Thought that this was an appropriate highlight reel look at how Arkansas plays football.... enjoy.
No, I don't care if I offend people from Arkansas with the title of this post, mainly because no one reads this blog.
Eight days until kickoff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgcsLyByO9A
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thoughts on the NCAA Suspensions
It has been a day now, and we have all had time to at least start to digest everything that has happened with Ohio State football.
In the event that you have been living under a rock or are just an ass who wants to keep bringing it up to embarrassed OSU fans, yesterday the NCAA suspended the following players for the first five games of the 2011 season due to receiving "improper benefits" dating back to 2009: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Boom Herron, WR DeVier Posey (should I keep going?), LT Mike Adams and reserve DE Solomon Thomas. Backup LB Jordan Whiting will serve a one-game suspension to begin the 2011 season against Akron.
The transgressions for the players serving five game suspensions include selling various items such as Big Ten championship rings, gold pants and game-worn apparel for values ranging from 1,000-2,500 dollars, along with exchanging autographs for tattoos.
The NCAA is allowing the players to participate in the Sugar Bowl mainly because they determined that Ohio State did not educate the players well enough that it was not acceptable to sell things of that nature for profit, but lets be honest for a moment here. The real reason in my opinion, which has come to my attention after reading and hearing many different opinions the past few days, is because the NCAA doesn't want to lose the money that would come from having OSU and Arkansas feature all of its stars on one of college football's biggest stages in New Orleans. Players such as Pryor and Posey represent dollar signs for bowl sponsors, advertisers, etc. and no organization wants to see an investment lose money or interest. It is simple business.
How do I feel about all of this? Not that it matters, but there is a lot that needs to be said here and I really do not have the energy to express every little thing that I think. I do have the time to try and sum up some of the major points, though.
First of all, whether or not it explicitly says in the NCAA's overly augmented and hypocritical rule book that you cannot sell ANYTHING that belongs to you is a debate that I'll leave to the people that are supposed to make those rules abundantly clear. The issue is how does one determine if something that an athlete receives is truly his/hers to sell? The argument that you shouldn't want to sell something like a trophy at all to begin with is beside the point, because if you are like me then you would cherish something like that for the rest of your life. I believe that it needs to be made crystal clear that the NCAA and school still technically own things such as trophies, awards, etc. until the student is no longer an amateur. If I earn something for my achievements on the field, regardless if I would actually sell it or not, I am under the impression that is is mine. Not partially the universities or the NCAA's, but MINE. To quote Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers, "The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me".
Do I condone what these players did? No. Do I believe that there were circumstances that lead me to believe that in the long run what these players did is forgivable? Yes. Do they deserve to be suspended? HELL YES. They should be suspended for the bowl game and have a lesser suspension next season in a perfect world, but it isn't a perfect world and they are allowed to play in it. You have a problem with that? Talk to the NCAA about that. Don't bash OSU for this, but the NCAA. It was their ruling, and OSU is abiding by it (by the way, I have a gut feeling that the suspensions will be reduced).
I know plenty of people that have done things that they are not especially proud of (myself included) in order to accomplish a goal at hand. Families that struggle around the world do things to put food on the table, put their kids through college, etc. People rob, steal and kill in the name of love. And sometimes people with the means do things to help those that are less fortunate. Whether it is true or not that a lot of these players sold their gold pants and rings in order to help their families pay the bills and put food on the table is not exactly clear considering I do not know any of them personally. If they did it, although it was definitely handled in a very bad way, I can understand why.
Those are my thoughts, and there is still a game to play. Almost a week until game time.
Let's shut the SEC, ESPN, and the world up.
GO BUCKS!!!!!
In the event that you have been living under a rock or are just an ass who wants to keep bringing it up to embarrassed OSU fans, yesterday the NCAA suspended the following players for the first five games of the 2011 season due to receiving "improper benefits" dating back to 2009: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Boom Herron, WR DeVier Posey (should I keep going?), LT Mike Adams and reserve DE Solomon Thomas. Backup LB Jordan Whiting will serve a one-game suspension to begin the 2011 season against Akron.
The transgressions for the players serving five game suspensions include selling various items such as Big Ten championship rings, gold pants and game-worn apparel for values ranging from 1,000-2,500 dollars, along with exchanging autographs for tattoos.
The NCAA is allowing the players to participate in the Sugar Bowl mainly because they determined that Ohio State did not educate the players well enough that it was not acceptable to sell things of that nature for profit, but lets be honest for a moment here. The real reason in my opinion, which has come to my attention after reading and hearing many different opinions the past few days, is because the NCAA doesn't want to lose the money that would come from having OSU and Arkansas feature all of its stars on one of college football's biggest stages in New Orleans. Players such as Pryor and Posey represent dollar signs for bowl sponsors, advertisers, etc. and no organization wants to see an investment lose money or interest. It is simple business.
How do I feel about all of this? Not that it matters, but there is a lot that needs to be said here and I really do not have the energy to express every little thing that I think. I do have the time to try and sum up some of the major points, though.
First of all, whether or not it explicitly says in the NCAA's overly augmented and hypocritical rule book that you cannot sell ANYTHING that belongs to you is a debate that I'll leave to the people that are supposed to make those rules abundantly clear. The issue is how does one determine if something that an athlete receives is truly his/hers to sell? The argument that you shouldn't want to sell something like a trophy at all to begin with is beside the point, because if you are like me then you would cherish something like that for the rest of your life. I believe that it needs to be made crystal clear that the NCAA and school still technically own things such as trophies, awards, etc. until the student is no longer an amateur. If I earn something for my achievements on the field, regardless if I would actually sell it or not, I am under the impression that is is mine. Not partially the universities or the NCAA's, but MINE. To quote Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers, "The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me".
Do I condone what these players did? No. Do I believe that there were circumstances that lead me to believe that in the long run what these players did is forgivable? Yes. Do they deserve to be suspended? HELL YES. They should be suspended for the bowl game and have a lesser suspension next season in a perfect world, but it isn't a perfect world and they are allowed to play in it. You have a problem with that? Talk to the NCAA about that. Don't bash OSU for this, but the NCAA. It was their ruling, and OSU is abiding by it (by the way, I have a gut feeling that the suspensions will be reduced).
I know plenty of people that have done things that they are not especially proud of (myself included) in order to accomplish a goal at hand. Families that struggle around the world do things to put food on the table, put their kids through college, etc. People rob, steal and kill in the name of love. And sometimes people with the means do things to help those that are less fortunate. Whether it is true or not that a lot of these players sold their gold pants and rings in order to help their families pay the bills and put food on the table is not exactly clear considering I do not know any of them personally. If they did it, although it was definitely handled in a very bad way, I can understand why.
Those are my thoughts, and there is still a game to play. Almost a week until game time.
Let's shut the SEC, ESPN, and the world up.
GO BUCKS!!!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Arkansas- Quick Breakdown
#7 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2; SEC #2)
QB- Ryan Mallett (3,592 pass yards, 30 TD, 11 INT)
RB- Knile Davis (1,183 rush yards, 14 Total TD)
WR- Greg Childs (46 rec. for 659 yards, 6 TD)
WR- Jarius Wright (38 rec. for 718 yards, 4 TD)
TE- D.J. Williams (49 rec. for 589 yards, 4 TD)
National Ranks
3rd in the Nation in Passing Yards per Game (338)
17th in the Nation in Points per Game (37)
6th Toughest Schedule in the Nation
Key Wins in 2010
Texas A&M, in Arlington (9-3 record)
@ South Carolina (9-4 record) SEC East Champs
@ Mississippi State (8-4 record)
LSU (10-2 record)
The Arkansas Razorbacks, who finished the season at 10-2 and in second place in the SEC, put together one of the best statistical seasons in school history en route to their first Sugar Bowl appearance since 1979 and their first as a member of the SEC. QB Ryan Mallett, a sure-fire first round NFL draft pick, leads a team that features one of the most feared passing attacks in America to complement RB Knile Davis, who has had himself quite a breakout sophomore season with nearly 1,200 yards and a 6.6 yards per carry average. While the defense gives up 23 points per game, they have four wins over ranked opponents and won those contests by an average score of 33 to 22. Arkansas is a very talented and well coached SEC football team.Pour Some Sugar on the Buckeyes
Congratulations to Ohio State on an 11-1 season and a berth to play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 4th, 2011 in the Superdome against the #8 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2).It will be a hell of a match up and a very exciting game to watch. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett leads one of the best offenses in the country into their first BCS bowl in school history. This will be the 10th meeting with an SEC opponent in a bowl game situation for Ohio State (they have gone 0-9 all-time).
I'll be previewing the game along with the other bowl games throughout the month.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Final BCS Bowl Predictions (12/4)
2011 BCS National Championship Game (1/10)
#2 Oregon Ducks (12-0)
vs.
#1 Auburn Tigers (13-0)
Rose Bowl Presented by VIZIO (1/1)-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-1) Big Ten Champs
vs.
TCU Horned Frogs (12-0) At-Large
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (1/1)-
Oklahoma Sooners (11-2) Big 12 Champs
vs.
Stanford Cardinal (11-1) At-Large
Discover Orange Bowl (1/3)-
Connecticut Huskies (8-4) Big East Champs
vs.
Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2) ACC Champs
Allstate Sugar Bowl (1/4)-
Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2) At-Large
vs.
Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) At-Large
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I Can Almost Taste It...
Yet another win over Michigan and a record breaking ninth trip to a BCS game are just a few of the accomplishments for the 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes. Congratulations on an awesome season and a record sixth straight Big Ten championship. Let's win this bowl game and focus on winning a seventh straight!
It hasn't been announced yet, but I have a feeling that OSU won't be heading to the Fiesta Bowl or even South Beach for the Orange Bowl.
Bank on the Buckeyes taking on either Arkansas or South Carolina in the Sugar Bowl.
I can almost taste the sweetness of it... it'd be a hell of a game if the opponent was a top ten ranked SEC opponent (here's hoping its Arkansas so the silver bullets can get after Ryan Mallett).
Monday, November 29, 2010
Championship Game Rundown
SEC Championship Game
#19 South Carolina (9-3) vs. #1 Auburn (12-0)
- It isn't exactly the type of game that we have been accustomed to seeing in recent years (in other words, Alabama and Florida aren't playing in it), but it is still a very intriguing battle to keep an eye on. Obviously if Auburn wins they go to the national championship game while South Carolina would set school records all over the place with 10 wins, an SEC title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. The Gamecocks will bring their A game, but unfortunately it won't be enough as Auburn has gotten it done all season long in a variety of ways. I see the game being neck and neck for the majority of the contest until Cam Newton breaks a big run to seize every ounce of momentum in the Georgia Dome. Winner: Auburn.
S. Carolina- 26
Auburn- 34
ACC Championship Game
#21 Florida State (9-3) vs. #15 Virginia Tech (10-2)
- I really want to pick Florida State and go into great detail why I think that they can win this game and give Jimbo Fisher an ACC championship in his first year on the job, but I would probably be wasting a lot of my time. Virginia Tech has won 10 straight for a reason (playing outstanding football and being in a terrible conference) and will probably win an 11th straight as FSU isn't quite ready for the spotlight. They'll go on to play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl while Tech wraps up another ACC crown and a trip to the Orange Bowl.
FSU- 24
VT- 28
Big 12 Championship Game
#13 Nebraska (10-2) vs. #9 Oklahoma (10-2)
- I have had the Huskers pegged as my Big 12 champion since before the season began, but several factors have led to them being a less than confident pick in this game as they enter with multiple injuries and as a team that has seemingly lost their swagger. Oklahoma is riding high after beating their in-state rival in dramatic fashion and will ride that momentum to a Big 12 championship under the direction of Bob Stoops (what else is new?). They'll more than likely play in the Fiesta Bowl and will be looking to win their first BCS contest since the 2003 Rose Bowl against Washington State.
Nebraska- 27
Oklahoma- 31
#19 South Carolina (9-3) vs. #1 Auburn (12-0)
- It isn't exactly the type of game that we have been accustomed to seeing in recent years (in other words, Alabama and Florida aren't playing in it), but it is still a very intriguing battle to keep an eye on. Obviously if Auburn wins they go to the national championship game while South Carolina would set school records all over the place with 10 wins, an SEC title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. The Gamecocks will bring their A game, but unfortunately it won't be enough as Auburn has gotten it done all season long in a variety of ways. I see the game being neck and neck for the majority of the contest until Cam Newton breaks a big run to seize every ounce of momentum in the Georgia Dome. Winner: Auburn.
S. Carolina- 26
Auburn- 34
ACC Championship Game
#21 Florida State (9-3) vs. #15 Virginia Tech (10-2)
- I really want to pick Florida State and go into great detail why I think that they can win this game and give Jimbo Fisher an ACC championship in his first year on the job, but I would probably be wasting a lot of my time. Virginia Tech has won 10 straight for a reason (playing outstanding football and being in a terrible conference) and will probably win an 11th straight as FSU isn't quite ready for the spotlight. They'll go on to play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl while Tech wraps up another ACC crown and a trip to the Orange Bowl.
FSU- 24
VT- 28
Big 12 Championship Game
#13 Nebraska (10-2) vs. #9 Oklahoma (10-2)
- I have had the Huskers pegged as my Big 12 champion since before the season began, but several factors have led to them being a less than confident pick in this game as they enter with multiple injuries and as a team that has seemingly lost their swagger. Oklahoma is riding high after beating their in-state rival in dramatic fashion and will ride that momentum to a Big 12 championship under the direction of Bob Stoops (what else is new?). They'll more than likely play in the Fiesta Bowl and will be looking to win their first BCS contest since the 2003 Rose Bowl against Washington State.
Nebraska- 27
Oklahoma- 31
Friday, November 26, 2010
BCS Bowl Predictions: Pre-Championship Games
BCS National Championship Game-
Oregon Ducks (12-0)
vs.
Auburn Tigers (13-0)
Rose Bowl-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-1)
vs.
TCU Horned Frogs (12-0)
Fiesta Bowl-
Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
vs.
Stanford Cardinal (11-1)
Orange Bowl-
West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)
vs.
Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)
Sugar Bowl-
Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)
vs.
Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)
I think that Auburn and Oregon will win this weekend to clinch a spot in the national championship game (easy enough). From there, the selection process gets tricky and unlike last season when I felt like I could peg where everyone was going it seems like a pure guessing game at this point.
The Rose Bowl will be Wisconsin - assuming they stay ranked ahead of Ohio State in the BCS - taking on TCU in what should be a very physical game.
The Fiesta Bowl will probably grab Stanford as an at-large team, which will be attractive due to their location in relation to Glendale, their 11-1 record, high BCS ranking and a Heisman candidate in QB Andrew Luck. I see them taking the Big 12 champions who will probably be the Oklahoma Sooners. It being a rematch of last season's Sun Bowl, both of these teams should be very familiar with each other and will need to bring their A-game in order to get the victory.
The Orange Bowl will keep their ties with the ACC going by taking an 11-2 and red hot Virginia Tech team, which will take on the Big East champion (by virtue of not really having much of a choice). At this point will probably be UConn but because I am in disbelief of that I will go with West Virginia with a 9-3 record.
Finally, there is the Sugar Bowl where Buckeye fans should expect to go when the BCS announcements are made. I think they'll take an 11-1 Ohio State to take on an SEC team, which will be either South Carolina if they beat Auburn for the national championship or Arkansas by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than fellow 10-2 SEC team LSU. Hogs and Bucks fans will invade New Orleans on January 3rd.
I will update my projections after all of the championship games are played this weekend and before the BCS selections are made Sunday night.
Oregon Ducks (12-0)
vs.
Auburn Tigers (13-0)
Rose Bowl-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-1)
vs.
TCU Horned Frogs (12-0)
Fiesta Bowl-
Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
vs.
Stanford Cardinal (11-1)
Orange Bowl-
West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)
vs.
Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)
Sugar Bowl-
Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)
vs.
Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)
I think that Auburn and Oregon will win this weekend to clinch a spot in the national championship game (easy enough). From there, the selection process gets tricky and unlike last season when I felt like I could peg where everyone was going it seems like a pure guessing game at this point.
The Rose Bowl will be Wisconsin - assuming they stay ranked ahead of Ohio State in the BCS - taking on TCU in what should be a very physical game.
The Fiesta Bowl will probably grab Stanford as an at-large team, which will be attractive due to their location in relation to Glendale, their 11-1 record, high BCS ranking and a Heisman candidate in QB Andrew Luck. I see them taking the Big 12 champions who will probably be the Oklahoma Sooners. It being a rematch of last season's Sun Bowl, both of these teams should be very familiar with each other and will need to bring their A-game in order to get the victory.
The Orange Bowl will keep their ties with the ACC going by taking an 11-2 and red hot Virginia Tech team, which will take on the Big East champion (by virtue of not really having much of a choice). At this point will probably be UConn but because I am in disbelief of that I will go with West Virginia with a 9-3 record.
Finally, there is the Sugar Bowl where Buckeye fans should expect to go when the BCS announcements are made. I think they'll take an 11-1 Ohio State to take on an SEC team, which will be either South Carolina if they beat Auburn for the national championship or Arkansas by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than fellow 10-2 SEC team LSU. Hogs and Bucks fans will invade New Orleans on January 3rd.
I will update my projections after all of the championship games are played this weekend and before the BCS selections are made Sunday night.
My Top Ten- Championship Week
1. Auburn (12-0, vs South Carolina)
2. Oregon (11-0, @ Oregon State)
3. TCU (12-0, end of regular season)
4. Wisconsin (11-1, end of regular season)
5. Ohio State (11-1, end of regular season)
6. Stanford (11-1, end of regular season)
7. Michigan State (11-1, end of regular season)
8. Arkansas (10-2, end of regular season)
9. Oklahoma (10-2, vs Nebraska)
10. Virginia Tech (10-2, vs Florida State)
Outside Looking In...
LSU (10-2)
Nebraska (10-2)
Missouri (10-2)
Nevada (11-1)
South Carolina (9-3)
2. Oregon (11-0, @ Oregon State)
3. TCU (12-0, end of regular season)
4. Wisconsin (11-1, end of regular season)
5. Ohio State (11-1, end of regular season)
6. Stanford (11-1, end of regular season)
7. Michigan State (11-1, end of regular season)
8. Arkansas (10-2, end of regular season)
9. Oklahoma (10-2, vs Nebraska)
10. Virginia Tech (10-2, vs Florida State)
Outside Looking In...
LSU (10-2)
Nebraska (10-2)
Missouri (10-2)
Nevada (11-1)
South Carolina (9-3)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Game 12- #8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) vs. Michigan Wolverines (7-4, 3-4)
Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: ABC National
The common denominator that has been missing in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry since Rich Rod took over: UM has lacked the big play, electrifying leader that can keep the Wolverines in any game and score at any time.
This season, Denard Robinson finally gives Michigan just what the doctor ordered and is on pace to be invited to New York for the Heisman Tophy ceremony. On top of that, Michigan is bowl bound for the first time since 2007, has one of the top rushers in college football (he's a QB, not a RB) and has one of the most explosive offenses in America. It sounds like the rivalry is finally back to normal... wait, what, Michigan is 112th in the nation in defense? Oh...well, maybe next season it will be back to normal. It is certain though that the rivalry has a face to hate again in Denard Robinson, and combined with Buckeye Nation's disdain for Rich Rodriguez makes Saturday a very intriguing and anticipated battle in The Game for the first time in three years.
Certainly the challenge will be to stop Denard Robinson - which has been difficult to do all season long - but OSU features the perfect defense to slow down the record-setting rusher so that shouldn't be the monumental task that many pundits view it to be. OSU's nickel/star alignment excels as defending spread type offenses (ala the Rose Bowl against Oregon) so I don't think that Michigan will light up the scoreboard much like they have done all season long en route to a seven win season. Don't believe me about the defense? Then check out a professionals take on this match up by checking out the following link:
http://www.alongtheolentangy.com/2010/11/26/1836596/strength-v-strength-the-michigan-offense-v-the-ohio-state-defense
Heading into this game, I wonder if OSU will try to keep Denard off the field all together by running an offense similar to what we saw against Iowa last week where the game plan was predicated on Pryor moving out of the pocket to make plays and allowing Boom Herron to have success on the ground as well. Regardless of the gameplan I expect plenty of points to be scored against one of the worst defenses I've seen at a major college program since I have been alive/cognizant of college football. Any chance to spit in the wounds of a Michigan program that is just not getting it done across the board with Greg Robinson as their defensive coordinator will gladly be taken up by me, or any other OSU fan really. With that being said, I'm not just saying that this will be a blowout because I like to see Michigan suffer, but rather because all factual signs point to it with the Buckeyes averaging 39 points a game this season (take out the 73 point effort against Eastern Michigan, and they still have averaged 36 points per game). I'm not blowing smoke out of my ass when I say that Michigan is a terrible defensive football team, and it will show tomorrow once the early emotion and adrenaline is taken out of the equation.
Pryor will throw for two touchdowns in this game, along with a nice effort on the ground to overshadow anything that Denard Robinson does tomorrow, as Ohio State wraps up yet another Big Ten championship and, just as satisfying, another big win over the Maize and Blue. Boom Herron will have one of his best games in a Buckeye uniform while the defense keeps the Wolverine offense quiet for most of the game. OSU may not dominate the time of possession factor as much as I would like, but the defense will play well enough to make sure that isn't going to come back and bite the Buckeyes in the butt.
Prediction:
Michigan- 17
Ohio State- 45
I really don't care if it is two to nothing in all honesty. Give me a seventh straight win over Michigan, a sixth consecutive Big Ten championship and a trip to a BCS bowl and I should be good to go.
Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 13
#2 Auburn (11-0) @ #11 Alabama (9-2)
- The day after Thanksgiving, all eyes will need to focus away from the malls and toward the television as CBS will host the biggest Iron Bowl match up that I can remember, as Auburn is heading toward a berth in the BCS National Championship game while Alabama (last year's national champ) will be looking to rain on their rival's party. I see that happening in all honesty, as the Tide will feature a fully rounded offensive attack to complement an ever-improving defense en route to an upset of the Auburn Tigers. Sure-fire Heisman winner Cam Newton will have a big game, but won't be able to do it all by himself for the first time this season. Nick Saban will kick Gene Chizik to the curb in this one.
Auburn- 28
Alabama- 34
#5 LSU (10-1) @ #12 Arkansas (9-2)
- Another upset in the making?? Yeah, probably. The Razorbacks have been kept under wraps from the national spotlight ever since losing to Alabama early in the year despite being in position to beat the defending champs throughout the entire game. I think that Ryan Mallett will lead Arkansas to a win against a very good LSU team, but I really can't defend my pick too well. LSU has a great defense that can keep Arkansas in check, but Ryan Mallett has to leave a mark for what should be his final year...right?
LSU- 17
ARK- 23
#13 Oklahoma (10-1) @ #9 Oklahoma State (10-1)
- Points. Lots of points. More points than you can think of. That is what I expect to see when these teams take the field on Saturday night. Oklahoma State features a Doak Walker finalist in running back Kendall Hunter and the eventual winner of the Biletnikoff Award in wide receiver Justin Blackmon, as well as an overachieving group of players that have taken this program to new heights. Oklahoma is...well...Oklahoma, and that is why I am picking them to beat their rivals in the Bedlam game and move on to the Big 12 Championship game.
Oklahoma- 52
OK State- 49
Big Ten Rundown-
Michigan @ #8 Ohio State - TBA
Northwestern (7-4, 3-4) @ #7 Wisconsin (10-1, 6-1)
- If Dan Persa was the quarterback for the Wildcats still, I would be hard pressed not to pull the trigger on calling the biggest upset of Big Ten season to happen in the final week. He is injured, Northwestern is 0-1 without him, and I don't see any luck bouncing the underdog's way this week. Wisconsin will wrap up a dominating Big Ten campaign at home to win its first Big Ten championship since 1999.
#10 Michigan State (10-1, 6-1) @ Penn State (7-4, 4-3)
- UPSET! I hate to think that PSU will finish the year 7-5 despite improving vastly over the course of one of the toughest schedules in America, so I am going to throw Joe Pa and the boys a bone and say that they steal a Big Ten title away from the Spartans and upset Michigan State. Sorry Coach Dantonio...maybe next year.
#24 Iowa (7-4, 4-3) @ Minnesota (2-9, 1-6)
- Literally nothing to say here other than that Iowa will win their eighth game of the season and will represent the Big Ten very well in their respective bowl game after dismantling Minnesota in the final regular season game of the year. This is a very talented yet unlucky bunch of guys, and my heart goes out to their four fourth quarter losses this season.
Indiana (4-7, 0-7) @ Purdue (4-7, 2-5)
- Yawn. I guess with three games being played that will affect the conference race there has to be a game or two that are pretty bad. Despite this being a bitter rivalry game, I'll go ahead and say that this is the worst one of the week. I'll go with Indiana to get their first win of the season in light of the fact that I think Purdue is a God awful team and IU is bound for some good fortune after some of the games they have lost this season. The fun fact for this game: none of the these teams are going bowling! Wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year because you won't see these guys again until 2011.
- The day after Thanksgiving, all eyes will need to focus away from the malls and toward the television as CBS will host the biggest Iron Bowl match up that I can remember, as Auburn is heading toward a berth in the BCS National Championship game while Alabama (last year's national champ) will be looking to rain on their rival's party. I see that happening in all honesty, as the Tide will feature a fully rounded offensive attack to complement an ever-improving defense en route to an upset of the Auburn Tigers. Sure-fire Heisman winner Cam Newton will have a big game, but won't be able to do it all by himself for the first time this season. Nick Saban will kick Gene Chizik to the curb in this one.
Auburn- 28
Alabama- 34
#5 LSU (10-1) @ #12 Arkansas (9-2)
- Another upset in the making?? Yeah, probably. The Razorbacks have been kept under wraps from the national spotlight ever since losing to Alabama early in the year despite being in position to beat the defending champs throughout the entire game. I think that Ryan Mallett will lead Arkansas to a win against a very good LSU team, but I really can't defend my pick too well. LSU has a great defense that can keep Arkansas in check, but Ryan Mallett has to leave a mark for what should be his final year...right?
LSU- 17
ARK- 23
#13 Oklahoma (10-1) @ #9 Oklahoma State (10-1)
- Points. Lots of points. More points than you can think of. That is what I expect to see when these teams take the field on Saturday night. Oklahoma State features a Doak Walker finalist in running back Kendall Hunter and the eventual winner of the Biletnikoff Award in wide receiver Justin Blackmon, as well as an overachieving group of players that have taken this program to new heights. Oklahoma is...well...Oklahoma, and that is why I am picking them to beat their rivals in the Bedlam game and move on to the Big 12 Championship game.
Oklahoma- 52
OK State- 49
Big Ten Rundown-
Michigan @ #8 Ohio State - TBA
Northwestern (7-4, 3-4) @ #7 Wisconsin (10-1, 6-1)
- If Dan Persa was the quarterback for the Wildcats still, I would be hard pressed not to pull the trigger on calling the biggest upset of Big Ten season to happen in the final week. He is injured, Northwestern is 0-1 without him, and I don't see any luck bouncing the underdog's way this week. Wisconsin will wrap up a dominating Big Ten campaign at home to win its first Big Ten championship since 1999.
#10 Michigan State (10-1, 6-1) @ Penn State (7-4, 4-3)
- UPSET! I hate to think that PSU will finish the year 7-5 despite improving vastly over the course of one of the toughest schedules in America, so I am going to throw Joe Pa and the boys a bone and say that they steal a Big Ten title away from the Spartans and upset Michigan State. Sorry Coach Dantonio...maybe next year.
#24 Iowa (7-4, 4-3) @ Minnesota (2-9, 1-6)
- Literally nothing to say here other than that Iowa will win their eighth game of the season and will represent the Big Ten very well in their respective bowl game after dismantling Minnesota in the final regular season game of the year. This is a very talented yet unlucky bunch of guys, and my heart goes out to their four fourth quarter losses this season.
Indiana (4-7, 0-7) @ Purdue (4-7, 2-5)
- Yawn. I guess with three games being played that will affect the conference race there has to be a game or two that are pretty bad. Despite this being a bitter rivalry game, I'll go ahead and say that this is the worst one of the week. I'll go with Indiana to get their first win of the season in light of the fact that I think Purdue is a God awful team and IU is bound for some good fortune after some of the games they have lost this season. The fun fact for this game: none of the these teams are going bowling! Wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year because you won't see these guys again until 2011.
BCS Bowl Projections- Thanksgiving Week
BCS National Championship-
Boise State Broncos - BCS #2
vs
Oregon Ducks - BCS #1
Rose Bowl-
Stanford Cardinal - At Large
vs
Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Champs
Fiesta Bowl-
TCU Horned Frogs - At Large
vs
Oklahoma Sooners - Big 12 Champs
Orange Bowl-
West Virginia Mountaineers - Big East Champs
vs
Virginia Tech Hokies - ACC Champs
Sugar Bowl-
Ohio State Buckeyes - At Large
vs
Auburn Tigers - SEC Champs
Boise State Broncos - BCS #2
vs
Oregon Ducks - BCS #1
Rose Bowl-
Stanford Cardinal - At Large
vs
Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Champs
Fiesta Bowl-
TCU Horned Frogs - At Large
vs
Oklahoma Sooners - Big 12 Champs
Orange Bowl-
West Virginia Mountaineers - Big East Champs
vs
Virginia Tech Hokies - ACC Champs
Sugar Bowl-
Ohio State Buckeyes - At Large
vs
Auburn Tigers - SEC Champs
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's Time....
It's Michigan Week!!!And for the first time since 2007, both teams have a winning record.
In the event you have been living under a rock for the past several years or are just in complete denial like most Wolverine fans, Michigan has had a combined record of 8-16 the past two seasons.
If you have been living under a rock/been in denial for longer than that, here is a refreshing course: OSU has won eight of the past nine meetings.
Here's hoping for a seventh straight win over the Blue.
My Top Ten- Michigan Week
1. Auburn (11-0, @ Alabama)
2. Oregon (10-0, vs Arizona)
3. Boise State (10-0, @ Nevada)
4. TCU (11-0, @ New Mexico)
5. Wisconsin (10-1, vs Northwestern)
6. LSU (10-1, @ Arkansas)
7. Ohio State (10-1, vs Michigan)
8. Stanford (10-1, vs Oregon State)
9. Oklahoma State (10-1, vs Oklahoma)
10. Alabama (9-2, vs Auburn)
Outside Looking In...
Michigan State
Virginia Tech
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Nebraska
2. Oregon (10-0, vs Arizona)
3. Boise State (10-0, @ Nevada)
4. TCU (11-0, @ New Mexico)
5. Wisconsin (10-1, vs Northwestern)
6. LSU (10-1, @ Arkansas)
7. Ohio State (10-1, vs Michigan)
8. Stanford (10-1, vs Oregon State)
9. Oklahoma State (10-1, vs Oklahoma)
10. Alabama (9-2, vs Auburn)
Outside Looking In...
Michigan State
Virginia Tech
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Nebraska
Monday, November 15, 2010
Game 11- #9 Ohio State (9-1, 5-1) @ #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-3, 4-2)
Where: Kinnick Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN
This is when real OSU football is supposed to kick into gear, but it will be a daunting task going to Iowa City and expecting to knock off the Hawkeyes. Iowa heads into this game having lost two heartbreakers to Northwestern and Wisconsin and falling short of a comeback bid against Arizona at the beginning of the year. I suppose you can say it is karma for having won so many close games last season, but there is no doubting how talented this team is. From the beginning of the season it has been marked down as the battle for the Big Ten championship, and despite it failing to live up to those standards it doesn't make it any less important. Both want to win this game, and both need to win this game.... OSU just needs it more.
The ninth ranked Buckeyes are two wins away from their sixth straight Big Ten championship and their seventh overall under head coach Jim Tressel, so the magnitude of Saturday's game for the Buckeyes is slightly higher than that of the home team. With a 7-3 record and two losses in conference play, Iowa is all but eliminated from the conference race but can still realistically finish as high as #2 in the conference if it wins out and gets a little help. Iowa wants more than a trip to the Outback Bowl, so it is a matter of fact that they will be treating this game with as much respect and intensity as they would if they were about to clinch a conference title. If that is the case, then refer back to last season's game in Columbus and understand how tough it will be for whoever wins this game to gain and sustain much momentum.
I don't think it will be easy for the Buckeyes and I certainly don't think that Iowa is a "joke" because they haven't lived up to their lofty standards. They have lost to some good football teams, evidenced by losing to two teams inside the BCS top 22 including #7 Wisconsin back in October. Wisconsin has been basically unstoppable for the majority of their Big Ten championship run, yet Iowa put a hell of a scare into them when they squared off in Kinnick Stadium. The Buckeyes were hardly a blip on the radar when they played the Badgers under different circumstances, so we will see if that has any bearing on what will transpire tomorrow afternoon.
I like what Ohio State is doing right now with Boom Herron running the ball effectively (824 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season -- wow) and Terrelle Pryor at full strength being able to improvise and keep plays alive with his feet. I mention this because I think that Pryor's passing stats are going to be minimal the next two weeks with the rushing attack taking center stage versus Iowa and Michigan. That is not to say that Pryor won't have good games, but his good games will be masked by pedestrian overall statistics passing. I see him leading the offense well against Iowa and being able to put up just enough points to hold off Iowa. The BIG question mark is how will the defense play against a very balanced Hawkeyes offense that features the interception prone turned highly efficient QB Ricky Stazi and some nice wide receivers such as McNutt and Johnson-Koulianos. If the Buckeye defensive line cannot control the line of scrimmage and get pressure on Stanzi, then he should have no problem picking apart the secondary. That is not a knock on the secondary, but rather facing facts and understanding how this defense has played all season and knowing how good Stanzi has been in 2010.
The defense will play a decent game but will make plays when it counts in the fourth quarter to bolster a game winning touchdown drive on the road by Terrelle Pryor to give OSU a hard fought victory in Iowa City. I don't think it will be pretty, but unlike Wisconsin this team won't come out of the gates playing lethargic and hopefully will play to the best of their ability.
Almost Michigan week... I wonder if Denard Robinson will be in one piece or even the starter when he comes to Columbus.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 26
Iowa- 24
Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 12
The top three teams in the BCS all have bye weeks (has that ever happened before?), so there isn't anything too monumental going on. There are a few games that have BCS implications though so here they are.
#16 Virginia Tech (8-2) @ #24 Miami (7-3)
- Hmm... let's summarize the situation: Virginia Tech lost a heartbreaker to Boise State the first week of the season, then went on to lay an egg against an FCS team. They have won every game since that 0-2 start. Miami, on the other hand, has been one of the weirdest teams in college football to figure out. Losing on the road to Ohio State is respectable, but blowout losses to Florida State and Virginia (I know Miami almost came back, but it was an ass kicking) are slightly confusing. Both have had their moments this year where they haven't seemed worthy of much, but Virginia Tech has the consistency thing going for them so, yeah, I think they will beat down on Miami for sure. Not much more to really say about that one.
#8 Nebraska (9-1) @ #19 Texas A&M (7-3)
- I like Texas A&M a lot more now that I did heading into the season as they are starting to play complete games and playing much better defensively. Nebraska has an ailing QB and I'm sure the offense will suffer as a product of that, but I still have to go with the Cornhuskers to pull out the tough road win. I picked Nebraska to be 11-1 heading in the Big 12 Championship game at the beginning of the season so I need to back up my prediction.
#6 Stanford (9-1) @ California (5-5)
- There has to be an upset in the top ten, right? Stanford has been playing very good football all season long, but something has got to give here for the Cal Bears. They have played incredibly at home this season and really, truly, honestly should have beaten Oregon last weekend. I'll go ahead and say that Coach Tedford finds a way to rally the troops and take down the #2 team in the conference in Berkley.
Big Ten Rundown-
#9 Ohio State @ #20 Iowa- TBA
#7 Wisconsin (9-1, 5-1) @ Michigan (7-3, 3-3)
- It is a very rare occurrence, and I really do try to keep it to a minimum, but I will be rooting for the Michigan Wolverines this weekend. Look, I don't have to really HATE Michigan until after Saturday, so I am entitled to this one. If Wisconsin loses and Ohio State wins out, then by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than Michigan State (if they won out as well) the Buckeyes would head to Pasadena for the second year in a row. Chances of that happening: unlikely. Wisconsin is playing too well right now and Michigan is simply average. It'll be a decent game to watch for awhile, though.
Purdue (4-6, 2-4) @ #12 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1)
- Michigan State wins. Plain and simple. It is senior day in East Lansing so I really don't see a reason to pick Purdue. Next week's MSU-PSU game will be really fun to watch.
Illinois (5-5, 3-4) @ Northwestern (7-3, 3-3)
- It is being played at Wrigley Field, which will be the host of ESPN's College Gameday, so the atmosphere should be a lot of fun to be around. I love Northwestern's fight each and every season and their ability to pull off 8 or 9 win seasons with the smartest players in the conference. I'll go with brains over brawn in this one with Northwestern beating Illinois. Even if Illinois beats Fresno State to end the season I think that Ron Zook is a goner.
Penn State (6-4, 3-3) vs Indiana (4-6, 0-6)
- The game is being played at a neutral site, so that should add some intrigue for both sides involved. It really is unfair that Indiana is the only Big Ten team without a conference victory because facts are facts and Minnesota is a much worse football team that the Hoosiers. I want to give them a win badly, but they won't get it here. PSU will earn its seventh win of the season before taking on Michigan State in Happy Valley.
#16 Virginia Tech (8-2) @ #24 Miami (7-3)
- Hmm... let's summarize the situation: Virginia Tech lost a heartbreaker to Boise State the first week of the season, then went on to lay an egg against an FCS team. They have won every game since that 0-2 start. Miami, on the other hand, has been one of the weirdest teams in college football to figure out. Losing on the road to Ohio State is respectable, but blowout losses to Florida State and Virginia (I know Miami almost came back, but it was an ass kicking) are slightly confusing. Both have had their moments this year where they haven't seemed worthy of much, but Virginia Tech has the consistency thing going for them so, yeah, I think they will beat down on Miami for sure. Not much more to really say about that one.
#8 Nebraska (9-1) @ #19 Texas A&M (7-3)
- I like Texas A&M a lot more now that I did heading into the season as they are starting to play complete games and playing much better defensively. Nebraska has an ailing QB and I'm sure the offense will suffer as a product of that, but I still have to go with the Cornhuskers to pull out the tough road win. I picked Nebraska to be 11-1 heading in the Big 12 Championship game at the beginning of the season so I need to back up my prediction.
#6 Stanford (9-1) @ California (5-5)
- There has to be an upset in the top ten, right? Stanford has been playing very good football all season long, but something has got to give here for the Cal Bears. They have played incredibly at home this season and really, truly, honestly should have beaten Oregon last weekend. I'll go ahead and say that Coach Tedford finds a way to rally the troops and take down the #2 team in the conference in Berkley.
Big Ten Rundown-
#9 Ohio State @ #20 Iowa- TBA
#7 Wisconsin (9-1, 5-1) @ Michigan (7-3, 3-3)
- It is a very rare occurrence, and I really do try to keep it to a minimum, but I will be rooting for the Michigan Wolverines this weekend. Look, I don't have to really HATE Michigan until after Saturday, so I am entitled to this one. If Wisconsin loses and Ohio State wins out, then by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than Michigan State (if they won out as well) the Buckeyes would head to Pasadena for the second year in a row. Chances of that happening: unlikely. Wisconsin is playing too well right now and Michigan is simply average. It'll be a decent game to watch for awhile, though.
Purdue (4-6, 2-4) @ #12 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1)
- Michigan State wins. Plain and simple. It is senior day in East Lansing so I really don't see a reason to pick Purdue. Next week's MSU-PSU game will be really fun to watch.
Illinois (5-5, 3-4) @ Northwestern (7-3, 3-3)
- It is being played at Wrigley Field, which will be the host of ESPN's College Gameday, so the atmosphere should be a lot of fun to be around. I love Northwestern's fight each and every season and their ability to pull off 8 or 9 win seasons with the smartest players in the conference. I'll go with brains over brawn in this one with Northwestern beating Illinois. Even if Illinois beats Fresno State to end the season I think that Ron Zook is a goner.
Penn State (6-4, 3-3) vs Indiana (4-6, 0-6)
- The game is being played at a neutral site, so that should add some intrigue for both sides involved. It really is unfair that Indiana is the only Big Ten team without a conference victory because facts are facts and Minnesota is a much worse football team that the Hoosiers. I want to give them a win badly, but they won't get it here. PSU will earn its seventh win of the season before taking on Michigan State in Happy Valley.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My Top Ten- Week 12
1. Auburn (11-0, Bye Week)
2. Oregon (10-0, Bye Week)
3. TCU (11-0, Bye Week)
4. Boise State (9-0, vs. Fresno State)
5. Wisconsin (9-1, @ Michigan)
6. LSU (9-1, vs. Ole Miss)
7. Ohio State (9-1, @ Iowa)
8. Nebraska (9-1, @ Texas A&M)
9. Stanford (9-1, @ Cal)
10. Oklahoma State (9-1, @ Kansas)
2. Oregon (10-0, Bye Week)
3. TCU (11-0, Bye Week)
4. Boise State (9-0, vs. Fresno State)
5. Wisconsin (9-1, @ Michigan)
6. LSU (9-1, vs. Ole Miss)
7. Ohio State (9-1, @ Iowa)
8. Nebraska (9-1, @ Texas A&M)
9. Stanford (9-1, @ Cal)
10. Oklahoma State (9-1, @ Kansas)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Game 10- # Ohio State (8-1, 4-1) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3, 3-2)
Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC Regional
The above image is just a glance into what the aftermath of the 2008 meeting with Penn State in the Shoe was like following a 13-9 loss to the Nittany Lions. I doubt such drama and sadness will ensue the game on Saturday. Although the last time PSU came into Columbus they were able to beat the Buckeyes, they still have not been able to win in Ohio's capital city too often. They are 1-7 since joining the Big Ten in 1993 when playing the Buckeyes in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, so chances are that OSU will win this game even without looking at the facts or rankings. Update: I just looked at the stats and rankings, and I'm very confident that Penn State will lose this game.
This will always be a challenging game from a physical perspective for both teams, however there is no denying that OSU has some major advantages over their rivals. Penn State may be playing better football but they still lack playmaking ability at wide receiver and have had shaky offensive line play all season - eh, it's been more about average QB play that anything, but regardless they have been average on offense. Former walk-on Matt McGloin will start for the Nittany Lions after playing very well the past two weeks against less than formidable defenses. This will be a whole new ball game for him, so look for him to commit at least two turnovers against the Silver Bullet defense. PSU, due to spotty coverage, will give up a lot of big plays in the intermediate passing game so guys like Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, Jake Stoneburner, running backs like Boom Herron and Jordan Hall, and even Brandon Saine could see some big plays potentially open up throughout the game for them.
I believe that Terrelle Pryor will have his best game in November as Ohio State's quarterback on Saturday, thus leading the Buckeyes to a big win over their cross-state rivals. It will be physical, but PSU's inability to run the ball with stud RB Evan Royster will make all the difference as Pryor rushes for a score and throws for three more en route to a big time win in the Shoe.
Bring on Iowa.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 38
Penn State- 13
BCS Bowl Predictions- Week 11
BCS National Championship (1/10, Glendale)
TCU Horned Frogs - BCS #2
vs.
Oregon Ducks - BCS #1
Rose Bowl (1/1, Pasadena)
Boise State Broncos - At Large
vs.
Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Champs
Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, 1/1)
LSU Tigers - At Large
vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers - Big 12 Champs
Orange Bowl (1/3, Miami)
Virginia Tech Hokies - ACC Champs
vs.
Pitt Panthers - Big East Champs
Sugar Bowl (1/4, New Orleans)
Ohio State Buckeyes - At Large
vs.
Auburn Tigers - SEC Champs
Big Ten Rundown 11
There aren't any games that deserve to be analyzed, so I'll just go ahead and look ahead to the games this coming Saturday throughout the conference.
Penn State @ #9 Ohio State - TBA
Indiana (4-5, 0-5) @ #7 Wisconsin (8-1, 4-1)
- The Hoosiers lost a heartbreaker to Iowa this past weekend, and while one could say that it has all the makings of a catapult to a big victory at some point this season I absolutely disagree. It was a demoralizing loss in my humble opinion and I do not see them recovering. Wisconsin wins this game handily in Madison en route to what seems more and more likely to be a trip to Pasadena to be your Rose Bowl representative from the Big Ten.
#13 Iowa (7-2, 4-1) @ Northwestern (6-3, 2-3)
- TRAP GAME! Iowa just came back from a near-losing road trip to Indiana, however has OSU to worry about after playing the Wildcats. You would think that Iowa would refocus and take care of business after almost losing but I see a team that will probably be looking ahead to Ohio State fall into the clutches of Ryan Field, where many many teams feel more like taking a nap then playing a football game. Iowa wins, but it will be close - VERY close.
Minnesota (1-9, 0-6) @ Illinois (5-4, 3-3)
- Don't want to talk about Minnesota; they are a disgrace to college football this season. Illinois rebounds from the Michigan loss and wins.
Michigan (6-3, 2-3) @ Purdue (4-5, 2-3)
- Purdue is bound to win another game this season, but it may not come until they play Indiana at the end of the season. Michigan is believing in their system right now despite a God-awful defense and seems to have their confidence back. Purdue will play very well (seemingly) but Michigan will squeak this one out I think. Look for the Wolverines to be 7-4 when they come to the Shoe to take on the Buckeyes.
Penn State @ #9 Ohio State - TBA
Indiana (4-5, 0-5) @ #7 Wisconsin (8-1, 4-1)
- The Hoosiers lost a heartbreaker to Iowa this past weekend, and while one could say that it has all the makings of a catapult to a big victory at some point this season I absolutely disagree. It was a demoralizing loss in my humble opinion and I do not see them recovering. Wisconsin wins this game handily in Madison en route to what seems more and more likely to be a trip to Pasadena to be your Rose Bowl representative from the Big Ten.
#13 Iowa (7-2, 4-1) @ Northwestern (6-3, 2-3)
- TRAP GAME! Iowa just came back from a near-losing road trip to Indiana, however has OSU to worry about after playing the Wildcats. You would think that Iowa would refocus and take care of business after almost losing but I see a team that will probably be looking ahead to Ohio State fall into the clutches of Ryan Field, where many many teams feel more like taking a nap then playing a football game. Iowa wins, but it will be close - VERY close.
Minnesota (1-9, 0-6) @ Illinois (5-4, 3-3)
- Don't want to talk about Minnesota; they are a disgrace to college football this season. Illinois rebounds from the Michigan loss and wins.
Michigan (6-3, 2-3) @ Purdue (4-5, 2-3)
- Purdue is bound to win another game this season, but it may not come until they play Indiana at the end of the season. Michigan is believing in their system right now despite a God-awful defense and seems to have their confidence back. Purdue will play very well (seemingly) but Michigan will squeak this one out I think. Look for the Wolverines to be 7-4 when they come to the Shoe to take on the Buckeyes.
My Top Ten- Week 11
1. Auburn (10-0, vs Georgia)
2. Oregon (9-0, @ California)
3. TCU (10-0, vs San Diego State)
4. Boise State (8-0, @ Idaho)
5. LSU (8-1, vs UL-Monroe)
6. Wisconsin (8-1, vs Indiana)
7. Ohio State (8-1, vs Penn State)
8. Nebraska (8-1, vs Kansas)
9. Stanford (8-1, @ Arizona State)
10. Oklahoma State (8-1, @ Texas)
Outside Looking In...
Iowa
Michigan State
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Utah
The defending champs have officially been knocked out of the championship race, along with Oklahoma and the Utah Utes. This is all good news if you are a fan of Boise State or TCU, as those teams (especially Alabama) posed a legitimate threat to pass those teams over for a national championship berth if either Auburn or Oregon lost. Speaking of the top two teams in the country, Auburn gets to play Alabama in a few weeks while Oregon has to worry about Cal, Arizona and Oregon State to end the year and there are no guarantees for either team finishing undefeated.
I stand by an Oregon vs. TCU national championship game happening, but there is a lot of football to be played. For a lot of people that is simply music to their ears... including Ohio State fans. This is shaping up to be an awesome season.
2. Oregon (9-0, @ California)
3. TCU (10-0, vs San Diego State)
4. Boise State (8-0, @ Idaho)
5. LSU (8-1, vs UL-Monroe)
6. Wisconsin (8-1, vs Indiana)
7. Ohio State (8-1, vs Penn State)
8. Nebraska (8-1, vs Kansas)
9. Stanford (8-1, @ Arizona State)
10. Oklahoma State (8-1, @ Texas)
Outside Looking In...
Iowa
Michigan State
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Utah
The defending champs have officially been knocked out of the championship race, along with Oklahoma and the Utah Utes. This is all good news if you are a fan of Boise State or TCU, as those teams (especially Alabama) posed a legitimate threat to pass those teams over for a national championship berth if either Auburn or Oregon lost. Speaking of the top two teams in the country, Auburn gets to play Alabama in a few weeks while Oregon has to worry about Cal, Arizona and Oregon State to end the year and there are no guarantees for either team finishing undefeated.
I stand by an Oregon vs. TCU national championship game happening, but there is a lot of football to be played. For a lot of people that is simply music to their ears... including Ohio State fans. This is shaping up to be an awesome season.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
BCS Bowl Predictions- Week 10
BCS National Championship Game (1/10, Glendale)
TCU Horned Frogs- At Large
vs.
Oregon Ducks- Pac 10 Champs
Rose Bowl (1/1, Pasadena)
Wisconsin Badgers- Big Ten Champs
vs.
Boise State Broncos- At Large
Fiesta Bowl (1/1, Glendale)
Oklahoma Sooners- Big 12 Champs
vs.
Alabama Crimson Tide- At Large
Orange Bowl (1/3, Miami)
Florida State Seminoles- ACC Champs
vs.
Pitt Panthers- Big East Champs
Sugar Bowl (1/4, New Orleans)
Ohio State Buckeyes- At Large
vs.
Auburn Tigers- SEC Champs
I have a feeling that Oregon isn't going to lose this season, and the same can be said for TCU/Boise State. Henceforth, I will go ahead and say that a game between Oregon and a non-BCS school will unfortunately be the national championship game for this highly eventful season. Things change weekly and quite frankly I wouldn't be shocked to see a lot of other teams involved other than the Ducks or Horned Frogs/Broncos as the weeks go by.
Where do the Buckeyes end up? Right in their comfort zone: a game in SEC country against my projected SEC champion, the one-loss Auburn Tigers (obvious sarcasm). The hype for that game would be incredible.
TCU Horned Frogs- At Large
vs.
Oregon Ducks- Pac 10 Champs
Rose Bowl (1/1, Pasadena)
Wisconsin Badgers- Big Ten Champs
vs.
Boise State Broncos- At Large
Fiesta Bowl (1/1, Glendale)
Oklahoma Sooners- Big 12 Champs
vs.
Alabama Crimson Tide- At Large
Orange Bowl (1/3, Miami)
Florida State Seminoles- ACC Champs
vs.
Pitt Panthers- Big East Champs
Sugar Bowl (1/4, New Orleans)
Ohio State Buckeyes- At Large
vs.
Auburn Tigers- SEC Champs
I have a feeling that Oregon isn't going to lose this season, and the same can be said for TCU/Boise State. Henceforth, I will go ahead and say that a game between Oregon and a non-BCS school will unfortunately be the national championship game for this highly eventful season. Things change weekly and quite frankly I wouldn't be shocked to see a lot of other teams involved other than the Ducks or Horned Frogs/Broncos as the weeks go by.
Where do the Buckeyes end up? Right in their comfort zone: a game in SEC country against my projected SEC champion, the one-loss Auburn Tigers (obvious sarcasm). The hype for that game would be incredible.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 10
#6 Alabama (7-1) @ #10 LSU (7-1)
- Both teams have had a week off to get ready for this game, so it should be a very well fought game between these two SEC powerhouses. Bama is unscathed in the West division, while LSU lost to Auburn a few weeks ago meaning that the pressure is on LSU to win this game. If the Tigers lose, then they will basically be eliminated from playing for the SEC championship. It's in Death Valley, LSU has had a lot go their way this season and they have the only guy in the SEC in my opinion that can shut down WR Julio Jones. The issue: Alabama is simply better. I am rooting for Les Miles and the Tigers, but I think that the Tide will pull it off.
Bama- 24
LSU- 16
#3 TCU (9-0) @ #5 Utah (8-0)
- This may be the game of the week considering both of these teams are inside the BCS top five. If TCU wins, they are arguably in the drivers seat to be the next in line to play for the national championship if either Oregon or Auburn trips up. If Utah wins, then the debate will be on whether Boise or Utah is more worthy (and think of the publicity that will get for the Pac 12 heading into 2011). The Utes usually win at home in these situations, but I personally think that TCU could beat just about anyone in the country right now. Utah will have a chance to win in the end, but their comeback bid will fall just short.
TCU- 28
Utah- 27
Hawaii (7-2) @ #4 Boise State (7-0)
- No, I'm not kidding when I say that I believe Hawaii has some chance of knocking off the Broncos this weekend. I don't think they will pull it off, but they certainly have a chance and I'll tell you why. First, the Warriors lit up USC and almost beat them in the first game of the season (let's not talk about how bad the Trojan defense is though...). Secondly, despite another loss to a BCS school - Colorado - they went on to beat #19 Nevada and go on to beat the likes of Fresno State en route to an undefeated conference record and a 7-2 overall record. Finally, they only give up 20 points per game while scoring 40 points per game in addition to owning the top ranked passing offense in America. Boise will be shocked as the game is still in the balance in the second half, but Kellen Moore won't let the Broncos lose and rally the troops to beat Hawaii. If this game were being played in Hawaii then I would probably call for the upset.
Hawaii- 38
Boise St- 45
Big Ten Rundown
#9 Wisconsin (7-1, 3-1) @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2)
- If the Badgers are going to trip up again in 2010, it won't be against Purdue. The week off will serve well for Wisconsin as they go into West Lafayette rested and ready to roll Purdue to move to 8-1 on the year.
#16 Iowa (6-2, 3-1) @ Indiana (4-4, 0-4)
- Coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Michigan State, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief that they get to play Indiana. It may be closer than the experts think, but Iowa will get the win.
Minnesota (1-8, 0-5) @ #14 Michigan State (8-1, 4-1)
- Yeah... Minnesota is really bad. MSU will win this game by a lot. Simple enough for you?
Illinois (5-3, 3-2) @ Michigan (5-3, 1-3)
- I really think that after coming back to almost beat Penn State that Michigan has some of its mojo back from its fast and furious start to the season. However, Illinois is playing extremely well and has been a handful for Michigan ever since Ron Zook arrived in Champaign. I'm going with the Illini by a small margin.
Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) @ Penn State (5-3, 2-2)
- PSU looked very good against Michigan (a lot of teams do lately) and hopes to get back on the winning track again as they look to victimize Northwestern in Happy Valley. I like Northwestern more than Penn State in all seriousness, but I will go ahead and say that PSU wins on a last second field goal to avoid a sub-.500 record in Big Ten play.
- Both teams have had a week off to get ready for this game, so it should be a very well fought game between these two SEC powerhouses. Bama is unscathed in the West division, while LSU lost to Auburn a few weeks ago meaning that the pressure is on LSU to win this game. If the Tigers lose, then they will basically be eliminated from playing for the SEC championship. It's in Death Valley, LSU has had a lot go their way this season and they have the only guy in the SEC in my opinion that can shut down WR Julio Jones. The issue: Alabama is simply better. I am rooting for Les Miles and the Tigers, but I think that the Tide will pull it off.
Bama- 24
LSU- 16
#3 TCU (9-0) @ #5 Utah (8-0)
- This may be the game of the week considering both of these teams are inside the BCS top five. If TCU wins, they are arguably in the drivers seat to be the next in line to play for the national championship if either Oregon or Auburn trips up. If Utah wins, then the debate will be on whether Boise or Utah is more worthy (and think of the publicity that will get for the Pac 12 heading into 2011). The Utes usually win at home in these situations, but I personally think that TCU could beat just about anyone in the country right now. Utah will have a chance to win in the end, but their comeback bid will fall just short.
TCU- 28
Utah- 27
Hawaii (7-2) @ #4 Boise State (7-0)
- No, I'm not kidding when I say that I believe Hawaii has some chance of knocking off the Broncos this weekend. I don't think they will pull it off, but they certainly have a chance and I'll tell you why. First, the Warriors lit up USC and almost beat them in the first game of the season (let's not talk about how bad the Trojan defense is though...). Secondly, despite another loss to a BCS school - Colorado - they went on to beat #19 Nevada and go on to beat the likes of Fresno State en route to an undefeated conference record and a 7-2 overall record. Finally, they only give up 20 points per game while scoring 40 points per game in addition to owning the top ranked passing offense in America. Boise will be shocked as the game is still in the balance in the second half, but Kellen Moore won't let the Broncos lose and rally the troops to beat Hawaii. If this game were being played in Hawaii then I would probably call for the upset.
Hawaii- 38
Boise St- 45
Big Ten Rundown
#9 Wisconsin (7-1, 3-1) @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2)
- If the Badgers are going to trip up again in 2010, it won't be against Purdue. The week off will serve well for Wisconsin as they go into West Lafayette rested and ready to roll Purdue to move to 8-1 on the year.
#16 Iowa (6-2, 3-1) @ Indiana (4-4, 0-4)
- Coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Michigan State, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief that they get to play Indiana. It may be closer than the experts think, but Iowa will get the win.
Minnesota (1-8, 0-5) @ #14 Michigan State (8-1, 4-1)
- Yeah... Minnesota is really bad. MSU will win this game by a lot. Simple enough for you?
Illinois (5-3, 3-2) @ Michigan (5-3, 1-3)
- I really think that after coming back to almost beat Penn State that Michigan has some of its mojo back from its fast and furious start to the season. However, Illinois is playing extremely well and has been a handful for Michigan ever since Ron Zook arrived in Champaign. I'm going with the Illini by a small margin.
Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) @ Penn State (5-3, 2-2)
- PSU looked very good against Michigan (a lot of teams do lately) and hopes to get back on the winning track again as they look to victimize Northwestern in Happy Valley. I like Northwestern more than Penn State in all seriousness, but I will go ahead and say that PSU wins on a last second field goal to avoid a sub-.500 record in Big Ten play.
My Top Ten- Week 10
1. Auburn (9-0, vs UT Chattanooga)
2. Oregon (8-0, vs Washington)
3. Boise State (7-0, vs Hawaii)
4. TCU (9-0, @ Utah)
5. Alabama (7-1, @ LSU)
6. Wisconsin (7-1, @ Purdue)
7. Ohio State (8-1, Bye Week)
8. Utah (8-0, vs TCU) Just waiting to see how the TCU game goes...
9. Oklahoma (7-1, @ Texas A&M)
10. LSU (7-1, vs Alabama)
Outside Looking In...
Nebraska
Stanford
Missouri
Arizona
Michigan State
Iowa is creeping back into the national stream of consciousness. I fully expect them to be close to the top 10 by the time the Buckeyes travel to Kinnick Stadium on November 20th. Just as many predicted, both Michigan State and Missouri went down. In the case of the Oregon Ducks they live to see another day in the BCS championship race as they once again scored an excessive amount of points in beating another unworthy Pac 10 opponent. It doesn't matter who the opponents are, but rather if you can beat whoever is presented on your schedule. Winning is all that matters, no matter what. A couple top ten matchups are in store for November 6th, as Alabama travels to LSU and Utah faces off with TCU at the Utes home turf. With both lower ranked teams hosting the favorites, I'm guaranteeing at least one big upset in those games. This is turning out to be a hell of a season.
2. Oregon (8-0, vs Washington)
3. Boise State (7-0, vs Hawaii)
4. TCU (9-0, @ Utah)
5. Alabama (7-1, @ LSU)
6. Wisconsin (7-1, @ Purdue)
7. Ohio State (8-1, Bye Week)
8. Utah (8-0, vs TCU) Just waiting to see how the TCU game goes...
9. Oklahoma (7-1, @ Texas A&M)
10. LSU (7-1, vs Alabama)
Outside Looking In...
Nebraska
Stanford
Missouri
Arizona
Michigan State
Iowa is creeping back into the national stream of consciousness. I fully expect them to be close to the top 10 by the time the Buckeyes travel to Kinnick Stadium on November 20th. Just as many predicted, both Michigan State and Missouri went down. In the case of the Oregon Ducks they live to see another day in the BCS championship race as they once again scored an excessive amount of points in beating another unworthy Pac 10 opponent. It doesn't matter who the opponents are, but rather if you can beat whoever is presented on your schedule. Winning is all that matters, no matter what. A couple top ten matchups are in store for November 6th, as Alabama travels to LSU and Utah faces off with TCU at the Utes home turf. With both lower ranked teams hosting the favorites, I'm guaranteeing at least one big upset in those games. This is turning out to be a hell of a season.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Game 9- #11 Ohio State (7-1, 3-1) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-7, 0-4)
Where: TCF Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
When: 8:00 PM EST
TV: ESPN
We all know I'm picking OSU to win and that it won't be much of a game at all, so I just wanted to take a minute or two to talk about the injuries on defense, what this team needs to do to become special and about Minnesota's new outdoor campus stadium.
Damn... the injuries continue to mount for the silver bullet defense as player after player has been ruled out since the season began. Here is a rough timeline that I have conducted with virtually no research, but rather based off my sometimes reliable memory: in Fall camp, injuries were sustained to starters Devon Torrence, Chimdi Chekwa, Jermale Hines and Ohrian Johnson. All were back for the season opener with the exception of OJ, who was replaced in the lineup by sophomore C.J. Barnett. The young safety then hurt his knee against Miami and was ruled out for the season. Johnson returned and all seemed well. Meanwhile, Tyler Moeller was having a sensational year coming back from a head injury in 2009 to be a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week winner at his Star position (linebacker/safety hybrid). Little did we all know that Moeller had a ticking time bomb in his chest in the form of a not-fully-healed muscle that was torn against Illinois. In comes freshman Christian Bryant, who then was diagnosed with a foot infection and won't see the field until the bowl game (probably). Other injuries include players like Donnie Evege and Corey Brown as cornerback to NOT help matters in the defensive backfield. At least the front seven has remained healthy, right? Well, with the exception of captain, team leader and leading tackler in linebacker Ross Homan, who hurt his foot in the first half of the Wisconsin game and won't be back to playing until probably the Penn State game or worst-case scenario the Iowa game. Phew... these injuries are really starting to hurt the team.
I believe that the reason why this team isn't quite special yet has a lot to do with the injuries, but mainly to do with the lack of a true test before they played Wisconsin - they learned the hard way how tough life can be when you don't play Eastern Michigan- and also how they seemed to feel entitled to winning all of their games as the #1 ranked team in mid-October. Ohio State crushed Miami on national television and from then on out cruised to victories over Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. No offense to Illinois who is playing really good football right now, but I think the cupcake schedule and the sense of entitlement that comes from being the top ranked team in America really threw the team's focus off course. When the main concern for a team heading into a showdown in Madison is the Jump Around session before the 4th quarter begins as opposed to focusing on the Wisconsin game plan, then you are going to have a lot of issues. The ego that had been non-existent at OSU all season long finally hit them going into Wisconsin, and they had their asses handed to them. I credit OSU's offense coming back and making it a game, but the defense simply couldn't make a stop.
Side note: of course special teams is involved in the whole mess... duh. Another note: I still believe that this team can be special. They really, really, really, really have to work on special teams heading into November, but aside from that all the pieces are there to win the remainder of their games and get back into the good graces of the top 5. Will they actually do what they are supposed to and win games in November? We shall see.
I want to end by saying that I love Minnesota's new stadium and that it beats the hell out of the Metrodome, yet I am saddened by the state of the program up in Minneapolis. A good program deserves a stadium of that caliber, and it's a shame that Gopher fans have to deal with an awful program and a team that is currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. If they had an average to above average team last year and this season, the outdoor facility would prove to be a true game changer. Instead, it is just something nice to look at while the inevitable happens, which in this case is a big time OSU beatdown. The Buckeyes will win this game handily. Now, off the much needed bye week.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 38
Minnesota- 7
Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 9
#5 Michigan State (8-0, 4-0) @ #18 Iowa (5-2, 2-1)
- There is something about this Spartan team that screams destiny all over them, and it is certainly hard to ignore. However that is exactly what a lot of people thought about Iowa around this time of the year last season, and they ended up losing two games in the conference. MSU's time is up, and it ends Saturday at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are hurting after a narrow loss to Wisconsin, but they will be up the task of fighting off a tough team in Kinnick Stadium. Sparty loses this one, but they go on to still have a fantastic season.
MSU- 23
Iowa- 24
#6 Missouri (7-0) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1)
- I liked the way that the Tigers played against Oklahoma, but they probably will fall short against the Cornhuskers. I have thought all year that while Nebraska is flawed they still possess a strong enough defense to get them through to the Big 12 championship game and an offense that when clicking is good enough to win it all for them. They lost their first big home game of the year in upset fashion to Texas, and they won't go 0 for two in Lincoln this early in the year versus big time teams. Missouri's unbeaten run will end.
Missouri- 27
Nebraska- 42
#2 Oregon (7-0) @ USC (5-2)
- I was dead on last week when I said that Oklahoma was going down, and I am now extremely confident in the fact that there really isn't a top ranked team in the country right now. Oregon sits on top of the human polls, and probably feels that they will thrash USC much like they did last season. I like the Trojans to get their first big win of the year en route to an upset over the Ducks. I'm telling you right now: this season is about to get even crazier.
UO- 31
USC- 35
Big Ten Rundown-
#11 Ohio State @ Minnesota- TBA
#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa- See Above
Michigan (5-2, 1-2) @ Penn State (4-3, 1-2)
- The Wolverines will have had two weeks to prepare for this game, so I am guessing that they will come out and execute better than they have in their last two Big Ten losses. The Nittany Lions, while not exactly a spectacle to watch, are coming off a win without their top QB. I think that confidence booster along with a strong running game will give PSU a close win over Michigan.
Northwestern (5-2, 1-2) @ Indiana (4-3, 0-3)
- The Wildcats feel they should be undefeated and they will play like it on Saturday. Indiana will surrender a lot of points and will feel the hurt after Northwestern becomes bowl eligible with a big win over the Hoosiers.
Purdue (4-3, 2-1) @ Illinois (4-3, 2-2)
- I have been saying all season long that I think Purdue is a bad team - albeit a scrappy one - and now I am saying that they have maybe slightly improved. That still won't be enough to beat Illinois in my opinion.
- There is something about this Spartan team that screams destiny all over them, and it is certainly hard to ignore. However that is exactly what a lot of people thought about Iowa around this time of the year last season, and they ended up losing two games in the conference. MSU's time is up, and it ends Saturday at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are hurting after a narrow loss to Wisconsin, but they will be up the task of fighting off a tough team in Kinnick Stadium. Sparty loses this one, but they go on to still have a fantastic season.
MSU- 23
Iowa- 24
#6 Missouri (7-0) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1)
- I liked the way that the Tigers played against Oklahoma, but they probably will fall short against the Cornhuskers. I have thought all year that while Nebraska is flawed they still possess a strong enough defense to get them through to the Big 12 championship game and an offense that when clicking is good enough to win it all for them. They lost their first big home game of the year in upset fashion to Texas, and they won't go 0 for two in Lincoln this early in the year versus big time teams. Missouri's unbeaten run will end.
Missouri- 27
Nebraska- 42
#2 Oregon (7-0) @ USC (5-2)
- I was dead on last week when I said that Oklahoma was going down, and I am now extremely confident in the fact that there really isn't a top ranked team in the country right now. Oregon sits on top of the human polls, and probably feels that they will thrash USC much like they did last season. I like the Trojans to get their first big win of the year en route to an upset over the Ducks. I'm telling you right now: this season is about to get even crazier.
UO- 31
USC- 35
Big Ten Rundown-
#11 Ohio State @ Minnesota- TBA
#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa- See Above
Michigan (5-2, 1-2) @ Penn State (4-3, 1-2)
- The Wolverines will have had two weeks to prepare for this game, so I am guessing that they will come out and execute better than they have in their last two Big Ten losses. The Nittany Lions, while not exactly a spectacle to watch, are coming off a win without their top QB. I think that confidence booster along with a strong running game will give PSU a close win over Michigan.
Northwestern (5-2, 1-2) @ Indiana (4-3, 0-3)
- The Wildcats feel they should be undefeated and they will play like it on Saturday. Indiana will surrender a lot of points and will feel the hurt after Northwestern becomes bowl eligible with a big win over the Hoosiers.
Purdue (4-3, 2-1) @ Illinois (4-3, 2-2)
- I have been saying all season long that I think Purdue is a bad team - albeit a scrappy one - and now I am saying that they have maybe slightly improved. That still won't be enough to beat Illinois in my opinion.
My Top Ten- Week 9
1. Oregon (7-0, @ USC)
2. Auburn (8-0, @ Ole Miss)
3. Boise State (6-0, vs Louisiana Tech)
4. TCU (8-0, @ UNLV)
5. Michigan State (8-0, @ Iowa)
6. Missouri (7-0, @ Nebraska)
7. Alabama (7-1, Bye Week)
8. Wisconsin (7-1, Bye Week)
9. Ohio State (7-1, @ Minnesota)
10. Utah (7-0, @ Air Force)
Outside Looking In...
Oklahoma
LSU
Nebraska
Stanford
Florida State
Oregon should be number one in my opinion, but are they really the top team in the nation? I don't think anyone is right now, but they will do for the time being. Auburn soars to number two after beating LSU yesterday, while Oklahoma takes the long tumble to outside the top ten after losing to the undefeated Missouri Tigers, who are now the number two team in the Big 12 and ranked number six in my poll. Wisconsin stays ranked ahead of the Buckeyes as they should be but are still behind the undefeated Spartans. Utah cracks the top ten, while Boise and TCU are still sitting pretty within the top five. Things are getting crazy and should remain that way the rest of the season.
2. Auburn (8-0, @ Ole Miss)
3. Boise State (6-0, vs Louisiana Tech)
4. TCU (8-0, @ UNLV)
5. Michigan State (8-0, @ Iowa)
6. Missouri (7-0, @ Nebraska)
7. Alabama (7-1, Bye Week)
8. Wisconsin (7-1, Bye Week)
9. Ohio State (7-1, @ Minnesota)
10. Utah (7-0, @ Air Force)
Outside Looking In...
Oklahoma
LSU
Nebraska
Stanford
Florida State
Oregon should be number one in my opinion, but are they really the top team in the nation? I don't think anyone is right now, but they will do for the time being. Auburn soars to number two after beating LSU yesterday, while Oklahoma takes the long tumble to outside the top ten after losing to the undefeated Missouri Tigers, who are now the number two team in the Big 12 and ranked number six in my poll. Wisconsin stays ranked ahead of the Buckeyes as they should be but are still behind the undefeated Spartans. Utah cracks the top ten, while Boise and TCU are still sitting pretty within the top five. Things are getting crazy and should remain that way the rest of the season.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Game 8- #10 Ohio State (6-1, 2-1) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (4-2, 2-0)
Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network
There is a lot that can be said about the loss to Wisconsin, and at the same time there really isn't much to say. It happened, it's over, and this team can still win the Big Ten and hope for bigger and better things down the stretch. For now, it's on to revenge week for the Buckeyes.
"Get used to it"- Purdue Head Coach Danny Hope.
That was the quote from Purdue's head coach after the then-first year coach led Purdue to an upset over Ohio State last October. I bet that has been in the minds of OSU ever since they left West Lafayette that day.
I fully expect the Buckeyes to take care of it on Saturday afternoon, however not in the way that myself or many other fans would have envisioned it a week or so ago. Too many injuries have beleaguered this team on the defensive side of the ball and you have to think that it will eventually be tough for the team to continue their dominance week in and week out (and if you watched the game last week, the word dominant shouldn't even be associated with the Bucks anymore). Captain Ross Homan will miss the next few weeks due to an injured foot, starting nickelback Christian Bryant has an infection that will keep him out indefinitely, and two players that would provide linebacking depth missed last weeks game and will probably miss out on the Purdue game. Combine those issues with the loss of C.J. Barnett and Tyler Moeller for the season, and the current situation for Ohio State's defense isn't exactly golden. I still think they are an elite unit, but they will not be when they aren't at full strength such as now. The defensive line REALLY needs to step up for the first time since the Miami game in September. Their lack of a fight against Wisconsin was highly discouraging, and the secondary will need their help in order for this team to succeed in the long run.
I like Purdue to mount an early touchdown drive, and for the Buckeye offense to punt on two of their first three possessions... then the flood gates will open. This team is too talented to let a group like Purdue come in and step all over them once again. Get used to it Purdue, you aren't a very good program and your coach is full of it.
Pryor will account for three touchdowns while Boom Herron takes care of the rest in an exciting second half rout of the Boilermakers. Revenge is a dish best served at home, and OSU is salivating to get after it I'm sure.
By the way, the season isn't over yet. For anyone that thinks it is, please don't say a word until after the Michigan game. This team can still win the conference, and in all honesty it wouldn't be the craziest thing ever if they somehow found themselves back in the national championship picture.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 35
Purdue- 16
Monday, October 18, 2010
Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 8
(Note: Rankings now go by current BCS Standings)
#6 LSU (7-0) @ #4 Auburn (7-0)
- This is the start of the big time SEC gauntlet that is at hand the remainder of the season. LSU, Auburn and Alabama all play each other before the beginning of December and it should be a hell of a show to watch. First things first, LSU really hasn't done anything yet to truly impress me despite winning on the road at Florida - then again, the Gators lost to Mississippi State as well. I love the defense and I think that they should be able to give QB Cam Newton some trouble, but Auburn has a special feel about them. I am going to go with the home team here to pull out a huge conference victory. After this game the national champion talk will start to ring very loud throughout the nation and especially in the south.
LSU- 24
AU- 28
#13 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1) @ #15 Iowa (5-1, 2-0)
- The Big Ten race has narrowed down to the following with each six weeks to play: Michigan State is undefeated, Iowa is in the driver's seat and controls their destiny despite MSU's record, Wisconsin is about third in line at this point, and the Buckeyes have fallen to the back of the pecking order. It is a four team competition, and this is when it starts to get interesting. I usually subscribe to the theory that after an upset, the team that delivered the win heard round the world usually falls a little short the next week. I will stick to my guns and say that Wisconsin plays well enough to win but the Hawkeyes will refuse to be pushed around like the Buckeyes were last Saturday. Iowa eliminates Wisconsin from the Big Ten conversation- for now - after a win in Kinnick Stadium.
Wisconsin- 20
Iowa- 27
#1 Oklahoma (6-0) @ #11 Missouri (6-0)
- This will be yet another upset in my opinion. Oklahoma is lacking something...not sure what, but they are missing a key component in what it takes to be a national champion. If it is not revealed this weekend, I believe that it will be sometime down the road. Missouri has the total package to manage to slow Oklahoma's offense down and ultimately steal a win from the Sooners. Missouri's Blane Gabbert needs to be healthy in order for this to come to fruition, though.
Oklahoma-31
Missouri- 33
Big Ten Rundown-
#10 Ohio State vs Purdue- TBA
#13 Wisconsin @ #15 Iowa- See Above
#7 Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) @ Northwestern (5-1, 1-1)
- This has trap game written all over it. While I think that Northwestern can make this a very interesting game, I don't believe that MSU will lose before their big game at Iowa next week. A very, very close win for the Spartans is what I see happening here.
Indiana (4-2, 0-2) @ Illinois (3-3, 1-2)
- Yawn. Illinois will play sound defense and capitalize off of two big turnovers from QB Ben Chappell on their way to sending the Hoosiers packing. Illinois is a very odd team to figure out, but I definitely know that their defense is legit.
Penn State (3-3, 0-2) @ Minnesota (1-6, 0-3)
- Um... I really don't know here. Penn State should win but they really aren't playing well at all this season. There are too many injuries to keep the Lions from being too competitive. However, at the end of the day, I guess it is Minnesota and they don't have to play to save Tim Brewster's job (not that they would want to in the first place). I'll go with Joe Pa in this one.
And Michigan has a much needed bye week. Denard getting hurt, you say? Who could see that coming? Who could also predict that once good teams arrived on the schedule Michigan would suffer on both sides of the ball? Well, I guess you should give Michigan props for coming back against Iowa, but who was at quarterback? Man, things are weird up in Ann Arbor. I'll guarantee a win against Purdue, but outside of that who knows. Penn State isn't good, so there is a chance for a win on the road there, and Illinois just doesn't have the greatest offense around. Three Big Ten wins should be the cap on what the Wolverines will do, but even then that would be a great success. 8 wins would be light years ahead of what the team has done the past two seasons.
#6 LSU (7-0) @ #4 Auburn (7-0)
- This is the start of the big time SEC gauntlet that is at hand the remainder of the season. LSU, Auburn and Alabama all play each other before the beginning of December and it should be a hell of a show to watch. First things first, LSU really hasn't done anything yet to truly impress me despite winning on the road at Florida - then again, the Gators lost to Mississippi State as well. I love the defense and I think that they should be able to give QB Cam Newton some trouble, but Auburn has a special feel about them. I am going to go with the home team here to pull out a huge conference victory. After this game the national champion talk will start to ring very loud throughout the nation and especially in the south.
LSU- 24
AU- 28
#13 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1) @ #15 Iowa (5-1, 2-0)
- The Big Ten race has narrowed down to the following with each six weeks to play: Michigan State is undefeated, Iowa is in the driver's seat and controls their destiny despite MSU's record, Wisconsin is about third in line at this point, and the Buckeyes have fallen to the back of the pecking order. It is a four team competition, and this is when it starts to get interesting. I usually subscribe to the theory that after an upset, the team that delivered the win heard round the world usually falls a little short the next week. I will stick to my guns and say that Wisconsin plays well enough to win but the Hawkeyes will refuse to be pushed around like the Buckeyes were last Saturday. Iowa eliminates Wisconsin from the Big Ten conversation- for now - after a win in Kinnick Stadium.
Wisconsin- 20
Iowa- 27
#1 Oklahoma (6-0) @ #11 Missouri (6-0)
- This will be yet another upset in my opinion. Oklahoma is lacking something...not sure what, but they are missing a key component in what it takes to be a national champion. If it is not revealed this weekend, I believe that it will be sometime down the road. Missouri has the total package to manage to slow Oklahoma's offense down and ultimately steal a win from the Sooners. Missouri's Blane Gabbert needs to be healthy in order for this to come to fruition, though.
Oklahoma-31
Missouri- 33
Big Ten Rundown-
#10 Ohio State vs Purdue- TBA
#13 Wisconsin @ #15 Iowa- See Above
#7 Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) @ Northwestern (5-1, 1-1)
- This has trap game written all over it. While I think that Northwestern can make this a very interesting game, I don't believe that MSU will lose before their big game at Iowa next week. A very, very close win for the Spartans is what I see happening here.
Indiana (4-2, 0-2) @ Illinois (3-3, 1-2)
- Yawn. Illinois will play sound defense and capitalize off of two big turnovers from QB Ben Chappell on their way to sending the Hoosiers packing. Illinois is a very odd team to figure out, but I definitely know that their defense is legit.
Penn State (3-3, 0-2) @ Minnesota (1-6, 0-3)
- Um... I really don't know here. Penn State should win but they really aren't playing well at all this season. There are too many injuries to keep the Lions from being too competitive. However, at the end of the day, I guess it is Minnesota and they don't have to play to save Tim Brewster's job (not that they would want to in the first place). I'll go with Joe Pa in this one.
And Michigan has a much needed bye week. Denard getting hurt, you say? Who could see that coming? Who could also predict that once good teams arrived on the schedule Michigan would suffer on both sides of the ball? Well, I guess you should give Michigan props for coming back against Iowa, but who was at quarterback? Man, things are weird up in Ann Arbor. I'll guarantee a win against Purdue, but outside of that who knows. Penn State isn't good, so there is a chance for a win on the road there, and Illinois just doesn't have the greatest offense around. Three Big Ten wins should be the cap on what the Wolverines will do, but even then that would be a great success. 8 wins would be light years ahead of what the team has done the past two seasons.
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