Standings:
1.) Draper 34-11 (2-9 upset)
2.) Hoying 33-12 (2-9 upset)
3.) Schweinfurth 29-16 (5-6 upset)
3.) Seeberg 29-16 (2-9 upset)
The good news is that all top 10 teams are playing this week (though none are playing each other). The bad news: how many of them are playing teams with winning records? Two: Notre Dame (see below) and Clemson, who plays Duke. At least Michigan, Washington State, West Virginia, and Ohio State are playing decent teams. The rest of them? Wooooooof. Tune in at noon to see the Buckeyes hopefully get to double-digit wins for an FBS-best fifteenth time this century, then go ahead and hibernate until Thanksgiving.
#12 Syracuse Orange vs. #3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: Honestly, I don't believe there are 3 ranked matchups this week, but if Syracuse can sneak in... That being said, the Orange are pretty solid with Eric Dungy. Coach Babers has the Orange completely outpunching their class, but the Irish are locked on the goal. While they will get destroyed by Bama or Clemson, Brian Kelly and Co. can take care of most teams in the country with relative ease. The Yankee stadium gimmick is dumb, but it won't be enough for the Orange to pull off the upset. Reasonably close for 3 quarters before the Irish pull away. Cuse: 20 -- ND: 34
Hoying: Yes, you read that right. #12 Syracuse. As in, two spots behind our beloved Buckeyes. This will be the last ranked opponent the Irish face this year, and the last significant obstacle to Notre Dame crashing the playoff for the first time. It's not a road game for the Irish per se; the game is in the state of New York, at Yankee Stadium, but the Irish are wearing Yankee uniforms for some reason? I guess that makes sense, after all, most Irish fans are Yankee fans (and Cowboy fans, and Duke basketball fans, and Golden State fans) anyway. How's the game going to shake out? You may remember Syracuse as the one team able to put a real scare into Clemson this season (other than some early season weirdness at Texas A&M). The offense has been stellar but the D hasn't been able to stop anybody. That's not good news against the (not-so-) new look Notre Dame offense under Ian Book. Man, a lot of teams sure had their offense jump start after swapping out quarterbacks midseason. Clemson, Notre Dame, Purdue, Iowa State...makes you wonder what would've happened last year if Urban wasn't so stuck on JT...oh wait, right, the offense was better last season than this season. Never mind. Anyway, Notre Dame wins this one, inching closer to further narrowing the tightest playoff race yet. SU: 27--ND: 34
Schweinfurth: If you've been following along this year, you would know that I am not a fan of this Notre Dame team and have picked them multiple times to get upset. Northwestern had their shot and then forgot how defend a zone read. I like Syracuse and think Dino Babers has done great things at a school with lots of tradition, but not much recent success. I would be all over this upset if this game was in the Carrier Dome, but it's at Yankee Stadium (yawn). That totally kills any home field advantage. Notre Dame wins, but close. SU: 28--ND: 31
Seeberg: I've had this one earmarked for an "upset special" pick for weeks, just didn't imagine the 'Cuse would be ranked and it'd be a regular game for us to pick here at Let's Go Bucks. It boils down to a couple things. The Orange tend to get up for big games (see Clemson last year), and, well, I really don't trust Brian Kelly to not screw things up somehow. Book may be back, but a week off for injury combined with still not being 100% is a dicey recipe. Cold weather, lousy conditions in a baseball diamond no less, and the Irish will be too out of sorts to play as well as they're capable. Orange pick up arguably the best win of the year outside of Jeauxy Burreaux's dismantling of Georgia. Cuse: 27--ND: 23
#24 Cincinnati Bearcats @ #11 Central Florida Knights
Draper: This matchup features the juicy undefeated and 1 loss teams...who have beaten a grand total of no one. UCF has been trouncing most of the garbage they've played (sans Memphis), but Fickell and Co. have been winning close. While the Knights are not the 2017 National Championships as those in their mother's basement want you to believe, they're a pretty solid squad with that chip squarely on their shoulder. Being a ranked team for the first time this year will be nice for them...until UC drops out and they can whine about no respect even more. I'm actually quite impressed with Fickell's turnaround in year 2, but the train ends here in one of the biggest games in Orlando this year. UC: 24--UCF: 34
Hoying: How long can you keep a team motivated at the highest levels when they've got practically nothing to play for? UCF is currently riding a 22(!) game win streak that features a """"""national championship"""""" but let's face it, the Committee isn't going to let them anywhere near the playoff, even if they are only one freaking spot behind our beloved Buckeyes at present. And this week they're facing a hungry Cincinnati team fresh off of two 4-8 seasons (and 2 blowout losses to UCF), looking to crash the big boy bowls for the first time since being Tim Tebow's going-away party patsies back in 2009. The 'Cats have the defense to win this one, and I think Fick will get them over the hump as he continues to head toward bigger and better things. Good for him (but don't beat us next year or you're dead to me). UC: 34--UCF: 31
Schweinfurth: UCF belongs in the playoff, blah, blah, blah. Yes, they had an argument last year, but has anyone actually watched one of their games this year? That defense is B. A. D. bad. I've watched a couple of UC's games (I don't know why) and they have looked impressive. Luke Fickel is doing great things down there. Add to the fact Marcus Freeman (UC's D Coordinator) is my guy and I've got the Cats all day. UC: 35--UCF: 24
Seeberg: For Luke Fickell's surprising 2nd-year reclamation project down I-71 a ways from the Horseshoe, this game needs to stay in the 20s to give the Bearcats a shot. Cincy plays solid D, certainly a reflection of their head coach, but 30+ for UCF is likely to break the Cats' backs. Anyone have this one as the ABC primetime game on their calendars 3 months ago? Yeah, me neither. Expect a good one, but just a little too much UCF offense in the end. Night Knights indeed. UC: 27--UCF: 31
#16 Iowa State Cyclones @ #15 Texas Longhorns
Draper: What to do with Iowa State? They always seem to snakebite someone (hello OU last year and WVU this year), but it always goes down at home. They ruined Brandon Weeden's bid for a National Title in 2011..but also in Ames. On the other side of the ball, what is going on in Texas with all the Tom Herman drama? Returning to Darrell K Royal will be a blessing as the Horns snag another ranked win over an 'eh' team to make the year end on a high(er) note. Ok cool. Hook em. ISU: 20--UT: 31
Hoying: Lost in the perpetual shuffle of "Is Texas back?" is one of the greatest turnarounds in college football this season. After a terrible 1-3 start, the Cyclones turned to 3rd string QB Brock Purdy and have been firing on all cylinders since, leveling the Mountaineers along the way. Is Texas next on the hit list? Maybe. For all the success the 'Horns have enjoyed this season, they haven't won a game by more than 7 points since beating TCU the week after OSU did. The defense has gone bye-bye of late (granted, playing Oklahoma State, West Virginia, and Texas Tech will do that to you; see also, generally, Big 12 football), and the team may be crumbling a bit down the stretch. Fun fact: each of these teams plays a cream puff next week, and if the winner of this game can take care of business, they can find themselves in the Big 12 title game if the Oklahoma-West Virginia game next week breaks their way (ISU needs an Oklahoma victory, Texas is pulling for WVU). That team will be Iowa State. ISU: 31--UT: 30
Schweinfurth: I'm going to keep this short. Texas is not back, but is close. Iowa State is the one team no one wants to play right now. I'll roll with Matt Campbell and the Cyclones. ISU: 38--UT: 21
Seeberg: Not sure where to go on this one as the closeness in rankings would suggest. Iowa State is, surprisingly, trending up with a 3rd string QB (hi there, 2014 Ohio State) while Texas is, also surprisingly, trending downward, losing two in a row just two weeks after winning the Red River Rivalry in a shootout. A narrow win in another shootout (which feels redundant to say given that it's a Big 12 contest) against Texas Tech may have righted the ship for the Longhorns. If the weird Zack Smith/Herman feud causes a distraction, this one could well go the other way, but I'm taking Texas in a tight one (giggity). ISU: 28--UT: 34
#10 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Maryland Terrapins
Draper: Maryland is that program that can't seem to keep a QB healthy. It's getting ridiculous how they drop like flies....and that's not close to the worst thing happening in College Park this year. Some may point to this as a trap game as the Bucks prepare for TTUN, but honestly, I think this is a game to strut our stuff. Last week was gross...but if you step back, the team played pretty well in most phases. Win--Check, Ranked Opponent--Check, on the road--Check, by 20 -- Check. I expect to see a few wrinkles to confuse Michigan (more Tate Martell to add another element please). Of course there's the worry that things all fall to the opponent (see: Purdue) but if we play our game and smart (BIG if), we'll be fine. Keep winning and let the chips fall. OSU: 38--MD: 16
Hoying: Ahhhhhh, isn't it nice to actually enjoy a win for once? What, you didn't enjoy that mess in East Lansing? It had punting, defensive touchdowns, punting, a semi-competent running game, and more punting. Somewhere (probably Youngstown) Jim Tressel is smiling and nodding. I haven't watched a lot of Maryland football this year so I don't know much about them other than that their athletes are worse than Ohio State's, and that their coach and starting QB are both gone. Then again, Maryland starting a backup QB is pretty much par for the course for them; they've lost 6 QBs to ACL tears alone in the last 7 years. The last two times Maryland started a backup QB against Ohio State they got absolutely obliterated. The year before that, backup QB Perry Hills couldn't throw worth a lick but he ran for 170 yards and scared the crap out of the Buckeyes for a half. What does any of that have to do with this year? Not much, but writing about Maryland is boring me already. There's no reason they should win this game; Ohio State is kind of sort of finding something like a groove again and this should be nothing more than a tune-up for you-know-who next week. OSU: 34--MD: 20
Schweinfurth: I have one wish this week: get the win and keep everyone healthy. Maryland is a feast or famine team on offense. Limit the big plays and the Terps will have trouble moving the ball. Please keep working on that run game this week. I don't know that the Bucks will really show a lot on offense, just simple plays. I expect to see Tate Martell, only because there should be garbage time. OSU: 45--MD: 10
Seeberg: Fun stat of the day: Ohio State is beating Maryland by an average of 39 points since the Terrapins entered the conference. This Buckeyes team isn't as good as years' past, so don't expect quite as decisive a victory. Fun stat #2: Mike Weber has 711 rushing yards this season, and J.K. Dobbins has...712. However, Weber has had 30 fewer carries than Dobbins, bolstering my 2-year belief that Weber is the better back (though both are clearly very good). Regardless, the goal is to win this one going away and stay healthy. I REALLY hope to see further improvement in red zone efficiency with the Martell package, or Tate Crate (tm) as I am officially coining it. Score touchdowns not FGs, because we'll need 7s next week for sure. OSU: 42--MD: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Citadel over Alabama (greatest upset of all time)
Hoying: Arizona over Washington State
Schweinfurth: Middle Tennessee over Kentucky
Seeberg: Oklahoma State over West Virginia
Friday, November 16, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Grading the Bucks: Week 11--Michigan State
It wasn't (that) pretty, but they took care of business. Honestly, it's hard to call a 20 point victory on the road against a ranked opponent a 'bad' win.
Offense: C
MVP: Mike Weber, RB
The running game was reasonably effective against a rugged MSU defense. The passing game has evaporated over the last few weeks which is immensely concerning. I'm hopeful that the goal was to develop the run game (success) and hide the 'strength' but I worry about the ability to flip the switch. Haskins has looked timid which could be a very real issue come to TTUN. Here's hoping we can find the key to reset Haskins to the beginning of the season. The O-line got closer to average with this performance (but Prince has dropped off the map). I loved the addition of the Tate Martell package (imagine the Bucks STARTING Martell vs. Meatchicken...). More to follow.
Defense: A
MVP: Dremont Jones, DT
Let's be clear: Michigan State is bad on offense. Horrible. But, the defense did what they were supposed to do and shut them down. While the offense faced is atrocious, credit is deserved for doing their job. I'm a bit concerned that teams have been able to scheme away the D-line with quick passes (nullifies the advantage). The secondary needs more work of course, but White had another nice game.
Special Teams: A+
coMVPs: Drue Chrisman, P, Terry McLaurin, WR
What a day! The worst punt in OSU history couple with one of the greatest punting performance in OSU history. A 4 yard punt set the defense back, but 5 punts inside the 6? Crazy good. Those also led directly to a safety and defensive TD. Phenomenal effort. Terry McLaurin deserves credit for the unsung fielding of the punts at the one.
Coaching: B
Confusion still abounds. Offensive playcalling is still a mystery. The decline of Haskins accuracy and comfort is worrisome. Defensive playcalling was fine this week but the Spartans are a mess. The Martell package was great (and the coaches seemed very comfortable calling plays), it gained 8 yards....and then we went away from it. Why? The QB run option completely opens up the running game but it's painfully clear no defense respects Haskins running (which they shouldn't). A creative mix can be used effectively, but the gameplan needs to be scripted to allow for it. Maybe it's more of a threat to TTUN but I think Tate should be peppered in situationally as well as on certain drives. The O-line and coaches are much more comfortable utilizing a running QB. If Haskins could run....he'd put Tua to shame (maybe).
Overall: A-
20 point road win over a ranked opponent. Credit is deserved even if the CFP committee has shown they don't care. Perhaps one of these days the scales will be balanced. Buckeyes, take heart. This was a good win. We are right in the thick of playoff hunt (to be sacrificed on the alter of Saban).
Offense: C
MVP: Mike Weber, RB
The running game was reasonably effective against a rugged MSU defense. The passing game has evaporated over the last few weeks which is immensely concerning. I'm hopeful that the goal was to develop the run game (success) and hide the 'strength' but I worry about the ability to flip the switch. Haskins has looked timid which could be a very real issue come to TTUN. Here's hoping we can find the key to reset Haskins to the beginning of the season. The O-line got closer to average with this performance (but Prince has dropped off the map). I loved the addition of the Tate Martell package (imagine the Bucks STARTING Martell vs. Meatchicken...). More to follow.
Defense: A
MVP: Dremont Jones, DT
Let's be clear: Michigan State is bad on offense. Horrible. But, the defense did what they were supposed to do and shut them down. While the offense faced is atrocious, credit is deserved for doing their job. I'm a bit concerned that teams have been able to scheme away the D-line with quick passes (nullifies the advantage). The secondary needs more work of course, but White had another nice game.
Special Teams: A+
coMVPs: Drue Chrisman, P, Terry McLaurin, WR
What a day! The worst punt in OSU history couple with one of the greatest punting performance in OSU history. A 4 yard punt set the defense back, but 5 punts inside the 6? Crazy good. Those also led directly to a safety and defensive TD. Phenomenal effort. Terry McLaurin deserves credit for the unsung fielding of the punts at the one.
Coaching: B
Confusion still abounds. Offensive playcalling is still a mystery. The decline of Haskins accuracy and comfort is worrisome. Defensive playcalling was fine this week but the Spartans are a mess. The Martell package was great (and the coaches seemed very comfortable calling plays), it gained 8 yards....and then we went away from it. Why? The QB run option completely opens up the running game but it's painfully clear no defense respects Haskins running (which they shouldn't). A creative mix can be used effectively, but the gameplan needs to be scripted to allow for it. Maybe it's more of a threat to TTUN but I think Tate should be peppered in situationally as well as on certain drives. The O-line and coaches are much more comfortable utilizing a running QB. If Haskins could run....he'd put Tua to shame (maybe).
Overall: A-
20 point road win over a ranked opponent. Credit is deserved even if the CFP committee has shown they don't care. Perhaps one of these days the scales will be balanced. Buckeyes, take heart. This was a good win. We are right in the thick of playoff hunt (to be sacrificed on the alter of Saban).
Friday, November 09, 2018
Week 11: Fortnite Battle Royuck
Standings:
1.) Draper 30-11 (2-8 upset)
2.) Hoying 29-12 (1-9 upset)
3.) Schweinfurth 25-16 (5-5 upset)
4.) Seeberg 25-16 (2-8 upset)
We hope you enjoyed the four key ranked matchups last week that settled a great deal of the dust surrounding this year's playoff field. Because you're not going to see many more of those before rivalry week. Between then and now are two weeks (or, a fortnight, get it?) of blah matchups, starting with some lambs being led to the slaughter against Alabama and Clemson and a couple of ranked, somehow, teams that nobody cares about (hi, Auburn and Michigan State). You know it's bad when the best game of the week features Alabama (no prizes for guessing who wins by a million).
#16 Mississippi State Bulldogs @ #1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I have moved to the side of darkness. My colleague, Mr. Hoying, has been correct all along. It's Bama's world and we're all living in it. They are completely legit and will crush everything in their path. Hail Saban. MSU: 10 -- Bama: 48
Hoying: Nice knowing you, Bulldogs. MSU: 6--Bama: 38
Schweinfurth: Is there really any reason to break this game down? The Crimson Death Machine has almost reached full awareness and is already eviscerating everything/one in it's path. Clanga doesn't stand a chance. MSU: 7--Bama: 42
Seeberg: Quite honestly I love that middle-of-the-road SEC teams keep getting ranked, because we get to keep picking 'Bama games here at Let's Go Bucks and, well, I'm struggling this season so I need the easy W's. No break down needed. It's 'Bama, end o' story. MSU: 14--Bama: 49
#2 Clemson Tigers @ #17 Boston College Eagles
Draper: Here's another game that shouldn't be close. Clemson is really finding themselves late in the season and prepping for the Bama beatdown. With sunshine QBing the Tigers and Etienne holding it down on the ground, I don't expect the likes of Steve Addazio and company to make much of a dent. Sure, they've been a nice little team this year, but Clemson is an 'elite' team (as James Franklin might put it). Clem: 48--BC: 17
Hoying: Boy, it sure feels like forever and a day since Clemson fell backwards into a road win at Syracuse with their 3rd string warm body quarterback. Since then they've been the most terrifying death machine east of Tuscaloosa (and nobody plays football of consequence west of Tuscaloosa). BC has put together a nice little run of their own except for a blowout loss to Purdue (*droops head*) and a loss to the ACC's third competent team, NC State. How did Clemson do against the Wolfpack? Oh yeah, they stomped them by 34. I'm beginning to get a strong suspicion of who's going go have the honor of heading to Santa Clara on January 7 to, well, you know. Clem: 45--BC: 31
Schweinfurth: This game feels a like it could end up being pretty close. Don't get me wrong, I fully expect Clemson to win. I think the Tiger defense is just too much for the Eagles. The weather will be the great equalizer here. It is going to be cold in Boston and passing could be an issue. This feels like a grind it out game and Entiene has been outstanding for Clemson. Clem: 28--BC:24
Seeberg: Make no mistake, this isn't your older brother's BC team that thrived on elite defense and, well, only playing offense because it was forced to by rule. They can score it and score it well. Unfortunately for those hoping the TIgers stumble, BC can't stop anyone consistently either which is a poor recipe when facing a squad that just put up 77 (in barely over 3 quarters at that). Clemson by half a million. Clem: 52--BC: 28
#24 Auburn Tigers @ #5 Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Has UGA figured it out after the inexplicable gag vs. LSU? I think so. Jake Fromm is fine, but the rest of the team is the reason for the success. Auburn is an riddle wrapped in an enigma. They have shown some spurts of success vs. A&M and Washington, yet they were nipped by LSU and crushed by a mediocre Mississippi State squad. Haven't watched much of these teams this year, but I have much more faith in the talent of the Dawgs. Aub: 17--UGA: 27
Hoying: Not gonna lie, when I put up the first draft of games to pick this week, I didn't include this one on the list, because I didn't foresee Auburn being ranked by the Committee. And...I'm still kind of scratching my head. I guess they beat Washington (doesn't that feel like a million years ago?), so it would make sense to rank Auburn ahead of Washington. And they beat Texas A&M, but it's November, everybody's going to be beating the Aggies from now on. Meanwhile Georgia woke up just in time to flatten their meager East competition and secure a showdown with the Tide in the SEC Championship (the poor b*st*rds). I don't foresee Gus Malzahn lucking into the same voodoo magic that bottled the Dawgs up for a half down in Baton Rouge. Auburn has hit their usual ceiling of 7-8 wins in between runs to almost championships (unless you have Cam Newton). Aub: 20--UGA: 31
Schweinfurth: Auburn's offense has been downright dreadful this year. That offensive line can't block anything for Stidham. That poor guy my get dismantled by the Tide in a few weeks if he survives this game. Georgia has recovered from that weird loss to Florida nicely. The Dawgs are just going to H8 stomp this poor Tiger Team. Aub: 10--UGA: 38
Seeberg: Fascinating. The "Wheel of SEC Ranked Teams" inexplicably stopped on Auburn this week. Oh well, one week at a time, right? LSU peaked against the Bulldogs before gaining approximately .73 yards of offense against 'Bama last week. UGA is just too good to play that poorly again- and it might not matter anyways because they're just that much better than their remaining competition, Auburn included. On a completely irrelevant note, I wish teams from the south were named ANYTHING other than the TIgers or Bulldogs. I'm getting tired of typing those two words. Oh well, UGA and his goofy jowls lap up another W. Aub: 16--UGA: 35
#10 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #18 Michigan State Spartans
Draper: What to do? I keep waiting for the team to break out and showcase the talent, but they can't get out of their own way. The players still swwm very disinterested at times and the coaches seem like they started game prep around 8 minutes INTO the 1st quarter. If the coaches can get it together, the sky's the limit (well..Bama's the limit). I still believe the Haskins is a 1st round NFL talent and we have a few top 3 round wide receivers. If we can scheme appropriately, there is no reason we shouldn't have an explosive performance every week. The defense has a talent discrepancy, but a better scheme could hide some of the flaws. The plus is MSU is incredibly pedestrian. Lewerke is 'eh' and no one really scares you. That being said, they have a reasonably average to above average talent across the board. Consistency has been the Dantonio staple. I could see any of a variety of things happening, but I expect a close game with a mistake or two being the difference. When in doubt, lean on the better athletes. OSU: 27--MSU: 21
Hoying: I don't get this team. On pure talent, they should be running teams out of the building week in and week out like Bama and mini-Bama above. On scheme, they look like a confused mess every week. Yeah, they finally got the running game going again last week (against a terrible terrible defense), but the air raid seems to have been grounded in the process. I can't figure out if this is a team in transition to something we're more used to at THE Ohio State University or if the coaches are just throwing things at the wall and seeing what will stick. Not that the Spartans are any easier to peg. They have great rushing defense, sure, unless they're facing an actual good running team like Michigan or Penn State. Is Ohio State a good running team? They were last year when they put up 335 yards on the ground. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans Will...have trouble getting anything going. But these Silver BBs seem to be the cure opposing offenses are looking for, being just a couple of key turnovers against Minnesota away from a full month of truly bad football. The injuries seem to be healing (except for one big hole), so it may be that our blue chip secondary can handle whatever the mighty Brian Lewerke can throw at them. And the Spartans don't have a ground game at all, so I wouldn't be worried on that front unless you really think our linebackers are worse than the likes of Central Michigan or Utah State. This game will be a knock-out, drag-down slop of a mess, and it may be that the first team to double digits will escape with a win. Under those circumstances, I'm willing to ride with Dwayne. He'll be far and away the best player on the field on Saturday. OSU: 17--MSU: 16
Schweinfurth: Hey look, the Buckeyes remembered how to run the ball last week! This is a really big deal. The next three opponents for the Bucks are all in the top 30 in total defense (yes, that includes Maryland). What bodes well for the Bucks is that the Spartan offense is totally depleted. The Bucks can line up in the base defense pretty much all game in this and match up with the Spartans. I really want to see more of Brendon White at the the safty spot opposite of Fuller this week. No more Isaiah Pryor. I've seen that horror show way too much this year. I do think the Bucks will move the ball this week by utilizing the screen game and a few downfield shots to loosen up the Michigan State D. This feels like last years game a bit. I think the Bucks run away with this one. OSU: 35--MSU: 14
Seeberg: As even as this matchup has been since Urban took over (despite a typical talent disparity in the Scarlet and Gray's favor), this year's edition is outright bizarre. You have easily stoppable force (OSU rush game) meeting immovable object (MSU's #1 rush D), and then easily stoppable force (MSU's woeful offense) meeting easily movable object (OSU's steel sieve D). In my mind, whoever wins that fight of embattled units more often will ultimately win the day. MSU does have some issues in the secondary and can be exposed via the pass, so points should still come with Haskins and the Buckeyes' bevy of quality receivers. Can the Buckeyes get enough stops to sneak out a W? I'm not so sure, but I do, however, believe the Spartans will stop themselves enough for that to be the case. One or two "Sparty no!" moments allow the Bucks to escape East Lansing with a less-than-aesthetically-pleasing win. OSU: 31--MSU: 27
Upset Special
Draper: Colorado over Washington State
Hoying: Rutgers over Mich......ahahahahahahaha Tennessee over Kentucky
Schweinfurth: Ok St. over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Navy over UCF
1.) Draper 30-11 (2-8 upset)
2.) Hoying 29-12 (1-9 upset)
3.) Schweinfurth 25-16 (5-5 upset)
4.) Seeberg 25-16 (2-8 upset)
We hope you enjoyed the four key ranked matchups last week that settled a great deal of the dust surrounding this year's playoff field. Because you're not going to see many more of those before rivalry week. Between then and now are two weeks (or, a fortnight, get it?) of blah matchups, starting with some lambs being led to the slaughter against Alabama and Clemson and a couple of ranked, somehow, teams that nobody cares about (hi, Auburn and Michigan State). You know it's bad when the best game of the week features Alabama (no prizes for guessing who wins by a million).
#16 Mississippi State Bulldogs @ #1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I have moved to the side of darkness. My colleague, Mr. Hoying, has been correct all along. It's Bama's world and we're all living in it. They are completely legit and will crush everything in their path. Hail Saban. MSU: 10 -- Bama: 48
Hoying: Nice knowing you, Bulldogs. MSU: 6--Bama: 38
Schweinfurth: Is there really any reason to break this game down? The Crimson Death Machine has almost reached full awareness and is already eviscerating everything/one in it's path. Clanga doesn't stand a chance. MSU: 7--Bama: 42
Seeberg: Quite honestly I love that middle-of-the-road SEC teams keep getting ranked, because we get to keep picking 'Bama games here at Let's Go Bucks and, well, I'm struggling this season so I need the easy W's. No break down needed. It's 'Bama, end o' story. MSU: 14--Bama: 49
#2 Clemson Tigers @ #17 Boston College Eagles
Draper: Here's another game that shouldn't be close. Clemson is really finding themselves late in the season and prepping for the Bama beatdown. With sunshine QBing the Tigers and Etienne holding it down on the ground, I don't expect the likes of Steve Addazio and company to make much of a dent. Sure, they've been a nice little team this year, but Clemson is an 'elite' team (as James Franklin might put it). Clem: 48--BC: 17
Hoying: Boy, it sure feels like forever and a day since Clemson fell backwards into a road win at Syracuse with their 3rd string warm body quarterback. Since then they've been the most terrifying death machine east of Tuscaloosa (and nobody plays football of consequence west of Tuscaloosa). BC has put together a nice little run of their own except for a blowout loss to Purdue (*droops head*) and a loss to the ACC's third competent team, NC State. How did Clemson do against the Wolfpack? Oh yeah, they stomped them by 34. I'm beginning to get a strong suspicion of who's going go have the honor of heading to Santa Clara on January 7 to, well, you know. Clem: 45--BC: 31
Schweinfurth: This game feels a like it could end up being pretty close. Don't get me wrong, I fully expect Clemson to win. I think the Tiger defense is just too much for the Eagles. The weather will be the great equalizer here. It is going to be cold in Boston and passing could be an issue. This feels like a grind it out game and Entiene has been outstanding for Clemson. Clem: 28--BC:24
Seeberg: Make no mistake, this isn't your older brother's BC team that thrived on elite defense and, well, only playing offense because it was forced to by rule. They can score it and score it well. Unfortunately for those hoping the TIgers stumble, BC can't stop anyone consistently either which is a poor recipe when facing a squad that just put up 77 (in barely over 3 quarters at that). Clemson by half a million. Clem: 52--BC: 28
#24 Auburn Tigers @ #5 Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Has UGA figured it out after the inexplicable gag vs. LSU? I think so. Jake Fromm is fine, but the rest of the team is the reason for the success. Auburn is an riddle wrapped in an enigma. They have shown some spurts of success vs. A&M and Washington, yet they were nipped by LSU and crushed by a mediocre Mississippi State squad. Haven't watched much of these teams this year, but I have much more faith in the talent of the Dawgs. Aub: 17--UGA: 27
Hoying: Not gonna lie, when I put up the first draft of games to pick this week, I didn't include this one on the list, because I didn't foresee Auburn being ranked by the Committee. And...I'm still kind of scratching my head. I guess they beat Washington (doesn't that feel like a million years ago?), so it would make sense to rank Auburn ahead of Washington. And they beat Texas A&M, but it's November, everybody's going to be beating the Aggies from now on. Meanwhile Georgia woke up just in time to flatten their meager East competition and secure a showdown with the Tide in the SEC Championship (the poor b*st*rds). I don't foresee Gus Malzahn lucking into the same voodoo magic that bottled the Dawgs up for a half down in Baton Rouge. Auburn has hit their usual ceiling of 7-8 wins in between runs to almost championships (unless you have Cam Newton). Aub: 20--UGA: 31
Schweinfurth: Auburn's offense has been downright dreadful this year. That offensive line can't block anything for Stidham. That poor guy my get dismantled by the Tide in a few weeks if he survives this game. Georgia has recovered from that weird loss to Florida nicely. The Dawgs are just going to H8 stomp this poor Tiger Team. Aub: 10--UGA: 38
Seeberg: Fascinating. The "Wheel of SEC Ranked Teams" inexplicably stopped on Auburn this week. Oh well, one week at a time, right? LSU peaked against the Bulldogs before gaining approximately .73 yards of offense against 'Bama last week. UGA is just too good to play that poorly again- and it might not matter anyways because they're just that much better than their remaining competition, Auburn included. On a completely irrelevant note, I wish teams from the south were named ANYTHING other than the TIgers or Bulldogs. I'm getting tired of typing those two words. Oh well, UGA and his goofy jowls lap up another W. Aub: 16--UGA: 35
#10 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #18 Michigan State Spartans
Draper: What to do? I keep waiting for the team to break out and showcase the talent, but they can't get out of their own way. The players still swwm very disinterested at times and the coaches seem like they started game prep around 8 minutes INTO the 1st quarter. If the coaches can get it together, the sky's the limit (well..Bama's the limit). I still believe the Haskins is a 1st round NFL talent and we have a few top 3 round wide receivers. If we can scheme appropriately, there is no reason we shouldn't have an explosive performance every week. The defense has a talent discrepancy, but a better scheme could hide some of the flaws. The plus is MSU is incredibly pedestrian. Lewerke is 'eh' and no one really scares you. That being said, they have a reasonably average to above average talent across the board. Consistency has been the Dantonio staple. I could see any of a variety of things happening, but I expect a close game with a mistake or two being the difference. When in doubt, lean on the better athletes. OSU: 27--MSU: 21
Hoying: I don't get this team. On pure talent, they should be running teams out of the building week in and week out like Bama and mini-Bama above. On scheme, they look like a confused mess every week. Yeah, they finally got the running game going again last week (against a terrible terrible defense), but the air raid seems to have been grounded in the process. I can't figure out if this is a team in transition to something we're more used to at THE Ohio State University or if the coaches are just throwing things at the wall and seeing what will stick. Not that the Spartans are any easier to peg. They have great rushing defense, sure, unless they're facing an actual good running team like Michigan or Penn State. Is Ohio State a good running team? They were last year when they put up 335 yards on the ground. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans Will...have trouble getting anything going. But these Silver BBs seem to be the cure opposing offenses are looking for, being just a couple of key turnovers against Minnesota away from a full month of truly bad football. The injuries seem to be healing (except for one big hole), so it may be that our blue chip secondary can handle whatever the mighty Brian Lewerke can throw at them. And the Spartans don't have a ground game at all, so I wouldn't be worried on that front unless you really think our linebackers are worse than the likes of Central Michigan or Utah State. This game will be a knock-out, drag-down slop of a mess, and it may be that the first team to double digits will escape with a win. Under those circumstances, I'm willing to ride with Dwayne. He'll be far and away the best player on the field on Saturday. OSU: 17--MSU: 16
Schweinfurth: Hey look, the Buckeyes remembered how to run the ball last week! This is a really big deal. The next three opponents for the Bucks are all in the top 30 in total defense (yes, that includes Maryland). What bodes well for the Bucks is that the Spartan offense is totally depleted. The Bucks can line up in the base defense pretty much all game in this and match up with the Spartans. I really want to see more of Brendon White at the the safty spot opposite of Fuller this week. No more Isaiah Pryor. I've seen that horror show way too much this year. I do think the Bucks will move the ball this week by utilizing the screen game and a few downfield shots to loosen up the Michigan State D. This feels like last years game a bit. I think the Bucks run away with this one. OSU: 35--MSU: 14
Seeberg: As even as this matchup has been since Urban took over (despite a typical talent disparity in the Scarlet and Gray's favor), this year's edition is outright bizarre. You have easily stoppable force (OSU rush game) meeting immovable object (MSU's #1 rush D), and then easily stoppable force (MSU's woeful offense) meeting easily movable object (OSU's steel sieve D). In my mind, whoever wins that fight of embattled units more often will ultimately win the day. MSU does have some issues in the secondary and can be exposed via the pass, so points should still come with Haskins and the Buckeyes' bevy of quality receivers. Can the Buckeyes get enough stops to sneak out a W? I'm not so sure, but I do, however, believe the Spartans will stop themselves enough for that to be the case. One or two "Sparty no!" moments allow the Bucks to escape East Lansing with a less-than-aesthetically-pleasing win. OSU: 31--MSU: 27
Upset Special
Draper: Colorado over Washington State
Hoying: Rutgers over Mich......ahahahahahahaha Tennessee over Kentucky
Schweinfurth: Ok St. over Oklahoma
Seeberg: Navy over UCF
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
Grading the Bucks: Week 10--Nebraska
Not great, Bob.
Offense: B-
So we finally got the running game going...and forgot how to pass. Dwayne Haskins has seemingly started a slow decline in accuracy (very odd...and disconcerting). Honestly, I spent most of the time railing at the playcalling (more to come) but the accuracy issues are a bit concerning. It was certainly nice to see the line opening a few holes here and there, but this was against a bad Nebraska team. The push on 4th and short was still nonexistent and it is HUGE problem for an OSU unit that has (should have) better athletes than 99% of the schools they face. Dobbins and Weber flashed (and finally broke a few tackles!) but growth need to continue.
Defense: C
Let's be clear...Nebraska isn't good. Yet they seemed to move up and down the field with relative ease. There have been a bevy of injuries on this side of the ball (primarily in the secondary) but that's no excuse to look as the Buckeyes have. Teams have figured out how to neutralize the strength of the D-line with quick hitters and draw plays and our coaches haven't adjusted (more later). We don't face a truly dynamic offense for the remainder of the regular season, but the running game of TSUN will be a problem.
Special Teams: I don't remember
Sorry...I don't remember the special teams play of last week which is usually a plus. Instead of making fun of me for my crappy lack of analysis...make fun of Nebraska's kicker for....what this was.
Coaching: D-
This team is devolving. The playcalling is getting worse. There is no ingenuity in design and scheme. It seems as if the coaches are assuming the better athletes will win without help. I don't understand the apathy. Two weeks to improve and Haskins looks worse. Two weeks to gameplan and the playcalling was horrid. The team looks wholly unprepared and I think there may be some questioning of the coaching duties within the ranks as well (no real reason to think this other than the players aren't stupid). The ultimate failure was early in the game on a 3rd and 1. We know the line wasn't successful on getting a push in the past few weeks, but there were 2 attempts to psych the players up and get that yard. Barring that, try to throw the ball (which was usually successful). No. Instead the playcall was a jet sweep with Paris Campbell that the line (predictably) was unable to provide any protection. Loss of 2. Then, to compound matters, we went for it on 4th down in what appeared to be a total reaction to the bad play. "We failed there, but we'll show them by running it down their throat" (with no fight left). Stuffed. Momentum swing. The coaches appeared to be on tilt with the stupidity of the first playcall and the overreaction following. Urban appeared in disbelief when we didn't get it on 4th...but that's been this team the last few weeks. I don't know how some of the brightest minds in coaching seem befuddled at scheming for a 2-6 opponent. It's disturbing to say the least.
Overall: C-
Not great, Bob. Not great. The talent still resides in Columbus in the Scarlet and Gray. We can achieve most of the goals set out at the beginning of the year (sorry, I saw the Bama game and I welcome our new Elephant Overlords and their Commander Satan...er...Saban). To achieve these goals, the mindset and mental aspects of the team/scheme must be improved and they must be improved NOW. Michigan State isn't a great team, but Dantonio has been a thorn in Urban's side. The opponents smell blood in the water. Can the Bucks rally and live up to potential? I sure hope so.
Bonus--Uniforms: BUTT
Stop it. Just stop it. Ohio State doesn't need gimmicks. I don't care if you think they look 'fire emoji'. This is Ohio State. Play for the tradition, play for pride, play for what's come before you and what's coming after. Don't play for stupid looking gimmicky uniforms. Scarlet and Gray are the colors and that's what we should be about. Now...get off my lawn.
Offense: B-
So we finally got the running game going...and forgot how to pass. Dwayne Haskins has seemingly started a slow decline in accuracy (very odd...and disconcerting). Honestly, I spent most of the time railing at the playcalling (more to come) but the accuracy issues are a bit concerning. It was certainly nice to see the line opening a few holes here and there, but this was against a bad Nebraska team. The push on 4th and short was still nonexistent and it is HUGE problem for an OSU unit that has (should have) better athletes than 99% of the schools they face. Dobbins and Weber flashed (and finally broke a few tackles!) but growth need to continue.
Defense: C
Let's be clear...Nebraska isn't good. Yet they seemed to move up and down the field with relative ease. There have been a bevy of injuries on this side of the ball (primarily in the secondary) but that's no excuse to look as the Buckeyes have. Teams have figured out how to neutralize the strength of the D-line with quick hitters and draw plays and our coaches haven't adjusted (more later). We don't face a truly dynamic offense for the remainder of the regular season, but the running game of TSUN will be a problem.
Special Teams: I don't remember
Sorry...I don't remember the special teams play of last week which is usually a plus. Instead of making fun of me for my crappy lack of analysis...make fun of Nebraska's kicker for....what this was.
Coaching: D-
This team is devolving. The playcalling is getting worse. There is no ingenuity in design and scheme. It seems as if the coaches are assuming the better athletes will win without help. I don't understand the apathy. Two weeks to improve and Haskins looks worse. Two weeks to gameplan and the playcalling was horrid. The team looks wholly unprepared and I think there may be some questioning of the coaching duties within the ranks as well (no real reason to think this other than the players aren't stupid). The ultimate failure was early in the game on a 3rd and 1. We know the line wasn't successful on getting a push in the past few weeks, but there were 2 attempts to psych the players up and get that yard. Barring that, try to throw the ball (which was usually successful). No. Instead the playcall was a jet sweep with Paris Campbell that the line (predictably) was unable to provide any protection. Loss of 2. Then, to compound matters, we went for it on 4th down in what appeared to be a total reaction to the bad play. "We failed there, but we'll show them by running it down their throat" (with no fight left). Stuffed. Momentum swing. The coaches appeared to be on tilt with the stupidity of the first playcall and the overreaction following. Urban appeared in disbelief when we didn't get it on 4th...but that's been this team the last few weeks. I don't know how some of the brightest minds in coaching seem befuddled at scheming for a 2-6 opponent. It's disturbing to say the least.
Overall: C-
Not great, Bob. Not great. The talent still resides in Columbus in the Scarlet and Gray. We can achieve most of the goals set out at the beginning of the year (sorry, I saw the Bama game and I welcome our new Elephant Overlords and their Commander Satan...er...Saban). To achieve these goals, the mindset and mental aspects of the team/scheme must be improved and they must be improved NOW. Michigan State isn't a great team, but Dantonio has been a thorn in Urban's side. The opponents smell blood in the water. Can the Bucks rally and live up to potential? I sure hope so.
Bonus--Uniforms: BUTT
Stop it. Just stop it. Ohio State doesn't need gimmicks. I don't care if you think they look 'fire emoji'. This is Ohio State. Play for the tradition, play for pride, play for what's come before you and what's coming after. Don't play for stupid looking gimmicky uniforms. Scarlet and Gray are the colors and that's what we should be about. Now...get off my lawn.
Friday, November 02, 2018
Week 10: Black Gout
Standings:
1.) Draper 26-10 (1-8 upset)
2.) Hoying 25-11 (1-8 upset)
3.) Seeberg 21-15 (2-7 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 20-16 (5-4 upset)
To paraphrase a Buckeye legend: road games in October are for pretenders. November is for contenders.
#6 Georgia Bulldogs @ #9 Kentucky Wildcats
Draper: The Kentucky Wildcats in the top 10 again! Congrats to John Calipari on a....wait...this is football? And this is a showdown (potentially) for the SEC East champsionship? Whaaaaaaa????? Mark Stoops has the Wildcats churning as a legit team this year...but they were extremely lucky to take down Mizzou on an untimed down last week. UGA was blasted by LSU, but that was an aberration. I see order being restored in Lexington this week. The Dawgs ascend back to the top of the SEC East. UGA: 27 -- UK: 10
Hoying: Hope you enjoyed last week's appetizer because right here, in Lexington, Kentucky, is the SEC East championship. No, seriously. The winner of this game will have a 1-game lead in the East and tiebreakers over everyone. Is there any reason to believe that the 'Cats aren't going to get run out of their own building? Well, they do have the nation's top scoring defense, never surrendering more than 20 points in a game this season. And they have Westerville's own Benny Snell already closing in on 1,000 yards rushing for the season. But...Florida had a pretty good defense, and they could run the ball a bit, too, and the Dawgs just straight up embarrassed them. Kentucky has had a charmed season to this point, but the dream ends here. UGA: 31--UK: 13
Schweinfurth: Kentucky is having a great season and should make the field this year...of 68 teams that is. Georgia is the better team and are angry. If there is one thing I know it that Dawg H8s everything and everyone. UK barely escaped Mizzou last week. Georgia is on a different level. Good luck. UGA: 35--UK: 14
Seeberg: Can't say I thought I'd ever see the day when an Urban-Meyer-led Ohio State team was looking up in the rankings to Kentucky of all teams. The Wildcats have Urban's national recruiting plan to thank for that, as they continually poach 3-star caliber players from Ohio that might've been scooped up by the Buckeyes in the past. Regardless, a Georgia team that still has an axe to grind after being embarassed by LSU comes calling this week and should put an end to that momentary rankings blip. Any team that barely skates by Missouri has no business hanging with UGA VIII or whatever iteration of bulldog they're on now. Woof woof. UGA: 38--UK: 17
#13 West Virginia Mountaineers @ #17 Texas Longhorns
Draper: Welcome to the Big12 where everything is made up and the points don't matter! Who knows who will be the recipient of a victory when the Big12 Wheel of Destiny spins. Holgo and Will Grier have the Neers rolling, but against whom? The Longhorns were getting routed last week by the Pokes, but rose up to make it a game in a tough road environment. As they return to Darrell K. Royal, I think the coin flips and they get some of that home magic. Ehlinger can match Grier if necessary and the Longhorns have better athletes. It should be a fun game, but the Longhorns emerge. WVU: 27--UT: 38
Hoying: The wheel spins again in the Big 12. First it was Oklahoma's turn to lose, then West Virginia's, then Texas's, and who's on the chopping block next? Well, Oklahoma (see Upset Special below). But one of these teams has to lose as well. The Longhorns showed impressive grit fighting back after getting dominated early by Oklahoma State, something that West Virginia couldn't claim in their embarrassing loss to the Cyclones. Texas has looked like butt in a lot of their games this season, and they're probably still overrated, but this is Texas Tom Herman in a big game against a top opponent. The Horns will bring their A-game this Saturday and do just enough to outperform Will Grier. WVU: 34--UT: 35
Schweinfurth: Remember when everyone thought Texas was back when they beat an Oklahoma team that can't play defense? Yea, that lasted like two weeks. Good try, good effort. Texas is much improved, but so is West Virginia. It's scary when a Big 12 team can play a little defense. Add in Will Grier and that offense and you've got something. I don't think a MENSA membership will save Texas here. WVU: 42--UT: 32
Seeberg: In a year of rampant unpredictability, it's becoming a good assumption that a team that loses poor one week should win the next. Texas Tom is going to put my theory to the test with an excellent WVU offense coming to Austin. I just don't trust the Mountaineers ability to stop...well anyone competent, and any Herman-led offense should be at least that. Go burnt sienna. WVU: 31--UT: 41
#14 Penn State Nittany Lions @ #5 Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Good news: someone will lose. Bad news: someone will win. What to do what to do? I think Michigan is starting to grow a little too big for their britches as the expectations continue to soar in Ann Arbor. The defense is solid as we’ve known, but the offense is so-so. The run game with Higdon is nice, but I’m not sold on Shea Patterson. Penn State will forever be the team that could have been for 2018. McSorley is really good (aside from his punchable face), but outside of that, the talent is somewhat mediocre. With the game in the Big House, there’s really no reason to think a reeling Penn State can take down the Big Bad Wolverines (even if they are listening to all the “rat poison” in the media). Let’s let the Blue get fat on these competitors and hope we can tear it down in Columbus. It’s closer than you might objectively think, but Michigan rolls on. PSU: 17—UM: 24
Schweinfurth: Two teams I love to watch lose. I guess the best part of this game will be watching a team get their playoff hearts ripped out. Unfortunately, I don't think that team will be TUN. Penn State is a on trick pony on offense: Trace McSorely. Add to that the "great" coaching of James Franklin and you have a bona fide loss against an aggressive and very good defense. This game will be closer than the 10 point spread just because Harbooger's offense is still a train wreck. I just wish I could pick both teams to lose. Please just beat the crap out of each other. PSU: 13--UM:17
Seeberg: How the mighty have fallen...and how the formerly mighty have possibly risen. Definitely two teams heading opposite directions at the moment. As previously stated here on Let's Go Bucks, competent quarterback play was literally all Harbaugh needed with that lights-out D to make the maize and blue legitimate conference title and CFP contenders. It's looking more and more like that opening week scare against App State was more indicative of who this Nittany Lion squad is...I just wish this pick wouldn't make Desmond look like he actually knows what he's talking about. After this week, the only thing Penn State students will be able to chant is WE ARE...OUTBACK BOWL BOUND. PSU: 16--UM: 27
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #3 Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Boy, I'm glad these teams got a bye before this epic showdown. Those SEC schedules 'magically' workout. Everyone's talking about this as the game of the year...and they're probably right. This is the toughest regular season match for Alabama this year by a mile, and Death Valley is no joke...but I just don't see it. OSU fans continually beat the drum on the greatness of Joe Burrow, but I don't see it. Yes, he may be the best LSU quarterback of the last 50 years, but the Tigahs aren't really known for top team QB play. He's serviceable...and that won't get it done against the Tide. LSU's defense is very stout as well....but that won't work against Bama either. I'm guessing the crowd keeps Coach O alive in this game for about a half, then the inexorable certainty of Bama will take over. Bama: 31--LSU: 13
Hoying: BAMA BY A MIL---I mean, finally Bamapocalypse has arrived. And no, I don't mean that the Tide is finally playing a team with a pulse, I mean it's Bamapocalypse for LSU, because they'll be praying for pestilence, war, famine, and death by the time this one is over. Yeah, the Tigers can play some defense. Meet my friend Tua-13.6-yards-per-attempt-Tagovailoa. Yeah, Joe Burrow's made a few clutch throws here and there. He also has a 53.8% completion percentage and has been sacked 18 times. The spread is 14, which might be the difference at the end of the first quarter if Nick Saban is being charitable toward his former school. LSU hasn't beaten Alabama since 2011, and that pissed the Tide off so bad that they swindled their way into the BCS Championship that same year so that they could grind LSU into fine powder. That might've been the best team that LSU has ever had, and the 2018 Tide may be the best team Alabama has ever had (and Alabama has a wee bit of history as an elite program). This may be the only ranked (at season's end) team Alabama plays before the SEC Championship. Do you really think there's a chance the Tide can lose this? Really? Bama: 38--LSU: 16
Schweinfurth: LSU has been a great story so far this year. I do enjoy Coach O as one of the great "character" coaches in the game to day. I mean, who doesn't love the big Cajun? Here's the problem: LSU has to be absolutely perfect to win this game. There is no room for error. This Bama team is just sick and may be one of the best college teams we have seen since Linert, Bush, and company rolled in the early 2000s for USC. I get the sentiment that the Tide hasn't played anyone and I totally agree with that. LSU has to out score Bama and I just don't see it happening. Burrow will turn the ball over at least once and I kind of expect Tua to score at will. Bama: 42--LSU: 17
Seeberg: For those unaware, the unofficial slogan of your Let's Go Bucks writers this year is "Bama by a million." I can't remember a season when one team seemed so clearly better than all the other horses in the proverbial race. Maybe 1995 Nebraska that obliterated #2 Florida 62-24 in the Fiesta Bowl? I don't know. Regardless, this year's Alabama is that dominant. It's Secretariat at the Belmont, requiring a hilariously wide camera shot to get any other contenders in the frame. A million might be a slight exaggeration, but if this is competitive by mid-3rd quarter I'll be shocked. LSU put together their one great game when they dismantled UGA, and even that effort might not win the day anyways. Bama by a...lot. Bama: 41--LSU: 20
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #10 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: How will the Buckeyes respond? Let's look at the recent past when OSU was embarrassed by Iowa last year. They returned home and BLASTED #15 MSU 48-3. Will this be different? Probably, but not much. Nebraska has faced adversity all year but has been improving (albeit with a 3rd string QB). OSU has had the Huskers' number of late (by a lot) and no real reason to think that would change. If the offense fixed the red zone woes during the bye week (please?) this should be a rout. No reason Haskins doesn't go for another 400 through the air against a mediocre at best Nebraska D. Get home, get right, on to the next one. Let's hope the worst thing on the field this week are the God-awful black unis. Neb: 27 -- OSU: 52
Hoying: Playing the Huskers at home: good for what ails ya. The Buckeyes have never lost to Nebraska at home, winning the last 3 matchups 62-3, 63-38, and 34-7 (in the Woody Hayes days). This version of Nebraska is even more hapless than usual, as Scott Frost stumbles through year zero of what could, eventually, be a promising turnaround. The Buckeyes have their own problems to fix, of course, but Nebraska isn't a better-than-advertised dangerous opponent waiting to snakebite an unwary adversary. They're just bad. The Buckeyes will give up some points, as per usual, but either a new and improved offense will romp all over the erstwhile Blackshirts, or we might as well clean house midseason and start letting Brutus call the plays. With all their goals still firmly in front of them, now is when we find out how this team intends to finish. Neb: 24--OSU: 48
Schweinfurth: If there is one thing we can count on after an Ohio State loss is a pissed off, wrecking ball of a team. Add to that Nebraska's recent history against the Bucks (exception: the Bauserbomb game) and this game could get really ugly, really fast. I'm counting on that. I do believe this team swept it's issues under the rug because there was a zero in the loss column. Don't get me wrong, all of the issues are not fixed, but with a bye week they should have at least been addressed. Now it's time to get Dobbins and Weber going this week. That emphasis should see about 150 on the ground and less than 400 yards from Haskins. The Huskers will score a couple of times, but I don't expect this to be close after halftime. Neb: 21--OSU: 49
Seeberg: OK gotta get this off my chest. The black jerseys, by themselves, are pretty sweet. The all-black, however, looks mediocre at best, and a black out at high noon is idiotic. Let's not forget, we tried the black out against Penn State before...but passed out red towels to everyone. "How was your day?" "Not bad...fell off the jetway again." Hopefully our marketing/promotions people can hire outside the pool of dumb and dumber in the future. In any event, onto the game. I have minimal faith in our ability to stop a Martinez-led Nebraska offense. Even as we were putting up video game numbers on them in years past (63), they were scoring with relative ease as well (38). I expect this one to be somewhat closer and lower-scoring, but with two angry weeks to prepare it had better not be close for long. And for the love of all things holy can we PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY F---ING PLEASE put Weber and Dobbins in the backfield simultaneously? The decoy quarterback run has not fooled one defensive player/coach in weeks, but that would cause them to lose their collective minds. I'll hope, but won't hold my breath. See you in the 'Shoe. Neb: 24--OSU: 42
Upset Special
Draper: Missouri over Florida
Hoying: Texas Tech over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Northwestern over Notre Dame
Seeberg: Cal over Washington State
1.) Draper 26-10 (1-8 upset)
2.) Hoying 25-11 (1-8 upset)
3.) Seeberg 21-15 (2-7 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 20-16 (5-4 upset)
To paraphrase a Buckeye legend: road games in October are for pretenders. November is for contenders.
#6 Georgia Bulldogs @ #9 Kentucky Wildcats
Draper: The Kentucky Wildcats in the top 10 again! Congrats to John Calipari on a....wait...this is football? And this is a showdown (potentially) for the SEC East champsionship? Whaaaaaaa????? Mark Stoops has the Wildcats churning as a legit team this year...but they were extremely lucky to take down Mizzou on an untimed down last week. UGA was blasted by LSU, but that was an aberration. I see order being restored in Lexington this week. The Dawgs ascend back to the top of the SEC East. UGA: 27 -- UK: 10
Hoying: Hope you enjoyed last week's appetizer because right here, in Lexington, Kentucky, is the SEC East championship. No, seriously. The winner of this game will have a 1-game lead in the East and tiebreakers over everyone. Is there any reason to believe that the 'Cats aren't going to get run out of their own building? Well, they do have the nation's top scoring defense, never surrendering more than 20 points in a game this season. And they have Westerville's own Benny Snell already closing in on 1,000 yards rushing for the season. But...Florida had a pretty good defense, and they could run the ball a bit, too, and the Dawgs just straight up embarrassed them. Kentucky has had a charmed season to this point, but the dream ends here. UGA: 31--UK: 13
Schweinfurth: Kentucky is having a great season and should make the field this year...of 68 teams that is. Georgia is the better team and are angry. If there is one thing I know it that Dawg H8s everything and everyone. UK barely escaped Mizzou last week. Georgia is on a different level. Good luck. UGA: 35--UK: 14
Seeberg: Can't say I thought I'd ever see the day when an Urban-Meyer-led Ohio State team was looking up in the rankings to Kentucky of all teams. The Wildcats have Urban's national recruiting plan to thank for that, as they continually poach 3-star caliber players from Ohio that might've been scooped up by the Buckeyes in the past. Regardless, a Georgia team that still has an axe to grind after being embarassed by LSU comes calling this week and should put an end to that momentary rankings blip. Any team that barely skates by Missouri has no business hanging with UGA VIII or whatever iteration of bulldog they're on now. Woof woof. UGA: 38--UK: 17
#13 West Virginia Mountaineers @ #17 Texas Longhorns
Draper: Welcome to the Big12 where everything is made up and the points don't matter! Who knows who will be the recipient of a victory when the Big12 Wheel of Destiny spins. Holgo and Will Grier have the Neers rolling, but against whom? The Longhorns were getting routed last week by the Pokes, but rose up to make it a game in a tough road environment. As they return to Darrell K. Royal, I think the coin flips and they get some of that home magic. Ehlinger can match Grier if necessary and the Longhorns have better athletes. It should be a fun game, but the Longhorns emerge. WVU: 27--UT: 38
Hoying: The wheel spins again in the Big 12. First it was Oklahoma's turn to lose, then West Virginia's, then Texas's, and who's on the chopping block next? Well, Oklahoma (see Upset Special below). But one of these teams has to lose as well. The Longhorns showed impressive grit fighting back after getting dominated early by Oklahoma State, something that West Virginia couldn't claim in their embarrassing loss to the Cyclones. Texas has looked like butt in a lot of their games this season, and they're probably still overrated, but this is Texas Tom Herman in a big game against a top opponent. The Horns will bring their A-game this Saturday and do just enough to outperform Will Grier. WVU: 34--UT: 35
Schweinfurth: Remember when everyone thought Texas was back when they beat an Oklahoma team that can't play defense? Yea, that lasted like two weeks. Good try, good effort. Texas is much improved, but so is West Virginia. It's scary when a Big 12 team can play a little defense. Add in Will Grier and that offense and you've got something. I don't think a MENSA membership will save Texas here. WVU: 42--UT: 32
Seeberg: In a year of rampant unpredictability, it's becoming a good assumption that a team that loses poor one week should win the next. Texas Tom is going to put my theory to the test with an excellent WVU offense coming to Austin. I just don't trust the Mountaineers ability to stop...well anyone competent, and any Herman-led offense should be at least that. Go burnt sienna. WVU: 31--UT: 41
#14 Penn State Nittany Lions @ #5 Michigan Wolverines
Draper: Good news: someone will lose. Bad news: someone will win. What to do what to do? I think Michigan is starting to grow a little too big for their britches as the expectations continue to soar in Ann Arbor. The defense is solid as we’ve known, but the offense is so-so. The run game with Higdon is nice, but I’m not sold on Shea Patterson. Penn State will forever be the team that could have been for 2018. McSorley is really good (aside from his punchable face), but outside of that, the talent is somewhat mediocre. With the game in the Big House, there’s really no reason to think a reeling Penn State can take down the Big Bad Wolverines (even if they are listening to all the “rat poison” in the media). Let’s let the Blue get fat on these competitors and hope we can tear it down in Columbus. It’s closer than you might objectively think, but Michigan rolls on. PSU: 17—UM: 24
Schweinfurth: Two teams I love to watch lose. I guess the best part of this game will be watching a team get their playoff hearts ripped out. Unfortunately, I don't think that team will be TUN. Penn State is a on trick pony on offense: Trace McSorely. Add to that the "great" coaching of James Franklin and you have a bona fide loss against an aggressive and very good defense. This game will be closer than the 10 point spread just because Harbooger's offense is still a train wreck. I just wish I could pick both teams to lose. Please just beat the crap out of each other. PSU: 13--UM:17
Seeberg: How the mighty have fallen...and how the formerly mighty have possibly risen. Definitely two teams heading opposite directions at the moment. As previously stated here on Let's Go Bucks, competent quarterback play was literally all Harbaugh needed with that lights-out D to make the maize and blue legitimate conference title and CFP contenders. It's looking more and more like that opening week scare against App State was more indicative of who this Nittany Lion squad is...I just wish this pick wouldn't make Desmond look like he actually knows what he's talking about. After this week, the only thing Penn State students will be able to chant is WE ARE...OUTBACK BOWL BOUND. PSU: 16--UM: 27
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #3 Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Boy, I'm glad these teams got a bye before this epic showdown. Those SEC schedules 'magically' workout. Everyone's talking about this as the game of the year...and they're probably right. This is the toughest regular season match for Alabama this year by a mile, and Death Valley is no joke...but I just don't see it. OSU fans continually beat the drum on the greatness of Joe Burrow, but I don't see it. Yes, he may be the best LSU quarterback of the last 50 years, but the Tigahs aren't really known for top team QB play. He's serviceable...and that won't get it done against the Tide. LSU's defense is very stout as well....but that won't work against Bama either. I'm guessing the crowd keeps Coach O alive in this game for about a half, then the inexorable certainty of Bama will take over. Bama: 31--LSU: 13
Hoying: BAMA BY A MIL---I mean, finally Bamapocalypse has arrived. And no, I don't mean that the Tide is finally playing a team with a pulse, I mean it's Bamapocalypse for LSU, because they'll be praying for pestilence, war, famine, and death by the time this one is over. Yeah, the Tigers can play some defense. Meet my friend Tua-13.6-yards-per-attempt-Tagovailoa. Yeah, Joe Burrow's made a few clutch throws here and there. He also has a 53.8% completion percentage and has been sacked 18 times. The spread is 14, which might be the difference at the end of the first quarter if Nick Saban is being charitable toward his former school. LSU hasn't beaten Alabama since 2011, and that pissed the Tide off so bad that they swindled their way into the BCS Championship that same year so that they could grind LSU into fine powder. That might've been the best team that LSU has ever had, and the 2018 Tide may be the best team Alabama has ever had (and Alabama has a wee bit of history as an elite program). This may be the only ranked (at season's end) team Alabama plays before the SEC Championship. Do you really think there's a chance the Tide can lose this? Really? Bama: 38--LSU: 16
Schweinfurth: LSU has been a great story so far this year. I do enjoy Coach O as one of the great "character" coaches in the game to day. I mean, who doesn't love the big Cajun? Here's the problem: LSU has to be absolutely perfect to win this game. There is no room for error. This Bama team is just sick and may be one of the best college teams we have seen since Linert, Bush, and company rolled in the early 2000s for USC. I get the sentiment that the Tide hasn't played anyone and I totally agree with that. LSU has to out score Bama and I just don't see it happening. Burrow will turn the ball over at least once and I kind of expect Tua to score at will. Bama: 42--LSU: 17
Seeberg: For those unaware, the unofficial slogan of your Let's Go Bucks writers this year is "Bama by a million." I can't remember a season when one team seemed so clearly better than all the other horses in the proverbial race. Maybe 1995 Nebraska that obliterated #2 Florida 62-24 in the Fiesta Bowl? I don't know. Regardless, this year's Alabama is that dominant. It's Secretariat at the Belmont, requiring a hilariously wide camera shot to get any other contenders in the frame. A million might be a slight exaggeration, but if this is competitive by mid-3rd quarter I'll be shocked. LSU put together their one great game when they dismantled UGA, and even that effort might not win the day anyways. Bama by a...lot. Bama: 41--LSU: 20
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #10 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: How will the Buckeyes respond? Let's look at the recent past when OSU was embarrassed by Iowa last year. They returned home and BLASTED #15 MSU 48-3. Will this be different? Probably, but not much. Nebraska has faced adversity all year but has been improving (albeit with a 3rd string QB). OSU has had the Huskers' number of late (by a lot) and no real reason to think that would change. If the offense fixed the red zone woes during the bye week (please?) this should be a rout. No reason Haskins doesn't go for another 400 through the air against a mediocre at best Nebraska D. Get home, get right, on to the next one. Let's hope the worst thing on the field this week are the God-awful black unis. Neb: 27 -- OSU: 52
Hoying: Playing the Huskers at home: good for what ails ya. The Buckeyes have never lost to Nebraska at home, winning the last 3 matchups 62-3, 63-38, and 34-7 (in the Woody Hayes days). This version of Nebraska is even more hapless than usual, as Scott Frost stumbles through year zero of what could, eventually, be a promising turnaround. The Buckeyes have their own problems to fix, of course, but Nebraska isn't a better-than-advertised dangerous opponent waiting to snakebite an unwary adversary. They're just bad. The Buckeyes will give up some points, as per usual, but either a new and improved offense will romp all over the erstwhile Blackshirts, or we might as well clean house midseason and start letting Brutus call the plays. With all their goals still firmly in front of them, now is when we find out how this team intends to finish. Neb: 24--OSU: 48
Schweinfurth: If there is one thing we can count on after an Ohio State loss is a pissed off, wrecking ball of a team. Add to that Nebraska's recent history against the Bucks (exception: the Bauserbomb game) and this game could get really ugly, really fast. I'm counting on that. I do believe this team swept it's issues under the rug because there was a zero in the loss column. Don't get me wrong, all of the issues are not fixed, but with a bye week they should have at least been addressed. Now it's time to get Dobbins and Weber going this week. That emphasis should see about 150 on the ground and less than 400 yards from Haskins. The Huskers will score a couple of times, but I don't expect this to be close after halftime. Neb: 21--OSU: 49
Seeberg: OK gotta get this off my chest. The black jerseys, by themselves, are pretty sweet. The all-black, however, looks mediocre at best, and a black out at high noon is idiotic. Let's not forget, we tried the black out against Penn State before...but passed out red towels to everyone. "How was your day?" "Not bad...fell off the jetway again." Hopefully our marketing/promotions people can hire outside the pool of dumb and dumber in the future. In any event, onto the game. I have minimal faith in our ability to stop a Martinez-led Nebraska offense. Even as we were putting up video game numbers on them in years past (63), they were scoring with relative ease as well (38). I expect this one to be somewhat closer and lower-scoring, but with two angry weeks to prepare it had better not be close for long. And for the love of all things holy can we PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY F---ING PLEASE put Weber and Dobbins in the backfield simultaneously? The decoy quarterback run has not fooled one defensive player/coach in weeks, but that would cause them to lose their collective minds. I'll hope, but won't hold my breath. See you in the 'Shoe. Neb: 24--OSU: 42
Upset Special
Draper: Missouri over Florida
Hoying: Texas Tech over Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Northwestern over Notre Dame
Seeberg: Cal over Washington State
Friday, October 26, 2018
Week 9: The Buckeyes Are Off
Standings:
1.) Draper 23-10 (1-7 upset)
1.) Hoying 23-10 (1-7 upset)
3.) Seeberg 20-13 (1-7 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 18-15 (4-4 upset)
Now that the Buckeyes' recent successful run of games has come to an end, they've wisely chosen to pass on playing this week. Accordingly, we understand your interest in this week's games is secondary at best; we'll try to tone down our writing this week to keep any offensive lines to a minimum. Actually you need not read these picks at all. Or even watch football for that matter. Maybe there's a game you'd like to play, or some calling on friends you'd like to do.
#9 Florida Gators vs. #7 Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Sorry everyone, even though the Dawgs took a lickin’ last game, I see a massive resurgence vs. the Gators in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The Gators have been surprisingly....good...this year. I certainly didn’t see that coming, but Georgia arguably has the second best talent in the land and it will show in Jacksonville. The Gators believe they are ‘back’, but Smart and company will end the talks of a return to greatness. UF: 13–UGA:30
Hoying: So continues the Great Kentucky Chase of 2018. Who's keeping pace and who's gearing up to fight for the Bloomin' Onion in the Outback Bowl? Conventional wisdom seems to put the Dawgs on top. Just two weeks ago everyone was salivating to see Bama and Georgia back in the playoff together after clashing at 12-0 apiece in the SEC title game. Unfortunately Georgia has been exposed as the hackfrauds that they are after getting dismantled by LSU in Death Valley. Florida has a semi-competent QB for the first time since Will Grier out of town, and that appears to have been the only piece holding them back from relevance. But are they really good enough to beat Georgia? Turnovers were the key to the Gators taking down LSU, and I don't see Jake Fromm having the kind of day Joe Burrow had in the Swamp a few weeks ago. Dawgs close. UF: 20--UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: It's actually a party this year! It's been a while since this game has meant as much. I am impressed as to how quickly Dan Mullen turned the Gators around. I didn't expect them to turn around this quickly. Which is why I'm going with the Dawgs. Georgia is a flawed team, but everyone with the exception of Bama is flawed. I just don't think Florida is back yet, but they are close. UF: 31--UGA: 35
Seeberg: Wait, the Gators are in the top 10?? Well at least that mistake will be short-lived as they have to visit an angry UGA squad. I wouldn't expect the same lousy output from the offensive side of the ball this weekend. Bulldogs stay in the coveted CFP conversation. UF: 13--UGA: 27
#18 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #17 Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: This game is really, really tough. Iowa has quietly put together a nice little run on the season while Penn State has been pretty mediocre for a so-called “great team”. Losses to MSU and OSU are excusable, but they aren’t taking the next step as expected. Iowa always seems to be the team to win when they are coming from nowhere and no one expects it. While no one expects it here, I think the Lions right the ship. McSorley and company are the better team top to bottom, and I think this is a get right game at home. I expect either a barn burner or a PSU blowout. Iowa: 27–PSU: 28
Hoying: Remember when everyone thought Penn State was good? Why did we think that again? Because they stopped Ohio State from running the ball? Because they blew out Pitt and Illinois? Meanwhile, Iowa is a late collapse against Wisconsin from making their first run at an undefeated regular season since 2015. Their defense is a legitimate threat, and let's not forget that the Hawkeyes were a play away from beating Penn State last season, even with Saquon Barkley. The Lions are coming apart at the seams, and I don't expect this skid to end until their rivalry with Rutgers is renewed in late November. Iowa: 27--PSU: 24
Schweinfurth: I'm not sold on either of these teams. Penn State has relied on the big play to put up points and seems to struggle when forced to drive the field. Iowa is a tight end heavy, defensive team devoid of any real playmakers. Still, Iowa has a tendency to step up at big times and Kirk Ferentz is a much better in game coach than mister "run zone read on fourth and five." Penn State has the fire power to keep it close, but Iowa just grinds the Nittany Kitties into dust. Iowa: 17--PSU: 14
Seeberg: State College has really been Not-So-Happy Valley lately, with the Lions dropping two straight to OSU and MSU before cranking out a super weak win at Indiana. Don't expect their luck to change anytime soon, either. Trace McSor-loser is reeling as of late, and the Hawkeye defense are licking their chops to make him and the suddenly pedestrian PSU offense their next victim. Iowa pulls out the road win. Iowa: 27--PSU: 23
#14 Washington State Cougars @ #24 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Another interesting game that doesn’t reeeeeally matter. I’m going to bite again because I love Mike Leach, even on the Paloose. These are the games that Stanford usually wins because everyone assumes they’re done and they keep winning because they won’t go away. I just can’t quit you Mike Leach. I love the ingenuity and the pass heavy offense. Stanford will try to slow the game down and frustrate the Cougs, but I think they (want them to?) keep rolling here. Stanford finally shows the true colors and their bid for a Pac12 title is essentially gone. WSU: 31–Stan:27
Hoying: Hey, is it 2002? No, it can't be, Ohio State's defense is terrible. But Washington State is still in a conference race well into October, doing their impression of a better version of Ohio State (all passing, no rushing). But they haven't played a team of Purdue's caliber yet. That ends this week, when they meet a Stanford team that is...also all passing and no rushing? Typical West Coast, just being weird for the sake of weird. The Cardinal haven't really done anything but punk Herm Edwards since Bryce Love went down, getting blown out by Notre Dame and Utah. Wazzu usually faceplants in a game like this about this time of year, but Stanford's not good enough to beat them at their own game. WSU: 38--Stan: 24
Schweinfurth: Where did the Cougs come from? Seriously, these guys weren't even considered as a PAC-12 contender to start the year, but here we are. Stanford just hasn't looked right all year and Bryce Love has been less than spectacular. The Cardinal wide outs and tight ends are huge and will give the Cougar defensive back nightmares all game long. The difference is the Mike Leach offense putting up a ton of points. WSU: 42--Stan: 27
Seeberg: Come on, are we actually fooling ourselves into thinking that Washington State is the real deal? Winning with College Gameday in town is one thing, but going on the road to Stanford (and their 100 screaming fans) is a bit taller order. Stanford gets back on track in the Pac-12 North hunt with a big win. WSU: 28--Stan: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Navy over Notre Dame
Hoying: Florida State over Clemson
Schweinfurth: Northwestern over Wisconsin
Seeberg: California over Washington
1.) Draper 23-10 (1-7 upset)
1.) Hoying 23-10 (1-7 upset)
3.) Seeberg 20-13 (1-7 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 18-15 (4-4 upset)
Now that the Buckeyes' recent successful run of games has come to an end, they've wisely chosen to pass on playing this week. Accordingly, we understand your interest in this week's games is secondary at best; we'll try to tone down our writing this week to keep any offensive lines to a minimum. Actually you need not read these picks at all. Or even watch football for that matter. Maybe there's a game you'd like to play, or some calling on friends you'd like to do.
#9 Florida Gators vs. #7 Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Sorry everyone, even though the Dawgs took a lickin’ last game, I see a massive resurgence vs. the Gators in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The Gators have been surprisingly....good...this year. I certainly didn’t see that coming, but Georgia arguably has the second best talent in the land and it will show in Jacksonville. The Gators believe they are ‘back’, but Smart and company will end the talks of a return to greatness. UF: 13–UGA:30
Hoying: So continues the Great Kentucky Chase of 2018. Who's keeping pace and who's gearing up to fight for the Bloomin' Onion in the Outback Bowl? Conventional wisdom seems to put the Dawgs on top. Just two weeks ago everyone was salivating to see Bama and Georgia back in the playoff together after clashing at 12-0 apiece in the SEC title game. Unfortunately Georgia has been exposed as the hackfrauds that they are after getting dismantled by LSU in Death Valley. Florida has a semi-competent QB for the first time since Will Grier out of town, and that appears to have been the only piece holding them back from relevance. But are they really good enough to beat Georgia? Turnovers were the key to the Gators taking down LSU, and I don't see Jake Fromm having the kind of day Joe Burrow had in the Swamp a few weeks ago. Dawgs close. UF: 20--UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: It's actually a party this year! It's been a while since this game has meant as much. I am impressed as to how quickly Dan Mullen turned the Gators around. I didn't expect them to turn around this quickly. Which is why I'm going with the Dawgs. Georgia is a flawed team, but everyone with the exception of Bama is flawed. I just don't think Florida is back yet, but they are close. UF: 31--UGA: 35
Seeberg: Wait, the Gators are in the top 10?? Well at least that mistake will be short-lived as they have to visit an angry UGA squad. I wouldn't expect the same lousy output from the offensive side of the ball this weekend. Bulldogs stay in the coveted CFP conversation. UF: 13--UGA: 27
#18 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #17 Penn State Nittany Lions
Draper: This game is really, really tough. Iowa has quietly put together a nice little run on the season while Penn State has been pretty mediocre for a so-called “great team”. Losses to MSU and OSU are excusable, but they aren’t taking the next step as expected. Iowa always seems to be the team to win when they are coming from nowhere and no one expects it. While no one expects it here, I think the Lions right the ship. McSorley and company are the better team top to bottom, and I think this is a get right game at home. I expect either a barn burner or a PSU blowout. Iowa: 27–PSU: 28
Hoying: Remember when everyone thought Penn State was good? Why did we think that again? Because they stopped Ohio State from running the ball? Because they blew out Pitt and Illinois? Meanwhile, Iowa is a late collapse against Wisconsin from making their first run at an undefeated regular season since 2015. Their defense is a legitimate threat, and let's not forget that the Hawkeyes were a play away from beating Penn State last season, even with Saquon Barkley. The Lions are coming apart at the seams, and I don't expect this skid to end until their rivalry with Rutgers is renewed in late November. Iowa: 27--PSU: 24
Schweinfurth: I'm not sold on either of these teams. Penn State has relied on the big play to put up points and seems to struggle when forced to drive the field. Iowa is a tight end heavy, defensive team devoid of any real playmakers. Still, Iowa has a tendency to step up at big times and Kirk Ferentz is a much better in game coach than mister "run zone read on fourth and five." Penn State has the fire power to keep it close, but Iowa just grinds the Nittany Kitties into dust. Iowa: 17--PSU: 14
Seeberg: State College has really been Not-So-Happy Valley lately, with the Lions dropping two straight to OSU and MSU before cranking out a super weak win at Indiana. Don't expect their luck to change anytime soon, either. Trace McSor-loser is reeling as of late, and the Hawkeye defense are licking their chops to make him and the suddenly pedestrian PSU offense their next victim. Iowa pulls out the road win. Iowa: 27--PSU: 23
#14 Washington State Cougars @ #24 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: Another interesting game that doesn’t reeeeeally matter. I’m going to bite again because I love Mike Leach, even on the Paloose. These are the games that Stanford usually wins because everyone assumes they’re done and they keep winning because they won’t go away. I just can’t quit you Mike Leach. I love the ingenuity and the pass heavy offense. Stanford will try to slow the game down and frustrate the Cougs, but I think they (want them to?) keep rolling here. Stanford finally shows the true colors and their bid for a Pac12 title is essentially gone. WSU: 31–Stan:27
Hoying: Hey, is it 2002? No, it can't be, Ohio State's defense is terrible. But Washington State is still in a conference race well into October, doing their impression of a better version of Ohio State (all passing, no rushing). But they haven't played a team of Purdue's caliber yet. That ends this week, when they meet a Stanford team that is...also all passing and no rushing? Typical West Coast, just being weird for the sake of weird. The Cardinal haven't really done anything but punk Herm Edwards since Bryce Love went down, getting blown out by Notre Dame and Utah. Wazzu usually faceplants in a game like this about this time of year, but Stanford's not good enough to beat them at their own game. WSU: 38--Stan: 24
Schweinfurth: Where did the Cougs come from? Seriously, these guys weren't even considered as a PAC-12 contender to start the year, but here we are. Stanford just hasn't looked right all year and Bryce Love has been less than spectacular. The Cardinal wide outs and tight ends are huge and will give the Cougar defensive back nightmares all game long. The difference is the Mike Leach offense putting up a ton of points. WSU: 42--Stan: 27
Seeberg: Come on, are we actually fooling ourselves into thinking that Washington State is the real deal? Winning with College Gameday in town is one thing, but going on the road to Stanford (and their 100 screaming fans) is a bit taller order. Stanford gets back on track in the Pac-12 North hunt with a big win. WSU: 28--Stan: 34
Upset Special
Draper: Navy over Notre Dame
Hoying: Florida State over Clemson
Schweinfurth: Northwestern over Wisconsin
Seeberg: California over Washington
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Grading the Bucks: Week 8--Purdue
Well, that sucked. There's very little positive to talk about here so let's go.
Offense: F
This gameplan (see the coaching section) is simply baffling. We have (arguably) the most talented passer in the history of Ohio State...and we continue to throw weird screens and inexplicably run QB draws. Honestly, we have plus athletes at QB, RB, and WR....but the offensive line downgrades everyone. This is one of the worst offensive lines I've seen at OSU. We hear the mantra of building inside out, and boy does that ring true here. Haskins has been able to work through it...somewhat...but his numbers would put Tu'a to shame if he had that Bama line. The running backs are supremely talented but they can't get through with no protection. Also, their will seems to have diminished when they know help isn't coming shown by the lack of broken tackles lately. Putting up 6 meaningful points against Purdue....that can't happen. The redzone offense is a dumpster fire and something needs to change. When the O-line of OSU can't push PURDUE back for 1 freaking yard, there is a major issue.
Defense: D+
Defense, while bad, wasn't the reason for the loss. They played well against a pretty strong Purdue offense until the 4th. Honestly, I was going to give them a B until they threw in the towel and quit in the 4th quarter (when the game was honestly still in reach...barely). The D-line is the plus unit here, but offenses nullify the pass rush with the west cost dink and dunk. There's enough tape out there for teams to exploit this weakness. The secondary was OK, but not good by any stretch. Also, discipline (in every phase--see coaching) is a MAJOR problem.
Special Teams: F
Haubeil missed a kick which, while it sucked, wasn't the driving problem. A running into the punter AND a later roughing the punter penalty is inexcusable. I honestly don't understand this mentality on punts. A more conservative approach is needed. The gain of the block punt (low probability) is completely overshadowed (with this team) by the negative of a penalty (reasonably high probability).
Coaching: BUTT
This team wasn't ready. They weren't set up for success and that's on the coaches. They're undisciplined and show no signs of want to improve. That's on the coaches. 2 drives were directly extended due to idiotic penalties (roughing passer & punter). 2 drives were directly ruined by stupid penalties (false starts on 3rd and short--Prince). Talk about major swings in momentum. The roughing the passer killed all thought of a comeback and the false starts put the team in a hole on good drives. How can a team like OSU not gain a yard with the athletes in scarlet and gray? Ridiculous. How can we see a major upgrade in passing ability/efficiency and squander it to no end? By the way, I also said last year that JT wasn't prepared to match his skill set. Somehow the coaches were handed a ferrari and still can't figure it out with Haskins. Now, it's odd to complain here when Haskins has 3 of the top 4 passing yardage games in OSU history, but this is a combination of a changing game, playing from behind (what?), and simply his supreme ability. Haskins is the most talented passer I've seen at OSU and while he's breaking records, I still think he's criminally underutilized. Ryan Day was scheming for Haskins skillset. It appears that Urban is trying to make Haskins fit his spread scheme, and it's not the right fit.
Overall: F-
For some reason, OSU likes to go big when they fall. This is a faceplant of epic proportions only rivaled by last year's Iowa game (emerging pattern?). The good news: they usually rebound with a vengeance. I do think that Urban is going to take a long hard look at his future in the mirror and decide what path to take. Note: I do not advocate firing (arguably) the most successful coach in OSU history, but I think he's kicking around the idea of retirement again with all the 'stuff' swirling from the offseason, the red flags from the past few years, and simply the fact that coaching takes an enormous toll. Once again, I do NOT advocate releasing Urban as the Buckeyes track record over his tenure is easily in the top 3 in the country. Obviously, Bama is 1 and Clemson/OSU are 2/3, but for fans to get their pitchforks out, is just ridiculous. When you say there is one school you'd definitely trade with and no one else, you can't be super upset. Hopefully, this was a bump in the road. No one wants to say it so I guess I will. Win out (tall order with this team) and you're still in the playoff. And then....Bama by a million (copyright Steven Hoying).
Offense: F
This gameplan (see the coaching section) is simply baffling. We have (arguably) the most talented passer in the history of Ohio State...and we continue to throw weird screens and inexplicably run QB draws. Honestly, we have plus athletes at QB, RB, and WR....but the offensive line downgrades everyone. This is one of the worst offensive lines I've seen at OSU. We hear the mantra of building inside out, and boy does that ring true here. Haskins has been able to work through it...somewhat...but his numbers would put Tu'a to shame if he had that Bama line. The running backs are supremely talented but they can't get through with no protection. Also, their will seems to have diminished when they know help isn't coming shown by the lack of broken tackles lately. Putting up 6 meaningful points against Purdue....that can't happen. The redzone offense is a dumpster fire and something needs to change. When the O-line of OSU can't push PURDUE back for 1 freaking yard, there is a major issue.
Defense: D+
Defense, while bad, wasn't the reason for the loss. They played well against a pretty strong Purdue offense until the 4th. Honestly, I was going to give them a B until they threw in the towel and quit in the 4th quarter (when the game was honestly still in reach...barely). The D-line is the plus unit here, but offenses nullify the pass rush with the west cost dink and dunk. There's enough tape out there for teams to exploit this weakness. The secondary was OK, but not good by any stretch. Also, discipline (in every phase--see coaching) is a MAJOR problem.
Special Teams: F
Haubeil missed a kick which, while it sucked, wasn't the driving problem. A running into the punter AND a later roughing the punter penalty is inexcusable. I honestly don't understand this mentality on punts. A more conservative approach is needed. The gain of the block punt (low probability) is completely overshadowed (with this team) by the negative of a penalty (reasonably high probability).
Coaching: BUTT
This team wasn't ready. They weren't set up for success and that's on the coaches. They're undisciplined and show no signs of want to improve. That's on the coaches. 2 drives were directly extended due to idiotic penalties (roughing passer & punter). 2 drives were directly ruined by stupid penalties (false starts on 3rd and short--Prince). Talk about major swings in momentum. The roughing the passer killed all thought of a comeback and the false starts put the team in a hole on good drives. How can a team like OSU not gain a yard with the athletes in scarlet and gray? Ridiculous. How can we see a major upgrade in passing ability/efficiency and squander it to no end? By the way, I also said last year that JT wasn't prepared to match his skill set. Somehow the coaches were handed a ferrari and still can't figure it out with Haskins. Now, it's odd to complain here when Haskins has 3 of the top 4 passing yardage games in OSU history, but this is a combination of a changing game, playing from behind (what?), and simply his supreme ability. Haskins is the most talented passer I've seen at OSU and while he's breaking records, I still think he's criminally underutilized. Ryan Day was scheming for Haskins skillset. It appears that Urban is trying to make Haskins fit his spread scheme, and it's not the right fit.
Overall: F-
For some reason, OSU likes to go big when they fall. This is a faceplant of epic proportions only rivaled by last year's Iowa game (emerging pattern?). The good news: they usually rebound with a vengeance. I do think that Urban is going to take a long hard look at his future in the mirror and decide what path to take. Note: I do not advocate firing (arguably) the most successful coach in OSU history, but I think he's kicking around the idea of retirement again with all the 'stuff' swirling from the offseason, the red flags from the past few years, and simply the fact that coaching takes an enormous toll. Once again, I do NOT advocate releasing Urban as the Buckeyes track record over his tenure is easily in the top 3 in the country. Obviously, Bama is 1 and Clemson/OSU are 2/3, but for fans to get their pitchforks out, is just ridiculous. When you say there is one school you'd definitely trade with and no one else, you can't be super upset. Hopefully, this was a bump in the road. No one wants to say it so I guess I will. Win out (tall order with this team) and you're still in the playoff. And then....Bama by a million (copyright Steven Hoying).
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