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.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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
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