Week seven has come and gone and boy did we have some amazing games. We had a mix of blowouts, shootouts, and last second wins. Here are your takeaways from all the action and even more playoff craziness.
1) EVERYBODY HAS ONE
Penn State out duels Oregon in a thriller of a game. Well if finally happened, the Nittany Lions got there first victory of the season after many heartbreaking loses. Quarterback Walker Mills put up 103 yards passing and more importantly 157 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Followed by Robert Davis with his own performance of 181 yards rushing and two touchdowns of his own. Combined they helped lift Penn State past the pesky Ducks of Oregon and the win. Quarterback Devonta Cribbs and halfback Jimmy Tickle put-up the good fight, but came up just short. Now, that Oregon versus Washington next week has even more drama as both teams will battle at a shot for the second seed in the Big Ten.
2) PIPINO THE HERO
Michigan and Notre Dame treated us to more drama than any movie company has made in a long time. In a game that had more ebbs and flow and big plays, it all came down to the last few moments of this tilt with big playoff implications. Quarterback Leo Asiasta and halfback Joe Pantoja got hot late and lead the Irish down the field for a game winning score, only to have quarterback Dewey Ainge say not so fast. The Wolverines were limited on time, but Ainge delivered a ball where receiver Giorgio Pipino laid out to save the day with two seconds on the clock. Talk about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Michigan wins and Notre Dame has their hearts pulled out of their chest. Final score 27-26. Key stat to remember Pinto Ha kicker for Notre Dame was four of seven on field goal attempts. This loss may haunt the Golden Domes of Notre Dame for a while.
3) yet to lose
Both Clemson and Ohio State are still undefeated and look to be on a collision coarse. Clemson blew open a game against Auburn to cruise to a 33-21 win. In a game were everyone was looking for the Tigers dominant offense and some Javon Mack magic. It was the Orange Crush defense that came up big and I mean BIG. The Clemson defense racked up 13 takes for loss, five sacks, and three takeaways to dash any hopes for a win for Auburn. In the aftermath is a week eight match up for Auburn against Norte Dame with major playoff hopes on the line. Not to be outdone, Ohio State welcomed Washington to The Shoe. Revenge was on the Buckeyes minds after a drubbing from the Huskies in last seasons opener. Well what was thought to be a battle for the Big Ten title ended of being an old fashion beat down. The team that had depended on its defense for most of the season received a treat in what might have been a sleeping giant of an offense. Ohio State put up 488 yards total offense with 372 of it coming on the ground. Quarterback Xavier Garcia-Allen came to play amassing 116 adds passing, 200 yards rushing, and three touchdowns. Lost in all the offense was another defensive touchdown for The Sharks.
4) OOPS
Texas invited Miami into Austin for what many thought was going to be the Ray “Voodoo” Tatum show. In stead it looked like Miami’s defense had all their own voodoo doll and was putting the pins in deep. The Caines picked off Tatum five times, in what looked like a major upset brewing. To top it off quarterback Jose Bueno was playing lights with 377 yards total offense and four touchdowns. The only blip on his night was the five sacks he took and many of those where early in the game. Everything was cruising alone until until The Longhorns put together a forth quarter to send the game into overtime that saw both teams take turns putting up points.Just when you think Miami was going to go in for a touchdown to win and steal the victory, the turnover bug hit and Texas pulled of the win. Texas got lucky and lives to fight this coming week for a chance at the SEC crown and a chance at a first week bye. Miami will be scratching their heads wondering what went wrong.
5) PRIDE
In a game for two teams that would like to forget this season. Florida and TCU came out fighting and neither one let anyone down. This was pushed as the quarterback battle between Kingston Fox and James Kovach. Instead, we were treated to a classic runner versus veteran pass thrower. halfback Avery Jordan reminded everyone why he is one of the best backs in the country as he put up 252 yards rushing and two scores. On the other side, quarterback James Kovach threw for 312 yards and a pair of touchdowns also. In the end it was the Gators that came away victories and head into next week on a high note for the Battle of Florida. TCU on the other hand play Penn State and will want to send senior receiver Jared Tetonis out on a high note to finish up one of the most impressive four year run at his position. In all we were treat to a great week of football and next week looks to be even better. Crazy how things work out.
