First, I incorrectly ranked Penn State last weekend. I had them at #4 with a 7-0 record. Their record was 8-0 and they should have been #1, with Utah #2, Texas #3, Oklahoma State #4. I won't make that mistake this time, as they are a nation-best 9-0.
So I promised I'd make fun of Kansas for taking advantage of their weak schedule last year and proving they aren't that good this year. Thanks to Texas Tech tripling them up 63-21, I am offered that opportunity. Here's some food for thought: Kansas beat a FCS team this year, so in order to truly qualify for a bowl game, they must win 7 games. (Each FBS team is allowed to use 1 victory over an FCS as a sixth win to qualify for a bowl every 4 years... Kansas did that in 2003 and 2005, both years they finished with 6 wins, one over an FCS school.) Since they are 5-3, and have Texas and Missouri left, they must beat Kansas State and Nebraska to ideally have 7 wins, not easy they way they are playing defense.
As for Missouri, it's not a guarantee they'll beat Kansas, but they sure looked pissed off on Saturday. That 58-0 win over Colorado was a spanking. At no point did I think Colorado had a chance. Watch out for them to sneak up and be the best 2 loss team in the country.
Here are the rankings:
1. Penn State (9-0)
2. Texas (8-0)
3. Texas Tech (8-0)
4. Alabama (8-0)
5. Utah (8-0)
6. Ball State (8-0)
7. Tulsa (8-0)
8. Boise State (7-0)
9. Texas Christian (8-1)
10. Oklahoma (7-1)
11. Georgia (7-1)
12. Oklahoma State (7-1)
13. Minnesota (7-1)
14. Brigham Young (7-1)
15. Florida (6-1)
16. Southern Cal (6-1)
17. Florida State (6-1)
18. Ohio State (7-2)
19. Michigan State (7-2)
20. North Carolina (6-2)
21. Missouri (6-2)
22. Georgia Tech (6-2) (#26 in USA Today, #32 in AP)
23. Maryland (6-2)
24. Connecticut (6-2) (#31 USA Today, #30 AP)
25. Oregon (6-2)
26. South Florida (6-2)
27. Pittsburgh (5-2)
28. Louisiana State (5-2)
29. California (5-2)
30. Notre Dame (5-2) (#30 USA Today, #34 AP)
31. West Virginia (5-2)
32. Kansas (5-3)
Honorable Mention: Air Force (6-2), Central Michigan (6-2), Western Michigan (6-2), Louisville (5-2), Cincinnati (5-2), Troy (5-2), Virginia (5-3), Rice (5-3)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Football Picks (NFL week 8, NCAA week 9)
Let's hit the ground runnin' this mornin'...
- #5 Texas Tech over #26 Kansas... I'll leave the Jayhawks alone if they win this game, if they don't it will be nothing but "haven't proved anything, the 12-1 season was a fluke because you played no one" for the rest of the season.
- #22 LSU over #13 Georgia... I just don't think Georgia has enough in the tank to pull this out.
- #2 Texas over #3 Oklahoma State... I'd love to pick the upset here, but I watched the Slaughter in Austin last week, and this Texas team scares me.
- #10 Ohio State over #4 Penn State... because the Buckeyes are at home, I don't see Terrell Pryor's youth being an issue.
On to the pros...
- Ravens over Raiders... west coast teams are not doing well playing early games on the east coast. The Raiders internal clock will read 10 am when this game kicks off.
- Panthers over Cardinals... wasn't sure how to pick this game. Panthers are okay at home, Cardinals have a chance to stake their claim in the NFC West. We'll see.
- Buccaneers over Cowboys... Cowboys don't wait for the playoffs to fall apart this year.
- Redskins over Lions... please, the Lions defense against the Redskins running game? No chance.
- Bills over Dolphins... nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills!
- Patriots over Rams... did the Rams win again last week? What the hell is going on?
- Saints over Chargers... if west coast teams are losing east coast trips, what does a team fro So Cal do playing half way across the world.
- Jets over Chiefs... there is nothing that could make me pick the Chiefs at all this season... nothing.
- Eagles over Falcons... Eagles really need this, keep pace in the NFC East.
- Texans over Bengals... seriously, the Texans really want that Colts game back, they'd be above .500 if they'd held on.
- Jaguars over Browns... brown is the color of poo!!
- Steelers over Giants... how much marijuana would you have to smoke to consider beating the defending champs possible? I don't know, but apparently Santonio Holmes was going to find out.
- 49ers over Seahawks... some please tell Seattle sports fans it could be worse. They could be in Alaska.
- Titans over Colts... did Copper Manning switch places with his brother after the knee surgery? Is Peyton hiding out in a mountain cabin, only emerging to do more commercials?
Last week: 10-4
Season: 62-40
- #5 Texas Tech over #26 Kansas... I'll leave the Jayhawks alone if they win this game, if they don't it will be nothing but "haven't proved anything, the 12-1 season was a fluke because you played no one" for the rest of the season.
- #22 LSU over #13 Georgia... I just don't think Georgia has enough in the tank to pull this out.
- #2 Texas over #3 Oklahoma State... I'd love to pick the upset here, but I watched the Slaughter in Austin last week, and this Texas team scares me.
- #10 Ohio State over #4 Penn State... because the Buckeyes are at home, I don't see Terrell Pryor's youth being an issue.
On to the pros...
- Ravens over Raiders... west coast teams are not doing well playing early games on the east coast. The Raiders internal clock will read 10 am when this game kicks off.
- Panthers over Cardinals... wasn't sure how to pick this game. Panthers are okay at home, Cardinals have a chance to stake their claim in the NFC West. We'll see.
- Buccaneers over Cowboys... Cowboys don't wait for the playoffs to fall apart this year.
- Redskins over Lions... please, the Lions defense against the Redskins running game? No chance.
- Bills over Dolphins... nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills!
- Patriots over Rams... did the Rams win again last week? What the hell is going on?
- Saints over Chargers... if west coast teams are losing east coast trips, what does a team fro So Cal do playing half way across the world.
- Jets over Chiefs... there is nothing that could make me pick the Chiefs at all this season... nothing.
- Eagles over Falcons... Eagles really need this, keep pace in the NFC East.
- Texans over Bengals... seriously, the Texans really want that Colts game back, they'd be above .500 if they'd held on.
- Jaguars over Browns... brown is the color of poo!!
- Steelers over Giants... how much marijuana would you have to smoke to consider beating the defending champs possible? I don't know, but apparently Santonio Holmes was going to find out.
- 49ers over Seahawks... some please tell Seattle sports fans it could be worse. They could be in Alaska.
- Titans over Colts... did Copper Manning switch places with his brother after the knee surgery? Is Peyton hiding out in a mountain cabin, only emerging to do more commercials?
Last week: 10-4
Season: 62-40
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Grinds My Gears 10/22
You know what really grinds my gears?
People who listen to their mp3 players and don't pay attention. I can't count how many times I've almost run over some student crossing the street with their head down and their iPod in their ears. The worst part is I'd probably get thrown in jail for hitting some kid, pay for his tuition and lose my license, just because he wasn't paying attention when he stepped off the sidewalk 50 yards from the nearest crosswalk in front of a moving vehicle he failed to notice.
Earlier in the school year, I intentionally bumped some guy because he wasn't paying attention. He had his iPod in his ears, his hood pulled over his head, and his stare glued to the sidewalk. The sidewalk was at least 10-feet wide and no one else was nearby. He had at least a minute or two to look up, see he was walking directly towards me, take one step to the right, and continue unimpeded to his destination. But no, he failed to do that. So I stood my ground, on the edge of the sidewalk, hands in my pockets, and let him run into me. You know what happened?? Nothing. He didn't even look back. Asshole.
I'd have to say the biggest thing that is different from when I was an undergrad is the prevelance of people listening to mp3 players wherever they go on campus. It's frustrating. Even those people that do a decent job paying attention are missing out on the wonderful sounds nature has to offer. What if you drop your wallet and you can't hear the calls of someone trying to notify you of your loss?
The only thing that frustrates me more is the explosion of girls wearing Uggz boots, but that's fashion and I have no ground to stand on in that department. I just don't get what's so fashionable about snow boots with shorts.
People who listen to their mp3 players and don't pay attention. I can't count how many times I've almost run over some student crossing the street with their head down and their iPod in their ears. The worst part is I'd probably get thrown in jail for hitting some kid, pay for his tuition and lose my license, just because he wasn't paying attention when he stepped off the sidewalk 50 yards from the nearest crosswalk in front of a moving vehicle he failed to notice.
Earlier in the school year, I intentionally bumped some guy because he wasn't paying attention. He had his iPod in his ears, his hood pulled over his head, and his stare glued to the sidewalk. The sidewalk was at least 10-feet wide and no one else was nearby. He had at least a minute or two to look up, see he was walking directly towards me, take one step to the right, and continue unimpeded to his destination. But no, he failed to do that. So I stood my ground, on the edge of the sidewalk, hands in my pockets, and let him run into me. You know what happened?? Nothing. He didn't even look back. Asshole.
I'd have to say the biggest thing that is different from when I was an undergrad is the prevelance of people listening to mp3 players wherever they go on campus. It's frustrating. Even those people that do a decent job paying attention are missing out on the wonderful sounds nature has to offer. What if you drop your wallet and you can't hear the calls of someone trying to notify you of your loss?
The only thing that frustrates me more is the explosion of girls wearing Uggz boots, but that's fashion and I have no ground to stand on in that department. I just don't get what's so fashionable about snow boots with shorts.
Monday, October 20, 2008
College Week 9 Rankings
Did I call the TCU win our what?
As for Mizzou, I wish the casual Tigers fan would get it together. They have one awesome season and suddenly nothing is good enough. At the beginning of the season I predicted 12-2 again, but with a BCS appearance and either the Big 12 title or a win in the BCS game. That's still a possibility. I knew they would lose to Texas even before Texas beat Oklahoma. Bitch and moan, bitch and moan. "What's wrong with Chase Daniel?" "Why didn't we beat Oklahoma State?"
Theres one thing you must remember about the Tigers. This coaching staff does 1 thing well, it can recruit. It's the reason we have guys like Chase Daniel, Sean Weatherspoon, and Jeremy Machlin. It's how we pulled Blaine Gabbert, Adam Jones, and Elvis Fisher away from Nebraska. Gary Pinkell and the rest of the staff have continuity and we're all of a sudden a relevant program. That's what attracts good players. But this staff cannot coach. They force an offensive script on the beginning of each half. They are terrible at making adjustments. They insist on keeping Daniel in the shotgun. They continue to blitz 7 guys and get burned down field.
All of the little problems can be traced to bad coaching. Last year each time they lost to Oklahoma they were riding high off big win against a major rival. They thought they could cruise to another big win. They were wrong.
As you read that remember that I stick by my 12-2 prediction. Just think, the next 4 games are Colorado, Baylor, Kansas State, and Iowa State. Win those and you've got a division championship with kansas in KC again. Win that and you're right back in the Big 12 title game the next week in the same stadium. Win that and you're going to the Fiesta Bowl. Tah Dah!
On to the rankings:
1. Utah (8-0)
2. Texas (7-0)
3. Oklahoma State (7-0)
4. Penn State (7-0)
5. Texas Tech (7-0)
6. Alabama (7-0)
7. Ball State (7-0)
8. Tulsa (7-0)
9. Boise State (6-0)
10. Ohio State (7-1)
11. Texas Christian (7-1)
12. Oklahoma (6-1)
13. Georgia (6-1)
14. Georgia Tech (6-1)
15. South Florida (6-1)
16. Minnesota (6-1)
17. Northwestern (6-1)
18. Brigham Young (6-1)
19. Florida (5-1)
20. Southern Cal (5-1)
21. Pittsburgh (5-1)
22. Louisiana State (5-1)
23. Florida State (5-1)
24. Boston College (5-1)
25. Michigan State (6-2)
26. Kansas (5-2)
27. Missouri (5-2)
28. Virginia Tech (5-2)
29. Vanderbilt (5-2) (Note: Outside of USA Today top 30)
30. North Carolina (5-2)
Honorable Mention: Cincinnati (5-1), Western Michigan (6-2), Kentucky (5-2), Oregon (5-2) (Note: In USA Today top 30), Arizona (5-2), Air Force (5-2), Maryland (5-2), Connecticut (5-2), San Jose State (5-2), Central Michigan (5-2).
Dropped From Rankings: Wake Forest (4-2), California (4-2)
As for Mizzou, I wish the casual Tigers fan would get it together. They have one awesome season and suddenly nothing is good enough. At the beginning of the season I predicted 12-2 again, but with a BCS appearance and either the Big 12 title or a win in the BCS game. That's still a possibility. I knew they would lose to Texas even before Texas beat Oklahoma. Bitch and moan, bitch and moan. "What's wrong with Chase Daniel?" "Why didn't we beat Oklahoma State?"
Theres one thing you must remember about the Tigers. This coaching staff does 1 thing well, it can recruit. It's the reason we have guys like Chase Daniel, Sean Weatherspoon, and Jeremy Machlin. It's how we pulled Blaine Gabbert, Adam Jones, and Elvis Fisher away from Nebraska. Gary Pinkell and the rest of the staff have continuity and we're all of a sudden a relevant program. That's what attracts good players. But this staff cannot coach. They force an offensive script on the beginning of each half. They are terrible at making adjustments. They insist on keeping Daniel in the shotgun. They continue to blitz 7 guys and get burned down field.
All of the little problems can be traced to bad coaching. Last year each time they lost to Oklahoma they were riding high off big win against a major rival. They thought they could cruise to another big win. They were wrong.
As you read that remember that I stick by my 12-2 prediction. Just think, the next 4 games are Colorado, Baylor, Kansas State, and Iowa State. Win those and you've got a division championship with kansas in KC again. Win that and you're right back in the Big 12 title game the next week in the same stadium. Win that and you're going to the Fiesta Bowl. Tah Dah!
On to the rankings:
1. Utah (8-0)
2. Texas (7-0)
3. Oklahoma State (7-0)
4. Penn State (7-0)
5. Texas Tech (7-0)
6. Alabama (7-0)
7. Ball State (7-0)
8. Tulsa (7-0)
9. Boise State (6-0)
10. Ohio State (7-1)
11. Texas Christian (7-1)
12. Oklahoma (6-1)
13. Georgia (6-1)
14. Georgia Tech (6-1)
15. South Florida (6-1)
16. Minnesota (6-1)
17. Northwestern (6-1)
18. Brigham Young (6-1)
19. Florida (5-1)
20. Southern Cal (5-1)
21. Pittsburgh (5-1)
22. Louisiana State (5-1)
23. Florida State (5-1)
24. Boston College (5-1)
25. Michigan State (6-2)
26. Kansas (5-2)
27. Missouri (5-2)
28. Virginia Tech (5-2)
29. Vanderbilt (5-2) (Note: Outside of USA Today top 30)
30. North Carolina (5-2)
Honorable Mention: Cincinnati (5-1), Western Michigan (6-2), Kentucky (5-2), Oregon (5-2) (Note: In USA Today top 30), Arizona (5-2), Air Force (5-2), Maryland (5-2), Connecticut (5-2), San Jose State (5-2), Central Michigan (5-2).
Dropped From Rankings: Wake Forest (4-2), California (4-2)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 7 NFL Picks
Just to knock them out (note: picks officially made during half-time of the spanking in Austin last night) here they are...
Chargers over Bills... if the Bills move to Toronto will all their home games have crazy Canadian rules will they lead the league in number of penalties for high sticking?
Saints over Panthers... the draftability of guys like Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing is entirely dependent on the success of six-foot-nothing Drew Brees.
Bears over Vikings... the Vikings only beat the Lions by 2 points... 2 points!!
Steelers over Bengals... it's sad when your teams roster has more arrests than touchdowns.
Titans over Chiefs... someone please put Herm Edwards out of his misery, please.
Ravens over Dolphins... I made the mistake of picking the Dolphins last week on the basis of their unconventional offense, thanks to them the spread attack will stay stuck in pergetory (ridiculously over-used in college and an NFL pipe-dream).
Giants over 49ers... did the 49ers really challenge a field goal last week???
Cowboys over Rams... did the Rams really win last week???
Texans over Lions... imagine if the Texans hadn't had that meltdown against the Colts, they could be 3-3 after this week.
Packers over Colts... just can't trust the Colts like you're used to.
Jets over Raiders... if the Jets make the playoffs (highly likely) is Brett Favre going to play for ever??
Redskins over Browns... would it be possible to just send the winner of the NFC East to the Super Bowl, instead of fooling around with the playoffs?
Buccaneers over Seahawks... case in point: somehow the Seahawks are still alive in their division and the Bucs have a shot at a first round bye.
Patriots over Broncos... will the real Denver Broncos please stand up?
Last week: 7-7
Season: 52-36
Chargers over Bills... if the Bills move to Toronto will all their home games have crazy Canadian rules will they lead the league in number of penalties for high sticking?
Saints over Panthers... the draftability of guys like Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing is entirely dependent on the success of six-foot-nothing Drew Brees.
Bears over Vikings... the Vikings only beat the Lions by 2 points... 2 points!!
Steelers over Bengals... it's sad when your teams roster has more arrests than touchdowns.
Titans over Chiefs... someone please put Herm Edwards out of his misery, please.
Ravens over Dolphins... I made the mistake of picking the Dolphins last week on the basis of their unconventional offense, thanks to them the spread attack will stay stuck in pergetory (ridiculously over-used in college and an NFL pipe-dream).
Giants over 49ers... did the 49ers really challenge a field goal last week???
Cowboys over Rams... did the Rams really win last week???
Texans over Lions... imagine if the Texans hadn't had that meltdown against the Colts, they could be 3-3 after this week.
Packers over Colts... just can't trust the Colts like you're used to.
Jets over Raiders... if the Jets make the playoffs (highly likely) is Brett Favre going to play for ever??
Redskins over Browns... would it be possible to just send the winner of the NFC East to the Super Bowl, instead of fooling around with the playoffs?
Buccaneers over Seahawks... case in point: somehow the Seahawks are still alive in their division and the Bucs have a shot at a first round bye.
Patriots over Broncos... will the real Denver Broncos please stand up?
Last week: 7-7
Season: 52-36
Thursday, October 16, 2008
College Football Week 8
Usually I'll post the rankings earlier in the week and then my picks on Thursdays. NFL picks are Fridays, random posts whenever.
For my ranking system I believe in records. I hate seeing a 4-2 team ranked ahead of a 6-0 team no matter what team we are talking about. Also, pre-season polls irritate me, they cause unfair expectations (see Clemson). So I won't start until week 7.
I begin with the 30 teams ranked in the AP and USA Today polls, I rank based on record and settle ties by averaging the AP rank, the USA Today rank and the Strength of Schedule rank. Here are the week 7 rankings:
1. Penn State (7-0)
2. Utah (7-0)
3. Ball State (7-0)
4. Texas (6-0)
5. Alabama (6-0)
6. Texas Tech (6-0)
7. Oklahoma State (6-0)
8. Brigham Young (6-0)
9. Tulsa (6-0)
10. Boise State (5-0)
11. Ohio State (6-1)
12. Michigan State (6-1)
13. Texas Christian (6-1)
14. Minnesota (6-1)
15. Oklahoma (5-1)
16. Georgia (5-1)
17. Florida (5-1)
18. Missouri (5-1)
19. Kansas (5-1)
20. Virginia Tech (5-1)
21. Vanderbilt (5-1)
22. North Carolina (5-1)
23. South Florida (5-1)
24. Georgia Tech (5-1)
25. Southern California (4-1)
26. Louisiana State (4-1)
27. Wake Forest (4-1)
28. Pittsburgh (4-1)
29. California (4-1)
30. Florida State (4-1)
Honorable Mention (good record but outside the major polls' top 30): Western Michigan (6-1), Connecticut (5-1), Cincinnati (5-1), Northwestern (5-1), Boston College (4-1)
Game Picks:
- #13 TCU over #8 BYU... simple rules of football apply: home-field advantage, defense wins championships, and anything that can go wrong, will.
- #16 Georgia over #21 Vanderbilt... the inevitable decline of the Vanderbilt football season started last week.
- #12 Michigan State over #11 Ohio State... Javon Ringer makes a Heisman push.
- #15 Oklahoma over #19 Kansas... I'd hate to be Todd Reesing right now, having to face a pissed off OU team... plus I'd be like 4 inches shorter.
- #4 Texas over #18 Missouri... I'm torn between two logical forces here: (my favorite team - being on the road - last week's terrible performance) and (let-down game + weak pass defense + Texas' inability to be consistent since Vince Young left). I'll go with Texas.
Feel free to comment, just remember my requirements. Ranking shouldn't mean much until you settle it on the field.
For my ranking system I believe in records. I hate seeing a 4-2 team ranked ahead of a 6-0 team no matter what team we are talking about. Also, pre-season polls irritate me, they cause unfair expectations (see Clemson). So I won't start until week 7.
I begin with the 30 teams ranked in the AP and USA Today polls, I rank based on record and settle ties by averaging the AP rank, the USA Today rank and the Strength of Schedule rank. Here are the week 7 rankings:
1. Penn State (7-0)
2. Utah (7-0)
3. Ball State (7-0)
4. Texas (6-0)
5. Alabama (6-0)
6. Texas Tech (6-0)
7. Oklahoma State (6-0)
8. Brigham Young (6-0)
9. Tulsa (6-0)
10. Boise State (5-0)
11. Ohio State (6-1)
12. Michigan State (6-1)
13. Texas Christian (6-1)
14. Minnesota (6-1)
15. Oklahoma (5-1)
16. Georgia (5-1)
17. Florida (5-1)
18. Missouri (5-1)
19. Kansas (5-1)
20. Virginia Tech (5-1)
21. Vanderbilt (5-1)
22. North Carolina (5-1)
23. South Florida (5-1)
24. Georgia Tech (5-1)
25. Southern California (4-1)
26. Louisiana State (4-1)
27. Wake Forest (4-1)
28. Pittsburgh (4-1)
29. California (4-1)
30. Florida State (4-1)
Honorable Mention (good record but outside the major polls' top 30): Western Michigan (6-1), Connecticut (5-1), Cincinnati (5-1), Northwestern (5-1), Boston College (4-1)
Game Picks:
- #13 TCU over #8 BYU... simple rules of football apply: home-field advantage, defense wins championships, and anything that can go wrong, will.
- #16 Georgia over #21 Vanderbilt... the inevitable decline of the Vanderbilt football season started last week.
- #12 Michigan State over #11 Ohio State... Javon Ringer makes a Heisman push.
- #15 Oklahoma over #19 Kansas... I'd hate to be Todd Reesing right now, having to face a pissed off OU team... plus I'd be like 4 inches shorter.
- #4 Texas over #18 Missouri... I'm torn between two logical forces here: (my favorite team - being on the road - last week's terrible performance) and (let-down game + weak pass defense + Texas' inability to be consistent since Vince Young left). I'll go with Texas.
Feel free to comment, just remember my requirements. Ranking shouldn't mean much until you settle it on the field.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The First
It's not really the first posting, as I've done a few blogs before, but since MySpace is a seemingly dead medium, I've started one here.
Basically, I was just looking for a break from studying for my Geographic Thought mid-term.
Things to look forward too...
- Weekly football picks/rankings
- Other sports topics
- Things that Grind my Gears
- Bitching about graduate school
- And MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!
Enjoy
Basically, I was just looking for a break from studying for my Geographic Thought mid-term.
Things to look forward too...
- Weekly football picks/rankings
- Other sports topics
- Things that Grind my Gears
- Bitching about graduate school
- And MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!
Enjoy
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