Standings:
1.) Draper 20-4 (0-5 upset)
2.) Hoying 18-6 (2-3 upset)
3.) Seeberg 16-8 (0-5 upset)
2.) Hoying 18-6 (2-3 upset)
3.) Seeberg 16-8 (0-5 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 15-9 (1-4 upset)
In 480 BC, 300 hopeless outnumbered Spartan hoplites and their scant allies faced off against a far superior invading Persian force. The Spartans fought to the last man but were ultimately slaughtered by the visitors. When CJ Stroud's bombs blot out the sun, MSU will be left to aspire to their usual pitiful 27 points per game in the shade. On Saturday, Mel Tucker dines in hell.
Texas Christian Horned Frogs @ Kansas Jayhawks
Draper: Kansas is the feel good story of 2022. Bringing GameDay to Lawrence for the first time leaving only 6 Power 5 programs to yet host the flagship's CFB pregame show (can you name them?) is truly awesome. Unfortunately, they have been living on the razor's edge. They are MILES better than they have been in the past 12 years, but I think mediocrity looks like ultimate power when you've been a doormat for so long. Jalon Daniels has been pretty good, but the numbers are hiding some close calls. TCU, on the other hand, may have a little contender in them. The Frogs led by Max Duggan are a real Big 12 contender and potential playoff buster. While the stomping of OU was fun, this game puts them on a likely collision course with the Longhorns for a Big 12 title. Frogs spoil the GameDay debute. TCU: 38--KU: 21
Hoying: Once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion. I was soaring ever higher. But I flew too high...It's been a great run, Jayhawks, but you've been feasting on the dregs for too long. Your defense isn't great, and your offense failed to launch against the only stout defense you've faced this year (Iowa State). You can't rely on the other team to miss three field goals on the way to 3-point wins and hope to stay undefeated for long. The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, are a puzzlingly flat second half against SMU away from looking like a serious contender this season, dominating perennial Big 12 bugaboo Oklahoma on both sides of the ball last week. Therein lies the only hope for the Jayhawks in this game. Can TCU really get up to give their best effort against Kansas after such an exhilarating victory? Maybe not, but even a C+ effort should get it done, even on the road, against what is frankly a bit of a mirage. It's been fun, Kansas. Get over that bowl eligibility hump another week. TCU: 41--KU: 24
Schweinfurth: Kansas is such a great story to start this year. They have one of the top offenses in the country and have gone from also ran to the top of the Big 12. Unfortunately, they have to play a team that is just as hot and coming off a huge win against the Sooners. This will probably be the most entertaining game of the weekend and have tons of scoring. I just think TCU gets the one defensive stop needed to jump ahead. TCU: 45--KU: 42
Seeberg: Ah yes, just where we thought gameday would be this week when the season started. Right? RIGHT? In any event, the football Jayhawks are undefeated and TCU is riding high after demolishing Oklahoma last week. Kansas enjoys shootouts but actually won a defensive slog against Iowa State last week. TCU, however, can score it too and likely has just a little too much talent for Kansas to remain unbeaten. It should be competitive, though, as Lance continues upping the ante (and his next paycheck) guiding the 'Hawks. TCU: 42--KU: 34
Hoying: Once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion. I was soaring ever higher. But I flew too high...It's been a great run, Jayhawks, but you've been feasting on the dregs for too long. Your defense isn't great, and your offense failed to launch against the only stout defense you've faced this year (Iowa State). You can't rely on the other team to miss three field goals on the way to 3-point wins and hope to stay undefeated for long. The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, are a puzzlingly flat second half against SMU away from looking like a serious contender this season, dominating perennial Big 12 bugaboo Oklahoma on both sides of the ball last week. Therein lies the only hope for the Jayhawks in this game. Can TCU really get up to give their best effort against Kansas after such an exhilarating victory? Maybe not, but even a C+ effort should get it done, even on the road, against what is frankly a bit of a mirage. It's been fun, Kansas. Get over that bowl eligibility hump another week. TCU: 41--KU: 24
Schweinfurth: Kansas is such a great story to start this year. They have one of the top offenses in the country and have gone from also ran to the top of the Big 12. Unfortunately, they have to play a team that is just as hot and coming off a huge win against the Sooners. This will probably be the most entertaining game of the weekend and have tons of scoring. I just think TCU gets the one defensive stop needed to jump ahead. TCU: 45--KU: 42
Seeberg: Ah yes, just where we thought gameday would be this week when the season started. Right? RIGHT? In any event, the football Jayhawks are undefeated and TCU is riding high after demolishing Oklahoma last week. Kansas enjoys shootouts but actually won a defensive slog against Iowa State last week. TCU, however, can score it too and likely has just a little too much talent for Kansas to remain unbeaten. It should be competitive, though, as Lance continues upping the ante (and his next paycheck) guiding the 'Hawks. TCU: 42--KU: 34
Tennessee Volunteers @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Tennessee is the flavor of the month in the SEC, but both these teams seem to be rising a liiiittttttle too fast. Hendon Hooker has put together some nice games, but I don't know if UT is really back to top level wuite yet. Lucky for them, LSU isn't either. My text before the polls came out was "they're putting LSU over FSU aren't they". The prophecy of SEC bias was fulfilled. I'm honestly a little conflicted in this game because I'm not sold on the Vols ability to go into Death Valley and win, even with the talent disparity in their favor. A noon kickoff is just what the doctor ordered for Josh Heupel, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say the home crowd and the Tigah FAMuhlee reminds UT that they aren't back yet (and perpetuates the SEC strength via circular arguments). Note: neither of these teams is good, but the narrative (regardless of the winner) will be that these are both 'serious' contenders in the SEC and beyond. UT: 30--LSU: 31
Hoying: Really? We're putting LSU back in the top 25? To be honest, I haven't watched them much since their all-timer late game chili spill against Florida State but I do know that they did a whole lot of nothing last week except stand back and let Auburn collapse on their own. With Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Arkansas coming up in the next few weeks, I expect that reality is going to set in very quickly for the Tigers, and it's going to start against the only team whose rise this year can rival Kansas's in improbability. Yes, I know the experts were expecting Tennessee to actually be good this time, and yes, I know Hendon Hooker was a known quantity in August when everyone was salivating over this offense, but when Florida was leading deep into the first half in Knoxville I found myself wondering "Oh Tennessee, will there ever be a rainbow?" But I'll be darned if they don't look like the class of the East and maybe even the biggest threat to Alabama in the SEC this season. Vols continue to roll and set up the game of the first half of the season against the Tide next week in Knoxville. UT: 31--LSU: 23
Hoying: Really? We're putting LSU back in the top 25? To be honest, I haven't watched them much since their all-timer late game chili spill against Florida State but I do know that they did a whole lot of nothing last week except stand back and let Auburn collapse on their own. With Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Arkansas coming up in the next few weeks, I expect that reality is going to set in very quickly for the Tigers, and it's going to start against the only team whose rise this year can rival Kansas's in improbability. Yes, I know the experts were expecting Tennessee to actually be good this time, and yes, I know Hendon Hooker was a known quantity in August when everyone was salivating over this offense, but when Florida was leading deep into the first half in Knoxville I found myself wondering "Oh Tennessee, will there ever be a rainbow?" But I'll be darned if they don't look like the class of the East and maybe even the biggest threat to Alabama in the SEC this season. Vols continue to roll and set up the game of the first half of the season against the Tide next week in Knoxville. UT: 31--LSU: 23
Schweinfurth: Hendon Hooker is playing out of his mind thus far and the Vol's offense is putting up ridiculous numbers. In my mind, LSU is rebuilding. Tennessee is well rested of the bye week and should win comfortably. The big question I have is, will Bryan Kelly's face turn the same shade of purple as his shirt? Tenn: 35--LSU: 20
Seeberg: Say what you will about Bryan Kelly, but he can coach it. In a rebuilding year he has the Tigers ranked. The Vols, meanwhile, are threatening to climb into legitimacy again. I'm not convinced the Florida win is one to hang their hat on (they barely hung on, at home) but that program has OWNED the orange for nearly two decades so any win over that program is a big one. Death Valley will keep it close, but Hooker is just a bit too good for Kelly and Co. UT: 27--LSU: 20
Seeberg: Say what you will about Bryan Kelly, but he can coach it. In a rebuilding year he has the Tigers ranked. The Vols, meanwhile, are threatening to climb into legitimacy again. I'm not convinced the Florida win is one to hang their hat on (they barely hung on, at home) but that program has OWNED the orange for nearly two decades so any win over that program is a big one. Death Valley will keep it close, but Hooker is just a bit too good for Kelly and Co. UT: 27--LSU: 20
Utah Utes @ California Los Angeles Bruins
Draper: I went to the Utes game last week in Salt Lake and was surprised at the 'meh' I felt watching the game. Cam Rising is a fine midtier QB, but I wasn't stunned. The Utah defense forced Oregon State into 4 turnovers (2 handed on a silver platter), but that 'blowout win' was a one score game going into the 4th. UCLA is rebounding off a big win over the Huskies with an extra day to prep, but I think the defensive talent is a little stronger for the Utes. Also, Utah has been catching teams off of big games (the close loss to USC seemed to affect the Beavs). I'll go with two Utes to be the difference. Clark Phillips and Cam Rising keep Utah on a collision course with SC for the Pac 12. UU: 31--UCLA: 23
Hoying: Amazing how one play can affect the complexion of a season. If Cam Rising eats the ball instead of throwing a pick in the end zone at the end of the Florida game, there's a good chance the preseason #7 Utes are in the driver's seat for a playoff spot and a trendy pick to make some noise once they're there. Now they're stuck looking up at the future Big Ten legends leading the Pac-#TBD. Fortunately, with two big wins this week and next week, the Utes are right back in the Playoff discussion. Then again, it's not like UCLA is an easy mark. Just ask the erstwhile solid-looking Huskies, who were unable to brave the 20,000 hostile fans and escape LA with a victory. I still think the Bruins, and the Pac-12 in general, are for real this year, but Utah is too sound to let this one slip. Bring on the Trojans in Salt Lake City. UU: 31--UCLA: 27
Schweinfurth: I have no back up on this pick, but I'm gonna roll with Utah. They have looked like an experienced team and I'm not sold on the Chip Kelly rebuild yet. UU: 42--UCLA: 35
Seeberg: Well, like most years I struggle to determine what's happening west of the Rockies. The Bruins looked darn good beating a respectable Husky squad last week and, therefore, are primed for a downfall. If Oregon drops a game too the Pac-12 10 may have to borrow the ACC Wheel of Destiny to see who's going to play in their title game. Utes late. UU: 38--UCLA: 34
Hoying: Amazing how one play can affect the complexion of a season. If Cam Rising eats the ball instead of throwing a pick in the end zone at the end of the Florida game, there's a good chance the preseason #7 Utes are in the driver's seat for a playoff spot and a trendy pick to make some noise once they're there. Now they're stuck looking up at the future Big Ten legends leading the Pac-#TBD. Fortunately, with two big wins this week and next week, the Utes are right back in the Playoff discussion. Then again, it's not like UCLA is an easy mark. Just ask the erstwhile solid-looking Huskies, who were unable to brave the 20,000 hostile fans and escape LA with a victory. I still think the Bruins, and the Pac-12 in general, are for real this year, but Utah is too sound to let this one slip. Bring on the Trojans in Salt Lake City. UU: 31--UCLA: 27
Schweinfurth: I have no back up on this pick, but I'm gonna roll with Utah. They have looked like an experienced team and I'm not sold on the Chip Kelly rebuild yet. UU: 42--UCLA: 35
Seeberg: Well, like most years I struggle to determine what's happening west of the Rockies. The Bruins looked darn good beating a respectable Husky squad last week and, therefore, are primed for a downfall. If Oregon drops a game too the Pac-
Florida State Seminoles @ North Carolina State Wolfpack
Draper: My beloved Noles are definitely improving. A solid 4-0 record and a reasonably close loss to a ranked Wake team at home with a bevy of missed penalties. However, the improved FSU squad still is a work in progress. Their best hope is that NCState through everything they had against Clemson last week in a losing effort and are too deflated to show up. I just don't think that's the case. I'm extremely proud the the Noles aren't a complete and utter embarrassment this year and the future looks bright, but I don't think the have the horses to steal this one on the road. FSU can absolutely win this game, but teh odds aren't in their favor. FSU: 14--NCSt: 24
Hoying: So it appears that NC State is not the class of the ACC, same as, well, ever. We'll have to wait for Syracuse's visit to Death Valley to see who really runs the Atlantic division, but in the meantime we can have a couple of also-rans jockey for 2nd place. The NC State defense did a passable job holding a somewhat resurgent Clemson offense in check last week. A similar effort would be more than enough to bottle up the Noles, who had trouble breaking through a Wake Forest defense that's been less than impressive this season. Florida State seems to be back to competent, but not back to good, just yet. FSU: 17--NCSt: 27
Schweinfurth: NC State got humbled a little bit last week, but they should bunce back. The offense put up a good amount of points against a very good Clemson D. I'll double down on the Wolfpack, but I will probably regret it again. FSU: 31--NCSt: 35
Seeberg: Well, NC State still can't win the big game, we've known that for decades. The question is...is this a big game? The Seminoles had some moment this year before being stopped by Wake Forest last week. They're still a bigger program than the Wolfpack, but in name only. It might very well go the other way, but let's see if the Wolfpack can manage a moderately sized win. FSU: 24--NCSU: 31
Hoying: So it appears that NC State is not the class of the ACC, same as, well, ever. We'll have to wait for Syracuse's visit to Death Valley to see who really runs the Atlantic division, but in the meantime we can have a couple of also-rans jockey for 2nd place. The NC State defense did a passable job holding a somewhat resurgent Clemson offense in check last week. A similar effort would be more than enough to bottle up the Noles, who had trouble breaking through a Wake Forest defense that's been less than impressive this season. Florida State seems to be back to competent, but not back to good, just yet. FSU: 17--NCSt: 27
Schweinfurth: NC State got humbled a little bit last week, but they should bunce back. The offense put up a good amount of points against a very good Clemson D. I'll double down on the Wolfpack, but I will probably regret it again. FSU: 31--NCSt: 35
Seeberg: Well, NC State still can't win the big game, we've known that for decades. The question is...is this a big game? The Seminoles had some moment this year before being stopped by Wake Forest last week. They're still a bigger program than the Wolfpack, but in name only. It might very well go the other way, but let's see if the Wolfpack can manage a moderately sized win. FSU: 24--NCSU: 31
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: The Green and White (quite a...sight?) congregate in East Lansing, donning the helmets of the conquering heroes of 1998 to take out the Buckeyes. Unfortunately for them, I just don't think a throwback helmet and a mediocre coach with a $95 million buyout are going to be enough. While upsets occur all the time (or near upsets...see UGA/Mizzou), I simply don't see the path in this one. Let's not forget that a SIGNIFICANTLY better MSU team came to Columbus last year and was bent over to the tune of 49 1st half points. Peyton Thorne is a mid-tier QB with few to no weapons and the MSU defense hasn't been able to stop a paper bag. Stroud should feast. I'd like to see JSN get some time, but I won't be surprised if he takes another week off before the bye. The real point that needs to be made is to pump up Mr. Miyan Williams. Every day I see more news about Henderson's return...should he return to the starting role? I'm not convinced. Williams has been a phenomenal runner and I don't know if I'd rush to replace him. Give the man some love. Stroud throws for 4, Williams runs for 2, and the Buckeye defense keeps it dialed in. The coaches will be quite focused on how the Bucks handle the road, but I think they pass with flying colors. OSU: 51--MSU: 17
Hoying: Yes, Sparty is the traditional ruiner of great Buckeye seasons. But the days of a mediocre Spartan team kneecapping the Buckeyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Put 2013 and 2015 out of your head: one of those MSU squads went to the Playoff and the other would've gone had the Playoff existed one year earlier. At this point we have to go all the way back to 1998 to see the Buckeyes get pantsed by a less-than-elite Spartan group. I don't see this as a trap game. Traps have to have the capacity to be sprung, and Michigan State's problem is that they aren't good at anything. Especially glaring is pass defense, which should be a big scarlet flag for anyone who watched last year's air show. Yes, Stroud wasn't putting up numbers last week, but it's not like Rutgers cracked the code for how to stop the Ohio State passing game. The Scarlet Knights committed 3 defensive holding penalties and 3 defensive pass interferences. Amazing how the passing game suffers when your receivers aren't free to run. OSU scored on each of those drives on which the secondary committed a penalty, so I guess Rutgers did provide the blueprint for how to get blown out while making Stroud's numbers look pedestrian. The Buckeyes have a total of one trap game this season, and it's the visit to the Koopa Kids before you-know-who comes to town. Everything else is either Penn State or blowout alert. OSU: 45--MSU: 13
Schweinfurth: The Spartans are going to wear 1998 style helmets. Let that sink in. The Spartans are so desperate for anything in this game, that they are going to roll out stylized helmets circa one of their biggest upset wins. The truth is, that secondary is poo. I can see Harrison, Egbuka, JSN (if he plays), and company putting up TONS of yards. Even if the Spartans drop 8, Williams and Henderson are going to feast. I really want to see the secondary step up this week and make some plays. Thorne is going to have to throw a ton to keep the Spartans in the game. Bucks should win this BIG. OSU: 45--MSU: 14
Seeberg: OK, first road trip of the year, a place Ryan Day has literally not even coached yet. Team we thought would be decent at the start of the year that's now desperate to save a middling season. Lots of pieces of the puzzle for a closer-than-it-should-be game, especially from a team that's taken a lot from us over the years. That said, however, MSU has taken the bold decision to wear helmets from 1998, you know, when Sparty derailed a national title worthy Ohio State squad. Hell, Cooper even beat UM that season. Take note, Day and Co. and another 49-0 halftime score might happen. Hard to think that will be the case again, but it shouldn't be close for long. OSU: 52--MSU: 17
Hoying: Yes, Sparty is the traditional ruiner of great Buckeye seasons. But the days of a mediocre Spartan team kneecapping the Buckeyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Put 2013 and 2015 out of your head: one of those MSU squads went to the Playoff and the other would've gone had the Playoff existed one year earlier. At this point we have to go all the way back to 1998 to see the Buckeyes get pantsed by a less-than-elite Spartan group. I don't see this as a trap game. Traps have to have the capacity to be sprung, and Michigan State's problem is that they aren't good at anything. Especially glaring is pass defense, which should be a big scarlet flag for anyone who watched last year's air show. Yes, Stroud wasn't putting up numbers last week, but it's not like Rutgers cracked the code for how to stop the Ohio State passing game. The Scarlet Knights committed 3 defensive holding penalties and 3 defensive pass interferences. Amazing how the passing game suffers when your receivers aren't free to run. OSU scored on each of those drives on which the secondary committed a penalty, so I guess Rutgers did provide the blueprint for how to get blown out while making Stroud's numbers look pedestrian. The Buckeyes have a total of one trap game this season, and it's the visit to the Koopa Kids before you-know-who comes to town. Everything else is either Penn State or blowout alert. OSU: 45--MSU: 13
Schweinfurth: The Spartans are going to wear 1998 style helmets. Let that sink in. The Spartans are so desperate for anything in this game, that they are going to roll out stylized helmets circa one of their biggest upset wins. The truth is, that secondary is poo. I can see Harrison, Egbuka, JSN (if he plays), and company putting up TONS of yards. Even if the Spartans drop 8, Williams and Henderson are going to feast. I really want to see the secondary step up this week and make some plays. Thorne is going to have to throw a ton to keep the Spartans in the game. Bucks should win this BIG. OSU: 45--MSU: 14
Seeberg: OK, first road trip of the year, a place Ryan Day has literally not even coached yet. Team we thought would be decent at the start of the year that's now desperate to save a middling season. Lots of pieces of the puzzle for a closer-than-it-should-be game, especially from a team that's taken a lot from us over the years. That said, however, MSU has taken the bold decision to wear helmets from 1998, you know, when Sparty derailed a national title worthy Ohio State squad. Hell, Cooper even beat UM that season. Take note, Day and Co. and another 49-0 halftime score might happen. Hard to think that will be the case again, but it shouldn't be close for long. OSU: 52--MSU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Washington State over USC
Hoying: Texas Tech over Oklahoma State
Schweinfurth: Arkansas over Mississippi St.
Seeberg: Arizona over Oregon
