Let's Go Bucks!

Basketball Time--OSU @ KU

2011-12-11T11:58:00.003-05:00

Thought I needed to start some thoughts on the basketball Buckeyes. The Bucks entered Phog Allen Fieldhouse without (arguably) their best player. I've heard many apologists that say that OSU is a 'good' team without Sully and a 'great' team with him. I disagree with this assessment as I believe this Buckeye team is still a 'great' team without Sully and a nearly unstoppable one with him. Listen, the offense certainly struggled yesterday, but we lost in one of college basketball's most intimidating venues without our number 1 in a game in which we were never out of it (within 4 with 4 to go and 5 with 2 min. to go). Kansas (a good team--not great) couldn't shake a team with no rhythm. This Buckeye team showed me a lot of heart and talent in the loss. I have a hard time finding a team that will beat us when we have the whole lineup.

Now, some X's and O's:
--Craft had a poor game (by his standards) which may be attributed to the loss of the rock in the middle. He was out of sync on offense but his usual pesty self on defense. I was concerned with the lack of drives to the buckets from #4 but again, this may be due to the absence of Sully as the bigs could double the drive. Craft has to improve his jump shot then he will be the best guard in the nation.
--Thomas was the hot hand in the 1st and kept us hanging around. I don't understand why the team left him in the 2nd but when 'Shooter McGavin' feels it, feed the beast.
--Buford shows that he is our number 2 (Sully as number 1) offensive threat. He was cold as ice in the first, but you have to keep feeding him without Sully as he'll get it done eventually. If we had more offensive threats, I'd say spread the wealth, but our other guards aren't great scoring options (especially when Craft can't drive the bucket).
--Ravenel had a really nice game filling in for Sully. Not perfect by any stretch, but he's stepped up big time when needed.
--Amir Williams is the guy who struggled mightily, but that will happen with a freshman on the road. He will get better, but experience is needed. Also, guarding Thomas Robinson in major minutes isn't a baptism by fire, it's a baptism by an inferno.
--Smith and Sibert need to step up their presence on the offensive end. Sibert needs to develop into a 3-point (consistent) threat and Lenzelle just needs to get a shot worked out--his shot needs work. I love their defensive intensity, but you need to play both ends (usually it's defense that suffers but they need to polish the O).
--Matta is always criticized for not using the bench, but I didn't see a real problem. I might have seen if Scott could have provided a little more offense than Craft early on, and perhaps give Weatherspoon a couple minutes to spell Smith/Sibert to spark some offense, but I trust the coach.

Two issues going forward:
1) Lack of depth for the big men.
--This has always been an issue for Matta but I like what I saw from Ravenel. Sully will be back so this isn't a huge problem in the future unless injuries flare. I think Craft and Buford are more integral but we have depth at the guard position. Underneath, there's Sully, Ravenel, and Williams (maybe count Ross in the future but not a true post guy). Having a freshman in the post is always a scare (unless it was Sully--but he still had Lauderdale to learn from). This can't be fixed so let's just not get hurt and develop Williams (I think Matta's on this).
2) 3-point consistency
--I said coming into this season that the only glaring weakness is consistency from long range. The loss of Jon Diebler is always going to hurt, but we just don't have anyone to stretch the defense. Thankfully, Sully can create for himself, but without him, we need to have the threat of the 3-ball. Buford is probably the best, but that's not his game. Thomas and Sibert are streaky. If Shooter, Craft, and Sibert can get the 3-ball around 50+%, we'll be unstoppable.

Overall, this loss means little going forward. I love the fight the team showed and I'm very excited going forward. If Sully comes back healthy, I find it hard to see a loss before the tournament. Kohl center is always tough and IU is starting to emerge as a contender, but OSU is still the force in the B1G. Keep the train rolling and we'll be fine. Congrats to KU on a big win, and I hope we get a chance for revenge in March (with Sully of course)!

Draper Index--Final Rankings Pre Bowl

2011-12-09T14:10:00.002-05:00

Well, it had to happen. For the 2nd time in 12 years of making this computer poll, I did not correctly tab 1-2 in the BCS (although I think mine 1-2 is better than the BCS). Of course, I'm referring to Oklahoma State over Alabama. The only way it could have happened was a blow out of the Sooners (which happened). My computer poll is unbiased when compared to the SEC-centric media giant of ESPiN which was the downfall. Regardless, I'm pretty pleased. Here we go.

Draper Index Top 25 (Final)
1) LSU (They can't be caught even after the bowl. They are the National Champions)
2) Oklahoma State
3) Alabama
4) Oregon
5) Oklahoma (Only losses @OSU, @Baylor, home TT--bad, but good wins like @FSU/@KSU)
6) Stanford
7) Boise State
8) Wisconsin
9) Arkansas
10) USC
11) Virginia Tech
12) South Carolina
13) TCU
14) Clemson
15) Nebraska
16) Kansas State
17) Michigan State (ahead of UM like they should be)
18) Michigan
19) Georgia
20) Baylor
21) Houston
22) Penn State
23) Auburn
24) West Virginia
25) Southern Miss

Were these the final rankings of the BCS, the bowls would look like this:
BCS Title: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Rose: Wisconsin vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Sugar: Alabama vs. TCU
Orange: WVU vs. Clemson

TCU would be guaranteed and OU is too sexy to pass up in the Fiesta. Bama and Stanford are no brainer at large picks.

My top 25
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Alabama
4) Oregon
5) Stanford
6) Wisconsin
7) Boise State
8) USC
9) Arkansas
10) Kansas State
11) South Carolina
12) Oklahoma
13) Clemson
14) Michigan State
15) Michigan
16) Baylor
17) Virginia Tech
18) Nebraska
19) TCU
20) Georgia
21) Florida State
22) Houston
23) West Virginia
24) Penn State
25) Southern Miss

Gut reaction to the end of the regular season

2011-12-04T00:54:00.002-05:00

1) LSU and Oklahoma State should play for the National Title

--Bama is really, really good. However, been there, done that. We know that LSU is better than Alabama, on the field; on Bama's field. Why do they need to prove it again? The one knock on the Pokes is a worse loss, but it was on the road, in double OT, after a tragedy in the school. This is not the only correct answer, but I strongly believe that this is what should happen to make sure the integrity of the regular season is upheld. Also, I want to see what the explosive Cowboy offense does to a stingy Tiger defense.

2) RGIII deserves the Heisman

--No, he's not the best pro prospect, or on a title contender, but he's had the best season of any college player this season. Stellar numbers, Heisman moments in key times, and leadership of a mediocre team to a 9-3 record. Ball is a close second, but he doesn't match up to Robert Griffin III. Don't give me Luck or Richardson. Their numbers pale when compared to RGIII and Ball. In fact, Richardson and Luck did it against worse competition.

3) Bama and Michigan just had the worst day ever!

--LSU blows out UGA which is helpful, and Houston loses which is kind of middling for UM, but the Ok State blowout of OU is a killer for Bama. That was the only thing that could prevent the rematch and I think it just may have. Speaking of bad news, Wisconsin squeaks by MSU....which means they both may be ranked ahead of Michigan....uh oh... TCU and almost certainly Clemson may jump the Wolverines....Yikes since Big Blue needs to move up 2 spots to even be eligible. I think there's a decent shot that Bama gets knocked out of the championship and Michigan will be relegated to the Capitol One Bowl (or lower). If OSU goes to the title, the Fiesta may desire another Big 12 team to replace the Sooners...which knocks UM out since TCU, Bama, and Stanford are more or less guaranteed the other at large spots.

BCS Predictions
Championship: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Rose: Oregon vs. Wisconsin
Fiesta: Stanford vs. Kansas State
Sugar: TCU vs. Alabama
Orange: WVU vs. Clemson

My Heisman vote (if I had one)
1) Robert Griffin III
2) Montee Ball
3) Trent Richardson (I can be swayed on this one)

Week 14 Picks--Championship Week

2011-11-30T13:38:00.006-05:00

B1G--Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Draper: The first of many rematches....why championship games suck. I expect something very different as the Spartans are totally different when not at home. Wisconsin is the better team and that will be shown here. Bielema will try to feed Ball the ball to get some more Heisman love, but the Spartans will slow him down. Then comes Russell Wilson who will be the difference. Kirk Cousins won't be able to hang around. MSU: 13--UW: 27

Auer: The Spartans found a way to capitalize on the Badgers mistakes, as well as took some serious risks in their surprising win over Wisconsin. Face it, MSU was lucky to win the initial game, and Wiscy has had quite the run of bad luck for being such a talented team. The Badgers win the the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game in style. MSU: 24--UW: 38

Hoying:Let's see, Michigan State has the best conference record in the B1G and a head-to-head win over Wisconsin...the most sensible course of action would be to make them play again! I foresee another classic in this matchup. In such a close contest, the edge goes to the biggest playmaker, which, in this case, is Wisconsin RB Montee Ball, possibly the most outstanding player in college football this season. The Spartan defensive front is talented, but Rex Burkhead was able to have success and the Wisconsin running game is clicking too well. Please let me be wrong. MSU: 27--UW:34

Schweinfurth: Well, it looks like we got the rematch some of the talking heads wanted. The last time these two squared off, it was an epic battle that came down to one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. This one will not be as close but will have the same result. Last time these two played, Spartan defensive end William Gohlston was suspended. This time he is ready to knock some heads. It will be a tough go for Montee Ball and the Badger offense. MSU: 24 -- UW: 10

Pac 12--UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks

Draper: 31.5 point favorites are the Ducks...in the championship game...and smart money is probably on them. UCLA is only in this game because USC is ineligible. The Trojans are the only viable candidate in the South. The Bruins will play hard for their recently fired coach, but it won't be enough to overcome the talent of the Ducks. Ducks roll to the Rose Bowl. UCLA: 13--UO: 41

Auer: Why does this game matter? Oh wait, it doesn't. UCLA: 6--UO: 75

Hoying: Win one for Neuheisel, right? Right? Right? Anyone...? Maybe if UCLA brings their A-game and Oregon is caught sleeping...it won't be over by the end of the 1st quarter. UCLA: 6--UO: 63

Schweinfurth: This game will be an absolute slaughter. TheMichael has a big day and jumps back into the Heisman talk. UCLA: 14 -- UO: 52

SEC--LSU Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Draper: Can it happen? Can we get some more stupid craziness with a Bulldog win that most likely lets 3 SEC teams into the BCS (barf)? No. It can't. It would be funny, but the only reason Georgia is here over South Carolina is that they haven't faced any of the top 3 teams in the SEC West (LSU, Bama, Arkansas). This will be a rude awakening for the Dawgs who have been feeding off the dregs of the SEC. LSU: 41--UGA: 10

Auer: A meaningless game in the grand scheme of things. Some will use its outcome to praise the BCS, others to justify the importance of switching to a playoff system. Me on the other hand, this game will prove why going back to the old bowl system and ties would make more sense. LSU is better than anyone they've played so far this year, and most people think they deserve a spot in the BCS Championship regardless of outcome. It won't matter because they'll win easily. LSU: 35--UGA: 17

Hoying: There hasn't been a game this unimportant for the BCS's top team since Oklahoma - Kansas State in 2003. This would be a perfect trap game for the Tigeouxrs if the SEC East had a single viable candidate. Georgia has put together a nice 10-game win streak, but the best team they faced was Auburn? Georgia Tech? This one's not as cut and dry as the Pac-12 embarrassment, but Georgia doesn't have the tenacity or the defensive fortitude to pull this one out. LSU: 40 -- UGA: 20

Schweinfurth: All LSU has to do in this game is show up and they will play for the National Title. Marc Richt will have the 'Dogs ready to go. If Georgia can limit the big plays and turnovers, this game will be close. Unfortunately for Georgia, that LSU defense is just too good. LSU: 17 -- UGA: 3

ACC--Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Clemson Tigers

Draper: Rematch of another matchup. The Tigers beat the Hokies in Lane Stadium, but now they need to do it AGAIN at a neutral site. Unfortunately for them, Clemson has reemerged as Clemson. Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are supremely talented, but also supremely inconsistent. The Hokies have beaten NO ONE, but they'll tag Clemson this time to go slaughter the Big East champion. VT: 24--Clem: 17

Auer: VT is the better coached team and it's not even close. I firmly believe the early season loss of the Hokies to the Tigers was a bit of a fluke, but then again, both these teams are a bit flaky. VT wins this one going away. VT: 41--Clem: 20

Hoying: Thanks to Florida State crapping the bed, the Clemson Tigers have been able to skate backwards on their faces into the ACC Championship in a "prove-it" game against their most valiant vanquished opponent. VT, meanwhile, has ridden the cupcake train on the way to crushing the laughable ACC Coastal division. Who wins the rematch? It all depends on whether Clemson decides to be Clemson. They did everything they could in November to escape the Atlantic crown, but fate pushed them to this point. This must be the Tigers' year. VT: 17--Clem: 20

Schweinfurth: Virginia Tech can cap off a very good, albiet quiet, season with yet another ACC Championship. Taj Boyd and Clemson have been a let down (typical for them, I know). I have faith that this is Clemson's year. The Tigers' D is bad, but the offense is explosive. Dabo will get to spout off again. VT: 35 -- Clem: 38

Big 12 (Defacto)--Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys

Draper: Biggest game of the weekend that still means something. If OSU can beat the Sooners soundly, they will (and should) get back in the title talk. I think they can do it. Weeden and Blackmon laid an egg in Ames, but this game surpasses the rest. The Pokes know how to rile the Sooners. This will be hard hitting and really high scoring. Neither defense is worth much, but the Orange Nation in Stillwater tip the offensive scales. A late key turnover sends the Cowboys to the Fiesta at worst and maybe, dare we dream, New Orleans? OU: 45--OSU: 51

Auer: Time for Mike Gundy's team to get off the schnide against OU and beat up on the depleted sooners. This game will come down to turnovers, and OSU's offense will capitalize as they lead the nation in forced turnovers. OU: 28--OSU: 45

Hoying: Who can handle the pressure? Oklahoma State rides in on an 8-game losing streak in the series, but this matchup is potentially the biggest in the history of Cowboy football. Meanwhile, Oklahoma still has a chance to grab their 5th conference title in the last 6 years? Sadly, experience often wins out in such a situation. Big Game Bob and the Sooners are used to these types of clashes, while Okie State's nerves will cause some critical mistakes to doom their title chances and set up the worst. BCS. title. ever. OU: 42--OSU: 38

Schweinfurth: Ahh Bedlam. This game was setting up to be an epic battle of two undefeated only a few weeks ago. Losses to Texas Tech and Baylor have derailed the Sooner Schooner. A loss to Iowa State also knocked the Cowboys out of the national title picture. A win here for OSU would be big and could put them back into the national title game. In true Big 12 fashion, this will be a shootout in Stillwater. OU: 42 -- OSU: 49

CUSA--Southern Miss Golden Eagles @ Houston Cougars

Draper: This was circled as the one game the Cougs could lose, but Southern Miss has recently been exposed as crap after losing to UAB (shocker). Case Keenum will not disappoint and Kevin Sumlin will continue to pad the resume with a BCS game appearance. Let's go 7 TD passes for Keenum just to pad those stats and book a flight to New York....to lose the Heisman to ESPN; I mean Luck. USM: 20--UH:52

Auer: Don't care, not one iota. Houston wins easily in another stat-padding rout. USM:28--UH: 57

Hoying: Hey! Houston is still undefeated! Whoopee! And how about that great Southern Miss win over...SMU...why is this game necessary? USM: 10--UH: 49

Schweinfurth: The Golden Eagles will be the biggest test for the Cougars all year. I expect Case Keenum to continue his tear and score big.

Upset Special:
Draper: Iowa State over Kansas State (not copying Tyler...I swear)
Auer: Texas over Baylor
Hoying: Connecticut over Cincinnati
Schweinfurth: Iowa State over Kansas State

Draper Index--Week 13

2011-11-28T20:21:00.002-05:00

Draper Index--Top 25
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma
4) Oklahoma State
5) Oregon
6) Stanford
7) Boise State
8) Virginia Tech
9) Arkansas
10) USC
11) South Carolina
12) Wisconsin
13) Michigan State
14) TCU
15) Nebraska
16) Georgia
17) Michigan
18) Houston
19) Kansas State
20) Clemson
21) Penn State
22) Auburn
23) Baylor
24) Notre Dame
25) West Virginia

My Ballot
1) LSU
2) Bama
3) Oklahoma State (will move to 2 with win over OU)
4) Stanford
5) Virginia Tech
6) Oregon
7) Oklahoma
8) Boise State
9) Houston
10) Wisconsin
11) Arkansas
12) USC
13) Michigan State
14) South Carolina
15) Kansas State
16) Michigan
17) Georgia
18) Baylor
19) Nebraska
20) TCU
21) Florida State
22) Clemson
23) West Virginia
24) Texas
25) Penn State

BCS Bowl Predictions
BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Bama
Rose: Oregon vs. Wisconsin
Fiesta: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford
Sugar: Michigan* vs. Houston
Orange: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
* If UM ends outside the top 14 (real possibility), replace them with Oklahoma

Gator: OSU vs. Florida

Grading the Buckeyes--Week 13 Michigan

2011-11-28T19:24:00.004-05:00

Offense: B
Overall, the offense....did their job. Crazy, but true. It appeared Bollman had already headed out the door with some diversified playcalling. The running game wasn't too hot from the RBs but Boom got his and Miller was electric running. If Miller could throw a deep ball, we may be undefeated with the WRs streaking open deep on every play. A real QB coach will do wonders for that. The O-Line was degenerated, but they had a decent performance. This is the first loss that lays nearly no blame on the offense. The 2-minute drill was disgusting, but that was the only real issue. No turnovers is another plus.

Defense: D

You knew it...I knew it...Everyone in the world knew it. Denard can win the game unless you take him out of his zone. Our defense seemed to help him turn in the performance of his career. The correct defensive playcall is to assign a linebacker or defensive lineman whose one job is to knock Denard down on EVERY PLAY!! He runs the QB belly read perfectly so the only solution is to make the RB beat you and knock him flat. We didn't. Missed tackles, blown coverages, unacceptable at OSU. The Bullets made Denard look like a competent pocket passer....that's on us.

Special Teams: B

Punting fine, kicks fine, coverage fine, returns ok. No complaints, no accolades. Buchanan had ups and downs but nothing that changed the game. Also, can't give credit to OSU for the UM punter's failure.

Coaching: B-

Offensively, up to the last drive, the offensive coaching was just fine. Calling the first slant of the year on 2nd down in a 2 minute drill, and then spiking the ball on 3rd!!!, is simply ridiculous. After 3 quarters of innovation with the offense, we regressed horribly in the final drive. Also, the defensive gameplan of tiptoeing around Denard was completely asinine. To beat him, you must physically beat him down. Force the handoff by selling out on hitting Denard. If the back beats you, tip your cap. The only mistake we could have make was letting Denard beat us running. OSU let him do that, and it was over. The best offensive performance of the year was overshadowed by the worst defensive performance. The team had talent, but it was never utilized...and that's why we now have Meyer. The expectations being laid at his feet are completely crazy, but I'm certainly excited for what he can do with this team. I see great things in the future! GO BUCKS! And Michigan still sucks!

Week 13 Picks--Rivalry Madness

2011-11-21T23:55:00.013-05:00

Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: Thanksgiving ends with a nice rivalry to kick off the weekend. A&M took this game to kick Texas from the ranks of the bowl bound. This year, the game means even less. Kyle Field and the 12th man will be the difference. Tannehill will lead the underachieving Aggies to another win over the vaunted Longhorns. UT: 24--TAMU: 38
Auer: While it may not be the last time these two teams ever meet, but now the Aggies are headed to the SEC. A&M will certainly look back on this season as "What if..." considering four of their five losses came by a total of 15 points... ouch. The Aggies are a better team and will send one final goodbye present to "big brother" in Austin. UT: 18--TAMU: 31
Hoying: If the game goes 30 minutes, bet heavily on the Aggies. Unfortunately, Texas A&M will be forced to come out after halftime and finish a game against a dangerous team looking for a statement win. The Longhorns feature a decent defense but lack the offensive firepower to keep up with Tannehill. Texas dies, Texas dies, and it's goodbye to A&M! Maybe West Virginia can be Texas's crappy rival from now on. UT: 17 -- TAMU: 34
Schweinfurth: Aggies (woooo!) and the Longhorns, the battle for Texas. This is the last go 'round for this rivalry as a Big 12 conference game. Texas has shown some life, but is still a middle of the road team. The Aggies (woooo!) are just better and it's at Kyle Field. Aggies (woooo!) barbeque the Horns. UT: 17 -- TAMU: 45

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: The (arguably) biggest game of the weekend is this 'rivalry'. Neither of these teams have an in state rival, but Arkansas is familiar with knocking LSU from the BCS title (until everyone else lost the following week in 2007). This Arkansas team doesn't have Run DMC. Tyler Wilson has been very good except for the game vs. a defense (Bama)...uh oh. I will be rooting like crazy for the Razorbacks to win this and create utter chaos, but it's not going to happen. LSU keeps rolling. Ark: 13--LSU: 23
Auer: Without a doubt LSU has a chance to book their flights to the BCS National Championship game with a win today, regardless of what happens in the SEC Championship game next weekend. I will admit that I've watched R-kansas a grand total of maybe 15 minutes this year, and I didn't see anything that makes me think they can beat LSU in Death Valley. Ark: 7--LSU: 31
Hoying: LSU has indisputably built the best body of work to date, but they have a tough game this week against Ar-Kansas (have a grrreat day). Last time the Tigers came into this one ranked #1 the Razors knocked them down...into the title game. This season is just crazy enough for that scenario to play out again! Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson will test the LSU defense more than McCarron did in Tuscaloosa, but it'll take more than 9 points to match LSU's output against a good-but-not-great Hog defense. This rivalry has produced some of the most exciting clashes in the past 5 years, so let's hope the 1-3 matchup gives a better show than the 1-2 snoozefest earlier this month. Go Razor. Ark: 28--LSU: 21
Schweinfurth: SEC gets teams 1, 2, 3 *puke*. But that ends this week. Arkansas has just been steady all year and very quietly putting together a good season. The Razorbacks can send the BCS and the SEC into utter chaos with a win (which I would love to see). Unfortunately, LSU is deserving of the number one ranking. I expect no Les than one fake kick out of Miles and LSU (see what I did there?). Ark: 17 -- LSU: 32

Georgia Bulldogs @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: Clean, Old-fashioned Hate has little implications nationally, but it's always of importance to beat your neighbors. UGA looks forward to an SEC title game that they ascend to thanks to scheduling leaving Bama, LSU, and Arkansas off the schedule. Tech has been flighty but I think the bring the Bulldogs down to earth. Richt will focus on the SEC title and lose sight of the rivalry. Tech has nothing else to look to. Close game taken by Paul Johnson's tricky option. UGA: 27--GT: 28
Auer: I've got a special place in my heart for a team and coach like Paul Johnson. I believe this could end up being the best game of Rivalry Weekend with UGA coming on strong lately, and UGA possibly looking ahead to the SEC Title game, it should be a doozy. Not to mention that the triple option is still a b*tch to defend against. UGA: 31--GT: 38
Hoying: GT looked like an ACC steamroller at the start of this season, until they played a team that had...what's it called...defense. Since then, the Yellow Jackets have looked shaky, taking advantage of a Clemson moment to score a big win. Meanwhile, Georgia has knocked out 8 creampuffs, punctuated with a nice dismantling of a decent Auburn squad. It's simple. One team is getting better, and one team is getting worse (ehhhh...ahhsome). Bulldogs win, again. UGA: 31--GT: 20
Schweinfurth: A good old fashioned in-state rivalry. It's the ACC vs. the SEC except in this case I think the better team isn't in the SEC. The Yellow Jackets have a quick strike (!) offense that can effectively shorten any game. It's in the ATL and Johnson is the better coach. UGA: 17 -- GT: 24

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Auburn Tigers
Draper: Iron Bowl could also provide some intrigue into the SEC/National title. Last year was Bama's shot to derail Auburn and perhaps elevate themselves back into the title hunt and they gagged away a huge lead. This year is all about payback. No Cam Newton=no Auburn win. Saban will be ruthless in this one at home remembering last year. Expect Dyer's running game to be stopped stone cold and the Tide to roll. Aub: 6--Bama: 24
Auer: Alabama is good, Auburn is not. What else needs to be explained? Auburn is a shell of what they were last year, and Gene Chizik should not last much longer in the SEC. Trent Richardson is a beast and may use this game to vault his name to the top of the Heisman Race. Aub: 7--Bama: 37
Hoying: Remember when Auburn beat South Carolina in Columbia? Anyone? Back when the Tigers were living on crazy late-game idiocy from their opponents, this team still had a bright future. Since then, they've been embarrassed by their other not-horrible opponents, losing to Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia by an average of 32 points. The Iron Bowl is always close, but Auburn has neither the offensive firepower to move the ball on the nation's best defense nor the the defensive fortitude to slow down Trent Richardson. This is going to be ugly. Like 2008 Ohio State - Michigan ugly. Aub: 3--Bama: 30
Schweinfurth: Ahh the Iron bowl. I want to start off by saying that Auburn is not good and Alabama is. For some reason, Auburn has the ability to keep teams close. Alabama's D will be the difference in the game. This is closer than the experts think and and the Tide keep rolling toward a NC birth. Aub: 7 -- Bama: 13

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: A berth in the B1G title is on the line in Madison. Penn State has fought through the controversy to win in Columbus for the second time since God knows when. Wisconsin has been rolling since the 2 Hail Mary upsets. This one could get ugly. PSU doesn't have the talent to hang with Wisconsin...and it's in Camp Randall. This is going to be brutal for the players and fans. Bielema doens't know what's happening so will go for 2 when up 40. OSU was lauded for keeping it relatively clean when the Lions came to town (avoiding the jokes/comments about Sanducky); don't expect the Badgers to hold back. Real potential to completely mute the game with the FCC issues of the crowd's chants. South Park's take on the situation will look tame in comparison. PSU: 9--UW: 34
Auer: Penn State now promptly gets to make a fool of themselves (again), after the Buckeyes let them off the hook in Columbus. The Badgers are an outstanding team that honestly should be playing in the BCS Championship game, but some odd losses, yes we got lucky, will keep them from that. PSU will use this game as an opportunity to remind everyone how bad they really are. PSU: 6--UW: 48
Hoying: Here you go, Penn State. One last chance to take a big game and a division title before your university ceases to exist as we know it. Penn State supposedly features the conference's top defense, but the only teams to really move the ball on Wisconsin were an imposter Ohio State squad and a very good Spartan team that Penn State had the fortune to miss. Wisconsin has Russell Wilson and Montee Ball. Penn State has...nasty all-white road uniforms. Bucky lays the beatdown Penn State managed to duck in Columbus. PSU: 0 -- UW: 24
Schweinfurth: Penn State, after all the turmoil, the terrible offense, and the removal of JoPa, have rallied and find themselves on the brink of the B1G Championship game. Defense leads the way for the Nittany Lions. Wisconsin has shown this year, that, when up against a decent defense, they struggle. The Lions D is good, but I can't see them winning a third high stress, big game in a row. the Lions keep it close, but Russell and Ball lead the way. PSU: 9 -- UW: 25

Clemson Tigers @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Another unsung rivalry. Clemson reminded us that they're still Clemson in a big way by choking at NC State. South Carolina has been forgotten after the loss of Lattimore, but the only reason they're not in the SEC title game is scheduling (beat UGA and lost to Ark and Aub). Home field gives the Head Ball Coach another win. Clem: 24--USC: 31
Auer: Flaky versus Flaky... should be a fun one. Let's look at this how the media will... SEC vs. ACC... automatic win for the SEC squad... and I can't disagree. Clem: 20--USC: 37
Hoying: Welcome to the Head & Shoulders Bowl, featuring the flakiest teams in the SEC and ACC. South Carolina has been able to avoid the bad loss this year, but at the cost of not getting a big win (Georgia in Athens is OK, I suppose). Meanwhile, Tajh Boyd and the Tigers are recovering from pooping the bed against a terrible NC State squad last week. Who has the advantage? Clemson is clearly more talented, but South Carolina has played more cohesively and consistently. Unfortunately, they also happen to be ranked higher than Clemson, so you know what that means. Clem: 31 -- USC: 27
Schweinfurth: What happened to Clemson? Well, the Tiger's pulled the typical Clemson choke, going from national title contender to just another underachieving Clemson team. Like all schools, a win in the rivalry can salvage a disappointing season. South Carolina just hasn't been the same team without Lattimore. The Gamecocks keep it close, but Clemson pulls away late. Clem: 45 -- USC: 28

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Blah, Blah, Blah. Andrew Luck. Everyone says that he will prove Heisman mettle vs. Oregon and ND. He sucked against Oregon and Notre Dame has no defense. Luck will destroy the Irish secondary and will Stefphan Taylor will steam roll. The Irish offense will score some points, but this game is not as close/important and it's hyped. ND: 24--Stan: 35
Auer: My fellow predictors decided to against their favorite homer pick and be realistic for once. Notre Dame is vastly overrated, Brian Kelly has gotten away with far worse than what has been allowed to happen at Penn State, and Stanford is still a much better team. ND: 12--Stan: 38
Hoying: I am always wrong about Notre Dame. I'm Catholic and I hate Stanford's band, so I pick the Irish to lose. ND: 17 -- Stan: 41
Schweinfurth: Notre Dame is still an underachieving team and Stanford has Andrew Luck. I don't expect much out of this game except that Luck throws for 4 TDs. ND: 20 -- Stan: 35

Florida State Seminoles @ Florida Gators
Draper: FSU loses another game by a field goal....shocker. Talk about a lost season after all the hype. How do you save it? Beat the Gators. The Gators have also underacheived, and even more than the Noles in my opinion. The Swamp is a huge advantage, but athletically, FSU is just better. Look for the Noles to save their season by winning the State of Florida. Future is bright, but this was a befuddling year. FSU: 31--UF: 23
Auer: Interesting game in a down year for both squads. FSU has more talent this year than UF, but that doesn't always translate to wins, especially on the road in your arch-nemesis' stadium. UF has struggled all year for consistency and could find it here in their regular season finale. FSU: 19-UF: 21
Hoying: How does a state with loads of talent and 4 BCS conference teams manage to produce 4 crappy teams? Florida hasn't been the same since John Brantley went down, and the Noles have had trouble producing against quality competition. Fortunately, the Gators are not quality competition. Expect to see a lot of great defense as FSU pulls out a close one in BHG. FSU: 14--UF: 10
Schweinfurth: Has any team been more snake bitten than the Seminoles? FSU loses to Oklahoma and in the process loses some of their best playmakers. Once healthy, the 'Noles miss a FG wide left...again. Redemption is nigh for the 'Noles. Florida is bad, enough said. EJ Manuel has a big day. FSU: 35 -- UF: 17

THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: The Game. After a season of garbage, this is all the matters to Buckeye Nation. Michigan is quietly hanging around by outscoring opponents. Yes, their defense is improved, but the stats are a reflection of poor opponents (the B1G is bad, mmmkay). These teams are remarkably similar (mobile QB who can't pass, passable running game, ok receivers, decent D-line, crap secondary), but UM has decent playcalling while the walrus calling plays for the Buckeyes is killing us. I am not confident at all in this game, but I can't pick the Maize and Blue. I'm going total heart that this Buckeye team will enter the game with one goal: Beat Michigan; Save the Season; Destroy their hopes. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! OSU: 20--UM: 17
Auer: A one game season it is. The Buckeyes have literally nothing to play for but pride. Luke Fickell can give on final middle finger to all those clamoring for Urban Meyer, or as I call him, scUM (part II). The Buckeyes have been a modern day version of Jekyll and Hyde, usually with the worst outcome, at the worst possible time. Michigan and it's fans are chomping at the bit to start off the Brady Hoke era with a win. This could either be 8 years of frustration coming to a head, and the Buckeyes getting bounced, and hard... or the squad that beat Wisconsin will make an appearance and keep us on our toes to the very end. OSU: 24--UM: 23
Hoying: The game of IF
IF the offensive line can get a good push at the line of scrimmage and handle the talented Wolverine D Line, the Buckeyes can have success running the ball, as the talent on the Michigan D drops off from there. If not, expect a long day of sacks, fumbles, and overall confusion out of the scarlet and gray.
IF the play-calling is creative and situation-appropriate, the vision and power of Boom, the escapability of Braxton, and the penetrating instincts of Posey will mold the Buckeye offense into the juggernaut we saw against Wisconsin and Nebraska. If not, expect 2nd and 9, 2nd and 11, and lots of punts (if we're lucky, and hopefully not from the Michigan 35).
IF the linebackers remember how to tackle, arrange themselves intelligently pre-snap, and take good pursuit angles, Denard's potential will be severely limited, and his frustration will lead to a few key turnovers. If not, Shoelace will shred the secondary with his legs and even his arm. Just ask Nebraska.
IF these pieces can come together, the Buckeyes are more than talented enough to take down Meatchicken for the 8th straight year. OSU: 28--UM: 20
If not, at least we'll have Urban Meyer next time.
Schweinfurth: The one game I point to on the calendar every year. This is the first time in since Cooper was the coach that I am actually scared about this game. Both teams are identical. Both QBs can't, or aren't allowed to throw the ball. Both teams have young and questionable defenses. The Walrus, in his last game calling plays, unleashes the full force of Braxton Miller. Denard Robinson is broken in half by Ryan "The Razor" Shazier and the band rushes the field again!!! GO BUCKS, BEAT BLUE!!!!!

OSU: 1234478972 -- UM: -7 (Hoke ate the ball and the Wolverines are penalized for it)

Upset Specials:

Draper: UVA over Va Tech, Tulsa over Houston
Auer: Northwestern over Michigan State, Ohio State over Michigan
Hoying: Boston College over Miami, and 4 freaking upsets above
Schweinfurth: Lions over the Packers!!!

Five Thoughts on the Week that was--Week 12

2011-11-21T23:55:00.007-05:00

1) Chaos has doomed us to a rematch

All the rooting for the underdogs this past week has essentially sewn up an all SEC title. Are they the best teams in the country? Maybe. Is it definite? No. I will be rooting to absolute brutal chaos this weekend and next. If Arkansas beats LSU and the underdogs win in the conference title games, it's absolutely nuts. That being said, OU/OSU means significantly less; Oregon is out; Clemson is out. The only chance to avoid the punter's rematch is for Ok State to blow out Oklahoma and get lucky. I hope the voters avoid the rematch, but they may not have a choice. SEC is the best we have this year, but they don't stack up to the great teams of the decade let alone history.

2) The one problem of the BCS is that Bama's road to the title game is easier than LSU's (yes, playoffs dilute the season but rule changes could help).

Yes, I like the BCS in principle. I do not wholly support a playoff because I'd rather ensure that my title recipient deserves it (even if it excludes a team or two that also deserves it). A playoff allows teams to sneak away with championships (Steelers, Packers, Giants in football and Cardinals in baseball). The playoffs showed that a team can get hot and not necessarily be the best team but be crowned champion. This year's problem is that non-conference champion (Bama) has the easiest path to the title. They need not play an extra game because they lost at home to LSU. LSU is 'punished' with another game. I wouldn't be opposed to requiring BCS title participants win their conference. In regards to griping this year, there is only 1 team that can (potentially) complain about being 'left out': Houston. Everyone else has a loss so the remaining argument among 1-loss teams could have been avoided by winning all the games. Houston has a crap schedule so their argument is valid yet weak. Every season is a playoff is the argument for BCS apologists which isn't that bad an argument. Without the BCS, Oregon's game vs. USC is a seeding game, not an elimination game. Same with Bedlam (if they didn't suck last week). BCS requires your champion to be worthy while the playoff makes sure all worthy (and some unworthy) have a chance. It's a tradeoff that can't be solved with one system, but Bama's road being easier than LSU's is unfair.

3) RG3 finally had a Heisman quality moment/win

Andrew Luck was/is the Heisman frontrunner all year due to media hype and NFL potential. Is it deserved? For the NFL? Sure. For the Heisman? No. His stats are weak against a bad schedule. Many have pointed to Robert Griffin III as a potential contender but his low exposure and losses have buried him. Now he is resurrected by the upset of Oklahoma. Without the OU win, RG3 had no chance (fair or not), now.... He's right there. If the voters are fair, they should give him a second and third look. His stats are incredible against decent competition and he finally led his team to a HUGE win. I think it's time to jump off the Luck bandwagon. Hype shouldn't determine the greatest individual award in sport.

4) Urban Meyer will be the next coach at Ohio State in 2012.

Read between the lines. It's a done deal. Yes, he's denied 'being offered or accepting a job', but that doesn't mean that hypotheticals haven't been discussed and/or agreed upon in principle. Chris Spielman is his commentating partner so you know it's been discussed around the meeting room table. He will return home to Ohio to lead the Buckeyes in the next phase of success. ESPiN has even taken Meyer out of the 'field' and put him behind a desk due to the rumors. OSU must wait until the season is over to be fair to the coaching staff and players, but it's done. Fickell will be asked to hang around and we'll see what happens, but look for new excitement in Columbus.

5) Rivalries can make or break a season

OSU/Michigan, enough said. This season has been nothing but disappointment for the Scarlet and Gray but all wounds are healed by 1 game. If the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines, this year, Fickell's short tenure as head coach, and this senior class legacy will go down as a success. Without it, everything fails. Auburn can derail Bama's title dreams. The Cowboys can send the Sooners crying and stay in the hunt or be relegated to mediocrity. Gators vs. Noles is for Florida (and recruiting) supremacy. It's all that matters. In the NFL, the Superbowl is the only thing that matters. In college, the title matters, but for most teams who won't get that shot, the rivalry defines the season. So eat the turkey and cheer for your team. Let's break the 3000 day barrier for days since that school up north has beaten THE Ohio State University. It's all we have left....but it's enough.

Grading the Bucks--Week 12 Penn State

2011-11-21T15:48:00.004-05:00

Offense: C-

The one good thing about this game is we won't have to see Jim Bollman in the Shoe ever again. Playcalling was as expected with unimaginative runs up the middle on most of the plays. Surprisingly poor play our of Senior Mike Brewster was offputting to say the least. Also, the return of Posey is quite infuriating seeing the impact he has on the field. If only he wasn't so stupid, perhaps a few more wins could have been squeezed out of this trying season. Braxton can still run but his passing is not up to FBS standards let alone OSU. He is late on throws and they are consistently off target. The bomb to Philly Brown should have been caught, but had it been thrown early, he's wide open and waltzes into the endzone. Hopefully defenses don't realize that our option plays consist of Option 1: Miller run and Option 2: Miller run. The turnovers killed us (Hyde and Hall....looking at you). More to come on this in the coaching section.

Defense: B-

2nd half featured some play by the Bullets. The goal line stand was spectacular but that can't hold up against the missed tackles and poor pursuit angles in the first half. The first TD by PSU was blamed on the Lion wildcat but it was really a sense of poor angles (see Orhian Johnson). The PSU running game was sufficiently bottled up (except for the wildcat). McGloin clearly can't pass but our secondary makes anyone look like Montana. Travis Howard went back to being beaten every play then bringing the wood...too late. Opposing offenses have learned to avoid the beasts inside of Simon and Hankins and just pick on the edges of our defense. Quick releases and screens nullify the pass rush....if only we could figure that out.

Special Teams: B-

Nothing good, nothing bad. Can't comment much here. Buchanan was inexplicably sent in to punt at the OSU 38 and it sailed 10 yards deep. That's a loss for the special teams unit. Nice tackling but nothing else of note.

Coaching: D-

Slants, screens, sneaks, short passes, etc. These are all illegal for the Buckeyes according to the coaches. How do you get a young, inexperienced and semi-talented QB used to throwing the ball? Run quick routes or screens. Miller can't get in a groove or get used to reading defenses because the routes drawn up take way to long to develop. The most glaring error is the incredibly stupid/forced use of the wildcat. What is the purpose of the wildcat? To get the ball into the running backs hand earlier so he can make something happen. Who is our best runner? OUR QB!!! You can run the 'wildcat' with Miller. It's call a QB draw! There's no need to bring Hall or Hyde in to take the snap. Just call the 'wildcat' plays with our best player taking the snap. OSU has dropped from the top 20 in total offense in 2010 to the bottom 20 this year. How big the impact the loss of one head coach can make. Great defensive adjustments at half, but the whole offensive staff is bye bye. To whom it may concern: Urban Meyer will be the coach of OSU next year, it has been discussed (not 'officially'), and most likely agreed upon by both parties (in 'principle'). Read his statements and he doesn't deny the possibility. It will happen. Just wait and let this team and staff finish the season. Fickell deserves this last hurrah and let's face it, this game is all that matters. Fickell's short tenure at OSU will be completely ruled by the outcome of this next game. GO OHIO, BEAT MICHIGAN!!!

Draper Index Week 12--CHAOS!!

2011-11-20T12:46:00.004-05:00

Let me preface this by saying: These rankings aren't that crazy although they might be very different from the SEC-centric media. Also, the lead LSU has at this point (over 7 points) over number 2 is pretty insurmountable. I believe an LSU loss will keep them firmly at number 1 in these rankings (not that that is wrong).

Draper Index--Week 12
1) LSU (by a ton)
2) Oklahoma State (even with the loss)
3) Alabama
4) Oregon
5) Oklahoma
6) Arkansas (yes they beat TAMU...and no one else--but so did the Oklahoma teams...)
7) Stanford
8) Boise State
9) Virginia Tech
10) USC
11) TCU
12) South Carolina
13) Michigan State
14) Wisconsin
15) Clemson
16) Kansas State
17) Nebraska
18) Penn State
19) Georgia
20) Michigan
21) Auburn
22) Houston
23) Notre Dame
24) Tulsa
25) Baylor

My Ballot
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma State
4) Arkansas
5) Virginia Tech
6) Stanford
7) Oregon
8) Houston
9) USC
10) Oklahoma
11) Boise State
12) Kansas State
13) Michigan State
14) Georgia
15) South Carolina
16) Baylor
17) Wisconsin
18) Michigan
19) Clemson
20) TCU
21) Penn State
22) Nebraska
23) Virginia
24) Georgia Tech
25) Notre Dame

Now that total chaos occurred, the nice neat BCS scenario has been completely altered. Here's my projections. While I hate the idea of a rematch in the title game, most think it's a foregone conclusion. Don't rule out Oklahoma State if they trounce OU. People (and by that, I mean me) don't want the rematch so voters might get creative.

BCS Title: LSU vs. Alabama
Rose: Wisconsin vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford
Sugar: Michigan (hope I'm wrong) vs. Houston
Orange: Virginia Tech vs. WestVirginia

Hopefully this happens as the possible but ridiculous scenario
BCS Title: Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State (this assumes Ark beats LSU yet Bama goes to SEC title--and loses to UGA--which would happen if Bama and Ark top 2 SEC in BCS)
Rose: Penn State vs. UCLA
Fiesta: Kansas State vs. Houston
Sugar: Georgia vs. Oregon
Orange: Virginia vs. Rutgers

Week 12 Picks--SEC vs. FCS!!!

2011-11-16T16:16:00.008-05:00

USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: This probably would have been the Pac 12 Championship Game had the Trojans not been on probation. USC has been one of the few teams in the Pac 12 that plays defense, but I don't think they have the horses to keep up with the Ducks. LaMichael James, Kenyon Barner, and Darren Thomas are playing at a whole new level offensively. Autzen will be rocking and will send the Trojans home for the holidays unfulfilled. USC: 27--UO: 45
Hoying: The Ducks face a potential trap game after surging back into the national title discussion. USC gave Stanford all they could handle, but that contest was in Los Angeles and the Cardinal appear to have been exposed as of late. Interestingly enough, without the NCAA punishment of the Trojans, this could have been the Pac-12 title game. Barkley and Woods have been unstoppable as of late, but this surprisingly effective Duck D will cause them fits. I don't see Oregon stumbling here. USC: 24--UO:41
Schweinfurth: The Ducks, coming off the dismantling of Stanford, are firing on all cylinders again and look to have their offensive swagger back. The Trojans see to be trapped in limbo and lost in NCAA purgatory. The Trojan defense has been suspect against some of the better teams, especially spread offenses. Expect another big day out of The Michael. USC, possibly without Robert Woods, will have a difficult time out-scoring the Ducks. USC: 31 -- UO: 52

Oklahoma Sooners@ Baylor Bears
Draper: It's a ranked matchup, but I don't see much contest here. OU is finding their stride while Baylor is finding the slide. Robert Griffin III is a forgotten commodity that will be good for a score or two, but the Sooners have their eyes back on New Orleans. Jones reenters the Heisman race with another big game. OU: 52--Baylor: 27
Hoying: My early season favorite Robert Griffin has tailed a bit as the season has progressed. Oklahoma is capable of letting this one get away from them, as the Bear attack is more potent than Texas Tech's, but don't expect Oklahoma to fall asleep again with a BCS title berth squarely in their sights. The Bears are giving up 36 points per game. Uh oh. Okla: 60--Baylor: 28
Schweinfurth: Baylor is having a great season, but the Bears are still the Bears. Oklahoma is starting to roll again and is by far the better team. RG3 puts up some numbers and goes for 4 TDs. Okla: 41 -- Baylor: 28

Kansas State Wildcats @ Texas Longhorns
Draper: Texas is coming off a bad loss to Gary Pinkel (drinky drinky) and the Tigers while KSU lost a thriller to OSU then won a thriller over TAMU. The Wildcats look pretty darn good under Colin Klein while Texas is just....eh. Fozzy Whittaker wakka wakka's for a few scores, but not enough to avoid the dreaded home loss. KSU: 31--UT: 17
Hoying: How about Wildcat QB Collin Klein? This kid threw for 281 yards and added 5 rushing touchdowns in a 4OT thriller over everyone's favorite 1st half team, Texas A&M. That win may be the best among these two teams' combined 14 wins. Meanwhile, Texas is reeling after an embarrassing 17-5 loss at Missouri. Don't expect them to turn it around this week. Bill Snyder's loose skin and...you know the rest...will extend the Wildcats' improbable run for another week. KSU:31--Texas:20
Schweinfurth: Like Baylor, Kansas State is having a dream season. Texas on the other hand, is still reeling and trying to find an identity on offense. Kansas' offense is moving the ball every efficiently and Texas will have a rough time stopping them. Texas, even though struggling a bit, should be able to keep up on the scoreboard. Texas will keep them close but, in the end, the Wildcats keep winning. KSU: 45 -- UT: 38

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: The loser of this game is more or less out of the B1G title talk so it's all on the line. Both QB's can run, but passing will be an issue. The Black Shirts are starting to play a little defense but the game is in the Big House. With that said, I think the maize and Blue get caught looking ahead to the Buckeye game in which they can end 7 years of failure. Martinez completes 1 more pass than Robinson to keep Nebraska's hope alive to be crushed again by Wisconsin. Neb: 31--UM: 27
Hoying: The last time these two teams met (2005 Alamo Bowl), the refs missed a crucial call on the final play of the game that let Big Red escape with a victory over Big Blue. This contest may prove to be as exciting. These teams are remarkably similar: both play much better at home and both feature great running QB's that can't really throw. I think the difference in this one will be the toughness of the QB's. Denard has continued to be banged up this season, while Martinez has been able to weather the storm and rely on the rushing attack of Burkhead. Look for Denard to make an early exit and the Huskers to pull out a squeaker. Neb: 24--UM: 23
Schweinfurth: This game really shouldn't be close. Michigan's defense is much improved this year (ie. not giving up 40+ points a game) but the talent still isn't quite there. Nebraska has the ability to control the ball and enough talent up front to contain Robinson (if he plays) or Gardner. Neb: 28 -- UM: 17

Penn State Nittany Lions @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: The allegations continue to pile up in Happy Valley while the suck piles up in Columbus. Penn State is the overachieving team of the year while the Buckeyes are their underachieving counterpart. The return of Posey might mean something if we had a QB who could throw a forward pass. The biggest difference in this game will be the home crowd. In all honesty, without the situation at PSU, I don't think the Buckeyes could overcome the lack of coaching, but present circumstances point to an absolute deflated Lion squad. They'll play hard for 60 minutes, but the home crowd will tip the scales. Buckeyes win a close one. PSU: 17--OSU: 20
Hoying: If you own stock in these two teams, SELL! The Nittany Lions are lucky to still have an operational football team, which is something the Buckeyes arguably don't have (ok, maybe a little harsh). Neither team features a true passing threat, but the Buckeyes will certainly get a boost from returning star WR DeVier Posey, which should allow Braxton to just chuck it in his direction. Look for Braxton to Posey to be a difference maker, and Braxton's crazy legs to save some key conversions, as the Bucks send the Nittany Lions off to their beatdown next week in Madison. PSU: 10-- OSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Penn State is a mess but so are the Buckeyes. Penn State has a hard time moving the ball, and they have Moxy this week under center. The Silver Bullets have been flat the last two weeks but have a tendency to get up for bigger games. It's Senior Day in the 'Shoe and the Bucks will certainly come to play. Penn State's D is very good and Ohio State could see 9-10 guys in the box if the wide receivers cannot stretch the field. This one will be low scoring. PSU: 6 -- OSU: 9

Upset Special
Draper: Ole Miss over LSU (kidding), Rutgers over Cincinnati
Hoying: Illinois over Wisconsin (come on!)
Schweinfurth: Colorado State over TCU

Draper Index--Week 11

2011-11-16T16:04:00.004-05:00

There won't be a 'Five Thoughts' this week due to a very busy week.

Draper Index
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma St
3) Oklahoma
4) Oregon
5) Alabama
6) Arkansas
7) Stanford
8) Boise State
9) Clemson
10) TCU
11) Virginia Tech
12) Nebraska
13) USC
14) South Carolina
15) Michigan State
16) Wisconsin
17) Auburn
18) Georgia
19) Kansas State
20) Penn State
21) Southern Miss
22) Notre Dame
23) Michigan
24) Houston
25) Florida State

My Ballot
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Oregon
4) Alabama
5) Oklahoma
6) Arkansas
7) Stanford
8) Clemson
9) Virginia Tech
10) Nebraska
11) Houston
12) Boise State
13) Wisconsin
14) USC
15) Michigan State
16) South Carolina
17) TCU
18) Georgia
19) Southern Miss
20) Florida State
21) Kansas State
22) Penn State
23) Michigan
24) Auburn
25) Georgia Tech

My BCS Projections
BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Rose: Wisconsin vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Sugar: Alabama vs. Houston
Orange: Clemson vs. West Virginia

I think this is pretty solid right now. If Bedlam goes to OU, swap OU and OSU.

Grading the Bucks--Week 11 Purdue

2011-11-15T16:30:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: Sorry for the delay but I'm still recovering from the horror in West Lafayette as it took me this long to find my way out.

Offense: D

Yuck, Yuck, Yuck. Much of the blame falls on the coaching staff and the play calls, but let's not let the players off the hook. On pure talent, the Buckeyes should have won easily against a terrible team in Purdue. Braxton Miller is not a good quarterback...now. He has exceptional running ability but his decision making and passing ability are horrendous (no coaching helps his regression). He holds the ball way too long. The receivers popped open deep downfield on seemingly every play and he Bauserman'd the ball way over their head. The running game was doing nothing. While I know that Purdue had 15 people in the box, it shouldn't have mattered. It's Purdue. The offensive line was not blowing people off the ball like they did against Wisconsin (what?). Shugarts was sorely missed even with the false starts. Only thing saving the offense from an F was the coaches burying them.

Defense: D+

Can anyone make a tackle? The 1st half was just horrendous with players out of position and seemingly confused on every play. The 2nd half wasn't much better, but at least we only game up 3 points. This week's secondary scapegoat is Bradley Roby who was beaten on almost every play of the half. Our secondary is horrendous and has been all year, but the opponent picks on a different weak link every week (Bryant, Howard, etc.). The line did their best, but the ball was out of the QB's hands within about 3 seconds every play--seems like other coaches watch tape and realize that once you get past the front four, it's easy pickins. 3rd and 12 in OT and you give up a wide open pass? I know the QB is running backwards 30 yards, but cover someone. Tackling must improve. I know there must be some talent there, but we didn't see it on Saturday.

Special Teams: D

Even after the worst performance by a Buckeye team, we still had a shot to win...just kick a PAT. Of course, that didn't even work. Punting was tough with the wind and coverage was fine. I don't blame Basil for the missed FG as it was about 50 yards. The PAT is just unacceptable. One great drive to steal a win....and you fail on the kick. I don't know who's fault it was (line, Basil, holder, etc.) and I don't care. It didn't cost us the game as we should have never been in that situation, but it adds to the list of failures.

Coaching: F-----

And we come to the gorilla in the room. All the talk that Fickell deserves another year is officially dead. I have NEVER seen a more poorly coached game in my life. I was in West Lafayette and focused on the sideline. Only one coach...ONE!!...ever got his troops together and coached them up during the game. Mike Vrabel. The others felt it was their duty to stare vacantly at the other units failing on the field without working to fix the problems occurring. They're running hurry up to the outside? Then adjust! Don't keep gettign beat and assume it will change. Underwood (Shugarts replacement) was getting destroyed. On the sideline, he sat alone with no coaches or offensive leaders (if we had them) coaching him up. Just a total failure from top to bottom. Then there's the playcalling. NOTE TO BOLLMAN: THE FOLLOWING PLAYS ARE INDEED LEGAL: SLANT, SWING, SCREEN, QB DRAW, QB SNEAK. Why keep running Dave and bomb when they aren't working (one because of the defense loading up and one because the QB is incompetent). We ran one....one swing to the RB and the OSU fans in the crowd marveled that it worked. Of course it did and it always will with this system because WE NEVER CALL IT. My mother saw a quick slant in the NE/NYJ game on Sunday night and asked why OSU never calls that play (I'm not joking, this actually happened). Perhaps OSU should hire her to be offensive coordinator even though she has no idea what half the positions are. It would be a major step up. Also, the 4th and 1 in OT. Go for it, Luke. This is OSU. We're bigger, nastier, meaner, and stronger. Challenge the line and run a QB sneak with your enormous QB. Don't hand it off, don't kick, don't drop back: smash them in the mouth. Bollman: your QB is the most explosive runner on the team in space, why run the wildcat with Jordan Hall? You can run QB draws and get more yards (see 3rd and a mile twice on the last drive when the play broke down). I could go on forever, but it's abundantly clear that this whole staff will be gone at the first opportunity. Fair or not to Fickell, it is what it is. Bollman may have cost him the job with his incompetence.

Week 11 Picks--Pac 12 Championship

2011-11-09T11:49:00.009-05:00

Thurs: Virginia Tech Hokies @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: Is Virginia Tech any good? I'm not sure. Lost to Clemson at home, squeaked by Duke, squeaked by Miami at home...can't tell anything yet. Georgia Tech is riding high after knocking Clemson from the undefeated and the option is always a beast for which to prepare. I think the Hokies are going into a 'hornet's nest' (Oh-Ho-Ho, see what I did there) and the option of GT takes the game and control of the ACC Coastal. Nice to have the first good Thurs. night game. Only one thing needs to be said: "Fire Craig James". VT: 27--GT: 34
Auer: VT has had too long to prepare for this one. GT played their best in an upset victory over Clemson, can lightning strike twice? Surely. But with the extra prep time for the superiorly talented Hokies, it won't be enough to save the Yellow Jackets. VT: 31--GT: 27
Hoying: Quick, name a team with 8 terrible wins and a loss to the only real team they played. No, it's not anyone in the WAC or MAC or PAC...12, it's Virginia Tech. On the other hand, we have a flaky Georgia Tech team that rallied to pull off a huge win against another flaky team, Clemson. Who has the edge here? The Georgia Tech option is always difficult to defend, but Beamerball is alive and well, as the Hokies have been shutting down the terrible teams they've faced. Georgia Tech chokes away another big game at home, and the Hokies take the inside track to a rematch with Clemson. VT: 20--GT: 17
Schweinfurth: Virginia Tech (basketball and football) is this team that always seems to be right on the brink of being good. That said, the triple option offense of Paul Johnson is problematic for anyone. Believe it or not the Yellow Jacket offense can be very quick strike and a night game in the ATL will be the difference in this one. VT: 24 -- GT: 28

Oregon Ducks @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Here comes the Cardinal's one real roadblock on the year. Last year, I was on the Stanford bandwagon and they let me down in the second half. While Luck is going to win the Heisman, he hasn't had a great year. The Ducks have been rolling since that turnover fest in Jerryworld. This is statement game for the winner and a death knell for the loser. With the ineptitude of the Pac12, the winner of this game will most likely be the winner of the North, who will most likely be the winner of the conference, who has a real chance of being in the National Championship. I think the crazy running attack will outduel Andrew Luck for a HUGE road win. UO: 41--Stan: 30
Auer: Homefield advantage shouldn't mean too much in this one as the Ducks are used to big crowds, and Stanford doesn't always bring their A-game... unless there band does something crazy. Anyway, Luck will be without some of his top weapons, possibly two TE's and a WR (Owusu). This Oregon squad hasn't had the pizazz of previous teams, and Stanford will assert themselves as the true class of the Pac12. UO: 35--Stan: 52
Hoying: Since losing a tough game to the best team in the country, the Ducks have had a 2009-esque year, tearing through a slate of squishy west coast defenses on the way to one of the most important games of the 2011 college football season. Stanford, meanwhile, was exposed in a big way in Los Angeles as a feisty USC team nearly knocked them off. The winner of this game will be the one who learned the most from these tough games. When in doubt, go with experience. Andrew Luck will be the difference maker as Stanford takes care of business at home. Stanford stays alive in the lottery to get slaughtered by LSU. UO: 38--Stan: 42
Schweinfurth: I feel like this will be the game of the week. This is two high powered offenses that can go off for 50+ any given game. This will be a flat shootout. Andrew Luck will have his way with the Ducks defense that lost a ton from last year. Stanford's defense will also have it's hands full with the Ducks offense especially with TheMicheal healthy and ready to romp. This will be a fun one to watch with tons of points. UO: 52 -- Stan: 49

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: With everything happening in Happy Valley, will they rally around JoePa or be absolutely devastated by the allegations? I can't imagine the Lions will be able to play with these horrible events surrounding them this week. While I feel bad for the seniors and the current players, this will be a very tough situation from which to fight back. Nebraska comes off being upset at home by Northwestern and they will foaming at the mouth. Penn State has football issues as well that will be exposed against a better offense. The off-the-field issues are way to much to overcome even with the winningest coach on the sideline (Editor's Note: JoePa was fired after this was written). Neb: 31--PSU: 10
Auer: Prayers to the children and families of those children. The rest of you... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Neb: 41--PSU: 7
Hoying: Word is there's a football game in Pennsylvania this Saturday. If the coaching staff is still there, the game is an abomination. If they're gone, the Lions have no chance to keep it together. Not much needs to be said here. Neb: Win--PSU: Done
Schweinfurth: At this point, this game is a sideshow with all that is going on in Happy Valley. JoPa announcing his retirement may spark the Lions to play a bit higher, but the distractions will be way too much. Nebraska is upset after losing to Northwestern last week and the Blackshirts smell the blood in the water. Penn State has played way over their heads so far this year and, with the distractions, is about to come crashing down. This one is ugly early. Neb: 35 -- PSU: 3

Auburn Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Titanic forces collide in another SEC showdown....in other words, yawn. The SEC is a joke outside of the top 3. Auburn continually squeaks the dregs while Georgia seems reborn after an 0-2 start. UGA should get it done between the hedges simply because Auburn isn't that good. The home crowd and the QB advantage lead me to lean Bulldogs. Aub: 13--UGA: 24
Auer: The momentum of the UGA win over Florida is going to go a long way. It might even save Mark Richt's job. Gene Chizik continues to prove his success was a flash in the pan. Aub: 7--UGA: 31
Hoying: Someone has to win the SEC East so the charade of an SEC championship can take place, and Georgia has seized control late in the season. Problem is, they still have an SEC West team standing in their championship path. Auburn has seriously overachieved this season, falling to three quality teams and taking care of business against the rest, most notably two other SEC East teams: South Carolina and Florida. Will Georgia provide a stiffer challenge? Not really. The Dawgs are still too inconsistent on offense to hang with a spurting Auburn squad. SEC Least falls again. Aub: 28--UGA:21
Schweinfurth: This is the classic over achieving team versus the under achieving team. Auburn, somehow, continues to win close games against teams that should be blowing them out. Georgia got off to a terrible start this year and has quietly turned things around. The Bulldogs are still playing for Richt's job and Auburn just isn't that talented. Aub: 10 -- UGA: 17

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: I put this on here because it means something to me. Miami continues to sleepwalk while waiting for the hammer to drop from the NCAA (who knows if anything will happen with the ineptitude of the organization) while FSU is quietly rebounding from the Oklahoma loss and subsequent losses due to injured QB. I will still take a minor miracle for FSU to make/win the ACC title game, but I believe they are the most talented team in the conference. EJ Manuel beats up on Clemson if he wasn't hurt (only 7 point loss at Death Valley without him). That being said, Miami has been blah and will continue. How do you salvage a season when the preseason title hopes are dashed? Annihilate your rivals. First up are the Canes. Welcome to Doak. UM: 13--FSU: 30
Auer: Didn't know they still played football in the Sunshine State. Doak will surely be fired up for this annual clash with their cross-state rival. Miami has been very hit-or-miss this season and might have a few tricks up their sleeves in the one remaining game that matters for the Hurricanes. UM: 23--FSU: 21
Hoying: Give the Hurricanes credit; they've hung tough in every game they played this season, even against such quality opponents as Virginia Tech and Kansas State (and crappy ones like Maryland). FSU has surged back after a slow start under the steady play of E J Manuel, but all four wins in their current streak have been against low-caliber competition. The important thing to remember is that Jacory Harris is still slinging the ball for the 'Canes, and that means big trouble against the tough Seminole defense. Miami mistakes cue a win for the garnet and gold. UM: 13--FSU:21
Schweinfurth: Miami and Florida St. always seems to come down to the last play (or kick as it were). This year will be much different. Florida State is the better team by far. EJ Manuel and Jacory Harris will enjoy throwing to the team wearing garnet and gold. This isn't much of a game with Harris throwing 3+ picks. UM: 17 -- FSU: 35

Ohio State Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers
Draper: Buckeyes slept walked through the game vs. Indiana and it showed. Offensive performance was pretty good but the defense can't play like that again. Thankfully, Purdue sucks. These Buckeye upperclassman will go in fired up to avenge the 'Get Used to It!' game of 2009. Hopefully, we'll see a steady dose of Boom and Hyde and maybe even a slant route (gasp!). Purdue doesn't run the option game like IU and the Bullets shut down standard offensive attacks. Look for a big Buckeye win to keep the train rolling (they'd better since I'm going to be there!). OSU: 31--PU: 16
Auer: Another trap game for the Buckeyes, but the problem is Purdue isn't very good. The Buckeyes cannot sleep walk into this one, or an upset could be in the making. The Bucks need some serious momentum to building heading into rivalry games with PSU and The University of Michigan. OSU: 27--PU: 9
Hoying: Dang, the Boilers can't win the Leaders division anymore. However, the Buckeyes are in prime position to build some momentum going into the season showdown with You Know Who (after they trash a shattered PSU team next week). The Bullets need some confidence after struggling all day with a better-than-advertised Hoosier attack, and the pedestrian Purdue offense is just what the doctor ordered. Run the ball, don't take stupid chances, and move one step closer to that division crown. OSU: 31--PU: 10
Schweinfurth: The battle cry for the Bucks this weekend should be "REVENGE!" Especially after Danny Hope went on record and telling OSU fans to "Get used to it." The Silver Bullets had their wake up call against Indiana last week in what was a classic let down game. Purdue, much like the Hoosiers, has a hard time stopping the run. Watch for Boom, Hyde, and Braxton to have big games on the ground. Walrus ball has been working, so don't look for too many passes this week. Bucks win going away. OSU: 38 -- PU: 9

Upset Special
Draper: Wake over Clemson (stretch)
Auer: Florida over South Carolina, Illinois over Michigan
Hoying: Texas A&M over Kansas State
Schweinfurth: TCU over Boise St.

Five Thoughts of the Week that was--Week 10

2011-11-07T23:47:00.006-05:00

1) Events in Penn State are disgusting and make all other institutional comparisons pale in comparison.

Joe Paterno MUST go. That's all there is to this. No, he was not the person involved in the act, but withholding information of sexual assault on children from the authorities and keeping a sexual predator associated with the program is beyond wrong. Tressel paid for his negligence for not reporting extra benefits (rightfully so). This isn't even close! This involves the lives of many children, their friends, their families that will NEVER be the same due to this monster. What makes this so gross is that some of it could have been prevented by people following basic moral standards and standing up for what is right. Joe Paterno always has preached 'Success with Honor'....maybe he should practice what he preaches. An illustrious football career will never escape this and it never should. Penn State should be ashamed of what it tacitly allowed to happen. Ignorance is not an excuse when it's your job to be informed (looking at you Gene Smith). OSU Tatgate, USC benefits, Oregon payments, Auburn's 'perfectly legit' recruitment using pay for play....these are nothing compared to the atrocities in State College.

2) Arkansas can cause total chaos.

After the 'Game of the...zzzzz', many have crowned the Bayou Bengals and buried the Tide. No one is examining the armageddon that could ensue if Arkansas manages to win out (including a win in Baton Rouge). Yes, that may be unlikely, but certainly not impossible. If that were to happen (and LSU/Bama win their other games), there will be a 3 way tie in the SEC West. No longer will the talk be as much about a rematch as it will be about who will play in the SEC championship and which 2 get BCS bids. The SEC tie breaker as I read it states that the tie breaker that matters (all others are tied) is final BCS rankings. However, if the top 2 teams in the BCS are within 5 spots of each other, the head-to-head matchup determines the championship game participant. This means that the highest BCS team may not ascend to the SEC title game. LSU>Bama>Ark>LSU....contradiction circle. This is extremely similar to the 3 way tie in the Big 12 South in 2007 with Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech. Talk about absolute craziness ensuing if this happens.....and I hope it does.

3) The so called 'Game of the Century'....sucked. Please, please, please, please, please DON'T have a rematch.

All hype (SEC, SEC, SEC) and no substance; that's the story of this game. Yes, the two defenses on the field were phenomenal and most of those players will be playing on Sundays, but on the other side of the ball....blech. Yeah, Trent Richardson will make the next step, but that's about it. Missed field goals left and right, horrendous QB play, etc. This game was boring. I don't want to take anything away from the defenses, but pitchers' duels are boring. There was some big hits but it's like beating a Sun Belt offense. I don't judge these defenses based on this game (although other games have proven them stout). The only thing I took away from this is we don't need a rematch. Bama had their shot, and they lost....at home. They're done unless LSU loses a game (even then, done barring Arkansas madness). Rematches are stupid especially when Bama lost AT HOME. I don't care if it was close. They lost. Let another team with the same record (or better) have their shot. I don't want to see that atrocity replayed for all the marbles...even if it is the greatest conference of all time (sarcasm). I learned that these 2 teams may be the best to offer this year, but they don't stack up with the best teams of the decade, let alone the 'century'. Stop the hype machine of the SEC. It's a mediocre conference with 3 elite teams and a lot of garbage.

4) The trick play by Bama was a calculated gamble and a good call that just happened to fail

Saban was getting crushed left and right after the game for letting Maze throw a pass down by the redzone. The thing is, it was a good call. If he didn't hang the ball in the air for 20 minutes, if that 6'6'' TE could fight off a 6'1'' CB, if the line could have protected for more than 2 seconds; it's a TD and a fantastic gutsy call that seals a win (one TD would do it). Instead, Murphy's Law reared it's ugly head and LSU got the ball at the one. In hindsight, that shouldn't have mattered either with the LSU offensive ineptitude. Urban Meyer is the only one who defended the call...and I trust his coaching instincts more than the jokers ESPiN and CBS throw out to tout the merits of the SEC.

5) Oklahoma is in great shape to play for the title

Stanford loses to Oregon, and Oklahoma controls their destiny. Yep, that's it. Boise has no chance. Oregon can't jump them with only one quality opponent left. Oklahoma State plays the Sooners. Arkansas will lose to LSU or knock them out and be very hard pressed to jump OU. I think it's also clear that Bama will fall below the Sooners if Bedlam goes Norman way. Even the Chokelahoma standard might allow Big Game Bob to back into the Championship...but I'm the only person who believes in the Pokes. The wins over Florida State, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State, and potentially Oklahoma State will be enough for OU to have earned a shot even with that hiccup (barring an undefeated Stanford)...but let's not crown the Sooners Bedlam champions just yet.

Draper Index Week 10

2011-11-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

Draper Index Week 10
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma
3) Oklahoma State (razor thin margin behind OU)
4) Alabama
5) Oregon
6) Stanford
7) Boise State
8) Arkansas
9) Clemson
10) Auburn
11) TCU
12) Virginia Tech
13) Nebraska
14) South Carolina
15) Wisconsin
16) USC
17) Penn State
18) Michigan State
19) Ohio State
20) Texas
21) Kansas State
22) Southern Miss
23) Notre Dame
24) Houston
25) Georgia

No real surprises other than the resurgence of OU (again, one bad loss won't kill them with their quality wins--FSU, TAMU, KSU, Missouri). TCU and Auburn are ranked too highly, but that's vestiges of last year's success (can't wash out if they don't lose). UGA, Southern Miss, and Houston enter the rankings finally with their bad schedules. UGA bounced back finally but the Cougars and Eagles are in due to their gaudy schedules. This also mirrors the polls with the B1G dominating the teens.

My ballot
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Stanford
4) Alabama
5) Oregon
6) Oklahoma
7) Boise State
8) Arkansas
9) Clemson
10) Virginia Tech
11) Wisconsin
12) Michigan State
13) Nebraska
14) Penn State
15) USC
16) Houston
17) South Carolina
18) Ohio State
19) Kansas State
20) Georgia
21) Texas
22) Auburn
23) Georgia Tech
24) Florida State
25) Southern Miss

Predicted BCS matchups:
BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Rose: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Sugar: Alabama vs. Boise State
Orange: Clemson vs. Cincinnati

Note: If Stanford makes the Championship Game...things get really interesting from a BCS selection standpoint. The implications could include Oklahoma State being excluded completely even with only 1 loss (assuming a loss to OU will be the only thing that catapults Stanford above). The reasoning is as follows
BCS Title: LSU vs. Stanford
Rose: B1G winner vs. at large #2
Fiesta: Big 12 vs. at large #3
Sugar: at large #1 vs. at large #4
Orange: Big East vs. ACC

Sugar selects Bama (or LSU if Bama weasels back to championship)
Rose selects Oregon to keep the Pac 12 tie in
If OU is the Big 12 rep (assumed if OSU loses to the sooners), Fiesta will not select Ok State and rematch. Choices are Boise St, Big East Champion, or other.

Scenario 1) I believe they will take Boise in which case, the Sugar happily selects Ok State, and Orange gets stuck with Big East champ.
Scenario 2) They take the Big East champ.......this will not happen
Scenario 3) Craziness. The Fiesta goes for money and selects a B1G school like Wisc, MSU, Nebraska, or UM due to the huge fan base and lots of money. The Sugar would then be forced to choose between Boise (assuming they are in the top 4) and Big East champ. They choose Boise and Orange is stuck with Big East--Orange gets stuck with Big East regardless because NO ONE will take them.

The Cowboys better hope to make the championship or at least have Stanford not make it. Their only other hope for an at large big is for the Fiesta to go for the rematch of OU/Boise. Craziness is coming.....oh yeah, if Arkansas wins out, the SEC is a TOTAL mess. Let's hope that happens too!

Grading the Bucks Week 10--Indiana

2011-11-06T12:18:00.003-05:00

Offense: B

I was pleased with the offensive performance on the ground. With Boom, Hyde, and Miller all eclipsing the 100 yard mark, the running game was clearly working. I believe OSU had 7.6 yards per carry which is just stupid good. However, the offense also includes the passing game which was pedestrian to below average. Miller missed some open targets, but more worrisome, he was sacked by Indiana at least 6 times. This is unacceptable. I will also say those sacks are on him. The O-Line was giving him FOREVER to find his targets but he was slow in his decision making. That may become an issue vs. a better defense in PSU. Offensive line blocked very well; running game was awesome; decision making was sub par, as was the receiver play (key drop by Philly when Miller hung in the pocket and got popped).

Defense: D

Yikes...what was that? This was a pathetic performance from the Bullets against a really bad team. Yes, the Hoosier offense is the better half of the team....but it's still Indiana. Hankins and Simon were driving over the offensive line, but the option was run away from them leaving them tackling a non-ball carrier. The secondary was atrocious going up against receivers who have no business hanging around in Ohio Stadium. Howard made a nice interception to seal the game, but let's be honest, Ohio State being up a TD in the 4th quarter is unacceptable versus IU. Roby made a bunch of misreads after a stellar game vs. the Badgers. Bryant has been a disappointment all year. The mobile QB curse with the Buckeyes always looms large. Thankfully, we only have 1 left in Ann Arbor.

Special Teams: B

Nothing of note here. Punts were fine, kicks were fine, returns were fine, coverage was fine. Can't go to an A because no big plays or clutch kicks, but they were solid enough. Can't even say more because they did their job.

Coaching: C-

Say it with me: "Fire Jim Bollman". How do you continually call deep pass plays with a QB who can't make decisions quick enough and eschew the running game that is absolutely destroying the Hooisers? All the dumb fans keep saying he needs to be 'balanced' and throw the ball more; that is just wrong. You play to your strengths. We are Ohio State. We should be able to look at Indiana, tell them where we are running, and dare them to stop us--they can't. The only team that could have defeated OSU on Saturday in the Shoe was in scarlet and gray--and the playcalling tried to make it happen. Practice passing is well and good....when the game is in hand. That game wasn't in hand until late due to the poor defensive play, but even so, more running plays would have led to over 500 yards rushing--yeah, I believe that. The defensive coaching was not much better with soft zones against the option, but the black mark was on the offensive coaching staff. I'd say the defensive failure was due to lackadaisical play by the players and the offensive drive stalling was due to coaching. Run until they prove they can stop it (sure you can pepper a few passes in to keep them honest, I'm not that dumb). The athletes on this team suggest a 75-25 split of run to pass, and that's not bad.

Week 10 Picks--ARMAGEDDON

2011-11-01T23:56:00.006-04:00

LSU Tigers @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: It's finally here. The game of the year between the best teams in the country. Neither of these teams have even seriously been tested this year. LSU has played the better schedule (mostly due to Oregon--WVU is not good), but Bama has the home field advantage which I believe will be the difference--that and the severe coaching advantage with Nick Saban. Both teams have been just awesome on defense, and even though the Crimson Tide haven't played a great offense, I think they're pretty evenly matched with the Honey Badger's crew. Jarrett Lee has been a pleasant surprise for the Tigers but they don't have a game changer on offense. Trent Richardson provides the Tide spark on offense to overcome the mediocre QB play--and makes a serious bid for the Heisman. Les Miles makes a late coaching mistake (shocker!) that costs his team the game. LSU: 16--Bama: 17
Auer: LSU's penchant for success in night games has been one that should amaze all, 30-1 since 2001 in all games starting after 6:00pm... insane. Richardson has been a beast all year long, and on this Saturday night, he will certainly book his trip to NYC, along with the Crimson Tide all but clinching their spot in the BCS National Championship game. The Mad Hatter will strike again... but not in a winning fashion. LSU: 10--Bama: 21
Hoying: Hard to say which team has an edge in this contest. Bama has started slowly in a few of their contest this season but I have trouble believing this squad will buckle if they find themselves in an early hole. When analyzing a big game against evenly matched teams, the advantage goes to the group with the better playmakers. Both teams feature boatloads of defensive stars, but LSU lacks the go-to guy to carry the offense if needed. Bama features the better QB and RB, which should be enough to put the Tide on top. Nevertheless, expect Les Miles to pull out a few tricks that Saban wouldn't dream of running, to try to give his Tigers a chance. However, Bama is too well-disciplined to be fooled by goofy flashy plays. Go with the home team. LSU: 9--Bama:17
Schweinfurth: These two teams are clearly the two best in the country. Jarrett Lee has done a more than capable job at managing a methodical LSU offense. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they are going up against a nasty Tide defense. The same can be said about Heisman candidate Trenton Richardson going up against a very good LSU defense. I feel like LSU is the more tested team but Alabama has the better coach. LSU has given up a lot of yards lately and the trend continues in Tuscaloosa. Richardson has a BIG day and Les Miles chokes on boogers and grass. LSU: 17 -- Bama: 24

Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: I've been riding the Pokes all year and I'm not jumping off the bandwagon. Weeden and Blackmon are terrific as always, but a running game with Randle is exploding on the scene. The offense is unstoppable and while the defense has been questioned, they've been quietly playing pretty darn well. Stillwater will be rocking and KSU will be stunned by another quality opponent. The Wildcats are remembering what it's like playing real teams. KSU: 20--OSU: 52
Auer: After the KSU loss to Oklahoma, the shine has quickly worn off of the Wildcats. OSU is just too talented and KSU's defense is just too shoddy.
Hoying: Oh, K-State. You had a HUGE opportunity to come up with a statement win at home against a vulnerable Sooner squad and you played like the Kansas State of the last 5 years. You have failed me for the last time. KSU:17--OSU:55
Schweinfurth: The Wildcats showed that there is a big deficiency on defense and was exposed by Oklahoma last week. It doesn't get any easier this week with the Wildcats rolling into Stillwater. This game will be Blackmon, Blackmon, and more Blackmon. KSU: 21 -- OSU: 45

South Carolina Gamecocks @ Arkansas Razorbacks
Draper: Another game that will be overshadowed due to the showdown in Tuscaloosa, but it is a top 10 matchup. While Arkansas should have been snakebitten by Vandy last week, I think they will take the win over an injured South Carolina. This would have been a spectacular game if the Gamecock stud, Marcus Lattimore, was playing, but without him, Tyler Wilson and the Razorbacks should win comfortably, especially at home. USC: 20--Ark: 38
Auer: Had no clue USC was ranked in the top 10... wow. Arkansas is coming off of a sure-fire loss... that they somehow won. They should be ready to play when the 'Cocks come to town. USC: 17--Ark: 34
Hoying: Who wants to be the 3rd best team in the SEC? South Carolina has had the good fortune of rampaging through the weak sauce SEC East, but they failed in their one test against a decent West team (Auburn). Without Marcus Lattimore, this team will not win another significant matchup (no, Florida next week doesn't count). Bulldogs take control of the East with a big Ar-kansas win. USC: 13--Ark: 31
Schweinfurth: Arkansas is very lucky to have only one loss after narrowly escaping Nashville last week with a win. It could be that the Razorbacks were looking forward to this match up with the Gamecocks. South Carolina, without Marcus Lattamore is obviously not the same team they were to start the season. I'll take the Razorbacks (HBC is looking forward to the golf course later that night). USC: 17 -- Ark: 35

Texas A&M Aggies @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: This game is on the list for preseason expectations. We've seen the traditional Sooner bounceback and the A&M continued suck. OU returns to Norman to pay the fans back for the crap they saw 2 weeks ago. Jones to Broyles will be crazy good and Tannehill won't be able to solve a 'return to form' OU defense. Sooners big. TAMU: 17--OU: 45
Auer: Oklahoma will continue to prove the Texas Tech home loss was a fluke, it won't do much good this weekend when all eyes are on the Tigers-Crimson Tide match-up. This week the Sooners take care of business at home. TAMU: 7--OU: 51
Hoying: Everyone's favorite overrated team, Texas A&M, has a chance for redemption after falling to a mediocre Missouri squad. Unfortunately, they face an Oklahoma team that for some reason everyone has decided should still be in the BCS title discussion. OU has too much to play for to lay another egg at home. Jones outduels Tannehill for a commanding Sooner win. TAMU: 17--OU: 38
Schweinfurth: The Aggies continue their final romp through the Big 12 and are quietly having a very good season. The Sooners, meanwhile, were having a national championship season until that stumble at Texas Tech. The Sooners win this one and slowly try to work their way up the BCS rankings. TAMU: 25 -- OU: 42

Indiana Hoosiers @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: After the high-octane October schedule and the huge upset in the Shoe, we get .... Indiana. Letdown possibility? No. OSU is riding on cloud nine after taking down the Badgers and they will continue to play ever game as if it's their season. IU had to hate watching tape this week as the Buckeyes are playing like a team possessed. The OSU defensive lines is one of the best in the country and will absolutely destroy the Hoosier O-Line. I almost feel sorry for the IU QB as Simon introduces him to the turf....almost. Bucks roll in another statement. IU: 3--OSU: 41
Auer: The best news of this week should be that the Buckeyes are bowl eligible after a win over the Hoosiers. After an epic win last week over the Badgers, many will expect some sort of let down, surely they will be sluggish during the first half, but Boom Herron will help power the Bucks to another big win. IU: 17--OSU: 38
Hoying: Minnesota beat Iowa last week, so anything's possible, right? Not quite. What's that thing that Ohio State does really well? Run the ball. What's that thing that Indiana likes to let their opponents do without resistance? Run the ball. Joe Bauserman could run the option all day and the Bucks would still cruise. Another Indiana game, another laugher. IU: 0--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: All hail Braxton Miller!!! The performance he put on last week against the Badgers was something to behold. Look for Buckeye offense continue to improve this week against a young, but energetic Hoosier team. The Silver Bullets should win this one easily. John Simon, now playing the Leo position, has a big day. Game is close through the 1st quarter (a little bit of a big win hangover) but the Bucks pull away late. IU: 7 -- OSU: 41

Upset Special:
Draper: Texas Tech over Texas and Iowa over Michigan
Auer: Northwestern over Nebraska, Iowa over Michigan
Hoying: Louisville over West Virginia
Schweinfurth: Louisville over West Virginia

Five Thoughts from the week that was--Week 9

2011-11-01T22:33:00.002-04:00

1) You can't change a tiger's stripes. Different year, same teams.

Ok everyone. The story remains the same year in year out and we always expect a different outcome. Clemson riding high and undefeated; Sparty grabbing hold of the B1G; OU clobbering everyone in their path; Michigan starting a nice healthy 5-0. Then, say it with me, the same thing always happens. Clemson turns up their flaky meter and gets smoked; MSU chokes big time; Oklahoma drops a game they have no business at all losing; Michigan plays a real team/defense and remembers they can't play football. Why are we always surprised? Yes, there's the occasional aberration, but the norm is rarely diverted. Stop being surprised when the flaky teams do what they do every year, be surprised if these teams ever buck the choke trend.

2) Home field advantage is palpable in college football.

Who really thought OSU was going to beat Wisconsin? Neb over MSU? Homefield advantage is greatly overrated in many sports (NFL, MLB, NHL--pro sports not locked out), but in college, it's truly magical. The fans have so much invested, the band/cheerleaders are there, the location is familiar, and the stadiums are built for sound and craziness. Also, the tickets are hoarded and only a small percentage are sold to the opponents. Remember, when Wisky smashed Nebraska and looked like world beaters then got beaten by MSU and OSU. MSU loses to Nebraska once they left the friendly confines of East Lansing. Stanford squeaked by USC when no one really thought the Trojans had a chance. Home field isn't all there is, but it's does make a difference.

3) The reports of Ohio State's death are greatly exaggerated.

So OSU has 3 losses before November. While the streak of dominance (6 straight conference titles) may appear in jeopardy, the huge upset over the Badgers puts the Buckeyes one additional PSU loss away from controlling their destiny. Buckeye Nation is slowly recovering from TatGate and fearing potential additional sanctions, but while the rest of the B1G saw an opportunity to steal a title, the Buckeyes won't go away. In fact, they should be highly favored in all their remaining games until the Game vs. the hated Wolverines. Imagine the hatred if the Buckeyes can take all the slings and arrows and still emerge victorious. In all honesty, I imagine this to be a 50-50 shot. OSU should steamroll Indiana, PSU (at home), and Purdue, but the Wolverines may provide a challenge for the first time in years. I feel good about the game because I believe UM is the same overrated team of old (although not as bad in previous years), but it will be more competitive. I will say this: no one is looking forward to facing the Buckeyes as they remembered they are Ohio State and the title goes through them.

4) Filling the early schedule with creampuffs can be dangerous.

Wisconsin started the season with a series of horrid opponents and was touted as a national title contender due to the absolute havoc they wreaked on their foes. After a blasting of Nebraska, it appeared Wisconsin was running to the Rose Bowl (or maybe the National Title). Then, real defenses shook them back to earth. Stanford warmed up with no one....and was almost tagged in their first test in LA (I'm sure the Ducks are chomping at the bit). Yes, there are downsides as FSU threw everything at the Sooners and injuries/let down cost them the next 2 games (and most likely the ACC), but OSU, LSU, Bama (PSU isn't bad), and Oregon were tested early and look more poised than those who coasted. It's not a hard and fast rule, but it seems those tested early are more prepared for the key conference matchups.

5) S-E-Crap

Quick, name the 3rd best team in the SEC! If you answered: 'the team that just squeaked by Vanderbilt by a late comeback', you'd be correct. Yeah....Vanderbilt. Arkansas pops in at 3 in most opinions, but after the 2 world beaters of LSU and Bama, there's not a whole lot of meat. Can we stop talking about the SEC as if it was the AFC North? I will openly and honestly admit that LSU and Alabama are the 2 best teams in the country. Best at the top does not imply best top to bottom. Arkansas is ok but is living off the SEC name. South Carolina was good as a one man team but no Lattimore spells trouble. Auburn and Georgia are ok but nothing special (same level as PSU, GT, ASU, OSU, etc.). The next tier includes UF and UT but Florida lost every game in Oct. and Tennessee has faded fast. The bottom feeders are there like every conference (MSU, Ole Miss, Vandy, UK) and don't give me the worst of the SEC is the middle of other conferences. They just plain suck. SEC is the elite...at the top, but the middle is not as hefty as the B1G or the Big12 middle and the bottom is sufficiently plump.

Draper Index--Week 9

2011-10-30T23:52:00.004-04:00

Draper Index Post Week 7
1) LSU
2) Bama
3) OU (win over undefeated KSU was huge)
4) OSU
5) Stanford
6) Boise State
7) Oregon
8) Clemson
9) Nebraska
10) Arkansas
11) Auburn (just wait...)
12) South Carolina
13) Virginia Tech
14) Penn State
15) TCU
16) Michigan State
17) USC
18) Wisconsin
19) Kansas State
20) Ohio State (rankings are unbiased, I swear)
21) Michigan (In the words of Zalensky: 'Gahd, I love that')
22) Washington
23) Georgia Tech
24) West Virginia
25) Houston

I'm pleased with the rankings overall. Remember, the purpose of my computer rankings is to mirror the BCS and I think it's doing a bang-up job. The winner of the LSU/Bama game will have some major separation after this epic classic on Sat and the loser won't be hurt too much. Let's just hope it's a good game.

Notes:
--OSU over Michigan is reflecting how they entered the season but more importantly the strength of schedule. UM's best opponent was MSU and then....Notre Dame?....yeah. Not that big of a surprise after the upset in Columbus
--Auburn is riding high because all losses were against top 10 teams. Wait until Georgia and Bama
--Clemson's loss in Atlanta wasn't year ending as GT is in the rankings
--Houston gets NO LOVE but they've played NO ONE
--OU was seriously hurt by the traditional hiccup, but a beatdown in Manhattan was just what the doctor ordered. Not to mention big wins in Tally and Dallas. Look out for Bedlam!
--PSU is living off the dregs...give it time
--UGA isn't ranked but they have no good wins (UF is an ok win, but nothing special). They'll be ranked if they keep winning (currently 26)
--There are clear breaks after 2 and after 4 which is not surprising.

If I had a vote, here's my ballot:
1) LSU
1a) Bama (yeah, they're tied until Sat)
3) Oklahoma State
4) Stanford
5) Boise State (tenuous)
6) Oklahoma
7) Oregon
8) Arkansas
9) Nebraska
10) Clemson
11) South Carolina
12) Virginia Tech
13) Michigan State
14) Arizona State
15) USC
16) Kansas State
17) Michigan
18) Auburn
19) Ohio State
20) Penn State
21) Georgia
22) Florida State
23) Houston
24) Georgia Tech
25) West Virginia

Notes:
--Yeah, I'm giving love to my Alma Maters, but I think it's deserved. OSU got some huge wins (beat number 15 back to back) and they look tough to beat now that schedule eases. FSU is far better than their record but left everything in Tally vs. OU. Should have (would have with EJ) beaten Clemson and Wake Forest.
--No love for bad schedules--looking at you KSU, PSU, Michigan, Boise, Georgia, Houston, Big East
--The top 7 are separated from the pack in my opinion. Look out for Nebraska to build on some momentum, but no chance vs. the top 5.

BCS predictions--pecking order for at large picks is Fiesta, Sugar, Orange
BCS Championship: Bama vs. Oklahoma State (yeah, I flipped on the LSU/Bama winner)
Rose: Nebraska vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Sugar: LSU vs. Boise
Orange: Clemson vs. West Virginia

The B1G champ vs. Pac 12 champ is locked into the Rose. Clemson is locked into the Orange. The Sugar replaces Bama with LSU without blinking an eye. Fiesta gets 2 quick picks to replace Ok State and select the 1st at large. OU is the easy first pick with no doubt. While Boise/OU is the sexy rematch from 2006 in the Fiesta, I think the resurgence of Stanford, and more importantly, Andrew Luck will drive the Fiesta to select the Cardinal for TV ratings. Neither Boise nor Stanford will pull a large amount of money to the area so go with the better TV game. The Sugar grabs Boise to avoid the Big East flop even though Boise doesn't have a huge fan base. The game will be watched for Cinderella appeal but LSU will romp the Broncos. The Orange gets stuck with the last pick (aka the Big East Champ). This will hopefully be the last year of their auto-bid due to conference implosion.

Grading the Bucks--Week 9 Wisconsin

2011-10-30T22:51:00.004-04:00

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Just had to get that out.

Offense: B+

Braxton looked terrific under the lights but the star of the show remains Boom Herron and the O-line. Boom was running like a man possessed looking to carry the team. With that being said, Braxton really matured into a leader. When Wisky took that late lead, he was super-confident and composed to lead the Buckeyes to an ENORMOUS win with all on the table (great adjustment on that last pass to keep his eyes downfield and find the wide open receiver to crush the Badger's spirit!!). I can't say enough about the heart of the offense with some very questionable play calls. The option was run to perfection but the dive inside on every goal line play wasn't happening. Why no A? Braxton and Boom need to run North and South and hit the hole more consistently. I know that's nit-picking but it needs to be said. I question the lack of Carlos Hyde in the goal line situation and the insistence of using Jordan Hall in the backfield, but that's for the coaching section. The WRs need to catch the easy ones as Stoneburner and Philly Brown dropped some big ones (but Philly made up for it with some nice catches). Oh yeah, the key stat: 0 turnovers by the offense. HUGE PLUS!!

Defense: B+

This unit gets a straight up A for the heart and poise they showed....until those last few drives where they pulled a Houdini disappearing act. Christian Bryant made one key stop on a 3rd down, but was constantly missing important tackles (going for the pick on the first Badger TD, whiffing on key 3rd downs and going to sleep in the last 4 minutes). The secondary still has a LONG way to go but the good news is we don't play anyone for the rest of the year that can throw. Now to the excellent. The D-Line played possessed. Big Hank is a force that draws double teams on every single play and he still disrupts the play and John Simon will play at the next level without a doubt. The bigger plus is the fact that the Left Tackle (#58) as well as the remainder of the offensive line for Wisconsin was HOLDING ON EVERY PLAY!! With the occurring, John Simon was still a beast making key hurries, sacks, and ending Russell Wilson's Heisman run. If the comeback didn't happen in the last 4 minutes, I'd go with an A, but you can't give an A no matter how awesome the first 56 minutes were when you give up a 12 point lead in 4 minutes. Secondary is young, but played their hearts out. Look out for the defensive line next year. They will be among the best in the country (if they aren't already without Nate Williams).

Special Teams: B+

Another unit deserving an A+ if it weren't for one enormous brain fart. Basil was perfect (close but it still counts) on FGs and while the kickoff coverage was lax late (I don't think they started beyond the 20 until the 4th quarter), there were no huge game changers. In fact, the MVP of the special teams was Drew Basil for the 2 textbook tackles he had on kickoffs late (watch the replay, he looked better than Bryant and probably saved a TD!). Jordan Hall's fumble/turnover was a turning point that was the only thing that OSU could do to give the Badgers hope....can't do that. I don't care if he lost 20 yards on the return....catch the ball. He did redeem himself with an absolute MUST of a kickoff return at the end of the game, but it wouldn't have been needed without the muff. I love that he came back from adversity to save it but you need to know the situation. Buchanan was great on punts as he has been most of the year. Picky, but that's how I roll.

Coaching: B+

Nice job, Luke. Don't think it's enough to keep Meyer away, but I'll give credit for the gameplan and execution this week. Bollman called a pretty good game but the goalline offense was pedestrian (QB SNEAK IS ALLOWED!!!) and the choice of Hall in the backfield was a huge gaffe. The 4th and goal decision to go for it was very risky in my mind after the 3 straight failures up the gut but it worked (not saying a bad decision but tough call). I don't like punting from the opposing 38 when you have 3rd and 2. Run the ball twice instead of a bomb then punt. Again, it worked ok (pinned them deep and forced a punt), but I disagree with the decision. Hard to argue with success but I didn't like that one at all. Defensive fire and intensity was maintained all game even in the scary moments which is a credit to the coaches. I will question (as I do every week) the lack of screen and slant passes. It gives the QB confidence and it's EASY!! Especially when the defense was playing 20 yards off the line. Those plays MUST be instituted as we move forward considering we seriously have a chance of winning the B1G. Love the heart and focus from the team, love the execution for the most part, and....happier but not all the way with the playcalling. More short routes, more QB draws, more options, and more Boom. Less bombs, less Iso, less Dave....don't think that last will ever happen. Overall, great job beating the Badgers. Anytime they lose, a child smiles!

Week 9 Picks--Shakeups?

2011-10-25T19:03:00.011-04:00

Michigan State Spartans @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: I've gone back and forth, but I've decided this is going to be the traditional 'Sparty' game. Don't get me wrong. I think MSU is a far better team than Nebraska. In fact, I truly believe that the Huskers are supremely overrated, but the omens all point to an upset. MSU comes off of back to back high energy wins (UM and Wisc) including the epic Hail Mary on the last second. Now they head to Lincoln with the total confidence (cockiness?) to steamroll the Legends. Remember that Nebraska was the preseason favorite and they can play some football. I expect a matchup much like MSU/OSU with low scoring blah football but Taylor Martinez breaks one big play at home to shakeup the B1G even more. MSU: 17--Neb: 20
Auer: The stout defense of the Spartans must come to play against a schizophrenic Nebraska team that looks to make a statement in the Big Ten. Kirk Cousins should be able to have a field day against the iffy Blackshirts, and send an even bigger message to the college football world. MSU: 31--Neb: 10
Hoying: Michigan State continues to build momentum after consecutive victories over Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, but another disturbing trend has been lurking: this team plays like GARBAGE on the road. MSU came to Columbus and faced an Ohio State team with a severely broken offense, and still only won by 3. Before that, they faced a mediocre Notre Dame team in South Bend and got hammered. Now they face an environment they have never seen before. Let's not forget, the Huskers still control their own destiny and they are looking for the statement win that has eluded them so far. Taylor Martinez has his work cut out for him against an excellent Spartan front, but recent media darling Kirk Cousins will make more mistakes as Nebraska pulls out the win. MSU: 13 -- Neb: 21
Schweinfurth: Ahh Sparty, we can always count on you once a year for a let down game. As Corso would say "Not so fast my friend." Michigan State does an excellent job shutting down mobile quarterbacks who can't throw (see Robinson, Denard) and even the woeful Ohio State offense moved the ball on Nebraska. The Spartans get William Gholston back this week, making that front four that much better. Nebraska will get one, maybe two drives in and State rolls on. MSU: 24 -- Neb: 10

Oklahoma Sooners @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: Is Kansas State for real? Every week, we (and by we I mean I) expect the collapse but they just keep winning. I think it ends here. OU was embarrassed at home by Texas Tech in a game in which all the chips were on the table. The defense was exposed by a pass happy offense, but I don't think Colin Klein has the weapons needed. Also, Oklahoma will come in desperate for a rebound after that debacle. Landry Jones creeps back into Heisman runner-up contention with a big day and Bill Snyder finally takes a hit against a good team. OU: 48--KSU: 24
Auer: Oklahoma lived up to their nickname last week. They will make up for it against a definite pretender. OU: 49--KSU: 17
Hoying: Apocalypse indicator #34: Oklahoma lost at home to an inferior opponent. This Sooner team is going to be severely rattled following the collapse of their national title hopes. The last thing they need is a road game against a legitimate threat. Kansas State kicks off a murderer's row of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas over the next four weeks, and it's hard to believe they'll escape the slate unscathed. But this week they still have a full head of steam, and their rushing attack will be just good enough to deal the swooning Sooners a momentous blow. OU: 34--KSU: 35
Schweinfurth: Who saw Oklahoma losing to Texas Tech? Who saw K-State undefeated until this point? Oklahoma rebounds this week. (Sorry there isn't more, I just don't know enough about Kansas State). OU: 42 -- KSU: 17

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators
Draper: The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (yeah, I said it, big whoop wanna fight about it?) is for....nothing really. The winner of this game has an inside track to get crushed in the SEC title game (assuming South Carolina disappears without Lattimore), but that's about it. Georgia really isn't that good despite all the SEC apologists out there. Of course, neither is Florida, but they have the playmakers. A lot will depend on John Brantley (not promising for UF), but I think he'll be healthy enough to do what he does best: get the ball to Demps and Rainey. Let's not forget that UF owns this rivalry of late. They win again and in the process, really hurt Boise (by beating their only 'quality' win). UGA: 17--UF: 24
Auer: With the return of Demps and Brantly, UF will probably fare a lot better than expected. The Bulldogs started off with two rough losses, and now have rattled off 5 straight wins. UF has suffered a lot due to injuries, and will get back on track with the return of their QB. UGA: 20--UF: 29
Hoying: Another storied rivalry game falls by the wayside. The battle for the Who Cares? division of the SEC features two teams headed in very different directions. Georgia has overcome a weak start to feast on a slate of 5 terrible teams in a row, while Florida's once-potent offense has gone out the window after losing John Brantley and facing 3 teams with a pulse. However, the only trend that will reverse this Saturday is Florida's 18 wins in the last 21 Parties. Hey Bulldog! UGA: 28 -- UF: 13
Schweinfurth: This is one of the least hyped Cocktail Parties in recent memory. Georgia has been very quiet this year after losing to Boise early. Will Muschamp has also had a pretty quiet season at Florida, especially after Brantley went down with an injury. All said, the Gators are the better team. Look for Demps and Rainey to have a big day. UGA: 14 -- UF: 35

Stanford Cardinal @ USC Trojans
Draper: TRAP GAME!!! TRAP GAME!!! Andrew Luck and the Cardinal haven't played a real opponent until last week (and even that was a stretch), but they have DEMOLISHED everyone. USC has very quietly been stockpiling wins and would be a factor in the Pac 12 (if not the BCS) were they not still on probation. This is their bowl game as they don't get the Ducks and they will throw all they have at the Cardinal to avenge the last few embarrassing losses to Stanford including 'What's your deal?' and the 41 point underdog upset (only a few years passed surprisingly). While this points to a potential upset, I think too many factors have the Cardinal on their toes. Yes, USC is down, but they're still the pretty boys in LA. Look for Luck to lock up the Heisman in his first real test of the year. Stanford: 31--USC: 20
Auer: USC is NOT the USC that everyone used to fear. The Trojans are riding high after a win on the road in South Bend, but really, how good is Notre Dame? I say not so good. Stanford and Andrew Luck will continue their win streak and make a mess of the Trojans. Stanford: 38--USC: 14
Hoying: Remember 4 years ago? USC, riding a #1 and a 35-game home win streak, was already being discussed as the greatest team of all time (idiotic) and Stanford waltzed in with their 3rd string quarterback and pulled the shocker. Anyone recognize those teams now? That being said, the Trojans' win last week in South Bend was way, way more impressive than anything Stanford has done this season (no, Washington, you're not relevant) and the men of Troy seem to be getting better each week. USC has no hope of achieving any kind of title this year, so THIS GAME is their season. Stanford has been flashy but they haven't seen a passing attack as effective as Barkley to Woods (no, Washington, you're not that special). Stanford stumbles. Stanford: 38 -- USC: 41
Schweinfurth: Okay, so USC surprised me last week by beating Notre Dame (quitters). The Stanford D is relatively unknown and a big question mark for this team. However, USC may be with out Robert Woods and Marc Tyler. If that's the case, this one could get ugly. It's a big stage for Andrew Luck and he won't disappoint. Stanford in a close one. Stanford: 24 -- USC: 21

Wisconsin Badgers @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: Wisconsin comes off a devastating loss to Sparty and will be seeking blood over the mighty (yet down) Buckeyes. Buckeyes have had two weeks to prepare, but is that enough? Heart or head? Heart or head? I have to maintain journalistic integrity and go with my head. Braxton Miller explodes onto the scene with his best passing performance of the season and compiles a school record 7 total TDs (4 passing, 3 rushing). Boom and Hyde both eclipse the 200 yards mark but settle for 2 TDs each. Bauserman enters in mop up duty in the third quarter to mass applause and cheers and begins with a picture perfect 90 yard TD pass. He is removed late 3rd after his 3th TD for Guiton who takes a knee on every snap (including 4th downs) in a taunting fashion for the whole 4th quarter. Oh yeah, OSU goes for 2 after every TD and got them all--Basil threw for 4 2-pt conversions. The Bullets return 2 Russell Wilson interceptions for scores but are crushed by allowing a late TD. Fickell, in a rage over the Wisky TD in the final seconds, rushes over and chokes out Bielema as the clock reaches zero. The Badgers limp out of Columbus, with half of the team injured and Bielema rushed to the hospital where they can't figure out if he has suffered brain damage or is really that dumb. GO BUCKS! UW: 6 (PAT blocked)--OSU: 128
Auer: With the Senator walking the sidelines, this game might go differently. The Bucks are coming off a bye, and lord only knows what Fickell and that staff have messed up... I mean added to the already amazing offense of the Bucks. Remember when Tress couldn't win a game after the Bucks had a bye week? Maybe, just maybe, Fickell and friends have found something to surprise us all... an actual game plan. No realistic reason, but the Bucks are gonna find a way in front of 105,000 frantic fans. UW: 30--OSU: 34
Hoying: We saw in the Illinois game that the Bucks aren't giving this season up yet, and they are improving each week. However, this is no schedule-inflated Illini squad. Last year, the Buckeyes were embarrassed on every side of the ball by a Wisconsin team giving the performance of their lives. The Badgers will probably not be able to match that intensity, especially after such a deflating loss. Even so, this game can be boiled down to 3 questions:
1. Is Ohio State more talented than they were last season?..................................No
2. Is Wisconsin less talented than they were last season?.....................................No
3. Is Ohio State better led and more poised than they were last season?...........No
Barring Wisconsin letting MSU beat them two weeks in a row, this one won't be close. The Bucks get plowed. UW: 27 -- OSU: 9
Schweinfurth: The question floating around Columbus is, "Can the Bullets stop Russel Wilson?" In reality it should be "Can the Bullets stop Montee Ball." Ball is a beast and has shown he can run through weak arm tackles. The Bucks are gonna be amped for this game. Ohio State is tough to beat at night, in the 'Shoe. Fickell has had two weeks to get the troops ready to go. Miller has a breakout game and Bielema starts crying (again) on the sideline. UW: 17 -- OSU: 28

Upset Special:
Draper: Georgia Tech over Clemson, Tennessee over South Carolina
Auer: Ohio State over Wisconsin, Florida over Georgia, Illinois over PSU
Hoying: Georgia Tech over Clemson, Baylor over Oklahoma State
Schweinfurth: Illinois over Penn St.

Five Thoughts on the week that was--Week 8

2011-10-25T11:40:00.004-04:00

1) Oklahoma upset was HUGE

Everyone is swooning over the Hail Mary MSU win over Wisconsin and what that means to the future, but that is but a drop in the bucket to the storm that erupted in Norman. Let's make this clear: Oklahoma does NOT lose in Norman. They play so much better at home than on the road, they never play Texas at home, and they just own the rest of the country when they come to their house. Texas Tech was a nice little upstart, but they shouldn't have had a prayer with all on the line in the Sooner's house. The OU defense was befuddled by Doege and even though they put up points, no one expected them to need a comeback to make it close. This loss is HUGE for the shakeup of the BCS (much much bigger than the Wisconsin loss) and will also haunt Bob Stoops. Big game Bob showed the 'Chokelahoma' moniker is more deserved.

2) Don't forget about Oregon

With all the hype around the SEC matchup in 2 weeks and all the other top 5 upsets, people are forgetting about the Ducks sneaking around the chicken coop. Yes, they lost to LSU at a 'neutral site' in Jerry world because they nicely handed the ball to LSU many times, but since then, they are trouncing everyone. I know the competition is much much weaker, but I'm not sold that Stanford can take the Ducks this year. If LSU dominates Bama, we may have to face the possibility that the Ducks are the 2nd best team in the country. Perhaps they deserve a rematch against LSU in a more neutral location in the national championship....wait....it's in New Orleans? Crap.

3) B1G is an absolute mess

Is there a team (outside of Indiana or Minnesota--maybe Purdue) in the B1G that you can say is out of the race? The answer is no. Why? OSU is down. There is no National Title contender in the conference (as I said preseason) and the conference contains a bunch of mid-level teams for this season. The clear favorites for the B1G Conference Title Game is Wisconsin v. MSU, but pretty much every other team (more or less) controls their destiny. Let's be honest. When this Ohio State team is 1 additional Penn State loss from controlling their destiny, this conference has issues. Perhaps this is the B1G basketball year!

4) Wisconsin faced a defense and....

They were exposed. The Wisconsin offense put some points up, but the unstoppable force was not so impressive in East Lansing. The game turned into a shootout and Wilson couldn't quite hang on. Let's recall that OSU gave up 10 points to the Spartans. This Wisconsin team is pretty good, but certainly not elite. They have been feasting off the dregs in Madison and weren't ready for a real test. They come into Columbus this week to face another defense with some bite and an offense that.....well the defense is good. It's not that big of a stretch to think that Wisconsin was all bark no bite.

5) BCS teams are more or less fixed right now

Can anyone imagine a situation in which a team other than those listed below will make a BCS game?
Big 12: OU/OSU
Pac 12: Stanford/Oregon
SEC: LSU/Bama
B1G: Champ (Wisc or MSU probable)
Big East: Champ (who cares)
ACC: Champ (Clemson probable)
At-Large: Boise

In my opinion, this will be the slate and I would be surprised with anything else. Yeah, Oklahoma could die off, but I'm not seeing it. One loss also does Boise in, but can anyone on their schedule beat them. Again, the excitement is somewhat tempered with the lack of top contenders. My midseason BCS Bowl predictions are:

Rose: Oregon vs. MSU
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar: Alabama vs. Stanford
Orange: Clemson vs. WVU
BCS Title: LSU vs. Oklahoma State

Pretty good matchups (except for the Orange....)

Draper Index Week 8

2011-10-25T11:31:00.002-04:00

Draper Index Week 8 (bowls included)
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma State
4) Oklahoma
5) Boise State
6) Clemson
7) Oregon
8) Stanford
9) Arkansas
10) Auburn
11) Virginia Tech
12) Michigan State
13) USC
14) Wisconsin
15) Nebraska
16) South Carolina
17) Kansas State
18) Penn State
19) Texas A&M
20) TCU
21) Michigan
22) Washington
23) Ohio State
24) Texas Tech
25) Houston

Were I to have a vote, this is my ballot
Draper Ballot
1) LSU
2) Bama
3) Ok St
4) Stanford
5) Clemson
6) Boise State
7) Oregon
8) Oklahoma
9) Michigan State
10) Kansas State
11) Arkansas
12) Wisconsin
13) South Carolina
14) Texas A&M
15) Virginia Tech
16) Nebraska
17) Houston
18) USC
19)Georgia
20) Penn State
21) Arizona State
22) Michigan
23) Florida State
24) Miami
25) Florida

Week 8 Picks---Look's like it's a bye week...FROM GOOD GAMES!!! BAZING!!

2011-10-19T00:23:00.009-04:00

Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: This is BY FAR, the game of the week. Sparty enters on a huge high after beating the hated rival...again, and Wisconsin comes in following their cream puff schedule. MSU has been playing with huge heart and has been the best defense in the B1G but Wisconsin is another story. I think Wisconsin will start slow as they're not ready for the defensive talent from Sparty, but the overall edge still rests with the Badgers. I see MSU jumping out to a quick lead but the lack of offensive talent will allow Wisconsin to slowly take back control of the game. UW: 24--MSU: 17
Auer: Michigan State has proven week after week that their defense is legit. Luckily the Buckeyes loss to the Spartans looks better and better, but how does MSU's loss to the Golden Domers look now? There's no way Wisconsin is going to be looking ahead to next week's night game at the 'Shoe, but me-thinks the Spartans are in for a let-down after another win over "big brother". I think UW is on the fast track to the BCS National Championship game after a big win in East Lansing. UW: 17--MSU:9
Hoying: A week after these teams were established as the clear Legends and Leaders...uh...leaders (no, Penn State, you don't count), the two meet for what is probably the Big Ten clash of the year. Thanks to the new division format, this game will probably not play too heavily into the final B1G standings, but Wisconsin is hoping to stay in the national title chase and MSU needs to build up their resume if they're fighting for a second BCS spot. Wisconsin FINALLY gets to face a superior defense and I think the Badgers will have their hands full, but Russell Wilson is no Braxton Miller or Denard "Notorious I.N.T." Robinson. Notre Dame threw all over Sparty's defense, so this will be the week we find out just how good Wilson is. My guess is just good enough. UW: 21--MSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Ahh, the only game I am looking forward to this week. The big news out of this game will be the absence of William Gholston. Gholston is one of the main anchors for that nasty Spartan D and against the power running game (and containment of Russell Wilson), he will be sorely missed. This one will be old school B1G smash mouth football. The Badgers have one of last true power offenses in the country and they use it to their advantage. This game will be much closer than the experts think, but in the end, Russell Wilson wins the game for the Badgers and the Wilson for Heisman campaign will truly pick up some steam.
UW: 24 -- MSU -- 17

Auburn Tigers @ LSU Tigers
Draper: News flying on the wire that LSU has 3 players suspended including the 'Honey Badger'. Will it matter?.....No. Auburn doesn't have the horses to hang with the big boys in Death Valley. Jarret Lee or Jordan Jefferson will do enough to get over the 14 point mark that will seal it. Auburn took down the Gators but that was at home. Bayou Bengals win easily even with the suspensions. Aub: 10--LSU: 27
Auer: Auburn really isn't that good, LSU is. The interesting thing is the home team in this series has won 10 of the last 11 games. LSU is coming off of their largest victory ever over the Volunteers, and they'll continue to make things miserable for opponents. Aub: 7--LSU: 35
Hoying: Hmm...LSU in Baton Rouge versus an Auburn team that's struggled to stop anyone but the two SEC East patsies they stumbled upon. Looks like an easy pick at first, but this is a potential trap game for the Tigers (the ugly purple ones). LSU may be looking ahead to the colossal showdown at Tuscaloosa, and Auburn has the right coach to match wits with Les Miles. Expect this game to come down to one team making a last-second stupid decision. That team will inexplicably win. Aub: 14 -- LSU: 16
Schweinfurth: Earlier this week, I would have said this game would be no contest. Granted I still think LSU wins, but the score will be much closer after LSU suspended several players this week. Regardless, LSU is the better team here and I think Auburn sticks around because of Les Miles and because Auburn has a tendency to stick around in games. Tigers win... Aub: 17 -- LSU: 38

Washington Huskies @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Here's a ranked matchup that no one is looking at because...no one knows that Washington is ranked. Keith Price has been phenomenal for the Huskies but the lack of national attention has hidden the slight resurgence in Seattle. Luck has been playing well but this is the first team that might actually be able to win the Sun Belt that they have played. Were it in Seattle, I might pull the trigger, but the TEs and the Luck factor in Stanford provide too much. UW: 27--Stan:38
Auer: This game shouldn't be close. Andrew Luck is legit, and will continue to prove it with another huge win over the Huskies. UW: 7--Stan: 41
Hoying: For some reason, the Pac-12 continues to play football, so here's a great match-up of teams that are definitely undeserving of their rankings. Of these teams' combined 11 wins, the best one is probably...Washington's win over 3-3 Cal to start their yearly free-fall. Look for another West Coast shootout, as both teams feature excellent QB's and NO pass defense. Stanford has the edge in both, so they win. UW: 31 -- Stan: 45
Schweinfurth: To be honest, I don't know much about the Pac-12 outside of Arizona State, Oregon, and Andrew Luck. With that said I am just gonna pick a score. UW: 21 -- Stan: 45

USC Trojans @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Remember when this game was relevant? Yes, I know...it's still not important, but this is the best we've got. Kelly's offense has been chugging out tons of yards and should put up points (so long as they quit turning the ball over). USC has been playing pretty well, but they are still suffering from those suspensions. Barkley and Woods have been nice for the Trojan offense, but that's it. Neither defense is worth anything (USC's is still better than ND defensively). Unfortunately for the Trojans, the ND offense is much better than USC (again, without turning the ball over). I like the Irish in a shootout. USC: 27--Irish: 38
Auer: Screw Notre Dame. Go Trojans and dreamy Matt Barkley. USC: 41--ND: 28
Hoying: My report of Notre Dame's death may have been exaggerated. The Irish have put together a decent season since their disaster in Ann Arbor, now that the turnover hemorrhage has dried up, but they face a better-than-expected Trojan team out for revenge after breaking the streak last year. USC, being from the other WAC, has beaten nobody on the way to 5-1, but the passing attack is a legitimate threat and Notre Dame, being Notre Dame, is lacking in pass defense. SC lacks the playmakers on defense to force enough turnovers to make a difference, and the Irish march onward to victory for the 2nd year in a row. USC: 24--Irish 35
Schweinfurth: This is the last chance for for Notre Dame to make a case to play in a BCS game this year and I'm sure this isn't lost on Brian Kelly. Notre Dame's offense is very good (just stay out of the red zone) and this isn't the USC defense of three - four years ago. USC's offense is adequate but the loss of Marc Tyler will hurt. I don't buy into Notre Dame's defense at all so I expect this game to be somewhat high scoring. USC: 28 -- ND: 38

Upset Special:
Draper: Duke over Wake, Northwestern over PSU
Auer: Purdue over Illinois
Hoying: Purdue over Illinois
Schweinfurth: Da U over GT

Five Thoughts on the Week that was: Week 7

2011-10-18T12:06:00.003-04:00

1) Officials need to slow down their whistles

If you had the ability to stay up for the Oregon/ASU game, congratulations! You were treated to a decent game that started way too late. Late in the game (I believe late 3rd quarter) when the game was still in doubt, another fantastic ref blunder occurred that may have changed the outcome. Oregon's backup QB fumbled the ball on a nice run, an ASU player made a phenomenal diving play to keep the ball in bounds, and ASU recovered it! What a turn of events! But....the official (who didn't have the correct angle on the play) blew the whistle too soon. Upon review, the ball was fumbled and recovered by ASU, but the referee couldn't change the call because of the inadvertent whistle. As I've been trained as an official, I feel free to comment that in football you never blow the whistle until you're SURE you know the play is dead. This is the worst mistake an official can make (trust me, I've made it and seen it made in intramurals and it sucks). There was no way to correct it even though everyone would admit that ASU got hosed. Of course, Oregon was the better team, but who knows what would have happened. Officials must be held accountable.

2) Just. Win. Baby.

I feel the need to comment on this after the passing of Al Davis. To often, the media hype surrounding the game of football (or other sports for that matter) have focused all the spotlight on glitz and flash. The top 10 highlights garner attention and touchdown passes are sexy. Lost in all this are the wins and losses. OSU will be a water cooler joke around the country this week for completing 1 of 4 passes, but I guarantee you the Illini fans won't see it that way. Ask Georgia Tech if they would have enjoyed an 'ugly' win over Virginia rather than a monumental collapse. ESPiN shows you that winning big is all that matters, but ask the players in the losing locker rooms if they'd prefer 10 highlights and a loss to an ugly walrusball style win. I guarantee you that the coaches and players will take the W any day.

3) Last week's slate of games SUCKED

Remember when I said there's no one good. This is when you feel it. The big games last week were
1) Pac12 showdown between a contender and an upstart no one believed had a chance
2) Big 12 showdown between a flashy offensive contender and a big name with little bite
3) SEC showdown between 2 of the last 3 teams to win a title that have fallen reasonably far
4) B1G showdown between Big Blue and little brother than has been the same outcome for 4 straight years...
Yawn. Everything comes down to Oregon/Stanford, Bedlam (OU/OSU), and Bama/LSU. Maybe throw in Wisky/(MSU, OSU) but seriously, where have all the fun intriguing matchups gone?

4) When will some of these contenders be tested?

Of the top 10, there are still 2 teams (3 if you count Boise) that have yet to be tested, and may not be. Stanford hasn't played a team with a pulse and Wisconsin's only 'big' game was against a supremely overrated Nebraska team. These teams may be for real, but looking at their schedules, there's not a lot of chances to prove it. Stanford has USC and Oregon but the remainder of their schedule is akin to the standard Boise State schedule (1 big game a year). This year, Boise doesn't even have that 1 signature game (no, I don't count UGA). Wisconsin has a big one next week in East Lansing, but no one sees Sparty as a complete team. OSU could come from nowhere to bite them but otherwise.... One big issue with no one being good is that it's hard to find proof that these teams touted as contenders are deserving. If Wisconsin wins comfortably in East Lansing, I'll buy. Stanford: Beat Oregon if you're for real, then we'll talk. Boise: sorry but enjoy the kid's table. You may be great, but we'll never know.

5) I don't wanna sound like a broken record but....

Read my last few weeks of ranting.
Refs: fail--see point 1
Commentators: SUPER FAIL--This week, I couln't choose the dumbest crew between Davie and Wischusen attacking Zook for not going for a quick 80 yard score in the last 40 seconds before halftime, Brent clearly hitting the bottle and not watching the game, or Todd Blackledge saying how a QB protected the ball while going down as the video shows a perfect stiff arm of the ground. Oh yeah, then there's Craig James (Remember the 5!) and Jesse 'The Bachelor' Palmer. It's painful to watch anyone but Spielman and Meyer.
Teams: All suck
I keep waiting to be proven wrong, but every week provides more and more fodder for criticism. I love college football, but the media, shoddy officiating, and pure lack of quality teams (sans top 3-4) take away from the experience. In fact, the lack of quality isn't necessarily bad if there were parity but the few rich teams are taking away from the fun. In regards to the commentary, try this: listen to the commentary just to find out how many
a) grammatical errors
b) conceptual errors
c) subject matter mistakes
d) inane chatter that adds nothing to the broadcast
Remove all that and the crickets would take over. Tell me about X's and O's, not 'You have got to make that catch!' That adds nothing that my grandmother couldn't add--and at least she'd be able to explain the ins and outs better.

Bonus: I thought every play was reviewed...

Can we get at least a trained monkey in the booth for replay? Every game I watch, it seems that plays that are incorrectly called are not reviewed quickly enough (see OSU/Ill 25 yard completion) and those that are correctly called (so clearly that even those with radio can tell--yes, that's the joke) are always being reviewed. A Denard Robinson TD run was reviewed (about 2-3 minutes) when everyone at home could see it live. One replay showed it....game over. I'll give ESPiN credit on the replays they show us at home, but will someone explain to me why I can see the definitive replay before the next snap, but the monkeys in the booth are too slow to react--except when it's clearly unnecessary.

One more thing...Draper Index without Bowls/Championships

2011-10-17T17:14:00.005-04:00

As the ranking is a pure system not based on percentages but rather win/losses, this can help or punish those who have extra games (bowls or conf championship games). Surprisingly, this was actually more accurate (TCU/Aub/OSU all overvalued from bowl wins last year). Here they are:

Draper Index (no bowls/championship games)
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma
4) Oklahoma State
5) Boise State
6) Clemson
7) Oregon
8) Wisconsin
9) South Carolina
10) Stanford
11) Auburn
12) Arkansas
13) Nebraska
14) Virginia Tech
15) Kansas State
16) Michigan State
17) USC
18) Penn State
19) West Virginia
20) Michigan
21) Texas A&M
22) TCU
23) Washington
24) Georgia Tech
25) Ohio State

Week 7: Draper Index Released

2011-10-17T17:01:00.005-04:00

My own personal computer ranking system was developed about 10 years ago (!!) to attempt to mirror the BCS rankings. They have correctly tabbed the two opponents in the BCS championship game all but one year.

This formula is based on 3 components:
1) Win/Loss
2) Strength of Opponent (when the game occurred)
3) Margin of Victory (capped at 21 with considerations for game site and opponent rank)

The rankings are tied to the previous year's ranking for an initial ranking (compressed) which leads to some problems early on but they work themselves out as the season progresses. Also, points are earned or lost for playing games (there are no points shifted during byes---points are based on win/losses not win percentage). With that being said, here we go.

In case you are interested, the worst team is.......New Mexico

Draper Index: Week 7
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma
4) Oklahoma State
5) Boise State
6) Clemson
7) Oregon
8) Auburn *
9) Wisconsin
10) Stanford
11) South Carolina
12) Arkansas
13) Virginia Tech
14) Nebraska
15) Kansas State
16) USC
17) Michigan State
18) Penn State
19) TCU
20) Washington
21) Michigan
22) West Virginia
23) Texas A&M
24) Ohio State
25) Georgia Tech

Obviously, the biggest hiccup is Auburn at 8 (but there only losses are @ 6 Clemson and @ 12 Arkansas...so maybe not THAT crazy for now) but that's a remnant of the number 1 ranking entering the year. Also, OSU being at 24 and TCU at 19 are clearly too high but the artifact from last year's rankings. I'm pretty pleased considering the top 5 are spot on. Here's to another success.

TS Index Week 8

2011-10-16T23:11:00.000-04:00

After a one year hiatus, the TS Index is back. I will try and post these every week to coincide with the BCS rankings just to give little more fodder to the rankings. Take note that the are all computer generated and do not actually reflect who I believe should be ranked and where. And here we go:

1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Oklahoma State
4. Boise State
5. Oklahoma
6. Michigan
7. Clemson
8. South Carolina
9. Stanford
10. Virginia Tech
11. Kansas State
12. Penn State
13. Nebraska
14. Wisconsin
15. Illinios
16. Michigan State
17. Texas A&M
18. Rutgers
19. Houston
20. Notre Dame
21. Georgia Tech
22. Oregon
23. Texas
24. North Carolina
25. West Virginia

Grading the Bucks: Week 7--Illinois-- That's better

2011-10-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

Offense: B-

Everyone will spend time talking about the 1 completed pass (for a TD I might add), but the simple fact is that the Bucks were running the ball with success so, why change? Boom looked like he hasn't been suspended with some really hard runs. Braxton handed the ball off spectacularly and ran fine when needed. The O-Line looked good. I like it. It was boring, but it worked. In terms of execution, the Dave play worked well. My only beef was the lack of off tackle runs in favor of Dave up the middle. Boom was seeing the field so well so he should have been in a little more. Hall was ok but not as good. I liked Hyde better than Hall coming in, but to bring Hyde in for his first carry right after Illinois scored was dumb. Give me a steady dose of Boom with a sprinkling of Hyde and spread Hall out as a receiver. As W is a W.

Defense: B+

Howard....yes Travis Howard, makes a key interception to more or less seal the game. What the heck? He even looked like a competent corner on that one play which blew my mind...especially after giving a 20 yard cushion on every play previous. Watch the film. He was beaten on EVERY curl route with ease, but give credit where credit is due because he made a key play. Also, where has this Tyler Moeller been? He's been a lump on the field for 6 games and all of a sudden he's back to being a play maker with key tackles and forced fumbles. The D held strong and only game up the 7 points but I didn't give them an A for one glaring problem. Tackling. Every play in which the OSU D made a tackle, it seemed the ball carrier fell forward between 1 and 4 yards. That is not the Silver Bullet D I expect. They need to knock people backwards. This may be picky, but it is a MUST. Vrabel and Fickell can't be happy with the 70 or so yards given up after first contact. That is a point of pride that this defense needs to get. We forced 2 turnovers and were handed a 3rd. Got the job done this week, but need to clean it up for Wisky.

Special Teams: A-

Once again, the special teams comes up HUGE. Basil made an early kick to set the tone in a windstorm. Buchanan was placing punts with precision for the most part (I downgraded for a weak punt or 2 in the 4th quarter). Regardless, Buchanan has arguably been the MVP of this team thusfar. No big returns (the squib kicks worked SPECTACULARLY in the wind), no missed kicks, no turnovers. I'll take it.

Coaching: B+

Bucks score a rocking 17 points and set football back 100 years with 1 completed pass...and you know what? It was the EXACT right play. What have I been saying since the Miami game? Run. the. ball. Everyone is pining for a 'healthy balance' but I ask, why? Passing in that wind would have been a horrible decision; we don't have a QB who can throw a pass; we have very good running backs; the return of Boom was a breath of fresh air; and most importantly, IT WORKED! You coach to the players you have and the situation and they did well. That being said, the walrus (Jim Bollmen) should have called more than Dave up the middle and draw plays. Boom was running well and had great vision so get him into space. Everyone will use the 1/4 passing stats to snicker at OSU but the joke is on them as the Bucks were victorious. Don't get cute Fickell. Follow the late Al Davis' advice: Just Win, Baby!

Week 7 picks: Couple of winners...

2011-10-12T01:18:00.016-04:00

Michigan @ Michigan State
Draper: Alright Michigan, here's your shot. I really don't think that MSU is that solid of a team, but they are certainly much better (especially on defense) than the dregs the Wolverines have played thus far. The Spartans defensive line is super tough (see 9 sacks against OSU) but it will be interesting to see if they can hang with Denard. The UM defense is still pretty awful so Cousins should have a pretty good game. I think the stepchild will keep it rolling and send the Denards home crying. Go Green! UM: 20--MSU:23
Auer: Little brother no more, MSU has evolved into a consistent winner in this Big Ten Blood Feud. With Kirk Cousins' improved accuracy and Denard Robinson's enjoyment of throwing to the other team, MSU remains the pesky little brother to big blue. UM: 24--MSU: 35
Hoying:The UM-MSU rivalry heats up this year, as the winner of this game takes the inside track to the Legends division title. Mich QB Denard Robinson should pile up a few yards on the ground, but the brutal Spartan line should take quite a few back, forcing a few horrible decisions along the way. The Michigan defense was exposed last weekend against Northwestern, and while the Spartan passing attack is nothing special, Kirk Cousins and Co. should be able to do enough to get the job done. Not this year, maize and blue. UM: 20 --MSU:27
Schweinfurth: Nothing like the battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy. Michigan "Little Brother" State's defense has looked good so far this year with the exception of the debacle at Notre Dame. Sparty did a great job of bottling up a mobile quarterback against OSU but Denard is a better and more experienced runner (I refuse to call him a QB). Robinson will toss up his requisite three picks and Sparty takes advantage. Denard will keep big Blue in it but it wont be enough. UM: 24--MSU: 31

Baylor @ Texas A&M
Draper: A nice Big 12 game between 2 ok teams....but nothing more. Baylor took their first loss of the year and most likely knocked RG3 out of the Heisman race (unfairly) but they'll be looking to rebound. TAMU comes off of an underrated win against Texas Tech after the 2 collapses in the preceding weeks. The 12th man makes the difference as Tannehill leads the Aggies to victory. RG3 will get his but will throw a key interception (only his 2nd of the year) due to the raucous crowd. I'd love for Baylor to get back on track, but I'm not seeing it. TAMU rights the ship at home. Baylor: 20--TAMU: 27
Auer: Not even a clue on this one... Baylor hasn't won much of significance ever and A&M usually messes things up when they shouldn't. I'll go with talent in this one. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 53
Hoying: Next up is the Flaky Bowl. Baylor features mediocre talent surrounding the nation's most dynamic player in Robert Griffin III, but Texas A&M has shown they can pound on anybody...for a half. Baylor's only loss was by 1 point to an underrated Kansas State squad, which involved a 4th quarter mini meltdown of its own. The question is: if Baylor finds itself down early, can they make the plays necessary to pull out a win? I believe they can. The Aggies blow it again. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 35
Schweinfurth: The intrigue of this game is: how much offense can RG3 put up? He is my Heisman frontrunner for sure (but won't win, unfortunately) and it will be interesting to see what he can do against a better defense that what he has faced. Unfortunately for RG3, Baylor is still Baylor and I don't see many stops by the Baylor defense. I got the Aggies (Whooooo!) in a shootout. Baylor: 35--TAMU: 45

Oklahoma State @ Texas
Draper: The Longhorns come off an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Sooners while Okie State played their starters for only the first half in a romp over Kansas. While Texas returns home to lick their wounds, I think the Pokes smell blood in the water. Absolutely no one is talking about the sick numbers being put up by the Cowboys. Yeah, the defense is so-so, but the offense cannot be stopped. Blackmon goes for 2 TDs and the Longhorns return to earth as they wait for McCoy and Shipley to mature. Bedlam is going to be INSANE! OSU: 48--UT: 20

Auer: Texas was annihilated by the Sooners, and their "little brother", Oklahoma State, shouldn't have a problem doing the same thing. The Longhorns will be looking to right the ship, especially after going 0-4 in Big 12 play last year at home. OSU is not the defensive juggernaut that the Sooners are, but they still should not have a problem thwarting the Texas attack. OSU: 37--UT: 24
Hoying: Can it be? So soon? Yes, boys and girls, it's the magical week that ruins Oklahoma's State's season EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The Cowpokes finally got over the hump last year, beating a terrible Texas squad. This year both squads come in a little sharper, but, unfortunately for Texas, the gap hasn't closed. This Okie State squad is mature, confident, and ready to make a statement in a game that will get more hype than the Cowboys-Aggies matchup of two weeks ago. Get ready for the Longhorn defense to look BAD for the second week in a row. OSU: 61--UT:31
Schweinfurth: Texas is reeling from that loss last week for sure. You don't just get over a blowout at the hands of a rival. It doesn't get any easier this week for the Longhorns. It's gonna be Blackmon all game and the Pokes use this game as a tune up for Bedlam. In the words of Bart Scott "CAN'T WAIT!"
OSU: 50--UT:24

Arizona State @ Oregon
Draper: No Lamichael it appears; no problem. ASU and 6'8'' tall Brock Osweiler (notice the commentators can't say his name without mentioning his height) have been fairly decent this year and will most likely win the Pac 12 south, but the Ducks are a different animal. It took a half before UO got going last week, but then they dropped the hammer. Look for the Ducks to jump out quickly and keep the pressure on. ASU: 23--UO: 45

Auer: Oregon has won 19 straight games at home, the Sun Devils are playing on the road for the second straight week, seems like the perfect setup for a big game that will be just plain ugly. LaMichael James is not going to play, but the Ducks are deep, and always seem to have another running back waiting in the wings to pick up the slack. Today will be no different and the Ducks will run their home win streak to 20 games. ASU: 17--UO: 52
Hoying: Finally, Oregon and AState get a break from playing awful teams. The effect of losing LaMichael James to injury cannot be overstated, but the talent gap between these two teams is too wide for the injury to tip the balance of the game. If you aren't willing to stay up late and watch this game, don't worry about it. We'll see it again in December. ASU: 27--UO: 38
Schweinfurth: This game is all offense, all the time. LaMichael "Sabretooth" James is out for this one, but Oregon has a stable in the backfield starting with Kenyon Barner. Not to be outdone, Brock Osweiler (look, Chief, I didn't mention he was 6' 8"...doh) and the Sun Devils can light up the scoreboard as well. This will be a fun and exciting game to watch (and with these offenses, this game could last for 5 hours). The team that gets the ball last will win this game. ASU: 45--UO: 49

Ohio State @ Illinois
Draper: Which Buckeye team shows up? Is Illinois for real or another flash in the pan? The Bucks need a rebound game after that second half debacle in Lincoln. They can fall over and die or rally. I'm choosing rally. Scheelhouse is a solid QB and Jenkins is a fantastic receiver but the OSU D-Line will turn up the heat. The run D will hold up and I'm hoping that someone other than Howard covers Jenkins. Miller will be sufficient again in the passing game and the return of Herron will bolster the already decent running game. Bollman gets overruled by every fan in the world with more sense and the Bucks RUN THE BALL to victory. OSU: 23--Ill:17

Auer: Funny that the week I pick for the Bucks, everyone else goes opposite, and then Fickell's squad blows a 21-point lead... disgusting. I was perusing OSU-Wisconsin tickets this week, spoke to a co-worker, she had a pair on eBay listed at face value that DID NOT RECEIVE A SINGLE BID. The Bucks are bad, but the spark of Boom Herron's return could make a difference. The Bucks should win, but won't. OSU: 20--Ill: 26
Hoying: Each week seems to create more questions than answers for this Buckeye squad. The Buckeyes clearly have the more talented squad, especially with Boom Herron returning, but do they possess the will of the warrior? Illinois features another nasty pass rush, so Braxton will have to be able to make quick decisions and run the ball effectively for the Bucks to have a chance. The secondary will have its hands full with All-B1G caliber receiver AJ Jenkins (can we get one quality DB?) but Illinois will have serious trouble running the ball if the Buckeye defense plays to their full caliber. Play this game 10 times and Illinois wins 7 or 8 of them, but this team is just BEGGING to get tagged. Buckeyes score the upset. OSU: 14--Ill:13
Schweinfurth: Boom's back this week and Miller should be ready to go (tape up those ankles Brax!). Walrusball will have the Bucks pounding the ball early as the Bucks always struggle throwing in the wind tunnel of Memorial Stadium. This Illinois team is 6-0 and looking toward getting a "big name win" over the Bucks. The Silver Bullets were exposed a bit last week and had a hard time chasing Martinez all over the field in the second half and Scheelhouse is a better passer than Martinez. The Silver Bullets are looking for redemption and will get and hold onto a lead this week. OSU: 24--Ill: 21

Upset Special(s)
Draper: Texas Tech over KSU

Auer: Michigan State over scUM, MSU over USC, Texas Tech over K-State,
Hoying: Indiana over Wisconsin (just kidding) Maryland over Clemson (it's time)
Schweinfurth: Wake over VaTech

Five Thoughts from the Week that was

2011-10-11T23:58:00.003-04:00

1) The definition of personal foul unsportsmanlike conduct has to change.

Anyone reading this knows where this post is coming from. In the LSU-Florida game, LSU faked a punt that led to a long TD run. At the end of the run, the punter spread his arms in celebration at the 5 for 1 second, realized he shouldn't, and ran into the endzone. The new rule states that an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul and the points are taken off the board. This cost LSU a TD (they failed to convert and scored a FG instead). This, of course, had no impact on the outcome of the game as Florida was clearly outclassed, but this ruling is insane. By the letter of the law, you could call it taunting, but it clearly wasn't vindictive or overbearing. The rule needs to be changed to avoid the no-fun league. My solution is to maintain the unsportsmanlike penalty and perhaps even maintain the 'taking the points off the board' (even though I'm not sold on that), but the definition of excessive celebration should be defined as anything that either delays the normal progress of the game (throwing the ball in the stands or choreography) or directly taunts the other team (like throwing the ball in the defense's face or moonwalking into the endzone). This was clearly a case of excitement when a punter was caught up in the moment and quickly rectified his error (the only way we saw this was through a camera replay). Let the kids have fun without degrading the other team. The punter did not celebrate excessively so it was harmless and needs to be ignored. By the current letter of the law, the flag could have been thrown (judgement call). I propose changing the rule so the flag could not be properly thrown for such a minor infraction.

2) Schedules don't matter to the voters.

Look at the rankings: 4 Wisconsin, 5 Boise, 7 Stanford, 11 Michigan, 13 West Virginia, 14 Nebraska...I could go on, but what do these teams have in common? They've beaten no one of consequence (yes, Wisky beat Neb by I don't think the Huskers are for real). These high rankings are vestiges of high preseason opinions in areas and in others, pollsters are blinded by the undefeated records. WVU and Nebraska have each played 1 quality opponent and got smashed. UM beat ND on the final second because they were playing 11 on 0. I believe that Wisconsin, Boise, and Stanford are pretty solid teams, but the schedule is never factored. The mock BCS has Wisconsin at 7 which draws some ire, but they simply haven't played anyone (and won't until the bowl as the B1G is down). Stanford plays Oregon which will define the season, and Boise plays....no one. Who knows if they hold, but look at the opponents before you crown a team.

3) Momentum is crucial in college football

This point is easily made by watching the downfalls of OSU and FSU. OSU fumbles the ball with a 21 point lead. This woke up the crowd and gave Nebraska the momentum to completely turn the game around. FSU had complete control and got totally jacked up for the huge showdown vs. OU. They went all out yet still lost to the experience laden Sooners. After that, with their QB injured, they went into the hornets nest in Clemson and lost to the sexy team of the moment, at which they were upset. Following the 2nd disappointment, the Noles entered Wake Forest where they habitually have trouble (usually in the form of an injury). 1 broken RB and 5 turnovers later, the Noles (starting at number 4 overall) are staring at a losing record. Pretty much all of the hardship is due to the momentum shift after all the wind was taken out by losing when they put it on the line vs. #1. Of all the sports, momentum is clearly defining in college football which is why we love it!

4) Commentating has reached an all-time low

Watching games on mute is a now a soothing decision. Craig James blathering about why it's wrong to take illegal benefits (hyposcrisy anyone?), Jesse Palmer talking about his hair, Pam Ward talking about God knows what, Matt Millen evaluating receiver prospects (with clearly no clue), and Brent Musburger's drunken reverie; it's all so trite and ridiculous. Normally, not only don't they add the the broadcast, but they detract from it using blatantly incorrect or stupid 'insights'. If you want to actually learn something about the game and how it should be played, listen to Urban Meyer and Chris Spielmen. They're really the only 2 that don't dumb down their football talk (too much) and have reasonable snippets to add to the game's enjoyment. I've had enough with the ESPiN talking heads fall over themselves looking stupid when they don't understand what a ref is signally or why a certain play worked (or not). The commentators of today feel it is their obligation to dumb down what is happening for the 'idiots' watching. I've had enough. The commentators are the idiots. Thank you Urban and Chris for keeping it real (by the way Urban, Columbus is awesome this time of year).

5) The contenders are separating themselves

Parity exists in most of college football which is what has led to some really exciting games...excepting those with the few actually good teams out there. I'm in the 91 percentile in the college pick-em with confidence. While I like to think I know something, it's been all too easy. The big teams are completely disconnected from the pretenders as of now. Look at the blowouts of LSU and Bama over Florida, Wisconsin over Nebraska, and OU over Texas. There are many more instances of the elite crushing the 'also-rans', but I won't list them all. Some of the games are exciting but the high profile teams are blowing everyone out. LSU/Bama will be epic, OU/OkSt will be thrilling, and Stan/Oreg will be a shootout, but as I look over the schedule, there are very few games of interest to me in this regular season.

Grading the Bucks--Week 6: Nebraska...Words cannot express....

2011-10-09T01:24:00.005-04:00

Offense: B+ 1st half/F 2nd half
Have to split this up after what I just saw. The 1st half showed a competent OSU attack. Good solid blocking, strong runs, and some decent (not great but ok) passing. OSU effortlessly moved the ball effectively right through a porous defense that the Cornhuskers boast. Miller looked confident (even though he still throws a horrible ball) and he actually started to hit the hole. I'm still scared with the way he carries the ball but he is definitely maturing. Jordan Hall seems to be regressing in the running attack but Carlos Hyde has been a pleasant surprise. Why 34 wasn't in the game more, I'll never know. The O-line protected MUCH better and was opening holes (see Carlos Hyde). Now to the elephant in the room. Bauserman. I'm done. I defended him and thought he could do it. I was wrong. I believe a lot of this regression is due to the TOTAL lack of faith by everyone in Columbus, but I don't care about the why anymore. He just can't lead this team anymore. With that being said, anyone saying we lost because of Bauserman is just plain ignorant and stupid. He entered the game with a 14 point lead. He didn't give up the 28 unanswered points. All the defense had to do was make A stop. Bauserman was terrible I agree and his time is done, but he wasn't the reason we lost. In fact, the turning point of the game was Miller handing the ball to the Nebraska LB and the D giving up a 22 yard run immediately to wake up the Sea of Red. Bauserman didn't help us maintain the lead, but he didn't cause the Buckeyes to fall down. Trust me, this collapse was a team effort.

Defense: A- 1st half/F 2nd half

Now we come to the problem. The first 30 showed the Bullets back to form stuffing Martinez and Burkhead. They flew all over the field and gave up next to nothing the 1st half. After the Miller fumble, I think Greg Robinson took over. The defense was confused and out of position on seemingly every play. They looked like the normal OSU defense that can't handle the option/ zone read. The offense shut off but you'd imagine the OSU D that has only taken 2 series off all year would hold.......nope. This collapse was much MUCH more troubling on the defensive side. To be clear, the athletic talent on the OSU defense is not as good as the recent past, but they've played above it. This week, in the 2nd half, it all crashed to earth. All the defensive finger pointing from last week toward the painfully horrendous offense was turned right around. I don't think I've ever seen an OSU defense collapse like that. Vrabel, Fickell....looking at you.

Special Teams: B+

Another solid enough week for the specialty teams. 1/1 on field goals and some nice punts inside the 20. Punt coverage was pretty good, but the kick coverage was definitely taking a step back (hence the lack of an A). Why didn't they try the long field goal? Not the special teams problems....but it was due to:

Coaching: B 1st half/ F---- 2nd half

The experiment is over. The walrus looked like he was calling a decent game in the first half, but what happened? Here's a stat for you: Miller threw 8 passes in 2.75 quarters (completing 5). Bauserman enters the game (WITH A 14 POINT LEAD!!!) and in 1.25 quarters of work, he throws 10 passes. 10!!! And he completed 1. WHAT KIND OF A GAME PLAN IS THAT?!?!?! When it doesn't work, TRY SOMETHING ELSE!!! The ground game with Hyde was working, and yet, Jordan Hall was getting the ball to run into the lineman. Bauserman is sent into the game due to injury and Bollman opens the playbook? What are these monkeys doing? Everyone gets on Bollman (mostly deserved) for running on EVERY 1st down...here's the difference this week: it worked. Then in comes Bauserman. Since he's essentially equivalent to Aaron Rodgers, we go run and shoot. Joe B doesn't call the plays. Blame the idiots up top. Now to Fickell, you have a 7 point lead and the ball at the 32. You defense can catch a cold.... what do you do? Punt?....What?!? KICK THE FG!!! At least try it. You aren't Tressel. He had defense to bail him out. It was clear ours already left Lincoln. Love you Luke, but good luck at Akron next year. Bring on Urban.

Week 6 Picks--Midseason rivalries aren't as appealing this year

2011-10-04T12:58:00.008-04:00

Oklahoma vs. Texas
Draper: The Red River Shootout (yeah, I said it, big whoop, wanna fight about it) is actually semi-relevant this year after Texas disappearing. That being said, these aren't the polished McCoy to Shipley from 2006-2009. While the younger brothers are improving, they aren't good enough to take down the Sooners. Jones will have a field day with Broyles and Stills, and the Stoops defense will knock the Longhorns off their undefeated high horse with relative ease. OU: 48--UT: 20
Auer: Texas has seemingly returned to form after an abysmal 2010 season, and here they sit at 4-0. The problem is Texas really hasn't beaten anyone. The Sooners on the other hand have a key win at Florida State, and look to continue on their collision course for a date with the Crimson Tide. This one really shouldn't be close, as much as I want UT to make it so. OU: 35--UT: 10
Hoying: In so many other years, 4-0 Oklahoma vs. 4-0 Texas would serve as a mid-season determinant of the Big XII South champion. Not so this year; there are five (Five!) undefeated Big X(II) teams heading into this week, and all of them will play each other before the season is done. This is the first (second if you count KSU-Baylor of what should be an excellent set of Big X(II) showdowns. Look for Oklahoma's steadier offense, led by veteran QB Landry Jones, to have a big day and the better-than-advertised OU defense to cause confusion for the 2-headed Texas QB monster. OU: 34 -- UT: 16
Schweinfurth: Undefeated Texas and undefeated Oklahoma? One would think this game would be close but you have to go with McCoy and Shipley. Wait, it's not Colt and Jordan? In all seriousness, Oklahoma is the better team. The Sooner D is down right nasty and will just be too much for both Texas QBs. OU: 42 -- UT: 17

Florida @ LSU
Draper: Sucks for Florida that they get the 2 best teams in the country back-to-back. Also, they have lost their QB (Brantley) to dismemberment at the hands of the Saban defense. This could have been a good matchup, but the Gators haven't turned the corner yet. LSU is rolling and should make easy work of the Gators without a QB. Demps and Rainey are good, but no passing threat will be a killer. Death Valley will be insane and will send more Gators to the doctor. UF: 6--LSU: 24
Auer: Not much chance for Will Muschamp's Gators as they head to Death Valley without a QB. LSU is really good, but not quite as good as Alabama, but still won't have a problem with UF this week. UF: 10--LSU: 32
Hoying: I still think Florida is shaping up to make some noise in the weak SEC East (and get hammered by 'Bama again), but LSU in Baton Rouge is too tall an order for the Gators, especially without their starting QB (we've seen what effect losing your only good QB can have). The LSU defense is slightly more forgiving than the Crimson Brick Wall, but Florida will be in no position to challenge it. UF: 13 -- LSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Will Muschamp has the Gators turning the corner and Jabba the Weiss has figured has been putting Demps and Rainey in positions to succeed. Unfortunately for Florida, LSU has one of the best secondaries in the nation. This should be an exciting game but Baton Rouge will prove to be too much for Florida. UF: 14 -- LSU: 31

Auburn @ Arkansas
Draper: Auburn has been living on borrowed time with 3 of their 4 wins coming in heart-stopping fashion. The little known secret is that they're not that good and have been super lucky. Give them credit for hanging around long enough to steal a win, but not happening in Fayetteville. Tyler Wilson and the Hogs dug a HUGE hole last week (thankfully it was against the choke artists at TAMU) but looked great and under poise coming back. Expect another huge passing day from Wilson to lead the Hogs to victory and send the Tigers back to reality. Aub: 17--Ark: 38
Auer: Auburn is officially about to become the schizophrenic team of 2011. They'll upset highly ranked USC one week, then turn around and lose to Clemson, and then struggle against the likes of Utah State. The Tigers will surely come back to earth after last week's upset of the Gamecocks. Aub: 21--Ark: 45
Hoying: In the last two weeks, Arkansas got hammered by the best team in the country and looked beatable against Texas A&M before a well-played comeback. This team is itching to make a statement and dismantle an opponent, and look who's coming to Fayetteville. The Auburn Tigers have derailed two trendy SEC picks (South Carolina and Mississippi State) and their only loss is to a quality Clemson team, but anyone who's been watching this team has to be scratching their head wondering how long Gene Chizik's brain farts can power this team to victory. Here's a fun stat to close with: the SEC-worst Auburn defense gives up 233 passing yards per game. Arkansas's QB Tyler Wilson led the SEC's best offense to 510 passing yards last week against Texas A&M. Uh-oh. Aub: 20 -- Ark: 56
Schweinfurth: Auburn continues to live on the edge and keeps gutting out close wins. The last time the Tigers faced a top offense (in Clemson), the Tiger defense was exposed. Auburn can score and I don't buy into the Razorback defense. Auburn's magic touch has to run out sometime and, even though I say it every week, it runs out this week in a not so close shootout. Aub: 28 -- Ark: 42

Ohio State @ Nebraska
Draper: We just can't catch a break (mostly due to stupid players). No Boom and No Posey most likely means no help on offense. The return of Mike Adams (and possibly even Solomon Thomas) will help but the biggest boon to the offense will be Nebraska. Their defense is well behind MSU at the line of scrimmage. This bodes well for the OSU running game. Hall will run for a solid 100 yards, but the flip side is Nebraska's O is better than MSU. One aspect that has given the Bullets fits is a running QB...uh oh. The Bullets play tough and the offense looks more competent, but on the road is gonna be trouble for the young QB. I think it will be much closer than the experts think. I have to do it (for the first real time), but I don't have to like it. OSU: 20--Neb: 27
Auer: Struggling to find the positives in this one. The Buckeyes have to click eventually, don't they? The defense has to score eventually, right? I have literally no rhyme or reason to do this, but I have a feeling that Nebraska *might* be the type of team that chokes under pressure. The Buckeyes are going to be lucky to have anything to play for by the time November rolls around, so they might as well throw whatever they've got out Saturday night in Lincoln and maybe Lady Luck will be on the side of Fickell's team. OSU: 13--Neb: 10
Hoying: The Buckeyes are bad, m'kay? The team has no quarterback, its best running back and wide receiver have slipped through its grasp indefinitely, and key players are being lost left and right to serious injuries (Verlon Reed, Philly Brown, Nate Williams). The Bucks are teetering on the edge of collapse as evidenced by RB Carlos Hyde's comments about the coaching staff. Now for the good news. Aside from a few problems with the secondary (looking at you, #7), the defense still works, which is remarkable considering how long they've had to stay on the field. Also, Nebraska's defense isn't going to be anywhere near as tough as MSU's to crack. However, nighttime in Lincoln is going to be very unforgiving to this young team. Even though this one is winnable, the young Bucks don't quite have the poise to get it done. OSU: 16 -- Neb: 17
Schweinfurth: This game is will be all about defense. Ohio State has a walrus calling plays and Taylor Martinez makes my throwing motion look good. If one offense has an advantage, it has to be the 'Husker's pseudo-option attack. One gets the feeling that, if Nebraska scores early, the Silver Bullets may revolt against the offense. The Buckeyes are on tilt and Bo Pelini is looking to make a statement. This one is close but Nebraska moves the ball thanks to a few missed tackles. Martinez throws a few picks (including a pick 6) but the Bucks can't take advantage of the field position. OSU: 10 -- Neb: 17

Upset Specials
Draper: Mizzou over Kansas State
Auer: Ohio State over Nebraska
Hoying: Northwestern over Michigan (I don't know, I don't see a lot of upsets this week)
Schweinfurth: Maryland over Georgia Tech (I'm with Hoying on this one. Not many upset chances)

5 Thoughts from the Week that Was

2011-10-04T12:54:00.005-04:00

1) Still we have questionable officiating...with no explanation or consequences.

Last weeks problem was much more crucial with a missed PAT call but the fact remains that too many calls are missed or not addressed. As the time ticked down in a critical matchup between South Carolina and Auburn, the Gamecocks get a first down with 2 seconds left; (barely) enough time to spike the ball and get a last second field goal off to tie the game. Alas, the clock ran out and when Spurrier asked for the referee to review it, he refused and called the game. One argument was that there was only 1 second left and that means there was not enough time to spike the ball with time remaining. If that's the case, then come out at confirm it! As of now, the South Carolina faithful are left holding the bag with questions abounding and Gene Chizik (the current edition of Les Miles-'winning games despite poor coaching). This is yet another incident of poor referee-ing with no consequences or explanations. It's time to hold these officials to a higher standard.

2) Media money drives opinion and, therefore, polls

OSU has a near miss against Toledo and everyone destroys the B1G. South Carolina has a near miss against Navy (arguably closer than OSU/Toledo) and no one mentions it rather than another SEC win. Give credit to Navy who is always a tough matchup. Unfortunately, you'll never know because the $EC drives E$PiN. The polls are clearly driven by the highlights shown on ESPiN and those highlights are skewed in favor of those who pay the bills. The top SEC teams are that good, but the rest are the same as every other conference also-ran.

3) Undefeated doesn't always mean the best.

Quick, one conference has 5 undefeated teams, which is it? No, not the be-all, end-all SEC, but the Big 12. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Kansas State. This is more than double any other conference, but hold the phone folks. The Oklahoma teams each have quality wins (FSU and TAMU) but the other 3 played no one but the Little Sisters of the Poor (yeah, I said it). KSU under Snyder is known to play no one but creampuffs (yes, this year he played Miami but whopee...). Texas played UCLA....yawn. I didn't even know Texas Tech has played a game since Michael Crabtree left. Good for them being undefeated, but let's wait until they play quality opponents to anoint the conference. The Oklahoma teams are legit, but I don't think the others will get more than 8 wins a piece.

4) Pains me to say this, but the National Championship (as of now) should be a
rematch of Alabama vs. LSU.

I said this before and I'll say it again: everyone sucks. This year has been extremely painful to watch. That being said, Bama and LSU are (as of now) the clear best teams in the country. Yes, OU is good, but they'll most likely drop one like they always do. Ok St offense can't keep the questionable defense going undefeated. Wisconsin is very tough but who knows if they can hold up against a defense on the road. Boise is Boise and will most likely go undefeated but no one cares. Stanford and Oregon play in a tossup but the Cardinal have an easy schedule and the Ducks already lost to LSU. The SEC powers are very very good and I really think there is a possibility that they rematch in the Title Game. The most likely contender is Wisconsin in my opinion due to schedule and what I've seen. I hate the SEC, but those 2 teams have the best resumes and talent that I've seen thus far.

5) Fair or foul, Robert Griffin III is most likely out of the Heisman race already.

Remember how I said that it's very hard to break into the Heisman race without preseason hype; it's nearly impossible when you're on a team that's out of the race (translation: has a loss). This is, of course, not fair at all, but it's the world we live in. RG3 has eye-popping stats with slightly fewer TDs than incompletions, 1 interception, and 5 TD passes a piece in 3 games, but no one will remember him if he doesn't win. Small market and non-contender never really have a chance. Many people are giving him lip-service in the media, but I don't buy that they actually believe it. I do think he is a legit candidate, but when the voters turn in their ballots, I feel they will be skewed by their preconceptions and drop him down below the NFL #1 pick (Luck), the golden boy (Kellen Moore), the best player on the best team (Trent Richardson), the hot transfer (Russell Wilson), and the best QB the number 1 team (Jones). RG3 needs to go crazy EVERY game from here on out and he absolutely HAS to beat OU with some crazy stats to even get back in the legit discussion. Pay attention to this kid because he's really good (and he'll get his compensation next year in the NFL), but the preconceptions kill his realistic chance in my opinion.

Grading the Bucks--Week 5: Michigan State.....GROSS

2011-10-02T16:47:00.004-04:00

Offense: F
What a pathetic display! I thought this was Ohio State but apparently not. Under 100 yards of offense until late in the 4th and shutout until 10 seconds left....putrid. It's painfully clear that we do not have a quarterback on the roster. I still support Bauserman but he's the lesser of two evils. Miller has happy feet and is afraid to hit the hole. The running lanes open but he dances rather than just running. His passing has much to be desired as well. JB shows that he can throw...sometimes, but he can also overthrow the receivers by 20 yards. The running game took a giant step back and the best O-line I've seen obviously was a fluke. Jordan Hall failed to step up to the plate for his audition and the offensive line was pathetic after 2 solid weeks of above average play. Maybe the suspended players will make a difference but it's hard to envision fixing all of these holes. Give some credit to MSU's D-line but the guard play and QB play at OSU is inexcusable. Who starts at QB next week? God only knows. Personally, I'd start JB on the road, but I'm not comfortable with it. I expect Fickell to go with Miller, but there is no good answer.

Defense: A- (Side grade--Travis Howard: F-----)
How can you fail to gain more than 100 yards until the 4th and still have a (legit) chance to win in the waning seconds? Have a defense that plays sound and bends but doesn't break. While the offense was throwing up on the field, the defense never seemed to get a break. Yet, they continued to run out there and shut down the senior QB. The return of Nate Williams from injury and Solomon Thomas from suspension to join John Simon and Jonathan Hankins will make the front four very very scary. The run defense was stout but the secondary had some holes. The hole is named Travis Howard. BJ Cunningham (the leading receiver in MSU history) absolutely torched the Buckeyes because Howard was burnt toast on every play. Yes, Cunningham is good, but no adjustments to help Howard (or simply pull him) is just dumb. OSU defense is certainly not the reason for the loss, but I've seen that opposing teams will learn to pick on the weak link. Look for number 7 on the D to be continually beat (just think, some booster actually paid him extra benefits!!).

Special Teams: B-
Nothing special here, but the punting was not as good this week. Buchanan was asked to do a lot, but he wasn't a sharp as usual. Returns and coverage were fine, but the punting has been above average in the last few weeks. Simply average this week. With all the punts, you don't expect perfection but I don't think the net average was as good as the past few weeks. Passable but nothing to wow me.

Coaching: D
Sorry Luke, you never had a chance. Lost in the talk of Fickell is the fact that he was not allowed to hire his own staff. His defensive staff is just fine and the addition of Mike Vrabel is very good, but the offensive coaching staff is just awful. Jim Bollman (the OC) has been terrible since he began coaching and he has arguably regressed. OSU hasn't learned about simple plays to relax your QB like screens and quick slants (and this has been true since I arrived at OSU). Every play is a dave block run or a deep pattern down field. Without simply underneath, slant, or intermediate routes, the QBs cannot get into a rhythm and make the defense respect any semblance of a passing game. Also, while the first half showed an absolute failure by the offense, the second half showed that no one knows how to adjust as we just got more failure. Nothing is changing. The coaches seem to be beating their heads against the wall expecting to have the wall to apologize. If it doesn't work with your personnel, you must adjust. Fickell is a great guy and probably a great coach. He has coached up the defense to a high level without the top level talent, but there is just no hope for him if he gets no help from the offensive coaching staff. It's pretty much a done deal that Gene Smith is targeting Urban Meyer right now. Just think that every weekend, Chris Spielman calls games with Urban Meyer. Wouldn't be surprised if he's dropping hints during commercials. Nothing against Luke, but the situation pretty much screwed whomever got the interim job.

My Gut-Reaction Top 10 10/1/11

2011-10-02T01:14:00.003-04:00

The wheat is quickly separating from the chaff. It's tough to even find 10 teams to fill this out.

1) Bama--Top to bottom most efficient team with the best D in the country. Going into the Swamp is no easy task, and they made it look easy.

2) LSU--Good wins, but the D isn't as solid as Bama. Also, the tide wins (Ark home and at UF road) are better than LSU (Oregon neutral and WVU road). Not to mention the huge coaching advantage in Tuscaloosa.

3) Oklahoma--Big win at FSU and solid in all other games (against the scrubs). Oh, Mizzou win wasn't bad either but execution is slightly lower than the SEC teams above.

4) Wisconsin--Totally solid play but haven't seen the same competition as above. Nebraska was in Camp Randall (and let's be honest, their D is terrible) but they looked great.

5) Oklahoma State--D is questionable but I believe they have the best offense in the country. The huge comeback in Kyle Field will be dismissed because of the TAMU collapse this week as well, but you could contribute some of this week's failure to the Pokes crushing their spirit. Blackmon and Weeden are just that good.

6) Clemson--The body of work is spectacular. FSU was banged up....but they beat them in Death Valley. They smashed VT in their own backyard (but we have no clue if their any good). Give credit to Dabo and crew because they just keep winning.

7) Stanford--Yeah, this ranking is because of Luck and undefeated-ness but they have looked just fine. I know they haven't played anyone but they've taken care of business with relative ease. Only tough games are home v. Oregon and @ (?) ND.

8) Boise State--Way low for most people but they play no one and will play no one. Nothing they can do about it....it's just a fact of life. I'll give them credit, but they can't move up without teams above faltering. Not fair? Maybe. But True.

9) Oregon--After those turnovers against LSU, they have quietly righted the ship. Look out for the Ducks who are quietly smashing everyone on the West Coast. Big time showdown @ Stanford later this year.

10) ...I don't know...Nebraska? Florida? who cares...--I don't see anyone else. Nebraska got smoked, but it was in Camp Randall where almost everyone loses. Florida got smoked but Bama is really good. Who else? Arkansas maybe? Everyone sucks...that's it.

1091824098) Buckeye offense--we suck...

Week 5 Picks: Conference Play Begins in Earnest

2011-09-28T16:59:00.009-04:00

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Draper: SEC vs. soon-to-be-SEC. The Razorbacks got absolutely SMOKED by Alabama in a game that surprised no one. A&M fell apart last week by giving up a 17 point lead at home to an offensively dynamic team in Ok State. Both teams limp into this marquee matchup that (once again) no one is talking about. Arkansas is an also ran every year (as is Texas A&M) but I think the Aggies have a little more top to bottom talent. The second half collapse looms large but A&M needs to rebound. Arkansas's Tyler Wilson is good but they will come up just short. TAMU: 27--Ark: 24
Auer: After losing a game they shouldn't have, the Texas A&M Aggies will be looking to make a statement against an overrated R-kansas squad. The Aggies have surprised me, mostly in good was every time I've watched them, and their defense is better than expected. Arkansas has struggled, and karma has not been with them so far. TAMU: 21--Ark: 13
Hoying: A&M showed flashes of brilliance last week against Okie State, but QB Ryan Tannehill has proven to be as turnover-prone as ever, practically giving the game away. The Aggies also proved to be vulnerable against the pass, which gives an edge to Arkansas's airborne attack. However, Texas A&M is too balanced and too talented for the the Hogs to pull this one off. Look for the Aggies to win a shootout. TAMU: 41--Ark: 31

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: I hate to say this, but I don't think this is going to be that close. Neither of these teams has played an opponent with a pulse but Wisconsin has looked solid on both sides of the ball whereas the Black Shirt defense of Nebraska has yet to make an appearance. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead are spectacular runners but Wisconsin will probably load the box to slow down the running game. Martinez won't be able to throw well enough to keep up with the points his defense will give up. Also, Camp Randall at night is a trial by fire for the Nebraska welcome to the B1G. Nebraska: 17--Wisconsin: 31
Auer: Very torn in this one. Do I root for a team I despise, or a newcomer to the conference I know and love? Wisconsin really might be that good. Nebraska's defense might very well be a sieve. I'm going with the Badgers here, and I think it could be ugly. Nebraska: 13--Wisconsin: 41
Hoying: Which team wins this one: the one which has struggled to beat mid-level competition or the one which has spent 4 weeks mauling the Little Sisters of the Poor? Wisconsin has looked nigh unbeatable so far, but their lack of practice against quality opposition will come back to bite them here. Look for a big rushing day from Taylor Martinez and another great performance from Russell Wilson, but the over-hyped, over-confident Badgers will be brought down to reality at the hands of the B1G's newest contender. Nebraska: 35 -- Wisconsin: 34

Clemson Tigers @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: Clemson is coming off a tailor made upset over Florida State (QB hurt, opponent off of a huge game, etc.) to face the other big bad boy in the ACC in Lane Stadium. Tajh Boyd has been spectacular as has the freshman Sammy Watkins, but Virginia Tech is quietly sneaking around under Logan Thomas. Clemson provides the first real test, but Blacksburg will be rocking. Let's not forget all of Clemson's big wins come at home. Lane Stadium shifts the needle to the Hokies and people will start to take note of Beamer's boys. Clem: 16--VT: 27
Auer: Clemson is off to a good start this season but is due for a let down. Haven't watched much of the Hokies, but Blacksburg and Beamerball are the perfect medicine to stop Dabo's Tigers. Clem: 10--VT: 19
Hoying: Clemson QB Tajh Boyd has been playing out of his mind this year, putting up ridiculous numbers against Florida State and Auburn (yes, Auburn has no defense this year, but they're no Marshall or Appalachian State). Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has been fed a steady diet of mediocre teams while waiting to trap the Tigers in Blacksburg. What have we learned from watching Clemson in the past? They have to seize a shot at the conference title before they can choke it all away! Clem: 27--VT: 21

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Florida Gators
Draper: This is a HUGE game in the SEC that will test to see if UF is for real and is Bama as good as we think they are. Florida has some awesome playmakers in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps but Bama's defense is really really good. On the other side of the ball, both are relatively pedestrian except for the Tide's running back Trent Richardson. Being in the Swamp at night is a tall order, but I think Saban quiets the Gators again with some key defensive stops. Bama: 27--UF: 16
Auer: The Crimson Tide are proving time and again that they are the best team in the nation. The Gators are the Gators, and will stick with the top defense in the nation for a good bit of this game. The Swamp could slow down Alabama initially, but the solid ground game and stout D will prove too much for Florida. Bama: 35--UF: 20
Hoying: Make no mistake, the Gators are back after Urban Meyer's phoned-in 2010 season, but they're not quite in position to challenge Alabama yet. If Our Lord and Savior TIM TEBOW himself were back in orange and blue, all we would see is another waterworks on the sidelines after this scary Alabama D stuffed him again. This one shouldn't be close. Bama: 27--UF: 10

Michigan State Spartans @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: One. more. game. That's all we need Buckeyes. This is the last game for which there are excuses. Following this game, WR1, RB1, LT, and...random defensive guy come back. This is the last statement game for those guys who did everything (or most things in the case of Jordan Hall) right. Huge statement game in the Shoe to show the Buckeyes haven't fallen completely away. The good news is that we get Sparty who, for lack of a better term, is Sparty. MSU has smoked the crappy teams and lost on their only road game vs. a mediocre opponent in ND. Look for Braxton to keep running with little umph in the passing game. Hall will go for 150 yards to stake his claim to challenge Herron upon return. Kirk Cousins and the Spartans will need to throw to score and a key interception late will seal a huge win for the Scarlet and Gray. It won't be pretty, but we'll escape. MSU: 23--OSU: 24
Auer: The Bucks have to win, don't they? Mark Dantonio is a great coach, but his QB, Kirk Cousins, is still a flake. The Buckeye defense will continue to improve, and needs to gel against an average MSU offense. They do present a variety of threats, but the Silver Bullets are just better. The Shoe should be rocking for the Big Ten opener and the final game before the "Friends of Pryor" return to the lineup. Go Bucks. MSU: 16--OSU: 24
Hoying: This game pits strength on strength: OSU's latest Superman, RB Jordan Hall, will need all his X-Ray vision to find gaps in a stout MSU run defense. Add in his phenomenal kick return ability, and he should do enough to keep the Scarlet and Gray close, but not enough to win. That task will fall squarely on the shoulders of Braxton Miller. Notre Dame's Tommy Rees was able to smoke the Spartan secondary, but Braxton will crumble under the pressure, making a crucial late-game mistake that seals the Buckeyes' fate. I hope I'm wrong. MSU: 21--OSU:17

Upset Special(s)
Draper: NW over Ill, Zona over USC (I don't really see any)
Auer: KState over Baylor, Iowa State over Texas
Hoying: Auburn over South Carolina (and lots of upsets above)

Five Thoughts from the Week that was

2011-09-26T19:39:00.004-04:00

1) There needs to be more harsh consequences for referees errors...especially those which should NEVER happen.

Who saw the Toledo/Syracuse game? No one? What about the replay that is being shown briefly then hidden? With a few minutes left in the game, Syracuse scored a TD to go up 29-27. They proceeded to MISS THE PAT!! But the official under the goalpost, the referee, AND THE REPLAY OFFICIAL ruled the extra point went through the uprights. Of course, Toledo ended up kicking a field goal to send the game into overtime which Syracuse ended up winning. Toledo is requested the game to vacated (which won't happen), but people aren't placing enough blame on the officials. Sports officials (NBA refs, MLB umps, NFL/NCAA officials) are routinely given passes for mistakes they make. It's time for this to stop. These officials are paid a lot of money to make the correct calls. Some calls a judgement calls or subjective, but those that are cut and dry and still missed need to result in severe consequences (termination in most cases). Jim Joyce cost Armando Gallaraga a perfect game due to a blown call and this weekend, the officials cost Toledo a win (which could cost them a lot down the road) because the referees were incompetent. Officials often hide behind a veneer of 98-99% success rate on calls. This is blatantly skewed. 75% of the calls in every sport are such that a 5 year old child can make them correctly (like whether or not a PAT goes through the uprights or if someone is out in baseball by 40 ft.). These officials are extremely well paid (5 figures PER GAME in some cases). To miss calls of this simplicity is not acceptable. And then to examine this on video replay and not correcting an error that a monkey wouldn't make makes the matter so much worse. I have been trained as an official in basketball and football and I agree that it is a difficult job. With that being said, these missed calls are completely inexcusable at any level. These officials should tender their resignations immediately (unless they've already been canned) and beg thee league to try to rectify their error which has cost others so dearly.

2) Teams must be constantly ready for that upset possibility.

It seems that there are simply no free lunches in college football anymore. Toledo pushes OSU to the buzzer, LA Tech forced Mississippi State to overtime, Utah State should have beaten Auburn. There are myriad examples this year alone of teams rising well above themselves to scare a powerhouse or even defeat them. Ever since App State beat Michigan in 2007, the little guy has believed. Now the big boys must always be vigilant for the scrappy team that will always threaten to derail a season. We must never forget that those little teams circle the games 4 years previous. No one remembers the Little Caesar's Bowl winner, but everyone remembers Appalachian State upsetting the Wolverines (hehehehe).

3) The Pac 12, like the Big Ten, is also very bad

Those teams that will contend for a title are few and far between this year, but it's a pretty safe bet that they won't come from the B1G or Pac 12. Yes, there are Wisconsin (played no one), Nebraska (terrible defense), Oregon (lost their only big game), and Stanford (1 player and play no one), but no one really buys these teams as legitimate contenders. The cream of the SEC (LSU and Bama), Oklahoma, and maybe Boise or Ok St. are the only contenders now. The Big Ten traditionally takes the beating for being overrated, but let's heap some of the blame on the Pac 12. USC almost (and probably should have) lost to the worst Big Ten team, Minnesota. ASU lost to a mediocre B1G Illinois. Oregon St. lost at home to Sacramento St. The Washington and Washington State's are as billed (bad). Here's an example of East Coast bias helping the reputation of the Pac12 by hiding how bad the conference is. Oregon and Stanford are pretty good, but the rest of the conference is terrible.

4) Heisman trophies are more or less decided in the preseason unless a truly special player throws his hat in the race...early.

Luck. Moore. James. Jones. There're your Heisman finalists in September and most likely in December. Yes, everyone likes to pretend that someone else has a chance, but let's be honest, it's not realistic. ESPiN tried to anoint Denard Robinson after the Notre Dame game because of the explosive runs, but that game did nothing but show me he has absolutely no chance of winning without any talent throwing the ball. He'll fall off in B1G play just like last year. Anyone else is pushed to the side by the media so the preseason contenders can compete. There are other good players, but media shows what it will to determine. Blackmon and Lattimore have a slim shot, but they need to be transcendent to enter the ring. Every once in a while, a Cam Newton comes from nowhere, but we won't get a chance to see that unless some unknown leads their team to an undefeated season.

5) There are some REALLY good teams (top 10) that no one knows about due to media undercoverage.

Quick, what was the matchup of top 10 teams last week? Most would guess LSU/WVU or Bama/Arkansas but it was Ok State/Texas A&M. If you saw the hype for this Big 12 matchup, you would probably be alone. The worldwide leader (and their SEC contract) hid this incredibly big early season matchup on the back page to highlight a good SEC team vs. a Big East contender. I truly believe that the Cowboys are one of the best teams in the country, but you'd never know with the coverage they get. We need the media to come out from behind the screen of unbiased-ness and own up to their true allegiance: $$$$. Yes, LSU and Bama are very very good teams, but there are others that are being ignored due to the sexiness of the name. Even Boise St. is a sexier name for the media due to the cinderella story that pushes teams that are better in my opinion (OkSt., TAMU, SoCarolina, Stanford, Wisconsin, etc.). The SEC isn't the only conference, althought that's what the media wants you to think.

Grading the Bucks Week 4: Colorado

2011-09-26T16:36:00.003-04:00

Offense: B
Braxton Miller makes his first start for the Scarlet and Gray and had a nice little game. See how 5 completions by Braxton was more acceptable to the fans with a win? Fair or not, the performance through the air was about as woeful as Miami. The offense was able to put up points this week so that's a major plus, but it was Colorado. Miller made some nice moves in the backfield and down field but he has some freshman flaws. His internal clock is about 1 second before he takes off running and he is rather indecisive with his running. He doesn't attack the hole but rather dancing through it. The running game was great and Jordan Hall is the stud we all expected. The 1-2 punch of Hall and Herron will be scary. Miller looked passable on his few throws and made 3 excellent throws (2 for TDs and 1 dropped). He still has much to learn in pocket presence and accuracy but he'll learn. Bauserman came in a little late for my taste because Miller takes a lot of hits due to indecision (not to mention JB looked fine at home). The major upside of the offense: 0 turnovers.

Defense: C
Not happy with this unit at all. They came out firing on all cylinders but certainly let up as the game went on. We're seeing the loss of Nate Williams is very costly allowing double teams for Simon on every play. The secondary is still very suspect. I was wrong about Travis Howard. He should probably head back to the bench rather than misplaying every deep ball. Also, I see Howard trying to blow people up rather than solid form tackling--something that will cost us in the future. Tyler Moeller has also not lived up to expectations. Way too many missed tackles, a TD given up on a broken 4th down play, and 17 points to a BAD Buffalo team shows we're not where we need to be.

Special Teams: A-
What makes a special teams day a good one? No one talking about you. Buchanan is punting extremely well (not the biggest leg but great accuracy), Basil is making the kicks now, coverage has been fine, and the return game is giving a little spark. Great kick return but Jordan Hall (again) almost giving a quick 7 and good awareness (or bad Colorado) to get the turnover before the half. I stuck with A- rather than A due to too many touchbacks on the punts and no scores but I could be convinced to bump them up to an A.

Coaching: B
Ok Bollman. You may be learning. We don't have a quarterback...yet. But we do have a fantastic running back and a fairly good O-line. Run. The. Ball. How many attempts did Miller have in the 1st quarter? 0. Great play calling. Everyone says you have to pass to set up the run, but I disagree if the run works. Hall was running up and down the field and Miller looked pretty good running a zone read option. Also, the receivers couldn't catch a pass (except Smith), so just stop throwing until you have to. When Posey gets back and if the receivers put some glue on their hands, we can start throwing (B1G play anyone), but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Keep running the ball. Also, the fans hated the call to kick the FG with 6 seconds left in the half, but I think it was an ok call. Don't end the half without points when you kick off to start the 2nd half. Had Miller taken too long to decide and the Bucks came away without points, Fickell would be getting mauled. Good safe call, but need some more work in practice to shore up the execution. Keep riding the running game no matter if it's boring if it works.

Week 4 Picks: Early Conference Showdown

2011-09-21T13:04:00.004-04:00

Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M
Draper: This will most likely be the biggest game of the weekend that no one will talk about (even though it's between top 10 teams). The Aggies have high hopes on the season but haven't been able to show their skills against quality competition. The Pokes have the most explosive offense in the country but the defense is suspect. The home field advantage of the 12th man will be spectacular, but I'm riding the Cowboys all the way. Justin Blackmon will enter the Heisman race (even though he's already the clear cut number 1 WR in the country) with a huge performance. OSU: 42--TAMU: 35
Auer: Color me shocked that Texas A&M hasn't lost a game they shouldn't yet. Just like my esteemed colleague mentioned, this is probably the best game this weekend that literally no one is talking about. Frankly, I had no idea that Ok State was ranked this high. Based on how each team has performed this season, this is going to be a close one. The consistency of the fan support will help put the Aggies over the top in this one. OSU: 28--TAMU: 38

LSU @ West Virginia
Draper: The Mountaineers are riding an undefeated streak after squeaking by Maryland after the Terps roared back late. LSU won a big game in Starksville last Thurs which I believe is a more threatening environment than Morgantown. The WVU faithful will be out burning couches and showing their tooth, but the Tiger defense is just too good. Geno Smith will spend most of the game on his back and Jarrett Lee will do enough to not blow it. LSU: 20--WVU: 10
Auer: LSU has already ran through a gamut of difficult teams, and WVU will be no rollover. The Tigers have proved to be both unstoppable, and a bit lucky, waiting for teams to make the mistake that gives the Mad Hatter and his squad the win. The Mountaineers are on the cusp of making a huge statement, and vaulting themselves back onto the national scene, and into the BCS Championship conversation. I believe the Tigers will be looking ahead to the home-opener, and get nipped here by the 'Neers. LSU: 27--WVU: 29

Arkansas @ Alabama
Draper: Arkansas has been a surprise with the crazy loss of Knile Davis in the off season and Ryan Mallet's departure to the NFL. Problem is, Bama is a whole different animal. Richardson is a beast (even if he is the only offense they have) and the Tide defense is an immoveable object. Arkansas will start fast, but die off near halftime. Bama will score enough to win comfortably while the defense shuts it down. Ark: 10--Bama: 24
Auer: Alabama is nearly an unstoppable force it seems. The running game and defense form almost a perfect beast that is next to impossible to stop. Arkansas just does not have the horses to run with the Tide this year. Ark: 6--Bama: 38

Florida State @ Clemson
Draper: My Noles may have lost to the Sooners, but boy were they pumped. They got me excited for the remainder of this year and the future. EJ Manuel's injury could cost them but Trickett stepped up big time (even though he's 10 years old). Clemson looked pretty good last week ending Auburn's winning streak. Tajh Boyd and Edwards are very good but the Nole D is a bigger animal. I will admit that Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've been too (1. Swamp 2. Horseshoe) but they just don't have the horses. Noles roll! FSU: 34--Clem: 20
Auer: FSU proved last weekend that they are a very good team, but with a variety of injuries, and the HUGE potential of a let-down, Clemson is going to surprise everyone and pull off the upset. Ironically, with a QB who would have come to OSU had Terrelle Pryor not been here... FSU: 18--Clem: 28

Colorado @ Ohio State
Draper: The Buckeyes absolutely need this rebound game. Thankfully, Colorado is woefully bad. The lines for the Bucks need to completely dominate and I believe they will. It's looking like Braxton will get his first start so hold your breath on turnovers. Expect a conservatively called game with a heavy heavy dose of the run and a few safe passes. I'm sure Miller was coached up this week on ball security when running. Bauserman will most likely get some time so do me a favor Buckeye fans: don't boo your players. This is just what the doctor ordered after last week's abomination. The Bullets will turn up the heat and I expect to see an offense this week. CU: 0--OSU: 27
Auer: After quite possibly the ugliest offensive showing I've ever seen out of Ohio State the work really begins for Coach Fickell. Colorado isn't as bad as Akron, but they also aren't as good as Toledo or Miami. The Bucks defense took some time to gel in Miami, and the offense never really made an appearance. There must be some sort of consistency established, and it all starts with the quarterback position. CU: 10--OSU: 38

Upset Special
Draper: Arizona State over USC and San Diego State over Michigan
Auer: WVU over LSU and ASU over USC

Five Thoughts on the Week that was

2011-09-19T18:33:00.004-04:00

1) I hope Brady Hoke never realizes how to use Denard Robinson at the beginning of the game.

Watching another Michigan game (part in parcel), I can see that Michigan's offense is being handcuffed by their coaches. The defense is atrocious and that won't change until the athletes change because they simply don't have the personnel. With regard to the offense, there's a reason the Wolverines continually get behind in every game and come storming back. Al Borges and Brady Hoke are convinced that they can force their system and make Robinson a pocket passer and that simply is not possible. After a few stalled drives against terrible defenses, they remove the reins and let Denard run all over the field to defeat the small schools they are playing now by himself. Denard Robinson is a stellar athlete but he is not a great quarterback. Hoke may install the offense bit by bit, but I hope he fails to use his most powerful weapon as effectively as possible. When the teams get better as the year goes on, Denard won't be able to come that size of a deficit with a decent defense. He will NOT win the Heisman either way because he simply cannot throw effectively, but he is the most explosive player in the country when let loose.

2) FSU is right on the cusp of being back

Some of the swagger is back in Tally. I loved the environment bringing me back to my rookie season with the Garnet and Gold. The town's rocking and the belief is there, but the talent is JUST short. Don't get me wrong, they are extremely talented and most likely will finish in the top 10 with a BCS berth and an ACC title, but the game against OU showed the importance of experienced veterans in a national title contender. The Noles will be a force to deal with in the years to come which is what is getting me excited about the future. Finally, I see a team that expects to win every game again. This year of experience and swagger will continue the reloading in Tallahassee. The country will once again fear the spear with the huge hits and rowdy atmosphere.

3) Suspensions kill

Yikes Buckeyes! That was pathetic. But let us look at the situation: suspensions have removed the quarterback (Pryor), #1 Running Back (Herron), #1 Receiver (Posey), Left Tackle (Adams), and an up-and-coming defender (Thomas). Imagine any team in which those pieces are removed for a few games...train wreck--and we in Columbus are seeing the brutal reality and results of the Tat 5 indiscretions and selfishness. Miami has a decent team which was underrated from the week 1 loss somewhat attributed to suspensions, but the Buckeyes should never let that happen to a mediocre team. Excuses don't feed the family, but there it is. This loss can be attributed in part to the selfishness of the 5 athletes who put themselves over the team. You have to rebound, but that severe of a loss is a killer.

4) Realignment is here...why couldn't this have been taken care of over the offseason.

After all the talk and speculation in the offseason surrounding conference realignment (primarily focused around the Big 12 schools), nothing happened before the season started. Everything looked to be at a standstill after the Pac 12 expansion until Texas A&M rocked the boat and sought out the SEC. Now, all of a sudden, the big boys in Texas and Oklahoma are seeking a move and out of left field, Pitt and Syracuse jump to the ACC in a move than will most likely destroy the Big East. Let's recap: we appear in line for 4 superconferences (Big Ten, Pac 12, SEC, and ACC). The ACC will be the basketball powerhouse and the SEC will be the football powerhouse (on paper). Three of the four are scrambling to catch the pieces as the fall while the schools in the Big East, Big 12, and non-AQ conferences scramble to find some conference to take them on. The Big Ten is notoriously absent from the realignment talks and they probably have to get in the game. Notre Dame is the big fish that will fall to the Big Ten shortly, but, like it or not, it appears the Big Ten must seek expansion to keep up--or, more likely, they will refuse any and all newcomers (other than ND) and show all other conferences how financially stable they are in comparison and stick with 13-14. Some think it won't work, but the Big Ten has enough of a following and traditional fanbase than it might. It appears that Texas and Oklahoma (and therefore Okie State and Texas Tech) are Pac 12 bound so all of the big fish are already gone (sans Notre Dame) so if Delany doesn't get on it, the Big Ten will be left with nothing but scrubs. I don't know how I feel about superconferences but, as I said last year, they are about to become a reality. I just wished that the schools could have handled this business in the summer rather than taking away from the sport.

5) This is a down year for the Big Ten (for real this year)--mostly due to Ohio State.

The Big Ten has always taken the heat from the media (sorry from ESPiN) because they aren't the ESPiN cash cow of the SEC and the Big Ten Network has actually survived in a world in which the worldwide leader is an essential monopoly. They are always hammered for being slow and weak when most of the criticism was undeserved. Yes, the SEC has had the premier program in college football for the last few years and I won't argue it, but it has the Ole Miss, Vandys, and Kentuckys of the world like every other conference. Ohio State has been the standard bearer and has rebounded from the national championship losses of 06 and 07. The suspensions have hurt the premier program and led to more pundits smelling blood. Unfortunately, the much of the criticism is right this year. Wisconsin is pretty good but we have no real benchmark given the competition. Ditto for Nebraska but the defense has been very suspect. MSU drops the first 'big one' to ND, OSU is embarrassed in Miami, Michigan has been stupid bad defensively, and Penn State was spanked (no big surprise) at home to Bama and struggled with Temple. The one bright spot has been a better than expected Illinois team. I have defended the Big Ten in the past, but it's tough to argue this year. Yes, it's better than the Big East and maybe even with the other big conferences in the meat, but I don't see a single elite team that you can find in the other 4 big conferences (Bama/LSU, OU/OkSt, Oreg/Stanford, FSU). Wisky and Nebraska might join the 'elite' but the downfall of the Buckeyes is felt all around the midwest. Perhaps when the suspensions abate, the Buckeyes will reemerge as a contender, but no matter what, the Big Ten is in a down year.

Grading the Buckeyes: Week 3 Miami...OUCH

2011-09-18T22:50:00.004-04:00

Not much good to say here. Let's just get to it.

Offense: D+
Talk about ineptness. 2 completed passes before the last 2 plays....2. Many will hate me for my opinion, but here it is: Bauserman is and must be our quarterback. There is no doubt that Miller is the more talented of the two but he is just not ready. If we throw him to the wolves now, we will waste his talent and potential for future success for another win or two this season. Bauserman is serviceable (no matter what you think) but he needs help. Many point to the stats and the throw-aways (to the ghost men). The stats don't tell the story of failure by our receivers who dropped at least 6 passes that were on the numbers--by the way, our receivers caught, you guessed it, 0 passes. If those passes thrown away were forced in to the covered receivers (and they were covered) he would have at least 3 interceptions. Given the choice, I'm fine with it. He managed the game well, but he isn't a playmaker (all of ours are suspended). Miller can be a GREAT quarterback in the future, but he needs to learn first. I have seen this story before with an old quarterback benched for the flashy freshman. Learn from the past, Luke. I gave D+ rather than an F because there was a HUGE positive on this side. The best unit on the field for the Buckeyes was the offensive line (never thought I'd say that). They were opening up monster holes and the Buckeyes had great success with Jordan Hall running (why we abandoned that, I'll never know). The Buckeye offense will be boring this year, but it COULD be effective if we run. the. ball.

Defense: B+
This unit would deserve an A if it weren't for the first 2 drives where they obviously though the game started at 8:00. The Buckeyes could have been absolutely smoked if the defense didn't tighten up after the first 2 possessions. They came up with some Jacory Harris picks but dropped another two. With that being said, you can't expect the defense to stop the opposing team and score the points. They stiffened up and really gave the Buckeyes life until the last 2 minutes of the game but they definitely dug a hole from which this offense could not come back. The defensive line is not as deep as the past and the loss of Nate Williams really hurt. Giving up nearly 200 yards to a running back is inexcusable (even though most of those came on the first 2 drives. Clean up the slow start and some sloppy tackling and we'll talk.

Special Teams: A
Yes ladies and gentlemen, you read that right. The Ohio State Special Teams gets my coveted A grade for what seems like the first time ever. Ben Buchanan was phenomenal punting the ball and constantly flipping the field after the offense stalled (usually after 3 plays). Beautiful punts and very nice coverage prevented the big play from Miami. Also, Drew Basil made his first (and second) field goals of his career which will give him much needed confidence for the future. If special teams can get help from the offense, we might win some games. Absolutely loved the punting game but would rather not punt the ball that much anymore.

Coaching: F
Ok Luke, I think we've found you're in over your head. The camera caught the deer in headlights on the sideline which was difficult to watch. As I stated, the biggest mistake of the coaching staff in my opinion is the exact opposite of the greater Columbus area. Bauserman needs to be the guy and we need to run the ball (almost to the exclusion of the pass). Miller will learn and improve over time, but he's not there. When he was running free, Columbus was screaming MILLER TIME but I could see the cockiness in his eyes. I was waiting for the mistake and wasn't disappointed. Again, he. will. be. great. Not yet. Let Bauserman hand it off and run Woody style offense (3 yards and a cloud of dust) with the bevy of great backs and surprisingly good offensive line play. It will be boring, but it will work better than what we are seeing. The playcalling was forced and felt like they had to call a balanced game. Play to the strengths and ignore the pass until the run is stopped. The biggest coaching error occurred in the waning seconds of the game and had no effect of the outcome. As a coach, you never, ever, EVER give up on your team. EVER. Fickell had 3 timeouts in a 2 score game (1TD and 1FG) and he stuffed them in his pocket for a later date. I know that we had a 1 in a trillion chance of winning, but you always hold on and show your team belief in them and their abilities. By giving up, he showed me more than ever that he cannot stay without a major overhaul. I'd love to see Earle Bruce rip him a new one for giving up. I know Woody or Earle wouldn't slink away with his tail between his legs after this. He would claw and scratch until the clock strikes zero. We weren't going to win and you could see Luke thought that, but you never give up even when the world is against you....what about the lesson you're trying to teach with the off the field, 'us against the world' mentality. His actions showed his philosophy was nothing but empty words and that was the most painful thing about the loss.

Here's to leaving this week behind and hitting it hard for another day. Go Bucks!

LSU @ Mississippi State

2011-09-15T17:06:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to give a heads up to watch this game tonight. Starksville will be rocking the cowbells. I think the Bulldogs were looking ahead in the collapse in Auburn (yeah--I know they were playing the defending National Champs but they were so pathetic in week 1 vs. Utah State, it's easy to look for the huge home game on Thurs.). LSU is the better team but Mississippi State will throw EVERYTHING at the Bayou Bengals but I think LSU will come out on top...barely. Look for a late field goal to be the difference in a game that is WAY closer than the experts think.
LSU: 31--MSU: 30

Week 3 Picks--Tats vs. Bounties, Prostitutes, Jet Skis, etc.

2011-09-15T17:02:00.005-04:00

Oklahoma @ Florida State
Auer: Lacking a signature win like this would be, the FSU Seminoles will be highly motivated to pull out a W against Bob Stoops' boys. The problem lies in experience. Last year in Norman, FSU was embarrassed and it was clear who the most talented team on the field was that night. As exciting as the atmosphere will be in Tallahassee on Saturday night, the Noles just don't have the horses to hang with the extremely talented and experienced Sooners. OU: 38--FSU: 30
Draper: Head or heart? Gotta be a homer. Perhaps Doak Campbell Stadium can get the Noles' swagger back. The stadium isn't the most intimidating in the country, but the crowd will be rabid for the night game against a number 1 team. OU had 2 weeks to prepare, but anyone following college football knows that the Sooners are COMPLETELY different away from Norman. The Noles will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and flying around the field. Big Game Choke Artist Bob will make a key coaching error to bring the win back to Tallahassee. Jimbo gets the first big win to win back the fans and bring the swagger of the 90s back. GO NOLES! OU: 24--FSU: 27

Michigan State @ Notre Dame
Auer: If the Fighting Irish lose another close one, it'll be hard to dispute the existence of a curse on Brian Kelly. Last year's game was an absolute classic with one of the greatest finishes I've ever witnessed. As was seen last week, Notre Dame's defense is absolute trash and won't be able to stop MSU, yet again. Mark Dantonio should continue to prove he's the most underrated coach in the Big Ten. MSU: 23--ND: 9
Draper: Alright Notre Dame. I picked the upset by USF in week one but thought you could beat a hapless Michigan team and you crushed me by forgetting your defense in South Bend. This is your last chance. I think Rees will play a great offensive game just like the last 2 weeks but avoid the turnovers for once. MSU is sneaking around the B1G chicken coop with no talk, but I think they'll come into Notre Dame expecting a win. The Irish will play as if a cornered badger and will finally get their first win...even though they'll still give up a ton. The Spartans lost too many starters on defense to stop Rees. This is going out on a limb, but this is your last chance Brian Kelly. MSU: 31--ND: 34

Ohio State @ Miami
Auer: If you watched last week's game against the Rockets, there are many reasons to worry about the Buckeyes. If you watched Miami play the Maryland Terrapins on Labor Day, you're worrying should probably subside. The Buckeyes and Hurricanes are both doing a bit of soul searching and it's hard to be convinced that the Bucks could lose this one. I'm expecting a further reliance on the running game and Joe Bauserman to take advantage of the suspect Miami secondary. OSU: 35--UM: 20
Draper: In the game for the ESPiN ages, the Buckeyes invade South Beach. Except the over-under of references to some sort of improprieties to be set at 1038234028 (I'd take the over). Jacory Harris makes his inspired return to the Canes much to the exultation of the Buckeyes. More importantly for the Buckeyes, Jordan Hall, Corey Brown, and Travis Howard are back in the line up. Hall will improve the running game immensely but the biggest impact will come in the secondary. UM was pretty pathetic against Maryland as was OSU against Toledo. That being said, I think the Buckeyes are in prime position to take this game comfortably. Miami will attempt to run a pro offense which the Bullets are known for shutting down. They'll key off of Toledo's screens late, but it will be too late. I expect a huge improvement from a look ahead last week (and the first made Drew Basil FG!). GO BUCKS! OSU: 38--UM: 20

Upset Special:
Auer: Illinois over Arizona State, Toledo over Boise State
Draper: Tennessee over Florida, Washington over Nebraska--I wanted Toledo over Boise but don't think they have enough left in the tank

Grading the Buckeyes--Toledo Yikes!

2011-09-13T18:26:00.002-04:00

The Bucks of 2011 get their first real scare of the season against the Rockets and much of the worry can be attributed to the lines. There were a lot of injuries, but the Buckeyes let themselves get pushed around way too much. Toledo is much better than people think (Herbie even went as far to suggest that they may be better than the Hurricanes), but OSU shouldn't have to sweat that game out at home. That being said, I will say today that Toledo will finish with more wins than Wisconsin's first 2 opponents (UNLV and Oregon State) combined.

Offense: C+

Joe Bauserman took a lot of heat for the offensive struggles but I'm not convinced it was all deserved. The O-Line was getting routinely beaten up front by the smaller Rocket line which was the real scare. I would have liked Bauserman to look downfield a little more but he checked down to the running back routinely which led to many questions to the receivers separation (I couldn't see if the receivers got open or not on television). If Joe can hang in the pocket and give his receivers a bit more time, I think they'd be a bit more explosion. The running game also struggled with a low average yard per carry. Getting Jordan Hall back from suspension in Week 3 will certainly help but it also falls on the O-Line. The O-Line needs to get stronger and nastier and the backs need to hit the hole rather than the backs of the blockers. Carlos Hyde has been serviceable but the extremely costly turnovers of Rod Smith will definitely limit his playing time. No Braxton Miller is a topic for the coaching section.

Defense: B-

The Bullets were flying around like crazy in Week 1, knocking heads off while shutting out the hapless Zips. Week 2 brought a new beast and the Buckeyes looked a little stunned. The underneath routes were destroying the OSU defense and Eric Page couldn't be covered. The biggest disappointment were the D-Line (until John Simon went crazy at the end) and the failure to adjust to the underneath crossing patterns (Toledo couldn't throw downfield if their lives depended on it. I raised the grade to a low B due to the stop at the end but we saw the depth of the D-Line is not a deep as before. When Simon went out with cramps and Williams sidelined for bruises, no pressure was generated. Thankfully, John Simon showed why he's an All-American candidate by single handedly disrupting the Toledo upset bid. Getting Howard back at CB will help with depth issues in the secondary next week. The long run by Page was a combination of a great athlete and a bad angle by the safety. Those issues need to be fixed right away.

Special Teams: C

This unit would certainly deserve it's standard D or F rating if not for the punt return by our 3rd string punt returner Fields. The return by Fields was huge and well blocked which totally shifted the momentum going into halftime. The punt block was inexcusable with an unblocked defender coming off the edge. That is how upset bids are made and the Buckeyes allowed it. The kick coverage and return teams were so-so but the blocked punt laid the ground work for the potential upset. The other problem on special teams was the lack of a field goal made this year. Drew Basil is not a bad kicker, but he has been put in bad situations many times. His attempts have all been outside 40 and the kick Sat was 50+. When he can get some confidence on a shorter kick, he'll be fine. We always expect Nuge and Janikowski but that's not realistic. He'll get it together but definitely not there yet.

Coaching: C-

Fickell is getting a full dose of what it means to be the guy at OSU. A win is not enough. Let's give him credit because Tressel routinely had this close game in the opening weeks with a full complement of athletes (no suspensions), but OSU expects blowouts every week no matter the opponent (fair or not). The playcalling was pedestrian and the jet sweep was continually run even with little to no success. Bauserman wasn't looking down field and the adjustment was made on the sidelines. Defensively, the adjustments to the short hit passes weren't apparent and Page wasn't doubled on the crucial plays. The biggest question surrounded freshman Braxton Miller. Everyone expected the peppering of Miller throughout but he never entered the game. I'll be honest, I like Bauserman. I think he's paid his dues and is more mentally prepared and unflappable than Miller. I would start Joe B. without a doubt and give him 80% of the snaps. That being said, the coaches showed in Week 1 that Miller will see time but refused to pepper him in for a change of pace. I would have given a play here or there just to keep Toledo guessing (more specifically, I might have let him run the 2-pt conversion to totally mess with them). Use him or don't. He's not the starter or even your QB, but he is a weapon.

Toledo projected win total: 10 (MAC champions)

5 things we learned (Week 2)

2011-09-12T10:30:00.004-04:00

1) No one is good

This is the easy one with which to start because people are all over the place while trying to crown a champion in September. Compared to last year (and the year before, and the year before, and the year before..... you get the picture), there is not a single team that has exploded on my radar as the proverbially 'team to beat'. LSU has had the best performance of the year but Oregon couldn't get out of it's own way. Oklahoma and Alabama have been crowned but OU has beaten powerhouse Tulsa (at home) and Bama beat hapless Kent State and an overrated PSU without the semblance of a competant offense. We'll find out about OU this week and Bama soon enough (their offense is soooooo bad). I've seen more parity this year in the sport than in any other because there is NO clear favorite. All teams have myriad flaws so let's sit back and enjoy the ride before we crown a champion.

2) Defense is a lost art

What is happening in football? The advent of the spread and the run-and-shoot offenses have seemed to relegate a fairly important part of the game to the back burner. I'm speaking of defense. I can count on my fingers the number of teams thus far that have played defense this year (Bama, PSU, OSU--1 game, Wisconsin--no real opponent, ...um I'm sure there are more but...). I felt sick after watching the ND-Michigan game, not only because the Wolverines won, but also because it was one of the most horribly played games defensively EVER (Note: horribly played doesn't mean not exciting). The pendulum has swung to offensive football and my offensively focused mind likes that but not when no one is trying to stop you. It's time for a team to rise from the ashes by shutting down the explosion rather than the glitz and flash.

3) Notre Dame is closer to being back than Michigan (but unknown if they will achieve it)

While the game under the lights in the Big House had the makings of an all-time classic for the first night game in Ann Arbor, it was clear the better team didn't win. So many have crowned Denard Robinson the Heisman winner (again) when anyone with a brain can see that this team will struggle mightily. Robinson was credited with 3 picks but most of his deep balls (including the TDs) are easy pickings for a defense with a pulse. I was stunned the Irish didn't come away with AT LEAST 5 interceptions with the glorious arm punts that were lofted. With that being said, it was clear to me that:
a) Notre Dame's offense is actually really good if they can avoid the turnovers
b) Michigan is so-so offensively with Denard still being handcuffed in the pro-style offense
c) These teams have never seen a defensive playbook in their lives
The game was thrilling and literally down to the last 2 seconds, but let's stop someone. Notre Dame's problems are easier to correct in the near future on offense, but Michigan still needs athletes to run the system--the spread the field athletes are not ready for this pro offense. On defense, blow both teams up and start over (sans maybe Mante Teo on ND).

4) The new uniform craze HAS to go

Of all the sports in the country, tradition is deepest in college football. This is, in my opinion, the simplest argument of all. The rivalries, the passion, the hatred, the pride, the fight songs, the band; tradition is rampant in the sport. Another aspect that is inherent to the deep-rooted tradition is the uniforms. The numbers on the Bama helmet, the Princeton....I mean Michigan wings on the helmet, the white of PSU, the Silver Bullets of OSU all epitomize the history and tradition of the sport. Then along comes Nike and tries to reinvent the wheel. First, Oregon is used as a fashion model changing week to week with each uniform trying to be more outrageous than the last then Nike gets greedy and tries to reinvent the tradition of everyone with their 'pro-combat' unis. They've gotten out of hand. OSU saying they're wearing 'throwbacks' when in reality it is a simple ploy for the almighty dollar. Teams don't even wear school colors in the pro combat uniform any more (FSU wearing black for example). Then, to push the envelope of competition further, Under Armour creates even more outrageous (and ugly) uniforms for Maryland to rival Nike. The warmup uniforms were different and just as bad. It's time to get back to football and tradition rather than all the fashion talk. I don't care what you wear, just line up and play. Blood and mud look the same no matter how pretty you look.

5) The little guys believe.

Big Bad Ohio State gets a bigger scare from the Ohios, Toledos, and Navys of the world than they have from Michigan in the last few years. This is because the scrappy, David vs. Goliath mantra is starting to find hope in the little schools. Don't get me wrong, I think Toledo is vastly underrated, but they threw EVERYTHING at the Buckeyes on Sat (as usual) but this was slightly different...they almost won. In the past, a recruit would kill to ride the pine at Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, or OSU rather than start at the MAC or Big East schools. The time have changed where players seek to get on the field now so more higher level recruits seek the school that will let them show their talents as soon as possible. This better breed of athlete at the lower tier schools has led to some new dynasties (Boise, TCU, etc.) as well as the real upset potential every week. It's not the Big Boys suffering; it's better coaches and players on the little sisters of the poor that know these games are their one big shot to shock the world. They know no one cares about or remembers the Little Caesars/Microcenter/Best Buy/Your Name Here for $100000 Bowl but everyone will remember the school that beats Ohio State. Quick: Who won last year's Liberty Bowl? No clue? Ok, what 1-AA school beat Michigan in the Big House in 2007? Go Appalachian State! These players know this is the chance for immortality and are stepping up to the plate. Look out Auburn, OSU, PSU, Michigan, USC, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, etc. here comes Utah State, Toledo, Temple, App State, Utah, Tulane, Rice, Tulsa.

Week 2 Picks: Yawn

2011-09-07T15:30:00.001-04:00

Last week had some exciting games but little actual movement. Auburn snagged victory from the jaws of defeat vs. Utah State, LSU was impressive without their starting QB but Oregon couldn't get out of their own way, and Baylor upset the 'back-to-normal' TCU with no defense to speak of.

South Carolina @ Georgia
Draper: This is an absolute MUST win for Mark Richt after getting picked apart by Kellen Moore. The Cocks looked iffy under Connor Shaw but came back to beat down the ECU upset bid under Stephen Garcia. Hint to the Ole Ball Coach: Start Garcia. He is better. UGA will fight like mad between the hedges but Marcus Lattimore will throw his hat in the ring for the Heisman by running for 3-4 TDs in a booming start to the repeat bid for the SEC East champs. USC: 41--UGA: 30
Auer: After proving last week that the Dawgs are once again an overrated team, UGA will be in full desperation mode to win this week against the Cocks. Mark Richt is 7-2 in this series and should his defense find even a little bit of mojo, it should be a knock-down, drag-out type of game. Not to mention, Steve Spurrier is a douche. USC: 13--UGA: 21

Notre Dame @ Michigan
Draper: In my opinion, this is the most intriguing game of the weekend. Brian Kelly freaked on the sideline in the upset special by yours truly and swapped Crist for a 10 year old boy in Tommy Rees at QB. Michigan got 2 defensive TDs (yeah I'm stunned too) which led to a win over WMU that was much closer than the score indicated. Miscues killed WMU and ND last week. Look for the Irish to clean up their act this week. Without the turnovers, Wolverines can't score enough with Robinson running a pro-style offense. He'll try to carry the team but will end just short in the first night game in the Big House. ND: 33--UM: 31
Auer: After watching a decent chunk of last week's mostly rain-interrupted UM and ND games, it's clear that one of these teams has quickly regained some long-lost swagger, and the other still seems to be searching for direction. Losing at home on opening day to the South Florida Bulls is unacceptable and laughable for all who don a Notre Dame sweater in the falls. Brady Hoke looks to have UM back on the right track, with a solid offensive showing and a defense that just doesn't stand there when the other team has the ball. Both teams deserve to die a slow death, but I'm going with Big Blue as usual in this historical rivalry. ND: 17--UM: 41

Alabama @ Penn State
Draper: Just put this on here because it's a ranked non-conference matchup, but this should be a blow out (just like last year). Bama is too tough on defense for PSU to score consistently. While the Tide isn't going to wow the world on offense (5 turnovers vs. Kent State), they still scored 48. I expect the Paternos to hang for a half or so but it won't be close. Saban will congratulate JoePa on the win to make him happy (even though he lost by 30). Bama: 38--PSU: 13
Auer: As much as PeeSU is a hated Big Ten Rival, it would be oh so awesome to see the Crimson Tide of the Ess Eee Cee go down in flaming fashion. Unfortunately the Lions just don't have the horses to hang with 'Bama, and this one won't be as close as I would like it to be. The Tide's running game will carry them through this sure-to-be fired up atmosphere. Bama: 31--PSU: 9

Toledo @ Ohio State
Draper: The Bucks looked very strong versus the completely mismatched Zip squad but Toledo is a definite step up (although not world beaters). I loved what I saw from the Bullets last week and expect much of the same. The growth of Miller will continue while Bauserman continues his Krenzel game management. Joe B. looked solid last week reminding people that he was recruited to be more than a backup. I look to see if Jordan Hall will step back into the running back starter role after impressive performances from Smith and Hyde. Drew Basil will get on the right track with 2 field goals and will ease the special teams worries. Bucks win solidly. Toledo: 9--OSU: 34
Auer: The Bucks will come out again and show they are worthy or a higher ranking. Despite how poor of a challenge Akron was, I believe this year's Buckeye team is legitimate. Toledo does have recent wins over scUM and Purdon't, but I'm sorry, the silver bullets won't let them get close. Toledo: 6--OSU: 47

Upset Special: Draper: (ranking upset) ASU over Missouri and (betting upset) Utah over USC
Auer: Oregon State over Wisconsin

College Football Week 1 Picks

2011-09-03T00:28:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another exciting College Football Year. Here's hoping for as much excitement of Fri.'s game between TCU and Baylor. (I know this is late but I want to get back into this).

LSU vs. Oregon (Dallas)
Draper: The suspensions will prove very costly for the Bayou Bengals but 400 year old backup Jarrett Lee will prove serviceable. LSU will hang around with raw talent and relatively weak Duck defense (not to mention the virtual home crowd), but Oregon will prove too much late by keeping the tempo high for 60 minutes. LSU: 25--Oregon: 31

Boise St. vs. Georgia (Atlanta)
Draper: Boise is not the same team as last year. Kellen Moore is a definite game changer, but losses of Titus Young and Austin Pettis will really hurt the Bronco attack and lead to more fields rather than TDs--FGs won't be enough. Georgia is in a do-or-die year and I expect the usual 8-9 win campaign but a great start with an upset over Boise will help Richt keep his job. Boise St: 23--UGA: 27

Akron @ Ohio St.
Draper: The Buckeyes just look to get back to football and get away from the off-field troubles. I expect Fickell to have the team laser-focused on football and that's bad news for the hapless Zips. The additional suspensions of Hall, Howard, and Brown would hurt...if it wasn't Akron. Look for a simple solid game from Bauserman (Krenzel-esque) and Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith to show that the dropoff from RB 1 to RB 3-4 is not too steep. They will make their statement early. The Bullets will make this a statement by using the chip on their shoulders to knock the head off the Zips. GO BUCKS! Akron: 13--OSU: 41

Upset Special: Draper: USF over Notre Dame

Basketball talk anyone

2011-01-30T14:21:00.002-05:00

I don't know if anyone ever reads this stuff, but I'm going to start a writeup of every Buckeye basketball game from here on out. I meant to start this a long time ago, but I kept putting it off. Expect a writeup on the close Northwestern game later today!

Draper Index Final Result 2010

2010-12-06T17:28:00.003-05:00

Another year, another success for the Draper Index. National Championship is correctly predicted for (I believe) the 8th of the 9 years. Yes, this one was easy, but I had it much closer than most. Match of the BCS is pretty darn good. Major differences are OU at 4 and Stanford at 10 (I actually feel this is more accurate since OU beat FSU, Neb, and OSU whereas Stanford beat.....yeah). Also, Wisconsin checks in below OSU which may seem strange but the win at Wisconsin is not enough to overcome everything--loss at MSU and nailbiter win over a BAD ASU (even though I'd had Wisky slightly over the Bucks if I voted). Without further ado, here are the final results.

Draper Index Final 2010
1. Oregon
2. Auburn
3. TCU
4. Oklahoma
5. Ohio State
6. Alabama
7. Boise State
8. Virginia Tech
9. Wisconsin
10. Stanford
11. Oklahoma State
12. LSU
13. Arkansas
14. Michigan State
15. Nebraska
16. Utah
17. Nevada
18. Missouri
19. Florida State
20. South Carolina
21. Florida
22. Texas A&M
23. West Virginia
24. Iowa
25. USC

*Big East BCS representative UConn checks in at 34

Week 14 - Championship Saturday

2010-12-02T19:58:00.006-05:00

Oregon Ducks @ Oregon State Beavers

Gomer: It will take a major miracle for the Beavers to pull this upset. Even in Corvallis the Beavers have little chance of slowing down the Ducks attack. The Ducks have looked sluggish in recent first halves, but guess what, they came on strong to win each of those games. Oregon will have to absolutely shoot themselves in the foot if the Beavers are to have any chance. UO: 48--OSU: 16

Chief: Upsets are usually fun...but this is really, really unlikely. Everyone was big on Oregon State and the sad truth is that they just plain suck. Oregon is a well-oiled machine on offense. The Beavers got beat by WSU (perhaps the worst team ever). This won't be close. The Ducks move on to the title where they have a chance to pick up their first quality win (as long as they don't play TCU)--no, no Stanford doesn't count. They haven't beaten anyone either. UO: 52--OSU: 23

Auburn Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Gomer: While during the regular season the Gamecocks had a chance to pull the upset and fumbled it away late in the game. Steve Spurrier's game-plan with quarterbacks seems to be "mess up as late in the game as possible". If Gamecocks' QB Garcia can avoid the stupid mistakes he's sure to make, the 'Cocks may pull off the upset and lock-in a Sugar Bowl appearance against the Buckeyes. Cam Newton's presence will be enough to help the Tigers lock up a spot in the BCS National Championship and a soon to be redacted Heisman Trophy. AU: 27--USC: 17

Chief: Sticking with what I said immediately after the Iron Bowl: Take it to the bank, South Carolina wins. The Tigers were DESTROYED in the 1st half by the Tide but the Tide in the 2nd half could have been beaten by a Pop Warner squad. This game was all about Auburn taking advantage of stupid Bama play. The Head Ball Coach doesn't mess around. This is the ONLY chance for USC to win the SEC and I think they get it done. I had the Cocks winning in Jordan-Hare and it came down to an epic collapse in the 4th to blow it. Spurrier will stick with Garcia and Lattimore will run away from Fairley to the win. The Cam Newton NCAA ruling joke will remain a cloud over Auburn and it will cost their preparation. AU: 20--USC: 21

Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

Gomer: If the 'Noles win this it will put yet another average team in the BCS.... the worst team coming out of the Big East. After losing the opening two games, the Hokies went on a tear winning 10 straight and helping lock up the divisional title and a spot in the ACC title game. A loss means no BCS, win and a trip to the Orange Bowl awaits. Look for Christian Ponder to give the Hokies the ACC Title. FSU: 22--VT: 31

Chief: My preseason predictions had VT vs. FSU in this game (count it!). I had VT winning in the preseason even over the alma mater, but then they lost to Boise and JMU. Yeah it was in the beginning and they're certainly rolling, but how can I pick against a team that SMOKED the Gaytors last week. Heart over brain! GO NOLES!! FSU: 31--VT: 27

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Gomer: Put on your tin foil hats boys and girls, the Sooners and the Big 12 look to send the 'Huskers packing to the Big Ten, and will probably go to any length to make sure it happens that way. Of course, it won't take much conspiring if Taylor Martinez isn't playing 100%. The Sooners offensive prowess should prove too much for Nebraska in this potentially last match-up between Oklahoma and Nebraska. OU: 37--UN: 28

Chief: Let's look into the vault for my preseason predictions again. I had...OU vs. Neb (lock it up!). OU has been sneaking around with no one paying attention after the midseason losses to Mizzou and TAMU. Landry Jones has been playing well and the Sooners seem to be getting better as the season progressed to the end. Nebraska has been dropping off the map. Taylor Martinez has had his issues with the coach and injuries so I'm not seeing the Big Ten getting a third BCS team this year. Boomer..... OU: 41--Neb: 24

Other Games:

Rutgers @ West Virginia: Gomer: WVU Chief: who cares...I mean WVU
Utah State @ Boise State: Gomer: BSU Chief: really?!? WHO CARES!! Boise
Nevada @ Louisiana Tech: Gomer: Nev Chief: stretching for games...Nev
Connecticut @ South Florida: Gomer: UConn Chief: Yikes....USF
USC @ UCLA: Gomer: UCLA Chief: USC

Draper Index Post Week 13 (11/30)

2010-11-30T17:36:00.004-05:00

It will be interesting how things work out in the last week. The poll is based on gaining (or losing) points for each game rather than winning percentage so teams with games to come (Oregon, Auburn, OU) will have opportunities to make some movement. I expect if Oregon and Auburn arise victorious, they will jump TCU for 1 and 2 but we'll see.

Draper Index Top 25
1. TCU
2. Oregon
3. Auburn
4. Ohio State
5. Alabama
6. Oklahoma
7. Boise State
8. Wisconsin
9. Stanford
10. Oklahoma State
11. LSU
12. Virginia Tech
13. Nebraska
14. Arkansas
15. Michigan State
16. Utah
17. Florida State
18. Missouri
19. Nevada
20. South Carolina
21. Florida
22. Texas A&M
23. Iowa
24. West Virginia
25. Penn State

For the most part, I agree pretty strongly with the rankings. I don't feel too many teams are significantly underrated (Wisconsin, Ark--maybe, Texas A&M) but some are overrated (Bama, Utah, Florida, Iowa)

Week 13 - End of an Era

2010-11-23T19:00:00.006-05:00

LSU Tigers @ Arkansas Razorbacks

Gomer: The Mad Hatter has had the Tigers getting by week after week by the skin of their teeth, and finally, hopefully, (I'm praying) Ryan Mallet gets the monkey off his back and puts up big numbers in a big game. The Razorbacks will probably in turn jump Ohio State... so that'd be great, maybe we don't want Arkansas to win... I dunno. This will be an interesting game between two coaches nobody likes with some very poor clock management. LSU: 16--Ark: 23

Chief: LSU has been living on the edge all year, and I've been knocking the Hogs since day one. I still think both of these teams are overrated, but the home field might swing things. I'm hoping for the crowd in Fayetteville to get it going and rattle the "quarterbacks" of the Tigers. Mallet converts a key late 3rd down and the Hogs roll to a big upset. LSU: 20--Ark: 21

Auburn Tigers @ Alabama Crimson Tide

Gomer: Probably the most relevant Iron Bowl in recent history, and Bama has the chance to ruin Auburn's shot at the title, Cam Newton's Heisman (to later be rescinded), and to make the fans of Boise and TCU very happy. While Auburn is coming off of a bye week, Bama is coming off of a schellaking of a 1-AA opponent. There is no reason for this to not be one of the best games of the year and thank goodness it's not smack dab in the middle of our own big game. Aub: 28--Bama: 38

Chief: The epic showdown for the Iron Bowl is bigger than ever but the team on the visiting sideline is the one with everything to lose. Everyone expected Auburn to come in hoping to spoil the Tide season but the situation is flipped. The Tide look to end the undefeated run of questionable Cam Newton and the Tigers. I think they pull it off in Bryant-Denny. Auburn has been stellar on offense but mediocre at best on defense. If Bama sticks to their Heisman RB and ground game, they should be able to pull off the 'upset' (not in Vegas). Auburn has the last laugh by going to the SEC Championship, but this is enough to help the Tide feel better about their subpar (by their standards) season. Aub: 24--Bama:31

Arizona Wildcats @ Oregon Ducks

Gomer: As nice as it would be, I really don't see the Ducks losing this weekend, or next, or even in the potential BCS National Championship game. They've become a juggernaut on offense, and showed that yes, they can indeed play some defense if necessary. Arizona has struggled to get over the hump for years now it seems and a win here would be nice, but I just don't see it happening in Autzen. Zona: 7--UO: 39

Chief: The Wildcats are the one team in the Pac 10 that actually plays defense. I expected this to mean a lot more early on but injuries have hurt Arizona with a few weak losses. Oregon was chugging on offense until they hit Cal. Did Cal present the blueprint on how to beat them? Maybe some hints, but I don't think Zona's offense can hang with Oregon (even if they're slowed down). More importantly for the Ducks, it's in Autzen....not good for baby Stoops. Ducks win again and look to the Civil War (but it will be reasonably close). Zona: 17--UO: 27

Michigan Wolverines @ The Ohio State University Buckeyes

Gomer: The Buckeyes are going for 7 straight victories over TSUN, a feat I never even dreamed I would witness. Senator Tressel has put the focus on the Wolverines, where it should be, and has yet to let his players overlook this always important game. Michigan's defense will be the key in this one, because if they can make key stops and force a few turnovers, it could be a lot closer than anyone expects. The Buckeyes must simply avoid shooting themselves in the foot, much like Purdue 2009. There is some talent on the scUM roster, but not enough to pull an upset. Enjoy the last ever REAL Ohio State vs. Michigan game, because after this year there will always be one more game to play in the regular season. UM: 19--OSU: 52

Chief: Another "Game", another Buckeye victory. The Bucks look for 7 straight over their hated rival and 6 straight Big Ten titles. This is a ridiculous streak that will in some year, but not now. UM has an explosive offense that can strike in a hurry, but they couldn't stop me and 10 of my friends (let alone Terrelle Pryor and Co.) from scoring with them. Denard will make a fancy play of two, but Brian Rolle will kill him in the 2nd quarter. Look for the Wolverines to start fast with a quick score and a surprising stop or two, but it won't last. Bucks win again and head to the BCS. For all those that say this rivalry means less with Michigan not being as good, you are wrong. Beating your rival into the ground and stomping on their soul is ALWAYS good regardless of record or ability. Enjoy this while it lasts and show no mercy! GO BUCKS! BEAT MICHIGAN!! UM: 21--OSU: 45

Other Games:

Texas A&M @ Texas: Gomer: UT Chief: TAMU
Boise State @ Nevada: Gomer: Boise Chief: Boise
Michigan State @ Penn State: Gomer: MSU Chief: PSU
Northwestern @ Wisconsin: Gomer: Wisc Chief: Wisc
Florida @ Florida State: Gomer: UF Chief: FSU
Iowa @ Minnesota: Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa
South Carolina @ Clemson: Gomer: SoCar Chief: SoCar
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State: Gomer: OU Chief: OkSt
Notre Dame @ USC: Gomer: USC Chief: USC

NCState @ Mary: Gomer: NCState Chief: MARY (GO TERPS!!!)

Week 12 Picks--The fight for Big Ten Supremacy?

2010-11-18T17:58:00.005-05:00

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Texas A&M Aggies

Gomer: Who knew that A&M was good this year? I sure didn't, especially with the typical attention given to OU, plus the slump of the Longhorns, little news has escaped the Big 12 so far this year. The Aggies have a chance to win the South, the Huskers the North, methinks that the Huskers take hold of the North even with the bum ankle of Taylor Martinez. Neb: 24--TAMU: 14

Chief: A big time rematch of the Cornhuskers vs. a team in Texas...wait, not the Longhorns? Well, this one might be better since the Longhorns are hapless this year. Johnson has played well for the Aggies and Kyle Field is always a tough place to go to, but the Huskers have a goal of a Big 12 Championship and I don't see any let up here. I don't think any team except the Oklahoma teams can stop them now. Neb: 31--TAMU: 20

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Gomer: Ryan Mallet has been nothing been nothing but a disappointment when the spotlight has been on him this season. With MSU coming off a tough loss I look for the Bulldogs who have extra motivation to make the supposed super star look pedestrian again. Ark: 27--MSU: 30

Chief: I'm still not a buyer of Arkansas. Nice team but too much talk on the UM transfer Mallet. He's a nice QB, but I'm not a believer...especially on the road. The Bulldogs couldn't take care of the Crimson Tide after the tragic loss of their player Nick Bell, but I think they play with a fire under the thunderous cowbells in Starksville. I see Mullen's boys with another big win. Ark: 20--MSU: 24

Virginia Tech Hokies @ Miami Hurricanes

Gomer: The Hurricanes are struggling to live up to the seasons expectations and have a unique chance to make a statement against the Hokies. Freshman QB Morris has improved with each start and will help lead the Canes to a HUGE upset of the perennially strong Hokies. VT: 28--UM: 31

Chief: Talk about a game that looked to be the epic stinker after both teams limped out of the gate, but now it's a true ACC battle. Virginia Tech still has the ACC title and a BCS bowl in front of them after an ATROCIOUS start, but the Hurricanes have a sliver of hope. Problem is they're still riding a backup QB. Sun Life Stadium doesn't exactly inspire fear anymore so I see the Hokies rolling in and putting up a performance like their alum (or at least former player), Michael Vick. Hokies roll to the ACC title game. VT: 37--UM: 17

The Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Iowa Hawkeyes

Gomer: Had the 'Hawks done their job last week in Evanston, the Bucks may have had the chance at jumping the Badgers in the BCS rankings with a win this week in Iowa. Instead the Hawkeyes are going to be another 4 loss Big Ten team, and another failure by Kirk Ferentz to capitalize with a talented team. It's really to bad to think what might have been this season had the coaches realized how good a running game the Bucks could have if Boom was better utilized from the beginning. There's no question what will happen this Saturday, even in front of amped-Kinnick Stadium. OSU: 38--Iowa: 24

Chief: If the Bucks want to get to a BCS bowl, this is it. Going into the year, OSU had 3 major tests: Miami (passed), @ Wisconsin (fail), and @ Iowa. This is the last hurdle to at least finish above .500 in big games. I love the fire I saw in the 2nd half last week. If that team shows up, they will BLAST Iowa, but by the same token, if that 1st half team gets off the bus, it won't be pretty. Iowa has been pretty pathetic the last 2 weeks, but I expect the Bucks will get their absolute best shot. A fired up Silver Bullets defense take care of the Iowa offense like Ricky Stanzi takes care of the Taliban terrorists, TP will have enough escapability to avoid Clayborn and Sanzenbacher finally gets a pass actually throw to him. Bucks take it on the road. OSU: 24--Iowa:17

Other Games to pick

Wisc @ UM: Gomer: UM Chief: Wis

Pur @ MSU: Gomer: MSU Chief:MSU

PSU @ Ind: Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU

Ill @ NW: Gomer: NW Chief: Ill

Stan @ Cal: Gomer: Stan Chief: Stan

NCSt @ UNC: Gomer: NCSt Chief: NCSt

OU @ Baylor: Gomer: OU Chief: OU

FSU @ Mary: Gomer: FSU Chief: FSU

USC @ OrSt: Gomer: USC Chief: USC

Utah @ SDSU: Gomer: SDSU Chief: SDSU

Draper Index Week 11

2010-11-18T17:52:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the late updating. It's been a hectic week. Not much change from last week. The only real problems (as I see it) are Bama and Florida (and to a lesser extent Utah) being ranked too high due to carryover from last year and LSU and Wisconsin being a little low. The Iron Bowl can catapult Auburn into the top 2, but a Bama win cements them (most likely) in the top 2 which will make for the 2nd year in 10 that my index doesn't predict the championship game participants (assuming Saban doesn't kill every other team above him to let him into the NC game).

Draper Index Top 25
1) TCU
2) Alabama
3) Oregon
4) Auburn
5) Boise State
6) Oklahoma State
7) Ohio State
8) LSU
9) Nebraska
10) Oklahoma
11) Wisconsin
12) Stanford
13) Virginia Tech
14) Michigan State
15) Iowa
16) Florida
17) Utah
18) Arkansas
19) Missouri
20) Nevada
21) USC
22) Miami (FL)
23) Florida State
24) South Carolina
25) Arizona

Week 11 Picks--Back to work

2010-11-11T16:11:00.003-05:00

Kansas State Wildcats @ Missouri Tigers

Gomer: Basking in the afterglow of beating Texas, the KSU Wildcats are due for a slip-up, and there isn't a better chance than in Columbia this weekend. Missouri has taken a tumble since the upset of the #1 ranked Sooners a couple weeks ago, and now Mizzou will seize their chance to get back on track. KSU: 14--Mizzou: 35

Chief: Here's everything I know about these teams.... that's it, but it's a ranked matchup so it should be here. I had the upset of KSU over the Longhorns last week in Manhattan but in Mizzou's house, they're tough to beat (ask OU). I think Blaine Gabbert gets it done at home because all their woes came on the road. Great run for Bill Snyder with an average team, but not enough. KSU: 20--Mizzou: 31

Georgia Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers

Gomer: The Bulldogs have had a rough season so far, but a lot of that could be rectified with a big win over "rival" Auburn. Auburn and Cam Newton have some major issues within the team and athletic department that could be major distractions. With all the issues off-field, it's hard to deny the talent of Cam Newton who will surely carry Auburn to a win. UGA: 21--Aub: 40

Chief: This should be a great game. The Tigers still hold the number one spot but the allegations are flying around Cam Newton. UGA has been slowly improving with the return of A.J. Green and should make this game much closer than the experts think. Problem is, Auburn gets them at home....again. Talk about a favorable schedule. Look out for the Tide but this will be a major wakeup call with Reggie Bush....I mean Cam Newton pulling out a tight win. UGA: 31--Aub: 34

Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide

Gomer: The real question is "has Alabama given up?". I think the Crimson Tide still have what it takes to make a push this month and earn a BCS bid, but it will take nearly flawless play the rest of the way. MSU is, in my opinion, very overrated and will again be outclassed by the Tide. MSU: 13--Bama: 34

Chief: Let it be known that this college football analyst also called the monster upset of MSU over UF in the Swamp earlier this year. This Tide team is not the Gators. I think they're going to come out extremely angry and fired up. Saban's bunch has dropped 2 which is unacceptable with their talent. I see a HUGE game from Ingram and a big Tide return to glory in Tuscaloosa. MSU: 10--Bama: 38

South Carolina Gamecocks @ Florida Gators

Gomer: Florida is not the better team in this year's Spurrier vs. Meyer Bowl. Urban Meyer's squad has improved as the season has progressed, and the Gamecocks have not been without a healthy amount of success so far either. Based on team rankings, this should be a pretty good game with plenty of action, but I have a feeling the Gators are clicking right now and will make life painful for the real USC. SC: 16--UF: 35

Chief: So it happens again. As with 2006, Spurrier entered the Swamp with dreams of an upset crushed by a blocked field goal as time expired (we won't mention what happened in the bowls that year). This is the Gamecocks only chance to take the SEC East. Florida stinks, UGA stinks, Tennessee...still stinks. It's there for the taking, but they need to take this head to head vs. the Gators. Seems the Cocks get up for the big games (Alabama) and struggle in the others (Kentucky). They'll get ready to rock this Saturday and will get a program changing win to take the SEC East title (essentially). SC: 38--UF: 27

Penn State Nittany Lions @ The Ohio State University Buckeyes

Gomer: The Buckeyes typically don't lose in November, and I don't expect anything but the norm to continue this Saturday in the Shoe. Yeah yeah, JoePa won 400 games, but really, how can you count anything since the crapping of his pants in 2006 vs. Ohio State? I mean, the guy doesn't even wear the headphones on the sideline, he is a figurehead who is putting himself ahead of the University at this point, and his ego above all. Woody would be ashamed. Buckeyes blast the Lions. PeeSU: 13--OSU: 45

Chief: Congrats to Joe Pa for getting number 400. Don't expect 401 this week. Honestly, PSU has gotten better from week to week this entire season. Royster has starting running like in past years and it looks like they're happy with McGloin at QB. Coming to the Shoe is a lot different from facing NW and Michigan at home. Expect a stellar performance on defense as the Bucks had 2 weeks to prepare. The only worry is the look ahead to the big test in Iowa City, but Tress should have Pryor and company focused since PSU is no longer under the radar. Hopefully, the Bullets will knock them out quickly so no one gets hurt. An 18 point spread is a bit much, but OSU should win easily (maybe some garbage points). PSU: 13--OSU: 27

Other Games to Pick

Ind @ Wis: Gomer: Wis Chief: Wis

Iowa @ NW: Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa

Miami @ GT: Gomer: Miami Chief: GT

Minn @ Ill: Gomer: Ill Chief: Ill

Cinn @ WVU: Gomer: WVU Chief: WVU

Mich @ Pur: Gomer: UM Chief: UM

Utah @ ND: Gomer: Utah Chief: Utah

TAMU @ Baylor: Gomer: Baylor Chief: Baylor

VT @ UNC: Gomer: UNC Chief: VT

Oreg @ Cal: Gomer: UO Chief: UO

OkSt @ Tex: Gomer: UT Chief: OkSt

USC @ Zona: Gomer: USC Chief: Zona

Draper Index Week 10

2010-11-09T17:56:00.003-05:00

After a week of interesting results, I thought the rankings would realign...unfortunately, I'm more convinced that I need to shrink the rankings more from year to year. Alabama's incredible lead from last year is still too much such that they remain in the top 2. It's tough to blame them for 2 tough losses on the road to top opponents when they played, but they did lose which needs to cause a drop. Still a learning process but here's what I got for this week.

Draper Index 11/07/10
1) TCU (sizeable lead for now)
2) Alabama (razor thin margin--still shouldn't be here)
3) Oregon
4) Auburn
5) Boise State
6) LSU
7) Nebraska
8) Oklahoma State
9) Ohio State
10) Utah
11) Iowa
12) Florida (yeesh--started too high/also affected Bama)
13) Oklahoma
14) Michigan State
15) Wisconsin
16) Stanford
17) Virginia Tech
18) Arkansas
19) Missouri
20) Arizona
21) Nevada
22) Penn State
23) USC
24) Florida State
25) Miami (FL)

Week 10 Picks--Bye Bye

2010-11-04T11:50:00.007-04:00

TCU Horned Frogs @ Utah Utes

Gomer: I'm not going to sit here and act like I know much about either team. The Horned Frogs dominated Utah last year, but this year the game is in Salt Lake... even ESPN Gameday will be in attendance. I have a bit of an affinity for TCU (probably all the hot chicks they show on TV), but also for a team that emphasizes defense. The loser of this game is COMPLETELY out of the BCS Championship picture, while the winner could be vaulted to the coveted top 2. TCU: 48--Utah: 26

Chief: Sad week when this is the premier game. The Horned Frogs are entering Salt Lake on a high but Utah boasts the nations longest active home winning streak. Problem for the Utes is that this TCU team is much better than the competition they've faced thus far. Utah has one good win against Pitt but it was at home, in overtime. I expect the Frogs to make a 'statement' and bury Boise State's hopes with a big win. TCU: 38--Utah: 17

Baylor Bears @ Oklahoma State Cowboys

Gomer: Never have I ever written a game preview involving the Baylor Bears. This is definitely bizarro world, as my comrade points out, but this won't be bizarre as the OSU Cowboys make things somewhat normal and have not problems with Bears. Bay: 23--OSU: 45

Chief: Baylor is one of the two ranked teams in Texas--let me say that again: Baylor is ranked and Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M are not. Now Baylor has finally defeated the 500 lb gorilla in room in the Longhorns under Robert Griffin, but the Pokes are chugging like always on offense. Look for a shootout with another solid Orange Power victory. Bay: 31--OkSt: 51

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Louisiana State Tigers

Gomer: LSU will once again remind everyone that Les Miles is lucky to have a job (for now) as they embarrass themselves against the Crimson Tide. Alabama will surely get back to the run game after a week off. With the talent in the Bama backfield, it's an embarrassment of riches that Nick Saban should be criticized for not using more effectively. Bama: 20--LSU: 6

Chief: Look out, it's another 'marquee' SEC matchup. LSU finally took one on the chin vs. Auburn but looked bad against UF and a horrible Volunteer team. I think this is where Bama makes a BIG national statement by pounding a perceived power in a truly difficult environment. More bad news for Boise (and TCU) as the Tide starts to Roll back to the top 3. Bama: 27--LSU: 13

Arkansas Razorbacks @ South Carolina Gamecocks

Gomer: Gotta go with the better coached team in this one. Arkansas hasn't been impressive to me, and this is the SEC, where Steve Spurrier is (kinda) king. Ryan Mallet has been a bit of a disappointment this year and Arkansas didn't do much under his leadership through the years. Ark: 13--SCAR: 20

Chief: Quick, name something Arkansas has done this year worth talking about. Beat UGA--so has everyone...Lose close to Bama--whoop de doo...Lose a shootout to Auburn--giving up 60???? This Razorback team may be the most overrated in the country because all the pro people are drooling over Mallet. South Carolina is inconsistent but very good when on (ask Alabama). I think Mallet is out but either way, Columbia is a tough environment in which to go. I like the Cocks to land another blow on the Hogs. Maybe someone will realize that they aren't that good... Ark: 14--SoCar: 24

Illinois Fighting Illini @ Michigan Wolverines

Gomer: Well, Michigan's defense is still bad, and Illinois is a pretty solid team. This game should be a blowout for the Illini but I'm starting to feel that somehow, someway, Michigan might pull it out. This is legitimately their last chance to clinch a bowl bid, especially in the Big House, but this should be a much closer game than it has been in recent years. Ill: 41--UM: 40

Chief: Another roadbump in the quest for the Maize and Blue to attempt to become bowl eligible. Rich Rod has just been given a third year of probation for the extra practice (wouldn't know it from the results) and I think it just keeps getting worse. Purdue next week is the best opportunity to win, but this is the second best chance. I still think Mike LeShore will get it done in the Big House. The defense is putrid in Ann Arbor. Rich Rod will still be searching for the bowl eligibility after Sat. Ill: 34--UM: 24

Arizona Wildcats @ Stanford Cardinal

Gomer: For the Pac-10, this should be a pretty good game. Andrew Luck is a great QB and has a chance to make a big statement against a typically stingy Arizona defense. Zona: 17--Stanford: 28

Chief: I still believe that Stanford may be the best team in the Pac 10. I know, I know, Oregon beat them, but it was in Autzen at night. I give credit to the Ducks for fighting back from a huge deficit, but Stanford choked. Arizona is the only team in the Pac 10 that plays defense so Stoops might make this interesting. I believe Nick Foles is still out so Andrew Luck won't have to score much to tip the scales. Cardinal win at home in a close one (Arizona is a good team and might give the Ducks a scare). Zona: 13--Stanford: 17

Other Games to pick

Wisc @ Pur: Gomer: Wisc Chief: Wisc

Minn @ MSU: Gomer: MSU Chief: MSU

Iowa @ Ind: Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa

NCSt @ Clem: Gomer: Clem Chief: Clem

Haw @ Boise: Gomer: Boise Chief: Boise

UNC @ FSU: Gomer: FSU Chief: FSU

NW @ PSU: Gomer: NW Chief: PSU

Texas @ KSU: Gomer: Texas Chief: KSU

First Release of the Draper index 2010

2010-11-02T19:15:00.003-04:00

Here are my computer ranking for the 2010 season after the games of Week 9. Before you go crazy, please realize that this is a work in progress. Things will adjust. I also realize that I must adjust the normalizer because Alabama had such a HUGE lead last year, they maintained a large lead (even under normalization). This will be fixed...although it may not be that crazy to have Bama where they are. Here we go! Enjoy!

Draper Index Top 25 11/2/10
1) Alabama
2) TCU
3) Oregon
4) Auburn
5) Boise State
6) Oklahoma
7) Ohio State
8) Utah
9) Nebraska
10) LSU
11) Iowa
12) Oklahoma State
13) Florida
14) Michigan State
15) Wisconsin
16) Missouri
17) Stanford
18) Arizona
19) Virginia Tech
20) Florida State
21) Texas
22) Arkansas
23) South Carolina
24) Mississippi State
25) Nevada

Here's how I would have voted:
1) Auburn
2) Oregon
3) Alabama
4) Boise State
5) TCU
6) Utah
7) Wisconsin
8) Ohio State
9) Nebraska
10) Stanford
11) Oklahoma
12) Iowa
13) Arizona
14) LSU
15) Michigan State
16) Missouri
17) Virginia Tech
18) South Carolina
19) Oklahoma State
20) Mississippi State
21) Baylor
22) NC State
23) Florida State
24) Arkansas
25) Nevada

Grading the Bucks Week 9--Minnesota

2010-10-31T11:37:00.003-04:00

Another snoozer...but anything less would have been a problem.

Offense: B+
52 points and scoring so many ways...always good, but that interception at the goalline was inexcusable, even against Minn. I LOVE the new Offensive line and the spectacular running of Boom Herron that we've been seeing. I know it's against 2 terrible defenses, but Herron looks better than he ever has. When I say "new" offensive line, I refer to the new mentality of attacking that wasn't there early in the year (or vs. Wisconsin). The energy and push is more than just poor defenses. The O-line looks like they've finally got it going and look forward to punch people in the mouth. Pryor was pretty good passing and running, but the interception at the goalline was horrid. Boren broke open immediately and Pryor had him (I was screaming for him to throw right away) but he waited....and waited....and waited...then threw to the breaking safety. I can't reward that decision with an A.

Defense: A-
The first drive was a disaster. Wide open throwing lanes down the middle was a huge problem. Good news for the Buckeyes is they shored up after that drive and shut down the hapless Gophers. Brian Rolle was killing people left and right and completely trucked Weber. Going forward will be scary for the Buckeyes as the secondary is completely mauled by injury. This isn't too big a deal against Minn or PSU but we need these guys back for Iowa. Without the first drive, this was a solid A. Let's not forget the Jon Simon scoop and score.

Special Teams: B
Another solid outing ruined by one major blemish. A beautiful blocked punt for a score (great effort by Domicone on the recovery), spectacular punt return by Hall (ruined by Pryor's mental mistake), a missed FG by Minn (not blocked but still a victory), and ok kick return and kick coverage (not great--still need to shore that up). Can't comment on the punting because I honestly don't remember if we punted. The black mark this week came via Devin Barclay and a gag from 23 yards out. Tressel made the safe (and correct) call to kick a chip shot FG with a 21 point lead and Barclay whiffed. This is unacceptable at any school let alone tOSU. I can't punish the very nice performances in the punt block/return team for Barclay's gaffe...too much.

Coaching: A- -->B+
Not a whole lot of coaching needed in this one, but it was a well called game. Only one play was really questionable--why do you let Pryor throw at the goalline when Herron was gashing them on the ground? In fact, because it was Minn and this was the only real call, I'm downgrading them to a B+. I was right, then wrong about the running game. I said early on that the coaches needed to 'practice' the run game in a live situation early on because it would be a problem in the future. The coaches didn't listen. When Big Ten play started, I thought it was too late to 'learn' to run and we paid for it against Wisconsin. So far, I pat myself on the back, but then the coaches started 'practicing' the run and the O-line stepped it up. I was wrong that it was too late to learn because Boom is a serious threat as of now. Perhaps we can control the clock more when needed in Kinnick.

Week 9 - Minnesota Sleeper Awaits

2010-10-27T22:13:00.010-04:00

Oregon Ducks vs. Southern California Trojans

Gomer: If you've watched any part of a USC game this season, chances are you've seen Lane Kiffin try some stupid stuff, today's a day when I'm perfectly okay cheering for the classless Trojans to upset the classless Ducks. Chip Kelly is a great coach, and Lane Kiffin isn't, so this could come back to bite me in the butt, but I'll buy into the ESPN hype of #1 teams being upset every week. UO: 38--USC: 39

Chief: I hate USC with every inch of my body, but I really want to call this one. Problem is, USC's defense is ungodly awful. They have been chugging on offense lately with pretty boy Matt Barkley, but Monte Kiffin hasn't gotten them to stop anyone. The Oregon offense has steamrolled everyone in their path, and USC won't put up much resistance. Only issue is, can the Trojans outscore the Ducks? I hope so, but I just can't do it. The Coliseum is just worthless. UO: 51--USC: 45

Michigan State Spartans vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Gomer: MSU has shown they are a complete team. From head coach to the punter, they've got everything you need to win a championship. With the clutch, come-from-behind victory over the Wildcats, MSU definitely has the momentum to jump over their last hurdle en route to an outright Big Ten Championship. Go Green! MSU: 24--Iowa: 17

Chief: Ok, Iowa. This is your last chance. The was THE year for you to get over the hump. Veteran everything and every tough conference game (Wisconsin, MSU, and OSU) was at home. And...you failed. Make it up this week. MSU has been making a living on the edge (OSU 2002 anyone?) but no one really believes in them...including me. The Spartans have gone longer without the textbook collapse than usual, but here it comes. Ricky Stanzi won't screw up as horribly as last week and will lead the Hawkeyes to victory over Sparty. Overrated coach Kirk Ferentz defeats underrated coach Mark Dantonio because Adrian Clayborn will kill Cousins (not due to coaching). MSU: 13--Iowa: 23

Missouri Tigers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Gomer: Nebraska is a much better team and with Taylor Martinez at the helm, the Tigers will struggle to stop the Huskers' attack. When Mizzou: 17--Neb: 28
Chief: Congrats to the Tigers and a nice little win over the Sooners. It's just like Boise--beat a good team on a single game and desire to be lumped in with the top. Here is where the comparisons stop because they now have to play a second good team (and this one on the road). The Huskers need to get rolling after being bumped by Texas. This will put them back in the talk when they leave the Tigers in Bo Pelini land. Mizzou: 17--Neb: 31

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Minnesota Gophers
Gomer: OSU: 37--Minn: 10

Chief: That was more like it. Bullets returned to form. Now it's time to take their talents to Minneapolis. Let's make this clear: Minnesota is AWFUL. There is no excuse for a blowout win here. I expect the Gophers to come out firing, but it just won't matter. The Buckeye running game is getting better each week and Sanzenbacher is becoming the number one receiver (needs to happen!!). The Bucks need to come up with a good road game and Minnesota is the perfect team for this to happen. Convincing win is a must. No chance at a sleeper upset. OSU: 41--UM: 10

Other Games:

Georgia vs. Florida Gomer: UF Chief: UGA

Auburn vs. Mississippi Gomer: Aub Chief: Aub

Oklahoma vs. Colorado Gomer: OU Chief: OU

Arizona vs. UCLA Gomer: UCLA Chief: Zona

Stanford vs. Washington Gomer: Wash Chief: Stan

Florida State vs. NC State Gomer:NCSt Chief: FSU

Michigan @ Penn State Gomer: UM Chief: PSU (toughest game to pick but I want UM to lose)

Purdue vs. Illinois Gomer: Pur Chief: Ill

Grading the Bucks Week 8--Purdue

2010-10-26T00:33:00.005-04:00

Great to get back on the smiling side of the scoreboard...in a BIG way

Offense: B
Talk about ramping it up against a terrible defense. The running game under Boom Herron is really starting to develop (I can't believe I'm saying this), but the passing game, and Pryor's complete game is starting to fade which is troubling. Sanzenbacher is proving every week that he is THE receiver, but Pryor still locks onto Posey every play. The scramble seems to have been removed from the playbook as well which could really hurt this team down the stretch, expecially at Iowa. The O-Line is doing better at run-blocking and has stepped up somewhat, but they need to do it consistently. I can't give an A until Pryor gets back on track. I know he threw 2 TDs but those were thanks to a putrid defense.

Defense: A
Talk about a return of the Silver Bullets. A big time shutout (granted it was Purdue) after a total embarassment is HUGE for this defense. I want to give an A+ due to the fact the Purdue hardly scratched onto the Ohio State side of the 50, but the lack of a consistent pass rush is a major concern. As I said last week, Heyward has taken a monster step backward and until we can consistently pressure the quarterback, our banged up secondary will face too much. Injuries are decimating the secondary and a good quearterback will start to pick them apart with this much time. I loved the intensity from the linebackers and safeties but the line needs to get it going. Also, Chekwa has been getting picked on a lot. He needs to plug these gaps in his coverage. Keep an eye on Andrew Sweat who made a big splash starting for the injured Ross Homan.

Special Teams: B-
Well, no kicks returned against us so automatic improvement. Purdue has been horrible returning kicks this year but had minor success against OSU (minor success in that they averaged more yards per return than normal). The kick return unit for the Scarlet and Gray was decent but not spectacular. No missed kicks is always a good thing and the punting was fine this week. If you start at a C, there was little to enact a move up or down.

Coaching: B+
Again, more or less status quo. I give a little boost for the coaches getting these kids ready to play after an embarassing loss in Madison. The team came out with a purpose and delivered. It was clear that Purdue couldn't stop the run so long as we avoided Ryan Kerrigan. Once that was achieved, it was game over. The coaches basically decided to use the KISS method with Pryor (Keep It Simple, Stupid) which seems to be the best strategy. If they keep the intensity rolling, this could be a scary team come January.

Week 8 Picks--D'oh

2010-10-21T20:02:00.005-04:00

Oklahoma Sooners @ Missouri Tigers

Gomer: The question is which Oklahoma team will show up in Missouri. Will it be the surprisingly stagnant team that struggled with the Cincinnati Bearcats, or the juggernaut that annihilated my counterpart's Alma Mater? As nice as it would be to see Mizzou introduce a little more chaos to the fun that is college football, the Sooners are a superior team and shouldn't have a problem dispatching the Tigers. OU: 45--Mizzou: 13

Chief: The Missouri Tigers have quietly put together a very nice little season, but let's be honest, name a team they've beaten (same as played).....What? You don't know? That's right. The Tigers have played a BoiseStateesque schedule thus far and gotten fat off it. Oklahoma had a few close scares vs. Utah State and Cincinnati, but they blew FSU out of the water (and the Noles are pretty good) and defeated a better than believed Texas team. I like the Sooners to roll and take full control of the BCS. OU: 38--Mizzou: 20

Louisiana State Tigers @ Auburn Tigers

Gomer: No question that LSU goes down here, it will be great to see the Tigers (LSU) get exposed, FINALLY! Cam Newton is going to make Les Miles with that he had taken the job in Ann Arbor, where they really care about winning. Ohhhh waiiittt. This is Newton's time to claim the Heisman. LSU: 15--AUB: 34

Chief: Uh oh, Les...a real team. Miles and the Bayou Bengals have stayed undefeated by being more lucky than good against mediocre competition such as Tennessee and UF (called it last week--GO Miss St). Auburn is a different animal. The explosive offense under the watchful eye of Gene Chizik and suprisingly steady hand of Cam Newton will carry the Tigers (of the Auburn variety) to another big win. The Iron bowl looms... Tigers all the way, no doubt. LSU: 13--Aub: 27

Wisconsin Badgers @ Iowa Hawkeyes

Gomer: Well yeahhhhhh the Badgers sure looked good last week didn't they? Well in typical Wisconsin fashion, they will almost certainly lose after experiencing what had to be an awesome high. The Hawks are good when they want to be, but especially when they play at home. UW: 24--Iowa: 35

Chief: Stupid blind squirrel nut theory... The Badgers took a huge one from the number one team last week by feeding off pure emotion. The Buckeyes could have fought back, but instead, cowered in the face of adversity and let themself be pushed around. In Iowa City, the crowd will not be there to power Wisconsin. Expect a hard hitting, low scoring game with Ricky Stanzi scoring a game winning TD late. American flags will drop from the sky and Hulk Hogan will enter the stadium to proclaim Stanzi a "Real American" ans sent the Badgers home crying. UW: 10--Iowa: 17

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Oklahoma State Cowboys

Gomer: Taylor Martinez may have taken a seat last week, and the entire Cornhusker team fell asleep and allowed a shocking loss to the Longhorns, but Bo Pellini won't allow that to happen twice in a row. The Cowboys have quietly risen to #17 in the nation, but their ranking won't save them to the over-powering attack of the 'Huskers. Neb: 31--OSU: 26

Chief: The Huskers failed their first test on the big stage by falling to their nemeses the Texas Longhorns. They couldn't stop a mediocre (at best) offense in their own house, how will they stop a Gundified offense in the confines of Stillwater. The Pokes and Huskers are similar teams in terms of talent, so I give the edge to the home team with momentum. The Orange Power will rise up and defeat Big Red in what will give the Huskers a fond farewell from the Big 12. Neb: 24--OkSt: 30

Purdue Boilermakers @ The Ohio State University Buckeyes

Gomer: Noon games after a night game have troubled the Buckeyes since the beginning of the decade, regardless of the outcome of the night game held previously. The Buckeyes will probably come out slow and piss off the Ohio Stadium faithful in the early going, it's almost a certainty. Purdue deserves a butt-kicking after last years upset of OSU, but I just don't see it happening, as great as it would be. The Buckeyes will win, but not by as much as everyone expects. PU: 19--OSU: 30

Chief: Revenge is a dish best served cold. The Buckeyes will most likely be serving up large piles of revenge and butt-whoopings on Sat (and they're fresh out of revenge) after teh embarrassment in Madison. The Bullets are horribly banged up, but Purdue just plain stinks. Pryor and the offense will come out firing on all cylinders. The Boilers may sneak a score or 2 on the banged up defense, but the score shouldn't remotely be close. Payback for the embarassment last year on top of the anger from last week spell disaster for Purdue. Pur: 6--OSU: 45

Other Games to Pick

IU @ Ill: Gomer: Ill Chief: Ill

MSU @ NW: Gomer: MSU Chief: MSU

AF @ TCU: Gomer: TCU Chief: AF

ND vs. Navy Gomer: ND Chief: ND

PSU @ Minn: Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU

KSU @ Baylor: Gomer: KSU Chief: Baylor

UNC @ Miami: Gomer: Miami Chief: Miami

Grading the Bucks Week 7--Wisconsin

2010-10-19T14:01:00.002-04:00

Well, that certainly sucked. I have never seen an OSU defensive line get dominated like this past Saturday.

Offense: D
The offense was pedestrian the entire game. Terrelle had enough time to do the entire team's taxes in the pocket and still couldn't find an open receiver. The passes were off target, the play calling was horrid, and the execution was awful. The only positive in the game was Boom Herron's running which took a giant leap forward. I would have never imagined we would get back into the game through our runningbacks, but they proved me wrong. When the game was on the line, the unit didn't deliver. Sloppy and disinterested were the words of the day.

Defense: D-/F
Pathetic performance by the Bullets...if you can call them that. The defensive line showed no heart and was pushed all over the field. The first quarter, they couldn't hold Wisconsin (a pedestrian offense at best) to a single play which resulted in less than a 5 yard game. Chekwa was picked on all game and never rose to the challenge. I know Wisconsin has fat O-Linemen, but the Buckeyes let themselves be pushed away and run over. We knew Wisconsin was going to run with Clay and we couldn't stop it. It was strength on strength and we were dominated. The lack of intensity on the defensive side was also painful apparent. A leader must emerge and I don't see one. Cam Heyward has been a major disappointment and has most likely lost millions by not going pro last year. I'm hoping his lack of production is due to constant double-teaming...but I'm not convinced that's it. When the offense woke up and brought the team back into striking distance, the defense couldn't prevent the knockout blow on the final Badger drive...that's where championships are won.

Special Teams: F
Sorry boys...you suck. Many pundits continue to point to the final score and say "They didn't lose because of the kick return to start the game since they lost by 13." I'm here to say, that's BS. Momentum is HUGE in college sports, especially on the road. OSU came in looking to put the hammer down and prove their superiority. Wisconsin needed to prove to themselves that they had a shot...and the kick return gave them the hope and belief. You could see the energy rise and the drunken multitudes in the stands erupted into a frenzy when the Badgers showed they were here to win not to lose close as well as the deflation and skepticism introduced onto the Buckeye sideline. Let's not also forget the missed field goal in the first half. Had that been converted, the comeback ties the game and puts a whole new spin.

Coaching: C-
The Badgers clearly decided to roll the dice and go reverse of most defenses vs. OSU and stop the pass. They consistently dropped into coverage befuddling Pryor into indecision. I will admit that the coach's decision to move to the ground game in the second half surprised me and was a sound decision (even though I doubted at the time). My main problems were the lack of inspiration and hope the coaches were showing. Every time Wisconsin responded or scored, they looked deflated and defeated...and that was passed on to the team. Perhaps the most glaring coaching deficiency was on the Buckeye's FG drive in the 1st half. 1st and goal inside the 5 led to 3 straight runs (Pryor, Herron, Pryor) to no effect. This is unacceptable from a coach. Wisconsin was handed more momentum and a 4 point greater lead (FG instead of a TD) because Tressel went beyond uber-conservative. Listen, conservative is fine but that drive needed a touchdown. The playcalling wasn't as conservative as it was unimaginative. QB Blast, HB Blast, QB Blast....this isn't UF and Pryor isn't Tebow. The Badger coaches looked as surprised and elated as the Buckeye fans looked befuddled. A roll-out run pass option with one of the best dual threats in the game; a PA fade; a counter run by the halfback...SOMETHING DIFFERENT!! Victory goes to the bold, not the scared.

Week 7 Picks--That was interesting

2010-10-14T00:03:00.005-04:00

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Michigan Wolverines

Gomer: The book on stopping Denard Robinson is out... make him pass. Hopefully this doesn't turn into Juice Williams where everyone talks about how bad a passer he is all year long and then he throw's 4 TD's against the Buckeyes. Iowa is fresh off of a bye week and should have no problem dominating the Wolverines this week. Iowa: 28--UM: 7

Chief: This one is a layup. The Wolverines ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE! The defense is atrocious and the offense is completely dependent on Denard Robinson. Robinson is no leader and will soon lose his team as he trumpets his own praise more than anyone. I know Pryor is central to the Bucks, but there is still talent around him...not in Ann Arbor. Captain America (Ricky Stanzi) will bring a win back to the heartland. "If you don't love it, leave it. USA number 1!!" Iowa: 38--UM: 17

Texas Longhorns @ Nebraska Cornhuskers

Gomer: Nebraska's Taylor Martinez is going to make the Heisman race very interesting after another strong performance against the Longhorns. Texas hasn't impressed me whenever I've had the chance to watch. The real question is whether Mack Brown sees the writing on the wall, or wants to wait around for the Longhorns to reload.

Chief: Here's the coveted rematch of last year's nailbiter of a Big 12 Championship. Unfortunately, for the Longhorns, Colt is about to be killed in Pittsburgh. The Huskers defense lost a step with the loss of Suh, but the emergence of Martinez and the resurgence of the option attack in Lincoln keep the excitement high. Texas is a shell of what they've been in the last ten or so years. It will take time to get back. UT is falling away and Neb is on the rise...just in time to join the Big Ten. UT: 13--Neb: 27

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Auburn Tigers

Gomer: Look for Ryan Mallett to (re) jump start his Heisman campaign with this game. This has the potential to be a MUCH better game than Ohio State - Wisconsin, but I know I've had enough SEC shoved down my throat by ESPN and CBS in recent weeks. Newton and the Auburn offense will have the home crowd behind them as the Razorbacks manage to pull the upset. Ark: 33--AU: 30

Chief: Second best game of the week. Auburn has been the 'an ugly win is still a win team' which is well and good...so long as you never lose. Arkansas has ridden Mallet to a near upset of Bama and a win over UGA (yawn). I do like Cam Newton in Auburn but they certainly leave a lot to be desired...on the road. With the game in Jordan-Hare, I give the edge to the Tigers. Remember, they beat the Gamecocks at home who then went on the upset Bama. Ark: 24--Aub: 27

Illini Fighting Illini @ Michigan State Spartans

Gomer: The Spartans are ripe for an upset coming off a HUGE, third straight, win, over their arch-nemesis, the University of Michigan. The Illini are coming off a big win at Penn State and have looked strong, even in the loss to the Bucks a couple weeks ago. MSU is a superior team, and has superior coaching, Ron Zook... is Ron Zook. There is no reason for Sparty to lose this one, and they won't. UI: 14--MSU: 34

Chief: This is on here as a warning. I was sooooo close to calling the Illinois upset of PSU last week and wish I had pulled the trigger. MSU pulled a huge emotional win on the road over rival UM last week in a game in which Sparty usually chokes. The Spartans are usually good for half a year then reality sets in. I believe Dantonio has this team far more focused than in the past. Illinois could have snuck this one if they hadn't woken up the green and white by smashing PSU in Happy Valley. MSU keeps it rolling at home, but it will be close. Ill: 17--MSU: 26

The Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers

Gomer: Here comes 7-0. People who are picking the upset just don't get it. Ohio State is the class of the Big Ten, everybody. It isn't even close. The Badgers used to be a thorn in the side of Jim Tressel, but ever since Barry Alvarez left the Badgers, it hasn't been much of an issue. To make this almost certain victory a reality, the Buckeyes must establish the run, and hopefully they will. OSU: 28--UW: 13

Chief: The game of the week is in Madison. Wisconsin had a nice performance against the hapless Gophers but the defense was spotty. The Bucks put together what I considered to be their most complete performance of the year against the Hoosiers. I know it was IU but they're better than most people think (6-6 or 7-5). OSU showed a little problem on the road as the playcalling was super conservative, but I haven't seen anything from the Badger defense that concerns me. Bullets stuff John Clay for 85 yrds and the Bucks exit Madison for Pryor's second win in Camp Randall. OSU: 31--Wisc: 20

Other Games to Pick

OrSt @ Wash--Gomer: Wash Chief: Wash

BC @ FSU--Gomer: FSU Chief: FSU

ArkSt @ Ind--Gomer: Ind Chief: Ind

Minn @ Pur--Gomer: Pur Chief: Pur

EMU @ Ball--Gomer: Ball Chief: Ball

MissSt @ UF--Gomer: UF Chief: MissSt

OkSt @ TT--Gomer: OkSt Chief: OkSt

Grading the Buckeyes Week 6--Indiana

2010-10-10T12:05:00.002-04:00

Another game vs. the Hoosiers, another Buckeye win. This might have been the most complete, dominant game by this Buckeye team yet. Very few mistakes and quality football--but it was IU...

Offense: A-
Pryor looked great in the pocket and found the open receiver 9 times out of 10...and they were WIDE OPEN. The run game actually got moving a bit with Boom on the draw as well which is good to see. My favorite part of the gameplan was the move of Brandon Saine to (essentially) a slot receiver. I truly believe that Saine has the better football attributes but he's just not getting it done from running back. He's a steller receiver and showed it this week. I dropped them from an A because of the gameplan. It was blatently clear that Pryor was told running was unacceptable. I understand they wanted to protect him, but he must run next week. Pryor looked great, but some 3rd downs were handed to Pryor on a scramble and he shunned them (definitely called from the coaches). We still converted because IU is awful but take what the defense gives you. Carlos Hyde's fumble at the goalline also hurts, but it was mopup time.

Defense: A-
IU moved the ball very well against the horrid UM defense and they appeared to be pretty solid offensively. This looked like a test for the Bullets after a little shakiness recently, and they took the challenge and blew it up. The defense held the Hoosiers on their side of the field for most of the game, forced turnovers, and totally shut a pretty decent offense down. The secondary played well with a few picks and the pressure worked out well. The garbage TD was a little ugly, but it was backups...but they are still part of the defense.

Special Teams: A-
Nothing heard which makes it a good day. Some will complain about the FG block but I put that on the coaches. No reason to try a 53 yd FG with a kicker who has already shown he can't get the ball up high enough for the bombs. Tough task to ask a freshman kicker to kick a 50+ yarder for his 1st and 2nd attempts. Coverage team looked great, return game was pretty good, and the punting game was very good.

Coaching: B+
I went a little lower because of the FG call...still think that was stupid. Loved the playcalling. Perhaps Tressel read my recommendation of 70-30 passing/running breakdown and he took it to heart. The run blocking is still weak but the draw play worked well (since they can just tell the line it's a pass--o-lineman aren't too bright). Pass blocking, QB vision, WR routes, and RB blocking was excellent (I know it was IU) so utilize it. I wish they let Pryor run a little. IU gave it to him and he didn't take it. I respect keeping him healthy, but he needs to run next week.

Week 6--Conference Grind

2010-10-07T12:35:00.006-04:00

Alabama Crimson Tide @ South Carolina Gamecocks

Gomer: Once again, one of these "oooo maybe something will happen" match-ups. Sorry, Alabama is the real deal. They may let you think for a while that your team has a chance at the upset, and then they pull the carrot away teasing you incessantly for honestly believing they would lose a game. The run game of Alabama will do the trick against the always-pesky Gamecocks. Bama: 35--SC: 17

Chief: Another big time game for the Tide on the road against a team who had a bye to rest up and prepare...something Saban's boys better get used to as 6 of their next 7 opponents (I believe) have a bye before the Tide. The Cocks have looked pretty good this year and certainly provide another big test for the number one team. They went to the wire against Auburn at Jordan-Hare but Bama is a different animal. The atmosphere in Colombia will be rocking and those fans are just nuts, but the Tide's discipline will carry through. I see a close game, but Garcia/Spurrier will make one mistake late to quell the upset. Bama: 27--SC: 23

Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines

Gomer: Very interested to see if the Wolves can survive this year's rivalry game with those pesky Spartans. Kirk Cousins is a questionable quarterback at best, as most MSU QB's tend to be. I have no idea how Michigan will stop the rushing attack of the Spartans, but if they want to force Cousins mistakes, they have to. Denard Robinson may be slowed, but he will not be completely contained. 6 games in, the Heisman Trophy will still be his to lose. MSU: 24--UM: 35

Chief: Here we go Michigan. Put up or shut up. If you want to be taken seriously, this is your chance. I will give credit where credit is due if you can pull off a win vs. a decent team. Robinson has been stunning, but against defenses kept out of the basement by the Wolverines ineptness(Basically, I'm slamming UM's defense). MSU has All American Greg Jones and a stout disciplined team under Dantonio. I think they band together and pull off a huge win for Sparty using fundamental football and smart playcalling vs. the flash of RichRod and Robinson. UM's defense makes Kirk Cousins look Heismanesque and Sparty retains Paul Bunyan's Trophy. MSU: 42--UM: 31

LSU Tigers @ Florida Gators

Gomer: I don't ever cheer for Florida, but I am completely okay with a Gator win in this SEC match-up. Les Miles is a freaking idiot. I have students who could do a better job coaching than him, and they don't understand football. The Gators get back on the winning track... for now. LSU: 14--UF: 33

Chief: Derpy derpy derp....that's Les Miles speak for 'How much time is left?' This is where the dumb luck runs out for Les. The Tigers are probably the most fortunate 5-0 team (and I'm including the defenseless Wolverines). They have survived in spite of rather than due to coaching. The Gators where absolutely smashed last week by a much better team. UF will have 2-3 losses by the end of the year, but the Swamp will carry them to a big one here. LSU: 13--UF: 31

Florida State Seminoles @ Miami Hurricanes

Gomer: Miami will continue to be the 2010 version of the 2002 Washington State Cougars and help the Buckeyes strength of schedule with a big win against the arch-rival Seminoles. Jacory Harris will undoubtedly throw a few arm-punts in this game making FSU think they have a chance, but seriously when was the last time that happened? This game used to matter, and wouldn't you know it, moving rivalry games lessens their importance. Gene Smith sucks. FSU: 21--UM: 38

Chief: Maybe this game is back to some level of relevance. It's been a while since these teams mattered on a national scale, and it's still not a game of national importance...but it's getting there. There's a really good chance that this is the preview of the ACC Championship Game (the one that the conference was set up to have even though it's never happened). VT still needs to prove they can make a statement to oust these teams. FSU is back to form after the embarrassment in Norman and Ponder should be able to move the ball. Harris is still too interception prone to put the Noles away. FSU has the edge at QB so I'm going with them winning on the road (did you really expect me to pick Miami?). Jimbo is bringing his talents to South Beach! FSU: 27--UM: 23

Indiana Hoosiers @ The Ohio State University Buckeyes

Gomer: The Hoosiers may bring a high-power offense to Columbus, but that doesn't mean this game will be a shootout. The Silver Bullets will look to post their first shutout of the season, but it may be a struggle again. Like Chief, I thought it was fairly certain the Bucks would post one at Illinois, but for whatever reason some weird stuff started happening. I think Tressel is going to be very cautious using Pryor this week which will mean more chances for the stable of running backs to prove themselves. IU: 9--OSU: 41

Chief: Alright Bucks. Another mediocre road win but a win nonetheless. The weather played a factor, but the performance was not up to the Buckeye standards. It will be good to get the team home before the trip to Madison. IU is a much better offensive team behind the arm of Ben Chapell than Illinois but their defense is atrocious. Expect the Hoosiers to score, but to give up much more. Michigan actually gave the blueprint to the Buckeyes on how to beat IU: Rush 2 and drop 9. The IU offensive line is no good but Chapell can pick you apart (even in a few seconds) unless no one is open. The soft rush will get there before a receiver gets open. Also, cover number 2 (Ross?) because he's their only real threat at receiver. The banged up secondary needs some game time to get ready for Wisky. The mantra for the game (this one and all) is: Win...but for the love of God, DON'T LET PRYOR GET HURT!! IU: 13--OSU: 45

Other Games

Minn @ Wisc: Gomer: Wisc Chief: Wisc

BC @ NCSt: Gomer: BC Chief: NCSt

Ill @ PSU: Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU (close)

BGSU @ Ohio: Gomer: OU Chief: BGSU

OrSt @ Zona: Gomer: Zona Chief: Zona (big)

Pur @ NW: Gomer: Purdue Chief: NW

USC @ Stan: Gomer: Stan Chief: Stan