I went 19-6 last week, putting me at 188-59 for the season. I blew a few close ones, but overall I’m still satisfied with the results. Let’s see what this week of games brings me, as the season starts winding down for numerous teams.
#1 Oregon: Bye
#2 Auburn: Bye
#3 TCU: Bye
Fresno State @ #4 Boise State
This is definitely where Boise State’s schedule picks up in difficulty. Fresno State may not have any major defining characteristic to their offense, but they play hard and can challenge any team in the country. However, Boise State has had their number for a number of years and they should win, but it won’t be easy.
Mississippi @ #5 LSU
LSU is still a dominant team while Mississippi is just trying to become bowl eligible. LSU should dominate, but Ole Miss has upset them in recent years and they could do it again this year.
#6 Stanford @ California
This game is a lot like the previous game. A mediocre team fighting for a bowl berth facing one of the best teams in the country. It hardly sets up for a good game, in spite of how well California stood up to Oregon. Stanford should win handily.
#7 Wisconsin @ Michigan
This matchup is bit tighter and should be more interesting than the last one. I really want to say that Wisconsin has the big advantage in this game; however I just don’t see the Badgers defense being able to contain Denard Robinson, at least not enough to keep pace on the score board. I’m calling for the Michigan upset.
#8 Nebraska @ #19 Texas A&M
I’d say this was a battle of two of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12, but I would be lying. While Ryan Tannehill has been pretty good this year, I don’t have faith in his ability against that Nebraska defense. Nebraska should win.
#9 Ohio State @ #20 Iowa
I would’ve have given Iowa the edge before last week. But the loss against Northwestern last week has left me less than impressed. I think Ohio State wins, though Iowa has a home field advantage and the talent defensively to pull off the upset.
#10 Oklahoma State @ Kansas
What I said about Kansas last week still applies. Oklahoma State wins.
Georgia State @ #11 Alabama
I’ll give Georgia State this; they have far surpassed all expectations by having a winning season in their very first year of football. That being said, I don’t think a lobotomized mental patient would be able to call for this upset with any kind of seriousness. Alabama is going to roll.
Purdue @ #12 Michigan State
Purdue has been playing surprisingly well considering the number of injuries that have piled up during the course of their season. However, they are in no position to compete with Michigan State. The Spartans should win without much effort.
#13 Arkansas @ #21 Mississippi State
Like I said last week, Mississippi State is playing well, but they’re just not ready to compete with the best of the SEC. Arkansas is still one of the best teams in the SEC and should be able to win.
#14 Oklahoma @ Baylor
As much as I like Baylor, it’s clear that they just aren’t ready to compete with the big boys of the Big 12 yet. I think they’ll put up a good fight, but they’ll ultimately fail to defeat Oklahoma.
#15 Missouri @ Iowa State
Iowa State just lost their star quarterback Austin Arnaud. I highly doubt that they’ll be able to keep pace with the high scoring Missouri offense. The Tigers should win with ease.
#16 Virginia Tech @ #24 Miami (Fl.) *Game of the Week*
Virginia Tech has returned to power after a poor start to the season, through their normal profile of strong defense and a good rushing offense. Miami is fighting their way through numerous lineup changes at quarterback and has found a way to keep their heads above water. However, I don’t like teams that have an unsettled quarterback situation against a dominating defense like the Hokies have. Va. Tech should win, but Miami’s defense will put up a good fight.
Troy @ #17 South Carolina
As much as I’ll praise Troy for being a major power in the non-BCS conferences, I’m not blind to their failures or shortcomings. Troy has had a down year by their standards and even at their peak; they wouldn’t be able to compete with a strong SEC team. South Carolina should win.
New Mexico State @ #18 Nevada
New Mexico State has little chance of holding down the Nevada offense. Colin Kaepernick should have few obstacles in his route to becoming the first quarterback with 2000 passing yards and 1000 rushing yards in three consecutive years.
#22 Arizona: Bye (Practice those fake injuries boys. Seemed to work pretty well for Cal.)
#23 Utah @ San Diego State
Until last week’s debacle against Notre Dame, I would have said that Utah would win this game handily. Now, I’m just not sure that they’re ready to face the spread offense that San Diego State utilizes. While I’m, apprehensive about it, I’m still going to say that Utah wins. I’m making this pick on the basis of the experience that the Utah defense has in facing this team.
#25 Florida State @ Maryland
Florida State’s offense has found ways to be productive in spite of sometimes inconsistent play from the offense. Maryland has done much the same thing, relying on their defense to keep them in good field position and scoring when the opportunity arises. Sadly, I don’t think Maryland’s offense can overcome the kind of defense that they will be pitted against playing Florida State. The Seminoles should win.
Other Games of Note
(This is a really bad week; so much so I was tempted to put the game between Florida and Appalachian State in this section. Just think about that for a while.)
Pittsburgh @ South Florida
Pittsburgh has been very disappointing this season; however they have found ways to stay somewhat relevant. South Florida should win this game, since they have been somewhat more consistent offensively and defensively, however it will still be interesting to watch and may be one of the more entertaining games this weekend.
North Carolina State @ North Carolina
I think this is a make or break game for both teams. North Carolina State has experienced some great highs during the course of this season, but has also experienced some bitterly disappointing losses. North Carolina by all rights has been overachieving given the amount of talent that they lost to suspensions. This should be a fun game to watch, punctuated by the criminally underrated quarterbacks Russell Wilson and T.J. Yates. Both have had very good seasons and should be the highlight of this game. I’m giving this win to NC State because I think they are better prepared for the big time than North Carolina is right now.
Houston @ Southern Mississippi
This is usually one of the biggest, most important contests in Conference USA’s season. It may not have as much meaning right now because Houston is having an off-year. However they still are a dangerous team not to be underestimated. Southern Mississippi has continued on their tear of winning seasons and is probably the best team in Conference USA right now. I expect Southern Miss. to win, but don’t underestimate Houston’s offense, especially since Southern Miss. has lost a few of their linebackers in a shooting this past week. No one is dead, but needless to say those affected will be missing this game.
Top 10 Heisman Candidates
1. Kellen Moore – Again, is there any reason to drop him down the list?
2. Justin Blackmon – You know someone is good when it’s boring to watch them dominate. Blackmon is officially so good, he’s boring.
3. LaMichael James – While he had a bad game, it’s really hard to drop him far after the season he has had. However, missing a game this late in the season would critically injury his chances. He needs to get healthy before Oregon’s November 26th game against Arizona and have a great game to stay in the top 3. Consider this his holding spot until then.
4. Cameron Newton – He had a great game against an opponent that was tougher than most thought they would be. But, the allegations remain and unless they go away, he can only lose more votes.
5. Andrew Luck – While he had a great completion percentage and led the Cardinals to a close win, he also threw 0 touchdowns and one pick. One its own that’s ok, but in competing with these players, you can’t be just ok.
6. Colin Kaepernick – While he wasn’t great passing against Fresno State, he still made a huge impact with his legs.
7. Andy Dalton – Had a great game in a shootout against San Diego State. He’s trying to make his case late in the year, but with only New Mexico left to play, it’s too little, too late.
8. Vai Taua – While his yardage numbers were down, he still scored three key touchdowns and could make a big impact in Nevada’s upcoming game with Boise State. Keep an eye on him.
9. Dominique Davis – Well, I can’t deny it anymore. Dominique Daivs really deserves this recognition. Of all the quarterbacks on this list, who has the most touchdown passes? That’s right DD, with 31. I just can’t ignore that. Besides, no one past 6 has a realistic chance of winning this award anyway.
10. Lance Dunbar/Bobby Rainey – Yea, I realize this is a bit of a cop out, but it’s my list and I’ll do as I please with it. You know what makes these guys so good? It’s the fact that both can be in the top ten in the country as runningbacks and both are on terrible teams (North Texas and Western Kentucky respectively). They are probably the two best players in the country, since both are performing this well without a great offensive line, but wins matter and that’s what will keep them from getting real life votes. Well, I’m giving them some well-deserved love and attention for their performances. Keep up the great work guys.
(If any of you readers have an idea of things you'd like to see covered int he off-season, please leave a suggestion in the comments section. Thank you for reading my material.)
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