One win away from being bowl eligible, I'm feeling pretty confident about my post-season chances. Pretty much the opposite of how all of South Bend is feeling.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
I had to really think hard about this one, but I'm going to give the award to everyone at Notre Dame. Aside from losing to the Orange last week, reports came out that Charlie Weis' buyout would be $4 - $5 million dollars, and the Irish are 32 point underdogs (see below) against rival USC. To top things off, former WR Jeff Samardzija said about Weis, "He's a great coach. He's got a track record for it. If there's somebody out there with a better record, who's a better fit, I'd like to hear who it is." Well you're right, Jeff - Charlie is a great fit. Mainly because he's the only guy there who wears size 56 khakis and there must be a ton of them in the AD's office. On to the picks.
USC -32 Notre Dame
I don't care how badly the Irish played against Syracuse last week, a 32 point spread is too big for even me to take. I'll go with the Irish taking the points.
BUFFALO -9 Kent State
With MAC "Powerhouse" Ball State quietly finishing up their 12-0 schedule this week (after playing zero games on Fridays or Saturdays since before Halloween), they will face Buffalo in the MAC Championship for the right to go on to the Ted Nugent Motor City Bowl. Argue all you want that they deserve a shot at the NCAA Championship, but with three other undefeated teams (as of this writing), all of which have played far tougher schedules than Ball State, I think the Cardinals are well suited for the "Winner of the MAC Bowl."
Now, for the Bulls-Golden Flashes match up, I really like this Buffalo team. I wasn't so high on them after they started 2-4, but after rattling off 5 straight wins (including two-straight in OT), I think they have an outside shot to beat Ball State. Bulls QB (Randolph, NJ's own Drew Willy) has turned the team around, and I don't think that the defense of Kent State (ranked 101st in points allowed) will match up well with Buffalo, who have scored 25+ points in all but two of their games this season. HOWEVER, Buffalo has already sealed up their spot in the MAC championship, and a 9 point spread seems kind of steep for a team that will look to rest a lot of starters in a game played where it is currently snowing. I'll take Kent State with the points here.
MIZZOU -15.5 Kansas
Neither team has anything to play for (except Kansas having a winning season), but I don't think the Tigers will step off the gas with the Big XII Championship game coming up in a week. Then they have to spend the whole week prepping for Texas/Oklahoma/Texas Tech. They'd better start reading up on them all now. I like Mizzou to cover.
FAU -4.5 FIU
If Florida Atlantic University wins, they become bowl eligible. I'm not sure, but I think they get an automatic invite to the Boca Raton Bowl against the winner of the Del Vista Vikings and the Fighting Prunes of Century Village. I'll take the Owls of FAU to cover.
BC -6.5 Maryland
I had dessert with my cousin who went to Maryland last night. She told me that the football team sucks. It made me think though (as I had my second piece of pie and remembered I hadn't written this post yet). If I couldn't focus on writing an easy blog during Thanksgiving, how can Ralph Friedgen focus on his game against BC? That guy loves pie. I'm taking the Eagles to cover.
Until next week . . .
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Week 13 Results
After a solid week, I'm one win away from bowl eligibility. As long as I don't pull a Notre Dame, things looks good. Seriously, Irish? After nearly losing to Navy in the last 90 second of your game, and then losing to Syracuse (who all but switched to "basketball season is here!" mode) you're a loss to USC away from going .500 and 0-4 against AP Top 25 teams this season. AND, your own fans are throwing snowballs at you. Thanks for the quote, Associated Press. You couldn't have found a better player to interview. I'm sure he's glad the Irish don't have names on the backs of their uniforms. Also, who knew so many Philly fans went to Notre Dame?
Week 13: 3-2
Season: 36-28-1
Week 13: 3-2
Season: 36-28-1
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Week 13 - A little bit of luck
Big week for college football - OU-Texas Tech, Utah-BYU, and the always intense Florida-Citadel!! Some of these teams are very evenly matched and I could have a hard time picking the winners without a little bit of luck. Granted with people losing their savings, and a report by the government that a huge earthquake could devastate middle America, I figure a 2-3 week isn't such a horrible thing, right? Now a 1-4 week on the other hand . .
On other thought - I know that their SEC schedule is done, but #4 Florida scheduled Citadel for a late season match up? I know its a good game for their stats and helps out the bowl picture, but that's just mean. Although, as Michael Scott says, "Sometimes the ends justifies the mean."
On other thought - I know that their SEC schedule is done, but #4 Florida scheduled Citadel for a late season match up? I know its a good game for their stats and helps out the bowl picture, but that's just mean. Although, as Michael Scott says, "Sometimes the ends justifies the mean."
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who said about his fans, "It's amazing some of the things that people would say [on a message board] or yell at you of a personal nature. You almost want to tell them, 'Get a life.'" Yeah, seriously. Who are these people that spend multiple hours on college football message boards? They need to get a life! On to my picks.
Unlv -12 San Diego State
This game will be the last of the season for the Aztecs, and could very well be the same for a good number of their coaching staff. UNLV (5-6) on the other hand is on the verge of being bowl eligible after going 2-10 last year. Let's not over think this game. SDSU ranks 112th or worse in both offense and defense. UNLV is paying for a postseason spot. I'm going to take the Rebels to cover.
NOTE: When Gary Busey calls shotgun, LET HIM HAVE IT!! When you make Sean Stewart and Jeff Conway look sane, and Rodney King is mediating your disputes, you are not playing with a full deck. Gary's love for Jeff lives, "5,000 miles past Heaven." Right.
Oklahoma -6.5 Texas Tech
Let's get this one out of the way. I don't want to sound cocky, and I've realized that the Sooners have a real advantage going into this game. Star of my fantasy college football team, Sam Bradford! Bradford, who leads the top scoring offense in the nation, will be playing at home in arguably the biggest game of his young career, and he'll be doing it in front of a very friendly home crowd (where the Red Raiders haven't fared that well in the past). However, on the opposite side of the ball, is the top QB-WR tandem in the nation in Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree who have connected for 18 TDs this season, and head up the #1 passing offensive in the NCAA. Unfortunately, neither team defends the pass especially well, with Texas Tech ranked 99th and OU ranked 94th. I'll go out on a limb and take the over in this game, even if its 75.5. As for the line, I like Oklahoma to win this one, making a total mess of the Big XII South with one week to play. I'll take the Sooners with the points.
NOTE: I just saw the new Guitar Hero commercial featuring Kobe, A-Rod, Tony Hawk and Michael Phelps. Oh please - like those four guys hang out in their boxers and lip-sync to Old Time Rock & Roll together. Clearly that would never happen; A-Rod wears Madonna's panties.
Washington -7 Washington State
Really, someone has to win this game? This is like the anti-OU/TX Tech. If these two teams put up a negative score, it wouldn't surprise me. Granted with Washington ranked 117th in scoring defense, and Washington State ranked 119th, it could be a real shootout. Granted both teams rank at the bottom in scoring offense, so that makes it a bit of a moot point. Rumor has it, to boost their offense, the Huskies are heavily recruiting Cody Paul. Looks like he could help. Maybe this is the week that the Washington steps up and defends the honor of Ty Willingham.
Nah. I'll take the Cougars and their Tardy RB with the points.
Vandy -3 Tennessee
Yikes. The Vols are a 3 point underdog to a team without an athletic department. Better skip that one. I don't think Bruce Pearl would come out for games at this point.
CINCY -5 Pitt
The Big East title will likely come down to this game. I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but barring a miracle, one of these two teams will likely play North Carolina in the least exciting Orange Bowl ever. Meanwhile #14 BYU will play in the Armed Forces Bowl against Rice or Houston.
I'm sorry, but when the two "dominant" teams in the Big East are outscoring opponents by under a touchdown per game, we need to rethink some of these automatic bowl bids (and yes, I know that Big East teams went 4-2 in bowl games last season).
My key takeaway from this game - field goals. I think the game will be close, and could possibly go into sudden death overtime (wouldn't that be exciting!!) Here's where it gets interesting. The Bearcats rank 103rd in defending against field goals. Pitt ranks 10th in field goals this season, connecting on 88.9% of them. Is this a relatively meaningless stat? YES!! But you try finding a unique angle about this game. I'm taking The Panthers with the points.
UTAH -6 Byu
Utah is still undefeated, and goes into this game looking to win the MWC title outright. BYU, and Utah have managed to end up just about where they were ranked in the pre-season coaches polls, which makes you wonder if any of the coaches have watched either of these teams play. I'd say its doubtful, since they play most of their games on the same days as the coaches do, and most of the Utah/BYU games aren't televised nationally (thanks Notre Dame & NBC! - although last week's near comeback victory by Navy where the Irish allowed Navy to recover two onside kicks in under a minute reminded me of how fun a real-life Madden game can be.) This game will air on "The Mtn." which is the TV network of the MWC. Fantastic programming here - I think the BYU-Utah game is preceded by "A Day in the Life - UNLV Cheerleaders." You can click it - its safe for work.
Bottom line - I don't see how BYU can stop Brian Johnson, and I salute him for it. And yes, I've been waiting all season for that. I'll take the Utes to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Yikes. The Vols are a 3 point underdog to a team without an athletic department. Better skip that one. I don't think Bruce Pearl would come out for games at this point.
CINCY -5 Pitt
The Big East title will likely come down to this game. I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but barring a miracle, one of these two teams will likely play North Carolina in the least exciting Orange Bowl ever. Meanwhile #14 BYU will play in the Armed Forces Bowl against Rice or Houston.
I'm sorry, but when the two "dominant" teams in the Big East are outscoring opponents by under a touchdown per game, we need to rethink some of these automatic bowl bids (and yes, I know that Big East teams went 4-2 in bowl games last season).
My key takeaway from this game - field goals. I think the game will be close, and could possibly go into sudden death overtime (wouldn't that be exciting!!) Here's where it gets interesting. The Bearcats rank 103rd in defending against field goals. Pitt ranks 10th in field goals this season, connecting on 88.9% of them. Is this a relatively meaningless stat? YES!! But you try finding a unique angle about this game. I'm taking The Panthers with the points.
UTAH -6 Byu
Utah is still undefeated, and goes into this game looking to win the MWC title outright. BYU, and Utah have managed to end up just about where they were ranked in the pre-season coaches polls, which makes you wonder if any of the coaches have watched either of these teams play. I'd say its doubtful, since they play most of their games on the same days as the coaches do, and most of the Utah/BYU games aren't televised nationally (thanks Notre Dame & NBC! - although last week's near comeback victory by Navy where the Irish allowed Navy to recover two onside kicks in under a minute reminded me of how fun a real-life Madden game can be.) This game will air on "The Mtn." which is the TV network of the MWC. Fantastic programming here - I think the BYU-Utah game is preceded by "A Day in the Life - UNLV Cheerleaders." You can click it - its safe for work.
Bottom line - I don't see how BYU can stop Brian Johnson, and I salute him for it. And yes, I've been waiting all season for that. I'll take the Utes to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Week 12 Results
Week 12: 3-2
Season: 33-26-1
With three weeks left, I'd have to do worse than 4-11 to finish below .500 for the season. Not bad for someone who struggled to stay above water for the entire 2007 campaign.
Season: 33-26-1
With three weeks left, I'd have to do worse than 4-11 to finish below .500 for the season. Not bad for someone who struggled to stay above water for the entire 2007 campaign.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week 12 - Where the Pats by 3.5 is as crazy as Gary Busey
I LOVE Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Steven Adler might just be my new favorite TV character. The Busey-Adler dynamic is almost as entertaining as Haim-Feldman. Or at the very least, Barnum & Bailey.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Not wanting to disappoint, a group of Florida State football players were involved in a brawl with a fraternity this week. In the Student Union. At lunch.
Allegedly, the brawl involved a number of Seminole players coming to the aid of WR Taiwan Easterling. Reports out of FSU name African American fraternity chapter Phi Beta Sigma as being involved (let's not get into the fact that the race of the fraternity was part of the news report), which is surprising, because usually Taiwan is at odds with China . . . Right.
If Easterling is suspended this week, it would mark the 6th time this season that one or more wide receivers have missed a game because of a suspension. Well done, FSU - way to keep up that stellar reputation.
On to the picks
UPDATE: I just saw Kenickie's crack. Thanks, VH1. I wasn't sure if I could dislike Grease any more than I already did.
USC -23 Stanford
If this guy is rooting for the Spartans, I say pick em! I'll take USC giving the points.
Ucla -7 Washington
Ty Willingham expressed his frustration this week with the progress of the nation's universities in hiring minority football coaches. Not to get on a soapbox here, because I am all for equal opportunities, but Ty - you weren't fired because you're black. You were fired because you're winless. "Obviously, we've got to remake the system," Willingham said. "It's not working." No, Ty - what's not working is your offensive scheme. A -26.7 scoring margin is no way to go through life. Neither of these teams can run the ball well, and neither does a particularly good job at scoring either. However, Washington just cannot win. Maybe they'll finally break into the win collumn next week against Washington State, but UCLA isn't going to lose against this awful team, unless they run the annexation of Puerto Rico. I'll take the Bruins to cover.
Michigan -4 Northwestern
After winning five straight to start the season, Northwestern has gone 2-3 and looks worse than they really are after getting schooled by Ohio State last week, 45-10. Michigan is just plain bad. QB Steven Threet has the second lowest pass completion rate (50.8%) and the fewest yards per pass attempt in the Big Ten (5.6), Michigan's rushing game is averaging the lowest yards per game (314), and the Wolverines have the fewest number of first downs per game in the conference (16). I'm sure Rich Rodriguez is still wishing he was here rather than here. The good news? Big Blue gets a fresh start with their 2-0 basketball team. The bad news, this is a football game, and Michigan isn't covering the spread. I'll take Northwestern with the points.
Texas -12.5 Kansas
FACT: The Jayhawks have allowed 21+ points in 60% of their games this season.
FACT: Texas has lost only 10 games since 2001 when they score 20 or more points.
FACT: Though Texas QB Colt McCoy may no longer be the Heisman front runner, he still leads the country in completion percentage (78.0%).
FACT: Kansas is allowing 276.3 yards passing per game, fourth-worst in the nation.
FACT: Once Texas beats Kansas, and Oklahoma ruins Texas Tech's perfect season next week, there will be three teams with 6-1 records in the Big XII South, with Baylor (3-7), Texas A&M (4-6), and Oklahoma State (36 point loser to Texas Tech) all getting a chance to play spoiler.
This shouldn't be too tough to figure out; I like the Longhorns to cover.
UPDATE: George Washington Basketball Starts Today. If this team is anything like last year's squad - the tears will rain down like a monsoon.
Byu -5.5 Air Force
TRAP GAME ALERT
There are four 8-win teams in the Mountain West Conference, which is more than the SEC, the Big Ten, and the Big East. Two of those MWC teams are playing each other this week, and one of them, sadly, is going to the Las Vegas Bowl (Sponsored by Nick Papageorgio - no corrective lenses required!). NOTE: Is that chicken or beef on the end?
Somehow, a team with an above .750 win percentage is going to end up having to watch Kentucky (2-4 in SEC play) play in a better post-season bowl game. But enough about the glory of the BCS conferences. I think BYU might look past this game to their matchup with Utah next week. Maybe not enough to lose, but enough to give the Falcons a chance at keeping it close. I'll take Air Force with the points.
Until next week . . .
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Not wanting to disappoint, a group of Florida State football players were involved in a brawl with a fraternity this week. In the Student Union. At lunch.
Allegedly, the brawl involved a number of Seminole players coming to the aid of WR Taiwan Easterling. Reports out of FSU name African American fraternity chapter Phi Beta Sigma as being involved (let's not get into the fact that the race of the fraternity was part of the news report), which is surprising, because usually Taiwan is at odds with China . . . Right.
If Easterling is suspended this week, it would mark the 6th time this season that one or more wide receivers have missed a game because of a suspension. Well done, FSU - way to keep up that stellar reputation.
On to the picks
UPDATE: I just saw Kenickie's crack. Thanks, VH1. I wasn't sure if I could dislike Grease any more than I already did.
USC -23 Stanford
If this guy is rooting for the Spartans, I say pick em! I'll take USC giving the points.
Ucla -7 Washington
Ty Willingham expressed his frustration this week with the progress of the nation's universities in hiring minority football coaches. Not to get on a soapbox here, because I am all for equal opportunities, but Ty - you weren't fired because you're black. You were fired because you're winless. "Obviously, we've got to remake the system," Willingham said. "It's not working." No, Ty - what's not working is your offensive scheme. A -26.7 scoring margin is no way to go through life. Neither of these teams can run the ball well, and neither does a particularly good job at scoring either. However, Washington just cannot win. Maybe they'll finally break into the win collumn next week against Washington State, but UCLA isn't going to lose against this awful team, unless they run the annexation of Puerto Rico. I'll take the Bruins to cover.
Michigan -4 Northwestern
After winning five straight to start the season, Northwestern has gone 2-3 and looks worse than they really are after getting schooled by Ohio State last week, 45-10. Michigan is just plain bad. QB Steven Threet has the second lowest pass completion rate (50.8%) and the fewest yards per pass attempt in the Big Ten (5.6), Michigan's rushing game is averaging the lowest yards per game (314), and the Wolverines have the fewest number of first downs per game in the conference (16). I'm sure Rich Rodriguez is still wishing he was here rather than here. The good news? Big Blue gets a fresh start with their 2-0 basketball team. The bad news, this is a football game, and Michigan isn't covering the spread. I'll take Northwestern with the points.
Texas -12.5 Kansas
FACT: The Jayhawks have allowed 21+ points in 60% of their games this season.
FACT: Texas has lost only 10 games since 2001 when they score 20 or more points.
FACT: Though Texas QB Colt McCoy may no longer be the Heisman front runner, he still leads the country in completion percentage (78.0%).
FACT: Kansas is allowing 276.3 yards passing per game, fourth-worst in the nation.
FACT: Once Texas beats Kansas, and Oklahoma ruins Texas Tech's perfect season next week, there will be three teams with 6-1 records in the Big XII South, with Baylor (3-7), Texas A&M (4-6), and Oklahoma State (36 point loser to Texas Tech) all getting a chance to play spoiler.
This shouldn't be too tough to figure out; I like the Longhorns to cover.
UPDATE: George Washington Basketball Starts Today. If this team is anything like last year's squad - the tears will rain down like a monsoon.
Byu -5.5 Air Force
TRAP GAME ALERT
There are four 8-win teams in the Mountain West Conference, which is more than the SEC, the Big Ten, and the Big East. Two of those MWC teams are playing each other this week, and one of them, sadly, is going to the Las Vegas Bowl (Sponsored by Nick Papageorgio - no corrective lenses required!). NOTE: Is that chicken or beef on the end?
Somehow, a team with an above .750 win percentage is going to end up having to watch Kentucky (2-4 in SEC play) play in a better post-season bowl game. But enough about the glory of the BCS conferences. I think BYU might look past this game to their matchup with Utah next week. Maybe not enough to lose, but enough to give the Falcons a chance at keeping it close. I'll take Air Force with the points.
Until next week . . .
Week 11 Results
Week 11: 4-1
Season: 30-24-1
I was an interception in the end zone away from a 5-0 week. Oh well, 4-1 isn't anything to sneeze at.
Season: 30-24-1
I was an interception in the end zone away from a 5-0 week. Oh well, 4-1 isn't anything to sneeze at.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Week 11 - HOPE
This week we proved that Hope isn't just a place in Arkansas. Its also what I need to keep me over .500. Oh, and we elected a new president who is big on hope too. Its what his hometown Northwestern Wildcats will need a lot of against Ohio State this week.
Bonehead of the Week:
The Marshall employee who left the cart in the back of the end zone. I'll let you take a look for yourself.
"Total focus . . . Ohhh!!" And thanks, ESPN for all of the camera angles.
On to the picks . . .
RUTGERS -15 Syracuse (the Babaian-Blumenstock Classic)
Rutgers, coming off the bye week, has won their last two games in impressive fashion, beating two of the top teams in the (insert synonym for overrated here) Big East. The Scarlet Knights look like they finally have rounded the corner, hit their stride, and a load of other "we're finally doing well" cliches. Syracuse on the other hand . . . well talking about how bad they has become a cliche itself. What nice things can I say about this Orange team? They've matched their Big East win total from last season, and are guaranteed at least the same number of wins as they had in 2007 as well - two big positives! What else? . . . their mascot can beat Penn State. Now the reality: Syracuse is winless on the road this season, and they play their home games in a dome. Forecast for Piscataway, NJ on Saturday? Rain. Really, what else would you expect from NJ? The biggest question I'm left with is whether or not Rutgers can win this game by 15. I'll probably kick myself for this one on Sunday, but I like the Scarlet Knights to cover.
BC -3 Notre Dame (the Holy War or the "We'll Both be Happy to be Bowl Eligible at the End of the Season" Classic)
The likelihood that both of these teams will not head to a bowl game is slim. However, reports that Jimmy Clausen is less than 100% heading into Chestnut Hill this week, and the fact that the Eagles could potentially lose out the season has many fans of Jesuit football teams worried. On top of that, Charlie Weis had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed he has a torn anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments, his lateral meniscus and the posterior capsule, which Weis admitted, "I don't even know what it is." Do you hear that, JoePa? Charlie barely has a knee left to stand on, but he doesn't coach from the press box.
Sorry - I got sidetracked.
This game will come down to offensive efficiency. BC's run attack is their strong point, ND's is their passing game. Though the Irish mixed their passing game well with some success on the ground, they have yet to show that they can do without the arm of Jimmy Clausen and still win. The Eagles know that in order to play in something better than the Eagle Bank Bowl, they're going to have to win this game and then steal another of their next three. For the Irish, I just don't see a big road win here. I'll take BC to cover and win their 6th straight against the Irish.
ECU -8 Marshall
Talk about two teams that started off the season in opposite places and managed to meet in the middle. Kind of like these guys. Yeah, that's it! ECU and Marshall are cousins. The Pirates are the cocky guy that starts out strong and then lost 3 straight to bring him back to earth. And The Herd is the funny guy that is all over the place but manages to end up just fine. Except that Marshall is in West Virginia and they marry their cousins there. Well, one of these teams is going to lose, and the other is going to celebrate as the top in the CoUSinA East. I like Marshall with the points.
Fresno State -2 Nevada
Fresno State lost to Louisiana Tech last week because they could not for the life of them stop the run. In fact, the Bulldogs have allowed 200+ yards rushing in 5 of their last 6 games. This is bad news since Nevada just happens to be averaging 300+ yards per game, making them the 4th best in the nation. This could go bad quickly. Couple that with the fact that Fresno State has one home win this season, and I shudder to think how far the Bulldogs have fallen since beating Rutgers. I like the Wolfpack getting the points.
Alabama -3 LSU
So you may have heard about this one. Evidently Alabama coach Nick Saban used to coach at LSU, and this week he's heading back there for the first time since he left. Wait, he won a National Championship with them too? Gee, that must be awkward. No wonder LSU fans hate Saban so much, I mean, what else did he do besides turn them into a contender in the tough SEC, rebuild their athletic facilities, restock their team through great recruiting, put up a 48-12 record, and win 2 SEC championships and a national title? Talk about doing nothing in five seasons for the Purple and Gold.
How worked up are Tiger fans? Let me share some comments from the "Tiger Droppings" message board:
Oh-wee-oh You suck Nick!
and
I will give $100 to anybody who throws a brick at Saban. Has to hit him in the head though.
followed by
If he can hit him without it being picked off, I'll throw in towards getting him a scholarship
I don't know how Alabama can go into a highly hostile Baton Rouge and win, but I have difficulty seeing LSU as the team that ruins Saban's record. Oh what the heck, who doesn't like storybook endings? I'm taking the Tigers with the points. Another #1 falls. Hooray BCS!!
Until next week . . .
Bonehead of the Week:
The Marshall employee who left the cart in the back of the end zone. I'll let you take a look for yourself.
"Total focus . . . Ohhh!!" And thanks, ESPN for all of the camera angles.
On to the picks . . .
RUTGERS -15 Syracuse (the Babaian-Blumenstock Classic)
Rutgers, coming off the bye week, has won their last two games in impressive fashion, beating two of the top teams in the (insert synonym for overrated here) Big East. The Scarlet Knights look like they finally have rounded the corner, hit their stride, and a load of other "we're finally doing well" cliches. Syracuse on the other hand . . . well talking about how bad they has become a cliche itself. What nice things can I say about this Orange team? They've matched their Big East win total from last season, and are guaranteed at least the same number of wins as they had in 2007 as well - two big positives! What else? . . . their mascot can beat Penn State. Now the reality: Syracuse is winless on the road this season, and they play their home games in a dome. Forecast for Piscataway, NJ on Saturday? Rain. Really, what else would you expect from NJ? The biggest question I'm left with is whether or not Rutgers can win this game by 15. I'll probably kick myself for this one on Sunday, but I like the Scarlet Knights to cover.
BC -3 Notre Dame (the Holy War or the "We'll Both be Happy to be Bowl Eligible at the End of the Season" Classic)
The likelihood that both of these teams will not head to a bowl game is slim. However, reports that Jimmy Clausen is less than 100% heading into Chestnut Hill this week, and the fact that the Eagles could potentially lose out the season has many fans of Jesuit football teams worried. On top of that, Charlie Weis had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed he has a torn anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments, his lateral meniscus and the posterior capsule, which Weis admitted, "I don't even know what it is." Do you hear that, JoePa? Charlie barely has a knee left to stand on, but he doesn't coach from the press box.
Sorry - I got sidetracked.
This game will come down to offensive efficiency. BC's run attack is their strong point, ND's is their passing game. Though the Irish mixed their passing game well with some success on the ground, they have yet to show that they can do without the arm of Jimmy Clausen and still win. The Eagles know that in order to play in something better than the Eagle Bank Bowl, they're going to have to win this game and then steal another of their next three. For the Irish, I just don't see a big road win here. I'll take BC to cover and win their 6th straight against the Irish.
ECU -8 Marshall
Talk about two teams that started off the season in opposite places and managed to meet in the middle. Kind of like these guys. Yeah, that's it! ECU and Marshall are cousins. The Pirates are the cocky guy that starts out strong and then lost 3 straight to bring him back to earth. And The Herd is the funny guy that is all over the place but manages to end up just fine. Except that Marshall is in West Virginia and they marry their cousins there. Well, one of these teams is going to lose, and the other is going to celebrate as the top in the CoUSinA East. I like Marshall with the points.
Fresno State -2 Nevada
Fresno State lost to Louisiana Tech last week because they could not for the life of them stop the run. In fact, the Bulldogs have allowed 200+ yards rushing in 5 of their last 6 games. This is bad news since Nevada just happens to be averaging 300+ yards per game, making them the 4th best in the nation. This could go bad quickly. Couple that with the fact that Fresno State has one home win this season, and I shudder to think how far the Bulldogs have fallen since beating Rutgers. I like the Wolfpack getting the points.
Alabama -3 LSU
So you may have heard about this one. Evidently Alabama coach Nick Saban used to coach at LSU, and this week he's heading back there for the first time since he left. Wait, he won a National Championship with them too? Gee, that must be awkward. No wonder LSU fans hate Saban so much, I mean, what else did he do besides turn them into a contender in the tough SEC, rebuild their athletic facilities, restock their team through great recruiting, put up a 48-12 record, and win 2 SEC championships and a national title? Talk about doing nothing in five seasons for the Purple and Gold.
How worked up are Tiger fans? Let me share some comments from the "Tiger Droppings" message board:
Oh-wee-oh You suck Nick!
and
I will give $100 to anybody who throws a brick at Saban. Has to hit him in the head though.
followed by
If he can hit him without it being picked off, I'll throw in towards getting him a scholarship
I don't know how Alabama can go into a highly hostile Baton Rouge and win, but I have difficulty seeing LSU as the team that ruins Saban's record. Oh what the heck, who doesn't like storybook endings? I'm taking the Tigers with the points. Another #1 falls. Hooray BCS!!
Until next week . . .
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Week 10 Results
Week 10 Results: 3-2
Season: 26-23-1
Can we turn this thing around and stay above .500? YES WE CAN!!
Season: 26-23-1
Can we turn this thing around and stay above .500? YES WE CAN!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
