Standings
1) Seeberg 12-2 (0-3 upset)
1) Draper 11-3 (2-1 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 10-4 (1-2 upset)
4) Hoying 8-6 (1-2 upset)
Saturday saw the return of two JTs to the field at Ohio Stadium. One led his team to victory but was subsequently officially benched as a co-starter. The other was welcomed back with a game-long tribute in his honor, recalling everyone's fond 2002-03 memories of pulling out their hair while watching the Bucks escape another Little Sister of the Poor. Let's hope that the era of Tresselball is not alive and well in Columbus.
UCLA Bruins @ Arizona Wildcats
Draper: UCLA showed some chinks in the armor looking quite vulnerable to an overrated BYU squad. Josh Rosen reminded us that he's a freshman that got off to a good start. That being said, this game has ENORMOUS implications in the Pac12 South, the Pac12, and the playoff hunt. Let's not forget that Arizona won the South last year and went to a New Years 6 bowl (and got killed). RichRod and QB Anu Solomon have a solid offense clicking with a defense that's no slouch. LB Scooby Wright might return which would really shore up the middle of the defense. I like the Wildcats at home in a fantastic game. Bruins have been getting the pub, but the Cats are returning to form. UCLA: 27--Zona: 28
Hoying: Who's the best of the west? High-profile teams Oregon, Stanford, and USC have each suffered a loss in this young season, and while none of them is out of the picture yet, I contend (as I have from the start) that the best team in the Pac-12 is hosting the game of the week this Saturday night. DickRod and company took the South division last year and went 1 for 2 against national runner-up Oregon, and there's no reason they can't do it again. On the other sideline, that crashing sound you hear is the wreck of QB Josh Rosen's bandwagon after a 3 interception performance against a (really quite good) BYU team. Bruins don't do well at night in the desert. UCLA: 24--Zona: 31
Schweinfurth: This is probably the best game of the week and should be a good one. Scooby Wright may return, but how effective can he really be with a quick turnaround after knee surgery. Without Wright I think UCLA will outscore Zona. UCLA: 35--Zona:31
Seeberg: Arizona has looked good, surprisingly, after a lackluster week one performance in which their superstar linebacker was lost for multiple weeks. Enter UCLA...who just lost their superstar linebacker for the season. I have trouble thinking a freshman QB can lead an admittedly slightly more talented team into Rich Rod's home and overcome that mental loss. Not to mention that the Wildcats can score it and score it often. Arizona- not just for basketball talent anymore. UCLA: 20--Zona: 30
Brigham Young Cougars @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Oh....boy... I was considering this for my upset pick simply because we have a supremely overrated BYU team entering the Big House, but asking me to pick it? It's a tough call. Michigan is still nowhere near as a everyone thinks...but neither is BYU. The game is in Ann Arbor: Advantage Michigan. BYU has played teams with a pulse: Advantage Cougars. I'm giving a slight edge to BYU for 3 reasons: 1. BYU has thrived on the road in difficult environments already this season, 2. Michigan has won the last 2 against bad opponents, but I wasn't wowed by their offensive or defensive efficiency, and 3. Michigan Sucks. Go Cougs! BYU: 35--UM: 31
Hoying: You think Ohio State's been having quarterback problems...say hello to BYU-Michigan. True, Tanner Mangum's cannon has delivered the Cougars two miracle wins but the magic ran out last week against a competent UCLA defense. As for Meatchicken's QB...well, their defense should pose a serious challenge to Mangum anyway. As I'm sure you all know, your QB can play like garbage and you can still eke out a win over a pretty good team if they can't score. Michigan has just enough of a talent edge to get it done at home. BYU: 13--UM: 20
Schweinfurth: BYU has more consistent QB play. I think the Wolverines have a slightly better defense but Harbaugh can only do so much with the offensive talent he has available. Jake Butt will catch his token touchdown but ultimately BYU pulls this one out on the road. BYU: 24--UM: 14
Seeberg: What an odd era it is in college football when BYU's backup QB is playing markedly better than TTUN's starter. Harbaugh has UM running the ball well and playing stout D, but Rudock just hasn't picked up the offense yet. Meanwhile, BYU's offense has barely missed a beat under Tanner Mangum, dropping a heartbreaker (after winning two of a similar ilk) to UCLA last week. I honestly think TTUN is more than capable of winning this game in spite of Rudock's play, but I don't know if I would pick them against UCLA or Boise State, two teams BYU played essentially even. The one-dimensional nature of UM's offense allows the Cougars to stop the run in the red zone, forcing too many FG attempts for UM to overcome, and BYU squeaks out another quality win. BYU: 21--UM: 16
TCU Horned Frogs @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Draper: Yeesh...another game I was considering for my upset pick, but asking to legit pick the game? Man... While the Buckeyes have been unimpressive in victory, look no further than TCU to find another team with huge aspirations limping through the start of the year. Texas Tech is on a high after 'kicking fat Bielma's a$$' last week, but Arkansas sucks (as their players admit). Lubbock will be rocking, but TCU is ready to remind the country that they are ready for the big time. Kliff Kingsbury/Ryan Gosling won't stop Treyvone Boykin from finally having a breakout game. Frogs win comfortably. TCU: 35 -- TT: 24
Hoying: The Big XII season starts in earnest with this clash of two undefeated teams, each boasting what it hopes is a major non-conference win (TCU over Minnesota, Texas Tech over Arkansas). Has Kliff finally worked the kinks out after an atrocious 2014 that saw Texas Tech surrendering over 40 points per game, including 82(!) to TCU? Maybe, but a good effort isn't enough to take down the Frogs, who are still stinging from being left out of the inaugural College Football Playoff. In another era, Texas Tech might have had the benefit of TCU looking forward to Texas next week, but somehow I think TCU will be able to stay focused in this one. TCU: 45--TT: 24
Schweinfurth: Kliff Kingsbury has some swagger but TCU is about to drop that down a peg or so. TCU: 42--TT: 21
Seeberg: In a week of "bleh" games to pick this may be the bleh-iest of all. Texas Tech probably feels like it got a legitimate win over an SEC foe last week- except that SEC foe is Arkansas who just lost to Toledo and has forgotten that they're supposed to run the ball. TCU's defense has looked surprisingly lousy at times, giving up a whopping 37 to SMU last week (the same total OSU has surrendered in all three games combined this season). Still, with Boykin & Co. their offense should be plenty prolific enough to keep the Red Raiders at bay. TCU: 48--TTU: 31
Utah Utes @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Wooo...the games of 'eh' just keep coming. Utah always seems poised early to make a run, but the South is too tough. Oregon is a perennial contender in the North, but the hiccup in East Lansing isn't something they're used to. Vernon Adams played ok in the loss to the Spartans but he won't need to be in peak shape to beat the Utes. Utah is a nice story every year, but it's time to revert back to 7-8 wins like every year. Games in Eugene....QUACK. Utah: 31--UO: 52
Hoying: You may laugh, but the Utes were the only team in America to beat both UCLA and USC last year. And they would've started with a 14 point lead on the Ducks if Kaelin Clay could remember that you have to actually take the ball into the endzone to score. The Utes have the horses to compete with the Pac-12's best, and Oregon has taken a step back on both sides of the ball since their playoff run. Could Utah win? Sure. Will they with the Autzen Zoo ringing in their ears? Probably not. Utah: 38--UO: 48
Schweinfurth: This game really shouldn't be close. Oregon wins. Utah: 35--UO: 63
Seeberg: Utah's opening week win over TTUN is starting to look pretty good. Oregon is essentially "Oregon light" this season, all the flash, but 1/3 less substance than the national runner-up a year ago. Still, assuming Vernon Adams' finger is fully healed, the Ducks just have too much for Utah to overcome on the road. Utah: 34--UO: 49
Western Michigan Broncos @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Last tune up before 'conference; play (what, Indiana..counts...). Time to act on the issues from the film. I think the decision was made in the first quarter of last week's game that JT is now the starter. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling 16 will be getting the glut of first team reps. (*Author's Note: Oops...I still disagree with Urban) Dr. Smooth returns the offense to a well oiled machine while the Bullets keep firing. O-line has too much talent to look like last week ever again...especially against an inferior opponent. Time to wave the big boy stick and be the bully. The halftime circus show (with drill designed by Yours Truly--this is from my last show) will just be entertainment in the middle of another high-flying circus before and after the band. Sorry WMU. Nothing personal, but this better be a beatdown. Take no prisoners. WMU: 0--OSU: 52 (Side Note: The last three games Mr. Hoying and I attended had a collective score of 163-0. Keep the shut out streak intact!)
Hoying: How bad was last week's win? Tough to say without knowing how good Northern Illinois really is. However, looking into my crystal ball, I feel pretty confident that the Broncos are much, much worse. The defense should continue to have success against a team that scored all of 17 against Georgia Southern. Of course, once the Bucks get the ball back, they have to do something with it. Now that Urban has officially named a starter, look for a boost in Cardale's play. The offense hasn't been horrible, they've just been off enough to keep the great moments from happening. Expect Urban to play to his team's strengths this week to build everyone's confidence back up for B1G season. Then he can spend the next 6 weeks or so exploring what Cardale can and can't do. The sad (comforting?) reality is that Northern Illinois might be the best team we see until November, so it's not like any tinkering is going to cost us a game. As for our #1 ranking, well... Western rows the boat aground (hallelujah), the Bucks win going away, and the nation quickly forgets the last two lackluster performances. WMU: 6--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Well, the Silver Bullets are back. That's a bonus. Look, this offense is going to get rolling soon. I think moving the playcalling from the booth will help. Cardale looked awful last week, but JT didn't look much better. I think we are getting to the point that JT needs to get the snaps in practice and let Cardale be the backup. I trust Urban and company will make the necessary adjustments. I expect that Braxton will be used to take the top off the defense and Zeke will get that swagger back. WMU: 7--OSU: 35
Seeberg: Well the best part about 3-0 is the chance to go 4-0...and that's about where the positives end. The 'Shoe was positively uneasy almost from the start last week. Just for perspective, the Bucks had four turnovers in the national championship game and still won by 22. This year's offense is sputtering on about 2 of 8 cylinders, and five turnovers might've spelled the end against the MAC attack were it not for Darron Lee's heroics. For all of the woes on offense, the defense is markedly better than I had anticipated. Gareon Conley and Tyquan Lewis have been nice surprises, turning what I thought would be this squad's weakness into its unquestioned strength. It's time to adjust expectations accordingly. Solid D, marginally better O, dear lord please no more kickoffs out of bounds, and let's get to 4-0. P.S. I had my scoreline up BEFORE Hoying! OSU: 38--WMU: 6
Upset Special
Draper: Kentucky over Missouri
Hoying: Texas over Oklahoma State
Schweinfurth: Cincinnati over Memphis
Seeberg: Northern Illinois over Boston College (watching Cinci/Mem right now- Mem's helmets are sick!)
Showing posts with label Texas Tech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Tech. Show all posts
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Week 10: November is for Contenders
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 26-12 (3-6 upset)
2) Draper 25-13 (2-7 upset)
3) Hoying 24-14 (1-8 upset)
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: A top ten matchup in November with your standard 21+ point spread. The Noles are riding high while the Canes just can't seem to lose no matter how much they try. Duke Johnson is the real deal in the backfield for Miami, but that's pretty much the only position at which they have an advantage. Famous Jameis is doing serious work, and I don't see a let down in Miami week. This is a very heated rivalry that has cooled a bit recent years, but don't let this trick you...these guys hate each other. When I was at FSU, the Noles took 3 of 4 from the Gators and lost 3 of 4 to the Canes (2 to heartbreaking missed field goals). I want blood. Noles step on the gas and keep it going for a blowout. UM: 20--FSU: 52
Hoying: This year we might see a glimpse of what was once one of the top rivalries nationwide. The Noles and the Canes haven't come into this game with 0 combined losses since 2003 (not counting the few times they've met in the season opener). Unfortunately, one of these teams seems to be a complete mirage. Whereas Florida State has rolled merrily along, crushing Clemson on the road and destroying almost everyone else on their schedule, Miami has struggled mightily, sneaking past a mediocre Florida team at home and needing last-minute scores to dispatch bad North Carolina and Wake Forest squads. Give the Hurricanes credit for doing what it takes to get to November undefeated, but their Golden season ends now. Nastily. UM: 17--FSU: 34
Schweinfurth: This game was interesting to me...until I watched Miami struggle last week. Don't get me wrong, Duke Johnson is really good, but the rest of that offense is not very good. Florida State's offense can make any defense look silly. Miami's defense isn't quite the "U" defense that dominated opponents and I think Florida State is absolutely for real this year. Total domination by the 'Noles this week.
UM: 13--FSU: 42
Michigan Wolverines @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: A little hint for you...little brother is quietly having a really nice season. Michigan had the preseason hype, but Dantonio's Spartans are nasty on defense and quietly moving through the Legends. Yes, they play ugly, yes, they win ugly, but they are winning. The offense is predominantly walrusball, but the defense is an immovable object. Sparty had a Sparty YES moment before halftime last week that Bollman certainly drew up in the kitchen (tipped pass that should have been intercepted twice completed for a TD on 4th down with no time left in the half). The Wolverines have been supremely unimpressive outside of their tight end Funyons (yeah, I don't know the actual name, but this is better). When does the little brother supplant the big? How much domination is needed? UM: 13--MSU: 20
Hoying: While I don't give a damn for the whole state this game's being played for, it does have huge implications for the final Legends division race. The Wolverines are coming off a bye to face a Spartan squad that put up an impressive 14 points against one of the worst defenses in the country (see game prediction #4 for the identity of this mystery team). However, for Michigan to win this game, they'll have to move the ball against arguably the nation's best defense. The Spartan front 7 are sure to give Michigan's RBs Fitz, so this one will fall squarely on the shoulders of Tom Harm...er, Devin Gardner. In two road games thus far, #98 has put up a combined 28/53 for 351 yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs. And that was against winless UConn and the same Penn State that gave up 2+ TDs to 3 different Buckeyes last week. Yikes. Get ready to eat some dirt, Shoelace II. UM: 10--MSU: 13
Schweinfurth: This has always been one of my favorite B1G rivalries through the years. This game is down right nasty and always produces a close, entertaining game. I really like the Spartan defense, I really don't like the Spartan's offense (*cough* Walrus *cough*). Michigan I just don't get. Gardner just can't go a game without forgetting what color jersey he should be throwing to (hint: white jerseys this week). After watching some of the teams in the Legends Division, this game is most definitely the Legends Division championship game. I don't expect Michigan State's offense to do much but that defense is going to give them great field position all day long (plus maybe a pick six). I'll even throw Bollman a fish for maybe an offensive touchdown. This game is closer on the scoreboard than it really should be but Sparty YES!!
UM: 9--MSU: 24
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Draper: Two nice looking teams without a win of note between them. Kingsbury has the Red Raiders clicking on offense with terrific freshman QB play and OSU has quietly been sneaking around in the Big 12. I haven't seen much of these teams other than to form the opinion that they're nice teams around the 15-20 ranking...nothing elite, but good teams. I'll go with the home team in a close one. The Texas Tech fans usually go a little crazy close to Halloween. OSU: 35--TT: 38
Hoying: What a terrific matchup! How about that great win Oklahoma State had over...well, what about Texas Tech's...huh...at least they kept it close with Oklahoma! Moral victories! Anyway, the Red Raiders do pass the eye test, as new HC Kliff Kingsbury has managed to maintain the old air raid offense while instituting a decent defense as well. Tech hasn't beaten Okie State since they darn near won the Big 12 title in 2008, but this year the streak ends. The Red Raiders stay in the title hunt while the Cowboys quietly slip away. OSU: 24--TTU: 45
Schweinfurth: Hey, did anyone notice that Kliff Kingsbury looks like Ryan Gosling? Honestly the only thing I know about these teams are the coaches. Neither team has really played a great schedule and both are back loaded with the best Big XII teams. It's at Texas Tech so I'll take the home team in a shootout.
OSU: 38--TTU: 45
THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers
Draper: Bad....really bad. That's Purdue. Good...potentially really good. That's OSU. With that being said, Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, and Braxton Miller have a grand total of 0 wins in West Lafayette. I think that changes this year. Ryan Kerrigan is walking on for Purdue and this OSU team is....not the pile of crap from 2 years ago. Another big day for Hyde and Miller on the ground as the Bucks start running the clock out early. The motivation is there to avenge past losses in Ross-Ade so I doubt will see a let down. Hyde for 150, Braxton throws for 200 and runs for 100, then it's time for Kenny G. Comfortable win, but not as big as last week. There's just no reason. I want to see if the defense keeps it up for 2 weeks in a row. OSU: 55--PU: 24
Hoying: Purdue is an appalling dump heap, overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled-up knots. Buckeye Nation wishes that first-year coach Darrell Hazell could be having a better season, but they hope even harder that his signature win doesn't come this weekend, against a team the Boilers have tagged 4 of the last 6 times they've visited scenic West Lafayette. What can be said about a game like this? Ohio State is better than Purdue in every way. Unless this has become some kind of "helmet game" for our esteemed men of the scarlet and gray, this contest should make last week's Penn State debacle look like a nail-biter. Get used to it. OSU: 52--PU: 16
Schweinfurth: It seems like forever since the Buckeyes have won in West Lafayette. Those losses included such Ohio State QBs as Troy Smith, Terrel Pryor, and yes, even Braxton Miller. The common denominator: Urban Meyer was NOT the head coach. This Buckeye team is laser focused now and that showed last week. This Purdue team is some kind of bad. If the Bucks can drop over 600 yards of offense on Penn State, just think of what can they do to the Boilermaker defense. I really expect this to be a "name your score" game. I think we see another flat dominant performance by the offense and a couple of INTs from the defense. OSU: 63--PU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Tennessee over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa over Wisconsin
Schweinfurth: Washington St. over Arizona St.
1) Schweinfurth 26-12 (3-6 upset)
2) Draper 25-13 (2-7 upset)
3) Hoying 24-14 (1-8 upset)
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: A top ten matchup in November with your standard 21+ point spread. The Noles are riding high while the Canes just can't seem to lose no matter how much they try. Duke Johnson is the real deal in the backfield for Miami, but that's pretty much the only position at which they have an advantage. Famous Jameis is doing serious work, and I don't see a let down in Miami week. This is a very heated rivalry that has cooled a bit recent years, but don't let this trick you...these guys hate each other. When I was at FSU, the Noles took 3 of 4 from the Gators and lost 3 of 4 to the Canes (2 to heartbreaking missed field goals). I want blood. Noles step on the gas and keep it going for a blowout. UM: 20--FSU: 52
Hoying: This year we might see a glimpse of what was once one of the top rivalries nationwide. The Noles and the Canes haven't come into this game with 0 combined losses since 2003 (not counting the few times they've met in the season opener). Unfortunately, one of these teams seems to be a complete mirage. Whereas Florida State has rolled merrily along, crushing Clemson on the road and destroying almost everyone else on their schedule, Miami has struggled mightily, sneaking past a mediocre Florida team at home and needing last-minute scores to dispatch bad North Carolina and Wake Forest squads. Give the Hurricanes credit for doing what it takes to get to November undefeated, but their Golden season ends now. Nastily. UM: 17--FSU: 34
Schweinfurth: This game was interesting to me...until I watched Miami struggle last week. Don't get me wrong, Duke Johnson is really good, but the rest of that offense is not very good. Florida State's offense can make any defense look silly. Miami's defense isn't quite the "U" defense that dominated opponents and I think Florida State is absolutely for real this year. Total domination by the 'Noles this week.
UM: 13--FSU: 42
Michigan Wolverines @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: A little hint for you...little brother is quietly having a really nice season. Michigan had the preseason hype, but Dantonio's Spartans are nasty on defense and quietly moving through the Legends. Yes, they play ugly, yes, they win ugly, but they are winning. The offense is predominantly walrusball, but the defense is an immovable object. Sparty had a Sparty YES moment before halftime last week that Bollman certainly drew up in the kitchen (tipped pass that should have been intercepted twice completed for a TD on 4th down with no time left in the half). The Wolverines have been supremely unimpressive outside of their tight end Funyons (yeah, I don't know the actual name, but this is better). When does the little brother supplant the big? How much domination is needed? UM: 13--MSU: 20
Hoying: While I don't give a damn for the whole state this game's being played for, it does have huge implications for the final Legends division race. The Wolverines are coming off a bye to face a Spartan squad that put up an impressive 14 points against one of the worst defenses in the country (see game prediction #4 for the identity of this mystery team). However, for Michigan to win this game, they'll have to move the ball against arguably the nation's best defense. The Spartan front 7 are sure to give Michigan's RBs Fitz, so this one will fall squarely on the shoulders of Tom Harm...er, Devin Gardner. In two road games thus far, #98 has put up a combined 28/53 for 351 yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs. And that was against winless UConn and the same Penn State that gave up 2+ TDs to 3 different Buckeyes last week. Yikes. Get ready to eat some dirt, Shoelace II. UM: 10--MSU: 13
Schweinfurth: This has always been one of my favorite B1G rivalries through the years. This game is down right nasty and always produces a close, entertaining game. I really like the Spartan defense, I really don't like the Spartan's offense (*cough* Walrus *cough*). Michigan I just don't get. Gardner just can't go a game without forgetting what color jersey he should be throwing to (hint: white jerseys this week). After watching some of the teams in the Legends Division, this game is most definitely the Legends Division championship game. I don't expect Michigan State's offense to do much but that defense is going to give them great field position all day long (plus maybe a pick six). I'll even throw Bollman a fish for maybe an offensive touchdown. This game is closer on the scoreboard than it really should be but Sparty YES!!
UM: 9--MSU: 24
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Draper: Two nice looking teams without a win of note between them. Kingsbury has the Red Raiders clicking on offense with terrific freshman QB play and OSU has quietly been sneaking around in the Big 12. I haven't seen much of these teams other than to form the opinion that they're nice teams around the 15-20 ranking...nothing elite, but good teams. I'll go with the home team in a close one. The Texas Tech fans usually go a little crazy close to Halloween. OSU: 35--TT: 38
Hoying: What a terrific matchup! How about that great win Oklahoma State had over...well, what about Texas Tech's...huh...at least they kept it close with Oklahoma! Moral victories! Anyway, the Red Raiders do pass the eye test, as new HC Kliff Kingsbury has managed to maintain the old air raid offense while instituting a decent defense as well. Tech hasn't beaten Okie State since they darn near won the Big 12 title in 2008, but this year the streak ends. The Red Raiders stay in the title hunt while the Cowboys quietly slip away. OSU: 24--TTU: 45
Schweinfurth: Hey, did anyone notice that Kliff Kingsbury looks like Ryan Gosling? Honestly the only thing I know about these teams are the coaches. Neither team has really played a great schedule and both are back loaded with the best Big XII teams. It's at Texas Tech so I'll take the home team in a shootout.
OSU: 38--TTU: 45
THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers
Draper: Bad....really bad. That's Purdue. Good...potentially really good. That's OSU. With that being said, Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, and Braxton Miller have a grand total of 0 wins in West Lafayette. I think that changes this year. Ryan Kerrigan is walking on for Purdue and this OSU team is....not the pile of crap from 2 years ago. Another big day for Hyde and Miller on the ground as the Bucks start running the clock out early. The motivation is there to avenge past losses in Ross-Ade so I doubt will see a let down. Hyde for 150, Braxton throws for 200 and runs for 100, then it's time for Kenny G. Comfortable win, but not as big as last week. There's just no reason. I want to see if the defense keeps it up for 2 weeks in a row. OSU: 55--PU: 24
Hoying: Purdue is an appalling dump heap, overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled-up knots. Buckeye Nation wishes that first-year coach Darrell Hazell could be having a better season, but they hope even harder that his signature win doesn't come this weekend, against a team the Boilers have tagged 4 of the last 6 times they've visited scenic West Lafayette. What can be said about a game like this? Ohio State is better than Purdue in every way. Unless this has become some kind of "helmet game" for our esteemed men of the scarlet and gray, this contest should make last week's Penn State debacle look like a nail-biter. Get used to it. OSU: 52--PU: 16
Schweinfurth: It seems like forever since the Buckeyes have won in West Lafayette. Those losses included such Ohio State QBs as Troy Smith, Terrel Pryor, and yes, even Braxton Miller. The common denominator: Urban Meyer was NOT the head coach. This Buckeye team is laser focused now and that showed last week. This Purdue team is some kind of bad. If the Bucks can drop over 600 yards of offense on Penn State, just think of what can they do to the Boilermaker defense. I really expect this to be a "name your score" game. I think we see another flat dominant performance by the offense and a couple of INTs from the defense. OSU: 63--PU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Tennessee over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa over Wisconsin
Schweinfurth: Washington St. over Arizona St.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Week 9--Last call for undefeated teams?
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 23-10 (3-5 upset)
2) Draper 22-11 (1-7 upset)
3) Hoying 20-13 (1-7 upset)
UCLA Bruins @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: The premier game resides in Eugene. Oregon's one win came over a very good, but beat up, Washington Huskies squad. Can they do it against another up and coming program? In Autzen, I think they are the big favorites. UCLA stubbed their toe against Stanford last week which seems to be the formula for good teams playing Oregon (get softened up by Stanford first). Mariota and Hundley will both have good games, but the road environment will be too much to overcome for the Bruins. The football monopoly may be over in LA, but not so much in the Pac 12. UCLA: 28--UO: 48
Hoying: Stanford ruins everything. First they lose to Utah to spoil an undefeated Stanford-UCLA game, then they beat UCLA to spoil an undefeated UCLA-Oregon matchup. Bruin QB Brett Hundley has finally come down to earth after a hot start, and I don't see him getting much more breathing room against a punishing Duck D. On the other side of the ball, the UCLA defense doesn't have the horses to keep up with Super Mariota and company. I don't see this being close. UCLA: 20--UO: 52
Schweinfurth: I gotta keep these short this week due to personal time constraints. I think this will turn into a second half blow out. UCLA will stick with Oregon in the first half, but just too many offensive weapons for the Ducks.
UCLA: 24--UO: 45
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Texas Tech is another one of those 'yeah we're undefeated, but...' teams. The schedule has been soft but Oklahoma hasn't faced a premier opponent yet either. Big game Bob is really tough to beat in Norman and I don't think this year is any different. The cinderella story with Kliff Kingsbury is a good one, but I think this game is above the ceiling for this year. The future is bright in Lubbock, but the future is not now. TT: 24--OU: 31
Hoying: Savor these next three days, Red Raider fans. Savor the fantasy of going undefeated and playing for a national championship before you fall flat on your face and slip to the middle of the Big 12 pack. Texas Tech has looked impressive so far against the Little Sisters of the Poor, but it's time for big boy football, with 4 of the next 5 games coming against the top 4 teams in the conference. And the most talented squad is up first. Oklahoma has already proven themselves decent with a nice road win over Notre Dame, and they will continue to get stronger as QB Blake Bell continues to develop. Sooners in a close one. TT: 27--OU: 28
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech has come a long way but as I said previously, I think Oklahoma is the second best team in the Big XII. Fortunately for the Sooners, it's not the Red Raiders. TT: 21--OU: 34
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Missouri Tigers
Draper: Missouri is on the rise and the Gamecocks are falling fast. Looks like this could be a battle of backup QBs with Connor Shaw's knee. Mauk was impressive last week against a stout Gator defense. The backup for South Carolina has experience, but Missouri is riding the wave. This is a tough one, but I'm going with the hot hand in a really close game. HBC loses another heartbreaker on the road. SoCar: 17--Mizzou: 20
Hoying: How long can Missouri weather the absence of James Franklin? The Florida defense is no slouch, and Mauk and the Tigers carved them up worse than any opponent the Gators have yet faced. Missouri appears to be for real this year, while South Carolina has struggled at times. It's hard to see them getting better after losing QB Connor Shaw. A Tiger win virtually seals the SEC East for Mizzou and puts them on a collision course with the winner of the Iron Bowl. SoCar: 24--Mizzou: 34
Schweinfurth: Mizzou is rolling right now and Maty Mauk looked good this past week. Blah, blah, Jedeveon Clowney, blah, blah, he won't be a factor. SCAR: 20--Mizzou: 40
Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon State Beavers
Draper: I wanted this for an upset special. I have not been particularly impressed with Stanford this year and I've made that clear with my picks. Oregon State is the forgotten team in the Pac 12 after an early loss to FCS Eastern Washington. Mannion has been fantastic and the passing game in general has been unstoppable. Stanford can match up on the lines, but this west coast dink and dunk offense will give them fits. Corvallis is usually home to one upset a year and this is it (even though OSU is pretty good). Stan: 30--OSU: 34
Hoying: There's only one reason to consider picking the Beavers in this game: QB juggernaut Sean Mannion. The junior leads all NCAA passers and is a true difference maker. However, let's look at the defenses he's seen. Eastern Washington. Hawaii. Utah. San Diego State. Colorado. Washington State. California. You may recognize 1 of these as an FCS team, and 2 of the others made Ohio State's backup quarterback look like Peyton Manning. What will Mannion do when he faces not just the first competent defense he's seen all year, but an excellent one? The Beavers get blasted, that's what happens. Stan: 45--OSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Oregon State has recovered nicely from that week 1 upset. Remember, this team almost went undefeated a year ago. I expect Stanford's slide to continue. Stan: 14--OSU: 31
Penn State Nittany Lions @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: The Buckeye defense stepped up in the 2nd half last week and they'll need to be on this week vs. Hackenburg. PSU has been somewhat of a yo-yo team, but the scholarship reductions and sanctions are beginning to show. This is Urban and the Buckeyes stage to turn some heads. Penn State has the name recognition to make a big win here mean something. Time to unleash Braxton and Carlos to show the nation the Bucks are for real. Style points don't matter any more, but they certainly don't hurt. The defense will be good enough and the offense will (finally) have their way. The most important part is the halftime show this week (I helped design it). Hope everyone enjoys! PSU: 20--OSU: 45
Hoying: Another year, another scrappy Penn State quarterback with lots of moxie. Here's how this one will play out. Hackenberg will come out and throw for 200 yards in the first half as Penn State keeps it close. Then Carlos Hyde will start eating defenders, starting with the scrawny DBs and working up to the meaty linemen. When he's sated, he'll leave Jekyll behind completely and enter full-on beast mode, scoring repeatedly and at will. Meanwhile, Hackenberg will throw 3 or 4 pick-sixes and Brent Musberger will feign sympathy as he thanks his lucky stars that his bet on Ohio State to cover won't result in his legs getting broken. Then, Mark May and Gary Danielson will lambaste the Buckeyes for another lackluster win over a weak opponent, while Lou Holtz desperately tries to juthtify Ohio Thate'th exthellent thschedule and Brackthton Miller's athtounding talent. PSU: 17--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: This game is a bit scary for me. The Ohio State secondary has been just shy of gawd awful at times. But then I remember it's PSU (Pick Six University) and it's in the 'Shoe at night. If the Silver Bullets come out flying like they did against Wisconsin, this is over in a hurry. Roby gets the pick six and Buckeye nation will finally exhale about his play. Braxton FINALLY throws for 300+ yards and El Guapo goes for 150+. It's a big night for the Buckeye offense and The Chase rolls on. PSU: 24--OSU: 50
Upset Alert
Draper: Minn over Nebraska (but the real one is Oregon State)
Hoying: Tennessee over Alabama
Schweinfurth: NCSt over Florida State (sorry Chief, I called this on Monday)
1) Schweinfurth 23-10 (3-5 upset)
2) Draper 22-11 (1-7 upset)
3) Hoying 20-13 (1-7 upset)
UCLA Bruins @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: The premier game resides in Eugene. Oregon's one win came over a very good, but beat up, Washington Huskies squad. Can they do it against another up and coming program? In Autzen, I think they are the big favorites. UCLA stubbed their toe against Stanford last week which seems to be the formula for good teams playing Oregon (get softened up by Stanford first). Mariota and Hundley will both have good games, but the road environment will be too much to overcome for the Bruins. The football monopoly may be over in LA, but not so much in the Pac 12. UCLA: 28--UO: 48
Hoying: Stanford ruins everything. First they lose to Utah to spoil an undefeated Stanford-UCLA game, then they beat UCLA to spoil an undefeated UCLA-Oregon matchup. Bruin QB Brett Hundley has finally come down to earth after a hot start, and I don't see him getting much more breathing room against a punishing Duck D. On the other side of the ball, the UCLA defense doesn't have the horses to keep up with Super Mariota and company. I don't see this being close. UCLA: 20--UO: 52
Schweinfurth: I gotta keep these short this week due to personal time constraints. I think this will turn into a second half blow out. UCLA will stick with Oregon in the first half, but just too many offensive weapons for the Ducks.
UCLA: 24--UO: 45
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Texas Tech is another one of those 'yeah we're undefeated, but...' teams. The schedule has been soft but Oklahoma hasn't faced a premier opponent yet either. Big game Bob is really tough to beat in Norman and I don't think this year is any different. The cinderella story with Kliff Kingsbury is a good one, but I think this game is above the ceiling for this year. The future is bright in Lubbock, but the future is not now. TT: 24--OU: 31
Hoying: Savor these next three days, Red Raider fans. Savor the fantasy of going undefeated and playing for a national championship before you fall flat on your face and slip to the middle of the Big 12 pack. Texas Tech has looked impressive so far against the Little Sisters of the Poor, but it's time for big boy football, with 4 of the next 5 games coming against the top 4 teams in the conference. And the most talented squad is up first. Oklahoma has already proven themselves decent with a nice road win over Notre Dame, and they will continue to get stronger as QB Blake Bell continues to develop. Sooners in a close one. TT: 27--OU: 28
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech has come a long way but as I said previously, I think Oklahoma is the second best team in the Big XII. Fortunately for the Sooners, it's not the Red Raiders. TT: 21--OU: 34
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Missouri Tigers
Draper: Missouri is on the rise and the Gamecocks are falling fast. Looks like this could be a battle of backup QBs with Connor Shaw's knee. Mauk was impressive last week against a stout Gator defense. The backup for South Carolina has experience, but Missouri is riding the wave. This is a tough one, but I'm going with the hot hand in a really close game. HBC loses another heartbreaker on the road. SoCar: 17--Mizzou: 20
Hoying: How long can Missouri weather the absence of James Franklin? The Florida defense is no slouch, and Mauk and the Tigers carved them up worse than any opponent the Gators have yet faced. Missouri appears to be for real this year, while South Carolina has struggled at times. It's hard to see them getting better after losing QB Connor Shaw. A Tiger win virtually seals the SEC East for Mizzou and puts them on a collision course with the winner of the Iron Bowl. SoCar: 24--Mizzou: 34
Schweinfurth: Mizzou is rolling right now and Maty Mauk looked good this past week. Blah, blah, Jedeveon Clowney, blah, blah, he won't be a factor. SCAR: 20--Mizzou: 40
Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon State Beavers
Draper: I wanted this for an upset special. I have not been particularly impressed with Stanford this year and I've made that clear with my picks. Oregon State is the forgotten team in the Pac 12 after an early loss to FCS Eastern Washington. Mannion has been fantastic and the passing game in general has been unstoppable. Stanford can match up on the lines, but this west coast dink and dunk offense will give them fits. Corvallis is usually home to one upset a year and this is it (even though OSU is pretty good). Stan: 30--OSU: 34
Hoying: There's only one reason to consider picking the Beavers in this game: QB juggernaut Sean Mannion. The junior leads all NCAA passers and is a true difference maker. However, let's look at the defenses he's seen. Eastern Washington. Hawaii. Utah. San Diego State. Colorado. Washington State. California. You may recognize 1 of these as an FCS team, and 2 of the others made Ohio State's backup quarterback look like Peyton Manning. What will Mannion do when he faces not just the first competent defense he's seen all year, but an excellent one? The Beavers get blasted, that's what happens. Stan: 45--OSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Oregon State has recovered nicely from that week 1 upset. Remember, this team almost went undefeated a year ago. I expect Stanford's slide to continue. Stan: 14--OSU: 31
Penn State Nittany Lions @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: The Buckeye defense stepped up in the 2nd half last week and they'll need to be on this week vs. Hackenburg. PSU has been somewhat of a yo-yo team, but the scholarship reductions and sanctions are beginning to show. This is Urban and the Buckeyes stage to turn some heads. Penn State has the name recognition to make a big win here mean something. Time to unleash Braxton and Carlos to show the nation the Bucks are for real. Style points don't matter any more, but they certainly don't hurt. The defense will be good enough and the offense will (finally) have their way. The most important part is the halftime show this week (I helped design it). Hope everyone enjoys! PSU: 20--OSU: 45
Hoying: Another year, another scrappy Penn State quarterback with lots of moxie. Here's how this one will play out. Hackenberg will come out and throw for 200 yards in the first half as Penn State keeps it close. Then Carlos Hyde will start eating defenders, starting with the scrawny DBs and working up to the meaty linemen. When he's sated, he'll leave Jekyll behind completely and enter full-on beast mode, scoring repeatedly and at will. Meanwhile, Hackenberg will throw 3 or 4 pick-sixes and Brent Musberger will feign sympathy as he thanks his lucky stars that his bet on Ohio State to cover won't result in his legs getting broken. Then, Mark May and Gary Danielson will lambaste the Buckeyes for another lackluster win over a weak opponent, while Lou Holtz desperately tries to juthtify Ohio Thate'th exthellent thschedule and Brackthton Miller's athtounding talent. PSU: 17--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: This game is a bit scary for me. The Ohio State secondary has been just shy of gawd awful at times. But then I remember it's PSU (Pick Six University) and it's in the 'Shoe at night. If the Silver Bullets come out flying like they did against Wisconsin, this is over in a hurry. Roby gets the pick six and Buckeye nation will finally exhale about his play. Braxton FINALLY throws for 300+ yards and El Guapo goes for 150+. It's a big night for the Buckeye offense and The Chase rolls on. PSU: 24--OSU: 50
Upset Alert
Draper: Minn over Nebraska (but the real one is Oregon State)
Hoying: Tennessee over Alabama
Schweinfurth: NCSt over Florida State (sorry Chief, I called this on Monday)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Week 12 Picks: West Coast Choppers
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 37-8 (5-6 upset)
2) Hoying 31-14 (3-8 upset)
3) Draper 29-16 (3-8 upset)
4) Auer 24-17 (1-9 upset)
Stanford Cardinals @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Stanford just won't go away. They beat one big dog in USC, beat the chippy Beavers, and enter the unstoppable force of the Ducks. The Ducks are incredibly beat up with nicks to Mariota and Barner, but it just won't matter. The Duck offense is a well oiled machine and the Cardinal are not equipped to keep up. Oh yeah, it's in Autzen...uh oh. Stan: 17--UO: 41
Auer: This one shouldn't be close... Mariota will go wild on the slower Cardinal, even with all the new wrinkles with Stanford's switch at QB. Stan: 10--UO: 52
Hoying: Despite playing in the much-improved Pac-12, Oregon has been a total buzzsaw this season, leading the nation in both scoring and margin of victory. The Ducks also rank #3 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense. Who's #1? The Cardinal. Stanford has been getting it done with tough defense and a balanced, if underwhelming, offense. For Stanford to have a prayer in this game, they'll need to apply that defense to an as-of-yet unstoppable Oregon offense featuring fringe Heisman candidates Kenyon Barner and Marcus Mariota. Not likely. Stan: 24--UO: 45
Schweinfurth: Stanford has been surprisingly good after losing Harbaugh and Luck. The offense is efficient enough and the defense can make timely stops. Stopping Oregon, however, is a monumental task. So far this season, the Ducks offense have made swiss cheese opposing defenses. Josh Huff stretches the field for Mariota and Barner. I expect this game to be close into the mid 3rd quarter until the Ducks' offensive tempo wears down the Cardinal. Stan: 28--UO: 49
USC Trojans @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: UCLA has had a fantastic year with Brett Hundley toting and throwing the rock as well as Johnathan Franklin setting all kinds of records, but USC is still the big dog. Lane Kiffin has done all he could to ruin what could have (and should have) been a magical season with the return of Matt Barkley, but I can't see the Trojans giving one away to the cross town rival. Marquise Lee has been nothing short of spectacular (why no Heisman talk?---oh yeah, 3 losses...). The Trojans step on the throat of the Bruins to remind them who their daddy is. USC: 52--UCLA: 34
Auer: Another Pac-12 game, another lopsided win for the favorite. UCLA is a team no one has taken very seriously, but LA is USC's town, and the Trojan's are out to remind everyone of that. USC: 49--UCLA: 20
Hoying: It took 4 years and new coaches on both sidelines, but the football monopoly in Los Angeles may finally be over. UCLA is one victory over the Trojans away from a second straight and first legitimate (looking at you, Wisconsin) Pac-12 South title. Since denying USC a shot in the 2006 title game, UCLA has lost 5 straight in the series, but this year's Bruins are good enough to give the mythically talented Trojans a good fight. This game is a classical battle of overperformers vs. underperformers, and I like the hot squad to come out on top. Matt Barkley will try to air out some balls (ho ho ho) but it won't be enough. Squirm, Lane Kiffin, squirm. USC: 24--UCLA:31
Schweinfurth: The Bruins, while coming off of a PAC-12 Championship Game last year, still didn't impress me before the season. I am still not sold on the Bruins but they are a decent team. USC on the other hand, has been very disappointing. The wide receivers are just sick. Maruquise Lee keeps showing he is the most dominant wideout in college football. If Barkley can protect the ball and get it to Woods and Lee, UCLA has no chance. USC: 42--UCLA: 28
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Another Big 12 shootout...yawn. Texas Tech got all sorts of accolades with Tuberville 'supposedly' installing defense in the score happy Big 12...nope. Seth Doege has been the star moving up and down the field, but Mike Gundy's QB acumen is amazing. No, the Poke defense won't turn heads (other than watching the opponent score again), but the offense can score. Also, the game is in Stillwater. He's a man! He's gonna put up more than 40! TT: 48--OSU: 58
Auer: OSU has owned the Red Raiders the last two years winning 34-17 and 66-6, add to that the Cowboys are flying high after smacking down the Mountaineers, and if the momentum swings OSU's way, the Raiders may never have a chance to come up for air. The Pokes will take advantage of the surge of support thanks to these recent successes, and pound TTU again. TT: 38--OSU: 63
Hoying: This was supposed to be a different kind of Texas Tech squad under Tommy Tuberville. But here we are in November, and once again the Red Raiders feature the nation's top passing attack and a mediocre defense. The blowout win over West Virginia feels like ages ago, and this is Tech's last chance to make a statement this season. The Cowboys are in many ways their mirror images. They're men, they score 40 a game, and give up plenty of points to boot. If you're disappointed that Oregon won't be scoring enough points against a tough Stanford D, tune into this match-up; you won't be disappointed. Ummmmmmm, Cowboys. TTU: 59--OSU: 66
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech is starting to look like they are getting their swagger back. Oklahoma State lost it's entire offense last year. It's the Big 12, so it's a shootout in Stillwater. TTU: 42--OSU: 49
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: The Bucks enter the battleground in Madison to a much different tune. Everyone expected the Badgers to run away and hide with the Leaders division, but they've been a major disappointment with the Buckeyes carrying the banner (shocker!!). Yes, Wisky will represent the division in the B1G title game, but this game is for bragging rights. If the Buckeyes win out, they can (and will) always claim to be the B1G Champs (unless NW, Minn, or Iowa wins it...so we're safe). Braxton and Hyde have had a week off to prepare and I think the rowdiness usually present in Madison will be toned done. Wisconsin likes to run the ball and control the clock...perfectly suited for our defense to shut them down. Bucks get it done and keep the undefeated dream alive before the Wolverines enter the Shoe. OSU: 34--UW: 24
Auer: The line favors the Badgers, the crowd favors the Badgers, I'm down a lot in our pick 'em, and as much as I hate it, I'm picking the Badgers. The Buckeyes have a very hard time in Madison and traditionally struggle here of all places after a bye week. The disrespect the Bucks have received will be justified after a disappointing performance setting up a "must-win" scenario for the look-ahead game against Michigan. OSU: 17--UW: 28
Hoying: In an odd twist, both of these teams come into this game having wrapped up the Leaders Division. There's nothing to play for here but pride, which is bad news for Wisconsin, because I don't know how you can be proud of a program steeped so deeply in mediocrity. Wisconsin likes to run the ball, and the Buckeyes like to not let them. We saw how that worked out for Michigan State and Nebraska. And now the Silver Bullets may actually be healthy? Whoo boy. Badgers? We don't need no stinkin' Badgers! OSU: 31--UW: 17
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, one of the two games I have been looking forward to all year. Flash back to this offseason when Fat Bielema ran his mouth about Meyer's recruiting tactics. Urban has said it's water under the bridge, but come on. You know Urban is pissed and he wants Bucky's head on a silver platter. The bye week has helped the Bucks get back to fundamentals and, more importantly, to get healthy. Expect the Buckeyes to load up the box and force Wisconsin's QB du jour to throw the ball. The Silver Bullets are built to stop a team like the Badgers. I expect a little rust on the offense. A steady dose of Miller, Hyde, and Smith (that backfield is just sick) will open up the deep ball to Stoneburner and Smith. I like the Bucks to pull away late...and then Meyer gives Bielema the bird and stuns him on the "Big Dubya." OSU: 45--UW: 20
Upset Special
Draper: FCS over SEC (not really, just wanted to remind everyone of the joke SEC game hidden in week 12)--Cal over Oregon State
Auer: BGSU over KSU
Hoying: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Iowa over TTUN
1) Schweinfurth 37-8 (5-6 upset)
2) Hoying 31-14 (3-8 upset)
3) Draper 29-16 (3-8 upset)
4) Auer 24-17 (1-9 upset)
Stanford Cardinals @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Stanford just won't go away. They beat one big dog in USC, beat the chippy Beavers, and enter the unstoppable force of the Ducks. The Ducks are incredibly beat up with nicks to Mariota and Barner, but it just won't matter. The Duck offense is a well oiled machine and the Cardinal are not equipped to keep up. Oh yeah, it's in Autzen...uh oh. Stan: 17--UO: 41
Auer: This one shouldn't be close... Mariota will go wild on the slower Cardinal, even with all the new wrinkles with Stanford's switch at QB. Stan: 10--UO: 52
Hoying: Despite playing in the much-improved Pac-12, Oregon has been a total buzzsaw this season, leading the nation in both scoring and margin of victory. The Ducks also rank #3 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense. Who's #1? The Cardinal. Stanford has been getting it done with tough defense and a balanced, if underwhelming, offense. For Stanford to have a prayer in this game, they'll need to apply that defense to an as-of-yet unstoppable Oregon offense featuring fringe Heisman candidates Kenyon Barner and Marcus Mariota. Not likely. Stan: 24--UO: 45
Schweinfurth: Stanford has been surprisingly good after losing Harbaugh and Luck. The offense is efficient enough and the defense can make timely stops. Stopping Oregon, however, is a monumental task. So far this season, the Ducks offense have made swiss cheese opposing defenses. Josh Huff stretches the field for Mariota and Barner. I expect this game to be close into the mid 3rd quarter until the Ducks' offensive tempo wears down the Cardinal. Stan: 28--UO: 49
USC Trojans @ UCLA Bruins
Draper: UCLA has had a fantastic year with Brett Hundley toting and throwing the rock as well as Johnathan Franklin setting all kinds of records, but USC is still the big dog. Lane Kiffin has done all he could to ruin what could have (and should have) been a magical season with the return of Matt Barkley, but I can't see the Trojans giving one away to the cross town rival. Marquise Lee has been nothing short of spectacular (why no Heisman talk?---oh yeah, 3 losses...). The Trojans step on the throat of the Bruins to remind them who their daddy is. USC: 52--UCLA: 34
Auer: Another Pac-12 game, another lopsided win for the favorite. UCLA is a team no one has taken very seriously, but LA is USC's town, and the Trojan's are out to remind everyone of that. USC: 49--UCLA: 20
Hoying: It took 4 years and new coaches on both sidelines, but the football monopoly in Los Angeles may finally be over. UCLA is one victory over the Trojans away from a second straight and first legitimate (looking at you, Wisconsin) Pac-12 South title. Since denying USC a shot in the 2006 title game, UCLA has lost 5 straight in the series, but this year's Bruins are good enough to give the mythically talented Trojans a good fight. This game is a classical battle of overperformers vs. underperformers, and I like the hot squad to come out on top. Matt Barkley will try to air out some balls (ho ho ho) but it won't be enough. Squirm, Lane Kiffin, squirm. USC: 24--UCLA:31
Schweinfurth: The Bruins, while coming off of a PAC-12 Championship Game last year, still didn't impress me before the season. I am still not sold on the Bruins but they are a decent team. USC on the other hand, has been very disappointing. The wide receivers are just sick. Maruquise Lee keeps showing he is the most dominant wideout in college football. If Barkley can protect the ball and get it to Woods and Lee, UCLA has no chance. USC: 42--UCLA: 28
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Another Big 12 shootout...yawn. Texas Tech got all sorts of accolades with Tuberville 'supposedly' installing defense in the score happy Big 12...nope. Seth Doege has been the star moving up and down the field, but Mike Gundy's QB acumen is amazing. No, the Poke defense won't turn heads (other than watching the opponent score again), but the offense can score. Also, the game is in Stillwater. He's a man! He's gonna put up more than 40! TT: 48--OSU: 58
Auer: OSU has owned the Red Raiders the last two years winning 34-17 and 66-6, add to that the Cowboys are flying high after smacking down the Mountaineers, and if the momentum swings OSU's way, the Raiders may never have a chance to come up for air. The Pokes will take advantage of the surge of support thanks to these recent successes, and pound TTU again. TT: 38--OSU: 63
Hoying: This was supposed to be a different kind of Texas Tech squad under Tommy Tuberville. But here we are in November, and once again the Red Raiders feature the nation's top passing attack and a mediocre defense. The blowout win over West Virginia feels like ages ago, and this is Tech's last chance to make a statement this season. The Cowboys are in many ways their mirror images. They're men, they score 40 a game, and give up plenty of points to boot. If you're disappointed that Oregon won't be scoring enough points against a tough Stanford D, tune into this match-up; you won't be disappointed. Ummmmmmm, Cowboys. TTU: 59--OSU: 66
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech is starting to look like they are getting their swagger back. Oklahoma State lost it's entire offense last year. It's the Big 12, so it's a shootout in Stillwater. TTU: 42--OSU: 49
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: The Bucks enter the battleground in Madison to a much different tune. Everyone expected the Badgers to run away and hide with the Leaders division, but they've been a major disappointment with the Buckeyes carrying the banner (shocker!!). Yes, Wisky will represent the division in the B1G title game, but this game is for bragging rights. If the Buckeyes win out, they can (and will) always claim to be the B1G Champs (unless NW, Minn, or Iowa wins it...so we're safe). Braxton and Hyde have had a week off to prepare and I think the rowdiness usually present in Madison will be toned done. Wisconsin likes to run the ball and control the clock...perfectly suited for our defense to shut them down. Bucks get it done and keep the undefeated dream alive before the Wolverines enter the Shoe. OSU: 34--UW: 24
Auer: The line favors the Badgers, the crowd favors the Badgers, I'm down a lot in our pick 'em, and as much as I hate it, I'm picking the Badgers. The Buckeyes have a very hard time in Madison and traditionally struggle here of all places after a bye week. The disrespect the Bucks have received will be justified after a disappointing performance setting up a "must-win" scenario for the look-ahead game against Michigan. OSU: 17--UW: 28
Hoying: In an odd twist, both of these teams come into this game having wrapped up the Leaders Division. There's nothing to play for here but pride, which is bad news for Wisconsin, because I don't know how you can be proud of a program steeped so deeply in mediocrity. Wisconsin likes to run the ball, and the Buckeyes like to not let them. We saw how that worked out for Michigan State and Nebraska. And now the Silver Bullets may actually be healthy? Whoo boy. Badgers? We don't need no stinkin' Badgers! OSU: 31--UW: 17
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, one of the two games I have been looking forward to all year. Flash back to this offseason when Fat Bielema ran his mouth about Meyer's recruiting tactics. Urban has said it's water under the bridge, but come on. You know Urban is pissed and he wants Bucky's head on a silver platter. The bye week has helped the Bucks get back to fundamentals and, more importantly, to get healthy. Expect the Buckeyes to load up the box and force Wisconsin's QB du jour to throw the ball. The Silver Bullets are built to stop a team like the Badgers. I expect a little rust on the offense. A steady dose of Miller, Hyde, and Smith (that backfield is just sick) will open up the deep ball to Stoneburner and Smith. I like the Bucks to pull away late...and then Meyer gives Bielema the bird and stuns him on the "Big Dubya." OSU: 45--UW: 20
Upset Special
Draper: FCS over SEC (not really, just wanted to remind everyone of the joke SEC game hidden in week 12)--Cal over Oregon State
Auer: BGSU over KSU
Hoying: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Iowa over TTUN
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Week 9: Another nice slate of games
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
Texas Tech Red. Raiders @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: I believe in Bill Snyder and Collin Klein. I've been riding high on the Wildcats all year, and I'm not stopping. Seth Doege has put together a very nice resume in Lubbock but the one game they played against a defense (OU) was a miserable failure. Texas Tech is a good team, but Kansas State is a great team. I expect a utilitarian blue collar win as per usual in Manhattan. The Raiders have a defense, but KSU forces you to play grind-it-out slobber-knocker football. This isn't high-flying WVU that Texas Tech put on the ropes. KSU keeps it rolling. TT: 20--KSU: 33
Auer: Tommy Tuberville is waiting in the weeds to surprise the Wildcats. Texas Tech was ready for the WVU onslaught, and KSU has been coming away with wins in all shapes and sizes. After the big win last week by Kansas State in Morgantown, they Wildcats could be in for a bit of a letdown. This one will be a barn-burner. TT: 35--KSU: 34
Hoying: How long can Bill Snyder Ensure his team will win against a brutal Big 12 schedule? The 'Cats have been untouchable outside of Norman (understandable) and Ames (not so much), but one wonders how long they can keep it up. The nation's deepest conference has no gimme games (looking at you, Kentucky and Auburn), and I don't believe that Kansas State can make it through unscathed. Even though Texas Tech is well advertised as a very good team, this is a trap situation for Kansas State after a huge head-inflating win over the Mountaineers. Collin Klein is the real deal, but I foresee a perfect storm of victory hangover, freak turnovers, and a deserving Tech team playing a flawless game to move back into the Big 12 title discussion. Sorry, K-State. TT: 21--KSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Collin Klein cemented himself as the Heisman leader at this point. Texas Tech is good but really haven't beaten a top tier team yet. KSU continues to show they are the class of the Big 12 and Klein's Heisman buzz continues to grow. TT: 10--KSU: 31
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Irish have their first real test of the season (no, Stanford at home and the Michigan schools don't count). The Sooners are (nearly--see KSU) unbeatable in Norman and they have turned it on at the right time. Notre Dame's defense has been spectacular all year, and features a legitimate Heisman contender in Teo, but OU features their own Heisman contender in Landry Jones. Lost in all the attrition, Oklahoma is quietly hanging around playing very good football. I don't see ND putting up many points at Oklahoma with their subpar offense which will be the end of the undefeated season. BCS will still be in play, but the Sooners bring the Irish back to earth. ND: 13--OU: 23
Auer: Ummmm, the Irish are two to four bad calls away from having 2-4 losses. I'm not impressed. OU has been dominant and will put down the overrated Irish and the pompous fanbase. Boomer sooner! ND: 10--OU: 38
Hoying: If there's one undefeated team as lucky as Ohio State this season, it's Notre Dame. Still, the most important word in that sentence was undefeated, as the Irish are still very much in the championship hunt, and a win over Oklahoma would put them about on par with Kansas State (except the Wildcats are going to lose). Meanwhile, the Sooners have been demolishing good opponents and Kansas since the tough loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats needed both great offense (Klein) and stifling defense to squeak by the Sooners in Norman. Notre Dame only fulfills half the requirements. ND: 10--OU: 17
Schweinfurth: The Irish defense has looked very good so far. The offense has a long way to go. Everett Gholston is back this week but it won't be enough. Oklahoma's offense has been on an absolute roll since demolishing Texas. ND: 17--OU: 35
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Penn State University Nittany Lions
Draper: Oh boy....which team is going to show up? The last two weeks have featured an atrocious apathetic defensive showing and a boring offensive failure. Oh yeah, the most explosive player on the Buckeye offense was taken to the hospital... Penn State has been playing very good football, but they haven't faced a team with the athletes OSU that has. Miller should play which is a plus, but honestly, I think Guiton could handle the pressure (the road will be tough on him). This is the Nittany Lions season in a nutshell. The Buckeyes have 12-0 in their sights, but PSU has nothing to play for but beating OSU (potentially giving them the Leaders title). Happy Valley is a tough place, but I think the Bucks put it together to remind Matt 'MOXIE' McGloin that there's a reason no other programs wanted him. PSU will make stops against the Buckeye's inconsistent offense, but the Buckeye defense matches up extremely well with the Nittany Lion style of play. One or two explosive plays by the Buckeyes send the Lions home crying. OSU: 24--PSU: 20
Auer: After last week's thriller, who knows what the Bucks have in store this week. PSU on the road at night is always a problem, but really neither team is playing for something other than pride. OSU will be better prepared and the Urban assault will continue. OSU: 31--PSU: 10
Hoying: With Braxton back at the helm, suddenly this game doesn't seem so difficult to win. Penn State hardly has an explosive offense (big performances against bad B1G defenses aside), and the Buckeyes seem to have found a groove on defense after the embarrassment at Indiana. Miller will need to be sharp, and any cobwebs will cost us dearly, but I see the Buckeyes doing just enough to pull out a tough team win on the road. The tribute to the 2002 team continues. OSU: 21--PSU: 14
Schweinfurth: Man was last week a scare. The big news is that Miller should play. All hands will be needed for this one. Penn State has been very, very good despite the transfers. Matt McGloin looks like a true starting QB with some upside under Bill O'Brien's offense. The Lions have feasted on some of the worst teams in the B1G so far. The OSU offense bounces back big in this one and the D stands tall. (I apologize for the uncommonly short analysis this week. I should be back to full capacity next week). OSU: 35--PSU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Washington over Oregon State
Auer: Arizona over USC
Hoying: Nebraska over Michigan
Schweinfurth: Michigan State over Wisconsin
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Five Thoughts on the week that was--Week 8
1) Oklahoma upset was HUGE
Everyone is swooning over the Hail Mary MSU win over Wisconsin and what that means to the future, but that is but a drop in the bucket to the storm that erupted in Norman. Let's make this clear: Oklahoma does NOT lose in Norman. They play so much better at home than on the road, they never play Texas at home, and they just own the rest of the country when they come to their house. Texas Tech was a nice little upstart, but they shouldn't have had a prayer with all on the line in the Sooner's house. The OU defense was befuddled by Doege and even though they put up points, no one expected them to need a comeback to make it close. This loss is HUGE for the shakeup of the BCS (much much bigger than the Wisconsin loss) and will also haunt Bob Stoops. Big game Bob showed the 'Chokelahoma' moniker is more deserved.
2) Don't forget about Oregon
With all the hype around the SEC matchup in 2 weeks and all the other top 5 upsets, people are forgetting about the Ducks sneaking around the chicken coop. Yes, they lost to LSU at a 'neutral site' in Jerry world because they nicely handed the ball to LSU many times, but since then, they are trouncing everyone. I know the competition is much much weaker, but I'm not sold that Stanford can take the Ducks this year. If LSU dominates Bama, we may have to face the possibility that the Ducks are the 2nd best team in the country. Perhaps they deserve a rematch against LSU in a more neutral location in the national championship....wait....it's in New Orleans? Crap.
3) B1G is an absolute mess
Is there a team (outside of Indiana or Minnesota--maybe Purdue) in the B1G that you can say is out of the race? The answer is no. Why? OSU is down. There is no National Title contender in the conference (as I said preseason) and the conference contains a bunch of mid-level teams for this season. The clear favorites for the B1G Conference Title Game is Wisconsin v. MSU, but pretty much every other team (more or less) controls their destiny. Let's be honest. When this Ohio State team is 1 additional Penn State loss from controlling their destiny, this conference has issues. Perhaps this is the B1G basketball year!
4) Wisconsin faced a defense and....
They were exposed. The Wisconsin offense put some points up, but the unstoppable force was not so impressive in East Lansing. The game turned into a shootout and Wilson couldn't quite hang on. Let's recall that OSU gave up 10 points to the Spartans. This Wisconsin team is pretty good, but certainly not elite. They have been feasting off the dregs in Madison and weren't ready for a real test. They come into Columbus this week to face another defense with some bite and an offense that.....well the defense is good. It's not that big of a stretch to think that Wisconsin was all bark no bite.
5) BCS teams are more or less fixed right now
Can anyone imagine a situation in which a team other than those listed below will make a BCS game?
Big 12: OU/OSU
Pac 12: Stanford/Oregon
SEC: LSU/Bama
B1G: Champ (Wisc or MSU probable)
Big East: Champ (who cares)
ACC: Champ (Clemson probable)
At-Large: Boise
In my opinion, this will be the slate and I would be surprised with anything else. Yeah, Oklahoma could die off, but I'm not seeing it. One loss also does Boise in, but can anyone on their schedule beat them. Again, the excitement is somewhat tempered with the lack of top contenders. My midseason BCS Bowl predictions are:
Rose: Oregon vs. MSU
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar: Alabama vs. Stanford
Orange: Clemson vs. WVU
BCS Title: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Pretty good matchups (except for the Orange....)
Everyone is swooning over the Hail Mary MSU win over Wisconsin and what that means to the future, but that is but a drop in the bucket to the storm that erupted in Norman. Let's make this clear: Oklahoma does NOT lose in Norman. They play so much better at home than on the road, they never play Texas at home, and they just own the rest of the country when they come to their house. Texas Tech was a nice little upstart, but they shouldn't have had a prayer with all on the line in the Sooner's house. The OU defense was befuddled by Doege and even though they put up points, no one expected them to need a comeback to make it close. This loss is HUGE for the shakeup of the BCS (much much bigger than the Wisconsin loss) and will also haunt Bob Stoops. Big game Bob showed the 'Chokelahoma' moniker is more deserved.
2) Don't forget about Oregon
With all the hype around the SEC matchup in 2 weeks and all the other top 5 upsets, people are forgetting about the Ducks sneaking around the chicken coop. Yes, they lost to LSU at a 'neutral site' in Jerry world because they nicely handed the ball to LSU many times, but since then, they are trouncing everyone. I know the competition is much much weaker, but I'm not sold that Stanford can take the Ducks this year. If LSU dominates Bama, we may have to face the possibility that the Ducks are the 2nd best team in the country. Perhaps they deserve a rematch against LSU in a more neutral location in the national championship....wait....it's in New Orleans? Crap.
3) B1G is an absolute mess
Is there a team (outside of Indiana or Minnesota--maybe Purdue) in the B1G that you can say is out of the race? The answer is no. Why? OSU is down. There is no National Title contender in the conference (as I said preseason) and the conference contains a bunch of mid-level teams for this season. The clear favorites for the B1G Conference Title Game is Wisconsin v. MSU, but pretty much every other team (more or less) controls their destiny. Let's be honest. When this Ohio State team is 1 additional Penn State loss from controlling their destiny, this conference has issues. Perhaps this is the B1G basketball year!
4) Wisconsin faced a defense and....
They were exposed. The Wisconsin offense put some points up, but the unstoppable force was not so impressive in East Lansing. The game turned into a shootout and Wilson couldn't quite hang on. Let's recall that OSU gave up 10 points to the Spartans. This Wisconsin team is pretty good, but certainly not elite. They have been feasting off the dregs in Madison and weren't ready for a real test. They come into Columbus this week to face another defense with some bite and an offense that.....well the defense is good. It's not that big of a stretch to think that Wisconsin was all bark no bite.
5) BCS teams are more or less fixed right now
Can anyone imagine a situation in which a team other than those listed below will make a BCS game?
Big 12: OU/OSU
Pac 12: Stanford/Oregon
SEC: LSU/Bama
B1G: Champ (Wisc or MSU probable)
Big East: Champ (who cares)
ACC: Champ (Clemson probable)
At-Large: Boise
In my opinion, this will be the slate and I would be surprised with anything else. Yeah, Oklahoma could die off, but I'm not seeing it. One loss also does Boise in, but can anyone on their schedule beat them. Again, the excitement is somewhat tempered with the lack of top contenders. My midseason BCS Bowl predictions are:
Rose: Oregon vs. MSU
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar: Alabama vs. Stanford
Orange: Clemson vs. WVU
BCS Title: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Pretty good matchups (except for the Orange....)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Week 13...
Michigan State Spartans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Gomer: As awesome as it would be to see the Buckeyes earn a berth to the Rose Bowl on Saturday, I just can't see it happening, at least not when it depends on Brian Hoyer. Penn State's defense is superior to Ohio State's especially when it comes to getting pressure on the QB and Brian Hoyer is the type of QB that can, and will, crumble against that kind of defensive pressure. The balanced "Spread HD" attack of Clark and Royster and "do-it-all" Williams will be too much for the Spartans defense. MSU: 16 - PSU: 30
Chief: The battle for a guaranteed share of the Big 10 Championship takes place outside of Columbus this weekend. The Spartans come in with one of their greatest teams in recent history led by stellar back Javon Ringer. PSU also sports one of the best Nittany Lion teams as well that’s strong in all aspects. I like the Lions to take care of Sparty at home fairly decisively. Aaron Maybin will wreak havoc on the backfield and the PSU will stuff the MSU running game just as OSU did. JoePa gets sent off to the retirement home smelling roses. MSU: 17—PSU: 34
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
Gomer: This game is pretty much the Big East championship, although funny things can happen in the waning weeks of the season (ask Rich Rodriguez). I don't really like either of these teams, but Brian Kelly is a superior coach to "The Stache" (Dave Wannstedt) and that in conjunction with the home field will be enough to put Cincy over the edge in this one and send them BCS bowling... although, I don't know a Cincy fan who's about to travel halfway across the country to see the Bearcats, whatevs. Pitt: 7 - UC: 20
Chief: A huge Big East battle in the confines of Nippert Stadium will go a long way to seeing which of these perennial also-rans has a shot at a BCS Bowl. Cincinnati has been a surprise story all year with their multitude of injuries, but they keep chugging along under ‘soon-to-be-elsewhere’ coach Brian Kelly. Pitt seems to go through the motions every week and never look like they’ve turned the corner of mediocrity. A great team wouldn’t have needed 4 OT to dispatch Notre Dame. Go Red, Go Black, Go Bearcats, FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Pitt: 10—UC: 24
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Gomer: A true Southwestern shootout looms. This game should be awesome, and a showcase of many future NFL-ers. Sam Bradford and Graham Harrell will be on showcase primarily, and the winner of this game, who makes the least mistakes, will be in the driver's seat for the Heisman Trophy. An OU victory will really throw the BCS into a tizzy, because many pundits, including myself, will not be in favor of OU being ranked ahead of the Longhorns. TTU's defense is far better than I thought, their O-line is outstanding, and the all-around talent is very good. OU has a more balanced offense which is the #1 reason I'm going to pick the Sooners in this marquee match-up. Boomer Sooner! TTU: 34 - OU: 42
Chief: Every week comes with the nation picking against my Red Raiders and every week, they emerge unscathed. TTU will have their hands full trying to enter Norman and take down the Sooners whose record is (something like) 59-2 at home under Stoops. I’m sticking with my boys here and staying with the Red Raider wagon. Both teams are chugging along, but there’s something magical coming out of Lubbock. Look for over 1000 total yards in the game in which 2 (or possibly 3) Heisman finalists take the field. The Texas Texh offensive line again makes the difference as the Raiders start looking to Miami. Harrell to Crabtree over and over while Bradford impresses…but not enough. TTU: 45—OU:41
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Gomer: Wow, wow, wow, the last game of the regular season already. It always amazes me how fast the season goes by, and another one bites the dust. This is the worst Michigan in the history of college football, and that's saying a lot about the ALL-TIME WINNINGEST PROGRAM IN NCAA HISTORY. A Buckeye loss is not only unimaginable, but would be the greatest upset in the history of the rivalry. On the flip side, Ohio State is playing for a share of the Big Ten title, their 4th straight, and an unprecedented 5th straight victory over the state up north. It will be a thrilling day in Ohio Stadium, where we get to see 'Little Animal', Jenkins, Boeckman, Freeman, and (in my opinion) 'Beanie' one last time. The weather will be perfect for a gridiron battle (of spread offenses) where the men will be separated from the boys, and the Men of the Scarlet and Gray will emerge victorious from the trenches after battling the Maize and Blue to a bitter pulp. UM: 20 - OSU: 34
Chief: Throw out the records, it’s still ‘The Game’. Rich Rodriguez comes rolling into Columbus with excuses abounding. Telling his fans to ‘Get a Life’? That tops the list of things you think but don’t say in Ann Arbor. His backup QB is starting, and who knows who starts in the backfield (Minor should be healthy). The Buckeye faithful can’t be caught here looking ahead because this is still Michigan. They have a great defensive line and who knows what could happen if we aren’t prepared. Luckily for us, the sweatervest cares not for any other game and will have the troops fired up. This game is for a share of the Big 10 title and this senior class is looking for the clean sweep (4 straight). It may not be the season they wanted, but it is what it is, and there’s no sweeter way to leave than to send the Wolverines home crying to mama. The Bucks don’t look past (even thought their fans are) and take care of business. Beanie for 150, Laurinitis with 10 tackles, Jenkins with a pick, and close it out with senior captain Todd Boeckman leading a final scoring drive. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! UM: 10—OSU: 41
West Virginia vs. Louisville: Gomer:WVU - Chief:WVU
BYU vs. Utah: Gomer:Utah - Chief:Utah
Oregon State vs. Arizona: Gomer:Ariz - Chief:OSU
Iowa vs. Minnesota: Gomer:Minnesota - Chief:Iowa
Florida State vs. Maryland: Gomer:Maryland - Chief:FSU
Illinois @ Northwestern: Gomer:Illinois - Chief:Illinois
Michigan State Spartans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Gomer: As awesome as it would be to see the Buckeyes earn a berth to the Rose Bowl on Saturday, I just can't see it happening, at least not when it depends on Brian Hoyer. Penn State's defense is superior to Ohio State's especially when it comes to getting pressure on the QB and Brian Hoyer is the type of QB that can, and will, crumble against that kind of defensive pressure. The balanced "Spread HD" attack of Clark and Royster and "do-it-all" Williams will be too much for the Spartans defense. MSU: 16 - PSU: 30
Chief: The battle for a guaranteed share of the Big 10 Championship takes place outside of Columbus this weekend. The Spartans come in with one of their greatest teams in recent history led by stellar back Javon Ringer. PSU also sports one of the best Nittany Lion teams as well that’s strong in all aspects. I like the Lions to take care of Sparty at home fairly decisively. Aaron Maybin will wreak havoc on the backfield and the PSU will stuff the MSU running game just as OSU did. JoePa gets sent off to the retirement home smelling roses. MSU: 17—PSU: 34
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
Gomer: This game is pretty much the Big East championship, although funny things can happen in the waning weeks of the season (ask Rich Rodriguez). I don't really like either of these teams, but Brian Kelly is a superior coach to "The Stache" (Dave Wannstedt) and that in conjunction with the home field will be enough to put Cincy over the edge in this one and send them BCS bowling... although, I don't know a Cincy fan who's about to travel halfway across the country to see the Bearcats, whatevs. Pitt: 7 - UC: 20
Chief: A huge Big East battle in the confines of Nippert Stadium will go a long way to seeing which of these perennial also-rans has a shot at a BCS Bowl. Cincinnati has been a surprise story all year with their multitude of injuries, but they keep chugging along under ‘soon-to-be-elsewhere’ coach Brian Kelly. Pitt seems to go through the motions every week and never look like they’ve turned the corner of mediocrity. A great team wouldn’t have needed 4 OT to dispatch Notre Dame. Go Red, Go Black, Go Bearcats, FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Pitt: 10—UC: 24
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Gomer: A true Southwestern shootout looms. This game should be awesome, and a showcase of many future NFL-ers. Sam Bradford and Graham Harrell will be on showcase primarily, and the winner of this game, who makes the least mistakes, will be in the driver's seat for the Heisman Trophy. An OU victory will really throw the BCS into a tizzy, because many pundits, including myself, will not be in favor of OU being ranked ahead of the Longhorns. TTU's defense is far better than I thought, their O-line is outstanding, and the all-around talent is very good. OU has a more balanced offense which is the #1 reason I'm going to pick the Sooners in this marquee match-up. Boomer Sooner! TTU: 34 - OU: 42
Chief: Every week comes with the nation picking against my Red Raiders and every week, they emerge unscathed. TTU will have their hands full trying to enter Norman and take down the Sooners whose record is (something like) 59-2 at home under Stoops. I’m sticking with my boys here and staying with the Red Raider wagon. Both teams are chugging along, but there’s something magical coming out of Lubbock. Look for over 1000 total yards in the game in which 2 (or possibly 3) Heisman finalists take the field. The Texas Texh offensive line again makes the difference as the Raiders start looking to Miami. Harrell to Crabtree over and over while Bradford impresses…but not enough. TTU: 45—OU:41
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Gomer: Wow, wow, wow, the last game of the regular season already. It always amazes me how fast the season goes by, and another one bites the dust. This is the worst Michigan in the history of college football, and that's saying a lot about the ALL-TIME WINNINGEST PROGRAM IN NCAA HISTORY. A Buckeye loss is not only unimaginable, but would be the greatest upset in the history of the rivalry. On the flip side, Ohio State is playing for a share of the Big Ten title, their 4th straight, and an unprecedented 5th straight victory over the state up north. It will be a thrilling day in Ohio Stadium, where we get to see 'Little Animal', Jenkins, Boeckman, Freeman, and (in my opinion) 'Beanie' one last time. The weather will be perfect for a gridiron battle (of spread offenses) where the men will be separated from the boys, and the Men of the Scarlet and Gray will emerge victorious from the trenches after battling the Maize and Blue to a bitter pulp. UM: 20 - OSU: 34
Chief: Throw out the records, it’s still ‘The Game’. Rich Rodriguez comes rolling into Columbus with excuses abounding. Telling his fans to ‘Get a Life’? That tops the list of things you think but don’t say in Ann Arbor. His backup QB is starting, and who knows who starts in the backfield (Minor should be healthy). The Buckeye faithful can’t be caught here looking ahead because this is still Michigan. They have a great defensive line and who knows what could happen if we aren’t prepared. Luckily for us, the sweatervest cares not for any other game and will have the troops fired up. This game is for a share of the Big 10 title and this senior class is looking for the clean sweep (4 straight). It may not be the season they wanted, but it is what it is, and there’s no sweeter way to leave than to send the Wolverines home crying to mama. The Bucks don’t look past (even thought their fans are) and take care of business. Beanie for 150, Laurinitis with 10 tackles, Jenkins with a pick, and close it out with senior captain Todd Boeckman leading a final scoring drive. GO BUCKS!! BEAT BLUE!! UM: 10—OSU: 41
West Virginia vs. Louisville: Gomer:WVU - Chief:WVU
BYU vs. Utah: Gomer:Utah - Chief:Utah
Oregon State vs. Arizona: Gomer:Ariz - Chief:OSU
Iowa vs. Minnesota: Gomer:Minnesota - Chief:Iowa
Florida State vs. Maryland: Gomer:Maryland - Chief:FSU
Illinois @ Northwestern: Gomer:Illinois - Chief:Illinois
Friday, November 07, 2008
Week 11
Well the Bucks are back after a needed bye and they travel to the typically friendly confines of Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. I, along with many fellow brethren will be in attendance on Saturday cheering on the Bucks in what should be a great game in perfect football weather (40's, rain, wind). Records so far: Gomer (70-34) Chief (73-31)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Gomer: Georgia Tech shocked a lot of people by pounding the FSU defense on the ground (to the tune of 288 yards). Many pundits believe that the Tarheels defense will be the difference in this ACC Coastal tilt, but I, like my colleague, believe that the 'Noles have the best defense in the conference. Georgia Tech will pound the Heels on the ground and the Tech D-line will beat up UNC QB Cam Sexton forcing him to make mistakes, making this more lopsided than expected. GT: 31 - UNC: 16
Chief: Another crucial game in the ACC in which nearly everyone is still in the hunt for a conference title. Watching some ACC games this year, I’ve come to the conclusion that the conference is getting a bad rap (this year). There are no dominant teams in the conference, but they truly are beating each other up yielding mediocre records. This game will most likely determine the Coastal division. Butch Davis has done a number in his second year, getting the Tarheels back onto the national stage, thanks largely to all-around player Branden Tate. On the flip side, Paul Johnson has worked a miracle at GT in one year (thanks to a gift-wrapped win last week). The triple option has stumped great defenses, and I don’t think UNC is a great defense. Look for Tech to ride the wave to another victory (and perhaps the Noles can earn a chance for revenge). GT: 27—UNC: 17
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers
Gomer: LSU's defense has shown that they struggle to stop an offense with a pulse (see vs. Florida and vs. Georgia). Alabama's offense has been powerful, but lacks that extra spark seemingly. This is also the homecoming of LSU turncoat Nick Saban, but I don't think it will have a huge impact on this game. While getting stomped by the Gators and 'Dogs, LSU's D has not allowed more than 72 yards to any other opponent. If Alabama struggles to put some points on the board early, LSU has a chance to pull of the huge upset. 'Bama: 17 - LSU: 9
Chief: Ah, sweet homecoming. Many are curious as to the reception Mr. Saban will get when entering his old stomping grounds considering he bolted for the NFL but led the Tigers to the championship in 2003. Remember one thing about college football fans, they are stupid and have no memory at all. This crowd will have no remorse at tearing into Saban and his (now) ‘dirty’ tactics and will make the Tide face a truly hostile environment. Wait, what happened the last time they went to the Bulldawgs House? Oh yeah, they blew out a Georgia team that is much better than the Tigers (remember UGA killing LSU last week in Baton Rouge). I don’t like Alabama, but I dislike LSU even more. The return of Mount Cody will stuff the LSU running game and Bama should score once or twice which should be enough. Could the Les Miles in Ann Arbor days be approaching? SEC fans could care less about what happened a year ago (see Phil Fulmer). Bama: 13—LSU: 3
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Gomer: The Raiders were able to win a thriller vs. the #1 Longhorns last week, and are due for a letdown. Oklahoma State is just talented enough to hang with the Raiders but lacks the defensive prowess needed to slow down their attack. The Raiders seem to have an unlimited amount of points to score, and won't be slowed down this week (the let down is looming however). OSU: 45 - TTU: 56
Chief: Sweet victory. After one of the most exciting games in the history of the sport in which Texas Tech took down the juggernaut of Texas (called by this guy), the Red Raiders try to replicate the monumental win against another top 10 team. The Pokes are one of the teams flying under the radar in the Big 12 because of all the tradition powers hogging the headlines. Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach Mike Gundy is indeed a man and keeps the OSU offense churning out points, but Texas Tech under OC/HC Mike Leach also knows how to light up the scoreboard. The true key to the TT success lies, not in their superstars (Crabtree and Harrell), but in their monstrous offensive line. That was my key to the upset last week, and I believe it holds suit again this week. All eyes descend on the 2 best wide receivers in the country: Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant (get ya popcorn ready!). The big-uglies provide all the time in the world to continue the Heisman campaigns of Crabtree/Harrell, while the Pokes take another loss that’s closer than the score indicates. OSU: 31—TT: 41
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Gomer: The Buckeyes are back at it after a needed bye week. The loss to Penn State still looms in the back of the memories of the Bucks, and while the fans sure don't give two hoots about this week's game, hopefully the team has had enough time to stew on the two losses so far this season. Northwestern's offense is dangerous enough to make the Buckeye defense pay if they're caught sleeping. Mike Kafka not only threw for 143 yards (that's a lot compared to Terrelle Pryor) but ran for a whopping 217 yards. In the past, mobile QB's have given Ohio State lots of trouble (see Illinois, Ohio, Florida, etc...), and I expect that struggle to continue. On the flip side, the Buckeyes need to pound the ball with Beanie Wells. The coaching staff has squandered away the season (no Nat'l Title, no Big Ten Title = Failure) by not utilizing him effectively. The 'Cats have the nations 26th ranked run D but hopefully the Bucks will keep them off balance by effectively using TP and the PA pass. OSU: 27 - NU: 17
Chief: The Wildcat backup QB Mike Kafka looked like a different player last week against the Gophers as he kept his team in the game almost single handedly until the defense dropped the hammer. I don’t know who starts for Northwestern (Baucher or Kafka), but it appears either option is ok. The Bucks hope to break that nasty streak of losing after bye weeks and I think we can end the pain. The PSU game provided a framework to beat OSU: stuff the run with 11 people and make Pryor throw. The Bucks decided to keep banging their collective heads against the brick wall that was the Nittany Lion D and failed (thanks to 1 freaking mistake). While I believe that OSU can stick to the run game more or less exclusively and come out with a win (NW front seven is nowhere near as good as Penn State’s), I hope we try more of the short passing game. Pryor showed last week a propensity to underthrow every deep ball, but looked pretty good on the few quick slants, flats, and hitches. Stick with what works and the Bucks win easily. Look for the Bullets to control the ranked (?) Wildcats and cruise to victory. OSU: 27—NW: 10
Purdue vs. Michigan State, Gomer: MSU - Chief: MSU
Penn State vs. Iowa, Gomer: PSU - Chief: PSU
Clemson vs. Florida State, Gomer: Clemson - Chief: FSU
Cincinnati vs. West Virginia, Gomer: WVU - Chief: WVU
California vs. USC, Gomer: USC - Chief: USC
Well the Bucks are back after a needed bye and they travel to the typically friendly confines of Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. I, along with many fellow brethren will be in attendance on Saturday cheering on the Bucks in what should be a great game in perfect football weather (40's, rain, wind). Records so far: Gomer (70-34) Chief (73-31)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Gomer: Georgia Tech shocked a lot of people by pounding the FSU defense on the ground (to the tune of 288 yards). Many pundits believe that the Tarheels defense will be the difference in this ACC Coastal tilt, but I, like my colleague, believe that the 'Noles have the best defense in the conference. Georgia Tech will pound the Heels on the ground and the Tech D-line will beat up UNC QB Cam Sexton forcing him to make mistakes, making this more lopsided than expected. GT: 31 - UNC: 16
Chief: Another crucial game in the ACC in which nearly everyone is still in the hunt for a conference title. Watching some ACC games this year, I’ve come to the conclusion that the conference is getting a bad rap (this year). There are no dominant teams in the conference, but they truly are beating each other up yielding mediocre records. This game will most likely determine the Coastal division. Butch Davis has done a number in his second year, getting the Tarheels back onto the national stage, thanks largely to all-around player Branden Tate. On the flip side, Paul Johnson has worked a miracle at GT in one year (thanks to a gift-wrapped win last week). The triple option has stumped great defenses, and I don’t think UNC is a great defense. Look for Tech to ride the wave to another victory (and perhaps the Noles can earn a chance for revenge). GT: 27—UNC: 17
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers
Gomer: LSU's defense has shown that they struggle to stop an offense with a pulse (see vs. Florida and vs. Georgia). Alabama's offense has been powerful, but lacks that extra spark seemingly. This is also the homecoming of LSU turncoat Nick Saban, but I don't think it will have a huge impact on this game. While getting stomped by the Gators and 'Dogs, LSU's D has not allowed more than 72 yards to any other opponent. If Alabama struggles to put some points on the board early, LSU has a chance to pull of the huge upset. 'Bama: 17 - LSU: 9
Chief: Ah, sweet homecoming. Many are curious as to the reception Mr. Saban will get when entering his old stomping grounds considering he bolted for the NFL but led the Tigers to the championship in 2003. Remember one thing about college football fans, they are stupid and have no memory at all. This crowd will have no remorse at tearing into Saban and his (now) ‘dirty’ tactics and will make the Tide face a truly hostile environment. Wait, what happened the last time they went to the Bulldawgs House? Oh yeah, they blew out a Georgia team that is much better than the Tigers (remember UGA killing LSU last week in Baton Rouge). I don’t like Alabama, but I dislike LSU even more. The return of Mount Cody will stuff the LSU running game and Bama should score once or twice which should be enough. Could the Les Miles in Ann Arbor days be approaching? SEC fans could care less about what happened a year ago (see Phil Fulmer). Bama: 13—LSU: 3
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Gomer: The Raiders were able to win a thriller vs. the #1 Longhorns last week, and are due for a letdown. Oklahoma State is just talented enough to hang with the Raiders but lacks the defensive prowess needed to slow down their attack. The Raiders seem to have an unlimited amount of points to score, and won't be slowed down this week (the let down is looming however). OSU: 45 - TTU: 56
Chief: Sweet victory. After one of the most exciting games in the history of the sport in which Texas Tech took down the juggernaut of Texas (called by this guy), the Red Raiders try to replicate the monumental win against another top 10 team. The Pokes are one of the teams flying under the radar in the Big 12 because of all the tradition powers hogging the headlines. Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach Mike Gundy is indeed a man and keeps the OSU offense churning out points, but Texas Tech under OC/HC Mike Leach also knows how to light up the scoreboard. The true key to the TT success lies, not in their superstars (Crabtree and Harrell), but in their monstrous offensive line. That was my key to the upset last week, and I believe it holds suit again this week. All eyes descend on the 2 best wide receivers in the country: Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant (get ya popcorn ready!). The big-uglies provide all the time in the world to continue the Heisman campaigns of Crabtree/Harrell, while the Pokes take another loss that’s closer than the score indicates. OSU: 31—TT: 41
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Gomer: The Buckeyes are back at it after a needed bye week. The loss to Penn State still looms in the back of the memories of the Bucks, and while the fans sure don't give two hoots about this week's game, hopefully the team has had enough time to stew on the two losses so far this season. Northwestern's offense is dangerous enough to make the Buckeye defense pay if they're caught sleeping. Mike Kafka not only threw for 143 yards (that's a lot compared to Terrelle Pryor) but ran for a whopping 217 yards. In the past, mobile QB's have given Ohio State lots of trouble (see Illinois, Ohio, Florida, etc...), and I expect that struggle to continue. On the flip side, the Buckeyes need to pound the ball with Beanie Wells. The coaching staff has squandered away the season (no Nat'l Title, no Big Ten Title = Failure) by not utilizing him effectively. The 'Cats have the nations 26th ranked run D but hopefully the Bucks will keep them off balance by effectively using TP and the PA pass. OSU: 27 - NU: 17
Chief: The Wildcat backup QB Mike Kafka looked like a different player last week against the Gophers as he kept his team in the game almost single handedly until the defense dropped the hammer. I don’t know who starts for Northwestern (Baucher or Kafka), but it appears either option is ok. The Bucks hope to break that nasty streak of losing after bye weeks and I think we can end the pain. The PSU game provided a framework to beat OSU: stuff the run with 11 people and make Pryor throw. The Bucks decided to keep banging their collective heads against the brick wall that was the Nittany Lion D and failed (thanks to 1 freaking mistake). While I believe that OSU can stick to the run game more or less exclusively and come out with a win (NW front seven is nowhere near as good as Penn State’s), I hope we try more of the short passing game. Pryor showed last week a propensity to underthrow every deep ball, but looked pretty good on the few quick slants, flats, and hitches. Stick with what works and the Bucks win easily. Look for the Bullets to control the ranked (?) Wildcats and cruise to victory. OSU: 27—NW: 10
Purdue vs. Michigan State, Gomer: MSU - Chief: MSU
Penn State vs. Iowa, Gomer: PSU - Chief: PSU
Clemson vs. Florida State, Gomer: Clemson - Chief: FSU
Cincinnati vs. West Virginia, Gomer: WVU - Chief: WVU
California vs. USC, Gomer: USC - Chief: USC
Friday, October 31, 2008
Week 10
A disappointing defeat at the hands of the Nittany Lions. If the Buckeye coaching staff had nto abandoned the run so easily, the Bucks would have had a better chance at pulling the upset, but unfortunately they did not do a good job convincing the Lions they would actually try and pass. The coaches deserve as much blame as one Terrelle Pryor who tried his best, and will learn and grow from the mistakes. Updated records: Gomer (67-30) Chief (70-27) It seems that no matter what I pick I just can't make up any ground.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Minnesota Gophers
Gomer: Northwestern went down in defeat last weekend to the Hoosiers effectively putting them out of the Big Ten Title race. Reason I mention it is because not only did Northwestern lose, but they lost QB CJ Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton, obviously this is a huge blow to the Wildcats. Minnesota must win to keep their slim chance of a Big Ten Title alive. Adam Weber and Eric Decker have been the top QB-Receiver duo in the Big Ten this season, but the big story for the Gophers this season has been the surprise emergence of the defense. The Gophers lead the nation in turnover margin and will take advantage of the Wildcat injury situation. NU: 17 - UM: 41
Chief: I don’t see this one as being close at all. Northwestern was riding high in the Big 10 until last week’s loss to inept Indiana. In NW’s defense, key injuries are the reason for the downfall as RB Tyrell Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher are out. Last week, backup QB Mike Kafka looked unbelievably bad. Even if he improves this week, I like the Gophers. The Wildcats will fight hard, but Weber and the Gophers take another step closer to a potential BCS bowl??? NW: 17—UM: 31
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Gomer: Tim Tebow has struggled when the spotlight is on him. Although he is a freak of nature athlete, his record isn't so stellar and unfortunately for the Gators, he doesn't play defense. Matthew Stafford and the Bulldogs have rebounded from the disaster against 'Bama and look to continue the success the established against the Gators last year. Speaking of that, I would not be surprised if Meyer's team did something even more extreme than what the Bulldogs did last year, either that, or put a smackdown on the 'Dogs. I'm going with the upset in this edition of the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, UGA wins with a solid run game, and defense. UF: 17 - UGA: 28
Chief: Time for another edition of ‘the game formally known as the World’s Largest Cocktail Party’. Tensions should be extremely high after last year’s genius ploy by Georgia coach Mark Richt to get an unsportsmanlike penalty after the first touchdown to fire the team up. Yes, UF scored on the next possession, aided by the penalty, but the fire never left the Dawg’s eyes. Everyone is completely sold on the Gators after the LSU and Kentucky blowouts, but 2 words come to mind—“Ole Miss”. Georgia was beat down by a fired up Bama team, but is playing good sound ball now. This game will be nasty. Tebow will have a good game, but the UGA defense will knock him down enough to let Moreno shine. Dawgs in the ‘upset’ with a last second FG. UGA: 30—UF: 28
Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Gomer: The Noles are in the thick of the ACC Title chase when seemingly a team gains control of their destiny, they immediately try to pass it off, kinda like a long drawn out game of hot potatoe. Tech has began to struggle as of late, but I'm not sure if it's because teams are getting better at defending the triple option, or because they're running into some hot teams. Either way, FSU is on track to an ACC title if they can win in Atlanta. Expect a defensive struggle. FSU: 16 - GT: 13
Chief: The Noles are back baby. Last week’s win over VT was huge in the ACC race as well as the return to prominence. As Bobby Bowden said, this team will not be confused with the great teams of the 90s, but it’s moving in the right direction with knockdown smash-mouth defense and an offense that is starting to click. Tech plays tough in Bobby Todd and Paul Johnson has implemented his triple option extremely fast in Atlanta (Note to Michigan: who says you need to wait to get the athletes to implement a new system?). Last week’s loss to the Wahoos really hurt the Jackets in the ACC race, but a win here gets the train back on track. I see FSU taking control by stuffing the run (one of the top in the country against the run) and scoring just enough to take down a better than advertised Jacket defense. Just keep chugging along Noles. FSU: 30—GT: 17
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Raiders
Gomer: The Red Raiders have been red hot as usual on offense and surprisingly, have started to play some defense. Problem is while they're run defense is one of the best in the nation, their pass defense is below average which could lead to a big day for Colt McCoy. The Horns were able to slowdown potent attacks from Oklahoma and Missouri enough to get a decent lead and ride it out. Mack Brown's bunch will finish the brutal 4 game stretch unscathed and will come out as the favorites to win the National Title and Heisman trophy. UT: 47 - TTU: 27
Chief: Once again, Texas enters the week with another huge game. The Longhorns beat the Sooners in a shootout, dominated the Tigers early and coasted, but were taken to the final moments by the Pokes last week. I think Texas is getting tired (finally). Don’t get me wrong, OSU is very good, but the Longhorns should have put up more in Austin. Tech on the other hand began the Kansas game by trading 2 early TDs a piece and then decided the rout was on. While Texas limps into Lubbock beat up and tired, the Red Raiders are salivating to take down big brother. The biggest battle in this game will be the Tech O-Line (only given up 3 sacks in a pass happy offense all year) and the beast Brian Orakpo on the Horn D-Line. I think Leach’s team gets it done at home in a great game. UT: 34—TT: 38
Washington vs. USC Gomer: USC (+52) - Chief: USC (+36)
Tulsa vs. Arkansas Gomer: Tulsa - Chief: Tulsa
Oregon vs. California Gomer: Cal - Chief: Cal
A disappointing defeat at the hands of the Nittany Lions. If the Buckeye coaching staff had nto abandoned the run so easily, the Bucks would have had a better chance at pulling the upset, but unfortunately they did not do a good job convincing the Lions they would actually try and pass. The coaches deserve as much blame as one Terrelle Pryor who tried his best, and will learn and grow from the mistakes. Updated records: Gomer (67-30) Chief (70-27) It seems that no matter what I pick I just can't make up any ground.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Minnesota Gophers
Gomer: Northwestern went down in defeat last weekend to the Hoosiers effectively putting them out of the Big Ten Title race. Reason I mention it is because not only did Northwestern lose, but they lost QB CJ Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton, obviously this is a huge blow to the Wildcats. Minnesota must win to keep their slim chance of a Big Ten Title alive. Adam Weber and Eric Decker have been the top QB-Receiver duo in the Big Ten this season, but the big story for the Gophers this season has been the surprise emergence of the defense. The Gophers lead the nation in turnover margin and will take advantage of the Wildcat injury situation. NU: 17 - UM: 41
Chief: I don’t see this one as being close at all. Northwestern was riding high in the Big 10 until last week’s loss to inept Indiana. In NW’s defense, key injuries are the reason for the downfall as RB Tyrell Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher are out. Last week, backup QB Mike Kafka looked unbelievably bad. Even if he improves this week, I like the Gophers. The Wildcats will fight hard, but Weber and the Gophers take another step closer to a potential BCS bowl??? NW: 17—UM: 31
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Gomer: Tim Tebow has struggled when the spotlight is on him. Although he is a freak of nature athlete, his record isn't so stellar and unfortunately for the Gators, he doesn't play defense. Matthew Stafford and the Bulldogs have rebounded from the disaster against 'Bama and look to continue the success the established against the Gators last year. Speaking of that, I would not be surprised if Meyer's team did something even more extreme than what the Bulldogs did last year, either that, or put a smackdown on the 'Dogs. I'm going with the upset in this edition of the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, UGA wins with a solid run game, and defense. UF: 17 - UGA: 28
Chief: Time for another edition of ‘the game formally known as the World’s Largest Cocktail Party’. Tensions should be extremely high after last year’s genius ploy by Georgia coach Mark Richt to get an unsportsmanlike penalty after the first touchdown to fire the team up. Yes, UF scored on the next possession, aided by the penalty, but the fire never left the Dawg’s eyes. Everyone is completely sold on the Gators after the LSU and Kentucky blowouts, but 2 words come to mind—“Ole Miss”. Georgia was beat down by a fired up Bama team, but is playing good sound ball now. This game will be nasty. Tebow will have a good game, but the UGA defense will knock him down enough to let Moreno shine. Dawgs in the ‘upset’ with a last second FG. UGA: 30—UF: 28
Florida State Seminoles vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Gomer: The Noles are in the thick of the ACC Title chase when seemingly a team gains control of their destiny, they immediately try to pass it off, kinda like a long drawn out game of hot potatoe. Tech has began to struggle as of late, but I'm not sure if it's because teams are getting better at defending the triple option, or because they're running into some hot teams. Either way, FSU is on track to an ACC title if they can win in Atlanta. Expect a defensive struggle. FSU: 16 - GT: 13
Chief: The Noles are back baby. Last week’s win over VT was huge in the ACC race as well as the return to prominence. As Bobby Bowden said, this team will not be confused with the great teams of the 90s, but it’s moving in the right direction with knockdown smash-mouth defense and an offense that is starting to click. Tech plays tough in Bobby Todd and Paul Johnson has implemented his triple option extremely fast in Atlanta (Note to Michigan: who says you need to wait to get the athletes to implement a new system?). Last week’s loss to the Wahoos really hurt the Jackets in the ACC race, but a win here gets the train back on track. I see FSU taking control by stuffing the run (one of the top in the country against the run) and scoring just enough to take down a better than advertised Jacket defense. Just keep chugging along Noles. FSU: 30—GT: 17
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Raiders
Gomer: The Red Raiders have been red hot as usual on offense and surprisingly, have started to play some defense. Problem is while they're run defense is one of the best in the nation, their pass defense is below average which could lead to a big day for Colt McCoy. The Horns were able to slowdown potent attacks from Oklahoma and Missouri enough to get a decent lead and ride it out. Mack Brown's bunch will finish the brutal 4 game stretch unscathed and will come out as the favorites to win the National Title and Heisman trophy. UT: 47 - TTU: 27
Chief: Once again, Texas enters the week with another huge game. The Longhorns beat the Sooners in a shootout, dominated the Tigers early and coasted, but were taken to the final moments by the Pokes last week. I think Texas is getting tired (finally). Don’t get me wrong, OSU is very good, but the Longhorns should have put up more in Austin. Tech on the other hand began the Kansas game by trading 2 early TDs a piece and then decided the rout was on. While Texas limps into Lubbock beat up and tired, the Red Raiders are salivating to take down big brother. The biggest battle in this game will be the Tech O-Line (only given up 3 sacks in a pass happy offense all year) and the beast Brian Orakpo on the Horn D-Line. I think Leach’s team gets it done at home in a great game. UT: 34—TT: 38
Washington vs. USC Gomer: USC (+52) - Chief: USC (+36)
Tulsa vs. Arkansas Gomer: Tulsa - Chief: Tulsa
Oregon vs. California Gomer: Cal - Chief: Cal
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