2017-11-20 07:24

Hmmmm. I did ask myself if Jim Mora would survive the off-season in the UCLA-USC preview and thought, he would at least finish the season.
But UCLA did pull the trigger after the Battle-of-LA-loss of the Bruins and Mora had to leave after almost 6 seasons.
I think he was better than his predecessor was, but if you have a future 1st round pick as QB and you are 6 season at a program you should be able to win more games than the current 5.

It will be interesting to see, who will be taken as the next Bruins coach, but honestly, I think they need a deep pocket, since the program is in football terms not that sexy as others.
So either they want a big name and need big pockets or they want a new hot thing coach taking the next step, then they need a good eye and eventually big pockets, since the hottest guys will have several offers.

In total was this weekend not that interesting, most good teams did win their games.
Some division got won, but the biggest issues will be solved next week and the week after that.

These are the selected games for BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP 3 GAMES FOR WEEK 12

Sat, Nov. 18
#24 Michigan @ #5 Wisconsin
Well, I think Wisconsin is good and they did win this with grace.
Not fancy, not dominant, just in a good way.
This will earn them eventually another bump in the playoff standing, but I doubt it, since no team did fall ahead of them.
Still, when they face Ohio State in the title game, after hopefully beat Minnesota on the road, they or Ohio State will have a good chance to get into the top 4.
Michigan will have to focus on the rivalry game next week, but honestly, I doubt they will stand a chance.
Maybe next season.
Michigan 10 - Wisconsin 24 -> Jacks TOP 3 GAMES Score: 23-14

Sat, Nov. 18
California @ #22 Stanford
Close one, but at the end did Stanford win and held their spot for the division title race.
Cal was not able to make enough yards and points, but maybe next season we will see finally a breakthrough?
For Stanford it is now only to play their game against Notre Dame next week and hope for a Washington win in the Apple Cup, which would give the Cardinals the division title.
California 14 - Stanford 17 -> Jacks TOP 3 GAMES Score: 24-14

Sat, Nov. 18
Texas @ West Virginia
Well, some think that Texas is better than their record, which is the reason I did pick them as the winner in this game.
And they did it!
Not a pretty game, quite defense driven.
I think Texas can dream of the future, the new coach seems to turn thinks around, quickly.
West Virginia has established themselves in the BIG12 mid field, I'm not sure if they will reach the top at some time.
Texas 28 - West Virginia 14 -> Jacks TOP 3 GAMES Score: 25-14

Other interesting games:

Sat, Nov. 18
Fresno State @ Wyoming
Really a surprise for me.
Wyoming was unable to move the ball and to score, so Fresno State did win 13-7, won the division and did also secure Boise State their division title.
That means Fresno State and Boise State will battle it out in 2 weeks.
Wyoming can only try to win another game and get a better bowl spot.
Jacks interesting games Score: 24-15

Sat, Nov. 18
Florida Intl @ Florida Atlantic
To make it sort, FAU did beat FIU 52-24 and did by that win the division the first time ever.
Kiffin is already trolling again, but not on the level he did in the past.
Jacks interesting games Score: 25-15

Sat, Nov. 18
UCLA @ #11 USC
USC won that close game 28-23 and did seal the fate of Jim Mora.
The Trojans will look for the North winner, which they have to play in the title game.
UCLA needs still 1 win for a secured bowl spot.
Jacks interesting games Score: 26-15

More astonishing results from the weekend:
Kansas State won against Oklahoma State 45-40 on the road. The Cowboys are now out of contention of the #2 spot, I think.
Indiana did beat Rutgers 41-0. Indiana still needs 1 more win for the 6th win.
UMass won against BYU 16-10. BYU now 3-9. I'm curious whether a coaching change will come.
Duke bested Georgia Tech 43-20. Both teams are so far 1 win short being bowl eligible.
Purdue won against Iowa on the road, 24-15. Purdue also needs another win for a bowl spot.
Tulane won against Houston 20-17. Tulane seems to get better this season, but are a win short for a bowl spot.
Wake Forest won against North Carolina State 30-24.

Tags: Block of Granite