Since Oregon, Auburn, and TCU don't play this weekend, and Boise State just got done wrapping up another easy victory over Fresno State, there is very little that could potentially send a shockwave through the world of college football this weekend. In other words, if there was a weekend to step away from the action and do something other than watch college football on a Saturday, this would be it. Of course, true fans don't do that, right? Here are five games that should be interesting, even if they don't have that much bearing on the national title.
5 Games to Pay Attention To
Pittsburgh at South Florida (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
Does the Big East really deserve an automatic bid to a BCS bowl? It is a very realistic possibility that the Big East representative in a BCS bowl game could have four or more losses. In fact, no one in the Big East has less than three losses, and Pittsburgh, the current leader, is 5-4. As much as it seems like Pitt has stumbled through their entire season, they have actually done relatively well in conference play. Other than a loss at Connecticut last Friday, the Panthers have rolled through their conference schedule. South Florida has been playing well as of late, too. After failing to score in the double-digits in two straight games (losing both), the Bulls have reeled off three straight wins. It's really going to come down to which team shows up for both squads. Both have shown the ability to play well, but both have also had instances of looking completely flat in losses.
My Pick: 28-20 Pittsburgh
#14 Virginia Tech at #24 Miami (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Both of these teams had national title aspirations at the beginning of the season. Although that is gone, they both have a considerable amount to play for. Virginia Tech, after dropping their opener against Boise State and then being embarrassed the next week against FCS opponent James Madison, has been on a tear, going undefeated since that point. Miami, who has had an up and down season and has experienced some issues at quarterback, are still in the hunt for the ACC Coastal Division title. The Hurricanes would have to beat Virginia Tech and then hope that the Hokies drop another one against Virginia in order to pull into a tie atop the standings (and thus receive the right to play for the ACC Championship game by way of the tie-breaker), but it isn't completely out of reach. Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon could also feel the heat at the end of the season if the Hurricanes don't pull off a big win.
My Pick: 30-17 Virginia Tech
#8 Ohio State at #21 Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
The Buckeyes have beaten Iowa in eleven of the last twelve meetings between the two teams, but this may be the most difficult game yet for Coach Tressel. Iowa is coming off of a loss against Northwestern, a game in which they should have won. Although their record is only 7-3, the Hawkeyes pummeled a good Michigan State team, came within one point of beating Wisconsin, and has really only looked out of it in one game this entire season, at Arizona back in September. The balanced Hawkeye offensive attack could be a handful for the Buckeye defense, which had trouble against Wisconsin's heavy running attack. This game will probably end up coming down to two things; one, how motivated is Iowa? Two, will the Buckeyes make the necessary adjustments to stop Iowa's balanced offensive attack, or will they get behind early and not be able to make up the difference in the second half?
My Pick: 28-24 Iowa
#16 Oklahoma at Baylor (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
For some reason, I seem to have taken a liking to Baylor. Oklahoma has looked inconsistent at times this year, which is why I am giving the Bears a chance in this one. With that being said, Baylor has also had their moments of inconsistency this season. This is a battle for third place in the Big 12 South, and the winner could potentially finish second in the South if Texas A&M loses their final two games. Baylor will need to find a way to stop Oklahoma's offense, which has the ability to score at will on questionable defenses like Baylor's. However, if Baylor can match the Sooners on the offensive end, then an offensive shootout with plenty of highlight worthy footage should ensue.
My Pick: 48-38 Oklahoma
#9 Nebraska at #18 Texas A&M (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
Texas A&M, after choosing to start quarterback Ryan Tannehill, has apparently taken my advice from the Week 7 Preview and turned their season around. However, they did it without Jerrod Johnson, which surprised me. Like the Oklahoma game two weekends ago, this is a game where Tannehill can continue to make a name for himself with a big performance. It will be a tough task, however. Nebraska has the second best pass defense in the nation, giving up just over 140 yards per game through the air. Aggies running back Cyrus Gray will also have to have a big game in order to open up the passing game if Texas A&M wants to have success on offense. On defense, Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez will be the main focus. I'm sure that the Aggies would love if they had an actual 12th Man on the field, because stopping Martinez with just eleven has been difficult for other teams this season.
My Pick: 35-24 Nebraska
5 More to Flip To
North Carolina State at North Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
It's a little shocking that NC State is the one battling for an ACC Championship game berth...
#7 Stanford at Cal (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
I predict that Stanford will have far less trouble with Cal than Oregon did last weekend.
Illinois at Northwestern (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Only because it's being played at Wrigley Field. Without Dan Persa, the Wildcats aren't that fun to watch...
Army at Notre Dame (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
This one isn't just on the list because it's being played at Yankee Stadium. I think some Notre Dame fans will be unpleasantly surprised at how much better Army football has gotten when this game is over.
#20 USC at Oregon State (Saturday, 8 PM EST)
Oregon State enters possibly one of the toughest late season stretches of any team in the country. They have the potential to pull off upsets in two of them...
- K. Becks
Showing posts with label ohio state. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ohio state. Show all posts
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
NCAAF Week 7 Weekend Preview (And MLBCS Preview)
It's been two weeks since I have done a weekend preview for college football. I come back at a crucial time in the season; we're close to the first BCS rankings being revealed, and we already have some surprises. Alabama has gone down, Auburn is the highest ranked team in the SEC, Florida and Texas are both on two game losing streaks, and it has been rumored that had the BCS rankings come out this week, Boise State (gasp!) would hold the top spot in the rankings. Depending on how this weekend plays out, we could have even more parody in season that, like previous years, looks headed to make the BCS system look completely flawed.
5 Games to Pay Attention to This Weekend
Illinois at #13 Michigan State (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
I picked Michigan State to be a team that could surprise in the Big Ten, but I didn't expect them to be doing as well as they are. They don't have either an outstanding offense or defense, but have played very well under pressure, and have the guts that a team needs to have a special season. This weekend's game may be the toughest test for the Spartans thus far, though. Illinois, evident in their close game with Ohio State and then their beatdown of Penn State in Happy Valley, is not that bad. At least, not on defense. They rank next to last in total yards per game on offense, ahead of only Penn State. For the Illini to win, they will need to shut down Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins and hope they can muster enough points on offense to squeak out a close one. For the Spartans, a balanced offensive attack, and just not giving up any easy points on defense will be key if they want to keep their undefeated season intact.
My Pick: 24-17 Illinois
#21 Missouri at Texas A&M (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
If you wanted to truly evaluate how good the 2010 Missouri Tigers really are, their next three games would be a good thing to keep an eye on. After facing Texas A&M this weekend, the Tigers get to play Oklahoma at home, and then travel to Lincoln to play Nebraska the following week. Not only are these three games important to Missouri, but they are important to determining the entire Big 12 race. If Texas A&M has anything to say about it, Missouri will be an afterthought by this time next weekend. The Aggies have suffered tough losses in consecutive weekends to Oklahoma State and Arkansas, teams that are now both ranked, and also teams that Texas A&M had legitimate shots at beating. The season is slowly starting to slip away for the Aggies, so quarterback Jerrod Johnson needs to step up big in this game and re-start the success train. Starting 0-2 in the Big 12 South usually doesn't garner approval from fans, especially if you're a team from Texas.
My Pick: 38-31 Texas A&M
Texas at #5 Nebraska (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Texas has to be angry. After being easy handled by UCLA, the Longhorns were unable to pull a big upset over rival Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. After the loss to the Sooners, Texas dropped out of the top 25 for the first time in ten years. Now, after having an off week to think about all this, Texas gets to face yet another Big 12 power, Nebraska, in Lincoln. Mack Brown has the ability to get his players ready for big games such as this one, and all the other factors mentioned before should just add fuel to the fire for the Longhorns. However, they are going to have to play very well in a hostile Lincoln environment in order to pull off the upset. Many people are not aware of just how good Nebraska's defense is, and emotions alone are not going to win the game for Texas. It should be interesting to see how Texas responds in this one.
My Pick: 28-24 Nebraska
#12 Arkansas at #7 Auburn (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Arkansas probably should have beaten Alabama two weeks ago. Unfortunately for Arkansas, Ryan Mallett made some key mistakes late in the game, and now the Razorbacks may be left wondering what could have been if they make it through the rest of the season with just that one loss. In this high profile matchup between two highly ranked SEC teams, it should be a battle of the quarterbacks, so Mallett will get his chance for redemption. On the other side, Auburn's Cam Newtown continues to play well and make my analysis that he is a "poor man's Terrelle Pryor" sound foolish. However, Newton will be going up against a defense much better than anything he's faced this season thus far. Of the defenses he has faced so far, Mississippi State ranks the best in yards per game allowed, giving up 328, good for 36th best in the nation. Arkansas gives up 302, good for 19th best. I highly doubt Arkansas will let Newton run for almost 200 yards and four touchdowns, but we'll have to see.
My Pick: 35-24 Arkansas
#1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
Of their last 44 home games, Wisconsin had managed to win 40 of them. In other words, Camp Randall Stadium is where teams' winning streaks go to die. The Buckeyes are hoping to keep their winning streak intact when they travel to Madison to play the Badgers in a night game, which only adds to the hostility already present at Camp Randall during football games. If Wisconsin wants to win this game, they will need to be less predictable on offense. Two weeks ago, Michigan State found that containing the Badger running attack (as well as going for it on fourth down three times) was a recipe for success. Although it is highly unlikely that Jim Tressel will go for it on fourth down that many times (if at all) on the road, he will definitely be aiming to stop Wisconsin running backs John Clay and James White. If Wisconsin can't find a balance between the run and passing attack, they will have a hard time not losing their fifth game in 45 tries at home.
My Pick: 35-31 Ohio State
5 More to Flip To
N.C. State at East Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
N.C. State has been a major surprise this year. East Carolina is always tough at home, though.
#15 Iowa at Michigan (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
If Michigan can't win this game either, then you have to start to wonder if people were too quickly proclaiming the Wolverines as being "back".
#20 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
There will undoubtedly be a lot of scoring in this game. When is the Tommy Tuberville we all came to know and love at Auburn going to show up at Texas Tech?
Mississippi State at #22 Florida (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
Urban Meyer would probably have to take off a few weeks for chest pains if the Gators were to drop this game too...
#19 Nevada at Hawaii (Saturday, 11:30 PM EST)
How good is Nevada? Well, better than Cal, that's for sure.
The next portion of this post features my predictions for the MLB's ALCS and NLCS. If you have actually read this entire post up to this point, I thank you.
ALCS (New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
The Rangers have home field advantage, which I'm sure that the Yankees would like to have. The Rangers also have Cliff Lee, which I know the Yankees would like to have. Of the two, one seems to be more important than the other, and Cliff Lee may end up being one of the most important parts of this series. Home field advantage hasn't meant much to the Yankees, as they were able to beat Minnesota twice at Target Field en route to sweeping the Twins in the ALDS. In the Texas vs. Tampa Bay ALDS, neither team won a single game at home. However, Cliff Lee did manage to win two games for the Rangers, and in order to beat the Yankees, will likely have to do so again in this series. Remember that two game series back in early August between the Rangers and the Yankees? The Rangers showed true tenacity in those games, winning in ten innings in the first and only losing by one run in the second. After that series, I thought "if this team gets a chance against the Yankees in the playoffs, they may be able to surprise some people". With Cliff Lee as their trump card, I still think they can.
Prediction: Rangers in seven
NLCS (Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Francisco Giants)
Unfortunately, the National League's Championship Series isn't as intriguing as the American League's, which isn't something I thought I'd hear myself saying about a month ago. Both teams have extremely good starting pitching, but the Giants have very little offensive firepower. I am one to preach the quote "defense wins championships", but at some point, you also need to acknowledge that to win games, you need to put runs up on the board. With the Giants averaging just three runs per game so far in the playoffs, I don't see how they can stay with the Phillies, even with their great pitching. Remember, not only does San Francisco have offensive issues, but they will have to face the trio of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. A threesome like that can shut down even the best offenses in the game.
Prediction: Phillies in six
- K. Becks
5 Games to Pay Attention to This Weekend
Illinois at #13 Michigan State (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
I picked Michigan State to be a team that could surprise in the Big Ten, but I didn't expect them to be doing as well as they are. They don't have either an outstanding offense or defense, but have played very well under pressure, and have the guts that a team needs to have a special season. This weekend's game may be the toughest test for the Spartans thus far, though. Illinois, evident in their close game with Ohio State and then their beatdown of Penn State in Happy Valley, is not that bad. At least, not on defense. They rank next to last in total yards per game on offense, ahead of only Penn State. For the Illini to win, they will need to shut down Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins and hope they can muster enough points on offense to squeak out a close one. For the Spartans, a balanced offensive attack, and just not giving up any easy points on defense will be key if they want to keep their undefeated season intact.
My Pick: 24-17 Illinois
#21 Missouri at Texas A&M (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
If you wanted to truly evaluate how good the 2010 Missouri Tigers really are, their next three games would be a good thing to keep an eye on. After facing Texas A&M this weekend, the Tigers get to play Oklahoma at home, and then travel to Lincoln to play Nebraska the following week. Not only are these three games important to Missouri, but they are important to determining the entire Big 12 race. If Texas A&M has anything to say about it, Missouri will be an afterthought by this time next weekend. The Aggies have suffered tough losses in consecutive weekends to Oklahoma State and Arkansas, teams that are now both ranked, and also teams that Texas A&M had legitimate shots at beating. The season is slowly starting to slip away for the Aggies, so quarterback Jerrod Johnson needs to step up big in this game and re-start the success train. Starting 0-2 in the Big 12 South usually doesn't garner approval from fans, especially if you're a team from Texas.
My Pick: 38-31 Texas A&M
Texas at #5 Nebraska (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Texas has to be angry. After being easy handled by UCLA, the Longhorns were unable to pull a big upset over rival Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. After the loss to the Sooners, Texas dropped out of the top 25 for the first time in ten years. Now, after having an off week to think about all this, Texas gets to face yet another Big 12 power, Nebraska, in Lincoln. Mack Brown has the ability to get his players ready for big games such as this one, and all the other factors mentioned before should just add fuel to the fire for the Longhorns. However, they are going to have to play very well in a hostile Lincoln environment in order to pull off the upset. Many people are not aware of just how good Nebraska's defense is, and emotions alone are not going to win the game for Texas. It should be interesting to see how Texas responds in this one.
My Pick: 28-24 Nebraska
#12 Arkansas at #7 Auburn (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
Arkansas probably should have beaten Alabama two weeks ago. Unfortunately for Arkansas, Ryan Mallett made some key mistakes late in the game, and now the Razorbacks may be left wondering what could have been if they make it through the rest of the season with just that one loss. In this high profile matchup between two highly ranked SEC teams, it should be a battle of the quarterbacks, so Mallett will get his chance for redemption. On the other side, Auburn's Cam Newtown continues to play well and make my analysis that he is a "poor man's Terrelle Pryor" sound foolish. However, Newton will be going up against a defense much better than anything he's faced this season thus far. Of the defenses he has faced so far, Mississippi State ranks the best in yards per game allowed, giving up 328, good for 36th best in the nation. Arkansas gives up 302, good for 19th best. I highly doubt Arkansas will let Newton run for almost 200 yards and four touchdowns, but we'll have to see.
My Pick: 35-24 Arkansas
#1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
Of their last 44 home games, Wisconsin had managed to win 40 of them. In other words, Camp Randall Stadium is where teams' winning streaks go to die. The Buckeyes are hoping to keep their winning streak intact when they travel to Madison to play the Badgers in a night game, which only adds to the hostility already present at Camp Randall during football games. If Wisconsin wants to win this game, they will need to be less predictable on offense. Two weeks ago, Michigan State found that containing the Badger running attack (as well as going for it on fourth down three times) was a recipe for success. Although it is highly unlikely that Jim Tressel will go for it on fourth down that many times (if at all) on the road, he will definitely be aiming to stop Wisconsin running backs John Clay and James White. If Wisconsin can't find a balance between the run and passing attack, they will have a hard time not losing their fifth game in 45 tries at home.
My Pick: 35-31 Ohio State
5 More to Flip To
N.C. State at East Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM EST)
N.C. State has been a major surprise this year. East Carolina is always tough at home, though.
#15 Iowa at Michigan (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
If Michigan can't win this game either, then you have to start to wonder if people were too quickly proclaiming the Wolverines as being "back".
#20 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (Saturday, 3:30 PM EST)
There will undoubtedly be a lot of scoring in this game. When is the Tommy Tuberville we all came to know and love at Auburn going to show up at Texas Tech?
Mississippi State at #22 Florida (Saturday, 7 PM EST)
Urban Meyer would probably have to take off a few weeks for chest pains if the Gators were to drop this game too...
#19 Nevada at Hawaii (Saturday, 11:30 PM EST)
How good is Nevada? Well, better than Cal, that's for sure.
The next portion of this post features my predictions for the MLB's ALCS and NLCS. If you have actually read this entire post up to this point, I thank you.
ALCS (New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
The Rangers have home field advantage, which I'm sure that the Yankees would like to have. The Rangers also have Cliff Lee, which I know the Yankees would like to have. Of the two, one seems to be more important than the other, and Cliff Lee may end up being one of the most important parts of this series. Home field advantage hasn't meant much to the Yankees, as they were able to beat Minnesota twice at Target Field en route to sweeping the Twins in the ALDS. In the Texas vs. Tampa Bay ALDS, neither team won a single game at home. However, Cliff Lee did manage to win two games for the Rangers, and in order to beat the Yankees, will likely have to do so again in this series. Remember that two game series back in early August between the Rangers and the Yankees? The Rangers showed true tenacity in those games, winning in ten innings in the first and only losing by one run in the second. After that series, I thought "if this team gets a chance against the Yankees in the playoffs, they may be able to surprise some people". With Cliff Lee as their trump card, I still think they can.
Prediction: Rangers in seven
NLCS (Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Francisco Giants)
Unfortunately, the National League's Championship Series isn't as intriguing as the American League's, which isn't something I thought I'd hear myself saying about a month ago. Both teams have extremely good starting pitching, but the Giants have very little offensive firepower. I am one to preach the quote "defense wins championships", but at some point, you also need to acknowledge that to win games, you need to put runs up on the board. With the Giants averaging just three runs per game so far in the playoffs, I don't see how they can stay with the Phillies, even with their great pitching. Remember, not only does San Francisco have offensive issues, but they will have to face the trio of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. A threesome like that can shut down even the best offenses in the game.
Prediction: Phillies in six
- K. Becks
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
NCAAF: Big Ten Preview
Tiger Woods is struggling, Johnny Cueto is kicking, and Darrelle Revis is still holding out. With all that is going on in the sport-o-sphere, I'm kind of sad that I'm not covering any of it. However, I'm excited to be close enough to the start of college football to be giving my predictions, and I'm especially excited that today I get to cover the Big 10 conference. Just keep holding out Revis, so that I have something to talk about once my preview is completed.
Overview
The Big 10 may finally be ready to challenge the SEC for the title of "Best Conference in College Football". After a promising bowl season last year, in which the Big 10 won four of their seven bowl games and finished with four teams in the Top 15 in the final rankings (the first conference to do that since...the Big Ten, in 1999), 2010 could finally be the year that they gain respect from the media once again. Come early January, all eyes may be on a certain Big Ten team to see whether or not they can compete in yet another national title game, and silence the critics that have screamed "overrated" ever since this certain team's meltdown in the 2007 title game.
Team(s) With the Best Shot at a National Championship Bid
Ohio State
It may not seem like it's been this long, but it's been five years since anyone other than Ohio State has won the Big 10 title. The Buckeyes hope to continue that streak for at least another year, with arguably the best team to be assembled in Columbus since the 2006-2007 season. It is widely believed that Terrelle Pryor is finally ready to lead the Buckeyes, after he showed significant improvement last year and played extremely well in leading the Buckeyes to victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. If Pryor really is ready, the Buckeyes have the pieces around him on offense and the usual lockdown defense to make it back to Glendale.
Iowa
Obviously, the Hawkeyes will have to focus on one game at a time, making sure they don't stub their toe against a Northwestern like last season. However, the fact that their season will likely come down to one game, on November 20th versus Ohio State, is common knowledge to just about everyone following college football. In order for that game to have such meaning, they will have to be more efficient on offense than they were last season. Coming from behind makes for great storylines, but it isn't the best way to preserve an undefeated season.
Watch Out! (Team That Could Surprise)
Michigan State
The reason that the Spartans could do well this year is that they return a lot of key starters, and their schedule is pretty favorable. Michigan State gets to play their first five games at home (the game against Florida Atlantic is in Detroit, which is essentially a home game), and they don't have to deal with Ohio State this year. Kirk Cousins is a good, productive quarterback, so if the Spartans can find a running game (which coach Mark Dantonio is known for having), then they could surprise some people.
Out-Of-Conference Game To Watch
Penn State vs. Alabama (September 11th)
I really think that Penn State could be trouble for Alabama. With Penn State having to replace so many starters on both offense and defense, this could be a team that comes out of nowhere. Of course, Penn State may end up being totally befuddled by Alabama, making this game one not to watch. However, I'm going to say that the Nittany Lions will still be pushing Alabama by the fourth quarter in this one.
In-Conference Game To Watch
Ohio State vs. Iowa (November 20th)
Chances are, this game will probably decide who wins the Big 10 title. However, this game could have much bigger implications as well. If both teams manage to stay perfect up to this point in the season, the winner could be headed to Glendale in January. Clock management will probably be a factor in this game, just as it was last year.
Conference Predictions
1. Ohio State (12-0, [8-0])
2. Iowa (10-2, [6-2])
3. Wisconsin (10-2, [6-2])
4. Penn State (9-3, [6-2])
5. Michigan State (8-4, [4-4])
6. Northwestern (8-4, [4-4])
7. Purdue (7-5, [4-4])
8. Michigan (5-7, [3-5])
9. Illinois (3-9, [2-6])
10. Minnesota (3-9, [0-8])
11. Indiana (2-10, [0-8])
Next, I'll be taking a half step back and a leap South as I preview the Sun Belt Conference.
- K. Becks
Overview
The Big 10 may finally be ready to challenge the SEC for the title of "Best Conference in College Football". After a promising bowl season last year, in which the Big 10 won four of their seven bowl games and finished with four teams in the Top 15 in the final rankings (the first conference to do that since...the Big Ten, in 1999), 2010 could finally be the year that they gain respect from the media once again. Come early January, all eyes may be on a certain Big Ten team to see whether or not they can compete in yet another national title game, and silence the critics that have screamed "overrated" ever since this certain team's meltdown in the 2007 title game.
Team(s) With the Best Shot at a National Championship Bid
Ohio State
It may not seem like it's been this long, but it's been five years since anyone other than Ohio State has won the Big 10 title. The Buckeyes hope to continue that streak for at least another year, with arguably the best team to be assembled in Columbus since the 2006-2007 season. It is widely believed that Terrelle Pryor is finally ready to lead the Buckeyes, after he showed significant improvement last year and played extremely well in leading the Buckeyes to victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. If Pryor really is ready, the Buckeyes have the pieces around him on offense and the usual lockdown defense to make it back to Glendale.
Iowa
Obviously, the Hawkeyes will have to focus on one game at a time, making sure they don't stub their toe against a Northwestern like last season. However, the fact that their season will likely come down to one game, on November 20th versus Ohio State, is common knowledge to just about everyone following college football. In order for that game to have such meaning, they will have to be more efficient on offense than they were last season. Coming from behind makes for great storylines, but it isn't the best way to preserve an undefeated season.
Watch Out! (Team That Could Surprise)
Michigan State
The reason that the Spartans could do well this year is that they return a lot of key starters, and their schedule is pretty favorable. Michigan State gets to play their first five games at home (the game against Florida Atlantic is in Detroit, which is essentially a home game), and they don't have to deal with Ohio State this year. Kirk Cousins is a good, productive quarterback, so if the Spartans can find a running game (which coach Mark Dantonio is known for having), then they could surprise some people.
Out-Of-Conference Game To Watch
Penn State vs. Alabama (September 11th)
I really think that Penn State could be trouble for Alabama. With Penn State having to replace so many starters on both offense and defense, this could be a team that comes out of nowhere. Of course, Penn State may end up being totally befuddled by Alabama, making this game one not to watch. However, I'm going to say that the Nittany Lions will still be pushing Alabama by the fourth quarter in this one.
In-Conference Game To Watch
Ohio State vs. Iowa (November 20th)
Chances are, this game will probably decide who wins the Big 10 title. However, this game could have much bigger implications as well. If both teams manage to stay perfect up to this point in the season, the winner could be headed to Glendale in January. Clock management will probably be a factor in this game, just as it was last year.
Conference Predictions
1. Ohio State (12-0, [8-0])
2. Iowa (10-2, [6-2])
3. Wisconsin (10-2, [6-2])
4. Penn State (9-3, [6-2])
5. Michigan State (8-4, [4-4])
6. Northwestern (8-4, [4-4])
7. Purdue (7-5, [4-4])
8. Michigan (5-7, [3-5])
9. Illinois (3-9, [2-6])
10. Minnesota (3-9, [0-8])
11. Indiana (2-10, [0-8])
Next, I'll be taking a half step back and a leap South as I preview the Sun Belt Conference.
- K. Becks
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Yesterday I went a respectable 3-2 picking the bowl games. I was very surprised and impressed with the two service academies, not because they won, but because they easily won.
Today, due to the fact that I pulled an all-nighter and don't have the patience to write a long post, I will be giving a very brief rundown of the bowl games for today. Here are my picks for the first bowl games of the year.
Outback Bowl
Auburn vs. Northwestern
Northwestern has looked rather impressive this year, knocking off Iowa and a good Wisconsin team. However, after what Auburn was able to do against Alabama, I can't pick against them.
Final Score: 35-20 Auburn
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
West Virginia vs. Florida State
FSU coach Bobby Bowden will look to ride off into the sunset with a win. However, facing a tough West Virginia team featuring impact running back Noel Devine, I just don't think that the Seminoles can pull it out for ol' Bobby. This should be a decent game, but will probably end Bowden's career on a sour note.
Final Score: 33-30 West Virginia
Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. LSU
In possibly the most anticipated non-BCS matchup, two strong defensive teams will face off in Florida. As has been the story in other games thus far featuring solid defensive teams, ball control will be key. I see Penn State being able to make just enough big plays to pull out a win here.
Final Score: 24-21 Penn State
Rose Bowl
Ohio State vs. Oregon
Many people think that this game will come down to who plays the quarterback position better; Jeremiah Masoli or Terrelle Pryor. I think that if Ohio State's defense comes after Masoli and doesn't hang back in coverage to let him have all day to make decisions, then Ohio State's superior athleticism will prevail.
Final Score: 28-17 Ohio State
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Florida
Personally, I will be sad to see Tim Tebow go. I have never seen anyone play the game as hard as he does, and I have a great amount of respect for individuals who give 100 percent all game like he does. I don't think this game will be all that close, as I am not overly impressed with Cincinnati's defense. On the flip side, Cincinnati has not faced a defense like Florida's this season, either.
Final Score: 41-17 Florida
I decided not to post how many points I had in my College Bowl Mania game today. Tomorrow, I will update you all on my overall record, and probably analyze my chances of winning my group. Again, Happy New Year to everyone; I am really looking forward to what I think will be a great year.
- K. Becks
Today, due to the fact that I pulled an all-nighter and don't have the patience to write a long post, I will be giving a very brief rundown of the bowl games for today. Here are my picks for the first bowl games of the year.
Outback Bowl
Auburn vs. Northwestern
Northwestern has looked rather impressive this year, knocking off Iowa and a good Wisconsin team. However, after what Auburn was able to do against Alabama, I can't pick against them.
Final Score: 35-20 Auburn
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
West Virginia vs. Florida State
FSU coach Bobby Bowden will look to ride off into the sunset with a win. However, facing a tough West Virginia team featuring impact running back Noel Devine, I just don't think that the Seminoles can pull it out for ol' Bobby. This should be a decent game, but will probably end Bowden's career on a sour note.
Final Score: 33-30 West Virginia
Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. LSU
In possibly the most anticipated non-BCS matchup, two strong defensive teams will face off in Florida. As has been the story in other games thus far featuring solid defensive teams, ball control will be key. I see Penn State being able to make just enough big plays to pull out a win here.
Final Score: 24-21 Penn State
Rose Bowl
Ohio State vs. Oregon
Many people think that this game will come down to who plays the quarterback position better; Jeremiah Masoli or Terrelle Pryor. I think that if Ohio State's defense comes after Masoli and doesn't hang back in coverage to let him have all day to make decisions, then Ohio State's superior athleticism will prevail.
Final Score: 28-17 Ohio State
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Florida
Personally, I will be sad to see Tim Tebow go. I have never seen anyone play the game as hard as he does, and I have a great amount of respect for individuals who give 100 percent all game like he does. I don't think this game will be all that close, as I am not overly impressed with Cincinnati's defense. On the flip side, Cincinnati has not faced a defense like Florida's this season, either.
Final Score: 41-17 Florida
I decided not to post how many points I had in my College Bowl Mania game today. Tomorrow, I will update you all on my overall record, and probably analyze my chances of winning my group. Again, Happy New Year to everyone; I am really looking forward to what I think will be a great year.
- K. Becks
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