College Football Roundup

Georgia Tech's defense appeared to be playing prevent defense all night, waiting until passes were caught or runners to gain a first down before closing in to make the tackle. Made the skinny 19 year old NC State QB look like Johnny Unitas. Looked like they needed Haynes King to play some defense.

Heisman hopeful Haynes King could've used more help from his receivers as well. At least four of King's passes were dropped. Otherwise King and the Tech offense consistently moved the ball most of the evening. King threw for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns, and ran for 100 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Not a bad outing.

The Wolfpack played error free football. Every bounce seemed to go their way. A couple of key penalties stalled Tech drives, causing the Jackets to have to settle for field goals. And right after I proclaim Birr the greatest kicker in GT history, my comment caused him to barely miss a 54 yard field goal.

King broke Joe Hamilton's GT record for most TDs responsible for. But the loss means the only way Tech can make the playoff is to win the ACC Championship Game, if they are able to make it to Charlotte. No Top 20 team gives up 48 points to NC State. Not sure how this defense can stop Pitt, much less UGA.

Despite playing another good game, King's Heisman chances were severely diminished.

Clemson let Duke take a two TD lead in the first quarter, before coming back to take the lead. The Tigers let the Blue Devils stick around, and Duke was able to score the game-winning TD after a pass interference call went against Clemson. It is the first Duke win in Death Valley in 45 years, back when Steve Spurrier was Duke's offensive coordinator. 

Earlier Dabo was livid after a botched play by his defender. Some think the two time national championship winning head coach has lost the locker room. After the game Dabo "promised" that Tiger freshmen would win a national championship while they were at Clemson.

Arch threw a 75 yard TD pass on the first play of the game, and Texas built a big lead, holding on win 34-31. Vandy QB Diego Pavia led the Commodore comeback, perhaps keeping his Heisman hopes alive. There is some discussion of Pavia returning for yet another college season, though the QB poo poos the idea - for now. Arch had a big day, his best as a collegian - the most complete game by a Longhorn QB against a top ten team in Texas history.

Ohio State beat Penn State, but the real news was that the "Rules Expert" disagreed with the obvious targeting call that was overturned by the  replay booth.

Carson Beck threw two interceptions, including one in overtime, allowing SMU to upset the 10th ranked Hurricanes.

Like Tech, Navy fell from the ranks of the undefeated.

Georgia took the opening kickoff and drove down the field to take an early 7-0 lead (above), but had to kick a late field goal to tie the game 10-10 at the half. Dawgs were able to establish the running game, but were down two defenders after an obvious targeting call. 

The Dawgs stopped Florida on two second half 4th down attempts. Tech fans will have several calls to complain about: Gunner's "fumble" was correctly ruled an incomplete pass.

Replay confirmed the underthrown 4th quarter pass hit the ground before the wide open Gator receiver made the catch. 

Plus there was the inexplicable penalty against Stockton for excessive clapping. Seemed like something Kirby would be called for.

Stockton led the decisive go-ahead 4th quarter TD drive, then the Dawgs converted two key 3rd down plays to run out the clock, the second when Gunner forgoing an easy touchdown to kneel down on the one yard line.

Like Alabama and UGA, Oklahoma beat Tennessee.

Colorado has been on the wrong side of two blowouts in as many weeks. Maybe Shedur did deserve to have his number retired. 

Kentucky beat Auburn, so the War Eagles fired their coach. The Tigers haven't allowed 24 points in any game all season, but benched their 5 star QB for lack of production.