TWIF Notes 8-28-23
Welcome Back!
We had a sparse weekend of games, with the expected routs, some close games, and a couple of surprising results. Let's get to the recaps!
Notre Dame routed Navy 42-3, pretty much as expected, but the Midshipmen had their chances to make a game of it, but just couldn't convert- missing wide open receivers, receivers dropping passes, and putting the ball on the ground (though they didn't lose any of the fumbles). Going 4-14 on 3rd down and giving up 2 sacks on what few pass attempts they had didn't help, either. For Notre Dame's part, they looked very efficient and balanced on offense, and if this game is any indication, they may be a threat to go undefeated. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and overreact to one game.
Jacksonville State jumped out to a 10-0 lead and then held on for a 17-14 win over UTEP, getting a fantastic start to their FBS journey. While the Miners won the TOP battle at approximately 35 minutes to 25, they lost the turnover battle 3-0, as the game ended when they threw an INT in JSU territory as time was running down. JSU held UTEP to 3-12 on 3rd downs, and only 1-3 on 4th downs. This severely hampers UTEP's chances of making the CUSA Championship Game, as maybe they just aren't as good as expected, and this could put pressure on HC Dimel, especially if they don't improve in the coming weeks.
UMass looked very impressive in their 41-30 win over New Mexico State, winning the turnover battle 3-0, including a pick 6, having 3 sacks to NMSU's 0, and rushing for 197 yds while passing for 192. While the Aggies outgained the Minutemen, they were only 2-9 on 3rd downs. According to ESPN Stats and Info, it was UMass's 1st season opening win against an FBS team since beating Ball State in 1984, and the 1st on the road since defeating Rutgers in 1973. UMass may not be the worst team in CFB this year, and just may win multiple games for the 1st time since 2018. On the other hand, NMSU needs to go back to the drawing board and see what they need to do to cut down on mistakes if they hope to challenge in CUSA.
Ohio couldn't get out of their own way as they dominated for 3 quarters, but still trailed and ultimately lost 20-13 to San Diego State. The Bobcats threw 3 INTs and were sacked twice, but still had a chance to tie the game at the end. Unfortunately, starting QB Kurtis Rourke was hurt early and didn't play again, and it's unknown how long he will be unavailable, if at all. The SDSU defense played well, while the offense played just well enough. With their tough schedule over the next few weeks (UCLA Sep 9, @ Ore St Sep 16, Boise St Sep 23, @ Air Force Sep 30), the Aztecs will need to spend the next 2 weeks getting better (they host FCS Idaho St this week) if they hope to compete and win.
Vanderbilt built a 21-point lead, then had to hold on to defeat Hawaii 35-28. The Rainbow Warriors looked much improved from a year ago, as their passing offense amassed 391 yds, but 2 INTs, 1 in the end zone, one on the potential game-tying drive, did them in. The Commodores were only able to rush for 39 yds this year after gaining over 400 yds last year, and finished with 297 total yds after having over 600 total yds last year against this same team. Vandy will need to improve their offense if they hope to compete in the SEC and get to 6 wins.
USC started slow then blew out San Jose State by a score of 56-28. The Trojans only led 21-14 at the half, but dominated the 3rd quarter 21-7, scoring in almost every way possible as they amassed 501 total yards for the game.
La Tech fell into a 14-0 1st quarter hole, then clawed back to win 22-17 over FIU, scoring a TD with just over a minute left to take their only lead of the game after missing a FG just a few minutes earlier. The Bulldogs dominated statistically, with 447 total yards to 182 for the Panthers, and held FIU to just 4 yds passing, and 3-12 on 3rd downs. This was a battle to stay out of the basement of CUSA, perhaps, as LT got revenge for last year's loss to the Panthers.
That's all the games for this week! Next week I'll be reviewing all 87 games!
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