Welcome back to Ohio State's sport: college football. We're still a few days away from seeing the Bucks take the field but there's plenty of action in the meantime, starting with the enemy heading out west for a revenge game of their own.
Here are our thoughts on the best five games of the week. Maybe. It's Week 1; who knows where any of these teams will end up?
Michigan Wolverines @ Utah Utes
Draper: Harbaugh, Harbaugh, Harbaugh....blah, blah, blah. The Wolverines had a decent roster last year and limped to a 5-7 record. Is the coach enough to turn this team around in a snap? I just don't see it. They'll be improved, but I think the national media is giving far to much credit to the coach. Harbaugh is also nuts so let's pump the brakes. I think Michigan ends the season with 8 wins, but this isn't one of them. UM: 20-Utah: 24
Hoying: How bad was Maize and Blue Satan last year, really? The defense was quite good, the running game was passable, and What What Jake Butt was enough by himself to bail out any semi-competent QB. Except...they didn't have a competent QB, and there's nobody swooping in to take the job. Any improvement will have to come from the top down, but fortunately for You Know Who, Harbaugh excels at developing QBs. Not everyone can take a 3rd string QB and guide him to a win over a 41-point favorite. What difference does a stellar head coach make? Ask 2011 and 2012 Ohio State. UM: 27--Utah: 20
Schweinfurth: I can't wait for this game to kick off just so I don't have to hear about Harbaugh. Yes, the QB situation at TTUN isn't ideal, but the defense is a bit underrated. I think this game is close to the end with the Utes kicking a last second field goal for the win. UM: 21--Utah: 24
Seeberg: Last year, Utah's victory over TTUN was a big deal. Except it shouldn't have been. Utah was the better team last season and, at least early on, it's likely to be the better team again. Remember, Utah should've been up 14-0 on Oregon going into the second quarter last year if it weren't for that whole "who needs to actually carry the ball over the goalline" issue. The Khaki Eclipse gets off to a rocky start out west. UM: 23- Utah: 31
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, I know very little about these teams. I do know Bama tends to have a revolving door of good players and they usually come out like gangbusters in these early season games. Wisconsin was overrated last year and most of their offense now plays for the Chargers. I'm banking on the Tide reloading. Wisc: 16--Bama: 31
Hoying: Oh boy, another marquee non-conference game for Wisconsin. Wisc: 13--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: I really don't know what to think of Wisconsin. Paul Chryst did a great job as a coordinator but Pitt was meh with him as head coach. Both teams lost a lot of talent but Bama has the (oversigned) talent to restock. This is the first game of, what I think will be, a long season for Wisconsin. Wisc: 10--Bama: 35
Seeberg: This is likely to be a defensive battle as both squads return solid units on that side of the ball but have lost Heisman finalists in Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper. Wisconsin will have to rely on Stave and/or McEvoy to make some plays which is a dicey prospect at best. The best offensive player on either team is easily Derrick Henry, who torched the Buckeyes in last year's Sugar Bowl (and probably should have gotten the ball more often in that game). He will make enough plays to keep the Badgers in passing situations which is the kiss of death for the Wisconsin offense. Wisc: 13- Bama: 27
Texas Longhorns @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Are these teams ready to burst back onto the big stage? Texas hasn't really been the same since the Colt McCoy injury in the National Title game vs. Bama and the Irish had a brief resurgence the following year before crashing back to earth. While Notre Dame seems to be the media darling to return to prominence, I don't think they're ready for big time yet...that being said, neither is Texas. Charlie Strong is working to improve things in Austin, but we aren't back to the VY era yet. Here come the Irish. UT: 21--ND: 31
Hoying: Can the Irish survive without Everett Golson? After Golson's precipitous drop last year, which resulted in him...transferring to the team that beat him, the Irish now turn to Malik Zaire (Congo?). The sky's the limit for Malik, but Texas knows that they still have butt at QB, where the ineffective Tyrone Swoopes still holds handoff duties. The Longhorns can't keep getting worse, but a road game in South Bend is not the place to turn their fortunes around. UT: 13--ND: 28
Schweinfurth: I honestly don't know much about either team. While both teams are typically media darlings, I just don't see much in either team. I do know that Notre Dame has more talent and should win this game. UT: 17--ND: 35
Seeberg: Ah yes, the age-old question: How overrated is Notre Dame this season? In years past, an opening game against powerhouse Texas might have answered that question immediately. Not so much recently. Texas just hasn't gotten back to Mack Brown levels since, well, Mack Brown. Charlie Strong just can't get any offense going to supplement his typically solid D. Notre Dame's strength is it's offense so those possessions will be interesting, but the Texas O versus Notre Dame D confrontations might set the game back a generation or two. Sadly, the golden domers should prevail, allowing the hype to continue a while longer. UT: 13- ND: 24
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: No clue. ASU was sneaky good last year and A&M is always tough to pin down. The Sun Devils should be a factor in the Pac 12 (along with most of the crowd out west). The Aggies love the flash from Manziel and then Kenny Trill (for a few games last year) but I think the Sun Devils' more blue collar mentality will lead to a close win. Kyle Field is a bear to deal with, but the creepy boom mike Todd Graham emerges victorious. ASU: 40--TAMU: 35
Hoying: Here we see two teams heading in different directions. The Aggies have fallen off a bit after storming their way into the SEC in 2012, while the Sun Devils were a touchdown away from playing in the Pac-12 championship game for a second consecutive year. A&M isn't going to turn anything around without some solid QB play, and I need to see more from Kyle Allen (or Kenny Trill) before I buy in. SEC QBs should be BAD this year, and A&M sadly should be no exception. ASU: 38--TAMU: 24
Schweinfurth: ASU looked good last year, and I think that momentum will carry over into this year. The Aggies just seem to be going the other way since Johnny Football left. Yes, A&M looked good and surprised everyone to start the year last year, but I just don't see it this year. ASU: 42--TAMU: 31
Seeberg: If I were a betting man (and I am- but only when I actually have money to bet, which means currently I'm not), I'd wager this one will be high-scoring. Both teams return most pieces from good offensive units and lackluster defensive squads. A&M's new D-coordinator, John Chavis, may help- but he was hired almost as much to stop thwarting A&M's offense as he was to improve their defense. The Sun Devils have a decent shot to make some noise in the Pac-12 and a big win against the now-slightly-less-vaunted SEC could slingshot them to a third-straight 10-win season. ASU: 45- TAMU- 35
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: I didn't see it last year...and I really don't see it this year. OSU will have the bullseye on their back all year...but if they will be amped for any game this year, this is it. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Yes, suspensions surround the team, but I can't believe Urban is terribly concerned. Michael Brewer had the game of his life last year and the Buckeyes folded. This time, they will rain fire and brimstone on their opponents from the first down. There are far too many weapons on this team to breed concern. Zeke dominates the lunch box defense and the huge question at QB...is rendered moot after a beat down. OSU: 45--VT: 20
Hoying: Why did the Buckeyes lose this game last year? The undermanned Hokies counted on an inexperienced offensive line that couldn't handle a relentless blitzing front, and a QB that couldn't make the right reads under tremendous pressure. VT will have neither luxury this year; it'll be their personnel vs. ours. Anyone who watched Tech carefully last season (including this gem) shouldn't be too worried. Look for the Buckeyes to come out a little too excited (especially the backups for our boneheaded dopers), gagging away some early opportunities on both sides of the ball, but ths one shouldn't be in doubt in the second half. Hopefully. OSU: 38--VT: 20
Schweinfurth: The Hokies defense absolutely mugged the Buckeyes offense last year. That was a very inexperienced offensive line and a guy making his second career start. I just don't foresee the Buckeyes being underprepared and not ready for whatever Bud Foster has to throw at the offense. The loss of Bosa for this will be felt by the defense, but the Hokie offense is okay not great. I think we see a heavy dose of Zeke, a few slants to Thomas, and Braxton catches a bomb for a TD. This game is only close because of the suspensions. OSU: 35--VT: 21
Seeberg: Ah yes, redemption time (and also brag time: I have 35-yard line seats for this one!). This felt like a relatively open and shut game before the one-game suspensions were levied against the Buckeyes. Despite the fact that three were offensive, the loss of Bosa may be the most critical (see my post on preseason predictions). The Hokies will be amped up for this game as well and even under Tressel I would've been nervous for this one. The key is Urban, no doubt. The grind for nine will get tougher the longer the season wears on- manufacturing motivation to play the likes of Purdue and Maryland. That won't be an issue September 7th. 'Zeke runs well, J.T. Jones runs and throws and Braxton scares the crap out of 11 other defensive coordinators. The Grind for Nine starts with a revenge win. VT: 27- OSU: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Minnesota over TCU (get lucky)
Hoying: Louisville over Auburn
Schweinfurth: Northwestern over Stanford
Seeberg: North Carolina over South Carolina
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Week 15: Conference Championships
Standings
1) Hoying 44-20 (1-13 upset)
2) Schweinfurth 43-21 (4-10 upset)
3) Draper 41-23 (3-11 upset)
4) Seeberg 3-3 (0-1 upset)
SEC: Missouri Tigers vs. Auburn Tigers
Draper: I remember 2006 when a team defeated their rival (as a top 5 matchup) and believed the season was over. They had reached the pinnacle, and the championship was a formality. After the game, I believe I watched one of the biggest flops in history as the Gators stomped the Buckeyes and stole the Title. The Bucks were slow, lazy, and unprepared. Seems like we are seeing a repeat here with Auburn. Missouri is one of those teams a coach has to hate planning for: they are good at everything, with no one thing to focus on. Auburn has been great (and lucky), but they've laid it all on the table while Mizzou is quietly waiting for their chance. While Auburn argues against OSU, the Tigers (Missouri brand) are prepping to slow down the Auburn rushing attack. James Franklin and crew steal the 'assumed' SEC championship and send Auburn from arguing about the title game to the Cotton Bowl. Mizzou: 31--Aub: 28
Hoying: On October 30, in our first BCS projections of the season, I predicted that Auburn would land in the Sugar Bowl, not as a replacement for Alabama in the Championship Game, but as the SEC champion. Two miracles against Georgia and Alabama later (propelling me to the top of the picks standings), I...am abandoning my projection. Why? I thought (correctly) that Nick Marshall's dual-threat capability would keep Auburn in the game against Bama long enough for a little rivalry magic to strike. However, across the SEC, Missouri's defense was busy throttling everyone's favorite waning Heisman contender, Johnny Football. Am I implying that Missouri has a better defense than Alabama? Maybe, but what I'm really saying is that I don't expect lightning to strike 3 times. Missouri has been solid in every phase of the game, from James Franklin's excellent quarterback play, to possibly the best stable of receivers in the game, to a fantastic rushing attack behind the one-two punch of Josey and Hansbrough, to the terrific defense led by the SEC's leading sack and TFL leader Michael Sam. Tigers win, jump up to #3 in the BCS (spoilers on two picks below), and bring their magical 2nd SEC season into the Sugar Bowl. Mizzou: 27--Aub: 20
Schweinfurth: Auburn should have "Livin' On A Prayer" as their fight song this year. Seriously? A miracle Hail Mary to end the Georgia game and then that finish last week. One would think that Gus Malzahn's magic has to run out at some point. I believe that will be this week. James Franklin and the Mizzou Tigers are flat rolling right now. I do believe the Missouri defense will give up some points (a good pass rush can be hurt by the misdirection offense). This will not be the SEC Championship games of old. Mizzou: 38--Aub: 35
Seeberg: At this time last week, I would have picked Missouri in this matchup without too much hesitation. James Franklin had returned and I figured they would blow TAMU out pretty handily. Not only was the game close, however, but Mizzou only mustered 28 points against a pretty lousy defense. That said, holding Johnny Sign-a-Football to just 21 points has been no small feat the last two seasons. Despite their offensive struggles, Franklin now has a week of gameplay under his belt since returning from injury and I still believe that the Tigers (Missouri Tigers, that is) have the more multi-dimensional offense which will, in the end, prove the difference. Mizzou: 31--Aub: 21
ACC: Duke Blue Devils vs. Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Duke is playing one of their best season's in history and no one is giving them a prayer...and they're right. The Noles have been nearly flawless this season stepping on the throat early and not letting up. The trio of receivers and stellar backfield are not even talked about with Famous Jameis leading the way. Oh yeah, the defense is pretty darn good too. This will be a traditional FSU game of 2013 with a 30+ point halftime lead and a cruise to Pasadena. FSU: 55--Duke: 13
Hoying: Florida State has been the most dominant team in college football this year. The Noles lead in scoring defense and sit second behind Baylor in scoring. Sure, FSU has had its share of cupcakes on the schedule, much like our beloved Buckeyes, but it's not like Duke went 10-2 against any tougher of a schedule. The Blue Devils are a nice story, but they've been squeaking through to the finish. Duke also got to duke it out against a Miami without Duke Johnson, while the Noles licked the Canes even with their best player intact. There's no reason this should be close. Unless...no, there's no reason. FSU: 45--Duke: 13
Schweinfurth: Duke has had a season to be remembered. The Blue Devils have risen from the ashes to become relevant in the ACC for the first time in, oh, forever. David Cutclife and the rest of the Dukies should be truly proud of this magical season. Unfortunately it is all about to come crashing down. Florida State, with or without Jamies Winston, is an absolute force on offense. If Clemson couldn't keep up with the 'Noles, Duke definitely cannot. Expect the Blue Devils to play with some emotion and hang on for part of the first quarter, but then it's all FSU, all night long. FSU: 52--Duke: 20
Seeberg: A recent statement from the Florida State Attorney's office stated that there may be a decision on the impending Jameis Winston issue before the weekend. In other words, the Florida State Attorney's office has a significantly better chance of thwarting FSU's season than the Duke defense does. Fourth-quarter comeback wins against the likes of Wake Forest (whose stadium, it bears mentioning, is roughly 25 miles from my apartment and is barely half-full for most games) make for a good story, but the Seminoles will write the last chapter much to the Blue Devils' dismay. FSU: 52--Duke: 17
Pac-12: Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Draper: Rematch! But in a new place... How good is Stanford? They have good wins, but 2 losses (one good one bad). How good is ASU? Good wins and...2 losses (one good--Stanford, and one eh..). I could see this one going either way, but I'm going with the home team. Todd Graham has his team churning along without the hype of Stanford. Stanford assumes the title after beating Oregon, but Oregon showed their true nature over the last few weeks. Go Sparky! Stan: 20--ASU: 24
Hoying: Aaaagh, this is the worst kind of conference championship game. It's like a reboot of last year's Stanford-UCLA rematch, only with a twist: the team that won the head-to-head this time is less deserving of the title. True, Stanford already beat Arizona State earlier in the season, but the Cardinal has collected two Pac-12 losses since then against teams that ASU beat (Utah and USC). That being said, I don't see any reason why this game shouldn't play out much the same as the first matchup, a convincing Cardinal victory. Home field might make some difference, but not enough to keep Stanford from its first back-to-back Rose Bowls since 1971-72. Stan: 35--ASU: 27
Schweinfurth: I have to be honest when I say that I really have not watched much Pac-12 football this year. Arizona State has played well but has a loss to Stanford already this season. I don't see ASU not turning the ball over a couple times here (you can't put the ball up 50+ times a game and not have a pick or two). This game will be closer than the matchup early in the season but Stanford turns that turnover into points. Stan: 31--ASU: 24
Seeberg: Stanford has been very up and down the last month: dominating Oregon, then losing to USC. Annihilating Cal in a rivalry game, then struggling to put away Notre Dame. ASU has not lost since early October, but a couple of weeks before that they were handled pretty easily by- you guessed it- Stanford. The Sun Devils get this title game at home and are coming off a whipping of their in-state rivals who had just whipped Oregon (at least De'Anthony Thomas doesn't have to go to the Rose Bowl now, you know, since he wasn't that interested in going anyway). Arizona State only scores 28 again, but it's enough, unlike last time. Stan: 21--ASU: 28
Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Bedlam is always a good time. OU has sputtered this whole year with all kinds of problems--especially questionable QB play. OSU stomped Baylor in their first 'Game of the Century (of the Year)' but it all is for naught without a big win at home in Bedlam. I love the Poke home field advantage and their poise in the last big game (Baylor) and I don't see a difference here. Rivalries make for interesting things, but the Pokes behind Clint Chelf look ready to go. The loss to WVU just doesn't make sense. The rebound continues on the way to the Fiesta. OU: 27--OSU: 38
Hoying: Shuffle, shuffle, do the quarterback shuffle. Both teams enter Bedlam with season-long quarterback issues. The Cowboys seem to have settled on senior slinger Clint Chelf, especially after a fantastic performance against Baylor, while the Sooners have rediscovered their love for freshman phenom Trevor Knight after Blake Bell bit badly getting beat by the Baylor Bears. This one looks like an easy pick for the Cowboys, but I'm not so sure. The Cowboys historically underperform against the Sooners, and I just have a feeling that with a 2nd Big 12 title in 3 years in their grasp, OSU will let the moment slip away. Big Game Bob comes through and the Bedlam series becomes even more lopsided. OU: 31--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: If last week's rivalry games told us anything, it's that these games are flat unpredictable. Ultimately, the Cowboys have looked very good against some very good offenses this year, see Baylor. OSU likes to jam the receivers at the line and this throws the timing of these offenses way off. The Cowboy offense is very efficient and has played well all year. Oklahoma is good enough to keep it close but OSU is the better team. OU: 28--OSU: 38
Seeberg: After crushing Baylor on a national stage, OSU #2 (remember, they got crushed 33-7 by THE OSU in the Alamo Bowl several years ago) has faded back into relative obscurity, no doubt angrily. For those who may not recall, Oklahoma State missed out on a chance to play LSU for the national title a couple years back by mere thousandths of a point in the BCS. I don't think anyone argued that 'Bama was better, but they didn't even win their conference, and the Cowboys are feeling slighted yet again. Both teams have two weeks to prep, but the Oklahoma St. offense is the best of the four units that will be on the field: advantage- OSU #2. OSU: 38--OU: 24
Texas Longhorns @ Baylor Bears
Draper: Texas showed life in the midseason after blowing out OU, but then crashed back down to earth. Baylor was rocking and rolling until OSU and faceplanted. Last week showed a hangover as they struggled with TCU as well. What about this week? Both teams have something to play for as a loss for the Cowboys catapults the winner into the Fiesta Bowl. Baylor has had struggles of late, but they were on the road. The home stadium in Waco may not be unstoppable, but they feed off the energy. I like Baylor to return home and beat the Horns to wrap up no worse than second. Stir the rumor mill for Mack Brown. UT: 30--Baylor: 45
Hoying: I thought Texas had turned it around. I thought Mack Brown had righted the ship. Then Oklahoma State happened. We should've seen it coming after terrible terrible West Virginia took the Horns to 3OT. Yeah, yeah, you blew out a Texas Tech team that hasn't beaten a good team all year. Meanwhile, Baylor almost let the Cowboys beat them 2 weeks in a row, needing an INT on an ill-advised pass to hold off a bad TCU team. But now the Bears are back in their den. And they're ready to unleash the nation's top offense against a Texas defense that can't stop it. This one is going to be ugly. UT: 24--Baylor: 52
Schweinfurth: Texas has made a decent comeback on the Mack Brown redemption tour this year. Then the ship started to take on water yet again. The Longhorn's are getting Baylor at a very bad time. Baylor can seal a BCS berth with a win hear and continue the upswing they have been on. Unless Texas can shut down that Bear rushing attack, it's gonna be a long day...and it will be a loooong day. Baylor wins big. UT: 28--Baylor: 55
Seeberg: Similar to the SEC title game, this game felt like a no-brainer, this time for the Baylor Bears, until their near-debacle last week, giving up 38 points to a TCU squad that might be Gary Patterson's worst since he took over the program 13 seasons ago. Baylor should win, and should win easily, but Texas's D has largely played well the second half of the season. Texas hangs in for Mack Brown, but Bryce Petty makes enough plays to pull away late. UT: 21--Baylor: 37
B1G: Michigan State Spartans vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Sparty defense vs. Buckeye offense...man, I wish I had some Buckeye offense to plow my sidewalk. In the new look NFL/NCAA, defense may win championships, but a great defense cannot stop a great offense. Look at the TAMU/Bama game. Bama won in a shootout...because A&M defense sucked and the stout Tide D couldn't stop Johnny Football. Sparty will slow the Buckeyes somewhat, but you can't stop being bludgeoned repeated by Hyde and Miller. The rushing attack of the Buckeyes and the O-line will wear down the Spartans. On the other side of the ball, the Buckeye D was awful last week...but let's not forget about the walrus himself calling plays in East Lansing--Vrabs is coming for you Bollman! I think the Buckeye defense will be able to stop 'Dave' enough times to earn a hard fought win and a trip to Pasadena for the title. MSU: 20--OSU: 35
Hoying: After the Buckeyes watched Auburn's insane kick-six to topple Alabama, the team went wild for a few minutes. They knew their last uncontrollable obstacle to a national title been removed. Then Philly Brown stood up and reminded the men of the scarlet and gray that for that new #2 ranking to mean anything, it had to be cemented with one more victory. Can the Bucks take down a Sparty squad that appears to be headed to the Rose Bowl regardless of the game's outcome? Much is being made of Ohio State's meltdown on defense against the Wolverines. However, Michigan was playing out of its mind, showing glimpses of the powerful attack that steamrolled Notre Dame before tripping over its own shoelaces during the past month. The run D wasn't terrible; it was Gardner gashing us through the air that almost derailed the championship train. MSU's Connor Cook has been improving, but this is the guy who led the Spartan offense to 14 points against Purdue. Purdue. Roby, Barnett, Grant, and Brown should have little to fear this Saturday. On the other side of the ball, Carlos Hyde is still unstoppable, running for 226 yards against a pretty good Michigan run D. I don't think the Spartans are capable of shutting down both Hyde and Miller, and they might not get to either. I boldly predicted last year that as long as Braxton was on the field for the Buckeyes, they wouldn't lose another game. It's served me well so far. Buckeyes win the final Legends-Leaders battle and thus definitely secure a spot in the BCS National Championship. MSU: 16--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: Michigan State has a defense, oh yes, Sparty has a defense. They are not the #1 rated defense in the nation for nothing. However, the Spartans have faced some spread offense this year and they have given up some points, see 28 points to both Nebraska and Indiana. Ohio State's offense is much, much, much better that those two teams. Who do you try and stop? Keep Miller from running the ball? He'll throw some quick screens or give to Hyde? Stop Hyde? Now you have Miller running wild and throwing. The Spartans want to talk "no fly zone" but they will be stressed vertically and horizontally by the physical Ohio State receivers. Michigan State's offense matches up well with the Silver Bullets. Yes, OSU gives up passing yards but they are very good against conventional power run teams (just look at the Wisconsin game). That Spartan defense will be enough to keep Michigan State in the game (and maybe even a fake kick or two) but there is a Walrus calling the plays on offense. That bucket of fish will run out quickly and Miller earns himself a trip to New York and the Bucks a trip to the second game in Pasadena. OSU: 34--MSU: 19
Seeberg: Last week, I had OSU winning by "only" three touchdowns and quite frankly, that high margin of victory made me a bit nervous. However, nobody (except the hilariously partial Desmond Howard) had TTUN with 2.5 yards separating them from a win with less than a minute to go. Devin Gardner looked like a flat-out stud, primarily because, for reasons unbeknownst to this fan sitting in the 58th row, he was put under minimal duress, even after hurting his leg in the 3rd quarter. Our D consistently rushed four and dropped seven, and was consistently picked apart as a result. The only conceivable reason for this decision is that TTUN's O-line has struggled mightily in recent weeks and Fickell, Vrabel & Co. must have believed they could get consistent pressure with just four rushers. They were wrong, and if our defense sits back like that again, it may give MSU enough of an opening to spring the upset. Gratefully, however, Connor Cook does not have the skill set of Devin Gardner, even when Gardner is limping around the pocket. MSU's D against OSU's O is perhaps the most intriguing matchup anywhere in college football all year. Braxton has not thrown the ball well in recent weeks, but I believe the offense will come out throwing short-to-intermediate passes to get Braxton in a rhythm and loosen up the D for Hyde to get rolling. The D attacks, the O largely maintains its form against a tough MSU D, and OSU is 25-0 under Urban. MSU: 17--OSU: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Louisville
Hoying: Utah State over Fresno State
Schweinfurth: SMU over UCF
Seeberg: Army over Navy
1) Hoying 44-20 (1-13 upset)
2) Schweinfurth 43-21 (4-10 upset)
3) Draper 41-23 (3-11 upset)
4) Seeberg 3-3 (0-1 upset)
SEC: Missouri Tigers vs. Auburn Tigers
Draper: I remember 2006 when a team defeated their rival (as a top 5 matchup) and believed the season was over. They had reached the pinnacle, and the championship was a formality. After the game, I believe I watched one of the biggest flops in history as the Gators stomped the Buckeyes and stole the Title. The Bucks were slow, lazy, and unprepared. Seems like we are seeing a repeat here with Auburn. Missouri is one of those teams a coach has to hate planning for: they are good at everything, with no one thing to focus on. Auburn has been great (and lucky), but they've laid it all on the table while Mizzou is quietly waiting for their chance. While Auburn argues against OSU, the Tigers (Missouri brand) are prepping to slow down the Auburn rushing attack. James Franklin and crew steal the 'assumed' SEC championship and send Auburn from arguing about the title game to the Cotton Bowl. Mizzou: 31--Aub: 28
Hoying: On October 30, in our first BCS projections of the season, I predicted that Auburn would land in the Sugar Bowl, not as a replacement for Alabama in the Championship Game, but as the SEC champion. Two miracles against Georgia and Alabama later (propelling me to the top of the picks standings), I...am abandoning my projection. Why? I thought (correctly) that Nick Marshall's dual-threat capability would keep Auburn in the game against Bama long enough for a little rivalry magic to strike. However, across the SEC, Missouri's defense was busy throttling everyone's favorite waning Heisman contender, Johnny Football. Am I implying that Missouri has a better defense than Alabama? Maybe, but what I'm really saying is that I don't expect lightning to strike 3 times. Missouri has been solid in every phase of the game, from James Franklin's excellent quarterback play, to possibly the best stable of receivers in the game, to a fantastic rushing attack behind the one-two punch of Josey and Hansbrough, to the terrific defense led by the SEC's leading sack and TFL leader Michael Sam. Tigers win, jump up to #3 in the BCS (spoilers on two picks below), and bring their magical 2nd SEC season into the Sugar Bowl. Mizzou: 27--Aub: 20
Schweinfurth: Auburn should have "Livin' On A Prayer" as their fight song this year. Seriously? A miracle Hail Mary to end the Georgia game and then that finish last week. One would think that Gus Malzahn's magic has to run out at some point. I believe that will be this week. James Franklin and the Mizzou Tigers are flat rolling right now. I do believe the Missouri defense will give up some points (a good pass rush can be hurt by the misdirection offense). This will not be the SEC Championship games of old. Mizzou: 38--Aub: 35
Seeberg: At this time last week, I would have picked Missouri in this matchup without too much hesitation. James Franklin had returned and I figured they would blow TAMU out pretty handily. Not only was the game close, however, but Mizzou only mustered 28 points against a pretty lousy defense. That said, holding Johnny Sign-a-Football to just 21 points has been no small feat the last two seasons. Despite their offensive struggles, Franklin now has a week of gameplay under his belt since returning from injury and I still believe that the Tigers (Missouri Tigers, that is) have the more multi-dimensional offense which will, in the end, prove the difference. Mizzou: 31--Aub: 21
ACC: Duke Blue Devils vs. Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Duke is playing one of their best season's in history and no one is giving them a prayer...and they're right. The Noles have been nearly flawless this season stepping on the throat early and not letting up. The trio of receivers and stellar backfield are not even talked about with Famous Jameis leading the way. Oh yeah, the defense is pretty darn good too. This will be a traditional FSU game of 2013 with a 30+ point halftime lead and a cruise to Pasadena. FSU: 55--Duke: 13
Hoying: Florida State has been the most dominant team in college football this year. The Noles lead in scoring defense and sit second behind Baylor in scoring. Sure, FSU has had its share of cupcakes on the schedule, much like our beloved Buckeyes, but it's not like Duke went 10-2 against any tougher of a schedule. The Blue Devils are a nice story, but they've been squeaking through to the finish. Duke also got to duke it out against a Miami without Duke Johnson, while the Noles licked the Canes even with their best player intact. There's no reason this should be close. Unless...no, there's no reason. FSU: 45--Duke: 13
Schweinfurth: Duke has had a season to be remembered. The Blue Devils have risen from the ashes to become relevant in the ACC for the first time in, oh, forever. David Cutclife and the rest of the Dukies should be truly proud of this magical season. Unfortunately it is all about to come crashing down. Florida State, with or without Jamies Winston, is an absolute force on offense. If Clemson couldn't keep up with the 'Noles, Duke definitely cannot. Expect the Blue Devils to play with some emotion and hang on for part of the first quarter, but then it's all FSU, all night long. FSU: 52--Duke: 20
Seeberg: A recent statement from the Florida State Attorney's office stated that there may be a decision on the impending Jameis Winston issue before the weekend. In other words, the Florida State Attorney's office has a significantly better chance of thwarting FSU's season than the Duke defense does. Fourth-quarter comeback wins against the likes of Wake Forest (whose stadium, it bears mentioning, is roughly 25 miles from my apartment and is barely half-full for most games) make for a good story, but the Seminoles will write the last chapter much to the Blue Devils' dismay. FSU: 52--Duke: 17
Pac-12: Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Draper: Rematch! But in a new place... How good is Stanford? They have good wins, but 2 losses (one good one bad). How good is ASU? Good wins and...2 losses (one good--Stanford, and one eh..). I could see this one going either way, but I'm going with the home team. Todd Graham has his team churning along without the hype of Stanford. Stanford assumes the title after beating Oregon, but Oregon showed their true nature over the last few weeks. Go Sparky! Stan: 20--ASU: 24
Hoying: Aaaagh, this is the worst kind of conference championship game. It's like a reboot of last year's Stanford-UCLA rematch, only with a twist: the team that won the head-to-head this time is less deserving of the title. True, Stanford already beat Arizona State earlier in the season, but the Cardinal has collected two Pac-12 losses since then against teams that ASU beat (Utah and USC). That being said, I don't see any reason why this game shouldn't play out much the same as the first matchup, a convincing Cardinal victory. Home field might make some difference, but not enough to keep Stanford from its first back-to-back Rose Bowls since 1971-72. Stan: 35--ASU: 27
Schweinfurth: I have to be honest when I say that I really have not watched much Pac-12 football this year. Arizona State has played well but has a loss to Stanford already this season. I don't see ASU not turning the ball over a couple times here (you can't put the ball up 50+ times a game and not have a pick or two). This game will be closer than the matchup early in the season but Stanford turns that turnover into points. Stan: 31--ASU: 24
Seeberg: Stanford has been very up and down the last month: dominating Oregon, then losing to USC. Annihilating Cal in a rivalry game, then struggling to put away Notre Dame. ASU has not lost since early October, but a couple of weeks before that they were handled pretty easily by- you guessed it- Stanford. The Sun Devils get this title game at home and are coming off a whipping of their in-state rivals who had just whipped Oregon (at least De'Anthony Thomas doesn't have to go to the Rose Bowl now, you know, since he wasn't that interested in going anyway). Arizona State only scores 28 again, but it's enough, unlike last time. Stan: 21--ASU: 28
Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Bedlam is always a good time. OU has sputtered this whole year with all kinds of problems--especially questionable QB play. OSU stomped Baylor in their first 'Game of the Century (of the Year)' but it all is for naught without a big win at home in Bedlam. I love the Poke home field advantage and their poise in the last big game (Baylor) and I don't see a difference here. Rivalries make for interesting things, but the Pokes behind Clint Chelf look ready to go. The loss to WVU just doesn't make sense. The rebound continues on the way to the Fiesta. OU: 27--OSU: 38
Hoying: Shuffle, shuffle, do the quarterback shuffle. Both teams enter Bedlam with season-long quarterback issues. The Cowboys seem to have settled on senior slinger Clint Chelf, especially after a fantastic performance against Baylor, while the Sooners have rediscovered their love for freshman phenom Trevor Knight after Blake Bell bit badly getting beat by the Baylor Bears. This one looks like an easy pick for the Cowboys, but I'm not so sure. The Cowboys historically underperform against the Sooners, and I just have a feeling that with a 2nd Big 12 title in 3 years in their grasp, OSU will let the moment slip away. Big Game Bob comes through and the Bedlam series becomes even more lopsided. OU: 31--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: If last week's rivalry games told us anything, it's that these games are flat unpredictable. Ultimately, the Cowboys have looked very good against some very good offenses this year, see Baylor. OSU likes to jam the receivers at the line and this throws the timing of these offenses way off. The Cowboy offense is very efficient and has played well all year. Oklahoma is good enough to keep it close but OSU is the better team. OU: 28--OSU: 38
Seeberg: After crushing Baylor on a national stage, OSU #2 (remember, they got crushed 33-7 by THE OSU in the Alamo Bowl several years ago) has faded back into relative obscurity, no doubt angrily. For those who may not recall, Oklahoma State missed out on a chance to play LSU for the national title a couple years back by mere thousandths of a point in the BCS. I don't think anyone argued that 'Bama was better, but they didn't even win their conference, and the Cowboys are feeling slighted yet again. Both teams have two weeks to prep, but the Oklahoma St. offense is the best of the four units that will be on the field: advantage- OSU #2. OSU: 38--OU: 24
Texas Longhorns @ Baylor Bears
Draper: Texas showed life in the midseason after blowing out OU, but then crashed back down to earth. Baylor was rocking and rolling until OSU and faceplanted. Last week showed a hangover as they struggled with TCU as well. What about this week? Both teams have something to play for as a loss for the Cowboys catapults the winner into the Fiesta Bowl. Baylor has had struggles of late, but they were on the road. The home stadium in Waco may not be unstoppable, but they feed off the energy. I like Baylor to return home and beat the Horns to wrap up no worse than second. Stir the rumor mill for Mack Brown. UT: 30--Baylor: 45
Hoying: I thought Texas had turned it around. I thought Mack Brown had righted the ship. Then Oklahoma State happened. We should've seen it coming after terrible terrible West Virginia took the Horns to 3OT. Yeah, yeah, you blew out a Texas Tech team that hasn't beaten a good team all year. Meanwhile, Baylor almost let the Cowboys beat them 2 weeks in a row, needing an INT on an ill-advised pass to hold off a bad TCU team. But now the Bears are back in their den. And they're ready to unleash the nation's top offense against a Texas defense that can't stop it. This one is going to be ugly. UT: 24--Baylor: 52
Schweinfurth: Texas has made a decent comeback on the Mack Brown redemption tour this year. Then the ship started to take on water yet again. The Longhorn's are getting Baylor at a very bad time. Baylor can seal a BCS berth with a win hear and continue the upswing they have been on. Unless Texas can shut down that Bear rushing attack, it's gonna be a long day...and it will be a loooong day. Baylor wins big. UT: 28--Baylor: 55
Seeberg: Similar to the SEC title game, this game felt like a no-brainer, this time for the Baylor Bears, until their near-debacle last week, giving up 38 points to a TCU squad that might be Gary Patterson's worst since he took over the program 13 seasons ago. Baylor should win, and should win easily, but Texas's D has largely played well the second half of the season. Texas hangs in for Mack Brown, but Bryce Petty makes enough plays to pull away late. UT: 21--Baylor: 37
B1G: Michigan State Spartans vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Sparty defense vs. Buckeye offense...man, I wish I had some Buckeye offense to plow my sidewalk. In the new look NFL/NCAA, defense may win championships, but a great defense cannot stop a great offense. Look at the TAMU/Bama game. Bama won in a shootout...because A&M defense sucked and the stout Tide D couldn't stop Johnny Football. Sparty will slow the Buckeyes somewhat, but you can't stop being bludgeoned repeated by Hyde and Miller. The rushing attack of the Buckeyes and the O-line will wear down the Spartans. On the other side of the ball, the Buckeye D was awful last week...but let's not forget about the walrus himself calling plays in East Lansing--Vrabs is coming for you Bollman! I think the Buckeye defense will be able to stop 'Dave' enough times to earn a hard fought win and a trip to Pasadena for the title. MSU: 20--OSU: 35
Hoying: After the Buckeyes watched Auburn's insane kick-six to topple Alabama, the team went wild for a few minutes. They knew their last uncontrollable obstacle to a national title been removed. Then Philly Brown stood up and reminded the men of the scarlet and gray that for that new #2 ranking to mean anything, it had to be cemented with one more victory. Can the Bucks take down a Sparty squad that appears to be headed to the Rose Bowl regardless of the game's outcome? Much is being made of Ohio State's meltdown on defense against the Wolverines. However, Michigan was playing out of its mind, showing glimpses of the powerful attack that steamrolled Notre Dame before tripping over its own shoelaces during the past month. The run D wasn't terrible; it was Gardner gashing us through the air that almost derailed the championship train. MSU's Connor Cook has been improving, but this is the guy who led the Spartan offense to 14 points against Purdue. Purdue. Roby, Barnett, Grant, and Brown should have little to fear this Saturday. On the other side of the ball, Carlos Hyde is still unstoppable, running for 226 yards against a pretty good Michigan run D. I don't think the Spartans are capable of shutting down both Hyde and Miller, and they might not get to either. I boldly predicted last year that as long as Braxton was on the field for the Buckeyes, they wouldn't lose another game. It's served me well so far. Buckeyes win the final Legends-Leaders battle and thus definitely secure a spot in the BCS National Championship. MSU: 16--OSU: 28
Schweinfurth: Michigan State has a defense, oh yes, Sparty has a defense. They are not the #1 rated defense in the nation for nothing. However, the Spartans have faced some spread offense this year and they have given up some points, see 28 points to both Nebraska and Indiana. Ohio State's offense is much, much, much better that those two teams. Who do you try and stop? Keep Miller from running the ball? He'll throw some quick screens or give to Hyde? Stop Hyde? Now you have Miller running wild and throwing. The Spartans want to talk "no fly zone" but they will be stressed vertically and horizontally by the physical Ohio State receivers. Michigan State's offense matches up well with the Silver Bullets. Yes, OSU gives up passing yards but they are very good against conventional power run teams (just look at the Wisconsin game). That Spartan defense will be enough to keep Michigan State in the game (and maybe even a fake kick or two) but there is a Walrus calling the plays on offense. That bucket of fish will run out quickly and Miller earns himself a trip to New York and the Bucks a trip to the second game in Pasadena. OSU: 34--MSU: 19
Seeberg: Last week, I had OSU winning by "only" three touchdowns and quite frankly, that high margin of victory made me a bit nervous. However, nobody (except the hilariously partial Desmond Howard) had TTUN with 2.5 yards separating them from a win with less than a minute to go. Devin Gardner looked like a flat-out stud, primarily because, for reasons unbeknownst to this fan sitting in the 58th row, he was put under minimal duress, even after hurting his leg in the 3rd quarter. Our D consistently rushed four and dropped seven, and was consistently picked apart as a result. The only conceivable reason for this decision is that TTUN's O-line has struggled mightily in recent weeks and Fickell, Vrabel & Co. must have believed they could get consistent pressure with just four rushers. They were wrong, and if our defense sits back like that again, it may give MSU enough of an opening to spring the upset. Gratefully, however, Connor Cook does not have the skill set of Devin Gardner, even when Gardner is limping around the pocket. MSU's D against OSU's O is perhaps the most intriguing matchup anywhere in college football all year. Braxton has not thrown the ball well in recent weeks, but I believe the offense will come out throwing short-to-intermediate passes to get Braxton in a rhythm and loosen up the D for Hyde to get rolling. The D attacks, the O largely maintains its form against a tough MSU D, and OSU is 25-0 under Urban. MSU: 17--OSU: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Louisville
Hoying: Utah State over Fresno State
Schweinfurth: SMU over UCF
Seeberg: Army over Navy
Friday, November 15, 2013
Week 12 - Another week of 'eh...'
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 32-15 (4-7 upset)
2) Draper 31-16 (2-9 upset)
2) Hoying 31-16 (1-10 upset)
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Longhorns
Draper: Pokes vs. Horns. Is Texas morphing into the team they were supposed to be? Can they overcome the curse of GERG Robinson? Mike Gundy is a man, but can the Pokes take on a 'real' (maybe) team? This is the toughest game of the week to pick as these teams are pretty even in their mediocrity. OSU has beat up on the Little Sisters of the Poor and UT has taken down a strong Sooner squad. I'm going with the home team and the resurgence of the Mack Brown led Longhorns. Darrell K Royal stadium is the difference. OSU: 30--UT: 34
Hoying: So...much...orange...This game always makes me think of Texas's monster comeback against the Pokes during the Vince Young era, when he made a pump fake about 15 yards past the line of scrimmage and the linebacker jumped like he was Patrick Ewing trying to block Scottie Pippen in NBA Jam. Ah, memories. After an ugly, ugly start, the Longhorns are finally starting to live up to the preseason hype, rattling off 6 wins to start conference play. Oklahoma State has also been rolling merrily along after an ugly loss to West Virginia. The problem inherent in assessing these two teams is the same problem that plagues all Big 12 matchups: the good teams played all the crappy teams first, so it's hard to get a feel for how good the conference leaders really are. I see Oklahoma State as a slightly better version of Texas Tech: inflated record due to crappy opponents. Texas is battle-tested and ready for a fight. The Big 12 race shrinks to Texas vs. Baylor after a Longhorn victory. OSU: 27--UT: 30
Schweinfurth: Texas just isn't the Texas of old. I really don't think much of these two teams to be honest. While I do believe the Longhorns are still playing for Mac Brown's job, I just don't think Texas can score with the Cowboys. This will be entertaining but I'll take the other OSU. OSU: 42--UT: 38
Georgia Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers
Draper: I'm gonna do it. I don't know why, but I have a feeling. UGA's defense is awful, but is Auburn ready for the pressure to mount? UGA is almost back to full strength and has been playing well over the last few weeks. I think Auburn is starting to look to the Iron Bowl but forgetting that Murray, Gurley, and Co. can score. The Bulldogs would be well advised to slow the game down and force Auburn into a knock-down drag-em-out fight. Auburn took down A&M but UGA (even though it's terrible) has a better D than the Aggies. Johnny Football lost with flash; can Gurley win with a blue-collar mentality? UGA: 30--Aub: 27
Hoying: Old man football's broken hip hasn't quite recovered enough to handle the hottest team in the SEC (yes, yes, other than Bama). I'm not sure Georgia would even win this game at full strength. In the year of the quarterback, Auburn has taken the SEC by storm with a punishing rushing attack, putting up at least 35 points against their last 5 opponents. In four of those matchups, the Tigers reached 45 (way to break the streak, Bert). That's bad news for a suspect Dawg defense. It doesn't matter what happens on the other side of the ball. Georgia simply can't stop Auburn or hope to keep up. Old and busted...new hotness. UGA: 24--Aub: 38
Schweinfurth: This is a game of the walking dead versus a very hot (possibly good) team. Let's face it, Georgia isn't the same team they were before that Tennessee game. Auburn has had a rejuvenation under Gus Mahlzon and I do believe in what he is building offensively. Georgia wasn't good on defense before the injuries and that continues into this week. Georgia keeps it close for a while but Auburn continues to roll towards the Iron Bowl. UGA:28--Aub: 40
Michigan State Spartans @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: Leaders on the line for real. A Spartan win essentially seals the Green and White's trip to Indy. The defense is for real, but the offense is showing signs of life. Don't get too excited; the Walrus still reigns, but Nebraska is not the answer to stop Sparty. Nebraska may have beaten UM (ha) but MSU is much better. Look for a suffocating Sparty YES win. MSU: 27--Neb: 10
Hoying: The B1G Leaders division race was over after the first game, with Ohio State grinding out a win over Wisconsin (shocker) to make for one of the most boring division races of the BCS era. The Legends, however, has just begun to clear up, and it seems that the winner of this matchup will be facing the Buckeyes in Indianapolis. Who has the edge? Both teams made Michigan's offense look pathetic, incompetent, lost, uninterested, weak, hopeless, and bad. But so did Akron. And UConn. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini salvaged his team's season from Bo Pelini land with a ridiculous Hail Mary reception against Northwestern, while Michigan State has been quietly mopping the floor with their B1G opponents (except the freaking Boilermakers for some reason). Normally, Lincoln has a magic force field around it that protects the Huskers from losing, but UCLA shattered it and Minnesota devoured the remains. You don't need to be a good QB to score on this Blackskirt defense. MSU: 24--Neb: 10
Schweinfurth: Question: What does Michigan State do really well at on defense? Answer: Stop the run. What does Nebraska do best on offense? Run the ball. It is really that simple. I know Michigan State's offense isn't great but it is effective enough (Spartyball?). This will be close only because of the Spartan offense is that bad. Sparty wins and sets up an OSU/MSU B1G Championship Game. MSU: 17--Neb: 9
Stanford Cardinal @ USC Trojans
Draper: Stanford is living large after taking down the Ducks, but the Trojans are quietly winning without any talk. Ed Orgeron is trying (desperately) to hang on while he can. The Trojans will jump out to an early lead as Stanford is really built to beat a small team like Oregon. When Stanford realizes they're in trouble, their will be just enough time to come back and squeak out the win over the horrible QB play in LA. Trojans fight, but Cardinal escape with their eyes locked on a potential Pac12 title. Stan: 27--USC: 24
Hoying: Seeing this matchup always puts a smile on my face as I'm transported back to that monumental upset in 2007. That was also the year that Michigan lost to Appalachian State (hot hot hot), but the Stanford-USC upset was arguably even bigger and easily the worst of Carroll's career. Since then, USC has beaten Stanford exactly once, in 2008, and the Trojans are in the midst of their first-ever 4 game losing skid to the Tree. Looks like a lock for 5 in a row, right? Not so fast. USC might be the most underrated and overlooked team in the country. Only the really puzzling loss to a not-as-bad-as-usual Washington State team sticks out on an otherwise decent resume. The defense has been great (outside of the Arizona State game) and interim (or is he?) coach Ed Orgeron seems to have the team believing they can live up to the recruiting hoopla. Stanford will still win; they're an excellent team on both sides of the ball and their backup center has The Shining (or something like that). But don't be surprised to see the Trojans put up quite a fight and catch some experts off-guard. Stan: 20--USC: 17
Schweinfurth: Stanford is fresh off the big win at Oregon and has had an extra few days to prepare for the Trojans. The Trojans, while looking better under a competent coach, are still bad. Stanford wins. Stan: 28--USC: 21
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Draper: OSU almost always has trouble scoring in Champaign. Even if this is the case, the Illini have shown an aversion to scoring in Champaign as well. That being said, the ground game will take center stage as the Bucks steamroll a horribly overmatched foe. Nathan Scheelhouse has never lived up to the hype and this will be no different. 3 Buckeyes rush for 100 yards (let's go Miller, Hyde, and...Elliot I guess) and Illibuck retains a home in Columbus. OSU: 45--Ill: 13
Hoying: Whoo boy, another nail-biter. The Buckeyes don't traditionally score a lot of points in Champaign (under 30 every game since 1998) but they don't traditionally have Urban Meyer as their coach, either. This Illini defense is legendarily bad (think Purdue) and the Buckeyes have had two whole weeks to prepare...for Michigan, but they probably spent a day getting ready for Illinois, too. They should've watched game film of Indiana instead. Bucks win the Donatello trophy and keep rolling toward 13-0. OSU: 52--Ill: 10
Schweinfurth: Look, Illinois is bad. I mean "haven't won a game in the B1G since 2011" bad. Yes, their passing offense has shown signs of life but 600+ yards against a meh defense and 2 (!) touchdowns is just sad. If the wind is a factor Hyde and Miller run for 200 apiece. Even if the wind is a factor, Braxton still throws for 250. Buck keep on rolling.
OSU:63--Ill: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Duke over Miami (FL)
Hoying: Texas Tech over Baylor
Schweinfurth: Houston over Louisville
1) Schweinfurth 32-15 (4-7 upset)
2) Draper 31-16 (2-9 upset)
2) Hoying 31-16 (1-10 upset)
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Longhorns
Draper: Pokes vs. Horns. Is Texas morphing into the team they were supposed to be? Can they overcome the curse of GERG Robinson? Mike Gundy is a man, but can the Pokes take on a 'real' (maybe) team? This is the toughest game of the week to pick as these teams are pretty even in their mediocrity. OSU has beat up on the Little Sisters of the Poor and UT has taken down a strong Sooner squad. I'm going with the home team and the resurgence of the Mack Brown led Longhorns. Darrell K Royal stadium is the difference. OSU: 30--UT: 34
Hoying: So...much...orange...This game always makes me think of Texas's monster comeback against the Pokes during the Vince Young era, when he made a pump fake about 15 yards past the line of scrimmage and the linebacker jumped like he was Patrick Ewing trying to block Scottie Pippen in NBA Jam. Ah, memories. After an ugly, ugly start, the Longhorns are finally starting to live up to the preseason hype, rattling off 6 wins to start conference play. Oklahoma State has also been rolling merrily along after an ugly loss to West Virginia. The problem inherent in assessing these two teams is the same problem that plagues all Big 12 matchups: the good teams played all the crappy teams first, so it's hard to get a feel for how good the conference leaders really are. I see Oklahoma State as a slightly better version of Texas Tech: inflated record due to crappy opponents. Texas is battle-tested and ready for a fight. The Big 12 race shrinks to Texas vs. Baylor after a Longhorn victory. OSU: 27--UT: 30
Schweinfurth: Texas just isn't the Texas of old. I really don't think much of these two teams to be honest. While I do believe the Longhorns are still playing for Mac Brown's job, I just don't think Texas can score with the Cowboys. This will be entertaining but I'll take the other OSU. OSU: 42--UT: 38
Georgia Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers
Draper: I'm gonna do it. I don't know why, but I have a feeling. UGA's defense is awful, but is Auburn ready for the pressure to mount? UGA is almost back to full strength and has been playing well over the last few weeks. I think Auburn is starting to look to the Iron Bowl but forgetting that Murray, Gurley, and Co. can score. The Bulldogs would be well advised to slow the game down and force Auburn into a knock-down drag-em-out fight. Auburn took down A&M but UGA (even though it's terrible) has a better D than the Aggies. Johnny Football lost with flash; can Gurley win with a blue-collar mentality? UGA: 30--Aub: 27
Hoying: Old man football's broken hip hasn't quite recovered enough to handle the hottest team in the SEC (yes, yes, other than Bama). I'm not sure Georgia would even win this game at full strength. In the year of the quarterback, Auburn has taken the SEC by storm with a punishing rushing attack, putting up at least 35 points against their last 5 opponents. In four of those matchups, the Tigers reached 45 (way to break the streak, Bert). That's bad news for a suspect Dawg defense. It doesn't matter what happens on the other side of the ball. Georgia simply can't stop Auburn or hope to keep up. Old and busted...new hotness. UGA: 24--Aub: 38
Schweinfurth: This is a game of the walking dead versus a very hot (possibly good) team. Let's face it, Georgia isn't the same team they were before that Tennessee game. Auburn has had a rejuvenation under Gus Mahlzon and I do believe in what he is building offensively. Georgia wasn't good on defense before the injuries and that continues into this week. Georgia keeps it close for a while but Auburn continues to roll towards the Iron Bowl. UGA:28--Aub: 40
Michigan State Spartans @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: Leaders on the line for real. A Spartan win essentially seals the Green and White's trip to Indy. The defense is for real, but the offense is showing signs of life. Don't get too excited; the Walrus still reigns, but Nebraska is not the answer to stop Sparty. Nebraska may have beaten UM (ha) but MSU is much better. Look for a suffocating Sparty YES win. MSU: 27--Neb: 10
Hoying: The B1G Leaders division race was over after the first game, with Ohio State grinding out a win over Wisconsin (shocker) to make for one of the most boring division races of the BCS era. The Legends, however, has just begun to clear up, and it seems that the winner of this matchup will be facing the Buckeyes in Indianapolis. Who has the edge? Both teams made Michigan's offense look pathetic, incompetent, lost, uninterested, weak, hopeless, and bad. But so did Akron. And UConn. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini salvaged his team's season from Bo Pelini land with a ridiculous Hail Mary reception against Northwestern, while Michigan State has been quietly mopping the floor with their B1G opponents (except the freaking Boilermakers for some reason). Normally, Lincoln has a magic force field around it that protects the Huskers from losing, but UCLA shattered it and Minnesota devoured the remains. You don't need to be a good QB to score on this Blackskirt defense. MSU: 24--Neb: 10
Schweinfurth: Question: What does Michigan State do really well at on defense? Answer: Stop the run. What does Nebraska do best on offense? Run the ball. It is really that simple. I know Michigan State's offense isn't great but it is effective enough (Spartyball?). This will be close only because of the Spartan offense is that bad. Sparty wins and sets up an OSU/MSU B1G Championship Game. MSU: 17--Neb: 9
Stanford Cardinal @ USC Trojans
Draper: Stanford is living large after taking down the Ducks, but the Trojans are quietly winning without any talk. Ed Orgeron is trying (desperately) to hang on while he can. The Trojans will jump out to an early lead as Stanford is really built to beat a small team like Oregon. When Stanford realizes they're in trouble, their will be just enough time to come back and squeak out the win over the horrible QB play in LA. Trojans fight, but Cardinal escape with their eyes locked on a potential Pac12 title. Stan: 27--USC: 24
Hoying: Seeing this matchup always puts a smile on my face as I'm transported back to that monumental upset in 2007. That was also the year that Michigan lost to Appalachian State (hot hot hot), but the Stanford-USC upset was arguably even bigger and easily the worst of Carroll's career. Since then, USC has beaten Stanford exactly once, in 2008, and the Trojans are in the midst of their first-ever 4 game losing skid to the Tree. Looks like a lock for 5 in a row, right? Not so fast. USC might be the most underrated and overlooked team in the country. Only the really puzzling loss to a not-as-bad-as-usual Washington State team sticks out on an otherwise decent resume. The defense has been great (outside of the Arizona State game) and interim (or is he?) coach Ed Orgeron seems to have the team believing they can live up to the recruiting hoopla. Stanford will still win; they're an excellent team on both sides of the ball and their backup center has The Shining (or something like that). But don't be surprised to see the Trojans put up quite a fight and catch some experts off-guard. Stan: 20--USC: 17
Schweinfurth: Stanford is fresh off the big win at Oregon and has had an extra few days to prepare for the Trojans. The Trojans, while looking better under a competent coach, are still bad. Stanford wins. Stan: 28--USC: 21
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Draper: OSU almost always has trouble scoring in Champaign. Even if this is the case, the Illini have shown an aversion to scoring in Champaign as well. That being said, the ground game will take center stage as the Bucks steamroll a horribly overmatched foe. Nathan Scheelhouse has never lived up to the hype and this will be no different. 3 Buckeyes rush for 100 yards (let's go Miller, Hyde, and...Elliot I guess) and Illibuck retains a home in Columbus. OSU: 45--Ill: 13
Hoying: Whoo boy, another nail-biter. The Buckeyes don't traditionally score a lot of points in Champaign (under 30 every game since 1998) but they don't traditionally have Urban Meyer as their coach, either. This Illini defense is legendarily bad (think Purdue) and the Buckeyes have had two whole weeks to prepare...for Michigan, but they probably spent a day getting ready for Illinois, too. They should've watched game film of Indiana instead. Bucks win the Donatello trophy and keep rolling toward 13-0. OSU: 52--Ill: 10
Schweinfurth: Look, Illinois is bad. I mean "haven't won a game in the B1G since 2011" bad. Yes, their passing offense has shown signs of life but 600+ yards against a meh defense and 2 (!) touchdowns is just sad. If the wind is a factor Hyde and Miller run for 200 apiece. Even if the wind is a factor, Braxton still throws for 250. Buck keep on rolling.
OSU:63--Ill: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Duke over Miami (FL)
Hoying: Texas Tech over Baylor
Schweinfurth: Houston over Louisville
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Week 7: Surprisingly good games
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 20-4 (1-5 upset)
2) Draper 19-5 (1-5 upset)
3) Hoying 16-8 (1-5 upset)
Oregon Ducks @ Washington Huskies
Draper: Gameday comes to Seattle in what is clearly Oregon's biggest test of the year thus far. Most people aren't paying attention to the Huskies because they played late vs. Stanford and couldn't steal one on the road, but anyone who watched that game saw the they had a really good chance to win it. Now they return home to an absolute huge home field advantage vs. the big dog in the Pac 12. Oregon has destroyed the scrubs of the country without a second thought, but I'm riding Washington. Keith Price is exceptional and the Dawgs won't back down from a fight. They lost some confidence but Sark will get them motivated. I don't know if Oregon is ready for a real team. Upset in Washington. UO: 38--UW: 41
Hoying: Is Oregon for real? Seems like a stupid question, but keep in mind that the Ducks' best win so far was at home against 3-3 Tennessee. Sure, they've been crushing everybody, but Baylor's been doing that against better competition, and no one seems keen to put the Bears at #2. The Huskies' close defeat at Stanford takes a little glitz off this game, but Washington showed it was good enough to hang with an elite team on the road, and the Ducks won't have the Autzen Zoo to help them out here. To be honest, I have no idea how this one will come out. Both teams feature excellent quarterback play and great defense. But Oregon hasn't been close to being touched yet this year. Until they stumble, I'm not going to pick against them. UO: 45--UW: 28
Schweinfurth: This may the most intriguing game of the week and may be one of the hardest to pick. Oregon has not been tested but has put up some impressive numbers. Oregon has had some distractions this week, mainly in their former TE that just walked off the team. Washington played well against Stanford last week, but how good is Stanford this year? This is the biggest home game for the Huskies and they know another Pac 12 loss all but eliminates them from the Pac 12 championship. Add Gameday, the game in Washington, a night game, and Oregon is good for a random loss every year, I have a hard time picking against Keith Price and the Huskies (I don't see Oregon losing to Stanford). UO: 45--UW: 48
Florida Gators @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Gators looked pretty good last week without Driskel, but now it's Death Valley. LSU is angry after losing 2 weeks ago at UGA and wants to punish all in their way. The Florida defense is good, but the offense is not. The LSU defense is good, and so is the offense. Add in the home crowd and this one is over early. Tigers big. UF: 13--LSU: 31
Hoying: Ah, Florida-LSU, the classic struggle of high-powered offense versus punishing defense. Wait, the Gators are the brick wall? And the Tigeaouiexrs are the battering ram? In this week's Bizarro matchup, Florida actually has the defensive weapons to slow down Zach Hamburglar and the LSU offense. Problem is, there's no way backup QB Tyler Murphy is going to be able to do enough to keep the Gators in this one. Miami didn't have to move the ball to beat the Gators; they just sat back and waited for the Florida offense to crap the bed. Expect a nastier bowel movement here. UF: 10--LSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Florida's Offense is abysmal, their defense is actually pretty good. Mettenberger has looked good this year. A horrific Gator Offense against that LSU defense just isn't fair and the score will reflect this. UF: 10--LSU: 40
Missouri Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Is Missouri for real? Can Georgia fight through injuries? I say sort of and yes. The Dawgs are decimated at running back but Aaron Murray is capable of keeping the offense going. The defense will step it up between the hedges. Missouri has been chugging along, but this is the first real test. James Franklin (the QB) will make some noise, but the hostile environs in Athens is too much. Georgia takes care of business in a closer than the experts think battle. If UGA is completely healthy, this is a laugher... Mizzou: 27--UGA: 30
Hoying: Some people are finally starting to take notice of everyone's 3rd-favorite SEC Tigers. For some reason, this group does not include the Coaches' Poll, which continues to keep Missouri unranked despite decent road wins over Indiana and Vanderbilt. A win over the Bulldogs in Athens would change the situation considerably. The Tigers are set up nicely in this one: the Bulldogs are coming off two close victories in which key players have been injured. The Georgia D has been suspect (yes, I know Clemson and LSU have great offenses, but Tennessee? North Texas?), which is bad news against a potent Missouri passing attack. I'm going to go ahead and take the...Bulldogs in this one. The Force is with you, young Missouri, but you are not an SEC power yet. Mizzou: 27--UGA: 38
Schweinfurth: Yes Georgia had some big injuries last week. And yes, Mizzou is undefeated. Regardless, Georgia is a very deep team and they still have Aaron Murray pulling the trigger. Mizzou's spread attack will keep them in the game, but Georgia is still the better team. Mizzou: 35--UGA: 45
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns
Draper: Oklahoma is good. Texas is on tilt. Mack Brown should go quiet into that good night. If he loses this one, they might 'retire' him on the spot. Sadly, it's time to go. The talent exists in Austin, but it isn't clicking. I don't see Greg Robinson stopping anyone let alone the Belldozer. Red River Shootout becomes the Red River Pink Slip. OU: 48--UT: 31
Hoying: All I hope for this game is to see Greg Robinson rubbing a stuffed toy steer against his defensive players as they run off the field. Unfortunately, that would require Texas to stop Oklahoma at some point during this tilt, which I don't see happening. The Longhorns gave up 63 and 55 points to the Sooners in the last two Red River Shootouts, and those Texas squads didn't suck like this one does. Texas bites, Texas dies, and it's goodbye to old Mack Brown. OU: 59--UT: 17
Schweinfurth: Oklahoma is probably the second best team in the Big 12. Lucky for them, Texas isn't the one team better than them. Texas is missing their starting QB (Ash) and has a coach with one foot out the door. I fully expect a ton of points because that's what this rivalry always provides us. Oklahoma pulls away early and doesn't look back. OU: 53--UT: 38
1) Schweinfurth 20-4 (1-5 upset)
2) Draper 19-5 (1-5 upset)
3) Hoying 16-8 (1-5 upset)
Oregon Ducks @ Washington Huskies
Draper: Gameday comes to Seattle in what is clearly Oregon's biggest test of the year thus far. Most people aren't paying attention to the Huskies because they played late vs. Stanford and couldn't steal one on the road, but anyone who watched that game saw the they had a really good chance to win it. Now they return home to an absolute huge home field advantage vs. the big dog in the Pac 12. Oregon has destroyed the scrubs of the country without a second thought, but I'm riding Washington. Keith Price is exceptional and the Dawgs won't back down from a fight. They lost some confidence but Sark will get them motivated. I don't know if Oregon is ready for a real team. Upset in Washington. UO: 38--UW: 41
Hoying: Is Oregon for real? Seems like a stupid question, but keep in mind that the Ducks' best win so far was at home against 3-3 Tennessee. Sure, they've been crushing everybody, but Baylor's been doing that against better competition, and no one seems keen to put the Bears at #2. The Huskies' close defeat at Stanford takes a little glitz off this game, but Washington showed it was good enough to hang with an elite team on the road, and the Ducks won't have the Autzen Zoo to help them out here. To be honest, I have no idea how this one will come out. Both teams feature excellent quarterback play and great defense. But Oregon hasn't been close to being touched yet this year. Until they stumble, I'm not going to pick against them. UO: 45--UW: 28
Schweinfurth: This may the most intriguing game of the week and may be one of the hardest to pick. Oregon has not been tested but has put up some impressive numbers. Oregon has had some distractions this week, mainly in their former TE that just walked off the team. Washington played well against Stanford last week, but how good is Stanford this year? This is the biggest home game for the Huskies and they know another Pac 12 loss all but eliminates them from the Pac 12 championship. Add Gameday, the game in Washington, a night game, and Oregon is good for a random loss every year, I have a hard time picking against Keith Price and the Huskies (I don't see Oregon losing to Stanford). UO: 45--UW: 48
Florida Gators @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Gators looked pretty good last week without Driskel, but now it's Death Valley. LSU is angry after losing 2 weeks ago at UGA and wants to punish all in their way. The Florida defense is good, but the offense is not. The LSU defense is good, and so is the offense. Add in the home crowd and this one is over early. Tigers big. UF: 13--LSU: 31
Hoying: Ah, Florida-LSU, the classic struggle of high-powered offense versus punishing defense. Wait, the Gators are the brick wall? And the Tigeaouiexrs are the battering ram? In this week's Bizarro matchup, Florida actually has the defensive weapons to slow down Zach Hamburglar and the LSU offense. Problem is, there's no way backup QB Tyler Murphy is going to be able to do enough to keep the Gators in this one. Miami didn't have to move the ball to beat the Gators; they just sat back and waited for the Florida offense to crap the bed. Expect a nastier bowel movement here. UF: 10--LSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Florida's Offense is abysmal, their defense is actually pretty good. Mettenberger has looked good this year. A horrific Gator Offense against that LSU defense just isn't fair and the score will reflect this. UF: 10--LSU: 40
Draper: Is Missouri for real? Can Georgia fight through injuries? I say sort of and yes. The Dawgs are decimated at running back but Aaron Murray is capable of keeping the offense going. The defense will step it up between the hedges. Missouri has been chugging along, but this is the first real test. James Franklin (the QB) will make some noise, but the hostile environs in Athens is too much. Georgia takes care of business in a closer than the experts think battle. If UGA is completely healthy, this is a laugher... Mizzou: 27--UGA: 30
Hoying: Some people are finally starting to take notice of everyone's 3rd-favorite SEC Tigers. For some reason, this group does not include the Coaches' Poll, which continues to keep Missouri unranked despite decent road wins over Indiana and Vanderbilt. A win over the Bulldogs in Athens would change the situation considerably. The Tigers are set up nicely in this one: the Bulldogs are coming off two close victories in which key players have been injured. The Georgia D has been suspect (yes, I know Clemson and LSU have great offenses, but Tennessee? North Texas?), which is bad news against a potent Missouri passing attack. I'm going to go ahead and take the...Bulldogs in this one. The Force is with you, young Missouri, but you are not an SEC power yet. Mizzou: 27--UGA: 38
Schweinfurth: Yes Georgia had some big injuries last week. And yes, Mizzou is undefeated. Regardless, Georgia is a very deep team and they still have Aaron Murray pulling the trigger. Mizzou's spread attack will keep them in the game, but Georgia is still the better team. Mizzou: 35--UGA: 45
Draper: Oklahoma is good. Texas is on tilt. Mack Brown should go quiet into that good night. If he loses this one, they might 'retire' him on the spot. Sadly, it's time to go. The talent exists in Austin, but it isn't clicking. I don't see Greg Robinson stopping anyone let alone the Belldozer. Red River Shootout becomes the Red River Pink Slip. OU: 48--UT: 31
Hoying: All I hope for this game is to see Greg Robinson rubbing a stuffed toy steer against his defensive players as they run off the field. Unfortunately, that would require Texas to stop Oklahoma at some point during this tilt, which I don't see happening. The Longhorns gave up 63 and 55 points to the Sooners in the last two Red River Shootouts, and those Texas squads didn't suck like this one does. Texas bites, Texas dies, and it's goodbye to old Mack Brown. OU: 59--UT: 17
Schweinfurth: Oklahoma is probably the second best team in the Big 12. Lucky for them, Texas isn't the one team better than them. Texas is missing their starting QB (Ash) and has a coach with one foot out the door. I fully expect a ton of points because that's what this rivalry always provides us. Oklahoma pulls away early and doesn't look back. OU: 53--UT: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Arkansas over South Carolina
Hoying: Boston College over Clemson
Schweinfurth: Penn State over Michigan
Hoying: Boston College over Clemson
Schweinfurth: Penn State over Michigan
Thursday, November 29, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Week 7: Couple nice games here
Standings
1. Schweinfurth 20-4 (3-3 upset)
2. Hoying 16-8 (2-4 upset)
3. Draper 15-9 (2-4 upset)
4. Auer 11-9 (0-5 upset)
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Red River Shootout actually look relevant for first time. Neither of these teams is a threat for the National Title, but at least they're both alive for the conference. Oklahoma had tons of preseason hype yet have been a disappointment. Texas has been about as good as advertised--good offense, bad defense. I'll go with the better defense but I'm not sold. Also, Landry Jones has the edge on David Ash. Booooomahrrrr!! UT: 24--OU: 31
Auer: Whichever team loses here will be facing an uphill battle in the fight for Big 12 Championship. 11 of the past 14 match-ups have been decided by double digits and the Longhorns' losing streak to ranked opponents will continue here. Aren't you glad the Buckeyes just scheduled a home-and-home with a program that is faltering? UT: 10--OU: 35
Hoying: But, but, but, this was the year this game was supposed to meeeeean something! The perennial default picks to win the Big 12 (base 8) limp into the Red River Shootout after dropping home games to superior opponents in the last two weeks. And one of them is going to lose again, essentially dropping them out of the Big 12 title hunt. Texas finally gets to see a real defense after their tour against Okie State and West Virginia, while Oklahoma should have a little more room to work with on offense than against K-State and T-Tech. In a matchup like this, the team to beat is the team with the better defense. Advantage: Oklahoma. UT: 21--OU: 24
Schweinfurth: I can't remember a year when this game doesn't appear relevant for the national title. And to be honest, this is the least I have heard about these two teams coming into the game. I know the QBs and beyond that, not much. I'll just say it'll be a Big 12 shootout. UT: 35--OU: 42
Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Stanford is fake good. Yeah, they manhandled the Trojan lines...at home...in the biggest game of the year, but that's it. Oh yeah, they squeaked out that win with total dominance on the lines yet needed OT to beat Arizona's spread. The Irish have been playing exceptional defense and just enough offense to get by. I was surprised their offense wasn't more explosive against Miami early but they eventually scored some points. I like the Irish at home to keep beating overrated teams. I believe OU and USC will give them fits (especially the Trojans). TD Jesus FTW! Stan: 13--ND: 24
Auer: When I tried to read up on this match-up, it became blatantly obvious that I don't care about this game, and that's mostly because Stanford is really overrated. Notre Dame hasn't done crap and is even more overrated than Stanford. Stan: 10--ND: 31
Hoying: Sooo, the Irish are good. Really good. Notre Dame has not allowed a TD in over a month. And Stanford has not been lighting up many teams without DickRod defenses. This one's easy. Stan: 10--ND: 27
Schweinfurth: Notre Dame is playing very good football right now. The defense behind Monte Te'o is playing lights out. The offense, yea not so much. Stanford looks a bit watered down from the Luck and Harbaugh days. First one to score a TD wins. Stan: 6--ND: 10
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: This one should be the best game of the week. LSU may not be as talented as advertised, but Death Valley is an exceptionally difficult place to play. Jadaveon Clowny is a monster for the Cocks on defense and should tear the Tiger line to shreds. LSU's DEs are very talented and should induce Connor Shaw into a few mistakes in the Baton Rouge craziness. With that being said, LSU is just not good on offense...at all. The Tiger D is good, but so are the Gamecocks. South Carolina will get a HUGE win in a slugfest to rocket into the forefront of the title discussion. USC: 17--LSU: 13
Auer: LSU has NEVER lost at home at night under Les Miles.... let that sink in. USC is coming off of a HUGE win against Georgia, so there's the hangover factor. The Tigers are coming off of a tough road loss at Florida, so there's another hangover factor. I haven't watched much of either team, but my instincts tell me that USC is a better team that will be lacking against a team looking to make a statement and playing with serious energy at home under the lights. USC: 10--LSU: 20
Hoying: Speaking of teams with pedestrian offenses, LSU has put up all of 18 points in 2 conference games so far. Keep in mind the Tigers started one drive on the Florida 7 and still managed to score 6 points in the entire game. Meanwhile, Cocky has been blasting everyone since their opening night scare at Vanderbilt, riding the one-two punch of QB Connor Shaw and RB Marcus Lattimore. It will be tough for the Foghorn Leghorns to match last week's emotional intensity, especially with Florida next on the schedule, but the Tigers are so bad it won't matter. USC: 24--LSU: 9
Schweinfurth: South Carolina is scary, and maybe a team that can challenge Alabama for SEC supremacy. The Gamecocks are a very complete team. Lattimore and Shaw have the offense humming along and Clowny on defense has been a beast. LSU on the other hand has looked pedestrian. Even in the Bayou, USC wins going away. USC: 31--LSU: 13
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: That's what I'm talking about. Total dominance by the Buckeye offense next week. And now....the Hoosiers. This could (and should) get ugly quickly. The Buckeye faithful (including yours truly) will invade Memorial Stadium and bring the pain. I'm hoping to put any hopes of an upset to bed early and get Braxton some needed rest (and Guiton some experience). The Hoosiers tested the Spartans last week. Hopefully, they have nothing left in the tank so we can win in a walk. Even if IU is on fire, I still expect a Buckeye win. This game comes at a great time to give the offense a break and the defense some confidence. Step up Silver Bullets! This is your first quiz to see if you can improve before the big final test vs. the Wolverines. OSU: 52--IU: 20
Auer: Meh, another blowout, or at least it should be. The defense will give up more points than it should and the offense will struggle at first. OSU: 38--IU: 20
Hoying: And we were worried about the Buckeyes. Maybe Urban was trying to look as bad as possible during the nonconference slate so our opponents wouldn't have reliable game film to prepare them for us (insert your own joke here). Anyway, it's time for the one game Indiana sells out every two years, also known as Ohio State's 6th home game this season. If Jim Tressel were still coaching, we might play down to their level and win by 10 or so. But last week's first half against MSU notwithstanding, hapless Indiana is going to feel the hurt at the hands of the B1G's finest (sorry Michigan). OSU: 49--IU: 13
Schweinfurth: That was a big test past last week by the Buckeyes. Still a few worries about the defense, which are only increased by the loss of Sabino. The Hoosier defense should be no concern for Braxton and the guys, who are finally firing on all cylinders. Indiana will score, but the Bucks will score more...Urban wants 70. He gets it this week. OSU: 73--IU: 24
Upset Special
Draper: LA Tech over TAMU
Auer: BYU over Oregon St.
Hoying: Washington over USC
Schweinfurth: Tennessee over Miss St.
1. Schweinfurth 20-4 (3-3 upset)
2. Hoying 16-8 (2-4 upset)
3. Draper 15-9 (2-4 upset)
4. Auer 11-9 (0-5 upset)
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Red River Shootout actually look relevant for first time. Neither of these teams is a threat for the National Title, but at least they're both alive for the conference. Oklahoma had tons of preseason hype yet have been a disappointment. Texas has been about as good as advertised--good offense, bad defense. I'll go with the better defense but I'm not sold. Also, Landry Jones has the edge on David Ash. Booooomahrrrr!! UT: 24--OU: 31
Auer: Whichever team loses here will be facing an uphill battle in the fight for Big 12 Championship. 11 of the past 14 match-ups have been decided by double digits and the Longhorns' losing streak to ranked opponents will continue here. Aren't you glad the Buckeyes just scheduled a home-and-home with a program that is faltering? UT: 10--OU: 35
Hoying: But, but, but, this was the year this game was supposed to meeeeean something! The perennial default picks to win the Big 12 (base 8) limp into the Red River Shootout after dropping home games to superior opponents in the last two weeks. And one of them is going to lose again, essentially dropping them out of the Big 12 title hunt. Texas finally gets to see a real defense after their tour against Okie State and West Virginia, while Oklahoma should have a little more room to work with on offense than against K-State and T-Tech. In a matchup like this, the team to beat is the team with the better defense. Advantage: Oklahoma. UT: 21--OU: 24
Schweinfurth: I can't remember a year when this game doesn't appear relevant for the national title. And to be honest, this is the least I have heard about these two teams coming into the game. I know the QBs and beyond that, not much. I'll just say it'll be a Big 12 shootout. UT: 35--OU: 42
Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Stanford is fake good. Yeah, they manhandled the Trojan lines...at home...in the biggest game of the year, but that's it. Oh yeah, they squeaked out that win with total dominance on the lines yet needed OT to beat Arizona's spread. The Irish have been playing exceptional defense and just enough offense to get by. I was surprised their offense wasn't more explosive against Miami early but they eventually scored some points. I like the Irish at home to keep beating overrated teams. I believe OU and USC will give them fits (especially the Trojans). TD Jesus FTW! Stan: 13--ND: 24
Auer: When I tried to read up on this match-up, it became blatantly obvious that I don't care about this game, and that's mostly because Stanford is really overrated. Notre Dame hasn't done crap and is even more overrated than Stanford. Stan: 10--ND: 31
Hoying: Sooo, the Irish are good. Really good. Notre Dame has not allowed a TD in over a month. And Stanford has not been lighting up many teams without DickRod defenses. This one's easy. Stan: 10--ND: 27
Schweinfurth: Notre Dame is playing very good football right now. The defense behind Monte Te'o is playing lights out. The offense, yea not so much. Stanford looks a bit watered down from the Luck and Harbaugh days. First one to score a TD wins. Stan: 6--ND: 10
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: This one should be the best game of the week. LSU may not be as talented as advertised, but Death Valley is an exceptionally difficult place to play. Jadaveon Clowny is a monster for the Cocks on defense and should tear the Tiger line to shreds. LSU's DEs are very talented and should induce Connor Shaw into a few mistakes in the Baton Rouge craziness. With that being said, LSU is just not good on offense...at all. The Tiger D is good, but so are the Gamecocks. South Carolina will get a HUGE win in a slugfest to rocket into the forefront of the title discussion. USC: 17--LSU: 13
Auer: LSU has NEVER lost at home at night under Les Miles.... let that sink in. USC is coming off of a HUGE win against Georgia, so there's the hangover factor. The Tigers are coming off of a tough road loss at Florida, so there's another hangover factor. I haven't watched much of either team, but my instincts tell me that USC is a better team that will be lacking against a team looking to make a statement and playing with serious energy at home under the lights. USC: 10--LSU: 20
Hoying: Speaking of teams with pedestrian offenses, LSU has put up all of 18 points in 2 conference games so far. Keep in mind the Tigers started one drive on the Florida 7 and still managed to score 6 points in the entire game. Meanwhile, Cocky has been blasting everyone since their opening night scare at Vanderbilt, riding the one-two punch of QB Connor Shaw and RB Marcus Lattimore. It will be tough for the Foghorn Leghorns to match last week's emotional intensity, especially with Florida next on the schedule, but the Tigers are so bad it won't matter. USC: 24--LSU: 9
Schweinfurth: South Carolina is scary, and maybe a team that can challenge Alabama for SEC supremacy. The Gamecocks are a very complete team. Lattimore and Shaw have the offense humming along and Clowny on defense has been a beast. LSU on the other hand has looked pedestrian. Even in the Bayou, USC wins going away. USC: 31--LSU: 13
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: That's what I'm talking about. Total dominance by the Buckeye offense next week. And now....the Hoosiers. This could (and should) get ugly quickly. The Buckeye faithful (including yours truly) will invade Memorial Stadium and bring the pain. I'm hoping to put any hopes of an upset to bed early and get Braxton some needed rest (and Guiton some experience). The Hoosiers tested the Spartans last week. Hopefully, they have nothing left in the tank so we can win in a walk. Even if IU is on fire, I still expect a Buckeye win. This game comes at a great time to give the offense a break and the defense some confidence. Step up Silver Bullets! This is your first quiz to see if you can improve before the big final test vs. the Wolverines. OSU: 52--IU: 20
Auer: Meh, another blowout, or at least it should be. The defense will give up more points than it should and the offense will struggle at first. OSU: 38--IU: 20
Hoying: And we were worried about the Buckeyes. Maybe Urban was trying to look as bad as possible during the nonconference slate so our opponents wouldn't have reliable game film to prepare them for us (insert your own joke here). Anyway, it's time for the one game Indiana sells out every two years, also known as Ohio State's 6th home game this season. If Jim Tressel were still coaching, we might play down to their level and win by 10 or so. But last week's first half against MSU notwithstanding, hapless Indiana is going to feel the hurt at the hands of the B1G's finest (sorry Michigan). OSU: 49--IU: 13
Schweinfurth: That was a big test past last week by the Buckeyes. Still a few worries about the defense, which are only increased by the loss of Sabino. The Hoosier defense should be no concern for Braxton and the guys, who are finally firing on all cylinders. Indiana will score, but the Bucks will score more...Urban wants 70. He gets it this week. OSU: 73--IU: 24
Upset Special
Draper: LA Tech over TAMU
Auer: BYU over Oregon St.
Hoying: Washington over USC
Schweinfurth: Tennessee over Miss St.
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