NCAAF Week 2 Recap
Notre Dame (5) and Texas A&M (6) fall as big favourites
Week 2 of the NCAAF was scarred by huge upsets of two teams in the top 6 rankings. Notre Dame was listed as (-20.5) favourites over Marshal for this matchup, while the Aggies were considered (-18.5) better than Appalachian St.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell 26-21 to the Thundering Herd. Marshall pulled away late with 2 TDs in the fourth quarter to seal the upset. Three INTs proved to be too much for the Irish to overcome and where the difference in the game.
Texas A&M managed only 9 first downs and 18 minutes of possession. The Mountaineers were full value for their upset victory and actually should have won the game by a higher margin.
Alabama (1) narrowly escapes Texas with win
The Crimson Tide were also on upset watch in Texas as (-20.5) point favourites. Bryce Young lead a last-minute drive for a 20-19 victory, hitting the winning FG with just 10 seconds remaining.
The Longhorns had chances to put this game away and pull the biggest upset of the season, but once again could not close the deal. Texas hit a 49-yard field goal with 1:29 remaining to take a 19-17 lead. But the critical mistake was made by allowing too much time left on the clock for Alabama to answer.
Alabama, who struggled all day with penalties, got what appeared a very favourable call from the officials when Bryce Young was tackled in the end zone for what appeared to be a safety. The official inexplicably placed the ball in the field of play and allowed Alabama to punt instead.
Kentucky shuts down Richardson and Gators
The hype train for Anthony Richardson was at least temporarily grounded for Gators fans in the second game of the season. Richardson was just 14/35 for 143 yards and 2 INTs. Even more impressively, the Wildcat’s defence held Richardson to just 4 yards rushing on 6 attempts.
The remarkable road win will vault Kentucky up the national rankings ahead of Florida on the verge of being a top 10 ranked team.
BYU beats Baylor in 2OT
The Cougars survived a hard-fought battle to remain undefeated against the reigning BIG 12 champions from Baylor. The game was back and forth all night with both teams missing chances to win the game.
BYU missed two game-winning FGs, one late in the 4th quarter and another in OT. They finally punched a TD in 2OT taking the game out of the kicker’s foot. Baylor also missed a FG in OT and an extra point earlier in the game that was critical.
Baylor could not answer the TD in 2OT to potentially win the game. The tying TD also would have put the game over the total of (52.5) which I and some of my readers were cheering for.
SNF Week 1 Preview
Dallas Cowboys Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 EST
Line: Bucs -2, 50
45-year-old Tom Brady returns for his 23rd season after briefly retiring in the off-season for one more chance to win his eighth Super Bowl ring. Media reports were buzzing all week because of Brady’s 11-day absence from the team last week and speculating as to the reason.
Dak Prescott looks to win the Cowboy’s 6th Super Bowl but first in 27 years. The pressure is high on Prescott to win and overcome the inconsistencies the club has shown in recent seasons. Expectations are high for the fully healthy Prescott to lead the Cowboys into the playoffs.
But the Cowboys will need to protect their star QB this season in order to get back into contention. Expectations are high for first-round draft pick LT Tyler Smith to replace the injured 8-time pro bowler, Tyron Smith. The Cowboys have several chances on their offensive line, and their ability to gel as a group will be critical to the Cowboy’s success this year.
Rob Gronkowski is gone this season after his retirement. But Brady still has several quality options to pass to including the new addition of veteran Julio Jones. Returning targets for Tom include Mike Evans and Chris Goodwin.
This matchup is a rematch of an exciting game from last season that saw the Buccaneers pull out a 31-29 victory led by a last-second drive from Brady. This year’s edition appears just as compelling.