College Football Week of 8/29-9/2

[Guest phoenixrising]

I decided to make this thread because I'm tired of hearing strike, strike, strike. Football is on and will be in full gear next weekend when the NFL starts its regular season.

 

Thursday's games:

BYU 42, Syracuse 21

Brandon who? Luke who? Guess BYU doesn't have to worry about it's offense. Bert Engemann was 35 of 54 for 386 yards and three touchdowns (and added another on the ground), and Marcus Whalen ran for 140 yards as the BYU offense rolled up over 600 yards. The defense played decently. Syracuse scored all 21 of it's points off BYU turnovers and the game was tied 21-21 before BYU broke it open. Another true freshman makes an impact - Syracuse's Damien Rhodes ran for 83 yards and two scores.

 

Fresno State 16, San Diego State 14

A year ago, Fresno wins this one big. Instead, it came down to a last second field goal block to preserve the win.

 

Mild upset - Northern Illinois 42, Wake Forest 41 (OT)

An upset in the sense that a MAC team beat an ACC team, Wake Forest is supposed to have it's best team in a while this year, while Northern Illinois is a favorite to win the MAC West.

 

Oregon State 49, Eastern Kentucky 10

Nothing like scheduling a Division I-AA team to start the season. Steven Jackson, the heir apparent to Ken Simonton at Oregon State, ran for 138 yards.

[Guest phoenixrising]

Previews for the rest of this weeks games (just the notable ones I promise)

 

The BIG GAME for this week is Washington vs. Michigan in the Big House. Last year, Washington scored two touchdowns only 14 seconds apart to beat Michigan in Seattle. This will be an especially good matchup when Washington has the ball, as both the offense and Michigan's defense are very high-caliber. On the other hand, both Washington's defense and Michigans offense are brimming with question marks. I'm going to take Washington, simply cause I'm a Pac-10 fan (unless the team is either USC or playing against UCLA) but it could go either way.

 

Colorado v. Colorado State - This game is very important for both sides, it's grown into a nice rivalry. CSU is one of the better Mountain West teams this year, but they won't get by the Buffaloes, who are thinking National Championship.

 

Oklahoma v. Tulsa - On here since it's the Friday night game. Basically this game will be a showcase for the Sooner defense and a chance to see how far the offense has progressed.

 

Notre Dame v. Maryland - Hard to call since Bruce Perry of Maryland is now down for eight weeks. I'll call Maryland, simply because they have the better defense and this will be a defensive battle since neither team has an offense.

 

LSU v. Virginia Tech - Sunday game. Another highly anticipated matchup. VT already is 1-0, having defeated Sun Belt POWER~!! Arkansas State 65-7. The running game looks good, but questions abound about the pass. LSU has to break in a new QB, but LaBrandon Toefield returns and the recieving corps is still pretty good even without Josh Reed. I'm going to say LSU here, even though VT is at home.

 

Auburn v. USC - MONDAY NIGHT COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!! I'll probably watch RAW though, cause come on - It's USC. Seriously, I think USC bit off more than it could chew with its non-conference schedule, but they could start gaining confidence if they beat Auburn. I think they will, if they can stop Carnell Williams of Auburn.

 

Baylor v. California - Why is this important? One team will go winless for the season and one will go 1-10 after this one.

 

Warning: Don't take my predictions too seriously, there's a reason I never lay down bets. Still, comments are appreciated.

[Guest Strike Force!]

Colorado state gives Colorado fits every single year. A buddy of mine told me that Colorado is giving six. If that's true, CSU is the easy play.

 

Washington/Michigan. I'll take the WOlvarines in the big house.

 

LSU/Vagina Tech. This game is actually the most intriguing of the weekend for me (slightly moreso than Colorado/CSU). I have no idea....Va Tech is a hard team to figure out because they play nonconference patsies. I'm going with LSU.

 

Oklahoma/Tulsa. My Sooners romp.

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

Notre Dame v. Maryland - Hard to call since Bruce Perry of Maryland is now down for eight weeks. I'll call Maryland, simply because they have the better defense and this will be a defensive battle since neither team has an offense.

 

Me, being in Maryland, I'd love to say the Terps are gonna win. But they are gonna get whooped.

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

Tennessee/Wyoming at Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville.

 

The Campaign begins.

 

TEMPE OR BUST!! GO VOLS!!!

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Washington at Michigan. Carr gave away last years game not this year though. Michigan by 4.

 

Colorado vs Colorado St. When was the last time Colorado lived up to expectations. Really going against my gut but Colorado wins by 7.

 

Notre Dame vs Maryland. Why does ABC think Notre Dame is still this huge TV draw. This game shouldn't be on prime time. Washington/ Michigan is a much better game. Maryland wins.

 

LSU vs Virginia Tech. Lee Corso better be praying the Tigers win because if they don't they'd have to go undefeated in the SEC. Nick Saban teams have never lived up to expecations and a new QB, who only showed he could run during last years SEC title game. V.T. by 5.

 

USC vs Auburn. Auburn plays in the wild SEC West where any one of the 5 teams could finish 1-6. Is this the year USC finally plays up to its potential. They showed heart last season, until the Las Vegas Bowl where they returned to the old USC ways. Can't trust USC yet, Auburn by 13.

[Guest Strike Force!]

Notre Dame v. Maryland - Hard to call since Bruce Perry of Maryland is now down for eight weeks. I'll call Maryland, simply because they have the better defense and this will be a defensive battle since neither team has an offense.

 

Me, being in Maryland, I'd love to say the Terps are gonna win. But they are gonna get whooped.

Notre Dame isn't even ranked. And I believe the game is in Maryland. I think the Domers lose this one. And don't think for one minute that I'm not picking with my heart.......

[Guest Blackston]

All right, here are my predictions.

 

National Game of the Week: Washington (0-0) at Michigan (0-0):

Synopsis: The first real game between two teams that are vying for national honors this year. Both teams are rated in the top ten in the Coaches poll, and there are high hopes for both teams. The reason I am going to go with Michigan to win this game and cover the spread is due to last year's game at UW. Michigan absolutely dominated the Huskies for three quarters of play, before a blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown and an interception was returned for a touchdown... Two very flukey plays. Neither team was heavilly hit by departures this year, so pretty much both teams are fielding the same squad. The fact that the game is being played in the Big House in front of more then 100,000 strong is just another reason to like the Wolverines chances.

The line: Michigan by 6

My pick: Michigan by 14

 

ACC Game of the week: Virginia (0-1) at Florida State (1-0)

Synopsis: Florida State is one pissed off squad, and they've got good reason to be. After pretty much calling off the dogs against Iowa State, the feisty Cyclones came roaring back, and came within an eyelash of sending the game into overtime. Now there are national pundits questioning the Seminole's heart. This game is a chance for Bowden's boys to make a statement to the nation that Florida State football is back. Virginia on the other hand is knee-deep in a quarterback controversy that stemmed from their game against Colorado State. It will be interesting to see if the Cav's will be able to get themselves in the right direction before heading down to Talahassee. I look for this one to turn out ugly, and I'll bet it will be well into the fourth quarter before Florida State calls the dogs off on this one.

The line: Florida State by 27

My pick: Florida State by 24

 

Big East Game of the Week: LSU (0-0) at Virginia Tech (1-0)

Synopsis: After thwacking the Arkansas State Indians, the Hokies are finally looking at a difficult game, and one that has piqued national interest. The Tigers are fresh off of a surprise SEC Championship year, and subsequent Sugar Bowl win, and are looking to have another banner year in Death Valley. Hell, Lee Corso even picked the Tigers to play in the Fiesta Bowl this year... But as Corso himself often says "not so fast my friend". Virginia Tech is absolutely loaded this year (as Arkansas State would assuredly attest), and the Tigers should definately be looking for a knockdown-dragout fight in Blacksburg. There has been a sort of vibe from Va. Tech that they are not receiving any respect in the national media, as everybody has pretty much handed the Hurricanes the Big East title this year. This is a great opportunity for the Hokies to step up, and show the world that there are two teams in the Big East.

The line: Virginia Tech by 7

My pick: Virginia Tech by 10

 

Big XII Game of the Week: Illinois (0-0) at Missouri (0-0)

Synopsis: Many would go with Colorado/Colorado State as game of the week, but personally, I am much more interested in this matchup. Many sportswriters have come out and said that a middle-of-the-road team from the Big XII would be able to handle the Big Ten Champions on a neutral field. This is a great opportunity to see if that adage is correct. Missouri is led by head coach Gary Pinkel, who is truly one of the better coaches in the country. Illinois, on the other hand, is just one gigantic question mark right now. Losing Kurt Kittner was an absolute killer for the Illini, and I'm very interested to see if the Illini can rebound from that. Even after losing all that talent, I still see Illinois pretty much walking through this game.

The line: Illinois by 7.5

My pick: Illinois by 17

 

Big Ten Game of the Week: UCF (0-0) at Penn State (0-0)

Synopsis: All around the Penn State nation, hopes are collectively high. It seems that the darkness that has hung over the program the last two years may have passed, and a great, young, quarterback is going to lead the Nittany Lions back to their rightful place among the Big Ten elite. All that stands in the way of redemption is a little team from the MAC. Just for fun, lets take a look back to the beginning of the 2000 season. Penn State just was coming off a tremendous season and was looking to reestablish themselves as a premier national power, when they had to play a little school from the MAC. That team was the Toledo Rockets, and they went to Beaver Stadium and knocked the Lions off in front of 100,000+ stunned fans. That game served to plunge a dagger into the heart of the team, and knock them out of any chance to compete for a bowl. That is the true fun part of this game. To see if the Lions can exorcise their demons, and slay a very good team from a mid-major conference. I think they can do it.

The line: Penn State by 12

My pick: Penn State by 14

 

PAC 10 game of the week: Auburn (0-0) at USC (0-0)

Synopsis: What are you going to watch on Monday night? Another episode of Raw, or this great matchup between two traditional powers? There are many question marks about both teams in this game, as both have underachieved in recent years, but both teams seem to think they are on the right path. Auburn has got one of the premier defenses in the country, but they are trying to break in a new quarterback in one of the more intimidating stadiums in all of college football. I don't know if the Tigers are going to be good enough to come out of Los Angeles with a "W".

The line: USC by 7

My pick: USC by 6

 

SEC game of the week: Clemson at Georgia

Synopsis: This game is going to be one of the most interesting games of the week. Georgia looks like they could be a bona fide national contender (if only they weren't in the SEC), and Clemson has a legit crack at playing in the Gator Bowl. Unfortunately, both teams have fanbases that are itching for results (just ask Jim Donnan). The winner will be able to keep the fanbase sated for a week, while the loser gets to spend another week on the hotseat.

The line: Georgia by 9

My pick: Georgia by 3

[Guest Rabbi_wilson13]

I'm heading out to the Happy Valley tomorrow for UCF/Penn State, and while PSU may be given a run, it's going to be all Nittany Lions.

 

Oh, and my friends and I just got our tickets to Nebraska @ PSU. WOOOO!

[Guest phoenixrising]

Friday's action:

#3 Oklahoma 37, Tulsa 0

Not quite the blowout everyone was expecting...OU was only up 3-0 at the half against what appeared to be a very motivated Tulsa team. Eventually there was too much of the Oklahoma defense and the running game, as the Sooners piled up over 350 yards running. Jason White was so-so, but wasn't helped by several dropped passes by the recievers.

 

Clemson/Georgia - left that off my list. Should be interesting now that Georgia has very high expectations coming into this year and Clemson believes it's Top 25 material. I'll take Georgia in this one.

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

Tennessee/Wyoming at Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville.

 

The Campaign begins.

 

TEMPE OR BUST!! GO VOLS!!!

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

Kotzen, we are now mortal enemies since you are a Vols fan.

 

ROOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL TIIIIIIIIIIIDDDEEEEE!!!!

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

I don't hate or like Alabama, because they pose NO THREAT.

 

Yeah, I said it.

 

(as a shirt I bought in Nashville once said)

The good -- Tennessee

The bad -- Florida

The ugly -- Alabama.

 

Yeah, I said that too.

 

Oh, by the way, VOLS WIN! VOLS WIN! VOLS WIN!!!! We sent a message out with that third quarter, that we can turn it on whenever we want. Just because we don't choose to be a constant highlight reel doesn't mean we aren't every bit as good as our fans assert.

 

JR: SOONERS BAH GAWD WIN!!!!!!

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

[Guest phoenixrising]

Funniest score of the day

California 70, Baylor 22

 

WHAT THE HELL? HOW DOES CAL PUT UP 70 POINTS ON ANYBODY? I figured that both teams would play shitty - only one did. I saw this score the second time with my brother, we looked at each other and broke out laughing cause we wouldn't believe Cal won, much less blew out someone, much MUCH less put up 70 on someone (even if it is Baylor).

 

OK, enough joking.

 

Oh yeah, Duke won too. What is this, revenge of the sucky teams?

 

As for good teams, Michigan beat Washington in a great game, CSU scores the big upset over #6 Colorado, Nebraska "barely" gets by Troy State (barely = 31-15), Georgia squeaks by Clemson, and everyone else in the top 25 more or less destroyed their opponents.

 

On another note I just bought NCAA Football 2003 and Madden 2003 today, so now in my house EVERY DAY IS FOOTBALL DAY.

 

Good game tomorrow with LSU v. Virginia Tech. Hawaii's coming on later so if I'm not playing PS2 I will check that out.

 

THANK GOD FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

I don't hate or like Alabama, because they pose NO THREAT.

 

Yeah, I said it.

 

(as a shirt I bought in Nashville once said)

The good -- Tennessee

The bad -- Florida

The ugly -- Alabama.

Well... it IS well-known that people from Nashville aren't exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer.

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

Go ahead and talk about them, because I don't live there and Vanderbilt blows.

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Duke, Navy, and Houston the only 3 winless teams last season won Saturday.

 

Can't wait for next week. Miami at Florida. This game should be played every year, hopefully it will be from know on.

 

Looking at Miami's non-conference schedule. at Florida, FSU, and at Tennessee. Sure the Big East isn't great, but that's one of the toughest non-conference schedules I've ever seen. Having Florida A&M on your schedule isn't that bad if he you play 3 of Top 5 programs in the country.

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

Miami scares the shit out of me. Thank goodness we're playing in Knoxville, but Miami is one of those teams that I don't think is really affected by a crowd.

 

The Swamp will be a good litmus test to see how they respond to a rabid crowd. I'm rooting for them against Florida, because I want Tennessee to have a nice easy trip to the SEC title game. Clemson almost took Georgia out, but couldn't quite do it...

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

[Guest hardyz1]

NOTRE DAME BABY!!!!

 

OK, so they couldn't score a damn offensive TD, but at least the D kicked ass and special teams play is top notch.

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

I was pretty much right about Maryland getting whooped...

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Notre Dame always seems to have good kickers and punters that end up playing in the NFL.

 

Holiday showed alot more last night than he did at all last season.

[Guest phoenixrising]

I like to get on teams that play crappy non-conference schedule, but in Miami's case I think it would be all right if they threw in another 1-AA team in place of a Top 10 team. Their non-conference schedule is a bitch.

 

I'm pumped next week cause UCLA finally goes into action. We got Colorado State though...and they're on a roll after beating Virginia and upsetting Colorado again. At least we will get CSU in the Rose Bowl.

 

VT beat LSU today...they switched QB's but the difference was the special teams play of VT (what else is new?), the defense and Suggs and Jones - apparently now named "The Untouchables". Miami isn't all that loaded compared to last year, so VT could make a run at them in the Big East.

 

Kentucky upset Louisville 22-17. That upcoming FSU/Louisville matchup kinda loses it's luster a bit.