- The Bearcats beat ECU in the strangest game we have seen under coach Tuberville. The defense is improving and Gunner Kiel looks to be healthy (or close to it) again. Next Saturday the UC game at UConn will begin at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS Sports Network.
- The Gurley Is Gone, The Chubb Remains: Georgia running back Todd Gurley tore his ACL, and will miss the remainder of the season. The University of Georgia actually paid between $50,000 and $60,000 to increase Gurley’s insurance policy from $5 million to $10 million during the same time he was suspended for accepting cash for autographs in violation of NCAA rules. The SEC lives by their own rules, and “rewards” players accordingly. See you in the NFL next year. Gurley is currently projected as the 8th overall pick.
- No D In ND: After leaving everything they had on the field attempting a comeback against ASU last week, Notre Dame managed to lose to another smart school by the name of Northwestern, 43-40. Brian Kelly, not known for defense, managed to give up 547 yards. While he is an offensive mastermind, the Irish will never get to be where they want to be without a little D here and there. ND also added another four turnovers. The Irish defense has now given up 30+ points in five straight games.
- Florida State Squeaks By Again: “We’ve been narrowly escaping and beating mediocre teams since week 1.” The Noles YET AGAIN come from behind and beat the Miami Hurricanes. This was the toughest test on the remainder of the schedule. Regardless, I am sure FSU will somehow find a way to make it interesting. One thing is certain, Winston & Co. sure know how to stay poised and use every minute of the fourth quarter effectively.
- Roll Freaking Tide: Nick Saban’s squad is getting HOT at the right time. Despite being outgained by 100 yards, Alabama forced three turnovers and handed Mississippi State their first loss. The question now becomes how high does the committee catapult Bama? Also, will the Bulldogs remain in the top four? I hope not. Bama still has the Iron Bowl and potentially the SEC championship game ahead of them.
- TCU Stays Alive: I am a big TCU fan, but narrowly escaping the……Jayhawks of Kansas? At least the Horned Frogs are gaining significant “nail biter” experience. Down 27-17 in the 3rd quarter, Boykin rallied the troops and won 34-30.
- Beavers Off ASU: Weeks after demolishing the Irish, Arizona State drops a game to Oregon State. OSU put up nearly 500 total yards, and 250 rushing yards, despite going 1-12 on third down! The BIG plays on offense were key. With two losses ASU’s playoff hopes are certainly over. How far will the committee punish the Sun Devils?
- Gus Bus On E: Time to hop off War Eagle. A week after finding a way to lose to Texas A&M, Auburn was destroyed by Georgia, 34-7. Holding the Auburn offense to a single TD, and amassing 289 rushing yards, are both very admirable statistics on the part of coach Mark Richt’s squad. Georgia limited quarterback Nick Marshall and Auburn’s offense to its lowest-scoring performance in Gus Malzahn’s two years as coach. Auburn is now out of the playoff picture.
- Arkansas Gets an SEC W: Arkansas got their first SEC win under coach Bret Bielema. It only took 17 attempts. The Razorbacks have been nipping at the heels of a number of teams, and finally put one in the W column. Hats off to them, now one win away from bowl eligibility.
- Brutus Perseveres: The offensive machine of Ohio State is quietly chugging along waiting for teams above them to mess up and fall. Watch out for the Buckeyes to sneak into the playoff.
- Longhorn Strong: Texas is now bowl eligible. It is only a matter of time before Charlie Strong cleans up the team and builds a power.
- Muschamp Chomped: Florida head coach Will Muschamp, as expected, has been Gator chomped. He will get to finish out this year, and then hit the road. As a former legendary defensive coordinator at Texas, I am sure another top notch team would love to swipe him up to add to their staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if Auburn writes a blank check to entice him as the new defensive coordinator.
- This oops happened this week.
- If the Playoffs Were Tomorrow:
- Florida State
- Alabama
- TCU
- Oregon
- Swag of the Week goes to Texas Tech.
By Technical Writer: Andy Smith