Big Ten Bowl Predictions- FINAL

Little Caesars Bowl- Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio U

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas- Iowa Hawkeyes vs Texas A&M

Insight Bowl- Penn State Nittany Lions vs Oklahoma

Ticket City Bowl- Purdue Boilermakers vs Iowa State

Gator Bowl- The Ohio State Buckeyes vs Florida

Outback Bowl- Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Georgia

Capital One Bowl- Michigan State Spartans vs Arkansas

Sugar Bowl- Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama

Rose B0wl- Wisconsin Badgers vs Oregon

FINAL BCS Predictions

Allstate BCS National Championship Game
(1/9/12, New Orleans)

#2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1) vs #1 LSU Tigers (13-0)

Rose Bowl (1/2/12)

Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) vs Oregon Ducks (10-2)

Fiesta Bowl (1/2/12)

Stanford Cardinal (11-1) vs Kansas State Wildcats (10-2)

Sugar Bowl (1/3/12)

Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) vs Michigan Wolverines (10-2)

Orange Bowl (1/4/12)

Clemson Tigers (10-3) vs West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)

Oh Yeah...My Predictions

Okay, so it's a new era of Buckeye football, and I will discuss that in great detail once the season is over.

There are games tonight/tomorrow? Okay, okay! I'll tell you who's going to win...

Pac 12 Championship Game: UCLA (6-6) vs Oregon (10-2)
- Other than the fact that it is a complete mismatch, the game is being played in Eugene. I'm going to go out on a very long, thing branch here and say that Oregon comes away with the Pac 12 title and plays in the Rose Bowl for the second time in three years, and three straight BCS appearances overall.

SEC Championship Game: Georgia (10-2) vs LSU (12-00
- Does this game even matter? LSU is going to play for the national title regardless, and if Georgia wins, Alabama will still go to the national title as well. This is a very odd circumstance. I'll go with the Tigers to beat Georgia by at least 10.

ACC Championship Game: Clemson (9-3) vs Virginia Tech (11-1)
- If this game were played after week five of the season, it'd be the most hyped match up of any of the conference title games. Unfortunately, the rest of the season happened and while VT got significantly better, Clemson lost a lot of steam. Hokies should roll in this one despite a spirited offensive effort from Tahj Boyd and the gang.

BIG Championship Game: Michigan State (10-2) vs Wisconsin (10-2)
- MSU needed a Hail Mary touchdown to win at home, at night in East Lansing. Wisconsin should have things wrapped up by the fourth quarter on a neutral field. Payback is a killer. I'll go with the Badgers to play Oregon in the Rose Bowl - which will be a great game.

The other de-facto championship games...

UConn (5-6) @ Cincinnati (8-3)
- Let me get this straight here: if Cincinnati wins, it will create a three-way tie in the Big East, meaning that West Virginia would likely go to a BCS game. If UConn upsets the Bearcats, then Louisville will get the automatic bid. Who will be crowned champ? I'll make it easier on the folks watching the BCS games in January and pick Cincy to win, providing someone a chance to see West Virginia play instead of L'Ville.

Oklahoma (9-2) @ Oklahoma State (10-1)
- BEDLAM!! I think that Oklahoma will likely win this game, simply because I haven't like the Cowboy's defense all season long. QB Landry Jones will have a big day, and it will send Oklahoma off to a BCS game after winning yet another Big 12 title.

BCS Bowl Projections- 11/26

BCS National Championship-
#1 LSU Tigers (13-0)
vs
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)

Rose Bowl-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-2)
vs
Oregon Ducks (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl-
Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1)
vs
Stanford Cardinal (11-1)

Orange Bowl-
Michigan Wolverines (10-2)
vs
Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1)

Sugar Bowl-
Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3)
vs
Houston Cougars (13-0)

My Top Ten- Week 13

1. LSU (12-0, vs Georgia)
2. Alabama (11-1)
3. Virginia Tech (11-1, vs Clemson)
4. Oklahoma State (10-1, vs Oklahoma)
5. Stanford (11-1)
6. Houston (12-0, vs Southern Miss)
7. Arkansas (10-2)
8. Boise State (11-1)
9. Georgia (10-2, vs LSU)
10. Michigan State (10-2, vs Wisconsin)

SEC Championship- LSU (12-0) vs Georgia (10-2)
Big Ten Championship- Mich State (10-2) vs Wisconsin (10-2)
ACC Championship- Virginia Tech (11-1) vs Clemson (9-3)
Pac 12 Championship- Oregon (10-2) vs UCLA (6-6)

Quick thoughts.... Pac 12 sucks. That is all.

End of an Era

There's a new sheriff in town in the greatest rivalry in college football.

Congrats to Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines on snapping a 7 game losing streak and beating OSU 40-34 in Ann Arbor today.

The win gives Michigan an excellent shot at making it to a BCS game - probably the Sugar Bowl - with a 10-2 record. Their opponent would likely be an SEC team (Arkansas or Georgia).

I praised the hiring of Hoke for the intensity he would bring to this rivalry. He didn't disappoint. Michigan wanted this one BADLY.

The Buckeyes played both their best and worst today, as the offense put up great numbers while the defense gave up 40 points and two 100 yards rushers.

The story of Jim Tressel's "resignation" is now over, and it ended with a 6-6 record.

My feeling right now?

Optimism.

The future is bright.

THE GA*E- Ohio State (6-5, 3-4) @ #15 *ichigan (9-2, 5-2)

Where: *Stadium (Ann Arbor, *I)
When: Noon EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Boy...that escalated quickly. I mean things really got out of hand, fast! It jumped up a notch.

I didn't think Jim Tressel's resignation and the hiring of Brady Hoke would change the face of these two programs this drastically. Despite *y resistance, it has actually happened. *ichigan is the better tea* in 2011.

This rivalry stretches beyond who is the better tea*, and the *ental aspect tends to be a huge factor.

*y personal opinion: *ichigan is playing like the better tea*, although they are less talented. OSU has a *ental edge when it co*es to their 7 straight victories over the Wolverines, but they are also on the other side of the coin when it co*es to their current overall psyche.

What will that *ean for this ga*e? It *eans to*orrow is going to be very interesting.

The only change OSU has of winning this game is if the defense goes back to playing the way that it was *idway through the season, when it was stonewalling *ichigan State, Nebraska (for three quarters), Illinois and Wisconsin. The defensive line, especially John Simon and Johnathan Hankins, needs to be able to keep the running ga*e at bay if OSU is to keep Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Touissant off the field and give Braxton *iller a chance to work with a shorter field and *ake so*e plays.

Braxton *iller is the other key. *ake no *istake about it. If *iller is able to co*pli*ent a potent running attack with Boom Herron, this *ichigan defense - that features a very soft secondary - will be very susceptible to DeVier Posey. I have a feeling that Posey is going to be a factor, even though it *ay not be in the for* of a do*inant statistical perfor*ance. I think that he will be able to do enough on third down and in the red zone to *ake Big Blue think twice about stacking the box.

Whether OSU will stop *ichigan enough ti*es is another story, and it is one that I really don't have a great feeling about.

Do I go with *y heart and pick the Buckeyes? Or do I go with Brian Sa*becki's *ind and gut and say that the streak ends with Brady Hoke winning in his first year on the job?

...........

OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Urban *eyer era doesn't start for a few *ore days, nor does it need to. This one is for those who stayed, which includes the incredible task Luke Fickell took up in the wake of the Jim Tressel era ending.

I will go with the Buckeyes in this one, baby.

7-5 never seemed so good.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27
*ichigan- 25

My Top Ten- Week 13

1. LSU (11-0, vs Arkansas)
2. Alabama (10-1, @ Auburn)
3. Arkansas (10-1, @ LSU)
4. Virginia Tech (10-1, @ Virginia)
5. Oklahoma State (10-1, Bye Week)
6. Stanford (10-1, vs Notre Dame)
7. Houston (11-0, @ Tulsa)
8. Boise State (9-1, vs Wyoming)
9. Michigan State (9-2, @ Northwestern)
10. Oregon (9-2, vs Oregon State)

This. Season. Is. Bizarre.

Game 11- Ohio State (6-4, 3-3) vs Penn State (8-2, 5-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Here's all I have to say about the game:

- PSU will be the best defensive front the Buckeyes have played all season.

- DeVier Posey's return will spark this team to a good showing offensively - guaranteed.

- Boom Herron will eclipse 100 yards rushing (shocker).

- Luke Fickell may not be returning as the head coach, but he will be applauded as the team leaves the field as the winner of this football game.

- All sportsmanship aside, I really do feel bad for Joe Paterno. I could go on and on about that situation, but it looks like ultimately he's being made out to be more of a scapegoat than the actual man that committed the crime.

Yeah, I think the Bucks will win for sure. It'll be a great game with Penn State's defense coming to play, but the return of Posey will be too much.

I leave you now with some PSU jokes to lighten the mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83t4WJsQRYg

Prediction:

PSU- 9
OSU- 20

Week 12 Bowl Projections

Rose- Wisconsin Badgers vs Oregon Ducks

Fiesta- Oklahoma Sooners vs Stanford Cardinal

Sugar- Alabama Crimson Tide vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Orange- Clemson Tigers vs Houston Cougars

BCS National Championship- #2 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs #1 LSU Tigers

Big Ten Bowl Games:

Wisconsin (11-2) - Rose Bowl vs Oregon Ducks
Michigan State (10-3) - Capital One Bowl vs Georgia Bulldogs
Nebraska (10-2) - Outback Bowl vs South Carolina Gamecocks
Ohio State (8-4) - Gator Bowl vs Auburn Tigers
Michigan (8-4) - Insight Bowl vs Utah Utes
Penn State (8-4) - Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas vs Missouri Tigers
Iowa (7-5) - TicketCity Bowl vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Illinois (7-5) - Little Caesars Bowl vs Ohio Bobcats
Purdue (6-6) - New Mexico Bowl vs BYU Cougars

Week 12 Big Ten Rundown

Indiana @ #15 Michigan State-
Am I really going to give Indiana a shot at the upset? Short answer: no.

#16 Nebraska @ #18 Michigan-
According to the rankings, this will be a big time game that could determine who goes to the inaugural Big Ten Championship game. I don't think it will be all that great of a game, in favor of the visiting team. Nebraska wins by at least 10.

#17 Wisconsin @ Illinois-
The Illini will make it interesting early on - as in the first quarter - then it will amount to business as usual for Wisconsin. I like the Badgers to score over 40.

#21 Penn State @ Ohio State- TBA

Iowa @ Purdue-
The Boilers are riding high after their overtime win over Ohio State, while Iowa is wishing they could have the first half of their game vs. Michigan State back. I'll go with the team with something to prove in Iowa over a team that may feel a little overconfident at the moment.

Minnesota @ Northwestern-
I am going to go with the Gophers in the upset here. I like the way that this team is playing under Coach Jerry Kill, and it will pay off with a win over the disappointing Northwestern Wildcats.

My Top Ten- Week 12

1. LSU (10-0, @ Ole Miss)

2. Oklahoma State (10-0, @ Iowa State)

3. Alabama (9-1, vs Georgia Southern)

4. Oregon (9-1, vs USC)

5. Arkansas (9-1, vs Mississippi State)

6. Oklahoma (9-1, @ Baylor)

7. Clemson (9-1, @ NC State)

8. Stanford (9-1, vs Cal)

9. Virginia Tech (9-1, vs North Carolina)

10. Houston (10-0, vs SMU)

If I were a betting man - which I am occasionally - I'd say LSU-Oklahoma State is what we will be seeing in the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans.

Game 10- Ohio State (6-3,3-2) @ Purdue (4-5,2-3)

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

Wow...Indiana really played a good game last Saturday, didn't they?

Regardless, the Bucks notched their third win in a row and look to still control their own destiny in the Big Ten Leaders division. The next challenge: playing an improved Purdue Boilermaker team on the road in West Lafayette at high noon.

I am not as confident as most others are about this game. I do believe that the Buckeyes will win and that they look to be in great shape to get to the Big Ten championship game (still can't believe it), but going to Ross-Ade Stadium hasn't been kind to OSU in the past decade or so. In 1996, when OSU went 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl, the Boilers jumped out to a 14-0 lead. In 2000, the top 15 ranked Buckeyes lead late against the eventual Big Ten champions until Drew Brees led a heartbreaking comeback. 2002 = Craig Krenzel to Michael Jenkins to save an undefeated season. In 2004, facing a down year of sorts, Ohio State lost by a touchdown to Kyle Orton and Purdue. 2009 resulted in a 26-18 loss that sent Columbus into a stir over whether Terrelle Pryor should be moved to receiver or not (hahahaha). In a nutshell, it is rarely ever easy to win on the road at Purdue.

I expect the running game to get off to a slow start with RT J.B. Shugarts out of the game, only to pick up as the game goes along and the legs of Braxton Miller keeping the Purdue defense on its heels. Boom Herron will once again go for 100 yards - shocking- and the Silver Bullets will do their job as OSU gets a 10 points victory over the pesky Boilers.

Guarantee: it will NOT be easy. Wins over Penn State and Michigan may look prettier than the game this weekend.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27
Purdue- 17

Week 11 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

#7 Oregon @ #4 Stanford
- My gut is telling me to pick Oregon in this one, as they have looked impressive since their loss to #1 LSU at the beginning of the season. My reasons revolve around a defense that a year ago made Andrew Luck look less than Heisman worthy. However that transpired in the comfy, friendly confines of Autzen Stadium, and this season we are in Cardinal territory for this contest. Andrew Luck is my pick to win the Heisman Trophy, and I think he comes up big for his team en route to a huge Pac 12 win over Oregon. Not only is Stanford my pick to have the Heisman winner, but I also think they will play LSU for the national championship.

Oregon- 31
Stanford- 38

#20 Auburn @ #15 Georgia
- Fire Mark Richt!! Fire Mark Richt!! Those were the chants that most people in Athens were chanting after an 0-2 start. Nowadays, I'd say that those were just slightly premature. The Bulldogs are in place to take on LSU for the SEC championship in December and have won seven games in a row. I think that trend will continue against a solid Auburn team at home between the hedges.

Auburn- 21
Georgia- 26

#19 Nebraska @ #12 Penn State
- So...where to begin? Who would have thought that Joe Paterno's reign at PSU would end in scandal as suddenly as it did? It ended way too fast for a man that gave his heart and soul to Penn State University since slightly after World War II ended. I will miss his presence in the sport that I love the most, and consider him to be one of the best role models for coaching excellence in any sport. The drumbeats of PSU collapsing are loud and heavy, but I am on the opposite side of the fence. I think that this game will represent Joe Paterno's last home game, even though he won't be on the sidelines. He will be in the player's hearts, who will send his legacy off in positive fashion as they surprise the Cornhuskers in Happy Valley. Things aren't going so great in State College, but they will silence the doubters and remain one win closer to a bid in the Big Ten championship game.

Nebraska- 23
Penn State- 27

Big Ten Rundown-

# Nebraska @ # Penn State: see above
#17 Michigan State @ Iowa: The Hawkeyes play tough, but MSU's defense is the x-factor.
#18 Wisconsin @ Minnesota: Gophers impressing me lately...still no match for Wisconsin.
#24 Michigan @ Illinois: Will Big Blue win another game? I'll say yes against Illinois...barely.
Ohio State @ Purdue: TBA
Rice @ Northwestern: Persa and the Cats will notch another win against the Owls.

My Top Ten- Week 11

1. LSU (9-0, vs Western Kentucky)
2. Oklahoma State (9-0, @ Texas Tech)
3. Stanford (9-0, vs Oregon)
4. Boise State (8-0, vs TCU)
5. Alabama (8-1, @ Mississippi State)
6. Arkansas (8-1, vs Tennessee)
7. Oregon (8-1, @ Stanford)
8. Oklahoma (8-1, Bye Week)
9. Clemson (8-1, vs Wake Forest)
10. Virginia Tech (8-1, @ Georgia Tech)

Game 9- Ohio State (5-3, 2-2) vs Indiana (1-8, 0-5)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

Ohio State wins. Enough said. Is this game over yet?

Boom Herron gets his 100 yards, Braxton will look efficient, the defense will play a great game and the backups will see their fair share of playing time in the second half.

Prediction:

Indiana- 13
Ohio State- 41

Week 10 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

#1 LSU @ #2 Alabama

-Game of the year. Easily. No question about it. This game is HUGE. ESPN likes to say that it could be a preview of the national championship game, but I think that is literally not going to happen...ever. Regardless, it is a big game and any college football fan should be excited to see it. The difference for is the tenacity of the LSU defense to compliment an efficient, potent offensive attack. Alabama has a very strong defense, but a little too one dimensional for my taste. I can see the Tide pulling this one out, but I'll go with the top team in the nation to win out and go to the national championship game.

LSU- 28
Bama- 24

#9 South Carolina @ #7 Arkansas

-Yawn. I think that Arkansas is going to blow the doors off of South Carolina. Why? SC lost Marcus Lattimore - aka their entire offense. Arkansas is a loaded offense machine and their defense is vastly underrated. I'll go with the Hogs at home to make some BCS noise and keep winning. Their date with LSU at the end of the year should be a mighty find showdown.

SC- 14
ARK- 31

#14 Kansas State @ #3 Oklahoma State

- The Wildcats are coming off their first loss of the season to Oklahoma, while OSU is still king of the Sooner State with an undefeated record and the heir apparent to the #2 spot in the BCS rankings after the loser of the LSU/Bama game is in the books. I don't see much of a chance for KSU to knock off the Cowboys, unless Coach Gundy lets his team keep their minds off course amidst the BCS hype and they lay an egg. Kansas State is a solid team, but they aren't as good as their record indicates (I've been saying that all season). I'll take OSU big against the Cats.

KSU- 21

OSU- 48

My Top Ten- Week 10

1. LSU (8-0, @ Alabama)
2. Alabama (8-0, vs LSU)
3. Oklahoma State (8-0, vs Kansas State)
4. Boise State (7-0, @ UNLV)
5. Stanford (8-0, @ Oregon State)
6. Oregon (7-1, @ Washington)
7. Arkansas (7-1, vs South Carolina)
8. Nebraska (7-1, vs Northwestern)
9. Oklahoma (7-1, vs Texas A&M)
10. Virgnia Tech (8-1, Bye Week)

Guess I'm Not Crazy After All

The week began with the image of Wisconsin fans storming the field fresh in my mind.

Now I've been branded with a memory that will last with me forever.

Hate to say I told Buckeye Nation how it was going to go, but it turns out Ohio State had the right formula to beat ole' Bucky after all: two weeks to prepare, home night game, a dominant run game, a stingy defense and facing a team that just came off a heartbreaking, physical, emotional loss.

In all categories I'd give the Buckeyes a check mark, I suppose.

A trip to the Rose Bowl is a possibility once again for the Ohio State Buckeyes (let that sink in for a moment).

Game 8- Ohio State (4-3, 1-2) vs #15 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 8 PM EST
TV: ABC/ESPN National

The image of Wisconsin handing OSU's ass on a platter last season will forever serve as a reminder of what almost was an undefeated, national championship season...even though it would have been erased from the record books. Note: remind me not to bring up that conversation ever again.

A year later, the Buckeyes will have their chance Saturday night to butt heads with the mighty Badgers once again, only this time the script is slightly different. Wisconsin is in the same position as last season, being a strong favorite to win the Big Ten championship and return to Pasadena. OSU on the other hand is - for lack of a better term - "down' this season. I hesitate to use that term because confidence and growth is certainly not lacking with this team, evidenced by the way they have rebounded and progressed all season long after tough losses. After losing to Miami, Fickell switched to freshman QB Braxton Miller and sparked the next generation of Buckeye quarterbacks. After an excruciating loss to Michigan State at home, a road trip to Nebraska proved to be a showcase for what the offense could look like for years to come under Miller. Heading to Illinois wasn't the offensive showcase people would have wanted, but the defense went out and played its best game since the first week of the season.

These are all baby steps, however saying that the team is down would be incorrect. If anything, they are extremely confident and are looking to finally put it all together to win a huge game against a top 15 opponent- an opponent that just so happens to be one of their least favorite teams in America. Wisconsin has been dominant all season against teams that they should beat, averaging 50 points per game, while in the process sending QB Russell Wilson into the Heisman Trophy discussion. They lost to Michigan State on a last second Hail Mary, but their conference championship hopes are still alive and kicking and I don't see that changing. Even with a loss in the Shoe, the Badgers would still be able to eventually make it to Indianapolis to play for the B10 title.

It will be a daunting task to slow down Wilson and Co., but this is an Ohio State defense that has been improving each and every week and has had two weeks to prepare. You will see TWO WEEKS of growth on the field this weekend, in a demonstration of just how good defensive coordinator Jim Heacock is and how talented this young group of Bucks truly are. I see the OSU defense having their most exciting performance to date against the vaunted Wisconsin rushing attack and Wilson (I still think Wisconsin will be somewhat effective, though).

The key will be whether Miller and the offense for Ohio State will be able to assist in capitalizing off of Badger punts and mistakes. I have a feeling that the ground game will be extraordinarily effective at points throughout the game, which will only serve as to keep the defense fresh and for OSU to slowly but surely make it a game of field position, ball security and clock control. I am calling for Boom Herron to have another 100 yard performance, and will score in yet another game - and trust me, points will be at a premium for both teams.

Braxton Miller won't be perfect, but the ground game will be effective enough for OSU to control the clock the majority of the game, providing a rested defense a chance to pin their ears back and get after Montee Ball, James White and the rest of the Wisconsin backfield. Philly Brown, Jake Stoneburner and the OSU passing game won't be the story of the game, but I think the game situation will set up for a huge touchdown reception from Brown that will blow the game wide open early on. This will only set the stage for some major drama as it will be VERY, VERY close.

I am going to go with my gut feeling here that Saturday night is going to be a good night for the defense; good enough to where OSU's offense will be the story and will keep Wisconsin off the field during long stretches of the game. The biggest win of the season is upon us, as Ohio State upsets the mighty Badgers.

Key to the game: please don't let Wisconsin score first. If they do, it could get ugly... fast.

Prediction:

Wisconsin- 13
Ohio State- 17

Week 9 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

#6 Stanford (7-0) @ USC (6-1)
- Gameday will be in Los Angeles for this big-time Pac 12 showdown, almost as if there is something on the line for the Trojans. Sure, for pride and bragging rights this would constitute as a big game, however there is the issue of USC not being bowl eligible this season due to NCAA sanctions. I think it will be a fun atmosphere and the Trojan offense isn't anything to sneeze at, but Stanford is looking to play for both a Pac 12 and national championship and this shouldn't stop them from getting one step closer. It will be close at first, but I like Andrew Luck and Stanford to blow out USC when it is all said and done.

Stanford- 41
S. Cal- 20

#9 Oklahoma (6-1) @ #8 Kansas State (7-0)
- Coming off of a shocking loss to Texas Tech, Bob Stoops and the Sooners should be hell bent on proving that it was merely a tiny blip in the radar on their way to a Big 12 championship. I definitely envision that being the case, as Kansas State is due for a loss in what has otherwise been an incredible season for the ageless wonder Bill Synder and the Wildcats of Manhattan. Too much offensive firepower on Oklahoma's end will be the undoing of another undefeated Big 12 team in October.

Oklahoma- 37
Kansas St- 21

#11 Michigan State (6-1) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1)
- I have been going back and forth on this one all week, and quite frankly I am not too sure what will happen. On one hand, I see an MSU team that has been there, done that after winning the Big Ten championship last season and being in the hunt yet against this year. On the other hand, Nebraska is a force to be reckoned with at home and the team looked confident and refreshed after their bye week and thumping of Minnesota. The big factors in this game will be which defense plays the best and whether Sparty has a hangover from last week's incredible last-second victory over Wisconsin. My answers: MSU will play better defensively, yet will suffer fromt he hangover syndrome. I'll just go with the home team to hop into the driver's seat of the Legends division.

MSU- 23
Neb- 28

Big Ten Rundown:

# 11 MSU @ #14 Nebraska: See Above
#15 Wisconsin @ Ohio State: TBA
Purdue @ #18 Michigan: Boilermakers are confident, but a rested Michigan will win.
Illinois @ #19 Penn State: PSU has the edge at home mainly due to Illinois' faltering psyche.
Iowa @ Minnesota: Hawkeyes = silent killers. Watch out for them the rest of the way.
Northwestern @ Indiana: I like the disappointing 'Cats to finally tally a Big Ten victory.

My Top Ten- Week 9

1. LSU (8-0, Bye Week)
2. Alabama (8-0, Bye Week)
3. Oklahoma State (7-0, vs Baylor)
4. Boise State (7-0, Bye Week)
5. Stanford (7-0, @ USC)
6. Clemson (8-0, @ Georgia Tech)
7. Kansas State (7-0, vs Oklahoma)
8. Oregon (6-1, vs Washington State)
9. Arkansas (6-1, @ Vanderbilt)
10. Michigan State (6-1, @ Nebraska)

Quite a shakeup has gone down, as my #3 team Oklahoma completely falls out of the top ten, despite wins over Florida State and Texas so far this season. Losing to an unranked Texas Tech team at home is unacceptable, while Wisconsin lost to an exceptional opponent on the road - at night - in Michigan State (the Spartans are in the top ten for the first time all season). Oklahoma and Wisconsin will have to redeem themselves with wins on the road against #7 Kansas State and the Buckeyes.

The fact that Oklahoma State and Kansas State are the top two teams in the Big 12 right now is not just odd; it is unbelievable. Who would've thunk it?

Top teams LSU and Bama have an extra week to prepare for their colossal battle in Tuscaloosa the first weekend of November. The odd team out that is flying way under the radar in the SEC West battle? Arkansas, who cracks my top ten at #9.

Any Given Saturday

Yep, the BCS title picture is now a little crazy.

Oklahoma losing to Texas Tech?!?!? In Norman??!!??

Michigan State winning with a Hail Mary against the Badgers??? The same Wisconsin team that averages 50 points per game?????

I said it to start the day, and I'll repeat myself one more time: on weeks that everyone believes all the favorites will win, chaos will ensue.

You really never know with college football.

My Top Ten- Week 8

1. LSU (7-0, vs Auburn)
2. Alabama (7-0, vs Tennessee)
3. Oklahoma (6-0, vs Texas Tech)
4. Wisconsin (6-0, @ Michigan State)
5. Boise State (6-0, vs Air Force)
6. Oklahoma State (6-0, @ Missouri)
7. Stanford (6-0, vs Washington)
8. Clemson (7-0, vs North Carolina)
9. Oregon (5-1, @ Colorado)
10. Kansas State (6-0, @ Kansas)

Statement: Check

Yesterday's 17-7 win over Illinois proved that Ohio State football isn't dead and in the water. Losing to Miami the way that they did? Well, I suppose that was bound to happen at some point with such a young team. Michigan State? Completely inexcusable. You need a rebound game after a beatdown like that. Nebraska was almost that rebound, being up 27-6 in the third quarter. A second half collapse led to a second straight loss, and things looked bad for OSU heading forward, according to the media. With a win over an undefeated and ranked Big Ten squad on the road, it seems like things could be moving in a better direction than initially anticipated.

All I know is that in two weeks Wisconsin comes to town in a big time night game showdown, and the Badgers better not look past the Buckeyes.

Game 7- Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) @ #15/16 Illinois (6-0, 2-0)

Where: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Well. Um. Last week's loss to Nebraska was probably one of the most depressing collapses in the modern era of Buckeye football. I will leave it at that.

What was it that I wrote about in regards to that game? Something about how although there would be a loss for OSU, the future would look bright after their Saturday night road performance? I believe that was definitely the case, and I certainly stand by that.

We learned that Braxton Miller running a simplified offense is a very good thing. Utilizing your tight ends and fullbacks in creative ways is also a good thing. Factor in the giant Mike Adams returning at left tackle and the return of WR Philly Brown from injury and you have yourself vast potential for this offense to kick into high gear as the year rolls along.

As it stands right now, it is midway through the season and the team is sitting at .500 and winless in conference play. Ouch. I hope all of you got the negativity and frustration out of your systems though, because I have a feeling that there will be some good football played heading into November and beyond. The only thing that could make this even more interesting is if an All-Big Ten running back returned to the team to bring a much needed balance to the position of experience, power and decisive running. Oh wait! You will see just that when Boom Herron returns to the field on Saturday against the Illini, which in my opinion will be a huge factor down the stretch.

Speaking of the Illini, are they really 6-0? Wow. I thought they'd be an eight win football team, but six wins at the half way point?? This is looking like a potential BCS team if Illinois is able to keep up their solid play. They run the ball extremely well, have a receiver in A.J. Jenkins who just set the Big Ten record for the most receiving yards in a two game span in history, an experienced dual-threat QB and a defense that has been a huge part of the team's success thus far. The ingredients mix up to create a very solid, consistent and tough football team under Ron Zook.

This could very well be a Rose Bowl participant for the second time since 2007, especially if Wisconsin finds themselves in the BCS national championship game (which at this point in time I think is a legitimate possibility). Getting through OSU won't be as hard for them to do as it was in the past, but remember that Illinois has played the Bucks tough in Champaign dating back to the 2000 season, just before the Tressel era began. There is something about going to Illinois that just doesn't seem to work out for Ohio State, and I think that could cause trouble for the road team this week.

I am going to call for Illinois to win this one with a late field goal, sending them to 7-0 start and OSU to their first losing record midway through the season since the year I was born: 1988. Once again I'll say that the improvement will be evident, but Illinois will finally get a home victory over the Buckeyes.

Two weeks in a row of me picking my team to lose? This truly is a season unlike any other.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 20
Illinois- 23

My Top Ten- Week 7

1. LSU (6-0, @ Tennessee)
2. Alabama (6-0, @ Ole Miss)
3. Oklahoma (5-0, @ Kansas)
4. Wisconsin (5-0, vs Indiana)
5. Boise State (5-0, @ Colorado State)
6. Oklahoma State (5-0, @ Texas)
7. Clemson (6-0, @ Maryland)
8. Stanford (5-0, @ Washington State)
9. Oregon (4-1, vs Arizona State)
10. Georgia Tech (6-0, @ Virginia)

The Yellow Jackets have the best offense in college football (other than Oklahoma, in the event you didn't see their demolishing of Texas yesterday). Because of that, they are a top ten team for me.

Game 6- Ohio State (3-2, 0-1) @ #14/15 Nebraska (4-1, 0-1)

Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
When: 8:00 EST
TV: ABC National

The "Sea of Red" at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is easily one of the most intimidating venues in college sports.

The Ohio State offense is easily one of the worst in all of college football.

That doesn't seem like a very good combination, does it?

For the first time ever, the unranked Buckeyes will travel to play Nebraska in Lincoln as the Huskers usher in their inaugural season in the Big Ten conference. Predictably when this game was announced it became one of the most anticipated games of the year not just in conference play, but in the grand scheme of the college football season. Three total losses later and some embarrassing play on both sides of the ball have left this game will less pizazz, but the same amount of pride on the line when these teams meet Saturday under the lights.

Both Nebraska and Ohio State have fielded numerous major award winners - with way too many Heisman Trophies to spare - and have combined for 12 national championships. Did I mention both were amongst the winningest programs all-time? Yeah. This game means a lot to both fan bases. Don't doubt the power and atmosphere behind rare match ups such as these, although they will become second nature once Nebraska acclimated themselves to the BIG conference.

And THEN there's the actual X's and O's side of things....oh man. Nebraska's defense has statistically been a disappointment, although this game will mark the healthiest that they have been as a unit to date. Meanwhile, the OSU offense and Janis Jopplin have the following word in common: ugly. The 110th best offense attack in the United States of America is struggling to even get a first down these days, which is all but worsened by the fact that Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey and Boom Herron could have been on the field for the entire season running the show if it wasn't for them acting just short of completely moronic. In all actuality, a true freshman quarterback, Braxton Miller, has been running the ship with little to no help from his receivers, which in turn has left the coaching staff making #5 feel as if he isn't worthy to be out there as the proverbial "leader in the huddle". RBs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde have provided solid-to-good work this season, but what does it even matter if you can't throw a forward pass?

Better question: how did Woody Hayes win five national titles without utilizing the forward pass EVER?? Different times. Different eras of football. Still bad news for the Bucks in 2011.

The key to this game will be- you guessed it - is the ability for Ohio State to throw successfully on early downs. Hopefully Braxton will be rolled out of the pocket often enough for him to make plays with his feet and keep drives alive as well. This will only bolster a rushing attack that is sure to make the best of their opportunities behind a bolstered offensive line that returns the services of senior LT Mike Adams, who was an All-American candidate at the end of the 2010 season. The new line, which features three seniors, a 6'5 bulldozer of a guard in Andrew Norwell and the big polar bear Jack Mewhort, should be successful in protecting Braxton and the running backs from harms way from here on out.

Who can catch the damn ball though??? No one. Philly Brown returns for the first time since the beginning of the Toledo game to try and help out DeVier Posey - oops, he's suspended - and Verlon Reed - oh... he tore his ACL - and Devin Smith, Chris Fields, Jake Stoneburner and co. Will it be enough to get things going for the first time all season? I highly doubt it.

When it comes down to it, I haven't mentioned Nebraska and Taylor Martinez and their stout rushing attack because it really doesn't matter. OSU's offense will prevent them from winning games until they improve; otherwise, the defense will surely keep them in any game they play. Guaranteed.

This will be much closer than people think, with the defense coming to play as always and more field goal drives resulting from an improved offensive line and a more logical offensive gameplan. I think Nebraska will score two touchdowns though, which will ultimately make the difference in a much better game that one would expect. The Huskers win their first Big Ten game, but optimism will return to Columbus, OH.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 16
Nebraska- 23

**** This is only the second time ever that I have selected the Buckeyes to lose a game since I began writing this blog in 2003 ****

My Top Ten- Week 6

1. LSU (5-0, vs Florida)
2. Oklahoma (4-0, vs Texas)
3. Alabama (5-0, vs Vanderbilt)
4. Boise State (4-0, @ Fresno State)
5. Oklahoma State (4-0, vs Kansas)
6. Wisconsin (5-0, Bye Week)
7. Stanford (4-0, vs Colorado)
8. Clemson (5-0, vs Boston College)
9. Oregon (3-1, vs California)
10. Texas (4-0, vs Oklahoma)

Nebraska, South Carolina and Virginia Tech all lost, opening the door for some newcomers this week. Clemson is more than deserving at this point in the season to be in the top 10 in the nation, while Oregon returns for me after being ranked in the top five to begin the season. Texas is in there by virtue of being undefeated and the fact that they are a big name. Other undefeated teams of note: Georgia Tech, Michigan and Illinois. Does that make them top 10 material? Michigan and Illinois not so much...but GT is lurking in the shadows as a darkhorse contender to be playing meaningful football heading into the end of the season.

P.S.- anyone who watched OSU struggle to score 6 points against Miami, and 7 vs Michigan State, it is okay for you to head to the nearest restroom and vomit everywhere.

Game 5- #25/NR Michigan State (3-1) @ Ohio State (3-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

The last time OSU played Michigan State, it was 2008 and the Buckeyes cruised to a 42-7 victory over the Spartans in East Lansing. Beanie Wells, as famously depicted above, led the charge with a dominant performance which included a hop into the endzone that showed his injured foot wasn't going to keep him from having another 1,000 yard season.

Times have changed, as MSU has since gone from a mediocre, at best, program to one that is fresh off an 11 win season and a co-Big Ten championship. The Buckeyes are without their field general, Jim Tressel, and things can go in either direction for them at this point. It is conceivable that Ohio State could very well lose their next four contests, as they face top 25 teams Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin all in succession. October will truly define what type of year these young Buckeyes have, and it all starts on Saturday.

People have been critical of an OSU defense that is ranked 16th nationally, as they are giving up nearly 100 yards per game on the ground and have surrendered over 300 yards of total offense three games in a row. In Columbus, those type of stats are unheard of, as the silver bullets are typically one of the top rushing, and total defenses in the country. Michigan State, on the other hand, comes into the Shoe boasting the top ranked defense college football, which is due in large part to their top ranked pass defense which yields only 101 yards per game. Do the math: this match up doesn't exactly favor OSU on paper.

There are in fact distinct advantages that the home team will have on the ground though, and that is why I am picking them to win. RBs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde should have a strong showing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football, along with the running ability of QB Braxton Miller. I feel as if both teams know that whoever controls the line of scrimmage will win this game, and the edge on the offensive side goes to Ohio State.

Michigan State will have their moments, as the Big Ten's best pass-catch duo of Kirk Cousins and Columbus product B.J. Cunningham won't go down without a fight. Unfortunately for Sparty, their running game will continue to not be as strong as it was thought to be heading into the season, and that will lead to a big turnover (or two). It may not lead to touchdowns every time for Miller and co., but it will be enough to hold off a solid MSU squad in Columbus.

Make no mistake that this will be a battle from beginning to end, but sometimes you just have to go with the home team who has their backs up against the wall. Lose this game if you are OSU, and you are staring at a potential four game losing streak against the best teams in the Big Ten. Win this game, and you set yourself for a big change in momentum as far as the season goes and the confidence gained can spring this young team to bigger and better things.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, the Bucks will get a little bit more experienced next week when they travel to Nebraska, as Boom Herron, Mike Adams, Solomon Thomas and DeVier Posey all return to try and make a run at the Big Ten title.

Prediction:

Mich State- 14
Ohio State- 23

Week 5 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

#2/3 Alabama @ #12 Florida
- It's a night game in Gainesville, so you know it is going to be tough for the Tide to win and, to put it simply, it will be very loud. Florida has been a nice surprise through their first four games of the season, although they haven't played anyone of note. Despite that, they have won in the fashion that their fans expect and have high hopes in Coach Muschamp's first season. Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis will have a strong gameplan ready to face the vaunted Crimson Tide defense, but that won't be enough as the Bama run game will seize control of the game early and often en route to a big win over the Gators.

Alabama- 34
Florida- 17

#8 Nebraska @ #7 Wisconsin
- This is one game that I circled on my calendar the moment Nebraska's schedule was released for their inaugural Big Ten season. They will have a tough time with a lot of the new conference venues, but having your first Big Ten game be at night on the road in Madison? Are you serious? That is one tough pill to swallow, considering the Badgers look as though they might end up playing for a national championship at years end if they keep playing the way they have been. I think that Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska offense will surprise some people, especially on the ground, providing evidence that Wisconsin doesn't feature and iron clad defense. Unfortunately, the Husker defense hasn't been up to par this season either, and will be exposed in front of a sellout Camp Randall crowd. QB Russell Wilson and the Badgers win this one running away in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska- 20
Wisconsin- 31

#18 Arkansas vs #13/14 Texas A&M (@ Arlington, TX)
- Both of these teams are coming off losses to top ten teams, so it's not as if they are struggling to find their place amongst the top 25 or anything. This game does represent an opportunity for both to climb higher in the polls and prove their worth, yet on the same token will send one plummeting to their second straight loss and out of the national stream of consciousness. I'll go on record as saying that the loser of this game will amount to nothing more than a solid 8 or 9 win team, leaving little to the imagination. The winner could still go on to big things...and everything is bigger in Texas. I'll go with the Aggies to pull out a close win over Arkansas, despite Razorback fans dying to show A&M a taste of what's to come in the SEC.

Arkansas: 21
Texas A&M: 23

Big Ten Rundown:

#8 Nebraska @ #7 Wisconsin- See Above
#19 Michigan over Minnesota: Too much Denard Robinson for the Gophers to handle.
#22/24 Illinois over Northwestern: Persa will provide spark, but 'Cats fall short.
#25/NR Michigan State @ Ohio State- TBA
Penn State over Indiana: Easiest bet of the week in the Big Ten
Notre Dame over Purdue: Don't know enough about Purdue to say they'll beat ND.

My Top Ten- Week 5

1. Oklahoma (3-0, vs Ball State)
2. LSU (4-0, vs Kentucky)
3. Alabama (4-0, @ Florida)
4. Boise State (3-0, vs Nevada)
5. Oklahoma State (4-0, Bye Week)
6. Wisconsin (4-0, vs Nebraska)
7. Stanford (3-0, vs UCLA)
8. Nebraska (4-0, @ Wisconsin)
9. South Carolina (4-0, vs Auburn)
10. Virginia Tech (4-0, vs Clemson)

Game 4- Ohio State (2-1) vs Colorado (1-2)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC (ESPN2 reverse mirror)

It's "Miller Time" in Columbus, finally!

Despite a shaky performance against Miami - that is being generous, really - Miller will get his first chance to lead the offense as a true freshman against Colorado in the friendly confines of the Shoe.

I will make this very short and sweet because 1. this is going to be a very slow, boring game in my opinion, and 2. I am pressed for time this morning. Ohio State will win this game by virtue of a running game that will not be able to be slowed down in the second half, limiting the Buffalo's chances to score. It will be close early on in a very low scoring, three-and-out type of contest before RB Jordan Hall sparks the first touchdown drive of the game and OSU will never look back. I expect Miller to look okay today, meaning that he won't wow anybody and more than likely will turn the ball over at least once.

I am just as excited as everybody else for Miller to get his career as a starter going, but it may not be pretty today. I am still going with the Buckeyes to win before conference play begins.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 24
Colorado- 10

Week 4 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

#6/7 Oklahoma State @ #8 Texas A&M
- In the doldrums of summer, I often debated back and forth with myself over which of these two teams I liked better. Oklahoma State was flashier, but A&M seemed for stable all around. After seeing these teams play a few times, I can say with full confidence that I still have no idea who is better. I have been slightly partial to the Aggies, as I feel they have the defense better suited to take on Oklahoma, but OSU has shown it can play a little defense too when the mood strikes. I'll go with Texas A&M to win a shootout, only because I respect the Kyle Field 12th man too much, as I see it coming up huge in forcing a key turnover late in the game to secure an A&M victory. Cowboy's QB Weeden will put on a show, but RB Cyrus Gray of the home team will bring home MVP honors in this one.

OSU- 31
A&M- 35

#2/3 LSU @ #16 West Virginia
- Since June, I have had this game listed as one of the bigger upsets of the season with West Virginia knocking off the highly ranked Tigers. Do I have the guts to do it now? Well, I really do like West Virginia's offense, and they gave LSU a hell of a game last year in Baton Rouge. This time around it will be home cooking for the Mountaineers, with QB Geno Smith clicking on all cylinders. The defense hasn't been the best I've seen out of the Big East, but it is still a serviceable group that could key in on LSU's running game to try and force Jarrett Lee into throwing a costly interceptions. For all of the above reasons I'll just go with my gut and make the call: LSU wins by a field goal. There is something special about the Tigers this season.

LSU- 20
WVU- 17

#12/14 Arkansas @ #2/3 Alabama
- Last season, this was the one that got away for eventual Sugar Bowl participant Arkansas, as both of their losses last season came to the defending national champs - Alabama - by 6, and to eventual national champion Auburn. QB Ryan Mallett basically gave the game away to Bama last year as the Tide came back to seal the victory. Arkansas remains loaded on offense, even without stud RB Knile Davis, as QB Tyler Wilson has arguably the most talented receiving corps in America to throw to up and down the field. Their scoring ability is undeniable, while the defense seems to have improved over 2010's group thus far. The reason Alabama wins this game is their ability to force Arkansas into third and long situations where they won't be able to convert as much as they would like, leading to better field position for Trent Richardson and the Bama offense to go to work. It won't be nearly as good of a game as it was last year, I think.

Arkansas- 14
Alabama- 27


Big Ten Rundown:

#6/7 Wisconsin over South Dakota
#9 Nebraska over Wyoming
#21/22 Michigan over San Diego State
#24/NR Illinois over Western Michigan
Michigan State over Central Michigan
Penn State over Eastern Michigan
Iowa over UL-Monroe
Minnesota over North Dakota State
Indiana over North Texas

The BIG going 10-0?? It is very possible with the cupcake match ups in store this weekend.

How Bad is it, and How Bad Will it Get?

I will go ahead and say that Ohio State's passing performance last night at Miami had to have been the worst I have ever seen. Literally. I have seriously never seen anything like that before out of an Ohio State team. I lived through the 1999 season. I made it through the Steve Bellisari era. Craig Krenzel, Mr. Clutch, didn't exactly light up the scoreboard and turned the ball over quite a bit his senior year. Justin Zwick was the quarterback for half a year in 2004 (ironically, the last time until today that the Buckeyes were out of the top 25). Justin Zwick!!! THEY WERE ALL LIGHT YEARS BETTER THAN ANYTHING THAT WAS DONE LAST NIGHT!!!!!!

One word: unbelievable. Another word: don't give up hope.

Here is my solution to getting over last night's 24-6 loss in which the passing attack featured only 4 completions: run the ball, run the ball some more, and start the Braxton Miller era. Miller is just as guilty as Bauserman - perhaps even more so - in terms of not getting completions or putting points on the board last night. Miller had an interception and a crucial fumble in the 4th quarter, as a matter of fact, while Bauserman just threw the ball away all game long. The fact is that Bauserman literally has no upside at all, and Miller does. He can move the ball on the ground and hopefully one day through the air, meaning that it gives the offense more options in how they gameplan for their Big Ten opponents.

Jordan Hall proved he is legit, while Hyde and Berry will provide for some nice relief for #7 as the year goes on. The receivers are so young and inexperienced...obviously, since they couldn't catch anything thrown their way last night. However, they will improve. They have the talent, but they need more reps. Philly Brown will return from injury and boost the production in my opinion as the year goes on. Also, let's not forget that DeVier Posey has only two games left being suspended and will be a HUGE target for whoever is at quarterback.

RB Boom Herron and LT Mike Adams return as well, making this offense automatically more lethal. Let's not get too carried away here, folks. This is still a very talented team, albeit very very young. Mesh their constant improvement, along with the return of the suspended players, one of the best offensive lines in the country, and hopefully the steady emergence of Braxton Miller and you have yourself a solid football team.

My prediction: I don't have one. I don't even know who will be lining up under center against Colorado at this point. I will say that I believe this isn't going to be a "bad" season. Bad to me is not going to a bowl game, or even going 7-5. I won't say 8 games isn't out of the realm of possibility, considering the way the offense played last night. 9 games seems to be very reasonable if you follow my line of thinking. This season isn't over yet. It has just begun.

Keep the faith, please.

On to Colorado.

My Top Ten- Week 4

1. Oklahoma (2-0, vs Missouri)
2. LSU (3-0, @ West Virginia)
3. Alabama (3-0, vs Arkansas)
4. Boise State (2-0, vs Tulsa)
5. Stanford (3-0, Bye Week)
6. Texas A&M (2-0, vs Oklahoma State)
7. Oklahoma State (3-0, @ Texas A&M)
8. Wisconsin (3-0, vs South Dakota)
9. South Carolina (3-0, vs Vanderbilt)
10. Nebraska (3-0, @ Wyoming)

I keep flip flopping between Alabama or LSU being ranked #2 in the nation. The Tigers have a huge win over Oregon, while Bama beat Penn State on the road. I am giving LSU the advantage at this point in time because of their strength of schedule thus far (Oregon, @ Mississippi State), which will only get tougher when they travel to Morgantown this weekend.

The winner of Texas A&M and Oklahoma State will surely turn out to the be the top contender to knock Oklahoma off their pedestal on the top of the Big 12. That could be a very high scoring, exciting affair.

P.S.- Ohio State would not be ranked in my top 25. Michigan would be ranked ahead of them at this point at 3-0...unacceptable. I guarantee that they will finish higher than the Wolverines, though. I'd bet a lot on that.

Game 3- #16/17 Ohio State (2-0) @ Miami (0-1)

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami, FL)
When: 7:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN

As the above picture illustrates, Miami fans still aren't really over the fact that Ohio State "stole" their 2002 national championship away from them. As a result, they are a bitter, overly defensive fan base living in the past that will take any jab they possibly can to make themselves feel better about their dwindling national reputation. The shirt above mentions that OSU may have won the national title, but the NBA's Miami Heat took LeBron James from Cleveland. Sigh... first of all, it is the wrong sport. I don't think that levels the playing field in any way whatsoever, but guess what? This is exactly what Miami fans do. Any jab they can take, they'll throw it out there. That is not a guess.

Who can blame them for living in the past and being a little too defensive these days? Just like the Buckeyes, who travel to South Beach to take on the Hurricanes Saturday night, "Da U" has been plagued with NCAA issues involving benefits to student-athletes. Ohio State got some nice tattoos while Miami players had sex parties, chilled on yachts and took all they could from a rogue booster. Which one gets more media coverage, you ask? Ohio State. Duhhhh. What is wrong with ESPN - COUGH - excuse me, this world? Did I say ESPN? Clearly accidental.

Regardless of the off-the-field issues and distractions, football will in fact be played by these two programs this weekend in what is being dubbed as the - are you ready? You'll laugh at this one - ineligi-bowl. HA HA. Who says today's humor is lacking?

Not only are these two programs going to be in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, but several players are going to be missing action due to suspension (the reason for the game's nickname). For Ohio State, four players will be missing the game, while Miami will be without the services of three. Not only will four players be absent from the contest due to suspension, but there's more trouble for the Buckeyes! Starters Nathan Williams (DE) and Philly Brown (WR) will miss the game due to injury. The Williams injury hurts because we all saw how the pass rush did against Toledo without him in the lineup. Brown, however, hasn't officially been scratched from the lineup but he does in fact have a severe ankle sprain and isn't expected to be on the field come Saturday. For the first time I think I am ready to finally feel bad for OSU and say that they will be very, very short handed.

Can I pick against them in a time like this? Hell no! The Buckeyes have too much to prove in this game, and the addition of CB Travis Howard and RB Jordan Hall in the lineup will be just the boost they need in order to come out of Miami with a victory.

The Canes will be ready to go and by all means should be favored in this one, despite losing to Maryland in a game where they really shouldn't have even been close to begin with. I don't think Jacory Harris will play as bad as he did last season against OSU, but I do believe that he will be the centerpiece of costly mistakes that Miami will make that will lead to them throwing the game away.

I expect the Buckeyes to play well defensively for the most part, despite not having a dominate pass rusher on the defensive line, and will bend but not break the majority of the night. Offensively, the addition of Jordan Hall will give Bauserman another toy to play with while fellow RB Jamaal Berry will get reps in the backfield as well. Combine that with the two games Carlos Hyde has under his belt, and this should turn out to be a very strong running back corp for the visitors. Because of that, I will call for the ground game to significantly improve from the past few weeks en route to a win over Miami.

It will be close - VERY close - but as long as it doesn't come down to a Drew Basil field goal I think that OSU will be just fine and get a big road win to start out 3-0.

Miami shouldn't feel bad if they start the season 0-2, though. They'll always have their memories of sex, drugs and alcohol - all on the house, of course. Oh, and let's not forget about the abortion... interrupt me if I start to ramble.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 24
DA U- 20

Week 3 Games of the Week

#1 Oklahoma @ #5 Florida State
- I really have no idea how I feel about this game because I feel like this would really only be a true contest if it were played before 2001. I can't help but look at FSU's lofty preseason ranking and think that they are just a tad overrated. However, this clashes with my opinions on the talent, coaching staff and swagger that the Seminoles have right now down in Tallahassee. I can't pick Florida State to win, but it will be fun to see Doak Campbell Stadium rocking again in a top five showdown against Oklahoma. The Sooners have too much firepower to be shut down offensively, and haven't allowed a sack in what seems like years. QB LaRon Landry will lead the number one team in college football on the road for another big win over Florida State.

Oklahoma- 34
Florida State- 20

#3 LSU @ #25 Mississippi State
- The Tigers aren't flashy by any stretch of the imagination, but they are a damn good football team. Damn good teams like LSU better watch out for road games like this against a feisty conference foe the likes of Mississippi State. I don't see Starkville partying into the night after a huge win over LSU, and the reason for that is defense; the lack of one for MSU and the power of the Tiger defense. I expect a great game tomorrow night on ESPN, but don't count on an upset in this one.

LSU- 27
MSU- 21

Tennessee @ #16/17 Florida
- I can't wait to watch this game! The University of Tennessee is once against brimming with confidence in year two under Coach Dooley and they feel as if it is only a matter of time before they are once against a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. Florida, by an even larger degree, feels as if they could be the best team in the whole conference after the way they have dispatched their first two opponents, only giving up a total of three points in the process. Tennessee and QB Tyler Bray will definitely score and keep the game interesting, but nothing comes easy in this SEC East rivalry. UF is too confident and everything seems to be in place for them to come out of this one with a big win over the Vols. The Will Muschamp era is getting off to a very good start, I must say, and I do not see his team falling to 2-1 after Saturday.

UT- 28
UF- 35

My Top Ten- Week 3

1. Oklahoma (1-0) @ Florida State
2. Alabama (2-0) vs North Texas
3. LSU (2-0) @ Mississippi State
4. Boise State (1-0) @ Toledo
5. Florida State (2-0) vs Oklahoma
6. Texas A&M (1-0) vs Idaho
7. Stanford (2-0) @ Arizona
8. Wisconsin (2-0) vs Northern Illinois
9. Oklahoma State (2-0) vs Tulsa
10. Nebraska (2-0) vs Washington

There's literally no change in how I am going to rank these teams, although I do have to tip my cap to a few teams of note.

First of all, the Wisconsin Badgers earn some praise after a shutout of Oregon State. I have been wary of their defensive play after losing some playmakers from last year's group, yet they go out and shutout a Pac 12 team. Good for them.

Also, Oklahoma State looked extremely impressive against Arizona, and not just on the offensive side of the ball. Another solid defensive performance from a team I wasn't really expecting it from, which gives me hope that OSU can truly take on A&M and Oklahoma as the year rolls on.

Quick Thought

45-7? That's what I thought would happened yesterday?

Wow. I was wrong.

Apologies to the Toledo Rockets, for you played a hell of a game yesterday.

Good luck the rest of the season, and thanks for nearly sending me to an early grave during a 27-22 loss to the Buckeyes.

Game 2- #15 Ohio State (1-0) vs Toledo (1-0)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

After a 42-0 beat down of the lowly Akron Zips, the Bucks now turn their attention to a much more formidable MAC opponent, Toledo. In some circles (Colorado, Michigan, etc.) they are referred to as the "giant killers". I would like to explore that theory, if you'll indulge me.

They beat the worst team in Michigan football history. Colorado isn't exactly a "giant" these days. Sorry, Toledo, but you really don't scare me. I can see you coming into the Shoe and giving Ohio State a bit of a scare with your high-octane offensive attack, starring WR Eric Page, and maybe even start rumblings about how good the defending Big Ten champs really are. What I cannot see is Toledo even sniffing a victory on Saturday, much less even thinking that it is a legitimate possibility.

The oddsmakers in Vegas seem to think that Toledo will give OSU a run for their money, with the spread hovering between 17 and 20 all week long. I will go on record and say that I expect the same amount of points that were score last week against Akron to be scored against Toledo. With the addition of Jordan Hall back in the lineup and RB and WR, there is no doubt in my mind that the offense will be able to score points once again at a very high rate. Factor in what I consider to be a hell of a defense, and the Rockets are going to feel like leaving early in my view.

I'll give the Bucks 3 rushing touchdowns, compliments of Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, to go along with another strong showing by the quarterbacks en route to a very strong, convincing win over Toledo. The return of Travis Howard will make life hard on the Rocket's passing attack; make no mistake about it.

Now, on to the 'ineligi-bowl'. Sigh...

Prediction:

OSU- 45
Toledo- 7

Week 2 Games of the Week

#2/3 Alabama (1-0) @ #20/23 Penn State (1-0)
- Last season, this game was hyped simply because of the strong tradition and reputation of these two powerhouse programs. On paper, it wasn't a very good game. PSU had a freshman QB starting on the road against the preseason #1 team in America. For all of the advantages Alabama had, they strangely only won 24-3 in Tuscaloosa. Yes, I know that it was still a beatdown and that Penn State really wasn't in the game from the very beginning. But why didn't Bama score more? I keep looking back at last season's game and seeing a very young, inexperienced Penn State team stand up to Bama defensively and keep the game from being a total massacre considering the circumstances. It is interesting how the story has slightly flipped, with an inexperienced Bama QB taking snaps on the road in a hostile environment against a strong defense. With McGloin at the helm, I like PSU to keep this much closer than last season and to ultimately have a shot at knocking off the second ranked Tide. The SEC will flex its muscles again though, and Alabama will head out of Happy Valley thankful to hang on for a tough victory over Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions.

Bama- 21
PSU- 20

Notre Dame (0-1) @ Michigan (1-0)
- I say this every year like clockwork and I mean every word of it: I love this rivalry. It represents a shadow of the full glory of Midwest football, as these two dormant programs used to be two of the premier football schools in the nation. They represented more than just wins and championships, but rather acted as a model of excellence for all to see across the country each and every Saturday. These days, they are really only playing for bragging rights as Michigan hasn't won or played for a national championship since 1997, while it has been even longer for Notre Dame (the year I was born sounds just about right...1988). On Saturday night, it will be the first ever night game in the history of the Big House, and I fully expect the crowd to be as loud as it has ever been. These two very passionate fan bases know that the winner of this game probably won't go on to be in the national championship hunt, but you have to start somewhere when you have a new regime at hand. For the Irish, they are in year two of the Brian Kelly era and are off to a bad start after losing to South Florida at home. The Wolverines just won their new coach Brady Hoke his first game as the head man, and are trying to put to rest the failure that was the Rich Rod era. Michigan will be an improved team this season, but the defense still needs to prove something to me and the rest of the country. Although they put on a show with a few defensive touchdowns against Western Michigan, I don't see them slowing down a Notre Dame offense that put up over 500 yards of total offense this past weekend. I like the Irish to trade punches with Michigan in the first half, only to take control of the game in the second and win in this rivalry for the first time since 2008. Fewer turnovers = the key to the game for Notre Dame, and I think they'll do a better job at that against a currently inept defense.

ND- 37
UM- 27

#12 South Carolina (1-0) @ Georgia (0-1)
- I just had a talk with a friend, and he said something that I 100% agree with: if Coach Richt loses this game, and ultimately falls behind in the SEC East race, he will no longer be the head coach at Georgia by season's end. Unfortunately for him, a coach that has given Athens plenty to be happy about over the past decade or so, he isn't really getting a fair shake in this situation. After getting whooped by Boise State, I really don't see the Bulldogs stepping up and winning this game with their backs against the wall. It will be a fight as it always is with this rivalry, but it won't be enough as South Carolina is just too balanced offensively and had a very solid defense. I'm going with the Gamecocks to seize control of the division and never look back until they reach Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.

SC- 28
UGA- 21

My Top 10- Week 2

1. Oklahoma (1-0) Bye Week
2. Alabama (1-0) @ Penn State
3. LSU (1-0) vs Northwestern State
4. Boise State (1-0) Bye Week
5. Florida State (1-0) vs Charleston Southern
6. Texas A&M (1-0) Bye Week
7. Stanford (1-0) @ Duke
8. Wisconsin (1-0) vs Oregon State
9. Oklahoma State (1-0) vs Arizona
10. Nebraska (1-0) vs Fresno State

Where do I place Ohio State? #15 in the nation.

I didn't want to throw out my up-to-date top 10 before the first week like I always do, simply because everyone was so close that I wanted to give myself a chance to see how some teams looked in the first week. Although the majority of the higher ranked teams played cupcakes, I don't think it is out of the question to make a few judgements here and there about the college football landscape.

I'm glad I waited to watch some teams play, because some of them looked pretty bad. Not a shocker, but Notre Dame looks so average they might as well just give up all hope of a BCS appearance. TCU looked as if they left their entire defense back in Pasadena, Oregon looked far from top 10 worthy - hopefully playing their way out of the national championship race - and Auburn was more humorous than intimidating in their first game since winning the national championship. There is a lot of work to do with some of these teams that laid an egg this past weekend.

Week 1 Games of the Week

#3 LSU vs #4 Oregon (in Arlington, TX)
- Let's cut to the chase: this is a huge game with massive national title implications...with a lot of suspensions. Oregon has to deal with the loss of one of its best defensive players Cliff Harris, who also happens to be one of the nation's most electrifying special teams players. LSU on the other hand will be without senior QB Jordan Jefferson, WR Russell Shepard and LB Josh Johns. With this in mind, you would think that Oregon would be able to go ahead and take care of business. I am going to go against the grain here and pick LSU to pull off the win, giving the SEC two wins in two straight games against the Pac 12 favorites. I just think Jarrett Lee has played enough to merit the offense moving at the same rate that Jefferson would have moved it, and the defense will still be nasty enough to stop Oregon's vaunted rushing attack consistently.

LSU- 27
Oregon- 25

#5/7 Boise State @ #19/22 Georgia
- Why does everyone want to see Boise State lose all the time? Is it because they are always in the national championship talk, and never lose these big time games? Well, yeah, that is exactly why. I will admit that I was once one of those people... until Nevada beat them in OT last year, then my disdain for the smurfs disappeared. I am a full believer in what these Broncos can accomplish in big time college football, especially with a Heisman candidate leading the offense. Yep, Kellen Moore is back for one last hurrah to try and lead his team to the promised land. Heading into SEC country will be rough, and believe me the Dawgs are hungry for a big win these days. It will be extremely close heading into the fourth quarter, but Boise State will make plays when UGA can't and will head out of Athens with a victory. Tale as old as time.

Boise- 34
UGA- 31

South Florida @ #16/18 Notre Dame
- Anyone that knows me can attest that I really don't like the Irish very much, but that I have always respected their tradition and what their stamp on the sport has meant throughout the years. I know enough about their tradition to know that they are vastly overrated every now and again, and this seems to be one of those years in my very humble opinion. I will go ahead and say that they beat the USF, simply because Bulls QB B.J. Daniels is way too erratic to pull off a road upset, but that doesn't mean I expect a BCS bowl like way too many people out there. If anything, they definitely have a chance to rack up wins against inferior opponents but it will probably amount to an 8-9 win season and a chance to play in a decent bowl game.

USF- 21
ND- 28

Game 1- #16/18 Ohio State vs Akron

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: ESPN

Note: apologies on not finishing my Big Ten preview. There will be more attention to detail on Wisconsin and Nebraska during the week that the Buckeyes play them.

It is finally here, and it couldn't come soon enough.

Forget the NCAA investigations.

Try to ignore the shadow of Jim Tressel hovering over Luke Fickell.

It is time to play some football!

Not to sound completely cliche, but there is no time like the present to forget everything that has transpired since last December and actually hit somebody not wearing scarlet and gray on the football field.

Who better to beat up on then somebody that is a lot smaller and less talented than you are, right?

Akron makes the trip to Columbus to show the world that OSU really will fall 10,000 leagues in the sea to mediocrity, while OSU is out to "shock the world" and win it all in 2011. My money is definitely not on the first mission, but not necessarily on the second one either. All in all, I'll just put my money on the Bucks to win this one.

It will be a very interesting first quarter, as both senior Joe Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller are expected to take the field and show their stuff in what is less of a competition and more of a timeshare/preview of things to come this season at quarterback. Bauserman brings experience and leadership while Miller has the athleticism and talent to give defenses headaches. Expect Bauserman to be given the majority of the opportunities on Saturday.

My player to watch in this game is RB Jordan Hall, who has been practicing and learning with the wide receivers and new WR coach Stan Drayton, who coached with Urban Meyer down in Florida when former do-it-all Percy Harvin was in Gainesville. The expectation is that Hall will be asked to do a little bit of everything, whether it is run, catch out of the backfield or out of the slot, return punts, etc; really just anything to put the ball in his hands. If the rumors are true, then he could be the most exciting player on the team in 2011.

I expect the defense to let out a lot of frustration on Akron, limiting them to very few scoring opportunities. They are a young unit though, so it won't be a complete shutout in my opinion. The offense will be methodical throughout the game, but enough points will be put on the board against an Akron team that won only once in 2010 to earn a big victory in front of 105,000 fans.

The first OSU game of the season has never been more welcome to me than it is this season.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34

Akron- 10

Big Ten Preview- #4 Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans
Projected #2 (tie) in Legends Division
2010 Record: 11-2 (7-1)

Last year was the most successful season in the history of Michigan State football in regards to total wins (11), which was quite the compliment to a co-Big Ten championship and a victory over fellow co-champ Wisconsin. Their attempt at an encore to that historic performance is probably out of the question, however they will certainly be in the conversation to play in the first ever Big Ten Championship game.

Led by QB Kirk Cousins and one of the best running back tandems in the conference (Larry Caper, Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell), the Spartan offense could be even better than last year with six key starters returning. WRs B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and QB-turned-receiver Keith Nichol will form one of the more consistent receiving units in the conference, although Cousins better hope for similar offensive line production to last season as only two starters return up front. While Cousins may not be as comfortable throwing to his targets as he was last year with the lack of experience on the front line, I expect a mature and composed leader such as he to be able to deliver on the expectations of leading a strong offensive attack.
I am also on record as saying that I like MSU's big three at running back more than Wisconsin's 1-2 punch, as they offer more overall in terms of what you want out of complete ball carriers. What does that mean for MSU? It means that Cousins won't have to do all the work once again.

Then there is the defense. Oh man! Sparty was good last year on that side of the ball, weren't they? Greg Jones and Eric Gordon were studs at linebacker - especially Jones who was a consensus All-American - while guys like Colin Nealy, Marcus Hyde and Chris Rucker were consistently making plays to help seal the deal in close games. Another interesting note about those players: they are all gone! MSU isn't exactly a defensive factory where you lose a highly productive guy and another one is just biting at the bit to show off his stuff and deliver on his predecessor's expectations. They won't be as good as last year as a team because they will lack playmakers that will be able to create turnovers, disrupt the opposing quarterback, etc. I like CB Johnny Adams a lot, and DT Jerel Worthy is an All-Big Ten candidate, but everyone else will need to step up BIG TIME if this team expects to make it to the Big Ten championship.

I like Coach Dantonio, as he was once the defensive coordinator for the 2002 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, however I am not sold on his ability to field a consistent winning team in East Lansing year after year. Notice I have used the word consistent plenty of times in this write up. There is a reason for that.

Michigan State is not a consistent program. Expect a drop-off from last year in wins, magic and overall play - although the offense will be very fun to watch.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)