Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators concluded another exciting weekend in college football, coming out of Baton Rouge with a huge win over LSU. Not many upsets, with Arkansas defeating Auburn being the most noteworthy. Alabama looked great again in a convincing win over Ole Miss. Personally, I think Alabama is playing the best football in the country right now, and it would be an absolute battle if they were to play Florida in the SEC Championship. Iowa continued its unbeaten season by pulling one out against Michigan, 30-28. Another team that is playing some great ball is Virginia Tech, who absolutely embarassed Boston College over the weekend, 48-14. Their only loss came to Alabama, and if they were to win out, they would most likely be in the best position as a one loss team.
As usual, the upcoming weekend brings more great matchups, and some questions being asked will be answered. Let's take a look at what to watch for...
Thursday, Obtober 15th
#8 Cincinnati @ #21 South Florida (7:30 ESPN)
Thursday night presents a rare intriguing Big East matchup, as Brian Kelly leads the Cincinnati Bearcars into South Florida. Cincinnati has been putting up some serious numbers offensively, and I look for that to continue this weekend. South Florida looked solid in their only test of the year versus Florida State. You could say that Cincinnati is yet to be tested, so they will be looking to prove their point in a primetime game on national TV. I think that they get the job done, and continue their road to a BCS game.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27 South Florida 21
Saturday, October 17
#20 Oklahoma vs. #3 Texas (12:00 ABC, Neutral Site)
Payback is going to be the primary thought on the Longhorns' minds on Saturday afternoon, as they renew their annual Red Rival Rivalry with Oklahoma. The problem in saying that is, Texas won last years game. Despite this win, Texas was still not chosen over Oklahoma to play in the Big 12 Championship, giving the Sooners the opportunity to play for the title game. Colt McCoy needs a big time performance, as his Heisman hopes are seemingly coming to a crossroads as he has led his team to wins, but not in a dominating performance from his perspective. However, if he gets it going on Saturday, he will most likely solidify his spot on New York as a candidate for the hardware come December. Sam Bradford is back for the Sooners, and he will look to save Oklahoma's season as a potential BCS birth is still on the line when they take the field. However, I think that Texas is a team on a mission this year, and they will settle for nothing less than a shot at the national title game.
Prediction: Texas 34 Oklahoma 24
#6 USC @ #25 Notre Dame (3:30 NBC)
Big time matchup in South Bend this weekend, as Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans come to town to take on the Fighting Irish, led by Heisman hopeful Jimmy Clausen. This is beyond a big game for Charlie Weis and the Irish, being that they have not beaten the Trojans since 2001, and those around the program are becoming very impatient with Weis' inability to win the big game. As I am sure you have heard, the combined score of the last 2 matchups between these two teams is 76-3 in favor of USC. This time, the Irish have the experienced quarterback while SC has a freshman signalcaller, and the game will be played in the friendly confines of Notre Dame Stadium. Will this be enough for the Irish? No, it will not. SC will be able to control the football, and be able to at least slow down the Irish offense, which should be enough to come out with the win.
Prediction: USC 28 Notre Dame 24
#4 Virginia Tech @ #19 Georgia Tech (6:00 ESPN 2)
As mentioned before, Virginia Tech could very well be playing some of the best football in the country right now. Georgia Tech got back into the top 25 with a win over Florida State last week, but gave up a lot of points in doing so. Tyrod Taylor is a different quarterback this year, and I think that he will be able to take advantage of a vulnerable defense, as Jacory Harris did earlier this season. I also think that the Hokie defense will be able to keep Tech's spread option in check, or at least enough to hold them off in the end.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31 Georgia Tech 23
SPECIAL BASEBALL PREVIEW:
Not only will there be great football action this weekend, but both the American and National League Championship series will kick off this weekend, with the Yankees taking on the Angels and the Phillies facing the Dodgers. Here are my predictions for their best of 7 series':
Yankees in 7, Dodgers in 6
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Week 6 Previews
Week 6 is already off to a nice start with a big win for Nebraska in monsoon-like conditions at Missouri. It was a sloppy game to say the least, with Nebraska trailing 12-0 after 3 quarters, but rallying to score four fourth quarter touchdowns.
Another exciting weekend ahead with some great matchups, let's take a look...
#17 Auburn @ Arkansas (12:00 ESPN)
Auburn has come out of the gates red hot standing at 5-0 (2-0 in the SEC). Arkansas (2-2), will look to spoil Auburn's early success led by quarterback Ryan Mallett. It will be interesting to see how Auburn responds to playing as a ranked team, as they will no longer be under the radar. If Arkansas wants to get themselves back into the thick of things in the SEC West, this win is a must, as both of their losses have come to conference opponents. I am going to take the Razorbacks in this one, behind the arm of Ryan Mallett and that explosive Arkansas offense.
Prediction: Arkansas 31 Auburn 24
#3 Alabama @ #20 Ole Miss (3:30 CBS)
Some people are saying that Alabama has been the most complete team to this point in the season, showing balance on offense and a nasty, hard hitting defense. Ole Miss stumbled two weeks ago in South Carolina, and will be looking to get back on the map in attempt to stay in the race to play for the SEC championship. I think this will be a great game to watch, as both teams play great defense but have weapons on offense that have the potential to make game breaking plays. I am going to take Alabama in this one, but in a very, very close game.
Prediction: Alabama 26 Ole Miss 23
#22 Georgia Tech @ Florida State
This one makes the premiere matchups list because of the recent talks of Bobby Bowden being forced out of Florida State. There are a lot of rumors ciculating the program having to do with the departure of Bowden, and it will be interesting to see if the Seminoles could put all of these issues aside when they take the field on Saturday night. I fully expect that the 'Noles will rally around this for their coach, and respond by playing inspired football for the remainder of the year. I am going to take Florida State in this one under the lights.
Prediction: Florida State 28 Georgia Tech 24
Michigan @ #12 Iowa (8:00 ABC)
Similar to Auburn, Iowa will receive it's first test as a ranked team, with Tate Forcier and the Michigan Wolverines coming to town trying to rebound from last weeks loss versus Michigan State. Iowa is the early favorite, which should make sense considering Michigan has looked sloppy in the past two games, especially on the road last weekend. It is a primetime game, and Hawkeye Nation will be rockin'. I think that the Michigan offense will come up with some big plays, but Iowa will continue its winning ways, with Forcier turning the ball over at a key moment.
Prediction: Iowa 24 Michigan 20
#1 Florida @ #4 LSU (8:00 CBS)
All eyes are on #15 of the Florida Gators, as the #1 team in the country puts their national championship hopes on the line, potentially without all-world quarterback Tim Tebow. He is still listed as a game time decision, which I personally think is simply being said so that LSU still has to prepare for him being in the game. If Tebow is unable to go, John Brantley will get the start, and the Gators will have to rely heavily on their run game, which leads the nation. The defense has also been very impressive to date, while the LSU offense has been streaky to put it best. I think that Tim Tebow is the ultimate difference in this game. Many still like Florida if Tebow doesn't play, but I think that Tiger Stadium will be a game changing atmosphere if they do not have the on-field leadership of the Heisman Trophy QB. Therefore. my predictionS are as follows:
With Tebow, Florida 24 LSU 14
Without Tebow, LSU 20 FLorida 14
Another exciting weekend ahead with some great matchups, let's take a look...
#17 Auburn @ Arkansas (12:00 ESPN)
Auburn has come out of the gates red hot standing at 5-0 (2-0 in the SEC). Arkansas (2-2), will look to spoil Auburn's early success led by quarterback Ryan Mallett. It will be interesting to see how Auburn responds to playing as a ranked team, as they will no longer be under the radar. If Arkansas wants to get themselves back into the thick of things in the SEC West, this win is a must, as both of their losses have come to conference opponents. I am going to take the Razorbacks in this one, behind the arm of Ryan Mallett and that explosive Arkansas offense.
Prediction: Arkansas 31 Auburn 24
#3 Alabama @ #20 Ole Miss (3:30 CBS)
Some people are saying that Alabama has been the most complete team to this point in the season, showing balance on offense and a nasty, hard hitting defense. Ole Miss stumbled two weeks ago in South Carolina, and will be looking to get back on the map in attempt to stay in the race to play for the SEC championship. I think this will be a great game to watch, as both teams play great defense but have weapons on offense that have the potential to make game breaking plays. I am going to take Alabama in this one, but in a very, very close game.
Prediction: Alabama 26 Ole Miss 23
#22 Georgia Tech @ Florida State
This one makes the premiere matchups list because of the recent talks of Bobby Bowden being forced out of Florida State. There are a lot of rumors ciculating the program having to do with the departure of Bowden, and it will be interesting to see if the Seminoles could put all of these issues aside when they take the field on Saturday night. I fully expect that the 'Noles will rally around this for their coach, and respond by playing inspired football for the remainder of the year. I am going to take Florida State in this one under the lights.
Prediction: Florida State 28 Georgia Tech 24
Michigan @ #12 Iowa (8:00 ABC)
Similar to Auburn, Iowa will receive it's first test as a ranked team, with Tate Forcier and the Michigan Wolverines coming to town trying to rebound from last weeks loss versus Michigan State. Iowa is the early favorite, which should make sense considering Michigan has looked sloppy in the past two games, especially on the road last weekend. It is a primetime game, and Hawkeye Nation will be rockin'. I think that the Michigan offense will come up with some big plays, but Iowa will continue its winning ways, with Forcier turning the ball over at a key moment.
Prediction: Iowa 24 Michigan 20
#1 Florida @ #4 LSU (8:00 CBS)
All eyes are on #15 of the Florida Gators, as the #1 team in the country puts their national championship hopes on the line, potentially without all-world quarterback Tim Tebow. He is still listed as a game time decision, which I personally think is simply being said so that LSU still has to prepare for him being in the game. If Tebow is unable to go, John Brantley will get the start, and the Gators will have to rely heavily on their run game, which leads the nation. The defense has also been very impressive to date, while the LSU offense has been streaky to put it best. I think that Tim Tebow is the ultimate difference in this game. Many still like Florida if Tebow doesn't play, but I think that Tiger Stadium will be a game changing atmosphere if they do not have the on-field leadership of the Heisman Trophy QB. Therefore. my predictionS are as follows:
With Tebow, Florida 24 LSU 14
Without Tebow, LSU 20 FLorida 14
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Week 5 Recap
Week 5 ended with a bang as Miami held on for the win over then #8 Oklahoma, showing the country that their performance in the first two weeks of the season was not a fluke. Overall, one has to say that the 'Canes winning three out of their first four games (all against ranked opponents) has to be one of the top stories of the early portion of the season.
LSU continued its winning ways and remains unbeaten as they scored a last minute touchdown to take the lead and eventually defeat Georgia 20-13. The touchdown was set up by great field position givin to the Tigers from an excessive celebration on Georgia's previos touchdown, forcing the Bulldogs to kick from their own 20. The call on wide receiver AJ Green has been getting a lot of attention throughout the week, and even fellow SEC coaches are saying that the call should not have been made at that point in the game. However, this is how the game turned out, and LSU has set the stage for a top 5 matchup this weekend against #1 Florida, who hopes to have Tim Tebow back from his concussion.
After 5 weeks, there are some potential Heisman Trophy candidates that are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Obviously, they are all subject to change, as teams still have 7-8 games remaining. With all of this in mind, let's have a look at the early contenders, in no particular order...
Tim Tebow- As the preseason frontrunner, he hasn't done anything to be lowered on the list. However, it will be interesting to see what happens if he doesnt play this week, or if he does play, if he can't rely on his usual physically overpowering role on the football field.
Colt McCoy- Similar to Tebow, he hasn't stood out statistically, but as a preseason frontrunner, he has led Texas to the top of the nation in scoring offense. He will have the chance to build his resume in the next couple weeks as they begin a difficult stretch, and their annual matchup with Oklahoma lurks.
Jimmy Clausen- Love 'em or hate 'em, you can not argue how well this kid has played to this point in the season. In four consecutive games, he has taken the Irish down the field late in the fourth quarter to come back and take the lead. I say to take the lead because they did not win all of those four games (Michigan). However, Clausen absolutely shredded Michigan's secondary in that game, and did everything he had to to win that ball game. Statistically he is as good as anyone right now, and his position as a leader on Notre Dame is no longer in question. The Irish have a bye this week, as the Trojans of Southern California visit South Bend next weekend, giving Clausen a huge opportunity to make his case.
Jacory Harris- If last weekends win proved anything, it was that the loss at Virginia Tech could have been considered a fluke due to the weather, as Harris led the 'Canes to a great responding win. The great thing for Harris, is that the schedule goes down hill from here, and if he keeps playing at this level, they have a great shot at going 11-1 and having the chance to play for the ACC Championship.
Others to be considered: Tyrod Taylor, AJ Green, Case Keenum
Check back for my Week 6 Preview on the Trooth!
LSU continued its winning ways and remains unbeaten as they scored a last minute touchdown to take the lead and eventually defeat Georgia 20-13. The touchdown was set up by great field position givin to the Tigers from an excessive celebration on Georgia's previos touchdown, forcing the Bulldogs to kick from their own 20. The call on wide receiver AJ Green has been getting a lot of attention throughout the week, and even fellow SEC coaches are saying that the call should not have been made at that point in the game. However, this is how the game turned out, and LSU has set the stage for a top 5 matchup this weekend against #1 Florida, who hopes to have Tim Tebow back from his concussion.
After 5 weeks, there are some potential Heisman Trophy candidates that are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Obviously, they are all subject to change, as teams still have 7-8 games remaining. With all of this in mind, let's have a look at the early contenders, in no particular order...
Tim Tebow- As the preseason frontrunner, he hasn't done anything to be lowered on the list. However, it will be interesting to see what happens if he doesnt play this week, or if he does play, if he can't rely on his usual physically overpowering role on the football field.
Colt McCoy- Similar to Tebow, he hasn't stood out statistically, but as a preseason frontrunner, he has led Texas to the top of the nation in scoring offense. He will have the chance to build his resume in the next couple weeks as they begin a difficult stretch, and their annual matchup with Oklahoma lurks.
Jimmy Clausen- Love 'em or hate 'em, you can not argue how well this kid has played to this point in the season. In four consecutive games, he has taken the Irish down the field late in the fourth quarter to come back and take the lead. I say to take the lead because they did not win all of those four games (Michigan). However, Clausen absolutely shredded Michigan's secondary in that game, and did everything he had to to win that ball game. Statistically he is as good as anyone right now, and his position as a leader on Notre Dame is no longer in question. The Irish have a bye this week, as the Trojans of Southern California visit South Bend next weekend, giving Clausen a huge opportunity to make his case.
Jacory Harris- If last weekends win proved anything, it was that the loss at Virginia Tech could have been considered a fluke due to the weather, as Harris led the 'Canes to a great responding win. The great thing for Harris, is that the schedule goes down hill from here, and if he keeps playing at this level, they have a great shot at going 11-1 and having the chance to play for the ACC Championship.
Others to be considered: Tyrod Taylor, AJ Green, Case Keenum
Check back for my Week 6 Preview on the Trooth!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Week 4 Recap, Week 5 Preview
As seen in my picks from last week, college football is as unpredictable as ever. After four weeks in the season, we know very little about who is for real and who is not. It did not take long for the upsets to take place last week, starting on Thursday night as Ole Miss fell to South Carolina, 16-10. The ol' ball coach taking out the Jevan Snead and the #4 Rebels set the tone for what would be one hell of a weekend in college football.
3 more top 10 teams fell on Saturday as Penn State, Miami, and Cal went down to Iowa, Virginia Tech, and Oregon, respectively. I was lucky enough to be in attendance at Lane Stadium to watch Virginia Tech dominate the Canes, who had looked like one of the most impressive teams up to that point. Penn State was a huge question mark going into their first game against a formidable opponent, and they did not answer the call. They were dealt a huge loss in front of their home crowd, in primetime, in the famous "whiteout." Speaking of bad losses, Cal got absolutely embarassed against Oregon, which led to a huge fall from #6 to 24.
Boise State has moved up to the #5 spot in the AP poll, its highest ranking in school history. Notre Dame Jimmy Clausen led the Fighting Irish on a game winning drive for the second straight week, this time coming off of the bench after dealing with a turf toe injury the past week and a half. He looks to play this week against Washington in what could be a potential trap game for the Irish as they host the Trojans following a bye week after the Huskies leave town.
Another great week lies ahead of us, with some top-25 matchups and key in-conference games. Let's take a look!
#22 Michigan @ Michigan State (12:00 Big 10 Network)
A lot of people are jumping on the Spartans this week to upset Rich Rodriguez and Michigan. Quite honestly, I do not really see why this is considered such a dangerous game for the Wolverines. From what I have seen this year, Michigan State is very inconsistent, but it is even hard to say that because the best they have looked to this point was against Notre Dame after they suffered the loss of Wide Receiver Michael Floyd, and Jimmy Clausen was also injured in that game. I think that Tate Forcier and the Michigan offense will be too much for a questionable Michigan State defense, and do not think that Sparty has the weapons on offense to outscore Michigan.
Prediction: Michigan 35 Michigan State 24
#4 LSU @ #18 Georgia (3:30 CBS)
Another quality early season matchup in the SEC, as LSU goes between the hedges to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Neither one of these teams has looked unbeatable to this point, and these games are always very difficult to pick. I really like LSU's offense, led by quarterback Jordan Jefferson. However, Georgia's defense, led by Rennie Curran is a force to be wreckin with as well...I am going to take Georgia by a field goal in this one, as Joe Cox will come up with some late plays to A.J. Green to secure the win.
Prediction: Georgia 23 LSU 20
#15 Penn State @ Illinois (3:30 ABC Regional)
The only reason I am putting this one as a premiere game is because I have marked this one down for a while. Illinois has looked less than average to this point, but I still think this is a good matchup for them. Penn State was exposed last week to a mediocre Iowa team, and I think that they will continue to look flat on offense as Daryll Clark lacks what it takes to win a game for his team with his arm. I am going to go with Penn State in this one, but "closer than the experts think!" Don't be surpised if Juice Williams keeps the Fighting Illini in this one until the end.
Prediction: Penn State 23 Illinois 17
#7 USC @ #24 Cal (8:00 ABC Regional)
The Pac-10 looks to be as wide open as it has this decade, as both USC and Cal have early season losses within the conference. USC has had a chance to bounce back with a solid win over Washington State, while Cal will be looking to do so after getting taken out to the woodshed by Oregon last week. I like USC in this game and I'll tell you why. First, it's USC. You can not pick against this team until you see it happen, especially when they need it. Next, I think they have great athletes along the front 7, which will negate Jahvid Best, who will be looking to have a monster week after taking a major hit in his Heisman status last weekend. I also think the USC offensive line will be able to help Matt Barkley and the offense control the ball, which will end up being the difference.
Prediction: USC 27 Cal 21
#8 Oklahoma @ #17 Miami (8:00 ABC Regional)
Earlier today we were given the news that Sam Bradford will not be available to start on Saturday against Miami who will be looking to come back strong from a pitiful performance in Blacksburg last weekend. Landry Jones will again get the start for the Sooners in what will be his first road start. He is already the school record holder for touchdown passes in a game with 6 earlier this season, and he will look to keep Oklahoma in the national championship race with their annual matchup with Texas looming. I am going to go with Miami in this one. I think Jacory Harris will bounce back in great fashion, leading the 'Canes to a great win and a unforseen 3-1 record coming out of a stretch of facing 4 ranked teams.
Prediction: Miami 32 Oklahoma 28
3 more top 10 teams fell on Saturday as Penn State, Miami, and Cal went down to Iowa, Virginia Tech, and Oregon, respectively. I was lucky enough to be in attendance at Lane Stadium to watch Virginia Tech dominate the Canes, who had looked like one of the most impressive teams up to that point. Penn State was a huge question mark going into their first game against a formidable opponent, and they did not answer the call. They were dealt a huge loss in front of their home crowd, in primetime, in the famous "whiteout." Speaking of bad losses, Cal got absolutely embarassed against Oregon, which led to a huge fall from #6 to 24.
Boise State has moved up to the #5 spot in the AP poll, its highest ranking in school history. Notre Dame Jimmy Clausen led the Fighting Irish on a game winning drive for the second straight week, this time coming off of the bench after dealing with a turf toe injury the past week and a half. He looks to play this week against Washington in what could be a potential trap game for the Irish as they host the Trojans following a bye week after the Huskies leave town.
Another great week lies ahead of us, with some top-25 matchups and key in-conference games. Let's take a look!
#22 Michigan @ Michigan State (12:00 Big 10 Network)
A lot of people are jumping on the Spartans this week to upset Rich Rodriguez and Michigan. Quite honestly, I do not really see why this is considered such a dangerous game for the Wolverines. From what I have seen this year, Michigan State is very inconsistent, but it is even hard to say that because the best they have looked to this point was against Notre Dame after they suffered the loss of Wide Receiver Michael Floyd, and Jimmy Clausen was also injured in that game. I think that Tate Forcier and the Michigan offense will be too much for a questionable Michigan State defense, and do not think that Sparty has the weapons on offense to outscore Michigan.
Prediction: Michigan 35 Michigan State 24
#4 LSU @ #18 Georgia (3:30 CBS)
Another quality early season matchup in the SEC, as LSU goes between the hedges to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Neither one of these teams has looked unbeatable to this point, and these games are always very difficult to pick. I really like LSU's offense, led by quarterback Jordan Jefferson. However, Georgia's defense, led by Rennie Curran is a force to be wreckin with as well...I am going to take Georgia by a field goal in this one, as Joe Cox will come up with some late plays to A.J. Green to secure the win.
Prediction: Georgia 23 LSU 20
#15 Penn State @ Illinois (3:30 ABC Regional)
The only reason I am putting this one as a premiere game is because I have marked this one down for a while. Illinois has looked less than average to this point, but I still think this is a good matchup for them. Penn State was exposed last week to a mediocre Iowa team, and I think that they will continue to look flat on offense as Daryll Clark lacks what it takes to win a game for his team with his arm. I am going to go with Penn State in this one, but "closer than the experts think!" Don't be surpised if Juice Williams keeps the Fighting Illini in this one until the end.
Prediction: Penn State 23 Illinois 17
#7 USC @ #24 Cal (8:00 ABC Regional)
The Pac-10 looks to be as wide open as it has this decade, as both USC and Cal have early season losses within the conference. USC has had a chance to bounce back with a solid win over Washington State, while Cal will be looking to do so after getting taken out to the woodshed by Oregon last week. I like USC in this game and I'll tell you why. First, it's USC. You can not pick against this team until you see it happen, especially when they need it. Next, I think they have great athletes along the front 7, which will negate Jahvid Best, who will be looking to have a monster week after taking a major hit in his Heisman status last weekend. I also think the USC offensive line will be able to help Matt Barkley and the offense control the ball, which will end up being the difference.
Prediction: USC 27 Cal 21
#8 Oklahoma @ #17 Miami (8:00 ABC Regional)
Earlier today we were given the news that Sam Bradford will not be available to start on Saturday against Miami who will be looking to come back strong from a pitiful performance in Blacksburg last weekend. Landry Jones will again get the start for the Sooners in what will be his first road start. He is already the school record holder for touchdown passes in a game with 6 earlier this season, and he will look to keep Oklahoma in the national championship race with their annual matchup with Texas looming. I am going to go with Miami in this one. I think Jacory Harris will bounce back in great fashion, leading the 'Canes to a great win and a unforseen 3-1 record coming out of a stretch of facing 4 ranked teams.
Prediction: Miami 32 Oklahoma 28
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