Pitt Beats Tech

It had been bound to happen eventually: Tech fell in way too deep of a hole, falling behind Pitt 28-0 on Saturday night. Seemed like play calling could’ve been better. Perhaps an effort to keep QB King to take an early beating. Lots of little things contributed to the lopsided first half: dropped passes, dumb penalties, missed tackles. Then the 99 yard pick six was the killer – a 14 point swing. Jackets mounted an admirable comeback. RB Hayes ran well. Good pressure on the freshman Pitt QB, but then another long Pitt TD run was the nail in the coffin.

So Tech’s ACC and playoff hopes are all but down the drain. Finishing the season 9-3 won’t give them the great bowl game, though perhaps better than the 4 and 5 loss teams. GT QB Haynes King deserves Heisman consideration, but too many other candidates from better teams will make it to NYC ahead of King. Hopefully Key will have another good recruiting season. Not sure if the 2026 schedule will be as easy for Tech.

Dawgs had an easy time with Charlotte. QB Gunner Stockton threw two interceptions, which hurt his highly ranked QBR. Georgia’s run game will give Tech fits. Shivonne and Millie's first game at Sanford Stadium.

Clemson played three QBs and routed Furman. The Paladins wore purple helmets and pants, making for a purple fest with Clemson’s purple jerseys and pants.

Big day for Arch. Many expect the Longhorns to play well this coming weekend against A&M, and they might. I’m not high on the Aggie QB, a supposed Heisman candidate. Arch’s stats are comparable to many of the Heisman contenders.

Mercer led Auburn 14-7 before the War Eagles righted the ship. The Tigers were playing their backup QB so their starter wouldn’t burn his redshirt season.

Carson Beck had a big way, leading the Canes to a win over Virginia Tech. Notre Dame ran up the score on Navy. Are the Irish peaking at the right time?

Falcons cruised to a win in New Orleans. QB Kirk Cousins threw two TD passes. The Falcons new kicker Zane Gonzalez made three field goals – two from 50+ yards.

Cowboys edged the Eagles with a last second long distance field goals. Chiefs were down 20-9 in the third quarter but came back to beat the Colts in overtime. Browns (3-8) beat the 2-9 Raiders.

TRIS SPEAKER  [SABR Bio] is the only outfielder to turn an unassisted double play in the World Series. Playing for BOS in the 9th inning of Game 7 of the 1912 WS, Speaker, who liked to play shallow, grabbed a line drive off the bat of Art Fletcher then beat baserunner Art Wilson to second base. During his career he played with Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx, Jack Chesbro, Lefty Grove, Harry Hooper, Joe Sewell, Stan Kovaleski, Al Simmons, Sam Rice, Jimmy Collins, & Herb Pennock. Speaker ranks in the Top Ten in: WAR (9th overall, 6th for position players), average 9th, hits 5th, singles 10th, doubles 1st, triples 6th, total bases 8th.

Denison: Gratitude is the pathway to flourishing.

The People God Uses

Romans 16:1-27
Clay Smith JFBC

The struggle of Jew and Gentile to come together as one. The church is a family of faith, united by Jesus. Chapter 16 is the first time Paul describes the body as the church.

v 25-27 a doxology.

Paul was a friend maker as well as a tent maker. He commends these people in this chapter. Christians who made a difference in Paul's life.

Dec 7 will be a baptism service.

v 1-2 Phoebe was a servant. A helper of many. A patron. A deaconess. Romans 13. A leader in the church. So great a get it done leader that she was mentioned first

v 3-5 Prisca and Aquila a spiritually mature couple who always ministered together. Hosted in their house. Stable.

v 5-9 fellow workers v 7 Andronicus and Junia were viewed positively, servants, an older couple. Former prisoners. Like the JF deacon chairman. How to not be a grumpy old man? Never stop serving.

v 10-11 kinsman, approved in Christ. Rom 8:1 there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Don't get down due to sin.

Influencers, including the grandson of Herod, who God used.

v 12 sisters, perhaps older, teaching younger women. Rufus was a choice man of God. In Mark 15 Simon of Cerine had a son named Rufus. They both served God.

Names of slaves and other nobodies, people in the Lord, all together a family. Greet each other as a family of God.

If I was writing this chapter, whose names would I mention? Would I be mentioned in anyone else's chapter?

Paul could see well, and relied on others to actually write down what Paul dictated, led by the Holy Spirit

Four concluding thoughts from the book of Romans…

1. Stay alert to the threat of division. Theology not in line with the gospel v 17 be wary of those who divide. Cultural divisions. Stick to the truth

2. Find your strength in the Gospel - the purpose of the book of Romans v 25-27. Keep coming back to the Gospel. Not what you do. Not what you don't do. It's what Christ did for us. Where our confidence is.

3. v 26 don't forget the mission. So many are lost without Christ. The Christmas season is a great time to invite your neighbors to church. Thanksgiving can be a hard week.
 
4. v 27 give God the glory. God is big. Bigger than our problems.

Johnson Ferry had their Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving, like many around town. David Hall and family posed for a picture. 

First Bite: Politan Row

Lunch yesterday at Politan Row, a food court at The Forum in Peachtree Corners. Tagged along with Leo and Daniel. Lots of choices: Thai, Mediterranean, Korean Fried Chicken, Mexican, Greek.  I had a Buzzin Burger. There’s also a Politan Row in Colony Square and next to the Perimeter Mall Target. Might take Ceil to look around. Not the greatest thing, but worth a look. The website was nicer than the actual place.

For years and years my annual work calendar has been the At A Glance monthly calendar, stock #70-260. In addition to marking future events, I would write down short notes with the highlights from each day. I’d add football schedules, the monthly Braves schedule, and tape stickers and other interesting pictures and items cut from magazines and newspapers. Been making these scrapbook calendars for 40 years, kinda the story of my life. I’ve moved my calendars into my home office, all lined up on a bookcase. When I want to check back to see what I was doing on a particular day, the calendars are there for the checking (I can also check my blog, that dates back over 20 years). A couple years ago I went back and listed every sporting event I ever attended, using my scrapbook calendars as a guide. Each year I’d get a new calendar at work, and write and tape and add stickers throughout the year. My 2025 calendar is almost all filled in. Not sure if I’ll be able to get a 2026 calendar from work. If not I’ll spring for the $28 bucks to buy my own. Here’s what August looked like.

November twenty years ago: I was painting sections of the playhouse that Jim Volyles helped me erect in our back yard. I was collecting yellow Wendys cups to earn five round trip flights. That next summer we used them for our family vacation to San Francisco.

In 2005 Reggie Ball was the GT QB. DJ Shockley was at UGA. Charlie Whitehurst at Clemson. Vince Young at Texas. Matt Leinart at USC.

Every month my employer has us take a training module. Some we have to take once a year. The training website had 15 minute recaps of various books. I need to start listening to one recap a day. First up: The Art of Public Speaking, by Dale Carnegie. From 1915. Kinda old school, I know.

Johnson Ferry released photos from the fire damage to the chapel building. They say they’re not tearing it down to build the new worship center, but we’ll see. A restaurant a half mile down the road suffered an even more extensive fire.

Ever been to Ponko Chicken? Pretty good. There’s one on Roswell Road near Wieuca, as well as in downtown Alpharetta. Ate there on Friday night.

Hate it that Tech has renamed Grant Field as Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. I’m still calling it Grant Field. Hope there's no curse on the Jackets for changing the name.

Saturday morning on the SEC Network between 9 & 10 am Marty & McGee are running a special interview with Gunner Stockton, riding around campus is his old pickup. Must see TV.

This afternoon there’s a grand re-opening party at High Country Outfitters where Anna works, on Roswell Road just past the Piedmont Road intersection, north of Superica. C went. Anna worked it. Last night I drove her to Costco and Avalon.

The Big Event

The fund-raising dinner last night was a major event. Almost one hundred people. Nine tables in the main hall, plus 20 more people in the overflow room.

Left the house at 1:20 pm. Loaded up three cars with decorations at Noelle’s house. Drove over to the venue off Paper Mill Road. Several of us were setting up all the table and chairs, checking the sound system, tablecloths and decorations. A beehive of activity. Lots of standing and bending and using muscles I rarely used. Around 4 pm I drove home. Spotted Matthew headed the other way in traffic. Called him and got him to drop something off at the venue.

Returned to the venue at 530 for the final prep. Helped Jim and Karen serve drinks: water, tea, lemonade. The people started to arrive and mingle. Righteous Que BBQ, plus snacks beforehand. We ate in the overflow room with the other volunteers, and went to the main hall for the presentation.

Rob and Nancy shared their amazing story. As new empty nesters they considered retiring to Savannah for a life of golf. Their kids encouraged them to do more. They’d always been great hosts and entertainers, and discovered a need for hosts for missionaries. They worked to open the Renewal Project, which became so popular that they were turning people away. They were hoping someone else would step forward, but their non-Christian landlord suggested they rent a second house. This will give more missionaries the opportunity to rest – and give more regular people the chance to serve as guest hosts.

Of the attendees, I only knew Rob, Nancy, Matt, Susan, Reid, Noelle, Brian, Katherine, Tom (above), Susan, John, Laurel, Preston, Cindy, Molly, Martha, Jim, Karen, Shawn & wife, Joe & wife, Carlson & wife, Robert, Wendy & husband, Ben & Susan, Scot Wright’s sister. Ceil knew more than me.

During the presentation I was sitting there worn out from the day, not looking forward to having to break down and put everything up. The event ended at 9 pm. But lots more people helped with the cleanup, and we were pretty much finished by 925. But a fun day.

We had packed our car full of Noelle’s decorations but drove home, thinking she could get them tomorrow. Got home and at 10 pm I was out walking the dog. C put on her PJ’s. Got a text that Noelle said we could unload our car right then. Ugh. Drove the 5 minutes over and unloaded. Wasn’t able to hit the sack until 11 pm. Skipped the gym this morning to get extra rest. Made my usual stop at RaceTrac.

Denison: are there areas of your life where you’re finding it difficult to accept God’s will because it conflicts with your own? 

Every now and then my boss says he’ll want me to stay on as a part time consultant, but things as so slow that it doesn’t seem likely. I kinda hope not. I have already signed up for Medicare.

PIE TRAYNOR  [SABR Bio] hit the first double in All-Star Game history. In the first All-Star Game in 1933 in Chicago, STL’s Pepper Martin started at 3rd base. Traynor entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the 7th inning and doubled off Lefty Grove. Grove stranded him there. Traynor was replaced before he had the chance to demonstrate his well-known fielding prowess. The AL won 4-2. In the 1934 ASG in the Polo Grounds, Traynor reach on an E3 and later advanced 3rd. The AL’s Mel Harder and catcher Bill Dickey couldn’t keep him there as he stole home. Rod Carew is the only other player to steal home in All-Star competition. He was elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA with the fewest votes. Traynor received 93 of 121 votes to reach 76.9% on his 9^th vote on 1948.

More Falcons

Falcons: looks like signing Cousins and drafting Phenix were both bad deals. They signed QB Kyle Trask off the scrap heap. He’d been a stud at Flodia. Now the Falcons may have to draft another QB with their top pick, though the Cowboys own their #1 pick for next year. Doesn’t look like they’ll be able to improve anytime soon. When you only have three #1 draft picks over a 4 yar period, and you have to spend two of them on QB’s, that’s less picks to use on other needs. The Kyle Pitts pick was a bust as well. Need to trade for Stedman.

Braves GM AA has been busy updating the roster for next season, signing two relievers and trading for a new shortstop. Expect more signings – perhaps even an even better shortstop. The Braves are hosting an open house on January 31. I’ll be there.

Tuesday: stuck around work until 545, pasting things into my scrapbook calendar. Supper was spaghetti and tossed salad. Watched Jeopardy, Peytons Places (with Jim Harbaugh), and The Voice. Bed by 10 pm.

Wednesday: up early to go to the gym. They’re brought in Marcos Pizza for our lunch meeting. Our customer was visiting. Good discussion at small group on Genesis 18 & 19. On the way home I stopped by the Johnson Ferry Kroger. After I had checked out, I saw my other friend Reid had just come in. This wasn’t his usual Kroger either. He’d been to the Stinky Kroger but needed a bigger turkey.

Taking off this afternoon to help some missionary friends serve a BBQ dinner to 80 people. A couple of years ago they established a house in Spain where missionaries could come for a week’s respite, offering financial planning services and other comforts. The care has been so popular that our friends are opening a second house.

I was just thinking about the old public service TV advertisement for carpooling – the ancient word was kalaka.

HARMON KILLEBREW [SABR Bio] his number of American League home run titles is second only to Babe Ruth. Killebrew led the AL six times (1959, 1962-64, 1967, 1969), Ruth: 12. Behind Killebrew are A-Rod with 5 then Ted Williams and Ken Griffey Jr. with 4 apiece. When Killebrew retired in 1975, he had passed Jimmie Foxx as the American League career leader in home runs by a right-handed batter, but Killebrew was not voted into the Hall of Fame until his fourth vote. Killebrew had 573 lifetime home runs. For AL righties, even now, only Alex Rodriguez has more. Killebrew won the MVP following his 16th season, leading the majors in home runs and RBI. In his MVP acceptance speech, he thanked his home ground crew by name. He hit 49 HR and had 140 RBI in 1969. On 04-Jun-1969, Killebrew and Twins catcher John Roseboro each stole second base off Yankee reliever Lindy McDaniel & catcher John Ellis. As Rod Carew stole home in the top pf the 8th, Killebrew stole third and Roseboro took 2B.

Pet peeve: people are already saying “after today I am off for the rest of November”. Soon they’ll be saying “I’m done for the year” …over and over. I’m gonna start saying “Seven more weeks and I’m done for…EVER !!!”

Places to visit: Nashville, Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge, North Georgia, Key West, Destin, Pawleys, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Louisville, the Little White House, Goats on the Roof, climb some mountains. Day games at Gwinnett, Rome, Columbus, and Truist Park.

SneakFest

Sneakers: several years ago I was quick to jump of the HOKA running shoe craze. Hokas have lots of padding and became so popular that Nike and Brooks had to come out with similar models. They lift you up higher than other sneakers. I like the padding, and Hokas also make me look less fat. I started with a blue pair, then black, then red, and an all white pair. While they’re great for walking and running, I’m starting to find lower, more traditional sneakers to be more comfortable for just wearing to work or around the house. Been wearing my Vans, Nike Commuters, and even my Puma basketball shoes more. Haven’t been wearing my Crocs as much since the cold weather hit. Found an old pair of Lands End crocs style mules in my closet that may be more conducive to cold weather.

My no tie shoes you gotta pull them on. My worry about the Sketchers step in shoes is that they wouldn’t be tight enough, that they would be loose around my foot. I like me a snug shoe. I love slip on shoes, especially around the house. My white Nike Commuters are slip on, as well as my black Nike Hauraches that aren’t quite as comfortable. I bought a pair of new Reebok Furys that slip on, but they aren’t as comfortable as the olf pairs that I used to wear. Need to track down a pair of old Air Jordan RCVRs, that slip on. But I have too many shoes already. Trying to pare down my closet.

Sold another a pair of shoes, a pair of Nike high tops. Also sold an Atlanta Hawks cap that Matthew had left at the house. I really need to push to sell stuff before I retire, because the office is my source for shipping boxes.

When I retire I’ll have time to listen to the Grind City Media SneakFest show. Speaking of sneakers, the Hawks head coach wears Vans on the sidelines. Never saw that before. Bet Lang hadn't noticed that.

It's fun to stop by a thrift store every now and then, though I do so far less than I used to. Was just thinking that since I really don’t need anything, I really should stop my visits to thrift stores. But it’s a nice little escape / diversion / adventure. But going to 3 or 4 thrift stores back to back can start to get depressing. One or 2 every week or so is plenty.

Georgia Tech has the #1 offense in the country (yards per game). When UGA won two straight national championships, they averaged 166 and 184 rushing yards per game. This year they’re averaging 194. After last year UGA looked at three QBs in the transfer portal. They went elsewhere for more money, after Kirby wouldn’t guarantee them the starting job. Turned out okay for the Dawgs. 

Found a few old classic photos from Tech football in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s – back when the uniforms looked better. 

1976-1977 QB Gary Lanier (above). Eddie Lee Ivery in 1978.

ROGERS HORNSBY [SABR Bio] managed six franchises in 14 years: STL, NYG, BSN, SHS, SLB, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Redlegs. He won the World Series once. In the 7th game of the 1926 Series, Babe Ruth, hoping to surprise the Cards, took off to steal 2nd. Cardinals catcher Bob O’Farrell fired the pitch from Grover Cleveland Alexander to Hornsby who tagged the Big Guy out to end the game – giving the Cardinals their first major league championship. Hornsby was Coach for the Cubs in 1958 and 1959. Mr. Cub Ernie Banks as NL MVP both those years.

My Addiction

This morning my social media feed wasn’t loading. I am so addicted, I suppose that was a good thing that it was out. A great place to get breaking news: sports, religion, politics. Too good. I like to check the 680 the Fan question of the day. Next year I got to cut way back on my phone use, and start reading more. I really don’t pay much attention to what’s on the TV.

After a slow start, I am warming up to Anne Lamott’s memoir “Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace” – despite what a different life she leads. My GoodReads buddy Cathy Hoffer felt the same way.

Placed another one of her books on hold. Fixing to start listening to Charlie Sheen’s new autobiography, titled “The Book of Sheen”.

Saturday was a decent early morning for golf. Teed off at 635 am.

1. A flub, then a fair mulligan. Good fairway shot and chips.

2. Another good mulligan, straight this time. Okay chip.

3. Both tee shots faded left. A good chip.

4. Two flubs off tee, but my third try was much better. A couple of good chips.

5. Three good tee shots - two on the green. Couldn’t sink a birdie putt. Or a par putt.

6. Using my driver, I hit two long drives out of three. Then 2 of my three approach shots were good. One was a stinger that rolled off the back of the faraway green. Was putting for birdie. Couldn’t make a par putt. 

7. Two decent drives. Then two good 5 irons, though one slammed in to a tree branch and caromed back behind me. Hit three chips: one left, one straight, and one right. 

8. Fair drive. Hit 3 of 4 chips onto the green. Couldn’t sink a birdie putt. “Par”.

9. My first tee shot was the best. Hit three chips but none were good. Hit a couple of good putts. Finished at 8 am. Got home in time to eat a couple of eggyboy sliders.

Hung around work for 30 minutes Monday afternoon to let traffic die down. Had to stop by the Stinky Kroger. As I was pulling out of my parking space a big SUV sped past. I slammed on my brakes and barely avoided a collision. Good thing I wasn’t backing out. Not a fan of parking lots.

Baked chicken for supper, with kale, mashed potatoes, and cole slaw. Watched Jeopardy and the Manningcast. President Bush was a guest. Up early this morning to lift weights at the gym.

MC’s father will be laid to rest next week in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, with full military honors. He’d been a US Army Major.

“Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” —A. W. Tozer.

Former UGA TE Darnell Washington made all the highlight reels from the weekend after making a series of amazing plays.

Falcons: More Bad News

Guess it was good that I missed the Falcons game. Had listened on the drive back home. Falcons blew a 21 point lead…two TDs by B Robinson and one by Algiers. QB Michael Phenix is out for the year. Injured the same knee that he had hurt in college. Things keep getting worse for the Falcons.

Falcon fans say hire Kirby. Smart is the highest paid college coach, in the middle of another successful season. Has commitments from the highest rated QB for 2026 and 2027. Current UGA QB’s Stockton and Pugnasi were highly rated as well. Why would Kirby leave UGA to coach the Falcons? Even if they doubled his salary and made him GM as well, Kirby is too smart to sign with the Falcons.

LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford is set to retire after this season. Next Sunday night’s Bucs @ Rams game should be good. C likes to watch the Chiefs.

This past Friday night Marist beat Starrs Mill 30-0 in the first round of the state playoffs. Marist finished the season 10-1 and 8-0 in region play.

In his first season as a starter UGA QB Gunner Stockton has already accounted for more touchdowns than Stetson did when he was a Heisman finalist. I love me some Haynes King, but Stockton may very well be a better Heisman candidate than King. Has a higher QBR against tougher competition. But they’ll give it to the pretty boy from Ohio State, who also played against an easier schedule.

This weekend’s games. W&MC are taking the girlies to the UGA game this coming Saturday.

815 Thursday Bills @ Texans

700 Friday 6-3 Blessed Trinity @ Marist

1200 #15 Miami @ Virginia Tech

1245 Charlotte @ Georgia

100 Old Dominion @ Georgia Southern

330 Syracuse @ #9 Notre Dame

400 Georgia State @ Troy

415 Coastal Carolina @ South Carolina

430 Furman @ Clemson

700 # 22 Pitt @ #16 Georgia Tech

100 Sunday Colts @ Chiefs

425 Sunday Falcons @ Saints

820 Sunday Buccaneers @ Rams

815 Monday Panthers @ 49ers

On Saturday I wasn’t able to get done what I needed to do, so Sunday morning I drove to work to get some stuff done. Got a bunch of stuff done. Rewarded myself by grabbing lunch at Wendys. Got home and turned on the Falcons. Went outside and raked leaves. Did this until W&MC arrived with the girlies. W&MC were headed to a country music concert in Sandy Springs. Walker Hayes will be performing at a future 4H event, so W&MC were able to go backstage to meet the singer.

We had a good time with the girls. Shivvy has learned to say "Horns down" like a true Oklahoma fan.

The girls were doing a lot of coloring. Millie asked me to draw a rainbow, so I lined up several colored pencils in a row in my hand, and drew the entire rainbow all at once. “Cool!” she exclaimed. 

C cooked buckwheat pancakes and sausage. Will picked them up around 830, so it was a long day with little rest for me.

Monday: up early to work out at the gym this morning. Lunch at CiCi’s Pizza, a $2.99 deal. Ugh. Shouldn't have.

Oswald Chambers noted in today’s My Utmost for His Highest reading that “God’s revelation of himself to me is determined by my character, not by God’s character.”

Tech, Dawgs, Tigers All Win

BC was picked to be blown out by GT, but like NC State, the Golden Eagles moved the ball at will against Tech. Gonna make for some tough games against Pitt and UGA. 14-14 at the half. Then BC took the second half kickoff and scored, taking a 21-14 lead. Zero first half rush yards for Haynes King. 

A rare missed field goal by Birr, but he hit a 35 yarder to cut the score to 21-17 after the RB dropped a certain TD pass. Then BC drove 75 yards for another TD to go up 28-17. First second half lead for BC In months.

Maybe Tech needs to go back to wearing gold pants. After moving the ball consistently in the first half, the third quarter was a struggle. Poor blocking by the O-line. Several dropped passes. Drives stalled. Field goals instead of touchdowns.

But there's no quit in Haynes King. After giving up a couple of first downs, the Tech defense finally forced a punt, and King drove Tech down for a touchdown. The trick formation 2 point conversion play failed miserably. 28-26 BC.

Two dropped passes by BC helped, as did the short punt by the punter, a transfer from Yale. And a 54 yard TD run by Allen gives Tech a 33-28 lead with 6 minutes remaining. Then it only took BC two minutes to retake the lead.

Sad that Rivers didn't catch that bomb. Gotta make that catch with the game on the line. Then the RB doesn't get out of bounds. Thankfully a BC injury stopped the clock. Jackets drive. No real Heisman moment for King, but the ball was in his hands for the final few plays. Tech was playing for the game winning field goal, but left 11 seconds on the clock. Made for the exciting finish. Tech wasn't going to pass, but keep running the clock down. Had they scored a TD, then BC would've gotten the ball back. Had King broke loose for a TD he would've taken a knee on the one yard line.

Heard a rumor that Tech called timeout with 12 seconds left because the down marker had been incorrectly flipped to first down. This gave BC time to run two plays, including a hail mary pass into the end zone. I'm sure Key was spent after the game. Like Nick Saban, Key was happy they won but knew they have a lot of work to do to get ready for Pitt.

Dawgs went up 14-3 but Texas had no trouble moving the ball early.

Both Arch and Gunner played well, but both threw interceptions. Gunner threw for four TD's and ran in another.

Top UGA LB #3 went to the locker room with a leg injury, and missed most of the game. Still, the UGA defense looked great.

UGA's punter Brett Thorson thundered sky high punts, shutting down the dangerous Texas returner Niblett.

Bama lost a close one. I wasn't expecting that. The missed field goal hurt, and several turnovers. Probably cost QB Ty Simpson the Heisman.

I love listening to Wes Durham call a game. Love his old school sidekick as well.

Couldn't believe when I flipped over and discovered SC was beating #3 Texas A&M. Aggies were making one mistake after another: multiple interceptions by the supposed Heisman candidate QB, multiple missed field goals, a defensive giving up multiple big plays to the Gamecocks. SC led 30-3 at the half.

But it only took A&M nineteen minutes to come back. SC reverted to SC. Gamecock QB LaNorris Sellers is terrible. Can't make a play unless it's served up on a platter. Can't create. His coach called him a Heisman candidate. That's bull. Sellers' dad did encourage his son to stick to his commitment to SC for more money, which is commendable - but there are rumors he's headed to Miami. I wouldn't want him.

Aggies may make the conference championship game without playing Bama, UGA, or Tennessee. We'll see how the hyped up Aggie QB fares against a real defense. He won't always have a Texas State Trooper messing with the opposition.

Dang Clemson was just flat out trying to lose, the entire game. Dropped pass after dropped pass. No open receivers for Klubnik. Missed tackles. Botched plays in the red zone. Lost fumbles. A 32 yard punt in the first half, then in crunch time the punter can't handle a low snap, virtually handing the game to Louisville, who didn't exactly play a stellar game themselves. Cardinals had a chance to get the ball back at the end of the first half and try a field goal, but mismanaged the clock.

One team would make a bad play, then the other team would return the favor. Again and again. A Clemson defender was standing over a downed ball carrier taunting him. A Cardinal offensive lineman pushed the defender, drawing one of four personal foul penalties in the game. Louisville missed 3 field goals and an extra point. Clemson should've won by 2 touchdowns, but they couldn't even run out the clock. 

Louisville scored one touchdown after fumbling the ball out of the end zone, a call that was missed by the officials. A rare case where the official in the TV booth disagreed with the refs on the field.

Cardinals deserved to lose because of those ugly uniforms. What an ugly game. Penalties. Long replays. Even the announcers were making mistakes. Neither team deserved to win. Clemson got lucky.

Notre Dame beat Pitt. Not sure that there are any good teams in the ACC. UVA dominated Duke in the first half, shutting down the Blue Devils much better than Tech did. With Virginia blowing out Duke, UVA will be ranked ahead of Tech even though the Jackets came back. Just a whole bunch of bad foreboding for Tech.

Six years ago in 2000 the GT QB was Jeff Simms. He's just taken over as the starting QB at Arizona State. 

Note: when a team decides what uniform they're going to wear, part of what needs to be considered is what will you think  in 20 years when you look at at pictures from the game.