Week 11 has been the best to date with a 9-1 record. That puts me at 61-53 on the year. Too busy prepping for the Wisconsin game out here in Madison, but excited for all the games today. The SEC may be on their bye week, but the rest of nation has a slate of big time games. I'll leave you with this:
Because it's better than storming a court!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Spread Pick'Em: Week 11
Here we go! Last week's 7-3 record brings me even at 52-52 for the season! Time to get that winning record now. Who's ready to win some money?
This week doesn't have as many key matchups as last week, but there are still some big games and upset specials. A&M finally found defense in a win last week at Mississippi State, but there isn't much hope for them to shut down the Tide' in Tuscaloosa. But who really knows? This would be the perfect week for a let down game after Alabama's come back in Death Valley.
How legit is Oregon State? Well, they showed last week they are to compete for the season and can make a statement today with a big win against a physical Stanford team. They'll need the confidence off a win like this heading into the Civil War. Let's take a look at picks for week 11.
Note: Picks are in bold.
Arkansas (+14.5) at #12 South Carolina (-14.5)
I went back at forth with this one and ended up picking the Gamecocks. Arkansas has continued struggling after loosing to Ole Miss and squeaking out a win at home versus Tulsa. Nothing would indicate they could turn this around against the talented Gamecocks defense. Lattimore is out with another brutal knee injury, but the offense should still put up points on this atrocious razorback defense.
This week doesn't have as many key matchups as last week, but there are still some big games and upset specials. A&M finally found defense in a win last week at Mississippi State, but there isn't much hope for them to shut down the Tide' in Tuscaloosa. But who really knows? This would be the perfect week for a let down game after Alabama's come back in Death Valley.
How legit is Oregon State? Well, they showed last week they are to compete for the season and can make a statement today with a big win against a physical Stanford team. They'll need the confidence off a win like this heading into the Civil War. Let's take a look at picks for week 11.
Note: Picks are in bold.
Arkansas (+14.5) at #12 South Carolina (-14.5)
I went back at forth with this one and ended up picking the Gamecocks. Arkansas has continued struggling after loosing to Ole Miss and squeaking out a win at home versus Tulsa. Nothing would indicate they could turn this around against the talented Gamecocks defense. Lattimore is out with another brutal knee injury, but the offense should still put up points on this atrocious razorback defense.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Spread Pick'Em: Week 10
Last weekend's Halloween matchups turned out frighteningly bad. I ended the week 5-5 record to put me at 45-49 on the season. I only need a 7-3 record to get back to even and before the two straight 5-5 weeks I was up at 6-4 and 7-3.
On to this week, the week every college football fan has had circled on their calenders. The high profile matchups between Oregon/USC and Alabama/LSU may have lost a bit of their luster, but the outcomes still influence the outlook of the national championship. Oregon can't afford a slip up with undefeated Kansas State and Notre Dame lurking behind, and an LSU win opens the doors wide open for any number of teams to get back into the hunt.
When i went over all the games that were selected in this week's pool, I was shocked at some of the lines I got. I thought the LSU/Bama line would be tighter and the A&M/Mississippi State line is substantially larger than where it closed. I suddenly feel a bit more comfortable with these picks. In saying that, I've now doomed this week to be a disaster, but here we go, week 10's Spread Pick'Em! This week I've included my reasoning behind the picks. Win or lose, at least their was some thought process...
Note: Picks are in BOLD
Arizona State (+5.5) at #13 Oregon State (-5.5)
Last week Sean Mannion got the nod after a quick retunr from injury. Now Cody Vaz will start and he was impressive in leading a potential comeback against Washington, but big-time receiver Wheaton is dinged up and the top cornerback Poyer is questionable. The defense has been good all year, and after seeing ASU on TV and in person, I don't have a lot of confidence in their QB.
On to this week, the week every college football fan has had circled on their calenders. The high profile matchups between Oregon/USC and Alabama/LSU may have lost a bit of their luster, but the outcomes still influence the outlook of the national championship. Oregon can't afford a slip up with undefeated Kansas State and Notre Dame lurking behind, and an LSU win opens the doors wide open for any number of teams to get back into the hunt.
When i went over all the games that were selected in this week's pool, I was shocked at some of the lines I got. I thought the LSU/Bama line would be tighter and the A&M/Mississippi State line is substantially larger than where it closed. I suddenly feel a bit more comfortable with these picks. In saying that, I've now doomed this week to be a disaster, but here we go, week 10's Spread Pick'Em! This week I've included my reasoning behind the picks. Win or lose, at least their was some thought process...
Note: Picks are in BOLD
Arizona State (+5.5) at #13 Oregon State (-5.5)
Last week Sean Mannion got the nod after a quick retunr from injury. Now Cody Vaz will start and he was impressive in leading a potential comeback against Washington, but big-time receiver Wheaton is dinged up and the top cornerback Poyer is questionable. The defense has been good all year, and after seeing ASU on TV and in person, I don't have a lot of confidence in their QB.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Spread Pick'Em: Week 9
Well last week was a let down. The 5-5 record sets me back to 41-45 entering week 9. Some big games this weekend as Notre Dame and Kansas State look to stay unbeaten against stiff competition. Can the Irish shut down Landry Jones now that he's on fire? With everyone on the Red Raiders defense targeting Colin Klein can they keep up with the fast scoring Texas Tech offense? I wish I could tell you the answers, but every week I become more surprised with the twists and turns of this college football season. Who in the hell thought Florida would be number 2 and Oregon State in the top ten? I still can't get over it.
I won't catch too many of the games due to round two of the Arizona college football road trip. I'll be out at Arizona State to catch the UCLA game and then off to the Gin Blossoms show. Yes, as epic weekend indeed. If Arizona can knock off USC then the night in Tucson will be that much more enjoyable. I'll have a post next weekend on my thoughts on the tailgating, the stadiums, and the games at Arizona and ASU.
As always, follow at your own peril...
Note: Picks are in BOLD
#7 Oregon State (-4.5) at Washington (+4.5)
Tennessee (+14.5) at #17 South Carolina (-14.5)
I won't catch too many of the games due to round two of the Arizona college football road trip. I'll be out at Arizona State to catch the UCLA game and then off to the Gin Blossoms show. Yes, as epic weekend indeed. If Arizona can knock off USC then the night in Tucson will be that much more enjoyable. I'll have a post next weekend on my thoughts on the tailgating, the stadiums, and the games at Arizona and ASU.
As always, follow at your own peril...
Note: Picks are in BOLD
#7 Oregon State (-4.5) at Washington (+4.5)
Tennessee (+14.5) at #17 South Carolina (-14.5)
Friday, October 19, 2012
Spread Pick'Em: Week 8
"Alright, alright, alright!" After a 7-3 week I'm starting to reach respectable territory! The 7-3 record puts me at 36-40 for the season, so let's keep this gravy train rolling! This week we continue with conference play and only two games feature both teams in the Top 25. Here are the most intriguing matchups of the picks:
1. LSU goes on the road to A&M, a hostile environment, in a must win situation. They were able to hold serve at home against South Carolina, but have already suffered a loss to Florida the week before, so a second loss here will put them out of the national championship picture. How will LSU contain "Johnny Quarterback?" I have no clue because no one else knows how...
1. LSU goes on the road to A&M, a hostile environment, in a must win situation. They were able to hold serve at home against South Carolina, but have already suffered a loss to Florida the week before, so a second loss here will put them out of the national championship picture. How will LSU contain "Johnny Quarterback?" I have no clue because no one else knows how...
College Football's Midpoint Review
As the great Bon Jovi once said "Whooa, we're halfway there." That's right, the release of the BCS standings last week marks the midway point of the 2012 season. It's been an exciting start to the season and with the current rankings, it appears we're in for a wild finish. Let's take a look at some of the season's highlights.
Biggest Surprises
1. Oregon State - This is a team that just came off a 3-9 season, predicted to finish at the bottom of the conference, with a coach on the proverbial hot seat. Now they are #8 in the BCS and look to be a legitimate threat to Oregon in the north with their 5-0 start to the season (3-0 in the conference). The team has been fairly balanced with a vastly improved defense. The team is ranked #4 in the nation against the run. This is stat is made more impressive after realizing this includes games against one of the top returning running backs, Monte Ball, and James Franklin who was held to 45 yards while coming in averaging 180 yards/game. Let's not forget about the offense either. This Beavers squad is ranked eighth nationally in passing behind Sean Mannion. There had always been talk of his skill after he took over for Ryan Katz midway through last season, but he has been phenomenal and poised throughout the year. After an injury against Washington State, junior Cody Vatz got the nod under center and the Beavers went on to blow out a stout BYU defense. Wheaton and Cooks have been big time receivers and no matter who is under center, this Oregon State teams looks talented enough to compete throughout the year. This year's "Civil War" is the most anticipated Pac-12 game after the Oregon/USC game. Been awhile since anyone's uttered those words...
2. Florida - Did anyone think this Gators team would be #2 in the BCS and the team to beat in the SEC East? I don't recall a single pundit predicting this. Everyone knew the Florida defense would be one of the top in the nation, but it didn't appear the offense had figured it out under first year coordinator, Brent Pease. It may have took a disappointing performance against Bowling Green and a slow first half against A&M, but the Gators are now showing they can put up points. The final decision to go with Jeff Driskel instead of Jacoby Brissett is paying off. This run-first minded Gators offense is allowing one of the top backs in the nation, Mike Gillislee, to get more touches, allowing Driskel to utilize his running ability in the read option. This isn't a high octane offense that you see out west, but a traditional ground-and-pound SEC offense that uses a big offensive line and athletic back to move the chains. If they can continue to control the line up front and score on the ground the defense will keep them in every game this season. With only one true road contest remaining (at Florida State), the Gators look like the best bet to win the SEC East. We'll see how they do with South Carolina visiting this weekend.
3. Notre Dame - I've never cared for Notre Dame, but always said that it's good for college football when Notre Dame is relevant and this team is officially relevant. They came into the season ranked in the Top 25, but Brian Kelly has led this team into national title contention. The defense is carrying the load, led by Heisman hopeful Manti Te'o and is ranked in the Top 10 in total defense. Everyone acknowledged the Irish came into the season with the hardest schedule and gone on to a 6-0 start. They still have USC and Oklahoma on the schedule and in order to win out the offense needs to step up. The weekly starting quarterback drama is as fun to watch as a mid-afternoon soap opera. I haven't figured out what Kelly is doing with rotating Golson and Rees, but it's working. They've beat (at the time) #10 Michigan State, #18 Michigan, #17 Stanford, and held an explosive Miami team to a field goal.
4. Sun Belt Conference - Now they may be ranked near the bottom of the Sagarin conference rankings, but the top of the conference has been competitive against their AQ brethren. Louisiana-Monroe grabbed the attention early with their historic upset of Arkansas, and followed that up with an OT loss to Auburn (that they had every opportunity to win), and a close defeat on the road at Baylor. Western Kentucky played Alabama to a respectable 35-0 loss (this guy is a beast), North Texas played a gritty Kansas State team closely in a 35-21 loss, Middle Tennessee spanked Georgia Tech, and Arkansas State showed it can play some offense under Gus Malzahn in their trip to Oregon. There's been a lot of losses, but that's always been the expectation. Their performance against some of the top ranked teams in the nation is turning heads. There's so much talent in these southern states and these high school kids are being overlooked by the SEC and Big 12 are starting to head to the Sun Belt.
Biggest Disappointments
1. Arkansas - A potential national title contender didn't enter the season in the best situation, but there was enough going for the team that the loss of Bobby Petrino was almost considered minor. That hasn't been the case at all. There's no way you can convince that this team, under Petrino, would have lost at home to Louisiana-Monroe, and embarrassing losses against Alabama and Rutgers. Cap that off by a blow out loss to their rival, Texas A&M, and you pretty much have the worst nightmare of every Hog fan in Arkansas. Too bad that AD has morals, right?
2. Matt Barkley - He doesn't come in with bad numbers per se, but they aren't jaw dropping. Unfortunately, after his widely publicized announcement of returning to USC for a national championship (and let's not kid ourselves, Heisman) run there were huge expectations for the prolific QB, and unfortunately, the season hasn't lived up to these expectations. The most disappointing is the performance in an upset loss to Stanford. He look shook, not nearly as poised, and unable to find all the talented receivers at his disposal. Thus far, he isn't even the best QB in the conference, let alone nation, but fortunately, he controls his destiny. USC is currently ranked #10 with a home game against #3 Oregon with a potential rematch in the Pac-12 championship, and a home game against #5 Notre Dame. A national championship isn't out of the question, and against the stout Notre defense and improved Oregon defense with a lockdown corner like Avery Patterson it's very much possible for them to enter the national championship picture.
3. Florida State - I know, I know, we should have all seen the NC State loss coming, but seriously? This is a little more personal for me. I predicted a national championship for Florida State within five years - that was two years ago and I'm quickly running out of time. It's upsetting to think a defense as good as Seminoles have can allow NC State to come back like they did in the second half. They had been dominant all year and looked to have turned a corner against Clemson by shutting them down in the second half. Defense aside, how in the hell did the offense only muster 16 points against NC State! The same offense led by E.J. Manuel that was being considered a Heisman candidate? This just shows you how quick the pundits are to jump on a quarterbacks bandwagon when the team (defense...) as a whole is doing well. But let's not forget when I say "well" their first three games were against Murray State, Savannah State, and Wake Forest. Jimbo Fisher won't win a national championship this year. The loss has jaded every voters opinion and it's virtually impossible to recover this season, so if Jimbo doesn't make a better run next year, I'd bet someone else takes the reigns in 2014.
Best Game
There have been a lot of great games in 2012. Not all as exciting as the WVU vs. Baylor game, but that lacked defense entirely, so to see a game like that make the list is a mockery of the sport. On the flip side how many people will put the Florida vs. LSU game at the top of this list? Not many considering the 14-6 score, so let's look for a happy median. How about a game that showcased both offense and defense, and was impactful of a game to date? I'm talking about Stanford at Notre Dame.
This game was as hard-nosed a game, outside of the SEC, you'll find this season. It was a see-saw battle that went down to the wire and one of the nations best players coming up in the biggest situations for his team thus far. Manti Te'o led a fourth down goal line stand against Stanford in OT that kept the Fighting Irish's hopes alive for a national championship. This game was as hard fought and showed some sparks both offensively and defensively. Stanford entered the contest with one loss, but showed why it was able to upset USC with it's physical offense and defensive lines. Notre Dame showed that the wins to date weren't due to over-hyped opponents, but that for the first time since the Brady Quinn era the Irish are for real. As I said before, when Notre Dame is relevant it's great for college football...
Biggest Surprises
1. Oregon State - This is a team that just came off a 3-9 season, predicted to finish at the bottom of the conference, with a coach on the proverbial hot seat. Now they are #8 in the BCS and look to be a legitimate threat to Oregon in the north with their 5-0 start to the season (3-0 in the conference). The team has been fairly balanced with a vastly improved defense. The team is ranked #4 in the nation against the run. This is stat is made more impressive after realizing this includes games against one of the top returning running backs, Monte Ball, and James Franklin who was held to 45 yards while coming in averaging 180 yards/game. Let's not forget about the offense either. This Beavers squad is ranked eighth nationally in passing behind Sean Mannion. There had always been talk of his skill after he took over for Ryan Katz midway through last season, but he has been phenomenal and poised throughout the year. After an injury against Washington State, junior Cody Vatz got the nod under center and the Beavers went on to blow out a stout BYU defense. Wheaton and Cooks have been big time receivers and no matter who is under center, this Oregon State teams looks talented enough to compete throughout the year. This year's "Civil War" is the most anticipated Pac-12 game after the Oregon/USC game. Been awhile since anyone's uttered those words...
2. Florida - Did anyone think this Gators team would be #2 in the BCS and the team to beat in the SEC East? I don't recall a single pundit predicting this. Everyone knew the Florida defense would be one of the top in the nation, but it didn't appear the offense had figured it out under first year coordinator, Brent Pease. It may have took a disappointing performance against Bowling Green and a slow first half against A&M, but the Gators are now showing they can put up points. The final decision to go with Jeff Driskel instead of Jacoby Brissett is paying off. This run-first minded Gators offense is allowing one of the top backs in the nation, Mike Gillislee, to get more touches, allowing Driskel to utilize his running ability in the read option. This isn't a high octane offense that you see out west, but a traditional ground-and-pound SEC offense that uses a big offensive line and athletic back to move the chains. If they can continue to control the line up front and score on the ground the defense will keep them in every game this season. With only one true road contest remaining (at Florida State), the Gators look like the best bet to win the SEC East. We'll see how they do with South Carolina visiting this weekend.
3. Notre Dame - I've never cared for Notre Dame, but always said that it's good for college football when Notre Dame is relevant and this team is officially relevant. They came into the season ranked in the Top 25, but Brian Kelly has led this team into national title contention. The defense is carrying the load, led by Heisman hopeful Manti Te'o and is ranked in the Top 10 in total defense. Everyone acknowledged the Irish came into the season with the hardest schedule and gone on to a 6-0 start. They still have USC and Oklahoma on the schedule and in order to win out the offense needs to step up. The weekly starting quarterback drama is as fun to watch as a mid-afternoon soap opera. I haven't figured out what Kelly is doing with rotating Golson and Rees, but it's working. They've beat (at the time) #10 Michigan State, #18 Michigan, #17 Stanford, and held an explosive Miami team to a field goal.
4. Sun Belt Conference - Now they may be ranked near the bottom of the Sagarin conference rankings, but the top of the conference has been competitive against their AQ brethren. Louisiana-Monroe grabbed the attention early with their historic upset of Arkansas, and followed that up with an OT loss to Auburn (that they had every opportunity to win), and a close defeat on the road at Baylor. Western Kentucky played Alabama to a respectable 35-0 loss (this guy is a beast), North Texas played a gritty Kansas State team closely in a 35-21 loss, Middle Tennessee spanked Georgia Tech, and Arkansas State showed it can play some offense under Gus Malzahn in their trip to Oregon. There's been a lot of losses, but that's always been the expectation. Their performance against some of the top ranked teams in the nation is turning heads. There's so much talent in these southern states and these high school kids are being overlooked by the SEC and Big 12 are starting to head to the Sun Belt.
Biggest Disappointments
1. Arkansas - A potential national title contender didn't enter the season in the best situation, but there was enough going for the team that the loss of Bobby Petrino was almost considered minor. That hasn't been the case at all. There's no way you can convince that this team, under Petrino, would have lost at home to Louisiana-Monroe, and embarrassing losses against Alabama and Rutgers. Cap that off by a blow out loss to their rival, Texas A&M, and you pretty much have the worst nightmare of every Hog fan in Arkansas. Too bad that AD has morals, right?
2. Matt Barkley - He doesn't come in with bad numbers per se, but they aren't jaw dropping. Unfortunately, after his widely publicized announcement of returning to USC for a national championship (and let's not kid ourselves, Heisman) run there were huge expectations for the prolific QB, and unfortunately, the season hasn't lived up to these expectations. The most disappointing is the performance in an upset loss to Stanford. He look shook, not nearly as poised, and unable to find all the talented receivers at his disposal. Thus far, he isn't even the best QB in the conference, let alone nation, but fortunately, he controls his destiny. USC is currently ranked #10 with a home game against #3 Oregon with a potential rematch in the Pac-12 championship, and a home game against #5 Notre Dame. A national championship isn't out of the question, and against the stout Notre defense and improved Oregon defense with a lockdown corner like Avery Patterson it's very much possible for them to enter the national championship picture.
3. Florida State - I know, I know, we should have all seen the NC State loss coming, but seriously? This is a little more personal for me. I predicted a national championship for Florida State within five years - that was two years ago and I'm quickly running out of time. It's upsetting to think a defense as good as Seminoles have can allow NC State to come back like they did in the second half. They had been dominant all year and looked to have turned a corner against Clemson by shutting them down in the second half. Defense aside, how in the hell did the offense only muster 16 points against NC State! The same offense led by E.J. Manuel that was being considered a Heisman candidate? This just shows you how quick the pundits are to jump on a quarterbacks bandwagon when the team (defense...) as a whole is doing well. But let's not forget when I say "well" their first three games were against Murray State, Savannah State, and Wake Forest. Jimbo Fisher won't win a national championship this year. The loss has jaded every voters opinion and it's virtually impossible to recover this season, so if Jimbo doesn't make a better run next year, I'd bet someone else takes the reigns in 2014.
Best Game
There have been a lot of great games in 2012. Not all as exciting as the WVU vs. Baylor game, but that lacked defense entirely, so to see a game like that make the list is a mockery of the sport. On the flip side how many people will put the Florida vs. LSU game at the top of this list? Not many considering the 14-6 score, so let's look for a happy median. How about a game that showcased both offense and defense, and was impactful of a game to date? I'm talking about Stanford at Notre Dame.
This game was as hard-nosed a game, outside of the SEC, you'll find this season. It was a see-saw battle that went down to the wire and one of the nations best players coming up in the biggest situations for his team thus far. Manti Te'o led a fourth down goal line stand against Stanford in OT that kept the Fighting Irish's hopes alive for a national championship. This game was as hard fought and showed some sparks both offensively and defensively. Stanford entered the contest with one loss, but showed why it was able to upset USC with it's physical offense and defensive lines. Notre Dame showed that the wins to date weren't due to over-hyped opponents, but that for the first time since the Brady Quinn era the Irish are for real. As I said before, when Notre Dame is relevant it's great for college football...
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Spread Pick'Em: Week 7
Last week I had another 6-4 performance, so I'm a bit stagnant. This brings the record to 29-37. Week 7 marks the halfway point in the season and to my dismay, the picks have become more difficult. The most intriguing matchup (in my opinion) is the A&M/La Tech game in Shreveport. I put up a piece earlier in the week about my BCS Buster prediction and I'm sticking to my bold prediction at the start of the season. I'm going La. Tech straight up in what GameDay just said is being called "a once in a generation game" down at the La. Tech campus. Unfortunately, the game won't be on the campus, but the atmosphere should be all La. Tech. The place will be rocking and if there's any hope of a team sneaking into the BCS picture, this is it.
If you've been following the picks this year, you've finally been winning some money the last three weeks, but as always - follow at your own peril.
Note: Picks are in BOLD
#18 Louisville (-2.5) at Pittsburgh (+2.5)
#6 Kansas State (-6.5) at Iowa State (+6.5)
If you've been following the picks this year, you've finally been winning some money the last three weeks, but as always - follow at your own peril.
Note: Picks are in BOLD
#18 Louisville (-2.5) at Pittsburgh (+2.5)
#6 Kansas State (-6.5) at Iowa State (+6.5)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)