Week In Review

I had a nice rebound week, going 15-4 overall and 2-2 in my upset picks. My four losses were Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, West Virginia, and Southern Miss. 

Best Week: Case Keenum, QB Houston

Keenum was dumbfounded that I would pick them to lose so he set out for a big game against Southern Miss. Every week he has to put up big numbers considering he is attempting to offset Houston's defense which is 6th worst in the NCAA. Saturday, he completed 82% of his passes for 559 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not a bad day.

Honorable Mentions: Lane Kiffin, Head Coach Tennessee, Oregon Ducks, Travis Benjamin, WR Miami (FL)

Worst Week: UNLV 

There were a lot of candidates this week including my Rebels, but after looking over the stats, I am going to have to go with UNLV here. The Runnin' Rebels had a rough game offensively against TCU. They were shutout and only mustered 7 first downs all game. Their defense did not look too good either, giving up 390 rushing yards. 

Honorable Mentions: Virginia Tech, Indiana defense, Mark Richt, Head Coach UGA

My Rankings:

1. Florida

2. Texas

3. Oregon

4. TCU

5. Alabama

6. Cincinnati

7. Boise State

8. Iowa

9. Georgia Tech

10. LSU

11. Penn State

12. Pittsburgh

13. USC

14. Houston

15. Ohio State

16. Utah

17. Arizona

18. Wisconsin

19. Miami (FL)

20. Notre Dame

21. Virginia Tech

22. Oklahoma State

23. CAL

24. Oklahoma

25. Clemson

Week 9 Predictions

I'm coming off of an off week, and just missed predicting the Virginia Tech-North Carolina game which looks as if it will be a Tar Heel upset. Bullet dodged, anyway here are my picks.

21 West Virginia v. South Florida

USF has a good team under a good coach, but neither of those matter when you're going up against a modern day Dominique Wilkins in Noel Devine of West Virginia. I foolishly bet against the Mountaineers last week, I won't make the same mistake this week. Looks like the Bulls can't win in Raymond James Stadium either, WVU wins 31-20.

Indiana v. 4 Iowa

Hawkeyes have lost 2 of 3 to the Hoosiers, Iowa's struggled against weaker teams this year (beat Arkansas State and Northern Iowa by a combined 4 points), and they're gaining national attention which historically worries Kirk Ferentz. So all of this means Indiana pulls off the road upset right? Wrong, I have the Barnstormers over the Hoosier in another ugly one (shocker), 16-12.

8 Cincinnati v. Syracuse

Cincinnati is the most impressive team in the country right now. Florida needs 4th quarters to beat SEC bottomfeeders, Alabama's offense is abysmal, Texas has edged out everyone besides Mizzou, everyone else has shown such flaws. Cincy on the other hand replaced 10 defensive starters from last year and have had their quarterback build a Heisman campain only to be sidelined due to injury. I will pick the Bearcats in every game they play. Cincinnati wins this one 45-14.

New Mexico State v. 17 Ohio State

Lobos are the best team in New Mexico. That doesn't matter to anyone in the Horseshoe. Buckeyes win behind their "quarterback" Terrell Pryor, 31-10.

25 Mississippi v. Auburn

Gus Malzahn's offense is looking a lot less sexy after three straight losses for the "people of the plains". Ole Miss's offense on the other hand might be turning it on right when Rebel fans thought they would. Since that Alabama game that made fans wish they worked on Saturday, Kent Austin has done something right. Jevan Snead threw for a combined 570 yards against UAB and Arkansas, and Houston Nutt finally remembered that Dexter McCluster still plays for his football team. Anyways, I really feel like Chris Todd is getting worse and Jevan Snead is getting better. Auburn's offense is looking worse and Tyrone Nix's Rebel defense is looking better. With that being said, I say Ole Miss wins this one 27-7.

Southern Miss v. 18 Houston

"Hey Case Keenum I think you're really great and could be up for Heisman, but I think HOUSTON is due for an overlooked upset!" I need to stop leaving my laptop in front of Kanye West, but he does have a point. Houston has a very important conference game coming up next week against Tulsa. Southern Miss has some talent, and I think they'll come in and take the Cougars' lunch money. SMU wins 35-34.

San Jose State v. 7 Boise State

Boise State is a lot better than San Jose State. Plus, they're upset after losing their title as the sexy-buster to TCU, so I feel a blowout on the blue turf coming. Broncos buck 48-10.

Georgia v. 1 Florida

 Last year, the beatdown in Jacksonville's final score was 48-10. No run game for UGA, no consistent wide reciever threats besides AJ Green, no chance against a really good Florida defense. It will be interesting to see how often Hernandez gets the ball thrown his way with Rennie Curran likely to be the one dropping back to cover him. Either way, Florida's too good to drop this one. UGA will head back to Athens 4-4. Gators 38-13.

19 Miami (FL) v. Wake Forrest 

The Canes will not lose this game. This is about as sure of a game as you can get in the ACC. "Da U" gets a big comeback win here, 38-6.

24 California v. Arizona State

ASU isn't a bad team for their 3 loss record. CAL however has been handed a ranking after 2 blowout losses to Oregon and USC. I gave them too much credit too early, and they burned me. I do think they'll win a close one here though, Bears 24-20.

UNLV v. 6 TCU

I'll give UNLV credit for their respected nickname, but aside from that, they're atrocious. Their only conference win came last week against a winless New Mexico "football team". TCU stifles the Runnin' Rebels 31-0.

12 Penn State v. Northwestern

I give Penn State too little of credit last week. Although I still want revenge for them, this is a game I think they're too good to lose. Please prove me wrong this week Nittany Lions, because I unfortunately have y'all winning 24-7.

11 Georgia Tech v. Vanderbilt

Two schools who are very respected for their brains, this football game however is quite simple. Georgia Tech=very good team in a very bad conference. Vanderbilt=very bad team in a very good conference. Nesbitt gets less than 30 yards passing, but the Yellow Jackets beat them up on the ground and win this one 35-14.

22 South Carolina v. Tennessee

Eric Norwood might be the best player at his position in the country. Taylor Mays and Eric Berry are up for debate as best safety, meanwhile Eric Norwood is the only linebacker in the country who you have to scheme against for your passing and rushing game. South Carolina has a great defense and a mild offense, so this game depends solely on the shoulders of Crompton. If he plays well then the Vols will win, if not, then Spurrier will invade Rocky Top and take everything they have. You just cannot turn the ball over in a game like this. I think Crompton steps up though and wins this one, 21-16.

Washington State v. 23 Notre Dame

The Cougars are a team who cannot do anything right, I think this is finally the game the Irish are a safe bet to win going into the 4th quarter, not the final minute. The gold-helmet warriors pay homage to Sweet Lou, 38-9.

3 Texas v. 14 Oklahoma State

I feel like this is a trap game for Texas. Not that they won't prepare for this one well, because this is the only real challenge left on their schedule. But because this is a good team who will be more amped for this game than the Longhorns will be. They'll rally without Dez Bryant like they have been and they pull off an upset 34-31.

5 USC v. 10 Oregon

Autzen will be way too loud for poor Matt Barkley, plus being without McCoy will hurt the Trojans. That's why I believe the Ducks pull off a W on Halloween in Eugene, 21-17.

Tulane v. 9 LSU

Beatdown. LSU 42-9.

Wyoming v. 18 Utah

I don't think Utah is very good and that is no secret of mine. I think they have a few losses coming to them until they end up in the Obscurity Bowl. But, they do win this one at home, 28-14.

There it is, my set of picks for this week. I have 3 upset picks, and they are all home teams, Oregon, Oklahoma State, and Tennessee. Hopefully I can take home at least one of those unlike last week, here's to a hope and a prayer. Happy Halloween.

Week In Review

I had a very off week in my picks last week, going 16-7 including a deflating 0-5 in my upset picks. 

So without further ado here are my best week, worst week, and Top 25.

Best Week:  Ricky Stanzi, Iowa QB

Game winning touchdown as time expires sounds like a 90's MTV made for TV movie. But in reality, Stanzi pulls it off against Michigan State. Iowa continues to be the ugliest unbeaten (winning their last 4 games by 17 points). Congratulations Ricky, not only did you win (and gain Best Week honors on JADLW), but you get to pad your stats this weekend against the Hoosiers.

Honorable mention: Dexter McCluster Ole Miss RB/WR, Jordan Shipley Texas WR, Zach Collaros Cincinnati QB, Bobby Bowden Florida State Head Coach

Worst Week: Lane Kiffin, Tennessee Head Coach

Refs asking Nick Saban on the sideline what the calls should be? Tying UT's special teams line's shoestrings together? Whatever it was, Terrance Cody and the Referees who might as well have worn houndstooth uniforms made this a very frustrating weekend for Lane who cannot catch a break.

Honorable mentions: Miami's dreams, Ron Zook Illinois Head Coach, Idaho's defense, Daniel Lincoln Tennessee K

1. Florida 

2. Texas 

3. TCU 

4. Alabama 

5. Boise State

6. Cincinnati

7. USC

8. Iowa

9.  Oregon

10. Georgia Tech

11. Oklahoma State

12. Pittsburgh

13. LSU

14. Penn State

15. Virginia Tech

16. South Carolina

17. Ohio State

18. West Virginia

19. Houston

20. Ole Miss

21. Miami (FL)

22. Notre Dame

23. Utah

24. Arizona

25. Oklahoma

First post in weeks, picks

Arkansas @ Ole Miss

Kent Austin finally proved he can run an offense in year two as offensive coordinator for the Rebels. The Razorbacks defense vs. the Rebels offense is going to be a showdown of less than impressive units for sure. No surprise, I'm taking the Rebels in Oxford, 23-17.

12 Georgia Tech @ Virginia

Virginia is abysmal. Georgia Tech is really good. That's all there is to say, Jackets win 34-7.

Minnesota @ 19 Ohio State

Jim Tressel will not lose two straight games, especially against an average (even that's generously credited) Minnesota team. I think Pryor is a middle of the pack quarterback as of now, with 10 TD's and 8 INT's so far this year, but they won't need him since they do so many other things well. Buckeyes win 42-20.

South Florida @ 20 Pittsburgh

I'm not buying Pittsburgh considering their best win is against 4-2 UCONN as well as giving up 38 points in a loss to NC State. USF hung around last week with a very good Cincinnati team, and I think they'll win this game 31-24.

UCONN @ 23 West Virginia

UCONN will play inspired football against an unproven Mountaineer team. UCONN could be playing the New Orleans Saints this week and would not lose that game. Not after the tragedy of this week. Huskies eek it out in another Big East road upset, 27-21.

15 Oklahoma State @ Baylor

Baylor was supposed to be a surprise football team this year. Oklahoma State was supposed to contend for a national championship. Both predictions have been derailed early. Baylor without Griffin does not stand a chance to stay in a game with the Cowboys high powered offense. OSU wins 38-14.

Tennessee @ 2 Alabama

This will be a low scoring game. Not because of bad offenses, but because both teams have great run games and even better defenses. This game could be 2 hours long with a running clock like it will have. The Tide are too good to lose this game, 17-9.

Louisville @ 5 Cincinnati

I love Cincinnati. Is it because they're the only team worth talking about in the Big East? No. Is it because of their scoreboard-defusing offense? No. Is it because of their surplus of wathletes? Of course it is. And I never bet against a wathlete. Bearcats win this one 41-12.

Clemson @ 10 Miami 

As much as I hate the students at Miami and the players on Miami, I love the coach for Miami. They're really good, and have a quarterback who isn't a Heisman contender in my eyes but is still someone I would trust under center. They beat up a fluttering Clemson team 31-10.

11 Oregon @ Washington

Sarkisian does not have a consistent gameplan to win quite yet, but he does have a team that believes they can beat any team. This is proven by beating the #2 and 3 teams in the Pac 10, I believe they beat the number 1 team in the Pac 10 this week behind the beyond talented Jake Locker. Ducks 17 UW 20.

13 Penn State @ Michigan

I have hated Penn State ever since the pollsters had the nerve to drop them 10 spots after a home loss to unranked Iowa by 11, meanwhile Ole Miss drops a road game to South Carolina by 6 and drops 17 spots. Justice? Nowhere to be found. I hope and believe Tate Forcier will serve them aforementioned justice and leads the Big Blue to victory, 27-21.

Oklahoma @ 25 Kansas

Oklahoma unranked and without their Heisman-equipped quarterback are not as scary. Kansas however, is still really good and really healthy. Jayhawks better enjoy victories over OU while they can. Rock Chalk 34-20.

Air Force @ 18 Utah

MWC games...not for me. I would refuse to pick this game unless it were such a gimme. Utes 20-7.

UCLA @ 23 Arizona

UCLA has lost 3 in a row for one reason, they simply are not scoring points. That's going to be a problem against Arizona considering the Wildcats are putting up 38.6 PPG over their last 3 games (all conference games). Zona wins 35-13.

1 Florida @ Mississippi State

"This is going to be the biggest game of the year in Mississippi" that hilarious quote is brought to you by Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen. Everyone associated with Mississppi State (that spelling is courtesy of http://blogs.957thewolf.com/files/2009/02/mississippi_state_scoreboard.jpg), Ole Miss, and Florida knows that the Gators struggle against teams from the Magnolia state (2-4 since 2002 against the Dawgs and Rebels).  The problem here is, the Dan Mullen Bowl will not be a game, it will be a football camp run by Urban Meyer to show Mississppi State how to play football. UF 38-6.

6 Iowa @ Michigan State

The Hawkeyes lost in Lansing last year by a 16-13 ratings deflator. But that was a team who lost to Northwestern and Pittsburgh, this is a much better, signature team. I have the fighting Kirk Ferentzes in this one, 31-28.

8 TCU @ 16 BYU

What did I say about the MWC earlier? That's right, it is horrendous to watch/cover. I will not even cross this channel. I'm picking TCU not because of knowledge or because of a gut feeling, I'm picking them strictly on these two videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meutyrkOJGk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqUiBG001kY

TCU wins 21-20.

Auburn @ 9 LSU

Battle of the Tigers. One is better than I thought, one is worse. Pretty easy to decipher that one. Anyways, as much as I despise Jordan Jefferson as a "quarterback", Charles Scott is really special. LSU wins this one 17-10.

SMU @ 17 Houston

Houston is impressive, the same cannot be said about June Jones' new team. Houston walks all over the Cougars 45-17.

Vanderbilt @ 24 South Carolina

Vanderbilt has no chance of scoring on Eric Norwood's defense. If they do, it will be a fluke score. I have the Gamecocks killing clock and winning a must-not-see game 17-0.

3 Texas @ Missouri 

We were all waiting for Alabama to pass Texas. The Tide have beaten Virginia Tech at a neutral site, Ole Miss on the road, and South Carolina at home, meanwhile Texas has blown out...well, at least looked really good against....Ok I'm not impressed by Texas to say the least. I do love Blaine Gabbert's grit and raw talent. Tigers are storming the field and winning this game 31-30.

Oregon State @ 7 USC 

"NEVER AGAIN" That pertains to this game as well as it did situationally in "The Goods". USC won't lose at home with Matt Barkley and Taylor Mays. 27-13 Trojans.

4 Boise State @ Hawaii

Boise State will be so happy to be out of Idaho and in Hawaii that they will blow out the Rainbow Warriors like everyone else has this year. Potato Farmers 33-10.

Upset Picks: Mizzou over 3 Texas, Huskies over 11 Oregon, Michigan over 13 Penn State, USF over 20 Pittsburgh, and UCONN over 23 West Virginia. The latter two are the only road upset teams. I'm not as confident as I usually am with my upset picks, so we shall see. Go Rebels, Beat Arkansas.

Quick Week 2 NFL Picks

Patriots 21 Jets 24

Saints 31 Eagles 20

Rams 10 Redskins 17

Cardinals 28 Jaguars 13

Panthers 24 Falcons 20

Vikings 38 Lions 10

Bengals 0 Packers 28

Texans 21 Titans 31

Raiders 27 Chiefs 3

Bucs 7 Bills 24

Seahawks 27 49ers 21

Chargers 10 Baltimore 17

Stealers 20 Bears 6

Browns 17 Broncos 24

Giants 31 Cowboys 17

Colts 17 Dolphins 20

Week 3 Picks

Week 3, finally get to see some teams show who their real teams are by now. I was 16-5 last week, so let's hope this one goes a lot smoother.

FRIDAY 10 Boise State (2-0) v. Fresno State (1-1)

A very good Fresno offense vs. a very good Boise defense is the key matchup. I believe they will meet somewhere in the middle in that battle, and I believe that Boise's offense will own the T.O.P. and score on the Bulldog D who was weak last weak at Wisconsin. Broncos win on a green field for the first time this year, 31-14.

Temple (0-1) v. 5 Penn State (2-0)

Penn State's looked above average on offense, but very dominant on defense allowing just 7 points in each of their first 2 games. Temple is coming off an embarrassing defeat to FCS opponent Villanova. I don't see any reason why the Owls would redeem themselves this week. The touchdown trend continues as The Nittany Lions take this one 35-7.

8 California (2-0) v. Minnesota (2-0)

Minnesota is 2-0 against two mid-level OOC teams this year. The problem is, Cal is not mid-level, they're a really good team with a habit of putting up lots of points (55.5 ppg thus far). Minnesota does not have the firepower on offense to keep up with Jeff Tedford's Bears. I have Cal in the Metrodome by a score of 45-13.

11 Ohio State (1-1) v. Toledo (1-1)

Ohio State brought shame upon me by choking against USC and Pryor keeps verifying my belief that he is in fact NOT a dominant quarterback on the levels of Tebow, McCoy, Bradford, and Snead thus far. He may get there, just not right now. Lucky for him, the Rockets have a horrendous defense (45 ppg) which leads me to believe that the Buckeyes take this one 52-21.

Duke (1-1) v. 22 Kansas (2-0)

Kansas, very good. Duke, not very good. Duke is coming off a victory over Army (not as impressive as it was 60 years ago), but the week before that had a 8 point loss to the Richmond Spiders. Meanwhile, Kansas has a trifecta of WATHLETE skill players the likes of which we've never seen before. Todd Reesing has gotten all of the press since their run to the Orange Bowl. But Jake Sharp (6.1 YPC this year) and Kerry Meier (9 rec. 130 yds so far) are as electric as it gets in the Big 12. Kansas goes video game upside Duke and routs 56-10.

East Carolina (1-1) v.  24 UNC

Less than impressive win last week vs. UCONN, but maybe that proves they can win close games. The Tar Heels have a very balanced offensive attack, including a solid quarterback in TJ Yates. I don't see Carolina overlooking a mediocre Pirate team, UNC pulls it out 27-20.

Eastern Michigan (1-1) v. 25 Michigan

I have to say I did see a huge improvement in Michigan (even though I picked a loss last week for them), but they took it to a new level against Notre Dame. They found their quarterback for the next 4 years in Tate Forcier. Rich Rodriguez recently said in an interview that he's proud of Forcier but the race isn't over for Sheridan and Robinson. Like anyone believes that nonsense from Rich, this is going to be a big year for the Wolverines and it continues here. Michigan 42-6.

North Texas (1-1) v. 4 Alabama

Riley Dodge is easily the best player to come to the Mean Green side, but that isn't saying much. UNT is another subpar OOC game for Alabama that I believe will be in the game until the 3rd quarter until the Tide pulls away. Rammer Jammer 38-21.

Tennessee (1-1) v. 1 Florida

The most talked about game of the year so far, but not because it'll be a close game. It's because Lane Kiffin should play for the New York Jets, he may not have the talent but he sure has the mouth for it. If Crompton throws 3 picks vs. UCLA, I can't imagine how he'll fair against a much, much better team in Florida. Piss off the Gators and you'll pay (i.e. Georgia last year 48-10), I think this will be much of the same. Gators swamp the Vols 56-13.

3 USC v. Washington

I don't think that the QB questions are going to be a distraction for USC, but I do expect some kinks that need working out from Aaron Corp during this game. Steve Sarkisian knows who he's going up against and will have his team prepared. Too bad Jake Locker does not have the talent around him that an inferior Aaram Corp does or this game could swing the other way. Closer game in Seattle than some would think, but USC prevails 28-24.

Tulsa (2-0) v. 12 Oklahoma (1-1)

Tulsa may have one of the best offenses in the country putting up a combined 81 points in their first 2 games. But thats against New Mexico and Tulane and not a National Title contending defense. Frustrating week for high powered Tulsa. OU wins in Norman 34-20.

19 Nebraska (2-0) v. 13 Virginia Tech (1-1)

Winning in Blacksburg is tough, anyone in the ACC knows that. Tyrod Taylor is good but not great, they will win their games this year as the Hokies always have, through defense and special teams. On the other hand, Zac Lee is one of the most talented, under-discussed quarterbacks in the country. And I can never bet against a Bo Pellini coached defense. I have the Cornhuskers in an upset here, 27-14.

18 Utah (2-0) v. Oregon (1-1)

The balanced attack of Cain and Asiata is a very formidable threat to an average Oregon defense. Although, I still am not convinced that this year's Utah team is a very good team, I do think they'll beat a subpar team in Oregon. The Utes win this one 24-20.

17 Cincinnati (2-0) v. Oregon State (2-0)

I think Oregon State's a good team, but I think Cincinnati is a great team. 5th year Senior Tony Pike is a quarterback with a big arm that puts up June Jones-like numbers. I dont see the #1 scoring offense in FBS slowing down in this one, Bearcats big 52-10.

Florida State (1-1) v. 7 BYU (2-0)

Max Hall is a 2nd tier elite quarterback, (the big 3 are 1st tier) and has lead his polygamist Cougars to a 2-0 record. FSU could be 2-0 right now if the referees had the balls to get the Hurricanes off of the field and play the final 0:01 on the clock, but that's neither here nor there. You've got to be a moron to pick the Seminoles in this game, so I guess I'm a moron. Noles 21-20.

UL-Lafayette (2-0) v. 9 LSU (2-0)

You have got to hand it the Ragin' Cajuns for scheduling probably the tought OOC slate of any non-BCS team. They've already managed the Kansas State part of that gauntlet, beating the legendary Bill Snyder 17-15. They have LSU this week then travel to Lincoln next week, and i just don't see them winning either of those games. They're the second best team in Louisiana but they're going to get whooped up upon by the best team in the county-less state. LSU in a snoozefest 20-7.

Texas State (1-0) v. 15 TCU (1-0)

Nothing of note to discuss here, besides bad scheduling by the TCU A.D. There is zero warranted complaining in December if TCU goes undefeated and gets stuck in a mediocre Christmas bowl game. This is because of scheduling the likes of Texas State and SMU, which if anyone wants to bring up UVA and Clemson, that is irrelevant due to the fact that neither are ranked or will produce good football teams this year. If I must predict a score, I'll say TCU 42-6.

Rice (0-2) v. 16 Oklahoma State (1-1)

There will be a lot less excitement in Stillwater this week than there was last week, considering they are essentially out of the National Championship hunt. Regardless, I think the offense kicks it into gear for some payback against a rough Rice team waiting for YouTube star Sam McGuffie to regain eligibility. Pokes 52-10.

SE Louisiana (2-0) v. 5 Ole Miss (1-0)

The Lions have a good quarterback in Brian Babin, but he's proved this against the likes of Texas A&M-Commerce and Union College. That being said, they'll have a rough introduction to SEC football. Now that the Rebels are healing up from a flu epidemic that haunted the football team at the Memphis opener, they should look very different. Johnny Brown had a career day and headlines an improved secondary. The linebackers look to be getting better and the d-line is dominant as expected. Jevan Snead will have his pick of guys to throw to today because they will all be open and this will be a late arrival-early exit game for the fans. Rebels roll 59-0.

21 Georgia (1-1) v. Arkansas (1-0)

I'll admit that I could not have been more wrong about the UGA-USC game last week by way of score as well as who won. This game however, I am confident will go according to plan. Ryan Mallet is a great quarterback with a great group of receivers (ranked 2nd in the SEC by ESPN blogger Chris Low) and the premiere back in the SEC Michael Smith. Georgia has a young defense who will be exposed every which way. The 'Backs will own the Time of Possession battle and have a lot to throw at Joe Cox. Arkansas doesn't just upset, they torch the Bulldogs. Final Score Bulldogs 14 Razorbacks 31.

Texas Tech (2-0) v. 2 Texas (2-0)

The Longhorns looked vulnerable last week against the Cowboys. And no not against the $1 billion cross-state Cowboys, they looked weak against the WYOMING Cowboys. I am one of the few who thinks that the Red Raiders are more talented than they were a year ago which is why I expect them to hang around Saturday night. Regardless I have the Longhorns coming away with this one late, 38-34.

I have 3 upsets in this one with 7 BYU, 13 VA Tech, 21 UGA all going down. Let's all just have a silent prayer for the man working the scoreboard in Gainesville this week, he'll definitely be busy keeping up with half of it...

Weekend In Review

Not the best week pickwise for me (missing all 3 of my upsets), finishing 16-6. I'll review it anyway I guess.

Best Weekend: Pac-10

Nine Pac-10 teams were in action Saturday (minus Arizona State), and they were 7-2 (3-1 against BCS conference teams). Of course #3 USC proved that a freshman quarterback is no obstacle for them in beating the #8 ranked Buckeyes in the Horseshoe, but other teams also made huge strides. #10 Cal, although playing an inferior opponent, went above 50 points for the second straight week, sending chills through the Hollywood hills. Washington got their first win since 2007 by beating Idaho ( a wins a win for the Huskies). Oregon edged by Purdue, Oregon State beat UNLV, and UCLA went into Knoxville and got a huge win over the Vols. Despite losses by Stanford (in the final seconds @ Wake) and a blowout loss to Hawaii by Washington State, the Pac-10 emerged as maybe the 2nd or 3rd best conference in America.

Honorable Mention: Matt Barkley

Beating widely publicized QB Terrell Pryor, proving his critics wrong, gaining faith from his teammates, eeping USC in title contention. Quite the weekend for the frosh. 

Worst Weekend: Oklahoma State

With every group of sexy preseason picks, there's always one disaster. Oklahoma State has jumped off to an early lead for that coveted designation. Giving up 45 points to Houston? I know the Cougars have a high-powered offense, but that should not in any way be showcased that well against a Big 12 team. Especially against this "much improved" Bill Young defense. Anyways, a 1-1 start's not too good for a team with National Championship aspirations. Especially since they have a schedule that features Missouri, #2 Texas, Texas Tech, and at #12 Oklahoma left on their schedule. 2009 was the year for the Cowboys seeing their dynamic trifecta likely all gone next year. This looks to be a 9-3 or 8-4 team headed to either the Holiday Bowl or the Gator Bowl. Good thing their coach is "a man" and can handle a disappointing season like this.

Honorable Mention: Lane Kiffin

Losing to UCLA to home the week before traveling to the Swamp? One week at a time Lane, you'll learn.

Gameball for the weekend: Tate Forcier, Michigan

Making big plays when he needed to, Tate Forcier was huge for Michigan on Saturday. Talk about the composure of a kid being in front of 100,000+ against arch rival Notre Dame while losing in the final minute, only to drive down the field for the game winning score. He stepped up in the pocket all day long and made the ethrows he needed to, especially on the final drive. He dodged a multitude of defenders only to have a go-ahead touchdown pass to be dropped on the grass. But the next play, he delivered a perfect ball to the outside and gave the Wolverines the upset victory.

Honorable Mention: Andrew Aguila, Central Michigan

Booted a perfect onside kick, to give CMU back the ball, only to kick a game-winning field goal seconds later.

My Top 25 going into Week 3...

1. Florida (2-0)      v. Tennessee

2. USC (2-0)           @ Washington

3. Texas (2-0)        v. Texas Tech

4. Cal (2-0)             @ Minnesota

5. Ole Miss (1-0)    v. SE Louisiana

6. Alabama (2-0)   v. North Texas

7. Penn State (2-0)  v. Temple

8. BYU (2-0)           v. Florida State

9. Boise State (2-0) @ Fresno State (Fri.)

10. LSU (2-0)            v. UL-Lafayette

11. Ohio State (1-1)   @. Toledo

12. Oklahoma (1-1)   v. Tulsa

13. Georgia Tech (2-0) @ #20 Miami (FL)

14. Virginia Tech (1-1)  v. #15 Nebraska

15. Nebraska (2-0)        @ #14 Virginia Tech

16. Cincinnati (2-0)      @ Oregon State

17. TCU (1-0)                 v. Texas State

18. Utah (2-0)               @ Oregon

19. Oklahoma State (1-1) v. Rice

20. Miami (FL) (1-0)    v. #13 Georgia Tech

21. UNC (2-0)            v. East Carolina

22. Michigan (2-0)   v. E. Michigan

23. Kansas (2-0)       v. Duke

24. Notre Dame (1-1) v. Michigan State

25. Missouri (2-0)     v. Furman