Week 5, 2025

Hey All,

It's time for another edition of the column that takes a look back on the weekend that was in college football, Notes on a Big Ten Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud 

Summaries 

Illinois 34- USC 32: Champaign-Urbana, IL- In the minutes prior to the game we learned that USC starting Safety Kamari Ramsey would not play in the game due to food poisoning.  After the game this intrepid reporter would learn that several other starters were suffering from it as well.*. The nine AM Kickoff came and USC had the ball first and drove right down the field on the Illini.  Then the drive died when RB Waymond Jordan had the ball punched out of his hands on the Illinois 30-yard line.  IU then broke the seal on the game with a 70 yard drive that ended in Illini QB Luke Altmyer running 12 yards untouched to the end zone for a 7-0 lead.  SC was fighting from behind the rest of the way from this point forward.  Illinois had control of the game and gained yards at will, but just couldn't pull away from the Trojans.  A key sequence before the half kept SC in the game.  IU was poised to go up two scores when DE Braylon Conley forced a fumble by RB Kaden Feagin on the Trojans one-yard line.  DT Jahkeem Stuart scoped up the ball and took it out to the 26-yard line with :49 left in the first half.  QB Jaden Maiava led SC to within the shadow of the Illinois goal posts only to have to settle for a 21-yard FG from PK Ryon Sayeri and a 14-10 halftime deficit.  The third quarter was a further adventure is frustration as the defense couldn't stop Illinois while the offense kept the Trojans in the game.  USC trailed 24-17 to start the final period after getting a two-yard TD run from Jordan to cut into Illinois' two TD lead.  Illinois went right back out to a two TD lead when Altmyer hit WR Justin Bowick with a 25-yard scoring pass. The Trojan offense kept fighting on with the arm of Maiava, the absolute amazing receiving skill of WR Makai Lemon and a slew of TEs that kept making tough catches over the middle to extend drives.  A 19-yard TD strike to Lemon and the subsequent two-point conversion put USC within striking distance of the lead at 31-25.  Then Illinois looked to put the game away and they just about did.  The Illini just went right down the field yet again and had a 1st and 10 at the SC 12-yard line.  RB Ca'Ll Valentine then ran for the end zone only to have the ball pushed out by LB Eric Gentry on near the goal line.  SC DB Christian Pierce fell on the ball in the end zone after a wild scramble and the Trojans were still alive with 6;21 left in the game.  Maiava guided the Cardinal and Gold down the field one more time. SC had a 1st and 10 at the IU 16-yard line.  Maiava then found Lemon one more time for a TD and a 32-31 lead.  Only problem with that was that there was still 1:55 left on the clock and Illinois had all three timeouts.  Could the SC defense get just one stop and put this bad game in the win column? No. Illinois moved the ball at will and PK David Olano booted a 41-yard FG as time expired to send SC down to defeat.  For SC, Maiava completed 30 of 43 passes for 364 yards, two TDs and an interception.  Lemon was incredible. He caught 11 passes for 151 yards and two scores.  The USC defense made Altmyer look like a Heisman Trophy winner. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 328 yards and two TDs.  He also ran for 36 yards and a TD. Oh, and he also  caught a TD pass when the Trojans were clueless to stop the Philly Special.  

Telling Stat: No D= L; Make any excuse you want from the early kickoff time to food poisoning, but this was the worst showing by a USC defends in a long time. 

 

*-This was second/third hand information gleaned from the reading the reports from fans who had attended the game and posted on the USC message boards about their interactions with the parents of the players. It was those parents who told them about the food poisoning. 

Minnesota 31- Rutgers 28: Minneapolis, MN- This under the radar game in the Big Ten was a back and forth affair that came down to one final drive for the Golden Gophers to get the win.  There were two main story lines in this game. The first was Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis.  Kaliakmanis spent three years in the Gopher Football program and started at QB for the team prior to his transfer to Rutgers.  The second revolved around Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey and if he could lead his team to a win with the Gophers top two RBs out of the game.  Ahh, but there was a third storyline that popped up. It is the recent failures of Rutgers PK Jai Patel.  To start the year, Patel had the world on a string as the he set a new record for consecutive made field goals for the Scarlet Knights.  Against Iowa in the week prior, Patel was 0 for 2 in the FG department.  All three storylines came into play.  Kaliakmains had himself a good game completing 21 of 34  passes for 249 yards with two TDs and an interception despite the Minnesota defense being in his face all game.  His backfield mate, RB Antwan Raymond lugged the leather 26 times for 161 yards with two TDs of his own. He also ran for two scores.  Lindsey led the Gopher attack almost single handedly completing 31 of 41 passes for 324 yards and three scores. The third storyline decided the game.  Rutgers HC Greg Schiano kept Patel on the sidelines when his squad had a chance to tie the game with a 56-yard FG attempt.  Patel had already had a 22-yard attempt blocked early in the contest. On came Dane Pizarro for Patel and his kick sailed wide right with :20 left. Minnesota then took a knee and claimed the victory.

Telling Stat: Bookend Fails = L;  Rutgers PK Jai Patel had a 22-yard FG attempt blocked to start the game and PK Dane Pizarro missed a 56-yarder to end the game in this hard luck loss for Rutgers. 

Ohio State 24- Washington 6: Seattle, WA- The sellout crowd at Husky Stadium was hoping for an upset of the #1 Buckeyes.  For almost the first full 29 minutes of game play it looked like the Dawgs had an upset brewing with a 3-0 lead on a 28-yard FG from PK Grady Gross.  The teams were just locked up in a defensive struggle. Then a UW drive stalled in  and he Huskies faced a 4th and 14 at the Buckeyes 27-yard line. The Huskies sent out their FG unit sand then attempted a fake field goal.  The snap was clean, Gross was cooly flipped the ball back by his holder and Gross fired a pass downfield.  Only problem was that nobody was there to catch the ball.  TE Decker DeGraf had moved outside to block for whoever was to catch the ball, but that receiver never showed up. The pass fell incomplete and the Scarlet and Gray took over on downs at their own 27-yard line.  10 plays later, TheeeOSU took the lead on an 18-yard TD  toss from QB Justin Sayin to WR Jeremiah Smith with 1:08 left in the second quarter.  It was now only a 7-3 Buckeyes lead, but you could feel the air go right out of Husky Stadium.  The third quarter opened and TheeeOSU moved down the field 75 yards in 14 plays and went up 14-3 when RB C.J. Donaldson bulled his way across the double stripe from the one-yard line. The Huskies would answer back with 28-yard FG from Gross to make the score 14-6, but they would not get any closer as the Buckeye defense shut them out the rest of the way while the offense tacked on a 34-yard FG from PK Jason Fielding and a four-yard TD toss from Sayin to Donaldson to finish off the scoring.  Sayin had an efficient day, completing 22 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two TDs. Donaldson only ran for 39 yards on nine carries, but he ran for a score and also scored a TD on his only catch of the day.  Meanwhile, the Buckeye defense allowed UW to convert on only 1 of 11 3rd Down attempts. For the Huskies, QB Demond Williams, Jr. completed 18 of 22 passes for 173 yards. 

Telling Stat; Four Score and a W;  Just before halftime and then right after the Buckeyes burned clock and scored on four straight drives to come away with 24-6 win.  

Indiana 20- Iowa 15: Iowa City, IA- A week after destroying Illinois, the Hoosiers ran into an old school, tooth and nail defensive struggle at Iowa.  However, it looked Indiana picked up where the left off last week by picking off Iowa QB Mark Gronowski at the Iowa 24-yard line to start the game.  Two plays later Hoosier WR Omar Cooper, Jr. caught a 14-yard TD pass from QB Fernando Mendoza for a 7-0 lead.  Iowa climbed back into the game and took a 10-7 lead on a 40-yard FG by PK Drew Stevens and a three-yard run by Gronowski.  Indiana then put together a drive and sent the game to the half tied at 10-10 on a 46-yard FG from Nico Radicic.  The third quarter was a scoreless standoff. Early in the fourth quarter the Hawkeyes held the Hoosiers for downs near midfield. Iowa managed to drive enough yards for a long FG attempt from Stevens.  Stevens split the uprights from 54 yards out and the Hawkeyes held a 13-10 lead  with 12:43 left.  Indiana then answered right back with a 44-yarder from Radicic and we had a tie game once again with 9:47 left.  Then both teams traded interceptions which led to Iowa attempting a 42-yard FG with 2:01 left.  Stevens' kick sailed wide and Indiana had the ball at their own 27-yard line with 1:56 left.  Five plays later, Mendoza hit WR Elijah Sarratt on a sideline route.  Sarratt made one move with the ball, got past the DB covering him and was off to the races for a 49-yard TD that gave IU 20-13 lead with 1:28 left.  Iowa got the ball one final time, but that final drive was hindered by the fact that Iowa's Gronowski had been injured a couple minutes earlier.  Backup QB Hank Brown couldn't break through the IU defense.  Indiana then gave up one of the weirdest safeties ever to end the game.  Facing a fourth down near midfield with :04 left, Mendoza raced backwards 49 yards out through the end zone for an intentional safety to kill the clock.  In the victory, Mendoza completed 13 of 23 passes for a 233 yards, two TDs and an interception.  Sarratt caught six of those passes for 132 yards and the game-winning score.  Gronowski completed 19 of 25 passes for 144 with an interception. He also ran for Iowa's lone TD in the bitter loss. 

Telling Stat: Their is a D in Indiana;  The Indiana defense forced the missed FG by Iowa with 2:01 left to keep there Hoosiers victory hopes alive.  

Northwestern 17- UCLA 14: Evanston, IL- It was another beautiful day at Northwestern's temporary stadium on Lake Michigan.  A prefect early fall afternoon was greeted by a near perfect Wildcat squad.  Well, they were pretty near perfect for their first three drives anyway.  PK Jack Olsen opened the scoring for the Wildcats with a 33-yard FG. His kick topped off a scoring drive that lasted 17 plays and covered 74 yards.  Northwestern's next two drives found paydirt. First, RB Caleb Komolafe crossed the double stripe for a 10-0 lead from nine yards out and then QB Preston Stone hit WR Griffin Wilde with a 10-yard TD pass for a 17-0 lead.  It looked like the Wildcats were gonna blow the hapless bRuins right into the lake a this point.  However, UCLA's defense managed to right the ship and shutout the Wildcats the rest of the way, while their offense couldn't overcome the deficit to keep the bRuins from being winless on the season. railing 17-6 with 6:19 left in the game, QB Nico Iamaleava threw a 29-yard TD pass to WR Kwazi Gilmer. Iamaleava then connected with RB Anthony Woods for the two-point conversion.  All of a sudden the game was in doubt for the Wildcats.  After forcing a Wildcats punt, the bRuins had one last chance to tie or go ahead, but that drive ended with an incomplete pass on their own 32-yard line as time ran out and Northwestern had the win.  For the Wildcats, Stone completed 12 of 18 passes for 115 yards and a TD, while Komolafe led all rushers with 119 yards on 27 carries and a TD of his own.  For the bRuins, Iamaleava was the offense completing 19 of 27 aerials for 180 yards and a TD. He also ran for 65 yards on 14 carries. 

Telling Stat: Almost 30 minutes late; UCLA's offense didn't wake up until late in the second quarter and that cost the bRuins the game. 

Oregon 30- Penn State 24 2OT: Happy Valley, PA- It was yet another white out at Beaver Stadium.  The crowd was raucous to say the least and ready for this matchup between the Fighting Paternos and the Webfoots. The game was a real slugfest for the first 30 minutes.  Oregon seemed to have the upper hand in the action, but one missed FG of 47 yards and then one made FG of 42 yards by UO PK Atticus Sappington matched the 49-yard FG made by PSU PK Ryan Barker and teams went into the half tied at 3-3.  The third quarter saw the Ducks start to pull a way from the Nittany Lions when they executed a 10-play, 80-yard drive to take a 10-3 lead on a pass that covered eight yards from QB Dante Moore to RB Dierre Hill, Jr.  The Ducks defense then forced a PSU 3 and Out and the offense then went up 17-3 by finishing off a 75-yard drive with an eight-yard TD scamper from RB Jordon Davison.  At that point, the 12:25 mark of the fourth quarter, you could hear a pin drop in Happy Valley and feel the disappointment in the stands.  Could PSU get off the deck and make a game of it?  Well, they did on the ensuing possession.  The Lions put together their best drive of the game and  swept down the field with QB Drew Allar hooking up with WR Devonte Ross for a 35-yard TD pass to make the score 17-10.  The Nittanys then got the ball back after forcing an Oregon punt with 7:07 left to play.  HC James Franklin's charges then went on a nerve-wracking drive that covered 62 yards in 15 plays to tie the game. The game-tying score was a nifty little swing pass to Ross that let him sprint seven yards past the outstretched arms of Ducks defenders to paydirt. After UO burned off the final :30 of regulation play we were headed to Overtime.  The teams traded TDs in the first OT and the game moved on to the second OT.  On the first play of the period, Moore hit USC Transfer WR Gary Bryant, Jr. with a 25-yard laser of a pass for a TD  and a 30-24 lead.  The mandatory two-point conversion was picked off by Penn State.  On their turn with the ball, PSU QB Drew Allar's pass was intercepted by UO DB Dillon Thieneman. The game was over that suddenly and all that could be heard were the sounds of the Ducks celebrating on the Beaver Stadium turf.  When it was all over, Moore had a great night for the Quacks completing 29 of 39 passes for 248 yards and three TDs while Hill led all rushers with 82 yards on 10 carries and two receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown.  For PSU, Allar completed 14 of 25 passes for 137 yards, two TDs and one huge interception.

Telling Stat: Not so dynamic duo;  The Oregon defense held the vaunted Penn State RB tandem of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to just 73 yards on 23 carries with one score. 

Observations

...Mean Fun Fact;  UCLA hasn't led in any game this year. 

...A dubious honor;  Boston College is the first ACC team to go 0-2 v. Cal and Stanford in a season since the Bay Area schools joined the league last year.  

...I'm saying there's a chance; New Mexico is 3-1 and has a legitimate shot to go bowling this year. 

...Kissing their sister; The 40-40 tie between the Packers and Cowboys was a real barn burner of game. NFL regular season overtime has been around since the 1974 season.  The very first NFL regular season overtime game also ended in tie.  The Steelers and the Broncos battled to a 35-35 tie at Mile High Stadium on 9-22-1974.   

...Trivia Time;  Who were the two starting QBs in that first ever NFL regular season overtime game between the Steelers and Broncos? 

...A dream season;  So far UNLV's Aamaris Brown has had a great year.  The DB ahas picked off four passes in four games and has returned two of those picks for touchdowns.   

...It just doesn't exist;  Holding does not exist in the Big Ten.  Watch any game in the league on any given week and the refs just won't call it. 

...The long road;  Washington makes just about the longest road trip in the Big Ten this week when they cross three time zones and traverse 2,748 miles to College Park to take on Maryland. 

...#4 with a bullet;  Ole Miss is the real deal this year.  They are totally deserving of their #4 ranking. 

...Death, Taxes and Umass Futility;  The futility of Massachusetts football is the one great constant of college football.  The Minutemen are off to an 0-4 start that includes a 27-26 loss to Bryant College of the FCS.  

...The portal in action;  The full impact of the transfer portal hits home when you multiple transfers from your school doing well at other schools. 

...Quietly making noise; RB Ahmad Hardy of Missouri leads the country in rushing with 730 yards on 103 carries. That's a nifty 7.08 yards per carry. 

...Commodores up;  It would be par for the course of this season for Vanderbilt to upset Alabama this week. 

...The Century Mark; Williamson High beat Murphy High 100-0 in a meeting of Mobile, Alabama prep schools. When the game was long out of hand at halftime with the score 73-0, Williamson HC Antonio Coleman wanted to go to eight minute quarters and a running clock in the second half just to get the game over with. The referee took Coleman's request to Murphy HC Sherman Williams prior to the second half kickoff.  Coleman refused the offer. Wow. A Rough 100

...Ditch it;  Penn State's white outs need to be done away with. Like ND wearing green jerseys, PSU's overall record is pretty poor when this gimmick is used.  

...Way too far ahead thought and wishful thinking;  With the way this season is going, the Virginia- Cal game on 11/1 at Berkeley could really mean something in the ACC. 

...Unhappy Valley; With that gut wrenching loss in two overtimes to Oregon, Penn State HC James Franklin is now just 4-21 overall against teams ranked in the top ten for his career.  It's alright though Nittany Lions fans, Franklin takes responsibility for the loss to the Quacks. 4-21 Pain

...Big man with skills;  Watch Alabama LT Kaden Proctor get all of his 6'7" 360 frame hustling upfield on a screen pass v. Georgia.  He Rumbled

...Shockingly Abysmal;  USC's defense played statically worse v. Illinois than FCS also ran Western Illinois did against the Illini.  One prime example is that the Trojans sieve of a secondary gave up 15.8 yards per completion, while Western Illinois gave up 12.8 yards per completion to the Illini back on 8/29. Facepalm 

...He's gone;  Arkansas HC Sam Pittman became the latest HC fired this season after his Hogs were trounced by Notre Dame. Pittman went 32-34 in Fayetteville. His Razorback squads were snake bit to say the least with the them suffering many gut wrenching defeats during his tenure.  Pitt-iful

...Silent D;  While much praise has been heaped on Ohio State's offense this year, their defense is why they are 4-0.  The Buckeye defense has given up just 22 points so far this season. 

...Trivia Answer;  The two QBs in that game were Jefferson Street Joe Gilliam for Pittsburgh and Charley Johnson for Denver. 

...33 rolling away;  Alabama's win at Georgia snapped the Bulldog's 33-game home wining streak. The 33 on the back of a bottle of Rolling Rock is the only 33 we can count on nowadays. 

...His lid says it all;  If the font on interim UCLA HC Tim Skipper's hat doesn't scream INTERIM HC! then nothing else can.  I see the bRuins really splurged for the gear here.  

Big Ten Overreactions

USC is a 7-5 team. Sigh.

UCLA is an 0-12 team. 

Oregon plays with a deep anger and intensity.

Penn State is a program stuck in No Man's Land. 

Indiana wishes they played with as much intensity as Oregon.

Ohio State is happy letting Oregon and Indiana get the attention right now.

Washington is not as a good as they think they are.

Rutgers will not go bowling.

Illinois wants morning kickoffs from now on. 

Minnesota's boat rowers will go bowling.

Northwestern can exhale now, the bRuins have flown home.

Iowa is the beige wallpaper of college football. 

Keeping Up With Your Exes

ASU got some pretty unbelievable calls that paved the way for their 27-24 comeback win over TCU, while Arizona got whipped at Iowa State, 39-14.  Meanwhile, Cal made the three timezone trip to Boston College and beat the Eagles, 28-24 and Stanford got a late score to beat San Jose State, 30-29. 

Ugly Uniform of the Week

UCLA wins this week's award.  The bRuins color scheme is ugly every day, but even uglier when they are winless 

A Chicle of Wisdom 

This week's example of the wisdom from the 1935 National Chicle football card set comes from card #4 Ed Matesic.  You can see the old Eagles Halfback holding a rather fat football.  The old NFL footballs were not the sleek things of today's game that are made to be rocketed down the field.  Coach Casey's tips on how the throw the ball are pretty good for that era. 

Departments 

Low Score Game of the Week: Madison, SD- We get this week's game from the NAIA's North Star Athletic Association.  PK Adrian Villanueva kicked a 35-yard FG with :12 left to lift the Trojans of Dakota State to an 11-10 win over the Southern Oregon Raiders.  The Trojans shutout the Raiders in the second half, allowing just 93 total yards.  The defense also scored a safety. 

Blowout Game of the Week: Silver City, NM- This game comes to us form the D-II ranks and the Lone Star Conference to be exact where the Central Washington Wildcats worked over the Western New Mexico Mustangs, 91-31.  CWU sprinted out to a 35-0 first quarter lead and never looked back in this laugher.  RB Justice Taylor gained 169 yards on 17 carries with three TDs as the spearhead of the Wildcats rushing attack that gained 347 total yards on 41 carries with seven TDs. 

Razorback Report: Fayetteville, AR-  The Razorbacks were no match for Notre Dame this week.  The Hogs were smacked 56-13 by the Fighting Irish in what would be HC Sam Pittman's last game pacing the sidelines in Fayetteville.  Pittman's firing was announced on Sunday morning following the game. Bob Petrino, yes that Bob Petrino who left the program in disgrace after his motorcycle escapades with his mistress/subordinate back in 2012 has been named the interim HC.  Embarrassed Faceplam. 

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing... 

Nothing beats a good night's sleep.

Putting up fall decorations just hammers home the fact that this is my favorite time of year. 

Why is it that everyone in the neighborhood can hear a car alarm going off for at least several minutes before the actual owner of the vehicle ever hears it? 

Until next time folks, remember that your defense is allowed to cover the other team's receivers when they go out for a pass.

-The Commissioner 

Week 4, 2025

Hey All,

it's time one again for that column of Saturday goodness that fills your Tuesday, Notes on a Big Ten Scorecard.  We still miss you, Mel Durslag. 

Summaries 

USC 45- Michigan State 31: Los Angeles, CA- This game kicked off at about 8:10 PM PDT or 11:10 PM EDT if  your were one of the Spartan faithful who stayed up for this oddball affair at the Coliseum.  Once again USC had to come from behind to win.  The Trojans started off the game with a 25-yard FG from PK Ryon Sayeri then fell behind 7-3 when a coverage bust led to 42-yard TD pass from MSU QB Aiden Chiles to WR Chrishon McCray. Then own the next drive, a beautiful fake by USC QB Jordan Maiava led to him running untouched to paydirt to put USC up, 10-7 to end the first period.  The second quarter took forever and ended up with SC taking 24-10 lead into the break.  Rewinding back a few minutes here, MSU LB Jordan Hall was ejected for targeting SC TE Lake McRee. Then on a later drive, two Spartans on defense hit each other and were both forced to exit the game. Then the worst thing happened.  MSU LB Wayne Mathews III was injured while tackling SC RB Waymond Jordan deep in MSU territory.  Play was halted and Mathews III was placed on a backboard and carted off the field to a waiting ambulance at the edge of the field and then transported to a Level I Trauma Center. After the game it was reported that Mathews III had return of motor functions.  He was released in the morning and then made the flight back home with the team.  Now, onto the start of the third quarter where The Trojan defense forced the Spartans to go 3 and Out. The Trojans offense then made the score 31-10 when Maiava connected with TE Walker Lyons from 10 yards out for the touchdown.  Then then Trojans suffered a team brain cramp. A running into the kicker penalty extended a drive that was further extended by several other needless penalties and MSU was able to cut the lead to 31-17 when QB Aiden Chiles cut through the line for a four-yard TD run.  On the ensuing possession USC fumbled the ball right back to MSU when WR DJ Jordan was hit and handed the ball back to the Spartans on the Trojans 32-yard line.  Eight plays later, Chiles hooked with TE Jack Veiling for short TD pass and the game was suddenly in doubt at 31-24.  Then the fourth quarter began.  USC regained control of the game marching 75 yards for a score and taking 7:20 off the clock in the process. The drive did not stall thanks to a miraculous scramble by Maiava for 13 yards on 3rd down and short at the SC 32-yard line and a tipped pass hauled in by McRee at the MSU 41-yard line.  After that the defense stopped the Spartans on downs and then Maiava scored on a sneak to extend the Trojans lead to 45-24.  A blown coverage by the defense allowed MSU to score a late TD and make the final score 45-31 much to the dismay of gamblers across the nation who took SC and laid the points. When it was over, Maiava completed 20 of 26 passes for 2343 yards and three TDs.  He also ran for 31 yards and two more scores.  Jordan led all rushers with 157 yards on 18 carries while backfield mate RB Eli Sanders gained 90 yards on 16 carries.  WR Makai Lemon was the man once again for SC catching eight balls for 127 yards and a TD. In the loss, Chiles completed 12 of 21 passes for 212 yards and three TDs. He also ran for 31 yards and another score. 

Telling Stat: 7 is heaven for SC;  The Trojan defense racked up seven sacks and had MSU QB Aiden Chiles harried, hurried and rushed all night.

Indiana 63- Illinois 10: Bloomington, IN- This was the first matchup of ranked teams in this series since 1950.  It won't be one that Indiana will ever forget as the Hoosiers did just about anything they wanted to do in this absolute blowout in Bloomington.  Yes, the Illinois O-line and Secondary had some injuries, but  the Hoosiers seemed to outclass Illinois at every position.  Indiana turned a 14-7 first quarter lead into a 35-10 halftime lead on three TD passes from QB Roberto Mendoza. The Hoosiers picked up where they left off in the the second half notching two more TDs in each quarter while their defense shutout the Illini the rest of the game.  Mendoza was on fire, completing 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and five TDs.  The Hoosiers ran the ball well too.  RB Khobie Martin gained 107 yards with two TDs on 12 carries.  As a team the Hoosiers lugged the leather 49 times for 312 yards.  That all went on as the Indiana defense was busy holding the Illini to just 2 yards rushing on 20 carries for not so nifty 1/10 of a yard per rush. 

Telling Stat: No movement = Few plays;  Indiana held Illinois to a paltry 1 of 10 on 3rd down conversions and allowed them run just 45 offensive plays. 

Notre Dame 56- Purdue 30: South Bend, IN- The Fighting Irish were looking for their first win of the year after tough close losses to top ranked teams Miami and Texas A&M in their first two games.  It ended up being a big score at the end, but Purdue managed to stay on ND's heels until halftime.  ND turned a 35-23 halftime edge into a 56-35 lead by scoring on all three third quarter drives while forcing Purdue to punt on all of theirs.  The fourth quarter was a glorified scrimmage with Purdue tacking on a cosmetic score at the end to make this look a little closer than it was. ND QB CJ Carr did not have to throw much but he was efficient completing 10 of 12 passes for 223 yards and a pair of TDs.  RB. Jeremiah love toted the rock 19 times for 157 yards and two TDs to further propel the Irish attack.  In defeat, PU QB Ryan Browne connected on 21 of 34 aerials for 250 yards, a TD and an interception.  His best target was WR Nitro Tuggle who caught three passes for 60 yards and a score. 

Telling Stat: 21-0, 212-19= W;  Notre Dame's offense racked up 21 points and 212 yard off offense while their defense put a zero on the board while holding Purdue to 19 total yards in the third quarter to put this game firmly in the win column. 

Iowa 38- Rutgers 28: Piscataway, NJ- This Friday nighter at the state college of New Jersey was an evenly matched, boring affair with the two squads tied at 21-21 as the game headed to the final period. After an Iowa field goal of 26 yards from PK Drew Stevens made the score 24-21, Rutgers answered right back with a one-yard TD jaunt by RB Antwan Raymond and the Scarlet Knights had a 28-24 lead with 9:44 to play.  It was Iowa's turn to answer and they did with a drive that covered 80 yards in seven plays and was capped off by a two-yard plunge into the end zone by QB Mark Gronowski with 5:39 left.  Rutgers then shot themselves in the foot.  QB Athan Kaliakmanis was picked off by LB Jaxon Rexroth at Rutgers own  35-yard line.  Six plays later, Gronowski made a one-yard plunge to paydirt and Iowa owned the game at 38-28 with 2:14 to play.  Rutgers was stopped on downs on their last drive and Iowa officially claimed victory.  The Iowa offense was balanced and unpsectacular.  Gronowski completed 12 of 18 passes for 186 yards and he ran for 55 yards on 13 carries and those two short TD runs.  For Rutgers, Kaliakmanis completed 24 of 40 passes for 330 yards and that big interception. However he did run for two TDs.  

Telling Stat: 1 was a big 1;  The interception by Rutgers QB Kaliakmanis cost his team the game. 

Maryland 27- Wisconsin 10: Madison, WI- It got ugly at Camp Randall as the Terps outclassed the Badgers in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicated. The Badgers offense was just shutdown by the Terps from the get go. UW's opening drive down to the Maryland 21-yard line ended in a blocked field goal attempt.  The Badgers wouldn't get that close to the Maryland end zone again until their final drive of the game when the contest was no longer in doubt.  For the Terrapins, true frosh QB Malik Washington got his first ever Big Ten win by completing 18 of 34 passes for 265 yards and two TDs. He also ran for a score.  WR Shaleak Knotts caught both of those scoring passes while WR Octavian Smith hauled in six passes for 113 yards. For the hapless Badgers, QB Danny O'Neill completed 14 of 22 passes for 120 yards and an interception in the loss. 

Telling Stat: 4 is fine;  Maryland is 4-0 and their four wins already match last season's win total.  

Michigan 30- Nebraska 27: Lincoln, NE- It was game of big plays over missed plays as the Huskers fell to the Wolverines. Nebraska was stuffed on a 4th Down in the shadow of the Michigan goal line, missed a field goal attempt and then threw an interception in Michigan territory on their third drive.  At that point of the game, Nebraska trailed 3-0 yet was winning the statistical battle. Michigan true frosh sensation Bryce Underwood was held in check passing wise by the Blackshirt defense, but they gave up big plays in the running game and that doomed the Huskers to defeat.  Despite those shortcomings, the game went into the half tied at 17-17 thanks to a Hail Mary connection from NU QB Dylan Raiola to WR Jacory Barney that covered 52 yards.  The third quarter was where Michigan took control of the game.  A 56-yard FG from PK Dominic Zvada and a 54-yard TD run from RB Jordan Marshall gave the Wolverines a 27-17 lead to start the final period.  The score stood 30-20 after the teams traded field goals.  With 1:34 left TE Heinrich Haarberg hauled in a three-yard pass from Raiola to cut Michigan's lead to 30-27.  Michigan then recovered the onside kick and walked out of Memorial Stadium with a big win.  Underwood only threw for 105 yards, but he did run for a score while the RB combo of Marshall and Justice Haynes combined for 229 yards rushing on 23 carries and two TDs.  For the hard luck Huskers, Raiola completed 30 of 42 passes for 308 yards, three TDs  and an interception.  Barney caught six of Riaola's passes for 120 yards and two TDs in the bitter loss. 

Telling Stat:  0 for 3 = L;  Nebraska's failure to score on any of their first three drives cost them the game. 

Oregon 41- Oregon State 7: Corvallis, OR- This edition of the rivalry once known as the Civil War went decidedly in the Ducks favor after an even first period.  Oregon State gave up early TD to fall behind, 7-0 then they stopped Oregon on downs on their next possession. The Beavers used the momentum from that stop and marched 64 yards for a game-tying TD on a one-yard TD plunge from RB Anthony Hankerson.  The Ducks then went on a workmanlike 34-0 run over the last three quarters to pull away from the overmatched Beavers.  QB Dante Moore connected on 21 of 31 passes for 305 yards and four TDs. He also ran for 53 yards on seven carries as the spearhead of the Webfoots offense.  For OSU, Hankerson was their offense, or what passed for offense, gaining 38 yards on 14 carries with a TD.

Telling Stat: 64/83;  After giving up 64 yards on OSU's scoring drive to tie the game, the Oregon defense gave up 83 yards total for the rest of the game to easily ensure a win for the Ducks.

Washington 59- Washington State 24: Pullman, WA- The Huskies reclaimed the Apple Cup after they blew the doors off the Cougars in the fourth quarter.  This game was surprisingly tight for the first three quarters as Wazzu hung tough with the Dawgs.  In fact, the Cougars marched 75 yards in nine plays to cut the Huskies lead to 31-24 with 2:38 to play in the third quarter on a QB sneak by Zevi Eckhaus from one-yard out.  Then the roof fell in for the Cougars.  In a less than three minute span, the Huskies scored three TDs with the help of two Wazzu turnovers.  The first was a seven-yard TD pass from QB Demond Williams, Jr. to WR Denzel Boston. Which was followed by a 47-yard pick six by Alex McLaughlin and then a 34-yard TD run by RB Jonah Coleman to make the score 52-24.  At that point the game was essentially over and the Apple Cup was headed back to Seattle. Williams went 16 of 29 passing with 298 yards and four TDs on the afternoon. He also ran for 88 yards on 13 carries with a TD on the ground as well.  Eckahaus, who wasn't tabbed as the starting QB until late in the week, completed 25 of 36 passes for 277 yards, two TDs and two huge interceptions. 

Telling Stat: Nowhere to run; Washington held Wazzu to 28 yards rushing on 27 carries. 

Observations

...The dreaded vote of confidence;  Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh pulled a Tammy Wynette after the Badgers were drubbed by Maryland. His words weren't exactly glowing but read it for yourselves. Tammy

...Two-step of pain;  Army is 1-2 on the year and both losses were at home in overtime to schools from Texas. 

...Cellar on the line;  UCLA travels to Northwestern this week where the winner will not occupy a share of 18th place and dead last in the Big Ten standings. 

...He's a man, he's fired; I think we all saw this one coming, but Oklahoma State has parted way with HC Mike Gundy after he proclaimed his intention to keep coaching the Cowboys beyond 2025.  The Mullet was at Okie State for close to 21 years. So long Mullet

...Feasting on your rival;  Not only did Miami stay undefeated with a 26-7 win over Florida they dined BBQ alligator postgame.  Just ask Miami DE Rueben Bain, Jr.  Chomp Chomp

...Rivalry down;  Another rivalry in college football is going away as TCU's 35-24 win over SMU is the last game scheduled in the series for the foreseeable future.  Boo.

...Quietly making noise; North Texas is 4-0.

...Game time extremes;  USC kicked off after 8 PM PDT at home last week and will kickoff this week on the road at 9 AM PDT.  They have the Big Noon Kickoff game this week. 

...A big one; Oregon travels to Happy Valley this week to take on Penn State.  

...It's a Commodore thing; Vanderbilt has now been ranked for consecutive weeks for only the second  time since 1958.  How long ago was that?  Well, Bear Bryant was in his first year at Alabama,  Ara Parseghian was the HC at Northwestern and John McKay was still an assistant coach at Oregon. 

...Red Zone power;  USC has to run the ball better on the goal line.  Sometimes you have to just overpower your opponent to get that score. 

...Quietly rebounding;  After suffering a zero week loss at Kansas, Fresno State is now 3-1 after hanging on to beat Hawaii, 23-21. 

...Not me;  Anybody out there feel bad that Clemson is 1-3?  Didn't think so. 

...Smacked around at home;  Utah got whipped at home by Texas Tech, 34-10.  The Red Raiders pulled away late for the lopsided win, but even when it was close you never thought the Utes were ever in the game. 

...Exiting for success;  Wanna have a great year in the NFL? Leave the Giants.  RB Saquon Barkley left in free agency last year and now has a Super Bowl ring on his finger. QB Daniel Jones, who was forced out has become a folk hero in Indianapolis after guiding them to a 3-0 to start to the year.  He's so much of a folk hero that his new nickname is Indiana Jones. 

...Swagger back?; After having a good game v. Sam Houston State, Longhorns Safety, Michael Taffe said of QB Arch Manning, "He got his swagger back."  Ummmm it was against Sam Houston State.  Let's see that swagger against a real team. 

...Yeah, that's illegal;  Syracuse was fined $25,000 and the school was publicly reprimanded for faking injures during their 34-21 win at Clemson last week. Falling down  Syracuse HC Fran Brown addressed the situation here. Hey, we won

...Illegal and the difference in the game; Oklahoma used an illegal trick play that resulted in a touchdown against Auburn last Saturday.  The refs never made the right call and allowed the touchdown to stand.  OU went on to beat the Tigers, 24-17.  Check it all out here.  They got away with it

Big Ten Overreactions 

USC's secondary will cost them two games.

USC's lack of discipline on defense will cost them two more.

Indiana doesn't play to win, they play to dominate.

Rutgers still doesn't know how they lost to Iowa.

Iowa doesn't know how they scored 38 points.

You can feel Nebraska fans depression from here.

Michigan will have to throw well to win 10 games. 

Wisconsin won't fire Luke Fickell mid season.

Maryland will go bowling.

Illinois wonders what was the number of the truck that hit them.

Michigan State is two years away.

Washington is good and nobody knows it.

Oregon is in cruise control.

UCLA lost to their bye week like no team has in awhile.

Keeping Up With Your Exes

From the high of highs to low of lows are the cycles of this game. Cal followed up last week's win over Minnesota by being smashed, 34-0 at San Diego State and Stanford got worked over at Virginia, 48-20 coming off their win over Boston College.

A Chicle of Wisdom

This week's card from the 1935 National Chicle Football set is #3 George Kenneally.  Outside of his really cool helmet you see he has his hands positioned for a reception.  Coach Casey gives instructions on how best to catch a ball. 

Rip Robert Redford and the Immortal Roy Hobbs  

Last week Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89.  The actor had one helluva life and played many great roles, but the one that will be spoken of here is that of Roy Hobbs from The Natural.  As the original Bernard Malamud book will make you cry, the movie gets the full Hollywood treatment and is an incredible fairy tale.  If you love the game and played it anywhere from your own back yard to the Major Leagues, you've wanted to play as well Roy Hobbs.  The movie plays to that little boy in me that wanted to be that good. I still love the game.  I still dream of hitting that pennant clinching home run and being revered as the greatest that ever was.  RIP Mr. Redford, but the legend of Roy Hobbs that you brought to life will live forever.  Like another baseball movie tells us,  "Heroes get remembered but legends never die." The Stuff of Legends

Departments 

Low Score Game of the Week: La Grande, OR- Our first trip this year takes us to the NAIA ranks where Freshman PK Walker Brondos split the uprights from 24 yards out with 2:42 left in the third quarter to give the Valley City State Vikings a 3-0 lead over the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers. The Viking defense then made that kick stand up for a 3-0 win.  The Vikes held the 'Eers to just 166 total yards and seven first downs on the afternoon. 

Crazy Game of the Week: New London, CT-  The Coast Guard Academy Bears make another appearance here this year, but this time they are on the right side of  92-60 win over the Nichols College Bison.  Yes, 92-60.  Coast Guard led 35-14 at the end of the first quarter and it just go crazier from there. Bears QB Sean Burns completed 20 of 24 passes for 384 yards and six TDs and Bears RB Harrison Henley ran the ball 18 times for 153 yards and four TDs.  For the Bison, QB Ian Snow completed 28 of 44 passes for 580 yards and seven TDs.  The teams combined for 1,412 yards of total offense and 68 first downs. The final score of the game is unique. According to the article on the USCGA athletics website, no other game in all divisions of college football has ever ended with a final score of 92-60.   

Razorback Report: Memphis, TN- Another week on the road, another late fumble and another bitter loss as the Razorbacks fell to Memphis, 32-31.  Hogs QB Taylen Green was his usual up and down self, 18 of 34 passing for 325 yards, a TD and two interceptions.  Up next for the Hogs is a visit from Notre Dame.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

Homeowner life; Changing seasons means changing the furnace filter. 

It's amazing how many varieties of pumpkins exist. 

Officially, the Autumnal Equinox arrived at 11:19 AM PDT on Monday 9/22.  Happy Fall Y'all.

Until next time,  you have to play a full game every game every game to win consistently.

-The Commissioner 

Week 3, 2025

Hey All,

It's time for the column that makes your Tuesdays feel like Saturdays, Notes on a Big Ten Scorecard.  We still miss you, Jim Murray. 

Summaries

USC 33- Purdue 17:  West Lafayette, IN- The Trojans came to Ross-Ade Stadium looking for their first road win in the Big 10 west of Pasadena.  They would have to wait out a three-hour weather delay before defeating a determined bunch of Boilermakers.  Yes folks, lightning and heavy rain caused the kickoff of the game to be pushed back a little over three hours.  USC came out of the long delay and drove for a 24-yard FG and a 3-0 lead. Purdue then marched right down the field on the Trojans. PU QB Ryan Browne was picked off in the SC end zone by Safety Bishop Fitzgerald to end the threat.  USC would find the end zone on a three-yard run by QB Jayden Maiava and a six-yard scamper by RB Waymond Jordan go up 17-3 at the half.  SC would sandwich two FGs around a 26-yard TD run from Purdue's Brown that was the result of a botched double pass that should have been intercepted by USC LB Eric Gentry. Instead, the ball went through his hands and Browne picked it up and ran for a TD.  After further review the passes on the play were both deemed to be backwards, (bad call), and Purdue trailed 20-10.  After USC got another FG from PK Ryon Sayeri for a 23-10 lead, the defense made the big play to stay out of Purdue's reach.  With 2:15 left in the third quarter, the Trojan defense swatted Browne's pass and it was intercepted by 6'5, 360 pound DT Jamaal Jarrett. The big man then rumbled 70 yards for a TD and a 30-10 Trojan lead.  Big Man Has Wheels!  After that, the Trojans did something they hadn't done in a while, they closed out the game and they ran to do it.  The Men of Troy rushed the ball seven straight times for 63 yards down to the Purdue two-yard line.  The drive ate up about five minutes and ended in Sayeri's fourth FG of the game for a 33-17 lead.  The defense, who lived all day in the Boilermaker backfield forced a 3 and Out to put the game in the win column.  For SC, Maiava completed 17 of 28 passes for 282 yards. He also ran for 10 yards and a score.  The Trojan backfield duo of Jordan and Eli Sanders combined to run the ball 28 times for 152 yards and a TD.  When he was not being sacked, Browne completed 24 of 39 passes for 305 yards, a TD and three huge interceptions in the loss for Purdue.

Telling Stat: Ground Trojans;  Pass happy USC HC Lincoln Riley ran the ball on 18 of the Trojans final 21 plays from scrimmage to eat the clock and secure a win.  

Indiana 73- Indiana State 0: Bloomington, IN- The first of two Friday night Big Ten games saw Curt Mallory, son of all-time great Indiana HC Bill Mallory, bring his ISU Sycamores to Memorial Stadium for a paycheck and they got a sound drubbing to go with that paycheck.  The Hoosiers did everything but cancel ISU's team busses back home while racking up 73 points and 680 yards of total offense. QB Fernando Mendoza coolly completed 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five TDs while backfield mate RB Khobie Martin ran for 109 yards and two TDs to lead all rushers.  There was no offense to speak of for Indiana State.

Telling Stat: 603;  603 is not just the area code for New Hampshire anymore.  Indiana gained 603 more yards than ISU in this snoozer of a game. 

New Mexico 35- UCLA 10: Pasadena, CA- The Lobos ended the short but poor career of UCLA HC DeShaun Foster when they worked over the bRuins last Friday night. The 15-point favorite bRuins never sniffed control of this game.  However, thanks to a couple of goal line stands, UCLA still had a shot to pull this game out, trailing only 14-10 to start the final period.  Then the smattering of fans that actually went to the game saw New Mexico put up 21 points to send the bRuins to 0-3 and Foster into the ranks of the unemployed. Lobos RB Damon Bankston proved difficult to stop as he amassed 154 yards rushing on 15 carries with a TD. UNM QB Jack Layne had an efficient night, completing 12 of 16 passes for 152 yards and two scores.  In the embarrassing defeat, QB Nico Iamaleava completed 22 of 34 passes for 217 yards, a TD and an interception. 

Telling Stat: 46/298= W;  New Mexico ran all over UCLA. 46 rushes netted 298 yards and three scores. 

Oregon 34 Northwestern 14: Evanston, IL- It was another beautiful day on the shores of Lake Michigan for the Big Noon Kickoff.  Oregon did look sluggish dealing with the early start and two time zone travel lag, but they had more than enough talent to handle the Wildcats.  RB Jayden Lamar crossed the double stripe from a yard out to give the Webfoots a 7-0 lead at the end off the first quarter. That lead was extended to 17-0 at the half with a 42-yard FG from PK Atticus Sappington and a 24-yard TD toss from QB Dante Moore to TE Kenyon Sadiq.  The first two drives of the third quarter ended up putting the game firmly in the hands of the Ducks. The UO defense held for downs at their own 34-yard line. Then on the next play, RB Dierre Hill, Jr. raced down the sideline 66 yards to paydirt and a 24-0 lead for the Quacks.  That lead would go to 34-0 before the Wildcats got a couple of late cosmetic scores on Oregon's subs.  QB Dante Moore completed 16 of 20 passes for 178 yards, a TD and an interception while Hill rushed for 94 yards and a score on five carries. For the Wildcats, Preston Stone completed 11 of 21 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions.

Telling Stat: 12 seconds;  That's all it took for Oregon to go from 17-0 to 24-0 and total control of the game. 

Alabama 38- Wisconsin 14: Tuscaloosa, AL- It was an early game at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the Crimson Tide was up and alert, They were all over the hapless Badgers all day.  The Tide rolled out to a 28-0 third quarter lead before giving up a 95-yard kickoff return for a TD by Badger KR Vinny Anthony.  However, Bama would answer right back with a 41-yard TD pass from QB Ty Simpson to WR Ryan Williams for a 35-7 lead to extinguish any hopes of a Badger comeback.   Simpson lit up the Wisconsin secondary completing 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards and four TDs.  For the Badgers, QB Danny O'Neil completed 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards, a TD and two interceptions. 

Telling Stat: A useless first half;  Alabama held Wisconsin to 34 total yards in the first half.  Ouch.

Michigan State 41- Youngstown State 24: East Lansing, MI- The Spartans found themselves in a tighter game than anticipated against the #25 ranked team in the FCS.  The teams traded scoring drives in the first quarter and second quarter with the Spartans nursing a 14-10 lead when PK Martin Connington kicked one through for a 17-10 halftime lead for the Green and White.  MSU got the separation they needed from the Penguins in the third quarter on a four-yard rumble to the end zone by RB Brandon Tullis and a 28-yard TD pass from QB Aiden Chiles to TE Mike Masunas for a 31-10 lead. The Penguins fought to keep the game close and trialed 34-24 with 3:05 left to play, but a 22-yard TD sprint by RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver put the game away at 41-24.  Aiden Chiles had a good afternoon completing 22 of 29 passes for 270 yards, a TD and an interception.  He also was MSU's leading rusher with 76 yards on eight carries.  For the pesky Penguins, QB Beau Brungard made good on 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards, two TDs and an interception.

Telling Stat: 8:47 to a W;  Clinging to a 14-10 lead, Michigan State went on a 17-0 scoring run that covered 8:47 from the end of the second quarter to halfway through third quarter to build up a lead that Youngstown State couldn't overcome.  

Ohio State 37- Ohio 9: Columbus, OH- The Bobcats of Ohio were not a cupcake coming into this game as they are the defending MAC champs with a 1-1 record that featured a narrow loss to Rutgers and a narrow win at West Virginia.  Couple that with a slow start from the Buckeyes offense and you had a pretty nervous crowd at the Horseshoe with a 13-3 halftime lead. Then to start the third quarter, QB Peter Navarro connected with WR Chase Hendricks for a 67-yard TD pass that cut TheeeOSU's lead to 13-9. However, PK Brack Peacock failed on the PAT and then nothing really went right for the Bobcatsb the rest of the way.  The Buckeyes offense woke up and scored the final 24 points of the game to pull away for the win.  A FG of 22 yards, TD passes of 47 and 49 yards from QB Julian Sayin to WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate and a 17-yard TD Jaunt by Smith accounted for the Buckeyes 24 points.  When it was over, Sayin had completed 25 of 32 passes for 347 yards, three TDs and two interceptions while RB Bo Jackson, (yes, that's his name), ran for 109 yards on nine carries.  For the Bobcats, Navarro completed six of 13 tosses for 94 yards and a TD.

Telling Stat: 0-78 after 13-9;  After Ohio closed the score to 13-9, TheeeOSU gave up 0 points and just 78 yards the rest of the way to ensure the win. 

Nebraska 59- Houston Christian 0: Lincoln, NE- The Huskers got what they wanted this week. They got an easy win and some rest for their starters with Michigan coming to town next week.  With 11:21 to go in the first quarter, Nebraska PK Kyle Cunanan split the uprights from 24 yards out for 3-0 lead.  The competitive portion of the game ended at that point.  The Huskers rolled up a 38-0 halftime lead and then emptied the benches the rest of the way.  QB Dylan Raiola completed 15 of 22 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 30 minutes worth of work while RB Emmett Johnson ran for 78 yards and two TDs to lead the Huskers ground attack.  

Telling Stat: 30 minutes;  Nebraska's starters got to take the second half off to be fresher for Michigan this week. 

Michigan 63- Central Michigan 3: Ann Arbor, MI- The Wolverines took out their frustration out over losing at Oklahoma on the Chippewas.  Michigan scored early and often, finding paydirt multiple times in each period.  The Wolverines kept a good deal of starters playing most of the game.  QB Bryce Underwood and RB Justice Haynes combined to run the ball 23 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns.  Underwood also completed 16 of 25 passes for 235 yards, a TD and an interception.  

Telling Stat: Ran away and hid;  Michigan ran for 390 yards on 52 carries in this laugher.  That's a nifty 7.5 yards per carry. 

Maryland 44- Towson 17: College Park, MD- The Terps extended their FBS longest active streak of non conference wins with a drubbing of the Tigers.  Maryland put up 17 points in each of the first two quarters to take a 34-0 lead at the half.  The game was basically over when Maryland DB La'khi Roland picked off a Towson pass and took it back a full 100 yards for a TD and 41-0 lead to start the third quarter.  After that, the benches were emptied, the band played on and the crowd filtered out to grab crab cakes and National Bohemian Beer.  QB Malik Washington connected on 16 of 22 aerials for 261 yards, a TD and an interception in the rout.  WR Octavian Smith grabbed four of those passes for 103 yards.  

Telling Stat: Frozen chains;  Maryland held Towson to 1 for 13 on 3rd down conversions.    

Penn State 52- Villanova 6: Happy Valley, PA- The Nittany Lions hosted their instate FCS brothers for the first time since 2021 and were rude hosts, methodically smashing the Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. The Fighting Paternos actually started quickly for once, taking a 7-0 lead on the opening drive of the game on a four-yard slash to paydirt by RB Nick Singleton.  Then the offense slowed, but still managed to go take a 21-0 lead into the intermission.  The second half saw Villanova get worn down and the scoreboard light up as PSU puts up 31 more points to finish off the blowout win.  The great PSU one-two RB punch of Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined to lug the leather 30 times for 170 yards and three TDs.  QB Drew Allar helped the Lions cause as well completing 16 of 29 passes for 209 yards, a TD and an interception.  

Telling Stat: Not even that close; 75 of Villanova's 180 total yards and their only points came on the final drive of the game after Penn State had emptied the benches. 

Rutgers 60- Norfolk State 10: Piscataway, NJ- The Scarlet Knights didn't score on their first drive or their last, but they scored on every other drive to get half way to being bowl eligible.  Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis torched Norfolk State completing 18 of 26 passes for 309 yards and a TD while RB's Antwan Raymond and Ja'shon Benjamin combined to run the ball 28 times for 147 yards and three TDs.  

Telling Stat: They got off the field;  Rutgers defense held Norfolk State to just 2 of 10 on 3rd down conversions to set up their offense with more opportunities to score. 

Illinois 38, Western Michigan 0: Champaign-Urbana, IL- The Fighting Illini offense took most of the first half off while the defense played a full four quarter to earn the shutout win. After taking a slim 10-0 lead into the half, the Illini offense crossed the double stripe twice in each of the third and fourth quarters to distance themselves from WMU. QB Luke Altmyer completed 17 of 26 passes for 196 yards and two TDs to go along with two more scores and 100 yards on 20 carries from RB Kaden Feagin to pace the Illini attack.  WR Hank Beatty was Altmyer's favorite target grabbing six passes for 53 yards and a TD.  

Telling Stat: A solo trip; Illinois allowed only one Western Michigan drive to reach the red zone. 

Iowa 47- Massachusetts 7: Iowa City, IA- It was 90 degrees for the evening kickoff with a full house on hand to watch Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz  get win #206 to pass TheeeOSU's Woody Hayes as the Big Ten HC with the most wins ever.  The Hawkeyes passed the forty point mark in the rout of perennial FBS doormat UMass.  QB Mark Gronowski made good on 16 of 24 passes for 179 yards and two TDs to lead the Iowa offensive effort. 

Telling Stat: 206;  Kirk Ferentz's 206th win is all that matters about this game.

California 27- Minnesota 14: Berkeley, CA- It was shades of Pac 12 After Dark when the Golden Bears took on the Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium.  All was thought to be lost for Cal when QB Fernando Mendoza bolted to Indiana last spring.  No need to fear, Freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is here.  He, along with stingy defense led Cal to a big win over PJ Fleck's boat rowers.  The first half was tight with Cal getting a 45-yard FG from PK Abram Murray to take a 10-7 lead on the last play of the first half.  Midway through the third quarter it looked like Minnesota had taken control of the game when QB Drake Lindsey threw a four-yard TD pass to TE Jameson Geers. Ahhh but that would be all for the Gophers.  Cal scored the final 17 points of the game to send Minnesota home with the L.  JKS threw two TD passes that covered nine yards and two yards TE Mason Mini and WR Jordan King while Meyer booted a 35-yarder to account for the 17 points.  JKS torched the Gophers, completing 24 of 38 passes for 279 yards and three TDs.  For the now 2-1 Gophers, Lindsey completed 19 of 32 throws for 205 yards, a TD and an interception.  

Telling Stat: 0 for the 4th; Cal shutout Minnesota in the final period forcing a misses FG and holding for downs twice to ensure victory.

Observations

...He's gone;  Evidently that embarrassing loss to New Mexico was the last straw in the short tenure of DeShaun Foster as the HC of UCLA.  He was fired Sunday morning.  He didn't even get the benefit of a Tammy Wynette beforehand.  DeShaun DeGone. Rumors are the AD is next.

...Summer's end;  With The Season ending in Newport, the Ivy League now joins the rest of the college football world by playing their first games this week.  Now, enjoy this Newport Yacht Club card from 1909 in honor of the Ancient Eight.

...He said it; Illinois HC Bret Bielema wasn't too pleased with his team after a lackluster start v. Western Michigan last Saturday, telling the media, "We Can't give away two quarters of football and expect to be in the contest at the end."

...He's also gone; DeShaun Foster wasn't the first HC fired this season, that honor goes to VaTech HC Brent Pry who was canned after Old Dominion sent the Hokies off the an 0-3 start in a 45-26 drubbing at VaTech.  Pry went 16-24 over 3 1/4 season for the Hokies.  

...Feeling the Pac12; The rivalry once known as the Civil War and the rivalry still known as the Apple Cup  take place this week in Eugene and Pullman.  

...The I's have it; I'm much more interested in the Illinois-Indiana game this week than the Michigan-Nerbsaka matchup. 

...The pain of two;  Outside of the two times they face each other this year, it's hard to see any more wins on the schedule for either Oregon State or Wazzu this year.  

...Arbo has it; Listening to USC Radio play-by-play man, Pete Arbogast killing time during a three hour weather delay was an adventure. I think he spoke with everyone except the hot dog vendors.   

...0-2; UCLA is currently 0-2 in the Mountain West standings. 

...He lost it;  LSU HC Brian Kelly lost it on the very first questions he was asked in the post games press conference after his Tigers beat Florida, 20-10. We Won!

...Fun Fact; Outside of interim HCs, you have to go back a century to find a full-time UCLA HC with as few games coached (15) as DeShaun Foster. James J. Cline guided the bRuins to a 2-10-3 mark in the 1923 and '24 seasons. UCLA wasn't even UCLA yet, they were still just referred to as the Southern Branch of the University of California. 

...Volunteer pain;  At this point after nine straight losses to Georgia, Tennessee fans have to wonder if they are cursed. 

...D-II Workhorse;  RB Jeffrey Jones of New Mexico Highlands has 608 yards rushing in two games.  Last Weekend he ran for 385 yards and four TDs on 24 carries in a wild 69-55 win over Western New Mexico. Wow.  

...Booed at home;  After another performance that could be called lackluster at best in a 27-10 over UTEP,  Texas QB Arch Maning was booed off the field by the Longhorn faithful.   

...QB down, Gamecocks out; Vanderbilt LB Langston Patterson got ejected for targeting when he knocked SoCar QB LaNorris Sellers out of the game just before halftime.  You just have to see how poorly the refs handled the call.  No flagging and lagging

...Speaking of poor officiating; The referee crew that worked the week two Kansas-Missouri game was suspended for last weekend for not following the rules properly on a kickoff. A week off

...Just a rumor; There's no truth to rumor that Peyton and Eli Manning are going around telling people that Arch is adopted.  

...There were nine; Before this upcoming Saturday, the last time Indiana and Illinois were both ranked the they faced each other was 1950.  The Big Ten was just the Big Nine then.  Chicago had dropped out of the league in 1946 and Michigan State wouldn't be a full member for a couple more years. 

...Big 12  big one;  Texas Tech at Utah  could be a really really good game. 

Big Ten Overreactions 

USC's Linebackers must improve. 

Iowa won't break 30 points again all year.

Northwestern is 10 players away from being competitive . 

Illinois Has a hothead for a HC.

Indiana has hotter head for a HC.

Minnesota has a whiner for a HC.

Wisconsin is a 3-9 team.

Nebraska can't afford a loss this week.

Penn Sate's defense is worth 10 wins.

Purdue will ruin someone's season. 

UCLA will go 1-11.

Maryland is a six win team.

Washington has TheeeOSU circled on their calendar,

TheeOSU doesn't care about what's circled. 

Rutgers won't get enough road wins to go to a bowl.

Michigan State could either be 8-4 or 4-8.

Oregon still doesn't miss Willie Taggart.

Michigan needs to run the ball well more than Army does. 

Keeping Up With Your Exes

There was pain in Texas and pleasure in Northern California.  Oregon State got worked over by Texas Tech 45-14 in Lubbock and Wazzu got smashed at North Texas 59-10. Ahhhhh, but in the Bay Area Cal handled their business with Minnesota, 27-14 and Stanford got their first win under interim HC Frank Reich and moved to 1-0 in ACC play with a 30-20 win over Boston College.    

Uniform Battle of the Week

The Golden Bears of California out-goldened the Golden Gophers on the scoreboard and in the uniform department last Saturday night in Berkeley. 

A Chicle of Wisdom 

This week's featured card from the 1935 National Chicle football set is card #6 in the set of Ernest "Pug" Rentner. Coach Eddie Casey praises Rentner's shiftiness in the open field and suggests a way to train to be as elusive as ol' Pug.

Departments

Low Score Game of the Week: Jamestown, ND- This game comes from the D-II ranks where the Southwestern Minnesota State Mustangs snapped a 12-game losing streak with a 12-7 win over the Jamestown Jimmies.  The Mustangs built up a 12-0 lead on a safety, a 25-yard FG from PK Mason Carver and a 22-yard TD pass from QB Macloud Crowton to WR Jerid Fearing. The defense made those 12 points stand up for the win by forcing four Jamestown turnovers.  

Blowout Game of the Week: Henneker, NH- In the D-III ranks there were games with worse beatings this week, but hey when has this reporter ever been able to write about a blowout by the Engineers of MIT?  MIT traveled to New England College and wiped out the Pilgrims, 55-0.  The Engineers ran for 306 yards on 49 carries with RB Jimmy Conners toting the rock 13 times for 100 yards and a three scores while QB Chase Harmon completed 14 of 20 aerials for 175 yards, two TDs and an interception. The MIT defense held the Pilgrims to not much progress, allowing only 81 total yards and five first downs.

Razorback Report: Oxford, MS-  Oh it was barn burner down at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. However it was bad for the Hogs who gave the Rebels all they could handle before a late fumble in Ole Miss territory doomed the Razorbacks to defeat, 41-35.  Hogs QB Jalen Green was once again the Arkansas offense competing 22 of 35 passes for 305 yards and a TD while also rushing for 115 yards on 14 carries and another score.  Our field agent in Oxford was impressed with Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss who subbed in for starter Austin Simmons and cooly completed 21 of 29 throws for 353 yard and a TD.  He also ran for 62 yards on 15 carries and two more scores.  Up next for the Razorbacks is a trip to Memphis.  

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

The All The Things cookies from Trader Joe's are really good.

Need to get the fall decorations out, the 21st will be here soon.

The last gasps of Summer always feel like a season retrospective. 

Until next time folks, remember that a strong defensive line can hide a weak secondary.

-The Commissioner  

Week 2, 2025

Hey All,

Here's the column that makes your Tuesdays brighter, Notes on a Big Ten Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries 

USC 59 - Georgia Southern 20: Los Angeles, CA- Former HC Clay Helton brought his Eagles to the Coliseum. It wasn't a great homecoming for old Gomer. He saw his defense give up a ton of yards. USC's 755 yards of offense was the most gained by any SC team since 1972.  Once again SC had to come from behind to win as RB Waymond Jordan fumbled on SC's first drive to set up GSU with a first down at the Trojans 41-yard line. Three plays later GSU QB Weston Bryan hooked up with WR Camden Brown for a 32-yard TD and a 6-0 lead.  The Eagles then, in a move all too painfully reminiscent of former ST coach John Baxter, lined up the old swinging gate formation and went for two. The conversion failed miserably USC then went 75 yards for the go ahead score when WR Jacobi Lane made one the best one-handed catches you will ever see with a defender draped all over him.  SC led 7-6 after the PAT from PK Ryon Sayeri and Never looked back.  While the defense had some struggles at times, it was apparent that nobody was going to stop the Trojan offense but the Trojans.  QB Jayden Maiava torched the Eagles defense completing 16 of 24 passes for 424 yards and four TDs. While Lane had the SportsCenter Top 10 catch, WR Makai Lemon had the most yards catching four balls for 158 yards and two TDs.  Despite the fumble Jordan lugged the leather 16 times for 167 yards and a score.  For GSU QB JC French IV connected on 19 of 35 passes for 179 yards, two scores and an interception. 

Telling Stat: In the rearview mirror; And with one rout, Clay Helton can now continue being just a bad memory along with Smith, Tollner and Hackett in the pantheon of horrible Trojans coaches. 

 

Oklahoma 24- Michigan 13: Norman, OK- It was their first meeting since the '76 Orange Bowl, while old guys like me reminisced about Bo Schembechler and Barry Switzer, the current teams got after it under the lights at the stadium once known as Owen Field. What seems to be evident in this game was that Oklahoma wasn't going to let Wolverine true freshman phenom QB Bryce Underwood get comfortable.  It was his first game in a truly hostile environment and the Sooners threw their whole blitz package at him.  Underwood finished the game completing just 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards.  RB Justice Haynes was a bright  spot for the UM offense rushing for 125 yards and score in 19 carries.  Meanwhile OU junior QB John Mateer had a great night.  He completed 21 of 34 passes for 27 yards, a TD and an interception. He also ran for 74 yards on 19 carries and scored twice.  His favorite target was WR Deion Burks who made seven catches for 101 yards and TD. 

Telling Stat: When they needed it; Nursing a 21-13 lead, Oklahoma went on a 16-play drive that covered 78 yards and ended in a field goal to make it a two score game with 1:44 to play in the fourth quarter.  

Northwestern 42- Western Illinois 7: Evanston, IL- It was a beautiful late summer evening with hints of Fall's soon arrival at the Wildcats temporary home that lies on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was here that the Cats earned their first win of the young year in a thrashing of Fighting Leathernecks of the FCS.  The Wildcats scored TDs on their first three drives and ended the competitive portion of this game quickly.  Two short TD tosses by QB Preston Stone and a 43-yard TD from RB Cam Porter accounted for the scores. Up 22-0 in the second quarter, the NU offense took a quarter off before adding to their lead with two FGs of 35 and 25 yards from PK Luke Akers in the third frame.  The last quarter saw the Wildcats sub liberally and still add another 14 points to the board for a 42-0 lead on another short TD pass from Stone and a 58-yard scamper to paydirt by backup QB Ryan Boe. Western Illinois spoiled the shutout with a late score when backup QB Carson Carswell hit WR Christian Anaya from eight yards out with 2:47 to play.  When it was over, Stone had completed 21 of 29 passes for 245 yards and three scores. Stoine's backfield mate, Cam Porter was the game's leading rusher with 91 yards on 12 carries and a TD.  For the outmanned Leathenecks, Carswell was their top player.  Against the NU subs, he threw for 52 yards and a TD.

Telling Stat: Stalled Chains; Northwestern held Western Illinois to just 2 for 12 on third down to pave the way to an easy win.  

Maryland 20- Northern Illinois 9: College Park, MD- The Terps came into this one as 16.5 point favorites, but they had a struggle against kids from DeKalb.  While the Maryland defense turned in a fine effort to keep the Huskies in check, the offense was at the mercy of true frosh QB Malik Washington.  Washington had all the tools and you can see the potential, but he makes typical freshman mistakes and that kept NIU in the game. However, when faced with a 4th & 5 with 9:20 left in the game at the NIU 42-yard line, Washington grew up little.  He saw the open man and fired a laser to WR Shaleak Knotts for a 42-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach.  Washington completed 19 of 35 passes for 254 yards and two TDs. TE Dorian Fleming was his favorite target catching seven balls for 70 yards and a score.  For NIU RB Telly Johnson, Jr was their best player, running the ball 10 times for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Telling Stat: They bent halfway; Maryland's defense allowed 180 yards on the ground, but grounded the NIU air attack allowing just 91 yards to keep the Huskies out of the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Penn State 34- Florida International 0: Happy Valley, PA- it was the second week in a row where the Nittany Lions offense was late to the party, but the defense was more than enough to ensure a win at Beaver Stadium.  FIU tried to dig themselves a deep hole early by turning the ball over on downs once and seeing QB Kyone Jenkins throw and interception.  However, PSU didn't take advantage of the good fortune.  The Fighting Paternos held just a 10-0 lead at intermission thanks to a nine-yard TD pass from QB Drew Allar to TE Khalil Dinkins and a 41-yard FG from PK Ryan Barker.  The second half saw the PSU offense stay sluggish. They nursed a 20-0 lead until deep in the final period when a pair of late TD runs by the backfield duo of RBs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton pushed to score out to 34-0. When it was over, Allar was good on only 19 of 33 throws for 200 yards and two TDs. Allen and Singleton combined for 220 yards rushing on 29 carries and two scores to spearhead the PSU rushing attack.  For FIU, Jenkins threw for 127 yards and an interception.  

Telling Stat: Idle Chain Gang;  Penn State held FIU to 3 of 12 on 3rd Down Conversions to erase any threat by the Panthers offense.

Illinois 45- Duke 19: Durham, NC- Illinois hit the road to Wallace Wade Stadium to take on the Blue Devils.  The first half was played to near standstill with the Illini taking a14-13 lead into the half.  The second half was a different story as the Orange and Blue took Duke to task, blowing them out 31-6 to grab the win.  While the UI defense rendered the Duke offense inert, the Illini offense led by QB Luke Altmyer went on three long scoring drives to extend their lead in the third quarter.  A TD pass from Altmyer to WR Justin Bowick, a TD run from WR Hank Beatty that covered 25 yards and 35-yard FG from PK David Olano resulted in a 31-19 advantage .  The final quarter saw Altmyer connect with WR Collin Dixon for a two-yard TD pass and RB Ca'Lil Valentine race 23 yards for two touchdowns to put the game away.  Altmyer ended the day throwing for 296 yards and four TDs  while RB Kaden Feagin led all rushers with 49 yards on 17 carries and a TD. For Duke, QB Darian Mensah was good on 23 of 34 aerials for 334 yards, tow TDs and an interception.

Telling Stat: They kept grinding;  This game was statically closer than the score indicates, but the Illinois defense got the all the key stops to win the game. 

Iowa State 16- Iowa 13: Ames, IA- A beautiful 60 degree afternoon greeted the combatants for the 73rd edition of this rivalry.  The Cyclones never trailed in this game. They took an early 6-0 lead on FGs of 44 and 27 yards from PK Kyle Konrardy.  Iowa PK Drew Stevens put a 31-yard kick through the uprights to cut the Cyclone lead to 6-3 early in the second quarter. ISU QB Rocco Becht extended the lead to 10 for his team when he threw a two-yard scoring strike to TE Benjamin Brahmer. But Iowa answered right back when they marched 85 yards in 15 plays capping off the drive with a two-yard run up the gut by QB Mark Gronowski.  After the break Iowa would use almost two thirds of the third quarter to march 77 yards in 16 plays to tie the game up at 13-13 when Stevens split the sticks from 36 yards out.  With 8:21 left the question was which QB would lead his team to the win?  Iowa's new transfer who had been incredibly successful on the FCS level or the ISU QB who had led his team for years.  The ISU kid did it. Becht's Cyclones overcame a bad non-call for PI and got a lucky catch on a deflected pass to get near midfield by TE Gabe Burkle. Three plays later Becht made Frankie Albert, Sammy Baugh and Sid Luckman proud when he threw a jump pass on 3rd and 2 to Burkle at the Hawkeyes 48-yard line. BUrkle took it 10 yards to the 38-yard line. Thre runs later, Konrardy was good from 54 yards and ISU had a 16-13 lead.  Iowa had one last shot at tying the game, but were held for downs and the Cy-Hawk Trophy will stay in Ames for another year.  Becht's final numbers were 18 of 27 passing for 134 yards and a TD to go with 11 yards rushing on five carries.  For the hard luck Hawkeyes Gronowski competed 13 of 24 passes for only 83 yards, but did run for 37 yards and a touchdown. 

Telling Stat: Grounded Hawkeyes;  Iowa was held to under 100 yards passing for the second straight week. 

Indiana 56- Kennesaw State 9: Bloomington, IN- It was bit of a slow start for the Hoosiers as they slowly built a 21-6 halftime lead over the Owls.  The home folks at Memorial Stadium got little more nervous as KSU cut their deficit to 21-9 on the first drive of the third period.  Then the Hoosiers kicked themselves into gear on both sides of the ball sandwiching three TD around two KSU turnovers to go out to a 42-9 lead and total control of the game.  Two more late scores by the subs finished off the game.  For IU, QB Fernando Mendoza completed 18 of 25 passes for 235 yards and four TDs while backfield mate RB Lee Beebe, Jr. ran for 90 yards on 11 carries and a TD of his own.  A Mendoza did sub in for a Mendoza. Fernando handed the offense off to little brother Alberto who completed three of three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. For KSU, QB Amari Odom went 10 for 16 passing for 176 yards and an interception.

Telling Stat: 21-0 in 9:42 = Rout;  In a 9:42 span of the the third quarter, Indiana put up 21 points in a 9:42 span while forcing two KSU turnovers to turn a close game into a rout.

Minnesota 66- Northwestern State 0: Minneapolis, MN- Golden Gopher DB John Nestor picked off Demon QB Abram Johnston and took it back 29 yards for a TD one the first play from scrimmage.  That started a 35-0 first quarter onslaught of points that sent the Gopher faithful home early in this laugher at Huntington Bank Stadium. Even Mother Nature had enough of the blowout and the game was ended due to severe weather in the area with 6:15 left in the final period of play. For the Gophers, QB Drake Lindsey completed eight of nine passes for 139 yards and a TD. He also ran for a score. The Minnesota defense held the Demons to 42 total yards.

Telling Stat: Grounded by the Gophers;  Northwestern State's longest drive lasted four plays and covered 15 yards in this mismatch of an affair. 

Ohio State 70- Grambling 0: Columbus, OH- After their huge win over then #1 ranked Texas last week, the Buckeyes enjoyed a light workout while thrashing the Tigers.  TheeeOSU built upon a 35-0 halftime lead before emptying the benches to start the second half.  QB Julian Sayin completed 18 of 19 passes for 306 yards and four TDs with an interception in one half's worth of work.  WR Jeremiah Smith caught five of Sayin's passes for 119 yards and two scores while RB Bo Jackson, (yes, that's his name), toted the rock nine times for 108 yards and a score. 

Telling Stat: Never a threat; Grambling only crossed the 50-yard line once all game and that drive resulted in a missed field goal. 

Oregon 69- Oklahoma State 3: Eugene, OR- Okie State HC Mike Gundy gave the Ducks some bulletin board material when he took issue with UO's roster by saying, "Oregon's paying a lot of money for their team." UO HC Dan Lanning respond with "We spend to win."  Then his Ducks went out and just destroyed the Cowboys. The Quacks raced out to a 41-0 halftime lead and then let the subs finish the game from the midpoint of the third quarter.  QB Dante Moore torched the Cowboys, completing 16 of 21 passes for 266 yards and three TDs. The RB Duo of Noah Whittington and Jayden Lamar combined for 178 yards and two TDs on just 10 carries. 

Telling Stat: 8+2 = Blowout; Oregon's defense forced eight three and outs and picked off two passes to ensure that Ducks would easily beat the Cowboys. 

Rutgers 45- Miami (OH) 17: Piscataway, NJ- The Redhawks who hail from the Cradle of Coaches continued their road trip tour of the Big Ten with a stop in New Jersey. Last week they held their own for a full three quarters before Wisconsin put the game away.  Just about the same thing happened this week with the Scarlet Knights Taking over the final quarter and a half to move to 2-0 on the season.  It was a back and forth contest with RU holding a 24-17 lead midway through the third period.  Then RU QB Athan Kaliakmanis threw TD passes of 17 and five yards to WRs Ian Strong and DT Sheffield to give his squad a lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Thrown in a four-yard TD Jaunt from RB Antwan Raymond and we have our final score.  Kaliakmanis was good on 26 of 36 pass attempts for 259 yards and four scores with Strong catching nine of those throws for 116 yards and a pair TDs. Meanwhile Raymond ran for 82 yards on 13 carries and two scores of his own. QB Dequan Finn was the Redhawks offense throwing for 251 yards and an interception and running g for 85 more and a TD. 

Telling Stat: Finishing Freeze Out; Rutgers held Miami (OH) to zero points and only 51 yards on 19 snaps int the fourth quarter to help put this one in the win column.  

Wisconsin 42 Middle Tennessee State 10: Madison, WI- The Badgers offense hasn't been a ball of fire this year.  They held off a Miami (OH) team that had offensive problems of their own last week and went into the half off this game nursing a slim 14-10 lead over the Blue Raiders.  You could cut the tension with a knife at Camp Randall Stadium when MTSU ate up half the third quarter marching down to the Badger 24-yard line in 12 plays. However the 13th play of the drive was 4th and 1. It was a 4th and 1 because the refs reviewed the previous play in which MTSU was awarded a first down and overturned that call saying the runner was a half yard short of the line to gain. The Badgers then stuffed RB Jekail Middlebrook for a loss and took over on downs.  The Sons of Bucky didn't look back after that stop and were in the end zone three plays later when WR Trech Kekahuna took the ball around the right end and raced 61 yards to paydirt.  The Badgers would score three more times over the final quarter plus to runaway form MTSU.  UW QB Danny O'Neil compared 23 of 27 throws for 283 yards, three TDs and an interception. For the Blue Raiders QB Nicholas Vattiato was good on 20 of 31 passes for 197 yards, a TD and an interception. 

Telling Stat: 1+1= W; 1 overturned call and one defensive stop turned this game around for Wisconsin.  

Nebraska 68- Akron 0: Lincoln, NE- The true home opener for the Cornhuskers was a total blowout. After a slow first quarter, the Huskers turned a 9-0 lead into a 33-0 halftime advantage. They rolled from there subbing everyone in as the scores piled up. In a little less than three quarters worth of work QB Dylan Raiola connected on 24 of 31 tosses for 364 yards and four touchdowns while RB Emmett Johnson ran the ball 14 times for 140 yards and two scores of his own. 

Telling Stat: 0 for 2 ain't great; Akron hasn't scored a point all season.  That's zero points in two games.  

Michigan State 42- Boston College 40 2OT: East Lansing, MI- After a lackluster win to start the year, the Spartans wondered how well they would measure up against the Eagles who beat them 23-19 last year at BC. This game was a tight affair like last year with the Green and White making the key plays to win and take a big step forward for the program.  The game see-sawed back and forth with MSU taking an early 7-0 lead on a an 11-yard TD pass from QB Aiden Chiles to WR Nick Marsh only to  see BC QB Dylan Lonergan throw TD passes of eight and 12 yards to RB Turbo Richard and WR Jaedn Skeete to take a 14-7 midway through the second quarter.  Party answered right back with another TD pass from Chiles. This one was a three yarder to TE Michael Masunas for 14-14 tie.  BC would get the last score before the half when Lonergan threw his third TD pass of the game. The play covered 14 yards to WR Reed Harris and the Eagles took a 21-14 lead into the intermission.  The third quarter saw Chiles hit Nick Marsh for a 41-yard scoring strike and a 21-21 game. Then the game got downright defensive down the stretch.  The teams swapped out FGs with BC PK Luca Lombardo making a 38-yard kick  to send tie the game at 27-27 with 1:16 left.  On to overtime the game went with Chiles and Lonergan throwing their foriuth TDs off the night. So we now go to the second OT where Turbo crossed the double stripe from eight yards. The mandatory two-point try failed and MSU had their chances to win the game and they made the most of it.  Chiles ran three-yards for the tying TD, then he threw a successful two-point conversion pass to WR Omari Kelly and the Spartans had the win.  Chiles had a great game. He only comforted 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards, but the he threw for four TDs and also ran for 68 yards on 12 carries and another score. His backfield mate, RB Maki Frazier led all rushers with 85 yards on 17 carries.  For the heartbroken Eagles, Lonergan was lights out good, completing 34 of 45 aerials for 390 yards and four TDs while Turbo gained 57 yards on the ground on 13 carries with a TD. 

Telling Stat: 1 Stop = W;  Michigan State got the stop on BC's two-point attempt in the second OT and that was the difference in the game.

Purdue 34-Southern Illinois 17: West Lafayette, IN- Neither defense did anything to stop the other offense as four first quarter drives led to four TDs and a 14-14 tie to start the second period.  Then Purdue's defense that thrives on pressure consistently sent five and six defenders toward the QB on every snap and held the Salukis to three points the rest of the way. The Purdue offense took advantage of that and put 20 more on the board to grab their second win of the year.  RB Devin Mockobee was the workhorse for Boilermakers toting the rock 32 times for 126 yards and two touchdown while QB Ryan Browne completed 14 of 23 passes for 170 yards, two TDs and an interception.  For SIU QB DJ Williams was accurate on 20 of 33 passes for 202 yards and a TD.  He also ran for 19 yards and a score.  

Telling Stat: A grounded win;  While Purdue's defense ramped up the pressure on SIU, the offense ran the ball 53 times to control the clock and the game. 

UNLV 30- UCLA 23: Las Vegas, NV- After getting slapped around last week at home by Utah to start the season, the bRuins looked to a Vegas road trip to get back on track.  That didn't happen. In fact it looked like UNLV just might hang 50 on the kids from Westwood as the game went into the break with the Rebels up 23-3. UCLA didn't just roll over and did shutout UNLV 10-0 in the third quarter to cut their deficit to 23-13.  The the fourth quarter started and Rebel wideout Var'Keyes Gumms hauled in a 17-yard TD pass from QB Anthony Colandrea and the score was now 30-13 with 12:04 to play.  10 more points brought UCLA to within a score with 5:25 left.  The bRuins one last shot to send the game to OT. They  overcame a hands to the face penalty to move down to the Rebels 24-yard line with :59 left.   Then QB Nico Iamaleava's second down pass over the middle was intercepted by DB Marsel McDuffie and the Rebels had the upset win.  For UNLV Colandrea went 15 for 21 passing for 203 yards and three TDs, while RB Jai'Den Thomas ran for 61 yards on 13 carries. For UCLA, Iamaleava overcame a horrible first half to complete 29 of 41 passes for 255 yards with a TD and an interception. He also led all rushers with 74 yards 11 carries and a score. 

Telling Stat: A two half game; UCLA won the second half, but UNLV won the first half and that was enough to win the game. 

Washington 70- UC Davis 10: Seattle, WA- In the final game of Big Ten play this weekend, not a lot of folks saw the Huskies just decimate the Aggies.  The Huskies just couldn't be stopped. No, literally they couldn't be stopped, finding the end zone on all 10 of their drives against the hapless Aggies. QB Demond Williams, Jr. completed 16 of 25 passes for 254 yards and a TD. He also ran for 64 yards on eight carries and a TD on the ground. Husky RB Jonah Coleman ran over, around and through the Aggies for 141 yards on 15 carries with five TDs. 

Telling Stat: A perfect 10; 10 drives for Washington equaled 10 TDs and a total blowout. 

Observations

...Feeling Shaw; Penn State has been channeling their inner Stanford these last two weeks.  

...Polar Opposites; Iowa's Kirk Ferentz should get the win he needs this week to pass Woody Hayes for most wins in Big Ten history when his Hawkeyes host UMass.  You also couldn't have two more different men to sit one-two on the list. 

...Sturdy Golden Bears?; Minnesota invades Berkeley this week.  We will find out if Cal's 2-0 start is a mirage.  

...Rebel Success; If you tell me that you knew UNLV would be 3-0 to start the year with a win over UCLA, you're lying. 

...He ain't happy;  After barely pulling out a 27-20 win over Connecticut, frustrated Syracuse HC Fran Brown had his team stay on the field and run wind sprints after the game. Channeling Herb Brooks

...Price of the times; You can get a seat at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Wisconsin-Alabama game for just 28 bucks on the secondary market.   

...Minding the Gap;  The gap between the four power conferences and the rest of the FBS is growing. The amount of completely uncompetitive blowouts this year has been indicative as to the havoc NIL and the transfer portal has done to the rosters of the smaller schools.   

...TE Central; Iowa State sometimes runs an offense with four Tight Ends in the formation. Wow. 

...Fun Fact; Iowa and Iowa State didn't play each other from 1935-1976 mainly because Iowa just didn't want to play the game. 

...A family moment; With time running down in USC's rout of Georgia Southern, it was cool to see GSU HC Clay Helton's son, Turner play the final minutes of the game at QB for his dad.

...Arrested; UCLA backup QB Pierce Clarkson was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly sideswiping his girlfriend's car.  He has placed on indefinite suspension from the team once team officials learned of the arrest. Road Rage

...Buyer's Remorse?; Iowa QB Mark Gronowksi transferred from South Dakota State where he led the Jackrabbits to two FCS national titles. So far with the Hawkeyes, he's 1-1 and has thrown for a 127 total yards. Hmmmmmmm

...Snarky Sark; Texas HC Steve "Cutty Sark" Sarkisian got a little irked when asked about rumors regarding QB Arch Manning's health.  He got irked, then got snippy.  Snarkisian  

...Poggi on deck;  With Michigan HC Sherrone Moore beginning to serve his two game suspension for his role in the Connor Stallions case this weekend.  Associate HC Biff Poggi will lead the team on the next two Saturdays v. Central Michigan and Nebraska. 

...Almost nobody saw it; The Nor'easters of the University of New England beat the Coast Guard Academy Bears, 56-49 in OT in front of 1,000 fans. UNE QB Chris Lang hit WR Berto Zepeda with a 23-yard TD pass to win the game. Hey, if you ever want to go to a UNE game in Biddeford, ME,  ticket prices are six bucks for adults, four buck for seniors citizens and kids 12 and under get in free. Oh, and they do give a student discount too.

...Florida Fire; Nobody's seat is hotter in college football than Florida HC Billy Napier.  That home loss to South Florida may have sealed his fate in the swamp.

...That good feeling;  It's pretty cool to start the Fantasy Football season at 1-0. 

...Under the radar this week;  2-0 Vanderbilt at 2-0 South Carolina could be a really good game. 

...Bengal Tough;  Who knew that UNLV would have a tougher game with Idaho State than UCLA?

...A true Frosh;  66-year old Kent Broussard, a retired accountant, is living out his lifelong of being in the LSU Tiger Band.  He's a tuba player and moved to Baton Rouge to make his dream come true. Way to go Kent. You can't hold this Tiger. 

Big Ten Overreactions

UCLA has't been this bad since 1963 when they went 2-8. 

Washington is anonymous to the nation with two 8 PM kickoffs to start the year.

Purdue is a four win team.

Maryland's frosh QB means their season will be a rollercoaster ride.

Michigan please read what I just wrote about Maryland.

Penn State's slow starts will cost them two games.

Oregon loves to be the bully until they get hit in the face.

USC's defense still isn't good enough for 10 wins.

Illinois may stay in the top ten awhile. 

Michigan State is going bowling this year for sure.

Wisconsin won't cross the goal line at Alabama this week.

Nebraska is 2-0 with visions of 8-0 in their heads. 

Iowa may score more than 30 points this week. Thanks, UMass.

Indiana is an eight win team, 

Minnesota is better than last year, but not top tier in the league.

Rutgers will win ugly seven times this year.

Ohio State is headed for a big upset loss. 

Northwestern should have built a new stadium where there temporary one is. 

Keeping Up With Your Exes

Arizona State felt what to was like to be the hunted this year last they were upset on a late 58-yard TD pass at Mississippi State, 24-20.  Where's Cam Skattebo when you need him?  Oh and Stanford followed up their loss two weeks ago at Hawaii by getting methodically rolled over by BYU, 27-3 in Provo. 

CFL Update

The guys who play for the Grey Cup are now two thirds of the way through the season.  The West Division has turned into a two team race with Saskatchewan (10-2) holding a two game lead over Calgary (8-4).  Lurking a little off the pace is Winnipeg (6-6).  Winnipeg is trying to make their fifth straight Grey Cup appearance.  In the East Division mediocrity reigns as a .500 record could win the division.  Hamilton (7-5) and Montreal (5-7) are the top two teams with Toronto and Ottawa far off the pace.  Speaking of far off the pace, the Commissioner's team, the Edmonton Elks (5-7) are mired in last yet again in the West Division.  Get great coverage of the league from the guys at 3 Down Nation. 3 downs, 110 yards, 12 men

Ugly Uniform of the Week

We are going to pick on Long Island University again for a good reason.  Yeah, these uniforms still stink but they did get the biggest win in their program history when they upset MAC member Eastern Michigan, 28-23 last Saturday. It is LIU's first win ever over an FBS foe.

A Chicle of Wisdom 

Our next card from the 1935 National Chicle football set is that of the one and only John "Shipwreck" Kelly of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Yes, there was Brooklyn Dodgers NFL team. Coach Casey here speaks to us about Kelly's running style. He also reminds us how not to be like Kelly and wear your helmet. 

Departments 

Low Score Game of the Week: Glassboro, NJ- We may have a tie.  The Profs of Rowan University held a 17-14 lead over the Case Western Reserve Spartans with 2;07 left in the third quarter.  Then after two lighting delays that lasted over four hours, the administrators from both school got together and decided to end the game. They also agreed on a final score 17-17 and declared the game a tie.  Yeah, they just made up a score.  This game is still in the NCAA"s hands for final approval of the tie.  

Blowout Game of the Week: Oberlin, OH- We stay on the D-III level where the Calvin University Knights went on the road and just crushed the Oberlin College Yeoman, 88-6.  That's a pretty good win for a team in only its' second year of existence.  A reported crowd of 513 people saw QB Thomas Vaccaro throw for 189 yards and three TDs while the RBs Hogan Hunter and Nick Earles combine to rush for 200 yards and five scores.  

Razorback Report: The Hogs went out and went out to a 28-7 first quarter lead over instate little brother Arkansas State and cruised the rest of the way to a 56-14 win.  QB Taylor Green was his usual great self, completing 17 of 26 passes for 239 yards and four TDs with two interceptions and 151 yards rushing on nine carries and another score for the Hogs.  Next up for the Razorbacks is strip to rival Ole Miss and the start of SEC play.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

This September's full moon, known as the Corn Moon in the Old Farmer's Almanac, is just huge this week. 

The Sun's angle has noticeably changed.  Fall is really almost here.

Good fried chicken is one of life's true pleasures. 

Until next time folks, winning road games makes for a great team.

-The Commissioner