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Hey once more, people! We’re again off the bye week, rested and able to go for one more installment of Clear Your Schedule!
There’s one thing oddly releasing about watching faculty soccer from a wonderful, million-dollar seashore home with waves gently lapping outdoors. That’s completely the way it occurred. That is theater of the thoughts, proper?
ANYway…
Sunday Tales
It’s time for the 4 largest tales from the week prior in faculty soccer. Settlement just isn’t required, however I all the time admire it.
Not again: It appears as if — sadly — I’ve spent my decade-plus on this area generally declaring Texas to not be again. We thought this 12 months could be completely different. Nope.
Now, the Massive 12 was left with two undefeated groups till Thursday — Oklahoma and (checks notes) West Virginia? Critically?
Look, the Mountaineers are an superior story — particularly after half the nation had already fired Neal Brown earlier than the season began — however nearly each speaking head conceivable instantly began wishcasting the Oklahoma-Texas rematch later within the season. A respectable query: If the Massive 12 championship sport finally ends up being Oklahoma-Texas, will the winner present up at SEC Media Days and throw the trophy within the rubbish, WCW Monday Nitro-style?
If you recognize, you recognize.
Cardinal win: Hey all people, have a look at your betting slips! You had the primary bowl-eligible groups, proper? There’s Oklahoma, Michigan, USC, Georgia, Liberty, and…Louisville? What? You imply the college that hasn’t received greater than eight video games in a season since 2016? The varsity that simply misplaced its head coach to Cincinnati? That one?
It feels odd to say that shedding one’s coach with out their being fired was an improve, however Jeff Brohm has instantly put Louisville again on the map. The Cardinals are again within the prime 20 and coming off an enormous win — and area storm! — towards Notre Dame on Saturday evening. It’s good to see pleasure again within the Derby Metropolis, and should you have a look at the remaining schedule for the Playing cards, there’s an affordable shot they might end undefeated and make it to Charlotte. Okay, it’s at the least a non-zero shot. Both manner, Louisville is among the extra enjoyable tales of the 12 months.
On the subject of one of many different enjoyable tales within the ACC — although for various causes:
Do Hurricanes have knees?: Everybody has, by now, seen the fiasco that occurred to Miami in a late-game loss to Georgia Tech. Our good buddy Barrett Sallee shared the story over at CBSSports.com of Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson falling on the sword — or getting tossed underneath the bus like Cartman in that one South Park episode, relying in your viewpoint — and taking accountability for the goof. It’s not the primary time this has occurred to a Cristobal-coached group, both.
Being nationally ranked is nice and all, however Cristobal is 9-8 in a season-plus in Miami. Even in a stadium the place 58,045 folks confirmed up — allegedly — to observe the sport, this type of act wears skinny.
Talking of dumb, inexplicable teaching selections…
Fisch story: Arizona hasn’t been related in soccer in eternally. No hate, simply reality. The Wildcats have received seven video games in a season twice since 2014. They’ve received 10 video games in a season as soon as since 1998.
To be honest, a win Saturday evening in Los Angeles wouldn’t have been a tenth win — or perhaps a seventh — but it surely may have been a program-defining resolution for the Wildcats. Arizona took USC to additional time, went on protection, allowed a landing, after which instantly scored on its offensive possession. Arizona coach Jedd Fisch then discovered himself at a crossroads. Ought to the Wildcats go for 2 and attempt to finish the sport both manner, realizing that Heisman winner Caleb Williams would get one other look on the opposite sideline?
Nope.
Fisch determined to kick the additional level, and the Trojans received it two additional durations in a while a scramble by — you guessed it — Caleb Williams. Take an opportunity, man. Historical past doesn’t keep in mind the man who kicked an additional level on the street.
Additionally, not for nothing, however why does the “emcee” at USC need to scream on the crowd — within the Coliseum, of all locations — to make noise between each play? Particularly in additional time? Are they making an attempt to prepare for the apathy of the Massive Ten?
Transferring on…
Unhealthy Bets
And now for the time that I showcase my full lack of handicapping abilities. I make no claims on the contrary. With that, right here’s what you’ll learn each week:
I’ll choose 4 video games every week, with many not within the large P5 home windows, as a result of I have a tendency to paint outdoors these strains a bit. I’ll simply choose straight strains as they’re listed on the day I choose them — no cash strains, no teasing, nothing else. I’ll hold monitor of my file because the season goes alongside, and you may trash me within the feedback every week for my lack of prediction prowess.
NOTE: Not one of the textual content inside is supposed to function playing recommendation. That is largely meant for parody and light-hearted overview. At no level ought to any of the picks on this article be construed as playing recommendation provided by FBSchedules.com or me.
Week 5
#22 Florida at Kentucky (-1)
WHAT HAPPENED: Kentucky 33, Florida 14. I didn’t say it on the time, clearly, however this felt like the largest sucker wager in historical past. That’s the way it turned out.
Kentucky jumped out 16-0 within the first quarter and considerably screeched to the victory, however a win’s a win. Devin Leary had a pathetic 9-for-19 day for 69 yards, however did throw for a first-quarter rating that helped the Wildcats get the end result. Ray Davis ran for 280 yards and three scores on 26 carries. Unbelievable.
South Alabama at JMU (-3)
WHAT HAPPENED: JMU 31, South Alabama 23. This was one other sport the place the favored group considerably skidded to the end. The Dukes led, 31-10, with 11:47 to play after Jordan McCloud discovered Zach Horton for a 66-yard landing. The Jags scored twice over the subsequent seven minutes, reducing the margin to a single landing with 4:01 remaining. South Alabama may get no nearer, although, as JMU stays undefeated.
No, I’m not commenting on Virginia Lawyer Basic Jason Miyares’ attempt to get JMU into a bowl. Nope. Not occurring.
Virginia at Boston Faculty (-3)
WHAT HAPPENED: Boston Faculty 27, Virginia 24. What UVa’s first win — they might go on to get one final week towards FCS William & Mary — glided by the boards with 2:16 remaining, as Liam Connor banged residence a 42-yard area purpose. The ‘Hoos proceeded to step on a rake within the closing drive and earn the push.
Tony Muskett had a fairly strong day for Virginia, going 22-for-34 for 247 yards and three scores towards one rip. The run sport, although…woof. UVa ran for 59 yards on 29 carries (counting sacks) and ended up being too one-dimensional to overhaul the Eagles.
Pitt at Virginia Tech (+2.5)
WHAT HAPPENED: Virginia Tech 38, Pitt 21. Why would anybody wager towards Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on a Saturday evening? Why? As quickly as the primary notes of Enter Sandman performed, Pitt was achieved. That place was bananas from the bounce.
The Hokies led, 21-7, on the interval, and by no means seemed again. Kyron Drones was an environment friendly 12-for-19 for 228 yards and three scores and Tech so badly broke the Panthers that their quarterback has since moved to tight finish.
Week 7 (3-0-1 in Week 5, 8-10-2 this season)
Navy (-3.5) at Charlotte (2pm, ESPN+)
Troy (-4.5) at Military (3:30pm, CBSSN)
#14 Louisville (-6.5) at Pittsburgh (6:30pm, CW)
Wyoming at Air Drive (-10.5) (7pm, CBSSN)
And at last, listed here are the 4 “under-the-radar” video games I’ll be watching this week and how you can watch them. I’ll additionally embrace strains if there are any — for informational functions solely, naturally, as outlined within the above disclaimer. I don’t but have a reputation for this part. All instances are Japanese.
Georgia Southern (4-1, 1-0 Solar Belt) at James Madison (5-0, 2-0) (midday, ESPN2): We’ve talked fairly extensively about JMU on this area, so let’s give some consideration to the Eagles right here. GSU’s lone loss this season got here to Wisconsin, and so they’ve scored 78 factors during the last two video games. Davis Binn has the very best per-game passing common of any Solar Belt quarterback, tossing for simply over 322 yards per sport. Khaleb Hood has 39 grabs for 414 yards. Derwin Burgess Jr. has 36 for 371. Each have three TDs.
This can be a battle for the lead within the Solar Belt East, and your TV or stream must be locked on this sport from starting to finish.
LINE: JMU -6.
#7 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1 MVFC) at #15 North Dakota (3-2, 1-1) (2pm, ESPN+): The Battle for the Nickel Trophy is, as all the time, must-see TV. In the event you weren’t already in with two top-15 groups taking part in in Grand Forks, get in for this.
Throwin’ it again 🔥#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/xjDeSQvAbB
— North Dakota Soccer (@UNDfootball) October 12, 2023
Fireplace. Each the sport and the uniforms.
LINE: None at press time.
Marshall (4-1, 1-0) at Georgia State (4-1, 1-1) (7pm, ESPN2): One other nice Solar Belt East battle takes place within the former Turner Area in Atlanta. It’s Homecoming in Atlanta, and the Panthers welcome the Herd for an enormous one. Marshall fell, 48-41, to NC State after approaching 12 months with out being defeated. Solely two Solar Belt quarterbacks who’ve performed at the least 5 video games — ULM’s Jiya Wright and ODU’s Jack Shields — have thrown for fewer touchdowns than Cam Fancher’s six. The Herd are nonetheless a drive to be reckoned with, although, as Rasheen Ali has 9 touchdowns in 5 video games whereas dashing for 108 yards per contest.
Georgia State’s Marcus Carroll additionally has 9 scores on the bottom and rushes for nearly 117 yards per sport. Darren Grainger has only one extra passing rating than does Fancher.
The doable deciding issue: Georgia State is third within the Solar Belt in rush protection (102.2 yards per sport). Marshall is eleventh (183.2).
LINE: Georgia State -1.5.
#16 Montana (5-1, 3-0 Massive Sky) at #3 Idaho (5-1, 2-1) (10:30, ESPN2): There may be not an out there seat within the Kibbie Dome Saturday evening. Not one.
🚨VANDAL NATION YOU ARE THE BEST!🚨
BE EARLY! BE LOUD! pic.twitter.com/Qy5GbZVPHB
— Idaho Soccer (@VandalFootball) October 12, 2023
To cite the nice Wes Blankenship in his Coffeetown collection, if that don’t mild your hearth, your wooden’s moist. This can be a battle for supremacy in what some name (possibly not us, possibly so) one of the best league within the FCS. The Kibbie Dome goes to be completely nuts for a nationwide TV sport, and it’s worthwhile to make an appointment to lock in for this one. Overlook NC State-Duke. Overlook Pac-12 After Darkish. Moscow, Idaho, is the place your full consideration must be.
LINE: None at press time.
That is going to be a enjoyable faculty soccer weekend. Tune out all the pieces that’s happening on this planet, however don’t completely neglect it. Pray, ship good vibes, or no matter you do to your neighbor. Name your loved ones and pals. Inform somebody you’re keen on them, even should you inform them so daily.
See y’all subsequent week.
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