Best Penalty Call of the Year
Hats off to ACC official Ron Cherry.
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Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
OK, I Suck. Kinda.
Alright, alright. I admit it. I suck. Kinda. I didn't post my picks last week. What can I say? My girlfriend is incredibly adorable, and... um... I was busy.
But here are some thoughts I had recently...
Bob Griese and Paul McGuire Contribute to Global Warming
I hate sports writers and broadcasters. No, really. For most of them there are two opinions in the world: their opinion and the wrong opinion. That, in itself, is enough to make me want to puke whenever I think about it. Let me give you a recent example of why I hate these critters...
Firstly, during the ACC Championship Game between Virginia Tech and Boston College, Bob Griese opens the telecast by telling us that he thinks BC's Matt Ryan is the best quarterback in the country. This despite the fact that Ryan ranks 57th in the nation in passing efficiency. Let me be honest and tell you that I am a closet BC fan. My cousin and my uncle both went there. But you should also know that Bob Griese hates Florida. In his view, a man named Steve Spurrier kicked a field goal to win the game against Auburn and then stole the 1966 Heisman Trophy that Griese felt should have been his. If you listen closely to Griese, he constantly engages in subtle verbal sniping at the Florida Gators. Was his opening statement about Matt Ryan his way of drawing attention away from Tim Tebow at Florida? In my opinion, yes. Whether he does it consciously or not, Griese is guilty of this constantly.
Secondly, Griese and McGuire (I'll let Brad Nessler off the hook on this one) spewed forth several minutes worth of drivel about Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He's a great runner. He's had a lot of playing time this year. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. All this, of course, led them to declare that he could no longer be considered a freshman at this point in the season. Fine. On the very next play, Boston College safety Jamie Silva stripped the ball right out of Taylor's hands and ran it back for a touchdown. Immediately, they start blabbering about Taylor's inexperience and how much it showed on that play - thus contradicting what they had been saying just seconds before. So, I am now convinced that the only thing Griese and McGuire really do is contribute to global warming. Other than taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide, I can't figure out what purpose they serve.
But here are some thoughts I had recently...
Bob Griese and Paul McGuire Contribute to Global Warming
I hate sports writers and broadcasters. No, really. For most of them there are two opinions in the world: their opinion and the wrong opinion. That, in itself, is enough to make me want to puke whenever I think about it. Let me give you a recent example of why I hate these critters...
Firstly, during the ACC Championship Game between Virginia Tech and Boston College, Bob Griese opens the telecast by telling us that he thinks BC's Matt Ryan is the best quarterback in the country. This despite the fact that Ryan ranks 57th in the nation in passing efficiency. Let me be honest and tell you that I am a closet BC fan. My cousin and my uncle both went there. But you should also know that Bob Griese hates Florida. In his view, a man named Steve Spurrier kicked a field goal to win the game against Auburn and then stole the 1966 Heisman Trophy that Griese felt should have been his. If you listen closely to Griese, he constantly engages in subtle verbal sniping at the Florida Gators. Was his opening statement about Matt Ryan his way of drawing attention away from Tim Tebow at Florida? In my opinion, yes. Whether he does it consciously or not, Griese is guilty of this constantly.
Secondly, Griese and McGuire (I'll let Brad Nessler off the hook on this one) spewed forth several minutes worth of drivel about Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He's a great runner. He's had a lot of playing time this year. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. All this, of course, led them to declare that he could no longer be considered a freshman at this point in the season. Fine. On the very next play, Boston College safety Jamie Silva stripped the ball right out of Taylor's hands and ran it back for a touchdown. Immediately, they start blabbering about Taylor's inexperience and how much it showed on that play - thus contradicting what they had been saying just seconds before. So, I am now convinced that the only thing Griese and McGuire really do is contribute to global warming. Other than taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide, I can't figure out what purpose they serve.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
So Much for Crystal Balls
In my third week of official week of picks, I went 9-3. That's not bad, especially when you consider that nobody could have predicted the unfortunate Dennis Dixon injury that cost Oregon the game - and any shot at playing for a national championship. And, I did go out on a limb picking Mississippi State to win at Arkansas. I'll go ahead and say it right now; I was wrong. OK. Possibly stupid. And hats off to Boston College. With their backs to the wall (so to speak) and an ACC Atlantic Division title on the line, they pulled out a win at Clemson.
Once again, though, we are seeing that the game of college football is changing. It's getting a little easier for David to sneak up on Goliath every now and then. Appalachian State, on a good day, can beat Michigan on a bad day. Who among you would have predicted a Louisiana-Monroe win over Alabama at home yesterday? Or Western Michigan over Iowa? If you did, and you know a good bookie, chances are you're reading this on the beach in Acapulco.
Once again, though, we are seeing that the game of college football is changing. It's getting a little easier for David to sneak up on Goliath every now and then. Appalachian State, on a good day, can beat Michigan on a bad day. Who among you would have predicted a Louisiana-Monroe win over Alabama at home yesterday? Or Western Michigan over Iowa? If you did, and you know a good bookie, chances are you're reading this on the beach in Acapulco.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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.
Thursday, November 15th
7:30 p.m. #2 Oregon @ Arizona
It's time for the rest of the nation to face the facts: despite what are quite possibly the most hideous uniforms on the face of the planet, this Oregon team may be the real thing. Dennis Dixon may be the best quarterback that nobody east of the Mississippi ever sees on TV. Is their defense good enough to win the big game? I don't know. But it's good enough for me to take the Ducks in this one.
Saturday, November 17th
12:00 p.m. #7 Ohio State @ #23 Michigan
Just for the record, I'd like to make it clear that I hate Ohio State. If you want to know ONE good reason, click here. But there are oh so many reasons. Anyways... Ohio State has managed to win 5 of the last six against Michigan. And Michigan is suffering through a season that they would rather forget. Lloyd Carr is... umm... "retiring" at the end of this year. An Ohio State win puts them in the Rose Bowl. As much as I hate them, I've got to go with the Buckeyes.
12:00 p.m. Maryland @ Florida State
I hate Florida State too. Have I mentioned that recently? Maryland had been on a three game losing skid until they beat Boston College last week on Senior Day in College Park. FSU QB Drew Weatherford is a probable starter after suffering a concussion in the loss to Virginia tech last week. What I want to know is, how could they tell he had a concussion? I mean, really. As much as I hate Florida State, it's hard to pick against the 'Noles at home when they badly need a win.
12:30 p.m. #22 Kentucky @ #8 Georgia
After beating Auburn like a high school team last week, it's clear that Georgia is a team on the rise, while Kentucky is a team on the way down - losing two of their last three, although they did scratch out a win at Vanderbilt last week. I gotta take the Dawgs in this one.
12:30 p.m. #6 Missouri @ Kansas State
I never liked Kansas State. I don't know why. After a number of years of success under Bill Snyder (1989-2005), they've become mediocre again. And I still don't like them. On the other hand, I find Tigers to be quite likable.
2:00 p.m. Mississippi State @ Arkansas
Two 6-4 teams from the SEC's West Division fighting for a respectable bowl. South Carolina is the only remotely decent team that Arkansas has beaten. Other than that, their wins are over Troy, North Texas, UT-Chattanooga, Ole Miss and Florida International. In the meantime, Mississippi State has managed to pull out road wins at Auburn, Kentucky and Alabama. Arkansas is an 8 point favorite, but I'm going to see if the Bulldogs can pull off another upset.
2:30 p.m. Duke @ Notre Dame
At this point, I don't know how Notre Dame can be favored over anybody. Who would have thought, back in August, that these teams would have identical 1-9 records coming into this game. But, just when your football troubles seem their worst, Duke can provide the cure. I'd love to see Notre Dame choke an another one, but I don't think Duke is good enough to pull it off. Touchdown Jesus gives the Irish the edge.
3:30 p.m. Miami at #10 Virginia Tech
Given a chance to bid a fond farewell to that cesspool of a stadium known as the Orange Bowl, Miami promptly got their faces ripped off last Saturday by a resurgent Virgina team. Now they have to play another Virginia team. On the road. It might not be as bad as last week's 48-0 drubbing, but it could be pretty bad. Go Hokies.
3:30 p.m. Penn State @ Michigan State
Penn State climbed up as high as #10 in the polls before losing a close game to Michigan in September. I always felt their offense was suspect, but you can't help but root for Joe Pa, can you? They stumbled a bit when they got into the meat of their schedule. The win over a very over-rated Wisconsin team seemed impressive at the time. Michigan State, on the other hand, has continued their Jekyll and Hyde pattern - playing reasonably well in close losses to Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan, but losing a home shootout with Northwestern and a very winnable game at Iowa. Something makes me want to pick the Spartans though.
7:45 p.m. #18 Boston College @ #15 Clemson
This is another tough game to call. In recent years, Clemson has started the season strong but tailed off at the end. This year, their dip seems to have come in the form of a two game losing streak in mid-season, but they've rebounded to win the last four. Boston College got into the real meat of their schedule and started struggling. Let's face it, they were lucky to beat Virginia Tech, and they're on a two game skid since then. I don't see the skid coming to a stop. I'm taking the Tigers at home.
7:45 p.m. #6 West Virginia @ #22 Cincinnati
I have a hard time believing West Virgina genuinely belongs on the list of the nation's elite teams. This game could erupt into a display of offensive fireworks. I'd love to see Cincinnati win this one, but West Virginia is trying to place themselves into first place in the Big East. Will they be looking ahead to the big showdown with U Conn next week? I doubt it. I think the Mountaineers will pull this one off.
8:00 p.m. Louisville @ South Florida
Louisville climbed as high as #8 in the polls early in the year, and then people discovered they couldn't play defense. The loss to Kentucky, in retrospect, wasn't all that shocking. But the home loss to a Syracuse team that is now 2-8 was absolutely baffling. South Florida has also stumbled since their wins over Auburn and West Virginia, but I like the Bulls to take this one.
Thursday, November 15th
7:30 p.m. #2 Oregon @ Arizona
It's time for the rest of the nation to face the facts: despite what are quite possibly the most hideous uniforms on the face of the planet, this Oregon team may be the real thing. Dennis Dixon may be the best quarterback that nobody east of the Mississippi ever sees on TV. Is their defense good enough to win the big game? I don't know. But it's good enough for me to take the Ducks in this one.
Saturday, November 17th
12:00 p.m. #7 Ohio State @ #23 Michigan
Just for the record, I'd like to make it clear that I hate Ohio State. If you want to know ONE good reason, click here. But there are oh so many reasons. Anyways... Ohio State has managed to win 5 of the last six against Michigan. And Michigan is suffering through a season that they would rather forget. Lloyd Carr is... umm... "retiring" at the end of this year. An Ohio State win puts them in the Rose Bowl. As much as I hate them, I've got to go with the Buckeyes.
12:00 p.m. Maryland @ Florida State
I hate Florida State too. Have I mentioned that recently? Maryland had been on a three game losing skid until they beat Boston College last week on Senior Day in College Park. FSU QB Drew Weatherford is a probable starter after suffering a concussion in the loss to Virginia tech last week. What I want to know is, how could they tell he had a concussion? I mean, really. As much as I hate Florida State, it's hard to pick against the 'Noles at home when they badly need a win.
12:30 p.m. #22 Kentucky @ #8 Georgia
After beating Auburn like a high school team last week, it's clear that Georgia is a team on the rise, while Kentucky is a team on the way down - losing two of their last three, although they did scratch out a win at Vanderbilt last week. I gotta take the Dawgs in this one.
12:30 p.m. #6 Missouri @ Kansas State
I never liked Kansas State. I don't know why. After a number of years of success under Bill Snyder (1989-2005), they've become mediocre again. And I still don't like them. On the other hand, I find Tigers to be quite likable.
2:00 p.m. Mississippi State @ Arkansas
Two 6-4 teams from the SEC's West Division fighting for a respectable bowl. South Carolina is the only remotely decent team that Arkansas has beaten. Other than that, their wins are over Troy, North Texas, UT-Chattanooga, Ole Miss and Florida International. In the meantime, Mississippi State has managed to pull out road wins at Auburn, Kentucky and Alabama. Arkansas is an 8 point favorite, but I'm going to see if the Bulldogs can pull off another upset.
2:30 p.m. Duke @ Notre Dame
At this point, I don't know how Notre Dame can be favored over anybody. Who would have thought, back in August, that these teams would have identical 1-9 records coming into this game. But, just when your football troubles seem their worst, Duke can provide the cure. I'd love to see Notre Dame choke an another one, but I don't think Duke is good enough to pull it off. Touchdown Jesus gives the Irish the edge.
3:30 p.m. Miami at #10 Virginia Tech
Given a chance to bid a fond farewell to that cesspool of a stadium known as the Orange Bowl, Miami promptly got their faces ripped off last Saturday by a resurgent Virgina team. Now they have to play another Virginia team. On the road. It might not be as bad as last week's 48-0 drubbing, but it could be pretty bad. Go Hokies.
3:30 p.m. Penn State @ Michigan State
Penn State climbed up as high as #10 in the polls before losing a close game to Michigan in September. I always felt their offense was suspect, but you can't help but root for Joe Pa, can you? They stumbled a bit when they got into the meat of their schedule. The win over a very over-rated Wisconsin team seemed impressive at the time. Michigan State, on the other hand, has continued their Jekyll and Hyde pattern - playing reasonably well in close losses to Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan, but losing a home shootout with Northwestern and a very winnable game at Iowa. Something makes me want to pick the Spartans though.
7:45 p.m. #18 Boston College @ #15 Clemson
This is another tough game to call. In recent years, Clemson has started the season strong but tailed off at the end. This year, their dip seems to have come in the form of a two game losing streak in mid-season, but they've rebounded to win the last four. Boston College got into the real meat of their schedule and started struggling. Let's face it, they were lucky to beat Virginia Tech, and they're on a two game skid since then. I don't see the skid coming to a stop. I'm taking the Tigers at home.
7:45 p.m. #6 West Virginia @ #22 Cincinnati
I have a hard time believing West Virgina genuinely belongs on the list of the nation's elite teams. This game could erupt into a display of offensive fireworks. I'd love to see Cincinnati win this one, but West Virginia is trying to place themselves into first place in the Big East. Will they be looking ahead to the big showdown with U Conn next week? I doubt it. I think the Mountaineers will pull this one off.
8:00 p.m. Louisville @ South Florida
Louisville climbed as high as #8 in the polls early in the year, and then people discovered they couldn't play defense. The loss to Kentucky, in retrospect, wasn't all that shocking. But the home loss to a Syracuse team that is now 2-8 was absolutely baffling. South Florida has also stumbled since their wins over Auburn and West Virginia, but I like the Bulls to take this one.
Colt Brennan Meets Marcus Riley
All I can say is... OUCH! Nighty night. Sleep Tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.
Monday, November 5, 2007
So Much for Crystal Balls
In my second official week of picks, I went 8-5. That's not great, but it's not bad, especially when you consider that Wake Forest lost by a point - and missed a late field goal that would have won it - and Navy beat Notre Dame by two points. But I will gladly take one on the chin each week if it means I can watch the Irish writhe in collective pain. And who could have foreseen that Oklahoma State would let Texas score 24 points in the final quarter and lose by three? And you have to admit that Alabama was very close to knocking off LSU. The only pick I regret, in retrospect, is Boston College. I should have known that - even in a "down" period - FSU has better athletes than BC.
The Jayhawks obviously unleashed four decades of frustration on Nebraska. The Ducks showed that they have to be taken seriously. And the Huskies (U Conn) showed that they are for real - at least in their league.
I still think that this is one of the most enjoyable college football seasons that I can remember. Surprises abound, every Saturday.
For the season, I'm 12-13, but I guarantee I'll break .500 this week.
The Jayhawks obviously unleashed four decades of frustration on Nebraska. The Ducks showed that they have to be taken seriously. And the Huskies (U Conn) showed that they are for real - at least in their league.
I still think that this is one of the most enjoyable college football seasons that I can remember. Surprises abound, every Saturday.
For the season, I'm 12-13, but I guarantee I'll break .500 this week.
Monday, October 29, 2007
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.
OK, I'm willing to admit that last week sucked. How many did you get right? Huh? huh? That's what I thought. Here's this week's (almost) guaranteed winners:
Thursday, November 1st
7:30 p.m. #11 Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech
I just don't see the Ramblin' Wreck having enough horses to overcome a very good Virginia Tech defense, even at home. I'm going with the Hokies.
Saturday, November 3rd
Noon #21 Wisconsin @ #1 Ohio State
I hate Ohio State, and, even though they have won 19 straight Big 10 games, I still think they will lose one of their last three. But I also think Wisconsin is the kind of team that can be counted on to lose big games. Plus, Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill is banged up. Plus, it's in Columbus. I'm going with the Buckeyes, even though I hate Ohio State.
Noon #24 Wake Forest @ #23 Virginia
This is a tough one to call. Virginia opened the season with a surprising loss to Wyoming, then won the next seven before losing last Saturday at N.C. State. When Wake Forest plays well, avoiding mistakes, they are hard to beat. They are in the midst of a six game winning streak, and could still win the Atlantic Division of the ACC if Boston College fumbles down the stretch. With that on the line, I think they'll play well Saturday, so I'm picking the Demon Deacons.
2:30 p.m. Navy @ Notre Dame
I was all set to pick Navy in this one, and then they lost to Delaware last week. The Blue Hens? You must be joking. Maybe they were looking ahead to this week, huh? Wouldn't you love to see Navy win this one for the first time since Roger the Dodger led them to a victory during his Heisman-winning campaign in 1963? Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you love to see Notre Dame's troubles extended and multiplied with a home loss to Navy? Wouldn't you? Ahh, forget it. I'm going with the Irish.
3:30 p.m. #15 Texas @ OSU
One thing about Oklahoma State stands out to me; they play well at home - scoring 86 points in the last two weeks. Frankly, I enjoy every bit of misery that can be inflicted on Texas. Take the Cowboys.
3:30 p.m. Texas A&M @ #6 Oklahoma
I don't see Oklahoma losing this one at home, do you? Didn't think so. Sooners all the way.
5:00 p.m. #3 LSU @ #17 Alabama
This is a tough one to call. Does the whole Nick Saban thing really matter to the players? I don't think so. LSU has the better athletes, but Alabama is at home. All other things being equal, let's look at the coaching. Nick Saban is... well... Nick Saban. And Les Miles is such a moron he doesn't even know that he is a moron. Alabama has lost the last four to LSU, but I'm going out on a limb and taking the Tide.
6:30 p.m. #9 Missouri @ Colorado
I was ready to write off Colorado until they pulled off a win at Texas Tech last week. But Missouri's only loss is a relatively close one at Oklahoma. OK, I'm still ready to write off Colorado. And I think the Tigers are legit.
6:45 p.m. #4 Arizona State @ #5 Oregon
This shapes up as a PAC 10 championship game. Oregon lost at home to Cal early in the year before the Golden Bears ran into their own troubles. Arizona State is still unbeaten. Until last week's victory over a rapidly-collapsing Cal team, ASU hadn't beaten anybody that you could say is very good. After this week, they still won't have beaten anybody you could say is any good. Sun Devil QB Rudy Carpenter has a bad thumb. The Ducks will win this one.
7:15 p.m. Rutgers @ #13 UConn
Connecticut is unbeaten at home this year. They are 7-1, and, in the 109 years that they have played football, they have never been 8-1. Rutgers is the kind of team I like to pull for, but something about this U Conn team makes me want to jump on their band wagon. They'll be playing to maintain their hold on first place in the Big East, and I think they're on a bit of a roll. I'm going with the Huskies.
7:45 p.m. Florida State @ #2 B.C.
Like all good Gators, I hate Florida State. No, no. I really hate Florida State. B.C. has won 16 consecutive home games since they last lost to - you guessed it - Florida State in 2005. The Eagles do what all championship teams do; they find ways to win - as evidenced by last Thursdays comeback win at Virginia Tech. With Xavier Lee suspended for this game for missing classes (I know, right? Shocking), the 'Noles are stuck with Drew Weatherford at QB, even if he stinks. The temperature could dip into the 40's by game time. I'm hoping for a blizzard in Chestnut Hill. The Eagles will win this one. Did I mention that I hate Florida State?
OK, I'm willing to admit that last week sucked. How many did you get right? Huh? huh? That's what I thought. Here's this week's (almost) guaranteed winners:
Thursday, November 1st
7:30 p.m. #11 Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech
I just don't see the Ramblin' Wreck having enough horses to overcome a very good Virginia Tech defense, even at home. I'm going with the Hokies.
Saturday, November 3rd
Noon #21 Wisconsin @ #1 Ohio State
I hate Ohio State, and, even though they have won 19 straight Big 10 games, I still think they will lose one of their last three. But I also think Wisconsin is the kind of team that can be counted on to lose big games. Plus, Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill is banged up. Plus, it's in Columbus. I'm going with the Buckeyes, even though I hate Ohio State.
Noon #24 Wake Forest @ #23 Virginia
This is a tough one to call. Virginia opened the season with a surprising loss to Wyoming, then won the next seven before losing last Saturday at N.C. State. When Wake Forest plays well, avoiding mistakes, they are hard to beat. They are in the midst of a six game winning streak, and could still win the Atlantic Division of the ACC if Boston College fumbles down the stretch. With that on the line, I think they'll play well Saturday, so I'm picking the Demon Deacons.
12:30 p.m. Nebraska @ #8 Kansas
Kansas is playing with confidence, and they look like almost like a legitimate winner. I still think they are ripe for a loss, but now that Nebraska is down, many of the teams in the Big 12 are taking out years of frustration on Big Red. Kansas, for instance, has lost 37 of the last 38 to Nebraska, Not this year. I'm going with the Jayhawks at home.
12:30 p.m. Vanderbilt @ #20 Florida
2:30 p.m. Navy @ Notre Dame
I was all set to pick Navy in this one, and then they lost to Delaware last week. The Blue Hens? You must be joking. Maybe they were looking ahead to this week, huh? Wouldn't you love to see Navy win this one for the first time since Roger the Dodger led them to a victory during his Heisman-winning campaign in 1963? Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you love to see Notre Dame's troubles extended and multiplied with a home loss to Navy? Wouldn't you? Ahh, forget it. I'm going with the Irish.
3:30 p.m. #15 Texas @ OSU
One thing about Oklahoma State stands out to me; they play well at home - scoring 86 points in the last two weeks. Frankly, I enjoy every bit of misery that can be inflicted on Texas. Take the Cowboys.
3:30 p.m. Texas A&M @ #6 Oklahoma
I don't see Oklahoma losing this one at home, do you? Didn't think so. Sooners all the way.
5:00 p.m. #3 LSU @ #17 Alabama
This is a tough one to call. Does the whole Nick Saban thing really matter to the players? I don't think so. LSU has the better athletes, but Alabama is at home. All other things being equal, let's look at the coaching. Nick Saban is... well... Nick Saban. And Les Miles is such a moron he doesn't even know that he is a moron. Alabama has lost the last four to LSU, but I'm going out on a limb and taking the Tide.
6:30 p.m. #9 Missouri @ Colorado
I was ready to write off Colorado until they pulled off a win at Texas Tech last week. But Missouri's only loss is a relatively close one at Oklahoma. OK, I'm still ready to write off Colorado. And I think the Tigers are legit.
6:45 p.m. #4 Arizona State @ #5 Oregon
This shapes up as a PAC 10 championship game. Oregon lost at home to Cal early in the year before the Golden Bears ran into their own troubles. Arizona State is still unbeaten. Until last week's victory over a rapidly-collapsing Cal team, ASU hadn't beaten anybody that you could say is very good. After this week, they still won't have beaten anybody you could say is any good. Sun Devil QB Rudy Carpenter has a bad thumb. The Ducks will win this one.
7:15 p.m. Rutgers @ #13 UConn
Connecticut is unbeaten at home this year. They are 7-1, and, in the 109 years that they have played football, they have never been 8-1. Rutgers is the kind of team I like to pull for, but something about this U Conn team makes me want to jump on their band wagon. They'll be playing to maintain their hold on first place in the Big East, and I think they're on a bit of a roll. I'm going with the Huskies.
7:45 p.m. Florida State @ #2 B.C.
Like all good Gators, I hate Florida State. No, no. I really hate Florida State. B.C. has won 16 consecutive home games since they last lost to - you guessed it - Florida State in 2005. The Eagles do what all championship teams do; they find ways to win - as evidenced by last Thursdays comeback win at Virginia Tech. With Xavier Lee suspended for this game for missing classes (I know, right? Shocking), the 'Noles are stuck with Drew Weatherford at QB, even if he stinks. The temperature could dip into the 40's by game time. I'm hoping for a blizzard in Chestnut Hill. The Eagles will win this one. Did I mention that I hate Florida State?
So Much for Crystal Balls
OK, so, in my first official week of picks, I went 4-8. For those of you who used my picks to place your offshore bets, what were you thinking?
Seriously though, this is further evidence of the whackiness that is the 2007 college football season. The fact that so many outcomes have been surprises makes it much more enjoyable, unless you're a gambler, in which case, you're probably hoping your bookie doesn't send Guido out to snap your knee any time soon.
Sure, I took a few risks with my picks, but how many of you saw Iowa beating Michigan State (in 2 OT's)? How many of you think Kansas is ripe for a loss? Ditto for Arizona State. Ditto for Ohio State. Other games illustrate my point as well. How many of you would have picked Mississippi State to beat Kentucky at home? Or NC State to beat Virginia? How many of you would have told me in August that the Connecticut Huskies would be 7-1 and in control of their own destiny in the Big East?
College football can make lots of people look stupid (including me), but it's fun, isn't it?
Seriously though, this is further evidence of the whackiness that is the 2007 college football season. The fact that so many outcomes have been surprises makes it much more enjoyable, unless you're a gambler, in which case, you're probably hoping your bookie doesn't send Guido out to snap your knee any time soon.
Sure, I took a few risks with my picks, but how many of you saw Iowa beating Michigan State (in 2 OT's)? How many of you think Kansas is ripe for a loss? Ditto for Arizona State. Ditto for Ohio State. Other games illustrate my point as well. How many of you would have picked Mississippi State to beat Kentucky at home? Or NC State to beat Virginia? How many of you would have told me in August that the Connecticut Huskies would be 7-1 and in control of their own destiny in the Big East?
College football can make lots of people look stupid (including me), but it's fun, isn't it?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
Thursday, October 25
7:30 PM #2 Boston College at #8 Virginia Tech
Hokies are known for their defense, but I'm impressed with the BC D as well. They are hard-hitting and opportunistic. Expect a low scoring game, but I think the Eagles pull out a huge road win.
Saturday, October 27
12:00 PM #7 West Virginia at Rutgers
I'm not sold on West Virginia. I'd really like to pick the Scarlet Knights here. But I can't. I'm going with the Mountaineers.
12:00 PM Michigan State at Iowa
Two teams that are consistently inconsistent. I think the Spartans have a bit too much offense for Iowa.
12:00 PM Colorado at Texas Tech
Ditto above comment, and take the Red Raiders.
3:00 PM #12 USC at #5 Oregon
I hate USC. I don't particularly like Oregon, but I hate USC. I think Oregon's defense isn't as bad as it has been in the past, and their offense is as good as anybody's. USC has new starter in Sanchez at QB. I'm going with the Ducks, mostly because I hate USC.
3:30 PM #10 South Florida at #23 Connecticut
One little loss to Rutgers and suddenly everybody is jumping off the USF bandwagon. UConn is a scrappy team, but only a horseshit non-call on a fair catch enabled them to beat Louisville. I'm taking the Bulls.
3:30 PM #11 Florida at #18 Georgia
The ghost of Steve Spurrier still haunts the Dawgs. The Gators are inside their head. Really. The Gators have too much offense for Georgia to handle.
3:30 PM Nebraska at #19 Texas
This is not a great year for Texas. But it is a terrible year for Nebraska. I'll take the Longhorns.
3:30 PM Clemson at Maryland
Maryland is playing good ball right now. And Clemson is not. I'll take the Terps at home.
7:00 PM #9 Kansas at Texas A&M
Is Kansas for real? I think they will lose at least one. Starting this Saturday. I'm picking the Aggies.
7:45 PM #16 South Carolina at Tennessee
Phil Fulmer's worst nightmare is having a Spurrier-coached team show up in Neyland Stadium fresh off an aggravating, inexplicable home loss. I'm taking the Gamecocks.
8:00 PM #1 Ohio State at #25 Penn State
I think Ohio State is going to lose at least one game this year. I just don't think it's going to be this one. I hate Ohio State, but I gotta take the Buckeyes in this one.
10:15 PM #21 California at #4 Arizona State
Arizona State is unbeaten. Mostly because they haven't played anybody good yet. I think the Golden Bears will rebound from two exceptionally crappy weeks and pick up a win here.
Thursday, October 25
7:30 PM #2 Boston College at #8 Virginia Tech
Hokies are known for their defense, but I'm impressed with the BC D as well. They are hard-hitting and opportunistic. Expect a low scoring game, but I think the Eagles pull out a huge road win.
Saturday, October 27
12:00 PM #7 West Virginia at Rutgers
I'm not sold on West Virginia. I'd really like to pick the Scarlet Knights here. But I can't. I'm going with the Mountaineers.
12:00 PM Michigan State at Iowa
Two teams that are consistently inconsistent. I think the Spartans have a bit too much offense for Iowa.
12:00 PM Colorado at Texas Tech
Ditto above comment, and take the Red Raiders.
3:00 PM #12 USC at #5 Oregon
I hate USC. I don't particularly like Oregon, but I hate USC. I think Oregon's defense isn't as bad as it has been in the past, and their offense is as good as anybody's. USC has new starter in Sanchez at QB. I'm going with the Ducks, mostly because I hate USC.
3:30 PM #10 South Florida at #23 Connecticut
One little loss to Rutgers and suddenly everybody is jumping off the USF bandwagon. UConn is a scrappy team, but only a horseshit non-call on a fair catch enabled them to beat Louisville. I'm taking the Bulls.
3:30 PM #11 Florida at #18 Georgia
The ghost of Steve Spurrier still haunts the Dawgs. The Gators are inside their head. Really. The Gators have too much offense for Georgia to handle.
3:30 PM Nebraska at #19 Texas
This is not a great year for Texas. But it is a terrible year for Nebraska. I'll take the Longhorns.
3:30 PM Clemson at Maryland
Maryland is playing good ball right now. And Clemson is not. I'll take the Terps at home.
7:00 PM #9 Kansas at Texas A&M
Is Kansas for real? I think they will lose at least one. Starting this Saturday. I'm picking the Aggies.
7:45 PM #16 South Carolina at Tennessee
Phil Fulmer's worst nightmare is having a Spurrier-coached team show up in Neyland Stadium fresh off an aggravating, inexplicable home loss. I'm taking the Gamecocks.
8:00 PM #1 Ohio State at #25 Penn State
I think Ohio State is going to lose at least one game this year. I just don't think it's going to be this one. I hate Ohio State, but I gotta take the Buckeyes in this one.
10:15 PM #21 California at #4 Arizona State
Arizona State is unbeaten. Mostly because they haven't played anybody good yet. I think the Golden Bears will rebound from two exceptionally crappy weeks and pick up a win here.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Why I Hate Ohio State
OK, I'm biased. I'll admit it. I'm an SEC fan, I tried to like Big 10 fans. I really did. After several run-ins with their whiny, parochial, pansy asses in bowl games and such, I decided to give up on any attempt to think of them as normal human beings. So, there are a number of reasons whay I hate THE Ohio State University, but the video below clearly shows one of them. This is from the BCS Championship game last year - a 41-14 mauling of the Buckeyes. If you want to see real class, watch what #55 does to Tim Tebow while he is laying on his back. Because of this play, and others like it, Tebow begged the coaches to be allowed to go back in and score the Gators' final touchdown on the ground. Which he did.
Why College Football is Great, and Gator Fans are the Greatest
Since this is a new blog, I need to go back and re-visit a few things. The video above is of relatively poor quality, but it shows the moment that the Gators blocked the game-ending field goal attempt last year to preserve the victory over South Carolina. I know some stadiums are loud, but Florida Field is deafening. I really enjoyed hearing the student in the foreground scream, "Oh my God, oh my God" as he struggles to deal with the sheer tension of the moment. Enjoy!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Transitivity Doesn't Work in College Football
One of the great things about college football is that almost anything can happen on any given Saturday. Upsets and surprises abound. All you need is a bag of pretzels and a six pack of frosty beverages to go along with your TV, and your Saturday afternoons in the fall are complete.
But one thing you have to learn - and you can't read the national media to learn this - is that transitivity doesn't work in college football. Let's back up a minute.
The Dictionary.com definition of transitivity is as follows: Of or relating to a relationship between three elements such that if the relationship holds between the first and second elements and between the second and third elements, it necessarily holds between the first and third elements.
Put simply, if A is greater than B, and B is greater than C, then A is greater than C. It works great if you're talking strictly about numbers, but, when you add the human element along with turnovers, penalties, injuries, etc, you can't compare one set of college football games to try to determine the outcome of another set.
Already, band wagon sports writers are telling us that West Virginia is, once again, a great team after manhandling Mississippi State over the weekend. These same guys jumped off the wagon when South Florida surprised the Mountaineers in Tampa three weeks ago. But here's the logic they're using: Auburn beat Florida at home. Mississippi State beat Auburn at home. So, now that West Virginia beat the Missippi State team that beat Auburn that beat Florida, everyone's got the coonskin caps on again. That's a bunch of hooey. Do you believe, since Wofford College beat the Appalachian State team that beat Michigan at home, that the mighty Wofford Terriers could dispense with the Wolverines on any give Saturday? Of course not. Why? Because you and I know that transitivity does not work in college football.
The West Virginia team that beat the Mississippi State team that beat Auburn that beat Florida still has the toughest part of its schedule remaining: at Rutgers, Louisville, at Cincinnati, UConn and Pittsburgh. I'm betting the Mountaineers stumble at least one more time.
One of the great things about college football is that almost anything can happen on any given Saturday. Upsets and surprises abound. All you need is a bag of pretzels and a six pack of frosty beverages to go along with your TV, and your Saturday afternoons in the fall are complete.
But one thing you have to learn - and you can't read the national media to learn this - is that transitivity doesn't work in college football. Let's back up a minute.
The Dictionary.com definition of transitivity is as follows: Of or relating to a relationship between three elements such that if the relationship holds between the first and second elements and between the second and third elements, it necessarily holds between the first and third elements.
Put simply, if A is greater than B, and B is greater than C, then A is greater than C. It works great if you're talking strictly about numbers, but, when you add the human element along with turnovers, penalties, injuries, etc, you can't compare one set of college football games to try to determine the outcome of another set.
Already, band wagon sports writers are telling us that West Virginia is, once again, a great team after manhandling Mississippi State over the weekend. These same guys jumped off the wagon when South Florida surprised the Mountaineers in Tampa three weeks ago. But here's the logic they're using: Auburn beat Florida at home. Mississippi State beat Auburn at home. So, now that West Virginia beat the Missippi State team that beat Auburn that beat Florida, everyone's got the coonskin caps on again. That's a bunch of hooey. Do you believe, since Wofford College beat the Appalachian State team that beat Michigan at home, that the mighty Wofford Terriers could dispense with the Wolverines on any give Saturday? Of course not. Why? Because you and I know that transitivity does not work in college football.
The West Virginia team that beat the Mississippi State team that beat Auburn that beat Florida still has the toughest part of its schedule remaining: at Rutgers, Louisville, at Cincinnati, UConn and Pittsburgh. I'm betting the Mountaineers stumble at least one more time.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Big Red Getting Chewed Up
I've never met Bill Callahan. He's probably a great guy. But it's hard to believe he'll be back on the sidelines in Lincoln in 2008. How bad have things gotten in Big Red country? When Nebraska won the first of their back to back national championships in 1994, they gave up 162 points all season. This year's Corhuskers surrendered 122 points in the last three games. And two of those games were at home. Their 4-4 record includes a one point win over Ball State. Still on the horizon are games at Texas and at Kansas, along with a home game against Kansas State before finishing the regular season with a trip to Colorado. Maybe they can hire Frank Solich back from Ohio...
Death, Taxes and the Badgers Blow It
I would like to make a sincere, heartfelt request to all voters in the media polls: ignore the early season Wisconsin hype and never, ever rank them in the top 10 again. I have nothing personal against the Badgers. I've heard that Madison is a great place for a football game. And you have to give them credit for always beating the teams they should beat. They handle the Citadel and UNLV and such with ease. But it has occured to me that three things in life are now certain; death, taxes, and a Wisconsin loss as soon as they play one of the (few) good teams on their schedule. They handled Northern Illinois yesterday 44-3. Hot diggity dog. But two weeks ago, Illinois stopped the ranking celebration in Champagne. And last week, Penn State mauled the Badgers in what must have been a distinctly unHappy Valley for Brett Bielema. Just once I'd like to see Wisconsin win a big game. Seriously. When is the last time they won a game that meant anything? Until they do, media voters, please remember this when contemplating your preseason Top 10 next year; Badgers? We don't need no stinking Badgers.
LOTS of Football Left to Play
Congratulations to the top two teams in the latest BCS rankings: Ohio State and Boston College. [Have I mentioned that I hate Ohio State?] Both defenses are playing well, and both teams have reasons to be pleased with things so far. BUT - and I know it's one of the oldest cliches in the game - there is still a LOT of football left to play.
Ohio State must visit Penn State this week before returning home for games against Wisconsin and Illinois, and hitting the road for the season finale at Michigan.
Boston College pays a Thursday night visit to Virginia Tech this week, returns home for a date with FSU, and has back to back road games at Maryland and Clemson before finishing the season in Chestnut Hill against Miami.
I've never met Bill Callahan. He's probably a great guy. But it's hard to believe he'll be back on the sidelines in Lincoln in 2008. How bad have things gotten in Big Red country? When Nebraska won the first of their back to back national championships in 1994, they gave up 162 points all season. This year's Corhuskers surrendered 122 points in the last three games. And two of those games were at home. Their 4-4 record includes a one point win over Ball State. Still on the horizon are games at Texas and at Kansas, along with a home game against Kansas State before finishing the regular season with a trip to Colorado. Maybe they can hire Frank Solich back from Ohio...
Death, Taxes and the Badgers Blow It
I would like to make a sincere, heartfelt request to all voters in the media polls: ignore the early season Wisconsin hype and never, ever rank them in the top 10 again. I have nothing personal against the Badgers. I've heard that Madison is a great place for a football game. And you have to give them credit for always beating the teams they should beat. They handle the Citadel and UNLV and such with ease. But it has occured to me that three things in life are now certain; death, taxes, and a Wisconsin loss as soon as they play one of the (few) good teams on their schedule. They handled Northern Illinois yesterday 44-3. Hot diggity dog. But two weeks ago, Illinois stopped the ranking celebration in Champagne. And last week, Penn State mauled the Badgers in what must have been a distinctly unHappy Valley for Brett Bielema. Just once I'd like to see Wisconsin win a big game. Seriously. When is the last time they won a game that meant anything? Until they do, media voters, please remember this when contemplating your preseason Top 10 next year; Badgers? We don't need no stinking Badgers.
LOTS of Football Left to Play
Congratulations to the top two teams in the latest BCS rankings: Ohio State and Boston College. [Have I mentioned that I hate Ohio State?] Both defenses are playing well, and both teams have reasons to be pleased with things so far. BUT - and I know it's one of the oldest cliches in the game - there is still a LOT of football left to play.
Ohio State must visit Penn State this week before returning home for games against Wisconsin and Illinois, and hitting the road for the season finale at Michigan.
Boston College pays a Thursday night visit to Virginia Tech this week, returns home for a date with FSU, and has back to back road games at Maryland and Clemson before finishing the season in Chestnut Hill against Miami.
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