Rambling's Week 13 CFB Picks

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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

Rambling's Week 9 CFB Recap

Another pleasant Saturday of couch surfing and college football, so without anymore than that let's look at the games and how the top 25 fared...

Thursday, October 27, 2011:

Rice at #17 Houston, 7:00 pm, After a sloppy start on a wet and slippery field Houston rolled Rice and had their way in this game. Keenum became the record holder for career touchdown passes. Winner: 1-0 ATS: 1-0

Saturday, October 30, 2011:

#11 Michigan State at #14 Nebraska, 11:00 am ESPN, Nebraska's defense showed up in a big way today as it held the Spartans to 3 points. The Blackshirts looked liked the defense we expected to start the season, with the cornerbacks being the most notable of the improvements. Michigan State looked flat and you could tell that there was some residual from the past couple weeks. Winner: 2-0 ATS: 1-1

Missouri at #16 Texas A&M, 11:00 am FX, A&M has decided to spit up again and like a small child the seem to be forgetting that they can play defense in the second half. Credit Missouri with a very good road win in conference play. Winner: 2-1 ATS: 1-2

Purdue at #18 Michigan, 11;00 am ESPN2, Michigan continues to show how much it has improved on defense under the guidance of Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison. Purdue is showing that even with Michigan down the talent still isn't available to win these games consistently. Winner: 3-1 ATS: 1-3

#10 Arkansas at Vanderbilt, 11:21 SEC Network, Arkansas got really lucky today in Nashville as they came back from a halftime deficit and then survived a late drive by Vandy to win by a missed FG. Winner: 4-1 ATS: 1-4

#12 Virginia Tech at Duke, 11:30 pm, And Just as you think Virginia Tech is starting to figure it out on offense they go and score 14 on Duke and you're right back to being worried about that side of the ball. David Cutcliffe has to be happy with the progress he's making at the toughest FBS coaching job. Winner: 5-1 ATS: 1-5

Washington State at #7 Oregon, 2:00 pm, Oregon beat Washington State convincingly but have yet to string together the type of wins that made them national title contenders a year ago. Winner: 6-1 ATS: 1-6

Baylor at #3 Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, RG3 is talented and an NFL talent but Oklahoma State was clearly the more talented and polished team in Stillwater. Winner: 7-1 ATS: 1-7

#9 Oklahoma at #8 Kansas State, 2:30 pm ESPN, I thought Kansas State would put up more of a fight in this game, but Oklahoma looked like a team that was pissed off and looking for someone to beat on. Winner: 8-1 ATS: 1-8 

Illinois at #19 Penn State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, I don't know why I continue to think that Penn State games will have scores above 20 but I do, however Penn State does continue to win and win in some surprising ways. This week they won on an 80 yard scoring drive win under two minutes to play. Winner: 9-1 ATS: 1-9

#22 Georgia vs Florida, 2:30 pm CBS, The SEC East just looks bad but the Bulldogs continue to set themselves up for a division title as they beat a Brantley led Gators team in a grind it out game in Jacksonville. Winner: 10-1 ATS: 2-9

#25 West Virginia at Rutgers, 2:30 pm ABC, This game was much closer than the final score would indicate as Rutgers was leading deep into the fourth quarter before two West Virginia scores wrapped up this contest and kept the Mountaineers alive in the Big East. Winner: 11-1 ATS: 2-10

Navy at Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, ND finally exercised it's little brother demons by trouncing Navy at home on Saturday. Winner: 12-1 ATS: 3-10

Colorado at #21 Arizona State, 5:30 pm, Colorado is the Kansas/Ole Miss of the west and Arizona State reinforced that this week. Winner: 13-1 ATS: 3-11

Iowa State at #20 Texas Tech, 6:00 pm, Iowa State pulled it of in blowout fashion giving them 2 wins no one expected heading into the respective weeks. Winner: 14-1 ATS: 4-11

Ole Miss at #23 Auburn, 6:00 pm ESNPU, Ole Miss is a bad bad team in any conference. I had this game called perfectly til' a end of game score by Ole Miss. Winner: 15-1 ATS: 5-11

Kansas at #24 Texas, 6:00 pm Longhorn Network, Kansas continues to prove that futility can span coaching staffs, while also proving that all teams can look good. Winner: 16-1 ATS: 6-11

#13 South Carolina at Tennessee, 6:15 pm ESPN2, The ending left me as empty with the initial promise of this game. Winner: 17-1 ATS: 7-11

#5 Clemson at Georgia Tech, 7:00 pm ABC, Clemson finally Clemson'd and I should have known it with a bye week to come and Tech running the triple option. Georgia Tech finally looks like the team they were 3 weeks a go. Winner: 17-2 ATS: 8-11

#6 Stanford at USC, 7:00 pm ABC, A week after crushing Notre Dame, USC loses on a fumble by on e of the key contributors to their success up until that point. Stanford squeaks out a victory in 3 OT. Applause needs to be given to USC and the effort their showing. Winner: 18-2 ATS: 9-11

#15 Wisconsin at Ohio State, 7:00 pm ESPN, Wisconsin losses it's second heart breaker in a row on the road on a late touchdown by Ohio State making the race for the Leaders division completely in the much maligned hands of the Nitanny Lions of Penn State. Winner: 18-3 ATS: 9-12


Another Banner evening for college football as we saw a great finish in Columbus, Georgia Tech knocking of Clemson, Iowa State ripping through Texas Tech and Stanford and USC in 3 overtimes. That all came after a good finish to Ark-Vandy, A&M-Missouri and Penn State-Illinois.

Rambling's Week 9 CFB Picks

Welcome back for week 9 of my CFB Picks, as always I'll give my thoughts on the games, the spread and hopefully some insight into the conferences races as they continue to heat up and clear up. As always I would enjoy to hear form those who read and all times are central. So without further ado let's get to it...

Thursday, October 27, 2011:
Rice at #17 Houston, 7:00 pm, Houston comes in riding the wave of Case Keenum's final year on campus and an undefeated record which shouldn't stop this week as they take on the Rice Owls. Winner: Houston 59-14 ATS: Houston -28
Saturday, October 30, 2011:
#11 Michigan State at #14 Nebraska, 11:00 am ESPN, Michigan State is coming of a game ending Hail Mary touchdown against Wisconsin last week, as Nebraska comes off of a blow out of the Golden Gophers. Michigan State has the best defense in the Big Ten and an offense that can do enough as long as Kirk Cousins is on his game. Nebraska has disappointed on both sides of the ball but Lincoln is a tough place to play. Winner: Nebraska 31-28 ATS: Michigan State +4 
Missouri at #16 Texas A&M, 11:00 am FX, Missouri is a solid mid-tier team in the Big XII but Texas A&M is one of the four best teams in what is this year's deepest conference. Texas A&M doesn't pose much on the defensive side of the ball but Missouri's only hope is to contain the Aggie offense if they have a chance in this game. Winner: Texas A&M 45-20 ATS: Texas A&M -10
Purdue at #18 Michigan, 11;00 am ESPN2, Michigan has been a team that has looked very good against foes it should crush but against anybody with a pulse on defense has been a little bit shaky and the basics start to muddle within the offense leaving them in wholes they can't dig out of. Winner: Michigan 38-35 ATS: Purdue +13.5
#10 Arkansas at Vanderbilt, 11:21 SEC Network, Vanderbilt has shown some positive improvements in its first year under James Franklin. Arkansas continues to look like the 3rd best team in the West and would probably be the front runner in the SEC East. Winner: Arkansas 34-13 ATS: Arkansas -8 (sorry forgot to put this in during the week)
#12 Virginia Tech at Duke, 11:30 pm, Duke has been improving every year under David Cutcliffe but they still lag behind the majority of AQ schools in talent and facilities. Virginia Tech continues to gel even after an early season loss at the hands of Clemson. Logan Thomas continues to make strides in his game as he replaces Tyrod Taylor. Winner: Virginia Tech 35-14 ATS: Virginia Tech -14.5
Washington State at #7 Oregon, 2:00 pm, Washington State has improved this year and actually beat an FBS team, however Oregon is out of their league in both talent and coaching and it'll show this week in Autzen Stadium. Winner: Oregon 63-20 ATS: Oregon -35
Baylor at #3 Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, With an undefeated Kansas State team on the schedule next week and a Baylor team that can put up points behind RG3, I think this is a major trap game for the Cowboys. Winner: Oklahoma State 45-38 ATS: Baylor +14
#9 Oklahoma at #8 Kansas State, 2:30 pm ESPN, In the line of week from talking heads, Oklahoma was the team you expected to be undefeated coming into this game. Bill Snyder has now resurrected this program multiple times and has his team set up to control their own destiny in the conference and national title race. Oklahoma is coming off a horrible loss to Texas Tech and considering Bob Stoops' .808 win percentage they don't lose two in a row too often. Winner: Oklahoma 31-28 ATS: Kansas State +13.5 
Illinois at #19 Penn State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Illinois is much much worse than their 6-0 record to start the year indicated. Penn State is better than anyone thought other than maybe Joe Paterno but has one of the countries best defenses. Winner Penn State 27-13 ATS: Penn State -5
#22 Georgia vs Florida, 2:30 pm CBS, the artist formerly known as The World's Largest Cocktail party comes to us from Jacksonville again this year and should be the launching pad for Georgia's SEC East title run. If the Bulldogs stumble however there are a myriad of possibilities that come into play for the division. Winner: Georgia 31-20 ATS: Georgia -3
#25 West Virginia at Rutgers, 2:30 pm ABC, to me a more who would have thought game is this weeks Big East game between the Mountaineers and the Scarlet Knights. WVU is a half game back in the standings to Rutgers which just doesn't seem right. Winner: WVU 31-28 ATS: Rutgers +7
Navy at Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Navy has pulled off the upset of ND multiple times in the last four years with senior laden teams and dysfunction in South Bend. I think Brian Kelly can pull this team together after the USC loss and invokes the pride of his team to show up for this game. Winner: Notre Dame 35-20 ATS : Notre Dame -21.5
Colorado at #21 Arizona State, 5:30 pm, Colorado is the Kansas/Ole Miss of the west. Winner: Arizona State 52-24 ATS: Colorado +31 
Iowa State at #20 Texas Tech, 6:00 pm, Trap game, coming off an upset of a top 3 team this Tech team has to play an Iowa state team that would appear to have taken a step back from last years progress. Winner: Iowa State 31-28 ATS: Iowa State +14.5
Ole Miss at #23 Auburn, 6:00 pm ESNPU, Ole Miss is a bad bad team in any conference. Winner: Auburn 41-17 ATS: Auburn -12.5
Kansas at #24 Texas, 6:00 pm Longhorn Network, Kansas comes in as one of the worst teams in the country and Texas comes in as the most overrated team in the country. Winner: Texas 38-10 ATS: Texas -28 (Push)
#13 South Carolina at Tennessee, 6:15 pm ESPN2, This is a game of what could have been, with Lattimore and Bray injured this game has lost much of what it had earlier in the season. South Carolina has the greater talent especially on defense and should walk away. Winner: South Carolina 31-17 ATS: South Carolina -3.5
#5 Clemson at Georgia Tech, 7:00 pm ABC, Georgia Tech's last two games have been disappointments and struggles that may signal that teams have figured out how to prepare for Paul Johnson's triple option. Clemson comes in with a ton of positive feelings behind it but I feel the pressure of a disappointing history beginning to build as it continues it's run. This feels like a Clemson team preparing to Clemson all over itself. Winner: Clemson 31-28 ATS: Georgia Tech +3.5
#6 Stanford at USC, 7:00 pm ABC, USC is coming off a big win in South Bend last week and the best win of the Kiffin era. Stanford is coming off a blowout of Washington at home and should be looking forward to it's chance to solidify it's standing before the Oregon game to come. I think this game comes down to how Monte Kiffin and the defense, a unit that has struggled throughout much of the season, does against Andrew Luck. Winner: Stanford 31-27 ATS: USC +7.5
#15 Wisconsin at Ohio State, 7:00 pm ESPN, Coming off a tough loss to Michigan State we will be able to tell a lot about this Wisconsin team and how they bounce back after a gut wrenching loss. Ohio State on the other hand has been solid since the return of three of their suspended players and should pose a good test on the heals of an emotional loss. Winner: Wisconsin 28-20 ATS: Wisconsin -7


Enjoy the week of college football and I'll be back to recap the games and the polls on Sunday. All times are central and all rankings are BCS. Please feel free to leave thoughts and comments.

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.

Rambling's Week 8 CFB Recap

Friday, October 21st, 2011:

#15 West Virginia at Syracuse, 7:00 pm ESPN, I should have known better as WVU's wins have been over: Marshall, Norfolk State, Maryland, Bowling Green and Connecticut. Syracuse on the other hand hasn't looked good but is actually getting some crowd support in the Carrier Dome. Syracuse was the better team for the entire game on Friday. Winner: 0-1 ATS: 0-1

Saturday, October 2nd, 2011:

#4 Oklahoma State at Missouri, 11:00 am FX, This game was closer than the score indicates as Missouri made several pushes in the second half to keep this game within striking distance but they came up just short and ultimately were sunk by their inability to stop the running attack. Winner: 1-1 ATS: 1-1

North Carolina at #7 Clemson, 11:00 am ESPN, Alright I'll take my lumps on this one I thought that North Carolina would be more competitive and I think this match-up is much closer than the score indicated but with Clemson scoring multiple defensive touchdowns, the Tar Heels didn't stand much of a chance today. Winner: North Carolina 1-2 ATS: North Carolina 1-2

#11 Kansas State at Kansas, 11:00 am, Kansas is the worst AQ team in the country and Kansas State proved that once again. Winner: 2-2 ATS: 2-2

#23 Illinois at Purdue, 11:00 am ESPN2, Purdue tried to give this game back in the four quarter as Illinois scored two touchdowns to make this a one score final, however it just wasn't meant to be for the Fightin' Zookers who drop two in a row against division foes. Winner: 3-2 ATS: 3-2

Cincinnati at South Florida, 11:00 am, Well South Florida managed to throw this game away after taking a lead late in the fourth quarter and reminding us that USF is indeed who we thought they were. USF falls to 0-3 in the conference, while Cincinnati goes to 2-0 and puts USF in a giant holee in a conference with only 7 conference games. Winner: 3-3 ATS: 3-3

#9 Arkansas at Ole Miss, 11:21 am SEC Network, Arkansas played down to it's competition this week as it squeaked out a win at Ole Miss. Winner: 4-3 ATS: 3-4

Boston College at #12 Virginia Tech, 2:00 pm, Virginia Tech, like Arkansas, played down to its opponent this week. Winner: 5-3 ATS: 3-5

#20 Auburn at #1 LSU, 2:30 pm CBS, The intrigue in this match-up was lost by halftime as it was evident that LSU is way too good in the two deep to be beaten by this Auburn team. Winner: 6-3 ATS: 3-6

Air Force at #5 Boise State, 2:30 pm Versus, Boise hasn't been challenged this year and the triple option can be a bit tricky, but I don't think they have nearly the firepower to keep up. Winner: 7-3 ATS: 3-7

#10 Oregon at Colorado, 2:30 pm, In the ummmm... yeah game of the week pt. 2, Oregon runs roughshod all over the Buffs. Winner: 8-3 ATS: 4-7

#13 Nebraska at Minnesota, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Nebraska visits the Golden Gophers which was just the remedy the Cornhusker need to reinvigorate a season that has been lackluster if not downright disappointing. Winner: 9-3 ATS: 5-7

#17 Texas A&M at Iowa State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2,. Iowa State's season continues to be a let down of the early season promise but that's the issue for a low level team in the deepest conference in the country. Winner: 10-3 ATS: 5-8

#22 Georgia Tech at Miami (FL), 2:30 pm ESPN, Al Golden has his team playing its best ball of the season as we pass the midway point. Georgia Tech continues it's slide as we get deeper into conference play. Winner: 11-3 ATS: 6-8 

Marshall at #19 Houston, 3:30 pm, Houston's defense did a better job than I thought it would and came away with a very impressive conference win on the road. Stat of note Case Keenum became the FBS all-time total offense leader. Winner: 12-3 ATS: 6-9

#21 Penn State at Northwestern, 6:00 pm BTN, Penn State continues to win games by double digits and will more than likely continue to get no credit. The Nitanny Lions actually put up points Saturday and to be honest I don't care who the defense was. The Wildcats continue to struggle on defense and against a top 20 defense they struggled to score which is a nasty combination. Winner: 13-3 ATS: 6-10

Tennessee at #2 Alabama, 6:15 pm ESPN2, The first half was just weird, but Alabama's depth in the two deep showed up in the second half and won the game for the Tide. Winner: 14-3 ATS: 7-10

USC at Notre Dame, 6:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame's turnover woes showed up again this week against USC. The Trojans played well for four quarters in the best game of the Kiffin era. Winner: 15-3 ATS: 8-10

Texas Tech at #3 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm ABC, Texas Tech pulls the upset of the year so far with a win in Norman. The Sooners gave it their best shot but two botched field goal attempts and an offense that never really caught it stride and a defense that had troubles slowing down the Red Raiders. Winner: 15-4 ATS: 9-10

#6 Wisconsin at #16 Michigan State, 7:00 pm ESPN, Incredible game, with both teams coming back from 14 pt deficits, MSU in the first half and Wis in the second. Michigan State won the game on a twice tipped hail mary caught at the half yard line that replay determined broke the plane of the goal line. Winner: 15-5 ATS: 10-10

#25 Washington at #8 Stanford, 7:00 pm ABC, Luck and the Cardinals played a great game with the Huskies in town and showed us more than they have all season. I didn't think they would win by this much or put it away this early.  Winner: 16-5 ATS: 10-11

SMU at Southern Miss, 7:00 pm, Southern Miss shut down SMU at home allowing 3 points to a June Jones team that hasn't been held down often. This game could very well be a preview of the conference championship game but we'll have to wait until SMU plays Houston Nov. 19 to find out. Winner: 17-5 ATS: 10-12


Well a good slate of late games highlighted by Wisconsin at MSU and Texas Tech at Oklahoma brought the fans what they wanted, excitement. I went 17-5 to bring my record on winners to 140-31 on the season and 10-12 against the spread bringing my season total to 75-69-3. Please let me know what you think in the comments below and I will have a Poll recap out tomorrow night after the BCS rankings.

Rambling's Week 8 CFB Picks

We are now squarely in the middle of the season and the national and conference title pictures are starting to come into focus throughout most of the country. This weekend features intriguing match-ups in the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 and C-USA which should tell us more about their respective races and the team involved in the games. So without further ado let's get to this weeks games... (all times central)

Friday, October 21st, 2011:

#15 West Virginia at Syracuse, 7:00 pm ESPN, West Virginia has looked like the class of the Big East so far this season but have been sluggish at the start of games and on the road. Syracuse has played some close games but doesn't look like it has the team speed to keep up in this game. Winner: West Virginia 45-20 ATS: West Virginia -14

Saturday, October 2nd, 2011:

#4 Oklahoma State at Missouri, 11:00 am FX, Missouri is an interesting team this year because they have been relegated to spoiler status. With this game being played in Columbia I think Missouri has a chance to shock Oklahoma State who is coming off a win in Austin. Oklahoma State needs to put up points like it normally does if it doesn't wish to slip up at Missouri this week. Winner: Oklahoma State 38-31 ATS: Oklahoma State -6.5

North Carolina at #7 Clemson, 11:00 am ESPN, I keep awaiting the week when Clemson returns to the glorious ways of it's past. With North Carolina coming this week we have a team that can match-up with the Tigers' athletes. Clemson is on a roll right now and Dabo has them playing good football which is making decisions about this team extremely hard. Winner: North Carolina 31-28 ATS: North Carolina +10.5

#11 Kansas State at Kansas, 11:00 am, Kansas is right in the running for worst AQ team in the country right alongside Indiana, Minnesota and Boston College. Kansas State is the story of the year as long as they keep winning Big XII games. Winner: Kansas State 48-21 ATS: Kansas State -11

#23 Illinois at Purdue, 11:00 am ESPN2, A leaders division match-up in West Lafayette as the Illini visit the Boilermakers. I think Purdue has the talent to compete in this game and give the Illini fits especially with their defense. Illinois will be looking to bounce back after a terrible showing last week against the Buckeyes. Winner: Purdue 24-21 ATS: Purdue +4

Cincinnati at South Florida, 11:00 am, This one intrigues me because it will go a long way in sorting out the hierarchy behind West Virginia in the Big East. Aside from a loss at a healthy Tennessee, Cincy has won every game since since that as they were suppose to. South Florida on the other hand has been inconsistent in it's performance, combining unexpected wins with crippling defeats. Winner: USF 28-24 ATS: South Florida -3

#9 Arkansas at Ole Miss, 11:21 am SEC Network, Arkansas walks away victorious in our ummmmm... yeah game of the week. Winner: Arkansas 59-13 ATS: Arkansas -16

Boston College at #12 Virginia Tech, 2:00 pm, Virginia Tech walks away from really bad BC team. Winner: Virginia Tech 49-10 ATS: Virginia Tech -21

#20 Auburn at #1 LSU, 2:30 pm CBS, This game got a lot more intriguing with the suspensions of Ware, Mathieu and Simon. Both sides of the ball will obviously be effected, the question seems to be to what extent will the Tigers be limited on either side of the ball and will we get our first Mad Hatter moment of the year. Winner: LSU 27-13 ATS: Auburn +21

Air Force at #5 Boise State, 2:30 pm Versus, Boise hasn't been challenged this year and the triple option can be a bit tricky, but I don't think they have nearly the firepower to keep up. Winner: Boise State 56-17 ATS: Boise State -30

#10 Oregon at Colorado, 2:30 pm, In the ummmm... yeah game of the week pt. 2, Oregon runs roughshod all over the Buffs. Winner: Oregon 59-10 ATS: Oregon -30.5

#13 Nebraska at Minnesota, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Nebraska visits the Golden Gophers which could be just the remedy the Cornhusker need to reinvigorate a season that has been lackluster if not disappointing 

#17 Texas A&M at Iowa State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Iowa State fans were taking big about moving on up in the Big XII to that deluxe apartment of mediocrity. Well they fallen short this year and with the Aggies coming to town things are gonna continue to look down. Winner: Texas A&M 38-17 ATS: Texas A&M -20.5

#22 Georgia Tech at Miami (FL), 2:30 pm ESPN, Coming off a loss to Virginia last week Tech goes on the road to Miami where the Hurricanes come in playing their best football of the Al Golden's first year. Tech needs to return being explosive out of the triple option. Winner: Miami (FL) 31-28 ATS: Miami (FL) -3 

Marshall at #19 Houston, 3:30 pm, Houston visits Marshall who currently sits atop the East division of Conference USA, although I don't think Marshall is really the best team in that division I do think that Houston could have more trouble than expected because of their complete lack of defense. Winner: Houston 52-45 ATS: Marshall +23

#21 Penn State at Northwestern, 6:00 pm BTN, Both these teams are enigmas on one side of the ball with Northwestern's D going up against the Lion's O whichever unit show's up should be a difference in the game. Winner: Penn State 20-17 ATS: Northwestern +4.5

Tennessee at #2 Alabama, 6:15 pm ESPN2, This game would have been interesting had Tyler Bray not been interested now it should be over by 7:00. Winner: Alabama 41-10 ATS: Alabama -30

USC at Notre Dame, 6:30 pm NBC, a game that hasn't had the same luster the past couple of seasons finally has it's glow back. USC comes in with sanctions looming over their program and depth hampering their growth. Brian Kelly has made strides in year 2 at Notre Dame which makes this a tale of two programs seemingly moving in opposite directions. Winner: USC 35-34 ATS: USC +9

Texas Tech at #3 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm ABC, Tech travels to Norman where the Sooners are very good. This game should be shootout for one half but I think Oklahoma's D makes all the difference as the game goes along. Winner: Oklahoma 63-35 ATS: Texas Tech +29

#6 Wisconsin at #16 Michigan State, 7:00 pm ESPN, Michigan State is coming off of a physical mauling of Michigan in East Lansing but also a game which cost them William Gholston. Wisconsin is coming off a thrashing of Indiana has had a year to stew over last years loss at the hands of the Spartans. This should be a wonderful game pitting a great front seven and a great offensive line. Winner: Wisconsin 28-24 ATS: Michigan State +7.5

#25 Washington at #8 Stanford, 7:00 pm ABC, Washington has been sneaky good year 1 sans-Locker and the Huskies pose the first real threat to Stanford this season. Stanford still has Andrew Luck at center, who this season has taken over much of the play calling duties as well. Winner: Stanford 35-24 ATS: Washington +20.5

SMU at Southern Miss, 7:00 pm, This is the sneaky good match-up of the week as it could be a preview of the conference championship game and the best two teams in the conference. SMU is coming off a dismantling of UCF and Southern Miss is the most talented team in the East. Winner: Southern Miss 28-27 ATS: SMU +3

Thank you for reading and comments and thoughts are always welcome. I'll be back again with a week recap and poll thoughts Sunday.

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.

Rambling's Week 7 Recap

Another week of college football under our belts and I think we learned something about a good amount of teams. Coming into this week I was 108-22 on winners and 52-51-3 against the spread so without further ado let's take a look back... (Please leave comments below and share your thoughts)

Saturday, October 14th, 2011:

#15 South Carolina at Mississippi State, 11:00 am, a late safety by conceded by the Gamecocks game me a loss ATS but the bigger news out of this game is the loss of Marcus Lattimore for the season. The loss hurts their chances of repeating as East champions and leaves college football without one of it's most dynamic players. Hope Marcus can get healthy and continue to play football after this injury. Mississippi State just continues to be a major bust in the eyes of just about everyone. Winner: 1-0 ATS: 0-1

#11 Michigan at #23 Michigan State, 11:00 am ESPN, Michigan is improved this year especially on the defensive side of the ball, however, their passing game is a joke and that finally caught up to them this week as the Spartans were able to put the clamps on Denard Robinson and slow the Wolverines to a crawl all day. Michigan State is very impressive on defense their front four is very good and physical but they get a bit overzealous and commit personal fouls. The offense got going this week but the running game hasn't been as explosive as many expected it to coming off a breakout year in 2010. Winner: 1-1 ATS: 0-2

#20 Baylor at #21 Texas A&M, 11:00 FX, Texas A&M looked like a different team this week as they expanded on a half time lead and finally played at a high level for 4 quarters, at least on offense. Baylor continues to put up good numbers and RG3 is an amazing talent but Baylor appears to be a couple good recruiting classes away. Winner: 2-1 ATS: 1-2

Indiana at #4 Wisconsin, 11:00 am ESPN2, last year the Badgers put up 80 on the Hoosiers, this year was much of the same in Madison. Winner: 3-1 ATS: 2-2

#12 Georgia Tech at Virginia, 2:30 pm ESPNU, I said this was a trap game but left my balls at home when I didn't follow through and take the Cavaliers to win the game. Georgia Tech looked like a team who thought they could sleep walk through Virginia and come away with a win. You can see the strides that Mike London's team has made on the field and it's those positives that foretell of good things to come for Virginia in the coming years. Winner: 3-2 ATS: 3-2

#6 Oklahoma State at #22 Texas, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, The Longhorns aren't as good as everyone seems to think they are. All I heard this week was how this game would be a close one or how Mack Brown has never lost coming off a Red River Rivalry game but come on did anyone really think the defense was good enough to keep up with the Cowboys offense. Winner: 4-2 ATS: 4-2

#1 LSU at Tennessee, 2:30 pm CBS, without Tyler Bray and against LSU the Vols offense looked anemic. LSU continues to impress on offense with it's two-headed monster at QB with Jefferson and Lee. Winner: 5-2 ATS: 5-2

Ohio State at #16 Illinois, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, Ohio State has no passing game but they didn't need it this week as the running game more than made up for the lack of production. Illinois, however could have used an aerial game as their run game has been anemic all year. Winner: 6-2 ATS: 6-2

UCF at SMU, 2:30 pm, SMU looks like a real threat to win Conference USA after it handled UCF yesterday. SMU looks good midway through June Jones' fourth year and even seem to be playing a good amount of defense which was not always something you could say in the past for Jones coached teams. Winner: 7-2 ATS: 7-2

#5 Boise State at Colorado State, 5:00 pm, Mountain West meet Boise State, this team should walk through most of their conference slate just like thy handled Colorado State this week. Winner: 8-2 ATS: 8-2

#2 Alabama at Mississippi, 5:00 pm ESPN2, the Rebels put up a bit of a fight early but Alabama is better in all facets of the game. Winner: 9-2 ATS: 9-2

#19 Virginia Tech at Wake Forest, 5:30 pm, Wake Forest put up a good fight against the visiting Hokies but the talent/coaching gap shown through as the game wore on. Virginia Tech seems to be getting it's act together after a loss at the hands of the Clemson Tigers. Winner: 10-2 ATS: 10-2

#17 Kansas State at Texas Tech, 6:00 pm, I'm still surprised that Kansas State was a 3 point dog at Tech which suggests that Vegas thinks that these two teams are equal. Kansas State continues to play really good ball under Bill Snyder and they keep winning games that many believed they wouldn't. Tech on the other hand still hasn't developed a defense under Tubberville which is a surprise because that has been a staple of his former teams. Winner: 11-2 ATS: 11-2

Florida at #24 Auburn, 6:00 pm ESPN, apparently a Florida team without it's top 2 quarterbacks and half of it's explosive running back tandem are 5 points better in the eyes of bettors. This one ended up being closer than I expected but still pretty much handled by Auburn all the way through. Winner: 12-2 ATS: 12-2

#8 Clemson at Maryland, 6:00 pm ESPNU, Maryland made me look pretty good for about 3 quarters but Clemson showed a very un-Clemson like poise to comeback from down 17 to win the game. Winner: 12-3 ATS: 12-3

Northwestern at Iowa, 6:00 pm BTN, Iowa bounced back nicely from a loss at Penn State last week and got the monkey off their backs as it relates to Northwestern. Northwestern continues to play well on offense but, once again Pat Fitzgerald's team doesn't seem to be able to put together the defense needed to win games with consistency in the Big Ten. Winner: 12-4 ATS: 12-4 P.S. if Iowa loses this game its chances of making the Big Ten Championship game go from slim to practically none.

#7 Stanford at Washington State, 6:30 pm Versus, Washington State is making strides toward being competitive in the Pac-12 but Stanford has Andrew Luck and a punishing defense. Winner: 13-4 ATS: 13-4

#3 Oklahoma at Kansas, 8:15 pm ESPN2, Kansas played a much better game this week than last week and managed to keep this game close later than many expected them to. Winner: 14-4 ATS: 13-5

#18 Arizona State at #9 Oregon, 9:15 pm ESPN, Arizona State played ok but not well enough to win versus a banged up Oregon team. It should be noted that ASU is also pretty beat up on the defensive side of the ball which limited it's ability to take advantage of the injuries on Oregon. Oregon continues it's reign over big time games in the Pac-12. Winner: 15-4 ATS: 13-6

Overall a fairly good week for me as the conference pictures continue to evolve and clear up as we get deeper into this season. Bringing my season total to 123-26 on winners and 65-57-3 ATS. I will have a poll recap coming up tomorrow and my Week 8 picks Wednesday or Thursday.