CFB Weekly Review/Preview: Firing Season

As we near the halfway point of the college football season, change is in the air. Coaching change season has begun after Maryland fired head coach Randy Edsall Sunday, USC fired embattled coach Steve Sarkisian Monday, and longtime South Carolina (and SEC) coach Steve Spurrier announced he was retiring immediately on Tuesday. These are three very different cases as far as the particular coaches are concerned, but all three teams were probably better off parting with their head coaches after underwhelming starts. Edsall was never able really succeed at Maryland, going 22-34 in four-plus years there, and his team was off to another underwhelming start this season. The Terrapins are 2-4, losing the last three games 45-6, 28-0, and 49-28. They did keep #1 Ohio State close into the third quarter Saturday, but that wasn't enough to save Edsall's job. Offensive coordinator Mike Locksely, who went 2-26 as head coach of New Mexico from 2009-2011, takes over as interim head coach. Sarkisian was asked to take a leave of absence Sunday after multiple reported incidents where other coaches and players said Sarkisian appeared publicly drunk, including practices, a game, and a public dinner that included many USC boosters. Athletic director Pat Haden said he called Sarkisian Sunday and could tell he was not right. Then, the next day, Sarkisian was fired while he was on his way to check into a rehab facility. I wish Coach Sark nothing but the best and hope he is able to emerge from this difficult situation a better man. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton once again takes over as interim head coach, a position he had after serving as interim head coach in the Trojans' bowl game in 2013. After a lackluster last couple of years for South Carolina, there were rumors of the Head Ball Coach stepping down, but it was still a bit of a surprise when he abruptly announced his exit in the middle of another down season for the 2-4 Gamecocks. He leaves behind a rich legacy in the SEC (and an unsuccessful stint in the NFL), including winning a National Championship at Florida. Co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Shawn Elliott takes over as interim head coach. Not only are there coaching changes, but there was also a noteworthy quarterback change for a top-ten team this week. Florida quarterback Will Grier was suspended a year for testing positive for PEDs. Treon Harris, who has started before, takes over at quarterback.

Week 6 Review

Play of the Week

410-pound tight end touchdown alert! Baylor big man LaQuan McGowen caught this pass and used his elite agility and quickness to rumble into the end zone. Extra style points for the roll at the end.

Play of the Weak

Oh, no. You can't do that, bud. Trying to pull of an upset over Michigan State, Rutgers had to hurry to the line and run one last play on fourth down with three seconds left. Unfortunately, quarterback Chris Laviano was not aware of the situation, and instead spiked the ball on fourth down to kill the clock. Not the way you want to end a game.

Top Game

#2 TCU 52, Kansas State 45

Yes, it's TCU again. They were engaged in another slugfest against Kansas State Saturday. The Wildcats looked like they might pull off the upset at home, leading 35-17 at half following a big second quarter. However, Trevone Boykin, Josh Doctson, and company stormed back, taking the lead for good with just over a minute left after Kansas State tied the game at 45 (TCU scored on a 55-yard touchdown pass from Boykin to Doctson on the second play of the drive), and then recovering a fumble to seal the victory.

Top Performances

Washington State QB Luke Falk @ Oregon (W 45-38): 50-74, 505 yards, 5 TD

Falk, leading the Cougars' air-heavy attack, had a big game in a comeback victory over the reeling Ducks in Eugene.

Iowa RB Jordan Canzeri vs. Illinois (W 29-20): 43 carries, 256 yards, TD

You read that right. 43 carries for Iowa running back in a win over Illinois that propelled the underrated Hawkeyes to 6-0.

TCU WR Josh Doctson @ Kansas State (W 52-45): 8 catches, 155 yards, 2 TD

Doctson continued to run all over opposing secondaries, helping TCU get past Kansas State with his two long scores, including the game-winner.

Top Four After Week Six

1. Ohio State

The talented Buckeyes remain on top (even if it's by a lesser margin). They struggled again early against Maryland, but eventually pulled away, and the offense looked better with J.T. Barrett employed as the red zone quarterback. Next Game: Penn State, Saturday, 8:00 PM

2. Utah

Utah! The Utes showed up against Cal last Saturday night, picking off top NFL Draft prospect Jared Goff five times on the way to a 30-24 win. They now boast wins over Michigan, Cal, and Oregon. Next Game: Arizona State, Saturday, 10:00 PM

3. Baylor

Baylor vaults conference rival TCU after another easy win Saturday. The Bears still haven't played anyone of note, but they've done what they should be doing, blowing out all five teams they've played. Next Game: West Virginia, Saturday, Noon

4. LSU

Those who saw the tweet I sent out about who my current top four would be Saturday night may ask why I changed my mind on number four (I had TCU at number four in the tweet). Simple: LSU has played better than TCU (and against better competition) thus far. The Tigers have beaten two ranked teams and have the Heisman Trophy front runner (Leonard Fournette). Next Game: Florida, Saturday, 7:00 PM

Next Four: TCU, Clemson, Michigan State, Michigan

Trending Up: Utah...Michigan...Josh Doctson..."red zone quarterback"...coaching rumors...Treon Harris...interim head coaches.

Trending Down: Randy Edsall, Steve Sarkisian, and Steve Spurrier...Georgia RB Nick Chubb (get well soon!)...TCU...Michigan State...Florida...Will Grier.

Week 7 Preview

Quick Picks (home team listed last)

Last Week: 15-5

Overall: 27-10

Penn State 28, #1 Ohio State 31 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC)

West Virginia 34, #2 Baylor 40 (Saturday, Noon, FOX)

#3 TCU 48, Iowa State 42 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN2)

Arizona State 24, #4 Utah 35 (Saturday, 10:00 PM, ESPN)

Boston College 14, #5 Clemson 28 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPNU)

#8 Florida 21, #6 LSU 34 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)

Game to Watch: #7 Michigan State 27, #12 Michigan 28 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ESPN)

This is a much-anticipated matchup between the two undefeated Michigan schools who seem to be trending in different directions. The Spartans started the season as the biggest threat to Ohio State in the Big Ten and had a big win against Oregon in Week 2. But the Oregon win looks less impressive now and MSU has struggled against weaker competition (Purdue and Rutgers). Michigan got their man in alumnus Jim Harbaugh, but lost the first week to Utah. That loss looks good with Utah in the top four, and Michigan has dominated some ranked teams (BYU, Northwestern).

#10 Alabama 42, #9 Texas A&M 28 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS)

Upset Special (Record:2-3): Louisville 28, #11 Florida State 21 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN)

Florida State barely got by Miami last Saturday, and while Louisville is 2-3, their three losses are 24-31 to then-#6 Auburn, a 31-34 loss to current #24 Houston, and a 17-20 loss to Clemson, who's in the playoff conversation. The Noles have had some close calls, and this week may be the week they finally fall.

#13 Ole Miss 38, Memphis 24 (Saturday, Noon, ABC/ESPN2)

USC 17, #14 Notre Dame 35 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, NBC)

#18 UCLA 28, #15 Stanford 30 (Thursday, 10:30 PM, ESPN)

#17 Iowa 24, #20 Northwestern 28 (Saturday, Noon, ABC/ESPN2)

#19 Oklahoma 45, Kansas State 42 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC)

#21 Boise State 32, Utah State 34 (Friday, 9:00 PM, CBSSN)

Eastern Michigan 20, #22 Toledo 38 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN3)

#24 Houston 45, Tulane 28 (Friday, 9:00 PM, ESPNU)