Code Orange

Update 3:36 PM

It’s finally over: Wisconsin defeats Michigan 37-21.  Luckily for Michigan, they can still win the Big Ten with a victory over Ohio State next week.

Finals:

North Carolina State 31, North Carolina 27 (UNC now bowl ineligible)
South Florida 41, Syracuse 10
Michigan State 48, Purdue 31 (Michigan State bowl eligible)

Update 3:28 PM

I think we can pretty much put the curtain down in Madison as Wisconsin stops Michigan on 4th down on their own 2 yard line.

Finals:

Clemson 44, Wake Forest 10

Update 3:22 PM

Wisconsin intercepts Michigan and goes down and starts putting nails in the coffin by scoring a touchdown. The Badgers now lead 30-21 with 3:35 to go.

Finals:

Iowa 21, Minnesota 16 (Iowa now bowl eligible)
Northwestern 31, Indiana 28 (Northwestern bowl eligible)

Update 3:15 PM

Michigan stops Wisconsin on 3rd and 13 on the Michigan 48 yard line with 5:52 to go. The Wolverines will try to come back and have a game-winning drive. They only need a field goal to take the lead.
Update 3:07 PM

Michigan is making a comeback now in Madison, as they now close to within 23-21 of Wisconsin with 7:43 to go in the game.

Also, Mississippi State leads Alabama 17-9 early in the 4th quarter.

Finals:

Penn State 31, Temple 0 (Temple now bowl ineligible)

Update 2:51 PM

It’s gotten ugly down in Clemson where the Tigers now lead Wake Forest 37-10 early in the 4th. Meanwhile, Michigan is desperately trying to stay in their game, down 23-14 to Wisconsin, also early in the 4th quarter.

Elsewhere, Nebraska is handing out the blowout this week against Kansas State as they lead 38-10.

Update 1:29 PM

South Florida appears to be making short work of Syracuse, now up 17-0. Michigan State/Purdue is also turning into a shootout, with those two tied at 21 with still 3 minutes to go until halftime.

Meanwhile, Michigan is having problems with Wisconsin, now down to the Badgers 17-7.

Clemson is also telling everyone that they’re not done in the ACC yet either, beating up Wake Forest 24-7.

12:54 PM

No, I’m not dead - just got busy for a week or two, but now I’m back. In any case, let’s start blogging this weekend’s games.

Amazingly, given how good South Florida has been, today’s South Florida/Syracuse game is a game between the Big East’s two bottom teams (this is the 2nd straight week Syracuse has played in such a game) with both teams having only 1 conference win. South Florida is out of the Big East title race, but they can at least start making their way back up the standings with a win. They currently lead Syracuse 7-0.

UNC vs. North Carolina State has pretty much no impact on the ACC race, but UNC needs a win to prevent itself from becoming bowl ineligible, while North Carolina State wants to win to not put themselves on the same bubble. Currently N. C. State leads that game 10-0.

Clemson and Wake Forest are also battling for sole possession of 2nd place in the ACC Atlantic Division. A Clemson win here would effectively set up an ACC Atlantic championship game between themselves and Boston College on November 17th. Clemson currently leads 10-7.

Iowa can finally get bowl eligible (amazingly enough) with a win over Minnesota. Iowa currently leads 14-0. The same is true if Michigan defeats Purdue. Michigan State currently leads that game 7-6. Ditto for Northwestern defeating Indiana, but the Hoosiers currently lead 14-3.

Of course, one of two game-of-the-weeks are going on in the Big Ten as well, where Wisconsin currently leads Michigan 7-0.

In the SEC, Tennessee tries to clear out their final SEC West opponent in Arkansas in their attempt to win the SEC Eastern division.

In the Big 12, Kansas State can gain bowl eligibility if they defeat Nebraska, while Nebraska needs a win to avoid becoming bowl ineligible. That game is currently scoreless. Missouri needs a win over Texas A&M in order to keep within a game of Kansas in the Northern division. The Tigers currently lead that game 7-0.

Update Late

Hawaii takes care of New Mexico State 50-13.

Update 1:52 AM

Arizona State puts away California, winning 31-20. That sets up a huge game between the Sun Devils and Oregon, who beat USC today, next week.

Update 1:35 AM

It’s been all Arizona State in the 2nd half as they take a 31-20 lead on California with 7:07 to go.

Meanwhile, Hawaii leads New Mexico state 23-3 at halftime.

Finals:

Houston 34, UTEP 31

Update 12:45 AM

Arizona State takes their first lead of the game 21-20 in the 3rd quarter. Meanwhile, Hawaii is now up 13-0 on New Mexico State.

Update 12:13 AM

Hawaii strikes quickly as they go up on New Mexico State 6-0, missing the PAT.

Update 11:37 PM

Arizona State responds to California’s touchdown and now it’s 20-14 California nearing halftime.

Update 11:30 PM

South Carolina misses a field goal in overtime, and Tennessee survives against South Carolina after blowing a 21-0 lead, and go on to win 27-24. Tennessee now controls their own destiny in the SEC East.

Update 11:25 PM

Tennessee can only muster a field goal in the first half of overtime, but they do now lead 27-24. Now it’s South Carolina’s turn.

Finals:

Florida State 25, Duke 6

Update 11:20 PM

California picks up another touchdown and now leads Arizona State 20-7.

Update 11:16 PM

Tennessee drives down the field, but then gets a 9 yard sack, then a false start penalty, turning a 34 yard field goal into a 48 yard field goal, but Tennessee still hits it to make the game 24-24 and going into overtime.

Update 11:07 PM

Ohio State finally finishes off Penn State 37-17.

Meanwhile, Tennessee gets a 37 yard kickoff return to start their drive near mid-field.

Update 11:04 PM

Arizona State finally gets on the board, and California leads 13-7.

Meanwhile, South Carolina hits a 49 yard field goal with 1:24 to go to take a 24-21 lead on Tennessee after Tennessee lead 21-0.

Update 10:38 PM

Tennessee starts to crumble as South Carolina ties the game at 21. South Carolina now has the ball again and is driving with just over 7 minutes to go.

Meanwhile, Ohio State now leads 27-10. Also, Kansas finishes off Texas A&M 19-11. Cal also leads Arizona State 10-0.

Finals:

Troy 27, Arkansas State 0
Middle Tennessee 48, North Texas 28

Update 10:11 PM

Penn State’s supposedly good defense gives up another touchdown and Ohio State goes up 24-7. Every Ohio State drive except one that ended in an interception and one that ended the 1st half have resulted in points.

Meanwhile, the Kansas kicker just missed his third field goal of the night, but the Jayhawks still lead Texas A&M 19-3 late in the 4th quarter.

Finals:

Western Kentucky 50, North Carolina Central 14

Update 10:05 PM

It’s not over yet in Knoxville. Tennessee jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but South Carolina has come back and has made it 21-14 late in the 3rd quarter.

Finals:

Toledo 70, Northern Illinois 21
Washington State 27, UCLA 7

Update 9:46 PM

Kansas continues to run their engines in the 2nd half, now going up 19-0 in the 4th quarter.

Finals:

Oregon State 23, Stanford 6
Ohio 38, Bowling Green 27

Update 9:10 PM

Kansas gets their engine going and now goes up 10-0 on Texas A&M

Final:

Auburn 17, Mississippi 3

Update 8:56 PM

Kansas finally strikes first and leads Texas A&M 3-0 in the 3rd quarter.

Meanwhile, the Penn State’s secondary and linebacker corps appears to have non-existent pass coverage as Ohio State slices down the field again and now lead 17-7.

Update 8:51 PM

The game in Knoxville is turning into a blowout, as Tennessee now goes up 21-0 on South Carolina.

Update 8:37 PM

Tennessee strikes again, going up 14-0 on South Carolina.

Update 8:33 PM

Ohio State moves down the field and retakes the lead themselves 10-7

Update 8:25 PM

Newsflash:

Syracuse doesn’t lose today. Today, they defeated the bye week 1-0.

Update 8:23 PM

Penn State strikes back and takes the lead on the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes 7-3.

Meanwhile, people are wondering where all the points are in College Station as Kansas and Texas A&M go into halftime scoreless.

Finals:

Utah 27, Colorado State 3

Update 8:16 PM

Ohio State kicks a 50 yard field goal and strike first against Penn State 3-0.

Meanwhile, Tennessee also strikes first against South Carolina in a battle to take control of the SEC East, going up 7-0, scoring a touchdown after recovering a fumble on the Gamecocks 2 yard line.

Update 8:11 PM

Virginia can’t pull it out as North Carolina State picks up the upset 29-24.

Update 8:05 PM

Will Virginia survive? They’re trying to drive down the field against N. C. State down 29-24 with a minute to go in the game.

Finals:

Louisiana Monroe 33, Florida Atlantic 30, 3OT
Marshall 34, Rice 21

Update 7:25 PM

Texas pulls it out against Nebraska 28-25.

7:22

Virginia finally takes a lead on N. C. State 24-23 early in the 4th quarter.Finals:

Clemson 30, Maryland 17
Kansas State 51, Baylor 13
Nevada 37, Idaho 21

I thought I should post this before some of the biggest games, you know, are played…

Boston College (7-0) at Virginia Tech (6-1) - Thursday, 7:30 PM

This is probably the game of the week as both of these teams are still legitimately in the national title hunt.  The the AP #2 team in the nation has lost 3 weeks in a row (USC, California, South Florida), and that’s a streak that Boston College would like to end.  This is easily the toughest game on BC’s schedule, but that doesn’t necessarily mean things get much easier after this as their other 4 remaining opponents have a combined 18-11 record.

Air Force (6-2) at New Mexico (5-2) - Thursday, 9:00 PM

The winner of this game moves into 2 by themselves in the Mountain-West, and then has to hope that Brigham Young trips up twice in conference.  For Air Force, a win means they move ever close to being ranked.

Boise State (6-1) at Fresno State (5-2) - Friday, 9:00 PM

The first of three games between the big three in the WAC.   The Loser is probably out of contention in the conference unless the three teams all split 1-1.  If Fresno State wins, that sets up a date with Hawaii from the conference title November 10th, while a Boise State win moves that game to Nov. 23.

West Virginia (6-1) at Rutgers (5-2) - 12:00 PM

This is a very important game in the Big East as the loser will pick up their 2nd conference loss, probably eliminating them from the conference title race.  This game is probably more important to West Virginia, however, as they’re still in the national title hunt, plus they need help in the BCS Computers, and a win over Rutgers would help with that

Southern Cal (6-1) at Oregon (6-1) - 3:00 PM

This is the other “game of the week” of the week, and it’s probably lucky that it’s being played in Oregon rather than Los Angeles this week.  This game also features two teams in the national title hunt.  This could basically be considered a playoff game with the winner probably having to play Arizona State for the conference title and a chance to possible play in the title game.

Florida (5-2) at Georgia (5-2) - 3:30 PM

This game suddenly has new importance as Florida once again controls their own destiny in the SEC East.  However, Georgia can perhaps permanently put away Florida’s hopes of playing in the SEC title game with another conference loss.  However, for Georgia to play in that game, they need to win, and they still need help.  A loss all but mathematically eliminates the Bulldogs.

South Florida (6-1) at Connecticut (6-1) - 3:30 PM

Connecticut is the only 1-loss team who is still unranked, and they’re looking for some respect.  They can pick up a lot if they can beat the Bulls.  As I noted, the AP #2 team has lost each of the past 3 weeks, with South Florida being the latest.  However, that team also usually had trouble the following week as well, with USC just edging Arizona, and California losing to UCLA.  South Florida still has marginal national title hopes, and they cannot afford another loss if they want to keep those, or conference title hopes, alive.

Kansas (7-0) at Texas A&M (6-2) - 7:00 PM

One of the biggest disses on Kansas is that they really haven’t played anyone outside of Kansas State (though the computers tend to disagree, ranking Kansas 7th), and Kansas can eliminate that talk with a win over Texas A&M to show just how real they are.  A loss by Kansas also puts the Big 12 North back into play for Kansas State and Colorado.

South Carolina (6-2) at Tennessee (4-3) - 7:45 PM

This was supposed to pretty much be THE game to set up who had a leg up in the SEC East title race, until both teams blew their games last week, sending them into a 5-way tie in the division.  Along with the Georgia/Florida game, this one will help un-muddy the mess.  If Florida wins their game, they would prefer a Tennessee win since they’ve already beaten them.  Otherwise, it sets up a showdown with South Carolina on Nov. 10th.  Meanwhile, Tennessee hopes Georgia wins the other game.

Ohio State (8-0) at Penn State (6-2) - 8:00 PM

This will probably be Ohio State’s toughest game before having to play at Michigan in their season finale (though they still have 5-3 Illinois and 6-2 Wisconsin left too).  With Penn State 2 games out of the conference lead, they are probably out of the conference title race, though a win over Ohio State couldn’t hurt.

California (5-2) at Arizona State (7-0) - 10:00 PM 

This is the first of four games in Arizona State’s death stretch (with Oregon, UCLA, and USC all coming up in the next 4 weeks too).  California is going to desperately be looking to avoid 3 straight losses, less they go from in-line-to-be-#1 to out of the rankings in 3 weeks.  In the meantime, we get to see how for real Arizona State really is.

Update 7:34

Syracuse holds on to beat Buffalo 20-12.  It’s pretty bad when at least 3 Syracuse bloggers live blog this came as “the game of the year” for Syracuse.  It’s Buffalo.  At least Syracuse won said game.

Finals:

Central Florida 44, Tulsa 23

Update 7:26 PM

Syracuse starts to run the clock out, picking up a big 3rd down on their own 36.

Update 7:19 PM

Buffalo puts another 3 up on the board, but they’ll need to start sticking it in the endzone if they want to win. 20-12 Syracuse with 4:42 to go.

Update 7:16 PM

Buffalo once again must go for it on 4th down and once again gets it. The Bulls are down to the Syracuse 14.

Oops: Florida State fumbles, Miami recovers for a touchdown and suddenly it’s 37-29 with 1:04 to go.

Update 7:14 PM

Miami scores a late touchdown and retakes the lead on Florida State 30-29 with 1:15 to go in that game.

Update 7:13 PM

Too little, too late: Kentucky scores a touchdown on the last play of the game. Unfortunately for them, it only makes it 45-37.

Update 7:09 PM

Syracuse puts up 3 more points and expands their lead to 20-9.

Update 7:08 PM

Another top 10 loses, and it’s California once again as they fall to the Bruins of UCLA 30-21. If the Florida game finishes as it is, we’ll have 4 top 10 teams lose this weekend once again (South Florida and South Carolina).

USC finally finishes off Notre Dame 38-0. What was that about Notre Dame finally finding a quarterback? The Irish are now officially bowl ineligible.

Update 7:06 PM

Kentucky just hasn’t been able to stop Florida today. Tebow has been able to move the ball at will. Florida goes back up by 14 45-31 with only 1:33 left.

Missouri grinds Texas Tech into the ground 41-10 to create even more chaos in the Big 12.

Finals:

Bowling Green 31, Kent State 20.

Update 6:59

4th down fortunes. Buffalo picks up a 4th and 5 on the Syracuse 30 to keep their drive alive, and follows it up with a 29 yard field goal to make it 17-9 Syracuse with 10:25 to go.

Meanwhile, Kentucky hits a touchdown on 4th down to once again narrow their lead against Florida back to 7, 38-31, but with only 3:35 to go.

Cal looks like they’re going down two weeks in a row and UCLA extends their lead to 30-21 with only a minute to go.

Update 6:48 PM

UCLA retakes the lead on California 23-21 with 3 minutes to go.

Finals:

Troy 45, North Texas 7
West Virginia 38, Mississippi State 13

Update 6:43 PM

End of 3 in Syracuse and the Orange leads 17-6.

Update 6:39 PM

Another quick kick by Syracuse on 3rd and 30 on their own 14, and pin Buffalo down on their own 15. This is the third time that a team has been pinned and punted and pinned the other team. Huge changes in field position on special teams today.

It’s over: Ohio State 24, Michigan State 17. And this was perhaps Ohio State’s easiest of their remaining games.

Update 6:30 PM

Florida says “not so fast” to a Kentucky comeback, scoring another touchdown and expanding their lead back to 14, 38-24.

Also, Buffalo kicks another field goal, and it’s now 17-6 Syracuse.

Meanwhile, Michigan State, perhaps unwisely, kicks off after their last field goal, and it appears Ohio State will successfully be able to run out the clock.

More finals: Memphis defeats Rice 38-35. Middle Tennessee defeats Arkansas State 24-7.

Update 6:21 PM

It’s a one score game in Columbus as Michigan State kicks a field goal to make it 24-17. The only problem is that there is only 3:42 to go.

Update 6:15 PM

Just under 6 minutes to go in Columbus, but the Spartans are driving again.

Update 6:12PM

Kentucky scores another touchdown and it’s a game again in Lexington as Florida’s lead is cut to 31-24.

Meanwhile, California finally retakes the lead against UCLA 21-20 in the 3rd quarter.

More finals: Nevada 31, Utah State 28 and Utah State remains winless.

Update 6:09 PM

Syracuse marches into Buffalo territory, but the drive stalls on the 38 and they have to punt.

Update 6:05 PM

Kentucky holds Florida to a field goal, but the Gators still lead 31-17 in the 3rd quarter.

Meanwhile, Miami retakes the lead over Florida State again in the 3rd quarter, 24-23.

5:59 PM

Kentucky makes a really gutsy call and kicks an onsides kick after the kickoff, but Florida recovers after an official review.

Update 3:58 PM

Oklahoma survives Iowa State 17-7.  Meanwhile, Texas A&M leads Nebraska 16-14 at the half.  Florida and Kentucky are also tied at 7 in the 1st quarter.

Update 3:40 PM

Temple continues to turn the football world upside down as they finish off Miami (OH) 24-17 and move to 3-5.

Also, a note about North Dakota State that I grabbed from the Bristol Blog: Minnesota is the 2nd I-A team they’ve defeated this year (Central Michigan being the other), they’re currently ranked #1 in the I-AA (watch out Appalachian State!), and they have the longest winning streak in division I at 11 games.

Update 3:35 PM

Penn State dashes Indiana’s hopes for glory, defeating the Hoosiers 36-31. Georgia Tech also defeats Army 34-10.

Update 3:32 PM

Another Top 10 upset: Vanderbilt defeats #6 South Carolina 17-6. Is this the first time Spurrier ever lost to the Commodores? Meanwhile, in another upset, Pittsburgh defeats Cincinnati 24-17.

Meanwhile, Purdue rolls over Iowa 31-6.

Update 3:27 PM

Clemson emphatically shows there was nothing to worry about, as they roll over Central Michigan 70-14.

Meanwhile, we’re on the verge of two Top-25 upsets, including another top-1o upset.

Update 3:17 PM

At least Syracuse isn’t like Minnesota….yet. North Dakota State just defeated the Golden Gophers 27-21. Didn’t Minnesota go 6-7 last year? Then fire their coach? The similarities are eerie between Minnesota and Syracuse.

Update 3:10 PM

We have our first final as Wisconsin obliterates Northern Illinois 44-3. Meanwhile, Oklahoma finally takes the lead on Iowa State 14-7 with 13:50 to go.

Update 3:01 PM

This can’t be a good sign for Syracuse. A team that Syracuse lost to (Miami-OH) is currently losing to Temple (yes, that Temple) 24-7. Temple, meanwhile, lost to Buffalo 42-7. I’ll try to live blog the Buffalo/Syracuse game later, by the way.

In other games, Penn State and Indiana are still locked in a tough battle, where the Nittany Lions currently lead 29-24. Cincinnati is trying not to lose two in a row, but Pittsburgh is giving them a game, with the Bearcats only up by 1, 17-16.

Oklahoma is in serious upset alert mode now as, nearing the 4th quarter, they’re only tied with Iowa State at 7. Texas must also watch out, as they’re only leading Baylor 10-7 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

However, South Carolina has the biggest upset alert of all, losing to Vanderbilt 17-6 at the start of the 4th quarter. Meanwhile, Alabama has pulled a little further ahead of Tennessee and now lead 27-17.

Update 2:08 PM

Some games are moving into halftime now, and we have several possible upsets brewing, once again some of them involving top-1o teams against unranked teams.

Perhaps the most surprising is Iowa State shutting out Oklahoma in the first half, leading 7-0 at halftime. Also, Vanderbilt is leading South Carolina 17-6 at halftime.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati is leading Pittsburgh, but not by much, 17-10 at the half.

Perhaps the best looking game of the day has been Alabama vs. Tennessee, where the Tide lead 24-17 at halftime.

Update 1:17 PM

Clemson decided to start playing, as they now lead Central Michigan 21-7.

However, elsewhere, Indiana leads Penn State 14-13, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are tied at 10, Georgia and Army are also tied at 10, Minnesota and North Dakota State are tied at 14, Iowa State leads Oklahoma 7-0, and Vanderbilt leads top-10 South Carolina 17-0.

Update 12:44 PM

At the end of one, Clemson and Central Michigan are tied at 7, Indiana still leads Penn State 7-0, and North Dakota State leads Minnesota 14-7.

12:18 PM

Tommy Bowden’s chair will be as hot as the sun if Clemson loses to Central Michigan. I know it’s still early, but the Chippewas are up 7-0. Meanwhile, Indiana also leads Penn State 7-0.

Update 12:04 AM

Will a 6th undefeated team fall? Washington leads Arizona State 17-13 at halftime.

PS, today’s games are once again doing an number on my top 25 rankings…

Finals:

Tulsa 38, Marshall 31
Middle Tennessee State 21, Memphis 7

Update 10:57 PM

Auburn kicks their 3rd field goal of the day to beat Arkansas in a shootout 9-7.

More finals:

Louisiana Tech 22, New Mexico State 21
North Texas 31, Louisiana Monroe 21

Update 10:49 PM

The fifth undefeated team falls today: Louisville defeats Cincinnati 28-24.

And in the “where the hell are the points” game of the day: Alabama 7, Auburn 6 with less than a minutes to go.

Also:

Southern Miss 28, Southern Methodist 7

Update 10:46 PM

Ok, this is apparently what happened in Berkeley:

Cal was going to try to take a couple shots at getting a touchdown before kicking a field goal. However, with no one open on the play, instead of throwing the ball away, Cal quarterback Keven Riley tries to run the ball up the middle. In a rush, the Cal coaches try to rush the field goal team on the field, but cant set up before time expires.

Two dumb moves here: First, getting intentional grounding, but having the clock stopped is better than running with 14 seconds to go and with no time outs.

Second, wouldn’t it have been better to try to spike the ball THEN run your field goal unit onto the field instead of trying to get set up in like, 8 seconds?

With decision making like that by both the quarterback and the coaches, Cal pretty much deserved to lose.

Update 10:39 PM

Well, it’s apparently over in Berkely with #2 Cal losing to Oregon State 31-28. I’m not sure what happened since I’m not watching on TV, but from what I can see, Oregon State got called for pass interference with 14 seconds to go, which moved the ball down to the 12, and then Cal ran the ball for 3 yards to move it to the 9 and then…the game ended.

Surely Cal didn’t try to run the ball with 14 seconds to go with no time outs did they? In any case, both the #1 and #2 teams lost this week.

In Cincinnati, Louisville is about to pad their lead with under 3 minutes to go.

Update 10:35 PM

In field goal range! Cal hits a 37 yard pass to get down to the Oregon State 27 with 18 seconds to go.

Also, Cincy is forced to go 3-and-out.

Update 10:34 PM

In reality, Cal doesn’t have to go the entire 63. Getting about 30 more may due since they only need a field goal to tie.

Update 10:33 PM

Clutch. Cal throws a 20 yard pass on 3rd and 17, but they only have 34 seconds go to 63 yards now.

Update 10:29 PM

Cincinnati finally gets the ball back themselves with 5 minutes to go in their game. And Cal has 79 seconds to go 94 yards.

Update 10:28 PM

Oregon State goes 3-and-out and is forced to punt the ball back to Cal with about a minute and a half to go.

More Finals:

UAB 26, Tulane 21

Update 10:24 PM

Talk about guts. Louisville goes for it on 4th and 1 on their own 29 yard line, and make it to keep their drive alive and to keep running down the clock against Cincinnati. Also, Cal fails to recover the onsides kick.

Also, to add to the teams who I started to hype who immediately fell on their faces: Indiana loses to Michigan State 52 - 27.

Update 10:21 PM

California throws a 65 yard touchdown pass to claw back to within 3, 31-28, but there is only 2:31 to go in the game.

Update 10:19 PM

Missouri scores another late touchdown, but it’s too little, too late as Missouri becomes the 3rd undefeated team to fall today, losing to Oklahoma 41-31.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati kicks a field goal, but is still down to Louisville 28-24 with just under 9 minutes to go.

Also:

Arkansas State 52, Louisiana Lafayette 21

Update 10:09 PM

Boston College and South Florida must be loving this - Oregon State now has a 10 point lead on California, 31-21. Meanwhile, Louisville has taken a touchdown lead on Cincinnati 28-21.

Update 10:00 PM

Oklahoma puts the finishing blow on Missouri, taking a 41-24 lead with under 3 minutes left. Meanwhile Oregon State retakes the lead on Cal 26-21 halfway through the 4th quarter.

Update 9:44 PM

Cal has retaken the lead on Oregon State 21-20. Meanwhile Louisville ties Cincinnati at 21.

Update 9:38 PM

Just as I say that, Oklahoma scores again to make it 35-24.

Update 9:35 PM

We now may seriously have both the #1 and #2 teams lose. Oregon State leads Cal 20-14 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Elsewhere, Georgia pulls it out against Vanderbilt, winning 20-17. meanwhile, Missouri has made it a game again in Norman, with the Sooners only leading 29-24 in the 4th quarter. Cincinnati still leads Louisville 21-14 in the 3rd quarter.

Other Final:

Air Force 45, Colorado sTate 21

Update 8:52 PM

Georgia ties up their game with Vanderbilt at 17 with about 3 minutes to go. Meanwhile, Oklahoma puts up another 6 on Missouri and leads 23-10. Oregon State closes the gap against Cal to 1, 14-13, at halftime.

More Finals:

Texas Christian 38, Stanford 36
Temple 24, Akron 20

Update 8:35 PM

Cal retakes the lead on Oregon State 14-10.

Update 8:24 PM

Will #2 fall as well? Oregon State pulls ahead of Cal 10-7 late in the 2nd quarter. When was the last time the #1 and #2 teams both lost on the same day?

Meanwhile, another final:

Fresno State 37, Idaho 24

Update 8:18 PM

Don’t forget about Kansas still being undefeated as well after their win over Baylor today while Hawaii kept their undefeated season going Friday. One other undefeated team already lost today - Connecticut. Cincinnati and Missouri try to keep their unbeaten seasons going in games currently in progress while Arizona State tries to keep their undefeated season intact tonight against Washington.

P.S. If Arizona State and Cal both win tonight, then Cal has UCLA next week, and if they can beat the Bruins, we’re looking at a Cal vs. Arizona State undefeated match-up on the 27th. And people thought that the Pac 10 game of the year would involve USC in some way (and it still might).

Update 8:15 PM

Ohio State, Boston College, and South Florida all took care of business in their hunt for the national championship. Can Cal, the heir apparent for the #1 ranking now, do it as well? Oregon State tries to tell them no and the two are tied at 7 in the 2nd quarter.

Meanwhile, Missouri puts up a touchdown on Oklahoma to close the gap to 17-10 at halftime. Georgia scores again to close their gap against Vanderbilt to 17-14 in the 3rd quarter. Also, Cincinnati leads Louisville 14-7 in the 2nd quarter.

Update 8:01 PM

#1 falls for the 2nd week in a row as Kentucky stops LSU on 4th down to win in triple overtime 43-37.

Update 8:00 PM

LSU now faces a 4th and 2 in overtime down 43-37. LSU has not missed a 4th down conversion all season before today.

Update 7:57 PM

Kentucky scores a touchdown but misses the 2 point conversion, putting the wildcats ahead 43-37.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma extends their lead on Missouri to 17-7 in the 2nd quarter.

Update 7:44 PM

LSU holds Kentucky on 3 and out, but Kentucky is able to exchange LSU’s field goal for their own and it’s now 37-37 going into the 3rd overtime. Remember, you can’t kick PATs any more starting with the 3rd overtime. Are we going to have another one of those fabled 7 overtime SEC classics again?

Update 7:41 PM

LSU is forced to settle for a 38 yard field goal in the 2nd overtime, but now lead 37-34.

Also, Boston College makes sure Notre Dame returns back to their losing ways, with the Eagles winning 27-14.

Update 7:32 PM

LSU quickly responds to tie Kentucky at 34 and we’re going to a 2nd overitme.

Update 7:28 PM

Kentucky scores a touchdown to start off overtime, with help of a roughing the passing penalty on LSU. They now lead 34-27.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma leads Missouri 10-7 early in the 2nd quarter. The SEC may get even crazier later as Vanderbilt leads Georgia 17-7 at halftime.

More Finals:

Houston 56, Rice 48
Western Michigan 17, Northern Illinois 13

Updated 7:17 PM

LSU just misses the field goal, and we’re going to overtime.

Updated 7:16 PM

LSU looks like, instead of throwing it into the end zone, that they’ll try a 57 yard field goal with a kicker who hasn’t kicked a field goal longer than 45 yards. However, we have our 3rd straight time out, so we’ll see which choice LSU makes.

Updated 7:14 PM

4th and 9 on the Kentucky 40 with 1 second left. LSU looks like they’ll take a shot at the end zone on the last play of regulation.

Updated 7:10 PM

LSU drives down the field, down to the Kentucky 41 with 39 seconds to go.

Updated 6:58 PM

LSU is able to hold Kentucky to just another field goal, but the game is now tied at 27.

Updated 6:57 PM

Southern California survives Arizona 20-13.

Updated 6:55 PM

Kentucky drives against LSU, moving the ball down to the LSU 16.

South Carolina survives a late comeback by North Carolina to win 21-15.

Also, Oregon finishes their rout of Washington State, winning 53-7.

Updated 6:50 PM

Kentucky kicks a field goal to narrow the margin against LSU to 27-24, them promptly gets an interception and they have it 1st and 10 in LSU territory.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech wipes out Texas A&M 35-7 as that’s a final now.

Updated 6:45 PM

Penn State finally finishes off Wisconsin 38-7. Virginia also survives Connecticut 17-16 as that moves to be a final. Central Michigan also defeats Army 47-23.

6:37 PM

LSU is on upset alert again this week as they only Lead Kentucky 27-21 in the 4th quarter. The same goes for Southern Cal, who only leads Arizona 17-13, also in the 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, Connecticut is trying to get some respect, but they currently trail Virginia 17-16 late in the 4th quarter.

Wisconsin is about to drop completely out of the Big 10 race as Penn State gets back on their feet in convincing fashion. The Nittany Lions currently lead the Badgers 38-7 late in the 4th quarter.

Texas Tech is well on their way to being a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 South as they’re rolling all over Texas A&M 35-7 in the 4th quarter.

Next, some finals to catch us up:

Who would have thought that Buffalo would be the best Division I-A team in the state of New York? That may very well be the case as Buffalo wins their third game of the season by defeating Toledo 43-33.

Also, just as I finish about how the polls were dissing “only Wyoming” they go and make a fool out of me by losing to New Mexico 20-3.

In other finals:

Ball State 35, Western Kentucky 12
Tennessee 33, Mississippi State 21
Utah 23, San Diego State 7
Miami (OH) 47, Bowling Green 14

Updated 4:11

Minnesota tries to finish off Northwestern on a two-point conversion in the 2nd overtime, but fails.  Northwestern wins 49-48.
Meanwhile, Mississippi can’t quite come back against Alabama, losing 27-24.

Also, Texas finishes of their blowout of Iowa State 56-3.
Updated 3:51

One overtime isn’t enough for Minnesota and Northwestern as they’re tied at 42 going into a 2nd overtime.

Meanwhile, Ohio defeats Eastern Michigan 48 - 42.

Also, Oklahoma State blows out Nebraska 45-14 to say “not so fast” on the Big 12 north being the better division this year.

Updated 3:39

Minnesota and Northwestern head to overtime tied at 35 to see who will reside in the cellar on the Big Ten.

More blowouts:

Rutgers 38, Syracuse 14
Virginia Tech 43, Duke 14
Michigan 48, Purdue 21

Updated 3:17 PM

Georgia Tech ends up pulling it out against Miami 17-14.

Otherwise, may the blowouts commence:

Ohio State 48, Kent State 3

Updated 2:53

Illinois finally impressed enough pollsters to get ranked, then immediately blows it. The Illini throw and interception in the red zone with around a minute left and lose to Iowa 10-6.

Updated 2:46 PM

Alabama and Mississippi are in a fight right now, tied at 17 in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Meanwhile, time is running out for Illinois, with only a couple minutes left to go in that game.

Updated 2:26 PM

Illini in trouble? They’re currently down to Iowa 10-6 halfway through the 4th quarter. Meanwhile, Rutgers is ahead of Syracuse, but not by much, leading 24-14 in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

Georgia Tech and Miami are also in a good game with the Yellow Jackets leading 14-7 in the 3rd quarter.

Meanwhile, Buffalo is well on their way to getting their 3rd win of the season, with the Bulls leading Toledo 30-13 in the 2nd quarter.

1:02 pm

Is Syracuse only good against good teams? They are currently tied with Rutgers at 14 early in the 2nd quarter. Also in the Big East, South Florida is having no problem with their cross-state rival UCF, leading 19-7.

Michigan also looks like they’re going to continue to roll, leading Purdue 17-7 at the start of the 2nd quarter.

I was going to make the last post a games to watch post, but then it turned into a tirade against the polls this week, so I’ll make this the games to watch post instead.

Florida State (4-1) at Wake Forest (3-2) - 7:30 PM, Thursday

This is a huge game in the ACC Atlantic Division was the winner stays within one game of Boston College in the division, while the loser is pretty close to out of the division race.  Florida State needs to prove that it has fully recovered from their game against Clemson while Wake needs to prove that they can win against a quality opponent after having close games against Army and Duke and needed to come back from 21 points down against Maryland to win.

Central Florida (3-2) at South Florida (5-0) - 12:00 PM

The game to determine the king of directional Florida, UCF can be a tricky opponent, almost pulling off an upset win against Texas.  South Florida needs a big win to amend for their close against against Florida Atlantic last week.

Purdue (5-1) at Michigan (4-2) - 12:00 PM

Michigan has started to roll after their embarrassing start, but still needs to knock off the lesser Big 10 opponents if they wish to keep their eyes on Ohio State and the Big Ten Championship.  Purdue, meanwhile, doesn’t want a good 5-0 start to go down the tube fast with two straight losses to the conference’s standard bearers.

Oklahoma State (3-3) at Nebraska (4-2) - 12:30 PM

Despite being 3-3, Oklahoma State is still only 1 game out of the Big 12 south lead, and a win over Nebraska would get them over a big hurdle to get them back into the race.  A loss by either team will make it very difficult for either to have a chance to play for their division.

Buffalo (2-4) at Toledo (2-4) - 1:00 PM

Has Buffalo ever had 3 wins since moving up to I-A football? They have a good shot at it this week as they take on a Toledo team which barely got by a I-AA team and beat a 1-5 Iowa State team by 1.  If they win, Buffalo will move to 3-1 in the MAC (though, apparently only divisional games count towards the division championship.  Buffalo is 2-0 in their division) and will people start *gasp* evening consider the possibility for Buffalo as a challenger for the Eastern Division title?

Tennessee (3-2) at Mississippi State (4-2) - 2:30 PM

The only reason why this is a game to watch is to see if Tennessee can continue on from their big win over Georgia.  Tennessee is one of three teams in the SEC East who control their own destiny for the division title, and probably have the easiest road of the three.  Tennessee will be removed from the driver’s seat if they lose to the other Bulldog team.

Texas A&M (5-1) at Texas Tech (5-1) - 3:30 PM

It’s the battle of the 5-1 should-be-ranked Big 12 teams.  The winner better be ranked or the human polls should probably be removed entirely from the BCS calculations.  Texas A&M can take a big leap forward in the Big 12 South if they win.  However, Texas Tech can essentially reset the division if they win.

Wisconsin (5-1) at Penn State (4-2) - 3:30 PM

Both of these teams depserately needs to rebound.  Penn State is probably already out of the Big Ten race, but is almost certainly eliminated with a 3rd conference loss.  Wisconsin also needs a win to keep their hopes alive.

LSU (6-0) at Kentucky (5-1) - 3:30 PM

Along with Tennessee, Kentucky is another team in the SEC East who controls their own destiny.  However, unlike Tennessee, they have the unfortunately duty of having to play LSU.  LSU can add a few more links to their armor of #1 votes with another win over a ranked team, while Kentucky probably must pull the upset to keep any hope of winning the division alive.

Connecticut (5-0) at Virginia (5-1) - 3:30 PM

A very curious out of conference match-up at both teams need this win to prove that they are, really, for real.  Virginia is still haunted by their Week 1 loss to Wyoming, but hasn’t played a team with a winning record otherwise.  Connecticut, on the other hand, while 5-0, hasn’t played anyone yet either, with their most impressive win being over 3-3 Akron.  This will be the first test for both teams, and the winner will likely become a strong contender to win their conference or division.

Missouri (5-0) at Oklahoma (5-1) - 6:30 PM

This is unquestionably the game of the week as Missouri tries to send a message to the rest of the Big 12 - and nation - that they are, indeed, for real.  Oklahoma will try to reassert themselves as kings of the Midwest by adding a win over undefeated Missouri.  A win would almost certainly catapult the Tigers into the Top 10 and National Championship talk may start buzzing around Columbia.

Indiana (5-1) at Michigan State (4-2) - 7:00 PM

Indiana has been oh-so-close to getting bowl eligible several times in the past few years, but haven’t been able to reach that 6-win mark.  They can do it this week against Michigan State, on top of getting their first true quality win and staying as a valid contender for the Big Ten title.

Louisville (3-3) at Cincinnati (6-0) - 7:00 PM

If Louisville were the team they were supposed to be, this would have challenged the Missouri/Oklahoma game for game of the week status.  Instead, Louisville comes into this game trying to stop the bleeding, having lost 2 in a row and 3 of their last 4.  They’ll have a tough time doing so against Cincinnati.  However, looking ahead at games against UConn, South Florida, West Virginia, and Rutgers, Louisville needs to try to find some games to win, or else they may not even go bowling.

Auburn (4-2) at Arkansas (3-2) - 7:45 PM

This is a game between two SEC teams who were hoping to have much better seasons than they have.  With two conference losses, Arkansas is probably already out of the SEC West race, but they can receive a final blow if Auburn beats them.  Meanwhile, Auburn themselves can’t afford another conference loss if they want to keep up with LSU.

East Carolina (3-3) at UTEP (4-2) - 9:05 PM

This is an interesting game if for no other reason than this could be a preview of the Conference USA title game.  Both teams currently lead their division, though neither can really afford a loss at this point in the season or else they’ll be playing catch-up in their division the rest of the way.

Colorado (4-2) at Kansas State (3-2) - 9:15 PM

Colorado is leading the Big 12 North along with Missouri.  If Missouri picks up the win against Oklahoma, Colorado really needs this win to keep up.  Meanwhile, Kansas State needs a win to stay in the division race altogether, or else they’ll fall 2 games back of (at least) Colorado.

The upset of the day is easily Stanford taking advantage of a weak-looking Southern Cal and winning 24-23.  USC becomes the 2nd top 5 team to lose today.  The other Los Angeles team goes amiss as well as UCLA hands Notre Dame their first win of the season 20-6.

In rivalry games with conference championship implications, Oklahoma bounces back to defeat Texas in the Red River Shootout 28-21 to keep Oklahoma in the Big 12 South race.  Meanwhile, Texas A&M mounts a huge comeback, scoring 24 of the last 30 points to beat Oklahoma State 24-23.

In the SEC, newly minted #1 LSU scores with around a minute left to play to get by Florida 28-24.  Meanwhile, Tennessee runs all over Georgia  35-14 and now leads the SEC East along with South Carolina and Kentucky.  Tennessee is the only team who has played both Florida and Georgia.

In the ACC, Virginia Tech beat up Clemson 41-23.  That puts Clemson 2 games behind Boston College in the Atlantic Division while the two Virginia teams are the only remaining teams still undefeated in conference play in the Coastal Division.

In the Big 10, Ohio State made a statement against Purdue, winning 23-7.

In the Big East, Cincinnati shows that they are for real by getting past Rutgers 28-23.

Temple, Buffalo, and Army, three much maligned teams, all pick up wins today.  Temple defeated Northern Illinois 16-15, Buffalo ran over Ohio 31-10, while Army squeezes past Tulane in overtime 20-17.

Only three games are still in progress.  Tulsa leads UTEP late in the 4th quarter 47-41, Missouri is running all over Nebraska 41-6 with 10 minutes to go, and Hawaii leads Utah State 7-3 halfway through the 1st quarter.

Other Finals:

Wake Forest 41, Duke 36
Wyoming 24,  Texas Christian 21
Mississippi 24, Louisiana Tech 0
Mississippi State 30, UAB 13
Miami (OH) 20, Kent State 13
Alabama 30, Houston 24
Penn State 27, Iowa 7
Florida State 27, North Carolina State 10
South Florida 35, Florida Atlantic 23
San Jose State 28, Idaho 20
Arizona State 23, Washington State 20
Oregon State 31, Arizona 16
Fresno State 49, Nevada 41
San Diego State 24, Colorado State 20
Troy 34, Florida International 16
Toledo 35, Liberty 34
Louisiana Lafayette 38, North Texas 29
Virginia 23, Middle Tennessee State 21
Texas Tech 42, Iowa State 17
Akron 39, Western Michigan 38
Louisiana Monroe 30, Arkansas State 13
Arkansas 34, Chattanooga 15
Colorado 43, Baylor 23
East Carolina 52, Central Florida 38
Air Force 31, UNLV 14

Update - 3:44

Four straight incomplete passes in overtime my Michigan State hands Northwestern the win in overtime, 48-41.

Meanwhile, Central Michigan easily handles Ball State 58-38 to move to 3-0 in the MAC Western Division.

Finally, I may not be around to blog about games much until this evening, so if I don’t post anything in a while, you know why.

Update - 3:39

North Carolina finishes their game against Miami, winning 33-27 as Miami continues their up and down season.

Northwestern strikes first in overtime, scoring a touchdown and taking a 48-41 lead.

Two teams known for losing are on track to pick up wins today as well. Buffalo leads Ohio 24-10 in the middle of the 4th quarter while Temple leads Northern Illinois 13-6 early in the 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, Auburn easily handles SEC East Surprise-Wannabe Vanderbilt 35-7.

Update - 3:33
Close finishes (and upsets) galore!

The Top 10 slaughter continues this week as Illinois defeats Wisconsin 31-26 to move to 5-1.

Kansas State didn’t waste any time wasting their new Top 25 ranking by losing to in-state rival Kansas 30-24. Kansas is now 5-0.

Meanwhile, Northwestern misses a 36 yard field goal as time expires to push their game against Michigan State into overtime tied at 41.

Update - 3:29

Maryland survives. Georgia Tech scores 23 of the final 30 points in the game, but a holding penalty late in Georgia Tech’s final drive pushes them back, forcing them to kick a 52 yard field goal instead of a 42 yard field goal (or closer). They missed. Maryland pulls it out 28-26.

Meanwhile, Indiana moves to 5-1 by defeating Minnesota 40-20. Boston College also dispatches of Bowling Green 55-24 making Boston College the first bowl eligible team of 2007.

Update - 3:22

Just when Michigan looked like they had finally rebounded from their 0-2 start, they play a tight game with Eastern Michigan. Yes, Michigan won 33-22, but it’s Eastern Michigan.

Update - 3:14

West Virginia finally ends Syracuse’s misery, winning 55-14. Syracuse had a total of 217 yard of offense while allowing 486. However, I think this may be the first game Syracuse actually rushed for over 100 yards (I’ll need to check that).

Update - 3:12

Pulling Away: UNC pulls farther ahead of Miami, increasing their lead to 33-20 with 8 minutes to go. Also, it looks like yet another Top 10 team will fall as Illinois pulls farther ahead of Wisconsin 31-19 with under 5 minutes to go.

Update - 3:10

Closing Up: Kansas State gets within 3 of Kansas, 27-24 with under 7 minutes to go while Georgia Tech pulls to within 2 of Maryland, 28-26, also with under 7 minutes to go.

Update - 2:58

Breathing Room? UNC puts up another field goal to expand their lead to 10 over Miami, 30-20 early in the 4th quarter. Also, Northwestern and Michigan State continue their death match tied at 34, also early in the 4th.

Georgia Tech is also mounting a comeback against Maryland, now down only 28-20, also early in the 4th quarter.

And for those of you wondering whether Syracuse could pull off another miracle…forget about it. The Mountaineers are crushing them 55-14. A full 1/3 of Syracuse’s 184 total yards came on a single 61 yard touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter and the Orange are on the verge of allowing yet another 500 yards of offense.

Update - 2:41

Hurricanes blow back? Miami charges back and closes the gap to 27-20 against UNC in the 3rd quarter. Meanwhile, Kansas takes a 21-17 lead on Kansas State at the end of the 3rd quarter. Illinois also still leads Wisconsin, though barely, 24-19, also at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Update - 1:41 PM

Michigan State tries to stay in the Big Ten race, but Northwestern is giving them all they can handle, leading 20-13 at halftime. Indiana, meanwhile, looks like they’re well on their way to going to 5-1 as they lead Minnesota 27-14 at halftime. Wisconsin tries to hang in the game with Illinois, closing the gap to 17-6 by halftime.

1:18 PM

Ouch! North Carolina is obliterating Miami 27-0 and it isn’t even halftime yet. Miami is tied for the Coastal Division lead in the ACC. Doesn’t look like they will be after today. Continuing on the ACC blowout theme, Maryland is easily handling Georgia Tech 21-3, also in the 2nd quarter.

And are we gonna have another Top 10 slaughter? Perhaps as Illinois leads Wisconsin 17-0. Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Northwestern is trying to mess with Michigan State with both teams currently tied at 13.

In the Big East, West Virginia is making sure that what happened to Louisville doesn’t happen to them as they lead Syracuse 21-7.

Kansas and Kansas State are also currently tied at 7.