My favorite two weeks coupled together are right now with Rivalry week and Championship week back to back I'm looking to bounce back this week and look forward to the Thanksgiving weekend of sports both football and baseball. Now on to the picks....
Thursday, November 24th, 2011:
#25 Texas at Texas A&M, 7:00 pm ESPN, I'm not sure how Texas is still in the top 25, they lost each of the last two weeks and their best win is either BYU or Iowa State which is to say a middling team. Texas A&M looked like a top 10-15 team to start the year but has fallen flat in the second halves of games this season and appears to be a much better team than their record would show. Winner: Texas A&M ATS: Texas A&M -8
Friday, November 25th, 2011:
#8 Houston at Tulsa, 11:00 am, Houston's first of two tests happens this week in a square off for the C-USA West crown this week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Houston is the odds on favorite here but a closer examination of Tulsa gives us a team that has only lost to top 10 teams this season (Oklahoma, Boise, Oklahoma State) and has only had one other game decided by under 17 points. Could Houston be looking ahead to the C-USA championship game thinking they have a cake walk in Tulsa and is Tulsa better than anyone thinks. Winner: Tulsa ATS: Tulsa +3
Iowa at #21 Nebraska, 11:00 am ABC, Both these teams are enigmas, Iowa has played very well at points but then has a loss to Minnesota. Nebraska on the other hand can be described by two games, the blowout at Wisconsin and the win over Michigan State. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Iowa +9.5
#3 Arkansas at #1 LSU, 1:30 pm CBS, This game will decide who wins the SEC West one way or another and more than likely shape the BCS Championship game. LSU has the best resume in the country, with the best win, at Alabama, and a still very good non-con win against Oregon. Arkansas has only the loss at Alabama on their resume with their best wins over underwhelming A&M and Auburn teams or a South Carolina team without Marcus Lattimore. Winner: LSU ATS: Arkansas +13.5
Pittsburgh at West Virginia, 6:00 pm ESPN, Let me preface this pick by saying, my track record on Big East picks this year has been horrendous. The Backyard Brawl has produced some great games through the years the most memorable to me is the '07 version of the game that shook up the BCS. Both teams are nearing the end of year 1 of new regimes and West Virginia looks to be in better shape. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia -7
Saturday, November 26th, 2011:
Iowa State at #9 Oklahoma, 11:00 am FX, Iowa State is coming off the match that lit the powder keg last week over Oklahoma State and Oklahoma is coming off an upset loss to Baylor and both should come out a little sluggish. I don't think Iowa State has enough to hang on in this game as the emotional letdown should be too much to overcome. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Iowa State +28
#13 Georgia at #23 Georgia Tech, 11:00 am ESPN, I don't have much to say on this game neither team is a top 10 team and Georgia may be more focused on LSU/Alabama/Arkansas next week. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia Tech +5.5
#14 Michigan State at Northwestern, 11:00 am BTN, Michigan State is on upset alert for the same reason Clemson should have been last week for me, they have nothing to play for after clinching their title game berth. Winner: Michigan State ATS: Michigan State -6.5
Ohio State at #15 Michigan, 11:00 am ABC, This years addition of The Game isn't lacking for story lines but won't be a great game on the field one team is trending up and one town but both are average at best. Winner: Michigan ATS: Ohio State +7
Wyoming at #7 Boise State, 1:00 pm, Wyoming is a solid MWC team but Boise is a good team in any conference. (even yours SEC fans) Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -33.5
#2 Alabama at #24 Auburn, 2:30 pm CBS, If you follow college football at all then all you need to hear is Roll Tide... War Eagle, if not just type in either slogan and read posts that show up and you'll get what is up. Winner: Alabama ATS: Auburn +21
#5 Virginia Tech at Virginia, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, The surprise of the year has to be the improvements made in year two of the Mike London era at Virginia, the Cavaliers are developing a stingy attitude to them that will challenge just about any team in the conference and most across the nation. Virginia Tech just keeps chugging along after the early loss to Clemson and the offense is continuing to come around after a slow start, the defense is uncharacteristically average for a Bud Foster led squad. Winner: Virginia Tech ATS: Virginia Tech -4.5
Oregon State at #10 Oregon, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I know this is the Civil War but, ummmmm....yeah. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon State +28
#19 Penn State at #16 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ESPN, This is the match-up I expected coming into the season that would decide the Big Ten Leaders division and it matches up a great rushing attack against a top 10 defense in the country that has one of the best DTs in Still, if the Badgers are with Konz and Wagner however this game will be a major struggle for the Badgers. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Penn State +15
Texas Tech vs #18 Baylor, 6:00 pm, Tech is really bad. RG3 is really, really good. Winner: Baylor ATS: Baylor -13
#17 Clemson at #12 South Carolina, 6:45 pm ESPN, The Battle for South Carolina should be a very good game but a Lattimore-less team isn't #12 in the country and should be in for one heck of a fight when the Tigers come to town. Clemson is coming off a major letdown against a horrible Boston College team last week and doesn't appear to have a lot to play for. Winner: South Carolina ATS: Clemson +4
#22 Notre Dame at #6 Stanford, 7:00 pm ABC, Notre Dame isn't the 22nd best team in the country and I'm not completely sure that Stanford is the 6th but I am more sure that they are indeed a top 15 team at worst with the best quarterback in the country. Notre Dame had issues against a jump ball passer in Denard Robinson and those struggles should be tenfold against Andrew Luck. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford -7
UCLA at USC, 9:00 pm, The best team in the Pac-12 faces off against the current Pac-12 South representative to the championship game. Neuheisel, only a couple weeks removed from being fired now has a chance to have his team in a position that would likely make him unfireable for another year. Lane Kiffin, much like Matt Barkley for the Heisman, is being overlooked for the coach of the year award. I will concede he has a large amount of talent but he has kept a young team focused after a rough start to have a legitimate claim to being the best team in the country. Winner: USC ATS: -14
Showing posts with label BCS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BCS. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Rambling's Week 12 CFB Recap
A fun week of college football as some meh games became upsets or much better games as anticipated, and turmoil became the name by which this week will be referred. Without further ado let's look back on the week that was.
Thursday, November 17th, 2011:
North Carolina at #8 Virginia Tech, 7:00 pm EPSN, With this win Virginia Tech is now one win over Virginia away from a berth in the ACC Championship game for the fifth time in the last seven seasons. North Carolina is a good team again this year and continues to feel the effects of last summers NCAA issues. Winner: 1-0 ATS: 0-1
#20 Southern Miss at UAB, 7:00 pm, Just as Southern Miss was starting to gain traction with the national media they lay a complete egg against a far inferior UAB team. Southern Miss should still win the East division but looks a little less daunting to Houston's undefeated bid. Winner: 1-1 ATS: 0-2
Friday, November 18th, 2011:
#2 Oklahoma State at Iowa State, 7:00 pm ESPN, Winner: 1-2 ATS: 1-2
Saturday, November 19th, 2011:
Indiana at #15 Michigan State, 11:00 am BTN, Indiana looks to be making strides under Kevin Wilson but it will be a few years before they make any real noise in the Big Ten Legends division. Michigan State has secured a place in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game against the winner of Penn State-Wisconsin this weekend. Winner: 2-2 ATS: 2-2
#16 Nebraska at #18 Michigan, 11:00 am ESPN, Nebraska has been a disappointment even if a bit overrated by most of us coming into the season. Michigan continues to surprise by putting together a much more complete season than anyone outside of Ann Arbor would have expected.Winner: 2-3 ATS: 2-3
#17 Wisconsin at Illinois, 11:00 am ESPN2 Wisconsin dropped behind by two scores on the road for the third time this season, unlike the previous two they were able to pull all the way back and win comfortably in Champagne. Illinois continues to crash since a 6-0 start to the season. Winner: 3-3 ATS: 2-4
Louisville at Connecticut, 11:00 am, If anyone out there can explain the Big East this season I would love to hear the theory on what this conference is. I would also like to hear anyone who thinks that they still deserve a BCS bid. this did nothing to determine who gets the BCS bid. Winner: 3-4 ATS: 2-5
Cincinnati at Rutgers, 11:00 am ESPNU, Cincinnati blew their chance to separate from the pack in the Big East but a loss in Piscataway helps to muddle it even further. Winner: 3-5 ATS: 2-6
Kentucky at #14 Georgia, 11:21 am SEC Network, Georgia locks up a berth in the SEC championship game while struggling with the Wildcats furthering the belief that the SEC East is the far inferior league in the SEC. Georgia will be the last test before the National Championship Game for the winner of the SEC West. Winner: 4-5 ATS: 2-7
Mississippi State at #6 Arkansas, 2:30 pm CBS, Mississippi State has been the biggest disappointment to me this season as I thought they would be primed to challenge LSU and Alabama in the SEC West this season. Arkansas now sets themselves up for a shot at the West crown but an uphill battle to say the least to get there with this weeks game in Baton Rouge. Winner: 5-5 ATS: 3-7
#7 Clemson at North Carolina State, 2:30 pm ESPN/ABC, We have a Clemsoning by the Tigers the week after locking up a berth in the ACC Championship Game. That is all. Winner: 5-6 ATS: 3-8
SMU at #11 Houston, 2:30 pm, SMU hasn't been as good as expected this year and was much less of a hinderence to Houston leading up to the C-USA West showdown with Tulsa this week. Houston looks to gain some respect nationally as one of only two undefeated teams along with LSU. Winner: 6-6 ATS: 3-9
Colorado State at #19 TCU, 2:30 pm Versus, ummm... yeah, TCU continues to mature as a team in front of our eyes. Winner: 7-6 ATS: 4-9
#21 Penn State at Ohio State, 2:30 pm ESPN/ABC, With the Wisconsin win earlier in the day over Illinois this game meant absolutely nothing as far as the Big Ten Leaders division was concerned as neither a win nor a loss made the winner certain. Penn State however looked like a different team with a weight off their shoulders and showed some more diversity on offense. Ohio State continues to lack the continuity it has shown over the past decade. Unfortunately it is not likely to get better any time soon. Winner: 7-7 ATS: 5-9
#1 LSU at Ole Miss, 6:00 pm ESPN, ummmm... Yeah.Winner: 8-7 ATS: 6-9
Virginia at #25 Florida State, 6:30 pm ESPN2, Florida State's season has been a couple series of good followed by the lowest lows of the season. Virginia has a chance to make the title game but must go through rival Virginia Tech to get there. Winner: 8-8 ATS: 7-9
USC at #4 Oregon, 7:00 pm ABC, Oregon still controls its destiny and should still be the Pac-12 representative in the Rose Bowl, however, USC is the best team in the conference in my opinion as Lane Kiffin's team has matured really well as the season has aged. Like him or not this is a very good coaching job by Kiffin especially without much of carrot to dangle in front of his team. Winner: 8-9 ATS: 8-9
#5 Oklahoma at #22 Baylor, 7:00 pm ABC, At least it wasn't at home again. RG3 should be a candidate for the Heisman as he has truly been exemplary this season for the Baylor Bears. Winner: 8-10 ATS: 8-10
#10 Boise State at San Diego State, 7:00 pm, Coming off of a crushing defeat to TCU Boise responded well on the road and took care of business against San Diego State. SDSU on the other hand has regressed this season with a new coach do to the departure of Brady Hoke. Winner: 9-10 ATS: 8-11
#13 Kansas State at #23 Texas, 7:00 pm FX, If someone can explain how Texas was favored in this game I would love to hear it because nothing that the Longhorns have done this year warrants them being a favorite over the Wildcats. Winner: 10-10 ATS: 9-11
California at #9 Stanford, 9:15 pm ESPN, Stanford took care of business against their rival but need another Oregon loss to represent the Pac-12 North in the title game and most likely the Rose Bowl this season. With Andrew Luck's career most likely in it's twilight let's try to enjoy it while it is still around. Winner: 11-10 ATS: 9-12
Rough week with a myriad of upsets and the F*#@$& Big East I struggled a bit but look to bounce back next week as we are now just two weeks from conference championship Saturday. On the season I am now 204-53 on winners and 120-107-4 ATS. No more poll recaps as I don't think much can be learned right now but will be looking to put a second blog out the next couple weeks.
Rough week with a myriad of upsets and the F*#@$& Big East I struggled a bit but look to bounce back next week as we are now just two weeks from conference championship Saturday. On the season I am now 204-53 on winners and 120-107-4 ATS. No more poll recaps as I don't think much can be learned right now but will be looking to put a second blog out the next couple weeks.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Rambling's Week 11 CFB Picks
I'm ready for some football after the scandals that came out this week at Penn State (Most important) and UCF to a much much lesser extent. Remember all times are central and that comments are greatly appreciated...
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011:
Miami (OH) at Temple, 7:00 pm ESPN, Temple is a half game back of both Ohio and Miami (OH) but they can put themselves in a position to take advantage of an Ohio slip up with a win this season. Miami (OH) has been a bit of a surprise with a new coach and turnover at multiple positions but right now has themselves in a good spot to make it to the conference championship game again this year. Winner: Miami (OH) ATS: Miami (OH) +13
Thursday, November 10th, 2011:
#10 Virginia Tech at #21 Georgia Tech, 7:00 pm ESPN, Georgia Tech is right there with Texas for most overrated, they run the triple option which allows them to sneak up on teams especially in non-conference but Virginia Tech and Bud Foster have seen this for the past couple years and shouldn't be too surprised by anything on Thursday. Winner: Virginia Tech ATS: Virginia Tech -1
#11 Houston at Tulane, 7:00 pm, until the final regular season game and the conference title game, the Cougars shouldn't be tested by anyone in C-USA. Winner: Houston ATS: Houston -34
Saturday, November 12th, 2011:
#2 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, 11:00 am ABC, Texas Tech left it's game in Norman, Oklahoma and hasn't shown a glimmer of that same team the last two weeks against Texas and Iowa State. Oklahoma State rolls here. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State -17
Wake Forest at #9 Clemson, 11:00 am ESPNU, Clemson is coming off a bye after their road loss to Georgia Tech and they should be raring to go but Wake has shown they have a bit of the upset bug in them and should put up a fight in Death Valley. Winner: Clemson ATS: Wake Forest +16.5
#19 Nebraska at #12 Penn State, 11:00 am ESPN, Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -3
Florida at #13 South Carolina, 11:00 am CBS, South Carolina would have been at least a two score favorite for this game with Marcus Lattimore but this game should be tight in to the fourth quarter but should be able to pull out a W. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina -3.5
#16 Texas at Missouri, 11:00 am FX, Missouri has been a challenge for good teams in the Big XII and Texas won't be any different. Texas comes in almost as overrated as they were coming into the Oklahoma game and Texas is going to have issues going point for point with Missouri. Winner: Missouri ATS: Missouri +1
#17 Michigan State at Iowa, 11:00 am ESPN2, Can Iowa do it two weeks in a row and knock off a Legends division competitor and continue to stay in the division race even after a loss to Minnesota. Will Michigan State look better than it did against the Gophers and be able to block out the memory of last years loss in Kinnick Stadium. Winner: Iowa ATS: Iowa +2.5
West Virginia at #23 Cincinnati, 11:00 am ABC, I'm done supporting West Virginia as they have laid eggs on their way to screwing up their Big East chances coming into this weeks match-up with conference leader Cincinnati. Winner: Cincinnati ATS: Cincinnati -3.5
Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State, 2:00 pm, This game is ULLs last conference game and sets up a 3 way race that will be decided by Arkansas State and Western Kentucky the rest of the year. Winner: Arkansas State ATS: ULL +11
TCU at #5 Boise State, 2:30 pm Versus, TCU has looked forward to this game all week and has become a better team if not what they have been in the past couple years. Boise State has been very good this season and should be able to take advantage of the weaknesses of the TCU Secondary. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -16
Texas A&M at #14 Kansas State, 2:30 pm ABC, Kansas State is coming off of back to back losses to the Oklahoma schools but gets the perfect hangover cure in the Aggies from College Station. Kansas State looks like a team growing up as it got beat the last two weeks. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State +4.5
#20 Auburn at #15 Georgia, 2:30 pm CBS, Georgia is in the drivers seat in the SEC East after South Carolina's lost last week but should be challenged by Auburn this week in a game that will be closer than it appears at first glance considering Georgia's struggles this year against adequate competition. Winner: Georgia ATS: Auburn +13
#18 Wisconsin at Minnesota, 2:30 pm BTN, The Paul Bunyan Axe should reside in Madison for another year. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -27.5
#24 Michigan at Illinois, 2:30 pm ESPN/ABC, The Illini defense should be a tough test for the Wolverines offense that has stagnated against good competition this year. If the Illini offense can exploit holes in the Wolverines defense this game will come down to a handful of fourth quarter plays. Winner: Michigan ATS: Pk Michigan
Tennessee at #8 Arkansas, 5:00 pm ESPN2, With Tyler Bray still out Arkansas should have no real trouble with the Vols. Winner: Arkansas ATS: Arkansas -14.5
WKU at #1 LSU, 6:00 pm ESPNU, ummm, yeah... Winner: LSU ATS: WKU +41.5
#3 Alabama at Mississippi State, 6:45 pm ESPN, I thought that Mississippi State would be a much better team this year but it seems that they just can't climb that hill to routinely be a pest to the top tier of the SEC each year. Alabama is coming off a tough home loss to LSU which makes this a trap game for Alabama. Winner: Alabama ATS: Mississippi State +18
#7 Oregon at #4 Stanford, 7:00 pm ABC, Stanford bounded out to a quick lead last year but lost to Oregon on the way to the National Championship game. This year's game should be a barn burner once again as Oregon is finally getting healthy and Stanford is being hit with the injury bug. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon +3.5
UCF at #22 Southern Miss, 7:00 pm, Southern Miss has become a much more complete team as the year has gone along and this game against UCF should be no different as they are the more talented and better coached team on the field this week. UCF has been a major disappointment this season as they were expected to challenge for at least a division title in the East division of C-USA. Winner: Southern Miss ATS: Southern Miss -9
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011:
Miami (OH) at Temple, 7:00 pm ESPN, Temple is a half game back of both Ohio and Miami (OH) but they can put themselves in a position to take advantage of an Ohio slip up with a win this season. Miami (OH) has been a bit of a surprise with a new coach and turnover at multiple positions but right now has themselves in a good spot to make it to the conference championship game again this year. Winner: Miami (OH) ATS: Miami (OH) +13
Thursday, November 10th, 2011:
#10 Virginia Tech at #21 Georgia Tech, 7:00 pm ESPN, Georgia Tech is right there with Texas for most overrated, they run the triple option which allows them to sneak up on teams especially in non-conference but Virginia Tech and Bud Foster have seen this for the past couple years and shouldn't be too surprised by anything on Thursday. Winner: Virginia Tech ATS: Virginia Tech -1
#11 Houston at Tulane, 7:00 pm, until the final regular season game and the conference title game, the Cougars shouldn't be tested by anyone in C-USA. Winner: Houston ATS: Houston -34
Saturday, November 12th, 2011:
#2 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, 11:00 am ABC, Texas Tech left it's game in Norman, Oklahoma and hasn't shown a glimmer of that same team the last two weeks against Texas and Iowa State. Oklahoma State rolls here. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State -17
Wake Forest at #9 Clemson, 11:00 am ESPNU, Clemson is coming off a bye after their road loss to Georgia Tech and they should be raring to go but Wake has shown they have a bit of the upset bug in them and should put up a fight in Death Valley. Winner: Clemson ATS: Wake Forest +16.5
#19 Nebraska at #12 Penn State, 11:00 am ESPN, Winner: Nebraska ATS: Nebraska -3
Florida at #13 South Carolina, 11:00 am CBS, South Carolina would have been at least a two score favorite for this game with Marcus Lattimore but this game should be tight in to the fourth quarter but should be able to pull out a W. Winner: South Carolina ATS: South Carolina -3.5
#16 Texas at Missouri, 11:00 am FX, Missouri has been a challenge for good teams in the Big XII and Texas won't be any different. Texas comes in almost as overrated as they were coming into the Oklahoma game and Texas is going to have issues going point for point with Missouri. Winner: Missouri ATS: Missouri +1
#17 Michigan State at Iowa, 11:00 am ESPN2, Can Iowa do it two weeks in a row and knock off a Legends division competitor and continue to stay in the division race even after a loss to Minnesota. Will Michigan State look better than it did against the Gophers and be able to block out the memory of last years loss in Kinnick Stadium. Winner: Iowa ATS: Iowa +2.5
West Virginia at #23 Cincinnati, 11:00 am ABC, I'm done supporting West Virginia as they have laid eggs on their way to screwing up their Big East chances coming into this weeks match-up with conference leader Cincinnati. Winner: Cincinnati ATS: Cincinnati -3.5
Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State, 2:00 pm, This game is ULLs last conference game and sets up a 3 way race that will be decided by Arkansas State and Western Kentucky the rest of the year. Winner: Arkansas State ATS: ULL +11
TCU at #5 Boise State, 2:30 pm Versus, TCU has looked forward to this game all week and has become a better team if not what they have been in the past couple years. Boise State has been very good this season and should be able to take advantage of the weaknesses of the TCU Secondary. Winner: Boise State ATS: Boise State -16
Texas A&M at #14 Kansas State, 2:30 pm ABC, Kansas State is coming off of back to back losses to the Oklahoma schools but gets the perfect hangover cure in the Aggies from College Station. Kansas State looks like a team growing up as it got beat the last two weeks. Winner: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State +4.5
#20 Auburn at #15 Georgia, 2:30 pm CBS, Georgia is in the drivers seat in the SEC East after South Carolina's lost last week but should be challenged by Auburn this week in a game that will be closer than it appears at first glance considering Georgia's struggles this year against adequate competition. Winner: Georgia ATS: Auburn +13
#18 Wisconsin at Minnesota, 2:30 pm BTN, The Paul Bunyan Axe should reside in Madison for another year. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Wisconsin -27.5
#24 Michigan at Illinois, 2:30 pm ESPN/ABC, The Illini defense should be a tough test for the Wolverines offense that has stagnated against good competition this year. If the Illini offense can exploit holes in the Wolverines defense this game will come down to a handful of fourth quarter plays. Winner: Michigan ATS: Pk Michigan
Tennessee at #8 Arkansas, 5:00 pm ESPN2, With Tyler Bray still out Arkansas should have no real trouble with the Vols. Winner: Arkansas ATS: Arkansas -14.5
WKU at #1 LSU, 6:00 pm ESPNU, ummm, yeah... Winner: LSU ATS: WKU +41.5
#3 Alabama at Mississippi State, 6:45 pm ESPN, I thought that Mississippi State would be a much better team this year but it seems that they just can't climb that hill to routinely be a pest to the top tier of the SEC each year. Alabama is coming off a tough home loss to LSU which makes this a trap game for Alabama. Winner: Alabama ATS: Mississippi State +18
#7 Oregon at #4 Stanford, 7:00 pm ABC, Stanford bounded out to a quick lead last year but lost to Oregon on the way to the National Championship game. This year's game should be a barn burner once again as Oregon is finally getting healthy and Stanford is being hit with the injury bug. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon +3.5
UCF at #22 Southern Miss, 7:00 pm, Southern Miss has become a much more complete team as the year has gone along and this game against UCF should be no different as they are the more talented and better coached team on the field this week. UCF has been a major disappointment this season as they were expected to challenge for at least a division title in the East division of C-USA. Winner: Southern Miss ATS: Southern Miss -9
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Rambling's Week 10 CFB Picks
Starting this week in my picks I have decided to try and do my best to include games with, division and conference championship implications. I will still be focusing on the top 25 BCS teams... (all times central)
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2011:
Temple at Ohio, 7:00 pm ESPN, This game will give a good idea about who holds the cards in teh MAC-East. Temple currently holds a half game edge on the Bobcats and have the more impressive resume with a win over Maryland and putting up very good showing against Penn State. Ohio has some bad losses on it's resume and a propensity to give up points in bunches. Winner: Temple ATS: Temple -3.5
Saturday, November 5th, 2011:
#15 Michigan at Iowa, 11:00 am ESPN, Iowa has been a bit of an anomaly this season oscillating between really bad and alright. Michigan comes in with only one blemish on the resume being a road loss in East Landing. Iowa however has a way of sneaking up on teams and a young team coming off a bad loss to Minnesota should be ready to play if only on pride. Winner: Iowa ATS: Iowa +4
Minnesota at #17 Michigan State, 11:00 am BTN, Minnesota is bottom 5% of the nation bad and Michigan State is a real contender for the conference championship. Winner: Michigan State ATS: Michigan State -27.5
Texas Tech at #21 Texas, 11:00 am FX, I don't like this version of Texas, it is undoubtedly better than last years installment but I think this team is far too overrated because of how bad last years team was. Tech has been a tale of two teams, one beat Oklahoma and almost beat A&M and the other lost to Iowa State last week. This game should tell us a little more about these teams. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas Tech +12.5
Louisville at #24 West Virginia, 11:00 am, although West Virginia is a talented team it has a tendency to allow inferior teams to outplay them in the first half, a habit which will inexorably catch up to them in the near future. Louisville has been a major disappointment in the second year of the Charlie Strong era as it has taken a step back across the board. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia -14
New Mexico State at #18 Georgia, 11:30 am, ummm, yeah. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -35
TCU at Wyoming, 1:00 pm, you can see TCU starting to mature as the season passes the half way mark and under the guidance of Patterson they should continue to take steps forward but I don't think you can assume they'll blow out anyone other than the bottom tier of the MWC at this point. Wyoming sits at 2-0 in MWC standings and should challenge TCU into the second half as TCU looks forward to next weeks Boise game. Winner: TCU ATS: Wyoming +18.5
#4 Stanford at Oregon State, 2:30 pm ABC, Stanford is on a roll behind the Andrew Luck and that roll should continue this week as the Cardinal take their show to Corvallis. Oregon State has been horrible this season but should catch a Stanford team looking forward to a showdown with Oregon. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford +20.5
Texas A&M at #6 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, This game held a lot more intrigue at the beginning of the year, because of the talent returning for both squads, but A&M's inability to hold a lead and Oklahoma getting shocked by Texas Tech this match-up is good not great. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Texas A&M +13.5
Northwestern at #10 Nebraska, 2:30 pm BTN, Northwestern has been an okay defense away from being a very tough team to deal with in the Big Ten, however they have yet to show a pulse on the defensive side of the ball. Nebraska on the other hand has begun to play blackshirt defense the past couple of weeks as they continue in their quest towards the Big Ten Championship. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Northwestern +17
Purdue at #20 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I like Purdue and think they have more talent than they get credit for, but I just don't see enough to overcome a road game at Camp Randall against a hungry Badgers team. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Purdue +25.5
#25 Southern Miss at East Carolina, 3:00 pm, This isn't close Southern Miss walks away in this one. Winner: Southern Miss ATS: Southern Miss -9.5
#13 Houston at UAB, 6:00 pm, Second, ummm, yeah game of the week. Winner: Houston ATS: Houston -28
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 6:00 pm ESPNU, Cincinnati can take a big leap towards winning the Big East with a win at Heniz Field Saturday. Pittsburgh has looked very good and very bad at home and just lost their leading rusher for the year. Winner: Pittsburgh ATS: Pittsburgh +2.5
#9 South Carolina at #7 Arkansas, 6:15 pm ESPN, This game lost some of it's luster with the injury of Marcus Lattimore but neither of these teams has looked overly impressive as of late. Arkansas had to squeak out two wins over Ole Miss and Vandy the last two weeks and hasn't looked as good as many expected this season. South Caorlina's troubles come down to the lack of the elite talent of Lattimore being missing. This game should go a long way in the Gamecocks bid for the East title. Winner: Arkansas ATS: Arkansas -5.5
#19 Arizona State at UCLA, 6:30 pm Versus, the Neuheisel era has been an unmitigated disaster and this year has been no different. Arizona State has been very good on offense but off and on on defense even with a stud like Vontaze Burfict. Winner: Arizona State ATS: Arizona State -10
#1 LSU at #2 Alabama, 7:00 pm CBS, LSU and Alabama meet up in the most anticipated regular season match-up in a long time with neither team being an overwhelming favorite of the public coming in. So let's just break-down the edges for each team. Secondary: LSU, Linebackers: Alabama, D-Line: LSU, O-Line:Alabama, WRs: LSU, RBs: Alabama, QBs: Push, Special Teams: LSU, final count: LSU 4-3 Winner: LSU ATS: LSU +7
#14 Kansas State at #3 Oklahoma State, 7:00 pm ABC/ESPN, Kansas State looks like it may have been a fraud after last weeks beat down from Oklahoma and should be out to prove other wrong. Oklahoma State has looked better than expected this year and should have plenty of offense in this game, but I still have questions about the defense. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Kansas State +21
#5 Boise State at UNLV, 9:30 pm, UNLV isn't good, period. Winner: Boise State ATS: UNLV +41
#8 Oregon at Washington, 9:30 pm, Washington has been better in year 1 sans Locker but the defense has been what has been most disappointing this season. Oregon is injured on offense but the back-ups have proven more than able to pick up the slack. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -15.5
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State, 9:30 pm, This game will give us a clearer picture of the WAC in it's last year of even moderated relevance in college football. Fresno has played some solid and not so solid games against strong competition, while Tech has been gaining steam as the year goes on.Winner: Fresno State ATS: Fresno State -3.5
Please leave your thoughts and comments and I'll be back to recap the games and the rankings on Sunday.
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2011:
Temple at Ohio, 7:00 pm ESPN, This game will give a good idea about who holds the cards in teh MAC-East. Temple currently holds a half game edge on the Bobcats and have the more impressive resume with a win over Maryland and putting up very good showing against Penn State. Ohio has some bad losses on it's resume and a propensity to give up points in bunches. Winner: Temple ATS: Temple -3.5
Saturday, November 5th, 2011:
#15 Michigan at Iowa, 11:00 am ESPN, Iowa has been a bit of an anomaly this season oscillating between really bad and alright. Michigan comes in with only one blemish on the resume being a road loss in East Landing. Iowa however has a way of sneaking up on teams and a young team coming off a bad loss to Minnesota should be ready to play if only on pride. Winner: Iowa ATS: Iowa +4
Minnesota at #17 Michigan State, 11:00 am BTN, Minnesota is bottom 5% of the nation bad and Michigan State is a real contender for the conference championship. Winner: Michigan State ATS: Michigan State -27.5
Texas Tech at #21 Texas, 11:00 am FX, I don't like this version of Texas, it is undoubtedly better than last years installment but I think this team is far too overrated because of how bad last years team was. Tech has been a tale of two teams, one beat Oklahoma and almost beat A&M and the other lost to Iowa State last week. This game should tell us a little more about these teams. Winner: Texas ATS: Texas Tech +12.5
Louisville at #24 West Virginia, 11:00 am, although West Virginia is a talented team it has a tendency to allow inferior teams to outplay them in the first half, a habit which will inexorably catch up to them in the near future. Louisville has been a major disappointment in the second year of the Charlie Strong era as it has taken a step back across the board. Winner: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia -14
New Mexico State at #18 Georgia, 11:30 am, ummm, yeah. Winner: Georgia ATS: Georgia -35
TCU at Wyoming, 1:00 pm, you can see TCU starting to mature as the season passes the half way mark and under the guidance of Patterson they should continue to take steps forward but I don't think you can assume they'll blow out anyone other than the bottom tier of the MWC at this point. Wyoming sits at 2-0 in MWC standings and should challenge TCU into the second half as TCU looks forward to next weeks Boise game. Winner: TCU ATS: Wyoming +18.5
#4 Stanford at Oregon State, 2:30 pm ABC, Stanford is on a roll behind the Andrew Luck and that roll should continue this week as the Cardinal take their show to Corvallis. Oregon State has been horrible this season but should catch a Stanford team looking forward to a showdown with Oregon. Winner: Stanford ATS: Stanford +20.5
Texas A&M at #6 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, This game held a lot more intrigue at the beginning of the year, because of the talent returning for both squads, but A&M's inability to hold a lead and Oklahoma getting shocked by Texas Tech this match-up is good not great. Winner: Oklahoma ATS: Texas A&M +13.5
Northwestern at #10 Nebraska, 2:30 pm BTN, Northwestern has been an okay defense away from being a very tough team to deal with in the Big Ten, however they have yet to show a pulse on the defensive side of the ball. Nebraska on the other hand has begun to play blackshirt defense the past couple of weeks as they continue in their quest towards the Big Ten Championship. Winner: Nebraska ATS: Northwestern +17
Purdue at #20 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I like Purdue and think they have more talent than they get credit for, but I just don't see enough to overcome a road game at Camp Randall against a hungry Badgers team. Winner: Wisconsin ATS: Purdue +25.5
#25 Southern Miss at East Carolina, 3:00 pm, This isn't close Southern Miss walks away in this one. Winner: Southern Miss ATS: Southern Miss -9.5
#13 Houston at UAB, 6:00 pm, Second, ummm, yeah game of the week. Winner: Houston ATS: Houston -28
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 6:00 pm ESPNU, Cincinnati can take a big leap towards winning the Big East with a win at Heniz Field Saturday. Pittsburgh has looked very good and very bad at home and just lost their leading rusher for the year. Winner: Pittsburgh ATS: Pittsburgh +2.5
#9 South Carolina at #7 Arkansas, 6:15 pm ESPN, This game lost some of it's luster with the injury of Marcus Lattimore but neither of these teams has looked overly impressive as of late. Arkansas had to squeak out two wins over Ole Miss and Vandy the last two weeks and hasn't looked as good as many expected this season. South Caorlina's troubles come down to the lack of the elite talent of Lattimore being missing. This game should go a long way in the Gamecocks bid for the East title. Winner: Arkansas ATS: Arkansas -5.5
#19 Arizona State at UCLA, 6:30 pm Versus, the Neuheisel era has been an unmitigated disaster and this year has been no different. Arizona State has been very good on offense but off and on on defense even with a stud like Vontaze Burfict. Winner: Arizona State ATS: Arizona State -10
#1 LSU at #2 Alabama, 7:00 pm CBS, LSU and Alabama meet up in the most anticipated regular season match-up in a long time with neither team being an overwhelming favorite of the public coming in. So let's just break-down the edges for each team. Secondary: LSU, Linebackers: Alabama, D-Line: LSU, O-Line:Alabama, WRs: LSU, RBs: Alabama, QBs: Push, Special Teams: LSU, final count: LSU 4-3 Winner: LSU ATS: LSU +7
#14 Kansas State at #3 Oklahoma State, 7:00 pm ABC/ESPN, Kansas State looks like it may have been a fraud after last weeks beat down from Oklahoma and should be out to prove other wrong. Oklahoma State has looked better than expected this year and should have plenty of offense in this game, but I still have questions about the defense. Winner: Oklahoma State ATS: Kansas State +21
#5 Boise State at UNLV, 9:30 pm, UNLV isn't good, period. Winner: Boise State ATS: UNLV +41
#8 Oregon at Washington, 9:30 pm, Washington has been better in year 1 sans Locker but the defense has been what has been most disappointing this season. Oregon is injured on offense but the back-ups have proven more than able to pick up the slack. Winner: Oregon ATS: Oregon -15.5
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State, 9:30 pm, This game will give us a clearer picture of the WAC in it's last year of even moderated relevance in college football. Fresno has played some solid and not so solid games against strong competition, while Tech has been gaining steam as the year goes on.Winner: Fresno State ATS: Fresno State -3.5
Please leave your thoughts and comments and I'll be back to recap the games and the rankings on Sunday.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Rambling's Poll Recap (10/30/11)
The last poll recap of October was difficult but it's getting tougher to sort out anything outside of the top 10...
AP Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
AP Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
Coaches' Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Boise State
Harris Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
BCS Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
My Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Boise State, Oklahoma State, Stanford
AP Top 11-15: Houston, Penn State, Michigan State, Georgia, South Carolina
AP Top 6-10: Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Clemson, Virginia Tech
Coaches' Top 6-10: Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Clemson
Harris Top 6-10: Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Clemson, Virginia Tech
BCS Top 6-10: Oklahoma, Oregon, Arkansas, Clemson, Virginia Tech
My Top 6-10: Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Houston
AP Top 11-15: Houston, Penn State, Michigan State, Georgia, South Carolina
Coaches' Top 11-15: Houston, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, South Carolina
Harris Top 11-15: Houston, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Georgia
BCS Top 11-15: Houston, Penn State, South Carolina, Kansas State, Georgia
My Top 11-15: Clemson, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, South Carolina
AP Top 16-20: Wisconsin, Kansas State, USC, Nebraska, Georgia Tech
Coaches' Top 16-20: Georgia, Nebraska, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Texas
Harris Top 16-20: South Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas State, Georgia Tech, Texas
BCS Top 16-20: Texas, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Auburn
My Top 16-20: Southern Miss, Georgia, Nebraska, Kansas State, Texas
AP Top 21-25: Texas, Michigan, Cincinnati, Auburn, Southern Miss
Coaches' Top 21-25: Michigan, Kansas State, Southern Miss, TCU, Auburn
Harris Top 21-25: Michigan, Cincinnati, Southern Miss, Auburn, TCU
BCS Top 21-25: Georgia Tech, Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Michigan, Baylor
My Top 21-25: Cincinnati, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, TCU
Monday, October 24, 2011
Rambling's Poll Recap (10/23/11)
Week 8 is in the books and we have another Poll Recap with some shake ups this week as two top 5 teams went down this week and shook up the polls.
AP Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
Coaches' Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Boise State
Harris Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State
BCS Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Clemson
My Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Boise State, Stanford, Oklahoma State
The top 2 teams in the country have cemented themselves as the best teams of the year, while their match-up in two weeks is so big that CBS has made the late move to prime time slot. The rest of the top 5 seems to an agreement of Stanford, Oklahoma State, Boise State, except for the computers who still see the weak schedule of Stanford and is holding them out. Clemson sneaks into the BCS top 5 as they have a much stronger resume at this point of the season than Stanford.
AP 6-10: Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas, Michigan State, Kansas State
Coaches' 6-10: Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Michigan State
Harris 6-10: Clemson, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas State
BCS 6-10: Stanford, Oregon, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Arkansas
My 6-10: Clemson, Kansas State, Oregon, Michigan State, Arkansas
First let's get this out of the way, the Harris apparently feel that losing to a team that is unranked, a 29 point dog at home is cause to move down #3 to #9 but losing to the #16 team on a last second play on the road is subject to dropping #4 to #12. Now on to the rest Kansas State still rests below 3 1-loss teams in the AP, 5 1-loss teams in the Coaches', 3 1-loss teams in the Harris poll but only 1 in the BCS, I think the BCS has it as close to right. Other than that I think Arkansas, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Wisconsin can all be lumped in any order.
AP 11-15: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Coaches' 11-15: Wisconsin, Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Harris 11-15: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
BCS 11-15: Michigan State, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin
My 11-16: Wisconsin, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Nebraska
Positions 11-15 are pretty simple it's your left overs of one loss teams from AQ conferences with good victories on their resumes.
AP 16-20: Texas A&M, Michigan, Houston, Texas Tech, USC
Coaches' 16-20: Texas A&M, Michigan, Houston, Penn State, Arizona State
Harris 16-20: Michigan, Texas A&M, Houston, Penn State, Arizona State
BCS 16-20: Texas A&M, Houston, Michigan, Penn State, Texas Tech
My 16-20: Texas A&M, Houston, Penn State, Michigan, Southern Miss
The only team in this tier that I have a problem with is Arizona State, I mean what has ASU accomplished this season that says top 20 team. They've been blown out by Oregon, and lost to Illinois who isn't as good as anyone thought two weeks ago and they did beat USC by 21 at home but that's really all they've done. Houston is a team that still doesn't get a lot of respect for being undefeated but their best win is your pick of UCLA, Marshall or East Carolina.
AP 21-25: USC, Penn State, Georgia, Arizona State, Cincinnati, West Virginia
Coaches' 21-25: Georgia, Texas Tech, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Southern Miss
Harris 21-25: Texas Tech, Georgia, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Texas
BCS 21-25: Arizona State, Georgia, Auburn, Texas, West Virginia
My 21-25: Georgia, Texas Tech, USC, Cincinnati, Texas
Every week I think the toughest to rank is the bottom five of the top 25. who deserves to work its way up and to you drop teams that had bad losses out. I don't think that Texas and West Virginia deserve to be in with West Virginia being blown out by Syracuse and Texas doesn't have a good win on it's resume. I stated my dislike for Arizona State and although they can't play in the post-season I think USC is a top 25 team which yes helps ASU but not enough to warrant inclusion in my top 25.
Join me in the middle of the week to take a look at week 9 and see who I see winning and losing. As always your comments are appreciated and thank you for reading.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Rambling's Poll Recap (10/16/11)
Big week in the world of college football polls as the BCS standings came out today
AP Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Boise State
Coaches' Top 5: Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Wisconsin, Stanford
Harris Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Boise State
BCS Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Boise State
My Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Wisconsin
The team most discussed around the top 5 is Boise State, which despite winning and winning big has continued to slide in the eyes of the coaches. Stanford on the other hand has slid out of the top five everywhere except the coaches due to a very weak schedule with no marquee win. LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma still are the class of the top 5 and the BCS loves Oklahoma State most likely based on wins against A&M and Texas. Last top 5 thought can someone tell me why everyone loves Texas they've played two good teams and been beaten soundly in both.
AP 6-10: Oklahoma State, Stanford, Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas
Coaches' 6-10: Oklahoma State, Boise State, Clemson (Tied), Oregon (Tied), Arkansas
Harris 6-10: Oklahoma State, Stanford, Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas
BCS 6-10: Wisconsin, Clemson, Stanford, Arkansas, Oregon
My 6-10: Stanford, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson, Kansas State
I switched Oregon and Clemson because I think Oregon is a better team both on offense and defense. I have Kansas State the highest because they've impressed me with their victories over the past 4-5 weeks and have proven to deserve a low end top 10 rank. I understand the argument for Arkansas with teams in front of them losing this week but I just thought the undefeated Kansas State team was more worthy of the last spot in the top 10.
AP 11-15: West Virginia, Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Michigan State
Coaches' 11-15: Nebraska, South Carolina, Michigan State, West Virginia (Tied), Virginia Tech (Tied)
Harris 11-15: Nebraska, Kansas State, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan State
BCS 11-15: Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia
My 11-16: Arkansas, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, West Virginia
I think Nebraska & West Virginia are a little too high but I'm not sure where you can knock them down to right now seeing as they've both won the games they have been expected to win but none that you really say yeah that team has impressed me. South Carolina has impressed with a couple of victories but may be in some big trouble soon with the loss of their in offense in the form of Marcus Lattimore.
AP 16-20: Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, Michigan, Auburn
Coaches' 16-20: Kansas State, Michigan, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Houston
Harris 16-20: Virginia Tech, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Illinios
BCS 16-20: Michigan State, Texas A&M, Michigan, Houston
My 16-20: Texas A&M, Michigan State, Houston, Penn State, Georgia Tech
Apparently if you weren't highly thought of 7 weeks ago by the coaches you're nothing, Kansas State has done everything right except be highly thought of in the preseason. I don't understand the love for Michigan, in their one good win they beat a non-top 25 team that out-played them for most of the game. Otherwise I think the 16-20 range is pretty standard.
AP 21-25: Houston, Washington, Illinois, Arizona State (Tied), Georgia (Tied)
Coaches' 21-25: Illinois, Penn State, Auburn, Washington, Arizona State
Harris 21-25: Auburn, Houston, Arizona State, Penn State, Washington
BCS 21-25: Penn State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Texas, Washington
My 21-25: Michigan, Washington, SMU, Auburn, Illinois
This is the hardest tier each week to judge and rank because their is such similarity across the teams that you would put here. This week I gave the nods to Washington, SMU and Auburn to move into the top 25. Auburn moves back up because they have quality wins and their losses are games they were suppose to lose, Washington has been better than most expected especially on offense with Keith Price. SMU is the team that will surprise the most people so hear me out, their only loss is to a top 20 Texas A&M squad in the season opener, but their last two games have been a road victory over TCU and a home win over UCF the media non-AQ darling and a good team. SMU may make me look foolish in a tough road game at Southern Miss next week but I think this team has the opportunity to win Conference USA. Now for the teams I left out, what has Arizona State, Georgia or Texas shown us that warrants them to be in the top 25 this season. If I had to choose one I guess Georgia has made the biggest strides towards returning but I just don't think they have done enough to warrant an inclusion.
I'm thinking of adding a conference race column to keep up with teams resumes and the likes, plus my weekly picks column will be up Wednesday or Thursday. As always would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
AP Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Boise State
Coaches' Top 5: Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Wisconsin, Stanford
Harris Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Boise State
BCS Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Boise State
My Top 5: LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Wisconsin
The team most discussed around the top 5 is Boise State, which despite winning and winning big has continued to slide in the eyes of the coaches. Stanford on the other hand has slid out of the top five everywhere except the coaches due to a very weak schedule with no marquee win. LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma still are the class of the top 5 and the BCS loves Oklahoma State most likely based on wins against A&M and Texas. Last top 5 thought can someone tell me why everyone loves Texas they've played two good teams and been beaten soundly in both.
AP 6-10: Oklahoma State, Stanford, Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas
Coaches' 6-10: Oklahoma State, Boise State, Clemson (Tied), Oregon (Tied), Arkansas
Harris 6-10: Oklahoma State, Stanford, Clemson, Oregon, Arkansas
BCS 6-10: Wisconsin, Clemson, Stanford, Arkansas, Oregon
My 6-10: Stanford, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson, Kansas State
I switched Oregon and Clemson because I think Oregon is a better team both on offense and defense. I have Kansas State the highest because they've impressed me with their victories over the past 4-5 weeks and have proven to deserve a low end top 10 rank. I understand the argument for Arkansas with teams in front of them losing this week but I just thought the undefeated Kansas State team was more worthy of the last spot in the top 10.
AP 11-15: West Virginia, Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Michigan State
Coaches' 11-15: Nebraska, South Carolina, Michigan State, West Virginia (Tied), Virginia Tech (Tied)
Harris 11-15: Nebraska, Kansas State, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan State
BCS 11-15: Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia
My 11-16: Arkansas, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, West Virginia
I think Nebraska & West Virginia are a little too high but I'm not sure where you can knock them down to right now seeing as they've both won the games they have been expected to win but none that you really say yeah that team has impressed me. South Carolina has impressed with a couple of victories but may be in some big trouble soon with the loss of their in offense in the form of Marcus Lattimore.
AP 16-20: Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, Michigan, Auburn
Coaches' 16-20: Kansas State, Michigan, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Houston
Harris 16-20: Virginia Tech, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Illinios
BCS 16-20: Michigan State, Texas A&M, Michigan, Houston
My 16-20: Texas A&M, Michigan State, Houston, Penn State, Georgia Tech
Apparently if you weren't highly thought of 7 weeks ago by the coaches you're nothing, Kansas State has done everything right except be highly thought of in the preseason. I don't understand the love for Michigan, in their one good win they beat a non-top 25 team that out-played them for most of the game. Otherwise I think the 16-20 range is pretty standard.
AP 21-25: Houston, Washington, Illinois, Arizona State (Tied), Georgia (Tied)
Coaches' 21-25: Illinois, Penn State, Auburn, Washington, Arizona State
Harris 21-25: Auburn, Houston, Arizona State, Penn State, Washington
BCS 21-25: Penn State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Texas, Washington
My 21-25: Michigan, Washington, SMU, Auburn, Illinois
This is the hardest tier each week to judge and rank because their is such similarity across the teams that you would put here. This week I gave the nods to Washington, SMU and Auburn to move into the top 25. Auburn moves back up because they have quality wins and their losses are games they were suppose to lose, Washington has been better than most expected especially on offense with Keith Price. SMU is the team that will surprise the most people so hear me out, their only loss is to a top 20 Texas A&M squad in the season opener, but their last two games have been a road victory over TCU and a home win over UCF the media non-AQ darling and a good team. SMU may make me look foolish in a tough road game at Southern Miss next week but I think this team has the opportunity to win Conference USA. Now for the teams I left out, what has Arizona State, Georgia or Texas shown us that warrants them to be in the top 25 this season. If I had to choose one I guess Georgia has made the biggest strides towards returning but I just don't think they have done enough to warrant an inclusion.
I'm thinking of adding a conference race column to keep up with teams resumes and the likes, plus my weekly picks column will be up Wednesday or Thursday. As always would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
2011 AQ Preview
With the college football season a week away, now is as good of time as ever to put some thoughts on the season out there. It's stacking up to be a very positive year for college football on the field, the combination of expansion and spread of talent within conferences should make for some exciting games and conferences races throughout the entirety of the year. We're at the exciting time of year where all teams have a chance to do something special and out perform expectations. So let's take a look at each conference heading into the year:
SEC: The West division has dominated the last few years and the conference is on an unbelievable run of 5 straight BCS championships and they should continue that dominance.
Overrated: Arkansas, is expected to pick up the slack left by Mallett and Williams on offense and now they have lost their leading rusher from last season to injury. I think the Hogs take a step back and don't live up to the billing most people are giving them as dark horses.
Underrated: Mississippi State, most expect a better team to come out of Starkville this year, coach Mullen has a good squad and will surprise teams, with South Carolina, Alabama and LSU coming to town they have the chance to shock some people in the SEC West this year.
West Winner: Alabama, I think this is a 3 team race with LSU and Miss State, the winner will more than likely have a blemish on the resume but will be the champ of the toughest division in the country.
East Winner: Georgia, the east is a two team race this year between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks, Spurrier's team has a good amount of distraction from the off-season but will put up a strong fight. Conference Champ: Alabama, the best defense in the country anchors the SEC champs this year, Saban likes a defensive orientated team and can win with inexperience.
Big Ten: The 2011 edition of the Big Ten should be an exciting race with the addition of Nebraska and divisions. Although the divisional names are pretty lame they are a welcome addition and with no real elite team showing itself the divisional and conference race should be fun to watch.
Overrated: Iowa, there is an expectation that they will bounce back relatively well from the loss of much of last years team, however I'm not as high on the Hawkeyes because they lost a lot in the secondary and a solid senior quarterback, I think we see another six or seven win team from Iowa City.
Underrated: Ohio State, I know this repulses most of the country and the Big Ten, however, they still have the best recruiting in the Big Ten for the last decade or so and that has helped to build a talent base that should allow the Buckeyes to be a nine or ten win team this year in the conference and challenge for the Leaders division title.
Leaders Winner: Wisconsin, earlier in the summer I predicted the Big Ten and had Penn State winning the Leaders, however, with the addition of Russell Wilson and his assimilation with the Badgers I see them as the top dogs in the division this season. It will be a close race between Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State.
Legends Winner: Nebraska, as much as it pains me the huskers have the best defense in the conference and the opportunity for one of the most explosive offenses as well. They will have competition from Michigan State and Michigan but I think they are the best balanced team in the Legends division.
Conference Champ: Wisconsin, this is a tough choice and lean towards the Badgers on a hunch, that being said Delaney and his cohorts have to be happy with the product that will be on the field in November in Indianapolis.
Pac-12: Much like the Big Ten the Pac-12 draws interest because of last summer's expansion of Utah and Colorado make this year important for the Pac-12. The North has two marquee teams in the national eye with Oregon and Stanford and the South is mired in an interesting position with no real top rate team.
Overrated: Stanford, let me make this clear I love Andrew Luck as a quarterback but they replace their head coach, the majority of the offenses line and their middle linebacker which all sets them up with large gaps to fill.
Underrated: Utah, unlike fellow newcomer Colorado, has a team that could challenge in the Pac-12 South. Utah may not have the recruits that some in the conference have but they have enough talent to challenge Arizona State for the South championship and with USC not post-season eligible ASU is the only real obstacle to them winning their division.
North Winner: Oregon, the Ducks have enough talent returning to win the Division, at Stanford presents a test but coming off a BCS title game appearance the Ducks have a good shot at the first division title. Distractions will be a big key to their success and will be the deciding factor.
South Winner: Arizona State, I will buy the hype on the Sun Devils this year and without USC in the way the south is ASU's to win or lose.
Conference Champ: Oregon, best team in the conference wins this one not much else to say, I think the South will bring the weaker of the two representatives this year.
Big XII: The Big XII is top heavy as with most years in the conference with three teams in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M possibly being elite, however the three team race should be exciting none the less.
Overrated: Texas, I don't see them improving as much as most this year I really like Mack Brown but the offense is shifting to a multiple looks offense and I think we're looking at a two year process. I think Texas ends up a six or seven win team instead of a 8 or 9 win team like many think.
Underrated: Oklahoma State, I know they lost Holgerson to West Virginia but they bring back the best WR in the country in the form of Justin Blackmon and their QB. I think it will be a smoother transition than many think and that OK State will seriously challenge Texas A&M and Oklahoma for the conference title.
Conference Champ: Oklahoma, they are the most talented team in the conference and the team and coach I trust the most to live up to expectations of the three rated at the top. It will be interesting to see how the Sooners and Aggies live up to expectations this year.
ACC: This conference is mired in off the field issues involving Miami, Georgia Tech and North Carolina two whom will likely be hit hard by the NCAA in widespread allegations, however their is light at the end of the tunnel. Virginia Tech and Florida State will take some of the spotlight off of that trio and bring good press on the field. FSU is a National Championship contender this pre-season and Va Tech seems to be a reload team now under Frank Beamer.
Overrated: Clemson, I will claim they are overrated every year until they prove me wrong. The perennial underachievers are great recruiters, but something seems to be missing when they hit the field. Clemson will fail to live up to expectations once again in 2011.
Underrated: Virginia, I'm not saying they will challenge for their division but I do see even more improvement under Mike London in his second year. Although you won't hear much about it, the second year bump will be in effect with the Cavaliers and look for at least one upset that sends a wave through the ACC.
Atlantic Winner: Florida State, I don't think there is too much explanation needed on this one, the only team with the talent to really challenge them is Clemson and you already know what I think of the Tigers.
Coastal Winner: Virginia Tech, the most consistent team in the conference does it again, with investigations at Miami and UNC they lack the distractions of the rest of the division.
Conference Champ: Virginia Tech, Florida State is a slightly lesser version of Clemson in that they seem to disappoint in one way or another every year. Va Tech wins a close one but they win it.
Big East: Everybody's favorite little big conference, or least favorite big little conference is the bane of the BCS's existence because it routinely sends sub-par automatic qualifier to their game. Like many other year the conference appears to be weak and the lament of the college football world.
Overrated: USF, I've heard this song about the Bulls before, a young program ready to break out and grab that all elusive championship. However they seem to fall short and disappoint so I'm not bullish on the Bulls this year.
Underrated: Rutgers, like Virginia in the ACC I don't think they challenge for the Conference but I think they can whip up a winning season and challenge for fourth or so in the conference.
Conference Champ: West Virginia, I'm not big on this pick I think I could get trapped but Holgerson improves offenses as soon as he arrives on campus and that should help a talented WVU get instantly better on one side of the ball. I think Pitt challenges them here which means the Backyard Brawl will be very interesting this year.
SEC: The West division has dominated the last few years and the conference is on an unbelievable run of 5 straight BCS championships and they should continue that dominance.
Overrated: Arkansas, is expected to pick up the slack left by Mallett and Williams on offense and now they have lost their leading rusher from last season to injury. I think the Hogs take a step back and don't live up to the billing most people are giving them as dark horses.
Underrated: Mississippi State, most expect a better team to come out of Starkville this year, coach Mullen has a good squad and will surprise teams, with South Carolina, Alabama and LSU coming to town they have the chance to shock some people in the SEC West this year.
West Winner: Alabama, I think this is a 3 team race with LSU and Miss State, the winner will more than likely have a blemish on the resume but will be the champ of the toughest division in the country.
East Winner: Georgia, the east is a two team race this year between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks, Spurrier's team has a good amount of distraction from the off-season but will put up a strong fight. Conference Champ: Alabama, the best defense in the country anchors the SEC champs this year, Saban likes a defensive orientated team and can win with inexperience.
Big Ten: The 2011 edition of the Big Ten should be an exciting race with the addition of Nebraska and divisions. Although the divisional names are pretty lame they are a welcome addition and with no real elite team showing itself the divisional and conference race should be fun to watch.
Overrated: Iowa, there is an expectation that they will bounce back relatively well from the loss of much of last years team, however I'm not as high on the Hawkeyes because they lost a lot in the secondary and a solid senior quarterback, I think we see another six or seven win team from Iowa City.
Underrated: Ohio State, I know this repulses most of the country and the Big Ten, however, they still have the best recruiting in the Big Ten for the last decade or so and that has helped to build a talent base that should allow the Buckeyes to be a nine or ten win team this year in the conference and challenge for the Leaders division title.
Leaders Winner: Wisconsin, earlier in the summer I predicted the Big Ten and had Penn State winning the Leaders, however, with the addition of Russell Wilson and his assimilation with the Badgers I see them as the top dogs in the division this season. It will be a close race between Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State.
Legends Winner: Nebraska, as much as it pains me the huskers have the best defense in the conference and the opportunity for one of the most explosive offenses as well. They will have competition from Michigan State and Michigan but I think they are the best balanced team in the Legends division.
Conference Champ: Wisconsin, this is a tough choice and lean towards the Badgers on a hunch, that being said Delaney and his cohorts have to be happy with the product that will be on the field in November in Indianapolis.
Pac-12: Much like the Big Ten the Pac-12 draws interest because of last summer's expansion of Utah and Colorado make this year important for the Pac-12. The North has two marquee teams in the national eye with Oregon and Stanford and the South is mired in an interesting position with no real top rate team.
Overrated: Stanford, let me make this clear I love Andrew Luck as a quarterback but they replace their head coach, the majority of the offenses line and their middle linebacker which all sets them up with large gaps to fill.
Underrated: Utah, unlike fellow newcomer Colorado, has a team that could challenge in the Pac-12 South. Utah may not have the recruits that some in the conference have but they have enough talent to challenge Arizona State for the South championship and with USC not post-season eligible ASU is the only real obstacle to them winning their division.
North Winner: Oregon, the Ducks have enough talent returning to win the Division, at Stanford presents a test but coming off a BCS title game appearance the Ducks have a good shot at the first division title. Distractions will be a big key to their success and will be the deciding factor.
South Winner: Arizona State, I will buy the hype on the Sun Devils this year and without USC in the way the south is ASU's to win or lose.
Conference Champ: Oregon, best team in the conference wins this one not much else to say, I think the South will bring the weaker of the two representatives this year.
Big XII: The Big XII is top heavy as with most years in the conference with three teams in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M possibly being elite, however the three team race should be exciting none the less.
Overrated: Texas, I don't see them improving as much as most this year I really like Mack Brown but the offense is shifting to a multiple looks offense and I think we're looking at a two year process. I think Texas ends up a six or seven win team instead of a 8 or 9 win team like many think.
Underrated: Oklahoma State, I know they lost Holgerson to West Virginia but they bring back the best WR in the country in the form of Justin Blackmon and their QB. I think it will be a smoother transition than many think and that OK State will seriously challenge Texas A&M and Oklahoma for the conference title.
Conference Champ: Oklahoma, they are the most talented team in the conference and the team and coach I trust the most to live up to expectations of the three rated at the top. It will be interesting to see how the Sooners and Aggies live up to expectations this year.
ACC: This conference is mired in off the field issues involving Miami, Georgia Tech and North Carolina two whom will likely be hit hard by the NCAA in widespread allegations, however their is light at the end of the tunnel. Virginia Tech and Florida State will take some of the spotlight off of that trio and bring good press on the field. FSU is a National Championship contender this pre-season and Va Tech seems to be a reload team now under Frank Beamer.
Overrated: Clemson, I will claim they are overrated every year until they prove me wrong. The perennial underachievers are great recruiters, but something seems to be missing when they hit the field. Clemson will fail to live up to expectations once again in 2011.
Underrated: Virginia, I'm not saying they will challenge for their division but I do see even more improvement under Mike London in his second year. Although you won't hear much about it, the second year bump will be in effect with the Cavaliers and look for at least one upset that sends a wave through the ACC.
Atlantic Winner: Florida State, I don't think there is too much explanation needed on this one, the only team with the talent to really challenge them is Clemson and you already know what I think of the Tigers.
Coastal Winner: Virginia Tech, the most consistent team in the conference does it again, with investigations at Miami and UNC they lack the distractions of the rest of the division.
Conference Champ: Virginia Tech, Florida State is a slightly lesser version of Clemson in that they seem to disappoint in one way or another every year. Va Tech wins a close one but they win it.
Big East: Everybody's favorite little big conference, or least favorite big little conference is the bane of the BCS's existence because it routinely sends sub-par automatic qualifier to their game. Like many other year the conference appears to be weak and the lament of the college football world.
Overrated: USF, I've heard this song about the Bulls before, a young program ready to break out and grab that all elusive championship. However they seem to fall short and disappoint so I'm not bullish on the Bulls this year.
Underrated: Rutgers, like Virginia in the ACC I don't think they challenge for the Conference but I think they can whip up a winning season and challenge for fourth or so in the conference.
Conference Champ: West Virginia, I'm not big on this pick I think I could get trapped but Holgerson improves offenses as soon as he arrives on campus and that should help a talented WVU get instantly better on one side of the ball. I think Pitt challenges them here which means the Backyard Brawl will be very interesting this year.
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