After a one year hiatus, the TS Index is back. I will try and post these every week to coincide with the BCS rankings just to give little more fodder to the rankings. Take note that the are all computer generated and do not actually reflect who I believe should be ranked and where. And here we go:
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Oklahoma State
4. Boise State
5. Oklahoma
6. Michigan
7. Clemson
8. South Carolina
9. Stanford
10. Virginia Tech
11. Kansas State
12. Penn State
13. Nebraska
14. Wisconsin
15. Illinios
16. Michigan State
17. Texas A&M
18. Rutgers
19. Houston
20. Notre Dame
21. Georgia Tech
22. Oregon
23. Texas
24. North Carolina
25. West Virginia
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Grading the Bucks: Week 7--Illinois-- That's better
Offense: B-
Everyone will spend time talking about the 1 completed pass (for a TD I might add), but the simple fact is that the Bucks were running the ball with success so, why change? Boom looked like he hasn't been suspended with some really hard runs. Braxton handed the ball off spectacularly and ran fine when needed. The O-Line looked good. I like it. It was boring, but it worked. In terms of execution, the Dave play worked well. My only beef was the lack of off tackle runs in favor of Dave up the middle. Boom was seeing the field so well so he should have been in a little more. Hall was ok but not as good. I liked Hyde better than Hall coming in, but to bring Hyde in for his first carry right after Illinois scored was dumb. Give me a steady dose of Boom with a sprinkling of Hyde and spread Hall out as a receiver. As W is a W.
Defense: B+
Howard....yes Travis Howard, makes a key interception to more or less seal the game. What the heck? He even looked like a competent corner on that one play which blew my mind...especially after giving a 20 yard cushion on every play previous. Watch the film. He was beaten on EVERY curl route with ease, but give credit where credit is due because he made a key play. Also, where has this Tyler Moeller been? He's been a lump on the field for 6 games and all of a sudden he's back to being a play maker with key tackles and forced fumbles. The D held strong and only game up the 7 points but I didn't give them an A for one glaring problem. Tackling. Every play in which the OSU D made a tackle, it seemed the ball carrier fell forward between 1 and 4 yards. That is not the Silver Bullet D I expect. They need to knock people backwards. This may be picky, but it is a MUST. Vrabel and Fickell can't be happy with the 70 or so yards given up after first contact. That is a point of pride that this defense needs to get. We forced 2 turnovers and were handed a 3rd. Got the job done this week, but need to clean it up for Wisky.
Special Teams: A-
Once again, the special teams comes up HUGE. Basil made an early kick to set the tone in a windstorm. Buchanan was placing punts with precision for the most part (I downgraded for a weak punt or 2 in the 4th quarter). Regardless, Buchanan has arguably been the MVP of this team thusfar. No big returns (the squib kicks worked SPECTACULARLY in the wind), no missed kicks, no turnovers. I'll take it.
Coaching: B+
Bucks score a rocking 17 points and set football back 100 years with 1 completed pass...and you know what? It was the EXACT right play. What have I been saying since the Miami game? Run. the. ball. Everyone is pining for a 'healthy balance' but I ask, why? Passing in that wind would have been a horrible decision; we don't have a QB who can throw a pass; we have very good running backs; the return of Boom was a breath of fresh air; and most importantly, IT WORKED! You coach to the players you have and the situation and they did well. That being said, the walrus (Jim Bollmen) should have called more than Dave up the middle and draw plays. Boom was running well and had great vision so get him into space. Everyone will use the 1/4 passing stats to snicker at OSU but the joke is on them as the Bucks were victorious. Don't get cute Fickell. Follow the late Al Davis' advice: Just Win, Baby!
Everyone will spend time talking about the 1 completed pass (for a TD I might add), but the simple fact is that the Bucks were running the ball with success so, why change? Boom looked like he hasn't been suspended with some really hard runs. Braxton handed the ball off spectacularly and ran fine when needed. The O-Line looked good. I like it. It was boring, but it worked. In terms of execution, the Dave play worked well. My only beef was the lack of off tackle runs in favor of Dave up the middle. Boom was seeing the field so well so he should have been in a little more. Hall was ok but not as good. I liked Hyde better than Hall coming in, but to bring Hyde in for his first carry right after Illinois scored was dumb. Give me a steady dose of Boom with a sprinkling of Hyde and spread Hall out as a receiver. As W is a W.
Defense: B+
Howard....yes Travis Howard, makes a key interception to more or less seal the game. What the heck? He even looked like a competent corner on that one play which blew my mind...especially after giving a 20 yard cushion on every play previous. Watch the film. He was beaten on EVERY curl route with ease, but give credit where credit is due because he made a key play. Also, where has this Tyler Moeller been? He's been a lump on the field for 6 games and all of a sudden he's back to being a play maker with key tackles and forced fumbles. The D held strong and only game up the 7 points but I didn't give them an A for one glaring problem. Tackling. Every play in which the OSU D made a tackle, it seemed the ball carrier fell forward between 1 and 4 yards. That is not the Silver Bullet D I expect. They need to knock people backwards. This may be picky, but it is a MUST. Vrabel and Fickell can't be happy with the 70 or so yards given up after first contact. That is a point of pride that this defense needs to get. We forced 2 turnovers and were handed a 3rd. Got the job done this week, but need to clean it up for Wisky.
Special Teams: A-
Once again, the special teams comes up HUGE. Basil made an early kick to set the tone in a windstorm. Buchanan was placing punts with precision for the most part (I downgraded for a weak punt or 2 in the 4th quarter). Regardless, Buchanan has arguably been the MVP of this team thusfar. No big returns (the squib kicks worked SPECTACULARLY in the wind), no missed kicks, no turnovers. I'll take it.
Coaching: B+
Bucks score a rocking 17 points and set football back 100 years with 1 completed pass...and you know what? It was the EXACT right play. What have I been saying since the Miami game? Run. the. ball. Everyone is pining for a 'healthy balance' but I ask, why? Passing in that wind would have been a horrible decision; we don't have a QB who can throw a pass; we have very good running backs; the return of Boom was a breath of fresh air; and most importantly, IT WORKED! You coach to the players you have and the situation and they did well. That being said, the walrus (Jim Bollmen) should have called more than Dave up the middle and draw plays. Boom was running well and had great vision so get him into space. Everyone will use the 1/4 passing stats to snicker at OSU but the joke is on them as the Bucks were victorious. Don't get cute Fickell. Follow the late Al Davis' advice: Just Win, Baby!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Week 7 picks: Couple of winners...
Michigan @ Michigan State
Draper: Alright Michigan, here's your shot. I really don't think that MSU is that solid of a team, but they are certainly much better (especially on defense) than the dregs the Wolverines have played thus far. The Spartans defensive line is super tough (see 9 sacks against OSU) but it will be interesting to see if they can hang with Denard. The UM defense is still pretty awful so Cousins should have a pretty good game. I think the stepchild will keep it rolling and send the Denards home crying. Go Green! UM: 20--MSU:23
Auer: Little brother no more, MSU has evolved into a consistent winner in this Big Ten Blood Feud. With Kirk Cousins' improved accuracy and Denard Robinson's enjoyment of throwing to the other team, MSU remains the pesky little brother to big blue. UM: 24--MSU: 35
Hoying:The UM-MSU rivalry heats up this year, as the winner of this game takes the inside track to the Legends division title. Mich QB Denard Robinson should pile up a few yards on the ground, but the brutal Spartan line should take quite a few back, forcing a few horrible decisions along the way. The Michigan defense was exposed last weekend against Northwestern, and while the Spartan passing attack is nothing special, Kirk Cousins and Co. should be able to do enough to get the job done. Not this year, maize and blue. UM: 20 --MSU:27
Schweinfurth: Nothing like the battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy. Michigan "Little Brother" State's defense has looked good so far this year with the exception of the debacle at Notre Dame. Sparty did a great job of bottling up a mobile quarterback against OSU but Denard is a better and more experienced runner (I refuse to call him a QB). Robinson will toss up his requisite three picks and Sparty takes advantage. Denard will keep big Blue in it but it wont be enough. UM: 24--MSU: 31
Baylor @ Texas A&M
Draper: A nice Big 12 game between 2 ok teams....but nothing more. Baylor took their first loss of the year and most likely knocked RG3 out of the Heisman race (unfairly) but they'll be looking to rebound. TAMU comes off of an underrated win against Texas Tech after the 2 collapses in the preceding weeks. The 12th man makes the difference as Tannehill leads the Aggies to victory. RG3 will get his but will throw a key interception (only his 2nd of the year) due to the raucous crowd. I'd love for Baylor to get back on track, but I'm not seeing it. TAMU rights the ship at home. Baylor: 20--TAMU: 27
Auer: Not even a clue on this one... Baylor hasn't won much of significance ever and A&M usually messes things up when they shouldn't. I'll go with talent in this one. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 53
Hoying: Next up is the Flaky Bowl. Baylor features mediocre talent surrounding the nation's most dynamic player in Robert Griffin III, but Texas A&M has shown they can pound on anybody...for a half. Baylor's only loss was by 1 point to an underrated Kansas State squad, which involved a 4th quarter mini meltdown of its own. The question is: if Baylor finds itself down early, can they make the plays necessary to pull out a win? I believe they can. The Aggies blow it again. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 35
Schweinfurth: The intrigue of this game is: how much offense can RG3 put up? He is my Heisman frontrunner for sure (but won't win, unfortunately) and it will be interesting to see what he can do against a better defense that what he has faced. Unfortunately for RG3, Baylor is still Baylor and I don't see many stops by the Baylor defense. I got the Aggies (Whooooo!) in a shootout. Baylor: 35--TAMU: 45
Oklahoma State @ Texas
Draper: The Longhorns come off an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Sooners while Okie State played their starters for only the first half in a romp over Kansas. While Texas returns home to lick their wounds, I think the Pokes smell blood in the water. Absolutely no one is talking about the sick numbers being put up by the Cowboys. Yeah, the defense is so-so, but the offense cannot be stopped. Blackmon goes for 2 TDs and the Longhorns return to earth as they wait for McCoy and Shipley to mature. Bedlam is going to be INSANE! OSU: 48--UT: 20
Draper: Alright Michigan, here's your shot. I really don't think that MSU is that solid of a team, but they are certainly much better (especially on defense) than the dregs the Wolverines have played thus far. The Spartans defensive line is super tough (see 9 sacks against OSU) but it will be interesting to see if they can hang with Denard. The UM defense is still pretty awful so Cousins should have a pretty good game. I think the stepchild will keep it rolling and send the Denards home crying. Go Green! UM: 20--MSU:23
Auer: Little brother no more, MSU has evolved into a consistent winner in this Big Ten Blood Feud. With Kirk Cousins' improved accuracy and Denard Robinson's enjoyment of throwing to the other team, MSU remains the pesky little brother to big blue. UM: 24--MSU: 35
Hoying:The UM-MSU rivalry heats up this year, as the winner of this game takes the inside track to the Legends division title. Mich QB Denard Robinson should pile up a few yards on the ground, but the brutal Spartan line should take quite a few back, forcing a few horrible decisions along the way. The Michigan defense was exposed last weekend against Northwestern, and while the Spartan passing attack is nothing special, Kirk Cousins and Co. should be able to do enough to get the job done. Not this year, maize and blue. UM: 20 --MSU:27
Schweinfurth: Nothing like the battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy. Michigan "Little Brother" State's defense has looked good so far this year with the exception of the debacle at Notre Dame. Sparty did a great job of bottling up a mobile quarterback against OSU but Denard is a better and more experienced runner (I refuse to call him a QB). Robinson will toss up his requisite three picks and Sparty takes advantage. Denard will keep big Blue in it but it wont be enough. UM: 24--MSU: 31
Baylor @ Texas A&M
Draper: A nice Big 12 game between 2 ok teams....but nothing more. Baylor took their first loss of the year and most likely knocked RG3 out of the Heisman race (unfairly) but they'll be looking to rebound. TAMU comes off of an underrated win against Texas Tech after the 2 collapses in the preceding weeks. The 12th man makes the difference as Tannehill leads the Aggies to victory. RG3 will get his but will throw a key interception (only his 2nd of the year) due to the raucous crowd. I'd love for Baylor to get back on track, but I'm not seeing it. TAMU rights the ship at home. Baylor: 20--TAMU: 27
Auer: Not even a clue on this one... Baylor hasn't won much of significance ever and A&M usually messes things up when they shouldn't. I'll go with talent in this one. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 53
Hoying: Next up is the Flaky Bowl. Baylor features mediocre talent surrounding the nation's most dynamic player in Robert Griffin III, but Texas A&M has shown they can pound on anybody...for a half. Baylor's only loss was by 1 point to an underrated Kansas State squad, which involved a 4th quarter mini meltdown of its own. The question is: if Baylor finds itself down early, can they make the plays necessary to pull out a win? I believe they can. The Aggies blow it again. Baylor: 42--TAMU: 35
Schweinfurth: The intrigue of this game is: how much offense can RG3 put up? He is my Heisman frontrunner for sure (but won't win, unfortunately) and it will be interesting to see what he can do against a better defense that what he has faced. Unfortunately for RG3, Baylor is still Baylor and I don't see many stops by the Baylor defense. I got the Aggies (Whooooo!) in a shootout. Baylor: 35--TAMU: 45
Oklahoma State @ Texas
Draper: The Longhorns come off an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Sooners while Okie State played their starters for only the first half in a romp over Kansas. While Texas returns home to lick their wounds, I think the Pokes smell blood in the water. Absolutely no one is talking about the sick numbers being put up by the Cowboys. Yeah, the defense is so-so, but the offense cannot be stopped. Blackmon goes for 2 TDs and the Longhorns return to earth as they wait for McCoy and Shipley to mature. Bedlam is going to be INSANE! OSU: 48--UT: 20
Auer: Texas was annihilated by the Sooners, and their "little brother", Oklahoma State, shouldn't have a problem doing the same thing. The Longhorns will be looking to right the ship, especially after going 0-4 in Big 12 play last year at home. OSU is not the defensive juggernaut that the Sooners are, but they still should not have a problem thwarting the Texas attack. OSU: 37--UT: 24
Hoying: Can it be? So soon? Yes, boys and girls, it's the magical week that ruins Oklahoma's State's season EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The Cowpokes finally got over the hump last year, beating a terrible Texas squad. This year both squads come in a little sharper, but, unfortunately for Texas, the gap hasn't closed. This Okie State squad is mature, confident, and ready to make a statement in a game that will get more hype than the Cowboys-Aggies matchup of two weeks ago. Get ready for the Longhorn defense to look BAD for the second week in a row. OSU: 61--UT:31
Schweinfurth: Texas is reeling from that loss last week for sure. You don't just get over a blowout at the hands of a rival. It doesn't get any easier this week for the Longhorns. It's gonna be Blackmon all game and the Pokes use this game as a tune up for Bedlam. In the words of Bart Scott "CAN'T WAIT!"
OSU: 50--UT:24
Arizona State @ Oregon
Draper: No Lamichael it appears; no problem. ASU and 6'8'' tall Brock Osweiler (notice the commentators can't say his name without mentioning his height) have been fairly decent this year and will most likely win the Pac 12 south, but the Ducks are a different animal. It took a half before UO got going last week, but then they dropped the hammer. Look for the Ducks to jump out quickly and keep the pressure on. ASU: 23--UO: 45
Hoying: Can it be? So soon? Yes, boys and girls, it's the magical week that ruins Oklahoma's State's season EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The Cowpokes finally got over the hump last year, beating a terrible Texas squad. This year both squads come in a little sharper, but, unfortunately for Texas, the gap hasn't closed. This Okie State squad is mature, confident, and ready to make a statement in a game that will get more hype than the Cowboys-Aggies matchup of two weeks ago. Get ready for the Longhorn defense to look BAD for the second week in a row. OSU: 61--UT:31
Schweinfurth: Texas is reeling from that loss last week for sure. You don't just get over a blowout at the hands of a rival. It doesn't get any easier this week for the Longhorns. It's gonna be Blackmon all game and the Pokes use this game as a tune up for Bedlam. In the words of Bart Scott "CAN'T WAIT!"
OSU: 50--UT:24
Arizona State @ Oregon
Draper: No Lamichael it appears; no problem. ASU and 6'8'' tall Brock Osweiler (notice the commentators can't say his name without mentioning his height) have been fairly decent this year and will most likely win the Pac 12 south, but the Ducks are a different animal. It took a half before UO got going last week, but then they dropped the hammer. Look for the Ducks to jump out quickly and keep the pressure on. ASU: 23--UO: 45
Auer: Oregon has won 19 straight games at home, the Sun Devils are playing on the road for the second straight week, seems like the perfect setup for a big game that will be just plain ugly. LaMichael James is not going to play, but the Ducks are deep, and always seem to have another running back waiting in the wings to pick up the slack. Today will be no different and the Ducks will run their home win streak to 20 games. ASU: 17--UO: 52
Hoying: Finally, Oregon and AState get a break from playing awful teams. The effect of losing LaMichael James to injury cannot be overstated, but the talent gap between these two teams is too wide for the injury to tip the balance of the game. If you aren't willing to stay up late and watch this game, don't worry about it. We'll see it again in December. ASU: 27--UO: 38
Schweinfurth: This game is all offense, all the time. LaMichael "Sabretooth" James is out for this one, but Oregon has a stable in the backfield starting with Kenyon Barner. Not to be outdone, Brock Osweiler (look, Chief, I didn't mention he was 6' 8"...doh) and the Sun Devils can light up the scoreboard as well. This will be a fun and exciting game to watch (and with these offenses, this game could last for 5 hours). The team that gets the ball last will win this game. ASU: 45--UO: 49
Ohio State @ Illinois
Draper: Which Buckeye team shows up? Is Illinois for real or another flash in the pan? The Bucks need a rebound game after that second half debacle in Lincoln. They can fall over and die or rally. I'm choosing rally. Scheelhouse is a solid QB and Jenkins is a fantastic receiver but the OSU D-Line will turn up the heat. The run D will hold up and I'm hoping that someone other than Howard covers Jenkins. Miller will be sufficient again in the passing game and the return of Herron will bolster the already decent running game. Bollman gets overruled by every fan in the world with more sense and the Bucks RUN THE BALL to victory. OSU: 23--Ill:17
Hoying: Finally, Oregon and AState get a break from playing awful teams. The effect of losing LaMichael James to injury cannot be overstated, but the talent gap between these two teams is too wide for the injury to tip the balance of the game. If you aren't willing to stay up late and watch this game, don't worry about it. We'll see it again in December. ASU: 27--UO: 38
Schweinfurth: This game is all offense, all the time. LaMichael "Sabretooth" James is out for this one, but Oregon has a stable in the backfield starting with Kenyon Barner. Not to be outdone, Brock Osweiler (look, Chief, I didn't mention he was 6' 8"...doh) and the Sun Devils can light up the scoreboard as well. This will be a fun and exciting game to watch (and with these offenses, this game could last for 5 hours). The team that gets the ball last will win this game. ASU: 45--UO: 49
Ohio State @ Illinois
Draper: Which Buckeye team shows up? Is Illinois for real or another flash in the pan? The Bucks need a rebound game after that second half debacle in Lincoln. They can fall over and die or rally. I'm choosing rally. Scheelhouse is a solid QB and Jenkins is a fantastic receiver but the OSU D-Line will turn up the heat. The run D will hold up and I'm hoping that someone other than Howard covers Jenkins. Miller will be sufficient again in the passing game and the return of Herron will bolster the already decent running game. Bollman gets overruled by every fan in the world with more sense and the Bucks RUN THE BALL to victory. OSU: 23--Ill:17
Auer: Funny that the week I pick for the Bucks, everyone else goes opposite, and then Fickell's squad blows a 21-point lead... disgusting. I was perusing OSU-Wisconsin tickets this week, spoke to a co-worker, she had a pair on eBay listed at face value that DID NOT RECEIVE A SINGLE BID. The Bucks are bad, but the spark of Boom Herron's return could make a difference. The Bucks should win, but won't. OSU: 20--Ill: 26
Hoying: Each week seems to create more questions than answers for this Buckeye squad. The Buckeyes clearly have the more talented squad, especially with Boom Herron returning, but do they possess the will of the warrior? Illinois features another nasty pass rush, so Braxton will have to be able to make quick decisions and run the ball effectively for the Bucks to have a chance. The secondary will have its hands full with All-B1G caliber receiver AJ Jenkins (can we get one quality DB?) but Illinois will have serious trouble running the ball if the Buckeye defense plays to their full caliber. Play this game 10 times and Illinois wins 7 or 8 of them, but this team is just BEGGING to get tagged. Buckeyes score the upset. OSU: 14--Ill:13
Schweinfurth: Boom's back this week and Miller should be ready to go (tape up those ankles Brax!). Walrusball will have the Bucks pounding the ball early as the Bucks always struggle throwing in the wind tunnel of Memorial Stadium. This Illinois team is 6-0 and looking toward getting a "big name win" over the Bucks. The Silver Bullets were exposed a bit last week and had a hard time chasing Martinez all over the field in the second half and Scheelhouse is a better passer than Martinez. The Silver Bullets are looking for redemption and will get and hold onto a lead this week. OSU: 24--Ill: 21
Upset Special(s)
Draper: Texas Tech over KSU
Hoying: Each week seems to create more questions than answers for this Buckeye squad. The Buckeyes clearly have the more talented squad, especially with Boom Herron returning, but do they possess the will of the warrior? Illinois features another nasty pass rush, so Braxton will have to be able to make quick decisions and run the ball effectively for the Bucks to have a chance. The secondary will have its hands full with All-B1G caliber receiver AJ Jenkins (can we get one quality DB?) but Illinois will have serious trouble running the ball if the Buckeye defense plays to their full caliber. Play this game 10 times and Illinois wins 7 or 8 of them, but this team is just BEGGING to get tagged. Buckeyes score the upset. OSU: 14--Ill:13
Schweinfurth: Boom's back this week and Miller should be ready to go (tape up those ankles Brax!). Walrusball will have the Bucks pounding the ball early as the Bucks always struggle throwing in the wind tunnel of Memorial Stadium. This Illinois team is 6-0 and looking toward getting a "big name win" over the Bucks. The Silver Bullets were exposed a bit last week and had a hard time chasing Martinez all over the field in the second half and Scheelhouse is a better passer than Martinez. The Silver Bullets are looking for redemption and will get and hold onto a lead this week. OSU: 24--Ill: 21
Upset Special(s)
Draper: Texas Tech over KSU
Auer: Michigan State over scUM, MSU over USC, Texas Tech over K-State,
Hoying: Indiana over Wisconsin (just kidding) Maryland over Clemson (it's time)
Schweinfurth: Wake over VaTech
Hoying: Indiana over Wisconsin (just kidding) Maryland over Clemson (it's time)
Schweinfurth: Wake over VaTech
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Five Thoughts from the Week that was
1) The definition of personal foul unsportsmanlike conduct has to change.
Anyone reading this knows where this post is coming from. In the LSU-Florida game, LSU faked a punt that led to a long TD run. At the end of the run, the punter spread his arms in celebration at the 5 for 1 second, realized he shouldn't, and ran into the endzone. The new rule states that an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul and the points are taken off the board. This cost LSU a TD (they failed to convert and scored a FG instead). This, of course, had no impact on the outcome of the game as Florida was clearly outclassed, but this ruling is insane. By the letter of the law, you could call it taunting, but it clearly wasn't vindictive or overbearing. The rule needs to be changed to avoid the no-fun league. My solution is to maintain the unsportsmanlike penalty and perhaps even maintain the 'taking the points off the board' (even though I'm not sold on that), but the definition of excessive celebration should be defined as anything that either delays the normal progress of the game (throwing the ball in the stands or choreography) or directly taunts the other team (like throwing the ball in the defense's face or moonwalking into the endzone). This was clearly a case of excitement when a punter was caught up in the moment and quickly rectified his error (the only way we saw this was through a camera replay). Let the kids have fun without degrading the other team. The punter did not celebrate excessively so it was harmless and needs to be ignored. By the current letter of the law, the flag could have been thrown (judgement call). I propose changing the rule so the flag could not be properly thrown for such a minor infraction.
2) Schedules don't matter to the voters.
Look at the rankings: 4 Wisconsin, 5 Boise, 7 Stanford, 11 Michigan, 13 West Virginia, 14 Nebraska...I could go on, but what do these teams have in common? They've beaten no one of consequence (yes, Wisky beat Neb by I don't think the Huskers are for real). These high rankings are vestiges of high preseason opinions in areas and in others, pollsters are blinded by the undefeated records. WVU and Nebraska have each played 1 quality opponent and got smashed. UM beat ND on the final second because they were playing 11 on 0. I believe that Wisconsin, Boise, and Stanford are pretty solid teams, but the schedule is never factored. The mock BCS has Wisconsin at 7 which draws some ire, but they simply haven't played anyone (and won't until the bowl as the B1G is down). Stanford plays Oregon which will define the season, and Boise plays....no one. Who knows if they hold, but look at the opponents before you crown a team.
3) Momentum is crucial in college football
This point is easily made by watching the downfalls of OSU and FSU. OSU fumbles the ball with a 21 point lead. This woke up the crowd and gave Nebraska the momentum to completely turn the game around. FSU had complete control and got totally jacked up for the huge showdown vs. OU. They went all out yet still lost to the experience laden Sooners. After that, with their QB injured, they went into the hornets nest in Clemson and lost to the sexy team of the moment, at which they were upset. Following the 2nd disappointment, the Noles entered Wake Forest where they habitually have trouble (usually in the form of an injury). 1 broken RB and 5 turnovers later, the Noles (starting at number 4 overall) are staring at a losing record. Pretty much all of the hardship is due to the momentum shift after all the wind was taken out by losing when they put it on the line vs. #1. Of all the sports, momentum is clearly defining in college football which is why we love it!
4) Commentating has reached an all-time low
Watching games on mute is a now a soothing decision. Craig James blathering about why it's wrong to take illegal benefits (hyposcrisy anyone?), Jesse Palmer talking about his hair, Pam Ward talking about God knows what, Matt Millen evaluating receiver prospects (with clearly no clue), and Brent Musburger's drunken reverie; it's all so trite and ridiculous. Normally, not only don't they add the the broadcast, but they detract from it using blatantly incorrect or stupid 'insights'. If you want to actually learn something about the game and how it should be played, listen to Urban Meyer and Chris Spielmen. They're really the only 2 that don't dumb down their football talk (too much) and have reasonable snippets to add to the game's enjoyment. I've had enough with the ESPiN talking heads fall over themselves looking stupid when they don't understand what a ref is signally or why a certain play worked (or not). The commentators of today feel it is their obligation to dumb down what is happening for the 'idiots' watching. I've had enough. The commentators are the idiots. Thank you Urban and Chris for keeping it real (by the way Urban, Columbus is awesome this time of year).
5) The contenders are separating themselves
Parity exists in most of college football which is what has led to some really exciting games...excepting those with the few actually good teams out there. I'm in the 91 percentile in the college pick-em with confidence. While I like to think I know something, it's been all too easy. The big teams are completely disconnected from the pretenders as of now. Look at the blowouts of LSU and Bama over Florida, Wisconsin over Nebraska, and OU over Texas. There are many more instances of the elite crushing the 'also-rans', but I won't list them all. Some of the games are exciting but the high profile teams are blowing everyone out. LSU/Bama will be epic, OU/OkSt will be thrilling, and Stan/Oreg will be a shootout, but as I look over the schedule, there are very few games of interest to me in this regular season.
Anyone reading this knows where this post is coming from. In the LSU-Florida game, LSU faked a punt that led to a long TD run. At the end of the run, the punter spread his arms in celebration at the 5 for 1 second, realized he shouldn't, and ran into the endzone. The new rule states that an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul and the points are taken off the board. This cost LSU a TD (they failed to convert and scored a FG instead). This, of course, had no impact on the outcome of the game as Florida was clearly outclassed, but this ruling is insane. By the letter of the law, you could call it taunting, but it clearly wasn't vindictive or overbearing. The rule needs to be changed to avoid the no-fun league. My solution is to maintain the unsportsmanlike penalty and perhaps even maintain the 'taking the points off the board' (even though I'm not sold on that), but the definition of excessive celebration should be defined as anything that either delays the normal progress of the game (throwing the ball in the stands or choreography) or directly taunts the other team (like throwing the ball in the defense's face or moonwalking into the endzone). This was clearly a case of excitement when a punter was caught up in the moment and quickly rectified his error (the only way we saw this was through a camera replay). Let the kids have fun without degrading the other team. The punter did not celebrate excessively so it was harmless and needs to be ignored. By the current letter of the law, the flag could have been thrown (judgement call). I propose changing the rule so the flag could not be properly thrown for such a minor infraction.
2) Schedules don't matter to the voters.
Look at the rankings: 4 Wisconsin, 5 Boise, 7 Stanford, 11 Michigan, 13 West Virginia, 14 Nebraska...I could go on, but what do these teams have in common? They've beaten no one of consequence (yes, Wisky beat Neb by I don't think the Huskers are for real). These high rankings are vestiges of high preseason opinions in areas and in others, pollsters are blinded by the undefeated records. WVU and Nebraska have each played 1 quality opponent and got smashed. UM beat ND on the final second because they were playing 11 on 0. I believe that Wisconsin, Boise, and Stanford are pretty solid teams, but the schedule is never factored. The mock BCS has Wisconsin at 7 which draws some ire, but they simply haven't played anyone (and won't until the bowl as the B1G is down). Stanford plays Oregon which will define the season, and Boise plays....no one. Who knows if they hold, but look at the opponents before you crown a team.
3) Momentum is crucial in college football
This point is easily made by watching the downfalls of OSU and FSU. OSU fumbles the ball with a 21 point lead. This woke up the crowd and gave Nebraska the momentum to completely turn the game around. FSU had complete control and got totally jacked up for the huge showdown vs. OU. They went all out yet still lost to the experience laden Sooners. After that, with their QB injured, they went into the hornets nest in Clemson and lost to the sexy team of the moment, at which they were upset. Following the 2nd disappointment, the Noles entered Wake Forest where they habitually have trouble (usually in the form of an injury). 1 broken RB and 5 turnovers later, the Noles (starting at number 4 overall) are staring at a losing record. Pretty much all of the hardship is due to the momentum shift after all the wind was taken out by losing when they put it on the line vs. #1. Of all the sports, momentum is clearly defining in college football which is why we love it!
4) Commentating has reached an all-time low
Watching games on mute is a now a soothing decision. Craig James blathering about why it's wrong to take illegal benefits (hyposcrisy anyone?), Jesse Palmer talking about his hair, Pam Ward talking about God knows what, Matt Millen evaluating receiver prospects (with clearly no clue), and Brent Musburger's drunken reverie; it's all so trite and ridiculous. Normally, not only don't they add the the broadcast, but they detract from it using blatantly incorrect or stupid 'insights'. If you want to actually learn something about the game and how it should be played, listen to Urban Meyer and Chris Spielmen. They're really the only 2 that don't dumb down their football talk (too much) and have reasonable snippets to add to the game's enjoyment. I've had enough with the ESPiN talking heads fall over themselves looking stupid when they don't understand what a ref is signally or why a certain play worked (or not). The commentators of today feel it is their obligation to dumb down what is happening for the 'idiots' watching. I've had enough. The commentators are the idiots. Thank you Urban and Chris for keeping it real (by the way Urban, Columbus is awesome this time of year).
5) The contenders are separating themselves
Parity exists in most of college football which is what has led to some really exciting games...excepting those with the few actually good teams out there. I'm in the 91 percentile in the college pick-em with confidence. While I like to think I know something, it's been all too easy. The big teams are completely disconnected from the pretenders as of now. Look at the blowouts of LSU and Bama over Florida, Wisconsin over Nebraska, and OU over Texas. There are many more instances of the elite crushing the 'also-rans', but I won't list them all. Some of the games are exciting but the high profile teams are blowing everyone out. LSU/Bama will be epic, OU/OkSt will be thrilling, and Stan/Oreg will be a shootout, but as I look over the schedule, there are very few games of interest to me in this regular season.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Grading the Bucks--Week 6: Nebraska...Words cannot express....
Offense: B+ 1st half/F 2nd half
Have to split this up after what I just saw. The 1st half showed a competent OSU attack. Good solid blocking, strong runs, and some decent (not great but ok) passing. OSU effortlessly moved the ball effectively right through a porous defense that the Cornhuskers boast. Miller looked confident (even though he still throws a horrible ball) and he actually started to hit the hole. I'm still scared with the way he carries the ball but he is definitely maturing. Jordan Hall seems to be regressing in the running attack but Carlos Hyde has been a pleasant surprise. Why 34 wasn't in the game more, I'll never know. The O-line protected MUCH better and was opening holes (see Carlos Hyde). Now to the elephant in the room. Bauserman. I'm done. I defended him and thought he could do it. I was wrong. I believe a lot of this regression is due to the TOTAL lack of faith by everyone in Columbus, but I don't care about the why anymore. He just can't lead this team anymore. With that being said, anyone saying we lost because of Bauserman is just plain ignorant and stupid. He entered the game with a 14 point lead. He didn't give up the 28 unanswered points. All the defense had to do was make A stop. Bauserman was terrible I agree and his time is done, but he wasn't the reason we lost. In fact, the turning point of the game was Miller handing the ball to the Nebraska LB and the D giving up a 22 yard run immediately to wake up the Sea of Red. Bauserman didn't help us maintain the lead, but he didn't cause the Buckeyes to fall down. Trust me, this collapse was a team effort.
Defense: A- 1st half/F 2nd half
Now we come to the problem. The first 30 showed the Bullets back to form stuffing Martinez and Burkhead. They flew all over the field and gave up next to nothing the 1st half. After the Miller fumble, I think Greg Robinson took over. The defense was confused and out of position on seemingly every play. They looked like the normal OSU defense that can't handle the option/ zone read. The offense shut off but you'd imagine the OSU D that has only taken 2 series off all year would hold.......nope. This collapse was much MUCH more troubling on the defensive side. To be clear, the athletic talent on the OSU defense is not as good as the recent past, but they've played above it. This week, in the 2nd half, it all crashed to earth. All the defensive finger pointing from last week toward the painfully horrendous offense was turned right around. I don't think I've ever seen an OSU defense collapse like that. Vrabel, Fickell....looking at you.
Special Teams: B+
Another solid enough week for the specialty teams. 1/1 on field goals and some nice punts inside the 20. Punt coverage was pretty good, but the kick coverage was definitely taking a step back (hence the lack of an A). Why didn't they try the long field goal? Not the special teams problems....but it was due to:
Coaching: B 1st half/ F---- 2nd half
The experiment is over. The walrus looked like he was calling a decent game in the first half, but what happened? Here's a stat for you: Miller threw 8 passes in 2.75 quarters (completing 5). Bauserman enters the game (WITH A 14 POINT LEAD!!!) and in 1.25 quarters of work, he throws 10 passes. 10!!! And he completed 1. WHAT KIND OF A GAME PLAN IS THAT?!?!?! When it doesn't work, TRY SOMETHING ELSE!!! The ground game with Hyde was working, and yet, Jordan Hall was getting the ball to run into the lineman. Bauserman is sent into the game due to injury and Bollman opens the playbook? What are these monkeys doing? Everyone gets on Bollman (mostly deserved) for running on EVERY 1st down...here's the difference this week: it worked. Then in comes Bauserman. Since he's essentially equivalent to Aaron Rodgers, we go run and shoot. Joe B doesn't call the plays. Blame the idiots up top. Now to Fickell, you have a 7 point lead and the ball at the 32. You defense can catch a cold.... what do you do? Punt?....What?!? KICK THE FG!!! At least try it. You aren't Tressel. He had defense to bail him out. It was clear ours already left Lincoln. Love you Luke, but good luck at Akron next year. Bring on Urban.
Have to split this up after what I just saw. The 1st half showed a competent OSU attack. Good solid blocking, strong runs, and some decent (not great but ok) passing. OSU effortlessly moved the ball effectively right through a porous defense that the Cornhuskers boast. Miller looked confident (even though he still throws a horrible ball) and he actually started to hit the hole. I'm still scared with the way he carries the ball but he is definitely maturing. Jordan Hall seems to be regressing in the running attack but Carlos Hyde has been a pleasant surprise. Why 34 wasn't in the game more, I'll never know. The O-line protected MUCH better and was opening holes (see Carlos Hyde). Now to the elephant in the room. Bauserman. I'm done. I defended him and thought he could do it. I was wrong. I believe a lot of this regression is due to the TOTAL lack of faith by everyone in Columbus, but I don't care about the why anymore. He just can't lead this team anymore. With that being said, anyone saying we lost because of Bauserman is just plain ignorant and stupid. He entered the game with a 14 point lead. He didn't give up the 28 unanswered points. All the defense had to do was make A stop. Bauserman was terrible I agree and his time is done, but he wasn't the reason we lost. In fact, the turning point of the game was Miller handing the ball to the Nebraska LB and the D giving up a 22 yard run immediately to wake up the Sea of Red. Bauserman didn't help us maintain the lead, but he didn't cause the Buckeyes to fall down. Trust me, this collapse was a team effort.
Defense: A- 1st half/F 2nd half
Now we come to the problem. The first 30 showed the Bullets back to form stuffing Martinez and Burkhead. They flew all over the field and gave up next to nothing the 1st half. After the Miller fumble, I think Greg Robinson took over. The defense was confused and out of position on seemingly every play. They looked like the normal OSU defense that can't handle the option/ zone read. The offense shut off but you'd imagine the OSU D that has only taken 2 series off all year would hold.......nope. This collapse was much MUCH more troubling on the defensive side. To be clear, the athletic talent on the OSU defense is not as good as the recent past, but they've played above it. This week, in the 2nd half, it all crashed to earth. All the defensive finger pointing from last week toward the painfully horrendous offense was turned right around. I don't think I've ever seen an OSU defense collapse like that. Vrabel, Fickell....looking at you.
Special Teams: B+
Another solid enough week for the specialty teams. 1/1 on field goals and some nice punts inside the 20. Punt coverage was pretty good, but the kick coverage was definitely taking a step back (hence the lack of an A). Why didn't they try the long field goal? Not the special teams problems....but it was due to:
Coaching: B 1st half/ F---- 2nd half
The experiment is over. The walrus looked like he was calling a decent game in the first half, but what happened? Here's a stat for you: Miller threw 8 passes in 2.75 quarters (completing 5). Bauserman enters the game (WITH A 14 POINT LEAD!!!) and in 1.25 quarters of work, he throws 10 passes. 10!!! And he completed 1. WHAT KIND OF A GAME PLAN IS THAT?!?!?! When it doesn't work, TRY SOMETHING ELSE!!! The ground game with Hyde was working, and yet, Jordan Hall was getting the ball to run into the lineman. Bauserman is sent into the game due to injury and Bollman opens the playbook? What are these monkeys doing? Everyone gets on Bollman (mostly deserved) for running on EVERY 1st down...here's the difference this week: it worked. Then in comes Bauserman. Since he's essentially equivalent to Aaron Rodgers, we go run and shoot. Joe B doesn't call the plays. Blame the idiots up top. Now to Fickell, you have a 7 point lead and the ball at the 32. You defense can catch a cold.... what do you do? Punt?....What?!? KICK THE FG!!! At least try it. You aren't Tressel. He had defense to bail him out. It was clear ours already left Lincoln. Love you Luke, but good luck at Akron next year. Bring on Urban.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Week 6 Picks--Midseason rivalries aren't as appealing this year
Oklahoma vs. Texas
Draper: The Red River Shootout (yeah, I said it, big whoop, wanna fight about it) is actually semi-relevant this year after Texas disappearing. That being said, these aren't the polished McCoy to Shipley from 2006-2009. While the younger brothers are improving, they aren't good enough to take down the Sooners. Jones will have a field day with Broyles and Stills, and the Stoops defense will knock the Longhorns off their undefeated high horse with relative ease. OU: 48--UT: 20
Auer: Texas has seemingly returned to form after an abysmal 2010 season, and here they sit at 4-0. The problem is Texas really hasn't beaten anyone. The Sooners on the other hand have a key win at Florida State, and look to continue on their collision course for a date with the Crimson Tide. This one really shouldn't be close, as much as I want UT to make it so. OU: 35--UT: 10
Hoying: In so many other years, 4-0 Oklahoma vs. 4-0 Texas would serve as a mid-season determinant of the Big XII South champion. Not so this year; there are five (Five!) undefeated Big X(II) teams heading into this week, and all of them will play each other before the season is done. This is the first (second if you count KSU-Baylor of what should be an excellent set of Big X(II) showdowns. Look for Oklahoma's steadier offense, led by veteran QB Landry Jones, to have a big day and the better-than-advertised OU defense to cause confusion for the 2-headed Texas QB monster. OU: 34 -- UT: 16
Schweinfurth: Undefeated Texas and undefeated Oklahoma? One would think this game would be close but you have to go with McCoy and Shipley. Wait, it's not Colt and Jordan? In all seriousness, Oklahoma is the better team. The Sooner D is down right nasty and will just be too much for both Texas QBs. OU: 42 -- UT: 17
Florida @ LSU
Draper: Sucks for Florida that they get the 2 best teams in the country back-to-back. Also, they have lost their QB (Brantley) to dismemberment at the hands of the Saban defense. This could have been a good matchup, but the Gators haven't turned the corner yet. LSU is rolling and should make easy work of the Gators without a QB. Demps and Rainey are good, but no passing threat will be a killer. Death Valley will be insane and will send more Gators to the doctor. UF: 6--LSU: 24
Auer: Not much chance for Will Muschamp's Gators as they head to Death Valley without a QB. LSU is really good, but not quite as good as Alabama, but still won't have a problem with UF this week. UF: 10--LSU: 32
Hoying: I still think Florida is shaping up to make some noise in the weak SEC East (and get hammered by 'Bama again), but LSU in Baton Rouge is too tall an order for the Gators, especially without their starting QB (we've seen what effect losing your only good QB can have). The LSU defense is slightly more forgiving than the Crimson Brick Wall, but Florida will be in no position to challenge it. UF: 13 -- LSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Will Muschamp has the Gators turning the corner and Jabba the Weiss has figured has been putting Demps and Rainey in positions to succeed. Unfortunately for Florida, LSU has one of the best secondaries in the nation. This should be an exciting game but Baton Rouge will prove to be too much for Florida. UF: 14 -- LSU: 31
Auburn @ Arkansas
Draper: Auburn has been living on borrowed time with 3 of their 4 wins coming in heart-stopping fashion. The little known secret is that they're not that good and have been super lucky. Give them credit for hanging around long enough to steal a win, but not happening in Fayetteville. Tyler Wilson and the Hogs dug a HUGE hole last week (thankfully it was against the choke artists at TAMU) but looked great and under poise coming back. Expect another huge passing day from Wilson to lead the Hogs to victory and send the Tigers back to reality. Aub: 17--Ark: 38
Auer: Auburn is officially about to become the schizophrenic team of 2011. They'll upset highly ranked USC one week, then turn around and lose to Clemson, and then struggle against the likes of Utah State. The Tigers will surely come back to earth after last week's upset of the Gamecocks. Aub: 21--Ark: 45
Hoying: In the last two weeks, Arkansas got hammered by the best team in the country and looked beatable against Texas A&M before a well-played comeback. This team is itching to make a statement and dismantle an opponent, and look who's coming to Fayetteville. The Auburn Tigers have derailed two trendy SEC picks (South Carolina and Mississippi State) and their only loss is to a quality Clemson team, but anyone who's been watching this team has to be scratching their head wondering how long Gene Chizik's brain farts can power this team to victory. Here's a fun stat to close with: the SEC-worst Auburn defense gives up 233 passing yards per game. Arkansas's QB Tyler Wilson led the SEC's best offense to 510 passing yards last week against Texas A&M. Uh-oh. Aub: 20 -- Ark: 56
Schweinfurth: Auburn continues to live on the edge and keeps gutting out close wins. The last time the Tigers faced a top offense (in Clemson), the Tiger defense was exposed. Auburn can score and I don't buy into the Razorback defense. Auburn's magic touch has to run out sometime and, even though I say it every week, it runs out this week in a not so close shootout. Aub: 28 -- Ark: 42
Ohio State @ Nebraska
Draper: We just can't catch a break (mostly due to stupid players). No Boom and No Posey most likely means no help on offense. The return of Mike Adams (and possibly even Solomon Thomas) will help but the biggest boon to the offense will be Nebraska. Their defense is well behind MSU at the line of scrimmage. This bodes well for the OSU running game. Hall will run for a solid 100 yards, but the flip side is Nebraska's O is better than MSU. One aspect that has given the Bullets fits is a running QB...uh oh. The Bullets play tough and the offense looks more competent, but on the road is gonna be trouble for the young QB. I think it will be much closer than the experts think. I have to do it (for the first real time), but I don't have to like it. OSU: 20--Neb: 27
Auer: Struggling to find the positives in this one. The Buckeyes have to click eventually, don't they? The defense has to score eventually, right? I have literally no rhyme or reason to do this, but I have a feeling that Nebraska *might* be the type of team that chokes under pressure. The Buckeyes are going to be lucky to have anything to play for by the time November rolls around, so they might as well throw whatever they've got out Saturday night in Lincoln and maybe Lady Luck will be on the side of Fickell's team. OSU: 13--Neb: 10
Hoying: The Buckeyes are bad, m'kay? The team has no quarterback, its best running back and wide receiver have slipped through its grasp indefinitely, and key players are being lost left and right to serious injuries (Verlon Reed, Philly Brown, Nate Williams). The Bucks are teetering on the edge of collapse as evidenced by RB Carlos Hyde's comments about the coaching staff. Now for the good news. Aside from a few problems with the secondary (looking at you, #7), the defense still works, which is remarkable considering how long they've had to stay on the field. Also, Nebraska's defense isn't going to be anywhere near as tough as MSU's to crack. However, nighttime in Lincoln is going to be very unforgiving to this young team. Even though this one is winnable, the young Bucks don't quite have the poise to get it done. OSU: 16 -- Neb: 17
Schweinfurth: This game is will be all about defense. Ohio State has a walrus calling plays and Taylor Martinez makes my throwing motion look good. If one offense has an advantage, it has to be the 'Husker's pseudo-option attack. One gets the feeling that, if Nebraska scores early, the Silver Bullets may revolt against the offense. The Buckeyes are on tilt and Bo Pelini is looking to make a statement. This one is close but Nebraska moves the ball thanks to a few missed tackles. Martinez throws a few picks (including a pick 6) but the Bucks can't take advantage of the field position. OSU: 10 -- Neb: 17
Upset Specials
Draper: Mizzou over Kansas State
Auer: Ohio State over Nebraska
Hoying: Northwestern over Michigan (I don't know, I don't see a lot of upsets this week)
Schweinfurth: Maryland over Georgia Tech (I'm with Hoying on this one. Not many upset chances)
Draper: The Red River Shootout (yeah, I said it, big whoop, wanna fight about it) is actually semi-relevant this year after Texas disappearing. That being said, these aren't the polished McCoy to Shipley from 2006-2009. While the younger brothers are improving, they aren't good enough to take down the Sooners. Jones will have a field day with Broyles and Stills, and the Stoops defense will knock the Longhorns off their undefeated high horse with relative ease. OU: 48--UT: 20
Auer: Texas has seemingly returned to form after an abysmal 2010 season, and here they sit at 4-0. The problem is Texas really hasn't beaten anyone. The Sooners on the other hand have a key win at Florida State, and look to continue on their collision course for a date with the Crimson Tide. This one really shouldn't be close, as much as I want UT to make it so. OU: 35--UT: 10
Hoying: In so many other years, 4-0 Oklahoma vs. 4-0 Texas would serve as a mid-season determinant of the Big XII South champion. Not so this year; there are five (Five!) undefeated Big X(II) teams heading into this week, and all of them will play each other before the season is done. This is the first (second if you count KSU-Baylor of what should be an excellent set of Big X(II) showdowns. Look for Oklahoma's steadier offense, led by veteran QB Landry Jones, to have a big day and the better-than-advertised OU defense to cause confusion for the 2-headed Texas QB monster. OU: 34 -- UT: 16
Schweinfurth: Undefeated Texas and undefeated Oklahoma? One would think this game would be close but you have to go with McCoy and Shipley. Wait, it's not Colt and Jordan? In all seriousness, Oklahoma is the better team. The Sooner D is down right nasty and will just be too much for both Texas QBs. OU: 42 -- UT: 17
Florida @ LSU
Draper: Sucks for Florida that they get the 2 best teams in the country back-to-back. Also, they have lost their QB (Brantley) to dismemberment at the hands of the Saban defense. This could have been a good matchup, but the Gators haven't turned the corner yet. LSU is rolling and should make easy work of the Gators without a QB. Demps and Rainey are good, but no passing threat will be a killer. Death Valley will be insane and will send more Gators to the doctor. UF: 6--LSU: 24
Auer: Not much chance for Will Muschamp's Gators as they head to Death Valley without a QB. LSU is really good, but not quite as good as Alabama, but still won't have a problem with UF this week. UF: 10--LSU: 32
Hoying: I still think Florida is shaping up to make some noise in the weak SEC East (and get hammered by 'Bama again), but LSU in Baton Rouge is too tall an order for the Gators, especially without their starting QB (we've seen what effect losing your only good QB can have). The LSU defense is slightly more forgiving than the Crimson Brick Wall, but Florida will be in no position to challenge it. UF: 13 -- LSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Will Muschamp has the Gators turning the corner and Jabba the Weiss has figured has been putting Demps and Rainey in positions to succeed. Unfortunately for Florida, LSU has one of the best secondaries in the nation. This should be an exciting game but Baton Rouge will prove to be too much for Florida. UF: 14 -- LSU: 31
Auburn @ Arkansas
Draper: Auburn has been living on borrowed time with 3 of their 4 wins coming in heart-stopping fashion. The little known secret is that they're not that good and have been super lucky. Give them credit for hanging around long enough to steal a win, but not happening in Fayetteville. Tyler Wilson and the Hogs dug a HUGE hole last week (thankfully it was against the choke artists at TAMU) but looked great and under poise coming back. Expect another huge passing day from Wilson to lead the Hogs to victory and send the Tigers back to reality. Aub: 17--Ark: 38
Auer: Auburn is officially about to become the schizophrenic team of 2011. They'll upset highly ranked USC one week, then turn around and lose to Clemson, and then struggle against the likes of Utah State. The Tigers will surely come back to earth after last week's upset of the Gamecocks. Aub: 21--Ark: 45
Hoying: In the last two weeks, Arkansas got hammered by the best team in the country and looked beatable against Texas A&M before a well-played comeback. This team is itching to make a statement and dismantle an opponent, and look who's coming to Fayetteville. The Auburn Tigers have derailed two trendy SEC picks (South Carolina and Mississippi State) and their only loss is to a quality Clemson team, but anyone who's been watching this team has to be scratching their head wondering how long Gene Chizik's brain farts can power this team to victory. Here's a fun stat to close with: the SEC-worst Auburn defense gives up 233 passing yards per game. Arkansas's QB Tyler Wilson led the SEC's best offense to 510 passing yards last week against Texas A&M. Uh-oh. Aub: 20 -- Ark: 56
Schweinfurth: Auburn continues to live on the edge and keeps gutting out close wins. The last time the Tigers faced a top offense (in Clemson), the Tiger defense was exposed. Auburn can score and I don't buy into the Razorback defense. Auburn's magic touch has to run out sometime and, even though I say it every week, it runs out this week in a not so close shootout. Aub: 28 -- Ark: 42
Ohio State @ Nebraska
Draper: We just can't catch a break (mostly due to stupid players). No Boom and No Posey most likely means no help on offense. The return of Mike Adams (and possibly even Solomon Thomas) will help but the biggest boon to the offense will be Nebraska. Their defense is well behind MSU at the line of scrimmage. This bodes well for the OSU running game. Hall will run for a solid 100 yards, but the flip side is Nebraska's O is better than MSU. One aspect that has given the Bullets fits is a running QB...uh oh. The Bullets play tough and the offense looks more competent, but on the road is gonna be trouble for the young QB. I think it will be much closer than the experts think. I have to do it (for the first real time), but I don't have to like it. OSU: 20--Neb: 27
Auer: Struggling to find the positives in this one. The Buckeyes have to click eventually, don't they? The defense has to score eventually, right? I have literally no rhyme or reason to do this, but I have a feeling that Nebraska *might* be the type of team that chokes under pressure. The Buckeyes are going to be lucky to have anything to play for by the time November rolls around, so they might as well throw whatever they've got out Saturday night in Lincoln and maybe Lady Luck will be on the side of Fickell's team. OSU: 13--Neb: 10
Hoying: The Buckeyes are bad, m'kay? The team has no quarterback, its best running back and wide receiver have slipped through its grasp indefinitely, and key players are being lost left and right to serious injuries (Verlon Reed, Philly Brown, Nate Williams). The Bucks are teetering on the edge of collapse as evidenced by RB Carlos Hyde's comments about the coaching staff. Now for the good news. Aside from a few problems with the secondary (looking at you, #7), the defense still works, which is remarkable considering how long they've had to stay on the field. Also, Nebraska's defense isn't going to be anywhere near as tough as MSU's to crack. However, nighttime in Lincoln is going to be very unforgiving to this young team. Even though this one is winnable, the young Bucks don't quite have the poise to get it done. OSU: 16 -- Neb: 17
Schweinfurth: This game is will be all about defense. Ohio State has a walrus calling plays and Taylor Martinez makes my throwing motion look good. If one offense has an advantage, it has to be the 'Husker's pseudo-option attack. One gets the feeling that, if Nebraska scores early, the Silver Bullets may revolt against the offense. The Buckeyes are on tilt and Bo Pelini is looking to make a statement. This one is close but Nebraska moves the ball thanks to a few missed tackles. Martinez throws a few picks (including a pick 6) but the Bucks can't take advantage of the field position. OSU: 10 -- Neb: 17
Upset Specials
Draper: Mizzou over Kansas State
Auer: Ohio State over Nebraska
Hoying: Northwestern over Michigan (I don't know, I don't see a lot of upsets this week)
Schweinfurth: Maryland over Georgia Tech (I'm with Hoying on this one. Not many upset chances)
5 Thoughts from the Week that Was
1) Still we have questionable officiating...with no explanation or consequences.
Last weeks problem was much more crucial with a missed PAT call but the fact remains that too many calls are missed or not addressed. As the time ticked down in a critical matchup between South Carolina and Auburn, the Gamecocks get a first down with 2 seconds left; (barely) enough time to spike the ball and get a last second field goal off to tie the game. Alas, the clock ran out and when Spurrier asked for the referee to review it, he refused and called the game. One argument was that there was only 1 second left and that means there was not enough time to spike the ball with time remaining. If that's the case, then come out at confirm it! As of now, the South Carolina faithful are left holding the bag with questions abounding and Gene Chizik (the current edition of Les Miles-'winning games despite poor coaching). This is yet another incident of poor referee-ing with no consequences or explanations. It's time to hold these officials to a higher standard.
2) Media money drives opinion and, therefore, polls
OSU has a near miss against Toledo and everyone destroys the B1G. South Carolina has a near miss against Navy (arguably closer than OSU/Toledo) and no one mentions it rather than another SEC win. Give credit to Navy who is always a tough matchup. Unfortunately, you'll never know because the $EC drives E$PiN. The polls are clearly driven by the highlights shown on ESPiN and those highlights are skewed in favor of those who pay the bills. The top SEC teams are that good, but the rest are the same as every other conference also-ran.
3) Undefeated doesn't always mean the best.
Quick, one conference has 5 undefeated teams, which is it? No, not the be-all, end-all SEC, but the Big 12. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Kansas State. This is more than double any other conference, but hold the phone folks. The Oklahoma teams each have quality wins (FSU and TAMU) but the other 3 played no one but the Little Sisters of the Poor (yeah, I said it). KSU under Snyder is known to play no one but creampuffs (yes, this year he played Miami but whopee...). Texas played UCLA....yawn. I didn't even know Texas Tech has played a game since Michael Crabtree left. Good for them being undefeated, but let's wait until they play quality opponents to anoint the conference. The Oklahoma teams are legit, but I don't think the others will get more than 8 wins a piece.
4) Pains me to say this, but the National Championship (as of now) should be a
rematch of Alabama vs. LSU.
I said this before and I'll say it again: everyone sucks. This year has been extremely painful to watch. That being said, Bama and LSU are (as of now) the clear best teams in the country. Yes, OU is good, but they'll most likely drop one like they always do. Ok St offense can't keep the questionable defense going undefeated. Wisconsin is very tough but who knows if they can hold up against a defense on the road. Boise is Boise and will most likely go undefeated but no one cares. Stanford and Oregon play in a tossup but the Cardinal have an easy schedule and the Ducks already lost to LSU. The SEC powers are very very good and I really think there is a possibility that they rematch in the Title Game. The most likely contender is Wisconsin in my opinion due to schedule and what I've seen. I hate the SEC, but those 2 teams have the best resumes and talent that I've seen thus far.
5) Fair or foul, Robert Griffin III is most likely out of the Heisman race already.
Remember how I said that it's very hard to break into the Heisman race without preseason hype; it's nearly impossible when you're on a team that's out of the race (translation: has a loss). This is, of course, not fair at all, but it's the world we live in. RG3 has eye-popping stats with slightly fewer TDs than incompletions, 1 interception, and 5 TD passes a piece in 3 games, but no one will remember him if he doesn't win. Small market and non-contender never really have a chance. Many people are giving him lip-service in the media, but I don't buy that they actually believe it. I do think he is a legit candidate, but when the voters turn in their ballots, I feel they will be skewed by their preconceptions and drop him down below the NFL #1 pick (Luck), the golden boy (Kellen Moore), the best player on the best team (Trent Richardson), the hot transfer (Russell Wilson), and the best QB the number 1 team (Jones). RG3 needs to go crazy EVERY game from here on out and he absolutely HAS to beat OU with some crazy stats to even get back in the legit discussion. Pay attention to this kid because he's really good (and he'll get his compensation next year in the NFL), but the preconceptions kill his realistic chance in my opinion.
Last weeks problem was much more crucial with a missed PAT call but the fact remains that too many calls are missed or not addressed. As the time ticked down in a critical matchup between South Carolina and Auburn, the Gamecocks get a first down with 2 seconds left; (barely) enough time to spike the ball and get a last second field goal off to tie the game. Alas, the clock ran out and when Spurrier asked for the referee to review it, he refused and called the game. One argument was that there was only 1 second left and that means there was not enough time to spike the ball with time remaining. If that's the case, then come out at confirm it! As of now, the South Carolina faithful are left holding the bag with questions abounding and Gene Chizik (the current edition of Les Miles-'winning games despite poor coaching). This is yet another incident of poor referee-ing with no consequences or explanations. It's time to hold these officials to a higher standard.
2) Media money drives opinion and, therefore, polls
OSU has a near miss against Toledo and everyone destroys the B1G. South Carolina has a near miss against Navy (arguably closer than OSU/Toledo) and no one mentions it rather than another SEC win. Give credit to Navy who is always a tough matchup. Unfortunately, you'll never know because the $EC drives E$PiN. The polls are clearly driven by the highlights shown on ESPiN and those highlights are skewed in favor of those who pay the bills. The top SEC teams are that good, but the rest are the same as every other conference also-ran.
3) Undefeated doesn't always mean the best.
Quick, one conference has 5 undefeated teams, which is it? No, not the be-all, end-all SEC, but the Big 12. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Kansas State. This is more than double any other conference, but hold the phone folks. The Oklahoma teams each have quality wins (FSU and TAMU) but the other 3 played no one but the Little Sisters of the Poor (yeah, I said it). KSU under Snyder is known to play no one but creampuffs (yes, this year he played Miami but whopee...). Texas played UCLA....yawn. I didn't even know Texas Tech has played a game since Michael Crabtree left. Good for them being undefeated, but let's wait until they play quality opponents to anoint the conference. The Oklahoma teams are legit, but I don't think the others will get more than 8 wins a piece.
4) Pains me to say this, but the National Championship (as of now) should be a
rematch of Alabama vs. LSU.
I said this before and I'll say it again: everyone sucks. This year has been extremely painful to watch. That being said, Bama and LSU are (as of now) the clear best teams in the country. Yes, OU is good, but they'll most likely drop one like they always do. Ok St offense can't keep the questionable defense going undefeated. Wisconsin is very tough but who knows if they can hold up against a defense on the road. Boise is Boise and will most likely go undefeated but no one cares. Stanford and Oregon play in a tossup but the Cardinal have an easy schedule and the Ducks already lost to LSU. The SEC powers are very very good and I really think there is a possibility that they rematch in the Title Game. The most likely contender is Wisconsin in my opinion due to schedule and what I've seen. I hate the SEC, but those 2 teams have the best resumes and talent that I've seen thus far.
5) Fair or foul, Robert Griffin III is most likely out of the Heisman race already.
Remember how I said that it's very hard to break into the Heisman race without preseason hype; it's nearly impossible when you're on a team that's out of the race (translation: has a loss). This is, of course, not fair at all, but it's the world we live in. RG3 has eye-popping stats with slightly fewer TDs than incompletions, 1 interception, and 5 TD passes a piece in 3 games, but no one will remember him if he doesn't win. Small market and non-contender never really have a chance. Many people are giving him lip-service in the media, but I don't buy that they actually believe it. I do think he is a legit candidate, but when the voters turn in their ballots, I feel they will be skewed by their preconceptions and drop him down below the NFL #1 pick (Luck), the golden boy (Kellen Moore), the best player on the best team (Trent Richardson), the hot transfer (Russell Wilson), and the best QB the number 1 team (Jones). RG3 needs to go crazy EVERY game from here on out and he absolutely HAS to beat OU with some crazy stats to even get back in the legit discussion. Pay attention to this kid because he's really good (and he'll get his compensation next year in the NFL), but the preconceptions kill his realistic chance in my opinion.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Grading the Bucks--Week 5: Michigan State.....GROSS
Offense: F
What a pathetic display! I thought this was Ohio State but apparently not. Under 100 yards of offense until late in the 4th and shutout until 10 seconds left....putrid. It's painfully clear that we do not have a quarterback on the roster. I still support Bauserman but he's the lesser of two evils. Miller has happy feet and is afraid to hit the hole. The running lanes open but he dances rather than just running. His passing has much to be desired as well. JB shows that he can throw...sometimes, but he can also overthrow the receivers by 20 yards. The running game took a giant step back and the best O-line I've seen obviously was a fluke. Jordan Hall failed to step up to the plate for his audition and the offensive line was pathetic after 2 solid weeks of above average play. Maybe the suspended players will make a difference but it's hard to envision fixing all of these holes. Give some credit to MSU's D-line but the guard play and QB play at OSU is inexcusable. Who starts at QB next week? God only knows. Personally, I'd start JB on the road, but I'm not comfortable with it. I expect Fickell to go with Miller, but there is no good answer.
Defense: A- (Side grade--Travis Howard: F-----)
How can you fail to gain more than 100 yards until the 4th and still have a (legit) chance to win in the waning seconds? Have a defense that plays sound and bends but doesn't break. While the offense was throwing up on the field, the defense never seemed to get a break. Yet, they continued to run out there and shut down the senior QB. The return of Nate Williams from injury and Solomon Thomas from suspension to join John Simon and Jonathan Hankins will make the front four very very scary. The run defense was stout but the secondary had some holes. The hole is named Travis Howard. BJ Cunningham (the leading receiver in MSU history) absolutely torched the Buckeyes because Howard was burnt toast on every play. Yes, Cunningham is good, but no adjustments to help Howard (or simply pull him) is just dumb. OSU defense is certainly not the reason for the loss, but I've seen that opposing teams will learn to pick on the weak link. Look for number 7 on the D to be continually beat (just think, some booster actually paid him extra benefits!!).
Special Teams: B-
Nothing special here, but the punting was not as good this week. Buchanan was asked to do a lot, but he wasn't a sharp as usual. Returns and coverage were fine, but the punting has been above average in the last few weeks. Simply average this week. With all the punts, you don't expect perfection but I don't think the net average was as good as the past few weeks. Passable but nothing to wow me.
Coaching: D
Sorry Luke, you never had a chance. Lost in the talk of Fickell is the fact that he was not allowed to hire his own staff. His defensive staff is just fine and the addition of Mike Vrabel is very good, but the offensive coaching staff is just awful. Jim Bollman (the OC) has been terrible since he began coaching and he has arguably regressed. OSU hasn't learned about simple plays to relax your QB like screens and quick slants (and this has been true since I arrived at OSU). Every play is a dave block run or a deep pattern down field. Without simply underneath, slant, or intermediate routes, the QBs cannot get into a rhythm and make the defense respect any semblance of a passing game. Also, while the first half showed an absolute failure by the offense, the second half showed that no one knows how to adjust as we just got more failure. Nothing is changing. The coaches seem to be beating their heads against the wall expecting to have the wall to apologize. If it doesn't work with your personnel, you must adjust. Fickell is a great guy and probably a great coach. He has coached up the defense to a high level without the top level talent, but there is just no hope for him if he gets no help from the offensive coaching staff. It's pretty much a done deal that Gene Smith is targeting Urban Meyer right now. Just think that every weekend, Chris Spielman calls games with Urban Meyer. Wouldn't be surprised if he's dropping hints during commercials. Nothing against Luke, but the situation pretty much screwed whomever got the interim job.
What a pathetic display! I thought this was Ohio State but apparently not. Under 100 yards of offense until late in the 4th and shutout until 10 seconds left....putrid. It's painfully clear that we do not have a quarterback on the roster. I still support Bauserman but he's the lesser of two evils. Miller has happy feet and is afraid to hit the hole. The running lanes open but he dances rather than just running. His passing has much to be desired as well. JB shows that he can throw...sometimes, but he can also overthrow the receivers by 20 yards. The running game took a giant step back and the best O-line I've seen obviously was a fluke. Jordan Hall failed to step up to the plate for his audition and the offensive line was pathetic after 2 solid weeks of above average play. Maybe the suspended players will make a difference but it's hard to envision fixing all of these holes. Give some credit to MSU's D-line but the guard play and QB play at OSU is inexcusable. Who starts at QB next week? God only knows. Personally, I'd start JB on the road, but I'm not comfortable with it. I expect Fickell to go with Miller, but there is no good answer.
Defense: A- (Side grade--Travis Howard: F-----)
How can you fail to gain more than 100 yards until the 4th and still have a (legit) chance to win in the waning seconds? Have a defense that plays sound and bends but doesn't break. While the offense was throwing up on the field, the defense never seemed to get a break. Yet, they continued to run out there and shut down the senior QB. The return of Nate Williams from injury and Solomon Thomas from suspension to join John Simon and Jonathan Hankins will make the front four very very scary. The run defense was stout but the secondary had some holes. The hole is named Travis Howard. BJ Cunningham (the leading receiver in MSU history) absolutely torched the Buckeyes because Howard was burnt toast on every play. Yes, Cunningham is good, but no adjustments to help Howard (or simply pull him) is just dumb. OSU defense is certainly not the reason for the loss, but I've seen that opposing teams will learn to pick on the weak link. Look for number 7 on the D to be continually beat (just think, some booster actually paid him extra benefits!!).
Special Teams: B-
Nothing special here, but the punting was not as good this week. Buchanan was asked to do a lot, but he wasn't a sharp as usual. Returns and coverage were fine, but the punting has been above average in the last few weeks. Simply average this week. With all the punts, you don't expect perfection but I don't think the net average was as good as the past few weeks. Passable but nothing to wow me.
Coaching: D
Sorry Luke, you never had a chance. Lost in the talk of Fickell is the fact that he was not allowed to hire his own staff. His defensive staff is just fine and the addition of Mike Vrabel is very good, but the offensive coaching staff is just awful. Jim Bollman (the OC) has been terrible since he began coaching and he has arguably regressed. OSU hasn't learned about simple plays to relax your QB like screens and quick slants (and this has been true since I arrived at OSU). Every play is a dave block run or a deep pattern down field. Without simply underneath, slant, or intermediate routes, the QBs cannot get into a rhythm and make the defense respect any semblance of a passing game. Also, while the first half showed an absolute failure by the offense, the second half showed that no one knows how to adjust as we just got more failure. Nothing is changing. The coaches seem to be beating their heads against the wall expecting to have the wall to apologize. If it doesn't work with your personnel, you must adjust. Fickell is a great guy and probably a great coach. He has coached up the defense to a high level without the top level talent, but there is just no hope for him if he gets no help from the offensive coaching staff. It's pretty much a done deal that Gene Smith is targeting Urban Meyer right now. Just think that every weekend, Chris Spielman calls games with Urban Meyer. Wouldn't be surprised if he's dropping hints during commercials. Nothing against Luke, but the situation pretty much screwed whomever got the interim job.
My Gut-Reaction Top 10 10/1/11
The wheat is quickly separating from the chaff. It's tough to even find 10 teams to fill this out.
1) Bama--Top to bottom most efficient team with the best D in the country. Going into the Swamp is no easy task, and they made it look easy.
2) LSU--Good wins, but the D isn't as solid as Bama. Also, the tide wins (Ark home and at UF road) are better than LSU (Oregon neutral and WVU road). Not to mention the huge coaching advantage in Tuscaloosa.
3) Oklahoma--Big win at FSU and solid in all other games (against the scrubs). Oh, Mizzou win wasn't bad either but execution is slightly lower than the SEC teams above.
4) Wisconsin--Totally solid play but haven't seen the same competition as above. Nebraska was in Camp Randall (and let's be honest, their D is terrible) but they looked great.
5) Oklahoma State--D is questionable but I believe they have the best offense in the country. The huge comeback in Kyle Field will be dismissed because of the TAMU collapse this week as well, but you could contribute some of this week's failure to the Pokes crushing their spirit. Blackmon and Weeden are just that good.
6) Clemson--The body of work is spectacular. FSU was banged up....but they beat them in Death Valley. They smashed VT in their own backyard (but we have no clue if their any good). Give credit to Dabo and crew because they just keep winning.
7) Stanford--Yeah, this ranking is because of Luck and undefeated-ness but they have looked just fine. I know they haven't played anyone but they've taken care of business with relative ease. Only tough games are home v. Oregon and @ (?) ND.
8) Boise State--Way low for most people but they play no one and will play no one. Nothing they can do about it....it's just a fact of life. I'll give them credit, but they can't move up without teams above faltering. Not fair? Maybe. But True.
9) Oregon--After those turnovers against LSU, they have quietly righted the ship. Look out for the Ducks who are quietly smashing everyone on the West Coast. Big time showdown @ Stanford later this year.
10) ...I don't know...Nebraska? Florida? who cares...--I don't see anyone else. Nebraska got smoked, but it was in Camp Randall where almost everyone loses. Florida got smoked but Bama is really good. Who else? Arkansas maybe? Everyone sucks...that's it.
1091824098) Buckeye offense--we suck...
1) Bama--Top to bottom most efficient team with the best D in the country. Going into the Swamp is no easy task, and they made it look easy.
2) LSU--Good wins, but the D isn't as solid as Bama. Also, the tide wins (Ark home and at UF road) are better than LSU (Oregon neutral and WVU road). Not to mention the huge coaching advantage in Tuscaloosa.
3) Oklahoma--Big win at FSU and solid in all other games (against the scrubs). Oh, Mizzou win wasn't bad either but execution is slightly lower than the SEC teams above.
4) Wisconsin--Totally solid play but haven't seen the same competition as above. Nebraska was in Camp Randall (and let's be honest, their D is terrible) but they looked great.
5) Oklahoma State--D is questionable but I believe they have the best offense in the country. The huge comeback in Kyle Field will be dismissed because of the TAMU collapse this week as well, but you could contribute some of this week's failure to the Pokes crushing their spirit. Blackmon and Weeden are just that good.
6) Clemson--The body of work is spectacular. FSU was banged up....but they beat them in Death Valley. They smashed VT in their own backyard (but we have no clue if their any good). Give credit to Dabo and crew because they just keep winning.
7) Stanford--Yeah, this ranking is because of Luck and undefeated-ness but they have looked just fine. I know they haven't played anyone but they've taken care of business with relative ease. Only tough games are home v. Oregon and @ (?) ND.
8) Boise State--Way low for most people but they play no one and will play no one. Nothing they can do about it....it's just a fact of life. I'll give them credit, but they can't move up without teams above faltering. Not fair? Maybe. But True.
9) Oregon--After those turnovers against LSU, they have quietly righted the ship. Look out for the Ducks who are quietly smashing everyone on the West Coast. Big time showdown @ Stanford later this year.
10) ...I don't know...Nebraska? Florida? who cares...--I don't see anyone else. Nebraska got smoked, but it was in Camp Randall where almost everyone loses. Florida got smoked but Bama is really good. Who else? Arkansas maybe? Everyone sucks...that's it.
1091824098) Buckeye offense--we suck...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Week 5 Picks: Conference Play Begins in Earnest
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Draper: SEC vs. soon-to-be-SEC. The Razorbacks got absolutely SMOKED by Alabama in a game that surprised no one. A&M fell apart last week by giving up a 17 point lead at home to an offensively dynamic team in Ok State. Both teams limp into this marquee matchup that (once again) no one is talking about. Arkansas is an also ran every year (as is Texas A&M) but I think the Aggies have a little more top to bottom talent. The second half collapse looms large but A&M needs to rebound. Arkansas's Tyler Wilson is good but they will come up just short. TAMU: 27--Ark: 24
Auer: After losing a game they shouldn't have, the Texas A&M Aggies will be looking to make a statement against an overrated R-kansas squad. The Aggies have surprised me, mostly in good was every time I've watched them, and their defense is better than expected. Arkansas has struggled, and karma has not been with them so far. TAMU: 21--Ark: 13
Hoying: A&M showed flashes of brilliance last week against Okie State, but QB Ryan Tannehill has proven to be as turnover-prone as ever, practically giving the game away. The Aggies also proved to be vulnerable against the pass, which gives an edge to Arkansas's airborne attack. However, Texas A&M is too balanced and too talented for the the Hogs to pull this one off. Look for the Aggies to win a shootout. TAMU: 41--Ark: 31
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: I hate to say this, but I don't think this is going to be that close. Neither of these teams has played an opponent with a pulse but Wisconsin has looked solid on both sides of the ball whereas the Black Shirt defense of Nebraska has yet to make an appearance. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead are spectacular runners but Wisconsin will probably load the box to slow down the running game. Martinez won't be able to throw well enough to keep up with the points his defense will give up. Also, Camp Randall at night is a trial by fire for the Nebraska welcome to the B1G. Nebraska: 17--Wisconsin: 31
Auer: Very torn in this one. Do I root for a team I despise, or a newcomer to the conference I know and love? Wisconsin really might be that good. Nebraska's defense might very well be a sieve. I'm going with the Badgers here, and I think it could be ugly. Nebraska: 13--Wisconsin: 41
Hoying: Which team wins this one: the one which has struggled to beat mid-level competition or the one which has spent 4 weeks mauling the Little Sisters of the Poor? Wisconsin has looked nigh unbeatable so far, but their lack of practice against quality opposition will come back to bite them here. Look for a big rushing day from Taylor Martinez and another great performance from Russell Wilson, but the over-hyped, over-confident Badgers will be brought down to reality at the hands of the B1G's newest contender. Nebraska: 35 -- Wisconsin: 34
Clemson Tigers @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: Clemson is coming off a tailor made upset over Florida State (QB hurt, opponent off of a huge game, etc.) to face the other big bad boy in the ACC in Lane Stadium. Tajh Boyd has been spectacular as has the freshman Sammy Watkins, but Virginia Tech is quietly sneaking around under Logan Thomas. Clemson provides the first real test, but Blacksburg will be rocking. Let's not forget all of Clemson's big wins come at home. Lane Stadium shifts the needle to the Hokies and people will start to take note of Beamer's boys. Clem: 16--VT: 27
Auer: Clemson is off to a good start this season but is due for a let down. Haven't watched much of the Hokies, but Blacksburg and Beamerball are the perfect medicine to stop Dabo's Tigers. Clem: 10--VT: 19
Hoying: Clemson QB Tajh Boyd has been playing out of his mind this year, putting up ridiculous numbers against Florida State and Auburn (yes, Auburn has no defense this year, but they're no Marshall or Appalachian State). Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has been fed a steady diet of mediocre teams while waiting to trap the Tigers in Blacksburg. What have we learned from watching Clemson in the past? They have to seize a shot at the conference title before they can choke it all away! Clem: 27--VT: 21
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Florida Gators
Draper: This is a HUGE game in the SEC that will test to see if UF is for real and is Bama as good as we think they are. Florida has some awesome playmakers in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps but Bama's defense is really really good. On the other side of the ball, both are relatively pedestrian except for the Tide's running back Trent Richardson. Being in the Swamp at night is a tall order, but I think Saban quiets the Gators again with some key defensive stops. Bama: 27--UF: 16
Auer: The Crimson Tide are proving time and again that they are the best team in the nation. The Gators are the Gators, and will stick with the top defense in the nation for a good bit of this game. The Swamp could slow down Alabama initially, but the solid ground game and stout D will prove too much for Florida. Bama: 35--UF: 20
Hoying: Make no mistake, the Gators are back after Urban Meyer's phoned-in 2010 season, but they're not quite in position to challenge Alabama yet. If Our Lord and Savior TIM TEBOW himself were back in orange and blue, all we would see is another waterworks on the sidelines after this scary Alabama D stuffed him again. This one shouldn't be close. Bama: 27--UF: 10
Michigan State Spartans @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: One. more. game. That's all we need Buckeyes. This is the last game for which there are excuses. Following this game, WR1, RB1, LT, and...random defensive guy come back. This is the last statement game for those guys who did everything (or most things in the case of Jordan Hall) right. Huge statement game in the Shoe to show the Buckeyes haven't fallen completely away. The good news is that we get Sparty who, for lack of a better term, is Sparty. MSU has smoked the crappy teams and lost on their only road game vs. a mediocre opponent in ND. Look for Braxton to keep running with little umph in the passing game. Hall will go for 150 yards to stake his claim to challenge Herron upon return. Kirk Cousins and the Spartans will need to throw to score and a key interception late will seal a huge win for the Scarlet and Gray. It won't be pretty, but we'll escape. MSU: 23--OSU: 24
Auer: The Bucks have to win, don't they? Mark Dantonio is a great coach, but his QB, Kirk Cousins, is still a flake. The Buckeye defense will continue to improve, and needs to gel against an average MSU offense. They do present a variety of threats, but the Silver Bullets are just better. The Shoe should be rocking for the Big Ten opener and the final game before the "Friends of Pryor" return to the lineup. Go Bucks. MSU: 16--OSU: 24
Hoying: This game pits strength on strength: OSU's latest Superman, RB Jordan Hall, will need all his X-Ray vision to find gaps in a stout MSU run defense. Add in his phenomenal kick return ability, and he should do enough to keep the Scarlet and Gray close, but not enough to win. That task will fall squarely on the shoulders of Braxton Miller. Notre Dame's Tommy Rees was able to smoke the Spartan secondary, but Braxton will crumble under the pressure, making a crucial late-game mistake that seals the Buckeyes' fate. I hope I'm wrong. MSU: 21--OSU:17
Upset Special(s)
Draper: NW over Ill, Zona over USC (I don't really see any)
Auer: KState over Baylor, Iowa State over Texas
Hoying: Auburn over South Carolina (and lots of upsets above)
Draper: SEC vs. soon-to-be-SEC. The Razorbacks got absolutely SMOKED by Alabama in a game that surprised no one. A&M fell apart last week by giving up a 17 point lead at home to an offensively dynamic team in Ok State. Both teams limp into this marquee matchup that (once again) no one is talking about. Arkansas is an also ran every year (as is Texas A&M) but I think the Aggies have a little more top to bottom talent. The second half collapse looms large but A&M needs to rebound. Arkansas's Tyler Wilson is good but they will come up just short. TAMU: 27--Ark: 24
Auer: After losing a game they shouldn't have, the Texas A&M Aggies will be looking to make a statement against an overrated R-kansas squad. The Aggies have surprised me, mostly in good was every time I've watched them, and their defense is better than expected. Arkansas has struggled, and karma has not been with them so far. TAMU: 21--Ark: 13
Hoying: A&M showed flashes of brilliance last week against Okie State, but QB Ryan Tannehill has proven to be as turnover-prone as ever, practically giving the game away. The Aggies also proved to be vulnerable against the pass, which gives an edge to Arkansas's airborne attack. However, Texas A&M is too balanced and too talented for the the Hogs to pull this one off. Look for the Aggies to win a shootout. TAMU: 41--Ark: 31
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper: I hate to say this, but I don't think this is going to be that close. Neither of these teams has played an opponent with a pulse but Wisconsin has looked solid on both sides of the ball whereas the Black Shirt defense of Nebraska has yet to make an appearance. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead are spectacular runners but Wisconsin will probably load the box to slow down the running game. Martinez won't be able to throw well enough to keep up with the points his defense will give up. Also, Camp Randall at night is a trial by fire for the Nebraska welcome to the B1G. Nebraska: 17--Wisconsin: 31
Auer: Very torn in this one. Do I root for a team I despise, or a newcomer to the conference I know and love? Wisconsin really might be that good. Nebraska's defense might very well be a sieve. I'm going with the Badgers here, and I think it could be ugly. Nebraska: 13--Wisconsin: 41
Hoying: Which team wins this one: the one which has struggled to beat mid-level competition or the one which has spent 4 weeks mauling the Little Sisters of the Poor? Wisconsin has looked nigh unbeatable so far, but their lack of practice against quality opposition will come back to bite them here. Look for a big rushing day from Taylor Martinez and another great performance from Russell Wilson, but the over-hyped, over-confident Badgers will be brought down to reality at the hands of the B1G's newest contender. Nebraska: 35 -- Wisconsin: 34
Clemson Tigers @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Draper: Clemson is coming off a tailor made upset over Florida State (QB hurt, opponent off of a huge game, etc.) to face the other big bad boy in the ACC in Lane Stadium. Tajh Boyd has been spectacular as has the freshman Sammy Watkins, but Virginia Tech is quietly sneaking around under Logan Thomas. Clemson provides the first real test, but Blacksburg will be rocking. Let's not forget all of Clemson's big wins come at home. Lane Stadium shifts the needle to the Hokies and people will start to take note of Beamer's boys. Clem: 16--VT: 27
Auer: Clemson is off to a good start this season but is due for a let down. Haven't watched much of the Hokies, but Blacksburg and Beamerball are the perfect medicine to stop Dabo's Tigers. Clem: 10--VT: 19
Hoying: Clemson QB Tajh Boyd has been playing out of his mind this year, putting up ridiculous numbers against Florida State and Auburn (yes, Auburn has no defense this year, but they're no Marshall or Appalachian State). Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has been fed a steady diet of mediocre teams while waiting to trap the Tigers in Blacksburg. What have we learned from watching Clemson in the past? They have to seize a shot at the conference title before they can choke it all away! Clem: 27--VT: 21
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Florida Gators
Draper: This is a HUGE game in the SEC that will test to see if UF is for real and is Bama as good as we think they are. Florida has some awesome playmakers in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps but Bama's defense is really really good. On the other side of the ball, both are relatively pedestrian except for the Tide's running back Trent Richardson. Being in the Swamp at night is a tall order, but I think Saban quiets the Gators again with some key defensive stops. Bama: 27--UF: 16
Auer: The Crimson Tide are proving time and again that they are the best team in the nation. The Gators are the Gators, and will stick with the top defense in the nation for a good bit of this game. The Swamp could slow down Alabama initially, but the solid ground game and stout D will prove too much for Florida. Bama: 35--UF: 20
Hoying: Make no mistake, the Gators are back after Urban Meyer's phoned-in 2010 season, but they're not quite in position to challenge Alabama yet. If Our Lord and Savior TIM TEBOW himself were back in orange and blue, all we would see is another waterworks on the sidelines after this scary Alabama D stuffed him again. This one shouldn't be close. Bama: 27--UF: 10
Michigan State Spartans @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: One. more. game. That's all we need Buckeyes. This is the last game for which there are excuses. Following this game, WR1, RB1, LT, and...random defensive guy come back. This is the last statement game for those guys who did everything (or most things in the case of Jordan Hall) right. Huge statement game in the Shoe to show the Buckeyes haven't fallen completely away. The good news is that we get Sparty who, for lack of a better term, is Sparty. MSU has smoked the crappy teams and lost on their only road game vs. a mediocre opponent in ND. Look for Braxton to keep running with little umph in the passing game. Hall will go for 150 yards to stake his claim to challenge Herron upon return. Kirk Cousins and the Spartans will need to throw to score and a key interception late will seal a huge win for the Scarlet and Gray. It won't be pretty, but we'll escape. MSU: 23--OSU: 24
Auer: The Bucks have to win, don't they? Mark Dantonio is a great coach, but his QB, Kirk Cousins, is still a flake. The Buckeye defense will continue to improve, and needs to gel against an average MSU offense. They do present a variety of threats, but the Silver Bullets are just better. The Shoe should be rocking for the Big Ten opener and the final game before the "Friends of Pryor" return to the lineup. Go Bucks. MSU: 16--OSU: 24
Hoying: This game pits strength on strength: OSU's latest Superman, RB Jordan Hall, will need all his X-Ray vision to find gaps in a stout MSU run defense. Add in his phenomenal kick return ability, and he should do enough to keep the Scarlet and Gray close, but not enough to win. That task will fall squarely on the shoulders of Braxton Miller. Notre Dame's Tommy Rees was able to smoke the Spartan secondary, but Braxton will crumble under the pressure, making a crucial late-game mistake that seals the Buckeyes' fate. I hope I'm wrong. MSU: 21--OSU:17
Upset Special(s)
Draper: NW over Ill, Zona over USC (I don't really see any)
Auer: KState over Baylor, Iowa State over Texas
Hoying: Auburn over South Carolina (and lots of upsets above)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Five Thoughts from the Week that was
1) There needs to be more harsh consequences for referees errors...especially those which should NEVER happen.
Who saw the Toledo/Syracuse game? No one? What about the replay that is being shown briefly then hidden? With a few minutes left in the game, Syracuse scored a TD to go up 29-27. They proceeded to MISS THE PAT!! But the official under the goalpost, the referee, AND THE REPLAY OFFICIAL ruled the extra point went through the uprights. Of course, Toledo ended up kicking a field goal to send the game into overtime which Syracuse ended up winning. Toledo is requested the game to vacated (which won't happen), but people aren't placing enough blame on the officials. Sports officials (NBA refs, MLB umps, NFL/NCAA officials) are routinely given passes for mistakes they make. It's time for this to stop. These officials are paid a lot of money to make the correct calls. Some calls a judgement calls or subjective, but those that are cut and dry and still missed need to result in severe consequences (termination in most cases). Jim Joyce cost Armando Gallaraga a perfect game due to a blown call and this weekend, the officials cost Toledo a win (which could cost them a lot down the road) because the referees were incompetent. Officials often hide behind a veneer of 98-99% success rate on calls. This is blatantly skewed. 75% of the calls in every sport are such that a 5 year old child can make them correctly (like whether or not a PAT goes through the uprights or if someone is out in baseball by 40 ft.). These officials are extremely well paid (5 figures PER GAME in some cases). To miss calls of this simplicity is not acceptable. And then to examine this on video replay and not correcting an error that a monkey wouldn't make makes the matter so much worse. I have been trained as an official in basketball and football and I agree that it is a difficult job. With that being said, these missed calls are completely inexcusable at any level. These officials should tender their resignations immediately (unless they've already been canned) and beg thee league to try to rectify their error which has cost others so dearly.
2) Teams must be constantly ready for that upset possibility.
It seems that there are simply no free lunches in college football anymore. Toledo pushes OSU to the buzzer, LA Tech forced Mississippi State to overtime, Utah State should have beaten Auburn. There are myriad examples this year alone of teams rising well above themselves to scare a powerhouse or even defeat them. Ever since App State beat Michigan in 2007, the little guy has believed. Now the big boys must always be vigilant for the scrappy team that will always threaten to derail a season. We must never forget that those little teams circle the games 4 years previous. No one remembers the Little Caesar's Bowl winner, but everyone remembers Appalachian State upsetting the Wolverines (hehehehe).
3) The Pac 12, like the Big Ten, is also very bad
Those teams that will contend for a title are few and far between this year, but it's a pretty safe bet that they won't come from the B1G or Pac 12. Yes, there are Wisconsin (played no one), Nebraska (terrible defense), Oregon (lost their only big game), and Stanford (1 player and play no one), but no one really buys these teams as legitimate contenders. The cream of the SEC (LSU and Bama), Oklahoma, and maybe Boise or Ok St. are the only contenders now. The Big Ten traditionally takes the beating for being overrated, but let's heap some of the blame on the Pac 12. USC almost (and probably should have) lost to the worst Big Ten team, Minnesota. ASU lost to a mediocre B1G Illinois. Oregon St. lost at home to Sacramento St. The Washington and Washington State's are as billed (bad). Here's an example of East Coast bias helping the reputation of the Pac12 by hiding how bad the conference is. Oregon and Stanford are pretty good, but the rest of the conference is terrible.
4) Heisman trophies are more or less decided in the preseason unless a truly special player throws his hat in the race...early.
Luck. Moore. James. Jones. There're your Heisman finalists in September and most likely in December. Yes, everyone likes to pretend that someone else has a chance, but let's be honest, it's not realistic. ESPiN tried to anoint Denard Robinson after the Notre Dame game because of the explosive runs, but that game did nothing but show me he has absolutely no chance of winning without any talent throwing the ball. He'll fall off in B1G play just like last year. Anyone else is pushed to the side by the media so the preseason contenders can compete. There are other good players, but media shows what it will to determine. Blackmon and Lattimore have a slim shot, but they need to be transcendent to enter the ring. Every once in a while, a Cam Newton comes from nowhere, but we won't get a chance to see that unless some unknown leads their team to an undefeated season.
5) There are some REALLY good teams (top 10) that no one knows about due to media undercoverage.
Quick, what was the matchup of top 10 teams last week? Most would guess LSU/WVU or Bama/Arkansas but it was Ok State/Texas A&M. If you saw the hype for this Big 12 matchup, you would probably be alone. The worldwide leader (and their SEC contract) hid this incredibly big early season matchup on the back page to highlight a good SEC team vs. a Big East contender. I truly believe that the Cowboys are one of the best teams in the country, but you'd never know with the coverage they get. We need the media to come out from behind the screen of unbiased-ness and own up to their true allegiance: $$$$. Yes, LSU and Bama are very very good teams, but there are others that are being ignored due to the sexiness of the name. Even Boise St. is a sexier name for the media due to the cinderella story that pushes teams that are better in my opinion (OkSt., TAMU, SoCarolina, Stanford, Wisconsin, etc.). The SEC isn't the only conference, althought that's what the media wants you to think.
Who saw the Toledo/Syracuse game? No one? What about the replay that is being shown briefly then hidden? With a few minutes left in the game, Syracuse scored a TD to go up 29-27. They proceeded to MISS THE PAT!! But the official under the goalpost, the referee, AND THE REPLAY OFFICIAL ruled the extra point went through the uprights. Of course, Toledo ended up kicking a field goal to send the game into overtime which Syracuse ended up winning. Toledo is requested the game to vacated (which won't happen), but people aren't placing enough blame on the officials. Sports officials (NBA refs, MLB umps, NFL/NCAA officials) are routinely given passes for mistakes they make. It's time for this to stop. These officials are paid a lot of money to make the correct calls. Some calls a judgement calls or subjective, but those that are cut and dry and still missed need to result in severe consequences (termination in most cases). Jim Joyce cost Armando Gallaraga a perfect game due to a blown call and this weekend, the officials cost Toledo a win (which could cost them a lot down the road) because the referees were incompetent. Officials often hide behind a veneer of 98-99% success rate on calls. This is blatantly skewed. 75% of the calls in every sport are such that a 5 year old child can make them correctly (like whether or not a PAT goes through the uprights or if someone is out in baseball by 40 ft.). These officials are extremely well paid (5 figures PER GAME in some cases). To miss calls of this simplicity is not acceptable. And then to examine this on video replay and not correcting an error that a monkey wouldn't make makes the matter so much worse. I have been trained as an official in basketball and football and I agree that it is a difficult job. With that being said, these missed calls are completely inexcusable at any level. These officials should tender their resignations immediately (unless they've already been canned) and beg thee league to try to rectify their error which has cost others so dearly.
2) Teams must be constantly ready for that upset possibility.
It seems that there are simply no free lunches in college football anymore. Toledo pushes OSU to the buzzer, LA Tech forced Mississippi State to overtime, Utah State should have beaten Auburn. There are myriad examples this year alone of teams rising well above themselves to scare a powerhouse or even defeat them. Ever since App State beat Michigan in 2007, the little guy has believed. Now the big boys must always be vigilant for the scrappy team that will always threaten to derail a season. We must never forget that those little teams circle the games 4 years previous. No one remembers the Little Caesar's Bowl winner, but everyone remembers Appalachian State upsetting the Wolverines (hehehehe).
3) The Pac 12, like the Big Ten, is also very bad
Those teams that will contend for a title are few and far between this year, but it's a pretty safe bet that they won't come from the B1G or Pac 12. Yes, there are Wisconsin (played no one), Nebraska (terrible defense), Oregon (lost their only big game), and Stanford (1 player and play no one), but no one really buys these teams as legitimate contenders. The cream of the SEC (LSU and Bama), Oklahoma, and maybe Boise or Ok St. are the only contenders now. The Big Ten traditionally takes the beating for being overrated, but let's heap some of the blame on the Pac 12. USC almost (and probably should have) lost to the worst Big Ten team, Minnesota. ASU lost to a mediocre B1G Illinois. Oregon St. lost at home to Sacramento St. The Washington and Washington State's are as billed (bad). Here's an example of East Coast bias helping the reputation of the Pac12 by hiding how bad the conference is. Oregon and Stanford are pretty good, but the rest of the conference is terrible.
4) Heisman trophies are more or less decided in the preseason unless a truly special player throws his hat in the race...early.
Luck. Moore. James. Jones. There're your Heisman finalists in September and most likely in December. Yes, everyone likes to pretend that someone else has a chance, but let's be honest, it's not realistic. ESPiN tried to anoint Denard Robinson after the Notre Dame game because of the explosive runs, but that game did nothing but show me he has absolutely no chance of winning without any talent throwing the ball. He'll fall off in B1G play just like last year. Anyone else is pushed to the side by the media so the preseason contenders can compete. There are other good players, but media shows what it will to determine. Blackmon and Lattimore have a slim shot, but they need to be transcendent to enter the ring. Every once in a while, a Cam Newton comes from nowhere, but we won't get a chance to see that unless some unknown leads their team to an undefeated season.
5) There are some REALLY good teams (top 10) that no one knows about due to media undercoverage.
Quick, what was the matchup of top 10 teams last week? Most would guess LSU/WVU or Bama/Arkansas but it was Ok State/Texas A&M. If you saw the hype for this Big 12 matchup, you would probably be alone. The worldwide leader (and their SEC contract) hid this incredibly big early season matchup on the back page to highlight a good SEC team vs. a Big East contender. I truly believe that the Cowboys are one of the best teams in the country, but you'd never know with the coverage they get. We need the media to come out from behind the screen of unbiased-ness and own up to their true allegiance: $$$$. Yes, LSU and Bama are very very good teams, but there are others that are being ignored due to the sexiness of the name. Even Boise St. is a sexier name for the media due to the cinderella story that pushes teams that are better in my opinion (OkSt., TAMU, SoCarolina, Stanford, Wisconsin, etc.). The SEC isn't the only conference, althought that's what the media wants you to think.
Grading the Bucks Week 4: Colorado
Offense: B
Braxton Miller makes his first start for the Scarlet and Gray and had a nice little game. See how 5 completions by Braxton was more acceptable to the fans with a win? Fair or not, the performance through the air was about as woeful as Miami. The offense was able to put up points this week so that's a major plus, but it was Colorado. Miller made some nice moves in the backfield and down field but he has some freshman flaws. His internal clock is about 1 second before he takes off running and he is rather indecisive with his running. He doesn't attack the hole but rather dancing through it. The running game was great and Jordan Hall is the stud we all expected. The 1-2 punch of Hall and Herron will be scary. Miller looked passable on his few throws and made 3 excellent throws (2 for TDs and 1 dropped). He still has much to learn in pocket presence and accuracy but he'll learn. Bauserman came in a little late for my taste because Miller takes a lot of hits due to indecision (not to mention JB looked fine at home). The major upside of the offense: 0 turnovers.
Defense: C
Not happy with this unit at all. They came out firing on all cylinders but certainly let up as the game went on. We're seeing the loss of Nate Williams is very costly allowing double teams for Simon on every play. The secondary is still very suspect. I was wrong about Travis Howard. He should probably head back to the bench rather than misplaying every deep ball. Also, I see Howard trying to blow people up rather than solid form tackling--something that will cost us in the future. Tyler Moeller has also not lived up to expectations. Way too many missed tackles, a TD given up on a broken 4th down play, and 17 points to a BAD Buffalo team shows we're not where we need to be.
Special Teams: A-
What makes a special teams day a good one? No one talking about you. Buchanan is punting extremely well (not the biggest leg but great accuracy), Basil is making the kicks now, coverage has been fine, and the return game is giving a little spark. Great kick return but Jordan Hall (again) almost giving a quick 7 and good awareness (or bad Colorado) to get the turnover before the half. I stuck with A- rather than A due to too many touchbacks on the punts and no scores but I could be convinced to bump them up to an A.
Coaching: B
Ok Bollman. You may be learning. We don't have a quarterback...yet. But we do have a fantastic running back and a fairly good O-line. Run. The. Ball. How many attempts did Miller have in the 1st quarter? 0. Great play calling. Everyone says you have to pass to set up the run, but I disagree if the run works. Hall was running up and down the field and Miller looked pretty good running a zone read option. Also, the receivers couldn't catch a pass (except Smith), so just stop throwing until you have to. When Posey gets back and if the receivers put some glue on their hands, we can start throwing (B1G play anyone), but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Keep running the ball. Also, the fans hated the call to kick the FG with 6 seconds left in the half, but I think it was an ok call. Don't end the half without points when you kick off to start the 2nd half. Had Miller taken too long to decide and the Bucks came away without points, Fickell would be getting mauled. Good safe call, but need some more work in practice to shore up the execution. Keep riding the running game no matter if it's boring if it works.
Braxton Miller makes his first start for the Scarlet and Gray and had a nice little game. See how 5 completions by Braxton was more acceptable to the fans with a win? Fair or not, the performance through the air was about as woeful as Miami. The offense was able to put up points this week so that's a major plus, but it was Colorado. Miller made some nice moves in the backfield and down field but he has some freshman flaws. His internal clock is about 1 second before he takes off running and he is rather indecisive with his running. He doesn't attack the hole but rather dancing through it. The running game was great and Jordan Hall is the stud we all expected. The 1-2 punch of Hall and Herron will be scary. Miller looked passable on his few throws and made 3 excellent throws (2 for TDs and 1 dropped). He still has much to learn in pocket presence and accuracy but he'll learn. Bauserman came in a little late for my taste because Miller takes a lot of hits due to indecision (not to mention JB looked fine at home). The major upside of the offense: 0 turnovers.
Defense: C
Not happy with this unit at all. They came out firing on all cylinders but certainly let up as the game went on. We're seeing the loss of Nate Williams is very costly allowing double teams for Simon on every play. The secondary is still very suspect. I was wrong about Travis Howard. He should probably head back to the bench rather than misplaying every deep ball. Also, I see Howard trying to blow people up rather than solid form tackling--something that will cost us in the future. Tyler Moeller has also not lived up to expectations. Way too many missed tackles, a TD given up on a broken 4th down play, and 17 points to a BAD Buffalo team shows we're not where we need to be.
Special Teams: A-
What makes a special teams day a good one? No one talking about you. Buchanan is punting extremely well (not the biggest leg but great accuracy), Basil is making the kicks now, coverage has been fine, and the return game is giving a little spark. Great kick return but Jordan Hall (again) almost giving a quick 7 and good awareness (or bad Colorado) to get the turnover before the half. I stuck with A- rather than A due to too many touchbacks on the punts and no scores but I could be convinced to bump them up to an A.
Coaching: B
Ok Bollman. You may be learning. We don't have a quarterback...yet. But we do have a fantastic running back and a fairly good O-line. Run. The. Ball. How many attempts did Miller have in the 1st quarter? 0. Great play calling. Everyone says you have to pass to set up the run, but I disagree if the run works. Hall was running up and down the field and Miller looked pretty good running a zone read option. Also, the receivers couldn't catch a pass (except Smith), so just stop throwing until you have to. When Posey gets back and if the receivers put some glue on their hands, we can start throwing (B1G play anyone), but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Keep running the ball. Also, the fans hated the call to kick the FG with 6 seconds left in the half, but I think it was an ok call. Don't end the half without points when you kick off to start the 2nd half. Had Miller taken too long to decide and the Bucks came away without points, Fickell would be getting mauled. Good safe call, but need some more work in practice to shore up the execution. Keep riding the running game no matter if it's boring if it works.
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