Standings
1) Seeberg 34-11 (0-9 upset)
2) Draper 33-12 (4-5 upset)
3) Hoying 30-15 (1-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 30-15 (1-8 upset)
We've made it through the wilderness and to the Promised Land: November. Unfortunately, our Moses won't be joining us for a week. While we breathlessly await his return, there are some pretty important struggles throughout outlying provinces.
Duke Blue Devils @ #25 North Carolina Tar Heels
Draper: The Battle for the Victory Bell...not as sexy as the basketball matchup. Duke is reeling after the crazy loss to the Canes after some missed calls and poor officiating and UNC is high after a nationally televised win over ranked Pitt. I think these are two teams moving in different directions. Duke \has something to prove...but I don't see the rebound this quickly from what they experienced. Heels win in Chapel Hill to avenge the Dukie national championship (although no one will care). Duke: 17--UNC: 27
Hoying: One of the nation's great rivalries is renewed at the Dean Smith Center...what? Football? Consequence?? Yes, boys and girls, Duke and UNC are about to lock horns to determine control of a Power 5 division! The Heels are riding high after a huge road win over a good Pitt team, while Duke saw a great comeback against Miami ruined by the most special special teams ever. Both teams feature great defense, although the Devils have been exposed a bit lately, and not against juggernaut offenses either (hello, Virginia Tech). Time for a loss that even Mike Greenberg and the BooHoo Devils agree shouldn't be reversed. Duke: 20--UNC: 27
Schweinfurth: This is two underrated teams. I really think that Duke is going to be inspired by that debacle last week. I expect this will be a low scoring game. Duke: 17--UNC:14
Seeberg: As odd as this may sound, this relevant football game is all riding on Duke. If they can put last week's debacle behind them, they have a very good shot to win this game. If not? Their season may collapse like the gingerbread houses most of us try to make in December. UNC might be riding high after their win over Pitt and their entrance into the rankings (including the prestigious Let's Go Bucks rankings, of course), but Duke's mindset is still more in question. Both teams avoid Clemson and FSU in crossover games and have a pretty legitimate shot to be at double-digit wins heading to the ACC title game. In the end, I think the Hurricane Hullabaloo (because Miami Miracle is catchy but I want to be original while still using alliteration) is too much for the Blue Devils to overcome. Duke: 17--UNC: 28
#17 Florida State Seminoles @ #2 Clemson Tigers
Draper: Can the Tigers handle the pressure? Can the Noles respond after a flukish bad game vs. the Jackets? Clemson is playing at a super high level right now...but that's exactly when it all comes crashing down. FSU has been pretty 'eh' all year, but the talent cannot be denied. If Dalvin Cook plays and is 100%, there's a chance, but this Nole team isn't as good as the last 5 years. The primary thing going for FSU is, as Thad Matta would say, 'Their ***holes are tight." Clemson always chugs along and hits that wall against the Noles--they just expect to lose. A 3:30 kick is great for the Noles because I've said in the past that Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe). However, the magic of the stupid rock and crazy Dabo rises up to take control of the ACC and the playoffs...until they poop it away vs. Syracuse or Wake. FSU: 27--Clem: 38
Hoying: I'm tempted to never pick Clemson in this game again. Last year, the Tigers had the Noles exactly where they wanted them: trailing, with a terrible QB behind center that engineered shorter drives than a 4 year old golfer. And then they Clemsoned all over themselves. You might be tempted to say that this isn't last year's Clemson team, but one can never be sure until they play Florida State. Yes, FSU pooped the bed against an awful Georgia Tech team, but they still feature a very efficient QB, possibly the nation's top RB, and a stifling defense. All the pressure is on Clemson in this one. I don't think they can handle it. Look for the Seminole defense to force some turnovers and turn the tide. No hurricane is going to stop the Clemsoning this time. FSU: 30--Clem: 28
Schweinfurth: It seems like every time Clemson gets highly ranked and I pick them they lose. What brings me back to Clemson is the absence of Everett Golson (I can't believe I just wrote that) and the possible absence of Dalvin Cook. Cook at full go, I think he piles up the yards. I just really don't think the 'Noles have the firepower to pull off the upset on the road. FSU: 28--Clem: 35
Seeberg: I'll be honest, I thought this pick was a no-brainer for Clemson until I saw what Florida State did without Everett Golson and Dalvin Cook last week. Yes Syracuse is mediocre at best, but 45 points without their two primary playmakers seemed unthinkable. Cook is probable for this game which means one of two things: He's 100% and ready to shred the Tiger D, or he's about 85% and has to give it a go for the Seminoles to have a reasonable chance of winning. The starting quarterback is TBD, but my gut tells me they should go with Maguire and see if a talented backup with which the opponent has very little film of can win a big game (sound familar, Cardale fans??). With all that said, however, I just don't fully trust the FSU defense. They have put up some nice numbers against...Georgia Tech? Miami? Boston we-forgot-to-field-an-offense College? The Tigers will test that defense and though Florida State might pass that test, it'll only be with a C- or a D+, and that's not enough for a win. FSU: 31--Clem: 38
#5 TCU Horned Frogs @ #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: The first real game in the Big 12 on display here. While we've seen defense is a dirty word in the conference, TCU has the slightly less sucky squad. Trevone Boykin is the best athlete on the field with a bevy of good receivers, but the Pokes are nothing to sneeze at. Mike Gundy has the Cowboys contending, but they've played a LOT of scrubs. TCU is slightly more battle tested so I lean on the Frogs here. TCU: 52--OSU: 45
Hoying: Give these teams credit. Both found themselves in deep holes early in games (TCU vs. KSU, OKSt vs. TTech) and clawed their way to victory. Don't count on seeing a great comeback this week, though. Whoever starts fast will just keep blasting away until the final gun. It's not like one of these teams would just stop playing up 21 in the 4th quarter and suffer a loss that eliminates them from national title contention. You could say TCU is on a mission after getting left out of last year's playoff, but the Cowboys were jobbed even harder in 2011 and turned that rage into an 8-5 campaign the next year. TCU has started to play a bit of defense since the first half at Kansas State, so look for them to stay within the ranks of the undefeated for at least another week. TCU: 49--OSU: 45
Schweinfurth: Welcome to your Big 12 shootout game of the week. TCU is going to have a chip on their shoulder after getting buried outside of the top 5 in the CFP rankings. Even without that motivation, I just think that TCU is better. I expect Trevone Boykin to continue to put up numbers (especially with the state of Big 12 defenses). I'm still not sold on TCU as a championship contender, but they are still one of the best teams in the Big 12. TCU: 52--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Start the obligatory scoreboard-breaking clichés. Texas Tech has lost 2 games this year in which they scored at least 50 points...55-52 to TCU and 70-53 to Oklahoma State. (Incidentally the last team to lose two games in a season scoring 50+ was Baylor in 2012, which probably surprises nobody). I don't know when this game is on but I hope it doesn't conflict with the Buckeyes' 8 PM kick (ok, 8:12 or whatever it is) so that I can watch this hilarity in its entirety. I still can't decide if Big 12 coaches simply stop recruiting defensive players after about 8th grade or if they self-select and go to the SEC or Big 10 where they have a chance to be relevant. In any event, expect some video-game numbers in this one, particularly from Trevone Boykin, and a Horned Frog defense that's getting a little bit healthier and a little bit better to make enough plays to win another old west shootout. TCU: 56--OSU: 45
Navy Midshipmen @ #7 Memphis Tigers
Draper: Memphis joins Iowa at the 'royally screwed by the playoff committee' table. That being said, you want respect Tigers? Prove it. Keenan Reynolds is about to take sole possession of the career TD rushing record in NCAA history from Montee Ball (sorry, Joe Tessitore) but the Tigers have the primo victory over Ole Miss (is it reeeeeeally that good, though?). That option attack is a bear to prepare for, but Memphis knows the stakes. Justin Fuente's Tigers keep rolling in a close hard fought win. Navy: 24--Mem: 30
Hoying: Upset about a premiere at #13 in the playoff rankings, Memphis? Here comes a nice stretch run to improve that resume. The Tigers' next 3 opponents have a combined record of 24-2, kicking off with the Midshipmen. Memphis actually has a pretty good rush defense, surrendering only 3.2 yards per carry, but preparing for Navy and the triple option is a whole different animal (ask Florida State about faceplanting against such an offense). Considering that Memphis played Tulane last, week, they probably had a bit of extra time to think about getting ready to face Navy. Y'all is Tiger boat. Navy: 20--Mem: 30
Schweinfurth: Navy is always a good quality opponent, but I would not want to face that offense in the middle of the season. With that said, I expect Navy to score, but Memphis will make the necessary adjustments. Navy: 21--Mem: 35
Seeberg: Navy will definitely score some points in this matchup. Memphis, however, is likely to score even more. The Tigers' primary concern has got to be keeping their defensive line healthy against the endless cut blocking of the triple option Midshipmen attack. Memphis has a darn good shot to go 12-0 and despite a first-half tussle with the only currently relevant service academy, the Tigers stay unbeaten. NAVY: 24--MEM: 42
#1 Louisiana State Tigers @ #9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: This one should be fun....maybe. Let's be honest, Bama loses this one they're done, right? RIGHT?!?! Does a second 'quality loss' move them up? Leonard Fournette is the best athlete in college football right now but Bama has the best combination on the field. Coker isn't spectacular, but he complements Derrick Henry really well and the Tide defense is quite good. Bama was in no way deserving of the 4 spot in the CFP rankings...yet, but if they win out, they'll have a great argument. This game is by far the toughest game of the year for them and they get em in Tuscaloosa. I have a lot of respect for the Tigers, but the Tide is a bit too much. Please don't suck as much as the 9-6 crap fest 3 years ago... LSU: 17--Bama: 24
Hoying: Welcome to your GAME OF THE YEAR, if you don't count about 5 games coming up in the Big 12, or Ohio State/Michigan State. LSU hasn't been playing particularly well on the road, struggling against Mississippi State and Syracuse, while Alabama has sucked at home, losing to Ole Miss and nearly screwing the Smokey against Tennessee. Despite these efforts, the Playoff Committee is ready to crown Alabama for another year, but why? Because they blew out a mediocre Georgia team? Because they whupped a Wisconsin team that no one seems to care that Iowa beat? They do have that QUALITY LOSS (TM), I suppose. LSU still can't throw the ball, but it doesn't matter. The Tigers are sick of losing to the Tide and they have the power running game and the defense to deliver a victory in Tuscaloosa. Phyllis won't be happy after this one. LSU: 21--Bama: 20
Schweinfurth: Alabama is inexplicably ranked 4th. I don't get it, but it won't matter after this week. Fournette will be the difference in this game. Don't expect too much offense in this one, not because the defenses are good, but because both QBs are bad. LSU: 13--Bama: 10
Seeberg: I...I just don't know about this one. Eerily similar teams with dominant running backs, excellent defenses and questions at the QB position. Make no mistake, our beloved Zeke might be the best all around RB in college football (rout running, pass blocking, etc.), but Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry are the two best backs in the game with the ball in their hands. I think this game is a low-scoring version of the Bama-Ole Miss game. In the end, I just don't trust Kiffin to give the ball to Henry enough, and LSU squeaks out a huge win. Enjoy that fescue, Les. LSU: 20--Bama: 16
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ #3 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: The Buckeyes suffered a punch to the gut last week as JT went full Simple Jack, but it doesn't compare to the pile driver Tracy Claeys performed on the Gophers. I've never seen the end of a game coached worse than I saw last week. 19 seconds from the 1 yard line and a timeout and you run...2 plays...2!!!! I would have fired him on the sideline. Jerry Kill (clear B1G COY) could have coached that better from his house. Claeys stole from those kids a huge opportunity thaey won't get back. I don't see any way their heads are on straight this week. Cardale will be fine (not as good as JT), but there won't be a huge issue. Meyer will play this as a 'get the ball to Zeke, put em away early, and go home' type game. It won't feature explosive plays, but a workmanlike yeoman performance will get it done. Minn: 10--OSU: 38
Hoying: OK, JT did a dumb thing. And it'll hurt the Buckeyes to be without him this week. Fortunately, the opponent we face is far dumber, gagging away a sure win against our hated rivals by demonstrating clock management that would knock the blade of grass out of Les Miles's mouth and play-calling that begs for a Malcolm Butler interception. Don't fear the Gophers, Buckeye Nation. Minnesota QB Leidner inexplicably got away with chucking up prayers against a pretty good Wolverine secondary and Michigan still found a way to win behind the arm of a guy who wasn't even good enough to beat out Jake freaking Rudock for a starting gig. Cardale will be good, not great, just like always, and the Silver Bullets will step up in a big way to get the Bucks to 9-0. Minn: 13--OSU: 34 (sorry, Seeberg)
Schweinfurth:Well, I did not expect to see Cardale thrust back into the starting roll. While he hasn't been totally awful, he hasn't been great either. For some reason, this reeks of trap game for me. All the distractions with JT and the bye week just feels wrong. It's a good thing that Urban is the coach. I expect this team rally around the issues. Somehow I think Zeke has a crazy game and jumps back into the Heisman race. Minn: 17--OSU: 42
Seeberg: This is without a doubt the oddest quarterback carousel I can recall. Starting all the way back in the summer of 2014, allow me to refresh your memory: J.T. passes Cardale on depth chart as backup, Braxton goes down a week and a half later and J.T. is starter, J.T. injured against scUM and Cardale wins the golden lipstick, Braxton goes to H-back, Cardale wins starting job, Cardale yields to J.T. in red zone, J.T. takes starting job, J.T. suspended a week later and Cardale is starting again. Absolutely insane. Thankfully, Cardale has a full week to prepare with the starters and Minnesota is likely to be crushed mentally after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in a valiant effort against TTUN last week. The Silver Bullets have a week to study the schematic changes the Gophers made to basically rip apart the Wolverine D in the first half (254 yards) and coast to a comfy win in the friendly confines of the 'Shoe. Minn: 13--OSU: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Indiana over Iowa
Hoying: Cincinnati over Houston
Schweinfurth: Washington over Utah
Seeberg: Northern Illinois over Toledo (had it up Monday night- Hoying saw it!)
Standings
1) Seeberg 30-11 (0-8 upset)
2) Draper 29-12 (4-4 upset)
3) Hoying 27-14 (1-7 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 27-14 (1-7 upset)
After an abysmal round of picks last week, we turn our attention to a few better matchups around the nation. Florida State and Utah proved that no undefeated team is safe in any given week, except the Buckeyes (and the Tigers, and the Spartans, and the Bears, and the Rockets), because they're not playing.
Georgia Bulldogs vs. #12 Florida Gators
Draper: While the Cocktail Party has lost luster over the past 5 years, this one should be a good one. The Gators should be reeling after the dismissal of Will Grier, but they showed up in a big way in Death Valley in a close loss to the Tigers. The Dawgs had super high hopes that crashed early, but are slowly resurging. This game has a good chance of determining the SEC East. While I believe UGA will be playing tough, no Nick Chubb and a surprisingly resilient Gator squad keeps the dream alive in a close one. Be honest, Richt is known for blowing games like this on a regular basis. UGA: 20--UF: 27
Hoying: Which Georgia is going to show up in Jacksonville: the one that lost a heartbreaker to Tennessee or the one that got emasculated by Alabama? It's not like Georgia to get outclassed in the World's Largest Drunken Whatever, but this one will depend whether Treon Harrisuspension is able to put last season's nightmarish production behind him. Will Muschamp isn't around to keep the Gators from scoring this time. UGA: 17--UF: 27
Schweinfurth: Interesting that this is an under performing team and an over performing team. To me, these two teams are mirror images of each other. This well be kept close, but I think the Dogs kick a field goal to win. UGA: 20--UF: 27
Seeberg: Ah yes, somebody pass me a cocktail. Florida's offense was surprisingly productive in Death Valley, managing 28 points in a loss to LSU. Greyson Lambert, meanwhile, has been dreadful against the two elite defenses he has played, though one was a set-the-game-back-50-years 9-6 win at Missouri. Nick Chubb has remained excellent, but the Gator D can feast on a largely one-dimensional offense so the Bulldogs are likely in trouble yet again. Anybody have 3 losses for Georgia this early in the season? Well, it's about to be a reality. UGA: 17--FLA: 28
#14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ #15 Temple Owls
Draper: Another team left for dead when the quarterback was lost for the season...and they refuse to comply. Yeah, the Irish lost to Clemson in a monsoon, but acquitted themselves quite well versus a team that is steamrolling most competition. Temple on the other hand is quietly undefeated with a few decent wins. Can they keep it going when the national eyes are focused on them as Gameday visits Philly? While Temple has been surprising people all year, I don't think they quite have the horses to take that next giant step as of yet. It will be a good game, but the better athletes outlast the emotions of the upstarts. ND: 30--Tem: 20
Hoying: Finally ready for primetime, it's the Temple Owls on ESPN 2, 5, and 6! It would sure be a treat for the Owls to take down the mighty Irish, but they might need a few tricks to do so. Notre Dame has rolled merrily along after a hard-fought comeback fell just short in Death Valley. Temple has the formula for success against Power 5 (+1, sorry BYU) opponents: get to the QB early and often. ND backup DeShone Kizer has been serviceable, but if he goes down 10 times like Sackenberg did, it'll be a long night for the Irish. Somehow I don't think ND's O-line is quite that bad. ND: 27--Tem: 16
Schweinfurth: Temple, as an undefeated team, has been a nice story this year. I just don't see them finishing the season unbeaten (Houston and Memphis will see to that). The Irish have endured a tone of injuries, but are just a deeper team. Notre Dame is much stronger on the O-line so don't expect Temple's pass rush to reek havoc in this one. ND: 35--Tem:21
Seeberg: Remember when we all buried Penn State in week one after that horrendous loss against Temple? Might not have been so bad after all (although nearly losing to Maryland was). At any rate, Temple hasn't played any notable programs since (sorry, Cinci), and the Owls are 7-0 as a result. Meanwhile, the Golden Domers have thrived with backup QB DeShone Kizer filling in quite nicely. However, this game needs to be about C.J. Prosise. Temple's proven pass rush may cause issues at times for the Irish, but I expect Prosise to have a big day and wear the Owls down in the second half despite their nocturnal proclivities. Wake up the echoes again (sigh). ND: 35--Tem: 21
North Carolina Tar Heels @ #23 Pittsburgh Panthers
Draper: Wheeeeeeee...classic ACC showdown between 6-1 teams. Are either of these teams any good...probably not, but someone's gotta win. Winner of this game has a great chance to represent the ACC Coastal in Charlotte if they can defeat the Duke juggernaut. I'll be honest, I know very little about these teams, but neither is anything special. Usually, I lean to the home team in such cases, but Pitt has squeaked out all their wins. Yes, the Panther loss is better (last second FG loss to Iowa) but the wins...trash. Who cares! UNC: 27--Pitt: 24
Hoying: And you thought the ACC Atlantic division race was exciting, with Clemson and...Clemson vying for a spot in Playoffs 2: The Search for More Money. No, dear readers, the Coastal division is where the real action is! See powerhouses like North Carolina and Pittsburgh square off in forgotten Thursday night games for the right to face THE DUKIES in a de facto divisional championship. We know that UNC is B1G caliber, thrashing Illinois at home, and Pitt is not, losing to Iowa on a 80 or so yard FG in Iowa City. Still, I picked Pitt to win the Coastal before the season started and I'm much too stubborn to change my mind now. UNC: 20--Pitt: 21
Schweinfurth: ACC ROFLcopter game of the week. Pitt's been playing well so I'll roll with them. UNC: 17--Pitt: 28
Seeberg: In case you haven't noticed (and judging by the attendance, you haven't- thanks Bob), both of these squads have just one blemish and the 2 combined losses are by just 7 points. Both teams have road wins at Georgia Tech and home wins against Virginia by relatively similar scores as well, so it's likely there won't be much separating these two teams. Both have well-balanced offensive units and the Tar Heels move the ball a bit better but have done so against slightly inferior competition than Pitt has faced (2 FCS programs vs. 1, Pitt's lone loss was at undefeated Iowa). Quite frankly, I think this game is a toss-up no matter how you look at it, so I literally flipped a coin. UNC wins! UNC: 31--Pitt: 28
#10 Stanford Cardinal @ Washington State Cougars
Draper: Stanford has really come into their own after the early loss to Northwestern dominating the ground game in the Pac 12. Mike Leach has finally developed the Wazzu team into a viable threat in the Pac 12 due to his deep thoughts about mystery of life. With that being said, the Cougs haven't faced a defense or a ground game of this caliber. I wish game day would have shown up to WSU after the years and years of flying their colors in the background, but Stanford should grab total control of the North this week. Stan: 38--WSU: 24
Hoying: From ACCtion to PACtion. Stanford might need a few more points than the 6 they trotted out against Northwestern to start the season, but that shouldn't be a problem as long as they play Stanford Football (TM). Cap'n Leach will do his best to make the Stanford D walk the plank in Pullman with his efficient Cougar offense, but the Cardinal have stepped up big in 2 consecutive prove-it games over the past two weeks. Kevin Hogan has a big day against a suspect Wazoo D, and the Cougs are left to wonder if having Gameday on campus would've provided the boost they needed to return to their 2002-03 peak of relevance. Stan:45--WSU: 23
Schweinfurth: The Stanford Steamroller is chugging along again. Hogan looks like the QB we all though he was at the start of the season. Mike Leach is known for offense, not defense and it will show through. Stanford keeps on (steam)rolling. Stan: 42--WSU: 21
Seeberg: I have 11 misses on the season and without going back through all of my picks I am positive at least half involved a PAC-12 team. Can't figure out what's going on out west this season. I do know that WAzoo has played better than expected this season, but Stanford has been basically lights out since their abysmal start against Northwestern. The Cougars have some offensive firepower to keep it close for awhile, but the Cardinal pull away comfortably in the second half. Stan: 45--WSU: 27
Upset Special
Draper: Texas Tech over Oklahoma State
Hoying: West Virginia over TCU
Schweinfurth: Auburn over Ole Miss
Seeberg: UMass over Ball State
Week 11
Well the Bucks are back after a needed bye and they travel to the typically friendly confines of Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. I, along with many fellow brethren will be in attendance on Saturday cheering on the Bucks in what should be a great game in perfect football weather (40's, rain, wind). Records so far: Gomer (70-34) Chief (73-31)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Gomer: Georgia Tech shocked a lot of people by pounding the FSU defense on the ground (to the tune of 288 yards). Many pundits believe that the Tarheels defense will be the difference in this ACC Coastal tilt, but I, like my colleague, believe that the 'Noles have the best defense in the conference. Georgia Tech will pound the Heels on the ground and the Tech D-line will beat up UNC QB Cam Sexton forcing him to make mistakes, making this more lopsided than expected. GT: 31 - UNC: 16
Chief: Another crucial game in the ACC in which nearly everyone is still in the hunt for a conference title. Watching some ACC games this year, I’ve come to the conclusion that the conference is getting a bad rap (this year). There are no dominant teams in the conference, but they truly are beating each other up yielding mediocre records. This game will most likely determine the Coastal division. Butch Davis has done a number in his second year, getting the Tarheels back onto the national stage, thanks largely to all-around player Branden Tate. On the flip side, Paul Johnson has worked a miracle at GT in one year (thanks to a gift-wrapped win last week). The triple option has stumped great defenses, and I don’t think UNC is a great defense. Look for Tech to ride the wave to another victory (and perhaps the Noles can earn a chance for revenge). GT: 27—UNC: 17
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers
Gomer: LSU's defense has shown that they struggle to stop an offense with a pulse (see vs. Florida and vs. Georgia). Alabama's offense has been powerful, but lacks that extra spark seemingly. This is also the homecoming of LSU turncoat Nick Saban, but I don't think it will have a huge impact on this game. While getting stomped by the Gators and 'Dogs, LSU's D has not allowed more than 72 yards to any other opponent. If Alabama struggles to put some points on the board early, LSU has a chance to pull of the huge upset. 'Bama: 17 - LSU: 9
Chief: Ah, sweet homecoming. Many are curious as to the reception Mr. Saban will get when entering his old stomping grounds considering he bolted for the NFL but led the Tigers to the championship in 2003. Remember one thing about college football fans, they are stupid and have no memory at all. This crowd will have no remorse at tearing into Saban and his (now) ‘dirty’ tactics and will make the Tide face a truly hostile environment. Wait, what happened the last time they went to the Bulldawgs House? Oh yeah, they blew out a Georgia team that is much better than the Tigers (remember UGA killing LSU last week in Baton Rouge). I don’t like Alabama, but I dislike LSU even more. The return of Mount Cody will stuff the LSU running game and Bama should score once or twice which should be enough. Could the Les Miles in Ann Arbor days be approaching? SEC fans could care less about what happened a year ago (see Phil Fulmer). Bama: 13—LSU: 3
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Gomer: The Raiders were able to win a thriller vs. the #1 Longhorns last week, and are due for a letdown. Oklahoma State is just talented enough to hang with the Raiders but lacks the defensive prowess needed to slow down their attack. The Raiders seem to have an unlimited amount of points to score, and won't be slowed down this week (the let down is looming however). OSU: 45 - TTU: 56
Chief: Sweet victory. After one of the most exciting games in the history of the sport in which Texas Tech took down the juggernaut of Texas (called by this guy), the Red Raiders try to replicate the monumental win against another top 10 team. The Pokes are one of the teams flying under the radar in the Big 12 because of all the tradition powers hogging the headlines. Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach Mike Gundy is indeed a man and keeps the OSU offense churning out points, but Texas Tech under OC/HC Mike Leach also knows how to light up the scoreboard. The true key to the TT success lies, not in their superstars (Crabtree and Harrell), but in their monstrous offensive line. That was my key to the upset last week, and I believe it holds suit again this week. All eyes descend on the 2 best wide receivers in the country: Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant (get ya popcorn ready!). The big-uglies provide all the time in the world to continue the Heisman campaigns of Crabtree/Harrell, while the Pokes take another loss that’s closer than the score indicates. OSU: 31—TT: 41
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Gomer: The Buckeyes are back at it after a needed bye week. The loss to Penn State still looms in the back of the memories of the Bucks, and while the fans sure don't give two hoots about this week's game, hopefully the team has had enough time to stew on the two losses so far this season. Northwestern's offense is dangerous enough to make the Buckeye defense pay if they're caught sleeping. Mike Kafka not only threw for 143 yards (that's a lot compared to Terrelle Pryor) but ran for a whopping 217 yards. In the past, mobile QB's have given Ohio State lots of trouble (see Illinois, Ohio, Florida, etc...), and I expect that struggle to continue. On the flip side, the Buckeyes need to pound the ball with Beanie Wells. The coaching staff has squandered away the season (no Nat'l Title, no Big Ten Title = Failure) by not utilizing him effectively. The 'Cats have the nations 26th ranked run D but hopefully the Bucks will keep them off balance by effectively using TP and the PA pass. OSU: 27 - NU: 17
Chief: The Wildcat backup QB Mike Kafka looked like a different player last week against the Gophers as he kept his team in the game almost single handedly until the defense dropped the hammer. I don’t know who starts for Northwestern (Baucher or Kafka), but it appears either option is ok. The Bucks hope to break that nasty streak of losing after bye weeks and I think we can end the pain. The PSU game provided a framework to beat OSU: stuff the run with 11 people and make Pryor throw. The Bucks decided to keep banging their collective heads against the brick wall that was the Nittany Lion D and failed (thanks to 1 freaking mistake). While I believe that OSU can stick to the run game more or less exclusively and come out with a win (NW front seven is nowhere near as good as Penn State’s), I hope we try more of the short passing game. Pryor showed last week a propensity to underthrow every deep ball, but looked pretty good on the few quick slants, flats, and hitches. Stick with what works and the Bucks win easily. Look for the Bullets to control the ranked (?) Wildcats and cruise to victory. OSU: 27—NW: 10
Purdue vs. Michigan State, Gomer: MSU - Chief: MSU
Penn State vs. Iowa, Gomer: PSU - Chief: PSU
Clemson vs. Florida State, Gomer: Clemson - Chief: FSU
Cincinnati vs. West Virginia, Gomer: WVU - Chief: WVU
California vs. USC, Gomer: USC - Chief: USC
