Grading the Bucks: Week 8 -- Rutgers

Heeeeeeeeee's Baaaaaaaaaacccckkkk!

Most said 'changing the QB won't fix the flaws of this offense'.  Most outside of Let's Go Bucks that is.  Captain Smooth returned and their was much rejoicing.

Offense: A
JT comes back and everyone knows their role and thrives.  The line seems to be energized with JT under center.  I think that's because they trust him to make the right decisions.  The receivers know the ball will be there if they're open.  I hate to say this, but Cardale doesn't make 50% of the throws JT made against Rutgers.  They weren't necessarily tough throws but JT takes what's given (see slant to Thomas for 50 yards).  Even the deep ball was in JT's arsenal in addition to near flawless running of the read option.  This team is built for JT's game.  Zeke was bottled up early because Rutgers decided to make that the focal point (note how they couldn't stop anything else).  That being said, Zeke wears teams down and the 4th quarter is Zeke's quarter.  The only flaw was a stupid fumble by JT when Michael Thomas couldn't get out of his way (still, that's on JT). 

Defense: A
Yeah, they gave up the shutout with the scrubs in, but quality performance.  In fact, the performance was near flawless if you take out the first and last drives.  The D looked confused on the first drive giving up some chunk plays to a fairly good Rutgers offense, but tightened up and refused to give any quarter after that.  Conley made a spectacular interception and the defensive line just completely destroyed the Knights.  Bosa & Co. were getting pressure so quickly that they were disrupting handoffs.  It was a complete mismatch on the lines which made for a dominant performance.  Linebackers also played quite well after the poor tackling early.

Special Teams: A-
Didn't really near Cameron Johnston much although his one punt was one of his worst of the year.  No missed PATs, great coverage on kicks, and solid returns each time.  Marshall drives me crazy but he looked good returning punts Saturday. Oh yeah, we blocked a punt too.

Coaching: A-
They finally figured it out.  Cardale has some talent, but this is JT's offense.  Great commitment to the gameplan when it didn't explode out of the gate.  Defensively, they shut down the high powered Scarlet Knight offense.  The biggest question came on the weird 'trick' play called late in the game.  I tweeted out immediately that, had Jalin Marshall thrown the ball, it would have been a penalty.  This was noticed by Kirk (or more likely, some stat nerd in the ESPN booth) and mentioned on the broadcast, but that raises 2 questions: 1) Why was a trick play called in that situation against Rutgers? and 2) Did the coaching staff realize that the play as (likely) designed was illegal?  It stuns me how many coaches, players, commentators, etc. are not completely familiar with the rules.  Maybe he was supposed to fake throwing and then run....but I doubt it.  Maybe he was supposed to 'fake the fake'..I don't know where I am (courtesy of Coach Kline).

Overall: A
Lost the shutout, but this was the dominant performance on which we have been waiting.  This is the team to smash all who think to oppose them.  No mercy for the rest of the year.  The Mission to repeat is back.  Remove all hope from any opposition.  This is our trophy and we ain't giving it up.

Week 8 - It's Not Like Next Week Is Any Better

Standings
1) Seeberg              29-8    (0-7 upset)
2) Draper                26-11    (4-3 upset) 
2) Hoying               26-11    (1-6 upset)
2) Schweinfurth     26-11    (1-6 upset)

Hope you enjoyed last week, college football fans. These games suuuuuuuuck. At least we get to see the Buckeyes again before their Halloween bye.

#19 California Bears @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: Cal has been rising quickly under Sonny Lubick and his fast paced offense.  Jared Goff seeks to be the next great Cal QB, albeit quite different from A.A.Ron Rodgers.  UCLA had the crazy hype after a quick start but the Bruins and freshman 'sensation' Josh Rosen have slowly disappeared from memory like a fart in the wind.  The game is in the Rose Bowl but all the west coast fans have leapt off the band wagon and now are focused on...well, all sports kinda suck out there now....Golden State? Bears of the Golden variety triumph in a high scoring affair. Cal: 45--UCLA: 34
Hoying: Welcome to Rivalry Week. California vs. California. Bears vs. Bears. Blue and Gold vs. Blue and Gold. Are you excited yet? Yeah, me neither. Still, this is the wacky Pac-12, where almost every team (sorry, Oregon State and Colorado) is still chasing a berth at Sinkhole Stadium at season's end. Cal still controls its own destiny, and it remains undefeated in games in which QB Jared Goff doesn't throw 5 interceptions. UCLA is reeling after getting blown out in back-to-back games. The Bruins' defense just can't stop anyone, giving up 56 points to a Stanford team that racked up all of 6 against Northwestern. Expect the Bear O to go Goff on the Bruin D, and watch UCLA QB Josh Rosen crumble under the pressure yet again. Cal: 40--UCLA: 27
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, another PAC-12 game. I don't have a bias against the PAC-12, I just hate that they all play after I go to bed. With that said, I really don't know much about either team and I'll just make a pick. Cal: 38--UCLA: 35
Seeberg:  Not 100% sure what to make of this game.  UCLA has a defense like a steel sieve, but the last time we saw Jared Goff he was a turnover machine in a narrow loss to Utah.  Should I be impressed that Cal had 5 INTs and only lost to Utah by 6?  I don't know, because I still don't fully trust that the Utes are that good.  My educated guess is that the loss of Myles Jack in the UCLA defense was bigger than anyone realized at the time, and with two weeks to prep, a Cal team looking to re-establish itself after the Utah loss will be too much offensively for the Bruins to handle.  Cal: 42--UCLA: 34

#15 Texas A&M Aggies @ #21 Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: Ole Miss returns to the Grove after losing to perennial championship contender Memphis.  Memphis may be really good, but Ole Miss is supposed to be one of the premier programs in the premier league.  The loss of Robert Nkemdiche led to a meltdown.  This week will test the intestinal fortitude of the Rebels.  How do you respond to a blowout loss to Florida in the Swamp and a surprising loss to an undefeated but supposedly overmatched foe?  A&M was beat fairly soundly at home by the all and powerful Bama, but other than that blip, they have been quite good.  I expect a rebound game for Ole Miss.  Yeah, they could crash and burn, but returning home to the crazy fans, I expect the Rebels to play for their lives.  TAMU: 24--Miss: 31
Hoying: Is Memphis a legitimate playoff contender, or is Ole Miss just a complete mirage? After spotting Ole Miss a quick 14-0 lead, the Tigers dominated the Rebels at home last Saturday. The Landsharks were shredded through the air, particularly after superstar DL Robert Nkemdiche left the game with a concussion. That's bad news with Kyle Allen and the Aggies coming to town. This isn't the Alabama secondary that's going to return 3 Allen throws for TDs. The Rebels are going to have to outscore A&M, and that's tough without a running game, no matter how good Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly has been. Memphis would love Ole Miss to run the table and win the SEC, legitimizing their big win, but the wheels have fallen off and the cart is about to crash. TAMU: 38--Miss: 34
Schweinfurth: How is Ole Miss still ranked? Because they beat Bama? Memphis put a beat down on the Rebels last week and the Landshark defense is reeling after losing Nkemdiche (probably for a few weeks too). Be prepared for a long game with all the passing (this one may take over 4 hours). I'll take A&M in the marathon. TAMU: 42--Miss: 31
Seeberg:  This is a matchup of two oddly similar teams.  Both have solid QBs but no running game.  Both have legit chances to win the SEC West but are coming off of stinging losses.  Both have one conference loss so this is essentially an elimination game (though the Rebels' loss to Memphis may have them out of CFP contention anyway).  I think the combination of Robert Nkemdiche potentially being out (no word yet as of Wednesday afternoon as I type this) and Memphis torching the Rebels through the air provide the perfect blueprint for Sumlin to get his Aggies back on track.  TAMU: 34--Miss: 28

#1 Utah Utes @ USC Trojans
Draper:  This is the one.  SC could be in complete disarray after the Sark disaster, but they acquitted themselves quite well in South Bend when there was nothing positive to play for.  Utah has a nice win against Michigan at home that has aged well, a close win over Cal that is nice...but at home, a good win over ASU...at home, and a blowout of Oregon in Eugene.  Normally, that last would be incredibly valuable but not as much this year.  The Trojans have an incredible amount of talent and this is the week in which it shows.  They won't break any records this year, but they'll screw with some Utah hopes.  I'm surprised SC is favored, but I lean with Vegas.  Utah: 28--USC: 31
Hoying: No coach? Check. No great wins to date? Check. Favored to beat a team with a legitimate case to be ranked #1? Chec.....what??? A week after Utah handled the only team with a winning record USC's beaten (Arizona State) and USC lost by multiple scores to "eh" team Notre Dame, the bookies are giving Utah more than a field goal in this matchup. What gives? Cody Kessler has been pretty good...against crap, but the Trojans looked completely lost against Washington 2 weeks ago and I don't think the middle of a coaching change is the time for USC to start solving tough defenses. Remember that the Utes forced 6 turnovers to grind out a win against Cal. Kessler has thrown 4 INTs himself in the Trojans' last 2 losses. Uh oh. I'm not drinking the Kool-Aid (or anything Sark offers me). Utah preserves the Pac-12's hope for an unbeaten champion. Utah: 28--USC: 20
Schweinfurth: Utah has looked good all season and USC is in bad shape without a head coach. Utah: 31--USC: 17
Seeberg:  I have to be honest- I assumed my colleagues had gone blind in one eye and had that milky film over the other eye in reporting that Utah was an underdog, yet somehow, they're right.  I admit I don't fully trust the Utes yet, but there's no reason to think a 3-3 team should be favored over the Utes...or is there?  The Trojans looked more than competent under 5-day head coach and presumably more sober than his predecessor Clay Helton in a 10-point loss at Notre Dame.  They've got talent for days...or at least hours, but no serviceable depth and no RB that has even 400 yards through 6 games.  Cody Kessler is good but he just can't do it by himself.  The Trojans find themselves in too many 2nd and 9s and 3rd and 10s to overcome and Utah stays perfect.  Utah: 34--USC: 28

#3 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Draper: When I heard the news, I felt like Big Mike after saving the Buy More.  Joe Thomas Barrett IV returns under center to bring a sense of command and precision to the Buckeye offense.  Captain Smooth directs the offense like a symphony with dashing runs, precision passes, and an overall presence that the team can look to for solace.  The O-line certainly upped their game last week when JT returned and the seas parted as the magical misdirection returned.  Zeke found fewer defenders to deal with (JT had to be accounted for), the WR's blocked harder, and when needed, the short to intermediate passing game was very sharp.  Rutgers his never a team to strike hearts in the fears of men, but they are coming off a huge comeback over the Hoosiers...but now the Bucks have returned to form.  This won't be close.  My only request is that the defense stops giving up a few explosive plays a game. Show the nation what the Defending National Champs look like. OSU: 56--Rutgers...more like Buttgers: 9
Hoying: We've been asking for it, and it's finally arrived: Just Touchdowns Barrett is back. What will a defense do given a full week to prepare for him? The two-headed monster has (probably) been a nightmare to prepare for, but now DCs can full their full attention towards stopping the read option. I don't expect any slowdown this week, since Rutgers is surrendering up almost 30 points a game (and 1/3 of their opponents were Kansas and Norfolk State). If you're desperate for something to hold your attention, watch how the Ohio State passing game develops. Will JT finally be on the same page as his receivers, or at least close enough to keep the drives alive? Will Ohio State even try to throw the ball after racking up over 300 yards on the ground against a pretty good Penn State defense? Will Cardale see more action in garbage time than during his starting duties the last 2 weeks? How long until Stephen Collier gets to hand the ball off to Bri'onte Dunn? Does Ohio State have a greater chance of losing this weekend or next? OSU: 49--Rut: 17
Schweinfurth: Rutgers has one player: Leonte Carroo. Rutgers QB? Not mobile and they have some meh RBs. I'm not real worried about the Silver Bullets this week. Yes, there are lots of injuries, but this game should be some good experience for the young Bucks. On offense, it's time to get into a rhythm. Expect lots of up tempo with JT at the helm. Barrett is a good distributor of the ball and should get Thomas and Miller in some short/medium routes as the defense sucks up to stop the run. This is going to be a rout and we should be able to get some important guys rest early. OSU: 56--Rutgers: 13
Seeberg:  OK first and foremost, the jerseys alone are great.  The all-black look?  We looked like Oregon State.  Wrong OSU to be emulating.  Not a good call.  All that aside, I STILL don't know what to make of the QB situation.  Is J.T. that much better?  Maybe...but probably not.  I am going to review the game play by play tomorrow but watching it live in the stadium I am about 90% certain Cardale did not even attempt one throw between the hashes, and he may not have even attempted one to someone inside the NUMBERS (or at least to a receiver that started inside the numbers except super-wide swing passes to Zeke).  It's as if the play callers are so enamored with his strong arm to stretch the field horizontally that they are forgetting to stretch the field vertically.  No crossing routes, no inside slants, no in routes, no posts, NOTHING anywhere near the middle of the field, and it didn't look as if Penn State was doing anything special to shut that area of the field off.  In any case, the red zone O is still clicking, and Zeke is getting more north and south runs finally.  The D was gashed again by some big runs.  Rutgers has a reasonably effective RB by committee attack, but no one special RB that will consistently give the Silver Bullets problems (unless Joshua Perry is out, heal up quick #37!).  I expect a pretty similar game to the blackout.  The best part of 7-0?  The chance to go 8-0.  OSU: 45--RUT: 13

Upset Special
Draper: Washington over Stanford
Hoying: Texas Tech over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Tennessee over Alabama
Seeberg:  I canNOT get one of these, ugh.  Let's try Boston College over Louisville.

Grading the Bucks: Week 8--Rutgers

Not much to nitpick here.

Offense: A-
J.T. Barrett is just playing out of his mind.  Time to give the man the respect he deserves.  The competition isn't earth-shattering mind you, but Rutgers had a pretty good (not great by any means) defense...until facing the Bucks.  The chinks in the armor showed on one wide open deep ball that Barrett didn't have the arm strength to reach.  Other than that, his decision making, passing, and running vision has been spectacular.  The O-line and Zeke continue to improve.  The slight downgrade was for the 2nd half laxity that I saw.  Granted, the game was over, but if you're keeping the first teamers on the field, play like you want to be there.

Defense: A-
Criticism is much the same as the offense.  I love that the Bullets made sure we saw bad Gary Nova, but I'm not shocked they handled business.  The bad: they looked quite bored and just wanted to get out of there.  You only play college football for a few years, take advantage of the opportunity, even when the game is well in hand.  My other question to the coaching staff: Why isn't Raekwon McMillon starting?  He has been a ball hawk and a monster whenever in the game and he needs to take control of that linebacking corp.  The defensive line performed again and Bosa is a man...but we knew this.

Special Teams: A-
Nothing of note.  Great punting when needed and great coverage on kick coverage.  Overall, good job, good effort.

Coaching: B+
Two words: Raekwon McMillon.  Make it happen.  Darron Lee and McMillon on the field simultaneously would really make opposing offenses crap themselves. Offensively, the play-calling was well executed this week.  Another question for the coaches...why were the starters in the game in the fourth quarter?  If you're trying to get stats for Barrett, that's one thing, but you need to a) get the backups some reps and b) protect your assets.  The evidence of the need of backups was when it was clear that the first-teamers didn't care.  If nothing else, put in someone who wants to be there to send a message.

Overall: A-
 Nitpicking, but always room for improvement.  Go Ohio, Beat the Lions!

Week 8 - Game of the Century?

Standings

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

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

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

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Florida State Seminoles

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

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

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

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

Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils

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

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

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

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

Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma Sooners

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

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

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

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

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

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

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

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

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

Upset Special

Draper: Northwestern over Nebraska

Hoying: Arkansas over Georgia

Schweinfurth: Boston College over Clemson

Seeberg:  West Virginia over Baylor

Week 3 - I Just Figured Something Out, Beavis...huh huh...This Sucks

Standings
1) Schweinfurth     4-4    (1-1 upset)
1) Draper                4-4    (1-1 upset)
1) Hoying               4-4    (0-2 upset)
1) Seeberg              4-4    (0-2 upset)

In case you missed this past weekend's action, here's a quick recap:

1. Michigan was shut out for the first time in 30 years, losing by 31.
2. Michigan State and Ohio State flirted with competence before losing by multiple scores.
3. Purdue was crushed at home by a MAC team that almost lost to Chattanooga.
4. Northwestern lost at home to another MAC team.
5. Iowa needed two touchdowns in the game's final 3:00 to avoid losing to yet another MAC team.
6. Nebraska needed a last-minute touchdown to avoid overtime with a D1-AA school.
7. Maryland needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat an AAC team that went 2-10 last year.
8. Illinois needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat a C-USA team at home (actually not bad for Illinois).
9. Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Minnesota managed to avoid crapping the bed.
10. Indiana didn't play.

All in all, not a banner day for the conference that we play in. It sucked more than anything has ever sucked before. We at Let's Go Bucks! are not SEC hive-minders, but we understand that a poor conference perception might limit Ohio State's chances to make the inaugural College Football Playoff after they win their next 11 games.

With that out of the way, let's turn to the snore-fest that is Week 3. The B1G conference season kicks off on the east coast, two blue-chip programs meet in Norman, and the presumptive SEC East favorites butt heads (huh huh).

Georgia Bulldogs @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Two words: Todd Gurley.  SEC folk want to tout the toughness of the Gamecocks, but nothing on the field has supported that.  The Dawgs, however, are led by a grown a$$ man in Todd Gurley who look absolutely beastly in week 1 over a tough Clemson team.  It's in Columbia, but A&M handles the Cocks in their house.  I expect UGA to follow suit and cruise to a fairly easy win.  UGA: 48--SCar: 20
Hoying: I know, faithful readers, you'd rather hear our thoughts on the weekend's showdown between two undefeated SEC teams, Kentucky and Florida. But the inconsequential AP still inexplicably has South Carolina ranked after getting spanked by Kenny Football and a newly-functioning Aggie defense, so you'll have to suffer through this analysis instead. After their aforementioned loss, Cocky almost laid another egg against their directional rival, East Carolina. The Bulldogs looked fantastic in their only showing this season, dominating Clemson behind Todd Gurley and an imposing O-line (sigh). I imagine this game will play out about as you'd expect. UGA: 45--SCar: 24
Schweinfurth: We can keep this one short.  South Carolina was exposed by TAMU.  Yes, that was a spread system vs. a pro system but the Dawgs have the Gurley man.  I fully expect Georgia to hop out to an early lead and not look back.  UGA: 38--SCar: 17
Seeberg:  On the surface, this looks like a solid game.  Two ranked, divisional SEC foes doing battle.  Unfortunately looks (and rankings) can be deceiving.  The Gamecocks are still ranked solely because voters were slightly uncomfortable taking them from #9 all the way out after their debacle against A&M.  Thankfully, that won't be an issue after this week.  Gurley, Mason & Co. will pull away after the SC home crowd keeps them in it early.  UGA: 41--SCar: 21

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Draper: Blech...scraping the bottom of the barrel here.  This matchup faces the 2 programs with the most impressive out of conference wins for the B1G (UCF and Washington State....yeah....).  Can Hackenburg not suck it up like he did last week?  I'd say yes.  I have no faith that the undefeated juggernaut of the State School of New Jersey will continue to press on.  Why is this a thing?  Thanks Jim Delany.  PSU: 34--RSUNJ: 20
Hoying: Ah, Big Ten football the way it was meant to be played: between the flagship state programs of two original American colonies. Good news: the B1G will get a victory out of this game. Better news (or not): the NCAA burned a chicken's entrails and decided not to care anymore about child molestation negligence, paving the way for a brighter future for Penn State football, chock full of bowl appearances and full scholarship rosters. The Nittany Lions sport the most extreme road win of the young season, beating a Bortles-less UCF in...Ireland...but they've looked terribly one-dimensional so far, relying far too heavily on QB Christian Pick, er, Hackenberg. The Scarlet Knights don't feature a great pass defense, but they showed great balance in wins against Washington State and Howard (don't laugh). Let's see how long Rutgers' B1G reign of terror can last (spoiler alert: next four conference games are against Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin). PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 24
Schweinfurth: It's time for Rutgers to become B1G.  This is time for Franklin and Freeze to work on that grudge match that's been brewing in the off season as well.  The Knights are going to come hard at the Penn State O-Line to rattle Hackenberg.  If Hackenberg stays vertical, the Lions will pull of the win.  PSU: 28--RSUNJ: 24
Seeberg:  Fifteen years ago, this would have been a pretty rude welcome to the B1G for the Scarlet Knights.  Now, however, the Lions have been tamed somewhat.  An upset by Rutgers is a distinct possibility here, but the Nittanys will be buoyed by the recent news that they can actually head to a bowl this year (what're they calling the Alamo Bowl now?  Still, better than spending the Christmas holiday in Happy Valley, the most misnomered place in the known universe).  Hack-a-Shaqberg avoids just enough disasters to squeak out a win.  PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 13

Tennessee Volunteers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: I expect this to be another blood bath.  OU has absolutely demolished their first 2 foes and UT was simply OK.  Where is this game? Norman? Good God.  Stoops should have no problem with the Vols at home.  Knight has looked fantastic.  Expect the Sooner Schooner to get tired out early.  UT: 17--OU: 41
Hoying: Oklahoma entered the 2014 season as an overwhelming favorite to storm through the B12G and secure a spot in the playoffs. The Sooners have looked the part so far, plastering Louisiana Tech and Tulsa by a combined score of 100-23. Will the undefeated Volunteers provide a stiffer test? Last year's squad also started 2-0, then got shellacked by Oregon on the way to a 5-7 skid of a season. A trip to Norman this Saturday won't be any more forgiving. UT: 17--OU: 38
Schweinfurth:  This is an SEC suck team versus one of the best teams in the country.  It's gonna show too.  Big Game Bob has the best QB in this game and that offense is gonna make a SEC defense look like swiss cheese.  Oklahoma in a rout.  UT: 10--OU: 45
Seeberg:  Ah yes, my alma mater- at least for my master's degree.  The Vols have been supposedly on the upswing for years, yet have middled around .500 for nearly a decade now.  This looked like a banner matchup when it was scheduled in probably 2008 or so, but now OU is still solid and UT has fallen by the wayside.  UT has some skill talent, but their O-line is as inexperienced as tOSU, and we all saw what happened there.  Boomer Sooner big.  UT: 13--OU: 42

Kent State Golden Flashes @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Time to bounce back.  KSU is just what the doctor ordered.  The O-line should not (and better not!) have any problems here.  Time to work on fundamentals and get back to winning individual battles.  If this is close, time to panic in Columbus.  The defensive line should absolutely smoke the Flashes and harry the QB all day.  JT throws for 250+, Zeke/Marshall/Wilson run for 150+ and the d shuts it down.  Big bounceback win that really means nothing.  KSU: 10--OSU: 48
Hoying: How bad was last week? Our offensive line was embarrassed so completely that one of the linemen quit the team. Fortunately, our beloved Bucks get a chance to regroup against a truly awful squad. Dr. Lou's alma mater has already lost to D-1A newcomer South Alabama and an Ohio team that got blasted by Kentucky. Look for the Buckeyes to try to establish the run with anybody but Barrett, given that they only have about 5 or 6 running backs from which to choose. Look for the receivers to bring their hands closer together when the ball arrives, to better counteract the downward force the Earth puts on it. Look for the D-line to play containment and get a few stops on third down. Look for signs this team won't end up 7-6 after a bowl loss to a MAC school. KSU: 10--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Man I did not see that one coming last week.  We all knew the offensive line would be a work in progress but 7(!) sacks.  That is just horrendous.  What also worries me is the offensive play calling.  It's like the coaching staff writes scripts the entire game and won't deviate from that plan.  This has been going on for the last two years, it's just Braxton and El Guapo masked the issues.  Herman and Urban need to make adjustments other than throw bombs to a wide out who dropped every thing thrown at him.  The Silver Bullets will be fine.  The play calling on first and second down was great...third down was same old, same old.  Time to bring some pressure and get in the QB's face.  There is talent there, it just needs to be put in a better place to succeed.  I expect these changes to be made.  An inferior opponent will help that as well and give that offensive line time to gel.  I feel bad for the Golden Flashes.  Urban's boys are mad as hell and are going to take that anger out on the rest of the teams on the Buckeye schedule.  KSU: 14--OSU: 52
Seeberg:  Well, despite how horrendous we looked for 3.25 quarters or so last week, we were STILL within one possession with the ball with less than two minutes to play.  There is another silver lining:  The D-line looked much more solid than in the Navy run-game gashing we took the first week.  J.T. Barrett actually handled himself reasonably well- it's not his fault we couldn't seem to run a single screen pass, or slant, or 5-yard out, or any pass play not requiring a 7-step drop for that matter.  At this time last year, this game could have been a bit scary with Dri Archer running the ball and returning kicks.  He's gone, and the Golden Flashes are pretty flashless again.  Urban's message to the team after the loss?  That tOSU can still accomplish everything it set out to at 11-1.  With no discernable threats on the schedule until PSU in late October, it is still not out of the realm of possibility.  OSU: 38--KSU: 13

Upset Special
Draper: UCF over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa State over Iowa
Schweinfurth: Central Michigan over Syracuse
Seeberg: UMass over Vanderbilt

Week 14 Picks: Lots of NOT undefeated teams playing...

Standings
1) Schweinfurth  45-11 (6-7 upset)
2) Hoying           40-16 (3-10 upset)
3) Draper            33-23 (4-9 upset)
4) Auer               31-22 (2-10 upset)

Louisville Cardinal @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big East--defacto)
Draper:  Big East de-facto championship...woo.  Preseason, I had these teams pillow-fighting it out (no, really I did) for the Orange Bowl (or maybe even the Sugar if the Flashes shock the world).  These teams are supremely mediocre, but I like Teddy Bridgewater (which is why I picked Louisville preseason).  Bridgewater is banged up, but I'm riding the preseason pick...also, I couldn't be as bad this week as I was last week, right?...RIGHT? LVille: 27--Rutgers: 24
Auer: Both teams coming in 9-2, both coming off of a puzzling loss. Rutgers couldn't get things going against lowly Pitt and Louisville just barely fell to UConn in triple overtime. Louisville however is coming off of two straight losses, the previous to an even-worse-than-Pitt, Syracuse. I'll stick with the future Big Ten conference member here. LVille: 20--Rutgers 31
Hoying: A few weeks ago, this looked like a possible match-up of middleweight undefeateds, but some losses to crappy teams have dulled this a bit.  The good news is the league championship for the conference that no one wants to be in is still up for grabs.  I picked Rutgers preseason as the Big East champ and their terrific defense will prove to be too much for Bridgewater and company.  Sorry, Charlie Strong, maybe you'll get hired away when you can finish a season.  LVille: 17--Rutgers: 20
Schweinfurth: We get this game in the spirit of the B1G/ACC Challenge. Kinda. Both teams are floundering down the stretch after starting off very well.  This one seems to come down to Teddy Bridgewater.  If he plays, the Cardinals win.  If not, I'll take the Knights.  L'Ville: 35--Rutgers 24

Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (MAC)
Draper: This is just here because I find it amusing that the MAC champion has a very real chance of making a BCS bowl (even after almost returning an interception for a safety...).  Darrell Hazell has worked wonders in Kent and will be off to greener pastures VERY soon. I'm not surprised after he taught us WR technique at OSU.  Need proof, look what happened to OSU WRs when he left.  Go Coach Hazell! NIU: 31--KSU: 34
Auer: KSU has been a stunner all season after they shocked the college football world during opening weekend. The shock to the world you ask? The player who returned a punt the wrong way was indeed a pride of KSU Golden Flash. Haven't watched anything else of either team honestly. This could go either way, but I'll go with the hot hand. NIU: 35--KSU: 31
Hoying: Imagine if Northern Illinois could have held on against Iowa, or if Kent State would've actually showed up against Kentucky (Kentucky?  Really?), the winner of this game could be undefeated and headed to a BCS bowl.  Wait, a one-loss MAC champ might go to the BCS anyway?  Yeesh.  Both teams have been playing good football against bad teams, but only Kent State has a quality win, beating Rutgers in Piscataway.  I expect that experience to serve them well here, as the Golden Flashes win their first MAC championship game.  NIU: 30--KSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I really haven't watch much MACtion this year, so I can't give much insight. I'll Hazel and the Flashes.   NIU: 31--KSU: 38

UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal (Pac 12)
Draper: An epic battle between preseason juggernauts Oregon and USC should be really really excit....wait, WHAT?  Stanford and who????  Oh boy, these games just get better and better.  Actually, this isn't a bad game because the D of Stanford has been very good and UCLA can score.  Unstoppable force vs. immoveable object?  Go with the immoveable object.  Stanford chokes Hundley and Franklin into submission preventing another UCLA home date in Pasadena. UCLA: 20--Stan: 31
Auer: This one wasn't close last week and it won't be again. UCLA was in a very peculiar situation last week as a win would have sent the Bruins to Oregon this week, but instead a loss set the match-up with Stanford. Kind of a "pick your poison" situation it seems. UCLA looked lethargic last week, and more than likely won't see much success this week. The positive? The winner only has to play the Big Ten Champion. UCLA: 17--Stan: 42
Hoying: Didn't we just see this game?  Despite the perverse incentive setup of last week's game, I didn't get the feeling that UCLA wasn't trying against Stanford.  They just weren't as good.  Now the game gets a reboot with the Cardinal as the home team.  I expect more of the same.  UCLA: 17--Stan: 35 (Same score)
Schweinfurth: Well, this one's interesting.  It seems we get a rematch from last week this week.  Stanford proved against Oregon that they have one of the best defenses in the nation.  Defense wins championships.  I'll take Stanford this time. UCLA: 13--Stan: 24

Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ACC)
Draper: Another season with high expectations ends in bitter disappointment for the Noles (fool me once...).  EJ Manuel has been a yo-yo all year and the defense actually got pounded last week.  The loss of Tank Carradine sucks but FSU is still far more talented than 6-6 GTech.  The option attack of the Ramblin Wreck is no fun to prepare for (thanks for the magnanimous bowl ban Canes...) but the speed on the Nole defense should be enough to contain it.  FSU has trounced most inferior opponents so I think they'll do the same here en route to Miami...for the wrong game.  The loss of Coach Mark Stoops to Kentucky has the makings of a possible upset (FSU lost Mark Richt to UGA and laid a monster egg in the NC vs. OU), but I thing the Noles roll to the Orange Bowl.  FSU: 38--GT: 13
Auer: Jesus, Georgia Tech's division must be awful if they are playing for the ACC Title... or maybe just everyone in their division is facing a postseason bowl ban... too soon? FSU: 52--GT: 21
Hoying: Coming into this game, Florida State has one quality win, and it's not a great one.  No matter the result in the ACC Championship Game, Florida State will still have one quality win.  The conference title is the Noles' for the taking, if they're properly motivated to take it.  FSU played a better opponent last week and actually put up a fight, while the Tech rambled and wrecked all over the field, much like the rest of the Coastal division.  This shouldn't be close.  FSU: 45--GT: 10
Schweinfurth: The Yellow Jackets should thank Miami for taking another postseason ban.  With that said, Florida State is the much better team and that defense is tough to run against.  I expect the 'Noles to bounce back and shut down the triple option. FSU: 45--GT: 10

Texas Longhorns @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: KSU is out of the ultimate prize thanks to a clunker vs. Baylor, but they can still capture a nice consolation prize in the Fiesta Bowl and a Big 12 Championship by beating the Longhorns.  Texas is another team that has disappointed this year with their talent, but a win here would be great for momentum.  This game is all about Collin Klein.  He can return to frontrunner Heisman status, but he has to have a spectacular game.  I think Bill Snyder has enough respect for his players that, given the chance, he will do everything possible to accentuate the positives of Optimus Klein.  KState clamps down at home and takes home the Big 12 title in a bittersweet fashion...if only....UT: 20--KSU: 31
Auer: The Longhorns seem to be a shell of their former team and will more than likely continue to implode... or will they? KSU is playing for next to nothing and will still be playing on New Year's day or in the BCS even with a loss. UT is coming together at the right time and could make this one interesting. UT: 24--KSU: 20
Hoying: Fun fact: Kansas State hasn't lost to Texas since their last Big 12 title, when Ell Roberson led the Wildcats against Ohio State in 2003.  This game will be very telling for the future of Kansas State.  The big prize is out of the picture, but a Fiesta Bowl bid would be an amazing accomplishment for a team that looked so helpless without Methuselah at the reins.  Make no mistake, K-State is the much better team here, especially since the Horns haven't solved their QB controversy, even after 11 games.  Home team, better team, and yes, better coach give 'Cats the victory and Big 12 title.  UT: 16--KSU: 31
Schweinfurth: So it sounds like we get Case McCoy this week.  Between he and Ash, I think McCoy is the better QB.  K-State is tough at home.  I'm looking for another Big 12 shootout.  UT: 35--KSU: 42

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Wisconsin Badgers* (B1G)
Draper: The Buckeyes roll in on a monster high as they prepare for the last big hurdle before the Irish....wait, what?  Postseason bans are stupid (I've always said this--not just because my team has one).  The 3rd place in the Leaders Badgers* take on the Legends champ Nebraska for the right to go to Pasadena.  The Huskers have the better team (by far in my opinion), but the Badgers* will try to (somewhat) defend their preseason favorite status.  Martinez will play well, as will Montee Ball, but the diversified Husker attack will outplay the more traditional Badger* ground and pound.  Nebraska win the B1G in their second season, but no one will care since the 'banned' Buckeyes trounced them earlier.  Everyone knows the real B1G title is in Cbus.  Neb: 38--UW: 24
Auer: Nebraska is BY FAR the better team here but will they show it? UW does have MontAE Ball.... maybe he'll change the pronunciation of his name again? Taylor Martinez could give an early launch to a 2013 Heisman Campaign... and probably will go off against the Badgers. Neb: 48--UW: 35
Hoying: If you've watched Nebraska carefully since they've joined the B1G, you've noticed they have terrific mojo in Lincoln but usually look completely lost on the road.  While this isn't a true road game, it's much closer to Wisconsin, and the Badgers will be out for blood after losing so many close games, including the heartbreaker in Lincoln early this season.  If this one goes to overtime, it's a sure Badger loss, but perhaps the big doofus will go for 2 late and pull out the victory.  No Ryan Shazier to provide late game heroics here.  Neb: 24--UW: 25
Schweinfurth: Another rematch game.  Nebraska dominated the first match up despite all the turnovers in the first half.  Wisconsin can run it with Montee (call me Montay) Ball but is otherwise one dimensional.  I'll take the Huskers for their first B1G Championship.  Neb: 52--UW: 35

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The SEC championship has a very sexy matchup of preseason favorites.  The winner is certain to face off with the Irish in Miami for the crystal ball.  The resumes of these teams are severely lacking (Bama beat LSU, lost to TAMU and UGA beating UF and losing to SoCar in games vs. top 15 opponents).  The schedules were extremely favorable in SEC play for these teams which is a big reason why they're here.  Florida, LSU, SoCar, and TAMU are arguably as good as these teams, but the tougher schedule in which they played each other, knocked them out.  That being said, this is Saban's chance to return to the spotlight.  UGA is generally flaky on the big stage.  The defensive talent in this game is spectacular, but while I think UGA may have better players, Bama has the better team.  Tide roll to another title shot in a slugfest. Bama: 23--UGA: 17
Auer: (Write up coming later) Bama: 28--UGA: 13
Hoying: Who wants to go to Miami and get thumped by the Irish? (wait...)  Nick Saban's technique of killing 10 kittens for each mistake his team makes (I'm assuming) seems to have motivated his team back to the world-beater status they held before the LSU game, while Georgia is on a tear of their own over their last 5 games.  Aaron Murray and "Gur-shall" are good enough to make the Tide pay, but Alabama seems to be playing sounder football, and Saban shines in games like these.  Bama: 20--UGA: 13
Schweinfurth: I haven't watched much of the Bulldogs this year.  However, I know 'Bama can run the ball and Lacy is a battering ram.  The Tide defense learned from the A&M game.  Look for Bama to go for 2 in a row in January.  Bama: 28--UGA: 13

Upset Special
Draper: Nevada over Boise State
Auer: Uconn over Cincy
Hoying: Wisconsin over Nebraska (there aren't a lot of games not picked above)
Schweinfurth:   TCU over Oklahoma