COLLEGE GAMEDAY COLUMN: YANKEE FANS NEED TO KICK JAY-Z TO THE CURB RIGHT NOW

Executive Sports Editor Brad Carroll takes a look at the top games of the day
Last Week: 4-3 (spread); 6-1 (overall); 1-1 (upset picks)
Craig's Week: 2-5 (spread)
This Season: 35-27-1 (spread); 50-13 (overall); 6-4 (upset picks)
Craig's Season: 29-33-1 (spread)

No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama; 3:30 p.m.; CBS
The Skinny: While a matchup featuring two of the Top 9 teams in the nation should be enough to get anyone exciting, the fact remains that this could be one very boring game. Both teams sport impressive defenses, as Alabama is fifth and LSU seventh in scoring defense, and both offenses are nothing special, so this could come down to the kickers. I’m hoping for an LSU upset, as it would shake up the BCS picture, but the Tide should have enough to hold off the Tigers at the end. The Pick: Alabama (-7.5) wins it 17-13.

Connecticut at No. 4 Cincinnati; 8 p.m.; ABC
The Skinny: UConn has found new ways to lose games in the final moments this season, but Huskies fans should be happy because that won’t be the case tonight. Seeing as though the Bearcats average almost 40 points per game and outscore their opponents by nearly four touchdowns, this one should be over quickly, saving UConn from imploding again. The worst thing about the game, however, will be that ABC probably will stick with the broadcast until the very end. The Pick: Cincinnati (-17) wins it 38-14.

Northwestern at No. 8 Iowa; 12 p.m.; ESPN
The Skinny: Switching gears, after watching the end of the Yankees parade Friday afternoon, I think it’s finally time for New Yorkers to tell Jay-Z to take a hike. First, there is absolutely no reason for the guy to be on one of the parade floats. What the heck did he do anyway? And second, the line in his song that he performed at the Stadium and at City Hall is an embarrassment to Yankees Universe. The Pick: Iowa (-15.5) wins it 34-17.

No. 15 Ohio State at No. 11 Penn State; 3:30 p.m.; ABC
The Skinny: The line in the Jay-Z song says “I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can.” Are you serious? That is the most absurd and embarrassing pieces of garbage that I’ve ever heard. And he has the gall to get on one of the floats at the Yankees’ parade? And I blame the Yankees too for caving into the guy. This bum isn’t a Yankees fan and shouldn’t be treated as such. The Pick: Penn State (-5) wins it 20-17.

Navy at No. 19 Notre Dame; 2:30 p.m., NBC
The Skinny: QB Jimmy Clausen is making his case for the Heisman, and seeing as though favorites Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy have all had their struggles, it could be his to lose. Today, he continues his quest against a Navy team that sports one of the most interesting offenses in the country. The Mids average less than 100 passing yards per game. The Pick: Notre Dame (-12.5) wins it 35-21.

No. 20 Oklahoma at Nebraska; 8 p.m.; ABC
The Skinny: Oklahoma has won 4 straight games against a Nebraska team that used to pose one of the biggest challenges for the Sooners in years past. Of course, that past seems like a lifetime ago, as the Cornhusers are a shell of their former self. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford is done for the year, and backup Landry Jones should play well enough to win the game. The Pick: Oklahoma (-4) wins it 34-27.

Central Florida at No. 2 Texas; 12 p.m.; FSN
The Skinny: Texas will continue its roll into the national championship game with a big win today. The Pick: Texas (-34.5) wins it 45-7. Here are Craig Carroll’s picks for the week: Alabama, UConn, Iowa, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas. Check out College GameDay Rewind at bradcarrollgameday.blogspot.com.

(AP photo)

GAMEDAY LIVE: GLASTONBURY AT NEW BRITAIN

No. 2 Glastonbury 35, New Britain 28
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
G-Sean McQuillan 1 run, 5:27. (Robert Solecki kick).
G-Malcolm Crosson 8 run, 2:03. (Robert Solecki kick).
Second Quarter
NB-Kaiuway Boima 1 run, 6:58. (Rafal Garcarz kick).
G-Dylan Malara 26 run, 2:38. (Robert Solecki kick).
G-McCarthy 24 pass from McQuillan, :51. (Robert Solecki kick).
Third Quarter
NB-Boima 1 run, 3:36. (Garcarz kick).
G-McQuillan 1 run, 2:23. (Solecki kick).
Fourth Quarter
NB-Tebucky Jones Jr. 19 pass from Garcarz, 10:54. (Garcarz kick).
NB-Jones 35 pass from Garcarz, 2:35. (Garcarz kick).

GAMEDAY LIVE: PLATT AT BERLIN

Berlin 38, Platt 14
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
B-Max DeLorenzo 9 run, 2:19. (Devin Silverman kick).
P-Justin Potts 16 pass from Kyle Laurendeau, 1:12. (Joshua Budwitz kick).
Second Quarter
B-Dave Campagna 1 run, 9:09. (Silverman kick failed).
B-Max DeLorenzo 4 run, 1:19. (Mason Powers from Dan Hackett).
Third Quarter
B-Max DeLorenzo 32 run, 9:40. (Silverman kick).
B-Max DeLorenzo 29 run, 1:05. (Silverman kick).
Fourth Quarter
B-Silverman 23 field goal, 8:22.
P-Jamir James 2 run, 3:52. (Potts kick).

GAMEDAY LIVE: SOUTHINGTON AT NEWINGTON

Southington 32, Newington 21
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
N-Jeremy Rodriguez 44 run, 8:03. (Kick failed).
S-Kyle Lentini 4 pass from Connor Butkiewicz, 6:08. (Kick failed).
S-Anthony Florian 46 pass from Butkiewicz, 3:10. (Conversion good).
Second Quarter
N-Jeremy Rodriguez 74 run, 11:03. (Conversion good).
S-K.J. Gemmell 11 pass from Butkiewicz, 6:47. (Run failed).
Third Quarter
N-Freddy Ortiz 45 run, 9:35. (Kick good).
S-Tyler Dube 6 pass from Butkiewicz, 3:57. (Conversion failed).
Fourth Quarter
S-Dube 10 pass from Butkiewicz, 3:23. (Pass failed).

GAMEDAY LIVE: ST. PAUL AT ANSONIA

Ansonia 45, St. Paul 29
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
A-Rob Kinnebrew 12 run, 4:51. (Mike Palmquist kick).
A-Tim Troy 17 pass from Nick O'Conner, 2:25. (Mike Palmquist kick).
Second Quarter
A-Rob Kinnebrew 1 run, 9:03. (Mike Palmquist kick).
SP-Byron Jones 25 pass from Tanner Bachand, 2:23. (Glen kick).
A-Mike Palmquist 29 field goal, :00.
Third Quarter
A-Rob Kinnebrew 25 run, 11:33. (Mike Palmquist kick).
A-Chris Sobin 85 run, 8:11. (Mike Palmquist kick).
SP-Tanner Bachand 10 run, 3:41. (Bobby Romano run).
Fourth Quarter
SP-Chris Bachand 4 run, 10:31. (Conversion failed).
SP-Travis Thomas 88 pass from Tanner Bachand, 6:15. (Jones from Bachand).
A-Montrell Dobbs 84 kick return, 5:55. (Palmquist kick).

COLLEGE GAMEDAY REWIND: YANKEES SAVE NEW YORK FROM WORST SPORTS DAY EVER

It had all the makings for one of the worst sports days in New York history. The Giants and Jets had already lost in the afternoon and the Yankees were completely out of momentum heading into the ninth inning in Game 4 of the World Series Sunday night. The depression that was still lingering from the afternoon was back in full effect. With the Giants getting completely destroyed by the Eagles and the Jets somehow, someway losing to the Dolphins, it would only be fitting if the Yankees lost in devastating fashion as well. But these Yankees are the closest thing to the teams of the late 90s that would never accept losing, and barely did. These Yankees battled back from a crowd that was sent into a frenzy when the Phillies tied the game with a home run with two outs in the eighth inning and even more so when Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge got two easy outs in the top of the ninth. But Johnny Damon worked and worked and worked until he singled and then stole two bases on one pitch. It was an unbelievable play that was typical of these Yankees. Even in the ninth inning with the game tied, Damon was on top of his game. After a hit-by-pitch, Alex Rodriguez doubled to give the Yankees the lead. Then Jorge Posada finished things off with a two-run single. Enter Rivera, and exit Phillies. The Yankees saved the New York sports world last night and, more so, took full control of the World Series as they lead 3-1 heading into Game 5 tonight. Thanks to the Yankees, I’m sure the losses by the Giants and Jets hurt a little less today by their respective fan base. It doesn’t erase everything, but the Yankees saved New York sports for at least one day. And if you’re a Mets fan, well, you and depression go hand in hand, so good luck with that.

Now, on to College GameDay Rewind:

My Weekend: 4-3 (spread); 6-1 (overall); 1-1 (upset picks)
My Season: 35-27-1 (spread); 50-13 (overall); 6-4 (upset picks)
My Money: UP $530 (season)
Craig's Weekend: 2-5 (spread)
Craig's Season: 29-33-1 (spread)
Craig's Money: DOWN $730 (season)

Indiana +17.5 at No. 7 Iowa
My Pick: Iowa 27, Indiana 12
Actual Score: Iowa 42, Indiana 24
What the heck happened here? Indiana led by 10 in the fourth quarter and the Iowa offense was dreadful all game long … so, with the spread being 17.5, I was already thinking about going 7-0 on the day. Of course, I didn’t believe for a second that Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi would go 3-for-3 for 177 yards and two scores in the final period. The final stab through the heart came with 1:12 to go in the game when the Hawkeyes added a 27-yard touchdown run. Nice defense, Indiana. By the way, I’m watching the final seconds of UConn-Rutgers and the fans are cheering like it’s a basketball game. “Let’s Go Huskies … clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.” That’s not how you cheer at a football game, guys. Whatever … it’s UConn. Craig and I both get burned by the Hoosiers in a half-point loss to fall to 0-1. Before I move on, UConn took the lead in the final minute, but then just allowed Rutgers to complete an 81-yard touchdown bomb to Tim Brown to fall behind 28-24. What an embarrassing, ugly, humiliating loss for the Huskies. Again, when will coach Randy Edsall feel the heat? Well, never … because it’s UConn.

Georgia +14.5 at No. 1 Florida
My Pick: Florida 31, Georgia 14
Actual Score: Florida 41, Georgia 17
Even though the score would say otherwise, I had to sweat this one out as well, as Florida turned a losing 14-point lead into a winning 17-point advantage with a 44-yard field goal with under eight minutes to play. Soon after, the Gators put the game away with an interception return for a touchdown. During the game, Craig sent me a text message that said, “Georgia blows.” To that, I simply replied, “You blow for taking Georgia.” We all know Georgia can’t cover when facing a big-time opponent. And even though I thought for a long while about taking the Bulldogs in this game, luckily, I remembered that GameDay fact. So, I move to 1-1 on the day, while Craig falls to 0-2.
UNLV +35 at No. 8 TCU
My Pick: TCU 49, UNLV 7
Actual Score: TCU 41, UNLV 0
While watching Miami take the lead on Wake Forest in the final moments, I didn’t see the final few minutes of TCU’s victory over UNLV. When I finally got the chance to turn back to that game, it was over, and I thought for sure TCU had only won by 34 – giving me a one-point loss. After writing up the Florida-Georgia summary, I hesitantly went to ESPN.com for the score and got a minor shock – TCU 41, UNLV 0. Yes! Believe me, that doesn’t happen very often. TCU scored with 1:39 to play to give me the victory. I move to 2-1 on the day, while Craig went with the big-points and got the loss, 0-3.

No. 18 Miami -7 at Wake Forest
My Pick: Miami 28, Wake Forest 13
Actual Score: Miami 28, Wake Forest 27
Miami came from behind to beat Wake Forest in a game Craig probably enjoyed, but the Hurricanes didn’t do either of us a favor with the spread. Not much else to say, as this one never really had a chance to produce a positive result. I drop to 2-2, while Craig continues his march into the abyss with a 0-4 mark.

No. 12 Penn State -17 at Northwestern
My Pick: Penn State 33, Northwestern 10
Actual Score: Penn State 34, Northwestern 13
The Miami-Wake Forest game didn’t hurt as much as it should have, though. Why? Because it seemed every time I switched channels from Miami-Wake to Penn State-Northwestern, the Nittany Lions would score. I saw the Lions take a 20-13 lead with 12:27 to go in the fourth. Then, again, switched the channel in time to see quarterback Daryll Clark roll out and hit on a 53-yard score with 10:16 to go. The next time I switched, I got to see the best thing of all – a score that was covering the 17-point spread, with Penn State in front 34-13. But things are never that easy. Northwestern drove down to the 10-yard line with two minutes to go. The Lions defense came up big, however, causing a fumble and the offense sealed the game from there. That ends the early games with me clocking in with a 3-2 record. Craig finally breaks through with a win, improving to 1-4 with two late games to play. Of course, the Yankees take priority from here.

No. 3 Texas -9.5 at No. 13 Oklahoma State
My Pick: Oklahoma State 37, Texas 34
Actual Score: Texas 41, Oklahoma State 14
And … we pick up where we left off from the special Halloween College GameDay Rewind write-up. In my limited viewing of this game, it looked like an early turnover completely took Oklahoma State out of the game and the Cowboys never recovered. Texas went on to destroy Oak State and ruin my two-part upset special. Oh well. I drop to 3-3 while Craig improves to 2-4.

No. 4 Southern Cal -3 at No. 10 Oregon
My Pick: Oregon 28, Southern Cal 27
Actual Score: Oregon 47, Southern Cal 20
Oregon took complete control in the third quarter and bullied USC in the upset victory. This was a tough pick to make, believe it or not, because the Trojans never lose these type games. But the Ducks were up for the challenge and all but ended USC’s dominance in the Pac 10 – at least for this year. So, I was right on one of two upset picks, and end the day with a 4-3 record. Craig failed to capitalize on last week’s momentum, and ends Saturday with a 2-5 record.

(AP photo)

HERE'S A HALLOWEEN TREAT FOR EVERYONE - AN EARLY COLLEGE GAMEDAY REWIND EDITION!

Consider this a Halloween treat from Brad Carroll's GameDay Blog - an early peek at my College GameDay Rewind column that will run in full in the next day or so. We still got two games to play tonight - the big ones, of course - so this is just a start. If you went with my picks, you got another treat so far, as you've turned an early profit. If you went with Craig's picks, well, sorry about that trick. There's a lot to be happy about tonight if you're a sports fan, with two huge college games and World Series Game 3, so enjoy this early installement and pray that the rain goes away in Philly so we can see some baseball.

Indiana +17.5 at No. 7 Iowa
My Pick: Iowa 27, Indiana 12
Actual Score: Iowa 42, Indiana 24
What the heck happened here? Indiana led by 10 in the fourth quarter and the Iowa offense was dreadful all game long … so, with the spread being 17.5, I was already thinking about going 7-0 on the day. Of course, I didn’t believe for a second that Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi would go 3-for-3 for 177 yards and two scores in the final period. The final stab through the heart came with 1:12 to go in the game when the Hawkeyes added a 27-yard touchdown run. Nice defense, Indiana. By the way, I’m watching the final seconds of UConn-Rutgers and the fans are cheering like it’s a basketball game. “Let’s Go Huskies … clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.” That’s not how you cheer at a football game, guys. Whatever … it’s UConn. Craig and I both get burned by the Hoosiers in a half-point loss to fall to 0-1. Before I move on, UConn took the lead in the final minute, but then just allowed Rutgers to complete an 81-yard touchdown bomb to Tim Brown to fall behind 28-24. What an embarrassing, ugly, humiliating loss for the Huskies. Again, when will coach Randy Edsall feel the heat? Well, never … because it’s UConn.

Georgia +14.5 at No. 1 Florida
My Pick: Florida 31, Georgia 14
Actual Score: Florida 41, Georgia 17
Even though the score would say otherwise, I had to sweat this one out as well, as Florida turned a losing 14-point lead into a winning 17-point advantage with a 44-yard field goal with under eight minutes to play. Soon after, the Gators put the game away with an interception return for a touchdown. During the game, Craig sent me a text message that said, “Georgia blows.” To that, I simply replied, “You blow for taking Georgia.” We all know Georgia can’t cover when facing a big-time opponent. And even though I thought for a long while about taking the Bulldogs in this game, luckily, I remembered that GameDay fact. So, I move to 1-1 on the day, while Craig falls to 0-2.

UNLV +35 at No. 8 TCU
My Pick: TCU 49, UNLV 7
Actual Score: TCU 41, UNLV 0
While watching Miami take the lead on Wake Forest in the final moments, I didn’t see the final few minutes of TCU’s victory over UNLV. When I finally got the chance to turn back to that game, it was over, and I thought for sure TCU had only won by 34 – giving me a one-point loss. After writing up the Florida-Georgia summary, I hesitantly went to ESPN.com for the score and got a minor shock – TCU 41, UNLV 0. Yes! Believe me, that doesn’t happen very often. TCU scored with 1:39 to play to give me the victory. I move to 2-1 on the day, while Craig went with the big-points and got the loss, 0-3.

No. 18 Miami -7 at Wake Forest
My Pick: Miami 28, Wake Forest 13
Actual Score: Miami 28, Wake Forest 27
Miami came from behind to beat Wake Forest in a game Craig probably enjoyed, but the Hurricanes didn’t do either of us a favor with the spread. Not much else to say, as this one never really had a chance to produce a positive result. I drop to 2-2, while Craig continues his march into the abyss with a 0-4 mark.

No. 12 Penn State -17 at Northwestern
My Pick: Penn State 33, Northwestern 10
Actual Score: Penn State 34, Northwestern 13
The Miami-Wake Forest game didn’t hurt as much as it should have, though. Why? Because it seemed every time I switched channels from Miami-Wake to Penn State-Northwestern, the Nittany Lions would score. I saw the Lions take a 20-13 lead with 12:27 to go in the fourth. Then, again, switched the channel in time to see quarterback Daryll Clark roll out and hit on a 53-yard score with 10:16 to go. The next time I switched, I got to see the best thing of all – a score that was covering the 17-point spread, with Penn State in front 34-13. But things are never that easy. Northwestern drove down to the 10-yard line with two minutes to go. The Lions defense came up big, however, causing a fumble and the offense sealed the game from there. That ends the early games with me clocking in with a 3-2 record. Craig finally breaks through with a win, improving to 1-4 with two late games to play. Of course, the Yankees take priority from here.

(AP photo)

GAMEDAY LIVE: WOODLAND AT ST. PAUL

St. Paul 28, Woodland 27
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
W-Jack Debiase 40 run, 11:33. (Brandon Fowler kick).
SP-Byron Jones 12 pass from Tanner Bachand, 7:01. (Chris Bachand run).
Second Quarter
W-Brandon Fowler 50 pass from Steve Petracca, 5:54. (Conversion failed).
W-Jack Debiase 6 run, 1:19. (Brandon Fowler kick).
Third Quarter
SP-Chris Bachand 26 run, 3:12. (Chris Bachand run).
SP-Chris Bachand 39 run, 0:31. (Conversion failed).
Fourth Quarter
W-Brandon Fowler 51 pass from Steve Petracca, 11:03. (Fowler kick).
SP-Tanner Bachand 1 run, 3:17. (Conversion failed).

GAMEDAY LIVE: NEWINGTON AT GLASTONBURY

No. 2 Glastonbury 34, Newington 20
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
G-Ryan McCarthy 10 pass from Sean McQuillan, 4:23. (Kick good).
N-Mike Buonocore 17 pass from Jonathan Snyder, 0:18. (Kick good).
G-Ryan McCarthy 34 pass from Sean McQuillan, 0:02. (Kick good).
Second Quarter
G-Malcolm Crosson 3 run, 9:09. (Kick failed).
G-Malcolm Crosson 29 run, 7:06. (Kick good).
Third Quarter
N-Jonathan Snyder 2 run, 4:04. (Kick good.)
G-Sean McQuillan 11 run, 2:50. (Kick good).
Fourth Quarter
N-Jonathan Snyder 1 run, 8:41. (Kick failed.)

GAMEDAY LIVE: NEW BRITAIN AT MIDDLETOWN

New Britain 38, Middletown 0
FINAL

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
NB-Tebucky Jones Jr. 41 fumble return, 7:25. (Rafal Garcarz kick).
NB-Tebucky Jones Jr. 26 pass from Larry Garcia, 2:52. (Garcarz kick failed).
Second Quarter
NB-Kian Downs 5 pass from Rafal Garcarz, 8:58. (Garcarz kick).
NB-Chris Linares 35 interception return, 8:08. (Garcarz kick failed).
NB-Chris Linares 13 pass from Rafal Garcarz, 4:27. (Garcarz kick failed).
NB-Kaiuway Boima 61 run, 1:04. (Run failed).
Third Quarter
None
Fourth Quarter
None