College Football for 9/14

[Guest Blackston]

Week 3 has come and gone, and week 4 is literally packed with great games all around the country.

 

National Game of the Week: Washington State (2-0) at Ohio State (2-0)

Synopsis: This is going to be a game where one team's strength plays well into the other team's weakness. In their games against Texas Tech and Kent State, Ohio State gave up 341 and 160 yards through the air (but to be fair, many of those yards came after the game was already out of reach). Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser should be able to work the Ohio State corners over, and perhaps get a huge game. He should be weary about safeties Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey, however. On the other side of the ball, Ohio State's three headed running attack will go after a Washington State defensive front that could be missing two of their star linebackers. This could force WSU to pull their safeties up to thwart the running game, which would allow Craig Krenzel to go to the air. Krenzel is not the most talented quarterback that has played at OSU, but he is completely competent, and all three of his top receivers are NFL quality receivers. It is tough to get a real feeling about either of these two teams, and how they will matchup, because neither team has had to open their playbook in the slightest (with games being over in the second quarter). When making this pick, I've got to go with the intangibles, and the biggest intangible is a 100,000+ crowd at Ohio Stadium to watch this matchup. That is why I like the Bucks in this one.

The line: Ohio State by 8

My pick: Ohio State by 10

 

ACC game of the week: Florida State (2-0, 1-0) at Maryland (1-1)

Synopsis: Maryland could be in a bad way this weekend when they tangle with the Seminoles. Maryland won the ACC title last year to the surprise of just about every fan of college football, and especially the Seminole faithful. Now, it is payback, and the 'Noles are already rolling in the ACC after thrashing Virginia last week. Maryland is just now rebounding from their embarassing performance against Notre Dame, and just defeated MAC patsie Akron last weekend. I just don't think that Maryland's offense is going to be able to do anything against the fearsome Seminole defense.

The line: Florida State by 14.5

My pick: Florida State by 17

 

Big East game of the week: Marshall (1-0) at Virginia Tech (2-0)

Synopsis: Surprisingly, this game has very major BCS implications. If Marshall wins this one, then they will probably cakewalk through the MAC on the way to an undefeated season, which is something that the major conferences desperately do not want. Standing in the Thundering Herd's way, however, is a visit to Blacksburg to see the Hokies. Marshall has an all-world quarterback in Byron Leftwich, a pre-season top-25 ranking (unheard of for MAC schools), and a group of dedicated fans that travel well with the team. Virginia Tech runs a high-octane offense that can put points up on the board. Unfortunately for Marshall, that doesn't bode very well at all. In the last two games of their season last year, Marshall gave up something around 150 points. It is a different defense this year, but I don't know how much can change in such little time... If I were a betting man, I would take a serious look at the over in this game.

The line: Virginia Tech by 12

My pick: Virginia Tech by 17

 

Big Ten game of the week: Nebraska (3-0) at Penn State (1-0)

Synopsis: The game that everybody wanted to see in 1994 finally takes place in 2002, with some interesting sidetexts to the game this year. Penn State seems to be a media darling of sorts, with everybody pointing to this year as the year that Joe Pa finally gets back on track. On the other hand, everybody is saying that the option attack in antiquated, and that Nebraska is primed for a fall. Looking back at last year, there is good reason to see things that way, as Penn State won 5 of their last 7 games to just miss becoming bowl eligible. Nebraska is still coming off of two stinging defeats first to Colorado in the Big XII title game, and then to Miami in that disasterous Rose Bowl. The problem with this rationale, is that outside of a small problem with Troy State (how hard is it to get a program up for Troy State anyways), Nebraska has ripped through their opponents easily. Penn State took a good lead over UCF, but quickly squandered it, and almost lost the game as a result. Penn State fans have had this date marked on their calendar for about a year now, as the date that they finally get back to the big time. I wish I could go with them, but I just can't pull the trigger on it.

The line: Nebraska by 5.5

My pick: Nebraska by 24

 

Big XII Game of the week: USC (1-0) at Colorado (1-1)

Synopsis: After blowing their national championship wad in the first week of the young college football season, the Buffalos have regrouped, and are poised to get themselves going in the right direction. UC put up a good showing against a decent San Diego State University, and look to add to their win total when USC comes to town. USC played on Monday of week one, so they took a bye week last weekend in preparation for their trip to Boulder. USC looked very good in their game against a very tough Auburn squad. Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs is likely not to play in this game due to a concussion, which is a tough break for the Buffaloes... but I still think that they should have the talent to pull this game off, especially in front of the home crowd at Boulder.

The line: Colorado by 2.5

My pick: Colorado by 3

 

PAC-10 Game of the Week: UNLV (1-1) at Oregon State (2-0)

Synopsis: Not so much happening in the PAC-10 this week, unless you count WSU travelling across the country to play the Buckeyes. So this is the big game out west (also Oregon hosts Idaho and Stanford hosts San Jose State). I'm not even going to waste my time by trying to size up this one... I think the Beavers will cover it.

The line: Oregon State by 15.5

My pick: Oregon State by 30

 

SEC Game of the Week: Georgia (1-0) at South Carolina (1-1)

Synopsis: Interesting game, as both teams will need a win here to stay afloat in the always tough SEC East division. It is entirely likely that the winner of this game will be hanging on top of the division with Tennessee and Florida, while the loser will be drifting down to the bottom of the division with Vanderbilt and Kentucky. South Carolina had a woeful performance last week against a then 0-2 Virginia squad, which included seven turnovers. Georgia is a week removed from of a 4th quarter comeback victory against the Clemson Tigers, and they had last week off to prepare for this game. I like the Gamecocks at home in this one, as they successfully shake off last week's embarassment. I don't think a Lou Holtz coached team is going to make that many turnovers two weeks in a row.

The line: Georgia by 5.5

My pick: South Carolina by 9

 

Independant game of the Week: Michigan (2-0) at Notre Dame (2-0)

Synopsis: A game against the two teams that I hate the most... but for this weekend, I am a true Michigan fan. Ever since Notre Dame came out of the blocks with a victory over Maryland every college football pundit has been quick to say that the Fighting Irish are back. What I saw against Maryland was just about the ugliest football game this side of San Diego-Cincinnati. Purdue had their game against Notre Dame in the palm of their hand, then Kyle Orton threw a lame-duck pass that was picked off and returned for a touchdown. Michigan, however, is no Maryland, and they certainly are no Purdue. Michigan has an offense that may be plain-vanilla, but it won't lead to many turnovers for the Irish defense. As long as the Wolverines constantly give the Irish offense a +50 yard field to work with, I don't think ND will be able to sustain an offensive drive long enough to kick a field goal. Let's face it, Purdue and Maryland are not teams that are really known for their pass defense, yet they managed to give Notre Dame fits, keeping the Irish out of the endzone. Michigan IS known for it's defense, and I think that Holliday may find himself in some deep trouble against the Wolverine defensive onslaught.

The line: Michigan by 3.5

My pick: Michigan by 17

 

GO BUCKEYES! BEAT THE COUGARS!

[Guest phoenixrising]

Blackston = Great analysis, all the time.

 

I'm a Pac-10 guy, but I don't know if WSU will beat Ohio State, especially after seeing OSU turn Kliff Kingsbury from Heisman contender to pretender in game one. If WSU does win the game though they should break into the Top Ten.

 

I don't know if the FSU defense is fearsome yet, but Maryland's offense probably can't move the ball to save their lives without star running back Bruce Perry. FSU should win big.

 

Will Ronyell Whitaker be back for the Marshall game? Marshall has three 1,000+ recievers in Darius Watts, Josh Davis and Denero Marriott. Bryan Randall will start for VT, they moved the ball better with him in the game vs. LSU cause he presents the threat of the run and the pass. I'm actually pulling for Marshall in this one cause I love BCS chaos.

 

Nebraska/Penn State - Penn State looks like they have a good team this year, but they're not as good as Nebraska. I think the score will be pretty close - Penn State goes down but they go down swinging.

 

USC/Colorado. Screw USC. Buffs win. OK, I'm biased against USC. Realistically speaking, I think Colorado will win - they have home field and have four backs that can pound the USC defense...if one gets cramped up like Cadillac Williams did they can bring in the other three.

 

UNLV/Oregon State - Remember when Jason Thomas was a Heisman contender? Me neither. Oregon State keeps its winning ways.

 

Georgia/South Carolina - Too close to call, I don't think SC should be in the top 25 but Georgia doesn't look like the SEC championship squad eveyone predicts they will be this game. I'll take Georgia, their defense will dominate SC's offense and the offense should be able to eke out enough yards to win.

 

Michigan/Notre Dame - Willingham's streak ends here. Michigan's offense has enough firepower, as long as they don't turn it over they can't score. To win ND will need to force turnovers, which for them usually means six on the board right away.

 

UCLA/Oklahoma State - UCLA showed up big in the second half Saturday, putting up 23 points in the fourth quarter to beat CSU. Oklahoma State shouldn't be as hard...but it will be an interesting battle as All-Americans match up - Oklahoma State's WR Rashaun Woods vs. UCLA's Ricky Manning Jr.. I think UCLA takes it, but it won't be by much.

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

Penn St. and Marshall would be my two upset picks this week..

[Guest phoenixrising]

VT just blew out Marshall 44-21, and it wasn't even that close, VT was up 33-0 entering the fourth. The question: does this ruin Leftwich's Heisman hopes? He threw for 407 yards and three scores, but had several drops by his recievers int he first quarter, including two potential touchdowns. Marshall's defense couldn't stop the Untouchables (Suggs/Jones), and one of Marshall's kicks for a FG hit the center's back and was nearly returned for a TD (it was called back b/c of holding). Lee Corso had a great quote as the went to halftime...he said that Leftwich couldn't play reciever, tackle runners or kick field goals...which is where VT prevailed...Leftwich was the most talented guy on the field, but everywhere else Marshall was completely outclassed by VT. I think Leftwich's hopes are gone...he will probably get invited to the DAC but won't win...so who is the favorite now?

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

As long as Leftwich gets picked up by the bears next season, it's all good to me.

[Guest Strike Force!]

Washington State vs. Ohio State is national game of the week. IMO, there are at least five more intriguing games, but to each his own.

 

Here are my picks:

 

USC vs. Colorado. I'm going to go Colorado in this one by 3, but I could very well see USC winning this one, despite Pete Carroll.

 

Nebraska vs Penn State. Penn State wins by 10.

 

Michigan vs. Notre Dame. Notre Dame and Knute Willingham get EXPOSED this Saturday.

 

Texas vs. North Carolina. My heart tells me UNC...my head tells me Texas by two TDs.

 

Georgia vs. South Carolina. I thought Georgia didn't look impressive vs. an average Clemson team at home. South Carolina has a pretty good offense also. I'm going USC East Coast to win by 3 TDs.

 

I also like Oklahoma State in a major upset over UCLA.

[Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic]

VT just blew out Marshall 44-21, and it wasn't even that close, VT was up 33-0 entering the fourth. The question: does this ruin Leftwich's Heisman hopes? He threw for 407 yards and three scores, but had several drops by his recievers int he first quarter, including two potential touchdowns. Marshall's defense couldn't stop the Untouchables (Suggs/Jones), and one of Marshall's kicks for a FG hit the center's back and was nearly returned for a TD (it was called back b/c of holding). Lee Corso had a great quote as the went to halftime...he said that Leftwich couldn't play reciever, tackle runners or kick field goals...which is where VT prevailed...Leftwich was the most talented guy on the field, but everywhere else Marshall was completely outclassed by VT. I think Leftwich's hopes are gone...he will probably get invited to the DAC but won't win...so who is the favorite now?

 

Leftwich probably didn't have much of a shot anyway. I don't care who you are, you don't come out of a mid-major conference and win the Heisman, if only for the fact that the voters just don't see enough games. The Heisman at this point is Dorsey's to lose. Leftwich would've had to throw for 4000+ yards and go unbeaten to even have a shot. I will say that from last night's performance, the L in Leftwich stands for LEGIT. He made one bad throw all game, and the play before that, hit Darius Watts in the hands with a perfect throw on a fade route that would've got six. The one thing I wondered about him was whether or not he could put touch on the ball, and he answered that with a big "yes". Whoever gets the first pick in next year's draft is a lucky man. (Trade, Redskins, trade! Fuck Grossman!)

 

The Hokies looked like a BCS team, though. I'd hate to see what would happen to them if they needed to come from behind, but based on last night's performance, I'm circling December 7th. They've got a tough game against A&M next week, but it's entirely feasible that Virginia Tech makes it to Miami unbeaten. And if they do ... look out.

 

LUNATIC

- Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite.

[Guest Blackston]

Marshall's quarterback is most definately legit. I've seen him in person twice, and he has an uncanny knack for hitting the open receiver. Marshall's problem is that their receivers are not as good this year as they have been in the past. Dropped balls and fumbles are not the norm for the Herd offense. The defense has been, and still is, the stumbling block for Marshall. A team with a potent rushing attack will be able to move the chains at will, as we saw last night against the Hokie's.

[Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic]

To be fair to Darius Watts, though, he's coming off a nasty shoulder separation.

 

LUNATIC

- Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite.

[Guest Leena]

VT won't be a BCS team because there's no chance in hell they're winning in Miami.

 

I hope Nebraska wins by 40, just because I hate Penn State. They're exactly what's wrong with college football, teams that get special treatment just because they have a storied tradition. Why on earth are they ranked in the top 25?? They looked awful last week.

 

I also believe Michigan slaughters Notre Dame.

[Guest El Satanico]

I'm an Ohio State fan and i have concerns about our CBs since they are still young and unproven. This game will be a big test for them and i'm hoping they start stepping up from this game on and show that they can do well.

 

But i think we will be up to the challenge and can beat WSU. Our defense will give them trouble, but they will still be able to get some big passing plays on us. I believe our running game and stadium will be the difference in the game.

[Guest Blackston]

I'm a Buckeye fan too, and I feel a lot better then you do about our corners, at least when our first string defense is on the field. We completely embarassed Texas Tech's supposedly daunting passing attack until the game was out of hand, and Kingsbury took advantage of some cheap tds over a defense consisting of freshmen. No cornerback can really play well when they are on an island except for the truly special players (Deion Sanders et al.), and as long as our d-line and linebackers gets good pressure we should be just fine on the corner. The closer we get to the game, the better I feel about the Buckeye's chances.

[Guest El Satanico]

Oh yeah the rest of the defense makes our CBs look good and takes alot of pressure off them.

 

I'm just saying that out of our entire defense CB is our weak spot right now, but i know they are still new and will improve so i'm not worried.

 

I'm just hoping they step up and show the nation that they aren't the weak link that can be taken advantage of. I'm confident that they will.

[Guest hardyz1]

:::coughcough:::

 

Nothing to see here...

[Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic]

VT won't be a BCS team because there's no chance in hell they're winning in Miami.

 

No, they probably can't beat Miami in Miami, but if they're unbeaten going into the game, that probably won't knock them out of the BCS.

 

I hope Nebraska wins by 40, just because I hate Penn State. They're exactly what's wrong with college football, teams that get special treatment just because they have a storied tradition. Why on earth are they ranked in the top 25?? They looked awful last week.

 

Are you talking about a different Penn State? Because traditionally, Penn State is a team that doesn't get a whole lot of respect from pollsters. It's really only since the mid 90's that Penn State has been looked at as a "storied tradition". They've had five unbeaten season in the Paterno era, and only two national championships to show for it.

 

1968 -> 11-0 Penn State finished second to 10-0 Ohio State.

1969 -> 11-0 Penn State finished second to 11-0 Texas.

1973 -> 12-0 Penn State finished FIFTH, behind 11-0 Notre Dame, 10-1 Alabama, and I'm not really sure who else. Hey, I'm not a WALKING almanac.

1982 -> 10-1 Penn State won a national championship, but only after beating #13 Notre Dame, #5 Pitt, and #1 Georgia to end the season.

1986 -> 12-0 Penn State won the national championship, but only after beating #1 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

1994 -> 12-0 Penn State finished second to 12-0 Nebraska.

 

Both national championships they won were earned on the field, I might add. The voters gave nothing to those two Penn State squads. Anyway, as for last week, Penn State didn't look bad. UCF scored 15 points in the last 3:23 to make the score close. And PSU dropped two spots in the polls anyway. So if you think that the pollsters give Penn State things they don't deserve ...

 

 

LUNATIC

- Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite.

[Guest Blackston]

We are fucked...

 

Corso just picked Ohio State to play in the Fiesta Bowl... Look for an OSU loss to Washington State... Fuck.

[Guest Choken One]

Nope. OSU did JUST FINE. I'm praying for my OSU-Texas Fiesta Bowl Classic.

[Guest Blackston]

Wow, that game was a tale of two halves, as OSU completely dominated the WSU D-line with lots and lots of runs. The only reason that I am not ready to crown OSU Big Ten champions, and wait for their Fiesta Bowl opponent is that our passing game is very suspect. Krenzel just could not hit an open receiver in stride... Of course, if the running game is working like that, then who needs a passing attack?

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Nice call by the refs in that Notre Dame-Michigan game.It doesn't suprise me at all that the refs played a huge role in that game.

 

Why do the people on ESPN and the other networks insists on kissing ass to the winning coach. You never here Gary Barnett did a poor job against USC, or Bobby Williams did a poor job against Cal. If a team loses it's the players fault, if they win the coach gets all the credit.

[Guest Choken One]

I just realized the sadness...OSU won't make it to the Fiesta Bowl due to the rules...When OSU or Michigan are 10 top teams in start of season...one of them should be defeated eariler by unlikely team and the other goes undefeated until the Rival Showdown where the one lost team screws the undefeated team out of the Natl. Title...Sure, there has been a few exceptions but still...Don't be shocked when OSU goes unbeaten and trumped in the final game.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

OSU's got a fairly easy schedule. They play at Wisconsin, but home against Michigan.

 

It is Ohio St. so I expect them to lose a game they shouldn't.

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

Penn State is up in the 3rd so at least I have a shot at 1 of my 2 upsets happening..

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

I wish I had put some dough on the Penn State Game - its 40-7 in the 4th, bigtime upset..

[Guest phoenixrising]

Geez, what the hell happened to Cal? Is Jeff Tedford that good? MSU helped them though with six turnovers...Cal is going to be a major player in the Pac-10 this season.

 

Remind me never to pick Colorado again. USC just dominated them...the 4th and 8 pass that went for a TD killed them early.

 

UCLA beat Oklahoma State 38-24...down 10-0 in the first they scored 31 straight...this time it was the aerial attack...Cory Paus couldn't throw an accurate short throw to save his live but man can he throw it long - three scores in the air and one on the ground.

 

So long to those tortillas in Provo...Nevada upsets BYU even though Chance Kretchmer got hurt.

 

Notre Dame finally got their first offensive score of the season...then held on to beat Michigan in a great game. Screw the West Coast offense, just keep hammering with Ryan Grant and they'll be fine. I bet the fans in South Bend are asking Julius who? (Julius Jones was supposed to be a great running back but ran into academic problems and will miss the season).

 

Anyone see Iowa/Iowa State? Iowa was up 24-7 at halftime then Iowa State scored 26 unanswered points...Seneca Wallace is clutch, I think his Heisman hopes will be improving.

 

Good day of football.

[Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic]

Well, this was supposed to be the week we'd know if the Big Ten could hang with the big boys.

 

We still don't know, I guess.

 

Everything seems to be a wash here. I mean, Ohio State had a huge second half against Washington State, but Michigan played like crap down the stretch against Notre Dame. Michigan State got pounded by Cal, and Wisconsin needed some help from the refs to squeak by Northern Illinois, so that kinda takes some luster off of Penn State's domination of Nebraska.

 

I know one thing - I wish I didn't have work over Columbus Day weekend, 'cause I'd so be in an RV headed to the Big House to pick up my "Ann Arbor is a whore" T-shirt.

 

LUNATIC

- Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite.

[Guest El Satanico]

All i know is that i looove it when teams like Nebraska get totally manhandled. It's even better when they get completely dominated by an lowly ranked or unranked team like Penn State.

 

And as far as the Big Ten. Michigan State is always getting beat by some odd ball team. Michigan isn't that good and they haven't looked impressive at all this season so them losing is no big surprise and besides Notre Dame has always had good luck with beating Michigan it seems.

[Guest Blackston]

As a fan of the Big Ten, I would have to come away from this week with a positive outlook. In the Big Ten, there are only three teams that can contend on the national stage, and those are Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. It would have been nice if Iowa and Michigan State could have played up to their potential, but in the long run, they are competing for the Alamo Bowl slot. Penn State and Ohio State both dominated their opposition, and did the conference proud. Michigan was a dissapointment, but IMO losing to a top 25 team on the road by two is nothing to be ashamed of. The Big Ten might need some help in the middle of the pack, but their top tier can definately carry the rest of the conference to great things.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

I really don't see any team in the Big 10 being serious threats for the National Championship.

 

Michigan was lucky to beat Washington at home. Penn St. kicked Nebraska's ass but Nebraska is a fading program, espcially on the road. Ohio St.'s got a strong D and good running game but unless the develop a passing game they'll struggle against FSU, Miami and the other national powerhouses.

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

WE ARE!

 

PENN STATE!

 

Awesome, awesome game. Nebraska getting *blown out* is always a plus, but it's even better when it's my alma mater doing it.

 

Plus my other team, Miami (FL) won. Too bad the refs, er, I mean Notre Dame, won.

[Guest El Satanico]

Ohio St.'s got a strong D and good running game but unless the develop a passing game they'll struggle against FSU, Miami and the other national powerhouses.

When a team has a good defense and good running game they will always be a threat. And when you have a good running game it will make your passing game better. So just because the first year starting QB hasn't gelled with his WRs yet is no reason to write off the passing game especially if the running game and defense keeps it up.

 

Also i do agree about the passing game being a problem currently, but the qb shows that he makes good decisions so i'm confident that it will improve.