Week 5 - The Battle of Ohio

Standings
1) Draper               11-6    (2-2 upset)
1) Schweinfurth     11-6    (1-3 upset)
1) Seeberg              11-6    (0-4 upset)
4) Hoying               10-7    (2-2 upset)

After last week's presciently named "Paring the Ranks of the Undefeateds" post, 9 undefeated teams went on to lose, 5 of them to teams with losses (good work, Maryland, Iowa, and Indiana), leaving just 25 undefeated teams left after 4 weeks of play. Our first two picks this week each feature a pair of undefeated teams, and the Buckeyes hope to knock off undefeated Cincinnati as well.

In other news, every B1G team except Michigan avoided a loss last week, and the Wolverines celebrated by offering free football tickets to anyone who could afford two $1.50 Coke products.

UCLA Bruins @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Draper:UCLA is undefeated...but their 3 wins have been as unimpressive as anyone who was supposed to be a national title contender, but they did win, even with backup QB Jerry Neuheisal stepping in when 'mega-star' Brett Hundley got hurt. ASU has been pretty much as unimpressive with 3 craptastic wins before this Thursday night showdown.  UCLA's win at UVA is actually gaining some credit as time passes but the SunDevils have beaten...no one.  My gut says UCLA has to be the better team with the 'hype', but they can't protect the QB.  ASU is at home, but I have no idea what this team is made of...so many questions.  I have to believe that Hundley is better than he's shown and if he plays, I'll lean to the Bruins.  If he doesn't play, I'm betting (HAHA GET IT!? HIS DAD WAS FIRED FOR GAMBLING!!) that Jerry Neuheisal can 'game manage' a road win.  UCLA in a close one.  UCLA: 28--ASU: 27
Hoying: Never underestimate the inertia of preseason rankings. Somehow, UCLA comes into this game ranked #11 after three quite unimpressive wins, the best of which may well turn out to be at Virginia. Why so mediocre? Despite featuring everyone's Heisman darling, Brett Hundley, at QB, the Bruins can't buy him a few seconds' worth of protection. UCLA has given up 12 sacks so far, while dialing up only 3 of their own. It's become so bad that Hundley had to leave a game in which UCLA was trailing Texas, so that Rick Neuheisel's son could lead them to victory. In contrast, what do we know about the home team? They have three big wins over three bad opponents. They run the ball very well. And, like UCLA, their starting quarterback, Taylor Kelly, is injured. Were that last fact not the case, I would be tempted to pick to Sun Devils, but Neuheisel is battle-tested and ASU backup QB Mike Bercovici isn't. UCLA: 24--ASU: 17
Schweinfurth:  I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Hundley will at least start this game.  That won't matter though as ASU has been pretty meh these last few years while UCLA is on the up swing.  UCLA: 28--ASU: 10
Seeberg:  Both teams are 3-0, having beaten almost nobody between them with the possible exception of UVA (by UCLA).  Hundley is hurt, supposedly, but UCLA isn't telling anyone whether he'll play or not.  ASU may have wished they did the same as their starting QB is out with a bad wheel.  ASU also allowed more points to Colorado than lowly Hawaii, so their D is suspect at best.  Assuming Hundley is anywhere near 100%, this one should end up somewhat comfortably for the Bruins.  UCLA: 27--ASU: 17

Florida State Seminoles @ North Carolina State Wolfpack
Draper: NC State is the annual 'trap' game for the Noles.  Especially in Raleigh.  Not this year.  Jameis will be back and hungry to lead this team.  Yes, the Noles looked vulnerable vs. Clemson, but the Tiger pass rush is very good and the receivers made some circus catches.  NCSU is undefeated but no longer.  FSU reminds everyone what the number 1 team can do.  Don't underestimate the importance of a solid experienced leader at the QB position.  Noles roll. FSU: 38--NCSU: 17
Hoying: You thought the big Florida State ACC showdown was last week, didn't you? Fie! Clemson wasn't even undefeated! NC State rolls in with 4 wins over Georgia Southern, Old Dominion, South Florida, and Presbyterian. Meanwhile the Noles miraculously benefited from some heavy Clemsoning to overcome the loss of Jameis Winston, but we learned something very important in the process: Florida State has no running game. GaSo and ODU were able to have success on the ground and keep their games against NC State close. Will FSU need to discover a rush attack in order to maintain their winning ways? Yes, but not this week. The talent gap is still too large. FSU: 27--NCSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Jameis Winston is playing in this game right? Florida State's defense carried them through that thriller last week and showed that there is more to this team than Infamous Jameis. Looking at history says that NC State typically gives the 'Noles issues in Raleigh.  This year I don't see it happening.  Jameis feels like he has something to prove and blows the doors off the Wolfpack D. FSU: 35--NCSU: 10
Seeberg:  Has Jameis Winston randomly yelled poor-spirited 4-letter words at anyone yet this week?  No?  Got it.  The Seminoles should be golden.  Nevertheless, NC State has been TTUN to John Cooper's Buckeye squads, inexplicably ruining multiple high-profile seasons with less-talented teams.  The same nearly happened two years before FSU stopped their first-half sleepwalking routine, turning a 16-0 deficit into a 17-16 win.  Last year the Seminoles seemingly buried the curse forever, routing the Wolfpack by 32.  They aren't as dominant this year, but I do not expect a return to the drama.  Keep a lid on it Famous Jameis!  FSU: 38--NCSU: 13

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: TAMU has been known for lots of points over the Johnny Football and Kenny 'Trill' eras, but defense is fairly optional (no I don't care that they played well against bad offenses).  I'd like to congratulate the fat turd (Bielema) for actually winning a conference game with an explosive offense...but no defense either.  Put em together and what do you get? A shootout...that may be too kind....Lots of points, but the 12th man and the better team gives the sizable edge to the Aggies.  The win over South Carolina has matured nicely.  College Station rocks as the Aggies give up a decent number of points, but score much more.  Ark: 27--TAMU: 48
Hoying: Since the end of Arkansas's karma-based 10 game losing streak, the Razorbacks have looked impressive in 3 straight wins, showcasing one of the nation's top rushing attacks behind two-headed monster Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. How dominant is the Arkansas ground game? Against Texas Tech, the Razors attempted 12 passes and scored 49 points, all on run plays. Woo Pig Sooie even averaged 5.3 yards/carry while getting whomped by Auburn in the opener. Unfortunately for them, Texas A&M has inexplicably found a defense to complement their scary-good offense. Since giving up 28 points (on four touchdown passes) to South Carolina in the opener, the Aggies have surrendered 19 points total in their last 3 games. You can't be one-dimensional and knock off A&M this year. Ark: 20--TAMU: 41
Schweinfurth: Bert's Razorbacks are bad.  I mean like really bad (but ESPN will tell you they are good because SEC).  Texas A&M is still interesting to me.  They are a team that I would expect to have 2-3 losses but they look better than I think they are.  Fortunately for A&M, the Razorbacks aren't much of a challenge and this one is over quick.  Ark: 17--TAMU: 45
Seeberg:  Anyone in the Greensboro, NC area want to go halvsies on some pizza/beer and take in this game with me?  I have an impractically large TV and this game is likely to be very entertaining.  Bret Bielema's money grab is finally netting the Razorbacks some victories by going back to, ironically, both Razorback and Badger football, running it down people's throats.  Their passing game, however, leaves much to be desired, and did not show up in the one game they needed it, a 24-point loss to Auburn.  Pass me another slice, TAMU just scored again.  Ark: 23--TAMU: 52

Cincinnati Bearcats @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Bucks responded from the VT debacle by clobbering hapless Kent State.  Now it's the return of Little Brother (what a champion) to the Shoe.  UC looks to step up and take down the big dog to match up their resume with Oberlin College, but it's just not in the cards.  Gunner Kiel has slung the ball around quite well in the first few games, but the LSU transfer...er...Irish transfer...er...whatever, hasn't been to the Shoe.  OSU has far better athletes from top to bottom so this should be a Buckeye win although the pass defense will be tested.  Look for the O-line to continue to improve against a D-Line better than Kent but worse than VT.  The pass defense will be tested, but Zeke, Curtis Samuel, and Mr. Barrett should have a field day against this defense.  Keep the record books open. Send them back to Ohio's ONLY crappy stepping stone school. UC: 28--OSU: 41
Hoying: After a bye week, the Buckeyes welcome back Scrappy Doo to Ohio Stadium, ending a 7-year hiatus. Little Brother is excited about its chances with super-recruit Gunner Kiel behind center, but Cincinnati (1) can't run the ball, and (2) has no defense. If the Buck-O-Line continues to improve, the Men of the Scarlet and Gray should be able to roll up quite a few points. This game will come down to how well Chris Ash's newly-installed Cover 4 defense has taken hold. The pass defense was actually pretty decent against Virginia Tech, and Navy and Kent State couldn't throw the ball at all, but this will be the true test of the Silver Bullets' progress. I have a good feeling about this one. It still sUCks to be a stepping stone. UC: 20--OSU: 45
Schweinfurth: It is finally time to see if that sieve of a pass defense is fixed.  Yes VaTech threw it a little bit, but Cincinnati is going to go full air raid and throw it 40-50 times.  Blitz timing and good corner coverage is going to be needed because Gunner Kiel has some pretty good targets to throw to.  I expect the Bearcats to be able to move the ball between the thirties and bog down a bit in the red zone.  The Buckeye offense has also had two weeks to figure out what to do on the offensive line and what their identity will be.  UC is going to try and run a bear front.   Because of that, I expect J.T. to come out throwing lots of short to intermediate passes.  Once the defense is loosened up a bit, Zeke and Samuel will get their yards.  Ohio State has the better talent in the state.  It's time to prove it.  UC: 20--OSU: 52
Seeberg:  Had to wait an extra week to say this thanks to the bye week, but where in the (insert favorite expletive here) was that team/coaching staff when we actually NEEDED them against Va Tech?  No matter, the Bearcats come rolling into Columbus with a high-powered, if one-dimensional, offense.  The front four will need to put some pressure on Top Gunner to ease things for the back seven.  It's unlikely the D is completely patched up, but luckily our non-Tressel-influenced offense will be scoring plenty.  Doubling up the little brother in the Shoe.  UC: 24--OSU: 48

Upset Special
Draper:Minnesota over Michigan (get the pitchforks ready)
Hoying: Oregon State over USC
Schweinfurth: Missouri over South Carolina
Seeberg: Texas Tech over Oklahoma State

Week 13 Picks--Rivalry Madness

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: 34Schweinfurth: 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 TigersDraper: 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: 21Schweinfurth: 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 JacketsDraper: 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: 20Schweinfurth: 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 TigersDraper: 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: 30Schweinfurth: 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 BadgersDraper: 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: 24Schweinfurth: 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 GamecocksDraper: 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: 27Schweinfurth: 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 CardinalDraper: 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: 41Schweinfurth: 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 GatorsDraper: 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: 10Schweinfurth: 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: 17THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Michigan WolverinesDraper: 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: 20If 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 aboveSchweinfurth: Lions over the Packers!!!

Five Thoughts of the Week that was--Week 10

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.

Week 10 Picks--ARMAGEDDON

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: 17Auer: 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:17Schweinfurth: 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: 52Auer: 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:55Schweinfurth: 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: 38Auer: 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: 31Schweinfurth: 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: 45Auer: 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: 38Schweinfurth: 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: 41Auer: 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: 38Schweinfurth: 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 VirginiaSchweinfurth: Louisville over West Virginia

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

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