Down to the last full week of regular season games before Championship Saturday next week. A 3-2 weekend last week moved the season record to 37-22-1. A couple games for Friday this week in addition to Saturday.
at Central Michigan -18 Eastern Michigan - When the Michigan directional schools get together for a game, you can throw out the records; it's a battle for compass bragging rights. Central Michigan can finish their season with a 6-6 record with a win and a chance to go to a bowl game. Eastern Michigan can finish their season with 10 losses with a loss. The Chippewas have been playing better of late while the Eagles have been dreadful all year. Chips get up early and cruise in the second half.
at Central Florida -27 South Florida - Another directional battle, down in the Sunshine State. This one means a little more than the one in Michigan as UCF can clinch at least a tie for the American Athletic Conference with a win and be one step closer to a BCS bowl game. The Bulls have been a mess all year and have scored all of 9 offensive touchdowns this year. Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds had 7 in one game last week. The Knights have burned me in the past against the number but this week they take care of business and get their 10th win.
Rutgers -2.5 at Connecticut - This might be a trap game as Rutgers has looked really, really bad 4 of the last 5 weeks. But Connecticut has looked terrible all year (even though they finally got their first win by beating Temple last week). This game will probably be a dumpster fire to watch but I'm counting on the Scarlet Knights to pull out a close 7-3 or 14-10 type of game.
Alabama -10.5 at Auburn - Auburn has been a great story this year and have had a miracle season (see Auburn vs Georgia ending). Alabama has been a great story for five years. The Crimson Tide are a team on a mission. The Tigers may get a score or two early to get the fans roaring, but Alabama will do what Alabama does and continue to pound the ball on the ground and wear down the Auburn defense. It may be close at the half, but by the fourth quarter the Tide will have things well in hand as they get ready to go to the SEC Championship game.
Ohio State -16 at Michigan - I know, it's a rivalry game and you throw out the records when two long-time rivals play. But seriously, if you really look at rivalry games, how often does it happen that the vastly superior team loses to the inferior team? Not too often. They make for great stories when they do (UCLA over USC in 2006 comes to mind), but generally the better team wins. The Buckeyes are far superior to this year's version of the Wolverines. Michigan turns the ball over too much, the offense is erratic and they just won't have the firepower to keep up with Ohio State. Ohio State might hang half a hundred on the Maize and Blue and this won't be close.
Baylor -13 at TCU - Last week's loss to Oklahoma State was devastating for the Bears. They lost their undefeated season, lost control of the lead in the Big 12 and possibly a BCS bowl berth and an outside chance to play for the National Title. TCU has struggled all year and has not looked like a typical Gary Patterson coached team. Baylor bounces back from their whipping last week and gets back to being Baylor, hanging 40 plus on the Horned Frogs.
at Georgia Tech +3 Georgia - The loss of QB Aaron Murray for the Bulldogs last week seems like the unfortunate perfect exclamation point for the season of injuries Georgia had this year. Without him and the other season-ending injuries they've suffered, the Yellow Jackets triple-option attack will have a chance to move the ball and run off the clock. I'm picking Georgia Tech to win this game outright and line themselves up for a slightly better bowl game.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Week 13 Picks
Last week was a disaster, only going 2-4 and dropping the season record to 34-20-1. A lot of dog games this week as teams play teams like The Citadel, Chattanooga and Coastal Carolina but there are still a few to pick.
Bowling Green -25.5 at Eastern Michigan - Bowling Green is tied for the MAC East lead and has a showdown with Buffalo next week for the right to go to the title game. Eastern Michigan has been blown out in almost every MAC game. The Falcons get a chance to fine tune everything before next week and they rip the Eagles.
Vanderbilt +2.5 at Tennessee - The Volunteers have been a better team at home than on the road but the only decent team they have beaten this year is South Carolina. Vanderbilt isn't a great team, but they are a decent team and have been playing well as of late. I like the Commodores to win this one outright and keep alive their chance for an 8-win season.
Wisconsin +16.5 at Minnesota - The Golden Gophers have had a very successful season by their recent standards. The Badgers have had a great season and except for a 7-point loss to Ohio State and a loss to the Pac-12 referees/Arizona State, they have been steamrolling opponents. Minnesota's rush defense isn't great and Wisconsin will exploit that. Badgers make this one ugly and keep the Paul Bunyan Axe.
Boise State -6 at San Diego State - The Aztecs have played better since an 0-3 start, winning 6 of their last 7. Five of those wins have been by a touchdown or less. The Broncos have been rolling along as well with only a loss to BYU in their last six games. San Diego State upset Boise last year and this year the Broncos get their revenge this year.
East Carolina -6 at North Carolina State - Going with a fifth road team this week by taking the Pirates. The Wolfpack is on a six-game losing streak and they haven't really been close. East Carolina is scoring points in bunches and playing decent defense. They'll take out the Wolfpack and keep a 10-win season as a possibility.
Bowling Green -25.5 at Eastern Michigan - Bowling Green is tied for the MAC East lead and has a showdown with Buffalo next week for the right to go to the title game. Eastern Michigan has been blown out in almost every MAC game. The Falcons get a chance to fine tune everything before next week and they rip the Eagles.
Vanderbilt +2.5 at Tennessee - The Volunteers have been a better team at home than on the road but the only decent team they have beaten this year is South Carolina. Vanderbilt isn't a great team, but they are a decent team and have been playing well as of late. I like the Commodores to win this one outright and keep alive their chance for an 8-win season.
Wisconsin +16.5 at Minnesota - The Golden Gophers have had a very successful season by their recent standards. The Badgers have had a great season and except for a 7-point loss to Ohio State and a loss to the Pac-12 referees/Arizona State, they have been steamrolling opponents. Minnesota's rush defense isn't great and Wisconsin will exploit that. Badgers make this one ugly and keep the Paul Bunyan Axe.
Boise State -6 at San Diego State - The Aztecs have played better since an 0-3 start, winning 6 of their last 7. Five of those wins have been by a touchdown or less. The Broncos have been rolling along as well with only a loss to BYU in their last six games. San Diego State upset Boise last year and this year the Broncos get their revenge this year.
East Carolina -6 at North Carolina State - Going with a fifth road team this week by taking the Pirates. The Wolfpack is on a six-game losing streak and they haven't really been close. East Carolina is scoring points in bunches and playing decent defense. They'll take out the Wolfpack and keep a 10-win season as a possibility.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Week 12 Picks
Another 4-1 week last week that takes the season record to 32-16-1. Last week went with four SEC games; this week we'll go with three Pac 12 games. Starting the weekend early with a Friday night game.
at UCLA -2.5 Washington - The Bruins have been fantastic at home and the Huskies have been less
than stellar on the road. If UCLA can contain running back Bishop Sankey and make quarterback Keith Price have to beat them, I think the Bruins can force a couple of turnovers they can turn into points. UCLA should be fired up for this game in their black Midnight uniforms and will win by a touchdown or more.
West Virginia -6.5 at Kansas - Granted, the Jayhawks might have a "decided schematic advantage" under coach Charlie Weis, but that still doesn't get around the fact that their players aren't very good. Yes, the Mountaineers haven't been exactly world beaters either, but they did beat Oklahoma State, they played Texas tough last week and covering a touchdown against a bad Kansas team should be too hard.
Stanford -3.5 at USC - I'll grant that USC is playing better since they got rid of Lane Kiffin. And the win at Oregon State was nice. And last week the offense showed up in a rout of Cal. But the other team from the Bay Area...they actually play defense. This is one of those games that might be close for a half, maybe even in to the third quarter. And then Stanford's pounding style will start to wear out the Trojans and the lack of depth due to the scholarship limitations will truly show. Look for a double-digit victory for the Cardinal and keeping their slim national title hopes alive.
at Arizona -11 Washington State - The Cougars are improving under Mike Leach. Unfortunately, they still don't have the talent they need to compete with the good to really good teams in the Pac 12. They've lost four of their last five, and all of those by 24 points or more. The Wildcats at home will get back on track after their close loss to UCLA last week and maul the Cougars.
at South Carolina -12.5 Florida - This one could get ugly. The Gators have been decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball this year. The Gamecocks still have a shot at winning the SEC East and playing for the SEC Championship. Florida has no offense whatsoever and if they get down 10-0 or 14-3 early, this one will be done by halftime. Look for Carolina and coach Steve Spurrier to kick them while their down and roll to an easy victory.
Michigan State -6 at Nebraska - The Cornhuskers have been living lucky the last two weeks with a Hail Mary victory over Northwestern and a last minute win against Michigan. Unfortunately, those two opponents aren't very good and are really reeling. On the other hand, the Spartans are rolling and are somehow flying way under the radar at 8-1 with an absolutely nasty defense. That defense will more than keep Nebraska in check and chalk up another easy win.
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| UCLA Bruins Midnight Uniform |
than stellar on the road. If UCLA can contain running back Bishop Sankey and make quarterback Keith Price have to beat them, I think the Bruins can force a couple of turnovers they can turn into points. UCLA should be fired up for this game in their black Midnight uniforms and will win by a touchdown or more.
West Virginia -6.5 at Kansas - Granted, the Jayhawks might have a "decided schematic advantage" under coach Charlie Weis, but that still doesn't get around the fact that their players aren't very good. Yes, the Mountaineers haven't been exactly world beaters either, but they did beat Oklahoma State, they played Texas tough last week and covering a touchdown against a bad Kansas team should be too hard.
Stanford -3.5 at USC - I'll grant that USC is playing better since they got rid of Lane Kiffin. And the win at Oregon State was nice. And last week the offense showed up in a rout of Cal. But the other team from the Bay Area...they actually play defense. This is one of those games that might be close for a half, maybe even in to the third quarter. And then Stanford's pounding style will start to wear out the Trojans and the lack of depth due to the scholarship limitations will truly show. Look for a double-digit victory for the Cardinal and keeping their slim national title hopes alive.
at Arizona -11 Washington State - The Cougars are improving under Mike Leach. Unfortunately, they still don't have the talent they need to compete with the good to really good teams in the Pac 12. They've lost four of their last five, and all of those by 24 points or more. The Wildcats at home will get back on track after their close loss to UCLA last week and maul the Cougars.
Michigan State -6 at Nebraska - The Cornhuskers have been living lucky the last two weeks with a Hail Mary victory over Northwestern and a last minute win against Michigan. Unfortunately, those two opponents aren't very good and are really reeling. On the other hand, the Spartans are rolling and are somehow flying way under the radar at 8-1 with an absolutely nasty defense. That defense will more than keep Nebraska in check and chalk up another easy win.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Week 11 Picks
After going 4-1 last week, the season record moved to 28-15-1. Looking to keep it rolling this weekend with a number of games in the SEC.
Missouri -13.5 at Kentucky - With Oregon's loss on Thursday night, a potential window has opened for Missouri. Win out (and win convincingly), beat Alabama in the SEC Title game and maybe look at a National Title shot. It starts against Kentucky and the Tigers should be able to tame the Wildcats.
Auburn -7.5 at Tennessee - Auburn is another SEC team who was helped out by the Ducks loss. If they can run the table and beat a one-loss Missouri in the SEC Title game, they might end up in the National Title game. The Tigers top 10 rushing offense goes up against Tennessee's not very good rushing defense and their tempo should wear out the Volunteers in an easy win.
at Alabama -12 LSU - This has been a very close game the last few years, at least in the regular season. LSU is one of the few teams who doesn't seem to fear playing the Crimson Tide...but this year, the Tigers defense isn't what it's been in the past and the big weakness is the run defense and Alabama's strength is the running game. The Tide will wear out the LSU defense and Alabama's defense will force a couple turnovers as the Tide rolls.
at Mississippi -17 Arkansas - The Razorbacks are not very good and they are skidding out of control like Bobby Petrino on a motorcycle right now. Ole Miss gets bowl eligible with a win against Arkansas. The Rebels only losses this year are to Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M. The Razorbacks haven't been competitive at all against good teams this year, losing their last five games by double-digits. Ole Miss wins easily and gets bowl eligible.
USC -16.5 at Cal - The Trojans have played very well since Lane Kiffin got fired, especially the defense. Cal's defense hasn't played well all year and the offense has only been average. USC won't need a lot of points to win this game and their defense should be able to hold the Bears down and cover the number.
Missouri -13.5 at Kentucky - With Oregon's loss on Thursday night, a potential window has opened for Missouri. Win out (and win convincingly), beat Alabama in the SEC Title game and maybe look at a National Title shot. It starts against Kentucky and the Tigers should be able to tame the Wildcats.
Auburn -7.5 at Tennessee - Auburn is another SEC team who was helped out by the Ducks loss. If they can run the table and beat a one-loss Missouri in the SEC Title game, they might end up in the National Title game. The Tigers top 10 rushing offense goes up against Tennessee's not very good rushing defense and their tempo should wear out the Volunteers in an easy win.
at Alabama -12 LSU - This has been a very close game the last few years, at least in the regular season. LSU is one of the few teams who doesn't seem to fear playing the Crimson Tide...but this year, the Tigers defense isn't what it's been in the past and the big weakness is the run defense and Alabama's strength is the running game. The Tide will wear out the LSU defense and Alabama's defense will force a couple turnovers as the Tide rolls.
at Mississippi -17 Arkansas - The Razorbacks are not very good and they are skidding out of control like Bobby Petrino on a motorcycle right now. Ole Miss gets bowl eligible with a win against Arkansas. The Rebels only losses this year are to Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M. The Razorbacks haven't been competitive at all against good teams this year, losing their last five games by double-digits. Ole Miss wins easily and gets bowl eligible.
USC -16.5 at Cal - The Trojans have played very well since Lane Kiffin got fired, especially the defense. Cal's defense hasn't played well all year and the offense has only been average. USC won't need a lot of points to win this game and their defense should be able to hold the Bears down and cover the number.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Week 10 Pics
A good run last week, going 3-1-1 (thanks, Virginia Tech for showing no offense against Duke). The season record moved to 24-14-1 and look to continue the winning ways this weekend.
Northern Illinois -25 at Massachusetts - The Huskies have a chance to go BCS bowling again this year. They're undefeated, quarterback Jordan Lynch got the hat trick last weekend (4 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD and 1 receiving TD) and they need to continue to impress voters. The Minutemen played Western Michigan close last week but Northern Illinois is in a completely different class and will hammer Massachusetts on their way to 9-0.
Clemson -18 at Virginia - I generally don't like double-digit road favorites in BCS conference games late in the season, but the Cavaliers have shown almost nothing this year and the Tigers still have a chance to get to the ACC Championship (especially if Miami helps them out later Saturday night against Florida State). Look for Clemson to shake off the rust they showed against Maryland last week and shut down Virginia.
Arizona -16 at Cal - Another double-digit road favorite in a BCS conference game. But Cal is absolutely terrible on defense and their offense seems to be regressing as the season goes along. The Wildcats balanced offense will get them up early and their running game will close out the Bears.
Auburn -7.5 at Arkansas - Arkansas' season has not gone as they hoped under new coach Bret Bielema. Auburn's has gone far better than expected under new coach Gus Malzahn. The Tigers hurry-up offense will be destroy the Razorbacks this Saturday and the hog fan base will start to make things a little hot for Bielema.
Wisconsin -9.5 at Iowa - Wisconsin is in a good spot here. Coming off a bye week and Iowa coming off a hard fought 17-10 overtime win against Northwestern. The Badger running backs have been running wild and they should be able to continue that trend against the Hawkeyes.
Northern Illinois -25 at Massachusetts - The Huskies have a chance to go BCS bowling again this year. They're undefeated, quarterback Jordan Lynch got the hat trick last weekend (4 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD and 1 receiving TD) and they need to continue to impress voters. The Minutemen played Western Michigan close last week but Northern Illinois is in a completely different class and will hammer Massachusetts on their way to 9-0.
Clemson -18 at Virginia - I generally don't like double-digit road favorites in BCS conference games late in the season, but the Cavaliers have shown almost nothing this year and the Tigers still have a chance to get to the ACC Championship (especially if Miami helps them out later Saturday night against Florida State). Look for Clemson to shake off the rust they showed against Maryland last week and shut down Virginia.
Arizona -16 at Cal - Another double-digit road favorite in a BCS conference game. But Cal is absolutely terrible on defense and their offense seems to be regressing as the season goes along. The Wildcats balanced offense will get them up early and their running game will close out the Bears.
Auburn -7.5 at Arkansas - Arkansas' season has not gone as they hoped under new coach Bret Bielema. Auburn's has gone far better than expected under new coach Gus Malzahn. The Tigers hurry-up offense will be destroy the Razorbacks this Saturday and the hog fan base will start to make things a little hot for Bielema.
Wisconsin -9.5 at Iowa - Wisconsin is in a good spot here. Coming off a bye week and Iowa coming off a hard fought 17-10 overtime win against Northwestern. The Badger running backs have been running wild and they should be able to continue that trend against the Hawkeyes.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Week 9 Picks
Had the first losing week last week, going 2-3, and dropping the season record to 21-13.
Ball State -10 at Akron - The Cardinals have been rolling pretty well the last month, including a blowout upset at Virginia. Akron finally got their first win over a FBS opponent by beating hapless Miami (OH) by a single touchdown. Ball State will continue to roll and bring the Zips back down to earth this weekend.
at Virginia Tech -13 Duke - Very quietly, the Hokies have put together a solid season after the opening loss to Alabama. And their defense is back to being nasty. The Blue Devils had an incredible rally last week to beat Virginia, but Tech won't let that happen this week and while most of the Hokies games have been close, they should get a bit of a breather this week.
Baylor -34.5 at Kansas - I've stayed away from Baylor the last couple of weeks because the spreads have been so big. It hasn't mattered. The Bears continue to just pile up video game numbers and their deadly passing, running, receiving, returning and even adding some defense. The Jayhawks are terrible under Charlie Weis and Baylor will get to 60 again on Saturday. The question is will Head Coach Art Briles let the Bears get to 100 one day.
Georgia Tech -10 at Virginia - How Virginia beat BYU the first week of the season remains one of the great mysteries this year. This team has no heart and Head Coach Mike London is probably done after this year. They put a cherry on top of their season by blowing a 22-0 lead over Duke last week and losing 35-22. The Yellow Jackets are in trouble of not being bowl eligible and this is one of the few very winnable games left on their schedule if they hope to make it. Tech should be able to run at will against the heartless Cavaliers and roll to victory.
Arizona -13 at Colorado - The Buffaloes haven't been within 26 points of any of their Pac-12 opponents this season. Arizona comes in with Ka'Deem Carey going for over 200 yards on the ground last week. The Wildcats should blast Colorado easily.
Ball State -10 at Akron - The Cardinals have been rolling pretty well the last month, including a blowout upset at Virginia. Akron finally got their first win over a FBS opponent by beating hapless Miami (OH) by a single touchdown. Ball State will continue to roll and bring the Zips back down to earth this weekend.
at Virginia Tech -13 Duke - Very quietly, the Hokies have put together a solid season after the opening loss to Alabama. And their defense is back to being nasty. The Blue Devils had an incredible rally last week to beat Virginia, but Tech won't let that happen this week and while most of the Hokies games have been close, they should get a bit of a breather this week.
Baylor -34.5 at Kansas - I've stayed away from Baylor the last couple of weeks because the spreads have been so big. It hasn't mattered. The Bears continue to just pile up video game numbers and their deadly passing, running, receiving, returning and even adding some defense. The Jayhawks are terrible under Charlie Weis and Baylor will get to 60 again on Saturday. The question is will Head Coach Art Briles let the Bears get to 100 one day.
Georgia Tech -10 at Virginia - How Virginia beat BYU the first week of the season remains one of the great mysteries this year. This team has no heart and Head Coach Mike London is probably done after this year. They put a cherry on top of their season by blowing a 22-0 lead over Duke last week and losing 35-22. The Yellow Jackets are in trouble of not being bowl eligible and this is one of the few very winnable games left on their schedule if they hope to make it. Tech should be able to run at will against the heartless Cavaliers and roll to victory.
Arizona -13 at Colorado - The Buffaloes haven't been within 26 points of any of their Pac-12 opponents this season. Arizona comes in with Ka'Deem Carey going for over 200 yards on the ground last week. The Wildcats should blast Colorado easily.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Week 8 Picks
Last week was successful, going 4-2 and taking the season record to 19-10.
South Carolina -7.5 at Tennessee - The Gamecocks were helped last week by Missouri taking out Georgia and now may have the inside track to the SEC East title with Georgia's injuries, Florida's lack of offense and Missouri losing their starting quarterback. Spurrier loves beating Tennessee and should put up points on an over-matched Volunteer squad.
Oregon State -10.5 at Cal - The Bears are playing absolutely no defense. The Beavers quarterback Shawn Mannion is leading the nation in TD passes with 25 and has only 3 interceptions. This number seems like a gift and the Beavers are going to be able to get their In-N-Out Burger reward.
Ball State -20 at Western Michigan - Ball State struggled last week against Kent State but still moved to 6-1. Western Michigan had no such struggle in losing their seventh game in a row this year, 33-0, to Buffalo. The Cardinal should have no problem giving the Broncos their eighth loss in a row.
Army -1 at Temple - The Owls might be the worst team in college football. They're near the bottom in scoring and yards per game and Army is actually playing decent this year. They should be able to rush for 350+ yards against Temple and win the game.
at Ohio State -18 Iowa - The Buckeyes and Urban Meyer understand that the perception is their schedule is weak and if they want to play in the BCS Championship game, they're going to have to take every Big Ten opponent to the woodshed. Will it make a difference if Alabama, Oregon and/or Clemson/Florida State are undefeated at the end of the season? Probably not, but the Buckeyes can only take care of what's in front of them.
South Carolina -7.5 at Tennessee - The Gamecocks were helped last week by Missouri taking out Georgia and now may have the inside track to the SEC East title with Georgia's injuries, Florida's lack of offense and Missouri losing their starting quarterback. Spurrier loves beating Tennessee and should put up points on an over-matched Volunteer squad.
Oregon State -10.5 at Cal - The Bears are playing absolutely no defense. The Beavers quarterback Shawn Mannion is leading the nation in TD passes with 25 and has only 3 interceptions. This number seems like a gift and the Beavers are going to be able to get their In-N-Out Burger reward.
Ball State -20 at Western Michigan - Ball State struggled last week against Kent State but still moved to 6-1. Western Michigan had no such struggle in losing their seventh game in a row this year, 33-0, to Buffalo. The Cardinal should have no problem giving the Broncos their eighth loss in a row.
Army -1 at Temple - The Owls might be the worst team in college football. They're near the bottom in scoring and yards per game and Army is actually playing decent this year. They should be able to rush for 350+ yards against Temple and win the game.
at Ohio State -18 Iowa - The Buckeyes and Urban Meyer understand that the perception is their schedule is weak and if they want to play in the BCS Championship game, they're going to have to take every Big Ten opponent to the woodshed. Will it make a difference if Alabama, Oregon and/or Clemson/Florida State are undefeated at the end of the season? Probably not, but the Buckeyes can only take care of what's in front of them.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Faking Injuries and Week 7 Picks
Something that's becoming a real problem in college football the last few years is the faking of injuries by defensive players to slow down an up-tempo offense. Stanford is the latest team to be accused of it after some iffy looking injuries in the 4th quarter of their game with Washington last week. The Huskies were moving the ball and moving quickly and then a Cardinal player would fall to the ground and lay there while the trainers came out to look at them while the rest of the defense caught their breath, drank some water, Gatorade, whiskey (does anyone know for sure what's in those bottles?). And then, one play later, the player who was so injured and needed help off the field is back in the game, running at full speed.
If the NCAA is really concerned about player safety - and I'm sure if they're not now, they will be once they have to settle a lawsuit like the NFL recently did - why not make it mandatory for the player to sit out the current drive? Why not let the team doctors check the player out for more than the ninety seconds that an injury timeout and one play takes? That doesn't seem unreasonable, especially when it's the player's health. Plus, it makes you seem like you care about your student-athletes and their future well-being instead of quickly rushing them back into the game if they are truly injured.
The secondary benefit of having the player sit out the current drive is so that our football doesn't get compared to the rest of the world's football, as former Oregon Ducks Coach Chip Kelly pointed out a few years ago when they played Arizona State and the Sun Devils engaged in some of these shenanigans. Some of these players are starting to look like soccer players who, when they get lightly bumped, fall to the ground like they were hit by a sniper round, roll around clutching their appendages with a look on their face like they just ate a two-month old tuna fish and ranch dressing sandwich, but then pop right back up once the other player has been given a yellow card. Let's not have football become like soccer and basketball with their flopping.
And speaking of Cal faking injuries to slow down an up-tempo team, it was interesting to hear their new coach Sonny Dykes complaining about Northwestern pulling the same stunt to slow down his new offense in the first game of the season. Probably should have looked at your own team's recent actions before making that statement, Coach. True, you weren't the coach then, but it does seem a little hypocritical coming from the one school who actually suspended a coach for telling his players to fake injury.
Last week's picks went 3-2, bringing the season record to 15-8.
at LSU -7 Florida - The Gators are playing some pretty good defense and their offense came to life a bit last week. Unfortunately for them, LSU's offense is rolling right now and Florida's offense won't be able to keep up. A late afternoon start will allow the Death Valley faithful to be well-lubricated and loud as evening falls, helping the Tigers to remain in the chase for the SEC Championship.
Boise State -7 at Utah State - If Chuckie Keeton was playing for the Aggies, this line might be more in Utah State's favor. But he is done for the year and the Broncos only having to cover a touchdown against one of the preseason Mountain West favorites seems like a gift. Of course, the guys in the desert have given apparent gifts before only to have them never materialize.
Stanford -8 at Utah - Picking against another Utah team this week as Stanford got pressed a bit by Washington in their last game and need to make a statement this week to keep their BCS Championship hopes alive. The Utes had some bad luck last week against UCLA with a number of tipped balls resulting in interceptions and Stanford's physical play will demoralize them by halftime. The only fear on this number is that the Cardinal don't seem to purposely embarrass their opponents.
Oregon State +3 at Washington State - The Beavers had a bad loss to a Div-I AA school earlier this year and the Cougars are much improved in Mike Leach's second year. But Oregon State will be too much for Washington State and won't only cover but win outright.
Oregon -12 at Washington - In another battle of Oregon school vs. Washington school, I'm taking the Oregon school. This is the first time the Ducks have been under a two-touchdown favorite this year and I'm not buying it. The Ducks have pounded the Huskies the last nine years and they'll make it an even ten on Saturday as they look to keep their BCS Championship hopes and Marcus Mariota's Heisman drive alive.
Oklahoma -11.5 Texas - Mack Brown isn't going to have an answer for the Sooners running game and the officials aren't going to be able to bail him out like they did last week against Iowa State. Oklahoma rolls and the heat gets turned up a little more on the Texas head coach.
If the NCAA is really concerned about player safety - and I'm sure if they're not now, they will be once they have to settle a lawsuit like the NFL recently did - why not make it mandatory for the player to sit out the current drive? Why not let the team doctors check the player out for more than the ninety seconds that an injury timeout and one play takes? That doesn't seem unreasonable, especially when it's the player's health. Plus, it makes you seem like you care about your student-athletes and their future well-being instead of quickly rushing them back into the game if they are truly injured.
The secondary benefit of having the player sit out the current drive is so that our football doesn't get compared to the rest of the world's football, as former Oregon Ducks Coach Chip Kelly pointed out a few years ago when they played Arizona State and the Sun Devils engaged in some of these shenanigans. Some of these players are starting to look like soccer players who, when they get lightly bumped, fall to the ground like they were hit by a sniper round, roll around clutching their appendages with a look on their face like they just ate a two-month old tuna fish and ranch dressing sandwich, but then pop right back up once the other player has been given a yellow card. Let's not have football become like soccer and basketball with their flopping.
And speaking of Cal faking injuries to slow down an up-tempo team, it was interesting to hear their new coach Sonny Dykes complaining about Northwestern pulling the same stunt to slow down his new offense in the first game of the season. Probably should have looked at your own team's recent actions before making that statement, Coach. True, you weren't the coach then, but it does seem a little hypocritical coming from the one school who actually suspended a coach for telling his players to fake injury.
Last week's picks went 3-2, bringing the season record to 15-8.
at LSU -7 Florida - The Gators are playing some pretty good defense and their offense came to life a bit last week. Unfortunately for them, LSU's offense is rolling right now and Florida's offense won't be able to keep up. A late afternoon start will allow the Death Valley faithful to be well-lubricated and loud as evening falls, helping the Tigers to remain in the chase for the SEC Championship.
Boise State -7 at Utah State - If Chuckie Keeton was playing for the Aggies, this line might be more in Utah State's favor. But he is done for the year and the Broncos only having to cover a touchdown against one of the preseason Mountain West favorites seems like a gift. Of course, the guys in the desert have given apparent gifts before only to have them never materialize.
Stanford -8 at Utah - Picking against another Utah team this week as Stanford got pressed a bit by Washington in their last game and need to make a statement this week to keep their BCS Championship hopes alive. The Utes had some bad luck last week against UCLA with a number of tipped balls resulting in interceptions and Stanford's physical play will demoralize them by halftime. The only fear on this number is that the Cardinal don't seem to purposely embarrass their opponents.
Oregon State +3 at Washington State - The Beavers had a bad loss to a Div-I AA school earlier this year and the Cougars are much improved in Mike Leach's second year. But Oregon State will be too much for Washington State and won't only cover but win outright.
Oklahoma -11.5 Texas - Mack Brown isn't going to have an answer for the Sooners running game and the officials aren't going to be able to bail him out like they did last week against Iowa State. Oklahoma rolls and the heat gets turned up a little more on the Texas head coach.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Week 6 Picks
Got the first three games right last week and then missed the last two taking the season record to 12-6.
at Baylor -29 West Virginia - This is Baylor's first real test of the season, though calling the Mountaineers a test is maybe a bit of an exaggeration. Still, West Virginia beat Oklahoma State last week. But the Bears have been playing at another speed this year and piling up points in scary fashion. This one ended 70-63 last year, but only one of these teams is going to get near that number on Saturday. This one will be more like the Maryland shutout a couple weeks ago of West Virginia and Baylor starts to get a little more national recognition.
Central Florida -9.5 at Memphis - Memphis has been bad for the last couple of years yet somehow rose up and won 31-7 last week against Arkansas State. Central Florida has been tested this year and has a win at Penn State and a close loss to South Carolina. The Golden Knights subdue the Tigers handily.
Texas Tech -16.5 at Kansas - Coach Kingsbury has the Red Raiders rolling right now and the Jayhawks won't have an answer for his attack. Texas Tech will have this number covered by halftime as they move to 5-0.
at Miami -6.5 Georgia Tech -The Hurricanes are starting to look a little bit like some of their championship-run teams. The Yellow Jackets struggled last week against Virginia Tech and those struggles will continue in front of a half-filled stadium against Miami.
at Bowling Green -27 Massachusetts - This is going to be rough year for the Minutemen and the Falcons aren't going to make it any easier today. This is Bowling Green's homecoming game and they're going to send the alumni home happy with a big win.
at Baylor -29 West Virginia - This is Baylor's first real test of the season, though calling the Mountaineers a test is maybe a bit of an exaggeration. Still, West Virginia beat Oklahoma State last week. But the Bears have been playing at another speed this year and piling up points in scary fashion. This one ended 70-63 last year, but only one of these teams is going to get near that number on Saturday. This one will be more like the Maryland shutout a couple weeks ago of West Virginia and Baylor starts to get a little more national recognition.
Central Florida -9.5 at Memphis - Memphis has been bad for the last couple of years yet somehow rose up and won 31-7 last week against Arkansas State. Central Florida has been tested this year and has a win at Penn State and a close loss to South Carolina. The Golden Knights subdue the Tigers handily.
Texas Tech -16.5 at Kansas - Coach Kingsbury has the Red Raiders rolling right now and the Jayhawks won't have an answer for his attack. Texas Tech will have this number covered by halftime as they move to 5-0.
at Miami -6.5 Georgia Tech -The Hurricanes are starting to look a little bit like some of their championship-run teams. The Yellow Jackets struggled last week against Virginia Tech and those struggles will continue in front of a half-filled stadium against Miami.
at Bowling Green -27 Massachusetts - This is going to be rough year for the Minutemen and the Falcons aren't going to make it any easier today. This is Bowling Green's homecoming game and they're going to send the alumni home happy with a big win.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Picks for Week 5
Went 2-2 last week as Baylor and Maryland blew out their opponents while Kansas State and Florida failed to cover. The season record fell to 9-4. After last weeks conglomerate of absolute crap games, we get a bunch of great games this weekend, so, on with the picks.
Stanford -8.5 at Washington State - The Cougars are playing better this year, but people are over-rating the victory against a not great USC team. Stanford is a great team and they will hammer Washington State. The Cardinal took their foot off the gas pedal last weekend against Arizona State and ended up with a score that was closer than the game really was. That won't be the case this weekend as Stanford blasts Washington State.
Miami -16.5 at South Florida - I was just wondering this week "what happened to Jim Leavitt, the former head coach of USF?" Turns out he's the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers. Think the Bulls maybe would like to have him back on the sidelines? They are horrible right now and the Hurricanes are coming in on fire. Miami will be up 20 by halftime and cruise to victory.
Oklahoma -3.5 at Notre Dame - The Sooners are stunningly only 1-9 against the Fighting Irish all-time. They got blown out last year on their own field by Notre Dame. Notre Dame's defense is still decent but the offense seems sluggish. It probably won't be high scoring, but the Sooners get the win in South Bend.
South Carolina -6.5 at Central Florida - UCF has played well this year as they've gone 3-0. But the Gamecocks and the SEC are a different level of competition. They've had a week off and Jadeveon Clowney should have a big game as South Carolina rolls.
Oklahoma State -18.5 at West Virginia - Oklahoma State is the bonus pick this week and once again I'm taking the road favorite. The Mountaineers have been a disaster this year, culminating in a 37-0 blowout to Maryland last week. Their offense is still clueless and the defense isn't much better. The Cowboys roll into Morgantown and keep the couches from being set on fire.
Stanford -8.5 at Washington State - The Cougars are playing better this year, but people are over-rating the victory against a not great USC team. Stanford is a great team and they will hammer Washington State. The Cardinal took their foot off the gas pedal last weekend against Arizona State and ended up with a score that was closer than the game really was. That won't be the case this weekend as Stanford blasts Washington State.
Miami -16.5 at South Florida - I was just wondering this week "what happened to Jim Leavitt, the former head coach of USF?" Turns out he's the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers. Think the Bulls maybe would like to have him back on the sidelines? They are horrible right now and the Hurricanes are coming in on fire. Miami will be up 20 by halftime and cruise to victory.
Oklahoma -3.5 at Notre Dame - The Sooners are stunningly only 1-9 against the Fighting Irish all-time. They got blown out last year on their own field by Notre Dame. Notre Dame's defense is still decent but the offense seems sluggish. It probably won't be high scoring, but the Sooners get the win in South Bend.
South Carolina -6.5 at Central Florida - UCF has played well this year as they've gone 3-0. But the Gamecocks and the SEC are a different level of competition. They've had a week off and Jadeveon Clowney should have a big game as South Carolina rolls.
Oklahoma State -18.5 at West Virginia - Oklahoma State is the bonus pick this week and once again I'm taking the road favorite. The Mountaineers have been a disaster this year, culminating in a 37-0 blowout to Maryland last week. Their offense is still clueless and the defense isn't much better. The Cowboys roll into Morgantown and keep the couches from being set on fire.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Week 4 Picks
The season mark moved to 7-2 by going 4-1 last week, with only a backdoor cover by Texas A&M spoiling the perfect record. This is another week of dog games (Savannah State vs Miami, Florida A&M vs Ohio State, etc.), but conference play kicks in next week. Still, it's college football and we'll still watch.
at Baylor -30 UL Monroe - In their green and gold uniforms, their fast-paced offense and their point a minute scoring, Baylor is becoming Oregon Southwest. ULM got blown out by another Big 12 team, Oklahoma, the opening weekend, 34-0. Baylor's offense is better than the Sooners and they'll overwhelm the Warhawks as they push towards 60 again.
Kansas State +6.5 Texas - Texas' rush defense is a dumpster fire right now. They're stopping no one and giving up yards in huge chunks. Kansas State isn't as good as they were last year, but they should be good enough to keep this within a score and I'm predicting the Wildcats will beat the Longhorns again and turn the heat up some more on Mack Brown.
at Florida -16 Tennessee - Remember when this game was a big game every year? When Spurrier would lob barbs at Fulmer and Manning and how the Volunteers couldn't beat them. The luster has come off this for national interest but it's still big for the SEC East standings. The Gators didn't look good against Miami in their last game and the turnovers in the red zone killed them. But...they did move the ball up and down the field against the Hurricanes, and against the Volunteers, they'll finish them off in the end zone. The Gators defense will be too much and Florida wins easily.
at Maryland -3.5 West Virginia - The Terrapins have greatly improved since last season. The same can't be said for the Mountaineers. Maryland's offense has been rolling and they've even played some decent defense. West Virginia struggle to beat William & Mary, looked inept against Oklahoma and then rolled up 41 on Georgia State. Maryland wins to go to 4-0 on the season and maybe throw themselves into the discussion for ACC championship.
at Baylor -30 UL Monroe - In their green and gold uniforms, their fast-paced offense and their point a minute scoring, Baylor is becoming Oregon Southwest. ULM got blown out by another Big 12 team, Oklahoma, the opening weekend, 34-0. Baylor's offense is better than the Sooners and they'll overwhelm the Warhawks as they push towards 60 again.
Kansas State +6.5 Texas - Texas' rush defense is a dumpster fire right now. They're stopping no one and giving up yards in huge chunks. Kansas State isn't as good as they were last year, but they should be good enough to keep this within a score and I'm predicting the Wildcats will beat the Longhorns again and turn the heat up some more on Mack Brown.
at Florida -16 Tennessee - Remember when this game was a big game every year? When Spurrier would lob barbs at Fulmer and Manning and how the Volunteers couldn't beat them. The luster has come off this for national interest but it's still big for the SEC East standings. The Gators didn't look good against Miami in their last game and the turnovers in the red zone killed them. But...they did move the ball up and down the field against the Hurricanes, and against the Volunteers, they'll finish them off in the end zone. The Gators defense will be too much and Florida wins easily.
at Maryland -3.5 West Virginia - The Terrapins have greatly improved since last season. The same can't be said for the Mountaineers. Maryland's offense has been rolling and they've even played some decent defense. West Virginia struggle to beat William & Mary, looked inept against Oklahoma and then rolled up 41 on Georgia State. Maryland wins to go to 4-0 on the season and maybe throw themselves into the discussion for ACC championship.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Picks for week 3
Time for the picks section. 3-1 last week with Baylor, Oregon and Bowling Green all winning easily and only Cincinnati going down. Four more this week and a bonus one for this week's Game of the Century.
Georgia Tech -8 at Duke - The Yellow Jackets put 70 up on Elon in their first game this year. The Blue Devils have started 2-0, but lost their starting quarterback to injury in last week's win over Memphis. Georgia Tech has run for big yards against Duke the last few years and I expect them to continue that trend in a big victory as they roll up over 350 yards on the ground.
at Oregon -27.5 Tennessee - Living on the west coast, we hear all the time that Pac 12 schools can't play with SEC schools. And Oregon hears it all the time as well. Today, the Ducks get an opportunity against an SEC school (who actually traveled more than 500 miles to play a quality opponent in a non-bowl game). The Ducks aren't going to turn the ball over 5 times in 6 plays like Western Kentucky did last week against the Volunteers. Five touchdowns in six drives will be the more likely result and the Ducks solidify their hold on the number two spot in the polls.
Maryland -6.5 at Connecticut - Maryland has looked good so far in two convincing wins over lesser opponents and C.J. Brown has five touchdowns and no interceptions so far. Connecticut looked abysmal getting soundly beaten by Towson in their only game so far. Coach Edsall returns to Connecticut today and can call his number against the Huskies. Fear the Turtle (and their hideous uniforms).
at Arizona -24.5 Texas San Antonio - The Wildcats ran wild last week against UNLV and don't expect that to stop against the Roadrunners. UTSA was down 42-7 against Oklahoma State going into the fourth quarter last week before putting up four touchdowns in the fourth to make it closer than it looked. Arizona will keep running and make UTSA look like Wiley E. Coyote trying to stop them.
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| Nick Saban breaks out his biggest smile |
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have see the highlights from that game for the past year and their not happy about it. Though to be fair, Nick Saban is never happy, even when winning a National Title. While Nick might not crack a smile Saturday, his players will, as they somewhat contain Johnny Football and run through a porous Aggie defense.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Week 2
Week 1 started with a number of Division I-A teams going down to Division I-AA teams and as a college football fan, you should love that and root for the Division I-AA team to win every time. We want better games on Saturdays, not a BCS conference team going up against a lesser directional school. Losing to a good team is far better than beating Lehigh or Robert Morris. And is far, far better than losing to them. There's more of these match-ups this week and hopefully we'll get a few more big boys knocked off again.
Love him or hate him, the most entertaining player in college football right now is Johnny Manziel. The first half of the Rice vs Texas A&M game was close and the Aggies went to the half up 28-21, with Manziel serving a joke of a supsension. But the 2nd half...A&M took on the persona of their quarterback. They were cocky, brash, arrogant, up-tempo and very good. And Johnny was more than willing to mix it up with the Owls, showing the money, signing "air autographs" and capping it off with an unsportsmanlike penalty after his third touchdown pass of the game. He's going to be the focus every week and he's must watch tv to see what he does next (or to see if one of those SEC defenses is going to lay him out).
Picks for week two:
at Baylor -27 Buffalo - Buffalo hung around against Ohio State last week in the Horseshoe and lost by 20. Baylor blasted Wofford and the Bears high-powered offense shows no signs of letting up this week. Baylor rolls early and the Bulls wear out in the second half as Lache Seastrunk keeps working towards his Heisman candidacy.
Cincinnati -8 at Illinois - The Bearcats looked impressive last Saturday against Purdue on both offense and defense. Illinois' offense put up 42, but their defense gave up 24 to Southern Illinois and that's a concern. Cincinnati's offense is better than the Salukis and so is their defense. Tommy Tuberville gets Cincy 2-0.
Oregon -23.5 at Virginia - Virginia got a nice win last week against a good BYU defense. Unfortunately for BYU, the Cougars had very little offense and made a few mistakes that could have made that game a blowout. The Ducks are a far better offense than what the Cavaliers faced last week. They don't make those mistakes, don't take their foot off the gas pedal and they destroy Virginia.
Bowling Green -7 at Kent State - With my soft spot for the MAC, have to make one pick on a MAC conference game. The Falcons looked great in holding Tulsa to only 7 points last week while the Golden Flashes looked terrible against Liberty. Bowling Green gets this one done by at least two touchdowns.
Picks for week two:
at Baylor -27 Buffalo - Buffalo hung around against Ohio State last week in the Horseshoe and lost by 20. Baylor blasted Wofford and the Bears high-powered offense shows no signs of letting up this week. Baylor rolls early and the Bulls wear out in the second half as Lache Seastrunk keeps working towards his Heisman candidacy.
Cincinnati -8 at Illinois - The Bearcats looked impressive last Saturday against Purdue on both offense and defense. Illinois' offense put up 42, but their defense gave up 24 to Southern Illinois and that's a concern. Cincinnati's offense is better than the Salukis and so is their defense. Tommy Tuberville gets Cincy 2-0.
Oregon -23.5 at Virginia - Virginia got a nice win last week against a good BYU defense. Unfortunately for BYU, the Cougars had very little offense and made a few mistakes that could have made that game a blowout. The Ducks are a far better offense than what the Cavaliers faced last week. They don't make those mistakes, don't take their foot off the gas pedal and they destroy Virginia.
Bowling Green -7 at Kent State - With my soft spot for the MAC, have to make one pick on a MAC conference game. The Falcons looked great in holding Tulsa to only 7 points last week while the Golden Flashes looked terrible against Liberty. Bowling Green gets this one done by at least two touchdowns.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Ahhh, college football season...how I've missed you!
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| Oh-my-O! |
And as I do every year, I pick all of the UCLA games for the upcoming season in tribute to my long-time friend and long-time Bruin fan who longs for a football national title in his lifetime (or at least a return to the Rose Bowl). Last year I greatly underestimated the gutty Bruins, and only went 7-5 picking their games in the regular season (9-5 overall with their conference championship and bowl games). So here we go again and we'll try to get double-digits again on them after a lackluster 2012.
As always, this is dependent on the quarterback for the Bruins staying healthy. Brett Hundley is an exciting player, but he plays QB at UCLA and that tends to set you up for some kind of knee injury every year for some reason. Losing tight end Joseph Fauria is going to hurt UCLA this year (though they never seemed to completely utilize his talents while he was there). The defense looks decent and it needs to be in the offensive-minded Pac 12. It also needs to step up after the way they closed the season with three straight losses, two in blowout fashion. So here we go...
Nevada - The Wolfpack are dangerous and have an electric QB of their own in Cody Fajardo. They also have a new head coach, Brian Polian, replacing the Hall of Famer Chris Ault (father of the Pistol offense). Fajardo will show flashes of Colin Kaepernick, but it won't be enough and the Bruins get their first win.
at Nebraska - UCLA stunned the Cornhuskers last year, 36-30, and sort of set the tone for their improved confidence last year. This year they travel to Lincoln and it will be Hundley's first start at a truly loud and hostile crowd...well, as hostile as those nice folks from Nebraska can get to an opposing team. Nebraska wins and the Bruins drop to 1-1.
New Mexico State - This is a terrible football team. They went 1-11 last year, the lone win coming in the opener against Sacramento State. After that, they lost 11 straight, only coming within 10 points once, in a 26-18 loss to Idaho (who also wound up 1-11). Bruins win by three touchdowns and go to 2-1.
at Utah - Pac 12 play starts with the Utes. I had high hopes for Utah when they joined the Pac 12 as they had played Pac 12 teams tough in recent years. That's not been the case the first two years in the conference for them. I don't think this is their year either and the Bruins take them out to move to 3-1 (2014 might be a different story).
California - Every year this game makes no sense and it didn't last year as the Bears crushed the Bruins 43-17 in an otherwise lost season that saw them fire their long-time coach Jeff Tedford. So it all sets up for a payback game and the Bruins destroying Cal at the Rose Bowl. I'll take the Bruins, but it will be close and won't be surprised if the Bears pull off some wacky upset. 4-1 and things are looking good, except...
at Stanford - Part I of a potential two-part season killer. UCLA hasn't played Stanford well at all the last few years. They were only a missed field goal away from sending last year's Pac 12 Championship game to overtime, but that was an anomaly. Most of the recent games haven't been close and Stanford's front seven live in the opponent's backfield. Stanford has a chance to play for a national title and the Bruins aren't going to be the team to stop them. 4-2 and get to follow up a hard hitting game with the Cardinal by traveling to...
at Oregon - Autzen Stadium and the quicker than lightning Ducks. This might be as bad a set of back-to-back games in the nation. After playing a physical game with Stanford that's going to leave them bruised and tired, they then have to keep up with the "Go-go-go-go" offense of Oregon. Look for the Ducks to pull away in the second half over the tuckered out Bruins and win easily. 4-3.
Colorado - Well, after those two games, it will be nice to be back home with a scrimmage against the Buffaloes. They have been every bit of terrible that they've seemed since coming to the Pac 12. UCLA mauls them again to move to 5-3.
at Arizona - This game looks like a land mine. UCLA beat the Wildcats 66-10 last year. Arizona now has a year under Rich Rodriguez' system and the game is in Tuscon. Arizona scored 48 or more points six times last year. They may not get to that number against the Bruins, but I think they'll get into the upper 30's and win. 5-4.
Washington - The Huskies don't seem to be anything more than a 7-6 team each year and it probably doesn't change this year. UCLA wins to move to 6-4.
Arizona State - If this was in Tempe, I'd take the Sun Devils. But it's at the Rose Bowl and think the Bruins get the win to move to 7-4.
at USC - Two years ago, I predicted before the season started that if UCLA lost to USC, Coach Rick Neuheisel would be fired. Sure enough, the Trojans beat them 50-0 and Slick Rick was done. This year, it's reversed. If the Bruins can beat USC for the second straight season, USC Coach Lane Kiffin will be fired. The Trojans have to be better than last year and if they're healthy coming into this game, they'll win. Thinking last year was a fluke, in spite of Kiffin, and USC claims the Victory Bell while the Bruins drop to 7-5.
Here's to the start of another great season of great plays, shocking upsets, overtime thrillers and a battle to the last weekend of the season for each of the conferences and the BCS title game. Enjoy the season.
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| What a way to start the season...North Carolina vs South Carolina. |
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