8/30 College Football Roundup

Georgia/Clemson: great game. Close first half. Late in the game Clemson could not stop Georgia's running game, particularly Todd Gurley: 198 yards and 3 TD's plus the 105 yard TD return. I did not hear Nessler nor Blackledge comment on Chubb running the last 20 yards for a touchdown WITHOUT HIS SHOE. Did anyone besides me notice? See below:

Good steady game by QB Hutson Mason. The Bulldog defense completely shut down Clemson is the second half, with the last seven Tiger possessions being 3 & outs.

QB Stoudt played well, but the freshman's running ability had the defense on its heels. As impressive as his touchdown pass was, Watson still has a long way to go. And Dabo knows it. Gracious post game comments by the young ball coach. Lots more shots of the Georgia sidelines than Clemson's.

FSU/Oklahoma State: the Noles struggled to beat a tough Cowboy team, setting up a September 13 battle royal in Tallahassee against Clemson. Heisman winner Winston didn't look like the same player from last year – but FSU still won.

Georgia Tech/Wofford: Paul Johnson probably orchestrated the 10-9 halftime score so he could get on his team in the locker room. Wofford shut down the option, though it could have been Johnson not wanting to show off much of the offense so early in the season. Justin Thomas passed better than any QB in the Johnson regime. I still say that unlike a true option, Johnson calls which part of the option is run. The Nick Laskey dive up the middle is planned, as opposed to being a read option. Perhaps Thomas will earn Johnson's trust and be allowed to run free. Announcer Wes Durham was great, but his sidekick was terrible.

The defense was terrible – especially linebacker Neely, who reminded me of overhyped Tech "legend" Ken Swilling - a huge bust. Like last year kicker Butker missed and stupid Jacket penalties were the norm. Tackling the ball instead of its carrier will soon backfire. If the defense does not improve this could be a long season. Even the Georgia Southern game is in question.

Penn State/Central Florida: now Europeans will think all American football games end with a climatic kick. Co-worker Chris had a swell time.

Alabama/West Virginia: The Tide did not roll, and the new QB did not impress. Opens the doors wider for Auburn.

Wisconsin/LSU: I had wondered how the new LSU QB would fare under the spotlight. Opens the doors wider for Auburn.

Texas A&M/South Carolina: The Gamecock loss opens the doors wider for Georgia. The Aggies passed. Surely Bobo took notice. Can Georgia's more run-oriented attack also roll? Even in defeat Gamecock superfan Chuck Hartman was able to rib Clemson for their loss.

Louisville/Miami: Bobby Petrino's first win could mean a tougher time down the road for Clemson against the Cardinals, and a slightly easier time for the Jackets against Miami.

Auburn/Arkansas: the Tigers take care of business.