Thursday, September 25th, 2014:
Texas Tech (29.40) at #24 Oklahoma State (32.38) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN, The first of a couple of games Thursday that could be suprisingly good or blowouts and over by halftime. Oklahoma State to me is the superior team Tech has disappointed at every turn this season. Kingsbury fired his defensive coordinator but it seems like a decade since the last good defense at Tech. Oklahoma State is still relatively young but the FSU close call and the dismantling of UTSA show a team that has matured quickly. Power Pick: Oklahoma State by 7.02 My Pick: Oklahoma State 41-17 Line: Oklahoma State -13.5
#11 UCLA (64.52) at #15 Arizona State (49.05) (3.80), 9:00 pm Fox Sports 1, This has the potential to be the better game of the night and one of the best games of the weekend. Hundley has been struggling with a elbow injury, and that combined with UCLA's propensity to not play up to it's talent this could be a really barn burner. The opposite could still happen as Kelly is out at quarterback and this Arizona State team is already light on experience. Power Pick: UCLA by 11.66 My Pick: UCLA 31-24 Line: UCLA -3.5
Saturday, September 27th, 2014:
USF (8.73) at #19 Wisconsin (31.04) (4.72), 11:00 am ESPNU, Wisconsin is coming off a 644 rushing yard performance against Bowling Green and in contrast USF beat UCONN in a monsoon and had 271 total yards. Wisconsin should run (sorry) away with this game and should be another confidence boost heading into the conference season. Power Pick: Wisconsin by 27.03 My Pick: Wisconsin 41-10 Line: WIsconsin -34
Wyoming (5.17) at #9 Michigan State (44.95) (4.53), 11:00 am ESPN2, Wyoming heads to Michigan State for one more whoopin' from a major conference foe in the non-conference. I don't think the score gets out of hand until late but I don't think Wyoming has a chance in this game. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.31 My Pick: Michigan State 31-10 Line: Michigan State -28
Tennessee (22.55) at #12 Georgia (44.29) (5.13), 11:00 am ESPN, Tennessee heads to Georgia in a SEC East matchup. Tennessee's lines haven't quite gotten up to speed and with Todd Gurley coming to town that's gonna be a major issue. I think Georgia pulls away in the middle of the third quarter and wins by double digits. Power Pick: Georgia by 26.87 My Pick: Georgia 38-21 Line: Georgia -17
#1 Florida State (63.92) at North Carolina State (14.10) (3.82), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Florida State heads to the place it last conference loss in NC State who is one of the bigger suprise undefeated teams left. All that being said, Jameis is back and it will probably take +3 in the turnover column to beat the Seminole team. Power Pick: Florida State by 46.00 My Pick: Florida State 41-9 Line: Florida State -18.5
Editor's Note; This is the line of games posted at 1:45pm so that the Thursday games are published pre game time.
Arkansas (33.45) vs #6 Texas A&M (56.11) (Arlington), 2:30 pm CBS, Much like the Oklahoma State Texas Tech game this could be the game of the day or an absolute curb stopming. Arkansas will look to use a power run game to shorten the game. The key to this whole thing is the continued efficiency of Kenny Hill and Arkansas' defensive ability to get the Aggies off the field without touchdowns. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 22.66 My Pick: Texas A&M 38-27 Line: Texas A&M -9.5
Louisiana Tech (-1.60) vs #5 Auburn (71.78) (4.84), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Don't watch this game. Power Pick: Auburn by 78.22 My Pick: Auburn 62-10 Line: Auburn -33
#16 Stanford (46.98) at Washington (49.10) (4.08), 3:15 pm FOX, If you know what Washington is then you are a better football mind than I and you might also be a liar. Washington is pretty talented but I think Stanford is better and once home field comes into play I think Stanford wins but never puts it away. Power Pick: Washington by 6.20 My Pick: Stanford 31-28 Line: Stanford -4
Cincinnati (19.48) at #22 Ohio State (40.63) (5.55), 5:00 pm BTN, Ohio State has played below the expected level this season even when the absence of Braxton Miller is factored in. The good news is they have a talent level that is much above Cincinnati. For the Bearcats, if they can keep it close they at least prove to be better than just a defacto American front runner. Power Pick: Ohio State by 26.71 My Pick: Ohio State 38-17 Line: Ohio State -17
Missouri (50.39) at #13 South Carolina (63.60) (4.85), 6:00 pm ESPN, The battle for Columbian supemacy happens in South Carolina and I'm interested but meh. The losses of both teams have sapped a lot of the fun out of this matchup. I think South Carolina can still be the SEC East and SEC champ but they have a long way to go. Missouri lost at home to Indiana and well that sums up where I'm gonna stand on the Tigers for a while. Power Pick: South Carolina by 18.06 My Pick: South Carolina 31-24 Line: South Carolina -5.5
North Carolina (33.57) at Clemson (38.87) (4.72), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Neither one of these teams want to win this game but Clemson is better and sure why not them. Power Pick: Clemson by 10.03 My Pick: Clemson 38-20 Line: Clemson -15
Memphis (18.73) at #10 Ole Miss (51.92) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN3, Memphis isn't a push over but unless Ole Miss plays at home like they are on the road Ole Miss is the superior side in this one. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 37.23 My Pick: Ole Miss 38-27 Line: Ole Miss -21
New Mexico State (-9.14) at #17 LSU (41.65) (5.10), 6:30 pm SEC Network, You wouldn't like Les Miles when he's angry. Sorry Doug Martin. Power Pick: LSU by 55.89 My Pick: LSU 41-6 Line: LSU -43
#7 Baylor (44.62) at Iowa State (21.84) (4.04), 7:00 pm FOX, Yeah if Paul Rhodes does this I'll get a tatoo of his face on my ass. Power Pick: Baylor by 18.73 My Pick: Baylor 52-20 Line: Baylor -21
#8 Notre Dame (42.26) vs Syracuse (38.43) (MetLife Stadium), 7:00 pm ABC, Why is this happening, why did Notre Dame decide to make like eight of the whitest matchups possible happen? Rudy was offsides on the sack. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 3.84 My Pick: Notre Dame 38-17 Line: Notre Dame -9.5
Illinois (25.64) at #21 Nebraska (32.92) (5.12), 8:00 pm BTN, You know that Big Ten game that everyone talks about that's a slog fest and full of meh? Yeah this is it. Nebraska big. Power Pick: Nebraska by 12.40 My Pick: Nebraska 34-13 Line: Nebraska -21
Oregon State (41.48) at #18 USC (56.25) (4.32), 9:30 pm ESPN, USC should run away with this but four loss Sark still looms large on the horizon. Power Pick: USC by 19.09 My Pick: USC 38-17 Line: USC -8.5
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 4 CFB Preview
Week three all set hopefully a better week overall than last week against the spread.
Thursday, September 18th, 2014:
#5 Auburn (68.17) at #20 Kansas State (28.28) (HFA:4.02), 6:30 pm ESPN, In a really good, early season, big 5 Thursday nighter Auburn heads from the plains to the plains to take on K State in Manhattan. Auburn is much better on offense than any team on Kansas State's schedule but the D has had some issues with physical running teams and Bill Snyder is a wizard which should give anyone pause when picking the favorite on the road on a Thursday. That being said... Power Pick: Auburn by 35.87 My Pick: Auburn 34-24 Line: Auburn -7.5
Saturday, September 20th, 2014:
Eastern Michigan (4.94) at #11 Michigan State (44.43) (HFA:4.53), 11:00 am BTN, Eastern Michigan heads to Michigan State to be a sacrificial in-state lamb before Michigan State starts their title repeat campaign in the Big Ten. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.02 My Pick: Michigan State 34-9 Line: Michigan State -45.5
Troy (-2.87) at #13 Georgia (44.10) (HFA:5.13), 11:00 am SEC Network, Georgia comes off a heart breaker of a game at the hands of the Gamecocks and Todd Gurley will take his frustration out on a hapless Troy team. Georgia romps as Troy's woes continue. Power Pick: Georgia by 52.10 My Pick: Georgia 59-13 Line: Georgia -40
Bowling Green (22.28) at #19 Wisconsin (29.66) (HFA:4.72), 11:00 ESPN2, Bowling Green heads to Wisconsin off the heels of an upset of Indiana the weak before. Wisconsin is coming off a bye that hopefully saw Melvin Gordon get healthier and gave the pass game time to figure out an identity or at least a gameplan. Bowling Green comes in hoping to continue to figure out where it stands after the loss of Matt Johnson for the year with a hip injury. Power Pick: Wisconsin -12.09 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-17 Line: Wisconsin -27
Florida (39.95) at #3 Alabama (41.75) (HFA:5.45), 2:30 pm CBS, Florida heads to Bama in the first test of a Gator offense that has looked better under Kurt Roeper but didn't face the stiffest test in week 2. On other side of the field Lane Kiffin and an offense that has put up more than 500 yards each week looks to prove it's the genuine article against another typically stout Bama defense. A much improved Florida offense paired with a very good Florida D should keep this closer than expected but the talent gap right now is just a touch too wide. Power Pick: Alabama by 11.25 My Pick: Alabama 27-21 Line: Alabama -14.5
#6 Texas A&M (55.22) at SMU (3.89) (HFA:1.95), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Texas A&M ran South Carolina out of their own house, SMU got run off the field by Baylor and North Texas. A&M rolls and there is no reason to watch other than for the schadenfreude. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 49.38 My Pick: Texas A&M 66-3 Line: Texas A&M -33.5
*Virginia (25.74) at #21 BYU (26.57) (HFA:4.11), 2:30 pm ESPN, Virginia heads to Salt Lake City to take on a BYU team that may be the best of the non-Big 5 teams in the land. This matchup is Taysom Hill versus a Virginia defense may be one of the top 25 in the country. If the Virginia offense can put up 21 this could be a marquee win and a turning point to save Mike London's job. Power Pick: BYU by 4.11 My Pick: BYU 27-24 Line: BYU -14.5
*North Carolina (35.23) at East Carolina (20.81) (HFA:3.55), 2:30 pm ESPNU, This could be the most intriguing matchup of the day and the most illuminating. East Carolina hung with South Carolina and beat Virginia Tech. North Carolina by contrast struggled to pull away from Liberty and barely beat San Diego State and has yet to answer the call of being a fringe top 25 team. I don't know what to think, I know UNC is more talented but East Carolina has performed better this season so far and if appearances are to be believed may challenge for a conference title. Power Pick: North Carolina by 10.87 My Pick: East Carolina 21-20 Line: East Carolina -2.5
*Utah (29.37) at Michigan (33.51) (HFA:5.73), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Utah heads to Michigan in a game that I really don't know what's going to happen and I have no confidence in my ability to discern that information. So we'll wing it and I'll go Wolverines, 'cuz "thIer At hOmE". Power Pick: Michigan by 9.87 My Pick: Michigan 27-24 Line: Michigan -4
*Indiana (40.28) at #18 Missouri (51.56) (HFA:4.12), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Indiana visits the "other" Columbia to take on the "other-other" SEC Tigers. Indiana is coming off a disappointing home loss to Bowling Green sans it's starting QB and is looking for some retribution as they play Missouri. Missouri is coming off a four touchdown win over UCF and looks to be better than expected so far this season. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.41 My Pick: Missouri 31-10 Line: Missouri -14
*Mississippi State (49.18) at #8 LSU (42.12) (HFA:5.10), 6:00 pm ESPN, Mississippi State travels to Death Valley to take on the LeSU Tigers in a sneaky good matchup that may fly slightly under the radar. My numbers say the Bulldogs win in a tight one as the Tigers homefield advatage has a pretty good effect. My mind says LSU is better, Dak Prescott hasn't improved as much as expected but the defense is real good and this one is a slug it out game that is won late by the home team. Power Pick: Mississippi State by 1.96 My Pick: LSU 24-21 Line: LSU -9
*#4 Oklahoma (58.35) at West Virginia (19.13) (HFA:3.78), 6:00 pm FOX, This is a spread that suprised me on first look (Oklahoma -7.5 started at 11) but as the week has moved on I think it ends up being a lot like Auburn-Kansas State. Tough place to play with the superior team on the road and a venue with a penchant for crazy things to happen. My numbers say Oklahoma romps, my mind says Oklahoma romps and my gut says two crazy plays and West Virginia wins in a game we all call weird. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 35.44 My Pick: Oklahoma 31-20 Line: Oklahoma -7.5
*#14 South Carolina (60.22) at Vanderbilt (26.24) (HFA:3.20), 6:30 pm SEC Network, Vanderbilt has gotten blown out by Temple, shellacked by Ole Miss and only beat UMASS by 3 even in a let down spot I don't see Spurrier, et. al having any trouble here. Power Pick: South Carolina by 30.78 My Pick: South Carolina 31-3 Line: South Carolina -21.5
*#22 Clemson (38.94) at #1 Florida State (61.53) (HFA:4.46), 7:00 pm ABC, Clemson heads to Florida State for a revenge game after last seasons beat down at home. Clemson's upset bid is helped by Winston being suspended for the first half but I just don't see the difference in these two squads being purely Winston and I look for the FSU defense to shut down Clemson early and often and minimize the damage of an inexperienced quarterback in the first half. Power Pick: Florida State by 27.05 My Pick: 37-20 Line: Florida State -15
*Miami (FL) (35.43) at #24 Nebraska (30.64) (HFA:5.12), 7:00 pm ESPN2, A great 90's classic erupts in a sea of red on saturday night as the fifth best Big Ten and ACC teams play with conference pride at stake. Miami-Nebraska this time it's personal... and less fun. Power Pick: Nebraska by .34 My Pick: 20-17 Line: Nebraska -7.5
#2 Oregon (66.47) at Washington State (28.45) (HFA:2.96), 9:30 pm ESPN, Much like South Carolina I want this to be entertaining and close but I don't see Leach and company hanging around much past the five minute mare of the third quarter as Oregon puts on the jets. Power Pick: Oregon by 35.05 My Pick: Oregon 52-24 Line: Oregon -23.5
* denotes games that weren't done as of 6:45 Thursday night so that the Thursday prediction was up before the Auburn-Kansas State game.
Thursday, September 18th, 2014:
#5 Auburn (68.17) at #20 Kansas State (28.28) (HFA:4.02), 6:30 pm ESPN, In a really good, early season, big 5 Thursday nighter Auburn heads from the plains to the plains to take on K State in Manhattan. Auburn is much better on offense than any team on Kansas State's schedule but the D has had some issues with physical running teams and Bill Snyder is a wizard which should give anyone pause when picking the favorite on the road on a Thursday. That being said... Power Pick: Auburn by 35.87 My Pick: Auburn 34-24 Line: Auburn -7.5
Saturday, September 20th, 2014:
Eastern Michigan (4.94) at #11 Michigan State (44.43) (HFA:4.53), 11:00 am BTN, Eastern Michigan heads to Michigan State to be a sacrificial in-state lamb before Michigan State starts their title repeat campaign in the Big Ten. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.02 My Pick: Michigan State 34-9 Line: Michigan State -45.5
Troy (-2.87) at #13 Georgia (44.10) (HFA:5.13), 11:00 am SEC Network, Georgia comes off a heart breaker of a game at the hands of the Gamecocks and Todd Gurley will take his frustration out on a hapless Troy team. Georgia romps as Troy's woes continue. Power Pick: Georgia by 52.10 My Pick: Georgia 59-13 Line: Georgia -40
Bowling Green (22.28) at #19 Wisconsin (29.66) (HFA:4.72), 11:00 ESPN2, Bowling Green heads to Wisconsin off the heels of an upset of Indiana the weak before. Wisconsin is coming off a bye that hopefully saw Melvin Gordon get healthier and gave the pass game time to figure out an identity or at least a gameplan. Bowling Green comes in hoping to continue to figure out where it stands after the loss of Matt Johnson for the year with a hip injury. Power Pick: Wisconsin -12.09 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-17 Line: Wisconsin -27
Florida (39.95) at #3 Alabama (41.75) (HFA:5.45), 2:30 pm CBS, Florida heads to Bama in the first test of a Gator offense that has looked better under Kurt Roeper but didn't face the stiffest test in week 2. On other side of the field Lane Kiffin and an offense that has put up more than 500 yards each week looks to prove it's the genuine article against another typically stout Bama defense. A much improved Florida offense paired with a very good Florida D should keep this closer than expected but the talent gap right now is just a touch too wide. Power Pick: Alabama by 11.25 My Pick: Alabama 27-21 Line: Alabama -14.5
#6 Texas A&M (55.22) at SMU (3.89) (HFA:1.95), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Texas A&M ran South Carolina out of their own house, SMU got run off the field by Baylor and North Texas. A&M rolls and there is no reason to watch other than for the schadenfreude. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 49.38 My Pick: Texas A&M 66-3 Line: Texas A&M -33.5
*Virginia (25.74) at #21 BYU (26.57) (HFA:4.11), 2:30 pm ESPN, Virginia heads to Salt Lake City to take on a BYU team that may be the best of the non-Big 5 teams in the land. This matchup is Taysom Hill versus a Virginia defense may be one of the top 25 in the country. If the Virginia offense can put up 21 this could be a marquee win and a turning point to save Mike London's job. Power Pick: BYU by 4.11 My Pick: BYU 27-24 Line: BYU -14.5
*North Carolina (35.23) at East Carolina (20.81) (HFA:3.55), 2:30 pm ESPNU, This could be the most intriguing matchup of the day and the most illuminating. East Carolina hung with South Carolina and beat Virginia Tech. North Carolina by contrast struggled to pull away from Liberty and barely beat San Diego State and has yet to answer the call of being a fringe top 25 team. I don't know what to think, I know UNC is more talented but East Carolina has performed better this season so far and if appearances are to be believed may challenge for a conference title. Power Pick: North Carolina by 10.87 My Pick: East Carolina 21-20 Line: East Carolina -2.5
*Utah (29.37) at Michigan (33.51) (HFA:5.73), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Utah heads to Michigan in a game that I really don't know what's going to happen and I have no confidence in my ability to discern that information. So we'll wing it and I'll go Wolverines, 'cuz "thIer At hOmE". Power Pick: Michigan by 9.87 My Pick: Michigan 27-24 Line: Michigan -4
*Indiana (40.28) at #18 Missouri (51.56) (HFA:4.12), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Indiana visits the "other" Columbia to take on the "other-other" SEC Tigers. Indiana is coming off a disappointing home loss to Bowling Green sans it's starting QB and is looking for some retribution as they play Missouri. Missouri is coming off a four touchdown win over UCF and looks to be better than expected so far this season. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.41 My Pick: Missouri 31-10 Line: Missouri -14
*Mississippi State (49.18) at #8 LSU (42.12) (HFA:5.10), 6:00 pm ESPN, Mississippi State travels to Death Valley to take on the LeSU Tigers in a sneaky good matchup that may fly slightly under the radar. My numbers say the Bulldogs win in a tight one as the Tigers homefield advatage has a pretty good effect. My mind says LSU is better, Dak Prescott hasn't improved as much as expected but the defense is real good and this one is a slug it out game that is won late by the home team. Power Pick: Mississippi State by 1.96 My Pick: LSU 24-21 Line: LSU -9
*#4 Oklahoma (58.35) at West Virginia (19.13) (HFA:3.78), 6:00 pm FOX, This is a spread that suprised me on first look (Oklahoma -7.5 started at 11) but as the week has moved on I think it ends up being a lot like Auburn-Kansas State. Tough place to play with the superior team on the road and a venue with a penchant for crazy things to happen. My numbers say Oklahoma romps, my mind says Oklahoma romps and my gut says two crazy plays and West Virginia wins in a game we all call weird. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 35.44 My Pick: Oklahoma 31-20 Line: Oklahoma -7.5
*#14 South Carolina (60.22) at Vanderbilt (26.24) (HFA:3.20), 6:30 pm SEC Network, Vanderbilt has gotten blown out by Temple, shellacked by Ole Miss and only beat UMASS by 3 even in a let down spot I don't see Spurrier, et. al having any trouble here. Power Pick: South Carolina by 30.78 My Pick: South Carolina 31-3 Line: South Carolina -21.5
*#22 Clemson (38.94) at #1 Florida State (61.53) (HFA:4.46), 7:00 pm ABC, Clemson heads to Florida State for a revenge game after last seasons beat down at home. Clemson's upset bid is helped by Winston being suspended for the first half but I just don't see the difference in these two squads being purely Winston and I look for the FSU defense to shut down Clemson early and often and minimize the damage of an inexperienced quarterback in the first half. Power Pick: Florida State by 27.05 My Pick: 37-20 Line: Florida State -15
*Miami (FL) (35.43) at #24 Nebraska (30.64) (HFA:5.12), 7:00 pm ESPN2, A great 90's classic erupts in a sea of red on saturday night as the fifth best Big Ten and ACC teams play with conference pride at stake. Miami-Nebraska this time it's personal... and less fun. Power Pick: Nebraska by .34 My Pick: 20-17 Line: Nebraska -7.5
#2 Oregon (66.47) at Washington State (28.45) (HFA:2.96), 9:30 pm ESPN, Much like South Carolina I want this to be entertaining and close but I don't see Leach and company hanging around much past the five minute mare of the third quarter as Oregon puts on the jets. Power Pick: Oregon by 35.05 My Pick: Oregon 52-24 Line: Oregon -23.5
* denotes games that weren't done as of 6:45 Thursday night so that the Thursday prediction was up before the Auburn-Kansas State game.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Rambling's 2014 Week 3 CFB Recap
I was doing some volunteering and went out for drinks afterwards so I saw very little football, outside the second half of Georgia-South Carolina. I will however make this post to update how me and my system did.
PP: (7-11 ATS, 14-4 SU)
Me: (8-10 ATS, 16-2 SU)
Rough week against the spread but a pretty good week of picking winners once again. Next week should be a return to normalcy on the blog.
PP: (7-11 ATS, 14-4 SU)
Me: (8-10 ATS, 16-2 SU)
Rough week against the spread but a pretty good week of picking winners once again. Next week should be a return to normalcy on the blog.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 3 CFB Preview
Week 3 is here and Week 2 went pretty well on all fronts for both me and my power rankings. Putting my rankings to 20-13 ATS and 29-4 overall and me 16-17 ATS and 30-3 overall. Week 3 is a lackluster slate which makes knowing the lines even more fun, and the weeks we give up on have turned wild in recent memory.
Thursday, September 11th, 2014:
Houston (36.59) at #25 BYU (24.30) (HFA:4.11), 8:00 pm ESPN, Everything I think says my numbers are crazy on this game. First, I watched Houston get shutout out by UTSA. UTSA is admittedly a very good team that almost knocked off Arizona, a pretty good Pac-12 team. Second, I know what kind of defenses Bronco Mendenhall produces. Third, BYU has an offense run by Taysom hill that should be able to move the ball on a good but nothing special Houston defense. Houston looked to start getting back on track versus Grambling but that was against Grambling. I've tried but I just can't talk myself into Houston winning and that means my recap will be me just calling me an idiot. Power Pick: Houston -8.19 My Pick: BYU 31-17 Line: BYU -17.5
Friday, September 12th, 2014:
#8 Baylor (42.88)at Buffalo (13.40) (HFA:2.03), 7:00 pm ESPN, This was an intriguing match up last season with Kahlil Mack on defense. This year, the only real intrigue is if Art Briles can manage to not maim Bryce Petty. Power Pick: Baylor by 27.46 My Pick: Baylor 63-13 Line: Baylor -35
Saturday, September 13th, 2014:
East Carolina (16.21) at #17 Virginia Tech (36.90) (HFA:4.28), 11:00 am ESPN, East Carolina heads to Blacksburg to take on another great Bud Foster secondary/defense and a do what it needs to offense. With game one of the ACC conference season next week, might there be trap potential for the Hokies? I say some, but more a Va Tech offense struggles to score points while it's defense holds ECU to a couple scores and pulls out an ugly victory in the second half. Power Pick: Virginia Tech by 24.96 My Pick: Virginia Tech 27-24 Line: Virginia Tech -10.5
UCF (25.01) at #20 Missouri (49.92) (HFA:4.12), 11:00 am SEC Network, On a lackluster week, UCF Missouri becomes a game that has considerable intrigue and much like Louisville at Virginia this one has the opportunity to fill in what the rest of the slate is lacking. UCF came up just short against Penn State in Dublin but the QB change made a world of difference in the second half. Missouri hasn't had muhc of a passing game early in the season with Matty Mauck at the helm but they've done enough to average 43 points per game to only 21 given up. I think the UCF defense gives them a stiffer test than Toledo and an FCS opponent but will it be enough to knock off last years SEC East champs. Power Pick: Missouri by 29.04 My Pick: Missouri 27-20 Line: Missouri -10
Kent State (-2.35) at #22 Ohio State (40.47) (HFA:5.55), 11:00 ABC/ESPN2, Ohio State remain the kings of Ohio, not that that says much with BGSU and Toledo both losing very good quarterbacks to injury and not having a four or five star recruit to replace them. Power Pick: Ohio State by 48.37 My Pick: Ohio State 38-13 Line: Ohio State -32
#21 Louisville (35.41) at Virginia (23.49) (HFA:3.19), 11:30 am ESPN3, My upset special, not actually a thing, and one of the more underrated of a down week. Virginia showed very good flashes on defense against a UCLA that admittedly struggled against Memphis last week. Even still that front four is legit and there is certainly talent in Charlottesville. Louisville has looked good and the offense under Petrino has been far ahead of where many thought. The biggest surprise has been defense which shut down Miami and should be fine against Miami but we don't know just what this unit will be. Power Pick: Louisville by 8.72 My Pick: Virginia 24-21 Line: Louisville -6.5
Wyoming (4.58) at #2 Oregon (65.98) (HFA:4.31), 1:00 pm Pac-12 Network, Oregon hosts Wyoming in Craig Bohl's inaugural season in Larime, but are in for a rude awakening when they visit Autzen Stadium. Bohl was one of the best hires this offsesaon but they just don't have much chance of keeping up in this game. Power Pick: Oregon by 65.70 My Pick: Oregon 59-20 Line: Oregon by 43.5
#6 Georgia (44.22) at #24 South Carolina (57.60) (HFA:4.85), 2:30 pm CBS,
Power Pick: South Carolina by 18.23 My Pick: South Carolina 38-35 Line: Georgia -6
Louisiana-Lafayette (24.04) at #14 Ole Miss (50.39) (HFA:4.04), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Dr. Bo has been a bit too loose with the ball early in the season, but boy is he fun to watch. Between him and Nkemdiche they have a player to watch at all times on both sides of the ball. Louisiana-Lafayette lost ot La Tech last week and look to be repeating last year's debacle, where they waste a talented experienced team and fail to win the conference and get an above average ball. Ole Miss walks in this one but I would love to see what I thought Lafayette would be preseason show up in Oxford. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 30.39 My Pick: Ole Miss 41-21 Line: Ole Miss -27.5
Army (14.11) at #15 Stanford (46.00) (HFA:3.78), 4:00 pm Pac-12 Network, This one was tight last year and based on both teams rushing prowess it coudl be again as the game is done in 25 minutes, but Stanford wins it and by a couple scores. Power Pick: Stanford by 35.67 My Pick: Stanford 24-10 Line: Stanford -28
Southern Miss (-1.75) at #3 Alabama (41.56) (HFA:5.45), 5:00 pm ESPN2, Bama follows up a barn burner against FAU with Southern Miss who won their first game in three seasons and well yeah Roll Tide is better analysis than I can give, or want to. Power Pick: Alabama by 48.76 My Pick: Alabama 45-9 Line: Alabama -48
UTSA (37.23) at Oklahoma State (30.06) (HFA:4.04), 6:00 pm, I put this one in here because it intrigues me with J.W. Walsh being out, Oklahoma State playing Florida State tough and the fact that I really like this UTSA team. Oklahoma State is probably better than Arizoan at this point in the season but they still are a raw team who is down it's starting QB. If UTSA can play good defense, and score in the mid-20s I think they have a real good chance to pull the upset. Power Pick: UTSA by 3.14 My Pick: UTSA 27-24 Line: Oklahoma St -13.5
Purdue (9.43) vs #11 Notre Dame (41.66) (Indianapolis), 6:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame and Purdue meet in the middle for this year's matchup and with Everett Golson back at the helm and Purdue being somewhere better than Eastern Michigan and worse than Central Michigan. Struggles early maybe, but Notre Dame should romp. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 32.22 My Pick: Notre Dame 41-13 Line: ND -27.5
Tennessee (22.69) at #4 Oklahoma (56.92) (HFA:4.99), 7:00 pm ABC, Oklahoma hosts Tennessee in, what I guess is the prime time matchup. This should turn into a nightmare for the Vols who are a very talented young team but the line play just won't be up to snuff against a very good offensive and defensive front for the Sooners. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 39.22 My Pick: Oklahoma 45-20 Line: Oklahoma -20.5
#9 USC (58.34) at Boston College (13.47) (HFA:2.85), 7:00 pm ESPN, USC heads to Boston College off a big win over Stanford. I expect them to start off sluggish but they won't lose and they probably won't fail to cover. Power Pick: USC by 42.02 My Pick: USC 35-14 Line: USC -17
#12 UCLA (62.18) vs Texas (27.63) (Arlington), 7:00 pm FOX, UCLA heads to Arlington in Fox's game of the week to take on a Texas team that has nothing going on offense and a defense that is going to have to try to provide too much to stay up all game. If BYU could do it in the second half, a UCLA team with a underperforming offensive line should still allow them to pull away in this one. Power Pick: UCLA by 34.54 My Pick: UCLA 31-17 Line: UCLA -7.5
Rice (16.31) at #7 Texas A&M (54.10) (HFA:5.10), 8:00 pm ESPN2, Remember what Johnny Manziel did to Rice in the second half last year, well Kenny Hill is gonna rip 'em apart too. This one is a blood bath and won't tell us much about either. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 42.88 My Pick: Texas A&M 59-24 Line: Texas A&M -32
#16 Arizona State (45.82) at Colorado (24.65) (HFA:3.12), 9:00 pm ESPNU, Arizona State travles to Colorado to take on an improving Buffs team that just isn't quite there yet under Mike MicIntyre. Arizona State is getting better each week on offense under Todd Graham and should have plenty to pull from too beat Colorado on the road. Power Pick: Arizona State by 18.05 My Pick: Arizona State 31-20 Line: Arizona State -15
Thursday, September 11th, 2014:
Houston (36.59) at #25 BYU (24.30) (HFA:4.11), 8:00 pm ESPN, Everything I think says my numbers are crazy on this game. First, I watched Houston get shutout out by UTSA. UTSA is admittedly a very good team that almost knocked off Arizona, a pretty good Pac-12 team. Second, I know what kind of defenses Bronco Mendenhall produces. Third, BYU has an offense run by Taysom hill that should be able to move the ball on a good but nothing special Houston defense. Houston looked to start getting back on track versus Grambling but that was against Grambling. I've tried but I just can't talk myself into Houston winning and that means my recap will be me just calling me an idiot. Power Pick: Houston -8.19 My Pick: BYU 31-17 Line: BYU -17.5
Friday, September 12th, 2014:
#8 Baylor (42.88)at Buffalo (13.40) (HFA:2.03), 7:00 pm ESPN, This was an intriguing match up last season with Kahlil Mack on defense. This year, the only real intrigue is if Art Briles can manage to not maim Bryce Petty. Power Pick: Baylor by 27.46 My Pick: Baylor 63-13 Line: Baylor -35
Saturday, September 13th, 2014:
East Carolina (16.21) at #17 Virginia Tech (36.90) (HFA:4.28), 11:00 am ESPN, East Carolina heads to Blacksburg to take on another great Bud Foster secondary/defense and a do what it needs to offense. With game one of the ACC conference season next week, might there be trap potential for the Hokies? I say some, but more a Va Tech offense struggles to score points while it's defense holds ECU to a couple scores and pulls out an ugly victory in the second half. Power Pick: Virginia Tech by 24.96 My Pick: Virginia Tech 27-24 Line: Virginia Tech -10.5
UCF (25.01) at #20 Missouri (49.92) (HFA:4.12), 11:00 am SEC Network, On a lackluster week, UCF Missouri becomes a game that has considerable intrigue and much like Louisville at Virginia this one has the opportunity to fill in what the rest of the slate is lacking. UCF came up just short against Penn State in Dublin but the QB change made a world of difference in the second half. Missouri hasn't had muhc of a passing game early in the season with Matty Mauck at the helm but they've done enough to average 43 points per game to only 21 given up. I think the UCF defense gives them a stiffer test than Toledo and an FCS opponent but will it be enough to knock off last years SEC East champs. Power Pick: Missouri by 29.04 My Pick: Missouri 27-20 Line: Missouri -10
Kent State (-2.35) at #22 Ohio State (40.47) (HFA:5.55), 11:00 ABC/ESPN2, Ohio State remain the kings of Ohio, not that that says much with BGSU and Toledo both losing very good quarterbacks to injury and not having a four or five star recruit to replace them. Power Pick: Ohio State by 48.37 My Pick: Ohio State 38-13 Line: Ohio State -32
#21 Louisville (35.41) at Virginia (23.49) (HFA:3.19), 11:30 am ESPN3, My upset special, not actually a thing, and one of the more underrated of a down week. Virginia showed very good flashes on defense against a UCLA that admittedly struggled against Memphis last week. Even still that front four is legit and there is certainly talent in Charlottesville. Louisville has looked good and the offense under Petrino has been far ahead of where many thought. The biggest surprise has been defense which shut down Miami and should be fine against Miami but we don't know just what this unit will be. Power Pick: Louisville by 8.72 My Pick: Virginia 24-21 Line: Louisville -6.5
Wyoming (4.58) at #2 Oregon (65.98) (HFA:4.31), 1:00 pm Pac-12 Network, Oregon hosts Wyoming in Craig Bohl's inaugural season in Larime, but are in for a rude awakening when they visit Autzen Stadium. Bohl was one of the best hires this offsesaon but they just don't have much chance of keeping up in this game. Power Pick: Oregon by 65.70 My Pick: Oregon 59-20 Line: Oregon by 43.5
#6 Georgia (44.22) at #24 South Carolina (57.60) (HFA:4.85), 2:30 pm CBS,
Power Pick: South Carolina by 18.23 My Pick: South Carolina 38-35 Line: Georgia -6
Louisiana-Lafayette (24.04) at #14 Ole Miss (50.39) (HFA:4.04), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Dr. Bo has been a bit too loose with the ball early in the season, but boy is he fun to watch. Between him and Nkemdiche they have a player to watch at all times on both sides of the ball. Louisiana-Lafayette lost ot La Tech last week and look to be repeating last year's debacle, where they waste a talented experienced team and fail to win the conference and get an above average ball. Ole Miss walks in this one but I would love to see what I thought Lafayette would be preseason show up in Oxford. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 30.39 My Pick: Ole Miss 41-21 Line: Ole Miss -27.5
Army (14.11) at #15 Stanford (46.00) (HFA:3.78), 4:00 pm Pac-12 Network, This one was tight last year and based on both teams rushing prowess it coudl be again as the game is done in 25 minutes, but Stanford wins it and by a couple scores. Power Pick: Stanford by 35.67 My Pick: Stanford 24-10 Line: Stanford -28
Southern Miss (-1.75) at #3 Alabama (41.56) (HFA:5.45), 5:00 pm ESPN2, Bama follows up a barn burner against FAU with Southern Miss who won their first game in three seasons and well yeah Roll Tide is better analysis than I can give, or want to. Power Pick: Alabama by 48.76 My Pick: Alabama 45-9 Line: Alabama -48
UTSA (37.23) at Oklahoma State (30.06) (HFA:4.04), 6:00 pm, I put this one in here because it intrigues me with J.W. Walsh being out, Oklahoma State playing Florida State tough and the fact that I really like this UTSA team. Oklahoma State is probably better than Arizoan at this point in the season but they still are a raw team who is down it's starting QB. If UTSA can play good defense, and score in the mid-20s I think they have a real good chance to pull the upset. Power Pick: UTSA by 3.14 My Pick: UTSA 27-24 Line: Oklahoma St -13.5
Purdue (9.43) vs #11 Notre Dame (41.66) (Indianapolis), 6:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame and Purdue meet in the middle for this year's matchup and with Everett Golson back at the helm and Purdue being somewhere better than Eastern Michigan and worse than Central Michigan. Struggles early maybe, but Notre Dame should romp. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 32.22 My Pick: Notre Dame 41-13 Line: ND -27.5
Tennessee (22.69) at #4 Oklahoma (56.92) (HFA:4.99), 7:00 pm ABC, Oklahoma hosts Tennessee in, what I guess is the prime time matchup. This should turn into a nightmare for the Vols who are a very talented young team but the line play just won't be up to snuff against a very good offensive and defensive front for the Sooners. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 39.22 My Pick: Oklahoma 45-20 Line: Oklahoma -20.5
#9 USC (58.34) at Boston College (13.47) (HFA:2.85), 7:00 pm ESPN, USC heads to Boston College off a big win over Stanford. I expect them to start off sluggish but they won't lose and they probably won't fail to cover. Power Pick: USC by 42.02 My Pick: USC 35-14 Line: USC -17
#12 UCLA (62.18) vs Texas (27.63) (Arlington), 7:00 pm FOX, UCLA heads to Arlington in Fox's game of the week to take on a Texas team that has nothing going on offense and a defense that is going to have to try to provide too much to stay up all game. If BYU could do it in the second half, a UCLA team with a underperforming offensive line should still allow them to pull away in this one. Power Pick: UCLA by 34.54 My Pick: UCLA 31-17 Line: UCLA -7.5
Rice (16.31) at #7 Texas A&M (54.10) (HFA:5.10), 8:00 pm ESPN2, Remember what Johnny Manziel did to Rice in the second half last year, well Kenny Hill is gonna rip 'em apart too. This one is a blood bath and won't tell us much about either. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 42.88 My Pick: Texas A&M 59-24 Line: Texas A&M -32
#16 Arizona State (45.82) at Colorado (24.65) (HFA:3.12), 9:00 pm ESPNU, Arizona State travles to Colorado to take on an improving Buffs team that just isn't quite there yet under Mike MicIntyre. Arizona State is getting better each week on offense under Todd Graham and should have plenty to pull from too beat Colorado on the road. Power Pick: Arizona State by 18.05 My Pick: Arizona State 31-20 Line: Arizona State -15
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Rambling's 2014 Week 2 CFB Recap
It was a crazy early day slate that shook things up. The Big Ten had a no good, very awful, bad day which won't help anyone out. Overall a lot of chalk won, without much clarity overall.
Thursday, September 4th, 2014:
UTSA took Arizona down to the wire with two drives down three with the second ending on a bizarre shovel pass interception that was a major gaffe by the QB. I tend to think that this portends more things for how good UTSA is than any negative for Arizona who scored 26 and looked good enough on defense. PP: (1-0 ATS, 1-0 SU) Me: (1-0 ATS, 1-0 SU)
Saturday, September 6th, 2014:
First, full disclosure I worked Saturday morning and don't get to watch the early games. I do keep track of what happens and do my best to catch up on what happened. Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arizona State all took care of business with little to no problems and we don't need to spend too much time on them. Kansas State struggled with Iowa State in Ames, and much to my chagrin I didn't pay heed to my numbers when making my prediction. Kansas State is a good team but they aren't shaping up like a team that will come close to Auburn. Missouri struggled early with Toledo, especially through the air, but did what it had to do and pulled away by 20 late in the game to take the relatively easy road win. Washington continued to show flaws in it's closer than the score would let on win over EWU. This isn't to say Washington won't be good, but the defense has major flaws and the offense needs to work out kinks quickly before the Pac-12 eats it alive. USC-Stanford was an entertaining, but sloppy game by both teams but especially Stanford who were coached much to timidly and made far too many mental mistakes to win this game against an equally talented team who looked like they hadn't played that way in over a year. USC is very good but they were gifted this game and need to make offensive adjustments quickly. Michigan State-Oregon was a hell of a game for about three quarters and then the wheels fell off as Connor Cook was asked to press more to get points and a young defense was asked to keep up with the tempo and talent of Oregon. I thought Michigan State equitted itself well enough but they aren't a playoff caliber team this season. South Carolina struggled to put East Carolina away but they won and for now that is all that matter, but if the defense doesn't mature, well, the OBC may not have many nice visors left. Michigan and Texas suffered similar fates as both were blown out, although Texas had a few more circumstances going against them. Both showed they don't have what it takes this season but the Texas defense at least played well until the disadvantages given them by their offense finally broke the proverbial damn. Ohio State was the most disconcerting team of the night, they struggled against a good but not great Virginia Tech offense and don't have the wide receivers to help their freshman quarterback. This team has the talent to still be a very good playoffesque team but they seem lost without Braxton Miller (Injury) and Carlos Hyde (NFL). North Carolina and UCLA both continued their struggles from week one against San Diego State and Memphis. Both pulled out victories but not without creating more doubts than answers.
PP: (9-6 ATS, 14-1 SU) Me: (6-9 ATS, 14-1 SU)
Weekly Record: PP: (10-6 ATS, 15-1 SU) Me: (7-9 ATS, 15-1 SU)
Thursday, September 4th, 2014:
UTSA took Arizona down to the wire with two drives down three with the second ending on a bizarre shovel pass interception that was a major gaffe by the QB. I tend to think that this portends more things for how good UTSA is than any negative for Arizona who scored 26 and looked good enough on defense. PP: (1-0 ATS, 1-0 SU) Me: (1-0 ATS, 1-0 SU)
Saturday, September 6th, 2014:
First, full disclosure I worked Saturday morning and don't get to watch the early games. I do keep track of what happens and do my best to catch up on what happened. Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arizona State all took care of business with little to no problems and we don't need to spend too much time on them. Kansas State struggled with Iowa State in Ames, and much to my chagrin I didn't pay heed to my numbers when making my prediction. Kansas State is a good team but they aren't shaping up like a team that will come close to Auburn. Missouri struggled early with Toledo, especially through the air, but did what it had to do and pulled away by 20 late in the game to take the relatively easy road win. Washington continued to show flaws in it's closer than the score would let on win over EWU. This isn't to say Washington won't be good, but the defense has major flaws and the offense needs to work out kinks quickly before the Pac-12 eats it alive. USC-Stanford was an entertaining, but sloppy game by both teams but especially Stanford who were coached much to timidly and made far too many mental mistakes to win this game against an equally talented team who looked like they hadn't played that way in over a year. USC is very good but they were gifted this game and need to make offensive adjustments quickly. Michigan State-Oregon was a hell of a game for about three quarters and then the wheels fell off as Connor Cook was asked to press more to get points and a young defense was asked to keep up with the tempo and talent of Oregon. I thought Michigan State equitted itself well enough but they aren't a playoff caliber team this season. South Carolina struggled to put East Carolina away but they won and for now that is all that matter, but if the defense doesn't mature, well, the OBC may not have many nice visors left. Michigan and Texas suffered similar fates as both were blown out, although Texas had a few more circumstances going against them. Both showed they don't have what it takes this season but the Texas defense at least played well until the disadvantages given them by their offense finally broke the proverbial damn. Ohio State was the most disconcerting team of the night, they struggled against a good but not great Virginia Tech offense and don't have the wide receivers to help their freshman quarterback. This team has the talent to still be a very good playoffesque team but they seem lost without Braxton Miller (Injury) and Carlos Hyde (NFL). North Carolina and UCLA both continued their struggles from week one against San Diego State and Memphis. Both pulled out victories but not without creating more doubts than answers.
PP: (9-6 ATS, 14-1 SU) Me: (6-9 ATS, 14-1 SU)
Weekly Record: PP: (10-6 ATS, 15-1 SU) Me: (7-9 ATS, 15-1 SU)
Thursday, September 4, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 2 CFB Preview
A good first week but could have been better against the spread (Me 9-8, Power Ranks 10-7). Week two shoudl be even better, enjoy.
Thursday, September 4th, 2014:
Arizona (41.75) at UTSA (38.12) (HFA:2), 7:00 pm Fox Sports 1: This one snuck up on me this week with the holiday and other life events but is a welcome addition to a football Thursday to pair with the Seattle-Green Bay game. UTSA comes into this game off a schlacking of Houston on the road in week one. UTSA has talent and seniority and by god Larry Coker can coach. Arizona for their part beat UNLV by 45 and showed that offense under Rich Rod is ready to roll. The big questions here and the ones I am most excited to answer are whether the Arizona defense will be up to snuff and how much of the UTSA showing in week 1 was a Houston team that was meh and how much is a UTSA team that's gonna sneak up on a lot of people throughout the season. Power Pick: Arizona by 1.63 My Pick: Arizona 31-27 Line: Arizona -7
Saturday, September 6th, 2014:
FAU (7.93) at #2 Alabama (41) (HFA:5.45), 11:00 am SEC Network: Alabama moves forward from a challenge againt West Virginia to a challenge against boredom and known Saban rival, bored and over this game Alabama fans. This shouldn't be much of a test for Alabama and won't tell us much about either side in the contest. Power Pick: Alabama by 38.52 My Pick: Alabama 52-16 Line: Alabama -40.5
#4 Oklahoma (55.14)at Tulsa (14.11) (HFA:1.98), 11:00 am ABC/ESPN2: Oklahoma heads to Tulsa who is off a win over rival Tulane in week 1. Oklahoma trashed Louisiana Tech and looked good but we won't really know how that defense is gonna look till it gets tested. Oklahoma should romp again and being on the road shouldn't be too tough two hours up the road in Tulsa. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 39.06 My Pick: Oklahoma 45-20 Line: Oklahoma -24.5
#20 Kansas State (25.66) at Iowa State (19.83) (HFA:4.04), 11:00 Fox Sports 1: Kansas State travels to AMES!!! The place where dreams go to die, both literally and figuratively. Kansa State is a dark horse for many, I'm not so high. I think they're good but infallible no. Iowa State lost to North Dakota State because, they were stupid enough to schedule North Dakota State. Kansas State made the same mistake last year and look where they are now. Power Pick: Kansa State by 1.79 My Pick: Kansas State 24-10 Line: Kansas State -11.5
#24 Missouri (46.22) at Toledo (28.82) (HFA:2.29), 11:00 am ESPN: Missouri heads to Toledo in one of the more striking road trips of the week (and that's saying something). Both teams crushed FCS opponents week one and told us absolutely nothing. Toledo should be one of the best teams in the MAC and some Saturday mornin' MACtion could be in order. Missouri looks like a strong regression candidate but I think they pull out a squeaker in Toledo. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.1 My Pick: Missuori 24-21 Line: Missouri -4
Eastern Washington at #25 Washington, 2:05 pm Pac-12 Net: A rambling sports first for me, I never include FCS versus top 25 matchups but with Eastern Washignton being number two in the FBS poll one point behind North Dakota State I think this is a very good test for Washington.The other thing I won't be doing is putting my power ranks on it because I don't figure a rank for the FCS squads. Eastern Washington should be a better test than Hawaii last year and if Washington isn't rounded into shape this is a loss. My Pick: Washington 42-38
#15 USC (52.85) at #11 Stanford (46.33) (HFA:3.78), 2:30 pm ABC: Normal timed Pac-12 top 15 conference action between the Trojans and Cardinal. Outside of the rankings this is an intriguing matchup, USC upset Stanford late in the year. USC got rid of Lane Kiffin at the helm and brought in Steve Sarkisian who led the Trojans to a dismantling of Fresno State in week 1. USC is one of the most talented starting units in the country but the depth is still feeling the effects of recruiting sanctions. Stanford lost it's defensive coordinator but has a bunch of talent returning in the front seven and a QB-receving corps combo that will surprise many. Power Pick: USC by 2.75 My Pick: Stanford 28-24 Line: Stanford -2.5
#18 Ole Miss (46.97) at Vanderbilt (26.66) (HFA:3.2), 3:30 pm ESPN: Ole Miss heads to Vandy and looks to repeat what Temple did in Nashville. I don't think anything else needs to be said. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 17.11 My Pick: Ole Miss 45-24 Line: Ole Miss -19.5
#8 Michigan State (44.46) at #3 Oregon (63.3) (HFA:4.31), 5:30 pm FOX: The marquee game of the weekend is Michigan State's visit to Oregon. Michigan State boasts Pat Narduzzi and a defense that was best in the country at stopping offenses against Mark Helfrich and an offense that was good at being succesful but just a tick off the old Kelly offenses. It's cliche but Mariota and Cook are the keys to this game. Mariota's running ability and the ability to make smart decisions with the football should keep Oregon on the field and give their defense positive field position. Cook got better every week last season and by all accounts showed flashes of some great traits and continued growth against Jacksonville State. If Michigan State can force Mariota into mistakes and Cook can beat a talented secondary through the air Michigan State has all too real chance to win. Power Pick: Oregon by 23.15 My Pick: Oregon 38-34 Line: Oregon -13.5
San Jose State (12.33) at #6 Auburn (67.47) (HFA:4.84), 6:00 pm ESPN2: San Jose State goes to Auburn and I don't think we see a second straight team hang around on the plains in the first half. Power Pick: Auburn by 59.97 My Pick: Auburn 66-13 Line: Auburn -32
Editor's Note: This is as far as I got before the Thursday game, look for the rest later tonight or tomorrow morning. 7:00 pm 9/4
East Carolina (16.31) at #9 South Carolina (56.47) (HFA:4.85), 6:00 pm ESPNU: South Carolina disappointed week one when visiting Texas A&M just romped a young Gamecock secondary. East Carolina presents a slightly lesser threat. ECU is set for their first big test after beating NC Central last week but just doesn't have the talent or experience to put too much of a scare into Spurrier, et.al. Power Pick: South Carolina by 45.01 My Pick: South Carolina 41-13 Line: South Carolina -16
#19 Arizona State (45.26) at New Mexico (1.38) (HFA:1.95), 6:00 pm CBSSN: New Mexico hosts Airzona State in the battle for, well, 1/4 of the southwest bragging rigths, maybe? Arizona State should romp here and get their young players on both sides of the ball another week of getting comfortable as the bigger games continue to loom on the horizon. For New Mexico keeping it close for three quarters would be a step in the right direction. Power Pick: Arizona State by 41.92 My Pick: Arizona State 38-3 Line: Arizona State -25
Michigan (34) at #17 Notre Dame (39.43) (HFA:4.79), 6:30 pm NBC: Michigan and Notre Dame face off in their annual rivalry game that is about to end because Notre Dame says so... ok? Michigan looked, dare I say it, competent on offense. And the defense whipped up a strong performance versus App State but Notre Dame will be a much stronger test. Everrett Golson is back at the helm for Notre Dame and that is the difference in this game. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 10.22 My Pick: Notre Dame 35-34 Line: Notre Dame -4
BYU (20.17) at Texas (30.96) (HFA:5.33), 6:30 pm Fox Sports 1: This game was much clearer after the games ended last week and then... everyone on the Texas offense got hurt, suspended or concussed. I still think the Texas defense is improved enough under Smart to shut down BYU but this isn't the coast it was a couple days ago. Power Pick: Texas by 16.12 My Pick: Texas 24-21 Line: BYU -1
Virginia Tech (31.69) at #5 Ohio State (42.2) (HFA:5.55), 7:00 pm ESPN: Virginia Tech travels west to face off against Ohio State. The Buckeyes were sloppy week one against Navy and it to Barrett and company time to work into for but they pulled away late and have enough talent to be close to what they would have been with Miller. Bud Foster will have a stingy defense as always and the DBs should grow into wonderful players but they are still very young and raw. I think Ohio State wins a slogfest that gets twitter screaming about the game getting set back. Power Pick: Ohio State by 16.06 My Pick: Ohio State 20-14
San Diego State (17.92) at #23 North Carolina (33.99) (HFA:3.53), 7:00 pm ESPNEWS: North Carolina looked bad against Liberty into the second half but figured it out in the third and left them in the dust. Against San Diego State they need to show that that is an anomaly and not that this team has trouble getting up on game day. Power Pick: North Carolina by 19.6 My Pick: North Carolina 24-10 Line: North Carolina -15
Memphis (18.21) at #7 UCLA (60.91) (HFA:3.83), 9:00 pm Pac-12 Net: Memphis won 62-0 over Austin Peay but UCLA presents a much tougher test. UCLA shoudl romp even with the offensive line issues that flared up in a very ominous way against Virginia. If they can control Memphis and start a meaningful matruation of the line then this will be a very good UCLA team. Power Pick: UCLA by 46.53 My Pick: UCLA 35-13 Line: UCLA -23.5
Thursday, September 4th, 2014:
Arizona (41.75) at UTSA (38.12) (HFA:2), 7:00 pm Fox Sports 1: This one snuck up on me this week with the holiday and other life events but is a welcome addition to a football Thursday to pair with the Seattle-Green Bay game. UTSA comes into this game off a schlacking of Houston on the road in week one. UTSA has talent and seniority and by god Larry Coker can coach. Arizona for their part beat UNLV by 45 and showed that offense under Rich Rod is ready to roll. The big questions here and the ones I am most excited to answer are whether the Arizona defense will be up to snuff and how much of the UTSA showing in week 1 was a Houston team that was meh and how much is a UTSA team that's gonna sneak up on a lot of people throughout the season. Power Pick: Arizona by 1.63 My Pick: Arizona 31-27 Line: Arizona -7
Saturday, September 6th, 2014:
FAU (7.93) at #2 Alabama (41) (HFA:5.45), 11:00 am SEC Network: Alabama moves forward from a challenge againt West Virginia to a challenge against boredom and known Saban rival, bored and over this game Alabama fans. This shouldn't be much of a test for Alabama and won't tell us much about either side in the contest. Power Pick: Alabama by 38.52 My Pick: Alabama 52-16 Line: Alabama -40.5
#4 Oklahoma (55.14)at Tulsa (14.11) (HFA:1.98), 11:00 am ABC/ESPN2: Oklahoma heads to Tulsa who is off a win over rival Tulane in week 1. Oklahoma trashed Louisiana Tech and looked good but we won't really know how that defense is gonna look till it gets tested. Oklahoma should romp again and being on the road shouldn't be too tough two hours up the road in Tulsa. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 39.06 My Pick: Oklahoma 45-20 Line: Oklahoma -24.5
#20 Kansas State (25.66) at Iowa State (19.83) (HFA:4.04), 11:00 Fox Sports 1: Kansas State travels to AMES!!! The place where dreams go to die, both literally and figuratively. Kansa State is a dark horse for many, I'm not so high. I think they're good but infallible no. Iowa State lost to North Dakota State because, they were stupid enough to schedule North Dakota State. Kansas State made the same mistake last year and look where they are now. Power Pick: Kansa State by 1.79 My Pick: Kansas State 24-10 Line: Kansas State -11.5
#24 Missouri (46.22) at Toledo (28.82) (HFA:2.29), 11:00 am ESPN: Missouri heads to Toledo in one of the more striking road trips of the week (and that's saying something). Both teams crushed FCS opponents week one and told us absolutely nothing. Toledo should be one of the best teams in the MAC and some Saturday mornin' MACtion could be in order. Missouri looks like a strong regression candidate but I think they pull out a squeaker in Toledo. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.1 My Pick: Missuori 24-21 Line: Missouri -4
Eastern Washington at #25 Washington, 2:05 pm Pac-12 Net: A rambling sports first for me, I never include FCS versus top 25 matchups but with Eastern Washignton being number two in the FBS poll one point behind North Dakota State I think this is a very good test for Washington.The other thing I won't be doing is putting my power ranks on it because I don't figure a rank for the FCS squads. Eastern Washington should be a better test than Hawaii last year and if Washington isn't rounded into shape this is a loss. My Pick: Washington 42-38
#15 USC (52.85) at #11 Stanford (46.33) (HFA:3.78), 2:30 pm ABC: Normal timed Pac-12 top 15 conference action between the Trojans and Cardinal. Outside of the rankings this is an intriguing matchup, USC upset Stanford late in the year. USC got rid of Lane Kiffin at the helm and brought in Steve Sarkisian who led the Trojans to a dismantling of Fresno State in week 1. USC is one of the most talented starting units in the country but the depth is still feeling the effects of recruiting sanctions. Stanford lost it's defensive coordinator but has a bunch of talent returning in the front seven and a QB-receving corps combo that will surprise many. Power Pick: USC by 2.75 My Pick: Stanford 28-24 Line: Stanford -2.5
#18 Ole Miss (46.97) at Vanderbilt (26.66) (HFA:3.2), 3:30 pm ESPN: Ole Miss heads to Vandy and looks to repeat what Temple did in Nashville. I don't think anything else needs to be said. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 17.11 My Pick: Ole Miss 45-24 Line: Ole Miss -19.5
#8 Michigan State (44.46) at #3 Oregon (63.3) (HFA:4.31), 5:30 pm FOX: The marquee game of the weekend is Michigan State's visit to Oregon. Michigan State boasts Pat Narduzzi and a defense that was best in the country at stopping offenses against Mark Helfrich and an offense that was good at being succesful but just a tick off the old Kelly offenses. It's cliche but Mariota and Cook are the keys to this game. Mariota's running ability and the ability to make smart decisions with the football should keep Oregon on the field and give their defense positive field position. Cook got better every week last season and by all accounts showed flashes of some great traits and continued growth against Jacksonville State. If Michigan State can force Mariota into mistakes and Cook can beat a talented secondary through the air Michigan State has all too real chance to win. Power Pick: Oregon by 23.15 My Pick: Oregon 38-34 Line: Oregon -13.5
San Jose State (12.33) at #6 Auburn (67.47) (HFA:4.84), 6:00 pm ESPN2: San Jose State goes to Auburn and I don't think we see a second straight team hang around on the plains in the first half. Power Pick: Auburn by 59.97 My Pick: Auburn 66-13 Line: Auburn -32
Editor's Note: This is as far as I got before the Thursday game, look for the rest later tonight or tomorrow morning. 7:00 pm 9/4
East Carolina (16.31) at #9 South Carolina (56.47) (HFA:4.85), 6:00 pm ESPNU: South Carolina disappointed week one when visiting Texas A&M just romped a young Gamecock secondary. East Carolina presents a slightly lesser threat. ECU is set for their first big test after beating NC Central last week but just doesn't have the talent or experience to put too much of a scare into Spurrier, et.al. Power Pick: South Carolina by 45.01 My Pick: South Carolina 41-13 Line: South Carolina -16
#19 Arizona State (45.26) at New Mexico (1.38) (HFA:1.95), 6:00 pm CBSSN: New Mexico hosts Airzona State in the battle for, well, 1/4 of the southwest bragging rigths, maybe? Arizona State should romp here and get their young players on both sides of the ball another week of getting comfortable as the bigger games continue to loom on the horizon. For New Mexico keeping it close for three quarters would be a step in the right direction. Power Pick: Arizona State by 41.92 My Pick: Arizona State 38-3 Line: Arizona State -25
Michigan (34) at #17 Notre Dame (39.43) (HFA:4.79), 6:30 pm NBC: Michigan and Notre Dame face off in their annual rivalry game that is about to end because Notre Dame says so... ok? Michigan looked, dare I say it, competent on offense. And the defense whipped up a strong performance versus App State but Notre Dame will be a much stronger test. Everrett Golson is back at the helm for Notre Dame and that is the difference in this game. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 10.22 My Pick: Notre Dame 35-34 Line: Notre Dame -4
BYU (20.17) at Texas (30.96) (HFA:5.33), 6:30 pm Fox Sports 1: This game was much clearer after the games ended last week and then... everyone on the Texas offense got hurt, suspended or concussed. I still think the Texas defense is improved enough under Smart to shut down BYU but this isn't the coast it was a couple days ago. Power Pick: Texas by 16.12 My Pick: Texas 24-21 Line: BYU -1
Virginia Tech (31.69) at #5 Ohio State (42.2) (HFA:5.55), 7:00 pm ESPN: Virginia Tech travels west to face off against Ohio State. The Buckeyes were sloppy week one against Navy and it to Barrett and company time to work into for but they pulled away late and have enough talent to be close to what they would have been with Miller. Bud Foster will have a stingy defense as always and the DBs should grow into wonderful players but they are still very young and raw. I think Ohio State wins a slogfest that gets twitter screaming about the game getting set back. Power Pick: Ohio State by 16.06 My Pick: Ohio State 20-14
San Diego State (17.92) at #23 North Carolina (33.99) (HFA:3.53), 7:00 pm ESPNEWS: North Carolina looked bad against Liberty into the second half but figured it out in the third and left them in the dust. Against San Diego State they need to show that that is an anomaly and not that this team has trouble getting up on game day. Power Pick: North Carolina by 19.6 My Pick: North Carolina 24-10 Line: North Carolina -15
Memphis (18.21) at #7 UCLA (60.91) (HFA:3.83), 9:00 pm Pac-12 Net: Memphis won 62-0 over Austin Peay but UCLA presents a much tougher test. UCLA shoudl romp even with the offensive line issues that flared up in a very ominous way against Virginia. If they can control Memphis and start a meaningful matruation of the line then this will be a very good UCLA team. Power Pick: UCLA by 46.53 My Pick: UCLA 35-13 Line: UCLA -23.5
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Rambling's 2014 Week 1 CFB Recap
Thursday, August 28th, 2014:
Thursday started off a bit rough, Texas A&M romped and surprised many of it's even staunchest supporters beating South Carolina 52-28 on the road. I thought it'd be a close game and maybe a bit sloppy but Kenny Hill and crew came out and executed against a young Gamecock secondary. The second game went a little bit better. No Ole Miss didn't romp on Boise like the final score suggests but they did a great job when backed into their own endzone and executed late to pull away from a Boise team that looks like trouble as the season progresses. Thursday's Results: PP (1-1 ATS, 1-1 SU) Me (2-0 ATS, 1-1 SU)
Saturday, August 30th, 2014:
Early footballa and I both envy and don't envy west coast college football fans. Penn State-UCF was what we thought it was going to be a rough day for the lines. The surprise was the play of Holman who replaced DeNovo at halftime and led a much more potent attack for UCF. Ohio State, UCLA and Notre Dame all followed similar scripts struggling early and pulling away in the second half. Of those, UCLA is the most worrisome as the line was very meh and Hundley didn't handle the pressure well. Nebraska, USC, Oklahoma all just ran away from overmatched opponnents. Auburn beat Arkansas by 24 but Arkansas impressed keeping up with Auburn for the entire first half and looking fiesty on offense with work to do on defense. Florida State struggled wtih Oklahoma State for most of the game and didn't look like the far and away number one team in the land. Oklahoma State was very impresssive and looks to be moving forward on defense well enough to hold Florida State in check. LSU-Wisconsin was about what we thought and that is all I have to say without ranting for a thousand words. Washington was the most worrisome team of the weekend only beating Hawaii by a point on the road. I will hold my judgements of Washington for a week or two with Cyler Myles back but they are on notice.
Friday's Results: PP (7-5 ATS, 10-2 SU) Me (6-6 ATS, 11-1 SU)
Sunday, August 31st, 2014:
The mid-major squads didn't perform all that well Sunday as both fell by at least 20 points. The real stories are the injury of Bryce Petty (hopefully healthy sooner than later) and Tennessee looking very good against a Utah State team that may just be Chuckie Keeton doing his best Atlas impression.
Sunday's Results: PP (2-0 ATS, 2-0 SU) Me (1-1 ATS, 2-0 SU)
Monday, September 1st, 2014:
Louisville was by far the better team on the field against Miami but both teams showed that they have sizeable flaws.
Monday's Results: PP (0-1 ATS, 1-0 SU) Me (0-1 ATS, 1-0 SU)
Week 1 Results: PP (10-7 ATS, 14-3 SU) Me (9-8 ATS, 15-2 SU) Overall a pretty good week and with a lot of cupcakes that is to be expected but it's always nice to start off well.
Thursday started off a bit rough, Texas A&M romped and surprised many of it's even staunchest supporters beating South Carolina 52-28 on the road. I thought it'd be a close game and maybe a bit sloppy but Kenny Hill and crew came out and executed against a young Gamecock secondary. The second game went a little bit better. No Ole Miss didn't romp on Boise like the final score suggests but they did a great job when backed into their own endzone and executed late to pull away from a Boise team that looks like trouble as the season progresses. Thursday's Results: PP (1-1 ATS, 1-1 SU) Me (2-0 ATS, 1-1 SU)
Saturday, August 30th, 2014:
Early footballa and I both envy and don't envy west coast college football fans. Penn State-UCF was what we thought it was going to be a rough day for the lines. The surprise was the play of Holman who replaced DeNovo at halftime and led a much more potent attack for UCF. Ohio State, UCLA and Notre Dame all followed similar scripts struggling early and pulling away in the second half. Of those, UCLA is the most worrisome as the line was very meh and Hundley didn't handle the pressure well. Nebraska, USC, Oklahoma all just ran away from overmatched opponnents. Auburn beat Arkansas by 24 but Arkansas impressed keeping up with Auburn for the entire first half and looking fiesty on offense with work to do on defense. Florida State struggled wtih Oklahoma State for most of the game and didn't look like the far and away number one team in the land. Oklahoma State was very impresssive and looks to be moving forward on defense well enough to hold Florida State in check. LSU-Wisconsin was about what we thought and that is all I have to say without ranting for a thousand words. Washington was the most worrisome team of the weekend only beating Hawaii by a point on the road. I will hold my judgements of Washington for a week or two with Cyler Myles back but they are on notice.
Friday's Results: PP (7-5 ATS, 10-2 SU) Me (6-6 ATS, 11-1 SU)
Sunday, August 31st, 2014:
The mid-major squads didn't perform all that well Sunday as both fell by at least 20 points. The real stories are the injury of Bryce Petty (hopefully healthy sooner than later) and Tennessee looking very good against a Utah State team that may just be Chuckie Keeton doing his best Atlas impression.
Sunday's Results: PP (2-0 ATS, 2-0 SU) Me (1-1 ATS, 2-0 SU)
Monday, September 1st, 2014:
Louisville was by far the better team on the field against Miami but both teams showed that they have sizeable flaws.
Monday's Results: PP (0-1 ATS, 1-0 SU) Me (0-1 ATS, 1-0 SU)
Week 1 Results: PP (10-7 ATS, 14-3 SU) Me (9-8 ATS, 15-2 SU) Overall a pretty good week and with a lot of cupcakes that is to be expected but it's always nice to start off well.
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