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 an over-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

Week 11: Clear the Path to a Buckeye Title

The Buckeyes, sadly, are not in action this Saturday.  However, 3 undefeated teams face huge tests against highly ranked opponents.  A day of inaction might be able to do what 2 blowout wins couldn't for OSU.

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    29-13      (3-7 upset)
2) Draper               28-14      (2-8 upset)
3) Hoying              27-15      (1-9 upset)

Oregon Ducks @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Is Stanford really as good as people think?  Can Oregon smash a team with a pulse? This game will answer a lot of questions (or will it?) and for some unknown reason, it's hidden on a Thurs. night.  Mariota has been fantastic against subpar...ok, bad...defenses.  Stanford is overrated in my opinion, but still the best team the Ducks have faced by far.  Kevin Hogan has quietly had a nice 'game-manager' type season and keeps the Cardinal in the discussion.  Stanford ruined the dream for the Ducks last year and I see the Ducks returning the favor in Palo Alto.  Stanford's offense will score...but so will Oregon.  UO: 41--Stan:31
Hoying: Forget Florida State - Clemson and Florida State - Miami; this might be the premier non-bowl matchup of the year. The Cardinal offense hasn't been wowing anybody (where oh where have you gone, Toby Gerhart and Andrew Luck), and they suffered a puzzling loss in Rice-Eccles Stadium, but their defense is probably tops in the conference. That's good news, because it'll take a stellar defense and a good deal of luck to slow down Super Mariota and the mighty Duck juggernaut.  Oregon hasn't forgotten about Stanford wrecking their dream season last year in Eugene, and they'll be itching to prove to the nation that they belong in the BCS's coveted #2 slot. One potential X-factor: Stanford's battle toughness. The Cardinal have been tested again and again this season and have 4 pretty good wins to show for it. Are the Ducks tough enough to come out of Palo Alto victorious? I hope not, but I think so. UO: 31--Stan: 24
Schweinfurth:  Everyone keeps saying that Stanford is the team that will knock Oregon off their perch (out of their pond?).  Look, Stanford plays a really tough style that has been Oregon’s kryptonite.  The difference is, this Cardinal team isn’t that good.  Stanford still doesn’t have legitimate weapons on the outside on offense and Kevin Hogan is doing a lot with very little.  You have to score points and get turnovers to beat Oregon and I don’t think this Cardinal team has it in them.  Sad day for the Buckeyes ORE: 38--Stan: 20

Oklahoma Sooners @ Baylor Bears
Draper: This is essentially a do or die game for Big Game Bob and Sooners.  Win and you're right in the mix...lose and good night.  Baylor has been scoring at will with Seastrunk and Petty, but my high school plays better defense than their opponents. Can Baylor survive the spotlight without RGIII? I'm going to say no.  They will score, but the big game experience of the Sooners (I can't believe I'm saying that), will carry them to a very close win.  Waco will be in a frenzy, but the big boy coming to town signals the clock striking midnight.  OU: 35--Baylor: 31
Hoying: Two weeks ago I made a bold prediction that undefeated Texas Tech was about to take a nosedive after finally facing the meat of the Big 12 schedule. This weekend the Bears find themselves in their own put-up-or-shut-up moment in front of a national Thursday night audience. The Sooners are no stranger to big games this season (that win over Notre Dame looks better every week) but they haven't seen anyone as sharp or as hungry as Baylor. QB Bryce Petty has been shredding terrible terrible defenses for 18 TDs and only 1 INT, and the ground game headed by Lache Seastrunk (might as well be Bismo Funyuns) is no slouch either. Oklahoma might still be the better squad, but I don't trust Big Game Bob outside of Norman.  Baylor announces their official BCS candidacy with a win over Boomer Sooner. OU: 34--Baylor: 35
Schweinfurth:  Have you figured out who I think is the best team in the Big XII yet?  Hint: It’s one of these two teams.  Baylor has been just flat rolling teams the past two years and has done so quietly.  Bear QB Bryce Petty stepped into RGIII’s shoes and then broke the scoreboard.  This offense is operating with more explosiveness than Ohio State and Oregon.  The Sooners will have their hands full in this one.  Baylor won’t jump Ohio State when they win, but that gap will sure close.  OU: 35--Bay: 63

BYU Cougars @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper:  All I really remember of the Cougars are them blowing Texas out of the water.  The Badgers are just sneaking around with their '2' losses (stupid Pac12 refs).  I don't see Camp Randall being particularly kind to the visiting Cougs. Melvin Gordon and James White will run all over them.  The Badger D is also pretty darn good.  Wisky rolls and keeps the dream of the BCS alive.  BYU: 20--Wisc: 34
Hoying: What an oddity the Cougars are. One week they're losing to awful Virginia, the next they're crushing Texas. BYU has been cruising under the radar for some time now, quietly stringing together a nice chain of wins over Utah State, Georgia Tech, Houston, and Boise State.  Now they've had two weeks to prepare for a Wisconsin squad that seems to be consistently improving as the season goes on. All you old-timers should enjoy this game: a couple of brand-name programs battling while probably combining to throw for 150 yards. Don't forget, this is the same BYU team that ran for 550 yards against Texas, and Wisconsin didn't get any last-minute recruits from NC State to shore up their passing game this year. Poor Abbie Doobie.  Bucky won't need you to dispatch the Cougs. BYU: 17--Wisc: 24
Schweinfurth: Look, BYU has been playing well, but Wisconsin is (debatably) the second best team in the B1G right now.  The Badgers are just going to give the Cougars a steady dose of Melvin Gordon and James White.  And true to Bucky fashion, will be overly successful with it.  Remember that Bert doesn’t coach this team any longer and Gary Anderson will actually stick with a game plan that works.  BYU: 10--Wisc: 35

Virginia Tech Hokies @ Miami Hurricanes
Draper: I suppose this argument comes down to 'Which loss of/to Duke is worse?' The Hokies are faceplanting every week it seems after a promising start that made Bama look good.  Losing to Duke....in football...what? Then there's the Hurricanes who kept squeaking by until they were annihilated by the Noles.  Oh yeah, they lost their best player in Duke Johnson for the year.  Stephen Morris and logan Thomas are very similar QBs in their complete lack of consistency.  Normally, I'd go with the home team....but Miami's home field advantage is like a dentist's office in West Virginia--nonexistent.  Miami's loss of Duke is more painful.  Hokies win to stay alive in the Coastal race.  VT: 24--UM: 17
Hoying: Oh-ee-ay!  Tail Spin!  Oh-ee-oh!  Tail Spin!  After very promising starts, these two teams are in danger of falling to the middle of the ACC Coastal pack (leaving the door open for the Dukies baby!). One ship will be righted this weekend, while the other will, I suppose, count themselves lucky that they don't have to play Florida State at season's end. So who has the edge? Virginia Tech's defense looked special before being exposed at the hands of Boston College RB Andre Williams. Unfortunately, Miami's super RB Duke Johnson is out indefinitely, and the Hurricanes' suddenly one-dimensional offense won't be able to move the ball this weekend. Always a shame to see the 'Canes lose. VT: 20--UM: 13
Schweinfurth: Miami is a decent (not great) ACC team who got their tails whipped by an elite team.  We can all proclaim that the “U” is not back.  To me, however, Virginia Tech has turned into an also ran in the ACC.  Gone are the days of a manageable offense with stout D and Beamerball.  These days Virginia Tech seems to slog their way on offense.  Miama has a formula to win games like this and it’s called “give Duke Johnson the ball.” They will and they will win because of it.  Poster note: Tyler clearly didn't see that Duke Johnson has a broken ankle.  Giving him the ball is not recommended   VT: 13--UM: 20

Louisiana State Tigers @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: LSU's best game this year....a loss to UGA.  As the Oracle would say: That's a great game...in 2011.  The Tigeauxrs have done nothing this year of note.  Their living on name alone.  Mettenberger has looked strong, but against Bama...I'll stick with Saban.  The Tide have 1 big win, but have smothered everyone else.  Roll Tide at home, y'all.  This is payback for 2011 (even though they go revenge when it counted).  McCarron for Heisman? He's number 4 for me.  LSU: 16--Bama: 34
Hoying: Every time I see this game on the schedule, I'm reminded of the abomination that was the 2011 season (never forget). There's a bit more separation between these two teams than we've seen in previous years. In particular, LSU's defense has taken a significant step backwards. Don't look for a 9-6 overtime thriller this year. LSU under Les Miles is capable of snakebiting any opponent, but Saban has had 4 weeks to get ready for this one. Y'all are Tide bait. LSU: 13--Ala: 27
Schweinfurth: This isn’t your LSU teams of the past.  They can actually move the ball but that defense is meh (and don’t give me this “it’s the SEC” BS).  Alabama has been quietly efficient and that defense has been outstanding outside of letting Johnny sign my Football run wild.  Alabama is still coached by Saban and LSU by a moron.  LSU does enough to stay close but Bama pulls away late. LSU: 17--Bama: 27

Upset Special
Draper: Arizona over UCLA
Hoying: Houston over UCF
Schweinfurth: Pitt over Notre Dame

Week 10: November is for Contenders

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    26-12      (3-6 upset)
2) Draper               25-13      (2-7 upset)
3) Hoying              24-14      (1-8 upset)

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: A top ten matchup in November with your standard 21+ point spread. The Noles are riding high while the Canes just can't seem to lose no matter how much they try.  Duke Johnson is the real deal in the backfield for Miami, but that's pretty much the only position at which they have an advantage.  Famous Jameis is doing serious work, and I don't see a let down in Miami week.  This is a very heated rivalry that has cooled a bit recent years, but don't let this trick you...these guys hate each other.  When I was at FSU, the Noles took 3 of 4 from the Gators and lost 3 of 4 to the Canes (2 to heartbreaking missed field goals). I want blood.  Noles step on the gas and keep it going for a blowout.  UM: 20--FSU: 52
Hoying: This year we might see a glimpse of what was once one of the top rivalries nationwide. The Noles and the Canes haven't come into this game with 0 combined losses since 2003 (not counting the few times they've met in the season opener). Unfortunately, one of these teams seems to be a complete mirage. Whereas Florida State has rolled merrily along, crushing Clemson on the road and destroying almost everyone else on their schedule, Miami has struggled mightily, sneaking past a mediocre Florida team at home and needing last-minute scores to dispatch bad North Carolina and Wake Forest squads. Give the Hurricanes credit for doing what it takes to get to November undefeated, but their Golden season ends now. Nastily. UM: 17--FSU: 34
Schweinfurth: This game was interesting to me...until I watched Miami struggle last week.  Don't get me wrong, Duke Johnson is really good, but the rest of that offense is not very good.  Florida State's offense can make any defense look silly.  Miami's defense isn't quite the "U" defense that dominated opponents and I think Florida State is absolutely for real this year.  Total domination by the 'Noles this week.
UM: 13--FSU: 42

Michigan Wolverines @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: A little hint for you...little brother is quietly having a really nice season.  Michigan had the preseason hype, but Dantonio's Spartans are nasty on defense and quietly moving through the Legends.  Yes, they play ugly, yes, they win ugly, but they are winning.  The offense is predominantly walrusball, but the defense is an immovable object.  Sparty had a Sparty YES moment before halftime last week that Bollman certainly drew up in the kitchen (tipped pass that should have been intercepted twice completed for a TD on 4th down with no time left in the half).  The Wolverines have been supremely unimpressive outside of their tight end Funyons (yeah, I don't know the actual name, but this is better).  When does the little brother supplant the big?  How much domination is needed? UM: 13--MSU: 20
Hoying: While I don't give a damn for the whole state this game's being played for, it does have huge implications for the final Legends division race. The Wolverines are coming off a bye to face a Spartan squad that put up an impressive 14 points against one of the worst defenses in the country (see game prediction #4 for the identity of this mystery team). However, for Michigan to win this game, they'll have to move the ball against arguably the nation's best defense. The Spartan front 7 are sure to give Michigan's RBs Fitz, so this one will fall squarely on the shoulders of Tom Harm...er, Devin Gardner. In two road games thus far, #98 has put up a combined 28/53 for 351 yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs. And that was against winless UConn and the same Penn State that gave up 2+ TDs to 3 different Buckeyes last week. Yikes. Get ready to eat some dirt, Shoelace II. UM: 10--MSU: 13
Schweinfurth: This has always been one of my favorite B1G rivalries through the years.  This game is down right nasty and always produces a close, entertaining game.  I really like the Spartan defense, I really don't like the Spartan's offense (*cough* Walrus *cough*).  Michigan I just don't get.  Gardner just can't go a game without forgetting what color jersey he should be throwing to (hint: white jerseys this week).  After watching some of the teams in the Legends Division, this game is most definitely the Legends Division championship game.  I don't expect Michigan State's offense to do much but that defense is going to give them great field position all day long (plus maybe a pick six).  I'll even throw Bollman a fish for maybe an offensive touchdown.  This game is closer on the scoreboard than it really should be but Sparty YES!! 
UM: 9--MSU: 24

Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Draper: Two nice looking teams without a win of note between them.  Kingsbury has the Red Raiders clicking on offense with terrific freshman QB play and OSU has quietly been sneaking around in the Big 12.  I haven't seen much of these teams other than to form the opinion that they're nice teams around the 15-20 ranking...nothing elite, but good teams.  I'll go with the home team in a close one.  The Texas Tech fans usually go a little crazy close to Halloween.  OSU: 35--TT: 38
Hoying: What a terrific matchup!  How about that great win Oklahoma State had over...well, what about Texas Tech's...huh...at least they kept it close with Oklahoma!  Moral victories!  Anyway, the Red Raiders do pass the eye test, as new HC Kliff Kingsbury has managed to maintain the old air raid offense while instituting a decent defense as well. Tech hasn't beaten Okie State since they darn near won the Big 12 title in 2008, but this year the streak ends. The Red Raiders stay in the title hunt while the Cowboys quietly slip away. OSU: 24--TTU: 45 
Schweinfurth: Hey, did anyone notice that Kliff Kingsbury looks like Ryan Gosling? Honestly the only thing I know about these teams are the coaches.  Neither team has really played a great schedule and both are back loaded with the best Big XII teams.  It's at Texas Tech so I'll take the home team in a shootout.   
OSU: 38--TTU: 45

THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers
Draper: Bad....really bad.  That's Purdue.  Good...potentially really good.  That's OSU.  With that being said, Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, and Braxton Miller have a grand total of 0 wins in West Lafayette.  I think that changes this year.  Ryan Kerrigan is walking on for Purdue and this OSU team is....not the pile of crap from 2 years ago.  Another big day for Hyde and Miller on the ground as the Bucks start running the clock out early.  The motivation is there to avenge past losses in Ross-Ade so I doubt will see a let down.  Hyde for 150, Braxton throws for 200 and runs for 100, then it's time for Kenny G.  Comfortable win, but not as big as last week.  There's just no reason.  I want to see if the defense keeps it up for 2 weeks in a row.  OSU: 55--PU: 24
Hoying: Purdue is an appalling dump heap, overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled-up knots. Buckeye Nation wishes that first-year coach Darrell Hazell could be having a better season, but they hope even harder that his signature win doesn't come this weekend, against a team the Boilers have tagged 4 of the last 6 times they've visited scenic West Lafayette. What can be said about a game like this?  Ohio State is better than Purdue in every way. Unless this has become some kind of "helmet game" for our esteemed men of the scarlet and gray, this contest should make last week's Penn State debacle look like a nail-biter.  Get used to it. OSU: 52--PU: 16
Schweinfurth: It seems like forever since the Buckeyes have won in West Lafayette. Those losses included such Ohio State QBs as Troy Smith, Terrel Pryor, and yes, even Braxton Miller.  The common denominator: Urban Meyer was NOT the head coach.  This Buckeye team is laser focused now and that showed last week.  This Purdue team is some kind of bad.  If the Bucks can drop over 600 yards of offense on Penn State, just think of what can they do to the Boilermaker defense.  I really expect this to be a "name your score" game.  I think we see another flat dominant performance by the offense and a couple of INTs from the defense.  OSU: 63--PU: 17

Upset Special
Draper: Tennessee over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa over Wisconsin
Schweinfurth: Washington St. over Arizona St.

Week 2 Picks: UGA should fire the football scheduler

Standings
1) Draper              4-0      (1-0 upset)
1) Hoying             4-0      (0-1 upset)
1) Schweinfurth    4-0      (0-1 upset)

South Carolina Gamecocks @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The Gamecocks always seem to have Mark Richt's number.  This is a very interesting game which can help answer the eternal question about scheduling big games.  Will the Dogs be banged up after the clash in Clemson or will the experience help push them to victory?  South Carolina was somewhat lackluster in their opener, but Clowney should step up on the big stage.  I saw something from Todd Gurley that leads me to have faith in the home team this week.  The Cocks didn't look particularly impressive against UNC, but they'll step up.  The hedges make the difference. SoCar: 17--UGA: 20
Hoying: Last year I picked Georgia to win and they got flattened, courtesy of Clowney & Co. thoroughly disrupting the Bulldog offense.  Marcus Lattimore isn't around anymore to anchor the Gamecock rushing attack, but most of the other pieces are still in place for both teams, minus a great deal of Georgia's personnel on defense.  Someday, Bulldog QB Aaron Murray will have a shining moment to justify the hype he receives, but it can't happen with the entire South Curalina line pounding him between the hedges.  SoCar: 27--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Man did Georgia get beat up by Clemson last week or what? That game took a lot out of the Bulldogs and this will make the game interesting.  Georgia has the superior offense and Gurley is a magne. Clowney will have a bit more success this week with maybe a sack or two.  After seeing him gassed on the sideline, one has to wonder if Clowny can stand up to a big time offensive line.  SoCar: 20--UGA: 28



Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Historically, this game was of huge importance, but it's still not back to close to the level of the past.  Devin Taylor looked good in week 1 as did Tommy Rees but they were against subpar teams.  I really don't know how this game will turn out as these teams are fairly well matched.  Therefore, I'll lean to the home team.  Expect a shootout.  ND: 34--UM: 38
Hoying: How sad that such a fantastic rivalry will have to go on hiatus after next year's matchup.  Notre Dame and Michigan will only have, like, 26 rivals apiece now.  It's hard to see Corn and Blue blowing this one at home without Shoelace the Invisible Oatmeal Muncher tossing his usual 3 picks.  However, Irish QB Tommy Rees has the potential to carve up a SEVERELY overrated Wolverine secondary if he remembers not to suck.  Too bad he won't.  Fred beats Barney and reclaims his Fruity Pebbles.  ND: 20--UM: 28
Schweinfurth: Hey look, it's the rivalry Mark May grew up watching (or not). Brian Kelly stirred up the natives by going John Cooper on the rivalry between these too.  In a way, this will be a proving grounds for both teams.  Is Devan Gardner the real deal and is Tommy Rees still an interception machine.  Both quarterbacks will play well and both will throw a few picks.  This one goes back and forth.  ND: 35--UM: 38



Florida Gators @ Miami Hurricanes
Draper: This game is simply on the list to round out the games.  Florida is the far superior team and it shouldn't be close.  Miami is still trying to get back to prominence, but they still have a ways to go.  Florida had a solid week one win over Toledo, but I don't expect a whole lot out of them this year.  Driscoll will lead the Gators to an easy instate win.  UF: 38--UM: 17
Hoying: The greatest property of games like this is the necessary loss by one of these teams.  The 'Canes dodged a major bullet in the offseason due to the NCAA bungling their investigation, but they still haven't recovered from their falI from the ranks of the elite at the hands of our beloved Bucks 11 years ago.  I have the feeling we'll all be gradulating the Gators for being the finer athletic school by the time this laugher is over. UF: 24--UM: 13
Schweinfurth: I honestly don't know much about either team outside of Muschamp's personal vendetta against Urban Meyer and the U got off easy.  Florida has the better defense so I'll let it ride on them. UF: 24--UM: 7

San Diego State Aztecs @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Last week was a convincing win, but there is still much work to be done.  The Aztecs, on the other hand, had a complete disaster losing to Eastern Illinois.  SDSU was certainly looking forward to OSU, but there is no excuse.  Braxton will continue to improve, but the focus of the game will be watching the defense and the impact of having a full roster.  The return of Roby and full time Shazier will be very important to the future.  This should be another blowout that tells us nothing. SDSU: 10--OSU: 55
Hoying: Coming into the season, some looked at Ohio State's Wisconsin-esque non-conference slate and pointed to this weekend as the trap game to watch out for.  Look out, Buckeyes, it's everybody's second-favorite too-good-for-the-AAC team, the team that pushed Ohio State to the brink of defeat in 2001 and 2003. . . and then they got blasted at home by a BAD 1-AA school.  This game is more properly characterized as a nice tune-up for Cal (although, do we really need to tune-up for Cal and their skinny twig QB?).  Roby and Barnett will get a chance to energize the Silver Bullets against a team that threw 63 passes and 4 INTs last week, and we might just learn whether Khalil Mack was really that good or if Taylor Decker is really that hapless.  Buckeyes win BIG or Buckeye Nation gets restless. SDSU: 9--OSU: 63
Schweinfurth: Everyone is talking about a lackluster performance last week.  In reality, the Bucks just went to sleep and got conservative after the first quarter (why show your playbook when the game isn't in doubt).  Taylor Decker did struggle a bit at right tackle, but not as bad as what was initially perceived). With that said, I expect Urban to send a message that taking the foot off the gas pedal is unacceptable.  Braxon will have more called runs this week.  The addition of Roby will be big for Bullets.  I expect this one to be over by the end of the first quarter and we get some sweet Kenny G in the fourth quarter. SDSU: 13--OSU:48

Upset Special
Draper: Buffalo over Baylor
Hoying: BYU over Texas
Schweinfurth: Western Kentucky over Tennessee

Week 11 Picks--Pac 12 Championship

Thurs: Virginia Tech Hokies @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: Is Virginia Tech any good? I'm not sure. Lost to Clemson at home, squeaked by Duke, squeaked by Miami at home...can't tell anything yet. Georgia Tech is riding high after knocking Clemson from the undefeated and the option is always a beast for which to prepare. I think the Hokies are going into a 'hornet's nest' (Oh-Ho-Ho, see what I did there) and the option of GT takes the game and control of the ACC Coastal. Nice to have the first good Thurs. night game. Only one thing needs to be said: "Fire Craig James". VT: 27--GT: 34
Auer: VT has had too long to prepare for this one. GT played their best in an upset victory over Clemson, can lightning strike twice? Surely. But with the extra prep time for the superiorly talented Hokies, it won't be enough to save the Yellow Jackets. VT: 31--GT: 27
Hoying: Quick, name a team with 8 terrible wins and a loss to the only real team they played. No, it's not anyone in the WAC or MAC or PAC...12, it's Virginia Tech. On the other hand, we have a flaky Georgia Tech team that rallied to pull off a huge win against another flaky team, Clemson. Who has the edge here? The Georgia Tech option is always difficult to defend, but Beamerball is alive and well, as the Hokies have been shutting down the terrible teams they've faced. Georgia Tech chokes away another big game at home, and the Hokies take the inside track to a rematch with Clemson. VT: 20--GT: 17Schweinfurth: Virginia Tech (basketball and football) is this team that always seems to be right on the brink of being good. That said, the triple option offense of Paul Johnson is problematic for anyone. Believe it or not the Yellow Jacket offense can be very quick strike and a night game in the ATL will be the difference in this one. VT: 24 -- GT: 28

Oregon Ducks @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Here comes the Cardinal's one real roadblock on the year. Last year, I was on the Stanford bandwagon and they let me down in the second half. While Luck is going to win the Heisman, he hasn't had a great year. The Ducks have been rolling since that turnover fest in Jerryworld. This is statement game for the winner and a death knell for the loser. With the ineptitude of the Pac12, the winner of this game will most likely be the winner of the North, who will most likely be the winner of the conference, who has a real chance of being in the National Championship. I think the crazy running attack will outduel Andrew Luck for a HUGE road win. UO: 41--Stan: 30
Auer: Homefield advantage shouldn't mean too much in this one as the Ducks are used to big crowds, and Stanford doesn't always bring their A-game... unless there band does something crazy. Anyway, Luck will be without some of his top weapons, possibly two TE's and a WR (Owusu). This Oregon squad hasn't had the pizazz of previous teams, and Stanford will assert themselves as the true class of the Pac12. UO: 35--Stan: 52
Hoying: Since losing a tough game to the best team in the country, the Ducks have had a 2009-esque year, tearing through a slate of squishy west coast defenses on the way to one of the most important games of the 2011 college football season. Stanford, meanwhile, was exposed in a big way in Los Angeles as a feisty USC team nearly knocked them off. The winner of this game will be the one who learned the most from these tough games. When in doubt, go with experience. Andrew Luck will be the difference maker as Stanford takes care of business at home. Stanford stays alive in the lottery to get slaughtered by LSU. UO: 38--Stan: 42Schweinfurth: I feel like this will be the game of the week. This is two high powered offenses that can go off for 50+ any given game. This will be a flat shootout. Andrew Luck will have his way with the Ducks defense that lost a ton from last year. Stanford's defense will also have it's hands full with the Ducks offense especially with TheMicheal healthy and ready to romp. This will be a fun one to watch with tons of points. UO: 52 -- Stan: 49

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: With everything happening in Happy Valley, will they rally around JoePa or be absolutely devastated by the allegations? I can't imagine the Lions will be able to play with these horrible events surrounding them this week. While I feel bad for the seniors and the current players, this will be a very tough situation from which to fight back. Nebraska comes off being upset at home by Northwestern and they will foaming at the mouth. Penn State has football issues as well that will be exposed against a better offense. The off-the-field issues are way to much to overcome even with the winningest coach on the sideline (Editor's Note: JoePa was fired after this was written). Neb: 31--PSU: 10
Auer: Prayers to the children and families of those children. The rest of you... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Neb: 41--PSU: 7
Hoying: Word is there's a football game in Pennsylvania this Saturday. If the coaching staff is still there, the game is an abomination. If they're gone, the Lions have no chance to keep it together. Not much needs to be said here. Neb: Win--PSU: DoneSchweinfurth: At this point, this game is a sideshow with all that is going on in Happy Valley. JoPa announcing his retirement may spark the Lions to play a bit higher, but the distractions will be way too much. Nebraska is upset after losing to Northwestern last week and the Blackshirts smell the blood in the water. Penn State has played way over their heads so far this year and, with the distractions, is about to come crashing down. This one is ugly early. Neb: 35 -- PSU: 3

Auburn Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Titanic forces collide in another SEC showdown....in other words, yawn. The SEC is a joke outside of the top 3. Auburn continually squeaks the dregs while Georgia seems reborn after an 0-2 start. UGA should get it done between the hedges simply because Auburn isn't that good. The home crowd and the QB advantage lead me to lean Bulldogs. Aub: 13--UGA: 24
Auer: The momentum of the UGA win over Florida is going to go a long way. It might even save Mark Richt's job. Gene Chizik continues to prove his success was a flash in the pan. Aub: 7--UGA: 31
Hoying: Someone has to win the SEC East so the charade of an SEC championship can take place, and Georgia has seized control late in the season. Problem is, they still have an SEC West team standing in their championship path. Auburn has seriously overachieved this season, falling to three quality teams and taking care of business against the rest, most notably two other SEC East teams: South Carolina and Florida. Will Georgia provide a stiffer challenge? Not really. The Dawgs are still too inconsistent on offense to hang with a spurting Auburn squad. SEC Least falls again. Aub: 28--UGA:21Schweinfurth: This is the classic over achieving team versus the under achieving team. Auburn, somehow, continues to win close games against teams that should be blowing them out. Georgia got off to a terrible start this year and has quietly turned things around. The Bulldogs are still playing for Richt's job and Auburn just isn't that talented. Aub: 10 -- UGA: 17

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: I put this on here because it means something to me. Miami continues to sleepwalk while waiting for the hammer to drop from the NCAA (who knows if anything will happen with the ineptitude of the organization) while FSU is quietly rebounding from the Oklahoma loss and subsequent losses due to injured QB. I will still take a minor miracle for FSU to make/win the ACC title game, but I believe they are the most talented team in the conference. EJ Manuel beats up on Clemson if he wasn't hurt (only 7 point loss at Death Valley without him). That being said, Miami has been blah and will continue. How do you salvage a season when the preseason title hopes are dashed? Annihilate your rivals. First up are the Canes. Welcome to Doak. UM: 13--FSU: 30
Auer: Didn't know they still played football in the Sunshine State. Doak will surely be fired up for this annual clash with their cross-state rival. Miami has been very hit-or-miss this season and might have a few tricks up their sleeves in the one remaining game that matters for the Hurricanes. UM: 23--FSU: 21
Hoying: Give the Hurricanes credit; they've hung tough in every game they played this season, even against such quality opponents as Virginia Tech and Kansas State (and crappy ones like Maryland). FSU has surged back after a slow start under the steady play of E J Manuel, but all four wins in their current streak have been against low-caliber competition. The important thing to remember is that Jacory Harris is still slinging the ball for the 'Canes, and that means big trouble against the tough Seminole defense. Miami mistakes cue a win for the garnet and gold. UM: 13--FSU:21Schweinfurth: Miami and Florida St. always seems to come down to the last play (or kick as it were). This year will be much different. Florida State is the better team by far. EJ Manuel and Jacory Harris will enjoy throwing to the team wearing garnet and gold. This isn't much of a game with Harris throwing 3+ picks. UM: 17 -- FSU: 35

Ohio State Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers
Draper: Buckeyes slept walked through the game vs. Indiana and it showed. Offensive performance was pretty good but the defense can't play like that again. Thankfully, Purdue sucks. These Buckeye upperclassman will go in fired up to avenge the 'Get Used to It!' game of 2009. Hopefully, we'll see a steady dose of Boom and Hyde and maybe even a slant route (gasp!). Purdue doesn't run the option game like IU and the Bullets shut down standard offensive attacks. Look for a big Buckeye win to keep the train rolling (they'd better since I'm going to be there!). OSU: 31--PU: 16
Auer: Another trap game for the Buckeyes, but the problem is Purdue isn't very good. The Buckeyes cannot sleep walk into this one, or an upset could be in the making. The Bucks need some serious momentum to building heading into rivalry games with PSU and The University of Michigan. OSU: 27--PU: 9
Hoying: Dang, the Boilers can't win the Leaders division anymore. However, the Buckeyes are in prime position to build some momentum going into the season showdown with You Know Who (after they trash a shattered PSU team next week). The Bullets need some confidence after struggling all day with a better-than-advertised Hoosier attack, and the pedestrian Purdue offense is just what the doctor ordered. Run the ball, don't take stupid chances, and move one step closer to that division crown. OSU: 31--PU: 10Schweinfurth: The battle cry for the Bucks this weekend should be "REVENGE!" Especially after Danny Hope went on record and telling OSU fans to "Get used to it." The Silver Bullets had their wake up call against Indiana last week in what was a classic let down game. Purdue, much like the Hoosiers, has a hard time stopping the run. Watch for Boom, Hyde, and Braxton to have big games on the ground. Walrus ball has been working, so don't look for too many passes this week. Bucks win going away. OSU: 38 -- PU: 9

Upset Special
Draper: Wake over Clemson (stretch)
Auer: Florida over South Carolina, Illinois over Michigan
Hoying: Texas A&M over Kansas StateSchweinfurth: TCU over Boise St.

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

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Texas A&M Aggies

Gomer: Who knew that A&M was good this year? I sure didn't, especially with the typical attention given to OU, plus the slump of the Longhorns, little news has escaped the Big 12 so far this year. The Aggies have a chance to win the South, the Huskers the North, methinks that the Huskers take hold of the North even with the bum ankle of Taylor Martinez. Neb: 24--TAMU: 14

Chief: A big time rematch of the Cornhuskers vs. a team in Texas...wait, not the Longhorns? Well, this one might be better since the Longhorns are hapless this year. Johnson has played well for the Aggies and Kyle Field is always a tough place to go to, but the Huskers have a goal of a Big 12 Championship and I don't see any let up here. I don't think any team except the Oklahoma teams can stop them now. Neb: 31--TAMU: 20

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Gomer: Ryan Mallet has been nothing been nothing but a disappointment when the spotlight has been on him this season. With MSU coming off a tough loss I look for the Bulldogs who have extra motivation to make the supposed super star look pedestrian again. Ark: 27--MSU: 30

Chief: I'm still not a buyer of Arkansas. Nice team but too much talk on the UM transfer Mallet. He's a nice QB, but I'm not a believer...especially on the road. The Bulldogs couldn't take care of the Crimson Tide after the tragic loss of their player Nick Bell, but I think they play with a fire under the thunderous cowbells in Starksville. I see Mullen's boys with another big win. Ark: 20--MSU: 24

Virginia Tech Hokies @ Miami Hurricanes

Gomer: The Hurricanes are struggling to live up to the seasons expectations and have a unique chance to make a statement against the Hokies. Freshman QB Morris has improved with each start and will help lead the Canes to a HUGE upset of the perennially strong Hokies. VT: 28--UM: 31

Chief: Talk about a game that looked to be the epic stinker after both teams limped out of the gate, but now it's a true ACC battle. Virginia Tech still has the ACC title and a BCS bowl in front of them after an ATROCIOUS start, but the Hurricanes have a sliver of hope. Problem is they're still riding a backup QB. Sun Life Stadium doesn't exactly inspire fear anymore so I see the Hokies rolling in and putting up a performance like their alum (or at least former player), Michael Vick. Hokies roll to the ACC title game. VT: 37--UM: 17

The Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Iowa Hawkeyes

Gomer: Had the 'Hawks done their job last week in Evanston, the Bucks may have had the chance at jumping the Badgers in the BCS rankings with a win this week in Iowa. Instead the Hawkeyes are going to be another 4 loss Big Ten team, and another failure by Kirk Ferentz to capitalize with a talented team. It's really to bad to think what might have been this season had the coaches realized how good a running game the Bucks could have if Boom was better utilized from the beginning. There's no question what will happen this Saturday, even in front of amped-Kinnick Stadium. OSU: 38--Iowa: 24

Chief: If the Bucks want to get to a BCS bowl, this is it. Going into the year, OSU had 3 major tests: Miami (passed), @ Wisconsin (fail), and @ Iowa. This is the last hurdle to at least finish above .500 in big games. I love the fire I saw in the 2nd half last week. If that team shows up, they will BLAST Iowa, but by the same token, if that 1st half team gets off the bus, it won't be pretty. Iowa has been pretty pathetic the last 2 weeks, but I expect the Bucks will get their absolute best shot. A fired up Silver Bullets defense take care of the Iowa offense like Ricky Stanzi takes care of the Taliban terrorists, TP will have enough escapability to avoid Clayborn and Sanzenbacher finally gets a pass actually throw to him. Bucks take it on the road. OSU: 24--Iowa:17

Other Games to pick

Wisc @ UM: Gomer: UM Chief: Wis

Pur @ MSU: Gomer: MSU Chief:MSU

PSU @ Ind: Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU

Ill @ NW: Gomer: NW Chief: Ill

Stan @ Cal: Gomer: Stan Chief: Stan

NCSt @ UNC: Gomer: NCSt Chief: NCSt

OU @ Baylor: Gomer: OU Chief: OU

FSU @ Mary: Gomer: FSU Chief: FSU

USC @ OrSt: Gomer: USC Chief: USC

Utah @ SDSU: Gomer: SDSU Chief: SDSU

Grading the Bucks (week 2--U Miami)

I felt that this would be a fun new addition to the blog. Following each game, I will grade the 3 main aspects of the Buckeye football team and the coaches. Spending so much time in the stands/recliner being the coach/commentator/etc., I think I should pass on the wealth of knowledge. Warning: I will be a tough grader because THE Ohio State University needs to be held to a higher standard.

Offense: B
Hard to complain too much after putting up 36 points on a top 15 team, but this is Ohio State. Pryor had a great game running the ball but the passing game held him back a bit. Granted, he made a few beautiful passes (Posey and TD to Saine), but way too many bad misses (most to the big TE Stoneburner). The primary detractor from the offensive grade is the red zone performance. I believe OSU was held to a field goal in 4 or 5 drives inside the 20...that just doesn't get it done. Finally, the running game never got going (except with Pryor). Herron ran well but not exceptional and Saine had a bad ground day. Good day but not enough.

Defense: A-
Here's my 'jerk professor'. This defense played a great game, but there were a few too many yards given up and bend don't break. I'd go A without the TD and A+ were it not for the TD and drive inside the 10. The first half was a solid A+ in which the defense gave up a FG after a 15 yard drive. 4 INTs, no matter how they come, is a huge victory. I thought Harris had too much time to sit in the pocket on most plays. Again, the Bullets only gave up 2 significant drives (one ending on a TD and the other with the spectacular Cam Heyward INT and 'sprint' 80 yards) so a great day at the ball park, but still a few things to shore up on the D-Line.

Special Teams: D
And we come to the negative. The special teams would have a solid F were it not for Jamaal Berry, Jordan Hall, and Devin Barclay. This is the worse kick coverage (two straight games) I've seen in the Tressel era. Yesterday was the first time in OSU history the opponent returned a punt and kick in the same game (both with horrible coverage). The bright spot was the OSU kick return game that could actually improve the grade more if Berry didn't trip on his own feet (bad) and Hall didn't get run down by the KICKER (Citgo). Let's not forget Barclay almost broke Nugent's record if he didn't go shankapotamus on his 6th field goal. Without the miss, I might have improved the grade because 5 field goals (even though they were short) certainly made a difference. Tressel certainly has work to do with kick/punt coverage and field goal kicking (never ok to miss a short one...never).

Coaching: B
Overall, the schemes were very good, but I can't give an A to a group that can't convert in the red zone. I like the option being mixed in and the designed runs with TP because that's been completely missing from this offense. A key factor offensively that was missing was Stoneburner. When Pryor threw to him, he missed badly. With a huge target like that, I really believe the OSU coaches need to target him far more. Overall, the run/pass mix was pretty solid. Defensively, the play calling was ok, but again, they let Harris get way to comfortable in the pocket. Harris showed that he had an NFL caliber arm with some beautiful touch passes. To counter that, rush him and force him into quick decisions...I felt we sat back too much.

Again, hard to be this tough on a team with a double digit win over a team ranked 12, but you need to expect perfection at OSU. Great week, big win, but still work to do (every coach's dream). On to the next one!

2010 Week 2--National Championships anyone?

After last week whet your whistle for college football, time to jump right in to the main course. This early week features an astounding FOUR national championship rematches--and it's only week 2! So many great games this week, it's hard to figure out where to turn your attention. We missed week 1, but there was nothing going on last week so let's get to work.

Penn State @ Alabama:

Gomer: As my career as a music educator has really become all-encompassing, I feel it necessary to let everyone know that I don't keep track of as many pre-season things as I used to. Be that as it may, those who know me, know that I always have an opinion to share about a sporting event. All that said, PSU just doesn't strike fear into anyone's hearts... well except maybe Jim Tressel's when the 'Nits come to Ohio Stadium at night... But seriously, PeeSU doesn't stand much of a chance in this one. The Tide could be missing their entire first string, and still beat the Lions. As much as I'd like to see the Big Ten pull an upset, not gonna happen. PSU: 9 Bama: 37

Chief: The bluebloods meet in Tuscaloosa in a rematch of the 1979 Sugar Bowl goalline stand. Unfortunately for those in Happy Valley, I don't envision this being much of a battle. PSU has a true freshman at QB for the first time in the program's history...and Bama is not exactly a simple test. The defending champions should make easy work of the Lions with the Nick Saban defense and the bevy of backs. Royster gets some yards for the Blue and White, but not nearly enough. PSU: 13 Bama: 31

Michigan @ Notre Dame:

Gomer: The game in which no one should be able to win. I hate Michigan. I HATE Notre Dame. Maybe it's former coach, wise-ass Charlie Weiss and the golden boy (aka overrate) Brady Quinn/Jimmy Clausen/insert big-name recruit here. Michigan shouldn't have a problem moving the ball against ND, but ND shouldn't have a problem moving the ball against Michigan. This is one of the few days of the year where I will gladly tell any "friend" who cheers for Michigan, "GO BLUE!" UM: 39 ND: 33

Chief: The battle of the programs that "are back"...but not really. Michigan is led by dynamic QB Denard Robinson who had a field day running the ball in week 1 vs. UConn, and I was actually surprised by the lack of offense in the ND opener vs. Purdue. Even with the week 1 performances, I don't think either of these programs are ready to go to the next level. Robinson will run, but the Irish will score (Michigan capitalized on too many turnovers last week). Too many blows will knock Denard out of a key late series in which the Irish will hold at home to take the game. Mich: 24--ND: 27

Florida State @ Oklahoma:

Gomer: Florida State is in a position to really disappoint it's fans. OU looked awful against Utah State and the Seminoles looked sharp against SAMFORD. Not really sure what to expect, I think Oklahoma's program is in better shape than FSU's, and well, Bob Stoops can do some weird stuff from time-to-time. FSU: 24 OU: 31

Chief: 2000 National Championship remix (OU 13-2). Going into the year, I felt this was a sure loss due to the historic performance of Oklahoma in Norman, but the defensive embarassment last week gives me great hope. Christian Ponder was spectacular last week (granted against Samford) and is probably the best QB no one is talking about (outside Heisman shot?). The Sooner defense struggled against a horrible USU team but the Noles got a little swagger to start out the Jimbo era in Tallahassee. I'm going with the upset with a late Ponder TD scramble to end the Sooner championship hopes! FSU: 38--OU: 34

Georgia @ South Carolina:

Gomer: SEC SEC SEC SEC.... blahhhhh. Neither of these teams will make it to the BCS National Championship game, but that doesn't mean it won't be interesting. Spurrier is trying to show he knows how to coach an offense somewhere other than with Florida, and Richt is busy adopting kids. 'Cocks find a way to win. UGA: 13 USC: 37

Chief: Spurrier got the hopes of Cocky nation up last week with an impressive week 1 win over Southern Miss and Georgia comes in with a bit of disappointment with the loss of stellar wide out AJ Green. With Spurrier, the focus is always on the offense, but the defense at South Carolina was a major bright spot last year. This is a huge game in the SEC East that no one is looking at. The Years of the Gators are coming to an end. Who will pick up the reins? GO COCKS with the home field advantage. UGA: 20--USC: 24

Miami @ Ohio State:

Gomer: 2,808 days... wow. That's how long it's been since Ohio State won it's most recent national championship over the unbeatable Miami Hurricanes. It's been beaten like a dead horse, but this game isn't about what happen that glorious day in the desert, when I was a week freshman in college, but it's about how the fans of both teams perceived the win. For the Buckeyes it was a sigh of relief and the sign of an exciting era of OSU football. For the 'Canes, it was the sign of the "end times" for their program as they have been on a downward spiral for years. Randy Shannon is the right coach for Miami, but he hasn't had enough time to build and give Tressel's crew his best shot. 'Da U': 13 OSU: 38

Chief: 2002 National Championship--THERE'S A FLAG!! (OSU: 31--UM: 24/2OT). The two national powers collide for the first time since the epic battle in the desert in 02. Since that year, the Buckeyes have maintained a level of excellence (6 BCS bowls, 6 Big Ten titles, 1 Heisman winner) and the Canes...not so much (1 BCS bowl, 1 Big East title, 0 Heismans). Jacory Harris leads the high powered offense of the Canes but he's been very suspect at times. Star running back Cooper is probably out for the clash in the Shoe (another blow). Both D-Lines are stacked, but Miami's secondary is not as experienced. The Silver Bullet defense came out firing on all cylinders last week (albeit, against Marshall) but were really laying the wood. The offense was spectacular with the Brandon Saine explosive running game opening up a bevy of options for dual-threat QB Terrelle Pryor. I was surprised the line on the game was so high, but I still think the Bucks cover in the craziness of the Shoe. GO BUCKS! 'The U': 17--OSU: 27

Other Picks

Illinois St @ NW Gomer: NW Chief: NW

South Dakota @ Minn Gomer: Minn Chief: Minn

West. Ill. @ Purdue Gomer: Purdue Chief: Purdue

Iowa St. @ Iowa Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa

BYU @ AF Gomer: BYU Chief: BYU

Oregon @ Tenn Gomer: Oregon Chief: Oregon

Toledo @ Ohio Gomer: Ohio Chief: Ohio

SIU @ Ill Gomer: SIU Chief: Ill

Stanford @ UCLA Gomer: UCLA Chief: Stan

Week 5 - Nothin' Doin'

LSU vs. Georgia

Gomer: Of today's top 5 rankings, I believe that the fightin' Les Miles may be the most overrated of the real teams (Boise isn't a big boy, sorry). They narrowly escaped with a victory on their visit to the West coast, and from what I've seen, have been sloppy all around. UGA on the other hand, took a beating in the opener but have looked better ever since. I don't know what to make of their defense however, which I believe is their strong point, giving up 37 to SCAR is a little scary really. I think UGA wins this because of the home field advantage and the Mad Hatter's inexperienced QB. LSU: 23--UGA: 34

Chief: Last week saw both of these teams squeak by inferior opponents by the hair of their chinny chin chins. LSU needed a late punt return and goaline stand against Miss State (how do you not score on 4 plays from the foot line?) and UGA kicked a FG against ASU as time expired in nasty weather. This game has look ahead all over it for LSU. With a banged up UF coming to Baton Rouge next week, Les Miles' Bayou Bengals will be focused on taking down the champs. Joe Cox has been sensational for the Dawgs (in nice weather) even though the defense is suspect. This might hinge on the weather as the UGA offense was questionable in the rain. I like UGA in a shootout. LSU: 35--UGA: 41

USC vs. California

Gomer: The Trojans have certainly slumped since coming off of the victory in Columbus. While Barkley has been injured, they just don't seem to be the same team. Now it seems the tables have turned on the boys of LA with Stafon Johnson's horrible accident and a loss to lowly Washington. The Bears have lost 5 straight to the Trojans and look to get off the schnide after last week's debacle against Oregon. With the pressure on the Trojans to keep pace in conference with STANFORD (yes Stanford), the real USC is back while the Bears slump continues. USC: 48--Cal: 31

Chief: Let's face it. Cal was embarassed last week. Caught looking ahead with their pants down, they were spanked by Oregon. Let's try to forget week 1 and realize that Oregon is a heck of a team. Most teams see winning their conference as the in year goal but for teams in the Pac 10, it all comes down to SC. The loss to the Ducks might end National Title hopes, but beating the Trojans heals all wounds. The tragic loss of Stafon Johnson had to distract Carroll's boys this week (who wouldn't be distracted?), and the drubbing last week only focused Cal's eyes on the one remaining prize: taking down the champ. I think the Bears take it reminiscent of 2003 3OT thriller. USC: 20--Cal:21

Oklahoma vs. Miami

Gomer: The game that was supposed to be the "be all end all" then BYU and Virginia Tech had to get in the way of what would have been a ratings monster for ESPNABCSECDISNEY. The Sooners have turned on the D after the loss to the Cougars and it couldn't have come at a better time, after losing Heisman Trophy Winner Sam Bradford! Miami has surprised everyone to this point except for the Hokies who were able to expose weaknesses for The U. Jacory Harris is a really good QB, but if he is not protected, he will not be walking off the field Saturday night. This game could really go either way and will launch the winner back into the National Title picture. OU: 28--UM: 30

Chief: Sweet validation. Welcome to real life Miami. Going into the season, I actually picked the U to upset an undefeated Sooner team. Now that Miami has surged as the darling (even after the embarassment last week) and OU saw their Heisman winner crash and burn in a week 1 loss, I'm flipping. Even without Bradford, I think the Sooners have something to prove and beat Miami with solid defense. VT exposed the Canes last week and OU will continue the trend. Jacory Harris said he "refuses to lose". Oops...here comes number 2 at home. OU: 24--UM: 13

Ohio State vs. Indiana

Gomer: Simply put, Illinois and Toledo really, really suck. Fortunately, so do the Hoosiers. This game should be pretty straightforward and simple, meaning, the Bucks get ahead early and cruise with the defense continuing to get the credit it deserves. Indiana only scares people because they almost beat Michigan, but consider that Michigan's D isn't the best in the world. That makes me think about this: when comparing OSU and Michigan, which gets better and "clicks" first? OSU's offense or Michigan's defense? Both have been inconsistent and faced suspect competition. We shall see. OSU: 31--IU: 7

Chief: Bullets keep firing. Back-t0-back shut outs for the first time since 1996 against two pretty good offenses. The OSU offense is still a little shaky, but the O-Line showed a little life as we got a ground game started last week. Pryor isn't there, but he's slowly moving that way. IU got completely screwed by an awful call to end the game vs. UM last week (this is coming from a licensed official) to take away one of the biggest wins in program history. The Hoosiers have improved but are very inconsistant. Look for the Buck D to continue to hold serve (even without Kurt Coleman who was unfairly suspended for playing football by the Big 10) and the offense to play well enough to win convincingly. Saine gets his first start and makes it count with 100+ and 2 TDs. OSU: 37--IU: 3



Penn State vs. Illinois: Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU
UCLA vs. Stanford: Gomer: UCLA Chief: Stanford
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: Gomer: TAMU Chief: Ark
Auburn vs. Tennessee: Gomer: UT Chief: Aub
Michigan vs. Michigan State: Gomer: UM Chief: MSU
Wisconsin vs. Minnesota: Gomer: UW Chief: Minn

Week 4 - Big Ten Football

Ole Miss vs. South Carolina

GOMER: The Gamecocks seem to be the year in, year out, team that always disappoints. With Spurrier as the coach everyone's expectations were extremely high, and they haven't gotten much of they expected. Tonight I think they do. Ole Miss has 16 returning starters but looked shaky in a blowout of Memphis, yes that sounds funny, but they struggled to pull away from a bad team. Jevan Snead is good, but not great, the SC defense is all around outstanding and should be able to take care of business at home and at night. Ole Miss: 17--USC: 21

CHIEF: Ole Miss was the sexy pick in the SEC this year as the return a sizeable portion of the only team to defeat UF last year. The Rebels have been revived by Houston Nutt and Jevon Snead is one of the best pro prospects in the league. Their schedule is spongy soft as all the tough teams in the SEC West come to Oxford and they miss the Gators this year. This is why this is a perfect reason why they'll drop this one to the Gamecocks. I thought I'd be the only one picking this upset, but apparently it's rampant. The Cocks are tough at home and have shown that they can score (against UGA) and play defense (against NCState). Tonight, they put it together and stun the number 4 team in the country. OleMiss: 24--USC: 34

California vs. Oregon

Gomer: Frankly I don't think Oregon is very good, the same reasoning could be said for arguing against the Cal Bears. Oregon was looked at to me a high-flying offense with lots of power, and they've come out of the rut after the clunker against the Smurf Turf Boys. Cal's offense has been nearly unstoppable, considering they have the most talented RB in the land (Jahvid Best) they better be unstoppable. The underrated aspect of Cal is their defense, while they allowed 21 points at Minnesota last weekend, they have come up big when necessary. The Bears will win this surprisingly good game. Cal: 31--UO: 27

Chief: I believed this would be a telling game for the Pac 10 that would determine a likely champion. Oregon may have lost Blount and been embarassed in week one, but they'll bounce back. Going to Autzen is a tall order for any team, but the loss of Blount is going to be just enough for Riley to overcome the Ducks. UO will load the box to slow Jahvid Best, and even though he'll get his yards, he won't win the game. The game rides on the Bear's QB. Tedford's QBs are always solid once they mature and this will be his defining moment (before the SC game). Big road win by a hair to keep the Best Heisman candidacy alive. Cal: 38--UO:31

Miami vs. Virginia Tech

Gomer: So far Miami has proven themselves on the road at FSU and against the triple option attack of GT. Jacory Harris has been the pleasant surprise of the season thus far helping to lead the Hurricanes when they need it most. Virginia Tech was controlled and subdued against the Crimson Tide and needed last second heroics to come out on top against Nebraska. Really, I'm not impressed with VT, Tyrod Taylor has not been the QB the Hokies have needed. I think this is when Miami asserts its control over the ACC Coastal division and takes another big step towards the BCS Championship Game. UM: 19--VT: 13

Chief: Miami has rocketed to the top of many polls with their electric 2-0 start. I expected them explode out of the gate, but they're very quickly being blown into the next great thing. While VT has been unimpressive to say the least, I think they bring the Canes down to earth. Let's not forget that the Canes are one dropped pass from being 1-1 and an also-ran. The Cane defense will hold a mediocre Hokie squad under wraps, but Jacory Harris shows some chinks and his youth by committing a few key turnovers. I just can't bring myself to pick the Canes. F-the U. UM: 17--VT: 20

Illinois vs. Ohio State

Gomer: We looked good last week, without a doubt. There are still some serious lingering issues though. When is TP going to become the QB we all have expected and looked for the last year? His bone-headed picks blow my mind, but the Silver Bullets have done an outstanding job helping the turnover's not destroy the Bucks chances each game. If you think I'm just going after Pryor, he's thrown 4 TD's and 4 INT's this season (at least 1 per game) whereas last season he threw 4 INT's ALL SEASON. I believe in the Buckeye D, and if they are successful stopping Juice Williams and Daniel Dufrene this year, I will officially be sold on them. I expect to be investing in the OSU Defense this week. UI: 18--OSU: 33

Chief: Not a lot to say here. The Buckeyes exploded last week as I expected. No carryover from the painful loss. Time to move forward and they did in a big way. I don't take a lot of information out of the offense as Toledo's defense is atrocious, but the Bullets completely shackled the number 1 offense in the nation and pitched the shutout. Because the Illini don't have their main guys healthy (like Benn), I don't think they can score enough on this defense to make a difference. Time for Pryor to continue to mature and learn that running is OK. The line can't block for the backs, but Pryor can still run. A few questionable throws last week, but the defense wins this one. Hey, Jimmy T realized the QB sneak is legal last week!! So we got that going for us. UI: 10--OSU: 31

Missouri vs. Nevada: Gomer: Mizzou Chief: Mizzou
North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech: Gomer: GT Chief: GT
Indiana vs. Michigan: Gomer: UM Chief: UM
TCU vs. Clemson Gomer: Clem Chief: Clem
Pittsburgh vs. NC State Gomer: Pitt Chief:Pitt
Arizona State vs. Georgia Gomer: UGA Chief: UGA
Iowa vs. Penn State Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU (close)
Notre Dame vs. Purdue Gomer: ND Chief: ND

Texas Tech vs. Houston Gomer: TT Chief: TT(by a hair--could be the best game of the weekend)

Week 3 - The Long and Winding Road

Georgia Tech vs. Miami

Gomer: Georgia Tech has won the last 4 meetings of these two ACC contenders and both teams have a real chance to take a firm grasp on the Division lead. GT is coming off a Thursday night thriller where the Yellow Jackets blew a huge lead in momentum and score to let Clemson retake the lead, only to escape with a win in the end. The Hurricanes have been able to rest and recover since the slugfest with the Seminoles on Labor Day night. I really like both of these teams as sleepers to make their way to the BCS National Championship game, and from what I've seen I have a hard time deciding which has the better defense. I trust Paul Johnson's coaching ability a little more than Randy Shannon's and I'll look for the option attack to manage the game and escape Miami with a win. GT: 24--UM: 20

Chief: This is the toughest game of the week to pick. Miami looked very good against FSU, but FSU seemed inept the following week against lowly Jacksonville State. I believe Jacory Harris will show up in this game, but I have to keep riding the Jacket wagon. The U requested this game to be on a Thursday to 'pay the Jackets back' for last years loss, but GT's option was unstoppable vs. Miami last year. Many say that Miami will work to stop the run exclusively, unfortunately, that's easier said than done. Nesbitt/Dwyer outscore Harris/Cooper in a photo finish. GT: 31--UM:30

Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech

Gomer: Too bad this isn't a night game, because this would be worth the trip to Blacksburg on a weekend lacking a premiere match-up. A night game is a must-see when the VT faithful get jacked up and they definitely will be for this game trying to make amends in the national spotlight for the game they had against Alabama. This will be Nebraska's Quarterback's first road start and that could spell bad news for the Huskers. Tech will roll in this one with conference pride helping push them to a strong showing for the natives. UN: 20--VT: 42

Chief: Beamer looks to bring his team back to the national stage after dropping a close one to Bama in the opener (closer than the score would seem). VT has a stellar ground game, but very little passing game. I don't think that will hurt them this weekend. The Hokies will rely on the defense and Tyrod Taylor's running ability to take care of the Huskers in Blacksburg. While the Cornhuskers are certainly improving following the Bill Callahan era, they're not there yet. The Hokies keep the Huskers in Bo Pelini land as they roll to victory. UN: 16--VT: 34

Florida State vs. Brigham Young

Gomer: The once proud Seminoles were to be on the upward swing this season, but the offense has been inconsistent at best making me seriously question the hiring of "coach-in-waiting" Jimbo Fisher. I would definitely prefer to see FSU get the win here, but the defensive pressure the Cougars bring will be too much for Christian Ponder and the 18-game home win streak for BYU will prove too much in their home opener. FSU: 14--BYU: 31

Chief: Oh my Noles... They looked very sharp (not perfect) against a very underrated UM squad on Labor Day only to struggle with garbage on Saturday. Perhaps it was the lull game between the two huge games. I think the Noles show up to fight here, but Max Hall led BYU has certainly been firing on all cylinders lately. I don't think BYU beats OU with Bradford, but it's still very close. They rolled last week, but it's time for the midmajor to show they're a midmajor--can they handle the pressure of success. The Noles wake up and take care of business. Ponder breaks out and leads the Noles to steal one over Mendenhall and the Cougs in a close one. FSU: 31--BYU: 30

Cincinnati vs. Oregon State

Gomer: So far this season Cincinnati has been unstoppable destroying Rutgers and I-AA Opponent SE Missouri State. On the other side of the ball Oregon State has looked average beating up on Portland State and scraping by at UNLV. Both teams are young, but the key to this game will be the location... very very far away from southwestern Ohio. Cincy has lost their last 6 road games to non-conference BCS schools by an average of 21ppg. Another interesting stat: in the 2nd home game the Beavers have come up BIG, they have won 4 straight 2nd home games with an average score of 39-14... yes that does look like some stupid random stat, but I'll tell you why its important, 2 of the 4 victories have come against USC and Boise State, got your attention now? This might be the most underrated game of the weekend. UC: 29--OSU: 33

Chief: UC has looked phenomenal in their quick start (granted against questionable competition--but that's their whole schedule in the Big East). The Beavers have always played well at home but Jacquizz is a little banged up. The last time I saw the Beavers, they were in the biggest snoozer of a bowl game ever (3-0 victory in the Sun Bowl). Lyle Moevao and the Rodgers brothers are very good, but I think Tony Pike and the Bearcats continue their run. Two teams with little to no defense but a heck of a lot of offense. Ohio's only Orange Bowl losing team comes away victorious. UC: 42--OSU: 38

Tennessee vs. Florida

Gomer: I would peg this game as highest potential to be a laugher this weekend. Florida is favored by 28.5 and I would not be surprised if they won by more than that. Of course a Florida victory means another round of hearing how great Tim Tebow is especially after beating up on the vaunted Tennessee Defense, the same vaunted defense that was unable to secure a win against a lowly Pac 10 team like UCLA. Florida will win, by a lot, and Tebow will have 6 touchdowns. UT: 9--UF: 62

Chief: I wanted to talk about this one because it's going to happen. Everyone has been talking about how Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, and 'Gaytor Nation' have circled this game as revenge to take out Lane Kiffin. Not so fast my friend! Kiffin in his eminent wisdom, threw the game vs. UCLA to lull the gators into a false sense of security. Crompton will toss all over that 'vaunted defense' for 5 TDs while the Monte Kiffin defense shows the nation the Eric Berry is clearly the best defensive player in the nation and knocks Tebow out of the Heisman race. Wait...the Vols are terrible. UT: 6--UF: 42

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Toledo Rockets

Gomer: The Bucks could be in for a real big emotional let down this week. I don't need to re-hash the offensive struggles from last week's heart-breaker, but if the Terrelle Pryor led offense isn't clicking, the Bucks will still win, but it could mean bad news bears down the road in the Big Ten. The other worry here is that the Rockets could expose some sort of weakness in the pass defense, because they will move the ball, but it will be a matter of when the Bucks force a turnover or other big defensive stop. Toledo won't be out of the game until late unless the Bucks come up with some early quick strikes, it'll be a better game than anyone expects. OSU: 39--UT: 20

Chief: After throwing all they had emotionally, physically, and mentally against the Trojans and coming up short (due to horrendous playcalling), the Bucks look to rebound against a surprising Toledo Rocket team. The Silver Bullets returned last week and I believe are here to stay. This is a major turning point game for the season...lie down and take it or stand and fight. I believe the Buckeyes have too much pride to quit now. I saw the pride last week and I think they fire out of the gate this week. Toledo smashed Colorado and put some points up on Purdue (while giving up a ton). OSU will put the hammer down in this one early. At first, I thought the letdown would keep it close, but the pride of the Buckeyes will not allow a fallback. Bucks continue to roll against Ohio teams. OSU: 41--UT: 10

Other games...

Boise State vs. Fresno State: Gomer: Boise Chief: Boise
USC vs. Washington: Gomer: USC Chief: USC
Michigan State vs. Notre Dame: Gomer: ND Chief: ND
Arizona vs. Iowa: Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa (close)
Navy vs. Pittsburgh: Gomer: Pitt Chief: Navy
Northwestern vs. Syracuse: Gomer: Syr Chief: NW
Texas Tech vs. Texas: Gomer: UT Chief: UT (BIG)