It’s game day, people.  Let’s go!

Author’s Note: I’m writing this Friday morning, so I won’t have thoughts or recaps for what–from your perspective–were last night’s games.  But let’s talk football, yeah?

Miami (OH) 42, Buffalo 51

Miami came out with an aggressive read-option offense that saw QB Gus Ragland running the rock all over Buffalo’s defense.  This opened up Miami’s passing game, and from there, the game devolved into a shootout. Alas for Miami, the shootout played directly into Buffalo’s hands.   QB Tyree Jackson finished 20/34 passing for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns. WR Anthony Johnson caught all three of UB’s touchdowns. Johnson’s final stat-line?  8 catches for an otherworldly 238 yards. This by itself was 47% of Buffalo’s total offense.

I think Buffalo’s victory helps Army in the long run.  In fact, the best thing would be for the Bulls to run the table and finish in the Top 25, thereby giving the Black Knights a victory over at least one Top 25 opponent.

Temple 40, #12 UCF 52

The Owls came out and took it to the defending AAC champs, throwing for more more than 300 yards in the first half!  They went to the break up 34-28, and as I headed for bed, I was thinking, “Y’know, I think Army could beat UCF.  Their offense is great, but their defense has gotten worked by everyone.  Army would beat them on time-of-possession.”

Alas, the Owls scored just once in the second half and fell 52-40.  Not sure what adjustments the Knights made in the locker room, but they clearly did something right.  Still not convinced this is a team that could hang in the playoffs, though. LSU could pressure that offense, and I think Oklahoma could out-score them straight-up.  Bama would do both.

Games to Watch on Saturday Week 10

Noon Games

12:00 PM – Air Force @ Army (CBSSN)

This is the big game, obviously.  By the time you read this, I’ll already be on post and headed to the tailgate, Ghost Island IPA at the ready.

See you out there.

? Looking to Saturday vs. Air Force ?#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/2BmmrvAxRk

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 1, 2018

12:00 PM – #20 Texas A&M @ Auburn (ESPN)

12:00 PM – #19 Syracuse @ Wake Forest (ACC RSNs)

12:15 PM – Georgia Tech @ North Carolina (Raycom)

The first game pits a ranked opponent against one that Vegas has favored by more than a field goal.  The second game pits two potential Army bowl opponents. The third game might interest only me.

Danno’s Picks: I’ll take Auburn (-4) and Syracuse @ Wake Forest Under an absurd 75 points.  Holy smokes! Don’t either of these teams play any defense?

 

Afternoon Games

3:30 PM – #6 Georgia @ #9 Kentucky (CBS)

3:30 PM – Navy @ Cincinnati (ESPNU)

3:30 PM – #13 West Virginia @ #17 Texas (FOX)

3:30 PM – Liberty @ Massachusetts (Eleven, NESN)

3:45 PM – #14 Penn State @ #5 Michigan (ESPN)

3:45 PM – #22 Boston College @ Virginia Tech (Raycom)

These games are all pretty interesting.  Don’t have a note on Georgia at Kentucky save to marvel that Kentucky is a Top 10 team. That is crazy.

Can Navy right the ship?  Vegas doesn’t think so.

West Virginia at Texas might be the game of the day, and if it’s not then Penn State and Michigan is.  Or maybe it’s BC at Virginia Tech. Seen some projections lately that put Army in a bowl against VT.

Finally, Liberty at UMass might interest only me, but Army fans ought to be rooting for Liberty to get bowl-eligible.  If that’s not enough, we’ll see the Minutemen several times over the next few seasons as well.

Saturday. Sixty-minute war.

? vs ?#GetUp pic.twitter.com/cOI0rxENFC

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 1, 2018

Danno’s Picks: Navy (+13.5), West Virginia (+2), Liberty (+3), and Liberty @ UMass Under 71.5.  

I wasn’t impressed by Cinnci last week at SMU, and also, the Mids aren’t nearly as bad as they’ve looked.  Can they right the ship? Yes. To be honest, I think they’re gonna win this game.

Texas almost let Kyler Murray come back on them, and West Virginia’s quarterback is also that good.  Wouldn’t mind seeing QB Will Grier in a Giants’ uniform next season.

I think Liberty will make a bowl appearance, and…

71.5 is an absurd total.  Insane.  If UMass couldn’t run up the score on UConn, they’re not gonna run it up on a Liberty team that is much, much better than Connecticut on both sides of the ball.

 

Night Games

7:00 PM – Duke @ Miami (FL) (ESPN2)

7:15 PM – #4 Notre Dame @ Northwestern (ESPN)

8:00 PM – #7 Oklahoma @ Texas Tech (ABC)

8:00 PM – #1 Alabama @ #3 LSU (CBS)

Duke is in freefall.  They’ve been struggling with injuries, and after dropping the game to Pitt last week, my main thought is that Army caught them at absolutely the wrong time of the year.  Damn it.

I don’t love Notre Dame, but I also wouldn’t bet against them.

Texas Tech lost to Iowa State last week.  I thought they played okay, but I’m looking for Oklahoma to round into form as they try to make a case for the CFB Playoffs.

Finally, go Tigers!

? WE COMIN'… AND WE AIN'T BACKING DOWN! pic.twitter.com/sUcv2I8k9x

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 1, 2018

Danno’s Pick: LSU (+14.5).  If anybody can push the Tide, it’s LSU.

You got thoughts?  Drop ‘em below or hit me on Twitter @dan_t_head or the whole AAF crew @AsForFootball.  We want to hear from you.

Go Army!  Beat Air Force!!!