Sunday, November 23, 2008
Afterbirth (Week 13)
Red(Faced) Raiders
So I was only wrong on one of my Crystal Ball picks, but BOY was I wrong on that one. Texas Tech showed that the only way to get big game experience is to play in big games. And it’s understandable that you might totally choke in one of the first few. And they choked. They were tight as a drum, and never in the game. From start to finish, Oklahoma dominated. It reminded me of the Gators in ’95. They were clearly better than every team in the nation. Except Nebraska. But the Fiesta Bowl ass-kicking at the hands of the Huskers may have set the Gators up for their national championship run in ’96. You can’t know what it takes to win a big game until you’ve been through it. That was the biggest game in Red Raider history. With any luck, they’ll have more. But what are the odds that Mike Leach will still be there?
How Many More Times for St. Bobby?
I've never been a Bowden fan, for reasons too numerous and inflammatory to list here. But, have you seen one of his pre-game speeches lately? I mean, seriously, I'm surprised his team isn't napping on the sidelines before the kickoff.
This is the week that the Gators take on the Criminoles. And I'm actually glad that whatever cognitive abilities St. Bobby may have had have disappeared in recent years. I hope he coaches for another 25 years. Seriously.
So I was only wrong on one of my Crystal Ball picks, but BOY was I wrong on that one. Texas Tech showed that the only way to get big game experience is to play in big games. And it’s understandable that you might totally choke in one of the first few. And they choked. They were tight as a drum, and never in the game. From start to finish, Oklahoma dominated. It reminded me of the Gators in ’95. They were clearly better than every team in the nation. Except Nebraska. But the Fiesta Bowl ass-kicking at the hands of the Huskers may have set the Gators up for their national championship run in ’96. You can’t know what it takes to win a big game until you’ve been through it. That was the biggest game in Red Raider history. With any luck, they’ll have more. But what are the odds that Mike Leach will still be there?
How Many More Times for St. Bobby?
I've never been a Bowden fan, for reasons too numerous and inflammatory to list here. But, have you seen one of his pre-game speeches lately? I mean, seriously, I'm surprised his team isn't napping on the sidelines before the kickoff.
This is the week that the Gators take on the Criminoles. And I'm actually glad that whatever cognitive abilities St. Bobby may have had have disappeared in recent years. I hope he coaches for another 25 years. Seriously.
Friday, November 21, 2008
My Crystal Ball Says...
...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.
Michigan @ #10 Ohio State
In case you’re wondering why you should care about this game, I can’t think of a good reason. Unless you’re a Buckeye fan. As irrelevant as they now seem in the national picture, they can still win the Big 10 and a place in a BCS bowl game with a win over Michigan combined with a Michigan State win over Penn State. Michigan leads the overall series, 57-41-6, but Ohio State has a chance to win five in a row over the Wolverines for the first time ever. The fact that Michigan QB Steven Threet is injured doesn’t help. Ohio State
is a very average team. But they are still better than Michigan.
#15 Michigan State @ #8 Penn State
Michigan State is one of those teams that can’t quite get over the hump. Despite a 9-2 record, they’ve lost to the only decent teams they’ve played – California and Ohio State – and they’ve lost 10 in a row to ranked opponents. An Ohio State win over Michigan, combined with a Michigan State upset of Penn State would put the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Let’s hope Penn State pulls this one off at home.
#14 BYU @ #7 Utah
This has quietly turned into a very interesting rivalry. These two teams have played 89 times dating back to 1896. Each team has won an even 6 of the last 12 meetings, and 10 of the last 11 have been decided by 7 points or less. BYU’s only loss was at TCU in September. Utah is unbeaten, and playing for the right to play in a BCS bowl. Both teams can pile up the yardage on offense, and both play better defense than you might think. Utah is a touchdown favorite at home, and I like their chances to repeat their BCS-busting performance of 2004.
#21 Oregon State @ Arizona
By virtue of their late September win over USC, Oregon State can win the Pac 10 with wins at Arizona and at home against Oregon to finish the season. You think it’s a big deal to them? Probably. The Beavers haven’t been to the Rose Bowl in 44 years. The problem is – Arizona plays well in Tucson. And, while Oregon State is playing for all the Roses, Arizona, bowl eligible at 6-4, is playing to improve their bowl status. The Beavers have won 8 of the last 9 over the Wildcats, for what it’s worth, but Arizona is a field goal favorite at home. I think Orgeon State may be a team on a mission, and I’ll take them in a slight upset. Plus, you have to like any team called the Beavers.
#2 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 59-2 at home under Bob Stoops, and they are a somewhat surprising 7 point favorite in this game. Both teams have been rolling up the yardage and scoring at an amazing rate. And both teams have a respectable ground attack to complement the passing game. But here’s what I think. Every team that makes it to the BCS championship game needs a little luck. Things have to fall into line for you in just the right way, and that has happened for Texas Tech. They beat Nebraska in overtime in early October, and Texas on the game’s last play three weeks ago. They’ve survived the close ones, and, although I think the teams will combine to score 100 or more points, I think the Red Raiders will survive another one.
The Citadel @ #4 Florida
I don’t think there is much suspense here, but, as a Gator fan, I always pick their games. So… I’ll go out on a limb and take Florida.
Michigan @ #10 Ohio State
In case you’re wondering why you should care about this game, I can’t think of a good reason. Unless you’re a Buckeye fan. As irrelevant as they now seem in the national picture, they can still win the Big 10 and a place in a BCS bowl game with a win over Michigan combined with a Michigan State win over Penn State. Michigan leads the overall series, 57-41-6, but Ohio State has a chance to win five in a row over the Wolverines for the first time ever. The fact that Michigan QB Steven Threet is injured doesn’t help. Ohio State
is a very average team. But they are still better than Michigan.
#15 Michigan State @ #8 Penn State
Michigan State is one of those teams that can’t quite get over the hump. Despite a 9-2 record, they’ve lost to the only decent teams they’ve played – California and Ohio State – and they’ve lost 10 in a row to ranked opponents. An Ohio State win over Michigan, combined with a Michigan State upset of Penn State would put the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Let’s hope Penn State pulls this one off at home.
#14 BYU @ #7 Utah
This has quietly turned into a very interesting rivalry. These two teams have played 89 times dating back to 1896. Each team has won an even 6 of the last 12 meetings, and 10 of the last 11 have been decided by 7 points or less. BYU’s only loss was at TCU in September. Utah is unbeaten, and playing for the right to play in a BCS bowl. Both teams can pile up the yardage on offense, and both play better defense than you might think. Utah is a touchdown favorite at home, and I like their chances to repeat their BCS-busting performance of 2004.
#21 Oregon State @ Arizona
By virtue of their late September win over USC, Oregon State can win the Pac 10 with wins at Arizona and at home against Oregon to finish the season. You think it’s a big deal to them? Probably. The Beavers haven’t been to the Rose Bowl in 44 years. The problem is – Arizona plays well in Tucson. And, while Oregon State is playing for all the Roses, Arizona, bowl eligible at 6-4, is playing to improve their bowl status. The Beavers have won 8 of the last 9 over the Wildcats, for what it’s worth, but Arizona is a field goal favorite at home. I think Orgeon State may be a team on a mission, and I’ll take them in a slight upset. Plus, you have to like any team called the Beavers.
#2 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 59-2 at home under Bob Stoops, and they are a somewhat surprising 7 point favorite in this game. Both teams have been rolling up the yardage and scoring at an amazing rate. And both teams have a respectable ground attack to complement the passing game. But here’s what I think. Every team that makes it to the BCS championship game needs a little luck. Things have to fall into line for you in just the right way, and that has happened for Texas Tech. They beat Nebraska in overtime in early October, and Texas on the game’s last play three weeks ago. They’ve survived the close ones, and, although I think the teams will combine to score 100 or more points, I think the Red Raiders will survive another one.
The Citadel @ #4 Florida
I don’t think there is much suspense here, but, as a Gator fan, I always pick their games. So… I’ll go out on a limb and take Florida.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Afterbirth (Week 12)
You know... the stuff that just kind of falls out when the party's over.
The Almost Competitive Conference
I am not one of those people who wants to spend time whining about a college football playoff. I think the bowl system has been a great thing for college football over the years, and I like the fact that – to steal a line from ESPN – every week matters. Having said that, I do think that the BCS formula could use more tweaking. Conference championships should still be valued and rewarded, but not if the champion of a certain conference… well… sucks. I won’t address the Big East, since they haven’t even risen to the level of mediocrity. But let’s look at the ACC.
This is a league that is loaded with mediocre teams. Six of the twelve teams have identical 7-3 overall records. Three teams were in last week’s BCS rankings, and all three of them lost on Saturday - North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest. Maryland could be in command of the Atlantic Division - if they could win more than one road game. They are the only team in the nation to beat four ranked opponents, but it’s a bit scary to think they could be in the ACC Championship game with a loss to Middle Tennessee State on their resume. Miami is atop the Coastal Division at the moment. This Thursday’s game at Georgia Tech could decide who wins that division. And you have to like the Yellow Jackets in that game. That means the loser of the ACC Championship game will have at least four losses, whereas the losers of the Big 12 and SEC title games will have no more than 2 losses, and might have just one. And, if you need one stat that says it all, Florida State’s leading rusher in the loss to Boston College… punter Graham Gano gained 24 yards on a fake punt.
Is there a team to get excited about here? Let me know if you find one. There are still some very important non-conference rivalry games on the slate – Georgia plays at Georgia Tech, Florida State gets Florida in Tallahassee, Clemson goes to South Carolina. Wins in any of those games might restore a shred of luster to the league’s reputation, but it may very well be too little, too late.
The Almost Competitive Conference
I am not one of those people who wants to spend time whining about a college football playoff. I think the bowl system has been a great thing for college football over the years, and I like the fact that – to steal a line from ESPN – every week matters. Having said that, I do think that the BCS formula could use more tweaking. Conference championships should still be valued and rewarded, but not if the champion of a certain conference… well… sucks. I won’t address the Big East, since they haven’t even risen to the level of mediocrity. But let’s look at the ACC.
This is a league that is loaded with mediocre teams. Six of the twelve teams have identical 7-3 overall records. Three teams were in last week’s BCS rankings, and all three of them lost on Saturday - North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest. Maryland could be in command of the Atlantic Division - if they could win more than one road game. They are the only team in the nation to beat four ranked opponents, but it’s a bit scary to think they could be in the ACC Championship game with a loss to Middle Tennessee State on their resume. Miami is atop the Coastal Division at the moment. This Thursday’s game at Georgia Tech could decide who wins that division. And you have to like the Yellow Jackets in that game. That means the loser of the ACC Championship game will have at least four losses, whereas the losers of the Big 12 and SEC title games will have no more than 2 losses, and might have just one. And, if you need one stat that says it all, Florida State’s leading rusher in the loss to Boston College… punter Graham Gano gained 24 yards on a fake punt.
Is there a team to get excited about here? Let me know if you find one. There are still some very important non-conference rivalry games on the slate – Georgia plays at Georgia Tech, Florida State gets Florida in Tallahassee, Clemson goes to South Carolina. Wins in any of those games might restore a shred of luster to the league’s reputation, but it may very well be too little, too late.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
No Comment Necessary
As we near the day that Steve Spurrier brings his current team back to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators, I can't help but wonder about the expression on the faces of a certain mom and dad when they saw, for the first time, the things their beloved daughter must do once she became a cheerleader for the University of South Carolina...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Afterbirth (Week 11)
You know... the stuff that just kind of falls out when the party's over.
Big 12 Defenses Are Downright Offensive (Part 4)
In the latest colossal Big 12 matchup on Saturday, Oklahoma State went up 7-0 before Texas Tech scored three unanswered touchdowns. Playing from behind, and with a weaker defense than I had even imagined, the Cowboys were doomed early. But, once again, I would like to note that…
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Oklahoma State defense. (76 points scored in that game, a Texas Tech victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Texas A&M defense. (94 points scored in that game, an Oklahoma victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Kansas defense. (65 points scored in that game, a Missouri victory)
Cats and Dawgs. And Gators.
Saturday’s game between Georgia and Kentucky was a classic. Unfortunately, it came down to a bad interception thrown by Kentucky QB Randall Cobb, who had otherwise played a very good game. Georgia survived to win 42-38, but lost in the excitement of this game is an indication of how good Florida’s defense is playing. Georgia and Kentucky combined to score 15 points on Florida’s defense, but they couldn't stop each other from scoring. While they amassed 80 points on each other, Florida destroyed these teams, not just with scary offense, but with great defense, beating Kentucky 63-5 and Georgia 49-10. If you’re wondering why poll voters and BCS pundits are giving Florida the benefit of the doubt in many cases, it’s because it appears, at least at the moment, that the Gators can play offense and defense.
Many Thanks to the Hawkeyes
In another interesting game from this past Saturday, Iowa upset Penn State 24-23 on a last second field goal. While part of me wants JoePa to win as many games as possible before he retires, and, by doing so, ensure that he (not Bobby Bowden) will hold the record for all-time Division I college football wins, I have to admit that the Iowa win may have saved us from having to deal with an unbeaten Penn State team at the end of the year. While an unbeaten team from a major conference has a right to make an argument that they belong in the BCS championship game, I firmly believe that Penn State would lose by 50 to either the Big 12 or SEC champs this year. And I’m not kidding. The loss to Iowa saves the BCS gurus from having to justify why they wanted to leave Penn State on the outside looking in. Sorry, JoePa, but, while this year’s squad may be the best in the Big 10, that’s not saying much.
Playoff Schmayoff
This is the time of year that cynics, critics and complainers from every corner of the nation start complaining about the BCS, and arguing for a playoff in college football. At some point during the offseason, I plan to write at length about the reasons why a college football playoff is a bad idea - and there are many of them. But, for now, let me just point out that any system designed to pick a group of participating teams based on an arbitrary ranking system is bound to continue to create controversy. Some scenarios want an eight team playoff with the 6 BCS league champions, plus the highest-ranked non-BCS league champion and the top-ranked at-large team. So, at least two of the eight teams involved will have their fate decided by the same ranking system that people complain about now. And that seems fair? Every year, there will still be teams that feel they got screwed by the system, no matter how many teams you include in the playoff pool.
The NCAA Basketball Tournament started in 1939 with just 8 teams, but, during the course of eight periods of adjustment and expansion, the tournament grew to include 64 teams by the year 2000 because so many teams who deemed themselves worthwhile over the years were left out by the selection committee. Even with a 64 team field, there were whiners and complainers who felt that they had been screwed, so the NCAA added a 65th team and a play-in game in 2001.
The point is, you could include the top-ranked 60 teams in the FBS (formerly Division I), and teams 60 through 69 would feel that they had somehow been screwed by the rankings. There are many reasons why a playoff would be bad for college football, but I’ll leave you with this reason: the way things are now, every game is a playoff game in college football, and that’s one of the things that make the game so exciting.
Big 12 Defenses Are Downright Offensive (Part 4)
In the latest colossal Big 12 matchup on Saturday, Oklahoma State went up 7-0 before Texas Tech scored three unanswered touchdowns. Playing from behind, and with a weaker defense than I had even imagined, the Cowboys were doomed early. But, once again, I would like to note that…
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Oklahoma State defense. (76 points scored in that game, a Texas Tech victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Texas A&M defense. (94 points scored in that game, an Oklahoma victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Kansas defense. (65 points scored in that game, a Missouri victory)
Cats and Dawgs. And Gators.
Saturday’s game between Georgia and Kentucky was a classic. Unfortunately, it came down to a bad interception thrown by Kentucky QB Randall Cobb, who had otherwise played a very good game. Georgia survived to win 42-38, but lost in the excitement of this game is an indication of how good Florida’s defense is playing. Georgia and Kentucky combined to score 15 points on Florida’s defense, but they couldn't stop each other from scoring. While they amassed 80 points on each other, Florida destroyed these teams, not just with scary offense, but with great defense, beating Kentucky 63-5 and Georgia 49-10. If you’re wondering why poll voters and BCS pundits are giving Florida the benefit of the doubt in many cases, it’s because it appears, at least at the moment, that the Gators can play offense and defense.
Many Thanks to the Hawkeyes
In another interesting game from this past Saturday, Iowa upset Penn State 24-23 on a last second field goal. While part of me wants JoePa to win as many games as possible before he retires, and, by doing so, ensure that he (not Bobby Bowden) will hold the record for all-time Division I college football wins, I have to admit that the Iowa win may have saved us from having to deal with an unbeaten Penn State team at the end of the year. While an unbeaten team from a major conference has a right to make an argument that they belong in the BCS championship game, I firmly believe that Penn State would lose by 50 to either the Big 12 or SEC champs this year. And I’m not kidding. The loss to Iowa saves the BCS gurus from having to justify why they wanted to leave Penn State on the outside looking in. Sorry, JoePa, but, while this year’s squad may be the best in the Big 10, that’s not saying much.
Playoff Schmayoff
This is the time of year that cynics, critics and complainers from every corner of the nation start complaining about the BCS, and arguing for a playoff in college football. At some point during the offseason, I plan to write at length about the reasons why a college football playoff is a bad idea - and there are many of them. But, for now, let me just point out that any system designed to pick a group of participating teams based on an arbitrary ranking system is bound to continue to create controversy. Some scenarios want an eight team playoff with the 6 BCS league champions, plus the highest-ranked non-BCS league champion and the top-ranked at-large team. So, at least two of the eight teams involved will have their fate decided by the same ranking system that people complain about now. And that seems fair? Every year, there will still be teams that feel they got screwed by the system, no matter how many teams you include in the playoff pool.
The NCAA Basketball Tournament started in 1939 with just 8 teams, but, during the course of eight periods of adjustment and expansion, the tournament grew to include 64 teams by the year 2000 because so many teams who deemed themselves worthwhile over the years were left out by the selection committee. Even with a 64 team field, there were whiners and complainers who felt that they had been screwed, so the NCAA added a 65th team and a play-in game in 2001.
The point is, you could include the top-ranked 60 teams in the FBS (formerly Division I), and teams 60 through 69 would feel that they had somehow been screwed by the rankings. There are many reasons why a playoff would be bad for college football, but I’ll leave you with this reason: the way things are now, every game is a playoff game in college football, and that’s one of the things that make the game so exciting.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My Crystal Ball Says...
...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.
#5 Florida @ Vanderbilt
Florida is a team on a mission. Ever since the home loss to Ole Miss, they’ve been scorching opposing teams on offense, and stuffing them on defense. They’ve outscored their last four opponents 201-43. Vanderbilt, after starting the season 5-0, has lost their last three. They have one of the least potent offenses in the nation. Florida has one of the best defenses. Some people expect a Gator letdown in this game after last week’s demolition of Georgia. But let me repeat – Florida is a team on a mission.
#11 Ohio State @ #24 Northwestern
I hate Ohio State, and I’m glad we have all agreed that the myth of the Sweatervest Juggernaut exists no more. But, while Northwestern has clawed their way to a surprising 7-2 record, they have split with the only decent teams they have played – losing to Michigan State, and winning in overtime at Minnesota last week. I’d love to see Northwestern beat Ohio State. In fact, to be more precise, I’d love to see anyone beat Ohio State. Sadly, I don’t think the Wildcats can pull it off.
#9 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech
As you know by now, I firmly believe that there is no “D” in Big 12. Still, this is an intriguing game with huge BCS implications. Can Texas Tech remain unbeaten for another week? This is the third time in the last five weeks that Oklahoma State is playing on the road against a team ranked in the top 3. One thing the Cowboys can do better than the Red Raiders is run the ball. I expect a heavy dose of the ground game to wear the Tech defense down, and keep their offense off the field. I like Oklahoma State in this one.
#21 California @ #7 USC
Okay, it’s time I admitted that Cal has the same colors as my high school, so I have some kind of subconscious soft spot for them. Combine that with the fact that I hate USC and there is tremendous temptation to pick an upset here. But this is not 2003 – when USC’s only loss on their way to a national championship was a 34-31 upset at Cal. Unfortunately, the Bears don’t have the muscle to beat Southern Cal at home.
Kansas @ Nebraska
For most of my life, this game would have been a joke, a complete blowout. My, how times have changed. Nebraska has managed to put together a decent passing attack, averaging nearly 300 yards per game. But they are 54th in the nation in rushing, and, for most college football fans, that’s just not Nebraska. Kansas, on the other hand, started the season with great expectations, but lost at South Florida in September, and then lost back to back games to Oklahoma and Texas Tech in October. Amazingly, Nebraska is a 1 point favorite at home. I’ll take Kansas.
#1 Alabama @ #16 LSU
This Alabama team is one that would make the Papa Bear proud. They have a mammoth offensive line paving the way for running backs Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram. Combine that with a QB who makes few mistakes and a solid defense, and you have a recipe for victory. That’s why the Crimson Tide find themselves unbeaten in the second year of the Nick Saban era. LSU is a team that looks to be loaded with athletes but, after a 4-0 start, they are 2-2 in their last four games . While Georgia and Florida trounced LSU, I think the Tigers match up a bit better with the powerful, but slower, Crimson Tide. Alabama is favored by a field goal, and that sounds about right to me. They’ll win it, but it will be close.
#20 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina
This is a fascinating matchup of resurgent teams, both of whom are coming off victories over ranked opponents. Georgia Tech beat Florida State 31-28 last week, thanks to a ‘Nole fumble with :45 remaining. And North Carolina had a bye week after stunning Boston College in Chestnut Hill 45-24. I’d be really tempted to pick the Yellow Jackets on the road in this one, but the health of QB Josh Nebitt’s ankle is uncertain. I’ve got to go with the Tarheels.
Notre Dame at Boston College
This battle of the major Catholic schools looks as fascinating as ever. Both teams have identical 5-3 records, but Notre Dame seems to have improved during the middle half of the season – despite last week’s overtime loss to Pitt – while Boston College has seen their struggles worsen. The oddsmakers have BC as a field goal+ favorite, but I think the Irish sneak away with a win.
#5 Florida @ Vanderbilt
Florida is a team on a mission. Ever since the home loss to Ole Miss, they’ve been scorching opposing teams on offense, and stuffing them on defense. They’ve outscored their last four opponents 201-43. Vanderbilt, after starting the season 5-0, has lost their last three. They have one of the least potent offenses in the nation. Florida has one of the best defenses. Some people expect a Gator letdown in this game after last week’s demolition of Georgia. But let me repeat – Florida is a team on a mission.
#11 Ohio State @ #24 Northwestern
I hate Ohio State, and I’m glad we have all agreed that the myth of the Sweatervest Juggernaut exists no more. But, while Northwestern has clawed their way to a surprising 7-2 record, they have split with the only decent teams they have played – losing to Michigan State, and winning in overtime at Minnesota last week. I’d love to see Northwestern beat Ohio State. In fact, to be more precise, I’d love to see anyone beat Ohio State. Sadly, I don’t think the Wildcats can pull it off.
#9 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech
As you know by now, I firmly believe that there is no “D” in Big 12. Still, this is an intriguing game with huge BCS implications. Can Texas Tech remain unbeaten for another week? This is the third time in the last five weeks that Oklahoma State is playing on the road against a team ranked in the top 3. One thing the Cowboys can do better than the Red Raiders is run the ball. I expect a heavy dose of the ground game to wear the Tech defense down, and keep their offense off the field. I like Oklahoma State in this one.
#21 California @ #7 USC
Okay, it’s time I admitted that Cal has the same colors as my high school, so I have some kind of subconscious soft spot for them. Combine that with the fact that I hate USC and there is tremendous temptation to pick an upset here. But this is not 2003 – when USC’s only loss on their way to a national championship was a 34-31 upset at Cal. Unfortunately, the Bears don’t have the muscle to beat Southern Cal at home.
Kansas @ Nebraska
For most of my life, this game would have been a joke, a complete blowout. My, how times have changed. Nebraska has managed to put together a decent passing attack, averaging nearly 300 yards per game. But they are 54th in the nation in rushing, and, for most college football fans, that’s just not Nebraska. Kansas, on the other hand, started the season with great expectations, but lost at South Florida in September, and then lost back to back games to Oklahoma and Texas Tech in October. Amazingly, Nebraska is a 1 point favorite at home. I’ll take Kansas.
#1 Alabama @ #16 LSU
This Alabama team is one that would make the Papa Bear proud. They have a mammoth offensive line paving the way for running backs Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram. Combine that with a QB who makes few mistakes and a solid defense, and you have a recipe for victory. That’s why the Crimson Tide find themselves unbeaten in the second year of the Nick Saban era. LSU is a team that looks to be loaded with athletes but, after a 4-0 start, they are 2-2 in their last four games . While Georgia and Florida trounced LSU, I think the Tigers match up a bit better with the powerful, but slower, Crimson Tide. Alabama is favored by a field goal, and that sounds about right to me. They’ll win it, but it will be close.
#20 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina
This is a fascinating matchup of resurgent teams, both of whom are coming off victories over ranked opponents. Georgia Tech beat Florida State 31-28 last week, thanks to a ‘Nole fumble with :45 remaining. And North Carolina had a bye week after stunning Boston College in Chestnut Hill 45-24. I’d be really tempted to pick the Yellow Jackets on the road in this one, but the health of QB Josh Nebitt’s ankle is uncertain. I’ve got to go with the Tarheels.
Notre Dame at Boston College
This battle of the major Catholic schools looks as fascinating as ever. Both teams have identical 5-3 records, but Notre Dame seems to have improved during the middle half of the season – despite last week’s overtime loss to Pitt – while Boston College has seen their struggles worsen. The oddsmakers have BC as a field goal+ favorite, but I think the Irish sneak away with a win.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Afterbirth (Week 10)
You know... the stuff that just kind of falls out when the party's over.
Big 12 Defenses Downright Offensive (Part 3)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Nebraska defense. (90 points scored in that game, an Oklahoma victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Kansas State defense. (73 points scored in that game, a Kansas victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Texas defense. (72 points scored in that game, a Texas Tech victory)
Is anybody listening? If we can expand on the subject, let’s just agree right now that there is not a single team in the Big 12 playing championship caliber defense. Not one. In addition to the examples above, Missouri gave up 438 yards of total offense to Baylor, a team that ranked 54th in total offense coming into the game. Sure, the Tigers won, but what could a team with a real offense and a real defense do to them?
Huge
But, speaking of the Big 12, what would you have said if, back in the last week of August, somebody had told you that one of the biggest games of the year would be … Oklahoma State at Texas Tech? It’s okay to admit that you would have chuckled and declared that person to be severely delusional. I might have done the same thing. In my mind, though, this game is only big because it will determine which of the top Big 12 teams will be next to fall out of contention for the BCS championship. I’m going to repeat it until one of us (you or me) pukes; the offensive numbers being posted by teams in the Big 12 probably have at least something to do with the fact that the defenses stink.
The Top 10 Club
Statistics can be misleading, but it is interesting to note that there are currently three teams in the nation ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense; Southern California, Florida and Penn State.
Every Dawg Has Its Day
Unfortunately for Georgia, it wasn't Saturday. Below is a short highlight video of the Gator stomping of the Georgia Bulldogs. Even if you had never heard of the game, and didn't know the outcome, I don't think you have to go far into the video before you get an idea what happened. All you need to see is Brandon Spikes' vicious tackle of Knowshon Moreno on the second play from scrimmage (about 20 seconds into the video), and I think you could guess who won. It's hard to watch it without smiling...
You know it's bad when it becomes the subject of the Sunday sermon at UGA...
Big 12 Defenses Downright Offensive (Part 3)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Nebraska defense. (90 points scored in that game, an Oklahoma victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Kansas State defense. (73 points scored in that game, a Kansas victory)
You and me and 9 guys from the nearest pub could score a touchdown on the Texas defense. (72 points scored in that game, a Texas Tech victory)
Is anybody listening? If we can expand on the subject, let’s just agree right now that there is not a single team in the Big 12 playing championship caliber defense. Not one. In addition to the examples above, Missouri gave up 438 yards of total offense to Baylor, a team that ranked 54th in total offense coming into the game. Sure, the Tigers won, but what could a team with a real offense and a real defense do to them?
Huge
But, speaking of the Big 12, what would you have said if, back in the last week of August, somebody had told you that one of the biggest games of the year would be … Oklahoma State at Texas Tech? It’s okay to admit that you would have chuckled and declared that person to be severely delusional. I might have done the same thing. In my mind, though, this game is only big because it will determine which of the top Big 12 teams will be next to fall out of contention for the BCS championship. I’m going to repeat it until one of us (you or me) pukes; the offensive numbers being posted by teams in the Big 12 probably have at least something to do with the fact that the defenses stink.
The Top 10 Club
Statistics can be misleading, but it is interesting to note that there are currently three teams in the nation ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense; Southern California, Florida and Penn State.
Every Dawg Has Its Day
Unfortunately for Georgia, it wasn't Saturday. Below is a short highlight video of the Gator stomping of the Georgia Bulldogs. Even if you had never heard of the game, and didn't know the outcome, I don't think you have to go far into the video before you get an idea what happened. All you need to see is Brandon Spikes' vicious tackle of Knowshon Moreno on the second play from scrimmage (about 20 seconds into the video), and I think you could guess who won. It's hard to watch it without smiling...
You know it's bad when it becomes the subject of the Sunday sermon at UGA...
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