Code Orange

Well, so much for the anticipated Big 12 playoff.  We’ll still get part of it next week when Missouri and Kansas face off, but now a Big 12 team in the title game is no longer assured.  Even more, it may not even be Oklahoma who represents the southern division in the Big 12 title game.  Oklahoma’s loss gives them 2 conference losses and ties them with Texas.  If Texas defeats Texas A&M and Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma, it will be Texas who plays in the Big 12 title game.

Speaking of title games, Boston College played their way into the ACC title game with a 20-17 come-from-behind victory at Clemson.  They’ll face the winner of Virginia Tech/Virginia, who play next weekend.

Meanwhile, in the SEC, LSU had already clenched the SEC West title, but the SEC East race got a tad bit clearer as Georgia’s win over Kentucky boots Florida from the race.  Georgia almost clenched the East title, but Tennessee was able to come back and beat Vanderbilt.  If Tennessee defeats Kentucky next weekend, Tennessee will play in the SEC title game.  If they lose, Georgia will play LSU.  Georgia is finished with their SEC schedule.

In the BCS conferences without a formal title game, Ohio State clenched the Big 10 title by defeating Michigan 14-3 in a sloppy game, both in the weather, as well as with Michigan’s offense, who couldn’t get anything going on the ground or in the air.

In the Big East, West Virginia’s win over  Cincinnati set up a de facto Big East championship game next week with Connecticut.

In the Pac 10, Arizona State controls their own destiny now, but plays USC next Thursday, and then Arizona after that.  If they were to lose, Oregon would be next in line,  If Oregon loses, then it falls into USC’s hands.  However, if all hell breaks loose, you could end up seeing a 4-way tie for 1st place in the Pac 10 between Arizona State, USC, and 2 out of Oregon, Oregon State, and UCLA.  That could happen if Arizona State loses to both USC and Arizona, USC loses to UCLA, and Oregon loses to Oregon State, UCLA, or both.

In non-BCS conferences, the Conference USA Eastern title will be determined next week. UCF has a one game lead on East Carolina, but East Carolina owns the head-to-head tie-breaker.  That means if UCF were to lose to UTEP and East Carolina defeats Tulane next weekend, East Carolina would win the division.

The Western Division is in a similar situation where Tulsa and Houston are tied for the division lead with 2 losses, but Tulsa defeated Houston earlier.  It all comes down to Tulsa, as Houston is finished with their conference slate.  If Tulsa defeats Rice, they win the division.  If they lose, Houston wins the division.

In the MAC, the conference title game is now set: Miami vs. Central Michigan.

In the Mountain-West, Brigham Young all but has the conference title, but Utah could still feasibly pull out the come-from-behind upset in the conference race. However, Utah will have to beat BYU next week to keep their hopes alive, and then hope BYU gets upset by San Diego State in the final game of the season.  That was the game delayed by the California fires earlier in the season.

In the Sun Belt, it is essentially a two team race between Troy and Florida Atlantic.  FAU is 1 game behind Troy, but they get to play the Trojans in the last game of the season.   Depending on how tie-breakers work, MTSU could still have a shot, but Troy would have to lose to FAU as well as MTSU, while Florida Atlantic would have to lose to Florida International.

In the WAC, the title will be determined by the Hawaii/Boise State game next weekend.

Update

Here are some of the big games coming up at 8, to round out the afternoon thread:  Kansas get into great position to sneak into the title game with Ohio State’s loss, but they have to get by Oklahoma State, which has shown streaks of greatness at times this season.

Boston College would like to rebound before their game with Clemson, and they’ll get a chance to do so against Maryland.

LSU should have it easy against Louisiana Tech.

Finally, in the lost game of the day, we have California vs. USC.  At the start of the season, people thought that this would be for a berth into the title game.  Now it’s for 3rd in the Pac 10.

Finals:

San Jose State 51, New Mexico State 17 (New Mexico State now bowl ineligible)
Florida Atlantic 34, Arkansas State 31
Marshall 26, East Carolina 7
Memphis 29, Southern Miss 26

Update 7:24 PM

It’s over:

Navy 74, North Texas 62. Navy had over 570 yards rushing.

Also, Virginia Tech defeats Florida State 40-21.

Update 7:20 PM

Navy and North Texas tie the record. It’s now 74-62 (I’m not sure where the extra point for Navy came from). Since this game isn’t updating live, I’m kind of considering this an unofficial score, but it’s still amazing. 1:43 to go.

Finals:

Georgia 45, Auburn 20
Texas 59, Texas Tech 43

Update 7:06 PM

It’s now 73-56 Navy over Troy State. Can they beat the 136 total points put up by Boise State and Nevada earlier this year, which is a modern day NCAA record? They have 129 so far with still 8:06 to go. By the way, that Boise State/Nevada game was in 4 overtimes too. They had only scored 88 points in regulation.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has pretty much put Florida State away as they take a 38-21 lead with just over 5 minutes to go.

Finals:

Utah 50, Wyoming 0

Update 6:55 PM

Arizona State survives UCLA 24-20.

Update 6:48 PM

Virginia Tech retakes the lead on Florida State 28-21.

Finals:

Rice 43, Southern Methodist 42

Update 6:46 PM

Cincinnati ends Connecticut’s Cinderella season 27-3.

Finals:

Louisiana Lafayette 34, Middle Tennessee State 24

Update 6:38 PM

By the way, Navy and North Texas scored 63 points in the 2nd half - an NCAA Division I-A record for most points scored in a quarter. They also scored 94 points in the first half, also an NCAA record.

Finals:

Tulsa 56, Houston 7

Update 6:29 PM

No one can say Navy can’t put up the points if they need too. Navy 58, North Texas 49, middle of the 3rd quarter.

Update 6:26 PM

Illinois 28
Ohio State 21

Final

Update 6:24 PM

The question now becomes, where will all of Ohio State’s #1 votes go? Illinois picks up another 3rd down. It’s now 1st and 10 on the Ohio State 27 with only 2:09 to go. This drive is now 50 yards long, with 12 rushes and 1 pass.

Update 6:19 PM

Notre Dame once again loses, this time to Air Force 41-24.

Update 6:18 PM

Illinois picks up a huge 3rd and 7 to keep their drive alive. They have the ball at midfield with only 4:20 to go.

Finals:

New Mexico 26, Colorado State 23

Update 6:14 PM

Florida State comes back and takes the lead against Virginia Tech 21-20

Meanwhile, Illinois goes for it on 4th down on their own 32 yard line and gets it. 6:50 to go in that game.

Finals:

Boise State 52, Utah State 0

Update 6:08 PM

Illinois intercepts Ohio State with 8:09 to go in the game. Illinois gets it on their own 23.

Update 6:04 PM

The Seminoles aren’t finished as they’ve pulled to within 20-15 of Virginia Tech.

Update 5:51 PM

Ohio State says “not so fast” as they fly down the field and close their gap against Illinois to 28-21. But they still have to stop the Illini offense.

Update 5:45 PM

In another interesting game this afternoon, Auburn ties up Georgia in Athens at 17 in the 3rd quarter.

Update 5:43 PM

Ohio State’s #1 ranking is now in grave danger as Illinois drives down the field and goes up 28-14 on the Buckeyes.

Update 5:41 PM

4th time wasn’t the charm for Vanderbilt as they can’t pick up a 4th 4th-down conversion of the drive, and Kentucky wins 27-20.

Meanwhile, Arizona State takes the lead on UCLA 17-13.

Update 5:37 PM

Ohio State has it 1st and goal, and ends up turning the ball over, and it’s still 21-14 Illinois.

Kentucky adds another touchdown on Vanderbilt to go up 27-20. However, Vanderbilt is driving, having converted 3 4th downs on their drive to try to tie the game.

Update 5:15 PM

Kentucky is trying to fend off an upset of their own. Vanderbilt has now tied the Wildcats at 20 with 7:31 to go.

Update 4:59 PM

Will this be the upset of the day? Illinois takes a 21-14 lead on Ohio State just before halftime.

Update 4:26 PM

Florida State ties up Virginia Tech 6-6. Kentucky also goes up 20-13 on Vanderbilt.

Finals:

Nebraska 73, Kansas State 31
Georgia Tech 41, Duke 24 (Georgia Tech bowl eligible)

Update 4:13 PM

Missouri puts away Texas A&M 40-26. Missouri has Kansas State next week, then their big matchup with Kansas in the last regular season game of the season.

Update 4:10 PM

Illinois responds to Ohio State’s 2nd score with one of their own, and it’s 14-14 in Columbus.

Finals

Iowa State 31, Colorado 28

Update 4:02 PM

Is this Arizona State being revealed, or the good side of UCLA coming out? UCLA now has a 10-0 on the Sun Devils.

Also, Virginia Tech takes a 6-3 on Florida State after missing the PAT.

Update 3:57 PM

It’s starting to look like it could be a shootout in Columbus as Ohio State strikes again, and its 14-7 Buckeyes only 5 1/2 minutes into the game.

Update 3:55 PM

Illinois strikes right back to tie their game with Ohio State at 7. Cincinnati also goes up on Connecticut 7-0.

Update 3:45 PM

Mississippi upsets Alabama today 19-12. This makes Mississippi State bowl eligible.

Update 3:43 PM

Tennessee gets rid of Arkansas 34-13, leaving only Kentucky and Vanderbilt between them and an SEC Championship game appearance. And speaking of Kentucky and Vanderbilt, the Commodores currently lead the Wildcats 13-10 near halftime.

3:38 PM

Ohio State doesn’t waste any time trying to show that Illinois won’t be a threat to them, going up 7-0 after 2 offensive plays.

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.

We once again enter the twilight zone where games featuring South Florida are bigger than Miami vs. Florida State, and Kentucky get to be in a game bigger than Tennessee vs. Alabama.  In any case, here are the games to watch in week 8:

South Florida (6-0) at Rutgers (4-2) - Thursday, 7:30 PM

I don’t know that this game is bigger than the West Virginia game earlier in the year for South Florida, but it certainly is one of the big 4 games South Florida must get by this season (along with Cincinnati on November 3rd, and Louisville on November 17th).  Meanwhile, Rutgers needs this win, or else they may have to start worrying about bowl eligibility.

Louisville (4-3) at Connecticut (5-1) - Friday, 8:00 PM

Louisville has had a bad habit of not winning games they were supposed to win this year, while Connecticut fared better than people expected against Virginia.  Connecticut can show that they are indeed a team to be dealt with in the Big East while Louisville, with West Virginia, South Florida, and Rutgers still to play, desperately needs this win to get closer to bowl eligibility.

Penn State (5-2) at Indiana (5-2) - 12:00 PM

Indiana can finally get bowl eligible with a win over the Nittany Lions.  Meanwhile, the winner of this game stays at least maintains radar contact with the Big Ten championship, while the loser is out.

Tennessee (4-2) at Alabama (5-2) - 12:30 PM

Both of these teams find themselves in surprisingly good shape in the race for their respective division titles.  However, neither team can afford another loss in conference play if they want to continue having SEC Championship Game aspirations.

Wyoming (4-2) at Air Force (5-2) - 2:00 PM

These are two of the four teams still in the Mountain-West race, but another loss would pretty much put either of these teams too far behind to catch conference leader Brigham Young.  Especially Air Force since they’ve already lost to the cougars.

Texas A&M (5-2) at Nebraska (4-3) - 2:05 PM

With the way the Big 12 is going, both of these teams could be still in the race for the Big 12 title, though neither of these teams, especially Nebraska, can afford another loss right now.  A loss here by Nebraska would also put their bowl eligibility in jeopardy.

Michigan State (5-2) at Ohio State (7-0) - 3:30 PM

This is the first true test for the #1 ranked team who never expected to be in the top spot all year.  Michigan State has a history of ruining Ohio State seasons, and they’ll hope to do it again this week.

Florida (4-2) at Kentucky (6-1) - 3:30 PM

This is a huge game in the race for the SEC East - and the national title in Kentucky’s case - as another loss by Florida pretty much eliminates their chances of winning the SEC East.  Meanwhile, Kentucky must win this game, especially if Tennessee defeats Alabama earlier in the day.

California (5-1) at UCLA (4-2) - 3:30 PM

Despite UCLA’s out of conference debacles against Utah and Notre Dame, the Bruins are currently tied for the Pac 10 lead, one of only two teams still undefeated in conference play.  California hopes to end that, and hopes to get back in the title race as well.

Texas Tech (6-1) at Missouri (5-1) - 3:30 PM

Missouri hopes to avoid dropping two straight Big 12 championship game previews in a row as they face the other good team in the Big 12 South Texas Tech.  Another loss puts Missouri in very difficult position in the Big 12 North. Meanwhile, with 4 teams with only 1 conference loss in the Southern division, Texas Tech must look to keep up in their half of the conference too.

Buffalo (3-4) at Syracuse (1-6) - 4:00 PM

Since I am a Syracuse grad and this blog is called “Code Orange,” I assert my right to include Syracuse games whenever I feel they’re important.  This is an important one.  If the Orange lose to Buffalo, Coach Robinson might as well start packing his bags right after the game.

Kansas (6-0) at Colorado (4-3) - 5:30 PM

Despite Colorado’s overall record, they’ll well in the race for the Big 12 North title.  A win by Kansas would effectively put them two games ahead of everyone else in the division except for Missouri, who they play in the season finale. However, Kansas also needs a win over Colorado because they don’t have a large margin of error as far as their future opponents either.

Kansas State (4-2) at Oklahoma State (4-3) - 7:05 PM

Both of these teams are still in contention for their division titles, but neither can afford another conference loss.  Also the loser needs to start worrying about bowl eligibility in general as well.

Michigan (5-2) at Illinois(5-2) - 8:00 PM

Michigan tries to keep pace with Ohio State while Illinois tries to stay relevant in the Big Ten title race.  Given that 9 teams still have 2 or fewer conference losses, it’s still anyone’s game, but picking up another loss definitely won’t help Illionis.

Auburn (5-2) at LSU (6-1) - 9:00 PM

LSU needs a rebound from their upset loss to Kentucky, and a second SEC loss may put the team everyone though would play in the title in serious trouble as far as getting the SEC title.

Update 7:09

California wins the battle of the west over Oregon 31-24 so set up a showdown later in the season with USC.

Kansas State also finishes the deal against Texas 41-21. So both big Big 12 South teams lose today. Finally Georgia Tech upsets Clemson 13-3. Tiger fans can’t be happy about that.

More Finals!

Kent State 33, Ohio 25
Louisville 29, N. C. State 10

Update 6:46

Looks like the Big East will once again be a three team race between…South Florida, Connecticut, and Cincinnati? Sure looks that way as Maryland now has a 10 point lead on Rutgers in the middle of the 4th quarter.

Also, Kansas State has pretty much taken care of Texas, now leading 41-21, also middle of the 4th.

Update 6:28

Well, that didn’t go well. Syracuse gets a sack, then 3 straight incompletions to hand the ball back to Miami at the foot of the endzone. Miami just runs out the clock to defeat the Orange 17-14.

Meanwhile, Georgia Tech adds yet another field goal to expand their lead to 13-3 over Clemson in the 4th quarter.

Update 6:22

Miami goes 3 and out, running about a minute and a half off the clock. Syracuse gets the ball back on their own 11 with 2:29 to go.

Also, Maryland retakes the lead against Rutgers 20-17 late in the 3rd quarter and Kansas State drops another 10 on Texas to expand their lead to 34-21, now in the 4th quarter.

Georgia Tech tacks on a field goal to expand their lead over Clemson to 10-3 in the 4th as well. Meanwhile, California finds their offense in the 2nd half as they take the lead over Oregon 24-17 in the 4th quarter.

Finals:

Utah 34, Utah State 18

Update 6:16

Not Dead Yet: Syracuse drives down the field to put another TD on the board, closing the gap to 17-14 against Miami with 4 minutes to go.

Update 6:06

Miami tries to seal the deal by scoring a field goal and going up 17-7 in the middle of the 4th quarter. It could have been worse if it wasn’t for a goal line stand by the Syracuse defense. Syracuse has once again given up over 400 yards of offense.

In other games, Wisconsin expands their lead over Michigan State to 10 in the 3rd quarter: 34-24. Maryland also comes back and ties Rutgers at 17 in the 3rd quarter. Louisville is in another close game as N.C. State is behind, but still is in the game, down 16-10 in the 3rd. Finally, Texas has closed the gap to 24-21 against Kansas State.

Update 5:40

Wisconsin tacks on another field goal, as they lead Michigan State 27-21 at halftime. Rutgers retakes the lead in their game, 17-14.

Another final:

Nebraska 35, Iowa State 17

Update 5:14

The Syracuse from last week returns? Robinson throws a 43 yard pass to Mike Williams to pull the Orange to within seven, 14-7.

Also, Wisconsin takes a 24-21 lead over Michigan State, and Kansas State pulls to a 24-14 lead over Texas. Also, Oregon leads California 10-3.

Update 5:06

Syracuse avoids going down by three touchdowns by intercepting a Miami pass deep in Syracuse territory.

Maryland and Rutgers exchange touchdowns as the Terps continue to lead 14-10 nearing halftime. Michigan State and Wisconsin also swap another pair of touchdowns as they are tied up 21-21 in the 2nd quarter.

Update 5:00

Colorado pulls the huge upset over Oklahoma, winning 27-24 on a game ending field goal.

Update 4:44

Colorado recovers a fumble on an Oklahoma punt return, and follows up by putting it in the endzone to tie Oklahoma at 24 with 4 minutes to go.

Update 4:37

Maryland takes the lead on Rutgers 7-3 in the 2nd quarter. Also, Wisconsin and Michigan State exchange touchdowns, making that game 14-14, also in the 2nd quarter.

More:

Boston College 24, Massachusetts 14

Update 4:17

Syracuse appears to be their old self again as they go down another touch down to Miami (OH), who now leads 14-0. Syracuse has 81 yards of offense so far in the 1st half.

Elsewhere:

Georgia 45, Mississippi 17
Kentucky 45, Florida Atlantic 17

Original Post

Let’s start off with some more finals:

Indiana 38, Iowa 20
Army 37, Temple 21
Texas A&M 34, Baylor 10
Navy 31, Air Force 20
South Carolina 38, Mississippi State 21

Meanwhile, Boston College has a relatively close game with I-AA Massachusetts, leading 24-14 with about 8 minutes to go in the game. For once, Oklahoma is also being kept down to a reasonable number of points as they lead Colorado 24-10 after 3 quarters.

Elsewhere, Wisconsin and Michigan State are tied at 7 in the first quarter, Rutgers leads Maryland in the 1st quarter, Miami (OH) leads Syracuse 7-0 in the 2nd quarter, Texas and Kansas State are tied at 7 in the 1st quarter, and Clemson leads Georgia Tech 3-0 in the first quarter.