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Posted: September 3, 2013
North Carolina at South Carolina – I think everybody got what they expected in this game, at least on a team level. SC was never in jeopardy of losing, but did not quite dominate. The interesting note on this game was the reaction to the play of Jadeveon Clowney. I will reserve judgment until next week. He has earned a pass from me on this one. Let’s see how he plays against Georgia.
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt – This was every bit the game that I thought it would be. This back and forth game kept me awake and riveted. This game could springboard Ole Miss into a very successful season and the top recruiting classes they have brought in, could be as advertised. But it is only one game. On a personal note, I am glad Ole Miss took this one. The Quest heads to Oxford in October and it is always better to go where the teams are playing well and winning. I am just sorry it had to be Vandy, which is definitely headed in the right direction.
Rutgers at Fresno State – It was a gutsy call by Coach Flood to go for two. I generally root for those to pan out, but it was not to be this time.
North Dakota State at Kansas State – Absolutely amazing drive by the Bison to win this game. It is not every day you see an 18 play, 80 yard drive that consumes 8 ½ minutes to win a football game; let alone one by a FCS to beat a FBS team. You could not help rooting for the Bison on that drive, unless you were in Manhattan, Kansas. I was on the edge of my seat. Great win Bison and you were paid 350 grand for it! That is just salt in the wound for the Wildcats.
Rice at Texas A&M – Can someone please give Johnny football some good advice? I guess he does not believe in trying to lie low for a bit. Let’s see him pull that stuff against Alabama. Hello concussion.
Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma State – Miss State is going to have to get better on offense. Dan Mullen’s offense should be better than this at this point. Oklahoma State is not known for its D and Miss State is going to find it a tough road in the SEC if they could only manage 3 points against Ok State.
Syracuse vs. Penn State – I have no comment on this one as I just could not bring myself to watch. But I am glad Syracuse was able to hang in as the Quest heads there in early October.
N. Illinois at Iowa – Iowa loses another close game. But this one is to a MAC team. Could Kirk Ferentz be the first coach fired this year? A loss next week to Missouri State and he will not make it to the dressing room.
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech – Alabama is on cruise control and this game was never in question despite Bama not being at its best. The Tide now rests up for the big game against Texas A&M. I did not learn anything about Virginia Tech in this one and will not for awhile.
E Washington at Oregon State – Another win by an FCS over a FBS team. This could be a long year for the previously ranked Beavers.
McNeese State at South Florida – Yet another FCS win over a FBS team. Willie Taggert is probably regretting moving to USF from Western Kentucky. WKU may have more talent. I am glad Al double booked for the trip to USF so we had to cancel.
Kentucky at Western Kentucky – For the second year in a row the Hilltoppers beat the Wildcats. Bobby Petrino beats Mark Stoops in the first game for each at their respective school. This was a pretty exciting game if you missed it.
Northern Iowa at Iowa State – A fourth FCS team beats a FBS team.
Wyoming at Nebraska – This was surprisingly close. The nations longest winning streak in season openers was in serious doubt. The Cowboys had over 600 yards of offense. Is this the vaunted Black Shirt defense?
Georgia at Clemson – The game of the week lived up to its hype. Clemson needs to avoid losing a game they shouldn’t, which has been a problem for Dabo and Clemson. October 19 is the Florida State game and it could be a biggie. Georgia has a quick turnaround to their game of the year against South Carolina. The winner has the inside track to the SEC Championship game. If Georgia loses, the season could turn ugly.
LSU vs TCU – A stellar performance by LSU. They looked the part of a team that will give Alabama its toughest test.
Boise State at Washington – A west coast game that I only saw bits and pieces of. The Huskies have a tough schedule, but they may be a factor in the Pac12 as a spoiler.
Florida State at Pittsburgh – A thrashing by FSU. Pitt looked good early and was really pushing around the FSU defensive line. But then reality set in and FSU looks every bit the team I expected them to be. They are my dark horse team to play for the national title and I like that pick better today than I did yesterday. But I hope I am wrong.