Week 13 - One Ga_e Season

Standings
1) Seeberg             44-18    (2-10 upset) 
2) Draper               42-20    (5-7 upset)
3) Hoying               40-22    (1-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     39-23    (2-10 upset)

It's rivalry week at Let's Go Bucks! With Ohio State's playoff hopes on life support, we turn our focus toward our first showdown with Captain Crazy (and a few other schools that happen to be playing as well).

#13 Navy _idship_en @ #20 Houston Cougars
Draper: Led by the greatest coach ever who never erred by ignoring a RB, Houston finally tripped up vs. a so-so at best Uconn squad.  Houston has had a pretty nice year, but they're still Houston.  Navy is chugging along with the only hiccup vs. the Irish.  I like Keenan Reynolds to keep the train a-rolling as the Cougs suffer a second straight defeat, this one at Chop-block-o-clock. Navy: 28--Houston: 24
Hoying: Take a good look, Buckeye Nation. Our previous offensive guru, your panacea for everything ailing the Ohio State O, just racked up all of 17 points in Houston's loss to the UConn Huskies. 17 points isn't going to get the job done against the NCAA's historic TD leader, Keenan Reynolds, and the devastating triple option. Navy has parlayed its first year in a conference into its best season since 1963 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Look for the streak to continue, setting up an AAC title showdown ahead of everyone's favorite rivalry. Navy: 31--Houston: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Navy: 24--Houston: 35
Seeberg:  Well, the Houston Hermans looked every bit like the Buckeyes last week, dropping an uninspired game to the UConn women's basketball team football Huskies by a field goal.  My guess?  A combination of lousy weather and looking ahead to their showdown with Navy.  Navy has showed up big in conference play all season and it's likely Keenan Reynolds and Co. will do so again.  However, the Cougars are likely to play some extra-inspired to make up for last week's dismal effort.  Had Houston coasted into this one undefeated (see:  Memphis) Navy likely would've anchored them down (see what I did there?), but off a loss the Cougars rise up and put up enough points to outscore the devastating triple option.  Navy: 38--Houston: 42

#7 Baylor Bears @ #17 TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: Don't look now, but Baylor appears to be raising a little stink after that OU loss.  Yeah, they're essentially too little too late (again), but they've essentially guaranteed playoff victory by tur:ning to a 3rd string QB.  100% of the squads in the playoffs led by a 3rd string QB have won the whole thing (it's science).  TCU put it all on the table last week and fell just short.  Nothing left in Fort Worth...and they're only on the second string...pfft.  Briles keeps alive for a New Year's Six bowl.  BU: 48--TCU: 35
Hoying: And here we have the 2014 Nearly Relevant Bowl. TCU's playoff hopes are officially dead after a furious rally against OU fell just short, while Baylor's are on life support after Gundy and the Pokes failed to score 40 against the Bears. We could possibly see a battle of the deep deep backup QB's, depending on how quickly Trevone Boykin recovers, but TCU's second-stringer has looked passable in his appearance last week, and Baylor churns out battle-ready QBs without losing a beat. Despite their effort last week, the Frogs are trending downward, while the Bears are unlikely to choke with a possible playoff berth in their sights. BU: 52--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts lets week. Lots of points, though. BU: 52--TCU: 55
Seeberg:  This is practically a war of attrition given the injuries on both sides of the ball.  The Bears are officially down to their 3rd-string QB but keep cranking out points and had an impressive win at Oklahoma State last week.  Tough to imagine TCU winning without both of their playmakers at full strength (Boykin may go but will be limited, and Doctson is probably still out).  I'm shocked myself, but Baylor may finish the regular season with back-to-back one-loss squads.  BU: 45--TCU: 34

Penn State Nittany Lions @ #4 _ichigan State Spartans
Draper:  Who will start for the Spartans? Cook wasn't needed this week (the Bucks saw to that), but he could be needed this week.  Saquon Barkley needs to show up in a big way, but in a cruel twist of fate, the Buckeye fate lies in the hands of Christian Hackenberg.  He's had a few flashes of brilliance, but a lot of 'huh?' plays.  This is the situation for Hackenberg to show the world why NFL scouts still (inexplicably) see the franchise QB of their future.  The weather allows for a passing attack and Lions reset the Buckeye train.  PSU: 24--Sparty: 21
Hoying: OK, Christian Hackenberg. You've sucked for a solid 3 years after showing a flash of talent as a first year. Do you have enough in the tank to pull off one consequential upset? The Lions have crapped the bed against the real live opponents they've seen so far this year (the Owls, the Buckeyes, the Wolverines), while the Spartans have petered along before scoring the knockout punch against our beloved Bucks. Cook is questionable once again, and the result of this tilt could depend on his availability, as well as Suckenberg's ability to find holes in a suspect Spartan secondary (sigh). Back in 2008, Buckeye Nation was rooting hard (in vain) for Penn State to fall flat on their face against Sparty in Happy Valley so that Ohio State could go to the Rose Bowl. Expect to be disappointed once again. PSU: 17--Sparty: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. I will pick this how I want it to end. PSU: 17--Sparty: 14
Seeberg:  If ever there were a day when Hackenburg needed to fulfill all that potential, it's this Saturday for all of Buckeye Nation...but don't hold your breath Buckeye brethren.  The Spartans had their garbage game of the season and it still took a blown call for Nebraska to squeak out a win.  It's at home, and there's too much on the line for them not to be focused.  If Cook can't go or struggles, this one will stay close, but too much Sparty sack party does the Nittany Lions in.  PSU: 13--Sparty: 21

#17 Florida State Se_inoles @ #11 Florida Gators
Draper: Florida has dodged bullet after bullet sent by suck opponents.  Enter the Noles.  FSU had the inexcusable loss loss to Tech and an 'yeah, expected it' loss to the Tigers.  The Noles season expectations have changed for this year, but the focus on the Gators won't.  Cook and the Noles will be happy to oblige the Gators in their desire to practice losing before the SEC title.  Cook finally awakens those voters that forgot to be 'talkin bout the noles!'.  FSU: 27--UF: 10
Hoying: One, two three four five six...those Gators just about lost to Florida Atlantic. Such a loss would have been nearly as bad as falling to terrible terrible Georgia Tech. Is Florida losing its focus looking ahead to a titanic clash with the INVINCIBLE TIDE? Or have they truly been focused this week's contest against their rival? Treon Harris is still horrible, but the Gator D is as tough as ever. If Dalvin Cook can have a big day, expect the Noles to win. Florida doesn't have a Deshaun Watson to follow Cook blow-for-blow. The Gators couldn't stop Fournette, and they won't stop Cook either. FSU: 24--UF: 14
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. FSU: 28--UF: 13
Seeberg:  All right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another game of "Will Florida score in the first half against an in-state opponent?"  Last week the answer was no...against 2-9 Florida Atlantic.  My guess is, even with an oddly unsettled quarterback position, the Seminoles will be just a smidge better.  Expect lots of Dalvin Cook to secure him an invite to NYC for the bronze stiff-arm, and another W for Jimbo and the 'Noles.  FSU: 24--UF: 6

#6 Notre Da_e Fighting Irish @ #12 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: The contest has huge playoff consequences, but I just don't care.  Stanford has been slogging through their schedule winning ugly and boring.  ND on the other hand...has done no different.  The difference is the huge injuries on the Irish side of the ball.  David Shaw finds a way to line up 11 on the line as the Cardinal end the Irish hopes.  Irish eyes will be crying in Palo Alto. ND: 17--Stan: 20
Hoying: Could this really be a year in which the Playoff features Sparty, the fighting Dabo Swinneys, AND the Irish??? Surely at least ONE of those has to choke before season's end. The Irish have been coasting on their road loss to #1 and a slew of AAC wins (over decent schools, to be fair), while the Cardinal have continuously been battle tested since week 1's loss at Northwestern. Stanford's star RB could be quietly working his way toward a few trophies at season's end, and a big effort in a win over a fellow Playoff contender will certainly help his case. ND: 24--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. ND: 28--Stan: 35
Seeberg:  To be honest, I was leaning pretty strongly toward the Cardinal before the news that C.J. Prosise was out for this game.  Now?  Too much Stanford D that can feast on a one-dimensional Irish passing attack, and too much balance when the Tree takes the ball.  McAffrey and Hogan slice and dice the Golden Domers and officially (thankfully) knock them out of playoff talks.  ND: 17--Stan: 31

#5 Oklaho_a Sooners @ #8 Oklaho_a State Cowboys
Draper: The Pokes finally returned to Earth after rocking to a 10-0 record without anyone paying attention outside Stillwater.  We can all appreciate the offensive fire thanks to Gundy, but that defense is trash.  This contest is always good for an exciting couple of hours but the Sooners always tend to find a way to end on top.  Stoops was close to being snake bitten last week, but I don't expect a letdown here.  The OU defense isn't exactly spectacular, but they'll be enough with Baker leading the way.  OU: 51--OSU: 42  
Hoying: I was fooled. It looked like this would finally be the year the Cowboys finished a season, after crashing and burning in 2011 (and getting hosed by the voters). Now the Pokes need a big win over OU and a big loss by Baylor either this week or the next. OU's stud QB took a tough shot to the head in the win over the Horned Frogs, but he'll be back to lead what's turned into one of the nation's top offenses. I feel like I've seen the Sooners play out this story before, in which they need only reach out and grasp the opportunity at hand, but You-Know-What Bob chokes it away. I have that feeling again. OU: 38--OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. OU: 35--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  Man, this one seems WAY too easy on paper.  The Sooners are playing well on both sides of the ball save for about a quarter defensively against TCU, and Oklahoma State crashed and burned (again) losing to Baylor's we-found-this-QB-in-poli-sci-101-last-month 37th-string signal caller.  I'm fairly certain I could throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs per game in that system (remember, that's a below average day for their QBs).  Still, Stoops and Gundy can't both lose this game simultaneously.  It's a rivalry so anything can happen, but I just can't imagine the Sooners crapping away a playoff birth this late in the season...they already thought they'd accomplished that against the Longhorns.  Boomer Sooner indeed.  OU: 49--OSU: 35

#16 Ole _iss Rebels @ #23 _ississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Woooo!! Egg Bowl!! Never know what's going down here.  Both the Dogs and the Rebels have been SUPER flaky this year.  The Dak Attack vs. the Landsharks should be quite fun.  The Rebs and Bulldogs both arrive off big wins (LSU and Bert respectively), but  I honestly don't know what to expect.  It's in Stark Vegas, so gotta go with CLANGA in this one because those cowbells are so sweet...or annoying. Rebels: 27--Bulldogs: 31
Hoying: Nothing says "Second-Tier Rivalry" like the Egg Bowl. This year's version retains a little significance, in the unlikely event that the Tide totally collapses against Auburn and the Rebels take their place in Atlanta, but it will probably only affect which school goes to the TaxSlayer Bowl and which one goes to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs are likely frauds, with their best wins being over their state's top directional school and Louisiana Tech. Ooooohhhh. On the other sideline is a squad that, legend has it, was able to topple the Tide this very season (nobody told the Playoff selection overlords about it, though). Good Bo/Bad Bo has been replaced by Chad Kelly, but the Landsharks are still out in force. In honor of The Force Awakens opening in a few weeks, here's to a Rebel victory. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 24
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 17
Seeberg:  I have given up on predicting all things Ole Miss related since I somehow nailed their upset win of Bama.  The Bulldogs put up a billion yards against the Razorbacks last week (I'm too lazy to look up the actual number, but I know for a fact they had more yards in the first QUARTER than the Bucks did all game last week, so I'm guessing a billion is close) so Dak is back up and running after getting thumped by the Tide.  Given the nature of this nearly relevant rivalry both teams are likely to be up for this one, but that tends to lead to some errors from the mercurial Chad Kelly.  Prescott and Co. take advantage and take the egg bowl...presumably to make me an omelet later.  Rebels: 24--Bulldogs: 28

#9 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #10 That School Up North
Draper:  There's only one thing that would be surprising...a close contest.  Will the Bucks rally under adversity to squelch the hated rival? Will the go quietly into that good night?  I expect either a flat defeated Buckeye squad waiting to get out and head to the NFL or a disrespected angry group ready to avenge the loss and take it out on the hated Wolverines.  Could a squad with the prodigious talent of the Buckeyes lay two eggs? I lean to no.  The line plays with renewed vigor, Zeke busts a few, JT actually throws a few passes for big gains, and the defense shuts down the crazy one on the other side.  Get the lights on Harbaugh, Saturday will lead to a nice breakdown or two.  It ain't worth winning if you can't win big.  OSU: 42--TTUN: 17
Hoying: I can recall a day when the Buckeyes were the consensus #1 squad but their bitter rivals were the nation's hottest, fresh off 3 straight shutouts. How the Spartans do shatter expectations in this conference. After a baffling total offensive failure, do the Buckeyes still have the will to give 100% in the biggest showdown of the season? Urban's boys always shine the brightest under the brightest lights (last week notwithstanding), especially when the Bucks are underdogs. And lookie, lookie, Ohio State is sitting at +1.5 going into this weekend. These are still two very good squads, but look for the OSU D-Line to get after Rudock and the Wolverine rushing attack after a subpar effort against Sparty. And it's possible that Zeke could actually get a few carries this week and run with a bit of purpose when given the chance. A win over Harbaugh caps a good season regardless of what happens in East Lansing, though not exactly a successful one. OSU: 28--TTUN: 20
Schweinfurth: This is the contest that counts this week. There are two ways these Buckeyes can go, galvanize together and win, or devide and get crushed. I have gone back and forth on which Buckeye offense will show up and I have settled on the one we expected to see. Urban is going to get involved this week and that usually signals a turnaround. After Zeke's little spat last week, he will run possessed. There is nothing quite like a butt whooping to cleanse the soul. The soul has been cleansed. The Bullets are still there and Jack Rudock is just a guy. The Bullets get two picks and the Bucks in another close one up north. OSU: 21--TTUN: 17
Seeberg:  Let's be honest, Buckeye Nation, we all knew that the Khaki Eclipse was going to bring ttun back to at least national respectability, but nobody expected them to be this good this fast.  How I LONG for Brady Hoke again.  If you had told me BOTH teams would be in the top ten for the 2015 version of The Game I would've laughed you out of town.  On paper it should be a 2-TD coast for the Bucks, but we haven't performed up to our paper status all year, and after the outbursts following the Sparty debacle, there's less reason to think we'll start now.  Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret:  I picked against the Bucks four times last year, and we went 4-0.  In all honesty?  I thought we would win two of them, but I didn't wanna ruin the mojo.  Time to recover last year's magic and inspire our Buckeyes by picking the stinkpile in Ann Arbor.  OSU: 17--TTUN: 20

Upset Special
Draper: South Carolina over Cle_son (screw it, go big or go ho_e)
Hoying: Illinois over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Auburn over The Tide (I want to see the college football world burn)
Seeberg: Auburn over Alaba_a...KIDDING.  Let's go Georgia Tech over Georgia

Week 12 - B(1G)East Mode

Standings
1) Seeberg             41-14    (1-10 upset) 
2) Draper               40-15    (5-6 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     36-19    (2-9 upset)
3) Hoying               36-19    (1-10 upset)

We're ten games into the season, and the mission for the B1G East's elite remains the same as it was in August: win out and you're going to Indianapolis to (probably) play Iowa.

Meanwhile, the Big 12 season has finally arrived in earnest. Get ready for a sprint to the finish as Oklahoma State desperately tries to carry the BXII flag into the playoff for the first time.

#11 Michigan Wolverines @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: Michigan survives another nail biter against a mediocre to bad team.  Everyone talks about Michigan as being super unlucky after the UM/MSU ridiculousness, but look at the last few games in which they COMPLETELY fell backwards into wins.  Here's the secret, Michigan's defense can handle a good running game.  Leidner played well, but Jordan Howard completely destroyed the myth of a stout UM defense.  Enter Saquan Barkley who is really really good.  PSU has the Hackenburg suckiness, but if Franklin hands the ball off 30 times, PSU wins a big one.  The Lion defense shouldn't have too much of a problem with Jake Rudock (you know, because they don't suck like IU).  Lions knock the Wolverines out of the BEast race backing them into a corner for the The Game. UM: 20--PSU: 27
Hoying: Did any of you actually think that Indiana would be able to hold a 4th quarter lead against a team with a pulse? OK, so last week taught us nothing new about the Hoosiers, but the last two weeks have revealed a disturbing trend regarding what was once the nation's hottest team: Harbaugh's defense has suddenly disappeared. Granted, Jordan Howard is very good and Mitch Leidner was very lucky, but 3 consecutive shutouts feels like an eternity ago. And here comes Saquan I-ran-for-194-yards-against-an-actual-elite-defense Barkley. Fortunately for that school up north, Jake Rudock seems to have become what Hackenberg was at his peak, and UM will need him against a stout Penn State D. This is a terrible trap game for the Corn and Blue, and they drop a big one at the most inopportune time. We'll find out how stern their stuff is next week. UM: 23--PSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Penn St. gets Michigan at a good time, right before playing the Buckeyes and in a good place, Happy Valley. After watching Jordan Howard run crazy and tenderize the scUM front seven, Saquan Barkley is set up for a BIG day. I expect lots of running and not so much passing. UM: 13--PSU: 17
Seeberg:  Unfortunately, scUM avoided a collapse against Indiana last week, and in the process won a borderline shootout- something the Wolverines didn't appear capable of doing.  This game is likely to feature a helluva lot fewer points, which is right in their wheelhouse.  With Sackenburg sitting in the pocket like one of those targets at the county fair that just moves back and forth every time you hit it with the pop gun, the Nittany Lions are likely to be in a lot of 3rd and longs which means the maize and blue defense will tee off on the immobile QB.  Crowd keeps them in it for a half or so, but (We Are) Penn State wears down late.  UM: 24--PSU: 13

#15 Louisiana State Tigers @ #21 Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: I don't know what to make of these teams.  LSU looked beastly until Bama destroyed them, then even Bert could take em down.  Ole Miss has been up and down all year but Nkemdiche is questionable and the best player on the field wear's purple and gold.  Are Miles and the Tigers going to go quietly into that goodnight? I don't think so.  Leonard Fournette restates his Heisman hopes (albeit a little too late). The Grove will be rocking but the Taigahs will geaux.  LSU: 27--Miss: 20
Hoying: LSU loses to Arkansas in another installment of the world's wackiest rivalry and the fans instantly complain that the wheels are falling off in Baton Rouge. I'm glad our fans are more patient and never freak out over a loss...But however bad it's been, it's about to get worse. Alabama drafted the blueprint for stopping Fournette, and the Landsharks aren't going to be to be any easier of a puzzle for the Tigers to solve. Maybe LSU can win by throwing over the top. Heh. Heheheheh. HeeheeeheeheeheehahahahaHAHAHAHAHAH! LSU: 17--Miss: 20
Schweinfurth: There is no way LSU loses three in a row right? Yes, Alabama gave the blueprint to stop Fournette (and really all you had to do was load the box because the Tigers don't have a QB). With that said, I just don't think Ole' Miss has the horses on defense, mostly becuase it's Ole' Miss. Fournette does just enough to win this for the Tigers. LSU: 20--Miss: 14
Seeberg:  Seriously, Tiger fans?  Les Miles is coaching for his job?  If there is even a shred of truth in that Miles should just bolt out the back door and never return.  In any event, LSU will likely be okay either way.  Bama put 37 on the Landsharks with an offense that has serious trouble throwing the ball.  Sound familiar?  I wouldn't expect any explosion quite like that, but the Tigers will Rag on that Ole Miss O (see what I did there??) and make just enough plays on offense to get back on track.  LSU: 24--Miss: 20

#17 Northwestern Wildcats @ #21 Wisconsin Badgers
Draper:  Another toughie.  Wisconsin has floated around the periphery after dropping the only two games of consequence.  Bama destroyed them and Iowa killed football with their 10-6 crapfest win (see Bengals on MNF).  Northwestern has the win over Stanford and....yeah.  I think the Badgers may be able to finally squeeze some life out of Camp Randall for a 'bigger than anyone will give them credit for' win.  The game should be competitive...but that doesn't mean good.  NW: 14--Wisc: 17
Hoying: How good is Wisconsin? The Badgers played 2 elite teams, lost to them both, and played NOBODY else. Northwestern's rebounded a bit from their midseason skid, claiming a nice victory over Penn State, but moving the ball against the nation's top scoring defense (!) might bring out the old Northwestern we know and love. However, even if Northwestern can't move the ball, Wisconsin has offensive struggles of their own, completely losing their identity without a viable running threat. Ehhh...I'm feeling the battle-tested NW defense to outshine a Badger D that's been feasting on cupcake row. NW: 13--UW: 10
Schweinfurth: If this game was in the "mighty" SEC it would be touted as a clash of two great defenses. There will be almost no points scored in this one. Northwestern's offense does just enough to win and Wisconsin is a shell of what they have been the past few years. First team to score a TD wins. NW: 10--UW: 9
Seeberg:  Another B1G clash with points at a premium.  Sadly for Iowa, the loser is likely out of the top 25, hurting their quality win status.  Iowa's hideous 10-6 win over the Badgers earlier in the year was against an extremely shorthanded Wisconsin squad.  The Badgers are marginally healthier now, and I expect them to completely shut down NW.  Will they score enough points to win?  Not in most cases- but this is the exception.  NW: 6--UW: 10

#16 Baylor Bears @ #4 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Shootouts continue in the Big 12.  Baylor faltered under the lights this week, but they get an immediate shot at redemption.  The Pokes came back from another late deficit, but keep winning.  While Baylor shrunk on the big stage, OSU tends to rise up.  Stillwater is always rocking so lean on the Cowboys.  Baylor had their hopes and dreams crushed last week, and I don't think this team has the intestinal fortitude to come back from disappointment.  Baylor: 49--OSU: 59
Hoying; Good news for the Big 12: the Pac 12 isn't churning out a champion with fewer than 2 losses, all but eliminating them from the playoff picture. Bad news for the Big 12: Notre Dame is still sitting at the 4 spot and only Oklahoma State has a chance to escape the conference unblemished. Considering Baylor's craptastic schedule, Bob Bowlsby's dreamcatcher is probably chock full of trogglehumpers of Baylor recovering from last week's loss to run the table. Fortunately for him, the Cowboys are a legitimate title contender who fight until the final pistol. The Force is with young Jarrett Stidham, but he's not a Big 12 contender yet. Baylor: 45--OSU: 56
Schweinfurth: That vaunted Baylor offense sure looked great last week...or not. Baylor just doesn't have it when they play top competition. Oklahoma State on the other hand has looked good lately and is climbing up the standings. Take the Pokes at home. Baylor: 42--OSU: 63
Seeberg:  I'll be honest, it'd be nice to see Baylor lose again so we can finally stop hearing from Art it's-un-American-to-leave-us-out-of-the-playoff Briles.  Fortunately, that's likely to come to fruition.  On the road with a backup QB whose only games thus far are a narrow win at KSU and a loss at home against the Sooners.  They'll score points as always, but that steel-sieve defense will be their undoing again.  Bay: 35--OSU: 45

UCLA Bruins @ #18 Utah Utes
Draper: Both of these teams are...I have no clue.  Utah had it all in front of them, and crapped themselves vs. Arizona.  UCLA has been a Jekyll and Hyde team all year.  Rosen, Wilson, who will emerge.  No clue.  I do know that Salt Lake is a pretty intense environment.  Utah has crashed after flying too close to the sun, but UCLA has been middling all year.  With the Utes fight back for a chance and the title or will good UCLA grab control of their Pac 12 South destiny.  No clue.  The loss of Booker for the year tips the scales slightly to the visitors.  UCLA: 27--Utah: 24
Hoying: Oh yeah, the Pac-12 is still playing football. I forgot how boring a conference race becomes when it's not likely to end with a playoff berth. Remember how many conferences suffered this fate back in the BCS era, when only 2 teams got to move on to the championship? They dragged me kicking and screaming into the brave new world of playoffs, but I think I've been proven dead wrong. I genuinely care about all the other games on this list because of the playoff implications they carry. In contrast, I can't come up with anything to say about this one. Really. Got nothing. UCLA: 27--Utah: 20
Schweinfurth: I really have no clue here. I did see that Booker may be questionable for Utah. That will be a huge difference in this one. UCLA: 24--Utah: 17
Seeberg:  I have been whiffing on PAC-12 games left and right all year and this one is no easier to prognosticate.  Both teams are coming off bad losses, UCLA is having an expected mercurial season with a true frosh QB, and Utah is just good enough to get your hopes up before falling flat.  I expect Rosen to play an inspired game after a lackluster performance last week, so I'll take the Bruins in an I-wouldn't-be-at-all-surprised-if-it-went-the-other-way contest.  UCLA: 31--Utah: 23

#12 Texas Christian Horned Frogs @ #8 Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: OU is flying up everyone's charts,  but their one win may not be that impressive if Baylor takes a dive.  That being said, no one has fallen quicker than TCU.  After losing to the Pokes, the near miss vs. one of the worst teams in the country is a major worry.  TCU is falling fast and OU is rising quickly.  While I'm not completely on the Sooner Schooner, I like what I'm seeing out of Norman.  The game's also in Norman? BOOMER!! TCU: 17--OU: 38
Hoying: Remember the 2010 national championship? Texas finally made it back to the big show after being controversially left out the previous year in favor of Oklahoma, a team they beat (although any Big 12 selection for the title game that year would've been controversial). They came out firing on their first drive...and lost Colt McCoy for the game to a shoulder injury. The Alabama-Texas clash of the titans never came to be and the Tide cruised to victory. I feel like we were robbed of a possible matchup of that level here. No Boykin, no Doctson, no chance for TCU to stop what's become the nation's most frightening juggernaut since That School Up North in early October. Bedlam next week will have never been Bedlammier. TCU: 27--OU: 42
Schweinfurth: Boykin and Doctson may be out for this one and that is most definitely not a good thing for TCU. Add the porous TCU defense this year and you have the perfect storm for a Sooner win. TCU: 21--OU: 38
Seeberg:  TCU's defense has gotten moderately healthier in the last few weeks; however, their offense has gotten much more ill.  Both Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson are questionable for the game with nagging injuries, meaning if both can give it a go they won't be at full strength.  Meanwhile, the Sooners are riding high after dethroning the Briles Bears last week.  TCU is too good for the Sooners to look past like they did against Texas for their annual Bob Stoops Inexplicable Loss of the Year Award (TM).  Onto Bedlam as a potential playoff play-in game.  TCU: 28--OU: 42

#8 Michigan State Spartans @ #2 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper:  Is MSU good? They have the fluky win over the Wolverines and a lot of near misses against subpar to bad competition.  The Bucks finally get their first test, but I'm not totally sure if this is the test that we thought it would be in August.  Cook is hurt (no matter what the Spartans say) which pretty much removes the offense.  LJ Scott is a nice back and the receivers are alright, but without the signal caller, there's not much there.  Oh yeah, the Buckeye defense has been fantastic of late.  The Bucks, on the other side of the ball, need to emerge from the cocoon as they did in the MSU game last year.  JT needs to take control and rebound after last weeks' 'eh' performance.  More importantly, the O-line needs to slow Shilique Calhoun.  I think they will and the Bucks make a statement before facing the fighting Harbaughs.  MSU: 17--OSU: 42
Hoying: Did you know that Penn State can still win the B1G East? All they need is to win their final two games and hope that the Buckeyes lose out. I hate Penn State more than any other team (except one), so it's very important that our boys slam the door on any Rose Bowl hopes for the Lions with a big win over Sparty. Back in September, these teams were #1 and #2 for a brief period before Michigan State went all 2002 Ohio State and started struggling against poor opponents. This is not the same Sparty that terrorized the B1G for a couple years with a dominating defense, but that might make Buckeye fans more nervous. No one scores consequential upsets over Ohio State like That Other School Up North. From wins over Archie and the gang back in the early 70's to ending the Bucks' title hopes in the BCS's opening and closing seasons, there are plenty of reasons not to take this team lightly. The good news is that Urban has had this game marked on his calendar since last season ended, so Buckeye fans should expect to see the best performance from the Silver Bullets and a fully armed and operational JT Barrett-led offense (don't expect any field goals, though). A Penn State win over Meatchicken (see above) and the Buckeyes clinch a spot in the B1G championship a week ahead of THE GAME. MSU: 17--OSU: 35

Schweinfurth: Sparty is mad about last year. Ya know, that one game they played Ohio State and couldn't stop the QB power when everyone knew it was coming. The Buckeye offense since the Virginia Tech game has looked very vanilla and has still put up decent numbers. With JT shaking the rust off last week, I expect the playbook to be wide open this week. The Spartan secondary has been very suspect lately, but they can get a pass rush. Urban and Warriner have been working to shore the pass blocking up the past few weeks and we should see dividends Saturday afternoon. With Connor Cook possibly injured, this game could get ugly, but emotion keeps Sparty in through the first half. MSU: 17--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  Anybody see/believe the betting line on this? We are a 2-touchdown favorite.  That terrifies the heck out of me.  As we know the offense has been sputtering for much of the year, but a pleasant surprise, at least to me, has been the Silver Bullet D.  They seemed to embrace The Grind a bit more than the O, and are already playing at CFP-level form. I do believe the offense will begin to round into shape, but not fully against a tough Sparty D.  Regardless, bettors should take Sparty, but the Bucks take the game.  MSU: 17--OSU: 28   

Upset Special
Draper: Virginia Tech over North Carolina
Hoying: Tulsa over Navy
Schweinfurth: Boston College over Notre Dame
Seeberg: Indiana over Maryland (seriously, MD is a 2-point favorite)

Grading the Bucks: Week 7 -- Penn State

The Return of Captain Smooth (let's hope)

Offense: Incomplete
How to grade this unit? Cardale looked horrible and the offense sputtered with him at the helm.  To be clear, this was the worst Cardale has looked as a starter.  Passes were 'Brett Favre'd' off target, indecisiveness reigned, and there was no rhythm.  Enter Captain Smooth, Joe Thomas Barrett IV, who calmly stepped into the breech and took charge.  4/4 passing, of course a very small sample size), was perfect as well as total command of the ground game.  All of a sudden, Zeke started to break free, the receivers looked more crisp in routes and blocking, O-line gained confidence, and J.T. was able to run the read option that we love.  Once the change happened, I love what I saw from the offense on almost all levels.  The misdirection JT excels at was phenomenal, so much so that the Penn State D-line (who is quite good) felt the need to celebrate the one time they broke up a play.  Tale of two leaders.  Grades will be completed once we see a full JT game...if we see a whole JT game.

Defense: C+
This was the most difficult grade of all time.  This game had some absolutely fantastic plays but there were some historic fails.  Apple was off as he has been most of the year, tackling was sloppy, and PSU's freshman RB Saquon Barkley tore us up.  Yes, he looks like he could be really good, but giving up nearly 200 yards is unacceptable.  The D-line was great on the pass rush, even while being held on every play, but the rush defense needs to step it up.  The loss of Perry could be costly going forward as Booker looked a little iffy in his absence.  We'll see if there are any lingering effects.

Special Teams: A
Cam Johnston was fantastic pinning most punts inside the 5 (!) after great coverage.  The one attempted FG was converted and coverage on all kicks/punts was fantastic.  There is little (if anything) to complain about from this unit.  They were fantastic.  The return game wasn't special, but no turnovers are good enough for me.  Cam Johnston for Ray Guy? If only we punted more...let's hope not.

Coaching: C
This has to be the final straw, doesn't it?...DOESN'T IT??? I've been shocked at the refusal to see facts by the coaching staff.  JT jumpstarting the offense upon arrival is due to more than his abilities.  He exudes a quiet confident presence of a leader who's skill set fits the talents of this team to a tee.  The misdirection opens up running lanes for both him and Zeke as well as confusing the DBs.  For the air game, he doesn't have the cannon Cardale has, but he can diagnose the defense and carve them up efficiently.  He takes what is given and gets as much as possible.  In game adjustments were ok but the failure to stop the run was an issue.  The D-line could stop all but quick passes by forcing the issue, but there didn't seem a concerted effort to stop the run.  While the decision eventually paid off, I was baffled by Urban's decision to punt from the opponent 34.  Yes, Johnston is good and pinned them deep (although I believe they scored on that drive), but I would prefer to go for it that deep in enemy territory.  The extra yards of field position don't seem worth giving up the chance to extend the drive.

Overall: B
Solid victory over a decent team (one of the best we've played) that is improving greatly.  Note: they've only lost to currently undefeated teams.  Good performance, but I'd like to see a stauncher run D.  From a 'point' perspective, the defense was great, but I worry down the road.  Offensively, JT ran a great game...but the question is: 'Has he earned the keys to the car?"  In my opinion, yes (but you already knew that).  Can Urban swallow his pride and make the call? The time is now.

Uniforms: BUTT
Here are my thoughts: If you really think recruits choose their school based on uniforms, I think you're insane.  Yes, high school students are not known for their deep wisdom, but if you don't want to come to OSU for the tradition, the excellence, and, oh yeah, the Championships, the fame, the exposure, and the ticket to the next level of the NFL, then I can't help you.  This is nothing more than a money grab because fans will pay whatever they ask for new 'swag'.  I know the players like them, I know the recruits like them, but there's something to be said for the strength of tradition and the pride of donning the Scarlet and Gray.  We don't need gimmicks...we're Ohio State.  The tradition of excellence speaks for itself.

Week 7 - That Rivalry Up North

Standings
1) Seeberg              24-7    (0-6 upset)
2) Draper                22-9    (4-2 upset) 
3) Hoying               21-10    (1-5 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     20-11    (1-5 upset)

As we approach the season's halfway point, 16 undefeated teams are still in the playoff chase, with another 14 Power 5 teams floating around with just one loss. This week's action should go a long way toward determining  who we'll see in Miami and Dallas on New Year's Eve, particularly from our own beloved B1G.

UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: After the anomaly in Evanston, Stanford has really come together and started to look like a real football team.  UCLA on the other hand, started super hot and now has come crashing back to earth.  Stanford has much more experience at QB but Josh Rosen is the flavor of the month.  The loss of Myles Jack is huge, but I'm expecting a rebound from the Bruins.  Stanford tries to muck it up, but UCLA gets enough flash to escape Palo Alto with a win.  UCLA: 31 -- Stan: 28
Hoying: With all the turmoil that's engulfed the Pac-12 over the last couple of weeks, it's odd that these teams aren't getting more hype as potential playoff contenders. Each is sitting on only one loss and has looked pretty good the rest of the time. Age meets beauty behind center as Stanford senior QB Kevin Hogan and UCLA freshman QB Josh Rosen continue to have excellent seasons slinging the ball. But in big games, experience counts, and Stanford has been the hot team after losing their opener to better-than-expected Northwestern. Cardinal get the win in front of all 50 of their fans at home. UCLA: 20--Stan: 24
Schweinfurth: I can honestly say I really don't know much about these two teams (thanks to after 10 PM PAC-12 games and the whole east coast bias thing). What I do know is that both teams have good QBs. Unfortunately, UCLA is without Miles Jack and Stanford have a senior QB. Advantage Cardinal. UCLA: 28--Stan: 31
Seeberg:  Stanford is averaging 35 ppg on offense.  That may come as a shock to some of you who only remember their 16-6 opening week debacle at Northwestern.  Meanwhile in SoCal, UCLA was the toast of the Pac-12 for about 47 minutes and then lost badly to Arizona State at home last week.  Both teams run it well and have talented QBs, though Kevin Hogan has far more experience.  I think UCLA will be poised for this game, knowing a second conference loss all but ruins their plans for the year, but Stanford is playing just a little too well at the moment.  Dance hideous tree, dance.  UCLA: 24--STAN: 31

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Northwestern Wildcats
Draper:  Is Iowa for real? Is Northwestern decent or will they fold after their first adversity of the year.  Michigan took the wind out of the Wildcats sails, but we need to see if Northwestern folds after the first bad game like they have so often in the recent past.  Iowa is undefeated but they haven't played anyone of note (before you give me Wisconsin...you obviously didn't watch that poor excuse of a 'game' in Madison).  I think Northwestern rebounds at home in a tight low scoring affair.  Iowa: 10 -- NW: 13
Hoying: Michigan ruins everything. What could've been a showdown between two undefeated B1G West heavyweights is...still actually really important. Sure, Northwestern got blasted, but they still control their destiny and a win over the Hawkeyes would put them in the driver's seat. But do the 'Cats have anything left in the tank? In 2013, Ohio State broke undefeated and ranked Northwestern and it took them 2 years to recover. The loss to Michigan wasn't quite as heartbreaking (NW was probably at peace with it by about the 4th quarter) but they'll need to be at full power to handle an Iowa team that continues to have success on the ground and on defense. Northwestern is the better team, but don't underestimate the hangover effect. Iowa: 16--NW: 13
Schweinfurth: You have to think that Northwestern is reeling after the beating they took last week. This seems to happen every year. Northwestern gets off to a great start and then puts all their energy into one game, get their hearts ripped out, and then crash the rest of the year. It looks like it might happen again this year. Iowa is just bullying teams with their defense and physical run game. The Wildcat defense was totally shut down last week and I don't see much changing this week. The Northwestern crash begins. Iowa: 20--NW: 3
Seeberg:  Let's be honest here, both teams are already playing with house money at 6-0 (Iowa), 5-1 (NW) and in the top 20.  However, NW basically collapsed after their last nationally relevant game ended in defeat against the Buckeyes in Evanston two years ago.  The 38-0 scoreline against TTUN was a touch misleading as 14 points came off of returns (kick and INT), but Northwestern still got exposed and they haven't scored more than 27 against an FBS opponent this season.  This is the biggest test for Iowa to date, but after winning ugly against an albeit down Wisconsin team at their hellhole of a stadium, I don't expect the Cubbie-crazy Chicago suburb to be too into this game after the loss at UM.  Hawkeyes ugly their way to 7-0.  IOWA: 17--NW: 10

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper:  Bama seemed to have rebounded with a monster of a game vs. UGA but the Arkansas game was clearly a little scary for 3 quarters for those in Tuscaloosa.  A&M is another of those teams just hanging around.  Are they good? I have no idea, but I think Bama, when at their peak, is solid.  I fear for my life too much to pick against Saban, even at Kyle Field.  Bama: 31--TAMU: 21
Hoying: It's possible that the SEC's best team is playing in this game, and that they'll be wearing the home maroons. After thrashing Arizona State in the season opener, the Aggies have quietly strung together 4 more wins behind the excellent play of QB Kyle Allen. Meanwhile, Alabama struggled to do anything for 3 quarters against Bert before pulling away. Stopping the Arkansas offense is one thing; can Saban shut down Texas A&M? Ole Miss needed every trick in the book and every favorable bounce to bounce Alabama, and I don't think lightning is going to strike twice until Bama's opponent has a bit more thunder in the tank. Bama: 38--TAMU: 28
Schweinfurth: One gets the feeling that Alabama has been escaping more games this year than in the past. This isn't the Alabama of the last few years. Saban still hasn't figured out how to stop a good spread offense and relies on guys who are on the large, slower side. It does seem that Lane Kiffin has pulled his head out of his backside (Saban's edict?) and has begun to rely on that strong running game lead by Derrick Henry. The Aggies always give the Tide fits and this is another close one. Henry and the Tide run game are the difference. Bama: 42--TAMU: 38
Seeberg:  Bama is 5-1 this season despite not really looking much like Bama for long stretches with the exception of their thrashing of Georgia.  They were down 7-3 in the 3rd quarter against we-lost-to-Toledo Arkansas before waking up to win 27-14.   In a slightly darker shade of Crimson, the Aggies haven't really faced any adversity whatsoever in their 5-0 start except against- that's right- we-also-lost-to-Texas-Tech Arkansas.  The Aggies needed OT to escape the Razorbacks.  The difference?  The Aggies could not run the ball at all and needed Kyle Allen heroics (358 pass yds) to win.  Bama has an improving Jay Coker and Derrick Henry to hand the ball to.  That balance will, combined with Bama's D shutting down the run like Arkansas did, give the Crimson Tide a close win.  BAMA: 27--TAMU: 20

Michigan State Spartans @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: This game all of a sudden got realllllll interesting.  Michigan is arguably the hottest team in football with 3 straight shutouts.  MSU has been limping along all season similar to OSU.  The question is: Is MSU (and OSU) bored, or do they have chinks in the armor? I imagine it's a little of both.  In my opinion, Michigan is playing at their maximum level and we have yet to see the best of MSU.  Being in the Big House, the Wolverine faithful will be strutting their stuff up until kickoff.  Something tells me, this is the week in which MSU puts it together.  Cook, and Scott steadily wear down the vaulted Wolverine defense and the Spartan defense exposes Jake Rudock as the worthless QB he is.  Close game, but the Blue go home crying after another beat at the hands of 'little brother'.  MSU: 20 -- UM: 13
Hoying: Remember when the hot talk was whether Ohio State and Michigan State could both make the playoff after blowing through their easy conference slates? Suddenly, the hot takes aren't talking about either team representing the B1G. Three straight shutouts will do wonders for a team's reputation, even when that team has done this to us before in recent memory, starting 4-0 in 2009 (finished 5-7), 5-0 in 2010 (finished 7-6), and 5-0 in 2013 (finished 7-6). What's the mark of Michigan being back for real? Knocking off Little Brother. The Maize and Blue owned the Green and White before Lloyd left, but it's been incredibly rough sailing since. Part of it is the constant coaching changes, especially since a first-year Wolverine coach hasn't beaten their #2 rivals since Bennie Oosterbaan in 1948. This year, the evil empire has the better defense and maybe even the better running game. This one will come down to how well the Spartan front can rattle Rudock and force him to make mistakes. Sparty's struggled to put away worse teams, and after seeing Utah pick off Cal QB Jared Goff 5 times, it looks like maybe Jake's not the turnover machine Buckeye Nation thought they could ridicule all year. Be glad we have another 6 weeks to prepare, because the Harbaugh victory train keeps right on rolling. MSU: 20--UM: 24
Schweinfurth: I really don't know what to make of these two teams. TUN defense actually looks legit, but I have serious questions about Jake Rudock as a decent QB. I feel like he just hasn't done much and the Wolverines rely way too much on the run game. On the other side, the Spartans have been playing uninspired football the last few weeks and barely escaped Piscataway with a win last week. We know Dantonio can coach up that defense and I think the Spartans have been looking forward to this game all year to this point. We finally see the Spartan team that rolled Oregon in week two and L.J. Scott has a big day chewing up clock. All hail Little Brother. MSU: 17--UM: 14
Seeberg:  If anyone tells you they had the Wolverines favored by a full touchdown in this game at the start of the season, then they have taken a quantum leap in the field of compulsive lying.  Yet somehow, that's where we find ourselves.  I think the Spartans are probably the better team assuming both squads are at even strength, but a laundry list of injuries has Sparty looking quite pedestrian.  Meanwhile, Jake Rudock has looked positively competent since his disastrous 3 INT performance against Utah, although I do think the 38 points put up against NW last week is a bit misleading (kick return TD and a pick-6 account for 14 of those points).  Nonetheless, the hideous maize and blue are the better team right now.  The shutout streak ends, but L.J. Scott is really all MSU has on offense, and it won't be enough.  Sorry Sparty.  MSU: 13--UM: 20

Florida Gators @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: A sexy matchup in the Bayou...before Will Grier was suspended for the year.  The Gators were a pleasant surprise through the first half of the year (even with the close call vs. UK) but this is the straw that broke the Gator's back...and oh yeah, there's a guy named Leonard Fournette on the other sideline.  With Grier, the Gators had a chance (still not a great one), without him, I don't see this being close.  Death Valley is really tough to win in at night, even for full teams.  This could be over by half.  UF: 10--LSU: 27
Hoying: A league of terrible quarterbacks just got terribler. Florida's Will Grier, a virtual lock for all-SEC QB, peed in the wrong cup and now he'll have to watch Treon Harris bumble and stumble his way against a fearsome Tiger D in Death Valley. That is, if Harris himself doesn't get suspended again before Saturday. It's not like LSU is going to be any better through the air, but when you have Leonard Fournette, you don't really need a two-dimensional offense. It's like having a 16 oz prime rib and complaining that your salad doesn't have enough croutons on it. Florida, like a crouton, is toast, and not even the Ol' Ball Coach could save them. It's not possible to lose your superstar QB for the season and compete for the national title. Fla: 17--LSU: 31 
Schweinfurth: What happens when you don't check the label on your over-the-counter supplements? You get suspended for using a PED (oops). So now both teams have huge question marks at the QB position. It's also put up or shut-up time for Fournette. I think he will provide all the offense LSU needs in this game, but doesn't rip off the big one he has had the last few weeks. Fla: 13--LSU: 14
Seeberg:  Can LSU throw the ball?  I honestly have no idea.  What's scarier is that LSU has no idea either, averaging a paltry 122 yards per game.  If Fournette runs all over the Gators he is a likely shoe-in for the Heisman but I don't see that happening.  He'll certainly get near/over 100 yards, but it will probably take 20-25 carries.  Florida's offense isn't exactly a juggernaut either, but they did put up 38 on Ole Miss which is more than I would expect LSU to score against the Rebels.  Oddly, Florida doesn't run the ball particularly well, so both offenses are one-dimensional.  In short, the squad I trust most on the field is the Florida D, having faced better competition than LSU and giving up 8 fewer ppg.  Fournette might make enough plays to win it, but if he doesn't do it by himself, the Gators will rule the day. STOP THE PRESSES:  Will Grier was just suspended for the season for testing positive for PEDs.  I had Florida before that news, but that just might be the break LSU needs to pull out a low-scoring win.  FLA: 10--LSU: 17

Penn State Nittany Lions @ THE University of Cincinnati Bearcats
Draper: Penn State was to be the second biggest threat to the Buckeyes after the Spartans.  Now, I'm not really concerned at all.  Christian Hackenberg was once the NFL darling, but he folds under pressure...uh oh.  The front seven will be giving him fits all day (I'm saying 5 sacks).  I haven't seen a single thing out of Happy Valley that should worry the Buckeyes.  This is a rebound game for the defense after a subpar performance vs. craptastic Maryland.  Offensively, there were some good things that need to continue.  This whole redzone QB thing bothers me (if JT is the best making decisions in the red zone, he's the best option period) but we should have plenty of time to work out the kinks.  Game goals: , no turnovers for the offense, utilize the short passing game effectively but take a few shots deep, and the usual 100+ for Zeke. Defensively, at least 3 sacks, zero big plays, and run defense.  Another tune-up game that SHOULD be done by half.  PSU: 10 -- OSU: 38 
Hoying: FINALLY. That's the #1 Buckeye team we've been waiting to see since Labor Day. No turnovers? Check. Perfect in the red zone? Check. Contain the QB? ......well, it's a good thing we don't have to worry about facing another mobile QB for a while (bring it on, Cook & Rudock). Last year, this was the game that I thought would solidify OSU's resurrection from their awful loss to VT, but it instead showed that they could handle adversity and come together when it mattered most. This season, I'm not really worried. Hackenberg continues to struggle when put under pressure (dear Lord...) and the two-headed monster should shred an overrated Nittany Lion D. Make no mistake, Penn State is a complete mirage, and if the Bucks keep their current trajectory, they might steal a few first place votes back on Sunday morning. PSU: 13--OSU: 35
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, Pick Six University is rolling into town this week to face off the Men of the Black and...What are our school colors again? The two headed monster of Cardale and J.T. looked good and the coaching staff did a very good job of playing to both QBs' strengths. I expect this to continue with some J.T. sprinkled in to other areas of the field as well (probably some short yardage packages). This is going to be a pass first game as the Nittany Lions are going to load up to stop Zeke. Is this the week we see Braxton throw a pass? Maybe if it is the jet sweep tap pass. Otherwise, he stays on the outside. I expect Braxton and Thomas to have huge games (100+ yards each). We also get to see Christian Sackenberg and boy will he take a beating. Yes, the Lion offensive line has looked better since that Temple game, but they haven't faced a D-Line like this since last year's OSU game and they gave up 4 sack. Lewis, Washington, Bosa, and Lee all get at least one sack in this game. PSU lives up to expectations this year and Powell gets the pick six. PSU: 10--OSU: 45
Seeberg:  SO many games this week that seem as if they will be closely contested, this is the only one I can pick with a good amount of confidence.  The offense seemed to take a step forward last week.  Still too many penalties but no turnovers is definitely a plus.  J.T. in the red zone was unexpected but highly effective.  We just have to hope that one week of tape isn't enough for teams to put a package together to thwart our sudden red-zone efficiency.  Our previously highly touted defense apparently refuses to use a spy on a running quarterback, but thankfully good ole' Sackenburg is a relatively stagnant target in the pocket.  I'm still concerned about the receiving corps- only Michael Thomas appears to be getting separation with any consistency.  I also think Samuel needs more touches to compliment Zeke and Braxton in the backfield.  Still, in the 'Shoe and not the confines of Drunkard Happy Valley for a night game, the Bucks should win going away.  PSU: 17--OSU: 38

Upset Special
Draper: Kansas State over Oklahoma
Hoying: Arizona State over Utah
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Baylor
Seeberg:  Louisville over Florida State