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

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

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.