Week 7 - That Rivalry Up North

Standings
1) Seeberg              24-7    (0-6 upset)
2) Draper                22-9    (4-2 upset) 
3) Hoying               21-10    (1-5 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     20-11    (1-5 upset)

As we approach the season's halfway point, 16 undefeated teams are still in the playoff chase, with another 14 Power 5 teams floating around with just one loss. This week's action should go a long way toward determining  who we'll see in Miami and Dallas on New Year's Eve, particularly from our own beloved B1G.

UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal
Draper: After the anomaly in Evanston, Stanford has really come together and started to look like a real football team.  UCLA on the other hand, started super hot and now has come crashing back to earth.  Stanford has much more experience at QB but Josh Rosen is the flavor of the month.  The loss of Myles Jack is huge, but I'm expecting a rebound from the Bruins.  Stanford tries to muck it up, but UCLA gets enough flash to escape Palo Alto with a win.  UCLA: 31 -- Stan: 28
Hoying: With all the turmoil that's engulfed the Pac-12 over the last couple of weeks, it's odd that these teams aren't getting more hype as potential playoff contenders. Each is sitting on only one loss and has looked pretty good the rest of the time. Age meets beauty behind center as Stanford senior QB Kevin Hogan and UCLA freshman QB Josh Rosen continue to have excellent seasons slinging the ball. But in big games, experience counts, and Stanford has been the hot team after losing their opener to better-than-expected Northwestern. Cardinal get the win in front of all 50 of their fans at home. UCLA: 20--Stan: 24
Schweinfurth: I can honestly say I really don't know much about these two teams (thanks to after 10 PM PAC-12 games and the whole east coast bias thing). What I do know is that both teams have good QBs. Unfortunately, UCLA is without Miles Jack and Stanford have a senior QB. Advantage Cardinal. UCLA: 28--Stan: 31
Seeberg:  Stanford is averaging 35 ppg on offense.  That may come as a shock to some of you who only remember their 16-6 opening week debacle at Northwestern.  Meanwhile in SoCal, UCLA was the toast of the Pac-12 for about 47 minutes and then lost badly to Arizona State at home last week.  Both teams run it well and have talented QBs, though Kevin Hogan has far more experience.  I think UCLA will be poised for this game, knowing a second conference loss all but ruins their plans for the year, but Stanford is playing just a little too well at the moment.  Dance hideous tree, dance.  UCLA: 24--STAN: 31

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Northwestern Wildcats
Draper:  Is Iowa for real? Is Northwestern decent or will they fold after their first adversity of the year.  Michigan took the wind out of the Wildcats sails, but we need to see if Northwestern folds after the first bad game like they have so often in the recent past.  Iowa is undefeated but they haven't played anyone of note (before you give me Wisconsin...you obviously didn't watch that poor excuse of a 'game' in Madison).  I think Northwestern rebounds at home in a tight low scoring affair.  Iowa: 10 -- NW: 13
Hoying: Michigan ruins everything. What could've been a showdown between two undefeated B1G West heavyweights is...still actually really important. Sure, Northwestern got blasted, but they still control their destiny and a win over the Hawkeyes would put them in the driver's seat. But do the 'Cats have anything left in the tank? In 2013, Ohio State broke undefeated and ranked Northwestern and it took them 2 years to recover. The loss to Michigan wasn't quite as heartbreaking (NW was probably at peace with it by about the 4th quarter) but they'll need to be at full power to handle an Iowa team that continues to have success on the ground and on defense. Northwestern is the better team, but don't underestimate the hangover effect. Iowa: 16--NW: 13
Schweinfurth: You have to think that Northwestern is reeling after the beating they took last week. This seems to happen every year. Northwestern gets off to a great start and then puts all their energy into one game, get their hearts ripped out, and then crash the rest of the year. It looks like it might happen again this year. Iowa is just bullying teams with their defense and physical run game. The Wildcat defense was totally shut down last week and I don't see much changing this week. The Northwestern crash begins. Iowa: 20--NW: 3
Seeberg:  Let's be honest here, both teams are already playing with house money at 6-0 (Iowa), 5-1 (NW) and in the top 20.  However, NW basically collapsed after their last nationally relevant game ended in defeat against the Buckeyes in Evanston two years ago.  The 38-0 scoreline against TTUN was a touch misleading as 14 points came off of returns (kick and INT), but Northwestern still got exposed and they haven't scored more than 27 against an FBS opponent this season.  This is the biggest test for Iowa to date, but after winning ugly against an albeit down Wisconsin team at their hellhole of a stadium, I don't expect the Cubbie-crazy Chicago suburb to be too into this game after the loss at UM.  Hawkeyes ugly their way to 7-0.  IOWA: 17--NW: 10

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper:  Bama seemed to have rebounded with a monster of a game vs. UGA but the Arkansas game was clearly a little scary for 3 quarters for those in Tuscaloosa.  A&M is another of those teams just hanging around.  Are they good? I have no idea, but I think Bama, when at their peak, is solid.  I fear for my life too much to pick against Saban, even at Kyle Field.  Bama: 31--TAMU: 21
Hoying: It's possible that the SEC's best team is playing in this game, and that they'll be wearing the home maroons. After thrashing Arizona State in the season opener, the Aggies have quietly strung together 4 more wins behind the excellent play of QB Kyle Allen. Meanwhile, Alabama struggled to do anything for 3 quarters against Bert before pulling away. Stopping the Arkansas offense is one thing; can Saban shut down Texas A&M? Ole Miss needed every trick in the book and every favorable bounce to bounce Alabama, and I don't think lightning is going to strike twice until Bama's opponent has a bit more thunder in the tank. Bama: 38--TAMU: 28
Schweinfurth: One gets the feeling that Alabama has been escaping more games this year than in the past. This isn't the Alabama of the last few years. Saban still hasn't figured out how to stop a good spread offense and relies on guys who are on the large, slower side. It does seem that Lane Kiffin has pulled his head out of his backside (Saban's edict?) and has begun to rely on that strong running game lead by Derrick Henry. The Aggies always give the Tide fits and this is another close one. Henry and the Tide run game are the difference. Bama: 42--TAMU: 38
Seeberg:  Bama is 5-1 this season despite not really looking much like Bama for long stretches with the exception of their thrashing of Georgia.  They were down 7-3 in the 3rd quarter against we-lost-to-Toledo Arkansas before waking up to win 27-14.   In a slightly darker shade of Crimson, the Aggies haven't really faced any adversity whatsoever in their 5-0 start except against- that's right- we-also-lost-to-Texas-Tech Arkansas.  The Aggies needed OT to escape the Razorbacks.  The difference?  The Aggies could not run the ball at all and needed Kyle Allen heroics (358 pass yds) to win.  Bama has an improving Jay Coker and Derrick Henry to hand the ball to.  That balance will, combined with Bama's D shutting down the run like Arkansas did, give the Crimson Tide a close win.  BAMA: 27--TAMU: 20

Michigan State Spartans @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper: This game all of a sudden got realllllll interesting.  Michigan is arguably the hottest team in football with 3 straight shutouts.  MSU has been limping along all season similar to OSU.  The question is: Is MSU (and OSU) bored, or do they have chinks in the armor? I imagine it's a little of both.  In my opinion, Michigan is playing at their maximum level and we have yet to see the best of MSU.  Being in the Big House, the Wolverine faithful will be strutting their stuff up until kickoff.  Something tells me, this is the week in which MSU puts it together.  Cook, and Scott steadily wear down the vaulted Wolverine defense and the Spartan defense exposes Jake Rudock as the worthless QB he is.  Close game, but the Blue go home crying after another beat at the hands of 'little brother'.  MSU: 20 -- UM: 13
Hoying: Remember when the hot talk was whether Ohio State and Michigan State could both make the playoff after blowing through their easy conference slates? Suddenly, the hot takes aren't talking about either team representing the B1G. Three straight shutouts will do wonders for a team's reputation, even when that team has done this to us before in recent memory, starting 4-0 in 2009 (finished 5-7), 5-0 in 2010 (finished 7-6), and 5-0 in 2013 (finished 7-6). What's the mark of Michigan being back for real? Knocking off Little Brother. The Maize and Blue owned the Green and White before Lloyd left, but it's been incredibly rough sailing since. Part of it is the constant coaching changes, especially since a first-year Wolverine coach hasn't beaten their #2 rivals since Bennie Oosterbaan in 1948. This year, the evil empire has the better defense and maybe even the better running game. This one will come down to how well the Spartan front can rattle Rudock and force him to make mistakes. Sparty's struggled to put away worse teams, and after seeing Utah pick off Cal QB Jared Goff 5 times, it looks like maybe Jake's not the turnover machine Buckeye Nation thought they could ridicule all year. Be glad we have another 6 weeks to prepare, because the Harbaugh victory train keeps right on rolling. MSU: 20--UM: 24
Schweinfurth: I really don't know what to make of these two teams. TUN defense actually looks legit, but I have serious questions about Jake Rudock as a decent QB. I feel like he just hasn't done much and the Wolverines rely way too much on the run game. On the other side, the Spartans have been playing uninspired football the last few weeks and barely escaped Piscataway with a win last week. We know Dantonio can coach up that defense and I think the Spartans have been looking forward to this game all year to this point. We finally see the Spartan team that rolled Oregon in week two and L.J. Scott has a big day chewing up clock. All hail Little Brother. MSU: 17--UM: 14
Seeberg:  If anyone tells you they had the Wolverines favored by a full touchdown in this game at the start of the season, then they have taken a quantum leap in the field of compulsive lying.  Yet somehow, that's where we find ourselves.  I think the Spartans are probably the better team assuming both squads are at even strength, but a laundry list of injuries has Sparty looking quite pedestrian.  Meanwhile, Jake Rudock has looked positively competent since his disastrous 3 INT performance against Utah, although I do think the 38 points put up against NW last week is a bit misleading (kick return TD and a pick-6 account for 14 of those points).  Nonetheless, the hideous maize and blue are the better team right now.  The shutout streak ends, but L.J. Scott is really all MSU has on offense, and it won't be enough.  Sorry Sparty.  MSU: 13--UM: 20

Florida Gators @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: A sexy matchup in the Bayou...before Will Grier was suspended for the year.  The Gators were a pleasant surprise through the first half of the year (even with the close call vs. UK) but this is the straw that broke the Gator's back...and oh yeah, there's a guy named Leonard Fournette on the other sideline.  With Grier, the Gators had a chance (still not a great one), without him, I don't see this being close.  Death Valley is really tough to win in at night, even for full teams.  This could be over by half.  UF: 10--LSU: 27
Hoying: A league of terrible quarterbacks just got terribler. Florida's Will Grier, a virtual lock for all-SEC QB, peed in the wrong cup and now he'll have to watch Treon Harris bumble and stumble his way against a fearsome Tiger D in Death Valley. That is, if Harris himself doesn't get suspended again before Saturday. It's not like LSU is going to be any better through the air, but when you have Leonard Fournette, you don't really need a two-dimensional offense. It's like having a 16 oz prime rib and complaining that your salad doesn't have enough croutons on it. Florida, like a crouton, is toast, and not even the Ol' Ball Coach could save them. It's not possible to lose your superstar QB for the season and compete for the national title. Fla: 17--LSU: 31 
Schweinfurth: What happens when you don't check the label on your over-the-counter supplements? You get suspended for using a PED (oops). So now both teams have huge question marks at the QB position. It's also put up or shut-up time for Fournette. I think he will provide all the offense LSU needs in this game, but doesn't rip off the big one he has had the last few weeks. Fla: 13--LSU: 14
Seeberg:  Can LSU throw the ball?  I honestly have no idea.  What's scarier is that LSU has no idea either, averaging a paltry 122 yards per game.  If Fournette runs all over the Gators he is a likely shoe-in for the Heisman but I don't see that happening.  He'll certainly get near/over 100 yards, but it will probably take 20-25 carries.  Florida's offense isn't exactly a juggernaut either, but they did put up 38 on Ole Miss which is more than I would expect LSU to score against the Rebels.  Oddly, Florida doesn't run the ball particularly well, so both offenses are one-dimensional.  In short, the squad I trust most on the field is the Florida D, having faced better competition than LSU and giving up 8 fewer ppg.  Fournette might make enough plays to win it, but if he doesn't do it by himself, the Gators will rule the day. STOP THE PRESSES:  Will Grier was just suspended for the season for testing positive for PEDs.  I had Florida before that news, but that just might be the break LSU needs to pull out a low-scoring win.  FLA: 10--LSU: 17

Penn State Nittany Lions @ THE University of Cincinnati Bearcats
Draper: Penn State was to be the second biggest threat to the Buckeyes after the Spartans.  Now, I'm not really concerned at all.  Christian Hackenberg was once the NFL darling, but he folds under pressure...uh oh.  The front seven will be giving him fits all day (I'm saying 5 sacks).  I haven't seen a single thing out of Happy Valley that should worry the Buckeyes.  This is a rebound game for the defense after a subpar performance vs. craptastic Maryland.  Offensively, there were some good things that need to continue.  This whole redzone QB thing bothers me (if JT is the best making decisions in the red zone, he's the best option period) but we should have plenty of time to work out the kinks.  Game goals: , no turnovers for the offense, utilize the short passing game effectively but take a few shots deep, and the usual 100+ for Zeke. Defensively, at least 3 sacks, zero big plays, and run defense.  Another tune-up game that SHOULD be done by half.  PSU: 10 -- OSU: 38 
Hoying: FINALLY. That's the #1 Buckeye team we've been waiting to see since Labor Day. No turnovers? Check. Perfect in the red zone? Check. Contain the QB? ......well, it's a good thing we don't have to worry about facing another mobile QB for a while (bring it on, Cook & Rudock). Last year, this was the game that I thought would solidify OSU's resurrection from their awful loss to VT, but it instead showed that they could handle adversity and come together when it mattered most. This season, I'm not really worried. Hackenberg continues to struggle when put under pressure (dear Lord...) and the two-headed monster should shred an overrated Nittany Lion D. Make no mistake, Penn State is a complete mirage, and if the Bucks keep their current trajectory, they might steal a few first place votes back on Sunday morning. PSU: 13--OSU: 35
Schweinfurth: Ahh yes, Pick Six University is rolling into town this week to face off the Men of the Black and...What are our school colors again? The two headed monster of Cardale and J.T. looked good and the coaching staff did a very good job of playing to both QBs' strengths. I expect this to continue with some J.T. sprinkled in to other areas of the field as well (probably some short yardage packages). This is going to be a pass first game as the Nittany Lions are going to load up to stop Zeke. Is this the week we see Braxton throw a pass? Maybe if it is the jet sweep tap pass. Otherwise, he stays on the outside. I expect Braxton and Thomas to have huge games (100+ yards each). We also get to see Christian Sackenberg and boy will he take a beating. Yes, the Lion offensive line has looked better since that Temple game, but they haven't faced a D-Line like this since last year's OSU game and they gave up 4 sack. Lewis, Washington, Bosa, and Lee all get at least one sack in this game. PSU lives up to expectations this year and Powell gets the pick six. PSU: 10--OSU: 45
Seeberg:  SO many games this week that seem as if they will be closely contested, this is the only one I can pick with a good amount of confidence.  The offense seemed to take a step forward last week.  Still too many penalties but no turnovers is definitely a plus.  J.T. in the red zone was unexpected but highly effective.  We just have to hope that one week of tape isn't enough for teams to put a package together to thwart our sudden red-zone efficiency.  Our previously highly touted defense apparently refuses to use a spy on a running quarterback, but thankfully good ole' Sackenburg is a relatively stagnant target in the pocket.  I'm still concerned about the receiving corps- only Michael Thomas appears to be getting separation with any consistency.  I also think Samuel needs more touches to compliment Zeke and Braxton in the backfield.  Still, in the 'Shoe and not the confines of Drunkard Happy Valley for a night game, the Bucks should win going away.  PSU: 17--OSU: 38

Upset Special
Draper: Kansas State over Oklahoma
Hoying: Arizona State over Utah
Schweinfurth: West Virginia over Baylor
Seeberg:  Louisville over Florida State

Grading the Bucks: Week 6--Maryland

Offense: B
Amazing how the woes of the red zone disappear when Mr. Barrett enters at QB.  In all fairness, Cardale did have a nice day, but the indecision is still there.  Also, he was majorly bailed out by Braxton on a simple seam route that was significantly overthrown.  Zeke was his normal awesome self.  I take exception with the O-line play that, in my opinion, is causing some of the issues on offense.  They simply aren't getting the explosive burst that I would like off the ball on run plays. Zeke is getting his, but primarily due to his skill, not the blocking up front. Still wondering why we haven't seen more of the Cardale down field throws.  The toss to Marshall was setup by great pass protection and we need more explosive plays of that variety.

Defense: D
This was concerning.  Running quarterbacks have always caused the Bullet defense to show some chinks in the armor.  The D-line has pass rushing ability, but they seem to have trouble plugging up the running lanes.  Maryland scored 4 TDs: 2 due to explosive plays that arose from defensive breakdowns, 1 that was methodical, and 1 that was in garbage time.  Let downs in the secondary are inexcusable as is the QB run TD.  Hiccups happen, but mistakes of the magnitude we saw against the likes of horrible Maryland can't continue.  Missed tackles reared their ugly head periodically this game as well.

Special Teams: B-
Great coverage on kicks/punts (huge hit by Fada was beautiful) and Johnston punted very well (55 yard net average).  Missed FG and kickoff out of bounds provide a serious downgrade.  This needs to stop.

Coaching: C+
Offense cooks under Barrett, but for some reason, the coaches only let him operate in the red zone.  If you only trust one QB in the red zone, that's your QB.  Cardale was ok in this game, but still far too indecisive to trust as a leader on the field.  Let JT orchestrate the red zone offense in a decisive manner from any location on the field.  Defensively, the front seven need to work on the rush defense and the linebackers need  to attack in a more decisive manner.

Overall: C
21 point victory and it only yields a C? Darn right.  There was no excuse for this sorry Maryland team to score 28 points.  None.  Offensively, there was improvement (wonder why?) but major stepback defensively.  There are still more 'warm up' games, but it's time to stop the 'preseason' mentality and bring everything to the table every game.  We need to start bullying teams and remind everyone why OSU was/is the juggernaut everyone expected.

Week 6 - I Went Back to Ohio...

Standings
1) Seeberg               19-7    (0-5 upset)
2) Draper                 17-9    (3-2 upset) 
3) Schweinfurth     16-10    (1-4 upset)
3) Hoying                16-10    (1-4 upset)

A few loyal fans in Buckeye Nation may have been a bit worried at times on Saturday, but Ohio State is coming home after another tough road test, still undefeated and #1 in both polls (ay, oh, way to go, Ohio). The ranks of the undefeateds also feature a few surprise teams that find themselves in put-up-or-shut-up games this week. When the dust settles, we'll have a better idea of who are the contenders, and who are the pretenders.

Navy Midshipmen @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Navy finally got over the hurdle vs. the Irish but for this contest, we return to South Bend and an angry Irish squad.  I'll be honest, I was surprised with the fight that ND showed at Death Valley.  The option attack puts up some points, but not enough as the Midshipman falls short under the shadow of touchdown Jesus.  Navy: 24--ND: 31
Hoying: It's October and Navy is still undefeated! Sure, they have 4 wins vs. crap, but that was Notre Dame's entire resume until they Clemsoned against Clemson last week. The Irish are blowing through QBs as fast as a certain other team near and dear to our hearts, yet still getting pretty consistent play (except on 2-point conversions, but I don't think Malik Zaire is calling the plays). Navy doesn't really have to worry about their passing game, focusing instead on how many ligaments their O-line can snap in opposing defenses' knees as they cut block all over the field. The United States Armed Forces offense enjoys a tactical advantage but their officers-in-training aren't quite as home on the football field as on the battlefield. Navy: 21--ND: 31
Schweinfurth: Even with the injuries, Notre Dame is still the better team here.  The Navy option game is like playing a shell game. The Irish see it every year and usually handle Navy pretty well. Navy's offense will keep them in this game but Notre Dame is just too much. Navy: 21--ND: 28
Seeberg:  Navy spoiled my upset pick last week as they are very at-home in the water... I mean that both as a terrible joke and also literally in football terms with their triple-option rushing attack.  As a result they are the undefeated team in this matchup- a matchup Navy has kept very close the last couple years, scoring 34 and 39 points respectively in narrow defeats.  I see a similar game playing out here, though slightly lower scoring.  Navy will get some traction in the triple-option, but Zaire has proven a more than capable backup and he will keep ND up enough on the scoreboard that Navy will be forced to throw late, spelling their doom.  NAVY: 27--ND: 35

Northwestern Wildcats @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper:  Northwestern is just chugging along like a machine right now.  Everything is set up for the Wildcats to have success (aka no OSU on the schedule).  Just 2 years ago, Evanston was rocking after a 6-0 start that the Buckeyes squelched (and backdoor covered).  Has NW turned the corner, or is it time for TSUN to believe again?  Michigan has shellacked an overrated (albeit still good) BYU team and a pathetic Maryland squad.  Are they that good? I don't think so.  Can they beat the Wildcats at home? Sure why not.  Adds more fuel to the Sun and Blue fire.  Sorry Greeny.  NW: 16--UM: 20
Hoying: As soon as Harbaugh was hired, I predicted the immediate resurrection of That Demon Up North. QB Jake Rudock wasn't ready for prime time against a better-than-expected Utah team, but the Maize and Blue have looked the part since, pitching back-to-back shutouts against...2 bad offenses. And look! Another bad offense is coming to town! The B1G enjoyed last week's Iowa-Wisconsin game so much that they scheduled a sequel. Northwestern runs the ball as well as anyone, but they can't throw (are we picking the Navy game again?). Kind of sounds like...Michigan. This would be a great opportunity for Northwestern's coming out party, but they're facing their slight superiors in every phase of the game...on the road. Big picture: it's better this game isn't in Evanston, or the Wildcats would be broken for another 2 years after another devastating loss. NW: 9--Mich: 13
Schweinfurth: Raise your hand if you saw one loss between these two teams at this point in the season. Anyone? I didn't think so. TUN has looked good against some "decent" competition (if you count a BYU team that won two games on Hail Mary's decent). Northwestern's defense has looked good this year and shut down a pretty good Stanford team. The Cardinal have a better QB than Jake Rudock and Northwestern just confused him. The Wolverines run a very similar offense to Stanford but worse. I'll take the Wildcats in an upset. Can't wait to see the look on Khaki Man's face. NW: 17--UM: 14 
Seeberg:  Pains me to admit it, but these may be the two most consistent, competent teams in the B1G thus far.  Both feature very stingy defenses and offenses that, with Jake Rudock beginning to understand which jerseys to throw to, limit mistakes and don't stop themselves too often (imagine if the Bucks did that??).  TTUN actually opened as 10-point favorites which I find shocking because it's reasonably plausible that neither team even scores 10 points.  It's not likely to be pretty, but the maize and blue are about to make some noise in the B1G again.  Heaven help us.  NW: 13--MICH: 20

California Bears @ Utah Utes
Draper:  Cal is undefeated after feasting on terrible defenses...but note those teams also feasted on their defense.  Goff and the Bears are fun to watch, but no one is really taking them seriously...yet.  Utah is the current flavor of the month after obliterating Oregon in Eugene, but how good is Oregon, really?  That being said, I want the team that has at least a small semblance of a defense.  Cal is fun, but Utah is better.  Salt Lake City will be rockin as usual.  Cal: 34--Utah: 45
Hoying: Stop me if you've heard this one before. Cal has a skinny little twig at QB putting up ridiculous numbers as the Bear offense rolls along...and actually stops their opponents on a drive or two?!? That's right, Cal has shut down the HIGH-POWERED Texas, Washington, and Washington State attacks on their way to a 5-0 start. The Utes, led by somewhat disappointing RB Devontae Booker and dual-threat QB Travis Wilson, will pose a bit of a tougher challenge to the Cal defense, but it's not like Cal QB Jared Moss...er...Goff is going anywhere. Utah may have held Oregon to 20 points, but Cal's attack is undoubtedly better. It won't be enough, especially with 2 weeks for the Utes to prepare, but Cal's rise continues with a hard-fought close loss. Cal: 27--Utah: 34
Schweinfurth: I've watched a little of Utah and none of Cal. Utah has been pretty impressive and it will be interesting once they play some better teams in the PAC-12. Until then, the Utes win. Cal: 28--Utah: 42
Seeberg:  Hey Cal is 5-0, who knew?  They even have 3 wins over power 5 opponents.  Unfortunately, those wins are a by a combined 13 points over Texas, Washington and Washington State.  Those three teams have a COMBINED 1 win over power 5 schools, WSU's 3-point win over powerhouse *cough not so much cough* Rutgers.  Had Cal seen Utah the week after blasting Oregon, they might have gotten the Utes squad on a letdown week and kept it close enough to pull off the upset.  Not with two weeks to prepare for the Utes though.  I don't know how "for real" either team is, but my money is on Utah. CAL: 21--UTAH: 38

Baylor Bears @ Kansas Jayhawks
Draper: This....is gonna be gross.  I expect Art Briles to pour it on as much as he can before being arrested for beating the stepson.  The important question is: Will Kansas score? The shutout is a tall order, considering the Baylor drives should last about 2 plays on average.  The Baylor defense will be super tired, but I think they'll go for it.  BU: 70--KU: 0
Hoying: Oh, those crafty Bears. While Ohio State, TCU, Alabama, Michigan State, Auburn, Oregon, USC, Georgia, Florida State, Notre Dame, Clemson, UCLA, LSU, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Stanford, Arizona, Boise State, Missouri, and Tennessee have each found themselves in tight spots in this young season, Baylor hasn't been close to being touched, thanks to their masterful scheduling. And the hits keep right on rolling as the Bears visit the winless Jayhawks, the only 1-A team to lose to Rutgers this season. In 2007, Kansas went 12-1 and beat Baylor 58-10 in Lawrence. The Jayhawk faithful would do well to stay home and watch that one again. Then cry. BU: 63--KU: 7
Schweinfurth: Are we picking this against the spread? Even if we did, Baylor would win. Kansas is SOOOOOOOO bad. Baylor may try to break the scoreboard. BU: 70--KU: 7
Seeberg:  Not 100% sure why we're picking this one.  4-0 Baylor, 0-4 Kansas.  Oh, and Kansas is starting its true freshman 3rd-string QB due to injuries to the top two signal-callers.  Will Baylor score 100?  It's conceivable.  This is a pad-your-stats game for the crew of Let's Go Bucks.  Baylor rolls and rolls and rolls some more.  BU: 77--KU: 13

Maryland Terrapins @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Maryland is bad....I mean, really, REALLY bad.  The program has all but confirmed that Edsall will be out as soon as our game ends.  IU may not be great, but they're having a nice season and improving.  Maryland is moving in the other direction.  Once again, this is the perfect medicine for a struggling Buckeye offense.  Cardale still can't diagnose a defense and has lost the trust of the coaches.  Zeke will continue carrying the load, but the rest of the weapons need to step up.  Marshall needs to hold on to the ball, JT needs to run the option (what? he's not the QB yet? Why?), Michael Thomas needs to see more balls his way, etc.  The defense had too many lapses that led to big plays last week.  Firm it up and we're back on track.  MD: 9--OSU: 48
Hoying: Remember the Michigan State game in 1998? The Purdue game in 2009? Almost every great team seems to have that one game against an inferior opponent on which nothing seems to go right. This season, every game feels like that, except that the Buckeyes keep winning. Imagine what would happen if the Buckeyes played well, or averagely. For the next 5 games, it would probably mean a 30-40 point blowout. But for that to happen, Ohio State needs to overcome penalties, turnovers, and third down and red zone futility. There seems to be an easy answer (*cough JT Barrett cough*) but we'll have to wait for Cardale to come around and achieve the Craig Krenzel-level athletic greatness we know he can reach. Best news: Maryland is BAD, like worse than any of our other incredibly crappy opponents bad, so we can afford to do whatever the hell we think will help work out the kinks, without worrying about actually putting points on the board. Still, it would be nice to see us dominate just once before the tough games start, for the benefit of the collective cardiac health of the Let's Go Bucks! crew. I'm not 16 anymore like I was in 2002. MD: 6--OSU: 35
Schweinfurth: Maryland is the team Ohio State needs to play right now. Everyone says the Buckeye offense is worse this year, but the stats say otherwise. The big difference this year is the turnovers. Urban has had the team working hard at protecting the ball better (should have been done in camp). Urban has also emphasized getting Samuel and Miller more involved in the offense. Is this the week we finally see some short screens to Braxton and get him in space? I'm gonna call for Marshall to catch a deep ball and Miller shows some flashes. If Zeke gets his 20 carries, he gets at least 200 yards. I'm really not too worried about the Terps offense versus the Buckeye defense. I see 2 or 3 picks from the Silver Bullets and hopefully some Bosa shrugging in the backfield. This one gets ugly and we see JT in the 4th quarter. MD: 3--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  As- crap, what's the politically correct phrase- severely lacking in talent and execution (read:  bad) as Maryland is, I'm intrigued for this game.  Granted the weather was lousy, but TTUN went to Maryland and pitched their second straight shut out.  If our defense is as elite as we'd like to think it is (I personally think it's solid, but not elite yet), we better come close to pitching a shutout as well.  I'm also curious if we'll throw a slant, or a crossing route, or an in route, or ANY route within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage that isn't a swing pass or a pop pass.  Aside from Michael Thomas I don't know if our receivers are getting consistent separation, which might be the reason for the odd playcalling, but all the more reason to keep routes short so Cardale doesn't have to hang in the pocket too long before looking to run or for a safety valve.  In any case, a healthy dose of N-S Zeke (that would be North-South Zeke, fyi), some better play-calling (one hopes), and a solid defensive effort should make this one a lot less harrowing than IU.  MD: 10--OSU: 45

Upset Special
Draper: Texas over Oklahoma (because football makes no sense)
Hoying: West Virginia over Oklahoma State
Schweinfurth: Illinois over Iowa
Seeberg:  Missouri over Florida

Grading the Bucks: Week 5--Indiana

Is this the new normal?

Offense (no Zeke): D- / Zeke: A
This offense just isn't clicking.  I'm petrified that we saw this week that the coaches don't trust the starting quarterback to throw a pass.  Cardale seems to be unable to go through his progressions and when he sees a receiver open, he fires it 100 mph and misses the receiver.  Zeke has been fantastic even when the entire defense knows he's coming (couldn't get going because IU had 10 people in the box every play).  Receiver play was eh as was the O-line.  O-line opened some holes for Zeke and protected fairly well.  Also, it needs to be said.  Jalin Marshall is a liability.  He has some flash and dash, but the crushing turnovers and overall stupid play is taking it's toll.  To his credit, he blocked very well, but the turnovers... Say what you will, but I believe QB and WR are the issues. Cardale's final stats weren't terrible, but based on what I saw, he wasn't up to acceptable standards.  I know I'm completely blinded by JT's greatness...but he needs to be there.  I want a leader than can play the mental game.  Cardale is not playing the mental game.

Defense: C-
Penalties are killing us.  This defense has been solid all year but they disappointed me this week.  Look no further than the long run by Diamont.  Tyvis Powell absolutely layed an egg by taking the worst angle a safety has ever taken.  Apple continues to get picked on (even though he sealed the win on the final play).  Bell had a so-so game (not like his solid games of the recent past). The front seven was actually pretty good, but the big plays can't happen.  Glad to see Perry and McMillan stop the leading rusher in the conference. Early in the game, there was a huge miscommunication that can't happen on a long pass to a receiver.  Too sloppy for me.

Special Teams: B+
Nothing special.  Some nice punts and punt coverage.  Dropping the ball into the endzone on the punt was a huge swing that can't happen.  Overall...another mediocre performance (which I'm fine with).  They didn't cost us anything which is a win in my Special Teams book.

Coaching: D
Play calling is still an absolute joke.  Know your personnel when formulating a gameplan.  I'm not a 'give it to Zeke on every play' guy, but I support more north south running with Zeke and more short quick hitter passes (which don't seem to be in the playbook).  I'm also a fan (especially against the 126th ranked pass defense in the nation) of a few chuck it up and let your receiver go get it...you know the entire offense during the playoff for Cardale.  Yes, Devin Smith is gone, but even an arm punt isn't terrible at times when there's the chance of a homerun.  I don't think we threw a single deep bomb all game.  THAT'S WHAT CARDALE'S STRENGTH IS!!

Overall: D+
Maybe Indiana is secret good.  Maybe not.  Doesn't matter to me.  This Buckeye team can't roll it out there like that and hope to win every game.  You're either getting better or getting worse...and I don't see us getting better.  Next week is definitely good for what ails you in Maryland.  They are butt, and we must expose them for what they are (hehe).  JT, I love you.  Come back to us...

Week 5 - B1G East Battle

Standings
1) Seeberg               14-5    (0-4 upset)
2) Draper                 13-6    (3-1 upset) 
2) Schweinfurth     13-6    (1-2 upset)
4) Hoying                11-8    (1-3 upset)

What a difference a year makes. After the end of nonconference play last season, the only undefeated B1G team was Penn State. This year, 5 out of the 29 remaining undefeated teams call the Big Ten their home. But only two meet this week as conference play kicks off in earnest.

West Virginia Mountaineers @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: Another Oklahoma game...where is it? Norman? These are the games Stoops usually wins.  Oklahoma has been tested in Knoxville (how good are the Vols? Don't know) but WVU has played the Little Sisters of the Poor.  I don't know how good either of these teams are, but I'll lean Perine and the Sooners in Norman.  WVU: 27 -- OU: 34
Hoying: You thought Bert and the 'Backs had a tough schedule? Try West Virginia. The Mountaineers kick off the first of 4 ranked matchups in October with a visit to Norman. Oklahoma had a nice comeback win against Tennessee, but last week the Gators showed us that any washed-up has-been former power can do the same. Meanwhile, West Virginia doesn't seem to be missing QB Clint Trickett, with Skyler Howard stepping in to lead one of the nation's top passing attacks. Beating West Virginia requires competent defense, and after Oklahoma gave up 38 to Tulsa, I'm not sure they can do it. The Sooners enter a land of confusion, and West Virginia gets a victory against all odds. WVU: 34--OU: 31
Schweinfurth: I feel like Oklahoma has fallen into the Big 12 trap of good offense, no defense. West Virginia has been doing that dance for years and are used to putting up big offensive numbers. I also feel that the Sooners are still settling into this new Air Raid system and are not running the ball enough. I give the edge to WVU, but they have a rough next few weeks. WVU: 42-OU: 38
Seeberg:  Not likely to see a whole lot of "D" in this one.  Oklahoma's win over the Vols has been cheapened by their second unconscionable 4th-quarter collapse against Florida last week, but that doesn't mean Oklahoma isn't still the better team in this matchup.  The Sooners are historically woeful on the road in any early-season matchup of consequence, but they got that monkey off their back by taking down rocky top, and back at home you can expect a better performance.  I like WVU and think they're a bit underrated personally, and in Morgantown I might give them the edge, but not in Norman.  Boomer Sooner survives a shootout  WVU: 42--OU: 45

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Draper:  Are either of these teams any good? Iowa is undefeated after a long FG to beat Pitt while Wisconsin's 'feather in the cap' is losing to Bama.  Who do I trust more? I don't really like either of these teams, but Kirk Ferentz has had too many bad to mediocre years to give any credence to until I have more evidence.  In Madison? Edge Badgers.  Iowa: 14--Wisconsin: 24
Hoying: Remember when Nebraska ran Bo Pelini out on a rail for winning no fewer than 9 games for 7 straight seasons? Iowa hasn't won 9 games since 2009, but the Hawkeyes may be poised to make a run this year. Iowa swept their nonconference slate for the first time in 6 years, and they drew powerhouses Indiana and Maryland from the BEast this year. But if they want to face our beloved Bucks under the lights in Indy, they'll have to get by a Wisconsin team that doesn't run the ball. That's as confusing as, well, Iowa still being relevant in October. Paul Chryst's growing pains continue as Kirk steals one in Madison. Iowa: 17--Wisc: 16
Schweinfurth: Iowa got past Iowa State for the first time in ever a few weeks ago. I still don't trust the Hawkeyes. This game is going to be a fight in the trenches and Wisconsin typically has the bulls to win that fight. Iowa: 14--Wisc: 17
Seeberg:  Iowa's unbeaten?  Color me shocked.  The Hawkeyes even have 2 wins over power 5 opponents, though a 3-point home win against Pitt barely qualifies.  (Man, I hope Mark May reads that).  The Badgers are struggling to find an identity on offense but have given up a measly 3 points in their last 3 games combined.  If my math skills serve me right, that's only an extra point per contest.  Iowa broke out offensively last week against North Texas but, well, that's North Texas.  Bucky reestablishes himself as the mascot to beat out west.  IOWA: 13--WISC: 24

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper:  The streak of 6 straight years of Nick Saban and the Tide being favorites has come to an end.  Will the Bulldogs further dethrone the Bad Boys of the SEC? Will UGA ever not disappoint in the big game under Richt? There will be some fantastic running back play in this play with Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry.  The question is: Will Lane Kiffin remember Henry is on the team? I think we're seeing a decline in the Bama juggernaut and Georgia gets the win at home (only to crap it away in a few weeks). Ala: 27 -- UGA: 31
Hoying: In order to beat Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, you either need to play a near-perfect game or be a near-perfect team (or play them in his first year there, but that ship sailed 8 years ago). We saw the former in the Tide's second consecutive loss to Ole Miss (no, the Rebels aren't going to the playoff this year). Is Georgia the latter? The Bulldogs certainly look the part, riding Nick Chubb and an elite ground game to 4 blowout wins over teams that Bret Bielema would complain about and then lose to. The passing game isn't spectacular, but it's better than the hot mess brewing behind center in Tuscaloosa. If Lane Kiffin can finally learn to trust his stud RBs and stop throwing the ball, Alabama will come away with a victory. Never bet against Lane. Ala: 31--UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: Georgia can run the ball and Nick Chubb is a beast. For some reason, Lane Kiffin has a allergy to running the ball. Oh wait, he is Lane Kiffin. In Saban's last two losses, his team has just been beaten up front. I think Georgia is the more physical team and Mark Richt finally gets the Saban monkey off his back. Ala: 20--UGA: 28
Seeberg:  I hate to disagree with my colleague Mr. Hoying, but I intentionally bet against Lane last week and it worked out.  JUST GIVE DERRICK HENRY THE BLEEPING BALL.  Will he figure it out this week?  I honestly don't know.  What I do know is that Greyson Lambert has only attempted 17 throws per game in Georgia's 4-0 start because Nick Chubb and Co. are ramming the running game down everyone's throat.  As good as their ground attack is I have trouble believing that much one-dimensionality can cause sustained problems for the Bama D.  Despite a 7:0 TD-int ratio this year, Lambert for his career is just 18:13.  I think Bama's D will rattle him and make a couple plays to bail out Kiffin's consistently head-scratching play calling and, unfortunately, put the Crimson Tide back in the hunt to be beaten in the playoff again.  ALA: 28--UGA: 23

Kansas State Wildcats @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Draper: Has anyone actually seen a K-State game this year?  All I know about these teams is the the Pokes squeaked out a close win in Austin last week so I feel more confident with them.  Bill Snyder is known for scheduling (through Kansas State) cupcakes to start the year, so 4-0 is never a shock. The undefeated season comes to a halt in Stillwater.  KSU: 20--OSU: 34
Hoying: I apologize for putting this game on the list, but K-State is still undefeated after a classic Bill Snyder non-conference slate: South Dakota, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech. Oklahoma State almost faceplanted against a bad Texas team and need to find their footing if they're going to keep pace in a deep Big XII. OSU QB Mason Rudolph leads a Cowboy offense that has sputtered at time, failing to reach 40 (I'm a man!) in 3 of their 4 games. I think they'll again have trouble hitting that mark, but an improved defense should keep the Wildcats at bay. KSU: 20--OSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Not sure how this one plays out due to the fact that I only know who the coaches of these teams are. I do know that Mike Gundy typically has a pretty good offense, so I'll pick the Cowboys out of my hat. KSU: 21--OSU: 30
Seeberg:  Tough to figure this one out.  Kansas State has taken the mantle from Baylor as the most pathetic nonconference schedule known to man to get to 3-0.  Okla State looked rough against a Texas team that can suddenly score the ball a little, but squeaked out the W to stay unbeaten as well.  Ironically, the Big 12's OSU has had a similar arc to our beloved Buckeyes this year:  Highly touted offense that has struggled at times, but a D with question marks that has actually played half-decent.  Add that to the fact that K-State gave up 33 at home to Louisiana Tech and you've got yourself a 5-0 Cowboys squad by Saturday's end.  KSU: 24--OSU: 34

Ole Miss Rebels @ Florida Gators
Draper: Ole Miss is going to tout that win over Bama forever...even though they got super lucky and we don't know if Bama is 'world beater' of the recent past.  That being said...Florida? Really? Yeah, they're undefeated but you spell mirage G-A-T-O-R-S.  The game will be shockingly close in the 3rd but the Rebs pull away late.  Miss: 28 -- UF: 16
Hoying: Is Florida a historically mediocre program buoyed by two all-time great coaches: Spurrier and Meyer? Or are they a top-tier mainstay that only incompetent hacks like the Zooker and big dumb Will Muschamp can wreck? The post-Muschamp Gators have yet to lose a game, but the competition ramps up in a hurry. The Rebels, the hottest team east of Utah, are looking to avoid the post-Alabama meltdown that wrecked their playoff hopes last season. That quest will end eventually, but not this week, no matter how loud Jim McElwain screams. Miss--31--UF: 13
Schweinfurth: Florida is still rebuilding and Ole Miss looks like the class of the SEC right now. Miss: 35--UF: 20
Seeberg:  Really?  A last-minute win over a we-forget-games-have-four-quarters Tennessee squad is enough to put the Gators in the top 25?  Ridiculous.  Thankfully that will be a short-lived issue as the Rebels come to town sporting the only team in the top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency- even after meeting the overlord Bama.  Rebels make quick work of this one.  MISS: 45--FLA: 17

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Clemson Tigers
Draper: Did I say mirage? That is the theme of this game.  I believe both of these teams may be mirages, but Notre Dame's claim to fame was taking down the Jackets...who subsequently lost to Duke.  This is when the Irish rubber meets the road and Clemson's Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've ever been to (behind the Swamp and the Shoe).  Dabo tries to blow it, but this is the game in which the Domers fall from glory.  Clemson's day will come, but it will not be this day.  ND: 21 -- Clemson: 31
Hoying: When will Notre Dame's injuries finally catch up with them? The crew at Let's Go Bucks! unanimously picked the Irish to crash and burn against GT after losing Malik Zaire, but the Jackets rambled and wrecked their way to a loss in South Bend. ND's fate may change as they leave the friendly confines and enter "Death Valley." Clemson has 3 okay wins against 3 bad teams, but they have all of 2 home losses in the last 4 years. Notre Dame doesn't travel particularly well, and they don't have the horses to move the ball on an improved Tiger defense. Pick the home team. ND: 20--Clem: 35
Schweinfurth: At some point, all of these injuries have to catch up with the Irish. I think it is this week. Both offenses move the ball well and neither team plays great defense. Time for a shootout in Death Valley. ND: 42--Clem: 49
Seeberg:  I've actually been very impressed with Clemson this year.  They seem to be playing a reasonable facsimile of...oh crap what's the word?  Oh yeah.  DEFENSE.  Though their offense struggled against the only 1-A opponent they've played to date, the Golden Domer D is more porous than in recent years.  And quite frankly, I just don't like them either; however, I thoroughly enjoy the Tiger Rag, so I gotta go with #soybeanwind (it's an anagram for Dabo Swinney that I sadly cannot take credit for, but if you aren't watching Last Week Tonight clips on youtube the following day like everybody not fortunate enough to have HBO then SHAME ON YOU...and go watch it!).  ND: 20--CLEM: 31

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: Will the Buckeye offense ever figure it out? This is the (fifth straight) week in which they should.  Let's be real here.  IU has an offense.  Sudfeld is a good QB and Kevin Wilson can coach offense, but the Hoosier defense is a steaming pile of cow dung.  117th in the country in total defense after the murderer's row of Southern Illinois, FIU, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest.  If the Bucks don't break 50, I'll be extremely disappointed. While the D gives up more than most will be comfortable with, Cardale hits some of those bombs he missed last week and the Bucks keep it going.  OSU: 62 -- IU: 30
Hoying: For the fourth time this year, the Bucks enter a battle of unbeatens. But this game is a really, really, B1G deal. You may have seen that Ohio State and Indiana haven't faced each other unblemished since 1954. What you probably don't know is that that was the season opener! The Buckeyes and Hoosiers haven't met with both teams better than 1-0...EVER. Ohio State doesn't lose to Indiana often, but the wins have not come easily under Urban Meyer. Letting Tevin Coleman run all over you is understandable, but allowing Xander Diamont to have success throwing the ball is not. This year, the Hoosiers have Nate Sudfeld back and might lead the best offense the Bullets will face this regular season. Don't expect Cardale to struggle against another vintage Indiana defense, but the Hoosiers have just enough weapons to make this one interesting. The good news is, there's no reason at all for Ohio State to be looking ahead. On to 5-0. OSU: 42--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: Laugh at this all you want, but I think the Western Michigan game was a great tune up for Indiana. Both teams like to throw quick passes to the outside and then run inside zone from a wide open spread. This exposed the Buckeye interior defense, but I expect this coaching staff to make the adjustment. Now that the QB situation is finally settled, Cardale can get all the reps in practice and lock those deep bombs in. The receivers had separation last week and they should be able to get behind the leaky Hoosiers' secondary. It's B1G season so it's time to hammer Zeke and stop getting cute with the "Globetrotter Offense." OSU: 49--IU: 21
Seeberg:   The good from last week:  The offense looked better, the special teams improved as well.  The bad?  The D looked worse.  Getting into conference play, I fear the Huskies may have exposed some weaknesses.  Specifically, teams can score on us if centers don't shoot their teams in the foot.  In any event, Indiana can typically score it well the past few years, and they give up points equally well.  This should be a matchup that will test the Silver Bullets but allow the offense to begin to hit its stride.  What's a Hoosier anyway?  OSU: 45--IU: 20

Upset Special
Draper: CLANGA over Texas A&M
Hoying: Minnesota over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech over Baylor
Seeberg:  Air Force over Navy

Grading the Bucks: Week 4--Western Michigan

Eh.....what a thoroughly mediocre game.  Need to get better.

Offense: B-
I'm sorry.  I still expect more from this team.  There is simply too much talent to only score 31 on offense vs. the likes of Western Michigan.  Cardale had a nice day, but it should have been a very special day if those bombs were thrown correctly or if he managed the goalline situations correctly (that intentional grounding was a joke...).  He missed on 2-3 other deep passes that were open.  This is supposed to be his strength (and was in the playoffs).  We the burners we have on the outside, that a pass that must be completed.  Better game from the O-Line but Zeke needs more north-south plays called for him. He looked good, but I want more runs up the gut and out-muscling folk.  Step in the right direction, but the talent dictates we should be farther along.  On a sad note, JT didn't look very good, but I'm guessing Urban has completely thrown everything behind Cardale.  Not my choice, but since Jones is getting the reps, rust is expected from JT.

Defense: C+
Again, not good enough.  The defensive line got great pressure on passing plays but were bullied on rushing plays--unacceptable at OSU vs. MAC.  The linebackers were simply terrible in run defense.  McMillan had a ton of tackles but this was mostly a product of being completely out of position and catching the running back after it had passed him.  The inside linebackers were not up to snuff.  Washington has had a great season and was rewarded with a great play and fat-guy TD (3rd straight week with a defensive TD). Secondary was pretty good except for Eli Apple who looked terrible.  It was only one game, but he was certainly picked on.  Also, the Damon Webb suspension hurt the other side of the field.  Gareon Conley wasn't visible because WMU must have seen tape and decided it wasn't worth testing him.  Overall, 'eh' performance.  Too many gashes on the running plays for my liking.

Special Teams: A-
What? We didn't suck? No kickoffs out of bounds for the second straight week, a blocked punt (called back), blocked FG, and a punt downed at the 1....nice resume for the week.  Only downgrade is no scores, but I'm great with these results on special teams.

Coaching: B
In game coaching was fine, but I'd still like to see more Zeke up the gut at times.  Thankfully, they started calling deep passes to exploit Cardale's strength.  Defensively, the team didn't look angry enough and they looked confused as to why they were getting beat on rushing plays.  The physical talent advantage is enormous, so the difference is either preparation (coaching) or motivation (coaching).  I need to see a higher level of focus from the players.  This game should have been an absolute laugher at halftime (40 point lead)...it would have been last year.  Need to rediscover the hunger.

Overall: B-
Thoroughly mediocre.  Keep improving.  Another undefeated foe with a chip on the shoulder this week.  IU is going to throw everything on the table.  Be ready Bucks.  This weeks level might not be enough next week.

Week 4 - Return of JT?

Standings
1) Seeberg               12-2    (0-3 upset)
1) Draper                 11-3    (2-1 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     10-4    (1-2 upset)
4) Hoying                8-6    (1-2 upset)

Saturday saw the return of two JTs to the field at Ohio Stadium. One led his team to victory but was subsequently officially benched as a co-starter. The other was welcomed  back with a game-long tribute in his honor, recalling everyone's fond 2002-03 memories of pulling out their hair while watching the Bucks escape another Little Sister of the Poor. Let's hope that the era of Tresselball is not alive and well in Columbus.

UCLA Bruins @ Arizona Wildcats
Draper: UCLA showed some chinks in the armor looking quite vulnerable to an overrated BYU squad.  Josh Rosen reminded us that he's a freshman that got off to a good start.  That being said, this game has ENORMOUS implications in the Pac12 South, the Pac12, and the playoff hunt.  Let's not forget that Arizona won the South last year and went to a New Years 6 bowl (and got killed).  RichRod and QB Anu Solomon have a solid offense clicking with a defense that's no slouch.  LB Scooby Wright might return which would really shore up the middle of the defense.  I like the Wildcats at home in a fantastic game.  Bruins have been getting the pub, but the Cats are returning to form.  UCLA: 27--Zona: 28
Hoying: Who's the best of the west? High-profile teams Oregon, Stanford, and USC have each suffered a loss in this young season, and while none of them is out of the picture yet, I contend (as I have from the start) that the best team in the Pac-12 is hosting the game of the week this Saturday night. DickRod and company took the South division last year and went 1 for 2 against national runner-up Oregon, and there's no reason they can't do it again.  On the other sideline, that crashing sound you hear is the wreck of QB Josh Rosen's bandwagon after a 3 interception performance against a (really quite good) BYU team. Bruins don't do well at night in the desert. UCLA: 24--Zona: 31
Schweinfurth: This is probably the best game of the week and should be a good one. Scooby Wright may return, but how effective can he really be with a quick turnaround after knee surgery. Without Wright I think UCLA will outscore Zona. UCLA: 35--Zona:31
Seeberg:  Arizona has looked good, surprisingly, after a lackluster week one performance in which their superstar linebacker was lost for multiple weeks.  Enter UCLA...who just lost their superstar linebacker for the season.  I have trouble thinking a freshman QB can lead an admittedly slightly more talented team into Rich Rod's home and overcome that mental loss.  Not to mention that the Wildcats can score it and score it often.  Arizona- not just for basketball talent anymore.  UCLA: 20--Zona: 30

Brigham Young Cougars @ Michigan Wolverines
Draper:  Oh....boy...  I was considering this for my upset pick simply because we have a supremely overrated BYU team entering the Big House, but asking me to pick it?  It's a tough call.  Michigan is still nowhere near as a everyone thinks...but neither is BYU.  The game is in Ann Arbor: Advantage Michigan.  BYU has played teams with a pulse: Advantage Cougars.  I'm giving a slight edge to BYU for 3 reasons: 1. BYU has thrived on the road in difficult environments already this season, 2. Michigan has won the last 2 against bad opponents, but I wasn't wowed by their offensive or defensive efficiency, and 3. Michigan Sucks.  Go Cougs! BYU: 35--UM: 31
Hoying: You think Ohio State's been having quarterback problems...say hello to BYU-Michigan. True, Tanner Mangum's cannon has delivered the Cougars two miracle wins but the magic ran out last week against a competent UCLA defense. As for Meatchicken's QB...well, their defense should pose a serious challenge to Mangum anyway. As I'm sure you all know, your QB can play like garbage and you can still eke out a win over a pretty good team if they can't score. Michigan has just enough of a talent edge to get it done at home. BYU: 13--UM: 20
Schweinfurth: BYU has more consistent QB play. I think the Wolverines have a slightly better defense but Harbaugh can only do so much with the offensive talent he has available. Jake Butt will catch his token touchdown but ultimately BYU pulls this one out on the road. BYU: 24--UM: 14
Seeberg:  What an odd era it is in college football when BYU's backup QB is playing markedly better than TTUN's starter.  Harbaugh has UM running the ball well and playing stout D, but Rudock just hasn't picked up the offense yet.  Meanwhile, BYU's offense has barely missed a beat under Tanner Mangum, dropping a heartbreaker (after winning two of a similar ilk) to UCLA last week.  I honestly think TTUN is more than capable of winning this game in spite of Rudock's play, but I don't know if I would pick them against UCLA or Boise State, two teams BYU played essentially even.  The one-dimensional nature of UM's offense allows the Cougars to stop the run in the red zone, forcing too many FG attempts for UM to overcome, and BYU squeaks out another quality win.  BYU: 21--UM: 16

TCU Horned Frogs @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Draper:  Yeesh...another game I was considering for my upset pick, but asking to legit pick the game? Man...  While the Buckeyes have been unimpressive in victory, look no further than TCU to find another team with huge aspirations limping through the start of the year.  Texas Tech is on a high after  'kicking fat Bielma's a$$' last week, but Arkansas sucks (as their players admit).  Lubbock will be rocking, but TCU is ready to remind the country that they are ready for the big time.  Kliff Kingsbury/Ryan Gosling won't stop Treyvone Boykin from finally having a breakout game.   Frogs win comfortably.  TCU: 35 -- TT: 24
Hoying: The Big XII season starts in earnest with this clash of two undefeated teams, each boasting what it hopes is a major non-conference win (TCU over Minnesota, Texas Tech over Arkansas). Has Kliff finally worked the kinks out after an atrocious 2014 that saw Texas Tech surrendering over 40 points per game, including 82(!) to TCU? Maybe, but a good effort isn't enough to take down the Frogs, who are still stinging from being left out of the inaugural College Football Playoff. In another era, Texas Tech might have had the benefit of TCU looking forward to Texas next week, but somehow I think TCU will be able to stay focused in this one. TCU: 45--TT: 24
Schweinfurth: Kliff Kingsbury has some swagger but TCU is about to drop that down a peg or so. TCU: 42--TT: 21
Seeberg:  In a week of "bleh" games to pick this may be the bleh-iest of all.  Texas Tech probably feels like it got a legitimate win over an SEC foe last week- except that SEC foe is Arkansas who just lost to Toledo and has forgotten that they're supposed to run the ball.  TCU's defense has looked surprisingly lousy at times, giving up a whopping 37 to SMU last week (the same total OSU has surrendered in all three games combined this season).  Still, with Boykin & Co. their offense should be plenty prolific enough to keep the Red Raiders at bay.  TCU: 48--TTU: 31

Utah Utes @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Wooo...the games of 'eh' just keep coming.  Utah always seems poised early to make a run, but the South is too tough.  Oregon is a perennial contender in the North, but the hiccup in East Lansing isn't something they're used to.  Vernon Adams played ok in the loss to the Spartans but he won't need to be in peak shape to beat the Utes.  Utah is a nice story every year, but it's time to revert back to 7-8 wins like every year. Games in Eugene....QUACK.  Utah: 31--UO: 52
Hoying: You may laugh, but the Utes were the only team in America to beat both UCLA and USC last year. And they would've started with a 14 point lead on the Ducks if Kaelin Clay could remember that you have to actually take the ball into the endzone to score. The Utes have the horses to compete with the Pac-12's best, and Oregon has taken a step back on both sides of the ball since their playoff run. Could Utah win? Sure. Will they with the Autzen Zoo ringing in their ears? Probably not. Utah: 38--UO: 48
Schweinfurth: This game really shouldn't be close. Oregon wins. Utah: 35--UO: 63
Seeberg:  Utah's opening week win over TTUN is starting to look pretty good.  Oregon is essentially "Oregon light" this season, all the flash, but 1/3 less substance than the national runner-up a year ago.  Still, assuming Vernon Adams' finger is fully healed, the Ducks just have too much for Utah to overcome on the road.  Utah: 34--UO: 49

Western Michigan Broncos @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Last tune up before 'conference; play (what, Indiana..counts...).  Time to act on the issues from the film.  I think the decision was made in the first quarter of last week's game that JT is now the starter.  I could be wrong, but I have a feeling 16 will be getting the glut of first team reps. (*Author's Note: Oops...I still disagree with Urban)  Dr. Smooth returns the offense to a well oiled machine while the Bullets keep firing.  O-line has too much talent to look like last week ever again...especially against an inferior opponent.  Time to wave the big boy stick and be the bully.  The halftime circus show (with drill designed by Yours Truly--this is from my last show) will just be entertainment in the middle of another high-flying circus before and after the band. Sorry WMU.  Nothing personal, but this better be a beatdown.  Take no prisoners.  WMU: 0--OSU: 52 (Side Note: The last three games Mr. Hoying and I attended had a collective score of 163-0.  Keep the shut out streak intact!)
Hoying: How bad was last week's win? Tough to say without knowing how good Northern Illinois really is. However, looking into my crystal ball, I feel pretty confident that the Broncos are much, much worse. The defense should continue to have success against a team that scored all of 17 against Georgia Southern. Of course, once the Bucks get the ball back, they have to do something with it. Now that Urban has officially named a starter, look for a boost in Cardale's play. The offense hasn't been horrible, they've just been off enough to keep the great moments from happening. Expect Urban to play to his team's strengths this week to build everyone's confidence back up for B1G season. Then he can spend the next 6 weeks or so exploring what Cardale can and can't do. The sad (comforting?) reality is that Northern Illinois might be the best team we see until November, so it's not like any tinkering is going to cost us a game. As for our #1 ranking, well... Western rows the boat aground (hallelujah), the Bucks win going away, and the nation quickly forgets the last two lackluster performances. WMU: 6--OSU: 38
Schweinfurth: Well, the Silver Bullets are back. That's a bonus. Look, this offense is going to get rolling soon. I think moving the playcalling from the booth will help. Cardale looked awful last week, but JT didn't look much better. I think we are getting to the point that JT needs to get the snaps in practice and let Cardale be the backup. I trust Urban and company will make the necessary adjustments. I expect that Braxton will be used to take the top off the defense and Zeke will get that swagger back. WMU: 7--OSU: 35
Seeberg:  Well the best part about 3-0 is the chance to go 4-0...and that's about where the positives end.  The 'Shoe was positively uneasy almost from the start last week.  Just for perspective, the Bucks had four turnovers in the national championship game and still won by 22.  This year's offense is sputtering on about 2 of 8 cylinders, and five turnovers might've spelled the end against the MAC attack were it not for Darron Lee's heroics.  For all of the woes on offense, the defense is markedly better than I had anticipated.  Gareon Conley and Tyquan Lewis have been nice surprises, turning what I thought would be this squad's weakness into its unquestioned strength.  It's time to adjust expectations accordingly.  Solid D, marginally better O, dear lord please no more kickoffs out of bounds, and let's get to 4-0.  P.S.  I had my scoreline up BEFORE Hoying!  OSU: 38--WMU: 6

Upset Special
Draper: Kentucky over Missouri
Hoying: Texas over Oklahoma State
Schweinfurth: Cincinnati over Memphis
Seeberg:  Northern Illinois over Boston College  (watching Cinci/Mem right now- Mem's helmets are sick!)

Grading the Bucks: Week 3--Northern Illinois

Welcome back JT.

Offense: D

I was wrong like everyone else.  This offense should be an absolute juggernaut (and may yet be), but they aren't there yet.  I've seen the bevy of arm chair QBing and I disagree with most of it so allow me to throw my two cents in.  Playcalling is an issue, but it's not the reason for the lack of success.  The reason is simply a lack of execution.  No, Tom Herman in Houston isn't causing Cardale to throw to the defense or the O-line to struggle in the blocking schemes.  The coaching staff isn't different.  I wonder if we're seeing a team that's resting on it's laurels.  You can't roll the ball out there and expect to win when you get every team's best shot.  NIU isn't a slouch, but they are not only a defensive TD worse. The offense is simply too predictable.  

To the quarterback issue: It's time to go back to Captain Smooth.  JT needs to take the first team reps for the whole week and to get back to 2014 JT.  Cardale has simply regressed from the magical title run and the loss of a consistent deep threat is simply more costly than we thought.  Why I think it's JT time? The receivers are more possession/slot receivers than stretch the field...which works with the defensive diagnosis ability of JT.  Cardale can muscle the ball...but the receivers aren't built to run under it.  Michael Thomas remains an absolute stud that isn't being utilized.  JT can exploit his skill set.  Also, we thought Cardale would open the running lanes up for Zeke by stretching the field, but unfortunately, the lack of a true running threat with Cardale has keyed the front seven into stopping 15.  JT confuses the defense and keeps them questioning who has the ball.  It's time for a return to greatness.

Finally, 5...FIVE turnovers? Completely unacceptable.  Cardale's throws were atrocious, Zeke's fumble was bad (but not as costly as it was on 4th down), JT's interception was a lapse in judgement that was on him for missing the deep zone, and Samuel's was inexcusable given the situation.  This. Can. Not. Continue.  Mr. Hoying likes to say: "Stupid team rarely wins".  We bucked that trend this week, but not against better teams.

Defense: A-

Very little to complain about here.  All the points came off turnovers with a shorter field.  The defense was fantastic, but I can't give a full A to the team because of one play.  3rd and 11 late in the game in the red zone with a 10 point lead, NIU ran a draw play up the middle...and carried multiple attempted tacklers beyond the sticks.  That play made me want to puke.  The fact that NIU simply wanted it more, it not acceptable for the Bullets.  That being said, the 3 stars on this defense: Darron Lee, Gareon Conley (keep an eye on this guy), and Joey Bosa.  Look out NFL.  

Special Teams: B+

The other team kicked the ball out of bounds!! Not us!!  HOORAY!!! Not much to complain about.  Good punting (although there was simply too many of them...thanks offense), good kicking, but one issue: Jalin Marshall needs to stop stopping my heart every time he field a punt.  Crunch time when  simply getting possession can seal the game, and you DIVE TO CATCH A PUNT!?!?! I'm done returning punts.  Time to let the ball bounce every time and stay away.

Coaching: B-

Defensive coaching was fantastic again.  Offensively... eh.  I won't blame the closeness of the game on the playcalling (see above).  I still don't know why we eschew the quick slant, screen, buttonhooks, and drag routes, but hopefully, we can realize that these receivers are built for this.  I have faith that it will correct.  I am totally of the belief that the coaches were not a fault this week.  

Overall: C

Nice and average.  Great defense; painful offense.  Time to turn the corner.  Maybe NIU is really, really good...or maybe not.  Next week better show me something.  I really thought (like everyone) we'd have great eyepopping offense and a good defense.  Instead we have great eyepopping defense and an ok offense.  The good news is offense is easier to fix (we've seen these same players go crazy).  I just want to see it NOW!

Top 25 Rankings - Post Week 3

IT'S

STILL

TOO

EARLY.

How about that Ole Miss win over #2 Alabama? How about that Michigan State win over #7 Oregon? How about Northwestern's win over a Stanford team that just beat #6 USC in Los Angeles?

I

DON'T

KNOW.

And neither do you. These wins are getting a lot of hype because of preseason rankings (which are meaningless, considering that the preseason #1 team has won ZERO national championships in the last 15 years) or how good the losing teams are "supposed" to be (which is also meaningless unless you want to award the national championship to Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, or Ohio State every year).

"But Notre Dame has 3 wins over Power 5 teams!"
Big deal. Indiana, Iowa State, and Colorado are Power 5 teams too. Can your crystal ball tell me where Texas, Virginia, and Georgia Tech are going to finish in their conferences?

"But [X Team] struggled against [Team that's supposed to be really bad]!"

Remember in 2013 when #6 LSU struggled to put away an unranked Auburn team that had gone 3-9 in 2012? Auburn won their next 9 games and lost the national championship on a late miracle TD. LSU lost 3 games and played Iowa in the Outback Bowl. You do. Not. Know. How. Good. These. Teams. Are.

And you won't have the slightest idea until at least another 4-5 weeks.