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

College Football Picks This Weekend

From the jerseys of the north, to the suits in the south, even to the graphic t-shirts of the West, the second week of college football is upon us. Not much to be said about last weekend other than Sam Bradford's hurt and FCS teams are still worse than FBS teams. Even though my Rebels aren't playing, here are my picks for the Top 25 teams in action in week 2.

Troy (0-1) vs. 1 Florida (1-0)

Troy opened the year with a demoralizing 17 point loss to Bowling Green, hard to think they have a chance in the Swamp. John Brantley, it's your lucky day, we'll see you every down starting in the second quarter. Gators romp 56-10.

Syracuse (0-1) vs. 7 Penn State

In consecutive weeks, Syracuse challenges a Big Ten opponent. And in consecutive weeks, they lose a heartbreaker. Another good but not great performance by Greg Paulus won't be enough. I've got Penn State 27 Syracuse 20.

19 UNC (1-0) vs. UCONN (1-0)

Doesn't everyone wish this were a basketball game? The Tar Heels had a less than stellar first quarter against The Citadel, not scoring a single point, but they kicked it in the next gear and blew the Bulldogs out of Kenan. Donald Brown's gone and so is UCONN by the 3rd quarter. Heels win this one 34-13.

Marshall vs. 14 Virginia Tech

WE ARE.. getting blown out by the Hokies 42-10.

2 Texas (1-0) vs. Wyoming (1-0)

I had to double check that this was indeed an away game for the Longhorns. As disgusted as I am that in fact they do travel to Laramie, I'll still analyze this one. Major props go out to  Dave Christensen and his staff for scheduling 2 Big 12 games (the other comes at Colorado) in one year. The problem is, when you have talent that squeaks you by Weber State, you're going to have as much of a chance beating the Longhorns as an awful pun does escaping Lee Corso's Gameday monologues. Get used to hearing Jordan Shipley's name because you'll be hearing it a lot on Saturday. McCoy's boys huge, 63-10.

Houston (1-0) vs. 5 Oklahoma State (1-0)

I watched the Oklahoma State-Georgia game last week and wasn't nearly as impressed with the Pokes as the rest of the world. A flu-ridden, talent in question quarterback for the Dawgs gave the Cowboys an opportunity to win big against an SEC opponent which would speak volumes on paper. Although they won by 2 touchdowns, Kendall Hunter underachieved (3.3 YPC) as well as Dez Bryant who accounted for 3 catches. I expect them to get it together Saturday against a talented (offensively) Houston squad. Pokes win it 42-21.

9 BYU (1-0) vs. Tulane (0-1)

 

We'll see BYU put up some points, and we'll see Tulane.. watch them be put up there. No letdown here, the Mormon Monsters win this one 35-3.

16 TCU (0-0) vs. Virginia (0-1)

TCU's offense will need to shake off the dust early, but I expect the Horned Frogs defense to be ready to jump all over the Cavaliers. Losing to William & Mary in Week 1 by double-digits may have made Jon Stewart giddy but it's not exactly what the Charlottesville faithful were looking for. UVA fans change the channel early, because I've got the Horned Frogs causing a lot of turnovers and winning 28-7.

18 Notre Dame (1-0) vs. Michigan (1-0)

Meeechigan might finally have the personnel to win football games. Trouble is, so do the Fighting Irish. The difference is the Irish have an experienced quarterback, more returning talent, and a Lou Holtz pep talk up their sleeves. They're going to Play Like A Champion Today and win a tight one in the Big House 28-24.

Arkansas State (1-0) vs. 22 Nebraska (1-0)

Arkansas State whipped up on Mississippi Valley State last week much to the disgust of Jerry Rice. Nebraska also proved to be far more superior than FAU last week beating them by 46. Just because you both blew out your weak first opponents does not make you equal Arkansas State, and you're going to get the FAU treatment as Lee passes for Colt Brennan numbers. Huskers win 52-10.

 Eastern Washington (1-0) vs. 10 Cal (1-0)

EWU needs to realize we're still in a fuel crisis, just stay at home and don't waste the gas. You already have the YouTube hero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzRGCmwVuP4), you don't need to demean yourselves by getting demolished like a veggie burger in Berkley. For lack of a better pun, Best gets the best of the Eagles 63-0.

FIU (0-0) vs. 4 Alabama (1-0)

FIU's is playing it's first game of the season this week, and well, win number one will have to wait. Alabama showcased it's defense last week in Atlanta, and Mark Ingram is running like a man's chasing him. Tide Rolls 45-7.

Vanderbilt (1-0) vs. 11 LSU (1-0)

The hype for LSU is all coming as a bit of a surprise to me. Sure, they pulled out a victory against a famed Wathlete in Jake Locker, but their quarterback situation's nothing special. Jordan Jefferson's "comeout party" against Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl is masked. The miserable, for some more emphasis... MISERABLE quarterbacks for Mississippi State had better numbers vs. the Tech defense last year than Jordan Jefferson did. Vandy shocks the world (but not this blogger) with a win that will surely "shake the valley" 24-21.

Idaho State (0-1) vs. 13 Oklahoma (0-1)

Oh, Idaho State why did you do this to yourselves? Was there really no one else to schedule besides the National Championship runner-up of last year? Without Bradford and Gresham, Sooners still roll 63-0.

South Carolina (1-0) vs. 21 UGA (0-1)

Every year this game is all about defense. This year seems a lot of the same, with lackluster quarterback play at each side (don't let Garcia's 3rd team all SEC preseason pick fool you), it doesn't seem possible that this is the year for offensive firepower. USC's secondary is better than Georgia's, as I believe the Gamecocks are as a team. The Classic City weeps as it starts the year 0-2, I've got the Visor Voyagers beating Richt's Rats 13-10.

Bowling Green (1-0) vs. 25 Missouri

Sure, the Falcons whipped up on Troy last week, but that's nothing to brag about really. Mizzou was strong against an Illini team picked as a Big Ten sleeper. Go nuts on Providence Street Tiger fans, Blain Gabbert and his crew win this one by a lot, 45-10.

SE Missouri State (1-0) vs. 23 Cincinnati (1-0)

Does any defending BCS conference winner get less respect than Cincinnati? The Bearcats return what's still a very good team. This one plays out well for Pike nation, 59-0.

24 Kansas (1-0) vs. UTEP (0-1)

Mike Price better have his men motivated for this one, because Mangini will be airing it out before they even step onto the grass..or dirt or whatever they can get in El Paso. Kansas kicks a lot of 19-yard 1-pointers in this one, 49-14.

3 USC (1-0) vs. 8 Ohio State (1-0)

Who would've thought that the vested genius that is Jim Tressel would be confused by an offense of a {gasp} independent team. Regardless, I think the atmosphere in the Horseshoe will get the Buckeyes fired up for this one and they'll play a much better game. USC will realize that they're not playing San Jose State about...the coin toss when there's 100,000+ screaming fans. A scared Matt Barkley's heart is torn to shreds (he'll be lucky if that's all against a defense like this), dot the I and mark up  a W for the Buckeyes, 31-21. 

Miami (OH) (0-1) vs. 12 Boise State (1-0)

This is another miniscule OOC game not worthy of saying much about. Boise State's the home team, Boise State's the more talented team, and Boise State's going to win. Expect another post-game punch as the Blue-Turfed Broncos win this one 38-7.

17 Utah (1-0) vs. San Jose State (0-1)

Man, wouldn't this be a great bounceback win for the Spartans? Too bad, it won't even be close for consecutive weeks. The Utes roll (reminiscent of last year's Sugar Bowl eh?) in this one    45-13.

Well, those are my picks for the Top 25 in college football this week. A lack of upsets, but that's to be expected when teams are in action against the likes of Idaho St. and Eastern Washington. But I am sounding the alert on the Commodores in Baton Rouge, The Cocks in Athens, and The Buckeyes in Columbus. Big week in college football, we'll see who proves they belong and who should wait out for basketball.