96th Rose Bowl Game- #8 Ohio State vs #7 Oregon

When- 5:10 EST Kickoff (4:30 coverage begins)
Where- Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)
TV- ABC National

I've never been more excited for a bowl game in a very long time. I like to forget about my arrogant attitude and excitement heading into January of 2007 vs Florida, meaning that I haven't felt this way since the Notre Dame Fiesta Bowl. It is an interesting feeling to feel the way that I do about this game, considering that the Buckeyes have dropped three straight BCS bowl games. I am truly confident in this team, their game plan, their physical superiority over Oregon, and where their heads are mentally heading into the first Rose Bowl Ohio State has taken part in since 1997. That game was a thriller, and many fans expect it to be the same. Many others believe Oregon is going to destroy OSU. I just laugh at such talk.

If you know anything about this season, its that we are seeing the Pac 10 for what it truly is. Even I was fooled at how "deep" the Pac 10 has been this season. Deep?? Yeah right, just deep with mediocrity. Teams that score a lot of points and give up nearly as much aren't exactly high caliber teams. The Pac 10 has one bowl victory against the ACC (in my opinion, the most under performing conference in America this decade), and that is it. Last night, Arizona didn't score a single point against Nebraska's vaunted black shirt defense. The Pacific Ten is a joke right now, and I think they are starting to feel the pressure to win these big games. Stanford and Oregon are the last true shots for their conference to get a signature win, and that pressure could very well lead to them succumbing to two more bowl losses.

Oregon has certainly talked the talk since beating arch rival Oregon State, maybe a little too much. The general consensus is that the Ducks believe they will score early, quick and often against Ohio State's defense. The numbers 45 and 50 have been tossed out by Oregon offensive players. Even head coach Chip Kelly has blurted out his fair share of potential locker room material. Plain and simple, they have appeared over confident thus far heading into the game tomorrow afternoon. But do you think they are looking at themselves in the mirror and asked themselves: who have we beaten? Who has made us look good? Nobody has. Purdue scored a WHOPPING 26 points on OSU's defense this season. Oregon gave up ten more against the same opponent. Oregon has allowed 51, 41 and 33 points since beating USC in October, and hasn't looked impressive at all. You ask what teams they allowed such gaudy numbers against this season? Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State. Arizona and Oregon State were destroyed in their bowl games against Nebraska and BYU. Stanford might be headed for the same fate when they take on a motivated and jacked Oklahoma squad. Oregon is all smoke and mirrors. I do not buy into their defense at all, and their offense is more simple than you think.

The Ducks run a few major run plays, while the pass game is pretty much non-existent and a non threat if the run game isn't working. OSU is in the top 5 in the nation in rush defense and in the top 10 in overall defense. I really don't have much else to say. Ohio State is bigger, better and more professional than Oregon and it will show tomorrow afternoon. The Ducks will have their moments because they have all season, but the score won't be indicative of how dominant Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes will be in the 96th Rose Bowl Game.

Speaking of Jim Tressel, do you realize how important this game is to him? This is on the same caliber of playing for a national championship. He is an old fashioned coach, and back in the day if you won your conference and played in the Rose Bowl you have accomplished your major goals of the season and you were playing a game that goes beyond the game of football, but rather encompasses all the history of the All-Americans, Heisman trophy winners and Hall of Fame coaches that have stepped foot on the most storied stadium in college football. Tressel is ready, and will get his victory. It won't be his last either.

OSU sets up a run at the 2010 national title with a huge win vs Oregon. It's duck hunting season... get your guns ready.

Note: Notice I didn't have to use motivating strategies to lead into me picking OSU to win. When I am confident in a game, I don't use much motivation in my posts. I give facts. I have given the facts. We will win this game. You heard it here first. GO BUCKS!!!!!!

Prediction:

Ohio State- 31
Oregon- 20

Awesome Pump-Up Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHlAN2ouiTs

It's a must watch. Trust me.

It gets you pumped.

Rose Bowl Thoughts- One Week to Go

It has been several weeks since anything of note has been written on here, however that will all change with the Rose Bowl approaching in just about six days. It is time to start discussing the game and getting a feel for how both teams are preparing for this monumental contest.

What has Ohio State been up to since it was officially announced that they would be playing in Pasadena? Oh, not much I suppose. Aside from suspending two of their top four receivers, including senior never-do-well Ray Small, everything in Buckeye nation seems to be going swell. Please do not get me started on Mr. Raymond Small being suspended for his final game as a Buckeye. No one knows why he has been revoked of his team privileges (Duron Carter was suspended due to grades), however it doesn't really come as any surprise that this is how his career at OSU will end. No matter how non-suspenseful this suspension appears, it doesn't take away how disappointing it also is. #82 - formally #4 - has always had a huge impact in the return game with both punts and kickoffs, while working his way back onto the field this season as the teams number three wideout. His career has been filled with stories of how unmotivated Ray has always been, and it is too bad that he couldn't turn it around after four years of falling short of very lofty expectations.

The fact of the matter is that the Buckeyes are going to probably just run the football... a lot. Losing two receivers really doesn't kill OSU's chances like ESPN is making it out to be. DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Jake Stoneburner (who has taken increased #3 receiver reps in practice), Taurian Washington and Lamaar Thomas are all capable of stepping up in the aforementioned suspendees absence. You can bank on Posey having a nice day in Pasadena in my opinion regardless of the situation. I think that the players and coaches are disappointed and, quite frankly, pissed off at what has transpired, but it should have little affect on how the team performs against Oregon.

What will be the only affected position on the field? Punt returner. I am concerned that plays in which Ray would be able to take up field for a big gain could turn into just getting five yards or less by Dance Sanzenbacher. We will see...

I will be back to preview the game this coming week.

Probably a Mistake

According to a highly informed source (he goes by "nevadabuck" when it comes to OSU inside info), Brian Kelly will announce that he is leaving for the Notre Dame job on Friday, the day after Cincinnati's team banquet.

I'm not shocked at all. He has been gone ever since Charlie Weis' seat began to get slightly warmer. I do not think that it will be a good hire for Notre Dame in terms of getting back to the glory days, but he will be an excellent recruiter and should be able to bring some buzz to the program. Wait... that sounds just like Charlie Weis. As a matter of fact, Kelly is an offensive guru as well.

Way to go Notre Dame! You are bringing in Charlie Weis on slimfast to replace aforementioned fired head coach.

Good luck.

Bowl Update

The source from which I get my information from is suggesting that TCU has been contacted by the Fiesta Bowl committee, and has been told that their likely opponent will be (drum roll) the Boise State Broncos.

That would be so damn cool. WAC vs Mt. West. The top two non-BCS conferences squaring off in a BCS game for the first time ever. I may not be part of the majority here, but I would be highly interested in this match up.

FINAL BCS Bowl Predictions

(After Big 12, ACC Championship games)

This is what I think will happen when the BCS bowls are announced tomorrow.

Oh, and Brian Kelly will be the next head coach at Notre Dame. Just thought everyone should know that even know it really isn't that relevant of a job in most people's eyes. Quite frankly the golden days for the golden domers are longgggg gone. Until further notice, I do not respect Notre Dame football.

Citi National Championship Game (Jan 7th, 2010 - Pasadena, CA)

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0)

vs

#2 Texas Longhorns (13-0)

Rose Bowl Presented by Citi (Jan 1st, 2010 - Pasadena, CA)

Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)

vs

Oregon Ducks (10-2)

Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan 1st, 2010 - New Orleans, LA)

Florida Gators (12-1)

vs

Cincinnati Bearcats (12-0)

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Jan 4th, 2010- Glendale, AZ)

Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)

vs

Boise State Broncos (12-0)

FedEx Orange Bowl (Jan 5th, 2010- Miami, FL)

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2)

vs

TCU Horned Frogs (12-0)

It's simple: Alabama is a clear cut entry for the national title, while Texas won their last two games in lackluster fashion to finish undefeated and get into the championship game (hats off to Nebraska for an amazing defensive game). Cincinnati, Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia Tech receive automatic bids for winning their conferences, while TCU receives an automatic bid by finishing in the top 4 of the BCS standings...at least I am assuming they will be. That leaves two at-large teams, and Boise State is a no brainer for that one. The only other team that is really under any serious consideration is Iowa, so I have them going to a BCS game despite losing two of their final three games of the season.

I am confused on whether the Fiesta or Orange Bowl will get the first selection of BCS at-large teams. The Orange was supposed to have the first selection, however because the Fiesta Bowl loses Texas to the national championship game, I believe that they might have the first pick instead. If the Fiesta Bowl has the first pick, they will take TCU in a heartbeat. I will stand by the facts as of right now and stick with the Horned Frogs going to Miami - for now.

Let's see if I am as dumb as I look when the bowl game announcements are unveiled tomorrow night.

It's a Date

An opponent has been named for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and it will be the 10-2 Oregon Ducks, who last night were crowned the Pac 10 Champions for 2009.

The game will kick off at 5:00 PM on ABC in Pasadena, CA.

Just so everyone knows... I am giddy about this match up. It will be very exciting!

Games of the Week- Championships

I'm going to go through these briefly so I apologize for the laziness.

#16 Oregon State @ #7 Oregon-

Both teams thrive on running the football but OSU doesn't have a do-it-all QB named Jeremiah Masoli. Oregon wins (closer than the experts think) and goes on to play the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

#5 Cincinnati @ #15 Pitt-

If Brian Kelly loses, does he lose the ND gig? The source I rely on says that while Kelly and the Domers haven't spoken yet, his agent is working relentlessly trying to work out a deal. It is in the bag, in other words. So win or lose, Kelly is in good shape, and I see him winning this one by the slimmest of margins with a better offense. UPSET ALERT!!!!

ACC Championship Game

Clemson vs #10 Georgia Tech-

Yawn. GT will win because they are destined to. Clemson won't because no one wants a 9 win team in a BCS game (remember Illinois in 2007? No thank you, I don't want a reprisal).

Big 12 Championship Game

#22 Nebraska vs #3 Texas-

The Cornhusker defense is a legitimate force to be reckoned with, and Texas will discover that sooner rather than later. Once they take the game seriously, they'll roll to their first Big 12 title since 2005 and go on to play the winner of....

SEC Championship Game

#2 Alabama vs #1 Florida-

The biggest game of the season: #1 vs #2 for the second year in a row. It doesn't get too much better than this. Florida has too many senior leaders to let this one slip away, but I have always loved this Bama team. If Alabama wins I won't be shocked but I can't go against Florida until someone takes them down. It'll be another classic.

Next to Last Bowl Predictions

* Final bowl destinations for the ten fortunate programs will be announced the evening of Sunday, December 6th. My final predictions will be up by the morning of the same day.

BCS Championship- Florida (13-0) vs Texas (13-0)

Rose- Ohio State (10-2) vs Oregon (10-2)

Fiesta- TCU (12-0) vs Iowa (10-2)

Sugar- Boise State (12-0) vs Alabama (12-1)

Orange- Cincinnati (12-0) vs Georgia Tech (11-2)

These seem pretty set in stone as long as Texas and Cincinnati win this weekend against Nebraska and Pitt. If Florida loses, then put Alabama in the championship game.

The only way that these games would change is if the Orange Bowl decides having undefeated TCU is more glamorous than undefeated Cincinnati. Since the Orange Bowl has contractual obligations to the Big East generally, and TCU isn't a BCS conference team, Cincy will probably travel to Miami for the second year in a row. However, there is the whole thing about having a team play two years in a row at the same venue...hmmm...I wonder if/do you think the Bearcats made a good enough impression on the Orange Bowl committee this past January to be extended another invitation back? My thoughts: probably, but I dislike Cincinnati enough right now to hope that they get stuck playing Alabama/Florida. Seeing them try and defend Florida would be hilarious.

My Final Top Ten

1. Florida (12-0, vs Alabama)
2. Alabama (12-0, vs Florida)
3. Texas (12-0, vs Nebraska)
4. TCU (12-0)
5. Cincinnati (11-0, @ Pitt)
6. Boise State (12-0, vs New Mexico State)
7. Ohio State (10-2)
8. Oregon (9-2, vs Oregon State)
9. Iowa (10-2)
10. Penn State (10-2)

Three Big Ten teams? Two of them can validate their stay in the top ten. Penn State...eh, not so much. PSU probably will not go to a BCS game this season, but will certainly be glad to accept a Capital One Bowl invitation.

Georgia Tech and Pitt were the big names to fall this past week.

Quick Holiday Predictions

Texas will barely beat Texas A&M 49-39 (I'm a genius)

For real...

Cincinnati will hold off Illinois in a GREAT game.

Alabama takes care of Auburn.

Boise State remains unbeaten.

The final straw will be pulled in the Charlie Weis saga after Notre Dame falls to Stanford. Expect his status to be announced this coming week.

Georgia will come close to beating Georgia Tech, but not close enough.

Ohio State will still be 10-2 and the undisputed Big Ten champions.

* Next week will be a championship week preview, including my final bowl predictions (once during the week and the night after the championship games are played).

Chaos Theory

What will happen if Texas loses tomorrow to Texas A&M or in the Big 12 Championship game against Nebraska?

What if that happens, and Cincinnati falls to Illinois or Pitt?

That is what you call absolute, unadulterated chaos.

I've been trying to think of anyway to get around the inevitable with this one, but I just can't seem to figure it out. See, the first thing that would come to mind here is that you simply have Florida and Alabama play all over again. Why not? The SEC is the mega-power conference these days, and the two teams have been at the top of the polls since day one. Who wouldn't want to see that kind of entertainment again? Well, even if you would want to see it, it is doubtful considering you have to be a conference champion (technically) to be in the national championship game. Throw that scenario out the window.

What's next? Hmm... well if Pitt were to win out and beat Cincinnati, why not the Panthers? They would have beaten such teams as Rutgers, South Florida, Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincy to get to the national championship game. That is somewhat justifiable. To add to that, they are actually from a BCS conference. Only issue? Just about everyone in this country has forgotten about the Big East outside of Cincinnati. There is no way that an 11-1 Pitt team would get into the national championship game. I just can't see the voters doing that.

This doesn't seem to far fetched in my mind,: Georgia Tech playing for all the marbles. They have an intriguing storyline to go with their cruise to what should be an eventual 12-1 mark in regular season play. The Jackets run the triple option to perfection, they play tough defense and have taken care of just about every formidable opponent on their schedule. Then again, they are in the ACC which garners little to no respect these days. I personally wouldn't mind seeing Georgia Tech play for the national championship. The voters/computer polls might. The chances of this happening are slim to none.

Sigh.... I guess it really would happen. It would almost have to.

For the first time in the BCS era of major college football, a non-BCS affiliated school would play for the national championship. The TCU Horned Frogs, in this scenario, would inflict chaos from sea to shining sea.

Simple solution for Texas and/or Cincinnati: DON'T LOSE!

BCS Bowl Predictions (Thanksgiving Week)

BCS Title- Florida (13-0) vs Texas (13-0)

Rose- Oregon (10-2) vs Ohio State (10-2)

Fiesta- Boise State (12-0) vs Iowa (10-2)

Sugar- Alabama (12-1) vs Cincinnati (12-0)

Orange- Georgia Tech (11-2) vs TCU (12-0)

I have a strange feeling, as of right now, that the Orange Bowl will utilize its power to select the best available at-large team this season to take undefeated TCU over Big East champion Cincinnati. I have no idea why. It would make perfect sense to have two conference champs play each other, while Bama could play TCU in the Sugar Bowl. To be honest, that is what will probably happen. But I have a gut feeling that G Tech will face the Horned Frogs in Miami while the Sugar Bowl will feature Alabama and Cincinnati. Boise State vs Iowa in the Fiesta Bowl seems inevitable at this point in time.

My Top 10- Thanksgiving Week

1. Florida (11-0, vs Florida State)

2. Alabama (11-0, @ Auburn)

3. Texas (11-0, @ Texas A&M)

4. TCU (11-0, vs New Mexico)

5. Cincinnati (10-0, vs Illinois)

6. Boise State (11-0, vs Nevada)

7. Georgia Tech (10-1, vs Georgia)

8. Pitt (9-1, @ West Virginia)

9. Ohio State (10-2, end of regular season)

10. Oregon (9-2, bye week)

Note: The conference championship games (in the BCS affiliated conferences) have all been set. They will all take place on December 5th, the day before the bowl game match ups are released.

ACC Championship-

Clemson Tigers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Big 12 Championship-

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Texas Longhorns

SEC Championship-

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Florida Gators

SIX IN A ROW!!!! OSU- 21, UM- 10

Will January 1st, 2010 be a repeat of January 1st, 1997? We will find out in a month and eleven days, but in the mean time....

Congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes for winning their fifth straight Big Ten championship (third outright since 2006) and going into the Rose Bowl with yet another victory over Michigan.

If Oregon wins tonight, don't book them as OSU's opponent just yet. They still have to play against the feisty Oregon State Beavers and Stanford is still sneaking around. Arizona has a shot if they beat Oregon tonight and win out as well.

The Rose Bowl watch is in official overdrive starting tonight.

THE GAME- #10 Ohio State (9-2, 6-1) @ Michigan (5-6, 1-6)

Where: The Big House (Ann Arbor, MI)

When: Noon EST

TV: ABC National

Don't be fooled.

Do not for a second think that this rivalry is going down hill.

Webster's dictionary defines a rivalry as (ahem) "the act of being a rival"... wow, that's an awful definition.

I define a rivalry as... ummm.... yeah, i guess the previous definition kind of sums it up, but there has to be a better way to define it. So what is a true rivalry? I will attempt to come up with something along the way.

Ohio State will travel to Ann Arbor tomorrow having already wrapped up at least a share of the Big Ten championship (their fifth straight), while in the process clinching a trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1996 season. Michigan will host the game having almost suffered a total and complete meltdown since starting 4-0 on the year. Remember when people were praising Rich Rod's name? I remember. It was a slight blip on the radar. The pace at which this team has collapsed into sub-mediocre realms can only be matched by watching Obama's weekly approval ratings (and to be fair, Bush's approval ratings would probably at 9.5% right now). Mediocrity has become a far too familiar word floating around the city of Ann Arbor these days. A recent Detroit newspaper wrote that if Rich Rod returns, he needs to win at least 7 games in 2010 and win their bowl game. THAT'S IT!!!!!!! Are you serious?? That is NOT Michigan football. And it is only going to get worse unless Michigan improves really really fast (hint: fire Dick Rod).

All the Big Blue negativity aside, OSU has its own obstacles to overcome. It has been stated over and over and over again how many times the Buckeyes have lost to Michigan after clinching a trip to the Rose Bowl or, in general, how many times they have lost as the favorite versus Michigan. This is a highly focused group of constantly maturing young men and football players that will go to battle for Wolverine-slayer Jim Tressel tomorrow at noon, and they shouldn't disappoint the masses of Buckeye fans throughout the world. Yes, of course I am picking the Buckeyes to win this game. They are the better team talent wise and overall. Their coaching is better. Their program is better. They are so much better than Michigan it is crazy. It takes a lot for me to say that the Bucks are that much better than another team (no, seriously) because of the way Tressel can allow his conservative style of play to dictate the other teams chances of climbing back into a game and, in many cases, forcing OSU to play down to their opponent's talent level. That has never been the case in any Michigan game in Tressel's career. Expect a smart, aggressive game plan for the Wolverines tomorrow in the Big House.

None of this matters. It doesn't matter that OSU is better. It truly doesn't. This is Ohio State vs Michigan for an outright Big Ten championship. Michigan cannot win the Big Ten, but it certainly can go to a bowl game, extend their season, get the several weeks of bowl practice, improve their team and continue to try to establish their identity under Rodriguez. This game is HUGE for both teams still. It means the world to them. Michigan wants to live to see another day in 2009. Ohio State doesn't want a piece of the Big Ten pie, but rather the whole thing. 9 wins versus 5 wins. Rose Bowl vs potentially no bowl game. It still doesn't get better than this, guys. This is what OSU and Michigan fans live for, and tomorrow it is game time. Get ready for the 106th installment of the greatest rivalry in college football.

What best defines the word rivalry? Ohio State Buckeyes. Michigan Wolverines.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34

Michigan- 13

In Memorium

"You never leave someone behind; you take a part of them with you and leave a part of yourself behind".

I never met Stefanie Spielman. I have no personal affiliation with the Spielman family, and may never know exactly what they have all gone through or what they are suffering through now. Despite this, I have in fact witnessed over the years what the Spielman family (through Stephanie's illness) has done for cancer research in the Columbus area and beyond.

The sad news of Stefanie's passing yesterday evening of cancer affected me in an odd way. What I mean by this is that in today's society tragic deaths and events throughout the world are often dealt upon desensitized minds and eyes. Every single day something awful happens, and the majority of us press on with our lives without a single thought towards what we have just read, seen or heard. I was deeply affected by her passing because although I have never met the family, I have heard how Stefanie lived her life and how much her family, including Chris, loved her.

This was a woman who did not complain and channeled her pain into courage to enhance the hopes and chances of others battling the disease despite her own struggles dating back to 1998. She has done exactly what we all should do and give to help in the fight against breast cancer, and the disease in general.

It is undeniable that she was truly loved. We all know Chris Spielman as the ferocious All-American Ohio State linebacker who went on to a successful career in both the NFL and broadcasting. We all know how passionate he is about the game. That passion clearly doubles when it comes for the love of his wife. When she first went through chemotherapy she obviously was without hair, which is a sign of struggle for many women undergoing breast cancer throughout the world. Chris shared that struggle by shaving his own head, too. He was with her for every second of her bout with her unfortunate situation, and defined what it means to be a true man. Further stories of his selflessness only exist between himself, his wife and his family.

The prayers of the Ohio State community go to the Spielman family, and we appreciate all that has been given from Stefanie throughout her life.

If you wish to donate to the Stefanie Spielman fund, follow the following link at the bottom of this page and get as much information as you can. Such a simple gesture means the world for what will someday be the millions of people who are introduced with the cure for cancer for the first time.

She has left everyone with the promise that if you fight and persevere through any situation, no matter how grave it is, you will ultimately be rewarded with what you rightfully fought for or intended to accomplish.

Maybe in this case, her reward for her daily struggles was being able to finally rest.

http://www.speilmanfund.com

Really?

Tate Forcier said over the weekend, and I quote (clears throat) : "I am going to get my teammates to a bowl game. If it means spending 10 hours in the film this week, then I am going to do it. We are going to get them to a bowl game".

One problem with that, my man. You aren't good. Maybe next year you will be, and trust me next season for you will begin very soon (by about 3:30 on Saturday). You'll have another looooonggggggg off season to think about how you can improve and still be pathetic. Wow... you really had to go and open your mouth.

For what it's worth, inside info tells me that this has been posted all over the locker room already. I hope Michigan wasn't expecting to get away with this one.

(PS- Is it worse for Michigan players/fans to talk trash during two straight bad seasons or for Notre Dame fans to still live in an alternate reality dating back to pre-1990 when they were nationally relevant? I really don't know the answer.)

This is a good article by the way if you want to check it out...

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/11/17/1_WHAT_RIVALRY.ART_ART_11-17-09_D1_3RFLIJ4.html?sid=101

Games of the Week/ Big Ten Rundown 12

#8 LSU @ Ole Miss-

This is a rivalry that most people fail to mention when it comes to the most heated and passionate in all of college football. Simply put, these teams hate each other, and when they get together it is certainly fun to watch. Not too many monumental upsets have occured in this series, but I think one will happen on Saturday. LSU is playing with a quarterback who cannot make the big play, and the Rebel defense will thrive off of that. I see the defense holding LSU to under 20 points and Ole Miss RB McCluster will run for over 125 yards and two touchdowns en route to a big upset over LSU.

Ole Miss- 24

LSU- 17

ROSE BOWL WATCH

#25 Cal @ #17 Stanford-

Will Stanford really go to the Rose Bowl? Hey, don't look at me...I had no idea they were this good. Their offense puts most in the nation to shame. They have a running back named Toby Gerhart who is near the top of every Heisman list at this point. They are for real. But not only is the offense playing out of its mind, but the defense looks very solid as well. Both teams enter this game at 7-3, with the only difference being that Stanford will clinch at least a share of the Pac 10 championship with a win over Cal (if they beat Notre Dame, and Oregon loses another game in conference play to either Arizona or Oregon State, then Stanford goes to the Rose Bowl). RB Jahvid Best of Cal, who was once a Heisman candidate, will return after suffering a concussion two weeks ago, but it won't be enough as the Cardinal take care of business and get a nice victory to clinch a share of the Pac 10 pie. Will they end up playing the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl? If so it would be the first time since 1980.

Stanford- 23

Cal- 13

#11 Oregon @ Arizona-

It will be loud. Very loud. Arizona will be pumped. Extremely pumped. It won't matter. Oregon is too fast and too talented for the Wildcats, which will lead to a pretty convincing victory in Tuscon for the Ducks. Next up on Oregon's plate after their upcoming bye week: a date with the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday, December 3rd. Why is that relevent? With a win, Oregon solidifies its spot in the Rose Bowl to take on the Buckeyes.

Oregon- 42

Arizona- 20

Big Ten Rundown-

#13 Iowa over Minnesota: Hawkeyes roll in this one

#14 Penn State over Michigan State: What rivalry? PSU owns MSU.

Purdue over Indiana: Both are playing well, but I like the Boilers.

Northwestern over #16 Wisconsin: Upset as Kafka leads the Cats to victory.

Look, the conference is bad. The top teams are fairly competitive and have the potential to be really good, but the rest of the Big Ten is boo boo (thats slang for awful). So I am glad that this is the last full week of Big Ten football. I will say that it makes me sick to my stomach that Minnesota has actually qualified for a bowl game. That is an AWFUL team. Good bunch of guys though, I'm sure.

BCS Bowl Predictions (Before Michigan)

BCS Champ- Florida (13-0) vs Texas (13-0)

Rose- Ohio State (10-2) vs Oregon (10-2)

Fiesta- TCU (12-0) vs Boise State (12-0)

Sugar- Cincinnati (11-1) vs Alabama (12-1)

Orange- Iowa (10-2) vs Georgia Tech (11-2)

I don't like Iowa at this point to even be able to go to a BCS game, but what other options are there outside of two Big East teams going? There aren't any. I would LOVE to see Boise State and TCU play each other at the end of the season. Let the first two non-BCS conference teams to go to BCS bowls in the same season take on each other. Boise State has proven they can beat the big boys in the post season. TCU hasn't. Let them duke it out in Tempe!

Tressel: GIMME THOSE ROSES!!!!!!

It's about time.

Congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes on making their first Rose Bowl appearance since January of 1997 (when I was 8 years old).

I just wanted to say how proud I am to be an OSU fan this season. This has been a classic example of how a young team puts it all together, despite the bumps they encounter along the way, and finishes the season strong. It doesn't get much sweeter than having the smell of roses in the air in Columbus once again.

The season isn't over yet, though. As of midnight last night, it's Michigan week....

My Top 10- Week Twelve

1. Florida (10-0, vs FIU)

2. Alabama (10-0, vs UT-Chatt)

3. Texas (10-0, vs Kansas)

4. TCU (10-0, @ Wyoming)

5. Cincinnati (10-0, Bye Week)

6. Boise State (10-0, @ Utah State)

7. Georgia Tech (10-1, Bye Week)

8. Ohio State (9-2, @ Michigan)

9. Pitt (9-1, Bye Week)

10. LSU (8-2, @ Ole Miss)

Outside Looking In...

Oregon (8-2)

Penn State (9-2)

Oklahoma State (8-2)

Won't Be Looking In Ever Again...

USC (7-3)

Game 11- #11 Ohio State (8-2, 5-1) vs #10 Iowa (9-1, 5-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: 3:30 EST

TV: ABC Regional

If OSU beats Iowa, they are going to Pasadena, CA.

That sounds amazing considering how the Buckeyes looked in their loss on the road to Purdue back in the beginning of October. The team could have gone one direction, and instead went in the positive on, as most Tressel coached teams do (anyone else want Tress to get fired?). Now that things are going relatively well for the Buckeyes, despite a banged up offensive line and Terrelle Pryor, it is safe to say that they should very well be the favorites when they play Iowa this weekend. This isn't just because when an Ohio State team gets hot they are very tough to beat, but also because Iowa is starting their fourth string running back, their back up quarterback, and lost a key offensive lineman for the year as well. They still have their defense, but the injury bug really hit the Hawkeyes where it hurts on offense.

I think that Iowa is a good team with a physical defense that makes plays, and an offensive line that has been pushing people around all season long. I just don't think that outside of WR McNutt and TE Moeaki that they have a single big time play maker to hang with the Buckeyes. In Columbus right now, Pryor is playing better, Posey is becoming the star that many people thought he would be, the offensive line is improving, and the defense remains one of the nastiest in the country. This is just a side note, but do you notice the correlation between how young this team is on offense (mainly sophomores) and how they are beginning to hit their strides at the end of their second year in school? They may be some of the best recruits in the country, but they are human and maybe needed to be humbled in their road loss to Purdue to focus on how they can continue to improve. By the end of this season, and going into 2010, this team will be scary good.

In the mean time though, OSU still needs to win to secure a trip to the Rose Bowl, and they will do just that. Iowa just can't hang with Ohio State in the points category, and come Saturday it would take a monumental defensive effort out of Kirk Ferentz's to knock off the home favorites.

Considering Iowa has only one loss on the season, I am extremely confident and the team is highly focused. I like that combination. Ohio State struggles a little early but then gets into a flow on their way to Ann Arbor and then to Pasadena as the Big Ten champs with a big win over Iowa.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 31

Iowa- 13

5 straight Big Ten championships. Wow. I can only think of one thing that would make this season even more rosy: BEAT MICHIGAN!

Big Ten Bowl Predictions- Veterans Day

I will have bowl predictions for the Big Ten Conference (which aren't looking so hot) now and then after the Big Ten regular season is completed. Before the official bowl invitations are released, I will have one more set of predictions for the bowl season.

Rose Bowl-

Ohio State (10-2) vs Oregon (10-2)

Capital One Bowl -

Iowa (10-2) vs LSU (10-2)

Outback Bowl-

Penn State (10-2) vs Tennessee (7-5)

Champs Sports Bowl-

Wisconsin (10-2) vs Clemson (8-5)

Alamo Bowl-

Northwestern (7-5) vs Oklahoma (7-5)

Insight Bowl-

Michigan State (6-6) vs Kansas State (7-5)

Motor City Bowl-

Minnesota (6-6) vs Central Michigan (11-2)

Outside of Ohio State and Penn State, I honestly don't know if anyone else would win a game. For the fourth straight year, the Big Ten could be in biggggg trouble.

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 11

#25 West Virginia @ #5 Cincinnati-

I....just....can't....do it. I want West Virginia to beat the Bearcats sooo badly. I really do, but I just can't pull the trigger. I think that West Virginia is a good football team with a nice offensive system based around a multi-purpose QB and a RB in Noel Devine that is as fast as any other tailback in the nation. I just don't think that they will be able to hang on to beat Cincinnati on Friday night. They will hang tough until the final few minutes, but I see West Virginia turning the ball over to allow Cincy to stretch their lead just enough to put the game out of reach. The real test for Cincinnati: taking on Pitt.

Cincy- 34

WVU- 24

#16 Utah @ #4 TCU-

It is one of only two non-BCS schools to win a BCS game (over Pitt and Alabama since 2004) taking on a team that is looking to join the elite status of Boise State and Utah as teams who have crashed the BCS party. Automatically you would think that TCU has this game locked up and, well, you are correct. They are by far playing some of the best football in the country right now, and Utah is just a solid Mountain West team. The Utes will play in a nice bowl game and will probably win, but they aren't going to stay on the same field with TCU beyond a half of play -- three quarters at best. The Horned Frogs are legit and will be in a BCS bowl.

TCU- 41

Utah- 28

Stanford @ #9 USC-

Question: how is Southern Cal ranked ahead of Oregon in the latest polls? That doesn't make any sense to me, considering how Oregon is firmly in control of the Pac 10 race, while Arizona even holds a higher position in the conference standings than the Trojans do. Sigh. Moving on, USC has looked lackluster for two straight weeks, including a blowout loss to Oregon and a game in which they barely beat Arizona State. You would think a statement game is coming up. Well, don't look now but the Stanford Cardinal are pumped, motivated and red hot after hanging 50 + points on Oregon this past weekend. If Oregon killed USC, and Stanford beat Oregon, does that = a Stanford victory? Not quite. I think USC will take care of this game in the second half, but it will certainly be entertaining for at least one half of play. I love Jim Harbaugh as a head coach, by the way. Great hire for Stanford.

Southern Cal- 25

Stanford- 13

Big Ten Rundown:

It is as simple as it sounds, guys. If Ohio State beats Iowa, the Buckeyes go to the Rose Bowl and clinch at least a share of the Big Ten championship. If Iowa wins, they do the same. I even figured that out and I placed into remedial math. Figure that one out...

#10 Iowa @ #11 Ohio State- TBA

#20 Wisconsin over Michigan (Badgers = good. Michigan = terrible to watch)

#18 Penn State over Indiana (PSU will rough up Indiana after losing to OSU)

Michigan State over Purdue (Purdue is playing better, but I like the Spartans)

Northwestern over Illinois (I like how Illinois is playing, but the Cats are better)

Minnesota over South Dakota State (Yawn....Minnesota wins)

Current Big Ten Standings (* = clinched bowl berth)

1. Iowa (9-1, 5-1)*

2. Ohio State (8-2, 5-1)*

3. Penn State (8-2, 4-2)*

4. Wisconsin (7-2, 4-2)*

5. Northwestern (6-4, 3-3)*

6. Michigan State (5-5, 3-3)

7. Purdue (4-6, 3-3)

8. Minnesota (5-5, 3-4)

9. Illinois (3-6, 2-5)

10. Michigan (5-5, 1-5)

11. Indiana (4-6, 1-5)

Wow. In a year where the Big Ten was supposed to make a comeback with Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan State were all going to be good, with Michigan showing many signs of life early on in the season, the conference is just flat out BAD.

I think OSU is hitting their stride, while Iowa's defense can keep them in any game and PSU and Wisconsin can hold their own against most people but other than that, really???? It is baaadddddd right now for this conference.

I'm growing more and more impatient with the state of the Big Ten. Oh, and while it warms my heart that the Wolverines suck, PLEASE get better. You are an embarrassment to the game of football and the concept of playing defense. No, you don't total up the amount of points you score and give up to see who wins the game. It's kind of like golf when it comes to defense: less is more. They'll get the hang of it someday. Hopefully....

Roses

The scent of roses is in the air.... 6 days until Iowa

BCS Bowl Predictions (OSU to Rose)

BCS Champ: Florida (13-0) vs Texas (13-0)

Rose: Oregon (10-2) vs Ohio State (10-2)

Fiesta: Iowa (10-2) vs USC (10-2)

Sugar: TCU (12-0) vs Alabama (12-1)

Orange: Georgia Tech (11-2) vs Cincinnati (11-1)

I hate having Iowa in there now considering they will finish the season 1-2 in their final three games more than likely, especially going up against USC. These are the match ups that the majority of people expect to see, so I tend to agree with them so I won't stray too far away from normalcy. If I could change one game those it would be the Fiesta Bowl (maybe both TCU and Boise State deserve to go? Just saying).

NOTE* I have officially changed the Fiesta Bowl to Boise State (12-0) taking on USC (10-2) after Fiesta Bowl officials hinted towards wanting the highest caliber team regardless of conference affiliation playing in their bowl game this season. Just like I had originally said, Iowa will probably lose two of their final three games. If that is the case, then there is no way that they make it to a BCS game.

My Top 10- Week Eleven

1. Florida (9-0, @ South Carolina)

2. Alabama (9-0, @ Mississippi State)

3. Texas (9-0, @ Baylor)

4. Cincinnati (9-0, vs West Virginia)

5. TCU (9-0, vs Utah)

6. Boise State (9-0, vs Idaho)

7. Georgia Tech (9-1, @ Duke)

8. Pitt (8-1, vs Notre Dame)

9. Iowa (9-1, @ Ohio State)

10. Ohio State (8-2, vs Iowa)

Outside Looking In...

Oregon (7-2)

LSU (8-2)

USC (7-2)

Houston (8-1)

Miami (7-2)

Game 10- #16 Ohio State (7-2,4-1) @ #11 Penn State (8-1,4-1)

If this scene is what somewhat resembles Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon, then you know this is truly is a big game. And I love it.

Trips to Happy Valley are generally not always what the location would imply (I can attest to that...my trip in 2007 was blatant false advertisement. It was NOT that happy for me before the game began), although OSU has Penn State's number in this series by a count of 10-6 since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten in the early 1990's.

The fans are typically belligerent, highly passionate and always loud for the big games. In other words, if the stereotypical Ohio State fan looks in the mirror, they might as well call themselves a follower of the Joe Pa cult. The two fan bases are highly similar, even though the prospect of having more to do in Columbus is what sets the two groups apart. Drinking in the middle of nowhere isn't exactly always on the to-do list for Buckeyes. But I digress....

The Universities are similar. The stadiums are similar (all can hold 106,000 or more). The coaches are similar in how they represent their programs nation wide. The traditions are somewhat similar (OSU dominates the historical aspect of this rivalry). In short, this is always such a heated contest due to how similar these two programs are and how close in relation to distance they are from one another. Ohio and Pennsylvania just aren't the best of friends.

I guess what happens on the field is all that matters, and it should be a hell of a defensive contest. Both defenses have established a reputation for forcing a good amount of turnovers and being able to get to the quarterback. The only difference between these two defenses is that PSU gives up less points per game, although OSU gets more turnovers. But here is the kicker: Penn State scores more points off of their turnovers. Why??? This is isn't going to come as a shock to you, but the Lions have a better offense than the Buckeyes.

Darryl Clark should have been preseason player of the year, but instead Pryor received the honor (look how that has turned out). The running game is better than the Buckeyes, with RB Evan Royster looking to garner All-Big Ten honors this season with 859 yards and 5 touchdowns. The receivers are tall and athletic, which gives PSU many options in the red zone (oh, and they are one of the best teams in the country in red zone production). All in all, despite a younger offensive line, Penn State seems to have a distinct advantage on offense.

If Ohio State turns the ball over twice in this game, chances are that Penn State is going to score at least one touchdown off of it. Notice I didn't say that the Bucks will definitely lose if two turnovers are committed. The reasoning behind that is simple: OSU has a better defense. Who is to say that if OSU commits two turnovers, the defense doesn't force PSU to commit three? This will more than certainly be a defensively dominate game, and Ohio State has had more roar on that side of the ball than the Nittany Lions have all season long. I am more than banking on a defensive or special teams touchdown in this game for Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes.

If Pryor can keep the chains moving with his legs, the I-formation will been seen more and more as the Buckeyes bread and butter. From there, they can run the ball with a fullback leading the way with either Saine, Boom or Hall getting the carries, or Pryor can roll out and make a play with his feet or, better yet, throw out of the bootleg! Crazy concept...

I have a gut feeling that this game will come down to a field goal or two, and Devin Barclay didn't exactly look appealing in that category this past Saturday against New Mexico State. If it comes down to a field goal, I like the Lions to squeak out a victory. Otherwise, take the Buckeyes to spring the upset in Happy Valley based off of outstanding defensive play and forcing Darryl Clark to throw some ill advised passes to All-Big Ten safety Kurt Coleman. From there, Pryor will orchestrate at least one big touchdown drive and the rest will be history.

I know that the defense will rise to the occasion, but will the offense? Stay tuned for that one, but I have read some things stating that some tricks could be up Jim Tressel's sweater vest tomorrow afternoon....

Prediction:

Ohio State- 17

Penn State- 10

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 10

#9 LSU @ #3 Alabama-

Last season held so much more than the breath of Tiger fans waiting to get a crack at Coach Saban, who spurned them for the NFL (then the Crimson Tide, obviously)... after winning a BCS national championship in 2003 and having another successful year in 2004 in Baton Rouge. This season, considering the feeling of the LSU faithful wanting to demolish Saban's reputation diminished just a bit, much more rides on this game in terms of whats at steak after the regular season ends. To be more specific, I am obviously talking about a trip to the national championship game. People are so quick to write off LSU in this game that they don't realize that their offense continues to improve after failing to score a touchdown against Florida last month and controls their SEC championship destiny. This won't be the same Louisiana State team we saw against Florida; I guarantee that. I also guarantee that Alabama wins this game. Yes, I am a victim of the same fault that many people that follow college football have this week in believing that LSU really doesn't have too big of a chance to win this game. They will be improved, but Bama is too good defensively to let this game slip at home. Look for Mark Ingram to have over 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns to increase his Heisman resume en route to a nice victory over LSU. That should just about lock up the match up we all want to see: Alabama vs the Florida Gators in the SEC title game.

Bama- 27

LSU- 16

........ to be honest that is the only game that matters. I'll go in depth about the Big Ten race and the games being played this weekend to make up for the lack of nationally relevant match ups.

Big Ten Rundown-

#16 Ohio State @ #11 Penn State: TBA

#4 Iowa over Northwestern

- The Wildcats will play spirited, especially since QB Mike Kafka will presumably be on the field....but the Hawkeyes have come too far to lose to a team like N'Western. They will enter Columbus on 11/14 10-0 and still ranked #4 in the BCS.

#21 Wisconsin over Indiana

- The Badgers are extremely physical. Indiana is not. That is why the Badgers will win. It's that simple.

Michigan over Purdue

- The game will be closer than the experts think, but I like Michigan to get one last victory in 2009. Yes, they will lose to Wisconsin and OSU to finish 6-6 and will sneak into a bowl game. What a job Rich Rod is doing up there!!

Minnesota over Illinois

- I like how the Fighting Illini looked this past weekend, but I also like Minnesota to get another victory led by senior QB Adam Weber. The Gopher defense will step up to make Illinois look like, well, Illinois again.

Michigan State over Western Michigan

- ...because there's no way that they lose to two directional schools...right?

BCS Bowl Predictions

Not many changes at the moment...but I fail to make a bold prediction about what will be the second Big Ten team to make a BCS bowl. For now, it will be the OSU/PSU combo that will show up on the screen until the outcome of this weekend's game in Happy Valley is finalized. Other than that...sigh...it is pretty boring out there. Except for one thing: USC WON'T WIN THE PAC 10!!!!! I never thought I'd see the day.

BCS National Championship-

Florida Gators (13-0) vs Texas Longhorns (13-0)

Rose Bowl-

Iowa Hawkeyes (11-1) vs Oregon Ducks (10-2)

Fiesta Bowl-

USC Trojans (10-2) vs Ohio State/Penn State (?-?)

Sugar Bowl-

Boise State Broncos (12-0) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1)

Orange Bowl-

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2) vs Cincinnati Bearcats (11-1)

My Top 10- Week Ten

1. Florida (8-0, vs Vanderbilt)

2. Alabama (8-0, vs LSU)

3. Texas (8-0, vs UCF)

4. Iowa (9-0, vs Northwestern)

5. Cincinnati (8-0, vs UConn)

6. TCU (8-0, @ San Diego State)

7. Boise State (8-0, @ Louisiana Tech)

8. Oregon (7-1, @ Stanford)

9. LSU (7-1, @ Alabama)

10. Penn State (8-1, vs Ohio State)

Outside Looking In...

Georgia Tech

Pittsburgh

Ohio State

USC

Houston

Game 9- #17 Ohio State (6-2, 4-1) vs New Mexico State (3-5)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: Big Ten Network (deservedly so)

Don't expect the stands to be filled for the entire game.

Don't expect the band to come out with an extra kick in their step when they run out of the tunnel.

Don't expect too many people to care about this game at all, because it's the first ever New Mexico State week in the history of OSU football.

This is no offense to the NMSU program, really. I am not going to sit here and trash their program at all because I don't have a legitimate reason to. It all just comes down to the fact that this is the only game that separates Ohio State from beginning its gauntlet of November match ups which will include Penn State, Iowa and of course the Maize and Blue.

But back to my main point: this really isn't me sitting here and bashing the Aggie program. If anything, I think that OSU is excited for this game. Why? Because Tressel doesn't want a repeat of Purdue for one thing. He has been pounding it into the media and team's head this week that he wants to come out with "all barrels loaded" from here on out, no matter who the opponent is. I LOVE that mentality. I always hate how OSU isn't one of those teams that consistently beats up on the teams that they should murder. Florida, USC, Texas, etc. all pour on the points and big time stats against the New Mexico State's of the world, while OSU generally plays down to their competition. I want to see Tressel turn a new leaf (which probably isn't likely) and attempt to score over 50 in this game. We will see how that goes...

I hate that this game is being played now, but what can you do? Brandon Saine and Jordan Hall will be the premier backs in this game (Saine has been cleared to play after suffering a mild concussion against Minnesota) and they should both expect a lot of carries/yards, but I think everyone knows that this game could be important for Terrelle Pryor in terms of getting reps and throwing the ball down the field. If he is going to truly become a great teammate and quarterback, he is going to need to keep his confidence up. I dare you to come up with a better way to boost one's confidence than making some huge plays, albeit against an awful team, a week before the Penn State game. Let this kid think that he has the ability to move the ball down the field against anyone. Let him play! He is our only hope of going 3-0 in the month of November and winning another Big Ten championship.

Here is a brutally honest statement: this game sucks. But there is a lot to see with how Pryor plays going into November. The Buckeyes win big as they prepare to travel to Happy Valley in one of the games of the year in the conference.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 48

NM State- 7

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 9

#5 USC (6-1) @ #10 Oregon (6-1)

This is definitely my game of the week. This will go a long way in determining what happens in the BCS race, and obviously it could determine whether USC continues its Pac 10 dominance which has spanned over the past seven seasons. With a victory, Oregon would have to lose two of its remaining games just to TIE for the conference championship. In other words, the chances are extremely high that Oregon will be a shoe in to go to the Rose Bowl (or with some luck maybe further) and become the first team to win the Pac 10 not named USC since 2001. The Trojans have a very good football team. They were outplayed for awhile out coached against Ohio State, but then USC put one drive together and won the game. It was legendary stuff for Matt Barkley, who led his team to a victory despite a bum shoulder. The road win over Notre Dame featured shot after shot taken from each offense, with USC eventually holding on. In other words, SC doesn't lose big games, and it has continued this season. But seriously...Barkley is a true freshman. And the defense isn't playing completely up to par as opposed to past Pete Carroll defenses. Something has to give, and I think that Oregon will squeak out a victory in Eugene Saturday night. USC is too young, while Oregon is clearly playing the best football in the conference. The Pac 10 crown (at least for a season) will finally be handed over to a worthy adversary: the Oregon Ducks.

Prediction:

USC- 24

Oregon- 27

#3 Texas (7-0) @ #14 Oklahoma State (6-1)

This would have maybe trumped USC/Oregon for the game of the week if Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant was eligible to play. He isn't, and this game has lost some luster. That doesn't mean that Oklahoma State's underrated defense can't step up to the occasion, QB Zac Robinson can't manage a mistake free game or RB Kendall Hunter can't break off a few big plays to spring the upset over the Longhorns. Realistically though, Texas is a very good team even though it hasn't looked like it much this season. I think that UT goes into Stillwater, plays an efficient game, and hangs on after taking a big lead to beat the other highly ranked team in the Big 12 South (which was supposed to be Oklahoma).

Prediction:

Texas- 35

OSU- 23

#1 Florida (7-0) vs Georgia (4-3)

This is more of a game of the week by necessity. There really aren't anymore amazing match ups that jump off the page at you this Halloween. Florida-Georgia is traditionally a great rivalry game to watch, and this year won't be any different in terms of the passion that both sides will bring. UGA needs this win to salvage what has been a highly disappointing season thus far. Florida just wants to keep winning, baby. And they will continue to win, but Georgia will give them a hell of a game for at least one half of football. I don't see Florida losing this season to be honest, but as of right now they have a date with Alabama in the SEC Championship Game that should be very interesting...

Prediction:

Florida- 41

Georgia- 20

Big Ten Rundown-

#17 OSU (6-2) vs New Mexico State (3-5) TBA ...haha

#4 Iowa (8-0) over Indiana (4-4)

#12 PSU (7-1) over Northwestern (5-3)

Wisconsin (5-2) over Purdue (3-5)

Michigan State (4-4) over Minnesota (4-4)

Michigan (5-3) over Illinois (1-6)

BCS Predictions

Championship- Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0) vs Texas Longhorns (13-0)

Rose- Oregon Ducks (10-2) vs Iowa Hawkeyes (11-1)

Fiesta- Boise State Broncos (12-0) vs USC Trojans (10-2)

Sugar- Florida Gators (12-1) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)

Orange- Cincinnati Bearcats (11-1) vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2)

My Top 10- Week Nine

1. Alabama (8-0, Bye Week)

2. Florida (7-0, vs Georgia)

3. Texas (7-0, @ Oklahoma State)

4. Cincinnati (7-0, @ Syracuse)

5. Iowa (8-0, vs Indiana)

6. Boise State (7-0, vs San Jose State)

7. TCU (7-0, vs UNLV)

8. USC (6-1, @ Oregon)

9. LSU (6-1, vs Tulane)

10. Oregon (6-1, vs USC)

Outside Looking In...

Penn State (7-1)

Georgia Tech (7-1)

Oklahoma State (6-1)

Game 8- #19 Ohio State (5-2, 3-1) vs Minnesota (4-3, 2-2)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: ESPN

I'm really not in the mood to comment on this game, because the next two weeks are the worst thing to go through after an unexpected loss. Mediocre teams after a loss = boredom and highly critical fans rambling on until you play your next real opponent. Playing Penn State will get this fan base back on track, but that isn't for another two weeks. Instead of talking about Minnesota, here are a few things that I want to see out of this team by the end of the season:

1. Run the spread offense out of the shotgun effectively. Lower level WAC teams can run this offense, but OSU can't and it is way too frustrating. It can most certainly be fixed, but we will need to be patient about it. The talent is there, but all of the young pieces (the majority of this offense are sophomores) need to all be on the same page.

2. NO HUDDLE. QUICK PLAY CALLING. This will instill a sense of urgency in the offense and will allow Pryor an opportunity to simply make plays as opposed to thinking too much and hurting the offense. It would be more effective than what is happening now.

3. Showing promise against teams like Penn State, Iowa and Michigan to earn a BCS bowl spot so the Buckeyes can still prove themselves against top competition in January. Whatever bowl game OSU plays in could and should be a launching pad for what should be an amazing 2010 team. But first things first: beat Minnesota, NMSU, PSU, Iowa and Michigan.

4. Be patient. Everyone. The coaches, fans, media, etc. Troy Smith ran all of the time and wasn't a good quarterback until after the 2005 Penn State game in the middle of his redshirt junior year. Because Pryor was so heavily recruited, we would expect to see an astronomical leap with him this season. To put it simply though, it isn't going to happen this season...unless it is after the Michigan game. He is an amazing athlete, so utilize him as such. Run him! Be creative! Under Tressel this probably won't happen, but it might need to if anyone expects to win out and be crowned a Big Ten champion for the fifth time in a row.

Oh, and OSU beats Minnesota. The offense will look better, obviously, but not too pretty while the defense will suffocate the Golden Gophers.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27

Minnesota- 10

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 8

#8 TCU @ #16 BYU-

The sad fact of it is that this is the national game of the week...and this week in college football is the typical let down week where no great games are scheduled. Hopefully some upsets occur...but moving on, I like TCU more than I do BYU. I have always like what coach Patterson has done down in Forth Worth and like the style of football that the Horned Frogs play more than the Cougars (or the Mormons). However, TCU is due for a loss and this is probably their only legit chance of failing on the national stage. BYU is more battle tested and should squeak this one out late in the fourth quarter. For the second year in the a row it should be a true classic.

Prediction:

BYU- 20

TCU- 16

#13 Penn State @ Michigan-

It is odd picking the winner of this game simply because I am still not a believer in Michigan's football team, yet I know that Michigan owns this series, especially in the Big House. I fully comprehend the Wolverine's progression from an awful team to an exciting team, but exciting and good aren't always necessarily the same thing. The defense isn't as strong as I expected, while the offense still hasn't had a completely dominating performance against a good defense. They will most certainly play a good defense this Saturday. Penn State will play their style of football and ultimately win this game, but big blue will hang around most of the day to put a scare into the Lions. If Michigan puts up more than 30 on this defense, than maybe I'll finally respect the Wolverine offense fully. I doubt it happens, though.

Prediction:

Penn State- 27

Michigan- 23

Oregon State @ #7 USC-

Yeah...it is that bad of a week. This isn't exactly game of the week material, albeit this was a game that sent shock waves throughout the country last September when the Beavers upset USC. The Trojans have had this game circled on their calendar, which means that they won't overlook their opponent and they will probably win. I don't see any reason to think differently. The last REAL test of the season for USC comes next week when they travel to Eugene to take on the red hot Oregon Ducks.

Prediction:

USC- 34

OSU- 14

Big Ten Rundown:

Minnesota (4-3) @ Ohio State (5-2) TBA

Penn State (6-1) over Michigan (5-2)

Iowa (7-0) over Michigan State (4-3) ...closer than the experts think.

Northwestern (4-3) over Indiana (4-3)

Purdue (2-5) over Illinois (1-5)

Projected Bowl Teams

Iowa (11-1) Co- Big Ten Champs

Ohio State (10-2) Co-Big Ten Champs

Penn State (10-2) two conference losses

Wisconsin (9-3) another Outback bowl

Michigan (8-4) could give Rich Rod first bowl win in Ann Arbor

Michigan State (7-5) Who knows

Northwestern (7-5) Who knows

Minnesota (6-6) Who knows

My Top Ten- Week Eight

......... I feel like an idiot. But I'll move on soon.

1 a. Florida (6-0, @ Mississippi State)

1 b. Alabama (7-0, vs Tennessee)

3. Texas (6-0, @ Missouri)

4. USC (5-1, vs Oregon State

5. Boise State (6-0, @ Hawaii)

6. Iowa (7-0, @ Michigan State)

7. Cincinnati (6-0, vs Louisville)

8. LSU (5-1, vs Auburn)

9. Miami, FL (5-1, vs Clemson)

10. Georgia Tech (6-1, @ Virginia)

Outside Looking In...

TCU

Oregon

Penn State

Oklahoma State

Virginia Tech

Where's OSU? 20th for me....

Game 7- #7/7 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0) @ Purdue (1-5, 0-3)

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)

When: Noon EST

TV: Big Ten Network

I don't have much to brag about, but I will say that I accurately predicted the score of the Wisconsin game this past weekend. I went the entire week without mentioning it to anyone, while others might have boasted the fact. I figured this was an appropriate venue to say FINALLLYYYYY it's been years since I've predicted a final score correctly.

Moving on, the Buckeyes may have in fact scored 31 points, yet only ten of them were accrued by the offensive side of the ball. How is that even possible? I don't even want to hear all of the excuses because they all amount to one simple aspect of football: not executing. That, and only having the ball for barely even ten minutes. Regardless of the offensive ineffectiveness displayed by Terrelle Pryor and the offense, the defense played its fifth straight outstanding game. The silver bullet defense truly looks like one of the best in the nation (yet again) and may be even more nasty than the units that featuring Laurinaitis, Jenkins, Gholston and Freeman. Special teams played a near perfect day, even if they did give up a fake field goal touchdown in the first half. To summarize the Wisconsin game, it is evident that Ohio State has a very good football team with or without an explosive offense. At the end of the day, that is the sign of a pretty solid team.

The attitude in the locker room with the players and coaches seems to be that of immense confidence in what the offense will achieve the rest of the season, starting with Purdue this weekend. Coming off a horrid performance, that is the kind of mentality i like to see in a young team. Pryor, Saine, Small, Posey and Ballard are all players who have come out and said that the offense is clicking for the first time all season and that they are ready to light up the scoreboard.

Hmmm....this is a good weekend to start, considering they are playing one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten to go along with the fact that Purdue turns the ball over more than anyone else in the conference. If you go by the facts, then the Bucks will have plenty of opportunities to put up points on offense in West Lafayette.

Look for RB Brandon Saine to be a huge benefactor in the offense this weekend, to go along with big games from WRs DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher and of course (shock) Terrelle Pryor. I am calling for Pryor to have the best game of the season, which will lead to two straight weeks of consistent play from him leading into the Penn State game. The defense will, as always, hold up its end of the bargain which means that in the end Purdue won't have too much to toot their horns about (get it?). It will get UGLY in West Lafayette on Saturday. The only thing Boilermaker fans should be excited about is that they have a good new head coach in Danny Hope to go along with some nice weather for Saturday. Then again, I'm quit the optimist. Maybe they should just go ahead and quit before OSU's team bus arrives tomorrow night.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 41

Purdue- 10

Path to the National Championship

I have it all figured out, and it really isn't rocket science. To be honest, it is quite rational and highly likely.

Ohio State will be in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA on Thursday, January 7th on ABC.

How is this possible you ask? Let's break it down...

These are the current projected BCS rankings (the first official poll will be released on Sunday afternoon) :

1. Florida Gators (undefeated)

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (undefeated)

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (one loss)

4. Texas Longhorns (undefeated)

5. Boise State (undefeated)

6. USC (one loss)

7. LSU (one loss)

8. OHIO STATE (one loss)

9. Cincinnati (undefeated)

10. Iowa (undefeated)

You must be a conference champion to play for the national championship. Keep that in mind as we continue...

Florida or Alabama will be eliminated from championship contention by virtue of this rule. Theoretically, this moves OSU ahead a spot. Oh, wait, make that two spots because Boise State will never play for the national championship and if OSU keeps winning they would ultimately jump the WAC powerhouse.

This leaves teams like Texas, Virginia Tech, USC and LSU ahead of the Buckeyes. Hmmm.... what did I say about the SEC? Only one team will qualify, and there are three teams ahead of the Buckeyes. Eliminate LSU from this conversation, please. They aren't good enough.

Texas hasn't looked quite up to par this season, and have a legitimate shot to lose this weekend to Oklahoma, if not down the stretch. If they lose a game, and win out to win the Big 12 championship then they will probably get to the big dance. I don't think this will happen, though. I have a hunch that Oklahoma will win out by virtue of having a better defense and having their Heisman winning QB back from injury. A two loss OU team wins the Big 12, eliminating Texas.

Virginia Tech and USC are the only two teams in the way of the Buckeyes at this point. If you look from a historical standpoint, the ACC teams will all beat up on each other leaving a 2 or 3 loss conference champion. I don't see why this season won't be any different. I like Virginia Tech, but only as a two loss conference champion. Bump the Hokies from contention.

It comes down to USC again????? That just isn't fair. Well, technically it is fair because the Trojans took down the beloved Buckeyes back on September 12th, but you know what I mean. USC has to play on the road at Notre Dame and red hot Oregon, while also needing to not fall prey to yet another low level opponent.

In short: if USC's competence against lesser opponents, matched with two tough road games, is what stands in front of OSU getting to the national championship game against the SEC champion (I assume), then I guess I am somewhat confident.

Oh, and Cincinnati will lose. It's not even a conversation to be had, really.

Here is how I see things shaking up at the end of the season....

Rose Bowl-

Oregon (10-2) vs Boise State (12-0) ...... I picked this simply for intrigue purposes

Sugar Bowl-

Alabama (12-1) vs Virginia Tech (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl-

Texas (11-1) vs USC (10-2)

Orange Bowl-

South Florida (10-2) vs Oklahoma (11-2)

BCS National Championship Game-

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs Florida Gators (13-0)

By the way, I understand OSU and its inept offense have to win out in order to play for the national championship.

I also understand that the offense WILL improve, and that this defense is just as good as Alabama's, Florida's, etc.

Alabama features sheer power; Florida pure speed. OSU has a little bit of everything.