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**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 02:55 AM

Top 25 Capsules
October 25, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) Lance Austin returned a blocked field goal 78 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the game, giving Georgia Tech a stunning 22-16 victory over No. 9 Florida State on Saturday night.

Roberto Aguayo, one of the most accurate kickers in the country, attempted a 56-yard field goal to win the game for the Seminoles (6-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) with 6 seconds remaining. But the kick was low, and Patrick Gamble managed to get a hand on it.

While most of the Georgia Tech players celebrated, Austin went back to retrieve the ball, rolling along inside the 25. At first, he seemed hesitant to pick it up. But then he did, taking off the other way in front of the Georgia Tech bench. He avoided Aguayo's diving attempt, then cut back on the final guy who had a shot at him to win the game for Georgia Tech (3-5, 1-4).

The Georgia Tech fans stormed the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium, celebrating with the players after perhaps the most improbable win in school history.

Georgia Tech snapped a five-game losing streak and might have knocked Florida State out of the race for the national championship. The Yellow Jackets also ended FSU's streak of 28 straight victories against ACC opponents, a run that dated to 2012 and came up one shy of the Seminoles' record of winning their first 29 conference games after joining the league in 1992.

Leading 16-13, Florida State had a chance to seal the victory in the fourth quarter as it drove deep into Georgia Tech territory. On third-and-goal from the 10, Everett Golson's deflected pass led to the Seminoles' first offensive turnover of the season - and first turnover of any kind since their first game. Jamal Golden made the interception in the back of the end zone.

NO. 17 OKLAHOMA 63, TEXAS TECH 27

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Backup quarterback J.W. Walsh ran for three touchdowns and passed for two more scores to help Oklahoma State beat Kansas, hours after a fatal crash near the stadium during homecoming festivities.

Four people - including a toddler - were killed and dozens injured when a woman suspected of driving under the influence plowed a car into a crowd at the homecoming parade. Oklahoma State considered postponing the game, but in the end, opted to go ahead with it.

The flag at Boone Pickens Stadium was lowered to half-staff and Cowboys players knelt down on the field and prayed before the coin toss.

Mason Rudolph completed 20 of 26 passes for 305 yards and had a touchdown for Oklahoma State (7-0, 4-0 Big 12). Kansas (0-7, 0-4) lost its 10th straight game and 36th in a row on the road.

NO. 1 OHIO STATE 49, RUTGERS 7

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) - J.T. Barrett threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores in his first start of the season, leading Ohio State past Rutgers.

Ohio State (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) extended its winning streak to 21 games, best in the nation, and heads into its off week with no doubt who the starting quarterback will be when Minnesota comes to Columbus on Nov. 7. It will be a nice change for coach Urban Meyer, who started Cardale Jones in the first seven games of the season before making the switch to Barrett this week.

Barrett was near flawless against Rutgers (3-4, 1-3). He was 14 for 18 for 223 yards and ran for 101 yards on 13 carries. Jones entered in the fourth quarter when the score was 49-0.

NO. 2 BAYLOR 45, IOWA STATE 27

WACO, Texas (AP) - Shock Linwood ran for 171 yards and a touchdown, caught a pass for another score and Baylor beat Iowa State for its FBS-best 20th consecutive home victory.

On a rainy day along the Brazos River, the Bears (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) were held under 60 points for the first time in six games. The only other NCAA team with five straight 60-point games was Oklahoma in 2008.

Corey Coleman had two more touchdown catches, his sixth consecutive game with multiple scores, to push his FBS-leading total to 18. He broke Kendall Wright's school record for career touchdowns with his 31st.

Coleman had a 36-yard score on Baylor's opening drive, then had a downfield block that helped quarterback Seth Russell break free on a 37-yard TD run for a quick 14-0 lead. Coleman caught a 12-yarder from Jarrett Stidham in the closing minutes.

Russell fractured one of the bones in his neck on a 4-yard run without about 5 1/2 minutes left. The fracture was revealed on postgame X-rays and a CT scan. He will see a specialist next week.

Mike Warren ran for 145 yards on 28 carries for Iowa State (2-5, 1-3).

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 42, No. 3 UTAH 24

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Cameron Smith returned the second of his three interceptions 54 yards for a touchdown, and Southern California knocked Utah from the unbeaten ranks.

Ronald Jones II, Justin Davis and fullback Soma Vainuku rushed for scores to help the Trojans (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) snap their two-game skid and earn a victory for interim coach Clay Helton in his debut game at the Coliseum.

Cody Kessler passed for 264 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score, while JuJu Smith-Schuster had eight catches for 143 yards and a fourth-quarter TD that wrapped up the win.

Britain Covey caught two touchdown passes for the Utes (6-1, 3-1), whose eight-game winning streak ended.

Smith, USC's dynamic freshman linebacker, led a fine defensive performance by picking off Travis Wilson's throws and making three returns for a combined 122 yards, including his scoring romp down the USC sideline 1:07 before halftime.

NO. 5 LSU 48, WESTERN KENTUCKY 20

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Brandon Harris passed for a career-high 286 yards, with two of his three scoring passes going for more than 50 yards, and LSU beat Western Kentucky.

Leonard Fournette ran for 150 yards and a short touchdown on a soggy field, giving him 1,352 yards rushing and 15 TDs this season.

The Hilltoppers (6-2) were as close as 17-13 on Brandon Doughty's 39-yard touchdown pass to Antwane Grant in the third quarter, but LSU (7-0) scored the next 17 points.

Malachi Dupre caught a 55-yard scoring pass on LSU's opening series. Tigers freshman Tyron Johnson made a tough downfield catch over defender Wonderful Terry, then scampered about 20 yards for his 61-yard score in the third quarter.

NO. 6 CLEMSON 58, MIAMI 0

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) - Deshaun Watson threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score to help Clemson hand Miami its worst loss in the program's 90-year history.

Wayne Gallman ran for 118 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers (7-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Stacy Coley had eight catches for 54 yards for Miami (4-3, 1-2), in a game that could doom whatever chance Hurricanes coach Al Golden had of keeping his job much longer.

Until Saturday, the worst loss in Miami history was a 70-14 defeat to Texas A&M on Dec. 8, 1944. It was Clemson's largest win over an FBS opponent since an 82-24 victory over Wake Forest on Oct. 31, 1981.

NO. 7 MICHIGAN STATE 52, INDIANA 26

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Connor Cook threw for 398 yards and four touchdowns for Michigan State.

Cook fell just short of the school record of 400 yards passing, set by Bill Burke in 1999 against Michigan. The Spartans (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) never trailed in the second half, but it was touch and go until Cook found R.J. Shelton for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 4:57 left for a 12-point lead.

The Spartans then tacked on two more touchdowns to avoid an upset a week after their unforgettable win at Michigan. Michigan State has won 12 in a row for the first time since 1956. The run matches the third-longest winning streak in school history.

Indiana (4-4, 0-4) was outscored 24-0 in the fourth quarter.

NO. 8 ALABAMA 19, TENNESSEE 14

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Derrick Henry had a 14-yard touchdown run with 2:24 left to lift Alabama past Tennessee.

Alabama's aggressive defense then made two straight sacks and Ryan Anderson knocked the ball loose from Joshua Dobbs to preserve the victory.

Alabama (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) got plenty of help, with Tennessee (3-4, 1-3) missing three long field goals.

The Vols took the lead on Jalen Hurd's 12-yard run with 5:49 left. Alabama overwhelmed the 15-point underdogs from there.

NO. 24 MISSISSIPPI 23, NO. 15 TEXAS A&M 3

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - Chad Kelly threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns and Mississippi used a dominant defense to beat Texas A&M.

Ole Miss (6-2, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) bounced back from a loss to Memphis. Laquon Treadwell caught five passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, and Jaylen Walton ran for 97 yards.

Texas A&M (5-2, 2-2) has lost two straight. Sophomore Kyle Allen completed just 12 of 34 passes for 88 yards before being replaced by Jake Hubenak early in the fourth quarter.

Ole Miss jumped out to a 16-3 lead by halftime and put the game out of reach with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Kelly to Treadwell with 9:16 left in the third quarter.

NO. 17 OKLAHOMA 63, TEXAS TECH 27

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Samaje Perine ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns and helped Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield top his old team.

Mayfield transferred from Texas Tech after his freshman season in 2013 and had to sit out last year because the school blocked him from playing right away.

Mayfield completed 15 of 22 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Mixon ran for 154 yards and two scores, and the Sooners (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) ran for 405 yards.

Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes passed for 233 yards and ran for 58, but threw four interceptions. DeAndre Washington ran for 94 yards and a touchdown for the Red Raiders (5-3, 2-3).

NO. 19 TOLEDO 51, MASSACHUSETTS 35

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Phillip Ely threw four of his five touchdown passes in the second half Toledo overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Massachusetts.

Ely completed 26 of 47 passes for 355 yards, with three interceptions in the first half. The Rockets (7-0, 4-0 Mid-American) are off to their best start since 1997.

Terry Swanson ran 21 times for 117 yards and a score for the Rockets.

Blake Frohnapfel completed 27 of 49 for 240 yards and four touchdowns for UMass (1-6, 0-3).

NO. 21 HOUSTON 59, UCF 10

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Kenneth Farrow ran for 167 yards and three touchdowns and Houston beat Central Florida to remained undefeated.

The Cougars (7-0, 4-0 American Athletic) scored 24 points in a mid-game span of 3 1/2 minutes and won for the fifth time by 21 points or more.

Houston cornerback Brandon Wilson scored on an 85-yard fumble return on the third play of the game.

Farrow's 26-yard touchdown run gave Houston the lead with 2:26 left in the half, and interceptions by William Jackson III and Donald Gage set up a touchdown and a field goal in the final 50 seconds.

The Golden Knights (0-8, 0-4) had four turnovers and gained only 105 yards after the first quarter.

NO. 23 DUKE 45, VIRGINIA TECH 43, 4OT

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Thomas Sirk threw four touchdown passes and ran for a 2-point conversion in the fourth overtime to lift Duke past Virginia Tech.

Sirk hit Erich Schneider with a 25-yard scoring pass on the first play of the fourth overtime, after the Hokies had scored and missed the mandatory 2-point attempt. Sirk rolled right and cut upfield, giving the Blue Devils (6-1, 3-0) the victory in the longest game in Atlantic Coast Conference history.

Virginia Tech (3-5, 1-3) lost for the fourth time in five games, and for the third time this season at home. The Hokies, getting the ball first in the fourth extra period, seemed in good shape to either win or extend it, but after Travon McMillians's 1-yard touchdown run, Michael Brewer's 2-point conversion pass to Isaiah Ford was broken up by Deondre Singleton just inside the goal line.

NO. 25 PITTSBURGH 23, SYRACUSE 20

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A fake punt for a first down helped set up Chris Blewitt's 25-yard field goal on the final play of the game in Pittsburgh's victory over Syracuse.

The Panthers (6-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) have won four of five on the road, with their only loss at Iowa on a 57-yard field goal on the final play. Syracuse (3-4, 1-2) has lost four straight.

With the score at 20-all, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi called for a fake punt on fourth down near midfield. Punter Ryan Winslow hit Matt Galambos for 12 yards and a first down.

Qadree Ollison ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 02:58 AM

College Football Today
October 25, 2015

STARS

-J.T. Barrett, Ohio State, threw three TD passes and ran for two scores in his first start of the season, leading the top-ranked Buckeyes to a 49-7 victory against Rutgers.

-Connor Cook, Michigan State, threw for 398 yards and four TDs, and the No. 7 Spartans remained undefeated with a 52-26 win over Indiana.

-Shock Linwood, Baylor, ran for 171 yards with a TD and caught a pass for another score to help the second-ranked Bears beat Iowa State 45-27.

-Samaje Perine, Oklahoma, ran for 201 yards and four TDs as the No. 17 Sooners defeated Texas Tech 63-27.

-Luke Falk, Washington State, threw for 514 yards and hit Gabe Marks on four of his five touchdown passes, helping the resurgent Cougars beat Arizona 45-42.

-Dak Prescott, Mississippi State, accounted for six touchdowns and 465 total yards in a 42-16 victory over Kentucky.

-Chase Edmonds, Fordham, ran for a school-record 347 yards and accounted for four TDs in a 59-42 win over Lehigh.

-Kenneth Farrow, Houston, ran for career-high 167 yards and three TDs and the No. 21 Cougars remained undefeated with a 59-10 victory over Central Florida.

-Karson Roberts, Air Force, rushed for four TDs and caught another on a trick play in 42-14 win over Fresno State.

-Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington, set school records with 20 catches for 275 yards in a 43-41 win over Northern Colorado.

-Quinton Flowers, South Florida, rushed for a school quarterback-record 201 yards and three TDs to help the Bulls beat SMU 38-14.

-Peter Pujals, Holy Cross, threw for 358 yards and six TDs in a 42-0 win over Lafayette.

-Makena Simis, Montana, threw for 321 yards and a school-tying six TDs, and the Grizzlies swamped North Dakota 42-16.

-Matt Johnson, Bowling Green, passed for five TDs for the third consecutive game and had 430 yards in a 48-0 win over Kent State.

-Scott Hosch, Harvard, threw for a career-high 437 yards and two TDs to help the Crimson beat Princeton 42-7.

-Jarod Neal, UT Martin, threw for 420 yards and five TDs in a 52-45 win over Murray State.

-Johnny Pena, Brown, ran for four TDs in a 44-24 victory over Cornell.

---

HOMECOMING HEARTBREAK

Oklahoma State played its homecoming game with heavy hearts.

Backup quarterback J.W. Walsh ran for three touchdowns and passed for two more to help No. 14 Oklahoma State beat Kansas 58-10 on Saturday, hours after a fatal crash near the stadium put a harrowing halt on the school's homecoming festivities.

Four people were killed and dozens injured when a woman suspected of driving under the influence plowed a car into a crowd at the homecoming parade. Oklahoma State considered postponing the game, but in the end, opted to go ahead with it.

The flag at Boone Pickens Stadium was lowered to half-staff and Cowboys players knelt down on the field and prayed before the coin flip.

Even as the game began, some of the bodies remained at the scene of the crash less than three blocks away from the stadium. National Guard troops kept watch as officials with the Red Cross and state medical examiner's office continued their work.

---

TROJANS TOP UTES

In less than two weeks, Southern California went from the depths of a coach's firing to the heights of a wild celebration after beating the No. 3 team in the nation.

Most of these Trojans have been on a roller coaster from the day they joined this storied but troubled program. This particular peak sent them soaring over mighty Utah.

Cameron Smith returned the second of his three interceptions 54 yards for a touchdown, and USC knocked the third-ranked Utes from the unbeaten ranks with a 42-24 victory.

Ronald Jones II, Justin Davis and fullback Soma Vainuku rushed for scores to help the Trojans (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) snap their two-game skid and earn a victory for interim coach Clay Helton in his debut game at the Coliseum.

---

ANOTHER WILD FINISH

Lance Austin ran toward the ball, rolling along at the Georgia Tech end of the field as the final seconds ticked off the clock. He hesitated, a bit confused as his coach screamed for him to leave it alone.

Paul Johnson was content to go to overtime against mighty Florida State.

Austin had other ideas.

The sophomore scooped up the ball at his own 22 and took off the other way. He didn't stop running until he reached the end zone, his 78-yard return of a blocked field goal on the final play giving Georgia Tech a stunning 22-16 upset of the No. 9 Seminoles on Saturday night.

Call this one Kick Six, The Sequel.

It all started when Roberto Aguayo, perhaps the best kicker in the country, attempted a 56-yard field goal to win it for the Seminoles (6-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) with 6 seconds remaining. But the kick had to be low to get some distance on it, and Patrick Gamble managed to get a hand on the ball.

Austin paused briefly, looking around, and then decided to scoop it up. He took off the other way in front of the Georgia Tech bench, avoiding Aguayo's diving attempt, then cutting back on the final guy who had a shot at the tackle to win the game for Georgia Tech

---

NUMBERS

10-Years since Kansas State last lost four straight games.

20-Straight home wins by No. 2 Baylor, best in the FBS.

58-Points Miami lost by against No. 6 Clemson, the worst loss in the Hurricanes' 90-year history.

75-Career rushing touchdowns by Navy's Keenan Reynolds, two short of the NCAA record set by Wisconsin's Montee Ball from 2009-2012.

608-Career completions by Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, breaking Zach Mills' school record. Hackenberg also became the Nittany Lions' career passing leader with 7,453 yards, also passing Mills.

---

RAZORBACKS GO LONG

Time and again in three seasons under coach Bret Bielema, Arkansas has struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Razorbacks saved their most dramatic win for their longest one yet under Bielema, holding on in the end for a thrilling 54-46 win over Auburn in quadruple overtime.

It was a back-and-forth game full of lead changes and big plays, the last of which was Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen's 25-yard touchdown pass to Drew Morgan on the opening play of the fourth extra period.

Following a 2-point conversion pass by Allen to Jeremy Sprinkle, the Razorbacks defense finally found a way to stop the Tigers when it mattered most - earning Bielema his first win over former Arkansas offensive coordinator and Auburn coach Gus Malzahn in three games.

It was longest game for Arkansas since a triple-overtime win over Kentucky in 2003.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 03:00 AM

Playoff pulse: Utah, Florida State fall to unranked teams
October 25, 2015

Scratch No. 3 Utah and No. 9 Florida State off the list of unbeaten teams chasing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Both the Utes and Seminoles were knocked off Saturday by unranked foes; Utah in resounding fashion and Florida State in a stunning finish that rivaled Michigan State's miracle last week and Auburn's 2013 Kick-6.

The Utes were drubbed by USC 42-24, ending one of the most surprising rises of this season. Utah started unranked but was the only unbeaten team in the Pac-12 heading into the second half of the season.

The Utes (6-1) have been winning with excellent special teams, opportunistic defense and a strong running game. They had earned all the praise they had been getting and even made a good case to be the No. 1 team in the country.

But even with all the success, Utah never looked like a dominant team. Against a talented but underachieving USC squad, the Utes couldn't keep up.

''In my opinion, that's the best team we have played all year long, for certain from a personnel standpoint,'' Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

Utah is still in control of the Pac-12 South race, but there is potential for some serious cannibalization in that division. Both the Utes and Trojans still have to play UCLA.

For Florida State (6-1), the end of its perfect season was shocking. Georgia Tech returned a blocked field goal on the last play of regulation for a touchdown to beat the Seminoles 22-16. The Yellow Jackets had lost five in a row.

''We still have a chance to be a very good football team,'' Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said. ''A lot of our goals are still out there. Our main goal is to try and be the best we can be. That hasn't been there.''

The loss takes some of the luster off what is likely to still be the biggest game in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. Florida State goes to No. 6 Clemson (7-0) on Nov. 7. It's a game that could still decide the Atlantic Division, but instead of determining the ACC's leading playoff contender, it could help knock the conference out of the playoff altogether.

The Tigers are still unbeaten after crushing Miami 58-0.

Deshaun Watson and the Tigers have already beaten Notre Dame, but the rest of their schedule beyond the Seminoles provides little chance to catch the playoff selection committee's attention - unless they are blowing out teams. Clemson has won its last three games by a combined 135-41.

That'll work.

Unbeaten will likely be enough to get any Power Five conference team into the playoff, though one-loss teams such as No. 8 Alabama, No. 17 Oklahoma and No. 10 Stanford might change that.

The first playoff rankings come out Nov. 3, a few days before a showdown games between LSU and Alabama, and the still-very-important Clemson-Florida State game. The committee showed last year with Florida State that it is willing to place an unbeaten team behind one with a loss if that undefeated team hasn't been overwhelming.

So far Clemson is doing its best to avoid a similar fate.

---

BAMA ESCAPES

Alabama finished a grueling stretch with a great escape.

The Crimson Tide held off Tennessee 19-14 at home to win its fourth Southeastern Conference game in four weeks. Alabama now gets a week off before hosting No. 5 LSU.

The Tide has won five straight overall since losing to Mississippi, looking every bit the playoff contender. Alabama won at Georgia, against Arkansas and at Texas A&M by a combined 106-47. Nick Saban's team had to work much harder to extend its winning streak against the Vols to nine, but be careful about trying to ding the Tide for a close victory at the end of a tough stretch.

The Tide has some offensive limitations, but the defensive front is as good as any in the country and running back Derrick Henry alone gives them a reliable weapon.

Alabama (7-1) still needs help just to get to the Southeastern Conference title game in the form of an Ole Miss loss.

That didn't come Saturday. The 24th-ranked Rebels beat No. 15 Texas A&M 23-3 in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Rebels success is not good news for the SEC's playoff hopes. A two-loss Ole Miss team - with a loss to Memphis - as SEC champ could very well leave the conference out of the playoff.

---

REBOUNDING SOONERS

It was tempting to count out No. 17 Oklahoma after the Sooners stumbled against Texas in the Red River Rivalry two weeks ago.

After a second straight blowout, the Sooners are creeping back into the playoff conversation.

Oklahoma beat Texas Tech 63-27 on Saturday, a strong follow-up to its 55-0 victory at Kansas State last week.

Baker Mayfield and the Sooners play Kansas and Iowa State next before finishing the season at No. 2 Baylor, against No. 4 TCU and at No. 14 Oklahoma State.

When considering the best one-loss teams, the Sooners need to be in the mix.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 03:03 AM

Ga Tech beats Florida State on 78-yard return on final play
October 25, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) Lance Austin ran toward the ball, rolling along at the Georgia Tech end of the field as the final seconds ticked off the clock. He hesitated, a bit confused as his coach screamed for him to leave it alone.

Paul Johnson was content to go to overtime against mighty Florida State.

Austin had other ideas.

The sophomore scooped up the ball at his own 22 and took off the other way. He didn't stop running until he reached the end zone, his 78-yard return of a blocked field goal on the final play giving Georgia Tech a stunning 22-16 upset of the No. 9 Seminoles on Saturday night.

Call this one Kick Six, The Sequel.

''When I picked it up and started running up the field, I saw a lot of green,'' Austin said. ''So I was like, `OK, I can return it.'''

That he did.

All the way to the end zone.

''I go from yelling `get away from it' to `run, run, run,''' quipped Johnson, the Georgia Tech coach.

It all started when Roberto Aguayo, perhaps the best kicker in the country, attempted a 56-yard field goal to win it for the Seminoles (6-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) with 6 seconds remaining. But the kick had to be low to get some distance on it, and Patrick Gamble managed to get a hand on the ball.

While most of the Georgia Tech players celebrated, thinking they were going to overtime tied at 16, Austin went back to retrieve the ball as it was bounced inside the 25-yard line.

Johnson was thinking overtime, too, waving and screaming to let it roll dead.

Austin paused briefly, looking around, and then decided to scoop it up. He took off the other way in front of the Georgia Tech bench, avoiding Aguayo's diving attempt, then cutting back on the final guy who had a shot at the tackle to win the game for Georgia Tech (3-5, 1-4).

After that, it was bedlam in Bobby Dodd Stadium.

On the Florida State sideline, coach Jimbo Fisher stoically removed his headset, clearly shocked at only the second loss in the last three seasons for the Seminoles.

''When there is a blocked kick, you've got to cover,'' he said. ''We talk about that all the time.''

The white-clad Georgia Tech fans poured onto the field, celebrating with the players after perhaps the most improbable win in school history. They were still milling about when a replay of the final play, complete with the call by the Yellow Jackets' radio crew, was played on the video board.

They cheered wildly as Austin zigzagged down the field all over again on the big screen at the opposite end of the stadium.

In a finish reminiscent of Auburn running back a missed field goal to beat Alabama two seasons ago - the original Kick Six - Georgia Tech snapped a five-game losing streak, its longest since 1994, and dealt a devastating blow to Florida State's title hopes. The Seminoles won the national championship in 2013 and reached the national semifinals a year ago.

Now, they'll need some help to get that far again, though a victory over No. 6 Clemson in two weeks could boost them back into the running.

''We can't let one loss become two,'' Fisher said.

The Yellow Jackets also ended FSU's streak of 28 straight victories against ACC opponents, a run that dated back to 2012 and came up one shy of the Seminoles' record of winning their first 29 conference games after joining the league in 1992.

Leading 16-13, Florida State had a chance to seal the victory in the fourth quarter as it drove deep into Georgia Tech territory. On third-and-goal from the 10, Everett Golson's deflected pass led to the Seminoles' first offensive turnover of the season - and first turnover of any kind since their first game.

Jamal Golden made the interception in the back of the end zone, an omen of what was to come for the Seminoles.

Justin Thomas, who had a 60-yard touchdown run for the Yellow Jackets after two early interceptions led to 10 points for Florida State, kept the game alive by converting on fourth-and-six from the Georgia Tech 41. The quarterback hit Brad Stewart on a 36-yard pass that set up Harrison Butker's third field goal of the game, a 35-yarder that tied the game with 54 seconds left.

With two timeouts, Florida State still had time to get into field goal range for Aguayo, who had never missed a kick in the fourth quarter. But the Seminoles didn't get quite close enough, forcing him to drive the ball a little lower than usual on what would have been the longest kick of his career.

Fisher was confident it would go through.

So was Aquayo.

''I thought I hit the ball well,'' the kicker said. ''I looked up and didn't see it flying down the middle. Then I saw it on the ground. A lot of their guys, a lot of our guys thought it was dead. It was kind of confusing.''

Turns out, the Seminoles didn't even get a shot at overtime.

Austin made sure of that.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 10:39 PM

Betting Recap - Week 8
October 25, 2015

Overall Notes

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 8 RESULTS

Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 45-11
Against the Spread 32-22-2

Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 41-15
Against the Spread 32-22-2

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 23-32-1

The largest underdogs to win straight up

Northwestern (+7, +240 ML) at Nebraska, 30-28

Georgia Tech (+6, +190 ML) vs. Florida State, 22-16

The largest favorites to cover

Brigham Young (-50.5) vs. Wagner, 70-6

Oklahoma State (-33.5) vs. Kansas, 58-10

Top 25 Notes

-- For the second straight week we saw a Top 25 team fall on the final play of the game thanks to a special teams gaffe. Last week it was Michigan, and this weekend it was Florida State. Tied at 16, the Seminoles were attempting a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of regulation. Normally in that situation it is either a win, or a miss and overtime. However, the kick was blocked, scooped up and returned for a Georgia Tech touchdown with no time remaining to hand FSU its first ACC loss since Oct. 6. 2012, a span of 28 games. ... Utah entered its game at Southern California as high as No. 3 in the nation in one poll. A lot of eyebrows were raised by the public with the Trojans favored by anywhere from a field goal to near a touchdown at some shops. The sharps were all over USC, finding value in a quality Trojans offense. The sharps proved to be correct, as USC humbled Utah 42-24 to shake up the playoff picture. Dear USC...Alabama, Clemson and Michigan State, among others, thank you. ... Speaking of the Tigers, Dabo Swinney's crew went down to Miami and roughed up the Hurricanes 58-0, the worst loss in school history. That's now three straight overs for the Tigers, who are averaging 45.0 points per game during the span. ... Baylor managed a 45-27 win over Iowa State, but they ended up losing QB Seth Russell to a fractured bone in his neck. It's uncertain how much time he will be forced to miss, but the Bears do not play again until Nov. 5 at Kansas State. The injury is something to watch, however, as the 45 points were actually a season low, and it was the first non-cover since Sept. 12 for the Bears.

-- Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield exacted revenge on head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Texas Tech Red Raiders, winning 63-27. For the first time since Sept. 5-12 the Sooners were able to cover in back-to-back games. They head to Kansas next weekend, a team which is 0-7 SU and 2-5 ATS, going 1-2 ATS in the past three games as an underdog of 33 or more points. The Jayhawks will likely be an underdog by that amount of more on Halloween.

-- Houston continues to steam along, winning 59-10 at winless UCF in American Athletic Conference action. The Cougars are 7-0 SU and they have covered five of their past six games. The 'over' has also been the play for the Cougs, going 4-2-1. Houston has scored at least 34 points in each of their seven outings this season, and they'll look to extend that streak next week against defensive-minded Vanderbilt in a clash of styles.

-- Top-ranked Ohio State finally looked the part in their road game at Rutgers. The Buckeyes held down a fairly talented Scarlet Knights offense in the 49-7 game, and Rutgers didn't score their first points until the final minute of the game against defensive backups. For the first time this season the Buckeyes have covered back-to-back games. The 'under' is also 6-1 in their past seven games heading into their next game Nov. 7 against Minnesota.

-- Alabama rallied to top Tennessee 19-14 in Tuscaloosa, as the Crimson Tide defense saved the day. It was the lowest-scoring game of the season for the Tide, which is just 3-5 ATS/ The 'under' has hit in five of the past seven games for 'Bama.

Big Five Conference Report (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC)

-- North Carolina State was 0-9 ATS in their past nine trips to Wake Forest, but some trends are made to be broken. The Wolfpack ran roughshod all over the Demon Deacons run defense in the 35-17 victory. .. Pittsburgh edged Syracuse 23-20 in the first 'under' in seven tries for the Orange. Pitt has won four in a row, and six of seven straight up despite losing 2014 ACC Player of the Year James Conner to a season-ending injury Sept. 5. It's a short week for the Panthers, who play host to North Carolina Thursday. ... The Tar Heels topped Virginia 26-13, but it was a non-cover for UNC, as they slipped to 4-3 ATS on the season. ... Duke won at Virginia Tech in 4OT, eventually outlasting the Hokies 45-43. It was actually a bad beat for 'under' bettors.

-- Wisconsin topped Illinois 24-13 for their first cover since Sept. 26, a span of three games. And for the sixth straight game the 'under' came in for the Badgers. ... Indiana side bettors were feeling pretty good after three quarters, down 28-26 with a two-touchdown spread at Michigan State. But Sparty came alive with a 24-0 fourth quarter to double up the Hoosiers 52-26. ... For the first time this season Maryland has covered two in a row after their near-miss against Penn State, 31-30. The Nittany Lions are a solid 6-2 SU, but they're 3-5 ATS.

-- Texas turned its season around with their Red River Rivalry victory against Oklahoma, and they followed it up with a convincing 23-9 win against Kansas State. The Longhorns started out 1-4 ATS, but they're now 2-0 ATS in the past two while the 'under' has connected in four in a row.

-- In late-night action it was Colorado winning as a one-point underdog at Oregon State, and they ended up snapping a 14-game conference losing streak, longest in the FBS. The Buffaloes entered the game just 1-5-1 ATS. ... Stanford held off Washington 31-14 for the narrow cover, improving to 6-0 SU/ATS since their opening game loss at Northwestern back on Sept. 5. ... Don't look now, but Washington State has won three straight and covered four in a row after their 45-42 win at Arizona. The Cougars need just one more game for bowl eligibility.

-- Arkansas outlasted Auburn 54-46 in quadruple-overtime in what was actually a bad beat in a number of ways. See below. ... Louisiana State was a bit sluggish early on against Western Kentucky, but they pulled away for a 48-20 win. Total bettors experienced a bad beat in this one in the final minutes, too. ... Mississippi drummed visiting Texas A&M 23-3 in an SEC West elimination game of sorts. After opening with three straight overs, Ole Miss has had the under come through in five in a row.

Mid-Major Report

-- In AAC action, South Florida rubbed out Southern Methodist 38-14 for the third straight cover for the Bulls. Overall USF improved to 5-1-1 ATS on the season. ... Temple improved to 7-0 SU for the first time in school history with their 24-14 win at East Carolina Thursday. The Owls improved to 3-1 ATS in four road games.

-- Last season Southern Mississippi was awful, winning just three of their 12 games while going 5-7 ATS. However, they routed Charlotte Saturday by a 44-10 score, earning their fifth victory of the season and improving to 7-1 ATS. Total bettors are also enjoying the Golden Eagles, as the 'under' has cashed in five straight outings. ... Florida Atlantic was a favorite among side bettors last season, covering their final seven games as underdogs. However the Owls have been terrible this season, slipping to 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS after their road loss at Texas-El Paso.

-- Bowling Green tattooed Kent State 48-0, winning for the fifth straight game and improving to 6-1 ATS over the past seven outings. ... Toledo fell behind 28-10 at Massachusetts, worrying side bettors laying the 15 points. However, it was all Rockets in the second half, as they outscored the Minutemen 41-7 to improve to 6-0-1 ATS. ... Eastern Michigan played hard at Northern Illinois, but they fell 49-21 for a push at most shops. However, the 'over' connected for the fifth straight, and seventh time in eight outings.

-- San Diego State covered as short dogs at home, humbling Utah State 48-14. After opening 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS, the Aztecs have rattled off four straight wins and covers heading into their Halloween battle at Colorado State. ... San Jose State got back on track with a 31-21 win over New Mexico, improving to 4-1 ATS over the past five outings. ... Nevada held off Hawaii 30-20 for a cover, and the 'under' has now connected in five in a row for the Wolf Pack.

-- Texas State bounced South Alabama 36-18, as the Bobcats snapped an 0-3 SU/ATS skid. It was the first 'under' of the season for TSU, who entered play with a 4-0-1 'over' run. ... Appalachian State picked up a 31-13 win against Georgia Southern Thursday night in Boone. The Mountaineers have won five straight, and they improved to 5-2 ATS on the season with their third consecutive cover. The under has hit in six of seven for App State this season, too.

Bad Beats

-- With a total of 55, 'under' bettors were feeling positive at 6:55 with a total of 42 points on the board. However, a couple of late field goals sent it to over with 48 total points. The two sides then combined for 52 points in the four-overtime game, ending up with 100 points on the board when the dust settled. Arkansas bettors were feeling good at plus-7 for most of the day. However, as the game went into the fourth overtime, the Tigers scored a touchdown and converted the two-point conversion to go up eight, covering for the first time all day. The Hogs were unable to answer.

-- If you were sitting on the 'under' (65) in WKU-LSU, things were looking good until the Tigers struck for a 47-yard touchdown run with 1:49 to go to push the total over.

-- Duke led 24-16 late at Virginia Tech, as 'under' (45) bettors prayed for defense. It never came. The Hokies struck for a touchdown and two-point conversion with 2:07 left in regulation, forcing overtime. The two teams then racked up 43 more points before the Blue Devils came away with a 45-43 win in 4OT.

-- 'Over' (68.5) bettors had 56 points on the board after three quarters Friday in California-UCLA. However, there were no points from 1:59 of the third quarter to 2:00 of the fourth quarter to push the total under.

-- 'Under' (53) bettors were feeling good in Ohio-Buffalo until the Bulls struck for a 39-yard touchdown run to push the total over in the 41-17 victory.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 10:41 PM

Miami fires Golden after 58-0 loss
October 25, 2015

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) The worst loss in Miami's storied history will be Al Golden's last with the Hurricanes.

In a move that long seemed inevitable, Golden was fired Sunday with more than four full years left on his contract. Tight ends coach Larry Scott will take over as interim head coach, as the Hurricanes try to save their season and take another run at trying to reclaim lost prominence.

''Making a change mid-season in any athletic program is something I prefer not to do, as I believe coaching evaluations should take place after a season concludes,'' said Miami athletic director Blake James, who told Golden of the decision Sunday night. ''However, in this instance, all of our interests are best served by moving forward and looking ahead, not behind.''

Golden went 32-25 with the Hurricanes and 17-18 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, his entire stint marred by an NCAA investigation and subsequent fallout caused by things that happened before he arrived in Coral Gables. His last game with Miami was a 58-0 loss to then-No. 6 Clemson, a result that had fans booing from the stands and calling for his departure - as many angrily had for some time.

Miami (4-3, 1-2) plays at Duke on Saturday night. The Hurricanes are scheduled to resume practice Tuesday.

James said he would begin a search for the next coach ''in due time,'' adding that he thought Golden ''has led our program through some very difficult times and he has done so with class, integrity and a true desire to see our students succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community.''

Golden did not return a call seeking comment. He met with his team for a final time Sunday evening.

''He did so much for this University,'' Miami safety Dallas Crawford wrote on Twitter late Sunday. ''Doesn't matter how many games the next coach wins he'll still be winning with Golden's team.''

Golden, who played for Joe Paterno at Penn State, is 59-59 in parts of 10 seasons as a head coach. He helped revitalize Temple's program in his first opportunity as a head coach, then replaced Randy Shannon at Miami. The Hurricanes climbed to No. 7 in the AP Top 25 for a stretch in 2013, but have not finished a season in the national rankings since the 2009 campaign.

''He helped us weather a challenging time early in his tenure and he has always acted with class and integrity,'' Stuart Miller, the chair of Miami's board of trustees, said to other trustees Sunday night in an email obtained by The Associated Press. ''We have many off the field achievements to be proud of.''

On the field, that was a different story.

Miami is moving on. Golden will simply be moving. He was dogged by players transferring out of Miami, big-time recruits from talent-rich South Florida often deciding to play elsewhere and having teams with obvious talent not winning enough. And he was a lightning rod for criticism for much of his time with the Hurricanes.

Eventually, enough was enough.

''Anybody that's in coaching realizes that you're always just a step away,'' Duke coach David Cutcliffe said Sunday.

Golden was hired in December 2010. Before he coached a single game with the Hurricanes, Miami was hit with a massive NCAA investigation sparked by the actions of a former booster who was associated with the school long before Golden's arrival. The school forfeited two bowl trips because of that probe as well as what would have been a trip to the 2012 ACC championship game.

Miami is still dealing with the effects of that scandal. This year's team had 80 scholarship players, five fewer than the maximum allowed - and that was to be the last step, Golden hoped, in finally escaping all the sanctions that Miami was handed by the NCAA in response to the extra benefits provided by convicted and currently imprisoned Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro as well as other rule-breaking inside the department.

When the Hurricanes get back to 85 scholarships, it will be under a new coach. James said that Scott will be the coach through a bowl game, if Miami qualifies for one.

''Excited to see what he can do,'' said former Miami kicker Matt Goudis, adding that Scott is well-respected throughout the locker room.

Miami won the last of its five national championships in 2001, hasn't appeared in what was once called the BCS bowls - the Orange, Fiesta, Sugar and Rose - since 2003. They have yet to win the ACC since joining in 2004 and haven't even won a bowl game since 2006, the last night of Larry Coker's regime with the Hurricanes.

''We have a history of championships and excellence,'' James wrote in a letter to the university community. ''And I believe we can get there again.''

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 10:43 PM

O'Leary retiring as UCF's football coach
October 25, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Following one of the worst starts in program history, George O'Leary is retiring as UCF's football coach, effective immediately, the school announced Sunday.

It comes a day after the Knights dropped to 0-8 with a 59-10 loss to Houston, the worst home defeat in school history. Quarterbacks coach Danny Barrett has been named interim coach.

The decision ends a tumultuous season marked by a rash of injuries and dismal on-field play that was punctuated by UCF being ranked last in Football Bowl Subdivision in total offense.

''In recent weeks there has been much speculation about the head coaching position at UCF and my future plans. Hopefully this statement clarifies the facts,'' O'Leary said in a statement. ''After the 2013 championship season and Fiesta Bowl win I expressed my intention to retire at that time. After significant discussion with the UCF administration, I reconsidered and agreed to coach two additional seasons, 2014 and 2015. The administration has always been aware of my plan to retire after this season.''

O'Leary agreed to a contract extension in 2014 on the heels of a program-best 12-win season and Fiesta Bowl victory.

''In an effort to allow UCF to accelerate its search for my successor and clarify the facts regarding my future plans, I am retiring effective immediately,'' O'Leary said.

The 69-year-old coach leaves UCF with an 81-68 record. He went 0-11 in his first season at UCF in 2004, but took the Knights to their first-ever bowl appearance in 2005. It was the first of seven bowl berths the under O'Leary.

O'Leary previously stepped down as interim athletic director on Oct. 12.

UCF President John Hitt said in a statement that he expects the new head coach will come from outside of the UCF program.

''This season has been difficult, and I support George's decision to retire now so our program can begin planning for the future,'' Hitt said.

Calls for O'Leary to resign as coach ramped up last week after he told an Orlando radio station he would not authorize the school to release a current version of his coaching contract.

That came after the Associated Press and other media outlets requested its release as rumors swirled that there might be a coach-in-waiting clause to name longtime assistant Brent Key as O'Leary's successor.

Though O'Leary was an employee of UCF's private athletic department, the school had previously released his and other coach's contracts. The school officials said last week that because of a legal ruling, it would need authorization from its coaches before releasing current versions. That request was supposed to take place following Saturday's game.

Coming off back-to-back American Athletic Conference titles, the Knights the started the season with a narrow loss to Florida International. Things got worse the following week when starting quarterback Justin Holman left the game early with a broken finger during a lopsided loss at Stanford.

More injuries mounted, then following a one-point loss to FCS-member Furman in Week 3, O'Leary announced that the dismissal of all-conference running back Will Stanback for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

It forced the Knights to play more young players, and the margins of defeat began to grow in subsequent losses to South Carolina (31-14), Tulane (45-31), Connecticut (40-13) and Temple (30-14).

Despite this year's struggles, O'Leary did take the Knights program to new heights during his tenure.

Calling UCF ''a sleeping giant'' when he was hired in 2004, he succeeded in helping the school achieve national recognition both on and off the field.

Aside from the bowl appearances, he was the driving force in helping UCF secure private funding to build an on-campus stadium that opened in 2007. The football team has also been cited for its academic success and perennially high graduation rate.

But for all his on-field success, O'Leary also endured his share of high-profile controversies during his UCF tenure.

In 2012 UCF was fined, placed on five years' probation, and given recruiting limitations stemming from a 2011 NCAA investigation that found the football and basketball programs were involved with runners for sports agents and making cash payments to recruits.

O'Leary wasn't one of several coaches individually reprimanded for the incident, though it did lead to the resignations of then-athletic director Keith Tribble and assistant football coach David Kelly.

That incident came after freshman football player Ereck Plancher collapsed and died after a preseason conditioning drill in 2008.

Several players testified on behalf of Plancher's parents during a wrongful death lawsuit against UCF Athletic Association in 2011. The players said in the civil trial that the team was doing intense mat drills, and that the coaching staff berated Plancher minutes before he died.

A jury later awarded Plancher's family a $10 million judgment after finding UCFAA was negligent and failed to do everything possible to save his life.

O'Leary's actions are also at the heart of a lawsuit UCFAA is currently facing that was brought by former UCF football assistant coach Paul Ferraro. He is suing UCF's athletic department for breach of contract, alleging that O'Leary engaged in continuous criticism of his work and created a work environment that included bullying, threatening behavior and repeated discriminatory epithets.

O'Leary has denied any wrongdoing.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 10:44 PM

LSU, Alabama can only wait for showdown
October 25, 2015

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama and LSU have navigated rugged stretches leading up to a two-week wait. Then comes what figures to be the most hyped Southeastern Conference game of the regular season.

The seventh-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 4 LSU both have open dates before the big SEC West rendezvous at Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 7.

''Definitely looking forward to it,'' Tigers receiver Malachi Dupre said after Saturday night's 48-20 win over Western Kentucky. ''You are talking about a game that everybody has marked on their calendar a year before it happens.''

Alabama (7-1, 4-1) has won the last four meetings. LSU (7-0, 4-0) is the last unbeaten team in the league and powered by the nation's leading rusher Leonard Fournette.

Both received at least one first-place vote in Sunday's Associated Press Top 25.

Now, they get a week of rest, fine tuning, extra film study - and, of course, hype. The break comes at a good time before a matchup of smashmouth teams powered by big, powerful runners and top-10 rushing defenses.

Fournette is regarded as the Heisman Trophy front-runner with 1,352 yards and 15 touchdowns. Alabama's Derrick Henry has racked up 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns.

''I expect a matchup between two power football teams,'' LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith said. ''I guess you can call us twin teams. I definitely think they are going to come out and try and pound the football. We will be ready. We see it every day in practice. We will be ready.''

Beyond Fournette, LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is coming off a career performance. He passed for 286 yards and three touchdowns, two of them for 50-plus yards, against Western Kentucky.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said he could tell his team was getting weary in Saturday's 19-14 win over Tennessee on Henry's 14-yard touchdown with 2:24 left followed by a forced fumble.

''We were tired out there, dead-legged,'' Saban said. ''Didn't look very quick, didn't look very fast. Didn't have a lot of energy like we usually do. I think that's playing eight games in a row.

''But the best thing I can say is you've got to really respect a team that finds a way to win, makes plays when they have to make plays.''

Other SEC teams have fallen by the wayside since 10 teams were ranked in the Top 25. Now, there are five, including No. 11 Florida, No. 19 Mississippi and No. 25 Mississippi State.

The Tide has been an overwhelming force on the road but has had some struggles at home, losing to No. 19 Mississippi and either trailing or tied with Arkansas and Tennessee at halftime.

''I don't know why that is, it's just funny,'' Henry said. ''We haven't played a complete game at home yet, but we've got to build off this win, prepare right in the bye week into next week.

''We've got to finish better when we're at home.''

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2015, 10:47 PM

Utah, FSU losses shake up Top 25
October 25, 2015

Utah dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten and so did Florida State.

The two losses led to a shake-up in The Associated Press' Top 25 college football poll.

Ohio State (8-0) strengthened its season-long hold on the top spot, adding 11 first-place votes in Sunday's balloting after rolling over Rutgers.

Baylor (7-0) remained at No. 2, but lost five first-place votes and now total seven. Clemson (7-0) climbed three spots to No. 3 and has six first-place votes.

LSU (7-0) moved up a spot and received five first-place votes following its win over Western Kentucky. TCU (7-0) dropped a spot to No. 5 despite not playing over the weekend.

No. 7 Alabama (7-1), a spot behind Michigan State (8-0) in the poll, was the only one-loss team to receive a first-place vote after holding off Tennessee.

Utah (6-1) had been gaining on Ohio State, receiving 16 first-place votes last week while moving up to No. 3, their highest regular-season ranking.

Considered a contender for the College Football Playoff, Utah was no match for unranked Southern California, losing 42-24 as Cameron Smith returned one of his three interceptions 54 yards for a touchdown.

The loss dropped the Utes 10 spots to No. 13 and made them a long shot for a CFB spot.

Florida State (6-1) didn't last long in the top 10, falling eight spots to No. 17.

The Seminoles were on the short end of the season's second bizarre special teams ending, losing to Georgia Tech 22-16 after Lance Austin scooped up a blocked field goal and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown on the game's final play.

---

MOVING UP

- Michigan State moved up a spot to No. 6 after rolling over Indiana.

- Stanford moved up two spots to No. 8 after beating Washington.

- Notre Dame returned to the top 10, climbing two spots to No. 9 during its bye week.

- Iowa is in the top 10, too, up two spots to No. 10.

- No. 11 Florida and No. 12 Oklahoma State each moved up two places.

- No. 14 Oklahoma climbed three spots after crushing Texas Tech.

- The three AAC unbeatens each moved up: Memphis up two to 16, Houston up three to No. 18, Temple up one to No. 21

- No. 19 Mississippi moved up four spots after knocking off Texas A&M 23-3

- No. 22 Duke moved up one spot; No. 23 Pittsburgh climbed two.

---

FALLING DOWN

- In addition to Utah, Florida State and TCU dropping, Toledo fell one place to No. 20 despite beating UMass.

---

MOVING IN

- UCLA is back in the poll at No. 24 after knocking off California 40-24 last Thursday. The Bruins climbed as high as No. 7 before consecutive losses to Arizona State and Stanford dropped them from the Top 25.

- Mississippi State returns after beating Kentucky.

---

FALLING OUT

- Texas A&M dropped out from No. 15 after its loss to Mississippi

- Cal is out after its loss to UCLA.

---

RANKED VS. RANKED

Temple (7-0) is off to its best start in history, and the No. 19 Owls will host No. 9 Notre Dame (6-1) on Saturday night in Philadelphia, at Lincoln Financial Field.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-26-2015, 01:17 PM

Baylor facing huge loss with QB Russell
October 25, 2015

WACO, Texas (AP) Playoff hopeful Baylor is facing a potentially huge loss after staying undefeated, with quarterback Seth Russell set to see a specialist for a fractured bone in his neck.

The extent of Russell's injury won't be known until after that visit early this week, but the second-ranked Bears (7-0) will almost certainly be without the top-rated FBS passer for at least some time when headed into their toughest stretch of the season.

''Always concerned, 100 percent. First and foremost, about his health and then football,'' coach Art Briles said after Russell got hurt in the Bears' 45-27 victory over Iowa State on Saturday.

Briles later told ESPN's Brett McMurphy that Russell ''would probably be out awhile.''

Baylor officials said again Sunday that the timetable for Russell's return was still unknown until after seeing the specialist.

Russell, a devout Christian, posted a message on his Twitter and Instagram accounts that read, ''His plan isn't always clear..but trusting in His plan for me. Thanks for all the prayers Baylor.''

The message by Russell made no other reference to his injury, or the extent of it.

Immediately after Baylor won its FBS-best 20th consecutive home game, Russell was described as having a strained neck. X-rays and a CT scan later revealed the fractured bone.

Highly-touted freshman Jarrett Stidham would take over for Russell as starter. Stidham has played in every game this season, completing 24 of 28 passes for 331 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Russell is 119 of 200 for 2,104 yards with FBS-high 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. The junior's 29 passing TDs and six rushing scores match what Bryce Petty had in his 12 games last season for Baylor before being drafted by the New York Jets.

Petty missed only one game last year after cracking two small bones in his back. That was the only game before this season that Russell had started.

Baylor has already moved sophomore Chris Johnson from receiver back to quarterback on the depth chart behind Stidham. Johnson completed his only four passes for 45 yards last season, and has three catches for 37 yards this year.

With an open date before playing Nov. 5, a Thursday night at struggling Kansas State (3-4), there is some extra time for Stidham to prepare as the No. 1 quarterback.

Baylor's next home game is Nov. 14 against 14th-ranked Oklahoma (6-1), before consecutive road games at 12th-ranked Oklahoma State and fifth-ranked TCU, the Big 12's other undefeated teams so far.

Russell's final play against Iowa State was a 4-yard run on third-and-5 with 5:36 left, though it was not immediately apparent he was hurt. There was helmet-to-helmet contact when he put his head down pushing forward, and was tackled in a pile with five Cyclones.

When the Bears called timeout and decided to kick a field goal rather than trying to convert a fourth-and-1, Briles said they ''didn't feel like (Russell) was ready to go on that fourth down.''

**StarDust Bum** · 10-26-2015, 01:20 PM

QB Lynch shining in spotlight for Memphis
October 26, 2015

Paxton Lynch might not have a seat at the Heisman Trophy presentation in December, thanks to a star-studded group of contenders led by LSU running back Leonard Fournette.

The Memphis quarterback, however, has made a solid case as the best non-Power 5 conference player in the country - a resume he solidified in front of a national audience in this weekend's 66-42 win at Tulsa on Friday night.

Lynch, a week after guiding the undefeated No. 16 Tigers past Mississippi, put together another remarkable performance in the win over the Golden Hurricane. The junior from Florida threw for a career-high 447 yards on 32-of-44 passing, also throwing for four touchdowns in the highest-scoring FBS game so far this season.

His yardage was the second highest of the week in the country behind Washington State quarterback Luke Falk's 514 yards passing, and he's now fifth in the country in passing efficiency, with 17 touchdowns and one interception.

Not bad for someone who has gone from lightly recruited in high school - he missed half of his senior season with a knee injury - to putting himself and his Memphis teammates in the national spotlight.

''I just try my best to block (the attention) out and think of it as another game,'' Lynch said. ''The guys around me keep playing great when the games are on TV, and even when they're not on TV.''

The 6-foot-7, 245-pound Lynch struggled as a redshirt freshman in 2013, completing 58.2 percent of his passes and throwing 10 interceptions and only nine touchdowns. His steady improvement began last year when he threw for 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions, but he's been spectacular this year - a jump he credited to Tigers coach Justin Fuente and the coaching staff.

''My second year, I just realized that you can't just go out there and play the game,'' Lynch said. ''You've got to prepare for it. ... Once I realized that, I gave myself an opportunity to play good and I've been playing well.''

Some other notable statistical performers following the start of the second half of the season:

GOLDEN GARRETT:

Lynch wasn't the only star performer in Memphis' win over Tulsa, with Golden Hurricane wide receiver Keyarris Garrett catching 14 passes for a career-high 268 yards. The receiving yards were the most in the country for the week, and Garrett is making a habit of playing well against top teams - he also caught 14 passes for 189 yards against No. 14 Oklahoma last month.

SURGING TIGERS:

For many, the perception is that Clemson is an offense-first program under coach Dabo Swinney. The No. 3 Tigers are putting up points this season - averaging 38.4 per game - but they are also one of the top defensive teams in the country. Following a 58-0 win over Miami on Saturday, Clemson is fourth nationally in total defense - allowing 262.3 yards per game.

ROSEN'S RECORDS:

UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen added to his record-setting freshman season in a 40-24 win over California. Rosen set a school record with 34 completions, also throwing for a career-best 399 yards for the No. 24 Bruins.

FOURNETTE WATCH:

A week in review just wouldn't be complete without an update on Fournette, LSU's remarkable sophomore running back. He had 150 yards in a 48-20 win over Western Kentucky and is now averaging 193.1 yards rushing per game. That's 45 more yards per game than second-best Dalvin Cook of Florida State.

EXTRA POINTS:

Penn State senior defensive end Carl Nassib had a sack in a 31-30 win over Maryland, and he leads the country with 12 1/2 sacks on the season. ... San Jose State's Tyler Ervin had the top rushing performance of the week with 263 yards on the ground in a win over New Mexico. The senior is now third in the country with 144.9 yards rushing per game. ... Two teams have yet to allow a sack this season: Air Force and No. 20 Toledo.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-26-2015, 01:21 PM

Special teams playing huge role in college football race
October 25, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) Another week, another wild finish in college football.

It doesn't even seem that improbable anymore.

If nothing else, Georgia Tech's stunning victory over Florida State on a 78-yard return of a blocked field goal as time ran out - not to mention Michigan State shocking Michigan on the final play with a touchdown off a bobbled punt two weekends ago - demonstrates the importance of special teams, a phase of the game that often gets shortchanged because of limitations on staff and practice time.

Many schools don't have a full-time special teams coordinator, handing the role to an assistant with other duties.

That's the case at Florida State, where Jay Graham oversees the running backs as well as the kicking game.

''We know when there's a blocked kick, you've got to cover it,'' said Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher, whose team tumbled eight spots to No. 17 in The Associated Press ranking Sunday and may have lost its shot at contending for a national title. ''We talk about that all the time.''

Not enough, apparently.

Florida State (6-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) got caught flat-footed when Georgia Tech blocked Roberto Aguayo's attempt at a winning field goal from 56 yards with 6 seconds remaining. Lance Austin picked it up at his own 22, took off the other way, and didn't stop running until he gave the Yellow Jackets a 22-16 victory Saturday night.

''A lot of their guys, a lot of our guys thought it was dead,'' Aguayo conceded. ''It was kind of confusing.''

While Aguayo was attempting the longest field goal of his brilliant career, both he and Fisher insisted it was well within the kicker's range. In fact, Georgia Tech had lost the previous week to Pittsburgh on a field goal from the same distance with just over a minute remaining. Aguayo had made 60 of 66 attempts for the Seminoles, never missing in the fourth quarter.

But when kicking from that far away, the trajectory must be a bit lower than an attempt from closer in. Patrick Gamble got a hand on the ball to seemingly force overtime.

Austin had other ideas.

With the ball rolling deep into Georgia Tech territory, he took off after it even while some of his teammates were still jumping around in celebration. On the sideline, coach Paul Johnson waved his arms and shouted for the sophomore to stay away from the ball.

After a brief hesitation, Austin decided to pick it up anyway.

That seemed to catch the Seminoles off guard. Suddenly, Austin had a wall of blockers in front of him as he took off down the sideline in front of the Georgia Tech bench. Only two players really had a shot at him, but Aguayo missed a diving tackle and another Florida State player spun off Austin when he made a brilliant cut at the 20.

''It was kind of surreal,'' Austin said.

The play was reminiscent of Auburn's 109-yard return of a missed field goal to beat Alabama on the final play in 2013, a game that ended the Crimson Tide's hopes of a third straight national title and will forever be known as ''Kick Six.''

Now, for the second week in a row, we have a special teams TD deciding a game on the final play - both of which could have a huge impact on this year's title race.

No. 6 Michigan State (8-0) is still in the mix thanks to Michigan's blunder while attempting a punt with 10 seconds remaining. The snap was low, punter Blake O'Neill couldn't hang on, and as he desperately tried to do something with the ball, it popped in the air right to Jalen Watts-Jackson. With a convoy of blockers leading the way, he took it to the end zone for a 27-21 victory as time expired.

At Georgia Tech, the kicking game became such a sore point that Johnson finally hired his first full-time special teams assistant in 2012. Even so, the Yellow Jackets had actually been struggling this season, essentially giving away a game at Duke with huge coverage breakdowns that led to a pair of touchdowns.

In case you're wondering, Michigan also has a dedicated special teams coordinator (John Baxter). At Michigan State, linebacker coach Mark Snyder doubles up to handle the kicking game duties.

So, a full-time coach doesn't mean you'll never have a breakdown on special teams.

But one thing's for sure after the last two weeks: This often-overlooked part of the game is worthy of everyone's attention.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-28-2015, 12:00 AM

Missouri reinstates QB Maty Mauk
October 27, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) Missouri has reinstated quarterback Maty Mauk from a suspension for violation of team rules, according to multiple published reports Tuesday.

It is not known whether Mauk will start in the Tigers' next game Nov. 5 at home against Mississippi State.

A school official would not confirm the move Wednesday and said coach Gary Pinkel would address the situation on the SEC coaches' teleconference Wednesday morning.

Freshman Drew Lock won his first career start earlier this month against South Carolina, but Missouri has been held to a total of 12 points with no touchdowns during a three-game losing skid since then.

Mauk is 17-5 as the starter.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-28-2015, 12:02 AM

Syracuse coach Shafer remains optimistic
October 27, 2015

Syracuse football coach Scott Shafer retains a steely resolve despite four straight losses and fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations.

The losing streak comes on the heels of a 3-0 start at home and Saturday's 23-20 loss in the Carrier Dome to then-No. 25 Pitt.

''The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty,'' Shafer posted Tuesday on his Twitter account, quoting Winston Churchill and later crediting his wife, Missy, for passing along the phrase.

The Panthers, coached by Shafer's friend Pat Narduzzi, used a play that the Orange (3-4, 1-2 ACC) have employed with great success - the fake kick. Last year, Orange punter Riley Dixon threw for a game-winning touchdown off a fake field goal and also ran for 42 yards off a fake punt, and last month he converted a fourth-and-4 on a fake field goal run against then-No. 8 LSU in a 34-24 loss.

Pitt turned the tables after Narduzzi feigned disgust at an incompletion on a third-and-7 play. Punter Ryan Winslow then completed a 12-yard pass from near midfield to linebacker Matt Galambos for a first down as the Orange were caught focusing on getting a good return. That kept alive what turned into a 19-play drive that started inside the Pitt 10, took more than nine minutes off the clock and ended with Chris Blewitt's 25-yard field goal as time expired.

''Every loss hurts, not necessarily any more than another,'' Shafer said Tuesday. ''You can't lose sleep over a call. You have to redirect your mindset and say, `OK, those things are beyond us. Now we have to move forward.' You never want to spend too much time looking back.''

Last year, Syracuse won its first two games and finished 3-9 as an unusual number of injuries took out key players on both sides of the ball. This year's skid comes as Shafer has played an unusual number of underclassmen as he tries to build for the future.

In the Pittsburgh loss, 17 of 22 starters were underclassmen, and on the season freshmen have accounted for 73.8 percent of the offense (1,767 yards). Defensively, more than half of the Orange starters have been freshmen or sophomores, and at least seven starters on defense have been freshmen or sophomores in every game.

Freshman quarterback Eric Dungey has been the key offensively, completing 79 of 122 passes for 1,020 yards with 11 TDs and three interceptions. He's also taken a beating, missing one game last month with a head injury after a violent helmet-to-helmet hit and enduring more shots to the head since his return.

Against the Panthers, Dungey was hit hard on a keeper on the first play of the second half and lay face-down and motionless on the turf for a bit as a hush fell over the crowd. He then quickly hopped up as if nothing had happened but was taken to the locker room to be evaluated. Dungey missed only three offensive plays before returning and remains a key to the remainder of the season.

''It's like anything. When you're in a position to make a decision that you are not a professional on, you go to the professionals, the people that have studied those things,'' said Shafer, in his third season as head coach at Syracuse. ''When the doctors say no or the doctors say yes, we move on to the next play, the next series, the next game, the next season.''

Of the five games remaining on the schedule, two are against ACC teams that have been ranked all season: a road game at No. 17 Florida State (6-1, 4-1) on Saturday, and a home game against No. 3 Clemson (7-0, 4-0) in mid-November.

''Coach Shafer preaches all the time that this team is really strong,'' sophomore wideout Steve Ishmael said. ''He sees a lot in us.''

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