Standings
1) Draper 11-6 (2-2 upset)
1) Schweinfurth 11-6 (1-3 upset)
1) Seeberg 11-6 (0-4 upset)
4) Hoying 10-7 (2-2 upset)
After last week's presciently named "Paring the Ranks of the Undefeateds" post, 9 undefeated teams went on to lose, 5 of them to teams with losses (good work, Maryland, Iowa, and Indiana), leaving just 25 undefeated teams left after 4 weeks of play. Our first two picks this week each feature a pair of undefeated teams, and the Buckeyes hope to knock off undefeated Cincinnati as well.
In other news, every B1G team except Michigan avoided a loss last week, and the Wolverines celebrated by offering free football tickets to anyone who could afford two $1.50 Coke products.
UCLA Bruins @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Draper:UCLA is undefeated...but their 3 wins have been as unimpressive as anyone who was supposed to be a national title contender, but they did win, even with backup QB Jerry Neuheisal stepping in when 'mega-star' Brett Hundley got hurt. ASU has been pretty much as unimpressive with 3 craptastic wins before this Thursday night showdown. UCLA's win at UVA is actually gaining some credit as time passes but the SunDevils have beaten...no one. My gut says UCLA has to be the better team with the 'hype', but they can't protect the QB. ASU is at home, but I have no idea what this team is made of...so many questions. I have to believe that Hundley is better than he's shown and if he plays, I'll lean to the Bruins. If he doesn't play, I'm betting (HAHA GET IT!? HIS DAD WAS FIRED FOR GAMBLING!!) that Jerry Neuheisal can 'game manage' a road win. UCLA in a close one. UCLA: 28--ASU: 27
Hoying: Never underestimate the inertia of preseason rankings. Somehow, UCLA comes into this game ranked #11 after three quite unimpressive wins, the best of which may well turn out to be at Virginia. Why so mediocre? Despite featuring everyone's Heisman darling, Brett Hundley, at QB, the Bruins can't buy him a few seconds' worth of protection. UCLA has given up 12 sacks so far, while dialing up only 3 of their own. It's become so bad that Hundley had to leave a game in which UCLA was trailing Texas, so that Rick Neuheisel's son could lead them to victory. In contrast, what do we know about the home team? They have three big wins over three bad opponents. They run the ball very well. And, like UCLA, their starting quarterback, Taylor Kelly, is injured. Were that last fact not the case, I would be tempted to pick to Sun Devils, but Neuheisel is battle-tested and ASU backup QB Mike Bercovici isn't. UCLA: 24--ASU: 17
Schweinfurth: I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Hundley will at least start this game. That won't matter though as ASU has been pretty meh these last few years while UCLA is on the up swing. UCLA: 28--ASU: 10
Seeberg: Both teams are 3-0, having beaten almost nobody between them with the possible exception of UVA (by UCLA). Hundley is hurt, supposedly, but UCLA isn't telling anyone whether he'll play or not. ASU may have wished they did the same as their starting QB is out with a bad wheel. ASU also allowed more points to Colorado than lowly Hawaii, so their D is suspect at best. Assuming Hundley is anywhere near 100%, this one should end up somewhat comfortably for the Bruins. UCLA: 27--ASU: 17
Florida State Seminoles @ North Carolina State Wolfpack
Draper: NC State is the annual 'trap' game for the Noles. Especially in Raleigh. Not this year. Jameis will be back and hungry to lead this team. Yes, the Noles looked vulnerable vs. Clemson, but the Tiger pass rush is very good and the receivers made some circus catches. NCSU is undefeated but no longer. FSU reminds everyone what the number 1 team can do. Don't underestimate the importance of a solid experienced leader at the QB position. Noles roll. FSU: 38--NCSU: 17
Hoying: You thought the big Florida State ACC showdown was last week, didn't you? Fie! Clemson wasn't even undefeated! NC State rolls in with 4 wins over Georgia Southern, Old Dominion, South Florida, and Presbyterian. Meanwhile the Noles miraculously benefited from some heavy Clemsoning to overcome the loss of Jameis Winston, but we learned something very important in the process: Florida State has no running game. GaSo and ODU were able to have success on the ground and keep their games against NC State close. Will FSU need to discover a rush attack in order to maintain their winning ways? Yes, but not this week. The talent gap is still too large. FSU: 27--NCSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Jameis Winston is playing in this game right? Florida State's defense carried them through that thriller last week and showed that there is more to this team than Infamous Jameis. Looking at history says that NC State typically gives the 'Noles issues in Raleigh. This year I don't see it happening. Jameis feels like he has something to prove and blows the doors off the Wolfpack D. FSU: 35--NCSU: 10
Seeberg: Has Jameis Winston randomly yelled poor-spirited 4-letter words at anyone yet this week? No? Got it. The Seminoles should be golden. Nevertheless, NC State has been TTUN to John Cooper's Buckeye squads, inexplicably ruining multiple high-profile seasons with less-talented teams. The same nearly happened two years before FSU stopped their first-half sleepwalking routine, turning a 16-0 deficit into a 17-16 win. Last year the Seminoles seemingly buried the curse forever, routing the Wolfpack by 32. They aren't as dominant this year, but I do not expect a return to the drama. Keep a lid on it Famous Jameis! FSU: 38--NCSU: 13
Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: TAMU has been known for lots of points over the Johnny Football and Kenny 'Trill' eras, but defense is fairly optional (no I don't care that they played well against bad offenses). I'd like to congratulate the fat turd (Bielema) for actually winning a conference game with an explosive offense...but no defense either. Put em together and what do you get? A shootout...that may be too kind....Lots of points, but the 12th man and the better team gives the sizable edge to the Aggies. The win over South Carolina has matured nicely. College Station rocks as the Aggies give up a decent number of points, but score much more. Ark: 27--TAMU: 48
Hoying: Since the end of Arkansas's karma-based 10 game losing streak, the Razorbacks have looked impressive in 3 straight wins, showcasing one of the nation's top rushing attacks behind two-headed monster Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. How dominant is the Arkansas ground game? Against Texas Tech, the Razors attempted 12 passes and scored 49 points, all on run plays. Woo Pig Sooie even averaged 5.3 yards/carry while getting whomped by Auburn in the opener. Unfortunately for them, Texas A&M has inexplicably found a defense to complement their scary-good offense. Since giving up 28 points (on four touchdown passes) to South Carolina in the opener, the Aggies have surrendered 19 points total in their last 3 games. You can't be one-dimensional and knock off A&M this year. Ark: 20--TAMU: 41
Schweinfurth: Bert's Razorbacks are bad. I mean like really bad (but ESPN will tell you they are good because SEC). Texas A&M is still interesting to me. They are a team that I would expect to have 2-3 losses but they look better than I think they are. Fortunately for A&M, the Razorbacks aren't much of a challenge and this one is over quick. Ark: 17--TAMU: 45
Seeberg: Anyone in the Greensboro, NC area want to go halvsies on some pizza/beer and take in this game with me? I have an impractically large TV and this game is likely to be very entertaining. Bret Bielema's money grab is finally netting the Razorbacks some victories by going back to, ironically, both Razorback and Badger football, running it down people's throats. Their passing game, however, leaves much to be desired, and did not show up in the one game they needed it, a 24-point loss to Auburn. Pass me another slice, TAMU just scored again. Ark: 23--TAMU: 52
Cincinnati Bearcats @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Bucks responded from the VT debacle by clobbering hapless Kent State. Now it's the return of Little Brother (what a champion) to the Shoe. UC looks to step up and take down the big dog to match up their resume with Oberlin College, but it's just not in the cards. Gunner Kiel has slung the ball around quite well in the first few games, but the LSU transfer...er...Irish transfer...er...whatever, hasn't been to the Shoe. OSU has far better athletes from top to bottom so this should be a Buckeye win although the pass defense will be tested. Look for the O-line to continue to improve against a D-Line better than Kent but worse than VT. The pass defense will be tested, but Zeke, Curtis Samuel, and Mr. Barrett should have a field day against this defense. Keep the record books open. Send them back to Ohio's ONLY crappy stepping stone school. UC: 28--OSU: 41
Hoying: After a bye week, the Buckeyes welcome back Scrappy Doo to Ohio Stadium, ending a 7-year hiatus. Little Brother is excited about its chances with super-recruit Gunner Kiel behind center, but Cincinnati (1) can't run the ball, and (2) has no defense. If the Buck-O-Line continues to improve, the Men of the Scarlet and Gray should be able to roll up quite a few points. This game will come down to how well Chris Ash's newly-installed Cover 4 defense has taken hold. The pass defense was actually pretty decent against Virginia Tech, and Navy and Kent State couldn't throw the ball at all, but this will be the true test of the Silver Bullets' progress. I have a good feeling about this one. It still sUCks to be a stepping stone. UC: 20--OSU: 45
Schweinfurth: It is finally time to see if that sieve of a pass defense is fixed. Yes VaTech threw it a little bit, but Cincinnati is going to go full air raid and throw it 40-50 times. Blitz timing and good corner coverage is going to be needed because Gunner Kiel has some pretty good targets to throw to. I expect the Bearcats to be able to move the ball between the thirties and bog down a bit in the red zone. The Buckeye offense has also had two weeks to figure out what to do on the offensive line and what their identity will be. UC is going to try and run a bear front. Because of that, I expect J.T. to come out throwing lots of short to intermediate passes. Once the defense is loosened up a bit, Zeke and Samuel will get their yards. Ohio State has the better talent in the state. It's time to prove it. UC: 20--OSU: 52
Seeberg: Had to wait an extra week to say this thanks to the bye week, but where in the (insert favorite expletive here) was that team/coaching staff when we actually NEEDED them against Va Tech? No matter, the Bearcats come rolling into Columbus with a high-powered, if one-dimensional, offense. The front four will need to put some pressure on Top Gunner to ease things for the back seven. It's unlikely the D is completely patched up, but luckily our non-Tressel-influenced offense will be scoring plenty. Doubling up the little brother in the Shoe. UC: 24--OSU: 48
Upset Special
Draper:Minnesota over Michigan (get the pitchforks ready)
Hoying: Oregon State over USC
Schweinfurth: Missouri over South Carolina
Seeberg: Texas Tech over Oklahoma State
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The Jameis 'scandal'
Let me begin this post with the obvious disclaimer. I am a proud alum of Florida State, I was a proud member of the Marching Chiefs for 4 years, and I remain a fan/supporter of the Seminole football team. This is meant to be an post to hopefully encourage people to think before judging, but I clearly have a bias which I acknowledge here.
Ok. This whole Jameis mess. Let me list what is being labelled a litany of violations and issues surrounding the last Heisman trophy winner and national champion. After, I will comment on each of the alleged violations with focus on the latest to attempt to bring some sanity to what has become a ridiculous witch hunt.
1) Alleged BB gun shooting off campus a few years ago (unknown shooter--not at people)
2) Alleged 'stealing of soda' from a Burger King when ordered water
3) Alleged sexual assault off campus
4) Theft of crab legs from local grocery store
5) Shouting a vulgar phrase on campus in the union
1) BB gun incident.
I'm not comfortable commenting on this as I really know very little to nothing about this. The fact that this is not talked about at all suggests that this is not an allegation worthy of attention but I wanted to list it as ESPiN has been careful to list everything that may or may not have been Jameis (or DB Cooper for all we know!)
2) Alleged Stealing of soda
Really....this is really a thing. No, seriously, look it up. I'll wait. Someone wants to press charges for this. Is stealing a drink from a fast food restaurant self service dispenser right? No. Ethical? No. Something that everyone has done at some point once in their life because NO ONE CARES? I'll leave that to you. Let's move on to the elephant in the room and stop wasting time.
3) Alleged sexual assault
Now we have something that's worth examining...or do we? If he indeed committed this heinous crime, he should be put in jail let alone worrying about his status on a football team, but let's examine the facts. Jameis never said the sexual encounter didn't occur. He never denied it. It happened. Again, immoral? Perhaps. Illegal? No. More and more facts keep emerging that the accuser has attempted to extort Jameis for millions of dollars for this to go away, but the facts all support a consensual sexual encounter. Not to mention the fact that all witnesses corroborate his story. The popular argument is that this is a town covering for its superstar, but take a moment to suspend your prior beliefs. What if he didn't do it? I'm not telling you he did nothing wrong, but imagine for a second that this was a consensual act between adults. Couldn't the same accusations and consistent witness testimony be occurring without any unethical backroom dealings? Again, this is NOT saying that Jameis is innocent. It's simply suggesting that there is no substantive evidence supporting the accuser's story which, by the American legal system, prohibits any further action. Let's be honest, we know this exact situation plays out on every college campus in America. Sports star/BMOC has his pick of a bevy of coeds. This is not something many people want to acknowledge but it is real. Alcohol leads many people to bad choices. I was not present so I can neither confirm nor deny these awful accusations, but I can look at the facts and see that given the lack of evidence, there is no reason to continually badger someone for something that may or may not have happened.
4) The crab legs
OK. No defense here. This is just plain stupid, and it highlights the main downside of Mr. Winston. Stupid. We all know, whether you acknowledge it or not, that a superstar athlete at a big time school can pretty much get what he wants. Want some crab legs? Go to Mr. Smith's house and chow down. Want some delicious BBQ? Jim and Milt's will hook you up (check it out if you're in Tallahassee). Why....WHY would you do something so stupid? He did it and there's no defense. Crush him for this if you want, but he served the penalty and moved on in accordance with the decision of the courts.
5) The vulgar yelling
Now we come to the latest installment of: Could you be any dumber? I'm going to let you in on a little secret: nothing he did is really breaking any law or rule...or anything other than societal propriety (yeah, there might be an obscene statement clause somewhere, but I hear curse words in public all day---and there were no criminal charges for this). Was it wrong? Sure. Stupid? ABSOLUTELY. Illegal? No. Jameis needs to be smarter in these situations and know the lay of the land. FSU was well within their rights to suspend Jameis, but a half of football was about right. Let's be clear about one thing: FSU wasn't suspending Jameis for what he said/yelled/etc.; they were suspending him for STUPID. He needs to think: While this isn't illegal, is it a good idea for a guy with a track record (deserved or not) or for a guy in the limelight? Maybe this is how to teach him, maybe not. Why was the suspension increased to a full game? Some say it was because Clemson isn't that good so FSU wasn't worried about losing the game. I would disagree with that wholeheartedly (see last Saturday's game as proof). The reason the suspension was increased is Ray Rice punched his fiance and AD beat his children. This is a suspension that was increased due to the current landscape and CYA 'cover your...butt' mentality in football now.
Another criticism has surfaced following the incredible comeback win for FSU. Many have cited that Jameis didn't look 'contrite enough' and that he 'ran in to hog the attention from his teammates'. What? Are you mental? He just dodged a major bullet, but more importantly, he was freaking stoked his teammates pulled off a huge win. This win was not because of Jameis, but he served his penalty and the Noles emerged victorious. The media needs to stop judging the punishment based on the outcome. Some were quoted as saying that Jameis clearly won't learn his lesson because they still won. This is the definition of 'hater'. They weren't mad at 'Jameis not learning his lesson', they were mad that FSU won. Don't hide behind false words. People who say Jameis won't learn his lesson because FSU won believe a loss would teach the lesson? Is that fair to the rest of the roster? Jameis was punished, they triumphed, end of story. Most people would applaud the 'other members' of the team for fighting through adversity to emerge victorious; not cut down the person who almost cost his team the win because he didn't end up costing them the win. These premises are simply ludicrous. The outcome of the game doesn't determine the merits of the punishment. (Note: UF suspended three players for their opener against powerhouse Idaho which was canceled due to weather after the first play. Those players were returned to full status the next week with the 1 play suspension deemed sufficient...and we're complaining that a game vs. a ranked opponent is too light for FSU's star?) Suppose FSU lost. Would Jameis fly on the straight and narrow? Maybe. Now that they won, will Jameis be an upstanding citizen? Maybe. We don't know. What we do know is a guy made a dumb decision amplified by the current landscape and was punished for it (actually more harshly than deserved in my opinion). That being said, he's served his time and it's time to move on. If he remains stupid Jameis, then punish him when the time arises, but until then, he's innocent until proven guilty regardless of your preconceived notions.
One more comment about his coming out in pads: was this intelligent? Probably not, but I've seen games where suspended players wore pads. Suspension doesn't prohibit wearing the uniform. Does anyone really think that Jameis would 'sneak' into the huddle with millions of television eyes on the game? Get real. Let's also consider the fact that he was supposed to play in the second half until 11:00 PM the previous night. At that point, the equipment managers had already prepared his pads for him and they were in his locker. A good idea for him would have been to ask the coach before 'suiting up', but if the pads are there, why not? He knows he's not playing. That was another instance of a minor infraction being blown WAY out of proportion.
In closing, I wrote this due to all the insane speculation I've been seeing on the Twitterverse, Facebook, and across many media outlets. Take a step back and think before you judge Jameis for not taking a step back and thinking. I hope I made it clear that I don't condone the actions taken by Jameis and that he needs to be smarter socially to succeed, but I also realize that he can make mistakes and atone. I won't use the 'he's just a kid' excuse because that's crap. He needs to step up, take responsibility for his life, and stop doing dumb things, but the dumb things (again, not counting the assault if that indeed is proven true) he has been doing are so minor in the grand scheme, it's amazing the level to which they've been promoted in the media. I will also not use the excuse of 'every kid does this' because that's lazy as well. He isn't 'every kid'. When he signed on the dotted line to play QB at FSU, he left 'every kid' behind. He is special and he will be scrutinized. What Jameis needs to do is follow three simple words that should center everyone's life philosophy: "Don't be stupid." Are his transgressions a big deal? Other than the alleged assault, no (and the assault is simply accusation no matter how it is portrayed at this point). But he needs to be cognizant of the world today and the spotlight on him at all times. He needs to do this for college football, for Florida State, and, most importantly, for Jameis Winston.
Ok. This whole Jameis mess. Let me list what is being labelled a litany of violations and issues surrounding the last Heisman trophy winner and national champion. After, I will comment on each of the alleged violations with focus on the latest to attempt to bring some sanity to what has become a ridiculous witch hunt.
1) Alleged BB gun shooting off campus a few years ago (unknown shooter--not at people)
2) Alleged 'stealing of soda' from a Burger King when ordered water
3) Alleged sexual assault off campus
4) Theft of crab legs from local grocery store
5) Shouting a vulgar phrase on campus in the union
1) BB gun incident.
I'm not comfortable commenting on this as I really know very little to nothing about this. The fact that this is not talked about at all suggests that this is not an allegation worthy of attention but I wanted to list it as ESPiN has been careful to list everything that may or may not have been Jameis (or DB Cooper for all we know!)
2) Alleged Stealing of soda
Really....this is really a thing. No, seriously, look it up. I'll wait. Someone wants to press charges for this. Is stealing a drink from a fast food restaurant self service dispenser right? No. Ethical? No. Something that everyone has done at some point once in their life because NO ONE CARES? I'll leave that to you. Let's move on to the elephant in the room and stop wasting time.
3) Alleged sexual assault
Now we have something that's worth examining...or do we? If he indeed committed this heinous crime, he should be put in jail let alone worrying about his status on a football team, but let's examine the facts. Jameis never said the sexual encounter didn't occur. He never denied it. It happened. Again, immoral? Perhaps. Illegal? No. More and more facts keep emerging that the accuser has attempted to extort Jameis for millions of dollars for this to go away, but the facts all support a consensual sexual encounter. Not to mention the fact that all witnesses corroborate his story. The popular argument is that this is a town covering for its superstar, but take a moment to suspend your prior beliefs. What if he didn't do it? I'm not telling you he did nothing wrong, but imagine for a second that this was a consensual act between adults. Couldn't the same accusations and consistent witness testimony be occurring without any unethical backroom dealings? Again, this is NOT saying that Jameis is innocent. It's simply suggesting that there is no substantive evidence supporting the accuser's story which, by the American legal system, prohibits any further action. Let's be honest, we know this exact situation plays out on every college campus in America. Sports star/BMOC has his pick of a bevy of coeds. This is not something many people want to acknowledge but it is real. Alcohol leads many people to bad choices. I was not present so I can neither confirm nor deny these awful accusations, but I can look at the facts and see that given the lack of evidence, there is no reason to continually badger someone for something that may or may not have happened.
4) The crab legs
OK. No defense here. This is just plain stupid, and it highlights the main downside of Mr. Winston. Stupid. We all know, whether you acknowledge it or not, that a superstar athlete at a big time school can pretty much get what he wants. Want some crab legs? Go to Mr. Smith's house and chow down. Want some delicious BBQ? Jim and Milt's will hook you up (check it out if you're in Tallahassee). Why....WHY would you do something so stupid? He did it and there's no defense. Crush him for this if you want, but he served the penalty and moved on in accordance with the decision of the courts.
5) The vulgar yelling
Now we come to the latest installment of: Could you be any dumber? I'm going to let you in on a little secret: nothing he did is really breaking any law or rule...or anything other than societal propriety (yeah, there might be an obscene statement clause somewhere, but I hear curse words in public all day---and there were no criminal charges for this). Was it wrong? Sure. Stupid? ABSOLUTELY. Illegal? No. Jameis needs to be smarter in these situations and know the lay of the land. FSU was well within their rights to suspend Jameis, but a half of football was about right. Let's be clear about one thing: FSU wasn't suspending Jameis for what he said/yelled/etc.; they were suspending him for STUPID. He needs to think: While this isn't illegal, is it a good idea for a guy with a track record (deserved or not) or for a guy in the limelight? Maybe this is how to teach him, maybe not. Why was the suspension increased to a full game? Some say it was because Clemson isn't that good so FSU wasn't worried about losing the game. I would disagree with that wholeheartedly (see last Saturday's game as proof). The reason the suspension was increased is Ray Rice punched his fiance and AD beat his children. This is a suspension that was increased due to the current landscape and CYA 'cover your...butt' mentality in football now.
Another criticism has surfaced following the incredible comeback win for FSU. Many have cited that Jameis didn't look 'contrite enough' and that he 'ran in to hog the attention from his teammates'. What? Are you mental? He just dodged a major bullet, but more importantly, he was freaking stoked his teammates pulled off a huge win. This win was not because of Jameis, but he served his penalty and the Noles emerged victorious. The media needs to stop judging the punishment based on the outcome. Some were quoted as saying that Jameis clearly won't learn his lesson because they still won. This is the definition of 'hater'. They weren't mad at 'Jameis not learning his lesson', they were mad that FSU won. Don't hide behind false words. People who say Jameis won't learn his lesson because FSU won believe a loss would teach the lesson? Is that fair to the rest of the roster? Jameis was punished, they triumphed, end of story. Most people would applaud the 'other members' of the team for fighting through adversity to emerge victorious; not cut down the person who almost cost his team the win because he didn't end up costing them the win. These premises are simply ludicrous. The outcome of the game doesn't determine the merits of the punishment. (Note: UF suspended three players for their opener against powerhouse Idaho which was canceled due to weather after the first play. Those players were returned to full status the next week with the 1 play suspension deemed sufficient...and we're complaining that a game vs. a ranked opponent is too light for FSU's star?) Suppose FSU lost. Would Jameis fly on the straight and narrow? Maybe. Now that they won, will Jameis be an upstanding citizen? Maybe. We don't know. What we do know is a guy made a dumb decision amplified by the current landscape and was punished for it (actually more harshly than deserved in my opinion). That being said, he's served his time and it's time to move on. If he remains stupid Jameis, then punish him when the time arises, but until then, he's innocent until proven guilty regardless of your preconceived notions.
One more comment about his coming out in pads: was this intelligent? Probably not, but I've seen games where suspended players wore pads. Suspension doesn't prohibit wearing the uniform. Does anyone really think that Jameis would 'sneak' into the huddle with millions of television eyes on the game? Get real. Let's also consider the fact that he was supposed to play in the second half until 11:00 PM the previous night. At that point, the equipment managers had already prepared his pads for him and they were in his locker. A good idea for him would have been to ask the coach before 'suiting up', but if the pads are there, why not? He knows he's not playing. That was another instance of a minor infraction being blown WAY out of proportion.
In closing, I wrote this due to all the insane speculation I've been seeing on the Twitterverse, Facebook, and across many media outlets. Take a step back and think before you judge Jameis for not taking a step back and thinking. I hope I made it clear that I don't condone the actions taken by Jameis and that he needs to be smarter socially to succeed, but I also realize that he can make mistakes and atone. I won't use the 'he's just a kid' excuse because that's crap. He needs to step up, take responsibility for his life, and stop doing dumb things, but the dumb things (again, not counting the assault if that indeed is proven true) he has been doing are so minor in the grand scheme, it's amazing the level to which they've been promoted in the media. I will also not use the excuse of 'every kid does this' because that's lazy as well. He isn't 'every kid'. When he signed on the dotted line to play QB at FSU, he left 'every kid' behind. He is special and he will be scrutinized. What Jameis needs to do is follow three simple words that should center everyone's life philosophy: "Don't be stupid." Are his transgressions a big deal? Other than the alleged assault, no (and the assault is simply accusation no matter how it is portrayed at this point). But he needs to be cognizant of the world today and the spotlight on him at all times. He needs to do this for college football, for Florida State, and, most importantly, for Jameis Winston.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Week 4 - Paring the Ranks of the Undefeateds
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Draper 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 7-5 (0-3 upset)
4) Hoying 6-6 (1-2 upset)
After Ohio State's biggest D-1A blowout since Pitt in 1996 (sorry we're not sorry, Mark May), the Buckeyes are a virtual lock this Saturday against someone named "Bye Week," so we'll turn our attention to FIVE marquee match-ups across the country, from Kansas to Nebraska.
Auburn Tigers @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: Kansas State has been limping through the beginning of their schedule. They woke up just enough to stave off my Upset Special two weeks ago, but Auburn's running game should be too much. Nick Marshall keeps running Gus Malzahn's machine rumbling along to steamroll Bill Snyder's team on Bill Snyder Field. Thursday night matchup, but blowout results like most games this coming weekend. Aub: 45--KSU: 23
Hoying: Wow! An SEC team other than Tennessee goes on the road and actually leaves the South! In the last 31 years, Auburn has played 3(!) road games in Union territory (yes, yes, I know, excluding games @ Kentucky): 2008 @ West Virginia, 2002 @ USC, and 2001 @ Syracuse. What else do these games have in common? Auburn lost them all. If we expand our search to nonconference road games in general, the picture remains unchanged: of 5 such games in the last 13 years, the Tigers won zero of them. In a stunning twist, this creates a heavy presumption against the SEC team winning a game, but let's consider these teams on their own merits first. Auburn had a fantastic surprise season that ALMOST nobody at Let's Go Bucks! saw coming, but much of this success was driven by QB Nick Marshall and RB Tre Mason, the only combo in the country to rival Braxton and El Guapo for rushing prowess. Mason may be gone, but his replacement, Cameron Artis-Payne, gashed Arkansas and San Jose State for 6.9 yards/carry. Kansas State needed some 4th quarter magic to take down Iowa State, but they now have dealt with adversity and a hostile road environment, which Auburn has not. KSU QB Jake Waters is a dual-threat QB in the mold of Collin Klein, but he doesn't quite have the talent in and around him to pull off the upset. Aub: 27--KSU: 24
Schweinfurth: It has to be asked...is the the furthest north a SEC team is going to travel this year? I really don't know much about these two teams other than Nick Marshall and Malzahn's beast of an offense. KSU can hang with the Tigers, I'm sure and I believe that they will keep it within one score for most of the game. I still think Auburn is better. Aub: 28--KSU: 17
Seeberg: KSU is a tough team to figure out this season, having crushed a nobody and then sleepwalking against a mediocre Cyclone bunch (that then beat Iowa, woe is the B1G) before holding on late. Auburn has rolled two opponents, and their win over Arkansas looks pretty decent after the Hogs smashed the Ryan Gosling-led Red Raiders. This game is likely to be close for a half or so, but Auburn just has too many weapons to be shut down indefinitely. Aub: 34--KSU: 21
Clemson Tigers @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Clemson looks for revenge against the Noles who blasted them in Death Valley last year with their statement win. Sadly for the Tigers, Boyd and Watkins are playing (or benched) on Sundays. FSU has had an extra week to prepare for the Chad Morris weirdness and to seal some of the holes in their team. Winston will be fine (author note: The recent suspension of Jameis for a half--Why you so stupid Jameis?--makes this more interesting but FSU is still the better team. Final score has been adjusted but result doesn't change) and lead another big win on the way to another ACC title. Watch Rashad Greene. He may be a better possession receiver than Kelvin Benjamin. Clemson was serviceable between the hedges but maybe UGA wasn't as special as we thought. Clem: 17--FSU: 34
Hoying: Clemson had a hell of a game against "Bye Week" on Saturday, good enough to move them past Ohio State in the AP rankings. Unfortunately for them, Florida State played the same opponent, so both squads will be equally rested. Clemson pooped the bed against a fading Georgia team back in August and have yet to establish a viable running game. On the other sideline, Florida State will be without frittata Heisman-winning QB Jameis Winston for the first half, but it's not like Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are going to be stepping in to save Clemson anytime soon. The Noles have looked unremarkable so far this season, but the lack of bed-pooping should continue for at least a few weeks. Clem: 16--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Is there anyone in college who is getting less out of an education than Jameis Winston? Look, I'm not saying he's a bad football player, I just think he may give Vince Young a run for his money come Wonderlick time. Even without Jameis, Florida State is loaded on both sides of the ball. Clemson is still reeling from the loss of Boyd and Watkins. This game feels like it could be a bit out of hand by half time, making a full game benching of Winston even more likely. Clem: 14--FSU: 45
Seeberg: This game was pretty cut and dry until In-Famous Jameis got himself benched for a half. Unfortunately for the Tigers, not only is this game @FSU, but their easy dismissal by Georgia wasn't as impressive a loss as most thought it to be after watching the Gamecocks score pretty much at will against the Bulldog D. The Seminoles' offense may be stagnant for a half, but their D will keep it close and Winston will close the door in the second half. Clem: 20--FSU: 31
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: MSU may be undefeated but wins over Southern Miss, UAB, and South Alabama don't really impress. LSU's win over Wisconsin (even with a craptastic QB) easily trumps the Bulldogs'. Add in Death Valley and it's a recipe for disaster. Miles eats grass and poops out the Bulldogs. MSU: 17--LSU: 31
Hoying: After trailing Wisconsin 24-7, LSU has scored 108 unanswered points in this young season. The Tigers have looked great, but the SEC West appears to be the buzzsaw that everyone expected, going 18-0 against external opponents so far. The winner of this game finds themselves on Auburn's lap in the driver's seat toward the SEC championship. LSU struggled against the Wisconsin running game until they figured out that the Badgers couldn't throw. In contrast, MSU has shown great balance. Were this game in Starkville, I would be tempted to pick the upset, but Death Valley is a death sentence. MSU: 24--LSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Mississippi State is that one team that can rise up and pull the upset every now and again. Unfortunately, LSU is pretty good and at home. I'm with Hoying, I want to call the upset but Death Valley will prevail. MSU: 10--LSU: 28
Seeberg: I would REALLY like to see this game played in Starkville instead of Death Valley. Dan Mullen is doing a remarkable job in what is, as ESPN constantly reminds us, easily the best division in all of college football. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, so is the Mad Hatter which, by the way, is the name of a new burger joint here in Greensboro, NC that is REALLY good. I won't be dining there on Saturday, but the Mad Hatter's grass smoothies will get them to another win. MSU: 13--LSU: 24
Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: What year is this? Is it 2008? No? Ok. Tebow is commentating and not playing harder than any quarterback has ever played before. Bama is at home to make things worse. I watched some of the UF/UK debacle on the SEC Network (I thought ESPN was already a thing?) which raises the concern in Gainsville exponentially. Sure, there's a chance UK is improving, but to seriously threaten the Gators in the Swamp? Now Muschamp goes to Bama to take his medicine. Just close your eyes and think of a better place. Papa Saban won't be gentle. UF: 10--Bama: 38
Hoying: After an awful 4-8 campaign last season, Florida...is still bad. With the return of Tennessee and the rise of Missouri, coupled with a schedule that includes Alabama AND LSU from the West, the Gators are going to have a heck of a time getting to .500, especially after losing a practically free win in week 1. Alabama looks fine, the game is in Tuscaloosa, nothing more to say. UF: 6--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: This game can be summed up by one thing Will Muschamp's job. IF the Gators win, he may earn another year. Unfortunately for him, Nick Saban has anover-signing problem a really good team again. Oh, and Florida almost lost to KENTUCKY in FOOTBALL. The Gators are bad and Bama puts Muschamp to bed. UF: 7--Bama: 35
Seeberg: Amazingly, there is a significant amount of good news for the Gators heading into Crimson Tide territory on Saturday. They're 2-0, their defense is looking quite stout under defensive-minded Will Muschamp, and they aren't in the SEC West. The bad news: Kentucky nearly pulled out a win against them in The Swamp, they have to play a couple teams from the SEC West, and Tim Tebow is too busy plugging T-Mobile to play QB. Reality, the form of Nick Saban's perfectly coiffed 'do, will set in quickly and coast late. UF: 10--Bama: 34
Miami Hurricanes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: So many games and so little that matter. The Huskers finally looked competent last week. Jim Delaney needs that to continue. Miami has been 'eh' like Nebraska but the game in Lincoln should hopefully tip the scales (expecially since the weather seems to be breaking early. Perhaps this is more of a heart over head pick, but I'm going with the Huskers. Ameer Abdullah is a talented back that should be the Xfactor. Let's just hope Miami doesn't cause another opponent to have a "heart attack". UM: 17--Neb: 23
Hoying: Is this finally the year of Miami's triumphant return? Since the giant was slain in the desert by Ohio State on January 3, 2003, the Hurricanes have had exactly 1 10-win season. The comeback train might need to wait another year for its arrival, since the Canes got smacked by Louisville in week 1, but this year has shown that you don't have to be a juggernaut to knock off a B1G team, even on the road. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah has been a bright point for the conference and an early favorite for MVP, and QB Tommy Armstrong is a terrific dual threat, but the Huskers looked tremendously mediocre against 1-AA McNeese State. If the Lackshirts can limit the Miami deep ball, Nebraska should be able to keep the playoff train rolling. UM: 27--Neb: 35
Schweinfurth: This is a bit of a nostalgia game to me. Miami has fallen on some rough times of late, but Nebraska hasn't exactly been blowing people's doors off either. Miami is just bad and Nebraska has Ameer Abdullah. Look for Abdullah to run for 125+ and Bo's cat to run for food. UM: 17--NEB: 28
Seeberg: If you had told anyone in college football 20 years ago that a 3-0 Nebraska team would just barely have squeaked into the rankings, they'd say you're crazy and that's a top 5 team easily. Today? I can't believe they're ranked at all after it took a Herculean effort by Ameer Abdullah to stave off Steve McNair's alma mater (sounds better than "middling I-AA McNeese State). The Hurricanes looked pretty lousy in their first away game, an 18-point loss at Louisville who was subsequently beaten at Virginia. Neither team is anywhere close to the level that their history would suggest, but the Cornhuskers offense is the best unit that will take the field, and they will eventually win the day. UM: 24--Neb: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa over Pitt
Hoying: Utah over Michigan
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Central Michigan over Kansas
1) Schweinfurth 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Draper 7-5 (1-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 7-5 (0-3 upset)
4) Hoying 6-6 (1-2 upset)
After Ohio State's biggest D-1A blowout since Pitt in 1996 (sorry we're not sorry, Mark May), the Buckeyes are a virtual lock this Saturday against someone named "Bye Week," so we'll turn our attention to FIVE marquee match-ups across the country, from Kansas to Nebraska.
Auburn Tigers @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: Kansas State has been limping through the beginning of their schedule. They woke up just enough to stave off my Upset Special two weeks ago, but Auburn's running game should be too much. Nick Marshall keeps running Gus Malzahn's machine rumbling along to steamroll Bill Snyder's team on Bill Snyder Field. Thursday night matchup, but blowout results like most games this coming weekend. Aub: 45--KSU: 23
Hoying: Wow! An SEC team other than Tennessee goes on the road and actually leaves the South! In the last 31 years, Auburn has played 3(!) road games in Union territory (yes, yes, I know, excluding games @ Kentucky): 2008 @ West Virginia, 2002 @ USC, and 2001 @ Syracuse. What else do these games have in common? Auburn lost them all. If we expand our search to nonconference road games in general, the picture remains unchanged: of 5 such games in the last 13 years, the Tigers won zero of them. In a stunning twist, this creates a heavy presumption against the SEC team winning a game, but let's consider these teams on their own merits first. Auburn had a fantastic surprise season that ALMOST nobody at Let's Go Bucks! saw coming, but much of this success was driven by QB Nick Marshall and RB Tre Mason, the only combo in the country to rival Braxton and El Guapo for rushing prowess. Mason may be gone, but his replacement, Cameron Artis-Payne, gashed Arkansas and San Jose State for 6.9 yards/carry. Kansas State needed some 4th quarter magic to take down Iowa State, but they now have dealt with adversity and a hostile road environment, which Auburn has not. KSU QB Jake Waters is a dual-threat QB in the mold of Collin Klein, but he doesn't quite have the talent in and around him to pull off the upset. Aub: 27--KSU: 24
Schweinfurth: It has to be asked...is the the furthest north a SEC team is going to travel this year? I really don't know much about these two teams other than Nick Marshall and Malzahn's beast of an offense. KSU can hang with the Tigers, I'm sure and I believe that they will keep it within one score for most of the game. I still think Auburn is better. Aub: 28--KSU: 17
Seeberg: KSU is a tough team to figure out this season, having crushed a nobody and then sleepwalking against a mediocre Cyclone bunch (that then beat Iowa, woe is the B1G) before holding on late. Auburn has rolled two opponents, and their win over Arkansas looks pretty decent after the Hogs smashed the Ryan Gosling-led Red Raiders. This game is likely to be close for a half or so, but Auburn just has too many weapons to be shut down indefinitely. Aub: 34--KSU: 21
Clemson Tigers @ Florida State Seminoles
Draper: Clemson looks for revenge against the Noles who blasted them in Death Valley last year with their statement win. Sadly for the Tigers, Boyd and Watkins are playing (or benched) on Sundays. FSU has had an extra week to prepare for the Chad Morris weirdness and to seal some of the holes in their team. Winston will be fine (author note: The recent suspension of Jameis for a half--Why you so stupid Jameis?--makes this more interesting but FSU is still the better team. Final score has been adjusted but result doesn't change) and lead another big win on the way to another ACC title. Watch Rashad Greene. He may be a better possession receiver than Kelvin Benjamin. Clemson was serviceable between the hedges but maybe UGA wasn't as special as we thought. Clem: 17--FSU: 34
Hoying: Clemson had a hell of a game against "Bye Week" on Saturday, good enough to move them past Ohio State in the AP rankings. Unfortunately for them, Florida State played the same opponent, so both squads will be equally rested. Clemson pooped the bed against a fading Georgia team back in August and have yet to establish a viable running game. On the other sideline, Florida State will be without frittata Heisman-winning QB Jameis Winston for the first half, but it's not like Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are going to be stepping in to save Clemson anytime soon. The Noles have looked unremarkable so far this season, but the lack of bed-pooping should continue for at least a few weeks. Clem: 16--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Is there anyone in college who is getting less out of an education than Jameis Winston? Look, I'm not saying he's a bad football player, I just think he may give Vince Young a run for his money come Wonderlick time. Even without Jameis, Florida State is loaded on both sides of the ball. Clemson is still reeling from the loss of Boyd and Watkins. This game feels like it could be a bit out of hand by half time, making a full game benching of Winston even more likely. Clem: 14--FSU: 45
Seeberg: This game was pretty cut and dry until In-Famous Jameis got himself benched for a half. Unfortunately for the Tigers, not only is this game @FSU, but their easy dismissal by Georgia wasn't as impressive a loss as most thought it to be after watching the Gamecocks score pretty much at will against the Bulldog D. The Seminoles' offense may be stagnant for a half, but their D will keep it close and Winston will close the door in the second half. Clem: 20--FSU: 31
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: MSU may be undefeated but wins over Southern Miss, UAB, and South Alabama don't really impress. LSU's win over Wisconsin (even with a craptastic QB) easily trumps the Bulldogs'. Add in Death Valley and it's a recipe for disaster. Miles eats grass and poops out the Bulldogs. MSU: 17--LSU: 31
Hoying: After trailing Wisconsin 24-7, LSU has scored 108 unanswered points in this young season. The Tigers have looked great, but the SEC West appears to be the buzzsaw that everyone expected, going 18-0 against external opponents so far. The winner of this game finds themselves on Auburn's lap in the driver's seat toward the SEC championship. LSU struggled against the Wisconsin running game until they figured out that the Badgers couldn't throw. In contrast, MSU has shown great balance. Were this game in Starkville, I would be tempted to pick the upset, but Death Valley is a death sentence. MSU: 24--LSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Mississippi State is that one team that can rise up and pull the upset every now and again. Unfortunately, LSU is pretty good and at home. I'm with Hoying, I want to call the upset but Death Valley will prevail. MSU: 10--LSU: 28
Seeberg: I would REALLY like to see this game played in Starkville instead of Death Valley. Dan Mullen is doing a remarkable job in what is, as ESPN constantly reminds us, easily the best division in all of college football. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, so is the Mad Hatter which, by the way, is the name of a new burger joint here in Greensboro, NC that is REALLY good. I won't be dining there on Saturday, but the Mad Hatter's grass smoothies will get them to another win. MSU: 13--LSU: 24
Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: What year is this? Is it 2008? No? Ok. Tebow is commentating and not playing harder than any quarterback has ever played before. Bama is at home to make things worse. I watched some of the UF/UK debacle on the SEC Network (I thought ESPN was already a thing?) which raises the concern in Gainsville exponentially. Sure, there's a chance UK is improving, but to seriously threaten the Gators in the Swamp? Now Muschamp goes to Bama to take his medicine. Just close your eyes and think of a better place. Papa Saban won't be gentle. UF: 10--Bama: 38
Hoying: After an awful 4-8 campaign last season, Florida...is still bad. With the return of Tennessee and the rise of Missouri, coupled with a schedule that includes Alabama AND LSU from the West, the Gators are going to have a heck of a time getting to .500, especially after losing a practically free win in week 1. Alabama looks fine, the game is in Tuscaloosa, nothing more to say. UF: 6--Bama: 27
Schweinfurth: This game can be summed up by one thing Will Muschamp's job. IF the Gators win, he may earn another year. Unfortunately for him, Nick Saban has an
Seeberg: Amazingly, there is a significant amount of good news for the Gators heading into Crimson Tide territory on Saturday. They're 2-0, their defense is looking quite stout under defensive-minded Will Muschamp, and they aren't in the SEC West. The bad news: Kentucky nearly pulled out a win against them in The Swamp, they have to play a couple teams from the SEC West, and Tim Tebow is too busy plugging T-Mobile to play QB. Reality, the form of Nick Saban's perfectly coiffed 'do, will set in quickly and coast late. UF: 10--Bama: 34
Miami Hurricanes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Draper: So many games and so little that matter. The Huskers finally looked competent last week. Jim Delaney needs that to continue. Miami has been 'eh' like Nebraska but the game in Lincoln should hopefully tip the scales (expecially since the weather seems to be breaking early. Perhaps this is more of a heart over head pick, but I'm going with the Huskers. Ameer Abdullah is a talented back that should be the Xfactor. Let's just hope Miami doesn't cause another opponent to have a "heart attack". UM: 17--Neb: 23
Hoying: Is this finally the year of Miami's triumphant return? Since the giant was slain in the desert by Ohio State on January 3, 2003, the Hurricanes have had exactly 1 10-win season. The comeback train might need to wait another year for its arrival, since the Canes got smacked by Louisville in week 1, but this year has shown that you don't have to be a juggernaut to knock off a B1G team, even on the road. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah has been a bright point for the conference and an early favorite for MVP, and QB Tommy Armstrong is a terrific dual threat, but the Huskers looked tremendously mediocre against 1-AA McNeese State. If the Lackshirts can limit the Miami deep ball, Nebraska should be able to keep the playoff train rolling. UM: 27--Neb: 35
Schweinfurth: This is a bit of a nostalgia game to me. Miami has fallen on some rough times of late, but Nebraska hasn't exactly been blowing people's doors off either. Miami is just bad and Nebraska has Ameer Abdullah. Look for Abdullah to run for 125+ and Bo's cat to run for food. UM: 17--NEB: 28
Seeberg: If you had told anyone in college football 20 years ago that a 3-0 Nebraska team would just barely have squeaked into the rankings, they'd say you're crazy and that's a top 5 team easily. Today? I can't believe they're ranked at all after it took a Herculean effort by Ameer Abdullah to stave off Steve McNair's alma mater (sounds better than "middling I-AA McNeese State). The Hurricanes looked pretty lousy in their first away game, an 18-point loss at Louisville who was subsequently beaten at Virginia. Neither team is anywhere close to the level that their history would suggest, but the Cornhuskers offense is the best unit that will take the field, and they will eventually win the day. UM: 24--Neb: 38
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa over Pitt
Hoying: Utah over Michigan
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Central Michigan over Kansas
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Grading the Bucks: Week 3--Kent State
Let's be clear: this game really meant nothing. OSU dominated from the first snap, but that was partially due to good execution and primarily due to a poor opponent. This was a game where a blowout means nothing, a close win elicits worry, and a loss is an instant death sentence. Onto the letter grades.
Offense: A-
How can I give this offense anything but an A+?!?!? 66 pts?!? Remember Tressel? Calm down and don't forget that Kent State plain sucks. I will give JT an A+ because he was phenomenal. The RBs and OLine looked good as well. The problem is that I can't give an A+ or even an A with the receiver play. They weren't terrible, but there were some terrible plays. Two dropped touchdowns that were dropped in beautifully by Barrett (one to Smith and one to Thomas) are inexcusable (see last week vs. VT--looking at you Smith). Barrett is clearly a more polished passer than Miller was even last year. Give him time (and catch a freaking ball), and the Bucks will do just fine.
Defense: A
Ok, I will say 0 is 0. A shutout in the game of football today is very difficult and should be recognized even against an inferior opponent. I want to highlight the play of Darron Lee and Tyvis Powell as they were very good. The screwup yet again of Noah Spence appeared to have no ill effects. I'll give credit where credit is due. Let's see if they can play sound against Cincinnati.
Special Teams: C-
Boy, I had no clue how to grade this unit but I simply have to downgrade them for some mistakes. No missed kicks is a positive but there were 3 issues:
1) Another shanked punt by Johnston (what happened to him?)
2) Blocking a punt (YAY) then recovering (YAY) then fumbling it back (....really...REALLY?!?!) and giving the Flashes a first down.
3) Marshall getting stopped on the kickoff return...BY THE FREAKING PUNTER!!
These all deserve a hearty 'C'Mon Man?!?'
Coaching: A-
The Oline is the problem, so we saw some intermediate and short passes....GENIUS! Finally, the playcalling matched the personnel. I think I actually saw a slant thrown in. Defensive playcalling and film study was clearly effective as the scoreboard shows. Going for it on 4th down was a little questionable late in the game, but I can understand letting the backups get some reps. Playing a weak opponent hides a lot of issues, but I think some steps were taken in the right direction. Why the downgrade to A-. This is purely due to VT...Tech losing at home to ECU makes me question the coaching and prep work from two weeks ago. That stings. Yes, they coached well today, but that score makes me angry thinking about the suck 2 weeks ago so I move em down.
Overall: A
Let's be honest, the downgrades were for little individual issues. At the end of the day, this was a complete game with a complete blowout. An A grade is nice, but let's do it when it matters. Keep the train rolling. I guarantee a Bucks non-loss this week (although I've heard 'bye week' has a new coach).
Offense: A-
How can I give this offense anything but an A+?!?!? 66 pts?!? Remember Tressel? Calm down and don't forget that Kent State plain sucks. I will give JT an A+ because he was phenomenal. The RBs and OLine looked good as well. The problem is that I can't give an A+ or even an A with the receiver play. They weren't terrible, but there were some terrible plays. Two dropped touchdowns that were dropped in beautifully by Barrett (one to Smith and one to Thomas) are inexcusable (see last week vs. VT--looking at you Smith). Barrett is clearly a more polished passer than Miller was even last year. Give him time (and catch a freaking ball), and the Bucks will do just fine.
Defense: A
Ok, I will say 0 is 0. A shutout in the game of football today is very difficult and should be recognized even against an inferior opponent. I want to highlight the play of Darron Lee and Tyvis Powell as they were very good. The screwup yet again of Noah Spence appeared to have no ill effects. I'll give credit where credit is due. Let's see if they can play sound against Cincinnati.
Special Teams: C-
Boy, I had no clue how to grade this unit but I simply have to downgrade them for some mistakes. No missed kicks is a positive but there were 3 issues:
1) Another shanked punt by Johnston (what happened to him?)
2) Blocking a punt (YAY) then recovering (YAY) then fumbling it back (....really...REALLY?!?!) and giving the Flashes a first down.
3) Marshall getting stopped on the kickoff return...BY THE FREAKING PUNTER!!
These all deserve a hearty 'C'Mon Man?!?'
Coaching: A-
The Oline is the problem, so we saw some intermediate and short passes....GENIUS! Finally, the playcalling matched the personnel. I think I actually saw a slant thrown in. Defensive playcalling and film study was clearly effective as the scoreboard shows. Going for it on 4th down was a little questionable late in the game, but I can understand letting the backups get some reps. Playing a weak opponent hides a lot of issues, but I think some steps were taken in the right direction. Why the downgrade to A-. This is purely due to VT...Tech losing at home to ECU makes me question the coaching and prep work from two weeks ago. That stings. Yes, they coached well today, but that score makes me angry thinking about the suck 2 weeks ago so I move em down.
Overall: A
Let's be honest, the downgrades were for little individual issues. At the end of the day, this was a complete game with a complete blowout. An A grade is nice, but let's do it when it matters. Keep the train rolling. I guarantee a Bucks non-loss this week (although I've heard 'bye week' has a new coach).
Friday, September 12, 2014
Week 3 - I Just Figured Something Out, Beavis...huh huh...This Sucks
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 4-4 (1-1 upset)
1) Draper 4-4 (1-1 upset)
1) Hoying 4-4 (0-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 4-4 (0-2 upset)
In case you missed this past weekend's action, here's a quick recap:
1. Michigan was shut out for the first time in 30 years, losing by 31.
2. Michigan State and Ohio State flirted with competence before losing by multiple scores.
3. Purdue was crushed at home by a MAC team that almost lost to Chattanooga.
4. Northwestern lost at home to another MAC team.
5. Iowa needed two touchdowns in the game's final 3:00 to avoid losing to yet another MAC team.
6. Nebraska needed a last-minute touchdown to avoid overtime with a D1-AA school.
7. Maryland needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat an AAC team that went 2-10 last year.
8. Illinois needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat a C-USA team at home (actually not bad for Illinois).
9. Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Minnesota managed to avoid crapping the bed.
10. Indiana didn't play.
All in all, not a banner day for the conference that we play in. It sucked more than anything has ever sucked before. We at Let's Go Bucks! are not SEC hive-minders, but we understand that a poor conference perception might limit Ohio State's chances to make the inaugural College Football Playoff after they win their next 11 games.
With that out of the way, let's turn to the snore-fest that is Week 3. The B1G conference season kicks off on the east coast, two blue-chip programs meet in Norman, and the presumptive SEC East favorites butt heads (huh huh).
Georgia Bulldogs @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Two words: Todd Gurley. SEC folk want to tout the toughness of the Gamecocks, but nothing on the field has supported that. The Dawgs, however, are led by a grown a$$ man in Todd Gurley who look absolutely beastly in week 1 over a tough Clemson team. It's in Columbia, but A&M handles the Cocks in their house. I expect UGA to follow suit and cruise to a fairly easy win. UGA: 48--SCar: 20
Hoying: I know, faithful readers, you'd rather hear our thoughts on the weekend's showdown between two undefeated SEC teams, Kentucky and Florida. But the inconsequential AP still inexplicably has South Carolina ranked after getting spanked by Kenny Football and a newly-functioning Aggie defense, so you'll have to suffer through this analysis instead. After their aforementioned loss, Cocky almost laid another egg against their directional rival, East Carolina. The Bulldogs looked fantastic in their only showing this season, dominating Clemson behind Todd Gurley and an imposing O-line (sigh). I imagine this game will play out about as you'd expect. UGA: 45--SCar: 24
Schweinfurth: We can keep this one short. South Carolina was exposed by TAMU. Yes, that was a spread system vs. a pro system but the Dawgs have the Gurley man. I fully expect Georgia to hop out to an early lead and not look back. UGA: 38--SCar: 17
Seeberg: On the surface, this looks like a solid game. Two ranked, divisional SEC foes doing battle. Unfortunately looks (and rankings) can be deceiving. The Gamecocks are still ranked solely because voters were slightly uncomfortable taking them from #9 all the way out after their debacle against A&M. Thankfully, that won't be an issue after this week. Gurley, Mason & Co. will pull away after the SC home crowd keeps them in it early. UGA: 41--SCar: 21
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Draper: Blech...scraping the bottom of the barrel here. This matchup faces the 2 programs with the most impressive out of conference wins for the B1G (UCF and Washington State....yeah....). Can Hackenburg not suck it up like he did last week? I'd say yes. I have no faith that the undefeated juggernaut of the State School of New Jersey will continue to press on. Why is this a thing? Thanks Jim Delany. PSU: 34--RSUNJ: 20
Hoying: Ah, Big Ten football the way it was meant to be played: between the flagship state programs of two original American colonies. Good news: the B1G will get a victory out of this game. Better news (or not): the NCAA burned a chicken's entrails and decided not to care anymore about child molestation negligence, paving the way for a brighter future for Penn State football, chock full of bowl appearances and full scholarship rosters. The Nittany Lions sport the most extreme road win of the young season, beating a Bortles-less UCF in...Ireland...but they've looked terribly one-dimensional so far, relying far too heavily on QB Christian Pick, er, Hackenberg. The Scarlet Knights don't feature a great pass defense, but they showed great balance in wins against Washington State and Howard (don't laugh). Let's see how long Rutgers' B1G reign of terror can last (spoiler alert: next four conference games are against Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin). PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 24
Schweinfurth: It's time for Rutgers to become B1G. This is time for Franklin and Freeze to work on that grudge match that's been brewing in the off season as well. The Knights are going to come hard at the Penn State O-Line to rattle Hackenberg. If Hackenberg stays vertical, the Lions will pull of the win. PSU: 28--RSUNJ: 24
Seeberg: Fifteen years ago, this would have been a pretty rude welcome to the B1G for the Scarlet Knights. Now, however, the Lions have been tamed somewhat. An upset by Rutgers is a distinct possibility here, but the Nittanys will be buoyed by the recent news that they can actually head to a bowl this year (what're they calling the Alamo Bowl now? Still, better than spending the Christmas holiday in Happy Valley, the most misnomered place in the known universe). Hack-a-Shaqberg avoids just enough disasters to squeak out a win. PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 13
Tennessee Volunteers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: I expect this to be another blood bath. OU has absolutely demolished their first 2 foes and UT was simply OK. Where is this game? Norman? Good God. Stoops should have no problem with the Vols at home. Knight has looked fantastic. Expect the Sooner Schooner to get tired out early. UT: 17--OU: 41
Hoying: Oklahoma entered the 2014 season as an overwhelming favorite to storm through the B12G and secure a spot in the playoffs. The Sooners have looked the part so far, plastering Louisiana Tech and Tulsa by a combined score of 100-23. Will the undefeated Volunteers provide a stiffer test? Last year's squad also started 2-0, then got shellacked by Oregon on the way to a 5-7 skid of a season. A trip to Norman this Saturday won't be any more forgiving. UT: 17--OU: 38
Schweinfurth: This is an SEC suck team versus one of the best teams in the country. It's gonna show too. Big Game Bob has the best QB in this game and that offense is gonna make a SEC defense look like swiss cheese. Oklahoma in a rout. UT: 10--OU: 45
Seeberg: Ah yes, my alma mater- at least for my master's degree. The Vols have been supposedly on the upswing for years, yet have middled around .500 for nearly a decade now. This looked like a banner matchup when it was scheduled in probably 2008 or so, but now OU is still solid and UT has fallen by the wayside. UT has some skill talent, but their O-line is as inexperienced as tOSU, and we all saw what happened there. Boomer Sooner big. UT: 13--OU: 42
Kent State Golden Flashes @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Time to bounce back. KSU is just what the doctor ordered. The O-line should not (and better not!) have any problems here. Time to work on fundamentals and get back to winning individual battles. If this is close, time to panic in Columbus. The defensive line should absolutely smoke the Flashes and harry the QB all day. JT throws for 250+, Zeke/Marshall/Wilson run for 150+ and the d shuts it down. Big bounceback win that really means nothing. KSU: 10--OSU: 48
Hoying: How bad was last week? Our offensive line was embarrassed so completely that one of the linemen quit the team. Fortunately, our beloved Bucks get a chance to regroup against a truly awful squad. Dr. Lou's alma mater has already lost to D-1A newcomer South Alabama and an Ohio team that got blasted by Kentucky. Look for the Buckeyes to try to establish the run with anybody but Barrett, given that they only have about 5 or 6 running backs from which to choose. Look for the receivers to bring their hands closer together when the ball arrives, to better counteract the downward force the Earth puts on it. Look for the D-line to play containment and get a few stops on third down. Look for signs this team won't end up 7-6 after a bowl loss to a MAC school. KSU: 10--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Man I did not see that one coming last week. We all knew the offensive line would be a work in progress but 7(!) sacks. That is just horrendous. What also worries me is the offensive play calling. It's like the coaching staff writes scripts the entire game and won't deviate from that plan. This has been going on for the last two years, it's just Braxton and El Guapo masked the issues. Herman and Urban need to make adjustments other than throw bombs to a wide out who dropped every thing thrown at him. The Silver Bullets will be fine. The play calling on first and second down was great...third down was same old, same old. Time to bring some pressure and get in the QB's face. There is talent there, it just needs to be put in a better place to succeed. I expect these changes to be made. An inferior opponent will help that as well and give that offensive line time to gel. I feel bad for the Golden Flashes. Urban's boys are mad as hell and are going to take that anger out on the rest of the teams on the Buckeye schedule. KSU: 14--OSU: 52
Seeberg: Well, despite how horrendous we looked for 3.25 quarters or so last week, we were STILL within one possession with the ball with less than two minutes to play. There is another silver lining: The D-line looked much more solid than in the Navy run-game gashing we took the first week. J.T. Barrett actually handled himself reasonably well- it's not his fault we couldn't seem to run a single screen pass, or slant, or 5-yard out, or any pass play not requiring a 7-step drop for that matter. At this time last year, this game could have been a bit scary with Dri Archer running the ball and returning kicks. He's gone, and the Golden Flashes are pretty flashless again. Urban's message to the team after the loss? That tOSU can still accomplish everything it set out to at 11-1. With no discernable threats on the schedule until PSU in late October, it is still not out of the realm of possibility. OSU: 38--KSU: 13
Upset Special
Draper: UCF over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa State over Iowa
Schweinfurth: Central Michigan over Syracuse
Seeberg: UMass over Vanderbilt
1) Schweinfurth 4-4 (1-1 upset)
1) Draper 4-4 (1-1 upset)
1) Hoying 4-4 (0-2 upset)
1) Seeberg 4-4 (0-2 upset)
In case you missed this past weekend's action, here's a quick recap:
1. Michigan was shut out for the first time in 30 years, losing by 31.
2. Michigan State and Ohio State flirted with competence before losing by multiple scores.
3. Purdue was crushed at home by a MAC team that almost lost to Chattanooga.
4. Northwestern lost at home to another MAC team.
5. Iowa needed two touchdowns in the game's final 3:00 to avoid losing to yet another MAC team.
6. Nebraska needed a last-minute touchdown to avoid overtime with a D1-AA school.
7. Maryland needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat an AAC team that went 2-10 last year.
8. Illinois needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat a C-USA team at home (actually not bad for Illinois).
9. Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Minnesota managed to avoid crapping the bed.
10. Indiana didn't play.
All in all, not a banner day for the conference that we play in. It sucked more than anything has ever sucked before. We at Let's Go Bucks! are not SEC hive-minders, but we understand that a poor conference perception might limit Ohio State's chances to make the inaugural College Football Playoff after they win their next 11 games.
With that out of the way, let's turn to the snore-fest that is Week 3. The B1G conference season kicks off on the east coast, two blue-chip programs meet in Norman, and the presumptive SEC East favorites butt heads (huh huh).
Georgia Bulldogs @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Draper: Two words: Todd Gurley. SEC folk want to tout the toughness of the Gamecocks, but nothing on the field has supported that. The Dawgs, however, are led by a grown a$$ man in Todd Gurley who look absolutely beastly in week 1 over a tough Clemson team. It's in Columbia, but A&M handles the Cocks in their house. I expect UGA to follow suit and cruise to a fairly easy win. UGA: 48--SCar: 20
Hoying: I know, faithful readers, you'd rather hear our thoughts on the weekend's showdown between two undefeated SEC teams, Kentucky and Florida. But the inconsequential AP still inexplicably has South Carolina ranked after getting spanked by Kenny Football and a newly-functioning Aggie defense, so you'll have to suffer through this analysis instead. After their aforementioned loss, Cocky almost laid another egg against their directional rival, East Carolina. The Bulldogs looked fantastic in their only showing this season, dominating Clemson behind Todd Gurley and an imposing O-line (sigh). I imagine this game will play out about as you'd expect. UGA: 45--SCar: 24
Schweinfurth: We can keep this one short. South Carolina was exposed by TAMU. Yes, that was a spread system vs. a pro system but the Dawgs have the Gurley man. I fully expect Georgia to hop out to an early lead and not look back. UGA: 38--SCar: 17
Seeberg: On the surface, this looks like a solid game. Two ranked, divisional SEC foes doing battle. Unfortunately looks (and rankings) can be deceiving. The Gamecocks are still ranked solely because voters were slightly uncomfortable taking them from #9 all the way out after their debacle against A&M. Thankfully, that won't be an issue after this week. Gurley, Mason & Co. will pull away after the SC home crowd keeps them in it early. UGA: 41--SCar: 21
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Draper: Blech...scraping the bottom of the barrel here. This matchup faces the 2 programs with the most impressive out of conference wins for the B1G (UCF and Washington State....yeah....). Can Hackenburg not suck it up like he did last week? I'd say yes. I have no faith that the undefeated juggernaut of the State School of New Jersey will continue to press on. Why is this a thing? Thanks Jim Delany. PSU: 34--RSUNJ: 20
Hoying: Ah, Big Ten football the way it was meant to be played: between the flagship state programs of two original American colonies. Good news: the B1G will get a victory out of this game. Better news (or not): the NCAA burned a chicken's entrails and decided not to care anymore about child molestation negligence, paving the way for a brighter future for Penn State football, chock full of bowl appearances and full scholarship rosters. The Nittany Lions sport the most extreme road win of the young season, beating a Bortles-less UCF in...Ireland...but they've looked terribly one-dimensional so far, relying far too heavily on QB Christian Pick, er, Hackenberg. The Scarlet Knights don't feature a great pass defense, but they showed great balance in wins against Washington State and Howard (don't laugh). Let's see how long Rutgers' B1G reign of terror can last (spoiler alert: next four conference games are against Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin). PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 24
Schweinfurth: It's time for Rutgers to become B1G. This is time for Franklin and Freeze to work on that grudge match that's been brewing in the off season as well. The Knights are going to come hard at the Penn State O-Line to rattle Hackenberg. If Hackenberg stays vertical, the Lions will pull of the win. PSU: 28--RSUNJ: 24
Seeberg: Fifteen years ago, this would have been a pretty rude welcome to the B1G for the Scarlet Knights. Now, however, the Lions have been tamed somewhat. An upset by Rutgers is a distinct possibility here, but the Nittanys will be buoyed by the recent news that they can actually head to a bowl this year (what're they calling the Alamo Bowl now? Still, better than spending the Christmas holiday in Happy Valley, the most misnomered place in the known universe). Hack-a-Shaqberg avoids just enough disasters to squeak out a win. PSU: 20--RSUNJ: 13
Tennessee Volunteers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: I expect this to be another blood bath. OU has absolutely demolished their first 2 foes and UT was simply OK. Where is this game? Norman? Good God. Stoops should have no problem with the Vols at home. Knight has looked fantastic. Expect the Sooner Schooner to get tired out early. UT: 17--OU: 41
Hoying: Oklahoma entered the 2014 season as an overwhelming favorite to storm through the B12G and secure a spot in the playoffs. The Sooners have looked the part so far, plastering Louisiana Tech and Tulsa by a combined score of 100-23. Will the undefeated Volunteers provide a stiffer test? Last year's squad also started 2-0, then got shellacked by Oregon on the way to a 5-7 skid of a season. A trip to Norman this Saturday won't be any more forgiving. UT: 17--OU: 38
Schweinfurth: This is an SEC suck team versus one of the best teams in the country. It's gonna show too. Big Game Bob has the best QB in this game and that offense is gonna make a SEC defense look like swiss cheese. Oklahoma in a rout. UT: 10--OU: 45
Seeberg: Ah yes, my alma mater- at least for my master's degree. The Vols have been supposedly on the upswing for years, yet have middled around .500 for nearly a decade now. This looked like a banner matchup when it was scheduled in probably 2008 or so, but now OU is still solid and UT has fallen by the wayside. UT has some skill talent, but their O-line is as inexperienced as tOSU, and we all saw what happened there. Boomer Sooner big. UT: 13--OU: 42
Kent State Golden Flashes @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Time to bounce back. KSU is just what the doctor ordered. The O-line should not (and better not!) have any problems here. Time to work on fundamentals and get back to winning individual battles. If this is close, time to panic in Columbus. The defensive line should absolutely smoke the Flashes and harry the QB all day. JT throws for 250+, Zeke/Marshall/Wilson run for 150+ and the d shuts it down. Big bounceback win that really means nothing. KSU: 10--OSU: 48
Hoying: How bad was last week? Our offensive line was embarrassed so completely that one of the linemen quit the team. Fortunately, our beloved Bucks get a chance to regroup against a truly awful squad. Dr. Lou's alma mater has already lost to D-1A newcomer South Alabama and an Ohio team that got blasted by Kentucky. Look for the Buckeyes to try to establish the run with anybody but Barrett, given that they only have about 5 or 6 running backs from which to choose. Look for the receivers to bring their hands closer together when the ball arrives, to better counteract the downward force the Earth puts on it. Look for the D-line to play containment and get a few stops on third down. Look for signs this team won't end up 7-6 after a bowl loss to a MAC school. KSU: 10--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Man I did not see that one coming last week. We all knew the offensive line would be a work in progress but 7(!) sacks. That is just horrendous. What also worries me is the offensive play calling. It's like the coaching staff writes scripts the entire game and won't deviate from that plan. This has been going on for the last two years, it's just Braxton and El Guapo masked the issues. Herman and Urban need to make adjustments other than throw bombs to a wide out who dropped every thing thrown at him. The Silver Bullets will be fine. The play calling on first and second down was great...third down was same old, same old. Time to bring some pressure and get in the QB's face. There is talent there, it just needs to be put in a better place to succeed. I expect these changes to be made. An inferior opponent will help that as well and give that offensive line time to gel. I feel bad for the Golden Flashes. Urban's boys are mad as hell and are going to take that anger out on the rest of the teams on the Buckeye schedule. KSU: 14--OSU: 52
Seeberg: Well, despite how horrendous we looked for 3.25 quarters or so last week, we were STILL within one possession with the ball with less than two minutes to play. There is another silver lining: The D-line looked much more solid than in the Navy run-game gashing we took the first week. J.T. Barrett actually handled himself reasonably well- it's not his fault we couldn't seem to run a single screen pass, or slant, or 5-yard out, or any pass play not requiring a 7-step drop for that matter. At this time last year, this game could have been a bit scary with Dri Archer running the ball and returning kicks. He's gone, and the Golden Flashes are pretty flashless again. Urban's message to the team after the loss? That tOSU can still accomplish everything it set out to at 11-1. With no discernable threats on the schedule until PSU in late October, it is still not out of the realm of possibility. OSU: 38--KSU: 13
Upset Special
Draper: UCF over Missouri
Hoying: Iowa State over Iowa
Schweinfurth: Central Michigan over Syracuse
Seeberg: UMass over Vanderbilt
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Grading the Bucks: Week 2--Virginia Tech
Oof...that one hurt. This team has some serious gaps (paging the offensive line), but give credit to the Hokies. They brought their A game with a solid transfer QB and a relentless pass rush. I was impressed with them...but that was not a good day for the Bucks.
Offense: D+
Let's nip this in the bud right away--J.T. Barrett was not the problem. He wasn't perfect, but that line was a dumpster fire. He showed his youth with his quick abandonment of looking downfield, but he had good reason. The line is a train wreck. No QB would have had a chance in that situation. If they don't improve, it will be a rough season. The silver lining is that the Bucks won't face anyone near the quality of VT until MSU, but they have serious retooling work ahead of them. In addition, the WR corps needs to get better (Corey Smith? I'm talking about you). A freshman QB delivered a giftwrapped TD and he became Greg Little. There is no excuse for that at OSU. Running game? Where were you? JT ran well, but it's not his job! Tom Herman needs to utilize his athletes and sprinkle in quick slants/screens with some runs to keep that crazy pass rush honest. The Oline couldn't stop my grandma...
Defense: B-
Watching the game, I saw a lot of hate being lumped on the defense. I'll be honest, I thought they looked markedly better than last year. They are not world beaters by any stretch of the imagination, but it appears that the stud line was harrassing and the secondary prevented the big play. The main knock (giant elephant in the room) is the inability to get off the field on third down. That being said, Brewer played like a polished veteran and looked fantastic. I'm not convinced that was due to our defense as much as to VT having a competent QB. The secondary was improved, but still not there. I maintain that Darron Lee is a man but the other linebackers need work. Again, the silver lining is a nice soft schedule before PSU (which shouldn't be too bad).
Special Teams: F-
While the offensive line was offensive, the special teams was special. 2 missed kicks (including a 27 yarder!?!), a kick out of bounds, and a shanked punt? This cannot stand. I was impressed in week 1with the freshman kicker, but this is unacceptable. Yeah, he's young and the stage was huge, but we need consistent play in that aspect. I have a feeling the mystique of VT special teams created more havoc than the actual special teams. Tech was fine on special teams, but not any better than any other team. OSU let themselves down without much pressure.
Coaching: B-
The coaching wasn't horrific in this game other than some questionable playcalling. When the pressure turned up, it's time to start looking for quick throws. I don't like an offense based on flanker screens, but they can be involved in the gameplan. Also, maybe a HB screen or a FREAKING QUICK SLANT would relax some of the pressure on the QB from the revolving door Oline. The defensive gameplan was fine in my opinion, but Brewer just had a great game. Is the lack of usage of a power running game an artefact of a) a horrid Oline, b) no good backs, or c) a refusal to run between the tackles. a) I can understand, but we didn't keep the defense honest, so they pinned their ears back and attacked.
Overall: D
I want to give an F for failing when all that matters is winning, but I can't forget about Barrett playing at a non-F level and the defense showing up. This was a game the Buckeyes needed and they didn't show up. Credit to the Hokies for a superior gameplan that exploited the weakness in the O-line. At the end of the day, a loss is a loss and there are some serious holes that need plugging. You have a month to get better Bucks. Time to get to work. (Anyone seeking to play O-line for the Bucks should contact Urban ASAP).
Offense: D+
Let's nip this in the bud right away--J.T. Barrett was not the problem. He wasn't perfect, but that line was a dumpster fire. He showed his youth with his quick abandonment of looking downfield, but he had good reason. The line is a train wreck. No QB would have had a chance in that situation. If they don't improve, it will be a rough season. The silver lining is that the Bucks won't face anyone near the quality of VT until MSU, but they have serious retooling work ahead of them. In addition, the WR corps needs to get better (Corey Smith? I'm talking about you). A freshman QB delivered a giftwrapped TD and he became Greg Little. There is no excuse for that at OSU. Running game? Where were you? JT ran well, but it's not his job! Tom Herman needs to utilize his athletes and sprinkle in quick slants/screens with some runs to keep that crazy pass rush honest. The Oline couldn't stop my grandma...
Defense: B-
Watching the game, I saw a lot of hate being lumped on the defense. I'll be honest, I thought they looked markedly better than last year. They are not world beaters by any stretch of the imagination, but it appears that the stud line was harrassing and the secondary prevented the big play. The main knock (giant elephant in the room) is the inability to get off the field on third down. That being said, Brewer played like a polished veteran and looked fantastic. I'm not convinced that was due to our defense as much as to VT having a competent QB. The secondary was improved, but still not there. I maintain that Darron Lee is a man but the other linebackers need work. Again, the silver lining is a nice soft schedule before PSU (which shouldn't be too bad).
Special Teams: F-
While the offensive line was offensive, the special teams was special. 2 missed kicks (including a 27 yarder!?!), a kick out of bounds, and a shanked punt? This cannot stand. I was impressed in week 1with the freshman kicker, but this is unacceptable. Yeah, he's young and the stage was huge, but we need consistent play in that aspect. I have a feeling the mystique of VT special teams created more havoc than the actual special teams. Tech was fine on special teams, but not any better than any other team. OSU let themselves down without much pressure.
Coaching: B-
The coaching wasn't horrific in this game other than some questionable playcalling. When the pressure turned up, it's time to start looking for quick throws. I don't like an offense based on flanker screens, but they can be involved in the gameplan. Also, maybe a HB screen or a FREAKING QUICK SLANT would relax some of the pressure on the QB from the revolving door Oline. The defensive gameplan was fine in my opinion, but Brewer just had a great game. Is the lack of usage of a power running game an artefact of a) a horrid Oline, b) no good backs, or c) a refusal to run between the tackles. a) I can understand, but we didn't keep the defense honest, so they pinned their ears back and attacked.
Overall: D
I want to give an F for failing when all that matters is winning, but I can't forget about Barrett playing at a non-F level and the defense showing up. This was a game the Buckeyes needed and they didn't show up. Credit to the Hokies for a superior gameplan that exploited the weakness in the O-line. At the end of the day, a loss is a loss and there are some serious holes that need plugging. You have a month to get better Bucks. Time to get to work. (Anyone seeking to play O-line for the Bucks should contact Urban ASAP).
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Week 2 - B1G Chances for Redemption
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 3-1 (1-0 upset)
1) Draper 3-1 (1-0 upset---WEAK)
1) Hoying 3-1 (0-1 upset)
1) Seeberg 3-1 (0-1 upset- I should get .5 for mine, FCS team loses by 1 b/c of miraculous 2 TD comeback?? C'MON MAN!)
The B1G actually had a pretty decent week 1, going 12-2 with Ohio State, Penn State, and Rutgers scoring decent road wins, and no team falling flat on its face against a garbage opponent. However, all anyone will remember is Wisconsin's 2nd-half collapse against LSU, so it's up to the conference to notch a win against a top-level opponent to save face. Fortunately, three such opportunities present themselves in week 2.
Michigan State Spartans @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: This is a litmus test for both teams. Did MSU take a step back from the magical 2013? Is Oregon the juggernaut on offense they always claim to be? I'm expecting a pretty good game here in which the Spartans lay it all on the line...but fall just short in Autzen. The losses in MSU's secondary are just too much when going up against Marcus Mariota. I know he's not an exceptional passer, but with all the weapons on the ground, that pulls bodies out of pass protection. MSU looks good, but Oregon is no Jacksonville State (and MSU is no South Dakota). MSU: 24--Ore: 27
Hoying: Welcome to Part II of the B1G vs. Pac-12 Challenge. After B1G linchpin Rutgers dispatched Washington State last week, the stakes skyrocket in this showdown of presumptive conference favorites. Neither team will be out of the playoff hunt after a loss, but the loser will have to take care not to drop a conference game as well. Oregon is plenty flashy as always, rolling up 62 points against South Dakota, but the Ducks usually struggle against solid-tackling, defensive-minded squads (see 2011 LSU, 2010 Auburn, 2009 Ohio State and Boise State). MSU QB Connor Cook will have to continue his upward trend, but the Spartans should be bursting with confidence after their victory over last year's Pac-12 champ, Stanford, in the Rose Bowl. Remember, the Spartans need this win so that it's even more embarrassing when they lose to Indiana or Wyoming or whoever. MSU: 31--Ore: 27
Schweinfurth: Boy does the B1G need some love after Wisconsin choked (and that is putting it kindly). Everyone is talking about Michigan State's defense, and for good measure. They held Braxton and El Guapo in check for most of the B1G Championship Game and looked impressive doing it. Oregon runs a similar type of spread; run to set up the pass, short passing game, and a mobile and explosive QB. The difference here is that Mariota is a better passer than Miller. MSU challenged Braxton to throw across the middle of the field and he couldn't do it. Mariota can. This will likely be the Spartans' gameplan against a fast spread team like the Ducks. Combine that with the loss of Dennard and you have one MSU loss. Sorry Sparty, I just can't buy in. Prove me wrong. MSU: 24--Ore: 35
Seeberg: Time to put on the big boy pants and see who's who. MSU's offense is likely to be much improved, though we learned next to nothing about them against theSouth Carolina Jacksonville State Gamecocks (seriously? There are TWO Gamecock mascots? Still not as bad as a community college in Arizona, the Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes- I kid you not). Likewise, we learned nothing about Oregon's supposedly vaunted offense against the likes of South Dakota. I get the sense that MSU cannot let Oregon get rolling early or it could get ugly, much like Seabiscuit retraining to break first in his match race against War Admiral (look it up). Bottom line? The two strongest units on the field will be Oregon's O and MSU's D, and sadly I trust Oregon's O a bit more. Let the B1G bashing commence. MSU: 20--Ore: 28
Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Does the winner of this game get the ever present 'They're back!' label? Seems to be a recurring tradition between these two historical juggernauts that just haven't lived up to consistent expectations in the recent past. The Irish are sporting their revamped Everett Gholston (apparently, he's smart now!), but have serious questions from the academic issues that hit near the end of the offseason. Michigan is on cloud nine after evening their record with the powerhouse Mountaineers, and I think they keep it going. Gardner and Devin Funyons will be too much for the Domers to contain on offense. They're BACK! (until next week) UM: 31--ND: 24
Hoying: Say it ain't so! Notre Dame's fifth most important rivalry is about to go on hiatus for the fifth time. Both of these historically superlative but contemporarily mediocre programs are missing major offensive performers from last season, the Wolverines losing RB Fitz Toussaint and the Irish losing QB Tommy Rees. Then again, neither player was actually any good, so don't expect these units to break stride from where they ended last year. Michigan has been in a total nosedive since firing Lloyd Carr 7 years ago, but since it's still September, a win is within the realm of possibility. Notre Dame is still missing a few players for being too dumb to play college football, but there's hope: QB Everett Golson has finally found his way back onto campus after a similar problem last season. Too bad he won't do well enough to overcome the Gardner & Co. sporadic juggernaut. UM: 38--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: This is a rivalry game that I am sad to see get put off by conference politics. And by sad I mean I just like to watch both teams bumble all over the field. Yes, Everett Golson is back. Yes, Devin Gardner is back. To acknowledge that this game will blow anyone's doors off would insinuate that both QBs were competent in the first place. I really don't care who wins this game, but I think scUM's defense is better, but not by much. This game will be close as always. UM: 24--ND: 21
Seeberg: Ah yes, the annual "can they just play to a hideously contested 3-3 tie because I despise both teams?" game. Both dispatched lousy opponents with ease last week, but TTUN's offense was surprisingly, well, surprising, in that the play-calling was marginally less predictable than usual. Assuming there are more wrinkles reserved for their first real game, I expect UM to meet little resistance offensively en route to a double-digit win, thereby gratefully removing the perenially overrated Irish from the rankings, silencing the echoes yet again. UM: 34--ND: 20
USC Trojans @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: I don't know what to think about these Pac 12 foes. Both teams crushed vastly inferior opponents last week but we really have no clue what to expect in an actual game. Sark has the SC history with him, but the roster isn't quite like the Leinhart and Bush days. I think the Trojans are on an upswing, but this is a doozy of a game on the road this early. Stanford has a nice consistent product that doesn't have the flash, but should come up with the meat of the sandwich to come out with a win. Blue collar boys slow down the flash...just enough. USC: 24--Stan: 27
Hoying: Now that the Lane Kiffin dumpster fire in Los Angeles has been extinguished, the Trojans are dreaming of regaining their Pac-12 supremacy status. Unfortunately, the conference isn't the one-team laugher it was back in the 2000's, and the Cardinal aren't keen to see their Rose Bowl streak ended at 2. Both teams feature great quarterbacks and untested running backs, most notably Stanford sophomore RB Barry Sanders, Jr. I'm tempted to give Stanford a slight edge due to the home field advantage, but that would require some fans to actually show up. This one will come down to whether the Cardinal play "Stanford football." I'm guessing...no. USC: 28--Stan: 27
Schweinfurth: I really don't know much about these teams, and honestly, haven't paid much attention other than the RB drama at SC. USC is still breaking in a new offense and that Stanford D is usually pretty nasty. Stanford with a senior QB at home? Yup, the Cardinal move on. USC: 17--Stan: 28
Seeberg: I...I just don't know. This is a flip of the coin for me. It's strength on strength similar to MSU's D against Oregon's offense (USC O vs. Stanford D). I would like to think the score will stay in the 20s and Stanford has the advantage. Then again, USC proved it can win a low scoring game against the Cardinal, eking out a 20-17 win just last year. Stanford appears a bit less 1-dimensional this year however, trusting their senior QB to throw to people other than the tight ends. They'll need a play or two from the wideouts, and they'll get just enough to get some payback on the Trojans. Dance ugly tree, dance. USC: 20--Stan: 24
Virginia Tech Hokies @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Bucks look a little iffy out of the gate but settled down quickly. I really like what I saw out of Barrett when the kid gloves were removed, but the O-Line is a concern. With Bud Foster's defense bringing the lunch pail, the Bucks need to get to work. I actually think this game sets up nicely for a strong Buckeye win. VT is a very traditional football team and the Bucks are designed to take on a traditional football team. Add in the lights in the Shoe, and it's a recipe for a coming out party. Dontre takes one to the house and the defense steps up their game. Bucks roll. VT: 17--OSU: 38
Hoying: I'm not sure what to make of this Virginia Tech team. Like the Buckeyes, they're breaking in new starters at QB and RB. However, the Bucks are a bit more battle-tested after taking Navy's best shot in Baltimore. Were this a road game, I'd be extremely nervous, but Barrett and (insert Buckeye RB here) should get a nice boost from the home atmosphere. This game should give us some opportunities to finally see if the Buckeye D has made any strides in the offseason (or in the last week). Expect some mistakes on both sides of the ball, but Ohio State should squeak out a close win and move on to next week's breather against Kent State. VT: 24--OSU: 27 (OT)
Schweinfurth: I am sooooooo glad to be done with Navy. I respect our troops, but as Draper likes to say, "Why do you ever schedule a service academy?!" We really didn't learn much about the Bucks revamped defense, and that may be a good thing. VaTech has no film to go on with regards to the Silver Bullets and that is a big advantage. What concerns me is that offensive line. They now have one game under their belt. The talent is there, the communication just needs to be fixed and this unit will start providing better protection. I think J.T. has earned the right to throw down field a bit more. Urban and Herman need to try and take the top of that defense off if they want to run the ball against a very well coached Bud Foster defense. I also think we see more Curtis Samuel, that dude is gonna be a good one. I can really see this game playing out much like the Navy game; close going into the 4th quarter and then the talent gap shows up. VT: 20--OSU: 35
Seeberg: This game is likely the Bucks' biggest challenge until a late October trip to Happy Valley. It is that fact that buoys my middling confidence in the Buckeyes. D-line was gashed too often for a unit that was supposed to be our strength on that side of the ball, but some second-half adjustments helped. Barrett looked pretty impressive, showing nice touch on many throws. When pressured, however, he took too many sacks that seemed preventable, and of course the one horrible INT near the goal line was painfully foreseeable. Freshman mistakes will happen, but you can be sure VT will be bringing the heat against that unproven line. However, that unproven line may have been lackluster in the pass game, but it was opening some pretty consistent holes in the run game, and a heavy dose of Elliot, Wilson and Co. is in order. The Bucks will use the crowd, get up early, and VT is not much more built to come from behind than Navy was. VT: 16--OSU: 27
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Kansas State
Hoying: San Diego State over North Carolina
Schweinfurth: Western Kentucky over Illinois
Seeberg: Middle Tennessee over Minnesota
1) Schweinfurth 3-1 (1-0 upset)
1) Draper 3-1 (1-0 upset---WEAK)
1) Hoying 3-1 (0-1 upset)
1) Seeberg 3-1 (0-1 upset- I should get .5 for mine, FCS team loses by 1 b/c of miraculous 2 TD comeback?? C'MON MAN!)
The B1G actually had a pretty decent week 1, going 12-2 with Ohio State, Penn State, and Rutgers scoring decent road wins, and no team falling flat on its face against a garbage opponent. However, all anyone will remember is Wisconsin's 2nd-half collapse against LSU, so it's up to the conference to notch a win against a top-level opponent to save face. Fortunately, three such opportunities present themselves in week 2.
Michigan State Spartans @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: This is a litmus test for both teams. Did MSU take a step back from the magical 2013? Is Oregon the juggernaut on offense they always claim to be? I'm expecting a pretty good game here in which the Spartans lay it all on the line...but fall just short in Autzen. The losses in MSU's secondary are just too much when going up against Marcus Mariota. I know he's not an exceptional passer, but with all the weapons on the ground, that pulls bodies out of pass protection. MSU looks good, but Oregon is no Jacksonville State (and MSU is no South Dakota). MSU: 24--Ore: 27
Hoying: Welcome to Part II of the B1G vs. Pac-12 Challenge. After B1G linchpin Rutgers dispatched Washington State last week, the stakes skyrocket in this showdown of presumptive conference favorites. Neither team will be out of the playoff hunt after a loss, but the loser will have to take care not to drop a conference game as well. Oregon is plenty flashy as always, rolling up 62 points against South Dakota, but the Ducks usually struggle against solid-tackling, defensive-minded squads (see 2011 LSU, 2010 Auburn, 2009 Ohio State and Boise State). MSU QB Connor Cook will have to continue his upward trend, but the Spartans should be bursting with confidence after their victory over last year's Pac-12 champ, Stanford, in the Rose Bowl. Remember, the Spartans need this win so that it's even more embarrassing when they lose to Indiana or Wyoming or whoever. MSU: 31--Ore: 27
Schweinfurth: Boy does the B1G need some love after Wisconsin choked (and that is putting it kindly). Everyone is talking about Michigan State's defense, and for good measure. They held Braxton and El Guapo in check for most of the B1G Championship Game and looked impressive doing it. Oregon runs a similar type of spread; run to set up the pass, short passing game, and a mobile and explosive QB. The difference here is that Mariota is a better passer than Miller. MSU challenged Braxton to throw across the middle of the field and he couldn't do it. Mariota can. This will likely be the Spartans' gameplan against a fast spread team like the Ducks. Combine that with the loss of Dennard and you have one MSU loss. Sorry Sparty, I just can't buy in. Prove me wrong. MSU: 24--Ore: 35
Seeberg: Time to put on the big boy pants and see who's who. MSU's offense is likely to be much improved, though we learned next to nothing about them against the
Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Does the winner of this game get the ever present 'They're back!' label? Seems to be a recurring tradition between these two historical juggernauts that just haven't lived up to consistent expectations in the recent past. The Irish are sporting their revamped Everett Gholston (apparently, he's smart now!), but have serious questions from the academic issues that hit near the end of the offseason. Michigan is on cloud nine after evening their record with the powerhouse Mountaineers, and I think they keep it going. Gardner and Devin Funyons will be too much for the Domers to contain on offense. They're BACK! (until next week) UM: 31--ND: 24
Hoying: Say it ain't so! Notre Dame's fifth most important rivalry is about to go on hiatus for the fifth time. Both of these historically superlative but contemporarily mediocre programs are missing major offensive performers from last season, the Wolverines losing RB Fitz Toussaint and the Irish losing QB Tommy Rees. Then again, neither player was actually any good, so don't expect these units to break stride from where they ended last year. Michigan has been in a total nosedive since firing Lloyd Carr 7 years ago, but since it's still September, a win is within the realm of possibility. Notre Dame is still missing a few players for being too dumb to play college football, but there's hope: QB Everett Golson has finally found his way back onto campus after a similar problem last season. Too bad he won't do well enough to overcome the Gardner & Co. sporadic juggernaut. UM: 38--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: This is a rivalry game that I am sad to see get put off by conference politics. And by sad I mean I just like to watch both teams bumble all over the field. Yes, Everett Golson is back. Yes, Devin Gardner is back. To acknowledge that this game will blow anyone's doors off would insinuate that both QBs were competent in the first place. I really don't care who wins this game, but I think scUM's defense is better, but not by much. This game will be close as always. UM: 24--ND: 21
Seeberg: Ah yes, the annual "can they just play to a hideously contested 3-3 tie because I despise both teams?" game. Both dispatched lousy opponents with ease last week, but TTUN's offense was surprisingly, well, surprising, in that the play-calling was marginally less predictable than usual. Assuming there are more wrinkles reserved for their first real game, I expect UM to meet little resistance offensively en route to a double-digit win, thereby gratefully removing the perenially overrated Irish from the rankings, silencing the echoes yet again. UM: 34--ND: 20
USC Trojans @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: I don't know what to think about these Pac 12 foes. Both teams crushed vastly inferior opponents last week but we really have no clue what to expect in an actual game. Sark has the SC history with him, but the roster isn't quite like the Leinhart and Bush days. I think the Trojans are on an upswing, but this is a doozy of a game on the road this early. Stanford has a nice consistent product that doesn't have the flash, but should come up with the meat of the sandwich to come out with a win. Blue collar boys slow down the flash...just enough. USC: 24--Stan: 27
Hoying: Now that the Lane Kiffin dumpster fire in Los Angeles has been extinguished, the Trojans are dreaming of regaining their Pac-12 supremacy status. Unfortunately, the conference isn't the one-team laugher it was back in the 2000's, and the Cardinal aren't keen to see their Rose Bowl streak ended at 2. Both teams feature great quarterbacks and untested running backs, most notably Stanford sophomore RB Barry Sanders, Jr. I'm tempted to give Stanford a slight edge due to the home field advantage, but that would require some fans to actually show up. This one will come down to whether the Cardinal play "Stanford football." I'm guessing...no. USC: 28--Stan: 27
Schweinfurth: I really don't know much about these teams, and honestly, haven't paid much attention other than the RB drama at SC. USC is still breaking in a new offense and that Stanford D is usually pretty nasty. Stanford with a senior QB at home? Yup, the Cardinal move on. USC: 17--Stan: 28
Seeberg: I...I just don't know. This is a flip of the coin for me. It's strength on strength similar to MSU's D against Oregon's offense (USC O vs. Stanford D). I would like to think the score will stay in the 20s and Stanford has the advantage. Then again, USC proved it can win a low scoring game against the Cardinal, eking out a 20-17 win just last year. Stanford appears a bit less 1-dimensional this year however, trusting their senior QB to throw to people other than the tight ends. They'll need a play or two from the wideouts, and they'll get just enough to get some payback on the Trojans. Dance ugly tree, dance. USC: 20--Stan: 24
Virginia Tech Hokies @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Bucks look a little iffy out of the gate but settled down quickly. I really like what I saw out of Barrett when the kid gloves were removed, but the O-Line is a concern. With Bud Foster's defense bringing the lunch pail, the Bucks need to get to work. I actually think this game sets up nicely for a strong Buckeye win. VT is a very traditional football team and the Bucks are designed to take on a traditional football team. Add in the lights in the Shoe, and it's a recipe for a coming out party. Dontre takes one to the house and the defense steps up their game. Bucks roll. VT: 17--OSU: 38
Hoying: I'm not sure what to make of this Virginia Tech team. Like the Buckeyes, they're breaking in new starters at QB and RB. However, the Bucks are a bit more battle-tested after taking Navy's best shot in Baltimore. Were this a road game, I'd be extremely nervous, but Barrett and (insert Buckeye RB here) should get a nice boost from the home atmosphere. This game should give us some opportunities to finally see if the Buckeye D has made any strides in the offseason (or in the last week). Expect some mistakes on both sides of the ball, but Ohio State should squeak out a close win and move on to next week's breather against Kent State. VT: 24--OSU: 27 (OT)
Schweinfurth: I am sooooooo glad to be done with Navy. I respect our troops, but as Draper likes to say, "Why do you ever schedule a service academy?!" We really didn't learn much about the Bucks revamped defense, and that may be a good thing. VaTech has no film to go on with regards to the Silver Bullets and that is a big advantage. What concerns me is that offensive line. They now have one game under their belt. The talent is there, the communication just needs to be fixed and this unit will start providing better protection. I think J.T. has earned the right to throw down field a bit more. Urban and Herman need to try and take the top of that defense off if they want to run the ball against a very well coached Bud Foster defense. I also think we see more Curtis Samuel, that dude is gonna be a good one. I can really see this game playing out much like the Navy game; close going into the 4th quarter and then the talent gap shows up. VT: 20--OSU: 35
Seeberg: This game is likely the Bucks' biggest challenge until a late October trip to Happy Valley. It is that fact that buoys my middling confidence in the Buckeyes. D-line was gashed too often for a unit that was supposed to be our strength on that side of the ball, but some second-half adjustments helped. Barrett looked pretty impressive, showing nice touch on many throws. When pressured, however, he took too many sacks that seemed preventable, and of course the one horrible INT near the goal line was painfully foreseeable. Freshman mistakes will happen, but you can be sure VT will be bringing the heat against that unproven line. However, that unproven line may have been lackluster in the pass game, but it was opening some pretty consistent holes in the run game, and a heavy dose of Elliot, Wilson and Co. is in order. The Bucks will use the crowd, get up early, and VT is not much more built to come from behind than Navy was. VT: 16--OSU: 27
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Kansas State
Hoying: San Diego State over North Carolina
Schweinfurth: Western Kentucky over Illinois
Seeberg: Middle Tennessee over Minnesota
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