Standings
1. Hoying (3-1, 0-1 upset)
2. Draper (2-2, 0-1 upset)
3. Schweinfuth (2-2, 0-1 upset)
4. Seeberg (2-2, 0-1 upset)
Auburn Tigers @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Auburn has been one of those 'hot' teams in the off season but I'm not quite sold. I love how Clemson is playing the 'disrespect' card while sitting in the top 5. Clemson will be just fine but I don't know if they can surmount the Bama challenge again. But the Auburn challenge in Death Valley? Yeah, I think they'll be fine. Maybe Jarrett Stidham will return to his glory days at Baylor, but I think the Tigers (of Clemson) have more than enough firepower on both sides to take care of business. Aub: 17--Clem: 34
Hoying: How much talent can a team lose and stay elite? Asking for a friend. No Deshaun Watson, no Mike Williams...no problem. Dabo has built a consistent winner at Clemson, while Auburn has been a year of Cam Newton, a string of miracle finishes, and a load of mediocrity over the last decade. There's no more to this than meets the eye. Aub: 16--Clem: 27
Schweinfurth: I predict the Tigers will win this game. Not good enough? I have no love for either of these teams. Mostly because one is an overrated SEC team and the other likes to violate other teams (ask Curtis Samuel). Auburn hasn't been the all powerful offense since Cam Newton graduated. Even with the questions Clemson had on offence entering the year, the defense is still more than capable of carrying this team to the playoffs. Aub: 17--Clem: 28
Seeberg: I also laugh at the purported disrespect flying around Death Valley as Clemson sits in the top five. They are, begrudgingly, reloading year in and year out a la Bama and the Bucks. Meanwhile, Auburn is a solid squad considering it isn't even the best team in its own state and took Clemson to the brink of Clemsoning at home last year, but Death Valley will prove a different story. Aub: 13--Clem: 27
Georgia Bulldogs @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Is Notre Dame 'back'? Have we realized how stupid making those claims are as of yet? No Jacob Eason for the Dawgs seems like the Irish could be poised to pounce, but Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are still healthy. I don't think we're at the crash point for UGA yet so I'll roll with Kirby Smart for another week. UGA: 27--ND: 17
Hoying: Ah, the has-beens get a visit from the never-really-were. But for a late Amari Cooper TD to lifting Alabama over UGA in the 2012 SEC Championship game, this could've been a nice national championship matchup (because Alabama-Notre Dame sure as hell wasn't). This game won't get Georgia any closer to their first SEC title since 2005, but it would be a nice signature win for the young Kirby Smart era, no matter how much of a mirage Notre Dame turns out to be (again). Georgia can't lose their first visit north in 50 years (unless you count a visit to Colorado, which I don't), or else the other SEC teams will re-barricade themselves in Confederate territory until they finally add Ohio State and Michigan in the next round of expansion. UGA: 41--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: 1-0 over with the win being over a total mismatched team makes ND good again? Righhhht. This is a team coming off of a losing season and questions around Brian Kelly. Last I checked, Nick Chubb still has NCAA eligibility and he is really, really good. I will laugh as he has a monster day over a very overrated Irish team. UGA: 35--ND: 10
Seeberg: Intriguing matchup of recent underachieving teams...if only considered so by their rabid fan bases as the rest of the nation sees these programs as second-tier these days. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs are a class above the Golden Domers just about everywhere across the board (remember Nick Chubb? Yeah he's been there for like 17 years now). UGA pulls away in the second half. UGA: 38--ND: 20
Stanford Cardinal @ USC Trojans
Draper: USC was certainly tested (surprisingly?) by a resilient Western Michigan team while Stanford just steamrolled Rice in Australia. There's been an awful lot of love for the Cardinal, but I think the Trojans will be fine after a little growing pains. Sam Darnold may not be the second coming, but he'll pull things together in week 2. USC is like their fans and don't really get interested (somewhat) until a bigger game comes up so they'll be ready to go on Sat. Fight On. Stan: 30 -- USC: 37
Hoying: USC is back...again. Yeah, you can jump all over the Trojans for starting slowly last week, but at least they didn't get smoked by 46 like they did to open last season. USC has grown up and came of age on the big stage last year in Pasadena (no, not against UCLA). Unfortunately for them, Stanford has shown zero signs of slowing down, and the Cardinal smacked last year's Rose Bowl champs up in Palo Alto. Will another year of experience for star QB Sam Darnold and a change of venue make a difference? Nah. Stan: 21--USC: 20
Schweinfurth: So Sam Darnold for Heisman? Not so much. He looked absolutely average last week and USC barely squeaked by. Stanford has owned USC in this matchup because they play great defense and control the ball. David Shaw just has some voodoo curse over the Trojans. Darnold throws 2 picks again and the Cardinal win. Stan: 28--USC: 24
Seeberg: USC forgot to play for about 2.5 quarters last week so it's difficult to gauge just how good they might be. The talent is not in question, only their ability to gel cohesively. If they do, Darnold can still rip through the Pac-12 and hang out in New York for an important trophy presentation in a few months. If not? Well, the Cardinal will show us what that may look like on Saturday. Fight off. Stan: 34--USC: 24
Oklahoma Sooners @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: Do we get the repeat beatdown of last year, or are the chinks in the Buckeye Armor too much for a hot Sooner team? Last week was a fantastic benchmark test for the Buckeyes getting them up to game speed a little early while OU simply walked over the Little Sisters of the Poor. Baker Mayfield looked great last week, but doing that in the Shoe is another thing all together. I don't have faith that OU's defense will stop Barrett, Dobbins, Weber, and co., but by the same token, the Sooners will score. The hyped battle is OSU's D-line vs. the Sooner's O-line. I actually think the reverse may be more impactful to see if the OSU running game can get work done. The Sooners will have revenge on their minds, but the Buckeyes have their eyes on the prize. 4+ sacks for OSU enroute to high scoring victory. OU: 38 -- OSU: 41
Hoying: To win the big games, you need great players and/or great coaching. At what point do we face the harsh truth that Oklahoma doesn't really have either? Bud Elliott of SBNation has been tracking a stat he calls the "Blue Chip Ratio," or what percentage of a team's signees are 4 or 5 star recruits. If you're not above 50%, you're not winning a national championship. The Buckeyes are sitting pretty at 71%, while Oklahoma sits right around the top of the Big 12 at 45%. Yeah, Baker Mayfield is special, and the OU O Line is pretty good, but the Bucks can pretty much outclass them at every other position (yeah, maybe even wide receiver). And the Sooners are still breaking in a brand new coach who suddenly succeeded to the throne a few short months before the season started. When in doubt, pick the team with the better players and the better coach, especially when they're playing at home. The Buckeyes wore down Indiana in the second half, and the same will happen to Oklahoma. The Bucks exorcise some prime time non-conference home game demons (Texas, USC, Virginia Tech...). Even if this one does make me extremely nervous. OU: 27--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Last week I asked a bunch of questions and not many were answered. Yes, Paris Campbell and Johnnie Dixon hit some home runs, but Zone Six still can't take the top off a defense (yes, Paris should have caught the ball and it would have satisfied the requirement). The chart I saw showed only like two deep shots the entire game. It's understandable because the Hoosiers were giving up the mid-range routes, but you HAVE to hit one in this game. J.K. Dobbins is a beast and it will be good to have Weber back to take some of the load off the freshman. Defensively, the lack of experience showed last week, but adjustments were made. I think the Indiana WRs played over their skill set in the first half. Oklahoma won't run that tempo in the offense so the defensive backs should't be as gassed. The defensive line is as advertised. I think we see a repeat of last week. Oklahoma will move the ball in the first half, but adjustments will be made and the D-Line will take over. Dobbins and Weber combine for 150+ and JT throws for 300 again. Should be a fun one to watch. Go Bucks!
OU: 28--OSU: 31
Seeberg: OOOOOOOOOOklahoma where we forget that we have to play D. However, even that beleaguered half of the ball looked good for the Sooners against UTEP last week. Actually, several teams looked better than I'd hoped last week *cough Penn State cough* but alas, here we are with another huge early season matchup. Lincoln Riley is presumably the next "big thing" in coaching, but he already has the Oklahoma gig and there aren't too many any better. Will his brilliant play-calling win the day? Sure will...except it's a night game. By mid-second quarter last week our new offensive minds finally figured out that RUNNING to set up the pass is better than PASSING to set up the pass and it was a 35-7 second-half deluge on the Hoosiers. And hey, 45-24 worked well last year, why not again? Bucks big. OU: 24--OSU: 45
Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Michigan
Hoying: Boise State over Washington State
Schweinfurth: Pitt over Penn St.
Seeberg: Western Michigan over Michigan State
Showing posts with label Clemson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clemson. Show all posts
Friday, September 08, 2017
Thursday, November 05, 2015
Week 10 - Exhale for Cardale
Standings
1) Seeberg 34-11 (0-9 upset)
2) Draper 33-12 (4-5 upset)
3) Hoying 30-15 (1-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 30-15 (1-8 upset)
We've made it through the wilderness and to the Promised Land: November. Unfortunately, our Moses won't be joining us for a week. While we breathlessly await his return, there are some pretty important struggles throughout outlying provinces.
Duke Blue Devils @ #25 North Carolina Tar Heels
Draper: The Battle for the Victory Bell...not as sexy as the basketball matchup. Duke is reeling after the crazy loss to the Canes after some missed calls and poor officiating and UNC is high after a nationally televised win over ranked Pitt. I think these are two teams moving in different directions. Duke \has something to prove...but I don't see the rebound this quickly from what they experienced. Heels win in Chapel Hill to avenge the Dukie national championship (although no one will care). Duke: 17--UNC: 27
Hoying: One of the nation's great rivalries is renewed at the Dean Smith Center...what? Football? Consequence?? Yes, boys and girls, Duke and UNC are about to lock horns to determine control of a Power 5 division! The Heels are riding high after a huge road win over a good Pitt team, while Duke saw a great comeback against Miami ruined by the most special special teams ever. Both teams feature great defense, although the Devils have been exposed a bit lately, and not against juggernaut offenses either (hello, Virginia Tech). Time for a loss that even Mike Greenberg and the BooHoo Devils agree shouldn't be reversed. Duke: 20--UNC: 27
Schweinfurth: This is two underrated teams. I really think that Duke is going to be inspired by that debacle last week. I expect this will be a low scoring game. Duke: 17--UNC:14
Seeberg: As odd as this may sound, this relevant football game is all riding on Duke. If they can put last week's debacle behind them, they have a very good shot to win this game. If not? Their season may collapse like the gingerbread houses most of us try to make in December. UNC might be riding high after their win over Pitt and their entrance into the rankings (including the prestigious Let's Go Bucks rankings, of course), but Duke's mindset is still more in question. Both teams avoid Clemson and FSU in crossover games and have a pretty legitimate shot to be at double-digit wins heading to the ACC title game. In the end, I think the Hurricane Hullabaloo (because Miami Miracle is catchy but I want to be original while still using alliteration) is too much for the Blue Devils to overcome. Duke: 17--UNC: 28
#17 Florida State Seminoles @ #2 Clemson Tigers
Draper: Can the Tigers handle the pressure? Can the Noles respond after a flukish bad game vs. the Jackets? Clemson is playing at a super high level right now...but that's exactly when it all comes crashing down. FSU has been pretty 'eh' all year, but the talent cannot be denied. If Dalvin Cook plays and is 100%, there's a chance, but this Nole team isn't as good as the last 5 years. The primary thing going for FSU is, as Thad Matta would say, 'Their ***holes are tight." Clemson always chugs along and hits that wall against the Noles--they just expect to lose. A 3:30 kick is great for the Noles because I've said in the past that Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe). However, the magic of the stupid rock and crazy Dabo rises up to take control of the ACC and the playoffs...until they poop it away vs. Syracuse or Wake. FSU: 27--Clem: 38
Hoying: I'm tempted to never pick Clemson in this game again. Last year, the Tigers had the Noles exactly where they wanted them: trailing, with a terrible QB behind center that engineered shorter drives than a 4 year old golfer. And then they Clemsoned all over themselves. You might be tempted to say that this isn't last year's Clemson team, but one can never be sure until they play Florida State. Yes, FSU pooped the bed against an awful Georgia Tech team, but they still feature a very efficient QB, possibly the nation's top RB, and a stifling defense. All the pressure is on Clemson in this one. I don't think they can handle it. Look for the Seminole defense to force some turnovers and turn the tide. No hurricane is going to stop the Clemsoning this time. FSU: 30--Clem: 28
Schweinfurth: It seems like every time Clemson gets highly ranked and I pick them they lose. What brings me back to Clemson is the absence of Everett Golson (I can't believe I just wrote that) and the possible absence of Dalvin Cook. Cook at full go, I think he piles up the yards. I just really don't think the 'Noles have the firepower to pull off the upset on the road. FSU: 28--Clem: 35
Seeberg: I'll be honest, I thought this pick was a no-brainer for Clemson until I saw what Florida State did without Everett Golson and Dalvin Cook last week. Yes Syracuse is mediocre at best, but 45 points without their two primary playmakers seemed unthinkable. Cook is probable for this game which means one of two things: He's 100% and ready to shred the Tiger D, or he's about 85% and has to give it a go for the Seminoles to have a reasonable chance of winning. The starting quarterback is TBD, but my gut tells me they should go with Maguire and see if a talented backup with which the opponent has very little film of can win a big game (sound familar, Cardale fans??). With all that said, however, I just don't fully trust the FSU defense. They have put up some nice numbers against...Georgia Tech? Miami? Boston we-forgot-to-field-an-offense College? The Tigers will test that defense and though Florida State might pass that test, it'll only be with a C- or a D+, and that's not enough for a win. FSU: 31--Clem: 38
#5 TCU Horned Frogs @ #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: The first real game in the Big 12 on display here. While we've seen defense is a dirty word in the conference, TCU has the slightly less sucky squad. Trevone Boykin is the best athlete on the field with a bevy of good receivers, but the Pokes are nothing to sneeze at. Mike Gundy has the Cowboys contending, but they've played a LOT of scrubs. TCU is slightly more battle tested so I lean on the Frogs here. TCU: 52--OSU: 45
Hoying: Give these teams credit. Both found themselves in deep holes early in games (TCU vs. KSU, OKSt vs. TTech) and clawed their way to victory. Don't count on seeing a great comeback this week, though. Whoever starts fast will just keep blasting away until the final gun. It's not like one of these teams would just stop playing up 21 in the 4th quarter and suffer a loss that eliminates them from national title contention. You could say TCU is on a mission after getting left out of last year's playoff, but the Cowboys were jobbed even harder in 2011 and turned that rage into an 8-5 campaign the next year. TCU has started to play a bit of defense since the first half at Kansas State, so look for them to stay within the ranks of the undefeated for at least another week. TCU: 49--OSU: 45
Schweinfurth: Welcome to your Big 12 shootout game of the week. TCU is going to have a chip on their shoulder after getting buried outside of the top 5 in the CFP rankings. Even without that motivation, I just think that TCU is better. I expect Trevone Boykin to continue to put up numbers (especially with the state of Big 12 defenses). I'm still not sold on TCU as a championship contender, but they are still one of the best teams in the Big 12. TCU: 52--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Start the obligatory scoreboard-breaking clichés. Texas Tech has lost 2 games this year in which they scored at least 50 points...55-52 to TCU and 70-53 to Oklahoma State. (Incidentally the last team to lose two games in a season scoring 50+ was Baylor in 2012, which probably surprises nobody). I don't know when this game is on but I hope it doesn't conflict with the Buckeyes' 8 PM kick (ok, 8:12 or whatever it is) so that I can watch this hilarity in its entirety. I still can't decide if Big 12 coaches simply stop recruiting defensive players after about 8th grade or if they self-select and go to the SEC or Big 10 where they have a chance to be relevant. In any event, expect some video-game numbers in this one, particularly from Trevone Boykin, and a Horned Frog defense that's getting a little bit healthier and a little bit better to make enough plays to win another old west shootout. TCU: 56--OSU: 45
Navy Midshipmen @ #7 Memphis Tigers
Draper: Memphis joins Iowa at the 'royally screwed by the playoff committee' table. That being said, you want respect Tigers? Prove it. Keenan Reynolds is about to take sole possession of the career TD rushing record in NCAA history from Montee Ball (sorry, Joe Tessitore) but the Tigers have the primo victory over Ole Miss (is it reeeeeeally that good, though?). That option attack is a bear to prepare for, but Memphis knows the stakes. Justin Fuente's Tigers keep rolling in a close hard fought win. Navy: 24--Mem: 30
Hoying: Upset about a premiere at #13 in the playoff rankings, Memphis? Here comes a nice stretch run to improve that resume. The Tigers' next 3 opponents have a combined record of 24-2, kicking off with the Midshipmen. Memphis actually has a pretty good rush defense, surrendering only 3.2 yards per carry, but preparing for Navy and the triple option is a whole different animal (ask Florida State about faceplanting against such an offense). Considering that Memphis played Tulane last, week, they probably had a bit of extra time to think about getting ready to face Navy. Y'all is Tiger boat. Navy: 20--Mem: 30
Schweinfurth: Navy is always a good quality opponent, but I would not want to face that offense in the middle of the season. With that said, I expect Navy to score, but Memphis will make the necessary adjustments. Navy: 21--Mem: 35
Seeberg: Navy will definitely score some points in this matchup. Memphis, however, is likely to score even more. The Tigers' primary concern has got to be keeping their defensive line healthy against the endless cut blocking of the triple option Midshipmen attack. Memphis has a darn good shot to go 12-0 and despite a first-half tussle with the only currently relevant service academy, the Tigers stay unbeaten. NAVY: 24--MEM: 42
#1 Louisiana State Tigers @ #9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: This one should be fun....maybe. Let's be honest, Bama loses this one they're done, right? RIGHT?!?! Does a second 'quality loss' move them up? Leonard Fournette is the best athlete in college football right now but Bama has the best combination on the field. Coker isn't spectacular, but he complements Derrick Henry really well and the Tide defense is quite good. Bama was in no way deserving of the 4 spot in the CFP rankings...yet, but if they win out, they'll have a great argument. This game is by far the toughest game of the year for them and they get em in Tuscaloosa. I have a lot of respect for the Tigers, but the Tide is a bit too much. Please don't suck as much as the 9-6 crap fest 3 years ago... LSU: 17--Bama: 24
Hoying: Welcome to your GAME OF THE YEAR, if you don't count about 5 games coming up in the Big 12, or Ohio State/Michigan State. LSU hasn't been playing particularly well on the road, struggling against Mississippi State and Syracuse, while Alabama has sucked at home, losing to Ole Miss and nearly screwing the Smokey against Tennessee. Despite these efforts, the Playoff Committee is ready to crown Alabama for another year, but why? Because they blew out a mediocre Georgia team? Because they whupped a Wisconsin team that no one seems to care that Iowa beat? They do have that QUALITY LOSS (TM), I suppose. LSU still can't throw the ball, but it doesn't matter. The Tigers are sick of losing to the Tide and they have the power running game and the defense to deliver a victory in Tuscaloosa. Phyllis won't be happy after this one. LSU: 21--Bama: 20
Seeberg: I...I just don't know about this one. Eerily similar teams with dominant running backs, excellent defenses and questions at the QB position. Make no mistake, our beloved Zeke might be the best all around RB in college football (rout running, pass blocking, etc.), but Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry are the two best backs in the game with the ball in their hands. I think this game is a low-scoring version of the Bama-Ole Miss game. In the end, I just don't trust Kiffin to give the ball to Henry enough, and LSU squeaks out a huge win. Enjoy that fescue, Les. LSU: 20--Bama: 16
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ #3 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: The Buckeyes suffered a punch to the gut last week as JT went full Simple Jack, but it doesn't compare to the pile driver Tracy Claeys performed on the Gophers. I've never seen the end of a game coached worse than I saw last week. 19 seconds from the 1 yard line and a timeout and you run...2 plays...2!!!! I would have fired him on the sideline. Jerry Kill (clear B1G COY) could have coached that better from his house. Claeys stole from those kids a huge opportunity thaey won't get back. I don't see any way their heads are on straight this week. Cardale will be fine (not as good as JT), but there won't be a huge issue. Meyer will play this as a 'get the ball to Zeke, put em away early, and go home' type game. It won't feature explosive plays, but a workmanlike yeoman performance will get it done. Minn: 10--OSU: 38
Hoying: OK, JT did a dumb thing. And it'll hurt the Buckeyes to be without him this week. Fortunately, the opponent we face is far dumber, gagging away a sure win against our hated rivals by demonstrating clock management that would knock the blade of grass out of Les Miles's mouth and play-calling that begs for a Malcolm Butler interception. Don't fear the Gophers, Buckeye Nation. Minnesota QB Leidner inexplicably got away with chucking up prayers against a pretty good Wolverine secondary and Michigan still found a way to win behind the arm of a guy who wasn't even good enough to beat out Jake freaking Rudock for a starting gig. Cardale will be good, not great, just like always, and the Silver Bullets will step up in a big way to get the Bucks to 9-0. Minn: 13--OSU: 34 (sorry, Seeberg)
Seeberg: This is without a doubt the oddest quarterback carousel I can recall. Starting all the way back in the summer of 2014, allow me to refresh your memory: J.T. passes Cardale on depth chart as backup, Braxton goes down a week and a half later and J.T. is starter, J.T. injured against scUM and Cardale wins the golden lipstick, Braxton goes to H-back, Cardale wins starting job, Cardale yields to J.T. in red zone, J.T. takes starting job, J.T. suspended a week later and Cardale is starting again. Absolutely insane. Thankfully, Cardale has a full week to prepare with the starters and Minnesota is likely to be crushed mentally after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in a valiant effort against TTUN last week. The Silver Bullets have a week to study the schematic changes the Gophers made to basically rip apart the Wolverine D in the first half (254 yards) and coast to a comfy win in the friendly confines of the 'Shoe. Minn: 13--OSU: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Indiana over Iowa
Hoying: Cincinnati over Houston
Schweinfurth: Washington over Utah
Seeberg: Northern Illinois over Toledo (had it up Monday night- Hoying saw it!)
1) Seeberg 34-11 (0-9 upset)
2) Draper 33-12 (4-5 upset)
3) Hoying 30-15 (1-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 30-15 (1-8 upset)
We've made it through the wilderness and to the Promised Land: November. Unfortunately, our Moses won't be joining us for a week. While we breathlessly await his return, there are some pretty important struggles throughout outlying provinces.
Duke Blue Devils @ #25 North Carolina Tar Heels
Draper: The Battle for the Victory Bell...not as sexy as the basketball matchup. Duke is reeling after the crazy loss to the Canes after some missed calls and poor officiating and UNC is high after a nationally televised win over ranked Pitt. I think these are two teams moving in different directions. Duke \has something to prove...but I don't see the rebound this quickly from what they experienced. Heels win in Chapel Hill to avenge the Dukie national championship (although no one will care). Duke: 17--UNC: 27
Hoying: One of the nation's great rivalries is renewed at the Dean Smith Center...what? Football? Consequence?? Yes, boys and girls, Duke and UNC are about to lock horns to determine control of a Power 5 division! The Heels are riding high after a huge road win over a good Pitt team, while Duke saw a great comeback against Miami ruined by the most special special teams ever. Both teams feature great defense, although the Devils have been exposed a bit lately, and not against juggernaut offenses either (hello, Virginia Tech). Time for a loss that even Mike Greenberg and the BooHoo Devils agree shouldn't be reversed. Duke: 20--UNC: 27
Schweinfurth: This is two underrated teams. I really think that Duke is going to be inspired by that debacle last week. I expect this will be a low scoring game. Duke: 17--UNC:14
Seeberg: As odd as this may sound, this relevant football game is all riding on Duke. If they can put last week's debacle behind them, they have a very good shot to win this game. If not? Their season may collapse like the gingerbread houses most of us try to make in December. UNC might be riding high after their win over Pitt and their entrance into the rankings (including the prestigious Let's Go Bucks rankings, of course), but Duke's mindset is still more in question. Both teams avoid Clemson and FSU in crossover games and have a pretty legitimate shot to be at double-digit wins heading to the ACC title game. In the end, I think the Hurricane Hullabaloo (because Miami Miracle is catchy but I want to be original while still using alliteration) is too much for the Blue Devils to overcome. Duke: 17--UNC: 28
#17 Florida State Seminoles @ #2 Clemson Tigers
Draper: Can the Tigers handle the pressure? Can the Noles respond after a flukish bad game vs. the Jackets? Clemson is playing at a super high level right now...but that's exactly when it all comes crashing down. FSU has been pretty 'eh' all year, but the talent cannot be denied. If Dalvin Cook plays and is 100%, there's a chance, but this Nole team isn't as good as the last 5 years. The primary thing going for FSU is, as Thad Matta would say, 'Their ***holes are tight." Clemson always chugs along and hits that wall against the Noles--they just expect to lose. A 3:30 kick is great for the Noles because I've said in the past that Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe). However, the magic of the stupid rock and crazy Dabo rises up to take control of the ACC and the playoffs...until they poop it away vs. Syracuse or Wake. FSU: 27--Clem: 38
Hoying: I'm tempted to never pick Clemson in this game again. Last year, the Tigers had the Noles exactly where they wanted them: trailing, with a terrible QB behind center that engineered shorter drives than a 4 year old golfer. And then they Clemsoned all over themselves. You might be tempted to say that this isn't last year's Clemson team, but one can never be sure until they play Florida State. Yes, FSU pooped the bed against an awful Georgia Tech team, but they still feature a very efficient QB, possibly the nation's top RB, and a stifling defense. All the pressure is on Clemson in this one. I don't think they can handle it. Look for the Seminole defense to force some turnovers and turn the tide. No hurricane is going to stop the Clemsoning this time. FSU: 30--Clem: 28
Schweinfurth: It seems like every time Clemson gets highly ranked and I pick them they lose. What brings me back to Clemson is the absence of Everett Golson (I can't believe I just wrote that) and the possible absence of Dalvin Cook. Cook at full go, I think he piles up the yards. I just really don't think the 'Noles have the firepower to pull off the upset on the road. FSU: 28--Clem: 35
Seeberg: I'll be honest, I thought this pick was a no-brainer for Clemson until I saw what Florida State did without Everett Golson and Dalvin Cook last week. Yes Syracuse is mediocre at best, but 45 points without their two primary playmakers seemed unthinkable. Cook is probable for this game which means one of two things: He's 100% and ready to shred the Tiger D, or he's about 85% and has to give it a go for the Seminoles to have a reasonable chance of winning. The starting quarterback is TBD, but my gut tells me they should go with Maguire and see if a talented backup with which the opponent has very little film of can win a big game (sound familar, Cardale fans??). With all that said, however, I just don't fully trust the FSU defense. They have put up some nice numbers against...Georgia Tech? Miami? Boston we-forgot-to-field-an-offense College? The Tigers will test that defense and though Florida State might pass that test, it'll only be with a C- or a D+, and that's not enough for a win. FSU: 31--Clem: 38
#5 TCU Horned Frogs @ #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: The first real game in the Big 12 on display here. While we've seen defense is a dirty word in the conference, TCU has the slightly less sucky squad. Trevone Boykin is the best athlete on the field with a bevy of good receivers, but the Pokes are nothing to sneeze at. Mike Gundy has the Cowboys contending, but they've played a LOT of scrubs. TCU is slightly more battle tested so I lean on the Frogs here. TCU: 52--OSU: 45
Hoying: Give these teams credit. Both found themselves in deep holes early in games (TCU vs. KSU, OKSt vs. TTech) and clawed their way to victory. Don't count on seeing a great comeback this week, though. Whoever starts fast will just keep blasting away until the final gun. It's not like one of these teams would just stop playing up 21 in the 4th quarter and suffer a loss that eliminates them from national title contention. You could say TCU is on a mission after getting left out of last year's playoff, but the Cowboys were jobbed even harder in 2011 and turned that rage into an 8-5 campaign the next year. TCU has started to play a bit of defense since the first half at Kansas State, so look for them to stay within the ranks of the undefeated for at least another week. TCU: 49--OSU: 45
Schweinfurth: Welcome to your Big 12 shootout game of the week. TCU is going to have a chip on their shoulder after getting buried outside of the top 5 in the CFP rankings. Even without that motivation, I just think that TCU is better. I expect Trevone Boykin to continue to put up numbers (especially with the state of Big 12 defenses). I'm still not sold on TCU as a championship contender, but they are still one of the best teams in the Big 12. TCU: 52--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Start the obligatory scoreboard-breaking clichés. Texas Tech has lost 2 games this year in which they scored at least 50 points...55-52 to TCU and 70-53 to Oklahoma State. (Incidentally the last team to lose two games in a season scoring 50+ was Baylor in 2012, which probably surprises nobody). I don't know when this game is on but I hope it doesn't conflict with the Buckeyes' 8 PM kick (ok, 8:12 or whatever it is) so that I can watch this hilarity in its entirety. I still can't decide if Big 12 coaches simply stop recruiting defensive players after about 8th grade or if they self-select and go to the SEC or Big 10 where they have a chance to be relevant. In any event, expect some video-game numbers in this one, particularly from Trevone Boykin, and a Horned Frog defense that's getting a little bit healthier and a little bit better to make enough plays to win another old west shootout. TCU: 56--OSU: 45
Navy Midshipmen @ #7 Memphis Tigers
Draper: Memphis joins Iowa at the 'royally screwed by the playoff committee' table. That being said, you want respect Tigers? Prove it. Keenan Reynolds is about to take sole possession of the career TD rushing record in NCAA history from Montee Ball (sorry, Joe Tessitore) but the Tigers have the primo victory over Ole Miss (is it reeeeeeally that good, though?). That option attack is a bear to prepare for, but Memphis knows the stakes. Justin Fuente's Tigers keep rolling in a close hard fought win. Navy: 24--Mem: 30
Hoying: Upset about a premiere at #13 in the playoff rankings, Memphis? Here comes a nice stretch run to improve that resume. The Tigers' next 3 opponents have a combined record of 24-2, kicking off with the Midshipmen. Memphis actually has a pretty good rush defense, surrendering only 3.2 yards per carry, but preparing for Navy and the triple option is a whole different animal (ask Florida State about faceplanting against such an offense). Considering that Memphis played Tulane last, week, they probably had a bit of extra time to think about getting ready to face Navy. Y'all is Tiger boat. Navy: 20--Mem: 30
Schweinfurth: Navy is always a good quality opponent, but I would not want to face that offense in the middle of the season. With that said, I expect Navy to score, but Memphis will make the necessary adjustments. Navy: 21--Mem: 35
Seeberg: Navy will definitely score some points in this matchup. Memphis, however, is likely to score even more. The Tigers' primary concern has got to be keeping their defensive line healthy against the endless cut blocking of the triple option Midshipmen attack. Memphis has a darn good shot to go 12-0 and despite a first-half tussle with the only currently relevant service academy, the Tigers stay unbeaten. NAVY: 24--MEM: 42
#1 Louisiana State Tigers @ #9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: This one should be fun....maybe. Let's be honest, Bama loses this one they're done, right? RIGHT?!?! Does a second 'quality loss' move them up? Leonard Fournette is the best athlete in college football right now but Bama has the best combination on the field. Coker isn't spectacular, but he complements Derrick Henry really well and the Tide defense is quite good. Bama was in no way deserving of the 4 spot in the CFP rankings...yet, but if they win out, they'll have a great argument. This game is by far the toughest game of the year for them and they get em in Tuscaloosa. I have a lot of respect for the Tigers, but the Tide is a bit too much. Please don't suck as much as the 9-6 crap fest 3 years ago... LSU: 17--Bama: 24
Hoying: Welcome to your GAME OF THE YEAR, if you don't count about 5 games coming up in the Big 12, or Ohio State/Michigan State. LSU hasn't been playing particularly well on the road, struggling against Mississippi State and Syracuse, while Alabama has sucked at home, losing to Ole Miss and nearly screwing the Smokey against Tennessee. Despite these efforts, the Playoff Committee is ready to crown Alabama for another year, but why? Because they blew out a mediocre Georgia team? Because they whupped a Wisconsin team that no one seems to care that Iowa beat? They do have that QUALITY LOSS (TM), I suppose. LSU still can't throw the ball, but it doesn't matter. The Tigers are sick of losing to the Tide and they have the power running game and the defense to deliver a victory in Tuscaloosa. Phyllis won't be happy after this one. LSU: 21--Bama: 20
Seeberg: I...I just don't know about this one. Eerily similar teams with dominant running backs, excellent defenses and questions at the QB position. Make no mistake, our beloved Zeke might be the best all around RB in college football (rout running, pass blocking, etc.), but Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry are the two best backs in the game with the ball in their hands. I think this game is a low-scoring version of the Bama-Ole Miss game. In the end, I just don't trust Kiffin to give the ball to Henry enough, and LSU squeaks out a huge win. Enjoy that fescue, Les. LSU: 20--Bama: 16
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ #3 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: The Buckeyes suffered a punch to the gut last week as JT went full Simple Jack, but it doesn't compare to the pile driver Tracy Claeys performed on the Gophers. I've never seen the end of a game coached worse than I saw last week. 19 seconds from the 1 yard line and a timeout and you run...2 plays...2!!!! I would have fired him on the sideline. Jerry Kill (clear B1G COY) could have coached that better from his house. Claeys stole from those kids a huge opportunity thaey won't get back. I don't see any way their heads are on straight this week. Cardale will be fine (not as good as JT), but there won't be a huge issue. Meyer will play this as a 'get the ball to Zeke, put em away early, and go home' type game. It won't feature explosive plays, but a workmanlike yeoman performance will get it done. Minn: 10--OSU: 38
Hoying: OK, JT did a dumb thing. And it'll hurt the Buckeyes to be without him this week. Fortunately, the opponent we face is far dumber, gagging away a sure win against our hated rivals by demonstrating clock management that would knock the blade of grass out of Les Miles's mouth and play-calling that begs for a Malcolm Butler interception. Don't fear the Gophers, Buckeye Nation. Minnesota QB Leidner inexplicably got away with chucking up prayers against a pretty good Wolverine secondary and Michigan still found a way to win behind the arm of a guy who wasn't even good enough to beat out Jake freaking Rudock for a starting gig. Cardale will be good, not great, just like always, and the Silver Bullets will step up in a big way to get the Bucks to 9-0. Minn: 13--OSU: 34 (sorry, Seeberg)
Seeberg: This is without a doubt the oddest quarterback carousel I can recall. Starting all the way back in the summer of 2014, allow me to refresh your memory: J.T. passes Cardale on depth chart as backup, Braxton goes down a week and a half later and J.T. is starter, J.T. injured against scUM and Cardale wins the golden lipstick, Braxton goes to H-back, Cardale wins starting job, Cardale yields to J.T. in red zone, J.T. takes starting job, J.T. suspended a week later and Cardale is starting again. Absolutely insane. Thankfully, Cardale has a full week to prepare with the starters and Minnesota is likely to be crushed mentally after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in a valiant effort against TTUN last week. The Silver Bullets have a week to study the schematic changes the Gophers made to basically rip apart the Wolverine D in the first half (254 yards) and coast to a comfy win in the friendly confines of the 'Shoe. Minn: 13--OSU: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Indiana over Iowa
Hoying: Cincinnati over Houston
Schweinfurth: Washington over Utah
Seeberg: Northern Illinois over Toledo (had it up Monday night- Hoying saw it!)
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Week 5 - B1G East Battle
Standings
1) Seeberg 14-5 (0-4 upset)
2) Draper 13-6 (3-1 upset)
2) Schweinfurth 13-6 (1-2 upset)
4) Hoying 11-8 (1-3 upset)
What a difference a year makes. After the end of nonconference play last season, the only undefeated B1G team was Penn State. This year, 5 out of the 29 remaining undefeated teams call the Big Ten their home. But only two meet this week as conference play kicks off in earnest.
West Virginia Mountaineers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Another Oklahoma game...where is it? Norman? These are the games Stoops usually wins. Oklahoma has been tested in Knoxville (how good are the Vols? Don't know) but WVU has played the Little Sisters of the Poor. I don't know how good either of these teams are, but I'll lean Perine and the Sooners in Norman. WVU: 27 -- OU: 34
Hoying: You thought Bert and the 'Backs had a tough schedule? Try West Virginia. The Mountaineers kick off the first of 4 ranked matchups in October with a visit to Norman. Oklahoma had a nice comeback win against Tennessee, but last week the Gators showed us that any washed-up has-been former power can do the same. Meanwhile, West Virginia doesn't seem to be missing QB Clint Trickett, with Skyler Howard stepping in to lead one of the nation's top passing attacks. Beating West Virginia requires competent defense, and after Oklahoma gave up 38 to Tulsa, I'm not sure they can do it. The Sooners enter a land of confusion, and West Virginia gets a victory against all odds. WVU: 34--OU: 31
Schweinfurth: I feel like Oklahoma has fallen into the Big 12 trap of good offense, no defense. West Virginia has been doing that dance for years and are used to putting up big offensive numbers. I also feel that the Sooners are still settling into this new Air Raid system and are not running the ball enough. I give the edge to WVU, but they have a rough next few weeks. WVU: 42-OU: 38
Seeberg: Not likely to see a whole lot of "D" in this one. Oklahoma's win over the Vols has been cheapened by their second unconscionable 4th-quarter collapse against Florida last week, but that doesn't mean Oklahoma isn't still the better team in this matchup. The Sooners are historically woeful on the road in any early-season matchup of consequence, but they got that monkey off their back by taking down rocky top, and back at home you can expect a better performance. I like WVU and think they're a bit underrated personally, and in Morgantown I might give them the edge, but not in Norman. Boomer Sooner survives a shootout WVU: 42--OU: 45
Iowa Hawkeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: Are either of these teams any good? Iowa is undefeated after a long FG to beat Pitt while Wisconsin's 'feather in the cap' is losing to Bama. Who do I trust more? I don't really like either of these teams, but Kirk Ferentz has had too many bad to mediocre years to give any credence to until I have more evidence. In Madison? Edge Badgers. Iowa: 14--Wisconsin: 24
Hoying: Remember when Nebraska ran Bo Pelini out on a rail for winning no fewer than 9 games for 7 straight seasons? Iowa hasn't won 9 games since 2009, but the Hawkeyes may be poised to make a run this year. Iowa swept their nonconference slate for the first time in 6 years, and they drew powerhouses Indiana and Maryland from the BEast this year. But if they want to face our beloved Bucks under the lights in Indy, they'll have to get by a Wisconsin team that doesn't run the ball. That's as confusing as, well, Iowa still being relevant in October. Paul Chryst's growing pains continue as Kirk steals one in Madison. Iowa: 17--Wisc: 16
Schweinfurth: Iowa got past Iowa State for the first time in ever a few weeks ago. I still don't trust the Hawkeyes. This game is going to be a fight in the trenches and Wisconsin typically has the bulls to win that fight. Iowa: 14--Wisc: 17
Seeberg: Iowa's unbeaten? Color me shocked. The Hawkeyes even have 2 wins over power 5 opponents, though a 3-point home win against Pitt barely qualifies. (Man, I hope Mark May reads that). The Badgers are struggling to find an identity on offense but have given up a measly 3 points in their last 3 games combined. If my math skills serve me right, that's only an extra point per contest. Iowa broke out offensively last week against North Texas but, well, that's North Texas. Bucky reestablishes himself as the mascot to beat out west. IOWA: 13--WISC: 24
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The streak of 6 straight years of Nick Saban and the Tide being favorites has come to an end. Will the Bulldogs further dethrone the Bad Boys of the SEC? Will UGA ever not disappoint in the big game under Richt? There will be some fantastic running back play in this play with Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry. The question is: Will Lane Kiffin remember Henry is on the team? I think we're seeing a decline in the Bama juggernaut and Georgia gets the win at home (only to crap it away in a few weeks). Ala: 27 -- UGA: 31
Hoying: In order to beat Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, you either need to play a near-perfect game or be a near-perfect team (or play them in his first year there, but that ship sailed 8 years ago). We saw the former in the Tide's second consecutive loss to Ole Miss (no, the Rebels aren't going to the playoff this year). Is Georgia the latter? The Bulldogs certainly look the part, riding Nick Chubb and an elite ground game to 4 blowout wins over teams that Bret Bielema would complain about and then lose to. The passing game isn't spectacular, but it's better than the hot mess brewing behind center in Tuscaloosa. If Lane Kiffin can finally learn to trust his stud RBs and stop throwing the ball, Alabama will come away with a victory. Never bet against Lane. Ala: 31--UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: Georgia can run the ball and Nick Chubb is a beast. For some reason, Lane Kiffin has a allergy to running the ball. Oh wait, he is Lane Kiffin. In Saban's last two losses, his team has just been beaten up front. I think Georgia is the more physical team and Mark Richt finally gets the Saban monkey off his back. Ala: 20--UGA: 28
Seeberg: I hate to disagree with my colleague Mr. Hoying, but I intentionally bet against Lane last week and it worked out. JUST GIVE DERRICK HENRY THE BLEEPING BALL. Will he figure it out this week? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that Greyson Lambert has only attempted 17 throws per game in Georgia's 4-0 start because Nick Chubb and Co. are ramming the running game down everyone's throat. As good as their ground attack is I have trouble believing that much one-dimensionality can cause sustained problems for the Bama D. Despite a 7:0 TD-int ratio this year, Lambert for his career is just 18:13. I think Bama's D will rattle him and make a couple plays to bail out Kiffin's consistently head-scratching play calling and, unfortunately, put the Crimson Tide back in the hunt to be beaten in the playoff again. ALA: 28--UGA: 23
Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Has anyone actually seen a K-State game this year? All I know about these teams is the the Pokes squeaked out a close win in Austin last week so I feel more confident with them. Bill Snyder is known for scheduling (through Kansas State) cupcakes to start the year, so 4-0 is never a shock. The undefeated season comes to a halt in Stillwater. KSU: 20--OSU: 34
Hoying: I apologize for putting this game on the list, but K-State is still undefeated after a classic Bill Snyder non-conference slate: South Dakota, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech. Oklahoma State almost faceplanted against a bad Texas team and need to find their footing if they're going to keep pace in a deep Big XII. OSU QB Mason Rudolph leads a Cowboy offense that has sputtered at time, failing to reach 40 (I'm a man!) in 3 of their 4 games. I think they'll again have trouble hitting that mark, but an improved defense should keep the Wildcats at bay. KSU: 20--OSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Not sure how this one plays out due to the fact that I only know who the coaches of these teams are. I do know that Mike Gundy typically has a pretty good offense, so I'll pick the Cowboys out of my hat. KSU: 21--OSU: 30
Seeberg: Tough to figure this one out. Kansas State has taken the mantle from Baylor as the most pathetic nonconference schedule known to man to get to 3-0. Okla State looked rough against a Texas team that can suddenly score the ball a little, but squeaked out the W to stay unbeaten as well. Ironically, the Big 12's OSU has had a similar arc to our beloved Buckeyes this year: Highly touted offense that has struggled at times, but a D with question marks that has actually played half-decent. Add that to the fact that K-State gave up 33 at home to Louisiana Tech and you've got yourself a 5-0 Cowboys squad by Saturday's end. KSU: 24--OSU: 34
Ole Miss Rebels @ Florida Gators
Draper: Ole Miss is going to tout that win over Bama forever...even though they got super lucky and we don't know if Bama is 'world beater' of the recent past. That being said...Florida? Really? Yeah, they're undefeated but you spell mirage G-A-T-O-R-S. The game will be shockingly close in the 3rd but the Rebs pull away late. Miss: 28 -- UF: 16
Hoying: Is Florida a historically mediocre program buoyed by two all-time great coaches: Spurrier and Meyer? Or are they a top-tier mainstay that only incompetent hacks like the Zooker and big dumb Will Muschamp can wreck? The post-Muschamp Gators have yet to lose a game, but the competition ramps up in a hurry. The Rebels, the hottest team east of Utah, are looking to avoid the post-Alabama meltdown that wrecked their playoff hopes last season. That quest will end eventually, but not this week, no matter how loud Jim McElwain screams. Miss--31--UF: 13
Schweinfurth: Florida is still rebuilding and Ole Miss looks like the class of the SEC right now. Miss: 35--UF: 20
Seeberg: Really? A last-minute win over a we-forget-games-have-four-quarters Tennessee squad is enough to put the Gators in the top 25? Ridiculous. Thankfully that will be a short-lived issue as the Rebels come to town sporting the only team in the top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency- even after meeting the overlord Bama. Rebels make quick work of this one. MISS: 45--FLA: 17
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Did I say mirage? That is the theme of this game. I believe both of these teams may be mirages, but Notre Dame's claim to fame was taking down the Jackets...who subsequently lost to Duke. This is when the Irish rubber meets the road and Clemson's Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe). Dabo tries to blow it, but this is the game in which the Domers fall from glory. Clemson's day will come, but it will not be this day. ND: 21 -- Clemson: 31
Hoying: When will Notre Dame's injuries finally catch up with them? The crew at Let's Go Bucks! unanimously picked the Irish to crash and burn against GT after losing Malik Zaire, but the Jackets rambled and wrecked their way to a loss in South Bend. ND's fate may change as they leave the friendly confines and enter "Death Valley." Clemson has 3 okay wins against 3 bad teams, but they have all of 2 home losses in the last 4 years. Notre Dame doesn't travel particularly well, and they don't have the horses to move the ball on an improved Tiger defense. Pick the home team. ND: 20--Clem: 35
Schweinfurth: At some point, all of these injuries have to catch up with the Irish. I think it is this week. Both offenses move the ball well and neither team plays great defense. Time for a shootout in Death Valley. ND: 42--Clem: 49
Seeberg: I've actually been very impressed with Clemson this year. They seem to be playing a reasonable facsimile of...oh crap what's the word? Oh yeah. DEFENSE. Though their offense struggled against the only 1-A opponent they've played to date, the Golden Domer D is more porous than in recent years. And quite frankly, I just don't like them either; however, I thoroughly enjoy the Tiger Rag, so I gotta go with #soybeanwind (it's an anagram for Dabo Swinney that I sadly cannot take credit for, but if you aren't watching Last Week Tonight clips on youtube the following day like everybody not fortunate enough to have HBO then SHAME ON YOU...and go watch it!). ND: 20--CLEM: 31
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: Will the Buckeye offense ever figure it out? This is the (fifth straight) week in which they should. Let's be real here. IU has an offense. Sudfeld is a good QB and Kevin Wilson can coach offense, but the Hoosier defense is a steaming pile of cow dung. 117th in the country in total defense after the murderer's row of Southern Illinois, FIU, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest. If the Bucks don't break 50, I'll be extremely disappointed. While the D gives up more than most will be comfortable with, Cardale hits some of those bombs he missed last week and the Bucks keep it going. OSU: 62 -- IU: 30
Hoying: For the fourth time this year, the Bucks enter a battle of unbeatens. But this game is a really, really, B1G deal. You may have seen that Ohio State and Indiana haven't faced each other unblemished since 1954. What you probably don't know is that that was the season opener! The Buckeyes and Hoosiers haven't met with both teams better than 1-0...EVER. Ohio State doesn't lose to Indiana often, but the wins have not come easily under Urban Meyer. Letting Tevin Coleman run all over you is understandable, but allowing Xander Diamont to have success throwing the ball is not. This year, the Hoosiers have Nate Sudfeld back and might lead the best offense the Bullets will face this regular season. Don't expect Cardale to struggle against another vintage Indiana defense, but the Hoosiers have just enough weapons to make this one interesting. The good news is, there's no reason at all for Ohio State to be looking ahead. On to 5-0. OSU: 42--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: Laugh at this all you want, but I think the Western Michigan game was a great tune up for Indiana. Both teams like to throw quick passes to the outside and then run inside zone from a wide open spread. This exposed the Buckeye interior defense, but I expect this coaching staff to make the adjustment. Now that the QB situation is finally settled, Cardale can get all the reps in practice and lock those deep bombs in. The receivers had separation last week and they should be able to get behind the leaky Hoosiers' secondary. It's B1G season so it's time to hammer Zeke and stop getting cute with the "Globetrotter Offense." OSU: 49--IU: 21
Seeberg: The good from last week: The offense looked better, the special teams improved as well. The bad? The D looked worse. Getting into conference play, I fear the Huskies may have exposed some weaknesses. Specifically, teams can score on us if centers don't shoot their teams in the foot. In any event, Indiana can typically score it well the past few years, and they give up points equally well. This should be a matchup that will test the Silver Bullets but allow the offense to begin to hit its stride. What's a Hoosier anyway? OSU: 45--IU: 20
Upset Special
Draper: CLANGA over Texas A&M
Hoying: Minnesota over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech over Baylor
Seeberg: Air Force over Navy
1) Seeberg 14-5 (0-4 upset)
2) Draper 13-6 (3-1 upset)
2) Schweinfurth 13-6 (1-2 upset)
4) Hoying 11-8 (1-3 upset)
What a difference a year makes. After the end of nonconference play last season, the only undefeated B1G team was Penn State. This year, 5 out of the 29 remaining undefeated teams call the Big Ten their home. But only two meet this week as conference play kicks off in earnest.
West Virginia Mountaineers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Another Oklahoma game...where is it? Norman? These are the games Stoops usually wins. Oklahoma has been tested in Knoxville (how good are the Vols? Don't know) but WVU has played the Little Sisters of the Poor. I don't know how good either of these teams are, but I'll lean Perine and the Sooners in Norman. WVU: 27 -- OU: 34
Hoying: You thought Bert and the 'Backs had a tough schedule? Try West Virginia. The Mountaineers kick off the first of 4 ranked matchups in October with a visit to Norman. Oklahoma had a nice comeback win against Tennessee, but last week the Gators showed us that any washed-up has-been former power can do the same. Meanwhile, West Virginia doesn't seem to be missing QB Clint Trickett, with Skyler Howard stepping in to lead one of the nation's top passing attacks. Beating West Virginia requires competent defense, and after Oklahoma gave up 38 to Tulsa, I'm not sure they can do it. The Sooners enter a land of confusion, and West Virginia gets a victory against all odds. WVU: 34--OU: 31
Schweinfurth: I feel like Oklahoma has fallen into the Big 12 trap of good offense, no defense. West Virginia has been doing that dance for years and are used to putting up big offensive numbers. I also feel that the Sooners are still settling into this new Air Raid system and are not running the ball enough. I give the edge to WVU, but they have a rough next few weeks. WVU: 42-OU: 38
Seeberg: Not likely to see a whole lot of "D" in this one. Oklahoma's win over the Vols has been cheapened by their second unconscionable 4th-quarter collapse against Florida last week, but that doesn't mean Oklahoma isn't still the better team in this matchup. The Sooners are historically woeful on the road in any early-season matchup of consequence, but they got that monkey off their back by taking down rocky top, and back at home you can expect a better performance. I like WVU and think they're a bit underrated personally, and in Morgantown I might give them the edge, but not in Norman. Boomer Sooner survives a shootout WVU: 42--OU: 45
Iowa Hawkeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: Are either of these teams any good? Iowa is undefeated after a long FG to beat Pitt while Wisconsin's 'feather in the cap' is losing to Bama. Who do I trust more? I don't really like either of these teams, but Kirk Ferentz has had too many bad to mediocre years to give any credence to until I have more evidence. In Madison? Edge Badgers. Iowa: 14--Wisconsin: 24
Hoying: Remember when Nebraska ran Bo Pelini out on a rail for winning no fewer than 9 games for 7 straight seasons? Iowa hasn't won 9 games since 2009, but the Hawkeyes may be poised to make a run this year. Iowa swept their nonconference slate for the first time in 6 years, and they drew powerhouses Indiana and Maryland from the BEast this year. But if they want to face our beloved Bucks under the lights in Indy, they'll have to get by a Wisconsin team that doesn't run the ball. That's as confusing as, well, Iowa still being relevant in October. Paul Chryst's growing pains continue as Kirk steals one in Madison. Iowa: 17--Wisc: 16
Schweinfurth: Iowa got past Iowa State for the first time in ever a few weeks ago. I still don't trust the Hawkeyes. This game is going to be a fight in the trenches and Wisconsin typically has the bulls to win that fight. Iowa: 14--Wisc: 17
Seeberg: Iowa's unbeaten? Color me shocked. The Hawkeyes even have 2 wins over power 5 opponents, though a 3-point home win against Pitt barely qualifies. (Man, I hope Mark May reads that). The Badgers are struggling to find an identity on offense but have given up a measly 3 points in their last 3 games combined. If my math skills serve me right, that's only an extra point per contest. Iowa broke out offensively last week against North Texas but, well, that's North Texas. Bucky reestablishes himself as the mascot to beat out west. IOWA: 13--WISC: 24
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The streak of 6 straight years of Nick Saban and the Tide being favorites has come to an end. Will the Bulldogs further dethrone the Bad Boys of the SEC? Will UGA ever not disappoint in the big game under Richt? There will be some fantastic running back play in this play with Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry. The question is: Will Lane Kiffin remember Henry is on the team? I think we're seeing a decline in the Bama juggernaut and Georgia gets the win at home (only to crap it away in a few weeks). Ala: 27 -- UGA: 31
Hoying: In order to beat Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, you either need to play a near-perfect game or be a near-perfect team (or play them in his first year there, but that ship sailed 8 years ago). We saw the former in the Tide's second consecutive loss to Ole Miss (no, the Rebels aren't going to the playoff this year). Is Georgia the latter? The Bulldogs certainly look the part, riding Nick Chubb and an elite ground game to 4 blowout wins over teams that Bret Bielema would complain about and then lose to. The passing game isn't spectacular, but it's better than the hot mess brewing behind center in Tuscaloosa. If Lane Kiffin can finally learn to trust his stud RBs and stop throwing the ball, Alabama will come away with a victory. Never bet against Lane. Ala: 31--UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: Georgia can run the ball and Nick Chubb is a beast. For some reason, Lane Kiffin has a allergy to running the ball. Oh wait, he is Lane Kiffin. In Saban's last two losses, his team has just been beaten up front. I think Georgia is the more physical team and Mark Richt finally gets the Saban monkey off his back. Ala: 20--UGA: 28
Seeberg: I hate to disagree with my colleague Mr. Hoying, but I intentionally bet against Lane last week and it worked out. JUST GIVE DERRICK HENRY THE BLEEPING BALL. Will he figure it out this week? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that Greyson Lambert has only attempted 17 throws per game in Georgia's 4-0 start because Nick Chubb and Co. are ramming the running game down everyone's throat. As good as their ground attack is I have trouble believing that much one-dimensionality can cause sustained problems for the Bama D. Despite a 7:0 TD-int ratio this year, Lambert for his career is just 18:13. I think Bama's D will rattle him and make a couple plays to bail out Kiffin's consistently head-scratching play calling and, unfortunately, put the Crimson Tide back in the hunt to be beaten in the playoff again. ALA: 28--UGA: 23
Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Has anyone actually seen a K-State game this year? All I know about these teams is the the Pokes squeaked out a close win in Austin last week so I feel more confident with them. Bill Snyder is known for scheduling (through Kansas State) cupcakes to start the year, so 4-0 is never a shock. The undefeated season comes to a halt in Stillwater. KSU: 20--OSU: 34
Hoying: I apologize for putting this game on the list, but K-State is still undefeated after a classic Bill Snyder non-conference slate: South Dakota, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech. Oklahoma State almost faceplanted against a bad Texas team and need to find their footing if they're going to keep pace in a deep Big XII. OSU QB Mason Rudolph leads a Cowboy offense that has sputtered at time, failing to reach 40 (I'm a man!) in 3 of their 4 games. I think they'll again have trouble hitting that mark, but an improved defense should keep the Wildcats at bay. KSU: 20--OSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Not sure how this one plays out due to the fact that I only know who the coaches of these teams are. I do know that Mike Gundy typically has a pretty good offense, so I'll pick the Cowboys out of my hat. KSU: 21--OSU: 30
Seeberg: Tough to figure this one out. Kansas State has taken the mantle from Baylor as the most pathetic nonconference schedule known to man to get to 3-0. Okla State looked rough against a Texas team that can suddenly score the ball a little, but squeaked out the W to stay unbeaten as well. Ironically, the Big 12's OSU has had a similar arc to our beloved Buckeyes this year: Highly touted offense that has struggled at times, but a D with question marks that has actually played half-decent. Add that to the fact that K-State gave up 33 at home to Louisiana Tech and you've got yourself a 5-0 Cowboys squad by Saturday's end. KSU: 24--OSU: 34
Ole Miss Rebels @ Florida Gators
Draper: Ole Miss is going to tout that win over Bama forever...even though they got super lucky and we don't know if Bama is 'world beater' of the recent past. That being said...Florida? Really? Yeah, they're undefeated but you spell mirage G-A-T-O-R-S. The game will be shockingly close in the 3rd but the Rebs pull away late. Miss: 28 -- UF: 16
Hoying: Is Florida a historically mediocre program buoyed by two all-time great coaches: Spurrier and Meyer? Or are they a top-tier mainstay that only incompetent hacks like the Zooker and big dumb Will Muschamp can wreck? The post-Muschamp Gators have yet to lose a game, but the competition ramps up in a hurry. The Rebels, the hottest team east of Utah, are looking to avoid the post-Alabama meltdown that wrecked their playoff hopes last season. That quest will end eventually, but not this week, no matter how loud Jim McElwain screams. Miss--31--UF: 13
Schweinfurth: Florida is still rebuilding and Ole Miss looks like the class of the SEC right now. Miss: 35--UF: 20
Seeberg: Really? A last-minute win over a we-forget-games-have-four-quarters Tennessee squad is enough to put the Gators in the top 25? Ridiculous. Thankfully that will be a short-lived issue as the Rebels come to town sporting the only team in the top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency- even after meeting the overlord Bama. Rebels make quick work of this one. MISS: 45--FLA: 17
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Did I say mirage? That is the theme of this game. I believe both of these teams may be mirages, but Notre Dame's claim to fame was taking down the Jackets...who subsequently lost to Duke. This is when the Irish rubber meets the road and Clemson's Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe). Dabo tries to blow it, but this is the game in which the Domers fall from glory. Clemson's day will come, but it will not be this day. ND: 21 -- Clemson: 31
Hoying: When will Notre Dame's injuries finally catch up with them? The crew at Let's Go Bucks! unanimously picked the Irish to crash and burn against GT after losing Malik Zaire, but the Jackets rambled and wrecked their way to a loss in South Bend. ND's fate may change as they leave the friendly confines and enter "Death Valley." Clemson has 3 okay wins against 3 bad teams, but they have all of 2 home losses in the last 4 years. Notre Dame doesn't travel particularly well, and they don't have the horses to move the ball on an improved Tiger defense. Pick the home team. ND: 20--Clem: 35
Schweinfurth: At some point, all of these injuries have to catch up with the Irish. I think it is this week. Both offenses move the ball well and neither team plays great defense. Time for a shootout in Death Valley. ND: 42--Clem: 49
Seeberg: I've actually been very impressed with Clemson this year. They seem to be playing a reasonable facsimile of...oh crap what's the word? Oh yeah. DEFENSE. Though their offense struggled against the only 1-A opponent they've played to date, the Golden Domer D is more porous than in recent years. And quite frankly, I just don't like them either; however, I thoroughly enjoy the Tiger Rag, so I gotta go with #soybeanwind (it's an anagram for Dabo Swinney that I sadly cannot take credit for, but if you aren't watching Last Week Tonight clips on youtube the following day like everybody not fortunate enough to have HBO then SHAME ON YOU...and go watch it!). ND: 20--CLEM: 31
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: Will the Buckeye offense ever figure it out? This is the (fifth straight) week in which they should. Let's be real here. IU has an offense. Sudfeld is a good QB and Kevin Wilson can coach offense, but the Hoosier defense is a steaming pile of cow dung. 117th in the country in total defense after the murderer's row of Southern Illinois, FIU, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest. If the Bucks don't break 50, I'll be extremely disappointed. While the D gives up more than most will be comfortable with, Cardale hits some of those bombs he missed last week and the Bucks keep it going. OSU: 62 -- IU: 30
Hoying: For the fourth time this year, the Bucks enter a battle of unbeatens. But this game is a really, really, B1G deal. You may have seen that Ohio State and Indiana haven't faced each other unblemished since 1954. What you probably don't know is that that was the season opener! The Buckeyes and Hoosiers haven't met with both teams better than 1-0...EVER. Ohio State doesn't lose to Indiana often, but the wins have not come easily under Urban Meyer. Letting Tevin Coleman run all over you is understandable, but allowing Xander Diamont to have success throwing the ball is not. This year, the Hoosiers have Nate Sudfeld back and might lead the best offense the Bullets will face this regular season. Don't expect Cardale to struggle against another vintage Indiana defense, but the Hoosiers have just enough weapons to make this one interesting. The good news is, there's no reason at all for Ohio State to be looking ahead. On to 5-0. OSU: 42--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: Laugh at this all you want, but I think the Western Michigan game was a great tune up for Indiana. Both teams like to throw quick passes to the outside and then run inside zone from a wide open spread. This exposed the Buckeye interior defense, but I expect this coaching staff to make the adjustment. Now that the QB situation is finally settled, Cardale can get all the reps in practice and lock those deep bombs in. The receivers had separation last week and they should be able to get behind the leaky Hoosiers' secondary. It's B1G season so it's time to hammer Zeke and stop getting cute with the "Globetrotter Offense." OSU: 49--IU: 21
Seeberg: The good from last week: The offense looked better, the special teams improved as well. The bad? The D looked worse. Getting into conference play, I fear the Huskies may have exposed some weaknesses. Specifically, teams can score on us if centers don't shoot their teams in the foot. In any event, Indiana can typically score it well the past few years, and they give up points equally well. This should be a matchup that will test the Silver Bullets but allow the offense to begin to hit its stride. What's a Hoosier anyway? OSU: 45--IU: 20
Upset Special
Draper: CLANGA over Texas A&M
Hoying: Minnesota over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech over Baylor
Seeberg: Air Force over Navy
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Week 4 - Paring the Ranks of the Undefeateds
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Draper 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 7-5 (0-3 upset)
4) Hoying 6-6 (1-2 upset)
After Ohio State's biggest D-1A blowout since Pitt in 1996 (sorry we're not sorry, Mark May), the Buckeyes are a virtual lock this Saturday against someone named "Bye Week," so we'll turn our attention to FIVE marquee match-ups across the country, from Kansas to Nebraska.
Auburn Tigers @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: Kansas State has been limping through the beginning of their schedule. They woke up just enough to stave off my Upset Special two weeks ago, but Auburn's running game should be too much. Nick Marshall keeps running Gus Malzahn's machine rumbling along to steamroll Bill Snyder's team on Bill Snyder Field. Thursday night matchup, but blowout results like most games this coming weekend. Aub: 45--KSU: 23
Hoying: Wow! An SEC team other than Tennessee goes on the road and actually leaves the South! In the last 31 years, Auburn has played 3(!) road games in Union territory (yes, yes, I know, excluding games @ Kentucky): 2008 @ West Virginia, 2002 @ USC, and 2001 @ Syracuse. What else do these games have in common? Auburn lost them all. If we expand our search to nonconference road games in general, the picture remains unchanged: of 5 such games in the last 13 years, the Tigers won zero of them. In a stunning twist, this creates a heavy presumption against the SEC team winning a game, but let's consider these teams on their own merits first. Auburn had a fantastic surprise season that ALMOST nobody at Let's Go Bucks! saw coming, but much of this success was driven by QB Nick Marshall and RB Tre Mason, the only combo in the country to rival Braxton and El Guapo for rushing prowess. Mason may be gone, but his replacement, Cameron Artis-Payne, gashed Arkansas and San Jose State for 6.9 yards/carry. Kansas State needed some 4th quarter magic to take down Iowa State, but they now have dealt with adversity and a hostile road environment, which Auburn has not. KSU QB Jake Waters is a dual-threat QB in the mold of Collin Klein, but he doesn't quite have the talent in and around him to pull off the upset. Aub: 27--KSU: 24
Schweinfurth: It has to be asked...is the the furthest north a SEC team is going to travel this year? I really don't know much about these two teams other than Nick Marshall and Malzahn's beast of an offense. KSU can hang with the Tigers, I'm sure and I believe that they will keep it within one score for most of the game. I still think Auburn is better. Aub: 28--KSU: 17
Seeberg: KSU is a tough team to figure out this season, having crushed a nobody and then sleepwalking against a mediocre Cyclone bunch (that then beat Iowa, woe is the B1G) before holding on late. Auburn has rolled two opponents, and their win over Arkansas looks pretty decent after the Hogs smashed the Ryan Gosling-led Red Raiders. This game is likely to be close for a half or so, but Auburn just has too many weapons to be shut down indefinitely. Aub: 34--KSU: 21
Clemson Tigers @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Clemson looks for revenge against the Noles who blasted them in Death Valley last year with their statement win. Sadly for the Tigers, Boyd and Watkins are playing (or benched) on Sundays. FSU has had an extra week to prepare for the Chad Morris weirdness and to seal some of the holes in their team. Winston will be fine (author note: The recent suspension of Jameis for a half--Why you so stupid Jameis?--makes this more interesting but FSU is still the better team. Final score has been adjusted but result doesn't change) and lead another big win on the way to another ACC title. Watch Rashad Greene. He may be a better possession receiver than Kelvin Benjamin. Clemson was serviceable between the hedges but maybe UGA wasn't as special as we thought. Clem: 17--FSU: 34
Hoying: Clemson had a hell of a game against "Bye Week" on Saturday, good enough to move them past Ohio State in the AP rankings. Unfortunately for them, Florida State played the same opponent, so both squads will be equally rested. Clemson pooped the bed against a fading Georgia team back in August and have yet to establish a viable running game. On the other sideline, Florida State will be without frittata Heisman-winning QB Jameis Winston for the first half, but it's not like Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are going to be stepping in to save Clemson anytime soon. The Noles have looked unremarkable so far this season, but the lack of bed-pooping should continue for at least a few weeks. Clem: 16--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Is there anyone in college who is getting less out of an education than Jameis Winston? Look, I'm not saying he's a bad football player, I just think he may give Vince Young a run for his money come Wonderlick time. Even without Jameis, Florida State is loaded on both sides of the ball. Clemson is still reeling from the loss of Boyd and Watkins. This game feels like it could be a bit out of hand by half time, making a full game benching of Winston even more likely. Clem: 14--FSU: 45
Seeberg: This game was pretty cut and dry until In-Famous Jameis got himself benched for a half. Unfortunately for the Tigers, not only is this game @FSU, but their easy dismissal by Georgia wasn't as impressive a loss as most thought it to be after watching the Gamecocks score pretty much at will against the Bulldog D. The Seminoles' offense may be stagnant for a half, but their D will keep it close and Winston will close the door in the second half. Clem: 20--FSU: 31
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: MSU may be undefeated but wins over Southern Miss, UAB, and South Alabama don't really impress. LSU's win over Wisconsin (even with a craptastic QB) easily trumps the Bulldogs'. Add in Death Valley and it's a recipe for disaster. Miles eats grass and poops out the Bulldogs. MSU: 17--LSU: 31
Hoying: After trailing Wisconsin 24-7, LSU has scored 108 unanswered points in this young season. The Tigers have looked great, but the SEC West appears to be the buzzsaw that everyone expected, going 18-0 against external opponents so far. The winner of this game finds themselves on Auburn's lap in the driver's seat toward the SEC championship. LSU struggled against the Wisconsin running game until they figured out that the Badgers couldn't throw. In contrast, MSU has shown great balance. Were this game in Starkville, I would be tempted to pick the upset, but Death Valley is a death sentence. MSU: 24--LSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Mississippi State is that one team that can rise up and pull the upset every now and again. Unfortunately, LSU is pretty good and at home. I'm with Hoying, I want to call the upset but Death Valley will prevail. MSU: 10--LSU: 28
Seeberg: I would REALLY like to see this game played in Starkville instead of Death Valley. Dan Mullen is doing a remarkable job in what is, as ESPN constantly reminds us, easily the best division in all of college football. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, so is the Mad Hatter which, by the way, is the name of a new burger joint here in Greensboro, NC that is REALLY good. I won't be dining there on Saturday, but the Mad Hatter's grass smoothies will get them to another win. MSU: 13--LSU: 24
Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: What year is this? Is it 2008? No? Ok. Tebow is commentating and not playing harder than any quarterback has ever played before. Bama is at home to make things worse. I watched some of the UF/UK debacle on the SEC Network (I thought ESPN was already a thing?) which raises the concern in Gainsville exponentially. Sure, there's a chance UK is improving, but to seriously threaten the Gators in the Swamp? Now Muschamp goes to Bama to take his medicine. Just close your eyes and think of a better place. Papa Saban won't be gentle. UF: 10--Bama: 38
Hoying: After an awful 4-8 campaign last season, Florida...is still bad. With the return of Tennessee and the rise of Missouri, coupled with a schedule that includes Alabama AND LSU from the West, the Gators are going to have a heck of a time getting to .500, especially after losing a practically free win in week 1. Alabama looks fine, the game is in Tuscaloosa, nothing more to say. UF: 6--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: This game can be summed up by one thing Will Muschamp's job. IF the Gators win, he may earn another year. Unfortunately for him, Nick Saban has anover-signing problem a really good team again. Oh, and Florida almost lost to KENTUCKY in FOOTBALL. The Gators are bad and Bama puts Muschamp to bed. UF: 7--Bama: 35
Seeberg: Amazingly, there is a significant amount of good news for the Gators heading into Crimson Tide territory on Saturday. They're 2-0, their defense is looking quite stout under defensive-minded Will Muschamp, and they aren't in the SEC West. The bad news: Kentucky nearly pulled out a win against them in The Swamp, they have to play a couple teams from the SEC West, and Tim Tebow is too busy plugging T-Mobile to play QB. Reality, the form of Nick Saban's perfectly coiffed 'do, will set in quickly and coast late. UF: 10--Bama: 34
Miami Hurricanes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: So many games and so little that matter. The Huskers finally looked competent last week. Jim Delaney needs that to continue. Miami has been 'eh' like Nebraska but the game in Lincoln should hopefully tip the scales (expecially since the weather seems to be breaking early. Perhaps this is more of a heart over head pick, but I'm going with the Huskers. Ameer Abdullah is a talented back that should be the Xfactor. Let's just hope Miami doesn't cause another opponent to have a "heart attack". UM: 17--Neb: 23
Hoying: Is this finally the year of Miami's triumphant return? Since the giant was slain in the desert by Ohio State on January 3, 2003, the Hurricanes have had exactly 1 10-win season. The comeback train might need to wait another year for its arrival, since the Canes got smacked by Louisville in week 1, but this year has shown that you don't have to be a juggernaut to knock off a B1G team, even on the road. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah has been a bright point for the conference and an early favorite for MVP, and QB Tommy Armstrong is a terrific dual threat, but the Huskers looked tremendously mediocre against 1-AA McNeese State. If the Lackshirts can limit the Miami deep ball, Nebraska should be able to keep the playoff train rolling. UM: 27--Neb: 35
Schweinfurth: This is a bit of a nostalgia game to me. Miami has fallen on some rough times of late, but Nebraska hasn't exactly been blowing people's doors off either. Miami is just bad and Nebraska has Ameer Abdullah. Look for Abdullah to run for 125+ and Bo's cat to run for food. UM: 17--NEB: 28
Seeberg: If you had told anyone in college football 20 years ago that a 3-0 Nebraska team would just barely have squeaked into the rankings, they'd say you're crazy and that's a top 5 team easily. Today? I can't believe they're ranked at all after it took a Herculean effort by Ameer Abdullah to stave off Steve McNair's alma mater (sounds better than "middling I-AA McNeese State). The Hurricanes looked pretty lousy in their first away game, an 18-point loss at Louisville who was subsequently beaten at Virginia. Neither team is anywhere close to the level that their history would suggest, but the Cornhuskers offense is the best unit that will take the field, and they will eventually win the day. UM: 24--Neb: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa over Pitt
Hoying: Utah over Michigan
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Central Michigan over Kansas
1) Schweinfurth 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Draper 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 7-5 (0-3 upset)
4) Hoying 6-6 (1-2 upset)
After Ohio State's biggest D-1A blowout since Pitt in 1996 (sorry we're not sorry, Mark May), the Buckeyes are a virtual lock this Saturday against someone named "Bye Week," so we'll turn our attention to FIVE marquee match-ups across the country, from Kansas to Nebraska.
Auburn Tigers @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: Kansas State has been limping through the beginning of their schedule. They woke up just enough to stave off my Upset Special two weeks ago, but Auburn's running game should be too much. Nick Marshall keeps running Gus Malzahn's machine rumbling along to steamroll Bill Snyder's team on Bill Snyder Field. Thursday night matchup, but blowout results like most games this coming weekend. Aub: 45--KSU: 23
Hoying: Wow! An SEC team other than Tennessee goes on the road and actually leaves the South! In the last 31 years, Auburn has played 3(!) road games in Union territory (yes, yes, I know, excluding games @ Kentucky): 2008 @ West Virginia, 2002 @ USC, and 2001 @ Syracuse. What else do these games have in common? Auburn lost them all. If we expand our search to nonconference road games in general, the picture remains unchanged: of 5 such games in the last 13 years, the Tigers won zero of them. In a stunning twist, this creates a heavy presumption against the SEC team winning a game, but let's consider these teams on their own merits first. Auburn had a fantastic surprise season that ALMOST nobody at Let's Go Bucks! saw coming, but much of this success was driven by QB Nick Marshall and RB Tre Mason, the only combo in the country to rival Braxton and El Guapo for rushing prowess. Mason may be gone, but his replacement, Cameron Artis-Payne, gashed Arkansas and San Jose State for 6.9 yards/carry. Kansas State needed some 4th quarter magic to take down Iowa State, but they now have dealt with adversity and a hostile road environment, which Auburn has not. KSU QB Jake Waters is a dual-threat QB in the mold of Collin Klein, but he doesn't quite have the talent in and around him to pull off the upset. Aub: 27--KSU: 24
Schweinfurth: It has to be asked...is the the furthest north a SEC team is going to travel this year? I really don't know much about these two teams other than Nick Marshall and Malzahn's beast of an offense. KSU can hang with the Tigers, I'm sure and I believe that they will keep it within one score for most of the game. I still think Auburn is better. Aub: 28--KSU: 17
Seeberg: KSU is a tough team to figure out this season, having crushed a nobody and then sleepwalking against a mediocre Cyclone bunch (that then beat Iowa, woe is the B1G) before holding on late. Auburn has rolled two opponents, and their win over Arkansas looks pretty decent after the Hogs smashed the Ryan Gosling-led Red Raiders. This game is likely to be close for a half or so, but Auburn just has too many weapons to be shut down indefinitely. Aub: 34--KSU: 21
Clemson Tigers @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Clemson looks for revenge against the Noles who blasted them in Death Valley last year with their statement win. Sadly for the Tigers, Boyd and Watkins are playing (or benched) on Sundays. FSU has had an extra week to prepare for the Chad Morris weirdness and to seal some of the holes in their team. Winston will be fine (author note: The recent suspension of Jameis for a half--Why you so stupid Jameis?--makes this more interesting but FSU is still the better team. Final score has been adjusted but result doesn't change) and lead another big win on the way to another ACC title. Watch Rashad Greene. He may be a better possession receiver than Kelvin Benjamin. Clemson was serviceable between the hedges but maybe UGA wasn't as special as we thought. Clem: 17--FSU: 34
Hoying: Clemson had a hell of a game against "Bye Week" on Saturday, good enough to move them past Ohio State in the AP rankings. Unfortunately for them, Florida State played the same opponent, so both squads will be equally rested. Clemson pooped the bed against a fading Georgia team back in August and have yet to establish a viable running game. On the other sideline, Florida State will be without frittata Heisman-winning QB Jameis Winston for the first half, but it's not like Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are going to be stepping in to save Clemson anytime soon. The Noles have looked unremarkable so far this season, but the lack of bed-pooping should continue for at least a few weeks. Clem: 16--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Is there anyone in college who is getting less out of an education than Jameis Winston? Look, I'm not saying he's a bad football player, I just think he may give Vince Young a run for his money come Wonderlick time. Even without Jameis, Florida State is loaded on both sides of the ball. Clemson is still reeling from the loss of Boyd and Watkins. This game feels like it could be a bit out of hand by half time, making a full game benching of Winston even more likely. Clem: 14--FSU: 45
Seeberg: This game was pretty cut and dry until In-Famous Jameis got himself benched for a half. Unfortunately for the Tigers, not only is this game @FSU, but their easy dismissal by Georgia wasn't as impressive a loss as most thought it to be after watching the Gamecocks score pretty much at will against the Bulldog D. The Seminoles' offense may be stagnant for a half, but their D will keep it close and Winston will close the door in the second half. Clem: 20--FSU: 31
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: MSU may be undefeated but wins over Southern Miss, UAB, and South Alabama don't really impress. LSU's win over Wisconsin (even with a craptastic QB) easily trumps the Bulldogs'. Add in Death Valley and it's a recipe for disaster. Miles eats grass and poops out the Bulldogs. MSU: 17--LSU: 31
Hoying: After trailing Wisconsin 24-7, LSU has scored 108 unanswered points in this young season. The Tigers have looked great, but the SEC West appears to be the buzzsaw that everyone expected, going 18-0 against external opponents so far. The winner of this game finds themselves on Auburn's lap in the driver's seat toward the SEC championship. LSU struggled against the Wisconsin running game until they figured out that the Badgers couldn't throw. In contrast, MSU has shown great balance. Were this game in Starkville, I would be tempted to pick the upset, but Death Valley is a death sentence. MSU: 24--LSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Mississippi State is that one team that can rise up and pull the upset every now and again. Unfortunately, LSU is pretty good and at home. I'm with Hoying, I want to call the upset but Death Valley will prevail. MSU: 10--LSU: 28
Seeberg: I would REALLY like to see this game played in Starkville instead of Death Valley. Dan Mullen is doing a remarkable job in what is, as ESPN constantly reminds us, easily the best division in all of college football. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, so is the Mad Hatter which, by the way, is the name of a new burger joint here in Greensboro, NC that is REALLY good. I won't be dining there on Saturday, but the Mad Hatter's grass smoothies will get them to another win. MSU: 13--LSU: 24
Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: What year is this? Is it 2008? No? Ok. Tebow is commentating and not playing harder than any quarterback has ever played before. Bama is at home to make things worse. I watched some of the UF/UK debacle on the SEC Network (I thought ESPN was already a thing?) which raises the concern in Gainsville exponentially. Sure, there's a chance UK is improving, but to seriously threaten the Gators in the Swamp? Now Muschamp goes to Bama to take his medicine. Just close your eyes and think of a better place. Papa Saban won't be gentle. UF: 10--Bama: 38
Hoying: After an awful 4-8 campaign last season, Florida...is still bad. With the return of Tennessee and the rise of Missouri, coupled with a schedule that includes Alabama AND LSU from the West, the Gators are going to have a heck of a time getting to .500, especially after losing a practically free win in week 1. Alabama looks fine, the game is in Tuscaloosa, nothing more to say. UF: 6--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: This game can be summed up by one thing Will Muschamp's job. IF the Gators win, he may earn another year. Unfortunately for him, Nick Saban has an
Seeberg: Amazingly, there is a significant amount of good news for the Gators heading into Crimson Tide territory on Saturday. They're 2-0, their defense is looking quite stout under defensive-minded Will Muschamp, and they aren't in the SEC West. The bad news: Kentucky nearly pulled out a win against them in The Swamp, they have to play a couple teams from the SEC West, and Tim Tebow is too busy plugging T-Mobile to play QB. Reality, the form of Nick Saban's perfectly coiffed 'do, will set in quickly and coast late. UF: 10--Bama: 34
Miami Hurricanes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: So many games and so little that matter. The Huskers finally looked competent last week. Jim Delaney needs that to continue. Miami has been 'eh' like Nebraska but the game in Lincoln should hopefully tip the scales (expecially since the weather seems to be breaking early. Perhaps this is more of a heart over head pick, but I'm going with the Huskers. Ameer Abdullah is a talented back that should be the Xfactor. Let's just hope Miami doesn't cause another opponent to have a "heart attack". UM: 17--Neb: 23
Hoying: Is this finally the year of Miami's triumphant return? Since the giant was slain in the desert by Ohio State on January 3, 2003, the Hurricanes have had exactly 1 10-win season. The comeback train might need to wait another year for its arrival, since the Canes got smacked by Louisville in week 1, but this year has shown that you don't have to be a juggernaut to knock off a B1G team, even on the road. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah has been a bright point for the conference and an early favorite for MVP, and QB Tommy Armstrong is a terrific dual threat, but the Huskers looked tremendously mediocre against 1-AA McNeese State. If the Lackshirts can limit the Miami deep ball, Nebraska should be able to keep the playoff train rolling. UM: 27--Neb: 35
Schweinfurth: This is a bit of a nostalgia game to me. Miami has fallen on some rough times of late, but Nebraska hasn't exactly been blowing people's doors off either. Miami is just bad and Nebraska has Ameer Abdullah. Look for Abdullah to run for 125+ and Bo's cat to run for food. UM: 17--NEB: 28
Seeberg: If you had told anyone in college football 20 years ago that a 3-0 Nebraska team would just barely have squeaked into the rankings, they'd say you're crazy and that's a top 5 team easily. Today? I can't believe they're ranked at all after it took a Herculean effort by Ameer Abdullah to stave off Steve McNair's alma mater (sounds better than "middling I-AA McNeese State). The Hurricanes looked pretty lousy in their first away game, an 18-point loss at Louisville who was subsequently beaten at Virginia. Neither team is anywhere close to the level that their history would suggest, but the Cornhuskers offense is the best unit that will take the field, and they will eventually win the day. UM: 24--Neb: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa over Pitt
Hoying: Utah over Michigan
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Central Michigan over Kansas
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Week 1 - PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the 2014-15 season edition of Let's Go Bucks! Now that D-1A football has entered the PLAYOFF ERA, the expert analyses of your four favorite football forecasters should be more exciting and less controversial than ever. Join us every week to learn in advance precisely how the SEC's top four teams will position themselves for a shot at the national championship.
Here are the week's four top matchups, based on what what a few coaches and writers think about the quality of teams that they've never seen play.
Texas A&M Aggies @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Sigh....SEC. SEC. These teams are ok, but they won't be as good as last year's installment. Manziel and Clowney would have made this an epic matchup, but I can't really think of anyone on either of these teams. Even though the Cocks generally weak in the early season, I'll give them the edge at home. The SEC defenses have been a shadow the past few years but A&M has just been terrible. Let's kick this season off with a little SEC fizzle. TAMU: 24--SoCar: 41
Hoying: Why do teams allow conference games to be scheduled for week 1? Exiting the offseason, a team's growing pains may hamper it even against a garbage-level opponent. Ask Michigan. Imagine having to find your footing against Sumlin's offense or Spurrier's defense...Both teams enter the season with new faces at quarterback, after the departures of Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw (both to the Browns). The Cocks are missing our favorite Wolverine decapitator, Jadeveon Clowney, but they retain the advantage, seeing as how the Aggies were missing an entire defense last season and aren't likely to have instantly righted the ship. The Ol' Ball Coach knows offense, and without Johnny Clipboard to bail out the awful awful A&M defense, South Carolina should start their playoff push on a high note. TAMU: 20--SCar: 38
Schweinfurth: Well, this game officially kicks off the college football season. I really think this game will be a showcase of what the SEC will be all about this year: defense-dominated. Look, all of the "big name" SEC quarterbacks are gone and it's gonna show. So before we get into the whole "SEC is all about defense" conversation, just remember ALL OF THE QBS ARE NEW!!!! Oh yea, this game? South Carolina's gonna win. TAMU: 13--SCAR: 31
Seeberg: This is a battle of who-can-manage-to-still-function-after-losing-a-crapton-of-talent game. The Gamecocks are without Clowney and 4th string Browns quarterback Connor Shaw. Similarly, TAMU has lost 5th string Browns quarterback Johnny Money-Signing, Bird-Slinging Manziel (ok, I know he's actually the Browns' backup, but really, does it matter?). A&M also lost Mike Evans, and still has a lackluster D, so the cupboard is at least a lot less bare in Columbia. TAMU: 17--SCar: 34
Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: I remember last year when Clemson was a pretty good football team...and then this year they're...a team. UGA has no Aaron Murray, but Todd Gurley is a beast who, in my opinion, is the most likely non-QB Heisman contender. Last year, Clemson rode the backs of Watkins and Boyd to an explosive offense, but they're gone. Bulldogs start strong and wait until midseason to crap out. Clem: 17--UGA: 38
Hoying: Answer: Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, Roderick McDowell, Martavis Bryant. Question: who are (1) the top four skill position players on the 2013 Clemson team, and (2) four players no longer playing for the Tigers? Yup, that buzzsaw that shredded through an overrated Georgia squad and a depleted-though-already-awful Buckeye defense has been de-toothed. Meanwhile the Gurleyest man in college football is all healed up and ready for revenge. The loss of Georgia QB Aaron Murray will hurt, but the wounds won't show in this mismatch. Hey Bulldog! Clem: 17--UGA: 31
Schweinfurth: Clemson lost their offense last year with Boyd and Watkins gone (I still have nightmares of Watkins catching screen passes). Georgia get's Todd Gurley back and he is a load. I really expect Gurley to literally carry the load for the Bulldogs all year and could be a darkhorse Heisman candidate. Clem: 10--UGA--24
Seeberg: Seemingly, Georgia has been on the precipice for quite some time. This year wouldn't seem to be the year they get over the hump as Aaron Murray- who appeared to be UGA's QB about as long as the rest of the world seemed to think Aaron Craft was the Buckeyes' point guard- is finally gone. However, assuming Todd Gurley can make it through at least one game healthy, he will see the ball almost as much as Georgia's quarterback. Meanwhile, Clemson is far from the offensive juggernaut that burned through much of their schedule last year. It's gonna be a good day, Tater. Clem: 13--UGA: 28
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: LSU is a nice consistent program that everyone's favorite grass-eating lovable doofus keeps at the forefront. The Badgers look to have a nice season in the wide open B1G West but they can't figure out who to start at QB. This could get ugly and start the SEC over B1G nonsense early. Wisconsin is not the Wisconsin of old, and LSU full of studs. Could get ugly early on the Bayou. Wisc: 13--LSU: 30
Hoying: Once again, our beloved conference gets a chance to make a B1G statement against an SEC opponent to kick off the season. If there's one team on which we can rely to carry the flag in a marquee out-of-conference showdown, it's the Badgers. Stop laughing. I mean it, cut it out! They could win! Really! Wisc: 10--LSU: 27
Schweinfurth: For once I want to see the B1G give a big, Johnny Football-esque finger to the SEC. Unfortunately, I don't think Wisconsin will be the team to do it. Yes, Melvin Gordon is a good player, but he was best with White in the backfield and running the fly sweep. This will be a good game but Wiscy falls just short. Wisc: 14--LSU: 17
Seeberg: Alright, let's be clear, I despise Wisconsin...darn near as much as TTUN. The Badgers became suddenly relevant in the two most glamorous college sports (football, men's basketball) in the late 90's and they have been insufferable ever since. Still, I picked them to get to the Final Four this past March, thus salvaging a rough bracket year, and it wouldn't be a stretch to see them come out of the oh-so-loaded B1G west (this realignment is just atrocious- post proving this point coming next week). Even further, I would still like to see them force-feed Les Miles some freshly fertilized grass. LSU may have trouble scoring with Mettenberger and their top 2 wideouts gone from a season ago. Unfortunately, LSU hasn't lost much from a solid D and are likely to stifle a Wisconsin team that has named Tanner McEvoy (man that is a boy-band sounding name if I've ever heard one) over previous starter Joel I-only-throw-to-Abbrederis Stave. If McEvoy has the goods, this may be a huge upset, particularly for ESPN after just launching the SEC Network. Sadly, I don't see that happening. Wisc: 13--LSU: 24
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Navy Midshipmen
Draper: Oh Braxton, wherefore art thou Braxton. The Glass QB went down earlier than expected this year which has put the pundits on alert. You don't lose an athlete of Braxton's caliber (not to mention Carlos Hyde) and get better, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. This team is still full of talent and the schedule is total garbage. I feel that Ezekiel Elliot will tote the rock admirably and J. T. Barrett will step in just fine (the last 2 years saw a redshirt freshman win the Heisman so......... Navy is perhaps the worst team anyone can schedule in the 'preseason'. They run a gimmick offense and cutblock like crazy. That being said, OSU's defensive weakness was the passing game...and the Midshipmen can't pass. This should be a solid drubbing that allows JT to get his feet wet. The Bucks will be just fine this year. OSU: 48--Navy: 10
Hoying: After an awful end to a promising season, the Bucks are finally back and ready to see if a new face can fill the void left by the unfortunate departure of our best offensive player. Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott did average 8.7 ypc last year, but most of that was garbage time against garbage teams...what?...you want me to talk about the QB situation? Very well...regardless of what Braxton's mind-bogglingly stupid haters continue to aver, the Buckeyes will almost undoubtedly suffer a giant step backward at quarterback after the injury to arguably the greatest athlete ever to take snaps under center at Ohio State. Make no mistake, J. T. Barrett is ready to play football (and hopefully play school too, unlike backup Cardale Jones), and he'll get a nice soft test from a middling Midshipmen defense. But a freshman is a freshman, and a QB's first year under center is usually a rough one (see 2004 Troy Smith, 2008 Terrelle Pryor, 2011 Braxton Miller). Let's hope the senior receivers are finally ready to step up. On the other side of the ball, we won't learn much this week about the development of last year's sieve of a defense. Navy QB Keenan Reynolds can throw, I guess, but that's not really Navy's style. Expect big plays from the experienced and talented Buckeye D line, and look for indications that Chris Ash is smart enough to plan for misdirection plays. If not, expect Michigan to hang 40 on us again at season's end. OSU: 31--Navy: 16
Schweinfurth: For the record, I'm writing this while watching the previous OSU/Navy game. My goodness, STOP THE QB FOLLOW!!! But I digress. The Buckeyes have so many question marks coming into this season and an even bigger question mark at the QB position. There are weapons and skill all over the field for the Bucks and I am excited to see what Wilson, Elliot, and company can do. I expect a lot more passing but fewer big plays. I am very nervous about the defense. I mean, they can't get any worse than last year right? RIGHT?!? Navy will move the ball, that rushing attack is just too good, but I don't foresee may trips into the endzone. This one won't tell much about the "improved" pass defense but the Bucks should be able to get some young pups valuable experience. OSU: 38--Navy: 20
Seeberg: I hate to admit it, but I am somewhat concerned about this game. As pointed out above, Navy's old-school attack is a nightmare to plan for at any point in the season. Our D should be very stout up front, but the back seven? No Shazier, no Roby, no Barnett, no Bryant, that means lots of question marks. Obviously the offense suffered an enormous setback with Braxton's injury (2015 Heisman campaign already in full swing). The receivers are another big unknown, so I expect a game plan Woody Hayes would be proud of...except a lot of the runs will be around end instead of up the middle. I'll be high up in the Ravens *gag* stadium on the 50, hoping to see our new offensive line gel together and open up some holes for Elliot, Barrett and Co. It may not be pretty, but 1-0 is 1-0. OSU: 34--Navy: 20
Upset Special
Draper: Penn State over UCF (I know, weak)
Hoying: Appalachian State over Michigan
Schweinfurth: North Dakota St. over Iowa State
Seeberg: Georgia Southern over NC State
Here are the week's four top matchups, based on what what a few coaches and writers think about the quality of teams that they've never seen play.
Texas A&M Aggies @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Sigh....SEC. SEC. These teams are ok, but they won't be as good as last year's installment. Manziel and Clowney would have made this an epic matchup, but I can't really think of anyone on either of these teams. Even though the Cocks generally weak in the early season, I'll give them the edge at home. The SEC defenses have been a shadow the past few years but A&M has just been terrible. Let's kick this season off with a little SEC fizzle. TAMU: 24--SoCar: 41
Hoying: Why do teams allow conference games to be scheduled for week 1? Exiting the offseason, a team's growing pains may hamper it even against a garbage-level opponent. Ask Michigan. Imagine having to find your footing against Sumlin's offense or Spurrier's defense...Both teams enter the season with new faces at quarterback, after the departures of Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw (both to the Browns). The Cocks are missing our favorite Wolverine decapitator, Jadeveon Clowney, but they retain the advantage, seeing as how the Aggies were missing an entire defense last season and aren't likely to have instantly righted the ship. The Ol' Ball Coach knows offense, and without Johnny Clipboard to bail out the awful awful A&M defense, South Carolina should start their playoff push on a high note. TAMU: 20--SCar: 38
Schweinfurth: Well, this game officially kicks off the college football season. I really think this game will be a showcase of what the SEC will be all about this year: defense-dominated. Look, all of the "big name" SEC quarterbacks are gone and it's gonna show. So before we get into the whole "SEC is all about defense" conversation, just remember ALL OF THE QBS ARE NEW!!!! Oh yea, this game? South Carolina's gonna win. TAMU: 13--SCAR: 31
Seeberg: This is a battle of who-can-manage-to-still-function-after-losing-a-crapton-of-talent game. The Gamecocks are without Clowney and 4th string Browns quarterback Connor Shaw. Similarly, TAMU has lost 5th string Browns quarterback Johnny Money-Signing, Bird-Slinging Manziel (ok, I know he's actually the Browns' backup, but really, does it matter?). A&M also lost Mike Evans, and still has a lackluster D, so the cupboard is at least a lot less bare in Columbia. TAMU: 17--SCar: 34
Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: I remember last year when Clemson was a pretty good football team...and then this year they're...a team. UGA has no Aaron Murray, but Todd Gurley is a beast who, in my opinion, is the most likely non-QB Heisman contender. Last year, Clemson rode the backs of Watkins and Boyd to an explosive offense, but they're gone. Bulldogs start strong and wait until midseason to crap out. Clem: 17--UGA: 38
Hoying: Answer: Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, Roderick McDowell, Martavis Bryant. Question: who are (1) the top four skill position players on the 2013 Clemson team, and (2) four players no longer playing for the Tigers? Yup, that buzzsaw that shredded through an overrated Georgia squad and a depleted-though-already-awful Buckeye defense has been de-toothed. Meanwhile the Gurleyest man in college football is all healed up and ready for revenge. The loss of Georgia QB Aaron Murray will hurt, but the wounds won't show in this mismatch. Hey Bulldog! Clem: 17--UGA: 31
Schweinfurth: Clemson lost their offense last year with Boyd and Watkins gone (I still have nightmares of Watkins catching screen passes). Georgia get's Todd Gurley back and he is a load. I really expect Gurley to literally carry the load for the Bulldogs all year and could be a darkhorse Heisman candidate. Clem: 10--UGA--24
Seeberg: Seemingly, Georgia has been on the precipice for quite some time. This year wouldn't seem to be the year they get over the hump as Aaron Murray- who appeared to be UGA's QB about as long as the rest of the world seemed to think Aaron Craft was the Buckeyes' point guard- is finally gone. However, assuming Todd Gurley can make it through at least one game healthy, he will see the ball almost as much as Georgia's quarterback. Meanwhile, Clemson is far from the offensive juggernaut that burned through much of their schedule last year. It's gonna be a good day, Tater. Clem: 13--UGA: 28
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: LSU is a nice consistent program that everyone's favorite grass-eating lovable doofus keeps at the forefront. The Badgers look to have a nice season in the wide open B1G West but they can't figure out who to start at QB. This could get ugly and start the SEC over B1G nonsense early. Wisconsin is not the Wisconsin of old, and LSU full of studs. Could get ugly early on the Bayou. Wisc: 13--LSU: 30
Hoying: Once again, our beloved conference gets a chance to make a B1G statement against an SEC opponent to kick off the season. If there's one team on which we can rely to carry the flag in a marquee out-of-conference showdown, it's the Badgers. Stop laughing. I mean it, cut it out! They could win! Really! Wisc: 10--LSU: 27
Schweinfurth: For once I want to see the B1G give a big, Johnny Football-esque finger to the SEC. Unfortunately, I don't think Wisconsin will be the team to do it. Yes, Melvin Gordon is a good player, but he was best with White in the backfield and running the fly sweep. This will be a good game but Wiscy falls just short. Wisc: 14--LSU: 17
Seeberg: Alright, let's be clear, I despise Wisconsin...darn near as much as TTUN. The Badgers became suddenly relevant in the two most glamorous college sports (football, men's basketball) in the late 90's and they have been insufferable ever since. Still, I picked them to get to the Final Four this past March, thus salvaging a rough bracket year, and it wouldn't be a stretch to see them come out of the oh-so-loaded B1G west (this realignment is just atrocious- post proving this point coming next week). Even further, I would still like to see them force-feed Les Miles some freshly fertilized grass. LSU may have trouble scoring with Mettenberger and their top 2 wideouts gone from a season ago. Unfortunately, LSU hasn't lost much from a solid D and are likely to stifle a Wisconsin team that has named Tanner McEvoy (man that is a boy-band sounding name if I've ever heard one) over previous starter Joel I-only-throw-to-Abbrederis Stave. If McEvoy has the goods, this may be a huge upset, particularly for ESPN after just launching the SEC Network. Sadly, I don't see that happening. Wisc: 13--LSU: 24
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Navy Midshipmen
Draper: Oh Braxton, wherefore art thou Braxton. The Glass QB went down earlier than expected this year which has put the pundits on alert. You don't lose an athlete of Braxton's caliber (not to mention Carlos Hyde) and get better, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. This team is still full of talent and the schedule is total garbage. I feel that Ezekiel Elliot will tote the rock admirably and J. T. Barrett will step in just fine (the last 2 years saw a redshirt freshman win the Heisman so......... Navy is perhaps the worst team anyone can schedule in the 'preseason'. They run a gimmick offense and cutblock like crazy. That being said, OSU's defensive weakness was the passing game...and the Midshipmen can't pass. This should be a solid drubbing that allows JT to get his feet wet. The Bucks will be just fine this year. OSU: 48--Navy: 10
Hoying: After an awful end to a promising season, the Bucks are finally back and ready to see if a new face can fill the void left by the unfortunate departure of our best offensive player. Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott did average 8.7 ypc last year, but most of that was garbage time against garbage teams...what?...you want me to talk about the QB situation? Very well...regardless of what Braxton's mind-bogglingly stupid haters continue to aver, the Buckeyes will almost undoubtedly suffer a giant step backward at quarterback after the injury to arguably the greatest athlete ever to take snaps under center at Ohio State. Make no mistake, J. T. Barrett is ready to play football (and hopefully play school too, unlike backup Cardale Jones), and he'll get a nice soft test from a middling Midshipmen defense. But a freshman is a freshman, and a QB's first year under center is usually a rough one (see 2004 Troy Smith, 2008 Terrelle Pryor, 2011 Braxton Miller). Let's hope the senior receivers are finally ready to step up. On the other side of the ball, we won't learn much this week about the development of last year's sieve of a defense. Navy QB Keenan Reynolds can throw, I guess, but that's not really Navy's style. Expect big plays from the experienced and talented Buckeye D line, and look for indications that Chris Ash is smart enough to plan for misdirection plays. If not, expect Michigan to hang 40 on us again at season's end. OSU: 31--Navy: 16
Schweinfurth: For the record, I'm writing this while watching the previous OSU/Navy game. My goodness, STOP THE QB FOLLOW!!! But I digress. The Buckeyes have so many question marks coming into this season and an even bigger question mark at the QB position. There are weapons and skill all over the field for the Bucks and I am excited to see what Wilson, Elliot, and company can do. I expect a lot more passing but fewer big plays. I am very nervous about the defense. I mean, they can't get any worse than last year right? RIGHT?!? Navy will move the ball, that rushing attack is just too good, but I don't foresee may trips into the endzone. This one won't tell much about the "improved" pass defense but the Bucks should be able to get some young pups valuable experience. OSU: 38--Navy: 20
Seeberg: I hate to admit it, but I am somewhat concerned about this game. As pointed out above, Navy's old-school attack is a nightmare to plan for at any point in the season. Our D should be very stout up front, but the back seven? No Shazier, no Roby, no Barnett, no Bryant, that means lots of question marks. Obviously the offense suffered an enormous setback with Braxton's injury (2015 Heisman campaign already in full swing). The receivers are another big unknown, so I expect a game plan Woody Hayes would be proud of...except a lot of the runs will be around end instead of up the middle. I'll be high up in the Ravens *gag* stadium on the 50, hoping to see our new offensive line gel together and open up some holes for Elliot, Barrett and Co. It may not be pretty, but 1-0 is 1-0. OSU: 34--Navy: 20
Upset Special
Draper: Penn State over UCF (I know, weak)
Hoying: Appalachian State over Michigan
Schweinfurth: North Dakota St. over Iowa State
Seeberg: Georgia Southern over NC State
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