CigarSmokinFootball

Cigar Butts Week 5

In week 5, there were at least three “statement” games, games that can make or break your season. Two of these took place in downpours.

Alabama vs. Georgia– This was it, the stars were aligned, the Dawgs had the Tide in their own back yard, the Georgia Bulldogs were going to overcome the curse of the Crimson Tide. UGA has had two opportunities to do this before in recent years, but something always went wrong. Not this time, Georgia was loaded, Bama was searching for an identity, Saturday was to be all about the Dawgs….except it wasn’t. Alabama came out determined to be the team that made a statement and with a stomp of the Red Elephant foot, they did. Jake Coker played with passion and FINALLY took the reins of the team as their leader. So much so that, as the game ended, Coach St. Saban sought out Coker on the sidelines and shook his hand. Now that’s a statement! Derrick Henry reminded the Heisman voters that he is also a legitimate contender for the big brass trophy. Alabama rolled over Georgia in the rain, 38-10. The good news for UGA was that RB Chubb ran for his 13th straight 100 yard game to tie All-time great Herschel Walker.

Ole Miss vs. Florida– This game was not even on the statement game radar. Florida had struggled to come from behind against Tennessee, and not once this season had they given any indications that they were ready to be considered a contender. Ole Miss had rocked Alabama’s world and was ranked third in the nation. From the opening snap, the Gators swarmed all over the Rebels and didn’t let up until, maybe, the fourth quarter. QB Grier had a breakout game, even after he was down with a cold during the week. Florida ran to victory with a score of 38-10. I don’t know if Ole Miss underestimated the Gators, or were looking ahead, or what they doing but I do know that the Rebels had no idea how to react to the swarming Gators defense. This was the statement played on a dry field.

Notre Dame vs. Clemson– In yet another downpour, courtesy of Joaquin, the Clemson Tigers delivered a statement against the Fighting Irish. The favorite of the sports world’s writers went down in flames. I am not one of those sports writers. Clemson’s defense stifled ND’s offense until the fourth quarter. The Irish mounted a comeback, it appeared the Tigers were going to “Clemonize”, but the defense stopped a two point conversion cold. The two points wouldn’t have been enough for a win, just to tie and send the game into OT. Tigers won, 24-22. With this game Clemson has become the favorite to win the ACC. Statement, big time.

Texas A&M, cheered on by The Daughter, won yet again. The Aggies beat Mississippi State. Bad day for Bulldogs, Georgia and Miss State. Why aren’t they called Maroons anymore?

Northwestern shut out Minnesota 27-0. Maybe the Wildcats are that good. We’ll know more next week.

Number #2 Michigan State almost let Purdue, who’s only victory has been over Indiana State, come back and ruin their season. MSU won 24-21.

Oklahoma brought West “By Golly” Virginia back to earth, winning 44-24.

TCU won 50-7 over Texas. Is Charlie Strong still safe?

Michigan shut out Maryland 28-0

Iowa beat Wisconsin, 10-6. Did you know that Iowa is undefeated?

Indiana darn near made a statement against number 1 Ohio State, but lost, 34-27. “Missed it by that much!”

Baylor appeared to have little trouble with Texas Tech, 63-35.

Florida State chopped down Wake Forest, 24-16

California continues their rise to the top 25, downing Washington State, 34-28.

Oklahoma State won over K-State, 36-34. Even the officials admitted they, the officials, blew this game.

Unranked Arizona State upset #7 UCLA 38-23…who saw that one coming? Put your hand down, you did not.

Stanford treated Arizona rather poorly, 55-17. Can we have a Mulligan against Northwestern?

Missouri won the “Columbia Cup” against USC-South, 24-10. Both Universities are from Columbia, Missouri and South Carolina. Neither is from Columbia in South America.

Pitt upset Virginia Tech, 17-13. Is it time to kiss Frank Beamer good-bye?

Is North Carolina getting ready for a statement? They beat Georgia Tech, 38-31.

In the only top ten match-up in Division II, #8 North Alabama defeated #9 Valdosta State 34-12. Roar Lions! (Florida Tech eked out a victory over hated rival #6 Delta State, 41-37. Yes, it was necessary to mention this….hee hee hee!)