As week 3 concludes and week 4 brings another week of exciting matchups and potential upsets, the one main question on every college football fan's mind is simple; who's for real?
Looking back on this weeks action, USC goes down, Texas and Florida win but look beatable, Alabama beats up on a lesser opponent. All of a sudden, you have Miami creeping into the top 10 as they prepare for my game of the week against Virginia Tech (I'll be there!). You also have Penn State, getting ready to take on Iowa under the lights on Saturday. It will be nice to see what Penn State has to offer, as their horrendous out of conference schedule comes to a pause until Eastern Illinois comes back to town in week 6.
Another great question is, who are this years Heisman candidates? While it was thought to be a lock, Tebow and McCoy have not been outstanding to this point, and Bradford still remains sidelined with his shoulder injury suffered in week 1. Welcome Jahvid Best, who is coming off of a 5 touchdown performance, single handedly outscoring Minnesoty last weekend.
Let's take a look at what this weekend has to offer. Hopefully I can stay hot coming off of a 5-0 week.
Thursday, September 24th
#4 Ole Miss @ South Carolina (7:30 ESPN)
A lot of people have forgotten about Jevan Snead and the Rebels in this young season. This will be a great test for them and an excellent opportunity for them to make their case on the national stage. South Carolina has played pretty well thus far (2-1), and are just a few plays away from being unbeaten as they fell in their matchup against Georgia in week 2. I really like what Houston Nutt is doing with Mississippi, and he will not let this team fail to take advantage of the opportunity at hand. I think that Snead and McCluster will be too much on offense for the Gamecock's defense, and Ole Miss come out on top.
Prediction: Ole Miss 27 South Carolina 21
Saturday, September 26th
#22 North Carolina @ Georgia Tech (12:00 ESPN 360)
Butch Davis and the Tar Heels take on the Georgia Tech, in what could turn out to be a must win for the Yellow Jackets. Tech is coming off of a big conference loss to Miami, and dropping 2 ACC games in a row would be a major let down early in the season. North Carolina appears to be building on their turnaround season in 2008, and will be looking for a big road win. I do in fact think that North Carolina will take care of business in Atlanta, and will be off to a 4-0 start.
Prediction: North Carolina 24 Georgia Tech 20
#6 California @ Oregon (3:30 ABC Regional)
It may not look like much on paper, but if Cal is going to take on USC for the Pac-10 title this season, this is a big, big game for them. With USC losing to Washington on Saturday, the conference championship race appears as though it will be wide open. Why not Cal? Jahvid Best is the best running back in the country, and he will be on full display yet again then the Bears travel to Autzen Stadium. I think that Cal seizes the moment, for this week at least, and shows that they are the team to beat in the Pac-10 in 2009.
Prediction: Cal 38 Oregon 27
#9 Miami @ #11 Virginia Tech (3:30 ABC Regional)
Jacory Harris has led the 'Canes to two big wins in 2009 already, and he looks to continue that trend when The U travels to Blacksburg on Saturday to take on Virginia Tech. Hokies quarterback Tyrod Taylor pulled out some 4th quarter magic last weekend to steal a win from Nebraska, and he will be hoping for more of the same this weekend. Miami looks like it will be able to score with anyone, as they have a very balanced attack to go along with what could turn out to be a very effective defense. I think that Miami is really rolling along right now, and they will be impressive again coming out with a huge win over Va Tech.
Prediction: Miami 23 Virginia Tech 16
Iowa @ Penn State (8:00 ABC)
Daryll Clark will have one thing on his mind this Saturday night; revenge. Iowa has not looked too explosive so far this season, and I really do not think that they have too much going for them this week in Happy Valley. One interesting thing to watch for in this one will be to see if Penn State's offensive line is effective, particularly in the run game. Prior to last weeks win over Temple, the run game had not been outstanding like it normally is. I do think that they will be solid enough to keep a somewhat balanced attack, and Penn State will play a good game defensively on their way to a win to start off their Big 10 slate.
Prediction: Penn State 31 Iowa 13
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Week 2 Recap, Week 3 Preview (September 17-19)
How about those freshman quarterbacks? Tate Forcier bringing Michigan back to prominence, Matt Barkley going into the 'Shoe and coming out with the win, both leading game winning drives for their respective teams. It was a great weekend for college football, as many games came down to the wire, beginning on Thursday as Georgia Tech was able to hang on for the win after blowing a 24 point lead. As for my picks, I went 3-2 with my losses being Notre Dame and Tennessee, while picking up wins with Georgia Tech, Georgia, and USC.
We also had out first major upset of the year, with Houston defeating #5 Oklahoma State on the road. What a huge win for the Cougars, who all of a sudden has a Heisman Candidate at the helm in Case Keenum.
Another big weekend ahead of us on the gridiron. One word can be used for many of the matchups this upcoming weekend; Revenge. It's time for Lane Kiffin to face the music and take the trip into the Swamp after a controversial offseason. Michigan State travels to South Bend, where they have not lost since 1993, to take on Notre Dame, who is all of a sudden in need of a big win. Finally, Texas gets a shot at redemption against Texas Tech, two teams that gave us one of the best finishes in all of 2008. Let's take a look at the breakdowns of these games, along with this weeks other premiere matchups.
*All rankings from ESPN
Thursday, September 17th
Georgia Tech @ Miami (7:30 ESPN)
Big time matchup for the ACC, as Miami is coming off of a bye week which followed a great win against Florida State in week 1. Fortunately for Georgia Tech, they did not have to play on a short week as they played last Thursday as well. From what I have seen thus far, I think that Miami's athletic defense will be able to keep Georgia Tech's Spread Option attack under control, as they should be able to adapt to this and make adjustments throughout the game. I really like Jacory Harris and all that he has to offer for what is looking like a potent Miami offense. I like the 'Canes in this one, which would be a huge win for a 2-0 start.
Prediction: Miami 31 Georgia Tech 23
Saturday, September 19
Tennessee @ #1 Florida (3:30 CBS)
No matter what is said by Urban Meyer, this game has been circled on the schedule for quite some time now. Lane Kiffin has made a name for himself in college football, and right now it is not for the best reasons. Florida is a 29.5 point favorite in this one, and I do not know if this will be enough. I think that Tennessee is definitely an improved team from last year. However, I think that Florida is about ready to play against a formidable opponent, and the extra motivation will only add to the final result. Florida has too many athletes, and Tim Tebow. I like Florida, BIG, in this one.
Prediction: Florida 49 Tennessee 13
#19 Nebraska @ #13 Virginia Tech
Another premiere out of conference matchup for Frank Beamer and the Hokies. Bo Pelini has the Cornhuskers on the rise, and they will be hungry for this win to put Big Red back on the map. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" I think that Virginia Tech is for real this year, led by a solid defense, and Blacksburg will be rockin' as usual leading to a big win for the Hokies.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 Nebraska 17
Michigan State @ Notre Dame (3:30 NBC)
Both the Spartans and the Fighting Irish are coming off emotional losses last weekend, falling to Central Michigan and Michigan, respectively. Charlie Weis is back on the hot seat (if he had ever left it), and the Irish are again in desperate need of a win. Notre Dame's offense was very effective last weekend, putting up 34 points in Ann Arbor, which probably would have been more if it weren't for a few questionable holding calls and other things that fell in the Wolverines favor. The big question is whether Notre Dame will be able to stop the run this weekend, as they have had a difficult time doing in their first two games. Michigan State has always been a thorn in their side, and they need to deal with this problem this weekend on the field, which I think they will do.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan State 24
Texas Tech @ #2 Texas (8:00 ABC)
Although Texas Tech does not pose the same threat to Texas as it did last year due to the departures of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, this game will certainly not be taken lightly by Colt McCoy and Texas. McCoy is playing for keeps this season, as he is an early candidate for the Heisman and more importantly, the Longhorns are National Title contenders. I wouldn't look too much into this game, as I think that Mack Brown will have his team ready to go, and Saturday night's game of the week will not come down to the wire as last weekends had.
Prediction: Texas 52 Texas Tech 21
We also had out first major upset of the year, with Houston defeating #5 Oklahoma State on the road. What a huge win for the Cougars, who all of a sudden has a Heisman Candidate at the helm in Case Keenum.
Another big weekend ahead of us on the gridiron. One word can be used for many of the matchups this upcoming weekend; Revenge. It's time for Lane Kiffin to face the music and take the trip into the Swamp after a controversial offseason. Michigan State travels to South Bend, where they have not lost since 1993, to take on Notre Dame, who is all of a sudden in need of a big win. Finally, Texas gets a shot at redemption against Texas Tech, two teams that gave us one of the best finishes in all of 2008. Let's take a look at the breakdowns of these games, along with this weeks other premiere matchups.
*All rankings from ESPN
Thursday, September 17th
Georgia Tech @ Miami (7:30 ESPN)
Big time matchup for the ACC, as Miami is coming off of a bye week which followed a great win against Florida State in week 1. Fortunately for Georgia Tech, they did not have to play on a short week as they played last Thursday as well. From what I have seen thus far, I think that Miami's athletic defense will be able to keep Georgia Tech's Spread Option attack under control, as they should be able to adapt to this and make adjustments throughout the game. I really like Jacory Harris and all that he has to offer for what is looking like a potent Miami offense. I like the 'Canes in this one, which would be a huge win for a 2-0 start.
Prediction: Miami 31 Georgia Tech 23
Saturday, September 19
Tennessee @ #1 Florida (3:30 CBS)
No matter what is said by Urban Meyer, this game has been circled on the schedule for quite some time now. Lane Kiffin has made a name for himself in college football, and right now it is not for the best reasons. Florida is a 29.5 point favorite in this one, and I do not know if this will be enough. I think that Tennessee is definitely an improved team from last year. However, I think that Florida is about ready to play against a formidable opponent, and the extra motivation will only add to the final result. Florida has too many athletes, and Tim Tebow. I like Florida, BIG, in this one.
Prediction: Florida 49 Tennessee 13
#19 Nebraska @ #13 Virginia Tech
Another premiere out of conference matchup for Frank Beamer and the Hokies. Bo Pelini has the Cornhuskers on the rise, and they will be hungry for this win to put Big Red back on the map. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" I think that Virginia Tech is for real this year, led by a solid defense, and Blacksburg will be rockin' as usual leading to a big win for the Hokies.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 Nebraska 17
Michigan State @ Notre Dame (3:30 NBC)
Both the Spartans and the Fighting Irish are coming off emotional losses last weekend, falling to Central Michigan and Michigan, respectively. Charlie Weis is back on the hot seat (if he had ever left it), and the Irish are again in desperate need of a win. Notre Dame's offense was very effective last weekend, putting up 34 points in Ann Arbor, which probably would have been more if it weren't for a few questionable holding calls and other things that fell in the Wolverines favor. The big question is whether Notre Dame will be able to stop the run this weekend, as they have had a difficult time doing in their first two games. Michigan State has always been a thorn in their side, and they need to deal with this problem this weekend on the field, which I think they will do.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan State 24
Texas Tech @ #2 Texas (8:00 ABC)
Although Texas Tech does not pose the same threat to Texas as it did last year due to the departures of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, this game will certainly not be taken lightly by Colt McCoy and Texas. McCoy is playing for keeps this season, as he is an early candidate for the Heisman and more importantly, the Longhorns are National Title contenders. I wouldn't look too much into this game, as I think that Mack Brown will have his team ready to go, and Saturday night's game of the week will not come down to the wire as last weekends had.
Prediction: Texas 52 Texas Tech 21
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Week 1 Recap, Week 2 Preview (September 10-12)
Looking back on my predictions from week 1, I would say that I had a pretty decent weekend. Oregon laid an egg on Thursday, which I did not expect, and I think that everyone deserves a mulligan for the Sam Bradford injury leading to BYU upsetting Oklahoma (which was very unfortunate). In the other three games I selected, I had Bama by 10 over Virginia Tech, Miami over Florida State by 7, and Oklahoma State over Georgia by 13, so all of those picks were within a few points. Another big slate of games this weekend...a lot to be excited about. Let's take a look at this week's premiere matchups.
Thursday, September 10th
Clemson at Georgia Tech (7:30, ESPN)
I really like Georgia Tech this year, building off of what they were able to start last year in Paul Johnson's first year as head coach. They have a great rushing attack behind Heisman Hopeful Jonathan Dwyer, and I see this being a huge advantage in this game, along with being at home in what should be another crazy atmosphere on a Thursday night in college football.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 28 Clemson 17
Saturday, September 12
Notre Dame at Michigan (3:30 ABC)
Very intriguing matchup in Ann Arbor this weekend, as the Jimmy Clausen and the explosive Irish offense visit the young but talented Michigan Wolverines. So many storylines in this one, as both programs are looking to get back into the conversation as big time football programs. Both coaches are under a lot of pressure, and the winner will have lifted a lot of that weight off of their shoulders...at least for this week. This game will be decided on a few key matchups; Notre Dame's offensive line vs. Michigan's front 7, Notre Dame's receivers vs. Michigan's seconday. Also, I think that Jon Tenuta will have some more great blitz packages to confuse Michigans young quarterbacks which may lead to some key turnovers. I really like what Notre Dame brings to the table in this one, and I think they will come away with a big victory in the Big House.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan 20
UCLA at Tennessee (4:00 ESPN)
Lane Kiffin has the spotlight shining brightly on the Tennessee football program this season, and he started the season off with a bang hanging 63 last weekend (Yes, it was Western Kentucky...but did you watch Tennessee last year? I don't know that they scored 63 points in the month of September.) I think that the Vols will put up some more big numbers this weekend, as their date with the Gators in the Swamp starts to creep up on them (God bless them).
Prediction: Tennessee 38 UCLA 24
South Carolina at Georgia (7:00 ESPN 2)
South Carolina is coming off winning one of the more boring games in recent memory, and Georgia will attempt to bounce back from a tough loss to Oklahoma State in their opener. Georgia could potentially receive a huge boost from the return of Caleb King, a highly touted running back that spelled Knowshow Moreno last season. I think that Georgia is going to come back strong in this one, as South Carolina will again struggle offensively, and Georgia should be able to get things rolling on both sides of the football.
Prediction: Georgia 24 South Carolina 7
USC at Ohio State (8:00 ESPN)
One of the most highly anticipated games on the slate this week as Pete Carroll and the Trojans visit the Horseshoe to take on THE Ohio State University. A lot of key components in this one...can freshman quarterback Matt Barkley handle the national spotlight in a hostile environment? Can Ohio State stop USC's lethal rushing attack (342 Yards in week 1)? Is Terrelle Pryor ready to take the next step toward becoming a complete quarterback? It won't be long before all of these questions will be answered. I like USC in this particular matchup, as I think that the veteran offensive line will be able to control the game, and Matt Barkley will manage the game and let his weapons win the game for the Trojans, with the defense keeping Pryor in check for the majority of the game.
Prediction: USC 27 Ohio St 20
Thursday, September 10th
Clemson at Georgia Tech (7:30, ESPN)
I really like Georgia Tech this year, building off of what they were able to start last year in Paul Johnson's first year as head coach. They have a great rushing attack behind Heisman Hopeful Jonathan Dwyer, and I see this being a huge advantage in this game, along with being at home in what should be another crazy atmosphere on a Thursday night in college football.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 28 Clemson 17
Saturday, September 12
Notre Dame at Michigan (3:30 ABC)
Very intriguing matchup in Ann Arbor this weekend, as the Jimmy Clausen and the explosive Irish offense visit the young but talented Michigan Wolverines. So many storylines in this one, as both programs are looking to get back into the conversation as big time football programs. Both coaches are under a lot of pressure, and the winner will have lifted a lot of that weight off of their shoulders...at least for this week. This game will be decided on a few key matchups; Notre Dame's offensive line vs. Michigan's front 7, Notre Dame's receivers vs. Michigan's seconday. Also, I think that Jon Tenuta will have some more great blitz packages to confuse Michigans young quarterbacks which may lead to some key turnovers. I really like what Notre Dame brings to the table in this one, and I think they will come away with a big victory in the Big House.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan 20
UCLA at Tennessee (4:00 ESPN)
Lane Kiffin has the spotlight shining brightly on the Tennessee football program this season, and he started the season off with a bang hanging 63 last weekend (Yes, it was Western Kentucky...but did you watch Tennessee last year? I don't know that they scored 63 points in the month of September.) I think that the Vols will put up some more big numbers this weekend, as their date with the Gators in the Swamp starts to creep up on them (God bless them).
Prediction: Tennessee 38 UCLA 24
South Carolina at Georgia (7:00 ESPN 2)
South Carolina is coming off winning one of the more boring games in recent memory, and Georgia will attempt to bounce back from a tough loss to Oklahoma State in their opener. Georgia could potentially receive a huge boost from the return of Caleb King, a highly touted running back that spelled Knowshow Moreno last season. I think that Georgia is going to come back strong in this one, as South Carolina will again struggle offensively, and Georgia should be able to get things rolling on both sides of the football.
Prediction: Georgia 24 South Carolina 7
USC at Ohio State (8:00 ESPN)
One of the most highly anticipated games on the slate this week as Pete Carroll and the Trojans visit the Horseshoe to take on THE Ohio State University. A lot of key components in this one...can freshman quarterback Matt Barkley handle the national spotlight in a hostile environment? Can Ohio State stop USC's lethal rushing attack (342 Yards in week 1)? Is Terrelle Pryor ready to take the next step toward becoming a complete quarterback? It won't be long before all of these questions will be answered. I like USC in this particular matchup, as I think that the veteran offensive line will be able to control the game, and Matt Barkley will manage the game and let his weapons win the game for the Trojans, with the defense keeping Pryor in check for the majority of the game.
Prediction: USC 27 Ohio St 20
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Week 1 (September 3rd-7th)
The 2009 college football season is finally upon us. We've got some great matchups on our hands this week, starting tomorrow night with Oregon and Boise State battling it out on the smurf turf. I'm really excited about the Alabama-Virginia Tech game...should see some elite level defense in that one. The Georgia-Oklahoma State matchup is also pretty intriguing as well, if you're not going to be watching Notre Dame at 3:30 of course. Let's take a look at the rest of the weeks key matchups, along with predictions for those mentioned.
Thursday, September 3rd
Oregon @ Boise St. (10:15 ESPN)
One of the more interesting matchups early on in the season, we have Oregon being one of the teams attemption to dethrone the Trojans of Southern California in the Pac-10 for the first time in nearly a decade, and Boise St who is always on the BCS radar at the end of the season. A lot of people will be looking to jump on Boise State in this one, which is completely understandable considering they are tough to beat at home (49 consecutive wins). However, I am going to go with Oregon in this one, with a big night running the football, setting the tone for another wild season of college football with an upset.
Prediction: Oregon 27 Boise St 24
Saturday, September 5th
Georgia @ Oklahoma St (3:30 ABC Regional)
Another solid matchup between the two premier conferences in college football takes place on Saturday when the Bulldogs of Georgia visit Oklahoma State. However, I do not think that this matchup is as even as some may think. I really think that Oklahoma State is going to boast one of the more explosive offenses in the country this year, and they will take advantage of the opportunity to send the message while the season is still young. I like Okla St by double digits in this one.
Prediction: Oklahoma St 34 Georgia 21
BYU @ Oklahoma (7:00 ESPN)
Well, since I picked Oklahoma to go back to the national championship this season, I think it's safe to say who I like in this one. Although BYU is preseason #20, Oklahoma is a 3+ touchdown favorite and I do not think that they will disappoint. They will be looking to pick up right where they left off last season, as Sam Bradford begins his quest for his second heisman.
Prediction: Oklahoma 55 BYU 17
Virginia Tech vs. Alabama-Neutral Location (8:00 ABC)
The first of many top 10 matchups of the year. This one is exciting for a few reasons, but not for the usual reasons of recent top 10 teams. With what we've seen with the potent offenses in college football, this should prove to be a little bit of a nice mix for those looking for some hard hits and stingy defenses. Alabama's front 7 are absolute monsters, anchored by 350+ lb. Terrance Cody. I think that the Tide will roll in this one, and they will have just enough offense to outscore the Hokies.
Prediction: Alabama 24 Virginia Tech 13
Monday, September 7th
Miami @ Florida St
A matchup that has gone under the radar in recent years, it is still always fun to watch the 'Canes and the 'Noles go at it. This in-state rivalry is always intense with snot-nose tackles and big time athletes. Miami's future looks bright, and this game is huge for them as far as this season goes, being that they also have to play Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech in the first four weeks of the season along with FSU. I do think that Miami will come out strong in this one, as Randy Shannon will need to find a way to come out of those 4 games with a split at worst.
Prediction: Miami 24 Florida State 17
Thursday, September 3rd
Oregon @ Boise St. (10:15 ESPN)
One of the more interesting matchups early on in the season, we have Oregon being one of the teams attemption to dethrone the Trojans of Southern California in the Pac-10 for the first time in nearly a decade, and Boise St who is always on the BCS radar at the end of the season. A lot of people will be looking to jump on Boise State in this one, which is completely understandable considering they are tough to beat at home (49 consecutive wins). However, I am going to go with Oregon in this one, with a big night running the football, setting the tone for another wild season of college football with an upset.
Prediction: Oregon 27 Boise St 24
Saturday, September 5th
Georgia @ Oklahoma St (3:30 ABC Regional)
Another solid matchup between the two premier conferences in college football takes place on Saturday when the Bulldogs of Georgia visit Oklahoma State. However, I do not think that this matchup is as even as some may think. I really think that Oklahoma State is going to boast one of the more explosive offenses in the country this year, and they will take advantage of the opportunity to send the message while the season is still young. I like Okla St by double digits in this one.
Prediction: Oklahoma St 34 Georgia 21
BYU @ Oklahoma (7:00 ESPN)
Well, since I picked Oklahoma to go back to the national championship this season, I think it's safe to say who I like in this one. Although BYU is preseason #20, Oklahoma is a 3+ touchdown favorite and I do not think that they will disappoint. They will be looking to pick up right where they left off last season, as Sam Bradford begins his quest for his second heisman.
Prediction: Oklahoma 55 BYU 17
Virginia Tech vs. Alabama-Neutral Location (8:00 ABC)
The first of many top 10 matchups of the year. This one is exciting for a few reasons, but not for the usual reasons of recent top 10 teams. With what we've seen with the potent offenses in college football, this should prove to be a little bit of a nice mix for those looking for some hard hits and stingy defenses. Alabama's front 7 are absolute monsters, anchored by 350+ lb. Terrance Cody. I think that the Tide will roll in this one, and they will have just enough offense to outscore the Hokies.
Prediction: Alabama 24 Virginia Tech 13
Monday, September 7th
Miami @ Florida St
A matchup that has gone under the radar in recent years, it is still always fun to watch the 'Canes and the 'Noles go at it. This in-state rivalry is always intense with snot-nose tackles and big time athletes. Miami's future looks bright, and this game is huge for them as far as this season goes, being that they also have to play Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech in the first four weeks of the season along with FSU. I do think that Miami will come out strong in this one, as Randy Shannon will need to find a way to come out of those 4 games with a split at worst.
Prediction: Miami 24 Florida State 17
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