Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Week 2 - Put up or Shut Up

Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

Gomer: In the power conference that is the ACC, Clemson, without a doubt, has been the biggest disappointment year in and out for the last 2-4 seasons. Whether it was misused talent or poor coaching, they have been the perennial let down (but not as publicly as Ohio State or Oklahoma). However, it doesn't take a long look through the history books to see that the Ramblin' Wreck was exactly the same mess a few years ago too (Remember Reggie Ball trying to pass to Calvin Johnson?). Until watching this past Monday night's classic between Miami and FSU, I was ready to go with my gut and call the ACC for VT, but that game certainly threw a wrench in my expectations, much as I think this game will do too. I like Paul Johnson's crew to get it done. Clem: 21--GT: 38

Chief: In a battle of 2 ACC teams that actually won last week, we might actually have a good Thursday night game on our hands. Clemson is lead by C.J. Spiller and hopes to get back some respect after falling on their faces last year when hopes abounded. Unfortunately, the Jackets (my ACC preseason pick) have used the triple option extremely well. Jonathan Dwyer will lead Paul Johnson's antiquated attack and his 2 TD 150+ yard performance will be the difference. Clemson should show up (tonight and this year), but the Jackets have another great year while defense struggle to figure out how to stop the option. Clem: 13--GT: 24

UCLA vs. Tennessee :

Gomer: I really like the attitude and swagger that is back with the Vols after the firing of Fat Phil and hiring of Lane Kiffin. But I like Neuheisel and what he's done with UCLA even more. Last season the Bruins were not good, but somehow pulled off the upset of the Volunteers in Westwood. I look for the more experienced Bruin squad to bull a mild upset here and stop the "SEC" chanting for at least one game. UCLA: 27--UT: 24

Chief: Ah, the game of last year that was meant to be so much and led to so little. Don't expect more this year. Lane Kiffin had the Vols firing last Saturday against the coolest mascot ever (Big Red from WKU if you had to ask), and I don't see the Bruins providing much of a problem. I had high hopes for the Pac 10, but UCLA was not included. UT better get a win this week because is Florida time next week. UCLA: 17--UT: 31

Notre Dame vs. Michigan

Gomer: Suddenly this game is intriguing with a dominating win by Big Blue in week one and a surprisingly big win by the Irish in a game many expected an upset. Yes this is one of those games where we root for a stadium to collapse, but I've got to go with conference pride in this one, the Big Ten has taken a huge beating for the last three years, and if there's any hope in regaining some swagger, it begins here on Saturday afternoon. Rich Rod, love him or hate him, is turning Michigan around. I for one am thankful for the health of the conference and the Rivalry. Without a huge tangent here, I believe a competent and successful Michigan team is imperative to retaining all the importance The Game has held over the years. Go Blue!!! ND: 34--UM: 44


Chief: An extremely intriguing game enters Ann Arbor this weekend. I don't think these programs are "back", but they certainly are taking giant steps forward. The Wolverines played with more energy than I've seen up there in nearly 3 years (aside from Capitol One Bowl vs. UF) against a nobody MAC school and Notre Dame looked to wake up the echoes against a terrible pass defense. I still think Notre Dame is further along and stopping Colin Kaepernik was a good start. UM jumps on top early but emu-boy Jimmy Clauson takes the pressure and sends Dick Rod home crying. Weis just wants to know what's for dinner. ND: 27--UM: 21

USC vs. Ohio State

Gomer: USC's gameplan is simple; run, run, and run some more. The O-Zone writer "BCast" had an excellent article saying that in the last 7 games the Trojans have lost the common denominator is shutting down the running game. Over those 7 losses the Trojans average roughly 84 ypg on the ground. It really comes down to 2 things, do you trust our D to shut down the Trojan O and subsequently running attack and how does Pryor perform when all the weight is squarely on his shoulders. I for one am not overly optimistic about the chance of a Buckeye victory, our D-line, as good as it is, is not better than the USC O-line protecting Barkley and allowing McKnight and company to have a field day running over the Buckeyes. If Pryor is forced to be one dimensional either all running or all passing, and as much as it pains me to types this... without a perfect storm in OSU's favor, there is no way the Bucks can prevail in this match-up. USC: 25--OSU: 19

Chief: Here we go again. After falling flat on our faces last year, it's come down to this. Don't let last week fool you, Navy is a very good team who will win 9-10 games this season. Defending the triple option is tough for any normal defense (ask the ACC), but OSU cannot struggle on the O-Line this week as they did last week. The embarrassment of the day was the ineptitude of the OSU O-Line. While the O-line was scary bad, the D-Line was scary good. I think OSU's defense will rattle Matt Barkley (even though he says it won't matter) and the USC stellar running game will be slowed, but if there is no protection, it could be a long day. Pryor needs to have a huge statement game passing and running. Yes, USC handle perennial doormat San Jose State, but this is Ohio State and it's time to make a statement. You knew I wasn't picking the Trojans didn't you. USC: 17--OSU: 20

South Carolina vs. Georgia: Gomer: UGA Chief: UGA
Purdue vs. Oregon: Gomer: UO Chief: UO
North Carolina vs. UConn: Gomer: UNC Chief:UNC
Fresno State vs. Wisconsin Gomer: Wisconsin Chief:Wisconsin
Iowa vs. Iowa State: Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa
Texas vs. Wyoming: Gomer: Texas Chief: Texas
BYU vs. Tulane: Gomer: BYU Chief: BYU
East Carolina vs. West Virginia: Gomer: WVU Chief: WVU