Week 2 of Gomer & Chiefs Picks

After a surprisingly interesting week one everyone has a weekend to catch their breath with mostly vanilla match-ups across the country. Last weeks records: Gomer (5-7) Chief (6-6)

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Gomer: If the Bulldogs had not relinquished their number one raking this past week I’d expect Central Michigan to have a decent chance at an upset. CMU QB Dan LeFevour has the experience and talent necessary to navigate the UGA Defense, but the CMU Defense (remember they’re in the MAC so calling it a Defense might be a stretch) has almost no hope of stopping the efficient Stafford and the powerful Moreno. I expect this to be at least somewhat interesting for a bit. CMU: 28 – UGA: 52
Chief: Central Michigan was one of the standout midmajors that no one paid attention to. Yes, they lost on a last second field goal to Purdue in the Motor City Bowl, but this is a team that almost never even sniffed the postseason let alone almost beat a Big 10 opponent. On the other side, the Bulldogs are suffering from myriad injuries that seem to get more prevalent every week. QB Dan LeFevour should make this a game—for a half—then the angry Dawgs that were disrespected in the poll this week will take care of business between the hedges. CMU: 20—UGA: 44


West Virginia Mountaineers vs. East Carolina Pirates
Gomer: As nice as it would be to see the Mountaineers go down to up-and-comer ECU I think that Virginia Tech was more than ripe for the picking in week one. WVU’s attack will be unstoppable by most defenses, which is why they should easily win the Big East this year. Noel Devine and Pat White will not have a problem getting around the Pirate defense that easily shutdown the inept VT “attack”.
WVU: 38 – ECU: 17
Chief: The Mountaineers got off to a rocket like start with Pat White shooting to the top of most Heisman lists by *gasp* throwing for 5 touchdowns. The bad news for the Neers, it was against Villanova. ECU stunned the nation with the first big upset of the 2008 season by out-Beamering Beamer with a block punt to seal the win over the Hokies. This ECU team could be something special, but I just don’t think they have enough to beat WVU. I do however think that this will be the best game of the day. I wouldn’t be surprised with a Pirate win, but I think a last second FG lets Morgantown give a HUGE sigh of relief. WVU: 28—ECU: 27


Minnesota Gophers vs. Bowling Green Falcons
Gomer: As many writers have mentioned, people are still baffled by the Tim Brewster hire last year at Minnesota. The offense looks even better than last season, but the defense is still atrocious. When you are still playing your starters in the 4th quarter against NIU, there seems to be a problem. BGSU is coming off of a nice upset of Pitt on their home field. BGSU could be set for a let down, but I think they are just better. Sheehan will lead the offense up and down the field, and Briggs will help bring some serious pressure on Gopher QB Adam Weber.
Minn: 28 – BGSU: 34
Chief: The Gophers, having matched last year’s win total (1) already look to make it 2 in a row against the Falcons. Last year’s 3OT thriller was great, but BG showed it has a little something after upsetting Pitt on the road. I’ll be honest, Pitt was overrated, but it’s amazing that BG could steal one on the road. Minn is so very much improved this year, but I don’t think it will be enough. Minn: 23—BG: 30
Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Gators
Gomer: The Gators looked impressive in their opener vs. HAWAII… most teams would look impressive in this game considering the Warriors are a shell of their previous selves. Miami has a young QB named Robert Marve who actually broke all the high school records that Tim Tebow set while he was a young QB in Florida. Randy Shannon’s young Canes will slow down the Florida attack, but the Gators are too talented and too experienced to be held back for long. Look for the ‘Canes to be the thorn in a few teams side this season.
Miami: 17 – UF: 31
Chief: The Gators haven’t beaten the Hurricanes since 1985 and many think this is the year to do it. I don’t know about 21 point favorites (I think Miami has improved somewhat), but I can’t argue that UF is clearly better. Miami will have to look elsewhere for a breakout game. Tim Tebow should be able to ‘wow’ the nation with another 9-15 performance against a subpar opponent. UM: 17—UF: 31

Ohio University Bobcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Gomer: Ohio U, how now one really cares about you, you behave like a jealous step-child and do nothing but complain about OSU. Your band may be exciting but no coach, especially not The Great One(s) have ever call you TBDBITL let alone the State. But we certainly cannot forget that we are State and you are Ohio…. (watch the video below to get that one).
OU: 6 – OSU: 44
Chief: Another Week another weak opponent. I hate the way teams schedule all these patsies. I can see 1 as a tune-up, but come on. OU is actually worse than YSU in the Sagarin rankings. With that said, the Buckeyes are without Heisman hopeful Beanie Wells--too bad it doesn’t matter. The only hope for the hapless Bobcats are to catch the Buckeyes looking ahead….not gonna happen with Beanie sidelined. This team needs to show the nation that it can still contend without number 28 toting the rock. Let’s not forget that the Bucks defense put up a gooseegg on the Penguins (not to mention allowing -11 rushing yards and less than 80 total yards) and someone once said ‘defense win’s championships’. While the talk surrounds Beanie and Pryor, Boeckman and the defense will continue running this team from behind the scenes. OU: 6—OSU: 41

Other Games:
Georgia Tech @ Boston College
, Gomer: BC Chief: BC
Miami (OH)@ Michigan
, Gomer: Michigan Chief: Michigan
Cincinnati @ Oklahoma
, Gomer: Oklahoma Chief: OU
Oregon State @ PSU
, Gomer: PSU Chief: PSU
Ole Miss @ Wake Forest, Gomer: Wake Chief: Wake
Texas A&M @ New Mexico
, Gomer: UNM Chief: UNM
USF @ UCF, Gomer: USF Chief: USF

Northwestern @ Duke, Gomer: NU Chief: NU

Thoughts and Musings from Chief:

Good for you USC, you ran it up on a pathetic ACC team that YSU would have fought valiantly. In the words of Denny Green, “If you’re gonna crown ‘em, crown their a**es’. This shows how much pull the media has. ESPN has already started the ‘is USC the greatest team of all time’ schpiel. It’s pathetic. USC looked great, but let’s be honest, so did OSU, OU, and even Stanford for that matter. Wait until any of these teams plays a real game before you determine their worth. Preseason rankings are nothing more than (un)educated guesses. Now, all of a sudden, UCLA is a ranked team?! Why? Because they won one of the ugliest games of the weekend over a Tennessee team that looked hapless? Clemson #9? Swing and a miss. Tennessee #18? Can you say, ranking based on history/conference? Hey, I’m guilty too, but taking preseason rankings as law, is just ignorant. Clemson looked like a contender in the offseason and now looked like an FCS team. Before we elevate Bama to the top 15 (fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, I’ll put Bama in the top 10?!), can we wait to understand the quality of Clemson?
With that said, I will go back and say that I gained a ton of respect for one Rick Neuheisel this weekend. Everyone commented on the transition of 4 int Kraft to Heisman finalist Kraft in the second half, but honestly, Neuheisel had no one else to play QB. He couldn’t pull him unless Rick suited up in the locker room. Come to think of it, did they show Kraft and Neuheisel in the same screen in the 2nd half?) The play of the game in my mind wasn’t on the field at all. It was the coaching by Neuheisel when UT made the FG to send the game into OT. Most coaches would look businesslike at their play-cards and hope to find the solution to lead a mediocre team over a perennial top 15 finisher. Not Neuheisel. As ball went through the uprights, he started pumping his fist in the air in excitement as if to say, ‘Great! Now we get to play more football!’ This rubbed off on his team as they played OT with great energy and enthusiasm. He showed me that he can coach the heart of a team which is the most important quality of a head coach. Sorry, but I don’t think the monopoly is over yet, but you made me a believer that with coaching like that, it could be in time. Good for you Neuheisel.

Living for the Weekend...

Perfect time for a long weekend followed by a short week. I certainly hope you stayed up to see UCLA's thrilling victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. I'm waiting for the excuses to come flying as to how an SEC team lost to a mid-level Pac 10 team starting its third string QB.

Speaking of said 3rd string QB; I cannot say enough about Bruin QB Kevin Craft, he started off very well 4/6 only to then throw 4 INTs in the remainder of the 1st half, including a Pick-6 to end the half. It looked like the Vols had finally seized momentum heading into halftime with a 14-7 lead, but the fact that the lead wasn't bigger with 4 huge turnovers benefitting them, I had a hunch that Neuheisel's Bruins would make things interesting, and interesting they did make it. UCLA cut into the Vol lead immediately with a 43 yd FG and in last half of the final quarter took the lead 17-14. Tennessee was then able to drive down and retake the lead 21-17 forcing Craft to start a drive with under 2 minutes remaining. He lead the Bruins to retake the lead with only 27 seconds remaining. The Rose Bowl erupted, it was awesome, everything college football should be, to add even more intrigue the Vols were able to drive down, and tie the game at 24 a piece to send it to overtime! The Vols won the toss and deferred, forcing UCLA to play offense first, when they managed only 3 points I'll admit my certainty of a Bruin victory started to fade dramatically. UCLA's defense made an amazing stand forcing the Vols to take the 3 points and go to double OT.... "Not so fast my friend" Tennessee Kicker Daniel Lincoln missed his 3rd kick of the night giving the game to the Bruins.

There certainly is a disappointing slate of games for this upcoming weekend:

Ohio University @ OSU
Georgia Tech @ Boston College
Miami (OH)@ Michigan
Central Michigan University @ Georgia
Cincy @ Oklahoma
Oregon State @ PSU
Ole Miss @ Wake Forest
WVU @ East Carolina
Texas A&M @ New Mexico
USF @ UCF
Northwestern @ Duke
Minnesota @ BG
Miami @ Florida

There isn't a single match-up of ranked teams which is disappointing but week 1 and week 3 will help make up for it.... Predictions to come later this week

Usually this only happens in practice...

OU Bobcats = Joke

My Oh My...

A slew of surprises on opening day, lets get started.

Utah was able to hold on and beat Michigan 25-23 in the Big House. Watching the Wolverines run the spread was surreal to say the least. Utah definitely shot themselves in the foot with 15 penalties for 137 yards, without these penalties this game might not have been close. And honestly 90% of analysts correctly picked the Utes to "upset" Rodriguez led Michigan in their home opener.
On offense Michigan struggled to run the ball only gaining 36 yards of 25 attempts, while they utilized both QB's, Threet and Sheridan. Sheridan didn't look bad he just didn't look good and turned the ball over. Threet was similar and missed wide open receivers. I think it's easy to blame the QB's, both of whom never had taken a collegiate snap until yesterday.
On defense they were less than impressive in the first half giving up nearly 300 yards but were able to shut down the Utah attack after halftime. Some say that the Utes "went conservative" but I can't agree. Utah was only up 24-10 at the half, I don't know anyone who coaches a spread offense team that would start playing conservative with only a 2TD lead, on the road.

Michigan State gave up a late 80 yard rush to allow Cal to seal the deal against the Spartans. Unfortunately I was unable to view this game, my local ABC showed Bama vs. Clemson. I know from reading the line score that MSU gave up too many points to keep up. From the beginning they were playing catch up and Dantonio had to let Hoyer throw the ball far too much (20/48 for 321 yds). For a team I had zero expectations from I found it impressive that Cal put up so many points against the MSU defense.

Illinois special teams gave up two returns for TDs to allow Missouri to pull away with a win. One thing is for certain, Juice Williams is an even better passer than what the Buckeyes saw scortch them for 4 scores last season (26/42 for 451 yds, 5 tds, 2 ints). Already that is a vast improvement on his past two seasons where he has typically thrown a pick for every touchdown, but hey, the season is young. RB Dufrene is good (avg. 5.8yds per carry), but the Mizzou defense seemed willing to shutdown the run and force Juice to pass on them. And yeah, the Illini receivers are good 3 different guys at or near 100 yards (Judson, Duvalt, and Benn). The defense was more questionable than expected, but a lot of it was due to poor tackling. I can't begin to count how many attempted arm tackles I witnessed during last nights game, wow.

Opening Weekend Picks with Gomer and Chief

Utah Utes vs. Michigan Wolverines
Gomer: Only an interesting game because of the possibility Michigan could lose its home opener under new head coach Rich Rodriguez. Michigan is favored, not by much, but honestly there are far fewer question marks for the Utes than the Wolves. I think Michigan’s defense will be the story, they struggled against the spread early last season, but expect them to almost shut down the spread Saturday. Utah 13 – Michigan 24
Chief: I’d love to pull the trigger here, but it’s too much of a sexy pick. Let’s face it, DickRod up at UM inherited a mess (some of which was caused by him). Utah has upset on their minds, but it’s still UM. Expect the Utes to jump out to an early lead and while everyone is clamoring the ‘I told you so’s, the Wolverines will claw their way back. It would be hilarious if it happened, but I think Michigan’s warning signs are up after the debacle vs. App State last year. I will say this, if UM goes down, Rodriguez’s will be on the hot seat right away—not from the administration, but from the fans setting fire to his house. Utah: 13—UM: 20

Michigan State Spartans vs. California Bears
Gomer: I don’t see how an average Pac 10 team can hang with the 2008 Spartan squad. MSU has probably the most balanced attack in the Big Ten (behind OSU) with Brandon Hoyer and Javon Ringer in the backfield, and an experienced Mark Dantonio defense (see OSU 2002). MSU will take some hits but won’t back down eventually wearing down Cal and winning the game. MSU 27 – Cal 14
Chief: Another very interesting non-conference matchup that is going under the radar. Coach Dantonio leads the Spartans into Berkeley looking to keep the MSU streak of starting strong alive. This Michigan State team has the weapons, led by RB Javon Ringer to take this one. The Spartans lost some key defenders last year, but Cal has bench last year’s starting QB in favor of the guy who got sacked with 5 seconds to go. Tedford needs to work his magic to maintain, while Dantonio’s boys are on the upswing. If MSU wins, you won’t hear a thing, if Cal wins, the Big 10 bashers will be everywhere. MSU: 24—Cal: 16

Illinois Illini vs. Missouri Tigers
Gomer: Life without Rashard Mendenhall… we’ll see how this goes. I think that while the Illini may struggle to win this game they will eventually gel with Daniel Dufrene running the ball and Juice slinging it to Arrelious Benn. The game could get interesting if Missouri returns to the average team they really are and turns the ball over a couple times. Chase Daniel is a hot pick to win the Heisman but I really don’t see what so many others supposedly do. Ill 35 – Mizzou 37
Chief: Let’s see. What is being touted as the biggest game of the early season matches up two overachievers from last year. Illinois stunned the world with the upset of the Bucks and Missouri actually was ranked number 1 for a week…yeah, let that sink in. This year is quite different. Missouri has Chase Daniel, touted as a Heisman hopeful, who isn’t even the best player on the team (Jeremy Maclin). Illinois has the Juice, but without the steady pounding of Mendenhall, Juice has to deal with being the full focal point on offense. Arrelius Benn (WR) for Illinois will show flashes, but this Illini team is in big trouble after the loss of Rashard Mendenhall. I don’t think Mizzou is anything to call home about, but they outmatch the Illini here. Ill: 17—Mizzou: 27

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Texas Longhorns
Gomer: Rusty Smith is the only way FAU has a chance of winning this game. Texas has a very questionable secondary which would allow the Owls offense to score fairly easily but unfortunately for them, Colt McCoy is looking to rebound after a bit of a slump and will spread the ball around like it’s his job… well it is. FAU 28 – UT 56
Chief: Howard Schnellenberger has turned the corner for the Owls. A team that was a complete afterthought after entering the league with perennial punching bag (or punch deliverer after the Miami game) FIU can now be crowned a bowl winner. Unfortunately, competing in the Sun Belt is quite different from hanging with the Longhorns. Without Jamaal Charles in the burnt orange, Colt McCoy is going to have to emerge from his sophomore slump to lead the Horns with Quan Cosby instead of Limas Sweed catching the rock. FAU will hang around early, but it doesn’t have the firepower to fight the big boys in the big conferences. Kudos for scheduling the Horns, but the Owls need a few more athletes to get the W. FAU: 17—UT: 45

Clemson Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Gomer: Chief and I agree that having Nick Saban as your head coach doesn’t automatically make you BCS Title bound. The Bama fans seem to be extremely delusional after just one good (yet dirty) recruiting season. Clemson is absolutely loaded with the likes of Spiller and Davis running the ball and Harper slinging it around the field. The Tigers should be thinking National Title or bust this year, but I know they’d be happy with an ACC championship (Bowden’s first). Bama 17 – Clem 42
Chief: This one is easy in my mind. This may break the record of the least teeth per fan in any college game in history. Clemson has the weapons for this to be a no-brainer pick as well. James Davis and C.J. Spiller as a tandem in the backfield should make mincemeat out of the Tide while QB Cullen Harper emerges as a solid game manager. Just because Bama’s QB has more names (John Parker Wilson) than the opposition, doesn’t mean he’s any good. The freshman Julio Jones should be fun to watch, but it should matter. I expect another year in Tuscaloosa in which each victory costs about $1 million to afford Nick Saban as the coach. Progress?…maybe. Acceptable progress for Bama?...I don’t see it. Tommy Bowden will find a way to make this interesting, but the Tigers are simply better. Bama: 17—CU: 33

YSU Penguins vs. OSU Buckeyes
Gomer: The Bucks aren’t about to pull a Michigan and lose to a I-AA school. Beanie wells will get his carries, at least 100 yards before he gets to rest; Boeckman will try a throw some nice passes to the old and new weapons (Robiskie/Hartline/Small + Sanzenbacher/Posey/Torrence/Washington). The question I’ve heard most is “How much will Pryor play?” I’m thinking at least 20 snaps, I’m not expecting to see anything that he could be used for in the USC game, but there will be mostly passes and a few runs. Bucks roll: YSU 7 – Bucks 52
Chief: The Bucks kick off another run for the championship against lowly Youngstown State. Don’t get me wrong, YSU will most likely compete for the FCS title this year…but they won’t be facing anyone near the caliber of the Buckeyes in the old 1AA. Expect the Bucks to jump out to an early lead and just as quickly take their foot off the gas as the starters are pulled (Tressel won’t purposefully embarrass his old team). Pryor will break off a huge crazy TD run and the fans will start clamoring for a changing of the guard, but the coaches will smile and nod at their ignorance as Boeckman maintains a firm grip on the offensive leadership role. ‘Beanie’ starts the Heisman run out right with 120 yds. and 2 TDs in under 3 quarters of action. YSU: 3—OSU: 41

Other Games:
Syracuse vs. Northwestern, Gomer: Northwestern Chief: Northwestern
Southern Cal vs. Virginia, Gomer: USC Chief: USC
Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina, Gomer: VT Chief: VT
Kentucky vs. Louisville, Gomer: L'ville Chief: L'ville
Fresno State vs. Rutgers, Gomer: Rutgers Chief: Fresno
Tennessee vs. UCLA, Gomer: UT Chief: UT

Conference Preview.... Atlantic Coast Conference

ACC Projected Standings:

Atlantic Division

1. Clemson

2. Boston College

3. Florida State

4. Maryland

5. North Carolina State

6. Wake Forest

Coastal Division

1. Virginia Tech

2. Miami

3. Georgia Tech

4. Virginia

5. North Carolina

6. Duke

ACC Title Game: Virginia Tech vs. Clemson

ACC Champion: Clemson

5 Biggest Non Conference Games:

September 27, Virginia Tech @ Nebraska

August 30, Alabama vs. Clemson

November 29, South Carolina @ Clemson

November 29, Florida @ Florida State

September 20, Miami @ Texas A&M

5 Biggest Conference Games:

October 18, Virginia Tech @ Boston College

November 8, Clemson @ Florida State

November 13, Virginia Tech @ Miami

October 4, Florida State @ Miami

October 18, Georgia Tech @ Clemson

Potential Upsets:

Georgia Tech over Clemson, Florida State over Clemson, Florida State over Florida, Wake Forest over Florida State, Georgia Tech over Virginia Tech, North Carolina over Notre Dame

Summary:

There isn’t too much to say about the ACC other than if Tommy Bowden’s Clemson club does not win the conference, he should be fired. The Tigers are loaded with CJ Spiller, James Davis, and Cullen Harper to name a few. Their line is somewhat depleted, so an upset could happen early in the season.

Some very intriguing non-conference match-ups this year. I for one wouldn’t miss VT @ Nebraska and of course the rivalry match-ups of South Carolina-Clemson and FSU-Florida.

The Coastal division is somewhat of a toss-up with VT, Miami and Georgia Tech all having a chance to win it. I had a hard time picking Miami to win anything this year after they were a severe disappointment to me and their fans last season, this should be a year with significant improvement for a very young team. The Atlantic division is Clemson’s to lose with the significant departure of talent from the ACC as a whole.