Week 14 - THE GA_E (And _any Others)

Standings

1) Draper                40-19    (6-7 upset)

1) Hoying               40-19    (4-9 upset)
3) Seeberg              38-21    (2-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     37-22    (6-7 upset)

We would like to give thanks for college football, titanic Rivalry Week clashes, the greatest sports rivalry in the world, and the fact that we are blessed enough to be Let's Go Bucks! and not Let's Go Blue!

#6 _ississippi State Bulldogs @ #16 Ole _iss Rebels

Draper: In what is an Egg Bowl for the ages, we should see a pretty good contest.  In fact, this could have been an epic showdown...if it had been played a few weeks back.  The state of these schools had the best first half of a college football season ever, but has since declined.  The Rebels played the role of David that took down Goliath but the loss of Laquan Treadwell vs. Auburn has been too great an obstacle to surpass in the last few weeks.  A beat down by Arkansas has Dr. Bo hobbling into the rivalry.  The Bulldogs rebounded nicely after dropping to the Tide.  The local advantage in Oxford is great and will keep it reasonably close, but the Bulldogs and Dak Prescott know they still are in the hunt and need a big win to stay viable as a non-division winner.  With no downfield passing attack from the Rebs (see loss of Treadwell) the ground and pound Dawgs take care of business to end the season strong...at #5.  If it was in StarkVegas, I'd expect a blowout.  In Oxford, close, but no cigar.  Bulldogs: 24--Rebels: 17

Hoying: It's been quite a while since the Bulldogs and Rebels were #1 and #2 back in October. Since then, Dr. Bo and friends have dropped 3 of 4, with their one win over lowly PresbyterI-AAn. But it didn't appear that the Rebs had given up until last week's outing, when they were drilled by 30 by Bert and the 'Backs. Even so, it's not like the Bulldogs have shown any greater degree of excellence, struggling against Kentucky and Arkansas before losing to the Tide. There's (probably) no longer an SEC West title on the line, but this is still the biggest Egg Bowl in recent recollection. Can fading all-SEC candidate Dak Prescott find a few gaps in what is still the nation's top defense? Will the good Dr. Bo show up? Better indicator: look to the running attack. State has one, Johnny Reb doesn't. The Bulldogs continue to hang around like a black cloud over OSU's playoff chances. Bulldogs: 27--Rebels: 20

Schweinfurth: Ole Miss is starting to show their true colors by losing 3 of their last 4 games.  I also feel that Hail State was exposed by Alabama.  Bo Wallace is pretty much meh and Dak Prescott hasn't exactly impressed the last few weeks.  The Bulldogs are the better team and should win.  Bulldogs: 35--Rebels: 21

Seeberg:  How the ephemerally mighty have fallen.  Mississippi was the center of the college football universe for a month or so (ssshhh, don't tell Paul Finebaum and/or Alabama).  Now this one is mostly for pride, barring an unforeseen collapse in Tuscaloosa.  Arkansas ran rampant last week against the Rebels' usually stout D, and MSU can run it almost as well.  Don't expect much from former Heisman frontrunner Dak Prescott, but the ground game will be enough to win the Bulldogs the Egg Bowl.  Bulldogs: 24--Rebels: 17

#20 _innesota Golden Gophers @ #13 Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: Can the Gophers really pull this off? The potent Badgers return to the friendly confines of Wisconsin to battle for the axe behind the legs of Gordon.  Cobb vs. Gordon is what this is about.  I think the Gophers will fight valiantly and keep this close until Gordon shows his style.  Everyone is overlooking the Gophers due to recent failure (recent as in the last 10 years), but I believe they'll play with a great deal of pride.  Wisconsin just has a little extra talent on their sideline that will be the difference.  Bucky nips Goldy as the Fifth Quarter sends the Badgers on a date with the Buckeyes,  Wisc: 31--Goldy: 27

Hoying: Now we turn to B1Gger affairs: who will be Ohio State's opponent in Indianapolis next week? The Badgers nearly gagged one away in Iowa City last week, but they're a totally different squad on their own field. The nation's top running back, Gordon, is still running strong, playing far better than Nebraska's Abdullah, who the Gophers were able to shut down last week. David Cobb will be able to get a touchdown or two, and Goldy will keep it close for a quarter or two, but Wisconsin is just...better. WARNING: if you like the forward pass, or any other football innovation since about 1910, you probably should avoid the Big Ten Network at 3:30. Goldy: 24--Bucky: 38

Schweinfurth: I really can't believe that the Gophers are a win away from the B1G Championship.  This game will be a fast one with all the running these two teams do.  I am actually looking forward to watching Cobb and Gordon run the ball.  Not much QB play here but man will it be a slobberknocker.  Next week, OSU vs. Bucky.  Goldy: 17--Bucky: 24

Seeberg:  Amazingly enough, we're 11 games into the season and I STILL don't know what to make of Minnesota.  Yeah, they played us close, largely because we were in an early Christmas mode, giving them opportunities left and right.  Yeah they got whipped by TCU early, but it turns out TCU is really good.  Yeah they beat Nebraska, but Nebraska's lousy.  This one won't be pretty to watch, but Gordon will officially stamp his ticket to NYC with another 200 yard, multi-TD day.  Goldy: 20--Bucky: 35

#15 Arizona State Sun Devils @ #11 Arizona Wildcats

Draper: I expected great things in this showdown before I heard RichRod's frosh sensation QB may be sidelined.  The Wildcats played very well in Salt Lake City to perhaps show they were for real, and the Sun Devils have fallen back.  That being said, the Cats were fully dependent on Anu's throwing ability and his quick decisions.  Bercovici and crew should return to their rightful throne of the Sun in this contest to let RichRod know that he can't win this week...anywhere.  Anu would lead to an interesting contest....no Anu and the Sun Devils control the Grand Canyon State.  ASU: 31--Zona: 24

Hoying: Unfortunately for those in the Grand Canyon State, this showdown between top-15 crews is likely to be inconsequential. As long as UCLA takes care of business against Stanford on Friday, neither of these two will represent the Pac-12 South in San Francisco. At any rate, this one will likely depend on the availability of Arizona's frosh starting quarterback, Anu. The Wildcats' backup has tried all of 7 passes this season, lacking the experience of ASU's Bercovici. Not that the Sun Devils will need Bercovici; Taylor Kelly's doing just fine these days. I'll take a risk and bet that Anu won't be ready to go, which should guarantee an ugly throwdown in the desert. ASU: 38--Zona: 17

Schweinfurth: From what I have seen, ASU is the more rounded team.  That's all my insight here.  ASU: 42--Zona:24

Seeberg:  Anyone remember who beat Oregon anymore?  Yeah I barely do either.  Amazingly, the Wildcats' victory over the Ducks is an infinitely better-looking loss than our loss to Virginia Tech (yeah, I know, it's not basketball.  I can't figure it out either).  Arizona has done nothing else of note until a thrasing of Utah last week.  Meanwhile, ASU inexplicably lost to the OTHER Oregon team (AKA, the OTHER OSU), knocking them off of the Pac-12 South podium.  Unfortunately, that demolition of the Utes may be a pyhrric victory for Arizona as their QB has a dodgy ankle.  He will likely give it a go on Friday, but one fewer day of recuperation will ruin Rich Rod's chances at his 10th win.  ASU: 34--Zona: 20

#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ #10 Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate--that's a title for a rivalry.  The Yellow Jackets triple option attack is no fun for anyone to face (poor Noles).  UGA has rebounded with a few nice wins since the drubbing to the Gators on the legs of Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb (which is a all-inclusive list of the talent of the Dawgs).  This Bulldog squad is nothing to sneeze at...but nothing to go wild over either.  The rushing attack is good, but there is little to no...other talent.  That being said, the Jackets are so rush heavy and 'eh' on defense, UGA VIII could have a big day toting the rock.  The Dawgs control the battle between the hedges and escape with token knee injuries stay alive in the playoff chase (if on life support).  GT: 30--UGA: 37

Hoying: Nothing like a little Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate to close out the regular season. Is there a squad as undervalued as the Yellow Jackets? Sure, they're predictable and passing is strictly optional, but only two heartbreaking losses to Duke and UNC deprived GT of an 11-0 start and a spot in the playoff chase. As it stands, they'll have to settle for a crack at the SEC East's two-talented-RBs-and-garbage group, who have bounced back nicely after getting crushed by the Gators. How did Florida pull off that win? Oh yeah, they RAN THE BALL over and over and over and over and then Georgia lost by 18. If the Gators can do that, think what the Jacket juggernaut is capable of. GT: 34--UGA: 27

Schweinfurth: Let's see, Georgia has Nick Chubb and...yea that's it.  Georgia Tech and the triple option are always hard to prepare for.  In a way, it's almost like playing the shell game.  Just because Georgia is in the SEC doesn't mean they are good.  Florida ran all over Georgia and that's what Tech does best.  Tech bleeds this down.  GT--24--UGA: 14

Seeberg:  The ramblin' wreck head between the hedges this year down in JO-gia for their annual in-state clash.  As much running as there will be in the Goldy-Bucky bout, there may be even more in this one.  The Yellow Jackets are basically a REALLY fast Navy, which causes fits for pretty much everyone.  However, Georgia completely shut down an equally prolific rushing offense in Auburn in a 34-7 beatdown, a game featuring Todd Gurley's return from making money for himself (a standard NCAA violation).  Coupled with Mizzou's loss against Arkansas (see my upset special!), Georgia heads to the SEC title game with some momentum.  GT: 24--UGA: 38

#14 Auburn Tigers @ #3 Alaba_a Cri_son Tide
Draper: The Iron Bowl...boy...another clash that was soooo sexy a few weeks back...but not so now.  Our boy Brent is even back to call the rivalry, but this should be a bit one-sided.  The Tigers rushing attack has faded in the past few weeks and Gus's wild offense has toned down.  The Tide have been taking control with the defense that has become interchangeable with Saban.  The Tide QB has been good...but not as good as the SEC crazies would have you believe.  The Tiger QB hasn't been up to his standards lately...and this one is in Tuscaloosa...uh oh.  Saban knows revenge is a dish best served cold...and he'll portion out a heaping serving to the Tigers.  Roll Tide to Atlanta.  Aub: 16--Tide: 30

Hoying: Let's have a few seconds of silence for the Tigers, who saw their season die at the hands of the Aggies 3 weeks ago. Since then, they got drubbed by Georgia and foundered for a few quarters against Bobby Bowden's first coaching stop before pulling out a victory. Passing is non-existent, the rush attack is failing, and the defense is kaput. The Tide haven't really done anything astounding since crushing the Aggies 59-0, but they're passing the ball reasonably well, and the defense is fantastic. No last-second oddities this year; just the extension of the dynasty, COWTURD! Tigers: 13--Tide: 24

Schweinfurth: I really could care less about these two teams.  Alabama is the better team but has had a tendency to play down to the competition this year.  For that reason alone, Auburn will hang around in this game.  Saban's teams are very good in revenge games and that should ring true here.  Tigers: 17--Tide: 20

Seeberg:  A month ago, a second-straight Tiger victory in the Iron Bow l seemed a distinct possibility.  Now?  Not so much.  The Tide has been rising of late, but that only lifts their own boat sadly, contrary to JFK's beliefs.  In any event, Amari Cooper and Co. will be on high alert to avoid a similarly miraculous debacle as last year.  Perhaps Gus has some tricks up his sleeve saved up for this one, but given how bad they looked against Georgia, I'm pretty sure that's not the case, as saving his season would have been more important than winning this game.  Tide rolls.  Tigers: 17--Tide: 34

The Cesspool of the West @ #7 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper: This one is easy.  If the Bucks stop turning the ball over, it's a 4 touchdown spread.  But this rivalry goes beyond the sidelines.  There are those who fear the Blue...but that's in the past.  Now is the era to crush the spirit of the Blue.  They are to fear the Scarlet and Gray.  Brady, Navarre, Grbac, Biakubatuka, Perry, Braylon, Woodson...they aren't stepping on the field.  Those who are...they are scared...and they should be.  On a day when Troy enters the rafters of hallowed territory, it is on the Bucks to continue his legacy.  JT needs to return to the style and flair we all saw earlier this year.  Zeke and the line need to dictate the pace with speed and power.  The defense needs to hit hard, strong, and SURE to send notice to that State Up North that this is not a passing fancy.  The Buckeyes own you...and will continue to do so.  It's all over but the crying.  GO BUCKS! BEAT BLUE!!  Cesspool: 17--OSU: 48

Hoying: Perhaps it's a sign of how spoiled I've been by the last 14 years, but I haven't loved the way Ohio State has played its last two tilts against That School Up North. Urban does a fantastic job of getting his players up for the big showdowns, but in this rivalry, they've tended to start the first half a bit too excited, leading to overpursuit, penalties, and general foul-ups. If the Buckeyes can settle down, stick to the plan, and TACKLE a ballcarrier or two, this one shouldn't be close. The Wolverine offense is a total disaster: Gardner's too shell-shocked to play well, Funyuns has given up on the season, and I don't think they actually have a running back left. The defense is fine, but the Buckeyes haven't been stopped since Virginia Tech (other than by their own goofs). A couple of turnovers or boneheaded kicking plays will prevent a total blowout, but this one should never really be in doubt. I can barely stand to see a true blue Wolverine coach depart with a losing record against the Buckeyes, but how can I argue with tradition? Cesspool: 16--OSU: 38

Schweinfurth: I am a child of the 90s, therefore I will always be worried about this game.  It's in my nature.  However, I don't know if there has been a bigger mismatch since Rich Rod's first year.  This Wolverine offense has been anemic all year and don't get me started on that defense.  J.T. hasn't looked great the last two weeks but I really think that changes this week.  These seniors get to go out with another set of Gold Pants!!  Cesspool: 17--OSU: 52

Seeberg:  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will ALWAYS, forever and ever amen, get nervous this time of year.  This nervousness was instilled in me by one John Cooper, who recruited 80 bajillion all-Americans (Eddie George, Orlando Pace, Terry Glenn, Shawn Springs, Bobby Hoying, Mike Vrabel, oh wait we had all of those guys on the SAME TEAM in 1995) that somehow collapsed in the third weekend of November.  Thankfully, things have changed.  Saint Urban of Ashtabula (can't take credit for that catchy nickname, but check out landgrantholyland for a hilarious piece on the state of the rivalry at present) has arrived and is 2-0 against TTUN, though neither victory has been all that smooth, winning by a combined six points.  The talent level has become increasingly disparate in the rivalry but it hasn't shown on the scoreboard...until this year.  TCotW kicks a few field goals, gets a mercy TD late, but order remains in the universe...as long as we hold on to the (insert favorite expletive here) ball.  Hold onto the ball, move on to Indy.  Cesspool: 23--OSU: 42

Upset Special
Draper: Texas over TCU
Hoying: Florida over Florida State (I live to be disappointed)
Schweinfurth: Notre Dame over USC
Seeberg:  Arkansas over Missouri