in late victory over Missouri State, 38-31

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Martin, Tennessee – RB Sam Franklin scored the first and last touchdowns for the UT Martin Skyhawks in stunning fashion to offset a great Missouri Bear comeback, 38-31. The two halves played like two entirely different games.  Seventeen seconds after the start, Franklin burst off tackle to the right side untouched for an 81-yard touchdown gallop. The Skyhawks dominated in the first half to lead at intermission, 24-7. 

In the second half, Missouri State came out firing. Led by quarterback Jacob Clark, they tied the score with 9:39 remaining in the final period.  After exchanging scores, at the 1:45 mark, Franklin ran 20 yards off the right side on his final and 20th carry for his third touchdown. It sealed the win for the Skyhawks, 38-31. Franklin finished his day with 20 carries for 259 yards and three TDs.

Unstoppable Skyhawks

The Missouri State Bears (0-2) countered Franklin’s first score with a 75-yard drive resulting in a 33-yard scoring pass from Clark to Jalen Sharp.  After that however, the Skyhawks controlled the clock and moved the ball consistently for the rest of the half.  After coming up empty on his first field goal, Aidan Laros converted his next attempt from 29 to lead 10-7. Utilizing long hand-clapping signals from the shotgun and a no-huddle offense, Skyhawk QB Kinkead Dent (14 for 33, 107 yards and two TDs) controlled the ball and the clock the rest of the half.  First, he finished off a 66-yard drive on a three-yard score to TE Austin Bray to lead 17-7 at the end of one.

QB Kinkead Dent (8) celebrates second TD of day for Skyhawks as TE Austin Bray take it over from the three in first period.
QB Kinkead Dent (8) celebrates second TD of day for Skyhawks as TE Austin Bray take it over from the three in first period.

Dent and three shifty, leg-churning, quick Skyhawk backfield mates totaled 405 rushing yards on the day and did it effectively in the first half.  In the second quarter, he connected with WR Marlon Cook on an 11-yard fade past to command a 24-7 lead. Cornerback JaMichael McGoy intercepted a pass deep in his red zone to thwart late first half Missouri State scoring bid.

Bears answer the call

Missouri State could not muster much of a first-half scoring threat. However, they came out with some effective adjustments to start the third period.  Wide-outs ran deep patterns opening up zones for passing routes over the middle to gain big chunks of yards.  Despite a missed field goal hitting the cross bar on the first possession, the Bears started to dominate the clock on offense. Their defense shut down the Skyhawks going into the final period.  Clark threw a 24-yard pass to Dvontae Key in the third despite two flags against UT Martin’s defense for offsides and pass interference.

The Bears, trailing 24-14, drove to the Skyhawk 20 to start the final period.  Owen Rozanc booted a 38-yarder to get within seven.  Later at the 9:39 mark, Clark (23 for 42, 332 yards, three TDs) knotted the score on a 10-yard pass to Raylen Sharp (seven catches for 142 yards, one TD).  It was a brand-new ball game, but Sam Franklin broke the tie right away with a 49-yard scoring run.  The Bears came up with a big play on the ensuing drive to fight right back. On fourth and six at the UTM 32, Clark passed to Hunter Wood. He took it the four of the Skyhawks.  Jacardia Wright ran it in and the score was 31-all. 

Skyhawks ran effectively to control the clock in the first half.
Skyhawks Narkel LeFlore (7) ran effectively behind offensive line to help control the clock in the first half.

Fantastic finish for Skyhawks

The Skyhawks started their ensuing drive from the 24.  Kinkead and Franklin converted second downs into firsts four consecutive times until Franklin took it in for the last 20 to lead, 38-31.  On its final drive, Missouri State called its last time-out with 32 seconds left.  Jordan Ponchat replaced Clark at QB, and the Bears ran out of time at the UTM 24. Exciting game with fantastic plays, a great comeback, and a fight to the finish. Great FCS match-up, the only one on our slate for this year.

Next!

UTM (1-1) returns home next Saturday to host Houston Christian (1-1).  Missouri State waits two weeks to play its first home game when Utah Tech (0-2) visits them in Springfield.  Collegefootballfan.com looks forward to our first trip to see Champagne, Illinois. In our 659th game, we’ll see No. 7 Penn State (2-0) take on the Illini (1-1) for our second 11 am CST kick-off this season.

Is it a blackbird? Is it some kind of rodent? Is it a vampire bat? A long lost cartoon character? No, it's the UTM Skyhawk!
Is it a blackbird? Is it some kind of rodent? Is it a vampire bat? A long lost cartoon character? No, it’s the UTM Skyhawk!

Media time-out abuse!

A big downside to this week’s game was the number of long three-minute media time-outs up until that 9:39 mark in the final period.  On what turned out to be the last three-minute break of the game, it made me holler during a lull, “When are we going to play some football?”  Seriously, I felt like I bought a ticket not to watch a game, but to be part of some commercial for a local Orthopedic Group.

  Play was stopped many times after only running one play after a punt or a kick on too many occasions. Three-minute breaks sandwiched one play at least five or six times.  What seemed offensive after a while to the teams on the field: that all injury time-outs were announced as the Orthopedic Group’s Media time-out and went into another three-minute break.  It felt like the time-outs were taking advantage of player injuries to call time-outs and run more commercials.

  Not thinking I was of influence after shouting my frustration only three rows down from the stadium press box, surprisingly not another media time-out was taken.  The holder of the digital clock was no longer to be seen, thankfully. I did not see a sign indicating any live network TV coverage.  Because it was an FCS game, I don’t believe there was any. It had to be the worst media-controlled game I ever attended. It was horrible.

Go Skyhawks!
Go Skyhawks!

Side-trips

“St. Laurie” and I traveled to Paris, Tennessee for the weekend. We took in one sight before we went to the game and stayed that evening.  On Sunday, we visited Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.  There, the border of Kentucky and Tennessee meet between two lakes which are basically formed between the Tennessee River to the west and the Cumberland River to the east.  We hiked on a two-mile trail around a lake. After, we visited a Wildlife Nature Station where species of animals live recovering from injuries or not being able to permanently returned to the wild.

  I’ve visited Civil War sites of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson nearby in the past.  Beautiful area and also features and an Elk and Bison Prairie with herds of each.   We’ll probably go back again to visit to see that when the weather is a little cooler and the animals forage.  Nice, pretty area to visit.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris (Tennessee, that is).

Game 658 Today: FCS Missouri State at UT Martin

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Martin, TN – Both teams return to reality today. Last week both ventured to play top level FBS teams. The Missouri State Bears fell to Kansas (2-0), 48-17. The Skyhawks of UT Martin went to the very top of the ladder traveling to Athens, Georgia to face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. They lost 48-7. Both teams will be chomping at the bit to play someone their own size now. I’ll be seeing these two both play for the first time in my 658th game. Last season, Missouri State defeated UT Martin, 35-30. This should be a good one! Taking St. Laurie on a short road trip to Paris, Tennessee and to Land Between the Lakes Nature Preserve. Look for results of this game by Monday morning. By the way, shortly I will be releasing my new book entitled, Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: the Good, The Fun, and the Ugly.

My stories of my journey of a lifetime to see 658 games makes up most of the Good and the Fun, but my two essays included will inform readers of the Ugly that could kill this great sport of college football as we know it, and my suggestions on changes to make more teams in the FBS more competitive for the CFP championship. I will announce it soon to be released on Amazon.com.

Game 657: Tennessee Vols vanquish Virginia Cavs, 49-13

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Nashville, Tennessee – After the No. 12 Tennessee Vols scored on their opening drive of the game following memorial tributes to the Cavalier football players killed last season by a former teammate, they seemed to give the visitors multiple chances to stay in this game before dominating them in the second half to overwhelm them in a 49-13 victory.  A turnover on downs, two shanked punts, a fumbled punt and kickoffs out of bounds in the first half by Tennessee handed Virginia great field position.  Despite the opportunities, the Cavaliers demonstrated poor capabilities in the basics of blocking and tackling to capitalize and overcome the Volunteer mistakes.

Vols head downfield on game's opening drive for a 7-0 lead.
Vols head downfield on game’s opening drive for a 7-0 lead.

  

Evident poor O-line play by Virginia

Multiple missed tackles on many plays let the Vol offense move at will until costly play would stop their progress. The Virginia offensive line on the right side especially could not keep Tennessee defenders out of the UVA backfield. UT defensive end James Pearce recorded two sacks of starting QB Tony Muskett in the first period to decimate any Cav momentum.  Virginia right offensive tackle Ugonna Nnanna tried to hand-wrestle defenders as they blew by him in what my high school coach would refer to a “look-out block” – what you would yell to your QB before he gets sacked.  Under former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot, the Cavalier team lacks many basic fundamentals.  In reports after the game, he credited RB Michael Hollins in his return from being gravely wounded in the shooting he recovered from.  That was the most positive note regarding Virginia football this day.

The Vols clicked on 8 plays for 62 yards on its first possession when Joe Milton’s five-yard swing pass left to Dylan Sampson put the Vols in the lead early, 7-0.  Tennessee, known for a quick, well executed hurry-up offense with Hendon Hooker at QB last season, did not look as efficient with Joe Milton III under center.  Guest Game Analyst Bruce Shannon, a UT grad, fan and friend, told me that UT played without their starting center Cooper Mays today. He reportedly underwent a minor medical procedure and was filled in for by Ollie Lane, who had five career starts but never at center, which probably made a difference in their offensive efficiency early today.  

Vols couldn’t get going

The Cavs then stopped the next Vol drive on a fourth and one at the UT 29 to take over on downs. It resulted in a 28-yard field goal attended that banged off the right upright to keep UVA off the board. Tennessee’s next drive was highlighted by Ramel Keyton’s wide-open dropped pass bound for an evident touchdown that forced the Vols to punt from the 24.  Rugby-style punter Jackson Ross shanked the punt out of bounds for 16 yards. 

Because of inept blocking, the Cavs started at the UT 40, but punted from their own 48 after a tackle for loss and a sack. Vols raced through the Cav line on each and every play.  The Cavs forced the Vols to punt again to start from their 20, but again they lost nine yards again to punt from their 11. Tennessee’s Dee Williams fumbled the punt return, and the Cavs resumed possession on their 31 to start the second quarter.

Cavs couldn’t stop up front

The very poor Virginia offense gained no yards and put the Tennessee offense back at the seven with a 62-yard punt by Dan Sparks. He outshined his counterpart Ross who shanked another punt to put the Cavs in Tennessee territory at the 46.  No matter what Tennessee misfired on to give Virginia field position in their territory, they could not take advantage.  Sparks next punt started the Vols from their ten.  This time, despite two early penalties, the Vols cashed in with a 13-play drive capped by Sampson’s second score on a three-yard run for 14-0 lead. 

Once again, Vol kicking gave the Cavs a break putting them with the ball on their 35. Josh Turbyville’s kickoff went out of bounds. Virginia finally got on the board with Will Bettridge’s 30-yard field goal.  With 1:42 left in the half, Tennessee demonstrated on its next possession that it was ready to take control .

Downtown Nashville looms over Nissan Stadium for a hot day in the Music City for an 11 am kickoff.
Downtown Nashville looms over Nissan Stadium for a hot day in the Music City for an 11 am kickoff.

Vols dominate after shaky start

Jaylen Wright picked up 37 rushing yards on the drive. Milton completed two passes and plunged in from the one with six seconds remaining for a 21-3 halftime lead.  The writing was on the wall for the second half.  Virginia had nothing and Tennessee now had the momentum going their way.  On a brutally hot, sunny, 90° afternoon in the upper deck of Nissan Stadium, I put away the camera and note pad. Besides setting them aside for the rest of the game, I did something I rarely do. I went to the concession area to get under the shade. and buy cold beers and water for my fellow tailgaters.  It was well worth getting out of the sun, standing in line, and buying a few cold drinks for the second half.  There was no other relief under the sun for fans or UVA football at Nissan today.

Tennessee’s first two possessions of the second half resulted in a one-yard score by Milton and a two-yard score by Sampson.  Virginia finally put up six with a 17-yard scoring run by Perris Jones for a 35- 10 Tennessee lead. Going into the final period,  Milton threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Warren. Sampson scored his fourth TD of the day capping a 40-yard drive with a three-yard run.    Highly regarded recruit, quarterback Nico Iamaleava, played under center in this final UT scoring drive. Bettridge put up three from 40 to close out the scoring on the day.  It was a 49-13 rout by a good team that didn’t play its best. It needs work against a team that looked very inept and looks destined for the ESPN Bottom 10.

Stats

Milton completed 21 of 30 for 201 passing yards and two TDs. Sampson recorded 52 yards on 13 carries and one reception for his four scores. Jalen Wright did the most leg work with 12 carries for 115 yards. Despite some drops, Keyton led UT receivers with three catches for 66. The defense took advantage of poor Virgina blocking with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks, two by Pearce and two by Tyler Baron.

UVA’s Michal Hollins noted by Tony Elliot for his personal comeback from the tragic shooting ran three time for -7 yards. Perri Jones and Kobe Pace matched in rushing each carrying seven times for 39 yards.  The Virginia Cavaliers have a lot of work to turn things around for the rest of this season.

The announced attendance of 69,507 today set the Nissan Stadium attendance record for college football. Collegefootballfan.com was proud to be part of another record!

Next!

  The Vols host FCS Austin Peay (0-1) in Neyland Stadium next week.  So like Georgia, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Mississippi State, they’ll take advantage of a weaker FCS competitor.  We still won’t know what Tennessee will have for SEC play after that. Against Power Five teams in Week One, they won the only contest in the SEC’s 1-3 record against similar competition. The first two SEC teams they play were among those losers – Florida to Utah and South Carolina to North Carolina.    Virginia hosts a strong James Madison from the Sun Belt. Like Nnanna probably yelled to Tony Muskett with a 10.9 QBR for the day, “Look out!”

On the other hand, our game next week falls into a very competitive mode between two FCS teams who played way out of their league in Week One. We venture to Martin, Tennessee to a first-time venue to see the UT-Martin Skyhawks of the Ohio Valley-Big South Conference, 48-7 losers to No. 1 Georgia, host the Missouri State Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference, who lost to highly improved Kansas, 48-17.  We have a couple of interesting side stops planned on the way to and from. The meeting should be a very competitive game between two programs we’ve never seen play before.  The Skyhawks beat the Bears last season, 35-30.  “Look-out!”

St. Laurie surrounded by Vol fans Grace, Mary Jean, Bruce and Jaela at pregame Bloody Mary and Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese on Bagel breakfast!
St. Laurie surrounded by Vol fans and alumni Grace, Mary Jean, Bruce and Jaela at pregame Bloody Mary and Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese on Bagel breakfasts from Jersey Oven in Mt. Juliet. Apricot crumb cake by St. Laurie. Great start for our game day No. 657!

Game 656: Jacksonville State triumphs over UTEP in first FBS contest

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Jacksonville, Alabama – In an a very evenly matched opener for Collegefootballfan.com statistically and on the scoreboard, three turnovers made the difference as the Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated the UTEP Miners, 17-14.  For JSU, they started their first season successfully in their inaugural game. They became the 132nd team to start play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).  The kickoff started the festive pre-game action when the temperature soared at 99°. Most partisan Gamecock fans stayed throughout the first half of play with their team up, 10-7. However, after their very popular band, The Marching Southerners, finished their stirring halftime performance, many left for the comfort of cooler places elsewhere.

Jacksonville State Marching Southerners perform at halftime vs. UTEP
Jacksonville State Marching Southerners perform at halftime vs. UTEP

First half action

Jacksonville forced their first turnover on downs halting the Miners on a fourth and two. They took over at the UTEP 47.  PK Alan Karajac delivered a 41-yard field goal to take the lead in the first.  The Gamecocks followed up with a score on their ensuing possession early in the second. Bobby Wiggins scored on a four-yard run to cap an 80-yard drive to put the Cocks up, 10-0.  Another UTEP drive resulted in a fumble which the Gamecocks didn’t capitalize on.  However, the Miners finally scored as the half ended. On a one-yard plunge by Deion Hankins, it put UTEP to within three before the stirring halftime performance by the Marching Southerners.

Jacksonville State recovers Gavin Hardiman fumble after 11-yard sack.
Jacksonville State recovers Gavin Hardiman fumble after 11-yard sack.

Adapting to FBS at JSU

JSU Stadium was half full with most fans only on the home side.  Interstates to backroads got me there in three and a half hours an hour before kickoff. That was my plan, but to find a place to park took very long.  No signs to any general public parking.  Every space on campus was already taken. I did a few circular tours before someone ahead of me got the barriers removed from a lot.  There, a few of us followed right through to empty spaces near the Montgomery football offices where empty spaces could be seen from the road.  Patience had lucked out after asking a security guy where I could go. 

If JSU wants to go big-time, they’re going to have to address this to park more beyond the 17,000 in announced attendance today.  For now, all seats are considered General Admission at low prices and the entire visitor side which can probably seat 10,000 more only held a few hundred UTEP fans.  Good deal for the short-term, but parking will have to be addressed since it’s non-existent near campus currently.

To start the second half, Jacksonville State thwarted Texas El Paso’s first drive with an interception by linebacker Kolbi Fuqua.  An evenly matched game. UTEP stopped Jacksonville on a fourth down to take back the ball on the next Gamecock series.  Midway through the third, Jacksonville extended its lead when freshman RB Malik Jackson’s seven-yard gave them a 17-7 advantage. Karajac failed to add to the buffer on a 45-yard attempt before the third ended.

Jacksonville State wins turnover battle

Early in the fourth on the Miners’ next possession, Gavin Hardison connected with Kelly Akharaiyi for a 32-yard touchdown pass.  The teams exchanged punts three times before putting UTEP on their 12 for their last opportunity to ties or go ahead.   On a fourth and one at the JSU 24, Hardison fired a pass to the left flat where Safety Jeremiah Harris lunged in front of the intended receiver for an interception.  With no time-outs left for the Miners, the Gamecocks ran out the clock. Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s team celebrated it first win in the FBS.  Their turnover on downs resulted in their first score, a fumble recovery and two interceptions stopped four other Miner drives to key the win.  The Miners held advantages in total yards (364-277), passing yards 208-67) and time of possession (34:38-25:22).

Next! 

Jacksonville State hosts FCS East Tennessee State next weekend. UTEP also hosts an FCS opponent, Incarnate Word.  Since both teams compete now in ConferenceUSA, I will see the Gamecocks at Middle Tennessee on October 4, a Wednesday night game. Later, I will see UTEP also in Murfreesboro on November 18.  We’ll see if any progress will ensue until then. This Saturday at 11 am CST, No. 12 Tennessee comes to Nashville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium.  Tailgate time and dark sunglasses for me with all that orange in The Music City!

Extra Points:  Game 656 set a few new milestones for Collegefootballfan.com at Jacksonville State University Stadium. We attended a game in our 80th FBS stadium, our 172nd among college football venues at all levels overall. The 17-14 score marked the 70th FBS game we attended by a final score of three points or less, and our 143rd final score resulting within seven points or less. 

JSU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez confers with his QB Zion Webb during time-out
JSU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez confers with his QB Zion Webb during time-out.

Collegefootballfan.com: All set for the 2023 college football season, our 45th!

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Hello College football fans,

It’s been a crazy off season with so many confusing changes going on in college football that it’s hard to keep up with. You haven’t seen any updates of Steveo’s Salvos lately. It doesn’t mean I’m avoiding what’s going on. As a matter of fact, I’ve been analyzing the many factors that can change college football for better or worse. Rather than keeping my website up to date, I’m getting ready to release a new book covering all the changes and potential impacts for college football in the long term. The title of my new book is:

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

I plan to have the book released on Amazon.com in the

next few weeks. Look for upcoming announcements.

Our 2023 Collegefootballfan.com schedule starting this weekend:

Between Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, next season we plan to attend more games with both as CUSA has a new mid-week television package.
Between Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, next season we plan to attend more games with both as CUSA has a new mid-week television package.

Click on links below for UTEP, Jacksonville State, Virginia and

Tennessee for new about our upcoming games.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER

AUG 26 TEXAS-EL PASO at JACKSONVILLE STATE*, JACKSONVILLE, AL**

SEPT 2 VIRGINIA VS TENNESSEE , NISSAN STADIUM, NASHVILLE, TN

SEPT 9 MISSOURI STATE* at UT MARTIN*, MARTIN, TN**

SEPT 16 PENN STATE at ILLINOIS, CHAMPAIGN IL**

SEPT 23 COLORADO STATE at MIDDLE TENNESSEE, MURFREESBORO, TN

SEPT 28 MIDDLE TENNESSEE at WESTERN KENTUCKY, BOWLING GREEN, KY

SEPT 30 MISSOURI at VANDERBILT, NASHVILLE, TN

OCTOBER

My Demon Deac title of “11-and-almost-oh Koreivo” will be challenged this season by ACC favorite Florida State.

OCT 4 JACKSONVILLE STATE at MIDDLE TENNESSEE, MURFREESBORO, TN

OCT 7 LAFAYETTE at PRINCETON, PRINCETON, NJ 

OCT 10 LOUISIANA TECH at MIDDLE TENNESSEE, MURFREESBORO, TN

OCT 12 SMU AT EAST CAROLINA, GREENVILLE, NC** 

OCT 14 NAVY at CHARLOTTE, CHARLOTTE, NC**

OCT 21 AIR FORCE at NAVY, ANNAPOLIS, MD 

OCT 24 LIBERTY at WESTERN KENTUCKY, BOWLING GREEN, KY

OCT 28 FLORIDA STATE at WAKE FOREST, WINSTON-SALEM, NC

November

Penn State vs. Michigan will be our Game of the Year on November 11 with a kick-off at noon.

NOV 4 AUBURN at VANDERBILT, NASHVILLE, TN

NOV 11 MICHIGAN at PENN STATE, STATE COLLEGE, PA

NOV 14 TOLEDO at BOWLING GREEN, BOWLING GREEN, OH**

*NOV 15 BUFFALO at MIAMI (O.) OXFORD, OH**

NOV 18 TEXAS -EL PASO at MIDDLE TENNESSEE, MURFREESBORO

NOV 24 TEXAS TECH at TEXAS, AUSTIN, TX

NOV 25 SOUTH ALABAMA at TEXAS STATE, SAN MARCOS, TX

CHAMPIONSHIP AND BOWL SEASON

DEC 2 FCS PLAYOFF OR CHAMIONSHIP GAME, TBD

DEC 9 ARMY-NAVY, BOSTON, MA

DEC 23 BIRMINGHAM BOWL, BIRMINGHAM, AL**

DEC 29 LIBERTY BOWL, MEMPHIS, TN

DEC 30 MUSIC CITY BOWL, NASHVILLE, TN

This Texas State Strutters will be on our schedule once again on Thanksgiving weekend!

Fourth and fifth round 2023 NFL draft selections seen by collegefootballfan.com

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Never know what gems teams find in these rounds. It’s amazing how many of these 2023 NFL draft selections exceed expectations to eventually become the building blocks of these teams for many years.

Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass and turned to race downfield the spot the ball on the 47. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him at No. 105. Georgia seems to be the AAA football team for Philly. Great strategy!
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass against Kentucky and turned to race downfield the spot the ball on the 47. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him at No. 105. Georgia seems to be the AAA football team for Philly. Great strategy!
BYU OT Blake Freeland provides final push into end zone for a score against UAB in 2021 Independence Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts picked him in the fourth round.
BYU OT Blake Freeland provides final push into end zone for a score against UAB in 2021 Independence Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts picked him in the fourth round.
Troy C Jake Andrews (55) made the grade in Round 4 at No. 107 to head on the the New England Patriots.
Troy C Jake Andrews (55) made the grade in Round 4 among draft selections at No. 107 to head on the the New England Patriots.
Roschon Johnson scores from one to give Texas a 31-27 lead to pull ahead for good against Baylor. We look for him to be a "hidden gem" who will have a stellar career in the pros.
Roschon Johnson scores from one to give Texas a 31-27 lead to pull ahead for good against Baylor. We look for him to be a “hidden gem” who will have a stellar career in the pros.
It looks like Auburn DE Colby Wooded will have to step up in quickness here if he wants to play for teh Green Bay Packers who drafted him in Round 4. PSU QB SEan Cliffrd got the ball to TE Brenton Strange on this play. All three were taken in the 2023 NFL draft selections.
It looks like Auburn DE Colby Wooden (25) will have to step up a little more quickly here if he wants to play for the Green Bay Packers who drafted him in Round 4. PSU QB Sean Clifford got the ball to TE Brenton Strange on this play. All three were taken among 2023 NFL draft selections. Clifford (14) and he will be teammates as Clifford was selected by the Packers in Round 5.
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett completes an outlet pass to his leading rusher of the day, Kenny McIntosh (6). The LA Rams took him 26th in Round Four. Why not? He's a winner having led the Bulldogs to a 29-1 record for two championships the last two seasons. What do the Rams have to lose?
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett (13) completes an outlet pass to his leading rusher of the day, Kenny McIntosh (6). The LA Rams took him 26th in Round Four. Why not? He’s a winner having led the Bulldogs to a 29-1 record for two championships the last two seasons. What do the Rams have to lose?
Purdue Boilermaker QB Aidan O'Connell finished up the Third round for us as he was selected 135th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. His favorite target and former HS teammate in this game against Penn State, Charlie Jones was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals four slots ahead of him.
Purdue Boilermaker QB Aidan O’Connell finished up the Third round for us. He was selected 135th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. His favorite target and former HS teammate in this game against Penn State, Charlie Jones, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals four slots ahead of him.