Commentary: In the real world, they say only two things are certain: Death and Taxes. In the college football world we can add a few things. Notre Dame over Navy. Georgia Tech loses in Charlottesville, VA. Florida over Georgia in Jacksonville. And Clemson will lose one game they had no business losing every year. I'm sure we could come up with others, but these are relevant this week, well most of them.
During Richt's tenure as head coach he has a 2-8 record against the Gators. Georgia has had way too much talent on the field for that record.
2001: This one was excusable. Florida was good, UGA was rebuilding. It was still a fairly close game. Florida won it.
2002: This one was completely inexcusable. Florida sucked that year (8-5 finish) and UGA finished 13-1. This was the one. UGA *should* have won this one.
2003: This was one a pretty even game overall. Florida won late on a field goal. UGA finished with a better record, but all of Florida's five losses were to teams that finished with ten or more wins! UGA *could* have won this one though.
2004: UGA did win this one. Florida gifted them this one by announcing that head coach Ron Zook would not be retained for the next season during the week before this game. It was still close!
2005: Florida won a low-scoring contest against the eventual SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs. UGA was without starting QB DJ Shockley for this game, injured the previous week against Arkansas. Still no excuses for me, UGA *should* have won this one.
2006: Florida lost one game all year, and it wasn't this one. Mostly excusable. It was a close game too.
2007: Ah dancing in the end zone. We all remember this well. If not, watch it here on youtube, its worth it. It worked too, UGA *could* have won this game, and did!
2008: I remember the score. I remember watching GT-FSU at the time and watching the ticker go by. It seemed like every few minutes that it flashed up during the second half, Florida scored another touchdown. This was inexcusable for UGA. I know Florida won a national title that year, UGA had just as much talent on the sidelines as Florida did and got blown out. UGA *could* have won this game but lost 49-10.
2009: Florida was the much better team that year. All UGA could do was bring out black helmets.
2010: Both teams were evenly matched up. One miscue in overtime sealed it. UGA *could* have won this game but didn't.
This year, UGA *should* win the game. That's not helped. Twice in the last ten they should have won it, and didn't.
Clemson is another story. This is a team that consistenly finds a way to lose a game, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory every single year. Clemson isn't unique here, but it happens a lot.
2010: Miami and Boston College. Both teams finished 7-6 and weren't that good.
2009: 2-10 Maryland
2008: 8-5 Wake Forest (and that was the last game Tommy Bowden coached there)
2007: 7-6 Georgia Tech (completely shut down on offense, 1/5 on FG attempts)
2006: 8-5 South Carolina (end of season swoon)
2005: 4-7 Wake Forest
2004: 2-9 Duke (one week after upsetting Miami in Coral Gables), 7-5 Georgia Tech (could not have lost this game in worse fashion)
2003: 5-7 Wake Forest
2002: 9-5 Virginia (probably the most excusable on the list)
2001: 5-7 Virginia (lost late to a UVA team that wasn't that good)
So far, Clemson hasn't lost a game this year. Despite that, Vegas only has them as a 3.0 to 4.0 point favorite in this game. That line has actually moved TOWARDS Georgia Tech (opened as 3.5 to 4.5) during the week. I like to think of myself as informed here, but I cannot see what Vegas sees, and what the other people betting see. Is this the one game Clemson lets get away from them? I know Clemson hasn't won at GT since 2003 but still...
Cheering for:
-I want to see Navy beat Notre Dame for the fourth time in five years today.
-Tommy Tubberville: In his career, he is something like 5-5 against top 5 teams. Last week's win over Oklahoma just shows how well he can handle the mental part of the game. Texas Tech went in and just blew by Oklahoma, in Norman mind you. I didn't think this hire made much sense in Lubbock when it was done, but it looks like I may have to eat some words here!
Laughing at:
-Kansas' defense: Geez they are horrible! The unit gives up an average of over 50 points a game right now. Hard to win a conference game when the opposing team knows your plays well and you still give up that many points.
-ESPN College Gameday: For skipping over Manhattan Kansas for LA. Bad idea.
-The Big East: When you've been lapped by the leadership of the ACC and Big 12, you're going to get laughed at. Who is this guy running the conference? It sounds like their expansion plan, to get back to relevancy, is hurried and poorly planned out. Boise State, Air Force, BYU to a conference primarily associated with the New England area? I can't blame any team for bailing as they have.
Feeling sorry for:
-New Mexico: They've not even sniffed a victory over a FBS opponent since their first game against Colorado State. The last two games have been blowouts, losing by a combined 118-7.
-Florida Atlantic: Also winless, the team hasn't even held a lead since Oct 1 against Louisiana-Lafayette, which was lost on the last play.
Top 25: Alabama so low? Well when you're undefeated I go completely by Strength of Schedule. FCS opponents are only counted in the games they play against FBS opponents. Alabama's SoS record is 30-20. LSU's is 29-15. Stanford's record is 20-23.
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Boise State
4) Alabama
5) Clemson
6) Kansas State
7) Houston
8) Stanford
9) Oregon
10) Penn State
10) Arkansas
12) Virginia Tech
13) Nebraska
14) Michigan
14) Wisconsin
16) Oklahoma
17) USC
18) Michigan State
19) Texas A&M
20) Texas
21) Washington
22) Georgia
23) South Carolina
24) Texas Tech
25) Baylor
Others receiving votes: West Virginia, Tulsa
The picks: This week's schedule is weak early (only one noon game) and very interesting late!
-Michigan State at Nebraska: As far as I can find, Michigan State has never beaten Nebraska in five meetings. Michigan State has never scored more than 14 against Nebraska either. Go figure. After last week's last second win, I think we're going to see a letdown here. Nebraska by 10.
-The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party; Georgia vs Florida in Jacksonville, FL: See above: Florida by 4.
-Navy at Notre Dame: The Irish were embarrassed last week at home against Southern Cal. Navy isn't USC though. Notre Dame by 7.
-Wake Forest at North Carolina: Strange to think that UNC sits at the bottom of the Coastal Division, while Wake is near the top of the Atlantic. While that says something to me, as I'm picking Wake by 7.
-West Virginia at Rutgers: Now we start WVU's farewell tour. Rutgers hasn't won against WVU since 1994. Yes, 16 straight victories. WVU by 14.
-Baylor at Oklahoma State: This should be fun to watch. Both teams have great offenses. Baylor won't be able to keep up all the way though. Oklahoma State by 14.
-Illinois at Penn State: Penn State may be the quietest 7-1 team in the country. The loss was to Alabama as well! The offense is pitiful but the defense is magnificent. Illinois looked good starting 6-0 but the two losses have been ugly. Expect more of that today. Penn State by 7.
-Oklahoma at Kansas State: At the start of the year I would not have guessed that Kansas State would have the better record coming into this game. That being said, OU was upset last week, not this week. OU by 3.
-South Carolina at Tennessee: Without Marcus Lattimore most people are bailing on South Carolina. Most haven't seen how bad Tennessee is this year. The Volunteers are missing several play makers as well. South Carolina by 3.
-Stanford at Southern Cal: Southern Cal doesn't get any postseason stuff this year due to probation. Last week was one "bowl game" for them and they won well. This week is another. Expect a big fight, with Stanford winning late. Stanford by 3.
-Clemson at Georgia Tech: See above, Clemson by 4.
-Wisconsin at Ohio State: This game really all depends on how Wisconsin responds. Last week was a heart breaker. The Badgers didn't complain, didn't say much even though they could have. If Wisconsin truly puts it behind them, this game isn't close. If they haven't, Ohio State wins. I say they have though, Wisconsin by 14.
*edit* - forgot to pick OU/KSU. Oops!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
2011 College Football Week 8 predictions!
Commentary: Oh did last week just suck for me. I don't think a single team that I wanted to win (personally, not my picks) won. When I take over the world, I'm nuking Charlottesville, VA. I'm so done with that town.
This week is going to be a little rushed. Thankfully the only thing I have to sacrifice is the top 25.
Cheering for: Well, since this is a little late (posting on Saturday morning) we see one less winless team now! UAB won Thursday evening against UCF for their first win of the year. We are left with just two teams without a win so far.
Laughing at: The streaker in Thursday night's game between Arizona and UCLA. Go find highlights. It started a brawl on the field between the players too.
Feeling sorry for: well, we do still have those two teams without a win: New Mexico and FAU. Both have one game on the schedule left that may produce a win. New Mexico has UNLV on the schedule, who managed to beat Hawaii one week and get blown out by Southern Utah the next. FAU has UAB on the schedule still, a team that finally picked up a win this week.
Top 25: check back next week. Last week's poll is still probably mostly accurate minus GT.
The picks:
-Cincinnati at South Florida: Cincinnati is having a rather nice second season under coach Butch Jones with a 5-1 record. South Florida started with four wins, but the past two games, both on the road, have ended in losses. Can the Bulls turn this around? I don't think so. Cincinnati by 7.
-Oklahoma State at Missouri: Welcome to the #4 BCS ranking Oklahoma State. The path to the BCS Championship game has been laid out for the Cowboys. Given that #1 and 2 play each other, and Oklahoma is #3 all Oklahoma State has to do is win out and they're in. Missouri is a challenge, but not a big one. Oklahoma State will roll here. OSU by 14.
-North Carolina at Clemson: If Maryland wasn't stupid they may have upset the Tigers last week. North Carolina isn't stupid, but isn't that good either. The loss to Miami showed that UNC isn't quite all there. Look for Clemson to roll here and put on a show. Clemson by 10.
-Sunflower Showdown; Kansas State at Kansas: Kansas State has returned this year. Kansas can't find a defense. Kansas State doesn't light anyone up, but finds ways to win every game. This game will be no different. Kansas State by 10.
-Wake Forest at Duke: Neither team has a losing record at the moment. Wake Forest is 4-2, Duke is 3-3. Sadly Duke will have a losing record at the end of this one. Wake is playing very well this season. Wake Forest by 14.
-Tiger Bowl; Auburn at LSU: LSU has a couple of starters suspended for the game, though with Auburn that will only mean that LSU doesn't cover the spread. LSU by 10.
-Georgia Tech at Miami: Last week was incredibly frustrating for me. GT almost never wins in Charlottesville and last week was no exception to that. It hurt to watch UVA line up and run the ball straight as us and we were unable to stop it. I think the only reason the game was close was that UVA kept trying to pass and failed miserably. What does that have to do with this week? Well Miami has a better line and can pass. This spells trouble. Miami by 14.
-Third Saturday in October; Tennessee at Alabama: The history of this one is interesting. Alabama currently holds a nine-game lead in the series. Alabama has only had a losing record in the series once, for one year (1960). Alabama has also won the past four. I don't see anything in Tennessee that shows it won't be five. Alabama by 17.
-Jeweled Shillelagh; USC at Notre Dame: Has there ever been less hype for this game in the past couple of decades? I see little national buzz for it, and it feels odd. Notre Dame broke an eight game losing streak last year in LA. This year I see USC getting revenge. USC by 3.
-Washington at Stanford: Washington is having a good year so far, the one loss was to Nebraska. Unfortunately Stanford is better than Nebraska and will show it. Washington isn't quite up to the big time yet. Stanford by 14.
-Wisconsin at Michigan State: GameDay is here, which means a lot of hype. Last year Michigan State was Wisconsin's one regular season loss. This year could be the same. Wisconsin rolls in with a better offense than last year though. I see a close one with Wisconsin winning by one.
-Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Texas Tech feasted on the weak to get a 4-0 record, but lost two conference games to A&M and Kansas State. Oklahoma is another deal altogether. OU will feast on Texas Tech this time. OU by 20.
This week is going to be a little rushed. Thankfully the only thing I have to sacrifice is the top 25.
Cheering for: Well, since this is a little late (posting on Saturday morning) we see one less winless team now! UAB won Thursday evening against UCF for their first win of the year. We are left with just two teams without a win so far.
Laughing at: The streaker in Thursday night's game between Arizona and UCLA. Go find highlights. It started a brawl on the field between the players too.
Feeling sorry for: well, we do still have those two teams without a win: New Mexico and FAU. Both have one game on the schedule left that may produce a win. New Mexico has UNLV on the schedule, who managed to beat Hawaii one week and get blown out by Southern Utah the next. FAU has UAB on the schedule still, a team that finally picked up a win this week.
Top 25: check back next week. Last week's poll is still probably mostly accurate minus GT.
The picks:
-Cincinnati at South Florida: Cincinnati is having a rather nice second season under coach Butch Jones with a 5-1 record. South Florida started with four wins, but the past two games, both on the road, have ended in losses. Can the Bulls turn this around? I don't think so. Cincinnati by 7.
-Oklahoma State at Missouri: Welcome to the #4 BCS ranking Oklahoma State. The path to the BCS Championship game has been laid out for the Cowboys. Given that #1 and 2 play each other, and Oklahoma is #3 all Oklahoma State has to do is win out and they're in. Missouri is a challenge, but not a big one. Oklahoma State will roll here. OSU by 14.
-North Carolina at Clemson: If Maryland wasn't stupid they may have upset the Tigers last week. North Carolina isn't stupid, but isn't that good either. The loss to Miami showed that UNC isn't quite all there. Look for Clemson to roll here and put on a show. Clemson by 10.
-Sunflower Showdown; Kansas State at Kansas: Kansas State has returned this year. Kansas can't find a defense. Kansas State doesn't light anyone up, but finds ways to win every game. This game will be no different. Kansas State by 10.
-Wake Forest at Duke: Neither team has a losing record at the moment. Wake Forest is 4-2, Duke is 3-3. Sadly Duke will have a losing record at the end of this one. Wake is playing very well this season. Wake Forest by 14.
-Tiger Bowl; Auburn at LSU: LSU has a couple of starters suspended for the game, though with Auburn that will only mean that LSU doesn't cover the spread. LSU by 10.
-Georgia Tech at Miami: Last week was incredibly frustrating for me. GT almost never wins in Charlottesville and last week was no exception to that. It hurt to watch UVA line up and run the ball straight as us and we were unable to stop it. I think the only reason the game was close was that UVA kept trying to pass and failed miserably. What does that have to do with this week? Well Miami has a better line and can pass. This spells trouble. Miami by 14.
-Third Saturday in October; Tennessee at Alabama: The history of this one is interesting. Alabama currently holds a nine-game lead in the series. Alabama has only had a losing record in the series once, for one year (1960). Alabama has also won the past four. I don't see anything in Tennessee that shows it won't be five. Alabama by 17.
-Jeweled Shillelagh; USC at Notre Dame: Has there ever been less hype for this game in the past couple of decades? I see little national buzz for it, and it feels odd. Notre Dame broke an eight game losing streak last year in LA. This year I see USC getting revenge. USC by 3.
-Washington at Stanford: Washington is having a good year so far, the one loss was to Nebraska. Unfortunately Stanford is better than Nebraska and will show it. Washington isn't quite up to the big time yet. Stanford by 14.
-Wisconsin at Michigan State: GameDay is here, which means a lot of hype. Last year Michigan State was Wisconsin's one regular season loss. This year could be the same. Wisconsin rolls in with a better offense than last year though. I see a close one with Wisconsin winning by one.
-Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Texas Tech feasted on the weak to get a 4-0 record, but lost two conference games to A&M and Kansas State. Oklahoma is another deal altogether. OU will feast on Texas Tech this time. OU by 20.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
2011 College Football Week 7 predictions!
Commentary: I didn't get to see much of last week, was out in the mountains taking a weekend off for an anniversary. It was worth it. It doesn't seem like I missed much though! This week has a few interesting matchups. Conference play is in full swing now. Almost nobody escapes unscathed through conference play these days. Let's get ready for a fun weekend!
Cheering For:
-Oregon State: you won a game! Congrats!
Laughing at:
-Arizona: For losing to Oregon State. That team flat out sucks wind and you lost to them. Cost the coach his job too.
Feeling Sorry for:
-We are down to three winless teams: UAB, Florida Atlantic and New Mexico. UAB and FAU play at the end of the season, so we can look forward to that pillow fight. New Mexico looks hopeless right now.
Top 25: Illinois may be winning every game by a close score, but they are winning. Ohio State in 2002 did the same and won all fourteen games! Speaking of which, the Illini host Ohio State this weekend.
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Illinois
4) Oklahoma
5) Clemson
6) Michigan
7) Oklahoma State
7) Georgia Tech
9) Boise State
10) Kansas State
11) Wisconsin
12) Houston
13) Stanford
14) West Virginia
14) Oregon
16) Penn State
16) Arkansas
18) Arizona State
19) Texas
20) Virginia Tech
21) Louisiana-Lafayette
21) North Carolina
23) Baylor
24) Nebraska
25) Florida
The picks:
-Paul Bunyan Trophy; Michigan at Michigan State: This is one of those where I'd love to pick Michigan, the Wolverines are on a tear right now. Michigan State is still a tough team overall and won't be easy to beat at home. Michigan State by 3.
-Battle of the Brazos; Baylor at Texas A&M: Texas A&M finally figured out the second half of a game exists for a reason last week against Texas Tech. One problem this week. A&M's pass defense is putrid, and Baylor will exploit that in a big way. Baylor by 7.
-South Carolina at Mississippi State: South Carolina got a big performance out of the second (now first) string QB Conner Shaw last week. They'll need it again. Mississippi State has been disappointing this season so far but could get back into the swing of things with a victory here. I don't see it. South Carolina wins a tough one by 3.
-Florida State at Duke: Raise your hand if you thought that Duke would have a better record than FSU five games into both's schedules. Yeah my hand isn't raised either. Duke even has an inexcusable loss to FCS Richmond thrown in there, but still has a better record than FSU (3-2 vs 2-3). Now, can FSU get back on track? Yes. Duke needs a perfect game to win and won't get it. FSU by 10.
-Oklahoma State at Texas: So what happened last week Texas? The Oklahoma train knocked little Texas clear off the tracks. Now the next problem, Oklahoma State may be even better. Since the game is in Austin it'll be closer than last week, but Oklahoma State should win easily. OSU by 14.
-Georgia Tech at Virginia: I've seen better Georgia Tech teams go to Charlottesville and lose. Paul Johnson, however, hasn't coached any of those teams. He's 1-0 there. I see a tough game, UVA is gunning hard for this one but it won't be enough. GT by 4.
-Illibuck; Ohio State at Illinois: Ohio State has won eight straight in Champaign. Illinois needed fourth quarter scores to beat Arizona State, Western Michigan and Northwestern. Ohio State isn't the same as they have been in the past decade, but this is still a big test for the Illini. Ohio State pulls the upset here, wins by 3.
-LSU at Tennessee: My pick to win the SEC East is fading fast. The Volunteers haven't won a conference game yet, and may not for awhile. After losing to Florida and Georgia, Tennessee gets LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas on the conference schedule (there's a game against MTSU in between there somewhere). This won't be pretty. LSU wins this one by a ton.
-Florida at Auburn: I still have Florida ranked for one reason: The teams that the Gators have lost to are both undefeated. Auburn isn't there at the moment. Auburn's two losses have one loss between them (Arkansas lost to Bama). Due to the injury situations, I believe Auburn pulls this out at home. Tigers by 7.
-Georgia at Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt's secondary is enough to give any passing game fits. Georgia has a good enough running game to not worry about it. The only way Vandy wins this one is if the Commodores manage to get up a couple of scores early and UGA panics. Sadly that won't happen. UGA by 14.
-Kansas State at Texas Tech: Kansas State keeps on winning, Texas Tech is in the middle of a rough stretch. Kansas State has been tested (at Miami, Baylor and Missouri). Texas Tech failed their test last week (Texas A&M). It's only going to get tougher for the Red Raiders (Oklahoma next week). Kansas State by 14.
-Arizona State at Oregon: Its amusing to see ESPN Gameday out for this game. It was still dark there when they started. It will be dark on the east coast by the time the game starts. Oregon has failed their one test this year (LSU) while Arizona State passed two (Missouri, USC) and failed one (at Illinois). We really don't know what Oregon has in it, we do know more about the Sun Devils. I still say Oregon wins this one at home in a wild one. Oregon by 7.
Cheering For:
-Oregon State: you won a game! Congrats!
Laughing at:
-Arizona: For losing to Oregon State. That team flat out sucks wind and you lost to them. Cost the coach his job too.
Feeling Sorry for:
-We are down to three winless teams: UAB, Florida Atlantic and New Mexico. UAB and FAU play at the end of the season, so we can look forward to that pillow fight. New Mexico looks hopeless right now.
Top 25: Illinois may be winning every game by a close score, but they are winning. Ohio State in 2002 did the same and won all fourteen games! Speaking of which, the Illini host Ohio State this weekend.
1) LSU
2) Alabama
3) Illinois
4) Oklahoma
5) Clemson
6) Michigan
7) Oklahoma State
7) Georgia Tech
9) Boise State
10) Kansas State
11) Wisconsin
12) Houston
13) Stanford
14) West Virginia
14) Oregon
16) Penn State
16) Arkansas
18) Arizona State
19) Texas
20) Virginia Tech
21) Louisiana-Lafayette
21) North Carolina
23) Baylor
24) Nebraska
25) Florida
The picks:
-Paul Bunyan Trophy; Michigan at Michigan State: This is one of those where I'd love to pick Michigan, the Wolverines are on a tear right now. Michigan State is still a tough team overall and won't be easy to beat at home. Michigan State by 3.
-Battle of the Brazos; Baylor at Texas A&M: Texas A&M finally figured out the second half of a game exists for a reason last week against Texas Tech. One problem this week. A&M's pass defense is putrid, and Baylor will exploit that in a big way. Baylor by 7.
-South Carolina at Mississippi State: South Carolina got a big performance out of the second (now first) string QB Conner Shaw last week. They'll need it again. Mississippi State has been disappointing this season so far but could get back into the swing of things with a victory here. I don't see it. South Carolina wins a tough one by 3.
-Florida State at Duke: Raise your hand if you thought that Duke would have a better record than FSU five games into both's schedules. Yeah my hand isn't raised either. Duke even has an inexcusable loss to FCS Richmond thrown in there, but still has a better record than FSU (3-2 vs 2-3). Now, can FSU get back on track? Yes. Duke needs a perfect game to win and won't get it. FSU by 10.
-Oklahoma State at Texas: So what happened last week Texas? The Oklahoma train knocked little Texas clear off the tracks. Now the next problem, Oklahoma State may be even better. Since the game is in Austin it'll be closer than last week, but Oklahoma State should win easily. OSU by 14.
-Georgia Tech at Virginia: I've seen better Georgia Tech teams go to Charlottesville and lose. Paul Johnson, however, hasn't coached any of those teams. He's 1-0 there. I see a tough game, UVA is gunning hard for this one but it won't be enough. GT by 4.
-Illibuck; Ohio State at Illinois: Ohio State has won eight straight in Champaign. Illinois needed fourth quarter scores to beat Arizona State, Western Michigan and Northwestern. Ohio State isn't the same as they have been in the past decade, but this is still a big test for the Illini. Ohio State pulls the upset here, wins by 3.
-LSU at Tennessee: My pick to win the SEC East is fading fast. The Volunteers haven't won a conference game yet, and may not for awhile. After losing to Florida and Georgia, Tennessee gets LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas on the conference schedule (there's a game against MTSU in between there somewhere). This won't be pretty. LSU wins this one by a ton.
-Florida at Auburn: I still have Florida ranked for one reason: The teams that the Gators have lost to are both undefeated. Auburn isn't there at the moment. Auburn's two losses have one loss between them (Arkansas lost to Bama). Due to the injury situations, I believe Auburn pulls this out at home. Tigers by 7.
-Georgia at Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt's secondary is enough to give any passing game fits. Georgia has a good enough running game to not worry about it. The only way Vandy wins this one is if the Commodores manage to get up a couple of scores early and UGA panics. Sadly that won't happen. UGA by 14.
-Kansas State at Texas Tech: Kansas State keeps on winning, Texas Tech is in the middle of a rough stretch. Kansas State has been tested (at Miami, Baylor and Missouri). Texas Tech failed their test last week (Texas A&M). It's only going to get tougher for the Red Raiders (Oklahoma next week). Kansas State by 14.
-Arizona State at Oregon: Its amusing to see ESPN Gameday out for this game. It was still dark there when they started. It will be dark on the east coast by the time the game starts. Oregon has failed their one test this year (LSU) while Arizona State passed two (Missouri, USC) and failed one (at Illinois). We really don't know what Oregon has in it, we do know more about the Sun Devils. I still say Oregon wins this one at home in a wild one. Oregon by 7.
Friday, October 7, 2011
2011 College Football Week 6 predictions!
Commentary: This is one of those weeks where there aren't a lot of good games on, no big upsets are predicted, etc. That means the exact opposite will happen of course.
Also since I'm running a little late on this post this week, this may be a bit rushed.
Cheering for:
-The undefeateds! My team is one of them, so I can't say I'm biased.
Laughing at:
-Nobody this week.
Feeling sorry for:
-The winless teams. There's still plenty of time to fix that though.
Top 25: Clemson's strength-of-schedule is ungodly right now. Outside of playing Clemson themselves, the opponents record is a combined 15-2. I do need to go back and make it count for FBS games only though at some point. Maybe next week.
1) Clemson
2) Alabama
3) Michigan
3) Illinois
3) LSU
6) Oklahoma
6) Texas
8) Oklahoma State
9) Georgia Tech
9) Wisconsin
11) Kansas State
12) Boise State
13) Stanford
14) Texas Tech
15) Houston
16) Virginia Tech
16) Auburn
18) Penn State
18) Florida
18) Arkansas
21) West Virginia
21) San Diego State
21) Oregon
21) Arizona State
25) Iowa State
Others Receiving Votes: Louisiana-Lafayette, North Carolina, Nebraska, Baylor
The Picks:
-Maryland at Georgia Tech: The last time Maryland came to Atlanta it took 59 minutes to determine the outcome, and the last few involved a massive goal-line stand by GT to win it. I don't see it being that close this time, but I wouldn't put money on GT in Vegas. GT by 7.
-Red River Rivalry; Oklahoma vs Texas in Dallas, TX: It is amusing to me that in my rankings these two teams come out the same. Realistically they aren't. Texas has managed to win all of its games, but it won't be close here. OU by 14.
-Florida State at Wake Forest: Before Florida State's decline this game was an easy one for them. After the decline Wake Forest won three in a row, including a 30-0 win in Tallahassee. EJ Manuel is supposed to be back for this game, so this should be a Seminole victory. FSU by 7.
-Air Force at Notre Dame: Air Force managed to pull a win out of the hat at Navy despite blowing a big lead late. Notre Dame has improved well since the first two games (both losses). On the road, I don't see Air Force winning this one. Notre Dame by 7.
-Florida at LSU: Florida took a major hit last week from Alabama at home, and now a trip to LSU follows. It isn't at night, but it won't matter. Florida without their starting QB won't have much of a chance. LSU by 21.
-Iowa at Penn State: This game is a bit under the radar but could be very good. Penn State isn't going to blow anyone out on offense, but has a fine defense capable of winning any game. Iowa is good enough on offense to score enough to win here. Iowa by 7.
-Miami at Virginia Tech: The loser is pretty much out of the Coastal Division race here. Miami hasn't really looked that good this year (lets face it, Ohio State isn't that good at all either). VT in desperation mode won't lose at home. VT by 10.
-Missouri at Kansas State: Kansas State has managed to compile a 4-0 record by beating decent to good teams. Missouri can be another. With the game in Manhattan, I believe Kansas State wins by 7.
-Auburn at Arkansas: Auburn is having a rather nice season given the expectations. Arkansas slipped against Alabama but came back to beat Texas A&M last week. This game should be a fun one to watch. Arkansas is stronger right now and at home, so Arkansas wins by 3.
-Georgia at Tennessee: Georgia's last two trips to Knoxville have ended in a lot of pain. The team in 2007 had no business losing this game but did. The 2009 team got blown out badly. This team is not as good as either. Tennessee has its issues, but I believe they win at home. Tennessee by 10.
-Texas A&M at Texas Tech: A&M is great in the first half, terrible after halftime. Texas Tech should exploit enough weakness here to win at home. Texas Tech by 4.
-Ohio State at Nebraska: Early in the season, this looked like a good game. Ohio State gets some suspended players back here, but it won't be enough. Nebraska rolls at home. Nebraska by 10.
Also since I'm running a little late on this post this week, this may be a bit rushed.
Cheering for:
-The undefeateds! My team is one of them, so I can't say I'm biased.
Laughing at:
-Nobody this week.
Feeling sorry for:
-The winless teams. There's still plenty of time to fix that though.
Top 25: Clemson's strength-of-schedule is ungodly right now. Outside of playing Clemson themselves, the opponents record is a combined 15-2. I do need to go back and make it count for FBS games only though at some point. Maybe next week.
1) Clemson
2) Alabama
3) Michigan
3) Illinois
3) LSU
6) Oklahoma
6) Texas
8) Oklahoma State
9) Georgia Tech
9) Wisconsin
11) Kansas State
12) Boise State
13) Stanford
14) Texas Tech
15) Houston
16) Virginia Tech
16) Auburn
18) Penn State
18) Florida
18) Arkansas
21) West Virginia
21) San Diego State
21) Oregon
21) Arizona State
25) Iowa State
Others Receiving Votes: Louisiana-Lafayette, North Carolina, Nebraska, Baylor
The Picks:
-Maryland at Georgia Tech: The last time Maryland came to Atlanta it took 59 minutes to determine the outcome, and the last few involved a massive goal-line stand by GT to win it. I don't see it being that close this time, but I wouldn't put money on GT in Vegas. GT by 7.
-Red River Rivalry; Oklahoma vs Texas in Dallas, TX: It is amusing to me that in my rankings these two teams come out the same. Realistically they aren't. Texas has managed to win all of its games, but it won't be close here. OU by 14.
-Florida State at Wake Forest: Before Florida State's decline this game was an easy one for them. After the decline Wake Forest won three in a row, including a 30-0 win in Tallahassee. EJ Manuel is supposed to be back for this game, so this should be a Seminole victory. FSU by 7.
-Air Force at Notre Dame: Air Force managed to pull a win out of the hat at Navy despite blowing a big lead late. Notre Dame has improved well since the first two games (both losses). On the road, I don't see Air Force winning this one. Notre Dame by 7.
-Florida at LSU: Florida took a major hit last week from Alabama at home, and now a trip to LSU follows. It isn't at night, but it won't matter. Florida without their starting QB won't have much of a chance. LSU by 21.
-Iowa at Penn State: This game is a bit under the radar but could be very good. Penn State isn't going to blow anyone out on offense, but has a fine defense capable of winning any game. Iowa is good enough on offense to score enough to win here. Iowa by 7.
-Miami at Virginia Tech: The loser is pretty much out of the Coastal Division race here. Miami hasn't really looked that good this year (lets face it, Ohio State isn't that good at all either). VT in desperation mode won't lose at home. VT by 10.
-Missouri at Kansas State: Kansas State has managed to compile a 4-0 record by beating decent to good teams. Missouri can be another. With the game in Manhattan, I believe Kansas State wins by 7.
-Auburn at Arkansas: Auburn is having a rather nice season given the expectations. Arkansas slipped against Alabama but came back to beat Texas A&M last week. This game should be a fun one to watch. Arkansas is stronger right now and at home, so Arkansas wins by 3.
-Georgia at Tennessee: Georgia's last two trips to Knoxville have ended in a lot of pain. The team in 2007 had no business losing this game but did. The 2009 team got blown out badly. This team is not as good as either. Tennessee has its issues, but I believe they win at home. Tennessee by 10.
-Texas A&M at Texas Tech: A&M is great in the first half, terrible after halftime. Texas Tech should exploit enough weakness here to win at home. Texas Tech by 4.
-Ohio State at Nebraska: Early in the season, this looked like a good game. Ohio State gets some suspended players back here, but it won't be enough. Nebraska rolls at home. Nebraska by 10.
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