Former Foes: Week 8

Syracuse (3-4)

Lost to Georgia Tech (4-3) 56-0

Georgia Tech's first possession ended on an interception at the Syracuse 6 yard line.  That was the end of the passing, as the Yellow Jackets attempted only 2 more passes in the first half.  Tech amassed a stunning 482 yards on the ground with 7(!) rushing touchdowns, including running back Zack Laskey, who had 3 of his own.  The blowout win was the largest margin of victory for Georgia Tech in an ACC game.  Georgia Tech's only real mistake was the 1st interception, as the Yellow Jackets committed no penalties on the day.

For Syracuse starting quarterback Terrel Hunt was ineffective, completing just 7 of his 14 passes with an interception.  His backup didn't fare any better as Drew Allen took over in the second half and completed 6 of 15 passes for 65 yards with an interception.

Next up: Bye

Eastern Michigan (1-6)

Lost to Miami (of the Ohio variety) (5-2) 56-28

This game had a theme: every time Eastern Michigan, scored Miami scored in bunches.  EMU scored first, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.  Ohio answered with three straight unanswered touchdowns in the 1st quarter.  Eastern tied things up with 2 touchdowns, 1 in the second and 1 in the 3rd.  Miami answered that with 3 more unanswered touchdowns to take a 42-21 lead at the start of the 4th quarter.  Eastern made it interesting with an early 4th quarter score, but Miami scored 2 more times to put the Eagles away.

EMU's only offensive weapon was running back Bronson Hill who carried the ball 23 times for 257 yards and a touchdown.  Quarterback Tyler Benz completed only 12 of his 22 passes, throwing 2 picks.

Next up: #18 N Illinois (7-0)

UCF (5-1)

Beat #8 Louisville (5-1) 38-35 

Without a doubt the barn-burner of the week was UCF's amazing come from behind upset victory over 8th-ranked Louisville. It wasn't easy; the Knights found themselves down 28-7 midway through the 3rd quarter and most of us (*cough* me *cough*) changed the channel.  What a mistake that turned out to be!  UCF scored 3 touchdowns in a span of 7:22 to tie the game; they then added a field goal midway through the 4th to take their first lead of the game.  Teddy Bridgewater then lead Louisville on a 9 play, 88-yard touchdown drive that gave the Cardinals a 35-31 lead.  It was all Blake Bortles and the 2-minute drill then.  Bortles completed 6 passes on the final drive, including a 2-yard TD strike to Jeff Godfrey with 23 seconds to play.  Bridgewater's 50-yard Hail Mary pass fell harmlessly incomplete and the game was over.

Bortles had a great day, completing 21 of his 32 passes for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Storm Johnson lived up to his name and blew through the Louisville defense like a Hurricane.  Johnson lead the Knights in rushing (18 for 109 yards and 1 touchdown) and receiving (4 for 79 and another TD).

Now things get real for UCF.  They play a winless Connecticut and don't play another team ranked, and the toughest team is a 5-1 Houston who has beaten no one of consequence.  Will UCF be the next BCS buster?  Only time will tell.

Next Up: Connecticut (0-6)

Kent State (2-6)

Lost to South Alabama (3-3) 38-21

This game wasn't even as close as the score; South Alabama stretched a 17-7 halftime lead into a demanding 31-7 lead with a touchdown in the 3rd and early in the 4th.  Kent then scored two meaningless touchdowns wrapped around another South Alabama score to make the final look somewhat respectable.  The two teams combined for 909 yards of total offense and over 500 on the ground.  Kent State's Dri Archer lead the team in rushing, gaining 114 yards and a touchdown, and receiving, pulling in 2 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Next up: Buffalo (5-2)

Indiana (3-4)

Lost to Michigan (6-1) 63-47

Oh Indiana, you're the cure for an ailing offense.  Remember when Fitzgerald Toussaint was rushing 27 times for 27 yards against our beloved Lions?  Yards were't a problem this week as Toussaint rushed 32 times gaining 151 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns.  Devin Gardner put up Xbox numbers throwing for 503 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards and another 3 touchdowns.  Gardner's 584 combined yards and passing totals are a school record.  Let that sink in for a minute...

It wasn't a cake walk for Michigan by any means.  Indiana pulled within 2 with a touchdown pass with 2:56 to play in the 3rd quarter.  But Michigan never took the foot off the gas scoring 3 touchdowns in the 4th quarter including Toussaint's 4th with 1:12 to play.  Indiana could only muster a Tre Roberson touchdown run late in the game.

Next up: Bye

Michigan (6-1)

Beat Indiana (3-4) 63-47

Next up: Bye

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