I was really tempted to write a scathing, scorched-earth post immediately following Penn State's agonizingly frustrating 21-17 loss to Michigan. I probably will still do that, but want to take my time in outlining my thoughts rather than just go all AngryFan.
Here's what's on my mind at 6:12 am on a chilly Sunday morning...theme is "struggling blue bloods."
- Florida 70, Samford 52. The 52 points scored by Samford are the most scored by an FCS team against an SEC team...ever. Oh, and it matches Samford's highest point total this season (52 against Tennessee Tech). These weren't garbage time points either. Samford put up 42 in the first half, and actually led 42-28 at one point. One of my favorite tweets:
I don't think Dan Mullen will be fired, but that was bad.
- Arizona State 35, Washington 30. The Huskies program is an absolute dumpster fire right now. Up 14-0, and 24-14 during the game, they get outscored 21-6 in the 4th and drop to 4-6. They just fired their offensive coordinator (why they hired John Donovan to begin with is a huge indictment of this program), and their head coach was suspended for striking a player. He says he was just separating the players...with his fist...in a punching motion. Now, it appears that Jimmy Lake's pugilistic tendencies aren't a one-off. Reports surfaced that he was disciplined for similar conduct in 2019. He gone.
Kansas 57, Texas 56 (OT). Another blue blood program where things are bleak. Texas trailed the entire game until the 4th quarter...to a 1-8 Kansas team whose lone win was in Week 1 vs South Dakota. Big props to Lance Leipold going for 2 in the first OT. I liked Leipold at Buffalo, and am happy to see him get a little success. Since starting 4-1, Sark's team has lost 5 straight and is in danger of missing a bowl game. Ever since Texas swung and missed on landing Nick Saban following Mac Brown's departure, this program has been mired in mediocrity.
Arkansas 16, LSU 13 (2OT). I thought OT games had to go at least 9...too soon? LSU is now 4-6, just 2 years removed from a National Championship. Ed Orgeron's farewell tour is not going smoothly, and it's likely that LSU misses the chance to go to a bowl game. That's ok though, since new head coach, Mel Tucker, will right the ship.
Florida State 31, Miami 28. FSU scores with 26 seconds left to complete the comeback. The combined record of these two teams is 9-11. Norvell has his work cut out for him, but I think the road to redemption will be easier than Manny Diaz's (even though the administration supposedly made a pledge to increase support for the program). The glory days of the U are quickly fading out of view, and their relevancy is waning.
And finally:
Michigan 21, Penn State 17. 4th and 6. Fade. To a WR with 4 catches for 44 yards on the season.
More on that game later.
Some non-NCAA football musings:
- The USMNT looked as good as I've seen under Berhalter Friday night. I don't care if you think Mexico isn't as good as they used to be. They're still Mexico. And the US stomped them.
- Russell Wilson is back this weekend, and Aaron Rodgers might be. There's a good chance that neither of these quarterbacks will be with their respective teams next season.
- Let the Mason Rudolph Experience, Take 2, commence. Probably Detroit's best chance to get a win this season.
- What the hell, Baltimore?
- I wish they'd make more of those Progressive Dr Rick commercials. They are funny because they're true.
Hopefully this wasn't a waste of your time.
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