Week 8 - Game of the Century?

Standings

1) Draper               23-10    (4-3 upset)

2) Seeberg              22-11    (0-7 upset)
3) Hoying               21-12    (3-4 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     19-14    (3-4 upset)

Now that the first half of the season has crowned the state of Mississippi as the be-all and end-all of the college football world, we can turn our attention to the other conferences around the nation, with games ranging from a reiteration of one of the most significant showdowns of all time to the return of the Buckeyes to the gridiron against an unfamiliar opponent.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Florida State Seminoles

Draper: FSU continues their unbeaten streak while suffering the slings and arrows from every direction due to the lack of intelligence (and somewhat of a witch hunt) from their QB.  On the field, the Noles have been moving along quite well.  Many point to the 'struggles' but that's very normal when you get every team's best shot.  The 2013 Seminoles were, without question, better than this edition, but the 2014 Noles are still very very good.  The Irish have been struggling even more than the Seminoles but the narrative hasn't focused on that side of the coin.  Golson is a very good QB, but I believe Tally is ready to explode.  This Irish squad is a far cry from the 1993 squad that defeated the Noles in South Bend.  FSU makes a statement and takes care of business.  ND: 20--FSU: 34

Hoying: In 1993, the #1 Florida State Seminoles visited the #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in what was called the "Game of the Century." The Irish won but later suffered an upset and ended the season ranked #2, as Florida State rebounded to win their first national title. Nobody is going to confuse either of these year's teams with those juggernauts, but both have managed to weather the first half of their seasons without a loss. The Noles were tested in both their matchups against ranked teams, including a near loss to Clemson. But now that Jameis Pryor...er, Winston, is back and in freshman year form, the Noles are going to be tough to tackle, even if the defense isn't quite as suffocating as last year's squad. Irish QB Everett Golson's immaculate regular season record comes crashing down in Tallahassee. ND: 24--FSU: 31

Schweinfurth: Both of these teams have shown flaws over the last few weeks.  Notre Dame squeaked by an inferior North Carolina squad and Florida State just doesn't look like the same team this year.  I'm just excited that one of these teams have to lose this week (more chaos).  In the end, it comes down to Jameis' eligibility.  If he can go, the Noles win.  If not, well, just remember the Clemson game.  ND: 30--FSU: 35

Seeberg:   Let's be honest here, people, ND went all "La Suerte de los Tontos" (for you non-Spanish speakers that loosely translates as the luck of the foolish) in beating Stanford - at home - the only team of consequence they have played all season.  Florida State, though not as dominant on either side of the ball as last year, is still a much better team.  The golden domers gave up 43 points to a lackluster UNC squad, but of course ESPiN is invoking the titanic battles between FSU and ND in the late 80's and early 90's.  Sorry about your ratings, but this one won't be that close.  ND: 21--FSU: 38

Stanford Cardinal @ Arizona State Sun Devils

Draper: The Sun Devils' ranking relies on what? Getting blown out by UCLA? Beating USC with the worst Hail Mary defense in history? I just don't see it with Mike Bercovici.  Stanford doesn't have any great wins of note, but the win over Washington is pretty good, not to mention being very competitive vs. Notre Dame and USC (barring a last minute collapse).  It's in Tempe, but I think the Cardinal are simply better. HOGAAAAANNN!!  Stan: 20--ASU: 13

Hoying: Where resides the best defense in the country? I'll forgive you if you said Ole Miss, because their defense is spectacular, but the top lockdown crew is actually found in Palo Alto. The Cardinal are allowing a measly 10 points per game, surrendering 13 and 17 points in their 2 losses and giving up 20 points to NOBODY. The Stanford rushing attack has been lackluster, and QB Kevin Hogan has been good-not-great, but the Cardinal should be able to move the ball against a squishy Sun Devil defense. This game should come down to whether ASU QB Mike Bercovici replicates his UCLA performance (bad) or USC performance (good). I don't think he can navigate this stifling D. Stan: 17--ASU:16

Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, another Pac-12 game that I really don't know much about.  I do know that Stanford is pretty good.  From what I have seen and read, I'm just not sold on the Sun Devils.  It's a Stanford game so it's gotta be a low scoring affair. Stan: 20--ASU: 14

Seeberg:  This is a bizarre matchup to analyze.  It's strength on strength (Cardinal D vs. ASU O) and weakness on weakness (Cardinal O vs. ASU D).  In comparing common opponents, Stanford gave up 13 to USC while ASU gave up 34.  Then again, ASU won, 38-34, and Stanford only mustered 10 points against the Trojans.  It's tough to imagine this game getting into even the 20s where the Sun Devils would have good odds to win this one.  Stanford just squeezes into the 20s and gets another win.  Stan: 23--ASU: 13

Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma Sooners

Draper: Kansas State's best performance of note this year is...a loss.  They fought valiantly against Auburn at home but couldn't get it done.  I'm still a believer in OU.  They have tons of talent and back home in Norman? Watch out.  This is just what the doctor ordered after a tough loss at TCU followed by a middling performance in a big rivalry.  Texas held the Sooners down, but I don't think the Wildcats will be able to recreate the magic.  Boomer!?!? ... KSU: 20--OU: 34

Hoying: Oklahoma struggled mightily against the Longhorns last week, accumulating only 232 yards of offense. This doesn't bode well for the Sooners, as they face a Wildcat defense that held a terrific Auburn offense to 20 points, nearly pulling off the upset. Kansas State has feasted on a steady diet of cupcakes so far this season and fell short in their only shot at glory to date. Normally, "Big Game Bob" is untouchable in Norman, but TCU fought their way to purple victory, a tradition the Wildcats should continue this week. KSU: 31--OU: 27

Schweinfurth: This one smells of an upset.  Oklahoma did not look good against Texas last week and Trevor Knight was held in check for almost all of that game.  Add in a porous pass defense and you have some trouble brewing.  Kansas State can chuck the ball all over, especially with Lockett running downfield.  KSU: 35--OU: 28

Seeberg:  The Sooners have looked pretty, well, average in the last two weeks, losing to TCU and struggling mightily on the offensive side of the ball against Texas.  The judgment that must be made is whether those were aberrations or if there are serious issues with Stoops' squad.  I choose the latter.  The Wildcats take the Longhorns' blueprint and do enough to shut down Oklahoma's offense and get back to the Little Apple with their biggest win of the year.  KSU: 27--OU: 21

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper: Ho hum...Another game with no benefits for a win and crushing implications for a loss (sorry Michigan).  Rutgers QB Gary Nova has put together a fine season for the Scarlet Knights intro to the B1G, but OSU is sneaking around the chicken coop...quietly murdering everyone in their path on the way to the showdown in East Lansing.  JT has been phenomenal all year and I don't expect anything different here.  Rutgers will fight hard, but this is no Wolverine squad.  The Bucks aren't going to mess around here.  Take care of business and keep the hopes alive. RU: 20--OSU: 48

Hoying: Despite both programs football histories dating back to at least 1890, this week features the first ever Scarlet Knights/Scarlet & Gray showdown. Raise your hand if you foresaw this game as a potential showcase of All-B1G QB candidates. Both Nova and Barrett rank in the top 5 in the nation in pass efficiency, and puzzling one-game chokes aside, both have been the unquestioned leaders of their respective offenses. Here's the big difference: Barrett can run, Nova can't. Rutgers may have been able to contain Devin Gardner, but JT has already surpassed the senior Wolverine in virtually every way (except maybe ability to play while broken in half). If the winner of this game can knock off Michigan State in East Lansing, they're a virtual lock to represent the B1G East in Indianapolis. Somehow, I don't see that contender being the Scarlet Knights. Wait your turn, Queens. RU: 24--OSU: 45

Schweinfurth: Finally, another Ohio State game (and there are no more bye weeks until bowl/playoff season).  JT Barrett has been on fire the last three games and leading the Buckeye offense at a record setting pace.  Now look, I know the competition hasn't been the best, but that is still something to marvel at.  Rutgers is a fine program and "the Birthplace of College Football," but Ohio State is just better at every single position.  Joey Bosa is a man and he will see plenty of double and maybe even triple teams from here on out.  That is gonna open the door for Michael Bennett and Adolphus Washington to do very bad things to QB Gary Nova.  I expect to see more of the same out of this team, get an early lead and put the pedal down until the end of the game.  4th straight game with 50+? It might just happen!  Rut: 17--OSU: 52

Seeberg:  My colleagues have very similar opinions on what will shake down in this game...and I'm no different.  Rutgers is remarkably 5-1 with two of the conference's biggest non-conference wins in Washington State and Navy.  It won't be nearly enough on homecoming in Ohio Stadium, however.  This team is a 180-degree departure from Cooper's days when the team would peak in September, blowing out big non-conference opponents, then stumble down the stretch.  The improvement week-to-week is visible to even a casual fan, and with two weeks to prep for Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights will understand what Scarlet on the football field is really supposed to look like.  RU: 17--OSU: 45

Upset Special

Draper: Northwestern over Nebraska

Hoying: Arkansas over Georgia

Schweinfurth: Boston College over Clemson

Seeberg:  West Virginia over Baylor

2014 Rankings Premiere! Top 25 and Heisman Favorites - After Week 7

Now that the season is half over and the merry-go-round has slowed a bit, it's finally time to break out the more-useless-than-ever-in-the-playoff-era Top 25 Rankings and slightly less useless initial Heisman Ballots. Unless otherwise noted, rankings are based on what teams have done so far, not how we predict they will perform this week, let alone where they'll finish. 

If you interpret any of our Top 4's as a preliminary playoff prediction, we will come to your house and upper deck your toilets.

Draper Top 25
1. Mississippi State
2. Florida State
3. Ole Miss
4. Baylor
5. Notre Dame
6. Auburn
7. TCU
8. Alabama
9. Oregon
10. Michigan State
11. Arizona
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. Oklahoma State
15. Nebraska
16. ECU
17. Utah
18. Marshall
19. Duke
20. Georgia Tech
21. Kansas State
22. Arizona State
23. USC
24. Stanford
25. Clemson

Draper Heisman Ballot
1. Dak Prescott (QB--Mississippi State)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin)
3. JT Barrett (QB--THE Ohio State University)


Hoying Top 25
1. Mississippi State
2. Mississippi
3. Florida State
4. Baylor
5. Notre Dame
6. TCU
7. Auburn
8. Oregon
9. Arizona
10. Alabama
11. Georgia Tech
12. Michigan State
13. Oklahoma
14. Georgia
15. Duke
16. Nebraska
17. Minnesota
18. Marshall
19. Ohio State
20. Arizona State
21. Washington
22. Utah
23. UCLA
24. Oklahoma State
25. Kansas State

Hoying Heisman Ballot
1. Dak Prescott(QB--Mississippi State)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin)
3. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)

Schweinfurth Top 25
1. Mississippi State
2. Florida State
3. Ole Miss
4. Baylor
5. Notre Dame
6. Oregon
7. Michigan State
8. Alabama
9. Auburn
10. Oklahoma
11. TCU
12. Ohio State
13. Georgia
14. Kansas State
15. Oklahoma State
16. Arizona
17. Arizona State
18. East Carolina
19. Marshall
20. Nebraska
21. Utah
22. USC
23. Stanford
24. Duke
25. Texas A&M    
 
Schweinfurth Heisman Ballot
1. Dak Prescott (QB--Mississippi St.)
2. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
3. JT Barrett (QB--Ohio State)
   
Seeberg Top 25
1.) Mississippi State
2.) Ole Miss
3.) Florida State
4.) Baylor
5.) Notre Dame
6.) Auburn
7.) Oregon
8.) Michigan State
9.) Alabama
10.) TCU
11.) Ohio State
12.) Oklahoma
13.) Kansas State
14.) Georgia
15.) Oklahoma State
16.) Arizona State
17.) Nebraska
18.) Arizona
19.) Utah
20.) USC
21.) Stanford
22.) Marshall
23.) East Carolina
24.) Duke
25.) Clemson

Seeberg Heisman Ballot
1.) Dak Prescott (QB--Mississippi State)
2.) Bryce Petty (QB-- Baylor)
3.) Everett Golson (QB-- Notre Dame)

Week 7 - From SEC West Supremacy to a B1G East Race to the Bottom

Standings

1) Draper               20-9    (3-3 upset)

2) Schweinfurth     18-11    (3-3 upset)

2) Hoying               18-11    (3-3 upset)

2) Seeberg              18-11    (0-6 upset) Seriously, you picked Michigan?  HEY...they covered, sheesh.

Now that the dust has settled on a wild week 6, the madness ramps up again with another week of SEC West matchups, a battle of Lone Star undefeateds out in the Big 12, and another bye week for our beloved Bucks in this long playoff chase.

Oh, and Penn State travels to Michigan with the inside track to last place in the B1G East on the line, but you'll have to read about that elsewhere.

Auburn Tigers @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Draper: I've been big on Mississippi State all year and down on Auburn.  While the Tigers have been very impressive, their resume is fairly spartan.  MSU's win at LSU is becoming less and less impressive, but Dak Prescott is having a fantastic year (with Gurley and Jameis all but eliminated by missing a game, he's leading the Heisman race by a fairly sizable margin).  I remember in the early 2000s when Starkville was a place to be feared and I think it's coming to that again.  I don't think MSU is an all-timer of a team, but I think they are more battle-tested and up to the challenge.  I don't expect an undefeated season, but CLANGA CLANGA CLANGA strikes again in a nailbiter.  CLANGA! Aub: 31--MSU: 34

Hoying: Can Mississippi State handle success? Two years ago, the Bulldogs started 7-0 feasting on a cupcake schedule including Kentucky, Tennessee, and...Auburn (post-Cam Newton), then proceeded to get blasted three weeks in a row by Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU. Last week's dominating win over the Aggies seems to be more impressive than anything MSU has done since I've been watching college football, but the jury's still out how just how good A&M is this year (oooh, you beat South Carolina, just like...everybody else). At any rate, Bulldog QB Dak Prescott has blasted his way into SEC MVP and Heisman discussions, throwing for at least 2 TDs in every game except a garbage matchup against South Alabama, and rushing for nearly 500 yards in 5 games. Auburn's strength continues to be running the ball, but Mississippi State does it better. The only question for the Bulldogs is whether they can finish games strong. In their last two games, MSU gave up 19 and 14 unanswered points when it looked like the game was over. Auburn has the firepower to make the Bulldogs pay if they're caught sleepwalking, but I think they'll keep their eye on the prize this week: a possible #1 ranking. Aub: 21--MSU: 34

Schweinfurth:  I keep thinking that both of these will lose.  On that fact, for once, I'm right.  I still don't think either of these teams are top 10 worthy but they are both undefeated.  Still no one has been able to stop the Auburn rushing attack.  Combine that with the position the Bulldogs are in and I think Mississippi State is primed to fail.  Aub: 35--MSU: 31

Seeberg:  I...I just don't know about this game.  Auburn handled LSU easily, but the Bayou Tigers are down a bit this year.  The same can be said about the Bulldogs' defeat of a largely unproven Texas A&M team.  I think this game will come down to 3rd down conversions.  Dak Prescott is a better on obvious passing downs, and Auburn's vaunted rushing attack is just too one-dimensional to score enough in Starkville.  Aub: 20--MSU: 31

Oregon Ducks @ UCLA Bruins

Draper: Oregon always craps the bed at some point in the season (usually somewhat inexplicably).  After the loss, they almost always demolish their next foe.  UCLA has played with fire all year (except vs. ASU), but it bit them last week as the Utes took them down.  I'm leaning toward Oregon righting the ship because some things can be fixed or ignored as a one-off, but UCLA's offensive line cannot be ignored.  Hundley is getting sacked left and right (more like Houston Texans David Carr...amirite?).  Ducks quack their way back into the national spotlight with a big win.  Ore: 41--UCLA: 24 (just looked at Seeberg's score--DANGIT)

Hoying: It's tempting to say that this game has become a lot less interesting after both teams choked at home last week. However, in the playoff era, it's no longer the drop between undefeated and one loss that's devastating, it's the drop between one loss and two. With the balance in the Pac-12 this season, the loser could still win out and probably take the conference title, but they'd run a terrible risk of being the #5 Power 5 champion in a four-team playoff world. So what happened last week? Oregon's O-line couldn't stop anybody from getting through, and UCLA's O-line...also couldn't stop anybody. It's going to be open season on elite quarterbacks this Saturday, and the key will likely be which D-line can take advantage of the opportunity. Oregon has 16 sacks on the season, while UCLA has only 7. Oregon has 38 TFLs; UCLA has 26. Do the math. Ore: 37--UCLA: 30

Schweinfurth: I keep going back and forth on this one.  Then I looked at the highlights of UCLA.  That offensive line...woof.  Yup that will be the difference here (even though Oregon's D can look like Swiss cheese at times).  It'll still be a fun one to watch. Ore: 45--UCLA: 38

Seeberg:  Well, Oregon went all, uh, Oregon last week, scoring a measley 24 points at home against a team that gave up 45 points to Cal.  UCLA's sieve-like offensive line finally caught up to them in an equally unimpressive loss against Utah.  I expected both teams to be undefeated heading into this game and would have given the slight edge to UCLA given home field and Brett Hundley.  In this scenario, however, I trust Mariotta more to get his squad to bounce back.  Ore: 41--UCLA: 24

TCU Horned Frogs @ Baylor Bears

Draper: Are the Horned Frogs for real? After dispatching OU at home in one of the many ridiculous games last weekend, TCU gets no favors as they head to Waco to face the Bears.  Baylor has been very quiet this year with Bryce Petty's being banged-up and such.  No one is talking about the #5 team in the country...until now.  Baylor has been waiting for their oppotunity to explode onto the scene and I think this is their chance.  Yeah, defense wins championships....blah blah blah.  This isn't a championship.  This is a big time game after TCU pulled out all the stops to beat OU at home in a huge emotional win.  Baylor is ready to leave it all out there this weekend and will overwhelm the drained Frogs.  TCU: 24--Baylor: 34

Hoying: Another year, another few games of Baylor crushing a few garbage opponents to open the season. The Bears feature the top scoring margin in the country, even ignoring a 70-6 dismantling of Northwestern State. However, coming it at #3 on the same list is TCU. You might counter that TCU certainly didn't beat Oklahoma by any grand margin, but last week reveals something even more troubling about Baylor. Playing a bad Texas team, Bear QB Bryce Petty played like garbage. Barely 100 yards passing, 31% completion rate awful. This is the same Texas secondary that let UCLA's backup QB beat them. Yes, the Oklahoma win was at home, and yes, traveling to Waco is a different animal, but TCU is just a better team, and dual-threat QB Trevone Boykin should keep the Horned Frogs in the thick of a tight Big 12 championship race. TCU: 34--Bay: 27

Schweinfurth: TCU had a nice little win over Oklahoma.  The big question is, can they shut down another Heisman candidate in Bryce Petty?  I'm not so sure, but then again, the Bear defense is just horrendous.  I think TCU can make at least one stop in this game and it will be enough.  TCU: 42--Baylor: 38

Seeberg:  And suddenly this game got WAY more interesting after TCU's upset last week.  (Side note:  Anyone, even 5 years ago, who tells you they KNEW that Baylor and TCU would be the best two teams in Texas is a lying sack of manure).  Baylor has been steamrolling opponents until they hit the Longhorns, only scoring 28, and it's hard to imagine that offense laying an egg two weeks in a row.  Then again, Bryce Petty struggled and was beaten in his last game of consequence against UCF in the Fiesta Bowl.  Still, Baylor scored 42 in that contest, and that should be enough points to get them a win at home.  TCU: 34--Baylor: 42

Ole Miss Rebels @ Texas A&M Aggies

Draper: TAMU has been living on a win over South Carolina in the opener that hasn't matured at all (in fact, it's rotted).  I haven't understood the hype they've been getting which is why I jumped on the CLANGA bandwagon last week.  Now the Rebels come in after the biggest win in school history.  Dr. Bo had a really nice game against the Tide and Nkemdiche and the Ole Miss defense was just nasty.  All signs point to Ole Miss keeping it rolling. But... As soon as last week ended, the Rebels acted like they had just won the Championship.  It looked like they emptied the chambers to get their signature win.  Bama isn't the Bama of the last 5 years.  Ole Miss has a great team, but Dr. Bo is ready for a faceplant. Kyle Field is the place.  I have NO faith that A&M is really any good....but I think they're good enough at HOME to take down another 'spent' team.  If the Rebels limit mistakes, they should take the win, but I don't think they will.  Ole Miss: 24--TAMU: 27

Hoying: Whom has Texas A&M beaten this season? South Carolina, the team that just lost to Kentucky? Winless SMU? Arkansas (in overtime)? The Aggies were exposed last week in Starkville as a less-than-serious SEC competitor in the brutal West division, but they can earn a quick redemption with a win over one of America's hottest teams, the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebs' win over Alabama was no accident: Ole Miss features a punishing defense the likes of which the SEC hasn't seen in a couple of years. And shhhhh....but QB Bo Wallace might be just as good as A&M gunslinger Kenny Hill. The outstanding recruiting is finally paying off; Ole Miss is a genuinely elite team and not to be taken lightly. I don't think the Aggies are good enough to stop them. Ole Miss: 31--TAMU: 17

Schweinfurth: Ole Miss can't really be a top 5 team right?  Seriously I'm not buying.  What I am buying is the upset hangover they will have coming into this game.  The Aggies have a better offense than Alabama and will surely test that defense.  Ole Miss: 35--TAMU: 42

Seeberg:  As the season has progressed, A&M's "signature" dismantling of South Carolina looks less like a John Hancock and more like an outright forgery.  They only scored 17 meaningful points against Mississippi State last week and Ole Miss's D is likely even better.  What's more, even if the A&M offense shows up and competes, their defense just doesn't have the playmakers to make Bo Wallace pay for the 2-3 head-scratching throws he typically (ignoring last week) makes in a given game.  The college football world will indeed remain Mississippi-centric.  Ole Miss: 38--TAMU: 21

Upset Special

Draper: USC over Zona

Hoying: Washington State over Stanford

Schweinfurth: Arkansas over Alabama

Seeberg:  Toledo over Iowa State

Grading the Bucks: Week 7--Maryland

Welcome to the B1G Maryland! Sadly, you didn't pull Michigan like Rutgers did.

Offense: A
J.T. Barrett.  That's all that needs to be said.  He is currently on pace to DEMOLISH Troy Smith's single season TD pass record by more than 10 TDs. Doubtful that he can keep up this frenetic pace, but why not? The defenses aren't getting better (other than Nov. 8th) and the offense has improved each an every week.  Virginia Tech is a horrible stain on the resume, but in the category of 'what have you done for me lately', no team has been more impressive on offense.  Zeke is really churning it out on the ground (see the dominant first drive) and Wilson seems to be an explosive play waiting to happen (although we've been waiting for an awfully long time).  If the O-line can keep Barrett upright and these receivers keep improving (Good God Michael Thomas...Uncle Keyshawn taught you well), watch out for the Bucks going forward.  The one stain on the offense continues to be picking up a 3rd or 4th and short.  GIVE IT TO HYDE--Sorry, PTSD from B1G championship-- ZEKE!! The I-formation its uses.

Defense: B+
The pass defense is still getting hammered and I just don't get it.  Yes, there was another 'oops' play on Saturday, and that can't happen, but you can't compare this defense to a Tressel defense point by point.  I do believe that Tressel/Heacock defenses were superior but the point totals don't do this team any favors.  When your offense scores 50+, it's nearly impossible to keep an opponent below 10 or even 20 (sorry Kent State).  The stats (yards/points) aren't a fair comparison.  The safety play is still subpar but the D-line is phenomenal (Bosa....freak of nature).  I've been very impressed with the progression of the linebackers but that may be due to the emergence of Raekwon McMillon.  Curtis Grant is a fantastic run stopper, but a detriment in the passing game.  Raekwon and Darron Lee are improving by leaps and bounds.  Now, if Powell, Apple, and Bell can get it together, it's time to get excited.

Special Teams: B-
Eh....again, nothing memorable comes to mind in this game.  Maybe something happened, but nothing special. The downgrade is not due to missing the long field goal (that happens), but stop kicking the ball out of bounds on kickoffs!  Nothing wrong with a touchback.  Yeah, we pinned them at the 10 on a kickoff once, but you can never ever give them a starting field at the 40.

Coaching: B
The offense is chugging and the defense is improving, but I continue to be dumbfounded with some of the stupid decisions to go for it on fourth down.  I get the desire and want, but sometimes, a kick is the best decision from a utility standpoint.  Being aggressive is not a bad thing, but it is also important to call good plays if you decide to roll the dice.  4th and 1 continues to stymie this team because the offensive playcalling refuses to call a straight up dive.  We're OSU! We're bigger, stronger, and just simply better!  Snap the ball, and force the ball pass the chains when needed.  These sweeps and shotgun snaps are nice and sparkly, but sometimes, you just need to bulldoze. 

Overall: A-
Keep rolling along.  I love the improvement week to week.  Sadly, the true measuring stick won't arrive until Nov. 8.  All we can do is keep dominating the opposition in preparation for the end game.


Bonus: Everyone keeps spouting off that the B1G is a pipe dream of making the playoff.  If they give anyone a chance, it's Sparty.  I'm here to be Aaron Rodgers and to tell you to R-E-L-A-X.  If the Bucks take care of business, there's a really good chance to be there at the end.  Don't underestimate the power of 'how they are playing at the end of the season' and more importantly, the attrition that will follow.  I've heard talking heads say the Big Ten needs another Saturday of carnage like this past Saturday.  Here's the secret: 1 more day of Armageddon is unlikely, but many more days with semi-Armageddon is a virtual certainty.  The Bucks need to handle their business and avoid the craziness while letting the other teams crap the bed.  Trust me: the others will oblige.

Week 6 - The Season Has Finally Arrived

Standings

1) Draper               15-6    (3-2 upset)

1) Schweinfurth     15-6    (2-3 upset)

1) Seeberg              15-6    (0-5 upset)

4) Hoying               14-7    (2-3 upset)

Following the most boring week ever at Let's Go Bucks!, in which each of us picked the favorite in every game and they all won, Week 6 finally provides a terrific slate of ranked and undefeated matchups, including 3 from the seemingly untouchable SEC West. Since there are so many, the write-ups will each be a bit shorter this week, but the "quantity over quality" mentality has never failed us before.

Arizona Wildcats @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: RichRod has the offense rolling in Zona and capped it off with a Hail Mary win over Cal, but the Ducks are not the Bears.  The Ducks have looked great all year and they get another stage vs. an undefeated Cats squad (although they are a bit overrated).  Mariota grabs hold of the Heisman frontrunner position with another big game as the Autzen crowd is too much for RichRod and company.  High scoring, but not particularly close.  Zona: 34--Ore: 52

Hoying: If you (like me) don't get the Pac-12 Network or (unlike me) don't stay up until 2 AM ET to watch college football, you may have missed Arizona's ridiculous comeback against Cal to push the 'Cats to 4-0, the best game of the year so far. Arizona hasn't beaten anyone of note, and they haven't looked impressive doing it. Speed bump against Washington State aside, Oregon has. Could this be a week Brady Hoke picks up a win on DickRod? Zona: 27--Ore: 48

Schweinfurth: Rich Rod has the Wildcats at 4-0!?! I guess TTUN should have given that non-Michigan Man more time (at least he doesn't play concussed QBs).  But I digress.  This game is going to be a straight up shoot-out.  Both teams have very potent offenses and pretty much meh defenses.  I fully expect this to come down to the last possession but this game is in Eugene.  The Ducks do not lose in Eugene. Zona: 42--Ore: 49

Seeberg:  This one should be an enjoyable watch.  Michigan State scored nearly 30 against Oregon at their place and their offense is not nearly as prolific as the one the Wildcats possess.  However, MSU's D is far superior to Arizona's, and it is likely that Oregon will be scoring at will.  Needing a 36-point fourth quarter against Cal?  Doesn't sound like a team capable of springing the upset.  Quack on.  Zona: 31--Ore: 55

Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Draper: Texas A&M has captured the nation's eye with wins over South Carolina (overrated) and Arkansas (eh...) but MSU went into Death Valley and took down the Bayou Bengals.  Dak Prescott has Dan Mullen's team churning and I expect more of the same against an overrated A&M defense.  The Aggies showed some vulnerability to the run vs. the Razorbacks.  Let's not forget that Starkville used to be one of the toughest places to play with those cowbells.  Kenny Hill still runs a nice offense under Kevin Sumlin, but they came a little bit back down to earth last week.  I'm going with CLANGA! TAMU: 20--MSU: 27

Hoying: Bert "Karma" Bielema's Razorbacks put a scare into A&M last week, while Mississippi State was still at home celebrating a rare road win at LSU. The Bulldogs can run the ball almost as well as Arkansas, and MSU QB Dak Prescott is coming along nicely as a sleeper Heisman pick in this young season. I said last week that a one-dimensional team wasn't going to beat the Aggies, but Mississippi State has just the right offensive formula, along with a D that punished LSU for three quarters until they realized they weren't supposed to win. Hey Bulldog! TAMU: 24--MSU: 27

Schweinfurth: Is there a more overrated team than Mississippi State?  I really don't think so.  That win over LSU was nice but the hype the Dogs are getting is a bit much (SEC bias much).  As far as A&M goes, I don't trust their defense but that offense is some kind of machine.  Look for Kenny Hill to keep up this tear he is on.  This one may be close for a half but A&M will just flat outscore the Bulldogs.  TAMU: 42--MSU: 31

Seeberg:  Mississippi State looked shot out of a cannon last week, jumping out to a big lead before NOT pulling a Wisconsin and hanging on to beat LSU.  The Bulldogs run it well, and A&M is a leaky sieve when it comes to run D.  All signs point to another big MSU win and a top 10 ranking...which is exactly why I'm picking the Aggies.  It's been a long time since Miss St. has played a game of this magnitude, and they're just not quite ready.  A&M scores just enough to outlast Mullen's crew.  TAMU: 38--MSU: 35

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Michigan State Spartans

Draper: This may the second biggest game in the B1G this year.  Ameer Abdullah has been fantastic this year, but that's about the only plus in Lincoln.  Time for a wakeup call as the Spartans provide some real competition.  Connor Cook and Sparty have been rolling after the loss in Autzen.  I don't think the Huskers have the horses to keep up with MSU in East Lansing.  The Spartans keep it going before the big game vs. the Buckeyes. Neb: 17--MSU: 31

Hoying: This will probably be the meeting of the two highest-ranked teams in the B1G, but it matters so little in the conference scheme. The OSU/MSU winner should take the East, and the Nebraska/Wisconsin winner should represent the West, regardless of the outcome of this game. But I still need to pick a winner, so here we go: Michigan State is still riding the hype from last year's Rose Bowl win. They've blown out their slate of nobodies, but they lost to Oregon by multiple scores. Nebraska is quietly putting together a nice season after the McNeese near-disaster, led by the B1G's best rusher, Ameer Abdullah. AA has 2 100-yard games against Nebraska, and I see no reason why he won't do it again. We've seen what an elite RB can do to the Spartan defense; Husker fans had better hope that Herman-style play calling doesn't take them from sure victory to Bo Pelini Land. Neb: 31--MSU: 27

Schweinfurth: This is a benchmark game for Nebraska.  A win by the Huskers could show that they are one of the top teams in the B1G.  A loss says they are still a second tier team.  Michigan State is going to force Tommy Armstrong to throw the ball, as well they should.  Armstrong can be erratic and only complets just over 50% of his passes.  Connor Cook has done a good job of managing the Spartan offense this year and should continue that trend.  Nebraska keeps it close but Sparty YES! Neb: 17--MSU: 21

Seeberg:  I know this is a "big game", two top 20 teams, potential conference supremacy at stake...but I just don't see it.  Michigan State is better in every phase with the exception of Abdullah trouncing tacklers to save a game against an FCS opponent while MSU hung 73 on a MAC squad.  This one will not be closer than the experts think.  Neb: 13--MSU: 34

Oklahoma Sooners @ Texas Christian Horned Frogs

Draper: TCU has turned into a perennial 'pretty good', but OU looks like a juggernaut this year.  The Sooners are mowing teams down and I don't expect anything different here.  No one has been paying attention to Trevor Knight and company because, you know, SEC, SEC, SEC, but after they 'hung on' to beat UT 34-10 (lolESPN) it's time to keep an eye on the boys from Norman.  OU: 31--TCU: 17
Hoying: How about that TCU win over...Minnesota... The Horned Frogs have been thoroughly mediocre since joining the Big 12 (mod 12) and until they come up with a big win, there's a heavy presumption against believing that they can. Plus, Oklahoma has a win over an SEC team!!!!!!!1!! OU: 41--TCU: 20

Schweinfurth: TCU has played well so far this year, but here comes Big Game Bob and the Sooners.  Trevor Knight is one heck of a QB and has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle.  I'm not sure why we aren't hearing more about this Oklahoma team because they are GOOD.  I'll take that Oklahoma offense all day. OU: 38--TCU: 14

Seeberg:  TCU is undefeated and ranked and, therefore, the best team OU will have played to date, at least in theory.  Tennessee has arguably more talent, though inexperienced talent, and OU coasted to a win over the Volunteers.  TCU, meanwhile, has played nobody (Minnesota), nobody jr. (SMU) and even-nobodys-don't-know-this-guy (Samford).  Not exactly good preparation for Oklahoma.  Sooners roll again.  OU: 31--TCU: 13

Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Draper: Notre Dame has looked really good with Everett Golson back under center, and the Cardinal are nearly impossible to figure out.  Stanford should have crushed USC based on the stats, but they couldn't finish.  Under the gaze of Touchdown Jesus, the Irish keep it rolling over a questionable Stanford squad.  It will be ugly, because that's how Stanford wants it, but the Irish will do just enough. Stan: 17--ND: 20
Hoying: Notre Dame has looked impressive so far, but all of their wins are over total bottom-feeders. Meanwhile, the Cardinal stupided a game away against USC and needed everything in the bag to get by Washington last week. Since Stanford's resurgence, Notre Dame has gone 1-4 in this matchup, but that win featured Everett Golson behind center. In Notre Dame's undefeated 2012 regular season, Golson tossed 11 TDs. This year, he has 11 in the first 4 games. Onward to victory. Stan: 13--ND: 14

Schweinfurth: Notre Dame is undefeated and in the top 10!!! Let's take a look shall we?  Notre Dame's best win is against a historically bad Michigan team that puts the fun in dysfunction.  Hmm, sounds like a quality win? Last week, the Domers struggled against Syracuse giving up 5(!) turnovers.  Sanford has the nation's best defense their only loss is a flukey one against USC.  Seems to me that Stanford is better.  They are and they win a low scoring, close one.  Stan: 17--ND: 10

Seeberg:  Another game that, in theory, is a big one.  Notre Dame is still undefeated and in the top 10 despite a schedule that rivals TCU's thus far (see above) with Rice and the decrepit Michigan among their foes.  Stanford, however, struggled at Washington after leading 10-0.  I'd like to think I trust Stanford more, but it will be a nailbiter.  Stan: 27--ND: 20 (OT)

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Ole Miss Rebels

Draper:   Dr. Bo has kept the Rebels valid, but Bama is another monster all together.  The Tide defense has remained an immovable object, but Lane Kiffin has a relevant Bama offense with Blake Sims.  Yes, they enter the Grove which can be a tough place to play, but it's not one of the premier locations.  Tide rolls to remain the big dog in the big bad SEC West. Bama: 31--Miss: 20
Hoying: Didn't we see this movie last year? Undefeated Mississippi plays undefeated Alabama, gets blasted, has a good-but-not-great season. Ole Miss has scooped up the garbage they've been dealt so far, but as long as the Tide can avoid the turnovers that let Florida hang around for a half, this one shouldn't be in question. Bama: 27--Miss: 14

Schweinfurth: Ole Miss had done a good job bringing in talent on both sides of the ball.  No whether or not that talent can hang with Bama or not is yet to be seen.  There is a big part of me that likes the Rebles in this game.  Right now it seems that, if you can shut down Amari Cooper and Yeldon, you can shut down the Tide offense.  I think both stay contained and we get more *narrative* on how deep the SEC is.  Bama: 28--Miss: 31

Seeberg:  This one is terrifying to pick.  Both Mississippi schools have top 6, undefeated, divisional foes coming into town.  The odds of both failing is remote.  I truly believe 'Bama will lose at least three games this season, much like their 2010 campaign.  No time like the present to turn the Tide (see what I did there??).  The Grove will be partying into the wee hours Bama: 17--Miss: 27

LSU Tigers @ Auburn Tigers

Draper: Auburn is undefeated, but they simply don't look like the freakish offensive juggernaut from last year.  That being said, LSU has also appeared to take a step back.  Nick Marshall is keeping the offense solid, but the loss of Tre Mason is rearing its head.  The main difference in Auburn is a defense that doesn't have the playmakers from the SEC champion squad of 2013.  Jordan Hare makes the difference as Auburn wins a close one to stay the top Tigers in the SEC. LSU: 24--Aub: 34
Hoying: Y'all is Tiger bait. Auburn's rushing attack continues to roll on behind RB Curtis Artis-Payne and QB Nick Marshall, while LSU is suffering a bit of an offensive identity crisis without Zach Ermahgerd taking snaps. Sure, they crushed New Mexico State, but that doesn't erase an ugly home loss to Mississippi State that a furious comeback can't obscure. Auburn will be looking for revenge after their only SEC blemish of a magical 2013 season, and they'll get it. LSU: 24--Aub: 28

Schweinfurth: It's time for the real Auburn to stand up.  I never looked at Auburn as a great team last year and they got lucky in a few big games.  The nation has had time to see this rushing attack for a few years and it's about time someone figures out how to stop it.  As crazy as Les Miles is, I think he's the guy that cracks the code.  LSU: 24--Aub: 21

Seeberg:  MAN there are a lot of great games this week.  About time!  Except, of course, they're tough to pick.  LSU is angry even after destroying New Mexico State, and Auburn looked pretty pedestrian against their lone opponent of consequence, squeaking out a 20-14 win at Kansas State.  Quite frankly, and superstitiously, I think Jordan Hare has exhausted its magic for this decade.  Time for the SEC West to beat the living daylights out of each other until everyone is tied at 6-2.  LSU: 31--Aub: 23

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Maryland Terrapins

Draper: Welcome to the B1G Maryland.  We'll get you started with the big dog.  The Bucks roll into College Park on a high note after having their way with the Bearcats defense.  The Terps have looked pretty good thus far, but OSU is a different animal.  The pass defense of the Bullets can't give up the big play as they did repeatedly against Gunner Kiel, but I don't think the QB in Maryland (whoever ends up playing) has the chops to make the big throws.  That being said, look out for Stefon Diggs who was targeted by Urban but fell through the cracks to the Terps.  He has some big time talent, but it's not enough.  Barrett continues some stellar QB play and Zeke moves the chains. Bucks win. OSU: 38--Maryland: 20
Hoying: Everyone laughed when the B1G decided to add Maryland and Rutgers, but these two teams are each a late score away from being undefeated atop the B1G East standings. The Terps have been getting it done with great QB play from C.J. Brown, but he sprained is wrist against Indiana and may be limited against Ohio State. Maryland is also missing one of their starting corners, Alvin Hill, so the Buckeyes may enjoy a significant pass game advantage this Saturday. Couple that with EzE's coming out party against Cincinnati and Maryland's over-reliance on the injured Brown's running ability, and you have the ingredients of a solid, though close, Buckeye victory. OSU: 38--Maryland: 27

Schweinfurth: This is another big test for the Ohio State secondary.  Everyone wants to criticize the Buckeye secondary, and I understand that.  Those three plays were BAD.  The good news is that those mistakes are now on film and the coaches can make some adjustments. As for Maryland, Stefon Diggs is the real deal.  The two QBs the Terps are gonna toss out there could cause a bit of confusion.  This Buckeye offense is looking very potent and has put up 50+ the last two games.  Welcome to the B1G Maryland.  This one is close for a quarter. OSU: 42--Maryland: 21

Seeberg:  Hmmm, why are the Bucks playing another out-of-conf...oh yeah, nevermind.  Gonna take some getting used to.  In any event, all appeared to be as expected last week in our dismantling of Cincinnati.  The pass D was suspect, but the Terrapins do not have the same skill level across the board.  Dontre, to his credit, asked politely for more touches in the offense.  Give that man the ball Urban!  Lots of short to intermediate passes, Dontre touches it 17 times, scores twice, and the Bucks roll again.  OSU: 45--Maryland: 17

Upset Special

Draper: Texas Tech over Kansas State

Hoying: Northwestern over Wisconsin

Schweinfurth: Utah over UCLA

Seeberg:  Michigan over Rutgers (no seriously, Rutgers is favored, look it up)

Grading the Bucks: Week 6--Cincinnati

Sorry this is late (and a bit brief) but I was grading actual students this week.

Offense: A
JT looked phenomenal again. The line is giving him time (albeit against weaker competition) but his passes have been right on the mark.  I'm loving the progression in his decision making.  Let's not forget about Zeke and a 'Carlos-Hyde-esque' performance.  The offense of the Buckeyes continues to improve and should keep the train rolling until we face a decent defense (good news: we shouldn't face a decent defense until MSU).  I will say this, Barrett's passing has already surpassed Braxton's which could make for an interesting competition next year.  FBS record 45 first downs? Achievement unlocked!

Defense: C+/B-
Whoa! This seems awfully generous for a team that gave up some absolutely crazy deep passes (especially right before the half). Let's look at the game as a whole.  The defense was actually pretty good against a very solid Bearcats team with some absolutely horrid plays mixed in.  The pass play at the end of the half was completely inexcusable....completely ridiculous.  There is no excuse to fail at this crucial moment.  Removing the lapses in coverage on the 3 deep passes, the defense was really good.  Those lapses don't happen in a vacuum so they matter, but I choose to look at some positives.  The safety play is the number 1 position that cannot have these 'oops' plays....and they had 3.  Time to fix that, but a lot to like other than those plays.  Oh yeah, Joey Bosa killed a guy.  He should probably lay low for awhile.

Special Teams: B+
Pretty low with no mistakes, but nothing of note happened on special teams (that I can remember).  No downgrade for bad play, but no upgrade for anything special. With 45 first downs, Cameron Johnston probably got pretty bored on the sideline.

Coaching: B
Offense churned out a million yards, but those terrible breakdowns on defense were mental more than physical.  That's coaching.  I do love Urban yelling at Barrett to take charge of his team.  The response by JT showed that Urban is getting through.

Overall: B+
Great offense (other than the fumble) and good defense but can't give up 221 yards receiving to one guy on 3 catches.  The safety play must improve going forward, but Cincinnati is one of the best offenses we will face this year. Remove the mistakes, and we're in great shape moving on.