The Orange Bowl is closing. For four decades, this was a college and pro football mecca. Now it’s merely a decrepit shell of its former self that is going quietly into the night. From the 1960’s through the 90’s this was the home of a multitude of memorable games—from Joe Namath and the Jets upset in Super Bowl III to Nebraska’s unsuccessful two-point conversion in 1984 (giving birth to the Miami monster), from both Pittsburgh-Dallas Superbowls in the 1970’s to its focal point in college football’s championship picture (the 1985, 87, 90, 91 and 93 winners took NCAA titles)—this was the grand gridiron stage of its time.
The two best games at the “OB”?...
NCAA: November, 1984…Boston College beats the Hurricanes 47-45 on a last second touchdown pass from Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan (Bernie Kosar would also be overshadowed two years later by John Elway’s 98 yard drive), all but clinching the Heisman Trophy.
NFL: January 1982…San Diego defeats the Dolphins 41-38 in the Divisional Playoffs thanks to 13 catches from Kellen Winslow (the Chargers tight end blocked a field goal and had to be carried off the field after the game)—and who could forget the hook-and-lateral play from Don Strock to Duriel Harris to Tony Nathan?
#11 VIRGINIA TECH vs Florida State—who will start at quarterback, Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor? The season-long question of polish versus potential—thank goodness the offensive line is finally coming around: last week against a very good run defense, the Hokies gained a season high 185 yards against Georgia Tech. The Seminoles are coming off a huge upset of #2 Boston College (in Chesnut Hill) and have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in five of their nine games this fall (including -27 to Colorado). HOKIES hold on, 27-18.
MARYLAND vs #8 Boston College—one would think the Terps would have to win their final three games to secure a bowl berth—and the combined record of their final three opponents is 18-9… and they don’t start lightly—BC is the highest ranked team in the ACC. The Eagles boast the league’s number one defense against the run- not good news for the suddenly mortal Keon Lattimore (80 yards on 29 carries his last two games). After a spectacular splash Chris Turner has had problems, going from an average of 135 yards passing his first three halves at the helm—but under 90 since—and he’s turned the ball over three times during the losing streak. While the offense will be challenged, the defense will have its hands full trying to contain Heisman candidate Matt Ryan (2848 yards and 21 TD’s passing)—but the sleeper on this Eagle team is runningback Andre Callender (658 yards rushing plus 378 yards receiving and 12 total touchdowns)—as Virginia Tech learned last month. TERPS tumble 35-16.
#21 VIRGINIA at Miami—the “Cardiac Cavaliers” (patent pending) control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal Divison race: a win Saturday or November 24th against Virginia Tech punches UVa’s ticket to Jacksonville for December first’s championship game. Bad news—runningback Cedric Peerman’s done for the year with a foot injury; good news—Mikkell Simpson hasn’t reproduced Peerman’s presence on the ground but has been a very effective receiver out of the backfield (while still running the football decently). The Hurricanes have stumbled as of late (three losses in four games by a combined 12 points)—and Randy Shannon’s program remains a year or two away from making their mark in the ACC.
CAVALIERS close the “OB” in OT, 23-17.
NAVY becomes bowl-eligible by beating North Texas, GEORGETOWN falls to Colgate, HOWARD beats Bethune-Cookman, CATHOLIC falls to Bridgewater State, JAMES MADISON over William & Mary, RICHMOND slips to Delaware.
Last Week: 4-4 Season: 47-22.
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