DIVISION 1-A SCORES:
*+x+* GAME OF THE WEEK *+x+*
* LSU at Alabama
"Uh oh! Watch out, sweetheart!" Lee Corso would say that about this game. LSU and Alabama are three of the most sensational teams in the SEC, and maybe the nation as well. The Crimson Tide were sick and tired of being sick and tired. A win here would shut up doubters. But they'd have to play against the LSU Tigers, a team that refuses to lose. LSU lost a good game against Tennessee earlier in the year. The magic was blown in Baton Rouge, but only slightly. Would Alabama get that all-important win to get a shot at USC-Trojans or Texas? That win didn't come as (16-13, OT; Louisiana State)
* Auburn at Georgia ---RG: Deep South's Oldest Rivalry---
College basketball wants to come up with words like Bracketology. You want some college football terms? How about Hateology? It is a 3 Credit Hour class about hate between two SEC football giants. Ladies and gentlement, we have an upset as #15 Auburn beat #9 Georgia. Tigers upset Bulldogs. (31-30; Auburn)
* Kansas at Texas
Texas Longhorns, playing at home, clicking on all cylinders, facing a sorry Kansas Jayhawks team, Longhorns win. No fancy story. You get what you pay for. (66-14; TEXAS)
* UCF at UAB
Central Florida is really improving. The Golden Knights were winless last year, but now have won about 3 games now. Better late than never, right? They had to play against the Alabama-Birmingham Blazers. No big deal for the resurgent Golden Knights. (2?-2?; Central Florida)
"Be Back in a Minute, Man!" Massachusetts at Army
Massachusetts is 7-2 in Division 1-AA as they met the Army crew in West Point, NY. I've never been, but it seems like a pretty scenic location whether you come to enjoy the scenery, watch an Army game, or train up to serve your nation. The Black Knights/Cadets are looking to whip Massachusetts. However, the Massachusetts Minutemen of the Atlantic 10 Conference are no pushovers. I think this will give UMass some luck- at least you're not facing a Division 1-A powerhouse, because Army SURELY isn't one. As a result, this game was close. But Army edged out ever so elequently to win. (34-27; ARMY)
* Southern Miss at Marshall
Huntington, WV is the city for this matchup, home to Marshall University. Marshall is only one of a few universities to join Conference USA. Longtimers Southern Miss made the trip to West Virginia to meet the Thundering Herd of Marshall. The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss were up against the stampede as they looked to lasso up Marshall. It was 17-7 in favor of the Golden Eagles at the half. The Thundering Herd brought this bad boy into Overtime. So the Thundering Herd had a shot at hope. It was hope that ran out on the green and white. For the Golden Eagles, they get the Houston Cougars either this Sunday or next. (27-24, OT; Southern Miss)
"Bowden Down" Florida State at Clemson
Florida State hasn't lost since October 15th in Charlottesville, VA to the Virginia Cavaliers (they have Georgia Tech this week). Now, the Seminoles must divide and conquer Clemson, SC. But it won't be easy because in Clemson Memorial Stadium, a pack of wild Tigers live in Clemson. This is a pack of Tigers that hasn't been to the promised land since 1981. Go to Death Valley, and you'll see "1981 National Champions" with the Clemson Tigers. They certainly aren't championship contenders this year, losing a handful of games. And if you notice, this is a battle between the Bowdens. Clemson has Tommy Bowden, and Florida State has the longtime veteran Bobby Bowden. Together, they have a combined 37 years of coaching for their respective teams. Bobby with 30, Tommy with 7. Clemson seemed to come out the better team as this game was won by their great offense, upsetting the veteran Bowden in Clemson, SC. (35-14; CLEMSON)
"Grab Life by the Horned Frogs" UNLV at TCU
Horrible year meets wonderful year. Fort Worth, TX is home to the TCU Horned Frogs. The dark purple color of TCU has been in the faces in all of the teams this year in their amazing season. Their biggest win was against Oklahoma in Week 1. Their most disappointing loss was a week later in Dallas against Southern Methodist. That loss, however, did nothing to dilute the Horned Frog spirit as they've won ever since the upset loss in Dallas. Now for a story of contrasts. UNLV is a tourist attraction, but just don't expect to see a Top 25 team when you talk about UNLV. They leave Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV to head to Fort Worth, Texas. They haven't made a Bowl Game since 2000, beating Arkansas 31-14 that year. It was also the year when Oklahoma been to the Promised Land... now look at them! The UNLV Rebels just want to salvage something from this season, and a win against the Horned Frogs would be exceptional consolation. TCU blew the doors off of the Mountain West Conference apart from Conference USA. And had that loss not occur in Dallas, TCU would have been a BCS Bowler. Regardless, my congratulations to the Horned Frogs on an amazing season. TCU wins all eight conference games and finish 10-1 for the regular season. (51-3; TEXAS CHRISTIAN)
"Spud Studs" Boise State at Fresno State
This game is pivotal for the Bulldogs of Fresno State. Fresno State has a couple of tough games coming up. This game is one of them on Thursday night. Later, they have to do with Southern California, being a huge underdog. If you think the WAC is a wimpy conference, you may laugh when I say that the WAC is the MAC of the west. Boise State is certainly not a pushover or a cupcake. Maybe against BCS schools, they are cupcakes. Elsewhere, they play hard-nosed football on the blue field. That's one unique thing about college that the pros doesn't have- a blue field. I personally like the color blue, but they are going to match up against Paul Pinegar's boys in Fresno, CA. Wait... it doesn't rain in California. What's up with that? Anyhow, Fresno State's last losing season was 1998. So since 1999, they've upped their profile. Now, Paul Pinegar and Fresno State can finally beat Boise State, but also snap BSU's 31-game WAC winning streak. (27-7; FRESNO STATE)
"Crime Doesn't Pay" Indiana at Michigan
Oh, it's another trip to the Big House! This time around, Indiana is going to be incarcerated in the jail house known as "The Big House," in Ann Arbor, MI. The Wolverines are the wardens of this jail house, and are sure not to let any Hoosiers leave with a victory. This is a maximum-security outdoor jailhouse, and if you're an Indiana Hoosier, you're going to have a bad day if Michigan has their way. And they did. BIG. (41-14; MICHIGAN)
* Colorado at Iowa State
Big XII North implications were on the line as the Colorado Buffaloes met the Iowa State Cyclones. In the end, Iowa State got a BIG win playing at home. The ironic thing was that the game was going to be threatened by tornadoes! Both teams are 7-3, obviously Bowl Eligible. Iowa State's biggest win is against Iowa, but this is just as satisfying. (30-16; IOWA STATE)
* Rutgers at Louisville
Thank goodness it's Friday Night. The Bowl Eligible Scarlet Knights of Rutgers are still estatic about being able to go into the post season. But the Cardinals are still breathing down their necks. You blink Scarlet Knights, they score a Touchdown. It was about 21-5 in favor of the Cardinals. Louisville wearing black jersey and pants with red accents and white helmets. Now, I try not to show too much of favoritism or bias, but if you're Rutgers, you need to start winning games. You became Bowl Eligible, now you need to get some momentum going so that you can back up your campaign and cap off a successful season. Rutgers, you've still done great all season. A few more wins would help your record and cause. Now, such games aren't gimmes, much like what people think about free throws in basketball, field goals in football, and extra points in football. Rutgers has to win to win the respect of the Bowl Game promoters and of America. Earn that vote to your first Bowl Game since 1978, and first eligibility since 1992. (56-5; LOUISVILLE)
* Texas A&M at Oklahoma
Oklahoma's been reduced to a pile of rubble since the wind's been taken out of their sails since losing to Southern California and TCU. in 2003, the Sooners annhilated Texas A&M 77-0 in Norman, OK. A year later, the game went into Overtime, but Texas A&M lost in College Station, TX. Now with the game in Norman, the Aggies want redemption. Texas murdered Oklahoma, so can the other top Texas teams beat them? If Texas A&M can't get it done, Texas Tech could next week. Bring on the Red Raiders, I guess. (36-30; OKLAHOMA)
* Navy at Notre Dame
There has been 41 years of ND beating Navy. Make that 42 for the Fighting Irish over the Midshipmen. (42-21; NOTRE DAME)
* USC at California
Any Chance of an upset was short lived as the USC-Trojans blew out the California Golden Bears. (35-10; Southern California)
* Miami at Wake Forest
The Miami Hurricanes blown away the Demon Deacons in a bad way. (47-17; Miami)
* Northwestern at Ohio State
Remember last year when these two teams met? Last year in Evanston, IL, Northwestern pushed the highly-ranked Ohio State to the limit, and as overtime commenced- they got upset by the Northwestern Wildcats. Then, I believe Ohio State would lose two straight games after the Evanston nightmare they (48-7; OHIO STATE)
"Spurrier Bowl" Florida at South Carolina
You want football? You got football... this time in Columbia, SC. The South Carolina Gamecocks want to negate the Gators of a high rank. Notice the title? That's right! In 1996, Steve Spurrier coached the Gators to a National Championship in the 1996 season. Now wouldn't it be strange if Florida ends up being the hottest team next season... all the way to a championship, and all without Steve Spurrier, and 10 years since they seen the promised land? Just a thought, but let's get this started. At game's end, we have this scenario- Florida losing to South Carolina for the first time in a long time. Can't dig that? Look at the score. (30-22; SOUTH CAROLINA)
"Heavenly Hell" Arizona State at UCLA
Arizona should have been a cakewalk for UCLA. Unfortunately, UCLA's troubled defense allowed Arizona to do the impossible- beat a highly-ranked team. I'm sure UCLA were simply getting ROASTED in Los Angeles. They may play in Pasadena, CA's Rose Bowl, but the Bruins are still the pride of Los Angeles... until they play USC. I have always said that Arizona State is the best football team in Arizona. The Sun Devils had devilish intentions of weighing down the Bruins with more to worry about. (45-35; CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES)
"Scaredy Cats" West Virgina at Cincinatti
To Cincinatti we go, to Cininatti we go, hi-ho the merrio, to Cincinatti we will go. Cincinatti is 1-11-1 all time, as West Virginia won last time. The Bearcats hope to make the series 2-11-1 and avoid embarrasment yet again. If they beat WVU, it would be an upset because the Mountaineers are having a great season. In the 3rd Quarter, West Virginia was blowing/shutting out Cincinatti 31-0. They may play in a nice stadium, but this game was anything but as the seconds winded down to the 4th Quarter, trailing 38-0. The Bearcats haven't been shut out since 1998 when they lost to Miami of Ohio 41-0. Now, though... what does Lee Corso say? Oh yeah... FORGET ABOUT IT, SWEETHEART! West Virginia is only 8-1 this season, forget about the upset, forget about the possibility of an upset, hell... forget about calling this a ball game. (38-0; West Virginia)
"One More Shot at Glory" Iowa at Wisconsin
Kinnick Stadium... Iowa City, IA... Penn State may rule the Big Ten this season, but it still doesn't mean Wisconsin can't keep that aggression. The Badgers just want to whack the Iowa Hawkeyes so bad, despite the fact Iowa lost a close game this past week. Iowa would love revenge after being beaten in an Iowa heartbreak to Northwestern. This will be the Badgers' final home game this season. Kirk Herbstreit says that Iowa is one of the biggest dissapointments, allowing between 150-300 yards against four other Big Ten schools. It's not easy winning at Camp Randall Stadium, but always believe, and the Hawkeyes will bless you with their grace. (20-10; Iowa)
* Maryland at North Carolina
North Carolina STILL isn't a football school even if they knocked off Boston College in last week's game. I will say that the Tar Heels are starting to show life in football, in addition to their National Champion Tar Heels baskeball team. No Michael Jordan needed here as they meet a pack of slow movers, the turtles from Maryland. The Terrapins are looking to terrorize the Tar Heels on the field. They come from the Washington D.C. area, but from College Park, MD. (-; )
* Florida International at Louisiana-Lafayette
(-; )
* Temple at Miami-Ohio
"Why would you want to look up Temple, John?" Well, for all the Temple University fans (all 2 of you), the Owls will get their Independent status removed next year when they play in the MAC Conference. Since 1998, the most wins Temple accumulated in a season was 4, both in 2000 and 2001. Last year, they won over two opponents- Florida A&M (38-7), and Syracuse (34-24). Since leaving the Big East, they have a chance to actually prove they belong in Division 1-A. All efforts are failing. Care to join the MAC? Miami-Ohio is tough to beat. The Redhawks are easily one of the toughest tickets in all of the MAC, other than Bowling Green or Toledo. Ready to write off Temple, GTPlanet? Not just yet. This may be an upset. (-; )
* North Texas at Florida Atlantic
FAU is expanding, trying to break into the postseason. North Texas is playing their final game of the season, meeting the boys from Boca Raton, FL. The Florida Atlantic Owls aren't having a magical season as they are still getting used to competition in Division 1-A. The Sun Belt is like Division 1-A's version of 1-AA as mostly small universities break into this conference to get some Division 1-A experience. Though not a power conference, they can still provide some great action. Would this game follow suit? The talent in Denton, TX is slowly dying out as 1-A newcomers FAU got it done by three. (26-23; FLORIDA ATLANTIC)
* Kansas State at Nebraska
Ready for a Big XII double dip? Let's begin with a team that was ranked as high as #5 in 2003, losing by 7 against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl- Kansas State. The Wildcats haven't looked as impressive as one of the big names, Darren Sproles was lost to the NFL. Since then, the Wildcats haven't been too wild. Another talentless team who once seen championship glory is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers haven't seen championship gold since 1995. So ten years since their championship glory, now look at them. People say the Big XII North lacks firepower, so it's time to see if the Cornhuskers can silence their doubters and make KSU's season even worse. The win was close as Nebraska is Bowl Eligible. (27-25; NEBRASKA)
* Washington at Arizona
This is the Bottomdwellers Bowl in the Pac-10. Washington and Arizona have stumbled, Washington much worse. The Arizona Wildcats weren't supposed to win against the (then) undefeated UCLA Bruins. Now, the Wildcats have some spunk. (38-14; Washington)
* San Diego State at Colorado State
(-; San Diego State)
* Memphis at Tennessee
I don't kow about if it's a football rivalry, but it is surely a basketball one. You have Mempis, TN on one side, then Knoxville, TN (not to be confused with Knoxville, IA for you American sprint car fans). The Volunteers have tallen off the map quite considerably and need to win out to make it into Bowl Game consideration. They have three games against considerable opponents counting this game. Memphis haven't lived up to expectations either. The Tigers had a nice Midnight Madness televised on ESPNU a few weeks ago, now they hope to get their football team together. To both teams, it's like a last hurrah, even with Memphis' talented DeAngelo Williams. One down, two to go for Tennessee to be Bowl Eligible. (20-16; )
"Laramie Lowdown" BYU at Wyoming
I don't know if Cougars are used to conditions where Cowboys roam. No, not in Texas... in Wyoming. One of the more recent fashion movements has involved Wild West-inspired fashion. According to fashion-savvy ladies, "everone loves a cowgirl." Either that, or "Every girl loves a dirty cowboy." If the second statement is true, then cowboy-crazy girls have something to love. Cougars still rule this one. (35-21; Brigham Young)
"Feeling the Sting" Georgia Tech at Virginia
The last Virginia Georgia Tech faced was Virginia Tech. They stunk so bad that all they could muster was one touchdown to VT's 51-7 pounding. Virginia has momentum in wanting to take advantage of the downed Hokies. But first, they have Georgia Tech. Charlottesville, VA doesn't like mosquitoes, much less Yellow Jackets. So the Cavaliers sprayed themselves with mosquito repellent and wore extra-protective football uniforms to avoid being stung. No worries, no need. Both teams are 6-3 as a result of this game, but Virginia laughs all the way to the bank, upsetting GT in terms of rankings. (27-17; VIRGINIA)
"Land of a Thousand Golden Gophers" Michigan State at Minnesota
Minnesota is the state in this game. It is told to be the land of a thousand lakes. Can it also be the land of a thousand Golden Gophers too? Sure, why not? Maroney is Minnesota's biggest game breaker as these golden rodents welcomed a cold front of green and white. East Lansing, MI-based Michigan State University has the tough MSU Spartans. Neither team is really in the Big Ten race this year, but they are surely wanting to climb up the ranks even more to shock their opposition. As one would know, Minnesota is no exception to opposition looking to be shocked. (4?-1?; MINNESOTA)
* Connecticut at Pittsburgh
This is a Big East battle between two teams big enough to fit the conference. Pittsburgh has been a let down since their 8-4 finish (being blown out by Utah in a BCS Bowl). The Panthers are still trying to get it done in Pittsburgh Steeler country. It's beautiful Hines Field as the Panthers welcomed a team on the rise, the Connecticut Huskies. A team on the rise in football, of course. No disrespect to their successful basketball program. Did you know that Pittsburgh has over 73 bridges around the city? It has the most number of bridges in the world, and Pittsburgh's Panthers look to build bridge #74 and keep the Huskies down. Did they, though? Winning is good, winning in a blowout is better, winning in a shutout is best. (24-0; PITTSBURGH)
* Illinois at Purdue
One is a disappointment, and the other just sucks at football. Can you guess which two? Some of you would say that I'm making up a trick question. But actually, Purdue came off of a great season last year. This year, they won a grand total of 1 Big Ten game. The Boilermakers are boiling mad about their season considering the loss of Kyle Orton to the NFL. Illinois is less than stellar in football. And to think that the Fighting Illini were the biggest story in college basketball until North Carolina beat them in the final game. Now these men in blue and orange hope to give Purdue a miserable loss. That didn't happen as this Big Ten basketball power Indiana fell to the other Big Ten bottomdwellers Purdue. (37-3; PURDUE)
* Buffalo at Kent State
Can you believe that Buffalo is winless? The Bulls recently fired their head coach for their final two games. And I thought my Houston Texans were bad, and they WON a game. These Buffs are looking to beat an Ohio brand, the Kent State Golden Flashes. It is a MAC Conference matchup between two low-powered teams. (10-6; Buffalo)
"What'cha Gonna Do When Mizzou Runs Wild on You?" Baylor at Missouri
The Waco boys of Baylor were ready to head to Tigers country. No, not Auburn, not LSU, not Princeton, but the Missouri Tigers. Those Mizzou boys are sporting the black and gold willing to welcome the green and gold of Baylor. The Baylors Bears aren't exactly cuddly creatures. What they are, however, is the Big XII's most disappointing team which isn't Kansas. Missouri is quite talented, though not the class of the Big XII North. They may not get the Big XII North Championship bid to play in Houston, they will get their money's worth, taking on Baylor. (-; MISSOURI)
* East Carolina at Tulsa
Time to scoop up some booty, pirate. The ECU Pirates are looking to clean up Tulsa of the Golden Hurricane. It's high seas adventure that takes place on the gridiron, and only one of these Conference USA schools will get it done. (45-13; TULSA)
* Stanford at Oregon State
Both Stanford and Oregon State lost their games to USC. Stanford came off of nearly upsetting the Trojans last year. But now, the Stanford Cardinal of Palo Alto, CA will trudge their way into Corvalis, OR to meet the Oregon State Beavers. Cuddly rodents, aren't they? (20-17; Stanford)
* New Mexico at Utah
(31-27; New Mexico)
* Florida International at Louisiana-Lafayette
(28-7; LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE)
* Utah State at Hawaii
It was 34-3; Hawaii at the Half as the Warriors were looking to pin down the Utah State Aggies for good. (??-??; HAWAII)
* Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
OkSU is now 4-5 by making Texas Tech's Red Raiders lose in Stillwater, OK. Ranking-wise, this is an upset. (24-17; OKLAHOMA STATE)
* North Carolina State at Boston College
(30-10; BOSTON COLLEGE)
* Texas Southern at UTEP
(45-0; TEXAS-EL PASO)
* Kentucky at Vanderbilt
The Kentucky Wildcats shown that their football program is a real football team. The Vanderbilt Commodores was like an old car. At one point, an old car suddenly breaks apart and is rendered inoperable. Thanks to Kentucky, Vanderbit is a pure lemon. That's right, Kentucky actually WON a game. (48-43; Kentucky)
* Louisiana-Monroe at Middle Tennesse
(??-??; Lousiana-Monroe)
* Arkansas at Mississippi
Get your Gillettes, Brawns, Remingtons, and Norelcos for this one, folks. The Razorbacks were looking to cut apart the competition. And insteand of a smooth, close shave, it was a chance at a beatdown. Now let's meet Mississippi's Rebels. (28-17; Arkansas)
* Central Michigan at Western Michigan
(??-??; Central Michigan)
* Ball State at Eastern Michigan
(??-??; Ball State)
* Troy at Arkansas State
Only a field goal helped the Indians beat the Troy Trojans of Alabama. (9-3; ARKANSAS STATE)
