Game 505: Baylor improvises to defeat UNC, 49-38

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Baylor innovates offense to outpace North Carolina, 49-38, to capture Russell Athletic Bowl

Baylor players pray before kickoff.

Baylor players pray before kickoff.

Orlando, Florida (December 30, 2015) – Looking forward to a high-scoring affair in the matchup, I told people I didn’t know who was going to win, but based on what I did know, take the “over”.  With two starting QBs lost by Baylor during the season and not outscoring three of their last four opponents with an overwhelming offense that was decimated by the end of the season, the question was what would Bear HC Art Briles do to re-establish his scoring machine to outscore the high-flying Tar Heel offense.  What could he do to offset his two quarterbacks lost to season-ending injuries? What he did was unique. He improvised using a combination of less experienced QBs, his running backs, and a little used WR throughout the game to take snaps directly from center using their combined talents of speed and athleticism to rack up 645 yards on the ground and 756 overall for Russell Athletic Bowl records to outpace Carolina in an interesting and exciting contest, 49-38. Briles adapted brilliantly using the talent he had to offset the losses of QBs Seth Russell (concussion) and Jarrett Stidham (ankle).  For Collegefootballfan.com, we attended this game with first time Guest Game Analyst and cousin Anthony Cavalli, UCF grad and recent, former Flight Surgeon in the US Air Force. Looking to continue his medical career after the service, he had such a good time at the RAB Fanfest and at the game, he’s moved Baylor high on his list of medical schools to continue working at and learning.  He even bought a Baylor t-shirt!  It was his first time attending a college football game, and it will not be his last, he declared.

TE Brandon Fritts and UNC teammates celebrate first score of the Russell Athletic Bowl.

TE Brandon Fritts (82) and UNC teammates celebrate first score of the Russell Athletic Bowl.

UNC scored first utilizing a no-huddle offense as QB Marquise Williams (243 yards passing, three TD passes, two TD runs) tossed a TD pass to TE Brandon Fritts for an early 7-0 lead.  The Bears responded with a 75-yard scoring drive as Lynx Hawthorne, who carried the ball ten times during the season and only caught ten passes, took the direct snap from center for a 7-yard touchdown run.  On their next series, he caught a pass from QB Johnny Jefferson to get to the three.  This time RB Devin Chafin (161 rushing yards, one TD) took the snap from there to gain a 14-7 lead for the Bears who were getting the ball into many various offensive players’ hands.

Lynx Hawthorne (7) scores for Baylor.

Lynx Hawthorne (7) scores for Baylor.

In the second period, the Tar Heels started the scoring again with a 32-yard FG by Nick Weiler after a sack of Williams on a third and eight.  UNC forced Baylor to punt on the next series, but a roughing the kicker penalty kept the drive alive to the detriment of the No. 10 Tar Heels.  Behind center, Jefferson (299 yards, three TDs) took the snap at the eleven, dropped back to pass, and then ran the draw to put the Bears up, 21-10.  An interception by BU Safety Orion Stewart gave back the ball on their 33.  Down to the UNC 30, Jefferson went up the middle for another score now looking to blow the Tar Heels away.  However, with the help of two questionable calls, the Heels’ Williams ran a QB draw at the four to cut the lead back down, 28-17, before the half.

Game MVP Johnny Jefferson (5) sweeps right for the Bears.

Game MVP Johnny Jefferson (5) sweeps right for the Bears.

Anthony and I took an Uber ride to the Citrus Bowl Stadium from his house (and back after the game) about 12 miles away and entered the Fanfest adjacent to the stadium.  A few beers and a Jack Daniels bar stop were enjoyed before we went in and after a few warmups back at his place.  We ended up sitting on the Baylor side of the field and enjoyed sitting amongst some other fans we met from neither side but there to enjoy seeing a good game among the 30,418 in attendance.  On New Years’ Day, Michigan and Florida will meet here in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.  Anthony had such a good time at this one, he contemplated coming back on Friday if he is recovered from New Year’s Eve.  He thoroughly enjoyed attending his first college football game.  He follows the pros, but with my introduction and a promise that wherever his career move takes his (i.e. Nebraska, Michigan State, Minnesota…now Baylor?), our cousin Frank Scarpa and I plan to track him down and take him to another good game.  We all look forward to it!

Go Baylor Bears!

These cheerleaders had Anthony rooting for the  Baylor Bears!

North Carolina took the opening kickoff and brought the score closer as Williams finished the drive with a two-yard TD run off tackle to bring the Heels within four, 28-24.  They looked to take the lead after S Dominque Green intercepted QB Chris Johnson’s pass to start from their nine.  However, a targeting call (we thought another questionable one) and the ejection of Carolina WR Austin Proehl put UNC in a punting situation from their seven.  BU took over at its 39.  Briles’ offense got back down to business and RB Terrence Williams (97 yards, two TDs) dove over from the three to extend the lead for Baylor once again, 35-24.  Carolina seemed poised to come right back when Elijah Hood rushed 67 yards to the Baylor eight, but T.J. Logan fumbled it away into the end zone on the next play back and the Bears got the ball back out on the 20.  From there, Jefferson shook one tackler and raced past the Tar Heel secondary for an 80-yard touchdown run.  Every time we thought Baylor had put Carolina away, they would bounce back.  Before the third expired, Williams completed five consecutive passes with the final one to Bug Howard for a 27-yard scoring pass.  Baylor led going onto the final frame, 42-31.  Would either offense falter?

Elijah Hood of UNC picks up 30 yards on this play.

Elijah Hood (34) of UNC picks up 30 yards on this play.

The Bears continued on a drive into the fourth and Terrence Williams scored his second TD from the one to pull away once again, 49-31.  The Bears’ D forced a punt. The Heels dug in and halted a drive on their 36 to take back over on downs.  From there they went on a scoring drive culminating in a seven-yard TD pass to TE Kendrick Singleton with 2:20 left to play.  Carolina went for the onside kick, but Baylor handled it in the end and they ran out the clock for a high-scoring, exciting victory as No. 17 Baylor (10-3) defeated No. 10 North Carolina (11-3) in the Russell Athletic, 49-38.

Devin Chafin (22) turning the corner against the Tar Heels.

Devin Chafin (28) turning the corner against the Tar Heels.

It was a great win authored by one of the most resilient Head Coaches we’ve ever seen perform, Art Briles.  It’s a great testimony to witness his game day coaching skills to not totally defer entirely to his recruiting capabilities. Despite the loss of not only two QBs but his top runner and receiver as well, he took the talent he had and honed a game plan against a top-ranked opponent and made his offense work with the horses available. There were no excuses. Give him great credit.   After 505 college football games, this had to be the most innovative we’ve ever seen put together by any coach.  Tremendous! We were glad we could be in Orlando to see this one.

Though Carolina fell to Baylor, in the end, they didn't look bad.

Though Carolina fell to Baylor, in the end, they didn’t look bad.

Game 507: Tennessee dominates Northwestern in Outback, 45-6

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Volunteers wear down Wildcats in Outback, 45-6

Tennessee mascot Smokey ran for more yards yesterday celebrating touchdowns than did the Northwestern offense.

Tennessee mascot Smokey ran for more yards yesterday celebrating touchdowns than did the Northwestern offense.

Tampa, Florida (January 1) – Like last season, collegefootballfan.com ended a great season with a dominant victory by the Tennessee Vols in a bowl game.  Our season ended with a whimper again, and not a bang – similar to many of the bowl games played this season – as Tennessee (9-4) wore down the Northwestern (10-3) defense in the second half to triumph, 45-6.  At least the previous three bowls we attended since this past Monday were somewhat competitive relative to this one.  We picked this over Michigan vs. Florida in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on this day in Orlando figuring the Wolverines would outmatch the Gators and they did, 41-7 (and we flew into Tampa so our early return flight out would be closer the next morning).  The difference this year was Tennessee got off to a slower start as the Northwestern defense held them in check early versus the flying start the Vols got off to against slow-footed Iowa last season in The Taxslayer Bowl.  In the third against Iowa, they led 45-7 until HC Butch Jones sat his starters, and Iowa scored three TDs after to make the final score “respectable” at 45-28.

The Wildcats' Justin Jackson's TD in the first quarter made the score 10-6.

The Wildcats’ Justin Jackson’s (24) TD in the first quarter made the score 10-6.

In this one, Northwestern’s defense started tough as UT led at halftime, 17-6.  But momentum was going the Vols way and in the second half the Wildcat offense made no adjustments while their punter, Hunter Niswander (7 for 34 yd. average), continued to punt the football with the nose of the ball pointing toward the ground giving it a backspin as if to keep it out of the end zone. In other words, all his punts were short and many rolled backwards when he had no reason to do that.  His coaches couldn’t see that?  Anyway, the offense and the punt unit kept their defense on the field too long and with bad field position throughout the entire game.  Tennessee eventually wore down a very good tackling defense on warm day in Tampa.  Final Result: 45-6.

Alvin Kamara scores from the 11 late in the first half.

Alvin Kamara scores from the 11 late in the first half for a 17-6 lead.

Again, it was a disappointing ending for a great season in which we got to celebrate our 500th college football game since 1979.  Come back and check out more “Steveo’s Salvoes” as we near the championship game and wrap up our season to plan for the next.  Happy New Year!

QB Joshua Dobbs rolls out to pass in the third period.

QB Joshua Dobbs rolls out to pass in the third period.

Key stats for this game:

Tennessee:

QB Josh Dobbs 14 for 25 passing for 166 yards; 12 carries for 48 yards, 2 TDs

RB Jalen Hurd 24 carries for 130 yards

RB Alvin Kamara 11 carries for 53 yards and 1 TD, 3 catches for 19 yards

TE Alex Ellis 3 catches for 74 yards

Total yards 420

Northwestern:

QB Clayton Thorson 8 for 20 passing, 57 yard, 2 INTs

RB Justin Jackson 14 carries for 74 yards, 1 TD

4 INTs thrown

Total yards 261

At least halftime was worth watching.

At least halftime was worth watching.

Game # 506: Clemson wins to meet Alabama for National Championship

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Tigers lower boom on Sooners in second half to advance to FBS final, 37-17

Welcome to the CapitalOne Orange Bowl!

Welcome to the CapitalOne Orange Bowl!

Miami Lakes, Florida (December 31) – The No. 1 Clemson Tigers (14-0) trailed the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners 17-16 at the half, but the offense, led by QB and game MVP Deshaun Watson and RB Wayne Gallman, added two TDs in the third and one in the fourth that Oklahoma could not respond to against a staunch Tiger defense. Clemson held the Sooners to 121 yards in the second half to record a 37-17, CFP victory in the CapitalOne Orange Bowl. They will move on to the national championship game in Glendale, Arizona on January 11 to meet the No. 2 Crimson Tide of Alabama.  HC Dabo Swinney, a former walk-on at wide receiver for The Tide, has ten days to get his Tigers ready.  DE Shaq Lawson left the game early after a leg injury, but vowed to be ready for the biggest game of the 2015-16 season in all of college football coming up.

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney

As a matter of fact, Lawson started the game on the first play with a sack of Sooner QB Baker Mayfield.  However, the Sooner offense recovered quickly and drove the length of the field with Semaje Perine finishing the opening drive with a one-yard plunge for a quick 7-0 Sooner lead.  After exchanging punts, Clemson took over from their 28.  Tiger PK Greg Huegel put three up on the board with a 26-yard FG.

Samaje Perine (32) picks up yardage on OU's game opening drive.

Samaje Perine (32) picks up yardage on OU’s game opening drive.

To start the second period, Clemson started from their four after an OU punt.  On the first play, Watson wove through the defense for a 46-yard advance to put the Tigers at midfield.  OU forced them into the punt formation, but Clemson pulled off a fake as P Andy Teasdall launched a pass down the left sideline to DT Christian Wilkins who was wide open to haul it in at the twelve.  Watson finished things off with a five-yard run to take a 10-7 lead.  The next Clemson possession started from the 19 and they got within Huegel’s range to convert on a 31-yard FG to lengthen their lead by six.  The Sooners kept pace though with a 23-yard FG of their own by Austin Seibert.  Huegel responded again with a 43-yard kick with 2:17 left in the first half.  OU came right back.  Mayfield’s 43-yard pass to Dede Westbrook put the Sooners at the 11. On an out pass to the left flat, TE Mark Andrews carried it in for a 17-16 Sooner lead.  With 1:34 left, Clemson threatened to score again before halftime, but a tipped pass in the end zone intended for Charone Peake was picked off by Sooner S Zack Sanchez.

Clemson QB Deshaun Watson (4) dashes 46 yards to midfield.

Clemson QB Deshaun Watson (4) dashes 46 yards to midfield.

Singer/songwriter John Fogarty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame entertained at halftime for us “old schoolers”. His songs will outlive us all.  I sat next to some Nebraska Cornhusker fans rooting for the Sooners as we sat among many Clemson fans.  They came to Florida primarily for a wedding, and they were able to buy tickets to the game.  It was not a sell-out.  Of the 67,615 announced, 75% were wearing Clemson colors as the No. 1 seed gets placed in the closest venue for the CFP.  I purchased my tickets before it was announced who was in this game. Had it been the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, or a combination of the three, tickets may have been impossible had I waited.  I primarily attend these games to see an epic battle, and if I have a rooting interest liking or despising a particular team, I’ll get into it. I had no preference at this game, but I picked OU to win it.  The Husker fan next to me and I had some interesting conversations about college football, his farming, Florida, and other things.  As others have told me, he insisted I have to get to a Nebraska game in Lincoln!  It’s on my list. Of course, he said I should come out when they get better, but I figure if I do, the tickets will be even harder to get.  Like most Husker fans, he’s travelled well. He’s been to Penn State to see the Huskers visit there several times.  With ten minutes left in the game, his wife told him that their friends were waiting for them and they had to leave.  He argued there were ten minutes left in the game, but she was persistent.  He gave in.  I’m thankful that St. Laurie never did that to me.  It reminds me about the time we were at a game at West Point in a driving rainstorm.  I couldn’t leave. I was adding TCU to my quest to “see ‘em all” that day and it wouldn’t count unless I was there until the end.  When it was announced that cars should be moved from the South docks along the Hudson close to where we had parked, she went to rescue the car while Charlie, Dave, and I watched TCU finish off Army (Frank Scarpa was forced to go home by his wife who was pregnant at the time.  We gave him a pass that day). Of course, St. Laurie knew this was her quickest way out of the rain and into the car with the heater on.  The memories!  The story is in my book, Tales from the Tailgate.

Tailgating Miami-style.

Tailgating Miami-style.

Clemson started Q3 with the ball on their 25. Gallman (26 carries for 150 yards and two TDs) scored at the one to regain the lead to start the second half for the Tigers, 23-17.  A sack of Mayfield by DE Kevin Dodd forced OU to punt from the nine. Clemson came up empty though as Huegel missed a 47-yard FG. The Sooners drove to the 30 of Clemson, but on fourth and one on a direct snap to Perine, Clemson took over on downs.  The Tigers moved the ball to the 35.  There, Watson connected on an out pass to Hunter Renfro who shook one tackler and turned up field for a touchdown and a 30-17 Tiger lead.  Oklahoma’s next drive was turned around on an INT by LB B.J. Goodson.  The next OU possession went two yards in the opposite direction, and Clemson was at midfield to start the final period.

OU WR Sterling Shepard brought down with open field tackle in second half.

OU WR Sterling Shepard brought down with open field tackle in second half.

The Tigers put together a scoring drive with Gallman taking it over from a yard out to lead 37-17.  Oklahoma seemed to still have a shot to get back in with a quick score and some onside kicks.  They move quickly for 70 yards down to the five.  Mayfield dropped back and tried to fire a pass to a receiver running a corner pattern, but LB Ben Boulware, the game’s defensive MVP, leapt high on the air to pick the ball off with 7:32 remaining to regain possession and take away any chance for OU to mount a comeback.

Clemson held OU to 121 total yards of offense in the second half.

Clemson held OU to 121 total yards of offense in the second half.

The Tigers and Sooners (11-2) went at each other hard in the first half, but in the second, it was all Tigers.  They played well on both sides of the ball.  They played as the No. 1 had to to beat No. 4.  They play a balanced, deceptive offense and their defensive size up front and speed overall should match up well with Alabama.  Clemson heads to Glendale, Arizona for the FBS title.  Oklahoma goes home to follow up on recruiting its next class of players. We headed up I-75 enroute to Tampa for our final game of a great 2015 season and our 507th overall to watch Tennessee play Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.

HC Dabo Swinney seems to be waving goodbye to the Orange Bowl as he takes his team on to Glendale, Arizona to meet Alabama in the National Championship game.

HC Dabo Swinney seems to be waving goodbye to the Orange Bowl as he takes his team on to Glendale, Arizona to meet Alabama in the National Championship game.

 

Game 504: Navy defeats Pitt in Military Bowl, 44-28

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Navy downs Pitt at a record-setting day at The Military Bowl, 44-28

Amputee Vet lands at Navy-Marine Corps before the Military Bowl.

Amputee Vet lands at Navy-Marine Corps before the Military Bowl.

Annapolis, Maryland (December 28, 2015) –  Pitt’s Quadree Henderson got the scoring started from the opening kickoff at The Military Bowl sponsored by Northrop Grumman with a 100-yard return for a touchdown, but it was all Navy after that for the next 45 minutes as the Mids won their first bowl as a member of the American Athletic Conference and third in three years, 44-28, for the first time ever in 135 years of Naval Academy football.  For Navy, the victory established team and individual career records for the No. 21 rated team in the CFP poll.  Navy’s final record of 11-2 overall set the USNA mark for most wins ever in a single season.  During the game, senior QB Keenan Reynolds broke two major career NCAA records with his 144 rushing yards and three TDs against a tough Pitt Panther defense that ranked 20th against the run.     Reynolds surpassed the mark set by Denard Robinson of Michigan for most career rushing yards by a QB finishing his career with 4,559 yards on the ground.  His three TDs beat the NCAA record of Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Nixon by one with his 88th.  After five bowl losses by AAC teams to start this bowl season, Navy gave their conference foes something to cheer about along with most of the 36,352 in attendance today at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.  Against Pitt coached by Pat Narduzzi, former DC at Michigan State, the 44 points exceeded all other opponents of Pitt’s 8-5 2015 season.

This young Pitt fan cruised in with the pride of the Panther fleet on his head, but it wasn't enough against Navy's overwhelming ground and air forces.

This young Pitt fan cruised in with the pride of the Panther fleet on his head, but it wasn’t enough against Navy’s overwhelming ground and air forces.

After Pitt’s opening score, Guest Game Analyst Brian Donnelly reminded the rest of us that South Florida had done the same thing earlier in the season at Annapolis when we attended that game won by the Mids, 29-17. This lead did not last as long as that one as Reynolds scored touchdowns on Navy’s first two drives from the one and from the five.  The second tied him with Nixon. The Mids dominated the first quarter of play in time of possession, 12:07 to 2:53.

Reynolds scores from the five to tie the NCAA career TD record with his 87th.

Reynolds scores from the five to tie the NCAA career TD record with his 87th.

In the second, Pitt’s first possession resulted in a FG attempt wide left by Chris Blewitt (always loved that name for a kicker). Their next drive was stopped on an INT by Safety Lorentez Barbour to start Navy from its 16.  The drive by the Mids resulted in an 11-yard TD pass from Reynolds to Tyler Carmona for a 21-7 lead.  Pitt’s next drive finished in the end zone with a pick by CB Brendon Clements to start Navy on its 15 before the half came to an end.

Good tailgating before the game that was played on a cold, windy, damp day. We agreed that we were all spoiled by the great weather we enjoyed all season long.   Brian, Navy Al, Jay, and Dave had the grill going when I got there after finding impromptu parking again at our favorite neighbors on Locust Road.  The parking lot at Navy-Marine Corps was half occupied by huge party tents and the pregame parade snarled traffic, so traffic was slower for the 2:30 kickoff and parking was tight.  The guys had wings, ribs, and chili warmed up when I got there to make the four-hour drive well worth it alone! Lots of Pitt fans showed up.  The stadium was packed. No game programs could be found before the game or during halftime.  Concession lines were long to say the least. A guy showed up late in the game as Jay pointed him out to me so I was able to add to my bowl collection with the last of two he still had.  I couldn’t go home without one. Brian saw one after the game on the floor of the men’s room but chickened out eventually.

Navy took the second half kick and finished with a 26-yard sweep option right for a touchdown by SB Desmond Brown.  The next USNA possession resulted in a 34-yard FG by Austin Grebe for a dominant 31-7 lead over the Panthers.  Pitt’s offense finally got on the board with a five-yard TD pass from Nate Peterman to RB Qadree Ollison. No harm done seemingly until Frosh DB Jordan Whitehead plucked a fumble out of the air by Navy FB Chris Swain (27 carries for 114 yards) and returned it 22 yards for a TD with 2:57 left in Q3.  Suddenly, Pitt was back in the game, 31-21. At the end of the period, it was announced that Reynolds had broken Denard Robinson’s QB rushing record.

FB Chris Swain (37) runs for a few of his 124 yards against Pitt.

FB Chris Swain (37) runs for a few of his 114 yards against Pitt.

In the fourth, SB Toneo Gulley finished off a 69-yard Navy drive with a 15-yard run to the right to give Navy a more comfortable 38-21 lead. But Pitt’s Ollison cut it to ten again with his 45-yard TD jaunt, 38-28.  Starting from their 25, Navy poised again to score at the Panthers’ nine.  Reynolds dropped back to pass and his receivers drew the Pitt secondary toward both sidelines, and with that, he tucked the ball and ran it right up the gut for a 44-28 lead and the NCAA scoring mark of 88 TDs and 530 career points.  The point after was blocked, and the Navy D stopped Pitt as it had done most of the day before running out the clock for their record-setting 11th victory of the Navy football season.  It was certainly a great one.

 

The Pitt band played their alma mater, and the Navy players finished off their fine tradition by leading fans, alumni, and a small contingent of fellow Mids (most were away on Christmas leave) in their alma mater, “Navy Blue and Gold”. It would be the last time singing it for 32 Navy seniors who will graduate from the Academy as the winningest team ever.  Keenan Reynolds was voted the game’s MVP accordingly and attributed his success to his teammates around him in a post-game interview.

Next year, Navy opens their season here with a plethora of new starters against Fordham. What works well in their favor, however, will be the return of their HC Ken Niumatalolo, who thankfully declined the offer from BYU to stay with a great, unique program that he has built and one he truly loves. We look forward to more great seasons of Navy football with him at “the helm”. However, before we see another Navy football game, we’ll see at least three more games as we fly out early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning on our way to the Russell Athletic Bowl to see Baylor and North Carolina light up the score board. Bears and Tar Heels – here we come!

It was an exciting season for Navy's 11-2 season and a bowl win. Looking forward the Navy's football future under HC Ken Niumatalolo.

It was an exciting season for Navy’s 11-2 finish and a third bowl win in four years. Looking forward the Navy’s football future under HC Ken Niumatalolo.

Steveo’s Salvos! Happy Bowl Season -December 27, 2015

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Happy Bowl Season everybody!  Nineteen games have been played already and we at Collegefootballfan.com are just getting started  We will attend four pretty good, competitive, significant games during the next five days.  Seven of the eight teams we will see are ranked in the current Top 25.  Among other  teams that we saw play during the regular season, three have already won and three have already lost.  Seen some pretty good ones on TV and avoided the earlier ones we had no interest in.  As to be expected though there have been some good ones and some total blow-outs.  What we hate seeing, however, are all the empty seats at so many games.  Travel is expensive to warmer climes and in general during Christmas vacations.  The games are played during family oriented holidays when people like to finally spend times with their families, so it’s time to relax instead of travel. Some family members still have to work while kids or spouses have time off from school and work.  And generally day time television during weekdays stink!   If TV sponsors are willing to foot the bill, we now believe more than ever that every team should get an extra game.  However, let’s separate the good ones as “bowl” games from what the others really are – “consolation games”.  These games at least give everyone, not just the top rated teams,  a chance to get some extra practice and an additional game at the end of the season.  We’re contemplating sponsoring The Collegefootballfan.com Commode Bowl (much more positive than “Toilet”).   We’ve got some great sponsor ideas that work well during day time television.  The game would be played between the two teams with the fewest wins at the FBS level.  Hopefully both would finish 0-12 so one of them could be able to end the season with a victory.  Our slogan, “In the end, someone feels good after leaving the Commode Bowl”. I think if a school finishing the season at 0-12 played an opponent with the same record ,I think quite a few would tune in to see who would win.  Sounds like an offseason project for us… Among the teams that we saw during the regular season that have  won bowls so far this year, San Diego State last lost back on September 26 when we watched them lose to Penn State, 37-21.  They then ran the table in the Mountain West thereafter and clobbered Cincinnati 42-7 in Hawaii to finish 11-3…  Washington State beat Rutgers, 34-27 on our schedule and the went all the way to the Sun Bowl to beat Miami (F) 20-14, to finish 9-4. While we in the Northeast watched games on TV indoors as mild temps pervaded the outdoors, we watched snow fall on TV in El Paso, Texas…   Duke who lambasted Army, 44-3, during the regular season while we were at West Point,  won over Indiana, 44-41, in OT as a questionable call was made on the Hoosier’s FG attempt to tie it up on their last play.  I didn’t watch the game but heard there were “about a thousand people ” in attendance.  They would have had ten times that if the two schools were playing basketball instead over at Madison Square Garden instead of football Yankee Stadium, a horrible football venue…South Florida, Utah State, and Temple were the three teams we saw that lost their bowl games.  Most surprising to us was not that Temple lost to a very good Toledo team, but we were surprised to see their offense sputter to lose that game without much of a fight, 32-17. The Owls will lose all of their defense next year.  We are considering to see their opener next season on Labor Day weekend  against an improving Army team next season…Our first 2015 bowl game we will be attending this Monday will be Pitt (8-4) of the ACC playing No. 21 Navy (10-2)  at the Military Bowl sponsored by Northrop Grumman at Navy- Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.   The Mids won’t have the entire Brigade of Midshipmen there to support them as they are all away on Christmas leave.  Both teams lost to No. 8 Notre Dame this season and Pitt’s other losses were to No. 5 Iowa, No. 10 North Carolina, and aforementioned Miami.  Navy’s other loss was to No. 18 Houston.  So both teams have played but fallen to some top competition. Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi has improved the Panther defense and has had three weeks to prepare of Navy’s vaunted triple option averaging 319.2 rushing yards per game. Pitt allows 126.1 rushing yards per contest.  Navy QB Keenan Reynolds enters having  85 career touchdowns (all rushing) before joining the Navy’s Cyberspace Warfare program as an Ensign next spring.  Already the NCAA record holder for career rushing touchdowns, he needs two touchdowns to tie and three to break Kenneth Dixon’s (Louisiana Tech) record of 87 for NCAA career total touchdowns.  He needs just 81 yards rushing to set the career NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback held by Michigan’s Denard Robinson, who rushed for 4,495 yards in his career. He’ll have his work cut out for him against Pitt, but being the unselfish player that he is, he’ll be focusing on the win rather than his personal stats to be sure.  This game should be a memorable one and great one to start our 2015 whirlwind, five-day bowl tour!  Meeting Brian Donnelly, “Navy Al”, Jay, and some other fellow Navy fans for a tailgate…  The next day, we fly to Orlando to attend the Russell Athletic bowl in a great matchup between No. 10 North Carolina (11-2)  and No. 17 Baylor (9-3). The game kicks off at 5:30 pm.  UNC lost its first game of the season, 17-13, to South Carolina on some questionable play calls to get into the end zone for a win, and it lost its last game of the season to No. 1 Clemson, 45-37, on a game put out of reach on a questionable onside kick recovery by the officials for the ACC Championship. QB Marquise Williams has thrown for 2,829 yards and 17 TDs. Five receivers have 250 or more receiving yards as he spreads the field. He’s also run for 867 yards and 11 TDs.   RB Elijah Hood does the bulk of the groundwork for the Heels as he’s rushed for 1,345 yards and 17 scores.  The Baylor Bears, who we’ll see play for only the second time, were a top team most of the season under HC Art Briles until his QB corps dropped off along the way due to injuries. The Bears lost three of their last four to Oklahoma (before beating Oklahoma State) and losing their last two to TCU and Texas. We figure HC Briles has been working closely with third string QB Chris Johnson these last few weeks to get him up to par with QBs who have gone down to get him prepared to lead this high-powered passing offense.  Briles has always seemed to develop QBs since his days at Houston and seems to do it on the fly as his starters move on due to graduation or injury.  We expect his offense that averaged 48 ppg to come out firing.  The Heels only allowed 22.6 on defense.  With some ball control by Williams’ passing and Hood’s running , a key will be for them to keep the Bears’ offense off the field. I’m hoping to get Cousin Anthony Cavalli who just finished his Air Force career to join me as he’s back home in Orlando for the holidays… On Thursday,  I will be at the CapitalOne Orange Bowl to see No. 1 Clemson (13-0) and No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1) battle to get to the national championship game in Glendale, Arizona to meet the winner of No. 2 Alabama and No. 3 Michigan State on January 11. QBs DeShaun Watson of Clemson and  Baker Mayfield of the Sooners should make this an exciting game.  We look forward to it. It doesn’t get better than this to see our first CFP in person. The last time Clemson won a national championship back in 1981, we saw them beat Maryland in their last game of the 1980 season before running the table the following year to win the national championship. We saw them start a 13-game winning streak to get there under HC Danny Ford.  We saw Oklahoma play in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona back in 2011, but it was a letdown seeing them play Big East champ UConn who was only 8-4 that year, and the Sooners with QB Sam Bradford clobbered the Huskies in a yawner, 48-20.  We also attended the Discover Orange Bowl in 2012 where Clemson started off competitively, but then fell in an onslaught to West Virginia on the short-end of a record breaking Orange Bowl score, 70-33.  We don’t expect a yawner this time for sure, and we don’t expect a blow-out by either team.  This one should be high-scoring and not decided until the last quarter.  We can’t wait for this encounter on New Year’s Eve. It’s only the third time we get to see OU play…The very next morning, we will be on our way to Tampa to finish off our fourth bowl game when we head up to Raymond James Stadium. No slouches here a day after the highly anticipated Playoff game.   We’ll see the No. 23 Tennessee Vols (8-4)  meet the No. 13 Northwestern Wildcats (10-2) .  Funny, we ended last season seeing the Vols hammer Iowa in the TaxSlayer, 45-28, after leading 45-7.  Hopefully the same won’t happen this year.  The Wildcats’ two losses were by wide margins to Iowa (40-10) and to Michigan (38-0).  Most of their wins were by close margins. Among UT’s four losses by seven points or less, one was by seven to Oklahoma in two OTs and one was to Alabama by only five. The Wildcats win close ones and UT loses close ones, but if Tennessee starts off like they did against Iowa last season, the result could be big for the Vols.  HC Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats will have to be at the top of their game to hold off Tennessee whose QB Josh Dobbs (2,125 passing yards for 15 TDs and 623 rushing yards for nine TDs) and RB Jalen Hurd (1,158 yards and 11 TDs) got off to fast starts last bowl season. Fitzgerald looks for his defense that only allowed 16.4 ppg to hold tightly against a Tennessee offense that scored 34. 3 ppg this season under HC Butch Jones.  This will be the fourth bowl game for us involving the Vols. In addition to last season’s TaxSlayer Bowl, we saw them defeat Wisconsin, 28-21, in the 1981 Garden State Bowl and we saw them fall in 2007 to Penn State, 20-10, in this same venue.  It will be their fourth Big Ten opponent among all the bowls we’ve seen them play in.  We predict that either UT will win big or lose this one close. Tennessee is already on our slate next year when they will meet Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10 so we can help establish the record for the largest attendance ever at a college football game…Stay close to this site during our bowl season. We plan to have our game reviews to you pretty quickly though we are on the road this week.  Happy Bowling!  We think we have some great games to wrap up our 2015 season!

 

Steveo’s Salvos – December 21, 2015

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Does this statement bother anybody else? : “Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze has suspended All-American defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche for the Allstate Sugar Bowl matchup with Oklahoma State. The suspension will end Nkemdiche’s college career, as he announced that he will enter the NFL draft.” For one thing, crime evidently does pay. Secondly, pro football once again demonstrates disdain for the schools that develop their players. It rewards rather than supports the disciplinary problems that the colleges face with the players they attract to get them a shot at playing professional football. There are other points to be made here in depth as well, but in reality, the NFL is really starting to bore me with their indifference to everything except for making money…According to the ESPN.com all-American team this year, we’ll have seen an eyeful of some of the best talent anywhere in the nation by the time this season comes to an end. This includes players seen a year ago, during this regular season, and also while attending the upcoming bowl games we plan to see when we get back on the road for four great games next week. On offense, we’ll get to see Soph QB DeShaun Watson, one of this year’s top Heisman candidates, lead the Clemson Tigers against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Capital One Orange Bowl. RB Leonard Fournette of LSU ran for over 100 yards in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl we attended last season in a 31-28 loss to Notre Dame…

LSU Frosh RB Leonard Fournette (7) scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and on an 89-yard run in last year's Music City.

LSU Frosh RB Leonard Fournette (7) scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and on an 89-yard run in last year’s Music City.

Speaking of Notre Dame, OT Ronnie Stanley helped pave the way to ND’s 24-20 win we attended against Temple. We have two guys to keep an eye on when we see the Baylor Bears (9-3) play in the Russell Athletic Bowl when they will face a tough challenge against the North Carolina Tar Heels (11-2). WR Corey Coleman and OT Spencer Drago will be lining up on offense for the Bears who averaged 48 points per game. Their schedule early on was somewhat questionable, but we’ll see what they can do against UNC who averaged 40+ themselves on offense, but only allowed 22.6 per game over the course of the season. .. On defense, Clemson and Baylor come in with some All-Americans as well on the defensive line. Shaq Lawson is a stalwart for the Tigers and Andrew Billings is a key stopper for the Bears. S Jayron Kearse will be looking to stop the Sooners passing attack when we’re at Miami Lakes for the CFP opener… We saw the entire defensive front four of ESPN.com’s All-American team as Penn State’s Carl Nassib, winner of the Lombardi Trophy, and Joey Bosa of Ohio State, who we saw play this year and last against Michigan and Navy respectively, both made big plays from their DE positions this season. Temple LB Tyler Matakevitch, First-Team All-American, Nagurski and Bednarik award winner, and the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, led the Owls to their first win over Penn State since 1941 and kept the Notre Dame offense in check including an INT near his goal line in a hard fought loss when we saw him play this year. We think he’s going to make a name for himself at the next level. Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey had a good game against Syracuse when we saw the ‘Noles win up at The Carrier Dome last season. CB Desmond King starred for the much improved Iowa Hawkeyes this year, but when we saw his team play Tennessee in the Taxslayer Bowl last season, well, we couldn’t say that we were impressed by anyone on the Hawkeye team, but things changed this year evidently. Jeremy Cash, Safety at Duke, played in the Blue Devils’ drubbing of Army, 44-3, that we attended this season. We certainly got to see a great cross section of All-American talent this season at West Point…South Florida opened the bowl season among all the teams we saw play this season and got handed a 45-35 defeat against Western Kentucky (11-2) to finish 8-5. We’re looking forward to seeing probably the best bowl matchup (on TV) among the non-Power Five conferences on Tuesday night when Temple and Toledo meet in the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl. Don’t miss this one. Watch Matakevitch if you haven’t seen the Owls play this year. Junior RB Jahad Thomas is a key cog in the Owl running game…

The Owls swarmed the Lions defensively from the second period on when the defeated PSU for the first time in 74 years.

The Owls swarmed the Lions defensively from the second period on when they defeated PSU for the first time in 74 years.

Shepherd University fell to Northwest Missouri State in the D2 championship game, 35-7, nixing our chance to have seen two national championship teams this season. We had an eye out on this game for a while at a dinner in New York City at a restaurant on Eighth Avenue called the “Houndstooth Pub”. Auburn grad Carlie Miller who joined us was a little perplexed that it may be the fall Saturday hangout for local Crimson Tide alum. But no proof of that. Great food and service… We think Rutgers new head Coach Chris Ash is going to learn quickly that the media in the New York –New Jersey metropolitan area is going to be completely different than what he’s anticipated based on his limited experience as a HC and what he’s seen his former mentor, Urban Meyer, tolerate. The pressure pot is brewing already. The Newark Star Ledger alone has three beat writers covering Rutgers football every day, and they won’t be playing again until September 3 (at Washington). Ash is still coaching the Ohio State defense going into the Battle Frog (?) Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame while hiring his new staff, recruiting players, wooing New Jersey high school football coaches, moving his young family, and just getting the lay of the land while back and forth to Columbus and then on to Arizona for New Year’s Day. With no current Jersey connections and recruiting against the likes of Jim Harbaugh (who’s got four top Jersey schoolboy commitments already), Urban Meyer, James Franklin, Mark D’Antoni , and Matt Rhule of Temple (seriously) who has a roster full of Jersey and Pennsylvania kids, among others, he’s not only got his work cut out for him, but people in good old NJ are going to want to see results quickly. For 35 years since RU joined the ranks of the majors, people have said, “If Rutgers could keep all the best players in New Jersey coming to Rutgers, we’ll have a great team.” It hasn’t happened. Greg Schiano (former RU HC and Ash’s replacement to be at Ohio State as defensive coordinator) came closest in 2007. Even students not playing sports from New Jersey want to go someplace else to live and learn for four years. With a new head coach with no head coaching experience and a new AD with no football background (Chris Hobbs from Seton Hall), I don’t see much improvement coming to RU’s football program any time soon. The press is playing nice now, but if the results don’t come fast and furiously to compete among the Big Ten mainstays, they and the fans will all be asking why not. I already know the answers…

Rutgers played without suspended HC Kyle Flood against Michigan State and played a close game, losing 31-24.

Rutgers played without suspended HC Kyle Flood against Michigan State and played a close game, losing 31-24.

Mount Union returned to the Top of D3 for the 12th time after two years as runner-up. In the semifinal, they defeated six time champ and nemesis Wisconsin-Whitewater, 36-6. In the final, they defeated St. Thomas of Minnesota, 49-35. Congratulations to HC Vince Kehres and the Purple Raiders (15-0) who will most likely be in the D-3 hunt again next season…Former UW-Whitewater HC Lance Leipold, winner of six D-3 national championships there, finished his first season at Buffalo with a 5-7 record, 3-5 in the MAC. Not bad for a guy who had no time to recruit on the short notice he had to make things happen in upstate New York. Especially for a guy whose entire roster at UWW came primarily from just the “Cheesehead” state. We now look forward to what he can do more than ever. With more opportunity for recruiting and more offseason coaching to be done from his side, he’ll put the Bulls in the thick of the MAC race in short period of time. He had a good win over Ohio U, 41-7, and some tough losses against some solid conference foes like Bowling Green and Northern Illinois. His team was beaten the worst by Central Michigan. Overall, it shows that he prepares his team well and can coach a team effectively during a game. I think he’s going to do well here at UB and end up with something even more significant later on where his program to be will be challenging for the FBS championship.

We can't believe how the Iowa Hawkeyes improved so much after one season. They had no speed when we saw Tennessee crush them in last season's TaxSlayer Bowl.

We can’t believe how the Iowa Hawkeyes improved so much after one season. They had no speed when we saw Tennessee crush them in last season’s TaxSlayer Bowl.

Steveo’s Salvos – December 16, 2015

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Usually I start off this time of year telling readers the teams I saw during the season that made it to a bowl game. A bowl invitation used to be a reward for a team having a winning season. Now, that’s not even a prerequisite. I saw 19 different FBS teams play this season, several multiple times. Only six teams are not going to bowl games – Rutgers, Army, Old Dominion, Charlotte (first year in FBS), Georgia Tech, and Colorado. Rutgers was even under consideration before it lost to 2-9 Maryland in its finale to finish 4-8. Ridiculous! It’s not about the teams, the players, the fans, tradition, winning, pride, fun, rewards for a mediocre season, or anything worth putting the time and effort aside from maybe some extra practice to keep up with the winning teams. It’s all and only about selling TV commercials to fill in air time to compete with 500 other stations that have nothing else on worth watching. I used to watch all the bowl games. Now for most of them, I could care less. And this is coming from a guy who enjoyed going to see 0-6 Louisiana-Monroe defeat 0-6 Louisiana-Lafayette back in 2006, 45-42. Granted, it turned out to be a surprisingly exciting game, but I know that game wasn’t televised. Now, it’s a prime timer that will be stretched out 210 minutes until the next clunker comes on to where it’s getting to the point that attending is getting so painful. I might eventually only go to any game at any level only if it’s not televised. I don’t understand how many Geico commercials can one person watch over three and a half hours? I’m very happy with my car insurance and they never do TV commercials. I get a rebate for being a good driver who puts lot of miles on my car driving to games. Probably crushed a few geckos along the way that crawl across the road at night when I couldn’t see them…

Of the six non-bowl teams we attended this year, four played against each other. We saw ODU beat Charlotte above. The other such game was between Army and Rutgers. At least we saw them in competitive games.

Of the six non-bowl teams we watched play this year, four played against each other. We saw ODU beat Charlotte above, 37-34. The other such game was between Army and Rutgers. At least we saw them in competitive games.

Some observations of teams in bowls who we saw play this year (underlined): one of the best bowl matchups – Temple vs. Toledo. Owls are up and coming. Toledo has been rising the last few years. We expect his to be a good game between two well-coached teams; our friend Tom Ables met us for his 761st San Diego State game when his Aztecs ventured out this season to play Penn State. It was the last game they lost this season before running the table in nine straight games since including the Mountain West Championship over Air Force, 27-24. Tom will attend his alma mater’s 772nd game when his Aztecs travel to the Hawaii Bowl to take on Cincinnati. Since 1946, Tom has only missed two SDSU games. Ironically, one was at Hawaii early on because he couldn’t afford to go;  Duke vs. Indiana in the Pinstripe bowl at Yankee stadium. Usually during the Christmas season, if you saw these two schools playing in New York City, it was in a basketball game at the Holiday Festival in Madison Square Garden. Will they draw as many fans? ; We’ll be at Navy (10-2) vs. Pitt (8-4) in the Military Bowl in Annapolis on December 28, another good game. Of Pitt’s four losses, three were to Top 10 teams- North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Iowa. Under first-year HC Pat Narduzzi who came from Michigan State where he was defensive coordinator, the Mids’ offense will have its work cut out for them as the Panthers have three weeks to prepare for the triple-option…Air Force plays California in the Armed Forces Services bowl. We saw this exact same matchup in the same bowl in 2007. Cal won in a game down to the wire, 42-36. It was HC Troy Calhoun’s first season there. He’s still there.; Southern Cal vs. Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl. Some people earmarked these two to be playing against one another in the Rose Bowl; Michigan State plays Alabama in the College Football Playoff in the Cotton Bowl. We are two for two seeing at least one team during the regular season make it to the CFP. Last year, we saw two – eventual National Champ Ohio State and Florida State; Ohio State and Notre Dame meet one another in the Fiesta Bowl. We saw the Irish win at the Music City a year ago in a last second 31-28 thriller over LSU and Leonard Fournette. However, on the big stage, the Irish usually don’t play so well. We were at the Orange Bowl for the BCS Championship the lost to Alabama, 42-14, in 2013. I may miss this game as I plan to be out the Outback. Both games start at 1 pm…

The Irish and the Temple Owls both fought their way to very competitive bowl games both against teams from Ohio.

The Irish and the Temple Owls both fought their way to very competitive bowl games both against teams from Ohio.

Of the four bowls we’ll be attending, I’ll see only one team we’ve already seen play this year, Navy. So by the end of the season, we’ll have seen 29 FBS teams compete this year…Among those new teams will be Northwestern. Last season, I finished the season seeing the team they will play, Tennessee, wallop Iowa in the TaxSlayer bowl, 45-28 (45-7 at one point). I only bring this up because the Big Ten announced its All-Conference team today. This amazes me: of the 25 players named to the first team, we saw seventeen of these players compete since the TaxSlayer played on January 2 of this year. When we see Northwestern at the Outback, LB Anthony Walker will be the 18th among these players we will see. It helps that the majority of the players are from Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, and Penn State of whom we all saw play this year. I don’t think we ever came close to doing something like this…

WR Aaron Burbridge (16) of Michigan State had nine receptions among his 80 against Rutgers to be named First TEam Big Ten.

WR Aaron Burbridge (16) of Michigan State had nine receptions against Rutgers  among his 80 for the season to be named First Team Big Ten.

At the end of this season, we may be able to say we saw the FBS National Champion play again this year. If Michigan State knocks off Alabama in the CFP Cotton Bowl, it’s definite. That’s because we will be seeing the Spartans play the winner between Clemson and Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl…However, we may be able to way that we saw a National Champion play after this weekend. That is because Shepherd U. whom we saw defeat Slippery Rock in the D-2 quarterfinals, won the semi-finals beating Grand Valley State. This Saturday, the Rams (13-0) will play the NW Missouri Bearcats (14-0) in Kansas City’s Sporting Park for the D-2 National Championship. NW Mizzou won it all two seasons ago. They also won it in 2009. This will be their ninth trip to the finals. Shepherd will have a tough task ahead of them, and we’re rooting for them so we can say we’ve seen two of the four NCAA national champs play this year. We thought about Friday night’s D-3 championship in Salem , Virginia when Mount Union and St. Thomas of Minnesota square off. The two purple D-3 teams should be fun to watch, but our son Eric is home on leave from the Navy, and we’re going to hang close to home this weekend before Christmas. What the heck, we got four games planned after he goes back…

Shepherd carries its colors to the D-2 national Championship against NW Missouri State this Saturday.

Shepherd carries its colors to the D-2 National Championship against NW Missouri State this Saturday.

Speaking of Slippery Rock, a week after the loss to Shepherd, SRU HC Georg Mihalik announced his retirement after 44 years at the The Rock, the last 28 as head coach finishing with a 197-110-4 record. His teams won eight PSAC West titles and moved on to the playoffs six times including the last three years. His teams had been one of the tops academically in the PSAC over the years. He was one of few coaches that got to coach in a stadium named for him. On September 8, 2011, SRU’s stadium was renamed “Mihalik-Thompson Stadium” in his honor. He will be missed at The Rock, but he’s given the school many great years of service and exemplified a lot of class while doing it….Looking at next year’s schedules among the FBS, we’re impressed by Independent BYU’s slate: Home- UCLA, Toledo, Mississippi State; Away – Arizona, Utah, WVU (at Landover, MD), Michigan State, Boise, and Cincinnati. However, they are still looking for a coach to lead them against this group. Bronco Mendenhall left BYU to take over at Virginia. HC Ken Niumatatolo of Navy was their first choice but turned them down (thankfully as far as we are concerned). Despite his son playing LB for the Cougars, he admits he loves the Naval Academy. It shows. We hope he keeps winning there for a long time.

Navy and CFF.com are very happy that HC Ken Niumatalolo will be staying in Annapolis to lead the Mids to many more winning seasons.

Navy and CFF.com are very happy that HC Ken Niumatalolo will be staying in Annapolis to lead the Mids to many more winning seasons.

 

 

Game #503: Navy halts Army late to win 21-17 for 14th consecutive win in 116th game of rivalry

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Navy Blue Angels pre-game flyover.

Navy Blue Angels pre-game flyover before kickoff at the 116th Army-Navy game.

Philadelphia – The No. 21 Midshipman of Navy (10-2) overcame a spirited, well-prepared Army underdog and kept them from scoring the entire second half to take the lead and won their 14th game in a row of this annual rivalry dating back to 1890, 21-17. Navy senior QB Keenan Reynolds ran for two TDs and threw for the third while Army freshman QB Chris Carter (9 of 15 completions for 208 yards, 1 TD/ 1 INT) gives hope to Army’s future. Army’s defense held Navy to 199 yards rushing. The Mids are the third top rushing offense in the nation averaging 319.2 yards per game. For both teams and for collegefootballfan.com, this was the final regular season game of 2015. Navy and CFF.com will both continue on to bowl games. Played in Philadelphia on the second weekend of December when and where we’ve endured sub-freezing temperatures over the years, the unseasonable 60 degree temperatures made the game feel more like the start of the college football season rather than the very end.

Unbelievable tailgating in Philadelphia in the middle of December!

Unbelievable tailgating weather in Philadelphia in the middle of December!

With three weeks to prepare against an offense, the triple option, the Cadets are very familiar with running it themselves; they forced Navy to punt after its first possession from their 47. A 21-yard return started Army from its 40 and they drove to score on Dan Grochkowski’s 32-yard field goal to put Army on the scoreboard first, 3-0. Navy flexed its offensive muscle on its next series. Reynolds (21 carries for 136 yards and 2 TDS; 6 for 14 passing for 113 yards and 1 TD) broke loose on the second play from scrimmage around the right side and dashed 58 yards for a 7-3 USNA lead. Army showed they came to win despite being a heavy underdog.   Seven plays of an 82-yard drive were finished off by Tyler Campbell’s 29-yard TD run before the first period came to an end. The game seemed to be shaping up as a high –scoring affair if the defenses did not catch up.

Army limited Navy's triple option to 199 yards on the ground.

Army limited Navy to 199 yards on the ground with stops for short gains like this.

Reynolds’s run of 36 yards set up his one-yard TD run not only to give the Mids the lead once again, 14-10, but it marked the 85th rushing touchdown of his career, the most for any player in the history of FBS/FCS football. Later in the second, Army retook the lead with 2:08 left as Carter connected with WR Edgar Poe for a 39-yard TD pass. The half ended with the 23-point underdog unexpectedly ahead, 17-14. The Secretary of Defense switched from the Navy to the Army side in the tradition of supporting both armed services during this historic rivalry.

Keenan Reynolds puts navy in the lead and his name in the record book with his 85th rushing touchdown of his career.

Keenan Reynolds (19) puts Navy in the lead and his name in the record book with his 85th rushing touchdown of his career.

Guest Game Analyst Frank Scarpa and I attended the Third Annual Army-Navy Boxing Classic the night before held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Both squads each won four bouts to end in a tie. Navy’s two women boxers won their bouts. No knockouts, but a lot of punches thrown throughout the evening. It was entertaining and the Army contingent cheered loudly echoing through the center loudly to beat Navy at something. The Mids won the first four bouts and the Cadets came back to win the last four. We definitely plan to do it again if held the evening before next year’s football game. This evening we finished up at the Philly Sports Bar and Diner in Runnemede, NJ close to our hotel. About six hours later, we were back for breakfast. On the way to our 10 am tailgate start, Frank and I stopped in south Philly to pick up four Philly Cheese Steaks from Geno’s, a South Philly original, to share with our fellow tailgaters partying at Lot N at The Linc. We met up with Brian and Dan Donnelly, Brian’s girlfriend Laurie, and their sister Eileen along with many other friends of theirs we met in recent years at previous Army-Navy games. It was difficult to recognize many at first without parkas, heavy coats, and hoods over their heads. An hour later, everyone was basically down to t-shirts on this very warm December Saturday. Brian was grilling hot wings with Old Bay spice on the grill, a Maryland staple. Eileen brought her “cheesey” potatoes. Dan brought extra additions for the Bloody Mary’s we were all mixing. The general consensus seems to be that everyone is using Tito’s Vodka now. Dino made a venison chili with the meat off the first deer his son ever got this hunting season. It was great feast shared by everyone, Army and Navy fans alike. Mike from Bergenfield, NJ brings his kids and nephew every year now as an annual family tradition. We met one of Dan’s fellow Frostburg State alum from Garrett County, Maryland introduced to me as “Shockey”. I asked him Northern or Southern High? One of my Juniata friends, Dave “Poindexter” Bender lives and teaches out there. Of course Frank Scarpa went into shock once again how I can meet so many people who are friends of friends from a college of 1,200 students. We also had the honor of meeting two Marine pilots attached to the air wing performing the pre-game flyover before the game. Frank and I even had time to fire the football around for a while. Our friend Joe Rogers of the College Football Bowl report showed up, first time we got together this year since last year’s Music City Bowl. Next year, we hope to be attending the 117th edition of Army-Navy when held in Baltimore again.

Midshipmen and Cadet sideboys salute Secretary of defense Ashton B. Carter and his wife as they switch sidelines during the traditional ceremony at halftime.

Midshipmen and Cadet sideboys salute Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter and his wife as they switch sidelines during the traditional ceremony at halftime.

The third period started with both defenses dominating and forcing punts. Reynolds, who finished fifth in the Heisman voting announced later that evening, threw a 50-yard TD pass late in the third to WR Jamar Tillman (5 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD). The period ended with the Mids in the lead, 21-17. As the final period approached, the Black Knight offense was on the move.

The Navy defense bent but it didn't break during the second half of play as the Mids shut out army's offense.

The Navy defense bent but it didn’t break during the second half of play as the Mids shut out Army’s offense.

Army drove to the Navy twelve, but it ended with a FG attempt wide left. Once again though, Army halted Navy’s vaunted offense to force a punt. Carter’s pass to DeAndre Bell went 39 yards to the Navy 33, but on the next play Carter fumbled and Navy LB Ted Colburn recovered. Army forced another punt after stopping Reynolds on two consecutive carries for no gains. After a touchback, Carter attempted a sideline pass, but FS Lorentez Barbour picked it off at the 44. Army held again and took over from the 20 with one time-out left. The Cadets moved to Navy’s 29, but an end around option pass by Bell was intercepted by S Daiquan Thomasson at the Navy three thwarting another Black Knight threat. Navy was forced to punt again, but time was eroding. Army took over with eleven seconds left. Two incompletions later, Navy won for the 14th time in a row to finish 10-2, tying the USNA record for its most wins in one season. The Mids also won back the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for 2015 having defeated both Air Force and Army this season.  The traditional celebration was on. The teams gathered on the field for their respective alma maters, and for the 14th straight year and the 60th time since 1890, “Navy Blue and Gold” was sung second. Keenan Reynolds became the first QB in the 116-game series to go 4-0 as starting QB, a record that will never be exceeded in the record books of this classic rivalry.

"Now colleges from sea to sea..."

“Now colleges from sea to sea…”

Army finished its season at 2-10 with wins over Eastern Michigan and Bucknell. Six losses were by a touchdown or less. The three weeks of prepping for this game and working with frosh QB Chris Carter may make Jeff Moncken’s third year as Head Coach in 2016 the charm. We’ll be watching. We hope to see the Black Knights play at least once next season before Navy in Baltimore. No. 21 Navy will meet Pitt (8-4) in the Military Bowl to be held in the friendly confines of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. For collegefootballfan.com, it will be the fourth time we will see the Mids and the Panthers square off. The first was in 1974 when Pitt came to Annapolis with sophomore RB Tony Dorsett and took home a hard-fought 13-11 win. In 2007 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on a Thursday night, the Mids upended the Panthers, 48-45, in 2 OTs. And in 2013, we saw Reynolds and company top Pitt, 24-21, in Annapolis. All three games were won by three points or less. This game should be similar as Pitt probably has been working to stop the option since their last game lost to Miami (F.) on November 21. Their other three losses were to Iowa, North Carolina, and Notre Dame who had only five losses among them and all ranked in the Top Ten. For CFF.com, the Military Bowl will be our first of for bowls followed by the Russell Athletic (Dec. 29, UNC vs. Baylor), Orange Bowl CFP (Dec. 31, Clemson vs. Oklahoma), and Outback Bowl (Jan. 1, Northwestern vs. Tennessee). Happy Bowl Season!

Army Apache Helicopter pre-game flyover.

Army Apache Helicopters pre-game flyover.

 

 

Army-Navy weekend- Game #503

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Collegefootballfan.om travels to Philly this weekend for the 116th football game between Army and Navy. This is the officially the final regular season game in college football in 2015.  The Midshipman lead this series 59-49-7 and the No. 21 Navy football team (9-2, 7-1 in the AAC) will be playing for its 14th straight win over its archrival.  Army enters this game a big underdog with a 2-9 record. This will be the 11th Army-Navy football game Collegefootballfan.com has attended since 1972.  In addition this year, on Friday night we will attend the seven-bout Army-Navy boxing match to be held at The Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.  Army leads this series now, 2-0.  Tailgating will start early on Saturday morning.  Click here at around 9:45 am to hear us live on “Spadora on Sports” on WNER 1430 in Watertown, NY with our favorite sports jock, Pete Spadora.

Collegefootballfan.com has seen Army lose two games at West Point this season to Duke (44-3) and to Rutgers (31-21),  when we attended our 500th college football game since 1979.  We went to Annapolis this year to see the Mids win two games as they defeated Air Force (31-11) and South Florida (29-17). A win by Navy over Army wins the Mids the cherished Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for supremacy in football among the three major service academies.

Senior Navy QB Keenan Reynolds plays in his final regular season game before he goes into the Navy next year as an Information Warfare officer. His 64 career touchdowns are the most in school history and the most by a quarterback in NCAA history. Collegefootballfan.com will see Reynolds and the Mids play one more game when  they will face the Pitt Panthers in the Military Bowl to be held in Annapolis on Monday, December 28 at 2:30 pm. Here are some pictures taken at this season games held at West Point and in Annapolis.

Flyovers were cancelled, but the tradition of Navy and Air Force exchanging "prisoners" (exchange students) was not affected by the weather.

Flyovers were cancelled, but the tradition of Navy and Air Force exchanging “prisoners” (exchange students) was not affected by the weather.

 

Navy defense stops Air Force on a fourth and goal at the one in the first period.

Navy defense stops Air Force on a fourth and goal at the one in the first period.

Army's offense started deep in its own territory on its first two possessions.

Army’s offense started deep in its own territory on its first two possessions.

That's not a block attempt of Dan Grochowski's 22-yard FG by "The 50-foot Woman" of '50's movie fame. That's one of many fans who blocked our sight line watching today's game!

That’s not a block attempt of Dan Grochowski’s 22-yard FG by “The 50-foot Woman” of ’50’s movie fame. That’s one of many fans who blocked our sight line watching today’s game!

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

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

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

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

Cadet 2nd class Matthew McKee of Kansas City met with me and Bob Jones during the second half. Bob worked with Matt's father in the past and he came by to say hello. He is considering the Infantry as his service when he makes his choice his First Class (senior) year.

Cadet 2nd class Matthew McKee of Kansas City met with me and Bob Jones during the second half. Bob worked with Matt’s father in the past and he came by to say hello. He is considering the Infantry as his service when he makes his choice his First Class (senior) year.

Army QB Chris Carter held to a short gain by RU defense.

Army QB Chris Carter held to a short gain by RU defense.

Game 502: Slippery Rock at Shepherd

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Shepherd Rams advance to D2 semi-finals with 28-16 win over Slippery Rock

Shepherdtown, WV – The Shepherd University Rams (12-0) used a balanced offensive attack and outgained Slippery Rock 352 yards to 320 total yards, and applied a high-pressure defensive rush to defeat The Pride in the quarterfinals of the D2 playoffs, 28-16. The Rams now move on to the National semi-finals.  QB Jeff Ziemba of the Rams threw two TD passes and RB Allen Cross scored two touchdowns on the ground while DT Elijah Norris recorded three of the Rams’ seven sacks to key the victory to now host Grand Valley State of Michigan next weekend.   It was a balmy, unseasonably nice December Saturday for Collegefootballfan.com to enjoy this playoff game with SRU alum Bob Jones and Dan’s Tailgate Blog “reporter” Brian Donnelly.

Slippery Rock QB Dante Nania scrambles out of the pocket against the Shepherd Ram defense that sacked him seven times.

Slippery Rock QB Dante Nania scrambles out of the pocket against the Shepherd Ram defense that sacked him seven times.

The visiting Rock, who demonstrated a good following filled the visitors stands at Ram Stadium, started the scoring with a two-yard run through the middle by RB Shamar Greene on a fourth and two in the first to a take a 7-0 lead. Their next possession terminated in a 41-yard blocked FG attempt.  The Rams could not capitalize on that though either as their following series resulted in a missed 43-yard FG.  The defenses dominated early against offenses averaging 45.2 points per game (SRU) and 40.3 ppg (Shepherd).

In the second period, The Rock started to drive but a long pass attempt was intercepted by the Rams’ DB Keon Johnson who went to the ground on his own one-yard line. “A good punt!” noted some Slippery Rock fans we sat amongst.  Not so fast!  The Rams drove the length of the field. At The Rock 16, Ziemba (15 for 26 passing, 255 yards, two TDs, one INT) threw a pass to the left pylon where WR Tony Squirewell made a diving grab for the tying touchdown.  The defenses continued to keep the offenses in check for the rest of the half, and the teams retired to the intermission with the score knotted at 7-7, much lower than the high-scoring, offensively dominated battle we were anticipating.

The Rams' Keon Robinson positions himself to make an interception at his one-yard line.

The Rams’ Keon Robinson positions himself to make an interception at his one-yard line.

For Bob, it was his first SRU game in quite a while.  Before kickoff in the bleachers among the Slippery Rock faithful, he met a fellow alum from his graduating class of ’83.  When Bob introduced himself, he made mention that when he was a student there that he was the SRU mascot, “Rocky the Rock.” Undoubtedly impressed, his classmate insisted on having a few photos taken.  Bob is currently having discussions with the Slippery Rock administration to bring back “Rocky” in some form.  Currently the Rock teams are referred to as “The Pride”, and it uses a Lion as its mascot, but Bob and his fellow alum point out that there is already a Lion mascot in the state of Pennsylvania and that to bring back Rocky as their mascot would be appropriate and unique.  Bob still has the original mascot outfit and he is planning on a way to re-present it back to the school.  He came up with the mascot idea while he was a student, and with the help of his Mother, they designed and created it after his idea was initiated in a conversation with his late father.  Bob told me the story of an incident when he walked to a Slippery Rock game on campus in the outfit when he suddenly heard some yelling from the SRU student section before its game against it prime rival, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He didn’t know it until he turned around to see that he was being snuck up upon by some IUP students when suddenly, Slippery Rock All-American DE Jack Muller had broken rank from among his teammates and chased Rocky’s would be attackers away.  Muller told his cherished mascot to follow him, and he led him to the bench along the sideline where “Rocky” took his rightful place by his team along the sideline before the game.

The Shepherd University Marching Band performs its Christmas show for our halftime entertainment.

The Shepherd University Marching Band performs its Christmas show for our halftime entertainment.

The Rock defense tipped a Ziemba pass on the first drive of the third period and LB Bob Vernick picked it off to give the offense possession at Shepherd’s 45, but the Rams forced a punt at the 46 and took over from its 26. Ziemba connected with his WR Billy Brown on a crossing pattern over the middle for a short pass before the big TE broke a tackle and streaked 74 yards for the Rams’ second score. The PAT was missed and the 13-7 lead remained intact.  It got worse for The Rock, however.   Its next drive started from the 11, and there the ball was recovered by Robinson for his second turnover of the game.  Cross (13 carries for 82 yards, two TDs) went right up the middle for a quick score.  Another missed PAT put Shepherd up, 19-7.  Later in the period, Cross finished off another Ram scoring drive with a 27-yard TD run. This time, the two-point conversion was stopped by The Rock defense.  There still seemed to be some hope though for the visitors with 5:15 left in the third. It felt like their high-powered offense despite missing RB Julian Durden who was sidelined with a leg injury would start cranking and take advantage of the missed Ram extra point conversions trailing, 25-7. Things began to swing that way when QB Dante Sania (27 for 53, 253 yards, one TD, one INT) completed consecutive passes down the left sideline to LeRoy McClain for 39 yards and then to Marcus Johnson for 32 before connecting on a nine-yard bench pattern to the right pylon with WR Jaimre Dutrieulle (10 catches, 61 yards, one TD) on a diving snare to cut the score to 25-14.   A punt by SRU put the Rams back on their one.  Instead of a second 99-yard scoring drive, this possession ended differently. Ziemba took a step back and turned to make a quick handoff, but no RB was within reach.  He was tackled for a safety. The Rock closed the gap to 25-16 and was getting the ball back.   Dutrieulle returned the kick to the Shepherd 44 before the game entered its final period.

LB Bob Vernick (52) comes up with the interception for The Rock early in the third period.

LB Bob Vernick (52) comes up with the interception for The Rock early in the third period.

Once again, the Ram D stopped a drive and forced a punt.  Neither team moved the ball effectively on their ensuing possessions.  SRU punted again from its 47.  Robinson fielded the punt, broke several tackles, to get into the clear to go one on one against Rock punter Andrew Huska.  Huska took a few steps back but then somehow managed to wrap his arms around Robinson’s shoulders to bring him down at the 15. It could have been a game-saver for Slippery Rock had they been able to get back into the end zone again.  Three plays later, Shepherd settled for a 27-yard FG.  With 8:47 left on the game clock, Shepherd led, 28-16. The Rock still seemed to be within striking distance.   They started next deep from their 15, but an eight-yard sack by Shanell Jenkins forced a punt once again.   The Rock could not generate any necessary offense to mount a comeback as the Shepherd defense remained unyielding to preserve the score and advance the home team to the Division 2 semi-finals.   Congratulations are also in order to Shepherd HC Monte Cater in his 29th season leading the Rams’ football program. His 250th win this day includes victories won at both Shepherd and at Lakeland College of Wisconsin.

Billy Crocker rambles 74 yards for a score against The Rock.

Billy Crocker rambles 74 yards for a score against The Rock.

Shepherd hosts Grand Valley State of Michigan next Saturday. GVSU soundly defeated defending D2 champ Colorado State-Puebla, 31-7.  The other bracket has NW Missouri hosting West Georgia. Collegefootballfan.com will attend the final regular season game of the college football season when No. 21 Navy plays Army in Philadelphia. The Mids will be going for their 14th straight win over Army and for CFF.com, it will be our 11th time in attendance at this great rivalry.  We are not sure what we will do the following weekend, if anything, depending on FCS matchups or the possibility of attending the D-3 national championship game in Salem, Virginia. We do know this about that one, however. It won’t be Mount Union against Wisconsin-Whitewater this year because the two will be playing one another in the semi-final game this weekend.  The other semi will be between Linfield of Oregon and St. Thomas of Minnesota.  We also know who we will now be seeing in the Military Bowl (Navy vs. Pitt) and the Russell Athletic (UNC vs. Baylor). We are still deciding between the Citrus (Michigan vs. Florida) and the Outback (Northwestern vs. Tennessee). We do know that we will be seeing No. 1 seed Clemson playing No. 4 Oklahoma in the CFP semi-final at the Orange Bowl!  We love college football.

Brian Donnelly of Dan's Tailgate blog, SRU alum Bob "Rocky" Jones, and yours truly attending D-2 playoff action at Shepherd's Ram Stadium.

Brian Donnelly of Dan’s Tailgate blog, SRU alum Bob “Rocky” Jones, and yours truly attending D-2 playoff action at Shepherd’s Ram Stadium.