Standings
1. Hoying (3-1, 0-1 upset)
2. Draper (2-2, 0-1 upset)
3. Schweinfuth (2-2, 0-1 upset)
4. Seeberg (2-2, 0-1 upset)
Auburn Tigers @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Auburn has been one of those 'hot' teams in the off season but I'm not quite sold. I love how Clemson is playing the 'disrespect' card while sitting in the top 5. Clemson will be just fine but I don't know if they can surmount the Bama challenge again. But the Auburn challenge in Death Valley? Yeah, I think they'll be fine. Maybe Jarrett Stidham will return to his glory days at Baylor, but I think the Tigers (of Clemson) have more than enough firepower on both sides to take care of business. Aub: 17--Clem: 34
Hoying: How much talent can a team lose and stay elite? Asking for a friend. No Deshaun Watson, no Mike Williams...no problem. Dabo has built a consistent winner at Clemson, while Auburn has been a year of Cam Newton, a string of miracle finishes, and a load of mediocrity over the last decade. There's no more to this than meets the eye. Aub: 16--Clem: 27
Schweinfurth: I predict the Tigers will win this game. Not good enough? I have no love for either of these teams. Mostly because one is an overrated SEC team and the other likes to violate other teams (ask Curtis Samuel). Auburn hasn't been the all powerful offense since Cam Newton graduated. Even with the questions Clemson had on offence entering the year, the defense is still more than capable of carrying this team to the playoffs. Aub: 17--Clem: 28
Seeberg: I also laugh at the purported disrespect flying around Death Valley as Clemson sits in the top five. They are, begrudgingly, reloading year in and year out a la Bama and the Bucks. Meanwhile, Auburn is a solid squad considering it isn't even the best team in its own state and took Clemson to the brink of Clemsoning at home last year, but Death Valley will prove a different story. Aub: 13--Clem: 27
Georgia Bulldogs @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Is Notre Dame 'back'? Have we realized how stupid making those claims are as of yet? No Jacob Eason for the Dawgs seems like the Irish could be poised to pounce, but Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are still healthy. I don't think we're at the crash point for UGA yet so I'll roll with Kirby Smart for another week. UGA: 27--ND: 17
Hoying: Ah, the has-beens get a visit from the never-really-were. But for a late Amari Cooper TD to lifting Alabama over UGA in the 2012 SEC Championship game, this could've been a nice national championship matchup (because Alabama-Notre Dame sure as hell wasn't). This game won't get Georgia any closer to their first SEC title since 2005, but it would be a nice signature win for the young Kirby Smart era, no matter how much of a mirage Notre Dame turns out to be (again). Georgia can't lose their first visit north in 50 years (unless you count a visit to Colorado, which I don't), or else the other SEC teams will re-barricade themselves in Confederate territory until they finally add Ohio State and Michigan in the next round of expansion. UGA: 41--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: 1-0 over with the win being over a total mismatched team makes ND good again? Righhhht. This is a team coming off of a losing season and questions around Brian Kelly. Last I checked, Nick Chubb still has NCAA eligibility and he is really, really good. I will laugh as he has a monster day over a very overrated Irish team. UGA: 35--ND: 10
Seeberg: Intriguing matchup of recent underachieving teams...if only considered so by their rabid fan bases as the rest of the nation sees these programs as second-tier these days. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs are a class above the Golden Domers just about everywhere across the board (remember Nick Chubb? Yeah he's been there for like 17 years now). UGA pulls away in the second half. UGA: 38--ND: 20
Stanford Cardinal @ USC Trojans
Draper: USC was certainly tested (surprisingly?) by a resilient Western Michigan team while Stanford just steamrolled Rice in Australia. There's been an awful lot of love for the Cardinal, but I think the Trojans will be fine after a little growing pains. Sam Darnold may not be the second coming, but he'll pull things together in week 2. USC is like their fans and don't really get interested (somewhat) until a bigger game comes up so they'll be ready to go on Sat. Fight On. Stan: 30 -- USC: 37
Hoying: USC is back...again. Yeah, you can jump all over the Trojans for starting slowly last week, but at least they didn't get smoked by 46 like they did to open last season. USC has grown up and came of age on the big stage last year in Pasadena (no, not against UCLA). Unfortunately for them, Stanford has shown zero signs of slowing down, and the Cardinal smacked last year's Rose Bowl champs up in Palo Alto. Will another year of experience for star QB Sam Darnold and a change of venue make a difference? Nah. Stan: 21--USC: 20
Schweinfurth: So Sam Darnold for Heisman? Not so much. He looked absolutely average last week and USC barely squeaked by. Stanford has owned USC in this matchup because they play great defense and control the ball. David Shaw just has some voodoo curse over the Trojans. Darnold throws 2 picks again and the Cardinal win. Stan: 28--USC: 24
Seeberg: USC forgot to play for about 2.5 quarters last week so it's difficult to gauge just how good they might be. The talent is not in question, only their ability to gel cohesively. If they do, Darnold can still rip through the Pac-12 and hang out in New York for an important trophy presentation in a few months. If not? Well, the Cardinal will show us what that may look like on Saturday. Fight off. Stan: 34--USC: 24
Oklahoma Sooners @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: Do we get the repeat beatdown of last year, or are the chinks in the Buckeye Armor too much for a hot Sooner team? Last week was a fantastic benchmark test for the Buckeyes getting them up to game speed a little early while OU simply walked over the Little Sisters of the Poor. Baker Mayfield looked great last week, but doing that in the Shoe is another thing all together. I don't have faith that OU's defense will stop Barrett, Dobbins, Weber, and co., but by the same token, the Sooners will score. The hyped battle is OSU's D-line vs. the Sooner's O-line. I actually think the reverse may be more impactful to see if the OSU running game can get work done. The Sooners will have revenge on their minds, but the Buckeyes have their eyes on the prize. 4+ sacks for OSU enroute to high scoring victory. OU: 38 -- OSU: 41
Hoying: To win the big games, you need great players and/or great coaching. At what point do we face the harsh truth that Oklahoma doesn't really have either? Bud Elliott of SBNation has been tracking a stat he calls the "Blue Chip Ratio," or what percentage of a team's signees are 4 or 5 star recruits. If you're not above 50%, you're not winning a national championship. The Buckeyes are sitting pretty at 71%, while Oklahoma sits right around the top of the Big 12 at 45%. Yeah, Baker Mayfield is special, and the OU O Line is pretty good, but the Bucks can pretty much outclass them at every other position (yeah, maybe even wide receiver). And the Sooners are still breaking in a brand new coach who suddenly succeeded to the throne a few short months before the season started. When in doubt, pick the team with the better players and the better coach, especially when they're playing at home. The Buckeyes wore down Indiana in the second half, and the same will happen to Oklahoma. The Bucks exorcise some prime time non-conference home game demons (Texas, USC, Virginia Tech...). Even if this one does make me extremely nervous. OU: 27--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Last week I asked a bunch of questions and not many were answered. Yes, Paris Campbell and Johnnie Dixon hit some home runs, but Zone Six still can't take the top off a defense (yes, Paris should have caught the ball and it would have satisfied the requirement). The chart I saw showed only like two deep shots the entire game. It's understandable because the Hoosiers were giving up the mid-range routes, but you HAVE to hit one in this game. J.K. Dobbins is a beast and it will be good to have Weber back to take some of the load off the freshman. Defensively, the lack of experience showed last week, but adjustments were made. I think the Indiana WRs played over their skill set in the first half. Oklahoma won't run that tempo in the offense so the defensive backs should't be as gassed. The defensive line is as advertised. I think we see a repeat of last week. Oklahoma will move the ball in the first half, but adjustments will be made and the D-Line will take over. Dobbins and Weber combine for 150+ and JT throws for 300 again. Should be a fun one to watch. Go Bucks!
OU: 28--OSU: 31
Seeberg: OOOOOOOOOOklahoma where we forget that we have to play D. However, even that beleaguered half of the ball looked good for the Sooners against UTEP last week. Actually, several teams looked better than I'd hoped last week *cough Penn State cough* but alas, here we are with another huge early season matchup. Lincoln Riley is presumably the next "big thing" in coaching, but he already has the Oklahoma gig and there aren't too many any better. Will his brilliant play-calling win the day? Sure will...except it's a night game. By mid-second quarter last week our new offensive minds finally figured out that RUNNING to set up the pass is better than PASSING to set up the pass and it was a 35-7 second-half deluge on the Hoosiers. And hey, 45-24 worked well last year, why not again? Bucks big. OU: 24--OSU: 45
Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Michigan
Hoying: Boise State over Washington State
Schweinfurth: Pitt over Penn St.
Seeberg: Western Michigan over Michigan State
Showing posts with label Weekly Picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly Picks. Show all posts
Friday, September 08, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Week 1: On the Road Again
Yes, it sucks to start the season on the road, but just be thankful Kevin Wilson's reunion tour with the Scarlet and Gray isn't kicking off with one of those neutral-site abominations plaguing the remainder of the sport this week.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida Gators
Draper: Well, this game is my personal hell. No clue what to expect here. Michigan came out firing on all cylinders last year but all those studs are in the NFL now. I truly believe they are supremely overrated....but...Florida seems to be the definition of mediocrity this year (and the recent past). I don't think the Wolverines can make a statement for the CFP this year, they do have a returning QB who was pretty good last year and a coach that just seems to get results (maybe because his players are scared he'll eat them). I'll lean Michigan just barely as their uniforms blind the Gators. UM: 24--UF: 20
Hoying: I wish I could write something intelligent about this game but Michigan refuses to release their roster and Florida won't name a starting QB. So I'll have to say something mindless instead. Did you see those new uniforms that the Maize and...well, Maize are wearing this Saturday? On the positive side, I don't think they'll burn out my eyes like UM's awful yellow-on-yellow b-ball jerseys, but this one's going to be ugly. And it could be a blowout, too. UM: 20--UF: 10
Schweinfurth: The headline for this game should be "Have you seen what TTUN is wearing?" This could be one of the worst uniforms ever (and I bet they break them out against the Buckeyes too). I really don't know what to expect from either team. Florida is suspending everyone and TTUN lost a ton of talent last year. Don't let Harbooger fool you, Speight will start and lead the offense to a one score win, making TTUN even more overrated than they already are. UM: 21--UF: 17
Seeberg: Ugh, this is the college football equivalent of the Mayweather-McGregor fight where I hoped the pay-per-view cut out completely and both guys lost because neither got paid (admit it, you would've laughed your arse off if that happened). At any rate, TTUN rolls their uniforms in cat urine and trots down south to take on the Gators. I don't expect it to be a particularly pretty matchup as the Wolverines are replacing about as many starters as OSU was last year while Florida is, well, Florida: Very good defense, middling offense, expectations always just a notch or two above any realistic outcomes. Malik Zaire actually gives them a credible QB threat...if he starts over highly touted freshman Feleipe Franks. Either way there won't be a lot of points, which is just how both teams prefer it. In crunch time, I have to go with a proven commodity at QB and Speight makes just enough plays to, sadly, pull it out for the maize and more maize. UM: 20--UF: 16
Florida State Seminoles vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: Bama has been starting with a big boy for the past few years (USC, PSU, etc.), but this is a real challenge. The Noles are primed to make a run this year, but it can come crashing down (sort of) in week 1. Honestly, this game is a perfect scenario for both teams. The winner vaults to number 1 and is a prohibitive favorite for the playoff and the loser...is still right there in the running. I wonder what kind of strides DeAndre Francois and the Noles have made this offseason. Beating last year's UM team in the Orange Bowl was a nice feather in their cap, but Bama is a juggernaut that seems to be unstoppable (unless your name is Dabo). Definitely a little heart in this pick, but I'll call for the upset. Bama is a factory, but they have to run a little lower on talent when their roster is playing on Sundays, right...RIGHT!?! Either way, I just hope it's not the traditional early season stomp by the Tide. Go Noles! FSU: 31--Bama: 27
Hoying: The other day, I was listening to the good people at 97.1 The Fan try to list their top coaches of college football today. After the obvious top two (Nick and Urban), they filled out the second tier with Chris Petersen and Dabo Swinney, notably placing Jimbo Fisher somewhere down the line. It's hard to argue with recent results, with Clemson going to 2 straight national championships and claiming a win over Alabama. Florida State now has a golden opportunity to make a statement and regain their status as standard-bearer for the ACC. Can they do it? Probably not. Alabama has shown no signs of slowing down, they excel on the big stage, and they are pissed after gagging away a possible second straight national title. Florida State has lost the bulk of their receiving corps and their dynamic running back, Dalvin Cook. The good news for the Noles is that nobody on the committee will hold this loss against them (just don't get wrecked by 46 like USC did last year). FSU: 24--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Oh look, Bama playing a marquee matchup at a neutral site. Heaven forbid Saban actually has to play on someone else's home field. DeAndre Francois looked like a solid first year QB last season. Jalen Hurts on the other hand looked like a dynamic runner but throwing the ball was an issue. Yes, 'Bama reload every year, blah blah blah. So do the 'Noles. I'm excited for this game as it should be much better then the last few kickoff games. I got the 'Noles giving Saban two (!) losses in a row. FSU: 27--Bama: 24
Seeberg: Make no mistake about this game kids, Alabama is the better football team. There is a caveat, however. Both have sophomore star-in-the-making QBs hoping to take a big leap forward this season. Both lost a truckload of talent to the NFL. However, Jalen Hurts is the less-skilled of the two QBs and he is forced to learn a new, NFL-complicated offense. If this game were in about week 6 or later, it would be at least a two-possession win for the Tide, but right now, JUST right now, I trust the Seminoles a tad more. FSU: 27--Bama: 20
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: And now we come to the 'oh yeah, there's other games happening' portion. The crazy coach often comes out the victor Harbaugh, Saban, Fisher, Dabo, etc. and they don't get much crazier that Dana Holgorson. West Virginia will come out trying to drop a hundo but the lunch pail defense will prevent that....but not enough to win. Burn those couches as WVU gets an early jump on that 8-4 record (don't worry Hokies, you'll get there too) WVU: 48--VT: 38
Hoying: Is it mid-October yet? No? Then I don't see West Virginia's annual slide starting anytime soon. WVU: 44--VT: 31
Schweinfurth: I don't know what to think of this game. I saw some pundits picking Virginia Tech as a sleeper (sounds like basketball). Bud Foster can give teams nightmares but I don't think VaTech has the offense to keep up. WVU: 45--VT: 35
Seeberg: Despite Bud Foster still being at the defensive helm for the Hokies, this isn't your older brother's Frank Beamer Va Tech team. They can score it, and score it relatively often. Unfortunately, recruiting is down in Blacksburg and Foster isn't getting the premium talent he had during Beamer Ball's heyday. Meanwhile, West Virginia is getting offensive talent from everywhere...and scoring was never really an issue there anyhow. Expect the antithesis of the UM-Fla game (read: actually fun to watch) with the Mountaineers pulling away late. WVU: 48--VT: 33
THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: I'm really excited about this year's Buckeye squad, particularly under center. I truly believe that having actual live QB Coaches and offensive coordinators will do wonders for JT. The Hoosiers simply won't be the same with one of their more successful coaches of the past 20 years now championing the OSU offense. The speed offense and short passing game is what JT's (and quite frankly, Urban's) offense is designed for, and Kevin Wilson runs it extremely well. Here's hoping Ryan Day improved JT's mechanics and we should see fireworks. Let's not forget how studly Mike Weber was last year not to mention some criminally under-utilized receiving corps talent. While so far I've only mentioned offense, the defense (particularly the line) should be the bread and butter of this team. Bosa, Hubbard, Sprinkle, Lewis, Jones, and Holmes will likely all be playing on Sundays in the near future. The front seven is loaded but there are a few question marks in the secondary. IU actual provides a really nice tune up for the Sooners. I don't anticipate this to be close. The Buckeyes are hungry after last year's embarrassment. Time to suit up. OSU: 59--IU: 10
Hoying: So, what do you do if you're Indiana? What is there to do when your offensive wizard of a coach is chased out after restoring your program to a semblance of respectability? Come roaring back with a new defensive identity. Unfortunately, it probably won't matter when the team you're facing has picked up that offensive wizard to call plays for them. The Buckeye O, while more or less effective over the last two seasons, has slowed a bit since JT's sensational freshman campaign, and their championship chances will largely rest on his development over his final year under Coach Wilson's steady hand. Having some competent receivers might not be a bad idea, either. OSU: 52--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: So many questions coming into this game: What will the offense look like? Can J.T. complete an intermediate pass? Can the receivers get open down field? What will the secondary look like? Can a Buckeye kicker make a damn field goal? Will there be a kickoff out of bounds in this game? (The answer to the last one is yes). The addition of Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day to the offensive staff can't be overlooked. It's been 2 years since J.T. had an actual QB coach and his mechanics and reads should be much better. I am worried about rotating 6 receivers. It almost sounds like the coaching staff is saying, "We don't know who is going to step up so everyone plays." The D-line play will be fun to watch. Schiano changed up the defensive front a bit so expect more sacks and domination up front. Ohio State will win this game, but we really need some of those questions answered. OSU: 49--IU: 28
Seeberg: Okay, I saved the jubilation for here, but COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS (INSERT FAVORITE EXPLETIVE OR STRING OF EXPLETIVES HERE) BACK!!! Despite the name on the opponent's jersey (and the laughable resume that accompanies it) this is quite the intriguing matchup. The Hoosiers offense has given the Buckeyes fits in recent years, keeping games close despite a wide talent disparity between the two programs except, somehow, at running back where Hoosier alum Tevin Coleman is currently running amok in the NFL akin to Zeke. However, the alleged mastermind of said offense now works for the scarlet and gray. Oops. Yes the Buckeyes have a lot of weaknesses, like a secondary made up of...yeah, if you're reading this you don't know either. But the front 4/6/19 studs that rotate in and out will wreak havoc upon opposing QBs so even if receivers are getting open they won't have the time to find them. I expect a bit of rust, a bit of adrenaline, and, most importantly, a dominant OL and DL. With those two pieces, everything else has a way of *cough 2014 cough* falling into place. Enjoy everyone, Buckeye football is upon us again! OSU: 45--IU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: App State over Georgia
Hoying: Rutgers over Washington
Schweinfurth: Georgia Tech over Tenn
Seeberg: Youngstown State over Pitt
Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida Gators
Draper: Well, this game is my personal hell. No clue what to expect here. Michigan came out firing on all cylinders last year but all those studs are in the NFL now. I truly believe they are supremely overrated....but...Florida seems to be the definition of mediocrity this year (and the recent past). I don't think the Wolverines can make a statement for the CFP this year, they do have a returning QB who was pretty good last year and a coach that just seems to get results (maybe because his players are scared he'll eat them). I'll lean Michigan just barely as their uniforms blind the Gators. UM: 24--UF: 20
Hoying: I wish I could write something intelligent about this game but Michigan refuses to release their roster and Florida won't name a starting QB. So I'll have to say something mindless instead. Did you see those new uniforms that the Maize and...well, Maize are wearing this Saturday? On the positive side, I don't think they'll burn out my eyes like UM's awful yellow-on-yellow b-ball jerseys, but this one's going to be ugly. And it could be a blowout, too. UM: 20--UF: 10
Schweinfurth: The headline for this game should be "Have you seen what TTUN is wearing?" This could be one of the worst uniforms ever (and I bet they break them out against the Buckeyes too). I really don't know what to expect from either team. Florida is suspending everyone and TTUN lost a ton of talent last year. Don't let Harbooger fool you, Speight will start and lead the offense to a one score win, making TTUN even more overrated than they already are. UM: 21--UF: 17
Seeberg: Ugh, this is the college football equivalent of the Mayweather-McGregor fight where I hoped the pay-per-view cut out completely and both guys lost because neither got paid (admit it, you would've laughed your arse off if that happened). At any rate, TTUN rolls their uniforms in cat urine and trots down south to take on the Gators. I don't expect it to be a particularly pretty matchup as the Wolverines are replacing about as many starters as OSU was last year while Florida is, well, Florida: Very good defense, middling offense, expectations always just a notch or two above any realistic outcomes. Malik Zaire actually gives them a credible QB threat...if he starts over highly touted freshman Feleipe Franks. Either way there won't be a lot of points, which is just how both teams prefer it. In crunch time, I have to go with a proven commodity at QB and Speight makes just enough plays to, sadly, pull it out for the maize and more maize. UM: 20--UF: 16
Florida State Seminoles vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: Bama has been starting with a big boy for the past few years (USC, PSU, etc.), but this is a real challenge. The Noles are primed to make a run this year, but it can come crashing down (sort of) in week 1. Honestly, this game is a perfect scenario for both teams. The winner vaults to number 1 and is a prohibitive favorite for the playoff and the loser...is still right there in the running. I wonder what kind of strides DeAndre Francois and the Noles have made this offseason. Beating last year's UM team in the Orange Bowl was a nice feather in their cap, but Bama is a juggernaut that seems to be unstoppable (unless your name is Dabo). Definitely a little heart in this pick, but I'll call for the upset. Bama is a factory, but they have to run a little lower on talent when their roster is playing on Sundays, right...RIGHT!?! Either way, I just hope it's not the traditional early season stomp by the Tide. Go Noles! FSU: 31--Bama: 27
Hoying: The other day, I was listening to the good people at 97.1 The Fan try to list their top coaches of college football today. After the obvious top two (Nick and Urban), they filled out the second tier with Chris Petersen and Dabo Swinney, notably placing Jimbo Fisher somewhere down the line. It's hard to argue with recent results, with Clemson going to 2 straight national championships and claiming a win over Alabama. Florida State now has a golden opportunity to make a statement and regain their status as standard-bearer for the ACC. Can they do it? Probably not. Alabama has shown no signs of slowing down, they excel on the big stage, and they are pissed after gagging away a possible second straight national title. Florida State has lost the bulk of their receiving corps and their dynamic running back, Dalvin Cook. The good news for the Noles is that nobody on the committee will hold this loss against them (just don't get wrecked by 46 like USC did last year). FSU: 24--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Oh look, Bama playing a marquee matchup at a neutral site. Heaven forbid Saban actually has to play on someone else's home field. DeAndre Francois looked like a solid first year QB last season. Jalen Hurts on the other hand looked like a dynamic runner but throwing the ball was an issue. Yes, 'Bama reload every year, blah blah blah. So do the 'Noles. I'm excited for this game as it should be much better then the last few kickoff games. I got the 'Noles giving Saban two (!) losses in a row. FSU: 27--Bama: 24
Seeberg: Make no mistake about this game kids, Alabama is the better football team. There is a caveat, however. Both have sophomore star-in-the-making QBs hoping to take a big leap forward this season. Both lost a truckload of talent to the NFL. However, Jalen Hurts is the less-skilled of the two QBs and he is forced to learn a new, NFL-complicated offense. If this game were in about week 6 or later, it would be at least a two-possession win for the Tide, but right now, JUST right now, I trust the Seminoles a tad more. FSU: 27--Bama: 20
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: And now we come to the 'oh yeah, there's other games happening' portion. The crazy coach often comes out the victor Harbaugh, Saban, Fisher, Dabo, etc. and they don't get much crazier that Dana Holgorson. West Virginia will come out trying to drop a hundo but the lunch pail defense will prevent that....but not enough to win. Burn those couches as WVU gets an early jump on that 8-4 record (don't worry Hokies, you'll get there too) WVU: 48--VT: 38
Hoying: Is it mid-October yet? No? Then I don't see West Virginia's annual slide starting anytime soon. WVU: 44--VT: 31
Schweinfurth: I don't know what to think of this game. I saw some pundits picking Virginia Tech as a sleeper (sounds like basketball). Bud Foster can give teams nightmares but I don't think VaTech has the offense to keep up. WVU: 45--VT: 35
Seeberg: Despite Bud Foster still being at the defensive helm for the Hokies, this isn't your older brother's Frank Beamer Va Tech team. They can score it, and score it relatively often. Unfortunately, recruiting is down in Blacksburg and Foster isn't getting the premium talent he had during Beamer Ball's heyday. Meanwhile, West Virginia is getting offensive talent from everywhere...and scoring was never really an issue there anyhow. Expect the antithesis of the UM-Fla game (read: actually fun to watch) with the Mountaineers pulling away late. WVU: 48--VT: 33
THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: I'm really excited about this year's Buckeye squad, particularly under center. I truly believe that having actual live QB Coaches and offensive coordinators will do wonders for JT. The Hoosiers simply won't be the same with one of their more successful coaches of the past 20 years now championing the OSU offense. The speed offense and short passing game is what JT's (and quite frankly, Urban's) offense is designed for, and Kevin Wilson runs it extremely well. Here's hoping Ryan Day improved JT's mechanics and we should see fireworks. Let's not forget how studly Mike Weber was last year not to mention some criminally under-utilized receiving corps talent. While so far I've only mentioned offense, the defense (particularly the line) should be the bread and butter of this team. Bosa, Hubbard, Sprinkle, Lewis, Jones, and Holmes will likely all be playing on Sundays in the near future. The front seven is loaded but there are a few question marks in the secondary. IU actual provides a really nice tune up for the Sooners. I don't anticipate this to be close. The Buckeyes are hungry after last year's embarrassment. Time to suit up. OSU: 59--IU: 10
Hoying: So, what do you do if you're Indiana? What is there to do when your offensive wizard of a coach is chased out after restoring your program to a semblance of respectability? Come roaring back with a new defensive identity. Unfortunately, it probably won't matter when the team you're facing has picked up that offensive wizard to call plays for them. The Buckeye O, while more or less effective over the last two seasons, has slowed a bit since JT's sensational freshman campaign, and their championship chances will largely rest on his development over his final year under Coach Wilson's steady hand. Having some competent receivers might not be a bad idea, either. OSU: 52--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: So many questions coming into this game: What will the offense look like? Can J.T. complete an intermediate pass? Can the receivers get open down field? What will the secondary look like? Can a Buckeye kicker make a damn field goal? Will there be a kickoff out of bounds in this game? (The answer to the last one is yes). The addition of Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day to the offensive staff can't be overlooked. It's been 2 years since J.T. had an actual QB coach and his mechanics and reads should be much better. I am worried about rotating 6 receivers. It almost sounds like the coaching staff is saying, "We don't know who is going to step up so everyone plays." The D-line play will be fun to watch. Schiano changed up the defensive front a bit so expect more sacks and domination up front. Ohio State will win this game, but we really need some of those questions answered. OSU: 49--IU: 28
Seeberg: Okay, I saved the jubilation for here, but COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS (INSERT FAVORITE EXPLETIVE OR STRING OF EXPLETIVES HERE) BACK!!! Despite the name on the opponent's jersey (and the laughable resume that accompanies it) this is quite the intriguing matchup. The Hoosiers offense has given the Buckeyes fits in recent years, keeping games close despite a wide talent disparity between the two programs except, somehow, at running back where Hoosier alum Tevin Coleman is currently running amok in the NFL akin to Zeke. However, the alleged mastermind of said offense now works for the scarlet and gray. Oops. Yes the Buckeyes have a lot of weaknesses, like a secondary made up of...yeah, if you're reading this you don't know either. But the front 4/6/19 studs that rotate in and out will wreak havoc upon opposing QBs so even if receivers are getting open they won't have the time to find them. I expect a bit of rust, a bit of adrenaline, and, most importantly, a dominant OL and DL. With those two pieces, everything else has a way of *cough 2014 cough* falling into place. Enjoy everyone, Buckeye football is upon us again! OSU: 45--IU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: App State over Georgia
Hoying: Rutgers over Washington
Schweinfurth: Georgia Tech over Tenn
Seeberg: Youngstown State over Pitt
Friday, November 27, 2015
Week 13 - One Ga_e Season
Standings
1) Seeberg 44-18 (2-10 upset)
2) Draper 42-20 (5-7 upset)
3) Hoying 40-22 (1-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth 39-23 (2-10 upset)
It's rivalry week at Let's Go Bucks! With Ohio State's playoff hopes on life support, we turn our focus toward our first showdown with Captain Crazy (and a few other schools that happen to be playing as well).
#13 Navy _idship_en @ #20 Houston Cougars
Draper: Led by the greatest coach ever who never erred by ignoring a RB, Houston finally tripped up vs. a so-so at best Uconn squad. Houston has had a pretty nice year, but they're still Houston. Navy is chugging along with the only hiccup vs. the Irish. I like Keenan Reynolds to keep the train a-rolling as the Cougs suffer a second straight defeat, this one at Chop-block-o-clock. Navy: 28--Houston: 24
Hoying: Take a good look, Buckeye Nation. Our previous offensive guru, your panacea for everything ailing the Ohio State O, just racked up all of 17 points in Houston's loss to the UConn Huskies. 17 points isn't going to get the job done against the NCAA's historic TD leader, Keenan Reynolds, and the devastating triple option. Navy has parlayed its first year in a conference into its best season since 1963 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Look for the streak to continue, setting up an AAC title showdown ahead of everyone's favorite rivalry. Navy: 31--Houston: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Navy: 24--Houston: 35
Seeberg: Well, the Houston Hermans looked every bit like the Buckeyes last week, dropping an uninspired game to the UConnwomen's basketball team football Huskies by a field goal. My guess? A combination of lousy weather and looking ahead to their showdown with Navy. Navy has showed up big in conference play all season and it's likely Keenan Reynolds and Co. will do so again. However, the Cougars are likely to play some extra-inspired to make up for last week's dismal effort. Had Houston coasted into this one undefeated (see: Memphis) Navy likely would've anchored them down (see what I did there?), but off a loss the Cougars rise up and put up enough points to outscore the devastating triple option. Navy: 38--Houston: 42
#7 Baylor Bears @ #17 TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: Don't look now, but Baylor appears to be raising a little stink after that OU loss. Yeah, they're essentially too little too late (again), but they've essentially guaranteed playoff victory by tur:ning to a 3rd string QB. 100% of the squads in the playoffs led by a 3rd string QB have won the whole thing (it's science). TCU put it all on the table last week and fell just short. Nothing left in Fort Worth...and they're only on the second string...pfft. Briles keeps alive for a New Year's Six bowl. BU: 48--TCU: 35
Hoying: And here we have the 2014 Nearly Relevant Bowl. TCU's playoff hopes are officially dead after a furious rally against OU fell just short, while Baylor's are on life support after Gundy and the Pokes failed to score 40 against the Bears. We could possibly see a battle of the deep deep backup QB's, depending on how quickly Trevone Boykin recovers, but TCU's second-stringer has looked passable in his appearance last week, and Baylor churns out battle-ready QBs without losing a beat. Despite their effort last week, the Frogs are trending downward, while the Bears are unlikely to choke with a possible playoff berth in their sights. BU: 52--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts lets week. Lots of points, though. BU: 52--TCU: 55
Seeberg: This is practically a war of attrition given the injuries on both sides of the ball. The Bears are officially down to their 3rd-string QB but keep cranking out points and had an impressive win at Oklahoma State last week. Tough to imagine TCU winning without both of their playmakers at full strength (Boykin may go but will be limited, and Doctson is probably still out). I'm shocked myself, but Baylor may finish the regular season with back-to-back one-loss squads. BU: 45--TCU: 34
Penn State Nittany Lions @ #4 _ichigan State Spartans
Draper: Who will start for the Spartans? Cook wasn't needed this week (the Bucks saw to that), but he could be needed this week. Saquon Barkley needs to show up in a big way, but in a cruel twist of fate, the Buckeye fate lies in the hands of Christian Hackenberg. He's had a few flashes of brilliance, but a lot of 'huh?' plays. This is the situation for Hackenberg to show the world why NFL scouts still (inexplicably) see the franchise QB of their future. The weather allows for a passing attack and Lions reset the Buckeye train. PSU: 24--Sparty: 21
Hoying: OK, Christian Hackenberg. You've sucked for a solid 3 years after showing a flash of talent as a first year. Do you have enough in the tank to pull off one consequential upset? The Lions have crapped the bed against the real live opponents they've seen so far this year (the Owls, the Buckeyes, the Wolverines), while the Spartans have petered along before scoring the knockout punch against our beloved Bucks. Cook is questionable once again, and the result of this tilt could depend on his availability, as well as Suckenberg's ability to find holes in a suspect Spartan secondary (sigh). Back in 2008, Buckeye Nation was rooting hard (in vain) for Penn State to fall flat on their face against Sparty in Happy Valley so that Ohio State could go to the Rose Bowl. Expect to be disappointed once again. PSU: 17--Sparty: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. I will pick this how I want it to end. PSU: 17--Sparty: 14
Seeberg: If ever there were a day when Hackenburg needed to fulfill all that potential, it's this Saturday for all of Buckeye Nation...but don't hold your breath Buckeye brethren. The Spartans had their garbage game of the season and it still took a blown call for Nebraska to squeak out a win. It's at home, and there's too much on the line for them not to be focused. If Cook can't go or struggles, this one will stay close, but too much Sparty sack party does the Nittany Lions in. PSU: 13--Sparty: 21
#17 Florida State Se_inoles @ #11 Florida Gators
Draper: Florida has dodged bullet after bullet sent by suck opponents. Enter the Noles. FSU had the inexcusable loss loss to Tech and an 'yeah, expected it' loss to the Tigers. The Noles season expectations have changed for this year, but the focus on the Gators won't. Cook and the Noles will be happy to oblige the Gators in their desire to practice losing before the SEC title. Cook finally awakens those voters that forgot to be 'talkin bout the noles!'. FSU: 27--UF: 10
Hoying: One, two three four five six...those Gators just about lost to Florida Atlantic. Such a loss would have been nearly as bad as falling to terrible terrible Georgia Tech. Is Florida losing its focus looking ahead to a titanic clash with the INVINCIBLE TIDE? Or have they truly been focused this week's contest against their rival? Treon Harris is still horrible, but the Gator D is as tough as ever. If Dalvin Cook can have a big day, expect the Noles to win. Florida doesn't have a Deshaun Watson to follow Cook blow-for-blow. The Gators couldn't stop Fournette, and they won't stop Cook either. FSU: 24--UF: 14
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. FSU: 28--UF: 13
Seeberg: All right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another game of "Will Florida score in the first half against an in-state opponent?" Last week the answer was no...against 2-9 Florida Atlantic. My guess is, even with an oddly unsettled quarterback position, the Seminoles will be just a smidge better. Expect lots of Dalvin Cook to secure him an invite to NYC for the bronze stiff-arm, and another W for Jimbo and the 'Noles. FSU: 24--UF: 6
#6 Notre Da_e Fighting Irish @ #12 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: The contest has huge playoff consequences, but I just don't care. Stanford has been slogging through their schedule winning ugly and boring. ND on the other hand...has done no different. The difference is the huge injuries on the Irish side of the ball. David Shaw finds a way to line up 11 on the line as the Cardinal end the Irish hopes. Irish eyes will be crying in Palo Alto. ND: 17--Stan: 20
Hoying: Could this really be a year in which the Playoff features Sparty, the fighting Dabo Swinneys, AND the Irish??? Surely at least ONE of those has to choke before season's end. The Irish have been coasting on their road loss to #1 and a slew of AAC wins (over decent schools, to be fair), while the Cardinal have continuously been battle tested since week 1's loss at Northwestern. Stanford's star RB could be quietly working his way toward a few trophies at season's end, and a big effort in a win over a fellow Playoff contender will certainly help his case. ND: 24--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. ND: 28--Stan: 35
Seeberg: To be honest, I was leaning pretty strongly toward the Cardinal before the news that C.J. Prosise was out for this game. Now? Too much Stanford D that can feast on a one-dimensional Irish passing attack, and too much balance when the Tree takes the ball. McAffrey and Hogan slice and dice the Golden Domers and officially (thankfully) knock them out of playoff talks. ND: 17--Stan: 31
#5 Oklaho_a Sooners @ #8 Oklaho_a State Cowboys
Draper: The Pokes finally returned to Earth after rocking to a 10-0 record without anyone paying attention outside Stillwater. We can all appreciate the offensive fire thanks to Gundy, but that defense is trash. This contest is always good for an exciting couple of hours but the Sooners always tend to find a way to end on top. Stoops was close to being snake bitten last week, but I don't expect a letdown here. The OU defense isn't exactly spectacular, but they'll be enough with Baker leading the way. OU: 51--OSU: 42
Hoying: I was fooled. It looked like this would finally be the year the Cowboys finished a season, after crashing and burning in 2011 (and getting hosed by the voters). Now the Pokes need a big win over OU and a big loss by Baylor either this week or the next. OU's stud QB took a tough shot to the head in the win over the Horned Frogs, but he'll be back to lead what's turned into one of the nation's top offenses. I feel like I've seen the Sooners play out this story before, in which they need only reach out and grasp the opportunity at hand, but You-Know-What Bob chokes it away. I have that feeling again. OU: 38--OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. OU: 35--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Man, this one seems WAY too easy on paper. The Sooners are playing well on both sides of the ball save for about a quarter defensively against TCU, and Oklahoma State crashed and burned (again) losing to Baylor's we-found-this-QB-in-poli-sci-101-last-month 37th-string signal caller. I'm fairly certain I could throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs per game in that system (remember, that's a below average day for their QBs). Still, Stoops and Gundy can't both lose this game simultaneously. It's a rivalry so anything can happen, but I just can't imagine the Sooners crapping away a playoff birth this late in the season...they already thought they'd accomplished that against the Longhorns. Boomer Sooner indeed. OU: 49--OSU: 35
#16 Ole _iss Rebels @ #23 _ississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Woooo!! Egg Bowl!! Never know what's going down here. Both the Dogs and the Rebels have been SUPER flaky this year. The Dak Attack vs. the Landsharks should be quite fun. The Rebs and Bulldogs both arrive off big wins (LSU and Bert respectively), but I honestly don't know what to expect. It's in Stark Vegas, so gotta go with CLANGA in this one because those cowbells are so sweet...or annoying. Rebels: 27--Bulldogs: 31
Hoying: Nothing says "Second-Tier Rivalry" like the Egg Bowl. This year's version retains a little significance, in the unlikely event that the Tide totally collapses against Auburn and the Rebels take their place in Atlanta, but it will probably only affect which school goes to the TaxSlayer Bowl and which one goes to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs are likely frauds, with their best wins being over their state's top directional school and Louisiana Tech. Ooooohhhh. On the other sideline is a squad that, legend has it, was able to topple the Tide this very season (nobody told the Playoff selection overlords about it, though). Good Bo/Bad Bo has been replaced by Chad Kelly, but the Landsharks are still out in force. In honor of The Force Awakens opening in a few weeks, here's to a Rebel victory. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 24
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 17
Seeberg: I have given up on predicting all things Ole Miss related since I somehow nailed their upset win of Bama. The Bulldogs put up a billion yards against the Razorbacks last week (I'm too lazy to look up the actual number, but I know for a fact they had more yards in the first QUARTER than the Bucks did all game last week, so I'm guessing a billion is close) so Dak is back up and running after getting thumped by the Tide. Given the nature of this nearly relevant rivalry both teams are likely to be up for this one, but that tends to lead to some errors from the mercurial Chad Kelly. Prescott and Co. take advantage and take the egg bowl...presumably to make me an omelet later. Rebels: 24--Bulldogs: 28
#9 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #10 That School Up North
Draper: There's only one thing that would be surprising...a close contest. Will the Bucks rally under adversity to squelch the hated rival? Will the go quietly into that good night? I expect either a flat defeated Buckeye squad waiting to get out and head to the NFL or a disrespected angry group ready to avenge the loss and take it out on the hated Wolverines. Could a squad with the prodigious talent of the Buckeyes lay two eggs? I lean to no. The line plays with renewed vigor, Zeke busts a few, JT actually throws a few passes for big gains, and the defense shuts down the crazy one on the other side. Get the lights on Harbaugh, Saturday will lead to a nice breakdown or two. It ain't worth winning if you can't win big. OSU: 42--TTUN: 17
Hoying: I can recall a day when the Buckeyes were the consensus #1 squad but their bitter rivals were the nation's hottest, fresh off 3 straight shutouts. How the Spartans do shatter expectations in this conference. After a baffling total offensive failure, do the Buckeyes still have the will to give 100% in the biggest showdown of the season? Urban's boys always shine the brightest under the brightest lights (last week notwithstanding), especially when the Bucks are underdogs. And lookie, lookie, Ohio State is sitting at +1.5 going into this weekend. These are still two very good squads, but look for the OSU D-Line to get after Rudock and the Wolverine rushing attack after a subpar effort against Sparty. And it's possible that Zeke could actually get a few carries this week and run with a bit of purpose when given the chance. A win over Harbaugh caps a good season regardless of what happens in East Lansing, though not exactly a successful one. OSU: 28--TTUN: 20
Schweinfurth: This is the contest that counts this week. There are two ways these Buckeyes can go, galvanize together and win, or devide and get crushed. I have gone back and forth on which Buckeye offense will show up and I have settled on the one we expected to see. Urban is going to get involved this week and that usually signals a turnaround. After Zeke's little spat last week, he will run possessed. There is nothing quite like a butt whooping to cleanse the soul. The soul has been cleansed. The Bullets are still there and Jack Rudock is just a guy. The Bullets get two picks and the Bucks in another close one up north. OSU: 21--TTUN: 17
Seeberg: Let's be honest, Buckeye Nation, we all knew that the Khaki Eclipse was going to bring ttun back to at least national respectability, but nobody expected them to be this good this fast. How I LONG for Brady Hoke again. If you had told me BOTH teams would be in the top ten for the 2015 version of The Game I would've laughed you out of town. On paper it should be a 2-TD coast for the Bucks, but we haven't performed up to our paper status all year, and after the outbursts following the Sparty debacle, there's less reason to think we'll start now. Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret: I picked against the Bucks four times last year, and we went 4-0. In all honesty? I thought we would win two of them, but I didn't wanna ruin the mojo. Time to recover last year's magic and inspire our Buckeyes by picking the stinkpile in Ann Arbor. OSU: 17--TTUN: 20
Upset Special
Draper: South Carolina over Cle_son (screw it, go big or go ho_e)
Hoying: Illinois over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Auburn over The Tide (I want to see the college football world burn)
Seeberg: Auburn over Alaba_a...KIDDING. Let's go Georgia Tech over Georgia
1) Seeberg 44-18 (2-10 upset)
2) Draper 42-20 (5-7 upset)
3) Hoying 40-22 (1-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth 39-23 (2-10 upset)
It's rivalry week at Let's Go Bucks! With Ohio State's playoff hopes on life support, we turn our focus toward our first showdown with Captain Crazy (and a few other schools that happen to be playing as well).
#13 Navy _idship_en @ #20 Houston Cougars
Draper: Led by the greatest coach ever who never erred by ignoring a RB, Houston finally tripped up vs. a so-so at best Uconn squad. Houston has had a pretty nice year, but they're still Houston. Navy is chugging along with the only hiccup vs. the Irish. I like Keenan Reynolds to keep the train a-rolling as the Cougs suffer a second straight defeat, this one at Chop-block-o-clock. Navy: 28--Houston: 24
Hoying: Take a good look, Buckeye Nation. Our previous offensive guru, your panacea for everything ailing the Ohio State O, just racked up all of 17 points in Houston's loss to the UConn Huskies. 17 points isn't going to get the job done against the NCAA's historic TD leader, Keenan Reynolds, and the devastating triple option. Navy has parlayed its first year in a conference into its best season since 1963 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Look for the streak to continue, setting up an AAC title showdown ahead of everyone's favorite rivalry. Navy: 31--Houston: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Navy: 24--Houston: 35
Seeberg: Well, the Houston Hermans looked every bit like the Buckeyes last week, dropping an uninspired game to the UConn
#7 Baylor Bears @ #17 TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: Don't look now, but Baylor appears to be raising a little stink after that OU loss. Yeah, they're essentially too little too late (again), but they've essentially guaranteed playoff victory by tur:ning to a 3rd string QB. 100% of the squads in the playoffs led by a 3rd string QB have won the whole thing (it's science). TCU put it all on the table last week and fell just short. Nothing left in Fort Worth...and they're only on the second string...pfft. Briles keeps alive for a New Year's Six bowl. BU: 48--TCU: 35
Hoying: And here we have the 2014 Nearly Relevant Bowl. TCU's playoff hopes are officially dead after a furious rally against OU fell just short, while Baylor's are on life support after Gundy and the Pokes failed to score 40 against the Bears. We could possibly see a battle of the deep deep backup QB's, depending on how quickly Trevone Boykin recovers, but TCU's second-stringer has looked passable in his appearance last week, and Baylor churns out battle-ready QBs without losing a beat. Despite their effort last week, the Frogs are trending downward, while the Bears are unlikely to choke with a possible playoff berth in their sights. BU: 52--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts lets week. Lots of points, though. BU: 52--TCU: 55
Seeberg: This is practically a war of attrition given the injuries on both sides of the ball. The Bears are officially down to their 3rd-string QB but keep cranking out points and had an impressive win at Oklahoma State last week. Tough to imagine TCU winning without both of their playmakers at full strength (Boykin may go but will be limited, and Doctson is probably still out). I'm shocked myself, but Baylor may finish the regular season with back-to-back one-loss squads. BU: 45--TCU: 34
Penn State Nittany Lions @ #4 _ichigan State Spartans
Draper: Who will start for the Spartans? Cook wasn't needed this week (the Bucks saw to that), but he could be needed this week. Saquon Barkley needs to show up in a big way, but in a cruel twist of fate, the Buckeye fate lies in the hands of Christian Hackenberg. He's had a few flashes of brilliance, but a lot of 'huh?' plays. This is the situation for Hackenberg to show the world why NFL scouts still (inexplicably) see the franchise QB of their future. The weather allows for a passing attack and Lions reset the Buckeye train. PSU: 24--Sparty: 21
Hoying: OK, Christian Hackenberg. You've sucked for a solid 3 years after showing a flash of talent as a first year. Do you have enough in the tank to pull off one consequential upset? The Lions have crapped the bed against the real live opponents they've seen so far this year (the Owls, the Buckeyes, the Wolverines), while the Spartans have petered along before scoring the knockout punch against our beloved Bucks. Cook is questionable once again, and the result of this tilt could depend on his availability, as well as Suckenberg's ability to find holes in a suspect Spartan secondary (sigh). Back in 2008, Buckeye Nation was rooting hard (in vain) for Penn State to fall flat on their face against Sparty in Happy Valley so that Ohio State could go to the Rose Bowl. Expect to be disappointed once again. PSU: 17--Sparty: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. I will pick this how I want it to end. PSU: 17--Sparty: 14
Seeberg: If ever there were a day when Hackenburg needed to fulfill all that potential, it's this Saturday for all of Buckeye Nation...but don't hold your breath Buckeye brethren. The Spartans had their garbage game of the season and it still took a blown call for Nebraska to squeak out a win. It's at home, and there's too much on the line for them not to be focused. If Cook can't go or struggles, this one will stay close, but too much Sparty sack party does the Nittany Lions in. PSU: 13--Sparty: 21
#17 Florida State Se_inoles @ #11 Florida Gators
Draper: Florida has dodged bullet after bullet sent by suck opponents. Enter the Noles. FSU had the inexcusable loss loss to Tech and an 'yeah, expected it' loss to the Tigers. The Noles season expectations have changed for this year, but the focus on the Gators won't. Cook and the Noles will be happy to oblige the Gators in their desire to practice losing before the SEC title. Cook finally awakens those voters that forgot to be 'talkin bout the noles!'. FSU: 27--UF: 10
Hoying: One, two three four five six...those Gators just about lost to Florida Atlantic. Such a loss would have been nearly as bad as falling to terrible terrible Georgia Tech. Is Florida losing its focus looking ahead to a titanic clash with the INVINCIBLE TIDE? Or have they truly been focused this week's contest against their rival? Treon Harris is still horrible, but the Gator D is as tough as ever. If Dalvin Cook can have a big day, expect the Noles to win. Florida doesn't have a Deshaun Watson to follow Cook blow-for-blow. The Gators couldn't stop Fournette, and they won't stop Cook either. FSU: 24--UF: 14
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. FSU: 28--UF: 13
Seeberg: All right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another game of "Will Florida score in the first half against an in-state opponent?" Last week the answer was no...against 2-9 Florida Atlantic. My guess is, even with an oddly unsettled quarterback position, the Seminoles will be just a smidge better. Expect lots of Dalvin Cook to secure him an invite to NYC for the bronze stiff-arm, and another W for Jimbo and the 'Noles. FSU: 24--UF: 6
#6 Notre Da_e Fighting Irish @ #12 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: The contest has huge playoff consequences, but I just don't care. Stanford has been slogging through their schedule winning ugly and boring. ND on the other hand...has done no different. The difference is the huge injuries on the Irish side of the ball. David Shaw finds a way to line up 11 on the line as the Cardinal end the Irish hopes. Irish eyes will be crying in Palo Alto. ND: 17--Stan: 20
Hoying: Could this really be a year in which the Playoff features Sparty, the fighting Dabo Swinneys, AND the Irish??? Surely at least ONE of those has to choke before season's end. The Irish have been coasting on their road loss to #1 and a slew of AAC wins (over decent schools, to be fair), while the Cardinal have continuously been battle tested since week 1's loss at Northwestern. Stanford's star RB could be quietly working his way toward a few trophies at season's end, and a big effort in a win over a fellow Playoff contender will certainly help his case. ND: 24--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. ND: 28--Stan: 35
Seeberg: To be honest, I was leaning pretty strongly toward the Cardinal before the news that C.J. Prosise was out for this game. Now? Too much Stanford D that can feast on a one-dimensional Irish passing attack, and too much balance when the Tree takes the ball. McAffrey and Hogan slice and dice the Golden Domers and officially (thankfully) knock them out of playoff talks. ND: 17--Stan: 31
#5 Oklaho_a Sooners @ #8 Oklaho_a State Cowboys
Draper: The Pokes finally returned to Earth after rocking to a 10-0 record without anyone paying attention outside Stillwater. We can all appreciate the offensive fire thanks to Gundy, but that defense is trash. This contest is always good for an exciting couple of hours but the Sooners always tend to find a way to end on top. Stoops was close to being snake bitten last week, but I don't expect a letdown here. The OU defense isn't exactly spectacular, but they'll be enough with Baker leading the way. OU: 51--OSU: 42
Hoying: I was fooled. It looked like this would finally be the year the Cowboys finished a season, after crashing and burning in 2011 (and getting hosed by the voters). Now the Pokes need a big win over OU and a big loss by Baylor either this week or the next. OU's stud QB took a tough shot to the head in the win over the Horned Frogs, but he'll be back to lead what's turned into one of the nation's top offenses. I feel like I've seen the Sooners play out this story before, in which they need only reach out and grasp the opportunity at hand, but You-Know-What Bob chokes it away. I have that feeling again. OU: 38--OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. OU: 35--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Man, this one seems WAY too easy on paper. The Sooners are playing well on both sides of the ball save for about a quarter defensively against TCU, and Oklahoma State crashed and burned (again) losing to Baylor's we-found-this-QB-in-poli-sci-101-last-month 37th-string signal caller. I'm fairly certain I could throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs per game in that system (remember, that's a below average day for their QBs). Still, Stoops and Gundy can't both lose this game simultaneously. It's a rivalry so anything can happen, but I just can't imagine the Sooners crapping away a playoff birth this late in the season...they already thought they'd accomplished that against the Longhorns. Boomer Sooner indeed. OU: 49--OSU: 35
#16 Ole _iss Rebels @ #23 _ississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Woooo!! Egg Bowl!! Never know what's going down here. Both the Dogs and the Rebels have been SUPER flaky this year. The Dak Attack vs. the Landsharks should be quite fun. The Rebs and Bulldogs both arrive off big wins (LSU and Bert respectively), but I honestly don't know what to expect. It's in Stark Vegas, so gotta go with CLANGA in this one because those cowbells are so sweet...or annoying. Rebels: 27--Bulldogs: 31
Hoying: Nothing says "Second-Tier Rivalry" like the Egg Bowl. This year's version retains a little significance, in the unlikely event that the Tide totally collapses against Auburn and the Rebels take their place in Atlanta, but it will probably only affect which school goes to the TaxSlayer Bowl and which one goes to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs are likely frauds, with their best wins being over their state's top directional school and Louisiana Tech. Ooooohhhh. On the other sideline is a squad that, legend has it, was able to topple the Tide this very season (nobody told the Playoff selection overlords about it, though). Good Bo/Bad Bo has been replaced by Chad Kelly, but the Landsharks are still out in force. In honor of The Force Awakens opening in a few weeks, here's to a Rebel victory. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 24
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 17
Seeberg: I have given up on predicting all things Ole Miss related since I somehow nailed their upset win of Bama. The Bulldogs put up a billion yards against the Razorbacks last week (I'm too lazy to look up the actual number, but I know for a fact they had more yards in the first QUARTER than the Bucks did all game last week, so I'm guessing a billion is close) so Dak is back up and running after getting thumped by the Tide. Given the nature of this nearly relevant rivalry both teams are likely to be up for this one, but that tends to lead to some errors from the mercurial Chad Kelly. Prescott and Co. take advantage and take the egg bowl...presumably to make me an omelet later. Rebels: 24--Bulldogs: 28
#9 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #10 That School Up North
Draper: There's only one thing that would be surprising...a close contest. Will the Bucks rally under adversity to squelch the hated rival? Will the go quietly into that good night? I expect either a flat defeated Buckeye squad waiting to get out and head to the NFL or a disrespected angry group ready to avenge the loss and take it out on the hated Wolverines. Could a squad with the prodigious talent of the Buckeyes lay two eggs? I lean to no. The line plays with renewed vigor, Zeke busts a few, JT actually throws a few passes for big gains, and the defense shuts down the crazy one on the other side. Get the lights on Harbaugh, Saturday will lead to a nice breakdown or two. It ain't worth winning if you can't win big. OSU: 42--TTUN: 17
Hoying: I can recall a day when the Buckeyes were the consensus #1 squad but their bitter rivals were the nation's hottest, fresh off 3 straight shutouts. How the Spartans do shatter expectations in this conference. After a baffling total offensive failure, do the Buckeyes still have the will to give 100% in the biggest showdown of the season? Urban's boys always shine the brightest under the brightest lights (last week notwithstanding), especially when the Bucks are underdogs. And lookie, lookie, Ohio State is sitting at +1.5 going into this weekend. These are still two very good squads, but look for the OSU D-Line to get after Rudock and the Wolverine rushing attack after a subpar effort against Sparty. And it's possible that Zeke could actually get a few carries this week and run with a bit of purpose when given the chance. A win over Harbaugh caps a good season regardless of what happens in East Lansing, though not exactly a successful one. OSU: 28--TTUN: 20
Schweinfurth: This is the contest that counts this week. There are two ways these Buckeyes can go, galvanize together and win, or devide and get crushed. I have gone back and forth on which Buckeye offense will show up and I have settled on the one we expected to see. Urban is going to get involved this week and that usually signals a turnaround. After Zeke's little spat last week, he will run possessed. There is nothing quite like a butt whooping to cleanse the soul. The soul has been cleansed. The Bullets are still there and Jack Rudock is just a guy. The Bullets get two picks and the Bucks in another close one up north. OSU: 21--TTUN: 17
Seeberg: Let's be honest, Buckeye Nation, we all knew that the Khaki Eclipse was going to bring ttun back to at least national respectability, but nobody expected them to be this good this fast. How I LONG for Brady Hoke again. If you had told me BOTH teams would be in the top ten for the 2015 version of The Game I would've laughed you out of town. On paper it should be a 2-TD coast for the Bucks, but we haven't performed up to our paper status all year, and after the outbursts following the Sparty debacle, there's less reason to think we'll start now. Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret: I picked against the Bucks four times last year, and we went 4-0. In all honesty? I thought we would win two of them, but I didn't wanna ruin the mojo. Time to recover last year's magic and inspire our Buckeyes by picking the stinkpile in Ann Arbor. OSU: 17--TTUN: 20
Upset Special
Draper: South Carolina over Cle_son (screw it, go big or go ho_e)
Hoying: Illinois over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Auburn over The Tide (I want to see the college football world burn)
Seeberg: Auburn over Alaba_a...KIDDING. Let's go Georgia Tech over Georgia
Friday, November 20, 2015
Week 12 - B(1G)East Mode
Standings
1) Seeberg 41-14 (1-10 upset)
2) Draper 40-15 (5-6 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 36-19 (2-9 upset)
3) Hoying 36-19 (1-10 upset)
We're ten games into the season, and the mission for the B1G East's elite remains the same as it was in August: win out and you're going to Indianapolis to (probably) play Iowa.
Meanwhile, the Big 12 season has finally arrived in earnest. Get ready for a sprint to the finish as Oklahoma State desperately tries to carry the BXII flag into the playoff for the first time.
#11 Michigan Wolverines @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: Michigan survives another nail biter against a mediocre to bad team. Everyone talks about Michigan as being super unlucky after the UM/MSU ridiculousness, but look at the last few games in which they COMPLETELY fell backwards into wins. Here's the secret, Michigan's defense can handle a good running game. Leidner played well, but Jordan Howard completely destroyed the myth of a stout UM defense. Enter Saquan Barkley who is really really good. PSU has the Hackenburg suckiness, but if Franklin hands the ball off 30 times, PSU wins a big one. The Lion defense shouldn't have too much of a problem with Jake Rudock (you know, because they don't suck like IU). Lions knock the Wolverines out of the BEast race backing them into a corner for the The Game. UM: 20--PSU: 27
Hoying: Did any of you actually think that Indiana would be able to hold a 4th quarter lead against a team with a pulse? OK, so last week taught us nothing new about the Hoosiers, but the last two weeks have revealed a disturbing trend regarding what was once the nation's hottest team: Harbaugh's defense has suddenly disappeared. Granted, Jordan Howard is very good and Mitch Leidner was very lucky, but 3 consecutive shutouts feels like an eternity ago. And here comes Saquan I-ran-for-194-yards-against-an-actual-elite-defense Barkley. Fortunately for that school up north, Jake Rudock seems to have become what Hackenberg was at his peak, and UM will need him against a stout Penn State D. This is a terrible trap game for the Corn and Blue, and they drop a big one at the most inopportune time. We'll find out how stern their stuff is next week. UM: 23--PSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Penn St. gets Michigan at a good time, right before playing the Buckeyes and in a good place, Happy Valley. After watching Jordan Howard run crazy and tenderize the scUM front seven, Saquan Barkley is set up for a BIG day. I expect lots of running and not so much passing. UM: 13--PSU: 17
Seeberg: Unfortunately, scUM avoided a collapse against Indiana last week, and in the process won a borderline shootout- something the Wolverines didn't appear capable of doing. This game is likely to feature a helluva lot fewer points, which is right in their wheelhouse. With Sackenburg sitting in the pocket like one of those targets at the county fair that just moves back and forth every time you hit it with the pop gun, the Nittany Lions are likely to be in a lot of 3rd and longs which means the maize and blue defense will tee off on the immobile QB. Crowd keeps them in it for a half or so, but (We Are) Penn State wears down late. UM: 24--PSU: 13
#15 Louisiana State Tigers @ #21 Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: I don't know what to make of these teams. LSU looked beastly until Bama destroyed them, then even Bert could take em down. Ole Miss has been up and down all year but Nkemdiche is questionable and the best player on the field wear's purple and gold. Are Miles and the Tigers going to go quietly into that goodnight? I don't think so. Leonard Fournette restates his Heisman hopes (albeit a little too late). The Grove will be rocking but the Taigahs will geaux. LSU: 27--Miss: 20
Hoying: LSU loses to Arkansas in another installment of the world's wackiest rivalry and the fans instantly complain that the wheels are falling off in Baton Rouge. I'm glad our fans are more patient and never freak out over a loss...But however bad it's been, it's about to get worse. Alabama drafted the blueprint for stopping Fournette, and the Landsharks aren't going to be to be any easier of a puzzle for the Tigers to solve. Maybe LSU can win by throwing over the top. Heh. Heheheheh. HeeheeeheeheeheehahahahaHAHAHAHAHAH! LSU: 17--Miss: 20
Schweinfurth: There is no way LSU loses three in a row right? Yes, Alabama gave the blueprint to stop Fournette (and really all you had to do was load the box because the Tigers don't have a QB). With that said, I just don't think Ole' Miss has the horses on defense, mostly becuase it's Ole' Miss. Fournette does just enough to win this for the Tigers. LSU: 20--Miss: 14
Seeberg: Seriously, Tiger fans? Les Miles is coaching for his job? If there is even a shred of truth in that Miles should just bolt out the back door and never return. In any event, LSU will likely be okay either way. Bama put 37 on the Landsharks with an offense that has serious trouble throwing the ball. Sound familiar? I wouldn't expect any explosion quite like that, but the Tigers will Rag on that Ole Miss O (see what I did there??) and make just enough plays on offense to get back on track. LSU: 24--Miss: 20
#17 Northwestern Wildcats @ #21 Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: Another toughie. Wisconsin has floated around the periphery after dropping the only two games of consequence. Bama destroyed them and Iowa killed football with their 10-6 crapfest win (see Bengals on MNF). Northwestern has the win over Stanford and....yeah. I think the Badgers may be able to finally squeeze some life out of Camp Randall for a 'bigger than anyone will give them credit for' win. The game should be competitive...but that doesn't mean good. NW: 14--Wisc: 17
Hoying: How good is Wisconsin? The Badgers played 2 elite teams, lost to them both, and played NOBODY else. Northwestern's rebounded a bit from their midseason skid, claiming a nice victory over Penn State, but moving the ball against the nation's top scoring defense (!) might bring out the old Northwestern we know and love. However, even if Northwestern can't move the ball, Wisconsin has offensive struggles of their own, completely losing their identity without a viable running threat. Ehhh...I'm feeling the battle-tested NW defense to outshine a Badger D that's been feasting on cupcake row. NW: 13--UW: 10
Schweinfurth: If this game was in the "mighty" SEC it would be touted as a clash of two great defenses. There will be almost no points scored in this one. Northwestern's offense does just enough to win and Wisconsin is a shell of what they have been the past few years. First team to score a TD wins. NW: 10--UW: 9
Seeberg: Another B1G clash with points at a premium. Sadly for Iowa, the loser is likely out of the top 25, hurting their quality win status. Iowa's hideous 10-6 win over the Badgers earlier in the year was against an extremely shorthanded Wisconsin squad. The Badgers are marginally healthier now, and I expect them to completely shut down NW. Will they score enough points to win? Not in most cases- but this is the exception. NW: 6--UW: 10
#16 Baylor Bears @ #4 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Shootouts continue in the Big 12. Baylor faltered under the lights this week, but they get an immediate shot at redemption. The Pokes came back from another late deficit, but keep winning. While Baylor shrunk on the big stage, OSU tends to rise up. Stillwater is always rocking so lean on the Cowboys. Baylor had their hopes and dreams crushed last week, and I don't think this team has the intestinal fortitude to come back from disappointment. Baylor: 49--OSU: 59
Hoying; Good news for the Big 12: the Pac 12 isn't churning out a champion with fewer than 2 losses, all but eliminating them from the playoff picture. Bad news for the Big 12: Notre Dame is still sitting at the 4 spot and only Oklahoma State has a chance to escape the conference unblemished. Considering Baylor's craptastic schedule, Bob Bowlsby's dreamcatcher is probably chock full of trogglehumpers of Baylor recovering from last week's loss to run the table. Fortunately for him, the Cowboys are a legitimate title contender who fight until the final pistol. The Force is with young Jarrett Stidham, but he's not a Big 12 contender yet. Baylor: 45--OSU: 56
Schweinfurth: That vaunted Baylor offense sure looked great last week...or not. Baylor just doesn't have it when they play top competition. Oklahoma State on the other hand has looked good lately and is climbing up the standings. Take the Pokes at home. Baylor: 42--OSU: 63
Seeberg: I'll be honest, it'd be nice to see Baylor lose again so we can finally stop hearing from Art it's-un-American-to-leave-us-out-of-the-playoff Briles. Fortunately, that's likely to come to fruition. On the road with a backup QB whose only games thus far are a narrow win at KSU and a loss at home against the Sooners. They'll score points as always, but that steel-sieve defense will be their undoing again. Bay: 35--OSU: 45
UCLA Bruins @ #18 Utah Utes
Draper: Both of these teams are...I have no clue. Utah had it all in front of them, and crapped themselves vs. Arizona. UCLA has been a Jekyll and Hyde team all year. Rosen, Wilson, who will emerge. No clue. I do know that Salt Lake is a pretty intense environment. Utah has crashed after flying too close to the sun, but UCLA has been middling all year. With the Utes fight back for a chance and the title or will good UCLA grab control of their Pac 12 South destiny. No clue. The loss of Booker for the year tips the scales slightly to the visitors. UCLA: 27--Utah: 24
Hoying: Oh yeah, the Pac-12 is still playing football. I forgot how boring a conference race becomes when it's not likely to end with a playoff berth. Remember how many conferences suffered this fate back in the BCS era, when only 2 teams got to move on to the championship? They dragged me kicking and screaming into the brave new world of playoffs, but I think I've been proven dead wrong. I genuinely care about all the other games on this list because of the playoff implications they carry. In contrast, I can't come up with anything to say about this one. Really. Got nothing. UCLA: 27--Utah: 20
Schweinfurth: I really have no clue here. I did see that Booker may be questionable for Utah. That will be a huge difference in this one. UCLA: 24--Utah: 17
Seeberg: I have been whiffing on PAC-12 games left and right all year and this one is no easier to prognosticate. Both teams are coming off bad losses, UCLA is having an expected mercurial season with a true frosh QB, and Utah is just good enough to get your hopes up before falling flat. I expect Rosen to play an inspired game after a lackluster performance last week, so I'll take the Bruins in an I-wouldn't-be-at-all-surprised-if-it-went-the-other-way contest. UCLA: 31--Utah: 23
#12 Texas Christian Horned Frogs @ #8 Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: OU is flying up everyone's charts, but their one win may not be that impressive if Baylor takes a dive. That being said, no one has fallen quicker than TCU. After losing to the Pokes, the near miss vs. one of the worst teams in the country is a major worry. TCU is falling fast and OU is rising quickly. While I'm not completely on the Sooner Schooner, I like what I'm seeing out of Norman. The game's also in Norman? BOOMER!! TCU: 17--OU: 38
Hoying: Remember the 2010 national championship? Texas finally made it back to the big show after being controversially left out the previous year in favor of Oklahoma, a team they beat (although any Big 12 selection for the title game that year would've been controversial). They came out firing on their first drive...and lost Colt McCoy for the game to a shoulder injury. The Alabama-Texas clash of the titans never came to be and the Tide cruised to victory. I feel like we were robbed of a possible matchup of that level here. No Boykin, no Doctson, no chance for TCU to stop what's become the nation's most frightening juggernaut since That School Up North in early October. Bedlam next week will have never been Bedlammier. TCU: 27--OU: 42
Schweinfurth: Boykin and Doctson may be out for this one and that is most definitely not a good thing for TCU. Add the porous TCU defense this year and you have the perfect storm for a Sooner win. TCU: 21--OU: 38
Seeberg: TCU's defense has gotten moderately healthier in the last few weeks; however, their offense has gotten much more ill. Both Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson are questionable for the game with nagging injuries, meaning if both can give it a go they won't be at full strength. Meanwhile, the Sooners are riding high after dethroning the Briles Bears last week. TCU is too good for the Sooners to look past like they did against Texas for their annual Bob Stoops Inexplicable Loss of the Year Award (TM). Onto Bedlam as a potential playoff play-in game. TCU: 28--OU: 42
#8 Michigan State Spartans @ #2 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Is MSU good? They have the fluky win over the Wolverines and a lot of near misses against subpar to bad competition. The Bucks finally get their first test, but I'm not totally sure if this is the test that we thought it would be in August. Cook is hurt (no matter what the Spartans say) which pretty much removes the offense. LJ Scott is a nice back and the receivers are alright, but without the signal caller, there's not much there. Oh yeah, the Buckeye defense has been fantastic of late. The Bucks, on the other side of the ball, need to emerge from the cocoon as they did in the MSU game last year. JT needs to take control and rebound after last weeks' 'eh' performance. More importantly, the O-line needs to slow Shilique Calhoun. I think they will and the Bucks make a statement before facing the fighting Harbaughs. MSU: 17--OSU: 42
Hoying: Did you know that Penn State can still win the B1G East? All they need is to win their final two games and hope that the Buckeyes lose out. I hate Penn State more than any other team (except one), so it's very important that our boys slam the door on any Rose Bowl hopes for the Lions with a big win over Sparty. Back in September, these teams were #1 and #2 for a brief period before Michigan State went all 2002 Ohio State and started struggling against poor opponents. This is not the same Sparty that terrorized the B1G for a couple years with a dominating defense, but that might make Buckeye fans more nervous. No one scores consequential upsets over Ohio State like That Other School Up North. From wins over Archie and the gang back in the early 70's to ending the Bucks' title hopes in the BCS's opening and closing seasons, there are plenty of reasons not to take this team lightly. The good news is that Urban has had this game marked on his calendar since last season ended, so Buckeye fans should expect to see the best performance from the Silver Bullets and a fully armed and operational JT Barrett-led offense (don't expect any field goals, though). A Penn State win over Meatchicken (see above) and the Buckeyes clinch a spot in the B1G championship a week ahead of THE GAME. MSU: 17--OSU: 35
Schweinfurth: Sparty is mad about last year. Ya know, that one game they played Ohio State and couldn't stop the QB power when everyone knew it was coming. The Buckeye offense since the Virginia Tech game has looked very vanilla and has still put up decent numbers. With JT shaking the rust off last week, I expect the playbook to be wide open this week. The Spartan secondary has been very suspect lately, but they can get a pass rush. Urban and Warriner have been working to shore the pass blocking up the past few weeks and we should see dividends Saturday afternoon. With Connor Cook possibly injured, this game could get ugly, but emotion keeps Sparty in through the first half. MSU: 17--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Anybody see/believe the betting line on this? We are a 2-touchdown favorite. That terrifies the heck out of me. As we know the offense has been sputtering for much of the year, but a pleasant surprise, at least to me, has been the Silver Bullet D. They seemed to embrace The Grind a bit more than the O, and are already playing at CFP-level form. I do believe the offense will begin to round into shape, but not fully against a tough Sparty D. Regardless, bettors should take Sparty, but the Bucks take the game. MSU: 17--OSU: 28
Upset Special
Draper: Virginia Tech over North Carolina
Hoying: Tulsa over Navy
Schweinfurth: Boston College over Notre Dame
Seeberg: Indiana over Maryland (seriously, MD is a 2-point favorite)
1) Seeberg 41-14 (1-10 upset)
2) Draper 40-15 (5-6 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 36-19 (2-9 upset)
3) Hoying 36-19 (1-10 upset)
We're ten games into the season, and the mission for the B1G East's elite remains the same as it was in August: win out and you're going to Indianapolis to (probably) play Iowa.
Meanwhile, the Big 12 season has finally arrived in earnest. Get ready for a sprint to the finish as Oklahoma State desperately tries to carry the BXII flag into the playoff for the first time.
#11 Michigan Wolverines @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: Michigan survives another nail biter against a mediocre to bad team. Everyone talks about Michigan as being super unlucky after the UM/MSU ridiculousness, but look at the last few games in which they COMPLETELY fell backwards into wins. Here's the secret, Michigan's defense can handle a good running game. Leidner played well, but Jordan Howard completely destroyed the myth of a stout UM defense. Enter Saquan Barkley who is really really good. PSU has the Hackenburg suckiness, but if Franklin hands the ball off 30 times, PSU wins a big one. The Lion defense shouldn't have too much of a problem with Jake Rudock (you know, because they don't suck like IU). Lions knock the Wolverines out of the BEast race backing them into a corner for the The Game. UM: 20--PSU: 27
Hoying: Did any of you actually think that Indiana would be able to hold a 4th quarter lead against a team with a pulse? OK, so last week taught us nothing new about the Hoosiers, but the last two weeks have revealed a disturbing trend regarding what was once the nation's hottest team: Harbaugh's defense has suddenly disappeared. Granted, Jordan Howard is very good and Mitch Leidner was very lucky, but 3 consecutive shutouts feels like an eternity ago. And here comes Saquan I-ran-for-194-yards-against-an-actual-elite-defense Barkley. Fortunately for that school up north, Jake Rudock seems to have become what Hackenberg was at his peak, and UM will need him against a stout Penn State D. This is a terrible trap game for the Corn and Blue, and they drop a big one at the most inopportune time. We'll find out how stern their stuff is next week. UM: 23--PSU: 24
Schweinfurth: Penn St. gets Michigan at a good time, right before playing the Buckeyes and in a good place, Happy Valley. After watching Jordan Howard run crazy and tenderize the scUM front seven, Saquan Barkley is set up for a BIG day. I expect lots of running and not so much passing. UM: 13--PSU: 17
Seeberg: Unfortunately, scUM avoided a collapse against Indiana last week, and in the process won a borderline shootout- something the Wolverines didn't appear capable of doing. This game is likely to feature a helluva lot fewer points, which is right in their wheelhouse. With Sackenburg sitting in the pocket like one of those targets at the county fair that just moves back and forth every time you hit it with the pop gun, the Nittany Lions are likely to be in a lot of 3rd and longs which means the maize and blue defense will tee off on the immobile QB. Crowd keeps them in it for a half or so, but (We Are) Penn State wears down late. UM: 24--PSU: 13
#15 Louisiana State Tigers @ #21 Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: I don't know what to make of these teams. LSU looked beastly until Bama destroyed them, then even Bert could take em down. Ole Miss has been up and down all year but Nkemdiche is questionable and the best player on the field wear's purple and gold. Are Miles and the Tigers going to go quietly into that goodnight? I don't think so. Leonard Fournette restates his Heisman hopes (albeit a little too late). The Grove will be rocking but the Taigahs will geaux. LSU: 27--Miss: 20
Hoying: LSU loses to Arkansas in another installment of the world's wackiest rivalry and the fans instantly complain that the wheels are falling off in Baton Rouge. I'm glad our fans are more patient and never freak out over a loss...But however bad it's been, it's about to get worse. Alabama drafted the blueprint for stopping Fournette, and the Landsharks aren't going to be to be any easier of a puzzle for the Tigers to solve. Maybe LSU can win by throwing over the top. Heh. Heheheheh. HeeheeeheeheeheehahahahaHAHAHAHAHAH! LSU: 17--Miss: 20
Schweinfurth: There is no way LSU loses three in a row right? Yes, Alabama gave the blueprint to stop Fournette (and really all you had to do was load the box because the Tigers don't have a QB). With that said, I just don't think Ole' Miss has the horses on defense, mostly becuase it's Ole' Miss. Fournette does just enough to win this for the Tigers. LSU: 20--Miss: 14
Seeberg: Seriously, Tiger fans? Les Miles is coaching for his job? If there is even a shred of truth in that Miles should just bolt out the back door and never return. In any event, LSU will likely be okay either way. Bama put 37 on the Landsharks with an offense that has serious trouble throwing the ball. Sound familiar? I wouldn't expect any explosion quite like that, but the Tigers will Rag on that Ole Miss O (see what I did there??) and make just enough plays on offense to get back on track. LSU: 24--Miss: 20
#17 Northwestern Wildcats @ #21 Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: Another toughie. Wisconsin has floated around the periphery after dropping the only two games of consequence. Bama destroyed them and Iowa killed football with their 10-6 crapfest win (see Bengals on MNF). Northwestern has the win over Stanford and....yeah. I think the Badgers may be able to finally squeeze some life out of Camp Randall for a 'bigger than anyone will give them credit for' win. The game should be competitive...but that doesn't mean good. NW: 14--Wisc: 17
Hoying: How good is Wisconsin? The Badgers played 2 elite teams, lost to them both, and played NOBODY else. Northwestern's rebounded a bit from their midseason skid, claiming a nice victory over Penn State, but moving the ball against the nation's top scoring defense (!) might bring out the old Northwestern we know and love. However, even if Northwestern can't move the ball, Wisconsin has offensive struggles of their own, completely losing their identity without a viable running threat. Ehhh...I'm feeling the battle-tested NW defense to outshine a Badger D that's been feasting on cupcake row. NW: 13--UW: 10
Schweinfurth: If this game was in the "mighty" SEC it would be touted as a clash of two great defenses. There will be almost no points scored in this one. Northwestern's offense does just enough to win and Wisconsin is a shell of what they have been the past few years. First team to score a TD wins. NW: 10--UW: 9
Seeberg: Another B1G clash with points at a premium. Sadly for Iowa, the loser is likely out of the top 25, hurting their quality win status. Iowa's hideous 10-6 win over the Badgers earlier in the year was against an extremely shorthanded Wisconsin squad. The Badgers are marginally healthier now, and I expect them to completely shut down NW. Will they score enough points to win? Not in most cases- but this is the exception. NW: 6--UW: 10
#16 Baylor Bears @ #4 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Shootouts continue in the Big 12. Baylor faltered under the lights this week, but they get an immediate shot at redemption. The Pokes came back from another late deficit, but keep winning. While Baylor shrunk on the big stage, OSU tends to rise up. Stillwater is always rocking so lean on the Cowboys. Baylor had their hopes and dreams crushed last week, and I don't think this team has the intestinal fortitude to come back from disappointment. Baylor: 49--OSU: 59
Hoying; Good news for the Big 12: the Pac 12 isn't churning out a champion with fewer than 2 losses, all but eliminating them from the playoff picture. Bad news for the Big 12: Notre Dame is still sitting at the 4 spot and only Oklahoma State has a chance to escape the conference unblemished. Considering Baylor's craptastic schedule, Bob Bowlsby's dreamcatcher is probably chock full of trogglehumpers of Baylor recovering from last week's loss to run the table. Fortunately for him, the Cowboys are a legitimate title contender who fight until the final pistol. The Force is with young Jarrett Stidham, but he's not a Big 12 contender yet. Baylor: 45--OSU: 56
Schweinfurth: That vaunted Baylor offense sure looked great last week...or not. Baylor just doesn't have it when they play top competition. Oklahoma State on the other hand has looked good lately and is climbing up the standings. Take the Pokes at home. Baylor: 42--OSU: 63
Seeberg: I'll be honest, it'd be nice to see Baylor lose again so we can finally stop hearing from Art it's-un-American-to-leave-us-out-of-the-playoff Briles. Fortunately, that's likely to come to fruition. On the road with a backup QB whose only games thus far are a narrow win at KSU and a loss at home against the Sooners. They'll score points as always, but that steel-sieve defense will be their undoing again. Bay: 35--OSU: 45
UCLA Bruins @ #18 Utah Utes
Draper: Both of these teams are...I have no clue. Utah had it all in front of them, and crapped themselves vs. Arizona. UCLA has been a Jekyll and Hyde team all year. Rosen, Wilson, who will emerge. No clue. I do know that Salt Lake is a pretty intense environment. Utah has crashed after flying too close to the sun, but UCLA has been middling all year. With the Utes fight back for a chance and the title or will good UCLA grab control of their Pac 12 South destiny. No clue. The loss of Booker for the year tips the scales slightly to the visitors. UCLA: 27--Utah: 24
Hoying: Oh yeah, the Pac-12 is still playing football. I forgot how boring a conference race becomes when it's not likely to end with a playoff berth. Remember how many conferences suffered this fate back in the BCS era, when only 2 teams got to move on to the championship? They dragged me kicking and screaming into the brave new world of playoffs, but I think I've been proven dead wrong. I genuinely care about all the other games on this list because of the playoff implications they carry. In contrast, I can't come up with anything to say about this one. Really. Got nothing. UCLA: 27--Utah: 20
Schweinfurth: I really have no clue here. I did see that Booker may be questionable for Utah. That will be a huge difference in this one. UCLA: 24--Utah: 17
Seeberg: I have been whiffing on PAC-12 games left and right all year and this one is no easier to prognosticate. Both teams are coming off bad losses, UCLA is having an expected mercurial season with a true frosh QB, and Utah is just good enough to get your hopes up before falling flat. I expect Rosen to play an inspired game after a lackluster performance last week, so I'll take the Bruins in an I-wouldn't-be-at-all-surprised-if-it-went-the-other-way contest. UCLA: 31--Utah: 23
#12 Texas Christian Horned Frogs @ #8 Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: OU is flying up everyone's charts, but their one win may not be that impressive if Baylor takes a dive. That being said, no one has fallen quicker than TCU. After losing to the Pokes, the near miss vs. one of the worst teams in the country is a major worry. TCU is falling fast and OU is rising quickly. While I'm not completely on the Sooner Schooner, I like what I'm seeing out of Norman. The game's also in Norman? BOOMER!! TCU: 17--OU: 38
Hoying: Remember the 2010 national championship? Texas finally made it back to the big show after being controversially left out the previous year in favor of Oklahoma, a team they beat (although any Big 12 selection for the title game that year would've been controversial). They came out firing on their first drive...and lost Colt McCoy for the game to a shoulder injury. The Alabama-Texas clash of the titans never came to be and the Tide cruised to victory. I feel like we were robbed of a possible matchup of that level here. No Boykin, no Doctson, no chance for TCU to stop what's become the nation's most frightening juggernaut since That School Up North in early October. Bedlam next week will have never been Bedlammier. TCU: 27--OU: 42
Schweinfurth: Boykin and Doctson may be out for this one and that is most definitely not a good thing for TCU. Add the porous TCU defense this year and you have the perfect storm for a Sooner win. TCU: 21--OU: 38
Seeberg: TCU's defense has gotten moderately healthier in the last few weeks; however, their offense has gotten much more ill. Both Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson are questionable for the game with nagging injuries, meaning if both can give it a go they won't be at full strength. Meanwhile, the Sooners are riding high after dethroning the Briles Bears last week. TCU is too good for the Sooners to look past like they did against Texas for their annual Bob Stoops Inexplicable Loss of the Year Award (TM). Onto Bedlam as a potential playoff play-in game. TCU: 28--OU: 42
#8 Michigan State Spartans @ #2 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Is MSU good? They have the fluky win over the Wolverines and a lot of near misses against subpar to bad competition. The Bucks finally get their first test, but I'm not totally sure if this is the test that we thought it would be in August. Cook is hurt (no matter what the Spartans say) which pretty much removes the offense. LJ Scott is a nice back and the receivers are alright, but without the signal caller, there's not much there. Oh yeah, the Buckeye defense has been fantastic of late. The Bucks, on the other side of the ball, need to emerge from the cocoon as they did in the MSU game last year. JT needs to take control and rebound after last weeks' 'eh' performance. More importantly, the O-line needs to slow Shilique Calhoun. I think they will and the Bucks make a statement before facing the fighting Harbaughs. MSU: 17--OSU: 42
Hoying: Did you know that Penn State can still win the B1G East? All they need is to win their final two games and hope that the Buckeyes lose out. I hate Penn State more than any other team (except one), so it's very important that our boys slam the door on any Rose Bowl hopes for the Lions with a big win over Sparty. Back in September, these teams were #1 and #2 for a brief period before Michigan State went all 2002 Ohio State and started struggling against poor opponents. This is not the same Sparty that terrorized the B1G for a couple years with a dominating defense, but that might make Buckeye fans more nervous. No one scores consequential upsets over Ohio State like That Other School Up North. From wins over Archie and the gang back in the early 70's to ending the Bucks' title hopes in the BCS's opening and closing seasons, there are plenty of reasons not to take this team lightly. The good news is that Urban has had this game marked on his calendar since last season ended, so Buckeye fans should expect to see the best performance from the Silver Bullets and a fully armed and operational JT Barrett-led offense (don't expect any field goals, though). A Penn State win over Meatchicken (see above) and the Buckeyes clinch a spot in the B1G championship a week ahead of THE GAME. MSU: 17--OSU: 35
Seeberg: Anybody see/believe the betting line on this? We are a 2-touchdown favorite. That terrifies the heck out of me. As we know the offense has been sputtering for much of the year, but a pleasant surprise, at least to me, has been the Silver Bullet D. They seemed to embrace The Grind a bit more than the O, and are already playing at CFP-level form. I do believe the offense will begin to round into shape, but not fully against a tough Sparty D. Regardless, bettors should take Sparty, but the Bucks take the game. MSU: 17--OSU: 28
Upset Special
Draper: Virginia Tech over North Carolina
Hoying: Tulsa over Navy
Schweinfurth: Boston College over Notre Dame
Seeberg: Indiana over Maryland (seriously, MD is a 2-point favorite)
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