It's a veritable smorgusborg of football this weekend, some very intriguing match-ups and the landscape of the postseason for both the pros and college ranks should take a more defined shape. Let's start with this week's rankings:
1: Auburn (11-0)
2: Texas Christian (11-0)
3: Oregon (10-0)
4: Boise State (10-0)
5: Louisiana State (10-1)
6: Stanford (10-1)
7: Oklahoma State (10-1)
8: Wisconsin (10-1)
9: Ohio State (10-1)
10: Michigan State (10-1)
11: Nevada (10-1)
12: Alabama (9-2)
12: Oklahoma (9-2)
14: Arkansas (9-2)
15: Missouri (9-2)
16: Nebraska (9-2)
17: Virginia Tech (9-2)
18: Utah (9-2)
19: Northern Illinois (9-2)
Also receiving "votes:" South Carolina (8-3), Texas A&M (8-3), Florida State (8-3), North Carolina State (8-3), Hawaii (8-3), Navy (8-3), Southern Miss (8-3), Central Florida (8-3), Tulsa (8-3), Ohio (8-3), Arizona (7-3), West Virginia (7-3), Air Force (8-4), Miami-OH (8-4), Temple (8-4), Mississippi State (7-4), Iowa (7-4), Florida (7-4), Southern Cal (7-4), Miami-FL (7-4), Penn State (7-4), Michigan (7-4), Maryland (7-4), Northwestern (7-4), San Diego State (7-4), Syracuse (7-4), Pittsburgh (6-4), Notre Dame (6-5), Clemson (6-5), Oregon State (5-5).
College Pick 'Em games:
Maryland over North Carolina State... if there's one thing for certain in the ACC, it's that no team is a clear champion. The conference and the country want a FSU vs. Va Tech championship... they'll get it.
#12 Oklahoma over #7 Oklahoma State... if Bob Stoops wants to keep the orange-headed-step-child of the Big 12 South down, he'll find a way to blowout the Cowboys.
#14 Arkansas over #5 Louisiana State... I'm hoping home-field advantage, the Razorback offense, and BCS justice will prevail... LSU needs to lose so TCU and Boise can go (if they stay undefeated).
Georgia over Georgia Tech... usually a nasty game, and the Dawgs are looking for a bowl bid.
#10 Michigan State over Penn State... nothing like finishing in the top-10 of the BCS and not getting an invitation (damn Big lEast).
Mississippi State over Mississippi... the Egg Bowl has some relevance this year, the Bulldogs can earn some respect and keep their rivals in the cellar.
Florida State over Florida... something is wrong with the Gators, don't expect it to get fixed until mid-season next year.
Southern Cal over Notre Dame... not too much luster left in this match-up, but it should be a decent game for the die-hards.
California over Washington... why am I forced to pick this game?
South Carolina over Clemson... Gamecocks win a close one with the date with Auburn on their mind.
Last Week: 6-4 (42 pts)
Season: 69-51 (433 pts)
Bonus Picks:
#1 Auburn over #12 Alabama... if the Cam Newton thing was going to be a distraction, don't you think it would have been by now?
#2 Texas Christian over New Mexico... no contest, but the Frogs are too classy to run up the score, and I think the voters will respect that.
#4 Boise State over #11 Nevada... the difference is in the defense: what are the odds of Nevada's defense holding Boise's offense longer than Boise's defense holding Nevada's offense. If the Wolfpack play a perfect game defensively, they'll win.
#3 Oregon over Arizona... they say Cal provided a blueprint on how to defend the Ducks... you think Oregon has left their offense alone after a 15-point showing in the last game? Especially win two weeks to prepare?
Texas over Texas A&M... if Mack Brown is any kind of coach, he'll get his team to a bowl game.
#12 Nebraska over Colorado... I'm hoping it goes the other way, but Mizzou just isn't that lucky.
#15 Missouri over Kansas... expect the score to be lower than expected.
Pittsburgh over West Virginia... will someone in the Big lEast please win 8 games so it's not too much of a sham that they get a BCS bid?
Tulsa over Southern Miss... big battle in C-USA.
Pro Picks:
Patriots over Lions
Cowboys over Saints... new coach, new season.
Jets over Bengals
Falcons over Packers... Matt Ryan at home (something like 15-1).
Steelers over Bills... don't think the Steelers defense gives up a comeback like the Bills had last week.
Browns over Panthers
Giants over Jaguars... going with the home team and superior defense
Redskins over Vikings... McNabb or Favre, neither one should still be playing football
Texans over Titans... upset special
Chiefs over Seahawks
Raiders over Dolphins... which 5-5 team is more mediocre?
Eagles over Bears... game of the week, and I like the Eagles' offense
Ravens over Buccaneers... Josh Freeman, I'd like you to meet the Ravens defense.
Broncos over Rams... Rams on the road, ouch
Chargers over Colts... here comes the surge
49ers over Cardinals... oh how Arizona wishes Kurt Warner had the competitive spirit of Brett Favre.
Last Week: 14-2
Season: 91-69
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
No More Byes (Except in College)
Is it still a big football weekend if the top 3 teams aren't playing??
So I turned off the Boise State game last night with 2 minutes to go in the first half and it was 17-0... I wake up this morning and the final was 51-0. This team has lost 1 game in the last three years and has 0 national championships. The problem with the BCS can be seen right there.
College Games:
North Carolina over North Carolina State... it's basketball season, go with the Heels.
Mississippi State over #15 Arkansas... this one is tough one, Miss State has a lot to play for and they're at home, emotions will run high.
Northwestern over Illinois... the east endzone in Wrigley will be a factor, mark it down.
#14 Oklahoma over Baylor... the fall of the Bears may be complete today, but the Sooners have lost their last two road games.
#6 Stanford over California... it's been 4 in a row for the Bears, but this a VERY good Stanford team. Mark it down: Stanford will crush whichever Big 10 team gets to the Rose Bowl.
#7 Ohio State over Iowa... if you're going to ruin your Rose Bowl chances by losing to Northwestern, you don't deserve to ruin the Rose Bowl chances of the best team in your conference.
#10 Nebraska over Texas A&M... don't slip up Huskers. We'll be ready. (Plus A&M can still win the South, they'll play this one tough.)
#8 Wisconsin over Michigan... you'll notice that if my rankings broke the Big 10 tie, I'd have Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
Florida State over Maryland... time for the other shoe to drop for the rest of the ACC. The 'Noles are runnin' the ACC again.
#17 Virginia Tech over Miami (FL)... then again, the Hokies are hoping to get back to the Orange Bowl and a ACC Champ showdown with Florida State looms.
Last Week: 6-4 (33 pts.)
Season: 63-47 (391 pts.)
NFL Picks:
Bears over Dolphins
Bengals over Bills
Cowboys over Lions
Ravens over Panthers
Jaguars over Browns
Steelers over Raiders
Redskins over Titans
Chiefs over Cardinals
Packers over Vikings
Jets over Texans
Falcons over Rams
Buccaneers over 49ers
Saints over Seahawks
Patriots over Colts
Giants over Eagles
Chargers over Broncos
Last Week: 5-9
This Week: 1-0
Season: 78-67
So I turned off the Boise State game last night with 2 minutes to go in the first half and it was 17-0... I wake up this morning and the final was 51-0. This team has lost 1 game in the last three years and has 0 national championships. The problem with the BCS can be seen right there.
College Games:
North Carolina over North Carolina State... it's basketball season, go with the Heels.
Mississippi State over #15 Arkansas... this one is tough one, Miss State has a lot to play for and they're at home, emotions will run high.
Northwestern over Illinois... the east endzone in Wrigley will be a factor, mark it down.
#14 Oklahoma over Baylor... the fall of the Bears may be complete today, but the Sooners have lost their last two road games.
#6 Stanford over California... it's been 4 in a row for the Bears, but this a VERY good Stanford team. Mark it down: Stanford will crush whichever Big 10 team gets to the Rose Bowl.
#7 Ohio State over Iowa... if you're going to ruin your Rose Bowl chances by losing to Northwestern, you don't deserve to ruin the Rose Bowl chances of the best team in your conference.
#10 Nebraska over Texas A&M... don't slip up Huskers. We'll be ready. (Plus A&M can still win the South, they'll play this one tough.)
#8 Wisconsin over Michigan... you'll notice that if my rankings broke the Big 10 tie, I'd have Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
Florida State over Maryland... time for the other shoe to drop for the rest of the ACC. The 'Noles are runnin' the ACC again.
#17 Virginia Tech over Miami (FL)... then again, the Hokies are hoping to get back to the Orange Bowl and a ACC Champ showdown with Florida State looms.
Last Week: 6-4 (33 pts.)
Season: 63-47 (391 pts.)
NFL Picks:
Bears over Dolphins
Bengals over Bills
Cowboys over Lions
Ravens over Panthers
Jaguars over Browns
Steelers over Raiders
Redskins over Titans
Chiefs over Cardinals
Packers over Vikings
Jets over Texans
Falcons over Rams
Buccaneers over 49ers
Saints over Seahawks
Patriots over Colts
Giants over Eagles
Chargers over Broncos
Last Week: 5-9
This Week: 1-0
Season: 78-67
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
How's This for Getting the Rankings Out Early
Yep, it's Tuesday. I got to these quickly:
1: Auburn (11-0)
2: Texas Christian (11-0)
3: Oregon (10-0)
4: Boise State (9-0)
5: Louisiana State (9-1)
6: Stanford (9-1)
7: Ohio State (9-1)
8: Wisconsin (9-1)
9: Oklahoma State
10: Nebraska (9-1)
11: Michigan State (9-1)
12: Nevada (9-1)
13: Alabama (8-2)
14: Oklahoma (8-2)
15: Arkansas (8-2)
16: Missouri (8-2)
17: Virginia Tech (8-2)
18: Utah (8-2)
19: Temple (8-2)
20: Northern Illinois (8-2)
Also receiving "votes:" South Carolina (7-3), Texas A&M (7-3), Arizona (7-3), Mississippi State (7-3), Miami (FL) (7-3), Iowa (7-3), Florida State (7-3), Michigan (7-3), Southern Cal (7-3), North Carolina State (7-3), Northwestern (7-3), Maryland (7-3), San Diego State (7-3), Syracuse (7-3), Navy (7-3), Hawaii (7-3), Southern Miss (7-3), Tulsa (7-3), Central Florida (7-3), Baylor (7-4), Air Force (7-4), West Virginia (6-3), South Florida (6-3), Fresno State (6-3), Florida (6-4), Penn State (6-4), Kansas State (6-4), Connecticut (5-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Toledo (6-4), North Carolina (6-4), East Carolina (6-4), Army (6-4).
1: Auburn (11-0)
2: Texas Christian (11-0)
3: Oregon (10-0)
4: Boise State (9-0)
5: Louisiana State (9-1)
6: Stanford (9-1)
7: Ohio State (9-1)
8: Wisconsin (9-1)
9: Oklahoma State
10: Nebraska (9-1)
11: Michigan State (9-1)
12: Nevada (9-1)
13: Alabama (8-2)
14: Oklahoma (8-2)
15: Arkansas (8-2)
16: Missouri (8-2)
17: Virginia Tech (8-2)
18: Utah (8-2)
19: Temple (8-2)
20: Northern Illinois (8-2)
Also receiving "votes:" South Carolina (7-3), Texas A&M (7-3), Arizona (7-3), Mississippi State (7-3), Miami (FL) (7-3), Iowa (7-3), Florida State (7-3), Michigan (7-3), Southern Cal (7-3), North Carolina State (7-3), Northwestern (7-3), Maryland (7-3), San Diego State (7-3), Syracuse (7-3), Navy (7-3), Hawaii (7-3), Southern Miss (7-3), Tulsa (7-3), Central Florida (7-3), Baylor (7-4), Air Force (7-4), West Virginia (6-3), South Florida (6-3), Fresno State (6-3), Florida (6-4), Penn State (6-4), Kansas State (6-4), Connecticut (5-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Toledo (6-4), North Carolina (6-4), East Carolina (6-4), Army (6-4).
Friday, November 12, 2010
I Hate Thursday Night Games
Screw the NFL Network. Why do they even get to broadcast games when, like, 2% of America subscribes to the channel? It's insane. I'm working so hard now I was oblivious to the fact there was a key NFL game last night.
Oh well, I guess I need to do the picks on Thursdays now...
Week 10:
Ravens over Falcons... being entirely too honest, but I wasn't paying attention to Matt Ryan's home record.
Lions over Bills... they've come close 3 weeks in a row, but I'm still not breaking rank.
Bears over Vikings... so, Favre showed some of that magic that makes him so popular. So what? He's still 41 and limping around... and it was the Cardinals!
Jets over Browns... the Browns have showed promise, but then again, they've reeled us in like this before. Remember Derek Anderson?
Colts over Bengals... at least Donald Brown is back. Plus, the Bengals had a short week. What NFL genius gave the Bengals the Steelers and Colts in a six day span?
Titans over Dolphins... yes, I'm starting Randy Moss this week, only because my 2-7 fantasy team has nothing else to lose. Expect other Titans receivers to burn Miami.
Buccaneers over Panthers... who would have thought two years ago that Josh Freeman would be a more successful NFL quarterback than Jimmy Clausen?
Texans over Jaguars... somebody in the AFC South has to step it up. It'll be ridiculous if the Colts win the division at 9-7.
Chiefs over Broncos... victims of a wacky officiating game last week, look for the Chiefs to pick up where they left off in Denver last year. Yes, remember the terrible Chiefs last year put 44 on the Broncos when they were fighting for a playoff spot.
Giants over Cowboys... my Eliminator pick of the week... don't screw this up Eli.
Cardinals over Seahawks... I couldn't tell you anything about either team.
Rams over 49ers... the more interesting NFC West pillow fight. I'm starting to like the Rams defensive unit, and Bradford hasn't died yet.
Steelers over Patriots... showcase of the AFC Championship?? Nope, they'll meet in round two.
Eagles over Redskins... will someone please tell these teams that the Giants are on the verge of running away with the division so they can get their act together.
Last Week: 7-9
This Week: 0-1
Season: 72-59
Oh well, I guess I need to do the picks on Thursdays now...
Week 10:
Ravens over Falcons... being entirely too honest, but I wasn't paying attention to Matt Ryan's home record.
Lions over Bills... they've come close 3 weeks in a row, but I'm still not breaking rank.
Bears over Vikings... so, Favre showed some of that magic that makes him so popular. So what? He's still 41 and limping around... and it was the Cardinals!
Jets over Browns... the Browns have showed promise, but then again, they've reeled us in like this before. Remember Derek Anderson?
Colts over Bengals... at least Donald Brown is back. Plus, the Bengals had a short week. What NFL genius gave the Bengals the Steelers and Colts in a six day span?
Titans over Dolphins... yes, I'm starting Randy Moss this week, only because my 2-7 fantasy team has nothing else to lose. Expect other Titans receivers to burn Miami.
Buccaneers over Panthers... who would have thought two years ago that Josh Freeman would be a more successful NFL quarterback than Jimmy Clausen?
Texans over Jaguars... somebody in the AFC South has to step it up. It'll be ridiculous if the Colts win the division at 9-7.
Chiefs over Broncos... victims of a wacky officiating game last week, look for the Chiefs to pick up where they left off in Denver last year. Yes, remember the terrible Chiefs last year put 44 on the Broncos when they were fighting for a playoff spot.
Giants over Cowboys... my Eliminator pick of the week... don't screw this up Eli.
Cardinals over Seahawks... I couldn't tell you anything about either team.
Rams over 49ers... the more interesting NFC West pillow fight. I'm starting to like the Rams defensive unit, and Bradford hasn't died yet.
Steelers over Patriots... showcase of the AFC Championship?? Nope, they'll meet in round two.
Eagles over Redskins... will someone please tell these teams that the Giants are on the verge of running away with the division so they can get their act together.
Last Week: 7-9
This Week: 0-1
Season: 72-59
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Getting Drawn in By College Football
As I sit here watching the ESPN 30-For-30 documentary on Marcus Dupree, one of the greatest football players that never was, I realize that no matter what the Tigers do (or don't do) I will always treasure college football more than any other diversion.
On to this week's rankings:
1: Auburn (10-0)
2: Texas Christian (10-0)
3: Oregon (9-0)
4: Boise State (8-0)
5: Michigan State (9-1)
6: Louisiana State (8-1)
7: Stanford (8-1)
8: Ohio State (8-1)
9: Nebraska (8-1)
10: Oklahoma State (8-1)
11: Wisconsin (8-1)
12: Utah (8-1)
13: Nevada (8-1)
14: Temple (8-2)
15: Northern Illinois (8-2)
16: Alabama (7-2)
17: Arkansas (7-2)
18: Oklahoma (7-2)
19: Arizona (7-2)
19: Mississippi State (7-2)
21: Missouri (7-2)
22: Iowa (7-2)
23: Virginia Tech (7-2)
24: San Diego State (7-2)
25: Fresno State (6-2)
26: Baylor (7-3)
27: Hawaii (7-3)
Also receiving "votes": South Carolina (6-3), Texas A&M (6-3), Florida (6-3), Miami (FL) (6-3), Penn State (6-3), Kansas State (6-3), Southern Cal (6-3), North Carolina (6-3), Florida State (6-3), Michigan (6-3), North Carolina State (6-3), Central Florida (6-3), Northwestern (6-3), Navy (6-3), Southern Miss (6-3), Tulsa (6-3), Pittsburgh (5-3), West Virginia (5-3), Air Force (6-4), Clemson (5-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Maryland (6-3), Texas-El Paso (6-4), Miami (OH) (6-4), Toledo (6-4).
Week 11 Picks:
Texas over #10 Oklahoma State
South Carolina over Florida
Miami (FL) over Georgia Tech
#19 Arizona over Southern Cal
#23 Virginia Tech over North Carolina
#16 Alabama over #19 Mississippi State
#1 Auburn over Georgia
#12 Utah over Notre Dame
#22 Iowa over Northwestern
#7 Stanford over Arizona State
Last Week: 4-6 (28 pts.)
Season: 57-43 (358 pts.)
On to this week's rankings:
1: Auburn (10-0)
2: Texas Christian (10-0)
3: Oregon (9-0)
4: Boise State (8-0)
5: Michigan State (9-1)
6: Louisiana State (8-1)
7: Stanford (8-1)
8: Ohio State (8-1)
9: Nebraska (8-1)
10: Oklahoma State (8-1)
11: Wisconsin (8-1)
12: Utah (8-1)
13: Nevada (8-1)
14: Temple (8-2)
15: Northern Illinois (8-2)
16: Alabama (7-2)
17: Arkansas (7-2)
18: Oklahoma (7-2)
19: Arizona (7-2)
19: Mississippi State (7-2)
21: Missouri (7-2)
22: Iowa (7-2)
23: Virginia Tech (7-2)
24: San Diego State (7-2)
25: Fresno State (6-2)
26: Baylor (7-3)
27: Hawaii (7-3)
Also receiving "votes": South Carolina (6-3), Texas A&M (6-3), Florida (6-3), Miami (FL) (6-3), Penn State (6-3), Kansas State (6-3), Southern Cal (6-3), North Carolina (6-3), Florida State (6-3), Michigan (6-3), North Carolina State (6-3), Central Florida (6-3), Northwestern (6-3), Navy (6-3), Southern Miss (6-3), Tulsa (6-3), Pittsburgh (5-3), West Virginia (5-3), Air Force (6-4), Clemson (5-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Maryland (6-3), Texas-El Paso (6-4), Miami (OH) (6-4), Toledo (6-4).
Week 11 Picks:
Texas over #10 Oklahoma State
South Carolina over Florida
Miami (FL) over Georgia Tech
#19 Arizona over Southern Cal
#23 Virginia Tech over North Carolina
#16 Alabama over #19 Mississippi State
#1 Auburn over Georgia
#12 Utah over Notre Dame
#22 Iowa over Northwestern
#7 Stanford over Arizona State
Last Week: 4-6 (28 pts.)
Season: 57-43 (358 pts.)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Paterno Gets #400 Today
That's right. Mark it down.
This Week's College Ranks:
1: Auburn (9-0)
2: Texas Christian (9-0)
3: Oregon (8-0)
4: Utah (8-0)
5: Boise State (7-0)
6: Ohio State (8-1)
7: Michigan State (8-1)
8: Alabama (7-1)
9: Oklahoma (7-1)
10: Arizona (7-1)
11: Louisiana State (7-1)
12: Stanford (7-1)
13: Missouri (7-1)
14: Nebraska (7-1)
15: Wisconsin (7-1)
16: Oklahoma State (7-1)
17: Nevada (7-1)
18: Mississippi State (7-2)
19: Baylor (7-2)
20: Virginia Tech (7-2)
21: Hawaii (7-2)
22: Central Florida (7-2)
23: Temple (7-2)
24: Northern Illinois (7-2)
Also receiving votes: Arkansas (6-2), Iowa (6-2), South Carolina (6-2), North Carolina State (6-2), Florida State (6-2), Maryland (6-2), Northwestern (6-2), San Diego State (6-2), Syracuse (6-2), Southern Cal (5-3), Florida (5-3), Texas A&M (5-3), Miami (FL) (5-3), Illinois (5-3), Michigan (5-3), Pittsburgh (5-3), West Virginia (5-3), Navy (5-3), Oregon State (4-3), Virginia (4-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Toledo (6-3), Fresno State (5-2).
College Picks:
Clemson over NC State
Illinois over Michigan
#10 Arizona over #12 Stanford
#13 Missouri over Texas Tech
South Carolina over Arkansas
#8 Alabama over #11 LSU
Florida State over North Carolina
#2 TCU over #4 Utah
Penn State over Northwestern
#16 Oklahoma State over #19 Baylor
Last Week: 6-4 (41 pts.)
Season: 53-37 (330 pts.)
Pro Picks:
Falcons over Buccaneers
Bears over Bills
Patriots over Browns
Jets over Lions
Cardinals over Vikings
Saints over Panthers
Ravens over Dolphins
Texans over Chargers
Seahawks over Giants
Chiefs over Raiders
Colts over Eagles
Packers over Cowboys
Steelers over Bengals
Last Week: 7-6
Season: 65-52
This Week's College Ranks:
1: Auburn (9-0)
2: Texas Christian (9-0)
3: Oregon (8-0)
4: Utah (8-0)
5: Boise State (7-0)
6: Ohio State (8-1)
7: Michigan State (8-1)
8: Alabama (7-1)
9: Oklahoma (7-1)
10: Arizona (7-1)
11: Louisiana State (7-1)
12: Stanford (7-1)
13: Missouri (7-1)
14: Nebraska (7-1)
15: Wisconsin (7-1)
16: Oklahoma State (7-1)
17: Nevada (7-1)
18: Mississippi State (7-2)
19: Baylor (7-2)
20: Virginia Tech (7-2)
21: Hawaii (7-2)
22: Central Florida (7-2)
23: Temple (7-2)
24: Northern Illinois (7-2)
Also receiving votes: Arkansas (6-2), Iowa (6-2), South Carolina (6-2), North Carolina State (6-2), Florida State (6-2), Maryland (6-2), Northwestern (6-2), San Diego State (6-2), Syracuse (6-2), Southern Cal (5-3), Florida (5-3), Texas A&M (5-3), Miami (FL) (5-3), Illinois (5-3), Michigan (5-3), Pittsburgh (5-3), West Virginia (5-3), Navy (5-3), Oregon State (4-3), Virginia (4-4).
Honorable Mention: Ohio (7-3), Toledo (6-3), Fresno State (5-2).
College Picks:
Clemson over NC State
Illinois over Michigan
#10 Arizona over #12 Stanford
#13 Missouri over Texas Tech
South Carolina over Arkansas
#8 Alabama over #11 LSU
Florida State over North Carolina
#2 TCU over #4 Utah
Penn State over Northwestern
#16 Oklahoma State over #19 Baylor
Last Week: 6-4 (41 pts.)
Season: 53-37 (330 pts.)
Pro Picks:
Falcons over Buccaneers
Bears over Bills
Patriots over Browns
Jets over Lions
Cardinals over Vikings
Saints over Panthers
Ravens over Dolphins
Texans over Chargers
Seahawks over Giants
Chiefs over Raiders
Colts over Eagles
Packers over Cowboys
Steelers over Bengals
Last Week: 7-6
Season: 65-52
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