2024-09-04 07:00

The 1st week is in the books, and we saw some funny stuff.
Most cupcake games were easily won by the favorite teams, and most of such were games between FBS teams beating on an FCS team. Still, some were close or even upsets, even no FCS team was able to upset their FBS opponent.

Let's jump right into the reviews.


The BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 1

Sat. Aug 31
#14 Clemson @ #1 Georgia
Many thought this would be the top game of the weekend and it was for one half close.
Georgia led at the half 6:0 and the game was until then dominated by punts.
But after the half, the Georgia offense found the holes and exposed them, and Clemson found nothing.
The Bulldogs scored two TDs in each quarter and Clemson did score their 1st and only field goal right after Georgias TD-drive, when they came back from halftime. After that, no more scoring on the Tigers front.
It's only the 1st game of the season, but based on this game, Clemson is not in the same league as Georgia.
I think Clemson will be a factor inside the ACC and maybe they will even get a playoff spot, but I doubt they will then live much longer.
Georgia on the other hand looked clearly like a contender and even if they may not win the SEC, I'm confident they will have a loud say in the National Championship discussion.
#14 Clemson 3 @ #1 Georgia 34 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 2-1

#7 Notre Dame @ #20 Texas A&M
If A&M would have committed less errors, they could have won that game.
They did though 2 INTs in the 1st half and did allow that way Notre Dame to stay in the game.
At least one time A&M defense did hold the Irish away from a score and had to accept the FGs out of this, but with less INTs, the 1st half would have been theirs.
But the reality was, both teams did split for the half 6:6.
Then Notre Dame was able to score in the 3rd and A&M answered that in the 4th quarter to tie the game again.
Mid-4th-quarter did then Notre Dame had their deciding drive, and the Aggies were unable to stop them. With less than 2 minutes to go did the Irish score the go-ahead-TD and Texas A&M had to answer quickly.
But they used all downs to get something going, only to give the ball away after a 4th and 2, without even a single 1st down accomplished.
Notre Dame did then run down the clock and capped the drive, which did already start deep in A&M territory, with a field goal, to win the game.
The Irish defense was quite impressive against the Aggies. The Aggies defense was a bit weaker, which is likely inside the SEC a bad sign. The offenses were OK, but Notre Dame did again do a bit better, while A&M really had problems to move the ball.
#7 Notre Dame 23 @ #20 Texas A&M 13 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 3-1

Sun. Sep 1
#23 USC @ #13 LSU
An entertaining game if you are not a fan of any of the teams.
After a scoreless 1st quarter did USC score 1st after a long drive, also fueled by an interference call.
LSU did answer right afterward and tied the game at 7.
Then USC was held for a field goal inside the red zone, but LSU was also only able to score a field goal one minute before the break.
So, both teams 10:10 at the half and no real advantage to be seen.
After the break did USC again score 1st, again a field goal and finally LSU was able to get on top by scoring a TD afterwards.
But the game was not over and starting the 4th quarter did then USC score a TD and took the lead. LSU did answer with a long drive but was held to a field goal to tie the game at 20.
With less than 2 minutes to play did USC get the ball back and went quickly over the field, including a personal foul bonus, which gave the Trojans the ball in the redzone.
With 8 ticks left to play, the Trojans scored a TD and LSU was left only the Hail Mary option, which did fail (it was even intercepted).
So, USC won 27:20 and that is a good sign for their season inside the BIG10.
LSU on the other hand did show some weaknesses and that will likely hurt them during the SEC season. Not sure they make the playoffs that way.
In total both teams did show some flaws, but that might be a result of the level of play here. As an USC fan I would not be happy with the defense and as LSU fan I would not be happy with the game in total.
#23 USC 27 @ #13 LSU 20 -> Jacks TOP GAMES Score: 3-2

And some other interesting games:

Fri. Aug 30
North Carolina @ Minnesota
Well, there is only one team to blame for the result, Minnesota. If you miss a field goal during the game and another one with time running out, if you fumble the ball in your own redzone and allow an easy opponent field goal and in total lose by 2 points, there is no doubt, that your team did suck big time on the opener at home.
Minnesota did lose 17:19 and they can only hope that they can fix such issues, when the conference games come up.
For them this loss could be a crucial one, once the bowl eligibility becomes crucial, for UNC this was a lucky win.
Jacks interesting games Score: 1-2

Sat. Aug 31
#8 Penn State @ West Virginia
Penn State had a big 2nd quarter, which did put the game into their hands, and they never let it go again.
West Virginias supposed to be explosive offense was a no show and their defense was miserable.
The Nittany Lions won 34:12 and will likely play big inside the BIG10, while the Mountaineers better fix their defense, if they want to be at least in a bowl at the end of the season.
Jacks interesting games Score: 2-2

#19 Miami @ Florida
Miami did look sharp and very potent on offense, the Gators did look bad and if they do show more of such performances, I would bet the HC will not survive until the end of the season.
That 17:41 loss against such a rival was humiliating and for sure the Gators fanbase won't be happen now.
Could be a looooong season in Gainesville.
Jacks interesting games Score: 3-2

And some additional funny scores here:
- North Dakota State as FCS team was 11.5 points underdog and gave the Colorado Buffalos some resistance. At the end did Colorado win at home 31:26, but obviously much closer than anticipated.
- Michigan State has a new HC and did face as 1st opponent Florida Atlantic and the American team did trail very long but closed the gap in the 3rd and MSU was lucky to survive in the 4th to win 16:10.
- TCU played Stanford in the opener and Stanford was assumed to be weak. But the team was close to upset TCU. They scored an FG to get within 7 points difference and tried an onside kick but failed and lost by that 27:34. Not sure what that means for TCU and Stanford.
- Oregon did play Idaho, a team which did go down to FCS level a few seasons ago. Until roughly 5:30 left in the game the Ducks did only lead by 3. Then did Oregon score and kept Idaho away from scoring, resulting in an Oregon win of 24:14. Oregon is supposed to play for the BIG10 Championship, but for sure not in that shape.
- Vanderbilt did play Virginia Tech and won in OT 34:27. The Commodores are expected to have a rough season ahead of them, but at least that win here is theirs and might become crucial later for an eventual bowl bid.
- Boise State went against Georgia Southern and had a hard time to win the game. At the end did the Broncos win 56:45. The defense on both sides had a day off.
- South Carolina did play Old Dominion and won 23:19. That's a very close win against such a team.
- North Texas did win against South Alabama 52:38. South Alabama was a 5.5-point favorite in this upset.
- Arkansas State did take on Central Arkansas (FCS) and won only by 3, 34:31. I hope for them, the get those problems fixed.
- Middle Tennessee got visited by Tennessee Tech (FCS) and survived 32:25. Tennessee Tech did take the lead with a minute left to play, and the Blue Raiders were able to score in the time remaining to win the game.
- Sam Houston did visit Rice as 9.5-point underdog and won the game 34:14. That was not a good start for Rice, even they are not expected to be a good team, they should not be beaten that way by Sam Houston.
- Nevada did win against Troy, 28:26. Troy was favored by 7.5 points, but failed to get their comeback going and did start to score too late in the game.
- UCLA won against Hawai'i on the road 16:13. UCLA did not look good and was favored by 13.5 points. Not sure whether that is a good sign for Hawai'i or a bad one for UCLA.
- A big sigh of relief by the fans of the Texas Teck Red Raiders. The Raiders did play Abilene Christian (FCS) at home and needed OT to win 52:51. The Wildcats did go for 2 after their last TD and Texas Tech did stop them to win the game.
- Louisiana Tech had their trouble with Nicholls (FCS), winning only 25:17.
- Texas State had their problems with Lamar (FCS), winning only 34:27.
- And as last game a major upset, Boston College did visit Florida State and the 16.5-point underdog did win 28:13 and FSU was just unable to turn the game and when the scoreless 4th quarter was over, the Seminoles fans were stunned. The team is now 0-2 inside the conference and lost 2 games in a row which were supposed to be BIG wins.

That wraps up the 1st week.

Since for me and my wife is again vacation time during the football season, I will preview the next 3 gamedays. We will be on the move on a daily schedule, and I will not carry my laptop around, so no chance to do this blog.

After my vacation you will get a review on all the games previewed and then I will continue with the weekly previews.

The good thing is, the next 3 weeks are mostly non-conference games, where usually the big teams beat up the small teams. Many matchups are dull or close to it.

Sometimes surprises do happen and sometimes very interesting games are on such gamedays also, but while later in the season many games have some sort of importance, until week 4 or 5 the amount of games with no real importance is way higher.

Still, I did s e l e c t several games for the next 3 weeks, which will be interesting to see.

Please note that the ranking values are the AP-ranks after week 1 and I will not adjust them during my vacation or after my vacation, even they will change.

The BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 2

Sat. Sep 7
#3 Texas @ #10 Michigan
Two teams meet here, which are in the inner circle of playoff spot contender.
Texas travels to Ann Arbor and will face a Michigan team, which could be in a rebuilding mode, or almost there were it left last season, when they won the National Championship. New coach, from within promoted, and many new starters. With the recruiting and the power of Michigan it can be assumed, that the team will not be a pushover, beyond that, is all open for debate. On the other hand, we have Texas, which is likely to content inside the SEC and that means also they are likely to content nationwide.
Such a game here, early in the season, on the road, is tough and can annihilate any advantage in strength and maturity by playing in a hostile environment and with a team which might still have some adjustments not 100% done.
The betting line is Texas, -7.5, which is quite fair, I think.
I personally am willing to give Michigan some credit, but I see Texas here ahead.
Longhorns win.

#14 Tennessee @ #24 NC State
This looks on paper like a done deal.
Tennessee had good improvements under the current coach and was in the past few seasons always in the chatter on whether they could actually top Georgia inside the division. Last year they took a step backwards, but they are still a good SEC team.
And NC State is an ACC team, which was unable to crack the top of their conference and will likely also this season does not do so. That does not mean, they are a weak team, just not TOP. But they are a team, which does not give up and which is not easy to play, so at home, on gameday 2, Tennessee better be ready.
Vegas sees Tennessee ahead by only 8.0 points, which I think is not much.
I expect an interesting game, but over the 4 quarters I expect also that Tennessee will create more chances and scoring opportunities than NC State.
Volunteers win.

#17 Kansas State @ Tulane
This is a quite unique matchup with Kansas State being one of the expected top contenders inside the BIG-12 meeting one of the top contenders of the American Athletic. For the Wildcats this is a road trip, and this does level the game a bit out.
Do I believe Tulane has a chance?
Yes, but more like 30 to 70 than 50 to 50.
Tulane did surprise in the past few seasons, as did Kansas State. Both teams had some major starting players issues, especially at QB, so the final mix can click already or not.
My heart would like to see Tulane winning here, just because I like to see the smaller teams winning, but it's unlikely.
The line is KSU, -10.0, which is quite fair.
I think KSU has all the tool to play big this season and Tulane will do great inside the AAC, but they are not on this level.
Wildcats win.

And some other interesting games:

Iowa State @ #21 Iowa
The game for the Cy-Hawk-Trophy, played for the 71st time.
Record, Iowa leading 47-23, and they won last season on the road.
The year before did Iowa State win also on the road.
As in the past few seasons, this game is open.
Iowa State is not the team, which shines by a record-breaking offense, they are very solid and stubborn, playing tough.
Almost the same can be said about Iowa. Last year the team had a major offense weakness but had in this rivalry game more points than against tougher opponents.
I'm leaning towards the Hawkeyes, but in a close game.
Vegas is the same opinion and has them ahead by 2.5 points.
I don't think that road-motivation stuff will work again, and Iowa is likely the stronger team, in total.
But in rivalry games, everything is possible.
Hawkeyes win.

Colorado @ Nebraska
Another rivalry, but no trophy (anymore, there was one in the 50s) but 72 meetings so far and Nebraska leads 49-21-2.
Hmmm.
I don't know.
Nebraska is slowly gaining some strength under the new HC. But they are far from being competitive inside the BIG10.
Colorado does the same under their new HC and are also far from being a competitor inside the BIG12.
Colorado had a rough game against a good FCS team and won, Nebraska did win big against UTEP.
In total I think the Cornhuskers will get a challenge here, and they need to play some good offense to match the Colorado offense, but at home they should have the upper hand.
When I did see the betting line of Nebraska, -7.5 I did wonder a bit, since I see them closer, but the tendency fits for me.
Cornhuskers win.

Boise State @ #7 Oregon
Oregon did look bad on the 1st gameday, especially on offense and Boise State did also not look good, but here on defense.
If you consider the environment and the difference between the teams, I think Oregon will win here, but they need to play better than last week.
Vegas has the Ducks ahead by 19.5 points.
Ducks win.

Those are the previews for week 2. Now let's dive into the few games I selected for gameday 3.

The BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 3

Fri. Sep 13
#20 Arizona @ #17 Kansas State
A new team inside the BIG12 visits one of the top teams in the conference. KSU did play great in the past few seasons and won their opener (against an FCS team). Arizona did win big their opener against New Mexico. The biggest problem for the KSU-Wildcats will be the Arizona-Wildcats offense. If they get this under control, I'm sure the home team will win. If not, they will be outscored. So far, the evidence is too few to have some sort of prediction.
Vegas sees the home team ahead by 8.5 points and I think that's fair.
(KSU) Wildcats win.

Sat. Sep 14
#5 Alabama @ Wisconsin
This will be likely a walk in the park for the Crimson Tide. Alabama is only favored by 9.5 points, but my gut feeling is, they will win much higher. Alabama had destroyed Western Kentucky in day 1, while Wisconsin did win by 2 scores against Western Michigan. Not really a good compare, still the best we have. The offense seems to click on Alabama side, while Wisconsin defense allowed 14 points by a MAC team. Alabamas lines will likely dominate, and the rest is just execution.
Crimson Tide win.

Memphis @ #10 Florida State
Oh man, FSU is in big trouble. Two losses in a row against supposed to be mid-level to low-level ACC teams. Not only are they now 2 games behind inside the conference, which means, if 2 other teams stay perfect or lose just 1 game, FSU CAN NOT REACH the championship game no more, no, they did also spend all the credits they had for a high ranking, so even if they turn the season around now, it could be the season is already over, regarding the self-set goal. They get here a visit by Memphis, which is a tough team from the AAC. Hard to say, how they will turn out, but I think Memphis has a chance. Not much of material to work with, except the 2 losses by FSU against ACC teams. Memphis won against an FCS team and will face a talented team. If they can exploit the FSU defense, like the other teams did, they have a chance. Right now, I say ...
Seminoles win.

And some other interesting games:

#10 Oregon @ Oregon State
The former CIVIL WAR is no longer at the end of the season and has not much significance as it had in the past few seasons. Now it is only a rivalry game. 127 meetings so far, Oregon leads by 19 wins and took home the Platypus Trophy last year and are also favored by 20.5 points to win the game this season. With the new HC Oregon State has some issues to solve, so likely Vegas is right.
Ducks win.

Washington State @ Washington
The Apple-Cup had also some more significance in the past few seasons, but now it's only a rivalry game, too. 115 games so far, Washington leads by 43 wins and won the last 2 games. There is no indication, that the Huskies won't win this season, too. The only thing, which is a joker is, they have a new HC and that changes things. Vegas has Washington as favorite by 7.5 points and likely, played at home, they are right.
Huskies win

#11 Utah @ Utah State
And another rivalry, the so called 'Battle of the Brothers'.
112 meetings so far, Utah is leading by a mile and more (50 wins).
The last 2 meetings were won by the Utes, and this season there is not much hope they won't do that again. Utah State is not in top shape and Utah looks good so far.
Utes win.

That ends the preview for week 3. Let's jump directly to ...

The BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP GAMES FOR WEEK 4

Sat. Sep 21
#11 Utah @ #17 Oklahoma State
This game will be a crucial one. Both teams are in the mix for a championship spot and whoever wins this game leaps forward and the loser will leap a bit backward. Utah is on paper a bit stronger, but don't underestimate the homefield advantage of the Cowboys. Likely the OSU defense will be crucial. If they can stop Utah, they have a chance. If not, their offense has to sore often, which I doubt will happen against the Utes defense.
Vegas expects a close game, sees Utah ahead by 2.5 points.
Utes win.

#24 NC State @ #25 Clemson
Suddenly Clemson seems to have an easy road to the championship game inside the ACC, since FSU did stumble big time and whoever will be the other team in the hunt is no longer that big of a thread. For now. Still this game at home against NC State is one of those games against another contender and they better win this. In Death Valley the team will have a big advantage and should be able to win this.
NC State will try to stop the Clemson offense, which did so far not really click and if that happens, the Tigers will be in trouble, since their defense did also not convince big time so far.
The betting line is Tigers, 7.5 right now, which seems to be a bit much. Hard to tell, who has the advantage with that long time in the future, but I have to pick now, so ....
Tigers win.

#14 Tennessee @ #15 Oklahoma
Inside the SEC, this game will be a very crucial game, since the winner can still dream about a top 2 spot, while the loser is likely out. Why? Because both teams are not considered to be top contenders anyway, so any loss will hurt double.
Not sure who to pick here, both have shown promising results, but their opponents were not in this league here.
Vegas sees right now Oklahoma ahead by 3.5 points, which did surprise me a bit. But I think Oklahoma has all the tools to surprise everyone, so ...
Sooners win.

And some other interesting games:

#19 Kansas @ West Virginia
Kansas might become a top team this season and this game here will be a good test. West Virginia did not play as expected to far, their offense did sputter. Likely Kansas will dominate here.
Jayhawks win.

#21 Iowa @ Minnesota
The only reason Minnesota might win here is, Iowa might have still an offense problem and the Gophers play at home. I expect a close game, but Iowa to survive or prevail.
Hawkeyes win.

#13 USC @ #10 Michigan
The USC win did open up the BIG10 and Michigan might get more here than they can swallow. Played on the turf of the Wolverines, the home team will have great advantage by the crowd, but USC DID look great so far and Michigan looked OK in their opener but did not dominate.
Las Vegas has the home team right now favored by 9.5 points, which is from my point of view a lot.
How several gamedays will change the chemistry in the teams is open, but right now I lean towards the Trojans.
Trojans win.

That's all for the next few weeks, enjoy the games, I will enjoy my vacation.

'Til next time
Jack6 on BLOCK OF GRANITE

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