Sunday, December 30, 2012
Rambling's New Years Eve to Championship Game Predictions
Alright here you are, the rest of the bowl season predicted and another football season in the bank. Don't mock too hard but do enjoy the football over the next 8 days.
Monday, December 31st, 2012:
NC State vs Vanderbilt, 11:00 am ESPN, This game had more intrigue preseason when we thought NC State would have one of the best defenses in the country and had a chance to be in a much better bowl game. Vanderbilt built on a great first season under James Franklin and continued to improve they had some inconsistancies to start the season but seemed to pull themselves together as the season went along. I think they have the better defense and only slightly worse offense and should be able to take some advantage from a secondary that has underwhelmed this season. Winner: Vanderbilt ATS: NC State +7.5
USC vs Georgia Tech, 1:00 pm CBS, I want to say this game will be close but I don't see Georgia Tech having the offense or the defense to really stick in this game. I think USC will shred this secondary and both Lee and Woods should have huge games. The triple option may cause monte some fits but with a month to prepare they should be able to come up with something. Winner: USC ATS: USC -7
Iowa State vs Tulsa, 2:30 pm ESPN, Iowa State was a mid tier Big XII team in a very good conference that is alright but they aren't overly special this season. Tulsa, won Conference USA but they are a disfunctional and can't seem to put two offensive drives together in a row. This will be a sloppy game that may not be all that fun to watch. Winner: Iowa State ATS: Iowa State -1
LSU vs Clemson, 6:30 pm ESPN, This is a BCS game wrapped in a Twighlight Zone episode of awesomely energetic head football coaches. Les Miles' squad isn't as good as last years but the defense is awesomely impressive. Dabo Sweeney's team may actually be better than last years Orange bowl team but an early loss to Florida State and a down ACC kept them from moving far enough back up the polls to recieve a BCS game invite. I think the Bayou Bengals defense will slow down the high flying attack of Clemson and, as they had the knack of doing this year, just enough offense to score more points than there opponent. Winner: LSU ATS: Clemson +6
Tuesday, January 1st, 2012:
Mississippi State vs Northwestern, 11:00 am ESPN2, Northwestern was once again a solid football team that let good opportunities slip through there hands. Mississippi State won their first 8 games this year but weren't very impressive in any games versus opponents that were considered quality this season. This game should be close and that's a scary though with both of these teams. Winner: Northwestern ATS: Northwestern -1
Purdue vs Oklahoma State, 11:00 am ESPNU, The shuffling of bowl slots in the Big XII and Big Ten have left us with one of the bigger mismatches of the bowl season. Oklahoma State's middling record overall is a bit decieving because this team really found its stride at the end of the season led by QB maturation. This game should be over by midway through the third quarter and the Cowboys should walk away with this one. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State -17
Georgia vs Nebraska, 12:00 pm ABC, The runners up in their respective conference championship games meet New Years Day but they played two completely different games heading in. Georgia went toe to toe with Bama for four quarters and came up a handful of yards. Nebraska took a beatown from a Wisconsin team that had troubling finding their stride this season. Georgia has the best two units on the field and the better QB but has had issues when heavily favored. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -9
South Carolina vs Michigan, 12:00 pm ESPN, South Carolina was bad this year away from home, yes their record says they still won most of those games but when looking at games like the one versus Kentucky you have to wonder what changes so much. Michigan was good but suprising success last season raised expectations too high for a flawed team that still had some growing to do. I think this one comes down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes and wether the Michigan front seven has anything for the Gamecocks offensive line. Winner: South Carolina ATS: Michigan +6
Wisconsin vs Stanford, 4:00 pm ESPN, Wisconsin made school history by making a third straight Rose Bowl game, this team unlike the first two however goes to Pasadena a much different type of team. Wisconsin with just 8 wins has been a disappointment but with Ohio State and Penn State, took advantage of a title game berth and layed the wood on Nebraska. Stanford suprised a bunch of people post Andrew Luck by doing somehting Luck's teams never did (win the conference/Rose Bowl berth). This team is just as balanced and has hit their stride after the injection of Hogan at quarterback in the starting lineup. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -6
Northern Illinois vs Florida State, 7:30 pm ESPN, Northern Illinois has drawn a lot of ire for being an automatic qualifier to the BCS but those nitpicking about a loophole are missing a greater story, MACtion is coming to the BCS. This isn't just any MACtion but a Northern Illinois team with one of the most exciting players in the country, Jordan Lynch. Florida State is the vastly more talented team with higher paid coaches and betteer facilities but the Seminoles have the ability to play down to their perception of an opponent and with a very good player under center NIU that could be a recipe for disaster on New Years Day. Winner: Florida State ATS: NIU +13.5
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2012:
Louisville vs Florida, 7:30 pm ESPN, Remember how Cincinatti-Florida played out a few years back? This one has all the markings of being just that ugly, with the Cardinals turnover issues at times this season this game could fast resemble the South Carolina game of this season. Props are in order for both head coaches getting their teams to suprising heights this season. Winner: Florida ATS: Louisville +15
Thursday, January 3rd, 2012:
Oregon vs Kansas State, 7:30 pm ESPN, This game was the National Championship game a couple months ago and for that reason is still manicly intriguing. Oregon's offense as really good against bad to above average teams but seemed to take a much too big of a step back against the better teams on the schedule. The defense still has it's issues but there is talent there and that's good news. Colin Klein , Kansas State and Bill Snyder hasve surprised the nation for the second year in a row and should provide a nice contrast to the Oregon Ducks. Whichever defense makes the least mistakes should be the one that leads their team to victory. Winner: Oregon ATS: Kansas State +9
Friday, January 4th, 2012:
Texas A&M vs Oklahoma, 7:00 pm FOX, This game rivals LSU-Clemson for best non-BCS game A&M suprised many with their performance in year 1 in the SEC, led by Johnny Manziel. Oklhoma is led by Landry Jones who has big numbers but if you can find anyone in love with him who doesn't ride for Oklahoma football I'd like to hear from them. Manziel and company should be able to move the ball versus the Sooner defense but Landry Jones and company won't go easily. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Oklahoma +3.5
Saturday, January 5th, 2012:
Pittsburgh vs Mississippi, 12:00 pm ESPN, I am not excited by this matchup, Pitt is better but they still lost to Youngstown State this season. Ole Miss made impressive strides in Hugh Freeze's first season but they still weren't as good as you'd expect a bowl eligible SEC team to be. Watch because it's the last Saturday game and because it's still football. Winner: Mississippi ATS: Mississippi -3
Sunday, January 6th, 2012:
Kent State vs Arkansas State, 8:00 pm ESPN, This game on the other hand is completely worth watching after the NFL playoffs are done, because there will be firewords. Kent State has a very exciting player in Dri Archer who will undoubtably make a couple plays that make you say "DAMN!!". Arkansas State, has landed it's head coach in a BCS job for the second straight year and have won the Sun Belt for the second straight season. Winner: Arkansas State (and you for getting to watch MACBEAST) ATS: Arkansas State -4
Monday, January 7th, 2012:
Notre Dame vs Alabama, 7:30 pm ESPN, Do you like defensive football? Do you like heavyweight programs? The answers for most people is not really and no, however this game is going to be all about the pageantry of college football, the history of two progams who's alumni and past coaches ring through the annals of history. The teams on the field both have top 10 defenses paired with offenses that have done enough to win games this season. Alabama's offense is a bit more advanced than Notre Dame's but with a serious conversation about the best unit on the field this game should be a barn burner. Winner: Alabama ATS: Notre Dame +10
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Rambling's Post-Christmas Pre-New Years Eve Bowl Picks
Here you are my next set of predictions, they will certainly be wrong but hey that's the risk.
Wednesday, December 26th, 2012:
Western Kentucky vs Central Michigan, 6:30 pm ESPN, Central Michigan was a middling MAC team this year, it was a pretty good version of the MAC but still they weren't anything to write home about. Western Kentucky on the other hand waas above average in what was one of the best Sun Belt seasons in history. It will be interesting to see how this team plays without Willie Taggert at head coach. I still think WKU is good enought without Taggert to take care of Central Michigan. Winner: Western Kentucky ATS: Western Kentucky -5
Thursday, December 27th, 2012:
San Jose State vs Bowling Green, 2:00 pm ESPN, The turnaround at San Jose State has been quite impressive and it was rewarded with the loss of their coach to the Pac-12. Bowling Green came close to playing for a MAC championship but they came up just short of the prize. This will be a showcase of two suprise non-AQ schools but should be San Jose State pulling away late. Winner: San Jose State ATS: Bowling Green +7.5
Cincinnati vs Duke, 5:30 pm ESPN, Duke was the Cinderella of the beginning of the season and are still a great story, going to their first bowl game in centuries, but they showed they're still a middle of the pack ACC team. Cincinnati was a solid team but not flashy, they will also be playing without head coach Butch Jones. Winner: Cincinnati ATS: Duke +7.5
Baylor vs UCLA, 8:45 pm ESPN, This has the ability to be the most exciting game of the bowl season (probably not the best played), and the offensive fireworks should be plentiful. UCLA's offense has florished in Jim Mora's first season and much of that is thanks to Brett Hundley and running back Jonathan Franklin. Baylor has picked up well after losing RGIII to the NFL, much of that thanks is to athletes like Seastrunk. The defenses are secondary thoughts in this one and both have been gashed this season. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA Pk
Friday, December 28th, 2012:
Ohio vs ULM, 1:00 pm ESPN, This is a matchup of early sesaon BCS busters who's seasons took a turn for the worst. Ohio started off the year with a win over Penn State and a very managable schedule but then it took them too much effort to disperse of Marshall and we should have seen teh colapse coming. ULM almost took down Auburn, took down Arkansas and almost took down Baylor in a three week period, but they just didn't have the staying power to carry out their Sun Belt schedule. Winner: ULM ATS: Ohio +7
Rutgers vs Virginia Tech, 4:30 pm ESPN, This game is James Gandalfini naked ugly and won't be very exciting or well played but it's worth a watch because it will be close and there is some defensive talent on the field. Rutgers is good enough to force Logan Thomas into a couple mistakes and that should be the difference. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +2
Minnesota vs Texas Tech, 8:00 pm ESPN, In a down year for the Big Ten a matchup with Texas Tech is tough for Minnesota because they are better by far than the Golden Gophers. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Minnesota +13.5
Saturday, December 29th, 2012:
Rice vs Air Force, 10:45 am ESPN, Appreciate this game for what it is, a pre-noon game that allows you to watch football for 14 hours and to not spend more time with family members than you need to on a saturday. Rice is a middle of the road CUSA team and Air Force is a middle of the road MWC team and that means we take the team from the better conference. Winner: Air Force ATS: Air Force -1.5
West Virginia vs Syracuse, 2:15 pm ESPN, One team started off with sky high expectations, however a lack of defense forced a very good offense to be otherworldly and that wasn't going to last a year. Syracuse is better than you think and will put up points and stay in just about any game, I like the progress tha thas been made in upstate New York. Winner: West Virginia ATS: Syracuse +4
Navy vs Arizona State, 3:00 pm ESPN2, This game shouldn't be very competitive, not that Navy is a solid team but Arizona State was much improved and above average in Todd Graham's first season. Winner: Arizona State ATS: Navy +14.5
Texas vs Oregon State, 5:45 pm ESPN, Texas has been one of the biggest enigmas of the college football season, between the Kansas game and their late season rally I'm not sure we know quite who they are. Oregon State was the biggest surprise of the season with wins over Wisconsin and UCLA they come out of nowhere and were well above average in the Pac-12. I think this one should be fun but ultimately Oregon State is more consistant. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State -3
TCU vs Michigan State, 9:15 pm ESPN, TCU was right behind Texas in the enigma category mainly due to drug issues around the team, but they had issues with turnovers and some lapses in defense. Michigan State took a step back after last years Big Ten title game appearance, but they still have a dynamite rushing attack and an attacking defense. Offenses won't be good but the defenses withh be fun to watch. Winner: TCU ATS: Michigan State +3
That will get you from today through the weekend before New Years Eve and I'll have those games up soon.
Wednesday, December 26th, 2012:
Western Kentucky vs Central Michigan, 6:30 pm ESPN, Central Michigan was a middling MAC team this year, it was a pretty good version of the MAC but still they weren't anything to write home about. Western Kentucky on the other hand waas above average in what was one of the best Sun Belt seasons in history. It will be interesting to see how this team plays without Willie Taggert at head coach. I still think WKU is good enought without Taggert to take care of Central Michigan. Winner: Western Kentucky ATS: Western Kentucky -5
Thursday, December 27th, 2012:
San Jose State vs Bowling Green, 2:00 pm ESPN, The turnaround at San Jose State has been quite impressive and it was rewarded with the loss of their coach to the Pac-12. Bowling Green came close to playing for a MAC championship but they came up just short of the prize. This will be a showcase of two suprise non-AQ schools but should be San Jose State pulling away late. Winner: San Jose State ATS: Bowling Green +7.5
Cincinnati vs Duke, 5:30 pm ESPN, Duke was the Cinderella of the beginning of the season and are still a great story, going to their first bowl game in centuries, but they showed they're still a middle of the pack ACC team. Cincinnati was a solid team but not flashy, they will also be playing without head coach Butch Jones. Winner: Cincinnati ATS: Duke +7.5
Baylor vs UCLA, 8:45 pm ESPN, This has the ability to be the most exciting game of the bowl season (probably not the best played), and the offensive fireworks should be plentiful. UCLA's offense has florished in Jim Mora's first season and much of that is thanks to Brett Hundley and running back Jonathan Franklin. Baylor has picked up well after losing RGIII to the NFL, much of that thanks is to athletes like Seastrunk. The defenses are secondary thoughts in this one and both have been gashed this season. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA Pk
Friday, December 28th, 2012:
Ohio vs ULM, 1:00 pm ESPN, This is a matchup of early sesaon BCS busters who's seasons took a turn for the worst. Ohio started off the year with a win over Penn State and a very managable schedule but then it took them too much effort to disperse of Marshall and we should have seen teh colapse coming. ULM almost took down Auburn, took down Arkansas and almost took down Baylor in a three week period, but they just didn't have the staying power to carry out their Sun Belt schedule. Winner: ULM ATS: Ohio +7
Rutgers vs Virginia Tech, 4:30 pm ESPN, This game is James Gandalfini naked ugly and won't be very exciting or well played but it's worth a watch because it will be close and there is some defensive talent on the field. Rutgers is good enough to force Logan Thomas into a couple mistakes and that should be the difference. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +2
Minnesota vs Texas Tech, 8:00 pm ESPN, In a down year for the Big Ten a matchup with Texas Tech is tough for Minnesota because they are better by far than the Golden Gophers. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Minnesota +13.5
Saturday, December 29th, 2012:
Rice vs Air Force, 10:45 am ESPN, Appreciate this game for what it is, a pre-noon game that allows you to watch football for 14 hours and to not spend more time with family members than you need to on a saturday. Rice is a middle of the road CUSA team and Air Force is a middle of the road MWC team and that means we take the team from the better conference. Winner: Air Force ATS: Air Force -1.5
West Virginia vs Syracuse, 2:15 pm ESPN, One team started off with sky high expectations, however a lack of defense forced a very good offense to be otherworldly and that wasn't going to last a year. Syracuse is better than you think and will put up points and stay in just about any game, I like the progress tha thas been made in upstate New York. Winner: West Virginia ATS: Syracuse +4
Navy vs Arizona State, 3:00 pm ESPN2, This game shouldn't be very competitive, not that Navy is a solid team but Arizona State was much improved and above average in Todd Graham's first season. Winner: Arizona State ATS: Navy +14.5
Texas vs Oregon State, 5:45 pm ESPN, Texas has been one of the biggest enigmas of the college football season, between the Kansas game and their late season rally I'm not sure we know quite who they are. Oregon State was the biggest surprise of the season with wins over Wisconsin and UCLA they come out of nowhere and were well above average in the Pac-12. I think this one should be fun but ultimately Oregon State is more consistant. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State -3
TCU vs Michigan State, 9:15 pm ESPN, TCU was right behind Texas in the enigma category mainly due to drug issues around the team, but they had issues with turnovers and some lapses in defense. Michigan State took a step back after last years Big Ten title game appearance, but they still have a dynamite rushing attack and an attacking defense. Offenses won't be good but the defenses withh be fun to watch. Winner: TCU ATS: Michigan State +3
That will get you from today through the weekend before New Years Eve and I'll have those games up soon.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Rambling's Pre-Chrstmas Bowl Picks
Saturday, December 15th, 2012:
Nevada vs Arizona, 12:00 pm ESPN, Arizona's has made strides in year one under Rich Rodriguez but they're still a flawed team. Nevada is good but they aren't what they were in Kaepernick's senior year. Neither of the defenses are going to have much to say agaisnt these offesnses which means it comes down to offensive game plans. Winner: Arizona ATS: Arizona -8.5
Toledo vs #22 Utah State, 3:30 pm ESPN, Utah State has had a bunch of near misses this season versus AQ competition, but they are legit team with some very good showings this year. Toledo looked like it was in control of the MAC this season but they faded late and made the early season success look like a mirage. Winner: Utah State ATS: Utah State -10
Thursday, December 20th, 2012:
BYU vs San Diego State, 7:00 pm ESPN, This will be a low scoring slugfest that will feature good defense and not much to look at on offense. I don't have much more to say about this. Winner: San Diego State ATS: San Diego State +3
Friday, December 21st, 2012:
Ball State vs UCF, 6:30 pm ESPN, UCF has had potential the last couple of seasons but they haven't put it all together yet. Ball State surprised a bit in the MAC and should be able to take advantage of some of the weaknesses on this years UCF squad. Lastly, George O'Leary. Winner: Ball State ATS: Ball State +7
Saturday, December 22nd, 2012:
East Carolina vs Louisiana- Lafayette, 11:00 am ESPN, The University of Louisiana- Monroe got all teh pub this season and for good reasons but ULL beat Monroe and was a better than expected team in the Sun Beast. East Carolina is that solid CUSA team that gets it's bowl bid and leaves people underassuming it. Winner: ULL ATS: ULL -5.5
Washington vs Boise State, 2:30 pm ESPN, Washington has been up and down and up and down all season, if you can predict if the Stanford beaters or the losers to Wash State shows up good luck. Starting with the Michigan State game Boise State has continued to grow, although the offensive growth has been slow. The surprise for the Broncos is how far the defense has come along after all of the losses after last season. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -4.5
Monday, December 24th, 2012:
Fresno State vs SMU, 7:00 pm ESPN, Last up this week is a matchup of teams that alwasy seem to be right around third in their league. Fresno State is built around it's rushing game but the younger of the Carr's has had a superb season. SMU under June Jones, heads back to his former coaching spot but I'm not sure this Mustangs team is consistant enough to scar most teams this season. Winner: Fresno State ATS: SMU + 12.5
So this is it for the pre-Christmas lineup, I'll have the post-Christmas predictions up before the holiday and it should be a lot of fun to watch and see who proves us right and wrong.
Nevada vs Arizona, 12:00 pm ESPN, Arizona's has made strides in year one under Rich Rodriguez but they're still a flawed team. Nevada is good but they aren't what they were in Kaepernick's senior year. Neither of the defenses are going to have much to say agaisnt these offesnses which means it comes down to offensive game plans. Winner: Arizona ATS: Arizona -8.5
Toledo vs #22 Utah State, 3:30 pm ESPN, Utah State has had a bunch of near misses this season versus AQ competition, but they are legit team with some very good showings this year. Toledo looked like it was in control of the MAC this season but they faded late and made the early season success look like a mirage. Winner: Utah State ATS: Utah State -10
Thursday, December 20th, 2012:
BYU vs San Diego State, 7:00 pm ESPN, This will be a low scoring slugfest that will feature good defense and not much to look at on offense. I don't have much more to say about this. Winner: San Diego State ATS: San Diego State +3
Friday, December 21st, 2012:
Ball State vs UCF, 6:30 pm ESPN, UCF has had potential the last couple of seasons but they haven't put it all together yet. Ball State surprised a bit in the MAC and should be able to take advantage of some of the weaknesses on this years UCF squad. Lastly, George O'Leary. Winner: Ball State ATS: Ball State +7
Saturday, December 22nd, 2012:
East Carolina vs Louisiana- Lafayette, 11:00 am ESPN, The University of Louisiana- Monroe got all teh pub this season and for good reasons but ULL beat Monroe and was a better than expected team in the Sun Beast. East Carolina is that solid CUSA team that gets it's bowl bid and leaves people underassuming it. Winner: ULL ATS: ULL -5.5
Washington vs Boise State, 2:30 pm ESPN, Washington has been up and down and up and down all season, if you can predict if the Stanford beaters or the losers to Wash State shows up good luck. Starting with the Michigan State game Boise State has continued to grow, although the offensive growth has been slow. The surprise for the Broncos is how far the defense has come along after all of the losses after last season. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -4.5
Monday, December 24th, 2012:
Fresno State vs SMU, 7:00 pm ESPN, Last up this week is a matchup of teams that alwasy seem to be right around third in their league. Fresno State is built around it's rushing game but the younger of the Carr's has had a superb season. SMU under June Jones, heads back to his former coaching spot but I'm not sure this Mustangs team is consistant enough to scar most teams this season. Winner: Fresno State ATS: SMU + 12.5
So this is it for the pre-Christmas lineup, I'll have the post-Christmas predictions up before the holiday and it should be a lot of fun to watch and see who proves us right and wrong.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Rambling's 2012-13 Bowl Rankings
Well it's that time of year we have all of the bowl matchups but I'm more excited about some than others and the bottom half is a bit shabby. So let's take a look at this year's slate.
1. Discover BCS National Championship Game: Notre Dame vs Alabama, Jan. 7th 7:30 pm ESPN, I mean if you're not excited to see what comes out of this game you obviously hate both teams enough to not enjoy good, hard hitting defensive football. It should come down to which offense makes enough plays. Should make this an illuminating game.
2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs Kansas State, Jan. 3rd 7:30 pm ESPN, I have this one next on the list because one month ago we thought this would be the national champhionship game matchup. This game also provides us a dichotomy of offensive styles, Oregon's breakneck pace versus the more methodical approach of Bill Snyder's Wildcats. The K-State defensive hold a bit of an edge but Oregon certainly does lack for talent. Should be a wonderful watch.
3. Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio: Stanford vs Wisconsin, Jan 1st 4:00 pm ESPN, I know it involves a 5-loss Big Ten team but these two teams are cut from the same cloth which should be interesting. Both OCs have shown a willingness to tweak systems that were rooted in tradition, Stanford's Hogan gives them a new twist to a system that we didn't see open up with Luck (not because he wasn't athletic enough). On the Wisconsin side, OC Matt Canada has used more motion and shotgun sets to get athletes like Melvin Gordon and James White into space and to keep defenses on their heels. On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin has one of the best LB corps in the country and Stanford has as stout a front 4 as you're gonna see outside the SEC. Even with Bielema hitting the road I think this game will be closer than many expect it to be.
4. AT&T Cotton Bowl: Texas A&M vs Oklahoma, Jan 4th 7:00 pm FOX, This is a BCS type matchup as both teams are good enough to have been placed there. This is also a matchup of former Big XII companions and there is bound to be some bad blood left behind. Johnny Manziel versus a Oklahoma defense that has had struggles this season. Landry Jones versus a A&M defense that has been excellent as it has matured under Coach Sumlin's staff. If nothing else we should see some points and get to debate the merits of the countries two best conferences.
5. Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Baylor vs UCLA, Dec 27th 8:45 pm ESPN, Points galore, I mean enough points to make Rice-Air Force entertaining.
6. Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas vs Oregon State, Dec 29th 5:45 pm ESPN, Oregon State is real, Texas is something else, an enigma and going into this bowl without their offensive coordinator.
7. Discover Orange Bowl: Northern Illinois vs Florida State, Jan 1st 7:30 pm ESPN, Can Northern Illinois stick with the 'Noles. Will Florida State continue to play to to a percieved much weaker opponent?
8. Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs Clemson, Dec 31st 6:30 pm ESPN, LSU has an elite defense and an epicly bad offense. Clemson comes in with underrated QB Boyd and a good bunch of talent.
9. GoDaddy.com Bowl: Kent State vs Arkansas State, Jan 6th 8:00 pm ESPN, I certainly could have ranked this game higher because their will be fireworks in this game and Russell Crowe asking if you're not entertained.
10. Outback Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan, Jan 1st 12:00 pm ESPN, These two can be lumped together, I don't know what to expect out of the Big Ten teams because they've been up and down all season. I also don't know what form the SEC teams will take; South Carolina has been abysmal on the road this year and Georgia doesn't handle being expected to win well.
11. Capital One Bowl: Nebraska vs Georgia, Jan 1st 12:00 pm ABC,
12. Allstate Sugar Bowl: Louisville vs Florida, Jan 2nd 7:30 pm EPSN, This one strikes me much like the Cincinnati game a few years back, a Florida team that still has a lot to prove. Louisville is a good team but nothing special but Strong should be amped up to play his former team.
13. Maaco Bowl Las Vegas: Washington vs Boise State, Dec 22nd 2:30 pm ESPN, This is a early season matchup next year, but this one pits two incomplete teams. Boise has grown all season but loss like they had isn't a one year rebuild, certainly one of Peterson's best. Washington hasn't taken the leaps that were expected under Sark and this team still looks like it has major flaws and not just at the hot button of QB.
14. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Toledo vs Utah State, Dec 15th 3:30 pm ESPN, Was Toledo a mirage all year that then faded? Was Utah State underappreciated all year or were their performances against good teams just them getting up for a couple big games?
15. New Era Pinstripe Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse, Dec 28th 2:15 pm ESPN, This is gonna have points to spare and be close in the end because well did you watch any Syracuse this season? Exactly.
16. AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Ohio vs ULM, Dec 28th 1:00 pm ESPN, This one intrigues me because both these teams finished the year looking like the opposites of the promise they showed early on.
17. Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs Northwestern, Jan 1st 11:00 am ESPN2, I don't have a read on either of these teams, Mississippi State didn't show much this year once they hit the meat of their schedule and Northwestern on the other hand is what they've been throughout the Fitzgerald era.
18. Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: TCU vs Michigan State, Dec 29th 9:15 pm ESPN, Gary Patterson doesn't have his best team but neither does Michigan State and this game will be the perfect wrap to the season for both teams.
19. Hyundai Sun Bowl: USC vs Georgia Tech, Dec 31st 1:00 pm CBS, USC will win but the defensive train wrecks should be absolutely amazing.
20. San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: San Diego State vs BYU, Dec 20th 7:00 pm ESPN, San Diego State seems to fly continuously under the radar and BYU has one hell of a defense.
21. BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Mississippi, Jan 5th 12:00 pm ESPN, These teams are just interesting and both have gotten much better over the course of the sesaon.
22. Military Bowl - Pres. By Northrop Grumman: San Jose State vs Bowling Green, Dec 27th 2:00 pm ESPN, I will probably regret putting this one so low, I admit to not know much about either team other than San Jose State gave Stanford a run for its money. I think this is a sneaky good game.
23. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: NC State vs Vanderbilt, Dec 31st 11:00 am ESPN, NC State lost to Tennessee and beat Florida State, Vanderbilt looked very good against South Carolina but had a stretch of far too big of beats versus good teams. This one should be fun.
24. Belk Bowl: Cincinnati vs Duke, Dec 27th 5:30 pm ESPN, Good for you Blue Devils fans, hopefully next year your bowl game will look more competative next season but yay Duke. Cincy was better than you think.
25. Russell Athletic Bowl: Rutgers vs Virginia Tech, Dec 28th 4:30 pm ESPN, This is fascinating because of the shit show that Va Tech has been this year and because Rutgers was much better than many thought in Flood's first year.
26. Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg Bowl: UCF vs Ball State, Dec 21st 6:30 pm ESPN, Read description below (somehow ended up writing these from 35 up).
27. AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs Tulsa, Dec 31st 2:30 pm ESPN, I think this will be an adequate game between two adequate teams.
28. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: East Carolina vs Louisian-Lafayette, Dec 22nd 11:00 am ESPN, Could be interesting as ULL was a thorn in the side of some very good teams this year. East Carolina isn't flashy and the Pirates are alright with that.
29. Heart of Dallas Bowl: Purdue vs Oklahoma State, Jan 1st 11:00 am ESPNU, Oklahoma State big in this one as Purdue was bad in a down Big Ten and Oklahoma State was surprisingly good ina good Big XII.
30. Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: Minnesota vs Texas Tech, Dec 28th 8:00 pm ESPN, I don't have much to say here, but Kliff Kingsburry is coming back to Lubbock. In the words of Clay Travis it isn't gay if it's Kliff Kingsburry.
31. Gilden New Mexico Bowl: Nevada vs Arizona, Dec 15th 12:00 pm ESPN, I may have this game ranked way too low in all fairness but when looking at this game I just can't stop the disinterest.
32. Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs SMU, Dec 24th 7:00 pm ESPN, June Jones returns to Hawaii, Fresno is solid but SMU is sloppy.
33. Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Navy vs Arizona State, Dec 29th 3:00 pm ESPN2, Arizona State is just miles better than Navy and this should be a blowout by halftime.
34. Bell Hellicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs Air Force, Dec 29th 10:45 am ESPN, Why do this to yourself just catch up on your sleep between Christmas and New Years.
35. Little Caesars Bowl: WKU vs CMU, Dec 26th 6:30 pm ESPN, WKU is interesting with the Taggart loss and CMU is a 6-6 MAC team.
1. Discover BCS National Championship Game: Notre Dame vs Alabama, Jan. 7th 7:30 pm ESPN, I mean if you're not excited to see what comes out of this game you obviously hate both teams enough to not enjoy good, hard hitting defensive football. It should come down to which offense makes enough plays. Should make this an illuminating game.
2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs Kansas State, Jan. 3rd 7:30 pm ESPN, I have this one next on the list because one month ago we thought this would be the national champhionship game matchup. This game also provides us a dichotomy of offensive styles, Oregon's breakneck pace versus the more methodical approach of Bill Snyder's Wildcats. The K-State defensive hold a bit of an edge but Oregon certainly does lack for talent. Should be a wonderful watch.
3. Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio: Stanford vs Wisconsin, Jan 1st 4:00 pm ESPN, I know it involves a 5-loss Big Ten team but these two teams are cut from the same cloth which should be interesting. Both OCs have shown a willingness to tweak systems that were rooted in tradition, Stanford's Hogan gives them a new twist to a system that we didn't see open up with Luck (not because he wasn't athletic enough). On the Wisconsin side, OC Matt Canada has used more motion and shotgun sets to get athletes like Melvin Gordon and James White into space and to keep defenses on their heels. On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin has one of the best LB corps in the country and Stanford has as stout a front 4 as you're gonna see outside the SEC. Even with Bielema hitting the road I think this game will be closer than many expect it to be.
4. AT&T Cotton Bowl: Texas A&M vs Oklahoma, Jan 4th 7:00 pm FOX, This is a BCS type matchup as both teams are good enough to have been placed there. This is also a matchup of former Big XII companions and there is bound to be some bad blood left behind. Johnny Manziel versus a Oklahoma defense that has had struggles this season. Landry Jones versus a A&M defense that has been excellent as it has matured under Coach Sumlin's staff. If nothing else we should see some points and get to debate the merits of the countries two best conferences.
5. Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Baylor vs UCLA, Dec 27th 8:45 pm ESPN, Points galore, I mean enough points to make Rice-Air Force entertaining.
6. Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas vs Oregon State, Dec 29th 5:45 pm ESPN, Oregon State is real, Texas is something else, an enigma and going into this bowl without their offensive coordinator.
7. Discover Orange Bowl: Northern Illinois vs Florida State, Jan 1st 7:30 pm ESPN, Can Northern Illinois stick with the 'Noles. Will Florida State continue to play to to a percieved much weaker opponent?
8. Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs Clemson, Dec 31st 6:30 pm ESPN, LSU has an elite defense and an epicly bad offense. Clemson comes in with underrated QB Boyd and a good bunch of talent.
9. GoDaddy.com Bowl: Kent State vs Arkansas State, Jan 6th 8:00 pm ESPN, I certainly could have ranked this game higher because their will be fireworks in this game and Russell Crowe asking if you're not entertained.
10. Outback Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan, Jan 1st 12:00 pm ESPN, These two can be lumped together, I don't know what to expect out of the Big Ten teams because they've been up and down all season. I also don't know what form the SEC teams will take; South Carolina has been abysmal on the road this year and Georgia doesn't handle being expected to win well.
11. Capital One Bowl: Nebraska vs Georgia, Jan 1st 12:00 pm ABC,
12. Allstate Sugar Bowl: Louisville vs Florida, Jan 2nd 7:30 pm EPSN, This one strikes me much like the Cincinnati game a few years back, a Florida team that still has a lot to prove. Louisville is a good team but nothing special but Strong should be amped up to play his former team.
13. Maaco Bowl Las Vegas: Washington vs Boise State, Dec 22nd 2:30 pm ESPN, This is a early season matchup next year, but this one pits two incomplete teams. Boise has grown all season but loss like they had isn't a one year rebuild, certainly one of Peterson's best. Washington hasn't taken the leaps that were expected under Sark and this team still looks like it has major flaws and not just at the hot button of QB.
14. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Toledo vs Utah State, Dec 15th 3:30 pm ESPN, Was Toledo a mirage all year that then faded? Was Utah State underappreciated all year or were their performances against good teams just them getting up for a couple big games?
15. New Era Pinstripe Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse, Dec 28th 2:15 pm ESPN, This is gonna have points to spare and be close in the end because well did you watch any Syracuse this season? Exactly.
16. AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Ohio vs ULM, Dec 28th 1:00 pm ESPN, This one intrigues me because both these teams finished the year looking like the opposites of the promise they showed early on.
17. Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs Northwestern, Jan 1st 11:00 am ESPN2, I don't have a read on either of these teams, Mississippi State didn't show much this year once they hit the meat of their schedule and Northwestern on the other hand is what they've been throughout the Fitzgerald era.
18. Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: TCU vs Michigan State, Dec 29th 9:15 pm ESPN, Gary Patterson doesn't have his best team but neither does Michigan State and this game will be the perfect wrap to the season for both teams.
19. Hyundai Sun Bowl: USC vs Georgia Tech, Dec 31st 1:00 pm CBS, USC will win but the defensive train wrecks should be absolutely amazing.
20. San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: San Diego State vs BYU, Dec 20th 7:00 pm ESPN, San Diego State seems to fly continuously under the radar and BYU has one hell of a defense.
21. BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Mississippi, Jan 5th 12:00 pm ESPN, These teams are just interesting and both have gotten much better over the course of the sesaon.
22. Military Bowl - Pres. By Northrop Grumman: San Jose State vs Bowling Green, Dec 27th 2:00 pm ESPN, I will probably regret putting this one so low, I admit to not know much about either team other than San Jose State gave Stanford a run for its money. I think this is a sneaky good game.
23. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: NC State vs Vanderbilt, Dec 31st 11:00 am ESPN, NC State lost to Tennessee and beat Florida State, Vanderbilt looked very good against South Carolina but had a stretch of far too big of beats versus good teams. This one should be fun.
24. Belk Bowl: Cincinnati vs Duke, Dec 27th 5:30 pm ESPN, Good for you Blue Devils fans, hopefully next year your bowl game will look more competative next season but yay Duke. Cincy was better than you think.
25. Russell Athletic Bowl: Rutgers vs Virginia Tech, Dec 28th 4:30 pm ESPN, This is fascinating because of the shit show that Va Tech has been this year and because Rutgers was much better than many thought in Flood's first year.
26. Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg Bowl: UCF vs Ball State, Dec 21st 6:30 pm ESPN, Read description below (somehow ended up writing these from 35 up).
27. AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs Tulsa, Dec 31st 2:30 pm ESPN, I think this will be an adequate game between two adequate teams.
28. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: East Carolina vs Louisian-Lafayette, Dec 22nd 11:00 am ESPN, Could be interesting as ULL was a thorn in the side of some very good teams this year. East Carolina isn't flashy and the Pirates are alright with that.
29. Heart of Dallas Bowl: Purdue vs Oklahoma State, Jan 1st 11:00 am ESPNU, Oklahoma State big in this one as Purdue was bad in a down Big Ten and Oklahoma State was surprisingly good ina good Big XII.
30. Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: Minnesota vs Texas Tech, Dec 28th 8:00 pm ESPN, I don't have much to say here, but Kliff Kingsburry is coming back to Lubbock. In the words of Clay Travis it isn't gay if it's Kliff Kingsburry.
31. Gilden New Mexico Bowl: Nevada vs Arizona, Dec 15th 12:00 pm ESPN, I may have this game ranked way too low in all fairness but when looking at this game I just can't stop the disinterest.
32. Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs SMU, Dec 24th 7:00 pm ESPN, June Jones returns to Hawaii, Fresno is solid but SMU is sloppy.
33. Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Navy vs Arizona State, Dec 29th 3:00 pm ESPN2, Arizona State is just miles better than Navy and this should be a blowout by halftime.
34. Bell Hellicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs Air Force, Dec 29th 10:45 am ESPN, Why do this to yourself just catch up on your sleep between Christmas and New Years.
35. Little Caesars Bowl: WKU vs CMU, Dec 26th 6:30 pm ESPN, WKU is interesting with the Taggart loss and CMU is a 6-6 MAC team.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Rambling's Week 14 CFB Picks Review
This should be an exciting weekend for college football with conference champions crowned and the National Championship match-up decided. Enjoy three straight days of championship football.
Well here we are the regular season has come to an end, Army-Navy is next week but it isn't counted as a regular season game for bowl status. Thank you all for reading this year, I hope to have a season review coming up and then we'll dive into bowl season.
Thursday, November 29th, 2012:
Louisville at Rutgers, 6:30 pm ESPN, So it turns out it was actually a four team tie but it won't matter as Louisville was highest ranked going into the week and their win won't drop them any further. Winner: 0-1 ATS: 0-1
Friday, November 30th, 2012:
#21 Northern Illinois at #17 Kent State (Ford Field), 6:00 pm ESPN2, This game was closer than I expected but Jordan Lynch and NIU pulled out the victory in OT and have a chance at a BCS bowl with a little help from the polls. The bummer news is that Dave Doeren took the NC State job and won't be their to coach them in whatever bowl they play. Winner: 1-1 ATS: 1-1
#16 UCLA at #8 Stanford, 7:00 pm FOX, Much closer this week than last and I should have expected it because both coaches staffs had a week to make adjustments on what they didn't do well last week. Props to UCLA for making a game of it and to the coaching staff for putting the kids in that position. Winner: 2-1 ATS: 1-2
Saturday, December 1st, 2012:
#11 Oklahoma at TCU, 11:00 am ESPN, TCU hung around in this game but just couldn't get close enough to really win this game. Oklahoma's win put the pressure on Kansas State to win against Texas to close out their Big XII championship. Winner: 3-1 ATS: 1-3
#23 Oklahoma State at Baylor, 11:00 am FX, Both these teams are gonna be fun to watch for a few years, I think OK State will be the better team over the next couple but there isn't a team that's really going to be itching to play Baylor either. This game was well played and well coached on the Bears side and OK State showed it's inexperience in the final game of the season. Winner: 3-2 ATS: 1-4
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am ESPN2, This was probably the most exciting game that noone watched Tulsa returned a kick for a touchdown, got the extra point blacked then won the game in overtime which took multiple reviewed goaline tries. Winner: 4-2 ATS: 2-4
Middle Tennessee at Arkansas State, 2:00 pm ESPN3, Winner: 5-2 ATS: 2-5
#20 Boise State at Nevada, 2:30 pm ABC, Boise makes it a three-way tie for the MWC and all are co-champs because of the MWC bylaws just couldn't go far enough to seperate the three teams. Winner: 6-2 ATS: 2-6
#2 Alabama vs #3 Georgia (Georgia Dome), 3:00 pm CBS, The best game of the weekend that include overtime MACtion in the title game. This game had major swings, hard hits, great athletic plays and an argument about what really happened on the last play. The SEC probably should have had three teams in the BCS (if it weren't outlawed) because I don't think there is any doubt that Alabama, Georgia and Florida all were top 5 teams and LSU/Texas A&M weren't far behind. Winner: 7-2 ATS: 3-6
#18 Texas at #6 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, Kansas State wins, and wins the Big XII title but the story here again is Texas who has had one of the most infuriating seasons in recent history. They look like barn-burners and then look like a team trapped inside a burning barn. How much more of a leash does Mack Brown get? Congrats to Bill Snyder and the Wildcats for a great season. Winner: 8-2 ATS: 4-6
#13 Florida State vs Georgia Tech (Bank of America Stadium), 7:00 pm ESPN, This game was controlled by Florida State but in very FSU fashion they let Georgia Tech hang around, this undoubtedly had something to with the loss of E.J. Manuel. It will be interesting to see how this FSU team responds to being overwhelmingly favored to crush NIU. Winner: 9-2 ATS: 4-7
#12 Nebraska vs Wisconsin (Lucas Oil Stadium), 7:17 pm FOX, Raise your hand if you saw Wisconsin coming out like that and then not lifting off the gas until up 30-something midway through the third. If this team shows up in Pasadena we will have a ball game, let's see if they can show some consistency through the layoff. Nebraska played it's worst game of the year at the least opportune time. Winner: 10-2 ATS: 4-8
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Rambling's Week 14 CFB Picks (Conf. Champ Wk)
This should be an exciting weekend for college football with conference champions crowned and the National Championship match-up decided. Enjoy three straight days of championship football.
Thursday, November 29th, 2012:
Louisville at Rutgers, 6:30 pm ESPN, This game is simple, Rutgers wins, they are the Big East champ, if Louisville wins they should be the highest ranked in the BCS and will win the three team tie-breaker. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers -3
Friday, November 30th, 2012:
#21 Northern Illinois at #17 Kent State (Ford Field), 6:00 pm ESPN2, The MAC winner has a chance to crash the BCS but a very small chance at that. I think Northern Illinois behind phenom Jordan Lynch. You should watch this because Dri Archer and Lynch are dynamic and this game should be some classic MACtion. Winner: Northern Illinois ATS: Northern Illinois -5
#16 UCLA at #8 Stanford, 7:00 pm FOX, Stanford won last week, Stanford is the better team, Stanford is at home. Bravo to Jim Mora for one of the more surprising coaching debuts of the season. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -9.5
Saturday, December 1st, 2012:
#11 Oklahoma at TCU, 11:00 am ESPN, A challenge to finish out the season for Oklahoma and a win here forces Kansas State to win against Texas later in the day to wrap up the conference title. TCU finishes out a season with challenges and growing pains but should be in a position to challenge for a conference crown next year. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -9.5
#23 Oklahoma State at Baylor, 11:00 am FX, A young Oklahoma State team was expected to take a bigger step back than this after losing some graduating talent last year but a trio of young QBs stepped up to keep this team very competitive in the Big XII. Baylor had it's moment in an upset of Kansas State but took the step back we all penciled in for them with the loss of RGIII to the NFL. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State -4.5
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am ESPN2, UCF played well at times this year at times but overall underwhelmed in their games against stronger competition. Tulsa was the best team in Conference USA this season. I think they roll in this game and both teams go to mid-level bowls. Winner: Tulsa ATS: Tulsa Pk
Middle Tennessee at Arkansas State, 2:00 pm ESPN3, The Sun Belt has no title game but this game has the same thing on the line. Both teams have 1 loss and everyone else has at least two in conference. Gus Malzahn has done a great job in his first year as the Wolfpack's head coach and his spread system has taken right up where Hugh Freeze left off last year. Middle Tennessee hasn't been the most publicized Sun Belt team that honor belongs to ULM and WKU but they should provide a test for Arkansas State. Winner: Arkansas State ATS: Middle Tennessee +10
#20 Boise State at Nevada, 2:30 pm ABC, A win here will cause a three way tie for the MWC title and from my reading of the rules we will have 3 co-champs. This is silly but that's what'll happen after Boise takes care of Nevada. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -9
#2 Alabama vs #3 Georgia (Georgia Dome), 3:00 pm CBS, The game of the day comes to us from Atlanta, GA where the Tide meet up with the Dawgs. Georgia has talent and a defense which should be able to keep the Alabama offense in check. The real question is what will Aaron Murray be able to do against a Bama defense that has shown flaws throughout the year but is still immensely talented. Winner: Alabama ATS: Georgia +7.5
#18 Texas at #6 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, No matter what happens at noon in Fort Worth Kansas State holds it's Big XII title hopes in their own hands. Kansas State has been the better team this season, even though Texas has more talent. Kansas State should be able to take care of a Texas defense that has had trouble stopping just about everything at times this year. Texas will have to play smart plays for 60 minutes. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -11
#13 Florida State vs Georgia Tech (Bank of America Stadium), 7:00 pm ESPN, Georgia Tech is in the ACC championship game but Florida State is far and away the better team in this game and the most talented team in ACC. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -13.5
#12 Nebraska vs Wisconsin (Lucas Oil Stadium), 7:17 pm FOX, These two teams played a close game at the start of conference season, but that game was a bit misleading as first half turnovers buried Nebraska in the first half. They dominated both lines in the second half. Both teams have matured and gotten better but I don't see too many ways in which Wisconsin wins this game. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -3
Thursday, November 29th, 2012:
Louisville at Rutgers, 6:30 pm ESPN, This game is simple, Rutgers wins, they are the Big East champ, if Louisville wins they should be the highest ranked in the BCS and will win the three team tie-breaker. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers -3
Friday, November 30th, 2012:
#21 Northern Illinois at #17 Kent State (Ford Field), 6:00 pm ESPN2, The MAC winner has a chance to crash the BCS but a very small chance at that. I think Northern Illinois behind phenom Jordan Lynch. You should watch this because Dri Archer and Lynch are dynamic and this game should be some classic MACtion. Winner: Northern Illinois ATS: Northern Illinois -5
#16 UCLA at #8 Stanford, 7:00 pm FOX, Stanford won last week, Stanford is the better team, Stanford is at home. Bravo to Jim Mora for one of the more surprising coaching debuts of the season. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -9.5
Saturday, December 1st, 2012:
#11 Oklahoma at TCU, 11:00 am ESPN, A challenge to finish out the season for Oklahoma and a win here forces Kansas State to win against Texas later in the day to wrap up the conference title. TCU finishes out a season with challenges and growing pains but should be in a position to challenge for a conference crown next year. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -9.5
#23 Oklahoma State at Baylor, 11:00 am FX, A young Oklahoma State team was expected to take a bigger step back than this after losing some graduating talent last year but a trio of young QBs stepped up to keep this team very competitive in the Big XII. Baylor had it's moment in an upset of Kansas State but took the step back we all penciled in for them with the loss of RGIII to the NFL. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State -4.5
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am ESPN2, UCF played well at times this year at times but overall underwhelmed in their games against stronger competition. Tulsa was the best team in Conference USA this season. I think they roll in this game and both teams go to mid-level bowls. Winner: Tulsa ATS: Tulsa Pk
Middle Tennessee at Arkansas State, 2:00 pm ESPN3, The Sun Belt has no title game but this game has the same thing on the line. Both teams have 1 loss and everyone else has at least two in conference. Gus Malzahn has done a great job in his first year as the Wolfpack's head coach and his spread system has taken right up where Hugh Freeze left off last year. Middle Tennessee hasn't been the most publicized Sun Belt team that honor belongs to ULM and WKU but they should provide a test for Arkansas State. Winner: Arkansas State ATS: Middle Tennessee +10
#20 Boise State at Nevada, 2:30 pm ABC, A win here will cause a three way tie for the MWC title and from my reading of the rules we will have 3 co-champs. This is silly but that's what'll happen after Boise takes care of Nevada. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -9
#2 Alabama vs #3 Georgia (Georgia Dome), 3:00 pm CBS, The game of the day comes to us from Atlanta, GA where the Tide meet up with the Dawgs. Georgia has talent and a defense which should be able to keep the Alabama offense in check. The real question is what will Aaron Murray be able to do against a Bama defense that has shown flaws throughout the year but is still immensely talented. Winner: Alabama ATS: Georgia +7.5
#18 Texas at #6 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, No matter what happens at noon in Fort Worth Kansas State holds it's Big XII title hopes in their own hands. Kansas State has been the better team this season, even though Texas has more talent. Kansas State should be able to take care of a Texas defense that has had trouble stopping just about everything at times this year. Texas will have to play smart plays for 60 minutes. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -11
#13 Florida State vs Georgia Tech (Bank of America Stadium), 7:00 pm ESPN, Georgia Tech is in the ACC championship game but Florida State is far and away the better team in this game and the most talented team in ACC. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -13.5
#12 Nebraska vs Wisconsin (Lucas Oil Stadium), 7:17 pm FOX, These two teams played a close game at the start of conference season, but that game was a bit misleading as first half turnovers buried Nebraska in the first half. They dominated both lines in the second half. Both teams have matured and gotten better but I don't see too many ways in which Wisconsin wins this game. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -3
Monday, November 26, 2012
Rambling's Week 13 CFB Pics Review
Thursday, November 22nd, 2012:
TCU at #16 Texas, 6:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 0-1 ATS: 0-1
Friday, November 23rd, 2012:
Ohio at #23 Kent State, 10:00 am ESPNU, Winner: 1-1 ATS: 0-2
#14 Nebraska at Iowa, 11:00 am ABC, Winner: 2-1 ATS: 0-3
Marshall at East Carolina, 12:00 pm CBS Sports Net, Winner: 3-1 ATS: 1-3
#7 LSU at Arkansas, 1:30 pm CBS, Winner: 4-1 ATS: 1-4
#25 Washington at Washington State, 2:30 pm FOX, Winner: 4-2 ATS: 1-5
Arizona State at #24 Arizona, 9:00 pm ESPN, Winner: 4-3 ATS: 1-6
Saturday, November 24th, 2012:
Georgia Tech at #3 Georgia, 11:00 am ESPN, Clean, Winner: 5-3 ATS: 2-6
#18 Rutgers at Pittsburgh, 11:00 am ESPN2, Winner: 5-4 ATS: 2-7
#19 Michigan at Ohio State, 11:00 am ABC, Winner: 5-5 ATS: 2-8
Connecticut at #20 Louisville, 11:00 am Big East Network, Winner: 5-6 ATS: 2-9
UAB at UCF, 11:00 am, Winner: 5-7 ATS: 2-10
#5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, Winner: 6-7 ATS: 2-11
Auburn at #2 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, Winner: 7-7 ATS: 2-12
#4 Florida at #10 Florida State, 2:30 pm ABC, Winner: 8-7 ATS: 2-13
#21 Oklahoma State at #13 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 9-7 ATS: 2-14
Air Force at Fresno State, 2:30 pm NBC Sports Net, Winner: 10-7 ATS: 2-15
San Diego State at Wyoming, 2:30 pm, Winner: 11-7 ATS: 3-15
#8 Stanford at #17 UCLA, 5:30 pm FOX, Winner: 12-7 ATS: 4-15
Missouri at #9 Texas A&M, 6:00 pm ESPN2, Winner: 13-7 ATS: 4-16
#12 South Carolina at #11 Clemson, 6:00 ESPN, Winner: 14-7 ATS: 5-16
#1 Notre Dame at USC, 7:00 pm ABC, Winner: 15-7 ATS: 5-17
Rough week in both regards, but we now turn our attention to conference championship games and I'm going to take a little extra time to try and nail down these teams and games and get a head start on the bowl season and a season wrap up blog.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Rambling's Week 13 CFB Picks
Thursday, November 22nd, 2012:
TCU at #16 Texas, 6:30 pm ESPN, TCU travels to Texas on rivalry weekend and will try to replace Texas A&M on the schedule and Texas has solidified that with a hex rally. I mean can we talk about the hilarity of that, TCU, a team that Texas wouldn't have even scoffed at last year needing its own hex rally. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas -7
Friday, November 23rd, 2012:
Ohio at #23 Kent State, 10:00 am ESPNU, Ohio goes on the road this week and tries to stop the slide of their season that seems to have lost it's promise. They're going to have to stop Dri Archer if they are going to have any chance of leaving the season without a sour taste in his mouth. Winner: Kent State ATS: Ohio +10
#14 Nebraska at Iowa, 11:00 am ABC, Nebraska travels to Iowa where they should wrap up the 2012 Legends division crown. Iowa continues to pay unbelievable sums of money per win to Kirk Ferentz but they dug their own grave. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -14.5
Marshall at East Carolina, 12:00 pm CBS Sports Net, If East Carolina is going to have a chance to win a conference championship they must beat Marshall this week. Marshall is a solid team but if East Carolina is what they think they are they should be able to win this game and put the pressure on UCF. Winner: East Carolina ATS: East Carolina -5.5
#7 LSU at Arkansas, 1:30 pm CBS, LSU travels to Arkansas where they can solidify their BCS resume. Arkansas can end the season long nightmare in college football. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -12
#25 Washington at Washington State, 2:30 pm FOX, Washington State's season has gone from bad to worse and that was with tempered expectations. Washington has been one of the most eclectic teams in the country this season but that shouldn't hold them back in this season. Winner: Washington ATS: Washington -11.5
Arizona State at #24 Arizona, 9:00 pm ESPN, Arizona is the better team this year but next year should be a more interesting case study. Winner: Arizona ATS: Arizona -3
Rest to come soon
Saturday, November 24th, 2012:
Georgia Tech at #3 Georgia, 11:00 am ESPN, Clean, Old Fashioned Hate is the moniker for this game between the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets but I can't shake the sneaking suspicion that this one will be a clean old fashioned butt-whooping. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -14
#18 Rutgers at Pittsburgh, 11:00 am ESPN2, Rutgers visits Pittsburgh in a meaningless game for both teams as the only thing that matters for the Scarlet Knights is next weeks game with Louisville. I think Rutgers is by far the better team but this one looks like a trap. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +2
#19 Michigan at Ohio State, 11:00 am ABC, This game will more than likely mean nothing for the Wolverines if Nebraska hangs on to their current lead over Iowa but that will just leave us with the usual hatred between these teams. Winner: Michigan ATS: Michigan +4
Connecticut at #20 Louisville, 11:00 am Big East Network, Louisville needs this game to have a win next week win the conference otherwise they've handed the golden egg to Rutgers. Winner: Louisville ATS: Louisville -10.5
UAB at UCF, 11:00 am, UCF will know by Friday night whether they must win to go to the conference championship game, either way UCF should win easily. Winner: UCF ATS: UAB +22
#5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, We won't know what this game means until well after it has finished but Oregon must win this game to have any shot at the Rose Bowl or the BCS title game. A convincing win should allow them to pick up an at large berth but Oregon State is no slouch and should provide a challenge. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon State +10
Auburn at #2 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, I know it's the Iron Bowl but no, just no. Winner: Alabama ATS: Auburn +33
#4 Florida at #10 Florida State, 2:30 pm ABC, This one could, I state could, have national title implications but it will take a lot for that to happen. This should however be an entertaining game that teaches about where both team stand. Watch the line battle in this game, it should be a doozy. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida +7.5
#21 Oklahoma State at #13 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm ESPN, Bedlam goes back to Norman this year and Oklahoma must win to keep the pressure on Kansas State heading into the last game of the year in the Big XII. Oklahoma State has had growing pains on a young team but should be a stiff test at least for the Sooner defense. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -6.5
Air Force at Fresno State, 2:30 pm NBC Sports Net, A win for Fresno and San Diego State in these game and a win for Boise next week makes for a convoluted situation in the MWC. I think it happens. Winner: Fresno State ATS: Air Force +17
San Diego State at Wyoming, 2:30 pm, Winner: San Diego State ATS: San Diego State -7
#8 Stanford at #17 UCLA, 5:30 pm FOX, UCLA welcomes the Cardinal to the Rose Bowl in what could be the first of two games between these teams or a match-up that allows Oregon to slip into the Pac-12 Title game. It hink it should be an interesting contest and a game Stanford needs to win. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -2
Missouri at #9 Texas A&M, 6:00 pm ESPN2, The battle of the new guys will assuredly go to Texas A&M and Johnny Football. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Missouri +22
#12 South Carolina at #11 Clemson, 6:00 ESPN, The battle for South Cacalaca (no idea how to spell that) should be interesting and exciting but I'm not sure Clemson has faced a defense quite like South Carolina's outside of FSU, but with the 'Cocks injuries I'm not sure it's going to matter. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina +4
#1 Notre Dame at USC, 7:00 pm ABC, Notre Dame heads to the Coliseum with Crystal in their eyes. When they arrive they will find a USC team that has been a letdown and is showing that depth shouldn't have been something to scoff at, at the start of the season. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: USC +6
TCU at #16 Texas, 6:30 pm ESPN, TCU travels to Texas on rivalry weekend and will try to replace Texas A&M on the schedule and Texas has solidified that with a hex rally. I mean can we talk about the hilarity of that, TCU, a team that Texas wouldn't have even scoffed at last year needing its own hex rally. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas -7
Friday, November 23rd, 2012:
Ohio at #23 Kent State, 10:00 am ESPNU, Ohio goes on the road this week and tries to stop the slide of their season that seems to have lost it's promise. They're going to have to stop Dri Archer if they are going to have any chance of leaving the season without a sour taste in his mouth. Winner: Kent State ATS: Ohio +10
#14 Nebraska at Iowa, 11:00 am ABC, Nebraska travels to Iowa where they should wrap up the 2012 Legends division crown. Iowa continues to pay unbelievable sums of money per win to Kirk Ferentz but they dug their own grave. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -14.5
Marshall at East Carolina, 12:00 pm CBS Sports Net, If East Carolina is going to have a chance to win a conference championship they must beat Marshall this week. Marshall is a solid team but if East Carolina is what they think they are they should be able to win this game and put the pressure on UCF. Winner: East Carolina ATS: East Carolina -5.5
#7 LSU at Arkansas, 1:30 pm CBS, LSU travels to Arkansas where they can solidify their BCS resume. Arkansas can end the season long nightmare in college football. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -12
#25 Washington at Washington State, 2:30 pm FOX, Washington State's season has gone from bad to worse and that was with tempered expectations. Washington has been one of the most eclectic teams in the country this season but that shouldn't hold them back in this season. Winner: Washington ATS: Washington -11.5
Arizona State at #24 Arizona, 9:00 pm ESPN, Arizona is the better team this year but next year should be a more interesting case study. Winner: Arizona ATS: Arizona -3
Rest to come soon
Saturday, November 24th, 2012:
Georgia Tech at #3 Georgia, 11:00 am ESPN, Clean, Old Fashioned Hate is the moniker for this game between the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets but I can't shake the sneaking suspicion that this one will be a clean old fashioned butt-whooping. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -14
#18 Rutgers at Pittsburgh, 11:00 am ESPN2, Rutgers visits Pittsburgh in a meaningless game for both teams as the only thing that matters for the Scarlet Knights is next weeks game with Louisville. I think Rutgers is by far the better team but this one looks like a trap. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +2
#19 Michigan at Ohio State, 11:00 am ABC, This game will more than likely mean nothing for the Wolverines if Nebraska hangs on to their current lead over Iowa but that will just leave us with the usual hatred between these teams. Winner: Michigan ATS: Michigan +4
Connecticut at #20 Louisville, 11:00 am Big East Network, Louisville needs this game to have a win next week win the conference otherwise they've handed the golden egg to Rutgers. Winner: Louisville ATS: Louisville -10.5
UAB at UCF, 11:00 am, UCF will know by Friday night whether they must win to go to the conference championship game, either way UCF should win easily. Winner: UCF ATS: UAB +22
#5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, We won't know what this game means until well after it has finished but Oregon must win this game to have any shot at the Rose Bowl or the BCS title game. A convincing win should allow them to pick up an at large berth but Oregon State is no slouch and should provide a challenge. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon State +10
Auburn at #2 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, I know it's the Iron Bowl but no, just no. Winner: Alabama ATS: Auburn +33
#4 Florida at #10 Florida State, 2:30 pm ABC, This one could, I state could, have national title implications but it will take a lot for that to happen. This should however be an entertaining game that teaches about where both team stand. Watch the line battle in this game, it should be a doozy. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida +7.5
#21 Oklahoma State at #13 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm ESPN, Bedlam goes back to Norman this year and Oklahoma must win to keep the pressure on Kansas State heading into the last game of the year in the Big XII. Oklahoma State has had growing pains on a young team but should be a stiff test at least for the Sooner defense. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -6.5
Air Force at Fresno State, 2:30 pm NBC Sports Net, A win for Fresno and San Diego State in these game and a win for Boise next week makes for a convoluted situation in the MWC. I think it happens. Winner: Fresno State ATS: Air Force +17
San Diego State at Wyoming, 2:30 pm, Winner: San Diego State ATS: San Diego State -7
#8 Stanford at #17 UCLA, 5:30 pm FOX, UCLA welcomes the Cardinal to the Rose Bowl in what could be the first of two games between these teams or a match-up that allows Oregon to slip into the Pac-12 Title game. It hink it should be an interesting contest and a game Stanford needs to win. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -2
Missouri at #9 Texas A&M, 6:00 pm ESPN2, The battle of the new guys will assuredly go to Texas A&M and Johnny Football. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Missouri +22
#12 South Carolina at #11 Clemson, 6:00 ESPN, The battle for South Cacalaca (no idea how to spell that) should be interesting and exciting but I'm not sure Clemson has faced a defense quite like South Carolina's outside of FSU, but with the 'Cocks injuries I'm not sure it's going to matter. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina +4
#1 Notre Dame at USC, 7:00 pm ABC, Notre Dame heads to the Coliseum with Crystal in their eyes. When they arrive they will find a USC team that has been a letdown and is showing that depth shouldn't have been something to scoff at, at the start of the season. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: USC +6
Monday, November 19, 2012
Rambling's Week 12 CFB Picks Review
Wednesday, October 14th, 2012:
Toledo at Northern Illinois, 8:00 pm ESPN2, With this win Northern Illinois solidified their bid to the MAC Championship on December 1. Winner: 1-0 ATS: 1-0
Saturday, October 17th, 2012:
#10 Florida State at Maryland, 11:00 am ESPNU, Florida State runs Maryland out of the building much like we thought which punches their ticket to the ACC Championship game. They should win that one and punch their ticket to the Orange Bowl. Winner: 2-0 ATS: 2-0
Iowa at #21 Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Iowa is really bad and Kirk Ferentz gets paid a ton. Michigan needs some help from Nebraska next weekend to have a shot to be in the Big Ten Championship game. Winner: 3-0 ATS: 2-0
Kent State at Bowling Green, 11:00 am ESPN3, Kent State also punched thier ticket this weekend which means we get extra Dri Archer. And that makes us all winners.Winner: 4-0 ATS: 3-0
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am, Tulsa punched their ticket to the C-USA Championship Game where they will play UCF or East Carolina. Tulsa is the best team in the conference and should be an interesting team to watch in bowl season. Winner: 5-0 ATS: 3-1
#22 Rutgers at Cincinnati, 11:00 am Big East Network, Cincinnati drops out of the Big East race with this loss and leaves Rutgers in the drivers seat for the conference crown with an upcoming match-up with Louisville to decide the conference. Rutgers also is believed to approve a move to the Big Ten tomorrow. Winner: 6-0 ATS: 4-1
#25 Washington at Colorado, 12:30 pm FX, It's Colorado. Nothing to glean here. Winner: 7-0 ATS: 5-1
#18 USC at #17 UCLA, 2:05 pm FOX, Good win for UCLA but what happened to USC this year, lack of depth certainly hurt but this defense should have improved and the offensive line has had injuries in the worst places. UCLA needs to win this week to visit the North champ in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Winner: 7-1 ATS: 5-2
Wake Forest at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Good for Notre Dame and being the #1 ranked team in the nation. Cool your jets it's Wake F*#$ing Forest. Winner: 8-1 ATS: 5-3
Ole Miss at #7 LSU, 2:30 pm CBS, This one was very close and a wonderful coaching job by Hugh Freeze. This happened from Les Miles and we should all be grateful. Winner: 9-1 ATS: 5-4
Minnesota at #14 Nebraska, 2:30 pm BTN, Nebraska moves one step closer to it's first Big Ten Championship Game in which they should be favored over Wisconsin. This team has progressed nicely over the last two years and you can see the evolution on the field. Minnesota has shown flashes but is still fighting uphill after being abysmal for the past 5 years. Winner: 10-1 ATS: 6-4
NC State at #11 Clemson, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Clemson controls nothing and will need a big win against South Carolina to have a chance at a BCS game. Winner: 11-1 ATS: 6-5
Ohio State at Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Hell of a game from both teams but Wisconsin will rue the three red zone trips that they squandered, was nice to see a passing game and this team should challenge the Legends division rep in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State is going to be a beast next year but only if Braxton Miller matures as a decision maker. Winner: 11-2 ATS: 7-5
Utah State at #20 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, Color me surprised and kudos to Utah State for being the penultimate WAC champ. Winner: 11-3 ATS: 7-6 P.S. Utah State is that team you have to pick in bowl challange
#12 Oklahoma at West Virginia, 6:00 pm FOX, Oklahoma made this one as close as they could with a team that they are much better than. A classic Big XII shootout that got covered up by the Baylor whooping of Kansas State and a barn burner in Oregon. Winner: 12-3 ATS: 8-6
#1 Kansas State at Baylor, 7:00 pm ESPN, Wow, just, Wow. Congrats to the Baylor Bears on creating chaos in the BCS and a solid Come on Man to the Wildcats for such an offensive letdown. Winner: 12-4 ATS: 8-7
#13 Stanford at #2 Oregon, 7:00 pm ABC, This was a classic and I am happy to admit that I was wrong about the Oregon blowout. Stanford played a masterful defensive game and Oregon's young play-makers finally showed their youth late in the game. This makes the Pac-12 North a lot of fun to watch next week. Winner: 12-5 ATS: 8-8
Cal at #16 Oregon State, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, Yeah uhh Jeff Tedford is currently sending out resumes. Winner: 13-5 ATS: 8-8
Amazing week of games and with just two weeks left and rivalry Saturday coming up we have some fervent action left before everything is settled.
Amazing week of games and with just two weeks left and rivalry Saturday coming up we have some fervent action left before everything is settled.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Rambling's Week 12 CFB Picks
Alright enjoy the MACTION tonight and don't forget to enjoy the rest of the football weekend.
Wednesday, October 14th, 2012:
Toledo at Northern Illinois, 8:00 pm ESPN2, A Northern Illinois victory all but assures them the division title, while a Toledo victory gives them the head to head upper hand but leaves room for both teams to screw up. Northern Illinois was a conference favorite coming into the year but this game should be what we've come to expect from #MACTION. Winner: Northern Illinois ATS: Toledo +11
Saturday, October 17th, 2012:
#10 Florida State at Maryland, 11:00 am ESPNU, Same thing as last week with Maryland, until they no longer have a linebacker starting at QB this isn't going to change. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -31
Iowa at #21 Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Iowa visits Michigan where the Hawkeyes will have a hell of a time keeping pace with a Michigan offense that should run rough shod over their defense. Winner: Michigan ATS: (No line but, I would give up to three touchdowns)
Kent State at Bowling Green, 11:00 am ESPN3, Kent State visits Bowling Green to decide the other half of the MAC. Kent State comes with athletic dynamo Dri Archer who leads the team in receiving, 2nd in rushing and is a threat to score each time he receives a kick. Bowling Green has an impressive close lose to Florida but was also blown out by Va Tech. I think this one follows a very similar path to Toledo-NIU but with Kent State opening up a gap as the game winds down. Winner: Kent State ATS: Kent State +2.5
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am, C-USA's two conference leaders meet in what won't send either to a BCS game but this shouldn't disuade you from enjoy what should be a pretty good and entertaining game. Winner: Tulsa ATS: Tulsa -3
#22 Rutgers at Cincinnati, 11:00 am Big East Network, Rutgers visits Cincy this week and we finally find out if the lone loss on the Rutgers schedule was a fluke or if their record out of the gate as a mirage. I think Rutgers is the superior team here and should leave Cincy with most of us convinced that they will give Louisville a run for the conference crown. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +6.5
#25 Washington at Colorado, 12:30 pm FX, Washington wins this one and yeah Colorado may be the worst BCS AQ squad we've seen and that includes some putrid Indiana squads. Winner: Washington ATS: Washington -20.5
#18 USC at #17 UCLA, 2:05 pm FOX, This game will more than likely decide the Pac-12 South this season and the fate of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Trojans. USC has the talent edge but Jim Mora has done wonders for the preparation of UCLA this season. Winner: USC ATS: USC -3
Wake Forest at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame will surely find a way to make this game oh so much closer than it should be but this game shouldn't really be in doubt. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Wake Forest +24
Ole Miss at #7 LSU, 2:30 pm CBS, Ole Miss continues to improve but LSU will shut this offense down. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -18.5
Minnesota at #14 Nebraska, 2:30 pm BTN, Nebraska wins this one and comes one step closer to a division crown in year two of their Big Ten existence. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -19.5
#23 Texas Tech at #24 Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm,
NC State at #11 Clemson, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Clemson continues to roll through it's ACC schedule but will ultimately lament the loss to Florida State that will cost it a shot at the BCS auto bid and may keep them from an at large birth. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -17
Ohio State at Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, This game perplexes me because I don't know what to think about either team. Wisconsin is dependent on getting a dimension out of the passing game, where as Ohio State has had trouble with lesser competition this season. I think the big match up in this game is the linebacker play on both sides versus Miller and the running game respectively. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Ohio State +3
Utah State at #20 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, Utah State visits La Tech in a game that will decide the WAC in it's last season. I think La Tech walks away with this one but it will be close later than most think. Winner: La Tech ATS: La Tech +3
#12 Oklahoma at West Virginia, 6:00 pm FOX, Shootout in Morgantown as the Sooner make their inaugural trip to play the Mountaineers. This will be a high scoring affair but the Sooner defense has too much of an edge over their WVU counterparts. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: West Virginia +11
#1 Kansas State at Baylor, 7:00 pm ESPN, I get it Baylor can put up points but they have no defense and we haven't seen improvement from that unit this season. Kansas State keeps rolling along, it isn't very flashy but Bill Snyder's team wins and doesn't make the fans sweat too much. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -11.5
#13 Stanford at #2 Oregon, 7:00 pm ABC, Stanford visits Autzen Stadium for a rematch of a Oregon beat down of Stanford's national title hopes last season. Oregon's defensive line health will be a major concern coming into this game, but this version of the Oregon Ducks is even more talented than last years which is a scary proposition for everyone involved. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -20.5
Cal at #16 Oregon State, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, Cal is horrible and should be the remedy for the Beavers recent slide. Winner: Oregon State ATS: No line because of QB uncertainty on both sides
Wednesday, October 14th, 2012:
Toledo at Northern Illinois, 8:00 pm ESPN2, A Northern Illinois victory all but assures them the division title, while a Toledo victory gives them the head to head upper hand but leaves room for both teams to screw up. Northern Illinois was a conference favorite coming into the year but this game should be what we've come to expect from #MACTION. Winner: Northern Illinois ATS: Toledo +11
Saturday, October 17th, 2012:
#10 Florida State at Maryland, 11:00 am ESPNU, Same thing as last week with Maryland, until they no longer have a linebacker starting at QB this isn't going to change. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -31
Iowa at #21 Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Iowa visits Michigan where the Hawkeyes will have a hell of a time keeping pace with a Michigan offense that should run rough shod over their defense. Winner: Michigan ATS: (No line but, I would give up to three touchdowns)
Kent State at Bowling Green, 11:00 am ESPN3, Kent State visits Bowling Green to decide the other half of the MAC. Kent State comes with athletic dynamo Dri Archer who leads the team in receiving, 2nd in rushing and is a threat to score each time he receives a kick. Bowling Green has an impressive close lose to Florida but was also blown out by Va Tech. I think this one follows a very similar path to Toledo-NIU but with Kent State opening up a gap as the game winds down. Winner: Kent State ATS: Kent State +2.5
UCF at Tulsa, 11:00 am, C-USA's two conference leaders meet in what won't send either to a BCS game but this shouldn't disuade you from enjoy what should be a pretty good and entertaining game. Winner: Tulsa ATS: Tulsa -3
#22 Rutgers at Cincinnati, 11:00 am Big East Network, Rutgers visits Cincy this week and we finally find out if the lone loss on the Rutgers schedule was a fluke or if their record out of the gate as a mirage. I think Rutgers is the superior team here and should leave Cincy with most of us convinced that they will give Louisville a run for the conference crown. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers +6.5
#25 Washington at Colorado, 12:30 pm FX, Washington wins this one and yeah Colorado may be the worst BCS AQ squad we've seen and that includes some putrid Indiana squads. Winner: Washington ATS: Washington -20.5
#18 USC at #17 UCLA, 2:05 pm FOX, This game will more than likely decide the Pac-12 South this season and the fate of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Trojans. USC has the talent edge but Jim Mora has done wonders for the preparation of UCLA this season. Winner: USC ATS: USC -3
Wake Forest at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame will surely find a way to make this game oh so much closer than it should be but this game shouldn't really be in doubt. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Wake Forest +24
Ole Miss at #7 LSU, 2:30 pm CBS, Ole Miss continues to improve but LSU will shut this offense down. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -18.5
Minnesota at #14 Nebraska, 2:30 pm BTN, Nebraska wins this one and comes one step closer to a division crown in year two of their Big Ten existence. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -19.5
#23 Texas Tech at #24 Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm,
NC State at #11 Clemson, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Clemson continues to roll through it's ACC schedule but will ultimately lament the loss to Florida State that will cost it a shot at the BCS auto bid and may keep them from an at large birth. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -17
Ohio State at Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, This game perplexes me because I don't know what to think about either team. Wisconsin is dependent on getting a dimension out of the passing game, where as Ohio State has had trouble with lesser competition this season. I think the big match up in this game is the linebacker play on both sides versus Miller and the running game respectively. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Ohio State +3
Utah State at #20 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, Utah State visits La Tech in a game that will decide the WAC in it's last season. I think La Tech walks away with this one but it will be close later than most think. Winner: La Tech ATS: La Tech +3
#12 Oklahoma at West Virginia, 6:00 pm FOX, Shootout in Morgantown as the Sooner make their inaugural trip to play the Mountaineers. This will be a high scoring affair but the Sooner defense has too much of an edge over their WVU counterparts. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: West Virginia +11
#1 Kansas State at Baylor, 7:00 pm ESPN, I get it Baylor can put up points but they have no defense and we haven't seen improvement from that unit this season. Kansas State keeps rolling along, it isn't very flashy but Bill Snyder's team wins and doesn't make the fans sweat too much. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -11.5
#13 Stanford at #2 Oregon, 7:00 pm ABC, Stanford visits Autzen Stadium for a rematch of a Oregon beat down of Stanford's national title hopes last season. Oregon's defensive line health will be a major concern coming into this game, but this version of the Oregon Ducks is even more talented than last years which is a scary proposition for everyone involved. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -20.5
Cal at #16 Oregon State, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, Cal is horrible and should be the remedy for the Beavers recent slide. Winner: Oregon State ATS: No line because of QB uncertainty on both sides
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Rambling's Week 11 CFB Picks Review
Gonna recap the big ones and give you the totals but I want to get started on next week because I have some #MACTION to write about.
Thursday, November 8th, 2012:
ULM at Arkansas State, 6:00 pm ESPNU, Winner: 0-1 ATS: 0-1
#10 Florida State at Virginia Tech, 6:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 1-1 ATS: 0-2
Saturday, November 10th, 2012:
Arkansas at #8 South Carolina, 11:00 am CBS, Winner: 2-1 ATS: 1-2
#9 Louisville at Syracuse, 11:00 am ABC, Winner: 2-2 ATS: 2-2
Iowa State at #17 Texas, 11:00 am LHN, Winner: 3-2 ATS: 2-3
Kansas at #22 Texas Tech, 11:00 am, What looked like the third best team in the Big 12 is starting to show significant cracking and separation at the seams the later into the season we get. Winner: 4-2 ATS: 2-4
Army at #23 Rutgers, 11:00 am ESPNU, Winner: 5-2 ATS: 2-5
#24 Northwestern at Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Michigan needs help the next couple of weeks to have a shot at the Big Ten Championship game, highlighted by the Game with Ohio State. Winner: 6-2 ATS: 3-5
Wisconsin at Indiana, 11:00 am ESPN2, Winner: 7-2 ATS: 4-5
Louisiana-Lafayette at #6 Florida, 11:21 am SEC Network, Winner: 8-2 ATS: 5-5
#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford, 2:00 pm FOX, Stanford can play spoiler this week with it's match-up with Oregon. Winner: 8-3 ATS: 5-6
Arizona State at #19 USC, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Net, Winner: 9-3 ATS: 6-6
#15 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, Wow, just, Wow. What a performance by the Aggies. I know Alabama blew some chances but going into Bryant-Denny and looking like the agressor with a Freshman QB and a first year head coach is very impressive. Alabama is still one of the three most talented teams in the country. Winner: 9-4 ATS: 7-6
Baylor at #12 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm, Winner: 10-4 ATS: 7-7
Maryland at #13 Clemson, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Winner: 11-4 ATS: 8-7
Penn State at #16 Nebraska, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Winner: 12-4 ATS: 8-7-1
West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Time to run as fast as you can from this West Virginia team. Winner: 12-5 ATS: 8-8-1
#2 Kansas State at TCU, 6:00 pm FOX, Winner: 13-5 ATS: 9-8-1
#5 Georgia at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPN2, Winner: 14-5 ATS: 10-8-1
#21 Mississippi State at #7 LSU, 6:00 pm ESPN, Winner: 15-5 ATS: 11-8-1
#20 Louisiana Tech at Texas State, 6:00 pm LHN, Winner: 16-5 ATS: 11-9-1
#4 Notre Dame at Boston College, 7:00 pm ABC, Winner: 17-5 ATS: 11-10-1
#3 Oregon at California, 9:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 18-5 ATS: 12-10-1
#18 UCLA at Washington State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, Winner: 19-5 ATS: 12-11-1
Overall another good week of winners, some trouble ATS but still not all together a waste of time. Hopefully have this coming week's picks tonight but at the latest tomorrow afternoon.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Rambling's Week 11 CFB Picks
Thursday, November 8th, 2012:
ULM at Arkansas State, 6:00 pm ESPNU, I'm sure this game will fly under the radar with a top ten ACC team playing at practically the same time but this should be a really exciting Sun Belt match-up. ULM is a known commodity around the country after it's three week giant killer road show barnburned through the south. Arkansas State is a team that has grown into a Gus Malzahn offense this season and with identical 4-1 conference records we should see some clarification atop the SunBeast. Winner: ULM ATS: ULM +7
#10 Florida State at Virginia Tech, 6:30 pm ESPN, Virginia Tech has been one of, if not, the biggest disappointments in the country this season and I see no reason why that shouldn't continue with the Seminoles coming to town. Florida State has rebounded well against inferior competition since it's loss to NC State, but I don't think we'll see them truly tested until their rivalry game with the Gators. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -13.5
Saturday, November 10th, 2012:
Arkansas at #8 South Carolina, 11:00 am CBS, This game had a ton of intrigue at the beginning of the year but now it's a bit watered down. Arkansas has been a ghost of it's former self and John L. Smith has well coached like John L. Smith. South Carolina lost stud running back Marcus Lattimore and Connor Shaw has reverted towards his former self as the season has progressed. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina -13.5
#9 Louisville at Syracuse, 11:00 am ABC, Louisville heads to the worlds largest Air Conditioner and looks to continue it' surprise undefeated season. Syracuse on the other hand has this years in a losing effort quarterback in Nassib. Winner: Louisville ATS: Syracuse +2
Iowa State at #17 Texas, 11:00 am LHN, Texas comes into this Iowa State game off a really good victory over Texas Tech. I think Texas handles this game but it's really good. Winner: Texas ATS: Iowa State +10
Kansas at #22 Texas Tech, 11:00 am, You all know how I feel about Kansas and Charlie Weis, so yeah Texas Tech. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech -24.5
Army at #23 Rutgers, 11:00 am ESPNU, Army visits Rutgers and although Army has played better this year I think Rutgers has too much firepower for the Black Knights to compete with. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Army +17
#24 Northwestern at Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Northwestern faces a Michigan team that controlled it's own destiny before a loss at the hands of the Cornhuskers which leaves them in a precarious spot. One more slip up and their chances of making the Big Ten Title game approach zero and means this season was a major disappointment in Ann Arbor. Winner: Michigan ATS: Northwestern +10
Wisconsin at Indiana, 11:00 am ESPN2, A defacto Leaders division semifinal no one saw coming in the pre-season makes for the first marquee game for Indiana in a while. Wisconsin on the other hand has named a starter to the team only and looks to get some kind of QB play to make this offense tick. Should be interesting if nothing else in Bloomington this weekend. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -7
Louisiana-Lafayette at #6 Florida, 11:21 am SEC Network, I doubt Louisiana-Lafayette got any of ULM's upset magic which is a shame because Florida has a lot of, wait what just happened in them. Winner: Florida ATS: Louisiana-Lafayette +27
#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford, 2:00 pm FOX, Oregon State heads to Stanford and both teams are starting their opening day backups. Stanford's gives them another dimension in the running game, where as, Oregon State's QB has played admirably during the absence of Mannion. I think Oregon State continues to shock all of us. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State +4.5
Arizona State at #19 USC, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Net, USC welcomes Arizona State a week after giving up multiple school records to the Oregon offense last week. As long as USC can man up this game won't be close. Winner: USC ATS: USC -9
#15 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, In what may be the most intriguing match-up of the week Texas A&M and Johnny Football travel to Tuscaloosa in a game not many thought would be meaningful this season. Alabama is coming off a slugfest against LSU and may be a bit sluggish but should be able to contain at least some of that Johnny Football magic. Winner: Alabama ATS: Texas A&M +13.5
Baylor at #12 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm, Oklahoma touchdown, Oklahoma Touchdown,... ETC. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -21
Maryland at #13 Clemson, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Yeah, linebacker at QB that is all. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -31
Penn State at #16 Nebraska, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I'm not sure what to think about this game, Nebraska has had to slug out the last four weeks, but Penn State has had to slug out the year. I think Nebraska wins another close one. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Penn State +9
West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Watch this game you'll be happy if you like points. Shootout, take the points. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia +9.5
#2 Kansas State at TCU, 6:00 pm FOX, Hopefully Colin Klein plays but even if he doesn't I think Kansas State wins this game. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -7
#5 Georgia at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPN2, Auburn football. (It's alright to laugh) Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -15
#21 Mississippi State at #7 LSU, 6:00 pm ESPN, Two weeks ago this looked to be a challenge but MSU has given up 31 in back to back weeks and scored a total of 20 points. It'll be close early but that's about it. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -14.5
#20 Louisiana Tech at Texas State, 6:00 pm LHN, La Tech will have this wrapped up by the end of the first half. Winner: La Tech ATS: La Tech -20
#4 Notre Dame at Boston College, 7:00 pm ABC, I'm gonna lump these three game together, Oregon will have won by mid second quarter, Notre Dame by mid third and UCLA by mid third. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Notre Dame -18.5
#3 Oregon at California, 9:30 pm ESPN, Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -28.5
#18 UCLA at Washington State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA -15
ULM at Arkansas State, 6:00 pm ESPNU, I'm sure this game will fly under the radar with a top ten ACC team playing at practically the same time but this should be a really exciting Sun Belt match-up. ULM is a known commodity around the country after it's three week giant killer road show barnburned through the south. Arkansas State is a team that has grown into a Gus Malzahn offense this season and with identical 4-1 conference records we should see some clarification atop the SunBeast. Winner: ULM ATS: ULM +7
#10 Florida State at Virginia Tech, 6:30 pm ESPN, Virginia Tech has been one of, if not, the biggest disappointments in the country this season and I see no reason why that shouldn't continue with the Seminoles coming to town. Florida State has rebounded well against inferior competition since it's loss to NC State, but I don't think we'll see them truly tested until their rivalry game with the Gators. Winner: Florida State ATS: Florida State -13.5
Saturday, November 10th, 2012:
Arkansas at #8 South Carolina, 11:00 am CBS, This game had a ton of intrigue at the beginning of the year but now it's a bit watered down. Arkansas has been a ghost of it's former self and John L. Smith has well coached like John L. Smith. South Carolina lost stud running back Marcus Lattimore and Connor Shaw has reverted towards his former self as the season has progressed. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina -13.5
#9 Louisville at Syracuse, 11:00 am ABC, Louisville heads to the worlds largest Air Conditioner and looks to continue it' surprise undefeated season. Syracuse on the other hand has this years in a losing effort quarterback in Nassib. Winner: Louisville ATS: Syracuse +2
Iowa State at #17 Texas, 11:00 am LHN, Texas comes into this Iowa State game off a really good victory over Texas Tech. I think Texas handles this game but it's really good. Winner: Texas ATS: Iowa State +10
Kansas at #22 Texas Tech, 11:00 am, You all know how I feel about Kansas and Charlie Weis, so yeah Texas Tech. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech -24.5
Army at #23 Rutgers, 11:00 am ESPNU, Army visits Rutgers and although Army has played better this year I think Rutgers has too much firepower for the Black Knights to compete with. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Army +17
#24 Northwestern at Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Northwestern faces a Michigan team that controlled it's own destiny before a loss at the hands of the Cornhuskers which leaves them in a precarious spot. One more slip up and their chances of making the Big Ten Title game approach zero and means this season was a major disappointment in Ann Arbor. Winner: Michigan ATS: Northwestern +10
Wisconsin at Indiana, 11:00 am ESPN2, A defacto Leaders division semifinal no one saw coming in the pre-season makes for the first marquee game for Indiana in a while. Wisconsin on the other hand has named a starter to the team only and looks to get some kind of QB play to make this offense tick. Should be interesting if nothing else in Bloomington this weekend. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -7
Louisiana-Lafayette at #6 Florida, 11:21 am SEC Network, I doubt Louisiana-Lafayette got any of ULM's upset magic which is a shame because Florida has a lot of, wait what just happened in them. Winner: Florida ATS: Louisiana-Lafayette +27
#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford, 2:00 pm FOX, Oregon State heads to Stanford and both teams are starting their opening day backups. Stanford's gives them another dimension in the running game, where as, Oregon State's QB has played admirably during the absence of Mannion. I think Oregon State continues to shock all of us. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State +4.5
Arizona State at #19 USC, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Net, USC welcomes Arizona State a week after giving up multiple school records to the Oregon offense last week. As long as USC can man up this game won't be close. Winner: USC ATS: USC -9
#15 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, In what may be the most intriguing match-up of the week Texas A&M and Johnny Football travel to Tuscaloosa in a game not many thought would be meaningful this season. Alabama is coming off a slugfest against LSU and may be a bit sluggish but should be able to contain at least some of that Johnny Football magic. Winner: Alabama ATS: Texas A&M +13.5
Baylor at #12 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm, Oklahoma touchdown, Oklahoma Touchdown,... ETC. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma -21
Maryland at #13 Clemson, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Yeah, linebacker at QB that is all. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -31
Penn State at #16 Nebraska, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I'm not sure what to think about this game, Nebraska has had to slug out the last four weeks, but Penn State has had to slug out the year. I think Nebraska wins another close one. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Penn State +9
West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Watch this game you'll be happy if you like points. Shootout, take the points. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia +9.5
#2 Kansas State at TCU, 6:00 pm FOX, Hopefully Colin Klein plays but even if he doesn't I think Kansas State wins this game. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -7
#5 Georgia at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPN2, Auburn football. (It's alright to laugh) Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -15
#21 Mississippi State at #7 LSU, 6:00 pm ESPN, Two weeks ago this looked to be a challenge but MSU has given up 31 in back to back weeks and scored a total of 20 points. It'll be close early but that's about it. Winner: LSU ATS: LSU -14.5
#20 Louisiana Tech at Texas State, 6:00 pm LHN, La Tech will have this wrapped up by the end of the first half. Winner: La Tech ATS: La Tech -20
#4 Notre Dame at Boston College, 7:00 pm ABC, I'm gonna lump these three game together, Oregon will have won by mid second quarter, Notre Dame by mid third and UCLA by mid third. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Notre Dame -18.5
#3 Oregon at California, 9:30 pm ESPN, Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -28.5
#18 UCLA at Washington State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA -15
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Rambling's Week 10 CFB Picks Review
Saturday, November 2nd, 2012:
Missouri at #7 Florida, 11:00 am ESPN2, Winner: 1-0 ATS: 0-1
Temple at #10 Louisville, 11:00 am ABC, Winner: 2-0 ATS: 0-2
#12 Oklahoma at Iowa State, 11:00 am ABC, Winner: 3-0 ATS: 0-3
#16 Texas A&M at #15 Mississippi State, 11:00 am ESPN, Winner: 3-1 ATS: 0-4
#14 Stanford at Colorado, 1:00 pm FX, Winner: 4-1 ATS: 1-4
TCU at #21 West Virginia, 2:00 pm FOX, Winner: 4-2 ATS: 1-5
Pittsburgh at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Winner: 5-2 ATS: 2-5
Ole Miss at #6 Georgia, 2:30 pm CBS, Winner: 6-2 ATS: 3-5
#23 Texas at #18 Texas Tech, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Winner: 6-3 ATS: 3-6
#20 Nebraska at Michigan State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Winner: 7-3 ATS: 4-6
UTSA at #25 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, Winner: 8-3 ATS: 4-7
#4 Oregon at #17 USC, 6:00 pm FOX, Winner: 9-3 ATS: 4-8
#13 Clemson at Duke, 6:00 pm ESPN2, Winner: 10-3 ATS: 5-8
#1 Alabama at #5 LSU, 7:00 pm CBS, Winner: 11-3 ATS: 6-8
#24 Oklahoma State at #2 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, Winner: 12-3 ATS: 7-8
Arizona State at #11 Oregon State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, Winner: 13-3 ATS: 7-9
San Diego State at #19 Boise State, 9:30 pm CBS Sports Net, Winner: 13-4 ATS: 8-9
#22 Arizona at UCLA, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, Winner: 14-4 ATS: 9-9
Alright week with some high profile big time match-ups going for or against and I will take a week like this after last week. Sorry about the lack of write-ups but the election took president on this Tuesday. I'll have my week 11 picks up soon.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Rambling's Week 10 CFB Picks
Well here we are week 10 of the college football season, and we move closer and closer to clarity? Alright maybe not as it stands today..
Saturday, November 2nd, 2012:
Missouri at #7 Florida, 11:00 am ESPN2, Missouri heads to the swamp where Florida comes home licking their wounds from a tough loss at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville. Florida has the better team overall, the offensive edge may go slightly to the Tigers but Florida's defense is light-years ahead of the Tigers and it will show up early and often in this game. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida -17
Temple at #10 Louisville, 11:00 am ABC, Temple travels to the Papa John's Football emporium (not sure if that's right.) Louisville carries the only undefeated record in the conference into this game as both Cincy and Rutgers in the last two weeks. I think Louisville is by far the better team here but like the rest of their games this one will be closer than it should be. Winner: Louisville ATS: Temple +16
#12 Oklahoma at Iowa State, 11:00 am ABC, Oklahoma heads to Ames, IA or the place where weird things happen to good football teams. Iowa State has held Kansas State and Baylor to 27 and 21 points respectively and should make the Sooners work for this win once again. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Iowa State +12
#16 Texas A&M at #15 Mississippi State, 11:00 am ESPN, An SEC showdown that none of us expected coming into the season. Miss State is coming off a beating at the hands of the Crimson Tide whilst Texas A&M laid the wood against Auburn. This game should be a very interesting battle of a good defense versus a dynamic offense. Winner: Mississippi State ATS: Mississippi State +7
#14 Stanford at Colorado, 1:00 pm FX, Stanford will in this game by at least 20. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -28
TCU at #21 West Virginia, 2:00 pm FOX, It feels like we haven't seen West Virginia in months and our last glimpse was a battered and terminally bleeding team against Kansas State. TCU comes in still a bit in turmoil with a QB with three weeks of experience. I think this will stay close for 3 quarters but I don't think this is as dominant a defense for Gary Patterson. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia -6
Pittsburgh at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, This game should be a one-line preview because these teams aren't close on talent level, but Notre Dame hasn't played two games in a row that you go yeah, I have confidence in that team. Pittsburgh on the other hand has been making strides since their loss to Youngstown State earlier in the year. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Pittsburgh +17
Ole Miss at #6 Georgia, 2:30 pm CBS, I'm aware that Ole Miss has made strides but I have no faith in Ole Miss (unintentional Hugh Freeze pun but I'll allow it.) to win a game against this caliber of opponent. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -14
#23 Texas at #18 Texas Tech, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I have full faith that Texas won't win this game and that Texas in no way deserves to be the 23rd rated team in the country especially off of a late game rally against the fighting Decided Schematic Advantages. Texas Tech on the other hand is better than their second half against Kansas State and worse than their first half. This still leaves them head and shoulders above Texas. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech -7
#20 Nebraska at Michigan State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Nebraska heads outside of Lincoln once again, and they have struggled away from home. An impressive comeback against Northwestern and a beat down of Michigan. Michigan State comes off a Joel Stave injury aided victory over Wisconsin. I think this is a slug fest but Nebraska pulls this one out on the road. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -1.5
UTSA at #25 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, UTSA has had it's moments so far this season in the program's first at the FBS level, but Louisiana Tech isn't your average WAC team. Winner: Louisiana Tech ATS: Louisiana Tech -31
#4 Oregon at #17 USC, 6:00 pm FOX, The first of two marquee games and these two teams are seemingly headed in opposite directions. USC is licking it's wounds after a tough road loss at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats. Oregon on the other hand whacked Colorado, although everybody has beaten up on Colorado. Oregon definitely looks like the better team this season but I think this game is closer than the consensus. Winner: Oregon ATS: USC +8
#13 Clemson at Duke, 6:00 pm ESPN2, This game could have had some intrigue but after the schelacking Duke took last week this becomes a moot game. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -12
#1 Alabama at #5 LSU, 7:00 pm CBS, This is the best game of the night and the focus should be on who wins the battle up front. I'm especially intrigued by Mingo, Montgomery and co. vs Jones and co. I think this match-up will set the tempo for this game. Winner: Alabama ATS: LSU +9.5
#24 Oklahoma State at #2 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, Noone believes in this K State team and there is some support behind OK State but they just don't have the defense or the high end firepower on offense to stay with K State in the second half. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -8.5
Arizona State at #11 Oregon State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, A new starting QB and coming off the first loss of the year Oregon State has something to prove this week to all of the doubters who were certain taht they were frauds. I think this match-up with an improving Arizona State team in Corvallis.Winner: Oregon State ATS: Arizona State +4.5
San Diego State at #19 Boise State, 9:30 pm CBS Sports Net, Boise doesn't have much to worry about in conference play until their season closing game against Nevada. Winner: Boise State ATS: San Diego State +16.5
#22 Arizona at UCLA, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, This game is pretty simple, I think Arizona is better and I thnk UCLA will win because of the Arizona let down after a huge upset. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA -3
Saturday, November 2nd, 2012:
Missouri at #7 Florida, 11:00 am ESPN2, Missouri heads to the swamp where Florida comes home licking their wounds from a tough loss at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville. Florida has the better team overall, the offensive edge may go slightly to the Tigers but Florida's defense is light-years ahead of the Tigers and it will show up early and often in this game. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida -17
Temple at #10 Louisville, 11:00 am ABC, Temple travels to the Papa John's Football emporium (not sure if that's right.) Louisville carries the only undefeated record in the conference into this game as both Cincy and Rutgers in the last two weeks. I think Louisville is by far the better team here but like the rest of their games this one will be closer than it should be. Winner: Louisville ATS: Temple +16
#12 Oklahoma at Iowa State, 11:00 am ABC, Oklahoma heads to Ames, IA or the place where weird things happen to good football teams. Iowa State has held Kansas State and Baylor to 27 and 21 points respectively and should make the Sooners work for this win once again. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Iowa State +12
#16 Texas A&M at #15 Mississippi State, 11:00 am ESPN, An SEC showdown that none of us expected coming into the season. Miss State is coming off a beating at the hands of the Crimson Tide whilst Texas A&M laid the wood against Auburn. This game should be a very interesting battle of a good defense versus a dynamic offense. Winner: Mississippi State ATS: Mississippi State +7
#14 Stanford at Colorado, 1:00 pm FX, Stanford will in this game by at least 20. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -28
TCU at #21 West Virginia, 2:00 pm FOX, It feels like we haven't seen West Virginia in months and our last glimpse was a battered and terminally bleeding team against Kansas State. TCU comes in still a bit in turmoil with a QB with three weeks of experience. I think this will stay close for 3 quarters but I don't think this is as dominant a defense for Gary Patterson. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia -6
Pittsburgh at #3 Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, This game should be a one-line preview because these teams aren't close on talent level, but Notre Dame hasn't played two games in a row that you go yeah, I have confidence in that team. Pittsburgh on the other hand has been making strides since their loss to Youngstown State earlier in the year. Winner: Notre Dame ATS: Pittsburgh +17
Ole Miss at #6 Georgia, 2:30 pm CBS, I'm aware that Ole Miss has made strides but I have no faith in Ole Miss (unintentional Hugh Freeze pun but I'll allow it.) to win a game against this caliber of opponent. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -14
#23 Texas at #18 Texas Tech, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I have full faith that Texas won't win this game and that Texas in no way deserves to be the 23rd rated team in the country especially off of a late game rally against the fighting Decided Schematic Advantages. Texas Tech on the other hand is better than their second half against Kansas State and worse than their first half. This still leaves them head and shoulders above Texas. Winner: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech -7
#20 Nebraska at Michigan State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Nebraska heads outside of Lincoln once again, and they have struggled away from home. An impressive comeback against Northwestern and a beat down of Michigan. Michigan State comes off a Joel Stave injury aided victory over Wisconsin. I think this is a slug fest but Nebraska pulls this one out on the road. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -1.5
UTSA at #25 Louisiana Tech, 3:00 pm ESPN3, UTSA has had it's moments so far this season in the program's first at the FBS level, but Louisiana Tech isn't your average WAC team. Winner: Louisiana Tech ATS: Louisiana Tech -31
#4 Oregon at #17 USC, 6:00 pm FOX, The first of two marquee games and these two teams are seemingly headed in opposite directions. USC is licking it's wounds after a tough road loss at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats. Oregon on the other hand whacked Colorado, although everybody has beaten up on Colorado. Oregon definitely looks like the better team this season but I think this game is closer than the consensus. Winner: Oregon ATS: USC +8
#13 Clemson at Duke, 6:00 pm ESPN2, This game could have had some intrigue but after the schelacking Duke took last week this becomes a moot game. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -12
#1 Alabama at #5 LSU, 7:00 pm CBS, This is the best game of the night and the focus should be on who wins the battle up front. I'm especially intrigued by Mingo, Montgomery and co. vs Jones and co. I think this match-up will set the tempo for this game. Winner: Alabama ATS: LSU +9.5
#24 Oklahoma State at #2 Kansas State, 7:00 pm ABC, Noone believes in this K State team and there is some support behind OK State but they just don't have the defense or the high end firepower on offense to stay with K State in the second half. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State -8.5
Arizona State at #11 Oregon State, 9:30 pm ESPN2, A new starting QB and coming off the first loss of the year Oregon State has something to prove this week to all of the doubters who were certain taht they were frauds. I think this match-up with an improving Arizona State team in Corvallis.Winner: Oregon State ATS: Arizona State +4.5
San Diego State at #19 Boise State, 9:30 pm CBS Sports Net, Boise doesn't have much to worry about in conference play until their season closing game against Nevada. Winner: Boise State ATS: San Diego State +16.5
#22 Arizona at UCLA, 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network, This game is pretty simple, I think Arizona is better and I thnk UCLA will win because of the Arizona let down after a huge upset. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA -3
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rambling's Week 9 CFB Picks Review
Thursday, October 25th, 2012:
#18 Clemson at Wake Forest, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Clemson continues to roll but all of it will be for not if Florida State doesn't lose another and their fate is in the hands of the BCS bowl runners. Winner: 1-0 ATS: 1-0
Saturday, October 27th, 2012:
Tennessee at #13 South Carolina, 11:00 am ESPN, A fun back in forth game with Tennessee driving in the red zone but Clowney makes a huge strip of Bray to seal the 'Cocks victory. Biggest thing from this game is that Lattimore as taken to the hospital after being injured. All the best to him and a speedy recovery. It's spelt Jadeveon by the way. Winner: 2-0 ATS: 2-0
#23 Texas at Kansas, 11:00 am, Nothing to see here, just keep walking. Please sir stay behind the police tape and keep moving. Texas won, don't ask. Winner: 3-0 ATS: 2-1
Colorado at #4 Oregon, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, I'm writing this review at the 6:56 mark in the first quarter and this game is already over. Oregon is up 21 and more than likely has it's starters out of the game. Winner: 4-0 ATS: 3-1
UCLA at Arizona State, 2:00 pm FX, Winner: 5-0 ATS: 4-1
#2 Florida vs #10 Georgia (Jacksonville), 2:30 pm CBS, Winner: 5-1 ATS: 4-2
#14 Texas Tech at #3 Kansas State, 2:30 pm FOX, Winner: 6-1 ATS: 4-3
#9 USC at Arizona, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Winner: 6-2 ATS: 4-4
Duke at #12 Florida State, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Winner: 7-2 ATS: 4-5
Kent State at #15 Rutgers, 2:30 pm ESPN3, Winner: 7-3 ATS: 4-6
#21 Boise State at Wyoming, 2:30 CBS Sports Net, Winner: 8-3 ATS: 5-6
#24 Ohio at Miami (OH), 2:30 pm ESPN3, Winner: 8-4 ATS: 5-7
Michigan State at #25 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Danny O'Brien is incompetant at QB and the Badgers offense looks completely different without Stave on the field. Credit Michigan State here as they never stopped competing and won this game. Winner: 8-5 ATS: 5-8
Ohio State at Penn State, 4:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 8-6 ATS: 5-9
Washington State at #17 Stanford, 5:15 pm Pac-12 Network, Winner: 9-6 ATS: 6-9
#20 Texas A&M at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPNU, Winner: 10-6 ATS: 7-9
#5 Notre Dame at #8 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm ABC, Winner: 10-7 ATS: 8-9
#22 Michigan at Nebraska, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Winner: 10-8 ATS: 8-10
#11 Mississippi State at #1 Alabama, 7:30 pm ESPN, Winner: 11-8 ATS: 8-11
#7 Oregon State at Washington, 9:15 pm Pac-12 Network, Winner: 11-9 ATS: 8-12
I was not immune to the craziness of the week that was in college football, but I will bounce back next week.
I was not immune to the craziness of the week that was in college football, but I will bounce back next week.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Rambling's Week 9 CFB Picks
Alright so a pick percentage update, I'm 79.5% straight up and 54.3% ATS which isn't too bad and I had a very good week of each last week so let's see if we can keep this going. (ESPN schedule using BCS Standings now)
Thursday, October 25th, 2012:
#18 Clemson at Wake Forest, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Clemson looks to continue it's roll this season and to keep the pressure on Florida State in the Atlantic division of the ACC. Wake should provide some resistance but as is often the case, resistance is futile. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -12
Saturday, October 27th, 2012:
Tennessee at #13 South Carolina, 11:00 am ESPN, Coming off a home whooping at the hands of the Crimson Tide the Volunteers look to take advantage of a beaten and battered Gamecocks team that just went to hell and back (Death Valley and the Swamp). I think this game will keep close but South Carolina needs this to have even the slimmest hope of a conference championship and Tennessee looks like a team determined to get its coach fired. Winner: South Carolina. ATS: Tennessee +14
#23 Texas at Kansas, 11:00 am, Yeah I don't like Texas this year but Kansas is terrible. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas -21
Colorado at #4 Oregon, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, See Texas at Kansas but remember that Oregon is better than Texas and Kansas is better than Colorado. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -46
UCLA at Arizona State, 2:00 pm FX, UCLA visits Arizona State and neither of these teams will be the division champs but this game will help us set up next season in the Pac-12 South. UCLA comes in after cooling off significantly in conference play and Arizona State is coming off a crushing defeat to Oregon. I think UCLA is the more talented team here but this should be a tight one in Tempe. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA +6.5
#2 Florida vs #10 Georgia (Jacksonville), 2:30 pm CBS, The World's Largest Cocktail Party, and no I don't care what either school says about that nickname, returns for another installment but this one has more at stake than any one of the last couple editions. Georgia comes in after two lackluster performances, one of which was letting Kentucky hang around too long. Florida comes in off a 183 yard beat down of South Carolina, making this the de facto divisional championship game. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida -6.5 (I don't feel good bout this)
#14 Texas Tech at #3 Kansas State, 2:30 pm FOX, Kansas State heads home after a crushing of West Virginia last week in Morgantown, they should be in for a very stiff test against Texas Tech this week. Tech's defense has made a huge leap after the Swiss cheese that was the 2011 defense. This game should have a good amount of scoring but it will be the defense that makes the most stops that wins this game. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Texas Tech +7
#9 USC at Arizona, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, USC travels to meet a Wildcats team that has put up a fight in Rich Rods first season at the helm. USC comes in after clicking versus an admittedly bad Colorado team and I'm not sure that Arizona yet has the team to keep up with the Trojans. Winner: USC ATS: USC -6.5
Duke at #12 Florida State, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Duke travels to Florida State bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. Florida State looks to keep their season a float since their upset loss NC State earlier in the year. I think Florida State wins and going away in this one as Duke is better but not really close to the elite tier in the ACC. Winner: Florida State ATS: Duke +28
Kent State at #15 Rutgers, 2:30 pm ESPN3, Kent State travels to Piscataway looking to be the second MAC team in as many weeks to knock off an undefeated Big East team. Rutgers is better than Cincy and Kent State will cause some issues but much the same way Mosquitoes do. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers -13
#21 Boise State at Wyoming, 2:30 CBS Sports Net, All you need to know going into this game is that this happened last week after the Wyoming game. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -16
#24 Ohio at Miami (OH), 2:30 pm ESPN3, Ohio comes into this game, undefeated and Miami (OH) just doesn't have the firepower to keep up with Bobcats. Winner: Ohio ATS: Ohio -7
Michigan State at #25 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Michigan State heads to Camp Randall and the Badgers look to get revenge after two disastorous results in East Lansing. Michigan State looks like a team that was overrated in the preseason and has had too many holes to fill off of last years squad. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -6
Ohio State at Penn State, 4:30 pm ESPN, The battle of non-postseason teams plays in College Station Ohio State comes in off the back of multiple sloppy wins against inferior opponents. Yes a win is a win but when you have the talent and coaching advantage by that wide a margin you need to take care of business. Penn State on the other hand has rebounded from a disastorous start to a season that shouldn't have survived a disastrous start. Both these teams are yet to be defeated in the Big Ten and it's sad that it doesn't mean anything. Winner: Penn State ATS: Penn State +1
Washington State at #17 Stanford, 5:15 pm Pac-12 Network, We all hoped year one of Leach at Wazzou would be better but you know give it time and we will all be swooning some Cougs. Winner: Stanford ATS: Washington State +24.5
#20 Texas A&M at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPNU, At the start of the season this would have been circled as a test for A&M in it's first SEC season, now it's just a W and don't get anyone hurt. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Texas A&M -14.5
#5 Notre Dame at #8 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm ABC, Notre Dame heads to Norman, Oklahoma to face it's toughest test this side of USC. Will the Notre Dame secondary hold up, will the front seven be able to pressure Landry Jones into mistakes. This game is a focus on Notre Dame because of Oklahoma's home loss to Kansas State. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Notre Dame +10.5
#22 Michigan at Nebraska, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Michigan visits Lincoln this weekend with the Legends division hanging in the balance. A Nebraska win makes it a wide open race with 4 teams vying for the division crown, a Michigan win gives them a lead that will be near impossible to overcome for any team in the division. On the field the battle will boil down to whether or not the Nebraska defense can slow down Denard Robinson and company enough to allow their offense to cut through the Michigan D. Winner: Michigan ATS: Michigan +2.5
#11 Mississippi State at #1 Alabama, 7:30 pm ESPN, Undefeated Mississippi State, yes you read that right, visits Alabama for it's first real test and biggest test of the season. Alabama comes into this game with LSU on the schedule next week but don't expect Nick to allow his team to look ahead. Mississippi State has some talent and a team that will give Alabama one of it's best test of the season but I don't think they have the talent to stretch the field on offense. Winner: Alabama ATS: Mississippi State +24.5
#7 Oregon State at Washington, 9:15 pm Pac-12 Network, After their upset of Stanford, Washington's season looked like it would finally be the coming out for Sark as a head coach and this game just another piece. Now this just looks like another notch on the Beavers pelt (get it, ah ah, get it... I'm sorry.). Oregon State get's Mannion back this week and that should give them one too many legs up to loose this game. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State -4.5
Thursday, October 25th, 2012:
#18 Clemson at Wake Forest, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Clemson looks to continue it's roll this season and to keep the pressure on Florida State in the Atlantic division of the ACC. Wake should provide some resistance but as is often the case, resistance is futile. Winner: Clemson ATS: Clemson -12
Saturday, October 27th, 2012:
Tennessee at #13 South Carolina, 11:00 am ESPN, Coming off a home whooping at the hands of the Crimson Tide the Volunteers look to take advantage of a beaten and battered Gamecocks team that just went to hell and back (Death Valley and the Swamp). I think this game will keep close but South Carolina needs this to have even the slimmest hope of a conference championship and Tennessee looks like a team determined to get its coach fired. Winner: South Carolina. ATS: Tennessee +14
#23 Texas at Kansas, 11:00 am, Yeah I don't like Texas this year but Kansas is terrible. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas -21
Colorado at #4 Oregon, 2:00 pm Pac-12 Network, See Texas at Kansas but remember that Oregon is better than Texas and Kansas is better than Colorado. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -46
UCLA at Arizona State, 2:00 pm FX, UCLA visits Arizona State and neither of these teams will be the division champs but this game will help us set up next season in the Pac-12 South. UCLA comes in after cooling off significantly in conference play and Arizona State is coming off a crushing defeat to Oregon. I think UCLA is the more talented team here but this should be a tight one in Tempe. Winner: UCLA ATS: UCLA +6.5
#2 Florida vs #10 Georgia (Jacksonville), 2:30 pm CBS, The World's Largest Cocktail Party, and no I don't care what either school says about that nickname, returns for another installment but this one has more at stake than any one of the last couple editions. Georgia comes in after two lackluster performances, one of which was letting Kentucky hang around too long. Florida comes in off a 183 yard beat down of South Carolina, making this the de facto divisional championship game. Winner: Florida ATS: Florida -6.5 (I don't feel good bout this)
#14 Texas Tech at #3 Kansas State, 2:30 pm FOX, Kansas State heads home after a crushing of West Virginia last week in Morgantown, they should be in for a very stiff test against Texas Tech this week. Tech's defense has made a huge leap after the Swiss cheese that was the 2011 defense. This game should have a good amount of scoring but it will be the defense that makes the most stops that wins this game. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Texas Tech +7
#9 USC at Arizona, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, USC travels to meet a Wildcats team that has put up a fight in Rich Rods first season at the helm. USC comes in after clicking versus an admittedly bad Colorado team and I'm not sure that Arizona yet has the team to keep up with the Trojans. Winner: USC ATS: USC -6.5
Duke at #12 Florida State, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Duke travels to Florida State bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. Florida State looks to keep their season a float since their upset loss NC State earlier in the year. I think Florida State wins and going away in this one as Duke is better but not really close to the elite tier in the ACC. Winner: Florida State ATS: Duke +28
Kent State at #15 Rutgers, 2:30 pm ESPN3, Kent State travels to Piscataway looking to be the second MAC team in as many weeks to knock off an undefeated Big East team. Rutgers is better than Cincy and Kent State will cause some issues but much the same way Mosquitoes do. Winner: Rutgers ATS: Rutgers -13
#21 Boise State at Wyoming, 2:30 CBS Sports Net, All you need to know going into this game is that this happened last week after the Wyoming game. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -16
#24 Ohio at Miami (OH), 2:30 pm ESPN3, Ohio comes into this game, undefeated and Miami (OH) just doesn't have the firepower to keep up with Bobcats. Winner: Ohio ATS: Ohio -7
Michigan State at #25 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Michigan State heads to Camp Randall and the Badgers look to get revenge after two disastorous results in East Lansing. Michigan State looks like a team that was overrated in the preseason and has had too many holes to fill off of last years squad. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -6
Ohio State at Penn State, 4:30 pm ESPN, The battle of non-postseason teams plays in College Station Ohio State comes in off the back of multiple sloppy wins against inferior opponents. Yes a win is a win but when you have the talent and coaching advantage by that wide a margin you need to take care of business. Penn State on the other hand has rebounded from a disastorous start to a season that shouldn't have survived a disastrous start. Both these teams are yet to be defeated in the Big Ten and it's sad that it doesn't mean anything. Winner: Penn State ATS: Penn State +1
Washington State at #17 Stanford, 5:15 pm Pac-12 Network, We all hoped year one of Leach at Wazzou would be better but you know give it time and we will all be swooning some Cougs. Winner: Stanford ATS: Washington State +24.5
#20 Texas A&M at Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPNU, At the start of the season this would have been circled as a test for A&M in it's first SEC season, now it's just a W and don't get anyone hurt. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Texas A&M -14.5
#5 Notre Dame at #8 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm ABC, Notre Dame heads to Norman, Oklahoma to face it's toughest test this side of USC. Will the Notre Dame secondary hold up, will the front seven be able to pressure Landry Jones into mistakes. This game is a focus on Notre Dame because of Oklahoma's home loss to Kansas State. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Notre Dame +10.5
#22 Michigan at Nebraska, 7:00 pm ESPN2, Michigan visits Lincoln this weekend with the Legends division hanging in the balance. A Nebraska win makes it a wide open race with 4 teams vying for the division crown, a Michigan win gives them a lead that will be near impossible to overcome for any team in the division. On the field the battle will boil down to whether or not the Nebraska defense can slow down Denard Robinson and company enough to allow their offense to cut through the Michigan D. Winner: Michigan ATS: Michigan +2.5
#11 Mississippi State at #1 Alabama, 7:30 pm ESPN, Undefeated Mississippi State, yes you read that right, visits Alabama for it's first real test and biggest test of the season. Alabama comes into this game with LSU on the schedule next week but don't expect Nick to allow his team to look ahead. Mississippi State has some talent and a team that will give Alabama one of it's best test of the season but I don't think they have the talent to stretch the field on offense. Winner: Alabama ATS: Mississippi State +24.5
#7 Oregon State at Washington, 9:15 pm Pac-12 Network, After their upset of Stanford, Washington's season looked like it would finally be the coming out for Sark as a head coach and this game just another piece. Now this just looks like another notch on the Beavers pelt (get it, ah ah, get it... I'm sorry.). Oregon State get's Mannion back this week and that should give them one too many legs up to loose this game. Winner: Oregon State ATS: Oregon State -4.5
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