2020 Week 11
December 9, 2020
In past years this would have been conference championship weekend. Instead we had a whole bunch of blowout conference games, multiple cancellations, and major conference stadiums emptier than a Tuesday MAC game.
Alabama got a bit of revenge on LSU, trouncing the Bayou Bengals 55-17 in Baton Rouge. Coach Ogre's guys have really struggled this year and I'm not saying he's getting nervous about that LSU fan base but I hear he no longer eats gumbo without giving a bite to his food taster.
The other top teams had an easy time of it as well. Notre Dame jimmy-kicked the Syracuse Orange Testicle, 45-21. Clemson had a slow start then blew out Virginia Tech, 45-10. And Ohio State left half their team at home yet had little trouble with the Michigan State Fighting Chippewas, winning 52-12. So we'll probably have another week of cancellations and blowouts before the December 19th showdowns featuring Alabama vs. Florida, Notre Dame vs. Clemson, and Ohio State vs. one of its top rivals, the rules.
There was some excitement in the more mundane games. One of the best took place in the Show-Me State as Missouri seemingly blew a late lead vs R Kansas. R Kansas, trailing by 7, scored with under a minute to go and went for two points and the win. After a stunning tipped pass, the Hogs took a one-point lead. Then Missouri drove right down field and kicked a short field goal to win the game, 50-48.
Watching the R Kansas sidelines I was surprised to see corpulent coaching legend Abe Gibron in charge of the team. I turned to my good friend Dave Diles and said "hey, Dave, that's Abe Gibron out there". Next thing I knew I was in the midst of a sumo wrestling match as this large guy vaulted onto me and started swinging, saying, "damnit, Beeno, I've been dead since 1997". Oops, sorry, Abe, my mistake. As long as Papa Bear Coach Halas doesn't find out I should be fine. He's the last guy you ever want to cross and Abe is one of his guys.
One of the best games was played on Friday night. Regular Louisiana took on Appalachian State in a Southern Conference East Division tussle. Louisiana led most of the way and held on 24-21 after Appalachian State missed a late game-tying field goal. It was really keystone kops for Louisiana on special teams as they had one extra point messed up on a high snap and three snaps to the punter that went over the poor punter's head. I haven't seen a snapper that high since that film classic "Cheech and Chong Smoke the Rose Bowel".
Elsewhere there were some decent western games. The Cal Hippies upset Oregon, 21-17. Coach C Kelly probably should think about moving on from Corvallis. Colorado is starting to have some success in their new conference, continuing their undefeated season with a 24-13 win over Arizona. I think the Buffaloes have a fine chance to take the WAC title.
In the South Florida had little trouble in Knoxville, taking down the Vols 31-19. Texas A&M, like SWC rival R Kansas, benefited from a tipped scoring pass in knocking off Auburn 31-20.
Marshall seemed to be having a fine season, even making the top 25, until Saturday when they were shut out by Rhode Island Continuing Education 20-0.
The Indiana Hoosiers continued a great campaign with a tight 14-6 defensive win over Wisconsin. The IU D appears to be stronger without a Penix around.
Finally, the last minute game of the day was quite exciting as undefeated expansion state Coastal Carolina took down Bring 'Em Young, 22-17. BEY had a real shot at the end but their pass to the end zone, like so many of their players' dates in Provo, came within inches of scoring but failed.
We've got some more great matchups next week. Like the battle for the Old Brass Bucket between Indiana and Purdue. Oh wait, never mind. There's always the matchup of ranked mid-majors, Cincinnati and Tulsa. Uhh. Well, let's not forget "The Game" between Michigan and Ohio State . . . well, I'm sure there will be some mighty fine Ivy League games, let me check the schedule . . . . Man, this is a tough year. See you next week!