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

Week 15 - Championship Week, Or, Play-off Play-ins

Standings
1) Hoying               44-21    (4-10 upset)
2) Draper                43-22    (6-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     41-24    (6-8 upset)
3) Seeberg              41-24    (2-13 upset)

Pac-12: Arizona Wildcats vs. Oregon Ducks

Draper: In a game that almost no one is picking lightning to strike twice, I'm very intrigued.  The Wildcats enter Autzen with the most important thing...belief.  They've already conquered the Ducks once, why not again?  Anu Solomon is a fantastic quarterback, but still young.  I don't think he'll show any ill effects, but with that said, his counterpart has playoffs and the Heisman in mind.  Let's be clear, if Oregon wins and Mariota doesn't crap the bed, the Heisman is decided.  The Ducks were granted a reprieve with all the losses (and the committee's ignoring of said losses) and have their eyes on the prize.  RichRod makes it interesting, but the Ducks are on to the playoff.  Zona: 34--OU: 41

Hoying: The Ducks don't lose very often, but when they do, they prefer Arizona (stay thirsty). The Wildcats are trying to become the first team to win 3 in a row over the Ducks since Cal(!) did it from 2006-08. It won't be easy. Oregon hasn't been seriously threatened since Utah's Kaelin Clay dropped the ball celebrating a touchdown at the 1-yard line, and they've shown up impressively in two marquee matchups against Michigan State and UCLA. Arizona's QB Anu Solomon (who is not hurt, silly me) has been a fantastic success story for RichRod, but Oregon has the lock-it-up Heisman winner slinging the football for their Buckeye-esque offense. Whatever went wrong in their first game against the 'Cats, the Ducks will have the kinks worked out for this one. Zona: 20--Oregon: 28

Schweinfurth: Arizona has beaten the Ducks the last two times these teams have played.  Let that marinate a minute. I really don't see the Ducks losing 3 straight to Arizona. Ducks get their revenge and Mariota gets his bronze statue.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 35

Seeberg:  Keeping this one short and sweet.  1.)  I have NO idea how Arizona beat Oregon- I presume Oregon saw Arizona on their schedule in football and not basketball and had a ho-hum week of preparation that bit them in the rear.  2.)  There is NO way that happens again, particularly with Mariota leading the Heisman ballotting.  Ducks fly into the playoffs.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 44

SEC:  Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Draper: Congrats Mizzou! You won the worst division in college football....here's the winner of the best division.  Uh oh.  The talking heads are trying to make this one interesting, but I don't see it.  Can Mizzousi win? Sure...but I wouldn't hold my breath.  Bama showed they can win with defense or offense given the opponent.  If you want to beat them, you need to excel at both.  The Tiger defense is pretty good...but the offense won't be able to rack up enough points to matter. Tide Rolls into the playoffs.  Mizzou: 10--Bama: 27

Hoying: Two words: mis match. Missouri doesn't have a win over a single opponent with more than 8 wins, or an SEC opponent with more than 7. And they've been skating by, using a decent defense to cover for an offense that can't move the ball. Against Florida, the Tigers racked up all of 119 yards on the way to a 42-13 win. They won't be getting 6 turnovers against Blake Sims and the Tide, no matter what happened in the first half of the Auburn game. Run T.J. Yeldon, throw to Amari Cooper, steamroll the Tigers, secure (an undeserved) #1 seed in the playoff. Although it would be hilarious to see Missouri win and the SEC get left out of the inaugural playoff... Mizzou: 17--Bama: 31

Schweinfurth: Mizzou lost to Indiana.  While I believe that Alabama is overrated, there is no way they lose to this Tiger team.  Please remember that Mizzou was a middle of the road Big 12 team and has now made 2 straight SEC title game appearances. This is close just because that's how Bama rolls this year. Mizzou: 24--Bama: 28

Seeberg:  Keeping this one brief as well.  1.)  I have NO idea how Missouri made it back into the SEC title game.  Remember- they lost to nearly-winless-in-the-B1G Indiana.  I presume Gary Pinkel has made a deal with the devil.  2.)  It will take the devil reincarnate in Tiger pads to give them any shot of winning this game.  Mizzou: 13--Bama: 31

ACC: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Florida State Seminoles

Draper: I don't think the committee has realized this, but the Noles still haven't lost.  Yeah, they haven't looked great, but they find a way.  Maybe it's Jameis, maybe it's the defense, maybe it's Aguayo, but they find a way.  Tech comes into the ACC Championship at just the right time: Chop block-o'clock.  This is a horrendous matchup for any team but GT still doesn't have the horses on defense to run with the Noles for a full 60 minutes.  Jameis played his worst game ever vs. a good Gator defense...and won.  He's not going to be that bad here.  Georgia Tech will have some success against the injury riddled D-line of the Noles, but the magic continues for the Seminoles.  On to the playoffs (until they get jumped inexplicably by another team with a worse resume...TCU?!? Their best win is KSU followed by who? Minn? Ask Louisville, Clemson, a healthy ND, UF, etc. how good the Noles are).  GT: 17--FSU: 28 Thank you Mr. Hoying for not giving us the touch of death.  

Hoying: It seems like every week, I pick against the Noles, and every week, they play like garbage and win. That streak is coming to an end, not because I'm picking the Noles to win, but because you can't play like crap and beat Georgia Tech. The Jackets are riding high after two consecutive wins over ranked teams, shredding opposing defenses with their ridiculous triple option. Remember what a so-so Boston College team did to Florida State a couple weeks ago? Imagine that, more competently executed, putting together long drives that keep Jameis Winston and the erratic Florida State offense off the field. Not that the picture's any rosier when the Tech defense takes their turn. GT returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Clemson, and nobody's serving up quacking ducks like ol' Crab Legs these days. After so many ugly victories, a loss cruelly ends the Noles' chase for a second consecutive national title. GT: 31--FSU: 24

Schweinfurth: What has been with the defending champs this year?  It almost seems like they are bored right now.  With that said, a slow start and falling behind in this one could be the kiss of death to the Noles.  Georgia Tech has a very good defense and an offense that will just grind you into oblivion.  However, I expect Jameis to get the Noles up for this one (easier to do when a trophy is on the line) and pull off yet another nail biter.  GT: 14--FSU: 17

Seeberg:  I wasn't all too convinced of the Yellow Jackets' abilities until last week.  Granted, they needed a 53-yard FG just to get to overtime, but the triple option rolled over a Bulldog D that had shut down an Auburn rushing offense that is every bit as potent.  The Seminoles, meanwhile, have gone all '02 Buckeyes on everybody, winning by the skin of their teeth against highly inferior opponents.  The difference between the '02 Bucks and the '14 Noles, however, is that FSU's mistakes are keeping opponents in it where as the Buckeyes were just being throttled by the ultra-conservative sweater vest.  FSU's penchant for miscues finally catches up to them.  GT: 28--FSU: 20

Kansas State Wildcats @ Baylor Bears

Draper: Another very intriguing matchup.  Baylor is puffing their chest out playing Rodney Dangerfield (No Respect).  Well, you want respect? Take care of business here.  If Baylor wins this one, there's no reason to keep them behind TCU.  Resumes are comparable at that point so head-to-head matters....but they need this win.  Bill Snyder may be Emperor Palpatine  or Yoda but he always finds a way to win 9-10 games a year.  The health of Bryce Petty is key here.  The Bears struggled last week, but they were looking ahead (and that whole concussion thing).   Jake Waters will score, but Baylor is tough to beat at home.  You need to put on an offensive show to compete and I don't think KSU quite has the horses.  They'll slow the game down to a crawl, but Baylor is too explosive.  KSU: 20--Bay: 28

Hoying: There's no longer a de jure Big 12 Championship Game since Nebraska isn't around to lose them anymore, but this game provides a very large piece of the puzzle. A Baylor win gives them no worse than a tie with TCU (and the head-to-head tiebreaker), while a Kansas State win provides a tie with TCU (and a head-to-head loss) unless Iowa State pulls the unthinkable in Fort Worth. Since the Big 12 is very unlikely to get 2 teams into the playoff (no matter what cowardly B12 Commissioner Dan Bowlsby tries to pull), who will be the "One True Champion"? I made the mistake last week of counting out a star quarterback with a potential injury, and I'm not about to count out Baylor QB Bryce Petty for this one after a possible mild concussion. KSU QB Jake Waters is nearly as good, but Petty isn't alone in the backfield. Yes, Virginia, Baylor does have a running game, and Shock Linwood is one of the best in the Big 12. The Wildcats couldn't handle TCU's balanced attack, and while Baylor couldn't either, at least the Bears had the horses to keep up. Kansas State, on the other hand, is going to get trampled. KSU: 31--Bay: 38

Schweinfurth: This game hinges on Bryce Petty's health.  If he is healthy, the Bears should win this game.  That offense just has too many weapons and can score too quickly for KSU to match.  Regardless of Petty's health, this game should be close.  Baylor can win the Big 12 with a win and jump into a playoff spot.  I think that is motivation enough.  KSU: 35--Bay: 42

Seeberg:  Baylor's offense is, surprisingly, very 2-dimensional this year, perhaps costing Bryce Petty a serious shot at the Heisman.  If it ain't broke, however, it ain't gonna get fixed.  The Wildcats have played well all year and have only given up 30 points twice, to Oklahoma (in a 31-30 win) and TCU (41-20 loss).  Both of those offenses are balanced and capable of the big play on any down, much like the Bears' O.  Baylor scores enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.  KSU: 28--Bay: 38

B1G: Wisconsin Badgers vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper:  I believe a win here may propel the Bucks into the playoffs (over TCU).  No way they pass FSU if they win (just a reality).  Now to the game: Run, run, run, run, hello boys, I've missed you.  This game will be about the Buckeyes slowing down Gordon and can Cardale make it happen. I know Cardale ain't come to play school, so hopefully he came to play football.  I haven't seen anything out of him that wows me other than his clotheslining ability. For the Bucks to win, he needs to be competent and the defense needs to rise up.  It's incredibly important for the skill players to step up (Zeke, Thomas, Marshall, etc.).  Here's a little hint about how to stop Wisconsin: stop (or slow down) the running game.  If they beat us through the air, so be it.  Curtis Grant, I'm looking at you.  This defense has actually been pretty strong vs. the pass (sans Michigan) but very suspect versus the run.  If ever there was a week to completely sell out for the run, this is it.  Sure tackling would do well to show up.  I think we can score, but no JT is a major issue.  It's on Cardale to manage, Zeke to control the ball, and the defense to get the Badgers off the field.  You know where I'm going...GO BUCKS!Wisc: 20--Bucks: 24

Hoying: After Ohio State lost their second Heisman-caliber quarterback to a season-ending injury, a stupid question has been popping up all over the place: how will Barrett's injury affect the playoff committee's view of the Buckeyes? The correct answer is: NOT AT ALL. These babbling fools haven't noticed that the Buckeyes face a very stiff test this weekend in the Wisconsin Badgers. Sure, their quarterbacks think that a "forward pass" means pinching a farmgirl's rear, but they feature the B1G's best running game AND best defense (sorry, Sparty). If the Silver Bullets can navigate this minefield, there'll be no question as to Ohio State's playoff viability, no matter who's taking the snaps. Can they do it? One need only consider the Badgers' last game, against Minnesota. With a tremendous home-field advantage, Wisconsin needed every trick in the bag to pull out a win against a team that 1) doesn't like to throw; 2) runs pretty well; and 3) has a decent defense. Even if Cardale Jones in fact did come to play school and not football, you might recognize that Ohio State is basically a better version of Minnesota, and they'll be playing the Badgers on a neutral field in front of a (likely) friendly crowd. Don't start having flashbacks to Virginia Tech, Buckeye Nation. This secondary and offensive line are nothing like what we saw on that fateful September night. As for the nation's top RB, Melvin Gordon, the front seven have had all year to face elite backs and learn how to bring them down. Granted, they've opted not to do so as of yet, but I think they have one solid game left in them. Regardless of what happens in this game and beyond, this season has been a tremendous success, but I'm craving even more gravy after Thanksgiving weekend. Go out and win one for Braxton, JT, and Kosta. Wis: 27--OSU: 28

Schweinfurth: I can't remember an Ohio State team that has had to endure so much in a season. Replace almost the entire offense, lose a Heisman QB, lose another Heisman QB, and then have the death of Kosta Karageorge.  This just does not set up well in my mind for an OSU win...but then again, it can be a rallying cry. I have faith in Eli Apple to lock down a wide receiver and I have faith that Ash and Fickell will put together a solid gameplan to stop, or at least slow down, Melvin Gordon.  Cardale Jones should be a capable QB in this offense and he is a tank.  Expect the offense to look less like Ohio State's offense and more like the Tebow Florida offenses.  No matter what happens, this will be an entertaining, and long (thanks FOX) game.  Wis: 17--OSU:24

Seeberg:  Given the extent to which I follow and scrutinize B1G football, I could write about this game for days, but I won't.  For me, it comes down to two things:  Who runs the ball better and my own ridiculous superstitious ways.  Thing #1:  Wisconsin can almost throw the ball now that Stave is back as the starting QB- it's at least enough of a threat to keep our D honest against Melvin Gordon, who we all know can run it and run it well.  Our passing offense?  TBD.  I'm PRAYING for lots of 3-step drops, play action, slants and quick ins (and find Heuerman and Vannett please!!), but lord knows what we will actually call.  In any event, we'll need a very potent rushing attack to offset the fact that we're on our 3rd-string QB.  Thing #2:  My ridicuous superstition.  Last year I was leaning ever so slightly towards Michigan State in this game, but picked OSU because, well duh, we want our Buckeyes to win.  This year I'm leaning ever so slightly towards OSU because Wisconsin's D is not as tough and I believe the Bucks will put some points on the board.  Since that's the case, I'm taking the Badgers in a tight game in hopes of spurring a Buckeye victory.  Wis: 31--OSU: 28

Upset Special

Draper: Oklahoma State over Oklahoma (The only game left)

Hoying: Iowa State over TCU (do you believe in miracles?)

Schweinfurth: Fresno St. over Boise St.

Seeberg:  Louisiana Tech over Marshall

Week 11 - REVENGE!

Standings

1) Draper               30-15    (4-6 upset)

1) Seeberg              30-15    (1-9 upset)
3) Hoying               29-16    (3-7 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     28-17    (3-7 upset)

Welcome to the biggest week of the 2014 football season. Both the B1G and the B12 feature matchups that could practically decide their conference titles right now, while the Pac-12, SEC, and Notre Dame all feature in games with serious January implications. Fourteen Power 5 teams enter the weekend with one loss or fewer; a maximum of eleven will leave.

#8 Kansas State Wildcats @ #5 TCU Horned Frogs

Draper: The Battle for the Big Twelve won't be decided here, but this goes a long way to deciding it.  The Horned Frogs schedule opens up after this game so all the other 1-loss teams have to be rooting furiously for K-State.  The Wildcats still have tough road tests to follow.  Gary Patterson's squad played about as bad as they could, and still eked out an ugly win in Morgantown.  Bill Snyder likes to play the 'slow and steady wins the race' card, but the Frogs have just enough with Boykin to take care of business.  I want AARP to get the win....but I'm not expecting it.  KSU: 27--TCU: 31

Hoying: Particular people prefer purple power playoff play-ins. Two historical Big 12 powerhouses square off for an inside track to the Sugar Bowl semifinal game. Whether Bill Snyder is actually Emperor Palpatine or George Burns from Oh, God!, his mystical powers have once again propelled the Wildcats into the thick of the national title hunt. Jake Waters isn't quite Collin Klein, but he's engineering a high-scoring, well-balanced offense that's only been stopped by the top-5 Auburn Tigers. However, Trevone Boykin and the Violet Lizards are even more prolific on O, though the Mountaineers did manage to provide a blueprint for victory against them (don't commit 5 turnovers, don't Tresselball in the 4th quarter). Bottom line: TCU is just better, and a win on Saturday virtually guarantees them a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff (TCU's remaining schedule: Kansas, Texas, Iowa State). KSU: 24--TCU: 30

Schweinfurth: In my mind, TCU is one of the most battle tested teams in the country.  Yes, they have lost in spectacular fashion to Baylor, but they have played well in general.  Last week's come from behind win at West Virginia showed that the Horned Frogs have the stones needed to play with most teams.  Kansas State just seems to be that steady team that just wins but doesn't wow anyone.  To me the difference in this game is going to be Trevone Boykin.  He just seems to make that offense click and can flip a switch when needed.  KSU: 21--TCU: 31

Seeberg:  Once again, the match up everyone had circled on their calendars for Big 12 supremacy...except not.  TCU escaped West Virginia (who has had an absolutely brutal schedule en route to the best 6-3 team in the country) on a last-second field goal.  Meanwhile, Kansas State just keeps rolling and their near-miss against Auburn while allowing just 20 points looks all the more impressive after Auburn put up 35 at Ole Miss.  I don't like that this game is at TCU, but Kansas State is my pick in the Big 12, and their road win at Oklahoma gives them the confidence to do it again.  KSU: 28--TCU: 24

#7 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #12 LSU Tigers

Draper: If you want chaos, root for the booger eater.  An LSU win here could lead to some ridiculous SEC West scenarios.  The Tigers have improved greatly from early in the season, but was it improvement, or maybe the teams they played weren't THAT good.  I think mostly improvement, but Bama comes in with some swagger.  Yes, Saban's squad has been beating up on the Little Sisters of the Poor, and LSU at home is another thing entirely, but the Tide know this is a statement game.  Beat Mississippi State, no one will care (even though they thrashed LSU).  Beat the Tigers (even though they're down), and the masses take note.  Saban sacrifices a small animal and the Tide Roll.  Bama: 24--LSU: 13

Hoying: It's plausible that the top 5 teams in the nation are all in the SEC West, and it's possible that they might all end up tied at season's end at 10-2 apiece. Step 1 would be Les Miles working his bayou voodoo against his old rival Nick Saban. The Tigers have underperformed away from Baton Rouge, skirting by Florida and getting obliterated by Auburn, but Death Valley has been home sweet home, where LSU is a Hail Mary away from a Magnolia state sweep. Unfortunately, the Tigeouaeauxrs still seem to be without a passing game, and you're not going to stop Nick Saban by being one-dimensional. Not even if you're Louisiana-Monroe. Ala: 17--LSU: 9

Schweinfurth: Here's the skinny, I don't think these teams should be that highly rated.  Alabama has beaten whom this year? A three loss West Virginia team.  Who has LSU beaten? An overrated Ole Miss team.  Les Miles has already had his "I'm gonna pull this win outta my butt" win for the year.  Amari Cooper is good and he's gonna toast the Tiger secondary. Ala: 24--LSU:10

Seeberg:  LSU got back to playing like LSU at home in their impressive win over Ole Miss.  Alabama is, stunningly, under the radar after losing early in the season and then looking very lackluster against Arkansas and allowing a mediocre Tennessee team to make things interesting for a while last week.  If a wideout is going to win the Heisman for just the third time ever, Amari Cooper must step up big in this game (he would be fourth in my Heisman ballotting if we went that far).  I believe the Tigers will hold Cooper down enough to effectively end his outside shot at the stiff-arm trophy, but LSU has too few playmakers on offense to pull out another low-scoring affair.  Ala: 21--LSU: 10

#10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ #9 Arizona State Sun Devils

Draper: Two teams that are riding high with 1-loss, but man have they looked shaky.  ND struggled mightily against a scrappy Navy squad and ASU has struggled with...well...everyone. Who is the team that comes up with one big stop or one big play to make the difference in a super close one?  I'll lean to the home team.  Injuries are starting to run through the Irish roster.  Golsen is the better QB, but let's not forget that the Irish gave up a billion points to god-awful North Carolina.  ND: 27--ASU: 28

Hoying: What's that phrase again? "Borrowed time"? After another pair of unimpressive victories last week (Notre Dame over Navy and Arizona State over Utah in overtime), both of these teams limp into this game to technically keep their playoff hopes alive, but does anyone believe either one is going to get there? After a promising start against terrible competition, ND again stands for No Defense, giving up over 30 points in each of their last 3 games. What will they do against ever-improving ASU QB Mike Bercovici? Everett Golson lives to get his teams out of tight jams, but the luck of the Irish is about to run out. ND: 30--ASU:31 

Schweinfurth: It's starting to look like Notre Dame went all in on that Florida State game only to come out on the wrong side of the scoreboard.  Those last two games the Domers have played have not been good.  Here is also a fun statistic roaming around: teams are WINLESS (this includes Ohio State) the week after playing Navy (with no bye week).  I look for that trend to continue. ND: 21--ASU:35

Seeberg:  It's that time of year again, when Notre Dame's brutal backloaded schedule catches up to them.  The Golden Domers may play the toughest schedule this side of the SEC West (and West Virginia), but it has benefitted from the likes of Rice, Syracuse, and *chuckle* TTUN thus far.  Road games at ASU, USC and a home tilt against Louisville will expose the defensive struggles that have been typical of the Irish in recent years.  Arizona State escaped against a one-dimensional Utah attack, but points will be easier to come by in this one.  I still love those trident helmets!!  ND: 28--ASU: 38

#11 Baylor Bears @ #16 Oklahoma Sooners

Draper: OU has been supremely disappointing this season.  Baylor....well, they beat TCU in the 'huh?' game of the year and got wrecked in Morgantown.  This team is different on the road.  The Sooners usually blow people out in Norman and they'd still be in this thing if their kicker didn't choke (and cost me a game---still bitter).  Baylor has that video game offense, but the horses aren't the same this year.  Bryce Petty is having a nice year, but a lot of his toys are missing.  I'll lean to the home team again.  This feels like a random game that Big Game Bob shows up for and the Sooner Schooner is busy.  Bay: 31--OU: 41

Hoying: At this point, it's all but certain that the preseason Big 12 favorite Oklahoma Sooners aren't going to walk away with the conference title. Instead, the Sooners have become the championship gatekeeper, separating the contenders (Kansas State, TCU) from the pretenders (West Virginia). Baylor still controls its destiny in the Big 12, but it's going to have to weather an Oklahoma offense that hasn't been held to below 30 points all season. The Baylor O was a little flighty on the road in October, but they're ready to make a big statement and knock the B12's premier team down another peg. Bay: 38--OU: 34

Schweinfurth: Man, Baylor can sure light up a scoreboard.  While offense is fun to watch, defense is going to win you games and championships.  Oklahoma have just been sitting there setting up a normal ten win season.  Like I said, Baylor can put up some points, but so can Oklahoma. Which team has the defense that can make a stop in this game? That's Oklahoma.  Bay: 45--OU: 49

Seeberg:  This may shock some of you, but the Sooners are a mere five points away from being undefeated this season, losing by 4 at TCU and by one against K-State.  Both teams are coming off demolitions of lowly conference foes and are relatively healthy.  Baylor is still that head-scratching loss against West Virginia away from being undefeated, but the Sooners have a come-uppance in store for the Bears.  Oklahoma gets a late stop when it needs it and officially ends Baylor's playoff hopes.  Bay: 38--OU: 45

#14 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #6 Michigan State Spartans

Draper: The Bucks haven't had a 'circle the date game' for a while, but this is one of them.  After crushing the Buckeyes' B1G title and possible National Title hopes last year, the Spartans get the juggernaut in their place.  I know the Buckeyes haven't forgotten, but the question is whether this will be fuel for the fire, or amp them up beyond any useful energy.  This team has a lot of fire, but the youth has reared its head on the big stage (VT, PSU).  JT, this is your chance.  You want this job going forward, you make a claim tonight.  The numbers are great, but a loss to MSU ends not only the playoff hopes, but also the conference title hopes.  The team needs to show more than the resolve from PSU.  They need to show discipline and execution.  Connor Cook is overrated as shown by some of the struggles vs. terrible teams, but the senior leadership is important.  The Bucks need to keep the defensive intensity high and approach the offensive side of the ball with workmanlike precision.  If they can be blue-collar and fight to the end, I think they pull it off.  The real test will rear its head with an early mistake.  Can the Bucks regroup?  That will decide it.  I'm going to be a homer.  Go. Bucks. OSU: 34--MSU: 31

Hoying: Finally, after 336 days, the Buckeyes have the opportunity to reascend their perch as the B1G's standard-bearer. Can it be done? Ohio State is certainly talented enough. JT seems destined to break Troy Smith's single-season passing TD record, the Silver Bullets are playing tight coverage and missing very few tackles, and the Barrett-Elliott rushing combo is doing a decent impression of Miller-Hyde. The Spartans have looked vulnerable at times during their current winning streak, failing to put away their opponents late in the game. Sounds like the ingredients for a Buckeye victory, right? That's what I thought...until the Penn State game 2 weeks ago. This team has improved immensely since the Virginia Tech debacle, but on the big stage, we become Bucks in the headlights. Spartan Stadium isn't State College by a long shot, but the Spartans are very good, tough, motivated, and experienced. Gone is the erratic Connor Cook from the start of last year. After all, no one puts starting quarterbacks in the NFL like Mark Dantonio (Brian Hoyer, Kirk Cousins, even Nick Foles). Mistakes doom the young Buckeyes to another year of mediocrity. OSU: 24--MSU: 27

Schweinfurth: It's finally time for the psuedo-B1G Championship game this year.  This one is going to be a fun game to watch for sure.  Both teams are essentially equal in points scored and allowed this year.  The Buckeye defense has looked really good this year (VT game not withstanding) and looks to have most if not all of the kinks worked out.  The offensive performance is going to be determined by the performance of J.T. Barrett.  Giving J.T. time to throw and safety valves will be key.  Offensive line, you guys are up. No more performances like Penn State or Virginia Tech.  On the Spartan side, they seem almost bored at times and play to their competition.  I really think they should have beaten TTUN by more, but they let them hang around.  There are holes to exploit in that secondary, and I actually have faith that Meyer and Co. are going to exploit them.  It's time for revenge and Urban always gets the best out of his teams in underdog situations.  OSU: 24--MSU: 17

Seeberg:  The good news?  I, along with most of the rest of the country, see this game as much more competitive than we had thought just a few weeks ago.  OSU cleared the lone hurdle after the VT catastrophe, but they knocked it over in the process in the near-collapse against Penn State.  The Spartans coasted a bit too freely in back-to-back weeks against Nebraska and Purdue and looked somewhat vulnerable, but here comes the bad news.  MSU has looked very solid in their last two games and also had two weeks to get ready for our beloved Bucks.  J.T. stayed healthy and seemed ok last week, but the Penn State game proved he still gets happy feet at times when pressured.  IF the coaching staff mixes in wide runs and LOTS of 3-step-drop type passes, we just might spring the upset.  Unfortunately, the play-calling has been utterly miserable in the six quarters of football where it was needed most (VT, PSU 2nd half), and I don't have faith enough in the offensive staff to make up for our lack of experience with enough good calls.  Sparty moves on as the B1G's lone playoff possibility.  OSU: 20--MSU: 24

Upset Special

Draper: Washington over UCLA

Hoying: Kentucky over Georgia

Schweinfurth: Texas over West Virginia

Seeberg:  Iowa over Minnesota

Week 8 - Game of the Century?

Standings

1) Draper               23-10    (4-3 upset)

2) Seeberg              22-11    (0-7 upset)
3) Hoying               21-12    (3-4 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     19-14    (3-4 upset)

Now that the first half of the season has crowned the state of Mississippi as the be-all and end-all of the college football world, we can turn our attention to the other conferences around the nation, with games ranging from a reiteration of one of the most significant showdowns of all time to the return of the Buckeyes to the gridiron against an unfamiliar opponent.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Florida State Seminoles

Draper: FSU continues their unbeaten streak while suffering the slings and arrows from every direction due to the lack of intelligence (and somewhat of a witch hunt) from their QB.  On the field, the Noles have been moving along quite well.  Many point to the 'struggles' but that's very normal when you get every team's best shot.  The 2013 Seminoles were, without question, better than this edition, but the 2014 Noles are still very very good.  The Irish have been struggling even more than the Seminoles but the narrative hasn't focused on that side of the coin.  Golson is a very good QB, but I believe Tally is ready to explode.  This Irish squad is a far cry from the 1993 squad that defeated the Noles in South Bend.  FSU makes a statement and takes care of business.  ND: 20--FSU: 34

Hoying: In 1993, the #1 Florida State Seminoles visited the #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in what was called the "Game of the Century." The Irish won but later suffered an upset and ended the season ranked #2, as Florida State rebounded to win their first national title. Nobody is going to confuse either of these year's teams with those juggernauts, but both have managed to weather the first half of their seasons without a loss. The Noles were tested in both their matchups against ranked teams, including a near loss to Clemson. But now that Jameis Pryor...er, Winston, is back and in freshman year form, the Noles are going to be tough to tackle, even if the defense isn't quite as suffocating as last year's squad. Irish QB Everett Golson's immaculate regular season record comes crashing down in Tallahassee. ND: 24--FSU: 31

Schweinfurth: Both of these teams have shown flaws over the last few weeks.  Notre Dame squeaked by an inferior North Carolina squad and Florida State just doesn't look like the same team this year.  I'm just excited that one of these teams have to lose this week (more chaos).  In the end, it comes down to Jameis' eligibility.  If he can go, the Noles win.  If not, well, just remember the Clemson game.  ND: 30--FSU: 35

Seeberg:   Let's be honest here, people, ND went all "La Suerte de los Tontos" (for you non-Spanish speakers that loosely translates as the luck of the foolish) in beating Stanford - at home - the only team of consequence they have played all season.  Florida State, though not as dominant on either side of the ball as last year, is still a much better team.  The golden domers gave up 43 points to a lackluster UNC squad, but of course ESPiN is invoking the titanic battles between FSU and ND in the late 80's and early 90's.  Sorry about your ratings, but this one won't be that close.  ND: 21--FSU: 38

Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils

Draper: The Sun Devils' ranking relies on what? Getting blown out by UCLA? Beating USC with the worst Hail Mary defense in history? I just don't see it with Mike Bercovici.  Stanford doesn't have any great wins of note, but the win over Washington is pretty good, not to mention being very competitive vs. Notre Dame and USC (barring a last minute collapse).  It's in Tempe, but I think the Cardinal are simply better. HOGAAAAANNN!!  Stan: 20--ASU: 13

Hoying: Where resides the best defense in the country? I'll forgive you if you said Ole Miss, because their defense is spectacular, but the top lockdown crew is actually found in Palo Alto. The Cardinal are allowing a measly 10 points per game, surrendering 13 and 17 points in their 2 losses and giving up 20 points to NOBODY. The Stanford rushing attack has been lackluster, and QB Kevin Hogan has been good-not-great, but the Cardinal should be able to move the ball against a squishy Sun Devil defense. This game should come down to whether ASU QB Mike Bercovici replicates his UCLA performance (bad) or USC performance (good). I don't think he can navigate this stifling D. Stan: 17--ASU:16

Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, another Pac-12 game that I really don't know much about.  I do know that Stanford is pretty good.  From what I have seen and read, I'm just not sold on the Sun Devils.  It's a Stanford game so it's gotta be a low scoring affair. Stan: 20--ASU: 14

Seeberg:  This is a bizarre matchup to analyze.  It's strength on strength (Cardinal D vs. ASU O) and weakness on weakness (Cardinal O vs. ASU D).  In comparing common opponents, Stanford gave up 13 to USC while ASU gave up 34.  Then again, ASU won, 38-34, and Stanford only mustered 10 points against the Trojans.  It's tough to imagine this game getting into even the 20s where the Sun Devils would have good odds to win this one.  Stanford just squeezes into the 20s and gets another win.  Stan: 23--ASU: 13

Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma Sooners

Draper: Kansas State's best performance of note this year is...a loss.  They fought valiantly against Auburn at home but couldn't get it done.  I'm still a believer in OU.  They have tons of talent and back home in Norman? Watch out.  This is just what the doctor ordered after a tough loss at TCU followed by a middling performance in a big rivalry.  Texas held the Sooners down, but I don't think the Wildcats will be able to recreate the magic.  Boomer!?!? ... KSU: 20--OU: 34

Hoying: Oklahoma struggled mightily against the Longhorns last week, accumulating only 232 yards of offense. This doesn't bode well for the Sooners, as they face a Wildcat defense that held a terrific Auburn offense to 20 points, nearly pulling off the upset. Kansas State has feasted on a steady diet of cupcakes so far this season and fell short in their only shot at glory to date. Normally, "Big Game Bob" is untouchable in Norman, but TCU fought their way to purple victory, a tradition the Wildcats should continue this week. KSU: 31--OU: 27

Schweinfurth: This one smells of an upset.  Oklahoma did not look good against Texas last week and Trevor Knight was held in check for almost all of that game.  Add in a porous pass defense and you have some trouble brewing.  Kansas State can chuck the ball all over, especially with Lockett running downfield.  KSU: 35--OU: 28

Seeberg:  The Sooners have looked pretty, well, average in the last two weeks, losing to TCU and struggling mightily on the offensive side of the ball against Texas.  The judgment that must be made is whether those were aberrations or if there are serious issues with Stoops' squad.  I choose the latter.  The Wildcats take the Longhorns' blueprint and do enough to shut down Oklahoma's offense and get back to the Little Apple with their biggest win of the year.  KSU: 27--OU: 21

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper: Ho hum...Another game with no benefits for a win and crushing implications for a loss (sorry Michigan).  Rutgers QB Gary Nova has put together a fine season for the Scarlet Knights intro to the B1G, but OSU is sneaking around the chicken coop...quietly murdering everyone in their path on the way to the showdown in East Lansing.  JT has been phenomenal all year and I don't expect anything different here.  Rutgers will fight hard, but this is no Wolverine squad.  The Bucks aren't going to mess around here.  Take care of business and keep the hopes alive. RU: 20--OSU: 48

Hoying: Despite both programs football histories dating back to at least 1890, this week features the first ever Scarlet Knights/Scarlet & Gray showdown. Raise your hand if you foresaw this game as a potential showcase of All-B1G QB candidates. Both Nova and Barrett rank in the top 5 in the nation in pass efficiency, and puzzling one-game chokes aside, both have been the unquestioned leaders of their respective offenses. Here's the big difference: Barrett can run, Nova can't. Rutgers may have been able to contain Devin Gardner, but JT has already surpassed the senior Wolverine in virtually every way (except maybe ability to play while broken in half). If the winner of this game can knock off Michigan State in East Lansing, they're a virtual lock to represent the B1G East in Indianapolis. Somehow, I don't see that contender being the Scarlet Knights. Wait your turn, Queens. RU: 24--OSU: 45

Schweinfurth: Finally, another Ohio State game (and there are no more bye weeks until bowl/playoff season).  JT Barrett has been on fire the last three games and leading the Buckeye offense at a record setting pace.  Now look, I know the competition hasn't been the best, but that is still something to marvel at.  Rutgers is a fine program and "the Birthplace of College Football," but Ohio State is just better at every single position.  Joey Bosa is a man and he will see plenty of double and maybe even triple teams from here on out.  That is gonna open the door for Michael Bennett and Adolphus Washington to do very bad things to QB Gary Nova.  I expect to see more of the same out of this team, get an early lead and put the pedal down until the end of the game.  4th straight game with 50+? It might just happen!  Rut: 17--OSU: 52

Seeberg:  My colleagues have very similar opinions on what will shake down in this game...and I'm no different.  Rutgers is remarkably 5-1 with two of the conference's biggest non-conference wins in Washington State and Navy.  It won't be nearly enough on homecoming in Ohio Stadium, however.  This team is a 180-degree departure from Cooper's days when the team would peak in September, blowing out big non-conference opponents, then stumble down the stretch.  The improvement week-to-week is visible to even a casual fan, and with two weeks to prep for Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights will understand what Scarlet on the football field is really supposed to look like.  RU: 17--OSU: 45

Upset Special

Draper: Northwestern over Nebraska

Hoying: Arkansas over Georgia

Schweinfurth: Boston College over Clemson

Seeberg:  West Virginia over Baylor