Week Eight of Steveo’s Salvos: Houston at Navy; Saban-soft; Top 25 teams on our 2020 schedule; More to come late on Thursday

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Our Week Eight: Houston (3-3,1-1) at Navy (2-4, 2-2)

     For the eighth and final time as American Athletic foes, Houston and Navy clash at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at noon on Saturday.  The Cougars lead the series, 5-2, but many battles resulted in high-scoring affairs. As in the past, a competitive game will depend on Navy’s ability to move the ball on the ground.  With QBs Keenan Reynolds and Mason Perry leading the Mids effectively in a 46-40 win in 2016 and 56-41 in 2019, the Mids will be looking for the same effectiveness from Tai Lavatai. 

    Navy seemed to be on track again two weeks ago in their trouncing of Tulsa 53-21 thanks to a big game by Frosh FB Daba Fofana with 158 yards and three TDs.  Navy fell to SMU last week as they caught up late in their 40-34 loss.  They ran for 372 versus the Mustangs and scored three times in the final period after trailing 33-14.  On the other side, Pony QB Tanner Mordecai threw for 336 yards and three TDs.

All indicators – too close to call

    Houston, who was supposed to challenge Cincinnati for the AAC crown this year, depends on the passing of QB Clayton Tune.  He comes into this game with a total of 1,567 yards and 12 TDs.   Offensively, the Cougars average 31 ppg.  Their defense yields the same.  Five of their six games have been settled by seven point or less.  They are 1-2 in OT.  Navy averages 23 ppg and allows 24 ppg.

Clayton Tune seen here in AAC championship against Cincinnati last year leads the Cougars in Week eight against Navy.
Clayton Tune seen here in AAC championship against Cincinnati last year leads the Cougars in Week eight against Navy. WR Nathaniel Dell (1) has three TD receptions to his credit this season.

  Any key to a Navy win here rests on their capability to sustain drives and to control the clock.  Their demise is their inability to defend against a strong-passing team.  The key to this particular game will be determined on how quickly Navy can generate ball control and score with their triple option.  If Houston takes a significant lead early, with their passing attack, the game will go in their favor. In either case, this game will be close. With the Brigade in attendance, Navy 38-35.

Saban says his players are “soft”, what did he expect?

 In an online story on “The Comeback” by Stacey Mickles entitled,” Nick Saban calls his team ‘Soft’ after Tennessee loss”, as we’ve harped on all along, we’ll use the phrase, “You are what you eat.” According to the article, fans question two things after the 52-49 loss at Tennessee: “the referees and the play calling by Alabama”.  We’ll look the other way regarding that first issue.  We’ve seen plenty of times including bad calls and no calls that went in Bama’s favor. In the 2017 CFP 26-23 win over Georgia, we still question about five plays. Even the opening Notre Dame drive in the BCS we attended in 2012 began with questionable calls that set that Alabama win their way.

     Let’s start with the play-calling.  Mickles poses Alabama fans’ question,” With seconds left in the game and Alabama with the football, rather than running the ball and taking time off the clock, the Crimson Tide opted to throw three straight times.”  Bama missed a field goal and Tennessee responded with two Herndon Hooker passes that resulted in that great, knuckle ball field goal that launched the Neyland goal post into the Tennessee River. 

Nick Saban right in his "comfort zone" surrounded by players and admirere at bryant -denny before bfacing teh Utah State Aggies in their 55-0 slaughter. The Roman Coliseum of the millenium.
Nick Saban right in his “comfort zone” surrounded by players and cheered by admirers at Bryant-Denny before facing the Utah State Aggies in their 55-0 slaughter. Emperors in the Roman Coliseum must have felt the same way.

Saban hates challenges

     Nick Saban has few instances where he’s had the pressure to win a regular season game in its final minutes.  Scheduling the Utah State game (55-0) we attended and ULM (63-7), while the SEC threw him the Vanderbilt bone (55-3), gives him non-conference wins he typically schedules.  They only boost this successful record.  Unchallenged does not hone his nor his staffs’ game-coaching capabilities.  The games are generally finished, all played at home, by halftime.  The win on the road over Texas, 20-19, his first quality non-con on the road in 11 years, could have been a catastrophe if not for starting Longhorn starting QB Quinn Evers going down early. 

     Mickles also wrote, “Head coach Nick Saban even called out his team for playing soft Saturday.”  Again, that makes sense due to his soft scheduling strategy we highlighted in last week’s Salvos.  With No. 18 pass-happy Mississippi State (5-2) under Mike Leach coming to town in Week Eight, followed by road games at No. 23 LSU (5-2) and at No. 6 Ole Miss (7-0), there’s light at the end of this tunnel.  Things should get back into Saban’s “comfort zone” when his five-star players will play hard when FCS Austin Peay pays them a visit.  Maybe the pollsters will see a lopsided win over the Govs as beneficial to overcome any close calls or Bama losses against any of these three SEC units.

APSU's Fortera Stadium hosted EKU for avictory to vault to No. 16 in Week Five. EKU
Austin Peay’s victory over No. 20 Eastern Kentucky vaulted them to FCS No. 16 in Week Five. The scenery will be quite different when the Governors visit Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 19.

 Top teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Seven to Week Eight

     With a long trip to start our travels on Wednesday, we will update more for the upcoming weekend on Thursday night.  Meeting with tailgate revelers on Friday and an early morning tailgate on Saturday to prep for, we’ll have limited time to update.  For the 12-noon kickoff on week Eight we look forward to meeting with many friends in Annapolis to share “Tales from the Tailgate!”

Our Top 25 teams in 2022 in Week Eight

    Entering Week Eight, here’s where teams on our 2022 schedule now stand: No.  1 Georgia plowed Vanderbilt last week 55-0 and rest on their laurels this week with bye. No. 2 Ohio State host Iowa (3-3) this weekend before they venture to No. 16 Penn State the following Saturday when we’ll be there. Hopefully, James Franklin will have the Lions better prepared for this battle in Happy Valley more than they were prepped for Michigan. The still have to contend with Minnesota (4-2) at home, this Saturday night. The Golden Gophers lost their last two games. This week they face the magical, mystical atmosphere of the PSU “white-out”! No. 5 Clemson comes off a 34-28 victory over Florida State. They’ll host surprising, undefeated No. 14 Syracuse. The Orange (6-0) aren’t being taken too seriously it seems. They have good wins at home over Purdue and NC State (24-9). Only one road gamed played thus far – at lowly UConn. HC Dino Babers seems to have the QB now that he’s needed in JR QB Garrett Schrader (1,434 yards and 12 TD passes). Big challenge here for them. If the Orange can surprise, their date at Wake Forest November 19 may have some implications on the ACC Atlantic Division.

Penn State celebration White-out style!

No. 6 Alabama (6-1) and Nick Saban will be steaming after their lone loss to Tennessee last week. However, they play another potent offense in No. 24 Mississippi State averaging 35.4 ppg. QB Will Rogers impresses with 2,324 passing yards and 23 TDs. In games against SEC teams on the road though, the Bulldogs only scored 16 and 17 respectively against LSU and Kentucky. Will Mike Leach’s team be able to generate more points at Bryant-Denny? Their defense allows 21.4 ppg. Their offense or defense has to perform better to defeat The Tide in Week Eight. Speaking of No 13 Wake Forest, they come off a bye week to play struggling Boston College (2-4).

Rounding out our best of the best

After defeating Mississippi State, No. 19 Kentucky (5-2) has two weeks to get ready to challenge No. 3 Tennessee in Knoxville. Surging No. 20 Texas (5-2), winners of three straight, travels to No. 11 Oklahoma State (5-1) coming off their first loss to TCU, 43-40. This will go down to the wire for a Big Twelve title. The Longhorn defense seems to be improving, but their lone loss was at Texas Tech, their only game in a hostile environment. State lost on the road as well. We’ll look for the Cowboys to win here in a close one.

Others receiving votes battling to move back up:

South Carolina (4-2) entertains Texas A&M (3-3) after both coming off bye weeks. We saw the Gamecocks defeat Kentucky without their starting QB Will Levis that weekend. A&M lost to Bama, 24-20 on the road at the wire. Look for A&M to defeat the home team as USC’s wins are not as impressive as the Aggies wins at this point. James Madison (5-1) lost their first game a week ago to Georgia Southern, 45-38. They host Marshall (3-3). Except for the Thundering Herd’s big upset over Notre Dame, their two other wins came over FCS programs. Look for JMU to win big here.

Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.
RB Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge early for South Carolina’s 7-0 lead in their win over No. 19 Kentucky.

 

Other results of interest in Week Seven

Among other teams on our 2022 slate, seven of nine won, and in a head-to-head game, Troy (5-2) edged Texas State, 17-14. We’ll see the TSU Bobcats host Louisiana on November 26. The Ragin Cajuns defeated aforementioned Marshall, 23-13. The day before this game in San Marcos, we plan to be in Austin to see Baylor (3-3) visit Texas. The Baylor Bears fell to West Virginia last Saturday, 43-40. Another Texas team, UTSA (5-2), won its fourth in a row over FIU, 30-10. Navy archrival, Army (2-4), got in the win column over FCS Colgate (1-54). The Cadets other win came over Villanova.

No. 9 Ole Miss beat Auburn (3-4) , 48-34. How long can Bruce Harsin avoid an in-season firing? He’s got five competitive games ahead to win to salvage his current job. Ball State (4-3) defeated UConn, 25-21. We plan to see them in a Tuesday night clash at home in November when they host 4-3 Ohio U. The Bobcats defeated Western Michigan last week, 33-14. This looks to be a good MAC meeting in the making. Utah State (3-4) edged Colorado State (1-5). 17-13. Purdue (5-2) won its fourth straight defeating Nebraska, 43-37.

Keeping an eye on these games in Week Eight

Let’s stick to these Purdue Boilermakers. They are 3-1 in the Big Ten with four straight Big Ten West foes coming up starting at 3-4 Wisconsin Saturday. Two weeks later, they play surprising No. 18 Illinois (6-1). The Illini play host to Nebraska this weekend and then play No. 4 Michigan in three weeks at The Big House. The Boilers and Illini vie against one another for the Big Ten West title. UTSA and North Texas both sit atop Conference USA at 3-0 and will meet this week for first place. No. 9 UCLA (6-0) travels to No. 10 Oregon (5-1). Fun game, we like UCLA to make its move here in the PAC-12 since they defeated 5-2 Washington and 5-2 Utah the last two games. Oregon , though at home, hasn’t beaten anybody as good yet.

No. 25 Tulane (6-1) hosts 4-3 Memphis. The Green Wave had a good road win earlier at No. 17 Kansas State (5-1). However, Memphis hungers for a win at Tulane where the home team fell to Southern Miss, 27-24. The Tigers fell by one to Houston two weeks go and by two to East Carolina last week. Teams seem to be having difficulty hanging in at No. 25. We think the Tigers will come out on top here. Regarding No. 9 Ole Miss at LSU, we see Lane Kiffin outcoaching Brian Kelly in this one here.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

WKU dance team at the half in Week Five
The Western Kentucky Dance team performed to the music of Michael Jackson at halftime in their homecoming game against Troy.

Game 644:  WKU Hilltoppers roll past MTSU Blue Raiders

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Like the South Carolina Gamecocks in the game we attended the week before, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders took advantage of an early WKU Hilltopper fumble and turned it into points.  Unlike the Gamecocks against Kentucky, the Blue Raiders (3-4, 0-3) could generate very little offense. The Hilltoppers (4-3,2-1) rolled right past them with 21 unanswered points in the second half for a 35-17 ConferenceUSA victory. Three fumbles and an INT turned back the Hilltoppers from scoring more.  The outcome disappointed the MTSU homecoming crowd under the blue-gray, and sometimes rainy, October sky.

TE Joshua Simon hauls in a pass for short gain in the first quarter. Later he would haul in a three-yard TD pass in Q3 for the Hilltoppers. l
TE Joshua Simon hauls in a pass for short gain in the first quarter. Later he would haul in a three-yard TD pass in Q3 for the Hilltoppers.

Battle brewing

     Guest Game Analyst and new resident of Murfreesboro, TN following us from NJ, Ed Mainardi (former Brown Bruin student football manager), hoped the turnover and 14-yard TD run by QB Chase Cunningham were signs of things to come.  We both hoped the quick 7-0 lead indicated that the Blue Raiders showed up to give the favored Hilltoppers a competitive battle.  The two rivals 100 miles apart went back and forth through the first without scoring.  Two fights had to be broken up on consecutive plays as the first ended.  Regarding the rivalry sometimes referred to as “100 miles of hate”, Ed commented, “Well, they seem up to it!”

WKU WR Malachi Corley fights his way into teh end zone with a pass from Austin Reed to tie the score, 7-7.
WKU WR Malachi Corley fights his way into the end zone with a pass from Austin Reed to tie the score, 7-7.

     Four seconds into the second, the Hilltoppers finally unleashed their damage completing a 62-yard scoring drive.   On a three-yard TD pass from QB Austin Reed (32/49, 278 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) to Malachi Corley, they tied the game, 7-7. The rivals exchanged punts on three consecutive drives. One frustrated Blue Raider fan nearby loudly begged, “Throw the ball!” WKU responded on the ensuing drive with a pass.  Blue Raider S Tra Fluellen halted the punting monotony with an interception taking over at the MTSU 13.  They went nowhere, but the Hilltoppers took the next punt to start a scoring drive from their 16.  RB Kye Robichaux (8 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD) who fumbled on the initial drive, ran it in from the 14 to give WKU a 14-7 lead.  

For King and Queen

     With 2:39 left in the half, QB Chase Cunningham (32/51, 228 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; led all Blue  rushers with only 29 yards) went to the air. A 32-yard pass got them to the Hilltopper 17.  However, the Blue Raiders could only come away with a 41-yard FG by Zeke Rankin.  The teams went into intermission and a Middle Tennessee Homecoming presentation of the new King and Queen’s team trailing, 14-10. 

Chase Cunningham carries deep into WKU territory to set up Rankin's FG late in the first half.
MTSU QB Chase Cunningham carries deep into WKU territory to set up Rankin’s FG late in the first half.

WKU gets hopping in second half; MTSU sputters

     Starting from their 27, WKU got down to the one on its opening series. He tossed a 26-yard pass to TE Joey Beljan (Frenchtown, NJ, Delaware Valley HS).  Reed took it over from the one to go up by eleven.   Ed noted that MTSU seemed to be on a roll on their ensuing drive.  However, on fourth and seven, despite a 12-yard pass completion to Yusuf Ali, he fumbled. However, a tripping penalty nullified the play for a turnover on downs. Desperate to score, MTSU’s next series ended on downs again. With an incomplete pass on fourth and five at the WKU 47, the Toppers took over. 

     The Hilltoppers went right to work from there.  Reed connected with Corley (10 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD) with a 47-yard pass to the six. RB Davion Ervin-Pointdexter ran it to the one.  The Blue Raider defense stuffed Reed twice for no gains.  On fourth and goal, Reed hit WR Joshua Simon on a one-yard slant pass for the score. The Hilltoppers extended their lead, 28-10.

WKU RB Kye Robichaux gains yards on first TD drive on the second half.
WKU RB Kye Robichaux gains yards on first TD drive on the second half.

WKU ruins Raider runners

   We noted earlier in the first half that Blue Raider RB Darius Bracy sat alone suited up on folding chair rarely standing.  We watched him on a 53-yard TD jaunt against UTSA two week ago.  In the fourth, we noted other RBs Frank Peasant limping badly along the sideline and Joe Ervin who taken a hard shot on a short yardage play join Bracy somewhat shaken up.   With QB Cunningham leading all rushers, the Hilltoppers, through decimation, held the Blue Raiders to 63 yards on 29 carries.  When it came to rushing, The Blue Raiders seemed to have no legs left to stand on. R-Fr. Terry Wilkins carried four times for -1 yard.

Hilltopper QB Austin Reed points his offense downfield on way to first half score late in the second period.
Hilltopper QB Austin Reed points his offense downfield on way to first half score late in the second period.

    Down 28-10, the Blue Raider defense halted WKU and took over on downs.  MTSU had little choice but to go through the air. The effort turned futile.  Freshman DB Darius Thomas swiped Cunningham’s pass and raced 42 yards to put the Hilltoppers up, 35-10, with 9:44 left to play.  Later in the period, WKU fumbled and MTSU took over at the Hilltopper 38.  Cunningham’s 12-yard TD pass to WR Izaiah Gathings cut the lead, 35-17.  Again, the Blue Raider defense stopped a Topper drive on downs.   Time expired as MTSU had the ball for the last time.  The Hilltoppers defeated the Blue Raiders for the fourth year in a row.

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

Coming up!

   The WKU Hilltoppers sit right in the middle of the ConferenceUSA pack with a 2-1 record. They continue into the thick of things with UAB (2-1) coming to Bowling Green next Saturday followed by North Texas (3-0) the following week.  The MTSU Raiders have big hole to climb out of tied for last at 0-3 with Charlotte who they entertain on November 12.  They go on the road to UTEP (1-2) next Saturday.

    Next weekend, Collegefootballfan.com starts our nostalgic eastern swing attending Houston (3-3, 1-1) at Navy (2-4, 2-2) in their final American Athletic clash.  The Cougars move on the Big Twelve in 2023.  From Annapolis, we head back through State College on October 29 where the Happy Valley is not so happy.  The No. 16 Nittany Lions got manhandled and out-coached by No. 4 Michigan, 41-17.  We will see them host No. 2 Ohio State with QB CJ Stroud and company after the Lions meet Minnesota in their traditional “white-out” game next Saturday.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read all our tales when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

We hope the Blue Raider Dance Team will have more to cheer about in upcoming games.
We hope the Blue Raider Dance Team will have more to cheer about in upcoming games.
Not sure why WKU mascot Topper looks so disgruntled. Surely he had a great view of his teams win from along his sideline!
Not sure why WKU mascot Topper looks so disgruntled. Surely he had a great view of his team’s win from along his sideline!

Week Seven of Steveo’s Salvos: Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee; Saban’s test at the other game in Tennessee; PSU-Michigan Showdown; Best of Week Six and of Week Seven

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For Week Seven, we stay “local” for a rivalry, ConferenceUSA match between Western Kentucky (3-3, 1-1) and Middle Tennessee (3-3,0-2) sometimes referred to as “100 miles of hate”. This becomes our second edition of this series since we attended last seasons’ 48-21 Hilltopper Victory.  MTSU HC Rick Stockstill had to go with QB by committee as starting QB Chase Cunningham suffered a season-ending injury in the previous game. 

 Keys to Victory

   For Saturdays’ game, Cunningham returns.  We noted his toughness versus UTSA in that 35-20 loss two weeks ago.  He will be facing a very good WKU defense that allows only 115.5 yards rushing per game and totals 14 turnovers to its credit.  Middle Tennessee averages only 112 yards rushing per game, so pressure will be on Cunningham literally and figuratively to challenge WKU through the air.  He averages 260.6 passing ypg.  He’ll need another performance like the one that upset No. 25 Miami when he threw for 408 yards and three TDs.  Those three went for 71, 69, and 98 yards.  However, his receiver for the first and third, DJ England-Chisolm, hasn’t played since then. 

   Like WKU’s defense, MTSU can cause turnovers.  It’s taken the ball away 12 times, but it “bends” too much allowing 427.3 yards per game.  QB Austin Stein leads the Hilltopper offense averaging 352.8 yards with its passing attack and averages 43.8 ppg.  It comes off a 31-28 loss at UTSA who had beaten MTSU the week before, a game we attended. The home team will be looking to put on a better performance for its Homecoming against its archrival as an incentive.   Figure the Blue Raiders to hang with the Hilltoppers late into the third, but in the end WKU wins in Week Seven by a TD and a FG.  We expect a good battle all game long.

MTSU needs big plays in Week Seven to beat WKU
The Blue Raiders will need some big plays on offense in Week Seven like this 53-yard run by Darius Bracy against UTSA two weeks ago.

The other big game in Tennessee on Week Seven

    Nick Saban brings his No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide to Knoxville to face Josh Heupel’s No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers.  A 13-point underdog at home has to have the Vols charged up.  Bama has gotten by Texas on the road in a close one, and the game last week against so-so A&M went down to the wire.  Whether a recovering Bryce Young or with a developing Jalen Milroe, this is where Saban runs out of “luck”.  Tennessee QB Herndon Hooker plays well, and HC Heupel has this program in a better direction than the Volunteer teams Saban has historically dominated. 

     Look at the two schedules these two SEC foes have played to date.  Bama has padded points and stats against 2-4 Utah State (55-0), 2-4 UL Monroe (63-7), and perennial SEC patsy Vanderbilt (55-3). Ball State who the Vols defeated in their opener could probably have the same 3-0 record against the same slate. All at home.  Whoopee! The Tide struggled against Texas 20-9, Arkansas for three quarters, and home to the final play versus A&M.   Tennessee defeated better competition at Pitt, vs Florida, and at LSU.  If 13-point underdog Tennessee can’t finally roll back The Tide this season, something is way wrong. 

Will Bryce Young be as mobile in Week SEven against Tennessee if he plays as he was against Utah State in Week one?
Will Bryce Young be as mobile in Week Seven against Tennessee, if he plays, as he was against Utah State in Week One?

Another “padder” falls in Week Seven

   Like Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh padded this year’s schedule with three teams to start that didn’t belong on the same field with his five-star recruits.  This silliness has to end. When it came to finally playing other Big Ten competition, but not the best, Maryland gave them a run to fall by seven, not the average of the 48-point margin enjoyed over the three hand-picked opponents. Michigan beat Iowa who has no offense to talk about, 27-14. The Hawkeyes lost 9-6 against Illinois last week. Indiana hung with them until the third with J.J. McCarthy throwing three TD passes.

      Enter Penn State into The Big House in Week Seven.  The Nittany Lions went to Purdue in the opener and out-played a potent offense, 35-31.  They went to Auburn and handed that SEC team it’s worst loss of the season, 41-19.  They slipped and fumbled to a 17-7 win over struggling Northwestern two weeks ago.  However, their defense continued to improve. Don’t compare the defensive stats of Michigan to those of PSU’s.  A “level” playing field hardly existed in any of those games. 

Pride of Nittany Lions comes to face Michigan in Week Seven
A pride of Nittany Lions preyed on Auburn Tiger QB TJ Finley. Michigan and QB JJ McCarthy need to be more prepared than ever before during their 6-0 season so far.

 This Lion defense is unlike the others   

PSU had a week off to adjust and recover from the mistakes made against Northwestern. The Lion defense will bring the pressure, and the secondary coverage far exceeds the talent the Wolverines have faced thus far.  It will be an awakening.  Michigan will not come close to the 32 points it’s averaged against the three Big Ten teams it’s beaten. Penn State will play better ball control this week and its defense allowing 14.8 ppg will be relentless.  Win at the Big House by a touchdown.

Top 25 teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Six to Week Seven

     With now No. 3 Alabama’s close win at home over Texas A&M, Georgia came in at No. 1 and Ohio State vaulted Bama to No. 2 with wins over Auburn (42-14) and Michigan State (49-20) respectively. We saw Kentucky, who we will see against UGA, fall to South Carolina without the services of QB Will Levis.  Hopefully, the top pro prospect will return healthy before that game to challenge the Bulldogs. The Buckeyes visit Penn State October 29 after the Lions visit Michigan and host Minnesota in their annual “White-out”. No. 4 Clemson jumped past U on M by mopping up Boston College, 31-3. We see the Tigers on November 12 at home for our first time there versus Louisville (3-3, 1-2).

Maybe the pollsters finally see what we’ve been pointing out about non-competitive early season scheduling all along. Anticipate some significant poll changes over the rest of this season. The CFP may result in nothing but surprises. As far as we’re concerned, to the benefit of college football.

Kentucky lust wasn't the same with Kaiya Sheron (12) at QB in place of Will Levis. They will need to play much better in Week Seven with Mike Leach's pass-efficient Mississippi State in town. for Week Seven.
Kentucky just wasn’t the same with Kaiya Sheron (12) at QB in place of Will Levis against the USC Gamecocks. They will need to play much better in Week Seven with Mike Leach’s, pass-efficient Mississippi State in town for Week Seven.

In other Top 25 action among teams on our 2022 slate

     Possibly a collegefootballfan.com record this week – nine Top 25 Teams entering Week Seven landed from our schedule. No. 14 Wake Forest (5-1) clubbed Army (1-4) this past week, 45-10.  At No. 14, note the improvement on Wake’s defense under returning DC Brad Lambert who spent a few years at Purdue.  Last season, The Deacs had to rely on late scores to defeat the triple-option Cadets, 70-55. Army unloads against FCS Colgate (1-4) in Week Seven.

No. 23 Texas (4-2,2-1) humbled Oklahoma (3-3, 0-3) in their annual Red River Shoot-out, 49-0.   OU first-year HC Max Venable lost too many players after Lincoln Riley absconded with key talent to No. 7 USC.  In a surprise to many, FBS new comer James Madison (5-0, 3-0) of the Sun Belt joined at No. 25 with a 42-20 win over Arkansas State.  We will see the Dukes visit Louisville (3-3, 1-2) on November 5.  JMU plays at Georgia Southern (3-3) and Marshall (3-2) before we attend that tussle at Cardinal Stadium.

Demon Deacons QB Sam Hartman's stock seems to be going up each week. WFU has a bye in WEEK seven before hosting BC who we saw them defeat soundly last season.
Demon Deacons QB Sam Hartman’s stock seems to be going up each week. WFU has a bye in Week Seven before hosting BC. We saw them defeat the Eagles soundly last season on the road, 41-10.

Our other 2022 teams in action

     Houston (3-3, 1-1) defeated Memphis 33-32 in American Athletic play last week.  The Cougars were supposed to challenge No. 21 Cincinnati (5-1) this year, but they have some catching up to do.  We’ll see them a week from Saturday at Navy who seems to have found a running game in their 53-21 victory over Tulsa last week. Frosh Daba Fotana lit up for 159 yards and three TDs.  The Mids totaled 455 yards on the ground.  If they can continue this, that will key future victories by keeping opponents’ potent, passing offenses on the sidelines. SMU this Friday will be a good test for the Mids to do this.

Texas State pulled off a stunning upset last week over Appalachian State, 36-24.  The Bobcats (3-3,1-1) seem to be headed in the opposite direction of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns who we will see them entertain on Thanksgiving weekend. Louisiana is 2-3, 0-3 having dropped three straight games. South Alabama beat them at Cajun Field last, 20-17. (Update: Louisana defeated Marshall Wednesday night, 23-13).

     Purdue (4-2,2-1) knocked off Maryland, 31-29.  With two Big Ten East opponents already met, the road ahead against five Western teams starts with Nebraska coming to West Lafayette.   Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-2) fell to No. 9 Ole Miss in SEC play as expected, 52-28. They have a date with No. 1 Georgia Saturday.  Anybody’s guess? For the final score, that is.   Utah State (2-4) surprised Air Force (4-2, 1-2) in Mountain West play, 34-27.  Troy remained hot in Conference USA with a 27-10 Southern Miss.  They’ll host Texas State Saturday. Remember they fell to Appy State on a “Hail Mary” pass in Week Three who TSU just beat. Big Sun Belt game for both here.

Aidan O'Connell got good protection most of the game against Penn State
Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell has his team at 4-2 heading into five straight weeks of Big Ten West competition starting with Nebraska on Saturday. The Boilermakers two losses are to undefeated Penn State and to undefeated Syracuse.

 Other results of interest in Week Six

  Notre Dame bested BYU in Vegas, 28-20. Irish now 3-2 and hosting Stanford in Week Seven.  Mississippi State hammered Arkansas, 40-17. Better than Bama did. After Kentucky this weekend, Mike Leach’s team visits Nick Saban’s Tide in Tuscaloosa.  UConn won a third game under HC Mike Mora beating Florida international 33-12. Maybe Ball State (3-3, 2-1) this weekend? NOT! But UMass and Army lurk ahead for the Huskies. Illinois under Bert Bielema showing new life at 5-1,2-1 now at No. 24 defeating inoffensive Iowa, 9-6.  Our friend Dave Hickman roots on his Illini hoping to possibly catch them in Nashville on New Year’s Eve in The Music City Bowl.

     In the FCS, we keep an eye on “local” teams we can see possibly in a playoff game.  Jacksonville State of the ASUN knocked off Kennesaw State, 35-28, to go 5-1,1-0. They have to contend with Austin Peay in a few weeks, but these Gamecocks seem awfully strong in the Conference before heading to the FBS next year. In the Ohio Valley, UT Martin stands 4-2 ,2-0 beating Murray State badly last week, 45-16.  SE Missouri State at 5-1, 2-0 also, but it looks like these two don’t play one another this year.  UT Chattanooga (4-1, 2-0) whipped ETSU (3-3, 1-3) in SoConn play. Wins over Mercer and Samford will be needed. Love going to games at UTC.

Games to watch in Week Seven

    Of course, aforementioned Alabama at Tennessee and PSU at Michigan fall on our radar like everyone else’s.  Here are others: No. 19 Kansas at Oklahoma.  The Big Twelve upside-down.  Coach of the Year Lance Leipold goes for win No. 6 already. Minnesota (4-1, 1-1) at No. 24 Illinois.  How real are these Illini?  No.15 NC State (5-1, 1-1) at No, 18 Syracuse (5-0, 2-0).  The Wolfpack already fell to Clemson.  Cuse heads down on October 22. How sweet are the Orange, really? No. 8 Oklahoma State at No. 13 TCU playing for Big Twelve marbles.  No. 7 USC at No. 20 Utah.  Can Riley get the Pac-12 back into the CFP this year?  

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you enjoy reading our Salvos and Game reviews every week, we know you’ll enjoy reading about our adventure to see every FBS team in action over 30 years. Please link on the title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

South Carolina was happy to be leaving Kentucky with a win and 4-2 record. They go back to Columbia for a bye. Then Texas A&M comes to town to see if they can continue their winning ways.
South Carolina was happy to be leaving Kentucky with a win and 4-2 record. They go back to Columbia for a bye in Week Seven. Then Texas A&M comes to town to see if they can continue their winning ways.

Game 643:  Without QB Will Levis, No. 13 Kentucky Wildcats fall to South Carolina Gamecocks

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Lexington, KY – With Frosh QB Kaiya Sheron at QB for Kentucky, the first play from scrimmage indicated that a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks required a special effort by the Wildcats (4-2, 1-2).  They  struggled in a 24-14 loss.  On first down from the 25, Sheron and RB Chris Rodriguez mishandled the exchange between them.  South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway picked the ball up and returned it to the Kentucky two.  Thirteen seconds into the game, Marshon Lloyd (22 carries for 110 yards, one TD) blasted over for the Gamecocks 7-0 lead.

Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.
RB Marshon Lloyd scores on a two-yard plunge for early South Carolina lead.

       A blocked punt by South Carolina, their fifth this year for HC Shane Beamer (son of Frank), put the Cocks at the U of K 22.  However, former Heisman candidate (and we do mean former) QB Spencer Rattler got sacked and fumbled the ball back.  The Wildcat’s subsequent FG attempted hit the left upright to give USC the ball back. Neither squad scored again until late in the second period.

Despite mostly 61,612 blue-clad Wildcat fans at Kroger Stadium, South Carolina mascot Cocky and his teammates were not intimidated.
Despite mostly 61,612 blue-clad Wildcat fans at Kroger Stadium, South Carolina mascot Cocky (the real one on the perch) and his teammates were not intimidated.

 Life without Levis

     Kentucky stopped the South Carolina drive entering Q2 on a fourth and two on their 40.  The Wildcats capitalized when Sheron (15-27, 178 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) connected with Jordan Dingle on a 15-yard touchdown pass over the middle to knot the score, 7-7.  After a punt, the Gamecocks held the Wildcats deep in their territory.  They started from three and punted from their 19.  An INT by Wildcat DB Trevin Wallace stopped a South Carolina drive at the 13 with 35 seconds to go in the second quarter.

     The game we initially anticipated before this season began did not live up to our expectations.  The matchup we envisioned did not see Levis in a boot on the sidelines nor Rattler not living up to the reputation developed before being benched last year at Oklahoma.  However, the battle at Kroger Stadium this evening featured hard-hitting.  The defenses took advantage of what they could from each other’s offenses.  The offensive play especially frustrated Kentucky fans.  Reports earlier in the week stated Levis suffered a finger injury, but later reports showed him in a walking cast.   HC Bob Stoops eventually admitted his status was day-to-day.  We plan to be back for Georgia on November 19.  Hopefully, Levis returns to action before that.

LB Jordan Wright stops Gamecock WR Jalen Brooks on one of his three receptions.
Kentucky LB Jordan Wright flies in to tackle Gamecock WR Jalen Brooks on one of his three receptions.

South Caronia Gamecocks strut their stuff

     Not as quick as in the first half, but South Carolina scored first again in the second half.  RB Antwane Wells, Jr. sprinted 42 yards to the end zone to spring the Carolina lead, 14-7, at 2:18 into the third.  The Wildcats went nowhere once again as sacks by Hemingway and Gilber Edmond set UK back for 20 yards combined. This night, South Carolina sacked Sheron six times.  The Gamecocks started next from their 16 where Rattler (14-19, 172 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) seemed to become more comfortable.  He mixed plays up passing and running with Lloyd before connecting with Jaylen Brooks along the ring sideline for 30 yards to the Wildcat 21. Strong-legged, Gamecock PK Mitch Jeter, who booted every kickoff through the end zone, put up a three from 32 to extend the South Carolina lead, 17-7.  

    In the final period, the Gamecocks broke the scoring ice once again when Jalen Brooks took his one handoff of the day and jaunted 24 yards for Carolina’s 24-7 lead with 6:53 left.  By this time, many frustrated Kentucky fans already stepped out of Kroger Stadium, but most of those still in attendance stated to follow suit now.  Gamecock fans started to celebrate!  The Wildcats on the field did not let down, however.  Not knowing how long they’ll be playing without Will Levis, they put together a 75-yard drive.  Fifteen plays later with 2:49 left, Sheron tossed a 10-yard scoring pass to JuhTahn McClain to get within 24-14.  South Carolina and fielded the onsides attempt.  A three-and-out ensued. Carolina punted. Sheron threw an interception, and the surprising victory was South Carolina’s, 24-14.

Jalen Brooks run puts South Carolina up, 24-7.
Jalen Brooks 24-yard run puts South Carolina up, 24-7.

With the win, the South Carolina Gamecock’s record with us sits at 10-4. Among teams we’ve seen play more than six times, they total a record of 10-4. That ties them with Alabama in ninth place with 10 wins, but sixth overall in winning percentage at 0.714 behind Wake Forest, Alabama, Penn State, Miami, and Tennessee. Kentucky stands at 2-3. We’ve seen the Gamecocks defeat the Wildcats in two of three games.

South Carolina plays their fight song, "Step to rear," as Kentucky fans exit Kroger Stadium in Q4.
South Carolina plays their fight song, “Step to rear,” as Kentucky fans exit Kroger Stadium in Q4.

Week Seven coming up

    Both SEC East teams have identical records now at 4-2, 1-2.  South Carolina has a bye next weekend, before Texas A&M, 24-20 loser to Alabama, come to Columbia.  Now No. 22 Kentucky awaits the recovery of Levis and the visitor to Kroger next weekend when No. 16 Mississippi State comes to town.  Collegefootballfan.com stays local to see Western Kentucky (3-3,1-1) visit Middle Tennessee (3-3, 0-2) in a Conference USA clash in Murfreesboro.  WKU fell in a close 31-28 loss to UTSA on Saturday.  The Blue Raiders got burned by the UAB Blazers, 41-14.   The home team has got to be itching for a win C-USA win here. This year’s game should be better than what we saw last year when the Hilltoppers won big, 48-21.

South Carolina and Kentucky in the Annals of our History

Note of thanks

    To our daughter Alex, Gamecock Alum, and our son Eric, now Chief Petty Officer, USN, thanks for these tickets as a great Father’s Day gift.  When St. Laurie and I boarded a shuttle bus from the downtown Lextran Center, with my Gamecock sweatshirt and ballcap on, I got booed!  Prepared for entering Wildcat territory, I announced that our daughter and our money went to South Carolina!  I would be back though to root for the Wildcats when they play Georgia. The message was greatly appreciated! 

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read all our tales when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

Kentucky dance team without masks.
When we attended this same matchup here in 2020, it was only one of three games we attended. The good news appears to be that Kentucky’s dance team above and South Carolina’s cheerleaders below no longer have to wear masks. Freedom!
South Carolina Gamecock cheerleaders had much to smile about Saturday night!!
South Carolina Gamecock cheerleaders had much to smile about Saturday night!

Week Six of Steveo’s Salvos: Rutgers HC Greg “What comes around, goes around”; Guru Finebaum – Not!; SMU Quitters; Our game: South Carolina at No. 13 Kentucky; Week Five and six; Lesson learned, Scotty?;  Upside down Big Twelve; Saban’s surprises ahead

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Heading into our Week Six, SEC East skirmish

   Week Six, this will be a somewhat abbreviated Salvo as we are in the midst of a transfer to a new location in Tennessee.   Our Saturday priorities don’t change, of course.  We venture to Lexington, Kentucky to watch South Carolina (3-2, 0-2) take on No. 13 Kentucky.  The Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) dropped their first game of the season to Ole Miss last weekend, 22-19.  South Carolina did typical FBS damage to an HBCU FCS squad South Carolina State, 50-10.   Look for QB Will Levis and RB Chris Rodriguez keep the Cats moving on offense.  In the two SEC losses by the Gamecocks, Georgia and Arkansas scored 48 and 44 points respectively.  Don’t expect the Wildcats to be any different especially after falling to Ole Miss. In their conference win, they conquered the Florida Gators.

Week six 2022: South Carolina at Kentucky
We’ll see SC Gamecocks clash with UK Wildcats at Kroger Field for the second time in three years.

Greg Schiano:  What goes around, comes around

     We laughed watching Rutgers HC Greg Schiano pointing his finger and yelling at No. 3 Ohio State HC Ryan Day.  The reaction came after Schiano’s team was penalized for a late hit out of bounds.  RU WR Aron Cruikshank laid an illegal hit on OSU punter Jesse Mirco who ran 22 yards for a first down.  OSU led, 49-10, with 9:24 remaining in the game.  Schiano – what a hypocrite!

     In 2007, he had his team call timeouts on a final touchdown drive to go up 52-0 over FCS Norfolk State – before the first half ended! RU won, 59-0. What a sport!  The week before, we saw him try something similar at home against Navy. He took a 41-17 lead with one-minute left to play in a game where RU fans booed the Navy team running on to the field with American flags at the height of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. With under a minute to play, Navy scored a TD to look more respectable in defeat, 41-24. 

     Of course, in the pros, rookie HC Schiano coached Tampa Bay against the Giants coached by Tom Coughlan.  In the victory formation with the final score no doubt a loss for the Buccaneers, Giant QB Eli Manning took a knee as the Tampa D-line submarined the Giants’ o-line risking serious injuries. The old-school, pro, Coughlin, blew up!    Schiano defended his actions stating, “We play to the end.”  What goes around comes around. He will continue to eat those words.  He thinks 49-0 against OSU embarrassed him this year?  Wait until next year even though the Ohio State game will be in Piscataway!

 “Mr. Obvious” Finebaum proves no college football guru

   He’s so bald and blind, we know where his head’s been all season! Suddenly, approaching Week Six, a “Spun” headline announces, “Paul Finebaum Is Expecting Prominent Head Coach to Leave”.  The Kansas Jayhawks have not enjoyed a winning season since 2008 (8-5).  Now 5-0 and ranked No. 19, Finebaum recognizes KU HC Lance Leipold now as “prominent”.  If Finebaum wasn’t so focused on one program and its HC, he’d recognize Leipold as a prominent HC before he even got to Kansas.  In Week Six Leipold meets his toughest challenge of 2022 when No. 17 TCU Horned Frogs (4-0,1-0) come to Lawrence.  

   Previously, Leipold turned under-the-radar Buffalo into a winning program in five years winning the MAC, winning two bowl games, and developing a few good pro players such as DT Khalil Mack.  Before Buffalo, Leipold coached D-3 Wisconsin-Whitewater to a 109-6 record winning six Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls in eight years. He can flat-out coach!  In every aspect – recruiting, player development, and game planning.  

      Leipold took over the Jayhawks in 2021 after spring practice.  With no time to do much recruiting or developing his inherited talent before summer practice, his team improved during 2021.  After a record of 12-60 record since 2015 at KU, he wound up 2-10 including a 57-56 upset over Texas, and two close losses to TCU and WVU to end last season. Until now, Finebaum never recognized any HC except for Nick Saban and a few SEC coaches.  If you want to hear about our pre-season selection for Coach of the Year, check out our podcast with Stephen Hiegel of Just CollegeFootball.com. We, like Mr. Finebaum, are folically-challenged, but we’re not as blind.  No brag, just fact.

Week Six, Lanc Leipilds Kansas Jayhawks are ranked at No. 19 at 5-0
We predicted that six wins for Kansas this season that Lance Leipold would be Coach of the Year. He’s already 5-0 and got his team ranked at No. 19. Could be better with a win over No. 21 TCU Saturday. He’s already C of Y!

SMU Quitters, nothing more or less

    This week, the Dallas Morning News reporter Joseph Hoyt wrote an article that several SMU players decided to sit out the rest of the 2022 season. Their reason centers on using the transfer portal to go elsewhere to leave after this season. Starters SR S Chace Cromartie, soph WR Roderick Daniels, JR., and Soph S Isaiah Nwokobia leave behind their teammates with a 2-2 record.  Selfish, for sure.  If a player plays more than four games in a season, he cannot red-shirt.  Great timing! They avoid losing a season of eligibility when transferring elsewhere.

    Tonight, as we publish, the Mustangs lost to 3-1 UCF, 41-19.  Players like these look for the easy way.  A better opportunity?  They just started conference play.  Challenges lie ahead to win. Perhaps, no one will want them.  Think about the cliché about choosing “somebody you’d want in your foxhole”.  Would anyone want these Quitters in that situation?  Hopefully, SMU rescinds their scholarships immediately to let them fend for financing their educations further themselves. Give them to players who will show up to play and win for SMU instead.

Following idol’s footsteps? Vice versa?

  We admire the passion and energy the Austin Peay HC Scotty Walden leads his Governor footfall team with. He’s building up a program that has struggled more often than not.   On the other hand, we see him emulating what Nick Saban does for Alabama.  We figure there’s some connection here as FCS APSU went for the big payout offered by Bama to entice the Governors to make a lot of money while getting pounded for memory’s sake when they visit Bryan-Denny Stadium on November 19. 

  Walden’s schedule emulates Saban’s to a great extent.  Beat up on feeble programs like Presbyterian, Mississippi Valley State, and Alabama A&M who tally a combined record of 2-13 thus far in 2022.  APU gets three dominant, non-conference wins.  Combined score – 132-3. Then, they defeat a tough conference foe Eastern Kentucky at home, 31-20.  Looking good at 4-1, Austin Peay jumps to No. 19 in the FCS polls.  With confidence heading out to 1-3, Central Arkansas, however, APSU gets shockingly exposed, 49-20.  

   Bama uses basically the same scheduling tactics, though they defeated Texas, 20-19, when Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers went down to injury. The Crimson Tide (5-0) went on the road versus Arkansas after hosting several pay-for play teams and SEC doormat Vandy. They got off to a quick start Saturday. Bama QB Bryce Young left with an injury early Jalen Milroe filled in adequately.  However, the Razorback climbed back in by the end of three to get within, 28-23. Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs tore off two long TDs in Q4 to put Arkansas away though, 49-26.   This could be Bama’s similarity to APSU‘s win over EKU.  Could A&M in Week Six be Bama’s Central Arkansas?  Probably not since the game is home.  The real question is if Saban can cover the 24-point spread?  He might be under pressure this week to do so.

Week Six: Alabama Cheers for A&M to come to Bryant-Denny this weekend!
Alabama cheerleaders will always look forward to the slaughters at Bryant-Denny. Austin Peay on November 19 will be one, at least.

The Big 12 turned upside down in Week Six

   Not sure when this, if ever, last happened. Even in the Big Eight.  Kansas and Kansas State are both on top at 2-0 entering Week Six. Oklahoma rests on the bottom at 0-2. Kansas State already defeated Oklahoma, 41-34.  The Jayhawks visit the Sooners in Norman on October 15. Kansas secured wins already over WVU and Iowa State last week, 14-11.

Saban surprises ahead?

   Before the season started, Week Six seemed to be Bama’s biggest challenge with Texas A&M coming in with a talented group of freshmen that raised the ire of Nick Saban.  With so much focus on this one, he may be more concerned in the weeks beyond.  A couple of SEC surprises loom which he may not have envisioned as bonafide threats before this season started. Things could change beforehand, of course.

   One week after facing their prime nemesis of 2022, the Tide travels to play No. 8 Tennessee (4-0,1-0). The following week, surprising Mississippi State (4-1, 1-0) under Mike Leach goes to Tuscaloosa ranked currently at No. 23.  After a bye week, two SEC West road games put Bama at No.  25 LSU (4-1, 2-0) and at No. 9 Ole Miss (5-0,1-0).  Then following the Bama scrimmage against FCS Austin Peay, the big upset looms when archrival Auburn (3-2, 1-1). If the SEC is a tough as it claims to be, there’s a Bama loss or two in there somewhere.  If not, when you hear any “SEC, SEC” chants, it stands for Saban’s Eastern Conference!

Other teams on our 2022 schedule from Week Five to Week Six

     Georgia (5-0, 2-0) unimpressed pollsters with a 26-22 win over Missouri dropping them to No.  2 behind Alabama again. They host Auburn (3-2, 1-1) in the most played rivalry in the South.  The Tigers fell to LSU last week, 21-17. No. 3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0) faces disappointing Michigan State (2-3, 0-2).  No. 5 Clemson downed No. 15 NC State, 30-20, and heads north this week to face Boston College. Wake Forest moved back to No. 15 with a 31-21 win over 4-1 Florida State. In Week Six, they host struggling 1-3 Army who fellto Georgia State, 31-14.  Navy stands with the same record as the Cadets at 1-3, 1-0 after dropping the first round of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to Air Force, 13-10.  The Mids try to get their running game operating again this week when Tulsa (2-3, 0-1) visits Annapolis.

     No. 10 Penn State (5-0, 2-0) struggled with fumbles in the rain at Happy Valley to get by Northwestern, 17-7. They head into a bye week before going to Ann Arbor the week after to battle No. 4 Michigan.  Aforementioned Boston College defeated Louisville (2-3,0-3) last week, 34-33. LU meets UVA (2-3, 0-2) next.  On November 5, we’ll see the Cardinals host undefeated James Madison (4-0, 2-0) who is starting to garner some votes.  The Dukes thrashed Texas State (2-3, 0-1) last week in a Sun Belt contest.

Louisiana (2-3,0-2) is not looking good after the departure of HC Billy Napier to Florida.  They fell to South Alabama in Week Five, 21-17. The Ragin Cajuns will tangle with the TSU Bobcats in late November.  Texas (3-2, 1-1) and Oklahoma (3-2, 0-2) meet the Saturday in their Red River Shoot-out. We plan to see the Longhorns host Baylor (3-2, 1-1) also in late November. Doesn’t look like the key game in the Big 12 we hoped it would be.  The Bears lost a key game in Big 12 play to Oklahoma State, 36-25.

Our other 2022 teams in action Week Six

    The No. Purdue (3-2, 1-1) got past Minnesota (4-1, 1-1) in Big Ten West play. BYU (4-1) pasted struggling Utah State, 38-26. BYU heads to Vegas Saturday to play the Fighting Irish in as struggle between Independents for probably the last time as BYU moves into the Big 12 next season.   Houston (2-3,0-1) fell to Tulane (4-1, 1-0), 27-24. The Cougars, not the Green Wave, are supposed to challenge No. 19 Cincinnati this year for the AAC title this season.

Other games of interest to us  

Here’s a surprise: UConn (2-3) defeated Fresno State. In the Ivies, Penn beat Dartmouth 23-17.  Monmouth clobbered Lehigh, 35-7, in a big win for the first-time member of the Patriot league. Cornell beat Colgate in their upset New York rivalry, 34-21. Among FCS teams we could see come playoff time: Jacksonville State 35 Kennesaw 28; Tennessee-Martin 45 Tennessee Tech 28: UT Chattanooga 24, ETSU  16.

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Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Thanks!

WKU dance team at the half in Week Five
The Western Kentucky Dance Team performed to the music of Michael Jackson at halftime last Saturday!

Game 642: “Prodigal son” returns with Troy Trojans to level WKU Hilltoppers

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – This game between the Trojans and Hilltoppers started out “smash-mouth” more than any game attended in quite a while.  In the end, the 34-27 win by the Trojans turned out to be a story book memory.  However, unlike the Bible lesson about forgiveness in the Book of Luke, this story about a “prodigal” son was clearly about REVENGE!  It made for a tense, hard-hitting, abusive, exciting football game.  

WKU pre-game tailgate for Parent and family weekend for Trojan game
Outside Houchens-LT Smith Stadium at WKU, tailgaters celebrated Parents and Family weekend. In the Bible, the father of the prodigal son celebrated his return with a “fatted calf”. There was no such welcome here for the return of WKU’s ex-QB Jarrett Doege!

QB Jarret Doege left WKU on short notice

      For those unaware of the situation, before this season started, QB Jarret Doege left West Virginia through the transfer portal to become a graduate transfer at WKU.  About ten days before this season started, he left WKU to take to the portal again to join the Trojans of Troy. It evidently and rightfully left a bad taste among Toppers in Bowling Green.  Selfishly, no matter how one looks at it, Doege took advantage of his teammates. He possibly put their season at risk. He abused the uncontrolled portal system at the last days of summer practices before their first game.

     We saw this as an incentive to attend this game even though we planned to see it any way.  To our disappointment and to that of the Hilltopper team, Doege did not become the starter at Troy since he left WKU.  However, with an injury to Trojan starting QB Gunnar Watson late in the third, jersey No. 9 with “Doege”, much to the “delight “of the Hilltopper team, stepped in to take his place. More than we anticipated, the ears of the Toppers pinned-back to take it out more physically on their prodigal brother.  With the score tied at 20-20 at the time, how would the incentives on both teams affect the outcome of this game?  How would the Trojans react on their side of the stadium?

Toppers and Trojans played Smash-mouth football
Even before Doege entered the game, the Toppers and Trojans were already embroiled in a game of “smash-mouth” football.

To quote good ol’ Lindsey Nelson, “With the score tied, we move on to further action…”

     To start, late in the third with less than two minutes remaining, Watson took a hard shove along the WKU sideline. He laid face down in a twisted mess before being escorted off the field.  From this view point, the one-handed shove was intentional, but didn’t look that hard.  On third and nine at the WKU 33, enter Doege.  The already tense atmosphere on the field seemed to pick up right away.  Doege’s first pass went incomplete. 

Trojan HC Jon Sumrall decided to go for the first.  Doege obliged with an 18-yard completion for a first down. Two plays later under pressure, Doege lofted a long pass far beyond his receiver in the end zone.  The refs flagged him for intentional grounding, but they also flagged WKU for roughing the passer. Replaying the down, his next pass went for a three-yard loss. However, third pass proved the charm as he connected WR Jabre Barber for a 16-yard TD pass.  While doing so, he absorbed another roughing the passer penalty, to the chagrin of Topper fans.  We could agree from their perspective. Questionable call.

Doege completes his first pass for a Trojan first down, f
QB Jarret Doege (9) completes his first pass for a first down to WR Tez Johnson (15). After this throw, he was rarely seen standing as shown here!

 Mixed, but understood, emotions

   As the Trojans lined up to kickoff from the 50, Doege was jostled, back-slapped, and supported by many teammates along the sideline. They anticipated the greeting he was getting from his former, angry, revenge-driven “ex-teammates”.  On the ensuing drive, the Hilltoppers converted a fourth and one at their 49 for a first down.  With a fourth and two at the Trojan 39, Troy stopped them and took over on downs.  Doege and his offense returned. With 7:14 left to play, his ten-yard TD pass to Tez Johnson (six receptions for 105 yards, one TD, and threw for another on an option play to Watson) not only widened the lead, 34-20, but Doege incurred another roughing the passer call to kick again from the 50.

Tez Johnosn Scores for Trojans to go up, 34-20.
Tez Johnson falls out of bounds after catching fade pass from Doege to put Trojans up, 34-20.

A play for the records

   The ensuing Hilltopper drive becomes an asterisk in this tale.  Had WKU won, this play would be legendary.  On fourth and eleven from their 24 with time running out, Austin Reed’s pass intended for his receiver glanced off his hands. Suddenly, it was caught behind the line of scrimmage by RT Gunner Britton. The big lineman grabbed it, and unflinchingly ran 12 yards until tackled for a first down to keep the drive alive.  He certainly looked like he knew what he was doing. A Hilltopper fan turned and shouted as we both laughed, “I’ve never seen that before!”  I didn’t have time to explain, but in 642 games, neither had I!

No quit from the Hilltoppers

     Two plays later, Reed connected with his longest pass of the day to WR Michael Mathison to put the Toppers at the six.  On third and goal, he fired a pass to Daewood Davis (12 receptions, 122 yards, one TD) at the back of the end zone for six points.  The PAT was good. The Toppers trailed the hated Trojans and their prodigal “brother”, 34-27, with 4:20 left to play.  Doege and company started from the 25 with two time-outs in their pocket to the Toppers’ three.  Over the next five plays, the Toppers ate two while the Trojans used one before punting away on fourth and two from their 44.  The home team started from their ten with 1:56 left on the clock to tie or win. 

     A 26-yard pass to Malachi Corley put the Hilltoppers on the 50.  Two short completions and a 12-yard run by Reed (39 for 56, 406 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) got the Toppers to the 32 with a second and eight.  Next play, he dropped back under pressure, looked down field, and as he drew his arm back to throw, a hand came out from LB Richard Jibunor in on the sack to knock the ball loose.  The Trojans recovered and ran out the clock with 1:01 remaining for the win.

Malachi Corley gets Toppers to the 50 on final attempted comeback by WKU
WR Malachi Corley takes a pass from Austin Reed to the 50 in a last minute WKU comeback attempt to tie or win.

It’s about time!

     We never agreed with Doege’s short exit to Troy through the transfer portal.  We had hoped the result of this game would have been different because of it. However, the drama witnessed added a lot of emotion to a very hard-fought game brought on by Doege’s selfish move. Thankfully, the NCAA announced it’s incurring time limits as to when players can exit a program in the future.  It’s unfair to teams and coaching staffs for players to leave on such short -term notice.  It’s also shameful if another program entices a player to do that. 

Trojans RB DK Billingsley (2*) rushed 22 times for 122 yards and a TD on the day.
Though a lot of focus was on the passing game here, Trojan RB DK Billingsley (28) rushed 22 times for 122 yards and a TD on the day.

Coming up in Week Six

     Troy (3-2,0-1) returns home to host Sun Belt newcomer Southern Mississippi in a conference game.  WKU (3-2,1-0) travels back to conference play in Conference USA against UTSA (3-2,1-0). We just saw UTSA at Middle Tennessee the night before. In Week Seven, we look forward to seeing WKU at MTSU in a Saturday afternoon, rivalry game.  Should be good!  Collegefootballfan.com goes SEC this weekend with South Carolina (3-2,0-1) at No. 13 Kentucky (4-1, 1-1) in Lexington.

Please check out our book!

Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  If you like this story, read our tales from when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time.  We also encourage you to submit a review when you do. Please click on the title or copy of  the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review.  Thanks!

Thank Heaven for half time and the Hilltopper Dance Team
Thank Heaven for half time performances and the Hilltopper Dance Team!

Game 641: UTSA overcomes late Middle Tennessee threat to win ConferenceUSA openers for both teams

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Murfreesboro, TN – UTSA QB Frank Harris dazzled until three picks killed the Road Runner momentum, and Middle Tennessee threatened to come back trailing 38-30 late in the game.  However, it took a defensive stand and a 45-yard scoring drive with 1:32 left to seal a 45-30 victory for UTSA (3-2, 1-0), 45-30. For Collegefootballfan.com, we saw MTSU play for the fourth time, but first time at home. Regarding UTSA, we witnessed them for only the second time. We saw them visit South Alabama in 2012 when both met in their first FBS clash when they opened against each other. UTSA, then coached by Larry Coker, triumphed, 33-31.

UTSA can’t be stopped

     The UTSA offense scored early and often.  With QB Frank Harris’s prolific day running and scoring (27 for 36 passing, 414 yards, two TD passes, two rushing TDs, three INTs), the Road Runners scored on five of their first six possessions.  All came on very long drives to run out to a 31-20 lead at halftime.   The scoring drives went for 75, 74, 75, 73, and 79 yards respectively.   In the first period, Harris connected with WR Zakhari Franklin for a 43-yard score.  Next, Jarret Sackett booted a 28-yard FG for a 10-0 lead at the end of one.

WR Zakhari TD catch for UTSA started scoring
UTSA WR Zakhari Franklin makes catch on his way to a 43-yard TD to start the day’s scoring.

     Middle Tennessee closed the gap on Chase Cunningham’ 38-yard toss to Yusuf Ali early in the second.  Of course, UTSA retaliated when Franklin came back with a 28-yard TD strike once again to Franklin.  Still, MTSU made a game of it on Darius Bracy’s 53-yard touchdown burst off right tackle.  UTSA put together another long drive capped by Trelon Smith’s two-yard run.  The Blue Raiders rebounded with Zeke Rankin’s 3-yard FG to stay within seven, 24-17. 

It looked like the MTSU defense finally came around forcing UTSA to punt. However, a running into the kicker penalty gave the Road Runners life with a fourth and six at the MTSU 39.  Road Runner HC Jeff Traylor decided to go for it. Harris connected with De’Corian Clark with a pass to the 25 for a first down.  Harris eventually took in in from the five to go up, 31-17.   UTSA’s next possession resulted in its first punt.   The Blue Raiders obliged with a 41-yard drive resulting in Rankins’ 33-yard FG with 0:03 left for a 31-20 halftime score. 

Darius Bracy's 53-yard TD run for MTSU
MTSU RB Darius Bracy jukes a Road Runner on his way for 53-yard TD run in Q2.

Halftime Honors and Hall of Fame Hospitality

     The halftime festivities at MTSU’s Red Floyd Stadium featured the retirement of jersey #20 in honor of alum S Kevin Byard. Today, collegefootballfan.com added MTSU’s home field as the 77th FBS venue we’ve attended.  Drafted by the Titans in 2016, Byard has twice been named All-Pro. In 2020, he won the Walter Payton Award for community services he proudly led.    John Robinson, GM of the Tennessee Titans, made the presentation.  Kevin enters the MTSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

MTSU Alum Kevin Bayard's name and retired number will live on at Red Floyd Stadium
MTSU Football Alum Kevin Byard’s name and retired number will live on at Red Floyd Stadium.

    Speaking of which, I was invited to the MTSU Athletic Hall of Fame Museum before the game to meet with Duane Hinckley of the Blue Raider Sports Network pre-game show.  Meeting with him and his partner of many years, Dick Palmer, on the air, we discussed my football adventure in my book Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all! Duane kindly touted our website.   Our conversation also focused on best game atmospheres and on games I look forward to on the upcoming schedule.  It was a great interview!  We had a good time meeting Duane and Dick.  Thanks to Chip Walters , play-by-play man of the MTSU broadcasting team on WGNS 1450 AM /100.5 FM for arranging this!

 I visited the MTSU Athletic Hall of Fame with my Guest Game Analyst, Dave Hickman (Fighting Illini alum whose team knocked off Wisconsin Saturday). We reviewed the history of Blue Raider greats in all sports.  MTSU fans have a Hall of Fame to be proud of adjacent to their sports facilities on their beautiful campus.

Collegefootballfan.com's Steve Koreivo interviews with Duane Hickley on Blue Raider Network pregame show.
Collegefootballfan.com’s Steve Koreivo interviews with Duane Hinckley on Blue Raider Network pregame show. Of course, our Wake Forest friend Jim “Bugalug” Harton commented that this is truly “a face for radio”. Wait until they hear me sing!

Second Half: same start, surprise ending

    UTSA received the second half kickoff.  The second half started as if it would be a continuation of the first. Following a touchback, the Road Runners put together a 75-yard TD drive with Harris scoring from the one.  MTSU took their ensuing touchback and punted from their 44.  UTSA proceeded to move efficiently once again, but a funny thing happened on the way to the end zone. DB Decorian Patterson intercepted Frank Harris’s pass on the two-yard line to halt the first UTSA drive of the game. From there, quick-footed, strong-armed Blue Raider QB Chase Cunningham (35 of 56, 368 yards, one TD) put on a show of his own. The drive resulted in Rankin’s 25-yard FG early in the fourth to trail, 38-23.

UTSA QB Frank Harris takes it over for TD.
UTSA QB Frank Harris (0) takes it over from the five in the first half for a 31-17 lead.

Lightning strikes

   The Road Runners started to drive once again getting the ball out to their 40.  On first and ten, Harris zipped the ball over the middle.  DT Jordan Palmer snagged it into his chest and motored like lightning down the right sideline the length of the field for about a 42-yard TD return.  MTSU swooped within striking distance, 38-30, with 10:32 left to play. UTSA started typically from the 25 on its next possession and drove deep into Blue Raider territory once again. And for the third straight series, Harris got picked again, and for the second time by Patterson.  MTSU started from their 13.   

     With time running down, on a fourth and two from their 37, Cunningham completed a pass to Franklin at the 49 to sustain hope once again.  On fourth and nine at the Road Runner 45, the result was not the same. The pass attempt fell incomplete.  GGA Dave Hickman advised, “They got to stop the run.  At three yards a carry, UTSA will continue to run it out as the have all day.”  At that, we watched UTSA do just as Dave said. HC Rick Stockstill used his remaining time-out to get the ball back.

Chase Cunningham looks down field on a comeback drive attempt against UTSA.
MTSU QB Chase Cunningham showed quick feet and a strong arm in his team’s comeback attempt.

    Brenden Brady ran for four yards and then another four.  Harris got a first down on his three-yard run. Smith picked up eight. Brady (19 carries, 98 yards, one TD) gained one more before exploding off left tackle for a 25-yard TD to extend the lead to 45-30 with 1:32 left. The Raiders made a great effort getting to the UTSA 14 on a 24-yard completion to Izaiah Gathings with 41 ticks left. However, after three incompletes and a nine-yard completion followed by an unsportsmanlike call against the Road Runners, time expired at the five.   Our game No. 641 was a hard-fought, offensive, interesting battle down to the end despite the final margin of UTSA’s 45-30 victory.  Both QBs impressed us during this game.

Next two weekends should be fun for all involved

   The Blue Raiders travel to Birmingham, Alabama next Saturday to play UAB in another Conference USA clash.  UTSA will host Western Kentucky next Saturday in a similar conference clash, but tomorrow night (October 1), this being a Friday night game, we will see those same Hilltoppers (4-1) host the Troy Trojans (2-2) in another anticipated, hard-fought battle.  In Week Six, collegefootballfan.com will attend the SEC contest when South Carolina visits Kentucky in Lexington. In two weeks, we’ll be back here at Red Floyd Stadium to see the Blue Raiders take on their arch rival, those same Hilltoppers from WKU!

Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Just as Duane Hickey mentioned on the Blue Raider Sports Network.  Click on the book title or cover copied on the upper right hand side bar on this page.  Thanks!   It’s all about our adventures of attending games just like this one played by all 120 FBS teams over time including MTSU at UConn!

Treats at REd Floyd Stadium are big and sweet!
The treats served at Red Floyd Stadium are big and sweet!

Collegefootballfan.com Interview on MTSU pregame Friday night – Live!

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Stream us on live to listen to our brief interview before the Middle Tennessee State – UTSA game tomorrow with Duane Hickey and Dick Palmer on the Blue Raider Football Network. Tune in at 6:15 pm EST/ 5:15 pm CT by clicking right here to hear our preview . Listen before our 641st college football game since 1979, but only our first ever at MTSU’s Red Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This game should be fun! The Blue Raiders (3-1) come off their 45-31 victory over No. 25 Miami last week. The Road Runners (2-2) come off a 12-2 record a year ago and are the favorite to win the Conference USA title. The winner will get an early lead in what should be a very competitive race for the championship!

Go Blue Raiders!

Most importantly though, tune in for our interview before the Middle Tennessee – UTSA game!

Week Five of Steveo’s Salvos: PSU QB strategy; Alabama challenged by Vandy,55-3; Two-game Friday/Saturday weekend – Miami-beater Middle Tennessee hosts UTSA in Conference USA clash; Western Kentucky goes for fourth win against Troy; FCS Austin Peay jumps to No. 16; Week Four-Five notes; Navy wins; What’s going on at Alma Mater dear?

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  This Friday night we venture to our first game ever at our new adopted FBS Tennessee team for the first of two games for Week Five.  At Red Floyd Stadium in nearby Murfreesboro, The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-1) host UT San Antonio (2-2), a pre-season favorite to win ConferenceUSA.  Fresh off their 45-31 victory over No. 25 Miami last week, the Blue Raiders seem to be recovering from their opening day decimation at James Madison.  HC Rick Stockstill’s team seems ready to challenge UTSA for this year’s conference title.  The UTSA Road Runners played Texas tight through three quarters in Austin before a Longhorn pick-six turned things around to lose, 41-20.

Reflections of one another on offense

    Looking at both teams’ starts, this looks to be another very competitive game on our slate. The two teams mirror one another regarding their stats in four games heading into Week Five. MTSU QB Chase Cunningham returned from a season-ending injury in 2021, and has started all four games passing for 1,000 yards, seven TDs, and three INTs.  Between his two favorite targets, WR Jaylin Hall leads in yardage with 231 on 11 catches, but Isaiah Gathings has 24 snags for 175 yards. With only one TD between the two, RB Frank Peasant leads all Raiders in scoring on 292 rushing yards for six TDs.  The Blue Raiders average 33.8 ppg. 

 On defense, S Teldrick Ross leads all tacklers with 34 in total, but DT Marley Cook and DE Jordan Ferguson lead in sacks with 3.5 and 3.0 respectively. MTSU amassed sixteen sacks and tallied six INTs heading into Week Five.

Week five we will see Cahse Cunningham at QB for MTSU
Last season when we saw MTSU play Western Kentucky, QB Chase Cunningham did not play due to an injury the week before. Nick Vittiato (18) stepped in along with Mike Dielleo, now with Austin Peay. We look forward to seeing Cunningham in action on Friday night.

   As for UTSA, QB Frank Harris returned this season to complete 140 passes for 1,310 yards, ten TDs, and only two INTS. Against FCS Texas Southern, he completed 20 passing for 392 yards and four TDs.  With that, he set the record for UTSA with 52 career TD passes. De’Corean Clark, his favorite receiver gathered in a school record of 217 yards in a game and three TDs.  His numbers put him in the team lead for the season with 27 receptions, 417 yards and six TDs. WR Joshua Cephus is pretty effective too with 412 yards and two TDs.   RB Brendan Brady leads the Road Runners with 206 yards and three TDs. Harris runs when necessary to the tune of 162 and two TDs thus far. On offense, they average 37.0 ppg. 

Where we see the edge

   Heading into Week Five, S Cliff Chattam and LB Jamal Ligon both lead UTSA in tackles with 28 each.  However, the Road Runner defense does not matchup to the pressure and coverage the Blue Raiders bring.  Regarding sacks and INTs, their numbers fall short of the Blue Raiders at six and two respectively.  Both teams shellacked their FCS competitors this season. MTSU defeated Eddie George’s Tennessee State Tigers, 49-6.   We look for the Blue Raiders defense at home to keep the pressure up against HC Jeff Traylor’s Road Runners to win by more than a touchdown.  Of course, we expect to see the final score decided as we like to in all our games, in the final period!  

“Saturday night’s the night for fighting”

   In the second of our two games for Week Five, we expected to see a bit of grudge match in this one.  With less than two weeks before Western Kentucky’s opener versus Austin Peay, first-year transfer, grad student, QB Jarret Doege decided to transfer again. Having started at West Virginia the last two years after leaving Bowling Green, we’re not sure where he stood within WKU’s QB pecking order.  QB Austin Reed, a former D-2 QB for national champ West Florida seems to be in control there with 1,263 passing yards and 14 TDs for the 3-1 Hilltoppers. 

We anticipated Doege went to Troy because there might have been a better opportunity to start awaiting him.  So, we figured the Hilltopper defense would be going after him with their ears pinned back this Saturday.  Well unless Junior QB Gunnar Watson goes down for the Trojans, Doege will spend most of his time on the bench as he’s only thrown 12 passes going into Week Five for Troy. 

Brand new world for coaching decisions

     Maybe Doege’s not as good as he thinks he is.  Watson has completed 95 of 143 passes for 1,249 yards and five TDs and five INTs.  Or, maybe first-year HC Jon Sumrail decided to bank on developing his younger QB in hopes he’ll have him at Troy for two years.  Coaches have to think like this now with the transfer portal always looming.  If Sumrail started Doege this year, Watson could decide the heck with Troy, I’ll transfer and take my two years’ someplace else.  It’s the reality of the college football world now, especially with QBs.  QBs may want to realize what a coach’s dilemma might be before they decide to flip teams again.

WKU (4-1) heading into Week Five against Troy (2-2)

      Hilltopper QB Austin Reed looks for Daewood Davis on the receiving end most of the time with 24 receptions for 324 yards and three TDs. Reed spreads the ball around to four other receivers on his team, all with over 100 yards of catches.  Among them, Malachi Corley captured five for scores.  RB Kye Robichaux leads in rushing with 265 yards and a TD.  The offense plays formidably averaging 508.8 ypg. and 47.5 ppg. LB JaQues Evans leads the defense with 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks. DBs Kaleb Oliver and Upton Stout each recorded two picks each heading into Week Five.  WKU whipped Florida International (1-2) in their Conference USA debut last week, 73-0. Ho-hum, FIU finished 1-11 last year.

Week Five - WKU QB Austin Reed leads his team on Saturday night
Western Kentucky QB Austin Reed will come out firing on Saturday night against the Trojans of Troy. This will be only the second time Troy appears on our slate. The last time was in November 2001 at Maryland.

       For Troy of the Sun Belt, Watson targets WR Jabre Barber and TE Tez Johnson as his prime receivers.  RBs DK Billingsley and Kuman Vidal share rushing duties with 162 and 149 yards respectively.  LB Carlton Marshall leads the Trojans with 33 stops. The Trojans only average 23 ppg.  With their 16-7 win over Marshall last week, their only TD came as a result of a 23-yard fumble return by Buddha Jones along with Brooks Buce’s three field goals. The Trojans average only 66 rushing yards per game.

        Despite the Trojans allowing only 21 ppg, the more formidable teams Ole Miss and Appy State with their last-second score upped that average.  We look for the Hilltoppers to negate the Troy running game and apply the pressure on Watson.  With superior offensive firepower and their only loss on the road to Indiana, 33-31, we look for Western Kentucky to add win number four by more than two TDs.  This game at Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium will be decided in the third period as Reed should have a big day.

Penn State long-term QB strategy

     Penn State fans clamor to see more playing time for five-star frosh QB Drew Allar.  The thinking at State College right now is that Sean Clifford’s experience in his sixth year continues to help the Nittany Lions.  However, some plan has to go into the future when Clifford’s gone after graduation, or even if he unexpectedly goes down again to injury this season.  Allar has played in all four games this season, and a fifth game negates any red-shirting.  However, HC James Franklin needs to weigh his options figuring Allar is his QB of the future.

    Playing the 1-3 Northwestern Wildcats this weekend may offer Franklin the opportunity he needs.  If the Nittany Lions can gain a substantial lead at Beaver Stadium, it may be timely to keep Clifford healthy and get Allar some considerable playing time. Again, with the transfer portals, a coach has to be sensitive to players’ options.  Consider Will Levis leaving PSU for Kentucky a couple of years ago when Clifford won the job.  Levis will be one of the top QBs in next year’s NFL draft. 

You never know.  It’s a tough call for many coaches now-a-days.  You need to keep your options open.  You want to win now, but you have to have a QB ready to step in for the unexpected as well as for the longer-term success of your program.  Check out Allar’s stats Sunday if he gets to play more than he usually does this Saturday.  The 6’5” QB possesses a strong arm.

Week Five for PSE Lions from Tigers to Wildcats
These PSU cheerleaders should get lot of loud noise at Beaver Stadium if QB Drew Allar steps in to play early and often this Saturday against Northwestern.

Nick Saban’s definition of a challenge

    With the annihilation Alabama delivered to Vanderbilt last Saturday, 55-3, at Bryant-Denny Stadium, here’s what Christopher Walsh of Bama Central on FanNation reported.  With Bama’s roster of five-star recruits from throughout the US outgaining Vanderbilt (a misleading 3-2) who has totaled four winning seasons in the last 40 years, 628 yards to 123, this is what the “greatest coach of all-time” had to say: “The challenges are greater, as we go, so we have to continue to focus on moving forward and improving.”  Give college football a break!  He calls any game Bama played this year besides the Texas game a “challenge”?  Nick Saban evidently lives in a different world.

     He doesn’t know a challenge until he laments losing in a national championship to a team that can recruit as well as he does.  When rosters play similar levels of talent (like when he coached in the pros), success comes down to coaching capabilities. Losses to Clemson twice (Swinney), Georgia (Smart), LSU (Orgeron), Ohio State (Meyer), Oklahoma (Stoops), and Utah (Meyer) in key games have proven that.  He builds his records beating “challenges” he schedules like Mercer, Southern Miss, New Mexico State, Utah State, and ULM the last two years. 

He must be quaking in his boots anticipating FCS Austin Peay coming to town in November.    Feel bad for him. He’s got to focus on the Govs before Auburn comes to town.  Of all the SEC teams, the Tigers offer him his toughest “challenge” as he’s 10-5 against them.  APSU could be a distraction for Saban this year. Hopefully, he’ll be up for that challenge.

Alabama All American LB Will Leonard
Bama’s Heisman candidate on defense this year, Will Anderson Jr (31), seen here in action taking on the challenge of Utah State in Bama’s 55-0 onslaught arranged by Nick Saban with a lot of money to entice the Aggies to play his team of five-star recruits.

Austin Peay jumps up in FCS, but a major obstacle lies ahead

    With last week’s win we witnessed over No. 20 Eastern Kentucky, the APSU Governors jumped up in the FCS poll from No. 23 to No. 16. Aside from finishing their season at Alabama for a monetary donation on November 19, the Govs most difficult challenge shows up at Fortera Stadium on October 29 when Jacksonville State (4-1) comes calling.  These Gamecocks will be stepping up to Conference USA next season along with Liberty, Sam Houston State (also FCS), and New Mexico State.  Because of their pending move to the FBS, FCS schools such as Jacksonville State and Sam Houston aren’t ranked in the 2022 poll.  However, the Gamecocks can play for the ASUN championship. The best way for APSU to figure into the FCS championship will be to win on October 29. 

APSU's Fortera Stadium hosted EKU for avictory to vault to No. 16 in Week Five. EKU
Austin Peay’s victory over No. 20 Eastern Kentucky vaulted them to FCS No. 16 in Week Five. The scenery will be quite different when they visit Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 19.

Juniata, Alma Mater Dear

     In 1973, Juniata played in the first D-3 national championship Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, but regretfully lost badly to Wittenberg.  Still, our team defeated Bridgeport University in the semi-final and set a standard for future teams to exceed.  The team’s late, great Head Coach Walt Nadzak eventually became Head Coach at UConn and AD at The Citadel.  Our football legacy goes back to having the late, great NFL Coach Chuck Knox graduating from JC. The college’s football stadium now bears his name.  In 1956, the then once-proud Juniata Indians (now Eagles) played in the Tangerine Bowl (now the Citrus Bowl) to a 6-6 tie with Missouri Valley in front of 10,000 fans.  In the 70’s through about 2005, the program competed successfully in the Middle Atlantic Conference.  The Indians even knocked off a couple of D-2 schools, California State of Pennsylvania and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, back in the 70s.

Adapting to standards

       The admin decided around 2005 with academics becoming more competitive, they joined the Centennial Conference to play teams with similar standards. New competitors included Dickinson, Franklin and Marshall, and powerhouse John Hopkins.  Some also came over from the former MAC who Juniata always competed well with: Gettysburg, Moravian, Ursinus, and archrival Susquehanna.  Don’t know if their academic standards changed more than Juniata’s, but it doesn’t make sense that JC cannot compete on the football field with these schools that it used to.

      Despite the hiring of a good assistant coach from a great D-3 program, Josh Carter of Muhlenberg, it seems that the college has de-emphasized the game of football.  They don’t seem to provide the support and enthusiasm needed in finding players that can qualify academically, but who can also play football as well.  As bad as team records have fallen in recent years, the Eagles are really being demolished this season.  Classmates text the final score.  Frankly, it’s become embarrassing. 

Why such a decline?

     JC has a tremendous pre-med program. So does Johns Hopkins. They probably may have much greater financial support than any other Centennial team, but a 70-0 loss to another bunch of pre-med students?  Grove City, a non-conference game, 63-6 in the opener?  Gettysburg floundered to 0-3 into Week Four until they bested (or busted?) Alma Mater, 40-14.  Ahead lies Moravian in Week Five who only beat G-burg so far. Ursinus awaits at 3-1 with its loss to Johns Hopkins by only seven.  Rival Susquehanna rolls along at 4-0.  These were teams the old Juniata never took a back-seat to, but evidently times have changed on College Hill in Huntingdon, PA.

Common business practice: Review models of success 

   Hopefully, the current administration wakes up to the fact that to the general public, having success being competitive on the football field, reflects on how well the rest of the school is performing. It may not be true, but perceptions as a winner against other schools on the playing field with equivalent academic standards bodes well for the overall image of the institution.  For a school population of 1,269 in the 70s, probably about twenty percent of the male students (about 60% of the student M/W ratio) recruited played football for at least one year. It would be nice to see the college look at that model again, but JC should also expand the recruiting footprint now well beyond Pennsylvania.  Check recruiting models of the other successful schools in the conference to start.

Juniata, The Alma Mater, comes down the street from the Kennedy Center on campus in 2014 to take the field at Chuck Knox Stadium. The Eagles finished 5-5 that season, their last non-losing season to date.

Other teams on our 2022 schedule from Week four to Week Five

     The other “Alma Mater” posted its first win as Navy defeated East Carolina in OT, 23-20. Mids vie for Commander-in-Chief Trophy Saturday at 3-1 Air Force.  Army still possesses Trophy having defeated both Navy and Air Force in 2020 before three-way tie last season. No. 1 UGA struggled with Nick Saban’s Alma Mater Kent State 39-22 with the Golden Flashes taking home $1.9M to add to its coffers.  No. 2 Bama didn’t have to spend that much hosting Vandy for a 55-3 win since the “challenge” came from a fellow SEC institution.  However, they bought lop-sided wins from Utah State and ULM for about the same price Georgia shelled out to Kent. Nick Saban will find Bama in a real challenge this week when they visit the wounded, No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1).  Arkansas returns from Texas A&M defeated, 23-21. Nothing meaner than a wounded wart hog, we hear.  

Other Top 25s plus

   Ohio State at No. 3 conquered Wisconsin, 52-21.  OSU entertains Rutgers Saturday, and we do mean “entertain”.   No. 5 Clemson needed two OTs to put away No. 22 Wake Forest on the road, 51-45.  The Tigers luck might run out when No. 10 NC State comes calling on Saturday.  Wake visits No.  23 Florida State (4-0) this weekend for a battle to determine who stays in the Top 25.  No. 7 Kentucky did in Northern Illinois, 31-23.  They’re visiting No. 13 Ole Miss next to The Grove this weekend, a tailgate venue with fond memories for many college football fans.

 No. 11 Penn State hosts Northwestern (1-3) as already mentioned after defeating Central Michigan, 33-10.  Miami (O) edged NW last week, 17-14.  Baylor ranked No. 16 defeated Iowa State in Des Moines last week, 31-24.  Oklahoma State (3-0) travels to Waco for their first road game to threaten the Bears Big 12 2022 aspirations.  Kansas (4-0,1-0) lies at No. 26 with 125 votes waiting for 3-1 Iowa State to show up in Lawrence.

Our other 2022 teams in action

      Auburn (3-1, 1-0) fans will at least plan to attend the LSU (3-1, 1-0) game this weekend after getting by Mizzou, 17-14.  James Madison (3-0) continues its winning ways from the FCS as it defeated tough Appalachian State, 32-28, in a Sun Belt East Game. The Dukes host SB West team Texas State (2-2) next who they should handle in their first meeting ever.  The Bobcats come off a 34-0 win over FCS Houston Christian. We see JMU meet Louisville on November 5.  The Cardinals stand at 2-2 entering Week Five heading to 1-3 Boston College. HC Jeff Hafley is not making BC Eagle fans too happy. Just so happens that we see Louisville play on consecutive weekends. After we see them play JMU as an FBS member for the first time, we follow them to Clemson the following week for our first visit ever to Clemson Memorial Stadium. 

   In other action among our 2022 slate of teams, Ohio U. beat FCS Fordham in a high-scoring affair, 59-52. Texas Tech knocked off Texas, 37-34.  Houston (2-2) beat Rice, 34-27. Georgia Southern defeated Ball State, 34-23. Purdue evened out its record to 2-2 with a close win over Florida Atlantic, 28-26, and South Carolina who we will see at Kentucky on October 8, defeated Charlotte, 56-20. 

Other game of interest to us   

    No. 4 Michigan finally played a team they didn’t have to pay to visit Ann Arbor and only defeated Big Ten East foe Maryland, 34-27. Golly! At Iowa this week. Uh oh! The 3-1 Hawkeyes have only allowed 23 points in four games. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame got some offense going and beat the UNC Tar Heels, 45-32. Now 2-2, they have bye week before clashing with BYU in Vegas.  Central Florida did Georgia Tech a favor defeating them 27-10 to get Geoff Collins fired. With a 10-28 record at Tech after putting Temple into a tailspin, he never should have been a HC. 

New Mexico State jumped from 131 to 122 with a win over 0-4 Hawaii. However, the Rainbow Warriors didn’t take over the lowest rank. With its loss to FCS Sacramento State, the honor fell to 0-4 Colorado State. Kansas State upended former No. 6 Oklahoma, 41-34, to climb in at No. 25. The Sooners fell to No. 18.  Does that ever make any sense? Same records.  Anyway, with Kansas at 4-0, the state of Kansas in the FBS is 7-1.   The Wildcats and Jayhawks will meet appropriately for their season finales on November 26.  That game may actually have some meaning this year.  We hope so!

Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Please link on the Title or picture of our cover on the top right sidebar on this or any other page you may peruse to buy your copy and submit a review.  Many purchases may help to turn around Alma Mater’s declining football program.  Please help.  Thanks!

Austin Peay looks happy to be heading to Central Alrkansa this weekend fo face the 1-3 Bears, another Atlantic Sun foe.
Austin Peay is all smiles to be heading to Central Arkansas for Week Five to face the 1-3 Bears, another Atlantic Sun foe.

Game 640: Diliello and Defense lead Austin Peay in comeback over Eastern Kentucky

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Clarksville, TN – FCS No.  23 Austin Peay spotted No. 20 Eastern Kentucky a 20-3 lead at halftime. However in the second half, a tough Governor defense shut out the Colonels. In addition, QB Mike Diliello finished the day with 181 yards rushing and three TDs to win, 31-20.  Despite the first half score, the Governor defense led by LB Josh Rudolph and CB Kory Chapman held EKU in check.  Twice they held the Colonels to two FGs, one after a turnover of downs and another in the red zone.  EKU’s first TD came on a pick-six.  Their one offensive TD came after a Colonel INT put them at the APSU 36 for a short TD drive.  The Govs allowed only 116 yards on the ground and held the EKU scoring well below their 38 ppg average.

DE Kelton Dawson makes stop on fourth down.
Eastern Kentucky DE Kelton Dawson (9) stops Peay’s RB Josh Samuels on fourth down to terminate the Governors initial drive of the game.

Colonels threaten often, but Govs don’t always break

     By the end of the first half, Eastern Kentucky (2-2, 0-1) dominated the scoring. However, their lead could have been larger.  They halted the first APSU drive at their 30 on a fourth and one.  Patrick Nations booted a 46-yard FG to lead, 3-0. On the subsequent Austin Peay possession, DB Joseph Sayles swooped in front of the intended receiver and raced 40 yards. With nothing ahead of him but green, EKU bolted ahead for a quick 10-0 lead.  Austin Peay (4-1, 1-0) finally got on the board with Maddux Trujillo’s 27-yard FG on a bad snap.  The ball basically laid flat on the ground.  An INT by Austin Peay DB Ethan Casselberry turned back another Colonel drive before the second period.

Joseph Sayles INT return against Austin Peay
It’s clear sailing for EKU DB Joseph Sayles to return an INT 40 yards for the Colonels early 10-point lead.

    This Austin Peay turnover went nowhere.  Later in the period, an Eastern Kentucky FG for 39 yards sailed wide left.  A subsequent INT by EKU DB Matthew Ballentine started the Colonels from their 49.  The drive resulted in a 17-yard TD catch and run to WR Jaden Smith for a 17-3 lead.  Austin Peay’s next punt was returned to the 49. However, a 15-yard face-mask penalty tacked on 15 yards to start the Colonels at the 36 of the Govs.  A pass to Smith got EKU to the four, but they got no farther and settled for Nation’s 17-yard FG.  The Govs defensive stop kept the lead to 20-3 at half. Turnovers and key stops in the red zone prevented EKU from scoring more points.

EKU WR Jayden Smith scores only offensive TD against Austin Peay
Colonels WR Jayden Smith (3) scores only offensive TD against Austin Peay in the second period.

Governor’s coaching staff plans while “Governor’s Own” performs

    Very impressive today was the coaching by 32-year-old HC Scotty Walden and his staff.  As usual, they maintain a lot of energetic enthusiasm along their side line.  However, in this game, they also demonstrated a well-planned strategy.  Their defense held on to keep the score within range during the first half.  Their offense sputtered in the meantime.  By the middle of the third, they seemed to have worn down the tough EKU defense.  To do that, they implemented a churning, deceptive run offense using fresh backs, CJ Evans, Jr. (17 carries for 75 yards) and Jevon Jackson (13 carries for 51) to work for the short, tough gains through the middle.  Their half-time adjustments paid off immensely late in this game. The win here will probably weigh heavily for a bid to the FCS playoffs.

Austin Peay Marching band: The Governor's own
Austin Peay’s Marching Band: The Governors’ Own performed at halftime while the Governors’ coaching staff made halftime adjustments to focus on their running game.

Slugging it out to start the second

    The two Atlantic Sun teams played to a defensive standstill until late into the third period. Austin Peay started a drive from their 20.  Faking a hand-off over tackle, Diliello ran around left end and raced past defenders for a 39-yard TD scamper.  The touchdown cut the lead in half, 20-10.  The Colonels countered with a 44-yard run by QB Parker McKinney (21 for 36, 213 yards, 1 INT, 1 TD, 116 rushing yards) to the Governor 19.  Once again, the APSU defense came up with a big stop to hold and force a 27-yard FG by Nations.  However, no good! Austin Peay took over from its 20. They drove to the Eastern Kentucky 41 for a first and ten as the third period came to a close.

Austin Peay QB Mike Dilielleo runs option left for 39-yard TD.
A fake hand-off up the middle left the left side wide open for QB Mike Diellio’s 39-yard TD run or his first of three scores in the second half.

Offensive explosion

     On the first play of the final period, Diliello (17 for 33 passing, 172 yards, two INTs, one TD; 15 carries, 181 yards, three TDs rushing) dropped back. He burst through a hole for 34 yards to the seven. On the next play he slanted left, barreled over a would-be tackler, and dove into the end zone to cut EKU’s lead, 20-17.  The home crowd chanted, “Let’s go Peay!” The players started pushing and shoving more between plays.  The atmosphere became “chippy” on the field. 

Austin Peay forced EKU to punt from their 40 on its next possession.  Kam Thomas returned the punt 46 yards to the Colonel 35.  Like a replay of the previous Governor series, in one play, Diliello ran it down to the EKU 8. Next play, he high-tailed it right through the middle for another seven and a 24-20 Austin Peay lead. Chants of “Let’s go Peay!” continued.

DiLiello's second TD for Austin Peay was more physical than the first.
QB Mike Diliello’s second TD for Austin Peay was quite a bit more physical than his first.

Governors in control

     APSU forced another EKU punt from the 42 and took over on its ten.  Jevon Jackson carried the ball on most downs getting the Govs to the Colonels 30.  This time, Diliello struck from there through the air. He connected with WR Drae McCray in the end zone for the 31-20 lead.  APSU took control.  HC Scotty Walden performed jumping jacks excitedly along the sideline. His team jumped in unison and twirled towels as the kickoff team lined up.  EKU’s drive started from their 18. A completion of 10 yards to Jayden Higgins eventually put EKU at the APSU 33.  A sack set them back before a 4th and three at the 33 once again.  McKinney tried to fire a pass to WR Cornelius Ford near the left pylon. Beautifully, it was knocked down by a diving Demetrius Ford to end the scoring threat.

Drae McCray's TD catch brings Ausin Peay fans to their feet to incread the lead 31-20 in the final period.
WR Drae McCray’s TD catch brings Austin Peay fans to their feet to increase their lead, 31-20, in the final period.

     Three minutes remained.  Diliello ran for 15 yards for a first. With 1:52 left, HC Walt Wells of EKU had exhausted all his time-outs.  Walden’s team ran the clock out in a well-coached come-from-behind victory.  The win looms well for a bid in the six-team ASUN conference. The Austin Peay Governors could be heading for the post-season in the FCS play-offs. We would definitely plan to see them if they play again in Clarksville.  Their major obstacle before them stands a date with Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 19. Of course, that won’t have any bearing on their FCS playoff potential.  As for their HC Scotty Walden, success here could propel him to the next level of FBS play eventually.  That would be fun to witness.

Austin Peay HC Scotty Walden
Austin Peay HC Scotty Walden’s team stands at 4-1, sits in first in the new ASUN, seeks an FCS playoff bid, and looks to propel him to a bright coaching career in his future.

Next up in Week Five

   The 4-1, 1-0 Governors travel next week to play the Central Arkansas Bears (1-3) for their next ASUN clash. EKU (2-2,0-1) returns home to Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond, KY to take on non-conference Southern Utah Thunderbirds (3-1).

   Collegefootballfan.com looks forward to a Friday/Saturday doubleheader next weekend with what looks like two, very competitive games.  On Friday night, we go to our first game at Middle Tennessee State’s Red Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro.  The Blue Raiders of ConferenceUSA (3-1) come off a major upset over No. 25 Miami on the road, 45-31. They will host UTSA (2-2) in the opening conference battle for both squads. On Saturday, we traipse back to Bowling Green, KY to see MTSU’s archrival, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-1), take on the Trojans of Troy (2-2). Troy fell to Appy State in Week Three on a last-play Hail Mary for a TD.  On Saturday, they defeated Marshall, 16-7.  So good games coming up.  On October 15, we will be back at Red Floyd to see the Blue Raiders host the Hilltoppers. Their rivalry known as “100 miles of hate.”  Sounds like fun!  Can’t wait.

Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the Fan who’s seen ‘em all!  Check out our first book about our unique adventure to see every FBS team up until Western Kentucky joined play in person.  Stories about travels, great games, fun stories, and historical perspectives tell our story over 30 years of how we did this. Our hobby to follow our favorite sport, college football.  Click on the title or book cover at the top of the right sidebar on this page to purchase our book on Amazon .  Please review it as well. Thanks!

Austin Peay Gov mascot leads Dance team victory dance
The Austin Peay Governors’ mascot led their dance team in what turned out to be a victory dance.