Final Heisman Ballots and Predictions
Draper Ballot
1. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3. Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Draper Prediction
1. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2. Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
Hoying Ballot
1. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3. Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Hoying Prediction
1. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2. Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
Schweinfurth Ballot
1. Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
2. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
3. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
Schweinfurth Prediction
1. Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2. Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3. Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
Top 25 Ballots
Draper
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Alabama
4. Florida
5. Stanford
6. Kansas State
7. Oregon
8. Georgia
9. LSU
10. Texas A&M
11. South Carolina
12. Oklahoma
13. Florida State
14. Clemson
15. Oregon State
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Northwestern
19. Louisville
20. Northern Illinois
21. Texas
22. Utah State
23. Kent State
24. San Jose State
25. Michigan
Hoying
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Alabama
4. Florida
5. Kansas State
6. Stanford
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Oregon
10. South Carolina
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma
13. Florida State
14. Oregon State
15. UCLA
16. Nebraska
17. Northwestern
18. Louisville
19. Northern Illinois
20. Clemson
21. Utah State
22. Michigan
23. Texas
24. Kent State
25. San Jose State
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Week 14 Picks: Lots of NOT undefeated teams playing...
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 45-11 (6-7 upset)
2) Hoying 40-16 (3-10 upset)
3) Draper 33-23 (4-9 upset)
4) Auer 31-22 (2-10 upset)
Louisville Cardinal @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big East--defacto)
Draper: Big East de-facto championship...woo. Preseason, I had these teams pillow-fighting it out (no, really I did) for the Orange Bowl (or maybe even the Sugar if the Flashes shock the world). These teams are supremely mediocre, but I like Teddy Bridgewater (which is why I picked Louisville preseason). Bridgewater is banged up, but I'm riding the preseason pick...also, I couldn't be as bad this week as I was last week, right?...RIGHT? LVille: 27--Rutgers: 24
Auer: Both teams coming in 9-2, both coming off of a puzzling loss. Rutgers couldn't get things going against lowly Pitt and Louisville just barely fell to UConn in triple overtime. Louisville however is coming off of two straight losses, the previous to an even-worse-than-Pitt, Syracuse. I'll stick with the future Big Ten conference member here. LVille: 20--Rutgers 31
Hoying: A few weeks ago, this looked like a possible match-up of middleweight undefeateds, but some losses to crappy teams have dulled this a bit. The good news is the league championship for the conference that no one wants to be in is still up for grabs. I picked Rutgers preseason as the Big East champ and their terrific defense will prove to be too much for Bridgewater and company. Sorry, Charlie Strong, maybe you'll get hired away when you can finish a season. LVille: 17--Rutgers: 20
Schweinfurth: We get this game in the spirit of the B1G/ACC Challenge. Kinda. Both teams are floundering down the stretch after starting off very well. This one seems to come down to Teddy Bridgewater. If he plays, the Cardinals win. If not, I'll take the Knights. L'Ville: 35--Rutgers 24
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (MAC)
Draper: This is just here because I find it amusing that the MAC champion has a very real chance of making a BCS bowl (even after almost returning an interception for a safety...). Darrell Hazell has worked wonders in Kent and will be off to greener pastures VERY soon. I'm not surprised after he taught us WR technique at OSU. Need proof, look what happened to OSU WRs when he left. Go Coach Hazell! NIU: 31--KSU: 34
Auer: KSU has been a stunner all season after they shocked the college football world during opening weekend. The shock to the world you ask? The player who returned a punt the wrong way was indeed a pride of KSU Golden Flash. Haven't watched anything else of either team honestly. This could go either way, but I'll go with the hot hand. NIU: 35--KSU: 31
Hoying: Imagine if Northern Illinois could have held on against Iowa, or if Kent State would've actually showed up against Kentucky (Kentucky? Really?), the winner of this game could be undefeated and headed to a BCS bowl. Wait, a one-loss MAC champ might go to the BCS anyway? Yeesh. Both teams have been playing good football against bad teams, but only Kent State has a quality win, beating Rutgers in Piscataway. I expect that experience to serve them well here, as the Golden Flashes win their first MAC championship game. NIU: 30--KSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I really haven't watch much MACtion this year, so I can't give much insight. I'll Hazel and the Flashes. NIU: 31--KSU: 38
UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal (Pac 12)
Draper: An epic battle between preseason juggernauts Oregon and USC should be really really excit....wait, WHAT? Stanford and who???? Oh boy, these games just get better and better. Actually, this isn't a bad game because the D of Stanford has been very good and UCLA can score. Unstoppable force vs. immoveable object? Go with the immoveable object. Stanford chokes Hundley and Franklin into submission preventing another UCLA home date in Pasadena. UCLA: 20--Stan: 31
Auer: This one wasn't close last week and it won't be again. UCLA was in a very peculiar situation last week as a win would have sent the Bruins to Oregon this week, but instead a loss set the match-up with Stanford. Kind of a "pick your poison" situation it seems. UCLA looked lethargic last week, and more than likely won't see much success this week. The positive? The winner only has to play the Big Ten Champion. UCLA: 17--Stan: 42
Hoying: Didn't we just see this game? Despite the perverse incentive setup of last week's game, I didn't get the feeling that UCLA wasn't trying against Stanford. They just weren't as good. Now the game gets a reboot with the Cardinal as the home team. I expect more of the same. UCLA: 17--Stan: 35 (Same score)
Schweinfurth: Well, this one's interesting. It seems we get a rematch from last week this week. Stanford proved against Oregon that they have one of the best defenses in the nation. Defense wins championships. I'll take Stanford this time. UCLA: 13--Stan: 24
Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ACC)
Draper: Another season with high expectations ends in bitter disappointment for the Noles (fool me once...). EJ Manuel has been a yo-yo all year and the defense actually got pounded last week. The loss of Tank Carradine sucks but FSU is still far more talented than 6-6 GTech. The option attack of the Ramblin Wreck is no fun to prepare for (thanks for the magnanimous bowl ban Canes...) but the speed on the Nole defense should be enough to contain it. FSU has trounced most inferior opponents so I think they'll do the same here en route to Miami...for the wrong game. The loss of Coach Mark Stoops to Kentucky has the makings of a possible upset (FSU lost Mark Richt to UGA and laid a monster egg in the NC vs. OU), but I thing the Noles roll to the Orange Bowl. FSU: 38--GT: 13
Auer: Jesus, Georgia Tech's division must be awful if they are playing for the ACC Title... or maybe just everyone in their division is facing a postseason bowl ban... too soon? FSU: 52--GT: 21
Hoying: Coming into this game, Florida State has one quality win, and it's not a great one. No matter the result in the ACC Championship Game, Florida State will still have one quality win. The conference title is the Noles' for the taking, if they're properly motivated to take it. FSU played a better opponent last week and actually put up a fight, while the Tech rambled and wrecked all over the field, much like the rest of the Coastal division. This shouldn't be close. FSU: 45--GT: 10
Schweinfurth: The Yellow Jackets should thank Miami for taking another postseason ban. With that said, Florida State is the much better team and that defense is tough to run against. I expect the 'Noles to bounce back and shut down the triple option. FSU: 45--GT: 10
Texas Longhorns @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: KSU is out of the ultimate prize thanks to a clunker vs. Baylor, but they can still capture a nice consolation prize in the Fiesta Bowl and a Big 12 Championship by beating the Longhorns. Texas is another team that has disappointed this year with their talent, but a win here would be great for momentum. This game is all about Collin Klein. He can return to frontrunner Heisman status, but he has to have a spectacular game. I think Bill Snyder has enough respect for his players that, given the chance, he will do everything possible to accentuate the positives of Optimus Klein. KState clamps down at home and takes home the Big 12 title in a bittersweet fashion...if only....UT: 20--KSU: 31
Auer: The Longhorns seem to be a shell of their former team and will more than likely continue to implode... or will they? KSU is playing for next to nothing and will still be playing on New Year's day or in the BCS even with a loss. UT is coming together at the right time and could make this one interesting. UT: 24--KSU: 20
Hoying: Fun fact: Kansas State hasn't lost to Texas since their last Big 12 title, when Ell Roberson led the Wildcats against Ohio State in 2003. This game will be very telling for the future of Kansas State. The big prize is out of the picture, but a Fiesta Bowl bid would be an amazing accomplishment for a team that looked so helpless without Methuselah at the reins. Make no mistake, K-State is the much better team here, especially since the Horns haven't solved their QB controversy, even after 11 games. Home team, better team, and yes, better coach give 'Cats the victory and Big 12 title. UT: 16--KSU: 31
Schweinfurth: So it sounds like we get Case McCoy this week. Between he and Ash, I think McCoy is the better QB. K-State is tough at home. I'm looking for another Big 12 shootout. UT: 35--KSU: 42
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Wisconsin Badgers* (B1G)
Draper: The Buckeyes roll in on a monster high as they prepare for the last big hurdle before the Irish....wait, what? Postseason bans are stupid (I've always said this--not just because my team has one). The 3rd place in the Leaders Badgers* take on the Legends champ Nebraska for the right to go to Pasadena. The Huskers have the better team (by far in my opinion), but the Badgers* will try to (somewhat) defend their preseason favorite status. Martinez will play well, as will Montee Ball, but the diversified Husker attack will outplay the more traditional Badger* ground and pound. Nebraska win the B1G in their second season, but no one will care since the 'banned' Buckeyes trounced them earlier. Everyone knows the real B1G title is in Cbus. Neb: 38--UW: 24
Auer: Nebraska is BY FAR the better team here but will they show it? UW does have MontAE Ball.... maybe he'll change the pronunciation of his name again? Taylor Martinez could give an early launch to a 2013 Heisman Campaign... and probably will go off against the Badgers. Neb: 48--UW: 35
Hoying: If you've watched Nebraska carefully since they've joined the B1G, you've noticed they have terrific mojo in Lincoln but usually look completely lost on the road. While this isn't a true road game, it's much closer to Wisconsin, and the Badgers will be out for blood after losing so many close games, including the heartbreaker in Lincoln early this season. If this one goes to overtime, it's a sure Badger loss, but perhaps the big doofus will go for 2 late and pull out the victory. No Ryan Shazier to provide late game heroics here. Neb: 24--UW: 25
Schweinfurth: Another rematch game. Nebraska dominated the first match up despite all the turnovers in the first half. Wisconsin can run it with Montee (call me Montay) Ball but is otherwise one dimensional. I'll take the Huskers for their first B1G Championship. Neb: 52--UW: 35
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The SEC championship has a very sexy matchup of preseason favorites. The winner is certain to face off with the Irish in Miami for the crystal ball. The resumes of these teams are severely lacking (Bama beat LSU, lost to TAMU and UGA beating UF and losing to SoCar in games vs. top 15 opponents). The schedules were extremely favorable in SEC play for these teams which is a big reason why they're here. Florida, LSU, SoCar, and TAMU are arguably as good as these teams, but the tougher schedule in which they played each other, knocked them out. That being said, this is Saban's chance to return to the spotlight. UGA is generally flaky on the big stage. The defensive talent in this game is spectacular, but while I think UGA may have better players, Bama has the better team. Tide roll to another title shot in a slugfest. Bama: 23--UGA: 17
Auer: (Write up coming later) Bama: 28--UGA: 13
Hoying: Who wants to go to Miami and get thumped by the Irish? (wait...) Nick Saban's technique of killing 10 kittens for each mistake his team makes (I'm assuming) seems to have motivated his team back to the world-beater status they held before the LSU game, while Georgia is on a tear of their own over their last 5 games. Aaron Murray and "Gur-shall" are good enough to make the Tide pay, but Alabama seems to be playing sounder football, and Saban shines in games like these. Bama: 20--UGA: 13
Schweinfurth: I haven't watched much of the Bulldogs this year. However, I know 'Bama can run the ball and Lacy is a battering ram. The Tide defense learned from the A&M game. Look for Bama to go for 2 in a row in January. Bama: 28--UGA: 13
Upset Special
Draper: Nevada over Boise State
Auer: Uconn over Cincy
Hoying: Wisconsin over Nebraska (there aren't a lot of games not picked above)
Schweinfurth: TCU over Oklahoma
1) Schweinfurth 45-11 (6-7 upset)
2) Hoying 40-16 (3-10 upset)
3) Draper 33-23 (4-9 upset)
4) Auer 31-22 (2-10 upset)
Louisville Cardinal @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big East--defacto)
Draper: Big East de-facto championship...woo. Preseason, I had these teams pillow-fighting it out (no, really I did) for the Orange Bowl (or maybe even the Sugar if the Flashes shock the world). These teams are supremely mediocre, but I like Teddy Bridgewater (which is why I picked Louisville preseason). Bridgewater is banged up, but I'm riding the preseason pick...also, I couldn't be as bad this week as I was last week, right?...RIGHT? LVille: 27--Rutgers: 24
Auer: Both teams coming in 9-2, both coming off of a puzzling loss. Rutgers couldn't get things going against lowly Pitt and Louisville just barely fell to UConn in triple overtime. Louisville however is coming off of two straight losses, the previous to an even-worse-than-Pitt, Syracuse. I'll stick with the future Big Ten conference member here. LVille: 20--Rutgers 31
Hoying: A few weeks ago, this looked like a possible match-up of middleweight undefeateds, but some losses to crappy teams have dulled this a bit. The good news is the league championship for the conference that no one wants to be in is still up for grabs. I picked Rutgers preseason as the Big East champ and their terrific defense will prove to be too much for Bridgewater and company. Sorry, Charlie Strong, maybe you'll get hired away when you can finish a season. LVille: 17--Rutgers: 20
Schweinfurth: We get this game in the spirit of the B1G/ACC Challenge. Kinda. Both teams are floundering down the stretch after starting off very well. This one seems to come down to Teddy Bridgewater. If he plays, the Cardinals win. If not, I'll take the Knights. L'Ville: 35--Rutgers 24
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (MAC)
Draper: This is just here because I find it amusing that the MAC champion has a very real chance of making a BCS bowl (even after almost returning an interception for a safety...). Darrell Hazell has worked wonders in Kent and will be off to greener pastures VERY soon. I'm not surprised after he taught us WR technique at OSU. Need proof, look what happened to OSU WRs when he left. Go Coach Hazell! NIU: 31--KSU: 34
Auer: KSU has been a stunner all season after they shocked the college football world during opening weekend. The shock to the world you ask? The player who returned a punt the wrong way was indeed a pride of KSU Golden Flash. Haven't watched anything else of either team honestly. This could go either way, but I'll go with the hot hand. NIU: 35--KSU: 31
Hoying: Imagine if Northern Illinois could have held on against Iowa, or if Kent State would've actually showed up against Kentucky (Kentucky? Really?), the winner of this game could be undefeated and headed to a BCS bowl. Wait, a one-loss MAC champ might go to the BCS anyway? Yeesh. Both teams have been playing good football against bad teams, but only Kent State has a quality win, beating Rutgers in Piscataway. I expect that experience to serve them well here, as the Golden Flashes win their first MAC championship game. NIU: 30--KSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I really haven't watch much MACtion this year, so I can't give much insight. I'll Hazel and the Flashes. NIU: 31--KSU: 38
UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal (Pac 12)
Draper: An epic battle between preseason juggernauts Oregon and USC should be really really excit....wait, WHAT? Stanford and who???? Oh boy, these games just get better and better. Actually, this isn't a bad game because the D of Stanford has been very good and UCLA can score. Unstoppable force vs. immoveable object? Go with the immoveable object. Stanford chokes Hundley and Franklin into submission preventing another UCLA home date in Pasadena. UCLA: 20--Stan: 31
Auer: This one wasn't close last week and it won't be again. UCLA was in a very peculiar situation last week as a win would have sent the Bruins to Oregon this week, but instead a loss set the match-up with Stanford. Kind of a "pick your poison" situation it seems. UCLA looked lethargic last week, and more than likely won't see much success this week. The positive? The winner only has to play the Big Ten Champion. UCLA: 17--Stan: 42
Hoying: Didn't we just see this game? Despite the perverse incentive setup of last week's game, I didn't get the feeling that UCLA wasn't trying against Stanford. They just weren't as good. Now the game gets a reboot with the Cardinal as the home team. I expect more of the same. UCLA: 17--Stan: 35 (Same score)
Schweinfurth: Well, this one's interesting. It seems we get a rematch from last week this week. Stanford proved against Oregon that they have one of the best defenses in the nation. Defense wins championships. I'll take Stanford this time. UCLA: 13--Stan: 24
Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ACC)
Draper: Another season with high expectations ends in bitter disappointment for the Noles (fool me once...). EJ Manuel has been a yo-yo all year and the defense actually got pounded last week. The loss of Tank Carradine sucks but FSU is still far more talented than 6-6 GTech. The option attack of the Ramblin Wreck is no fun to prepare for (thanks for the magnanimous bowl ban Canes...) but the speed on the Nole defense should be enough to contain it. FSU has trounced most inferior opponents so I think they'll do the same here en route to Miami...for the wrong game. The loss of Coach Mark Stoops to Kentucky has the makings of a possible upset (FSU lost Mark Richt to UGA and laid a monster egg in the NC vs. OU), but I thing the Noles roll to the Orange Bowl. FSU: 38--GT: 13
Auer: Jesus, Georgia Tech's division must be awful if they are playing for the ACC Title... or maybe just everyone in their division is facing a postseason bowl ban... too soon? FSU: 52--GT: 21
Hoying: Coming into this game, Florida State has one quality win, and it's not a great one. No matter the result in the ACC Championship Game, Florida State will still have one quality win. The conference title is the Noles' for the taking, if they're properly motivated to take it. FSU played a better opponent last week and actually put up a fight, while the Tech rambled and wrecked all over the field, much like the rest of the Coastal division. This shouldn't be close. FSU: 45--GT: 10
Schweinfurth: The Yellow Jackets should thank Miami for taking another postseason ban. With that said, Florida State is the much better team and that defense is tough to run against. I expect the 'Noles to bounce back and shut down the triple option. FSU: 45--GT: 10
Texas Longhorns @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: KSU is out of the ultimate prize thanks to a clunker vs. Baylor, but they can still capture a nice consolation prize in the Fiesta Bowl and a Big 12 Championship by beating the Longhorns. Texas is another team that has disappointed this year with their talent, but a win here would be great for momentum. This game is all about Collin Klein. He can return to frontrunner Heisman status, but he has to have a spectacular game. I think Bill Snyder has enough respect for his players that, given the chance, he will do everything possible to accentuate the positives of Optimus Klein. KState clamps down at home and takes home the Big 12 title in a bittersweet fashion...if only....UT: 20--KSU: 31
Auer: The Longhorns seem to be a shell of their former team and will more than likely continue to implode... or will they? KSU is playing for next to nothing and will still be playing on New Year's day or in the BCS even with a loss. UT is coming together at the right time and could make this one interesting. UT: 24--KSU: 20
Hoying: Fun fact: Kansas State hasn't lost to Texas since their last Big 12 title, when Ell Roberson led the Wildcats against Ohio State in 2003. This game will be very telling for the future of Kansas State. The big prize is out of the picture, but a Fiesta Bowl bid would be an amazing accomplishment for a team that looked so helpless without Methuselah at the reins. Make no mistake, K-State is the much better team here, especially since the Horns haven't solved their QB controversy, even after 11 games. Home team, better team, and yes, better coach give 'Cats the victory and Big 12 title. UT: 16--KSU: 31
Schweinfurth: So it sounds like we get Case McCoy this week. Between he and Ash, I think McCoy is the better QB. K-State is tough at home. I'm looking for another Big 12 shootout. UT: 35--KSU: 42
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Wisconsin Badgers* (B1G)
Draper: The Buckeyes roll in on a monster high as they prepare for the last big hurdle before the Irish....wait, what? Postseason bans are stupid (I've always said this--not just because my team has one). The 3rd place in the Leaders Badgers* take on the Legends champ Nebraska for the right to go to Pasadena. The Huskers have the better team (by far in my opinion), but the Badgers* will try to (somewhat) defend their preseason favorite status. Martinez will play well, as will Montee Ball, but the diversified Husker attack will outplay the more traditional Badger* ground and pound. Nebraska win the B1G in their second season, but no one will care since the 'banned' Buckeyes trounced them earlier. Everyone knows the real B1G title is in Cbus. Neb: 38--UW: 24
Auer: Nebraska is BY FAR the better team here but will they show it? UW does have MontAE Ball.... maybe he'll change the pronunciation of his name again? Taylor Martinez could give an early launch to a 2013 Heisman Campaign... and probably will go off against the Badgers. Neb: 48--UW: 35
Hoying: If you've watched Nebraska carefully since they've joined the B1G, you've noticed they have terrific mojo in Lincoln but usually look completely lost on the road. While this isn't a true road game, it's much closer to Wisconsin, and the Badgers will be out for blood after losing so many close games, including the heartbreaker in Lincoln early this season. If this one goes to overtime, it's a sure Badger loss, but perhaps the big doofus will go for 2 late and pull out the victory. No Ryan Shazier to provide late game heroics here. Neb: 24--UW: 25
Schweinfurth: Another rematch game. Nebraska dominated the first match up despite all the turnovers in the first half. Wisconsin can run it with Montee (call me Montay) Ball but is otherwise one dimensional. I'll take the Huskers for their first B1G Championship. Neb: 52--UW: 35
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The SEC championship has a very sexy matchup of preseason favorites. The winner is certain to face off with the Irish in Miami for the crystal ball. The resumes of these teams are severely lacking (Bama beat LSU, lost to TAMU and UGA beating UF and losing to SoCar in games vs. top 15 opponents). The schedules were extremely favorable in SEC play for these teams which is a big reason why they're here. Florida, LSU, SoCar, and TAMU are arguably as good as these teams, but the tougher schedule in which they played each other, knocked them out. That being said, this is Saban's chance to return to the spotlight. UGA is generally flaky on the big stage. The defensive talent in this game is spectacular, but while I think UGA may have better players, Bama has the better team. Tide roll to another title shot in a slugfest. Bama: 23--UGA: 17
Auer: (Write up coming later) Bama: 28--UGA: 13
Hoying: Who wants to go to Miami and get thumped by the Irish? (wait...) Nick Saban's technique of killing 10 kittens for each mistake his team makes (I'm assuming) seems to have motivated his team back to the world-beater status they held before the LSU game, while Georgia is on a tear of their own over their last 5 games. Aaron Murray and "Gur-shall" are good enough to make the Tide pay, but Alabama seems to be playing sounder football, and Saban shines in games like these. Bama: 20--UGA: 13
Schweinfurth: I haven't watched much of the Bulldogs this year. However, I know 'Bama can run the ball and Lacy is a battering ram. The Tide defense learned from the A&M game. Look for Bama to go for 2 in a row in January. Bama: 28--UGA: 13
Upset Special
Draper: Nevada over Boise State
Auer: Uconn over Cincy
Hoying: Wisconsin over Nebraska (there aren't a lot of games not picked above)
Schweinfurth: TCU over Oklahoma
Rankings and Heisman Ballots (Post Week 13)
Heisman Ballots and Predictions
Draper Ballot
1) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2) Collin Klein (QB--KSU) (go off against Texas and we'll talk)
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Draper Prediction
1) Johnny Manziel
2) Manti T'eo (LB--ND)
3) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
4) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
5) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
I believe all 5 will be invited to NY because this is certainly a year of no clear cut favorite
Hoying Ballot
1) Johnny Manziel (QB-TAMU)
2) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Schweinfurth Ballot
1) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
3) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
Top 25 Ballots
Draper
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5.Georgia
6. Kansas State
7. Stanford
8. Oregon
9. LSU
10. Texas A&M
11.Oklahoma
12. South Carolina
13. Nebraska
14. Florida State
15. Clemson
16. Oregon State
17. Kent State
18. UCLA
19. Northwestern
20. Northern Illinois
21. Michigan
22. Texas
23. Utah State
24. Oklahoma State
25. Louisville
Hoying
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Kansas State
7. Stanford
8. LSU
9. Oregon
10. South Carolina
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma
13. Nebraska
14. Florida State
15. UCLA
16. Oregon State
17. Texas
18. Northwestern
19. Louisville
20. Kent State
21. Clemson
22. Utah State
23. Rutgers
24. Northern Illinois
25. Michigan
Draper Ballot
1) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
2) Collin Klein (QB--KSU) (go off against Texas and we'll talk)
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Draper Prediction
1) Johnny Manziel
2) Manti T'eo (LB--ND)
3) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
4) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
5) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
I believe all 5 will be invited to NY because this is certainly a year of no clear cut favorite
Hoying Ballot
1) Johnny Manziel (QB-TAMU)
2) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Schweinfurth Ballot
1) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
3) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
Top 25 Ballots
Draper
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5.Georgia
6. Kansas State
7. Stanford
8. Oregon
9. LSU
10. Texas A&M
11.Oklahoma
12. South Carolina
13. Nebraska
14. Florida State
15. Clemson
16. Oregon State
17. Kent State
18. UCLA
19. Northwestern
20. Northern Illinois
21. Michigan
22. Texas
23. Utah State
24. Oklahoma State
25. Louisville
Hoying
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Kansas State
7. Stanford
8. LSU
9. Oregon
10. South Carolina
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma
13. Nebraska
14. Florida State
15. UCLA
16. Oregon State
17. Texas
18. Northwestern
19. Louisville
20. Kent State
21. Clemson
22. Utah State
23. Rutgers
24. Northern Illinois
25. Michigan
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Grading the Bucks: M!ch!g@n
Offense: B
A situation of winning despite ourselves. Miller was great early on but tailed off quickly against an overrated UM defense (yes, they haven't allowed a 200 yard passer, but they haven't faced an elite passer--and Miller had 125 in the 1st quarter). I was surprised by the lack of creativity on offense, but do what you have to to win. Hyde was sensational again, running extremely hard are converting key 3rd downs when needed. The receivers were lackadaisical which has been a theme ever since Hazell left to lead the Golden Flashes to the BCS (!). Going into the offseason, I hope Braxton's football IQ gets an overhaul--someday he'll figure out that this isn't high school. His ability to diagnose the defense/pick up the blitz is still below average and needs improvement. I expect great strides with another year of experience...oh yeah, we didn't lose this year...
Defense: D/A
Had to separate this by half. The first half was a comedy of errors with blown assignments (CJ Barnett was out of position on every play), missed tackles, and a three-stooges-esque 'tackle' on Denard by Bryant and Howard (allowing a huge 70+ yard run with 40 seconds to go in the half). The defense looked confused and immature. Then halftime happened. Give major credit to the defensive coaches for their adjustments because the second half was some Silver Bullet dominance. Shazier and Boren played some of the best linebacker ever completely shutting the Wolverines down. The picture of Boren plastering Gardner is just spectacular. Roby has tailed off at the end of the year, but the entire team stepped up for the final half of their season.
Special Teams: B
Basil, with 6 FG attempts this season coming into the game, was phenomenal going 4 for 5 with a HUGE 52 yard FG as time expired in the half. The detractor was a major gaffe by Corey Brown fumbling the punt early, allowing UM to take an early lead. Other than that, special teams were so-so.
Coaching: B-/A-
Offensively, I give the coaching a B- because there were many plays on which Hyde was on absolute fire and they opted for a pass...with a line that struggles in pass pro and a QB that can't diagnose the blitz. The goalline stand by the Wolverines was a serious coaching blunder in my opinion. 2nd and 1 from the 2 and Tom Herman calls a slow developing play action...where UM is bringing the house and Miller can't see it. Miller was absolutely destroyed because he missed the read and the RT couldn't block the all out blitz. After that play, a bad snap forced a FG on a series that should have easily resulted in 6. Another instance of giving the sun and blue a glimmer of hope (so maybe it wasn't too bad). I'm giving the defensive coaches an A- for the incredible halftime adjustments. Can't go full A due to the ridiculous 1st half, but they showed fantastic ability to adapt and adjust.
Overall: B
Any win over that school up north is a great one, especially one that culminates in the 6th undefeated untied season in OSU history. It may not have been the buttwhooping it should have been, but the result was correct. Send the Wolverines into another offseason of 'what-if' while Buckeye Nation looks forward optimistically and end this season with a completely different 'what-if'... No time to waste worrying about 2012. It's over; it was perfect; let it stand on its own. On to 2013 and the undefeated season defense. Congrats to Urban! Congrats to the 2012 Buckeyes! 12-0 is sweet no matter the circumstances.
A situation of winning despite ourselves. Miller was great early on but tailed off quickly against an overrated UM defense (yes, they haven't allowed a 200 yard passer, but they haven't faced an elite passer--and Miller had 125 in the 1st quarter). I was surprised by the lack of creativity on offense, but do what you have to to win. Hyde was sensational again, running extremely hard are converting key 3rd downs when needed. The receivers were lackadaisical which has been a theme ever since Hazell left to lead the Golden Flashes to the BCS (!). Going into the offseason, I hope Braxton's football IQ gets an overhaul--someday he'll figure out that this isn't high school. His ability to diagnose the defense/pick up the blitz is still below average and needs improvement. I expect great strides with another year of experience...oh yeah, we didn't lose this year...
Defense: D/A
Had to separate this by half. The first half was a comedy of errors with blown assignments (CJ Barnett was out of position on every play), missed tackles, and a three-stooges-esque 'tackle' on Denard by Bryant and Howard (allowing a huge 70+ yard run with 40 seconds to go in the half). The defense looked confused and immature. Then halftime happened. Give major credit to the defensive coaches for their adjustments because the second half was some Silver Bullet dominance. Shazier and Boren played some of the best linebacker ever completely shutting the Wolverines down. The picture of Boren plastering Gardner is just spectacular. Roby has tailed off at the end of the year, but the entire team stepped up for the final half of their season.
Special Teams: B
Basil, with 6 FG attempts this season coming into the game, was phenomenal going 4 for 5 with a HUGE 52 yard FG as time expired in the half. The detractor was a major gaffe by Corey Brown fumbling the punt early, allowing UM to take an early lead. Other than that, special teams were so-so.
Coaching: B-/A-
Offensively, I give the coaching a B- because there were many plays on which Hyde was on absolute fire and they opted for a pass...with a line that struggles in pass pro and a QB that can't diagnose the blitz. The goalline stand by the Wolverines was a serious coaching blunder in my opinion. 2nd and 1 from the 2 and Tom Herman calls a slow developing play action...where UM is bringing the house and Miller can't see it. Miller was absolutely destroyed because he missed the read and the RT couldn't block the all out blitz. After that play, a bad snap forced a FG on a series that should have easily resulted in 6. Another instance of giving the sun and blue a glimmer of hope (so maybe it wasn't too bad). I'm giving the defensive coaches an A- for the incredible halftime adjustments. Can't go full A due to the ridiculous 1st half, but they showed fantastic ability to adapt and adjust.
Overall: B
Any win over that school up north is a great one, especially one that culminates in the 6th undefeated untied season in OSU history. It may not have been the buttwhooping it should have been, but the result was correct. Send the Wolverines into another offseason of 'what-if' while Buckeye Nation looks forward optimistically and end this season with a completely different 'what-if'... No time to waste worrying about 2012. It's over; it was perfect; let it stand on its own. On to 2013 and the undefeated season defense. Congrats to Urban! Congrats to the 2012 Buckeyes! 12-0 is sweet no matter the circumstances.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Week 13 Picks: THE Game (and other rivalries)
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 39-10 (5-7 upset)
2) Hoying 34-15 (3-9 upset)
3) Draper 31-18 (3-9 upset)
4) Auer 25-20 (1-10 upset)
Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Everyone sees the rankings and thinks this is an easy win for the Gators, but the Noles enter as a 7 point favorite. The home field advantage of Doak is minimal compared to the Swamp, but the lack of the home-field to the Gators is huge. The Noles have only one win of note because Clemson is the only good team they've played while the Gators have 3 big wins (TAMU before they figured how to play, home of offenseless LSU, and home vs. South Carolina after they had a huge win). With that said, Florida has seemed to win games without understanding how. The defense is solid, but the Noles defense is even better with Carradine and Werner. I think the Noles will be 'up' for this more than anything and play with nothing held back. Gaytors fall on the road when they play a solid offensive team. UF: 13--FSU: 23
Auer: Florida started off hot, got flakey, and is looking to finish strong with an "upset" win in Tallahassee. A lot of frustration has mounted for the Seminoles this season. They were the odds-on favorite to be in the national championship game against the seemingly unbeatable Crimson Tide, then the real FSU showed up and they lost one they shouldn't to NC State (shocker, right?... not really). Florida is poised to claim a spot in the BCS National Championship game, but must win this one against a vengeance-filled, nothing-to-lose Seminole squad playing at home. UF: 24--FSU: 22
Hoying: All you who don't want to see another SEC-SEC title game, root like hell for the Noles in this one. Yeah, it's a moot point if Notre Dame takes care of business, but a Florida State win derails the conversation before it begins. This is probably the best match-up of the weekend. Both teams feature outstanding defense, which could be especially problematic for the weak Gator passing game. QB Jeff Driskel will be back for the tilt, but how long will he last against a punishing Seminole defense? Don't write Florida off-their resume matches up well with anyone's-but Florida State has barely been stopped all season, and the Gators don't have the Swamp to help them. UF: 10--FSU: 17
Schweinfurth: This game is tricky. The Gators have been good, not great, all season. Jeff Driskall has managed the offense this year. The Gator defense is indeed stout and is truly a "Will Muschamp" defense. Florida State has been a bit of a mystery to me all season. This team has looked like a national championship contender one week, and then a middle of the road ACC team the next. This game will be a down right slugfest. Bring your big boy pants for this one. E.J. Manuel eliminates the Gators from the championship picture. UF: 10--FSU: 17
Oregon Ducks @ Oregon State Beavers
Draper: Ducks came up with the most spectacular choke job of the season last week to all but remove them from the National Championship debate (or did they?). The Ducks will be HUGE fans of UCLA this week, but it's safe to say that a win here will send the Ducks to a BCS bowl. There's chance this game may be for a BCS game for either team but Oregon State is not nearly as attractive. The Beavers play solid fundamental football (which doesn't move the dial). I expect Mariota, Barner, and Thomas (not to mention Kelly) to go crazy in Corvallis. I don't expect another offensive failure by the Ducks. Ducks win the Civil War easily. UO: 48--OSU: 17
Auer: Yeah it may be a rivalry, but this one should not be close. State has played a more competitive slate of games, but Oregon has done as they usually do and been a impossible-to-stop avalanche in most games. The Ducks may take a little longer to get rolling, but the result will be the same. UO: 51--OSU: 34
Hoying: Oregon is reeling but their Rose Bowl hopes aren't over yet. All they need is a win in the Civil War and a Stanford loss to UCLA. Problem is, they're facing a team brandishing the same brand of tough D that doomed them last weekend. Oregon State is two heartbreaking losses from being a title contender themselves, carried by their staunch defense and steady QB play from Sean Mannion and Cody Vaz. There may be some fear that the Beavers now know the formula for smacking the Ducks, but anyone who's been paying attention to Oregon has known it for the last 4 years (ask Boise State, LSU, Ohio State, and Auburn). Executing is another matter. I love the Beavers this year, but they've stumbled a bit down the stretch, and I don't think they're quite tough enough to take down the Ducks. UO: 27--OSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Oh how one game can change the outlook of a season. Oregon was flat rolling until running into the wall that was Stanford. The Cardinal made Mariota look like a true freshman for the first time this year and bottled up Barner and Thomas. The Beavers are very strong on defense and have an offense that can move the ball well enough. I expect less scoring this week, as the Beavers try to control the clock. I just don't think the Ducks can be contained two weeks in a row. UO: 42--OSU: 31
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Bedlam doesn't have the meaning of the past years as neither team is close to National Championship talk. KSU remains in the drivers seat for the Big 12 driver sheet but the heavily preseason favorite Sooners could sweep in a steal the championship at the buzzer. The Pokes stand in the way with their dynamic offense. Norman has been a death trap for many teams in the past, but not so much this year. I'm riding Mike Gundy to keep the Sooners reeling. Stoops on the hotseat? OSU: 34--OU: 30
Auer: The Sooner defense showed more than a few holes in their defense last week and if they're not plugged against the Cowboys, this could be a shoot out. Both teams are peaking at the right time, and this could be one of the best games of the day. OSU: 42--OU: 47
Hoying: The Cowboys ended 8 years of futility last year, beating the Sooners to cap getting screwed out of the BCS title game. The Sooners have underwhelmed as of late, struggling to put away Iowa State, Baylor, and West Virginia after getting walloped by Notre Dame. The Cowboys are the usual Mike Gundy offensive juggernaut, but their defense has been exposed a bit in their three losses. And Oklahoma's Landry Jones is more than capable of taking advantage. I expect this game to look quite like last week's Oklahoma-West Virginia showdown, coming down to a late score or a missed conversion. Can Bob Stoops really lose 3 games at home in a year? Not this time. OSU: 34--OU: 35
Schweinfurth: The Cowboys are still in a rebuild mode after losing most of their offense to the NFL. The Sooners have most of their offense in tact, for now. Gotta go with Big Game Bob at home. OSU: 28--OU: 38
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Clemson has been a complete juggernaut since the loss to the Seminoles whereas the Cocks have slowly declined all season (highlighted by the tragic loss of Marcus Lattimore to injury). I think Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd end the season with a HUGE victory over their hated rivals. Connor Shaw has been pretty decent all year, but after the Lattimore injury, the team is not the same. The defense is scary good (led by Clowney), but the Clemson offense is way better than all of the offenses in the SEC. Dabo gets a big win in Death Valley on the way to a BCS bowl (most likely). SCar: 20--Clem: 31
Auer: Clemson at home against Spurrier's up-and-down Gamecocks? Shouldn't be a contest. The Lattimore-less USC 'Cocks will have a hard time in this one. SCar: 17--Clem: 42
Hoying: Everyone has been all over Clemson as of late, and it's easy to see why. I mean, just look at that quality win over...Georgia Tech? Duke? Ball State? Clemson teams are notoriously flaky, but this squad hasn't even been given a chance to lose to a reasonably inferior opponent. The Tigers are a complete and total mirage, and QB Tajh Boyd is about to get a rude awakening at the hands of the Ol' Ball Coach and the battle-tested Gamecocks. SCar: 28--Clem: 17
Schweinfurth: Every year I make the mistake of picking Clemson in a big game. Can you fault me? Look at the offensive talent they have. That defense though...yuck. South Carolina on the other hand is sound in both phases. I've seen enough of Clowney to know that Boyd better wear extra padding. I learn from my mistakes and the Gamecocks win. SCar: 31--Clem: 28
Stanford Cardinal @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: Stanford comes off a huge OT win over the Ducks on a major high. UCLA would be well served to completely tank this game and save it up for a rematch with the Cardinal (I don't see them beating a refocused Duck squad), but I don't think Jim Mora will take his foot off the pedal after ending the football monopoly in LA. Johnathan Franklin and Brett Hundley have been spectacular all season. The Stanford D left it all on the field vs. the Ducks which gives the Bruins something for which to prepare. Need to make up some ground, and I don't believe in the Cardinal so Bruins it is! Stan: 23 UCLA: 24
Auer: After both teams pulled surprising upsets last week, this game has actually garnered some interest. The Stanford D faces a tough test with the UCLA O, and this game should come down to the wire. Stan: 34--UCLA: 26
Hoying: This game is the reason I hate conference championship games. UCLA could literally not show up to this game, come back 6 days later, and play the same opponent for the Pac-12 Championship. No one looks at the NFL during week 17 and says, "Wow, it was fun to see that playoff-bound team play their second string." Let's hope there's enough pride left in the college game for UCLA to actually put in an effort in this one. But come on, does anyone expect UCLA to be better motivated than Stanford here? Really? Stan: 28--UCLA: 17
Schweinfurth: Both of these teams are coming off huge upset wins. Stanford's defense was excellent against the Ducks and UCLA did just enough to hold on last week. With that said, I have to go with the defense that has looked the best all year. Stan: 17--UCLA: 10
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans
Draper: The Domers have navigated their difficult schedule admirably, but there has been a few too many close calls. I've watch ND a lot this year, and they astound me how they keep winning. Many talk about how KSU was living on the edge, but ND barley beat Purdue, MSU, Stanford, and Pitt (Stanford being the only decent team). Manti T'eo has been nice, but not deserving of the extreme hype. USC provides a unique challenge as they have a truly elite offense (yes, OU had a good offense, but not elite). The backup QB provides a major issue for the Trojans, but the Irish can't matchup up with receivers of Troy. UCLA was able to beat USC in a shootout, but I don't see ND winning a shootout. Low scoring favors the Domers, but I expect a shootout where the Notre Dame defense is exposed a bit. Look out for another SEC/SEC title game....sigh. ND: 24--USC: 28
Auer: The Irish travel out west for what was expected to be the biggest game of the weekend. Matt Barkley got hurt and made this much more likely to be a competitive game. USC has some very talented players, but I don't believe they have the TEAM aspect that Notre Dame has shown this year. I hate it, but ND really shouldn't lose this one. ND: 20--USC: 19
Hoying: So USC is without its "Heisman caliber" quarterback. It's not like they were lighting up the world with him. And besides, as long as Marqise Lee is still running around in the secondary, it doesn't really matter who's tossing the ball his way. Meanwhile, the Irish are sporting the nation's top scoring defense against one of the nation's toughest schedules. But can they handle the pressure of being #1? Maybe more importantly, can Lane Kiffin avoid letting his Trojans completely crumble? 1. Yes. 2. No. ND: 27--USC: 21
Schweinfurth: I really didn't know what to make of this game...then Barkley got hurt. Marqise Lee is my Heisman favorite but there is a problem. He is a wide receiver. This means someone has to throw the ball. That someone is a red shirt freshman starting his first game against one of the top defensive units. Yea, that will go well. The only thing SC has going for them is home field. That won't be enough. Man, I hate waking up to the ND fight song on Mondays (thanks Golic). ND: 28--USC: 24
M!ch!g@n Wolverines @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: This is it. 11-0 (even with a team that isn't elite in my opinion) is nice, but it's all for naught if we can't finish. The Wolverines enter with a new QBat the helm which has actually bolstered their passing attack. Brady Hoke certainly has Blue Nation believing...but Urban Meyer has done the same with Buckeye Nation. Braxton needs to play better than last week and feed the beast in Carlos Hyde. Send these seniors out in the right way. This is the LAST time they'll ever sport the scarlet and gray and they deserve nothing but the best. Simon, Hankins, Roby and the resurgent LB corps show up to stifle the Wolverines and Miller, Hyde and Stoneburner win going away to add that asterisk onto whichever team wins the crystal ball. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! UM: 13--OSU: 31
Auer: Unfortunately Michigan realized that Denard was more useful as a RB than a QB that threw about 50 interceptions per game. Urban Meyer will be looking to win-over the rest of the Buckeye faithful with a win tomorrow afternoon in frigid Columbus, and will need Braxton, Carlos, and oh yeah Simon and Hankins to come through in a big way to shutdown the Wolverine attack and send out the embattled seniors as winners. Lose tomorrow and Urban's (and his entire staff) ability to lead this team to future success remains a question mark, because 11-1 is great, except when that 1 comes against the evil Maize and Blue. UM: 21--OSU: 27
Hoying: 11-0 is nice, but since the loss in Ann Arbor last year and the imposition of the postseason ban, only one game has been on Buckeye Nation's mind. These teams are similar in a number of ways, featuring good defenses and dynamic quarterback play. However, Corn and Blue's defense ranks better against the pass, while the Silver Bullets focus on stopping the run. Since neither team throws the ball, this gives the advantage to the Buckeyes. The game may come down to Miller's decision making. If he can play smart, not turn the ball over, and remember to hand the ball off to Hyde a few times, the Bucks should roll. Start the streak again and leave Brady Hoke crying in his Fruity Pebbles. Not OSU: 17--OSU: 31
Schweinfurth: This is the game at the end of the world (season). I have been looking forward to this game since Devan Smith dropped the winner last year. Urban lives and breathes this rivalry. He has said it himself. I get that scUM is gonna roll out 2 QBs and they have had success with it...against Iowa and Minnesota. Yea. Those are good teams...NOT. I have faith that, when Denard touches the ball, he will be greeted rather rudely by Shazier or Simon. On offense, you will not see another game like last week. The meat chicken defense couldn't stop Braxton last year and they won't stop him this year either. If they do, Carlos will be waiting in the wings. Hyde gets his 1,000 yards, Brax runs for 150 and throws for 250 more. Jon Simon eats Denard's insides for Thanksgiving desert with a side of Gardner as Brady Hoke drools while watching on. He may need to channel his inner Matt Foley after this one. scUM: 21--OSU: 43 (Urban goes for two late)
Upset Special
Draper: TCU over Texas
Auer: Pitt over Rutgers
Hoying: Georgia Tech over Georgia
Schweinfurth: Washington State over Washington
1) Schweinfurth 39-10 (5-7 upset)
2) Hoying 34-15 (3-9 upset)
3) Draper 31-18 (3-9 upset)
4) Auer 25-20 (1-10 upset)
Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Everyone sees the rankings and thinks this is an easy win for the Gators, but the Noles enter as a 7 point favorite. The home field advantage of Doak is minimal compared to the Swamp, but the lack of the home-field to the Gators is huge. The Noles have only one win of note because Clemson is the only good team they've played while the Gators have 3 big wins (TAMU before they figured how to play, home of offenseless LSU, and home vs. South Carolina after they had a huge win). With that said, Florida has seemed to win games without understanding how. The defense is solid, but the Noles defense is even better with Carradine and Werner. I think the Noles will be 'up' for this more than anything and play with nothing held back. Gaytors fall on the road when they play a solid offensive team. UF: 13--FSU: 23
Auer: Florida started off hot, got flakey, and is looking to finish strong with an "upset" win in Tallahassee. A lot of frustration has mounted for the Seminoles this season. They were the odds-on favorite to be in the national championship game against the seemingly unbeatable Crimson Tide, then the real FSU showed up and they lost one they shouldn't to NC State (shocker, right?... not really). Florida is poised to claim a spot in the BCS National Championship game, but must win this one against a vengeance-filled, nothing-to-lose Seminole squad playing at home. UF: 24--FSU: 22
Hoying: All you who don't want to see another SEC-SEC title game, root like hell for the Noles in this one. Yeah, it's a moot point if Notre Dame takes care of business, but a Florida State win derails the conversation before it begins. This is probably the best match-up of the weekend. Both teams feature outstanding defense, which could be especially problematic for the weak Gator passing game. QB Jeff Driskel will be back for the tilt, but how long will he last against a punishing Seminole defense? Don't write Florida off-their resume matches up well with anyone's-but Florida State has barely been stopped all season, and the Gators don't have the Swamp to help them. UF: 10--FSU: 17
Schweinfurth: This game is tricky. The Gators have been good, not great, all season. Jeff Driskall has managed the offense this year. The Gator defense is indeed stout and is truly a "Will Muschamp" defense. Florida State has been a bit of a mystery to me all season. This team has looked like a national championship contender one week, and then a middle of the road ACC team the next. This game will be a down right slugfest. Bring your big boy pants for this one. E.J. Manuel eliminates the Gators from the championship picture. UF: 10--FSU: 17
Oregon Ducks @ Oregon State Beavers
Draper: Ducks came up with the most spectacular choke job of the season last week to all but remove them from the National Championship debate (or did they?). The Ducks will be HUGE fans of UCLA this week, but it's safe to say that a win here will send the Ducks to a BCS bowl. There's chance this game may be for a BCS game for either team but Oregon State is not nearly as attractive. The Beavers play solid fundamental football (which doesn't move the dial). I expect Mariota, Barner, and Thomas (not to mention Kelly) to go crazy in Corvallis. I don't expect another offensive failure by the Ducks. Ducks win the Civil War easily. UO: 48--OSU: 17
Auer: Yeah it may be a rivalry, but this one should not be close. State has played a more competitive slate of games, but Oregon has done as they usually do and been a impossible-to-stop avalanche in most games. The Ducks may take a little longer to get rolling, but the result will be the same. UO: 51--OSU: 34
Hoying: Oregon is reeling but their Rose Bowl hopes aren't over yet. All they need is a win in the Civil War and a Stanford loss to UCLA. Problem is, they're facing a team brandishing the same brand of tough D that doomed them last weekend. Oregon State is two heartbreaking losses from being a title contender themselves, carried by their staunch defense and steady QB play from Sean Mannion and Cody Vaz. There may be some fear that the Beavers now know the formula for smacking the Ducks, but anyone who's been paying attention to Oregon has known it for the last 4 years (ask Boise State, LSU, Ohio State, and Auburn). Executing is another matter. I love the Beavers this year, but they've stumbled a bit down the stretch, and I don't think they're quite tough enough to take down the Ducks. UO: 27--OSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Oh how one game can change the outlook of a season. Oregon was flat rolling until running into the wall that was Stanford. The Cardinal made Mariota look like a true freshman for the first time this year and bottled up Barner and Thomas. The Beavers are very strong on defense and have an offense that can move the ball well enough. I expect less scoring this week, as the Beavers try to control the clock. I just don't think the Ducks can be contained two weeks in a row. UO: 42--OSU: 31
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Bedlam doesn't have the meaning of the past years as neither team is close to National Championship talk. KSU remains in the drivers seat for the Big 12 driver sheet but the heavily preseason favorite Sooners could sweep in a steal the championship at the buzzer. The Pokes stand in the way with their dynamic offense. Norman has been a death trap for many teams in the past, but not so much this year. I'm riding Mike Gundy to keep the Sooners reeling. Stoops on the hotseat? OSU: 34--OU: 30
Auer: The Sooner defense showed more than a few holes in their defense last week and if they're not plugged against the Cowboys, this could be a shoot out. Both teams are peaking at the right time, and this could be one of the best games of the day. OSU: 42--OU: 47
Hoying: The Cowboys ended 8 years of futility last year, beating the Sooners to cap getting screwed out of the BCS title game. The Sooners have underwhelmed as of late, struggling to put away Iowa State, Baylor, and West Virginia after getting walloped by Notre Dame. The Cowboys are the usual Mike Gundy offensive juggernaut, but their defense has been exposed a bit in their three losses. And Oklahoma's Landry Jones is more than capable of taking advantage. I expect this game to look quite like last week's Oklahoma-West Virginia showdown, coming down to a late score or a missed conversion. Can Bob Stoops really lose 3 games at home in a year? Not this time. OSU: 34--OU: 35
Schweinfurth: The Cowboys are still in a rebuild mode after losing most of their offense to the NFL. The Sooners have most of their offense in tact, for now. Gotta go with Big Game Bob at home. OSU: 28--OU: 38
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Clemson has been a complete juggernaut since the loss to the Seminoles whereas the Cocks have slowly declined all season (highlighted by the tragic loss of Marcus Lattimore to injury). I think Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd end the season with a HUGE victory over their hated rivals. Connor Shaw has been pretty decent all year, but after the Lattimore injury, the team is not the same. The defense is scary good (led by Clowney), but the Clemson offense is way better than all of the offenses in the SEC. Dabo gets a big win in Death Valley on the way to a BCS bowl (most likely). SCar: 20--Clem: 31
Auer: Clemson at home against Spurrier's up-and-down Gamecocks? Shouldn't be a contest. The Lattimore-less USC 'Cocks will have a hard time in this one. SCar: 17--Clem: 42
Hoying: Everyone has been all over Clemson as of late, and it's easy to see why. I mean, just look at that quality win over...Georgia Tech? Duke? Ball State? Clemson teams are notoriously flaky, but this squad hasn't even been given a chance to lose to a reasonably inferior opponent. The Tigers are a complete and total mirage, and QB Tajh Boyd is about to get a rude awakening at the hands of the Ol' Ball Coach and the battle-tested Gamecocks. SCar: 28--Clem: 17
Schweinfurth: Every year I make the mistake of picking Clemson in a big game. Can you fault me? Look at the offensive talent they have. That defense though...yuck. South Carolina on the other hand is sound in both phases. I've seen enough of Clowney to know that Boyd better wear extra padding. I learn from my mistakes and the Gamecocks win. SCar: 31--Clem: 28
Stanford Cardinal @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: Stanford comes off a huge OT win over the Ducks on a major high. UCLA would be well served to completely tank this game and save it up for a rematch with the Cardinal (I don't see them beating a refocused Duck squad), but I don't think Jim Mora will take his foot off the pedal after ending the football monopoly in LA. Johnathan Franklin and Brett Hundley have been spectacular all season. The Stanford D left it all on the field vs. the Ducks which gives the Bruins something for which to prepare. Need to make up some ground, and I don't believe in the Cardinal so Bruins it is! Stan: 23 UCLA: 24
Auer: After both teams pulled surprising upsets last week, this game has actually garnered some interest. The Stanford D faces a tough test with the UCLA O, and this game should come down to the wire. Stan: 34--UCLA: 26
Hoying: This game is the reason I hate conference championship games. UCLA could literally not show up to this game, come back 6 days later, and play the same opponent for the Pac-12 Championship. No one looks at the NFL during week 17 and says, "Wow, it was fun to see that playoff-bound team play their second string." Let's hope there's enough pride left in the college game for UCLA to actually put in an effort in this one. But come on, does anyone expect UCLA to be better motivated than Stanford here? Really? Stan: 28--UCLA: 17
Schweinfurth: Both of these teams are coming off huge upset wins. Stanford's defense was excellent against the Ducks and UCLA did just enough to hold on last week. With that said, I have to go with the defense that has looked the best all year. Stan: 17--UCLA: 10
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans
Draper: The Domers have navigated their difficult schedule admirably, but there has been a few too many close calls. I've watch ND a lot this year, and they astound me how they keep winning. Many talk about how KSU was living on the edge, but ND barley beat Purdue, MSU, Stanford, and Pitt (Stanford being the only decent team). Manti T'eo has been nice, but not deserving of the extreme hype. USC provides a unique challenge as they have a truly elite offense (yes, OU had a good offense, but not elite). The backup QB provides a major issue for the Trojans, but the Irish can't matchup up with receivers of Troy. UCLA was able to beat USC in a shootout, but I don't see ND winning a shootout. Low scoring favors the Domers, but I expect a shootout where the Notre Dame defense is exposed a bit. Look out for another SEC/SEC title game....sigh. ND: 24--USC: 28
Auer: The Irish travel out west for what was expected to be the biggest game of the weekend. Matt Barkley got hurt and made this much more likely to be a competitive game. USC has some very talented players, but I don't believe they have the TEAM aspect that Notre Dame has shown this year. I hate it, but ND really shouldn't lose this one. ND: 20--USC: 19
Hoying: So USC is without its "Heisman caliber" quarterback. It's not like they were lighting up the world with him. And besides, as long as Marqise Lee is still running around in the secondary, it doesn't really matter who's tossing the ball his way. Meanwhile, the Irish are sporting the nation's top scoring defense against one of the nation's toughest schedules. But can they handle the pressure of being #1? Maybe more importantly, can Lane Kiffin avoid letting his Trojans completely crumble? 1. Yes. 2. No. ND: 27--USC: 21
Schweinfurth: I really didn't know what to make of this game...then Barkley got hurt. Marqise Lee is my Heisman favorite but there is a problem. He is a wide receiver. This means someone has to throw the ball. That someone is a red shirt freshman starting his first game against one of the top defensive units. Yea, that will go well. The only thing SC has going for them is home field. That won't be enough. Man, I hate waking up to the ND fight song on Mondays (thanks Golic). ND: 28--USC: 24
M!ch!g@n Wolverines @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: This is it. 11-0 (even with a team that isn't elite in my opinion) is nice, but it's all for naught if we can't finish. The Wolverines enter with a new QBat the helm which has actually bolstered their passing attack. Brady Hoke certainly has Blue Nation believing...but Urban Meyer has done the same with Buckeye Nation. Braxton needs to play better than last week and feed the beast in Carlos Hyde. Send these seniors out in the right way. This is the LAST time they'll ever sport the scarlet and gray and they deserve nothing but the best. Simon, Hankins, Roby and the resurgent LB corps show up to stifle the Wolverines and Miller, Hyde and Stoneburner win going away to add that asterisk onto whichever team wins the crystal ball. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! UM: 13--OSU: 31
Auer: Unfortunately Michigan realized that Denard was more useful as a RB than a QB that threw about 50 interceptions per game. Urban Meyer will be looking to win-over the rest of the Buckeye faithful with a win tomorrow afternoon in frigid Columbus, and will need Braxton, Carlos, and oh yeah Simon and Hankins to come through in a big way to shutdown the Wolverine attack and send out the embattled seniors as winners. Lose tomorrow and Urban's (and his entire staff) ability to lead this team to future success remains a question mark, because 11-1 is great, except when that 1 comes against the evil Maize and Blue. UM: 21--OSU: 27
Hoying: 11-0 is nice, but since the loss in Ann Arbor last year and the imposition of the postseason ban, only one game has been on Buckeye Nation's mind. These teams are similar in a number of ways, featuring good defenses and dynamic quarterback play. However, Corn and Blue's defense ranks better against the pass, while the Silver Bullets focus on stopping the run. Since neither team throws the ball, this gives the advantage to the Buckeyes. The game may come down to Miller's decision making. If he can play smart, not turn the ball over, and remember to hand the ball off to Hyde a few times, the Bucks should roll. Start the streak again and leave Brady Hoke crying in his Fruity Pebbles. Not OSU: 17--OSU: 31
Schweinfurth: This is the game at the end of the world (season). I have been looking forward to this game since Devan Smith dropped the winner last year. Urban lives and breathes this rivalry. He has said it himself. I get that scUM is gonna roll out 2 QBs and they have had success with it...against Iowa and Minnesota. Yea. Those are good teams...NOT. I have faith that, when Denard touches the ball, he will be greeted rather rudely by Shazier or Simon. On offense, you will not see another game like last week. The meat chicken defense couldn't stop Braxton last year and they won't stop him this year either. If they do, Carlos will be waiting in the wings. Hyde gets his 1,000 yards, Brax runs for 150 and throws for 250 more. Jon Simon eats Denard's insides for Thanksgiving desert with a side of Gardner as Brady Hoke drools while watching on. He may need to channel his inner Matt Foley after this one. scUM: 21--OSU: 43 (Urban goes for two late)
Upset Special
Draper: TCU over Texas
Auer: Pitt over Rutgers
Hoying: Georgia Tech over Georgia
Schweinfurth: Washington State over Washington
The AP National Title - What Needs to Happen
With undefeated teams dropping all around the country, it appears that the pipe dream of an Associated Press national title as a consolation prize for a 12-0 season is inching closer and closer. The only undefeated team left (besides Ohio State) is Notre Dame, so if they lose and we win, we have it in the bag, right? Not so fast. As you have undoubtedly noticed, 1-loss Alabama and Georgia have moved ahead of the Buckeyes, even though both teams have similar resumes to Ohio State. This teaches us that the AP voters (1) believe the hype that playing in the SEC is like playing in the NFL, (2) have no faith at all in the B1G, and (3) really don't want an ineligible team to win the title.
So, is our situation completely hopeless? Not quite. If there's a wide gulf between the Ohio State and the BCS champion, the voters will have a tough time justifying denying the Buckeyes the #1 spot. Let's take a look at the possible roadblocks to unseating Ohio State at the top, in order of decreasing threat.
Notre Dame
The Irish are undefeated, they played a tougher schedule than Ohio State, and if they win out, they'll be unanimously chosen as the champion. If you really want Ohio State to be the AP champ, then you desperately want Notre Dame to lose to USC tomorrow. Why? Because even if they go to the BCS championship and get drilled, that's going to be quite the quality win on the resume of the #2 BCS team. And the voters may keep a regular-season undefeated Notre Dame over a regular-season undefeated Ohio State anyway.
BEWARE: even if Notre Dame loses to USC, if they somehow manage to win the title game (could happen, keep reading), Ohio State would still be shut out of the AP title.
What needs to happen: Notre Dame loses to USC on Nov 24.
What would help: Notre Dame loses their BCS bowl.
Alabama
The voters apparently didn't see Alabama lose at home to Texas A&M 2 weeks ago, as the Tide are still ranked ahead of the Buckeyes. Beating Auburn, Georgia, and whoever their title opponent would be isn't going to change anyone's mind, so Alabama needs to lose, and the sooner, the better. Auburn beating Alabama would be a once-in-a-lifetime upset, so Buckeye Nation needs to pin their hopes on Georgia in the SEC title game, who the voters don't seem to love quite as much. Again, the Tide could lose in the title game, but this would give a huge boost to whoever beats them.
What needs to happen: Alabama loses to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
What would help: Alabama loses to Auburn (ideal), or Alabama loses the BCS title game.
Georgia
Georgia is perched at #3 in the AP despite having one quality win: Florida. Few people seriously believe the Dawgs are going to win their last 3 games, so they're not going to be a long-term threat to Ohio State's title hopes. However, we need them to do as much damage as possible on their way down, and that includes kicking things off with a loss against Georgia Tech on Saturday. It's a long shot, since the Jackets have only won 1 of their last 11 against Georgia, but a Georgia Tech win this weekend and a Georgia win next weekend would do wonders for the Buckeye title chances.
What needs to happen: Georgia loses to Georgia Tech on Nov. 24.
What would help: Georgia loses to Alabama (if Auburn beats Alabama), or Georgia loses the BCS title game.
Florida
I know, Oregon is above Florida in the AP Poll, but if Notre Dame loses this weekend and Florida gets past Florida State, they're passing the Buckeyes on the way to the BCS title game, period. This presents an obvious solution: Florida must lose to the 'Noles. Not only will this prevent another SEC-SEC title game (barf) but it would remove the Gators as a threat to a Buckeye title. If the Gators beat the 'Noles, there's no SEC Championship game trap, since Georgia already clinched the division, so our only remaining hope would be a loss in their BCS game.
What needs to happen: Florida loses to Florida State on Nov. 24.
What would help: Florida loses their BCS game.
Oregon
Now we're starting to get into the less certain threats. The voters aren't enamored with the Pac-12 at the same level as SEC, but they do love the flashy Oregon offense. If Oregon can sneak into the Pac-12 title game and somehow make the BCS title game (or even just blast the B1G champ in the Rose Bowl), the voters would be hard-pressed not to move the Ducks above the Bucks. The easiest solution is for the Ducks is to lose to Oregon State in Corvallis, and the Beavers are good enough to do it. If UCLA beats Stanford this weekend, an Oregon loss to UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship would also do the trick. At any rate, if the Ducks don't win the Pac-12, they're probably not a threat to pass the Buckeyes.
What needs to happen: Oregon loses to Oregon State, or Oregon loses to UCLA in Pac-12 Championship.
What would help: Stanford beats UCLA and shuts Oregon out of Pac-12 Championship, or Oregon loses BCS game.
Florida State
True, Kansas State is ranked higher and has played a much, much better schedule. Even so, if Florida State beats Florida this week, they'll have 2 quality wins far outpacing anything the Wildcats have done, and would probably pass the 'Cats in the AP. A seemingly easy fix is for Florida State to lose to the Gators, but the Gators are the far more serious threat. A better solution is for FSU to lose to Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game (GT is my new favorite team). Florida State making it to the title game and losing would not be as disastrous as a 1-loss SEC team doing it.
What needs to happen: Florida State loses to Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship.
What would help: Florida State loses in their BCS game (losing to Florida would NOT help).
Kansas State
The shine is off the apple in Manhattan, Kansas. The voters are going to have a hard time believing in Kansas State again after Baylor's whooping. Unfortunately, there's no Big 12 title game, so there's only one more opportunity for K-State to lose before appearing in a BCS game. However, if the 6 teams above are all out of the way, we'd be safe having the Wildcats go to the BCS Championship and lose.
What needs to happen: Kansas State loses to Texas on Dec. 1.
What would help: Kansas State loses in the BCS Championship Game.
Minor Threats
I have faith that the voters will not put a 2-loss SEC team ahead of an undefeated Ohio State, especially if they play Kansas State, Oregon, or another 2-loss SEC team in the BCS Championship. The only 1-loss teams left from BCS conferences are Louisville (no), Rutgers (no), and Clemson. Clemson has zero quality wins as of now, and even if they defeat South Carolina, I have trouble believing that a 1-loss ACC team that didn't even win their own division can move above an undefeated B1G team.
But, of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. One result this weekend means more than all these (and all other) games this year.
OHIO STATE MUST BEAT BLUE! GO BUCKS!
So, is our situation completely hopeless? Not quite. If there's a wide gulf between the Ohio State and the BCS champion, the voters will have a tough time justifying denying the Buckeyes the #1 spot. Let's take a look at the possible roadblocks to unseating Ohio State at the top, in order of decreasing threat.
Notre Dame
The Irish are undefeated, they played a tougher schedule than Ohio State, and if they win out, they'll be unanimously chosen as the champion. If you really want Ohio State to be the AP champ, then you desperately want Notre Dame to lose to USC tomorrow. Why? Because even if they go to the BCS championship and get drilled, that's going to be quite the quality win on the resume of the #2 BCS team. And the voters may keep a regular-season undefeated Notre Dame over a regular-season undefeated Ohio State anyway.
BEWARE: even if Notre Dame loses to USC, if they somehow manage to win the title game (could happen, keep reading), Ohio State would still be shut out of the AP title.
What needs to happen: Notre Dame loses to USC on Nov 24.
What would help: Notre Dame loses their BCS bowl.
Alabama
The voters apparently didn't see Alabama lose at home to Texas A&M 2 weeks ago, as the Tide are still ranked ahead of the Buckeyes. Beating Auburn, Georgia, and whoever their title opponent would be isn't going to change anyone's mind, so Alabama needs to lose, and the sooner, the better. Auburn beating Alabama would be a once-in-a-lifetime upset, so Buckeye Nation needs to pin their hopes on Georgia in the SEC title game, who the voters don't seem to love quite as much. Again, the Tide could lose in the title game, but this would give a huge boost to whoever beats them.
What needs to happen: Alabama loses to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
What would help: Alabama loses to Auburn (ideal), or Alabama loses the BCS title game.
Georgia
Georgia is perched at #3 in the AP despite having one quality win: Florida. Few people seriously believe the Dawgs are going to win their last 3 games, so they're not going to be a long-term threat to Ohio State's title hopes. However, we need them to do as much damage as possible on their way down, and that includes kicking things off with a loss against Georgia Tech on Saturday. It's a long shot, since the Jackets have only won 1 of their last 11 against Georgia, but a Georgia Tech win this weekend and a Georgia win next weekend would do wonders for the Buckeye title chances.
What needs to happen: Georgia loses to Georgia Tech on Nov. 24.
What would help: Georgia loses to Alabama (if Auburn beats Alabama), or Georgia loses the BCS title game.
Florida
I know, Oregon is above Florida in the AP Poll, but if Notre Dame loses this weekend and Florida gets past Florida State, they're passing the Buckeyes on the way to the BCS title game, period. This presents an obvious solution: Florida must lose to the 'Noles. Not only will this prevent another SEC-SEC title game (barf) but it would remove the Gators as a threat to a Buckeye title. If the Gators beat the 'Noles, there's no SEC Championship game trap, since Georgia already clinched the division, so our only remaining hope would be a loss in their BCS game.
What needs to happen: Florida loses to Florida State on Nov. 24.
What would help: Florida loses their BCS game.
Oregon
Now we're starting to get into the less certain threats. The voters aren't enamored with the Pac-12 at the same level as SEC, but they do love the flashy Oregon offense. If Oregon can sneak into the Pac-12 title game and somehow make the BCS title game (or even just blast the B1G champ in the Rose Bowl), the voters would be hard-pressed not to move the Ducks above the Bucks. The easiest solution is for the Ducks is to lose to Oregon State in Corvallis, and the Beavers are good enough to do it. If UCLA beats Stanford this weekend, an Oregon loss to UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship would also do the trick. At any rate, if the Ducks don't win the Pac-12, they're probably not a threat to pass the Buckeyes.
What needs to happen: Oregon loses to Oregon State, or Oregon loses to UCLA in Pac-12 Championship.
What would help: Stanford beats UCLA and shuts Oregon out of Pac-12 Championship, or Oregon loses BCS game.
Florida State
True, Kansas State is ranked higher and has played a much, much better schedule. Even so, if Florida State beats Florida this week, they'll have 2 quality wins far outpacing anything the Wildcats have done, and would probably pass the 'Cats in the AP. A seemingly easy fix is for Florida State to lose to the Gators, but the Gators are the far more serious threat. A better solution is for FSU to lose to Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game (GT is my new favorite team). Florida State making it to the title game and losing would not be as disastrous as a 1-loss SEC team doing it.
What needs to happen: Florida State loses to Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship.
What would help: Florida State loses in their BCS game (losing to Florida would NOT help).
Kansas State
The shine is off the apple in Manhattan, Kansas. The voters are going to have a hard time believing in Kansas State again after Baylor's whooping. Unfortunately, there's no Big 12 title game, so there's only one more opportunity for K-State to lose before appearing in a BCS game. However, if the 6 teams above are all out of the way, we'd be safe having the Wildcats go to the BCS Championship and lose.
What needs to happen: Kansas State loses to Texas on Dec. 1.
What would help: Kansas State loses in the BCS Championship Game.
Minor Threats
I have faith that the voters will not put a 2-loss SEC team ahead of an undefeated Ohio State, especially if they play Kansas State, Oregon, or another 2-loss SEC team in the BCS Championship. The only 1-loss teams left from BCS conferences are Louisville (no), Rutgers (no), and Clemson. Clemson has zero quality wins as of now, and even if they defeat South Carolina, I have trouble believing that a 1-loss ACC team that didn't even win their own division can move above an undefeated B1G team.
But, of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. One result this weekend means more than all these (and all other) games this year.
OHIO STATE MUST BEAT BLUE! GO BUCKS!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Rankings and Heisman Ballots (Post Week 12)
Heisman Ballots:
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M) Remember, he sucked against LSU and Florida.
3) Marqise Lee (WR--USC)
Schweinfurth
1) Marqise Lee (WR--USC He's the most dominant player right now)
2) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
3) Johnny Manziel (QB-TAMU
Top 25 Rankings:
Draper
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Alabama
4. Kansas State
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. LSU
9. Stanford
10. Oregon
11. Texas A&M
12. South Carolina
13 Clemson
14. Oklahoma
15. Nebraska
16. Oregon State
17. UCLA
18. Oklahoma State
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. Kent State
22. Michigan
23. Texas
24. Utah State
25. Northwestern
Hoying
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5. Kansas State
6. Georgia
7. LSU
8. Stanford
9. Texas A&M
10. Oregon (look at their resume, no quality wins)
11. Florida State
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Oklahoma
15. Oregon State
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Kent State
20. Rutgers
21. Louisville
22. Oklahoma State
23. Michigan
24. Utah State
25. Northwestern
Schweinfurth
1. Notre Dame
2. Ohio State
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. Georgia
6. Florida State
7. Kansas State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. LSU
11. South Carolina
12. Oregon State
13. Texas A&M
14. Oklahoma
15. Stanford
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. Oklahoma State
22. Kent State
23. That School Up North (I physically can't type it...)
24.Washington
25. Boise State
Monday, November 19, 2012
Grading the Bucks: Wisconsin
Survive and advance
Offense: C+
By far, Braxton's worse game as an offensive leader. No explosion, poor decision making, overthrown balls, and no runs that were worth anything were rampant in this matchup. Carlos Hyde once again performed admirably especially considering the disdain Miller shows for handing the ball off. Hyde was the explosion we needed...but Tom Herman and Braxton Miller decided to restrict his carries. As we near The Game, we need to install a wrinkle known as the 'I formation' and let the O-line and Carlos go to work against the overrated UM defense. The creativity needs to be turned up a notch for this one (no we haven't been 'saving good offense' for M!ch!g@n). Stoneburner's drop on the early 3rd down was a huge confidence killer for Braxton but a starting QB for nearly 2 years can't get rattled after a drop. Time to step up to the plate and move to the next level. 12-0 may not mean a Championship this year, and the schedule may suck, but this team has a chance to be the 6th Buckeye team of all time to go undefeated.
Defense: A-/B+
Rarely will I upgrade a team for a single sequence of plays, but that goalline stand was exceptional--barring a spectacular play by the O-lineman, Bryant is in the endzone and this game never touches OT. The defense played fairly well but Montee Ball got a bit too much. Yes, he's a great back, but there were some poor tackles attempted as well. The UW O-line had many plays in which Ball was 5 yards downfield before he was touched. The secondary let a team with no passing attack and a QB with 7 career attempts move the ball down the field throwing the ball which is unacceptable. That being said, the linebackers have improved by leaps and bounds (Shazier, Sabino, and Boren) and Jon Simon is finally living up to preseason expectations over the last few weeks.
Special Teams: A
Hey! No blocked punts!! Wooo!! Orhian Johnson made a special play on the punt team saving the ball from the endzone with a diving bat on the first punt, setting the tone. Corey Brown made the play that set the tone, housing the punt in the 1st half with a spectacular shiver move and knifing up field. Not much to poo-poo here. Let's do that again!
Coaching: B
Defensive gameplan was pretty good, but I was still very upset with the offensive scheme. Hopefully, Braxton can be coached up more effectively when things don't go his way early. Urban and Tom Herman need to focus this week on encouraging Miller to hand the ball off periodically on the veer plays (if only to keep the defense honest) and work on quicker decision making. The scrambling in the pocket and confusion is something that should be taken care of in practice.
Overall: B
The defense and special teams had great games, but the offensive blah was enough to be a bit discouraging. That being said, a win in Camp Randall is a big time win any year. Now the preseason is over...time for the regular season. GO BUCKS! BEAT BLUE!!
Offense: C+
By far, Braxton's worse game as an offensive leader. No explosion, poor decision making, overthrown balls, and no runs that were worth anything were rampant in this matchup. Carlos Hyde once again performed admirably especially considering the disdain Miller shows for handing the ball off. Hyde was the explosion we needed...but Tom Herman and Braxton Miller decided to restrict his carries. As we near The Game, we need to install a wrinkle known as the 'I formation' and let the O-line and Carlos go to work against the overrated UM defense. The creativity needs to be turned up a notch for this one (no we haven't been 'saving good offense' for M!ch!g@n). Stoneburner's drop on the early 3rd down was a huge confidence killer for Braxton but a starting QB for nearly 2 years can't get rattled after a drop. Time to step up to the plate and move to the next level. 12-0 may not mean a Championship this year, and the schedule may suck, but this team has a chance to be the 6th Buckeye team of all time to go undefeated.
Defense: A-/B+
Rarely will I upgrade a team for a single sequence of plays, but that goalline stand was exceptional--barring a spectacular play by the O-lineman, Bryant is in the endzone and this game never touches OT. The defense played fairly well but Montee Ball got a bit too much. Yes, he's a great back, but there were some poor tackles attempted as well. The UW O-line had many plays in which Ball was 5 yards downfield before he was touched. The secondary let a team with no passing attack and a QB with 7 career attempts move the ball down the field throwing the ball which is unacceptable. That being said, the linebackers have improved by leaps and bounds (Shazier, Sabino, and Boren) and Jon Simon is finally living up to preseason expectations over the last few weeks.
Special Teams: A
Hey! No blocked punts!! Wooo!! Orhian Johnson made a special play on the punt team saving the ball from the endzone with a diving bat on the first punt, setting the tone. Corey Brown made the play that set the tone, housing the punt in the 1st half with a spectacular shiver move and knifing up field. Not much to poo-poo here. Let's do that again!
Coaching: B
Defensive gameplan was pretty good, but I was still very upset with the offensive scheme. Hopefully, Braxton can be coached up more effectively when things don't go his way early. Urban and Tom Herman need to focus this week on encouraging Miller to hand the ball off periodically on the veer plays (if only to keep the defense honest) and work on quicker decision making. The scrambling in the pocket and confusion is something that should be taken care of in practice.
Overall: B
The defense and special teams had great games, but the offensive blah was enough to be a bit discouraging. That being said, a win in Camp Randall is a big time win any year. Now the preseason is over...time for the regular season. GO BUCKS! BEAT BLUE!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Week 12 Picks: West Coast Choppers
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 37-8 (5-6 upset)
2) Hoying 31-14 (3-8 upset)
3) Draper 29-16 (3-8 upset)
4) Auer 24-17 (1-9 upset)
Stanford Cardinals @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Stanford just won't go away. They beat one big dog in USC, beat the chippy Beavers, and enter the unstoppable force of the Ducks. The Ducks are incredibly beat up with nicks to Mariota and Barner, but it just won't matter. The Duck offense is a well oiled machine and the Cardinal are not equipped to keep up. Oh yeah, it's in Autzen...uh oh. Stan: 17--UO: 41
Auer: This one shouldn't be close... Mariota will go wild on the slower Cardinal, even with all the new wrinkles with Stanford's switch at QB. Stan: 10--UO: 52
Hoying: Despite playing in the much-improved Pac-12, Oregon has been a total buzzsaw this season, leading the nation in both scoring and margin of victory. The Ducks also rank #3 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense. Who's #1? The Cardinal. Stanford has been getting it done with tough defense and a balanced, if underwhelming, offense. For Stanford to have a prayer in this game, they'll need to apply that defense to an as-of-yet unstoppable Oregon offense featuring fringe Heisman candidates Kenyon Barner and Marcus Mariota. Not likely. Stan: 24--UO: 45
Schweinfurth: Stanford has been surprisingly good after losing Harbaugh and Luck. The offense is efficient enough and the defense can make timely stops. Stopping Oregon, however, is a monumental task. So far this season, the Ducks offense have made swiss cheese opposing defenses. Josh Huff stretches the field for Mariota and Barner. I expect this game to be close into the mid 3rd quarter until the Ducks' offensive tempo wears down the Cardinal. Stan: 28--UO: 49
USC Trojans @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: UCLA has had a fantastic year with Brett Hundley toting and throwing the rock as well as Johnathan Franklin setting all kinds of records, but USC is still the big dog. Lane Kiffin has done all he could to ruin what could have (and should have) been a magical season with the return of Matt Barkley, but I can't see the Trojans giving one away to the cross town rival. Marquise Lee has been nothing short of spectacular (why no Heisman talk?---oh yeah, 3 losses...). The Trojans step on the throat of the Bruins to remind them who their daddy is. USC: 52--UCLA: 34
Auer: Another Pac-12 game, another lopsided win for the favorite. UCLA is a team no one has taken very seriously, but LA is USC's town, and the Trojan's are out to remind everyone of that. USC: 49--UCLA: 20
Hoying: It took 4 years and new coaches on both sidelines, but the football monopoly in Los Angeles may finally be over. UCLA is one victory over the Trojans away from a second straight and first legitimate (looking at you, Wisconsin) Pac-12 South title. Since denying USC a shot in the 2006 title game, UCLA has lost 5 straight in the series, but this year's Bruins are good enough to give the mythically talented Trojans a good fight. This game is a classical battle of overperformers vs. underperformers, and I like the hot squad to come out on top. Matt Barkley will try to air out some balls (ho ho ho) but it won't be enough. Squirm, Lane Kiffin, squirm. USC: 24--UCLA:31
Schweinfurth: The Bruins, while coming off of a PAC-12 Championship Game last year, still didn't impress me before the season. I am still not sold on the Bruins but they are a decent team. USC on the other hand, has been very disappointing. The wide receivers are just sick. Maruquise Lee keeps showing he is the most dominant wideout in college football. If Barkley can protect the ball and get it to Woods and Lee, UCLA has no chance. USC: 42--UCLA: 28
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Another Big 12 shootout...yawn. Texas Tech got all sorts of accolades with Tuberville 'supposedly' installing defense in the score happy Big 12...nope. Seth Doege has been the star moving up and down the field, but Mike Gundy's QB acumen is amazing. No, the Poke defense won't turn heads (other than watching the opponent score again), but the offense can score. Also, the game is in Stillwater. He's a man! He's gonna put up more than 40! TT: 48--OSU: 58
Auer: OSU has owned the Red Raiders the last two years winning 34-17 and 66-6, add to that the Cowboys are flying high after smacking down the Mountaineers, and if the momentum swings OSU's way, the Raiders may never have a chance to come up for air. The Pokes will take advantage of the surge of support thanks to these recent successes, and pound TTU again. TT: 38--OSU: 63
Hoying: This was supposed to be a different kind of Texas Tech squad under Tommy Tuberville. But here we are in November, and once again the Red Raiders feature the nation's top passing attack and a mediocre defense. The blowout win over West Virginia feels like ages ago, and this is Tech's last chance to make a statement this season. The Cowboys are in many ways their mirror images. They're men, they score 40 a game, and give up plenty of points to boot. If you're disappointed that Oregon won't be scoring enough points against a tough Stanford D, tune into this match-up; you won't be disappointed. Ummmmmmm, Cowboys. TTU: 59--OSU: 66
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech is starting to look like they are getting their swagger back. Oklahoma State lost it's entire offense last year. It's the Big 12, so it's a shootout in Stillwater. TTU: 42--OSU: 49
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: The Bucks enter the battleground in Madison to a much different tune. Everyone expected the Badgers to run away and hide with the Leaders division, but they've been a major disappointment with the Buckeyes carrying the banner (shocker!!). Yes, Wisky will represent the division in the B1G title game, but this game is for bragging rights. If the Buckeyes win out, they can (and will) always claim to be the B1G Champs (unless NW, Minn, or Iowa wins it...so we're safe). Braxton and Hyde have had a week off to prepare and I think the rowdiness usually present in Madison will be toned done. Wisconsin likes to run the ball and control the clock...perfectly suited for our defense to shut them down. Bucks get it done and keep the undefeated dream alive before the Wolverines enter the Shoe. OSU: 34--UW: 24
Auer: The line favors the Badgers, the crowd favors the Badgers, I'm down a lot in our pick 'em, and as much as I hate it, I'm picking the Badgers. The Buckeyes have a very hard time in Madison and traditionally struggle here of all places after a bye week. The disrespect the Bucks have received will be justified after a disappointing performance setting up a "must-win" scenario for the look-ahead game against Michigan. OSU: 17--UW: 28
Hoying: In an odd twist, both of these teams come into this game having wrapped up the Leaders Division. There's nothing to play for here but pride, which is bad news for Wisconsin, because I don't know how you can be proud of a program steeped so deeply in mediocrity. Wisconsin likes to run the ball, and the Buckeyes like to not let them. We saw how that worked out for Michigan State and Nebraska. And now the Silver Bullets may actually be healthy? Whoo boy. Badgers? We don't need no stinkin' Badgers! OSU: 31--UW: 17
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, one of the two games I have been looking forward to all year. Flash back to this offseason when Fat Bielema ran his mouth about Meyer's recruiting tactics. Urban has said it's water under the bridge, but come on. You know Urban is pissed and he wants Bucky's head on a silver platter. The bye week has helped the Bucks get back to fundamentals and, more importantly, to get healthy. Expect the Buckeyes to load up the box and force Wisconsin's QB du jour to throw the ball. The Silver Bullets are built to stop a team like the Badgers. I expect a little rust on the offense. A steady dose of Miller, Hyde, and Smith (that backfield is just sick) will open up the deep ball to Stoneburner and Smith. I like the Bucks to pull away late...and then Meyer gives Bielema the bird and stuns him on the "Big Dubya." OSU: 45--UW: 20
Upset Special
Draper: FCS over SEC (not really, just wanted to remind everyone of the joke SEC game hidden in week 12)--Cal over Oregon State
Auer: BGSU over KSU
Hoying: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Iowa over TTUN
1) Schweinfurth 37-8 (5-6 upset)
2) Hoying 31-14 (3-8 upset)
3) Draper 29-16 (3-8 upset)
4) Auer 24-17 (1-9 upset)
Stanford Cardinals @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Stanford just won't go away. They beat one big dog in USC, beat the chippy Beavers, and enter the unstoppable force of the Ducks. The Ducks are incredibly beat up with nicks to Mariota and Barner, but it just won't matter. The Duck offense is a well oiled machine and the Cardinal are not equipped to keep up. Oh yeah, it's in Autzen...uh oh. Stan: 17--UO: 41
Auer: This one shouldn't be close... Mariota will go wild on the slower Cardinal, even with all the new wrinkles with Stanford's switch at QB. Stan: 10--UO: 52
Hoying: Despite playing in the much-improved Pac-12, Oregon has been a total buzzsaw this season, leading the nation in both scoring and margin of victory. The Ducks also rank #3 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense. Who's #1? The Cardinal. Stanford has been getting it done with tough defense and a balanced, if underwhelming, offense. For Stanford to have a prayer in this game, they'll need to apply that defense to an as-of-yet unstoppable Oregon offense featuring fringe Heisman candidates Kenyon Barner and Marcus Mariota. Not likely. Stan: 24--UO: 45
Schweinfurth: Stanford has been surprisingly good after losing Harbaugh and Luck. The offense is efficient enough and the defense can make timely stops. Stopping Oregon, however, is a monumental task. So far this season, the Ducks offense have made swiss cheese opposing defenses. Josh Huff stretches the field for Mariota and Barner. I expect this game to be close into the mid 3rd quarter until the Ducks' offensive tempo wears down the Cardinal. Stan: 28--UO: 49
USC Trojans @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: UCLA has had a fantastic year with Brett Hundley toting and throwing the rock as well as Johnathan Franklin setting all kinds of records, but USC is still the big dog. Lane Kiffin has done all he could to ruin what could have (and should have) been a magical season with the return of Matt Barkley, but I can't see the Trojans giving one away to the cross town rival. Marquise Lee has been nothing short of spectacular (why no Heisman talk?---oh yeah, 3 losses...). The Trojans step on the throat of the Bruins to remind them who their daddy is. USC: 52--UCLA: 34
Auer: Another Pac-12 game, another lopsided win for the favorite. UCLA is a team no one has taken very seriously, but LA is USC's town, and the Trojan's are out to remind everyone of that. USC: 49--UCLA: 20
Hoying: It took 4 years and new coaches on both sidelines, but the football monopoly in Los Angeles may finally be over. UCLA is one victory over the Trojans away from a second straight and first legitimate (looking at you, Wisconsin) Pac-12 South title. Since denying USC a shot in the 2006 title game, UCLA has lost 5 straight in the series, but this year's Bruins are good enough to give the mythically talented Trojans a good fight. This game is a classical battle of overperformers vs. underperformers, and I like the hot squad to come out on top. Matt Barkley will try to air out some balls (ho ho ho) but it won't be enough. Squirm, Lane Kiffin, squirm. USC: 24--UCLA:31
Schweinfurth: The Bruins, while coming off of a PAC-12 Championship Game last year, still didn't impress me before the season. I am still not sold on the Bruins but they are a decent team. USC on the other hand, has been very disappointing. The wide receivers are just sick. Maruquise Lee keeps showing he is the most dominant wideout in college football. If Barkley can protect the ball and get it to Woods and Lee, UCLA has no chance. USC: 42--UCLA: 28
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Another Big 12 shootout...yawn. Texas Tech got all sorts of accolades with Tuberville 'supposedly' installing defense in the score happy Big 12...nope. Seth Doege has been the star moving up and down the field, but Mike Gundy's QB acumen is amazing. No, the Poke defense won't turn heads (other than watching the opponent score again), but the offense can score. Also, the game is in Stillwater. He's a man! He's gonna put up more than 40! TT: 48--OSU: 58
Auer: OSU has owned the Red Raiders the last two years winning 34-17 and 66-6, add to that the Cowboys are flying high after smacking down the Mountaineers, and if the momentum swings OSU's way, the Raiders may never have a chance to come up for air. The Pokes will take advantage of the surge of support thanks to these recent successes, and pound TTU again. TT: 38--OSU: 63
Hoying: This was supposed to be a different kind of Texas Tech squad under Tommy Tuberville. But here we are in November, and once again the Red Raiders feature the nation's top passing attack and a mediocre defense. The blowout win over West Virginia feels like ages ago, and this is Tech's last chance to make a statement this season. The Cowboys are in many ways their mirror images. They're men, they score 40 a game, and give up plenty of points to boot. If you're disappointed that Oregon won't be scoring enough points against a tough Stanford D, tune into this match-up; you won't be disappointed. Ummmmmmm, Cowboys. TTU: 59--OSU: 66
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech is starting to look like they are getting their swagger back. Oklahoma State lost it's entire offense last year. It's the Big 12, so it's a shootout in Stillwater. TTU: 42--OSU: 49
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: The Bucks enter the battleground in Madison to a much different tune. Everyone expected the Badgers to run away and hide with the Leaders division, but they've been a major disappointment with the Buckeyes carrying the banner (shocker!!). Yes, Wisky will represent the division in the B1G title game, but this game is for bragging rights. If the Buckeyes win out, they can (and will) always claim to be the B1G Champs (unless NW, Minn, or Iowa wins it...so we're safe). Braxton and Hyde have had a week off to prepare and I think the rowdiness usually present in Madison will be toned done. Wisconsin likes to run the ball and control the clock...perfectly suited for our defense to shut them down. Bucks get it done and keep the undefeated dream alive before the Wolverines enter the Shoe. OSU: 34--UW: 24
Auer: The line favors the Badgers, the crowd favors the Badgers, I'm down a lot in our pick 'em, and as much as I hate it, I'm picking the Badgers. The Buckeyes have a very hard time in Madison and traditionally struggle here of all places after a bye week. The disrespect the Bucks have received will be justified after a disappointing performance setting up a "must-win" scenario for the look-ahead game against Michigan. OSU: 17--UW: 28
Hoying: In an odd twist, both of these teams come into this game having wrapped up the Leaders Division. There's nothing to play for here but pride, which is bad news for Wisconsin, because I don't know how you can be proud of a program steeped so deeply in mediocrity. Wisconsin likes to run the ball, and the Buckeyes like to not let them. We saw how that worked out for Michigan State and Nebraska. And now the Silver Bullets may actually be healthy? Whoo boy. Badgers? We don't need no stinkin' Badgers! OSU: 31--UW: 17
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, one of the two games I have been looking forward to all year. Flash back to this offseason when Fat Bielema ran his mouth about Meyer's recruiting tactics. Urban has said it's water under the bridge, but come on. You know Urban is pissed and he wants Bucky's head on a silver platter. The bye week has helped the Bucks get back to fundamentals and, more importantly, to get healthy. Expect the Buckeyes to load up the box and force Wisconsin's QB du jour to throw the ball. The Silver Bullets are built to stop a team like the Badgers. I expect a little rust on the offense. A steady dose of Miller, Hyde, and Smith (that backfield is just sick) will open up the deep ball to Stoneburner and Smith. I like the Bucks to pull away late...and then Meyer gives Bielema the bird and stuns him on the "Big Dubya." OSU: 45--UW: 20
Upset Special
Draper: FCS over SEC (not really, just wanted to remind everyone of the joke SEC game hidden in week 12)--Cal over Oregon State
Auer: BGSU over KSU
Hoying: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Iowa over TTUN
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Rankings and Heisman Ballots (Post Week 11)
Heisman Ballots:
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
3) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU) Signature win catapults him up this list.
3) Braxon Miller (QB--OSU)
Top 25 Rankings
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Oregon
3. Notre Dame
4. Georgia
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. LSU
8. Florida State
9. Florida
10. Texas A&M
11. Clemson
12. South Carolina
13. Stanford
14. Nebraska
15. Oklahoma
16. Oregon State
17.. Louisiana Tech
18. UCLA
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. Texas
22. Kent State
23. Michigan
24. Oklahoma State
25. Texas Tech
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Florida
6. Alabama
7. Georgia
8. LSU
9. Texas A&M
10. Florida State
11. South Carolina
12. Clemson
13. Stanford
14. Oklahoma
15. Oregon State
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Louisiana Tech
19. Texas
20. Kent State
21. Rutgers
22. Louisville
23. Oklahoma State
24. Texas Tech
25. Michigan
Schweinfurth
1. Oregon
2. Kansas State
3. Notre Dame
4. Ohio State
5. Alabama
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. LSU
11. South Carolina
12. Oregon State
13. Texas A&M
14. Oklahoma
15. Stanford
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. USC
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Texas Tech
24. Oklahoma State
25. Kent State
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
3) Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU) Signature win catapults him up this list.
3) Braxon Miller (QB--OSU)
Top 25 Rankings
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Oregon
3. Notre Dame
4. Georgia
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. LSU
8. Florida State
9. Florida
10. Texas A&M
11. Clemson
12. South Carolina
13. Stanford
14. Nebraska
15. Oklahoma
16. Oregon State
17.. Louisiana Tech
18. UCLA
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. Texas
22. Kent State
23. Michigan
24. Oklahoma State
25. Texas Tech
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Florida
6. Alabama
7. Georgia
8. LSU
9. Texas A&M
10. Florida State
11. South Carolina
12. Clemson
13. Stanford
14. Oklahoma
15. Oregon State
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Louisiana Tech
19. Texas
20. Kent State
21. Rutgers
22. Louisville
23. Oklahoma State
24. Texas Tech
25. Michigan
Schweinfurth
1. Oregon
2. Kansas State
3. Notre Dame
4. Ohio State
5. Alabama
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. LSU
11. South Carolina
12. Oregon State
13. Texas A&M
14. Oklahoma
15. Stanford
16. UCLA
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Louisville
20. Rutgers
21. USC
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Texas Tech
24. Oklahoma State
25. Kent State
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Week 11 Picks: Relax and Recover (these games are terrible)
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 34-7 (5-5 upset)
2) Hoying 29-12 (3-7 upset)
3) Draper 28-13 (3-7 upset)
4) Auer 23-14 (1-8 upset)
Oregon State Beavers @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: These two teams are tough to figure out. Both have nice records (and extremely similar), but little substance in the mediocre Pac12. Stanford is tough at home, but the Beavs have been finding ways to win. Common logic says give the home team the advantage in a tight matchup, but I'm bucking logic. Oregon State gets their QB Cody Vaz back which I say tips the scales and earns a huge road win. Oregon is running away and hiding in the Pac12-North, but this fight for second may be for a BCS bid. OSU: 20--Stan: 17
Auer: Honest to God, no clue here. Both teams have been up and down, and there's not much "home field advantage" to speak of in the Pac-12. Stanford has faced a bit tougher competition this season, so I'll give them the edge. OSU: 28--Stan: 31
Hoying: Stanford kicks off its murderer's row to end the season with a visit from perhaps the surprise team of the year. Whoever wins stays hot on Oregon's heels, and the Ducks face both teams down the stretch. Oregon State is having a very nice season behind a decent defense and not much else. Beaver QB Sean Mannion is ready to go, but he hasn't seen action in a month other than a disastrous performance against Washington. Can the backup Cody Vaz pull off the big road win? Perhaps, if this game were in Corvallis, I'd believe the Beaver Fever, but this is Stanford's time. OSU: 17--Stan:24
Schweinfurth: Oregon State has been a really good story this year. Wideout Brandin Cooks is fast and the defense has played very well this year. Stanford has looked good in a few losses this year, but the Cardinal clearly miss both Luck and Harbaugh. Still, I like the Cardinal in a close one. OSU: 17--Stan: 20
Texas A&M Aggies @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: Bama showed some flaws in the tough environment last week, and the Aggies have been nothing but explosive in recent memory. That being said, the Tide return to home and, I say, get back on the dominating track. Johnny Manziel is fantastic, but the Bama D is ready to step back into the spotlight. I think the Aggie freshman is entering a whole new world of hurt. Bama may be beaten up, but their defense has a new found chip on their shoulder. Tide rolls. TAMU: 16--Bama: 30
Auer: For whatever reason, Alabama has struggled when put up against a mobile QB. In fact, the last two losses came at the hands of mobile QB's (Newton & Jefferson). A&M is coming off a big win at Mississippi State and will be playing their tenth straight game of the year. Even with the Tide's potential "hangover" after the big win at LSU, the Aggies do not have what it takes to beat a team of Alabama's caliber. Aggies lose this one, BIG. TAMU: 17--Bama: 41
Hoying: Let me get this straight: Alabama craps all over the field for 28 minutes in the second half, then LSU sends in the prevent defense and the Tide are suddenly invincible? This team clearly showed they are not 2001 Miami or 1995 Nebraska. They are beatable. A&M has the offense to make Alabama sweat a little. Remember, this team had LSU in a bad way before blowing it down the stretch. However, this is the last game Nick Saban has to prepare for until the SEC Championship game (no, Auburn). I can feel his anger. It makes him strong, gives him focus. Only his hatred can destroy the Aggies. TAMU: 22--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: The Aggies have to be catching Bama at the best time. The Tide are more than likely mentally and physically drained after the big win at LSU. McCarron is showing that he can more than manage an offense. I still don't trust the Aggies defense, but Manziel and the A&M offense can move the ball. LSU showed the Alabama defense isn't bullet proof. Alabama is the better team and the talent will overcome an early game letdown. TAMU: 19--Bama: 24
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Mississippi State is taking a beating after back to back games @ Bama and vs. TAMU...now it's off to a very angry Death Valley. Uh oh. Zach Mettenberger played the game of his life against the Tide and I don't think he has another game like that in him...even though MSU is a hoax. The LSU D will shut the dogs down and probably even get a score. Shouldn't be close. MSU: 10--LSU: 31
Auer: The Bulldogs have plummeted quickly after starting the season 7-0, and losing the last two by a combined score of 76-20... ouch. LSU is a very good squad and showed it last week against the nation's top team. This is one hangover upset I believe in. MSU finds their groove against a deflated LSU squad. MSU: 19--LSU: 17
Hoying: Ah, here we have LSU playing what is essentially Boise State. 2 games against real teams, 2 blowout losses. Wait, I take that back. Boise State doesn't get blown out when it loses to good teams. I'm already bored writing this. MSU: 0--LSU: 20
Schweinfurth: The Tigers seem to win in spite of Miles. Last week proved this to be true. Miles just continues to make dumb decisions at the absolutely wrong times. With that said, the Bulldogs are ranked solely on an easy, early season schedule. MSU: 13--LSU: 31
Northwestern Wildcats @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Poor Michigan...that whole 'we don't need Denard Robinson because our defense and other stars can step up' thing may work against Minnesota, but Pat Fitzgerald is licking his chops to go after this busted up team. Northwestern is looking for that signature win so they can claim they are one of the big boys (always seems to happen when they don't play OSU). Kain Colter will 'Denard' Michigan in the Big House to remind the world that the Wolverines aren't 'back'. NW: 38--UM: 34
Auer: Michigan sucks. The Wildcats are chomping at the bit to make another statement... but what statement is that? We can beat bad teams that were overrated to start the season? Either way, maybe they can hurt a few more guys and help out the Buckeyes in a couple weeks. NW: 41--UM: 28
Hoying: Remember when Ohio State didn't have a quarterback? Michigan is in danger of sucking that bad without Denard. Yeah, Gardner carved up Minnesota, but we could do that with Draper at QB, Auer and Schweinfurth at WR, and me as the entire OL. Meanwhile, Northwestern decided not to suck this year, just a couple of 4th quarter breakdowns away from being undefeated. Michigan still probably has the better team overall, but I don't think they're yet equipped to handle their disastrous QB situation (and probably won't be for the rest of the season). A big 'Cat win (along with a Husker win over Penn State) virtually seals the Legers (Leadends?) division for Nebraska. NW: 27--UM: 21
Schweinfuth: This is a tricky one. First off, who would have thought that Northwestern would be the ranked team here? Also, how is Denard's throwing arm? Denard is the more exciting runner but Gardner can actually pass. Either way, this game should be a shootout as both defenses are a bit watered down. This game is big for both teams in case Nebraska falters. I'm smelling some points on the board with this game. NU: 35--Mich: 42
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Texas
Auer: California over Oregon
Hoying: Arizona State over USC
Schweinfurth: TCU over K-State
1) Schweinfurth 34-7 (5-5 upset)
2) Hoying 29-12 (3-7 upset)
3) Draper 28-13 (3-7 upset)
4) Auer 23-14 (1-8 upset)
Oregon State Beavers @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: These two teams are tough to figure out. Both have nice records (and extremely similar), but little substance in the mediocre Pac12. Stanford is tough at home, but the Beavs have been finding ways to win. Common logic says give the home team the advantage in a tight matchup, but I'm bucking logic. Oregon State gets their QB Cody Vaz back which I say tips the scales and earns a huge road win. Oregon is running away and hiding in the Pac12-North, but this fight for second may be for a BCS bid. OSU: 20--Stan: 17
Auer: Honest to God, no clue here. Both teams have been up and down, and there's not much "home field advantage" to speak of in the Pac-12. Stanford has faced a bit tougher competition this season, so I'll give them the edge. OSU: 28--Stan: 31
Hoying: Stanford kicks off its murderer's row to end the season with a visit from perhaps the surprise team of the year. Whoever wins stays hot on Oregon's heels, and the Ducks face both teams down the stretch. Oregon State is having a very nice season behind a decent defense and not much else. Beaver QB Sean Mannion is ready to go, but he hasn't seen action in a month other than a disastrous performance against Washington. Can the backup Cody Vaz pull off the big road win? Perhaps, if this game were in Corvallis, I'd believe the Beaver Fever, but this is Stanford's time. OSU: 17--Stan:24
Schweinfurth: Oregon State has been a really good story this year. Wideout Brandin Cooks is fast and the defense has played very well this year. Stanford has looked good in a few losses this year, but the Cardinal clearly miss both Luck and Harbaugh. Still, I like the Cardinal in a close one. OSU: 17--Stan: 20
Texas A&M Aggies @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: Bama showed some flaws in the tough environment last week, and the Aggies have been nothing but explosive in recent memory. That being said, the Tide return to home and, I say, get back on the dominating track. Johnny Manziel is fantastic, but the Bama D is ready to step back into the spotlight. I think the Aggie freshman is entering a whole new world of hurt. Bama may be beaten up, but their defense has a new found chip on their shoulder. Tide rolls. TAMU: 16--Bama: 30
Auer: For whatever reason, Alabama has struggled when put up against a mobile QB. In fact, the last two losses came at the hands of mobile QB's (Newton & Jefferson). A&M is coming off a big win at Mississippi State and will be playing their tenth straight game of the year. Even with the Tide's potential "hangover" after the big win at LSU, the Aggies do not have what it takes to beat a team of Alabama's caliber. Aggies lose this one, BIG. TAMU: 17--Bama: 41
Hoying: Let me get this straight: Alabama craps all over the field for 28 minutes in the second half, then LSU sends in the prevent defense and the Tide are suddenly invincible? This team clearly showed they are not 2001 Miami or 1995 Nebraska. They are beatable. A&M has the offense to make Alabama sweat a little. Remember, this team had LSU in a bad way before blowing it down the stretch. However, this is the last game Nick Saban has to prepare for until the SEC Championship game (no, Auburn). I can feel his anger. It makes him strong, gives him focus. Only his hatred can destroy the Aggies. TAMU: 22--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: The Aggies have to be catching Bama at the best time. The Tide are more than likely mentally and physically drained after the big win at LSU. McCarron is showing that he can more than manage an offense. I still don't trust the Aggies defense, but Manziel and the A&M offense can move the ball. LSU showed the Alabama defense isn't bullet proof. Alabama is the better team and the talent will overcome an early game letdown. TAMU: 19--Bama: 24
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Mississippi State is taking a beating after back to back games @ Bama and vs. TAMU...now it's off to a very angry Death Valley. Uh oh. Zach Mettenberger played the game of his life against the Tide and I don't think he has another game like that in him...even though MSU is a hoax. The LSU D will shut the dogs down and probably even get a score. Shouldn't be close. MSU: 10--LSU: 31
Auer: The Bulldogs have plummeted quickly after starting the season 7-0, and losing the last two by a combined score of 76-20... ouch. LSU is a very good squad and showed it last week against the nation's top team. This is one hangover upset I believe in. MSU finds their groove against a deflated LSU squad. MSU: 19--LSU: 17
Hoying: Ah, here we have LSU playing what is essentially Boise State. 2 games against real teams, 2 blowout losses. Wait, I take that back. Boise State doesn't get blown out when it loses to good teams. I'm already bored writing this. MSU: 0--LSU: 20
Schweinfurth: The Tigers seem to win in spite of Miles. Last week proved this to be true. Miles just continues to make dumb decisions at the absolutely wrong times. With that said, the Bulldogs are ranked solely on an easy, early season schedule. MSU: 13--LSU: 31
Northwestern Wildcats @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Poor Michigan...that whole 'we don't need Denard Robinson because our defense and other stars can step up' thing may work against Minnesota, but Pat Fitzgerald is licking his chops to go after this busted up team. Northwestern is looking for that signature win so they can claim they are one of the big boys (always seems to happen when they don't play OSU). Kain Colter will 'Denard' Michigan in the Big House to remind the world that the Wolverines aren't 'back'. NW: 38--UM: 34
Auer: Michigan sucks. The Wildcats are chomping at the bit to make another statement... but what statement is that? We can beat bad teams that were overrated to start the season? Either way, maybe they can hurt a few more guys and help out the Buckeyes in a couple weeks. NW: 41--UM: 28
Hoying: Remember when Ohio State didn't have a quarterback? Michigan is in danger of sucking that bad without Denard. Yeah, Gardner carved up Minnesota, but we could do that with Draper at QB, Auer and Schweinfurth at WR, and me as the entire OL. Meanwhile, Northwestern decided not to suck this year, just a couple of 4th quarter breakdowns away from being undefeated. Michigan still probably has the better team overall, but I don't think they're yet equipped to handle their disastrous QB situation (and probably won't be for the rest of the season). A big 'Cat win (along with a Husker win over Penn State) virtually seals the Legers (Leadends?) division for Nebraska. NW: 27--UM: 21
Schweinfuth: This is a tricky one. First off, who would have thought that Northwestern would be the ranked team here? Also, how is Denard's throwing arm? Denard is the more exciting runner but Gardner can actually pass. Either way, this game should be a shootout as both defenses are a bit watered down. This game is big for both teams in case Nebraska falters. I'm smelling some points on the board with this game. NU: 35--Mich: 42
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Texas
Auer: California over Oregon
Hoying: Arizona State over USC
Schweinfurth: TCU over K-State
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Rankings and Heisman Ballots (Post Week 10)
Heisman Ballots
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
I have dropped Manti Te'o after carefully examining his statistics. He has not particularly stood out from other LBs upon closer inspection. He's an exceptional player, but the hype is largely due to the Domer faithful and the 'best player on a contending team' argument.
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Draper said it all before I could.
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Top 25 Rankings
Draper
1. Bama
2. Kansas State
3. Oregon
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. LSU
9. Florida
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. Clemson
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Nebraska
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. LA Tech
20. Toledo
21. Texas
22. Northwestern
23. Kent State
24. Rutgers
25. Texas Tech
Hoying
1. Alabama
2. Kansas State
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Florida State
9. Louisville
10. Oregon State
11. LSU
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Stanford
17. UCLA
18. Nebraska
19. Louisiana Tech
20. Toledo
21. Kent State
22. Rutgers
23. Texas
24. Ohio
25. Northwestern
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. Louisville
11. LSU
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Oregon State
15. Texas A&M
16. Oklahoma
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. Nebraska
20. Texas
21. Rutgers
22. Northwestern
23. Louisiana Tech
24. Toledo
25. Mississippi State
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
I have dropped Manti Te'o after carefully examining his statistics. He has not particularly stood out from other LBs upon closer inspection. He's an exceptional player, but the hype is largely due to the Domer faithful and the 'best player on a contending team' argument.
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Draper said it all before I could.
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Top 25 Rankings
Draper
1. Bama
2. Kansas State
3. Oregon
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. LSU
9. Florida
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. Clemson
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Nebraska
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. LA Tech
20. Toledo
21. Texas
22. Northwestern
23. Kent State
24. Rutgers
25. Texas Tech
Hoying
1. Alabama
2. Kansas State
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Florida State
9. Louisville
10. Oregon State
11. LSU
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Stanford
17. UCLA
18. Nebraska
19. Louisiana Tech
20. Toledo
21. Kent State
22. Rutgers
23. Texas
24. Ohio
25. Northwestern
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. Louisville
11. LSU
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Oregon State
15. Texas A&M
16. Oklahoma
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. Nebraska
20. Texas
21. Rutgers
22. Northwestern
23. Louisiana Tech
24. Toledo
25. Mississippi State
Monday, November 05, 2012
Grading the Bucks: Illinois
Short post this week. Summary: Illinois sucks and the Buckeyes did what they were supposed to.
Offense: A
Not much to nitpick here. Braxton is improving, Hyde has been a bulldozer, and we finally did what we should have to an inferior opponent. I'm loving the running game. Passing looked better, but the opponent sucks. Braxton gives plays that show you the amazing potential...and then the converse 'duh' moments. Not many 'duh' moments this weekend. Let's hope he keeps it up. The receivers really need to step up. Stoneburner has been a real disappointment this year. Outside of 1 deep TD vs. PSU, I haven't been impressed. Smith has shown moments of brilliance followed by killer drops. Passing game needs work, but 52 points in a rout makes me happy.
Defense: B+
The only reason I'm avoiding the A is the number of points surrendered. That being said, I really liked what I saw. Shazier is playing like a man possessed, Roby is shutting the opposition down, and Boren is stepping it up. Christian Bryant is regressing back into the 'blow em up' tackling and missing which is very concerning. Undisciplined play is a concern with the penalties, but most of those penalties were ridiculous. I love the attack mentality we're starting to see with the defense. Again, let's hope it continues against a real opponent.
Special Teams: C
The downgrade here is purely with respect to the kickoff coverage. Maybe it's brought to the forefront when we score more points because we kickoff more, but we're giving up good starting field position on kickoff returns. I'm starting to wonder why Basil doesn't bury the kickoffs in the endzone. The piranhas are starting to get out of their lanes and miss tackles. Kicking was nice, but I really get nervous on punt and kick coverage now.
Coaching: B
Eh...nothing special, but no problem. No beefs, but nothing to 'wow' me.
Overall: B+/A-
Nice to win in a rout (1st time since Nebraska or Miami). Room for improvement, but definite strides forward after the last month of questionable play.
Offense: A
Not much to nitpick here. Braxton is improving, Hyde has been a bulldozer, and we finally did what we should have to an inferior opponent. I'm loving the running game. Passing looked better, but the opponent sucks. Braxton gives plays that show you the amazing potential...and then the converse 'duh' moments. Not many 'duh' moments this weekend. Let's hope he keeps it up. The receivers really need to step up. Stoneburner has been a real disappointment this year. Outside of 1 deep TD vs. PSU, I haven't been impressed. Smith has shown moments of brilliance followed by killer drops. Passing game needs work, but 52 points in a rout makes me happy.
Defense: B+
The only reason I'm avoiding the A is the number of points surrendered. That being said, I really liked what I saw. Shazier is playing like a man possessed, Roby is shutting the opposition down, and Boren is stepping it up. Christian Bryant is regressing back into the 'blow em up' tackling and missing which is very concerning. Undisciplined play is a concern with the penalties, but most of those penalties were ridiculous. I love the attack mentality we're starting to see with the defense. Again, let's hope it continues against a real opponent.
Special Teams: C
The downgrade here is purely with respect to the kickoff coverage. Maybe it's brought to the forefront when we score more points because we kickoff more, but we're giving up good starting field position on kickoff returns. I'm starting to wonder why Basil doesn't bury the kickoffs in the endzone. The piranhas are starting to get out of their lanes and miss tackles. Kicking was nice, but I really get nervous on punt and kick coverage now.
Coaching: B
Eh...nothing special, but no problem. No beefs, but nothing to 'wow' me.
Overall: B+/A-
Nice to win in a rout (1st time since Nebraska or Miami). Room for improvement, but definite strides forward after the last month of questionable play.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Week 10: Rematch!
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 30-7 (4-5 upset)
2) Hoying 25-12 (3-6 upset)
3) Draper 24-13 (3-6 upset)
4) Auer 20-13 (1-7 upset)
All 4 upset specials happened this week. Kudos to Auer and Draper for picking top 10 upsets. Weak sauce by Hoying picking a Vegas favorite (Nebraska over Michigan) and Schweinfurth for picking the pillow fight in Madison (sad but true).
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Here's hoping for a little more scoring this year. These teams are 2 of the best in the country once again, but LSU is not near the juggernaut that Bama is. That being said, the Tigers own the longest active home win streak (and it's not close). LSU has a very good defense (especially the line), but Bama's is better (moreso in the secondary). This is the first test for Alabama and it's a doozie simply because it's in Death Valley. I see McCarron managing the game well and tossing enough keep passes for the road team to win this epic battle 2 years in a row. LSU's offense is just not strong enough to hang. Bama: 20--LSU: 10
Auer: Quite the test awaits the Fightin' Les Miles. AJ McCarron has yet to be intercepted this year, Alabama has yet to lose this year, and LSU has yet to lose at home. Something has got to give. Two of the best defenses in the country clash in this sure-to-be defensive struggle. Bama is a much better team, and will show it. Bama: 21--LSU: 9
Hoying: I think I'm going to throw up in my mouth a little every time I watch this game from now on. Back to business...Both teams feature stellar defenses, but that's where the similarities end. Alabama features unsung Heisman-good A.J. McCarron behind center, lighting up every team he faces, while LSU's Zach What-a-burger has the Purple and Geauxld wishing they had Jordan Jefferson's pass accuracy back. Alabama hasn't really been tested yet (no, Mississippi State), but LSU is slogging through a brutal slate of 5 games against excellent opponents. Can their battle-tested toughness overcome the enormous talent and coaching gaps? No. Just...no. Bama: 24--LSU: 10
Schweinfurth: To be perfectly honest hear, I really don't think highly of LSU this year. The Tigers lost a lot on offense when Jordan Jefferson graduated, and that really wasn't all that much to begin with. LSU is without their best weapon in Tyron Mathieu. Alabama on the other hand, has to look of a top team. A.J. McCarron is an efficient, but not great quarterback and the Tide defense is just sick. I see this game going the same way last year's title game went: lots of 'Bama and not much LSU. The Bayou helps keep it from being a laugher. Bama: 35--LSU: 9
Oregon Ducks @ University of Southern California Trojans
Draper: The Pac-12 is taking it on the chin for the Trojans recent struggles. I still believe the Trojans have the talent to compete with the top teams, but they aren't showing it. Oregon has steamrolled everyone on their schedule thus far (including a Rich Rod Zona team that snake bit the Trojans). The Duck offense is a finely tuned machine and the defense has really stepped up their game. The pure athleticism of Barkley and Lee could make this interesting but the flash and zip of the Ducks keep the dream matchup of Oregon/Bama alive. Beware of a potential rematch in the Pac12 title... OU: 38--USC: 24
Auer: These are the kind of games I love. Teams known for having douchebag players and douchebag coaches... karma's a you know what. USC's season collapsed a few weeks ago, and Lane Kiffin hasn't been able to right the ship yet. Oregon is seemingly an unstoppable offensive juggernaut, and will continue the tour de force this weekend. UO: 58--USC: 32
Hoying: Poor Pac-12, there goes your marquee match-up of the year. Well, there's always the Civil War...What's wrong with USC? Everyone's trendy non-SEC preseason #1 has looked downright mediocre this season. But they're still ranked (why?) so I guess this game has some importance. Meanwhile, Oregon is once again cramming touchdown after touchdown down their opponents' throats, and this year they have some semblance of a defense to go with it. The sad part is, the Trojans' defense, the feature that made them stand out in the squishy Pac-12, is...WORSE...than Oregon's. If USC can play up to their mythical talent level, and throw to Marqise Lee about 20 times, they might have a chance of keeping up. But I don't see it. UO: 48--USC: 24
Schweinfurth: Is there a scarier offense in the county than Oregon right now? I don't think so. Kenjon Barner has been an absolute monster so far this year. Pair that offense with a defense that at least has a pulse and Oregon is a scary team. USC can put up some numbers too. Marquise Lee had himself a day last week (Rich Rod has had the number 9 in his nightmares all week after that display) and Robert Woods is no slouch on the other side. This game will come down to who can make the defensive stop first. UO: 42--USC: 38
Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Mississippi State was exposed last week, but then again, Bama exposes everyone. The cowbells will be going bananas in Starksville which is not an easy place to play when the Bulldogs are playing well. That being said, the A&M offense and Johnny Football are running up and down the field against everyone. The record for MSU justifies a high ranking, but the lack of quality wins/opponents are catching up fast. Aggies get a big SEC road win. TAMU: 38--MSU:24
Auer: Two teams that just can't get over the hump. A&M is coming off of a 63-21 romp of Auburn, MSU is coming off their first loss of the season. MSU should be able to spring a trap if they're out for redemption this week. A&M is 5-20 in November road games and that alone could spell disaster for the Aggies. TAMU: 28--MSU: 31
Hoying: Texas A&M's athletic director needs to be slapped. Your team already has to travel to Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, and you schedule road games at lowly SMU and Louisiana Tech? The upshot of this is that A&M is now playing their 4th road game in the last 5 (and they go to Alabama next week). Odd thing is, the only game they lost of those five was the one at home (against LSU). Mississippi State is fresh off getting the Alabama treatment (no shame there) and needs a big win to prove their record isn't a fluke. Too bad they're a mirage. Texas A&M is the real deal this season and will easily provide the second gut-punch of MSU's Alabama-A&M-LSU back-to-back combo. TA&M: 31--MSU: 17
Schweinfurth: Which of these two teams is for real? A&M has held it's own against a brutal SEC road schedule but has lost all of their games against higher ranked teams. Mississippi State hasn't been tested at all. Coming off a game against 'Bama, I think the Bulldogs are a beat up group and Johnny Manziel has enough to beat the Dogs. Watch out for those cowbells though! TAMU: 24--MSU:21
Illinois Fighting Illini @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Illini sucks...that's just a fact. OSU got a huge road win against the hot Nittany Lions, but no one will confuse PSU for Bama, Oregon, or any real contender. With that, the Buckeyes seemed to get some needed confidence after the near miss vs. Purdue. The Silver Bullets (yeah...I'll give them the moniker for now) have been MUCH improved (granted against mediocre competition, but it's a start). Miller needs to settle and let the game come to him. We have other weapons and once he is able to utilize them through the passing game and running game, watch out. This should be a cakewalk (even though the Bucks been exceptionally good at playing to the level of the competition). Look ahead is a slight worry, but the bye week is a nice buffer. Thus should be a beatdown. Ill: 10--OSU: 41
Auer: Echoing my other bloggers, Illinois is horrible, but the Buckeyes have been an up and down, Jekyll and Hyde type of team. One would hope that Braxton has a big game and keeps himself in the Heisman talk. This will be interesting for a half. Ill: 20--OSU: 38
Hoying: Illinois is BAD. I could end the write-up there, but let's take a look at the Buckeyes, coming off their best win since Nebraska. The defense has finally figured out how to stop predictable B1G offenses, and Braxton still isn't dead. Maybe Urban should rest him so he's 100% for Wisconsin. Ah, but that's what the bye week is for. Oh, by the way, Illinois is BAD. Ill: 6--OSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I want to pick Ohio State to blow Illinois out of the water. I mean, they should right? The Bullets looked like they were back flying around last week but the offense actually looked, at times, to be a first year offense. The Buckeyes need to make a statement at home against a bad team. No more close ones. I think the Bucks pull away late but we need to see A LOT more out of the passing game. Expect some 3 and out drives early due to Urban trying to get Braxton throwing the ball a bit more. This game is closer than the experts think but Urban gets Illibuck for the first time. Ill: 23--OSU: 41
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Oklahoma
Auer: Okie State over Kansas State
Hoying: Michigan State over Nebraksa
Schweinfurth: TCU over West Virginia
1) Schweinfurth 30-7 (4-5 upset)
2) Hoying 25-12 (3-6 upset)
3) Draper 24-13 (3-6 upset)
4) Auer 20-13 (1-7 upset)
All 4 upset specials happened this week. Kudos to Auer and Draper for picking top 10 upsets. Weak sauce by Hoying picking a Vegas favorite (Nebraska over Michigan) and Schweinfurth for picking the pillow fight in Madison (sad but true).
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Here's hoping for a little more scoring this year. These teams are 2 of the best in the country once again, but LSU is not near the juggernaut that Bama is. That being said, the Tigers own the longest active home win streak (and it's not close). LSU has a very good defense (especially the line), but Bama's is better (moreso in the secondary). This is the first test for Alabama and it's a doozie simply because it's in Death Valley. I see McCarron managing the game well and tossing enough keep passes for the road team to win this epic battle 2 years in a row. LSU's offense is just not strong enough to hang. Bama: 20--LSU: 10
Auer: Quite the test awaits the Fightin' Les Miles. AJ McCarron has yet to be intercepted this year, Alabama has yet to lose this year, and LSU has yet to lose at home. Something has got to give. Two of the best defenses in the country clash in this sure-to-be defensive struggle. Bama is a much better team, and will show it. Bama: 21--LSU: 9
Hoying: I think I'm going to throw up in my mouth a little every time I watch this game from now on. Back to business...Both teams feature stellar defenses, but that's where the similarities end. Alabama features unsung Heisman-good A.J. McCarron behind center, lighting up every team he faces, while LSU's Zach What-a-burger has the Purple and Geauxld wishing they had Jordan Jefferson's pass accuracy back. Alabama hasn't really been tested yet (no, Mississippi State), but LSU is slogging through a brutal slate of 5 games against excellent opponents. Can their battle-tested toughness overcome the enormous talent and coaching gaps? No. Just...no. Bama: 24--LSU: 10
Schweinfurth: To be perfectly honest hear, I really don't think highly of LSU this year. The Tigers lost a lot on offense when Jordan Jefferson graduated, and that really wasn't all that much to begin with. LSU is without their best weapon in Tyron Mathieu. Alabama on the other hand, has to look of a top team. A.J. McCarron is an efficient, but not great quarterback and the Tide defense is just sick. I see this game going the same way last year's title game went: lots of 'Bama and not much LSU. The Bayou helps keep it from being a laugher. Bama: 35--LSU: 9
Oregon Ducks @ University of Southern California Trojans
Draper: The Pac-12 is taking it on the chin for the Trojans recent struggles. I still believe the Trojans have the talent to compete with the top teams, but they aren't showing it. Oregon has steamrolled everyone on their schedule thus far (including a Rich Rod Zona team that snake bit the Trojans). The Duck offense is a finely tuned machine and the defense has really stepped up their game. The pure athleticism of Barkley and Lee could make this interesting but the flash and zip of the Ducks keep the dream matchup of Oregon/Bama alive. Beware of a potential rematch in the Pac12 title... OU: 38--USC: 24
Auer: These are the kind of games I love. Teams known for having douchebag players and douchebag coaches... karma's a you know what. USC's season collapsed a few weeks ago, and Lane Kiffin hasn't been able to right the ship yet. Oregon is seemingly an unstoppable offensive juggernaut, and will continue the tour de force this weekend. UO: 58--USC: 32
Hoying: Poor Pac-12, there goes your marquee match-up of the year. Well, there's always the Civil War...What's wrong with USC? Everyone's trendy non-SEC preseason #1 has looked downright mediocre this season. But they're still ranked (why?) so I guess this game has some importance. Meanwhile, Oregon is once again cramming touchdown after touchdown down their opponents' throats, and this year they have some semblance of a defense to go with it. The sad part is, the Trojans' defense, the feature that made them stand out in the squishy Pac-12, is...WORSE...than Oregon's. If USC can play up to their mythical talent level, and throw to Marqise Lee about 20 times, they might have a chance of keeping up. But I don't see it. UO: 48--USC: 24
Schweinfurth: Is there a scarier offense in the county than Oregon right now? I don't think so. Kenjon Barner has been an absolute monster so far this year. Pair that offense with a defense that at least has a pulse and Oregon is a scary team. USC can put up some numbers too. Marquise Lee had himself a day last week (Rich Rod has had the number 9 in his nightmares all week after that display) and Robert Woods is no slouch on the other side. This game will come down to who can make the defensive stop first. UO: 42--USC: 38
Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Mississippi State was exposed last week, but then again, Bama exposes everyone. The cowbells will be going bananas in Starksville which is not an easy place to play when the Bulldogs are playing well. That being said, the A&M offense and Johnny Football are running up and down the field against everyone. The record for MSU justifies a high ranking, but the lack of quality wins/opponents are catching up fast. Aggies get a big SEC road win. TAMU: 38--MSU:24
Auer: Two teams that just can't get over the hump. A&M is coming off of a 63-21 romp of Auburn, MSU is coming off their first loss of the season. MSU should be able to spring a trap if they're out for redemption this week. A&M is 5-20 in November road games and that alone could spell disaster for the Aggies. TAMU: 28--MSU: 31
Hoying: Texas A&M's athletic director needs to be slapped. Your team already has to travel to Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, and you schedule road games at lowly SMU and Louisiana Tech? The upshot of this is that A&M is now playing their 4th road game in the last 5 (and they go to Alabama next week). Odd thing is, the only game they lost of those five was the one at home (against LSU). Mississippi State is fresh off getting the Alabama treatment (no shame there) and needs a big win to prove their record isn't a fluke. Too bad they're a mirage. Texas A&M is the real deal this season and will easily provide the second gut-punch of MSU's Alabama-A&M-LSU back-to-back combo. TA&M: 31--MSU: 17
Schweinfurth: Which of these two teams is for real? A&M has held it's own against a brutal SEC road schedule but has lost all of their games against higher ranked teams. Mississippi State hasn't been tested at all. Coming off a game against 'Bama, I think the Bulldogs are a beat up group and Johnny Manziel has enough to beat the Dogs. Watch out for those cowbells though! TAMU: 24--MSU:21
Illinois Fighting Illini @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Illini sucks...that's just a fact. OSU got a huge road win against the hot Nittany Lions, but no one will confuse PSU for Bama, Oregon, or any real contender. With that, the Buckeyes seemed to get some needed confidence after the near miss vs. Purdue. The Silver Bullets (yeah...I'll give them the moniker for now) have been MUCH improved (granted against mediocre competition, but it's a start). Miller needs to settle and let the game come to him. We have other weapons and once he is able to utilize them through the passing game and running game, watch out. This should be a cakewalk (even though the Bucks been exceptionally good at playing to the level of the competition). Look ahead is a slight worry, but the bye week is a nice buffer. Thus should be a beatdown. Ill: 10--OSU: 41
Auer: Echoing my other bloggers, Illinois is horrible, but the Buckeyes have been an up and down, Jekyll and Hyde type of team. One would hope that Braxton has a big game and keeps himself in the Heisman talk. This will be interesting for a half. Ill: 20--OSU: 38
Hoying: Illinois is BAD. I could end the write-up there, but let's take a look at the Buckeyes, coming off their best win since Nebraska. The defense has finally figured out how to stop predictable B1G offenses, and Braxton still isn't dead. Maybe Urban should rest him so he's 100% for Wisconsin. Ah, but that's what the bye week is for. Oh, by the way, Illinois is BAD. Ill: 6--OSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I want to pick Ohio State to blow Illinois out of the water. I mean, they should right? The Bullets looked like they were back flying around last week but the offense actually looked, at times, to be a first year offense. The Buckeyes need to make a statement at home against a bad team. No more close ones. I think the Bucks pull away late but we need to see A LOT more out of the passing game. Expect some 3 and out drives early due to Urban trying to get Braxton throwing the ball a bit more. This game is closer than the experts think but Urban gets Illibuck for the first time. Ill: 23--OSU: 41
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Oklahoma
Auer: Okie State over Kansas State
Hoying: Michigan State over Nebraksa
Schweinfurth: TCU over West Virginia
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rankings and Heisman Ballots--post Week 9
Heisman ballots
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) A.J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oreg)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)/Manti Te'O (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. South Carolina
11. Louisville
12. Clemson
13. Texas A&M
14. Oregon State
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Nebraska
18. Texas Tech
19. Mississippi State
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Arizona
22. USC
23. West Virginia
24. Boise State
25. Toledo
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Mississippi State
15. Oklahoma
16. Texas Tech
17. Texas A&M
18. Stanford
19. Nebraska
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Toledo
22. Kent State
23. Rutgers
24. West Virginia
25. Boise State
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. Clemson
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas Tech
18. Mississippi St
19. Nebraska
20. USC
21. West Virginia
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Rutgers
24. Texas
25. Arizona
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) A.J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oreg)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)/Manti Te'O (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. South Carolina
11. Louisville
12. Clemson
13. Texas A&M
14. Oregon State
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Nebraska
18. Texas Tech
19. Mississippi State
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Arizona
22. USC
23. West Virginia
24. Boise State
25. Toledo
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Mississippi State
15. Oklahoma
16. Texas Tech
17. Texas A&M
18. Stanford
19. Nebraska
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Toledo
22. Kent State
23. Rutgers
24. West Virginia
25. Boise State
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. Clemson
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas Tech
18. Mississippi St
19. Nebraska
20. USC
21. West Virginia
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Rutgers
24. Texas
25. Arizona
Monday, October 29, 2012
Grading the Bucks: PSU
Nice win in a tough environment. Credit where credit is due, this is game showed me more maturity which is a huge plus going forward.
Offense: B+
We still have work to do. I know I'm a broken record, but this offense, while far better than last year, is still very raw. Miller showed what makes him special, but also showed what makes him so frustrating to watch. His 1 yard TD run was spectacular and video-game-esque....but let's not forget about his inability to throw a decent pass. Once he becomes a semi-competent passer...look out! I was quite impressed with the PSU defense who really showed up and brought the lumber. Hyde never really got going, but Braxton's feet made the difference. Also, a Stoneburner sighting was a pleasant surprise. Miller needs to learn to go through his progression and get away from the progression of 1) Smith, 2) Smith, 3) run. While he is the most dynamic player, the QB option that we run is not nearly as effective as it could be because Braxton refuses to hand the ball off (and the defense is figuring it out). PSU stuffed those read options until Braxton handed the ball off and it completely stifled them--they couldn't fathom the handoff. I know I'm tough on Braxton, but that's because I KNOW he has the physical skills to be one of the best of all time. He just needs to embrace the expectations and keep chipping away. What if he connects on those screens, slants, and bombs? The ridiculous runs won't be needed to pull away. He's been the starter for over a year; it's time to step up a become the mature leader the offense needs...not just the best player on the team.
Defense: A-
PSU is not an exceptionally dynamic offense, but McGloin has been extremely efficient. The Bullets seemed to come back as they shut him down cold and made the Lions (finally) look like the sanctions have hit. Shazier was spectacular (maybe he should keep 48) with a pick 6 and multiple key plays. Roby had a good (not great) game in which he showed his mastery of the Malcolm Jenkins defense (get burnt, make amazing recovery to break up the pass, rinse, repeat). The line jammed up the middle and Boren/LBs looked reasonably confident in their abilities. Don't go crazy, Penn State isn't Oregon, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
Special Teams: D
Another blocked punt...that cannot happen. Total momentum was given over to the Lions in a tough environment due to a breakdown in blocking (I think Zack Boren blocked outside in rather than inside out). Can't let Buchanan off the hook as he takes a week to get those punts off. On the road, a fundamentally sound kicking game is of paramount importance (see Indiana). Everything else on special teams was so-so, but that giant blackeye (3 blocked punts already!!) really hurts this unit.
Coaching: B+
Bland offensive playcalling again, yet effective. I thought the defensive gameplan was finally effective so I'll give them credit. Get Braxton comfortable throwing the ball on offense (the quick slant is a very effective and simple play that I still haven't seen nearly enough). More creativity is always what I want rather than the 'Go be good, Braxton!' offense we see now.
Overall: B+
Penn State was a lot of fool's gold so let's bring it down to earth. They aren't great, but the Buckeye's played well as a whole. Beating PSU doesn't make us ready for Bama, but that is a very tough place to play. Good for the Bucks; keep it rolling.
Offense: B+
We still have work to do. I know I'm a broken record, but this offense, while far better than last year, is still very raw. Miller showed what makes him special, but also showed what makes him so frustrating to watch. His 1 yard TD run was spectacular and video-game-esque....but let's not forget about his inability to throw a decent pass. Once he becomes a semi-competent passer...look out! I was quite impressed with the PSU defense who really showed up and brought the lumber. Hyde never really got going, but Braxton's feet made the difference. Also, a Stoneburner sighting was a pleasant surprise. Miller needs to learn to go through his progression and get away from the progression of 1) Smith, 2) Smith, 3) run. While he is the most dynamic player, the QB option that we run is not nearly as effective as it could be because Braxton refuses to hand the ball off (and the defense is figuring it out). PSU stuffed those read options until Braxton handed the ball off and it completely stifled them--they couldn't fathom the handoff. I know I'm tough on Braxton, but that's because I KNOW he has the physical skills to be one of the best of all time. He just needs to embrace the expectations and keep chipping away. What if he connects on those screens, slants, and bombs? The ridiculous runs won't be needed to pull away. He's been the starter for over a year; it's time to step up a become the mature leader the offense needs...not just the best player on the team.
Defense: A-
PSU is not an exceptionally dynamic offense, but McGloin has been extremely efficient. The Bullets seemed to come back as they shut him down cold and made the Lions (finally) look like the sanctions have hit. Shazier was spectacular (maybe he should keep 48) with a pick 6 and multiple key plays. Roby had a good (not great) game in which he showed his mastery of the Malcolm Jenkins defense (get burnt, make amazing recovery to break up the pass, rinse, repeat). The line jammed up the middle and Boren/LBs looked reasonably confident in their abilities. Don't go crazy, Penn State isn't Oregon, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
Special Teams: D
Another blocked punt...that cannot happen. Total momentum was given over to the Lions in a tough environment due to a breakdown in blocking (I think Zack Boren blocked outside in rather than inside out). Can't let Buchanan off the hook as he takes a week to get those punts off. On the road, a fundamentally sound kicking game is of paramount importance (see Indiana). Everything else on special teams was so-so, but that giant blackeye (3 blocked punts already!!) really hurts this unit.
Coaching: B+
Bland offensive playcalling again, yet effective. I thought the defensive gameplan was finally effective so I'll give them credit. Get Braxton comfortable throwing the ball on offense (the quick slant is a very effective and simple play that I still haven't seen nearly enough). More creativity is always what I want rather than the 'Go be good, Braxton!' offense we see now.
Overall: B+
Penn State was a lot of fool's gold so let's bring it down to earth. They aren't great, but the Buckeye's played well as a whole. Beating PSU doesn't make us ready for Bama, but that is a very tough place to play. Good for the Bucks; keep it rolling.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Week 9: Another nice slate of games
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
Texas Tech Red. Raiders @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: I believe in Bill Snyder and Collin Klein. I've been riding high on the Wildcats all year, and I'm not stopping. Seth Doege has put together a very nice resume in Lubbock but the one game they played against a defense (OU) was a miserable failure. Texas Tech is a good team, but Kansas State is a great team. I expect a utilitarian blue collar win as per usual in Manhattan. The Raiders have a defense, but KSU forces you to play grind-it-out slobber-knocker football. This isn't high-flying WVU that Texas Tech put on the ropes. KSU keeps it rolling. TT: 20--KSU: 33
Auer: Tommy Tuberville is waiting in the weeds to surprise the Wildcats. Texas Tech was ready for the WVU onslaught, and KSU has been coming away with wins in all shapes and sizes. After the big win last week by Kansas State in Morgantown, they Wildcats could be in for a bit of a letdown. This one will be a barn-burner. TT: 35--KSU: 34
Hoying: How long can Bill Snyder Ensure his team will win against a brutal Big 12 schedule? The 'Cats have been untouchable outside of Norman (understandable) and Ames (not so much), but one wonders how long they can keep it up. The nation's deepest conference has no gimme games (looking at you, Kentucky and Auburn), and I don't believe that Kansas State can make it through unscathed. Even though Texas Tech is well advertised as a very good team, this is a trap situation for Kansas State after a huge head-inflating win over the Mountaineers. Collin Klein is the real deal, but I foresee a perfect storm of victory hangover, freak turnovers, and a deserving Tech team playing a flawless game to move back into the Big 12 title discussion. Sorry, K-State. TT: 21--KSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Collin Klein cemented himself as the Heisman leader at this point. Texas Tech is good but really haven't beaten a top tier team yet. KSU continues to show they are the class of the Big 12 and Klein's Heisman buzz continues to grow. TT: 10--KSU: 31
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Irish have their first real test of the season (no, Stanford at home and the Michigan schools don't count). The Sooners are (nearly--see KSU) unbeatable in Norman and they have turned it on at the right time. Notre Dame's defense has been spectacular all year, and features a legitimate Heisman contender in Teo, but OU features their own Heisman contender in Landry Jones. Lost in all the attrition, Oklahoma is quietly hanging around playing very good football. I don't see ND putting up many points at Oklahoma with their subpar offense which will be the end of the undefeated season. BCS will still be in play, but the Sooners bring the Irish back to earth. ND: 13--OU: 23
Auer: Ummmm, the Irish are two to four bad calls away from having 2-4 losses. I'm not impressed. OU has been dominant and will put down the overrated Irish and the pompous fanbase. Boomer sooner! ND: 10--OU: 38
Hoying: If there's one undefeated team as lucky as Ohio State this season, it's Notre Dame. Still, the most important word in that sentence was undefeated, as the Irish are still very much in the championship hunt, and a win over Oklahoma would put them about on par with Kansas State (except the Wildcats are going to lose). Meanwhile, the Sooners have been demolishing good opponents and Kansas since the tough loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats needed both great offense (Klein) and stifling defense to squeak by the Sooners in Norman. Notre Dame only fulfills half the requirements. ND: 10--OU: 17
Schweinfurth: The Irish defense has looked very good so far. The offense has a long way to go. Everett Gholston is back this week but it won't be enough. Oklahoma's offense has been on an absolute roll since demolishing Texas. ND: 17--OU: 35
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Penn State University Nittany Lions
Draper: Oh boy....which team is going to show up? The last two weeks have featured an atrocious apathetic defensive showing and a boring offensive failure. Oh yeah, the most explosive player on the Buckeye offense was taken to the hospital... Penn State has been playing very good football, but they haven't faced a team with the athletes OSU that has. Miller should play which is a plus, but honestly, I think Guiton could handle the pressure (the road will be tough on him). This is the Nittany Lions season in a nutshell. The Buckeyes have 12-0 in their sights, but PSU has nothing to play for but beating OSU (potentially giving them the Leaders title). Happy Valley is a tough place, but I think the Bucks put it together to remind Matt 'MOXIE' McGloin that there's a reason no other programs wanted him. PSU will make stops against the Buckeye's inconsistent offense, but the Buckeye defense matches up extremely well with the Nittany Lion style of play. One or two explosive plays by the Buckeyes send the Lions home crying. OSU: 24--PSU: 20
Auer: After last week's thriller, who knows what the Bucks have in store this week. PSU on the road at night is always a problem, but really neither team is playing for something other than pride. OSU will be better prepared and the Urban assault will continue. OSU: 31--PSU: 10
Hoying: With Braxton back at the helm, suddenly this game doesn't seem so difficult to win. Penn State hardly has an explosive offense (big performances against bad B1G defenses aside), and the Buckeyes seem to have found a groove on defense after the embarrassment at Indiana. Miller will need to be sharp, and any cobwebs will cost us dearly, but I see the Buckeyes doing just enough to pull out a tough team win on the road. The tribute to the 2002 team continues. OSU: 21--PSU: 14
Schweinfurth: Man was last week a scare. The big news is that Miller should play. All hands will be needed for this one. Penn State has been very, very good despite the transfers. Matt McGloin looks like a true starting QB with some upside under Bill O'Brien's offense. The Lions have feasted on some of the worst teams in the B1G so far. The OSU offense bounces back big in this one and the D stands tall. (I apologize for the uncommonly short analysis this week. I should be back to full capacity next week). OSU: 35--PSU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Washington over Oregon State
Auer: Arizona over USC
Hoying: Nebraska over Michigan
Schweinfurth: Michigan State over Wisconsin
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