Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Hurricanes offense putting on a show
Big plays power upset of No. 18 Louisville
FSU needs a lucky rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover or a horseshoe.
The Seminoles have gotten off to an unfortunate start this season. After FSU dropped its home opener to underdog Georgia Tech, the Seminoles weren’t supposed to face any setbacks during an off week. Instead, first-year coach Mike Norvell tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this weekend’s road game against surging rival Miami.
Miami’s big-play potential has fans recalling the good old days.
The Hurricanes put on an offensive showcase, rolling to a 47-34 win over No. 18 Louisville. It was the most points scored in a win against a top 25 team since No. 1 Miami knocked off No. 18 Virginia Tech 56-45 in 2002. The Miami win Saturday featured six plays of 20-plus yards.
Syracuse’s offense has a sack
problem. The Orange are winless through two games thanks to an offense that ranks last nationally in total offense. QB Tommy DeVito has spent a lot of time running for his life, with Syracuse leading the nation in sacks allowed (14).
UCF makes its case it is the best Group of 5 team in the country.
QB Dillon Gabriel passed for 417 yards and four TDs and the Knights defense forced five turnovers during a 49-21 road win over Georgia Tech. It was another UCF victory over a Power 5 school and bolsters the Knights’ chances of earning a New Year’s Six bowl bid.
Houston can’t catch a break. The Cougars were set to take on Baylor in Waco, but positive COVID-19 test results forced the Bears to cancel the game because they failed to meet the Big 12’s cancellation threshold. It’s the third game the Cougars have lost to COVID-19 this season after Rice and Memphis canceled contests due to their own cases.
Memphis stuck in quarantine.
The Tigers canceled this upcoming Friday’s game against UTSA while it continues to quarantine players who tested positive for COVID-19. It’s the second consecutive game Memphis will miss due to positive test results.
Navy’s second-half turnaround
sinks Tulane. It took six quarters, but Navy finally looked like a solid football program after the Midshipmen scored 27 unanswered points in the second half to rally for a 27-24 win. After struggling during a 55-3 loss to BYU in the season opener, Navy found its footing thanks a pair of Nelson Smith TD runs and a safety.
Ohio St., Penn St. and Minnesota
earns spots in coaches’ poll. The Big Ten won’t return to the field until Oct. 24, but that hasn’t stopped some coaches’ poll voters from placing Ohio State, Penn State and Minnesota in this week’s rankings.
Oklahoma State’s poor showing is another hit to the Big 12’s
confidence. A week after watching Iowa State, Kansas State and Kansas suffer losses to Sun Belt teams, Big 12 officials had to cringe while watching Oklahoma State, a preseason top 15 team, struggle against Tulsa at home. The Cowboys barely survived the Golden Hurricane’s upset bid, but the Big 12’s College Football Playoff hopes took a hit.