Friday, October 31, 2008

Week 10

A disappointing defeat at the hands of the Nittany Lions. If the Buckeye coaching staff had nto abandoned the run so easily, the Bucks would have had a better chance at pulling the upset, but unfortunately they did not do a good job convincing the Lions they would actually try and pass. The coaches deserve as much blame as one Terrelle Pryor who tried his best, and will learn and grow from the mistakes. Updated records: Gomer (67-30) Chief (70-27) It seems that no matter what I pick I just can't make up any ground.

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Minnesota Gophers
Gomer: Northwestern went down in defeat last weekend to the Hoosiers effectively putting them out of the Big Ten Title race. Reason I mention it is because not only did Northwestern lose, but they lost QB CJ Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton, obviously this is a huge blow to the Wildcats. Minnesota must win to keep their slim chance of a Big Ten Title alive. Adam Weber and Eric Decker have been the top QB-Receiver duo in the Big Ten this season, but the big story for the Gophers this season has been the surprise emergence of the defense. The Gophers lead the nation in turnover margin and will take advantage of the Wildcat injury situation. NU: 17 - UM: 41

Chief:
I don’t see this one as being close at all. Northwestern was riding high in the Big 10 until last week’s loss to inept Indiana. In NW’s defense, key injuries are the reason for the downfall as RB Tyrell Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher are out. Last week, backup QB Mike Kafka looked unbelievably bad. Even if he improves this week, I like the Gophers. The Wildcats will fight hard, but Weber and the Gophers take another step closer to a potential BCS bowl??? NW: 17—UM: 31

Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Gomer: Tim Tebow has struggled when the spotlight is on him. Although he is a freak of nature athlete, his record isn't so stellar and unfortunately for the Gators, he doesn't play defense. Matthew Stafford and the Bulldogs have rebounded from the disaster against 'Bama and look to continue the success the established against the Gators last year. Speaking of that, I would not be surprised if Meyer's team did something even more extreme than what the Bulldogs did last year, either that, or put a smackdown on the 'Dogs. I'm going with the upset in this edition of the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, UGA wins with a solid run game, and defense. UF: 17 - UGA: 28

Chief: Time for another edition of ‘the game formally known as the World’s Largest Cocktail Party’. Tensions should be extremely high after last year’s genius ploy by Georgia coach Mark Richt to get an unsportsmanlike penalty after the first touchdown to fire the team up. Yes, UF scored on the next possession, aided by the penalty, but the fire never left the Dawg’s eyes. Everyone is completely sold on the Gators after the LSU and Kentucky blowouts, but 2 words come to mind—“Ole Miss”. Georgia was beat down by a fired up Bama team, but is playing good sound ball now. This game will be nasty. Tebow will have a good game, but the UGA defense will knock him down enough to let Moreno shine. Dawgs in the ‘upset’ with a last second FG. UGA: 30—UF: 28

Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Gomer: The Noles are in the thick of the ACC Title chase when seemingly a team gains control of their destiny, they immediately try to pass it off, kinda like a long drawn out game of hot potatoe. Tech has began to struggle as of late, but I'm not sure if it's because teams are getting better at defending the triple option, or because they're running into some hot teams. Either way, FSU is on track to an ACC title if they can win in Atlanta. Expect a defensive struggle. FSU: 16 - GT: 13

Chief:
The Noles are back baby. Last week’s win over VT was huge in the ACC race as well as the return to prominence. As Bobby Bowden said, this team will not be confused with the great teams of the 90s, but it’s moving in the right direction with knockdown smash-mouth defense and an offense that is starting to click. Tech plays tough in Bobby Todd and Paul Johnson has implemented his triple option extremely fast in Atlanta (Note to Michigan: who says you need to wait to get the athletes to implement a new system?). Last week’s loss to the Wahoos really hurt the Jackets in the ACC race, but a win here gets the train back on track. I see FSU taking control by stuffing the run (one of the top in the country against the run) and scoring just enough to take down a better than advertised Jacket defense. Just keep chugging along Noles. FSU: 30—GT: 17

Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Raiders
Gomer: The Red Raiders have been red hot as usual on offense and surprisingly, have started to play some defense. Problem is while they're run defense is one of the best in the nation, their pass defense is below average which could lead to a big day for Colt McCoy. The Horns were able to slowdown potent attacks from Oklahoma and Missouri enough to get a decent lead and ride it out. Mack Brown's bunch will finish the brutal 4 game stretch unscathed and will come out as the favorites to win the National Title and Heisman trophy. UT: 47 - TTU: 27

Chief:
Once again, Texas enters the week with another huge game. The Longhorns beat the Sooners in a shootout, dominated the Tigers early and coasted, but were taken to the final moments by the Pokes last week. I think Texas is getting tired (finally). Don’t get me wrong, OSU is very good, but the Longhorns should have put up more in Austin. Tech on the other hand began the Kansas game by trading 2 early TDs a piece and then decided the rout was on. While Texas limps into Lubbock beat up and tired, the Red Raiders are salivating to take down big brother. The biggest battle in this game will be the Tech O-Line (only given up 3 sacks in a pass happy offense all year) and the beast Brian Orakpo on the Horn D-Line. I think Leach’s team gets it done at home in a great game. UT: 34—TT: 38

Washington vs. USC Gomer: USC (+52) - Chief: USC (+36)
Tulsa vs. Arkansas Gomer: Tulsa - Chief: Tulsa
Oregon vs. California Gomer: Cal - Chief: Cal