Dirty Dozen: Week 8.
In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.
This week's quote came from the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. That quote could be applied to a couple of teams in this week's Dirty Dozen. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been going through the darkest period in their history to finally enjoy victory for the first time. UCLA started this season off in a very dim way, but now has won two in a row.
The lone new Diver this week has to be Minnesota, where the boat decided to quit rowing against previously winless and three time Chumpion, Nebraska. The ungolden gophers are the fourth Big Ten team in this week's list.
Speaking of lists, here is the Week 8 list of the Dirty Dozen.
12.
Minnesota (3-4)
Lost to: Nebraska, 28-53.
Next: Indiana
The Gopher defense had trouble getting off of the field. Nebraska was 8-12 in third down conversions.
11.
Illinois (3-4)
Last Week: #12
Lost to: Wisconsin, 20-49.
Next: @ Maryland
Wisconsin bulldozed the Illini with two 100+ yard rushing performers; (Taiwan Deal, 111)(Jonathan Taylor, 159). The Badgers had a 31-13 edge in first downs. Five Illinois turnovers in the first half took them out of this one fast.
10.
UCLA (2-5)
Last Week: #7
Defeated: Arizona, 31-30.
Next: Utah
Bruins quarterback, Wilton Speight came in during the second quarter for an injured Dorian Thompson-Robinson and threw for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. It's the second straight win for UCLA and are only a half game out of first place in the PAC 12 South.
9.
Vanderbilt (3-5)
Last Week: #8
Lost to: Kentucky, 7-14.
Next: @ Arkansas
Kentucky running back, Benny Snell ran for the game winning touchdown with 8:04 remaining. This game was truly a rushing vs. passing affair. Kentucky had a 280-68 rushing yard advantage, while Vanderbilt had a 216-18 passing yards edge. Kentucky only completed three passes.
8.
Arizona (3-5)
Last Week: #10
Lost to: UCLA, 30-31.
Next: Oregon
This was the third loss by five points or less by these young Wildcats. Two critical first half turnovers lost them this game.
7.
Kansas (2-5)
Last Week: #9
Lost to: Texas Tech, 16-48.
Next: TCU
Texas Tech quarterback, Alan Bowman returned from a partially collapsed lung from three weeks ago to throw for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas has lost their 43rd consecutive Big 12 road game.
*Halftime Report*
For the first time, an unhonorary Dirty Dozen spot opens up for the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a spectacular 49-20 woodshed hiding they took from former Dirty Dozen Diver, Purdue. The last time Purdue did something like this was to second ranked Ohio State back in 1984.
6.
Louisville (2-5)
Last Week: #6
Next: Wake Forest
Louisville has gone from the third ranked offense last year to the 122nd ranked currently.
5.
Arkansas (2-6)
Last Week: #3
Defeated: Tulsa, 23-0.
Next: Vanderbilt
Razorback head coach, Chad Morris decided to give freshman quarterback, Connor Noland the start over Trevor Storey and ended their losing streak at six games. A Dirty Dozen Darby awaits with #9 Vanderbilt.
4.
Nebraska (1-6)
Last Week: #2
Defeated: Minnesota, 53-28.
Next: Bethune-Cookman
Nebraska took its frustration out on Minnesota by racking up 659 offensive yards in their blowout win.
The victory ended their losing streak at 10 games.
Nebraska was originally scheduled off this week, but added Bethune-Cookman to replace their opening game washout with Akron.
3.
Rutgers (1-7)
Last Week: #1
Lost to: Northwestern, 15-18.
Next: Wisconsin, (November 3)
Rutgers was a bit better offensively, (188 total yards). Hell; anything is better than completing two passes and five interceptions.
2.
North Carolina (1-6)
Last Week: #5
Lost to: Syracuse, 37-40, 2OT.
Next: @ Virginia
The Tarred Heels have themselves back into Chumpionship contention. This was a seesaw battle with a Syracuse team that was coming off of two heartbreaking losses.
*This week's Chumpion is...*
Oregon State (1-6)
Last Week: #4
Lost to: California, 7-49.
Next: @ Colorado
Benny Beaver was brought back, but best better bring that Beaver back to the box because the Bears blew them back.
California wins its first conference game after three straight losses.
*Garbage Bags to...*
》NC State
They were supposed to be the second best team in the ACC and has been giving Clemson fits in recent years. The Tigers were in no mood for any drama as they stone cold whipped the Wolfpack, 41-7.
》TCU
Falls out of any chance at competing for the Big 12 while losing its fourth game to Oklahoma, 52-27. It's the third loss to Oklahoma inside of 11 months.
》North Carolina punt.
Shanked a punt into the stands for 10 yards. Syracuse took the subsequent possession into the end zone. And in a game that went to double overtime...