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Monday, October 17, 2016

Weekend Football Recap

 
Georgia lost to Vanderbilt. Losses are becoming a little less devastating for Dawg fans, but letting Vandy win was still a crusher. While last week Georgia ran the ball all over South Carolina, Vandy stacked the box and strung out wide plays. Especially on short yardage plays, the UGA running plays took too long to develop. But just as Georgia passed too much in the Gamecock win, they passed too little against Vandy. Eason was 27-40, but should’ve passed more.
 
Bright spot: Rodrigo Blankenship’s field goal kicking. The kid was two for two, and also was in on a tackle (above). Georgia’s punting game was also spot on.
 
Homecoming: (1) Anna’s sorority sister was crowned UGA’s homecoming queen. (2) on a recruiting trip to a high school football game Friday night, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh announced the homecoming queen winner.  
 
Florida looked good in their win over Missouri, but the game would’ve been closer should the two pick sixes be taken away. The Dawgs will have to be firing on all cylinders to win in Gainesville.
 
Clemson needed overtime to slip past NC State. Back in August I predicted a close game. Fans who moan “what’s wrong with my Tigers?” week after week just aren’t paying attention. Watson threw another interception. But as long as Clemson keeps winning, they’ll stay firmly in the playoff picture.
 
Georgia Tech had an easier time with Georgia Southern than they did in their last meeting. Justin Thomas finally had a big day both on the ground and in the air. Perhaps Southern’s look at previous Tech game films led them to believe Thomas wouldn’t keep the ball. Justin’s passing continues to improve. Still, there were several times Thomas pitched the ball when he shouldn’t have, or kept the ball when he should’ve pitched. He also made a few imperfect pitches – though making accurate pitches on the option is a tough thing to do.  
Right after Wes Durham noted that Tech kicker Harrison Butker hadn’t missed all season (4-4) I knew what would happen – a miss.

Alabama manhandled Tennessee. More turnovers from the Vols, and an impressive punt return TD as well as a long run from scrimmage. The Tide are starting to roll, and it could keep on rolling through the national championship game.
The only bright spot for Tennessee fans was Peyton’s appearance on the field and in the booth with Vern and Gary (above right, in Peyton's robe).

Arkansas beat Ole Miss playboy Chad Kelly, despite his valiant effort.
 
Heisman Watch: Despite the interception and close win, Watson did little to tarnish his candidacy. Should he finish the season undefeated look for him at the podium at the Downtown Athletic Club. Sophomore Lamar Jackson is a close second. Chad Kelly lost again. Forget DeShone Kizer. Christian McCaffrey missed the Notre Dame game. He had the greatest season in college history, but could leave school without a Heisman. Nick Chubb had another off-the-radar game against Vandy. Every time an overhyping announcer calls him a Heisman candidate I cringe.

Dallas beat the Packers in Green Bay. Best uniform matchup of the day.

Before the game Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Dak would need to be impressive against the Packers – a very hard feat, winning at Lambeau – but he did. Will the Cowboys stick with the rookie or hand the ball back to the perennially disappointing Romo? The answer seems obvious, but look for a soap opera in Dallas.

Seattle edged past Atlanta. Everyone agreed the officials blew the interference call. Winning in Seattle is tough. Let’s hope the Birds can grow from this loss. Next up: a Chargers team who, like Atlanta, beat Denver.

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