I'm proud to announce that, thanks to my dad, Around The Corn Sports Blog has a completely new, updated, and much better (in my opinion) website. From now on, I will be writing on www.aroundthecorn.com. I think you guys will agree that the new site is much better, and much more interactive, than this one ever was.
So, with this being said, this is the last post that I will ever make on this blogspot page. I want to thank Google for the use of their tools and the opportunity I was given by using their blog site.
In the meantime, I wrote an article for the fan-driven website Bleacher Report. It would be much appreciated if you would check out my article as well as the new Around The Corn website.
Thank you to everyone who has ever visited this site while I was posting here. You all are the reason that I continue to do this, and the reason why I felt like it was necessary to enhance your viewing pleasure by moving to the new site.
Best regards,
K. Becks
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
They'll Get Better Eventually
Thus far, it seems as if one team is showing up ready to play in these bowl games, while the other team must have had too much to eat at the team banquet the night before (or, too much partying on Bourbon Street, for all you Ohio fans). To kick off the bowl season this past Saturday, we were treated to three blowouts. Although I'm not overly surprised (in years past, there have been numerous early bowl blowouts), I hope that the games are more exciting before we hit Christmas.
Although the games haven't been much to watch, I am proud to say that I haven't completely fallen behind in my College Bowl Mania group after the first weekend. One thing that I did notice about this year's version of the game is that they do not include people's overall record in picking the games, nor do they show how many possible points you can end up with. That's a little disappointing, but I guess they are pulling out all the stops to get people to actually watch the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
For the next few days, only one bowl game per night will be played. Here is my pick for the December 22nd bowl game.
Beef O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville
This bowl game, like many of the other early season bowl matchups, is a toss-up. Louisville is likely ecstatic to even be playing in a bowl game, after being picked by some (this author included) to finish last in the Big East. Their reward? A trip to St. Petersburg, where they get to play one of the more underrated programs in Southern Mississippi.
Southern Miss is no stranger to postseason play. This is their ninth straight season playing in a bowl game, and their seventeenth consecutive winning season. In order to get back on the winning side in bowl games, they're going to need to pound the ball against Louisville. The Cardinals have one of the better defenses in the Big East, but have a problem stopping the run. If Southern Miss can establish the running game, it may be a long night for Louisville.
Like Southern Miss, Louisville will want look to get the running game going early. Running back Bilal Powell is one of the better runners in college football, and will look to make the most of his first action in postseason play. However, it will be a tough task for Powell; Southern Miss is no slouch on defense, and their run defense is the unit's strength.
I have learned from past experience that it is wise to take the team from the stronger conference in games like these. However, I think that Southern Miss has the defense capable of containing Powell, and will have their way with Louisville's defense on the other side of the ball. Additionally, it is arguable whether the Big East is really that much stronger than C-USA anyway. At any rate, I'm confident that this game will be better than the first three. I have Southern Miss for 11 points in the College Bowl Mania game.
Final Score: 27-21 Southern Miss
- K. Becks
Although the games haven't been much to watch, I am proud to say that I haven't completely fallen behind in my College Bowl Mania group after the first weekend. One thing that I did notice about this year's version of the game is that they do not include people's overall record in picking the games, nor do they show how many possible points you can end up with. That's a little disappointing, but I guess they are pulling out all the stops to get people to actually watch the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
For the next few days, only one bowl game per night will be played. Here is my pick for the December 22nd bowl game.
Beef O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville
This bowl game, like many of the other early season bowl matchups, is a toss-up. Louisville is likely ecstatic to even be playing in a bowl game, after being picked by some (this author included) to finish last in the Big East. Their reward? A trip to St. Petersburg, where they get to play one of the more underrated programs in Southern Mississippi.
Southern Miss is no stranger to postseason play. This is their ninth straight season playing in a bowl game, and their seventeenth consecutive winning season. In order to get back on the winning side in bowl games, they're going to need to pound the ball against Louisville. The Cardinals have one of the better defenses in the Big East, but have a problem stopping the run. If Southern Miss can establish the running game, it may be a long night for Louisville.
Like Southern Miss, Louisville will want look to get the running game going early. Running back Bilal Powell is one of the better runners in college football, and will look to make the most of his first action in postseason play. However, it will be a tough task for Powell; Southern Miss is no slouch on defense, and their run defense is the unit's strength.
I have learned from past experience that it is wise to take the team from the stronger conference in games like these. However, I think that Southern Miss has the defense capable of containing Powell, and will have their way with Louisville's defense on the other side of the ball. Additionally, it is arguable whether the Big East is really that much stronger than C-USA anyway. At any rate, I'm confident that this game will be better than the first three. I have Southern Miss for 11 points in the College Bowl Mania game.
Final Score: 27-21 Southern Miss
- K. Becks
Friday, December 17, 2010
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Around this time last year (actually, 359 days ago to be exact) was when I actually started posting frequently on this blog. Now after almost a year of speculating on different stories, analyzing teams and games, and writing for a loyal following of four, we are back to the time of year that I enjoy most. Bowl season really is one of my favorite times of year (other than the first weekend of March Madness). Many of you may not be interested in the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl the day after Christmas, but I am. Maybe it's because I am a true fan of the game; honestly though, I think it may be a combination of that and the fact that it gives me a valid reason to stay home and not shower or change my clothes from the day before.
You may be thinking "why do you honestly care about a game that is sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union?" If you are honestly asking this question, please close your browser and never come back to this site.
Now, for those of you that play ESPN's College Bowl Mania, and thus understand the importance of the three bowl games being played tomorrow, here are my picks for those games. Seriously though; if you are one of those people who think the question I posed in the last paragraph is actually legitimate, you don't have any business being here. At least, you don't until around January 1st.
New Mexico Bowl
BYU vs. UTEP
Since this is the first game of the bowl season, I don't have much but the stats to go off of when analyzing this one. UTEP stumbled in the second half of the season, primarily because quarterback Trevor Vittatoe was injured. Granted, four of their five losses during that half of the season came on the road. However, BYU's story is almost the exact opposite; they have won four of their last five, and only lost by a point to Utah in their season finale. Since Vittatoe still isn't one-hundred percent, I have to go with the Cougars in this one. I have BYU for 15 points in College Bowl Mania game.
Final Score: 30-24 BYU
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
Like many games early on in the bowl season, this matchup is pretty much a toss-up. I would have liked Northern Illinois in this game. That was before they lost to the "other" Miami in the MAC Championship game, and then learned that their head coach, Jerry Kill, would not be coaching them in their bowl game after accepting the position of Minnesota's head coach. All this, combined with the fact that Fresno State has to have a little bit of an advantage on that crazy blue turf in Boise (they play there every other year in the regular season), makes me slightly more confident in the Bulldogs in this one. I have Fresno State here, but only for 8 points.
Final Score: 48-45 Fresno State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Ohio vs. Troy
At least thus far, I'm not being very kind to the MAC. While Ohio is probably superior to Troy in every way but their nickname, going to New Orleans is a treat for the Bobcats. For the men of Troy, who have previously been to this bowl in 2006 and 2008, it is more of a business trip. In the early bowl matchups, it seems that a good offense will trump a good defense (which totally goes against my usual saying, but whatever). So the question will be, do you like Troy's offense (best in the Sun Belt), or Ohio's defense (total yards per game given up is fourth best in the MAC)? I know that the MAC is known for their stellar defensive performances week in and week out, but I'm going to have to go with the offense here. I have Troy for 5 points.
Final Score: 38-34 Troy
In the spirit of early season bowl matchups that would mean nothing without the College Bowl Mania game, I will leave you with this video. Doesn't it sound a lot like Frankie from those old Budweiser commercials? Ah...classic.
- K. Becks
You may be thinking "why do you honestly care about a game that is sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union?" If you are honestly asking this question, please close your browser and never come back to this site.
Now, for those of you that play ESPN's College Bowl Mania, and thus understand the importance of the three bowl games being played tomorrow, here are my picks for those games. Seriously though; if you are one of those people who think the question I posed in the last paragraph is actually legitimate, you don't have any business being here. At least, you don't until around January 1st.
New Mexico Bowl
BYU vs. UTEP
Since this is the first game of the bowl season, I don't have much but the stats to go off of when analyzing this one. UTEP stumbled in the second half of the season, primarily because quarterback Trevor Vittatoe was injured. Granted, four of their five losses during that half of the season came on the road. However, BYU's story is almost the exact opposite; they have won four of their last five, and only lost by a point to Utah in their season finale. Since Vittatoe still isn't one-hundred percent, I have to go with the Cougars in this one. I have BYU for 15 points in College Bowl Mania game.
Final Score: 30-24 BYU
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
Like many games early on in the bowl season, this matchup is pretty much a toss-up. I would have liked Northern Illinois in this game. That was before they lost to the "other" Miami in the MAC Championship game, and then learned that their head coach, Jerry Kill, would not be coaching them in their bowl game after accepting the position of Minnesota's head coach. All this, combined with the fact that Fresno State has to have a little bit of an advantage on that crazy blue turf in Boise (they play there every other year in the regular season), makes me slightly more confident in the Bulldogs in this one. I have Fresno State here, but only for 8 points.
Final Score: 48-45 Fresno State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Ohio vs. Troy
At least thus far, I'm not being very kind to the MAC. While Ohio is probably superior to Troy in every way but their nickname, going to New Orleans is a treat for the Bobcats. For the men of Troy, who have previously been to this bowl in 2006 and 2008, it is more of a business trip. In the early bowl matchups, it seems that a good offense will trump a good defense (which totally goes against my usual saying, but whatever). So the question will be, do you like Troy's offense (best in the Sun Belt), or Ohio's defense (total yards per game given up is fourth best in the MAC)? I know that the MAC is known for their stellar defensive performances week in and week out, but I'm going to have to go with the offense here. I have Troy for 5 points.
Final Score: 38-34 Troy
In the spirit of early season bowl matchups that would mean nothing without the College Bowl Mania game, I will leave you with this video. Doesn't it sound a lot like Frankie from those old Budweiser commercials? Ah...classic.
- K. Becks
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I Love It, Brother
I think that it took most of the sports world by storm when Cliff Lee agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies over the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. New York and Texas were widely thought to be the only two major players in the battle for Lee before last night. As a supporter of the "Anyone But The Yankees" cause, this is good news, in a sense. However, Philadelphia now has the best starting pitching core in the majors since Atlanta's trio of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz over a decade ago. Quite honestly, it may be one of the best pitching rotations in the past few decades. Obviously, that claim is up for debate, but let's take a look at the potential starting rotation for the Phillies next year. Of the five starters (Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton), two (Halladay and Lee) are Cy Young winners. A third (Oswalt) has been a Cy Young finalist multiple times. Hamels was the 2008 World Series MVP, and not too long ago was the club's ace. Blanton, while having the least credentials in the group, still posted a 9-6 overall record last season.
The only way I can see Philadelphia not winning the National League is if they have the offensive firepower of a local coach pitch team. Yes, the Phils were sub-par offensively last season, and the departure of Jason Werth does not help matters. However, we saw what happened with San Francisco this past fall; it was almost impossible to earn runs on their spectacular starting rotation. San Francisco's offense only had to squeeze out a few runs a game, and the superior pitching more often than not preserved the small leads. The young core that San Francisco had doesn't even compare to what Philadelphia has now. Four elite pitchers, all in their prime. Unless injuries become an issue, someone better send a memo to all the National League General Managers: You better watch out for the "Philly Phour".
Does anyone else feel even a little bit bad for Brett Favre? Sure, for three years the Favre Chronicles has been a soap-opera worthy of a mid-afternoon TV slot, but it was really kind of sad to see Favre's Iron Man streak come to an end under the circumstances that it did. Not only was the game played in Detroit, where the number of Minnesota fans is about the same as that of residents of the city that still have a job, but to add insult to injury (no pun intended), Favre got to watch his team get crushed. You know it has to be painful to sit on the sidelines (again, no pun intended) as you watch your replacement trip his own running back on a simple handoff. No matter what you think of Favre's antics, you have to admire his desire to play the game. On Yahoo! Sports, Favre is listed as questionable for this weekend's game against Chicago, with chest, ankle, and right shoulder injuries. The man is practically falling apart, yet still will not admit defeat. However, due to many people's perception of him, his greatest assets may always be at least partly overshadowed by his recent behavior. It's unfortunate that Favre's career looks as if it will end more like the final scene of The Hulk, rather than a hero of the game riding off into the sunset as it should.
You heard it here first; in three years, the Miami Hurricanes will make the rivalry with the Florida Gators relevant again. I believe that the Hurricanes made a great move by making Al Golden their new head coach, and I think that Florida fans may be missing Urban Meyer sooner than they think, as the university signed current Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to be their head coach starting next season. Golden completely turned around a Temple team that hadn't been to a bowl game since 1979 before going to the Eagle Bank Bowl last year. Like Muschamp, Golden is a former defensive coordinator, but has experience running the entire show, and was one of the most sought after young coaches in the game dating back to last year. I think that Golden is much like Meyer, in that he shows the ability to improve a team wherever he goes. Muschamp, while being an extremely talented defensive coordinator, announced that he will institute a pro-style offense at Florida. It is very difficult to successfully run a pro-style offense, and as a defensive coordinator with no prior head coaching experience, will likely be even more difficult for Muschamp. Also, Florida fans can complain about the spread, but one of the reasons Meyer implemented that style of offense is because, as of late, Florida has not been able to recruit the players to run the pro-style. I think we will find that Golden is a true head coach, while Muschamp is just a very talented defensive coordinator. While neither team may be an elite college football power for awhile, I think that Miami will rise and Florida will continue to fall, making this a much more balanced rivalry as long as both of these men are at the helm.
- K. Becks
The only way I can see Philadelphia not winning the National League is if they have the offensive firepower of a local coach pitch team. Yes, the Phils were sub-par offensively last season, and the departure of Jason Werth does not help matters. However, we saw what happened with San Francisco this past fall; it was almost impossible to earn runs on their spectacular starting rotation. San Francisco's offense only had to squeeze out a few runs a game, and the superior pitching more often than not preserved the small leads. The young core that San Francisco had doesn't even compare to what Philadelphia has now. Four elite pitchers, all in their prime. Unless injuries become an issue, someone better send a memo to all the National League General Managers: You better watch out for the "Philly Phour".
Does anyone else feel even a little bit bad for Brett Favre? Sure, for three years the Favre Chronicles has been a soap-opera worthy of a mid-afternoon TV slot, but it was really kind of sad to see Favre's Iron Man streak come to an end under the circumstances that it did. Not only was the game played in Detroit, where the number of Minnesota fans is about the same as that of residents of the city that still have a job, but to add insult to injury (no pun intended), Favre got to watch his team get crushed. You know it has to be painful to sit on the sidelines (again, no pun intended) as you watch your replacement trip his own running back on a simple handoff. No matter what you think of Favre's antics, you have to admire his desire to play the game. On Yahoo! Sports, Favre is listed as questionable for this weekend's game against Chicago, with chest, ankle, and right shoulder injuries. The man is practically falling apart, yet still will not admit defeat. However, due to many people's perception of him, his greatest assets may always be at least partly overshadowed by his recent behavior. It's unfortunate that Favre's career looks as if it will end more like the final scene of The Hulk, rather than a hero of the game riding off into the sunset as it should.
You heard it here first; in three years, the Miami Hurricanes will make the rivalry with the Florida Gators relevant again. I believe that the Hurricanes made a great move by making Al Golden their new head coach, and I think that Florida fans may be missing Urban Meyer sooner than they think, as the university signed current Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to be their head coach starting next season. Golden completely turned around a Temple team that hadn't been to a bowl game since 1979 before going to the Eagle Bank Bowl last year. Like Muschamp, Golden is a former defensive coordinator, but has experience running the entire show, and was one of the most sought after young coaches in the game dating back to last year. I think that Golden is much like Meyer, in that he shows the ability to improve a team wherever he goes. Muschamp, while being an extremely talented defensive coordinator, announced that he will institute a pro-style offense at Florida. It is very difficult to successfully run a pro-style offense, and as a defensive coordinator with no prior head coaching experience, will likely be even more difficult for Muschamp. Also, Florida fans can complain about the spread, but one of the reasons Meyer implemented that style of offense is because, as of late, Florida has not been able to recruit the players to run the pro-style. I think we will find that Golden is a true head coach, while Muschamp is just a very talented defensive coordinator. While neither team may be an elite college football power for awhile, I think that Miami will rise and Florida will continue to fall, making this a much more balanced rivalry as long as both of these men are at the helm.
- K. Becks
Friday, December 10, 2010
Jenn Sterger Is A Piece...Of Work
I'm getting really tired of hearing what Jenn Sterger is doing to hold both the NFL and Brett Favre by their you-know-whats. It was announced yesterday that Sterger planned not to file a lawsuit against Brett Favre, but only on the grounds that the NFL itself would punish Favre. Apparently, according to Sterger's manager Phil Reese, her goal is some acknowledgment that Favre was in the wrong. Get over yourself, Jenn. Number one, everyone knows that the NFL isn't going to carry out any real punishment against Favre. Number two, it is quite obvious that this is just a ploy to keep you in the spotlight. If it was actually sexual harassment (in other words, something that should actually be looked into), your friend Allison Torres wouldn't have spilled that you "just laughed when he did it". If you wanted to stay in the spotlight, maybe you shouldn't have gotten rid of those assets that got you there in the first place. It doesn't really matter though, because you aren't even that hot. Seriously, you were on Versus. On top of that, your show got cancelled after seven months. A friendly tip to anyone looking for the next Erin Andrews, it isn't Sterger. I'd stay in-house and check out Jenn Brown. At least she made it onto SportsCenter without fooling around with Favre first. Plus, she's a former Gator, too.
In some non Cameron Newton related college football news, it seems that Hawaii has also seen the writing on the wall. The school has announced that the football team will leave the WAC for the Mountain West starting in 2012, and all other Hawaii teams will leave the WAC for the West Coast Conference. Now, Hawaii isn't exactly a juggernaut football program, but they have put themselves into a position to not be left out when the conferences decide to institute a playoff. I see the Mountain West combining with whatever members of the Big 12 are left when that conference breaks apart, and becoming one of the six major conferences that will send at least one team to the playoff every year. In other words, this is a very smart move for Hawaii.
I really want to know who started the rumors about Nebraska coach Bo Pelini being interested in the Miami head coaching job. Next year, Pelini's team is moving to the Big Ten, where he will be able to use his ties to the Midwest (he is from Youngstown, Ohio) as a way to attract recruits away from his new conference opponents. He has a redshirt freshman quarterback in Taylor Martinez who is extremely versatile and will rival Denard Robinson next year as the most athletic quarterback in the Big Ten. On top of all this, Miami is in disarray, and plays in the ACC, which doesn't even compare to the Big Ten. It would be one thing if Pelini were a Miami alumnus, or if he was connected to Miami in any way at all. In all honesty though, there is about as good a chance that Miami will give Larry Coker another shot as there is that Bo Pelini will leave what he has in Lincoln to go rebuild the Hurricanes.
Last Friday, I lied and told you that I would post my second version of what I think college football's landscape will look like after the conference expansion that is starting to take place. I can't say when I'm actually going to post it, but I will tell you that it will be up before the first bowl game (which is on December 18th).
- K. Becks
In some non Cameron Newton related college football news, it seems that Hawaii has also seen the writing on the wall. The school has announced that the football team will leave the WAC for the Mountain West starting in 2012, and all other Hawaii teams will leave the WAC for the West Coast Conference. Now, Hawaii isn't exactly a juggernaut football program, but they have put themselves into a position to not be left out when the conferences decide to institute a playoff. I see the Mountain West combining with whatever members of the Big 12 are left when that conference breaks apart, and becoming one of the six major conferences that will send at least one team to the playoff every year. In other words, this is a very smart move for Hawaii.
I really want to know who started the rumors about Nebraska coach Bo Pelini being interested in the Miami head coaching job. Next year, Pelini's team is moving to the Big Ten, where he will be able to use his ties to the Midwest (he is from Youngstown, Ohio) as a way to attract recruits away from his new conference opponents. He has a redshirt freshman quarterback in Taylor Martinez who is extremely versatile and will rival Denard Robinson next year as the most athletic quarterback in the Big Ten. On top of all this, Miami is in disarray, and plays in the ACC, which doesn't even compare to the Big Ten. It would be one thing if Pelini were a Miami alumnus, or if he was connected to Miami in any way at all. In all honesty though, there is about as good a chance that Miami will give Larry Coker another shot as there is that Bo Pelini will leave what he has in Lincoln to go rebuild the Hurricanes.
Last Friday, I lied and told you that I would post my second version of what I think college football's landscape will look like after the conference expansion that is starting to take place. I can't say when I'm actually going to post it, but I will tell you that it will be up before the first bowl game (which is on December 18th).
- K. Becks
Friday, December 3, 2010
NCAAF Week 14 Weekend Preview
Last Friday was possibly the worst day of the year for me. Well, actually, it was the worst day of the year. Starting with Alabama's complete meltdown against Auburn, and ending with Boise State's similar meltdown against Nevada, I realized that a dream had died. The outside chance that Boise State would meet TCU in the national championship, and thus become a catalyst for the progression of a playoff for college football, dissolved as quickly as Alabama's lead in the second half. While it is unlikely that there will be mass chaos in college football this year, my hope was renewed on Tuesday morning when TCU announced their intentions to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Big East starting in 2012. While this weekend may prove to be nothing more than going through the motions of conference championship games, let it be known that the dream has not completely, and never will, die.
5 Games to Pay Attention To
#1 Oregon at Oregon State (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Before the beginning of the season when I gave my predictions for every college football team, I predicted that Oregon would end the season at 9-3. While that prediction was obviously off-base, one of the games I felt Oregon would lose was the annual Civil War battle against in-state rival Oregon State. After an entire season of observation of both teams, I no longer feel that is going to be the case. Oregon is only going to be beat by a team that can stop their high octane offense. In some of my previous Weekend Previews, I have felt confident about a few teams' chances against the Ducks (California, Stanford, Arizona, and Arizona State). Those teams have the best defenses in the Pac-10, and were the only teams in that conference, in my opinion, capable of bringing down the Ducks. Unfortunately, Oregon State has a defense that gives up a little over 400 yards per game, and ranks behind all the aforementioned teams in that category. With that being said, the only thing that supporters of chaos in the BCS can hope for is that the intensity of an in-state rivalry will motivate a sub-par Beavers defense to play far better than they have all season. While I'm in that category of fans, I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening.
My Pick: Oregon 49-35
#2 Auburn vs. #18 South Carolina (Saturday, 4 PM EST)
To start, let it be known that is it much tougher to beat a team the second time around. This game may not be as much about South Carolina being able to stop Auburn as it may be about them being able to exploit Auburn's defense. When Auburn has been in trouble this season, it has been because teams have picked on Auburn's weak defensive secondary. Alabama did it with Julio Jones, Georgia did it with A.J. Green, and South Carolina has already done it once this season with Alshon Jeffery. If Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia can hook up with Jeffery early and often, we may see something similar to last Friday to start the game. That will open up the running game, and could put Auburn in a precarious position in the second half. Alabama had the game against Auburn won; they just beat themselves. If South Carolina can start off similarly, it will be up to them not to self-destruct.
My Pick: 37-34 South Carolina
#20 Florida State vs. #12 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 7:45 PM EST)
Talk about a game featuring a couple of programs that have turned it around. Jimbo Fisher, in just his first season as head coach of Florida State, has led the Seminoles back to where fans in Tallahassee feel they should be every year. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, has quietly reeled off ten straight wins since dropping their first two games of the year, which included a loss against FCS opponent James Madison. While this game has no implications other than a trip to the Orange Bowl, it is still an interesting matchup. Virginia Tech is still a team that relies heavily on the run, even though quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a duel threat that can beat you through the air. Florida State's chances of success will likely hinge on how senior quarterback and leader Christian Ponder plays. He has the ability to play like an All-American, but is unpredictable. If we get to see Ponder at his best, then this will be a great game.
My Pick: 28-20 Virginia Tech
#13 Nebraska vs. #10 Oklahoma (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
Like the ACC championship game, this matchup has no real implications other than a trip to a BCS bowl for the winner. For Nebraska, it would be a storybook ending to their time in the Big 12; a win against rival Oklahoma that would give them their first overall Big 12 title since 1999, just as they head off for the Big Ten next season. For Oklahoma, this game could be somewhat of a redemption game. After reaching number one in the BCS rankings late in October, the Sooners promptly fell from the top spot after a loss to Missouri. Then, Oklahoma was largely forgotten after a loss against Texas A&M two weeks later left them in danger of not even qualifying to play for the Big 12 Championship. If Oklahoma can get a win against the Cornhuskers, some of the sentiment that they are inconsistent against quality teams this season could go away. Nebraska, on the other hand, would like to prove that they do in fact bring an offense with them to games against quality opponents. Expect this to be a close one.
My Pick: 31-27 Nebraska
Connecticut at South Florida (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
You may be wondering why this is a top five game to pay attention to this weekend. Well, believe it or not, one of these teams is playing for an outright Big East crown. If Connecticut can win this weekend against the Bulls, they will be the Big East champions. At 7-4. With an automatic bid to a BCS bowl. While Michigan State, at number seven and 11-1, will likely not play in a BCS bowl. As unfair as it may seem, it isn't a sure thing that UConn will even win this game. South Florida has been competitive in all but one game this season, and even made their case as arguably the third best team in Florida by beating Miami last weekend. If the Bulls do happen to beat the Huskies, then they have the slim chance of being tied atop the Big East standings with four other teams. And you thought the BCS formula was a mess...
My Pick: 28-24 Connecticut
5 More to Flip To
#24 Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) (Friday, 7 PM EST)
The RedHawks have been the turnaround story of the season, after going 1-11 in 2009. Northern Illinois isn't your average MAC team, though...
SMU vs. UCF (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
See what kind of looks people give you if you tell them you're going to watch the SMU vs. UCF game. Seriously, try it...
Utah State at #9 Boise State (Saturday, 3 PM EST)
You thought Wisconsin ran up the score? I wouldn't want to be the team that has to play Boise State after the loss they endured last Friday.
Washington at Washington State (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
The Huskies can become bowl eligible for the first time in Jake Locker's career if they can beat rival Washington State for the Apple Cup. That would make a whopping four Pac-10 teams bowl eligible.
USC vs. UCLA (Saturday, 10:30 PM EST)
I honestly just ran out of games I thought were interesting.
Storylines for the Weekend
The Cam Newton Rule
The general feeling from people associated with college football is that the ruling on Cam Newton's eligibility sets a bad precedent. Assuming that college football does not realize this would be ignorant. If the NCAA were to rule Newton ineligible, then you can bet that there would be lawsuits filed by both the Newton family and the University of Auburn. Rather than deal with that mess, the NCAA just decided that it would be better to let Newton play, then institute a rule (which we'll dub "Cam's Rule" for now) that prevents such actions from occurring in the future. So, to all you fathers out there making calls to your "agent buddy" to discuss how much your son is worth this very moment, sorry. It's not going to be allowed next season.
My Conference Re-Alignment Predictions, Part II
My prediction as to what the college football landscape will look like in the near future in order to accommodate a playoff will be posted soon. Check back tomorrow, as I will hopefully have it posted by then. If you haven't seen my original prediction, you can read it here. However, be warned that my original predictions are pretty off-base with TCU's recent announcement to join the Big East.
- K. Becks
5 Games to Pay Attention To
#1 Oregon at Oregon State (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Before the beginning of the season when I gave my predictions for every college football team, I predicted that Oregon would end the season at 9-3. While that prediction was obviously off-base, one of the games I felt Oregon would lose was the annual Civil War battle against in-state rival Oregon State. After an entire season of observation of both teams, I no longer feel that is going to be the case. Oregon is only going to be beat by a team that can stop their high octane offense. In some of my previous Weekend Previews, I have felt confident about a few teams' chances against the Ducks (California, Stanford, Arizona, and Arizona State). Those teams have the best defenses in the Pac-10, and were the only teams in that conference, in my opinion, capable of bringing down the Ducks. Unfortunately, Oregon State has a defense that gives up a little over 400 yards per game, and ranks behind all the aforementioned teams in that category. With that being said, the only thing that supporters of chaos in the BCS can hope for is that the intensity of an in-state rivalry will motivate a sub-par Beavers defense to play far better than they have all season. While I'm in that category of fans, I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening.
My Pick: Oregon 49-35
#2 Auburn vs. #18 South Carolina (Saturday, 4 PM EST)
To start, let it be known that is it much tougher to beat a team the second time around. This game may not be as much about South Carolina being able to stop Auburn as it may be about them being able to exploit Auburn's defense. When Auburn has been in trouble this season, it has been because teams have picked on Auburn's weak defensive secondary. Alabama did it with Julio Jones, Georgia did it with A.J. Green, and South Carolina has already done it once this season with Alshon Jeffery. If Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia can hook up with Jeffery early and often, we may see something similar to last Friday to start the game. That will open up the running game, and could put Auburn in a precarious position in the second half. Alabama had the game against Auburn won; they just beat themselves. If South Carolina can start off similarly, it will be up to them not to self-destruct.
My Pick: 37-34 South Carolina
#20 Florida State vs. #12 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 7:45 PM EST)
Talk about a game featuring a couple of programs that have turned it around. Jimbo Fisher, in just his first season as head coach of Florida State, has led the Seminoles back to where fans in Tallahassee feel they should be every year. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, has quietly reeled off ten straight wins since dropping their first two games of the year, which included a loss against FCS opponent James Madison. While this game has no implications other than a trip to the Orange Bowl, it is still an interesting matchup. Virginia Tech is still a team that relies heavily on the run, even though quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a duel threat that can beat you through the air. Florida State's chances of success will likely hinge on how senior quarterback and leader Christian Ponder plays. He has the ability to play like an All-American, but is unpredictable. If we get to see Ponder at his best, then this will be a great game.
My Pick: 28-20 Virginia Tech
#13 Nebraska vs. #10 Oklahoma (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
Like the ACC championship game, this matchup has no real implications other than a trip to a BCS bowl for the winner. For Nebraska, it would be a storybook ending to their time in the Big 12; a win against rival Oklahoma that would give them their first overall Big 12 title since 1999, just as they head off for the Big Ten next season. For Oklahoma, this game could be somewhat of a redemption game. After reaching number one in the BCS rankings late in October, the Sooners promptly fell from the top spot after a loss to Missouri. Then, Oklahoma was largely forgotten after a loss against Texas A&M two weeks later left them in danger of not even qualifying to play for the Big 12 Championship. If Oklahoma can get a win against the Cornhuskers, some of the sentiment that they are inconsistent against quality teams this season could go away. Nebraska, on the other hand, would like to prove that they do in fact bring an offense with them to games against quality opponents. Expect this to be a close one.
My Pick: 31-27 Nebraska
Connecticut at South Florida (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
You may be wondering why this is a top five game to pay attention to this weekend. Well, believe it or not, one of these teams is playing for an outright Big East crown. If Connecticut can win this weekend against the Bulls, they will be the Big East champions. At 7-4. With an automatic bid to a BCS bowl. While Michigan State, at number seven and 11-1, will likely not play in a BCS bowl. As unfair as it may seem, it isn't a sure thing that UConn will even win this game. South Florida has been competitive in all but one game this season, and even made their case as arguably the third best team in Florida by beating Miami last weekend. If the Bulls do happen to beat the Huskies, then they have the slim chance of being tied atop the Big East standings with four other teams. And you thought the BCS formula was a mess...
My Pick: 28-24 Connecticut
5 More to Flip To
#24 Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) (Friday, 7 PM EST)
The RedHawks have been the turnaround story of the season, after going 1-11 in 2009. Northern Illinois isn't your average MAC team, though...
SMU vs. UCF (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
See what kind of looks people give you if you tell them you're going to watch the SMU vs. UCF game. Seriously, try it...
Utah State at #9 Boise State (Saturday, 3 PM EST)
You thought Wisconsin ran up the score? I wouldn't want to be the team that has to play Boise State after the loss they endured last Friday.
Washington at Washington State (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
The Huskies can become bowl eligible for the first time in Jake Locker's career if they can beat rival Washington State for the Apple Cup. That would make a whopping four Pac-10 teams bowl eligible.
USC vs. UCLA (Saturday, 10:30 PM EST)
I honestly just ran out of games I thought were interesting.
Storylines for the Weekend
The Cam Newton Rule
The general feeling from people associated with college football is that the ruling on Cam Newton's eligibility sets a bad precedent. Assuming that college football does not realize this would be ignorant. If the NCAA were to rule Newton ineligible, then you can bet that there would be lawsuits filed by both the Newton family and the University of Auburn. Rather than deal with that mess, the NCAA just decided that it would be better to let Newton play, then institute a rule (which we'll dub "Cam's Rule" for now) that prevents such actions from occurring in the future. So, to all you fathers out there making calls to your "agent buddy" to discuss how much your son is worth this very moment, sorry. It's not going to be allowed next season.
My Conference Re-Alignment Predictions, Part II
My prediction as to what the college football landscape will look like in the near future in order to accommodate a playoff will be posted soon. Check back tomorrow, as I will hopefully have it posted by then. If you haven't seen my original prediction, you can read it here. However, be warned that my original predictions are pretty off-base with TCU's recent announcement to join the Big East.
- K. Becks
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