Commentary:
-It is the annual "To Hell With Georgia" week.
To Hell with Georgia, Every Day Every Week.
-Okay there are a bunch of rivalry games this week. This is it for a lot of teams. It all builds up here.
-BCS armageddon is nearly upon us. This is what happens when you let pollsters decide who plays. The hype from on big four-letter entity pushes matchups every week, and the masses fall for it. This isn't to say that LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas are bad teams, they could beat anyone in America. But I think there's a lot of hype from people that benefit from said hype, and the rest of us need to pay attention to it.
-To Hell with Georgia. The Cesspool of the South!
Cheering For:
-Everyone. Yes, a slight cop-out on this, but this week is the best reason to be a college football fan.
Feeling Sorry for:
-FAU: Still winless. Still hope though. UAB visits this week.
Laughing at:
-Penn State: They really don't have a clue do they? Post-it notes won't hide the shame.
-The Big East: still struggling to act like you matter. Take away the BCS Autobid and this conference is nothing. Five teams have a chance to win it still (two teams with 4-2 conference records, three with 3-2). Sadly some team will get a $13 million paycheck.
-Clemson: For pulling two clemsons in the season after starting 8-0.
Top 25: In my system, no matter how bad the strength of schedule is, an undefeated is going to be above a team with a loss, any loss.
1) LSU
2) Houston
3) Alabama
4) Arkansas
5) Stanford
6) Virginia Tech
7) Boise State
8) Oregon
9) Oklahoma State
10) Georgia
11) Kansas State
12) Penn State
13) South Carolina
14) Tulsa
15) Michigan State
16) USC
17) Michigan
18) Wisconsin
19) Arkansas State
20) TCU
21) Clemson
22) Oklahoma
23) Baylor
24) Louisiana-Lafayette
25) Notre Dame
Just left out: Nebraska, Georgia Tech
The picks: Yes, 21 picks this week. Can't let some of these rivalry games slip by, even if the outcome is pretty much known in advance.
-Lone Star Showdown; Texas at Texas A&M: This is it. The last time these two play for quite some time. Both teams come in limping a bit, Texas has lost two in a row and A&M has lost three of four (but won last week against Kansas). The Texas A&M offense is a beauty, the Texas defense is a bit better. Look for Texas to send the Aggies out of the conference with a loss. Texas by 7.
-Iowa at Nebraska: This might not get a rivalry link yet, but it will soon enough with the addition of Nebraska to the Big Ten. Nebraska got embarrassed last week at Michigan, Iowa got embarrassed by Michigan State two weeks ago. This could go either way really, and I think that Nebraska's defense will tighten up at home. Nebraska by 4.
-Houston at Tulsa: I rarely dream about college football. My subconcious usually tortures me with memories of past mistakes rather than future endeavors. I dreamed once about the BYU vs Oklahoma game in Dallas to start the 2009 season, in my dream BYU won late. In real life BYU pulled the upset with a late score. I dreamed that Tulsa upset Houston at home. Tulsa is a tough team here. They may be 8-3 but the losses were to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Boise State. Those three teams have a combined four losses (and two of those came last weekend!). I'm going with it, Tulsa wins by 7.
-Golden Boot; Arkansas at LSU: Does Arkansas really control its destiny? It is hard for me to wrap my mind around it, but it is true! The hogs have won 3 of the past 4 with LSU, including LSU's BCS National Championship year in 2007. If anyone can beat LSU, it would be Arkansas. I don't see it happening this year. LSU's defense will simply stuff Arkansas and then the offense will outscore the hogs. LSU opened up the season by beating #3 Oregon. It'll finish the regular season by beating #3 Arkansas. LSU by 10.
-Backyard Brawl; Pittsburgh at West Virginia: With West Virginia off to the Big 12 next year (legal battle ensuing) this might be it for the two teams for awhile just like Texas and Texas A&M. West Virginia has had the stronger season here, and will win this game. It should be fun to watch though! WVU by 7.
-Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate; Georgia at Georgia Tech: I have so much invested emotionally in this game year in and year out that I'm to the point where I can't even watch it. I'll probably have it up on the radio but that may be it. I'd love to see the Jackets win this by a score of 52-7, but that won't happen. My biggest hope is that UGA is looking ahead to next week and plays like it. Mark Richt knows how important this game is. UGA's defense is playing well enough to slow down the Jackets' offense, not stop it, but slow it down. Tech's defense might as well not even be on the field. I expect a fair amount of offense in this game, with UGA pulling away late. UGA by 10.
-The Game; Ohio State at Michigan: Alright Michigan it's time to take this one. Ohio State is down, not for long, but down for now. The rumors are there that Urban Meyer will be the next head coach for the Buckeyes and he simply does not lose to his rivals (at Florida Meyer was undefeated against Tennessee, had one loss to UGA and FSU in six years). Brady Hoke should win some awards at the end of the year for the job he's done at Michigan in year one! This was a school that had a great offense and no defense last year. He's taken roughly the same players and made them good on both sides this year. That being said, Ohio State isn't bad this year. Luke Fickell has the team playing well despite a two-game losing streak. Ohio State's streak in the series is seven in a row, Michigan needs to end it here, end it now. I don't pick against streaks. Ohio State by 4.
-Battle for the Barrel; Tennessee at Kentucky: Most people forget that the series between Kentucky and Tennessee is just as lopsided as the series between Tennessee and Vanderbilt. 26 in a row for Tennessee, 28 of the past 29. Ouch. I guess it's time to go "kick the $#!^" out of Kentucky too, right Dooley? Tennessee needs the win to be bowl eligible, expect it to happen. Tennessee by 6.
-Iron Bowl; Alabama at Auburn: "War Amn Eagle!" Auburn has no D. Okay I lifted that from CollegeFootballNews.com, but it's still funny and true. Alabama should have no issues winning this one. Two years ago Auburn came in the big underdog and gave Alabama a run for their money. It could happen this year, but the result will be Alabama winning by 7.
-Old Oaken Bucket; Purdue at Indiana: Indiana is having a miserable year, they've not even sniffed a win against anyone in nearly two months. Their only win was against FCS South Carolina State. Purdue needs the win for bowl eligibility, expect it to happen. Purdue by 14.
-Victory Bell; Duke at North Carolina: Duke has fallen short of expectations, even some sane ones at the start of the year. Three wins matches last year's win total and for a team with that much experience returning, this was disappointing. North Carolina has had a season to forget, on the field play wasn't too bad but it was the off-field problems that doomed this team. Still, North Carolina has the talent to just roll over Duke here. UNC by 10.
-Commonwealth Cup; Virginia Tech at Virginia: This has actually turned into a play-in for the conference title game. Whoever wins will be in Charlotte next week. Virginia Tech is vulnerable but has won eight in a row and that will turn into nine. VT by 3.
-Penn State at Wisconsin: The winner here will represent the Leaders division in Indianapolis next week. Penn State pulled an impressive victory against Ohio State on the road last week, but it won't matter here. Wisconsin can lose on the road, but not at home. Wisconsin by 10.
-Border War; Missouri vs Kansas in Kansas City, MO: Another series that is being lost to conference realignment. Missouri is vulnerable but Kansas is just miserable. Missouri comes up with a win here by 20.
-Civil War; Oregon State at Oregon: If Oregon wins they play in the first PAC 12 Championship Game. A loss sends Stanford to it instead. Oregon State is not a good team at all. While Oregon isn't perfect they are much better and should win this one easily. Oregon by 17.
-Florida-Florida State rivalry; Florida State at Florida: Florida is having a season to forget, Florida State has fallen short of expectations. All of Florida's five losses have come against ranked teams, at least at the time that Florida played them. FSU is unranked after a loss to Virginia. While it would be easy to predict an FSU win, this is SEC vs ACC and we all know how that goes. Florida wins at home by 4.
-Egg Bowl; Ole Miss at Mississippi State: Ole Miss has really given up on this season. Head Coach Houston Nutt is gone after this, the Rebels have nine losses already. Mississippi State needs the win for bowl eligibility and nothing Ole Miss can do will stop that. Mississippi State by 10.
-Apple Cup; Washington State at Washington: Washington is turning into a pretty good team under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Paul Wulff at Washington State just can't seem to get it going. This is a game where that will show up. Washington by 17.
-Carolina-Clemson rivalry; Clemson at South Carolina: Both teams come into this game wounded. South Carolina has been decimated by injuries and suspensions. Clemson just can't seem to catch a break late in the season. South Carolina's defense is still strong and will control this game. Clemson will keep it interesting, but won't be able to pull ahead. South Carolina by 7.
-Legends Trophy; Notre Dame at Stanford: Notre Dame is a pretty good team despite some setbacks in three tough losses. Stanford will push Notre Dame into more setbacks this week. Notre Dame is bad on turnovers, Stanford will force three of them and make the Irish pay for each. Stanford by 14.
-Crosstown Showdown; UCLA at USC: If UCLA wins this game the Bruins will play in the first PAC 12 Championship Game. To be fair, one of the big reasons that is true is because USC is on probation and can't go. Otherwise the Trojans would be going with a win here. USC is much, much stronger than UCLA overall and will show you just how much in this game, the final of the season for the Trojans. USC by 21.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2011 College Football Week 12 predictions!
Commentary:
-Oregon up until last weekend had been quietly having a good year. Now its well known. The Ducks are in position to host the inaugural PAC12 Championship game in a few weeks. The Ducks just need to win one against either USC this week or Oregon State next week.
-A friend of mine and I were talking during the games last Saturday night. We were coming up with some doomsday BCS Scenarios. This could get real interesting in the next couple of weeks. We have two weeks worth of games in the regular season, and one championship weekend to look forward to. A couple of particular upsets (ones that have happened before) could really throw us for a loop on who ends up #1 and #2. I'm kinda looking forward to it!
-Its the first weekend full of rivalry games. Get ready, the records don't matter, the fire is fueled and ready to go!
Cheering for:
-New Mexico: Congrats on your first win! Took you long enough!
-Oregon: Losing to LSU isn't looking so bad at the moment.
-Kansas State: I have a soft spot for Kansas State. Not sure where it came from, but it's there. Bill Snyder has turned this team around, they're actually have a fine season overall. Losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State aren't bad. A four-overtime win over Texas A&M was fun to watch.
Laughing at:
-Maryland: Yep, firing Friedgen after a 9-4 year was a GREAT decision! 2-8 so far with two more to go.
Feeling sorry for:
-FAU: still winless. The only one left.
Top 25: Nobody is challenging LSU for the top spot. Houston's SoS sucks out loud.
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Houston
4) Alabama
5) Oregon
6) Arkansas
7) Stanford
8) Virginia Tech
9) Boise State
10) Clemson
11) Kansas State
12) Georgia
13) Penn State
14) Tulsa
15) Oklahoma
16) Southern Mississippi
17) Michigan State
18) South Carolina
19) Arkansas State
20) Wisconsin
21) Michigan
22) Nebraska
23) TCU
24) Texas
25) Florida State
The picks:
-North Carolina at Virginia Tech: two years ago the Tar Heels pulled the upset in Blacksburg on a Thursday night. Can history repeat itself? Virginia Tech can afford a loss here, but shouldn't see one. The Hokies will roll and win by 10.
-Nebraska at Michigan: This week should be slightly easier for Nebraska. Last week they were merely "Penn State's opponent." Michigan is tough, but Nebraska's defense should be able to slow down Robinson enough, if he plays. Nebraska by 7.
-Georgia Tech at Duke: Okay I'm rather biased in putting this game in here. Sue me, I don't care. This shouldn't be close, except that GT is missing a couple of players for at least the first half. GT will still roll. GT by 14.
-Miami at South Florida: Last year Miami lost to South Florida at home and pretty much ended the career of Randy Shannon at Miami. Al Golden knows this, I bet. Both teams have underacheived this year a bit, but here Miami will win, even if its just by 3.
-Penn State at Ohio State: The shame of the Big Ten conference right now. Ohio State for all the stuff they went through in the offseason, and Penn State for the mess they're in right now. Oh yeah, this is a game too. With all the turmoil, Penn State isn't going to win in the horseshoe. It just isn't so. Ohio State by 4.
-Vanderbilt at Tennessee: Tennessee is 27-1 since 1983 against Vanderbilt. Yet Vandy is favored by a point going into this game. I'd LOVE to see Vandy win. I really would. I just cannot pick against a streak like that. Tennessee by 7.
-Jefferson-Eppes Trophy; Virginia at Florida State: I'm trying to figure out why FSU is favored by double digits here. I smell an upset. The Cavaliers can't afford a loss here (unless VT loses to UNC on Thursday). UVA wins by 3.
-Oklahoma at Baylor: I like Baylor, I really do. I just don't see them winning against Oklahoma for the first time in history. Oklahoma over Baylor by 20.
-Kansas State at Texas: Don't discount K-state here. The Wildcats have won three straight from the Longhorns. Two of those three came against Texas teams that finished 10-3. It will be tough to win on the road here though. Texas by 3.
-USC at Oregon: Oregon's one big test before the PAC-12 North title comes here (sorry Oregon State, it's true). If this were in LA, I'd give the Trojans a chance. It isn't. Oregon by 10.
-Territorial Cup; Arizona at Arizona State: Arizona State has lost two in a row to bad teams. Arizona can barely beat the bad ones. Arizona State wins here by 10.
-Big Game; Cal at Stanford: Can Stanford recover after losing last week to Oregon? Of course they can. No band is needed here. Stanford by 14.
-Oregon up until last weekend had been quietly having a good year. Now its well known. The Ducks are in position to host the inaugural PAC12 Championship game in a few weeks. The Ducks just need to win one against either USC this week or Oregon State next week.
-A friend of mine and I were talking during the games last Saturday night. We were coming up with some doomsday BCS Scenarios. This could get real interesting in the next couple of weeks. We have two weeks worth of games in the regular season, and one championship weekend to look forward to. A couple of particular upsets (ones that have happened before) could really throw us for a loop on who ends up #1 and #2. I'm kinda looking forward to it!
-Its the first weekend full of rivalry games. Get ready, the records don't matter, the fire is fueled and ready to go!
Cheering for:
-New Mexico: Congrats on your first win! Took you long enough!
-Oregon: Losing to LSU isn't looking so bad at the moment.
-Kansas State: I have a soft spot for Kansas State. Not sure where it came from, but it's there. Bill Snyder has turned this team around, they're actually have a fine season overall. Losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State aren't bad. A four-overtime win over Texas A&M was fun to watch.
Laughing at:
-Maryland: Yep, firing Friedgen after a 9-4 year was a GREAT decision! 2-8 so far with two more to go.
Feeling sorry for:
-FAU: still winless. The only one left.
Top 25: Nobody is challenging LSU for the top spot. Houston's SoS sucks out loud.
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Houston
4) Alabama
5) Oregon
6) Arkansas
7) Stanford
8) Virginia Tech
9) Boise State
10) Clemson
11) Kansas State
12) Georgia
13) Penn State
14) Tulsa
15) Oklahoma
16) Southern Mississippi
17) Michigan State
18) South Carolina
19) Arkansas State
20) Wisconsin
21) Michigan
22) Nebraska
23) TCU
24) Texas
25) Florida State
The picks:
-North Carolina at Virginia Tech: two years ago the Tar Heels pulled the upset in Blacksburg on a Thursday night. Can history repeat itself? Virginia Tech can afford a loss here, but shouldn't see one. The Hokies will roll and win by 10.
-Nebraska at Michigan: This week should be slightly easier for Nebraska. Last week they were merely "Penn State's opponent." Michigan is tough, but Nebraska's defense should be able to slow down Robinson enough, if he plays. Nebraska by 7.
-Georgia Tech at Duke: Okay I'm rather biased in putting this game in here. Sue me, I don't care. This shouldn't be close, except that GT is missing a couple of players for at least the first half. GT will still roll. GT by 14.
-Miami at South Florida: Last year Miami lost to South Florida at home and pretty much ended the career of Randy Shannon at Miami. Al Golden knows this, I bet. Both teams have underacheived this year a bit, but here Miami will win, even if its just by 3.
-Penn State at Ohio State: The shame of the Big Ten conference right now. Ohio State for all the stuff they went through in the offseason, and Penn State for the mess they're in right now. Oh yeah, this is a game too. With all the turmoil, Penn State isn't going to win in the horseshoe. It just isn't so. Ohio State by 4.
-Vanderbilt at Tennessee: Tennessee is 27-1 since 1983 against Vanderbilt. Yet Vandy is favored by a point going into this game. I'd LOVE to see Vandy win. I really would. I just cannot pick against a streak like that. Tennessee by 7.
-Jefferson-Eppes Trophy; Virginia at Florida State: I'm trying to figure out why FSU is favored by double digits here. I smell an upset. The Cavaliers can't afford a loss here (unless VT loses to UNC on Thursday). UVA wins by 3.
-Oklahoma at Baylor: I like Baylor, I really do. I just don't see them winning against Oklahoma for the first time in history. Oklahoma over Baylor by 20.
-Kansas State at Texas: Don't discount K-state here. The Wildcats have won three straight from the Longhorns. Two of those three came against Texas teams that finished 10-3. It will be tough to win on the road here though. Texas by 3.
-USC at Oregon: Oregon's one big test before the PAC-12 North title comes here (sorry Oregon State, it's true). If this were in LA, I'd give the Trojans a chance. It isn't. Oregon by 10.
-Territorial Cup; Arizona at Arizona State: Arizona State has lost two in a row to bad teams. Arizona can barely beat the bad ones. Arizona State wins here by 10.
-Big Game; Cal at Stanford: Can Stanford recover after losing last week to Oregon? Of course they can. No band is needed here. Stanford by 14.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
2011 College Football Week 11 predictions!
Commentary:
-I don't even know where to start with the stuff going on at Penn State. It's incredibly messed up. As of writing this, Joe Paterno has been fired as well as the Penn State Athletic Director and a bunch of others. This whole thing is just messed up, I can't even begin to describe all my feelings on it.
-Quite a few good games on this week. Just about every time slot has something worth watching to an average fan (okay, the after 10pm games don't do much for me, but give it a rest!).
Cheering for:
-Wake Forest: for having the smallest enrollment in the FBS, the team is in a position to take control of the ACC Atlantic division with a win this week. It's against Clemson so it won't be easy, but still possible. Jim Grobe is a good coach who surprises me when he doesn't take a bigger job.
Laughing at:
-Indiana: I know the school hasn't been known for its success on the football field, but you fired the entire coaching staff at the end of the year last year (a 5-7 finish) for this? 1-9 with losses to MAC (Ball State) and Sun Belt (North Texas) teams?
Feeling sorry for:
-New Mexico: UNLV visits this week. If New Mexico doesn't win this one, the odds of finishing 0-12 are pretty close to 100%. Trips to Wyoming and Boise State are pretty close to guaranteed losses.
-Florida Atlantic: Florida International, this week's opponent, has five wins. The three opponents after that (Troy, UAB, Louisiana-Monroe) have a combined five wins. If FAU finishes 0-12 with that coming up, they may very well be the worst team in the country. I'll have to check.
Top 25:
-#1 is LSU and it isn't close. Oklahoma State jumped up by beating 7-2 Kansas State while Boise State dropped by beating 2-6 UNLV. Stanford's opponents are not helping them out at all, Stanford's SoS dropped like a rock this week.
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Boise State
4) Houston
5) Stanford
6) Oregon
6) Alabama
8) Penn State
8) Arkansas
10) Virginia Tech
11) Clemson
12) Texas
12) Kansas State
14) Georgia
15) Tulsa
16) Oklahoma
17) USC
18) South Carolina
19) Louisiana-Lafayette
20) Arkansas State
21) Washington
22) Michigan State
23) Wisconsin
24) Michigan
25) TCU
Others Receiving Votes: Nevada, Georgia Tech, Nebraska,
The picks:
-Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech: Every year the winner of this game goes on to the ACC Championship game. Paul Johnson's offense gives Bud Foster's defense fits and this year will be no different. The biggest thing is that both teams were off the past weekend so both will be rested, ready, and prepared. I think Virginia Tech will put some points up on Georgia Tech, and the option offense won't be able to score enough. VT by 4.
-Nebraska at Penn State: This game has way too many variables to list right now. Nebraska got pantsed last week at home against Northwestern. Penn State has had a week from hell. I wonder if the coaches have even planned much at all. Then again its been said that Paterno barely coaches anymore, the assistants do most of the work. If so Penn State should be fine. This is the first of three really tough games for Penn State (@Ohio State and @Wisconsin to finish). This will be the last home game for Penn State, and it may be enough. Penn State by 3.
-Wake Forest at Clemson: Clemson can wrap up the Atlantic division with a win here, Wake Forest is still in it as well but has to win here. Clemson is too much for Wake to handle though. Clemson by 14.
-Michigan State at Iowa: Iowa has been easy to figure out. They're undefeated at home even playing good teams like Pitt and Michigan, winless on the road even playing bad teams like Iowa State and Minnesota. This game is at home, so Iowa wins by 3.
-Florida at South Carolina: Last year South Carolina went limping into this game a bit after getting blown out by Arkansas, and beat the living crap out of Florida to secure the SEC East. While this year the circumstances are a little different (the cocks need UGA to lose one) the results will be the same. South Carolina by 10.
-Oklahoma State at Texas Tech: Texas Tech is fading fast after winning at Oklahoma a few weeks ago. While Tommy Tubberville can get his team up for a big game like this, I think it will be too much to ask to contain Oklahoma State this week. Also Oklahoma State may be looking to prove a point by beating the team that the in-state rival couldn't! Oklahoma State will be too much here, wins by 14.
-Washington at USC: One of the things that steve Sarkisian has been able to do since leaving USC for Washington, is beat USC. Two years running so far. Look for three this time around. Washington by 3.
-Florida State-Miami Rivalry; Miami at Florida State: The road team has won the past four years. FSU has won four straight games overall, but only NC State out of that bunch has a winning record (5-4). The other two wins by FSU so far are against teams with a combined two wins. Miami has at least beaten a couple of decent opponents (GT, UNC, and Ohio State). Overall the teams are fairly even. I'll go with the trends and pick Miami by 3.
-Deep South's Oldest Rivalry; Auburn at Georgia: These two teams are having surprising good years given the preseason predictions. Auburn may have lost three games, but all three were on the road against top 10 teams. UGA has lost two games, one a home game and the other a virtual home game. Given that, I say Auburn wins this one on the road by 4.
-TCU at Boise State: Not to dismiss SDSU and Wyoming, but this is Boise State's last real good team to face. TCU has had some struggles this year compared to the past few but is still a very good team. With this game being in Boise, I don't see the upset occuring. Boise State by 10.
-Michigan at Illinois: Michigan's division hopes took a big hit last week with the loss at Iowa. Illinois is pretty much out of it with three conference losses but would love to get a win here to turn around a three game losing streak. Illinois was off last week, and I believe the rest will do them well. Illinois by 3.
-Oregon at Stanford: Stanford could clinch a division title here, Oregon could virtually do it (would have to lose against USC and Oregon State). This game was fun and exciting last year with Oregon winnning it with a big second half performance. I don't think Stanford will get shut out again in the second half, but won't have enough to keep up. Oregon by 7.
-I don't even know where to start with the stuff going on at Penn State. It's incredibly messed up. As of writing this, Joe Paterno has been fired as well as the Penn State Athletic Director and a bunch of others. This whole thing is just messed up, I can't even begin to describe all my feelings on it.
-Quite a few good games on this week. Just about every time slot has something worth watching to an average fan (okay, the after 10pm games don't do much for me, but give it a rest!).
Cheering for:
-Wake Forest: for having the smallest enrollment in the FBS, the team is in a position to take control of the ACC Atlantic division with a win this week. It's against Clemson so it won't be easy, but still possible. Jim Grobe is a good coach who surprises me when he doesn't take a bigger job.
Laughing at:
-Indiana: I know the school hasn't been known for its success on the football field, but you fired the entire coaching staff at the end of the year last year (a 5-7 finish) for this? 1-9 with losses to MAC (Ball State) and Sun Belt (North Texas) teams?
Feeling sorry for:
-New Mexico: UNLV visits this week. If New Mexico doesn't win this one, the odds of finishing 0-12 are pretty close to 100%. Trips to Wyoming and Boise State are pretty close to guaranteed losses.
-Florida Atlantic: Florida International, this week's opponent, has five wins. The three opponents after that (Troy, UAB, Louisiana-Monroe) have a combined five wins. If FAU finishes 0-12 with that coming up, they may very well be the worst team in the country. I'll have to check.
Top 25:
-#1 is LSU and it isn't close. Oklahoma State jumped up by beating 7-2 Kansas State while Boise State dropped by beating 2-6 UNLV. Stanford's opponents are not helping them out at all, Stanford's SoS dropped like a rock this week.
1) LSU
2) Oklahoma State
3) Boise State
4) Houston
5) Stanford
6) Oregon
6) Alabama
8) Penn State
8) Arkansas
10) Virginia Tech
11) Clemson
12) Texas
12) Kansas State
14) Georgia
15) Tulsa
16) Oklahoma
17) USC
18) South Carolina
19) Louisiana-Lafayette
20) Arkansas State
21) Washington
22) Michigan State
23) Wisconsin
24) Michigan
25) TCU
Others Receiving Votes: Nevada, Georgia Tech, Nebraska,
The picks:
-Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech: Every year the winner of this game goes on to the ACC Championship game. Paul Johnson's offense gives Bud Foster's defense fits and this year will be no different. The biggest thing is that both teams were off the past weekend so both will be rested, ready, and prepared. I think Virginia Tech will put some points up on Georgia Tech, and the option offense won't be able to score enough. VT by 4.
-Nebraska at Penn State: This game has way too many variables to list right now. Nebraska got pantsed last week at home against Northwestern. Penn State has had a week from hell. I wonder if the coaches have even planned much at all. Then again its been said that Paterno barely coaches anymore, the assistants do most of the work. If so Penn State should be fine. This is the first of three really tough games for Penn State (@Ohio State and @Wisconsin to finish). This will be the last home game for Penn State, and it may be enough. Penn State by 3.
-Wake Forest at Clemson: Clemson can wrap up the Atlantic division with a win here, Wake Forest is still in it as well but has to win here. Clemson is too much for Wake to handle though. Clemson by 14.
-Michigan State at Iowa: Iowa has been easy to figure out. They're undefeated at home even playing good teams like Pitt and Michigan, winless on the road even playing bad teams like Iowa State and Minnesota. This game is at home, so Iowa wins by 3.
-Florida at South Carolina: Last year South Carolina went limping into this game a bit after getting blown out by Arkansas, and beat the living crap out of Florida to secure the SEC East. While this year the circumstances are a little different (the cocks need UGA to lose one) the results will be the same. South Carolina by 10.
-Oklahoma State at Texas Tech: Texas Tech is fading fast after winning at Oklahoma a few weeks ago. While Tommy Tubberville can get his team up for a big game like this, I think it will be too much to ask to contain Oklahoma State this week. Also Oklahoma State may be looking to prove a point by beating the team that the in-state rival couldn't! Oklahoma State will be too much here, wins by 14.
-Washington at USC: One of the things that steve Sarkisian has been able to do since leaving USC for Washington, is beat USC. Two years running so far. Look for three this time around. Washington by 3.
-Florida State-Miami Rivalry; Miami at Florida State: The road team has won the past four years. FSU has won four straight games overall, but only NC State out of that bunch has a winning record (5-4). The other two wins by FSU so far are against teams with a combined two wins. Miami has at least beaten a couple of decent opponents (GT, UNC, and Ohio State). Overall the teams are fairly even. I'll go with the trends and pick Miami by 3.
-Deep South's Oldest Rivalry; Auburn at Georgia: These two teams are having surprising good years given the preseason predictions. Auburn may have lost three games, but all three were on the road against top 10 teams. UGA has lost two games, one a home game and the other a virtual home game. Given that, I say Auburn wins this one on the road by 4.
-TCU at Boise State: Not to dismiss SDSU and Wyoming, but this is Boise State's last real good team to face. TCU has had some struggles this year compared to the past few but is still a very good team. With this game being in Boise, I don't see the upset occuring. Boise State by 10.
-Michigan at Illinois: Michigan's division hopes took a big hit last week with the loss at Iowa. Illinois is pretty much out of it with three conference losses but would love to get a win here to turn around a three game losing streak. Illinois was off last week, and I believe the rest will do them well. Illinois by 3.
-Oregon at Stanford: Stanford could clinch a division title here, Oregon could virtually do it (would have to lose against USC and Oregon State). This game was fun and exciting last year with Oregon winnning it with a big second half performance. I don't think Stanford will get shut out again in the second half, but won't have enough to keep up. Oregon by 7.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
2011 College Football Week 10 predictions!
Commentary: We saw two unbeatens go down last week, Clemson and Kansas State. The wildcats losing wasn't a huge shocker, but how bad they lost by was. Clemson falling in Atlanta shouldn't have been as much of a shock to me but it was. Vegas kept the line on the game close and I guess there is a reason why those guys live in big houses and I don't. The spread on Bama/LSU this week is higher (and favoring Bama by 5). Makes you wonder what they know.
Cheering for:
-Georgia Tech: I know it's my school and all, but damn that win last week was sweet! I know I had little faith in the team going into last week. Clemson was good, well still is good but the Jackets made them look overmatched last week. The defense has gotten a lot better, the offense looked like it was in early-season form and special teams held their own. Also, one of the more interesting parts of the win is an unofficial title now sits with the Jackets. If you do college football like you do boxing, where you become the champ when you beat the reigning champ, currently Georgia Tech is the champ! I've seen a few sites that follow this, one does it from the first game between Princeton and Rutgers, another with the first AP champ in 1936 (Minnesota for the record), and a third that started it with the 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers. All three "merged" at different points and Clemson had it until last weekend! Rest up Jackets and get ready for a title defense against the Hokies next Thursday!
Laughing at:
-Maryland: I think Ralph Friedgen is still available... well no he isn't for you. Nevermind. Nice 2-6 record there.
-Colorado: I don't blame Colorado for letting Dan Hawkins go. It didn't work out well despite the accolades he came in with. He was an experienced coach from outside the program coming in and didn't do well with a lot of things. It happens. However the Colorado administration went the exact opposite in their hire of Jon Embree. He played at Colorado but had little coaching experience (mostly just a positional coach wherever he was). Hawkins' tenure at Colorado started with a loss to 1-AA Montana State and rarely got any better. The first season they finished 2-10. Despite one bowl season, Colorado never finshed above .500. So far with Embree the Buffalos are 1-8, the one win against state rival Colorado State. The move to the PAC-12 hasn't helped like it should yet. Embree has a long way to go and the administration deserves this spot for the knee-jerk, short-sighted hire of Embree.
Feeling sorry for:
-New Mexico: one of two winless teams. The prospects aren't looking good this week either. 4-3 San Diego State hosts the Lobos this week. 2-5 UNLV visits next week though!
-Florida Atlantic: the other winless team. FAU was off last week so little suffering occured. This week the Owls host conference leader Arkansas State. The next two weeks have road trips to Florida International and Troy. Its not until the 26th when the Owls host lowly UAB and then host Louisiana-Monroe the following week that there are any real hopes for ending the streak.
Top 25: Boise State's SoS keeps rising, enough to push it higher than Oklahoma State. This weekend's LSU/Alabama winner will probably be at the top next week, can't say for sure yet. Tulsa makes an appearance despite three losses overall due to the fact that the three teams that Tulsa lost to have a combined one loss on the season (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State).
1) LSU
2) Boise State
3) Oklahoma State
4) Alabama
5) Stanford
6) Houston
7) Oregon
8) Penn State
8) Arkansas
10) Virginia Tech
11) Kansas State
12) Michigan
13) Nebraska
14) Clemson
15) Washington
16) Texas
16) Georgia
18) South Carolina
19) Oklahoma
20) USC
21) Tulsa
22) West Virginia
23) Auburn
24) Michigan State
25) Cincinnati
The picks:
-Florida State at Boston College: Thursday evening games are interesting to me due the psyche of the teams. The home teams get a national spotlight for an evening with little competition, a short walk from class straight to the game, and the chance to win now and relax over the weekend. The visiting team has a kink in the usual schedule, a trip to make (and a long one in this case) and a night game on an unusual day to travel to. If this were a Saturday game FSU would have no issues at all. Boston College has been terrible this season and a long bowl-streak may end. BC would have to win out just to extend that another year. It is motivation for sure, but it still won't be enough. FSU wins with a solid second half. FSU by 10.
-Chancellor's Spurs; Texas Tech at Texas: One thing that Tommy Tubberville is good at is playing the top teams. Two weeks ago Texas Tech pulled off a stunning upset of Oklahoma at Oklahoma. Tubberville has also been known for playing poorly against lesser teams. Last week the Red Raiders basically forgot to show up against lowly Iowa State. Tech was averaging 43 points a game going into that one and scored seven. This week is a little bigger than that one. After dropping two games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Texas got things back on track beating up Kansas last week. I don't see Texas dropping this one at home. Texas by 7.
-Louisville at West Virginia: This series initially was thought of as a fight for the Big East title, though in the past couple of years that hasn't been the case. WVU has owned this series since Louisville joined the Big East in 2005. While Louisville is the "lover scorned" here since WVU got the Big 12 invite and Louisville didn't, it won't make enough of a difference here. WVU by 10.
-Michigan at Iowa: Michigan hasn't done well in the series the past couple of years, but then again Rich Rodriguez's tenure was filled with failure. Iowa lost an all time of a clunker last week to Minnesota, for the second year in a row. I think the Michigan offense takes advantage and wins a close one here. Michigan by 3.
-North Carolina at NC State: UNC has lost four in a row to the in-state rivals, and the (interim) head coach for UNC calls out NC State on its academics. Adding fuel to the fire? Now the game itself is another story. NC State had a horrible, ugly loss last week to FSU. UNC beat up a good Wake Forest team. Momentum would be with UNC now, but I think the motivation shifts to NC State right now. NCSU by 4.
-Texas A&M at Oklahoma: Look out everybody. Oklahoma is in "impress the voters" mode and A&M is in the path. Last time this occured OU routinely hung 60 on everyone to reach the Big 12 Championship/BCS National Championship game in 2008. A&M doesn't have a good passing defense, but has been able to hang with anyone. Oklahoma isn't Baylor or Texas Tech. OU rolls here, wins by 20.
-Louisiana Monroe at Lousiana Lafayette: Without knowing much about these teams, it appears that Lafayette is having the much stronger season, is still looking for the Sun Belt title. Monroe isn't doing so well. Lafayette by 10.
-Commander-in-Chief's Trophy; Army at Air Force: If Air Force wins here, the trophy is theirs! Army isn't have much of a year right now, doesn't appear to have the horses to keep up. Air Force by 14.
-South Carolina at Arkansas: The only times that South Carolina has managed to win this game lately is when Arkansas finishes with a losing record. That isn't happening this year, so South Carolina drops an important one. Arkansas by 10.
-Kansas State at Oklahoma State: The resounding thud you heard last week was Kansas State being brought down several levels by Oklahoma last week. It was close at halftime but wasn't close by the end. Oklahoma State will want to flex its muscle to show it can beat up a good team too and win big. Oklahoma State by 14.
-Oregon at Washington: Since the opening week loss at LSU, Oregon has quietly been having a fine season. They're not out of the title picture at all. Washington isn't bad, but isn't that good. Oregon wins by 14.
-Saban Bowl; LSU at Alabama: I'm having difficulty writing about this game. Well, I'm having a difficulty finding a difference between these two teams, other than the names on the jerseys and the coaching staffs. The only thing that seems to truly separate these two teams this weekend will be the fact that the game is at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. That's about it. Alabama by a touchdown.
Cheering for:
-Georgia Tech: I know it's my school and all, but damn that win last week was sweet! I know I had little faith in the team going into last week. Clemson was good, well still is good but the Jackets made them look overmatched last week. The defense has gotten a lot better, the offense looked like it was in early-season form and special teams held their own. Also, one of the more interesting parts of the win is an unofficial title now sits with the Jackets. If you do college football like you do boxing, where you become the champ when you beat the reigning champ, currently Georgia Tech is the champ! I've seen a few sites that follow this, one does it from the first game between Princeton and Rutgers, another with the first AP champ in 1936 (Minnesota for the record), and a third that started it with the 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers. All three "merged" at different points and Clemson had it until last weekend! Rest up Jackets and get ready for a title defense against the Hokies next Thursday!
Laughing at:
-Maryland: I think Ralph Friedgen is still available... well no he isn't for you. Nevermind. Nice 2-6 record there.
-Colorado: I don't blame Colorado for letting Dan Hawkins go. It didn't work out well despite the accolades he came in with. He was an experienced coach from outside the program coming in and didn't do well with a lot of things. It happens. However the Colorado administration went the exact opposite in their hire of Jon Embree. He played at Colorado but had little coaching experience (mostly just a positional coach wherever he was). Hawkins' tenure at Colorado started with a loss to 1-AA Montana State and rarely got any better. The first season they finished 2-10. Despite one bowl season, Colorado never finshed above .500. So far with Embree the Buffalos are 1-8, the one win against state rival Colorado State. The move to the PAC-12 hasn't helped like it should yet. Embree has a long way to go and the administration deserves this spot for the knee-jerk, short-sighted hire of Embree.
Feeling sorry for:
-New Mexico: one of two winless teams. The prospects aren't looking good this week either. 4-3 San Diego State hosts the Lobos this week. 2-5 UNLV visits next week though!
-Florida Atlantic: the other winless team. FAU was off last week so little suffering occured. This week the Owls host conference leader Arkansas State. The next two weeks have road trips to Florida International and Troy. Its not until the 26th when the Owls host lowly UAB and then host Louisiana-Monroe the following week that there are any real hopes for ending the streak.
Top 25: Boise State's SoS keeps rising, enough to push it higher than Oklahoma State. This weekend's LSU/Alabama winner will probably be at the top next week, can't say for sure yet. Tulsa makes an appearance despite three losses overall due to the fact that the three teams that Tulsa lost to have a combined one loss on the season (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State).
1) LSU
2) Boise State
3) Oklahoma State
4) Alabama
5) Stanford
6) Houston
7) Oregon
8) Penn State
8) Arkansas
10) Virginia Tech
11) Kansas State
12) Michigan
13) Nebraska
14) Clemson
15) Washington
16) Texas
16) Georgia
18) South Carolina
19) Oklahoma
20) USC
21) Tulsa
22) West Virginia
23) Auburn
24) Michigan State
25) Cincinnati
The picks:
-Florida State at Boston College: Thursday evening games are interesting to me due the psyche of the teams. The home teams get a national spotlight for an evening with little competition, a short walk from class straight to the game, and the chance to win now and relax over the weekend. The visiting team has a kink in the usual schedule, a trip to make (and a long one in this case) and a night game on an unusual day to travel to. If this were a Saturday game FSU would have no issues at all. Boston College has been terrible this season and a long bowl-streak may end. BC would have to win out just to extend that another year. It is motivation for sure, but it still won't be enough. FSU wins with a solid second half. FSU by 10.
-Chancellor's Spurs; Texas Tech at Texas: One thing that Tommy Tubberville is good at is playing the top teams. Two weeks ago Texas Tech pulled off a stunning upset of Oklahoma at Oklahoma. Tubberville has also been known for playing poorly against lesser teams. Last week the Red Raiders basically forgot to show up against lowly Iowa State. Tech was averaging 43 points a game going into that one and scored seven. This week is a little bigger than that one. After dropping two games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Texas got things back on track beating up Kansas last week. I don't see Texas dropping this one at home. Texas by 7.
-Louisville at West Virginia: This series initially was thought of as a fight for the Big East title, though in the past couple of years that hasn't been the case. WVU has owned this series since Louisville joined the Big East in 2005. While Louisville is the "lover scorned" here since WVU got the Big 12 invite and Louisville didn't, it won't make enough of a difference here. WVU by 10.
-Michigan at Iowa: Michigan hasn't done well in the series the past couple of years, but then again Rich Rodriguez's tenure was filled with failure. Iowa lost an all time of a clunker last week to Minnesota, for the second year in a row. I think the Michigan offense takes advantage and wins a close one here. Michigan by 3.
-North Carolina at NC State: UNC has lost four in a row to the in-state rivals, and the (interim) head coach for UNC calls out NC State on its academics. Adding fuel to the fire? Now the game itself is another story. NC State had a horrible, ugly loss last week to FSU. UNC beat up a good Wake Forest team. Momentum would be with UNC now, but I think the motivation shifts to NC State right now. NCSU by 4.
-Texas A&M at Oklahoma: Look out everybody. Oklahoma is in "impress the voters" mode and A&M is in the path. Last time this occured OU routinely hung 60 on everyone to reach the Big 12 Championship/BCS National Championship game in 2008. A&M doesn't have a good passing defense, but has been able to hang with anyone. Oklahoma isn't Baylor or Texas Tech. OU rolls here, wins by 20.
-Louisiana Monroe at Lousiana Lafayette: Without knowing much about these teams, it appears that Lafayette is having the much stronger season, is still looking for the Sun Belt title. Monroe isn't doing so well. Lafayette by 10.
-Commander-in-Chief's Trophy; Army at Air Force: If Air Force wins here, the trophy is theirs! Army isn't have much of a year right now, doesn't appear to have the horses to keep up. Air Force by 14.
-South Carolina at Arkansas: The only times that South Carolina has managed to win this game lately is when Arkansas finishes with a losing record. That isn't happening this year, so South Carolina drops an important one. Arkansas by 10.
-Kansas State at Oklahoma State: The resounding thud you heard last week was Kansas State being brought down several levels by Oklahoma last week. It was close at halftime but wasn't close by the end. Oklahoma State will want to flex its muscle to show it can beat up a good team too and win big. Oklahoma State by 14.
-Oregon at Washington: Since the opening week loss at LSU, Oregon has quietly been having a fine season. They're not out of the title picture at all. Washington isn't bad, but isn't that good. Oregon wins by 14.
-Saban Bowl; LSU at Alabama: I'm having difficulty writing about this game. Well, I'm having a difficulty finding a difference between these two teams, other than the names on the jerseys and the coaching staffs. The only thing that seems to truly separate these two teams this weekend will be the fact that the game is at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. That's about it. Alabama by a touchdown.
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