Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The NFL is Hard to Watch Right Now
Not because it's boring. It's anything but! New England is lighting the lamps on offense and potentially going 16-0. Quarterbacks like Tony Romo and Bret Favre are gunslingers that always provide an excellent show. Plus, the huge wild card hunt in the NFC is unpredictable. THe NFL couldn't be anymore exciting. Unless you're like me... a helpless Dolphins fan. Yes. It's true. I am a Miami Dolphin fan. My skin is aqua and I bleed coral orange. I've had to keep that fact silent for now because, as everyone is laughing about, the Fins are 11-0... in the losses to wins column. But I am tired of everyone selling Miami short by saying this team will lose every single game. Everyone says the Dolphins are hideously bad this season. Oh really? What are you basing that opinion off of? Their record? If you use that logic then teams like Jacksonville must be pretty mediocre sitting at 8-3. However, the Jags are playing just as well as the Pats are. Saying Miami is terrible by their record isn't the right way to go. Let's look at their loses... yes, I know there are 11 of them. Of all of the 11 loses, 3 games have been lost by a margin of 17 or more points. 2 of those loses were to, get this, New England and Dallas. The Pats and Cowboys are viewed as the 1 and 2 teams in the league. The Fins lost by 17 to Dallas and 21 to the Pats. The rest of their games, besides a 10 point loss to Cleveland (which isn't bad considering the offense the Browns currently have) and Philly, have been FIELD GOALS (3 points)!! This means Miami knows how to keep it close, but just haven't sealed the deal. The Dolphins are on their way to winning more than 1 game. Miami's next game is against the New York Jets. Last outing, Miami put up 15 against the Jets in the 4th quarter. The Dolphins onside kick attempt failed and the Jets knelt their way to a "W." This time will be different. John Beck is the future of this organization (More on him later.) His first start against the Eagles may have been sour (9 of 22, no TD's but no INT's) but he's certainly sweeter than Cleo Lemon (Haha, pun.) He's certainly playing better than Kellen Clemens (My Oregon fanhood runs short sometimes.) Plus, even with Ricky Williams (He was not a waste!) and Jesse Chatman hurt, backs like Lorenzo Booker or Patrick Cobbs could still run all over the Jets run defense. There's at least one game in the win column. The Bills follow that (A tough game at Buffalo that I would not expect to win) as well as the Ravens (No offense to score means the Dolphins win), New England (Yeah, we'll upset them! You'll see...), and the Bengals (One huge game against Tennessee doesn't prove anything. One more average game for Chad Johnson and his spirits will down and so will the team.) I foresee 3 wins. The Miami Dolphins will finish 3-13. Still, there is hope on the horizon for the Fins. :)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
My 2nd Attempt!
Early on in the NCAA Football season I made some predictions as to who I believed would play for a shot in each BCS Bowl and the National Championship. Now, the wacky season seems to be over (Knock on wood!) I'm going to be picking the games that have yet to be played (ACC Championship, Big XII, etc.) so you can see where I am going with this.
Pittsburgh at West Virginia: 17-70
If you can put up 66 against a seemingly stingy UConn D, who is to say the Mountaineers won't put up 70 (or even 80) against a Pitt team that has almost completely fallen off the college football map. Mountaineers win easy.
Washington at Hawaii: 28-42
Colt Brennan for Heisman! Okay, sorry. Seriously, Hawaii is good. They hung tight at Nevada without their record breaking QB. The team can do it without him, but with him... Just watch out. You might be dive bombed by the Warriors' aerial assault.
[(Essentially) Pac-10 Title Game] UCLA at USC: 12-49
Good luck, dear sons of Westwood. A healthy USC team is also an angry USC. They want those loses to Oregon and Stanford back!! You just happen to be in their way. The Arizona State game doesn't matter because the Trojans are rolling this game.
[ACC Title Game] Virginia Tech vs. Boston College: 17-24
The Hokies have a chance to make it to the National Championship with a win (What a story that would be.) However, I still have faith in Mattie Ice. He did it once before and I believe he can do it again.
[Big XII Title Game] Oklahoma vs. Missouri: 27-34
Oklahoma is still a top caliber team. Their defense is tough to score against, but the Tigers are on a high. Beating your rival, earning a number one ranking... those accomplishments give Mizzou loads of confidence. Their first meeting in Norman was a fluke. This time, the Tigers will showcase what should have been the outcome and vault Chase Daniel into a Heisman victory.
[SEC Title Game] Tennessee vs. LSU: 28-21
You can make the case that LSU lost their games in OT and all that jazz, but I see a Bayou Bengals team that is beginning to slip in the late season. You know Darren McFadden is going to be the go-to-guy and yet you still allow him to have a field day against you? The LSU defense is hurting and your quarterback Flynn isn't very sharp right now either. It will be a struggle for LSU. Les Miles can go for all the 4th downs he wants, but it's not going to help. I think the Vols pull off the upset victory and have a sweet taste in their mouths... They're headed for the Sugar Bowl.
With that out of the way I'll focus on who I feel will (and should) be in the BCS Bowl games and their outcomes. The predictions are...
Sugar Bowl: Tennessee vs. Hawaii
Hawaii gets the "At Large" bowl bid and rightfully so. I am cheering for the Warriors to put on a show and dazzle all of those belligerent SEC fans, but I can't see it happening. Sorry, Hawaii. You're just not Boise State. Tennessee wins. :(
Orange Bowl: Boston College vs. Georgia
Last year, the Orange Bowl was exciting to watch. Wake Forest was the huge underdog and played their hearts' out until the final second ticked away. This year, Boston College may do the same thing, but the game will not be remotely close. Georgia is playing as good as anyone this late in the season. I find it hard for anyone to stop the Bulldogs right now.
Fiesta Bowl: Kansas vs. Virginia Tech
Kansas at least gets a bowl birth for being number two in the Big XII and VA Tech for being number two in the ACC. Kansas does have a good offense, but from how they played against Mizzou's defense I am not so sure they can score enough to topple Virginia Tech. And Virginia Tech has a tight defense. Hokies win this one and end a year of sadness and tragedy on a good note.
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Ohio State
Jeez, what would this make the total of USC's consecutive Rose Bowl appearances? 3? Seems like a lot more than that. USC against another Big 10 school? USC wins. No question.
National Championship: Missouri vs. West Virginia
Wow. What an amazing title game this would be. Two awesome offenses will be showcased before a national stage playing for the biggest prize in all of amateur sports. It will be a close game throughout the first half, but Missouri has the edge. Playing in the Big XII has its advantages. Being able to endure through 4 rough quarters is one of them. The Tigers are more athletic on each side of the ball and have more depth on offense than the Mountaineers. Mizzou wins!! What a story that would be!
Pittsburgh at West Virginia: 17-70
If you can put up 66 against a seemingly stingy UConn D, who is to say the Mountaineers won't put up 70 (or even 80) against a Pitt team that has almost completely fallen off the college football map. Mountaineers win easy.
Washington at Hawaii: 28-42
Colt Brennan for Heisman! Okay, sorry. Seriously, Hawaii is good. They hung tight at Nevada without their record breaking QB. The team can do it without him, but with him... Just watch out. You might be dive bombed by the Warriors' aerial assault.
[(Essentially) Pac-10 Title Game] UCLA at USC: 12-49
Good luck, dear sons of Westwood. A healthy USC team is also an angry USC. They want those loses to Oregon and Stanford back!! You just happen to be in their way. The Arizona State game doesn't matter because the Trojans are rolling this game.
[ACC Title Game] Virginia Tech vs. Boston College: 17-24
The Hokies have a chance to make it to the National Championship with a win (What a story that would be.) However, I still have faith in Mattie Ice. He did it once before and I believe he can do it again.
[Big XII Title Game] Oklahoma vs. Missouri: 27-34
Oklahoma is still a top caliber team. Their defense is tough to score against, but the Tigers are on a high. Beating your rival, earning a number one ranking... those accomplishments give Mizzou loads of confidence. Their first meeting in Norman was a fluke. This time, the Tigers will showcase what should have been the outcome and vault Chase Daniel into a Heisman victory.
[SEC Title Game] Tennessee vs. LSU: 28-21
You can make the case that LSU lost their games in OT and all that jazz, but I see a Bayou Bengals team that is beginning to slip in the late season. You know Darren McFadden is going to be the go-to-guy and yet you still allow him to have a field day against you? The LSU defense is hurting and your quarterback Flynn isn't very sharp right now either. It will be a struggle for LSU. Les Miles can go for all the 4th downs he wants, but it's not going to help. I think the Vols pull off the upset victory and have a sweet taste in their mouths... They're headed for the Sugar Bowl.
With that out of the way I'll focus on who I feel will (and should) be in the BCS Bowl games and their outcomes. The predictions are...
Sugar Bowl: Tennessee vs. Hawaii
Hawaii gets the "At Large" bowl bid and rightfully so. I am cheering for the Warriors to put on a show and dazzle all of those belligerent SEC fans, but I can't see it happening. Sorry, Hawaii. You're just not Boise State. Tennessee wins. :(
Orange Bowl: Boston College vs. Georgia
Last year, the Orange Bowl was exciting to watch. Wake Forest was the huge underdog and played their hearts' out until the final second ticked away. This year, Boston College may do the same thing, but the game will not be remotely close. Georgia is playing as good as anyone this late in the season. I find it hard for anyone to stop the Bulldogs right now.
Fiesta Bowl: Kansas vs. Virginia Tech
Kansas at least gets a bowl birth for being number two in the Big XII and VA Tech for being number two in the ACC. Kansas does have a good offense, but from how they played against Mizzou's defense I am not so sure they can score enough to topple Virginia Tech. And Virginia Tech has a tight defense. Hokies win this one and end a year of sadness and tragedy on a good note.
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Ohio State
Jeez, what would this make the total of USC's consecutive Rose Bowl appearances? 3? Seems like a lot more than that. USC against another Big 10 school? USC wins. No question.
National Championship: Missouri vs. West Virginia
Wow. What an amazing title game this would be. Two awesome offenses will be showcased before a national stage playing for the biggest prize in all of amateur sports. It will be a close game throughout the first half, but Missouri has the edge. Playing in the Big XII has its advantages. Being able to endure through 4 rough quarters is one of them. The Tigers are more athletic on each side of the ball and have more depth on offense than the Mountaineers. Mizzou wins!! What a story that would be!
Everyone Who Is Hating on the BCS...
Just shut up!! For real! I am willing to admit that the system is flawed right now. It's nearly impossible to decipher between the myriad of top teams in the nation as to which team actually deserves the shot at the title. You can make a case for (nearly) every team in the (Oh, let's say) top 12. Will the decision in the end be favored by all? Heck no! Will it be right? By the BCS standards, yes. You have to admit, as flawed as the system seems to be, it gets the games right (a majority of the time.) If Mizzou loses, it should be West Virginia and Ohio State. If West Virginia loses, it should be Mizzou and OSU. I both those teams fall... Maybe Buckeyes and Hokies? Buckeyes and Bulldogs? Buckeyes and (Dare I say) Warriors? So many possibilities to throw into the title game, but would any of those choices be wrong? No! But (strangely) at the same time, yes! The BCS cannot rightfully says Hawaii is a stilted 11-0 and is worse than Georgia and Virginia Tech, but if the BCS decides to leave Hawaii out of the title hunt it was the right decision. This BCS talk is a double edged sword. It hurts all of us die hard fans, but yet it always seems to provide the best quality match ups. So, what's the best solution? How can all of the controversy be solved? Playoff? Possibly. However, after being a BCS hater for the majority of my intelligent life in the college football world... I've taken a step back and analyzed the system. Maybe it's not as bad I once thought. Would I rather see a tournament or playoff decide who is the winner? It's option, but consider this... In college football, are we rewarding long term seasonal accomplishments or rewarding late season pushes? In a playoff system, Georgia and healthy USC would probably end up in the title game. These two teams have made tremendous pushes late in the season but were surprisingly near atrocious early to middle of the season. In that respect a playoff does not seem like the most logical resolve. Right now, America, deal with it! The BCS is all we have. And, whether you like it or not, the BCS is stirring up a lot of controversy... and it's EXCITING!!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
This WILL Be Wrong...
These are my predictions on who play in the BCS Bowls... not the results.
Fiesta Bowl: Missouri vs. Hawaii
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Cal
National Championship: Boston College vs. South Florida
Fiesta Bowl: Missouri vs. Hawaii
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Cal
National Championship: Boston College vs. South Florida
Pesky Beavers and Wildcats...
What in the world is going on in college football? I mean it! Can someone give me a definitive answer on what is going on? I believe I have the answer. It's the Bull Crap Series getting what's coming to them. College football, and all NCAA sports in general, is expanding. High schoolers are being given opportunities to start for what were once mediocre or average programs. The South Florida's... the Boise State's... Their style of offense is attractive to young QBs or running backs. Schools are getting all sorts of talent now and this only brings uncertainty. With uncertainty hopefully brings the fall of the BCS and brings about a revolution in college football. That's correct. I speak of the tournament that so many are hoping to have implemented into NCAA football. With all of the top teams falling, hopefully it will bring about the need for a tournament or playoff. Something needs to be done because I certainly cannot come up with a definitive top 10 anymore... but that doesn't mean I can't try! :D
10. South Carolina (6-1): The Gamecocks came away with a win against their northern counterpart, but winning by 6 and giving up 12 points in the 4th isn't very convincing to me. The Gamecocks fall for now, but a good day against Vandy could move Carolina back up the ranks.
9. USC (5-1): The real SC took a hard hit in my rankings along with the fake SC. The two came out of this hectic Saturday with a "W," so why did the Trojans pass the Gamecocks? End of the game is the key. USC came back in the 4th to beat the Wildcats by 7. That proves a team has resiliency. That's what I look for in the rankings.
8. West Virginia (5-1): The Mountaineers didn't have a game. They only dropped one spot, but they could've easily gained a few spots if they had a game and won.
7. LSU (6-1): Ouch. 5 spots. It's tough to judge if Cal should be in this spot, but LSU's D and O seemed to fade as the game went into the final quarter and OT. Once again, I like teams that keep their game going all 4 quarters (And then some.) It's a tough call, but I believe this is where LSU deserves to be.
6. California (5-1): Should Cal be 7? Maybe, but they fell the same number of spots as LSU so it seems fair. No? Fine. Here's my reasoning. Oregon State is a number one contender buster. They did it to USC last year and now to Cal. Maybe the Beavers are built for upsetting the BCS computers (Hopefully they shorted and will never be repaired.) Either way, their 2nd string QB made an idiotic mistake and I don't think that should cost them more than what I already toke from them.
5. Oklahoma (6-1): Way to prove me wrong, Sooner Nation. You silenced the critics and are back in National Championship contention (Trust me, the way this college football season is going Michigan could play in the Championship game for all we know.) You restored my faith in your team. You beat Mizzou pretty convincingly. You earned this top 5. I am a Sooner believer again.
4. Oregon (5-1): The Ducks got it done. They did what they needed to... win BIG! They succeeded. Now their loss to Cal doesn't look like much and their win against Michigan is starting to look much better. The Ducks couldn't keep their wings on the ball for one play against Cal but against Washington State... well let's just say they had the ball often. Quack quack, go Ducks!
3. Ohio State (7-0): Happy Buckeyes? You made it. I still don't think you're the big powerhouse the media makes you out to be... but you win ball games and that's what counts.
Before I continue the count down to number one, I just want to point out how excruciatingly hard it is disiffering who exactly is the best team in the nation. Now that that business has been taken care of...
2. Boston College (7-0): This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make. Originally I had BC as number one, but I just couldn't. Their road win against the Fightin' Irish was convincing (Matt Ryan's performance was good and the Eagle D contained the ND offense well.) Boston College, I am sorry, but make way for the real number one...
1. South Florida (7-0): Goodness gracious. What is happening? This team... it's only 11 years old! How can they be this good? They put a terrible beating on UCF and their road win against Auburn is looking even better and West Virginia will always be their staple win (Even though I think the Auburn game is more important to their resume.) In the end, USF is amazing. They are true number ones.
By the end of this college football season, I predict Toledo will be in the top 10 and Michigan and Florida State will play each other for the National Championship. It's so unpredictable. But, just think... Boston College vs. South Florida... for the National Championship? I think I would flip out if that happened. That would be a nice game. :)
10. South Carolina (6-1): The Gamecocks came away with a win against their northern counterpart, but winning by 6 and giving up 12 points in the 4th isn't very convincing to me. The Gamecocks fall for now, but a good day against Vandy could move Carolina back up the ranks.
9. USC (5-1): The real SC took a hard hit in my rankings along with the fake SC. The two came out of this hectic Saturday with a "W," so why did the Trojans pass the Gamecocks? End of the game is the key. USC came back in the 4th to beat the Wildcats by 7. That proves a team has resiliency. That's what I look for in the rankings.
8. West Virginia (5-1): The Mountaineers didn't have a game. They only dropped one spot, but they could've easily gained a few spots if they had a game and won.
7. LSU (6-1): Ouch. 5 spots. It's tough to judge if Cal should be in this spot, but LSU's D and O seemed to fade as the game went into the final quarter and OT. Once again, I like teams that keep their game going all 4 quarters (And then some.) It's a tough call, but I believe this is where LSU deserves to be.
6. California (5-1): Should Cal be 7? Maybe, but they fell the same number of spots as LSU so it seems fair. No? Fine. Here's my reasoning. Oregon State is a number one contender buster. They did it to USC last year and now to Cal. Maybe the Beavers are built for upsetting the BCS computers (Hopefully they shorted and will never be repaired.) Either way, their 2nd string QB made an idiotic mistake and I don't think that should cost them more than what I already toke from them.
5. Oklahoma (6-1): Way to prove me wrong, Sooner Nation. You silenced the critics and are back in National Championship contention (Trust me, the way this college football season is going Michigan could play in the Championship game for all we know.) You restored my faith in your team. You beat Mizzou pretty convincingly. You earned this top 5. I am a Sooner believer again.
4. Oregon (5-1): The Ducks got it done. They did what they needed to... win BIG! They succeeded. Now their loss to Cal doesn't look like much and their win against Michigan is starting to look much better. The Ducks couldn't keep their wings on the ball for one play against Cal but against Washington State... well let's just say they had the ball often. Quack quack, go Ducks!
3. Ohio State (7-0): Happy Buckeyes? You made it. I still don't think you're the big powerhouse the media makes you out to be... but you win ball games and that's what counts.
Before I continue the count down to number one, I just want to point out how excruciatingly hard it is disiffering who exactly is the best team in the nation. Now that that business has been taken care of...
2. Boston College (7-0): This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make. Originally I had BC as number one, but I just couldn't. Their road win against the Fightin' Irish was convincing (Matt Ryan's performance was good and the Eagle D contained the ND offense well.) Boston College, I am sorry, but make way for the real number one...
1. South Florida (7-0): Goodness gracious. What is happening? This team... it's only 11 years old! How can they be this good? They put a terrible beating on UCF and their road win against Auburn is looking even better and West Virginia will always be their staple win (Even though I think the Auburn game is more important to their resume.) In the end, USF is amazing. They are true number ones.
By the end of this college football season, I predict Toledo will be in the top 10 and Michigan and Florida State will play each other for the National Championship. It's so unpredictable. But, just think... Boston College vs. South Florida... for the National Championship? I think I would flip out if that happened. That would be a nice game. :)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
College Pig Skin Pick-Em!
Lots of good games, some of my predictions would be good games but I chose them because they involve ranked teams. Here we go!
Kent State at #3 Ohio State: The Buckeyes is one of those “iffy” teams for me, but against Kent State one thing is certain… you will win.
Final Score: Kent State 10 – Ohio State 38
UCF at #5 South Florida: From what I am hearing this is a potential upset game, but I am not buying into that philosophy. The Bulls are really, really good.
Final Score: UCF 21 – USF 41
#12 Virginia Tech at Duke: Hey! Watch out! Duke is in the win column… but they still stink.
Final Score: VA Tech 55 – Duke 7
#18 Illinois at Iowa: If the Big 10 wants to return back into the respect of the nation (or maybe just mine) they need to have a definitive number one team emerge. Illinois is that team.
Final Score: Illinois 24 – Iowa 14
Purdue at Michigan: This is a big game for these two Big 10 schools. You lose and you also lose your shot at winning the Big 10. I think home field advantage is the key. The Wolverines have been on a roll lately and the Michigan fans are starting to believe.
Final Score: Purdue 10 – Michigan 21
#23 Texas at Iowa State: Finally Texas is put in their place. Their loss against Oklahoma has made them angry… but Yoda always warned that anger would cloud your judgment. Can Colt McCoy make the right decisions under center? It will be a tight one.
Final Score: Texas 28 – Iowa St. 21
#7 South Carolina at North Carolina: UNC is no longer just a basketball school. Their football program is now on a run and look pretty darn good. Still, Spurrier’s bunch has a good defense. In the end, it comes down to late NC drives stopped by a good secondary.
Final Score: USC 30 – UNC 21
Arizona at #10 USC: The Stanford loss shows USC has weakness, but Pete Carroll isn’t the best college football coach for nothing. He’ll have his boys ready to battle Zona. The Trojans will not be starting a home losing streak today.
Final Score: Arizona 3 – USC 35
Washington State at #9 Oregon: The Ducks key to victory: No turnovers! Their loss to Cal had 4 turnovers and their squeak over Stanford had 3. If Dennis Dixon and the boy keep the ball, their offense could score every drive.
Final Score: Wazzou 13 – Oregon 41
#4 Boston College at Notre Dame: The Irish better hope they live up the “Fighting” place in front of their name or else they stand no chance. The crowd may try and “wake up the echoes,” but echoes cannot make tackles or march into the end zone. Matt Ryan, this is your opportunity make your statement for Heisman candidacy.
Final Score: BC 44 – Notre Dame 14
#1 LSU at #17 Kentucky: The Wildcats had a week of rest while LSU is fresh off of their difficult battle with Florida. The Bayou Bengals are weak, but this game could be decided by a flip of a coin… and by that I mean who plays offense last in OT.
Final Score: LSU 38 – UK 35
Louisville at #15 Cincinnati: Poor Brian Brohm. He’s such an incredible passer and could easily be a Heisman front runner and his defense is better off never showing up for the game. I can’t see the Cardinal D stopping any offense.
Final Score: Louisville 41 – Cincy 48
Oregon State at #2 California: Cal (*cough* Who is number 1 *cough*) will tear apart the Beaver’s. Not really even close.
Final Score: OSU 14 – Cal 41
Washington at #14 Arizona State: The Sun Devils are one of the many Pac-10 teams that could end up in the Rose Bowl, but Washington is ready to get back on top of things. Jake Locker and Willingham will prevail.
Final Score: Washington 28 – ASU 21
My Game of the Week:
#11 Missouri at #6 Oklahoma: I doubted Oklahoma almost as much as I doubted Texas. Missouri, I don’t doubt have the potential to win, but the Sooners at home are hard to bet against. Close battle, but Mizzou will have their revenge in the Big 12 Championship game.
Final Score: Mizzou 24 – Oklahoma 30
Kent State at #3 Ohio State: The Buckeyes is one of those “iffy” teams for me, but against Kent State one thing is certain… you will win.
Final Score: Kent State 10 – Ohio State 38
UCF at #5 South Florida: From what I am hearing this is a potential upset game, but I am not buying into that philosophy. The Bulls are really, really good.
Final Score: UCF 21 – USF 41
#12 Virginia Tech at Duke: Hey! Watch out! Duke is in the win column… but they still stink.
Final Score: VA Tech 55 – Duke 7
#18 Illinois at Iowa: If the Big 10 wants to return back into the respect of the nation (or maybe just mine) they need to have a definitive number one team emerge. Illinois is that team.
Final Score: Illinois 24 – Iowa 14
Purdue at Michigan: This is a big game for these two Big 10 schools. You lose and you also lose your shot at winning the Big 10. I think home field advantage is the key. The Wolverines have been on a roll lately and the Michigan fans are starting to believe.
Final Score: Purdue 10 – Michigan 21
#23 Texas at Iowa State: Finally Texas is put in their place. Their loss against Oklahoma has made them angry… but Yoda always warned that anger would cloud your judgment. Can Colt McCoy make the right decisions under center? It will be a tight one.
Final Score: Texas 28 – Iowa St. 21
#7 South Carolina at North Carolina: UNC is no longer just a basketball school. Their football program is now on a run and look pretty darn good. Still, Spurrier’s bunch has a good defense. In the end, it comes down to late NC drives stopped by a good secondary.
Final Score: USC 30 – UNC 21
Arizona at #10 USC: The Stanford loss shows USC has weakness, but Pete Carroll isn’t the best college football coach for nothing. He’ll have his boys ready to battle Zona. The Trojans will not be starting a home losing streak today.
Final Score: Arizona 3 – USC 35
Washington State at #9 Oregon: The Ducks key to victory: No turnovers! Their loss to Cal had 4 turnovers and their squeak over Stanford had 3. If Dennis Dixon and the boy keep the ball, their offense could score every drive.
Final Score: Wazzou 13 – Oregon 41
#4 Boston College at Notre Dame: The Irish better hope they live up the “Fighting” place in front of their name or else they stand no chance. The crowd may try and “wake up the echoes,” but echoes cannot make tackles or march into the end zone. Matt Ryan, this is your opportunity make your statement for Heisman candidacy.
Final Score: BC 44 – Notre Dame 14
#1 LSU at #17 Kentucky: The Wildcats had a week of rest while LSU is fresh off of their difficult battle with Florida. The Bayou Bengals are weak, but this game could be decided by a flip of a coin… and by that I mean who plays offense last in OT.
Final Score: LSU 38 – UK 35
Louisville at #15 Cincinnati: Poor Brian Brohm. He’s such an incredible passer and could easily be a Heisman front runner and his defense is better off never showing up for the game. I can’t see the Cardinal D stopping any offense.
Final Score: Louisville 41 – Cincy 48
Oregon State at #2 California: Cal (*cough* Who is number 1 *cough*) will tear apart the Beaver’s. Not really even close.
Final Score: OSU 14 – Cal 41
Washington at #14 Arizona State: The Sun Devils are one of the many Pac-10 teams that could end up in the Rose Bowl, but Washington is ready to get back on top of things. Jake Locker and Willingham will prevail.
Final Score: Washington 28 – ASU 21
My Game of the Week:
#11 Missouri at #6 Oklahoma: I doubted Oklahoma almost as much as I doubted Texas. Missouri, I don’t doubt have the potential to win, but the Sooners at home are hard to bet against. Close battle, but Mizzou will have their revenge in the Big 12 Championship game.
Final Score: Mizzou 24 – Oklahoma 30
Who's Really Top 10 Calibur?
It’s October and the college football has reached the middle of its season. Quite frankly, this season is exceptionally zany. Upsets a plenty have plagued many a team and stars have immerged as potential Heisman winners. As an avid watcher of college football I have my own, sometimes very strong, opinions about everything. I have an especially strong opinion on who really are the top 10 teams in the country. Let’s just get things started with number 10…
10. Hawaii (7-0): “Wow!” That’s what you’re thinking right? What you should be thinking is, “Yeah, he’s right.” The Warriors are the Boise State of the season. They’ve put a stomping on a majority of their opponents (UNLV and Idaho, to name a few) and have shown they can battle back when the odds are against them (Their 4th quarter charge against San Jose State… on the road!) And with Colt Brennan taking the snaps (2395 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 7 games) those wins are going to keep piling up. Not to mention their defense is allowing an average of 24 points per game and their offense is scoring an average of 52 points per game. Honestly, a majority of the top 25 would not be able to Hawaii. They just wouldn’t.
9. Oregon (4-1): I can hear the screams now. “BIASED!” You may be right, but check out the schedule. The Duck’s wins have come with a margin of at least 20 points and their only loss came to a Pac-10 powerhouse known as Cal (Where will they end up? Hmmm…) Dennis Dixon and the spread offense is a lethal weapon and their defense is surprising this year as well (Even if they did allow 31 points against Stanford, who are being sold short in the Pac-10.) No matter who carries the ball (Jonathan Stewart of Dixon) or catches the passes (Jaison Williams, Cameron Colvin, or Brian Paysinger) the Ducks will score and, in college football, that’s what wins games.
8. Oklahoma (5-1): At the beginning of the season, the Sooners were early favorites for National Championship contention. Now, in the middle of the season, the Sooners aren’t looking so impressive. They gave up a game against the Buffaloes and struggled against an extremely overrated Longhorn team. The Sooners have faltered and that has affected their ranking in my world. Still, the Sooners have a good offense and defense behind them and are capable of finishing the season off strong and possibly winning the Big 12 Championship (If Mizzou doesn’t totally spoil their hopes.) Maybe Adrian Peterson is missed more than we originally thought.
7. West Virginia (5-1): To keep up with the tread I seem to be setting, the high octane rushing offense of the Mountaineers bowl over the three teams behind them. Pat White and Steve Slaton can pound the run down your throat (As East Carolina found out when West Virginia ran an impressive 397 rushing yards on them.) But their rushing attack can be contained (As South Florida showed us by containing them to 188 yards on the rush.) Still, White is a potent QB and can make the throws (71.6% on his completions and 1 interception versus 7 TD passes.) Once again, offense prevails in the college football world and the Mountaineers certainly have a good one.
6. USC (4-1): I don’t know what’s more surprising… USC not being in the top 2 or the Trojans suddenly dropping off the face of the planet in the eyes of the media after their loss to Stanford. Certainly, SC should have won that game, but if you follow the Vegas lines for games then you probably shouldn’t even claim to be a sports fan. Yes, the game was at home, but the Pac-10 has become quite a competitive conference and every team is starting to shine. Still, the Trojans have Pete Carroll calling the plays and he’s the best play caller in college football. (Sorry, Jim Tressel.) USC will get back on their high horse and ride victorious once again.
5. South Carolina (5-1): Stop the presses! A team has broken the top 10 who doesn’t have a reputation for a powerhouse offense. That’s right. The South Carolina Gamecocks is the first team in my top 10 to be recognized for defensive achievements. The better of the two USC’s (I can’t believe I am saying this!) has an impressive pass defense and they are lead by some new coach that I’ve never heard of… Steve Spurrier or something like that. He’s pretty impressive. He may end up in the record books some day. A good defensive and impressive coaching cause the Gamecocks to be the first to break the top 5.
4. South Florida (5-0): The Bulls from the Big East are the surprise this season. Their 2006-2007 team went 9-4. This year they are destined to finish better than that and I believe win the Big East Championship. The Bulls had an impressive game against fellow Big East juggernaut West Virginia (As I already pointed out) with their defense being the star. However, their biggest win seems to be over looked. Has everyone forgotten SF going into Auburn and taking down the Tigers? I haven’t. The South Florida Bulls deserve their position inside the top 5.
3. Boston College (6-0): The Eagles have emerged once again as an ACC threat and have done so in a big way. Their opening 3 games were against ACC opponents, 2 of which being against Wake Forest (Coming off a great season in the ACC) and Georgia Tech (Who at the time was ranked 15th in the nation.) The Eagles are winning and winning convincingly. Matt Ryan is a potential Heisman front runner and if his team finishes the season out strong (Which they will) then we may be hearing his name being called out in New York.
2. LSU (6-0): Take that all of you SEC fans! The Bayou Bengals are not my number 1 and with good reason. Their prior game against Florida was a close call and I am beginning to think their team is slowing losing their resilience they were believed to once have. Still, LSU is an incredible team and deserves a shot at the title (Right now!) To stay up there they need to get by Kentucky first.
1. California (5-0): The Golden Bears aren’t just the best Pac-10 team anymore; they are now the best team in the nation. Cal is a stout team (Wins over UT and Oregon key wins.) Their offense is putting up impressive numbers (1137 passing yards and over 585 rushing yards) and the Bears are looking like they are only going to improve. Look out! The Golden Bears are clawing for a national title.
There you have it, my top 10. Controversial? No doubt. I don’t have Ohio State in the top 10 (I cannot respect the Big 10 right now, I just cannot) and Hawaii is number 10. It’s crazy, but it’s what I honestly believe. You can disagree if you want; in fact it’s encouraged that you raise doubt and argue with me. Still, keep your anger in check and stay tuned. I have more college football action to unleash… including game predictions that will rival my brother’s. Bwa haha!
10. Hawaii (7-0): “Wow!” That’s what you’re thinking right? What you should be thinking is, “Yeah, he’s right.” The Warriors are the Boise State of the season. They’ve put a stomping on a majority of their opponents (UNLV and Idaho, to name a few) and have shown they can battle back when the odds are against them (Their 4th quarter charge against San Jose State… on the road!) And with Colt Brennan taking the snaps (2395 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 7 games) those wins are going to keep piling up. Not to mention their defense is allowing an average of 24 points per game and their offense is scoring an average of 52 points per game. Honestly, a majority of the top 25 would not be able to Hawaii. They just wouldn’t.
9. Oregon (4-1): I can hear the screams now. “BIASED!” You may be right, but check out the schedule. The Duck’s wins have come with a margin of at least 20 points and their only loss came to a Pac-10 powerhouse known as Cal (Where will they end up? Hmmm…) Dennis Dixon and the spread offense is a lethal weapon and their defense is surprising this year as well (Even if they did allow 31 points against Stanford, who are being sold short in the Pac-10.) No matter who carries the ball (Jonathan Stewart of Dixon) or catches the passes (Jaison Williams, Cameron Colvin, or Brian Paysinger) the Ducks will score and, in college football, that’s what wins games.
8. Oklahoma (5-1): At the beginning of the season, the Sooners were early favorites for National Championship contention. Now, in the middle of the season, the Sooners aren’t looking so impressive. They gave up a game against the Buffaloes and struggled against an extremely overrated Longhorn team. The Sooners have faltered and that has affected their ranking in my world. Still, the Sooners have a good offense and defense behind them and are capable of finishing the season off strong and possibly winning the Big 12 Championship (If Mizzou doesn’t totally spoil their hopes.) Maybe Adrian Peterson is missed more than we originally thought.
7. West Virginia (5-1): To keep up with the tread I seem to be setting, the high octane rushing offense of the Mountaineers bowl over the three teams behind them. Pat White and Steve Slaton can pound the run down your throat (As East Carolina found out when West Virginia ran an impressive 397 rushing yards on them.) But their rushing attack can be contained (As South Florida showed us by containing them to 188 yards on the rush.) Still, White is a potent QB and can make the throws (71.6% on his completions and 1 interception versus 7 TD passes.) Once again, offense prevails in the college football world and the Mountaineers certainly have a good one.
6. USC (4-1): I don’t know what’s more surprising… USC not being in the top 2 or the Trojans suddenly dropping off the face of the planet in the eyes of the media after their loss to Stanford. Certainly, SC should have won that game, but if you follow the Vegas lines for games then you probably shouldn’t even claim to be a sports fan. Yes, the game was at home, but the Pac-10 has become quite a competitive conference and every team is starting to shine. Still, the Trojans have Pete Carroll calling the plays and he’s the best play caller in college football. (Sorry, Jim Tressel.) USC will get back on their high horse and ride victorious once again.
5. South Carolina (5-1): Stop the presses! A team has broken the top 10 who doesn’t have a reputation for a powerhouse offense. That’s right. The South Carolina Gamecocks is the first team in my top 10 to be recognized for defensive achievements. The better of the two USC’s (I can’t believe I am saying this!) has an impressive pass defense and they are lead by some new coach that I’ve never heard of… Steve Spurrier or something like that. He’s pretty impressive. He may end up in the record books some day. A good defensive and impressive coaching cause the Gamecocks to be the first to break the top 5.
4. South Florida (5-0): The Bulls from the Big East are the surprise this season. Their 2006-2007 team went 9-4. This year they are destined to finish better than that and I believe win the Big East Championship. The Bulls had an impressive game against fellow Big East juggernaut West Virginia (As I already pointed out) with their defense being the star. However, their biggest win seems to be over looked. Has everyone forgotten SF going into Auburn and taking down the Tigers? I haven’t. The South Florida Bulls deserve their position inside the top 5.
3. Boston College (6-0): The Eagles have emerged once again as an ACC threat and have done so in a big way. Their opening 3 games were against ACC opponents, 2 of which being against Wake Forest (Coming off a great season in the ACC) and Georgia Tech (Who at the time was ranked 15th in the nation.) The Eagles are winning and winning convincingly. Matt Ryan is a potential Heisman front runner and if his team finishes the season out strong (Which they will) then we may be hearing his name being called out in New York.
2. LSU (6-0): Take that all of you SEC fans! The Bayou Bengals are not my number 1 and with good reason. Their prior game against Florida was a close call and I am beginning to think their team is slowing losing their resilience they were believed to once have. Still, LSU is an incredible team and deserves a shot at the title (Right now!) To stay up there they need to get by Kentucky first.
1. California (5-0): The Golden Bears aren’t just the best Pac-10 team anymore; they are now the best team in the nation. Cal is a stout team (Wins over UT and Oregon key wins.) Their offense is putting up impressive numbers (1137 passing yards and over 585 rushing yards) and the Bears are looking like they are only going to improve. Look out! The Golden Bears are clawing for a national title.
There you have it, my top 10. Controversial? No doubt. I don’t have Ohio State in the top 10 (I cannot respect the Big 10 right now, I just cannot) and Hawaii is number 10. It’s crazy, but it’s what I honestly believe. You can disagree if you want; in fact it’s encouraged that you raise doubt and argue with me. Still, keep your anger in check and stay tuned. I have more college football action to unleash… including game predictions that will rival my brother’s. Bwa haha!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
