"Week 10 Recap”
Written by Wendi
Out of the seven ranked matchups, only two of those games were decided by one score. For the first time in the "Holy War” both BYU and Utah were ranked in the top 10. Utah jumped to a quick 14-0 lead within a few minutes of starting the game but quickly faded as BYU scored 20 unanswered points to take the lead at halftime. Utah made some defensive adjustments at half and completely shut down BYU’s offense and held them scoreless in the second half. A late attempt for a BYU touchdown to tie the game ended with a heartbreaking interception near the goal line. Utes win 28-20.
In a high stake’s matchup with playoff implications, Texas rallied late with 21 unanswered points to defeat Missouri 34-20. There were some early miscues for both teams early on and the score was tied at 10 but the second half was where the fireworks show started for Texas offensively. Texas took their first lead of the game with five minutes left and a late interception from Missouri proved to be the icing on the cake as Texas was able to capitalize on that turnover. Can Texas win out? They play LSU this week on the road and LSU is looking for a redemption game after losing to Alabama 31-13. Despite being outgained 457 to 285 total yards, Alabama used highly efficient red-zone defense, critical fourth down stops and a 21-point unanswered surge in the second half to secure the vital victory for their playoff aspirations. Maybe Lane Kiffin needs to worry about football and not having all these celebrities walk on the field with him every week. The last time I checked, this was a football game, not a popularity contest.
Clemson beat out Syracuse 18-13 in a defensive slugfest defined by field goals, missed red-zone opportunities and inconsistent quarterback play for both teams. The Tigers managed to escape without scoring an offensive touchdown. After a rough season, Clemson is now bowl eligible with this win.
Ohio State continues with it’s offensive woes without Julian Sayin and lost at home to a struggling Oregon team 41-28. After falling behind 14-0, the Ducks exploded for 38 unanswered points to complete the massive road upset, dealing a devastating blow to the Buckeyes’ playoff hopes. Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Penn State traveled to Washington and held off a second half comeback from the Huskies to win 28-25. The Nittany Lions went in at halftime with a nice 28-6 cushion before their offense went stagnant. But they had a clutch final drive to run out the clock and escape with the road win.
Tennessee ended any Cinderella story for Kentucky as they curb stomped the Wildcats 34-6. The Vols rode out an elite defensive performance and a late offensive second half avalanche to score 24 unanswered second half points snapping a six-game win streak for Kentucky. Both teams are still at 7-2 and still have a lot to play but they need to win out.
Notre Dame knocked off Miami 31-24 in a high-staked thriller echoing the 1988 "Catholics and Convicts” showdown. The Irish built an early 21-0 lead and fended off a desperate second half surge from the Hurricanes to hand Miami it’s first loss of the season. With 3:36 left in the game, facing a 4th and 6, Miami launched a pass in the corner end zone and looked like it was the game tying touchdown. However, after a lengthy and highly debated official review, it was ruled that he lost control before completion which forced a turnover on downs.
Iowa defeated Northwestern 24-10 in a relentless defensive front that logged six sacks and an explosive special teams play. The Wildcats were without their starting quarterback which played heavily in the loss. Northwestern found a late spark after recovering an Iowa fumble but inefficient quarterback play limited the Wildcats’ offensive production. Georgia completely dismantled Ole Miss 42-7, getting revenge from last year’s loss to the Rebels. The Bulldogs delivered a flawless, balanced showcase gaining 481 total yards while holding the SEC’s second-leading offense to just 252 yards to snap Ole Miss’s 16-game home winning streak.
On to Pick’ems…
Well Sean finally had the underperforming week we have been waiting for all season, but it still wasn’t bad enough as he still sits in first place. However, his margin quickly narrowed. Noah now sits five points behind him and Kim eleven points.
Rick continues his move downward in the rankings. Evelyn thought she had a window to sneak out of last place with Christian not doing his picks. But jokes on her, she is still in last place as she found herself again towards the bottom this week with only 27 points.
But the biggest surprise of all is that David put 9 points on LSU. As an Alabama fan David, how could you do that. It would be one thing to go 1 point on LSU but you had that little of faith in your own team, you slapped 9 on LSU? How did that work out for you? You are always at the wrong end of picking against your team. It may rule in your favor whether you believe it or not if you would just stick with Alabama. Marc had enough confidence he went 10 on the Tide. For shame David, for shame. It cost you this week.
For this week’s picks, I am going to tape the team logos to a wall and throw a dart. It still has a higher baseline accuracy than Mike, Evelyn, and Chris’s picks. Skhould I call them the reverse Nostradamus?
With time not on our side, this season is quickly coming to an end. With a hand full of weeks left, now is the time to step up with your "A-game”. This is the November to remember on the field and in the picks. There is a big 31-point difference between 1st and 7th place. It may not seem like much but with Sean, Noah and Kim trying to lock in third place, it may be a task. Time will tell.
Most points for the week: I was able to snag 42 points edging out Kim, Sam and Cindy by a point.
Least points for the week: Christian forgot to do his picks which meant he got a big fat ZERO but fortunately for him, he’s still not in last place.
Best pick of the week: Sam and I picking Oregon over Ohio State that caused a lot of people to lose out on some BIG points.
Worst pick of the week: David going 9 on LSU. Traitor
Letters to the Editor:
I think Lane Kiffin would be a better pimp than head coach. Then the girls can just hang all over him 24/7….He wouldn’t have to bother being on the sidelines.
You sound jealous. But not sure if it’s because you want to be the pimp or the girl….
Is Florida State back and eyeing another National Championship?
You’re joking, right?
Does Michigan have the "now hiring” sign available for the public?
Anything/anyone would be considered an upgrade for that atrocious offense.
I think Georgia will take it all this year.
That is possible if they continue to play like they did Saturday night.
Can we get new game pickers for Pick’ems? Asking for a few friends.
I agree. These last few weeks have been brutal.
Here are the rankings after Week 10: (I have added how much $ has been won by each person)
1. Sean – 390 points $20
2. Noah – 385 points $20
3. Kim – 379 points
4. Jacob – 372 points $10
5. Wendi – 367 points $30
6. Rick – 364 points
7. Sam – 359 points $10
8. David – 356 points
9. Adam – 353 points
10. Cindy – 353 points
11. Marc - 348 points
12. Teddy - 325 points
13. Chris - 322 points
14. Mike - 301 points
15. Christian – 286 points
16. Evelyn – 284 points $10
There is a 106-point difference between 1st and last place
