Thursday, September 03, 2009

Week 1...It Begins

Gomer's pregame:
As I sit at home on a Wednesday night and start to think, "Crap, I don't have anything here to eat for dinner" I take a drive to pick-up some food and on the way to and fro, I have a few minutes to listen to the pre-season talk about the UC Bearcats. They aren't talking about a big game necessarily, or big players, but more just complaining about the fact that the Big East Champs are forced to start their title defense on the road in New Jersey against Rutgers... it seems any time I hear or read something about the Buckeyes little brothers in the Southwest corner of the state, its either negative towards OSU or just plain negative. But it does remind me one thing, college football starts tomorrow night!

I will fully admit that I have strayed from the sport that I have followed the longest for my newest fave, the National Hockey League. But unlike pro sports the NCAA competition gives you athletes who will never make a career of their respective sport or complain about not getting enough money this season (that only happens in the NFL and NBA anyways), or face lockouts for various reasons. NCAA Football will always hold a special place in my heart, especially since I was born into it and have bled Scarlet and Gray since the day I was born.Here are the picks and maybe some sort of explanation to the madness...

Chief's pregame:
I have written an elogated preseason prediction. I'll try to post it up here soon.

Oregon vs. Boise State (Late Thursday)

Gomer: The Ducks will be looking to break in a decent amount of new starters and not to mention a new head coach, while the Broncos and the Smurf Turf will more than likely make it an unpleasant opening night while breaking in a few new faces of their own. Boise has only won 3 times against Pac-10 opponents, but those 3 wins have all come against Oregon. I think this could be an ugly game for the ugliest uniforms in sports, especially considering the lack of coherent defense in the Pac-10. UO: 24 - BSU: 52
Chief: The Ducks were perhaps the most impressive team in their bowl as they ran all over the Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl. I believe this game is a true statement for the big conferences. While Boise State should have a stellar season, I think Jeremiah Masoli and Euguene Blount will lead the Quackers to a revenge victory. A win for the Broncos doesn’t bury the Ducks but an Oregon win could mean serious problems for the smurfs. UO: 45—BSU: 31

Georgia vs. Oklahoma State
Gomer: For a minute I was afraid that I would not be able to watch this game because it is set to be a ABC/ESPN2 Regional game, but thank goodness I've got DirecTV to save the day this time. I really like OSU in this game for multiple reasons, a couple of them being the skill position trio of QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant as well as the Pokes impressive home opener record (13 in a row) and 15 straight non-conference wins all by an average margin of 33ppg. The Bulldogs on the other hand are going to have a hard time responding after losing Moreno and Stafford to the NFL this past spring. The Dogs do hold an undefeated record against against the Cowboys, and yes we know... "S-E-C, S-E-C, S-E-C!!" UGA: 24 - OSU: 38
Chief: Oklahoma State is another of my surprise teams for 2009. UGA lost so much offensive talent (most in the leaper Knowshon Moreno), but OSU returns all the videogame prowess of last year. The trio of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, and Dez Bryant will outscore the Dawgs. The Pokes defense was awful last year, but if they can stop the opposing team once or twice, that should be enough. UGA: 27—OSU: 45

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Gomer: This match-up has the potential to be either awesome or crap. It deserves mention that it will be played in Atlanta, it also should be mentioned that the Tide are 10-1 all time against the Hokies. The Hokies are returning 16 starters and are coming off of a surprising ACC Title and BCS Bowl win. Alabama lost a decent load of talent and but did make it to the SEC title game. The more I write, the more I'm willing to call this one a must-see. 'Bama: 17 - VT: 21
Chief: Here’s hoping this year kick-off classic is better than the clunker between Bama and Clemson last year. I really liked VT to be a major contender this year, but the loss of running back Daniel Evans really hurts. Tyrod Taylor is going to have to run the offense and hopefully he’s up to the task. The Tide returns many pieces of a stalwart defense (including 2000 lb Mount Cody), but the Hokie defense is always very opportunistic and stingy. VT has more experience under center which makes the different in a low scoring game. Bama: 10—VT: 13

Navy vs. Ohio State
Gomer: There has been a massive campaign to "stand up and cheer the Navy football team as they enter Ohio Stadium" on Saturday. While I think this is extremely respectful and a nice gesture, I don't support it. Now, this isn't saying "boo the crap out of Navy" but more of a let’s not be friendly and welcoming. Having a stadium as imposing as The Shoe, fans should never be told to "back down", I think that this goes against what home games are about, winning, and protecting the home field. This does not equate to being un-sportsmanlike and inappropriate to men and their families who will at some point be defending our country. Anyway, this game could be much closer than expected, especially with last year's injury of Beanie Wells in the opener that cost the Buckeyes any chance in the USC game. Navy: 15 - OSU: 27
Chief: I agree with Gomer on this issue of cheering Navy. I support the troops, but I will not cheer for Navy to win just because I feel guilty. That being said, this game has some trap implications. Navy is not the pushover academy like most think. They’ve been in multiple bowls in recent years and could conceivably win up to 10 games this year. For the Bucks, they’re back for blood after a disappointing 3 loss season. Terrelle Pryor should lead the offense to a win, but the key matchup is to see how the young defense handles the option attack. I think Navy fights valiantly, but get beat out by superior athletes in the end. Navy: 13—OSU: 31

South Carolina vs. NC State (Thursday)- Gomer: NCST Chief: NCST
Cincinnati vs. Rutgers (Monday)- Gomer: RUTG Chief: Cincinnati
Miami vs. Florida State (Monday)- Gomer: FSU Chief: FSU
Nevada vs. Notre Dame- Gomer: ND Chief: ND (closer than the experts think)
Brigham Young vs. Oklahoma- Gomer: OU Chief: OU
Kentucky vs. Miami (OH)- Gomer: UK Chief: UK
Western Michigan vs. Michigan- Gomer: UM Chief: UM (close)
LSU vs. Washington- Gomer: LSU Chief: LSU
Missouri vs. Illinois- Gomer: UI Chief: UI