Friday, November 21, 2008

Week 13...

Michigan State Spartans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Gomer: As awesome as it would be to see the Buckeyes earn a berth to the Rose Bowl on Saturday, I just can't see it happening, at least not when it depends on Brian Hoyer. Penn State's defense is superior to Ohio State's especially when it comes to getting pressure on the QB and Brian Hoyer is the type of QB that can, and will, crumble against that kind of defensive pressure. The balanced "Spread HD" attack of Clark and Royster and "do-it-all" Williams will be too much for the Spartans defense. MSU: 16 - PSU: 30

Chief: The battle for a guaranteed share of the Big 10 Championship takes place outside of Columbus this weekend. The Spartans come in with one of their greatest teams in recent history led by stellar back Javon Ringer. PSU also sports one of the best Nittany Lion teams as well that’s strong in all aspects. I like the Lions to take care of Sparty at home fairly decisively. Aaron Maybin will wreak havoc on the backfield and the PSU will stuff the MSU running game just as OSU did. JoePa gets sent off to the retirement home smelling roses. MSU: 17—PSU: 34

Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
Gomer: This game is pretty much the Big East championship, although funny things can happen in the waning weeks of the season (ask Rich Rodriguez). I don't really like either of these teams, but Brian Kelly is a superior coach to "The Stache" (Dave Wannstedt) and that in conjunction with the home field will be enough to put Cincy over the edge in this one and send them BCS bowling... although, I don't know a Cincy fan who's about to travel halfway across the country to see the Bearcats, whatevs. Pitt: 7 - UC: 20

Chief: A huge Big East battle in the confines of Nippert Stadium will go a long way to seeing which of these perennial also-rans has a shot at a BCS Bowl. Cincinnati has been a surprise story all year with their multitude of injuries, but they keep chugging along under ‘soon-to-be-elsewhere’ coach Brian Kelly. Pitt seems to go through the motions every week and never look like they’ve turned the corner of mediocrity. A great team wouldn’t have needed 4 OT to dispatch Notre Dame. Go Red, Go Black, Go Bearcats, FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Pitt: 10—UC: 24

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Gomer: A true Southwestern shootout looms. This game should be awesome, and a showcase of many future NFL-ers. Sam Bradford and Graham Harrell will be on showcase primarily, and the winner of this game, who makes the least mistakes, will be in the driver's seat for the Heisman Trophy. An OU victory will really throw the BCS into a tizzy, because many pundits, including myself, will not be in favor of OU being ranked ahead of the Longhorns. TTU's defense is far better than I thought, their O-line is outstanding, and the all-around talent is very good. OU has a more balanced offense which is the #1 reason I'm going to pick the Sooners in this marquee match-up. Boomer Sooner! TTU: 34 - OU: 42

Chief: Every week comes with the nation picking against my Red Raiders and every week, they emerge unscathed. TTU will have their hands full trying to enter Norman and take down the Sooners whose record is (something like) 59-2 at home under Stoops. I’m sticking with my boys here and staying with the Red Raider wagon. Both teams are chugging along, but there’s something magical coming out of Lubbock. Look for over 1000 total yards in the game in which 2 (or possibly 3) Heisman finalists take the field. The Texas Texh offensive line again makes the difference as the Raiders start looking to Miami. Harrell to Crabtree over and over while Bradford impresses…but not enough. TTU: 45—OU:41

Michigan vs. Ohio State
Gomer: Wow, wow, wow, the last game of the regular season already. It always amazes me how fast the season goes by, and another one bites the dust. This is the worst Michigan in the history of college football, and that's saying a lot about the ALL-TIME WINNINGEST PROGRAM IN NCAA HISTORY. A Buckeye loss is not only unimaginable, but would be the greatest upset in the history of the rivalry. On the flip side, Ohio State is playing for a share of the Big Ten title, their 4th straight, and an unprecedented 5th straight victory over the state up north. It will be a thrilling day in Ohio Stadium, where we get to see 'Little Animal', Jenkins, Boeckman, Freeman, and (in my opinion) 'Beanie' one last time. The weather will be perfect for a gridiron battle (of spread offenses) where the men will be separated from the boys, and the Men of the Scarlet and Gray will emerge victorious from the trenches after battling the Maize and Blue to a bitter pulp. UM: 20 - OSU: 34

Chief: Throw out the records, it’s still ‘The Game’. Rich Rodriguez comes rolling into Columbus with excuses abounding. Telling his fans to ‘Get a Life’? That tops the list of things you think but don’t say in Ann Arbor. His backup QB is starting, and who knows who starts in the backfield (Minor should be healthy). The Buckeye faithful can’t be caught here looking ahead because this is still Michigan. They have a great defensive line and who knows what could happen if we aren’t prepared. Luckily for us, the sweatervest cares not for any other game and will have the troops fired up. This game is for a share of the Big 10 title and this senior class is looking for the clean sweep (4 straight). It may not be the season they wanted, but it is what it is, and there’s no sweeter way to leave than to send the Wolverines home crying to mama. The Bucks don’t look past (even thought their fans are) and take care of business. Beanie for 150, Laurinitis with 10 tackles, Jenkins with a pick, and close it out with senior captain Todd Boeckman leading a final scoring drive. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! UM: 10—OSU: 41

West Virginia vs. Louisville: Gomer:WVU - Chief:WVU
BYU vs. Utah: Gomer:Utah - Chief:Utah
Oregon State vs. Arizona: Gomer:Ariz - Chief:OSU
Iowa vs. Minnesota: Gomer:Minnesota - Chief:Iowa
Florida State vs. Maryland: Gomer:Maryland - Chief:FSU
Illinois @ Northwestern: Gomer:Illinois - Chief:Illinois