Former Foes, Week 8

Kent State Golden Flashes (2-5)

Lost to Miami (OH) 18-14

Woof. Kent State just handed the RedHawks their first win of the season in one of the ugliest games you’ll see. Both teams ended up with just 260 yards of offense, and 14 first downs each. The Flashes let Miami hang around, even giving up a safety, and the RedHawks capitalized with a late touchdown to ice the game. Quarterback Nick Holley totaled 91 passing yards (with an interception) and 84 rushing yards on the day. The sledding doesn’t get any easier, as the Bobcats of Ohio come to town.

Up Next: Ohio Bobcats (4-3)

Pitt Panthers (5-2)

Beat Virginia 45-31

I’ll just say this now – the Pitt defense is not good. Some of this can be attributable to injuries, but for Pat Narduzzi’s defensive pedigree, the Panthers are underwhelming. UVA scored more points against Pitt than they did against FCS Richmond to open the season. On the flip side, the offense is humming right now, and will keep Pitt in games for the rest of the season. But man, that defense. Pitt has this week off before taking on enigmatic Virginia Tech.

Up Next: Bye

Temple Owls (4-3)

Beat UCF 26-25

Temple should have lost this weekend. With 12:34 left in the second quarter, UCF was winning 25-7. From then on, Temple shut out the Knights, and slowly crept up on their opponent until scoring with 1 second left in the game to go ahead. Temple amassed 24 first downs and a whopping 37:18 in time of possession. The Owls did turn the ball over twice, but managed to sneak out of Orlando with the win. Their next contest is a good, old-fashioned Friday night lights game.

Up Next: South Florida Bulls (6-1)

#3 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten)

Bye

Thanks to Clemson, the Wolverines rose a spot in the rankings on their bye week. That seems to be a theme for Big Ten teams this season, but I’m sure you won’t hear many complaints from Ann Arbor. That #3 ranking should be safe for another week as the Fighting Lovie Smiths come to town.

Up Next: Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4, 1-2)

Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 1-2)

Beat Maryland 31-10

Oddly enough, Maryland entered this game as favorites. After a scoreless first quarter, Minnesota broke out for two touchdowns in the second. For once, the Minnesota coaches put together a game plan that actually suits their strengths (running the ball) while taking advantage of an opponent’s weaknesses (defending the run). The Gophers were without quarterback Mitch Leidner, and so chose to pass the ball just 15 times. They countered that with 48 rushes for 229 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. I expect more of the same next week.

Up Next: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-5, 0-4)

Maryland Terrapins (4-2, 1-2)

Lost to Minnesota 31-10

Maryland’s 4-0 start to the season is long in the rearview mirror, as the Terrapins suffered their second straight blowout loss in a row. Tyrell Pigrome went through some freshman growing pains, going just 18 of 37 through the air, with a couple interceptions to go with one touchdown. Pigrome did lead all Terrapins with 71 rushing yards, but added a fumble as well. All told, Maryland committed four turnovers, and held the ball for less than 26 minutes. Things may get better this weekend as the Spartans of Michigan State come to town, but then again, things may not get better. Very confusing game, this next one is.

Up Next: Michigan State Spartans (2-4, 0-3)