Sunday Night Thought

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This past Saturday was a big week for college football and a tough week for the Big Ten (sorry Eric), but rather than attempt a recap I want to start working on next week games.  Named Rivalries and Trophy Games total 45 as Divsions II and III wrap up their regular seasons! It also would feel good if I can make at least one entry to each of my tabs in the next seven days for the first time this season!  I figure better late than never.

So that I can make a serious run at achieiving this goal I must get started...

Thursday Night Games

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Tonight I am thinking that I will be flicking between three of the four FBS games being played today:

Toledo and Northern Illinois will battle in a critical Mid-American Conference West Division matchup.  The Rockets lead the MAC in total offense and total defense, but the Huskies only allow 18 points per game and they have won three straight in the Glass Bowl.

Eastern Michigan will need a win over Ball State to keep their slim bowl hopes alive.  They have had one of the toughest years as the Eagles have lost seven games by a total of 23 points (3 OT losses).  With a little luck they would be on top of the MAC West.

Lastly, in a game that starts at 8:00, Navy will visit Temple in Philadelphia, which has been a home away from home for the Midshipmen.  The series is tied at 6 wins a piece and quickly developing into a good conference game for the two east coast programs.

I hope that my remote has batteries enough to keep up with my flicking…

Central Michigan at Western Michigan

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Before heading to bed last night, I decided to watch a game last night.  It wasn't game 7 of the World Series...it wasn't the Celtics game...it was the Central Michigan/Western Michigan football game.  After all - it isn't just a game.  This was the 88th meeting between the rivals (Broncos lead 48-37-2 after winning last three games) with the Michigan MAC Championship Trophy and the Battle of the Cannon Trophy (WMU leads 5-4) on the line.  In addition, it was nice to see a woman referee - which really caught my daughter's attention.

The Chippewas shocked the Broncos with 3 touchdowns in the last ten minutes of the game to win 35-28...

Tuesday's Games

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Here are some notes about tonight’s rivalry games:

Bowling Green leads the all-time series with Kent State 59-19-6 in a matchup that dates back to the Flashes' inaugural season of 1920. The 59 wins are more than BGSU has against any other opponent and in BGSU’s 42-7 win last season, Bowling Green outrushed the Golden Flashes, 420-9.  Both universities were founded in 1910.  From 1985 (75th anniversary) through the 1990s, the rivals played for a traveling trophy called the Anniversary Award, which disappeared…

The Battle of the Bricks is the annual all-sports series between Ohio University and Miami (Ohio) University. Founded in 1804 and 1809, both Ohio and Miami are well known for their beautiful red brick campuses as well as their competition in both the classroom and on the athletic field. The two schools renew their long-running rivalry (94th meeting) Tuesday in a series that dates back to the 1908 season.  Miami leads the all-time series 52-39-2, but the Bobcats have won the last four meetings and 10 out of the last 11 meetings including a 17-7 win at Miami last season.

Tuesdays in November

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If you weren't already aware of it, this Tuesday will feature a couple of MAC games (Bowling Green at Kent State and Miami (Ohio) at Ohio) - that may not have conference title implications, but they do have some history.  Besides, how bad can it be to have college fotball on five nights a week for the next few weeks?  So, put your feet up and settle down with some Halloween candy for some MAC action...

Game Updates; Thursday Night

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As the Thursday night games get ready to enter the 4th quarter, it looks like Houston will control their own destiny in the American Conference West Division, as they are leading their main conference rival, Memphis.  The Cougars will also try to extend their series lead over the Tigers to 16-10.  In the other game, Arkansas State is scoring at will over Louisiana Lafayette, leading 37-3 at the end of the third quarter.  After tonight’s game, the Red Wolves will have won the 43 of their last 50 Sun Belt Conference games.

Saturday Dilemma

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I thought that my plans for tomorrow were etched in stone as I had been planning to attend the game tomorrow between Bowdoin and Hamilton at Whittier Field in hopes that the Polar Bears would end their year-in-a-half losing streak.  A minor complication is that it is Deb's and my 28th anniversary, but up until tonight I thought that I had her blessing.  In what should not have been a surprise, she mentioned that it would be nice to spend the day together.

Guess I am going to do a coin flip tomorrow morning in the middle of my yard...

Division III Maine Schools

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Something I was thinking about as i was driving to work the other day...

  • There are five Division III football schools in Maine:  Bowdoin, Colby, Bates, Maine Maritime, and Husson
  • Behind the rushing of John Smith, Husson is off to a very good 3-1 start, which could lead to a postseason berth
  • The other four colleges/academy are a combine 0-13
  • Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby will have the CBB trophy to play for later in the year, while Maine Maritime might get their victory when the play winless Norwich

Arkansas State at Georgia Southern

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Tonight's game between these two Sun Belt teams will be the first of two Wednesday matchups to showcase the conference a bit more - much like the MAC plsying Tuesdays and Wednesdays in November.  These two teams are worthwhile to watch as Arkansas State is 15-1 in the last two years of SBC play (20-4 last three years) and Georgia Southern has had only four losing seasons since restarting their football program back in 1982.  In fact, they were 14-2 in their first two years of being in the Sun Belt before enduring a losing season last year in Tyson Summers' first year (tried to incorporate more passing - less reliance on the triple option).

Friday Games

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A very good selection of games tonight - with perhaps the best one happening after I go to sleep.  Though it will be very tough to beat the Dartmouth/Penn game at historic Franklin Field, as the Big Green finished an 80-yard drive at the end of the game with a quarterback sneak into the endzone to give them a 16-13 win over the Quakers.

In other action so far, New Haven beat Southern Connecticut State for the eighth straight time to maintain their claim to the Elm City Trophy.  Miami is handling Duke, which is surprising as I thought the Blue Devils would get revenge for the 8-lateral game from two years ago.  Meanwhile Nebraska is pulling away from Illinois and BYU and Utah State are fighting it out (27-21 Aggie lead midway thru 3rd Q).

Thursday Night

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Last night I spent the evening watching three games from three different divisions:

Texas at Iowa State - The Cyclones were debuting a new logo on their helmet in an attempt to transform their image, and it was a chance for me to watch the Longhorns wear their sharp white uniforms.  Luckily for Texas, they defeated Iowa State even though they have what appears to be a weak offensive line.

North Carolina Central at Florida A&M - This matchup to me was a game between the old guard Rattlers and the newcomers at the top, the Eagles of NCCU.  For the third straight meeting, Florida A&M gave NCCU a run for their money, but the Eagles scored with about two minutes left in the game for their 17th straight MAC win.

Saint Cloud State at Minnesota - Duluth - I watched this game on my laptop as it was the first "Battle for the Bone" trophy game, after being known previously as "The Dogfight".  This was also the 50th game between the two teams, a series in which the Bulldogs of UMD lead by a slim 26-24 margin - as they have won 7 straight and 12 of 14 over the Huskies.

A nice night of football I thought...

Whittier Field

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It is now about 38 hours until I depart Portland for some tailgating at Bowdoin before their first home game against Middlebury.  I have been telling myself to keep an open mind regarding the changes to Whittier field, but it has been tough because I am such a traditionalist.  Times do change, and you want to keep moving forward, so I will do my best to relax and enjoy the day.  That actually should be pretty easy because I will be surrounded by my loving family.  

I can't wait for 1:00 on Saturday!  

Tough Year Ahead

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Two FBS teams that lost last night might have a long year ahead of them.  UMass, after losing to Temple 29-21, now stands at 0-4, and none of the teams that they have played in 2017 are powerhouses.  In 5 plus seasons of playing football in the FBS, the Minutemen are 10-54.  Since they haven't made any headway and have no conference affiliation, maybe it is time for UMass to return to the FCS and renew rivalries with UMaine, UNH, and Rhode Island.

UTEP played Arizona (former Border and Western Athletic Conferences opponents), and were soundly beaten at home, 63-16, dropping them to 0-3 on the season.  Perhaps what was even more disturbing was their loss the week before to a fellow weakling, Rice, at the Sun Bowl.  Because they play rival New Mexico State next week, and are members in the CUSA, the Miners might squeeze out a couple of wins, but that doesn't make for a good season... 

Friday Night Game

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Framingham State at Bridgewater State

Last year, Bridgewater State clinched the 2016 MASCAC Football Title with a 28-27 overtime victory over Framingham State.  The Rams of Framingham State have started the year 2-0, while the Bears are 0-2 – but both losses have been by one point.  Bridgewater State leads the series 32-12, but both teams expect to compete for the MASCAC title this year.

Two Thursday Night Games

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New Mexico at Boise State

Boise State boasts a 7-1 record all-time against New Mexico, though the Lobos’ lone victory came in the last meeting at Albertsons Stadium, a 31-24 win over the Broncos on Nov. 14, 2015. Overall, the Broncos are 3-1 at home against New Mexico.  Boise State has won 17-consecutive conference openers since a loss in 1999, when the Broncos fell 17-10 to North Texas (Oct. 16), while UNM is 5-13 in Mountain West openers.

Not so good headlines - New Mexico head coach Bob Davie is currently under investigation for the alleged mistreatment of players and it’s being reported that the athlete drug-testing process has been compromised.

West Virginia Wesleyan at Fairmont State

Fairmont State and West Virginia Wesleyan are meeting for the 67th time in program history, dating back to 1908 (FSU 43-22-1).  The programs have split the last four matchups in the series, with FSU winning the last two contests.  The Falcons are coming into the game following a 27-24 come-from-behind win over Urbana last Saturday. FSU kicker Sam Keil booted a career-long 45-yard field goal with 1.6 seconds remaining to clinch the win for the Falcons. Meanwhile, Wesleyan is 2-0 for the first time since 2011, and last week’s shutout of West Liberty was the program's first since 1997.

Week 3

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So far in 2017 we have had some fun and exciting games, as well as great players and teams flexing their muscles - though at times it has been against overwhelmed opponents.  But, the season will be in full throttle this upcoming week as my two favorite conferences (Ivy League and the NESCAC) begin their seasons.  This year fans of the 'Cac are treated to a ninth game - so the league is starting one week earlier than in past years.  And the last team to begin their 2017 season will be Dartmouth, as they visit Stetson for a 6:00 pm kickoff.

It doesn't get any better than this!

 

Thoughts

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Going into this past weekend's games, I had five thoughts going through my head:

1)  Was USC overrated, and would a team that has given them trouble recently take them down?

2)  How good is Clemson and Kelly Bryant?

3)  Could Notre Dame make or impact  the playoff field?

4)  How good of a coach is Lincoln Riley?

5)  Is there hope for Purdue?

I'm not sure that one week can answer all these questions, but as the season progresses they will become much clearer.  USC looked awfully good from an offensive perspective in their win over Stanford, but I'm not sure about their defense.  I can't help but think that someone will outscore them along the way this year (Washington State or Notre Dame or UCLA).  Clemson's defense looks great and Kelly Bryant appears to be a quarterback that can win, but they will be put to the test next week against Louisville and Lamar Jackson.  Notre Dame will have an impact on the playoff field despite another close loss - as this team is different than last year's group.  Lincoln riley and his team had a great game at the Horeshoe, but the have an awful tough schedule ahead of them s there are some very solid teams in the Big 12.  It looks like they will have to bring it every game.  And lastly, after seeing Purdue handle Ohio this week, I have faith that this team will tun it around soon and become a bowl team.

My Apologies

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I know that it is the first week of the season, and I have a ton of notes that could add value to one's enjoyment of the games tomorrow, but because of so much happening I will be unable to put any of Saturday's games on the site.  I will make a concerted effort on Sunday to add a piece on the day's action (maybe a blurb on the Tide/Nole game - lol) and publish the scores that I have on my week 1 schedule.

So while I am at work, and later that evening, attending a family gathering, please keep me in mind as you enjoy this wonderful game!

New Era

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Last night at 6:00 while eating my delicious dinner (thank you again Deb - your creative culinary skills continue to amaze me still after almost 30 years!), I ushered in a new era for myself regarding college football.  I picked the first game on the schedule - Upper Iowa vs. Minnesota Crookston, two Division II schools that are a part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and I watched their local telecast on my laptop.  Almost instantly I exclaimed to Deb as I carried my laptop to her, "Honey, look at this - I am watching a small college game in Minnesota.  It's almost like being there!"  It was at this point that I realized that giving up cable wasn't so bad after all.  I have almost any game literally at my finger tips!  

I just need to upgrade my internet speed... LOL