It was a bit of a letdown after last week, but there were still a couple of upsets and one really good finish that I can’t believe I missed. Let’s review:
-Georgia and Missouri got off to a slow start, with each barely getting into double-digit rushing yardage in the first quarter. For Georgia, missing star running back Todd Gurley due to suspension, this might have been at least somewhat . However, it was the Bulldogs who turned things around. Second-string back Nick Chubb finished the game with 143 yards and a touchdown as the Dawgs blanked the Tigers 34-0. Mizzou quarterback Maty Mauk went 9-of-21 for 97 yards and four (FOUR) interceptions. Mauk also rushed for -14 yards on seven carries, giving him an average of minus-two yards per rush. The sophomore told ESPN.com it was the worst game he’s played. (It was).
-TCU and Baylor played a game that will be replayed on ESPN Classic for years to come. Thirty seconds into the fourth quarter, TCU made the score 51-37; four minutes later, Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty throws a pick-six to made it 58-37. Game over, right? The Bears didn’t think so. Baylor scored in four plays on their next possession to make it a 58-44 game, then held TCU to one first down and forced a punt. Next drive, 1:23 and a touchdown, helped by a big pass interference call against the Horned Frogs. The Bears’ defense forced a three-and-out; the offense went 91 yards in five plays for a score, with under minute off the clock. Tie game. TCU goes on a decent drive but turns the ball over on downs, having taken three and a half minutes off the clock. Baylor, with all three timeouts, goes down the field and into field goal range, where Chris Callahan kicks a 28-yarder to win the game with no time left. Just a ridiculous finish.
-Speaking of Texas schools, the Red River Rivalry seems to feature something unexpected each year. It’s a blowout when, on paper, it should be close, and if it looks like it will be lopsided, it turns into a good game. The latter is what happened this year, as 2-3 Texas dominated #11 Oklahoma in basically every major stat, and yet was down by four points at the half. Some miscues on special teams for the Longhorns made a huge difference in the game, as well as their 11 penalties for 85 yards. Texas lost by five points in what was, in many respects, one of their better games this year.
-UPSET: #2 Auburn may have been shut out through the first quarter, but there was no way that was going to last. The Tigers rallied, eventually putting up 23 points, but the defense had no answer for Dak Prescott and company, despite Prescott playing what was not his best game (18-of-35 for 246 yards, three interceptions, two rushing touchdowns). The stat lines are similar- Auburn’s slow start may very well have been the difference as #3 Mississippi State got the victory.
-There was ridiculous play early in the game, as Prescott got hit while throwing and still managed to complete the pass to De’Runnya Wilson. Wilson eluded an attempted tackle, basically running through the would-be tackler’s arms as he tried to wrap up Wilson’s legs, and then got into the end zone literally dragging another defender with him the last few yards. He’s only a sophomore, so remember that name next season.
-Not to take any credit away from Ole Miss on another big victory, but might we have overrated Texas A&M a wee bit early? That South Carolina win isn’t looking so great right now.
-I missed chunks of the Georgia-Missouri game because I was watching Minnesota beat Northwestern and get off to their first 2-0 start in conference play since 2002. In a year where nobody seems to want to win the West division of the Big Ten, this is big.
-Staying in with Big Ten, congrats to Michigan. That’s not a monkey off their backs, that’s a Lowland Gorilla.
-Penn State’s offensive line is… not good. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg got knocked around all night. That’s one area where getting scholarships back should help immediately, as they need to bring in multiple highly-rated guys ASAP to shore up that unit. Just one current offensive lineman was a starter in 2013.
-Don’t read too much into the sideline spat between Jim Mora and his defensive coordinator. These are passionate men, amped up on adrenaline. It happens.
-It’s a good thing Brett Hundley is right-handed, because that brace on his left elbow looks incredibly cumbersome and uncomfortable.
-Congratulations to Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato, who tied Russell Wilson’s record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass (38). Sports Illustrated did a profile of Cato a month or so ago that I’d encourage anyone to check out. Kid has not had an easy life. Good for him.
-Alabama beat Arkansas by just a point. Toto, I don’t think we’re in 2012 anymore.
-Nice job rebounding by both Oregon and Stanford.
Don’t forget to check LWOS this afternoon for our Top 25! I’m off to figure out my rankings right now. Until next week!
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page. Follow me on Twitter too- @LastWordLindsay
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
