Week 7 - Another Top Ten Road Battle

Standings

1) Schweinfurth    14-7        (4-1 upset)

2) Draper               17-9        (2-4 upset)

3) Hoying              17-9        (3-3 upset)

4) Seeberg             15-11       (1-5 upset)

It's a top-heavy week in college football. Two top 10 showdowns and...a lot of crud.

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Tennessee Volunteers

Draper:  Tennessee was the zombie that wouldn't die until Texas A&M was able to avoid one of the all-time gags last week.  Even though UT has lived on Luck Street to finish games, they are a very talented team that doesn't get credit for their resilience and overall talent.  But this is Bama: a team that does get and deserves credit for their resilience and talent.  Entering Neyland Stadium will be interesting as the Vols gave Nick Saban and crew a run for their money last year, but one of Tennessee's greatest strengths was an aura of invincibility.  Last week killed that (after almost solidifying it to 2013 Auburn territory).  The Tide usually drop one game a year, but I don't think a wounded and now vulnerable Tennessee squad gets it done.  Ala: 31 -- UT: 20
Hoying: Well, the shine is off this one a little after Tennessee was proven mortal last week, but this is still the highest combined ranking of Alabama and Tennessee in the nearly 100-year history of the rivalry. Too bad it's going to end up the same as the other entries in this series of late. The Vols may have exorcised a big green scaly demon earlier this season, but their D is too depleted by injury to end their 10 year skid against the Tide. Freshman QB Jalen Hurts is leading Alabama to nearly 45 points a game, and unlike the Vols' other opponents, they keep their foot on the gas until the final gun. Arkansas showed the that the Tide D was mortal, but the Vols won't quite be able to keep up. Ala: 45--UT: 34
Schweinfurth: So my write ups didn't save this week. You only get scores, sorry.  Ala: 38--UT: 21
Seeberg:  The Vols' dream season crashed as brilliantly and predictably as possible at Kyle Field last weekend, storming back from 2 TDs down late in the fourth only to anticlimactically throw a pick to lose in double OT.  The Vols' four-game death stretch had to end at 3-1 for them to have a shot at the SEC title game and the playoff, but now the Tide come calling, likely with an angry defense after the Hogs (Bret Bielema included, of course) hung 30 on them in a losing effort.  Tennessee may be back or for real or however you want to state it, but Bama hasn't left since Saban arrived, and UT doesn't have the correct personnel to exploit Bama like Arkansas did.  Bama again *sigh*.  Ala: 34--UT: 17

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Indiana Hoosiers

Draper: The Hoosiers may have the most prolific passing attack/QB in the B1G outside of Columbus.  What scares me about picking the Hoosiers is that underdogs tend to face plant after a tough game vs. OSU.  But are the Huskers a contender? Surely in the B1G Juniors (aka West), but overall? I have no idea.  There's a nice win over Oregon, but Oregon has proven to be a fancy name in a duck suit.  IU has nothing really impressive on which to hang their hats either, but I like Kevin Wilson's offense, and more importantly, their defense is slightly better than a wet paper towel this year (nothing great, but better).  I'm with Seeberg: when in doubt, upsets are fun! Neb: 20 -- IU: 24
Hoying: Fun fact: did you know the Huskers are 7-9-3 all time against Indiana? True, Indiana's last win in the series came in 1959, but Indiana will still wake up Sunday with more wins than losses over the 4th-winningest program of all time. As for this matchup, it's hard to know where either of these teams stands. If I had told you before the season that one would enter this game with a win over Oregon and the other with a win over Michigan State, you'd probably be thinking about a possible matchup in Indianapolis. Since every green team in America sucks this season (don't worry, Baylor, the shoe will drop soon), it's hard to know just how much credit these squads have earned. Look for Husker QB Tommy Armstrong to find just enough holes in the Hoosier D, a la JT, to deliver Nebraska a tough road win and keep them in the running for the playoffs (*snicker*). Neb: 24--IU: 21
Schweinfurth: Neb: 35--IU: 31
Seeberg:  Is Nebraska ranked in the top ten?  Yes.  Are they a top-ten caliber team?  Maybe????  Do they have a top ten resume?  Absolutely not.  The Huskers' schedule has been chock full of nada thus far.  For comparison's sake, their three-point win at home over Oregon doesn't look good against legitimate top 10 Washington's obliteration of the Ducks at Eugene.  IU, meanwhile, out-toughed Sparty (never thought I'd type that), and again put up a reasonable fight against the Buckeyes.  If this game were any other week, I would likely take the Hoosiers in an upset despite Bloomington having exactly squadoosh whe it comes to home field advantage.  Indiana may be down after their solid first half effort in Columbus came up short in the end, but quite frankly I don't trust either team much, so why not go with the upset?  What's a Hoosier anyway?  Neb: 27--IU: 35

Ole Miss Rebels @ Arkansas Razorbacks

Draper: The hits keep coming in the SEC don't they (or maybe the hype machine is driving the boat with no substance).  Ole Miss has looked fantastic at times (first half vs. FSU and most of the Bama game) and down right poo in others (2nd half vs. FSU and the suck part vs. Bama).  Bert? Mainly poo.  Arkansas has some talented individuals, but no one that will elevate that team to the next level.  Chad Kelly has the ability (albeit inconsistent) as well as the 'Landshark' defense to take control and I think they do.  It's in Fayetteville so I'll give the Hogs a little due, but not enough.  Ole Miss hangs on in a close one to stake a claim of this year's Supremely overrated SEC squad! Ole Miss: 38 -- Ark: 28
Hoying: Haven't these teams played already? It feels like we're picking the same teams every week...Ah well, such is life in the ALMIGHTY INVINCIBLE SEC WEST. Ole Miss has been this year's bizarro Tennessee, grabbing early 21 point leads and blowing them in spectacular fashion. Meanwhile the Hogs are doing just enough to get beat soundly by every team they play with a pulse (with one squeaker over a so-so TCU team). Chad Kelly continues to light up the field for the Rebels, which is bad news for a Razor D that's looked paper thin against TCU, A&M, and Bama. No surprises here; any late furious rallies will fall just short. Ole Miss: 45--Ark: 38
Schweinfurth: Ole Miss: 48--Ark: 31
Seeberg:  There's good news and bad news for the Razorbacks.  They're 4-2 overall (good), but 0-2 against the SEC (bad...actually really bad since that's the conference in which they play).  After getting sliced and diced by Bama, another high-powered offense (BUT THE SEC IS SO GREAT AT DEFENSE YOU GUYS) comes calling with Hugh Freeze, Chad Kelly and Co. at Ole Miss.  Remember, this Rebels squad put up over 40 against Bama in a losing effort and it's unlikely the Hogs will be able to keep them under that number either.  Plus, I'll be honest, it's just fun watching Bie-loser, well, lose.  Cue Billy Idol for the Rebel Yell.  Ole Miss: 42--Ark: 34

THE Ohio State Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers

Draper: Don't we love Madison at night.  The Badgers trot out a defense that appears to be for real....and an offense that is real(ly bad).  The Badgers slate thus far featured some great names (LSU, MSU, Michigan) but not much substance other than the Wolverines.  In fact, have they played an offense with a pulse? Michigan is OK and have run the ball well against the likes of Rutgers...but LSU and MSU's offenses are trash.  The Buckeyes roll in in a whole new sports car to give this Badger D a real test.  JT won't be as hesitant or shaky in the passing game this week and I think he gets it done through the air and on the ground.  Weber posts another hundred yard game and the Bucks win with (primarily) stifling defense on an overmatched foe.  All week, I've been saying Wisconsin will slow us down...into the 20s--but the Bullets can handle that.  Get that 5th quarter going early, Badgers, because there won't be anything on the field to cheer about.  OSU: 28 -- UW: 10

Hoying: The Game will always carry greater meaning, but there hasn't been a more fun rivalry in the B1G since the Earle Bruce era than OSU/Wisconsin. The Badgers were total garbage before Alvarez arrived, yet they still took 5 of 9 from Earle, something even Bo Schembechler couldn't claim. Tressel likewise struggled, going 4-4 and enduring linebackers choking QBs, game-opening kickoff return TDs, and blown 17-point leads (thanks, Steve Bellisari). Equally remarkable are the constantly high stakes when the Buckeyes visit Camp Randall: the last 10 OSU squads to visit Madison (including this year's) strolled in with a COMBINED 1 loss. Three found their first loss there. But none of those players will be taking the field for either team this weekend; how will this one play out? The Badgers held a very good Michigan attack to 14 points in Ann Arbor. That should turn a few heads, particularly after Ohio State put up all of 93 yards passing at home against Indiana. However, the UW offense is even more pitiful than usual; they still have no QB, but they can't run the ball either, and they have no magic tight end to give the Buckeye secondary fits all day. Short of a barrage of stupid turnovers, I can't see how Wisconsin can pull this one off. Every opponent has tried to slow down the Buckeye rushing attack and has failed miserably. Expect to see it at a somewhat lower potency, but Barrett, Samuel, and Weber are too explosive to be cooped up for long. When Meyer's Buckeyes hunker down and commit to the run, good things happen. OSU: 28--UW: 6

Schweinfurth: OSU: 24 -- UW: 14

Seeberg:  Oh boy, another nighttime clash in Madison.  This time it's between two legitimate top ten teams.  The Badgers boast a defense that allowed 64 fewer points to TTUN than Rutgers did but, seemingly for the umpteenth year in a row (not including Russell Wilson's cameo in the cheese state), it has a quarterback better suited for a half-decent 1-AA squad.  OSU is likely stewing after the subpar performance against suddenly-perennial-thorn-in-their-side Indiana, and 38 points on the road against an elite defense would be the perfect cure.  PLEASE get the ball to Curtis Samuel early and often, and PLEASE don't forget about the intermediate passing game.  Assuming the coaches show up and the ball doesn't bounce to UW several times, this one should be all but decided before Jump Around hits the stadium sound system.  OSU: 38--UW: 10

Upset Special 

Draper: Tulsa over Houston

Hoying: NC State over Clemson

Schweinfurth: Oregon State over Utah

Seeberg:  North Carolina over Miami

Grading the Bucks: Week 6 -- Indiana

It's time to take a deep breath Buckeye Nation.  We just beat a team by 21 points (should have been 28) and everyone is losing their minds.  Let's not forget that this team has played nearly flawless football for the first 4 games.  They weren't perfect this week but still pretty darn good.

Offense: B
MVP: Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel
Let me give you a stat line: 137 yards on the ground on 26 carries with 1 touchdown and a fumble.  Pretty much every running back in the nation would take that.  Throw on top 93 yards passing with 1 TD and 1 interception? Pretty nice day.  Yeah, that's JT's stat line on a bad day.  I'm not defending his day through the air.  He missed some deep balls and wasn't super crisp, but we need to calm down.  Indiana was giving the ground game, and JT took advantage.  The interception wasn't his fault (drop by Baugh) and his rushing stats more than made up for the poor day passing.  I know, I know, he needs to be better throwing the rock, but there will be ups and downs.  Everyone is ignoring the fantastic game he had on the ground.  Weber and Samuel were great as usual (Samuel needed more touches again) and the O-line play was fine.  Receivers dropped some passes that continue to reflect on JT but overall, nice day.  Primary concern for me wasn't the lack of passing efficiency today, but the number of hits JT took.  That needs to decrease going forward.

Defense: B+
MVP: No standout
I'm gonna throw something out there: Indiana might be the best passing offense OSU faces all regular season.  With that considered, the defense played pretty well.  IU is a decent running team as well but that was bottled up after the first few plays.  The lack of 3rd down production was concerning but the Hoosier's game plan was solid with dinks and dunks down the field which worked on 3rd down.  I was surprised that Kevin Wilson committed so much to the run when the Bullets shut them down, but that's the way it goes.  There were a few big plays given up which we haven't seen and a rare brain fart overreaction by Malik Hooker on the TD (he's covering the slip screen unnecessarily and leaving the TE wide open), but holding IU to 17 points (10 of them coming from gift turnovers) is pretty good.  They stiffened on the 4th down stop when IU threatened to get back in the game.  Let's also credit Hooker with another touchdown even though the ref jobbed him of it with a pathetic low block call.  TD's scored is now tied between OSU defense and their opponents (should be +1).

Special Teams: B+
MVP: Parris Campbell
Another kick out of bounds....then Parris Campbell finally does something positive with a huge return (I think he would have scored had he tucked his shirt in).  The punting has been great as usual; the punt return team has been less than optimal; the kick return team has been blase (except for Campbell's return); the field goal unit is fine; and the kick coverage team needs to stay in their lanes to prevent the big return.  I think Urban is so concerned with special teams giving positive plays (hitting them short of the 20), he's giving up far too many big plays (kicks out of bounds and big returns).  I'd prefer a more conservative approach.

Coaching: B
The team did seem to suffer from a bit of 'this is Indiana, who cares' syndrome which shouldn't have happened after they beat the Spartans and the last few years of struggling.  Coaches need to be more on top of the mental aspects of the team, especially since IU has been steadily improving over the last few years.  I thought the Bucks would put the hammer down, but the fire wasn't there.  The gameplan was fine to focus on the run game, but I would really like more safe passes dialed up.  Hit Brown with a quick slant or Samuel on a screen.  It just seems too obvious.  Schiano and the defense was better than they're getting credit for.  IU was stoned at the line for most of the game and the secondary held up pretty well with the linebackers supporting the run game.

Overall: B
21 point Big Ten win that should have been 28.  Yes, I know it was Indiana, and yes, I know JT wasn't 'on' in the passing game, but hiccups happen.  If a 'hiccup' is a 21 point win when we truly weren't threatened in the 2nd half, I'm ok with that.  I think this team gets back on the 'beat people up' train as we head to Madison.  Beat Wisconsin!

Week 6 - Party Like...Never?

Standings

1) Schweinfurth    11-6        (3-1 upset)

2) Draper               13-8        (2-3 upset)

3) Hoying              12-9        (2-3 upset)

4) Seeberg             11-10       (1-4 upset)

If this week's ranked matchups strike you as a bit odd, you're not alone. The first eight teams listed below have never been ranked at the same time in the history of the AP poll. They've only each made appearances in the AP poll in the same year 4 times: in 2001, 1998, 1995, and 1986.

It's worth noting that Indiana did not beat Ohio State in any of those years. Or many others, for that matter.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Texas A&M Aggies

Draper: The Vols have appeared to be living on suuuuper borrowed time with their late game heroics the last few weeks.  I've been a (the only) believer recently, but A&M is playing some good football under Trevor Knight.  Let's not forget 2 things about the last two weeks of comebacks: 1) Florida sucks on offense and 2) Chubb didn't play for UGA.  Still, UT needed massive 'get lucky' moments to pull out the wins (one at home!).  Kyle Field is too much of a challenge for Joshua Dobbs to mount a significant comeback and the Vols drop one before the patsy they get next week...What? It's Bama? Well, that sucks... UT: 24 -- TAMU: 38

Hoying: OK, Vols. It's been fun, but now the kid gloves come off. You're not playing a Florida team with no QB, you're not playing a Georgia team that's wholly unremarkable, you're going deep in the heart of (southeast) Texas. The Texas A&M offense can score in bunches, and this year's version features a real live defense to go with it. Blowing large double-digit leads is all the rage in the SEC this year, but I think this finally the week in which Tennessee finds itself in a hole out of which it can't dig itself. UT: 24--TAMU: 31

Schweinfurth: Does anyone really think this Volunteer team is for real? Seriously. This is a team that has gotten very lucky in some crazy come backs. Getting down big early is going to cost this team at some point. I really think it's this week. The Aggies have the offense to get up big and keep piling on points. Time for Butch Jones to find a new lucky charm. UT: 31--TAMU: 42

Seeberg:  The stretch of games that my other alma mater is on right now is mentally and physically draining to say the least:  Beat your rival after going down 21, win an epic seesaw 4th quarter against Georgia, and now at Texas A&M.  The Aggies have one of the few home field advantages that can compete with the Shoe, as the 12th man is downright deafening at times.  If the Vols remember what time the game starts and actually play from the beginning, they could continue this fabulous streak, but sadly I don't see it.  It's still too early in the year for a Sumlin-led team to start losing.  UT: 27--TAMU: 38

Virginia Tech Hokies @ North Carolina Tar Heels

Draper: The Tarheels got the nice upset in Doak last week, but no one seems to be talking about Mitch Trubisky and the UNC offense.  Trubisky has been fantastic all year and the offense is really good.  The downside is the defensive side in which the Tarheels are just terrible (looking at you Jimbo).  I've seen a part of one Hokie game this year in that ridiculous showdown in Bristol when (shocker) Tennessee came back to beat the Hokies after a sluggish start.  While I have more faith in VT's defense, I believe the Tarheel offense is too good for the Hokies to stop.  Heels continue the march to the mostly irrelevant ACC Coastal crown. VT: 28 -- UNC: 38

Hoying: Speaking of blowing double digit leads against SEC teams...At any rate, how about the turnaround in Blacksburg? Gone are the days of the 0-0 tie going into overtime, freshly arrived are 49-0 blowout wins over solid defensive schools like Boston College. The Hokies will take their 40.3 ppg to Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels are averaging...40.4. But VT still plays a bit of Beamerball defense, while UNC hasn't really been stopping anybody. Oh, sure, they slowed down Florida State for a half; then they gave up 21 in the 4th quarter to try to give the game away. There's a hump UNC hasn't been able to get over during their recent resurgence, and their window of opportunity may have left them now that the ACC is arguably the nation's toughest conference. Hokies get a huge road win. VT: 31--UNC: 27

Schweinfurth: That was a crazy game from North Carolina last week. The whole Tar Heel team showed great poise after a CRAZY TD from Francois. Very impressive, but also a very emotionally draining game. Va Tech actually has an offense this year that could give the Heels some problems. I just don't think the Hokie defense will be able to hang for the whole game. This is close, but UNC hangs on. VT: 24--UNC: 28

Seeberg:  Not really sure what to make of either team here.  Va Tech's only noteworthy game saw them become a turnover machine in the 4th quarter against Tennessee.  UNC played well at FSU and won- but it's tough to know just what that victory means anymore (see:  MSU and Texas over Notre Dame).  Why not another last-second win for UNC's offense?  If it's on the field last, that's a distinct possibility.  Tar Heels close.  VT: 34--UNC: 38

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Arkansas Razorbacks

Draper: PAWWWLLL!!! Why isn't Bama getting more credit for hanging with the ESS-EEE-CEE rival Kentucky after falling behind? Good thing the Tide gets Bert to rebound.  Yeah, Bert jumps up and bites teams every once in awhile, but he also poops over chances more often than that.  This feels like one of those situations.  Arkansas was competing with the big dogs when they tried to play big boy run it down your throat football.  I don't think Bert has the intestinal fortitude (or more importantly players) to do that to Saban's Bama juggernaut.  Jalen Hurts and Lane Kiffin open up the playbook and this could get a little out of hand.  Ala: 38 -- Ark: 21

Hoying: Nick Saban may be running out of fingers for his national championship rings, but he's only had one undefeated team: his first Alabama championship team, in 2009. Alabama has lost a few headscratchers along the way, to Mississippi in most recent years. Could Arkansas be this year's snakebiter? Bert's Badgers played giant-killer against Ohio State in 2010, and they had a couple of nice B1G championships, but Bert's not otherwise known for winning the big games. The last time Alabama came to Fayetteville, the Hogs farted the game away late. True, they did stem the flow of the Tide for most of the game, and that was when Derrick Henry and Amari Cooper were still in the huddle. But this year's Razor D hasn't slowed down anyone who's been in D 1-A for more than a few years. I just don't see it happening. Ala: 34--Ark: 20

Schweinfurth: The adds for this game are laughable but true. Arkansas is the toughest game for Alabama so far this year. Yea, USC is really bad and shouldn't have been ranked (stupid preseason rankings). We still don't know much about Alabama other than they are talented and are supposed to be really good but have played no one. Arkansas as a Tide beater? I don't see that either. Bert is still bad and I just don't see the Hogs rising up for this one. I would love it to happen, but damn Nick Saban. Ala: 45--Ark: 24

Seeberg:  I strongly dislike Alabama, but I flat out hate Bret Bielema.  His squad is, unfortunately, improving, but Bama just has too much firepower, and a lackluster performance against Kentucky last week to make up for.  Roll Tide (ugh).  Ala: 34--Ark: 13

Florida State Seminoles @ Miami Hurricanes

Draper: Everyone waxes nostalgic with this rivalry but it tends to go in streaks.  In the early 90s, the Canes had the Noles' number.  In the mid to late 90s, the Noles dominated. Early 2000s saw a Miami resurgence in multiple 'wide ___' games (2 of which, I attended :( ).  Now, the teams haven't both been relevant at the same time for awhile.  This year appears otherwise, but FSU is on a major downswing.  While the Noles were over-valued at the beginning of the season, I think they're under-valued now.  The Canes under new management (Mark Richt) have been playing well with Brad Kaaya at the helm, but they have played a steaming pile of cow-dung thus far.  The Noles have not looked particularly sharp in their drubbing to Lousiville and loss to UNC, but should be able to put up points here.  This is a total last stand for FSU this year.  The playoffs and ACC Championship are distant memories...the only thing left is the State Championship (and as an alum, that means something).  Noles remind people that they actually have talent (at least on offense) and outscore the Canes.  FSU: 42 -- UM: 31

Hoying: Remember when the world revolved around this game? Me neither, I only really started taking an interest in football around 1999. But, lo and behold, both teams are ranked again, though both rankings may be a bit of a mirage. There's no shame in Florida State losing to Louisville. There's much shame in losing by 43 to Louisville. As for Miami Southern, they did a nice job of storming into...Boone, NC to pick up their signature victory over App State, but first-year coach Mark Richt hasn't faced any real adversity yet. It calls to mind the 2013 season, when the Hurricane warning turned out to be a false alarm, as 7-0 Miami got drilled by Famous Jameis on their way to a 9-4 finish. This FSU squad may be fielding 11 wet paper towels on defense, but QB Deondre Francois is finding his groove, and I expect him to outplay Miami's Brad Kaaya!, even given the defensive disparity. Won't the 5,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium be disappointed. FSU: 34--UM: 31

Schweinfurth: The joke about this game is that Miami is "back." Mark Richt has them headed in the right direction, but this program was run so far into the ground, it's going to take a few more years. Florida State seems to just assume they will win games by showing up so far this year. Nothing brings out the best in a team like a rivalry. This should be an exciting game to watch (with some nasty thrown in). 'Noles by a field goal at the gun (just to give Draper flashbacks and heartburn).  FSU: 38--UM: 35

Seeberg:  Ah yes, Miami, the Tennessee of the ACC.  Both former powers, both with odd shades of orange, both supposedly back this season.  Tennessee might be, but the 'Canes...well they might be too.  Unfortunately for them, they get an extremely peeved Seminole team looking to prove a point in a rivalry game.  The Seminole offense that returned 11 (yes that's all of them) starters finally clicks enough to win against a decent opponent.  FSU: 35--UM: 24

Indiana Hoosiers @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: Indiana has had a nice string of "Good game, good effort" performances against the Urban Meyer led Buckeyes.  In addition, this game just SCREAMS trap.  Thanks IU, for beating the Spartans last week and giving the coaches something to talk about and removing the 'disinterest' factor.  Yeah, the Bucks might get caught sleep-walking a bit with the road test in Madison on the horizon, and Kevin Wilson has always put together some nice offenses in Bloomington, but no...I just don't see it.  One of the best parts of this team is the youth and inexperience--huh? The talent is amazing, but the young players at focused on their internal competition to see the field.  They're not experienced enough to 'expect to win handily'.  I honestly expect a little hiccup early and then a hammer drop.  JT goes for 4 TD passes, Weber runs for 2, a rando--let's say McCall--adds the cherry.  The defense may not score, but will frustrate the Hoosiers.  I think they match their season TD given up in this game, but that's simply not enough to be concerned with.  IU: 17 -- OSU: 63  
Hoying: What is it about Urban Meyer and Indiana? In 4 matchups, the Buckeyes had only one comfortable win, in 2013. We've seen the offense struggle to get going (2014), we've seen the defense fall asleep with the game seemingly in hand (2012), and we've seen the whole team suck all day (2015, with apologies to Zeke). And the scary part? Indiana might actually be good this year. They're entering into a brave new world of defense in Bloomington, giving up just under 22 points/game. However, our beloved Bucks are playing like the juggernaut everyone expected them to be last year. It's like watching the ball-hawking 2006 defense team up with the stingy 2009 defense, playing opposite the eye-popping 2013 offense stocked with 2014-level talent. I haven't seen teams play like this since Reggie Bush was pulling down 6 figures at USC. Make no mistake, this is a huge trap game with a trip to Wisconsin coming up, but if the trap is worth, say a 35 point swing, then what happens? Ohio State only wins by 20? IU: 10--OSU: 35
Schweinfurth: If there is one team that brings back some nightmares, it's Indiana. No, Ohio State hasn't lost to the Hoosiers since 1987, but Urban has had fits with this team for some reason. The good news? Indiana isn't sneaking up on the Buckeyes this year. That win against MSU got Urban's attention. This Buckeye team looks like a team on a mission. Once the Bucks get one touchdown, everything just comes crashing down on the opponent, and I have never seen anything like this. Something about Indiana brings out the best in OSU running backs. Hyde bulldozed the Hoosieers in 2012 and Zeeke ran away with the game for over 300 yards last year. It's time for a breakout game for Weber. Lil' Guap should go for 150+, Samuel goes for 100 receiving and rushing and JT continues his quiet Heisman campaign. IU: 20--OSU: 56
Seeberg:  Ah Indiana.  Some fond memories of Bloomington, playing sink the bismarck until 3 AM at the bars (they close at three there, not two, woohoo!), my first club tennis match representing tOSU, ah yes, and my first ever road OSU game.  We got there about 3 hours early as if it were an OSU home game and parking would be an issue...and then literally drove RIGHT UP to the stadium.  We could practically touch the stanchions before getting out of the car.  Is it any wonder the Buckeyes rarely take a *cough* program like IU seriously?  Well thankfully this year that won't be an issue, as the Hoosiers, quite frankly, outplayed Sparty for a fairly big chunk of their game last week and pulled the upset.  No early bye-week rust this week as J.T. and Co. score early and often.  Bucks big.  IU: 13--OSU: 52

Upset Special 
Draper: Arizona over Utah
Hoying: Washington State over Stanford
Schweinfurth: Navy over Houston 
Seeberg:  Oregon over Washington

Grading the Bucks: Week 5 -- Rutgers

Not much to say here.  Total domination once again.  I'm going to start adding MVP's here for each unit as well!

Offense: A    
MVP: Mike Weber and JT Barrett (for setting the record for career passing TDs at OSU)
After the poorly thrown pick by JT early on and discounting one other poor throw later in the game, there are really no other negatives.  The line shut down the pass rush and the skill positions dominated as you'd expect against an overmatched foe.  Mike Weber was fantastic and continues to impress with his vision and shiftiness.  It's also time to start talking more about Demario McCall with his breakaway speed.  I would have loved to see a little more in the passing game, but it simply wasn't needed.  Overall, great performance all around.

Defense: A+
MVP: The whole unit
This unit continues to surpass expectations.  After that first drive, I don't think Rutgers crossed the 50.  That's just an incomprehensible achievement.  Rutgers didn't complete a pass after the first quarter...mostly because they saw that throwing was futile against this group.  The sure tackling and relentless pursuit were beautiful to see when faced with countless missed tackles by top teams throughout the rest of the day.  So far, Greg Schiano is the runaway assistant coach of the year...and it's not close.  You can argue the defense is talented, but no one saw this coming with the inexperience.

Special Teams: B+
MVP: None
I'll lower the score for that missed PAT (c'mon Tyler), but what else can you say? Coverage was good, the FG was made, and punts were...nonexistent (hard to grade when you don't need to punt).  Solid day other than the missed extra point.

Coaching: A
Again, tough to grade the coaches when the talent gap is this wide.  While I said I'd like to see more development in the passing game, it just wasn't needed and perhaps Urban didn't want to rub Chris Ash's face in the dirt.  No Noah Brown sighting until late was a big bothersome from a development standpoint (no substitute for live action), but there wasn't a need.  Defensive scheme was great as it's been all year.

Overall: A
The only real blemishes were the interception and the missed PAT.  If that's the worst thing we see all day, this team isn't losing.  Sometimes, games like these provide a letdown.  I'm very happy to see that there is no mercy granted by this team.  The fire remained (credit the coaching staff) and the results speak for themselves.  If this continues, the sky's the limit.  There's only one team in the country that can hang with this team at their peak, but there's still work to be done.  On to the next one.

Week 5: 3 -- count 'em, 3! -- Top ten battles!...and Rutgers

Standings

1) Schweinfurth    8-5        (2-1 upset)

2) Hoying              10-7        (1-3 upset)

3) Draper               9-8        (2-2 upset)

4) Seeberg             8-9        (1-3 upset)

Stanford Cardinal @ Washington Huskies

Draper: This matchup of top ten foes just looks like a sham to me.  I don't buy either of these teams as serious contenders, but they keep winning.  UW went to OT vs. the Wildcats while Stanford would have lost had I not picked them to be upset (kiss of death).  McCaffrey is a stat monster, but there just isn't enough power in Stanford to look for greater things.  The Huskies have some flash, but are relatively unknown.  I'm sticking with my gut and leaning to the home squad.  When Husky Stadium gets rocking (and the game is Friday night so it will be), they're tough to beat.  Stan: 24 -- UW: 28

Hoying: Is Chris Peterson finally the answer Washington has been looking for? 1991 and a national championship win over Desmond Howard and the Wolverines feels like an eternity ago to the loyal faithful in Seattle. Know what doesn't seem like an eternity ago? 2014, when the Huskies started 4-0 and then lost a heartbreaker to the Cardinal en route to a disappointing 8-6 campaign. Or 2013, when UW started 4-0 and lost another stunner to Stanford before finishing 9-4. The Pac-12 North (heck, the whole conference) is ripe for the taking for the winner of this one. UCLA showed that Christian McCaffrey can be contained, somewhat, but the Husky D was no match for the RichRod attack, barely escaping Tucson with a win. A healthy dose of "Stanford football" should maintain the status quo out west. Stan: 28--UW: 27

Schweinfurth: Washington is back?!? Well, maybe in the Pac-12. Chris Peterson seems to be putting his stamp on a team that has more than floundered the last few years. Do I actually think they will win this game? Probably not. Stanford has an excellent defense and Christian McCaffrey tore them up last year. I expect more of the same this year. The Huskies stay in this one because of their offense, but the Stanford Steamroller keeps rolling. Stan: 38--UW: 28

Seeberg:  Wait what?  Washington is in the top ten?  What is this 1997?  I'm fairly certain they haven't beaten a ranked team since the male Clinton era.  Stanford, meanwhile, keeps chugging along.  The USC win doesn't mean much these days as the Trojans are essentially a dumpster fire at this point.  However, Washington's best win was a 35-28 win over the Arizona RichRods, not exactly a powerhouse themselves.  The Huskies might very well win this game, but I haven't seen enough out of them yet to convince me of that.  I do know, however, that the Cardinal have Christian McCaffrey and an experienced team that rarely beats itself.  Running the ball and not making mistakes is a solid recipe for winning on the road.  Stan: 34--UW: 24 

Louisville Cardinals @ Clemson Tigers

Draper: A lot of people are selling Louisville assuming a fluke win over the Noles.  I'm not so sure that's the case.  Lamar Jackson is being oversold greatest QB of all time, but he's still very good.  He's a very dynamic runner with a decent arm that will improve over time.  Desean Watson has been regarded similarly to Jackson, but last year.  Clemson hasn't been up to the expectations yet but I think this is the time when they hit their stride and the Cards get a little humble pie.  Make no mistake, these teams are both extremely good, but Clemson has a little more talent on both sides as well as a sizable home field advantage.  It's close, but the dream remains alive for a 3-way ACC Atlantic tie.  Lville: 28 -- Clem: 31

Hoying: Handling success requires strong character. After hearing for 9 months about how great they were and how they would walk back into the playoffs, Clemson has looked pretty crappy in their opening month. One gets the feeling they could wake up at any time, but we're not exactly talking about a 2015 Ohio State or a 2007 Florida (or, presumably, some really good non-Urban Meyer coached team at some point) that's loaded with blue chips at every position. And the visitors are hungry, eager to make an impact on the playoff chase in just their 3rd year in a major conference (depleted Big East doesn't count). No team has demonstrated a clue on how to stop Lamar Jackson (maybe if their defenses were a little more basic), and until one does, I'm not picking the Cardinals to slow down any time soon, even in a resurgent ACC. Lville: 45--Clem: 34

Schweinfurth: Let's be honest here, I don't believe in Louisville. Seriously. Lamar Jackson has won the September Heisman...good for him. Everyone has started to forget that Desean Watson is actually the best quarterback in this game. I fully expect the Cardinals to score, but Clemson will be able to get the necessary stops to win. Clemson moves on, if only to get Clemsoned very soon... Lville: 42--Clem: 45

Seeberg:  I....I just don't know who is gonna win this one.  On its BEST day, I really don't think Clemson could house FSU the way Lamar Jackson and Co. did a couple weeks ago.  In hindsight, Florida State had no chance as Papa John's Stadium (I'll pause to let that linger and allow the readers to shudder that that actually exists) was hosting it's first nationally relevant football game since...well, ever.  I just can't picture the Cardinals conjuring that much magic with Howard's Rock nearby.  Clemson has awoken from its early season slumber just in time to take out a fellow top five foe.  Lville: 31--Clem: 38

Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan Wolverines

Draper: I just can't buy the Badgers because they are enormously inconsistent.  Beat LSU, struggle with Georgia State, and smoke MSU.  Corey Clement has run the ball well, but the strength is certainly the defense.  Michigan has (for the most part) easily dispatched their opponents with ok defense and pretty good offense.  Scoring on the Badgers will be tough, but I think there's enough firepower (Butt-power?) to get those points on the board--Michigan's offense is more dynamic than LSU and MSU.  In addition, UM's defense will load up to stop Clement and make the freshman QB Hornybrook beat them.  Hornybrook bails in a rowdy road environment and the Blue keeps it going.  UW: 17 -- UM: 28

Hoying: Is Wisconsin riding the disrespekt train now? Charging into East Lansing and utterly stifling the Tyler O'Connor and the Spartan attack should set off a few Maize and Blue alarm bells. It's not like Wilson Speight has had to overcome a great deal of adversity to date from the likes of Colorado and Penn State. However, even if the Badgers are able to ground the UM pass game, Michigan is just too sound in every phase of the game to be too worried. Somehow, Wisconsin, for the second year in a row, can't run the ball. And, suddenly, the passing attack doesn't look that great either. Teams have relied on fantastic defense to overcome the Wolverines in the past (God bless you, Jim Tressel), but I don't see RichRod or old busted Lloyd Carr prowling the sidelines in Ann Arbor. These Wolverines will require a bit more creativity. UW: 20--UM: 24

Schweinfurth: I really, really want to pick Wisconsin in this one. I really do. I'm just not sold on them. Yes, they beat and offensively inept LSU team and beat up a Michigan State team coming off A) and emotional win and B) an overrated Spartan team that beat a massively overrated Notre Dame team. The Wolverines aren't battle tested at all. I mean they have played a Bayloresque cupcake schedule this year. These teams are mirror images of each other and are going to try an stuff it down the other's throat for 60 minutes. Michigan will give up some big plays but should hold on at home. UW: 17--UM:20

Seeberg:  Well, Wisconsin certainly shut a lot of skeptics up (*cough ME cough*) last week by crushing Michigan State, but now the other half of that ugly state up north comes calling.  UM's run D is shaky at best and a Corey Clement-led offensive game plan might be the ticket for the Badgers to keep this season trucking along.  Meanwhile, it's likely that UM will put approximately 15 people in the box to not allow that to happen.  Oh, and the Wolverines' offense isn't the utter abomination that Sparty's is.  This game will be a helluva lot closer than I thought it was destined to be at this time last week, but, sadly, the home team will do enough to stay on track for another #1 vs. #2 OSU-UM showdown.  UW: 24--UM: 31

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes

Draper: The Buckeyes might be a little rusty after the huge win followed by a week of rest, but this should be a dominant performance.  Chris Ash has his work cut out for him at Rutgers but he's getting the process started.  Losing two starters is not a good prelude to facing the Buckeyes. For OSU, they need to win and get out without any serious injuries.  I expect this to be a stat padding game for JT.  Noah Brown, Mike Weber, and Curtis Samuel will also put up sick numbers.  Can the defense continue the eyepopping stat of scoring more TDs than they give up? (4 vs. 2).  Rutgers? More like Buttgers? #amirite? OSU: 63 -- Rut: 9

Hoying: Beating Oklahoma is nice, but now conference play ushers in the games that OSU fans really froth at the mouth over. Ohio State-Rutgers is one of the country's most cherished series, dating back to 2014, with the Buckeyes winning by an average of almost 40 points per matchup. It hasn't quite reached the level of rivalry that Michigan-Rutgers has, but when programs like those both date back to the 1880's, you'd expect newbies like Ohio State to have some catching up to do. Anyway, two weeks ago I presciently foresaw that Ohio State's fortunes this season would have a great deal to do with the performance of Noah Brown. Then I said some other stuff that nobody remembers or cares about. Kind of like this game. OSU: 56--RSUNJ: 10

Schweinfurth: Coming off that win, and a bye week, Ohio State gets Rutgers? Ugh, what a let down. Seriously, this is something to watch out for. I know Urban has had two weeks for this game, at it will be a blow out in the end, but I fully expect a sluggish start. Really the only thing to watch for in this one is JT and the receivers getting more passing reps, Weber and Samuel going for 100 rushing each, and, most importantly, another pick 6! The D keeps out scoring the opponents and it is glorious. OSU: 55--Rut: 10

Seeberg:  What an oddly sordid affair.  OSU's former D-coordinator leads Rutgers against current D-coordinator and former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.  Chris Ash's intimate knowledge of the Buckeyes is probably good for a score in this game.  Unfortunately the Knights (not using that color in their name, WE are scarlet darnit!) need about 6 more scores after that to make this one a game.  Bucks big.  OSU: 52--Rut: 10

Upset Special

Draper: GT over Miami

Hoying: Indiana over Michigan State

Schweinfurth: North Carolina over Florida State

Seeberg:  Texas over Oklahoma State

Week 4 - No Bucks, No Problem

Last week brought us a bevy of high powered matchups.  This week...is different, but there may be a few diamonds in the rough.  Let's watch!

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    6-3        (2-0 upset)
2) Hoying              8-5        (1-2 upset)
3) Draper               7-6        (2-1 upset)
4) Seeberg             6-7        (0-3 upset)

Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: I'm looking at my watch and I see the time.  Chop-block-o-clock! I'm falling into the horrible trap.  Weird things happen in this game and GT is usually good for one 'huh?' game a year.  Clemson has been quite underwhelming this year (ignore the game vs. SCState), but the Jackets haven't set the world on fire.  I'm just going with the super gut check Clemsoning belief on the weird Thursday night option attack.  The attack....of the Clemsoning.  Clem: 20--GT: 21
Hoying: Preparing for the Georgia Tech triple option is never fun. Having only 5 days to prepare is significantly less so. Has Clemson been looking ahead to this game? They didn't seem to be too squarely focused on preparing for Auburn or Troy.  Clemson's thrashing of Who Cares 1-AA State provided a glimmer of hope, but I don't see the Tigers ramblin' and wreckin' Tech quite so easily. This is an awful trap game for Clemson: short week, on the road, Louisville coming to town next, quirky offense to try to stop. Now is the time to Clemson if ever a Clemsoning there was. And since it's so obvious, of course it won't happen. Clem: 34--GT: 24
Schweinfurth: Triple option football! I always get made fun of for saying this, but I love watching Navy, Georgia Tech, and the few remaining teams that run the triple option, flexbone offense. The only problem with that offense is that it is very difficult to come from behind. Clemson's defense is very good, and I do think Georgia Tech is going to give them some problems (this offense gives everyone problems). There will be a Clemsoning this year, but not this week. Clem: 31--GT: 28
Seeberg:  For those of you unaware, Clemson has lost its last five games at the ramblin' wreck.  However, the last game deserves an asterisk as Deshaun Watson went out early with an injury and Clemson amassed a whopping 6 points.  Clemsoning is a fun word to say, but it won't happen this week.  Tigers big.  Clem: 45--GT: 21

Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans
Draper: Somehow, we never learn.  The Spartans sleepwalk early then go into a game against a quality opponent.  They always seem to explode in those matchups and they did it again vs. the Irish.  The Bagers had a huge win to open the season then crashed back to earth over the last few weeks.  I have far more faith in Dantonio and the Spartans than I do in Chryst and the Badgers.  The Spartans have earned the benefit of the doubt, I will continue to give it to them against Wisky who seems to be given credence as a 'contender' then ends with the traditional 8-9 win season.  MSU has a better QB and LJ Scott is a player. There will be prancing after this one in East Lansing.  UW: 13 --- MSU: 17
Hoying: Stop me if you've heard this one before: Dantonio's Spartans head into a marquee matchup where they're given little chance to win and end up silencing the doubters quite adeptly. These days, Michigan State doesn't lose to a whole lot of ranked teams not named Alabama or Ohio State (and they don't do too badly against the latter), even without a star QB or RB to buoy their offense. Just solid scheme, solid D, and lack of mistakes. Meanwhile Wisconsin has continued to be overrated ever since their rented quarterback Russell Wilson headed west. 3-0 is going to become 3-3 very quickly (seriously, how did the Badgers get hit with MSU, UM, and OSU from the East in the same year, and all in sequence?!?). UW: 17--MSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Michigan State pulled of one of, if not the, biggest surprises last week. Seriously, who saw the Spartans demolishing Notre Dame like that. Then again, if Notre Dame had a defense...but I digress. Wisconsin has already had a shot at this offense (LSU) and did a very good job shutting it down. Now if only the Badgers had a QB. This game is going to be very close and I would love a SPARTY NO!!! early this year. I gotta take Sparty at home. UW: 10--MSU: 16
Seeberg:  Don't look now folks, but the B1G 14 has FOUR teams in the top eleven...and three even deserve to be there!  Then there's Wisconsin.  The Badgers squeaked out a win over hopelessly overrated LSU, then squeaked out a win against I-didn't-even-know-they-weren't-1AA-anymore Georgia State.  Now Michigan State comes calling, fresh off a beatdown of ND, though the final score was respectable.  This won't go well for the visitors as Sparty provides another overrated team some comeuppance.  UW: 10--MSU: 28

Florida Gators @ Tennessee Volunteers
Draper: Tennessee has performed their little yoyo with App State and Virginia Tech.  I don't buy them as a monster contender, but I think they can handle Purdue transfer QB's at Florida.  Jim McElwain may be an offensive guru, but Florida isn't setting any records here.  UT has much more experience and currently leads the Gators in talent.  As long as Josh Dobbs doesn't choke it away (no guarantee), it's Rocky Top over the Gator Chomp.  If the game was in Gainsville, we may be singing a different song, but Knoxville and Vol Nation attempt to resurrect the rivalry that used to be the marquee SEC battle.  UF: 17 -- UT: 27
Hoying: Tennessee is totally back this time, you guys. The Vols have some confidence heading into this year's installment of the only rivalry more one-sided than Ohio State - Michigan over the last 12 years. Florida has no QB, and Tennessee has already survived the spotlight in front of the biggest crowd ever to see be in somewhat close proximity to a football game. Unfortunately for them, the Gator D is a steel trap, and the Vol O has sputtered and threatened to seize up completely when a steady diet of Virginia Tech turnovers don't keep the machine oiled. I have no reason to believe in Butch Jones ever having success on the field at Tennessee. Last season, UT had Oklahoma, Florida, and Alabama on the ropes and couldn't finish any of them. Until the Vols get a real live football coach, they'll be stuck longing for the days of Philip Fulmer. UF: 16--UT: 13
Schweinfurth: I am still not sold on this Volunteers team. There is just something about them...oh yea, they have done absolutely nothing since Fulmer was coaching there. Look, Florida has no offense, but the Volunteers defensive line got pushed around by App State. Florida is going to cram the ball down the Volunteers throat and dare them to stop them. I'm picking Florida, only so the talking heads will shut up about one of the two majorly overrated teams this year. UF: 24--UT: 21
Seeberg:  Well, I keep waiting for my second alma mater to blow it and they haven't...yet.  OU, ahem, Ohio U, took Tennessee deep into the fourth quarter last week while Florida was busy shutting out a no-name opponent.  The Gators, sadly, have also flat had the Vols' number over the past decade.  In this installment, the best unit on the field should be Florida's D, so I'll take the Gators.  UF: 24--UT: 16

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies

Draper: Bert bull rushes his Pigs into Kyle Field with hopes of silencing the 12th Man.  Kevin Sumlin has underperformed in this tenure in College Station and will likely be out soon if things don't turn around in a big way.  Arkansas got a nice win over TCU in OT but 'nice' is about as far as I'd go.  The Aggie OT win over the Bruins is better but not by a whole heck of a lot.  Trevor Knight is the better QB and their at home, so the edge goes to the Aggies.  Arkansas will try to muck up the game and they'll keep it close...really close, but A&M gets the win.  The Aggies won't be a top 10 team in a few weeks, but they can enjoy the early season success under Sumlin (as is tradition) before it comes crashing down (as is tradition). Ark: 24 -- TAMU: 27
Hoying: Remember when the Ohio State - Oklahoma game got pushed back to 9 PM? Well, Arkansas and Texas A&M decided that staying up until 1 AM watching football was too much fun not to try themselves. Woo Pig had a nice little surprise on the road against TCU but their defense didn't exactly shine in that outing. And now Trevor Knight and the high-flying Aggie attack are paying a visit. Could A&M finally make some noise in their new conference (or any conference)? Ark: 20--TAMU: 31
Schweinfurth: Arkansas is still a .500 football team. Bert has really done nothing to build that program up from where John L. Smith and Bobby Petrino left it. The Hogs are good for about one big one a season, and it's usually late in the year (checks calendar). Nope, it's still September. The Aggies should win this. If not, Sumlin's butt is going to be getting pretty warm. Ark: 20--TAMU: 42
Seeberg:  Ah yes, the Razorbacks, item #2 on the SEC bias list.  How they are ranked is beyond me...it's only slightly less baffling than Ole Miss blowing two 21+ point leads in their first three games and still being ranked.  In any case, Barf Bielema is likely to get a healthy dose of Trevor Knight and Co.  Also, Kevin Sumlin is the new John Cooper:  Great recruiter, solid coach, teams peak too early and fizzle late.  Sadly for Arkansas, it's still early.  Ark: 24--TAMU: 41

Upset Special

Draper: UCLA over Stanford
Hoying: Oklahoma State over Baylor
Schweinfurth: Penn State over TTUN
Seeberg:  Auburn over LSU

Grading the Bucks: Week 3 -- Oklahoma

Well, that was a pleasant surprise.

Offense: A
What can you say?  The young Bucks entered the unfriendly confines and simply dominated.  Noah Brown showed the special player that he can be.  Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber continued their 'Death and Taxes' ways of inside out play.  JT was clinical as always.  The O-line kept JT upright for the most part. This was almost as complete a game as you can expect against a top team like the Sooners.  On the road no less? Me likely.

Defense: A
This secondary might be special.  I feared that BG and Tulsa were just aberrations against bad teams, but the defense indeed traveled on the road to Norman.  Malik Hooker continues to impress as due other young studs like Lattimore and Baker.  Perhaps the biggest positive was that the loss of Gareon Conley was not noticed.  Conley has been a spectacular underrated corner since he started last year, but the 'next man up' philosophy worked like a charm.  The Dline has slowly amped up the pressure as they've gelled more as a unit.  Even the DT's replacing Tracy Sprinkle have been impressive.  I don't think it's a stretch to say the hiring of Greg Schiano was a massive homerun.  While they gave up some points this week (only 2 TDs), they have still outscored the opponent offenses over the last 3 games.  That is a MASSIVE achievement with any opponents let alone when one of those opponents is the Sooner squad in Norman.

Special Teams: B-
Everyone who reads this blog knows one of my biggest pet peeves is when a kickoff goes out of bounds and we saw it return here.  I know the thought to kick it in the corner, but Joe Mixon is too much of a threat to mess around with.  Boot it deep and start at the 25 in this situation.  Don't allow a momentum shift.  Which brings me to the kick return.  Mixon is an electric player, but no special teams coach can live with points for the opponent on a kickoff (even if he fumbled before he crossed the goalline).  That being said, every football player from now on should sprint to the ball and dive on it if there is ANY thought that it was dropped before crossing the line.  This epidemic must stop.  The grade given is accounting for all special teams.  The reason it's so high with the monster negative for giving up a kick return is because Cameron Johnston was magnificent.  While Tressel has to hate Urban's bull in a china shop mentality, the glorious punting has to bring a tear to his eye.  Johnston repeated flipped the field and put Mayfield in difficult situations which is worth counter-balancing the poor kick coverage.  Oh year, our kick return unit was pretty good.

Coaching: A
The defense was extremely prepared as was the offense.  The transition from Samuel to Weber and back was flawless.  I though the gameplan was nearly perfect with a nice mix of passes thrown in.  In addition, Urban's decisions to go for it on 4th down in many situations show an understanding of the situational football lacking in our loss-averse society.  Kudos!

Overall: A
Let's be honest, did anyone expect this before the season? The Sooners are nearly unstoppable at home, and the Buckeyes embarrassed them.  This team is so talented, the sky is the limit.  Honestly, the only worries are complacency until the date in East Lansing.  Nothing comes easy, but this team grew up in a BIG way on Sat.

Week 3: Buckeyes' first test

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

Florida State Seminoles @ Louisville Cardinals
Draper: While I remember the debacle 2 play OT game Mr. Hoying refers to (and continues the pain with Wide Left III), this is a different game.  Louisville is being hyped like no other after their drubbing of Charlotte and Syracuse, but the wins are still only against Charlotte and Syracuse.  Lamar Jackson is the real deal, but he has yet to deal with the likes of Demarcus Walker and company.  To be clear, the loss of All-American Derwin James for this game is huge.  I still believe Deondre Francois, Dalvin Cook, Travis Rudolph and the rest of the Seminole offense will take care of the Cardinals.  Bobby Petrino rides his motorcycle into the sunset.  FSU: 41--Lville: 30
Hoying: Back in the magical fall of 2002, perennial juggernaut Florida State made an unlikely trip to Conference USA's Louisville and lost a thriller in the Kentucky rain (though not as heartbreaking as Wide Left just a few weeks later). The Noles haven't lost to the Cardinals since. To continue that streak, FSU is going to have to stop the young season's most potent dual-threat QB, Lamar Jackson, and the country's top offense. The Noles have put together 3 nice halves of football after pooping the bed for 30 minutes against Ole Miss, but barring an unexpected development, the Cards aren't going to be missing 14 players on Saturday like FSU's last opponent. Seminole RB Dalvin Cook should be able to find some room after a bit of tough sledding to open the season, but I don't see FSU keeping up with Jackson. FSU: 27--L'Ville: 31
Schweinfurth: Unfortunately, I only have week 1 to go off of on all of these games. With that said, Florida State needs better QB play if they are going to make a run at the playoffs. Good news for the 'Noles is that they still have a beast in Dalvin Cook. I'm not sure how I feel about Louisville, but I do believe that Florida State is the better team. The 'Noles should be able to squeak this one out. FSU: 24--L'Ville: 17
Seeberg:  Man was last week rough.  Lots of one-posession games and I whiffed on all of them.  Let's hope for better this week, starting with the game of the week #sarcasm.  College Gameday will be in Louisville for this first relevant regular season game in the history of any football program in the state of Kentucky.  Unfortunately for the home team, it's likely to be the last.  Both teams boast high-powered, balanced offensive attacks, except Louisville's balances on just one person, all-everything QB Lamar Jackson, while FSU has Dalvin Cook to help shoulder the load for their young star QB.  Louisville will test the Seminole D, but the Floridians just have too much offensive firepower.  FSU: 38--L'Ville: 28

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice.... Well, that's what Ole Miss has done to me.  Let's go for number three.  I can't see any way Bama loses this game.  Saban has his usual reloaded team with an honest to god running threat QB in Jalen Hurts.  Chad Kelly has a lot of talent on the other side as he showed in the first half against FSU, but when the Noles settled down, the Ole Miss attack lost its steam.  Bama has the horses and if they play within themselves (and don't turn it over 5 times), they make easy work of the Rebels.  The Grove will keep hope alive early, but talent wins out as it did on Labor Day.  Bama: 41--Ole Miss: 24
Hoying: Does Ole Miss have the horses to finish a game against a top opponent? The Rebels seemed to be in FSU's head, stymieing Dalvin Cook and the rest of the Noles before utterly collapsing late on both sides of the ball. And both sides of the ball happens to be what Alabama does best, year in and year out. Except against Ole Miss for some reason. The established QB in this matchup may be wearing the home red and blue, but the Landsharks of yesterday are no more. The Tide's superior line play should decide this one. Bama: 38--Ole Miss: 20
Schweinfurth: Ole Miss had a mass talent exodus over the last year. Add in the distractions with the NCAA investigations and Ole Miss is a mess right now. The Rebels beat the Tide last year, but Nick Saban coached teams do not lose to a team two years in a row. Saban is very good at getting the most out of his guys in revenge games (threatening boxes of puppies?) and it will show. As much as I hate to admit it, Bama looks like one of the best teams again this year and should win this one with ease. Bama: 35--Ole Miss: 14
Seeberg:  This one's pretty simple:  If Nick Saban loses three straight to the same team, an aneurysm is distinctly possible.  As amusing as that might be to, well, the entire college football lanscape outside Tuscaloosa, it isn't going to happen.  Bama: 31--Ole Miss: 17

Michigan State Spartans @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Draper: Talk about a team everyone has already forgotten about.  Dantonio and company enter South Bend after returning (in theory) to their little brother status in public perception.  Harbaught and Meyer dominate the Big Ten talk and no one remembers last year's champion Spartans.  I've watch very little MSU this year, but I've been unimpressed with what I've seen.  The Irish look like they have some talent but it was mismanaged in Texas.  I don't think Texas is a good as they're being touted, but playing a tough road game to start the season with the uncertainty at QB give ND a little pass.  Kizer and Equanimeous St. Brown (talk about a name) have looked fantastic and I think they'll open up the 'No Fly Zone'.  Back to number 3 MSU, it was fun while it lasted.  MSU: 17--ND: 31
Hoying: Time for the post-Connor Cook era to start in earnest for the Spartans. Oh, sure, they point up a dazzling 28 points against some D&D players on a Friday night, but the confines of South Bend won't be nearly as friendly. Nobody would be surprised to see MSU take a step backwards after 3 outstanding seasons, but the bigger questions surround the home team. Is Texas really back or did Notre Dame just decide to gag away their opening game? Are the Irish back to putting the ND in No Defense? How about that platooning quarterback system (so near and dear to the hearts of Buckeye Nation)? Sparty always seems to win when it's faced with a lack of respect, but the gap between the offenses will be too much to overcome. MSU: 24--ND: 27
Schweinfurth: We finally get to see what Dantonio has been rebuilding up in East Lansing. Is this one of the B1G's best teams or is it a true rebuild year for Sparty. The Irish already have their backs against the wall after the loss to Texas, and a loss here would end any talk of playoffs around the Golden Dome. I just feel that Michigan State lost too much last year to be able to stop an offense like Notre Dame. MSU: 24--ND: 31
Seeberg:  We've learned two things about the golden domers thus far this season:  1.)  They can score.  A lot.  2.)  They might not be able to stop anyone with a half-legitimate offense.  Texas hung 50 on them (granted it took an OT or two).  Michigan State, meanwhile, looked awful against mighty Furman (?) in week one but have had two weeks to prep for this game.  I don't see the Spartans scoring a ton, but I doubt they'll give up 47 (37 in regulation) like Texas did.  Still, Sparty just won't be able to muster enough offense to pull this one from the fire.  MSU: 17--ND: 23

THE Ohio State Buckeye @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Bucks get their first test entering the unfriendly confines of Norman, OK, where Bob Stoops and his Sooners have a sizable advantage.  The Bucks haven't missed a step even with all that talent going to the NFL in weeks 1 and 2, but the Sooners are another monster.  Can the young Bucks handle the road pressure against a very good team?  The mystique has been tarnished a bit by the Fighting Tom Hermans of Houston but this OU team is very good led by Baker Mayfield, Samadji Perine, and Joe Mixon.  The Bullets must slow down the vaunted Sooner attack to have a chance, and they should look no further than Houston's gameplan.  Going into the season, I was leaning OU, but Urban has better players than Houston and should work to replicate the result.  It may be more heart than head, but JT takes control and wrecks the Sooner Schooners playoff dreams.  OSU: 35--OU: 31
Hoying: Young Buckeye team gets first big test. In 2014, that was 6-6 Virginia Tech, at home, and OSU looked completely lost. The young Bucks have shown flashes of brilliance in early going, but the offense also sputtered to a halt against a lackluster Tulsa defense. Oklahoma will not be nearly as forgiving on either side of the ball, particularly with Baker Mayfield slinging the rock and Samaje Perine scampering all over the field. I think the Buckeye D will be up to the task, for the most part, and there's no reason to expect JT to be as rattled as he was that horrible night against VT, but what about the line play? The DL got no push against Bowling Green, and the OL is still largely untested. I think Barrett will be running for his life more often than not, which means he'll need to make something special happen downfield in order to keep the Sooners honest. I don't see Devin Smith taking the field for the Scarlet and Gray, so this one could come down to the play of Noah Brown. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll be quite magical enough. A loss this early (and out of conference) isn't a killer, but the fight for the playoffs will be uphill from this point onward. Good. OSU: 28--OU: 31
Schweinfurth: This is the game we have been waiting for since January. Baker Mayfield is the real deal at QB and I am worried about the OSU Defense after last week. Tulsa spread the field and had fairly good success with a "just a guy" at running back. Oklahoma has a beast of a two headed monster in Perine and Mixon. I do believe that the Silver Bullets will get a few stops and maybe even a pick from Hooker (keep the streak) but I don't see another pick 6 in this game. On the other side, the offense has to get a better push from the O-Line to keep the chains moving. JT needs to connect with the receivers as well. A one dimensional OSU squad will get crushed in this game. It's a big game, and we all know how Big Game Bob's teams perform in the spotlight (hint, not well). Bucks win in a thriller. OSU: 38--OU: 35
Seeberg:  We all had this one circled on the calendar...at least until our favorite former offensive coordinator and his Cougars dumptrucked the Sooners in week one.  Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Baker Mayfield and Co. responded by putting nearly 60 on their bye-week-like opponent last week to vent their frustrations.  With just two games under our belt, I've decided I trust this 2016 version of the OSU offense to score reasonably well on just about anyone, barring a biblical rainstorm.  However, I'm not 100% sold on the silver bullets yet.  Malik Hooker looks like a world beater, but receivers have consistently gotten separation, and the opposing quarterback in this game can actually hit them.  The O keeps it close, but the Sooners take it late.  OSU: 35--OU: 41

Upset Special

Draper: Missouri over Georgia
Hoying: North Dakota State over Iowa
Schweinfurth: Nebraska over Oregon (Nebraska is favored)
Seeberg:  DARN YOU HOYING...Fine, Colorado over TTUN  

Grading the Bucks -- Week 2: Tulsa

Before I get to the grades for the this week, I want to make a slight change.  The loyal readers (reader?) of the letsgobucks posts mentioned I was overly harsh last week in grading the statistical record performance of the Buckeyes.  After reviewing the tape and considering the case, I have decided that I did indeed make errors in judgement.  Unlike the MAC officials in Stillwater this weekend, I'm going to change the results after the fact because it's hard to have anywhere to go while grading last week harshly.  The performance wasn't perfect last week but it was darn near perfect.  With that in mind, I am upgrading all units to an A for week one vs. BG.  Offense had one bad play which shouldn't curtail a nearly flawless game, the defense gave up 3 points, special teams was great (careful Dontre), and coaching was fine. 

On to Tulsa, this game started sloppy but still, not a whole lot of beef going into Norman.

Offense: B+ (general), A- (considering conditions)

The first half was brutal.  There was no downfield threat which allowed the box-stuffing by Tulsa and keeping Mike Weber in check.  I'm willing to chalk that up to the conditions and the wind.  Still the first half offense was bland and uninspired.  The second half was a different story.  Once this team starts clicking, there is very little that can stop it. Samuel, Barrett, and Weber all seemed to turn the page when the monsoon stopped and Tulsa had no answer.  The O-line wasn't a solid this week, but still played quite well.

Defense: A

6 turnovers including 2 pick sixes when the offense was held in check? Yes please, more of that.  Not to mention the goalline stand when Tulsa looked to take an early lead.  Malik Hooker bated the QB like crazy on his pick 6 (watch the replay, you can see it coming).  The D-line started to get a push as the game progressed which is always a positive.  Overall, other than the first FG drive, the defense was nearly perfect.  

Special Teams: A

Tyler Durbin hit his first 2 FG attempts which is always nice.  Cameron Johnston got some trash talking in there.  My heart leapt in my chest when a kickoff almost went out of bounds, but disaster was averted.  No issues here.

Coaching: B+

Again, the lack of a down-field passing game was bothersome, but the weather might have been the reason.  Also, there's a chance Urban didn't want to tip his hand to Bob Stoops.  I expect a much more dynamic offensive gameplan next week.  Defensively there is again little to nothing to comment on.  Keep the train rolling.

Overall: A-

Not quite the level of last week, but a blowout none-the-less.  Next week, everything ramps up to 11.  That's when we find out what these young studs are capable of on the field.  BG and Tulsa beatdowns at home are one thing, the Sooners are the first real test.